To the God of Fond Desire
One day the God of fond desire,
On mischief bent, to Damon said,
‘Why not disclose your tender fire,
Now own it to the lovely maid?’
The shepherd marked his treacherous art,
And, softly sighing, thus replied:
‘Tis true you have subdued my heart,
But shall not triumph o’er my pride.
‘The slave, in private only bears
Your bondage, who his love conceals
But when his passion he declares,
You drag him at your chariot-wheels.’
