In a Vale clos'd with Woodland, where Grottoes abound,
Where Rivulets murmur and Echoes are found,
I vowed to the Muses my Time and my Care
Since neither could win me the Smiles of my Fair.

As Freedom inspir’d me I rang’d and I sung,
And Daphne’s dear Name never fell from my Tongue.
But if a smooth Accent delighted my Ear,
I should wish unawares that my Daphne might hear.

With fairest Ideas my Bosom I stor’d,
To drive from my Heart the fair Nymph I adored,
But the more I with Study my Fancy refin’d
The deeper Impression she made in my Mind.

Ah! whilst I the Beauties of Nature pursue,
I still must my Daphne’s fair Image renew:
The Graces have chosen with Daphne to rove
And the Muses are all in Alliance with Love.