IDYL XIX.

THE HONEY-COMB STEALER.

As from a hive the thieving Eros drew
A honey-comb, a bee his finger stung;
Then in his anguish on his hand he blew,

Stamped, jumped-and then to Cytherea sprung;

Shewed her the wound, and cried: “A thing how wee,
How great a wound makes with its little sting!"
His mother smiled: "Art thou not like a bee,

Such great wounds making—such a little thing?"

IDYL XX.

EUNICA.

ARGUMENT.

The poet introduces a cowherd heavily complaining of the contempt with which a damsel of the city had repelled his addresses. He inveighs against her pride, and comforts himself with the reflection that her scorn proceeded not from his own unworthiness, or want of personal recommendations, but from his belonging to a class, some individuals of which had been beloved even by goddesses. He prays that, since she is so difficult to please, she may ever sleep alone.

IDYL XX.

EUNICA.

EUNICA, Smiling with a bitter scoff,

When I would sweetly kiss her, bade me " off!
Fool cowherd! would you kiss me? not to kiss
Rude clowns, but city lips, I've learnt, I wis.
You never, man! shall kiss my lovely mouth-
Not in a dream. You are- O how uncouth!
Your look offends me, and your speech provokes ;
Your play is horse-play; vulgar are your jokes.
How smooth in speech! how delicate an air!
How soft your beard! how odorous your hair!
Your lips are sickly; and your hands are black,

And you smell rank: don't foul me; back, clown, back!"

Thrice on her breast she spat, these hard words saying, Me scornfully from head to foot surveying ;