Poems and songs by Thomas Flatman.

PHYLLIS withdrawn.

I.

I Did see her, and she's snatch'd away, I find I did but happy seem; So small a while did my contentments stay, As short and pleasant as a dream: Yet such are all our satisfactions here, They raise our hopes, and them they disappear.

II.

Ill natur'd Stars, that evermore conspire To quench poor Strephon's flame, To stop the progress of his swift desire, And leave him but an Aëry Name; Why art thou doom'd (of no pretences proud) Ixion-like thus to embrace a Cloud?

III.

Yet why should Strephon murmur, why complain, Or envy Phyllis her delight, Why should her pleasures be to him a pain, Easier perhaps out of his sight? No, Strephon, no! If Phyllis happy be, Thou should'st rejoyce, what e'r becomes of Thee.

IV.

Amidst the charming Glories of the Spring In pleasant Fields and goodly Bowers Indulgent Nature seems concern'd to bring All that may bless her innocent hours, While thy disastrous Fate has ty'd thee down To all the noise and tumult of the Town.

V.

Strephon that for himself expects no good To Phyllis wishes every where, A long serenity without a Cloud, Sweet as these smiles of th' Infant year. May Halcyons in her bosom build their Nest, What ever storms shall discompose my Breast.