The Faithful Shepherdess. Beaumont Francis

gently on the[m], or the breaking light,

      When many maiden blushes to our sight

      Shoot from his early face: were all these set

      In some neat form before me, 'twould not get

      The least love from me; some desire it might,

      Or present burning: all to me in sight

      Are equal, be they fair, or black, or brown,

      Virgin, or careless wanton, I can crown

      My appetite with any; swear as oft

      And weep, as any, melt my words as soft

      Into a maiden[s] ears, and tell how long

      My heart has been her servant, and how strong

      My passions are: call her unkind and cruel,

      Offer her all I have to gain the Jewel

      Maidens so highly prize: then loath, and fly:

      This do I hold a blessed destiny.

      Enter Amaryllis.

      Amar. Hail Shepherd, Pan bless both thy flock and thee,

      For being mindful of thy word to me.

      Sul. Welcom fair Shepherdess, thy loving swain

      Gives thee the self same wishes back again,

      Who till this present hour ne're knew that eye,

      Could make me cross mine arms, or daily dye

      With fresh consumings: boldly tell me then,

      How shall we part their faithful loves, and when?

      Shall I bely him to her, shall I swear

      His faith is false, and he loves every where?

      I'le say he mockt her th' other day to you,

      Which will by your confirming shew as true,

      For he is of so pure an honesty,

      To think (because he will not) none will lye:

      Or else to him I'le slander Amoret,

      And say, she but seems chaste; I'le swear she met

      Me 'mongst the shady Sycamores last night

      And loosely offred up her flame and spright