CALM WAS THE EVEN, AND CLEAR WAS THE SKY

JOHN DRYDEN

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      Calm was the even, and clear was the sky,
         And the new budding flowers did spring,
      When all alone went Amyntas and I
         To hear the sweet nightingale sing;
      I sate, and he laid him down by me;
         But scarcely his breath he could draw;
      For when with a fear, he began to draw near,
         He was dash'd with A ha ha ha ha!

      He blush'd to himself, and lay still for a while,
         And his modesty curb'd his desire;
     But straight I convinc'd all his fear with a smile,
         Which added new flames to his fire.
     O Silvia, said he, you are cruel,
         To keep your poor lover in awe;
     Then once more he press'd with his hand to my breast,
         But was dash'd with A ha ha ha ha!

     I knew 'twas his passion that caus'd all his fear;
         And therefore I pitied his case:
     I whisper'd him softly, there's nobody near,
         And laid my cheek close to his face:
     But as he grew bolder and bolder,
         A shepherd came by us and saw;
     And just as our bliss we began with a kiss,
         He laugh'd out with A ha ha ha ha!