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The Lady's Song.[1]

A Choir of bright beauties in spring did appear,

To choose a May-lady to govern the year;

All the nymphs were in white, and the shepherds in green;

The garland was given, and Phyllis was queen:

But Phyllis refused it, and sighing did say,

I'll not wear a garland while Pan is away.

While Pan and fair Syrinx are fled from our shore,

The Graces are banish'd, and Love is no more:

The soft god of pleasure, that warm'd our desires,

Has broken his bow, and extinguish'd his fires;

And vows that himself and his mother will mourn,

Till Pan and fair Syrinx in triumph return.

Forbear your addresses, and court us no more;

For we will perform what the Deity swore:

But if you dare think of deserving our charms,

Away with your sheephooks, and take to your arms;

Then laurels and myrtles your brows shall adorn,

When Pan, and his son, and fair Syrinx return.