Page:Constant lover's happy meeting, or, The faithful soldier's return.pdf/4

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While the nymphs and swains delighted

trip around ail in their pride ;

Envying joys by others slighted,

thus the royal Maiden cry’d.

Bred in plains, or born in vailies,

who would bid these scenes adieu?

Stranger to the arts of malice,

who would ever courts pursue ?

Malice never taught to treasure,

centure never taught to bear,

Love is all the shepherd’s pleasure,

love is all the damsel’s care.

How can they of humble station,

vainly blame the Pow’rs above,

Or accuse the dispensation,

which allows, them all to love.

Love like air is widely given,

pow’r or chance can these refrain;

Truest, noblest gift of Heaven,

only purest on the plain;

Peers can no such charms discover,

all in stars and garters drest ;

As on Sundays, does the loves,

with the nosegay on his breast.

Pinks and roses to profusion,

said to fade when Chloe’s near;

Fops may use the same allusion,

but the shepherd is sincere.