THE LADY'S SONG.

The obvious application of this Song is to the banishment of King James and his beautiful consort Mary of Este. [This appears in the Fifth Miscellany, 1704. It also appears (as Dryden's) in Buckingham's Works, with the title "The Beautiful Lady of the May," and the date 1691.—ED.]

I.

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.

II.

While Pan and fair Syrinx are fled from our shore, The Graces are banished, and Love is no more; The soft god of pleasure, that warmed our desires, Has broken his bow, and extinguished his fires, And vows that himself and his mother will mourn, Till Pan and fair Syrinx in triumph return.

III.

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 sheep-hooks, and take to your

arms;

Then laurels and myrtles your brows shall adorn, When Pan, and his son, and fair Syrinx, return.

A SONG.

[From Fifth Miscellany, 1704.-ED.]

I.

FAIR, Sweet, and young, receive a prize
Reserved for your victorious eyes:
From crowds, whom at your feet you see,
O pity, and distinguish me!

As I from thousand beauties more
Distinguish you, and only you adore.

II.

Your face for conquest was designed, Your every motion charms my mind; Angels, when you your silence break, Forget their hymns, to hear you speak; But when at once they hear and view, Are loath to mount, and long to stay with you.

III.

No graces can your form improve,
But all are lost, unless you love;
While that sweet passion you disdain,
Your veil* and beauty are in vain :
In pity then prevent my fate,

For after dying all reprieve's too late.

* [This "veil" is odd and unexpected. If it is not a misreading, it must refer to "graces graces" (three lines above), and signify "costume" or or "ornaments" in general.-ED.]

A SONG.

[From Fifth Miscellany, 1704.-ED.]

HIGH state and honours to others impart,
But give me your heart;

That treasure, that treasure alone,
I beg for my own.

So gentle a love, so fervent a fire,
My soul does inspire;

That treasure, that treasure alone,
I beg for my own.
Your love let me crave;

Give me in possessing

So matchless a blessing;
That empire is all I would have.
Love's my petition,
All my ambition;
If e'er you discover
So faithful a lover,
So real a flame,
I'll die, I'll die,
So give up my game.

RONDELAY.

[From Third Miscellany, 1693, and unmistakable.-ED.]

I.

CHLOE found Amyntas lying,
All in tears, upon the plain,
Sighing to himself, and crying,
Wretched I, to love in vain!
Kiss me, dear, before my dying;
Kiss me once, and ease my pain.

II.

Sighing to himself, and crying,
Wretched I, to love in vain!
Ever scorning, and denying

To reward your faithful swain.
Kiss me, dear, before my dying;
Kiss me once, and ease my pain.

III.

Ever scorning, and denying

To reward your faithful swain.-
Chloe, laughing at his crying,

Told him, that he loved in vain.
Kiss me, dear, before my dying;
Kiss me once, and ease my pain.

IV.

Chloe, laughing at his crying,
Told him, that he loved in vain ;
But, repenting, and complying,
When he kissed, she kissed again :
Kissed him up, before his dying;

Kissed him up, and eased his pain.