104
AMYNTAS.
And to the bosom of the wood betook him.
Amyntas now had time to think of Sylvia.
And first an amorous look he stole (what shepherd
In such a case could amorous look refrain?)
To which a smooth, and snowy frame invited;
Yet the respect attending facred virtue,
However poor, and naked in externals,
Chastised the ardour of the lover's eye,
A burning crimson overspread her face,
The flame of violated modesty.
Advancing towards her with gentle pace,
By steps too hasty fearing to offend her,
He thus in humble suit accosted her:
"Oh! Sylvia think not my respectful hand
"Presumptuous, if it now comes near thy body;
"For near thee it must come to set thee free;
"It trembles at the delicate approach.
"And Oh! abate of thy severity;
"And grudge me not the happiness which fortune,
"So cruel hitherto, at length vouchsafes me."
Amyntas now had time to think of Sylvia.
And first an amorous look he stole (what shepherd
In such a case could amorous look refrain?)
To which a smooth, and snowy frame invited;
Yet the respect attending facred virtue,
However poor, and naked in externals,
Chastised the ardour of the lover's eye,
A burning crimson overspread her face,
The flame of violated modesty.
Advancing towards her with gentle pace,
By steps too hasty fearing to offend her,
He thus in humble suit accosted her:
"Oh! Sylvia think not my respectful hand
"Presumptuous, if it now comes near thy body;
"For near thee it must come to set thee free;
"It trembles at the delicate approach.
"And Oh! abate of thy severity;
"And grudge me not the happiness which fortune,
"So cruel hitherto, at length vouchsafes me."
CHORUS.
