Alexis shun'd his Fellow Swains, <br />Their rural Sports, and jocund Strains: <br />(Heav'n guard us all from Cupid's Bow!) <br />He lost his Crook, He left his Flocks; <br />And wand'ring thro' the lonely Rocks, <br />He nourish'd endless Woe. <br />The Nymphs and Shepherds round Him came: <br />His Grief Some pity, Others blame: <br />The fatal Cause All kindly seek. <br />He mingled his Concern with Their's: <br />He gave 'em back their friendly Tears: <br />He sigh'd, but would not speak. <br />Clorinda came among the rest: <br />And She too kind Concern exprest, <br />And ask'd the Reason of his Woe: <br />She ask'd, but with an Air and Mein, <br />That made it easily foreseen, <br />She fear'd too much to know. <br />The Shepherd rais'd his mournful Head: <br />And will You pardon Me, He said, <br />While I the cruel Truth reveal? <br />Which nothing from my Breast should tear; <br />Which never should offend Your Ear; <br />But that You bid Me tell. <br />'Tis thus I rove, 'tis thus complain; <br />Since You appear'd upon the Plain: <br />You are the Cause of all my Care: <br />Your Eyes ten thousand Dangers dart: <br />Ten thousand Torments vex My Heart: <br />I love, and I despair. <br />Too much, Alexis, I have heard: <br />'Tis what I thought; 'tis what I fear'd: <br />And yet I pardon You, She cry'd: <br />But You shall promise ne'er again <br />To breath your Vows, or speak your Pain: <br />He bow'd, obey'd, and dy'd.<br /><br />Matthew Prior<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-despairing-shepherd/
