The poem
As at sunset I was straying
Silently the wood along, Damon on his flute was playing,
And the rocks gave back the song, So la, Ia! &c.
Softly tow'rds him then he drew me;
Sweet each kiss he gave me then! And I said, "Play once more to me!"
And he kindly play'd again, So la, la! &c.
All my peace for aye has fleeted,
All my happiness has flown; Yet my ears are ever greeted
With that olden, blissful tone, So la, la! &c.
1791. -----