Alexis shun'd his Fellow Swains, br Their rural Sports, and jocund Strains: br (Heav'n guard us all from Cupid's Bow!) br He lost his Crook, He left his Flocks; br And wand'ring thro' the lonely Rocks, br He nourish'd endless Woe. br The Nymphs and Shepherds round Him came: br His Grief Some pity, Others blame: br The fatal Cause All kindly seek. br He mingled his Concern with Their's: br He gave 'em back their friendly Tears: br He sigh'd, but would not speak. br Clorinda came among the rest: br And She too kind Concern exprest, br And ask'd the Reason of his Woe: br She ask'd, but with an Air and Mein, br That made it easily foreseen, br She fear'd too much to know. br The Shepherd rais'd his mournful Head: br And will You pardon Me, He said, br While I the cruel Truth reveal? br Which nothing from my Breast should tear; br Which never should offend Your Ear; br But that You bid Me tell. br 'Tis thus I rove, 'tis thus complain; br Since You appear'd upon the Plain: br You are the Cause of all my Care: br Your Eyes ten thousand Dangers dart: br Ten thousand Torments vex My Heart: br I love, and I despair. br Too much, Alexis, I have heard: br 'Tis what I thought; 'tis what I fear'd: br And yet I pardon You, She cry'd: br But You shall promise ne'er again br To breath your Vows, or speak your Pain: br He bow'd, obey'd, and dy'd.