This Æglogue is wholly vowed to the complaining of Colin's ill success in his love. For being (as is aforesaid) enamoured of a country lass Rosalind, and having (as seemeth) found place in her heart, he lamenteth to his dear friend Hobbinol, that he is now forsaken unfaithfully, and in his stead Menalcas, another shepheard, received disloyally. And this is the whole Argument of this Æglogue. HOBBINOL. COLIN CLOUT. HOBBINOL. Lo! Colin, here the place whose pleasant site From other shades hath wean'd my wand'ring mind, Tell me, what wants me here to work delight? The simple air, the gentle warbling wind, So calm, so cool, as nowhere else I find; The grassy ground with dainty daisies dight, The bramble bush, where birds of every kind To the waters' fall their tunes attemper right. COL. O happy Hobbinol, I bless thy state, That Paradise hast found which Adam lost: Here wander may thy flock early or late, Withouten dread of wolves to be ytost; Thy lovely lays here mayst thou freely boast: But I, unhappy man! whom cruel Fate And angry gods pursue from coast to coast, Can nowhere find to shroud my luckless pate. HOB. Then, if by me thou list advised be, Forsake the soil that so doth thee bewitch; Leave me those hills were harbrough n'is to see, Nor holly-bush, nor briar, nor winding ditch; And to the dales resort, where shepheards rich, And fruitful flocks, be every where to see: Here no night-ravens lodge, more black than pitch, Nor elvish ghosts, nor ghastly owls do flee; But friendly Faeries, met with many Graces, And lightfoot Nymphs, can chase the ling'ring Night With heydeguys, and trimly trodden traces, Whilst Sisters Nine, which dwell on Parnass height, Do make them music for their more delight; And Pan himself to kiss their crystal faces Will pipe and dance, when Phœbe shineth bright: Such peerless pleasures have we in these places. COL. And I, whilst youth, and course of careless years, Did let me walk withouten links of love, In such delights did joy amongst my peers; But riper age such pleasures doth reprove: My fancy eke from former follies move To stayed steps; for time in passing wears, (As garments do, which waxen old above,) And draweth new delights with hoary hairs. Then couth I sing of love, and tune my pipe Unto my plaintive pleas in verses made; Then would I seek for queen-apples unripe; To give my Rosalind, and in summer shade Dight gaudy garlands was my common trade, To crown her golden locks; but years more ripe, And loss of her, whose love as life I weigh'd, Those weary wanton toys away did wipe.