VII. THE STEDFAST SHEPHERD. These beautiful stanzas were written by George WITHER, of whom some account was given in the former part of this Volume: see the Song intitled THE SHEPHERDS RESOLUTION, Book II. Song XXI. In the first Edition of this work only a small fragment of this Sonnet was inserted. It was afterwards rendered more complete and entire by the addition of five Stanzas more, extracted from Wither's pastoral poem, intitled, "The Mistress of Philarete," of which this Song makes a part. It is now given still more correct and perfect by comparing it with another copy, printed by the author in his improved edition of The Shepherd's Hunting," 1620, Svo, HENCE ENCE away, thou Syren, leave me, (Though thou prove a thousand charmes). Fie, fie, forbeare; No common snare Can ever my affection chaine: Thy painted baits, And poore deceits, Are all bestowed on me in vainę. 10 I'me no slave to such, as you be; Neither shall that snowy brest, Rowling eye, and lip of ruby Ever robb me of my rest: Goe, goe, display Thy beautie's ray To some more-soone enamour'd swaine : Those common wiles Of sighs and smiles 15 Are all bestowed on me in vaine. 20 I have elsewhere vowed a dutie; Turne away thy tempting eye: Where gawdy clothes And fained othes may love obtaine : I love her so, Whose looke sweares No; 25 Where each lustfull lad may wode : Give me her, whose sun-like beautie Buzzards dare not soare unto : Shee, shee it is Affoords that blisse For which I would refuse no paine: But such as you, Fond fooles, adieu; You seeke to captive me in vaine, Leave me then, you Syrens, leave me ; 55 60 Seeke no more to worke my harmes: Craftie |