Act 5 — Scene I.[3485]

Priest. Shepherds, rise, and shake off sleep! See, the blushing morn doth peep Through the windows, whilst the sun To the mountain-tops is run, Gilding all the vales below5 With his rising flames, which grow Greater by his climbing still. Up, ye lazy grooms, and fill Bag and bottle for the field! Clasp your cloaks fast, lest they yield10 To the bitter north-east wind. Call the maidens up, and find Who lay longest, that she may Go without a friend all day; Then reward your dogs, and pray15 Pan to keep you from decay: So unfold, and then away! What, not a shepherd stirring? Sure, the grooms Have found their beds too easy, or the rooms Fill’d with such new delight and heat, that they20 Have both forgot their hungry sheep and day. Knock, that they may remember what a shame Sloth and neglect lays on a shepherd’s name. Old Shep. [after knocking at several doors.] It is to little purpose; not a swain This night hath known his lodging here, or lain Within these cotes; the woods, or some near town26 That is a neighbour to the bordering down, Hath drawn them thither ’bout some lusty sport, Or spiced wassail bowl, to which resort All the young men and maids of many a cote,30 Whilst the trim minstrel strikes his merry note. Priest. God pardon sin!—Show me the way that leads To any of their haunts. Old Shep. This to the meads, And that down to the woods. Priest. Then, this for me. Come, shepherd, let me crave your company. 35 Exeunt.