"Let the nymph still avoid and be deaf to the swain"

Tobias Smollett

Let the nymph still avoid and be deaf to the swain
Who in transports of passion affects to complain,
For his rage, not his love, in that frenzy is shown,
And the blast that blows loudest is soon overblown.
But the shepherd whom Cupid has pierced to the heart
Will submissive adore, and rejoice in the smart;
Or, in plaintive soft murmurs, his bosom-felt woe
Like the smooth gliding current of rivers will flow.
Though silent his tongue, he will plead with his eyes,
And his heart own your sway in a tribute of sighs;
But when he accosts you in meadow, or grove,
His tale is all tenderness, rapture, and love.





Last updated January 14, 2019