By a dismal cypress lying, <br /> Damon cried, all pale and dying, <br /> Kind is death that ends my pain, <br /> But cruel she I lov'd in vain. <br /> The mossy fountains <br /> Murmur my trouble, <br /> And hollow mountains <br /> My groans redouble: <br /> Ev'ry nymph mourns me, <br /> Thus while I languish; <br /> She only scorns me, <br /> Who caus'd my anguish. <br /> No love returning me, but all hope denying; <br /> By a dismal cypress lying, <br /> Like a swan, so sung he dying: <br /> Kind is death that ends my pain, <br /> But cruel she I lov'd in vain.<br /><br />John Dryden<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-song-from-the-italian/
