XIV. "For us the lark attunes his morning fong, "To ever-blooming blifs, ne reek what wisdom fays. XV. "With sprightly notes we make the welkin ring, "In mazy daunce we tread the chequer'd ground, "To yielding nymphs transported shepherds fing, "Ne hard misfare emongst our train is found. "The fimple fwain, who looks with cark aftoun'd "Because his leman ill rewards his care, Oh, let him ftond to all a lout renown'd, "Ne gibing fcorn her twitting bords forbear; "Are there not other nymphs lefs coy, and full as fair?" XVI. At this the Squire wex'd pale, "Ne eath it is, "Moft courteous knight, he cry'd, far to remove "The thoughts of her in whom we place all blifs." Quoth Bon vivant, "What, then thou art in love?" 66 That "That I am fo thefe many fingults prove," Return'd the Squire. L'Allegro then reply'd, "Thou'dft better wend to yonder willow grove, "Where fhoals of lovers hanging fide by fide, "Feed the vile carrion crows, and highten female pride.” XVII. With that he braft into a scornful laugh, "'Tis not enough the conduct of the fair "The honour of the fpring, and wisdom's early blooms. XIX. "The XIX. "The brindled lyon in the lonely wood "Ne fpare the prelate's lawn, or monarch's crown : "All fares alike with him, for all he tumbleth down. XX. "What then avails it to be fair or wife? "Or what avails it to be warlike knight ? "Where e'er the monster cafts his fi'ry eyes, "Each grace, each virtue fickens at the fight. "Then, goodly Squire, until the morning's light Quaff the thick darkness of the night away; "And, when the morn fhall rife, in arms bedight "Proceed, and luck attend you on your way; Algates we wish in truth with us you'd ever stay." XXI. The Squire agrees, but vows, when rifing morn And feek around the ifle the blatant-breast: Mean while in buxom mirth they spend the feast. Sir Chaunticleer now ey'd the rifing day, But fleep had feal'd l'Allegro's droufy eyes, Our Squire, withouten drad, purfu'd his way, He fung in honour of his Columbel : Mote he, perchaunce, deftroy this spawn of hell, The lond of Fairy doth each lond excel; View there the paragons of womankind; View the bright virgins there, and leave thy heart behind. XXIV. Ah XXIV. Ah! lever fhould'ft thou try the females there There ev'ry nymph is innocent as fair: But foon he hides his head, and melts in dropping tears. Life is a scene of conteck and distress, Ne is it longer than a winter's day; And fhall we make our few enjoyments lefs? The Squire of dames rode on with muchel tine, |