Shepherd, wouldst thou here obtain
Pleasure unalloy'd with pain?
Joy that suits the rural sphere?
Gentle shepherd, lend an ear.

Learn to relish calm delight,
Verdant vales and fountains bright;
Trees that nod o'er sloping hills,
Caves that echo tinkling rills.

If thou canst no charm disclose
In the simplest bud that blows;
Go, forsake thy plain and fold;
Join the crowd, and toil for gold.

Tranquil pleasures never cloy;
Banish each tumultuous joy;
All but love — for love inspires
Fonder wishes, warmer fires.

Love and all its joys be thine —
Yet, ere thou the reins resign,
Hear what reason seems to say,
Hear attentive, and obey.

" Crimson leaves the rose adorn,
But beneath them lurks a thorn;
Fair and flowery is the brake,
Yet it hides the vengeful snake.

" Think not she, whose empty pride
Dares the fleecy garb deride,
Think not she, who, light and vain,
Scorns the sheep, can love the swain.

" Artless deed and simple dress
Mark the chosen shepherdess;
Thoughts by decency controll'd,
Well conceived and freely told.

" Sense that shuns each conscious air,
Wit, that falls ere well aware;
Generous pity, prone to sigh
If her kid or lambkin die.

" Let not lucre, let not pride,
Draw thee from such charms aside;
Have not those their proper sphere?
Gentler passions triumph here.

" See, to sweeten thy repose,
The blossom buds, the fountain flows;
Lo! to crown thy healthful board,
All that milk and fruits afford.

" Seek no more — the rest is vain;
Pleasure ending soon in pain:
Anguish lightly gilded o'er:
Close thy wish, and seek no more. "