Go if you please a while, attend your flocks,
And when the sun is over yonder rocks,
Come to this cave again, where I will be,
If that my guardian so much favour me.
Yet if you please, let us three sing a strain,
Before you turn your sheep into the plain.
WILLY.
I am content.
CUDDY.
As well content am I.
ROGET.
Then, Will, begin, and we'll the rest supply.
SONG.
WILLY.
Shepherd, would these gates were ope,
Thou might'st take with us thy fortune.
ROGET.
No, I'll make this narrow scope,
Since my fate doth so importune
Means unto a wider hope.
CUDDY.
Would thy shepherdess were here,
Who belov'd, loves thee so dearly!
ROGET.
Not for both your flocks, I swear,
And the gain they yield you yearly,
Would I so much wrong my dear.
Yet to me, nor to this place,
Would she now be long a stranger;
She would hold it no disgrace,
(If she feared not more my danger,)
Where I am to show her face.
WILLY.
Shepherd, we would wish no harms,
But something that might content thee.
ROGET.
Wish me then within her arms,
And that wish will ne'er repent me,
If your wishes might prove charms.
WILLY.
Be thy prison her embrace,
Be thy air her sweetest breathing.
CUDDY.
Be thy prospect her fair face,
For each look a kiss bequeathing,
And appoint thyself the place.
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