102
AMYNTAS.
And nature's organ should distinctly tell it
It is the outcast of the great creator.
Excuse my feelings for my injured friend;
I now leave passion, and take up narration.
Amyntas knew that Sylvia was to go
To bathe with Daphne at Diana's fountain.
He knew, alas! by me, and I had spurred
The timid swain to amorous enterprize.
Sore do I now repent my rash advice.
Thither he went, not led by inclination,
But by my importunity subdued.
He went reluctant, hesitating, fearful;
Nay he would have turned back, had it not been
For my remonstrances, and ridicule.
Soon as the fountain we approached, we heard
A piercing cry of female lamentation;
And Daphne we beheld a moment after,
Clapping her hands, frantic with grief, and terror;
Who soon as she perceived us, called aloud,
"Shepherds, your help; a monster forces Sylvia."
It is the outcast of the great creator.
Excuse my feelings for my injured friend;
I now leave passion, and take up narration.
Amyntas knew that Sylvia was to go
To bathe with Daphne at Diana's fountain.
He knew, alas! by me, and I had spurred
The timid swain to amorous enterprize.
Sore do I now repent my rash advice.
Thither he went, not led by inclination,
But by my importunity subdued.
He went reluctant, hesitating, fearful;
Nay he would have turned back, had it not been
For my remonstrances, and ridicule.
Soon as the fountain we approached, we heard
A piercing cry of female lamentation;
And Daphne we beheld a moment after,
Clapping her hands, frantic with grief, and terror;
Who soon as she perceived us, called aloud,
"Shepherds, your help; a monster forces Sylvia."
Th
