Amidst the Shades and Cool Refreshing Streams, Z. 355
Henry Purcell
Amidst the shades and cool refreshing streams
Where lovers ease their panting hearts in dreams
Poor Damon lay
His grief so sadly printed in his face
His looks disturb'd the pleasures of the place
In hollow notes he sung his wretched fate
His hopeless love and his Aminda's hate
The trembling birds about him throng
Listen and murmur at his song
Which hinder'd their sweet strains so long
But straight with charming notes
They stretch their warbling throats
And all, with one consent and voice
Invite the shepherd to rejoice
But what can his sad soul inspire
His heart so much by grief oppress'd?
A sigh (alas!) breaks from his breast
Which frights the harmless birds
And damps the cheerful choir