And how Deïdamia, maiden coy, Found her girl bedmate was a wicked boy, LYCIDAS. The herdsman, Paris, on an evil day, Enone grieved; and Lacedemon raged, Hid with the daughters of king Lycomede. No virgin of them all had airs more fine, A rosier cheek, or step more feminine : He veiled his hair; but Mars and fiery Love, That stings young manhood, all his thoughts did move. He lingered by Deïdamia's side, Close as he could, from morn till eventide : Often he kissed her hand, and often raised Her broidered work: her work and fingers praised. Of all the maids his only messmate she; And he would fain his bedmate have her be. And thus he sued with furtive meaning deep :— "With one another other sisters sleep; In station, love, and age, we twain are one, Why should we, maidens both, each sleep alone? Since we together are all day, I wonder Why we are made at night to sleep asunder?" IDYL VIII. TO THE EVENING STAR. HESPER! Sweet Aphrodite's golden light! For her new course to-day began the moon, 'Tis not for impious theft abroad I stir, I love; and thou, bright star of love! shouldst lend The lover light-his helper and his friend. IDYL IX. LOVE RESISTLESS. BRIGHT Cypris! goddess ever meek and mild, Winged and far-darter why didst make him, why, IDYL X. FRIENDSHIP. HAPPY is love or friendship when returned The lovers whose pure flames have equal burned. With his true heart-friend, good Pirithous. Blest was Achilles in a friend long tried; Him living loved, for his sake gladly died! |