26
FOURTH PASTORAL..
As peascods once I pluck'd, I chanc'd to seeOne that was closely fill'd with three times three,Which when I crop'd I safely home convey'd, 71And o'er my door the spell in secret laid.My wheel I turn'd, and sung a ballad new,While from the spindle I the fleeces drew;The latch mov'd up, when who should first come in,But in his proper person ——— Lubberkin. 76I broke my yarn surpriz'd the sight to see,Sure sign that he would break his word with me:Eftsoons I join'd it With my wonted flight,So may again his Love with mine unite! 80 With my sharp heel I three times mark the ground,And turn me thrice around, around, around.
This lady-fly I take from off the grass,Whose spotted back might scarlet red surpass.Fly, lady-bird, North, South, or East or West, 85Fly where the man is found that I love best.He leaves my hand, see to the West he's flown,To call my true love from the faithless town. With my sharp heel I three times mark the ground,And turn me thrice around, around, around. 90
This mellow pippin, which I pare around,My shepherd's name shall flourish on the ground.I fling th' unbroken paring o'er my head,[1]Upon the grass a perfect L is read;Yet on my heart a fairer L is seen 95Than what the paring marks upon the green. With my sharp heel I three times mark the ground,And turn me thrice around, around, around.
- ↑ Line93. Transque Caput jace; ne respexerisVirg.
This
