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.