Page:Hesperides Vol 1.djvu/143



The Speakers, Mirtillo, Amintas and Amarillis. Amin. Good-day, Mirtillo. Mirt. And to you no less, And all fair signs lead on our shepherdess. Amar. With all white luck to you. Mirt. But say, what news Stirs in our sheep-walk? Amin. None, save that my ewes, My wethers, lambs, and wanton kids are well, Smooth, fair and fat! none better I can tell: Or that this day Menalcas keeps a feast For his sheep-shearers. Mirt. True, these are the least; But, dear Amintas and sweet Amarillis, Rest but a while here, by this bank of lilies, And lend a gentle ear to one report The country has. Amin. From whence? Amar. From whence? Mirt. The Court. Three days before the shutting in of May (With whitest wool be ever crown'd that day!) To all our joy a sweet-fac'd child was born, More tender than the childhood of the morn. Chor. Pan pipe to him, and bleats of lambs and sheep Let lullaby the pretty prince asleep!