36
SIXTH PASTORAL.
What-e'er she did, she stoop'd adown unseen, 15 And merry reapers, what they list, will ween.Soon she rose up, and cry'd with voice so shrillThat eccho answer'd from the distant hill:The youths and damsels ran to Susan's aid,Who thought some adder had the lass dismay'd. 20 When fast asleep they Bowzybeus spy'd,His hat and oaken staff lay close beside:[1] That Bowzybeus who could sweetly sing, Or with the rozin'd bow torment the string; That Bowzydseus who with fingers speed, 25Could call soft warblings from the breathing reed; That Bowzybeus who with jocund tongue,Ballads and roundelays and catches sung. They loudly laugh to see the damsel's fright,And in disport surround the drunken wight. 30 Ah Bowzybee, why didst thou stay so long,The mugs were large, the drink was wondrous strong! Thou should'st have left the fair before 'twas night, But thou sat'st toping 'till the morning light. Cic'ly, brisk maid, steps forth before the rout, 35And kiss'd with smacking lips the snoring lout.For custom says, Who-e'er this venture proves,For such a kiss demands a pair of gloves.By her example Dorcas bolder grows,And plays a tickling straw within his nose.[2] 40He rubs his nostril, and in wonted joke,The sneering swains with stamm'ring speech bespoke: To you, my lads, I'll sing my carrols o'er,[3]As for the maids,—I've something else in store. No sooner, 'gan he raise his tuneful song, 45But lads and lasses round about him throng.
Not
