Damon and Pastora

Book Description

London: R. Sayer & J. Bennett, 28 July 1783. Mezzotint, collection mark on verso, tipped onto early mount. (Expert small repairs to upper corners). 13 x 10 inches. 14 3/8 x 10 1/2 inches. A charming anonymous image from the collection of Frederic R. Halsey (1847-1918), 'un des principaux collectionneurs de son èpoque à New York' (Lugt 1308) The image (of a fashionably-dressed young lady reclining by a brook being approached by a young gentleman) is explained by the engraved verse (by 'Mr. Nicholl') in the title area beneath the image: Alone by the side of a murmuring rill / That lav'd the gay foot of a primrosy hill / Pastora beneath a broad poplar was laid / When Damon in extasy enter'd the Shade / He sigh'd & he swore by the pow'rs overhead / If she'd bless him to day, to morrow he'd wed.

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