Poetical Works of Johnson, Parnell, Gray and Smollett

Song

1 Thyrsis, a young and amorous swain,
    Saw two, the beauties of the plain;
        Who both his heart subdue:
    Gay Cælia’s eyes were dazzling fair,
    Sabina’s easy shape and air
        With softer magic drew.

2 He haunts the stream, he haunts the grove,
    Lives in a fond romance of love,
       And seems for each to die;
    Till each, a little spiteful grown,
    Sabina Cælia’s shape ran down,
       And she Sabina’s eye.

3 Their envy made the shepherd find
    Those eyes, which love could only blind;
       So set the lover free:
    No more he haunts the grove or stream,
    Or with a true-love knot and name
       Engraves a wounded tree.

4 Ah, Cælia! (sly Sabina cried)
    Though neither love, we’re both denied;
    Now, to support the sex’s pride,
       Let either fix the dart.
    Poor girl! (says Caelia) say no more;
    For should the swain but one adore,
    That spite which broke his chains before,
       Would break the other’s heart.