Comatas. I love not Alcippe, for yesterday she did not kiss me, and
take my face between her hands, when I gave her the dove.

Lacon. But deeply I love my darling, for a kind kiss once I got, in
return for the gift of a shepherd's pipe.

Comatas. Lacon, it never was right that pyes should contend with the
nightingale, nor hoopoes with swans, but thou, unhappy swain, art
ever for contention.

Morson's Judgement. I bid the shepherd cease. But to thee, Comatas,
Morson presents the lamb. And thou, when thou hast sacrificed her to
the nymphs, send Morson, anon, a goodly portion of her flesh.

Comatas. I will, by Pan. Now leap, and snort, my he-goats, all the
herd of you, and see here how loud I ever will laugh, and exult over
Lacon, the shepherd, for that, at last, I have won the lamb. See, I
will leap sky high with joy. Take heart, my horned goats, to-morrow
I will dip you all in the fountain of Sybaris. Thou white he-goat, I
will beat thee if thou dare to touch one of the herd before I
sacrifice the lamb to the nymphs. There he is at it again! Call me
Melanthius, {34} not Comatas, if I do not cudgel thee.



IDYL VI