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The Lady's Song

  1 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.
  2 While Pan and fair Syrinx are fled from our shore,
    The Graces are banish'd, and Love is no more:
    The soft god of pleasure, that warm'd our desires,
    Has broken his bow, and extinguish'd his fires;
    And vows that himself and his mother will mourn,
    Till Pan and fair Syrinx in triumph return.
  3 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 sheephooks, and take to your arms;
    Then laurels and myrtles your brows shall adorn,
    When Pan, and his son, and fair Syrinx return.
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FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 44: Intended to apply to the banishment of King James and his wife, Mary of Este.]

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Literature Network » John Dryden » The Poetical Works of John Dryden, Vol II » The Lady's Song