Page:The Poetical Works of Thomas Parnell (1833).djvu/206

78 If great and small are like, appear the beaux; In boxes some with spruce pretension sit, Some change from seat to seat within the pit, Some roam the scenes, or turning cease to roam; Preluding music fills the lofty dome.

When thus a fly (if what a fly can say Deserves attention) rais'd the rural lay.

Where late Amintor made a nymph a bride, Joyful I flew by young Favonia's side, Who, mindless of the feasting, went to sip The balmy pleasure of the shepherd's lip. I saw the wanton, where I stoop'd to sup, And half resolv'd to drown me in the cup; Till, brush'd by careless hands, she soar'd above: Cease, beauty, cease to vex a tender love. Thus ends the youth, the buzzing meadow rung, And thus the rival of his music sung.

When suns by thousands shone in orbs of dew, I wafted soft with Zephyretta flew; Saw the clean pail, and sought the milky cheer, While little Daphne seiz'd my roving dear. Wretch that I was! I might have warn'd the dame, Yet sat indulging as the danger came. But the kind huntress left her free to soar: Ah! guard, ye lovers, guard a mistress more.

Thus from the fern, whose high-projecting arms,