MATTHEW PRIOR

422. The Question to Lisetfa

"VVTHAT nymph should I admire or trust,

^ But Chloe beauteous, Chloe just? What nymph should I desire to see, But her who leaves the plain for me ? To whom should I compose the lay, But her who listens when I play ? To whom in song repeat my cares, But her who in my sorrow shares? For whom should I the garland make, But her who joys the gift to take, And boasts she wears it for my sake? In love am I not fully blest? Lisetta, prithee tell the rest.

��Sure Chloe just, and Chloe fair, Deserves to be your only care ; But, when you and she to-day Far into the wood did stray, And I happened to pass by, Which way did you cast your eye? But, when your cares to her you sing, You dare not tell her whence they spring; Does it not more afflict your heart, That in those cares she bears a part? When you the flowers for Chloe twine, Why do you to her garland join The meanest bud that falls from mine ? Simplest of swains ! the world may see Whom Chloe loves, and who loves me.

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