pastoral poem

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Madrigal \Mad"ri*gal\ (m[a^]d"r[i^]*gal), n. [It. madrigale,
   OIt. madriale, mandriale (cf. LL. matriale); of uncertain
   origin, possibly fr. It mandra flock, L. mandra stall, herd
   of cattle, Gr. ma`ndra fold, stable; hence, madrigal,
   originally, a pastoral song.]
   1. A little amorous poem, sometimes called a {pastoral poem},
      containing some tender and delicate, though simple,
      thought.
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            Whose artful strains have oft delayed
            The huddling brook to hear his madrigal. --Milton.
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   2. (Mus.) An unaccompanied polyphonic song, in four, five, or
      more parts, set to secular words, but full of counterpoint
      and imitation, and adhering to the old church modes.
      Unlike the freer glee, it is best sung with several voices
      on a part. See {Glee}.
      [1913 Webster]