A Ballad.

A BALLAD.

I.

IF Flavia's eyes, or Stella's soul, Were in my choice to take, I would not envy Flavia's eyes, But only for thy sake.

II.

But if a Stella please thee more, That Stella I would be; For sure a Flavia could not gain, Or keep a swain like thee.

III.

But ah! would Stella ever tell? A stranger as thou art; Would Stella envy Flavia's eyes? Alone to gain thy heart.

IV.

I scarcely knew from whence thou came. Would Stella thought like me? Too soon I thought — thou didst depart; Would Stella told it thee.

V.

But sure my hand — thou ne'er hast seen, My name thou ne'er shalt know; And while I praise thy nameless art, I can thy love forego.

VI.

My favourite pigeon too he prais'd. I mind each word he spake; I'd give it him — but since he's gone, I'll keep it for his sake.

VII.

Go, gentle swain, and unconfin'd; Or, if you think of me, Here I with pleasure can submit, If that's approv'd by thee.

VIII.

Long did I look down a' the way, As far as I could see; And art thou gone — ah! what are all The rustic swains to me?

IX.

Go, gentle swain — and to our sex Polite attention pay; Nor ever dangerous flattery try, Nor vain neglect essay.

X.

The giddy empty fluttering fool, May catch a Flavia's eyes; But real good sense, and such as you, Alone can Stella please.