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THEOCRITUS I, 117–135

“By glen no more, by glade no more. And 'tis O farewell to thee,
“ Sweet Arethuse,[1] and all pretty waters down Thymbris vale that flee;

Country-song, more county-song, ye Muses;

“For this, O this is that Daphnis, your kine to field did bring,
“This Daphnis he, led stirk and steer to you a—watering.

Country-song, more county-song, ye Muses.


“And Pan, O Pan, whether at this hour by Lycee’s mountain—pile
“Or Maenal steep thy watch thou keep, come away to the Sicil isle,
“Come away from the knoll of Helicè[2] and the howe lift high i’ the lea,
“The howe of Lycáon’s child, the howe that Gods in heav’n envye;

Country-song, leave county-song, ye Muses;

“Come, Master, and take this pretty pipe, this pipe of honey breath,
“Of wax well knit round lips to fit; for Love hales mé to my death.

Country-song, leave county-song, ye Muses.

“Bear violets now ye briers, ye thistles violets too;
“Daffodilly may hang o the juniper, and all things go askew;
“Pines may grow figs now Daphnis dies, and hind tear hound if she will,

  1. ↑ “Arethusa”: the fountain of Syracuse.
  2. ↑ “Helice, Lycaon’s
    child”: the tombs of Helicé and her son Areas were famous sights of Arcadia.

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