Thirsis, let pity move thee

Song Meaning

This lament paints a desperate picture of unrequited love. The speaker, Cloris, directly addresses Thirsis, pleading for his affection. She emphasizes her deep love for him, contrasting it with his cruel indifference and flight. The immediate tone is one of anguish and bewilderment, as Cloris struggles to comprehend Thirsis's rejection despite her devotion. The central tension lies in Cloris's inability to understand why Thirsis rejects her. She questions his unkindness, her own profound love, and even the natural world's response to her plight. The repeated "why" and "alas" underscore her confusion and sorrow, highlighting the painful disconnect between her feelings and Thirsis's actions. The lyrics employ vivid imagery to amplify Cloris's despair. She points to her own physical exhaustion from pursuing him, noting she has "not left thee" in her search. Furthermore, she draws a poignant parallel with "beasts" who apparently show her more sympathy than Thirsis, suggesting his cruelty is unnatural. The rhetorical question, "What shepherd ever kill'd a nymph for pure love!" directly challenges the perceived injustice of her situation. This piece resonates because of its raw emotional directness and the stark contrast between devoted love and cold rejection. The speaker's appeals to pity, reason, and even nature highlight the depth of her suffering. The final image of the beasts offering solace powerfully emphasizes Thirsis's profound lack of compassion, making Cloris's plight feel all the more tragic and isolating.