CHLOE.

If I consent, what spouse-gifts shall be mine?

DAPHNIS.

My pastures, groves, and herd, shall all be thine.

CHLOE.

Swear, when 'tis done, thou never wilt forsake me.

DAPHNIS.

By Pan! not even shouldst thou try to make me.

CHLOE.

Chamber and hall will you for me provide?

DAPHNIS.

Chamber and hall, and fleeces fine beside.

CHLOE.

What? what shall I my aged father tell?

DAPHNIS.

Hearing my name, he'll like thy marriage well.

CHLOE.

Repeat it oft a name sweet influence has.

DAPHNIS.

Daphnis, Nomea's son by Lycidas.

CHLOE.

A good descent, but than mine own not higher.

DAPHNIS.

I know it well-Menalcas is thy sire.

CHLOE.

Show me thy grove, where stands thy wealthy stall.

DAPHNIS.

See where for me flowers many a cypress tall.

CHLOE.

Feed, goats! while, I my lover's wealth inspect.

DAPHNIS.

Feed, bulls! while I the virgin's way direct.

CHLOE.

Hands off! what business have they in my dress!

DAPHNIS.

First these love-apples will I gently press.

The ditch is dirty: would you throw me down?

DAPHNIS.

I spread a soft white fleece beneath your gown.

CHLOE.

Why do you loose my zone? what do you mean?

DAPHNIS.

This first I offer to the Paphian queen.

CHLOE.

Some one will see us: hist! I hear a sound.

DAPHNIS.

The cypresses thy marriage whisper round.

CHLOE.

My dress is spoiled: ah me! what shall I do?

DAPHNIS.

I'll give thee, love, a better one and new.

CHLOE.

Perhaps e'en salt you will not give to me.

DAPHNIS.

Would I could give my very soul to thee!

CHLOE.

Pardon, Queen Artemis! my broken vow.

DAPHNIS.

Eros a calf, Cypris shall have a cow.

CHLOE.

I

go a woman, who a virgin came.

DAPHNIS.

For virgin thine a wife's and mother's name.

Thus whispered they, their youthful prime enjoying, With their fresh limbs in furtive marriage toying.

She rose and to her flock went, seeming sad,

Blushing and shamefaced, but at heart was glad;

And to his herd the happy Daphnis sped,

Rejoicing greatly in his marriage-bed.