2
Nor with the reed's edge fear you to make rough
40
your dainty lip; such arts as these to learn
what did Amyntas do?—what did he not?
A pipe have I, of hemlock-stalks compact
in lessening lengths, Damoetas' dying-gift:
‘Mine once,’ quoth he, ‘now yours, as heir to own.’
45
Foolish Amyntas heard and envied me.
Ay, and two fawns, I risked my neck to find
in a steep glen, with coats white-dappled still,
from a sheep's udders suckled twice a day—
these still I keep for you; which Thestilis
50
implores me oft to let her lead away;
and she shall have them, since my gifts you spurn.
Come hither, beauteous boy; for you the Nymphs
bring baskets, see, with lilies brimmed; for you,
plucking pale violets and poppy-heads,
55
now the fair Naiad, of narcissus flower
and fragrant fennel, doth one posy twine—
with cassia then, and other scented herbs,
blends them, and sets the tender hyacinth off
