Bright was the Moon, and her reflected Beams
Spangled the dewy Leaves with trembling Gleams;
While Stars, by conscious Twinklings, seem'd to know
What waking Lovers acted here below.
Careless I walk'd, where prowling Beasts had made
A Path, that led thro' a lone silent Glade.
The Moon, with doubtful Rays, deceiv'd the Sight,
And waving Boughs gave an uncertain Light.
When my chill'd Spirits sunk with sudden Fear,
And trembling Horror bid the Search forbear;
My heedless Steps had touch'd the hallow'd Ground,
Where airy Dæmons dance the wanton Round;
Where fairy Elves, and Mid-night  meet,
And to the smiling Moon the Sylvan-Song repeat.
Tall rifted Oaks, and circling Elms had made
A Central void amidst surrounding Shade,
With hollow vaulted Cells, and rising Heaps
In which by Day the weary'd Badger sleeps.
Thick thorny Brakes grew round the lonesome Place,
And twining Boughs enclos'd the middle Space.
Here  in nocturnal Revels join,
While Stars thro' shaking Leaves obscurely shine.
And here I saw (bless'd with a kinder Fate)
When in a beauteous Ring the Nymphs were sate.
Well-pleas'd the Elfins smil'd, but she, who guards
Pomaceous Fruits, and th'Orchet-Care rewards,
Down pensive lean'd her Head; no ruddy Streaks
Mixt with the languid Paleness of her Cheeks.
Cast on the Ground her wither'd Garland lay,
Whose shrivell'd Leaves seem'd conscious of Decay.
, that much-lov'd Youth, the Goddess mourn'd,
, who once  Plains adorn'd;
The rural Pow'rs confess'd their meaner Lays,
When  sung, and own'd his juster Praise;
He  Swains industrious taught
To strain rich Must, and press the racy Draught;
Since he is gone, the Trees are all decay'd,
With Moss bedight, and Blossoms ill-array'd.
The pensive Owner mourns the tedious Weeks,
And wants the gen'rous Bowl, that paints the flushing Cheeks.