My thriving Flock ('mong Shepherds Vows the Chief) I unconcern'd behold, as they my Grief. This I profess, if this thou not believe, A further proof I ready am to give, Command: there's nothing I'le not undertake, And, thy Injunctions, Love will easie make. Ah, if thou couldst incline a gentle Ear, Of plighted Faith, and hated _Hymen_ hear; Thou hourly then my spotless Love should'st see, That all my Study, how to please, should be; How to protect thee from disturbing Care, And in thy Griefs to bear the greatest share; Nor should a Joy, my Warie Heart surprize, That first I read not in thy charming Eyes. _Alin._ If ever I to any do impart, My, till this present hour, well-guarded Heart, That Passion I have fear'd, I'le surely prove, For one that does, like to _Amintor_ love. _Amintor._ Ye Gods---- _Alin._ Shepherd, no more: enough it is that I, Thus long to Love, have listn'd patiently. Farewel: _Pan_ keep thee, Swain. _Amintor._ And Blessings Thee, Rare as thy Vertues, still accompany. A Pastoral Dialogue. Melibæus, Alcippe, Asteria, Licida, Alcimedon, _and_ Amira. _Melibæus._ Welcome fair Nymphs, most welcome to this shade, Distemp'ring Heats do now the Plains invade: But you may sit, from Sun securely here, If you an old mans company not fear. _Alcippe._ Most Reverend Swaine, far from us ever be The imputation of such Vanity. From Hill to Holt w'ave thee unweary'd sought, And bless the Chance that us hath hither brought. _Asteria._ Fam'd _Melibæus_ for thy Virtuous Lays, If thou dost not disdain our Female Praise, We come to sue thou would'st to us recite One of thy Songs, which gives such high delight To ev'ry Eare, wherein thou dost dispense Sage Precepts cloath'd in flowing Eloquence. _Licida._ Fresh Garlands we will make for thee each morne, Thy reverend Head to shade, and to adorne; To cooling Springs thy fainting Flock we'll guide, All thou command'st, to do shall be our Pride. _Meli._ Cease, gentle Nymphs, the Willing to entreat, To have your Wish, each needs but take a Seat. With joy I shall my ancient Art revive, With which, when Young, I did for Glory strive. Nor for my Verse will I accept a Hire, Your bare Attentions all I shall require. _Alci._ Lo, from the Plain I see draw near a Pair That I could wish in our Converse might share. _Amira_ 'tis and young _Alcimedon_. _Lici._ Serious Discourse industriously they shun.