Thyrsis the Shepherd his Death-Song

Thyrsis to die desir'd,
Marking her eyes that to his heart was nearest;
And she that with his flame no less was fir'd,
Said to him, ' ' Oh, heart's love! dearest!
Alas, forbear to die now!
By thee I live, by thee I wish to die too! "
Thyrsis that heat refrain'd,
Wherewith to die, poor lover, then he hasted,
Thinking it death while he his looks maintained
Full fix'd on her eyes, full of pleasure.
And lovely nectar sweet from them he tasted.
His dainty nymph, that now at hand espied
The harvest of love's treasure.
Said thus, with eyes all trembling, faint and wasted,
"I die now!"
The shepherd then replied,
"And I, sweet life, do die too! "

Thus these two lovers fortunately died,
Of death so sweet, so happy, and so desired,
That to die so again their life retired.