Poem by Aphra Behn

* * *

        (Serenade)

Amintas that true-hearted Swain
Upon a River's bank was laid,
Where to the pitying streams he did complain
Of Sylvia that false charming Maid,
But she was still regardless of his pain:
Oh faithless Sylvia! would he cry,
And what he said the Echoes would reply.
    Be kind or else I die, else I die.
    Be kind or else I die, else I die.

A shower of tears his eyes let fall,
Which in the River made impress,
Then sigh'd, and Sylvia false again would call,
A cruel faithless Shepherdess.
Is Love with you become a criminal?
Ah lay aside this needless scorn,
Allow your poor Adorer some return,
    Consider how I burn, else I burn.
    Consider how I burn, else I burn

Those Smiles and Kisses which you give.
Remember, Sylvia, Are my due;
And all the Joys my Rival does receive
He ravishes from me, not you.
Ah Sylvia, can I live and this believe?
Insensibles are touched to see
My languishments, and seem to pity me.
    Which I demand of thee, else of thee,
    Which I demand of thee, else of thee.

1. The Willing Mistriss
2. On the Death of E. Waller, Esq.
3. On the Death of the Late Earl of Rochester
4. The Permission
5. The First Cypher

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