And how Deïdamia, maiden coy, Found her girl bedmate was a wicked boy. LYCIDAS. The herdsman, Paris, on an evil day, Enone grieved; and Lacedemon raged, Hid with the daughters of king Lycomede. No virgin of them all had airs more fine, A rosier cheek, or step more feminine: He veiled his hair; but Mars and fiery Love, That stings young manhood, all his thoughts did move. He lingered by Deïdamia's side, Close as he could, from morn till eventide : Often he kissed her hand, and often raised Her broidered work: her work and fingers praised. Of all the maids his only messmate she; And he would fain his bedmate have her be. And thus he sued with furtive meaning deep "With one another other sisters sleep; : In station, love, and age, we twain are one, Why we are made at night to sleep asunder? IDYL VIII. TO THE EVENING STAR. HESPER! Sweet Aphrodite's golden light! For her new course to-day began the moon, And is already set- O much too soon! 'Tis not for impious theft abroad I stir, Nor to way-lay the nightly traveller: I love; and thou, bright star of love! shouldst lend The lover light-his helper and his friend. IDYL IX. LOVE RESISTLESS. BRIGHT Cypris! goddess ever meek and mild, Winged and far-darter why didst make him, why, IDYL X. FRIENDSHIP. HAPPY is love or friendship when returned – The lovers whose pure flames have equal burned. With his true heart-friend, good Pirithous. Blest was Achilles in a friend long tried; Him living loved, for his sake gladly died! |