SYL. But I confess the rather, 'cause there was One amongst them of a more comely grace (Though none of them did seem uncomely to me) Call'd Thyrsis; and with him methought I could Draw out my life rather than any other, Such things my fancy then suggested to me: So well he sung, so passionate his love Show'd in his verse, thereto so well express'd, As any one would judge it natural: Yet never felt he flame, till this of me: Often he came, and oft'ner was desir'd Of me; nor did I shame in public there Before my father to commend his graces; Which when I did, the whole Court, as they use, Consented with me, and did strive to make them Greater than I or any else could think them: At last I was surpris'd, I could not help it; My fate with love consenting, so would have it: Then did I leave the Court--I've told thee all. DEL. 'Tis strange! but, madam, though in that disguise, How could you hope (a stranger) to be lov'd Of him you held so dear? SYL. I feign'd myself Of Smyrna, and from thence some goats I had And sheep, with them a rich commodity. Near him I bought me land to feed them; he Seem'd glad of it, and thinking me a stranger, Us'd me with such civility and friendship, As one would little look for of a shepherd; And did defend me from the avarice Of the old shepherds, which did think to make A prey of what I had. At length I saw He did address himself with fear to me, Still gazing on me. Knowing my love to him, I easily believ'd he lov'd me too-- For love, alas! is ever credulous-- And though I was resolv'd (having my end, Which was no more than to discourse with him) Never to let him know what flame I felt; Yet when I saw his tears, and heard his vows-- Persuasive speakers for affection-- I could not choose but open to his view My loving heart; yet with this caution, That he should ever bear respect unto My honour and my virgin chastity: Which then he vow'd, and his ambition Never was more than to attain a kiss, Which yet he hardly got. Thou seest, sweet Delia, How willingly I dwell upon this theme. But can'st thou help me, now that I have open'd My wound unto thee? DEL. Alas! I would I could Invent the way to cure you; I should soon Apply my help: yet, stay, this day it is The shepherds come to Court. SYL. 'Tis true, they come; But what is that to me, if Thyrsis come not? Or if he come, how shall he know me his, Or I enjoy his company? DEL. Let me alone to work out that. SYL. Thou dream'st: thou can'st not do it. DEL. I'll undertake it; but how shall I know him Without inquiring, which must breed suspicion?