} Nor at firft fight, like moft, admires the fair For you he lives; and you alone shall share His laft affection, as his early care. Befides, he's lovely far above the rest, With youth immortal, and with beauty bleft. Add, that he varies ev'ry shape with ease, And tries all forms that may Pomona please. But what fhould most excite a mutual flame, Your rural cares, and pleasures are the fame : 95 To him your orchards early fruits are due, (A pleafing off'ring when 'tis made by you) He values these; but yet (alas) complains, That still the best and dearest gift remains. Not the fair fruit that on yon branches glows 100 With that ripe red th' autumnal fun bestows; Nor tafteful herbs that in these gardens rise, Which the kind foil with milky fap fupplies; You, only you, can move the God's defire : Oh crown fo conftant and so pure a fire! Let foft compaffion touch your gentle mind Think, 'tis Vertumnus begs you to be kind! So may no froft, when early buds appear, Destroy the promise of the youthful year; 109 Nor winds, when first your florid orchard blows, Shake the light blossoms from their blasted boughs! 105 90 Haec ubi nequicquam formas Deus aptus in omnes, Edidit; in juvenem rediit: et anilia demit This when the various God had urg'd in vain, He straight affum'd his native form again; Such, and fo bright an afpect now he bears, As when thro' clouds th' emerging fun appears, 115 And thence exerting his refulgent ray, Dispels the darkness, and reveals the day. 119 grace Force he prepar'd, but check'd the rash design; |