CHLOE. Some one will see us: hist! I hear a sound. DAPHNIS. The cypresses thy marriage whisper round. CHLOE. My dress is spoiled: ah me! what shall I do? DAPHNIS. I'll give thee, love, a better one and new. CHLOE. Perhaps e'en salt you will not give to me. DAPHNIS. Would I could give my very soul to thee! CHLOE. Pardon, Queen Artemis! my broken vow. DAPHNIS. Eros a calf, Cypris shall have a cow. CHLOE. I go a woman, who a virgin came. DAPHNIS. For virgin thine a wife's and mother's name. Thus whispered they, their youthful prime enjoying, With their fresh limbs in furtive marriage toying. She rose and to her flock went, seeming sad, Blushing and shamefaced, but at heart was glad; And to his herd the happy Daphnis sped, Rejoicing greatly in his marriage-bed. IDYL XXVIII. THE DISTAFF. DISTAFF! quick implement of busy thrift, Which housewives ply, blue-eyed Athene's gift! We go to rich Miletus, where is seen The fane of Cypris 'mid the rushes green : Delighting and delighted by my host, Whom the sweet-speaking Graces love the most Of ivory wrought with art most exquisite, With her thou many various works shalt make ; And she so diligent a housewife is, For never should a thriftless prodigal Own thee with my consent: 'twere shame and pity! The marrow of the whole Sicilian isle. |