C.
Damon come drive thy flocks this way.
D.
No : ’tis too late they went astray.
C.
I have a grassy Scutcheon spy’d,
Where Flora blazons all her pride.
The grass I aim to feast thy Sheep :
The Flow’rs I for thy Temples keep.
D.
Grass withers; and the Flow’rs too fade.
C.
Seize the short Joyes then, ere they vade.
Seest thou that unfrequented Cave ?
D.
That den?
C.
Loves Shrine.
D.
But Virtue’s Grave.
C.
In whose cool bosome we may lye
Safe from the Sun.
D.
Not Heaven’s Eye.
C.
Near this, a Fountaines liquid Bell
Tinkles within the concave Shell.
D.
Might a Soul bath there and be clean,
Or slake its Drought?
C.
What is ‘t you mean?
D.
These once had been enticing things,
Clorinda, Pastures, Caves, and Springs.
C.
And what late change?
D.
The other day
Pan met me.
C.
What did great Pan say?
D.
Words that transcend poor Shepherds skill,
But he ere since my Songs does fill:
And his Name swells my slender Oate.
C.
Sweet must Pan sound in Damons Note.
D.
Clorinda’s voice might make it sweet.
C.
Who would not in Pan’s Praises meet ?
Chorus
Of Pan the flowry pastures sing,
Caves eccho and the Fountains ring.
Sing then while he doth us inspire;
For all the world is our Pan’s Quire.
***
Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was a renowned English poet and politician who lived during the 17th century. He is widely recognized for his skillful metaphysical poetry and his contributions to the literary movement known as the Metaphysical School. Marvell’s works often explored themes such as love, politics, and the transient nature of life. Some of his notable poems include “To His Coy Mistress” and “The Garden.” Marvell’s writing continues to be celebrated for its imaginative language, wit, and intellectual depth.