Metamorphoses *
BOOK THE FIRST
The Creation of the World
1:1 Of bodies chang'd to various forms, I sing:
1:2 Ye Gods, from whom these miracles did spring,
1:3 Inspire my numbers with coelestial heat;
1:4 'Till I my long laborious work compleat:
1:5 And add perpetual tenour to my rhimes,
1:6 Deduc'd from Nature's birth, to Caesar's times.
1:7 Before the seas, and this terrestrial ball,
1:8 And Heav'n's high canopy, that covers all,
1:9 One was the face of Nature; if a face:
1:10 Rather a rude and indigested mass:
1:11 A lifeless lump, unfashion'd, and unfram'd,
1:12 Of jarring seeds; and justly Chaos nam'd.
1:13 No sun was lighted up, the world to view;
1:14 No moon did yet her blunted horns renew:
1:15 Nor yet was Earth suspended in the sky,
1:16 Nor pois'd, did on her own foundations lye:
1:17 Nor seas about the shores their arms had thrown;
1:18 But earth, and air, and water, were in one.
1:19 Thus air was void of light, and earth unstable,
1:20 And water's dark abyss unnavigable.
1:21 No certain form on any was imprest;
1:22 All were confus'd, and each disturb'd the rest.
1:23 For hot and cold were in one body fixt;
1:24 And soft with hard, and light with heavy mixt.
1:25 But God, or Nature, while they thus contend,
1:26 To these intestine discords put an end:
1:27 Then earth from air, and seas from earth were driv'n,
1:28 And grosser air sunk from aetherial Heav'n.
1:29 Thus disembroil'd, they take their proper place;
1:30 The next of kin, contiguously embrace;
1:31 And foes are sunder'd, by a larger space.
1:32 The force of fire ascended first on high,
1:33 And took its dwelling in the vaulted sky:
1:34 Then air succeeds, in lightness next to fire;
1:35 Whose atoms from unactive earth retire.
1:36 Earth sinks beneath, and draws a num'rous throng
1:37 Of pondrous, thick, unwieldy seeds along.
1:38 About her coasts, unruly waters roar;
1:39 And rising, on a ridge, insult the shore.
The Formation of Man
1:40 Thus when the God, whatever God was he,
1:41 Had form'd the whole, and made the parts agree,
1:42 That no unequal portions might be found,
1:43 He moulded Earth into a spacious round:
1:44 Then with a breath, he gave the winds to blow;
1:45 And bad the congregated waters flow.
1:46 He adds the running springs, and standing lakes;
1:47 And bounding banks for winding rivers makes.
1:48 Some part, in Earth are swallow'd up, the most
1:49 In ample oceans, disembogu'd, are lost.
1:50 He shades the woods, the vallies he restrains
1:51 With rocky mountains, and extends the plains.
1:52 And as five zones th' aetherial regions bind,
1:53 Five, correspondent, are to Earth assign'd:
1:54 The sun with rays, directly darting down,
1:55 Fires all beneath, and fries the middle zone:
1:56 The two beneath the distant poles, complain
1:57 Of endless winter, and perpetual rain.
1:58 Betwixt th' extreams, two happier climates hold
1:59 The temper that partakes of hot, and cold.
1:60 The fields of liquid air, inclosing all,
1:61 Surround the compass of this earthly ball:
1:62 The lighter parts lye next the fires above;
1:63 The grosser near the watry surface move:
1:64 Thick clouds are spread, and storms engender there,
1:65 And thunder's voice, which wretched mortals fear,
1:66 And winds that on their wings cold winter bear.
1:67 Nor were those blustring brethren left at large,
1:68 On seas, and shores, their fury to discharge:
1:69 Bound as they are, and circumscrib'd in place,
1:70 They rend the world, resistless, where they pass;
1:71 And mighty marks of mischief leave behind;
1:72 Such is the rage of their tempestuous kind.
1:73 First Eurus to the rising morn is sent
1:74 (The regions of the balmy continent);
1:75 And Eastern realms, where early Persians run,
1:76 To greet the blest appearance of the sun.
1:77 Westward, the wanton Zephyr wings his flight;
1:78 Pleas'd with the remnants of departing light:
1:79 Fierce Boreas, with his off-spring, issues forth
1:80 T' invade the frozen waggon of the North.
1:81 While frowning Auster seeks the Southern sphere;
1:82 And rots, with endless rain, th' unwholsom year.
1:83 High o'er the clouds, and empty realms of wind,
1:84 The God a clearer space for Heav'n design'd;
1:85 Where fields of light, and liquid aether flow;
1:86 Purg'd from the pondrous dregs of Earth below.
1:87 Scarce had the Pow'r distinguish'd these, when streight
1:88 The stars, no longer overlaid with weight,
1:89 Exert their heads, from underneath the mass;
1:90 And upward shoot, and kindle as they pass,
1:91 And with diffusive light adorn their heav'nly place.
1:92 Then, every void of Nature to supply,
1:93 With forms of Gods he fills the vacant sky:
1:94 New herds of beasts he sends, the plains to share:
1:95 New colonies of birds, to people air:
1:96 And to their oozy beds, the finny fish repair.
1:97 A creature of a more exalted kind
1:98 Was wanting yet, and then was Man design'd:
1:99 Conscious of thought, of more capacious breast,
1:100 For empire form'd, and fit to rule the rest:
1:101 Whether with particles of heav'nly fire
1:102 The God of Nature did his soul inspire,
1:103 Or Earth, but new divided from the sky,
1:104 And, pliant, still retain'd th' aetherial energy:
1:105 Which wise Prometheus temper'd into paste,
1:106 And, mixt with living streams, the godlike image cast.
1:107 Thus, while the mute creation downward bend
1:108 Their sight, and to their earthly mother tend,
1:109 Man looks aloft; and with erected eyes
1:110 Beholds his own hereditary skies.
1:111 From such rude principles our form began;
1:112 And earth was metamorphos'd into Man.
The Golden Age
1:113 The golden age was first; when Man yet new,
1:114 No rule but uncorrupted reason knew:
1:115 And, with a native bent, did good pursue.
1:116 Unforc'd by punishment, un-aw'd by fear,
1:117 His words were simple, and his soul sincere;
1:118 Needless was written law, where none opprest:
1:119 The law of Man was written in his breast:
1:120 No suppliant crowds before the judge appear'd,
1:121 No court erected yet, nor cause was heard:
1:122 But all was safe, for conscience was their guard.
1:123 The mountain-trees in distant prospect please,
1:124 E're yet the pine descended to the seas:
1:125 E're sails were spread, new oceans to explore:
1:126 And happy mortals, unconcern'd for more,
1:127 Confin'd their wishes to their native shore.
1:128 No walls were yet; nor fence, nor mote, nor mound,
1:129 Nor drum was heard, nor trumpet's angry sound:
1:130 Nor swords were forg'd; but void of care and crime,
1:131 The soft creation slept away their time.
1:132 The teeming Earth, yet guiltless of the plough,
1:133 And unprovok'd, did fruitful stores allow:
1:134 Content with food, which Nature freely bred,
1:135 On wildings and on strawberries they fed;
1:136 Cornels and bramble-berries gave the rest,
1:137 And falling acorns furnish'd out a feast.
1:138 The flow'rs unsown, in fields and meadows reign'd:
1:139 And Western winds immortal spring maintain'd.
1:140 In following years, the bearded corn ensu'd
1:141 From Earth unask'd, nor was that Earth renew'd.
1:142 From veins of vallies, milk and nectar broke;
1:143 And honey sweating through the pores of oak.
The Silver Age
1:144 But when good Saturn, banish'd from above,
1:145 Was driv'n to Hell, the world was under Jove.
1:146 Succeeding times a silver age behold,
1:147 Excelling brass, but more excell'd by gold.
1:148 Then summer, autumn, winter did appear:
1:149 And spring was but a season of the year.
1:150 The sun his annual course obliquely made,
1:151 Good days contracted, and enlarg'd the bad.
1:152 Then air with sultry heats began to glow;
1:153 The wings of winds were clogg'd with ice and snow;
1:154 And shivering mortals, into houses driv'n,
1:155 Sought shelter from th' inclemency of Heav'n.
1:156 Those houses, then, were caves, or homely sheds;
1:157 With twining oziers fenc'd; and moss their beds.
1:158 Then ploughs, for seed, the fruitful furrows broke,
1:159 And oxen labour'd first beneath the yoke.
The Brazen Age
1:160 To this came next in course, the brazen age:
1:161 A warlike offspring, prompt to bloody rage,
1:162 Not impious yet...
The Iron Age
1:163 Hard steel succeeded then:
1:164 And stubborn as the metal, were the men.
1:165 Truth, modesty, and shame, the world forsook:
1:166 Fraud, avarice, and force, their places took.
1:167 Then sails were spread, to every wind that blew.
1:168 Raw were the sailors, and the depths were new:
1:169 Trees, rudely hollow'd, did the waves sustain;
1:170 E're ships in triumph plough'd the watry plain.
1:171 Then land-marks limited to each his right:
1:172 For all before was common as the light.
1:173 Nor was the ground alone requir'd to bear
1:174 Her annual income to the crooked share,
1:175 But greedy mortals, rummaging her store,
1:176 Digg'd from her entrails first the precious oar;
1:177 Which next to Hell, the prudent Gods had laid;
1:178 And that alluring ill, to sight display'd.
1:179 Thus cursed steel, and more accursed gold,
1:180 Gave mischief birth, and made that mischief bold:
1:181 And double death did wretched Man invade,
1:182 By steel assaulted, and by gold betray'd,
1:183 Now (brandish'd weapons glittering in their hands)
1:184 Mankind is broken loose from moral bands;
1:185 No rights of hospitality remain:
1:186 The guest, by him who harbour'd him, is slain,
1:187 The son-in-law pursues the father's life;
1:188 The wife her husband murders, he the wife.
1:189 The step-dame poyson for the son prepares;
1:190 The son inquires into his father's years.
1:191 Faith flies, and piety in exile mourns;
1:192 And justice, here opprest, to Heav'n returns.
The Giants' War
1:193 Nor were the Gods themselves more safe above;
1:194 Against beleaguer'd Heav'n the giants move.
1:195 Hills pil'd on hills, on mountains mountains lie,
1:196 To make their mad approaches to the skie.
1:197 'Till Jove, no longer patient, took his time
1:198 T' avenge with thunder their audacious crime:
1:199 Red light'ning plaid along the firmament,
1:200 And their demolish'd works to pieces rent.
1:201 Sing'd with the flames, and with the bolts transfixt,
1:202 With native Earth, their blood the monsters mixt;
1:203 The blood, indu'd with animating heat,
1:204 Did in th' impregnant Earth new sons beget:
1:205 They, like the seed from which they sprung, accurst,
1:206 Against the Gods immortal hatred nurst,
1:207 An impious, arrogant, and cruel brood;
1:208 Expressing their original from blood.
1:209 Which when the king of Gods beheld from high
1:210 (Withal revolving in his memory,
1:211 What he himself had found on Earth of late,
1:212 Lycaon's guilt, and his inhumane treat),
1:213 He sigh'd; nor longer with his pity strove;
1:214 But kindled to a wrath becoming Jove:
1:215 Then call'd a general council of the Gods;
1:216 Who summon'd, issue from their blest abodes,
1:217 And fill th' assembly with a shining train.
1:218 A way there is, in Heav'n's expanded plain,
1:219 Which, when the skies are clear, is seen below,
1:220 And mortals, by the name of Milky, know.
1:221 The ground-work is of stars; through which the road
1:222 Lyes open to the Thunderer's abode:
1:223 The Gods of greater nations dwell around,
1:224 And, on the right and left, the palace bound;
1:225 The commons where they can: the nobler sort
1:226 With winding-doors wide open, front the court.
1:227 This place, as far as Earth with Heav'n may vie,
1:228 I dare to call the Louvre of the skie.
1:229 When all were plac'd, in seats distinctly known,
1:230 And he, their father, had assum'd the throne,
1:231 Upon his iv'ry sceptre first he leant,
1:232 Then shook his head, that shook the firmament:
1:233 Air, Earth, and seas, obey'd th' almighty nod;
1:234 And, with a gen'ral fear, confess'd the God.
1:235 At length, with indignation, thus he broke
1:236 His awful silence, and the Pow'rs bespoke.
1:237 I was not more concern'd in that debate
1:238 Of empire, when our universal state
1:239 Was put to hazard, and the giant race
1:240 Our captive skies were ready to imbrace:
1:241 For tho' the foe was fierce, the seeds of all
1:242 Rebellion, sprung from one original;
1:243 Now, wheresoever ambient waters glide,
1:244 All are corrupt, and all must be destroy'd.
1:245 Let me this holy protestation make,
1:246 By Hell, and Hell's inviolable lake,
1:247 I try'd whatever in the godhead lay:
1:248 But gangren'd members must be lopt away,
1:249 Before the nobler parts are tainted to decay.
1:250 There dwells below, a race of demi-gods,
1:251 Of nymphs in waters, and of fawns in woods:
1:252 Who, tho' not worthy yet, in Heav'n to live,
1:253 Let 'em, at least, enjoy that Earth we give.
1:254 Can these be thought securely lodg'd below,
1:255 When I my self, who no superior know,
1:256 I, who have Heav'n and Earth at my command,
1:257 Have been attempted by Lycaon's hand?
1:258 At this a murmur through the synod went,
1:259 And with one voice they vote his punishment.
1:260 Thus, when conspiring traytors dar'd to doom
1:261 The fall of Caesar, and in him of Rome,
1:262 The nations trembled with a pious fear;
1:263 All anxious for their earthly Thunderer:
1:264 Nor was their care, o Caesar, less esteem'd
1:265 By thee, than that of Heav'n for Jove was deem'd:
1:266 Who with his hand, and voice, did first restrain
1:267 Their murmurs, then resum'd his speech again.
1:268 The Gods to silence were compos'd, and sate
1:269 With reverence, due to his superior state.
1:270 Cancel your pious cares; already he
1:271 Has paid his debt to justice, and to me.
1:272 Yet what his crimes, and what my judgments were,
1:273 Remains for me thus briefly to declare.
1:274 The clamours of this vile degenerate age,
1:275 The cries of orphans, and th' oppressor's rage,
1:276 Had reach'd the stars: I will descend, said I,
1:277 In hope to prove this loud complaint a lye.
1:278 Disguis'd in humane shape, I travell'd round
1:279 The world, and more than what I heard, I found.
1:280 O'er Maenalus I took my steepy way,
1:281 By caverns infamous for beasts of prey:
1:282 Then cross'd Cyllene, and the piny shade
1:283 More infamous, by curst Lycaon made:
1:284 Dark night had cover'd Heaven, and Earth, before
1:285 I enter'd his unhospitable door.
1:286 Just at my entrance, I display'd the sign
1:287 That somewhat was approaching of divine.
1:288 The prostrate people pray; the tyrant grins;
1:289 And, adding prophanation to his sins,
1:290 I'll try, said he, and if a God appear,
1:291 To prove his deity shall cost him dear.
1:292 'Twas late; the graceless wretch my death prepares,
1:293 When I shou'd soundly sleep, opprest with cares:
1:294 This dire experiment he chose, to prove
1:295 If I were mortal, or undoubted Jove:
1:296 But first he had resolv'd to taste my pow'r;
1:297 Not long before, but in a luckless hour,
1:298 Some legates, sent from the Molossian state,
1:299 Were on a peaceful errand come to treat:
1:300 Of these he murders one, he boils the flesh;
1:301 And lays the mangled morsels in a dish:
1:302 Some part he roasts; then serves it up, so drest,
1:303 And bids me welcome to this humane feast.
1:304 Mov'd with disdain, the table I o'er-turn'd;
1:305 And with avenging flames, the palace burn'd.
1:306 The tyrant in a fright, for shelter gains
1:307 The neighb'ring fields, and scours along the plains.
1:308 Howling he fled, and fain he wou'd have spoke;
1:309 But humane voice his brutal tongue forsook.
1:310 About his lips the gather'd foam he churns,
1:311 And, breathing slaughters, still with rage he burns,
1:312 But on the bleating flock his fury turns.
1:313 His mantle, now his hide, with rugged hairs
1:314 Cleaves to his back; a famish'd face he bears;
1:315 His arms descend, his shoulders sink away
1:316 To multiply his legs for chase of prey.
1:317 He grows a wolf, his hoariness remains,
1:318 And the same rage in other members reigns.
1:319 His eyes still sparkle in a narr'wer space:
1:320 His jaws retain the grin, and violence of his face
1:321 This was a single ruin, but not one
1:322 Deserves so just a punishment alone.
1:323 Mankind's a monster, and th' ungodly times
1:324 Confed'rate into guilt, are sworn to crimes.
1:325 All are alike involv'd in ill, and all
1:326 Must by the same relentless fury fall.
1:327 Thus ended he; the greater Gods assent;
1:328 By clamours urging his severe intent;
1:329 The less fill up the cry for punishment.
1:330 Yet still with pity they remember Man;
1:331 And mourn as much as heav'nly spirits can.
1:332 They ask, when those were lost of humane birth,
1:333 What he wou'd do with all this waste of Earth:
1:334 If his dispeopl'd world he would resign
1:335 To beasts, a mute, and more ignoble line;
1:336 Neglected altars must no longer smoke,
1:337 If none were left to worship, and invoke.
1:338 To whom the Father of the Gods reply'd,
1:339 Lay that unnecessary fear aside:
1:340 Mine be the care, new people to provide.
1:341 I will from wondrous principles ordain
1:342 A race unlike the first, and try my skill again.
1:343 Already had he toss'd the flaming brand;
1:344 And roll'd the thunder in his spacious hand;
1:345 Preparing to discharge on seas and land:
1:346 But stopt, for fear, thus violently driv'n,
1:347 The sparks should catch his axle-tree of Heav'n.
1:348 Remembring in the fates, a time when fire
1:349 Shou'd to the battlements of Heaven aspire,
1:350 And all his blazing worlds above shou'd burn;
1:351 And all th' inferior globe to cinders turn.
1:352 His dire artill'ry thus dismist, he bent
1:353 His thoughts to some securer punishment:
1:354 Concludes to pour a watry deluge down;
1:355 And what he durst not burn, resolves to drown.
1:356 The northern breath, that freezes floods, he binds;
1:357 With all the race of cloud-dispelling winds:
1:358 The south he loos'd, who night and horror brings;
1:359 And foggs are shaken from his flaggy wings.
1:360 From his divided beard two streams he pours,
1:361 His head, and rheumy eyes distill in show'rs,
1:362 With rain his robe, and heavy mantle flow:
1:363 And lazy mists are lowring on his brow;
1:364 Still as he swept along, with his clench'd fist
1:365 He squeez'd the clouds, th' imprison'd clouds resist:
1:366 The skies, from pole to pole, with peals resound;
1:367 And show'rs inlarg'd, come pouring on the ground.
1:368 Then, clad in colours of a various dye,
1:369 Junonian Iris breeds a new supply
1:370 To feed the clouds: impetuous rain descends;
1:371 The bearded corn beneath the burden bends:
1:372 Defrauded clowns deplore their perish'd grain;
1:373 And the long labours of the year are vain.
1:374 Nor from his patrimonial Heaven alone
1:375 Is Jove content to pour his vengeance down;
1:376 Aid from his brother of the seas he craves,
1:377 To help him with auxiliary waves.
1:378 The watry tyrant calls his brooks and floods,
1:379 Who rowl from mossie caves (their moist abodes);
1:380 And with perpetual urns his palace fill:
1:381 To whom in brief, he thus imparts his will.
1:382 Small exhortation needs; your pow'rs employ:
1:383 And this bad world, so Jove requires, destroy.
1:384 Let loose the reins to all your watry store:
1:385 Bear down the damms, and open ev'ry door.
1:386 The floods, by Nature enemies to land,
1:387 And proudly swelling with their new command,
1:388 Remove the living stones, that stopt their way,
1:389 And gushing from their source, augment the sea.
1:390 Then, with his mace, their monarch struck the ground;
1:391 With inward trembling Earth receiv'd the wound;
1:392 And rising streams a ready passage found.
1:393 Th' expanded waters gather on the plain:
1:394 They float the fields, and over-top the grain;
1:395 Then rushing onwards, with a sweepy sway,
1:396 Bear flocks, and folds, and lab'ring hinds away.
1:397 Nor safe their dwellings were, for, sap'd by floods,
1:398 Their houses fell upon their houshold Gods.
1:399 The solid piles, too strongly built to fall,
1:400 High o'er their heads, behold a watry wall:
1:401 Now seas and Earth were in confusion lost;
1:402 A world of waters, and without a coast.
1:403 One climbs a cliff; one in his boat is born:
1:404 And ploughs above, where late he sow'd his corn.
1:405 Others o'er chimney-tops and turrets row,
1:406 And drop their anchors on the meads below:
1:407 Or downward driv'n, they bruise the tender vine,
1:408 Or tost aloft, are knock'd against a pine.
1:409 And where of late the kids had cropt the grass,
1:410 The monsters of the deep now take their place.
1:411 Insulting Nereids on the cities ride,
1:412 And wond'ring dolphins o'er the palace glide.
1:413 On leaves, and masts of mighty oaks they brouze;
1:414 And their broad fins entangle in the boughs.
1:415 The frighted wolf now swims amongst the sheep;
1:416 The yellow lion wanders in the deep:
1:417 His rapid force no longer helps the boar:
1:418 The stag swims faster, than he ran before.
1:419 The fowls, long beating on their wings in vain,
1:420 Despair of land, and drop into the main.
1:421 Now hills, and vales no more distinction know;
1:422 And levell'd Nature lies oppress'd below.
1:423 The most of mortals perish in the flood:
1:424 The small remainder dies for want of food.
1:425 A mountain of stupendous height there stands
1:426 Betwixt th' Athenian and Boeotian lands,
1:427 The bound of fruitful fields, while fields they were,
1:428 But then a field of waters did appear:
1:429 Parnassus is its name; whose forky rise
1:430 Mounts thro' the clouds, and mates the lofty skies.
1:431 High on the summit of this dubious cliff,
1:432 Deucalion wafting, moor'd his little skiff.
1:433 He with his wife were only left behind
1:434 Of perish'd Man; they two were human kind.
1:435 The mountain nymphs, and Themis they adore,
1:436 And from her oracles relief implore.
1:437 The most upright of mortal men was he;
1:438 The most sincere, and holy woman, she.
1:439 When Jupiter, surveying Earth from high,
1:440 Beheld it in a lake of water lie,
1:441 That where so many millions lately liv'd,
1:442 But two, the best of either sex, surviv'd;
1:443 He loos'd the northern wind; fierce Boreas flies
1:444 To puff away the clouds, and purge the skies:
1:445 Serenely, while he blows, the vapours driv'n,
1:446 Discover Heav'n to Earth, and Earth to Heav'n.
1:447 The billows fall, while Neptune lays his mace
1:448 On the rough sea, and smooths its furrow'd face.
1:449 Already Triton, at his call, appears
1:450 Above the waves; a Tyrian robe he wears;
1:451 And in his hand a crooked trumpet bears.
1:452 The soveraign bids him peaceful sounds inspire,
1:453 And give the waves the signal to retire.
1:454 His writhen shell he takes; whose narrow vent
1:455 Grows by degrees into a large extent,
1:456 Then gives it breath; the blast with doubling sound,
1:457 Runs the wide circuit of the world around:
1:458 The sun first heard it, in his early east,
1:459 And met the rattling ecchos in the west.
1:460 The waters, listning to the trumpet's roar,
1:461 Obey the summons, and forsake the shore.
1:462 A thin circumference of land appears;
1:463 And Earth, but not at once, her visage rears,
1:464 And peeps upon the seas from upper grounds;
1:465 The streams, but just contain'd within their bounds,
1:466 By slow degrees into their channels crawl;
1:467 And Earth increases, as the waters fall.
1:468 In longer time the tops of trees appear,
1:469 Which mud on their dishonour'd branches bear.
1:470 At length the world was all restor'd to view;
1:471 But desolate, and of a sickly hue:
1:472 Nature beheld her self, and stood aghast,
1:473 A dismal desart, and a silent waste.
1:474 Which when Deucalion, with a piteous look
1:475 Beheld, he wept, and thus to Pyrrha spoke:
1:476 Oh wife, oh sister, oh of all thy kind
1:477 The best, and only creature left behind,
1:478 By kindred, love, and now by dangers joyn'd;
1:479 Of multitudes, who breath'd the common air,
1:480 We two remain; a species in a pair:
1:481 The rest the seas have swallow'd; nor have we
1:482 Ev'n of this wretched life a certainty.
1:483 The clouds are still above; and, while I speak,
1:484 A second deluge o'er our heads may break.
1:485 Shou'd I be snatcht from hence, and thou remain,
1:486 Without relief, or partner of thy pain,
1:487 How cou'dst thou such a wretched life sustain?
1:488 Shou'd I be left, and thou be lost, the sea
1:489 That bury'd her I lov'd, shou'd bury me.
1:490 Oh cou'd our father his old arts inspire,
1:491 And make me heir of his informing fire,
1:492 That so I might abolisht Man retrieve,
1:493 And perisht people in new souls might live.
1:494 But Heav'n is pleas'd, nor ought we to complain,
1:495 That we, th' examples of mankind, remain.
1:496 He said; the careful couple joyn their tears:
1:497 And then invoke the Gods, with pious prayers.
1:498 Thus, in devotion having eas'd their grief,
1:499 From sacred oracles they seek relief;
1:500 And to Cephysus' brook their way pursue:
1:501 The stream was troubled, but the ford they knew;
1:502 With living waters, in the fountain bred,
1:503 They sprinkle first their garments, and their head,
1:504 Then took the way, which to the temple led.
1:505 The roofs were all defil'd with moss, and mire,
1:506 The desart altars void of solemn fire.
1:507 Before the gradual, prostrate they ador'd;
1:508 The pavement kiss'd; and thus the saint implor'd.
1:509 O righteous Themis, if the Pow'rs above
1:510 By pray'rs are bent to pity, and to love;
1:511 If humane miseries can move their mind;
1:512 If yet they can forgive, and yet be kind;
1:513 Tell how we may restore, by second birth,
1:514 Mankind, and people desolated Earth.
1:515 Then thus the gracious Goddess, nodding, said;
1:516 Depart, and with your vestments veil your head:
1:517 And stooping lowly down, with losen'd zones,
1:518 Throw each behind your backs, your mighty mother's bones.
1:519 Amaz'd the pair, and mute with wonder stand,
1:520 'Till Pyrrha first refus'd the dire command.
1:521 Forbid it Heav'n, said she, that I shou'd tear
1:522 Those holy reliques from the sepulcher.
1:523 They ponder'd the mysterious words again,
1:524 For some new sense; and long they sought in vain:
1:525 At length Deucalion clear'd his cloudy brow,
1:526 And said, the dark Aenigma will allow
1:527 A meaning, which, if well I understand,
1:528 From sacrilege will free the God's command:
1:529 This Earth our mighty mother is, the stones
1:530 In her capacious body, are her bones:
1:531 These we must cast behind. With hope, and fear,
1:532 The woman did the new solution hear:
1:533 The man diffides in his own augury,
1:534 And doubts the Gods; yet both resolve to try.
1:535 Descending from the mount, they first unbind
1:536 Their vests, and veil'd, they cast the stones behind:
1:537 The stones (a miracle to mortal view,
1:538 But long tradition makes it pass for true)
1:539 Did first the rigour of their kind expel,
1:540 And suppled into softness, as they fell;
1:541 Then swell'd, and swelling, by degrees grew warm;
1:542 And took the rudiments of human form.
1:543 Imperfect shapes: in marble such are seen,
1:544 When the rude chizzel does the man begin;
1:545 While yet the roughness of the stone remains,
1:546 Without the rising muscles, and the veins.
1:547 The sappy parts, and next resembling juice,
1:548 Were turn'd to moisture, for the body's use:
1:549 Supplying humours, blood, and nourishment;
1:550 The rest, too solid to receive a bent,
1:551 Converts to bones; and what was once a vein,
1:552 Its former name and Nature did retain.
1:553 By help of pow'r divine, in little space,
1:554 What the man threw, assum'd a manly face;
1:555 And what the wife, renew'd the female race.
1:556 Hence we derive our nature; born to bear
1:557 Laborious life; and harden'd into care.
1:558 The rest of animals, from teeming Earth
1:559 Produc'd, in various forms receiv'd their birth.
1:560 The native moisture, in its close retreat,
1:561 Digested by the sun's aetherial heat,
1:562 As in a kindly womb, began to breed:
1:563 Then swell'd, and quicken'd by the vital seed.
1:564 And some in less, and some in longer space,
1:565 Were ripen'd into form, and took a sev'ral face.
1:566 Thus when the Nile from Pharian fields is fled,
1:567 And seeks, with ebbing tides, his ancient bed,
1:568 The fat manure with heav'nly fire is warm'd;
1:569 And crusted creatures, as in wombs, are form'd;
1:570 These, when they turn the glebe, the peasants find;
1:571 Some rude, and yet unfinish'd in their kind:
1:572 Short of their limbs, a lame imperfect birth:
1:573 One half alive; and one of lifeless earth.
1:574 For heat, and moisture, when in bodies join'd,
1:575 The temper that results from either kind
1:576 Conception makes; and fighting 'till they mix,
1:577 Their mingled atoms in each other fix.
1:578 Thus Nature's hand the genial bed prepares
1:579 With friendly discord, and with fruitful wars.
1:580 From hence the surface of the ground, with mud
1:581 And slime besmear'd (the faeces of the flood),
1:582 Receiv'd the rays of Heav'n: and sucking in
1:583 The seeds of heat, new creatures did begin:
1:584 Some were of sev'ral sorts produc'd before,
1:585 But of new monsters, Earth created more.
1:586 Unwillingly, but yet she brought to light
1:587 Thee, Python too, the wondring world to fright,
1:588 And the new nations, with so dire a sight:
1:589 So monstrous was his bulk, so large a space
1:590 Did his vast body, and long train embrace.
1:591 Whom Phoebus basking on a bank espy'd;
1:592 E're now the God his arrows had not try'd
1:593 But on the trembling deer, or mountain goat;
1:594 At this new quarry he prepares to shoot.
1:595 Though ev'ry shaft took place, he spent the store
1:596 Of his full quiver; and 'twas long before
1:597 Th' expiring serpent wallow'd in his gore.
1:598 Then, to preserve the fame of such a deed,
1:599 For Python slain, he Pythian games decred.
1:600 Where noble youths for mastership shou'd strive,
1:601 To quoit, to run, and steeds, and chariots drive.
1:602 The prize was fame: in witness of renown
1:603 An oaken garland did the victor crown.
1:604 The laurel was not yet for triumphs born;
1:605 But every green alike by Phoebus worn,
1:606 Did, with promiscuous grace, his flowing locks adorn.
The Transformation of Daphne into a Lawrel
1:607 The first and fairest of his loves, was she
1:608 Whom not blind fortune, but the dire decree
1:609 Of angry Cupid forc'd him to desire:
1:610 Daphne her name, and Peneus was her sire.
1:611 Swell'd with the pride, that new success attends,
1:612 He sees the stripling, while his bow he bends,
1:613 And thus insults him: Thou lascivious boy,
1:614 Are arms like these for children to employ?
1:615 Know, such atchievements are my proper claim;
1:616 Due to my vigour, and unerring aim:
1:617 Resistless are my shafts, and Python late
1:618 In such a feather'd death, has found his fate.
1:619 Take up the torch (and lay my weapons by),
1:620 With that the feeble souls of lovers fry.
1:621 To whom the son of Venus thus reply'd,
1:622 Phoebus, thy shafts are sure on all beside,
1:623 But mine of Phoebus, mine the fame shall be
1:624 Of all thy conquests, when I conquer thee.
1:625 He said, and soaring, swiftly wing'd his flight:
1:626 Nor stopt but on Parnassus' airy height.
1:627 Two diff'rent shafts he from his quiver draws;
1:628 One to repel desire, and one to cause.
1:629 One shaft is pointed with refulgent gold:
1:630 To bribe the love, and make the lover bold:
1:631 One blunt, and tipt with lead, whose base allay
1:632 Provokes disdain, and drives desire away.
1:633 The blunted bolt against the nymph he drest:
1:634 But with the sharp transfixt Apollo's breast.
1:635 Th' enamour'd deity pursues the chace;
1:636 The scornful damsel shuns his loath'd embrace:
1:637 In hunting beasts of prey, her youth employs;
1:638 And Phoebe rivals in her rural joys.
1:639 With naked neck she goes, and shoulders bare;
1:640 And with a fillet binds her flowing hair.
1:641 By many suitors sought, she mocks their pains,
1:642 And still her vow'd virginity maintains.
1:643 Impatient of a yoke, the name of bride
1:644 She shuns, and hates the joys, she never try'd.
1:645 On wilds, and woods, she fixes her desire:
1:646 Nor knows what youth, and kindly love, inspire.
1:647 Her father chides her oft: Thou ow'st, says he,
1:648 A husband to thy self, a son to me.
1:649 She, like a crime, abhors the nuptial bed:
1:650 She glows with blushes, and she hangs her head.
1:651 Then casting round his neck her tender arms,
1:652 Sooths him with blandishments, and filial charms:
1:653 Give me, my Lord, she said, to live, and die,
1:654 A spotless maid, without the marriage tye.
1:655 'Tis but a small request; I beg no more
1:656 Than what Diana's father gave before.
1:657 The good old sire was soften'd to consent;
1:658 But said her wish wou'd prove her punishment:
1:659 For so much youth, and so much beauty join'd,
1:660 Oppos'd the state, which her desires design'd.
1:661 The God of light, aspiring to her bed,
1:662 Hopes what he seeks, with flattering fancies fed;
1:663 And is, by his own oracles, mis-led.
1:664 And as in empty fields the stubble burns,
1:665 Or nightly travellers, when day returns,
1:666 Their useless torches on dry hedges throw,
1:667 That catch the flames, and kindle all the row;
1:668 So burns the God, consuming in desire,
1:669 And feeding in his breast a fruitless fire:
1:670 Her well-turn'd neck he view'd (her neck was bare)
1:671 And on her shoulders her dishevel'd hair;
1:672 Oh were it comb'd, said he, with what a grace
1:673 Wou'd every waving curl become her face!
1:674 He view'd her eyes, like heav'nly lamps that shone,
1:675 He view'd her lips, too sweet to view alone,
1:676 Her taper fingers, and her panting breast;
1:677 He praises all he sees, and for the rest
1:678 Believes the beauties yet unseen are best:
1:679 Swift as the wind, the damsel fled away,
1:680 Nor did for these alluring speeches stay:
1:681 Stay Nymph, he cry'd, I follow, not a foe.
1:682 Thus from the lyon trips the trembling doe;
1:683 Thus from the wolf the frighten'd lamb removes,
1:684 And, from pursuing faulcons, fearful doves;
1:685 Thou shunn'st a God, and shunn'st a God, that loves.
1:686 Ah, lest some thorn shou'd pierce thy tender foot,
1:687 Or thou shou'dst fall in flying my pursuit!
1:688 To sharp uneven ways thy steps decline;
1:689 Abate thy speed, and I will bate of mine.
1:690 Yet think from whom thou dost so rashly fly;
1:691 Nor basely born, nor shepherd's swain am I.
1:692 Perhaps thou know'st not my superior state;
1:693 And from that ignorance proceeds thy hate.
1:694 Me Claros, Delphi, Tenedos obey;
1:695 These hands the Patareian scepter sway.
1:696 The King of Gods begot me: what shall be,
1:697 Or is, or ever was, in Fate, I see.
1:698 Mine is th' invention of the charming lyre;
1:699 Sweet notes, and heav'nly numbers, I inspire.
1:700 Sure is my bow, unerring is my dart;
1:701 But ah! more deadly his, who pierc'd my heart.
1:702 Med'cine is mine; what herbs and simples grow
1:703 In fields, and forrests, all their pow'rs I know;
1:704 And am the great physician call'd, below.
1:705 Alas that fields and forrests can afford.
1:706 No remedies to heal their love-sick lord!
1:707 To cure the pains of love, no plant avails:
1:708 And his own physick, the physician falls.
1:709 She heard not half; so furiously she flies;
1:710 And on her ear th' imperfect accent dies,
1:711 Fear gave her wings; and as she fled, the wind
1:712 Increasing, spread her flowing hair behind;
1:713 And left her legs and thighs expos'd to view:
1:714 Which made the God more eager to pursue.
1:715 The God was young, and was too hotly bent
1:716 To lose his time in empty compliment:
1:717 But led by love, and fir'd with such a sight,
1:718 Impetuously pursu'd his near delight.
1:719 As when th' impatient greyhound slipt from far,
1:720 Bounds o'er the glebe to course the fearful hare,
1:721 She in her speed does all her safety lay;
1:722 And he with double speed pursues the prey;
1:723 O'er-runs her at the sitting turn, and licks
1:724 His chaps in vain, and blows upon the flix:
1:725 She scapes, and for the neighb'ring covert strives,
1:726 And gaining shelter, doubts if yet she lives:
1:727 If little things with great we may compare,
1:728 Such was the God, and such the flying fair,
1:729 She urg'd by fear, her feet did swiftly move,
1:730 But he more swiftly, who was urg'd by love.
1:731 He gathers ground upon her in the chace:
1:732 Now breathes upon her hair, with nearer pace;
1:733 And just is fast'ning on the wish'd embrace.
1:734 The nymph grew pale, and in a mortal fright,
1:735 Spent with the labour of so long a flight;
1:736 And now despairing, cast a mournful look
1:737 Upon the streams of her paternal brook;
1:738 Oh help, she cry'd, in this extreamest need!
1:739 If water Gods are deities indeed:
1:740 Gape Earth, and this unhappy wretch intomb;
1:741 Or change my form, whence all my sorrows come.
1:742 Scarce had she finish'd, when her feet she found
1:743 Benumb'd with cold, and fasten'd to the ground:
1:744 A filmy rind about her body grows;
1:745 Her hair to leaves, her arms extend to boughs:
1:746 The nymph is all into a lawrel gone;
1:747 The smoothness of her skin remains alone.
1:748 Yet Phoebus loves her still, and casting round
1:749 Her bole, his arms, some little warmth he found.
1:750 The tree still panted in th' unfinish'd part:
1:751 Not wholly vegetive, and heav'd her heart.
1:752 He fixt his lips upon the trembling rind;
1:753 It swerv'd aside, and his embrace declin'd.
1:754 To whom the God, Because thou canst not be
1:755 My mistress, I espouse thee for my tree:
1:756 Be thou the prize of honour, and renown;
1:757 The deathless poet, and the poem, crown.
1:758 Thou shalt the Roman festivals adorn,
1:759 And, after poets, be by victors worn.
1:760 Thou shalt returning Caesar's triumph grace;
1:761 When pomps shall in a long procession pass.
1:762 Wreath'd on the posts before his palace wait;
1:763 And be the sacred guardian of the gate.
1:764 Secure from thunder, and unharm'd by Jove,
1:765 Unfading as th' immortal Pow'rs above:
1:766 And as the locks of Phoebus are unshorn,
1:767 So shall perpetual green thy boughs adorn.
1:768 The grateful tree was pleas'd with what he said;
1:769 And shook the shady honours of her head.
The Transformation of Io into a Heyfer
1:770 An ancient forest in Thessalia grows;
1:771 Which Tempe's pleasing valley does inclose:
1:772 Through this the rapid Peneus take his course;
1:773 From Pindus rolling with impetuous force;
1:774 Mists from the river's mighty fall arise:
1:775 And deadly damps inclose the cloudy skies:
1:776 Perpetual fogs are hanging o'er the wood;
1:777 And sounds of waters deaf the neighbourhood.
1:778 Deep, in a rocky cave, he makes abode
1:779 (A mansion proper for a mourning God).
1:780 Here he gives audience; issuing out decrees
1:781 To rivers, his dependant deities.
1:782 On this occasion hither they resort;
1:783 To pay their homage, and to make their court.
1:784 All doubtful, whether to congratulate
1:785 His daughter's honour, or lament her fate.
1:786 Sperchaeus, crown'd with poplar, first appears;
1:787 Then old Apidanus came crown'd with years:
1:788 Enipeus turbulent, Amphrysos tame;
1:789 And Aeas last with lagging waters came.
1:790 Then, of his kindred brooks, a num'rous throng
1:791 Condole his loss; and bring their urns along.
1:792 Not one was wanting of the wat'ry train,
1:793 That fill'd his flood, or mingled with the main:
1:794 But Inachus, who in his cave, alone,
1:795 Wept not another's losses, but his own,
1:796 For his dear Io, whether stray'd, or dead,
1:797 To him uncertain, doubtful tears he shed.
1:798 He sought her through the world; but sought in vain;
1:799 And no where finding, rather fear'd her slain.
1:800 Her, just returning from her father's brook,
1:801 Jove had beheld, with a desiring look:
1:802 And, Oh fair daughter of the flood, he said,
1:803 Worthy alone of Jove's imperial bed,
1:804 Happy whoever shall those charms possess;
1:805 The king of Gods (nor is thy lover less)
1:806 Invites thee to yon cooler shades; to shun
1:807 The scorching rays of the meridian sun.
1:808 Nor shalt thou tempt the dangers of the grove
1:809 Alone, without a guide; thy guide is Jove.
1:810 No puny Pow'r, but he whose high command
1:811 Is unconfin'd, who rules the seas and land;
1:812 And tempers thunder in his awful hand,
1:813 Oh fly not: for she fled from his embrace
1:814 O'er Lerna's pastures: he pursu'd the chace
1:815 Along the shades of the Lyrcaean plain;
1:816 At length the God, who never asks in vain,
1:817 Involv'd with vapours, imitating night,
1:818 Both Air, and Earth; and then suppress'd her flight,
1:819 And mingling force with love, enjoy'd the full delight.
1:820 Mean-time the jealous Juno, from on high,
1:821 Survey'd the fruitful fields of Arcady;
1:822 And wonder'd that the mist shou'd over-run
1:823 The face of day-light, and obscure the sun.
1:824 No nat'ral cause she found, from brooks, or bogs,
1:825 Or marshy lowlands, to produce the fogs;
1:826 Then round the skies she sought for Jupiter,
1:827 Her faithless husband; but no Jove was there:
1:828 Suspecting now the worst, Or I, she said,
1:829 Am much mistaken, or am much betray'd.
1:830 With fury she precipitates her flight:
1:831 Dispels the shadows of dissembled night;
1:832 And to the day restores his native light.
1:833 Th' Almighty Leacher, careful to prevent
1:834 The consequence, foreseeing her descent,
1:835 Transforms his mistress in a trice; and now
1:836 In Io's place appears a lovely cow.
1:837 So sleek her skin, so faultless was her make,
1:838 Ev'n Juno did unwilling pleasure take
1:839 To see so fair a rival of her love;
1:840 And what she was, and whence, enquir'd of Jove:
1:841 Of what fair herd, and from what pedigree?
1:842 The God, half caught, was forc'd upon a lye:
1:843 And said she sprung from Earth. She took the word,
1:844 And begg'd the beauteous heyfer of her lord.
1:845 What should he do? 'twas equal shame to Jove
1:846 Or to relinquish, or betray his love:
1:847 Yet to refuse so slight a gift, wou'd be
1:848 But more t' increase his consort's jealousie:
1:849 Thus fear, and love, by turns, his heart assail'd;
1:850 And stronger love had sure, at length, prevail'd:
1:851 But some faint hope remain'd, his jealous queen
1:852 Had not the mistress through the heyfer seen.
1:853 The cautious Goddess, of her gift possest,
1:854 Yet harbour'd anxious thoughts within her breast;
1:855 As she who knew the falshood of her Jove;
1:856 And justly fear'd some new relapse of love.
1:857 Which to prevent, and to secure her care,
1:858 To trusty Argus she commits the fair.
1:859 The head of Argus (as with stars the skies)
1:860 Was compass'd round, and wore an hundred eyes.
1:861 But two by turns their lids in slumber steep;
1:862 The rest on duty still their station keep;
1:863 Nor cou'd the total constellation sleep.
1:864 Thus, ever present, to his eyes, and mind,
1:865 His charge was still before him, tho' behind.
1:866 In fields he suffer'd her to feed by Day,
1:867 But when the setting sun to night gave way,
1:868 The captive cow he summon'd with a call;
1:869 And drove her back, and ty'd her to the stall.
1:870 On leaves of trees, and bitter herbs she fed,
1:871 Heav'n was her canopy, bare earth her bed:
1:872 So hardly lodg'd, and to digest her food,
1:873 She drank from troubled streams, defil'd with mud.
1:874 Her woeful story fain she wou'd have told,
1:875 With hands upheld, but had no hands to hold.
1:876 Her head to her ungentle keeper bow'd,
1:877 She strove to speak, she spoke not, but she low'd:
1:878 Affrighted with the noise, she look'd around,
1:879 And seem'd t' inquire the author of the sound.
1:880 Once on the banks where often she had play'd
1:881 (Her father's banks), she came, and there survey'd
1:882 Her alter'd visage, and her branching head;
1:883 And starting, from her self she wou'd have fled.
1:884 Her fellow nymphs, familiar to her eyes,
1:885 Beheld, but knew her not in this disguise.
1:886 Ev'n Inachus himself was ignorant;
1:887 And in his daughter, did his daughter want.
1:888 She follow'd where her fellows went, as she
1:889 Were still a partner of the company:
1:890 They stroak her neck; the gentle heyfer stands,
1:891 And her neck offers to their stroaking hands.
1:892 Her father gave her grass; the grass she took;
1:893 And lick'd his palms, and cast a piteous look;
1:894 And in the language of her eyes, she spoke.
1:895 She wou'd have told her name, and ask'd relief,
1:896 But wanting words, in tears she tells her grief.
1:897 Which, with her foot she makes him understand;
1:898 And prints the name of Io in the sand.
1:899 Ah wretched me! her mournful father cry'd;
1:900 She, with a sigh, to wretched me reply'd:
1:901 About her milk-white neck, his arms he threw;
1:902 And wept, and then these tender words ensue.
1:903 And art thou she, whom I have sought around
1:904 The world, and have at length so sadly found?
1:905 So found, is worse than lost: with mutual words
1:906 Thou answer'st not, no voice thy tongue affords:
1:907 But sighs are deeply drawn from out thy breast;
1:908 And speech deny'd, by lowing is express'd.
1:909 Unknowing, I prepar'd thy bridal bed;
1:910 With empty hopes of happy issue fed.
1:911 But now the husband of a herd must be
1:912 Thy mate, and bell'wing sons thy progeny.
1:913 Oh, were I mortal, death might bring relief:
1:914 But now my God-head but extends my grief:
1:915 Prolongs my woes, of which no end I see,
1:916 And makes me curse my immortality!
1:917 More had he said, but fearful of her stay,
1:918 The starry guardian drove his charge away,
1:919 To some fresh pasture; on a hilly height
1:920 He sate himself, and kept her still in sight.
The Eyes of Argus transform'd into a Peacock's Train
1:922 Now Jove no longer cou'd her suff'rings bear;
1:923 But call'd in haste his airy messenger,
1:924 The son of Maia, with severe decree
1:925 To kill the keeper, and to set her free.
1:926 With all his harness soon the God was sped,
1:927 His flying hat was fastned on his head,
1:928 Wings on his heels were hung, and in his hand
1:929 He holds the vertue of the snaky wand.
1:930 The liquid air his moving pinions wound,
1:931 And, in the moment, shoot him on the ground.
1:932 Before he came in sight, the crafty God
1:933 His wings dismiss'd, but still retain'd his rod:
1:934 That sleep-procuring wand wise Hermes took,
1:935 But made it seem to sight a sherpherd's hook.
1:936 With this, he did a herd of goats controul;
1:937 Which by the way he met, and slily stole.
1:938 Clad like a country swain, he pip'd, and sung;
1:939 And playing, drove his jolly troop along.
1:940 With pleasure, Argus the musician heeds;
1:941 But wonders much at those new vocal reeds.
1:942 And whosoe'er thou art, my friend, said he,
1:943 Up hither drive thy goats, and play by me:
1:944 This hill has browz for them, and shade for thee.
1:945 The God, who was with ease induc'd to climb,
1:946 Began discourse to pass away the time;
1:947 And still betwixt, his tuneful pipe he plies;
1:948 And watch'd his hour, to close the keeper's eyes.
1:949 With much ado, he partly kept awake;
1:950 Not suff'ring all his eyes repose to take:
1:951 And ask'd the stranger, who did reeds invent,
1:952 And whence began so rare an instrument?
The Transformation of Syrinx into Reeds
1:953 Then Hermes thus: A nymph of late there was
1:954 Whose heav'nly form her fellows did surpass.
1:955 The pride and joy of fair Arcadia's plains,
1:956 Belov'd by deities, ador'd by swains:
1:957 Syrinx her name, by Sylvans oft pursu'd,
1:958 As oft she did the lustful Gods delude:
1:959 The rural, and the woodland Pow'rs disdain'd;
1:960 With Cynthia hunted, and her rites maintain'd:
1:961 Like Phoebe clad, even Phoebe's self she seems,
1:962 So tall, so streight, such well-proportion'd limbs:
1:963 The nicest eye did no distinction know,
1:964 But that the goddess bore a golden bow:
1:965 Distinguish'd thus, the sight she cheated too.
1:966 Descending from Lycaeus, Pan admires
1:967 The matchless nymph, and burns with new desires.
1:968 A crown of pine upon his head he wore;
1:969 And thus began her pity to implore.
1:970 But e'er he thus began, she took her flight
1:971 So swift, she was already out of sight.
1:972 Nor stay'd to hear the courtship of the God;
1:973 But bent her course to Ladon's gentle flood:
1:974 There by the river stopt, and tir'd before;
1:975 Relief from water nymphs her pray'rs implore.
1:976 Now while the lustful God, with speedy pace,
1:977 Just thought to strain her in a strict embrace,
1:978 He fill'd his arms with reeds, new rising on the place.
1:979 And while he sighs, his ill success to find,
1:980 The tender canes were shaken by the wind;
1:981 And breath'd a mournful air, unheard before;
1:982 That much surprizing Pan, yet pleas'd him more.
1:983 Admiring this new musick, Thou, he said,
1:984 Who canst not be the partner of my bed,
1:985 At least shall be the confort of my mind:
1:986 And often, often to my lips be joyn'd.
1:987 He form'd the reeds, proportion'd as they are,
1:988 Unequal in their length, and wax'd with care,
1:989 They still retain the name of his ungrateful fair.
1:990 While Hermes pip'd, and sung, and told his tale,
1:991 The keeper's winking eyes began to fail,
1:992 And drowsie slumber on the lids to creep;
1:993 'Till all the watchman was at length asleep.
1:994 Then soon the God his voice, and song supprest;
1:995 And with his pow'rful rod confirm'd his rest:
1:996 Without delay his crooked faulchion drew,
1:997 And at one fatal stroke the keeper slew.
1:998 Down from the rock fell the dissever'd head,
1:999 Opening its eyes in death; and falling, bled;
1:1000 And mark'd the passage with a crimson trail:
1:1001 Thus Argus lies in pieces, cold, and pale;
1:1002 And all his hundred eyes, with all their light,
1:1003 Are clos'd at once, in one perpetual night.
1:1004 These Juno takes, that they no more may fail,
1:1005 And spreads them in her peacock's gaudy tail.
1:1006 Impatient to revenge her injur'd bed,
1:1007 She wreaks her anger on her rival's head;
1:1008 With Furies frights her from her native home;
1:1009 And drives her gadding, round the world to roam:
1:1010 Nor ceas'd her madness, and her flight, before
1:1011 She touch'd the limits of the Pharian shore.
1:1012 At length, arriving on the banks of Nile,
1:1013 Wearied with length of ways, and worn with toil,
1:1014 She laid her down; and leaning on her knees,
1:1015 Invok'd the cause of all her miseries:
1:1016 And cast her languishing regards above,
1:1017 For help from Heav'n, and her ungrateful Jove.
1:1018 She sigh'd, she wept, she low'd; 'twas all she cou'd;
1:1019 And with unkindness seem'd to tax the God.
1:1020 Last, with an humble pray'r, she beg'd repose,
1:1021 Or death at least, to finish all her woes.
1:1022 Jove heard her vows, and with a flatt'ring look,
1:1023 In her behalf to jealous Juno spoke,
1:1024 He cast his arms about her neck, and said,
1:1025 Dame, rest secure; no more thy nuptial bed
1:1026 This nymph shall violate; by Styx I swear,
1:1027 And every oath that binds the Thunderer.
1:1028 The Goddess was appeas'd; and at the word
1:1029 Was Io to her former shape restor'd.
1:1030 The rugged hair began to fall away;
1:1031 The sweetness of her eyes did only stay,
1:1032 Tho' not so large; her crooked horns decrease;
1:1033 The wideness of her jaws and nostrils cease:
1:1034 Her hoofs to hands return, in little space:
1:1035 The five long taper fingers take their place,
1:1036 And nothing of the heyfer now is seen,
1:1037 Beside the native whiteness of the skin.
1:1038 Erected on her feet she walks again:
1:1039 And two the duty of the four sustain.
1:1040 She tries her tongue; her silence softly breaks,
1:1041 And fears her former lowings when she speaks:
1:1042 A Goddess now, through all th' Aegyptian State:
1:1043 And serv'd by priests, who in white linnen wait.
1:1044 Her son was Epaphus, at length believ'd
1:1045 The son of Jove, and as a God receiv'd;
1:1046 With sacrifice ador'd, and publick pray'rs,
1:1047 He common temples with his mother shares.
1:1048 Equal in years, and rival in renown
1:1049 With Epaphus, the youthful Phaeton
1:1050 Like honour claims; and boasts his sire the sun.
1:1051 His haughty looks, and his assuming air,
1:1052 The son of Isis could no longer bear:
1:1053 Thou tak'st thy mother's word too far, said he,
1:1054 And hast usurp'd thy boasted pedigree.
1:1055 Go, base pretender to a borrow'd name.
1:1056 Thus tax'd, he blush'd with anger, and with shame;
1:1057 But shame repress'd his rage: the daunted youth
1:1058 Soon seeks his mother, and enquires the truth:
1:1059 Mother, said he, this infamy was thrown
1:1060 By Epaphus on you, and me your son.
1:1061 He spoke in publick, told it to my face;
1:1062 Nor durst I vindicate the dire disgrace:
1:1063 Even I, the bold, the sensible of wrong,
1:1064 Restrain'd by shame, was forc'd to hold my tongue.
1:1065 To hear an open slander, is a curse:
1:1066 But not to find an answer, is a worse.
1:1067 If I am Heav'n-begot, assert your son
1:1068 By some sure sign; and make my father known,
1:1069 To right my honour, and redeem your own.
1:1070 He said, and saying cast his arms about
1:1071 Her neck, and beg'd her to resolve the doubt.
1:1072 'Tis hard to judge if Clymene were mov'd
1:1073 More by his pray'r, whom she so dearly lov'd,
1:1074 Or more with fury fir'd, to find her name
1:1075 Traduc'd, and made the sport of common fame.
1:1076 She stretch'd her arms to Heav'n, and fix'd her eyes
1:1077 On that fair planet that adorns the skies;
1:1078 Now by those beams, said she, whose holy fires
1:1079 Consume my breast, and kindle my desires;
1:1080 By him, who sees us both, and clears our sight,
1:1081 By him, the publick minister of light,
1:1082 I swear that Sun begot thee; if I lye,
1:1083 Let him his chearful influence deny:
1:1084 Let him no more this perjur'd creature see;
1:1085 And shine on all the world but only me.
1:1086 If still you doubt your mother's innocence,
1:1087 His eastern mansion is not far from hence;
1:1088 With little pains you to his Leve go,
1:1089 And from himself your parentage may know.
1:1090 With joy th' ambitious youth his mother heard,
1:1091 And eager, for the journey soon prepar'd.
1:1092 He longs the world beneath him to survey;
1:1093 To guide the chariot; and to give the day:
1:1094 From Meroe's burning sands he bends his course,
1:1095 Nor less in India feels his father's force:
1:1096 His travel urging, till he came in sight;
1:1097 And saw the palace by the purple light.
BOOK THE SECOND
The Story of Phaeton
2:1 The Sun's bright palace, on high columns rais'd,
2:2 With burnish'd gold and flaming jewels blaz'd;
2:3 The folding gates diffus'd a silver light,
2:4 And with a milder gleam refresh'd the sight;
2:5 Of polish'd iv'ry was the cov'ring wrought:
2:6 The matter vied not with the sculptor's thought,
2:7 For in the portal was display'd on high
2:8 (The work of Vulcan) a fictitious sky;
2:9 A waving sea th' inferiour Earth embrac'd,
2:10 And Gods and Goddesses the waters grac'd.
2:11 Aegeon here a mighty whale bestrode;
2:12 Triton, and Proteus (the deceiving God)
2:13 With Doris here were carv'd, and all her train,
2:14 Some loosely swimming in the figur'd main,
2:15 While some on rocks their dropping hair divide,
2:16 And some on fishes through the waters glide:
2:17 Tho' various features did the sisters grace,
2:18 A sister's likeness was in ev'ry face.
2:19 On Earth a diff'rent landskip courts the eyes,
2:20 Men, towns, and beasts in distant prospects rise,
2:21 And nymphs, and streams, and woods, and rural deities.
2:22 O'er all, the Heav'n's refulgent image shines;
2:23 On either gate were six engraven signs.
2:24 Here Phaeton still gaining on th' ascent,
2:25 To his suspected father's palace went,
2:26 'Till pressing forward through the bright abode,
2:27 He saw at distance the illustrious God:
2:28 He saw at distance, or the dazling light
2:29 Had flash'd too strongly on his aking sight.
2:30 The God sits high, exalted on a throne
2:31 Of blazing gems, with purple garments on;
2:32 The Hours, in order rang'd on either hand,
2:33 And Days, and Months, and Years, and Ages stand.
2:34 Here Spring appears with flow'ry chaplets bound;
2:35 Here Summer in her wheaten garland crown'd;
2:36 Here Autumn the rich trodden grapes besmear;
2:37 And hoary Winter shivers in the reer.
2:38 Phoebus beheld the youth from off his throne;
2:39 That eye, which looks on all, was fix'd in one.
2:40 He saw the boy's confusion in his face,
2:41 Surpriz'd at all the wonders of the place;
2:42 And cries aloud, "What wants my son? for know
2:43 My son thou art, and I must call thee so."
2:44 "Light of the world," the trembling youth replies,
2:45 "Illustrious parent! since you don't despise
2:46 The parent's name, some certain token give,
2:47 That I may Clymene's proud boast believe,
2:48 Nor longer under false reproaches grieve."
2:49 The tender sire was touch'd with what he said,
2:50 And flung the blaze of glories from his head,
2:51 And bid the youth advance: "My son," said he,
2:52 "Come to thy father's arms! for Clymene
2:53 Has told thee true; a parent's name I own,
2:54 And deem thee worthy to be called my son.
2:55 As a sure proof, make some request, and I,
2:56 Whate'er it be, with that request comply;
2:57 By Styx I swear, whose waves are hid in night,
2:58 And roul impervious to my piercing sight."
2:59 The youth transported, asks, without delay,
2:60 To guide the sun's bright chariot for a day.
2:61 The God repented of the oath he took,
2:62 For anguish thrice his radiant head he shook;
2:63 "My son," says he, "some other proof require,
2:64 Rash was my promise, rash is thy desire.
2:65 I'd fain deny this wish, which thou hast made,
2:66 Or, what I can't deny, wou'd fain disswade.
2:67 Too vast and hazardous the task appears,
2:68 Nor suited to thy strength, nor to thy years.
2:69 Thy lot is mortal, but thy wishes fly
2:70 Beyond the province of mortality:
2:71 There is not one of all the Gods that dares
2:72 (However skill'd in other great affairs)
2:73 To mount the burning axle-tree, but I;
2:74 Not Jove himself, the ruler of the sky,
2:75 That hurles the three-fork'd thunder from above,
2:76 Dares try his strength: yet who so strong as Jove?
2:77 The steeds climb up the first ascent with pain,
2:78 And when the middle firmament they gain,
2:79 If downward from the Heav'ns my head I bow,
2:80 And see the Earth and Ocean hang below,
2:81 Ev'n I am seiz'd with horror and affright,
2:82 And my own heart misgives me at the sight.
2:83 A mighty downfal steeps the ev'ning stage,
2:84 And steddy reins must curb the horses' rage.
2:85 Tethys herself has fear'd to see me driv'n
2:86 Down headlong from the precipice of Heav'n.
2:87 Besides, consider what impetuous force
2:88 Turns stars and planets in a diff'rent course.
2:89 I steer against their motions; nor am I
2:90 Born back by all the current of the sky.
2:91 But how cou'd you resist the orbs that roul
2:92 In adverse whirls, and stem the rapid pole?
2:93 But you perhaps may hope for pleasing woods,
2:94 And stately dooms, and cities fill'd with Gods;
2:95 While through a thousand snares your progress lies,
2:96 Where forms of starry monsters stock the skies:
2:97 For, shou'd you hit the doubtful way aright,
2:98 The bull with stooping horns stands opposite;
2:99 Next him the bright Haemonian bow is strung,
2:100 And next, the lion's grinning visage hung:
2:101 The scorpion's claws, here clasp a wide extent;
2:102 And here the crab's in lesser clasps are bent.
2:103 Nor wou'd you find it easie to compose
2:104 The mettled steeds, when from their nostrils flows
2:105 The scorching fire, that in their entrails glows.
2:106 Ev'n I their head-strong fury scarce restrain,
2:107 When they grow warm and restif to the rein.
2:108 Let not my son a fatal gift require,
2:109 But, O! in time, recall your rash desire;
2:110 You ask a gift that may your parent tell,
2:111 Let these my fears your parentage reveal;
2:112 And learn a father from a father's care:
2:113 Look on my face; or if my heart lay bare,
2:114 Cou'd you but look, you'd read the father there.
2:115 Chuse out a gift from seas, or Earth, or skies,
2:116 For open to your wish all Nature lies,
2:117 Only decline this one unequal task,
2:118 For 'tis a mischief, not a gift, you ask.
2:119 You ask a real mischief, Phaeton:
2:120 Nay hang not thus about my neck, my son:
2:121 I grant your wish, and Styx has heard my voice,
2:122 Chuse what you will, but make a wiser choice."
2:123 Thus did the God th' unwary youth advise;
2:124 But he still longs to travel through the skies.
2:125 When the fond father (for in vain he pleads)
2:126 At length to the Vulcanian Chariot leads.
2:127 A golden axle did the work uphold,
2:128 Gold was the beam, the wheels were orb'd with gold.
2:129 The spokes in rows of silver pleas'd the sight,
2:130 The seat with party-colour'd gems was bright;
2:131 Apollo shin'd amid the glare of light.
2:132 The youth with secret joy the work surveys,
2:133 When now the moon disclos'd her purple rays;
2:134 The stars were fled, for Lucifer had chased
2:135 The stars away, and fled himself at last.
2:136 Soon as the father saw the rosy morn,
2:137 And the moon shining with a blunter horn,
2:138 He bid the nimble Hours, without delay,
2:139 Bring forth the steeds; the nimble Hours obey:
2:140 From their full racks the gen'rous steeds retire,
2:141 Dropping ambrosial foams, and snorting fire.
2:142 Still anxious for his son, the God of day,
2:143 To make him proof against the burning ray,
2:144 His temples with celestial ointment wet,
2:145 Of sov'reign virtue to repel the heat;
2:146 Then fix'd the beamy circle on his head,
2:147 And fetch'd a deep foreboding sigh, and said,
2:148 "Take this at least, this last advice, my son,
2:149 Keep a stiff rein, and move but gently on:
2:150 The coursers of themselves will run too fast,
2:151 Your art must be to moderate their haste.
2:152 Drive 'em not on directly through the skies,
2:153 But where the Zodiac's winding circle lies,
2:154 Along the midmost Zone; but sally forth
2:155 Nor to the distant south, nor stormy north.
2:156 The horses' hoofs a beaten track will show,
2:157 But neither mount too high, nor sink too low.
2:158 That no new fires, or Heav'n or Earth infest;
2:159 Keep the mid way, the middle way is best.
2:160 Nor, where in radiant folds the serpent twines,
2:161 Direct your course, nor where the altar shines.
2:162 Shun both extreams; the rest let Fortune guide,
2:163 And better for thee than thy self provide!
2:164 See, while I speak, the shades disperse away,
2:165 Aurora gives the promise of a day;
2:166 I'm call'd, nor can I make a longer stay.
2:167 Snatch up the reins; or still th' attempt forsake,
2:168 And not my chariot, but my counsel, take,
2:169 While yet securely on the Earth you stand;
2:170 Nor touch the horses with too rash a hand.
2:171 Let me alone to light the world, while you
2:172 Enjoy those beams which you may safely view."
2:173 He spoke in vain; the youth with active heat
2:174 And sprightly vigour vaults into the seat;
2:175 And joys to hold the reins, and fondly gives
2:176 Those thanks his father with remorse receives.
2:177 Mean-while the restless horses neigh'd aloud,
2:178 Breathing out fire, and pawing where they stood.
2:179 Tethys, not knowing what had past, gave way,
2:180 And all the waste of Heav'n before 'em lay.
2:181 They spring together out, and swiftly bear
2:182 The flying youth thro' clouds and yielding air;
2:183 With wingy speed outstrip the eastern wind,
2:184 And leave the breezes of the morn behind.
2:185 The youth was light, nor cou'd he fill the seat,
2:186 Or poise the chariot with its wonted weight:
2:187 But as at sea th' unballass'd vessel rides,
2:188 Cast to and fro, the sport of winds and tides;
2:189 So in the bounding chariot toss'd on high,
2:190 The youth is hurry'd headlong through the sky.
2:191 Soon as the steeds perceive it, they forsake
2:192 Their stated course, and leave the beaten track.
2:193 The youth was in a maze, nor did he know
2:194 Which way to turn the reins, or where to go;
2:195 Nor wou'd the horses, had he known, obey.
2:196 Then the sev'n stars first felt Apollo's ray,
2:197 And wish'd to dip in the forbidden sea.
2:198 The folded serpent next the frozen pole,
2:199 Stiff and benum'd before, began to rowle,
2:200 And raged with inward heat, and threaten'd war,
2:201 And shot a redder light from ev'ry star;
2:202 Nay, and 'tis said Bootes too, that fain
2:203 Thou woud'st have fled, tho' cumber'd with thy wane.
2:204 Th' unhappy youth then, bending down his head,
2:205 Saw Earth and Ocean far beneath him spread.
2:206 His colour chang'd, he startled at the sight,
2:207 And his eyes darken'd by too great a light.
2:208 Now cou'd he wish the fiery steeds untry'd,
2:209 His birth obscure, and his request deny'd:
2:210 Now wou'd he Merops for his father own,
2:211 And quit his boasted kindred to the sun.
2:212 So fares the pilot, when his ship is tost
2:213 In troubled seas, and all its steerage lost,
2:214 He gives her to the winds, and in despair
2:215 Seeks his last refuge in the Gods and pray'r.
2:216 What cou'd he do? his eyes, if backward cast,
2:217 Find a long path he had already past;
2:218 If forward, still a longer path they find:
2:219 Both he compares, and measures in his mind;
2:220 And sometimes casts an eye upon the east,
2:221 And sometimes looks on the forbidden west,
2:222 The horses' names he knew not in the fright,
2:223 Nor wou'd he loose the reins, nor cou'd he hold 'em right.
2:224 Now all the horrors of the Heav'ns he spies,
2:225 And monstrous shadows of prodigious size,
2:226 That, deck'd with stars, lye scatter'd o'er the skies.
2:227 There is a place above, where Scorpio bent
2:228 In tail and arms surrounds a vast extent;
2:229 In a wide circuit of the Heav'ns he shines,
2:230 And fills the space of two coelestial signs.
2:231 Soon as the youth beheld him vex'd with heat
2:232 Brandish his sting, and in his poison sweat,
2:233 Half dead with sudden fear he dropt the reins;
2:234 The horses felt 'em loose upon their mains,
2:235 And, flying out through all the plains above,
2:236 Ran uncontroul'd where-e're their fury drove;
2:237 Rush'd on the stars, and through a pathless way
2:238 Of unknown regions hurry'd on the day.
2:239 And now above, and now below they flew,
2:240 And near the Earth the burning chariot drew.
2:241 The clouds disperse in fumes, the wond'ring Moon
2:242 Beholds her brother's steeds beneath her own;
2:243 The highlands smoak, cleft by the piercing rays,
2:244 Or, clad with woods, in their own fewel blaze.
2:245 Next o'er the plains, where ripen'd harvests grow,
2:246 The running conflagration spreads below.
2:247 But these are trivial ills: whole cities burn,
2:248 And peopled kingdoms into ashes turn.
2:249 The mountains kindle as the car draws near,
2:250 Athos and Tmolus red with fires appear;
2:251 Oeagrian Haemus (then a single name)
2:252 And virgin Helicon increase the flame;
2:253 Taurus and Oete glare amid the sky,
2:254 And Ida, spight of all her fountains, dry.
2:255 Eryx and Othrys, and Cithaeron, glow,
2:256 And Rhodope, no longer cloath'd in snow;
2:257 High Pindus, Mimas, and Parnassus, sweat,
2:258 And Aetna rages with redoubled heat.
2:259 Ev'n Scythia, through her hoary regions warm'd,
2:260 In vain with all her native frost was arm'd.
2:261 Cover'd with flames the tow'ring Appennine,
2:262 And Caucasus, and proud Olympus, shine;
2:263 And, where the long-extended Alpes aspire,
2:264 Now stands a huge continu'd range of fire.
2:265 Th' astonisht youth, where-e'er his eyes cou'd turn,
2:266 Beheld the universe around him burn:
2:267 The world was in a blaze; nor cou'd he bear
2:268 The sultry vapours and the scorching air,
2:269 Which from below, as from a furnace, flow'd;
2:270 And now the axle-tree beneath him glow'd:
2:271 Lost in the whirling clouds that round him broke,
2:272 And white with ashes, hov'ring in the smoke.
2:273 He flew where-e'er the horses drove, nor knew
2:274 Whither the horses drove, or where he flew.
2:275 'Twas then, they say, the swarthy Moor begun
2:276 To change his hue, and blacken in the sun.
2:277 Then Libya first, of all her moisture drain'd,
2:278 Became a barren waste, a wild of sand.
2:279 The water-nymphs lament their empty urns,
2:280 Boeotia, robb's of silve Dirce, mourns,
2:281 Corinth Pyrene's wasted spring bewails,
2:282 And Argos grieves whilst Amymone fails.
2:283 The floods are drain'd from ev'ry distant coast,
2:284 Ev'n Tanais, tho' fix'd in ice, was lost.
2:285 Enrag'd Caicus and Lycormas roar,
2:286 And Xanthus, fated to be burnt once more.
2:287 The fam'd Maeander, that unweary'd strays
2:288 Through mazy windings, smoaks in ev'ry maze.
2:289 From his lov'd Babylon Euphrates flies;
2:290 The big-swoln Ganges and the Danube rise
2:291 In thick'ning fumes, and darken half the skies.
2:292 In flames Ismenos and the Phasis roul'd,
2:293 And Tagus floating in his melted gold.
2:294 The swans, that on Cayster often try'd
2:295 Their tuneful songs, now sung their last and dy'd.
2:296 The frighted Nile ran off, and under ground
2:297 Conceal'd his head, nor can it yet be found:
2:298 His sev'n divided currents all are dry,
2:299 And where they row'ld, sev'n gaping trenches lye:
2:300 No more the Rhine or Rhone their course maintain,
2:301 Nor Tiber, of his promis'd empire vain.
2:302 The ground, deep-cleft, admits the dazling ray,
2:303 And startles Pluto with the flash of day.
2:304 The seas shrink in, and to the sight disclose
2:305 Wide naked plains, where once their billows rose;
2:306 Their rocks are all discover'd, and increase
2:307 The number of the scatter'd Cyclades.
2:308 The fish in sholes about the bottom creep,
2:309 Nor longer dares the crooked dolphin leap
2:310 Gasping for breath, th' unshapen Phocae die,
2:311 And on the boiling wave extended lye.
2:312 Nereus, and Doris with her virgin train,
2:313 Seek out the last recesses of the main;
2:314 Beneath unfathomable depths they faint,
2:315 And secret in their gloomy caverns pant.
2:316 Stern Neptune thrice above the waves upheld
2:317 His face, and thrice was by the flames repell'd.
2:318 The Earth at length, on ev'ry side embrac'd
2:319 With scalding seas that floated round her waste,
2:320 When now she felt the springs and rivers come,
2:321 And crowd within the hollow of her womb,
2:322 Up-lifted to the Heav'ns her blasted head,
2:323 And clapt her hand upon her brows, and said
2:324 (But first, impatient of the sultry heat,
2:325 Sunk deeper down, and sought a cooler seat):
2:326 "If you, great king of Gods, my death approve,
2:327 And I deserve it, let me die by Jove;
2:328 If I must perish by the force of fire,
2:329 Let me transfix'd with thunder-bolts expire.
2:330 See, whilst I speak, my breath the vapours choak
2:331 (For now her face lay wrapt in clouds of smoak),
2:332 See my singe'd hair, behold my faded eye,
2:333 And wither'd face, where heaps of cinders lye!
2:334 And does the plow for this my body tear?
2:335 This the reward for all the fruits I bear,
2:336 Tortur'd with rakes, and harrass'd all the year?
2:337 That herbs for cattle daily I renew,
2:338 And food for Man, and frankincense for you?
2:339 But grant me guilty; what has Neptune done?
2:340 Why are his waters boiling in the sun?
2:341 The wavy empire, which by lot was giv'n,
2:342 Why does it waste, and further shrink from Heav'n?
2:343 If I nor he your pity can provoke,
2:344 See your own Heav'ns, the Heav'ns begin to smoke!
2:345 Shou'd once the sparkles catch those bright abodes,
2:346 Destruction seizes on the Heav'ns and Gods;
2:347 Atlas becomes unequal to his freight,
2:348 And almost faints beneath the glowing weight.
2:349 If Heav'n, and Earth, and sea, together burn,
2:350 All must again into their chaos turn.
2:351 Apply some speedy cure, prevent our fate,
2:352 And succour Nature, ere it be too late."
2:353 She cea'sd, for choak'd with vapours round her spread,
2:354 Down to the deepest shades she sunk her head.
2:355 Jove call'd to witness ev'ry Pow'r above,
2:356 And ev'n the God, whose son the chariot drove,
2:357 That what he acts he is compell'd to do,
2:358 Or universal ruin must ensue.
2:359 Strait he ascends the high aetherial throne,
2:360 From whence he us'd to dart his thunder down,
2:361 From whence his show'rs and storms he us'd to pour,
2:362 But now cou'd meet with neither storm nor show'r.
2:363 Then, aiming at the youth, with lifted hand,
2:364 Full at his head he hurl'd the forky brand,
2:365 In dreadful thund'rings. Thus th' almighty sire
2:366 Suppress'd the raging of the fires with fire.
2:367 At once from life and from the chariot driv'n,
2:368 Th' ambitious boy fell thunder-struck from Heav'n.
2:369 The horses started with a sudden bound,
2:370 And flung the reins and chariot to the ground:
2:371 The studded harness from their necks they broke,
2:372 Here fell a wheel, and here a silver spoke,
2:373 Here were the beam and axle torn away;
2:374 And, scatter'd o'er the Earth, the shining fragments lay.
2:375 The breathless Phaeton, with flaming hair,
2:376 Shot from the chariot, like a falling star,
2:377 That in a summer's ev'ning from the top
2:378 Of Heav'n drops down, or seems at least to drop;
2:379 'Till on the Po his blasted corps was hurl'd,
2:380 Far from his country, in the western world.
Phaeton's Sisters transform'd into Trees
2:381 The Latian nymphs came round him, and, amaz'd,
2:382 On the dead youth, transfix'd with thunder, gaz'd;
2:383 And, whilst yet smoaking from the bolt he lay,
2:384 His shatter'd body to a tomb convey,
2:385 And o'er the tomb an epitaph devise:
2:386 "Here he, who drove the sun's bright chariot, lies;
2:387 His father's fiery steeds he cou'd not guide,
2:388 But in the glorious enterprize he dy'd."
2:389 Apollo hid his face, and pin'd for grief,
2:390 And, if the story may deserve belief,
2:391 The space of one whole day is said to run,
2:392 From morn to wonted ev'n, without a sun:
2:393 The burning ruins, with a fainter ray,
2:394 Supply the sun, and counterfeit a day,
2:395 A day, that still did Nature's face disclose:
2:396 This comfort from the mighty mischief rose.
2:397 But Clymene, enrag'd with grief, laments,
2:398 And as her grief inspires, her passion vents:
2:399 Wild for her son, and frantick in her woes,
2:400 With hair dishevel'd round the world she goes,
2:401 To seek where-e'er his body might be cast;
2:402 'Till, on the borders of the Po, at last
2:403 The name inscrib'd on the new tomb appears.
2:404 The dear dear name she bathes in flowing tears,
2:405 Hangs o'er the tomb, unable to depart,
2:406 And hugs the marble to her throbbing heart.
2:407 Her daughters too lament, and sigh, and mourn
2:408 (A fruitless tribute to their brother's urn),
2:409 And beat their naked bosoms, and complain,
2:410 And call aloud for Phaeton in vain:
2:411 All the long night their mournful watch they keep,
2:412 And all the day stand round the tomb, and weep.
2:413 Four times, revolving, the full moon return'd;
2:414 So long the mother and the daughters mourn'd:
2:415 When now the eldest, Phaethusa, strove
2:416 To rest her weary limbs, but could not move;
2:417 Lampetia wou'd have help'd her, but she found
2:418 Her self with-held, and rooted to the ground:
2:419 A third in wild affliction, as she grieves,
2:420 Wou'd rend her hair, but fills her hands with leaves;
2:421 One sees her thighs transform'd, another views
2:422 Her arms shot out, and branching into boughs.
2:423 And now their legs, and breasts, and bodies stood
2:424 Crusted with bark, and hard'ning into wood;
2:425 But still above were female heads display'd,
2:426 And mouths, that call'd the mother to their aid.
2:427 What cou'd, alas! the weeping mother do?
2:428 From this to that with eager haste she flew,
2:429 And kiss'd her sprouting daughters as they grew.
2:430 She tears the bark that to each body cleaves,
2:431 And from their verdant fingers strips the leaves:
2:432 The blood came trickling, where she tore away
2:433 The leaves and bark: the maids were heard to say,
2:434 "Forbear, mistaken parent, oh! forbear;
2:435 A wounded daughter in each tree you tear;
2:436 Farewell for ever." Here the bark encreas'd,
2:437 Clos'd on their faces, and their words suppress'd.
2:438 The new-made trees in tears of amber run,
2:439 Which, harden'd into value by the sun,
2:440 Distill for ever on the streams below:
2:441 The limpid streams their radiant treasure show,
2:442 Mixt in the sand; whence the rich drops convey'd
2:443 Shine in the dress of the bright Latian maid.
The Transformation of Cycnus into a Swan
2:444 Cycnus beheld the nymphs transform'd, ally'd
2:445 To their dead brother on the mortal side,
2:446 In friendship and affection nearer bound;
2:447 He left the cities and the realms he own'd,
2:448 Thro' pathless fields and lonely shores to range,
2:449 And woods made thicker by the sisters' change.
2:450 Whilst here, within the dismal gloom, alone,
2:451 The melancholy monarch made his moan,
2:452 His voice was lessen'd, as he try'd to speak,
2:453 And issu'd through a long-extended neck;
2:454 His hair transforms to down, his fingers meet
2:455 In skinny films, and shape his oary feet;
2:456 From both his sides the wings and feathers break;
2:457 And from his mouth proceeds a blunted beak:
2:458 All Cycnus now into a Swan was turn'd,
2:459 Who, still remembring how his kinsman burn'd,
2:460 To solitary pools and lakes retires,
2:461 And loves the waters as oppos'd to fires.
2:462 Mean-while Apollo in a gloomy shade
2:463 (The native lustre of his brows decay'd)
2:464 Indulging sorrow, sickens at the sight
2:465 Of his own sun-shine, and abhors the light;
2:466 The hidden griefs, that in his bosom rise,
2:467 Sadden his looks and over-cast his eyes,
2:468 As when some dusky orb obstructs his ray,
2:469 And sullies in a dim eclipse the day.
2:470 Now secretly with inward griefs he pin'd,
2:471 Now warm resentments to his griefs he joyn'd,
2:472 And now renounc'd his office to mankind.
2:473 "Ere since the birth of time," said he, "I've born
2:474 A long ungrateful toil, without return;
2:475 Let now some other manage, if he dare,
2:476 The fiery steeds, and mount the burning carr;
2:477 Or, if none else, let Jove his fortune try,
2:478 And learn to lay his murd'ring thunder by;
2:479 Then will he own, perhaps, but own too late,
2:480 My son deserv'd not so severe a fate."
2:481 The Gods stand round him, as he mourns, and pray
2:482 He would resume the conduct of the day,
2:483 Nor let the world be lost in endless night:
2:484 Jove too himself descending from his height,
2:485 Excuses what had happen'd, and intreats,
2:486 Majestically mixing pray'rs and threats.
2:487 Prevail'd upon at length, again he took
2:488 The harness'd steeds, that still with horror shook,
2:489 And plies 'em with the lash, and whips 'em on,
2:490 And, as he whips, upbraids 'em with his son.
The Story of Calisto
2:491 The day was settled in its course; and Jove
2:492 Walk'd the wide circuit of the Heavens above,
2:493 To search if any cracks or flaws were made;
2:494 But all was safe: the Earth he then survey'd,
2:495 And cast an eye on ev'ry diff'rent coast,
2:496 And ev'ry land; but on Arcadia most.
2:497 Her fields he cloath'd, and chear'd her blasted face
2:498 With running fountains, and with springing grass.
2:499 No tracks of Heav'n's destructive fire remain,
2:500 The fields and woods revive, and Nature smiles again.
2:501 But as the God walk'd to and fro the Earth,
2:502 And rais'd the plants, and gave the spring its birth,
2:503 By chance a fair Arcadian nymph he view'd,
2:504 And felt the lovely charmer in his blood.
2:505 The nymph nor spun, nor dress'd with artful pride,
2:506 Her vest was gather'd up, her hair was ty'd;
2:507 Now in her hand a slender spear she bore,
2:508 Now a light quiver on her shoulders wore;
2:509 To chaste Diana from her youth inclin'd,
2:510 The sprightly warriors of the wood she joyn'd.
2:511 Diana too the gentle huntress lov'd,
2:512 Nor was there one of all the nymphs that rov'd
2:513 O'er Maenalus, amid the maiden throng,
2:514 More favour'd once; but favour lasts not long.
2:515 The sun now shone in all its strength, and drove
2:516 The heated virgin panting to a grove;
2:517 The grove around a grateful shadow cast:
2:518 She dropt her arrows, and her bow unbrac'd;
2:519 She flung her self on the cool grassy bed;
2:520 And on the painted quiver rais'd her head,
2:521 Jove saw the charming huntress unprepar'd,
2:522 Stretch'd on the verdant turf, without a guard.
2:523 "Here I am safe," he cries, "from Juno's eye;
2:524 Or shou'd my jealous queen the theft descry,
2:525 Yet wou'd I venture on a theft like this,
2:526 And stand her rage for such, for such a bliss!"
2:527 Diana's shape and habit strait he took,
2:528 Soften'd his brows, and smooth'd his awful look,
2:529 And mildly in a female accent spoke.
2:530 "How fares my girl? How went the morning chase?"
2:531 To whom the virgin, starting from the grass,
2:532 "All hail, bright deity, whom I prefer
2:533 To Jove himself, tho' Jove himself were here."
2:534 The God was nearer than she thought, and heard
2:535 Well-pleas'd himself before himself preferr'd.
2:536 He then salutes her with a warm embrace;
2:537 And, e're she half had told the morning chase,
2:538 With love enflam'd, and eager on his bliss,
2:539 Smother'd her words, and stop'd her with a kiss;
2:540 His kisses with unwonted ardour glow'd,
2:541 Nor cou'd Diana's shape conceal the God.
2:542 The virgin did whate'er a virgin cou'd
2:543 (Sure Juno must have pardon'd, had she view'd);
2:544 With all her might against his force she strove;
2:545 But how can mortal maids contend with Jove?
2:546 Possest at length of what his heart desir'd,
2:547 Back to his Heav'ns, th' exulting God retir'd.
2:548 The lovely huntress, rising from the grass,
2:549 With down-cast eyes, and with a blushing face,
2:550 By shame confounded, and by fear dismay'd,
2:551 Flew from the covert of the guilty shade,
2:552 And almost, in the tumult of her mind,
2:553 Left her forgotten bow and shafts behind.
2:554 But now Diana, with a sprightly train
2:555 Of quiver'd virgins, bounding o'er the plain,
2:556 Call'd to the nymph; the nymph began to fear
2:557 A second fraud, a Jove disguis'd in her;
2:558 But, when she saw the sister nymphs, suppress'd
2:559 Her rising fears, and mingled with the rest.
2:560 How in the look does conscious guilt appear!
2:561 Slowly she mov'd, and loiter'd in the rear;
2:562 Nor lightly tripp'd, nor by the Goddess ran,
2:563 As once she us'd, the foremost of the train.
2:564 Her looks were flush'd, and sullen was her mien,
2:565 That sure the virgin Goddess (had she been
2:566 Aught but a virgin) must the guilt have seen.
2:567 'Tis said the nymphs saw all, and guess'd aright:
2:568 And now the moon had nine times lost her light,
2:569 When Dian, fainting in the mid-day beams,
2:570 Found a cool covert, and refreshing streams
2:571 That in soft murmurs through the forest flow'd,
2:572 And a smooth bed of shining gravel show'd.
2:573 A covert so obscure, and streams so clear,
2:574 The Goddess prais'd: "And now no spies are near
2:575 Let's strip, my gentle maids, and wash," she cries.
2:576 Pleas'd with the motion, every maid complies;
2:577 Only the blushing huntress stood confus'd,
2:578 And form'd delays, and her delays excus'd;
2:579 In vain excus'd: her fellows round her press'd,
2:580 And the reluctant nymph by force undress'd,
2:581 The naked huntress all her shame reveal'd,
2:582 In vain her hands the pregnant womb conceal'd;
2:583 "Begone!" the Goddess cries with stern disdain,
2:584 "Begone! nor dare the hallow'd stream to stain":
2:585 She fled, for ever banish'd from the train.
2:586 This Juno heard, who long had watch'd her time
2:587 To punish the detested rival's crime;
2:588 The time was come; for, to enrage her more,
2:589 A lovely boy the teeming rival bore.
2:590 The Goddess cast a furious look, and cry'd,
2:591 "It is enough! I'm fully satisfy'd!
2:592 This boy shall stand a living mark, to prove
2:593 My husband's baseness and the strumpet's love:
2:594 But vengeance shall awake: those guilty charms
2:595 That drew the Thunderer from Juno's arms,
2:596 No longer shall their wonted force retain,
2:597 Nor please the God, nor make the mortal vain."
2:598 This said, her hand within her hair she wound,
2:599 Swung her to Earth, and drag'd her on the ground:
2:600 The prostrate wretch lifts up her arms in pray'r;
2:601 Her arms grow shaggy, and deform'd with hair,
2:602 Her nails are sharpen'd into pointed claws,
2:603 Her hands bear half her weight, and turn to paws;
2:604 Her lips, that once cou'd tempt a God, begin
2:605 To grow distorted in an ugly grin.
2:606 And, lest the supplicating brute might reach
2:607 The ears of Jove, she was depriv'd of speech:
2:608 Her surly voice thro' a hoarse passage came
2:609 In savage sounds: her mind was still the same,
2:610 The furry monster fix'd her eyes above,
2:611 And heav'd her new unwieldy paws to Jove,
2:612 And beg'd his aid with inward groans; and tho'
2:613 She could not call him false, she thought him so.
2:614 How did she fear to lodge in woods alone,
2:615 And haunt the fields and meadows, once her own!
2:616 How often wou'd the deep-mouth'd dogs pursue,
2:617 Whilst from her hounds the frighted huntress flew!
2:618 How did she fear her fellow-brutes, and shun
2:619 The shaggy bear, tho' now her self was one!
2:620 How from the sight of rugged wolves retire,
2:621 Although the grim Lycaon was her sire!
2:622 But now her son had fifteen summers told,
2:623 Fierce at the chase, and in the forest bold;
2:624 When, as he beat the woods in quest of prey,
2:625 He chanc'd to rouze his mother where she lay.
2:626 She knew her son, and kept him in her sight,
2:627 And fondly gaz'd: the boy was in a fright,
2:628 And aim'd a pointed arrow at her breast,
2:629 And would have slain his mother in the beast;
2:630 But Jove forbad, and snatch'd 'em through the air
2:631 In whirlwinds up to Heav'n, and fix'd 'em there!
2:632 Where the new constellations nightly rise,
2:633 And add a lustre to the northern skies.
2:634 When Juno saw the rival in her height,
2:635 Spangled with stars, and circled round with light,
2:636 She sought old Ocean in his deep abodes,
2:637 And Tethys, both rever'd among the Gods.
2:638 They ask what brings her there: "Ne'er ask," says she,
2:639 "What brings me here, Heav'n is no place for me.
2:640 You'll see, when night has cover'd all things o'er,
2:641 Jove's starry bastard and triumphant whore
2:642 Usurp the Heav'ns; you'll see 'em proudly rowle
2:643 And who shall now on Juno's altars wait,
2:644 When those she hates grow greater by her hate?
2:645 I on the nymph a brutal form impress'd,
2:646 Jove to a goddess has transform'd the beast;
2:647 This, this was all my weak revenge could do:
2:648 But let the God his chaste amours pursue,
2:649 And, as he acted after Io's rape,
2:650 Restore th' adultress to her former shape;
2:651 Then may he cast his Juno off, and lead
2:652 The great Lycaon's offspring to his bed.
2:653 But you, ye venerable Pow'rs, be kind,
2:654 And, if my wrongs a due resentment find,
2:655 Receive not in your waves their setting beams,
2:656 Nor let the glaring strumpet taint your streams."
2:657 The Goddess ended, and her wish was giv'n.
2:658 Back she return'd in triumph up to Heav'n;
2:659 Her gawdy peacocks drew her through the skies.
2:660 Their tails were spotted with a thousand eyes;
2:661 The eyes of Argus on their tails were rang'd,
2:662 At the same time the raven's colour chang'd.
The Story of Coronis, and Birth of Aesculapius
2:663 The raven once in snowy plumes was drest,
2:664 White as the whitest dove's unsully'd breast,
2:665 Fair as the guardian of the Capitol,
2:666 Soft as the swan; a large and lovely fowl;
2:667 His tongue, his prating tongue had chang'd him quite
2:668 To sooty blackness, from the purest white.
2:669 The story of his change shall here be told;
2:670 In Thessaly there liv'd a nymph of old,
2:671 Coronis nam'd; a peerless maid she shin'd,
2:672 Confest the fairest of the fairer kind.
2:673 Apollo lov'd her, 'till her guilt he knew,
2:674 While true she was, or whilst he thought her true.
2:675 But his own bird the raven chanc'd to find
2:676 The false one with a secret rival joyn'd.
2:677 Coronis begg'd him to suppress the tale,
2:678 But could not with repeated pray'rs prevail.
2:679 His milk-white pinions to the God he ply'd;
2:680 The busy daw flew with him, side by side,
2:681 And by a thousand teizing questions drew
2:682 Th' important secret from him as they flew.
2:683 The daw gave honest counsel, tho' despis'd,
2:684 And, tedious in her tattle, thus advis'd:
2:685 "Stay, silly bird, th' ill-natur'd task refuse,
2:686 Nor be the bearer of unwelcome news.
2:687 Be warn'd by my example: you discern
2:688 What now I am, and what I was shall learn.
2:689 My foolish honesty was all my crime;
2:690 Then hear my story. Once upon a time,
2:691 The two-shap'd Ericthonius had his birth
2:692 (Without a mother) from the teeming Earth;
2:693 Minerva nurs'd him, and the infant laid
2:694 Within a chest, of twining osiers made.
2:695 The daughters of king Cecrops undertook
2:696 To guard the chest, commanded not to look
2:697 On what was hid within. I stood to see
2:698 The charge obey'd, perch'd on a neighb'ring tree.
2:699 The sisters Pandrosos and Herse keep
2:700 The strict command; Aglauros needs would peep,
2:701 And saw the monstrous infant, in a fright,
2:702 And call'd her sisters to the hideous sight:
2:703 A boy's soft shape did to the waste prevail,
2:704 But the boy ended in a dragon's tail.
2:705 I told the stern Minerva all that pass'd;
2:706 But for my pains, discarded and disgrac'd,
2:707 The frowning Goddess drove me from her sight,
2:708 And for her fav'rite chose the bird of night.
2:709 Be then no tell-tale; for I think my wrong
2:710 Enough to teach a bird to hold her tongue.
2:711 But you, perhaps, may think I was remov'd,
2:712 As never by the heav'nly maid belov'd:
2:713 But I was lov'd; ask Pallas if I lye;
2:714 Tho' Pallas hate me now, she won't deny:
2:715 For I, whom in a feather'd shape you view,
2:716 Was once a maid (by Heav'n the story's true)
2:717 A blooming maid, and a king's daughter too.
2:718 A crowd of lovers own'd my beauty's charms;
2:719 My beauty was the cause of all my harms;
2:720 Neptune, as on his shores I wont to rove,
2:721 Observ'd me in my walks, and fell in love.
2:722 He made his courtship, he confess'd his pain,
2:723 And offer'd force, when all his arts were vain;
2:724 Swift he pursu'd: I ran along the strand,
2:725 'Till, spent and weary'd on the sinking sand,
2:726 I shriek'd aloud, with cries I fill'd the air
2:727 To Gods and men; nor God nor man was there:
2:728 A virgin Goddess heard a virgin's pray'r.
2:729 For, as my arms I lifted to the skies,
2:730 I saw black feathers from my fingers rise;
2:731 I strove to fling my garment on the ground;
2:732 My garment turn'd to plumes, and girt me round:
2:733 My hands to beat my naked bosom try;
2:734 Nor naked bosom now nor hands had I:
2:735 Lightly I tript, nor weary as before
2:736 Sunk in the sand, but skim'd along the shore;
2:737 'Till, rising on my wings, I was preferr'd
2:738 To be the chaste Minerva's virgin bird:
2:739 Preferr'd in vain! I am now in disgrace:
2:740 Nyctimene the owl enjoys my place.
2:741 On her incestuous life I need not dwell
2:742 (In Lesbos still the horrid tale they tell),
2:743 And of her dire amours you must have heard,
2:744 For which she now does penance in a bird,
2:745 That conscious of her shame, avoids the light,
2:746 And loves the gloomy cov'ring of the night;
2:747 The birds, where-e'er she flutters, scare away
2:748 The hooting wretch, and drive her from the day."
2:749 The raven, urg'd by such impertinence,
2:750 Grew passionate, it seems, and took offence,
2:751 And curst the harmless daw; the daw withdrew:
2:752 The raven to her injur'd patron flew,
2:753 And found him out, and told the fatal truth
2:754 Of false Coronis and the favour'd youth.
2:755 The God was wroth, the colour left his look,
2:756 The wreath his head, the harp his hand forsook:
2:757 His silver bow and feather'd shafts he took,
2:758 And lodg'd an arrow in the tender breast,
2:759 That had so often to his own been prest.
2:760 Down fell the wounded nymph, and sadly groan'd,
2:761 And pull'd his arrow reeking from the wound;
2:762 And weltring in her blood, thus faintly cry'd,
2:763 "Ah cruel God! tho' I have justly dy'd,
2:764 What has, alas! my unborn infant done,
2:765 That he should fall, and two expire in one?"
2:766 This said, in agonies she fetch'd her breath.
2:767 The God dissolves in pity at her death;
2:768 He hates the bird that made her falshood known,
2:769 And hates himself for what himself had done;
2:770 The feather'd shaft, that sent her to the Fates,
2:771 And his own hand, that sent the shaft, he hates.
2:772 Fain would he heal the wound, and ease her pain,
2:773 And tries the compass of his art in vain.
2:774 Soon as he saw the lovely nymph expire,
2:775 The pile made ready, and the kindling fire.
2:776 With sighs and groans her obsequies he kept,
2:777 And, if a God could weep, the God had wept.
2:778 Her corps he kiss'd, and heav'nly incense brought,
2:779 And solemniz'd the death himself had wrought.
2:780 But lest his offspring should her fate partake,
2:781 Spight of th' immortal mixture in his make,
2:782 He ript her womb, and set the child at large,
2:783 And gave him to the centaur Chiron's charge:
2:784 Then in his fury black'd the raven o'er,
2:785 And bid him prate in his white plumes no more.
Ocyrrhoe transform'd into a Mare
2:786 Old Chiron took the babe with secret joy,
2:787 Proud of the charge of the celestial boy.
2:788 His daughter too, whom on the sandy shore
2:789 The nymph Charicle to the centaur bore,
2:790 With hair dishevel'd on her shoulders, came
2:791 To see the child, Ocyrrhoe was her name;
2:792 She knew her father's arts, and could rehearse
2:793 The depths of prophecy in sounding verse.
2:794 Once, as the sacred infant she survey'd,
2:795 The God was kindled in the raving maid,
2:796 And thus she utter'd her prophetick tale:
2:797 "Hail, great physician of the world, all-hail;
2:798 Hail, mighty infant, who in years to come
2:799 Shalt heal the nations, and defraud the tomb;
2:800 Swift be thy growth! thy triumphs unconfin'd!
2:801 Make kingdoms thicker, and increase mankind.
2:802 Thy daring art shall animate the dead,
2:803 And draw the thunder on thy guilty head:
2:804 Then shalt thou dye, but from the dark abode
2:805 Rise up victorious, and be twice a God.
2:806 And thou, my sire, not destin'd by thy birth
2:807 To turn to dust, and mix with common earth,
2:808 How wilt thou toss, and rave, and long to dye,
2:809 And quit thy claim to immortality;
2:810 When thou shalt feel, enrag'd with inward pains,
2:811 The Hydra's venom rankling in thy veins?
2:812 The Gods, in pity, shall contract thy date,
2:813 And give thee over to the pow'r of Fate."
2:814 Thus entring into destiny, the maid
2:815 The secrets of offended Jove betray'd:
2:816 More had she still to say; but now appears
2:817 Oppress'd with sobs and sighs, and drown'd in tears.
2:818 "My voice," says she, "is gone, my language fails;
2:819 Through ev'ry limb my kindred shape prevails:
2:820 Why did the God this fatal gift impart,
2:821 And with prophetick raptures swell my heart!
2:822 What new desires are these? I long to pace
2:823 O'er flow'ry meadows, and to feed on grass;
2:824 I hasten to a brute, a maid no more;
2:825 But why, alas! am I transform'd all o'er?
2:826 My sire does half a human shape retain,
2:827 And in his upper parts preserve the man."
2:828 Her tongue no more distinct complaints affords,
2:829 But in shrill accents and mis-shapen words
2:830 Pours forth such hideous wailings, as declare
2:831 The human form confounded in the mare:
2:832 'Till by degrees accomplish'd in the beast,
2:833 She neigh'd outright, and all the steed exprest.
2:834 Her stooping body on her hands is born,
2:835 Her hands are turn'd to hoofs, and shod in horn,
2:836 Her yellow tresses ruffle in a mane,
2:837 And in a flowing tail she frisks her train,
2:838 The mare was finish'd in her voice and look,
2:839 And a new name from the new figure took.
The Transformation of Battus to a Touch stone
2:840 Sore wept the centuar, and to Phoebus pray'd;
2:841 But how could Phoebus give the centaur aid?
2:842 Degraded of his pow'r by angry Jove,
2:843 In Elis then a herd of beeves he drove;
2:844 And wielded in his hand a staff of oak,
2:845 And o'er his shoulders threw the shepherd's cloak;
2:846 On sev'n compacted reeds he us'd to play,
2:847 And on his rural pipe to waste the day.
2:848 As once attentive to his pipe he play'd,
2:849 The crafty Hermes from the God convey'd
2:850 A drove, that sep'rate from their fellows stray'd.
2:851 The theft an old insidious peasant view'd
2:852 (They call'd him Battus in the neighbourhood),
2:853 Hir'd by a vealthy Pylian prince to feed
2:854 His fav'rite mares, and watch the gen'rous breed.
2:855 The thievish God suspected him, and took
2:856 The hind aside, and thus in whispers spoke:
2:857 "Discover not the theft, whoe'er thou be,
2:858 And take that milk-white heifer for thy fee."
2:859 "Go, stranger," cries the clown, "securely on,
2:860 That stone shall sooner tell," and show'd a stone.
2:861 The God withdrew, but strait return'd again,
2:862 In speech and habit like a country swain;
2:863 And cries out, "Neighbour, hast thou seen a stray
2:864 Of bullocks and of heifers pass this way?
2:865 In the recov'ry of my cattle join,
2:866 A bullock and a heifer shall be thine."
2:867 The peasant quick replies, "You'll find 'em there
2:868 In yon dark vale"; and in the vale they were.
2:869 The double bribe had his false heart beguil'd:
2:870 The God, successful in the tryal, smil'd;
2:871 "And dost thou thus betray my self to me?
2:872 Me to my self dost thou betray?" says he:
2:873 Then to a Touch stone turns the faithless spy;
2:874 And in his name records his infamy.
The Story of Aglauros, transform'd into a Statue
2:875 This done, the God flew up on high, and pass'd
2:876 O'er lofty Athens, by Minerva grac'd,
2:877 And wide Munichia, whilst his eyes survey
2:878 All the vast region that beneath him lay.
2:879 'Twas now the feast, when each Athenian maid
2:880 Her yearly homage to Minerva paid;
2:881 In canisters, with garlands cover'd o'er,
2:882 High on their heads, their mystick gifts they bore:
2:883 And now, returning in a solemn train,
2:884 The troop of shining virgins fill'd the plain.
2:885 The God well pleas'd beheld the pompous show,
2:886 And saw the bright procession pass below;
2:887 Then veer'd about, and took a wheeling flight,
2:888 And hover'd o'er them: as the spreading kite,
2:889 That smells the slaughter'd victim from on high,
2:890 Flies at a distance, if the priests are nigh,
2:891 And sails around, and keeps it in her eye:
2:892 So kept the God the virgin quire in view,
2:893 And in slow winding circles round them flew.
2:894 As Lucifer excells the meanest star,
2:895 Or, as the full-orb'd Phoebe, Lucifer;
2:896 So much did Herse all the rest outvy,
2:897 And gave a grace to the solemnity.
2:898 Hermes was fir'd, as in the clouds he hung:
2:899 So the cold bullet, that with fury slung
2:900 From Balearick engines mounts on high,
2:901 Glows in the whirl, and burns along the sky.
2:902 At length he pitch'd upon the ground, and show'd
2:903 The form divine, the features of a God.
2:904 He knew their vertue o'er a female heart,
2:905 And yet he strives to better them by art.
2:906 He hangs his mantle loose, and sets to show
2:907 The golden edging on the seam below;
2:908 Adjusts his flowing curls, and in his hand
2:909 Waves, with an air, the sleep-procuring wand;
2:910 The glitt'ring sandals to his feet applies,
2:911 And to each heel the well-trim'd pinion ties.
2:912 His ornaments with nicest art display'd,
2:913 He seeks th' apartment of the royal maid.
2:914 The roof was all with polish'd iv'ry lin'd,
2:915 That richly mix'd, in clouds of tortoise shin'd.
2:916 Three rooms, contiguous, in a range were plac'd,
2:917 The midmost by the beauteous Herse grac'd;
2:918 Her virgin sisters lodg'd on either side.
2:919 Aglauros first th' approaching God descry'd,
2:920 And, as he cross'd her chamber, ask'd his name,
2:921 And what his business was, and whence he came.
2:922 "I come," reply'd the God, "from Heav'n, to woo
2:923 Your sister, and to make an aunt of you;
2:924 I am the son and messenger of Jove;
2:925 My name is Mercury, my bus'ness love;
2:926 Do you, kind damsel, take a lover's part,
2:927 And gain admittance to your sister's heart."
2:928 She star'd him in the face with looks amaz'd,
2:929 As when she on Minerva's secret gaz'd,
2:930 And asks a mighty treasure for her hire;
2:931 And, 'till he brings it, makes the God retire.
2:932 Minerva griev'd to see the nymph succeed;
2:933 And now remembring the late impious deed,
2:934 When, disobedient to her strict command,
2:935 She touch'd the chest with an unhallow'd hand;
2:936 In big-swoln sighs her inward rage express'd,
2:937 That heav'd the rising Aegis on her breast;
2:938 Then sought out Envy in her dark abode,
2:939 Defil'd with ropy gore and clots of blood:
2:940 Shut from the winds, and from the wholesome skies,
2:941 In a deep vale the gloomy dungeon lies,
2:942 Dismal and cold, where not a beam of light
2:943 Invades the winter, or disturbs the night.
2:944 Directly to the cave her course she steer'd;
2:945 Against the gates her martial lance she rear'd;
2:946 The gates flew open, and the fiend appear'd.
2:947 A pois'nous morsel in her teeth she chew'd,
2:948 And gorg'd the flesh of vipers for her food.
2:949 Minerva loathing turn'd away her eye;
2:950 The hideous monster, rising heavily,
2:951 Came stalking forward with a sullen pace,
2:952 And left her mangled offals on the place.
2:953 Soon as she saw the goddess gay and bright,
2:954 She fetch'd a groan at such a chearful sight.
2:955 Livid and meagre were her looks, her eye
2:956 In foul distorted glances turn'd awry;
2:957 A hoard of gall her inward parts possess'd,
2:958 And spread a greenness o'er her canker'd breast;
2:959 Her teeth were brown with rust, and from her tongue,
2:960 In dangling drops, the stringy poison hung.
2:961 She never smiles but when the wretched weep,
2:962 Nor lulls her malice with a moment's sleep,
2:963 Restless in spite: while watchful to destroy,
2:964 She pines and sickens at another's joy;
2:965 Foe to her self, distressing and distrest,
2:966 She bears her own tormentor in her breast.
2:967 The Goddess gave (for she abhorr'd her sight)
2:968 A short command: "To Athens speed thy flight;
2:969 On curst Aglauros try thy utmost art,
2:970 And fix thy rankest venoms in her heart."
2:971 This said, her spear she push'd against the ground,
2:972 And mounting from it with an active bound,
2:973 Flew off to Heav'n: the hag with eyes askew
2:974 Look'd up, and mutter'd curses as she flew;
2:975 For sore she fretted, and began to grieve
2:976 At the success which she her self must give.
2:977 Then takes her staff, hung round with wreaths of thorn,
2:978 And sails along, in a black whirlwind born,
2:979 O'er fields and flow'ry meadows: where she steers
2:980 Her baneful course, a mighty blast appears,
2:981 Mildews and blights; the meadows are defac'd,
2:982 The fields, the flow'rs, and the whole years laid waste:
2:983 On mortals next, and peopled towns she falls,
2:984 And breathes a burning plague among their walls.
2:985 When Athens she beheld, for arts renown'd,
2:986 With peace made happy, and with plenty crown'd,
2:987 Scarce could the hideous fiend from tears forbear,
2:988 To find out nothing that deserv'd a tear.
2:989 Th' apartment now she enter'd, where at rest
2:990 Aglauros lay, with gentle sleep opprest.
2:991 To execute Minerva's dire command,
2:992 She stroak'd the virgin with her canker'd hand,
2:993 Then prickly thorns into her breast convey'd,
2:994 That stung to madness the devoted maid:
2:995 Her subtle venom still improves the smart,
2:996 Frets in the blood, and festers in the heart.
2:997 To make the work more sure, a scene she drew,
2:998 And plac'd before the dreaming virgin's view
2:999 Her sister's marriage, and her glorious fate:
2:1000 Th' imaginary bride appears in state;
2:1001 The bride-groom with unwonted beauty glows:
2:1002 For envy magnifies what-e'er she shows.
2:1003 Full of the dream, Aglauros pin'd away
2:1004 In tears all night, in darkness all the day;
2:1005 Consum'd like ice, that just begins to run,
2:1006 When feebly smitten by the distant sun;
2:1007 Or like unwholsome weeds, that set on fire
2:1008 Are slowly wasted, and in smoke expire.
2:1009 Giv'n up to envy (for in ev'ry thought
2:1010 The thorns, the venom, and the vision wrought)
2:1011 Oft did she call on death, as oft decreed,
2:1012 Rather than see her sister's wish succeed,
2:1013 To tell her awfull father what had past:
2:1014 At length before the door her self she cast;
2:1015 And, sitting on the ground with sullen pride,
2:1016 A passage to the love-sick God deny'd.
2:1017 The God caress'd, and for admission pray'd,
2:1018 And sooth'd in softest words th' envenom'd maid.
2:1019 In vain he sooth'd: "Begone!" the maid replies,
2:1020 "Or here I keep my seat, and never rise."
2:1021 "Then keep thy seat for ever," cries the God,
2:1022 And touch'd the door, wide op'ning to his rod.
2:1023 Fain would she rise, and stop him, but she found
2:1024 Her trunk too heavy to forsake the ground;
2:1025 Her joynts are all benum'd, her hands are pale,
2:1026 And marble now appears in ev'ry nail.
2:1027 As when a cancer in the body feeds,
2:1028 And gradual death from limb to limb proceeds;
2:1029 So does the chilness to each vital parte
2:1030 Spread by degrees, and creeps into her heart;
2:1031 'Till hard'ning ev'ry where, and speechless grown,
2:1032 She sits unmov'd, and freezes to a stone.
2:1033 But still her envious hue and sullen mien
2:1034 Are in the sedentary figure seen.
Europa's Rape
2:1035 When now the God his fury had allay'd,
2:1036 And taken vengeance of the stubborn maid,
2:1037 From where the bright Athenian turrets rise
2:1038 He mounts aloft, and re-ascends the skies.
2:1039 Jove saw him enter the sublime abodes,
2:1040 And, as he mix'd among the crowd of Gods,
2:1041 Beckon'd him out, and drew him from the rest,
2:1042 And in soft whispers thus his will exprest.
2:1043 "My trusty Hermes, by whose ready aid
2:1044 Thy sire's commands are through the world convey'd.
2:1045 Resume thy wings, exert their utmost force,
2:1046 And to the walls of Sidon speed thy course;
2:1047 There find a herd of heifers wand'ring o'er
2:1048 The neighb'ring hill, and drive 'em to the shore."
2:1049 Thus spoke the God, concealing his intent.
2:1050 The trusty Hermes, on his message went,
2:1051 And found the herd of heifers wand'ring o'er
2:1052 A neighb'ring hill, and drove 'em to the shore;
2:1053 Where the king's daughter, with a lovely train
2:1054 Of fellow-nymphs, was sporting on the plain.
2:1055 The dignity of empire laid aside,
2:1056 (For love but ill agrees with kingly pride)
2:1057 The ruler of the skies, the thund'ring God,
2:1058 Who shakes the world's foundations with a nod,
2:1059 Among a herd of lowing heifers ran,
2:1060 Frisk'd in a bull, and bellow'd o'er the plain.
2:1061 Large rowles of fat about his shoulders clung,
2:1062 And from his neck the double dewlap hung.
2:1063 His skin was whiter than the snow that lies
2:1064 Unsully'd by the breath of southern skies;
2:1065 Small shining horns on his curl'd forehead stand,
2:1066 As turn'd and polish'd by the work-man's hand;
2:1067 His eye-balls rowl'd, not formidably bright,
2:1068 But gaz'd and languish'd with a gentle light.
2:1069 His ev'ry look was peaceful, and exprest
2:1070 The softness of the lover in the beast.
2:1071 Agenor's royal daughter, as she plaid
2:1072 Among the fields, the milk-white bull survey'd,
2:1073 And view'd his spotless body with delight,
2:1074 And at a distance kept him in her sight.
2:1075 At length she pluck'd the rising flow'rs, and fed
2:1076 The gentle beast, and fondly stroak'd his head.
2:1077 He stood well-pleas'd to touch the charming fair,
2:1078 But hardly could confine his pleasure there.
2:1079 And now he wantons o'er the neighb'ring strand,
2:1080 Now rowls his body on the yellow sand;
2:1081 And, now perceiving all her fears decay'd,
2:1082 Comes tossing forward to the royal maid;
2:1083 Gives her his breast to stroke, and downward turns
2:1084 His grizly brow, and gently stoops his horns.
2:1085 In flow'ry wreaths the royal virgin drest
2:1086 His bending horns, and kindly clapt his breast.
2:1087 'Till now grown wanton and devoid of fear,
2:1088 Not knowing that she prest the Thunderer,
2:1089 She plac'd her self upon his back, and rode
2:1090 O'er fields and meadows, seated on the God.
2:1091 He gently march'd along, and by degrees
2:1092 Left the dry meadow, and approach'd the seas;
2:1093 Where now he dips his hoofs and wets his thighs,
2:1094 Now plunges in, and carries off the prize.
2:1095 The frighted nymph looks backward on the shoar,
2:1096 And hears the tumbling billows round her roar;
2:1097 But still she holds him fast: one hand is born
2:1098 Upon his back; the other grasps a horn:
2:1099 Her train of ruffling garments flies behind,
2:1100 Swells in the air, and hovers in the wind.
2:1101 Through storms and tempests he the virgin bore,
2:1102 And lands her safe on the Dictean shore;
2:1103 Where now, in his divinest form array'd,
2:1104 In his true shape he captivates the maid;
2:1105 Who gazes on him, and with wond'ring eyes
2:1106 Beholds the new majestick figure rise,
2:1107 His glowing features, and celestial light,
2:1108 And all the God discover'd to her sight.
BOOK THE THIRD
The Story of of Cadmus
3:1 Through storms and tempests he the virgin bore,
3:2 And lands her safe on the Dictean shore;
3:3 Where now, in his divinest form array'd,
3:4 In his true shape he captivates the maid;
3:5 Who gazes on him, and with wond'ring eyes
3:6 Beholds the new majestick figure rise,
3:7 His glowing features, and celestial light,
3:8 And all the God discover'd to her sight.
3:9 When now Agenor had his daughter lost,
3:10 He sent his son to search on ev'ry coast;
3:11 And sternly bid him to his arms restore
3:12 The darling maid, or see his face no more,
3:13 But live an exile in a foreign clime;
3:14 Thus was the father pious to a crime.
3:15 The restless youth search'd all the world around;
3:16 But how can Jove in his amours be found?
3:17 When, tir'd at length with unsuccessful toil,
3:18 To shun his angry sire and native soil,
3:19 He goes a suppliant to the Delphick dome;
3:20 There asks the God what new appointed home
3:21 Should end his wand'rings, and his toils relieve.
3:22 The Delphick oracles this answer give.
3:23 "Behold among the fields a lonely cow,
3:24 Unworn with yokes, unbroken to the plow;
3:25 Mark well the place where first she lays her down,
3:26 There measure out thy walls, and build thy town,
3:27 And from thy guide Boeotia call the land,
3:28 In which the destin'd walls and town shall stand."
3:29 No sooner had he left the dark abode,
3:30 Big with the promise of the Delphick God,
3:31 When in the fields the fatal cow he view'd,
3:32 Nor gall'd with yokes, nor worn with servitude:
3:33 Her gently at a distance he pursu'd;
3:34 And as he walk'd aloof, in silence pray'd
3:35 To the great Pow'r whose counsels he obey'd.
3:36 Her way thro' flow'ry Panope she took,
3:37 And now, Cephisus, cross'd thy silver brook;
3:38 When to the Heav'ns her spacious front she rais'd,
3:39 And bellow'd thrice, then backward turning gaz'd
3:40 On those behind, 'till on the destin'd place
3:41 She stoop'd, and couch'd amid the rising grass.
3:42 Cadmus salutes the soil, and gladly hails
3:43 The new-found mountains, and the nameless vales,
3:44 And thanks the Gods, and turns about his eye
3:45 To see his new dominions round him lye;
3:46 Then sends his servants to a neighb'ring grove
3:47 For living streams, a sacrifice to Jove.
3:48 O'er the wide plain there rose a shady wood
3:49 Of aged trees; in its dark bosom stood
3:50 A bushy thicket, pathless and unworn,
3:51 O'er-run with brambles, and perplex'd with thorn:
3:52 Amidst the brake a hollow den was found,
3:53 With rocks and shelving arches vaulted round.
3:54 Deep in the dreary den, conceal'd from day,
3:55 Sacred to Mars, a mighty dragon lay,
3:56 Bloated with poison to a monstrous size;
3:57 Fire broke in flashes when he glanc'd his eyes:
3:58 His tow'ring crest was glorious to behold,
3:59 His shoulders and his sides were scal'd with gold;
3:60 Three tongues he brandish'd when he charg'd his foes;
3:61 His teeth stood jaggy in three dreadful rowes.
3:62 The Tyrians in the den for water sought,
3:63 And with their urns explor'd the hollow vault:
3:64 From side to side their empty urns rebound,
3:65 And rowse the sleeping serpent with the sound.
3:66 Strait he bestirs him, and is seen to rise;
3:67 And now with dreadful hissings fills the skies,
3:68 And darts his forky tongues, and rowles his glaring eyes.
3:69 The Tyrians drop their vessels in the fright,
3:70 All pale and trembling at the hideous sight.
3:71 Spire above spire uprear'd in air he stood,
3:72 And gazing round him over-look'd the wood:
3:73 Then floating on the ground in circles rowl'd;
3:74 Then leap'd upon them in a mighty fold.
3:75 Of such a bulk, and such a monstrous size
3:76 The serpent in the polar circle lyes,
3:77 That stretches over half the northern skies.
3:78 In vain the Tyrians on their arms rely,
3:79 In vain attempt to fight, in vain to fly:
3:80 All their endeavours and their hopes are vain;
3:81 Some die entangled in the winding train;
3:82 Some are devour'd, or feel a loathsom death,
3:83 Swoln up with blasts of pestilential breath.
3:84 And now the scorching sun was mounted high,
3:85 In all its lustre, to the noon-day sky;
3:86 When, anxious for his friends, and fill'd with cares,
3:87 To search the woods th' impatient chief prepares.
3:88 A lion's hide around his loins he wore,
3:89 The well poiz'd javelin to the field he bore,
3:90 Inur'd to blood; the far-destroying dart;
3:91 And, the best weapon, an undaunted heart.
3:92 Soon as the youth approach'd the fatal place,
3:93 He saw his servants breathless on the grass;
3:94 The scaly foe amid their corps he view'd,
3:95 Basking at ease, and feasting in their blood.
3:96 "Such friends," he cries, "deserv'd a longer date;
3:97 But Cadmus will revenge or share their fate."
3:98 Then heav'd a stone, and rising to the throw,
3:99 He sent it in a whirlwind at the foe:
3:100 A tow'r, assaulted by so rude a stroke,
3:101 With all its lofty battlements had shook;
3:102 But nothing here th' unwieldy rock avails,
3:103 Rebounding harmless from the plaited scales,
3:104 That, firmly join'd, preserv'd him from a wound,
3:105 With native armour crusted all around.
3:106 With more success, the dart unerring flew,
3:107 Which at his back the raging warriour threw;
3:108 Amid the plaited scales it took its course,
3:109 And in the spinal marrow spent its force.
3:110 The monster hiss'd aloud, and rag'd in vain,
3:111 And writh'd his body to and fro with pain;
3:112 He bit the dart, and wrench'd the wood away;
3:113 The point still buried in the marrow lay.
3:114 And now his rage, increasing with his pain,
3:115 Reddens his eyes, and beats in ev'ry vein;
3:116 Churn'd in his teeth the foamy venom rose,
3:117 Whilst from his mouth a blast of vapours flows,
3:118 Such as th' infernal Stygian waters cast.
3:119 The plants around him wither in the blast.
3:120 Now in a maze of rings he lies enrowl'd,
3:121 Now all unravel'd, and without a fold;
3:122 Now, like a torrent, with a mighty force
3:123 Bears down the forest in his boist'rous course.
3:124 Cadmus gave back, and on the lion's spoil
3:125 Sustain'd the shock, then forc'd him to recoil;
3:126 The pointed jav'lin warded off his rage:
3:127 Mad with his pains, and furious to engage,
3:128 The serpent champs the steel, and bites the spear,
3:129 'Till blood and venom all the point besmear.
3:130 But still the hurt he yet receiv'd was slight;
3:131 For, whilst the champion with redoubled might
3:132 Strikes home the jav'lin, his retiring foe
3:133 Shrinks from the wound, and disappoints the blow.
3:134 The dauntless heroe still pursues his stroke,
3:135 And presses forward, 'till a knotty oak
3:136 Retards his foe, and stops him in the rear;
3:137 Full in his throat he plung'd the fatal spear,
3:138 That in th' extended neck a passage found,
3:139 And pierc'd the solid timber through the wound.
3:140 Fix'd to the reeling trunk, with many a stroke
3:141 Of his huge tail he lash'd the sturdy oak;
3:142 'Till spent with toil, and lab'ring hard for breath,
3:143 He now lay twisting in the pangs of death.
3:144 Cadmus beheld him wallow in a flood
3:145 Of swimming poison, intermix'd with blood;
3:146 When suddenly a speech was heard from high
3:147 (The speech was heard, nor was the speaker nigh),
3:148 "Why dost thou thus with secret pleasure see,
3:149 Insulting man! what thou thy self shalt be?"
3:150 Astonish'd at the voice, he stood amaz'd,
3:151 And all around with inward horror gaz'd:
3:152 When Pallas swift descending from the skies,
3:153 Pallas, the guardian of the bold and wise,
3:154 Bids him plow up the field, and scatter round
3:155 The dragon's teeth o'er all the furrow'd ground;
3:156 Then tells the youth how to his wond'ring eyes
3:157 Embattled armies from the field should rise.
3:158 He sows the teeth at Pallas's command,
3:159 And flings the future people from his hand.
3:160 The clods grow warm, and crumble where he sows;
3:161 And now the pointed spears advance in rows;
3:162 Now nodding plumes appear, and shining crests,
3:163 Now the broad shoulders and the rising breasts;
3:164 O'er all the field the breathing harvest swarms,
3:165 A growing host, a crop of men and arms.
3:166 So through the parting stage a figure rears
3:167 Its body up, and limb by limb appears
3:168 By just degrees; 'till all the man arise,
3:169 And in his full proportion strikes the eyes.
3:170 Cadmus surpriz'd, and startled at the sight
3:171 Of his new foes, prepar'd himself for fight:
3:172 When one cry'd out, "Forbear, fond man, forbear
3:173 To mingle in a blind promiscuous war."
3:174 This said, he struck his brother to the ground,
3:175 Himself expiring by another's wound;
3:176 Nor did the third his conquest long survive,
3:177 Dying ere scarce he had begun to live.
3:178 The dire example ran through all the field,
3:179 'Till heaps of brothers were by brothers kill'd;
3:180 The furrows swam in blood: and only five
3:181 Of all the vast increase were left alive.
3:182 Echion one, at Pallas's command,
3:183 Let fall the guiltless weapon from his hand,
3:184 And with the rest a peaceful treaty makes,
3:185 Whom Cadmus as his friends and partners takes;
3:186 So founds a city on the promis'd earth,
3:187 And gives his new Boeotian empire birth.
3:188 Here Cadmus reign'd; and now one would have guess'd
3:189 The royal founder in his exile blest:
3:190 Long did he live within his new abodes,
3:191 Ally'd by marriage to the deathless Gods;
3:192 And, in a fruitful wife's embraces old,
3:193 A long increase of children's children told:
3:194 But no frail man, however great or high,
3:195 Can be concluded blest before he die.
3:196 Actaeon was the first of all his race,
3:197 Who griev'd his grandsire in his borrow'd face;
3:198 Condemn'd by stern Diana to bemoan
3:199 The branching horns, and visage not his own;
3:200 To shun his once lov'd dogs, to bound away,
3:201 And from their huntsman to become their prey,
3:202 And yet consider why the change was wrought,
3:203 You'll find it his misfortune, not his fault;
3:204 Or, if a fault, it was the fault of chance:
3:205 For how can guilt proceed from ignorance?
The Transformation of Actaeon into a Stag
3:206 In a fair chace a shady mountain stood,
3:207 Well stor'd with game, and mark'd with trails of blood;
3:208 Here did the huntsmen, 'till the heat of day,
3:209 Pursue the stag, and load themselves with rey:
3:210 When thus Actaeon calling to the rest:
3:211 "My friends," said he, "our sport is at the best,
3:212 The sun is high advanc'd, and downward sheds
3:213 His burning beams directly on our heads;
3:214 Then by consent abstain from further spoils,
3:215 Call off the dogs, and gather up the toils,
3:216 And ere to-morrow's sun begins his race,
3:217 Take the cool morning to renew the chace."
3:218 They all consent, and in a chearful train
3:219 The jolly huntsmen, loaden with the slain,
3:220 Return in triumph from the sultry plain.
3:221 Down in a vale with pine and cypress clad,
3:222 Refresh'd with gentle winds, and brown with shade,
3:223 The chaste Diana's private haunt, there stood
3:224 Full in the centre of the darksome wood
3:225 A spacious grotto, all around o'er-grown
3:226 With hoary moss, and arch'd with pumice-stone.
3:227 From out its rocky clefts the waters flow,
3:228 And trickling swell into a lake below.
3:229 Nature had ev'ry where so plaid her part,
3:230 That ev'ry where she seem'd to vie with art.
3:231 Here the bright Goddess, toil'd and chaf'd with heat,
3:232 Was wont to bathe her in the cool retreat.
3:233 Here did she now with all her train resort,
3:234 Panting with heat, and breathless from the sport;
3:235 Her armour-bearer laid her bow aside,
3:236 Some loos'd her sandals, some her veil unty'd;
3:237 Each busy nymph her proper part undrest;
3:238 While Crocale, more handy than the rest,
3:239 Gather'd her flowing hair, and in a noose
3:240 Bound it together, whilst her own hung loose.
3:241 Five of the more ignoble sort by turns
3:242 Fetch up the water, and unlade the urns.
3:243 Now all undrest the shining Goddess stood,
3:244 When young Actaeon, wilder'd in the wood,
3:245 To the cool grott by his hard fate betray'd,
3:246 The fountains fill'd with naked nymphs survey'd.
3:247 The frighted virgins shriek'd at the surprize
3:248 (The forest echo'd with their piercing cries).
3:249 Then in a huddle round their Goddess prest:
3:250 She, proudly eminent above the rest,
3:251 With blushes glow'd; such blushes as adorn
3:252 The ruddy welkin, or the purple morn;
3:253 And tho' the crowding nymphs her body hide,
3:254 Half backward shrunk, and view'd him from a side.
3:255 Surpriz'd, at first she would have snatch'd her bow,
3:256 But sees the circling waters round her flow;
3:257 These in the hollow of her hand she took,
3:258 And dash'd 'em in his face, while thus she spoke:
3:259 "Tell, if thou can'st, the wond'rous sight disclos'd,
3:260 A Goddess naked to thy view expos'd."
3:261 This said, the man begun to disappear
3:262 By slow degrees, and ended in a deer.
3:263 A rising horn on either brow he wears,
3:264 And stretches out his neck, and pricks his ears;
3:265 Rough is his skin, with sudden hairs o'er-grown,
3:266 His bosom pants with fears before unknown:
3:267 Transform'd at length, he flies away in haste,
3:268 And wonders why he flies away so fast.
3:269 But as by chance, within a neighb'ring brook,
3:270 He saw his branching horns and alter'd look.
3:271 Wretched Actaeon! in a doleful tone
3:272 He try'd to speak, but only gave a groan;
3:273 And as he wept, within the watry glass
3:274 He saw the big round drops, with silent pace,
3:275 Run trickling down a savage hairy face.
3:276 What should he do? Or seek his old abodes,
3:277 Or herd among the deer, and sculk in woods!
3:278 Here shame dissuades him, there his fear prevails,
3:279 And each by turns his aking heart assails.
3:280 As he thus ponders, he behind him spies
3:281 His op'ning hounds, and now he hears their cries:
3:282 A gen'rous pack, or to maintain the chace,
3:283 Or snuff the vapour from the scented grass.
3:284 He bounded off with fear, and swiftly ran
3:285 O'er craggy mountains, and the flow'ry plain;
3:286 Through brakes and thickets forc'd his way, and flew
3:287 Through many a ring, where once he did pursue.
3:288 In vain he oft endeavour'd to proclaim
3:289 His new misfortune, and to tell his name;
3:290 Nor voice nor words the brutal tongue supplies;
3:291 From shouting men, and horns, and dogs he flies,
3:292 Deafen'd and stunn'd with their promiscuous cries.
3:293 When now the fleetest of the pack, that prest
3:294 Close at his heels, and sprung before the rest,
3:295 Had fasten'd on him, straight another pair,
3:296 Hung on his wounded haunch, and held him there,
3:297 'Till all the pack came up, and ev'ry hound
3:298 Tore the sad huntsman grov'ling on the ground,
3:299 Who now appear'd but one continu'd wound.
3:300 With dropping tears his bitter fate he moans,
3:301 And fills the mountain with his dying groans.
3:302 His servants with a piteous look he spies,
3:303 And turns about his supplicating eyes.
3:304 His servants, ignorant of what had chanc'd,
3:305 With eager haste and joyful shouts advanc'd,
3:306 And call'd their lord Actaeon to the game.
3:307 He shook his head in answer to the name;
3:308 He heard, but wish'd he had indeed been gone,
3:309 Or only to have stood a looker-on.
3:310 But to his grief he finds himself too near,
3:311 And feels his rav'nous dogs with fury tear
3:312 Their wretched master panting in a deer.
The Birth of Bacchus
3:313 Actaeon's suff'rings, and Diana's rage,
3:314 Did all the thoughts of men and Gods engage;
3:315 Some call'd the evils which Diana wrought,
3:316 Too great, and disproportion'd to the fault:
3:317 Others again, esteem'd Actaeon's woes
3:318 Fit for a virgin Goddess to impose.
3:319 The hearers into diff'rent parts divide,
3:320 And reasons are produc'd on either side.
3:321 Juno alone, of all that heard the news,
3:322 Nor would condemn the Goddess, nor excuse:
3:323 She heeded not the justice of the deed,
3:324 But joy'd to see the race of Cadmus bleed;
3:325 For still she kept Europa in her mind,
3:326 And, for her sake, detested all her kind.
3:327 Besides, to aggravate her hate, she heard
3:328 How Semele, to Jove's embrace preferr'd,
3:329 Was now grown big with an immortal load,
3:330 And carry'd in her womb a future God.
3:331 Thus terribly incens'd, the Goddess broke
3:332 To sudden fury, and abruptly spoke.
3:333 "Are my reproaches of so small a force?
3:334 'Tis time I then pursue another course:
3:335 It is decreed the guilty wretch shall die,
3:336 If I'm indeed the mistress of the sky,
3:337 If rightly styl'd among the Pow'rs above
3:338 The wife and sister of the thund'ring Jove
3:339 (And none can sure a sister's right deny);
3:340 It is decreed the guilty wretch shall die.
3:341 She boasts an honour I can hardly claim,
3:342 Pregnant she rises to a mother's name;
3:343 While proud and vain she triumphs in her Jove,
3:344 And shows the glorious tokens of his love:
3:345 But if I'm still the mistress of the skies,
3:346 By her own lover the fond beauty dies."
3:347 This said, descending in a yellow cloud,
3:348 Before the gates of Semele she stood.
3:349 Old Beroe's decrepit shape she wears,
3:350 Her wrinkled visage, and her hoary hairs;
3:351 Whilst in her trembling gait she totters on,
3:352 And learns to tattle in the nurse's tone.
3:353 The Goddess, thus disguis'd in age, beguil'd
3:354 With pleasing stories her false foster-child.
3:355 Much did she talk of love, and when she came
3:356 To mention to the nymph her lover's name,
3:357 Fetching a sigh, and holding down her head,
3:358 "'Tis well," says she, "if all be true that's said.
3:359 But trust me, child, I'm much inclin'd to fear
3:360 Some counterfeit in this your Jupiter:
3:361 Many an honest well-designing maid
3:362 Has been by these pretended Gods betray'd,
3:363 But if he be indeed the thund'ring Jove,
3:364 Bid him, when next he courts the rites of love,
3:365 Descend triumphant from th' etherial sky,
3:366 In all the pomp of his divinity,
3:367 Encompass'd round by those celestial charms,
3:368 With which he fills th' immortal Juno's arms."
3:369 Th' unwary nymph, ensnar'd with what she said,
3:370 Desir'd of Jove, when next he sought her bed,
3:371 To grant a certain gift which she would chuse;
3:372 "Fear not," reply'd the God, "that I'll refuse
3:373 Whate'er you ask: may Styx confirm my voice,
3:374 Chuse what you will, and you shall have your choice."
3:375 "Then," says the nymph, "when next you seek my arms,
3:376 May you descend in those celestial charms,
3:377 With which your Juno's bosom you enflame,
3:378 And fill with transport Heav'n's immortal dame."
3:379 The God surpriz'd would fain have stopp'd her voice,
3:380 But he had sworn, and she had made her choice.
3:381 To keep his promise he ascends, and shrowds
3:382 His awful brow in whirl-winds and in clouds;
3:383 Whilst all around, in terrible array,
3:384 His thunders rattle, and his light'nings play.
3:385 And yet, the dazling lustre to abate,
3:386 He set not out in all his pomp and state,
3:387 Clad in the mildest light'ning of the skies,
3:388 And arm'd with thunder of the smallest size:
3:389 Not those huge bolts, by which the giants slain
3:390 Lay overthrown on the Phlegrean plain.
3:391 'Twas of a lesser mould, and lighter weight;
3:392 They call it thunder of a second-rate,
3:393 For the rough Cyclops, who by Jove's command
3:394 Temper'd the bolt, and turn'd it to his hand,
3:395 Work'd up less flame and fury in its make,
3:396 And quench'd it sooner in the standing lake.
3:397 Thus dreadfully adorn'd, with horror bright,
3:398 Th' illustrious God, descending from his height,
3:399 Came rushing on her in a storm of light.
3:400 The mortal dame, too feeble to engage
3:401 The lightning's flashes, and the thunder's rage,
3:402 Consum'd amidst the glories she desir'd,
3:403 And in the terrible embrace expir'd.
3:404 But, to preserve his offspring from the tomb,
3:405 Jove took him smoaking from the blasted womb:
3:406 And, if on ancient tales we may rely,
3:407 Inclos'd th' abortive infant in his thigh.
3:408 Here when the babe had all his time fulfill'd,
3:409 Ino first took him for her foster-child;
3:410 Then the Niseans, in their dark abode,
3:411 Nurs'd secretly with milk the thriving God.
The Transformation of Tiresias
3:412 'Twas now, while these transactions past on Earth,
3:413 And Bacchus thus procur'd a second birth,
3:414 When Jove, dispos'd to lay aside the weight
3:415 Of publick empire and the cares of state,
3:416 As to his queen in nectar bowls he quaff'd,
3:417 "In troth," says he, and as he spoke he laugh'd,
3:418 "The sense of pleasure in the male is far
3:419 More dull and dead, than what you females share."
3:420 Juno the truth of what was said deny'd;
3:421 Tiresias therefore must the cause decide,
3:422 For he the pleasure of each sex had try'd.
3:423 It happen'd once, within a shady wood,
3:424 Two twisted snakes he in conjunction view'd,
3:425 When with his staff their slimy folds he broke,
3:426 And lost his manhood at the fatal stroke.
3:427 But, after seven revolving years, he view'd
3:428 The self-same serpents in the self-same wood:
3:429 "And if," says he, "such virtue in you lye,
3:430 That he who dares your slimy folds untie
3:431 Must change his kind, a second stroke I'll try."
3:432 Again he struck the snakes, and stood again
3:433 New-sex'd, and strait recover'd into man.
3:434 Him therefore both the deities create
3:435 The sov'raign umpire, in their grand debate;
3:436 And he declar'd for Jove: when Juno fir'd,
3:437 More than so trivial an affair requir'd,
3:438 Depriv'd him, in her fury, of his sight,
3:439 And left him groping round in sudden night.
3:440 But Jove (for so it is in Heav'n decreed,
3:441 That no one God repeal another's deed)
3:442 Irradiates all his soul with inward light,
3:443 And with the prophet's art relieves the want of sight.
The Transformation of Echo
3:444 Fam'd far and near for knowing things to come,
3:445 From him th' enquiring nations sought their doom;
3:446 The fair Liriope his answers try'd,
3:447 And first th' unerring prophet justify'd.
3:448 This nymph the God Cephisus had abus'd,
3:449 With all his winding waters circumfus'd,
3:450 And on the Nereid got a lovely boy,
3:451 Whom the soft maids ev'n then beheld with joy.
3:452 The tender dame, sollicitous to know
3:453 Whether her child should reach old age or no,
3:454 Consults the sage Tiresias, who replies,
3:455 "If e'er he knows himself he surely dies."
3:456 Long liv'd the dubious mother in suspence,
3:457 'Till time unriddled all the prophet's sense.
3:458 Narcissus now his sixteenth year began,
3:459 Just turn'd of boy, and on the verge of man;
3:460 Many a friend the blooming youth caress'd,
3:461 Many a love-sick maid her flame confess'd:
3:462 Such was his pride, in vain the friend caress'd,
3:463 The love-sick maid in vain her flame confess'd.
3:464 Once, in the woods, as he pursu'd the chace,
3:465 The babbling Echo had descry'd his face;
3:466 She, who in others' words her silence breaks,
3:467 Nor speaks her self but when another speaks.
3:468 Echo was then a maid, of speech bereft,
3:469 Of wonted speech; for tho' her voice was left,
3:470 Juno a curse did on her tongue impose,
3:471 To sport with ev'ry sentence in the close.
3:472 Full often when the Goddess might have caught
3:473 Jove and her rivals in the very fault,
3:474 This nymph with subtle stories would delay
3:475 Her coming, 'till the lovers slip'd away.
3:476 The Goddess found out the deceit in time,
3:477 And then she cry'd, "That tongue, for this thy crime,
3:478 Which could so many subtle tales produce,
3:479 Shall be hereafter but of little use."
3:480 Hence 'tis she prattles in a fainter tone,
3:481 With mimick sounds, and accents not her own.
3:482 This love-sick virgin, over-joy'd to find
3:483 The boy alone, still follow'd him behind:
3:484 When glowing warmly at her near approach,
3:485 As sulphur blazes at the taper's touch,
3:486 She long'd her hidden passion to reveal,
3:487 And tell her pains, but had not words to tell:
3:488 She can't begin, but waits for the rebound,
3:489 To catch his voice, and to return the sound.
3:490 The nymph, when nothing could Narcissus move,
3:491 Still dash'd with blushes for her slighted love,
3:492 Liv'd in the shady covert of the woods,
3:493 In solitary caves and dark abodes;
3:494 Where pining wander'd the rejected fair,
3:495 'Till harrass'd out, and worn away with care,
3:496 The sounding skeleton, of blood bereft,
3:497 Besides her bones and voice had nothing left.
3:498 Her bones are petrify'd, her voice is found
3:499 In vaults, where still it doubles ev'ry sound.
The Story of Narcissus
3:500 Thus did the nymphs in vain caress the boy,
3:501 He still was lovely, but he still was coy;
3:502 When one fair virgin of the slighted train
3:503 Thus pray'd the Gods, provok'd by his disdain,
3:504 "Oh may he love like me, and love like me in vain!"
3:505 Rhamnusia pity'd the neglected fair,
3:506 And with just vengeance answer'd to her pray'r.
3:507 There stands a fountain in a darksom wood,
3:508 Nor stain'd with falling leaves nor rising mud;
3:509 Untroubled by the breath of winds it rests,
3:510 Unsully'd by the touch of men or beasts;
3:511 High bow'rs of shady trees above it grow,
3:512 And rising grass and chearful greens below.
3:513 Pleas'd with the form and coolness of the place,
3:514 And over-heated by the morning chace,
3:515 Narcissus on the grassie verdure lyes:
3:516 But whilst within the chrystal fount he tries
3:517 To quench his heat, he feels new heats arise.
3:518 For as his own bright image he survey'd,
3:519 He fell in love with the fantastick shade;
3:520 And o'er the fair resemblance hung unmov'd,
3:521 Nor knew, fond youth! it was himself he lov'd.
3:522 The well-turn'd neck and shoulders he descries,
3:523 The spacious forehead, and the sparkling eyes;
3:524 The hands that Bacchus might not scorn to show,
3:525 And hair that round Apollo's head might flow;
3:526 With all the purple youthfulness of face,
3:527 That gently blushes in the wat'ry glass.
3:528 By his own flames consum'd the lover lyes,
3:529 And gives himself the wound by which he dies.
3:530 To the cold water oft he joins his lips,
3:531 Oft catching at the beauteous shade he dips
3:532 His arms, as often from himself he slips.
3:533 Nor knows he who it is his arms pursue
3:534 With eager clasps, but loves he knows not who.
3:535 What could, fond youth, this helpless passion move?
3:536 What kindled in thee this unpity'd love?
3:537 Thy own warm blush within the water glows,
3:538 With thee the colour'd shadow comes and goes,
3:539 Its empty being on thy self relies;
3:540 Step thou aside, and the frail charmer dies.
3:541 Still o'er the fountain's wat'ry gleam he stood,
3:542 Mindless of sleep, and negligent of food;
3:543 Still view'd his face, and languish'd as he view'd.
3:544 At length he rais'd his head, and thus began
3:545 To vent his griefs, and tell the woods his pain.
3:546 "You trees," says he, "and thou surrounding grove,
3:547 Who oft have been the kindly scenes of love,
3:548 Tell me, if e'er within your shades did lye
3:549 A youth so tortur'd, so perplex'd as I?
3:550 I, who before me see the charming fair,
3:551 Whilst there he stands, and yet he stands not there:
3:552 In such a maze of love my thoughts are lost:
3:553 And yet no bulwark'd town, nor distant coast,
3:554 Preserves the beauteous youth from being seen,
3:555 No mountains rise, nor oceans flow between.
3:556 A shallow water hinders my embrace;
3:557 And yet the lovely mimick wears a face
3:558 That kindly smiles, and when I bend to join
3:559 My lips to his, he fondly bends to mine.
3:560 Hear, gentle youth, and pity my complaint,
3:561 Come from thy well, thou fair inhabitant.
3:562 My charms an easy conquest have obtain'd
3:563 O'er other hearts, by thee alone disdain'd.
3:564 But why should I despair? I'm sure he burns
3:565 With equal flames, and languishes by turns.
3:566 When-e'er I stoop, he offers at a kiss,
3:567 And when my arms I stretch, he stretches his.
3:568 His eye with pleasure on my face he keeps,
3:569 He smiles my smiles, and when I weep he weeps.
3:570 When e'er I speak, his moving lips appear
3:571 To utter something, which I cannot hear.
3:572 "Ah wretched me! I now begin too late
3:573 To find out all the long-perplex'd deceit;
3:574 It is my self I love, my self I see;
3:575 The gay delusion is a part of me.
3:576 I kindle up the fires by which I burn,
3:577 And my own beauties from the well return.
3:578 Whom should I court? how utter my complaint?
3:579 Enjoyment but produces my restraint,
3:580 And too much plenty makes me die for want.
3:581 How gladly would I from my self remove!
3:582 And at a distance set the thing I love.
3:583 My breast is warm'd with such unusual fire,
3:584 I wish him absent whom I most desire.
3:585 And now I faint with grief; my fate draws nigh;
3:586 In all the pride of blooming youth I die.
3:587 Death will the sorrows of my heart relieve.
3:588 Oh might the visionary youth survive,
3:589 I should with joy my latest breath resign!
3:590 But oh! I see his fate involv'd in mine."
3:591 This said, the weeping youth again return'd
3:592 To the clear fountain, where again he burn'd;
3:593 His tears defac'd the surface of the well,
3:594 With circle after circle, as they fell:
3:595 And now the lovely face but half appears,
3:596 O'er-run with wrinkles, and deform'd with tears.
3:597 "Ah whither," cries Narcissus, "dost thou fly?
3:598 Let me still feed the flame by which I die;
3:599 Let me still see, tho' I'm no further blest."
3:600 Then rends his garment off, and beats his breast:
3:601 His naked bosom redden'd with the blow,
3:602 In such a blush as purple clusters show,
3:603 Ere yet the sun's autumnal heats refine
3:604 Their sprightly juice, and mellow it to wine.
3:605 The glowing beauties of his breast he spies,
3:606 And with a new redoubled passion dies.
3:607 As wax dissolves, as ice begins to run,
3:608 And trickle into drops before the sun;
3:609 So melts the youth, and languishes away,
3:610 His beauty withers, and his limbs decay;
3:611 And none of those attractive charms remain,
3:612 To which the slighted Echo su'd in vain.
3:613 She saw him in his present misery,
3:614 Whom, spight of all her wrongs, she griev'd to see.
3:615 She answer'd sadly to the lover's moan,
3:616 Sigh'd back his sighs, and groan'd to ev'ry groan:
3:617 "Ah youth! belov'd in vain," Narcissus cries;
3:618 "Ah youth! belov'd in vain," the nymph replies.
3:619 "Farewel," says he; the parting sound scarce fell
3:620 From his faint lips, but she reply'd, "farewel."
3:621 Then on th' wholsome earth he gasping lyes,
3:622 'Till death shuts up those self-admiring eyes.
3:623 To the cold shades his flitting ghost retires,
3:624 And in the Stygian waves it self admires.
3:625 For him the Naiads and the Dryads mourn,
3:626 Whom the sad Echo answers in her turn;
3:627 And now the sister-nymphs prepare his urn:
3:628 When, looking for his corps, they only found
3:629 A rising stalk, with yellow blossoms crown'd.
The Story of Pentheus
3:630 This sad event gave blind Tiresias fame,
3:631 Through Greece establish'd in a prophet's name.
3:632 Th' unhallow'd Pentheus only durst deride
3:633 The cheated people, and their eyeless guide.
3:634 To whom the prophet in his fury said,
3:635 Shaking the hoary honours of his head:
3:636 "'Twere well, presumptuous man, 'twere well for thee
3:637 If thou wert eyeless too, and blind, like me:
3:638 For the time comes, nay, 'tis already here,
3:639 When the young God's solemnities appear:
3:640 Which, if thou dost not with just rites adorn,
3:641 Thy impious carcass, into pieces torn,
3:642 Shall strew the woods, and hang on ev'ry thorn.
3:643 Then, then, remember what I now foretel,
3:644 And own the blind Tiresias saw too well."
3:645 Still Pentheus scorns him, and derides his skill;
3:646 But time did all the prophet's threats fulfil.
3:647 For now through prostrate Greece young Bacchus rode,
3:648 Whilst howling matrons celebrate the God:
3:649 All ranks and sexes to his Orgies ran,
3:650 To mingle in the pomps, and fill the train.
3:651 When Pentheus thus his wicked rage express'd:
3:652 "What madness, Thebans, has your souls possess'd?
3:653 Can hollow timbrels, can a drunken shout,
3:654 And the lewd clamours of a beastly rout,
3:655 Thus quell your courage; can the weak alarm
3:656 Of women's yells those stubborn souls disarm,
3:657 Whom nor the sword nor trumpet e'er could fright,
3:658 Nor the loud din and horror of a fight?
3:659 And you, our sires, who left your old abodes,
3:660 And fix'd in foreign earth your country Gods;
3:661 Will you without a stroak your city yield,
3:662 And poorly quit an undisputed field?
3:663 But you, whose youth and vigour should inspire
3:664 Heroick warmth, and kindle martial fire,
3:665 Whom burnish'd arms and crested helmets grace,
3:666 Not flow'ry garlands and a painted face;
3:667 Remember him to whom you stand ally'd:
3:668 The serpent for his well of waters dy'd.
3:669 He fought the strong; do you his courage show,
3:670 And gain a conquest o'er a feeble foe.
3:671 If Thebes must fall, oh might the fates afford
3:672 A nobler doom from famine, fire, or sword.
3:673 Then might the Thebans perish with renown:
3:674 But now a beardless victor sacks the town;
3:675 Whom nor the prancing steed, nor pond'rous shield,
3:676 Nor the hack'd helmet, nor the dusty field,
3:677 But the soft joys of luxury and ease,
3:678 The purple vests, and flow'ry garlands please.
3:679 Stand then aside, I'll make the counterfeit
3:680 Renounce his god-head, and confess the cheat.
3:681 Acrisius from the Grecian walls repell'd
3:682 This boasted pow'r; why then should Pentheus yield?
3:683 Go quickly drag th' impostor boy to me;
3:684 I'll try the force of his divinity."
3:685 Thus did th' audacious wretch those rites profane;
3:686 His friends dissuade th' audacious wretch in vain:
3:687 In vain his grandsire urg'd him to give o'er
3:688 His impious threats; the wretch but raves the more.
3:689 So have I seen a river gently glide,
3:690 In a smooth course, and inoffensive tide;
3:691 But if with dams its current we restrain,
3:692 It bears down all, and foams along the plain.
3:693 But now his servants came besmear'd with blood,
3:694 Sent by their haughty prince to seize the God;
3:695 The God they found not in the frantick throng,
3:696 But dragg'd a zealous votary along.
The Mariners transform'd to Dolphins
3:697 Him Pentheus view'd with fury in his look,
3:698 And scarce with-held his hands, whilst thus he spoke:
3:699 "Vile slave! whom speedy vengeance shall pursue,
3:700 And terrify thy base seditious crew:
3:701 Thy country and thy parentage reveal,
3:702 And, why thou joinest in these mad Orgies, tell."
3:703 The captive views him with undaunted eyes,
3:704 And, arm'd with inward innocence, replies,
3:705 "From high Meonia's rocky shores I came,
3:706 Of poor descent, Acoetes is my name:
3:707 My sire was meanly born; no oxen plow'd
3:708 His fruitful fields, nor in his pastures low'd.
3:709 His whole estate within the waters lay;
3:710 With lines and hooks he caught the finny prey,
3:711 His art was all his livelyhood; which he
3:712 Thus with his dying lips bequeath'd to me:
3:713 In streams, my boy, and rivers take thy chance;
3:714 There swims, said he, thy whole inheritance.
3:715 Long did I live on this poor legacy;
3:716 'Till tir'd with rocks, and my old native sky,
3:717 To arts of navigation I inclin'd;
3:718 Observ'd the turns and changes of the wind,
3:719 Learn'd the fit havens, and began to note
3:720 The stormy Hyades, the rainy Goat,
3:721 The bright Taygete, and the shining Bears,
3:722 With all the sailor's catalogue of stars.
3:723 "Once, as by chance for Delos I design'd,
3:724 My vessel, driv'n by a strong gust of wind,
3:725 Moor'd in a Chian Creek; a-shore I went,
3:726 And all the following night in Chios spent.
3:727 When morning rose, I sent my mates to bring
3:728 Supplies of water from a neighb'ring spring,
3:729 Whilst I the motion of the winds explor'd;
3:730 Then summon'd in my crew, and went aboard.
3:731 Opheltes heard my summons, and with joy
3:732 Brought to the shore a soft and lovely boy,
3:733 With more than female sweetness in his look,
3:734 Whom straggling in the neighb'ring fields he took.
3:735 With fumes of wine the little captive glows,
3:736 And nods with sleep, and staggers as he goes.
3:737 "I view'd him nicely, and began to trace
3:738 Each heav'nly feature, each immortal grace,
3:739 And saw divinity in all his face,
3:740 I know not who, said I, this God should be;
3:741 But that he is a God I plainly see:
3:742 And thou, who-e'er thou art, excuse the force
3:743 These men have us'd; and oh befriend our course!
3:744 Pray not for us, the nimble Dictys cry'd,
3:745 Dictys, that could the main-top mast bestride,
3:746 And down the ropes with active vigour slide.
3:747 To the same purpose old Epopeus spoke,
3:748 Who over-look'd the oars, and tim'd the stroke;
3:749 The same the pilot, and the same the rest;
3:750 Such impious avarice their souls possest.
3:751 Nay, Heav'n forbid that I should bear away
3:752 Within my vessel so divine a prey,
3:753 Said I; and stood to hinder their intent:
3:754 When Lycabas, a wretch for murder sent
3:755 From Tuscany, to suffer banishment,
3:756 With his clench'd fist had struck me over-board,
3:757 Had not my hands in falling grasp'd a cord.
3:758 "His base confederates the fact approve;
3:759 When Bacchus (for 'twas he) begun to move,
3:760 Wak'd by the noise and clamours which they rais'd;
3:761 And shook his drowsie limbs, and round him gaz'd:
3:762 What means this noise? he cries; am I betray'd?
3:763 Ah, whither, whither must I be convey'd?
3:764 Fear not, said Proreus, child, but tell us where
3:765 You wish to land, and trust our friendly care.
3:766 To Naxos then direct your course, said he;
3:767 Naxos a hospitable port shall be
3:768 To each of you, a joyful home to me.
3:769 By ev'ry God, that rules the sea or sky,
3:770 The perjur'd villains promise to comply,
3:771 And bid me hasten to unmoor the ship.
3:772 With eager joy I launch into the deep;
3:773 And, heedless of the fraud, for Naxos stand.
3:774 They whisper oft, and beckon with the hand,
3:775 And give me signs, all anxious for their prey,
3:776 To tack about, and steer another way.
3:777 Then let some other to my post succeed,
3:778 Said I, I'm guiltless of so foul a deed.
3:779 What, says Ethalion, must the ship's whole crew
3:780 Follow your humour, and depend on you?
3:781 And strait himself he seated at the prore,
3:782 And tack'd about, and sought another shore.
3:783 "The beauteous youth now found himself betray'd,
3:784 And from the deck the rising waves survey'd,
3:785 And seem'd to weep, and as he wept he said:
3:786 And do you thus my easy faith beguile?
3:787 Thus do you bear me to my native isle?
3:788 Will such a multitude of men employ
3:789 Their strength against a weak defenceless boy?
3:790 "In vain did I the God-like youth deplore,
3:791 The more I begg'd, they thwarted me the more.
3:792 And now by all the Gods in Heav'n that hear
3:793 This solemn oath, by Bacchus' self, I swear,
3:794 The mighty miracle that did ensue,
3:795 Although it seems beyond belief, is true.
3:796 The vessel, fix'd and rooted in the flood,
3:797 Unmov'd by all the beating billows stood.
3:798 In vain the mariners would plow the main
3:799 With sails unfurl'd, and strike their oars in vain;
3:800 Around their oars a twining ivy cleaves,
3:801 And climbs the mast, and hides the cords in leaves:
3:802 The sails are cover'd with a chearful green,
3:803 And berries in the fruitful canvass seen.
3:804 Amidst the waves a sudden forest rears
3:805 Its verdant head, and a new Spring appears.
3:806 "The God we now behold with open'd eyes;
3:807 A herd of spotted panthers round him lyes
3:808 In glaring forms; the grapy clusters spread
3:809 On his fair brows, and dangle on his head.
3:810 And whilst he frowns, and brandishes his spear,
3:811 My mates surpriz'd with madness or with fear,
3:812 Leap'd over board; first perjur'd Madon found
3:813 Rough scales and fins his stiff'ning sides surround;
3:814 Ah what, cries one, has thus transform'd thy look?
3:815 Strait his own mouth grew wider as he spoke;
3:816 And now himself he views with like surprize.
3:817 Still at his oar th' industrious Libys plies;
3:818 But, as he plies, each busy arm shrinks in,
3:819 And by degrees is fashion'd to a fin.
3:820 Another, as he catches at a cord,
3:821 Misses his arms, and, tumbling over-board,
3:822 With his broad fins and forky tail he laves
3:823 The rising surge, and flounces in the waves.
3:824 Thus all my crew transform'd around the ship,
3:825 Or dive below, or on the surface leap,
3:826 And spout the waves, and wanton in the deep.
3:827 Full nineteen sailors did the ship convey,
3:828 A shole of nineteen dolphins round her play.
3:829 I only in my proper shape appear,
3:830 Speechless with wonder, and half dead with fear,
3:831 'Till Bacchus kindly bid me fear no more.
3:832 With him I landed on the Chian shore,
3:833 And him shall ever gratefully adore."
3:834 "This forging slave," says Pentheus, "would prevail
3:835 O'er our just fury by a far-fetch'd tale:
3:836 Go, let him feel the whips, the swords, the fire,
3:837 And in the tortures of the rack expire."
3:838 Th' officious servants hurry him away,
3:839 And the poor captive in a dungeon lay.
3:840 But, whilst the whips and tortures are prepar'd,
3:841 The gates fly open, of themselves unbarr'd;
3:842 At liberty th' unfetter'd captive stands,
3:843 And flings the loosen'd shackles from his hands.
The Death of Pentheus
3:844 But Pentheus, grown more furious than before,
3:845 Resolv'd to send his messengers no more,
3:846 But went himself to the distracted throng,
3:847 Where high Cithaeron echo'd with their song.
3:848 And as the fiery war-horse paws the ground,
3:849 And snorts and trembles at the trumpet's sound;
3:850 Transported thus he heard the frantick rout,
3:851 And rav'd and madden'd at the distant shout.
3:852 A spacious circuit on the hill there stood.
3:853 Level and wide, and skirted round with wood;
3:854 Here the rash Pentheus, with unhallow'd eyes,
3:855 The howling dames and mystick Orgies spies.
3:856 His mother sternly view'd him where he stood,
3:857 And kindled into madness as she view'd:
3:858 Her leafy jav'lin at her son she cast,
3:859 And cries, "The boar that lays our country waste!
3:860 The boar, my sisters! Aim the fatal dart,
3:861 And strike the brindled monster to the heart."
3:862 Pentheus astonish'd heard the dismal sound,
3:863 And sees the yelling matrons gath'ring round;
3:864 He sees, and weeps at his approaching fate,
3:865 And begs for mercy, and repents too late.
3:866 "Help, help! my aunt Autonoe," he cry'd;
3:867 "Remember, how your own Actaeon dy'd."
3:868 Deaf to his cries, the frantick matron crops
3:869 One stretch'd-out arm, the other Ino lops.
3:870 In vain does Pentheus to his mother sue,
3:871 And the raw bleeding stumps presents to view:
3:872 His mother howl'd; and, heedless of his pray'r,
3:873 Her trembling hand she twisted in his hair,
3:874 "And this," she cry'd, "shall be Agave's share,"
3:875 When from the neck his struggling head she tore,
3:876 And in her hands the ghastly visage bore.
3:877 With pleasure all the hideous trunk survey;
3:878 Then pull'd and tore the mangled limbs away,
3:879 As starting in the pangs of death it lay,
3:880 Soon as the wood its leafy honours casts,
3:881 Blown off and scatter'd by autumnal blasts,
3:882 With such a sudden death lay Pentheus slain,
3:883 And in a thousand pieces strow'd the plain.
3:884 By so distinguishing a judgment aw'd,
3:885 The Thebans tremble, and confess the God.
BOOK THE FOURTH
The Story of Alcithoe and her Sisters
4:1 Yet still Alcithoe perverse remains,
4:2 And Bacchus still, and all his rites, disdains.
4:3 Too rash, and madly bold, she bids him prove
4:4 Himself a God, nor owns the son of Jove.
4:5 Her sisters too unanimous agree,
4:6 Faithful associates in impiety.
4:7 Be this a solemn feast, the priest had said;
4:8 Be, with each mistress, unemploy'd each maid.
4:9 With skins of beasts your tender limbs enclose,
4:10 And with an ivy-crown adorn your brows,
4:11 The leafy Thyrsus high in triumph bear,
4:12 And give your locks to wanton in the air.
4:13 These rites profan'd, the holy seer foreshow'd
4:14 A mourning people, and a vengeful God.
4:15 Matrons and pious wives obedience show,
4:16 Distaffs, and wooll, half spun, away they throw:
4:17 Then incense burn, and, Bacchus, thee adore,
4:18 Or lov'st thou Nyseus, or Lyaeus more?
4:19 O! doubly got, O! doubly born, they sung,
4:20 Thou mighty Bromius, hail, from light'ning sprung!
4:21 Hail, Thyon, Eleleus! each name is thine:
4:22 Or, listen parent of the genial vine!
4:23 Iachus! Evan! loudly they repeat,
4:24 And not one Grecian attribute forget,
4:25 Which to thy praise, great Deity, belong,
4:26 Stil'd justly Liber in the Roman song.
4:27 Eternity of youth is thine! enjoy
4:28 Years roul'd on years, yet still a blooming boy.
4:29 In Heav'n thou shin'st with a superior grace;
4:30 Conceal thy horns, and 'tis a virgin's face.
4:31 Thou taught'st the tawny Indian to obey,
4:32 And Ganges, smoothly flowing, own'd thy sway.
4:33 Lycurgus, Pentheus, equally profane,
4:34 By thy just vengeance equally were slain.
4:35 By thee the Tuscans, who conspir'd to keep
4:36 Thee captive, plung'd, and cut with finns the deep.
4:37 With painted reins, all-glitt'ring from afar,
4:38 The spotted lynxes proudly draw thy car.
4:39 Around, the Bacchae, and the satyrs throng;
4:40 Behind, Silenus, drunk, lags slow along:
4:41 On his dull ass he nods from side to side,
4:42 Forbears to fall, yet half forgets to ride.
4:43 Still at thy near approach, applauses loud
4:44 Are heard, with yellings of the female crowd.
4:45 Timbrels, and boxen pipes, with mingled cries,
4:46 Swell up in sounds confus'd, and rend the skies.
4:47 Come, Bacchus, come propitious, all implore,
4:48 And act thy sacred orgies o'er and o'er.
4:49 But Mineus' daughters, while these rites were pay'd,
4:50 At home, impertinently busie, stay'd.
4:51 Their wicked tasks they ply with various art,
4:52 And thro' the loom the sliding shuttle dart;
4:53 Or at the fire to comb the wooll they stand,
4:54 Or twirl the spindle with a dext'rous hand.
4:55 Guilty themselves, they force the guiltless in;
4:56 Their maids, who share the labour, share the sin.
4:57 At last one sister cries, who nimbly knew
4:58 To draw nice threads, and winde the finest clue,
4:59 While others idly rove, and Gods revere,
4:60 Their fancy'd Gods! they know not who, or where;
4:61 Let us, whom Pallas taught her better arts,
4:62 Still working, cheer with mirthful chat our hearts,
4:63 And to deceive the time, let me prevail
4:64 With each by turns to tell some antique tale.
4:65 She said: her sisters lik'd the humour well,
4:66 And smiling, bad her the first story tell.
4:67 But she a-while profoundly seem'd to muse,
4:68 Perplex'd amid variety to chuse:
4:69 And knew not, whether she should first relate
4:70 The poor Dircetis, and her wond'rous fate.
4:71 The Palestines believe it to a man,
4:72 And show the lake, in which her scales began.
4:73 Or if she rather should the daughter sing,
4:74 Who in the hoary verge of life took wing;
4:75 Who soar'd from Earth, and dwelt in tow'rs on high,
4:76 And now a dove she flits along the sky.
4:77 Or how lewd Nais, when her lust was cloy'd,
4:78 To fishes turn'd the youths, she had enjoy'd,
4:79 By pow'rful verse, and herbs; effect most strange!
4:80 At last the changer shar'd herself the change.
4:81 Or how the tree, which once white berries bore,
4:82 Still crimson bears, since stain'd with crimson gore.
4:83 The tree was new; she likes it, and begins
4:84 To tell the tale, and as she tells, she spins.
The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe
4:85 In Babylon, where first her queen, for state
4:86 Rais'd walls of brick magnificently great,
4:87 Liv'd Pyramus, and Thisbe, lovely pair!
4:88 He found no eastern youth his equal there,
4:89 And she beyond the fairest nymph was fair.
4:90 A closer neighbourhood was never known,
4:91 Tho' two the houses, yet the roof was one.
4:92 Acquaintance grew, th' acquaintance they improve
4:93 To friendship, friendship ripen'd into love:
4:94 Love had been crown'd, but impotently mad,
4:95 What parents could not hinder, they forbad.
4:96 For with fierce flames young Pyramus still burn'd,
4:97 And grateful Thisbe flames as fierce return'd.
4:98 Aloud in words their thoughts they dare not break,
4:99 But silent stand; and silent looks can speak.
4:100 The fire of love the more it is supprest,
4:101 The more it glows, and rages in the breast.
4:102 When the division-wall was built, a chink
4:103 Was left, the cement unobserv'd to shrink.
4:104 So slight the cranny, that it still had been
4:105 For centuries unclos'd, because unseen.
4:106 But oh! what thing so small, so secret lies,
4:107 Which scapes, if form'd for love, a lover's eyes?
4:108 Ev'n in this narrow chink they quickly found
4:109 A friendly passage for a trackless sound.
4:110 Safely they told their sorrows, and their joys,
4:111 In whisper'd murmurs, and a dying noise,
4:112 By turns to catch each other's breath they strove,
4:113 And suck'd in all the balmy breeze of love.
4:114 Oft as on diff'rent sides they stood, they cry'd,
4:115 Malicious wall, thus lovers to divide!
4:116 Suppose, thou should'st a-while to us give place
4:117 To lock, and fasten in a close embrace:
4:118 But if too much to grant so sweet a bliss,
4:119 Indulge at least the pleasure of a kiss.
4:120 We scorn ingratitude: to thee, we know,
4:121 This safe conveyance of our minds we owe.
4:122 Thus they their vain petition did renew
4:123 'Till night, and then they softly sigh'd adieu.
4:124 But first they strove to kiss, and that was all;
4:125 Their kisses dy'd untasted on the wall.
4:126 Soon as the morn had o'er the stars prevail'd,
4:127 And warm'd by Phoebus, flow'rs their dews exhal'd,
4:128 The lovers to their well-known place return,
4:129 Alike they suffer, and alike they mourn.
4:130 At last their parents they resolve to cheat
4:131 (If to deceive in love be call'd deceit),
4:132 To steal by night from home, and thence unknown
4:133 To seek the fields, and quit th' unfaithful town.
4:134 But, to prevent their wand'ring in the dark,
4:135 They both agree to fix upon a mark;
4:136 A mark, that could not their designs expose:
4:137 The tomb of Ninus was the mark they chose.
4:138 There they might rest secure beneath the shade,
4:139 Which boughs, with snowy fruit encumber'd, made:
4:140 A wide-spread mulberry its rise had took
4:141 Just on the margin of a gurgling brook.
4:142 Impatient for the friendly dusk they stay;
4:143 And chide the slowness of departing day;
4:144 In western seas down sunk at last the light,
4:145 From western seas up-rose the shades of night.
4:146 The loving Thisbe ev'n prevents the hour,
4:147 With cautious silence she unlocks the door,
4:148 And veils her face, and marching thro' the gloom
4:149 Swiftly arrives at th' assignation-tomb.
4:150 For still the fearful sex can fearless prove;
4:151 Boldly they act, if spirited by love.
4:152 When lo! a lioness rush'd o'er the plain,
4:153 Grimly besmear'd with blood of oxen slain:
4:154 And what to the dire sight new horrors brought,
4:155 To slake her thirst the neighb'ring spring she sought.
4:156 Which, by the moon, when trembling Thisbe spies,
4:157 Wing'd with her fear, swift, as the wind, she flies;
4:158 And in a cave recovers from her fright,
4:159 But drop'd her veil, confounded in her flight.
4:160 When sated with repeated draughts, again
4:161 The queen of beasts scour'd back along the plain,
4:162 She found the veil, and mouthing it all o'er,
4:163 With bloody jaws the lifeless prey she tore.
4:164 The youth, who could not cheat his guards so soon,
4:165 Late came, and noted by the glimm'ring moon
4:166 Some savage feet, new printed on the ground,
4:167 His cheeks turn'd pale, his limbs no vigour found;
4:168 But when, advancing on, the veil he spied
4:169 Distain'd with blood, and ghastly torn, he cried,
4:170 One night shall death to two young lovers give,
4:171 But she deserv'd unnumber'd years to live!
4:172 'Tis I am guilty, I have thee betray'd,
4:173 Who came not early, as my charming maid.
4:174 Whatever slew thee, I the cause remain,
4:175 I nam'd, and fix'd the place where thou wast slain.
4:176 Ye lions from your neighb'ring dens repair,
4:177 Pity the wretch, this impious body tear!
4:178 But cowards thus for death can idly cry;
4:179 The brave still have it in their pow'r to die.
4:180 Then to th' appointed tree he hastes away,
4:181 The veil first gather'd, tho' all rent it lay:
4:182 The veil all rent yet still it self endears,
4:183 He kist, and kissing, wash'd it with his tears.
4:184 Tho' rich (he cry'd) with many a precious stain,
4:185 Still from my blood a deeper tincture gain.
4:186 Then in his breast his shining sword he drown'd,
4:187 And fell supine, extended on the ground.
4:188 As out again the blade lie dying drew,
4:189 Out spun the blood, and streaming upwards flew.
4:190 So if a conduit-pipe e'er burst you saw,
4:191 Swift spring the gushing waters thro' the flaw:
4:192 Then spouting in a bow, they rise on high,
4:193 And a new fountain plays amid the sky.
4:194 The berries, stain'd with blood, began to show
4:195 A dark complexion, and forgot their snow;
4:196 While fatten'd with the flowing gore, the root
4:197 Was doom'd for ever to a purple fruit.
4:198 Mean-time poor Thisbe fear'd, so long she stay'd,
4:199 Her lover might suspect a perjur'd maid.
4:200 Her fright scarce o'er, she strove the youth to find
4:201 With ardent eyes, which spoke an ardent mind.
4:202 Already in his arms, she hears him sigh
4:203 At her destruction, which was once so nigh.
4:204 The tomb, the tree, but not the fruit she knew,
4:205 The fruit she doubted for its alter'd hue.
4:206 Still as she doubts, her eyes a body found
4:207 Quiv'ring in death, and gasping on the ground.
4:208 She started back, the red her cheeks forsook,
4:209 And ev'ry nerve with thrilling horrors shook.
4:210 So trembles the smooth surface of the seas,
4:211 If brush'd o'er gently with a rising breeze.
4:212 But when her view her bleeding love confest,
4:213 She shriek'd, she tore her hair, she beat her breast.
4:214 She rais'd the body, and embrac'd it round,
4:215 And bath'd with tears unfeign'd the gaping wound.
4:216 Then her warm lips to the cold face apply'd,
4:217 And is it thus, ah! thus we meet, she cry'd!
4:218 My Pyramus! whence sprung thy cruel fate?
4:219 My Pyramus!-ah! speak, ere 'tis too late.
4:220 I, thy own Thisbe, but one word implore,
4:221 One word thy Thisbe never ask'd before.
4:222 At Thisbe's name, awak'd, he open'd wide
4:223 His dying eyes; with dying eyes he try'd
4:224 On her to dwell, but clos'd them slow, and dy'd.
4:225 The fatal cause was now at last explor'd,
4:226 Her veil she knew, and saw his sheathless sword:
4:227 From thy own hand thy ruin thou hast found,
4:228 She said, but love first taught that hand to wound,
4:229 Ev'n I for thee as bold a hand can show,
4:230 And love, which shall as true direct the blow.
4:231 I will against the woman's weakness strive,
4:232 And never thee, lamented youth, survive.
4:233 The world may say, I caus'd, alas! thy death,
4:234 But saw thee breathless, and resign'd my breath.
4:235 Fate, tho' it conquers, shall no triumph gain,
4:236 Fate, that divides us, still divides in vain.
4:237 Now, both our cruel parents, hear my pray'r;
4:238 My pray'r to offer for us both I dare;
4:239 Oh! see our ashes in one urn confin'd,
4:240 Whom love at first, and fate at last has join'd.
4:241 The bliss, you envy'd, is not our request;
4:242 Lovers, when dead, may sure together rest.
4:243 Thou, tree, where now one lifeless lump is laid,
4:244 Ere-long o'er two shalt cast a friendly shade.
4:245 Still let our loves from thee be understood,
4:246 Still witness in thy purple fruit our blood.
4:247 She spoke, and in her bosom plung'd the sword,
4:248 All warm and reeking from its slaughter'd lord.
4:249 The pray'r, which dying Thisbe had preferr'd,
4:250 Both Gods, and parents, with compassion heard.
4:251 The whiteness of the mulberry soon fled,
4:252 And rip'ning, sadden'd in a dusky red:
4:253 While both their parents their lost children mourn,
4:254 And mix their ashes in one golden urn.
4:255 Thus did the melancholy tale conclude,
4:256 And a short, silent interval ensu'd.
4:257 The next in birth unloos'd her artful tongue,
4:258 And drew attentive all the sister-throng.
The Story of Leucothoe and the Sun
4:259 The Sun, the source of light, by beauty's pow'r
4:260 Once am'rous grew; then hear the Sun's amour.
4:261 Venus, and Mars, with his far-piercing eyes
4:262 This God first spy'd; this God first all things spies.
4:263 Stung at the sight, and swift on mischief bent,
4:264 To haughty Juno's shapeless son he went:
4:265 The Goddess, and her God gallant betray'd,
4:266 And told the cuckold, where their pranks were play'd.
4:267 Poor Vulcan soon desir'd to hear no more,
4:268 He drop'd his hammer, and he shook all o'er:
4:269 Then courage takes, and full of vengeful ire
4:270 He heaves the bellows, and blows fierce the fire:
4:271 From liquid brass, tho' sure, yet subtile snares
4:272 He forms, and next a wond'rous net prepares,
4:273 Drawn with such curious art, so nicely sly,
4:274 Unseen the mashes cheat the searching eye.
4:275 Not half so thin their webs the spiders weave,
4:276 Which the most wary, buzzing prey deceive.
4:277 These chains, obedient to the touch, he spread
4:278 In secret foldings o'er the conscious bed:
4:279 The conscious bed again was quickly prest
4:280 By the fond pair, in lawless raptures blest.
4:281 Mars wonder'd at his Cytherea's charms,
4:282 More fast than ever lock'd within her arms.
4:283 While Vulcan th' iv'ry doors unbarr'd with care,
4:284 Then call'd the Gods to view the sportive pair:
4:285 The Gods throng'd in, and saw in open day,
4:286 Where Mars, and beauty's queen, all naked, lay.
4:287 O! shameful sight, if shameful that we name,
4:288 Which Gods with envy view'd, and could not blame;
4:289 But, for the pleasure, wish'd to bear the shame.
4:290 Each Deity, with laughter tir'd, departs,
4:291 Yet all still laugh'd at Vulcan in their hearts.
4:292 Thro' Heav'n the news of this surprizal run,
4:293 But Venus did not thus forget the Sun.
4:294 He, who stol'n transports idly had betray'd,
4:295 By a betrayer was in kind repay'd.
4:296 What now avails, great God, thy piercing blaze,
4:297 That youth, and beauty, and those golden rays?
4:298 Thou, who can'st warm this universe alone,
4:299 Feel'st now a warmth more pow'rful than thy own:
4:300 And those bright eyes, which all things should survey,
4:301 Know not from fair Leucothoe to stray.
4:302 The lamp of light, for human good design'd,
4:303 Is to one virgin niggardly confin'd.
4:304 Sometimes too early rise thy eastern beams,
4:305 Sometimes too late they set in western streams:
4:306 'Tis then her beauty thy swift course delays,
4:307 And gives to winter skies long summer days.
4:308 Now in thy face thy love-sick mind appears,
4:309 And spreads thro' impious nations empty fears:
4:310 For when thy beamless head is wrapt in night,
4:311 Poor mortals tremble in despair of light.
4:312 'Tis not the moon, that o'er thee casts a veil
4:313 'Tis love alone, which makes thy looks so pale.
4:314 Leucothoe is grown thy only care,
4:315 Not Phaeton's fair mother now is fair.
4:316 The youthful Rhodos moves no tender thought,
4:317 And beauteous Porsa is at last forgot.
4:318 Fond Clytie, scorn'd, yet lov'd, and sought thy bed,
4:319 Ev'n then thy heart for other virgins bled.
4:320 Leucothoe has all thy soul possest,
4:321 And chas'd each rival passion from thy breast.
4:322 To this bright nymph Eurynome gave birth
4:323 In the blest confines of the spicy Earth.
4:324 Excelling others, she herself beheld
4:325 By her own blooming daughter far excell'd.
4:326 The sire was Orchamus, whose vast command,
4:327 The sev'nth from Belus, rul'd the Persian Land.
4:328 Deep in cool vales, beneath th' Hesperian sky,
4:329 For the Sun's fiery steeds the pastures lye.
4:330 Ambrosia there they eat, and thence they gain
4:331 New vigour, and their daily toils sustain.
4:332 While thus on heav'nly food the coursers fed,
4:333 And night, around, her gloomy empire spread,
4:334 The God assum'd the mother's shape and air,
4:335 And pass'd, unheeded, to his darling fair.
4:336 Close by a lamp, with maids encompass'd round,
4:337 The royal spinster, full employ'd, he found:
4:338 Then cry'd, A-while from work, my daughter, rest;
4:339 And, like a mother, scarce her lips he prest.
4:340 Servants retire!-nor secrets dare to hear,
4:341 Intrusted only to a daughter's ear.
4:342 They swift obey'd: not one, suspicious, thought
4:343 The secret, which their mistress would be taught.
4:344 Then he: since now no witnesses are near,
4:345 Behold! the God, who guides the various year!
4:346 The world's vast eye, of light the source serene,
4:347 Who all things sees, by whom are all things seen.
4:348 Believe me, nymph! (for I the truth have show'd)
4:349 Thy charms have pow'r to charm so great a God.
4:350 Confus'd, she heard him his soft passion tell,
4:351 And on the floor, untwirl'd, the spindle fell:
4:352 Still from the sweet confusion some new grace
4:353 Blush'd out by stealth, and languish'd in her face.
4:354 The lover, now inflam'd, himself put on,
4:355 And out at once the God, all-radiant, shone.
4:356 The virgin startled at his alter'd form,
4:357 Too weak to bear a God's impetuous storm:
4:358 No more against the dazling youth she strove,
4:359 But silent yielded, and indulg'd his love.
4:360 This Clytie knew, and knew she was undone,
4:361 Whose soul was fix'd, and doated on the Sun.
4:362 She rag'd to think on her neglected charms,
4:363 And Phoebus, panting in another's arms.
4:364 With envious madness fir'd, she flies in haste,
4:365 And tells the king, his daughter was unchaste.
4:366 The king, incens'd to hear his honour stain'd,
4:367 No more the father nor the man retain'd.
4:368 In vain she stretch'd her arms, and turn'd her eyes
4:369 To her lov'd God, th' enlightner of the skies.
4:370 In vain she own'd it was a crime, yet still
4:371 It was a crime not acted by her will.
4:372 The brutal sire stood deaf to ev'ry pray'r,
4:373 And deep in Earth entomb'd alive the fair.
4:374 What Phoebus could do, was by Phoebus done:
4:375 Full on her grave with pointed beams he shone:
4:376 To pointed beams the gaping Earth gave way;
4:377 Had the nymph eyes, her eyes had seen the day,
4:378 But lifeless now, yet lovely still, she lay.
4:379 Not more the God wept, when the world was fir'd,
4:380 And in the wreck his blooming boy expir'd.
4:381 The vital flame he strives to light again,
4:382 And warm the frozen blood in ev'ry vein:
4:383 But since resistless Fates deny'd that pow'r,
4:384 On the cold nymph he rain'd a nectar show'r.
4:385 Ah! undeserving thus (he said) to die,
4:386 Yet still in odours thou shalt reach the sky.
4:387 The body soon dissolv'd, and all around
4:388 Perfum'd with heav'nly fragrancies the ground,
4:389 A sacrifice for Gods up-rose from thence,
4:390 A sweet, delightful tree of frankincense.
The Transformation of Clytie
4:391 Tho' guilty Clytie thus the sun betray'd,
4:392 By too much passion she was guilty made.
4:393 Excess of love begot excess of grief,
4:394 Grief fondly bad her hence to hope relief.
4:395 But angry Phoebus hears, unmov'd, her sighs,
4:396 And scornful from her loath'd embraces flies.
4:397 All day, all night, in trackless wilds, alone
4:398 She pin'd, and taught the list'ning rocks her moan.
4:399 On the bare earth she lies, her bosom bare,
4:400 Loose her attire, dishevel'd is her hair.
4:401 Nine times the morn unbarr'd the gates of light,
4:402 As oft were spread th' alternate shades of night,
4:403 So long no sustenance the mourner knew,
4:404 Unless she drunk her tears, or suck'd the dew.
4:405 She turn'd about, but rose not from the ground,
4:406 Turn'd to the Sun, still as he roul'd his round:
4:407 On his bright face hung her desiring eyes,
4:408 'Till fix'd to Earth, she strove in vain to rise.
4:409 Her looks their paleness in a flow'r retain'd,
4:410 But here, and there, some purple streaks they gain'd.
4:411 Still the lov'd object the fond leafs pursue,
4:412 Still move their root, the moving Sun to view,
4:413 And in the Heliotrope the nymph is true.
4:414 The sisters heard these wonders with surprise,
4:415 But part receiv'd them as romantick lies;
4:416 And pertly rally'd, that they could not see
4:417 In Pow'rs divine so vast an energy.
4:418 Part own'd, true Gods such miracles might do,
4:419 But own'd not Bacchus, one among the true.
4:420 At last a common, just request they make,
4:421 And beg Alcithoe her turn to take.
4:422 I will (she said) and please you, if I can.
4:423 Then shot her shuttle swift, and thus began.
4:424 The fate of Daphnis is a fate too known,
4:425 Whom an enamour'd nymph transform'd to stone,
4:426 Because she fear'd another nymph might see
4:427 The lovely youth, and love as much as she:
4:428 So strange the madness is of jealousie!
4:429 Nor shall I tell, what changes Scython made,
4:430 And how he walk'd a man, or tripp'd a maid.
4:431 You too would peevish frown, and patience want
4:432 To hear, how Celmis grew an adamant.
4:433 He once was dear to Jove, and saw of old
4:434 Jove, when a child; but what he saw, he told.
4:435 Crocus, and Smilax may be turn'd to flow'rs,
4:436 And the Curetes spring from bounteous show'rs;
4:437 I pass a hundred legends stale, as these,
4:438 And with sweet novelty your taste will please.
The Story of Salmacis and Hermaphroditus
4:439 How Salmacis, with weak enfeebling streams
4:440 Softens the body, and unnerves the limbs,
4:441 And what the secret cause, shall here be shown;
4:442 The cause is secret, but th' effect is known.
4:443 The Naids nurst an infant heretofore,
4:444 That Cytherea once to Hermes bore:
4:445 From both th' illustrious authors of his race
4:446 The child was nam'd, nor was it hard to trace
4:447 Both the bright parents thro' the infant's face.
4:448 When fifteen years in Ida's cool retreat
4:449 The boy had told, he left his native seat,
4:450 And sought fresh fountains in a foreign soil:
4:451 The pleasure lessen'd the attending toil,
4:452 With eager steps the Lycian fields he crost,
4:453 A river here he view'd so lovely bright,
4:454 It shew'd the bottom in a fairer light,
4:455 Nor kept a sand conceal'd from human sight.
4:456 The stream produc'd nor slimy ooze, nor weeds,
4:457 Nor miry rushes, nor the spiky reeds;
4:458 But dealt enriching moisture all around,
4:459 The fruitful banks with chearful verdure crown'd,
4:460 And kept the spring eternal on the ground.
4:461 A nymph presides, not practis'd in the chace,
4:462 Nor skilful at the bow, nor at the race;
4:463 Of all the blue-ey'd daughters of the main,
4:464 The only stranger to Diana's train:
4:465 Her sisters often, as 'tis said, wou'd cry,
4:466 "Fie Salmacis: what, always idle! fie.
4:467 Or take thy quiver, or thy arrows seize,
4:468 And mix the toils of hunting with thy ease."
4:469 Nor quiver she nor arrows e'er wou'd seize,
4:470 Nor mix the toils of hunting with her ease.
4:471 But oft would bathe her in the chrystal tide,
4:472 Oft with a comb her dewy locks divide;
4:473 Now in the limpid streams she views her face,
4:474 And drest her image in the floating glass:
4:475 On beds of leaves she now repos'd her limbs,
4:476 Now gather'd flow'rs that grew about her streams,
4:477 And then by chance was gathering, as he stood
4:478 To view the boy, and long'd for what she view'd.
4:479 Fain wou'd she meet the youth with hasty feet,
4:480 She fain wou'd meet him, but refus'd to meet
4:481 Before her looks were set with nicest care,
4:482 And well deserv'd to be reputed fair.
4:483 "Bright youth," she cries, "whom all thy features prove
4:484 A God, and, if a God, the God of love;
4:485 But if a mortal, blest thy nurse's breast,
4:486 Blest are thy parents, and thy sisters blest:
4:487 But oh how blest! how more than blest thy bride,
4:488 Ally'd in bliss, if any yet ally'd.
4:489 If so, let mine the stoln enjoyments be;
4:490 If not, behold a willing bride in me."
4:491 The boy knew nought of love, and toucht with shame,
4:492 He strove, and blusht, but still the blush became:
4:493 In rising blushes still fresh beauties rose;
4:494 The sunny side of fruit such blushes shows,
4:495 And such the moon, when all her silver white
4:496 Turns in eclipses to a ruddy light.
4:497 The nymph still begs, if not a nobler bliss,
4:498 A cold salute at least, a sister's kiss:
4:499 And now prepares to take the lovely boy
4:500 Between her arms. He, innocently coy,
4:501 Replies, "Or leave me to my self alone,
4:502 You rude uncivil nymph, or I'll be gone."
4:503 "Fair stranger then," says she, "it shall be so";
4:504 And, for she fear'd his threats, she feign'd to go:
4:505 But hid within a covert's neighbouring green,
4:506 She kept him still in sight, herself unseen.
4:507 The boy now fancies all the danger o'er,
4:508 And innocently sports about the shore,
4:509 Playful and wanton to the stream he trips,
4:510 And dips his foot, and shivers as he dips.
4:511 The coolness pleas'd him, and with eager haste
4:512 His airy garments on the banks he cast;
4:513 His godlike features, and his heav'nly hue,
4:514 And all his beauties were expos'd to view.
4:515 His naked limbs the nymph with rapture spies,
4:516 While hotter passions in her bosom rise,
4:517 Flush in her cheeks, and sparkle in her eyes.
4:518 She longs, she burns to clasp him in her arms,
4:519 And looks, and sighs, and kindles at his charms.
4:520 Now all undrest upon the banks he stood,
4:521 And clapt his sides, and leapt into the flood:
4:522 His lovely limbs the silver waves divide,
4:523 His limbs appear more lovely through the tide;
4:524 As lillies shut within a chrystal case,
4:525 Receive a glossy lustre from the glass.
4:526 He's mine, he's all my own, the Naid cries,
4:527 And flings off all, and after him she flies.
4:528 And now she fastens on him as he swims,
4:529 And holds him close, and wraps about his limbs.
4:530 The more the boy resisted, and was coy,
4:531 The more she clipt, and kist the strugling boy.
4:532 So when the wrigling snake is snatcht on high
4:533 In Eagle's claws, and hisses in the sky,
4:534 Around the foe his twirling tail he flings,
4:535 And twists her legs, and wriths about her wings.
4:536 The restless boy still obstinately strove
4:537 To free himself, and still refus'd her love.
4:538 Amidst his limbs she kept her limbs intwin'd,
4:539 "And why, coy youth," she cries, "why thus unkind!
4:540 Oh may the Gods thus keep us ever join'd!
4:541 Oh may we never, never part again!"
4:542 So pray'd the nymph, nor did she pray in vain:
4:543 For now she finds him, as his limbs she prest,
4:544 Grow nearer still, and nearer to her breast;
4:545 'Till, piercing each the other's flesh, they run
4:546 Together, and incorporate in one:
4:547 Last in one face are both their faces join'd,
4:548 As when the stock and grafted twig combin'd
4:549 Shoot up the same, and wear a common rind:
4:550 Both bodies in a single body mix,
4:551 A single body with a double sex.
4:552 The boy, thus lost in woman, now survey'd
4:553 The river's guilty stream, and thus he pray'd.
4:554 (He pray'd, but wonder'd at his softer tone,
4:555 Surpriz'd to hear a voice but half his own.)
4:556 You parent-Gods, whose heav'nly names I bear,
4:557 Hear your Hermaphrodite, and grant my pray'r;
4:558 Oh grant, that whomsoe'er these streams contain,
4:559 If man he enter'd, he may rise again
4:560 Supple, unsinew'd, and but half a man!
4:561 The heav'nly parents answer'd from on high,
4:562 Their two-shap'd son, the double votary
4:563 Then gave a secret virtue to the flood,
4:564 And ting'd its source to make his wishes good.
Alcithoe and her Sisters transform'd to Bats
4:565 But Mineus' daughters still their tasks pursue,
4:566 To wickedness most obstinately true:
4:567 At Bacchus still they laugh, when all around,
4:568 Unseen, the timbrels hoarse were heard to sound.
4:569 Saffron and myrrh their fragrant odours shed,
4:570 And now the present deity they dread.
4:571 Strange to relate! Here ivy first was seen,
4:572 Along the distaff crept the wond'rous green.
4:573 Then sudden-springing vines began to bloom,
4:574 And the soft tendrils curl'd around the loom:
4:575 While purple clusters, dangling from on high,
4:576 Ting'd the wrought purple with a second die.
4:577 Now from the skies was shot a doubtful light,
4:578 The day declining to the bounds of night.
4:579 The fabrick's firm foundations shake all o'er,
4:580 False tigers rage, and figur'd lions roar.
4:581 Torches, aloft, seem blazing in the air,
4:582 And angry flashes of red light'nings glare.
4:583 To dark recesses, the dire sight to shun,
4:584 Swift the pale sisters in confusion run.
4:585 Their arms were lost in pinions, as they fled,
4:586 And subtle films each slender limb o'er-spread.
4:587 Their alter'd forms their senses soon reveal'd;
4:588 Their forms, how alter'd, darkness still conceal'd.
4:589 Close to the roof each, wond'ring, upwards springs,
4:590 Born on unknown, transparent, plumeless wings.
4:591 They strove for words; their little bodies found
4:592 No words, but murmur'd in a fainting sound.
4:593 In towns, not woods, the sooty bats delight,
4:594 And, never, 'till the dusk, begin their flight;
4:595 'Till Vesper rises with his ev'ning flame;
4:596 From whom the Romans have deriv'd their name.
The Transformation of Ino and Melicerta to Sea-Gods
4:597 The pow'r of Bacchus now o'er Thebes had flown:
4:598 With awful rev'rence soon the God they own.
4:599 Proud Ino, all around the wonder tells,
4:600 And on her nephew deity still dwells.
4:601 Of num'rous sisters, she alone yet knew
4:602 No grief, but grief, which she from sisters drew.
4:603 Imperial Juno saw her with disdain,
4:604 Vain in her offspring, in her consort vain,
4:605 Who rul'd the trembling Thebans with a nod,
4:606 But saw her vainest in her foster-God.
4:607 Could then (she cry'd) a bastard-boy have pow'r
4:608 To make a mother her own son devour?
4:609 Could he the Tuscan crew to fishes change,
4:610 And now three sisters damn to forms so strange?
4:611 Yet shall the wife of Jove find no relief?
4:612 Shall she, still unreveng'd, disclose her grief?
4:613 Have I the mighty freedom to complain?
4:614 Is that my pow'r? is that to ease my pain?
4:615 A foe has taught me vengeance; and who ought
4:616 To scorn that vengeance, which a foe has taught?
4:617 What sure destruction frantick rage can throw,
4:618 The gaping wounds of slaughter'd Pentheus show.
4:619 Why should not Ino, fir'd with madness, stray,
4:620 Like her mad sisters her own kindred slay?
4:621 Why, she not follow, where they lead the way?
4:622 Down a steep, yawning cave, where yews display'd
4:623 In arches meet, and lend a baleful shade,
4:624 Thro' silent labyrinths a passage lies
4:625 To mournful regions, and infernal skies.
4:626 Here Styx exhales its noisome clouds, and here,
4:627 The fun'ral rites once paid, all souls appear.
4:628 Stiff cold, and horror with a ghastly face
4:629 And staring eyes, infest the dreary place.
4:630 Ghosts, new-arriv'd, and strangers to these plains,
4:631 Know not the palace, where grim Pluto reigns.
4:632 They journey doubtful, nor the road can tell,
4:633 Which leads to the metropolis of Hell.
4:634 A thousand avenues those tow'rs command,
4:635 A thousand gates for ever open stand.
4:636 As all the rivers, disembogu'd, find room
4:637 For all their waters in old Ocean's womb:
4:638 So this vast city worlds of shades receives,
4:639 And space for millions still of worlds she leaves.
4:640 Th' unbody'd spectres freely rove, and show
4:641 Whate'er they lov'd on Earth, they love below.
4:642 The lawyers still, or right, or wrong, support,
4:643 The courtiers smoothly glide to Pluto's court.
4:644 Still airy heroes thoughts of glory fire,
4:645 Still the dead poet strings his deathless lyre,
4:646 And lovers still with fancy'd darts expire.
4:647 The Queen of Heaven, to gratify her hate,
4:648 And sooth immortal wrath, forgets her state.
4:649 Down from the realms of day, to realms of night,
4:650 The Goddess swift precipitates her flight.
4:651 At Hell arriv'd, the noise Hell's porter heard,
4:652 Th' enormous dog his triple head up-rear'd:
4:653 Thrice from three grizly throats he howl'd profound,
4:654 Then suppliant couch'd, and stretch'd along the ground.
4:655 The trembling threshold, which Saturnia prest,
4:656 The weight of such divinity confest.
4:657 Before a lofty, adamantine gate,
4:658 Which clos'd a tow'r of brass, the Furies sate:
4:659 Mis-shapen forms, tremendous to the sight,
4:660 Th' implacable foul daughters of the night.
4:661 A sounding whip each bloody sister shakes,
4:662 Or from her tresses combs the curling snakes.
4:663 But now great Juno's majesty was known;
4:664 Thro' the thick gloom, all heav'nly bright, she shone:
4:665 The hideous monsters their obedience show'd,
4:666 And rising from their seats, submissive bow'd.
4:667 This is the place of woe, here groan the dead;
4:668 Huge Tityus o'er nine acres here is spread.
4:669 Fruitful for pain th' immortal liver breeds,
4:670 Still grows, and still th' insatiate vulture feeds.
4:671 Poor Tantalus to taste the water tries,
4:672 But from his lips the faithless water flies:
4:673 Then thinks the bending tree he can command,
4:674 The tree starts backwards, and eludes his hand.
4:675 The labour too of Sisyphus is vain,
4:676 Up the steep mount he heaves the stone with pain,
4:677 Down from the summet rouls the stone again.
4:678 The Belides their leaky vessels still
4:679 Are ever filling, and yet never fill:
4:680 Doom'd to this punishment for blood they shed,
4:681 For bridegrooms slaughter'd in the bridal bed.
4:682 Stretch'd on the rolling wheel Ixion lies;
4:683 Himself he follows, and himself he flies.
4:684 Ixion, tortur'd, Juno sternly ey'd,
4:685 Then turn'd, and toiling Sisyphus espy'd:
4:686 And why (she said) so wretched is the fate
4:687 Of him, whose brother proudly reigns in state?
4:688 Yet still my altars unador'd have been
4:689 By Athamas, and his presumptuous queen.
4:690 What caus'd her hate, the Goddess thus confest,
4:691 What caus'd her journey now was more than guest.
4:692 That hate, relentless, its revenge did want,
4:693 And that revenge the Furies soon could grant:
4:694 They could the glory of proud Thebes efface,
4:695 And hide in ruin the Cadmean race.
4:696 For this she largely promises, entreats,
4:697 And to intreaties adds imperial threats.
4:698 Then fell Tisiphone with rage was stung,
4:699 And from her mouth th' untwisted serpents flung.
4:700 To gain this trifling boon, there is no need
4:701 (She cry'd) in formal speeches to proceed.
4:702 Whatever thou command'st to do, is done;
4:703 Believe it finish'd, tho' not yet begun.
4:704 But from these melancholly seats repair
4:705 To happier mansions, and to purer air.
4:706 She spoke: the Goddess, darting upwards, flies,
4:707 And joyous re-ascends her native skies:
4:708 Nor enter'd there, till 'round her Iris threw
4:709 Ambrosial sweets, and pour'd celestial dew.
4:710 The faithful Fury, guiltless of delays,
4:711 With cruel haste the dire command obeys.
4:712 Girt in a bloody gown, a torch she shakes,
4:713 And round her neck twines speckled wreaths of snakes.
4:714 Fear, and dismay, and agonizing pain,
4:715 With frantick rage, compleat her loveless train.
4:716 To Thebes her flight she sped, and Hell forsook;
4:717 At her approach the Theban turrets shook:
4:718 The sun shrunk back, thick clouds the day o'er-cast,
4:719 And springing greens were wither'd as she past.
4:720 Now, dismal yellings heard, strange spectres seen,
4:721 Confound as much the monarch as the queen.
4:722 In vain to quit the palace they prepar'd,
4:723 Tisiphone was there, and kept the ward.
4:724 She wide extended her unfriendly arms,
4:725 And all the Fury lavish'd all her harms.
4:726 Part of her tresses loudly hiss, and part
4:727 Spread poyson, as their forky tongues they dart.
4:728 Then from her middle locks two snakes she drew,
4:729 Whose merit from superior mischief grew:
4:730 Th' envenom'd ruin, thrown with spiteful care,
4:731 Clung to the bosoms of the hapless pair.
4:732 The hapless pair soon with wild thoughts were fir'd,
4:733 And madness, by a thousand ways inspir'd.
4:734 'Tis true, th' unwounded body still was sound,
4:735 But 'twas the soul which felt the deadly wound.
4:736 Nor did th' unsated monster here give o'er,
4:737 But dealt of plagues a fresh, unnumber'd store.
4:738 Each baneful juice too well she understood,
4:739 Foam, churn'd by Cerberus, and Hydra's blood.
4:740 Hot hemlock, and cold aconite she chose,
4:741 Delighted in variety of woes.
4:742 Whatever can untune th' harmonious soul,
4:743 And its mild, reas'ning faculties controul,
4:744 Give false ideas, raise desires profane,
4:745 And whirl in eddies the tumultuous brain,
4:746 Mix'd with curs'd art, she direfully around
4:747 Thro' all their nerves diffus'd the sad compound.
4:748 Then toss'd her torch in circles still the same,
4:749 Improv'd their rage, and added flame to flame.
4:750 The grinning Fury her own conquest spy'd,
4:751 And to her rueful shades return'd with pride,
4:752 And threw th' exhausted, useless snakes aside.
4:753 Now Athamas cries out, his reason fled,
4:754 Here, fellow-hunters, let the toils be spread.
4:755 I saw a lioness, in quest of food,
4:756 With her two young, run roaring in this wood.
4:757 Again the fancy'd savages were seen,
4:758 As thro' his palace still he chac'd his queen;
4:759 Then tore Learchus from her breast: the child
4:760 Stretch'd little arms, and on its father smil'd:
4:761 A father now no more, who now begun
4:762 Around his head to whirl his giddy son,
4:763 And, quite insensible to Nature's call,
4:764 The helpless infant flung against the wall.
4:765 The same mad poyson in the mother wrought,
4:766 Young Melicerta in her arms she caught,
4:767 And with disorder'd tresses, howling, flies,
4:768 O! Bacchus, Evoe, Bacchus! loud she cries.
4:769 The name of Bacchus Juno laugh'd to hear,
4:770 And said, Thy foster-God has cost thee dear.
4:771 A rock there stood, whose side the beating waves
4:772 Had long consum'd, and hollow'd into caves.
4:773 The head shot forwards in a bending steep,
4:774 And cast a dreadful covert o'er the deep.
4:775 The wretched Ino, on destruction bent,
4:776 Climb'd up the cliff; such strength her fury lent:
4:777 Thence with her guiltless boy, who wept in vain,
4:778 At one bold spring she plung'd into the main.
4:779 Her neice's fate touch'd Cytherea's breast,
4:780 And in soft sounds she Neptune thus addrest:
4:781 Great God of waters, whose extended sway
4:782 Is next to his, whom Heav'n and Earth obey:
4:783 Let not the suit of Venus thee displease,
4:784 Pity the floaters on th' Ionian seas.
4:785 Encrease thy Subject-Gods, nor yet disdain
4:786 To add my kindred to that glorious train.
4:787 If from the sea I may such honours claim,
4:788 If 'tis desert, that from the sea I came,
4:789 As Grecian poets artfully have sung,
4:790 And in the name confest, from whence I sprung.
4:791 Pleas'd Neptune nodded his assent, and free
4:792 Both soon became from frail mortality.
4:793 He gave them form, and majesty divine,
4:794 And bad them glide along the foamy brine.
4:795 For Melicerta is Palaemon known,
4:796 And Ino once, Leucothoe is grown.
The Transformation of the Theban Matrons
4:797 The Theban matrons their lov'd queen pursu'd,
4:798 And tracing to the rock, her footsteps view'd.
4:799 Too certain of her fate, they rend the skies
4:800 With piteous shrieks, and lamentable cries.
4:801 All beat their breasts, and Juno all upbraid,
4:802 Who still remember'd a deluded maid:
4:803 Who, still revengeful for one stol'n embrace,
4:804 Thus wreak'd her hate on the Cadmean race.
4:805 This Juno heard: And shall such elfs, she cry'd,
4:806 Dispute my justice, or my pow'r deride?
4:807 You too shall feel my wrath not idly spent;
4:808 A Goddess never for insults was meant.
4:809 She, who lov'd most, and who most lov'd had been,
4:810 Said, Not the waves shall part me from my queen.
4:811 She strove to plunge into the roaring flood;
4:812 Fix'd to the stone, a stone her self she stood.
4:813 This, on her breast would fain her blows repeat,
4:814 Her stiffen'd hands refus'd her breast to beat.
4:815 That, stretch'd her arms unto the seas; in vain
4:816 Her arms she labour'd to unstretch again.
4:817 To tear her comely locks another try'd,
4:818 Both comely locks, and fingers petryfi'd.
4:819 Part thus; but Juno with a softer mind
4:820 Part doom'd to mix among the feather'd kind.
4:821 Transform'd, the name of Theban birds they keep,
4:822 And skim the surface of that fatal deep.
Cadmus and his Queen transform'd to Serpents
4:823 Mean-time, the wretched Cadmus mourns, nor knows,
4:824 That they who mortal fell, immortal rose.
4:825 With a long series of new ills opprest,
4:826 He droops, and all the man forsakes his breast.
4:827 Strange prodigies confound his frighted eyes;
4:828 From the fair city, which he rais'd, he flies:
4:829 As if misfortune not pursu'd his race,
4:830 But only hung o'er that devoted place.
4:831 Resolv'd by sea to seek some distant land,
4:832 At last he safely gain'd th' Illyrian strand.
4:833 Chearless himself, his consort still he chears,
4:834 Hoary, and loaden'd both with woes and years.
4:835 Then to recount past sorrows they begin,
4:836 And trace them to the gloomy origin.
4:837 That serpent sure was hallow'd, Cadmus cry'd,
4:838 Which once my spear transfix'd with foolish pride;
4:839 When the big teeth, a seed before unknown,
4:840 By me along the wond'ring glebe were sown,
4:841 And sprouting armies by themselves o'erthrown.
4:842 If thence the wrath of Heav'n on me is bent,
4:843 May Heav'n conclude it with one sad event;
4:844 To an extended serpent change the man:
4:845 And while he spoke, the wish'd-for change began.
4:846 His skin with sea-green spots was vary'd 'round,
4:847 And on his belly prone he prest the ground.
4:848 He glitter'd soon with many a golden scale,
4:849 And his shrunk legs clos'd in a spiry tail.
4:850 Arms yet remain'd, remaining arms he spread
4:851 To his lov'd wife, and human tears yet shed.
4:852 Come, my Harmonia, come, thy face recline
4:853 Down to my face; still touch, what still is mine.
4:854 O! let these hands, while hands, be gently prest,
4:855 While yet the serpent has not all possest.
4:856 More he had spoke, but strove to speak in vain,
4:857 The forky tongue refus'd to tell his pain,
4:858 And learn'd in hissings only to complain.
4:859 Then shriek'd Harmonia, Stay, my Cadmus, stay,
4:860 Glide not in such a monstrous shape away!
4:861 Destruction, like impetuous waves, rouls on.
4:862 Where are thy feet, thy legs, thy shoulders gone?
4:863 Chang'd is thy visage, chang'd is all thy frame;
4:864 Cadmus is only Cadmus now in name.
4:865 Ye Gods, my Cadmus to himself restore,
4:866 Or me like him transform; I ask no more.
4:867 The husband-serpent show'd he still had thought,
4:868 With wonted fondness an embrace he sought;
4:869 Play'd 'round her neck in many a harmless twist,
4:870 And lick'd that bosom, which, a man, he kist.
4:871 The lookers-on (for lookers-on there were)
4:872 Shock'd at the sight, half-dy'd away with fear.
4:873 The transformation was again renew'd,
4:874 And, like the husband, chang'd the wife they view'd.
4:875 Both, serpents now, with fold involv'd in fold,
4:876 To the next covert amicably roul'd.
4:877 There curl'd they lie, or wave along the green,
4:878 Fearless see men, by men are fearless seen,
4:879 Still mild, and conscious what they once have been.
The Story of Perseus
4:880 Yet tho' this harsh, inglorious fate they found,
4:881 Each in the deathless grandson liv'd renown'd.
4:882 Thro' conquer'd India Bacchus nobly rode,
4:883 And Greece with temples hail'd the conqu'ring God.
4:884 In Argos only proud Acrisius reign'd,
4:885 Who all the consecrated rites profan'd.
4:886 Audacious wretch! thus Bacchus to deny,
4:887 And the great Thunderer's great son defie!
4:888 Nor him alone: thy daughter vainly strove,
4:889 Brave Perseus of celestial stem to prove,
4:890 And her self pregnant by a golden Jove.
4:891 Yet this was true, and truth in time prevails;
4:892 Acrisius now his unbelief bewails.
4:893 His former thought, an impious thought he found,
4:894 And both the heroe, and the God were own'd.
4:895 He saw, already one in Heav'n was plac'd,
4:896 And one with more than mortal triumphs grac'd,
4:897 The victor Perseus with the Gorgon-head,
4:898 O'er Libyan sands his airy journey sped.
4:899 The gory drops distill'd, as swift he flew,
4:900 And from each drop envenom'd serpents grew,
4:901 The mischiefs brooded on the barren plains,
4:902 And still th' unhappy fruitfulness remains.
Atlas transform'd to a Mountain
4:903 Thence Perseus, like a cloud, by storms was driv'n,
4:904 Thro' all th' expanse beneath the cope of Heaven.
4:905 The jarring winds unable to controul,
4:906 He saw the southern, and the northern pole:
4:907 And eastward thrice, and westward thrice was whirl'd,
4:908 And from the skies survey'd the nether world.
4:909 But when grey ev'ning show'd the verge of night,
4:910 He fear'd in darkness to pursue his flight.
4:911 He pois'd his pinions, and forgot to soar,
4:912 And sinking, clos'd them on th' Hesperian shore:
4:913 Then beg'd to rest, 'till Lucifer begun
4:914 To wake the morn, the morn to wake the sun.
4:915 Here Atlas reign'd, of more than human size,
4:916 And in his kingdom the world's limit lies.
4:917 Here Titan bids his weary'd coursers sleep,
4:918 And cools the burning axle in the deep.
4:919 The mighty monarch, uncontrol'd, alone,
4:920 His sceptre sways: no neighb'ring states are known.
4:921 A thousand flocks on shady mountains fed,
4:922 A thousand herds o'er grassy plains were spread.
4:923 Here wond'rous trees their shining stores unfold,
4:924 Their shining stores too wond'rous to be told,
4:925 Their leafs, their branches, and their apples, gold.
4:926 Then Perseus the gigantick prince addrest,
4:927 Humbly implor'd a hospitable rest.
4:928 If bold exploits thy admiration fire,
4:929 He said, I fancy, mine thou wilt admire.
4:930 Or if the glory of a race can move,
4:931 Not mean my glory, for I spring from Jove.
4:932 At this confession Atlas ghastly star'd,
4:933 Mindful of what an oracle declar'd,
4:934 That the dark womb of Time conceal'd a day,
4:935 Which should, disclos'd, the bloomy gold betray:
4:936 All should at once be ravish'd from his eyes,
4:937 And Jove's own progeny enjoy the prize.
4:938 For this, the fruit he loftily immur'd,
4:939 And a fierce dragon the strait pass secur'd.
4:940 For this, all strangers he forbad to land,
4:941 And drove them from th' inhospitable strand.
4:942 To Perseus then: Fly quickly, fly this coast,
4:943 Nor falsly dare thy acts and race to boast.
4:944 In vain the heroe for one night entreats,
4:945 Threat'ning he storms, and next adds force to threats.
4:946 By strength not Perseus could himself defend,
4:947 For who in strength with Atlas could contend?
4:948 But since short rest to me thou wilt not give,
4:949 A gift of endless rest from me receive,
4:950 He said, and backward turn'd, no more conceal'd
4:951 The present, and Medusa's head reveal'd.
4:952 Soon the high Atlas a high mountain stood,
4:953 His locks, and beard became a leafy wood.
4:954 His hands, and shoulders, into ridges went,
4:955 The summit-head still crown'd the steep ascent.
4:956 His bones a solid, rocky hardness gain'd:
4:957 He, thus immensely grown (as fate ordain'd),
4:958 The stars, the Heav'ns, and all the Gods sustain'd.
Andromeda rescu'd from the Sea Monster
4:959 Now Aeolus had with strong chains confin'd,
4:960 And deep imprison'd e'vry blust'ring wind,
4:961 The rising Phospher with a purple light
4:962 Did sluggish mortals to new toils invite.
4:963 His feet again the valiant Perseus plumes,
4:964 And his keen sabre in his hand resumes:
4:965 Then nobly spurns the ground, and upwards springs,
4:966 And cuts the liquid air with sounding wings.
4:967 O'er various seas, and various lands he past,
4:968 'Till Aethiopia's shore appear'd at last.
4:969 Andromeda was there, doom'd to attone
4:970 By her own ruin follies not her own:
4:971 And if injustice in a God can be,
4:972 Such was the Libyan God's unjust decree.
4:973 Chain'd to a rock she stood; young Perseus stay'd
4:974 His rapid flight, to view the beauteous maid.
4:975 So sweet her frame, so exquisitely fine,
4:976 She seem'd a statue by a hand divine,
4:977 Had not the wind her waving tresses show'd,
4:978 And down her cheeks the melting sorrows flow'd.
4:979 Her faultless form the heroe's bosom fires;
4:980 The more he looks, the more he still admires.
4:981 Th' admirer almost had forgot to fly,
4:982 And swift descended, flutt'ring from on high.
4:983 O! Virgin, worthy no such chains to prove,
4:984 But pleasing chains in the soft folds of love;
4:985 Thy country, and thy name (he said) disclose,
4:986 And give a true rehearsal of thy woes.
4:987 A quick reply her bashfulness refus'd,
4:988 To the free converse of a man unus'd.
4:989 Her rising blushes had concealment found
4:990 From her spread hands, but that her hands were bound.
4:991 She acted to her full extent of pow'r,
4:992 And bath'd her face with a fresh, silent show'r.
4:993 But by degrees in innocence grown bold,
4:994 Her name, her country, and her birth she told:
4:995 And how she suffer'd for her mother's pride,
4:996 Who with the Nereids once in beauty vy'd.
4:997 Part yet untold, the seas began to roar,
4:998 And mounting billows tumbled to the shore.
4:999 Above the waves a monster rais'd his head,
4:1000 His body o'er the deep was widely spread:
4:1001 Onward he flounc'd; aloud the virgin cries;
4:1002 Each parent to her shrieks in shrieks replies:
4:1003 But she had deepest cause to rend the skies.
4:1004 Weeping, to her they cling; no sign appears
4:1005 Of help, they only lend their helpless tears.
4:1006 Too long you vent your sorrows, Perseus said,
4:1007 Short is the hour, and swift the time of aid,
4:1008 In me the son of thund'ring Jove behold,
4:1009 Got in a kindly show'r of fruitful gold.
4:1010 Medusa's snaky head is now my prey,
4:1011 And thro' the clouds I boldly wing my way.
4:1012 If such desert be worthy of esteem,
4:1013 And, if your daughter I from death redeem,
4:1014 Shall she be mine? Shall it not then be thought,
4:1015 A bride, so lovely, was too cheaply bought?
4:1016 For her my arms I willingly employ,
4:1017 If I may beauties, which I save, enjoy.
4:1018 The parents eagerly the terms embrace:
4:1019 For who would slight such terms in such a case?
4:1020 Nor her alone they promise, but beside,
4:1021 The dowry of a kingdom with the bride.
4:1022 As well-rigg'd gallies, which slaves, sweating, row,
4:1023 With their sharp beaks the whiten'd ocean plough;
4:1024 So when the monster mov'd, still at his back
4:1025 The furrow'd waters left a foamy track.
4:1026 Now to the rock he was advanc'd so nigh,
4:1027 Whirl'd from a sling a stone the space would fly.
4:1028 Then bounding, upwards the brave Perseus sprung,
4:1029 And in mid air on hov'ring pinions hung.
4:1030 His shadow quickly floated on the main;
4:1031 The monster could not his wild rage restrain,
4:1032 But at the floating shadow leap'd in vain.
4:1033 As when Jove's bird, a speckl'd serpent spies,
4:1034 Which in the shine of Phoebus basking lies,
4:1035 Unseen, he souses down, and bears away,
4:1036 Truss'd from behind, the vainly-hissing prey.
4:1037 To writh his neck the labour nought avails,
4:1038 Too deep th' imperial talons pierce his scales.
4:1039 Thus the wing'd heroe now descends, now soars,
4:1040 And at his pleasure the vast monster gores.
4:1041 Full in his back, swift stooping from above,
4:1042 The crooked sabre to its hilt he drove.
4:1043 The monster rag'd, impatient of the pain,
4:1044 First bounded high, and then sunk low again.
4:1045 Now, like a savage boar, when chaf'd with wounds,
4:1046 And bay'd with opening mouths of hungry hounds,
4:1047 He on the foe turns with collected might,
4:1048 Who still eludes him with an airy flight;
4:1049 And wheeling round, the scaly armour tries
4:1050 Of his thick sides; his thinner tall now plies:
4:1051 'Till from repeated strokes out gush'd a flood,
4:1052 And the waves redden'd with the streaming blood.
4:1053 At last the dropping wings, befoam'd all o'er,
4:1054 With flaggy heaviness their master bore:
4:1055 A rock he spy'd, whose humble head was low,
4:1056 Bare at an ebb, but cover'd at a flow.
4:1057 A ridgy hold, he, thither flying, gain'd,
4:1058 And with one hand his bending weight sustain'd;
4:1059 With th' other, vig'rous blows he dealt around,
4:1060 And the home-thrusts the expiring monster own'd.
4:1061 In deaf'ning shouts the glad applauses rise,
4:1062 And peal on peal runs ratling thro' the skies.
4:1063 The saviour-youth the royal pair confess,
4:1064 And with heav'd hands their daughter's bridegroom bless.
4:1065 The beauteous bride moves on, now loos'd from chains,
4:1066 The cause, and sweet reward of all the heroe's pains,
4:1067 Mean-time, on shore triumphant Perseus stood,
4:1068 And purg'd his hands, smear'd with the monster's blood:
4:1069 Then in the windings of a sandy bed
4:1070 Compos'd Medusa's execrable head.
4:1071 But to prevent the roughness, leafs he threw,
4:1072 And young, green twigs, which soft in waters grew,
4:1073 There soft, and full of sap; but here, when lay'd,
4:1074 Touch'd by the head, that softness soon decay'd.
4:1075 The wonted flexibility quite gone,
4:1076 The tender scyons harden'd into stone.
4:1077 Fresh, juicy twigs, surpriz'd, the Nereids brought,
4:1078 Fresh, juicy twigs the same contagion caught.
4:1079 The nymphs the petrifying seeds still keep,
4:1080 And propagate the wonder thro' the deep.
4:1081 The pliant sprays of coral yet declare
4:1082 Their stiff'ning Nature, when expos'd to air.
4:1083 Those sprays, which did, like bending osiers, move,
4:1084 Snatch'd from their element, obdurate prove,
4:1085 And shrubs beneath the waves, grow stones above.
4:1086 The great immortals grateful Perseus prais'd,
4:1087 And to three Pow'rs three turfy altars rais'd.
4:1088 To Hermes this; and that he did assign
4:1089 To Pallas: the mid honours, Jove, were thine,
4:1090 He hastes for Pallas a white cow to cull,
4:1091 A calf for Hermes, but for Jove a bull.
4:1092 Then seiz'd the prize of his victorious fight,
4:1093 Andromeda, and claim'd the nuptial rite.
4:1094 Andromeda alone he greatly sought,
4:1095 The dowry kingdom was not worth his thought.
4:1096 Pleas'd Hymen now his golden torch displays;
4:1097 With rich oblations fragrant altars blaze,
4:1098 Sweet wreaths of choicest flow'rs are hung on high,
4:1099 And cloudless pleasure smiles in ev'ry eye.
4:1100 The melting musick melting thoughts inspires,
4:1101 And warbling songsters aid the warbling lyres.
4:1102 The palace opens wide in pompous state,
4:1103 And by his peers surrounded, Cepheus sate.
4:1104 A feast was serv'd, fit for a king to give,
4:1105 And fit for God-like heroes to receive.
4:1106 The banquet ended, the gay, chearful bowl
4:1107 Mov'd round, and brighten'd, and enlarg'd each soul.
4:1108 Then Perseus ask'd, what customs there obtain'd,
4:1109 And by what laws the people were restrain'd.
4:1110 Which told; the teller a like freedom takes,
4:1111 And to the warrior his petition makes,
4:1112 To know, what arts had won Medusa's snakes.
The Story of Medusa's Head
4:1113 The heroe with his just request complies,
4:1114 Shows, how a vale beneath cold Atlas lies,
4:1115 Where, with aspiring mountains fenc'd around,
4:1116 He the two daughters of old Phorcus found.
4:1117 Fate had one common eye to both assign'd,
4:1118 Each saw by turns, and each by turns was blind.
4:1119 But while one strove to lend her sister sight,
4:1120 He stretch'd his hand, and stole their mutual light,
4:1121 And left both eyeless, both involv'd in night.
4:1122 Thro' devious wilds, and trackless woods he past,
4:1123 And at the Gorgon-seats arriv'd at last:
4:1124 But as he journey'd, pensive he survey'd,
4:1125 What wasteful havock dire Medusa made.
4:1126 Here, stood still breathing statues, men before;
4:1127 There, rampant lions seem'd in stone to roar.
4:1128 Nor did he, yet affrighted, quit the field,
4:1129 But in the mirror of his polish'd shield
4:1130 Reflected saw Medusa slumbers take,
4:1131 And not one serpent by good chance awake.
4:1132 Then backward an unerring blow he sped,
4:1133 And from her body lop'd at once her head.
4:1134 The gore prolifick prov'd; with sudden force
4:1135 Sprung Pegasus, and wing'd his airy course.
4:1136 The Heav'n-born warrior faithfully went on,
4:1137 And told the num'rous dangers which he run.
4:1138 What subject seas, what lands he had in view,
4:1139 And nigh what stars th' advent'rous heroe flew.
4:1140 At last he silent sate; the list'ning throng
4:1141 Sigh'd at the pause of his delightful tongue.
4:1142 Some beg'd to know, why this alone should wear,
4:1143 Of all the sisters, such destructive hair.
4:1144 Great Perseus then: With me you shall prevail,
4:1145 Worth the relation, to relate a tale.
4:1146 Medusa once had charms; to gain her love
4:1147 A rival crowd of envious lovers strove.
4:1148 They, who have seen her, own, they ne'er did trace
4:1149 More moving features in a sweeter face.
4:1150 Yet above all, her length of hair, they own,
4:1151 In golden ringlets wav'd, and graceful shone.
4:1152 Her Neptune saw, and with such beauties fir'd,
4:1153 Resolv'd to compass, what his soul desir'd.
4:1154 In chaste Minerva's fane, he, lustful, stay'd,
4:1155 And seiz'd, and rifled the young, blushing maid.
4:1156 The bashful Goddess turn'd her eyes away,
4:1157 Nor durst such bold impurity survey;
4:1158 But on the ravish'd virgin vengeance takes,
4:1159 Her shining hair is chang'd to hissing snakes.
4:1160 These in her Aegis Pallas joys to bear,
4:1161 The hissing snakes her foes more sure ensnare,
4:1162 Than they did lovers once, when shining hair.
BOOK THE FIFTH
The Story of Perseus continu'd
5:1 While Perseus entertain'd with this report
5:2 His father Cepheus, and the list'ning court,
5:3 Within the palace walls was heard aloud
5:4 The roaring noise of some unruly crowd;
5:5 Not like the songs which chearful friends prepare
5:6 For nuptial days, but sounds that threaten'd war;
5:7 And all the pleasures of this happy feast,
5:8 To tumult turn'd, in wild disorder ceas'd:
5:9 So, when the sea is calm, we often find
5:10 A storm rais'd sudden by some furious wind.
5:11 Chief in the riot Phineus first appear'd,
5:12 The rash ringleader of this boist'rous herd,
5:13 And brandishing his brazen-pointed lance,
5:14 Behold, he said, an injur'd man advance,
5:15 Stung with resentment for his ravish'd wife,
5:16 Nor shall thy wings, o Perseus, save thy life;
5:17 Nor Jove himself; tho' we've been often told
5:18 Who got thee in the form of tempting gold.
5:19 His lance was aim'd, when Cepheus ran, and said,
5:20 Hold, brother, hold; what brutal rage has made
5:21 Your frantick mind so black a crime conceive?
5:22 Are these the thanks that you to Perseus give?
5:23 This the reward that to his worth you pay,
5:24 Whose timely valour sav'd Andromeda?
5:25 Nor was it he, if you would reason right,
5:26 That forc'd her from you, but the jealous spight
5:27 Of envious Nereids, and Jove's high decree;
5:28 And that devouring monster of the sea,
5:29 That ready with his jaws wide gaping stood
5:30 To eat my child, the fairest of my blood.
5:31 You lost her then, when she seem'd past relief,
5:32 And wish'd perhaps her death, to ease your grief
5:33 With my afflictions: not content to view
5:34 Andromeda in chains, unhelp'd by you,
5:35 Her spouse, and uncle; will you grieve that he
5:36 Expos'd his life the dying maid to free?
5:37 And shall you claim his merit? Had you thought
5:38 Her charms so great, you shou'd have bravely sought
5:39 That blessing on the rocks, where fix'd she lay:
5:40 But now let Perseus bear his prize away,
5:41 By service gain'd, by promis'd faith possess'd;
5:42 To him I owe it, that my age is bless'd
5:43 Still with a child: Nor think that I prefer
5:44 Perseus to thee, but to the loss of her.
5:45 Phineus on him, and Perseus, roul'd about
5:46 His eyes in silent rage, and seem'd to doubt
5:47 Which to destroy; 'till, resolute at length,
5:48 He threw his spear with the redoubled strength
5:49 His fury gave him, and at Perseus struck;
5:50 But missing Perseus, in his seat it stuck.
5:51 Who, springing nimbly up, return'd the dart,
5:52 And almost plung'd it in his rival's heart;
5:53 But he for safety to the altar ran,
5:54 Unfit protection for so vile a man;
5:55 Yet was the stroke not vain, as Rhaetus found,
5:56 Who in his brow receiv'd a mortal wound;
5:57 Headlong he tumbled, when his skull was broke,
5:58 From which his friends the fatal weapon took,
5:59 While he lay trembling, and his gushing blood
5:60 In crimson streams around the table flow'd.
5:61 But this provok'd th' unruly rabble worse,
5:62 They flung their darts, and some in loud discourse
5:63 To death young Perseus, and the monarch doom;
5:64 But Cepheus left before the guilty room,
5:65 With grief appealing to the Gods above,
5:66 Who laws of hospitality approve,
5:67 Who faith protect, and succour injur'd right,
5:68 That he was guiltless of this barb'rous fight.
5:69 Pallas her brother Perseus close attends,
5:70 And with her ample shield from harm defends,
5:71 Raising a sprightly courage in his heart:
5:72 But Indian Athis took the weaker part,
5:73 Born in the chrystal grottoes of the sea,
5:74 Limnate's son, a fenny nymph, and she
5:75 Daughter of Ganges; graceful was his mein,
5:76 His person lovely, and his age sixteen.
5:77 His habit made his native beauty more;
5:78 A purple mantle fring'd with gold he wore;
5:79 His neck well-turn'd with golden chains was grac'd,
5:80 His hair with myrrh perfum'd, was nicely dress'd.
5:81 Tho' with just aim he cou'd the javelin throw,
5:82 Yet with more skill he drew the bending bow;
5:83 And now was drawing it with artful hand,
5:84 When Perseus snatching up a flaming brand,
5:85 Whirl'd sudden at his face the burning wood,
5:86 Crush'd his eyes in, and quench'd the fire with blood;
5:87 Thro' the soft skin the splinter'd bones appear,
5:88 And spoil'd the face that lately was so fair.
5:89 When Lycabas his Athis thus beheld,
5:90 How was his heart with friendly horror fill'd!
5:91 A youth so noble, to his soul so dear,
5:92 To see his shapeless look, his dying groans to hear!
5:93 He snatch'd the bow the boy was us'd to bend,
5:94 And cry'd, With me, false traytor, dare contend;
5:95 Boast not a conquest o'er a child, but try
5:96 Thy strength with me, who all thy pow'rs defy;
5:97 Nor think so mean an act a victory.
5:98 While yet he spoke he flung the whizzing dart,
5:99 Which pierc'd the plaited robe, but miss'd his heart:
5:100 Perseus defy'd, upon him fiercely press'd
5:101 With sword, unsheath'd, and plung'd it in his breast;
5:102 His eyes o'erwhelm'd with night, he stumbling falls,
5:103 And with his latest breath on Athis calls;
5:104 Pleas'd that so near the lovely youth he lies,
5:105 He sinks his head upon his friend, and dies.
5:106 Next eager Phorbas, old Methion's son,
5:107 Came rushing forward with Amphimedon;
5:108 When the smooth pavement, slippery made with gore,
5:109 Trip'd up their feet, and flung 'em on the floor;
5:110 The sword of Perseus, who by chance was nigh,
5:111 Prevents their rise, and where they fall, they lye:
5:112 Full in his ribs Amphimedon he smote,
5:113 And then stuck fiery Phorbas in the throat.
5:114 Eurythus lifting up his ax, the blow
5:115 Was thus prevented by his nimble foe;
5:116 A golden cup he seizes, high embost,
5:117 And at his head the massy goblet tost:
5:118 It hits, and from his forehead bruis'd rebounds,
5:119 And blood, and brains he vomits from his wounds;
5:120 With his slain fellows on the floor he lies,
5:121 And death for ever shuts his swimming eyes.
5:122 Then Polydaemon fell, a Goddess-born;
5:123 Phlegias, and Elycen with locks unshorn
5:124 Next follow'd; next, the stroke of death he gave
5:125 To Clytus, Abanis, and Lycetus brave;
5:126 While o'er unnumber'd heaps of ghastly dead,
5:127 The Argive heroe's feet triumphant tread.
5:128 But Phineus stands aloof, and dreads to feel
5:129 His rival's force, and flies his pointed steel:
5:130 Yet threw a dart from far; by chance it lights
5:131 On Idas, who for neither party fights;
5:132 But wounded, sternly thus to Phineus said,
5:133 Since of a neuter thou a foe hast made,
5:134 This I return thee, drawing from his side
5:135 The dart; which, as he strove to fling, he dy'd.
5:136 Odites fell by Clymenus's sword,
5:137 The Cephen court had not a greater lord.
5:138 Hypseus his blade does in Protenor sheath,
5:139 But brave Lyncides soon reveng'd his death.
5:140 Here too was old Emathion, one that fear'd
5:141 The Gods, and in the cause of Heav'n appear'd,
5:142 Who only wishing the success of right,
5:143 And, by his age, exempted from the fight,
5:144 Both sides alike condemns: This impious war
5:145 Cease, cease, he cries; these bloody broils forbear.
5:146 This scarce the sage with high concern had said,
5:147 When Chromis at a blow struck off his head,
5:148 Which dropping, on the royal altar roul'd,
5:149 Still staring on the crowd with aspect bold;
5:150 And still it seem'd their horrid strife to blame,
5:151 In life and death, his pious zeal the same;
5:152 While clinging to the horns, the trunk expires,
5:153 The sever'd head consumes amidst the fires.
5:154 Then Phineus, who from far his javelin threw,
5:155 Broteas and Ammon, twins and brothers, slew;
5:156 For knotted gauntlets matchless in the field;
5:157 But gauntlets must to swords and javelins yield.
5:158 Ampycus next, with hallow'd fillets bound,
5:159 As Ceres' priest, and with a mitre crown'd,
5:160 His spear transfix'd, and struck him to the ground.
5:161 O Iapetides, with pain I tell
5:162 How you, sweet lyrist, in the riot fell;
5:163 What worse than brutal rage his breast could fill,
5:164 Who did thy blood, o bard celestial! spill?
5:165 Kindly you press'd amid the princely throng,
5:166 To crown the feast, and give the nuptial song:
5:167 Discord abhorr'd the musick of thy lyre,
5:168 Whose notes did gentle peace so well inspire;
5:169 Thee, when fierce Pettalus far off espy'd,
5:170 Defenceless with thy harp, he scoffing cry'd,
5:171 Go; to the ghosts thy soothing lessons play;
5:172 We loath thy lyre, and scorn thy peaceful lay:
5:173 And, as again he fiercely bid him go,
5:174 He pierc'd his temples with a mortal blow.
5:175 His harp he held, tho' sinking on the ground,
5:176 Whose strings in death his trembling fingers found
5:177 By chance, and tun'd by chance a dying sound.
5:178 With grief Lycormas saw him fall, from far,
5:179 And, wresting from the door a massy bar,
5:180 Full in his poll lays on a load of knocks,
5:181 Which stun him, and he falls like a devoted ox.
5:182 Another bar Pelates would have snach'd,
5:183 But Corynthus his motions slily watch'd;
5:184 He darts his weapon from a private stand,
5:185 And rivets to the post his veiny hand:
5:186 When strait a missive spear transfix'd his side,
5:187 By Abas thrown, and as he hung, he dy'd.
5:188 Melaneus on the prince's side was slain;
5:189 And Dorylas, who own'd a fertile plain,
5:190 Of Nasamonia's fields the wealthy lord,
5:191 Whose crowded barns, could scarce contain their board.
5:192 A whizzing spear obliquely gave a blow,
5:193 Stuck in his groin, and pierc'd the nerves below;
5:194 His foe behld his eyes convulsive roul,
5:195 His ebbing veins, and his departing soul;
5:196 Then taunting said, Of all thy spacious plain,
5:197 This spot thy only property remains.
5:198 He left him thus; but had no sooner left,
5:199 Than Perseus in revenge his nostrils cleft;
5:200 From his friend's breast the murd'ring dart he drew,
5:201 And the same weapon at the murderer threw;
5:202 His head in halves the darted javelin cut,
5:203 And on each side the brain came issuing out.
5:204 Fortune his friend, in deaths around he deals,
5:205 And this his lance, and that his faulchion feels:
5:206 Now Clytius dies; and by a diff'rent wound,
5:207 The twin, his brother Clanis, bites the ground.
5:208 In his rent jaw the bearded weapon sticks,
5:209 And the steel'd dart does Clytius' thigh transfix.
5:210 With these Mendesian Celadon he slew:
5:211 And Astreus next, whose mother was a Jew,
5:212 His sire uncertain: then by Perseus fell
5:213 Aethion, who cou'd things to come foretell;
5:214 But now he knows not whence the javelin flies
5:215 That wounds his breast, nor by whose arm he dies.
5:216 The squire to Phineus next his valour try'd,
5:217 And fierce Agyrtes stain'd with paricide.
5:218 As these are slain, fresh numbers still appear,
5:219 And wage with Perseus an unequal war;
5:220 To rob him of his right, the maid he won,
5:221 By honour, promise, and desert his own.
5:222 With him, the father of the beauteous bride,
5:223 The mother, and the frighted virgin side;
5:224 With shrieks, and doleful cries they rend the air:
5:225 Their shrieks confounded with the din of war,
5:226 With dashing arms, and groanings of the slain,
5:227 They grieve unpitied, and unheard complain.
5:228 The floor with ruddy streams Bellona stains,
5:229 And Phineus a new war with double rage maintains.
5:230 Perseus begirt, from all around they pour
5:231 Their lances on him, a tempestuous show'r,
5:232 Aim'd all at him; a cloud of darts, and spears,
5:233 Or blind his eyes, or whistle round his ears.
5:234 Their numbers to resist, against the wall
5:235 He guards his back secure, and dares them all.
5:236 Here from the left Molpeus renews the fight,
5:237 And bold Ethemon presses on the right:
5:238 As when a hungry tyger near him hears
5:239 Two lowing herds, a-while he both forbears;
5:240 Nor can his hopes of this, or that renounce,
5:241 So strong he lusts to prey on both at once;
5:242 Thus Perseus now with that, or this is loth
5:243 To war distinct:, but fain would fall on both.
5:244 And first Chaonian Molpeus felt his blow,
5:245 And fled, and never after fac'd his foe;
5:246 Then fierce Ethemon, as he turn'd his back,
5:247 Hurried with fury, aiming at his neck,
5:248 His brandish'd sword against the marble struck
5:249 With all his might; the brittle weapon broke,
5:250 And in his throat the point rebounding stuck.
5:251 Too slight the wound for life to issue thence,
5:252 And yet too great for battel, or defence;
5:253 His arms extended in this piteous state,
5:254 For mercy he wou'd sue, but sues too late;
5:255 Perseus has in his bosom plung'd the sword,
5:256 And, ere he speaks, the wound prevents the word.
5:257 The crowds encreasing, and his friends distress'd,
5:258 Himself by warring multitudes oppress'd:
5:259 Since thus unequally you fight, 'tis time,
5:260 He cry'd, to punish your presumptuous crime;
5:261 Beware, my friends; his friends were soon prepar'd,
5:262 Their sight averting, high the head he rear'd,
5:263 And Gorgon on his foes severely star'd.
5:264 Vain shift! says Thescelus, with aspect bold,
5:265 Thee, and thy bugbear monster, I behold
5:266 With scorn; he lifts his arm, but ere he threw
5:267 The dart, the heroe to a statue grew.
5:268 In the same posture still the marble stands,
5:269 And holds the warrior's weapons in its hands.
5:270 Amphyx, whom yet this wonder can't alarm,
5:271 Heaves at Lyncides' breast his impious arm;
5:272 But, while thus daringly he presses on,
5:273 His weapon and his arm are turn'd to stone.
5:274 Next Nileus, he who vainly said he ow'd
5:275 His origin to Nile's prolifick flood;
5:276 Who on his shield seven silver rivers bore,
5:277 His birth to witness by the arms he wore;
5:278 Full of his sev'n-fold father, thus express'd
5:279 His boast to Perseus, and his pride confess'd:
5:280 See whence we sprung; let this thy comfort be
5:281 In thy sure death, that thou didst die by me.
5:282 While yet he spoke, the dying accents hung
5:283 In sounds imperfect on his marble tongue;
5:284 Tho' chang'd to stone, his lips he seem'd to stretch,
5:285 And thro' th' insensate rock wou'd force a speech.
5:286 This Eryx saw, but seeing wou'd not own;
5:287 The mischief by your selves, he cries, is done,
5:288 'Tis your cold courage turns your hearts to stone.
5:289 Come, follow me; fall on the stripling boy,
5:290 Kill him, and you his magick arms destroy.
5:291 Then rushing on, his arm to strike he rear'd,
5:292 And marbled o'er his varied frame appear'd.
5:293 These for affronting Pallas were chastis'd,
5:294 And justly met the death they had despis'd.
5:295 But brave Aconteus, Perseus' friend, by chance
5:296 Look'd back, and met the Gorgon's fatal glance:
5:297 A statue now become, he ghastly stares,
5:298 And still the foe to mortal combat dares.
5:299 Astyages the living likeness knew,
5:300 On the dead stone with vengeful fury flew;
5:301 But impotent his rage, the jarring blade
5:302 No print upon the solid marble made:
5:303 Again, as with redoubled might he struck,
5:304 Himself astonish'd in the quarry stuck.
5:305 The vulgar deaths 'twere tedious to rehearse,
5:306 And fates below the dignity of verse;
5:307 Their safety in their flight two hundred found,
5:308 Two hundred, by Medusa's head were ston'd.
5:309 Fierce Phineus now repents the wrongful fight,
5:310 And views his varied friends, a dreadful sight;
5:311 He knows their faces, for their help he sues,
5:312 And thinks, not hearing him, that they refuse:
5:313 By name he begs their succour, one by one,
5:314 Then doubts their life, and feels the friendly stone.
5:315 Struck with remorse, and conscious of his pride,
5:316 Convict of sin, he turn'd his eyes aside;
5:317 With suppliant mein to Perseus thus he prays,
5:318 Hence with the head, as far as winds and seas
5:319 Can bear thee; hence, o quit the Cephen shore,
5:320 And never curse us with Medusa more,
5:321 That horrid head, which stiffens into stone
5:322 Those impious men who, daring death, look on.
5:323 I warr'd not with thee out of hate or strife,
5:324 My honest cause was to defend my wife,
5:325 First pledg'd to me; what crime cou'd I suppose,
5:326 To arm my friends, and vindicate my spouse?
5:327 But vain, too late I see, was our design;
5:328 Mine was the title, but the merit thine.
5:329 Contending made me guilty, I confess;
5:330 But penitence shou'd make that guilt the less:
5:331 'Twas thine to conquer by Minerva's pow'r;
5:332 Favour'd of Heav'n, thy mercy I implore;
5:333 For life I sue; the rest to thee I yield;
5:334 In pity, from my sight remove the shield.
5:335 He suing said; nor durst revert his eyes
5:336 On the grim head: and Perseus thus replies:
5:337 Coward, what is in me to grant, I will,
5:338 Nor blood, unworthy of my valour spill:
5:339 Fear not to perish by my vengeful sword,
5:340 From that secure; 'tis all the Fates afford.
5:341 Where I now see thee, thou shalt still be seen,
5:342 A lasting monument to please our queen;
5:343 There still shall thy betroth'd behold her spouse,
5:344 And find his image in her father's house.
5:345 This said; where Phineus turn'd to shun the shield
5:346 Full in his face the staring head he held;
5:347 As here and there he strove to turn aside,
5:348 The wonder wrought, the man was petrify'd:
5:349 All marble was his frame, his humid eyes
5:350 Drop'd tears, which hung upon the stone like ice.
5:351 In suppliant posture, with uplifted hands,
5:352 And fearful look, the guilty statue stands.
5:353 Hence Perseus to his native city hies,
5:354 Victorious, and rewarded with his prize.
5:355 Conquest, o'er Praetus the usurper, won,
5:356 He re-instates his grandsire in the throne.
5:357 Praetus, his brother dispossess'd by might,
5:358 His realm enjoy'd, and still detain'd his right:
5:359 But Perseus pull'd the haughty tyrant down,
5:360 And to the rightful king restor'd the throne.
5:361 Weak was th' usurper, as his cause was wrong;
5:362 Where Gorgon's head appears, what arms are strong?
5:363 When Perseus to his host the monster held,
5:364 They soon were statues, and their king expell'd.
5:365 Thence, to Seriphus with the head he sails,
5:366 Whose prince his story treats as idle tales:
5:367 Lord of a little isle, he scorns to seem
5:368 Too credulous, but laughs at that, and him.
5:369 Yet did he not so much suspect the truth,
5:370 As out of pride, or envy, hate the youth.
5:371 The Argive prince, at his contempt enrag'd,
5:372 To force his faith by fatal proof engag'd.
5:373 Friends, shut your eyes, he cries; his shield he takes,
5:374 And to the king expos'd Medusa's snakes.
5:375 The monarch felt the pow'r he wou'd not own,
5:376 And stood convict of folly in the stone.
Minerva's Interview with the Muses
5:377 Thus far Minerva was content to rove
5:378 With Perseus, offspring of her father Jove:
5:379 Now, hid in clouds, Seriphus she forsook;
5:380 And to the Theban tow'rs her journey took.
5:381 Cythnos and Gyaros lying to the right,
5:382 She pass'd unheeded in her eager flight;
5:383 And chusing first on Helicon to rest,
5:384 The virgin Muses in these words address'd:
5:385 Me, the strange tidings of a new-found spring,
5:386 Ye learned sisters, to this mountain bring.
5:387 If all be true that Fame's wide rumours tell,
5:388 'Twas Pegasus discover'd first your well;
5:389 Whose piercing hoof gave the soft earth a blow,
5:390 Which broke the surface where these waters flow.
5:391 I saw that horse by miracle obtain
5:392 Life, from the blood of dire Medusa slain;
5:393 And now, this equal prodigy to view,
5:394 From distant isles to fam'd Boeotia flew.
5:395 The Muse Urania said, Whatever cause
5:396 So great a Goddess to this mansion draws;
5:397 Our shades are happy with so bright a guest,
5:398 You, Queen, are welcome, and we Muses blest.
5:399 What Fame has publish'd of our spring is true,
5:400 Thanks for our spring to Pegasus are due.
5:401 Then, with becoming courtesy, she led
5:402 The curious stranger to their fountain's head;
5:403 Who long survey'd, with wonder, and delight,
5:404 Their sacred water, charming to the sight;
5:405 Their ancient groves, dark grottos, shady bow'rs,
5:406 And smiling plains adorn'd with various flow'rs.
5:407 O happy Muses! she with rapture cry'd,
5:408 Who, safe from cares, on this fair hill reside;
5:409 Blest in your seat, and free your selves to please
5:410 With joys of study, and with glorious ease.
The Fate of Pyreneus
5:411 Then one replies: O Goddess, fit to guide
5:412 Our humble works, and in our choir preside,
5:413 Who sure wou'd wisely to these fields repair,
5:414 To taste our pleasures, and our labours share,
5:415 Were not your virtue, and superior mind
5:416 To higher arts, and nobler deeds inclin'd;
5:417 Justly you praise our works, and pleasing seat,
5:418 Which all might envy in this soft retreat,
5:419 Were we secur'd from dangers, and from harms;
5:420 But maids are frighten'd with the least alarms,
5:421 And none are safe in this licentious time;
5:422 Still fierce Pyreneus, and his daring crime,
5:423 With lasting horror strikes my feeble sight,
5:424 Nor is my mind recover'd from the fright.
5:425 With Thracian arms this bold usurper gain'd
5:426 Daulis, and Phocis, where he proudly reign'd:
5:427 It happen'd once, as thro' his lands we went,
5:428 For the bright temple of Parnassus bent,
5:429 He met us there, and in his artful mind
5:430 Hiding the faithless action he design'd,
5:431 Confer'd on us (whom, oh! too well he knew)
5:432 All honours that to Goddesses are due.
5:433 Stop, stop, ye Muses, 'tis your friend who calls,
5:434 The tyrant said; behold the rain that falls
5:435 On ev'ry side, and that ill-boding sky,
5:436 Whose lowring face portends more storms are nigh.
5:437 Pray make my house your own, and void of fear,
5:438 While this bad weather lasts, take shelter here.
5:439 Gods have made meaner places their resort,
5:440 And, for a cottage, left their shining court.
5:441 Oblig'd to stop, by the united force
5:442 Of pouring rains, and complaisant discourse,
5:443 His courteous invitation we obey,
5:444 And in his hall resolve a-while to stay.
5:445 Soon it clear'd up; the clouds began to fly,
5:446 The driving north refin'd the show'ry sky;
5:447 Then to pursue our journey we began:
5:448 But the false traitor to his portal ran,
5:449 Stopt our escape, the door securely barr'd,
5:450 And to our honour, violence prepar'd.
5:451 But we, transform'd to birds, avoid his snare,
5:452 On pinions rising in the yielding air.
5:453 But he, by lust and indignation fir'd,
5:454 Up to his highest tow'r with speed retir'd,
5:455 And cries, In vain you from my arms withdrew,
5:456 The way you go your lover will pursue.
5:457 Then, in a flying posture wildly plac'd,
5:458 And daring from that height himself to cast,
5:459 The wretch fell headlong, and the ground bestrew'd
5:460 With broken bones, and stains of guilty blood.
The Story of the Pierides
5:461 The Muse yet spoke; when they began to hear
5:462 A noise of wings that flutter'd in the air;
5:463 And strait a voice, from some high-spreading bough,
5:464 Seem'd to salute the company below.
5:465 The Goddess wonder'd, and inquir'd from whence
5:466 That tongue was heard, that spoke so plainly sense
5:467 (It seem'd to her a human voice to be,
5:468 But prov'd a bird's; for in a shady tree
5:469 Nine magpies perch'd lament their alter'd state,
5:470 And, what they hear, are skilful to repeat).
5:471 The sister to the wondring Goddess said,
5:472 These, foil'd by us, by us were thus repaid.
5:473 These did Evippe of Paeonia bring
5:474 With nine hard labour-pangs to Pella's king.
5:475 The foolish virgins of their number proud,
5:476 And puff'd with praises of the senseless crowd,
5:477 Thro' all Achaia, and th' Aemonian plains
5:478 Defy'd us thus, to match their artless strains;
5:479 No more, ye Thespian girls, your notes repeat,
5:480 Nor with false harmony the vulgar cheat;
5:481 In voice or skill, if you with us will vye,
5:482 As many we, in voice or skill will try.
5:483 Surrender you to us, if we excell,
5:484 Fam'd Aganippe, and Medusa's well.
5:485 The conquest yours, your prize from us shall be
5:486 The Aemathian plains to snowy Paeone;
5:487 The nymphs our judges. To dispute the field,
5:488 We thought a shame; but greater shame to yield.
5:489 On seats of living stone the sisters sit,
5:490 And by the rivers swear to judge aright.
The Song of the Pierides
5:491 Then rises one of the presumptuous throng,
5:492 Steps rudely forth, and first begins the song;
5:493 With vain address describes the giants' wars,
5:494 And to the Gods their fabled acts prefers.
5:495 She sings, from Earth's dark womb how Typhon rose,
5:496 And struck with mortal fear his heav'nly foes.
5:497 How the Gods fled to Egypt's slimy soil,
5:498 And hid their heads beneath the banks of Nile:
5:499 How Typhon, from the conquer'd skies, pursu'd
5:500 Their routed godheads to the sev'n-mouth'd flood;
5:501 Forc'd every God, his fury to escape,
5:502 Some beastly form to take, or earthly shape.
5:503 Jove (so she sung) was chang'd into a ram,
5:504 From whence the horns of Libyan Ammon came.
5:505 Bacchus a goat, Apollo was a crow,
5:506 Phaebe a cat; die wife of Jove a cow,
5:507 Whose hue was whiter than the falling snow.
5:508 Mercury to a nasty Ibis turn'd,
5:509 The change obscene, afraid of Typhon, mourn'd;
5:510 While Venus from a fish protection craves,
5:511 And once more plunges in her native waves.
5:512 She sung, and to her harp her voice apply'd;
5:513 Then us again to match her they defy'd.
5:514 But our poor song, perhaps, for you to hear,
5:515 Nor leisure serves, nor is it worth your ear.
5:516 That causeless doubt remove, O Muse rehearse,
5:517 The Goddess cry'd, your ever-grateful verse.
5:518 Beneath a chequer'd shade she takes her seat,
5:519 And bids the sister her whole song repeat.
5:520 The sister thus: Calliope we chose
5:521 For the performance. The sweet virgin rose,
5:522 With ivy crown'd she tunes her golden strings,
5:523 And to her harp this composition sings.
The Song of the Muses
5:524 First Ceres taught the lab'ring hind to plow
5:525 The pregnant Earth, and quickning seed to sow.
5:526 She first for Man did wholsome food provide,
5:527 And with just laws the wicked world supply'd:
5:528 All good from her deriv'd, to her belong
5:529 The grateful tributes of the Muse's song.
5:530 Her more than worthy of our verse we deem,
5:531 Oh! were our verse more worthy of the theme.
5:532 Jove on the giant fair Trinacria hurl'd,
5:533 And with one bolt reveng'd his starry world.
5:534 Beneath her burning hills Tiphaeus lies,
5:535 And, strugling always, strives in vain to rise.
5:536 Down does Pelorus his right hand suppress
5:537 Tow'rd Latium, on the left Pachyne weighs.
5:538 His legs are under Lilybaeum spread,
5:539 And Aetna presses hard his horrid head.
5:540 On his broad back he there extended lies,
5:541 And vomits clouds of ashes to the skies.
5:542 Oft lab'ring with his load, at last he tires,
5:543 And spews out in revenge a flood of fires.
5:544 Mountains he struggles to o'erwhelm, and towns;
5:545 Earth's inmost bowels quake, and Nature groans.
5:546 His terrors reach the direful king of Hell;
5:547 He fears his throws will to the day reveal
5:548 The realms of night, and fright his trembling ghosts.
5:549 This to prevent, he quits the Stygian coasts,
5:550 In his black carr, by sooty horses drawn,
5:551 Fair Sicily he seeks, and dreads the dawn.
5:552 Around her plains he casts his eager eyes,
5:553 And ev'ry mountain to the bottom tries.
5:554 But when, in all the careful search, he saw
5:555 No cause of fear, no ill-suspected flaw;
5:556 Secure from harm, and wand'ring on at will,
5:557 Venus beheld him from her flow'ry hill:
5:558 When strait the dame her little Cupid prest
5:559 With secret rapture to her snowy breast,
5:560 And in these words the flutt'ring boy addrest.
5:561 O thou, my arms, my glory, and my pow'r,
5:562 My son, whom men, and deathless Gods adore;
5:563 Bend thy sure bow, whose arrows never miss'd,
5:564 No longer let Hell's king thy sway resist;
5:565 Take him, while stragling from his dark abodes
5:566 He coasts the kingdoms of superior Gods.
5:567 If sovereign Jove, if Gods who rule the waves,
5:568 And Neptune, who rules them, have been thy slaves;
5:569 Shall Hell be free? The tyrant strike, my son,
5:570 Enlarge thy mother's empire, and thy own.
5:571 Let not our Heav'n be made the mock of Hell,
5:572 But Pluto to confess thy pow'r compel.
5:573 Our rule is slighted in our native skies,
5:574 See Pallas, see Diana too defies
5:575 Thy darts, which Ceres' daughter wou'd despise.
5:576 She too our empire treats with aukward scorn;
5:577 Such insolence no longer's to be born.
5:578 Revenge our slighted reign, and with thy dart
5:579 Transfix the virgin's to the uncle's heart.
5:580 She said; and from his quiver strait he drew
5:581 A dart that surely wou'd the business do.
5:582 She guides his hand, she makes her touch the test,
5:583 And of a thousand arrows chose the best:
5:584 No feather better pois'd, a sharper head
5:585 None had, and sooner none, and surer sped.
5:586 He bends his bow, he draws it to his ear,
5:587 Thro' Pluto's heart it drives, and fixes there.
The Rape of Proserpine
5:588 Near Enna's walls a spacious lake is spread,
5:589 Fam'd for the sweetly-singing swans it bred;
5:590 Pergusa is its name: and never more
5:591 Were heard, or sweeter on Cayster's shore.
5:592 Woods crown the lake; and Phoebus ne'er invades
5:593 The tufted fences, or offends the shades:
5:594 Fresh fragrant breezes fan the verdant bow'rs,
5:595 And the moist ground smiles with enamel'd flow'rs
5:596 The chearful birds their airy carols sing,
5:597 And the whole year is one eternal spring.
5:598 Here, while young Proserpine, among the maids,
5:599 Diverts herself in these delicious shades;
5:600 While like a child with busy speed and care
5:601 She gathers lillies here, and vi'lets there;
5:602 While first to fill her little lap she strives,
5:603 Hell's grizly monarch at the shade arrives;
5:604 Sees her thus sporting on the flow'ry green,
5:605 And loves the blooming maid, as soon as seen.
5:606 His urgent flame impatient of delay,
5:607 Swift as his thought he seiz'd the beauteous prey,
5:608 And bore her in his sooty carr away.
5:609 The frighted Goddess to her mother cries,
5:610 But all in vain, for now far off she flies;
5:611 Far she behind her leaves her virgin train;
5:612 To them too cries, and cries to them in vain,
5:613 And, while with passion she repeats her call,
5:614 The vi'lets from her lap, and lillies fall:
5:615 She misses 'em, poor heart! and makes new moan;
5:616 Her lillies, ah! are lost, her vi'lets gone.
5:617 O'er hills, the ravisher, and vallies speeds,
5:618 By name encouraging his foamy steeds;
5:619 He rattles o'er their necks the rusty reins,
5:620 And ruffles with the stroke their shaggy manes.
5:621 O'er lakes he whirls his flying wheels, and comes
5:622 To the Palici breathing sulph'rous fumes.
5:623 And thence to where the Bacchiads of renown
5:624 Between unequal havens built their town;
5:625 Where Arethusa, round th' imprison'd sea,
5:626 Extends her crooked coast to Cyane;
5:627 The nymph who gave the neighb'ring lake a name,
5:628 Of all Sicilian nymphs the first in fame,
5:629 She from the waves advanc'd her beauteous head,
5:630 The Goddess knew, and thus to Pluto said:
5:631 Farther thou shalt not with the virgin run;
5:632 Ceres unwilling, canst thou be her son?
5:633 The maid shou'd be by sweet perswasion won.
5:634 Force suits not with the softness of the fair;
5:635 For, if great things with small I may compare,
5:636 Me Anapis once lov'd; a milder course
5:637 He took, and won me by his words, not force.
5:638 Then, stretching out her arms, she stopt his way;
5:639 But he, impatient of the shortest stay,
5:640 Throws to his dreadful steeds the slacken'd rein,
5:641 And strikes his iron sceptre thro' the main;
5:642 The depths profound thro' yielding waves he cleaves,
5:643 And to Hell's center a free passage leaves;
5:644 Down sinks his chariot, and his realms of night
5:645 The God soon reaches with a rapid flight.
Cyane dissolves to a Fountain
5:646 But still does Cyane the rape bemoan,
5:647 And with the Goddess' wrongs laments her own;
5:648 For the stoln maid, and for her injur'd spring,
5:649 Time to her trouble no relief can bring.
5:650 In her sad heart a heavy load she bears,
5:651 'Till the dumb sorrow turns her all to tears.
5:652 Her mingling waters with that fountain pass,
5:653 Of which she late immortal Goddess was;
5:654 Her varied members to a fluid melt,
5:655 A pliant softness in her bones is felt;
5:656 Her wavy locks first drop away in dew,
5:657 And liquid next her slender fingers grew.
5:658 The body's change soon seizes its extreme,
5:659 Her legs dissolve, and feet flow off in stream.
5:660 Her arms, her back, her shoulders, and her side,
5:661 Her swelling breasts in little currents glide,
5:662 A silver liquor only now remains
5:663 Within the channel of her purple veins;
5:664 Nothing to fill love's grasp; her husband chaste
5:665 Bathes in that bosom he before embrac'd.
A Boy transform'd to an Eft
5:666 Thus, while thro' all the Earth, and all the main,
5:667 Her daughter mournful Ceres sought in vain;
5:668 Aurora, when with dewy looks she rose,
5:669 Nor burnish'd Vesper found her in repose,
5:670 At Aetna's flaming mouth two pitchy pines
5:671 To light her in her search at length she tines.
5:672 Restless, with these, thro' frosty night she goes,
5:673 Nor fears the cutting winds, nor heeds the snows;
5:674 And, when the morning-star the day renews,
5:675 From east to west her absent child pursues.
5:676 Thirsty at last by long fatigue she grows,
5:677 But meets no spring, no riv'let near her flows.
5:678 Then looking round, a lowly cottage spies,
5:679 Smoaking among the trees, and thither hies.
5:680 The Goddess knocking at the little door,
5:681 'Twas open'd by a woman old and poor,
5:682 Who, when she begg'd for water, gave her ale
5:683 Brew'd long, but well preserv'd from being stale.
5:684 The Goddess drank; a chuffy lad was by,
5:685 Who saw the liquor with a grutching eye,
5:686 And grinning cries, She's greedy more than dry.
5:687 Ceres, offended at his foul grimace,
5:688 Flung what she had not drunk into his face,
5:689 The sprinklings speckle where they hit the skin,
5:690 And a long tail does from his body spin;
5:691 His arms are turn'd to legs, and lest his size
5:692 Shou'd make him mischievous, and he might rise
5:693 Against mankind, diminutives his frame,
5:694 Less than a lizzard, but in shape the same.
5:695 Amaz'd the dame the wondrous sight beheld,
5:696 And weeps, and fain wou'd touch her quondam child.
5:697 Yet her approach th' affrighted vermin shuns,
5:698 And fast into the greatest crevice runs.
5:699 A name they gave him, which the spots exprest,
5:700 That rose like stars, and varied all his breast.
5:701 What lands, what seas the Goddess wander'd o'er,
5:702 Were long to tell; for there remain'd no more.
5:703 Searching all round, her fruitless toil she mourns,
5:704 And with regret to Sicily returns.
5:705 At length, where Cyane now flows, she came,
5:706 Who cou'd have told her, were she still the same
5:707 As when she saw her daughter sink to Hell;
5:708 But what she knows she wants a tongue to tell.
5:709 Yet this plain signal manifestly gave,
5:710 The virgin's girdle floating on a wave,
5:711 As late she dropt it from her slender waste,
5:712 When with her uncle thro' the deep she past.
5:713 Ceres the token by her grief confest,
5:714 And tore her golden hair, and beat her breast.
5:715 She knows not on what land her curse shou'd fall,
5:716 But, as ingrate, alike upbraids them all,
5:717 Unworthy of her gifts; Trinacria most,
5:718 Where the last steps she found of what she lost.
5:719 The plough for this the vengeful Goddess broke,
5:720 And with one death the ox, and owner struck,
5:721 In vain the fallow fields the peasant tills,
5:722 The seed, corrupted ere 'tis sown, she kills.
5:723 The fruitful soil, that once such harvests bore,
5:724 Now mocks the farmer's care, and teems no more.
5:725 And the rich grain which fills the furrow'd glade,
5:726 Rots in the seed, or shrivels in the blade;
5:727 Or too much sun burns up, or too much rain
5:728 Drowns, or black blights destroy the blasted plain;
5:729 Or greedy birds the new-sown seed devour,
5:730 Or darnel, thistles, and a crop impure
5:731 Of knotted grass along the acres stand,
5:732 And spread their thriving roots thro' all the land.
5:733 Then from the waves soft Arethusa rears
5:734 Her head, and back she flings her dropping hairs.
5:735 O mother of the maid, whom thou so far
5:736 Hast sought, of whom thou canst no tidings hear;
5:737 O thou, she cry'd, who art to life a friend,
5:738 Cease here thy search, and let thy labour end.
5:739 Thy faithful Sicily's a guiltless clime,
5:740 And shou'd not suffer for another's crime;
5:741 She neither knew, nor cou'd prevent the deed;
5:742 Nor think that for my country thus I plead;
5:743 My country's Pisa, I'm an alien here,
5:744 Yet these abodes to Elis I prefer,
5:745 No clime to me so sweet, no place so dear.
5:746 These springs I Arethusa now possess,
5:747 And this my seat, o gracious Goddess, bless:
5:748 This island why I love, and why I crost
5:749 Such spacious seas to reach Ortygia's coast,
5:750 To you I shall impart, when, void of care,
5:751 Your heart's at ease, and you're more fit to hear;
5:752 When on your brow no pressing sorrow sits,
5:753 For gay content alone such tales admits.
5:754 When thro' Earth's caverns I a-while have roul'd
5:755 My waves, I rise, and here again behold
5:756 The long-lost stars; and, as I late did glide
5:757 Near Styx, Proserpina there I espy'd.
5:758 Fear still with grief might in her face be seen;
5:759 She still her rape laments; yet, made a queen,
5:760 Beneath those gloomy shades her sceptre sways,
5:761 And ev'n th' infernal king her will obeys.
5:762 This heard, the Goddess like a statue stood,
5:763 Stupid with grief; and in that musing mood
5:764 Continu'd long; new cares a-while supprest
5:765 The reigning of her immortal breast.
5:766 At last to Jove her daughter's sire she flies,
5:767 And with her chariot cuts the chrystal skies;
5:768 She comes in clouds, and with dishevel'd hair,
5:769 Standing before his throne, prefers her pray'r.
5:770 King of the Gods, defend my blood and thine,
5:771 And use it not the worse for being mine.
5:772 If I no more am gracious in thy sight,
5:773 Be just, o Jove, and do thy daughter right.
5:774 In vain I sought her the wide world around,
5:775 And, when I most despair'd to find her, found.
5:776 But how can I the fatal finding boast,
5:777 By which I know she is for ever lost?
5:778 Without her father's aid, what other Pow'r
5:779 Can to my arms the ravish'd maid restore?
5:780 Let him restore her, I'll the crime forgive;
5:781 My child, tho' ravish'd, I'd with joy receive.
5:782 Pity, your daughter with a thief shou'd wed,
5:783 Tho' mine, you think, deserves no better bed.
5:784 Jove thus replies: It equally belongs
5:785 To both, to guard our common pledge from wrongs.
5:786 But if to things we proper names apply,
5:787 This hardly can be call'd an injury.
5:788 The theft is love; nor need we blush to own
5:789 The thief, if I can judge, to be our son.
5:790 Had you of his desert no other proof,
5:791 To be Jove's brother is methinks enough.
5:792 Nor was my throne by worth superior got,
5:793 Heav'n fell to me, as Hell to him, by lot:
5:794 If you are still resolv'd her loss to mourn,
5:795 And nothing less will serve than her return;
5:796 Upon these terms she may again be yours
5:797 (Th' irrevocable terms of fate, not ours),
5:798 Of Stygian food if she did never taste,
5:799 Hell's bounds may then, and only then, be past.
The Transformation of Ascalaphus into an Owl
5:800 The Goddess now, resolving to succeed,
5:801 Down to the gloomy shades descends with speed;
5:802 But adverse fate had otherwise decreed.
5:803 For, long before, her giddy thoughtless child
5:804 Had broke her fast, and all her projects spoil'd.
5:805 As in the garden's shady walk she stray'd,
5:806 A fair pomegranate charm'd the simple maid,
5:807 Hung in her way, and tempting her to taste,
5:808 She pluck'd the fruit, and took a short repast.
5:809 Seven times, a seed at once, she eat the food;
5:810 The fact Ascalaphus had only view'd;
5:811 Whom Acheron begot in Stygian shades
5:812 On Orphne, fam'd among Avernal maids;
5:813 He saw what past, and by discov'ring all,
5:814 Detain'd the ravish'd nymph in cruel thrall.
5:815 But now a queen, she with resentment heard,
5:816 And chang'd the vile informer to a bird.
5:817 In Phlegeton's black stream her hand she dips,
5:818 Sprinkles his head, and wets his babling lips.
5:819 Soon on his face, bedropt with magick dew,
5:820 A change appear'd, and gawdy feathers grew.
5:821 A crooked beak the place of nose supplies,
5:822 Rounder his head, and larger are his eyes.
5:823 His arms and body waste, but are supply'd
5:824 With yellow pinions flagging on each side.
5:825 His nails grow crooked, and are turn'd to claws,
5:826 And lazily along his heavy wings he draws.
5:827 Ill-omen'd in his form, the unlucky fowl,
5:828 Abhorr'd by men, and call'd a scrieching owl.
The Daughters of Achelous transform'd to Sirens
5:829 Justly this punishment was due to him,
5:830 And less had been too little for his crime;
5:831 But, o ye nymphs that from the flood descend,
5:832 What fault of yours the Gods cou'd so offend,
5:833 With wings and claws your beauteous forms to spoil,
5:834 Yet save your maiden face, and winning smile?
5:835 Were you not with her in Pergusa's bow'rs,
5:836 When Proserpine went forth to gather flow'rs?
5:837 Since Pluto in his carr the Goddess caught,
5:838 Have you not for her in each climate sought?
5:839 And when on land you long had search'd in vain,
5:840 You wish'd for wings to cross the pathless main;
5:841 That Earth and Sea might witness to your care:
5:842 The Gods were easy, and return'd your pray'r;
5:843 With golden wing o'er foamy waves you fled,
5:844 And to the sun your plumy glories spread.
5:845 But, lest the soft enchantment of your songs,
5:846 And the sweet musick of your flat'ring tongues
5:847 Shou'd quite be lost (as courteous fates ordain),
5:848 Your voice and virgin beauty still remain.
5:849 Jove some amends for Ceres lost to make,
5:850 Yet willing Pluto shou'd the joy partake,
5:851 Gives 'em of Proserpine an equal share,
5:852 Who, claim'd by both, with both divides the year.
5:853 The Goddess now in either empire sways,
5:854 Six moons in Hell, and six with Ceres stays.
5:855 Her peevish temper's chang'd; that sullen mind,
5:856 Which made ev'n Hell uneasy, now is kind,
5:857 Her voice refines, her mein more sweet appears,
5:858 Her forehead free from frowns, her eyes from tears,
5:859 As when, with golden light, the conqu'ring day
5:860 Thro' dusky exhalations clears a way.
5:861 Ceres her daughter's rape no longer mourn'd,
5:862 But back to Arethusa's spring return'd;
5:863 And sitting on the margin, bid her tell
5:864 From whence she came, and why a sacred well.
The Story of Arethusa
5:865 Still were the purling waters, and the maid
5:866 From the smooth surface rais'd her beauteous head,
5:867 Wipes off the drops that from her tresses ran,
5:868 And thus to tell Alpheus' loves began.
5:869 In Elis first I breath'd the living air,
5:870 The chase was all my pleasure, all my care.
5:871 None lov'd like me the forest to explore,
5:872 To pitch the toils, and drive the bristled boar.
5:873 Of fair, tho' masculine, I had the name,
5:874 But gladly wou'd to that have quitted claim:
5:875 It less my pride than indignation rais'd,
5:876 To hear the beauty I neglected, prais'd;
5:877 Such compliments I loath'd, such charms as these
5:878 I scorn'd, and thought it infamy to please.
5:879 Once, I remember, in the summer's heat,
5:880 Tir'd with the chase, I sought a cool retreat;
5:881 And, walking on, a silent current found,
5:882 Which gently glided o'er the grav'ly ground.
5:883 The chrystal water was so smooth, so clear,
5:884 My eye distinguish'd ev'ry pebble there.
5:885 So soft its motion, that I scarce perceiv'd
5:886 The running stream, or what I saw believ'd.
5:887 The hoary willow, and the poplar, made
5:888 Along the shelving bank a grateful shade.
5:889 In the cool rivulet my feet I dipt,
5:890 Then waded to the knee, and then I stript;
5:891 My robe I careless on an osier threw,
5:892 That near the place commodiously grew;
5:893 Nor long upon the border naked stood,
5:894 But plung'd with speed into the silver flood.
5:895 My arms a thousand ways I mov'd, and try'd
5:896 To quicken, if I cou'd, the lazy tide;
5:897 Where, while I play'd my swimming gambols o'er,
5:898 I heard a murm'ring voice, and frighted sprung to shore.
5:899 Oh! whither, Arethusa, dost thou fly?
5:900 From the brook's bottom did Alpheus cry;
5:901 Again, I heard him, in a hollow tone,
5:902 Oh! whither, Arethusa, dost thou run?
5:903 Naked I flew, nor cou'd I stay to hide
5:904 My limbs, my robe was on the other side;
5:905 Alpheus follow'd fast, th' inflaming sight
5:906 Quicken'd his speed, and made his labour light;
5:907 He sees me ready for his eager arms,
5:908 And with a greedy glance devours my charms.
5:909 As trembling doves from pressing danger fly,
5:910 When the fierce hawk comes sousing from the sky;
5:911 And, as fierce hawks the trembling doves pursue,
5:912 From him I fled, and after me he flew.
5:913 First by Orchomenus I took my flight,
5:914 And soon had Psophis and Cyllene in sight;
5:915 Behind me then high Maenalus I lost,
5:916 And craggy Erimanthus scal'd with frost;
5:917 Elis was next; thus far the ground I trod
5:918 With nimble feet, before the distanc'd God.
5:919 But here I lagg'd, unable to sustain
5:920 The labour longer, and my flight maintain;
5:921 While he more strong, more patient of the toil,
5:922 And fir'd with hopes of beauty's speedy spoil,
5:923 Gain'd my lost ground, and by redoubled pace,
5:924 Now left between us but a narrow space.
5:925 Unweary'd I 'till now o'er hills, and plains,
5:926 O'er rocks, and rivers ran, and felt no pains:
5:927 The sun behind me, and the God I kept,
5:928 But, when I fastest shou'd have run, I stept.
5:929 Before my feet his shadow now appear'd;
5:930 As what I saw, or rather what I fear'd.
5:931 Yet there I could not be deceiv'd by fear,
5:932 Who felt his breath pant on my braided hair,
5:933 And heard his sounding tread, and knew him to be near.
5:934 Tir'd, and despairing, O celestial maid,
5:935 I'm caught, I cry'd, without thy heav'nly aid.
5:936 Help me, Diana, help a nymph forlorn,
5:937 Devoted to the woods, who long has worn
5:938 Thy livery, and long thy quiver born.
5:939 The Goddess heard; my pious pray'r prevail'd;
5:940 In muffling clouds my virgin head was veil'd,
5:941 The am'rous God, deluded of his hopes,
5:942 Searches the gloom, and thro' the darkness gropes;
5:943 Twice, where Diana did her servant hide
5:944 He came, and twice, O Arethusa! cry'd.
5:945 How shaken was my soul, how sunk my heart!
5:946 The terror seiz'd on ev'ry trembling part.
5:947 Thus when the wolf about the mountain prowls
5:948 For prey, the lambkin hears his horrid howls:
5:949 The tim'rous hare, the pack approaching nigh,
5:950 Thus hearkens to the hounds, and trembles at the cry;
5:951 Nor dares she stir, for fear her scented breath
5:952 Direct the dogs, and guide the threaten'd death.
5:953 Alpheus in the cloud no traces found
5:954 To mark my way, yet stays to guard the ground,
5:955 The God so near, a chilly sweat possest
5:956 My fainting limbs, at ev'ry pore exprest;
5:957 My strength distill'd in drops, my hair in dew,
5:958 My form was chang'd, and all my substance new.
5:959 Each motion was a stream, and my whole frame
5:960 Turn'd to a fount, which still preserves my name.
5:961 Resolv'd I shou'd not his embrace escape,
5:962 Again the God resumes his fluid shape;
5:963 To mix his streams with mine he fondly tries,
5:964 But still Diana his attempt denies.
5:965 She cleaves the ground; thro' caverns dark I run
5:966 A diff'rent current, while he keeps his own.
5:967 To dear Ortygia she conducts my way,
5:968 And here I first review the welcome day.
5:969 Here Arethusa stopt; then Ceres takes
5:970 Her golden carr, and yokes her fiery snakes;
5:971 With a just rein, along mid-heaven she flies
5:972 O'er Earth, and seas, and cuts the yielding skies.
5:973 She halts at Athens, dropping like a star,
5:974 And to Triptolemus resigns her carr.
5:975 Parent of seed, she gave him fruitful grain,
5:976 And bad him teach to till and plough the plain;
5:977 The seed to sow, as well in fallow fields,
5:978 As where the soil manur'd a richer harvest yields.
The Transformation of Lyncus
5:979 The youth o'er Europe and o'er Asia drives,
5:980 'Till at the court of Lyncus he arrives.
5:981 The tyrant Scythia's barb'rous empire sway'd;
5:982 And, when he saw Triptolemus, he said,
5:983 How cam'st thou, stranger, to our court, and why?
5:984 Thy country, and thy name? The youth did thus reply:
5:985 Triptolemus my name; my country's known
5:986 O'er all the world, Minerva's fav'rite town,
5:987 Athens, the first of cities in renown.
5:988 By land I neither walk'd, nor sail'd by sea,
5:989 But hither thro' the Aether made my way.
5:990 By me, the Goddess who the fields befriends,
5:991 These gifts, the greatest of all blessings, sends.
5:992 The grain she gives if in your soil you sow,
5:993 Thence wholsom food in golden crops shall grow.
5:994 Soon as the secret to the king was known,
5:995 He grudg'd the glory of the service done,
5:996 And wickedly resolv'd to make it all his own.
5:997 To hide his purpose, he invites his guest,
5:998 The friend of Ceres, to a royal feast,
5:999 And when sweet sleep his heavy eyes had seiz'd,
5:1000 The tyrant with his steel attempts his breast.
5:1001 Him strait a lynx's shape the Goddess gives,
5:1002 And home the youth her sacred dragons drives.
The Pierides transform'd to Magpies
5:1003 The chosen Muse here ends her sacred lays;
5:1004 The nymphs unanimous decree the bays,
5:1005 And give the Heliconian Goddesses the praise.
5:1006 Then, far from vain that we shou'd thus prevail,
5:1007 But much provok'd to hear the vanquish'd rail,
5:1008 Calliope resumes: Too long we've born
5:1009 Your daring taunts, and your affronting scorn;
5:1010 Your challenge justly merited a curse,
5:1011 And this unmanner'd railing makes it worse.
5:1012 Since you refuse us calmly to enjoy
5:1013 Our patience, next our passions we'll employ;
5:1014 The dictates of a mind enrag'd pursue,
5:1015 And, what our just resentment bids us, do.
5:1016 The railers laugh, our threats and wrath despise,
5:1017 And clap their hands, and make a scolding noise:
5:1018 But in the fact they're seiz'd; beneath their nails
5:1019 Feathers they feel, and on their faces scales;
5:1020 Their horny beaks at once each other scare,
5:1021 Their arms are plum'd, and on their backs they bear
5:1022 Py'd wings, and flutter in the fleeting air.
5:1023 Chatt'ring, the scandal of the woods they fly,
5:1024 And there continue still their clam'rous cry:
5:1025 The same their eloquence, as maids, or birds,
5:1026 Now only noise, and nothing then but words.
BOOK THE SIXTH
The Transformation of Arachne into a Spider
6:1 Pallas, attending to the Muse's song,
6:2 Approv'd the just resentment of their wrong;
6:3 And thus reflects: While tamely I commend
6:4 Those who their injur'd deities defend,
6:5 My own divinity affronted stands,
6:6 And calls aloud for justice at my hands;
6:7 Then takes the hint, asham'd to lag behind,
6:8 And on Arachne' bends her vengeful mind;
6:9 One at the loom so excellently skill'd,
6:10 That to the Goddess she refus'd to yield.
6:11 Low was her birth, and small her native town,
6:12 She from her art alone obtain'd renown.
6:13 Idmon, her father, made it his employ,
6:14 To give the spungy fleece a purple dye:
6:15 Of vulgar strain her mother, lately dead,
6:16 With her own rank had been content to wed;
6:17 Yet she their daughter, tho' her time was spent
6:18 In a small hamlet, and of mean descent,
6:19 Thro' the great towns of Lydia gain'd a name,
6:20 And fill'd the neighb'ring countries with her fame.
6:21 Oft, to admire the niceness of her skill,
6:22 The Nymphs would quit their fountain, shade, or hill:
6:23 Thither, from green Tymolus, they repair,
6:24 And leave the vineyards, their peculiar care;
6:25 Thither, from fam'd Pactolus' golden stream,
6:26 Drawn by her art, the curious Naiads came.
6:27 Nor would the work, when finish'd, please so much,
6:28 As, while she wrought, to view each graceful touch;
6:29 Whether the shapeless wool in balls she wound,
6:30 Or with quick motion turn'd the spindle round,
6:31 Or with her pencil drew the neat design,
6:32 Pallas her mistress shone in every line.
6:33 This the proud maid with scornful air denies,
6:34 And ev'n the Goddess at her work defies;
6:35 Disowns her heav'nly mistress ev'ry hour,
6:36 Nor asks her aid, nor deprecates her pow'r.
6:37 Let us, she cries, but to a tryal come,
6:38 And, if she conquers, let her fix my doom.
6:39 The Goddess then a beldame's form put on,
6:40 With silver hairs her hoary temples shone;
6:41 Prop'd by a staff, she hobbles in her walk,
6:42 And tott'ring thus begins her old wives' talk.
6:43 Young maid attend, nor stubbornly despise
6:44 The admonitions of the old, and wise;
6:45 For age, tho' scorn'd, a ripe experience bears,
6:46 That golden fruit, unknown to blooming years:
6:47 Still may remotest fame your labours crown,
6:48 And mortals your superior genius own;
6:49 But to the Goddess yield, and humbly meek
6:50 A pardon for your bold presumption seek;
6:51 The Goddess will forgive. At this the maid,
6:52 With passion fir'd, her gliding shuttle stay'd;
6:53 And, darting vengeance with an angry look,
6:54 To Pallas in disguise thus fiercely spoke.
6:55 Thou doating thing, whose idle babling tongue
6:56 But too well shews the plague of living long;
6:57 Hence, and reprove, with this your sage advice,
6:58 Your giddy daughter, or your aukward neice;
6:59 Know, I despise your counsel, and am still
6:60 A woman, ever wedded to my will;
6:61 And, if your skilful Goddess better knows,
6:62 Let her accept the tryal I propose.
6:63 She does, impatient Pallas strait replies,
6:64 And, cloath'd with heavenly light, sprung from her odd disguise.
6:65 The Nymphs, and virgins of the plain adore
6:66 The awful Goddess, and confess her pow'r;
6:67 The maid alone stood unappall'd; yet show'd
6:68 A transient blush, that for a moment glow'd,
6:69 Then disappear'd; as purple streaks adorn
6:70 The opening beauties of the rosy morn;
6:71 Till Phoebus rising prevalently bright,
6:72 Allays the tincture with his silver light.
6:73 Yet she persists, and obstinately great,
6:74 In hopes of conquest hurries on her fate.
6:75 The Goddess now the challenge waves no more,
6:76 Nor, kindly good, advises as before.
6:77 Strait to their posts appointed both repair,
6:78 And fix their threaded looms with equal care:
6:79 Around the solid beam the web is ty'd,
6:80 While hollow canes the parting warp divide;
6:81 Thro' which with nimble flight the shuttles play,
6:82 And for the woof prepare a ready way;
6:83 The woof and warp unite, press'd by the toothy slay.
6:84 Thus both, their mantles button'd to their breast,
6:85 Their skilful fingers ply with willing haste,
6:86 And work with pleasure; while they chear the eye
6:87 With glowing purple of the Tyrian dye:
6:88 Or, justly intermixing shades with light,
6:89 Their colourings insensibly unite.
6:90 As when a show'r transpierc'd with sunny rays,
6:91 Its mighty arch along the heav'n displays;
6:92 From whence a thousand diff'rent colours rise,
6:93 Whose fine transition cheats the clearest eyes;
6:94 So like the intermingled shading seems,
6:95 And only differs in the last extreams.
6:96 Then threads of gold both artfully dispose,
6:97 And, as each part in just proportion rose,
6:98 Some antique fable in their work disclose.
6:99 Pallas in figures wrought the heav'nly Pow'rs,
6:100 And Mars's hill among th' Athenian tow'rs.
6:101 On lofty thrones twice six celestials sate,
6:102 Jove in the midst, and held their warm debate;
6:103 The subject weighty, and well-known to fame,
6:104 From whom the city shou'd receive its name.
6:105 Each God by proper features was exprest,
6:106 Jove with majestick mein excell'd the rest.
6:107 His three-fork'd mace the dewy sea-God shook,
6:108 And, looking sternly, smote the ragged rock;
6:109 When from the stone leapt forth a spritely steed,
6:110 And Neptune claims the city for the deed.
6:111 Herself she blazons, with a glitt'ring spear,
6:112 And crested helm that veil'd her braided hair,
6:113 With shield, and scaly breast-plate, implements of war.
6:114 Struck with her pointed launce, the teeming Earth
6:115 Seem'd to produce a new surprizing birth;
6:116 When, from the glebe, the pledge of conquest sprung,
6:117 A tree pale-green with fairest olives hung.
6:118 And then, to let her giddy rival learn
6:119 What just rewards such boldness was to earn,
6:120 Four tryals at each corner had their part,
6:121 Design'd in miniature, and touch'd with art.
6:122 Haemus in one, and Rodope of Thrace
6:123 Transform'd to mountains, fill'd the foremost place;
6:124 Who claim'd the titles of the Gods above,
6:125 And vainly us'd the epithets of Jove.
6:126 Another shew'd, where the Pigmaean dame,
6:127 Profaning Juno's venerable name,
6:128 Turn'd to an airy crane, descends from far,
6:129 And with her Pigmy subjects wages war.
6:130 In a third part, the rage of Heav'n's great queen,
6:131 Display'd on proud Antigone, was seen:
6:132 Who with presumptuous boldness dar'd to vye,
6:133 For beauty with the empress of the sky.
6:134 Ah! what avails her ancient princely race,
6:135 Her sire a king, and Troy her native place:
6:136 Now, to a noisy stork transform'd, she flies,
6:137 And with her whiten'd pinions cleaves the skies.
6:138 And in the last remaining part was drawn
6:139 Poor Cinyras that seem'd to weep in stone;
6:140 Clasping the temple steps, he sadly mourn'd
6:141 His lovely daughters, now to marble turn'd.
6:142 With her own tree the finish'd piece is crown'd,
6:143 And wreaths of peaceful olive all the work surround.
6:144 Arachne drew the fam'd intrigues of Jove,
6:145 Chang'd to a bull to gratify his love;
6:146 How thro' the briny tide all foaming hoar,
6:147 Lovely Europa on his back he bore.
6:148 The sea seem'd waving, and the trembling maid
6:149 Shrunk up her tender feet, as if afraid;
6:150 And, looking back on the forsaken strand,
6:151 To her companions wafts her distant hand.
6:152 Next she design'd Asteria's fabled rape,
6:153 When Jove assum'd a soaring eagle's shape:
6:154 And shew'd how Leda lay supinely press'd,
6:155 Whilst the soft snowy swan sate hov'ring o'er her breast,
6:156 How in a satyr's form the God beguil'd,
6:157 When fair Antiope with twins he fill'd.
6:158 Then, like Amphytrion, but a real Jove,
6:159 In fair Alcmena's arms he cool'd his love.
6:160 In fluid gold to Danae's heart he came,
6:161 Aegina felt him in a lambent flame.
6:162 He took Mnemosyne in shepherd's make,
6:163 And for Deois was a speckled snake.
6:164 She made thee, Neptune, like a wanton steer,
6:165 Pacing the meads for love of Arne dear;
6:166 Next like a stream, thy burning flame to slake,
6:167 And like a ram, for fair Bisaltis' sake.
6:168 Then Ceres in a steed your vigour try'd,
6:169 Nor cou'd the mare the yellow Goddess hide.
6:170 Next, to a fowl transform'd, you won by force
6:171 The snake-hair'd mother of the winged horse;
6:172 And, in a dolphin's fishy form, subdu'd
6:173 Melantho sweet beneath the oozy flood.
6:174 All these the maid with lively features drew,
6:175 And open'd proper landskips to the view.
6:176 There Phoebus, roving like a country swain,
6:177 Attunes his jolly pipe along the plain;
6:178 For lovely Isse's sake in shepherd's weeds,
6:179 O'er pastures green his bleating flock he feeds,
6:180 There Bacchus, imag'd like the clust'ring grape,
6:181 Melting bedrops Erigone's fair lap;
6:182 And there old Saturn, stung with youthful heat,
6:183 Form'd like a stallion, rushes to the feat.
6:184 Fresh flow'rs, which twists of ivy intertwine,
6:185 Mingling a running foliage, close the neat design.
6:186 This the bright Goddess passionately mov'd,
6:187 With envy saw, yet inwardly approv'd.
6:188 The scene of heav'nly guilt with haste she tore,
6:189 Nor longer the affront with patience bore;
6:190 A boxen shuttle in her hand she took,
6:191 And more than once Arachne's forehead struck.
6:192 Th' unhappy maid, impatient of the wrong,
6:193 Down from a beam her injur'd person hung;
6:194 When Pallas, pitying her wretched state,
6:195 At once prevented, and pronounc'd her fate:
6:196 Live; but depend, vile wretch, the Goddess cry'd,
6:197 Doom'd in suspence for ever to be ty'd;
6:198 That all your race, to utmost date of time,
6:199 May feel the vengeance, and detest the crime.
6:200 Then, going off, she sprinkled her with juice,
6:201 Which leaves of baneful aconite produce.
6:202 Touch'd with the pois'nous drug, her flowing hair
6:203 Fell to the ground, and left her temples bare;
6:204 Her usual features vanish'd from their place,
6:205 Her body lessen'd all, but most her face.
6:206 Her slender fingers, hanging on each side
6:207 With many joynts, the use of legs supply'd:
6:208 A spider's bag the rest, from which she gives
6:209 A thread, and still by constant weaving lives.
The Story of Niobe
6:210 Swift thro' the Phrygian towns the rumour flies,
6:211 And the strange news each female tongue employs:
6:212 Niobe, who before she married knew
6:213 The famous nymph, now found the story true;
6:214 Yet, unreclaim'd by poor Arachne's fate,
6:215 Vainly above the Gods assum'd a state.
6:216 Her husband's fame, their family's descent,
6:217 Their pow'r, and rich dominion's wide extent,
6:218 Might well have justify'd a decent pride;
6:219 But not on these alone the dame rely'd.
6:220 Her lovely progeny, that far excell'd,
6:221 The mother's heart with vain ambition swell'd:
6:222 The happiest mother not unjustly styl'd,
6:223 Had no conceited thoughts her tow'ring fancy fill'd.
6:224 For once a prophetess with zeal inspir'd,
6:225 Their slow neglect to warm devotion fir'd;
6:226 Thro' ev'ry street of Thebes who ran possess'd,
6:227 And thus in accents wild her charge express'd:
6:228 Haste, haste, ye Theban matrons, and adore,
6:229 With hallow'd rites, Latona's mighty pow'r;
6:230 And, to the heav'nly twins that from her spring,
6:231 With laurel crown'd, your smoaking incense bring.
6:232 Strait the great summons ev'ry dame obey'd,
6:233 And due submission to the Goddess paid:
6:234 Graceful, with laurel chaplets dress'd, they came,
6:235 And offer'd incense in the sacred flame.
6:236 Mean-while, surrounded with a courtly guard,
6:237 The royal Niobe in state appear'd;
6:238 Attir'd in robes embroider'd o'er with gold,
6:239 And mad with rage, yet lovely to behold:
6:240 Her comely tresses, trembling as she stood,
6:241 Down her fine neck with easy motion flow'd;
6:242 Then, darting round a proud disdainful look,
6:243 In haughty tone her hasty passion broke,
6:244 And thus began: What madness this, to court
6:245 A Goddess, founded meerly on report?
6:246 Dare ye a poor pretended Pow'r invoke,
6:247 While yet no altars to my godhead smoke?
6:248 Mine, whose immediate lineage stands confess'd
6:249 From Tantalus, the only mortal guest
6:250 That e'er the Gods admitted to their feast.
6:251 A sister of the Pleiads gave me birth;
6:252 And Atlas, mightiest mountain upon Earth,
6:253 Who bears the globe of all the stars above,
6:254 My grandsire was, and Atlas sprung from Jove.
6:255 The Theban towns my majesty adore,
6:256 And neighb'ring Phrygia trembles at my pow'r:
6:257 Rais'd by my husband's lute, with turrets crown'd,
6:258 Our lofty city stands secur'd around.
6:259 Within my court, where-e'er I turn my eyes,
6:260 Unbounded treasures to my prospect rise:
6:261 With these my face I modestly may name,
6:262 As not unworthy of so high a claim;
6:263 Seven are my daughters, of a form divine,
6:264 With seven fair sons, an indefective line.
6:265 Go, fools! consider this; and ask the cause
6:266 From which my pride its strong presumption draws;
6:267 Consider this; and then prefer to me
6:268 Caeus the Titan's vagrant progeny;
6:269 To whom, in travel, the whole spacious Earth
6:270 No room afforded for her spurious birth.
6:271 Not the least part in Earth, in Heav'n, or seas,
6:272 Would grant your out-law'd Goddess any ease:
6:273 'Till pitying hers, from his own wand'ring case,
6:274 Delos, the floating island, gave a place.
6:275 There she a mother was, of two at most;
6:276 Only the seventh part of what I boast.
6:277 My joys all are beyond suspicion fix'd;
6:278 With no pollutions of misfortune mix'd;
6:279 Safe on the Basis of my pow'r I stand,
6:280 Above the reach of Fortune's fickle hand.
6:281 Lessen she may my inexhausted store,
6:282 And much destroy, yet still must leave me more.
6:283 Suppose it possible that some may dye
6:284 Of this my num'rous lovely progeny;
6:285 Still with Latona I might safely vye.
6:286 Who, by her scanty breed, scarce fit to name,
6:287 But just escapes the childless woman's shame.
6:288 Go then, with speed your laurel'd heads uncrown,
6:289 And leave the silly farce you have begun.
6:290 The tim'rous throng their sacred rites forbore,
6:291 And from their heads the verdant laurel tore;
6:292 Their haughty queen they with regret obey'd,
6:293 And still in gentle murmurs softly pray'd.
6:294 High, on the top of Cynthus' shady mount,
6:295 With grief the Goddess saw the base affront;
6:296 And, the abuse revolving in her breast,
6:297 The mother her twin-offspring thus addrest.
6:298 Lo I, my children, who with comfort knew
6:299 Your God-like birth, and thence my glory drew;
6:300 And thence have claim'd precedency of place
6:301 From all but Juno of the heav'nly race,
6:302 Must now despair, and languish in disgrace.
6:303 My godhead question'd, and all rites divine,
6:304 Unless you succour, banish'd from my shrine.
6:305 Nay more, the imp of Tantalus has flung
6:306 Reflections with her vile paternal tongue;
6:307 Has dar'd prefer her mortal breed to mine,
6:308 And call'd me childless; which, just fate, may she repine!
6:309 When to urge more the Goddess was prepar'd,
6:310 Phoebus in haste replies, Too much we've heard,
6:311 And ev'ry moment's lost, while vengeance is defer'd.
6:312 Diana spoke the same. Then both enshroud
6:313 Their heav'nly bodies in a sable cloud;
6:314 And to the Theban tow'rs descending light,
6:315 Thro' the soft yielding air direct their flight.
6:316 Without the wall there lies a champian ground
6:317 With even surface, far extending round,
6:318 Beaten and level'd, while it daily feels
6:319 The trampling horse, and chariot's grinding wheels.
6:320 Part of proud Niobe's young rival breed,
6:321 Practising there to ride the manag'd steed,
6:322 Their bridles boss'd with gold, were mounted high
6:323 On stately furniture of Tyrian dye.
6:324 Of these, Ismenos, who by birth had been
6:325 The first fair issue of the fruitful queen,
6:326 Just as he drew the rein to guide his horse,
6:327 Around the compass of the circling course,
6:328 Sigh'd deeply, and the pangs of smart express'd,
6:329 While the shaft stuck, engor'd within his breast:
6:330 And, the reins dropping from his dying hand,
6:331 He sunk quite down, and tumbled on the sand.
6:332 Sipylus next the rattling quiver heard,
6:333 And with full speed for his escape prepar'd;
6:334 As when the pilot from the black'ning skies
6:335 A gath'ring storm of wintry rain descries,
6:336 His sails unfurl'd, and crowded all with wind,
6:337 He strives to leave the threat'ning cloud behind:
6:338 So fled the youth; but an unerring dart
6:339 O'ertook him, quick discharg'd, and sped with art;
6:340 Fix'd in his neck behind, it trembling stood,
6:341 And at his throat display'd the point besmear'd with blood
6:342 Prone, as his posture was, he tumbled o'er,
6:343 And bath'd his courser's mane with steaming gore.
6:344 Next at young Phaedimus they took their aim,
6:345 And Tantalus who bore his grandsire's name:
6:346 These, when their other exercise was done,
6:347 To try the wrestler's oily sport begun;
6:348 And, straining ev'ry nerve, their skill express'd
6:349 In closest grapple, joining breast to breast:
6:350 When from the bending bow an arrow sent,
6:351 Joyn'd as they were, thro' both their bodies went:
6:352 Both groan'd, and writhing both their limbs with pain,
6:353 They fell together bleeding on the plain;
6:354 Then both their languid eye-balls faintly roul,
6:355 And thus together breathe away their soul.
6:356 With grief Alphenor saw their doleful plight,
6:357 And smote his breast, and sicken'd at the sight;
6:358 Then to their succour ran with eager haste,
6:359 And, fondly griev'd, their stiff'ning limbs embrac'd;
6:360 But in the action falls: a thrilling dart,
6:361 By Phoebus guided, pierc'd him to the heart.
6:362 This, as they drew it forth, his midriff tore,
6:363 Its barbed point the fleshy fragments bore,
6:364 And let the soul gush out in streams of purple gore.
6:365 But Damasichthon, by a double wound,
6:366 Beardless, and young, lay gasping on the ground.
6:367 Fix'd in his sinewy ham, the steely point
6:368 Stuck thro' his knee, and pierc'd the nervous joint:
6:369 And, as he stoop'd to tug the painful dart,
6:370 Another struck him in a vital part;
6:371 Shot thro' his wezon, by the wing it hung.
6:372 The life-blood forc'd it out, and darting upward sprung,
6:373 Ilioneus, the last, with terror stands,
6:374 Lifting in pray'r his unavailing hands;
6:375 And, ignorant from whom his griefs arise,
6:376 Spare me, o all ye heav'nly Pow'rs, he cries:
6:377 Phoebus was touch'd too late, the sounding bow
6:378 Had sent the shaft, and struck the fatal blow;
6:379 Which yet but gently gor'd his tender side,
6:380 So by a slight and easy wound he dy'd.
6:381 Swift to the mother's ears the rumour came,
6:382 And doleful sighs the heavy news proclaim;
6:383 With anger and surprize inflam'd by turns,
6:384 In furious rage her haughty stomach burns:
6:385 First she disputes th' effects of heav'nly pow'r,
6:386 Then at their daring boldness wonders more;
6:387 For poor Amphion with sore grief distrest,
6:388 Hoping to sooth his cares by endless rest,
6:389 Had sheath'd a dagger in his wretched breast.
6:390 And she, who toss'd her high disdainful head,
6:391 When thro' the streets in solemn pomp she led
6:392 The throng that from Latona's altar fled,
6:393 Assuming state beyond the proudest queen;
6:394 Was now the miserablest object seen.
6:395 Prostrate among the clay-cold dead she fell,
6:396 And kiss'd an undistinguish'd last farewel.
6:397 Then her pale arms advancing to the skies,
6:398 Cruel Latona! triumph now, she cries.
6:399 My grieving soul in bitter anguish drench,
6:400 And with my woes your thirsty passion quench;
6:401 Feast your black malice at a price thus dear,
6:402 While the sore pangs of sev'n such deaths I bear.
6:403 Triumph, too cruel rival, and display
6:404 Your conqu'ring standard; for you've won the day.
6:405 Yet I'll excel; for yet, tho' sev'n are slain,
6:406 Superior still in number I remain.
6:407 Scarce had she spoke; the bow-string's twanging sound
6:408 Was heard, and dealt fresh terrors all around;
6:409 Which all, but Niobe alone, confound.
6:410 Stunn'd, and obdurate by her load of grief,
6:411 Insensible she sits, nor hopes relief.
6:412 Before the fun'ral biers, all weeping sad,
6:413 Her daughters stood, in vests of sable clad,
6:414 When one, surpriz'd, and stung with sudden smart,
6:415 In vain attempts to draw the sticking dart:
6:416 But to grim death her blooming youth resigns,
6:417 And o'er her brother's corpse her dying head reclines.
6:418 This, to asswage her mother's anguish tries,
6:419 And, silenc'd in the pious action, dies;
6:420 Shot by a secret arrow, wing'd with death,
6:421 Her fault'ring lips but only gasp'd for breath.
6:422 One, on her dying sister, breathes her last;
6:423 Vainly in flight another's hopes are plac'd:
6:424 This hiding, from her fate a shelter seeks;
6:425 That trembling stands, and fills the air with shrieks.
6:426 And all in vain; for now all six had found
6:427 Their way to death, each by a diff'rent wound.
6:428 The last, with eager care the mother veil'd,
6:429 Behind her spreading mantle close conceal'd,
6:430 And with her body guarded, as a shield.
6:431 Only for this, this youngest, I implore,
6:432 Grant me this one request, I ask no more;
6:433 O grant me this! she passionately cries:
6:434 But while she speaks, the destin'd virgin dies.
The Transformation of Niobe
6:435 Widow'd, and childless, lamentable state!
6:436 A doleful sight, among the dead she sate;
6:437 Harden'd with woes, a statue of despair,
6:438 To ev'ry breath of wind unmov'd her hair;
6:439 Her cheek still red'ning, but its colour dead,
6:440 Faded her eyes, and set within her head.
6:441 No more her pliant tongue its motion keeps,
6:442 But stands congeal'd within her frozen lips.
6:443 Stagnate, and dull, within her purple veins,
6:444 Its current stop'd, the lifeless blood remains.
6:445 Her feet their usual offices refuse,
6:446 Her arms, and neck their graceful gestures lose:
6:447 Action, and life from ev'ry part are gone,
6:448 And ev'n her entrails turn to solid stone;
6:449 Yet still she weeps, and whirl'd by stormy winds,
6:450 Born thro' the air, her native country finds;
6:451 There fix'd, she stands upon a bleaky hill,
6:452 There yet her marble cheeks eternal tears distil.
The Peasants of Lycia transform'd to Frogs
6:453 Then all, reclaim'd by this example, show'd
6:454 A due regard for each peculiar God:
6:455 Both men, and women their devoirs express'd,
6:456 And great Latona's awful pow'r confess'd.
6:457 Then, tracing instances of older time,
6:458 To suit the nature of the present crime,
6:459 Thus one begins his tale.-Where Lycia yields
6:460 A golden harvest from its fertile fields,
6:461 Some churlish peasants, in the days of yore,
6:462 Provok'd the Goddess to exert her pow'r.
6:463 The thing indeed the meanness of the place
6:464 Has made obscure, surprizing as it was;
6:465 But I my self once happen'd to behold
6:466 This famous lake of which the story's told.
6:467 My father then, worn out by length of days,
6:468 Nor able to sustain the tedious ways,
6:469 Me with a guide had sent the plains to roam,
6:470 And drive his well-fed stragling heifers home.
6:471 Here, as we saunter'd thro' the verdant meads,
6:472 We spy'd a lake o'er-grown with trembling reeds,
6:473 Whose wavy tops an op'ning scene disclose,
6:474 From which an antique smoaky altar rose.
6:475 I, as my susperstitious guide had done,
6:476 Stop'd short, and bless'd my self, and then went on;
6:477 Yet I enquir'd to whom the altar stood,
6:478 Faunus, the Naids, or some native God?
6:479 No silvan deity, my friend replies,
6:480 Enshrin'd within this hallow'd altar lies.
6:481 For this, o youth, to that fam'd Goddess stands,
6:482 Whom, at th' imperial Juno's rough commands,
6:483 Of ev'ry quarter of the Earth bereav'd,
6:484 Delos, the floating isle, at length receiv'd.
6:485 Who there, in spite of enemies, brought forth,
6:486 Beneath an olive's shade, her great twin-birth.
6:487 Hence too she fled the furious stepdame's pow'r,
6:488 And in her arms a double godhead bore;
6:489 And now the borders of fair Lycia gain'd,
6:490 Just when the summer solstice parch'd the land.
6:491 With thirst the Goddess languishing, no more
6:492 Her empty'd breast would yield its milky store;
6:493 When, from below, the smiling valley show'd
6:494 A silver lake that in its bottom flow'd:
6:495 A sort of clowns were reaping, near the bank,
6:496 The bending osier, and the bullrush dank;
6:497 The cresse, and water-lilly, fragrant weed,
6:498 Whose juicy stalk the liquid fountains feed.
6:499 The Goddess came, and kneeling on the brink,
6:500 Stoop'd at the fresh repast, prepar'd to drink.
6:501 Then thus, being hinder'd by the rabble race,
6:502 In accents mild expostulates the case.
6:503 Water I only ask, and sure 'tis hard
6:504 From Nature's common rights to be debar'd:
6:505 This, as the genial sun, and vital air,
6:506 Should flow alike to ev'ry creature's share.
6:507 Yet still I ask, and as a favour crave,
6:508 That which, a publick bounty, Nature gave.
6:509 Nor do I seek my weary limbs to drench;
6:510 Only, with one cool draught, my thirst I'd quench.
6:511 Now from my throat the usual moisture dries,
6:512 And ev'n my voice in broken accents dies:
6:513 One draught as dear as life I should esteem,
6:514 And water, now I thirst, would nectar seem.
6:515 Oh! let my little babes your pity move,
6:516 And melt your hearts to charitable love;
6:517 They (as by chance they did) extend to you
6:518 Their little hands, and my request pursue.
6:519 Whom would these soft perswasions not subdue,
6:520 Tho' the most rustick, and unmanner'd crew?
6:521 Yet they the Goddess's request refuse,
6:522 And with rude words reproachfully abuse:
6:523 Nay more, with spiteful feet the villains trod
6:524 O'er the soft bottom of the marshy flood,
6:525 And blacken'd all the lake with clouds of rising mud.
6:526 Her thirst by indignation was suppress'd;
6:527 Bent on revenge, the Goddess stood confess'd.
6:528 Her suppliant hands uplifting to the skies,
6:529 For a redress, to Heav'n she now applies.
6:530 And, May you live, she passionately cry'd,
6:531 Doom'd in that pool for ever to abide.
6:532 The Goddess has her wish; for now they chuse
6:533 To plunge, and dive among the watry ooze;
6:534 Sometimes they shew their head above the brim,
6:535 And on the glassy surface spread to swim;
6:536 Often upon the bank their station take,
6:537 Then spring, and leap into the cooly lake.
6:538 Still, void of shame, they lead a clam'rous life,
6:539 And, croaking, still scold on in endless strife;
6:540 Compell'd to live beneath the liquid stream,
6:541 Where still they quarrel, and attempt to skream.
6:542 Now, from their bloated throat, their voice puts on
6:543 Imperfect murmurs in a hoarser tone;
6:544 Their noisy jaws, with bawling now grown wide,
6:545 An ugly sight! extend on either side:
6:546 Their motly back, streak'd with a list of green,
6:547 Joyn'd to their head, without a neck is seen;
6:548 And, with a belly broad and white, they look
6:549 Meer frogs, and still frequent the muddy brook.
The Fate of Marsyas
6:550 Scarce had the man this famous story told,
6:551 Of vengeance on the Lycians shown of old,
6:552 When strait another pictures to their view
6:553 The Satyr's fate, whom angry Phoebus slew;
6:554 Who, rais'd with high conceit, and puff'd with pride,
6:555 At his own pipe the skilful God defy'd.
6:556 Why do you tear me from my self, he cries?
6:557 Ah cruel! must my skin be made the prize?
6:558 This for a silly pipe? he roaring said,
6:559 Mean-while the skin from off his limbs was flay'd.
6:560 All bare, and raw, one large continu'd wound,
6:561 With streams of blood his body bath'd the ground.
6:562 The blueish veins their trembling pulse disclos'd,
6:563 The stringy nerves lay naked, and expos'd;
6:564 His guts appear'd, distinctly each express'd,
6:565 With ev'ry shining fibre of his breast.
6:566 The Fauns, and Silvans, with the Nymphs that rove
6:567 Among the Satyrs in the shady grove;
6:568 Olympus, known of old, and ev'ry swain
6:569 That fed, or flock, or herd upon the plain,
6:570 Bewail'd the loss; and with their tears that flow'd,
6:571 A kindly moisture on the earth bestow'd;
6:572 That soon, conjoyn'd, and in a body rang'd,
6:573 Sprung from the ground, to limpid water chang'd;
6:574 Which, down thro' Phrygia's rocks, a mighty stream,
6:575 Comes tumbling to the sea, and Marsya is its name.
The Story of Pelops
6:576 From these relations strait the people turn
6:577 To present truths, and lost Amphion mourn:
6:578 The mother most was blam'd, yet some relate
6:579 That Pelops pity'd, and bewail'd her fate,
6:580 And stript his cloaths, and laid his shoulder bare,
6:581 And made the iv'ry miracle appear.
6:582 This shoulder, from the first, was form'd of flesh,
6:583 As lively as the other, and as fresh;
6:584 But, when the youth was by his father slain,
6:585 The Gods restor'd his mangled limbs again;
6:586 Only that place which joins the neck and arm,
6:587 The rest untouch'd, was found to suffer harm:
6:588 The loss of which an iv'ry piece sustain'd;
6:589 And thus the youth his limbs, and life regain'd.
The Story of Tereus, Procne, and Philomela
6:590 To Thebes the neighb'ring princes all repair,
6:591 And with condolance the misfortune share.
6:592 Each bord'ring state in solemn form address'd,
6:593 And each betimes a friendly grief express'd.
6:594 Argos, with Sparta's, and Mycenae's towns,
6:595 And Calydon, yet free from fierce Diana's frowns.
6:596 Corinth for finest brass well fam'd of old,
6:597 Orthomenos for men of courage bold:
6:598 Cleonae lying in the lowly dale,
6:599 And rich Messene with its fertile vale:
6:600 Pylos, for Nestor's City after fam'd,
6:601 And Troezen, not as yet from Pittheus nam'd.
6:602 And those fair cities, which are hem'd around
6:603 By double seas within the Isthmian ground;
6:604 And those, which farther from the sea-coast stand,
6:605 Lodg'd in the bosom of the spacious land.
6:606 Who can believe it? Athens was the last:
6:607 Tho' for politeness fam'd for ages past.
6:608 For a strait siege, which then their walls enclos'd,
6:609 Such acts of kind humanity oppos'd:
6:610 And thick with ships, from foreign nations bound,
6:611 Sea-ward their city lay invested round.
6:612 These, with auxiliar forces led from far,
6:613 Tereus of Thrace, brave, and inur'd to war,
6:614 Had quite defeated, and obtain'd a name,
6:615 The warrior's due, among the sons of Fame.
6:616 This, with his wealth, and pow'r, and ancient line,
6:617 From Mars deriv'd, Pandions's thoughts incline
6:618 His daughter Procne with the prince to joyn.
6:619 Nor Hymen, nor the Graces here preside,
6:620 Nor Juno to befriend the blooming bride;
6:621 But Fiends with fun'ral brands the process led,
6:622 And Furies waited at the Genial bed:
6:623 And all night long the scrieching owl aloof,
6:624 With baleful notes, sate brooding o'er the roof.
6:625 With such ill Omens was the match begun,
6:626 That made them parents of a hopeful son.
6:627 Now Thrace congratulates their seeming joy,
6:628 And they, in thankful rites, their minds employ.
6:629 If the fair queen's espousals pleas'd before,
6:630 Itys, the new-born prince, now pleases more;
6:631 And each bright day, the birth, and bridal feast,
6:632 Were kept with hallow'd pomp above the rest.
6:633 So far true happiness may lye conceal'd,
6:634 When, by false lights, we fancy 'tis reveal'd!
6:635 Now, since their nuptials, had the golden sun
6:636 Five courses round his ample zodiac run;
6:637 When gentle Procne thus her lord address'd,
6:638 And spoke the secret wishes of her breast:
6:639 If I, she said, have ever favour found,
6:640 Let my petition with success be crown'd:
6:641 Let me at Athens my dear sister see,
6:642 Or let her come to Thrace, and visit me.
6:643 And, lest my father should her absence mourn,
6:644 Promise that she shall make a quick return.
6:645 With thanks I'd own the obligation due
6:646 Only, o Tereus, to the Gods, and you.
6:647 Now, ply'd with oar, and sail at his command,
6:648 The nimble gallies reach'd th' Athenian land,
6:649 And anchor'd in the fam'd Piraean bay,
6:650 While Tereus to the palace takes his way;
6:651 The king salutes, and ceremonies past,
6:652 Begins the fatal embassy at last;
6:653 The occasion of his voyage he declares,
6:654 And, with his own, his wife's request prefers:
6:655 Asks leave that, only for a little space,
6:656 Their lovely sister might embark for Thrace.
6:657 Thus while he spoke, appear'd the royal maid,
6:658 Bright Philomela, splendidly array'd;
6:659 But most attractive in her charming face,
6:660 And comely person, turn'd with ev'ry grace:
6:661 Like those fair Nymphs, that are describ'd to rove
6:662 Across the glades, and op'nings of the grove;
6:663 Only that these are dress'd for silvan sports,
6:664 And less become the finery of courts.
6:665 Tereus beheld the virgin, and admir'd,
6:666 And with the coals of burning lust was fir'd:
6:667 Like crackling stubble, or the summer hay,
6:668 When forked lightnings o'er the meadows play.
6:669 Such charms in any breast might kindle love,
6:670 But him the heats of inbred lewdness move;
6:671 To which, tho' Thrace is naturally prone,
6:672 Yet his is still superior, and his own.
6:673 Strait her attendants he designs to buy,
6:674 And with large bribes her governess would try:
6:675 Herself with ample gifts resolves to bend,
6:676 And his whole kingdom in th' attempt expend:
6:677 Or, snatch'd away by force of arms, to bear,
6:678 And justify the rape with open war.
6:679 The boundless passion boils within his breast,
6:680 And his projecting soul admits no rest.
6:681 And now, impatient of the least delay,
6:682 By pleading Procne's cause, he speeds his way:
6:683 The eloquence of love his tongue inspires,
6:684 And, in his wife's, he speaks his own desires;
6:685 Hence all his importunities arise,
6:686 And tears unmanly trickle from his eyes.
6:687 Ye Gods! what thick involving darkness blinds
6:688 The stupid faculties of mortal minds!
6:689 Tereus the credit of good-nature gains
6:690 From these his crimes; so well the villain feigns.
6:691 And, unsuspecting of his base designs,
6:692 In the request fair Philomela joyns;
6:693 Her snowy arms her aged sire embrace,
6:694 And clasp his neck with an endearing grace:
6:695 Only to see her sister she entreats,
6:696 A seeming blessing, which a curse compleats.
6:697 Tereus surveys her with a luscious eye,
6:698 And in his mind forestalls the blissful joy:
6:699 Her circling arms a scene of lust inspire,
6:700 And ev'ry kiss foments the raging fire.
6:701 Fondly he wishes for the father's place,
6:702 To feel, and to return the warm embrace;
6:703 Since not the nearest ties of filial blood
6:704 Would damp his flame, and force him to be good.
6:705 At length, for both their sakes, the king agrees;
6:706 And Philomela, on her bended knees,
6:707 Thanks him for what her fancy calls success,
6:708 When cruel fate intends her nothing less.
6:709 Now Phoebus, hastning to ambrosial rest,
6:710 His fiery steeds drove sloping down the west:
6:711 The sculptur'd gold with sparkling wines was fill'd,
6:712 And, with rich meats, each chearful table smil'd.
6:713 Plenty, and mirth the royal banquet close,
6:714 Then all retire to sleep, and sweet repose.
6:715 But the lewd monarch, tho' withdrawn apart,
6:716 Still feels love's poison rankling in his heart:
6:717 Her face divine is stamp'd within his breast,
6:718 Fancy imagines, and improves the rest:
6:719 And thus, kept waking by intense desire,
6:720 He nourishes his own prevailing fire.
6:721 Next day the good old king for Tereus sends,
6:722 And to his charge the virgin recommends;
6:723 His hand with tears th' indulgent father press'd,
6:724 Then spoke, and thus with tenderness address'd.
6:725 Since the kind instances of pious love,
6:726 Do all pretence of obstacle remove;
6:727 Since Procne's, and her own, with your request,
6:728 O'er-rule the fears of a paternal breast;
6:729 With you, dear son, my daughter I entrust,
6:730 And by the Gods adjure you to be just;
6:731 By truth, and ev'ry consanguineal tye,
6:732 To watch, and guard her with a father's eye.
6:733 And, since the least delay will tedious prove,
6:734 In keeping from my sight the child I love,
6:735 With speed return her, kindly to asswage
6:736 The tedious troubles of my lingring age.
6:737 And you, my Philomel, let it suffice,
6:738 To know your sister's banish'd from my eyes;
6:739 If any sense of duty sways your mind,
6:740 Let me from you the shortest absence find.
6:741 He wept; then kiss'd his child; and while he speaks,
6:742 The tears fall gently down his aged cheeks.
6:743 Next, as a pledge of fealty, he demands,
6:744 And, with a solemn charge, conjoyns their hands;
6:745 Then to his daughter, and his grandson sends,
6:746 And by their mouth a blessing recommends;
6:747 While, in a voice with dire forebodings broke,
6:748 Sobbing, and faint, the last farewel was spoke.
6:749 Now Philomela, scarce receiv'd on board,
6:750 And in the royal gilded bark secur'd,
6:751 Beheld the dashes of the bending oar,
6:752 The ruffled sea, and the receding shore;
6:753 When strait (his joy impatient of disguise)
6:754 We've gain'd our point, the rough Barbarian cries;
6:755 Now I possess the dear, the blissful hour,
6:756 And ev'ry wish subjected to my pow'r.
6:757 Transports of lust his vicious thoughts employ,
6:758 And he forbears, with pain, th' expected joy.
6:759 His gloting eyes incessantly survey'd
6:760 The virgin beauties of the lovely maid:
6:761 As when the bold rapacious bird of Jove,
6:762 With crooked talons stooping from above,
6:763 Has snatcht, and carry'd to his lofty nest
6:764 A captive hare, with cruel gripes opprest;
6:765 Secure, with fix'd, and unrelenting eyes,
6:766 He sits, and views the helpless, trembling prize.
6:767 Their vessels now had made th' intended land,
6:768 And all with joy descend upon the strand;
6:769 When the false tyrant seiz'd the princely maid,
6:770 And to a lodge in distant woods convey'd;
6:771 Pale, sinking, and distress'd with jealous fears,
6:772 And asking for her sister all in tears.
6:773 The letcher, for enjoyment fully bent,
6:774 No longer now conceal'd his base intent;
6:775 But with rude haste the bloomy girl deflow'r'd,
6:776 Tender, defenceless, and with ease o'erpower'd.
6:777 Her piercing accents to her sire complain,
6:778 And to her absent sister, but in vain:
6:779 In vain she importunes, with doleful cries,
6:780 Each unattentive godhead of the skies.
6:781 She pants and trembles, like the bleating prey,
6:782 From some close-hunted wolf just snatch'd away;
6:783 That still, with fearful horror, looks around,
6:784 And on its flank regards the bleeding wound.
6:785 Or, as the tim'rous dove, the danger o'er,
6:786 Beholds her shining plumes besmear'd with gore,
6:787 And, tho' deliver'd from the faulcon's claw,
6:788 Yet shivers, and retains a secret awe.
6:789 But when her mind a calm reflection shar'd,
6:790 And all her scatter'd spirits were repair'd:
6:791 Torn, and disorder'd while her tresses hung,
6:792 Her livid hands, like one that mourn'd, she wrung;
6:793 Then thus, with grief o'erwhelm'd her languid eyes,
6:794 Savage, inhumane, cruel wretch! she cries;
6:795 Whom not a parent's strict commands could move,
6:796 Tho' charg'd, and utter'd with the tears of love;
6:797 Nor virgin innocence, nor all that's due
6:798 To the strong contract of the nuptial vow:
6:799 Virtue, by this, in wild confusion's laid,
6:800 And I compell'd to wrong my sister's bed;
6:801 Whilst you, regardless of your marriage oath,
6:802 With stains of incest have defil'd us both.
6:803 Tho' I deserv'd some punishment to find,
6:804 This was, ye Gods! too cruel, and unkind.
6:805 Yet, villain, to compleat your horrid guilt,
6:806 Stab here, and let my tainted blood be spilt.
6:807 Oh happy! had it come, before I knew
6:808 The curs'd embrace of vile perfidious you;
6:809 Then my pale ghost, pure from incestuous love,
6:810 Had wander'd spotless thro' th' Elysian grove.
6:811 But, if the Gods above have pow'r to know,
6:812 And judge those actions that are done below;
6:813 Unless the dreaded thunders of the sky,
6:814 Like me, subdu'd, and violated lye;
6:815 Still my revenge shall take its proper time,
6:816 And suit the baseness of your hellish crime.
6:817 My self, abandon'd, and devoid of shame,
6:818 Thro' the wide world your actions will proclaim;
6:819 Or tho' I'm prison'd in this lonely den,
6:820 Obscur'd, and bury'd from the sight of men,
6:821 My mournful voice the pitying rocks shall move,
6:822 And my complainings eccho thro' the grove.
6:823 Hear me, o Heav'n! and, if a God be there,
6:824 Let him regard me, and accept my pray'r.
6:825 Struck with these words, the tyrant's guilty breast
6:826 With fear, and anger, was, by turns, possest;
6:827 Now, with remorse his conscience deeply stung,
6:828 He drew the faulchion that beside her hung,
6:829 And first her tender arms behind her bound,
6:830 Then drag'd her by the hair along the ground.
6:831 The princess willingly her throat reclin'd,
6:832 And view'd the steel with a contented mind;
6:833 But soon her tongue the girding pinchers strain,
6:834 With anguish, soon she feels the piercing pain:
6:835 Oh father! father! would fain have spoke,
6:836 But the sharp torture her intention broke;
6:837 In vain she tries, for now the blade has cut
6:838 Her tongue sheer off, close to the trembling root.
6:839 The mangled part still quiver'd on the ground,
6:840 Murmuring with a faint imperfect sound:
6:841 And, as a serpent writhes his wounded train,
6:842 Uneasy, panting, and possess'd with pain;
6:843 The piece, while life remain'd, still trembled fast,
6:844 And to its mistress pointed to the last.
6:845 Yet, after this so damn'd, and black a deed,
6:846 Fame (which I scarce can credit) has agreed,
6:847 That on her rifled charms, still void of shame,
6:848 He frequently indulg'd his lustful flame,
6:849 At last he ventures to his Procne's sight,
6:850 Loaded with guilt, and cloy'd with long delight;
6:851 There, with feign'd grief, and false, dissembled sighs,
6:852 Begins a formal narrative of lies;
6:853 Her sister's death he artfully declares,
6:854 Then weeps, and raises credit from his tears.
6:855 Her vest, with flow'rs of gold embroider'd o'er,
6:856 With grief distress'd, the mournful matron tore,
6:857 And a beseeming suit of gloomy sable wore.
6:858 With cost, an honorary tomb she rais'd,
6:859 And thus th' imaginary ghost appeas'd.
6:860 Deluded queen! the fate of her you love,
6:861 Nor grief, nor pity, but revenge should move.
6:862 Thro' the twelve signs had pass'd the circling sun,
6:863 And round the compass of the Zodiac run;
6:864 What must unhappy Philomela do,
6:865 For ever subject to her keeper's view?
6:866 Huge walls of massy stone the lodge surround,
6:867 From her own mouth no way of speaking's found.
6:868 But all our wants by wit may be supply'd,
6:869 And art makes up, what fortune has deny'd:
6:870 With skill exact a Phrygian web she strung,
6:871 Fix'd to a loom that in her chamber hung,
6:872 Where in-wrought letters, upon white display'd,
6:873 In purple notes, her wretched case betray'd:
6:874 The piece, when finish'd, secretly she gave
6:875 Into the charge of one poor menial slave;
6:876 And then, with gestures, made him understand,
6:877 It must be safe convey'd to Procne's hand.
6:878 The slave, with speed, the queen's apartment sought,
6:879 And render'd up his charge, unknowing what he brought.
6:880 But when the cyphers, figur'd in each fold,
6:881 Her sister's melancholy story told
6:882 (Strange that she could!) with silence, she survey'd
6:883 The tragick piece, and without weeping read:
6:884 In such tumultuous haste her passions sprung,
6:885 They choak'd her voice, and quite disarm'd her tongue.
6:886 No room for female tears; the Furies rise,
6:887 Darting vindictive glances from her eyes;
6:888 And, stung with rage, she bounds from place to place,
6:889 While stern revenge sits low'ring in her face.
6:890 Now the triennial celebration came,
6:891 Observ'd to Bacchus by each Thracian dame;
6:892 When, in the privacies of night retir'd,
6:893 They act his rites, with sacred rapture fir'd:
6:894 By night, the tinkling cymbals ring around,
6:895 While the shrill notes from Rhodope resound;
6:896 By night, the queen, disguis'd, forsakes the court,
6:897 To mingle in the festival resort.
6:898 Leaves of the curling vine her temples shade,
6:899 And, with a circling wreath, adorn her head:
6:900 Adown her back the stag's rough spoils appear,
6:901 Light on her shoulder leans a cornel spear.
6:902 Thus, in the fury of the God conceal'd,
6:903 Procne her own mad headstrong passion veil'd;
6:904 Now, with her gang, to the thick wood she flies,
6:905 And with religious yellings fills the skies;
6:906 The fatal lodge, as 'twere by chance, she seeks,
6:907 And, thro' the bolted doors, an entrance breaks;
6:908 From thence, her sister snatching by the hand,
6:909 Mask'd like the ranting Bacchanalian band,
6:910 Within the limits of the court she drew,
6:911 Shading, with ivy green, her outward hue.
6:912 But Philomela, conscious of the place,
6:913 Felt new reviving pangs of her disgrace;
6:914 A shiv'ring cold prevail'd in ev'ry part,
6:915 And the chill'd blood ran trembling to her heart.
6:916 Soon as the queen a fit retirement found,
6:917 Stript of the garlands that her temples crown'd,
6:918 She strait unveil'd her blushing sister's face,
6:919 And fondly clasp'd her with a close embrace:
6:920 But, in confusion lost, th' unhappy maid,
6:921 With shame dejected, hung her drooping head,
6:922 As guilty of a crime that stain'd her sister's bed.
6:923 That speech, that should her injur'd virtue clear,
6:924 And make her spotless innocence appear,
6:925 Is now no more; only her hands, and eyes
6:926 Appeal, in signals, to the conscious skies.
6:927 In Procne's breast the rising passions boil,
6:928 And burst in anger with a mad recoil;
6:929 Her sister's ill-tim'd grief, with scorn, she blames,
6:930 Then, in these furious words her rage proclaims.
6:931 Tears, unavailing, but defer our time,
6:932 The stabbing sword must expiate the crime;
6:933 Or worse, if wit, on bloody vengeance bent,
6:934 A weapon more tormenting can invent.
6:935 O sister! I've prepar'd my stubborn heart,
6:936 To act some hellish, and unheard-of part;
6:937 Either the palace to surround with fire,
6:938 And see the villain in the flames expire;
6:939 Or, with a knife, dig out his cursed eyes,
6:940 Or, his false tongue with racking engines seize;
6:941 Or, cut away the part that injur'd you,
6:942 And, thro' a thousand wounds, his guilty soul pursue.
6:943 Tortures enough my passion has design'd,
6:944 But the variety distracts my mind.
6:945 A-while, thus wav'ring, stood the furious dame,
6:946 When Itys fondling to his mother came;
6:947 From him the cruel fatal hint she took,
6:948 She view'd him with a stern remorseless look:
6:949 Ah! but too like thy wicked sire, she said,
6:950 Forming the direful purpose in her head.
6:951 At this a sullen grief her voice supprest,
6:952 While silent passions struggle in her breast.
6:953 Now, at her lap arriv'd, the flatt'ring boy
6:954 Salutes his parent with a smiling joy:
6:955 About her neck his little arms are thrown,
6:956 And he accosts her in a pratling tone.
6:957 Then her tempestuous anger was allay'd,
6:958 And in its full career her vengeance stay'd;
6:959 While tender thoughts, in spite of passion, rise,
6:960 And melting tears disarm her threat'ning eyes.
6:961 But when she found the mother's easy heart,
6:962 Too fondly swerving from th' intended part;
6:963 Her injur'd sister's face again she view'd:
6:964 And, as by turns surveying both she stood,
6:965 While this fond boy (she said) can thus express
6:966 The moving accents of his fond address;
6:967 Why stands my sister of her tongue bereft,
6:968 Forlorn, and sad, in speechless silence left?
6:969 O Procne, see the fortune of your house!
6:970 Such is your fate, when match'd to such a spouse!
6:971 Conjugal duty, if observ'd to him,
6:972 Would change from virtue, and become a crime;
6:973 For all respect to Tereus must debase
6:974 The noble blood of great Pandion's race.
6:975 Strait at these words, with big resentment fill'd,
6:976 Furious her look, she flew, and seiz'd her child;
6:977 Like a fell tigress of the savage kind,
6:978 That drags the tender suckling of the hind
6:979 Thro' India's gloomy groves, where Ganges laves
6:980 The shady scene, and rouls his streamy waves.
6:981 Now to a close apartment they were come,
6:982 Far off retir'd within the spacious dome;
6:983 When Procne, on revengeful mischief bent,
6:984 Home to his heart a piercing ponyard sent.
6:985 Itys, with rueful cries, but all too late,
6:986 Holds out his hands, and deprecates his fate;
6:987 Still at his mother's neck he fondly aims,
6:988 And strives to melt her with endearing names;
6:989 Yet still the cruel mother perseveres,
6:990 Nor with concern his bitter anguish hears.
6:991 This might suffice; but Philomela too
6:992 Across his throat a shining curtlass drew.
6:993 Then both, with knives, dissect each quiv'ring part,
6:994 And carve the butcher'd limbs with cruel art;
6:995 Which, whelm'd in boiling cauldrons o'er the fire,
6:996 Or turn'd on spits, in steamy smoak aspire:
6:997 While the long entries, with their slipp'ry floor,
6:998 Run down in purple streams of clotted gore.
6:999 Ask'd by his wife to this inhuman feast,
6:1000 Tereus unknowingly is made a guest:
6:1001 Whilst she her plot the better to disguise,
6:1002 Styles it some unknown mystick sacrifice;
6:1003 And such the nature of the hallow'd rite,
6:1004 The wife her husband only could invite,
6:1005 The slaves must all withdraw, and be debarr'd the sight.
6:1006 Tereus, upon a throne of antique state,
6:1007 Loftily rais'd, before the banquet sate;
6:1008 And glutton like, luxuriously pleas'd,
6:1009 With his own flesh his hungry maw appeas'd.
6:1010 Nay, such a blindness o'er his senses falls,
6:1011 That he for Itys to the table calls.
6:1012 When Procne, now impatient to disclose
6:1013 The joy that from her full revenge arose,
6:1014 Cries out, in transports of a cruel mind,
6:1015 Within your self your Itys you may find.
6:1016 Still, at this puzzling answer, with surprise,
6:1017 Around the room he sends his curious eyes;
6:1018 And, as he still inquir'd, and call'd aloud,
6:1019 Fierce Philomela, all besmear'd with blood,
6:1020 Her hands with murder stain'd, her spreading hair
6:1021 Hanging dishevel'd with a ghastly air,
6:1022 Stept forth, and flung full in the tyrant's face
6:1023 The head of Itys, goary as it was:
6:1024 Nor ever so much to use her tongue,
6:1025 And with a just reproach to vindicate her wrong.
6:1026 The Thracian monarch from the table flings,
6:1027 While with his cries the vaulted parlour rings;
6:1028 His imprecations eccho down to Hell,
6:1029 And rouze the snaky Furies from their Stygian cell.
6:1030 One while he labours to disgorge his breast,
6:1031 And free his stomach from the cursed feast;
6:1032 Then, weeping o'er his lamentable doom,
6:1033 He styles himself his son's sepulchral tomb.
6:1034 Now, with drawn sabre, and impetuous speed,
6:1035 In close pursuit he drives Pandion's breed;
6:1036 Whose nimble feet spring with so swift a force
6:1037 Across the fields, they seem to wing their course.
6:1038 And now, on real wings themselves they raise,
6:1039 And steer their airy flight by diff'rent ways;
6:1040 One to the woodland's shady covert hies,
6:1041 Around the smoaky roof the other flies;
6:1042 Whose feathers yet the marks of murder stain,
6:1043 Where stampt upon her breast, the crimson spots remain.
6:1044 Tereus, through grief, and haste to be reveng'd,
6:1045 Shares the like fate, and to a bird is chang'd:
6:1046 Fix'd on his head, the crested plumes appear,
6:1047 Long is his beak, and sharpen'd like a spear;
6:1048 Thus arm'd, his looks his inward mind display,
6:1049 And, to a lapwing turn'd, he fans his way.
6:1050 Exceeding trouble, for his children's fate,
6:1051 Shorten'd Pandion's days, and chang'd his date;
6:1052 Down to the shades below, with sorrow spent,
6:1053 An earlier, unexpected ghost he went.
Boreas in Love
6:1054 Erechtheus next th' Athenian sceptre sway'd,
6:1055 Whose rule the state with joynt consent obey'd;
6:1056 So mix'd his justice with his valour flow'd,
6:1057 His reign one scene of princely goodness shew'd.
6:1058 Four hopeful youths, as many females bright,
6:1059 Sprung from his loyns, and sooth'd him with delight.
6:1060 Two of these sisters, of a lovelier air,
6:1061 Excell'd the rest, tho' all the rest were fair.
6:1062 Procris, to Cephalus in wedlock ty'd,
6:1063 Bless'd the young silvan with a blooming bride:
6:1064 For Orithyia Boreas suffer'd pain,
6:1065 For the coy maid sued long, but sued in vain;
6:1066 Tereus his neighbour, and his Thracian blood,
6:1067 Against the match a main objection stood;
6:1068 Which made his vows, and all his suppliant love,
6:1069 Empty as air and ineffectual prove.
6:1070 But when he found his soothing flatt'ries fail,
6:1071 Nor saw his soft addresses cou'd avail;
6:1072 Blust'ring with ire, he quickly has recourse
6:1073 To rougher arts, and his own native force.
6:1074 'Tis well, he said; such usage is my due,
6:1075 When thus disguis'd by foreign ways I sue;
6:1076 When my stern airs, and fierceness I disclaim,
6:1077 And sigh for love, ridiculously tame;
6:1078 When soft addresses foolishly I try,
6:1079 Nor my own stronger remedies apply.
6:1080 By force and violence I chiefly live,
6:1081 By them the lowring stormy tempests drive;
6:1082 In foaming billows raise the hoary deep,
6:1083 Writhe knotted oaks, and sandy desarts sweep;
6:1084 Congeal the falling flakes of fleecy snow,
6:1085 And bruise, with ratling hall, the plains below.
6:1086 I, and my brother-winds, when joyn'd above,
6:1087 Thro' the waste champian of the skies we rove,
6:1088 With such a boist'rous full career engage,
6:1089 That Heav'n's whole concave thunders at our rage.
6:1090 While, struck from nitrous clouds, fierce lightnings play,
6:1091 Dart thro' the storm, and gild the gloomy day.
6:1092 Or when, in subterraneous caverns pent,
6:1093 My breath, against the hollow Earth, is bent,
6:1094 The quaking world above, and ghosts below,
6:1095 My mighty pow'r, by dear experience, know,
6:1096 Tremble with fear, and dread the fatal blow.
6:1097 This is the only cure to be apply'd,
6:1098 Thus to Erechtheus I should be ally'd;
6:1099 And thus the scornful virgin should be woo'd,
6:1100 Not by intreaty, but by force subdu'd.
6:1101 Boreas, in passion, spoke these huffing things,
6:1102 And, as he spoke, he shook his dreadful wings;
6:1103 At which, afar the shiv'ring sea was fan'd,
6:1104 And the wide surface of the distant land:
6:1105 His dusty mantle o'er the hills he drew,
6:1106 And swept the lowly vallies, as he flew;
6:1107 Then, with his yellow wings, embrac'd the maid,
6:1108 And, wrapt in dusky clouds, far off convey'd.
6:1109 The sparkling blaze of Love's prevailing fire
6:1110 Shone brighter as he flew, and flam'd the higher.
6:1111 And now the God, possess'd of his delight,
6:1112 To northern Thrace pursu'd his airy flight,
6:1113 Where the young ravish'd nymph became his bride,
6:1114 And soon the luscious sweets of wedlock try'd.
6:1115 Two lovely twins, th' effect of this embrace,
6:1116 Crown their soft labours, and their nuptials grace;
6:1117 Who, like their mother, beautiful, and fair,
6:1118 Their father's strength, and feather'd pinions share:
6:1119 Yet these, at first, were wanting, as 'tis said,
6:1120 And after, as they grew, their shoulders spread.
6:1121 Zethes and Calais, the pretty twins,
6:1122 Remain'd unfledg'd, while smooth their beardless chins;
6:1123 But when, in time, the budding silver down
6:1124 Shaded their face, and on their cheeks was grown,
6:1125 Two sprouting wings upon their shoulders sprung,
6:1126 Like those in birds, that veil the callow young.
6:1127 Then as their age advanc'd, and they began
6:1128 From greener youth to ripen into man,
6:1129 With Jason's Argonauts they cross'd the seas,
6:1130 Embark'd in quest of the fam'd golden fleece;
6:1131 There, with the rest, the first frail vessel try'd,
6:1132 And boldly ventur'd on the swelling tide.
BOOK THE SEVENTH
The Story of Medea and Jason
7:1 The Argonauts now stemm'd the foaming tide,
7:2 And to Arcadia's shore their course apply'd;
7:3 Where sightless Phineus spent his age in grief,
7:4 But Boreas' sons engage in his relief;
7:5 And those unwelcome guests, the odious race
7:6 Of Harpyes, from the monarch's table chase.
7:7 With Jason then they greater toils sustain,
7:8 And Phasis' slimy banks at last they gain,
7:9 Here boldly they demand the golden prize
7:10 Of Scythia's king, who sternly thus replies:
7:11 That mighty labours they must first o'ercome,
7:12 Or sail their Argo thence unfreighted home.
7:13 Meanwhile Medea, seiz'd with fierce desire,
7:14 By reason strives to quench the raging fire;
7:15 But strives in vain!-Some God (she said) withstands,
7:16 And reason's baffl'd council countermands.
7:17 What unseen Pow'r does this disorder move?
7:18 'Tis love,-at least 'tis like, what men call love.
7:19 Else wherefore shou'd the king's commands appear
7:20 To me too hard?-But so indeed they are.
7:21 Why shou'd I for a stranger fear, lest he
7:22 Shou'd perish, whom I did but lately see?
7:23 His death, or safety, what are they to me?
7:24 Wretch, from thy virgin-breast this flame expel,
7:25 And soon-Oh cou'd I, all wou'd then be well!
7:26 But love, resistless love, my soul invades;
7:27 Discretion this, affection that perswades.
7:28 I see the right, and I approve it too,
7:29 Condemn the wrong-and yet the wrong pursue.
7:30 Why, royal maid, shou'dst thou desire to wed
7:31 A wanderer, and court a foreign bed?
7:32 Thy native land, tho' barb'rous, can present
7:33 A bridegroom worth a royal bride's content:
7:34 And whether this advent'rer lives, or dies,
7:35 In Fate, and Fortune's fickle pleasure lies.
7:36 Yet may be live! for to the Pow'rs above,
7:37 A virgin, led by no impulse of love,
7:38 So just a suit may, for the guiltless, move.
7:39 Whom wou'd not Jason's valour, youth and blood
7:40 Invite? or cou'd these merits be withstood,
7:41 At least his charming person must encline
7:42 The hardest heart-I'm sure 'tis so with mine!
7:43 Yet, if I help him not, the flaming breath
7:44 Of bulls, and earth-born foes, must be his death.
7:45 Or, should he through these dangers force his way,
7:46 At last he must be made the dragon's prey.
7:47 If no remorse for such distress I feel,
7:48 I am a tigress, and my breast is steel.
7:49 Why do I scruple then to see him slain,
7:50 And with the tragick scene my eyes prophane?
7:51 My magick's art employ, not to asswage
7:52 The Salvages, but to enflame their rage?
7:53 His earth-born foes to fiercer fury move,
7:54 And accessary to his murder prove?
7:55 The Gods forbid-But pray'rs are idle breath,
7:56 When action only can prevent his death.
7:57 Shall I betray my father, and the state,
7:58 To intercept a rambling hero's fate;
7:59 Who may sail off next hour, and sav'd from harms
7:60 By my assistance, bless another's arms?
7:61 Whilst I, not only of my hopes bereft,
7:62 But to unpity'd punishment am left.
7:63 If he is false, let the ingrateful bleed!
7:64 But no such symptom in his looks I read.
7:65 Nature wou'd ne'er have lavish'd so much grace
7:66 Upon his person, if his soul were base.
7:67 Besides, he first shall plight his faith, and swear
7:68 By all the Gods; what therefore can'st thou fear?
7:69 Medea haste, from danger set him free,
7:70 Jason shall thy eternal debtor be.
7:71 And thou, his queen, with sov'raign state enstall'd,
7:72 By Graecian dames the Kind Preserver call'd.
7:73 Hence idle dreams, by love-sick fancy bred!
7:74 Wilt thou, Medea, by vain wishes led,
7:75 To sister, brother, father bid adieu?
7:76 Forsake thy country's Gods, and country too?
7:77 My father's harsh, my brother but a child,
7:78 My sister rivals me, my country's wild;
7:79 And for its Gods, the greatest of 'em all
7:80 Inspires my breast, and I obey his call.
7:81 That great endearments I forsake, is true,
7:82 But greater far the hopes that I pursue:
7:83 The pride of having sav'd the youths of Greece
7:84 (Each life more precious than our golden fleece);
7:85 A nobler soil by me shall be possest,
7:86 I shall see towns with arts and manners blest;
7:87 And, what I prize above the world beside,
7:88 Enjoy my Jason-and when once his bride,
7:89 Be more than mortal, and to Gods ally'd.
7:90 They talk of hazards I must first sustain,
7:91 Of floating islands justling in the main;
7:92 Our tender barque expos'd to dreadful shocks
7:93 Of fierce Charybdis' gulf, and Scylla's rocks,
7:94 Where breaking waves in whirling eddies rowl,
7:95 And rav'nous dogs that in deep caverns howl:
7:96 Amidst these terrors, while I lye possest
7:97 Of him I love, and lean on Jason's breast,
7:98 In tempests unconcern'd I will appear,
7:99 Or, only for my husband's safety fear.
7:100 Didst thou say husband?-canst thou so deceive
7:101 Thy self, fond maid, and thy own cheat believe?
7:102 In vain thou striv'st to varnish o'er thy shame,
7:103 And grace thy guilt with wedlock's sacred name.
7:104 Pull off the coz'ning masque, and oh! in time
7:105 Discover and avoid the fatal crime.
7:106 She ceas'd-the Graces now, with kind surprize,
7:107 And virtue's lovely train, before her eyes
7:108 Present themselves, and vanquish'd Cupid flies.
7:109 She then retires to Hecate's shrine, that stood
7:110 Far in the covert of a shady wood:
7:111 She finds the fury of her flames asswag'd,
7:112 But, seeing Jason there, again they rag'd.
7:113 Blushes, and paleness did by turns invade
7:114 Her tender cheeks, and secret grief betray'd.
7:115 As fire, that sleeping under ashes lyes,
7:116 Fresh-blown, and rous'd, does up in blazes rise,
7:117 So flam'd the virgin's breast-
7:118 New kindled by her lover's sparkling eyes.
7:119 For chance, that day, had with uncommon grace
7:120 Adorn'd the lovely youth, and through his face
7:121 Display'd an air so pleasing as might charm
7:122 A Goddess, and a Vestal's bosom warm.
7:123 Her ravish'd eyes survey him o'er and o'er,
7:124 As some gay wonder never seen before;
7:125 Transported to the skies she seems to be,
7:126 And thinks she gazes on a deity.
7:127 But when he spoke, and prest her trembling hand,
7:128 And did with tender words her aid demand,
7:129 With vows, and oaths to make her soon his bride,
7:130 She wept a flood of tears, and thus reply'd:
7:131 I see my error, yet to ruin move,
7:132 Nor owe my fate to ignorance, but love:
7:133 Your life I'll guard, and only crave of you
7:134 To swear once more-and to your oath be true.
7:135 He swears by Hecate he would all fulfil,
7:136 And by her grandfather's prophetick skill,
7:137 By ev'ry thing that doubting love cou'd press,
7:138 His present danger, and desir'd success.
7:139 She credits him, and kindly does produce
7:140 Enchanted herbs, and teaches him their use:
7:141 Their mystick names, and virtues he admires,
7:142 And with his booty joyfully retires.
The Dragon's Teeth transform'd to Men
7:143 Impatient for the wonders of the day,
7:144 Aurora drives the loyt'ring stars away.
7:145 Now Mars's mount the pressing people fill,
7:146 The crowd below, the nobles crown the hill;
7:147 The king himself high-thron'd above the rest,
7:148 With iv'ry scepter, and in purple drest.
7:149 Forthwith the brass-hoof'd bulls are set at large,
7:150 Whose furious nostrils sulph'rous flame discharge:
7:151 The blasted herbage by their breath expires;
7:152 As forges rumble with excessive fires,
7:153 And furnaces with fiercer fury glow,
7:154 When water on the panting mass ye throw;
7:155 With such a noise, from their convulsive breast,
7:156 Thro' bellowing throats, the struggling vapour prest.
7:157 Yet Jason marches up without concern,
7:158 While on th' advent'rous youth the monsters turn
7:159 Their glaring eyes, and, eager to engage,
7:160 Brandish their steel-tipt horns in threatning rage:
7:161 With brazen hoofs they beat the ground, and choak
7:162 The ambient air with clouds of dust and smoak:
7:163 Each gazing Graecian for his champion shakes,
7:164 While bold advances he securely makes
7:165 Thro' sindging blasts; such wonders magick art
7:166 Can work, when love conspires, and plays his part.
7:167 The passive savages like statues stand,
7:168 While he their dew-laps stroaks with soothing hand;
7:169 To unknown yokes their brawny necks they yield,
7:170 And, like tame oxen, plow the wond'ring field.
7:171 The Colchians stare; the Graecians shout, and raise
7:172 Their champion's courage with inspiring praise.
7:173 Embolden'd now, on fresh attempts he goes,
7:174 With serpent's teeth the fertile furrows sows;
7:175 The glebe, fermenting with inchanted juice,
7:176 Makes the snake's teeth a human crop produce.
7:177 For as an infant, pris'ner to the womb,
7:178 Contented sleeps, 'till to perfection come,
7:179 Then does the cell's obscure confinement scorn,
7:180 He tosses, throbs, and presses to be born;
7:181 So from the lab'ring Earth no single birth,
7:182 But a whole troop of lusty youths rush forth;
7:183 And, what's more strange, with martial fury warm'd,
7:184 And for encounter all compleatly arm'd;
7:185 In rank and file, as they were sow'd, they stand,
7:186 Impatient for the signal of command.
7:187 No foe but the Aemonian youth appears;
7:188 At him they level their steel-pointed spears;
7:189 His frighted friends, who triumph'd, just before,
7:190 With peals of sighs his desp'rate case deplore:
7:191 And where such hardy warriors are afraid,
7:192 What must the tender, and enamour'd maid?
7:193 Her spirits sink, the blood her cheek forsook;
7:194 She fears, who for his safety undertook:
7:195 She knew the vertue of the spells she gave,
7:196 She knew the force, and knew her lover brave;
7:197 But what's a single champion to an host?
7:198 Yet scorning thus to see him tamely lost,
7:199 Her strong reserve of secret arts she brings,
7:200 And last, her never-failing song she sings.
7:201 Wonders ensue; among his gazing foes
7:202 The massy fragment of a rock he throws;
7:203 This charm in civil war engag'd 'em all;
7:204 By mutual wounds those Earth-born brothers fall.
7:205 The Greeks, transported with the strange success,
7:206 Leap from their seats the conqu'ror to caress;
7:207 Commend, and kiss, and clasp him in their arms:
7:208 So would the kind contriver of the charms;
7:209 But her, who felt the tenderest concern,
7:210 Honour condemns in secret flames to burn;
7:211 Committed to a double guard of fame,
7:212 Aw'd by a virgin's, and a princess' name.
7:213 But thoughts are free, and fancy unconfin'd,
7:214 She kisses, courts, and hugs him in her mind;
7:215 To fav'ring Pow'rs her silent thanks she gives,
7:216 By whose indulgence her lov'd hero lives.
7:217 One labour more remains, and, tho' the last,
7:218 In danger far surmounting all the past;
7:219 That enterprize by Fates in store was kept,
7:220 To make the dragon sleep that never slept,
7:221 Whose crest shoots dreadful lustre; from his jaws
7:222 A tripple tire of forked stings he draws,
7:223 With fangs, and wings of a prodigious size:
7:224 Such was the guardian of the golden prize.
7:225 Yet him, besprinkled with Lethaean dew,
7:226 The fair inchantress into slumber threw;
7:227 And then, to fix him, thrice she did repeat
7:228 The rhyme, that makes the raging winds retreat,
7:229 In stormy seas can halcyon seasons make,
7:230 Turn rapid streams into a standing lake;
7:231 While the soft guest his drowzy eye-lids seals,
7:232 Th' ungarded golden fleece the stranger steals;
7:233 Proud to possess the purchase of his toil,
7:234 Proud of his royal bride, the richer spoil;
7:235 To sea both prize, and patroness he bore,
7:236 And lands triumphant on his native shore.
Old Aeson restor'd to Youth
7:237 Aemonian matrons, who their absence mourn'd,
7:238 Rejoyce to see their prosp'rous sons return'd:
7:239 Rich curling fumes of incense feast the skies,
7:240 An hecatomb of voted victims dies,
7:241 With gilded horns, and garlands on their head,
7:242 And all the pomp of death, to th' altar led.
7:243 Congratulating bowls go briskly round,
7:244 Triumphant shouts in louder musick drown'd.
7:245 Amidst these revels, why that cloud of care
7:246 On Jason's brow? (to whom the largest share
7:247 Of mirth was due)-His father was not there.
7:248 Aeson was absent, once the young, and brave,
7:249 Now crush'd with years, and bending to the grave.
7:250 At last withdrawn, and by the crowd unseen,
7:251 Pressing her hand (with starting sighs between),
7:252 He supplicates his kind, and skilful queen.
7:253 O patroness! preserver of my life!
7:254 (Dear when my mistress, and much dearer wife)
7:255 Your favours to so vast a sum amount,
7:256 'Tis past the pow'r of numbers to recount;
7:257 Or cou'd they be to computation brought,
7:258 The history would a romance be thought:
7:259 And yet, unless you add one favour more,
7:260 Greater than all that you conferr'd before,
7:261 But not too hard for love and magick skill,
7:262 Your past are thrown away, and Jason's wretched still.
7:263 The morning of my life is just begun,
7:264 But my declining father's race is run;
7:265 From my large stock retrench the long arrears,
7:266 And add 'em to expiring Aeson's years.
7:267 Thus spake the gen'rous youth, and wept the rest.
7:268 Mov'd with the piety of his request,
7:269 To his ag'd sire such filial duty shown,
7:270 So diff'rent from her treatment of her own,
7:271 But still endeav'ring her remorse to hide,
7:272 She check'd her rising sighs, and thus reply'd.
7:273 How cou'd the thought of such inhuman wrong
7:274 Escape (said she) from pious Jason's tongue?
7:275 Does the whole world another Jason bear,
7:276 Whose life Medea can to yours prefer?
7:277 Or cou'd I with so dire a change dispence,
7:278 Hecate will never join in that offence:
7:279 Unjust is the request you make, and I
7:280 In kindness your petition shall deny;
7:281 Yet she that grants not what you do implore,
7:282 Shall yet essay to give her Jason more;
7:283 Find means t' encrease the stock of Aeson's years,
7:284 Without retrenchment of your life's arrears;
7:285 Provided that the triple Goddess join
7:286 A strong confed'rate in my bold design.
7:287 Thus was her enterprize resolv'd; but still
7:288 Three tedious nights are wanting to fulfil
7:289 The circling crescents of th' encreasing moon;
7:290 Then, in the height of her nocturnal noon,
7:291 Medea steals from court; her ankles bare,
7:292 Her garments closely girt, but loose her hair;
7:293 Thus sally'd, like a solitary sprite,
7:294 She traverses the terrors of the night.
7:295 Men, beasts, and birds in soft repose lay charm'd,
7:296 No boistrous wind the mountain-woods alarm'd;
7:297 Nor did those walks of love, the myrtle-trees,
7:298 Of am'rous Zephir hear the whisp'ring breeze;
7:299 All elements chain'd in unactive rest,
7:300 No sense but what the twinkling stars exprest;
7:301 To them (that only wak'd) she rears her arm,
7:302 And thus commences her mysterious charms.
7:303 She turn'd her thrice about, as oft she threw
7:304 On her pale tresses the nocturnal dew;
7:305 Then yelling thrice a most enormous sound,
7:306 Her bare knee bended on the flinty ground.
7:307 O night (said she) thou confident and guide
7:308 Of secrets, such as darkness ought to hide;
7:309 Ye stars and moon, that, when the sun retires,
7:310 Support his empire with succeeding fires;
7:311 And thou, great Hecate, friend to my design;
7:312 Songs, mutt'ring spells, your magick forces join;
7:313 And thou, O Earth, the magazine that yields
7:314 The midnight sorcerer drugs; skies, mountains, fields;
7:315 Ye wat'ry Pow'rs of fountain, stream, and lake;
7:316 Ye sylvan Gods, and Gods of night, awake,
7:317 And gen'rously your parts in my adventure take.
7:318 Oft by your aid swift currents I have led
7:319 Thro' wand'ring banks, back to their fountain head;
7:320 Transformed the prospect of the briny deep,
7:321 Made sleeping billows rave, and raving billows sleep;
7:322 Made clouds, or sunshine; tempests rise, or fall;
7:323 And stubborn lawless winds obey my call:
7:324 With mutter'd words disarm'd the viper's jaw;
7:325 Up by the roots vast oaks, and rocks cou'd draw,
7:326 Make forests dance, and trembling mountains come,
7:327 Like malefactors, to receive their doom;
7:328 Earth groan, and frighted ghosts forsake their tomb.
7:329 Thee, Cynthia, my resistless rhymes drew down,
7:330 When tinkling cymbals strove my voice to drown;
7:331 Nor stronger Titan could their force sustain,
7:332 In full career compell'd to stop his wain:
7:333 Nor could Aurora's virgin blush avail,
7:334 With pois'nous herbs I turn'd her roses pale;
7:335 The fury of the fiery bulls I broke,
7:336 Their stubborn necks submitting to my yoke;
7:337 And when the sons of Earth with fury burn'd,
7:338 Their hostile rage upon themselves I turn'd;
7:339 The brothers made with mutual wounds to bleed,
7:340 And by their fatal strife my lover freed;
7:341 And, while the dragon slept, to distant Greece,
7:342 Thro' cheated guards, convey'd the golden fleece.
7:343 But now to bolder action I proceed,
7:344 Of such prevailing juices now have need,
7:345 That wither'd years back to their bloom can bring,
7:346 And in dead winter raise a second spring.
7:347 And you'll perform't-
7:348 You will; for lo! the stars, with sparkling fires,
7:349 Presage as bright success to my desires:
7:350 And now another happy omen see!
7:351 A chariot drawn by dragons waits for me.
7:352 With these last words he leaps into the wain,
7:353 Stroaks the snakes' necks, and shakes the golden rein;
7:354 That signal giv'n, they mount her to the skies,
7:355 And now beneath her fruitful Tempe lies,
7:356 Whose stories she ransacks, then to Crete she flies;
7:357 There Ossa, Pelion, Othrys, Pindus, all
7:358 To the fair ravisher, a booty fall;
7:359 The tribute of their verdure she collects,
7:360 Nor proud Olympus' height his plants protects.
7:361 Some by the roots she plucks; the tender tops
7:362 Of others with her culling sickle crops.
7:363 Nor could the plunder of the hills suffice,
7:364 Down to the humble vales, and meads she flies;
7:365 Apidanus, Amphrysus, the next rape
7:366 Sustain, nor could Enipeus' bank escape;
7:367 Thro' Beebe's marsh, and thro' the border rang'd
7:368 Whose pasture Glaucus to a Triton chang'd.
7:369 Now the ninth day, and ninth successive night,
7:370 Had wonder'd at the restless rover's flight;
7:371 Mean-while her dragons, fed with no repast,
7:372 But her exhaling simples od'rous blast,
7:373 Their tarnish'd scales, and wrinkled skins had cast.
7:374 At last return'd before her palace gate,
7:375 Quitting her chariot, on the ground she sate;
7:376 The sky her only canopy of state.
7:377 All conversation with her sex she fled,
7:378 Shun'd the caresses of the nuptial bed:
7:379 Two altars next of grassy turf she rears,
7:380 This Hecate's name, that Youth's inscription bears;
7:381 With forest-boughs, and vervain these she crown'd;
7:382 Then delves a double trench in lower ground,
7:383 And sticks a black-fleec'd ram, that ready stood,
7:384 And drench'd the ditches with devoted blood:
7:385 New wine she pours, and milk from th' udder warm,
7:386 With mystick murmurs to compleat the charm,
7:387 And subterranean deities alarm.
7:388 To the stern king of ghosts she next apply'd,
7:389 And gentle Proserpine, his ravish'd bride,
7:390 That for old Aeson with the laws of Fate
7:391 They would dispense, and lengthen his short date;
7:392 Thus with repeated pray'rs she long assails
7:393 Th' infernal tyrant and at last prevails;
7:394 Then calls to have decrepit Aeson brought,
7:395 And stupifies him with a sleeping draught;
7:396 On Earth his body, like a corpse, extends,
7:397 Then charges Jason and his waiting friends
7:398 To quit the place, that no unhallow'd eye
7:399 Into her art's forbidden secrets pry.
7:400 This done, th' inchantress, with her locks unbound,
7:401 About her altars trips a frantick round;
7:402 Piece-meal the consecrated wood she splits,
7:403 And dips the splinters in the bloody pits,
7:404 Then hurles 'em on the piles; the sleeping sire
7:405 She lustrates thrice, with sulphur, water, fire.
7:406 In a large cauldron now the med'cine boils,
7:407 Compounded of her late-collected spoils,
7:408 Blending into the mesh the various pow'rs
7:409 Of wonder-working juices, roots, and flow'rs;
7:410 With gems i' th' eastern ocean's cell refin'd,
7:411 And such as ebbing tides had left behind;
7:412 To them the midnight's pearly dew she flings,
7:413 A scretch-owl's carcase, and ill boding wings;
7:414 Nor could the wizard wolf's warm entrails scape
7:415 (That wolf who counterfeits a human shape).
7:416 Then, from the bottom of her conj'ring bag,
7:417 Snakes' skins, and liver of a long-liv'd stag;
7:418 Last a crow's head to such an age arriv'd,
7:419 That he had now nine centuries surviv'd;
7:420 These, and with these a thousand more that grew
7:421 In sundry soils, into her pot she threw;
7:422 Then with a wither'd olive-bough she rakes
7:423 The bubling broth; the bough fresh verdure takes;
7:424 Green leaves at first the perish'd plant surround,
7:425 Which the next minute with ripe fruit were crown'd.
7:426 The foaming juices now the brink o'er-swell;
7:427 The barren heath, where-e'er the liquor fell,
7:428 Sprang out with vernal grass, and all the pride
7:429 Of blooming May-When this Medea spy'd,
7:430 She cuts her patient's throat; th' exhausted blood
7:431 Recruiting with her new enchanted flood;
7:432 While at his mouth, and thro' his op'ning wound,
7:433 A double inlet her infusion found;
7:434 His feeble frame resumes a youthful air,
7:435 A glossy brown his hoary beard and hair.
7:436 The meager paleness from his aspect fled,
7:437 And in its room sprang up a florid red;
7:438 Thro' all his limbs a youthful vigour flies,
7:439 His empty'd art'ries swell with fresh supplies:
7:440 Gazing spectators scarce believe their eyes.
7:441 But Aeson is the most surpriz'd to find
7:442 A happy change in body and in mind;
7:443 In sense and constitution the same man,
7:444 As when his fortieth active year began.
7:445 Bacchus, who from the clouds this wonder view'd,
7:446 Medea's method instantly pursu'd,
7:447 And his indulgent nurse's youth renew'd.
The Death of Pelias
7:448 Thus far obliging love employ'd her art,
7:449 But now revenge must act a tragick part;
7:450 Medea feigns a mortal quarrel bred
7:451 Betwixt her, and the partner of her bed;
7:452 On this pretence to Pelias' court she flies,
7:453 Who languishing with age and sickness lies:
7:454 His guiltless daughters, with inveigling wiles,
7:455 And well dissembled friendship, she beguiles:
7:456 The strange achievements of her art she tells,
7:457 With Aeson's cure, and long on that she dwells,
7:458 'Till them to firm perswasion she has won,
7:459 The same for their old father may be done:
7:460 For him they court her to employ her skill,
7:461 And put upon the cure what price she will.
7:462 At first she's mute, and with a grave pretence
7:463 Of difficulty, holds 'em in suspense;
7:464 Then promises, and bids 'em, from the fold
7:465 Chuse out a ram, the most infirm and old;
7:466 That so by fact their doubts may be remov'd,
7:467 And first on him the operation prov'd.
7:468 A wreath-horn'd ram is brought, so far o'er-grown
7:469 With years, his age was to that age unknown
7:470 Of sense too dull the piercing point to feel,
7:471 And scarce sufficient blood to stain the steel.
7:472 His carcass she into a cauldron threw,
7:473 With drugs whose vital qualities she knew;
7:474 His limbs grow less, he casts his horns, and years,
7:475 And tender bleatings strike their wond'ring ears.
7:476 Then instantly leaps forth a frisking lamb,
7:477 That seeks (too young to graze) a suckling dam.
7:478 The sisters, thus confirm'd with the success,
7:479 Her promise with renew'd entreaty press;
7:480 To countenance the cheat, three nights and days
7:481 Before experiment th' inchantress stays;
7:482 Then into limpid water, from the springs,
7:483 Weeds, and ingredients of no force she flings;
7:484 With antique ceremonies for pretence
7:485 And rambling rhymes without a word of sense.
7:486 Mean-while the king with all his guards lay bound
7:487 In magick sleep, scarce that of death so sound;
7:488 The daughters now are by the sorc'ress led
7:489 Into his chamber, and surround his bed.
7:490 Your father's health's concern'd, and can ye stay?
7:491 Unnat'ral nymphs, why this unkind delay?
7:492 Unsheath your swords, dismiss his lifeless blood,
7:493 And I'll recruit it with a vital flood:
7:494 Your father's life and health is in your hand,
7:495 And can ye thus like idle gazers stand?
7:496 Unless you are of common sense bereft,
7:497 If yet one spark of piety is left,
7:498 Dispatch a father's cure, and disengage
7:499 The monarch from his toilsome load of age:
7:500 Come-drench your weapons in his putrid gore;
7:501 'Tis charity to wound, when wounding will restore.
7:502 Thus urg'd, the poor deluded maids proceed,
7:503 Betray'd by zeal, to an inhumane deed,
7:504 And, in compassion, make a father bleed.
7:505 Yes, she who had the kindest, tend'rest heart,
7:506 Is foremost to perform the bloody part.
7:507 Yet, tho' to act the butchery betray'd,
7:508 They could not bear to see the wounds they made;
7:509 With looks averted, backward they advance,
7:510 Then strike, and stab, and leave the blows to chance.
7:511 Waking in consternation, he essays
7:512 (Weltring in blood) his feeble arms to raise:
7:513 Environ'd with so many swords-From whence
7:514 This barb'rous usage? what is my offence?
7:515 What fatal fury, what infernal charm,
7:516 'Gainst a kind father does his daughters arm?
7:517 Hearing his voice, as thunder-struck they stopt,
7:518 Their resolution, and their weapons dropt:
7:519 Medea then the mortal blow bestows,
7:520 And that perform'd, the tragick scene to close,
7:521 His corpse into the boiling cauldron throws.
7:522 Then, dreading the revenge that must ensue,
7:523 High mounted on her dragon-coach she flew;
7:524 And in her stately progress thro' the skies,
7:525 Beneath her shady Pelion first she spies,
7:526 With Othrys, that above the clouds did rise;
7:527 With skilful Chiron's cave, and neighb'ring ground,
7:528 For old Cerambus' strange escape renown'd,
7:529 By nymphs deliver'd, when the world was drown'd;
7:530 Who him with unexpected wings supply'd,
7:531 When delug'd hills a safe retreat deny'd.
7:532 Aeolian Pitane on her left hand
7:533 She saw, and there the statu'd dragon stand;
7:534 With Ida's grove, where Bacchus, to disguise
7:535 His son's bold theft, and to secure the prize,
7:536 Made the stoln steer a stag to represent;
7:537 Cocytus' father's sandy monument;
7:538 And fields that held the murder'd sire's remains,
7:539 Where howling Moera frights the startled plains.
7:540 Euryphilus' high town, with tow'rs defac'd
7:541 By Hercules, and matrons more disgrac'd
7:542 With sprouting horns, in signal punishment,
7:543 From Juno, or resenting Venus sent.
7:544 Then Rhodes, which Phoebus did so dearly prize,
7:545 And Jove no less severely did chastize;
7:546 For he the wizard native's pois'ning sight,
7:547 That us'd the farmer's hopeful crops to blight,
7:548 In rage o'erwhelm'd with everlasting night.
7:549 Cartheia's ancient walls come next in view,
7:550 Where once the sire almost a statue grew
7:551 With wonder, which a strange event did move,
7:552 His daughter turn'd into a turtle-dove.
7:553 Then Hyrie's lake, and Tempe's field o'er-ran,
7:554 Fam'd for the boy who there became a swan;
7:555 For there enamour'd Phyllius, like a slave,
7:556 Perform'd what tasks his paramour would crave.
7:557 For presents he had mountain-vultures caught,
7:558 And from the desart a tame lion brought;
7:559 Then a wild bull commanded to subdue,
7:560 The conquer'd savage by the horns he drew;
7:561 But, mock'd so oft, the treatment he disdains,
7:562 And from the craving boy this prize detains.
7:563 Then thus in choler the resenting lad:
7:564 Won't you deliver him?-You'll wish you had:
7:565 Nor sooner said, but, in a peevish mood,
7:566 Leapt from the precipice on which he stood:
7:567 The standers-by were struck with fresh surprize,
7:568 Instead of falling, to behold him rise
7:569 A snowy swan, and soaring to the skies.
7:570 But dearly the rash prank his mother cost,
7:571 Who ignorantly gave her son for lost;
7:572 For his misfortune wept, 'till she became
7:573 A lake, and still renown'd with Hyrie's name.
7:574 Thence to Latona's isle, where once were seen,
7:575 Transform'd to birds, a monarch, and his queen.
7:576 Far off she saw how old Cephisus mourn'd
7:577 His son, into a seele by Phoebus turn'd;
7:578 And where, astonish'd at a stranger sight,
7:579 Eumelus gaz'd on his wing'd daughter's flight.
7:580 Aetolian Pleuron she did next survey,
7:581 Where sons a mother's murder did essay,
7:582 But sudden plumes the matron bore away.
7:583 On her right hand, Cyllene, a fair soil,
7:584 Fair, 'till Menephron there the beauteous hill
7:585 Attempted with foul incest to defile.
7:586 Her harness'd dragons now direct she drives
7:587 For Corinth, and at Corinth she arrives;
7:588 Where, if what old tradition tells, be true,
7:589 In former ages men from mushrooms grew.
7:590 But here Medea finds her bed supply'd,
7:591 During her absence, by another bride;
7:592 And hopeless to recover her lost game,
7:593 She sets both bride and palace in a flame.
7:594 Nor could a rival's death her wrath asswage,
7:595 Nor stopt at Creon's family her rage,
7:596 She murders her own infants, in despight
7:597 To faithless Jason, and in Jason's sight;
7:598 Yet e'er his sword could reach her, up she springs,
7:599 Securely mounted on her dragon's wings.
The Story of Aegeus
7:600 From hence to Athens she directs her flight,
7:601 Where Phineus, so renown'd for doing right;
7:602 Where Periphas, and Polyphemon's neece,
7:603 Soaring with sudden plumes amaz'd the towns of Greece.
7:604 Here Aegeus so engaging she addrest,
7:605 That first he treats her like a royal guest;
7:606 Then takes the sorc'ress for his wedded wife;
7:607 The only blemish of his prudent life.
7:608 Mean-while his son, from actions of renown,
7:609 Arrives at court, but to his sire unknown.
7:610 Medea, to dispatch a dang'rous heir
7:611 (She knew him), did a pois'nous draught prepare;
7:612 Drawn from a drug, was long reserv'd in store
7:613 For desp'rate uses, from the Scythian shore;
7:614 That from the Echydnaean monster's jaws
7:615 Deriv'd its origin, and this the cause.
7:616 Thro' a dark cave a craggy passage lies,
7:617 To ours, ascending from the nether skies;
7:618 Thro' which, by strength of hand, Alcides drew
7:619 Chain'd Cerberus, who lagg'd, and restive grew,
7:620 With his blear'd eyes our brighter day to view.
7:621 Thrice he repeated his enormous yell,
7:622 With which he scares the ghosts, and startles Hell;
7:623 At last outragious (tho' compell'd to yield)
7:624 He sheds his foam in fury on the field,-
7:625 Which, with its own, and rankness of the ground,
7:626 Produc'd a weed, by sorcerers renown'd,
7:627 The strongest constitution to confound;
7:628 Call'd Aconite, because it can unlock
7:629 All bars, and force its passage thro' a rock.
7:630 The pious father, by her wheedles won,
7:631 Presents this deadly potion to his son;
7:632 Who, with the same assurance takes the cup,
7:633 And to the monarch's health had drank it up,
7:634 But in the very instant he apply'd
7:635 The goblet to his lips, old Aegeus spy'd
7:636 The iv'ry hilted sword that grac'd his side.
7:637 That certain signal of his son he knew,
7:638 And snatcht the bowl away; the sword he drew,
7:639 Resolv'd, for such a son's endanger'd life,
7:640 To sacrifice the most perfidious wife.
7:641 Revenge is swift, but her more active charms
7:642 A whirlwind rais'd, that snatch'd her from his arms.
7:643 While conjur'd clouds their baffled sense surprize,
7:644 She vanishes from their deluded eyes,
7:645 And thro' the hurricane triumphant flies.
7:646 The gen'rous king, altho' o'er-joy'd to find
7:647 His son was safe, yet bearing still in mind
7:648 The mischief by his treach'rous queen design'd;
7:649 The horrour of the deed, and then how near
7:650 The danger drew, he stands congeal'd with fear.
7:651 But soon that fear into devotion turns,
7:652 With grateful incense ev'ry altar burns;
7:653 Proud victims, and unconscious of their fate,
7:654 Stalk to the temple, there to die in state.
7:655 In Athens never had a day been found
7:656 For mirth, like that grand festival, renown'd.
7:657 Promiscuously the peers, and people dine,
7:658 Promiscuously their thankful voices join,
7:659 In songs of wit, sublim'd by spritely wine.
7:660 To list'ning spheres their joint applause they raise,
7:661 And thus resound their matchless Theseus' praise.
7:662 Great Theseus! Thee the Marathonian plain
7:663 Admires, and wears with pride the noble stain
7:664 Of the dire monster's blood, by valiant Theseus slain.
7:665 That now Cromyon's swains in safety sow,
7:666 And reap their fertile field, to thee they owe.
7:667 By thee th' infested Epidaurian coast
7:668 Was clear'd, and now can a free commerce boast.
7:669 The traveller his journey can pursue,
7:670 With pleasure the late dreadful valley view,
7:671 And cry, Here Theseus the grand robber slew.
7:672 Cephysus' cries to his rescu'd shore,
7:673 The merciless Procrustes is no more.
7:674 In peace, Eleusis, Ceres' rites renew,
7:675 Since Theseus' sword the fierce Cercyon slew.
7:676 By him the tort'rer Sinis was destroy'd,
7:677 Of strength (but strength to barb'rous use employ'd)
7:678 That tops of tallest pines to Earth could bend,
7:679 And thus in pieces wretched captives rend.
7:680 Inhuman Scyron now has breath'd his last,
7:681 And now Alcatho's roads securely past;
7:682 By Theseus slain, and thrown into the deep:
7:683 But Earth nor Sea his scatter'd bones wou'd keep,
7:684 Which, after floating long, a rock became,
7:685 Still infamous with Scyron's hated name.
7:686 When Fame to count thy acts and years proceeds,
7:687 Thy years appear but cyphers to thy deeds.
7:688 For thee, brave youth, as for our common-wealth,
7:689 We pray; and drink, in yours, the publick health.
7:690 Your praise the senate, and plebeians sing,
7:691 With your lov'd name the court, and cottage ring.
7:692 You make our shepherds and our sailors glad,
7:693 And not a house in this vast city's sad.
7:694 But mortal bliss will never come sincere,
7:695 Pleasure may lead, but grief brings up the rear;
7:696 While for his sons' arrival, rev'ling joy
7:697 Aegeus, and all his subjects does employ;
7:698 While they for only costly feasts prepare,
7:699 His neighb'ring monarch, Minos, threatens war:
7:700 Weak in land-forces, nor by sea more strong,
7:701 But pow'rful in a deep resented wrong
7:702 For a son's murder, arm'd with pious rage;
7:703 Yet prudently before he would engage,
7:704 To raise auxiliaries resolv'd to sail,
7:705 And with the pow'rful princes to prevail.
7:706 First Anaphe, then proud Astypalaea gains,
7:707 By presents that, and this by threats obtains:
7:708 Low Mycone, Cymolus, chalky soil,
7:709 Tall Cythnos, Scyros, flat Seriphos' isle;
7:710 Paros, with marble cliffs afar display'd;
7:711 Impregnable Sithonia; yet betray'd
7:712 To a weak foe by a gold-admiring maid,
7:713 Who, chang'd into a daw of sable hue,
7:714 Still hoards up gold, and hides it from the view.
7:715 But as these islands chearfully combine,
7:716 Others refuse t' embark in his design.
7:717 Now leftward with an easy sail he bore,
7:718 And prosp'rous passage to Oenopia's shore;
7:719 Oenopia once, but now Aegina call'd,
7:720 And with his royal mother's name install'd
7:721 By Aeacus, under whose reign did spring
7:722 The Myrmidons, and now their reigning king.
7:723 Down to the port, amidst the rabble, run
7:724 The princes of the blood; with Telamon,
7:725 Peleus the next, and Phocus the third son:
7:726 Then Aeacus, altho' opprest with years,
7:727 To ask the cause of their approach appears.
7:728 That question does the Gnossian's grief renew,
7:729 And sighs from his afflicted bosom drew;
7:730 Yet after a short solemn respite made,
7:731 The ruler of the hundred cities said:
7:732 Assist our arms, rais'd for a murder'd son,
7:733 In this religious war no risque you'll run:
7:734 Revenge the dead-for who refuse to give
7:735 Rest to their urns, unworthy are to live.
7:736 What you request, thus Aeacus replies,
7:737 Not I, but truth and common faith denies;
7:738 Athens and we have long been sworn allies:
7:739 Our leagues are fix'd, confed'rate are our pow'rs,
7:740 And who declare themselves their foes, are ours.
7:741 Minos rejoins, Your league shall dearly cost
7:742 (Yet, mindful how much safer 'twas to boast,
7:743 Than there to waste his forces, and his fame,
7:744 Before in field with his grand foe he came),
7:745 Parts without blows-nor long had left the shore,
7:746 E're into port another navy bore,
7:747 With Cephalus, and all his jolly crew;
7:748 Th' Aeacides their old acquaintance knew:
7:749 The princes bid him welcome, and in state
7:750 Conduct the heroe to their palace gate;
7:751 Who entr'ring, seem'd the charming mein to wear,
7:752 As when in youth he paid his visit there.
7:753 In his right hand an olive-branch he holds,
7:754 And, salutation past, the chief unfolds
7:755 His embassy from the Athenian state,
7:756 Their mutual friendship, leagues of ancient date;
7:757 Their common danger, ev'ry thing cou'd wake
7:758 Concern, and his address successful make:
7:759 Strength'ning his plea with all the charms of sense,
7:760 And those, with all the charms of eloquence.
7:761 Then thus the king: Like suitors do you stand
7:762 For that assistance which you may command?
7:763 Athenians, all our listed forces use
7:764 (They're such as no bold service will refuse);
7:765 And when y' ave drawn them off, the Gods be prais'd,
7:766 Fresh legions can within our isle be rais'd:
7:767 So stock'd with people, that we can prepare
7:768 Both for domestick, and for distant war,
7:769 Ours, or our friends' insulters to chastize.
7:770 Long may ye flourish thus, the prince replies.
7:771 Strange transport seiz'd me as I pass'd along,
7:772 To meet so many troops, and all so young,
7:773 As if your army did of twins consist;
7:774 Yet amongst them my late acquaintance miss'd:
7:775 Ev'n all that to your palace did resort,
7:776 When first you entertain'd me at your court;
7:777 And cannot guess the cause from whence cou'd spring
7:778 So vast a change-Then thus the sighing king:
7:779 Illustrious guest, to my strange tale attend,
7:780 Of sad beginning, but a joyful end:
7:781 The whole to a vast history wou'd swell,
7:782 I shall but half, and that confus'dly, tell.
7:783 That race whom so deserv'dly you admir'd,
7:784 Are all into their silent tombs retir'd:
7:785 They fell; and falling, how they shook my state,
7:786 Thought may conceive, but words can ne'er relate.
The Story of Ants chang'd to Men
7:787 A dreadful plague from angry Juno came,
7:788 To scourge the land, that bore her rival's name;
7:789 Before her fatal anger was reveal'd,
7:790 And teeming malice lay as yet conceal'd,
7:791 All remedies we try, all med'cines use,
7:792 Which Nature cou'd supply, or art produce;
7:793 Th' unconquer'd foe derides the vain design,
7:794 And art, and Nature foil'd, declare the cause divine.
7:795 At first we only felt th' oppressive weight
7:796 Of gloomy clouds, then teeming with our fate,
7:797 And lab'ring to discarge unactive heat:
7:798 But ere four moons alternate changes knew,
7:799 With deadly blasts the fatal South-wind blew,
7:800 Infected all the air, and poison'd as it flew.
7:801 Our fountains too a dire infection yield,
7:802 For crowds of vipers creep along the field,
7:803 And with polluted gore, and baneful steams,
7:804 Taint all the lakes, and venom all the streams.
7:805 The young disease with milder force began,
7:806 And rag'd on birds, and beasts, excusing Man.
7:807 The lab'ring oxen fall before the plow,
7:808 Th' unhappy plow-men stare, and wonder how:
7:809 The tabid sheep, with sickly bleatings, pines;
7:810 Its wool decreasing, as its strength declines:
7:811 The warlike steed, by inward foes compell'd,
7:812 Neglects his honours, and deserts the field;
7:813 Unnerv'd, and languid, seeks a base retreat,
7:814 And at the manger groans, but wish'd a nobler fate:
7:815 The stags forget their speed, the boars their rage,
7:816 Nor can the bears the stronger herds engage:
7:817 A gen'ral faintness does invade 'em all,
7:818 And in the woods, and fields, promiscuously they fall.
7:819 The air receives the stench, and (strange to say)
7:820 The rav'nous birds and beasts avoid the prey:
7:821 Th' offensive bodies rot upon the ground,
7:822 And spread the dire contagion all around.
7:823 But now the plague, grown to a larger size,
7:824 Riots on Man, and scorns a meaner prize.
7:825 Intestine heats begin the civil war,
7:826 And flushings first the latent flame declare,
7:827 And breath inspir'd, which seem'd like fiery air.
7:828 Their black dry tongues are swell'd, and scarce can move,
7:829 And short thick sighs from panting lung are drove.
7:830 They gape for air, with flatt'ring hopes t' abate
7:831 Their raging flames, but that augments their heat.
7:832 No bed, no cov'ring can the wretches bear,
7:833 But on the ground, expos'd to open air,
7:834 They lye, and hope to find a pleasing coolness there.
7:835 The suff'ring Earth with that oppression curst,
7:836 Returns the heat which they imparted first.
7:837 In vain physicians would bestow their aid,
7:838 Vain all their art, and useless all their trade;
7:839 And they, ev'n they, who fleeting life recall,
7:840 Feel the same Pow'rs, and undistinguish'd fall.
7:841 If any proves so daring to attend
7:842 His sick companion, or his darling friend,
7:843 Th' officious wretch sucks in contagious breath,
7:844 And with his friend does sympathize in death.
7:845 And now the care and hopes of life are past,
7:846 They please their fancies, and indulge their taste;
7:847 At brooks and streams, regardless of their shame,
7:848 Each sex, promiscuous, strives to quench their flame;
7:849 Nor do they strive in vain to quench it there,
7:850 For thirst, and life at once extinguish'd are.
7:851 Thus in the brooks the dying bodies sink,
7:852 But heedless still the rash survivors drink.
7:853 So much uneasy down the wretches hate,
7:854 They fly their beds, to struggle with their fate;
7:855 But if decaying strength forbids to rise,
7:856 The victim crawls and rouls, 'till on the ground he lies.
7:857 Each shuns his bed, as each wou'd shun his tomb,
7:858 And thinks th' infection only lodg'd at home.
7:859 Here one, with fainting steps, does slowly creep
7:860 O'er heaps of dead, and strait augments the heap;
7:861 Another, while his strength and tongue prevail'd,
7:862 Bewails his friend, and falls himself bewail'd:
7:863 This with imploring looks surveys the skies,
7:864 The last dear office of his closing eyes,
7:865 But finds the Heav'ns implacable, and dies.
7:866 What now, ah! what employ'd my troubled mind?
7:867 But only hopes my subjects' fate to find.
7:868 What place soe'er my weeping eyes survey,
7:869 There in lamented heaps the vulgar lay;
7:870 As acorns scatter when the winds prevail,
7:871 Or mellow fruit from shaken branches fall.
7:872 You see that dome which rears its front so high:
7:873 'Tis sacred to the monarch of the sky:
7:874 How many there, with unregarded tears,
7:875 And fruitless vows, sent up successless pray'rs?
7:876 There fathers for expiring sons implor'd,
7:877 And there the wife bewail'd her gasping lord;
7:878 With pious off'rings they'd appease the skies,
7:879 But they, ere yet th' attoning vapours rise,
7:880 Before the altars fall, themselves a sacrifice:
7:881 They fall, while yet their hands the gums contain,
7:882 The gums surviving, but their off'rers slain.
7:883 The destin'd ox, with holy garlands crown'd,
7:884 Prevents the blow, and feels th' expected wound:
7:885 When I my self invok'd the Pow'rs divine,
7:886 To drive the fatal pest from me and mine;
7:887 When now the priest with hands uplifted stood,
7:888 Prepar'd to strike, and shed the sacred blood,
7:889 The Gods themselves the mortal stroke bestow,
7:890 The victim falls, but they impart the blow:
7:891 Scarce was the knife with the pale purple stain'd,
7:892 And no presages cou'd be then obtain'd,
7:893 From putrid entrails, where th' infection reign'd.
7:894 Death stalk'd around with such resistless sway,
7:895 The temples of the Gods his force obey,
7:896 And suppliants feel his stroke, while yet they pray.
7:897 Go now, said he, your deities implore
7:898 For fruitless aid, for I defie their pow'r.
7:899 Then with a curst malicious joy survey'd
7:900 The very altars, stain'd with trophies of the dead.
7:901 The rest grown mad, and frantick with despair,
7:902 Urge their own fate, and so prevent the fear.
7:903 Strange madness that, when Death pursu'd so fast,
7:904 T' anticipate the blow with impious haste.
7:905 No decent honours to their urns are paid,
7:906 Nor cou'd the graves receive the num'rous dead;
7:907 For, or they lay unbury'd on the ground,
7:908 Or unadorn'd a needy fun'ral found:
7:909 All rev'rence past, the fainting wretches fight
7:910 For fun'ral piles which were another's right.
7:911 Unmourn'd they fall: for, who surviv'd to mourn?
7:912 And sires, and mothers unlamented burn:
7:913 Parents, and sons sustain an equal fate,
7:914 And wand'ring ghosts their kindred shadows meet.
7:915 The dead a larger space of ground require,
7:916 Nor are the trees sufficient for the fire.
7:917 Despairing under grief's oppressive weight,
7:918 And sunk by these tempestuous blasts of Fate,
7:919 O Jove, said I, if common fame says true,
7:920 If e'er Aegina gave those joys to you,
7:921 If e'er you lay enclos'd in her embrace,
7:922 Fond of her charms, and eager to possess;
7:923 O father, if you do not yet disclaim
7:924 Paternal care, nor yet disown the name;
7:925 Grant my petitions, and with speed restore
7:926 My subjects num'rous as they were before,
7:927 Or make me partner of the fate they bore.
7:928 I spoke, and glorious lightning shone around,
7:929 And ratling thunder gave a prosp'rous sound;
7:930 So let it be, and may these omens prove
7:931 A pledge, said I, of your returning love.
7:932 By chance a rev'rend oak was near the place,
7:933 Sacred to Jove, and of Dodona's race,
7:934 Where frugal ants laid up their winter meat,
7:935 Whose little bodies bear a mighty weight:
7:936 We saw them march along, and hide their store,
7:937 And much admir'd their number, and their pow'r;
7:938 Admir'd at first, but after envy'd more.
7:939 Full of amazement, thus to Jove I pray'd,
7:940 O grant, since thus my subjects are decay'd,
7:941 As many subjects to supply the dead.
7:942 I pray'd, and strange convulsions mov'd the oak,
7:943 Which murmur'd, tho' by ambient winds unshook:
7:944 My trembling hands, and stiff-erected hair,
7:945 Exprest all tokens of uncommon fear;
7:946 Yet both the earth and sacred oak I kist,
7:947 And scarce cou'd hope, yet still I hop'd the best;
7:948 For wretches, whatsoe'er the Fates divine,
7:949 Expound all omens to their own design.
7:950 But now 'twas night, when ev'n distraction wears
7:951 A pleasing look, and dreams beguile our cares,
7:952 Lo! the same oak appears before my eyes,
7:953 Nor alter'd in his shape, nor former size;
7:954 As many ants the num'rous branches bear,
7:955 The same their labour, and their frugal care;
7:956 The branches too a like commotion sound,
7:957 And shook th' industrious creatures on the ground,
7:958 Who, by degrees (what's scarce to be believ'd)
7:959 A nobler form, and larger bulk receiv'd,
7:960 And on the earth walk'd an unusual pace,
7:961 With manly strides, and an erected face-
7:962 Their num'rous legs, and former colour lost,
7:963 The insects cou'd a human figure boast.
7:964 I wake, and waking find my cares again,
7:965 And to the unperforming Gods complain,
7:966 And call their promise, and pretences, vain.
7:967 Yet in my court I heard the murm'ring voice
7:968 Of strangers, and a mixt uncommon noise:
7:969 But I suspected all was still a dream,
7:970 'Till Telamon to my apartment came,
7:971 Op'ning the door with an impetuous haste,
7:972 O come, said he, and see your faith and hopes surpast:
7:973 I follow, and, confus'd with wonder, view
7:974 Those shapes which my presaging slumbers drew:
7:975 I saw, and own'd, and call'd them subjects; they
7:976 Confest my pow'r, submissive to my sway.
7:977 To Jove, restorer of my race decay'd,
7:978 My vows were first with due oblations paid,
7:979 I then divide with an impartial hand
7:980 My empty city, and my ruin'd land,
7:981 To give the new-born youth an equal share,
7:982 And call them Myrmidons, from what they were.
7:983 You saw their persons, and they still retain
7:984 The thrift of ants, tho' now transform'd to men.
7:985 A frugal people, and inur'd to sweat,
7:986 Lab'ring to gain, and keeping what they get.
7:987 These, equal both in strength and years, shall join
7:988 Their willing aid, and follow your design,
7:989 With the first southern gale that shall present
7:990 To fill your sails, and favour your intent.
7:991 With such discourse they entertain the day;
7:992 The ev'ning past in banquets, sport, and play:
7:993 Then, having crown'd the night with sweet repose,
7:994 Aurora (with the wind at east) arose.
7:995 Now Pallas' sons to Cephalus resort,
7:996 And Cephalus with Pallas' sons to court,
7:997 To the king's levee; him sleep's silken chain,
7:998 And pleasing dreams, beyond his hour detain;
7:999 But then the princes of the blood, in state,
7:1000 Expect, and meet 'em at the palace gate.
The Story of Cephalus and Procris
7:1001 To th' inmost courts the Grecian youths were led,
7:1002 And plac'd by Phocus on a Tyrian bed;
7:1003 Who, soon observing Cephalus to hold
7:1004 A dart of unknown wood, but arm'd with gold:
7:1005 None better loves (said he) the huntsman's sport,
7:1006 Or does more often to the woods resort;
7:1007 Yet I that jav'lin's stem with wonder view,
7:1008 Too brown for box, too smooth a grain for yew.
7:1009 I cannot guess the tree; but never art
7:1010 Did form, or eyes behold so fair a dart!
7:1011 The guest then interrupts him-'Twou'd produce
7:1012 Still greater wonder, if you knew its use.
7:1013 It never fails to strike the game, and then
7:1014 Comes bloody back into your hand again.
7:1015 Then Phocus each particular desires,
7:1016 And th' author of the wond'rous gift enquires.
7:1017 To which the owner thus, with weeping eyes,
7:1018 And sorrow for his wife's sad fate, replies,
7:1019 This weapon here (o prince!) can you believe
7:1020 This dart the cause for which so much I grieve;
7:1021 And shall continue to grieve on, 'till Fate
7:1022 Afford such wretched life no longer date.
7:1023 Would I this fatal gift had ne'er enjoy'd,
7:1024 This fatal gift my tender wife destroy'd:
7:1025 Procris her name, ally'd in charms and blood
7:1026 To fair Orythia courted by a God.
7:1027 Her father seal'd my hopes with rites divine,
7:1028 But firmer love before had made her mine.
7:1029 Men call'd me blest, and blest I was indeed.
7:1030 The second month our nuptials did succeed;
7:1031 When (as upon Hymettus' dewy head,
7:1032 For mountain stags my net betimes I spread)
7:1033 Aurora spy'd, and ravish'd me away,
7:1034 With rev'rence to the Goddess, I must say,
7:1035 Against my will, for Procris had my heart,
7:1036 Nor wou'd her image from my thoughts depart.
7:1037 At last, in rage she cry'd, Ingrateful boy
7:1038 Go to your Procris, take your fatal joy;
7:1039 And so dismiss'd me: musing, as I went,
7:1040 What those expressions of the Goddess meant,
7:1041 A thousand jealous fears possess me now,
7:1042 Lest Procris had prophan'd her nuptial vow:
7:1043 Her youth and charms did to my fancy paint
7:1044 A lewd adultress, but her life a saint.
7:1045 Yet I was absent long, the Goddess too
7:1046 Taught me how far a woman cou'd be true.
7:1047 Aurora's treatment much suspicion bred;
7:1048 Besides, who truly love, ev'n shadows dread.
7:1049 I strait impatient for the tryal grew,
7:1050 What courtship back'd with richest gifts cou'd do.
7:1051 Aurora's envy aided my design,
7:1052 And lent me features far unlike to mine.
7:1053 In this disguise to my own house I came,
7:1054 But all was chaste, no conscious sign of blame:
7:1055 With thousand arts I scarce admittance found,
7:1056 And then beheld her weeping on the ground
7:1057 For her lost husband; hardly I retain'd
7:1058 My purpose, scarce the wish'd embrace refrain'd.
7:1059 How charming was her grief! Then, Phocus, guess
7:1060 What killing beauties waited on her dress.
7:1061 Her constant answer, when my suit I prest,
7:1062 Forbear, my lord's dear image guards this breast;
7:1063 Where-e'er he is, whatever cause detains,
7:1064 Who-e'er has his, my heart unmov'd remains.
7:1065 What greater proofs of truth than these cou'd be?
7:1066 Yet I persist, and urge my destiny.
7:1067 At length, she found, when my own form return'd,
7:1068 Her jealous lover there, whose loss she mourn'd.
7:1069 Enrag'd with my suspicion, swift as wind,
7:1070 She fled at once from me and all mankind;
7:1071 And so became, her purpose to retain,
7:1072 A nymph, and huntress in Diana's train:
7:1073 Forsaken thus, I found my flames encrease,
7:1074 I own'd my folly, and I su'd for peace.
7:1075 It was a fault, but not of guilt, to move
7:1076 Such punishment, a fault of too much love.
7:1077 Thus I retriev'd her to my longing arms,
7:1078 And many happy days possess'd her charms.
7:1079 But with herself she kindly did confer,
7:1080 What gifts the Goddess had bestow'd on her;
7:1081 The fleetest grey-hound, with this lovely dart,
7:1082 And I of both have wonders to impart.
7:1083 Near Thebes a savage beast, of race unknown,
7:1084 Laid waste the field, and bore the vineyards down;
7:1085 The swains fled from him, and with one consent
7:1086 Our Grecian youth to chase the monster went;
7:1087 More swift than light'ning he the toils surpast,
7:1088 And in his course spears, men, and trees o'er-cast.
7:1089 We slipt our dogs, and last my Lelaps too,
7:1090 When none of all the mortal race wou'd do:
7:1091 He long before was struggling from my hands,
7:1092 And, e're we cou'd unloose him, broke his bands.
7:1093 That minute where he was, we cou'd not find,
7:1094 And only saw the dust he left behind.
7:1095 I climb'd a neighb'ring hill to view the chase,
7:1096 While in the plain they held an equal race;
7:1097 The savage now seems caught, and now by force
7:1098 To quit himself, nor holds the same strait course;
7:1099 But running counter, from the foe withdraws,
7:1100 And with short turning cheats his gaping jaws:
7:1101 Which he retrieves, and still so closely prest,
7:1102 You'd fear at ev'ry stretch he were possess'd;
7:1103 Yet for the gripe his fangs in vain prepare;
7:1104 The game shoots from him, and he chops the air.
7:1105 To cast my jav'lin then I took my stand;
7:1106 But as the thongs were fitting to my hand,
7:1107 While to the valley I o'er-look'd the wood,
7:1108 Before my eyes two marble statues stood;
7:1109 That, as pursu'd appearing at full stretch,
7:1110 This barking after, and at point to catch:
7:1111 Some God their course did with this wonder grace,
7:1112 That neither might be conquer'd in the chase.
7:1113 A sudden silence here his tongue supprest,
7:1114 He here stops short, and fain wou'd wave the rest.
7:1115 The eager prince then urg'd him to impart,
7:1116 The Fortune that attended on the dart.
7:1117 First then (said he) past joys let me relate,
7:1118 For bliss was the foundation of my fate.
7:1119 No language can those happy hours express,
7:1120 Did from our nuptials me, and Procris bless:
7:1121 The kindest pair! What more cou'd Heav'n confer?
7:1122 For she was all to me, and I to her.
7:1123 Had Jove made love, great Jove had been despis'd;
7:1124 And I my Procris more than Venus priz'd:
7:1125 Thus while no other joy we did aspire,
7:1126 We grew at last one soul, and one desire.
7:1127 Forth to the woods I went at break of day
7:1128 (The constant practice of my youth) for prey:
7:1129 Nor yet for servant, horse, or dog did call,
7:1130 I found this single dart to serve for all.
7:1131 With slaughter tir'd, I sought the cooler shade,
7:1132 And winds that from the mountains pierc'd the glade:
7:1133 Come, gentle air (so was I wont to say)
7:1134 Come, gentle air, sweet Aura come away.
7:1135 This always was the burden of my song,
7:1136 Come 'swage my flames, sweet Aura come along.
7:1137 Thou always art most welcome to my breast;
7:1138 I faint; approach, thou dearest, kindest guest!
7:1139 These blandishments, and more than these, I said
7:1140 (By Fate to unsuspected ruin led),
7:1141 Thou art my joy, for thy dear sake I love
7:1142 Each desart hill, and solitary grove;
7:1143 When (faint with labour) I refreshment need,
7:1144 For cordials on thy fragrant breath I feed.
7:1145 At last a wand'ring swain in hearing came,
7:1146 And cheated with the sound of Aura's name,
7:1147 He thought I some assignation made;
7:1148 And to my Procris' ear the news convey'd.
7:1149 Great love is soonest with suspicion fir'd:
7:1150 She swoon'd, and with the tale almost expir'd.
7:1151 Ah! wretched heart! (she cry'd) ah! faithless man.
7:1152 And then to curse th' imagin'd nymph began:
7:1153 Yet oft she doubts, oft hopes she is deceiv'd,
7:1154 And chides herself, that ever she believ'd
7:1155 Her lord to such injustice cou'd proceed,
7:1156 'Till she her self were witness of the deed.
7:1157 Next morn I to the woods again repair,
7:1158 And, weary with the chase, invoke the air:
7:1159 Approach, dear Aura, and my bosom chear:
7:1160 At which a mournful sound did strike my ear;
7:1161 Yet I proceeded, 'till the thicket by,
7:1162 With rustling noise and motion, drew my eye:
7:1163 I thought some beast of prey was shelter'd there,
7:1164 And to the covert threw my certain spear;
7:1165 From whence a tender sigh my soul did wound,
7:1166 Ah me! it cry'd, and did like Procris sound.
7:1167 Procris was there, too well the voice I knew,
7:1168 And to the place with headlong horror flew;
7:1169 Where I beheld her gasping on the ground,
7:1170 In vain attempting from the deadly wound
7:1171 To draw the dart, her love's dear fatal gift!
7:1172 My guilty arms had scarce the strength to lift
7:1173 The beauteous load; my silks, and hair I tore
7:1174 (If possible) to stanch the pressing gore;
7:1175 For pity beg'd her keep her flitting breath,
7:1176 And not to leave me guilty of her death.
7:1177 While I intreat she fainted fast away,
7:1178 And these few words had only strength to say:
7:1179 By all the sacred bonds of plighted love,
7:1180 By all your rev'rence to the Pow'rs above,
7:1181 By all the truth for which you held me dear,
7:1182 And last by love, the cause through which I bleed,
7:1183 Let Aura never to my bed succeed.
7:1184 I then perceiv'd the error of our fate,
7:1185 And told it her, but found and told too late!
7:1186 I felt her lower to my bosom fall,
7:1187 And while her eyes had any sight at all,
7:1188 On mine she fix'd them; in her pangs still prest
7:1189 My hand, and sigh'd her soul into my breast;
7:1190 Yet, being undeceiv'd, resign'd her breath
7:1191 Methought more chearfully, and smil'd in death.
7:1192 With such concern the weeping heroe told
7:1193 This tale, that none who heard him cou'd with-hold
7:1194 From melting into sympathizing tears,
7:1195 'Till Aeacus with his two sons appears;
7:1196 Whom he commits, with their new-levy'd bands,
7:1197 To Fortune's, and so brave a gen'ral's hands.
BOOK THE EIGHTH
The Story of Nisus and Scylla
8:1 Now shone the morning star in bright array,
8:2 To vanquish night, and usher in the day:
8:3 The wind veers southward, and moist clouds arise,
8:4 That blot with shades the blue meridian skies.
8:5 Cephalus feels with joy the kindly gales,
8:6 His new allies unfurl the swelling sails;
8:7 Steady their course, they cleave the yielding main,
8:8 And, with a wish, th' intended harbour gain.
8:9 Mean-while King Minos, on the Attick strand,
8:10 Displays his martial skill, and wastes the land.
8:11 His army lies encampt upon the plains,
8:12 Before Alcathoe's walls, where Nisus reigns;
8:13 On whose grey head a lock of purple hue,
8:14 The strength, and fortune of his kingdom, grew.
8:15 Six moons were gone, and past, when still from far
8:16 Victoria hover'd o'er the doubtful war.
8:17 So long, to both inclin'd, th' impartial maid
8:18 Between 'em both her equal wings display'd.
8:19 High on the walls, by Phoebus vocal made,
8:20 A turret of the palace rais'd its head;
8:21 And where the God his tuneful harp resign'd.
8:22 The sound within the stones still lay enshrin'd:
8:23 Hither the daughter of the purple king
8:24 Ascended oft, to hear its musick ring;
8:25 And, striking with a pebble, wou'd release
8:26 Th' enchanted notes, in times of happy peace.
8:27 But now, from thence, the curious maid beheld
8:28 Rough feats of arms, and combats of the field:
8:29 And, since the siege was long, had learnt the name
8:30 Of ev'ry chief, his character, and fame;
8:31 Their arms, their horse, and quiver she descry'd,
8:32 Nor cou'd the dress of war the warriour hide.
8:33 Europa's son she knew above the rest,
8:34 And more, than well became a virgin breast:
8:35 In vain the crested morion veils his face,
8:36 She thinks it adds a more peculiar grace:
8:37 His ample shield, embost with burnish'd gold,
8:38 Still makes the bearer lovelier to behold:
8:39 When the tough jav'lin, with a whirl, he sends,
8:40 His strength and skill the sighing maid commends;
8:41 Or, when he strains to draw the circling bow,
8:42 And his fine limbs a manly posture show,
8:43 Compar'd with Phoebus, he performs so well,
8:44 Let her be judge, and Minos shall excell.
8:45 But when the helm put off, display'd to sight,
8:46 And set his features in an open light;
8:47 When, vaulting to his seat, his steed he prest,
8:48 Caparison'd in gold, and richly drest;
8:49 Himself in scarlet sumptuously array'd,
8:50 New passions rise, and fire the frantick maid.
8:51 O happy spear! she cries, that feels his touch;
8:52 Nay, ev'n the reins he holds are blest too much.
8:53 Oh! were it lawful, she cou'd wing her way
8:54 Thro' the stern hostile troops without dismay;
8:55 Or throw her body to the distant ground,
8:56 And in the Cretans happy camp be found.
8:57 Wou'd Minos but desire it! she'd expose
8:58 Her native country to her country's foes;
8:59 Unbar the gates, the town with flames infest,
8:60 Or any thing that Minos shou'd request.
8:61 And as she sate, and pleas'd her longing sight,
8:62 Viewing the king's pavilion veil'd with white,
8:63 Shou'd joy, or grief, she said, possess my breast,
8:64 To see my country by a war opprest?
8:65 I'm in suspense! For, tho' 'tis grief to know
8:66 I love a man that is declar'd my foe;
8:67 Yet, in my own despite, I must approve
8:68 That lucky war, which brought the man I love.
8:69 Yet, were I tender'd as a pledge of peace,
8:70 The cruelties of war might quickly cease.
8:71 Oh! with what joy I'd wear the chains he gave!
8:72 A patient hostage, and a willing slave.
8:73 Thou lovely object! if the nymph that bare
8:74 Thy charming person, were but half so fair;
8:75 Well might a God her virgin bloom desire,
8:76 And with a rape indulge his amorous fire.
8:77 Oh! had I wings to glide along the air,
8:78 To his dear tent I'd fly, and settle there:
8:79 There tell my quality, confess my flame,
8:80 And grant him any dowry that he'd name.
8:81 All, all I'd give; only my native land,
8:82 My dearest country, shou'd excepted stand,
8:83 For, perish love, and all expected joys,
8:84 E're, with so base a thought, my soul complies.
8:85 Yet, oft the vanquish'd some advantage find,
8:86 When conquer'd by a noble, gen'rous mind.
8:87 Brave Minos justly has the war begun,
8:88 Fir'd with resentment for his murder'd son:
8:89 The righteous Gods a righteous cause regard,
8:90 And will, with victory, his arms reward:
8:91 We must be conquer'd; and the captive's fate
8:92 Will surely seize us, tho' it seize us late.
8:93 Why then shou'd love be idle, and neglect
8:94 What Mars, by arms and perils, will effect?
8:95 Oh! Prince, I dye, with anxious fear opprest,
8:96 Lest some rash hand shou'd wound my charmer's breast:
8:97 For, if they saw, no barb'rous mind cou'd dare
8:98 Against that lovely form to raise a spear.
8:99 But I'm resolv'd, and fix'd in this decree,
8:100 My father's country shall my dowry be.
8:101 Thus I prevent the loss of life and blood,
8:102 And, in effect, the action must be good.
8:103 Vain resolution! for, at ev'ry gate
8:104 The trusty centinels, successive, wait:
8:105 The keys my father keeps; ah! there's my grief;
8:106 'Tis he obstructs all hopes of my relief.
8:107 Gods! that this hated light I'd never seen!
8:108 Or, all my life, without a father been!
8:109 But Gods we all may be; for those that dare,
8:110 Are Gods, and Fortune's chiefest favours share.
8:111 The ruling Pow'rs a lazy pray'r detest,
8:112 The bold adventurer succeeds the best.
8:113 What other maid, inspir'd with such a flame,
8:114 But wou'd take courage, and abandon shame?
8:115 But wou'd, tho' ruin shou'd ensue, remove
8:116 Whate'er oppos'd, and clear the way to love?
8:117 This, shall another's feeble passion dare?
8:118 While I sit tame, and languish in despair:
8:119 No; for tho' fire and sword before me lay,
8:120 Impatient love thro' both shou'd force its way.
8:121 Yet I have no such enemies to fear,
8:122 My sole obstruction is my father's hair;
8:123 His purple lock my sanguine hope destroys,
8:124 And clouds the prospect of my rising joys.
8:125 Whilst thus she spoke, amid the thick'ning air
8:126 Night supervenes, the greatest nurse of care:
8:127 And, as the Goddess spreads her sable wings,
8:128 The virgin's fears decay, and courage springs.
8:129 The hour was come, when Man's o'er-labour'd breast
8:130 Surceas'd its care, by downy sleep possest:
8:131 All things now hush'd, Scylla with silent tread
8:132 Urg'd her approach to Nisus' royal bed:
8:133 There, of the fatal lock (accursed theft!)
8:134 She her unwitting father's head bereft.
8:135 In safe possession of her impious prey,
8:136 Out at a postern gate she takes her way.
8:137 Embolden'd, by the merit of the deed
8:138 She traverses the adverse camp with speed,
8:139 'Till Minos' tent she reach'd: the righteous king
8:140 She thus bespoke, who shiver'd at the thing.
8:141 Behold th' effect of love's resistless sway!
8:142 I, Nisus' royal seed, to thee betray
8:143 My country, and my Gods. For this strange task,
8:144 Minos, no other boon but thee I ask.
8:145 This purple lock, a pledge of love, receive;
8:146 No worthless present, since in it I give
8:147 My father's head.-Mov'd at a crime so new,
8:148 And with abhorrence fill'd, back Minos drew,
8:149 Nor touch'd th' unhallow'd gift; but thus exclaim'd
8:150 (With mein indignant, and with eyes inflam'd),
8:151 Perdition seize thee, thou, thy kind's disgrace!
8:152 May thy devoted carcass find no place
8:153 In earth, or air, or sea, by all out-cast!
8:154 Shall Minos, with so foul a monster, blast
8:155 His Cretan world, where cradled Jove was nurst?
8:156 Forbid it Heav'n!-away, thou most accurst!
8:157 And now Alcathoe, its lord exchang'd,
8:158 Was under Minos' domination rang'd.
8:159 While the most equal king his care applies
8:160 To curb the conquer'd, and new laws devise,
8:161 The fleet, by his command, with hoisted sails,
8:162 And ready oars, invites the murm'ring gales.
8:163 At length the Cretan hero anchor weigh'd,
8:164 Repaying, with neglect, th' abandon'd maid.
8:165 Deaf to her cries, he furrows up the main:
8:166 In vain she prays, sollicits him in vain.
8:167 And now she furious grows in wild despair,
8:168 She wrings her hands, and throws aloft her hair.
8:169 Where run'st thou? (thus she vents her deep distress)
8:170 Why shun'st thou her that crown'd thee with success?
8:171 Her, whose fond love to thee cou'd sacrifice
8:172 Her country, and her parent, sacred ties!
8:173 Can nor my love, nor proffer'd presents find
8:174 A passage to thy heart, and make thee kind?
8:175 Can nothing move thy pity? O ingrate,
8:176 Can'st thou behold my lost, forlorn estate,
8:177 And not be soften'd? Can'st thou throw off one
8:178 Who has no refuge left but thee alone?
8:179 Where shall I seek for comfort? whither fly?
8:180 My native country does in ashes lye:
8:181 Or were't not so, my treason bars me there,
8:182 And bids me wander. Shall I next repair
8:183 To a wrong'd father, by my guilt undone?-
8:184 Me all Mankind deservedly will shun.
8:185 I, out of all the world, my self have thrown,
8:186 To purchase an access to Crete alone;
8:187 Which, since refus'd, ungen'rous man, give o'er
8:188 To boast thy race; Europa never bore
8:189 A thing so savage. Thee some tygress bred,
8:190 On the bleak Syrt's inhospitable bed;
8:191 Or where Charybdis pours its rapid tide
8:192 Tempestuous. Thou art not to Jove ally'd;
8:193 Nor did the king of Gods thy mother meet
8:194 Beneath a bull's forg'd shape, and bear to Crete.
8:195 That fable of thy glorious birth is feign'd;
8:196 Some wild outrageous bull thy dam sustain'd.
8:197 O father Nisus, now my death behold;
8:198 Exult, o city, by my baseness sold:
8:199 Minos, obdurate, has aveng'd ye all;
8:200 But 'twere more just by those I wrong'd to fall:
8:201 For why shou'dst thou, who only didst subdue
8:202 By my offending, my offence pursue?
8:203 Well art thou matcht to one whose am'rous flame
8:204 Too fiercely rag'd, for human-kind to tame;
8:205 One who, within a wooden heifer thrust,
8:206 Courted a low'ring bull's mistaken lust;
8:207 And, from whose monster-teeming womb, the Earth
8:208 Receiv'd, what much it mourn'd, a bi-form birth.
8:209 But what avails my plaints? the whistling wind,
8:210 Which bears him far away, leaves them behind.
8:211 Well weigh'd Pasiphae, when she prefer'd
8:212 A bull to thee, more brutish than the herd.
8:213 But ah! Time presses, and the labour'd oars
8:214 To distance drive the fleet, and lose the less'ning shores.
8:215 Think not, ungrateful man, the liquid way
8:216 And threat'ning billows shall inforce my stay.
8:217 I'll follow thee in spite: My arms I'll throw
8:218 Around thy oars, or grasp thy crooked prow,
8:219 And drag thro' drenching seas. Her eager tongue
8:220 Had hardly clos'd the speech, when forth she sprung
8:221 And prov'd the deep. Cupid with added force
8:222 Recruits each nerve, and aids her wat'ry course.
8:223 Soon she the ship attains, unwelcome guest;
8:224 And, as with close embrace its sides she prest,
8:225 A hawk from upper air came pouring down
8:226 ('Twas Nisus cleft the sky with wings new grown).
8:227 At Scylla's head his horny bill he aims;
8:228 She, fearful of the blow, the ship disclaims,
8:229 Quitting her hold: and yet she fell not far,
8:230 But wond'ring, finds her self sustain'd in air.
8:231 Chang'd to a lark, she mottled pinions shook,
8:232 And, from the ravish'd lock, the name of Ciris took.
The Labyrinth
8:233 Now Minos, landed on the Cretan shore,
8:234 Performs his vows to Jove's protecting pow'r;
8:235 A hundred bullocks of the largest breed,
8:236 With flowrets crown'd, before his altar bleed:
8:237 While trophies of the vanquish'd, brought from far
8:238 Adorn the palace with the spoils of war.
8:239 Mean-while the monster of a human-beast,
8:240 His family's reproach, and stain, increas'd.
8:241 His double kind the rumour swiftly spread,
8:242 And evidenc'd the mother's beastly deed.
8:243 When Minos, willing to conceal the shame
8:244 That sprung from the reports of tatling Fame,
8:245 Resolves a dark inclosure to provide,
8:246 And, far from sight, the two-form'd creature hide.
8:247 Great Daedalus of Athens was the man
8:248 That made the draught, and form'd the wondrous plan;
8:249 Where rooms within themselves encircled lye,
8:250 With various windings, to deceive the eye.
8:251 As soft Maeander's wanton current plays,
8:252 When thro' the Phrygian fields it loosely strays;
8:253 Backward and forward rouls the dimpl'd tide,
8:254 Seeming, at once, two different ways to glide:
8:255 While circling streams their former banks survey,
8:256 And waters past succeeding waters see:
8:257 Now floating to the sea with downward course,
8:258 Now pointing upward to its ancient source,
8:259 Such was the work, so intricate the place,
8:260 That scarce the workman all its turns cou'd trace;
8:261 And Daedalus was puzzled how to find
8:262 The secret ways of what himself design'd.
8:263 These private walls the Minotaur include,
8:264 Who twice was glutted with Athenian blood:
8:265 But the third tribute more successful prov'd,
8:266 Slew the foul monster, and the plague remov'd.
8:267 When Theseus, aided by the virgin's art,
8:268 Had trac'd the guiding thread thro' ev'ry part,
8:269 He took the gentle maid, that set him free,
8:270 And, bound for Dias, cut the briny sea.
8:271 There, quickly cloy'd, ungrateful, and unkind,
8:272 Left his fair consort in the isle behind,
8:273 Whom Bacchus saw, and straining in his arms
8:274 Her rifled bloom, and violated charms,
8:275 Resolves, for this, the dear engaging dame
8:276 Shou'd shine for ever in the rolls of Fame;
8:277 And bids her crown among the stars be plac'd,
8:278 With an eternal constellation grac'd.
8:279 The golden circlet mounts; and, as it flies,
8:280 Its diamonds twinkle in the distant skies;
8:281 There, in their pristin form, the gemmy rays
8:282 Between Alcides, and the dragon blaze.
The Story of Daedalus and Icarus
8:283 In tedious exile now too long detain'd,
8:284 Daedalus languish'd for his native land:
8:285 The sea foreclos'd his flight; yet thus he said:
8:286 Tho' Earth and water in subjection laid,
8:287 O cruel Minos, thy dominion be,
8:288 We'll go thro' air; for sure the air is free.
8:289 Then to new arts his cunning thought applies,
8:290 And to improve the work of Nature tries.
8:291 A row of quils in gradual order plac'd,
8:292 Rise by degrees in length from first to last;
8:293 As on a cliff th' ascending thicket grows,
8:294 Or, different reeds the rural pipe compose.
8:295 Along the middle runs a twine of flax,
8:296 The bottom stems are joyn'd by pliant wax.
8:297 Thus, well compact, a hollow bending brings
8:298 The fine composure into real wings.
8:299 His boy, young Icarus, that near him stood,
8:300 Unthinking of his fate, with smiles pursu'd
8:301 The floating feathers, which the moving air
8:302 Bore loosely from the ground, and wasted here and there.
8:303 Or with the wax impertinently play'd,
8:304 And with his childish tricks the great design delay'd.
8:305 The final master-stroke at last impos'd,
8:306 And now, the neat machine compleatly clos'd;
8:307 Fitting his pinions on, a flight he tries,
8:308 And hung self-ballanc'd in the beaten skies.
8:309 Then thus instructs his child: My boy, take care
8:310 To wing your course along the middle air;
8:311 If low, the surges wet your flagging plumes;
8:312 If high, the sun the melting wax consumes:
8:313 Steer between both: nor to the northern skies,
8:314 Nor south Orion turn your giddy eyes;
8:315 But follow me: let me before you lay
8:316 Rules for the flight, and mark the pathless way.
8:317 Then teaching, with a fond concern, his son,
8:318 He took the untry'd wings, and fix'd 'em on;
8:319 But fix'd with trembling hands; and as he speaks,
8:320 The tears roul gently down his aged cheeks.
8:321 Then kiss'd, and in his arms embrac'd him fast,
8:322 But knew not this embrace must be the last.
8:323 And mounting upward, as he wings his flight,
8:324 Back on his charge he turns his aking sight;
8:325 As parent birds, when first their callow care
8:326 Leave the high nest to tempt the liquid air.
8:327 Then chears him on, and oft, with fatal art,
8:328 Reminds the stripling to perform his part.
8:329 These, as the angler at the silent brook,
8:330 Or mountain-shepherd leaning on his crook,
8:331 Or gaping plowman, from the vale descries,
8:332 They stare, and view 'em with religious eyes,
8:333 And strait conclude 'em Gods; since none, but they,
8:334 Thro' their own azure skies cou'd find a way.
8:335 Now Delos, Paros on the left are seen,
8:336 And Samos, favour'd by Jove's haughty queen;
8:337 Upon the right, the isle Lebynthos nam'd,
8:338 And fair Calymne for its honey fam'd.
8:339 When now the boy, whose childish thoughts aspire
8:340 To loftier aims, and make him ramble high'r,
8:341 Grown wild, and wanton, more embolden'd flies
8:342 Far from his guide, and soars among the skies.
8:343 The soft'ning wax, that felt a nearer sun,
8:344 Dissolv'd apace, and soon began to run.
8:345 The youth in vain his melting pinions shakes,
8:346 His feathers gone, no longer air he takes:
8:347 Oh! Father, father, as he strove to cry,
8:348 Down to the sea he tumbled from on high,
8:349 And found his Fate; yet still subsists by fame,
8:350 Among those waters that retain his name.
8:351 The father, now no more a father, cries,
8:352 Ho Icarus! where are you? as he flies;
8:353 Where shall I seek my boy? he cries again,
8:354 And saw his feathers scatter'd on the main.
8:355 Then curs'd his art; and fun'ral rites confer'd,
8:356 Naming the country from the youth interr'd.
8:357 A partridge, from a neighb'ring stump, beheld
8:358 The sire his monumental marble build;
8:359 Who, with peculiar call, and flutt'ring wing,
8:360 Chirpt joyful, and malicious seem'd to sing:
8:361 The only bird of all its kind, and late
8:362 Transform'd in pity to a feather'd state:
8:363 From whence, O Daedalus, thy guilt we date.
8:364 His sister's son, when now twelve years were past,
8:365 Was, with his uncle, as a scholar plac'd;
8:366 The unsuspecting mother saw his parts,
8:367 And genius fitted for the finest arts.
8:368 This soon appear'd; for when the spiny bone
8:369 In fishes' backs was by the stripling known,
8:370 A rare invention thence he learnt to draw,
8:371 Fil'd teeth in ir'n, and made the grating saw.
8:372 He was the first, that from a knob of brass
8:373 Made two strait arms with widening stretch to pass;
8:374 That, while one stood upon the center's place,
8:375 The other round it drew a circling space.
8:376 Daedalus envy'd this, and from the top
8:377 Of fair Minerva's temple let him drop;
8:378 Feigning, that, as he lean'd upon the tow'r,
8:379 Careless he stoop'd too much, and tumbled o'er.
8:380 The Goddess, who th' ingenious still befriends,
8:381 On this occasion her asssistance lends;
8:382 His arms with feathers, as he fell, she veils,
8:383 And in the air a new made bird he sails.
8:384 The quickness of his genius, once so fleet,
8:385 Still in his wings remains, and in his feet:
8:386 Still, tho' transform'd, his ancient name he keeps,
8:387 And with low flight the new-shorn stubble sweeps,
8:388 Declines the lofty trees, and thinks it best
8:389 To brood in hedge-rows o'er its humble nest;
8:390 And, in remembrance of the former ill,
8:391 Avoids the heights, and precipices still.
8:392 At length, fatigu'd with long laborious flights,
8:393 On fair Sicilia's plains the artist lights;
8:394 Where Cocalus the king, that gave him aid,
8:395 Was, for his kindness, with esteem repaid.
8:396 Athens no more her doleful tribute sent,
8:397 That hardship gallant Theseus did prevent;
8:398 Their temples hung with garlands, they adore
8:399 Each friendly God, but most Minerva's pow'r:
8:400 To her, to Jove, to all, their altars smoak,
8:401 They each with victims, and perfumes invoke.
8:402 Now talking Fame, thro' every Grecian town,
8:403 Had spread, immortal Theseus, thy renown.
8:404 From him the neighb'ring nations in distress,
8:405 In suppliant terms implore a kind redress.
The Story of Meleager and Atalanta
8:406 From him the Caledonians sought relief;
8:407 Though valiant Meleagros was their chief.
8:408 The cause, a boar, who ravag'd far and near:
8:409 Of Cynthia's wrath, th' avenging minister.
8:410 For Oeneus with autumnal plenty bless'd,
8:411 By gifts to Heav'n his gratitude express'd:
8:412 Cull'd sheafs, to Ceres; to Lyaeus, wine;
8:413 To Pan, and Pales, offer'd sheep and kine;
8:414 And fat of olives, to Minerva's shrine.
8:415 Beginning from the rural Gods, his hand
8:416 Was lib'ral to the Pow'rs of high command:
8:417 Each deity in ev'ry kind was bless'd,
8:418 'Till at Diana's fane th' invidious honour ceas'd.
8:419 Wrath touches ev'n the Gods; the Queen of Night,
8:420 Fir'd with disdain, and jealous of her right,
8:421 Unhonour'd though I am, at least, said she,
8:422 Not unreveng'd that impious act shall be.
8:423 Swift as the word, she sped the boar away,
8:424 With charge on those devoted fields to prey.
8:425 No larger bulls th' Aegyptian pastures feed,
8:426 And none so large Sicilian meadows breed:
8:427 His eye-balls glare with fire suffus'd with blood;
8:428 His neck shoots up a thick-set thorny wood;
8:429 His bristled back a trench impal'd appears,
8:430 And stands erected, like a field of spears;
8:431 Froth fills his chaps, he sends a grunting sound,
8:432 And part he churns, and part befoams the ground,
8:433 For tusks with Indian elephants he strove,
8:434 And Jove's own thunder from his mouth he drove.
8:435 He burns the leaves; the scorching blast invades
8:436 The tender corn, and shrivels up the blades:
8:437 Or suff'ring not their yellow beards to rear,
8:438 He tramples down the spikes, and intercepts the year:
8:439 In vain the barns expect their promis'd load,
8:440 Nor barns at home, nor recks are heap'd abroad:
8:441 In vain the hinds the threshing-floor prepare,
8:442 And exercise their flail in empty air.
8:443 With olives ever-green the ground is strow'd,
8:444 And grapes ungather'd shed their gen'rous blood.
8:445 Amid the fold he rages, nor the sheep
8:446 Their shepherds, nor the grooms their bulls can keep.
8:447 From fields to walls the frighted rabble run,
8:448 Nor think themselves secure within the town:
8:449 'Till Meleagros, and his chosen crew,
8:450 Contemn the danger, and the praise pursue.
8:451 Fair Leda's twins (in time to stars decreed)
8:452 One fought on foot, one curb'd the fiery steed;
8:453 Then issu'd forth fam'd Jason after these,
8:454 Who mann'd the foremost ship that sail'd the seas;
8:455 Then Theseus join'd with bold Perithous came;
8:456 A single concord in a double name:
8:457 The Thestian sons, Idas who swiftly ran,
8:458 And Ceneus, once a woman, now a man.
8:459 Lynceus, with eagle's eyes, and lion's heart;
8:460 Leucippus, with his never-erring dart;
8:461 Acastus, Phileus, Phoenix, Telamon,
8:462 Echion, Lelix, and Eurytion,
8:463 Achilles' father, and great Phocus' son;
8:464 Dryas the fierce, and Hippasus the strong;
8:465 With twice old Iolas, and Nestor then but young.
8:466 Laertes active, and Ancaeus bold;
8:467 Mopsus the sage, who future things foretold;
8:468 And t' other seer, yet by his wife unsold.
8:469 A thousand others of immortal fame;
8:470 Among the rest, fair Atalanta came,
8:471 Grace of the woods: a diamond buckle bound
8:472 Her vest behind, that else had flow'd upon the ground,
8:473 And shew'd her buskin'd legs; her head was bare,
8:474 But for her native ornament of hair;
8:475 Which in a simple knot was ty'd above,
8:476 Sweet negligence! unheeded bait of love!
8:477 Her sounding quiver, on her shoulder ty'd,
8:478 One hand a dart, and one a bow supply'd.
8:479 Such was her face, as in a nymph display'd
8:480 A fair fierce boy, or in a boy betray'd
8:481 The blushing beauties of a modest maid.
8:482 The Caledonian chief at once the dame
8:483 Beheld, at once his heart receiv'd the flame,
8:484 With Heav'ns averse. O happy youth, he cry'd;
8:485 For whom thy fates reserve so fair a bride!
8:486 He sigh'd, and had no leisure more to say;
8:487 His honour call'd his eyes another way,
8:488 And forc'd him to pursue the now-neglected prey.
8:489 There stood a forest on a mountain's brow,
8:490 Which over-look'd the shaded plains below.
8:491 No sounding ax presum'd those trees to bite;
8:492 Coeval with the world, a venerable sight.
8:493 The heroes there arriv'd, some spread around
8:494 The toils; some search the footsteps on the ground:
8:495 Some from the chains the faithful dogs unbound.
8:496 Of action eager, and intent in thought,
8:497 The chiefs their honourable danger sought:
8:498 A valley stood below; the common drain
8:499 Of waters from above, and falling rain:
8:500 The bottom was a moist, and marshy ground,
8:501 Whose edges were with bending oziers crown'd:
8:502 The knotty bulrush next in order stood,
8:503 And all within of reeds a trembling wood.
8:504 From hence the boar was rous'd, and sprung amain,
8:505 Like lightning sudden, on the warrior train;
8:506 Beats down the trees before him, shakes the ground.
8:507 The forest echoes to the crackling sound;
8:508 Shout the fierce youth, and clamours ring around.
8:509 All stood with their protended spears prepar'd,
8:510 With broad steel heads the brandish'd weapons glar'd.
8:511 The beast impetuous with his tusks aside
8:512 Deals glancing wounds; the fearful dogs divide:
8:513 All spend their mouths aloof, but none abide.
8:514 Echion threw the first, but miss'd his mark,
8:515 And stuck his boar-spear on a maple's bark.
8:516 Then Jason; and his javelin seem'd to take,
8:517 But fail'd with over-force, and whiz'd above his back.
8:518 Mopsus was next; but e'er he threw, address'd
8:519 To Phoebus, thus: O patron, help thy priest:
8:520 If I adore, and ever have ador'd
8:521 Thy pow'r divine, thy present aid afford;
8:522 That I may reach the beast. The God allow'd
8:523 His pray'r, and smiling, gave him what he cou'd:
8:524 He reach'd the savage, but no blood he drew:
8:525 Diana unarm'd the javelin, as it flew.
8:526 This chaf'd the boar, his nostrils flames expire,
8:527 And his red eye-balls roul with living fire.
8:528 Whirl'd from a sling, or from an engine thrown,
8:529 Amid the foes, so flies a mighty stone,
8:530 As flew the beast: the left wing put to flight,
8:531 The chiefs o'er-born, he rushes on the right.
8:532 Eupalamos and Pelagon he laid
8:533 In dust, and next to death, but for their fellows' aid.
8:534 Onesimus far'd worse, prepar'd to fly,
8:535 The fatal fang drove deep within his thigh,
8:536 And cut the nerves: the nerves no more sustain
8:537 The bulk; the bulk unprop'd, falls headlong on the plain.
8:538 Nestor had fail'd the fall of Troy to see,
8:539 But leaning on his lance, he vaulted on a tree;
8:540 Then gath'ring up his feet, look'd down with fear,
8:541 And thought his monstrous foe was still too near.
8:542 Against a stump his tusk the monster grinds,
8:543 And in the sharpen'd edge new vigour finds;
8:544 Then, trusting to his arms, young Othrys found,
8:545 And ranch'd his hips with one continu'd wound.
8:546 Now Leda's twins, the future stars, appear;
8:547 White were their habits, white their horses were:
8:548 Conspicuous both, and both in act to throw,
8:549 Their trembling lances brandish'd at the foe:
8:550 Nor had they miss'd; but he to thickets fled,
8:551 Conceal'd from aiming spears, not pervious to the steed.
8:552 But Telamon rush'd in, and happ'd to meet
8:553 A rising root, that held his fastned feet;
8:554 So down he fell, whom, sprawling on the ground,
8:555 His brother from the wooden gyves unbound.
8:556 Mean-time the virgin-huntress was not slow
8:557 T' expel the shaft from her contracted bow:
8:558 Beneath his ear the fastned arrow stood,
8:559 And from the wound appear'd the trickling blood.
8:560 She blush'd for joy: but Meleagros rais'd
8:561 His voice with loud applause, and the fair archer prais'd.
8:562 He was the first to see, and first to show
8:563 His friends the marks of the successful blow.
8:564 Nor shall thy valour want the praises due,
8:565 He said; a virtuous envy seiz'd the crew.
8:566 They shout; the shouting animates their hearts,
8:567 And all at once employ their thronging darts:
8:568 But out of order thrown, in air they joyn,
8:569 And multitude makes frustrate the design.
8:570 With both his hands the proud Ancaeus takes,
8:571 And flourishes his double-biting ax:
8:572 Then, forward to his fate, he took a stride
8:573 Before the rest, and to his fellows cry'd,
8:574 Give place, and mark the diff'rence, if you can,
8:575 Between a woman warrior, and a man,
8:576 The boar is doom'd; nor though Diana lend
8:577 Her aid, Diana can her beast defend.
8:578 Thus boasted he; then stretch'd, on tiptoe stood,
8:579 Secure to make his empty promise good.
8:580 But the more wary beast prevents the blow,
8:581 And upward rips the groin of his audacious foe.
8:582 Ancaeus falls; his bowels from the wound
8:583 Rush out, and clotted blood distains the ground.
8:584 Perithous, no small portion of the war,
8:585 Press'd on, and shook his lance: to whom from far
8:586 Thus Theseus cry'd; O stay, my better part,
8:587 My more than mistress; of my heart, the heart.
8:588 The strong may fight aloof; Ancaeus try'd
8:589 His force too near, and by presuming dy'd:
8:590 He said, and while he spake his javelin threw,
8:591 Hissing in air th' unerring weapon flew;
8:592 But on an arm of oak, that stood betwixt
8:593 The marks-man and the mark, his lance he fixt.
8:594 Once more bold Jason threw, but fail'd to wound
8:595 The boar, and slew an undeserving hound,
8:596 And thro' the dog the dart was nail'd to ground.
8:597 Two spears from Meleager's hand were sent,
8:598 With equal force, but various in th' event:
8:599 The first was fix'd in earth, the second stood
8:600 On the boar's bristled back, and deeply drank his blood.
8:601 Now while the tortur'd savage turns around,
8:602 And flings about his foam, impatient of the wound,
8:603 The wound's great author close at hand provokes
8:604 His rage, and plies him with redoubled strokes;
8:605 Wheels, as he wheels; and with his pointed dart
8:606 Explores the nearest passage to his heart.
8:607 Quick, and more quick he spins in giddy gires,
8:608 Then falls, and in much foam his soul expires.
8:609 This act with shouts heav'n-high the friendly band
8:610 Applaud, and strain in theirs the victor's hand.
8:611 Then all approach the slain with vast surprize,
8:612 Admire on what a breadth of earth he lies,
8:613 And scarce secure, reach out their spears afar,
8:614 And blood their points, to prove their partnership of war.
8:615 But he, the conqu'ring chief, his foot impress'd
8:616 On the strong neck of that destructive beast;
8:617 And gazing on the nymph with ardent eyes,
8:618 Accept, said he, fair Nonacrine, my prize,
8:619 And, though inferior, suffer me to join
8:620 My labours, and my part of praise, with thine:
8:621 At this presents her with the tusky head
8:622 And chine, with rising bristles roughly spread.
8:623 Glad she receiv'd the gift; and seem'd to take
8:624 With double pleasure, for the giver's sake.
8:625 The rest were seiz'd with sullen discontent,
8:626 And a deaf murmur through the squadron went:
8:627 All envy'd; but the Thestyan brethren show'd
8:628 The least respect, and thus they vent their spleen aloud:
8:629 Lay down those honour'd spoils, nor think to share,
8:630 Weak woman as thou art, the prize of war:
8:631 Ours is the title, thine a foreign claim,
8:632 Since Meleagrus from our lineage came.
8:633 Trust not thy beauty; but restore the prize,
8:634 Which he, besotted on that face, and eyes,
8:635 Would rend from us: at this, enflam'd with spite,
8:636 From her they snatch the gift, from him the giver's right.
8:637 But soon th' impatient prince his fauchion drew,
8:638 And cry'd, Ye robbers of another's due,
8:639 Now learn the diff'rence, at your proper cost,
8:640 Betwixt true valour, and an empty boast.
8:641 At this advanc'd, and sudden as the word,
8:642 In proud Plexippus' bosom plung'd the sword:
8:643 Toxeus amaz'd, and with amazement slow,
8:644 Or to revenge, or ward the coming blow,
8:645 Stood doubting; and while doubting thus he stood,
8:646 Receiv'd the steel bath'd in his brother's blood.
8:647 Pleas'd with the first, unknown the second news;
8:648 Althaea to the temples pays their dues
8:649 For her son's conquest; when at length appear
8:650 Her grisly brethren stretch'd upon the bier:
8:651 Pale at the sudden sight, she chang'd her cheer,
8:652 And with her cheer her robes; but hearing tell
8:653 The cause, the manner, and by whom they fell,
8:654 'Twas grief no more, or grief and rage were one
8:655 Within her soul; at last 'twas rage alone;
8:656 Which burning upwards in succession, dries
8:657 The tears, that stood consid'ring in her eyes.
8:658 There lay a log unlighted on the hearth,
8:659 When she was lab'ring in the throws of birth
8:660 For th' unborn chief; the fatal sisters came,
8:661 And rais'd it up, and toss'd it on the flame:
8:662 Then on the rock a scanty measure place
8:663 Of vital flax, and turn'd the wheel apace;
8:664 And turning sung, To this red brand and thee,
8:665 O new born babe, we give an equal destiny;
8:666 So vanish'd out of view. The frighted dame
8:667 Sprung hasty from her bed, and quench'd the flame:
8:668 The log, in secret lock'd, she kept with care,
8:669 And that, while thus preserv'd, preserv'd her heir.
8:670 This brand she now produc'd; and first she strows
8:671 The hearth with heaps of chips, and after blows;
8:672 Thrice heav'd her hand, and heav'd, she thrice repress'd:
8:673 The sister and the mother long contest,
8:674 Two doubtful titles, in one tender breast:
8:675 And now her eyes, and cheeks with fury glow,
8:676 Now pale her cheeks, her eyes with pity flow:
8:677 Now low'ring looks presage approaching storms,
8:678 And now prevailing love her face reforms:
8:679 Resolv'd, she doubts again; the tears she dry'd
8:680 With burning rage, are by new tears supply'd;
8:681 And as a ship, which winds and waves assail
8:682 Now with the current drives, now with the gale,
8:683 Both opposite, and neither long prevail:
8:684 She feels a double force, by turns obeys
8:685 Th' imperious tempest, and th' impetuous seas:
8:686 So fares Althaea's mind, she first relents
8:687 With pity, of that pity then repents:
8:688 Sister, and mother long the scales divide,
8:689 But the beam nodded on the sister's side.
8:690 Sometimes she softly sigh'd, then roar'd aloud;
8:691 But sighs were stifled in the cries of blood.
8:692 The pious, impious wretch at length decreed,
8:693 To please her brothers' ghost, her son should bleed:
8:694 And when the fun'ral flames began to rise,
8:695 Receive, she said, a sister's sacrifice;
8:696 A mother's bowels burn: high in her hand,
8:697 Thus while she spoke, she held the fatal brand;
8:698 Then thrice before the kindled pile she bow'd,
8:699 And the three Furies thrice invok'd aloud:
8:700 Come, come, revenging sisters, come, and view
8:701 A sister paying her dead brothers due:
8:702 A crime I punish, and a crime commit;
8:703 But blood for blood, and death for death is fit:
8:704 Great crimes must be with greater crimes repaid,
8:705 And second fun'rals on the former laid.
8:706 Let the whole houshold in one ruin fall,
8:707 And may Diana's curse o'ertake us all.
8:708 Shall Fate to happy Oenus still allow
8:709 One son, while Thestius stands depriv'd of two?
8:710 Better three lost, than one unpunish'd go.
8:711 Take then, dear ghosts (while yet admitted new
8:712 In Hell you wait my duty), take your due:
8:713 A costly off'ring on your tomb is laid,
8:714 When with my blood the price of yours is paid.
8:715 Ah! whither am I hurry'd? Ah! forgive,
8:716 Ye shades, and let your sister's issue live;
8:717 A mother cannot give him death; tho' he
8:718 Deserves it, he deserves it not from me.
8:719 Then shall th' unpunish'd wretch insult the slain,
8:720 Triumphant live, nor only live, but reign?
8:721 While you, thin shades, the sport of winds, are tost
8:722 O'er dreary plains, or tread the burning coast.
8:723 I cannot, cannot bear; 'tis past, 'tis done;
8:724 Perish this impious, this detested son:
8:725 Perish his sire, and perish I withal;
8:726 And let the house's heir, and the hop'd kingdom fall.
8:727 Where is the mother fled, her pious love,
8:728 And where the pains with which ten months I strove!
8:729 Ah! had'st thou dy'd, my son, in infant years,
8:730 Thy little herse had been bedew'd with tears.
8:731 Thou liv'st by me; to me thy breath resign;
8:732 Mine is the merit, the demerit thine.
8:733 Thy life by double title I require;
8:734 Once giv'n at birth, and once preserv'd from fire:
8:735 One murder pay, or add one murder more,
8:736 And me to them who fell by thee restore.
8:737 I would, but cannot: my son's image stands
8:738 Before my sight; and now their angry hands
8:739 My brothers hold, and vengeance these exact;
8:740 This pleads compassion, and repents the fact.
8:741 He pleads in vain, and I pronounce his doom:
8:742 My brothers, though unjustly, shall o'ercome.
8:743 But having paid their injur'd ghosts their due,
8:744 My son requires my death, and mine shall his pursue.
8:745 At this, for the last time, she lifts her hand,
8:746 Averts her eyes, and, half unwilling, drops the brand.
8:747 The brand, amid the flaming fewel thrown,
8:748 Or drew, or seem'd to draw, a dying groan;
8:749 The fires themselves but faintly lick'd their prey,
8:750 Then loath'd their impious food, and would have shrunk away.
8:751 Just then the heroe cast a doleful cry,
8:752 And in those absent flames began to fry:
8:753 The blind contagion rag'd within his veins;
8:754 But he with manly patience bore his pains:
8:755 He fear'd not Fate, but only griev'd to die
8:756 Without an honest wound, and by a death so dry.
8:757 Happy Ancaeus, thrice aloud he cry'd,
8:758 With what becoming fate in arms he dy'd!
8:759 Then call'd his brothers, sisters, sire around,
8:760 And, her to whom his nuptial vows were bound,
8:761 Perhaps his mother; a long sigh she drew,
8:762 And his voice failing, took his last adieu.
8:763 For as the flames augment, and as they stay
8:764 At their full height, then languish to decay,
8:765 They rise and sink by fits; at last they soar
8:766 In one bright blaze, and then descend no more:
8:767 Just so his inward heats, at height, impair,
8:768 'Till the last burning breath shoots out the soul in air.
8:769 Now lofty Calidon in ruins lies;
8:770 All ages, all degrees unsluice their eyes,
8:771 And Heav'n, and Earth resound with murmurs, groans, and cries.
8:772 Matrons and maidens beat their breasts, and tear
8:773 Their habits, and root up their scatter'd hair:
8:774 The wretched father, father now no more,
8:775 With sorrow sunk, lies prostrate on the floor,
8:776 Deforms his hoary locks with dust obscene,
8:777 And curses age, and loaths a life prolong'd with pain.
8:778 By steel her stubborn soul his mother freed,
8:779 And punish'd on her self her impious deed.
8:780 Had I a hundred tongues, a wit so large
8:781 As could their hundred offices discharge;
8:782 Had Phoebus all his Helicon bestow'd
8:783 In all the streams, inspiring all the God;
8:784 Those tongues, that wit, those streams, that God in vain
8:785 Would offer to describe his sisters' pain:
8:786 They beat their breasts with many a bruizing blow,
8:787 'Till they turn livid, and corrupt the snow.
8:788 The corps they cherish, while the corps remains,
8:789 And exercise, and rub with fruitless pains;
8:790 And when to fun'ral flames 'tis born away,
8:791 They kiss the bed on which the body lay:
8:792 And when those fun'ral flames no longer burn
8:793 (The dust compos'd within a pious urn),
8:794 Ev'n in that urn their brother they confess,
8:795 And hug it in their arms, and to their bosoms press.
8:796 His tomb is rais'd; then, stretch'd along the ground,
8:797 Those living monuments his tomb surround:
8:798 Ev'n to his name, inscrib'd, their tears they pay,
8:799 'Till tears, and kisses wear his name away.
8:800 But Cynthia now had all her fury spent,
8:801 Not with less ruin than a race content:
8:802 Excepting Gorge, perish'd all the seed,
8:803 And her whom Heav'n for Hercules decreed.
8:804 Satiate at last, no longer she pursu'd
8:805 The weeping sisters; but With Wings endu'd,
8:806 And horny beaks, and sent to flit in air;
8:807 Who yearly round the tomb in feather'd flocks repair.
The Transformation of the Naiads
8:808 Theseus mean-while acquitting well his share
8:809 In the bold chace confed'rate like a war,
8:810 To Athens' lofty tow'rs his march ordain'd,
8:811 By Pallas lov'd, and where Erectheus reign'd.
8:812 But Achelous stop'd him on the way,
8:813 By rains a deluge, and constrain'd his stay.
8:814 O fam'd for glorious deeds, and great by blood,
8:815 Rest here, says he, nor trust the rapid flood;
8:816 It solid oaks has from its margin tore,
8:817 And rocky fragments down its current bore,
8:818 The murmur hoarse, and terrible the roar.
8:819 Oft have I seen herds with their shelt'ring fold
8:820 Forc'd from the banks, and in the torrent roul'd;
8:821 Nor strength the bulky steer from ruin freed,
8:822 Nor matchless swiftness sav'd the racing steed.
8:823 In cataracts when the dissolving snow
8:824 Falls from the hills, and floods the plains below;
8:825 Toss'd by the eddies with a giddy round,
8:826 Strong youths are in the sucking whirlpools drown'd.
8:827 'Tis best with me in safety to abide,
8:828 'Till usual bounds restrain the ebbing tide,
8:829 And the low waters in their channel glide.
8:830 Theseus perswaded, in compliance bow'd:
8:831 So kind an offer, and advice so good,
8:832 O Achelous, cannot be refus'd;
8:833 I'll use them both, said he; and both he us'd.
8:834 The grot he enter'd, pumice built the hall,
8:835 And tophi made the rustick of the wall;
8:836 The floor, soft moss, an humid carpet spread,
8:837 And various shells the chequer'd roof inlaid.
8:838 'Twas now the hour when the declining sun
8:839 Two thirds had of his daily journey run;
8:840 At the spread table Theseus took his place,
8:841 Next his companions in the daring chace;
8:842 Perithous here, there elder Lelex lay,
8:843 His locks betraying age with sprinkled grey.
8:844 Acharnia's river-God dispos'd the rest,
8:845 Grac'd with the equal honour of the feast,
8:846 Elate with joy, and proud of such a guest.
8:847 The nymphs were waiters, and with naked feet
8:848 In order serv'd the courses of the meat.
8:849 The banquet done, delicious wine they brought,
8:850 Of one transparent gem the cup was wrought.
8:851 Then the great heroe of this gallant train,
8:852 Surveying far the prospect of the main:
8:853 What is that land, says he, the waves embrace?
8:854 (And with his finger pointed at the place);
8:855 Is it one parted isle which stands alone?
8:856 How nam'd? and yet methinks it seems not one.
8:857 To whom the watry God made this reply;
8:858 'Tis not one isle, but five; distinct they lye;
8:859 'Tis distance which deceives the cheated eye.
8:860 But that Diana's act may seem less strange,
8:861 These once proud Naiads were, before their change.
8:862 'Twas on a day more solemn than the rest,
8:863 Ten bullocks slain, a sacrificial feast:
8:864 The rural Gods of all the region near
8:865 They bid to dance, and taste the hallow'd cheer.
8:866 Me they forgot: affronted with the slight,
8:867 My rage, and stream swell'd to the greatest height;
8:868 And with the torrent of my flooding store,
8:869 Large woods from woods, and fields from fields I tore.
8:870 The guilty nymphs, oh! then, remembring me,
8:871 I, with their country, wash'd into the sea;
8:872 And joining waters with the social main,
8:873 Rent the gross land, and split the firm champagne.
8:874 Since, the Echinades, remote from shore
8:875 Are view'd as many isles, as nymphs before.
Perimele turn'd into an Island
8:876 But yonder far, lo, yonder does appear
8:877 An isle, a part to me for ever dear.
8:878 From that (it sailors Perimele name)
8:879 I doating, forc'd by rape a virgin's fame.
8:880 Hippodamas's passion grew so strong,
8:881 Gall'd with th' abuse, and fretted at the wrong,
8:882 He cast his pregnant daughter from a rock;
8:883 I spread my waves beneath, and broke the shock;
8:884 And as her swimming weight my stream convey'd,
8:885 I su'd for help divine, and thus I pray'd:
8:886 O pow'rful thou, whose trident does command
8:887 The realm of waters, which surround the land;
8:888 We sacred rivers, wheresoe'er begun,
8:889 End in thy lot, and to thy empire run.
8:890 With favour hear, and help with present aid;
8:891 Her whom I bear 'twas guilty I betray'd.
8:892 Yet if her father had been just, or mild,
8:893 He would have been less impious to his child;
8:894 In her, have pity'd force in the abuse;
8:895 In me, admitted love for my excuse.
8:896 O let relief for her hard case be found,
8:897 Her, whom paternal rage expell'd from ground,
8:898 Her, whom paternal rage relentless drown'd.
8:899 Grant her some place, or change her to a place,
8:900 Which I may ever clasp with my embrace.
8:901 His nodding head the sea's great ruler bent,
8:902 And all his waters shook with his assent.
8:903 The nymph still swam, tho' with the fright distrest,
8:904 I felt her heart leap trembling in her breast;
8:905 But hardning soon, whilst I her pulse explore,
8:906 A crusting Earth cas'd her stiff body o'er;
8:907 And as accretions of new-cleaving soil
8:908 Inlarg'd the mass, the nymph became an isle.
The Story of Baucis and Philemon
8:909 Thus Achelous ends: his audience hear
8:910 With admiration, and admiring, fear
8:911 The Pow'rs of Heav'n; except Ixion's Son,
8:912 Who laugh'd at all the Gods, believ'd in none:
8:913 He shook his impious head, and thus replies.
8:914 These legends are no more than pious lies:
8:915 You attribute too much to heav'nly sway,
8:916 To think they give us forms, and take away.
8:917 The rest of better minds, their sense declar'd
8:918 Against this doctrine, and with horror heard.
8:919 Then Lelex rose, an old experienc'd man,
8:920 And thus with sober gravity began;
8:921 Heav'n's pow'r is infinite: Earth, Air, and Sea,
8:922 The manufacture mass, the making Pow'r obey:
8:923 By proof to clear your doubt; in Phrygian ground
8:924 Two neighb'ring trees, with walls encompass'd round,
8:925 Stand on a mod'rate rise, with wonder shown,
8:926 One a hard oak, a softer linden one:
8:927 I saw the place, and them, by Pittheus sent
8:928 To Phrygian realms, my grandsire's government.
8:929 Not far from thence is seen a lake, the haunt
8:930 Of coots, and of the fishing cormorant:
8:931 Here Jove with Hermes came; but in disguise
8:932 Of mortal men conceal'd their deities;
8:933 One laid aside his thunder, one his rod;
8:934 And many toilsome steps together trod:
8:935 For harbour at a thousand doors they knock'd,
8:936 Not one of all the thousand but was lock'd.
8:937 At last an hospitable house they found,
8:938 A homely shed; the roof, not far from ground,
8:939 Was thatch'd with reeds, and straw, together bound.
8:940 There Baucis and Philemon liv'd, and there
8:941 Had liv'd long marry'd, and a happy pair:
8:942 Now old in love, though little was their store,
8:943 Inur'd to want, their poverty they bore,
8:944 Nor aim'd at wealth, professing to be poor.
8:945 For master, or for servant here to call,
8:946 Was all alike, where only two were all.
8:947 Command was none, where equal love was paid,
8:948 Or rather both commanded, both obey'd.
8:949 From lofty roofs the Gods repuls'd before,
8:950 Now stooping, enter'd through the little door:
8:951 The man (their hearty welcome first express'd)
8:952 A common settle drew for either guest,
8:953 Inviting each his weary limbs to rest.
8:954 But ere they sate, officious Baucis lays
8:955 Two cushions stuff'd with straw, the seat to raise;
8:956 Coarse, but the best she had; then rakes the load
8:957 Of ashes from the hearth, and spreads abroad
8:958 The living coals; and, lest they should expire,
8:959 With leaves, and bark she feeds her infant fire:
8:960 It smoaks; and then with trembling breath she blows,
8:961 'Till in a chearful blaze the flames arose.
8:962 With brush-wood, and with chips she strengthens these,
8:963 And adds at last the boughs of rotten trees.
8:964 The fire thus form'd, she sets the kettle on
8:965 (Like burnish'd gold the little seether shone),
8:966 Next took the coleworts which her husband got
8:967 From his own ground (a small well-water'd spot);
8:968 She stripp'd the stalks of all their leaves; the best
8:969 She cull'd, and them with handy care she drest.
8:970 High o'er the hearth a chine of bacon hung;
8:971 Good old Philemon seiz'd it with a prong,
8:972 And from the sooty rafter drew it down,
8:973 Then cut a slice, but scarce enough for one;
8:974 Yet a large portion of a little store,
8:975 Which for their sakes alone he wish'd were more.
8:976 This in the pot he plung'd without delay,
8:977 To tame the flesh, and drain the salt away.
8:978 The time beween, before the fire they sat,
8:979 And shorten'd the delay by pleasing chat.
8:980 A beam there was, on which a beechen pail
8:981 Hung by the handle, on a driven nail:
8:982 This fill'd with water, gently warm'd, they set
8:983 Before their guests; in this they bath'd their feet,
8:984 And after with clean towels dry'd their sweat.
8:985 This done, the host produc'd the genial bed,
8:986 Sallow the feet, the borders, and the sted,
8:987 Which with no costly coverlet they spread,
8:988 But coarse old garments; yet such robes as these
8:989 They laid alone, at feasts, on holidays.
8:990 The good old housewife, tucking up her gown,
8:991 The table sets; th' invited Gods lie down.
8:992 The trivet-table of a foot was lame,
8:993 A blot which prudent Baucis overcame,
8:994 Who thrusts beneath the limping leg a sherd,
8:995 So was the mended board exactly rear'd:
8:996 Then rubb'd it o'er with newly gather'd mint,
8:997 A wholsom herb, that breath'd a grateful scent.
8:998 Pallas began the feast, where first was seen
8:999 The party-colour'd olive, black, and green:
8:1000 Autumnal cornels next in order serv'd,
8:1001 In lees of wine well pickled, and preserv'd.
8:1002 A garden-sallad was the third supply,
8:1003 Of endive, radishes, and succory:
8:1004 Then curds, and cream, the flow'r of country fare,
8:1005 And new-laid eggs, which Baucis' busie care
8:1006 Turn'd by a gentle fire, and roasted rare.
8:1007 All these in earthen ware were serv'd to board;
8:1008 And next in place, an earthen pitcher stor'd,
8:1009 With liquor of the best the cottage could afford.
8:1010 This was the table's ornament and pride,
8:1011 With figures wrought: like pages at his side
8:1012 Stood beechen bowls; and these were shining clean,
8:1013 Varnish'd with wax without, and lin'd within.
8:1014 By this the boiling kettle had prepar'd,
8:1015 And to the table sent the smoaking lard;
8:1016 On which with eager appetite they dine,
8:1017 A sav'ry bit, that serv'd to relish wine:
8:1018 The wine itself was suiting to the rest,
8:1019 Still working in the must, and lately press'd.
8:1020 The second course succeeds like that before,
8:1021 Plums, apples, nuts, and of their wintry store
8:1022 Dry figs, and grapes, and wrinkled dates were set
8:1023 In canisters, t' enlarge the little treat:
8:1024 All these a milk-white honey-comb surround,
8:1025 Which in the midst the country-banquet crown'd:
8:1026 But the kind hosts their entertainment grace
8:1027 With hearty welcome, and an open face:
8:1028 In all they did, you might discern with ease,
8:1029 A willing mind, and a desire to please.
8:1030 Mean-time the beechen bowls went round, and still,
8:1031 Though often empty'd, were observ'd to fill;
8:1032 Fill'd without hands, and of their own accord
8:1033 Ran without feet, and danc'd about the board.
8:1034 Devotion seiz'd the pair, to see the feast
8:1035 With wine, and of no common grape, increas'd;
8:1036 And up they held their hands, and fell to pray'r,
8:1037 Excusing, as they could, their country fare.
8:1038 One goose they had ('twas all they could allow),
8:1039 A wakeful centry, and on duty now,
8:1040 Whom to the Gods for sacrifice they vow:
8:1041 Her with malicious zeal the couple view'd;
8:1042 She ran for life, and limping they pursu'd:
8:1043 Full well the fowl perceiv'd their bad intent,
8:1044 And would not make her master's compliment;
8:1045 But persecuted, to the Pow'rs she flies,
8:1046 And close between the legs of Jove she lies:
8:1047 He with a gracious ear the suppliant heard,
8:1048 And sav'd her life; then what he has declar'd,
8:1049 And own'd the God. The neighbourhood, said he,
8:1050 Shall justly perish for impiety:
8:1051 You stand alone exempted; but obey
8:1052 With speed, and follow where we lead the way:
8:1053 Leave these accurs'd; and to the mountain's height
8:1054 Ascend; nor once look backward in your flight.
8:1055 They haste, and what their tardy feet deny'd,
8:1056 The trusty staff (their better leg) supply'd.
8:1057 An arrow's flight they wanted to the top,
8:1058 And there secure, but spent with travel, stop;
8:1059 Then turn their now no more forbidden eyes;
8:1060 Lost in a lake the floated level lies:
8:1061 A watry desart covers all the plains,
8:1062 Their cot alone, as in an isle, remains.
8:1063 Wondring, with weeping eyes, while they deplore
8:1064 Their neighbours' fate, and country now no more,
8:1065 Their little shed, scarce large enough for two,
8:1066 Seems, from the ground increas'd, in height and bulk to grow.
8:1067 A stately temple shoots within the skies,
8:1068 The crotches of their cot in columns rise:
8:1069 The pavement polish'd marble they behold,
8:1070 The gates with sculpture grac'd, the spires and tiles of gold.
8:1071 Then thus the sire of Gods, with looks serene,
8:1072 Speak thy desire, thou only just of men;
8:1073 And thou, o woman, only worthy found
8:1074 To be with such a man in marriage bound.
8:1075 A-while they whisper; then, to Jove address'd,
8:1076 Philemon thus prefers their joint request:
8:1077 We crave to serve before your sacred shrine,
8:1078 And offer at your altars rites divine:
8:1079 And since not any action of our life
8:1080 Has been polluted with domestick strife;
8:1081 We beg one hour of death, that neither she
8:1082 With widow's tears may live to bury me,
8:1083 Nor weeping I, with wither'd arms may bear
8:1084 My breathless Baucis to the sepulcher.
8:1085 The Godheads sign their suit. They run their race
8:1086 In the same tenour all th' appointed space:
8:1087 Then, when their hour was come, while they relate
8:1088 These past adventures at the temple gate,
8:1089 Old Baucis is by old Philemon seen
8:1090 Sprouting with sudden leaves of spritely green:
8:1091 Old Baucis look'd where old Philemon stood,
8:1092 And saw his lengthen'd arms a sprouting wood:
8:1093 New roots their fasten'd feet begin to bind,
8:1094 Their bodies stiffen in a rising rind:
8:1095 Then, ere the bark above their shoulders grew,
8:1096 They give, and take at once their last adieu.
8:1097 At once, Farewell, o faithful spouse, they said;
8:1098 At once th' incroaching rinds their closing lips invade.
8:1099 Ev'n yet, an ancient Tyanaean shows
8:1100 A spreading oak, that near a linden grows;
8:1101 The neighbourhood confirm the prodigy,
8:1102 Grave men, not vain of tongue, or like to lie.
8:1103 I saw my self the garlands on their boughs,
8:1104 And tablets hung for gifts of granted vows;
8:1105 And off'ring fresher up, with pious pray'r,
8:1106 The good, said I, are God's peculiar care,
8:1107 And such as honour Heav'n, shall heav'nly honour share.
The Changes of Proteus
8:1108 He ceas'd in his relation to proceed,
8:1109 Whilst all admir'd the author, and the deed;
8:1110 But Theseus most, inquisitive to know
8:1111 From Gods what wondrous alterations grow.
8:1112 Whom thus the Calydonian stream address'd,
8:1113 Rais'd high to speak, the couch his elbow press'd.
8:1114 Some, when transform'd, fix in the lasting change;
8:1115 Some with more right, thro' various figures range.
8:1116 Proteus, thus large thy privilege was found,
8:1117 Thou inmate of the seas, which Earth surround.
8:1118 Sometimes a bloming youth you grac'd the shore;
8:1119 Oft a fierce lion, or a furious boar:
8:1120 With glist'ning spires now seem'd an hissing snake,
8:1121 The bold would tremble in his hands to take:
8:1122 With horns assum'd a bull; sometimes you prov'd
8:1123 A tree by roots, a stone by weight unmov'd:
8:1124 Sometimes two wav'ring contraries became,
8:1125 Flow'd down in water, or aspir'd in flame.
The Story of Erisichthon
8:1126 In various shapes thus to deceive the eyes,
8:1127 Without a settled stint of her disguise,
8:1128 Rash Erisichthon's daughter had the pow'r,
8:1129 And brought it to Autolicus in dow'r.
8:1130 Her atheist sire the slighted Gods defy'd,
8:1131 And ritual honours to their shrines deny'd.
8:1132 As fame reports, his hand an ax sustain'd,
8:1133 Which Ceres' consecrated grove prophan'd;
8:1134 Which durst the venerable gloom invade,
8:1135 And violate with light the awful shade.
8:1136 An ancient oak in the dark center stood,
8:1137 The covert's glory, and itself a wood:
8:1138 Garlands embrac'd its shaft, and from the boughs
8:1139 Hung tablets, monuments of prosp'rous vows.
8:1140 In the cool dusk its unpierc'd verdure spread,
8:1141 The Dryads oft their hallow'd dances led;
8:1142 And oft, when round their gaging arms they cast,
8:1143 Full fifteen ells it measu'rd in the waste:
8:1144 Its height all under standards did surpass,
8:1145 As they aspir'd above the humbler grass.
8:1146 These motives, which would gentler minds restrain,
8:1147 Could not make Triope's bold son abstain;
8:1148 He sternly charg'd his slaves with strict decree,
8:1149 To fell with gashing steel the sacred tree.
8:1150 But whilst they, lingring, his commands delay'd,
8:1151 He snatch'd an Ax, and thus blaspheming said:
8:1152 Was this no oak, nor Ceres' favourite care,
8:1153 But Ceres' self, this arm, unaw'd, shou'd dare
8:1154 Its leafy honours in the dust to spread,
8:1155 And level with the earth its airy head.
8:1156 He spoke, and as he poiz'd a slanting stroak,
8:1157 Sighs heav'd, and tremblings shook the frighted oak;
8:1158 Its leaves look'd sickly, pale its acorns grew,
8:1159 And its long branches sweat a chilly dew.
8:1160 But when his impious hand a wound bestow'd,
8:1161 Blood from the mangled bark in currents flow'd.
8:1162 When a devoted bull of mighty size,
8:1163 A sinning nation's grand atonement, dies;
8:1164 With such a plenty from the spouting veins,
8:1165 A crimson stream the turfy altars stains.
8:1166 The wonder all amaz'd; yet one more bold,
8:1167 The fact dissuading, strove his ax to hold.
8:1168 But the Thessalian, obstinately bent,
8:1169 Too proud to change, too harden'd to repent,
8:1170 On his kind monitor, his eyes, which burn'd
8:1171 With rage, and with his eyes his weapon turn'd;
8:1172 Take the reward, says he, of pious dread:
8:1173 Then with a blow lopp'd off his parted head.
8:1174 No longer check'd, the wretch his crime pursu'd,
8:1175 Doubled his strokes, and sacrilege renew'd;
8:1176 When from the groaning trunk a voice was heard,
8:1177 A Dryad I, by Ceres' love preferr'd,
8:1178 Within the circle of this clasping rind
8:1179 Coeval grew, and now in ruin join'd;
8:1180 But instant vengeance shall thy sin pursue,
8:1181 And death is chear'd with this prophetick view.
8:1182 At last the oak with cords enforc'd to bow,
8:1183 Strain'd from the top, and sap'd with wounds below,
8:1184 The humbler wood, partaker of its fate,
8:1185 Crush'd with its fall, and shiver'd with its weight.
8:1186 The grove destroy'd, the sister Dryads moan,
8:1187 Griev'd at its loss, and frighted at their own.
8:1188 Strait, suppliants for revenge to Ceres go,
8:1189 In sable weeds, expressive of their woe.
8:1190 The beauteous Goddess with a graceful air
8:1191 Bow'd in consent, and nodded to their pray'r.
8:1192 The awful motion shook the fruitful ground,
8:1193 And wav'd the fields with golden harvests crown'd.
8:1194 Soon she contriv'd in her projecting mind
8:1195 A plague severe, and piteous in its kind
8:1196 (If plagues for crimes of such presumptuous height
8:1197 Could pity in the softest breast create).
8:1198 With pinching want, and hunger's keenest smart,
8:1199 To tear his vitals, and corrode his heart.
8:1200 But since her near approach by Fate's deny'd
8:1201 To famine, and broad climes their pow'rs divide,
8:1202 A nymph, the mountain's ranger, she address'd,
8:1203 And thus resolv'd, her high commands express'd.
The Description of Famine
8:1204 Where frozen Scythia's utmost bound is plac'd,
8:1205 A desart lies, a melancholy waste:
8:1206 In yellow crops there Nature never smil'd,
8:1207 No fruitful tree to shade the barren wild.
8:1208 There sluggish cold its icy station makes,
8:1209 There paleness, frights, and aguish trembling shakes,
8:1210 Of pining famine this the fated seat,
8:1211 To whom my orders in these words repeat:
8:1212 Bid her this miscreant with her sharpest pains
8:1213 Chastise, and sheath herself into his veins;
8:1214 Be unsubdu'd by plenty's baffled store,
8:1215 Reject my empire, and defeat my pow'r.
8:1216 And lest the distance, and the tedious way,
8:1217 Should with the toil, and long fatigue dismay,
8:1218 Ascend my chariot, and convey'd on high,
8:1219 Guide the rein'd dragons thro' the parting sky.
8:1220 The nymph, accepting of the granted carr,
8:1221 Sprung to the seat, and posted thro' the air;
8:1222 Nor stop'd 'till she to a bleak mountain came
8:1223 Of wondrous height, and Caucasus its name.
8:1224 There in a stony field the fiend she found,
8:1225 Herbs gnawing, and roots scratching from the ground.
8:1226 Her elfelock hair in matted tresses grew,
8:1227 Sunk were her eyes, and pale her ghastly hue,
8:1228 Wan were her lips, and foul with clammy glew.
8:1229 Her throat was furr'd, her guts appear'd within
8:1230 With snaky crawlings thro' her parchment skin.
8:1231 Her jutting hips seem'd starting from their place,
8:1232 And for a belly was a belly's space,
8:1233 Her dugs hung dangling from her craggy spine,
8:1234 Loose to her breast, and fasten'd to her chine.
8:1235 Her joints protuberant by leanness grown,
8:1236 Consumption sunk the flesh, and rais'd the bone.
8:1237 Her knees large orbits bunch'd to monstrous size,
8:1238 And ancles to undue proportion rise.
8:1239 This plague the nymph, not daring to draw near,
8:1240 At distance hail'd, and greeted from afar.
8:1241 And tho' she told her charge without delay,
8:1242 Tho' her arrival late, and short her stay,
8:1243 She felt keen famine, or she seem'd to feel,
8:1244 Invade her blood, and on her vitals steal.
8:1245 She turn'd, from the infection to remove,
8:1246 And back to Thessaly the serpents drove.
8:1247 The fiend obey'd the Goddess' command
8:1248 (Tho' their effects in opposition stand),
8:1249 She cut her way, supported by the wind,
8:1250 And reach'd the mansion by the nymph assign'd.
8:1251 'Twas night, when entring Erisichthon's room,
8:1252 Dissolv'd in sleep, and thoughtless of his doom,
8:1253 She clasp'd his limbs, by impious labour tir'd,
8:1254 With battish wings, but her whole self inspir'd;
8:1255 Breath'd on his throat and chest a tainting blast,
8:1256 And in his veins infus'd an endless fast.
8:1257 The task dispatch'd, away the Fury flies
8:1258 From plenteous regions, and from rip'ning skies;
8:1259 To her old barren north she wings her speed,
8:1260 And cottages distress'd with pinching need.
8:1261 Still slumbers Erisichthon's senses drown,
8:1262 And sooth his fancy with their softest down.
8:1263 He dreams of viands delicate to eat,
8:1264 And revels on imaginary meat,
8:1265 Chaws with his working mouth, but chaws in vain,
8:1266 And tires his grinding teeth with fruitless pain;
8:1267 Deludes his throat with visionary fare,
8:1268 Feasts on the wind, and banquets on the air.
8:1269 The morning came, the night, and slumbers past,
8:1270 But still the furious pangs of hunger last;
8:1271 The cank'rous rage still gnaws with griping pains,
8:1272 Stings in his throat, and in his bowels reigns.
8:1273 Strait he requires, impatient in demand,
8:1274 Provisions from the air, the seas, the land.
8:1275 But tho' the land, air, seas, provisions grant,
8:1276 Starves at full tables, and complains of want.
8:1277 What to a people might in dole be paid,
8:1278 Or victual cities for a long blockade,
8:1279 Could not one wolfish appetite asswage;
8:1280 For glutting nourishment increas'd its rage.
8:1281 As rivers pour'd from ev'ry distant shore,
8:1282 The sea insatiate drinks, and thirsts for more;
8:1283 Or as the fire, which all materials burns,
8:1284 And wasted forests into ashes turns,
8:1285 Grows more voracious, as the more it preys,
8:1286 Recruits dilate the flame, and spread the blaze:
8:1287 So impious Erisichthon's hunger raves,
8:1288 Receives refreshments, and refreshments craves.
8:1289 Food raises a desire for food, and meat
8:1290 Is but a new provocative to eat.
8:1291 He grows more empty, as the more supply'd,
8:1292 And endless cramming but extends the void.
The Transformations of Erisichthon's Daughter
8:1293 Now riches hoarded by paternal care
8:1294 Were sunk, the glutton swallowing up the heir.
8:1295 Yet the devouring flame no stores abate,
8:1296 Nor less his hunger grew with his estate.
8:1297 One daughter left, as left his keen desire,
8:1298 A daughter worthy of a better sire:
8:1299 Her too he sold, spent Nature to sustain;
8:1300 She scorn'd a lord with generous disdain,
8:1301 And flying, spread her hand upon the main.
8:1302 Then pray'd: Grant, thou, I bondage may escape,
8:1303 And with my liberty reward thy rape;
8:1304 Repay my virgin treasure with thy aid
8:1305 ('Twas Neptune who deflower'd the beauteous maid).
8:1306 The God was mov'd, at what the fair had su'd,
8:1307 When she so lately by her master view'd
8:1308 In her known figure, on a sudden took
8:1309 A fisher's habit, and a manly look.
8:1310 To whom her owner hasted to enquire;
8:1311 O thou, said he, whose baits hide treach'rous wire;
8:1312 Whose art can manage, and experienc'd skill
8:1313 The taper angle, and the bobbing quill,
8:1314 So may the sea be ruffled with no storm,
8:1315 But smooth with calms, as you the truth inform;
8:1316 So your deceit may no shy fishes feel,
8:1317 'Till struck, and fasten'd on the bearded steel.
8:1318 Did not you standing view upon the strand,
8:1319 A wand'ring maid? I'm sure I saw her stand;
8:1320 Her hair disorder'd, and her homely dress
8:1321 Betray'd her want, and witness'd her distress.
8:1322 Me heedless, she reply'd, whoe'er you are
8:1323 Excuse, attentive to another care.
8:1324 I settled on the deep my steady eye;
8:1325 Fix'd on my float, and bent on my employ.
8:1326 And that you may not doubt what I impart,
8:1327 So may the ocean's God assist my art,
8:1328 If on the beach since I my sport pursu'd,
8:1329 Or man, or woman but my self I view'd.
8:1330 Back o'er the sands, deluded, he withdrew,
8:1331 Whilst she for her old form put off her new.
8:1332 Her sire her shifting pow'r to change perceiv'd;
8:1333 And various chapmen by her sale deceiv'd.
8:1334 A fowl with spangled plumes, a brinded steer,
8:1335 Sometimes a crested mare, or antler'd deer:
8:1336 Sold for a price, she parted, to maintain
8:1337 Her starving parent with dishonest gain.
8:1338 At last all means, as all provisions, fail'd;
8:1339 For the disease by remedies prevail'd;
8:1340 His muscles with a furious bite he tore,
8:1341 Gorg'd his own tatter'd flesh, and gulph'd his gore.
8:1342 Wounds were his feast, his life to life a prey,
8:1343 Supporting Nature by its own decay.
8:1344 But foreign stories why shou'd I relate?
8:1345 I too my self can to new forms translate,
8:1346 Tho' the variety's not unconfin'd,
8:1347 But fix'd, in number, and restrain'd in kind:
8:1348 For often I this present shape retain,
8:1349 Oft curl a snake the volumes of my train.
8:1350 Sometimes my strength into my horns transfer'd,
8:1351 A bull I march, the captain of the herd.
8:1352 But whilst I once those goring weapons wore,
8:1353 Vast wresting force one from my forehead tore.
8:1354 Lo, my maim'd brows the injury still own;
8:1355 He ceas'd; his words concluding with a groan.
BOOK THE NINTH
The Story of Achelous and Hercules
9:1 Theseus requests the God to tell his woes,
9:2 Whence his maim'd brow, and whence his groans arose
9:3 Whence thus the Calydonian stream reply'd,
9:4 With twining reeds his careless tresses ty'd:
9:5 Ungrateful is the tale; for who can bear,
9:6 When conquer'd, to rehearse the shameful war?
9:7 Yet I'll the melancholy story trace;
9:8 So great a conqu'ror softens the disgrace:
9:9 Nor was it still so mean the prize to yield,
9:10 As great, and glorious to dispute the field.
9:11 Perhaps you've heard of Deianira's name,
9:12 For all the country spoke her beauty's fame.
9:13 Long was the nymph by num'rous suitors woo'd,
9:14 Each with address his envy'd hopes pursu'd:
9:15 I joyn'd the loving band; to gain the fair,
9:16 Reveal'd my passion to her father's ear.
9:17 Their vain pretensions all the rest resign,
9:18 Alcides only strove to equal mine;
9:19 He boasts his birth from Jove, recounts his spoils,
9:20 His step-dame's hate subdu'd, and finish'd toils.
9:21 Can mortals then (said I), with Gods compare?
9:22 Behold a God; mine is the watry care:
9:23 Through your wide realms I take my mazy way,
9:24 Branch into streams, and o'er the region stray:
9:25 No foreign guest your daughter's charms adores,
9:26 But one who rises in your native shores.
9:27 Let not his punishment your pity move;
9:28 Is Juno's hate an argument for love?
9:29 Though you your life from fair Alcmena drew,
9:30 Jove's a feign'd father, or by fraud a true.
9:31 Chuse then; confess thy mother's honour lost,
9:32 Or thy descent from Jove no longer boast.
9:33 While thus I spoke, he look'd with stern disdain,
9:34 Nor could the sallies of his wrath restrain,
9:35 Which thus break forth. This arm decides our right;
9:36 Vanquish in words, be mine the prize in fight.
9:37 Bold he rush'd on. My honour to maintain,
9:38 I fling my verdant garments on the plain,
9:39 My arms stretch forth, my pliant limbs prepare,
9:40 And with bent hands expect the furious war.
9:41 O'er my sleek skin now gather'd dust he throws,
9:42 And yellow sand his mighty muscles strows.
9:43 Oft he my neck, and nimble legs assails,
9:44 He seems to grasp me, but as often fails.
9:45 Each part he now invades with eager hand;
9:46 Safe in my bulk, immoveable I stand.
9:47 So when loud storms break high, and foam and roar
9:48 Against some mole that stretches from the shore;
9:49 The firm foundation lasting tempests braves,
9:50 Defies the warring winds, and driving waves.
9:51 A-while we breathe, then forward rush amain,
9:52 Renew the combat, and our ground maintain;
9:53 Foot strove with foot, I prone extend my breast,
9:54 Hands war with hands, and forehead forehead prest.
9:55 Thus have I seen two furious bulls engage,
9:56 Inflam'd with equal love, and equal rage;
9:57 Each claims the fairest heifer of the grove,
9:58 And conquest only can decide their love:
9:59 The trembling herds survey the fight from far,
9:60 'Till victory decides th' important war.
9:61 Three times in vain he strove my joints to wrest,
9:62 To force my hold, and throw me from his breast;
9:63 The fourth he broke my gripe, that clasp'd him round,
9:64 Then with new force he stretch'd me on the ground;
9:65 Close to my back the mighty burthen clung,
9:66 As if a mountain o'er my limbs were flung.
9:67 Believe my tale; nor do I, boastful, aim
9:68 By feign'd narration to extol my fame.
9:69 No sooner from his grasp I freedom get,
9:70 Unlock my arms, that flow'd with trickling sweat,
9:71 But quick he seized me, and renew'd the strife,
9:72 As my exhausted bosom pants for life:
9:73 My neck he gripes, my knee to earth he strains;
9:74 I fall, and bite the sand with shame, and pains.
9:75 O'er-match'd in strength, to wiles, and arts I take,
9:76 And slip his hold, in form of speckled snake;
9:77 Who, when I wreath'd in spires my body round,
9:78 Or show'd my forky tongue with hissing sound,
9:79 Smiles at my threats: Such foes my cradle knew,
9:80 He cries, dire snakes my infant hand o'erthrew;
9:81 A dragon's form might other conquests gain,
9:82 To war with me you take that shape in vain.
9:83 Art thou proportion'd to the Hydra's length,
9:84 Who by his wounds receiv'd augmented strength?
9:85 He rais'd a hundred hissing heads in air;
9:86 When one I lopt, up-sprung a dreadful pair.
9:87 By his wounds fertile, and with slaughter strong,
9:88 Singly I quell'd him, and stretch'd dead along.
9:89 What canst thou do, a form precarious, prone,
9:90 To rouse my rage with terrors not thy own?
9:91 He said; and round my neck his hands he cast,
9:92 And with his straining fingers wrung me fast;
9:93 My throat he tortur'd, close as pincers clasp,
9:94 In vain I strove to loose the forceful grasp.
9:95 Thus vanquish'd too, a third form still remains,
9:96 Chang'd to a bull, my lowing fills the plains.
9:97 Strait on the left his nervous arms were thrown
9:98 Upon my brindled neck, and tugg'd it down;
9:99 Then deep he struck my horn into the sand,
9:100 And fell'd my bulk among the dusty land.
9:101 Nor yet his fury cool'd; 'twixt rage and scorn,
9:102 From my maim'd front he tore the stubborn horn:
9:103 This, heap'd with flow'rs, and fruits, the Naiads bear,
9:104 Sacred to plenty, and the bounteous year.
9:105 He spoke; when lo, a beauteous nymph appears,
9:106 Girt like Diana's train, with flowing hairs;
9:107 The horn she brings in which all Autumn's stor'd,
9:108 And ruddy apples for the second board.
9:109 Now morn begins to dawn, the sun's bright fire
9:110 Gilds the high mountains, and the youths retire;
9:111 Nor stay'd they, 'till the troubled stream subsides,
9:112 And in its bounds with peaceful current glides.
9:113 But Achelous in his oozy bed
9:114 Deep hides his brow deform'd, and rustick head:
9:115 No real wound the victor's triumph show'd,
9:116 But his lost honours griev'd the watry God;
9:117 Yet ev'n that loss the willow's leaves o'erspread,
9:118 And verdant reeds, in garlands, bind his head.
The Death of Nessus the Centaur
9:119 This virgin too, thy love, O Nessus, found,
9:120 To her alone you owe the fatal wound.
9:121 As the strong son of Jove his bride conveys,
9:122 Where his paternal lands their bulwarks raise;
9:123 Where from her slopy urn, Evenus pours
9:124 Her rapid current, swell'd by wintry show'rs,
9:125 He came. The frequent eddies whirl'd the tide,
9:126 And the deep rolling waves all pass deny'd.
9:127 As for himself, he stood unmov'd by fears,
9:128 For now his bridal charge employ'd his cares,
9:129 The strong-limb'd Nessus thus officious cry'd
9:130 (For he the shallows of the stream had try'd),
9:131 Swim thou, Alcides, all thy strength prepare,
9:132 On yonder bank I'll lodge thy nuptial care.
9:133 Th' Aonian chief to Nessus trusts his wife,
9:134 All pale, and trembling for her heroe's life:
9:135 Cloath'd as he stood in the fierce lion's hide,
9:136 The laden quiver o'er his shoulder ty'd
9:137 (For cross the stream his bow and club were cast),
9:138 Swift he plung'd in: These billows shall be past,
9:139 He said, nor sought where smoother waters glide,
9:140 But stem'd the rapid dangers of the tide.
9:141 The bank he reach'd; again the bow he bears;
9:142 When, hark! his bride's known voice alarms his ears.
9:143 Nessus, to thee I call (aloud he cries)
9:144 Vain is thy trust in flight, be timely wise:
9:145 Thou monster double-shap'd, my right set free;
9:146 If thou no rev'rence owe my fame and me,
9:147 Yet kindred should thy lawless lust deny;
9:148 Think not, perfidious wretch, from me to fly,
9:149 Tho' wing'd with horse's speed; wounds shall pursue;
9:150 Swift as his words the fatal arrow flew:
9:151 The centaur's back admits the feather'd wood,
9:152 And thro' his breast the barbed weapon stood;
9:153 Which when, in anguish, thro' the flesh he tore,
9:154 From both the wounds gush'd forth the spumy gore
9:155 Mix'd with Lernaean venom; this he took,
9:156 Nor dire revenge his dying breast forsook.
9:157 His garment, in the reeking purple dy'd,
9:158 To rouse love's passion, he presents the bride.
The Death of Hercules
9:159 Now a long interval of time succeeds,
9:160 When the great son of Jove's immortal deeds,
9:161 And step-dame's hate, had fill'd Earth's utmost round;
9:162 He from Oechalia, with new lawrels crown'd,
9:163 In triumph was return'd. He rites prepares,
9:164 And to the King of Gods directs his pray'rs;
9:165 When Fame (who falshood cloaths in truth's disguise,
9:166 And swells her little bulk with growing lies)
9:167 Thy tender ear, o Deianira, mov'd,
9:168 That Hercules the fair Iole lov'd.
9:169 Her love believes the tale; the truth she fears
9:170 Of his new passion, and gives way to tears.
9:171 The flowing tears diffus'd her wretched grief,
9:172 Why seek I thus, from streaming eyes, relief?
9:173 She cries; indulge not thus these fruitless cares,
9:174 The harlot will but triumph in thy tears:
9:175 Let something be resolv'd, while yet there's time;
9:176 My bed not conscious of a rival's crime.
9:177 In silence shall I mourn, or loud complain?
9:178 Shall I seek Calydon, or here remain?
9:179 What tho', ally'd to Meleager's fame,
9:180 I boast the honours of a sister's name?
9:181 My wrongs, perhaps, now urge me to pursue
9:182 Some desp'rate deed, by which the world shall view
9:183 How far revenge, and woman's rage can rise,
9:184 When weltring in her blood the harlot dies.
9:185 Thus various passions rul'd by turns her breast,
9:186 She now resolves to send the fatal vest,
9:187 Dy'd with Lernaean gore, whose pow'r might move
9:188 His soul anew, and rouse declining love.
9:189 Nor knew she what her sudden rage bestows,
9:190 When she to Lychas trusts her future woes;
9:191 With soft endearments she the boy commands,
9:192 To bear the garment to her husband's hands.
9:193 Th' unwitting hero takes the gift in haste,
9:194 And o'er his shoulders Lerna's poison cast,
9:195 As first the fire with frankincense he strows,
9:196 And utters to the Gods his holy vows;
9:197 And on the marble altar's polish'd frame
9:198 Pours forth the grapy stream; the rising flame
9:199 Sudden dissolves the subtle pois'nous juice,
9:200 Which taints his blood, and all his nerves bedews.
9:201 With wonted fortitude he bore the smart,
9:202 And not a groan confess'd his burning heart.
9:203 At length his patience was subdu'd by pain,
9:204 He rends the sacred altar from the plain;
9:205 Oete's wide forests echo with his cries:
9:206 Now to rip off the deathful robe he tries.
9:207 Where-e'er he plucks the vest, the skin he tears,
9:208 The mangled muscles, and huge bones he bares
9:209 (A ghastful sight!), or raging with his pain,
9:210 To rend the sticking plague he tugs in vain.
9:211 As the red iron hisses in the flood,
9:212 So boils the venom in his curdling blood.
9:213 Now with the greedy flame his entrails glow,
9:214 And livid sweats down all his body flow;
9:215 The cracking nerves burnt up are burst in twain,
9:216 The lurking venom melts his swimming brain.
9:217 Then, lifting both his hands aloft, he cries,
9:218 Glut thy revenge, dread Empress of the skies;
9:219 Sate with my death the rancour of thy heart,
9:220 Look down with pleasure, and enjoy my smart.
9:221 Or, if e'er pity mov'd a hostile breast
9:222 (For here I stand thy enemy profest),
9:223 Take hence this hateful life, with tortures torn,
9:224 Inur'd to trouble, and to labours born.
9:225 Death is the gift most welcome to my woe,
9:226 And such a gift a stepdame may bestow.
9:227 Was it for this Busiris was subdu'd,
9:228 Whose barb'rous temples reek'd with strangers' blood?
9:229 Press'd in these arms his fate Antaeus found,
9:230 Nor gain'd recruited vigour from the ground.
9:231 Did I not triple-form'd Geryon fell?
9:232 Or did I fear the triple dog of Hell?
9:233 Did not these hands the bull's arm'd forehead hold?
9:234 Are not our mighty toils in Elis told?
9:235 Do not Stymphalian lakes proclaim thy fame?
9:236 And fair Parthenian woods resound thy name?
9:237 Who seiz'd the golden belt of Thermodon?
9:238 And who the dragon-guarded apples won?
9:239 Could the fierce centaur's strength my force withstand,
9:240 Or the fell boar that spoil'd th' Arcadian land?
9:241 Did not these arms the Hydra's rage subdue,
9:242 Who from his wounds to double fury grew?
9:243 What if the Thracian horses, fat with gore,
9:244 Who human bodies in their mangers tore,
9:245 I saw, and with their barb'rous lord o'erthrew?
9:246 What if these hands Nemaea's lion slew?
9:247 Did not this neck the heav'nly globe sustain?
9:248 The female partner of the Thunderer's reign
9:249 Fatigu'd, at length suspends her harsh commands,
9:250 Yet no fatigue hath slack'd these valiant hands.
9:251 But now new plagues pursue me, neither force,
9:252 Nor arms, nor darts can stop their raging course.
9:253 Devouring flame thro' my rack'd entrails strays,
9:254 And on my lungs and shrivel'd muscles preys.
9:255 Yet still Eurystheus breathes the vital air.
9:256 What mortal now shall seek the Gods with pray'r?
The Transformation of Lychas into a Rock
9:257 The hero said; and with the torture stung,
9:258 Furious o'er Oete's lofty hills he sprung.
9:259 Stuck with the shaft, thus scours the tyger round,
9:260 And seeks the flying author of his wound.
9:261 Now might you see him trembling, now he vents
9:262 His anguish'd soul in groans, and loud laments;
9:263 He strives to tear the clinging vest in vain,
9:264 And with up-rooted forests strows the plain;
9:265 Now kindling into rage, his hands he rears,
9:266 And to his kindred Gods directs his pray'rs.
9:267 When Lychas, lo, he spies; who trembling flew,
9:268 And in a hollow rock conceal'd from view,
9:269 Had shun'd his wrath. Now grief renew'd his pain,
9:270 His madness chaf'd, and thus he raves again.
9:271 Lychas, to thee alone my fate I owe,
9:272 Who bore the gift, the cause of all my woe.
9:273 The youth all pale, with shiv'ring fear was stung,
9:274 And vain excuses falter'd on his tongue.
9:275 Alcides snatch'd him, as with suppliant face
9:276 He strove to clasp his knees, and beg for grace:
9:277 He toss'd him o'er his head with airy course,
9:278 And hurl'd with more than with an engine's force;
9:279 Far o'er th' Eubaean main aloof he flies,
9:280 And hardens by degrees amid the skies.
9:281 So showry drops, when chilly tempests blow,
9:282 Thicken at first, then whiten into snow,
9:283 In balls congeal'd the rolling fleeces bound,
9:284 In solid hail result upon the ground.
9:285 Thus, whirl'd with nervous force thro' distant air,
9:286 The purple tide forsook his veins, with fear;
9:287 All moisture left his limbs. Transform'd to stone,
9:288 In ancient days the craggy flint was known;
9:289 Still in the Eubaean waves his front he rears,
9:290 Still the small rock in human form appears,
9:291 And still the name of hapless Lychas bears.
The Apotheosis of Hercules
9:292 But now the hero of immortal birth
9:293 Fells Oete's forests on the groaning Earth;
9:294 A pile he builds; to Philoctetes' care
9:295 He leaves his deathful instruments of war;
9:296 To him commits those arrows, which again
9:297 Shall see the bulwarks of the Trojan reign.
9:298 The son of Paean lights the lofty pyre,
9:299 High round the structure climbs the greedy fire;
9:300 Plac'd on the top, thy nervous shoulders spread
9:301 With the Nemaean spoils, thy careless head
9:302 Rais'd on a knotty club, with look divine,
9:303 Here thou, dread hero, of celestial line,
9:304 Wert stretch'd at ease; as when a chearful guest,
9:305 Wine crown'd thy bowls, and flow'rs thy temples drest.
9:306 Now on all sides the potent flames aspire,
9:307 And crackle round those limbs that mock the fire
9:308 A sudden terror seiz'd th' immortal host,
9:309 Who thought the world's profess'd defender lost.
9:310 This when the Thund'rer saw, with smiles he cries,
9:311 'Tis from your fears, ye Gods, my pleasures rise;
9:312 Joy swells my breast, that my all-ruling hand
9:313 O'er such a grateful people boasts command,
9:314 That you my suff'ring progeny would aid;
9:315 Tho' to his deeds this just respect be paid,
9:316 Me you've oblig'd. Be all your fears forborn,
9:317 Th' Oetean fires do thou, great hero, scorn.
9:318 Who vanquish'd all things, shall subdue the flame.
9:319 That part alone of gross maternal frame
9:320 Fire shall devour; while what from me he drew
9:321 Shall live immortal, and its force subdue;
9:322 That, when he's dead, I'll raise to realms above;
9:323 May all the Pow'rs the righteous act approve.
9:324 If any God dissent, and judge too great
9:325 The sacred honours of the heav'nly seat,
9:326 Ev'n he shall own his deeds deserve the sky,
9:327 Ev'n he reluctant, shall at length comply.
9:328 Th' assembled Pow'rs assent. No frown 'till now
9:329 Had mark'd with passion vengeful Juno's brow,
9:330 Mean-while whate'er was in the pow'r of flame
9:331 Was all consum'd; his body's nervous frame
9:332 No more was known, of human form bereft,
9:333 Th' eternal part of Jove alone was left.
9:334 As an old serpent casts his scaly vest,
9:335 Wreathes in the sun, in youthful glory drest;
9:336 So when Alcides mortal mold resign'd,
9:337 His better part enlarg'd, and grew refin'd;
9:338 August his visage shone; almighty Jove
9:339 In his swift carr his honour'd offspring drove;
9:340 High o'er the hollow clouds the coursers fly,
9:341 And lodge the hero in the starry sky.
The Transformation of Galanthis
9:342 Atlas perceiv'd the load of Heav'n's new guest.
9:343 Revenge still rancour'd in Eurystheus' breast
9:344 Against Alcides' race. Alcmena goes
9:345 To Iole, to vent maternal woes;
9:346 Here she pours forth her grief, recounts the spoils
9:347 Her son had bravely reap'd in glorious toils.
9:348 This Iole, by Hercules' commands,
9:349 Hyllus had lov'd, and joyn'd in nuptial bands.
9:350 Her swelling womb the teeming birth confess'd,
9:351 To whom Alcmena thus her speech address'd.
9:352 O, may the Gods protect thee, in that hour,
9:353 When, 'midst thy throws, thou call'st th' Ilithyan Pow'r!
9:354 May no delays prolong thy racking pain,
9:355 As when I su'd for Juno's aid in vain.
9:356 When now Alcides' mighty birth drew nigh,
9:357 And the tenth sign roll'd forward on the sky,
9:358 My womb extends with such a mighty load,
9:359 As Jove the parent of the burthen show'd.
9:360 I could no more th' encreasing smart sustain,
9:361 My horror kindles to recount the pain;
9:362 Cold chills my limbs while I the tale pursue,
9:363 And now methinks I feel my pangs anew.
9:364 Seven days and nights amidst incessant throws,
9:365 Fatigu'd with ills I lay, nor knew repose;
9:366 When lifting high my hands, in shrieks I pray'd,
9:367 Implor'd the Gods, and call'd Lucina's aid.
9:368 She came, but prejudic'd, to give my Fate
9:369 A sacrifice to vengeful Juno's hate.
9:370 She hears the groaning anguish of my fits,
9:371 And on the altar at my door she sits.
9:372 O'er her left knee her crossing leg she cast,
9:373 Then knits her fingers close, and wrings them fast:
9:374 This stay'd the birth; in mutt'ring verse she pray'd,
9:375 The mutt'ring verse th' unfinish'd birth delay'd.
9:376 Now with fierce struggles, raging with my pain,
9:377 At Jove's ingratitude I rave in vain.
9:378 How did I wish for death! such groans I sent,
9:379 As might have made the flinty heart relent.
9:380 Now the Cadmeian matrons round me press,
9:381 Offer their vows, and seek to bring redress;
9:382 Among the Theban dames Galanthis stands,
9:383 Strong limb'd, red hair'd, and just to my commands:
9:384 She first perceiv'd that all these racking woes
9:385 From the persisting hate of Juno rose.
9:386 As here and there she pass'd, by chance she sees
9:387 The seated Goddess; on her close-press'd knees
9:388 Her fast-knit hands she leans; with chearful voice
9:389 Galanthis cries, Whoe'er thou art, rejoyce,
9:390 Congratulate the dame, she lies at rest,
9:391 At length the Gods Alcmena's womb have blest.
9:392 Swift from her seat the startled Goddess springs,
9:393 No more conceal'd, her hands abroad she flings;
9:394 The charm unloos'd, the birth my pangs reliev'd;
9:395 Galanthis' laughter vex'd the Pow'r deceiv'd.
9:396 Fame says, the Goddess dragg'd the laughing maid
9:397 Fast by the hair; in vain her force essay'd
9:398 Her grov'ling body from the ground to rear;
9:399 Chang'd to fore-feet her shrinking arms appear:
9:400 Her hairy back her former hue retains,
9:401 The form alone is lost; her strength remains;
9:402 Who, since the lye did from her mouth proceed,
9:403 Shall from her pregnant mouth bring forth her breed;
9:404 Nor shall she quit her long-frequented home,
9:405 But haunt those houses where she lov'd to roam.
The Fable of Dryope
9:406 She said, and for her lost Galanthis sighs;
9:407 When the fair consort of her son replies;
9:408 Since you a servant's ravish'd form bemoan,
9:409 And kindly sigh for sorrows not your own,
9:410 Let me (if tears and grief permit) relate
9:411 A nearer woe, a sister's stranger fate.
9:412 No nymph of all Oechaloa could compare
9:413 For beauteous form with Dryope the fair;
9:414 Her tender mother's only hope and pride
9:415 (My self the offspring of a second bride),
9:416 This nymph, compress'd by him who rules the day,
9:417 Whom Delphi, and the Delian isle obey,
9:418 Andraemon lov'd; and blest in all those charms
9:419 That pleas'd a God, succeeded to her arms.
9:420 A lake there was, with shelving banks around,
9:421 Whose verdant summit fragrant myrtles crown'd.
9:422 Those shades, unknowing of the fates, she sought;
9:423 And to the Naiads flow'ry garlands brought;
9:424 Her smiling babe (a pleasing charge) she prest
9:425 Between her arms, and nourish'd at her breast.
9:426 Not distant far a watry lotos grows;
9:427 The Spring was new, and all the verdant boughs,
9:428 Acorn'd with blossoms, promis'd fruits that vye
9:429 In glowing colours with the Tyrian dye.
9:430 Of these she cropt, to please her infant son,
9:431 And I my self the same rash act had done,
9:432 But, lo! I saw (as near her side I stood)
9:433 The violated blossoms drop with blood;
9:434 Upon the tree I cast a frightful look,
9:435 The trembling tree with sudden horror shook.
9:436 Lotis the nymph (if rural tales be true)
9:437 As from Priapus' lawless lust she flew,
9:438 Forsook her form; and fixing here became
9:439 A flow'ry plant, which still preserves her name.
9:440 This change unknown, astonish'd at the sight,
9:441 My trembling sister strove to urge her flight;
9:442 Yet first the pardon of the Nymphs implor'd,
9:443 And those offended Sylvan pow'rs ador'd:
9:444 But when she backward would have fled, she found
9:445 Her stiff'ning feet were rooted to the ground:
9:446 In vain to free her fasten'd feet she strove,
9:447 And as she struggles only moves above;
9:448 She feels th' incroaching bark around her grow,
9:449 By slow degrees, and cover all below:
9:450 Surpriz'd at this, her trembling hand she heaves
9:451 To rend her hair; her hand is fill'd with leaves;
9:452 Where late was hair, the shooting leaves are seen
9:453 To rise, and shade her with a sudden green.
9:454 The Child Amphisus, to her bosom prest,
9:455 Perceiv'd a colder and a harder breast,
9:456 And found the springs, that n'er 'till then deny'd
9:457 Their milky moisture, on a sudden dry'd.
9:458 I saw, unhappy, what I now relate,
9:459 And stood the helpless witness of thy fate;
9:460 Embrac'd thy boughs, the rising bark delay'd,
9:461 There wish'd to grow, and mingle shade with shade.
9:462 Behold Andraemon, and th' unhappy sire
9:463 Appear, and for their Dryope enquire;
9:464 A springing tree for Dryope they find,
9:465 And print warm kisses on the panting rind;
9:466 Prostrate, with tears their kindred plant bedew,
9:467 And close embrac'd, as to the roots they grew;
9:468 The face was all that now remain'd of thee;
9:469 No more a woman, nor yet quite a tree:
9:470 Thy branches hung with humid pearls appear,
9:471 From ev'ry leaf distills a trickling tear;
9:472 And strait a voice, while yet a voice remains,
9:473 Thus thro' the trembling boughs in sighs complains.
9:474 If to the wretched any faith be giv'n,
9:475 I swear by all th' unpitying Pow'rs of Heav'n,
9:476 No wilful crime this heavy vengeance bred,
9:477 In mutual innocence our lives we led.
9:478 If this be false, let these new greens decay,
9:479 Let sounding axes lop my limbs away,
9:480 And crackling flames on all my honours prey.
9:481 Now from my branching arms this infant bear,
9:482 Let some kind nurse supply a mother's care;
9:483 Yet to his mother let him oft be led,
9:484 Sport in her shades, and in her shades be fed;
9:485 Teach him, when first his infant voice shall frame
9:486 Imperfect words, and lisp his mother's name,
9:487 To hail this tree, and say with weeping eyes,
9:488 Within this plant my hapless parent lies;
9:489 And when in youth he seeks the shady woods,
9:490 Oh, let him fly the chrystal lakes and floods,
9:491 Nor touch the fatal flow'rs; but warn'd by me,
9:492 Believe a Goddess shrin'd in ev'ry tree.
9:493 My sire, my sister, and my spouse farewel!
9:494 If in your breasts or love, or pity, dwell,
9:495 Protect your plant, nor let my branches feel
9:496 The browzing cattle, or the piercing steel.
9:497 Farewel! and since I cannot bend to join
9:498 My lips to yours, advance at least to mine.
9:499 My son, thy mother's parting kiss receive,
9:500 While yet thy mother has a kiss to give.
9:501 I can no more; the creeping rind invades
9:502 My closing lips, and hides my head in shades:
9:503 Remove your hands; the bark shall soon suffice,
9:504 Without their aid, to seal these dying eyes.
9:505 She ceas'd at once to speak, and ceas'd to be;
9:506 And all the nymph was lost within the tree:
9:507 Yet latent life thro' her new branches reign'd,
9:508 And long the plant a human heat retain'd.
Iolaus restor'd to Youth
9:509 While Iole the fatal change declares,
9:510 Alcmena's pitying hand oft wip'd her tears.
9:511 Grief too stream'd down her cheeks; soon sorrow flies,
9:512 And rising joy the trickling moisture dries,
9:513 Lo Iolaus stands before their eyes.
9:514 A youth he stood; and the soft down began
9:515 O'er his smooth chin to spread, and promise man.
9:516 Hebe submitted to her husband's pray'rs,
9:517 Instill'd new vigour, and restor'd his years.
The Prophecy of Themis
9:518 Now from her lips a solemn oath had past,
9:519 That Iolaus this gift alone shou'd taste,
9:520 Had not just Themis thus maturely said
9:521 (Which check'd her vow, and aw'd the blooming maid).
9:522 Thebes is embroil'd in war. Capaneus stands
9:523 Invincible, but by the Thund'rer's hands.
9:524 Ambition shall the guilty brothers fire,
9:525 Both rush to mutual wounds, and both expire.
9:526 The reeling Earth shall ope her gloomy womb,
9:527 Where the yet breathing bard shall find his tomb.
9:528 The son shall bath his hands in parents' blood,
9:529 And in one act be both unjust, and good.
9:530 Of home, and sense depriv'd, where-e'er he flies,
9:531 The Furies, and his mother's ghost he spies.
9:532 His wife the fatal bracelet shall implore,
9:533 And Phegeus stain his sword in kindred gore.
9:534 Callirhoe shall then with suppliant pray'r
9:535 Prevail on Jupiter's relenting ear.
9:536 Jove shall with youth her infant sons inspire,
9:537 And bid their bosoms glow with manly fire.
The Debate of the Gods
9:538 When Themis thus with prescient voice had spoke,
9:539 Among the Gods a various murmur broke;
9:540 Dissention rose in each immortal breast,
9:541 That one should grant, what was deny'd the rest.
9:542 Aurora for her aged spouse complains,
9:543 And Ceres grieves for Jason's freezing veins;
9:544 Vulcan would Erichthonius' years renew,
9:545 Her future race the care of Venus drew,
9:546 She would Anchises' blooming age restore;
9:547 A diff'rent care employ'd each heav'nly Pow'r:
9:548 Thus various int'rests did their jars encrease,
9:549 'Till Jove arose; he spoke, their tumults cease.
9:550 Is any rev'rence to our presence giv'n,
9:551 Then why this discord 'mong the Pow'rs of Heav'n?
9:552 Who can the settled will of Fate subdue?
9:553 'Twas by the Fates that Iolaus knew
9:554 A second youth. The Fates' determin'd doom
9:555 Shall give Callirhoe's race a youthful bloom.
9:556 Arms, nor ambition can this pow'r obtain;
9:557 Quell your desires; ev'n me the Fates restrain.
9:558 Could I their will controul, no rolling years
9:559 Had Aeacus bent down with silver hairs;
9:560 Then Rhadamanthus still had youth possess'd,
9:561 And Minos with eternal bloom been bless'd.
9:562 Jove's words the synod mov'd; the Pow'rs give o'er,
9:563 And urge in vain unjust complaint no more.
9:564 Since Rhadamanthus' veins now slowly flow'd,
9:565 And Aeacus, and Minos bore the load;
9:566 Minos, who in the flow'r of youth, and fame,
9:567 Made mighty nations tremble at his name,
9:568 Infirm with age, the proud Miletus fears,
9:569 Vain of his birth, and in the strength of years,
9:570 And now regarding all his realms as lost,
9:571 He durst not force him from his native coast.
9:572 But you by choice, Miletus, fled his reign,
9:573 And thy swift vessel plow'd th' Aegean main;
9:574 On Asiatick shores a town you frame,
9:575 Which still is honour'd with the founder's name.
9:576 Here you Cyanee knew, the beauteous maid,
9:577 As on her father's winding banks she stray'd:
9:578 Caunus and Byblis hence their lineage trace,
9:579 The double offspring of your warm embrace.
The Passion of of Byblis
9:580 Let the sad fate of wretched Byblis prove
9:581 A dismal warning to unlawful love;
9:582 One birth gave being to the hapless pair,
9:583 But more was Caunus than a sister's care;
9:584 Unknown she lov'd, for yet the gentle fire
9:585 Rose not in flames, nor kindled to desire,
9:586 'Twas thought no sin to wonder at his charms,
9:587 Hang on his neck, and languish in his arms;
9:588 Thus wing'd with joy, fled the soft hours away,
9:589 And all the fatal guilt on harmless Nature lay.
9:590 But love (too soon from piety declin'd)
9:591 Insensibly deprav'd her yielding mind.
9:592 Dress'd she appears, with nicest art adorn'd,
9:593 And ev'ry youth, but her lov'd brother, scorn'd;
9:594 For him alone she labour'd to be fair,
9:595 And curst all charms that might with hers compare.
9:596 'Twas she, and only she, must Caunus please,
9:597 Sick at her heart, yet knew not her disease:
9:598 She call'd him lord, for brother was a name
9:599 Too cold, and dull for her aspiring flame;
9:600 And when he spoke, if sister he reply'd,
9:601 For Byblis change that frozen word, she cry'd.
9:602 Yet waking still she watch'd her strugling breast,
9:603 And love's approaches were in vain address'd,
9:604 'Till gentle sleep an easy conquest made,
9:605 And in her soft embrace the conqueror was laid.
9:606 But oh too soon the pleasing vision fled,
9:607 And left her blushing on the conscious bed:
9:608 Ah me! (she cry'd) how monstrous do I seem?
9:609 Why these wild thoughts? and this incestuous dream?
9:610 Envy herself ('tis true) must own his charms,
9:611 But what is beauty in a sister's arms?
9:612 Oh were I not that despicable she,
9:613 How bless'd, how pleas'd, how happy shou'd I be!
9:614 But unregarded now must bear my pain,
9:615 And but in dreams, my wishes can obtain.
9:616 O sea-born Goddess! with thy wanton boy!
9:617 Was ever such a charming scene of joy?
9:618 Such perfect bliss! such ravishing delight!
9:619 Ne'er hid before in the kind shades of night.
9:620 How pleas'd my heart! in what sweet raptures tost!
9:621 Ev'n life it self in the soft combat lost,
9:622 While breathless he on my heav'd bosom lay,
9:623 And snatch'd the treasures of my soul away.
9:624 If the bare fancy so affects my mind,
9:625 How shou'd I rave if to the substance join'd?
9:626 Oh, gentle Caunus! quit thy hated line,
9:627 Or let thy parents be no longer mine!
9:628 Oh that in common all things were enjoy'd,
9:629 But those alone who have our hopes destroy'd.
9:630 Were I a princess, thou an humble swain,
9:631 The proudest kings shou'd rival thee in vain.
9:632 It cannot be, alas! the dreadful ill
9:633 Is fix'd by Fate, and he's my brother still.
9:634 Hear me, ye Gods! I must have friends in Heav'n,
9:635 For Jove himself was to a sister giv'n:
9:636 But what are their prerogatives above,
9:637 To the short liberties of human love?
9:638 Fantastick thoughts! down, down, forbidden fires,
9:639 Or instant death extinguish my desires.
9:640 Strict virtue, then, with thy malicious leave,
9:641 Without a crime I may a kiss receive:
9:642 But say shou'd I in spight of laws comply,
9:643 Yet cruel Caunus might himself deny,
9:644 No pity take of an afflicted maid
9:645 (For love's sweet game must be by couples play'd).
9:646 Yet why shou'd youth, and charms like mine, despair?
9:647 Such fears ne'er startled the Aeolian pair;
9:648 No ties of blood could their full hopes destroy,
9:649 They broke thro' all, for the prevailing joy;
9:650 And who can tell but Caunus too may be
9:651 Rack'd and tormented in his breast for me?
9:652 Like me, to the extreamest anguish drove,
9:653 Like me, just waking from a dream of love?
9:654 But stay! Oh whither wou'd my fury run!
9:655 What arguments I urge to be undone!
9:656 Away fond Byblis, quench these guilty flames;
9:657 Caunus thy love but as brother claims;
9:658 Yet had he first been touch'd with love of me,
9:659 The charming youth cou'd I despairing see?
9:660 Oppress'd with grief, and dying by disdain?
9:661 Ah no! too sure I shou'd have eas'd his pain!
9:662 Since then, if Caunus ask'd me, it were done;
9:663 Asking my self, what dangers can I run?
9:664 But canst thou ask? and see that right betray'd,
9:665 From Pyrrha down to thy whole sex convey'd?
9:666 That self-denying gift we all enjoy,
9:667 Of wishing to be won, yet seeming to be coy.
9:668 Well then, for once, let a fond mistress woo;
9:669 The force of love no custom can subdue;
9:670 This frantick passion he by words shall know,
9:671 Soft as the melting heart from whence they flow.
9:672 The pencil then in her fair hand she held,
9:673 By fear discourag'd, but by love compell'd
9:674 She writes, then blots, writes on, and blots again,
9:675 Likes it as fit, then razes it as vain:
9:676 Shame, and assurance in her face appear,
9:677 And a faint hope just yielding to despair;
9:678 Sister was wrote, and blotted as a word
9:679 Which she, and Caunus too (she hop'd) abhorr'd;
9:680 But now resolv'd to be no more controul'd
9:681 By scrup'lous virtue, thus her grief she told.
9:682 Thy lover (gentle Caunus) wishes thee
9:683 That health, which thou alone canst give to me.
9:684 O charming youth! the gift I ask bestow,
9:685 Ere thou the name of the fond writer know;
9:686 To thee without a name I would be known,
9:687 Since knowing that, my frailty I must own.
9:688 Yet why shou'd I my wretched name conceal?
9:689 When thousand instances my flames reveal:
9:690 Wan looks, and weeping eyes have spoke my pain,
9:691 And sighs discharg'd from my heav'd heart in vain;
9:692 Had I not wish'd my passion might be seen,
9:693 What cou'd such fondness and embraces mean?
9:694 Such kisses too! (Oh heedless lovely boy)
9:695 Without a crime no sister cou'd enjoy:
9:696 Yet (tho' extreamest rage has rack'd my soul,
9:697 And raging fires in my parch'd bosom roul)
9:698 Be witness, Gods! how piously I strove,
9:699 To rid my thoughts of this enchanting love.
9:700 But who cou'd scape so fierce, and sure a dart,
9:701 Aim'd at a tender, and defenceless heart?
9:702 Alas! what maid cou'd suffer, I have born,
9:703 Ere the dire secret from my breast was torn;
9:704 To thee a helpless vanquish'd wretch I come,
9:705 'Tis you alone can save, or give my doom;
9:706 My life, or death this moment you may chuse.
9:707 Yet think, oh think, no hated stranger sues,
9:708 No foe; but one, alas! too near ally'd,
9:709 And wishing still much nearer to be ty'd.
9:710 The forms of decency let age debate,
9:711 And virtue's rules by their cold morals state;
9:712 Their ebbing joys give leisure to enquire,
9:713 And blame those noble flights our youth inspire:
9:714 Where Nature kindly summons let us go,
9:715 Our sprightly years no bounds in love shou'd know,
9:716 Shou'd feel no check of guilt, and fear no ill;
9:717 Lovers, and Gods act all things at their will:
9:718 We gain one blessing from our hated kin,
9:719 Since our paternal freedom hides the sin;
9:720 Uncensur'd in each other's arms we lye,
9:721 Think then how easie to compleat our joy.
9:722 Oh, pardon and oblige a blushing maid,
9:723 Whose rage the pride of her vain sex betray'd;
9:724 Nor let my tomb thus mournfully complain,
9:725 Here Byblis lies, by her lov'd Caunus slain.
9:726 Forc'd here to end, she with a falling tear
9:727 Temper'd the pliant wax, which did the signet bear:
9:728 The curious cypher was impress'd by art,
9:729 But love had stamp'd one deeper in her heart;
9:730 Her page, a youth of confidence, and skill,
9:731 (Secret as night) stood waiting on her will;
9:732 Sighing (she cry'd): Bear this, thou faithful boy,
9:733 To my sweet partner in eternal joy:
9:734 Here a long pause her secret guilt confess'd,
9:735 And when at length she would have spoke the rest,
9:736 Half the dear name lay bury'd in her breast.
9:737 Thus as he listned to her vain command,
9:738 Down fell the letter from her trembling hand.
9:739 The omen shock'd her soul. Yet go, she cry'd;
9:740 Can a request from Byblis be deny'd?
9:741 To the Maeandrian youth this message's born,
9:742 The half-read lines by his fierce rage were torn;
9:743 Hence, hence, he cry'd, thou pandar to her lust,
9:744 Bear hence the triumph of thy impious trust:
9:745 Thy instant death will but divulge her shame,
9:746 Or thy life's blood shou'd quench the guilty flame.
9:747 Frighted, from threatning Caunus he withdrew,
9:748 And with the dreadful news to his lost mistress flew.
9:749 The sad repulse so struck the wounded fair,
9:750 Her sense was bury'd in her wild despair;
9:751 Pale was her visage, as the ghastly dead;
9:752 And her scar'd soul from the sweet mansion fled;
9:753 Yet with her life renew'd, her love returns,
9:754 And faintly thus her cruel fate she mourns:
9:755 'Tis just, ye Gods! was my false reason blind?
9:756 To write a secret of this tender kind?
9:757 With female craft I shou'd at first have strove,
9:758 By dubious hints to sound his distant love;
9:759 And try'd those useful, tho' dissembled, arts,
9:760 Which women practise on disdainful hearts:
9:761 I shou'd have watch'd whence the black storm might rise;
9:762 Ere I had trusted the unfaithful skies.
9:763 Now on the rouling billows I am tost,
9:764 And with extended sails, on the blind shelves am lost.
9:765 Did not indulgent Heav'n my doom foretell,
9:766 When from my hand the fatal letter fell?
9:767 What madness seiz'd my soul? and urg'd me on
9:768 To take the only course to be undone?
9:769 I cou'd my self have told the moving tale
9:770 With such alluring grace as must prevail;
9:771 Then had his eyes beheld my blushing fears,
9:772 My rising sighs, and my descending tears;
9:773 Round his dear neck these arms I then had spread,
9:774 And, if rejected, at his feet been dead:
9:775 If singly these had not his thoughts inclin'd,
9:776 Yet all united would have shock'd his mind.
9:777 Perhaps, my careless page might be in fault,
9:778 And in a luckless hour the fatal message brought;
9:779 Business, and worldly thoughts might fill his breast,
9:780 Sometimes ev'n love itself may be an irksome guest:
9:781 He cou'd not else have treated me with scorn,
9:782 For Caunus was not of a tygress born;
9:783 Nor steel, nor adamant has fenc'd his heart;
9:784 Like mine, 'tis naked to the burning dart.
9:785 Away false fears! he must, he shall be mine;
9:786 In death alone I will my claim resign;
9:787 'Tis vain to wish my written crime unknown,
9:788 And for my guilt much vainer to atone.
9:789 Repuls'd and baffled, fiercer still she burns,
9:790 And Caunus with disdain her impious love returns.
9:791 He saw no end of her injurious flame,
9:792 And fled his country to avoid the shame.
9:793 Forsaken Byblis, who had hopes no more;
9:794 Burst out in rage, and her loose robes she tore;
9:795 With her fair hands she smote her tender breast,
9:796 And to the wond'ring world her love confess'd;
9:797 O'er hills and dales, o'er rocks and streams she flew,
9:798 But still in vain did her wild lust pursue:
9:799 Wearied at length, on the cold earth she fell,
9:800 And now in tears alone could her sad story tell.
9:801 Relenting Gods in pity fix'd her there,
9:802 And to a fountain turn'd the weeping fair.
The Fable of Iphis and Ianthe
9:803 The fame of this, perhaps, thro' Crete had flown:
9:804 But Crete had newer wonders of her own,
9:805 In Iphis chang'd; for, near the Gnossian bounds
9:806 (As loud report the miracle resounds),
9:807 At Phaestus dwelt a man of honest blood,
9:808 But meanly born, and not so rich as good;
9:809 Esteem'd, and lov'd by all the neighbourhood;
9:810 Who to his wife, before the time assign'd
9:811 For child-birth came, thus bluntly spoke his mind.
9:812 If Heav'n, said Lygdus, will vouchsafe to hear,
9:813 I have but two petitions to prefer;
9:814 Short pains for thee, for me a son and heir.
9:815 Girls cost as many throes in bringing forth;
9:816 Beside, when born, the titts are little worth;
9:817 Weak puling things, unable to sustain
9:818 Their share of labour, and their bread to gain.
9:819 If, therefore, thou a creature shalt produce,
9:820 Of so great charges, and so little use
9:821 (Bear witness, Heav'n, with what reluctancy),
9:822 Her hapless innocence I doom to die.
9:823 He said, and common tears the common grief display,
9:824 Of him who bad, and her who must obey.
9:825 Yet Telethusa still persists, to find
9:826 Fit arguments to move a father's mind;
9:827 T' extend his wishes to a larger scope,
9:828 And in one vessel not confine his hope.
9:829 Lygdus continues hard: her time drew near,
9:830 And she her heavy load could scarcely bear;
9:831 When slumbring, in the latter shades of night,
9:832 Before th' approaches of returning light,
9:833 She saw, or thought she saw, before her bed,
9:834 A glorious train, and Isis at their head:
9:835 Her moony horns were on her forehead plac'd,
9:836 And yellow shelves her shining temples grac'd:
9:837 A mitre, for a crown, she wore on high;
9:838 The dog, and dappl'd bull were waiting by;
9:839 Osyris, sought along the banks of Nile;
9:840 The silent God: the sacred crocodile;
9:841 And, last, a long procession moving on,
9:842 With timbrels, that assist the lab'ring moon.
9:843 Her slumbers seem'd dispell'd, and, broad awake,
9:844 She heard a voice, that thus distinctly spake.
9:845 My votary, thy babe from death defend,
9:846 Nor fear to save whate'er the Gods will send.
9:847 Delude with art thy husband's dire decree:
9:848 When danger calls, repose thy trust on me:
9:849 And know thou hast not serv'd a thankless deity.
9:850 This promise made, with night the Goddess fled;
9:851 With joy the woman wakes, and leaves her bed;
9:852 Devoutly lifts her spotless hands on high,
9:853 And prays the Pow'rs their gift to ratifie.
9:854 Now grinding pains proceed to bearing throes,
9:855 'Till its own weight the burden did disclose.
9:856 'Twas of the beauteous kind, and brought to light
9:857 With secrecy, to shun the father's sight.
9:858 Th' indulgent mother did her care employ,
9:859 And past it on her husband for a boy.
9:860 The nurse was conscious of the fact alone;
9:861 The father paid his vows as for a son;
9:862 And call'd him Iphis, by a common name,
9:863 Which either sex with equal right may claim.
9:864 Iphis his grandsire was; the wife was pleas'd,
9:865 Of half the fraud by Fortune's favour eas'd:
9:866 The doubtful name was us'd without deceit,
9:867 And truth was cover'd with a pious cheat.
9:868 The habit show'd a boy, the beauteous face
9:869 With manly fierceness mingled female grace.
9:870 Now thirteen years of age were swiftly run,
9:871 When the fond father thought the time drew on
9:872 Of settling in the world his only son.
9:873 Ianthe was his choice; so wondrous fair,
9:874 Her form alone with Iphis cou'd compare;
9:875 A neighbour's daughter of his own degree,
9:876 And not more bless'd with Fortune's goods than he.
9:877 They soon espous'd; for they with ease were join'd,
9:878 Who were before contracted in the mind.
9:879 Their age the same, their inclinations too;
9:880 And bred together, in one school they grew.
9:881 Thus, fatally dispos'd to mutual fires,
9:882 They felt, before they knew, the same desires.
9:883 Equal their flame, unequal was their care;
9:884 One lov'd with hope, one languish'd in despair.
9:885 The maid accus'd the lingring day alone:
9:886 For whom she thought a man, she thought her own.
9:887 But Iphis bends beneath a greater grief;
9:888 As fiercely burns, but hopes for no relief.
9:889 Ev'n her despair adds fuel to her fire;
9:890 A maid with madness does a maid desire.
9:891 And, scarce refraining tears, Alas, said she,
9:892 What issue of my love remains for me!
9:893 How wild a passion works within my breast,
9:894 With what prodigious flames am I possest!
9:895 Could I the care of Providence deserve,
9:896 Heav'n must destroy me, if it would preserve.
9:897 And that's my fate, or sure it would have sent
9:898 Some usual evil for my punishment:
9:899 Not this unkindly curse; to rage, and burn,
9:900 Where Nature shews no prospect of return.
9:901 Nor cows for cows consume with fruitless fire;
9:902 Nor mares, when hot, their fellow-mares desire:
9:903 The father of the fold supplies his ewes;
9:904 The stag through secret woods his hind pursues;
9:905 And birds for mates the males of their own species chuse.
9:906 Her females Nature guards from female flame,
9:907 And joins two sexes to preserve the game:
9:908 Wou'd I were nothing, or not what I am!
9:909 Crete, fam'd for monsters, wanted of her store,
9:910 'Till my new love produc'd one monster more.
9:911 The daughter of the sun a bull desir'd,
9:912 And yet ev'n then a male a female fir'd:
9:913 Her passion was extravagantly new,
9:914 But mine is much the madder of the two.
9:915 To things impossible she was not bent,
9:916 But found the means to compass her intent.
9:917 To cheat his eyes she took a different shape;
9:918 Yet still she gain'd a lover, and a leap.
9:919 Shou'd all the wit of all the world conspire,
9:920 Shou'd Daedalus assist my wild desire,
9:921 What art can make me able to enjoy,
9:922 Or what can change Ianthe to a boy?
9:923 Extinguish then thy passion, hopeless maid,
9:924 And recollect thy reason for thy aid.
9:925 Know what thou art, and love as maidens ought,
9:926 And drive these golden wishes from thy thought.
9:927 Thou canst not hope thy fond desires to gain;
9:928 Where hope is wanting, wishes are in vain.
9:929 And yet no guards against our joys conspire;
9:930 No jealous husband hinders our desire;
9:931 My parents are propitious to my wish,
9:932 And she herself consenting to the bliss.
9:933 All things concur to prosper our design;
9:934 All things to prosper any love but mine.
9:935 And yet I never can enjoy the fair;
9:936 'Tis past the pow'r of Heav'n to grant my pray'r.
9:937 Heav'n has been kind, as far as Heav'n can be;
9:938 Our parents with our own desires agree;
9:939 But Nature, stronger than the Gods above,
9:940 Refuses her assistance to my love;
9:941 She sets the bar that causes all my pain;
9:942 One gift refus'd, makes all their bounty vain.
9:943 And now the happy day is just at hand,
9:944 To bind our hearts in Hymen's holy band:
9:945 Our hearts, but not our bodies: thus accurs'd,
9:946 In midst of water I complain of thirst.
9:947 Why com'st thou, Juno, to these barren rites,
9:948 To bless a bed defrauded of delights?
9:949 But why shou'd Hymen lift his torch on high,
9:950 To see two brides in cold embraces lye?
9:951 Thus love-sick Iphis her vain passion mourns;
9:952 With equal ardour fair Ianthe burns,
9:953 Invoking Hymen's name, and Juno's pow'r,
9:954 To speed the work, and haste the happy hour.
9:955 She hopes, while Telethusa fears the day,
9:956 And strives to interpose some new delay:
9:957 Now feigns a sickness, now is in a fright
9:958 For this bad omen, or that boding sight.
9:959 But having done whate'er she could devise,
9:960 And empty'd all her magazine of lies,
9:961 The time approach'd; the next ensuing day
9:962 The fatal secret must to light betray.
9:963 Then Telethusa had recourse to pray'r,
9:964 She, and her daughter with dishevel'd hair;
9:965 Trembling with fear, great Isis they ador'd,
9:966 Embrac'd her altar, and her aid implor'd.
9:967 Fair queen, who dost on fruitful Egypt smile,
9:968 Who sway'st the sceptre of the Pharian isle,
9:969 And sev'n-fold falls of disemboguing Nile,
9:970 Relieve, in this our last distress, she said,
9:971 A suppliant mother, and a mournful maid.
9:972 Thou, Goddess, thou wert present to my sight;
9:973 Reveal'd I saw thee by thy own fair light:
9:974 I saw thee in my dream, as now I see,
9:975 With all thy marks of awful majesty:
9:976 The glorious train that compass'd thee around;
9:977 And heard the hollow timbrels holy sound.
9:978 Thy words I noted, which I still retain;
9:979 Let not thy sacred oracles be vain.
9:980 That Iphis lives, that I myself am free
9:981 From shame, and punishment, I owe to thee.
9:982 On thy protection all our hopes depend.
9:983 Thy counsel sav'd us, let thy pow'r defend.
9:984 Her tears pursu'd her words; and while she spoke,
9:985 The Goddess nodded, and her altar shook:
9:986 The temple doors, as with a blast of wind,
9:987 Were heard to clap; the lunar horns that bind
9:988 The brows of Isis cast a blaze around;
9:989 The trembling timbrel made a murm'ring sound.
9:990 Some hopes these happy omens did impart;
9:991 Forth went the mother with a beating heart:
9:992 Not much in fear, nor fully satisfy'd;
9:993 But Iphis follow'd with a larger stride:
9:994 The whiteness of her skin forsook her face;
9:995 Her looks embolden'd with an awful grace;
9:996 Her features, and her strength together grew,
9:997 And her long hair to curling locks withdrew.
9:998 Her sparkling eyes with manly vigour shone,
9:999 Big was her voice, audacious was her tone.
9:1000 The latent parts, at length reveal'd, began
9:1001 To shoot, and spread, and burnish into man.
9:1002 The maid becomes a youth; no more delay
9:1003 Your vows, but look, and confidently pay.
9:1004 Their gifts the parents to the temple bear:
9:1005 The votive tables this inscription wear;
9:1006 Iphis the man, has to the Goddess paid
9:1007 The vows, that Iphis offer'd when a maid.
9:1008 Now when the star of day had shewn his face,
9:1009 Venus and Juno with their presence grace
9:1010 The nuptial rites, and Hymen from above
9:1011 Descending to compleat their happy love;
9:1012 The Gods of marriage lend their mutual aid;
9:1013 And the warm youth enjoys the lovely maid.
BOOK THE TENTH
The Story of Orpheus and Eurydice
10:1 Thence, in his saffron robe, for distant Thrace,
10:2 Hymen departs, thro' air's unmeasur'd space;
10:3 By Orpheus call'd, the nuptial Pow'r attends,
10:4 But with ill-omen'd augury descends;
10:5 Nor chearful look'd the God, nor prosp'rous spoke,
10:6 Nor blaz'd his torch, but wept in hissing smoke.
10:7 In vain they whirl it round, in vain they shake,
10:8 No rapid motion can its flames awake.
10:9 With dread these inauspicious signs were view'd,
10:10 And soon a more disastrous end ensu'd;
10:11 For as the bride, amid the Naiad train,
10:12 Ran joyful, sporting o'er the flow'ry plain,
10:13 A venom'd viper bit her as she pass'd;
10:14 Instant she fell, and sudden breath'd her last.
10:15 When long his loss the Thracian had deplor'd,
10:16 Not by superior Pow'rs to be restor'd;
10:17 Inflam'd by love, and urg'd by deep despair,
10:18 He leaves the realms of light, and upper air;
10:19 Daring to tread the dark Tenarian road,
10:20 And tempt the shades in their obscure abode;
10:21 Thro' gliding spectres of th' interr'd to go,
10:22 And phantom people of the world below:
10:23 Persephone he seeks, and him who reigns
10:24 O'er ghosts, and Hell's uncomfortable plains.
10:25 Arriv'd, he, tuning to his voice his strings,
10:26 Thus to the king and queen of shadows sings.
10:27 Ye Pow'rs, who under Earth your realms extend,
10:28 To whom all mortals must one day descend;
10:29 If here 'tis granted sacred truth to tell:
10:30 I come not curious to explore your Hell;
10:31 Nor come to boast (by vain ambition fir'd)
10:32 How Cerberus at my approach retir'd.
10:33 My wife alone I seek; for her lov'd sake
10:34 These terrors I support, this journey take.
10:35 She, luckless wandring, or by fate mis-led,
10:36 Chanc'd on a lurking viper's crest to tread;
10:37 The vengeful beast, enflam'd with fury, starts,
10:38 And thro' her heel his deathful venom darts.
10:39 Thus was she snatch'd untimely to her tomb;
10:40 Her growing years cut short, and springing bloom.
10:41 Long I my loss endeavour'd to sustain,
10:42 And strongly strove, but strove, alas, in vain:
10:43 At length I yielded, won by mighty love;
10:44 Well known is that omnipotence above!
10:45 But here, I doubt, his unfelt influence fails;
10:46 And yet a hope within my heart prevails.
10:47 That here, ev'n here, he has been known of old;
10:48 At least if truth be by tradition told;
10:49 If fame of former rapes belief may find,
10:50 You both by love, and love alone, were join'd.
10:51 Now, by the horrors which these realms surround;
10:52 By the vast chaos of these depths profound;
10:53 By the sad silence which eternal reigns
10:54 O'er all the waste of these wide-stretching plains;
10:55 Let me again Eurydice receive,
10:56 Let Fate her quick-spun thread of life re-weave.
10:57 All our possessions are but loans from you,
10:58 And soon, or late, you must be paid your due;
10:59 Hither we haste to human-kind's last seat,
10:60 Your endless empire, and our sure retreat.
10:61 She too, when ripen'd years she shall attain,
10:62 Must, of avoidless right, be yours again:
10:63 I but the transient use of that require,
10:64 Which soon, too soon, I must resign entire.
10:65 But if the destinies refuse my vow,
10:66 And no remission of her doom allow;
10:67 Know, I'm determin'd to return no more;
10:68 So both retain, or both to life restore.
10:69 Thus, while the bard melodiously complains,
10:70 And to his lyre accords his vocal strains,
10:71 The very bloodless shades attention keep,
10:72 And silent, seem compassionate to weep;
10:73 Ev'n Tantalus his flood unthirsty views,
10:74 Nor flies the stream, nor he the stream pursues;
10:75 Ixion's wond'ring wheel its whirl suspends,
10:76 And the voracious vulture, charm'd, attends;
10:77 No more the Belides their toil bemoan,
10:78 And Sisiphus reclin'd, sits list'ning on his stone.
10:79 Then first ('tis said) by sacred verse subdu'd,
10:80 The Furies felt their cheeks with tears bedew'd:
10:81 Nor could the rigid king, or queen of Hell,
10:82 Th' impulse of pity in their hearts repell.
10:83 Now, from a troop of shades that last arriv'd,
10:84 Eurydice was call'd, and stood reviv'd:
10:85 Slow she advanc'd, and halting seem to feel
10:86 The fatal wound, yet painful in her heel.
10:87 Thus he obtains the suit so much desir'd,
10:88 On strict observance of the terms requir'd:
10:89 For if, before he reach the realms of air,
10:90 He backward cast his eyes to view the fair,
10:91 The forfeit grant, that instant, void is made,
10:92 And she for ever left a lifeless shade.
10:93 Now thro' the noiseless throng their way they bend,
10:94 And both with pain the rugged road ascend;
10:95 Dark was the path, and difficult, and steep,
10:96 And thick with vapours from the smoaky deep.
10:97 They well-nigh now had pass'd the bounds of night,
10:98 And just approach'd the margin of the light,
10:99 When he, mistrusting lest her steps might stray,
10:100 And gladsome of the glympse of dawning day,
10:101 His longing eyes, impatient, backward cast
10:102 To catch a lover's look, but look'd his last;
10:103 For, instant dying, she again descends,
10:104 While he to empty air his arms extends.
10:105 Again she dy'd, nor yet her lord reprov'd;
10:106 What could she say, but that too well he lov'd?
10:107 One last farewell she spoke, which scarce he heard;
10:108 So soon she drop'd, so sudden disappear'd.
10:109 All stunn'd he stood, when thus his wife he view'd
10:110 By second Fate, and double death subdu'd:
10:111 Not more amazement by that wretch was shown,
10:112 Whom Cerberus beholding, turn'd to stone;
10:113 Nor Olenus cou'd more astonish'd look,
10:114 When on himself Lethaea's fault he took,
10:115 His beauteous wife, who too secure had dar'd
10:116 Her face to vye with Goddesses compar'd:
10:117 Once join'd by love, they stand united still,
10:118 Turn'd to contiguous rocks on Ida's hill.
10:119 Now to repass the Styx in vain he tries,
10:120 Charon averse, his pressing suit denies.
10:121 Sev'n days entire, along th' infernal shores,
10:122 Disconsolate, the bard Eurydice deplores;
10:123 Defil'd with filth his robe, with tears his cheeks,
10:124 No sustenance but grief, and cares, he seeks:
10:125 Of rigid Fate incessant he complains,
10:126 And Hell's inexorable Gods arraigns.
10:127 This ended, to high Rhodope he hastes,
10:128 And Haemus' mountain, bleak with northern blasts.
10:129 And now his yearly race the circling sun
10:130 Had thrice compleat thro' wat'ry Pisces run,
10:131 Since Orpheus fled the face of womankind,
10:132 And all soft union with the sex declin'd.
10:133 Whether his ill success this change had bred,
10:134 Or binding vows made to his former bed;
10:135 Whate'er the cause, in vain the nymphs contest,
10:136 With rival eyes to warm his frozen breast:
10:137 For ev'ry nymph with love his lays inspir'd,
10:138 But ev'ry nymph repuls'd, with grief retir'd.
10:139 A hill there was, and on that hill a mead,
10:140 With verdure thick, but destitute of shade.
10:141 Where, now, the Muse's son no sooner sings,
10:142 No sooner strikes his sweet resounding strings.
10:143 But distant groves the flying sounds receive,
10:144 And list'ning trees their rooted stations leave;
10:145 Themselves transplanting, all around they grow,
10:146 And various shades their various kinds bestow.
10:147 Here, tall Chaonian oaks their branches spread,
10:148 While weeping poplars there erect their head.
10:149 The foodful Esculus here shoots his leaves,
10:150 That turf soft lime-tree, this, fat beach receives;
10:151 Here, brittle hazels, lawrels here advance,
10:152 And there tough ash to form the heroe's lance;
10:153 Here silver firs with knotless trunks ascend,
10:154 There, scarlet oaks beneath their acorns bend.
10:155 That spot admits the hospitable plane,
10:156 On this, the maple grows with clouded grain;
10:157 Here, watry willows are with Lotus seen;
10:158 There, tamarisk, and box for ever green.
10:159 With double hue here mirtles grace the ground,
10:160 And laurestines, with purple berries crown'd.
10:161 With pliant feet, now, ivies this way wind,
10:162 Vines yonder rise, and elms with vines entwin'd.
10:163 Wild Ornus now, the pitch-tree next takes root,
10:164 And Arbutus adorn'd with blushing fruit.
10:165 Then easy-bending palms, the victor's prize,
10:166 And pines erect with bristly tops arise.
10:167 For Rhea grateful still the pine remains,
10:168 For Atys still some favour she retains;
10:169 He once in human shape her breast had warm'd,
10:170 And now is cherish'd, to a tree transform'd.
The Fable of Cyparissus
10:171 Amid the throng of this promiscuous wood,
10:172 With pointed top, the taper cypress stood;
10:173 A tree, which once a youth, and heav'nly fair,
10:174 Was of that deity the darling care,
10:175 Whose hand adapts, with equal skill, the strings
10:176 To bows with which he kills, and harps to which he sings.
10:177 For heretofore, a mighty stag was bred,
10:178 Which on the fertile fields of Caea fed;
10:179 In shape and size he all his kind excell'd,
10:180 And to Carthaean nymphs was sacred held.
10:181 His beamy head, with branches high display'd,
10:182 Afforded to itself an ample shade;
10:183 His horns were gilt, and his smooth neck was grac'd
10:184 With silver collars thick with gems enchas'd:
10:185 A silver boss upon his forehead hung,
10:186 And brazen pendants in his ear-rings rung.
10:187 Frequenting houses, he familiar grew,
10:188 And learnt by custom, Nature to subdue;
10:189 'Till by degrees, of fear, and wildness, broke,
10:190 Ev'n stranger hands his proffer'd neck might stroak.
10:191 Much was the beast by Caea's youth caress'd,
10:192 But thou, sweet Cyparissus, lov'dst him best:
10:193 By thee, to pastures fresh, he oft was led,
10:194 By thee oft water'd at the fountain's head:
10:195 His horns with garlands, now, by thee were ty'd,
10:196 And, now, thou on his back wou'dst wanton ride;
10:197 Now here, now there wou'dst bound along the plains,
10:198 Ruling his tender mouth with purple reins.
10:199 'Twas when the summer sun, at noon of day,
10:200 Thro' glowing Cancer shot his burning ray,
10:201 'Twas then, the fav'rite stag, in cool retreat,
10:202 Had sought a shelter from the scorching heat;
10:203 Along the grass his weary limbs he laid,
10:204 Inhaling freshness from the breezy shade:
10:205 When Cyparissus with his pointed dart,
10:206 Unknowing, pierc'd him to the panting heart.
10:207 But when the youth, surpriz'd, his error found,
10:208 And saw him dying of the cruel wound,
10:209 Himself he would have slain thro' desp'rate grief:
10:210 What said not Phoebus, that might yield relief!
10:211 To cease his mourning, he the boy desir'd,
10:212 Or mourn no more than such a loss requir'd.
10:213 But he, incessant griev'd: at length address'd
10:214 To the superior Pow'rs a last request;
10:215 Praying, in expiation of his crime,
10:216 Thenceforth to mourn to all succeeding time.
10:217 And now, of blood exhausted he appears,
10:218 Drain'd by a torrent of continual tears;
10:219 The fleshy colour in his body fades,
10:220 And a green tincture all his limbs invades;
10:221 From his fair head, where curling locks late hung,
10:222 A horrid bush with bristled branches sprung,
10:223 Which stiffning by degrees, its stem extends,
10:224 'Till to the starry skies the spire ascends.
10:225 Apollo sad look'd on, and sighing, cry'd,
10:226 Then, be for ever, what thy pray'r imply'd:
10:227 Bemoan'd by me, in others grief excite;
10:228 And still preside at ev'ry fun'ral rite.
10:229 Thus the sweet artist in a wondrous shade
10:230 Of verdant trees, which harmony had made,
10:231 Encircled sate, with his own triumphs crown'd,
10:232 Of listning birds, and savages around.
10:233 Again the trembling strings he dext'rous tries,
10:234 Again from discord makes soft musick rise.
10:235 Then tunes his voice: O Muse, from whom I sprung,
10:236 Jove be my theme, and thou inspire my song.
10:237 To Jove my grateful voice I oft have rais'd,
10:238 Oft his almighty pow'r with pleasure prais'd.
10:239 I sung the giants in a solemn strain,
10:240 Blasted, and thunder-struck on Phlegra's plain.
10:241 Now be my lyre in softer accents mov'd,
10:242 To sing of blooming boys by Gods belov'd;
10:243 And to relate what virgins, void of shame,
10:244 Have suffer'd vengeance for a lawless flame.
10:245 The King of Gods once felt the burning joy,
10:246 And sigh'd for lovely Ganimede of Troy:
10:247 Long was he puzzled to assume a shape
10:248 Most fit, and expeditious for the rape;
10:249 A bird's was proper, yet he scorns to wear
10:250 Any but that which might his thunder bear.
10:251 Down with his masquerading wings he flies,
10:252 And bears the little Trojan to the skies;
10:253 Where now, in robes of heav'nly purple drest,
10:254 He serves the nectar at th' Almighty's feast,
10:255 To slighted Juno an unwelcome guest.
Hyacinthus transform'd into a Flower
10:256 Phoebus for thee too, Hyacinth, design'd
10:257 A place among the Gods, had Fate been kind:
10:258 Yet this he gave; as oft as wintry rains
10:259 Are past, and vernal breezes sooth the plains,
10:260 From the green turf a purple flow'r you rise,
10:261 And with your fragrant breath perfume the skies.
10:262 You when alive were Phoebus' darling boy;
10:263 In you he plac'd his Heav'n, and fix'd his joy:
10:264 Their God the Delphic priests consult in vain;
10:265 Eurotas now he loves, and Sparta's plain:
10:266 His hands the use of bow and harp forget,
10:267 And hold the dogs, or bear the corded net;
10:268 O'er hanging cliffs swift he pursues the game;
10:269 Each hour his pleasure, each augments his flame.
10:270 The mid-day sun now shone with equal light
10:271 Between the past, and the succeeding night;
10:272 They strip, then, smooth'd with suppling oyl, essay
10:273 To pitch the rounded quoit, their wonted play:
10:274 A well-pois'd disk first hasty Phoebus threw,
10:275 It cleft the air, and whistled as it flew;
10:276 It reach'd the mark, a most surprizing length;
10:277 Which spoke an equal share of art, and strength.
10:278 Scarce was it fall'n, when with too eager hand
10:279 Young Hyacinth ran to snatch it from the sand;
10:280 But the curst orb, which met a stony soil,
10:281 Flew in his face with violent recoil.
10:282 Both faint, both pale, and breathless now appear,
10:283 The boy with pain, the am'rous God with fear.
10:284 He ran, and rais'd him bleeding from the ground,
10:285 Chafes his cold limbs, and wipes the fatal wound:
10:286 Then herbs of noblest juice in vain applies;
10:287 The wound is mortal, and his skill defies.
10:288 As in a water'd garden's blooming walk,
10:289 When some rude hand has bruis'd its tender stalk,
10:290 A fading lilly droops its languid head,
10:291 And bends to earth, its life, and beauty fled:
10:292 So Hyacinth, with head reclin'd, decays,
10:293 And, sickning, now no more his charms displays.
10:294 O thou art gone, my boy, Apollo cry'd,
10:295 Defrauded of thy youth in all its pride!
10:296 Thou, once my joy, art all my sorrow now;
10:297 And to my guilty hand my grief I owe.
10:298 Yet from my self I might the fault remove,
10:299 Unless to sport, and play, a fault should prove,
10:300 Unless it too were call'd a fault to love.
10:301 Oh cou'd I for thee, or but with thee, dye!
10:302 But cruel Fates to me that pow'r deny.
10:303 Yet on my tongue thou shalt for ever dwell;
10:304 Thy name my lyre shall sound, my verse shall tell;
10:305 And to a flow'r transform'd, unheard-of yet,
10:306 Stamp'd on thy leaves my cries thou shalt repeat.
10:307 The time shall come, prophetick I foreknow,
10:308 When, joyn'd to thee, a mighty chief shall grow,
10:309 And with my plaints his name thy leaf shall show.
10:310 While Phoebus thus the laws of Fate reveal'd,
10:311 Behold, the blood which stain'd the verdant field,
10:312 Is blood no longer; but a flow'r full blown,
10:313 Far brighter than the Tyrian scarlet shone.
10:314 A lilly's form it took; its purple hue
10:315 Was all that made a diff'rence to the view,
10:316 Nor stop'd he here; the God upon its leaves
10:317 The sad expression of his sorrow weaves;
10:318 And to this hour the mournful purple wears
10:319 Ai, Ai, inscrib'd in funeral characters.
10:320 Nor are the Spartans, who so much are fam'd
10:321 For virtue, of their Hyacinth asham'd;
10:322 But still with pompous woe, and solemn state,
10:323 The Hyacinthian feasts they yearly celebrate
The Transformations of the Cerastae and Propoetides
10:324 Enquire of Amathus, whose wealthy ground
10:325 With veins of every metal does abound,
10:326 If she to her Propoetides wou'd show,
10:327 The honour Sparta does to him allow?
10:328 Nor more, she'd say, such wretches wou'd we grace,
10:329 Than those whose crooked horns deform'd their face,
10:330 From thence Cerastae call'd, an impious race:
10:331 Before whose gates a rev'rend altar stood,
10:332 To Jove inscrib'd, the hospitable God:
10:333 This had some stranger seen with gore besmear'd,
10:334 The blood of lambs, and bulls it had appear'd:
10:335 Their slaughter'd guests it was; nor flock nor herd.
10:336 Venus these barb'rous sacrifices view'd
10:337 With just abhorrence, and with wrath pursu'd:
10:338 At first, to punish such nefarious crimes,
10:339 Their towns she meant to leave, her once-lov'd climes:
10:340 But why, said she, for their offence shou'd I
10:341 My dear delightful plains, and cities fly?
10:342 No, let the impious people, who have sinn'd,
10:343 A punishment in death, or exile, find:
10:344 If death, or exile too severe be thought,
10:345 Let them in some vile shape bemoan their fault.
10:346 While next her mind a proper form employs,
10:347 Admonish'd by their horns, she fix'd her choice.
10:348 Their former crest remains upon their heads,
10:349 And their strong limbs an ox's shape invades.
10:350 The blasphemous Propoetides deny'd
10:351 Worship of Venus, and her pow'r defy'd:
10:352 But soon that pow'r they felt, the first that sold
10:353 Their lewd embraces to the world for gold.
10:354 Unknowing how to blush, and shameless grown,
10:355 A small transition changes them to stone.
The Story of Pygmalion and the Statue
10:356 Pygmalion loathing their lascivious life,
10:357 Abhorr'd all womankind, but most a wife:
10:358 So single chose to live, and shunn'd to wed,
10:359 Well pleas'd to want a consort of his bed.
10:360 Yet fearing idleness, the nurse of ill,
10:361 In sculpture exercis'd his happy skill;
10:362 And carv'd in iv'ry such a maid, so fair,
10:363 As Nature could not with his art compare,
10:364 Were she to work; but in her own defence
10:365 Must take her pattern here, and copy hence.
10:366 Pleas'd with his idol, he commends, admires,
10:367 Adores; and last, the thing ador'd, desires.
10:368 A very virgin in her face was seen,
10:369 And had she mov'd, a living maid had been:
10:370 One wou'd have thought she cou'd have stirr'd, but strove
10:371 With modesty, and was asham'd to move.
10:372 Art hid with art, so well perform'd the cheat,
10:373 It caught the carver with his own deceit:
10:374 He knows 'tis madness, yet he must adore,
10:375 And still the more he knows it, loves the more:
10:376 The flesh, or what so seems, he touches oft,
10:377 Which feels so smooth, that he believes it soft.
10:378 Fir'd with this thought, at once he strain'd the breast,
10:379 And on the lips a burning kiss impress'd.
10:380 'Tis true, the harden'd breast resists the gripe,
10:381 And the cold lips return a kiss unripe:
10:382 But when, retiring back, he look'd again,
10:383 To think it iv'ry, was a thought too mean:
10:384 So wou'd believe she kiss'd, and courting more,
10:385 Again embrac'd her naked body o'er;
10:386 And straining hard the statue, was afraid
10:387 His hands had made a dint, and hurt his maid:
10:388 Explor'd her limb by limb, and fear'd to find
10:389 So rude a gripe had left a livid mark behind:
10:390 With flatt'ry now he seeks her mind to move,
10:391 And now with gifts (the pow'rful bribes of love),
10:392 He furnishes her closet first; and fills
10:393 The crowded shelves with rarities of shells;
10:394 Adds orient pearls, which from the conchs he drew,
10:395 And all the sparkling stones of various hue:
10:396 And parrots, imitating human tongue,
10:397 And singing-birds in silver cages hung:
10:398 And ev'ry fragrant flow'r, and od'rous green,
10:399 Were sorted well, with lumps of amber laid between:
10:400 Rich fashionable robes her person deck,
10:401 Pendants her ears, and pearls adorn her neck:
10:402 Her taper'd fingers too with rings are grac'd,
10:403 And an embroider'd zone surrounds her slender waste.
10:404 Thus like a queen array'd, so richly dress'd,
10:405 Beauteous she shew'd, but naked shew'd the best.
10:406 Then, from the floor, he rais'd a royal bed,
10:407 With cov'rings of Sydonian purple spread:
10:408 The solemn rites perform'd, he calls her bride,
10:409 With blandishments invites her to his side;
10:410 And as she were with vital sense possess'd,
10:411 Her head did on a plumy pillow rest.
10:412 The feast of Venus came, a solemn day,
10:413 To which the Cypriots due devotion pay;
10:414 With gilded horns the milk-white heifers led,
10:415 Slaughter'd before the sacred altars, bled.
10:416 Pygmalion off'ring, first approach'd the shrine,
10:417 And then with pray'rs implor'd the Pow'rs divine:
10:418 Almighty Gods, if all we mortals want,
10:419 If all we can require, be yours to grant;
10:420 Make this fair statue mine, he wou'd have said,
10:421 But chang'd his words for shame; and only pray'd,
10:422 Give me the likeness of my iv'ry maid.
10:423 The golden Goddess, present at the pray'r,
10:424 Well knew he meant th' inanimated fair,
10:425 And gave the sign of granting his desire;
10:426 For thrice in chearful flames ascends the fire.
10:427 The youth, returning to his mistress, hies,
10:428 And impudent in hope, with ardent eyes,
10:429 And beating breast, by the dear statue lies.
10:430 He kisses her white lips, renews the bliss,
10:431 And looks, and thinks they redden at the kiss;
10:432 He thought them warm before: nor longer stays,
10:433 But next his hand on her hard bosom lays:
10:434 Hard as it was, beginning to relent,
10:435 It seem'd, the breast beneath his fingers bent;
10:436 He felt again, his fingers made a print;
10:437 'Twas flesh, but flesh so firm, it rose against the dint:
10:438 The pleasing task he fails not to renew;
10:439 Soft, and more soft at ev'ry touch it grew;
10:440 Like pliant wax, when chasing hands reduce
10:441 The former mass to form, and frame for use.
10:442 He would believe, but yet is still in pain,
10:443 And tries his argument of sense again,
10:444 Presses the pulse, and feels the leaping vein.
10:445 Convinc'd, o'erjoy'd, his studied thanks, and praise,
10:446 To her, who made the miracle, he pays:
10:447 Then lips to lips he join'd; now freed from fear,
10:448 He found the savour of the kiss sincere:
10:449 At this the waken'd image op'd her eyes,
10:450 And view'd at once the light, and lover with surprize.
10:451 The Goddess, present at the match she made,
10:452 So bless'd the bed, such fruitfulness convey'd,
10:453 That ere ten months had sharpen'd either horn,
10:454 To crown their bliss, a lovely boy was born;
10:455 Paphos his name, who grown to manhood, wall'd
10:456 The city Paphos, from the founder call'd.
The Story of of Cinyras and Myrrha
10:457 Nor him alone produc'd the fruitful queen;
10:458 But Cinyras, who like his sire had been
10:459 A happy prince, had he not been a sire.
10:460 Daughters, and fathers, from my song retire;
10:461 I sing of horror; and could I prevail,
10:462 You shou'd not hear, or not believe my tale.
10:463 Yet if the pleasure of my song be such,
10:464 That you will hear, and credit me too much,
10:465 Attentive listen to the last event,
10:466 And, with the sin, believe the punishment:
10:467 Since Nature cou'd behold so dire a crime,
10:468 I gratulate at least my native clime,
10:469 That such a land, which such a monster bore,
10:470 So far is distant from our Thracian shore.
10:471 Let Araby extol her happy coast,
10:472 Her cinamon, and sweet Amomum boast,
10:473 Her fragrant flow'rs, her trees with precious tears,
10:474 Her second harvests, and her double years;
10:475 How can the land be call'd so bless'd, that Myrrha bears?
10:476 Nor all her od'rous tears can cleanse her crime;
10:477 Her Plant alone deforms the happy clime:
10:478 Cupid denies to have inflam'd thy heart,
10:479 Disowns thy love, and vindicates his dart:
10:480 Some Fury gave thee those infernal pains,
10:481 And shot her venom'd vipers in thy veins.
10:482 To hate thy sire, had merited a curse;
10:483 But such an impious love deserv'd a worse.
10:484 The neighb'ring monarchs, by thy beauty led,
10:485 Contend in crowds, ambitious of thy bed:
10:486 The world is at thy choice; except but one,
10:487 Except but him, thou canst not chuse, alone.
10:488 She knew it too, the miserable maid,
10:489 Ere impious love her better thoughts betray'd,
10:490 And thus within her secret soul she said:
10:491 Ah Myrrha! whither wou'd thy wishes tend?
10:492 Ye Gods, ye sacred laws, my soul defend
10:493 From such a crime as all mankind detest,
10:494 And never lodg'd before in human breast!
10:495 But is it sin? Or makes my mind alone
10:496 Th' imagin'd sin? For Nature makes it none.
10:497 What tyrant then these envious laws began,
10:498 Made not for any other beast, but Man!
10:499 The father-bull his daughter may bestride,
10:500 The horse may make his mother-mare a bride;
10:501 What piety forbids the lusty ram,
10:502 Or more salacious goat, to rut their dam?
10:503 The hen is free to wed the chick she bore,
10:504 And make a husband, whom she hatch'd before.
10:505 All creatures else are of a happier kind,
10:506 Whom nor ill-natur'd laws from pleasure bind,
10:507 Nor thoughts of sin disturb their peace of mind.
10:508 But Man a slave of his own making lives;
10:509 The fool denies himself what Nature gives:
10:510 Too-busie senates, with an over-care,
10:511 To make us better than our kind can bear,
10:512 Have dash'd a spice of envy in the laws,
10:513 And straining up too high, have spoil'd the cause.
10:514 Yet some wise nations break their cruel chains,
10:515 And own no laws, but those which love ordains;
10:516 Where happy daughters with their sires are join'd,
10:517 And piety is doubly paid in kind.
10:518 O that I had been born in such a clime,
10:519 Not here, where 'tis the country makes the crime!
10:520 But whither wou'd my impious fancy stray?
10:521 Hence hopes, and ye forbidden thoughts away!
10:522 His worth deserves to kindle my desires,
10:523 But with the love, that daughters bear to sires.
10:524 Then had not Cinyras my father been,
10:525 What hinder'd Myrrha's hopes to be his queen?
10:526 But the perverseness of my fate is such,
10:527 That he's not mine, because he's mine too much:
10:528 Our kindred-blood debars a better tie;
10:529 He might be nearer, were he not so nigh.
10:530 Eyes, and their objects, never must unite;
10:531 Some distance is requir'd to help the sight:
10:532 Fain wou'd I travel to some foreign shore,
10:533 Never to see my native country more,
10:534 So might I to my self my self restore;
10:535 So might my mind these impious thoughts remove,
10:536 And ceasing to behold, might cease to love.
10:537 But stay I must, to feed my famish'd sight,
10:538 To talk, to kiss, and more, if more I might:
10:539 More, impious maid! What more canst thou design?
10:540 To make a monstrous mixture in thy line,
10:541 And break all statutes human and divine!
10:542 Can'st thou be call'd (to save thy wretched life)
10:543 Thy mother's rival, and thy father's wife?
10:544 Confound so many sacred names in one,
10:545 Thy brother's mother! Sister to thy son!
10:546 And fear'st thou not to see th' infernal bands,
10:547 Their heads with snakes; with torches arm'd their hands
10:548 Full at thy face th' avenging brands to bear,
10:549 And shake the serpents from their hissing hair;
10:550 But thou in time th' increasing ill controul,
10:551 Nor first debauch the body by the soul;
10:552 Secure the sacred quiet of thy mind,
10:553 And keep the sanctions Nature has design'd.
10:554 Suppose I shou'd attempt, th' attempt were vain,
10:555 No thoughts like mine, his sinless soul profane;
10:556 Observant of the right: and o that he
10:557 Cou'd cure my madness, or be mad like me!
10:558 Thus she: but Cinyras, who daily sees
10:559 A crowd of noble suitors at his knees,
10:560 Among so many, knew not whom to chuse,
10:561 Irresolute to grant, or to refuse.
10:562 But having told their names, enquir'd of her
10:563 Who pleas'd her best, and whom she would prefer.
10:564 The blushing maid stood silent with surprize,
10:565 And on her father fix'd her ardent eyes,
10:566 And looking sigh'd, and as she sigh'd, began
10:567 Round tears to shed, that scalded as they ran.
10:568 The tender sire, who saw her blush, and cry,
10:569 Ascrib'd it all to maiden modesty,
10:570 And dry'd the falling drops, and yet more kind,
10:571 He stroak'd her cheeks, and holy kisses join'd.
10:572 She felt a secret venom fire her blood,
10:573 And found more pleasure, than a daughter shou'd;
10:574 And, ask'd again what lover of the crew
10:575 She lik'd the best, she answer'd, One like you.
10:576 Mistaking what she meant, her pious will
10:577 He prais'd, and bid her so continue still:
10:578 The word of pious heard, she blush'd with shame
10:579 Of secret guilt, and cou'd not bear the name.
10:580 'Twas now the mid of night, when slumbers close
10:581 Our eyes, and sooth our cares with soft repose;
10:582 But no repose cou'd wretched Myrrha find,
10:583 Her body rouling, as she roul'd her mind:
10:584 Mad with desire, she ruminates her sin,
10:585 And wishes all her wishes o'er again:
10:586 Now she despairs, and now resolves to try;
10:587 Wou'd not, and wou'd again, she knows not why;
10:588 Stops, and returns; makes, and retracts the vow;
10:589 Fain wou'd begin, but understands not how.
10:590 As when a pine is hew'd upon the plains,
10:591 And the last mortal stroke alone remains,
10:592 Lab'ring in pangs of death, and threatning all,
10:593 This way, and that she nods, consid'ring where to fall:
10:594 So Myrrha's mind, impell'd on either side,
10:595 Takes ev'ry bent, but cannot long abide;
10:596 Irresolute on which she shou'd relie,
10:597 At last, unfix'd in all, is only fix'd to die.
10:598 On that sad thought she rests, resolv'd on death,
10:599 She rises, and prepares to choak her breath:
10:600 Then while about the beam her zone she ties,
10:601 Dear Cinyras farewell, she softly cries;
10:602 For thee I die, and only wish to be
10:603 Not hated, when thou know'st die I for thee:
10:604 Pardon the crime, in pity to the cause:
10:605 This said, about her neck the noose she draws.
10:606 The nurse, who lay without, her faithful guard,
10:607 Though not the words, the murmurs over-heard;
10:608 And sighs, and hollow sounds: surpriz'd with fright,
10:609 She starts, and leaves her bed, and springs a light;
10:610 Unlocks the door, and entring out of breath,
10:611 The dying saw, and instruments of death;
10:612 She shrieks, she cuts the zone with trembling haste,
10:613 And in her arms her fainting charge embrac'd:
10:614 Next (for she now had leisure for her tears),
10:615 She weeping ask'd, in these her blooming years,
10:616 What unforeseen misfortune caus'd her care,
10:617 To loath her life, and languish in despair!
10:618 The maid, with down-cast eyes, and mute with grief
10:619 For death unfinish'd, and ill-tim'd relief,
10:620 Stood sullen to her suit: the beldame press'd
10:621 The more to know, and bar'd her wither'd breast,
10:622 Adjur'd her by the kindly food she drew
10:623 From those dry founts, her secret ill to shew.
10:624 Sad Myrrha sigh'd, and turn'd her eyes aside:
10:625 The nurse still urg'd, and wou'd not be deny'd:
10:626 Nor only promis'd secresie, but pray'd
10:627 She might have leave to give her offer'd aid.
10:628 Good-will, she said, my want of strength supplies,
10:629 And diligence shall give what age denies:
10:630 If strong desires thy mind to fury move,
10:631 With charms and med'cines I can cure thy love:
10:632 If envious eyes their hurtuful rays have cast,
10:633 More pow'rful verse shall free thee from the blast:
10:634 If Heav'n offended sends thee this disease,
10:635 Offended Heav'n with pray'rs we can appease.
10:636 What then remains, that can these cares procure?
10:637 Thy house is flourishing, thy fortune sure:
10:638 Thy careful mother yet in health survives,
10:639 And, to thy comfort, thy kind father lives.
10:640 The virgin started at her father's name,
10:641 And sigh'd profoundly, conscious of the shame
10:642 Nor yet the nurse her impious love divin'd,
10:643 But yet surmis'd that love disturb'd her mind:
10:644 Thus thinking, she pursu'd her point, and laid,
10:645 And lull'd within her lap the mourning maid;
10:646 Then softly sooth'd her thus; I guess your grief:
10:647 You love, my child; your love shall find relief.
10:648 My long-experienc'd age shall be your guide;
10:649 Rely on that, and lay distrust aside.
10:650 No breath of air shall on the secret blow,
10:651 Nor shall (what most you fear) your father know.
10:652 Struck once again, as with a thunder-clap,
10:653 The guilty virgin bounded from her lap,
10:654 And threw her body prostrate on the bed.
10:655 And, to conceal her blushes, hid her head;
10:656 There silent lay, and warn'd her with her hand
10:657 To go: but she receiv'd not the command;
10:658 Remaining still importunate to know:
10:659 Then Myrrha thus: Or ask no more, or go;
10:660 I pr'ythee go, or staying spare my shame;
10:661 What thou would'st hear, is impious ev'n to name.
10:662 At this, on high the beldame holds her hands,
10:663 And trembling both with age, and terror stands;
10:664 Adjures, and falling at her feet intreats,
10:665 Sooths her with blandishments, and frights with threats,
10:666 To tell the crime intended, or disclose
10:667 What part of it she knew, if she no farther knows.
10:668 And last, if conscious to her counsel made,
10:669 Confirms anew the promise of her aid.
10:670 Now Myrrha rais'd her head; but soon oppress'd
10:671 With shame, reclin'd it on her nurse's breast;
10:672 Bath'd it with tears, and strove to have confess'd:
10:673 Twice she began, and stopp'd; again she try'd;
10:674 The falt'ring tongue its office still deny'd.
10:675 At last her veil before her face she spread,
10:676 And drew a long preluding sigh, and said,
10:677 O happy mother, in thy marriage-bed!
10:678 Then groan'd, and ceas'd. The good old woman shook,
10:679 Stiff were her eyes, and ghastly was her look:
10:680 Her hoary hair upright with horror stood,
10:681 Made (to her grief) more knowing than she wou'd.
10:682 Much she reproach'd, and many things she said,
10:683 To cure the madness of th' unhappy maid,
10:684 In vain: for Myrrha stood convict of ill;
10:685 Her reason vanquish'd, but unchang'd her will:
10:686 Perverse of mind, unable to reply;
10:687 She stood resolv'd, or to possess, or die.
10:688 At length the fondness of a nurse prevail'd
10:689 Against her better sense, and virtue fail'd:
10:690 Enjoy, my child, since such is thy desire,
10:691 Thy love, she said; she durst not say, thy sire:
10:692 Live, though unhappy, live on any terms;
10:693 Then with a second oath her faith confirms.
10:694 The solemn feast of Ceres now was near,
10:695 When long white linnen stoles the matrons wear;
10:696 Rank'd in procession walk the pious train,
10:697 Off'ring first-fruits, and spikes of yellow grain:
10:698 For nine long nights the nuptial-bed they shun,
10:699 And sanctifying harvest, lie alone.
10:700 Mix'd with the crowd, the queen forsook her lord,
10:701 And Ceres' pow'r with secret rites ador'd:
10:702 The royal couch, now vacant for a time,
10:703 The crafty crone, officious in her crime,
10:704 The first occasion took: the king she found
10:705 Easie with wine, and deep in pleasures drown'd,
10:706 Prepar'd for love: the beldame blew the flame,
10:707 Confess'd the passion, but conceal'd the name.
10:708 Her form she prais'd; the monarch ask'd her years;
10:709 And she reply'd, The same thy Myrrha bears.
10:710 Wine, and commended beauty fir'd his thought;
10:711 Impatient, he commands her to be brought.
10:712 Pleas'd with her charge perform'd, she hies her home,
10:713 And gratulates the nymph, the task was overcome.
10:714 Myrrha was joy'd the welcome news to hear;
10:715 But clog'd with guilt, the joy was unsincere:
10:716 So various, so discordant is the mind,
10:717 That in our will a diff'rent will we find.
10:718 Ill she presag'd, and yet pursu'd her lust;
10:719 For guilty pleasures give a double gust.
10:720 'Twas depth of night: Arctophylax had driv'n
10:721 His lazy wain half round the northern Heav'n,
10:722 When Myrrha hasten'd to the crime desir'd:
10:723 The moon beheld her first, and first retir'd:
10:724 The stars amaz'd, ran backward from the sight,
10:725 And (shrunk within their sockets) lost their light.
10:726 Icarius first withdraws his holy flame:
10:727 The virgin sign, in Heav'n the second name,
10:728 Slides down the belt, and from her station flies,
10:729 And night with sable clouds involves the skies.
10:730 Bold Myrrha still pursues her black intent;
10:731 She stumbled thrice (an omen of th' event);
10:732 Thrice shriek'd the fun'ral owl, yet on she went,
10:733 Secure of shame, because secure of sight;
10:734 Ev'n bashful sins are impudent by night.
10:735 Link'd hand in hand, th' accomplice, and the dame,
10:736 Their way exploring, to the chamber came:
10:737 The door was ope; they blindly grope their way,
10:738 Where dark in bed th' expecting monarch lay.
10:739 Thus far her courage held, but here forsakes;
10:740 Her faint knees knock at ev'ry step she makes.
10:741 The nearer to her crime, the more within
10:742 She feels remorse, and horror of her sin;
10:743 Repents too late her criminal desire,
10:744 And wishes, that unknown she could retire.
10:745 Her lingring thus, the nurse (who fear'd delay
10:746 The fatal secret might at length betray)
10:747 Pull'd forward, to compleat the work begun,
10:748 And said to Cinyras, Receive thy own.
10:749 Thus saying, she deliver'd kind to kind,
10:750 Accurs'd, and their devoted bodies join'd.
10:751 The sire, unknowing of the crime, admits
10:752 His bowels, and prophanes the hallow'd sheets;
10:753 He found she trembled, but believ'd she strove
10:754 With maiden modesty against her love,
10:755 And sought with flatt'ring words vain fancies to remove.
10:756 Perhaps he said, My daughter, cease thy fears
10:757 (Because the title suited with her years);
10:758 And, Father, she might whisper him again,
10:759 That names might not be wanting to the sin.
10:760 Full of her sire, she left th' incestuous bed,
10:761 And carry'd in her womb the crime she bred.
10:762 Another, and another night she came;
10:763 For frequent sin had left no sense of shame:
10:764 'Till Cinyras desir'd to see her face,
10:765 Whose body he had held in close embrace,
10:766 And brought a taper; the revealer, light,
10:767 Expos'd both crime, and criminal to sight.
10:768 Grief, rage, amazement, could no speech afford,
10:769 But from the sheath he drew th' avenging sword:
10:770 The guilty fled: the benefit of night,
10:771 That favour'd first the sin, secur'd the flight.
10:772 Long wand'ring thro' the spacious fields, she bent
10:773 Her voyage to th' Arabian continent;
10:774 Then pass'd the region which Panchaea join'd,
10:775 And flying, left the palmy plains behind.
10:776 Nine times the moon had mew'd her horns; at length
10:777 With travel weary, unsupply'd with strength,
10:778 And with the burden of her womb oppress'd,
10:779 Sabaean fields afford her needful rest:
10:780 There, loathing life, and yet of death afraid,
10:781 In anguish of her spirit, thus she pray'd:
10:782 Ye Pow'rs, if any so propitious are
10:783 T' accept my penitence, and hear my pray'r;
10:784 Your judgments, I confess, are justly sent;
10:785 Great sins deserve as great a punishment:
10:786 Yet since my life the living will profane,
10:787 And since my death the happy dead will stain,
10:788 A middle state your mercy may bestow,
10:789 Betwixt the realms above, and those below:
10:790 Some other form to wretched Myrrha give,
10:791 Nor let her wholly die, nor wholly live.
10:792 The pray'rs of penitents are never vain;
10:793 At least she did her last request obtain:
10:794 For while she spoke, the ground began to rise,
10:795 And gather'd round her feet, her legs, and thighs;
10:796 Her toes in roots descend, and spreading wide,
10:797 A firm foundation for the trunk provide:
10:798 Her solid bones convert to solid wood,
10:799 To pith her marrow, and to sap her blood:
10:800 Her arms are boughs, her fingers change their kind,
10:801 Her tender skin is harden'd into rind.
10:802 And now the rising tree her womb invests,
10:803 Now shooting upwards still, invades her breasts,
10:804 And shades the neck; when weary with delay,
10:805 She sunk her head within, and met it half the way.
10:806 And tho' with outward shape she lost her sense,
10:807 With bitter tears she wept her last offence;
10:808 And still she weeps, nor sheds her tears in vain;
10:809 For still the precious drops her name retain.
10:810 Mean-time the mis-begotten infant grows,
10:811 And ripe for birth, distends with deadly throes
10:812 The swelling rind, with unavailing strife,
10:813 To leave the wooden womb, and pushes into life.
10:814 The mother-tree, as if oppress'd with pain,
10:815 Writhes here, and there, to break the bark, in vain;
10:816 And, like a lab'ring woman, wou'd have pray'd,
10:817 But wants a voice to call Lucina's aid:
10:818 The bending bole sends out a hollow sound,
10:819 And trickling tears fall thicker on the ground.
10:820 The mild Lucina came uncall'd, and stood
10:821 Beside the struggling boughs, and heard the groaning wood;
10:822 Then reach'd her midwife-hand to speed the throes,
10:823 And spoke the pow'rful spells, that babes to birth disclose.
10:824 The bark divides, the living load to free,
10:825 And safe delivers the convulsive tree.
10:826 The ready nymphs receive the crying child,
10:827 And wash him in the tears the parent plant distill'd.
10:828 They swath'd him with their scarfs; beneath him spread
10:829 The ground with herbs; with roses rais'd his head.
10:830 The lovely babe was born with ev'ry grace,
10:831 Ev'n envy must have prais'd so fair a face:
10:832 Such was his form, as painters when they show
10:833 Their utmost art, on naked loves bestow:
10:834 And that their arms no diff'rence might betray,
10:835 Give him a bow, or his from Cupid take away.
10:836 Time glides along with undiscover'd haste,
10:837 The future but a length behind the past;
10:838 So swift are years. The babe, whom just before
10:839 His grandsire got, and whom his sister bore;
10:840 The drop, the thing, which late the tree inclos'd,
10:841 And late the yawning bark to life expos'd;
10:842 A babe, a boy, a beauteous youth appears,
10:843 And lovelier than himself at riper years.
10:844 Now to the queen of love he gave desires,
10:845 And, with her pains, reveng'd his mother's fires.
The Story of Venus and Adonis
10:846 For Cytherea's lips while Cupid prest,
10:847 He with a heedless arrow raz'd her breast,
10:848 The Goddess felt it, and with fury stung,
10:849 The wanton mischief from her bosom flung:
10:850 Yet thought at first the danger slight, but found
10:851 The dart too faithful, and too deep the wound.
10:852 Fir'd with a mortal beauty, she disdains
10:853 To haunt th' Idalian mount, or Phrygian plains.
10:854 She seeks not Cnidos, nor her Paphian shrines,
10:855 Nor Amathus, that teems with brazen mines:
10:856 Ev'n Heav'n itself with all its sweets unsought,
10:857 Adonis far a sweeter Heav'n is thought.
10:858 On him she hangs, and fonds with ev'ry art,
10:859 And never, never knows from him to part.
10:860 She, whose soft limbs had only been display'd
10:861 On rosie beds beneath the myrtle shade,
10:862 Whose pleasing care was to improve each grace,
10:863 And add more charms to an unrival'd face,
10:864 Now buskin'd, like the virgin huntress, goes
10:865 Thro' woods, and pathless wilds, and mountain-snows
10:866 With her own tuneful voice she joys to cheer
10:867 The panting hounds, that chace the flying deer.
10:868 She runs the labyrinth of fearful hares,
10:869 But fearless beasts, and dang'rous prey forbears,
10:870 Hunts not the grinning wolf, or foamy boar,
10:871 And trembles at the lion's hungry roar.
10:872 Thee too, Adonis, with a lover's care
10:873 She warns, if warn'd thou wou'dst avoid the snare,
10:874 To furious animals advance not nigh,
10:875 Fly those that follow, follow those that fly;
10:876 'Tis chance alone must the survivors save,
10:877 Whene'er brave spirits will attempt the brave.
10:878 O! lovely youth! in harmless sports delight;
10:879 Provoke not beasts, which, arm'd by Nature, fight.
10:880 For me, if not thy self, vouchsafe to fear;
10:881 Let not thy thirst of glory cost me dear.
10:882 Boars know not bow to spare a blooming age;
10:883 No sparkling eyes can sooth the lion's rage.
10:884 Not all thy charms a savage breast can move,
10:885 Which have so deeply touch'd the queen of love.
10:886 When bristled boars from beaten thickets spring,
10:887 In grinded tusks a thunderbolt they bring.
10:888 The daring hunters lions rouz'd devour,
10:889 Vast is their fury, and as vast their pow'r:
10:890 Curst be their tawny race! If thou would'st hear
10:891 What kindled thus my hate, then lend an ear:
10:892 The wond'rous tale I will to thee unfold,
10:893 How the fell monsters rose from crimes of old.
10:894 But by long toils I faint: see! wide-display'd,
10:895 A grateful poplar courts us with a shade.
10:896 The grassy turf, beneath, so verdant shows,
10:897 We may secure delightfully repose.
10:898 With her Adonis here be Venus blest;
10:899 And swift at once the grass and him she prest.
10:900 Then sweetly smiling, with a raptur'd mind,
10:901 On his lov'd bosom she her head reclin'd,
10:902 And thus began; but mindful still of bliss,
10:903 Seal'd the soft accents with a softer kiss.
10:904 Perhaps thou may'st have heard a virgin's name,
10:905 Who still in swiftness swiftest youths o'ercame.
10:906 Wondrous! that female weakness should outdo
10:907 A manly strength; the wonder yet is true.
10:908 'Twas doubtful, if her triumphs in the field
10:909 Did to her form's triumphant glories yield;
10:910 Whether her face could with more ease decoy
10:911 A crowd of lovers, or her feet destroy.
10:912 For once Apollo she implor'd to show
10:913 If courteous Fates a consort would allow:
10:914 A consort brings thy ruin, he reply'd;
10:915 O! learn to want the pleasures of a bride!
10:916 Nor shalt thou want them to thy wretched cost,
10:917 And Atalanta living shall be lost.
10:918 With such a rueful Fate th' affrighted maid
10:919 Sought green recesses in the wood-land glade.
10:920 Nor sighing suiters her resolves could move,
10:921 She bad them show their speed, to show their love.
10:922 He only, who could conquer in the race,
10:923 Might hope the conquer'd virgin to embrace;
10:924 While he, whose tardy feet had lagg'd behind,
10:925 Was doom'd the sad reward of death to find.
10:926 Tho' great the prize, yet rigid the decree,
10:927 But blind with beauty, who can rigour see?
10:928 Ev'n on these laws the fair they rashly sought,
10:929 And danger in excess of love forgot.
10:930 There sat Hippomenes, prepar'd to blame
10:931 In lovers such extravagance of flame.
10:932 And must, he said, the blessing of a wife
10:933 Be dearly purchas'd by a risk of life?
10:934 But when he saw the wonders of her face,
10:935 And her limbs naked, springing to the race,
10:936 Her limbs, as exquisitely turn'd, as mine,
10:937 Or if a woman thou, might vie with thine,
10:938 With lifted hands, he cry'd, forgive the tongue
10:939 Which durst, ye youths, your well-tim'd courage wrong.
10:940 I knew not that the nymph, for whom you strove,
10:941 Deserv'd th' unbounded transports of your love.
10:942 He saw, admir'd, and thus her spotless frame
10:943 He prais'd, and praising, kindled his own flame.
10:944 A rival now to all the youths who run,
10:945 Envious, he fears they should not be undone.
10:946 But why (reflects he) idly thus is shown
10:947 The fate of others, yet untry'd my own?
10:948 The coward must not on love's aid depend;
10:949 The God was ever to the bold a friend.
10:950 Mean-time the virgin flies, or seems to fly,
10:951 Swift as a Scythian arrow cleaves the sky:
10:952 Still more and more the youth her charms admires.
10:953 The race itself t' exalt her charms conspires.
10:954 The golden pinions, which her feet adorn,
10:955 In wanton flutt'rings by the winds are born.
10:956 Down from her head, the long, fair tresses flow,
10:957 And sport with lovely negligence below.
10:958 The waving ribbands, which her buskins tie,
10:959 Her snowy skin with waving purple die;
10:960 As crimson veils in palaces display'd,
10:961 To the white marble lend a blushing shade.
10:962 Nor long he gaz'd, yet while he gaz'd, she gain'd
10:963 The goal, and the victorious wreath obtain'd.
10:964 The vanquish'd sigh, and, as the law decreed,
10:965 Pay the dire forfeit, and prepare to bleed.
10:966 Then rose Hippomenes, not yet afraid,
10:967 And fix'd his eyes full on the beauteous maid.
10:968 Where is (he cry'd) the mighty conquest won,
10:969 To distance those, who want the nerves to run?
10:970 Here prove superior strength, nor shall it be
10:971 Thy loss of glory, if excell'd by me.
10:972 High my descent, near Neptune I aspire,
10:973 For Neptune was grand-parent to my sire.
10:974 From that great God the fourth my self I trace,
10:975 Nor sink my virtues yet beneath my race.
10:976 Thou from Hippomenes, o'ercome, may'st claim
10:977 An envy'd triumph, and a deathless fame.
10:978 While thus the youth the virgin pow'r defies,
10:979 Silent she views him still with softer eyes.
10:980 Thoughts in her breast a doubtful strife begin,
10:981 If 'tis not happier now to lose, than win.
10:982 What God, a foe to beauty, would destroy
10:983 The promis'd ripeness of this blooming boy?
10:984 With his life's danger does he seek my bed?
10:985 Scarce am I half so greatly worth, she said.
10:986 Nor has his beauty mov'd my breast to love,
10:987 And yet, I own, such beauty well might move:
10:988 'Tis not his charms, 'tis pity would engage
10:989 My soul to spare the greenness of his age.
10:990 What, that heroick conrage fires his breast,
10:991 And shines thro' brave disdain of Fate confest?
10:992 What, that his patronage by close degrees
10:993 Springs from th' imperial ruler of the seas?
10:994 Then add the love, which bids him undertake
10:995 The race, and dare to perish for my sake.
10:996 Of bloody nuptials, heedless youth, beware!
10:997 Fly, timely fly from a too barb'rous fair.
10:998 At pleasure chuse; thy love will be repaid
10:999 By a less foolish, and more beauteous maid.
10:1000 But why this tenderness, before unknown?
10:1001 Why beats, and pants my breast for him alone?
10:1002 His eyes have seen his num'rous rivals yield;
10:1003 Let him too share the rigour of the field,
10:1004 Since, by their fates untaught, his own he courts,
10:1005 And thus with ruin insolently sports.
10:1006 Yet for what crime shall he his death receive?
10:1007 Is it a crime with me to wish to live?
10:1008 Shall his kind passion his destruction prove?
10:1009 Is this the fatal recompence of love?
10:1010 So fair a youth, destroy'd, would conquest shame,
10:1011 Aud nymphs eternally detest my fame.
10:1012 Still why should nymphs my guiltless fame upbraid?
10:1013 Did I the fond adventurer persuade?
10:1014 Alas! I wish thou would'st the course decline,
10:1015 Or that my swiftness was excell'd by thine.
10:1016 See! what a virgin's bloom adorns the boy!
10:1017 Why wilt thou run, and why thy self destroy?
10:1018 Hippomenes! O that I ne'er had been
10:1019 By those bright eyes unfortunately seen!
10:1020 Ah! tempt not thus a swift, untimely Fate;
10:1021 Thy life is worthy of the longest date.
10:1022 Were I less wretched, did the galling chain
10:1023 Of rigid Gods not my free choice restrain,
10:1024 By thee alone I could with joy be led
10:1025 To taste the raptures of a nuptial bed.
10:1026 Thus she disclos'd the woman's secret heart,
10:1027 Young, innocent, and new to Cupid's dart.
10:1028 Her thoughts, her words, her actions wildly rove,
10:1029 With love she burns, yet knows not that 'tis love.
10:1030 Her royal sire now with the murm'ring crowd
10:1031 Demands the race impatiently aloud.
10:1032 Hippomenes then with true fervour pray'd,
10:1033 My bold attempt let Venus kindly aid.
10:1034 By her sweet pow'r I felt this am'rous fire,
10:1035 Still may she succour, whom she did inspire.
10:1036 A soft, unenvious wind, with speedy care,
10:1037 Wafted to Heav'n the lover's tender pray'r.
10:1038 Pity, I own, soon gain'd the wish'd consent,
10:1039 And all th' assistance he implor'd I lent.
10:1040 The Cyprian lands, tho' rich, in richness yield
10:1041 To that, surnam'd the Tamasenian field.
10:1042 That field of old was added to my shrine,
10:1043 And its choice products consecrated mine.
10:1044 A tree there stands, full glorious to behold,
10:1045 Gold are the leafs, the crackling branches gold.
10:1046 It chanc'd, three apples in my hand I bore,
10:1047 Which newly from the tree I sportive tore;
10:1048 Seen by the youth alone, to him I brought
10:1049 The fruit, and when, and how to use it, taught.
10:1050 The signal sounding by the king's command,
10:1051 Both start at once, and sweep th' imprinted sand.
10:1052 So swiftly mov'd their feet, they might with ease,
10:1053 Scarce moisten'd, skim along the glassy seas;
10:1054 Or with a wondrous levity be born
10:1055 O'er yellow harvests of unbending corn.
10:1056 Now fav'ring peals resound from ev'ry part,
10:1057 Spirit the youth, and fire his fainting heart.
10:1058 Hippomenes! (they cry'd) thy life preserve,
10:1059 Intensely labour, and stretch ev'ry nerve.
10:1060 Base fear alone can baffle thy design,
10:1061 Shoot boldly onward, and the goal is thine.
10:1062 'Tis doubtful whether shouts, like these, convey'd
10:1063 More pleasures to the youth, or to the maid.
10:1064 When a long distance oft she could have gain'd,
10:1065 She check'd her swiftness, and her feet restrain'd:
10:1066 She sigh'd, and dwelt, and languish'd on his face,
10:1067 Then with unwilling speed pursu'd the race.
10:1068 O'er-spent with heat, his breath he faintly drew,
10:1069 Parch'd was his mouth, nor yet the goal in view,
10:1070 And the first apple on the plain he threw.
10:1071 The nymph stop'd sudden at th' unusual sight,
10:1072 Struck with the fruit so beautifully bright.
10:1073 Aside she starts, the wonder to behold,
10:1074 And eager stoops to catch the rouling gold.
10:1075 Th' observant youth past by, and scour'd along,
10:1076 While peals of joy rung from th' applauding throng.
10:1077 Unkindly she corrects the short delay,
10:1078 And to redeem the time fleets swift away,
10:1079 Swift, as the lightning, or the northern wind,
10:1080 And far she leaves the panting youth behind.
10:1081 Again he strives the flying nymph to hold
10:1082 With the temptation of the second gold:
10:1083 The bright temptation fruitlessly was tost,
10:1084 So soon, alas! she won the distance lost.
10:1085 Now but a little interval of space
10:1086 Remain'd for the decision of the race.
10:1087 Fair author of the precious gift, he said,
10:1088 Be thou, O Goddess, author of my aid!
10:1089 Then of the shining fruit the last he drew,
10:1090 And with his full-collected vigour threw:
10:1091 The virgin still the longer to detain,
10:1092 Threw not directly, but a-cross the plain.
10:1093 She seem'd a-while perplex'd in dubious thought,
10:1094 If the far-distant apple should be sought:
10:1095 I lur'd her backward mind to seize the bait,
10:1096 And to the massie gold gave double weight.
10:1097 My favour to my votary was show'd,
10:1098 Her speed I lessen'd, and encreas'd her load.
10:1099 But lest, tho' long, the rapid race be run,
10:1100 Before my longer, tedious tale is done,
10:1101 The youth the goal, and so the virgin won.
10:1102 Might I, Adonis, now not hope to see
10:1103 His grateful thanks pour'd out for victory?
10:1104 His pious incense on my altars laid?
10:1105 But he nor grateful thanks, nor incense paid.
10:1106 Enrag'd I vow'd, that with the youth the fair,
10:1107 For his contempt, should my keen vengeance share;
10:1108 That future lovers might my pow'r revere,
10:1109 And, from their sad examples, learn to fear.
10:1110 The silent fanes, the sanctify'd abodes,
10:1111 Of Cybele, great mother of the Gods,
10:1112 Rais'd by Echion in a lonely wood,
10:1113 And full of brown, religious horror stood.
10:1114 By a long painful journey faint, they chose!
10:1115 Their weary limbs here secret to repose.
10:1116 But soon my pow'r inflam'd the lustful boy,
10:1117 Careless of rest he sought untimely joy.
10:1118 A hallow'd gloomy cave, with moss o'er-grown,
10:1119 The temple join'd, of native pumice-stone,
10:1120 Where antique images by priests were kept.
10:1121 And wooden deities securely slept.
10:1122 Thither the rash Hippomenes retires,
10:1123 And gives a loose to all his wild desires,
10:1124 And the chaste cell pollutes with wanton fires.
10:1125 The sacred statues trembled with surprize,
10:1126 The tow'ry Goddess, blushing, veil'd her eyes;
10:1127 And the lewd pair to Stygian sounds had sent,
10:1128 But unrevengeful seem'd that punishment,
10:1129 A heavier doom such black prophaneness draws,
10:1130 Their taper figures turn to crooked paws.
10:1131 No more their necks the smoothness can retain,
10:1132 Now cover'd sudden with a yellow mane.
10:1133 Arms change to legs: each finds the hard'ning breast
10:1134 Of rage unknown, and wond'rous strength possest.
10:1135 Their alter'd looks with fury grim appear,
10:1136 And on the ground their brushing tails they hear.
10:1137 They haunt the woods: their voices, which before
10:1138 Were musically sweet, now hoarsly roar.
10:1139 Hence lions, dreadful to the lab'ring swains,
10:1140 Are tam'd by Cybele, and curb'd with reins,
10:1141 And humbly draw her car along the plains.
10:1142 But thou, Adonis, my delightful care,
10:1143 Of these, and beasts, as fierce as these, beware!
10:1144 The savage, which not shuns thee, timely shun,
10:1145 For by rash prowess should'st thou be undone,
10:1146 A double ruin is contain'd in one.
10:1147 Thus cautious Venus school'd her fav'rite boy;
10:1148 But youthful heat all cautions will destroy.
10:1149 His sprightly soul beyond grave counsels flies,
10:1150 While with yok'd swans the Goddess cuts the skies.
10:1151 His faithful hounds, led by the tainted wind,
10:1152 Lodg'd in thick coverts chanc'd a boar to find.
10:1153 The callow hero show'd a manly heart,
10:1154 And pierc'd the savage with a side-long dart.
10:1155 The flying savage, wounded, turn'd again,
10:1156 Wrench'd out the gory dart, and foam'd with pain.
10:1157 The trembling boy by flight his safety sought,
10:1158 And now recall'd the lore, which Venus taught;
10:1159 But now too late to fly the boar he strove,
10:1160 Who in the groin his tusks impetuous drove,
10:1161 On the discolour'd grass Adonis lay,
10:1162 The monster trampling o'er his beauteous prey.
10:1163 Fair Cytherea, Cyprus scarce in view,
10:1164 Heard from afar his groans, and own'd them true,
10:1165 And turn'd her snowy swans, and backward flew.
10:1166 But as she saw him gasp his latest breath,
10:1167 And quiv'ring agonize in pangs of death,
10:1168 Down with swift flight she plung'd, nor rage forbore,
10:1169 At once her garments, and her hair she tore.
10:1170 With cruel blows she beat her guiltless breast,
10:1171 The Fates upbraided, and her love confest.
10:1172 Nor shall they yet (she cry'd) the whole devour
10:1173 With uncontroul'd, inexorable pow'r:
10:1174 For thee, lost youth, my tears, and restless pain
10:1175 Shall in immortal monuments remain,
10:1176 With solemn pomp in annual rites return'd,
10:1177 Be thou for ever, my Adonis, mourn'd,
10:1178 Could Pluto's queen with jealous fury storm,
10:1179 And Menthe to a fragrant herb transform?
10:1180 Yet dares not Venus with a change surprise,
10:1181 And in a flow'r bid her fall'n heroe rise?
10:1182 Then on the blood sweet nectar she bestows,
10:1183 The scented blood in little bubbles rose:
10:1184 Little as rainy drops, which flutt'ring fly,
10:1185 Born by the winds, along a low'ring sky.
10:1186 Short time ensu'd, 'till where the blood was shed,
10:1187 A flow'r began to rear its purple head:
10:1188 Such, as on Punick apples is reveal'd,
10:1189 Or in the filmy rind but half conceal'd.
10:1190 Still here the Fate of lovely forms we see,
10:1191 So sudden fades the sweet Anemonie.
10:1192 The feeble stems, to stormy blasts a prey,
10:1193 Their sickly beauties droop, and pine away.
10:1194 The winds forbid the flow'rs to flourish long,
10:1195 Which owe to winds their names in Grecian song.
BOOK THE ELEVENTH
The Death of Orpheus
11:1 Here, while the Thracian bard's enchanting strain
11:2 Sooths beasts, and woods, and all the listn'ing plain,
11:3 The female Bacchanals, devoutly mad,
11:4 In shaggy skins, like savage creatures, clad,
11:5 Warbling in air perceiv'd his lovely lay,
11:6 And from a rising ground beheld him play.
11:7 When one, the wildest, with dishevel'd hair,
11:8 That loosely stream'd, and ruffled in the air;
11:9 Soon as her frantick eye the lyrist spy'd,
11:10 See, see! the hater of our sex, she cry'd.
11:11 Then at his face her missive javelin sent,
11:12 Which whiz'd along, and brusht him as it went;
11:13 But the soft wreathes of ivy twisted round,
11:14 Prevent a deep impression of the wound.
11:15 Another, for a weapon, hurls a stone,
11:16 Which, by the sound subdu'd as soon as thrown,
11:17 Falls at his feet, and with a seeming sense
11:18 Implores his pardon for its late offence.
11:19 But now their frantick rage unbounded grows,
11:20 Turns all to madness, and no measure knows:
11:21 Yet this the charms of musick might subdue,
11:22 But that, with all its charms, is conquer'd too;
11:23 In louder strains their hideous yellings rise,
11:24 And squeaking horn-pipes eccho thro' the skies,
11:25 Which, in hoarse consort with the drum, confound
11:26 The moving lyre, and ev'ry gentle sound:
11:27 Then 'twas the deafen'd stones flew on with speed,
11:28 And saw, unsooth'd, their tuneful poet bleed.
11:29 The birds, the beasts, and all the savage crew
11:30 Which the sweet lyrist to attention drew,
11:31 Now, by the female mob's more furious rage,
11:32 Are driv'n, and forc'd to quit the shady stage.
11:33 Next their fierce hands the bard himself assail,
11:34 Nor can his song against their wrath prevail:
11:35 They flock, like birds, when in a clustring flight,
11:36 By day they chase the boding fowl of night.
11:37 So crowded amphitheatres survey
11:38 The stag, to greedy dogs a future prey.
11:39 Their steely javelins, which soft curls entwine
11:40 Of budding tendrils from the leafy vine,
11:41 For sacred rites of mild religion made,
11:42 Are flung promiscuous at the poet's head.
11:43 Those clods of earth or flints discharge, and these
11:44 Hurl prickly branches sliver'd from the trees.
11:45 And, lest their passion shou'd be unsupply'd,
11:46 The rabble crew, by chance, at distance spy'd
11:47 Where oxen, straining at the heavy yoke,
11:48 The fallow'd field with slow advances broke;
11:49 Nigh which the brawny peasants dug the soil,
11:50 Procuring food with long laborious toil.
11:51 These, when they saw the ranting throng draw near,
11:52 Quitted their tools, and fled, possest with fear.
11:53 Long spades, and rakes of mighty size were found,
11:54 Carelesly left upon the broken ground.
11:55 With these the furious lunaticks engage,
11:56 And first the lab'ring oxen feel their rage;
11:57 Then to the poet they return with speed,
11:58 Whose fate was, past prevention, now decreed:
11:59 In vain he lifts his suppliant hands, in vain
11:60 He tries, before, his never-failing strain.
11:61 And, from those sacred lips, whose thrilling sound
11:62 Fierce tygers, and insensate rocks cou'd wound,
11:63 Ah Gods! how moving was the mournful sight!
11:64 To see the fleeting soul now take its flight.
11:65 Thee the soft warblers of the feather'd kind
11:66 Bewail'd; for thee thy savage audience pin'd;
11:67 Those rocks and woods that oft thy strain had led,
11:68 Mourn for their charmer, and lament him dead;
11:69 And drooping trees their leafy glories shed.
11:70 Naids and Dryads with dishevel'd hair
11:71 Promiscuous weep, and scarfs of sable wear;
11:72 Nor cou'd the river-Gods conceal their moan,
11:73 But with new floods of tears augment their own.
11:74 His mangled limbs lay scatter'd all around,
11:75 His head, and harp a better fortune found;
11:76 In Hebrus' streams they gently roul'd along,
11:77 And sooth'd the waters with a mournful song.
11:78 Soft deadly notes the lifeless tongue inspire,
11:79 A doleful tune sounds from the floating lyre;
11:80 The hollows banks in solemn consort mourn,
11:81 And the sad strain in ecchoing groans return.
11:82 Now with the current to the sea they glide,
11:83 Born by the billows of the briny tide;
11:84 And driv'n where waves round rocky Lesbos roar,
11:85 They strand, and lodge upon Methymna's shore.
11:86 But here, when landed on the foreign soil,
11:87 A venom'd snake, the product of the isle
11:88 Attempts the head, and sacred locks embru'd
11:89 With clotted gore, and still fresh-dropping blood.
11:90 Phoebus, at last, his kind protection gives,
11:91 And from the fact the greedy monster drives:
11:92 Whose marbled jaws his impious crime atone,
11:93 Still grinning ghastly, tho' transform'd to stone.
11:94 His ghost flies downward to the Stygian shore,
11:95 And knows the places it had seen before:
11:96 Among the shadows of the pious train
11:97 He finds Eurydice, and loves again;
11:98 With pleasure views the beauteous phantom's charms,
11:99 And clasps her in his unsubstantial arms.
11:100 There side by side they unmolested walk,
11:101 Or pass their blissful hours in pleasing talk;
11:102 Aft or before the bard securely goes,
11:103 And, without danger, can review his spouse.
The Thracian Women transform'd to Trees
11:104 Bacchus, resolving to revenge the wrong,
11:105 Of Orpheus murder'd, on the madding throng,
11:106 Decreed that each accomplice dame should stand
11:107 Fix'd by the roots along the conscious land.
11:108 Their wicked feet, that late so nimbly ran
11:109 To wreak their malice on the guiltless man,
11:110 Sudden with twisted ligatures were bound,
11:111 Like trees, deep planted in the turfy ground.
11:112 And, as the fowler with his subtle gins,
11:113 His feather'd captives by the feet entwines,
11:114 That flutt'ring pant, and struggle to get loose,
11:115 Yet only closer draw the fatal noose;
11:116 So these were caught; and, as they strove in vain
11:117 To quit the place, they but encreas'd their pain.
11:118 They flounce and toil, yet find themselves controul'd;
11:119 The root, tho' pliant, toughly keeps its hold.
11:120 In vain their toes and feet they look to find,
11:121 For ev'n their shapely legs are cloath'd with rind.
11:122 One smites her thighs with a lamenting stroke,
11:123 And finds the flesh transform'd to solid oak;
11:124 Another, with surprize, and grief distrest,
11:125 Lays on above, but beats a wooden breast.
11:126 A rugged bark their softer neck invades,
11:127 Their branching arms shoot up delightful shades;
11:128 At once they seem, and are, a real grove,
11:129 With mossy trunks below, and verdant leaves above.
The Fable of Midas
11:130 Nor this suffic'd; the God's disgust remains,
11:131 And he resolves to quit their hated plains;
11:132 The vineyards of Tymole ingross his care,
11:133 And, with a better choir, he fixes there;
11:134 Where the smooth streams of clear Pactolus roll'd,
11:135 Then undistinguish'd for its sands of gold.
11:136 The satyrs with the nymphs, his usual throng,
11:137 Come to salute their God, and jovial danc'd along.
11:138 Silenus only miss'd; for while he reel'd,
11:139 Feeble with age, and wine, about the field,
11:140 The hoary drunkard had forgot his way,
11:141 And to the Phrygian clowns became a prey;
11:142 Who to king Midas drag the captive God,
11:143 While on his totty pate the wreaths of ivy nod.
11:144 Midas from Orpheus had been taught his lore,
11:145 And knew the rites of Bacchus long before.
11:146 He, when he saw his venerable guest,
11:147 In honour of the God ordain'd a feast.
11:148 Ten days in course, with each continu'd night,
11:149 Were spent in genial mirth, and brisk delight:
11:150 Then on th' eleventh, when with brighter ray
11:151 Phosphor had chac'd the fading stars away,
11:152 The king thro' Lydia's fields young Bacchus sought,
11:153 And to the God his foster-father brought.
11:154 Pleas'd with the welcome sight, he bids him soon
11:155 But name his wish, and swears to grant the boon.
11:156 A glorious offer! yet but ill bestow'd
11:157 On him whose choice so little judgment show'd.
11:158 Give me, says he (nor thought he ask'd too much),
11:159 That with my body whatsoe'er I touch,
11:160 Chang'd from the nature which it held of old,
11:161 May be converted into yellow gold.
11:162 He had his wish; but yet the God repin'd,
11:163 To think the fool no better wish could find.
11:164 But the brave king departed from the place,
11:165 With smiles of gladness sparkling in his face:
11:166 Nor could contain, but, as he took his way,
11:167 Impatient longs to make the first essay.
11:168 Down from a lowly branch a twig he drew,
11:169 The twig strait glitter'd with a golden hue:
11:170 He takes a stone, the stone was turn'd to gold;
11:171 A clod he touches, and the crumbling mold
11:172 Acknowledg'd soon the great transforming pow'r,
11:173 In weight and substance like a mass of ore.
11:174 He pluck'd the corn, and strait his grasp appears
11:175 Fill'd with a bending tuft of golden ears.
11:176 An apple next he takes, and seems to hold
11:177 The bright Hesperian vegetable gold.
11:178 His hand he careless on a pillar lays.
11:179 With shining gold the fluted pillars blaze:
11:180 And while he washes, as the servants pour,
11:181 His touch converts the stream to Danae's show'r.
11:182 To see these miracles so finely wrought,
11:183 Fires with transporting joy his giddy thought.
11:184 The ready slaves prepare a sumptuous board,
11:185 Spread with rich dainties for their happy lord;
11:186 Whose pow'rful hands the bread no sooner hold,
11:187 But its whole substance is transform'd to gold:
11:188 Up to his mouth he lifts the sav'ry meat,
11:189 Which turns to gold as he attempts to eat:
11:190 His patron's noble juice of purple hue,
11:191 Touch'd by his lips, a gilded cordial grew;
11:192 Unfit for drink, and wondrous to behold,
11:193 It trickles from his jaws a fluid gold.
11:194 The rich poor fool, confounded with surprize,
11:195 Starving in all his various plenty lies:
11:196 Sick of his wish, he now detests the pow'r,
11:197 For which he ask'd so earnestly before;
11:198 Amidst his gold with pinching famine curst;
11:199 And justly tortur'd with an equal thirst.
11:200 At last his shining arms to Heav'n he rears,
11:201 And in distress, for refuge, flies to pray'rs.
11:202 O father Bacchus, I have sinn'd, he cry'd,
11:203 And foolishly thy gracious gift apply'd;
11:204 Thy pity now, repenting, I implore;
11:205 Oh! may I feel the golden plague no more.
11:206 The hungry wretch, his folly thus confest,
11:207 Touch'd the kind deity's good-natur'd breast;
11:208 The gentle God annull'd his first decree,
11:209 And from the cruel compact set him free.
11:210 But then, to cleanse him quite from further harm,
11:211 And to dilute the relicks of the charm,
11:212 He bids him seek the stream that cuts the land
11:213 Nigh where the tow'rs of Lydian Sardis stand;
11:214 Then trace the river to the fountain head,
11:215 And meet it rising from its rocky bed;
11:216 There, as the bubling tide pours forth amain,
11:217 To plunge his body in, and wash away the stain.
11:218 The king instructed to the fount retires,
11:219 But with the golden charm the stream inspires:
11:220 For while this quality the man forsakes,
11:221 An equal pow'r the limpid water takes;
11:222 Informs with veins of gold the neighb'ring land,
11:223 And glides along a bed of golden sand.
11:224 Now loathing wealth, th' occasion of his woes,
11:225 Far in the woods he sought a calm repose;
11:226 In caves and grottos, where the nymphs resort,
11:227 And keep with mountain Pan their sylvan court.
11:228 Ah! had he left his stupid soul behind!
11:229 But his condition alter'd not his mind.
11:230 For where high Tmolus rears his shady brow,
11:231 And from his cliffs surveys the seas below,
11:232 In his descent, by Sardis bounded here,
11:233 By the small confines of Hypaepa there,
11:234 Pan to the nymphs his frolick ditties play'd,
11:235 Tuning his reeds beneath the chequer'd shade.
11:236 The nymphs are pleas'd, the boasting sylvan plays,
11:237 And speaks with slight of great Apollo's lays.
11:238 Tmolus was arbiter; the boaster still
11:239 Accepts the tryal with unequal skill.
11:240 The venerable judge was seated high
11:241 On his own hill, that seem'd to touch the sky.
11:242 Above the whisp'ring trees his head he rears,
11:243 From their encumbring boughs to free his ears;
11:244 A wreath of oak alone his temples bound,
11:245 The pendant acorns loosely dangled round.
11:246 In me your judge, says he, there's no delay:
11:247 Then bids the goatherd God begin, and play.
11:248 Pan tun'd the pipe, and with his rural song
11:249 Pleas'd the low taste of all the vulgar throng;
11:250 Such songs a vulgar judgment mostly please,
11:251 Midas was there, and Midas judg'd with these.
11:252 The mountain sire with grave deportment now
11:253 To Phoebus turns his venerable brow:
11:254 And, as he turns, with him the listning wood
11:255 In the same posture of attention stood.
11:256 The God his own Parnassian laurel crown'd,
11:257 And in a wreath his golden tresses bound,
11:258 Graceful his purple mantle swept the ground.
11:259 High on the left his iv'ry lute he rais'd,
11:260 The lute, emboss'd with glitt'ring jewels, blaz'd
11:261 In his right hand he nicely held the quill,
11:262 His easy posture spoke a master's skill.
11:263 The strings he touch'd with more than human art,
11:264 Which pleas'd the judge's ear, and sooth'd his heart;
11:265 Who soon judiciously the palm decreed,
11:266 And to the lute postpon'd the squeaking reed.
11:267 All, with applause, the rightful sentence heard,
11:268 Midas alone dissatisfy'd appear'd;
11:269 To him unjustly giv'n the judgment seems,
11:270 For Pan's barbarick notes he most esteems.
11:271 The lyrick God, who thought his untun'd ear
11:272 Deserv'd but ill a human form to wear,
11:273 Of that deprives him, and supplies the place
11:274 With some more fit, and of an ampler space:
11:275 Fix'd on his noddle an unseemly pair,
11:276 Flagging, and large, and full of whitish hair;
11:277 Without a total change from what he was,
11:278 Still in the man preserves the simple ass.
11:279 He, to conceal the scandal of the deed,
11:280 A purple turbant folds about his head;
11:281 Veils the reproach from publick view, and fears
11:282 The laughing world would spy his monstrous ears.
11:283 One trusty barber-slave, that us'd to dress
11:284 His master's hair, when lengthen'd to excess,
11:285 The mighty secret knew, but knew alone,
11:286 And, tho' impatient, durst not make it known.
11:287 Restless, at last, a private place he found,
11:288 Then dug a hole, and told it to the ground;
11:289 In a low whisper he reveal'd the case,
11:290 And cover'd in the earth, and silent left the place.
11:291 In time, of trembling reeds a plenteous crop
11:292 From the confided furrow sprouted up;
11:293 Which, high advancing with the ripening year,
11:294 Made known the tiller, and his fruitless care:
11:295 For then the rustling blades, and whisp'ring wind,
11:296 To tell th' important secret, both combin'd.
The Building of Troy
11:297 Phoebus, with full revenge, from Tmolus flies,
11:298 Darts thro' the air, and cleaves the liquid skies;
11:299 Near Hellespont he lights, and treads the plains
11:300 Where great Laomedon sole monarch reigns;
11:301 Where, built between the two projecting strands,
11:302 To Panomphaean Jove an altar stands.
11:303 Here first aspiring thoughts the king employ,
11:304 To found the lofty tow'rs of future Troy.
11:305 The work, from schemes magnificent begun,
11:306 At vast expence was slowly carry'd on:
11:307 Which Phoebus seeing, with the trident God
11:308 Who rules the swelling surges with his nod,
11:309 Assuming each a mortal shape, combine
11:310 At a set price to finish his design.
11:311 The work was built; the king their price denies,
11:312 And his injustice backs with perjuries.
11:313 This Neptune cou'd not brook, but drove the main,
11:314 A mighty deluge, o'er the Phrygian plain:
11:315 'Twas all a sea; the waters of the deep
11:316 From ev'ry vale the copious harvest sweep;
11:317 The briny billows overflow the soil,
11:318 Ravage the fields, and mock the plowman's toil.
11:319 Nor this appeas'd the God's revengeful mind,
11:320 For still a greater plague remains behind;
11:321 A huge sea-monster lodges on the sands,
11:322 And the king's daughter for his prey demands.
11:323 To him that sav'd the damsel, was decreed
11:324 A set of horses of the Sun's fine breed:
11:325 But when Alcides from the rock unty'd
11:326 The trembling fair, the ransom was deny'd.
11:327 He, in revenge, the new-built walls attack'd,
11:328 And the twice-perjur'd city bravely sack'd.
11:329 Telamon aided, and in justice shar'd
11:330 Part of the plunder as his due reward:
11:331 The princess, rescu'd late, with all her charms,
11:332 Hesione, was yielded to his arms;
11:333 For Peleus, with a Goddess-bride, was more
11:334 Proud of his spouse, than of his birth before:
11:335 Grandsons to Jove there might be more than one,
11:336 But he the Goddess had enjoy'd alone.
The Story of Thetis and Peleus
11:337 For Proteus thus to virgin Thetis said,
11:338 Fair Goddess of the waves, consent to wed,
11:339 And take some spritely lover to your bed.
11:340 A son you'll have, the terror of the field,
11:341 To whom in fame, and pow'r his sire shall yield.
11:342 Jove, who ador'd the nymph with boundless love,
11:343 Did from his breast the dangerous flame remove.
11:344 He knew the Fates, nor car'd to raise up one,
11:345 Whose fame and greatness should eclipse his own,
11:346 On happy Peleus he bestow'd her charms,
11:347 And bless'd his grandson in the Goddess' arms:
11:348 A silent creek Thessalia's coast can show;
11:349 Two arms project, and shape it like a bow;
11:350 'Twould make a bay, but the transparent tide
11:351 Does scarce the yellow-gravell'd bottom hide;
11:352 For the quick eye may thro' the liquid wave
11:353 A firm unweedy level beach perceive.
11:354 A grove of fragrant myrtle near it grows,
11:355 Whose boughs, tho' thick, a beauteous grot disclose;
11:356 The well-wrought fabrick, to discerning eyes,
11:357 Rather by art than Nature seems to rise.
11:358 A bridled dolphin oft fair Thetis bore
11:359 To this her lov'd retreat, her fav'rite shore.
11:360 Here Peleus seiz'd her, slumbring while she lay,
11:361 And urg'd his suit with all that love could say:
11:362 But when he found her obstinately coy,
11:363 Resolv'd to force her, and command the joy;
11:364 The nymph, o'erpowr'd, to art for succour flies
11:365 And various shapes the eager youth surprize:
11:366 A bird she seems, but plies her wings in vain,
11:367 His hands the fleeting substance still detain:
11:368 A branchy tree high in the air she grew;
11:369 About its bark his nimble arms he threw:
11:370 A tyger next she glares with flaming eyes;
11:371 The frighten'd lover quits his hold, and flies:
11:372 The sea-Gods he with sacred rites adores,
11:373 Then a libation on the ocean pours;
11:374 While the fat entrails crackle in the fire,
11:375 And sheets of smoak in sweet perfume aspire;
11:376 'Till Proteus rising from his oozy bed,
11:377 Thus to the poor desponding lover said:
11:378 No more in anxious thoughts your mind employ,
11:379 For yet you shall possess the dear expected joy.
11:380 You must once more th' unwary nymph surprize,
11:381 As in her cooly grot she slumbring lies;
11:382 Then bind her fast with unrelenting hands,
11:383 And strain her tender limbs with knotted bands.
11:384 Still hold her under ev'ry different shape,
11:385 'Till tir'd she tries no longer to escape.
11:386 Thus he: then sunk beneath the glassy flood,
11:387 And broken accents flutter'd, where he stood.
11:388 Bright Sol had almost now his journey done,
11:389 And down the steepy western convex run;
11:390 When the fair Nereid left the briny wave,
11:391 And, as she us'd, retreated to her cave.
11:392 He scarce had bound her fast, when she arose,
11:393 And into various shapes her body throws:
11:394 She went to move her arms, and found 'em ty'd;
11:395 Then with a sigh, Some God assists ye, cry'd,
11:396 And in her proper shape stood blushing by his side.
11:397 About her waiste his longing arms he flung,
11:398 From which embrace the great Achilles sprung.
The Transformation of Daedalion
11:399 Peleus unmix'd felicity enjoy'd
11:400 (Blest in a valiant son, and virtuous bride),
11:401 'Till Fortune did in blood his hands imbrue,
11:402 And his own brother by curst chance he slew:
11:403 Then driv'n from Thessaly, his native clime,
11:404 Trachinia first gave shelter to his crime;
11:405 Where peaceful Ceyx mildly fill'd the throne,
11:406 And like his sire, the morning planet, shone;
11:407 But now, unlike himself, bedew'd with tears,
11:408 Mourning a brother lost, his brow appears.
11:409 First to the town with travel spent, and care,
11:410 Peleus, and his small company repair:
11:411 His herds, and flocks the while at leisure feed,
11:412 On the rich pasture of a neighb'ring mead.
11:413 The prince before the royal presence brought,
11:414 Shew'd by the suppliant olive what he sought;
11:415 Then tells his name, and race, and country right,
11:416 But hides th' unhappy reason of his flight.
11:417 He begs the king some little town to give,
11:418 Where they may safe his faithful vassals live.
11:419 Ceyx reply'd: To all my bounty flows,
11:420 A hospitable realm your suit has chose.
11:421 Your glorious race, and far-resounding fame,
11:422 And grandsire Jove, peculiar favours claim.
11:423 All you can wish, I grant; entreaties spare;
11:424 My kingdom (would 'twere worth the sharing) share.
11:425 Tears stop'd his speech: astonish'd Peleus pleads
11:426 To know the cause from whence his grief proceeds.
11:427 The prince reply'd: There's none of ye but deems
11:428 This hawk was ever such as now it seems;
11:429 Know 'twas a heroe once, Daedalion nam'd,
11:430 For warlike deeds, and haughty valour fam'd;
11:431 Like me to that bright luminary born,
11:432 Who wakes Aurora, and brings on the morn.
11:433 His fierceness still remains, and love of blood,
11:434 Now dread of birds, and tyrant of the wood.
11:435 My make was softer, peace my greatest care;
11:436 But this my brother wholly bent on war;
11:437 Late nations fear'd, and routed armies fled
11:438 That force, which now the tim'rous pigeons dread.
11:439 A daughter he possess'd, divinely fair,
11:440 And scarcely yet had seen her fifteenth year;
11:441 Young Chione: a thousand rivals strove
11:442 To win the maid, and teach her how to love.
11:443 Phoebus, and Mercury by chance one day
11:444 From Delphi, and Cyllene past this way;
11:445 Together they the virgin saw: desire
11:446 At once warm'd both their breasts with am'rous fire.
11:447 Phoebus resolv'd to wait 'till close of day;
11:448 But Mercury's hot love brook'd no delay;
11:449 With his entrancing rod the maid he charms,
11:450 And unresisted revels in her arms.
11:451 'Twas night, and Phoebus in a beldam's dress,
11:452 To the late rifled beauty got access.
11:453 Her time compleat nine circling moons had run;
11:454 To either God she bore a lovely son:
11:455 To Mercury Autolycus she brought,
11:456 Who turn'd to thefts and tricks his subtle thought;
11:457 Possess'd he was of all his father's slight,
11:458 At will made white look black, and black look white.
11:459 Philammon born to Phoebus, like his sire,
11:460 The Muses lov'd, and finely struck the lyre,
11:461 And made his voice, and touch in harmony conspire.
11:462 In vain, fond maid, you boast this double birth,
11:463 The love of Gods, and royal father's worth,
11:464 And Jove among your ancestors rehearse!
11:465 Could blessings such as these e'er prove a curse?
11:466 To her they did, who with audacious pride,
11:467 Vain of her own, Diana's charms decry'd.
11:468 Her taunts the Goddess with resentment fill;
11:469 My face you like not, you shall try my skill.
11:470 She said; and strait her vengeful bow she strung,
11:471 And sent a shaft that pierc'd her guilty tongue:
11:472 The bleeding tongue in vain its accents tries;
11:473 In the red stream her soul reluctant flies.
11:474 With sorrow wild I ran to her relief,
11:475 And try'd to moderate my brother's grief.
11:476 He, deaf as rocks by stormy surges beat,
11:477 Loudly laments, and hears me not intreat.
11:478 When on the fun'ral pile he saw her laid,
11:479 Thrice he to rush into the flames assay'd,
11:480 Thrice with officious care by us was stay'd.
11:481 Now, mad with grief, away he fled amain,
11:482 Like a stung heifer that resents the pain,
11:483 And bellowing wildly bounds along the plain.
11:484 O'er the most rugged ways so fast he ran,
11:485 He seem'd a bird already, not a man:
11:486 He left us breathless all behind; and now
11:487 In quest of death had gain'd Parnassus' brow:
11:488 But when from thence headlong himself he threw,
11:489 He fell not, but with airy pinions flew.
11:490 Phoebus in pity chang'd him to a fowl,
11:491 Whose crooked beak and claws the birds controul,
11:492 Little of bulk, but of a warlike soul.
11:493 A hawk become, the feather'd race's foe,
11:494 He tries to case his own by other's woe.
A Wolf turn'd into Marble
11:495 While they astonish'd heard the king relate
11:496 These wonders of his hapless brother's fate;
11:497 The prince's herdsman at the court arrives,
11:498 And fresh surprize to all the audience gives.
11:499 O Peleus, Peleus! dreadful news I bear,
11:500 He said; and trembled as he spoke for fear.
11:501 The worst, affrighted Peleus bid him tell,
11:502 Whilst Ceyx too grew pale with friendly zeal.
11:503 Thus he began: When Sol mid-heav'n had gain'd,
11:504 And half his way was past, and half remain'd,
11:505 I to the level shore my cattle drove,
11:506 And let them freely in the meadows rove.
11:507 Some stretch'd at length admire the watry plain,
11:508 Some crop'd the herb, some wanton swam the main.
11:509 A temple stands of antique make hard by,
11:510 Where no gilt domes, nor marble lure the eye;
11:511 Unpolish'd rafters bear its lowly height,
11:512 Hid by a grove, as ancient, from the sight.
11:513 Here Nereus, and the Nereids they adore;
11:514 I learnt it from the man who thither bore
11:515 His net, to dry it on the sunny shore.
11:516 Adjoyns a lake, inclos'd with willows round,
11:517 Where swelling waves have overflow'd the mound,
11:518 And, muddy, stagnate on the lower ground.
11:519 From thence a russling noise increasing flies,
11:520 Strikes the still shore; and frights us with surprize,
11:521 Strait a huge wolf rush'd from the marshy wood,
11:522 His jaws besmear'd with mingled foam, and blood,
11:523 Tho' equally by hunger urg'd, and rage,
11:524 His appetite he minds not to asswage;
11:525 Nought that he meets, his rabid fury spares,
11:526 But the whole herd with mad disorder tears.
11:527 Some of our men who strove to drive him thence,
11:528 Torn by his teeth, have dy'd in their defence.
11:529 The echoing lakes, the sea, and fields, and shore,
11:530 Impurpled blush with streams of reeking gore.
11:531 Delay is loss, nor have we time for thought;
11:532 While yet some few remain alive, we ought
11:533 To seize our arms, and with confederate force
11:534 Try if we so can stop his bloody course.
11:535 But Peleus car'd not for his ruin'd herd;
11:536 His crime he call'd to mind, and thence inferr'd,
11:537 That Psamathe's revenge this havock made,
11:538 In sacrifice to murder'd Phocus' shade.
11:539 The king commands his servants to their arms;
11:540 Resolv'd to go; but the loud noise alarms
11:541 His lovely queen, who from her chamber flew,
11:542 And her half-plaited hair behind her threw:
11:543 About his neck she hung with loving fears,
11:544 And now with words, and now with pleading tears,
11:545 Intreated that he'd send his men alone,
11:546 And stay himself, to save two lives in one.
11:547 Then Peleus: Your just fears, o queen, forget;
11:548 Too much the offer leaves me in your debt.
11:549 No arms against the monster I shall bear,
11:550 But the sea nymphs appease with humble pray'r.
11:551 The citadel's high turrets pierce the sky,
11:552 Which home-bound vessels, glad, from far descry;
11:553 This they ascend, and thence with sorrow ken
11:554 The mangled heifers lye, and bleeding men;
11:555 Th' inexorable ravager they view,
11:556 With blood discolour'd, still the rest pursue:
11:557 There Peleus pray'd submissive tow'rds the sea,
11:558 And deprecates the ire of injur'd Psamathe.
11:559 But deaf to all his pray'rs the nymph remain'd,
11:560 'Till Thetis for her spouse the boon obtain'd.
11:561 Pleas'd with the luxury, the furious beast,
11:562 Unstop'd, continues still his bloody feast:
11:563 While yet upon a sturdy bull he flew,
11:564 Chang'd by the nymph, a marble block he grew.
11:565 No longer dreadful now the wolf appears,
11:566 Bury'd in stone, and vanish'd like their fears.
11:567 Yet still the Fates unhappy Peleus vex'd;
11:568 To the Magnesian shore he wanders next.
11:569 Acastus there, who rul'd the peaceful clime,
11:570 Grants his request, and expiates his crime.
The Story of Ceyx and Alcyone
11:571 These prodigies affect the pious prince,
11:572 But more perplex'd with those that happen'd since,
11:573 He purposes to seek the Clarian God,
11:574 Avoiding Delphi, his more fam'd abode,
11:575 Since Phlegyan robbers made unsafe the road.
11:576 Yet could he not from her he lov'd so well,
11:577 The fatal voyage, he resolv'd, conceal;
11:578 But when she saw her lord prepar'd to part,
11:579 A deadly cold ran shiv'ring to her heart;
11:580 Her faded cheeks are chang'd to boxen hue,
11:581 And in her eyes the tears are ever new.
11:582 She thrice essay'd to speak; her accents hung,
11:583 And falt'ring dy'd unfinish'd on her tongue,
11:584 And vanish'd into sighs: with long delay
11:585 Her voice return'd, and found the wonted way.
11:586 Tell me, my lord, she said, what fault unknown
11:587 Thy once belov'd Alcyone has done?
11:588 Whither, ah, whither, is thy kindness gone!
11:589 Can Ceyx then sustain to leave his wife,
11:590 And unconcern'd forsake the sweets of life?
11:591 What can thy mind to this long journey move?
11:592 Or need'st thou absence to renew thy love?
11:593 Yet, if thou go'st by land, tho' grief possess
11:594 My soul ev'n then, my fears will be the less.
11:595 But ah! be warn'd to shun the watry way,
11:596 The face is frightful of the stormy sea:
11:597 For late I saw a-drift disjointed planks,
11:598 And empty tombs erected on the banks.
11:599 Nor let false hopes to trust betray thy mind,
11:600 Because my sire in caves constrains the wind,
11:601 Can with a breath their clam'rous rage appease,
11:602 They fear his whistle, and forsake the seas:
11:603 Not so; for once indulg'd, they sweep the main;
11:604 Deaf to the call, or hearing, hear in vain;
11:605 But bent on mischief bear the waves before,
11:606 And not content with seas, insult the shore,
11:607 When ocean, air, and Earth, at once ingage,
11:608 And rooted forests fly before their rage:
11:609 At once the clashing clouds to battel move,
11:610 And lightnings run across the fields above:
11:611 I know them well, and mark'd their rude comport,
11:612 While yet a child within my father's court:
11:613 In times of tempest they command alone,
11:614 And he but sits precarious on the throne:
11:615 The more I know, the more my fears augment;
11:616 And fears are oft prophetick of th' event.
11:617 But if not fears, or reasons will prevail,
11:618 If Fate has fix'd thee obstinate to sail,
11:619 Go not without thy wife, but let me bear
11:620 My part of danger with an equal share,
11:621 And present, what I suffer only fear:
11:622 Then o'er the bounding billows shall we fly,
11:623 Secure to live together, or to die.
11:624 These reasons mov'd her warlike husband's heart,
11:625 But still he held his purpose to depart:
11:626 For as he lov'd her equal to his life,
11:627 He would not to the seas expose his wife;
11:628 Nor could be wrought his voyage to refrain,
11:629 But sought by arguments to sooth her pain:
11:630 Nor these avail'd; at length he lights on one,
11:631 With which so difficult a cause he won:
11:632 My love, so short an absence cease to fear,
11:633 For by my father's holy flame I swear,
11:634 Before two moons their orb with light adorn,
11:635 If Heav'n allow me life, I will return.
11:636 This promise of so short a stay prevails;
11:637 He soon equips the ship, supplies the sails,
11:638 And gives the word to launch; she trembling views
11:639 This pomp of death, and parting tears renews:
11:640 Last with a kiss, she took a long farewel,
11:641 Sigh'd with a sad presage, and swooning fell:
11:642 While Ceyx seeks delays, the lusty crew,
11:643 Rais'd on their banks, their oars in order drew
11:644 To their broad breasts, the ship with fury flew.
11:645 The queen recover'd, rears her humid eyes,
11:646 And first her husband on the poop espies,
11:647 Shaking his hand at distance on the main;
11:648 She took the sign, and shook her hand again.
11:649 Still as the ground recedes, contracts her view
11:650 With sharpen'd sight, 'till she no longer knew
11:651 The much-lov'd face; that comfort lost supplies
11:652 With less, and with the galley feeds her eyes;
11:653 The galley born from view by rising gales,
11:654 She follow'd with her sight the flying sails:
11:655 When ev'n the flying sails were seen no more,
11:656 Forsaken of all sight she left the shore.
11:657 Then on her bridal bed her body throws,
11:658 And sought in sleep her wearied eyes to close:
11:659 Her husband's pillow, and the widow'd part
11:660 Which once he press'd, renew'd the former smart.
11:661 And now a breeze from shoar began to blow,
11:662 The sailors ship their oars, and cease to row;
11:663 Then hoist their yards a-trip, and all their sails
11:664 Let fall, to court the wind, and catch the gales:
11:665 By this the vessel half her course had run,
11:666 Both shoars were lost to sight, when at the close
11:667 Of day a stiffer gale at east arose:
11:668 The sea grew white, the rouling waves from far,
11:669 Like heralds, first denounce the watry war.
11:670 This seen, the master soon began to cry,
11:671 Strike, strike the top-sail; let the main-sheet fly,
11:672 And furl your sails: the winds repel the sound,
11:673 And in the speaker's mouth the speech is drown'd.
11:674 Yet of their own accord, as danger taught
11:675 Each in his way, officiously they wrought;
11:676 Some stow their oars, or stop the leaky sides,
11:677 Another bolder, yet the yard bestrides,
11:678 And folds the sails; a fourth with labour laves
11:679 Th' intruding seas, and waves ejects on waves.
11:680 In this confusion while their work they ply,
11:681 The winds augment the winter of the sky,
11:682 And wage intestine wars; the suff'ring seas
11:683 Are toss'd, and mingled, as their tyrants please.
11:684 The master would command, but in despair
11:685 Of safety, stands amaz'd with stupid care,
11:686 Nor what to bid, or what forbid he knows,
11:687 Th' ungovern'd tempest to such fury grows:
11:688 Vain is his force, and vainer is his skill;
11:689 With such a concourse comes the flood of ill;
11:690 The cries of men are mix'd with rattling shrowds;
11:691 Seas dash on seas, and clouds encounter clouds:
11:692 At once from east to west, from pole to pole,
11:693 The forky lightnings flash, the roaring thunders roul.
11:694 Now waves on waves ascending scale the skies,
11:695 And in the fires above the water fries:
11:696 When yellow sands are sifted from below,
11:697 The glittering billows give a golden show:
11:698 And when the fouler bottom spews the black
11:699 The Stygian dye the tainted waters take:
11:700 Then frothy white appear the flatted seas,
11:701 And change their colour, changing their disease,
11:702 Like various fits the Trachin vessel finds,
11:703 And now sublime, she rides upon the winds;
11:704 As from a lofty summit looks from high,
11:705 And from the clouds beholds the nether sky;
11:706 Now from the depth of Hell they lift their sight,
11:707 And at a distance see superior light;
11:708 The lashing billows make a loud report,
11:709 And beat her sides, as batt'ring rams a fort:
11:710 Or as a lion bounding in his way,
11:711 With force augmented, bears against his prey,
11:712 Sidelong to seize; or unapal'd with fear,
11:713 Springs on the toils, and rushes on the spear:
11:714 So seas impell'd by winds, with added pow'r
11:715 Assault the sides, and o'er the hatches tow'r.
11:716 The planks (their pitchy cov'ring wash'd away)
11:717 Now yield; and now a yawning breach display:
11:718 The roaring waters with a hostile tide
11:719 Rush through the ruins of her gaping side.
11:720 Mean-time in sheets of rain the sky descends,
11:721 And ocean swell'd with waters upwards tends;
11:722 One rising, falling one, the Heav'ns and sea
11:723 Meet at their confines, in the middle way:
11:724 The sails are drunk with show'rs, and drop with rain,
11:725 Sweet waters mingle with the briny main.
11:726 No star appears to lend his friendly light;
11:727 Darkness, and tempest make a double night;
11:728 But flashing fires disclose the deep by turns,
11:729 And while the lightnings blaze, the water burns.
11:730 Now all the waves their scatter'd force unite,
11:731 And as a soldier foremost in the fight,
11:732 Makes way for others, and an host alone
11:733 Still presses on, and urging gains the town;
11:734 So while th' invading billows come a-breast,
11:735 The hero tenth advanc'd before the rest,
11:736 Sweeps all before him with impetuous sway,
11:737 And from the walls descends upon the prey;
11:738 Part following enter, part remain without,
11:739 With envy hear their fellows' conqu'ring shout,
11:740 And mount on others' backs, in hopes to share
11:741 The city, thus become the seat of war.
11:742 An universal cry resounds aloud,
11:743 The sailors run in heaps, a helpless crowd;
11:744 Art fails, and courage falls, no succour near;
11:745 As many waves, as many deaths appear.
11:746 One weeps, and yet despairs of late relief;
11:747 One cannot weep, his fears congeal his grief,
11:748 But stupid, with dry eyes expects his fate:
11:749 One with loud shrieks laments his lost estate,
11:750 And calls those happy whom their fun'rals wait.
11:751 This wretch with pray'rs and vows the Gods implores,
11:752 And ev'n the skies he cannot see, adores.
11:753 That other on his friends his thoughts bestows,
11:754 His careful father, and his faithful spouse.
11:755 The covetous worldling in his anxious mind,
11:756 Thinks only on the wealth he left behind.
11:757 All Ceyx his Alcyone employs,
11:758 For her he grieves, yet in her absence joys:
11:759 His wife he wishes, and would still be near,
11:760 Not her with him, but wishes him with her:
11:761 Now with last looks he seeks his native shoar,
11:762 Which Fate has destin'd him to see no more;
11:763 He sought, but in the dark tempestuous night
11:764 He knew not whither to direct his sight.
11:765 So whirl the seas, such darkness blinds the sky,
11:766 That the black night receives a deeper dye.
11:767 The giddy ship ran round; the tempest tore
11:768 Her mast, and over-board the rudder bore.
11:769 One billow mounts, and with a scornful brow,
11:770 Proud of her conquest gain'd, insults the waves below;
11:771 Nor lighter falls, than if some giant tore
11:772 Pindus and Athos with the freight they bore,
11:773 And toss'd on seas; press'd with the pond'rous blow,
11:774 Down sinks the ship within th' abyss below:
11:775 Down with the vessel sink into the main
11:776 The many, never more to rise again.
11:777 Some few on scatter'd planks, with fruitless care,
11:778 Lay hold, and swim; but while they swim, despair.
11:779 Ev'n he who late a scepter did command,
11:780 Now grasps a floating fragment in his hand;
11:781 And while he struggles on the stormy main,
11:782 Invokes his father, and his wife's, in vain.
11:783 But yet his consort is his greatest care,
11:784 Alcyone he names amidst his pray'r;
11:785 Names as a charm against the waves and wind;
11:786 Most in his mouth, and ever in his mind.
11:787 Tir'd with his toil, all hopes of safety past,
11:788 From pray'rs to wishes he descends at last;
11:789 That his dead body, wafted to the sands,
11:790 Might have its burial from her friendly hands,
11:791 As oft as he can catch a gulp of air,
11:792 And peep above the seas, he names the fair;
11:793 And ev'n when plung'd beneath, on her he raves,
11:794 Murm'ring Alcyone below the waves:
11:795 At last a falling billow stops his breath,
11:796 Breaks o'er his head, and whelms him underneath.
11:797 That night, his heav'nly form obscur'd with tears,
11:798 And since he was forbid to leave the skies,
11:799 He muffled with a cloud his mournful eyes.
11:800 Mean-time Alcyone (his fate unknown)
11:801 Computes how many nights he had been gone.
11:802 Observes the waining moon with hourly view,
11:803 Numbers her age, and wishes for a new;
11:804 Against the promis'd time provides with care,
11:805 And hastens in the woof the robes he was to wear:
11:806 And for her self employs another loom,
11:807 New-dress'd to meet her lord returning home,
11:808 Flatt'ring her heart with joys, that never were to come:
11:809 She fum'd the temples with an od'rous flame,
11:810 And oft before the sacred altars came,
11:811 To pray for him, who was an empty name.
11:812 All Pow'rs implor'd, but far above the rest
11:813 To Juno she her pious vows address'd,
11:814 Her much-lov'd lord from perils to protect,
11:815 And safe o'er seas his voyage to direct:
11:816 Then pray'd, that she might still possess his heart,
11:817 And no pretending rival share a part;
11:818 This last petition heard of all her pray'r,
11:819 The rest, dispers'd by winds, were lost in air.
11:820 But she, the Goddess of the nuptial bed,
11:821 Tir'd with her vain devotions for the dead,
11:822 Resolv'd the tainted hand should be repell'd,
11:823 Which incense offer'd, and her altar held:
11:824 Then Iris thus bespoke: Thou faithful maid,
11:825 By whom thy queen's commands are well convey'd,
11:826 Haste to the house of sleep, and bid the God
11:827 Who rules the night by visions with a nod,
11:828 Prepare a dream, in figure, and in form
11:829 Resembling him, who perish'd in the storm;
11:830 This form before Alcyone present,
11:831 To make her certain of the sad event.
11:832 Indu'd with robes of various hue she flies,
11:833 And flying draws an arch (a segment of the skies):
11:834 Then leaves her bending bow, and from the steep
11:835 Descends, to search the silent house of sleep.
The House of Sleep
11:836 Near the Cymmerians, in his dark abode,
11:837 Deep in a cavern, dwells the drowzy God;
11:838 Whose gloomy mansion nor the rising sun,
11:839 Nor setting, visits, nor the lightsome noon;
11:840 But lazy vapours round the region fly,
11:841 Perpetual twilight, and a doubtful sky:
11:842 No crowing cock does there his wings display,
11:843 Nor with his horny bill provoke the day;
11:844 Nor watchful dogs, nor the more wakeful geese,
11:845 Disturb with nightly noise the sacred peace;
11:846 Nor beast of Nature, nor the tame are nigh,
11:847 Nor trees with tempests rock'd, nor human cry;
11:848 But safe repose without an air of breath
11:849 Dwells here, and a dumb quiet next to death.
11:850 An arm of Lethe, with a gentle flow
11:851 Arising upwards from the rock below,
11:852 The palace moats, and o'er the pebbles creeps,
11:853 And with soft murmurs calls the coming sleeps.
11:854 Around its entry nodding poppies grow,
11:855 And all cool simples that sweet rest bestow;
11:856 Night from the plants their sleepy virtue drains,
11:857 And passing, sheds it on the silent plains:
11:858 No door there was th' unguarded house to keep,
11:859 On creaking hinges turn'd, to break his sleep.
11:860 But in the gloomy court was rais'd a bed,
11:861 Stuff'd with black plumes, and on an ebon-sted:
11:862 Black was the cov'ring too, where lay the God,
11:863 And slept supine, his limbs display'd abroad:
11:864 About his head fantastick visions fly,
11:865 Which various images of things supply,
11:866 And mock their forms; the leaves on trees not more,
11:867 Nor bearded ears in fields, nor sands upon the shore.
11:868 The virgin ent'ring bright, indulg'd the day
11:869 To the brown cave, and brush'd the dreams away:
11:870 The God disturb'd with this new glare of light,
11:871 Cast sudden on his face, unseal'd his sight,
11:872 And rais'd his tardy head, which sunk again,
11:873 And sinking, on his bosom knock'd his chin;
11:874 At length shook off himself, and ask'd the dame,
11:875 (And asking yawn'd) for what intent she came.
11:876 To whom the Goddess thus: O sacred rest,
11:877 Sweet pleasing sleep, of all the Pow'rs the best!
11:878 O peace of mind, repairer of decay,
11:879 Whose balms renew the limbs to labours of the day,
11:880 Care shuns thy soft approach, and sullen flies away!
11:881 Adorn a dream, expressing human form,
11:882 The shape of him who suffer'd in the storm,
11:883 And send it flitting to the Trachin court,
11:884 The wreck of wretched Ceyx to report:
11:885 Before his queen bid the pale spectre stand,
11:886 Who begs a vain relief at Juno's hand.
11:887 She said, and scarce awake her eyes could keep,
11:888 Unable to support the fumes of sleep;
11:889 But fled, returning by the way she went,
11:890 And swerv'd along her bow with swift ascent.
11:891 The God, uneasy 'till he slept again,
11:892 Resolv'd at once to rid himself of pain;
11:893 And, tho' against his custom, call'd aloud,
11:894 Exciting Morpheus from the sleepy crowd:
11:895 Morpheus, of all his numerous train, express'd
11:896 The shape of man, and imitated best;
11:897 The walk, the words, the gesture could supply,
11:898 The habit mimick, and the mein bely;
11:899 Plays well, but all his action is confin'd,
11:900 Extending not beyond our human kind.
11:901 Another, birds, and beasts, and dragons apes,
11:902 And dreadful images, and monster shapes:
11:903 This demon, Icelos, in Heav'n's high hall
11:904 The Gods have nam'd; but men Phobetor call.
11:905 A third is Phantasus, whose actions roul
11:906 On meaner thoughts, and things devoid of soul;
11:907 Earth, fruits, and flow'rs he represents in dreams,
11:908 And solid rocks unmov'd, and running streams.
11:909 These three to kings, and chiefs their scenes display,
11:910 The rest before th' ignoble commons play.
11:911 Of these the chosen Morpheus is dispatch'd;
11:912 Which done, the lazy monarch, over-watch'd,
11:913 Down from his propping elbow drops his head,
11:914 Dissolv'd in sleep, and shrinks within his bed.
11:915 Darkling the demon glides, for flight prepar'd,
11:916 So soft, that scarce his fanning wings are heard.
11:917 To Trachin, swift as thought, the flitting shade,
11:918 Thro' air his momentary journey made:
11:919 Then lays aside the steerage of his wings,
11:920 Forsakes his proper form, assumes the king's;
11:921 And pale, as death, despoil'd of his array,
11:922 Into the queen's apartment takes his way,
11:923 And stands before the bed at dawn of day:
11:924 Unmov'd his eyes, and wet his beard appears;
11:925 And shedding vain, but seeming real tears;
11:926 The briny waters dropping from his hairs.
11:927 Then staring on her with a ghastly look,
11:928 And hollow voice, he thus the queen bespoke.
11:929 Know'st thou not me? Not yet, unhappy wife?
11:930 Or are my features perish'd with my life?
11:931 Look once again, and for thy husband lost,
11:932 Lo all that's left of him, thy husband's ghost!
11:933 Thy vows for my return were all in vain,
11:934 The stormy south o'ertook us in the main,
11:935 And never shalt thou see thy living lord again.
11:936 Bear witness, Heav'n, I call'd on thee in death,
11:937 And while I call'd, a billow stop'd my breath.
11:938 Think not, that flying fame reports my fate;
11:939 I present, I appear, and my own wreck relate.
11:940 Rise, wretched widow, rise; nor undeplor'd
11:941 Permit my soul to pass the Stygian ford;
11:942 But rise, prepar'd in black, to mourn thy perish'd lord.
11:943 Thus said the player-God; and adding art
11:944 Of voice and gesture, so perform'd his part,
11:945 She thought (so like her love the shade appears)
11:946 That Ceyx spake the words, and Ceyx shed the tears;
11:947 She groan'd, her inward soul with grief opprest,
11:948 She sigh'd, she wept, and sleeping beat her breast;
11:949 Then stretch'd her arms t' embrace his body bare;
11:950 Her clasping arms inclose but empty air:
11:951 At this, not yet awake, she cry'd, O stay;
11:952 One is our fate, and common is our way!
11:953 So dreadful was the dream, so loud she spoke,
11:954 That starting sudden up, the slumber broke:
11:955 Then cast her eyes around, in hope to view
11:956 Her vanish'd lord, and find the vision true:
11:957 For now the maids, who waited her commands,
11:958 Ran in with lighted tapers in their hands.
11:959 Tir'd with the search, not finding what she seeks,
11:960 With cruel blows she pounds her blubber'd cheeks;
11:961 Then from her beaten breast the linnen tare,
11:962 And cut the golden caul that bound her hair.
11:963 Her nurse demands the cause; with louder cries
11:964 She prosecutes her griefs, and thus replies.
11:965 No more Alcyone; she suffer'd death
11:966 With her lov'd lord, when Ceyx lost his breath:
11:967 No flatt'ry, no false comfort, give me none,
11:968 My shipwreck'd Ceyx is for ever gone:
11:969 I saw, I saw him manifest in view,
11:970 His voice, his figure, and his gestures knew:
11:971 His lustre lost, and ev'ry living grace,
11:972 Yet I retain'd the features of his face;
11:973 Tho' with pale cheeks, wet beard, and dropping hair,
11:974 None but my Ceyx could appear so fair:
11:975 I would have strain'd him with a strict embrace,
11:976 But thro' my arms he slipt, and vanish'd from the place:
11:977 There, ev'n just there he stood; and as she spoke,
11:978 Where last the spectre was she cast her look:
11:979 Fain would she hope, and gaz'd upon the ground,
11:980 If any printed footsteps might be found.
11:981 Then sigh'd, and said: This I too well foreknew,
11:982 And my prophetick fears presag'd too true:
11:983 'Twas what I begg'd, when with a bleeding heart
11:984 I took my leave, and suffer'd thee to part;
11:985 Or I to go along, or thou to stay,
11:986 Never, ah never to divide our way!
11:987 Happier for me, that all our hours assign'd
11:988 Together we had liv'd; ev'n not in death disjoin'd!
11:989 So had my Ceyx still been living here,
11:990 Or with my Ceyx I had perish'd there:
11:991 Now I die absent, in the vast profound;
11:992 And me, without my self, the seas have drown'd.
11:993 The storms were not so cruel: should I strive
11:994 To lengthen life, and such a grief survive;
11:995 But neither will I strive, nor wretched thee
11:996 In death forsake, but keep thee company.
11:997 If not one common sepulchre contains
11:998 Our bodies, or one urn our last remains,
11:999 Yet Ceyx and Alcyone shall join,
11:1000 Their names remember'd in one common line.
11:1001 No farther voice her mighty grief affords,
11:1002 For sighs come rushing in betwixt her words,
11:1003 And stop'd her tongue; but what her tongue deny'd,
11:1004 Soft tears, and groans, and dumb complaints supply'd.
11:1005 'Twas morning; to the port she takes her way,
11:1006 And stands upon the margin of the sea:
11:1007 That place, that very spot of ground she sought,
11:1008 Or thither by her destiny was brought,
11:1009 Where last he stood: and while she sadly said,
11:1010 'Twas here he left me, lingring here delay'd
11:1011 His parting kiss, and there his anchors weigh'd.
11:1012 Thus speaking, while her thoughts past actions trace,
11:1013 And call to mind, admonish'd by the place,
11:1014 Sharp at her utmost ken she cast her eyes,
11:1015 And somewhat floating from afar descries:
11:1016 It seems a corps a-drift to distant sight,
11:1017 But at a distance who could judge aright?
11:1018 It wafted nearer yet, and then she knew,
11:1019 That what before she but surmis'd, was true:
11:1020 A corps it was, but whose it was, unknown,
11:1021 Yet mov'd, howe'er, she made the cause her own.
11:1022 Took the bad omen of a shipwreck'd man,
11:1023 As for a stranger wept, and thus began.
11:1024 Poor wretch, on stormy seas to lose thy life,
11:1025 Unhappy thou, but more thy widow'd wife;
11:1026 At this she paus'd: for now the flowing tide
11:1027 Had brought the body nearer to the side:
11:1028 The more she looks, the more her fears increase,
11:1029 At nearer sight; and she's her self the less:
11:1030 Now driv'n ashore, and at her feet it lies,
11:1031 She knows too much in knowing whom she sees:
11:1032 Her husband's corps; at this she loudly shrieks,
11:1033 'Tis he, 'tis he, she cries, and tears her cheeks,
11:1034 Her hair, and vest; and stooping to the sands,
11:1035 About his neck she cast her trembling hands.
11:1036 And is it thus, o dearer than my life,
11:1037 Thus, thus return'st thou to thy longing wife!
11:1038 She said, and to the neighbouring mole she strode,
11:1039 (Rais'd there to break th' incursions of the flood).
11:1040 Headlong from hence to plunge her self she springs,
11:1041 But shoots along, supported on her wings;
11:1042 A bird new-made, about the banks she plies,
11:1043 Not far from shore, and short excursions tries;
11:1044 Nor seeks in air her humble flight to raise,
11:1045 Content to skim the surface of the seas:
11:1046 Her bill tho' slender, sends a creaking noise,
11:1047 And imitates a lamentable voice.
11:1048 Now lighting where the bloodless body lies,
11:1049 She with a fun'ral note renews her cries:
11:1050 At all her stretch, her little wings she spread,
11:1051 And with her feather'd arms embrac'd the dead:
11:1052 Then flick'ring to his palid lips, she strove
11:1053 To print a kiss, the last essay of love.
11:1054 Whether the vital touch reviv'd the dead,
11:1055 Or that the moving waters rais'd his head
11:1056 To meet the kiss, the vulgar doubt alone;
11:1057 For sure a present miracle was shown.
11:1058 The Gods their shapes to winter-birds translate,
11:1059 But both obnoxious to their former fate.
11:1060 Their conjugal affection still is ty'd,
11:1061 And still the mournful race is multiply'd:
11:1062 They bill, they tread; Alcyone compress'd,
11:1063 Sev'n days sits brooding on her floating nest:
11:1064 A wintry queen: her sire at length is kind,
11:1065 Calms ev'ry storm, and hushes ev'ry wind;
11:1066 Prepares his empire for his daughter's ease,
11:1067 And for his hatching nephews smooths the seas.
Aesacus transform'd into a Cormorant
11:1068 These some old man sees wanton in the air,
11:1069 And praises the unhappy constant pair.
11:1070 Then to his friend the long-neck'd corm'rant shows,
11:1071 The former tale reviving others' woes:
11:1072 That sable bird, he cries, which cuts the flood
11:1073 With slender legs, was once of royal blood;
11:1074 His ancestors from mighty Tros proceed,
11:1075 The brave Laomedon, and Ganymede
11:1076 (Whose beauty tempted Jove to steal the boy),
11:1077 And Priam, hapless prince! who fell with Troy:
11:1078 Himself was Hector's brother, and (had Fate
11:1079 But giv'n this hopeful youth a longer date)
11:1080 Perhaps had rival'd warlike Hector's worth,
11:1081 Tho' on the mother's side of meaner birth;
11:1082 Fair Alyxothoe, a country maid,
11:1083 Bare Aesacus by stealth in Ida's shade.
11:1084 He fled the noisy town, and pompous court,
11:1085 Lov'd the lone hills, and simple rural sport.
11:1086 And seldom to the city would resort.
11:1087 Yet he no rustick clownishness profest,
11:1088 Nor was soft love a stranger to his breast:
11:1089 The youth had long the nymph Hesperie woo'd,
11:1090 Oft thro' the thicket, or the mead pursu'd:
11:1091 Her haply on her father's bank he spy'd,
11:1092 While fearless she her silver tresses dry'd;
11:1093 Away she fled: not stags with half such speed,
11:1094 Before the prowling wolf, scud o'er the mead;
11:1095 Not ducks, when they the safer flood forsake,
11:1096 Pursu'd by hawks, so swift regain the lake.
11:1097 As fast he follow'd in the hot career;
11:1098 Desire the lover wing'd, the virgin fear.
11:1099 A snake unseen now pierc'd her heedless foot;
11:1100 Quick thro' the veins the venom'd juices shoot:
11:1101 She fell, and 'scap'd by death his fierce pursuit;
11:1102 Her lifeless body, frighted, he embrac'd,
11:1103 And cry'd, Not this I dreaded, but thy haste:
11:1104 O had my love been less, or less thy fear!
11:1105 The victory, thus bought, is far too dear.
11:1106 Accursed snake! yet I more curs'd than he!
11:1107 He gave the wound; the cause was given by me.
11:1108 Yet none shall say, that unreveng'd you dy'd.
11:1109 He spoke; then climb'd a cliff's o'er-hanging side,
11:1110 And, resolute, leap'd on the foaming tide.
11:1111 Tethys receiv'd him gently on the wave;
11:1112 The death he sought deny'd, and feathers gave.
11:1113 Debarr'd the surest remedy of grief,
11:1114 And forc'd to live, he curst th' unask'd relief.
11:1115 Then on his airy pinions upward flies,
11:1116 And at a second fall successless tries;
11:1117 The downy plume a quick descent denies.
11:1118 Enrag'd, he often dives beneath the wave,
11:1119 And there in vain expects to find a grave.
11:1120 His ceaseless sorrow for th' unhappy maid,
11:1121 Meager'd his look, and on his spirits prey'd.
11:1122 Still near the sounding deep he lives; his name
11:1123 From frequent diving and emerging came.
BOOK THE TWELFTH
The Trojan War
12:1 Priam, to whom the story was unknown,
12:2 As dead, deplor'd his metamorphos'd son:
12:3 A cenotaph his name, and title kept,
12:4 And Hector round the tomb, with all his brothers, wept.
12:5 This pious office Paris did not share;
12:6 Absent alone; and author of the war,
12:7 Which, for the Spartan queen, the Grecians drew
12:8 T' avenge the rape; and Asia to subdue.
12:9 A thousand ships were mann'd, to sail the sea:
12:10 Nor had their just resentments found delay,
12:11 Had not the winds, and waves oppos'd their way.
12:12 At Aulis, with united pow'rs they meet,
12:13 But there, cross-winds or calms detain'd the fleet.
12:14 Now, while they raise an altar on the shore,
12:15 And Jove with solemn sacrifice adore;
12:16 A boding sign the priests and people see:
12:17 A snake of size immense ascends a tree,
12:18 And, in the leafie summit, spy'd a nest,
12:19 Which o'er her callow young, a sparrow press'd.
12:20 Eight were the birds unfledg'd; their mother flew,
12:21 And hover'd round her care; but still in view:
12:22 'Till the fierce reptile first devour'd the brood,
12:23 Then seiz'd the flutt'ring dam, and drunk her blood.
12:24 This dire ostent, the fearful people view;
12:25 Calchas alone, by Phoebus taught, foreknew
12:26 What Heav'n decreed; and with a smiling glance,
12:27 Thus gratulates to Greece her happy chance:
12:28 O Argives, we shall conquer: Troy is ours,
12:29 But long delays shall first afflict our pow'rs:
12:30 Nine years of labour, the nine birds portend;
12:31 The tenth shall in the town's destruction end.
12:32 The serpent, who his maw obscene had fill'd,
12:33 The branches in his curl'd embraces held:
12:34 But, as in spires he stood, he turn'd to stone:
12:35 The stony snake retain'd the figure still his own.
12:36 Yet, not for this, the wind-bound navy weigh'd;
12:37 Slack were their sails; and Neptune disobey'd.
12:38 Some thought him loth the town should be destroy'd,
12:39 Whose building had his hands divine employ'd:
12:40 Not so the seer; who knew, and known foreshow'd,
12:41 The virgin Phoebe, with a virgin's blood
12:42 Must first be reconcil'd: the common cause
12:43 Prevail'd; and pity yielding to the laws,
12:44 Fair Iphigenia the devoted maid
12:45 Was, by the weeping priests, in linnen-robes array'd;
12:46 All mourn her fate; but no relief appear'd;
12:47 The royal victim bound, the knife already rear'd:
12:48 When that offended Pow'r, who caus'd their woe,
12:49 Relenting ceas'd her wrath; and stop'd the coming blow.
12:50 A mist before the ministers she cast,
12:51 And, in the virgin's room, a hind she plac'd.
12:52 Th' oblation slain, and Phoebe, reconcil'd,
12:53 The storm was hush'd, and dimpled ocean smil'd:
12:54 A favourable gale arose from shore,
12:55 Which to the port desir'd, the Graecian gallies bore.
The House of Fame
12:56 Full in the midst of this created space,
12:57 Betwixt Heav'n, Earth, and skies, there stands a place,
12:58 Confining on all three, with triple bound;
12:59 Whence all things, tho' remote, are view'd around;
12:60 And thither bring their undulating sound.
12:61 The palace of loud Fame, her seat of pow'r,
12:62 Plac'd on the summet of a lofty tow'r;
12:63 A thousand winding entries long and wide,
12:64 Receive of fresh reports a flowing tide.
12:65 A thousand crannies in the walls are made;
12:66 Nor gate, nor bars exclude the busie trade.
12:67 'Tis built of brass, the better to diffuse
12:68 The spreading sounds, and multiply the news:
12:69 Where eccho's in repeated eccho's play:
12:70 A mart for ever full, and open night and day.
12:71 Nor silence is within, nor voice express,
12:72 But a deaf noise of sounds, that never cease.
12:73 Confus'd and chiding, like the hollow roar
12:74 Of tides, receding from th' insulted shore,
12:75 Or like the broken thunder heard from far,
12:76 When Jove at distance drives the rouling war.
12:77 The courts are fill'd with a tumultuous din
12:78 Of crouds, or issuing forth, or entring in:
12:79 A thorough-fare of news: where some devise
12:80 Things never heard, some mingle truth with lies;
12:81 The troubled air with empty sounds they beat,
12:82 Intent to hear, and eager to repeat.
12:83 Error sits brooding there, with added train
12:84 Of vain credulity, and joys as vain:
12:85 Suspicion, with sedition join'd, are near,
12:86 And rumours rais'd, and murmurs mix'd, and panique fear.
12:87 Fame sits aloft, and sees the subject ground,
12:88 And seas about, and skies above; enquiring all around.
12:89 The Goddess gives th' alarm; and soon is known
12:90 The Grecian fleet descending on the town.
12:91 Fix'd on defence, the Trojans are not slow
12:92 To guard their shore, from an expected foe.
12:93 They meet in fight: by Hector's fatal hand
12:94 Protesilaus falls, and bites the strand:
12:95 Which with expence of blood the Grecians won;
12:96 And prov'd the strength unknown of Priam's son.
12:97 And to their cost the Trojan leaders felt
12:98 The Grecian heroes; and what deaths they dealt.
The Story of Cygnus
12:99 From these first onsets, the Sigaean shore
12:100 Was strew'd with carcasses, and stain'd with gore:
12:101 Neptunian Cygnus troops of Greeks had slain;
12:102 Achilles in his carr had scour'd the plain,
12:103 And clear'd the Trojan ranks: where-e'er he fought,
12:104 Cygnus, or Hector, through the fields he sought:
12:105 Cygnus he found; on him his force essay'd:
12:106 For Hector was to the tenth year delay'd.
12:107 His white-main'd steeds, that bow'd beneath the yoke,
12:108 He chear'd to courage, with a gentle stroke;
12:109 Then urg'd his fiery chariot on the foe;
12:110 And rising shook his lance; in act to throw.
12:111 But first he cry'd, O youth, be proud to bear
12:112 Thy death, ennobled by Pelides' spear.
12:113 The lance pursu'd the voice without delay,
12:114 Nor did the whizzing weapon miss the way;
12:115 But pierc'd his cuirass, with such fury sent,
12:116 And sign'd his bosom with a purple dint.
12:117 At this the seed of Neptune: Goddess-born,
12:118 For ornament, not use, these arms are worn;
12:119 This helm, and heavy buckler, I can spare;
12:120 As only decorations of the war:
12:121 So Mars is arm'd for glory, not for need.
12:122 'Tis somewhat more from Neptune to proceed,
12:123 Than from a daughter of the sea to spring:
12:124 Thy sire is mortal; mine is ocean's king.
12:125 Secure of death, I shou'd contemn thy dart,
12:126 Tho' naked; and impassible depart:
12:127 He said, and threw: the trembling weapon pass'd
12:128 Through nine bull-hides, each under other plac'd,
12:129 On his broad shield; and stuck within the last.
12:130 Achilles wrench'd it out; and sent again
12:131 The hostile gift: the hostile gift was vain.
12:132 He try'd a third, a tough well-chosen spear;
12:133 Th' inviolable body stood sincere,
12:134 Though Cygnus then did no defence provide,
12:135 But scornful offer'd his unshielded side.
12:136 Not otherwise th' impatient hero far'd,
12:137 Than as a bull incompass'd with a guard,
12:138 Amid the Circus roars, provok'd from far
12:139 By sight of scarlet, and a sanguine war:
12:140 They quit their ground, his bended horns elude;
12:141 In vain pursuing, and in vain pursu'd:
12:142 Before to farther fight he wou'd advance,
12:143 He stood considering, and survey'd his lance.
12:144 Doubts if he wielded not a wooden spear
12:145 Without a point: he look'd, the point was there.
12:146 This is my hand, and this my lance, he said;
12:147 By which so many thousand foes are dead,
12:148 O whither is their usual virtue fled!
12:149 I had it once; and the Lyrnessian wall,
12:150 And Tenedos, confess'd it in their fall.
12:151 Thy streams, Caicus, rowl'd a crimson-flood;
12:152 And Thebes ran red with her own natives' blood.
12:153 Twice Telephus employ'd their piercing steel,
12:154 To wound him first, and afterward to heal.
12:155 The vigour of this arm was never vain:
12:156 And that my wonted prowess I retain,
12:157 Witness these heaps of slaughter on the plain.
12:158 He said; and, doubtful of his former deeds,
12:159 To some new tryal of his force proceeds.
12:160 He chose Menoetes from among the rest;
12:161 At him he launch'd his spear, and pierc'd his breast:
12:162 On the hard earth the Lycian knock'd his head,
12:163 And lay supine; and forth the spirit fled.
12:164 Then thus the hero: Neither can I blame
12:165 The hand, or jav'lin; both are still the same.
12:166 The same I will employ against this foe,
12:167 And wish but with the same success to throw.
12:168 So spoke the chief; and while he spoke he threw;
12:169 The weapon with unerring fury flew,
12:170 At his left shoulder aim'd: nor entrance found;
12:171 But back, as from a rock, with swift rebound
12:172 Harmless return'd: a bloody mark appear'd,
12:173 Which with false joy the flatter'd hero chear'd.
12:174 Wound there was none; the blood that was in view,
12:175 The lance before from slain Menoetes drew.
12:176 Headlong he leaps from off his lofty car,
12:177 And in close fight on foot renews the war.
12:178 Raging with high disdain, repeats his blows;
12:179 Nor shield, nor armour can their force oppose;
12:180 Huge cantlets of his buckler strew the ground,
12:181 And no defence in his bor'd arms is found,
12:182 But on his flesh, no wound or blood is seen;
12:183 The sword it self is blunted on the skin.
12:184 This vain attempt the chief no longer bears;
12:185 But round his hollow temples and his ears
12:186 His buckler beats: the son of Neptune, stunn'd
12:187 With these repeated buffets, quits his ground;
12:188 A sickly sweat succeeds, and shades of night;
12:189 Inverted Nature swims before his sight:
12:190 Th' insulting victor presses on the more,
12:191 And treads the steps the vanquish'd trod before,
12:192 Nor rest, nor respite gives. A stone there lay
12:193 Behind his trembling foe, and stopp'd his way:
12:194 Achilles took th' advantage which he found,
12:195 O'er-turn'd, and push'd him backward on the ground,
12:196 His buckler held him under, while he press'd,
12:197 With both his knees, above his panting breast.
12:198 Unlac'd his helm: about his chin the twist
12:199 He ty'd; and soon the strangled soul dismiss'd.
12:200 With eager haste he went to strip the dead:
12:201 The vanish'd body from his arms was fled.
12:202 His sea-God sire, t' immortalize his frame,
12:203 Had turn'd it to a bird that bears his name.
12:204 A truce succeeds the labours of this day,
12:205 And arms suspended with a long delay.
12:206 While Trojan walls are kept with watch and ward;
12:207 The Greeks before their trenches mount the guard;
12:208 The feast approach'd; when to the blue-ey'd maid
12:209 His vows for Cygnus slain the victor paid,
12:210 And a white heyfer on her altar laid.
12:211 The reeking entrails on the fire they threw,
12:212 And to the Gods the grateful odour flew.
12:213 Heav'n had its part in sacrifice: the rest
12:214 Was broil'd, and roasted for the future feast.
12:215 The chief-invited guests were set around!
12:216 And hunger first asswag'd, the bowls were crown'd,
12:217 Which in deep draughts their cares, and labours drown'd.
12:218 The mellow harp did not their ears employ:
12:219 And mute was all the warlike symphony:
12:220 Discourse, the food of souls, was their delight,
12:221 And pleasing chat prolong'd the summer's night.
12:222 The subject, deeds of arms; and valour shown,
12:223 Or on the Trojan side, or on their own.
12:224 Of dangers undertaken, fame atchiev'd,
12:225 They talk'd by turns; the talk by turns reliev'd.
12:226 What things but these could fierce Achilles tell,
12:227 Or what cou'd fierce Achilles hear so well?
12:228 The last great act perform'd, of Cygnus slain,
12:229 Did most the martial audience entertain:
12:230 Wondring to find a body free by Fate
12:231 From steel; and which cou'd ev'n that steel rebate:
12:232 Amaz'd, their admiration they renew;
12:233 And scarce Pelides cou'd believe it true.
The Story of Caeneus
12:234 Then Nestor thus: what once this age has known,
12:235 In fated Cygnus, and in him alone,
12:236 These eyes have seen in Caeneus long before;
12:237 Whose body not a thousand swords cou'd bore.
12:238 Caeneus, in courage, and in strength, excell'd;
12:239 And still his Othrys with his fame is fill'd:
12:240 But what did most his martial deeds adorn
12:241 (Though since he chang'd his sex) a woman born.
12:242 A novelty so strange, and full of Fate,
12:243 His list'ning audience ask'd him to relate.
12:244 Achilles thus commends their common sute:
12:245 O father, first for prudence in repute,
12:246 Tell, with that eloquence, so much thy own,
12:247 What thou hast heard, or what of Caeneus known:
12:248 What was he, whence his change of sex begun,
12:249 What trophies, join'd in wars with thee, he won?
12:250 Who conquer'd him, and in what fatal strife
12:251 The youth, without a wound, cou'd lose his life?
12:252 Neleides then: Though tardy age, and time,
12:253 Have shrunk my sinews, and decay'd my prime;
12:254 Though much I have forgotten of my store,
12:255 Yet not exhausted, I remember more.
12:256 Of all that arms atchiev'd, or peace design'd,
12:257 That action still is fresher in my mind,
12:258 Than ought beside. If reverend age can give
12:259 To faith a sanction, in my third I live.
12:260 'Twas in my second cent'ry, I survey'd
12:261 Young Caenis, then a fair Thessalian maid:
12:262 Caenis the bright, was born to high command;
12:263 A princess, and a native of thy land,
12:264 Divine Achilles; every tongue proclaim'd
12:265 Her beauty, and her eyes all hearts inflam'd.
12:266 Peleus, thy sire, perhaps had sought her bed,
12:267 Among the rest; but he had either led
12:268 Thy mother then; or was by promise ty'd;
12:269 But she to him, and all, alike her love deny'd.
12:270 It was her fortune once to take her way
12:271 Along the sandy margin of the sea:
12:272 The Pow'r of ocean view'd her as she pass'd,
12:273 And, lov'd as soon as seen, by force embrac'd.
12:274 So Fame reports. Her virgin-treasure seiz'd,
12:275 And his new joys, the ravisher so pleas'd,
12:276 That thus, transported, to the nymph he cry'd;
12:277 Ask what thou wilt, no pray'r shall be deny'd.
12:278 This also Fame relates: the haughty fair,
12:279 Who not the rape ev'n of a God cou'd bear,
12:280 This answer, proud, return'd: To mighty wrongs
12:281 A mighty recompence, of right, belongs.
12:282 Give me no more to suffer such a shame;
12:283 But change the woman, for a better name;
12:284 One gift for all: she said; and while she spoke,
12:285 A stern, majestick, manly tone she took.
12:286 A man she was: and as the Godhead swore,
12:287 To Caeneus turn'd, who Caenis was before.
12:288 To this the lover adds, without request,
12:289 No force of steel shou'd violate his breast.
12:290 Glad of the gift, the new-made warrior goes;
12:291 And arms among the Greeks, and longs for equal foes.
The Skirmish between the Centaurs and Lapithites
12:292 Now brave Perithous, bold Ixion's son,
12:293 The love of fair Hippodame had won.
12:294 The cloud-begotten race, half men, half beast,
12:295 Invited, came to grace the nuptial feast:
12:296 In a cool cave's recess the treat was made,
12:297 Whose entrance, trees with spreading boughs o'er-shade
12:298 They sate: and summon'd by the bridegroom, came,
12:299 To mix with those, the Lapythaean name:
12:300 Nor wanted I: the roofs with joy resound:
12:301 And Hymen, Io Hymen, rung around.
12:302 Rais'd altars shone with holy fires; the bride,
12:303 Lovely her self (and lovely by her side
12:304 A bevy of bright nymphs, with sober grace),
12:305 Came glitt'ring like a star, and took her place.
12:306 Her heav'nly form beheld, all wish'd her joy;
12:307 And little wanted; but in vain, their wishes all employ.
12:308 For one, most brutal, of the brutal brood,
12:309 Or whether wine, or beauty fir'd his blood,
12:310 Or both at once, beheld with lustful eyes
12:311 The bride; at once resolv'd to make his prize.
12:312 Down went the board; and fastning on her hair,
12:313 He seiz'd with sudden force the frighted fair.
12:314 'Twas Eurytus began: his bestial kind
12:315 His crime pursu'd; and each as pleas'd his mind,
12:316 Or her, whom chance presented, took: the feast
12:317 An image of a taken town express'd.
12:318 The cave resounds with female shrieks; we rise,
12:319 Mad with revenge to make a swift reprise:
12:320 And Theseus first, What phrenzy has possess'd,
12:321 O Eurytus, he cry'd, thy brutal breast,
12:322 To wrong Perithous, and not him alone,
12:323 But while I live, two friends conjoyn'd in one?
12:324 To justifie his threat, he thrusts aside
12:325 The crowd of centaurs; and redeems the bride:
12:326 The monster nought reply'd: for words were vain,
12:327 And deeds cou'd only deeds unjust maintain;
12:328 But answers with his hand, and forward press'd,
12:329 With blows redoubled, on his face, and breast.
12:330 An ample goblet stood, of antick mold,
12:331 And rough with figures of the rising gold;
12:332 The hero snatch'd it up, and toss'd in air
12:333 Full at the front of the foul ravisher.
12:334 He falls; and falling vomits forth a flood
12:335 Of wine, and foam, and brains, and mingled blood.
12:336 Half roaring, and half neighing through the hall,
12:337 Arms, arms, the double-form'd with fury call;
12:338 To wreak their brother's death: a medley-flight
12:339 Of bowls, and jars, at first supply the fight,
12:340 Once instruments of feasts; but now of Fate;
12:341 Wine animates their rage, and arms their hate.
12:342 Bold Amycus, from the robb'd vestry brings
12:343 The chalices of Heav'n; and holy things
12:344 Of precious weight: a sconce that hung on high,
12:345 With tapers fill'd, to light the sacristy,
12:346 Torn from the cord, with his unhallow'd hand
12:347 He threw amid the Lapythaean band.
12:348 On Celadon the ruin fell; and left
12:349 His face of feature, and of form bereft:
12:350 So, when some brawny sacrificer knocks,
12:351 Before an altar led, an offer'd ox,
12:352 His eyes-balls rooted out, are thrown to ground;
12:353 His nose, dismantled, in his mouth is found;
12:354 His jaws, cheeks, front, one undistinguish'd wound.
12:355 This, Belates, th' avenger, cou'd not brook;
12:356 But, by the foot, a maple board he took;
12:357 And hurl'd at Amycus; his chin it bent
12:358 Against his chest, and down the centaur sent:
12:359 Whom sputtring bloody teeth, the second blow
12:360 Of his drawn sword, dispatch'd to shades below.
12:361 Grineus was near; and cast a furious look
12:362 On the side-altar, cens'd with sacred smoke,
12:363 And bright with flaming fires; The Gods, he cry'd,
12:364 Have with their holy trade our hands supply'd:
12:365 Why use we not their gifts? Then from the floor
12:366 An altar stone he heav'd, with all the load it bore:
12:367 Altar, and altar's freight together slew,
12:368 Where thickest throng'd the Lapythaean crew:
12:369 And, at once, Broteas and Oryus flew.
12:370 Oryus' mother, Mycale, was known
12:371 Down from her sphere to draw the lab'ring moon.
12:372 Exadius cry'd, Unpunish'd shall not go
12:373 This fact, if arms are found against the foe.
12:374 He look'd about, where on a pine were spread
12:375 The votive horns of a stag's branching head:
12:376 At Grineus these he throws; so just they fly,
12:377 That the sharp antlers stuck in either eye:
12:378 Breathless, and blind he fell; with blood besmear'd;
12:379 His eye-balls beaten out, hung dangling on his beard.
12:380 Fierce Rhoetus, from the hearth a burning brand
12:381 Selects, and whirling waves; 'till, from his hand
12:382 The fire took flame; then dash'd it from the right,
12:383 On fair Charaxus' temples, near the sight:
12:384 The whistling pest came on, and pierc'd the bone,
12:385 And caught the yellow hair, that shrivel'd while it shone.
12:386 Caught, like dry stubble fir'd; or like seerwood;
12:387 Yet from the wound ensu'd no purple flood;
12:388 But look'd a bubbling mass of frying blood.
12:389 His blazing locks sent forth a crackling sound;
12:390 And hiss'd, like red hot ir'n within the smithy drown'd.
12:391 The wounded warrior shook his flaming hair,
12:392 Then (what a team of horse could hardly rear)
12:393 He heaves the threshold stone, but could not throw;
12:394 The weight itself forbad the threaten'd blow;
12:395 Which dropping from his lifted arms, came down
12:396 Full on Cometes' head; and crush'd his crown.
12:397 Nor Rhoetus then retain'd his joy; but said,
12:398 So by their fellows may our foes be sped;
12:399 Then, with redoubled strokes he plies his head:
12:400 The burning lever not deludes his pains:
12:401 But drives the batter'd skull within the brains.
12:402 Thus flush'd, the conqueror, with force renew'd,
12:403 Evagrus, Dryas, Corythus, pursu'd:
12:404 First, Corythus, with downy cheeks, he slew;
12:405 Whose fall, when fierce Evagrus had in view,
12:406 He cry'd, What palm is from a beardless prey?
12:407 Rhoetus prevents what more he had to say;
12:408 And drove within his mouth the fi'ry death,
12:409 Which enter'd hissing in, and choak'd his breath.
12:410 At Dryas next he flew: but weary chance,
12:411 No longer wou'd the same success advance.
12:412 For while he whirl'd in fiery circles round
12:413 The brand, a sharpen'd stake strong Dryas found;
12:414 And in the shoulder's joint inflicts the wound.
12:415 The weapon stuck; which, roaring out with pain,
12:416 He drew; nor longer durst the fight maintain,
12:417 But turn'd his back, for fear; and fled amain.
12:418 With him fled Orneus, with like dread possess'd,
12:419 Thaumas, and Medon wounded in the breast;
12:420 And Mermeros, in the late race renown'd,
12:421 Now limping ran, and tardy with his wound.
12:422 Pholus, and Melaneus from fight withdrew,
12:423 And Abas maim'd, who boars encountring slew:
12:424 And Augur Asbolos, whose art in vain,
12:425 From fight dissuaded the four-footed train,
12:426 Now beat the hoof with Nessus on the plain;
12:427 But to his fellow cry'd, Be safely slow,
12:428 Thy death deferr'd is due to great Alcides' bow.
12:429 Mean-time strong Dryas urg'd his chance so well,
12:430 That Lycidas, Areos, Imbreus fell;
12:431 All, one by one, and fighting face to face:
12:432 Crenaeus fled, to fall with more disgrace:
12:433 For, fearful, while he look'd behind, he bore,
12:434 Betwixt his nose, and front, the blow before.
12:435 Amid the noise, and tumult of the fray,
12:436 Snoring, and drunk with wine, Aphidas lay.
12:437 Ev'n then the bowl within his hand he kept,
12:438 And on a bear's rough hide securely slept.
12:439 Him Phorbas with his flying dart transfix'd;
12:440 Take thy next draught, with Stygian waters mix'd,
12:441 And sleep thy fill, th' insulting victor cry'd;
12:442 Surpriz'd with death unfelt, the centaur dy'd;
12:443 The ruddy vomit, as he breath'd his soul
12:444 Repass'd his throat, and fill'd his empty bowl.
12:445 I saw Petraeus' arms employ'd around
12:446 A well-grown oak, to root it from the ground.
12:447 This way, and that, he wrench'd the fibrous bands;
12:448 The trunk was like a sappling, in his hands,
12:449 And still obey'd the bent: while thus he stood,
12:450 Perithous' dart drove on; and nail'd him to the wood;
12:451 Lycus, and Chromis fell, by him oppress'd:
12:452 Helops, and Dictis added to the rest
12:453 A nobler palm: Helops, through either ear
12:454 Transfix'd, receiv'd the penetrating spear.
12:455 This Dictis saw; and, seiz'd with sudden fright,
12:456 Leapt headlong from the hill of steepy height;
12:457 And crush'd an ash beneath, that cou'd not bear his weight.
12:458 The shatter'd tree receives his fall; and strikes,
12:459 Within his full-blown paunch, the sharpen'd spikes.
12:460 Strong Aphareus had heav'd a mighty stone,
12:461 The fragment of a rock; and wou'd have thrown;
12:462 But Theseus, with a club of harden'd oak,
12:463 The cubit-bone of the bold centaur broke;
12:464 And left him maim'd; nor seconded the stroke.
12:465 Then leapt on tall Bianor's back (who bore
12:466 No mortal burden but his own, before);
12:467 Press'd with his knees his sides; the double man,
12:468 His speed with spurs increas'd, unwilling ran.
12:469 One hand the hero fastn'd on his locks;
12:470 His other ply'd him with repeated strokes.
12:471 The club rung round his ears, and batter'd brows;
12:472 He falls; and lashing up his heels, his rider throws.
12:473 The same Herculean arms, Nedymnus wound;
12:474 And lay by him Lycotas on the ground,
12:475 And Hippasus, whose beard his breast invades;
12:476 And Ripheus, haunter of the woodland shades:
12:477 And Thereus, us'd with mountain-bears to strive,
12:478 And from their dens to draw th' indignant beasts alive.
12:479 Demoleon cou'd not bear this hateful sight,
12:480 Or the long fortune of th' Athenian knight:
12:481 But pull'd with all his force, to disengage
12:482 From Earth a pine, the product of an age:
12:483 The root stuck fast: the broken trunk he sent
12:484 At Theseus; Theseus frustrates his intent,
12:485 And leaps aside; by Pallas warn'd, the blow
12:486 To shun (for so he said; and we believ'd it so).
12:487 Yet not in vain th' enormous weight was cast;
12:488 Which Crantor's body sunder'd at the waist:
12:489 Thy father's 'squire, Achilles, and his care;
12:490 Whom conquer'd in the Polopeian war,
12:491 Their king, his present ruin to prevent,
12:492 A pledge of peace implor'd, to Peleus sent.
12:493 Thy sire, with grieving eyes, beheld his Fate;
12:494 And cry'd, Not long, lov'd Crantor, shalt thou wait
12:495 Thy vow'd revenge. At once he said, and threw
12:496 His ashen-spear; which quiver'd, as it flew;
12:497 With all his force, and all his soul apply'd;
12:498 The sharp point enter'd in the centaur's side:
12:499 Both hands, to wrench it out, the monster join'd;
12:500 And wrench'd it out; but left the steel behind;
12:501 Stuck in his lungs it stood: inrag'd he rears
12:502 His hoofs, and down to ground thy father bears.
12:503 Thus trampled under foot, his shield defends
12:504 His head; his other hand the lance portends.
12:505 Ev'n while he lay extended on the dust,
12:506 He sped the centaur, with one single thrust.
12:507 Two more his lance before transfix'd from far;
12:508 And two, his sword had slain, in closer war.
12:509 To these was added Dorylas, who spread
12:510 A bull's two goring horns around his head.
12:511 With these he push'd; in blood already dy'd,
12:512 Him fearless, I approach'd; and thus defy'd:
12:513 Now, monster, now, by proof it shall appear,
12:514 Whether thy horns are sharper, or my spear.
12:515 At this, I threw: for want of other ward,
12:516 He lifted up his hand, his front to guard.
12:517 His hand it pass'd; and fix'd it to his brow:
12:518 Loud shouts of ours attend the lucky blow.
12:519 Him Peleus finish'd, with a second wound,
12:520 Which thro' the navel pierc'd: he reel'd around;
12:521 And dragg'd his dangling bowels on the ground.
12:522 Trod what he drag'd; and what he trod, he crush'd:
12:523 And to his mother-Earth, with empty belly, rush'd.
The Story of Cyllarus and Hylonome
12:524 Nor cou'd thy form, o Cyllarus, foreflow
12:525 Thy Fate (if form to monsters men allow):
12:526 Just bloom'd thy beard: thy beard of golden hue:
12:527 Thy locks, in golden waves, about thy shoulders flew.
12:528 Sprightly thy look: thy shapes in ev'ry part
12:529 So clean, as might instruct the sculptor's art;
12:530 As far as man extended: where began
12:531 The beast, the beast was equal to the man.
12:532 Add but a horse's head and neck; and he,
12:533 O Castor, was a courser worthy thee.
12:534 So was his back proportion'd for the seat:
12:535 So rose his brawny chest; so swiftly mov'd his feet.
12:536 Coal-black his colour, but like jett it shone;
12:537 His legs, and flowing tail were white alone.
12:538 Belov'd by many maidens of his kind;
12:539 But fair Hylonome possess'd his mind;
12:540 Hylonome, for features, and for face,
12:541 Excelling all the nymphs of double race:
12:542 Nor less her blandishments, than beauty, move;
12:543 At once both loving, and confessing love.
12:544 For him she dress'd: for him, with female care
12:545 She comb'd, and set in curls, her auburn hair.
12:546 Of roses, violets, and lillies mix'd,
12:547 And sprigs of flowing rosemary betwixt,
12:548 She form'd the chaplet, that adorn'd her front:
12:549 In waters of the Pegasaean fount,
12:550 And in the streams that from the fountain play,
12:551 She wash'd her face; and bath'd her twice a-day.
12:552 The scarf of furs, that hung below her side,
12:553 Was ermin, or the panther's spotted pride;
12:554 Spoils of no common beast: with equal flame
12:555 They lov'd: their silvan pleasures were the same:
12:556 All day they hunted: and when day expir'd,
12:557 Together to some shady cave retir'd:
12:558 Invited to the nuptials, both repair:
12:559 And, side by side, they both engage in war.
12:560 Uncertain from what hand, a flying dart
12:561 At Cyllarus was sent; which pierc'd his heart.
12:562 The jav'lin drawn from out the mortal wound,
12:563 He faints with stagg'ring steps; and seeks the ground:
12:564 The fair within her arms receiv'd his fall,
12:565 And strove his wand'ring spirits to recall:
12:566 And while her hand the streaming blood oppos'd,
12:567 Join'd face to face, his lips with hers she clos'd.
12:568 Stifled with kisses, a sweet death he dies;
12:569 She fills the fields with undistinguish'd cries;
12:570 At least her words were in her clamour drown'd;
12:571 For my stunn'd ears receiv'd no vocal sound.
12:572 In madness of her grief, she seiz'd the dart
12:573 New-drawn, and reeking from her lover's heart;
12:574 To her bare bosom the sharp point apply'd;
12:575 And wounded fell; and falling by his side,
12:576 Embrac'd him in her arms; and thus embracing dy'd.
12:577 Ev'n still methinks, I see Phaeocomes;
12:578 Strange was his habit, and as odd his dress.
12:579 Six lions' hides, with thongs together fast,
12:580 His upper part defended to his waist:
12:581 And where man ended, the continued vest,
12:582 Spread on his back, the houss and trappings of a beast.
12:583 A stump too heavy for a team to draw
12:584 (It seems a fable, tho' the fact I saw);
12:585 He threw at Pholon; the descending blow
12:586 Divides the skull, and cleaves his head in two.
12:587 The brains, from nose, and mouth, and either ear,
12:588 Came issuing out, as through a colendar
12:589 The curdled milk; or from the press the whey,
12:590 Driv'n down by weight above, is drain'd away.
12:591 But him, while stooping down to spoil the slain,
12:592 Pierc'd through the paunch, I tumbled on the plain.
12:593 Then Chthonyus, and Teleboas I slew:
12:594 A fork the former arm'd; a dart his fellow threw.
12:595 The jav'lin wounded me (behold the scar,
12:596 Then was my time to seek the Trojan war;
12:597 Then I was Hector's match in open field;
12:598 But he was then unborn; at least a child:
12:599 Now, I am nothing). I forbear to tell
12:600 By Periphantas how Pyretus fell;
12:601 The centaur by the knight: nor will I stay
12:602 On Amphix, or what deaths he dealt that day:
12:603 What honour, with a pointless lance, he won,
12:604 Stuck in the front of a four-footed man.
12:605 What fame young Macareus obtain'd in fight:
12:606 Or dwell on Nessus, now return'd from flight.
12:607 How prophet Mopsus not alone divin'd,
12:608 Whose valour equal'd his foreseeing mind.
Caeneus transform'd to an Eagle
12:609 Already Caeneus, with his conquering hand,
12:610 Had slaughter'd five the boldest of their band.
12:611 Pyrachmus, Helymus, Antimachus,
12:612 Bromus the brave, and stronger Stiphelus,
12:613 Their names I number'd, and remember well,
12:614 No trace remaining, by what wounds they fell.
12:615 Laitreus, the bulki'st of the double race,
12:616 Whom the spoil'd arms of slain Halesus grace,
12:617 In years retaining still his youthful might,
12:618 Though his black hairs were interspers'd with white,
12:619 Betwixt th' imbattled ranks began to prance,
12:620 Proud of his helm, and Macedonian lance;
12:621 And rode the ring around; that either hoast
12:622 Might hear him, while he made this empty boast:
12:623 And from a strumpet shall we suffer shame?
12:624 For Caenis still, not Caeneus, is thy name:
12:625 And still the native softness of thy kind
12:626 Prevails; and leaves the woman in thy mind;
12:627 Remember what thou wert; what price was paid
12:628 To change thy sex; to make thee not a maid:
12:629 And but a man in shew; go, card and spin;
12:630 And leave the business of the war to men.
12:631 While thus the boaster exercis'd his pride,
12:632 The fatal spear of Caeneus reach'd his side:
12:633 Just in the mixture of the kinds it ran;
12:634 Betwixt the neather beast, and upper man:
12:635 The monster mad with rage, and stung with smart,
12:636 His lance directed at the hero's heart:
12:637 It struck; but bounded from his harden'd breast,
12:638 Like hail from tiles, which the safe house invest.
12:639 Nor seem'd the stroke with more effect to come,
12:640 Than a small pebble falling on a drum.
12:641 He next his fauchion try'd, in closer fight;
12:642 But the keen fauchion had no pow'r to bite.
12:643 He thrust; the blunted point return'd again:
12:644 Since downright blows, he cry'd, and thrusts are vain,
12:645 I'll prove his side; in strong embraces held
12:646 He prov'd his side; his side the sword repell'd:
12:647 His hollow belly eccho'd to the stroke,
12:648 Untouch'd his body, as a solid rock;
12:649 Aim'd at his neck at last, the blade in shivers broke.
12:650 Th' impassive knight stood idle, to deride
12:651 His rage, and offer'd oft his naked side;
12:652 At length, Now monster, in thy turn, he cry'd,
12:653 Try thou the strength of Caeneus: at the word
12:654 He thrust; and in his shoulder plung'd the sword.
12:655 Then writh'd his hand; and as he drove it down,
12:656 Deep in his breast, made many wounds in one.
12:657 The centaurs saw, inrag'd, th' unhop'd success;
12:658 And rushing on in crowds, together press;
12:659 At him, and him alone, their darts they threw:
12:660 Repuls'd they from his fated body flew.
12:661 Amaz'd they stood; 'till Monichus began,
12:662 O shame, a nation conquer'd by a man!
12:663 A woman-man! yet more a man is he,
12:664 Than all our race; and what he was, are we.
12:665 Now, what avail our nerves? th' united force,
12:666 Of two the strongest creatures, man and horse;
12:667 Nor Goddess-born; nor of Ixion's seed
12:668 We seem (a lover built for Juno's bed);
12:669 Master'd by this half man. Whole mountains throw
12:670 With woods at once, and bury him below.
12:671 This only way remains. Nor need we doubt
12:672 To choak the soul within; though not to force it out:
12:673 Heap weights, instead of wounds. He chanc'd to see
12:674 Where southern storms had rooted up a tree;
12:675 This, rais'd from Earth, against the foe he threw;
12:676 Th' example shewn, his fellow-brutes pursue.
12:677 With forest-loads the warrior they invade;
12:678 Othrys, and Pelion soon were void of shade;
12:679 And spreading groves were naked mountains made.
12:680 Press'd with the burden, Caeneus pants for breath;
12:681 And on his shoulders bears the wooden death.
12:682 To heave th' intolerable weight he tries;
12:683 At length it rose above his mouth and eyes:
12:684 Yet still he heaves; and, strugling with despair,
12:685 Shakes all aside, and gains a gulp of air:
12:686 A short relief, which but prolongs his pain;
12:687 He faints by fits; and then respires again:
12:688 At last, the burden only nods above,
12:689 As when an earthquake stirs th' Idaean grove.
12:690 Doubtful his death: he suffocated seem'd,
12:691 To most; but otherwise our Mopsus deem'd,
12:692 Who said he saw a yellow bird arise
12:693 From out the piles, and cleave the liquid skies:
12:694 I saw it too, with golden feathers bright;
12:695 Nor e'er before beheld so strange a sight.
12:696 Whom Mopsus viewing, as it soar'd around
12:697 Our troop, and heard the pinions' rattling sound,
12:698 All hail, he cry'd, thy country's grace and love!
12:699 Once first of men below, now first of birds above.
12:700 Its author to the story gave belief:
12:701 For us, our courage was increas'd by grief:
12:702 Asham'd to see a single man, pursu'd
12:703 With odds, to sink beneath a multitude,
12:704 We push'd the foe: and forc'd to shameful flight,
12:705 Part fell, and part escap'd by favour of the night.
The Fate of Periclymenos
12:706 This tale, by Nestor told, did much displease
12:707 Tlepolemus, the seed of Hercules:
12:708 For, often he had heard his father say,
12:709 That he himself was present at the fray;
12:710 And more than shar'd the glories of the day.
12:711 Old Chronicle, he said, among the rest,
12:712 You might have nam'd Alcides at the least:
12:713 Is he not worth your praise? The Pylian prince
12:714 Sigh'd ere he spoke; then made this proud defence.
12:715 My former woes in long oblivion drown'd,
12:716 I wou'd have lost; but you renew the wound:
12:717 Better to pass him o'er, than to relate
12:718 The cause I have your mighty sire to hate.
12:719 His fame has fill'd the world, and reach'd the sky
12:720 (Which, oh, I wish, with truth, I cou'd deny!);
12:721 We praise not Hector; though his name, we know,
12:722 Is great in arms; 'tis hard to praise a foe.
12:723 He, your great father, levell'd to the ground
12:724 Messenia's tow'rs: nor better fortune found
12:725 Elis, and Pylos; that a neighb'ring state,
12:726 And this my own: both guiltless of their fate.
12:727 To pass the rest, twelve, wanting one, he slew;
12:728 My brethren, who their birth from Neleus drew,
12:729 All youths of early promise, had they liv'd;
12:730 By him they perish'd: I alone surviv'd.
12:731 The rest were easie conquest: but the fate
12:732 Of Periclymenos, is wondrous to relate.
12:733 To him, our common grandsire of the main
12:734 Had giv'n to change his form, and chang'd, resume again.
12:735 Vary'd at pleasure, every shape he try'd;
12:736 And in all beasts, Alcides still defy'd:
12:737 Vanquish'd on Earth, at length he soar'd above;
12:738 Chang'd to the bird, that bears the bolt of Jove:
12:739 The new-dissembled eagle, now endu'd
12:740 With beak, and pounces, Hercules pursu'd,
12:741 And cuff'd his manly cheeks, and tore his face;
12:742 Then, safe retir'd, and tour'd in empty space.
12:743 Alcides bore not long his flying foe;
12:744 But bending his inevitable bow,
12:745 Reach'd him in air, suspended as he stood;
12:746 And in his pinion fix'd the feather'd wood.
12:747 Light was the wound; but in the sinew hung
12:748 The point, and his disabled wing unstrung.
12:749 He wheel'd in air, and stretch'd his vans in vain;
12:750 His vans no longer cou'd his flight sustain:
12:751 For while one gather'd wind, one unsupply'd
12:752 Hung drooping down, nor pois'd his other side.
12:753 He fell: the shaft that slightly was impress'd,
12:754 Now from his heavy fall with weight increas'd,
12:755 Drove through his neck, aslant, he spurns the ground,
12:756 And the soul issues through the weazon's wound.
12:757 Now, brave commander of the Rhodian seas,
12:758 What praise is due from me, to Hercules?
12:759 Silence is all the vengeance I decree
12:760 For my slain brothers; but 'tis peace with thee.
12:761 Thus with a flowing tongue old Nestor spoke:
12:762 Then, to full bowls each other they provoke:
12:763 At length, with weariness, and wine oppress'd,
12:764 They rise from table; and withdraw to rest.
The Death of Achilles
12:765 The sire of Cygnus, monarch of the main,
12:766 Mean-time, laments his son, in battel slain,
12:767 And vows the victor's death; nor vows in vain.
12:768 For nine long years the smother'd pain he bore
12:769 (Achilles was not ripe for Fate before):
12:770 Then when he saw the promis'd hour was near,
12:771 He thus bespoke the God, that guides the year:
12:772 Immortal offspring of my brother Jove;
12:773 My brightest nephew, and whom best I love,
12:774 Whose hands were join'd with mine, to raise the wall
12:775 Of tott'ring Troy, now nodding to her fall,
12:776 Dost thou not mourn our pow'r employ'd in vain;
12:777 And the defenders of our city slain?
12:778 To pass the rest, could noble Hector lie
12:779 Unpity'd, drag'd around his native Troy?
12:780 And yet the murd'rer lives: himself by far
12:781 A greater plague, than all the wasteful war:
12:782 He lives; the proud Pelides lives, to boast
12:783 Our town destroy'd, our common labour lost.
12:784 O, could I meet him! But I wish too late:
12:785 To prove my trident is not in his Fate!
12:786 But let him try (for that's allow'd) thy dart,
12:787 And pierce his only penetrable part.
12:788 Apollo bows to the superior throne;
12:789 And to his uncle's anger, adds his own.
12:790 Then in a cloud involv'd, he takes his flight,
12:791 Where Greeks, and Trojans mix'd in mortal fight;
12:792 And found out Paris, lurking where he stood,
12:793 And stain'd his arrows with plebeian blood:
12:794 Phoebus to him alone the God confess'd,
12:795 Then to the recreant knight, he thus address'd.
12:796 Dost thou not blush, to spend thy shafts in vain
12:797 On a degenerate, and ignoble train?
12:798 If fame, or better vengeance be thy care,
12:799 There aim: and, with one arrow, end the war.
12:800 He said; and shew'd from far the blazing shield
12:801 And sword, which, but Achilles, none cou'd wield;
12:802 And how he mov'd a God, and mow'd the standing field.
12:803 The deity himself directs aright
12:804 Th' invenom'd shaft; and wings the fatal flight.
12:805 Thus fell the foremost of the Grecian name;
12:806 And he, the base adult'rer, boasts the fame.
12:807 A spectacle to glad the Trojan train;
12:808 And please old Priam, after Hector slain.
12:809 If by a female hand he had foreseen
12:810 He was to die, his wish had rather been
12:811 The lance, and double ax of the fair warriour queen.
12:812 And now the terror of the Trojan field,
12:813 The Grecian honour, ornament, and shield,
12:814 High on a pile, th' unconquer'd chief is plac'd,
12:815 The God that arm'd him first, consum'd at last.
12:816 Of all the mighty man, the small remains
12:817 A little urn, and scarcely fill'd, contains.
12:818 Yet great in Homer, still Achilles lives;
12:819 And equal to himself, himself survives.
12:820 His buckler owns its former lord; and brings
12:821 New cause of strife, betwixt contending kings;
12:822 Who worthi'st after him, his sword to wield,
12:823 Or wear his armour, or sustain his shield.
12:824 Ev'n Diomede sat mute, with down-cast eyes;
12:825 Conscious of wanted worth to win the prize:
12:826 Nor Menelaus presum'd these arms to claim,
12:827 Nor he the king of men, a greater name.
12:828 Two rivals only rose: Laertes' son,
12:829 And the vast bulk of Ajax Telamon:
12:830 The king, who cherish'd each with equal love,
12:831 And from himself all envy wou'd remove,
12:832 Left both to be determin'd by the laws;
12:833 And to the Graecian chiefs transferr'd the cause.
BOOK THE THIRTEENTH
The Speeches of Ajax and Ulysses
13:1 The chiefs were set; the soldiers crown'd the field:
13:2 To these the master of the seven-fold shield
13:3 Upstarted fierce: and kindled with disdain.
13:4 Eager to speak, unable to contain
13:5 His boiling rage, he rowl'd his eyes around
13:6 The shore, and Graecian gallies hall'd a-ground.
13:7 Then stretching out his hands, O Jove, he cry'd,
13:8 Must then our cause before the fleet be try'd?
13:9 And dares Ulysses for the prize contend,
13:10 In sight of what he durst not once defend?
13:11 But basely fled that memorable day,
13:12 When I from Hector's hands redeem'd the flaming prey.
13:13 So much 'tis safer at the noisie bar
13:14 With words to flourish, than ingage in war.
13:15 By diff'rent methods we maintain our right,
13:16 Nor am I made to talk, nor he to fight.
13:17 In bloody fields I labour to be great;
13:18 His arms are a smooth tongue, and soft deceit:
13:19 Nor need I speak my deeds, for those you see,
13:20 The sun, and day are witnesses for me.
13:21 Let him who fights unseen, relate his own,
13:22 And vouch the silent stars, and conscious moon.
13:23 Great is the prize demanded, I confess,
13:24 But such an abject rival makes it less;
13:25 That gift, those honours, he but hop'd to gain,
13:26 Can leave no room for Ajax to be vain:
13:27 Losing he wins, because his name will be
13:28 Ennobled by defeat, who durst contend with me.
13:29 Were my known valour question'd, yet my blood
13:30 Without that plea would make my title good:
13:31 My sire was Telamon, whose arms, employ'd
13:32 With Hercules, these Trojan walls destroy'd;
13:33 And who before with Jason sent from Greece,
13:34 In the first ship brought home the golden fleece.
13:35 Great Telamon from Aeacus derives
13:36 His birth (th' inquisitor of guilty lives
13:37 In shades below; where Sisyphus, whose son
13:38 This thief is thought, rouls up the restless heavy stone),
13:39 Just Aeacus, the king of Gods above
13:40 Begot: thus Ajax is the third from Jove.
13:41 Nor shou'd I seek advantage from my line,
13:42 Unless (Achilles) it was mix'd with thine:
13:43 As next of kin, Achilles' arms I claim;
13:44 This fellow wou'd ingraft a foreign name
13:45 Upon our stock, and the Sisyphian seed
13:46 By fraud, and theft asserts his father's breed:
13:47 Then must I lose these arms, because I came
13:48 To fight uncall'd, a voluntary name,
13:49 Nor shunn'd the cause, but offer'd you my aid?
13:50 While he long lurking was to war betray'd:
13:51 Forc'd to the field he came, but in the reer;
13:52 And feign'd distraction to conceal his fear:
13:53 'Till one more cunning caught him in the snare
13:54 (Ill for himself); and dragg'd him into war.
13:55 Now let a hero's arms a coward vest,
13:56 And he who shunn'd all honours, gain the best:
13:57 And let me stand excluded from my right,
13:58 Robb'd of my kinsman's arms, who first appear'd in fight,
13:59 Better for us, at home had he remain'd,
13:60 Had it been true the madness which he feign'd,
13:61 Or so believ'd; the less had been our shame,
13:62 The less his counsell'd crime, which brands the Grecian name;
13:63 Nor Philoctetes had been left inclos'd
13:64 In a bare isle, to wants and pains expos'd,
13:65 Where to the rocks, with solitary groans,
13:66 His suff'rings, and our baseness he bemoans:
13:67 And wishes (so may Heav'n his wish fulfill)
13:68 The due reward to him, who caus'd his ill.
13:69 Now he, with us to Troy's destruction sworn,
13:70 Our brother of the war, by whom are born
13:71 Alcides' arrows, pent in narrow bounds,
13:72 With cold and hunger pinch'd, and pain'd with wounds,
13:73 To find him food and cloathing, must employ
13:74 Against the birds the shafts due to the fate of Troy.
13:75 Yet still he lives, and lives from treason free,
13:76 Because he left Ulysses' company;
13:77 Poor Palamede might wish, so void of aid,
13:78 Rather to have been left, than so to death betray'd.
13:79 The coward bore the man immortal spight,
13:80 Who sham'd him out of madness into fight:
13:81 Nor daring otherwise to vent his hate,
13:82 Accus'd him first of treason to the state;
13:83 And then for proof produc'd the golden store,
13:84 Himself had hidden in his tent before:
13:85 Thus of two champions he depriv'd our host,
13:86 By exile one, and one by treason lost.
13:87 Thus fights Ulysses, thus his fame extends,
13:88 A formidable man, but to his friends:
13:89 Great, for what greatness is in words, and sound,
13:90 Ev'n faithful Nestor less in both is found:
13:91 But that he might without a rival reign,
13:92 He left this faithful Nestor on the plain;
13:93 Forsook his friend ev'n at his utmost need,
13:94 Who tir'd, and tardy with his wounded steed,
13:95 Cry'd out for aid, and call'd him by his name;
13:96 But cowardice has neither ears nor shame;
13:97 Thus fled the good old man, bereft of aid,
13:98 And, for as much as lay in him, betray'd:
13:99 That this is not a fable forg'd by me,
13:100 Like one of his, an Ulyssean lie,
13:101 I vouch ev'n Diomede, who tho' his friend,
13:102 Cannot that act excuse, much less defend:
13:103 He call'd him back aloud, and tax'd his fear;
13:104 And sure enough he heard, but durst not hear.
13:105 The Gods with equal eyes on mortal look,
13:106 He justly was forsaken, who forsook:
13:107 Wanted that succour, he refus'd to lend,
13:108 Found ev'ry fellow such another friend:
13:109 No wonder, if he roar'd that all might hear;
13:110 His elocution was increas'd by fear:
13:111 I heard, I ran, I found him out of breath,
13:112 Pale, trembling, and half dead with fear of death.
13:113 Though he had judg'd himself by his own laws,
13:114 And stood condemn'd, I help'd the common cause:
13:115 With my broad buckler hid him from the foe
13:116 (Ev'n the shield trembled as he lay below);
13:117 And from impending Fate the coward freed:
13:118 Good Heav'n forgive me for so bad a deed!
13:119 If still he will persist, and urge the strife,
13:120 First let him give me back his forfeit life:
13:121 Let him return to that opprobrious field;
13:122 Again creep under my protecting shield:
13:123 Let him lie wounded, let the foe be near,
13:124 And let his quiv'ring heart confess his fear;
13:125 There put him in the very jaws of Fate;
13:126 And let him plead his cause in that estate:
13:127 And yet when snatch'd from death, when from below
13:128 My lifted shield I loos'd, and let him go;
13:129 Good Heav'ns, how light he rose, with what a bound
13:130 He sprung from earth, forgetful of his wound;
13:131 How fresh, how eager then his feet to ply;
13:132 Who had not strength to stand, had speed to fly!
13:133 Hector came on, and brought the Gods along;
13:134 Fear seiz'd alike the feeble, and the strong:
13:135 Each Greek was an Ulysses; such a dread
13:136 Th' approach, and ev'n the sound of Hector bred:
13:137 Him, flesh'd with slaughter, and with conquest crown'd,
13:138 I met, and over-turn'd him to the ground;
13:139 When after, matchless as he deem'd in might,
13:140 He challeng'd all our host to single fight;
13:141 All eyes were fix'd on me: the lots were thrown;
13:142 But for your champion I was wish'd alone:
13:143 Your vows were heard; we fought, and neither yield;
13:144 Yet I return'd unvanquish'd from the field.
13:145 With Jove to friend, th' insulting Trojan came,
13:146 And menac'd us with force, our fleet with flame.
13:147 Was it the strength of this tongue-valiant lord,
13:148 In that black hour, that sav'd you from the sword?
13:149 Or was my breast expos'd alone, to brave
13:150 A thousand swords, a thousand ships to save?
13:151 The hopes of your return! And can you yield,
13:152 For a sav'd fleet, less than a single shield?
13:153 Think it no boast, o Grecians, if I deem
13:154 These arms want Ajax, more than Ajax them:
13:155 Or, I with them an equal honour share;
13:156 They honour'd to be worn, and I to wear.
13:157 Will he compare my courage with his sleight?
13:158 As well he may compare the day with night.
13:159 Night is indeed the province of his reign:
13:160 Yet all his dark exploits no more contain
13:161 Than a spy taken, and a sleeper slain;
13:162 A priest made pris'ner, Pallas made a prey:
13:163 But none of all these actions done by day:
13:164 Nor ought of these was done, and Diomede away.
13:165 If on such petty merits you confer
13:166 So vast a prize, let each his portion share;
13:167 Make a just dividend; and if not all,
13:168 The greater part to Diomede will fall.
13:169 But why for Ithacus such arms as those,
13:170 Who naked, and by night invades his foes?
13:171 The glitt'ring helm by moonlight will proclaim
13:172 The latent robber, and prevent his game:
13:173 Nor cou'd he hold his tott'ring head upright
13:174 Beneath that morion, or sustain the weight;
13:175 Nor that right arm cou'd toss the beamy lance;
13:176 Much less the left that ampler shield advance;
13:177 Pond'rous with precious weight, and rough with cost
13:178 Of the round world in rising gold emboss'd.
13:179 That orb would ill become his hand to wield,
13:180 And look as for the gold he stole the shield;
13:181 Which, shou'd your error on the wretch bestow,
13:182 It would not frighten, but allure the foe:
13:183 Why asks he, what avails him not in fight,
13:184 And wou'd but cumber, and retard his flight,
13:185 In which his only excellence is plac'd?
13:186 You give him death, that intercept his haste.
13:187 Add, that his own is yet a maiden-shield,
13:188 Nor the least dint has suffer'd in the field,
13:189 Guiltless of fight: mine batter'd, hew'd, and bor'd,
13:190 Worn out of service, must forsake his lord,
13:191 What farther need of words our right to scan?
13:192 My arguments are deeds, let action speak the man.
13:193 Since from a champion's arms the strife arose,
13:194 Go cast the glorious prize amid the foes;
13:195 Then send us to redeem both arms, and shield,
13:196 And let him wear, who wins 'em in the field.
13:197 He said: a murmur from a multitude,
13:198 Or somewhat like a stifled shout, ensu'd:
13:199 'Till from his seat arose Laertes' son,
13:200 Look'd down a while, and paus'd, e'er he begun;
13:201 Then, to th' expecting audience, rais'd his look,
13:202 And not without prepar'd attention spoke:
13:203 Soft was his tone, and sober was his face;
13:204 Action his words, and words his action grace.
13:205 If Heav'n, my lords, had heard our common pray'r,
13:206 These arms had caus'd no quarrel for an heir;
13:207 Still great Achilles had his own possess'd,
13:208 And we with great Achilles had been bless'd;
13:209 But since hard Fate, and Heav'n's severe decree,
13:210 Have ravish'd him away from you, and me
13:211 (At this he sigh'd, and wip'd his eyes, and drew,
13:212 Or seem'd to draw, some drops of kindly dew),
13:213 Who better can succeed Achilles lost,
13:214 Than he, who gave Achilles to your hoast?
13:215 This only I request, that neither he
13:216 May gain, by being what he seems to be,
13:217 A stupid thing; nor I may lose the prize,
13:218 By having sense, which Heav'n to him denies:
13:219 Since great or small, the talent I enjoy'd
13:220 Was ever in the common cause employ'd;
13:221 Nor let my wit, and wonted eloquence,
13:222 Which often has been us'd in your defense,
13:223 And in my own, this only time be brought
13:224 To bear against my self, and deem'd a fault.
13:225 Make not a crime, where Nature made it none;
13:226 For ev'ry man may freely use his own.
13:227 The deeds of long-descended ancestors
13:228 Are but by grace of imputation ours,
13:229 Theirs in effect; but since he draws his line
13:230 From Jove, and seems to plead a right divine;
13:231 From Jove, like him, I claim my pedigree,
13:232 And am descended in the same degree:
13:233 My sire Laertes was Arcesius' heir,
13:234 Arcesius was the son of Jupiter:
13:235 No parricide, no banish'd man, is known
13:236 In all my line: let him excuse his own.
13:237 Hermes ennobles too my mother's side,
13:238 By both my parents to the Gods ally'd.
13:239 But not because that on the female part
13:240 My blood is better, dare I claim desert,
13:241 Or that my sire from parricide is free;
13:242 But judge by merit betwixt him, and me:
13:243 The prize be to the best; provided yet
13:244 That Ajax for a while his kin forget,
13:245 And his great sire, and greater uncle's name,
13:246 To fortifie by them his feeble claim:
13:247 Be kindred and relation laid aside,
13:248 And honour's cause by laws of honour try'd:
13:249 For if he plead proximity of blood;
13:250 That empty title is with ease withstood.
13:251 Peleus, the hero's sire, more nigh than he,
13:252 And Pyrrhus, his undoubted progeny,
13:253 Inherit first these trophies of the field;
13:254 To Scyros, or to Pthia, send the shield:
13:255 And Teucer has an uncle's right; yet he
13:256 Waves his pretensions, nor contends with me.
13:257 Then since the cause on pure desert is plac'd,
13:258 Whence shall I take my rise, what reckon last?
13:259 I not presume on ev'ry act to dwell,
13:260 But take these few, in order as they fell.
13:261 Thetis, who knew the Fates, apply'd her care
13:262 To keep Achilles in disguise from war;
13:263 And 'till the threatning influence was past,
13:264 A woman's habit on the hero cast:
13:265 All eyes were cozen'd by the borrow'd vest,
13:266 And Ajax (never wiser than the rest)
13:267 Found no Pelides there: at length I came
13:268 With proffer'd wares to this pretended dame;
13:269 She, not discover'd by her mien, or voice,
13:270 Betray'd her manhood by her manly choice;
13:271 And while on female toys her fellows look,
13:272 Grasp'd in her warlike hand, a javelin shook;
13:273 Whom, by this act reveal'd, I thus bespoke:
13:274 O Goddess-born! resist not Heav'n's decree,
13:275 The fall of Ilium is reserv'd for thee;
13:276 Then seiz'd him, and produc'd in open light,
13:277 Sent blushing to the field the fatal knight.
13:278 Mine then are all his actions of the war;
13:279 Great Telephus was conquer'd by my spear,
13:280 And after cur'd: to me the Thebans owe,
13:281 Lesbos, and Tenedos, their overthrow;
13:282 Syros and Cylla: not on all to dwell,
13:283 By me Lyrnesus, and strong Chrysa fell:
13:284 And since I sent the man who Hector slew,
13:285 To me the noble Hector's death is due:
13:286 Those arms I put into his living hand,
13:287 Those arms, Pelides dead, I now demand.
13:288 When Greece was injur'd in the Spartan prince,
13:289 And met at Aulis to avenge th' offence,
13:290 'Twas a dead calm, or adverse blasts, that reign'd,
13:291 And in the port the wind-bound fleet detain'd:
13:292 Bad signs were seen, and oracles severe
13:293 Were daily thunder'd in our gen'ral's ear;
13:294 That by his daughter's blood we must appease
13:295 Diana's kindled wrath, and free the seas.
13:296 Affection, int'rest, fame, his heart assail'd:
13:297 But soon the father o'er the king prevail'd:
13:298 Bold, on himself he took the pious crime,
13:299 As angry with the Gods, as they with him.
13:300 No subject cou'd sustain their sov'reign's look,
13:301 'Till this hard enterprize I undertook:
13:302 I only durst th' imperial pow'r controul,
13:303 And undermin'd the parent in his soul;
13:304 Forc'd him t' exert the king for common good,
13:305 And pay our ransom with his daughter's blood.
13:306 Never was cause more difficult to plead,
13:307 Than where the judge against himself decreed:
13:308 Yet this I won by dint of argument;
13:309 The wrongs his injur'd brother underwent,
13:310 And his own office, sham'd him to consent.
13:311 'Tis harder yet to move the mother's mind,
13:312 And to this heavy task was I design'd:
13:313 Reasons against her love I knew were vain;
13:314 I circumvented whom I could not gain:
13:315 Had Ajax been employ'd, our slacken'd sails
13:316 Had still at Aulis waited happy gales.
13:317 Arriv'd at Troy, your choice was fix'd on me,
13:318 A fearless envoy, fit for a bold embassy:
13:319 Secure, I enter'd through the hostile court,
13:320 Glitt'ring with steel, and crowded with resort:
13:321 There, in the midst of arms, I plead our cause,
13:322 Urge the foul rape, and violated laws;
13:323 Accuse the foes, as authors of the strife,
13:324 Reproach the ravisher, demand the wife.
13:325 Priam, Antenor, and the wiser few,
13:326 I mov'd; but Paris, and his lawless crew
13:327 Scarce held their hands, and lifted swords; but stood
13:328 In act to quench their impious thirst of blood:
13:329 This Menelaus knows; expos'd to share
13:330 With me the rough preludium of the war.
13:331 Endless it were to tell, what I have done,
13:332 In arms, or council, since the siege begun:
13:333 The first encounter's past, the foe repell'd,
13:334 They skulk'd within the town, we kept the field.
13:335 War seem'd asleep for nine long years; at length
13:336 Both sides resolv'd to push, we try'd our strength
13:337 Now what did Ajax, while our arms took breath,
13:338 Vers'd only in the gross mechanick trade of death?
13:339 If you require my deeds, with ambush'd arms
13:340 I trapp'd the foe, or tir'd with false alarms;
13:341 Secur'd the ships, drew lines along the plain,
13:342 The fainting chear'd, chastis'd the rebel-train,
13:343 Provided forage, our spent arms renew'd;
13:344 Employ'd at home, or sent abroad, the common cause pursu'd.
13:345 The king, deluded in a dream by Jove,
13:346 Despair'd to take the town, and order'd to remove.
13:347 What subject durst arraign the Pow'r supream,
13:348 Producing Jove to justifie his dream?
13:349 Ajax might wish the soldiers to retain
13:350 From shameful flight, but wishes were in vain:
13:351 As wanting of effect had been his words,
13:352 Such as of course his thundring tongue affords.
13:353 But did this boaster threaten, did he pray,
13:354 Or by his own example urge their stay?
13:355 None, none of these: but ran himself away.
13:356 I saw him run, and was asham'd to see;
13:357 Who ply'd his feet so fast to get aboard, as he?
13:358 Then speeding through the place, I made a stand,
13:359 And loudly cry'd, O base degenerate band,
13:360 To leave a town already in your hand!
13:361 After so long expence of blood, for fame,
13:362 To bring home nothing, but perpetual shame!
13:363 These words, or what I have forgotten since
13:364 (For grief inspir'd me then with eloquence),
13:365 Reduc'd their minds; they leave the crowded port,
13:366 And to their late forsaken camp resort:
13:367 Dismay'd the council met: this man was there,
13:368 But mute, and not recover'd of his fear:
13:369 Thersites tax'd the king, and loudly rail'd,
13:370 But his wide opening mouth with blows I seal'd.
13:371 Then, rising, I excite their souls to fame,
13:372 And kindle sleeping virtue into flame.
13:373 From thence, whatever he perform'd in fight
13:374 Is justly mine, who drew him back from flight.
13:375 Which of the Grecian chiefs consorts with thee?
13:376 But Diomede desires my company,
13:377 And still communicates his praise with me.
13:378 As guided by a God, secure he goes,
13:379 Arm'd with my fellowship, amid the foes:
13:380 And sure no little merit I may boast,
13:381 Whom such a man selects from such an hoast;
13:382 Unforc'd by lots I went without affright,
13:383 To dare with him the dangers of the night:
13:384 On the same errand sent, we met the spy
13:385 Of Hector, double-tongu'd, and us'd to lie;
13:386 Him I dispatch'd, but not 'till undermin'd,
13:387 I drew him first to tell, what treach'rous Troy design'd:
13:388 My task perform'd, with praise I had retir'd,
13:389 But not content with this, to greater praise aspir'd:
13:390 Invaded Rhesus, and his Thracian crew,
13:391 And him, and his, in their own strength I slew;
13:392 Return'd a victor, all my vows compleat,
13:393 With the king's chariot, in his royal seat:
13:394 Refuse me now his arms, whose fiery steeds
13:395 Were promis'd to the spy for his nocturnal deeds:
13:396 Yet let dull Ajax bear away my right,
13:397 When all his days out-balance this one night.
13:398 Nor fought I darkling still: the sun beheld
13:399 With slaughter'd Lycians when I strew'd the field:
13:400 You saw, and counted as I pass'd along,
13:401 Alastor, Chromius, Ceranos the strong,
13:402 Alcander, Prytanis, and Halius,
13:403 Noemon, Charopes, and Ennomus;
13:404 Coon, Chersidamas; and five beside,
13:405 Men of obscure descent, but courage try'd:
13:406 All these this hand laid breathless on the ground;
13:407 Nor want I proofs of many a manly wound:
13:408 All honest, all before: believe not me;
13:409 Words may deceive, but credit what you see.
13:410 At this he bar'd his breast, and show'd his scars,
13:411 As of a furrow'd field, well plow'd with wars;
13:412 Nor is this part unexercis'd, said he;
13:413 That gyant-bulk of his from wounds is free:
13:414 Safe in his shield he fears no foe to try,
13:415 And better manages his blood, than I:
13:416 But this avails me not; our boaster strove
13:417 Not with our foes alone, but partial Jove,
13:418 To save the fleet: this I confess is true
13:419 (Nor will I take from any man his due):
13:420 But thus assuming all, he robs from you.
13:421 Some part of honour to your share will fall,
13:422 He did the best indeed, but did not all.
13:423 Patroclus in Achilles' arms, and thought
13:424 The chief he seem'd, with equal ardour fought;
13:425 Preserv'd the fleet, repell'd the raging fire,
13:426 And forc'd the fearful Trojans to retire.
13:427 But Ajax boasts, that he was only thought
13:428 A match for Hector, who the combat sought:
13:429 Sure he forgets the king, the chiefs, and me:
13:430 All were as eager for the fight, as he:
13:431 He but the ninth, and not by publick voice,
13:432 Or ours preferr'd, was only Fortune's choice:
13:433 They fought; nor can our hero boast th' event,
13:434 For Hector from the field unwounded went.
13:435 Why am I forc'd to name that fatal day,
13:436 That snatch'd the prop and pride of Greece away?
13:437 I saw Pelides sink, with pious grief,
13:438 And ran in vain, alas! to his relief;
13:439 For the brave soul was fled: full of my friend
13:440 I rush'd amid the war, his relicks to defend:
13:441 Nor ceas'd my toil, 'till I redeem'd the prey,
13:442 And, loaded with Achilles, march'd away:
13:443 Those arms, which on these shoulders then I bore,
13:444 'Tis just you to these shoulders should restore.
13:445 You see I want not nerves, who cou'd sustain
13:446 The pond'rous ruins of so great a man:
13:447 Or if in others equal force you find,
13:448 None is endu'd with a more grateful mind.
13:449 Did Thetis then, ambitious in her care,
13:450 These arms thus labour'd for her son prepare;
13:451 That Ajax after him the heav'nly gift shou'd wear!
13:452 For that dull soul to stare with stupid eyes,
13:453 On the learn'd unintelligible prize!
13:454 What are to him the sculptures of the shield,
13:455 Heav'n's planets, Earth, and Ocean's watry field?
13:456 The Pleiads, Hyads; less, and greater Bear,
13:457 Undipp'd in seas; Orion's angry star;
13:458 Two diff'ring cities, grav'd on either hand;
13:459 Would he wear arms he cannot understand?
13:460 Beside, what wise objections he prepares
13:461 Against my late accession to the wars?
13:462 Does not the fool perceive his argument
13:463 Is with more force against Achilles bent?
13:464 For if dissembling be so great a crime,
13:465 The fault is common, and the same in him:
13:466 And if he taxes both of long delay,
13:467 My guilt is less, who sooner came away.
13:468 His pious mother, anxious for his life,
13:469 Detain'd her son; and me, my pious wife.
13:470 To them the blossoms of our youth were due,
13:471 Our riper manhood we reserv'd for you.
13:472 But grant me guilty, 'tis not much my care,
13:473 When with so great a man my guilt I share:
13:474 My wit to war the matchless hero brought,
13:475 But by this fool I never had been caught.
13:476 Nor need I wonder, that on me he threw
13:477 Such foul aspersions, when he spares not you:
13:478 If Palamede unjustly fell by me,
13:479 Your honour suffer'd in th' unjust decree:
13:480 I but accus'd, you doom'd: and yet he dy'd,
13:481 Convinc'd of treason, and was fairly try'd:
13:482 You heard not he was false; your eyes beheld
13:483 The traytor manifest; the bribe reveal'd.
13:484 That Philoctetes is on Lemnos left,
13:485 Wounded, forlorn, of human aid bereft,
13:486 Is not my crime, or not my crime alone;
13:487 Defend your justice, for the fact's your own:
13:488 'Tis true, th' advice was mine; that staying there
13:489 He might his weary limbs with rest repair,
13:490 From a long voyage free, and from a longer war.
13:491 He took the counsl, and he lives at least;
13:492 Th' event declares I counsell'd for the best:
13:493 Though faith is all in ministers of state;
13:494 For who can promise to be fortunate?
13:495 Now since his arrows are the Fate of Troy,
13:496 Do not my wit, or weak address, employ;
13:497 Send Ajax there, with his persuasive sense,
13:498 To mollifie the man, and draw him thence:
13:499 But Xanthus shall run backward; Ida stand
13:500 A leafless mountain; and the Grecian band
13:501 Shall fight for Troy; if, when my councils fail,
13:502 The wit of heavy Ajax can prevail.
13:503 Hard Philoctetes, exercise thy spleen
13:504 Against thy fellows, and the king of men;
13:505 Curse my devoted head, above the rest,
13:506 And wish in arms to meet me breast to breast:
13:507 Yet I the dang'rous task will undertake,
13:508 And either die my self, or bring thee back.
13:509 Nor doubt the same success, as when before
13:510 The Phrygian prophet to these tents I bore,
13:511 Surpriz'd by night, and forc'd him to declare
13:512 In what was plac'd the fortune of the war,
13:513 Heav'n's dark decrees, and answers to display,
13:514 And how to take the town, and where the secret lay:
13:515 Yet this I compass'd, and from Troy convey'd
13:516 The fatal image of their guardian-maid;
13:517 That work was mine; for Pallas, though our friend,
13:518 Yet while she was in Troy, did Troy defend.
13:519 Now what has Ajax done, or what design'd?
13:520 A noisie nothing, and an empty wind.
13:521 If he be what he promises in show,
13:522 Why was I sent, and why fear'd he to go?
13:523 Our boasting champion thought the task not light
13:524 To pass the guards, commit himself to night;
13:525 Not only through a hostile town to pass,
13:526 But scale, with steep ascent, the sacred place;
13:527 With wand'ring steps to search the cittadel,
13:528 And from the priests their patroness to steal:
13:529 Then through surrounding foes to force my way,
13:530 And bear in triumph home the heavn'ly prey;
13:531 Which had I not, Ajax in vain had held,
13:532 Before that monst'rous bulk, his sev'nfold shield.
13:533 That night to conquer Troy I might be said,
13:534 When Troy was liable to conquest made.
13:535 Why point'st thou to my partner of the war?
13:536 Tydides had indeed a worthy share
13:537 In all my toil, and praise; but when thy might
13:538 Our ships protected, did'st thou singly fight?
13:539 All join'd, and thou of many wert but one;
13:540 I ask'd no friend, nor had, but him alone:
13:541 Who, had he not been well assur'd, that art,
13:542 And conduct were of war the better part,
13:543 And more avail'd than strength, my valiant friend
13:544 Had urg'd a better right, than Ajax can pretend:
13:545 As good at least Eurypilus may claim,
13:546 And the more mod'rate Ajax of the name:
13:547 The Cretan king, and his brave charioteer,
13:548 And Menelaus bold with sword, and spear:
13:549 All these had been my rivals in the shield,
13:550 And yet all these to my pretensions yield.
13:551 Thy boist'rous hands are then of use, when I
13:552 With this directing head those hands apply.
13:553 Brawn without brain is thine: my prudent care
13:554 Foresees, provides, administers the war:
13:555 Thy province is to fight; but when shall be
13:556 The time to fight, the king consults with me:
13:557 No dram of judgment with thy force is join'd:
13:558 Thy body is of profit, and my mind.
13:559 By how much more the ship her safety owes
13:560 To him who steers, than him that only rows;
13:561 By how much more the captain merits praise,
13:562 Than he who fights, and fighting but obeys;
13:563 By so much greater is my worth than thine,
13:564 Who canst but execute, what I design.
13:565 What gain'st thou, brutal man, if I confess
13:566 Thy strength superior, when thy wit is less?
13:567 Mind is the man: I claim my whole desert,
13:568 From the mind's vigour, and th' immortal part.
13:569 But you, o Grecian chiefs, reward my care,
13:570 Be grateful to your watchman of the war:
13:571 For all my labours in so long a space,
13:572 Sure I may plead a title to your grace:
13:573 Enter the town, I then unbarr'd the gates,
13:574 When I remov'd their tutelary Fates.
13:575 By all our common hopes, if hopes they be
13:576 Which I have now reduc'd to certainty;
13:577 By falling Troy, by yonder tott'ring tow'rs,
13:578 And by their taken Gods, which now are ours;
13:579 Or if there yet a farther task remains,
13:580 To be perform'd by prudence, or by pains;
13:581 If yet some desp'rate action rests behind,
13:582 That asks high conduct, and a dauntless mind;
13:583 If ought be wanting to the Trojan doom,
13:584 Which none but I can manage, and o'ercome,
13:585 Award, those arms I ask, by your decree:
13:586 Or give to this, what you refuse to me.
13:587 He ceas'd: and ceasing with respect he bow'd,
13:588 And with his hand at once the fatal statue show'd.
13:589 Heav'n, air and ocean rung, with loud applause,
13:590 And by the gen'ral vote he gain'd his cause.
13:591 Thus conduct won the prize, when courage fail'd,
13:592 And eloquence o'er brutal force prevail'd.
The Death of Ajax
13:593 He who cou'd often, and alone, withstand
13:594 The foe, the fire, and Jove's own partial hand,
13:595 Now cannot his unmaster'd grief sustain,
13:596 But yields to rage, to madness, and disdain;
13:597 Then snatching out his fauchion, Thou, said he,
13:598 Art mine; Ulysses lays no claim to thee.
13:599 O often try'd, and ever-trusty sword,
13:600 Now do thy last kind office to thy lord:
13:601 'Tis Ajax who requests thy aid, to show
13:602 None but himself, himself cou'd overthrow:
13:603 He said, and with so good a will to die,
13:604 Did to his breast the fatal point apply,
13:605 It found his heart, a way 'till then unknown,
13:606 Where never weapon enter'd, but his own.
13:607 No hands cou'd force it thence, so fix'd it stood,
13:608 'Till out it rush'd, expell'd by streams of spouting blood.
13:609 The fruitful blood produc'd a flow'r, which grew
13:610 On a green stem; and of a purple hue:
13:611 Like his, whom unaware Apollo slew:
13:612 Inscrib'd in both, the letters are the same,
13:613 But those express the grief, and these the name.
The Story of Polyxena and Hecuba
13:614 The victor with full sails for Lemnos stood
13:615 (Once stain'd by matrons with their husbands' blood),
13:616 Thence great Alcides' fatal shafts to bear,
13:617 Assign'd to Philoctetes' secret care.
13:618 These with their guardian to the Greeks convey'd,
13:619 Their ten years' toil with wish'd success repaid.
13:620 With Troy old Priam falls: his queen survives;
13:621 'Till all her woes compleat, transform'd she grieves
13:622 In borrow'd sounds, nor with an human face,
13:623 Barking tremendous o'er the plains of Thrace.
13:624 Still Ilium's flames their pointed columns raise,
13:625 And the red Hellespont reflects the blaze.
13:626 Shed on Jove's altar are the poor remains
13:627 Of blood, which trickl'd from old Priam's veins.
13:628 Cassandra lifts her hands to Heav'n in vain,
13:629 Drag'd by her sacred hair; the trembling train
13:630 Of matrons to their burning temples fly:
13:631 There to their Gods for kind protection cry;
13:632 And to their statues cling 'till forc'd away,
13:633 The victor Greeks bear off th' invidious prey.
13:634 From those high tow'rs Astyanax is thrown,
13:635 Whence he was wont with pleasure to look down.
13:636 When oft his mother with a fond delight
13:637 Pointed to view his father's rage in fight,
13:638 To win renown, and guard his country's right.
13:639 The winds now call to sea; brisk northern gales
13:640 Sing in the shrowds, and court the spreading sails.
13:641 Farewel, dear Troy, the captive matrons cry;
13:642 Yes, we must leave our long-lov'd native sky.
13:643 Then prostrate on the shore they kiss the sand,
13:644 And quit the smoking ruines of the land.
13:645 Last Hecuba on board, sad sight! appears;
13:646 Found weeping o'er her children's sepulchres:
13:647 Drag'd by Ulysses from her slaughter'd sons,
13:648 Whilst yet she graspt their tombs, and kist their mouldring bones.
13:649 Yet Hector's ashes from his urn she bore,
13:650 And in her bosom the sad relique wore:
13:651 Then scatter'd on his tomb her hoary hairs,
13:652 A poor oblation mingled with her tears.
13:653 Oppos'd to Ilium lye the Thracian plains,
13:654 Where Polymestor safe in plenty reigns.
13:655 King Priam to his care commits his son,
13:656 Young Polydore, the chance of war to shun.
13:657 A wise precaution! had not gold, consign'd
13:658 For the child's use, debauch'd the tyrant's mind.
13:659 When sinking Troy to its last period drew,
13:660 With impious hands his royal charge he slew;
13:661 Then in the sea the lifeless coarse is thrown;
13:662 As with the body he the guilt could drown.
13:663 The Greeks now riding on the Thracian shore,
13:664 'Till kinder gales invite, their vessels moor.
13:665 Here the wide-op'ning Earth to sudden view
13:666 Disclos'd Achilles, great as when he drew
13:667 The vital air, but fierce with proud disdain,
13:668 As when he sought Briseis to regain;
13:669 When stern debate, and rash injurious strife
13:670 Unsheath'd his sword, to reach Atrides' life.
13:671 And will ye go? he said. Is then the name
13:672 Of the once great Achilles lost to fame?
13:673 Yet stay, ungrateful Greeks; nor let me sue
13:674 In vain for honours to my Manes due.
13:675 For this just end, Polyxena I doom
13:676 With victim-rites to grace my slighted tomb.
13:677 The phantom spoke; the ready Greeks obey'd,
13:678 And to the tomb led the devoted maid
13:679 Snatch'd from her mother, who with pious care
13:680 Cherish'd this last relief of her despair.
13:681 Superior to her sex, the fearless maid,
13:682 Approach'd the altar, and around survey'd
13:683 The cruel rites, and consecrated knife,
13:684 Which Pyrrhus pointed at her guiltless life,
13:685 Then as with stern amaze intent he stood,
13:686 "Now strike," she said; "now spill my genr'ous blood;
13:687 Deep in my breast, or throat, your dagger sheath,
13:688 Whilst thus I stand prepar'd to meet my death.
13:689 For life on terms of slav'ry I despise:
13:690 Yet sure no God approves this sacrifice.
13:691 O cou'd I but conceal this dire event
13:692 From my sad mother, I should dye content.
13:693 Yet should she not with tears my death deplore,
13:694 Since her own wretched life demands them more.
13:695 But let not the rude touch of man pollute
13:696 A virgin-victim; 'tis a modest suit.
13:697 It best will please, whoe'er demands my blood,
13:698 That I untainted reach the Stygian flood.
13:699 Yet let one short, last, dying prayer be heard;
13:700 To Priam's daughter pay this last regard;
13:701 'Tis Priam's daughter, not a captive, sues;
13:702 Do not the rites of sepulture refuse.
13:703 To my afflicted mother, I implore,
13:704 Free without ransom my dead corpse restore:
13:705 Nor barter me for gain, when I am cold;
13:706 But be her tears the price, if I am sold:
13:707 Time was she could have ransom'd me with gold".
13:708 Thus as she pray'd, one common shower of tears
13:709 Burst forth, and stream'd from ev'ry eye but hers.
13:710 Ev'n the priest wept, and with a rude remorse
13:711 Plung'd in her heart the steel's resistless force.
13:712 Her slacken'd limbs sunk gently to the ground,
13:713 Dauntless her looks, unalter'd by the wound.
13:714 And as she fell, she strove with decent pride
13:715 To hide, what suits a virgin's care to hide.
13:716 The Trojan matrons the pale corpse receive,
13:717 And the whole slaughter'd race of Priam grieve,
13:718 Sad they recount the long disastrous tale;
13:719 Then with fresh tears, thee, royal maid, bewail;
13:720 Thy widow'd mother too, who flourish'd late
13:721 The royal pride of Asia's happier state:
13:722 A captive lot now to Ulysses born;
13:723 Whom yet the victor would reject with scorn,
13:724 Were she not Hector's mother: Hector's fame
13:725 Scarce can a master for his mother claim!
13:726 With strict embrace the lifeless coarse she view'd;
13:727 And her fresh grief that flood of tears renew'd,
13:728 With which she lately mourn'd so many dead;
13:729 Tears for her country, sons, and husband shed.
13:730 With the thick gushing stream she bath'd the wound;
13:731 Kiss'd her pale lips; then weltring on the ground,
13:732 With wonted rage her frantick bosom tore;
13:733 Sweeping her hair amidst the clotted gore;
13:734 Whilst her sad accents thus her loss deplore.
13:735 "Behold a mother's last dear pledge of woe!
13:736 Yes, 'tis the last I have to suffer now.
13:737 Thou, my Polyxena, my ills must crown:
13:738 Already in thy Fate, I feel my own.
13:739 'Tis thus, lest haply of my numerous seed
13:740 One should unslaughter'd fall, even thou must bleed:
13:741 And yet I hop'd thy sex had been thy guard;
13:742 But neither has thy tender sex been spar'd.
13:743 The same Achilles, by whose deadly hate
13:744 Thy brothers fell, urg'd thy untimely fate!
13:745 The same Achilles, whose destructive rage
13:746 Laid waste my realms, has robb'd my childless age.
13:747 When Paris' shafts with Phoebus' certain aid
13:748 At length had pierc'd this dreaded chief, I said,
13:749 Secure of future ills, he can no more:
13:750 But see, he still pursues me as before.
13:751 With rage rekindled his dead ashes burn;
13:752 And his yet murd'ring ghost my wretched house must mourn.
13:753 This tyrant's lust of slaughter I have fed
13:754 With large supplies from my too-fruitful bed.
13:755 Troy's tow'rs lye waste; and the wide ruin ends
13:756 The publick woe; but me fresh woe attends.
13:757 Troy still survives to me; to none but me;
13:758 And from its ills I never must be free.
13:759 I, who so late had power, and wealth, and ease,
13:760 Bless'd with my husband, and a large encrease,
13:761 Must now in poverty an exile mourn;
13:762 Ev'n from the tombs of my dead offspring torn:
13:763 Giv'n to Penelope, who proud of spoil,
13:764 Allots me to the loom's ungrateful toil;
13:765 Points to her dames, and crys with scorning mien:
13:766 See Hector's mother, and great Priam's queen!
13:767 And thou, my child, sole hope of all that's lost,
13:768 Thou now art slain, to sooth this hostile ghost.
13:769 Yes, my child falls an offering to my foe!
13:770 Then what am I, who still survive this woe?
13:771 Say, cruel Gods! for what new scenes of death
13:772 Must a poor aged wretch prolong this hated breath?
13:773 Troy fal'n, to whom could Priam happy seem?
13:774 Yet was he so; and happy must I deem
13:775 His death; for O! my child, he saw not thine,
13:776 When he his life did with his Troy resign.
13:777 Yet sure due obsequies thy tomb might grace;
13:778 And thou shalt sleep amidst thy kingly race.
13:779 Alas! my child, such fortune does not wait
13:780 Our suffering house in this abandon'd state.
13:781 A foreign grave, and thy poor mother's tears
13:782 Are all the honours that attend thy herse.
13:783 All now is lost!-Yet no; one comfort more
13:784 Of life remains, my much-lov'd Polydore.
13:785 My youngest hope: here on this coast he lives,
13:786 Nurs'd by the guardian-king, he still survives.
13:787 Then let me hasten to the cleansing flood,
13:788 And wash away these stains of guiltless blood."
13:789 Streit to the shore her feeble steps repair
13:790 With limping pace, and torn dishevell'd hair
13:791 Silver'd with age. "Give me an urn," she cry'd,
13:792 "To bear back water from this swelling tide":
13:793 When on the banks her son in ghastly hue
13:794 Transfix'd with Thracian arrows strikes her view.
13:795 The matrons shriek'd; her big-swoln grief surpast
13:796 The pow'r of utterance; she stood aghast;
13:797 She had nor speech, nor tears to give relief;
13:798 Excess of woe suppress'd the rising grief.
13:799 Lifeless as stone, on Earth she fix'd her eyes;
13:800 And then look'd up to Heav'n with wild surprise.
13:801 Now she contemplates o'er with sad delight
13:802 Her son's pale visage; then her aking sight
13:803 Dwells on his wounds: she varys thus by turns,
13:804 Wild as the mother-lion, when among
13:805 The haunts of prey she seeks her ravish'd young:
13:806 Swift flies the ravisher; she marks his trace,
13:807 And by the print directs her anxious chase.
13:808 So Hecuba with mingled grief, and rage
13:809 Pursues the king, regardless of her age.
13:810 She greets the murd'rer with dissembled joy
13:811 Of secret treasure hoarded for her boy.
13:812 The specious tale th' unwary king betray'd.
13:813 Fir'd with the hopes of prey: "Give quick," he said
13:814 With soft enticing speech, "the promis'd store:
13:815 Whate'er you give, you give to Polydore.
13:816 Your son, by the immortal Gods I swear,
13:817 Shall this with all your former bounty share."
13:818 She stands attentive to his soothing lyes,
13:819 And darts avenging horrour from her eyes.
13:820 Then full resentment fires her boyling blood:
13:821 She springs upon him, 'midst the captive crowd
13:822 (Her thirst of vengeance want of strength supplies):
13:823 Fastens her forky fingers in his eyes:
13:824 Tears out the rooted balls; her rage pursues,
13:825 And in the hollow orbs her hand imbrews.
13:826 The Thracians, fir'd, at this inhuman scene,
13:827 With darts, and stones assail the frantick queen.
13:828 She snarls, and growls, nor in an human tone;
13:829 Then bites impatient at the bounding stone;
13:830 Extends her jaws, as she her voice would raise
13:831 To keen invectives in her wonted phrase;
13:832 But barks, and thence the yelping brute betrays.
13:833 Still a sad monument the place remains,
13:834 And from this monstrous change its name obtains:
13:835 Where she, in long remembrance of her ills,
13:836 With plaintive howlings the wide desart fills.
13:837 Greeks, Trojans, friends, and foes, and Gods above
13:838 Her num'rous wrongs to just compassion move.
13:839 Ev'n Juno's self forgets her ancient hate,
13:840 And owns, she had deserv'd a milder fate.
The Funeral of Memnon
13:841 Yet bright Aurora, partial as she was
13:842 To Troy, and those that lov'd the Trojan cause,
13:843 Nor Troy, nor Hecuba can now bemoan,
13:844 But weeps a sad misfortune, more her own.
13:845 Her offspring Memnon, by Achilles slain,
13:846 She saw extended on the Phrygian plain:
13:847 She saw, and strait the purple beams, that grace
13:848 The rosie morning, vanish'd from her face;
13:849 A deadly pale her wonted bloom invades,
13:850 And veils the lowring skies with mournful shades.
13:851 But when his limbs upon the pile were laid,
13:852 The last kind duty that by friends is paid,
13:853 His mother to the skies directs her flight,
13:854 Nor cou'd sustain to view the doleful sight:
13:855 But frantick, with her loose neglected hair,
13:856 Hastens to Jove, and falls a suppliant there.
13:857 O king of Heav'n, o father of the skies,
13:858 The weeping Goddess passionately cries,
13:859 Tho' I the meanest of immortals am,
13:860 And fewest temples celebrate my fame,
13:861 Yet still a Goddess, I presume to come
13:862 Within the verge of your etherial dome:
13:863 Yet still may plead some merit, if my light
13:864 With purple dawn controuls the Pow'rs of night;
13:865 If from a female hand that virtue springs,
13:866 Which to the Gods, and men such pleasure brings.
13:867 Yet I nor honours seek, nor rites divine,
13:868 Nor for more altars, or more fanes repine;
13:869 Oh! that such trifles were the only cause,
13:870 From whence Aurora's mind its anguish draws!
13:871 For Memnon lost, my dearest only child,
13:872 With weightier grief my heavy heart is fill'd;
13:873 My warrior son! that liv'd but half his time,
13:874 Nipt in the bud, and blasted in his prime;
13:875 Who for his uncle early took the field,
13:876 And by Achilles' fatal spear was kill'd.
13:877 To whom but Jove shou'd I for succour come?
13:878 For Jove alone cou'd fix his cruel doom.
13:879 O sov'reign of the Gods accept my pray'r,
13:880 Grant my request, and sooth a mother's care;
13:881 On the deceas'd some solemn boon bestow,
13:882 To expiate the loss, and ease my woe.
13:883 Jove, with a nod, comply'd with her desire;
13:884 Around the body flam'd the fun'ral fire;
13:885 The pile decreas'd, that lately seem'd so high,
13:886 And sheets of smoak roll'd upward to the sky:
13:887 As humid vapours from a marshy bog,
13:888 Rise by degrees, condensing into fog,
13:889 That intercept the sun's enliv'ning ray,
13:890 And with a cloud infect the chearful day.
13:891 The sooty ashes wafted by the air,
13:892 Whirl round, and thicken in a body there;
13:893 Then take a form, which their own heat, and fire
13:894 With active life, and energy inspire.
13:895 Its lightness makes it seem to fly, and soon
13:896 It skims on real wings, that are its own;
13:897 A real bird, it beats the breezy wind,
13:898 Mix'd with a thousand sisters of the kind,
13:899 That, from the same formation newly sprung,
13:900 Up-born aloft on plumy pinions hung.
13:901 Thrice round the pile advanc'd the circling throng.
13:902 Thrice, with their wings, a whizzing consort rung.
13:903 In the fourth flight their squadron they divide,
13:904 Rank'd in two diff'rent troops, on either side:
13:905 Then two, and two, inspir'd with martial rage,
13:906 From either troop in equal pairs engage.
13:907 Each combatant with beak, and pounces press'd,
13:908 In wrathful ire, his adversary's breast;
13:909 Each falls a victim, to preserve the fame
13:910 Of that great hero, whence their being came.
13:911 From him their courage, and their name they take,
13:912 And, as they liv'd, they dye for Memnon's sake.
13:913 Punctual to time, with each revolving year,
13:914 In fresh array the champion birds appear;
13:915 Again, prepar'd with vengeful minds, they come
13:916 To bleed, in honour of the souldier's tomb.
13:917 Therefore in others it appear'd not strange,
13:918 To grieve for Hecuba's unhappy change:
13:919 But poor Aurora had enough to do
13:920 With her own loss, to mind another's woe;
13:921 Who still in tears, her tender nature shews,
13:922 Besprinkling all the world with pearly dews.
The Voyage of Aeneas
13:923 Troy thus destroy'd, 'twas still deny'd by Fate,
13:924 The hopes of Troy should perish with the state.
13:925 His sire, the son of Cytherea bore,
13:926 And household-Gods from burning Ilium's shore,
13:927 The pious prince (a double duty paid)
13:928 Each sacred burthen thro' the flames convey'd.
13:929 With young Ascanius, and this only prize,
13:930 Of heaps of wealth, he from Antandros flies;
13:931 But struck with horror, left the Thracian shore,
13:932 Stain'd with the blood of murder'd Polydore.
13:933 The Delian isle receives the banish'd train,
13:934 Driv'n by kind gales, and favour'd by the main.
13:935 Here pious Anius, priest, and monarch reign'd,
13:936 And either charge, with equal care sustain'd,
13:937 His subjects rul'd, to Phoebus homage pay'd,
13:938 His God obeying, and by those obey'd.
13:939 The priest displays his hospitable gate,
13:940 And shows the riches of his church, and state
13:941 The sacred shrubs, which eas'd Latona's pain,
13:942 The palm, and olive, and the votive fane.
13:943 Here grateful flames with fuming incense fed,
13:944 And mingled wine, ambrosial odours shed;
13:945 Of slaughter'd steers the crackling entrails burn'd:
13:946 And then the strangers to the court return'd.
13:947 On beds of tap'stry plac'd aloft, they dine
13:948 With Ceres' gift, and flowing bowls of wine;
13:949 When thus Anchises spoke, amidst the feast:
13:950 Say, mitred monarch, Phoebus' chosen priest,
13:951 Or (e'er from Troy by cruel Fate expell'd)
13:952 When first mine eyes these sacred walls beheld,
13:953 A son, and twice two daughters crown'd thy bliss?
13:954 Or errs my mem'ry, and I judge amiss?
13:955 The royal prophet shook his hoary head,
13:956 With snowy fillets bound, and sighing, said:
13:957 Thy mem'ry errs not, prince; thou saw'st me then,
13:958 The happy father of so large a train;
13:959 Behold me now (such turns of chance befall
13:960 The race of man!), almost bereft of all.
13:961 For (ah!) what comfort can my son bestow,
13:962 What help afford, to mitigate my woe!
13:963 While far from hence, in Andros' isle he reigns,
13:964 (From him so nam'd) and there my place sustains.
13:965 Him Delius praescience gave; the twice-born God
13:966 A boon more wond'rous on the maids bestow'd.
13:967 Whate'er they touch'd, he gave them to transmute
13:968 (A gift past credit, and above their suit)
13:969 To Ceres, Bacchus, and Minerva's fruit.
13:970 How great their value, and how rich their use,
13:971 Whose only touch such treasures could produce!
13:972 The dire destroyer of the Trojan reign,
13:973 Fierce Agamemnon, such a prize to gain
13:974 (A proof we also were design'd by Fate
13:975 To feel the tempest, that o'erturn'd your state),
13:976 With force superior, and a ruffian crew,
13:977 From these weak arms, the helpless virgins drew:
13:978 And sternly bad them use the grant divine,
13:979 To keep the fleet in corn, and oil, and wine.
13:980 Each, as they could, escap'd: two strove to gain
13:981 Euboea's isle, and two their brother's reign.
13:982 The soldier follows, and demands the dames;
13:983 If held by force, immediate war proclaims.
13:984 Fear conquer'd Nature in their brother's mind,
13:985 And gave them up to punishment assign'd.
13:986 Forgive the deed; nor Hector's arm was there,
13:987 Nor thine, Aeneas, to maintain the war;
13:988 Whose only force upheld your Ilium's tow'rs,
13:989 For ten long years, against the Grecian pow'rs.
13:990 Prepar'd to bind their captive arms in bands,
13:991 To Heav'n they rear'd their yet unfetter'd hands,
13:992 Help, Bacchus, author of the gift, they pray'd;
13:993 The gift's great author gave immediate aid;
13:994 If such destruction of their human frame
13:995 By ways so wond'rous, may deserve the name;
13:996 Nor could I hear, nor can I now relate
13:997 Exact, the manner of their alter'd state;
13:998 But this in gen'ral of my loss I knew,
13:999 Transform'd to doves, on milky plumes they flew,
13:1000 Such as on Ida's mount thy consort's chariot drew.
13:1001 With such discourse, they entertain'd the feast;
13:1002 Then rose from table, and withdrew to rest.
13:1003 The following morn, ere Sol was seen to shine,
13:1004 Th' inquiring Trojans sought the sacred shrine;
13:1005 The mystick Pow'r commands them to explore
13:1006 Their ancient mother, and a kindred shore.
13:1007 Attending to the sea, the gen'rous prince
13:1008 Dismiss'd his guests with rich munificence,
13:1009 In old Anchises' hand a sceptre plac'd,
13:1010 A vest, and quiver young Ascanius grac'd,
13:1011 His sire, a cup; which from th' Aonian coast,
13:1012 Ismenian Therses sent his royal host.
13:1013 Alcon of Myle made what Therses sent,
13:1014 And carv'd thereon this ample argument.
13:1015 A town with sev'n distinguish'd gates was shown,
13:1016 Which spoke its name, and made the city known;
13:1017 Before it, piles, and tombs, and rising flames,
13:1018 The rites of death, and quires of mourning dames,
13:1019 Who bar'd their breasts, and gave their hair to flow,
13:1020 The signs of grief, and marks of publick woe.
13:1021 Their fountains dry'd, the weeping Naiads mourn'd,
13:1022 The trees stood bare, with searing cankers burn'd,
13:1023 No herbage cloath'd the ground, a ragged flock
13:1024 Of goats half-famish'd, lick'd the naked rock,
13:1025 Of manly courage, and with mind serene,
13:1026 Orion's daughters in the town were seen;
13:1027 One heav'd her chest to meet the lifted knife,
13:1028 One plung'd the poyniard thro' the seat of life,
13:1029 Their country's victims; mourns the rescu'd state,
13:1030 The bodies burns, and celebrates their Fate.
13:1031 To save the failure of th' illustrious line,
13:1032 From the pale ashes rose, of form divine,
13:1033 Two gen'rous youths; these, fame Coronae calls,
13:1034 Who join the pomp, and mourn their mother's falls.
13:1035 These burnish'd figures form'd of antique mold,
13:1036 Shone on the brass, with rising sculpture bold;
13:1037 A wreath of gilt Acanthus round the brim was roll'd.
13:1038 Nor less expence the Trojan gifts express'd;
13:1039 A fuming censer for the royal priest,
13:1040 A chalice, and a crown of princely cost,
13:1041 With ruddy gold, and sparkling gems emboss'd.
13:1042 Now hoisting sail, to Crete the Trojans stood,
13:1043 Themselves remembring sprung from Teucer's blood;
13:1044 But Heav'n forbids, and pestilential Jove
13:1045 From noxious skies, the wand'ring navy drove.
13:1046 Her hundred cities left, from Crete they bore,
13:1047 And sought the destin'd land, Ausonia's shore;
13:1048 But toss'd by storms at either Strophas lay,
13:1049 'Till scar'd by Harpies from the faithless bay.
13:1050 Then passing onward with a prosp'rous wind,
13:1051 Left sly Ulysses' spacious realms behind;
13:1052 Ambracia's state, in former ages known.
13:1053 The strife of Gods, the judge transform'd to stone
13:1054 They saw; for Actian Phoebus since renown'd,
13:1055 Who Caesar's arms with naval conquest crown'd;
13:1056 Next pass'd Dodona, wont of old to boast
13:1057 Her vocal forest; and Chaonia's coast,
13:1058 Where king Molossus' sons on wings aspir'd,
13:1059 And saw secure the harmless fewel fir'd.
13:1060 Now to Phaeacia's happy isle they came,
13:1061 For fertile orchards known to early fame;
13:1062 Epirus past, they next beheld with joy
13:1063 A second Ilium, and fictitious Troy;
13:1064 Here Trojan Helenus the sceptre sway'd,
13:1065 Who show'd their fate and mystick truths display'd.
13:1066 By him confirm'd Sicilia's isle they reach'd,
13:1067 Whose sides to sea three promontories stretch'd,
13:1068 Pachynos to the stormy south is plac'd,
13:1069 On Lilybaeum blows the gentle west,
13:1070 Peloro's cliffs the northern bear survey,
13:1071 Who rolls above, and dreads to touch the sea.
13:1072 By this they steer, and favour'd by the tide,
13:1073 Secure by night in Zancle's harbour ride.
13:1074 Here cruel Scylla guards the rocky shore,
13:1075 And there the waves of loud Charybdis roar:
13:1076 This sucks, and vomits ships, and bodies drown'd;
13:1077 And rav'nous dogs the womb of that surround,
13:1078 In face a virgin; and (if ought be true
13:1079 By bards recorded) once a virgin too.
13:1080 A train of youths in vain desir'd her bed;
13:1081 By sea-nymphs lov'd, to nymphs of seas she fled;
13:1082 The maid to these, with female pride, display'd
13:1083 Their baffled courtship, and their love betray'd.
13:1084 When Galatea thus bespoke the fair
13:1085 (But first she sigh'd), while Scylla comb'd her hair:
13:1086 You, lovely maid, a gen'rous race pursues,
13:1087 Whom safe you may (as now you do) refuse;
13:1088 To me, tho' pow'rful in a num'rous train
13:1089 Of sisters, sprung from Gods, who rule the main,
13:1090 My native seas could scarce a refuge prove,
13:1091 To shun the fury of the Cyclops' love,
13:1092 Tears choak'd her utt'rance here; the pity'ng maid
13:1093 With marble fingers wip'd them off, and said:
13:1094 My dearest Goddess, let thy Scylla know,
13:1095 (For I am faithful) whence these sorrows flow.
13:1096 The maid's intreaties o'er the nymph prevail,
13:1097 Who thus to Scylla tells the mournful tale.
The Story of Acis, Polyphemus and Galatea
13:1098 Acis, the lovely youth, whose loss I mourn,
13:1099 From Faunus, and the nymph Symethis born,
13:1100 Was both his parents' pleasure; but, to me
13:1101 Was all that love could make a lover be.
13:1102 The Gods our minds in mutual bands did join:
13:1103 I was his only joy, and he was mine.
13:1104 Now sixteen summers the sweet youth had seen;
13:1105 And doubtful down began to shade his chin:
13:1106 When Polyphemus first disturb'd our joy;
13:1107 And lov'd me fiercely, as I lov'd the boy.
13:1108 Ask not which passion in my soul was high'r,
13:1109 My last aversion, or my first desire:
13:1110 Nor this the greater was, nor that the less;
13:1111 Both were alike, for both were in excess.
13:1112 Thee, Venus, thee both Heav'n, and Earth obey;
13:1113 Immense thy pow'r, and boundless is thy sway.
13:1114 The Cyclops, who defy'd th' aetherial throne,
13:1115 And thought no thunder louder than his own,
13:1116 The terror of the woods, and wilder far
13:1117 Than wolves in plains, or bears in forests are,
13:1118 Th' inhuman host, who made his bloody feasts
13:1119 On mangl'd members of his butcher'd guests,
13:1120 Yet felt the force of love, and fierce desire,
13:1121 And burnt for me, with unrelenting fire.
13:1122 Forgot his caverns, and his woolly care,
13:1123 Assum'd the softness of a lover's air;
13:1124 And comb'd, with teeth of rakes, his rugged hair.
13:1125 Now with a crooked scythe his beard he sleeks;
13:1126 And mows the stubborn stubble of his cheeks:
13:1127 Now in the crystal stream he looks, to try
13:1128 His simagres, and rowls his glaring eye.
13:1129 His cruelty, and thirst of blood are lost;
13:1130 And ships securely sail along the coast.
13:1131 The prophet Telemus (arriv'd by chance
13:1132 Where Aetna's summets to the seas advance,
13:1133 Who mark'd the tracts of every bird that flew,
13:1134 And sure presages from their flying drew)
13:1135 Foretold the Cyclops, that Ulysses' hand
13:1136 In his broad eye shou'd thrust a flaming brand.
13:1137 The giant, with a scornful grin, reply'd,
13:1138 Vain augur, thou hast falsely prophesy'd;
13:1139 Already love his flaming brand has tost;
13:1140 Looking on two fair eyes, my sight I lost,
13:1141 Thus, warn'd in vain, with stalking pace he strode,
13:1142 And stamp'd the margin of the briny flood
13:1143 With heavy steps; and weary, sought agen
13:1144 The cool retirement of his gloomy den.
13:1145 A promontory, sharp'ning by degrees,
13:1146 Ends in a wedge, and overlooks the seas:
13:1147 On either side, below, the water flows;
13:1148 This airy walk the giant lover chose.
13:1149 Here on the midst he sate; his flocks, unled,
13:1150 Their shepherd follow'd, and securely fed.
13:1151 A pine so burly, and of length so vast,
13:1152 That sailing ships requir'd it for a mast,
13:1153 He wielded for a staff, his steps to guide:
13:1154 But laid it by, his whistle while he try'd.
13:1155 A hundred reeds of a prodigious growth,
13:1156 Scarce made a pipe, proportion'd to his mouth:
13:1157 Which when he gave it wind, the rocks around,
13:1158 And watry plains, the dreadful hiss resound.
13:1159 I heard the ruffian-shepherd rudely blow,
13:1160 Where, in a hollow cave, I sat below;
13:1161 On Acis' bosom I my head reclin'd:
13:1162 And still preserve the poem in my mind.
13:1163 Oh lovely Galatea, whiter far
13:1164 Than falling snows, and rising lillies are;
13:1165 More flowry than the meads, as chrystal bright:
13:1166 Erect as alders, and of equal height:
13:1167 More wanton than a kid, more sleek thy skin,
13:1168 Than orient shells, that on the shores are seen,
13:1169 Than apples fairer, when the boughs they lade;
13:1170 Pleasing, as winter suns, or summer shade:
13:1171 More grateful to the sight, than goodly plains;
13:1172 And softer to the touch, than down of swans;
13:1173 Or curds new turn'd; and sweeter to the taste
13:1174 Than swelling grapes, that to the vintage haste:
13:1175 More clear than ice, or running streams, that stray
13:1176 Through garden plots, but ah! more swift than they.
13:1177 Yet, Galatea, harder to be broke
13:1178 Than bullocks, unreclaim'd, to bear the yoke,
13:1179 And far more stubborn, than the knotted oak:
13:1180 Like sliding streams, impossible to hold;
13:1181 Like them, fallacious, like their fountains, cold.
13:1182 More warping, than the willow, to decline
13:1183 My warm embrace, more brittle, than the vine;
13:1184 Immovable, and fixt in thy disdain:
13:1185 Tough, as these rocks, and of a harder grain.
13:1186 More violent, than is the rising flood;
13:1187 And the prais'd peacock is not half so proud.
13:1188 Fierce, as the fire, and sharp, as thistles are,
13:1189 And more outragious, than a mother-bear:
13:1190 Deaf, as the billows to the vows I make;
13:1191 And more revengeful, than a trodden snake.
13:1192 In swiftness fleeter, than the flying hind,
13:1193 Or driven tempests, or the driving wind.
13:1194 All other faults, with patience I can bear;
13:1195 But swiftness is the vice I only fear.
13:1196 Yet if you knew me well, you wou'd not shun
13:1197 My love, but to my wish'd embraces run:
13:1198 Wou'd languish in your turn, and court my stay;
13:1199 And much repent of your unwise delay.
13:1200 My palace, in the living rock, is made
13:1201 By Nature's hand; a spacious pleasing shade:
13:1202 Which neither heat can pierce, nor cold invade.
13:1203 My garden fill'd with fruits you may behold,
13:1204 And grapes in clusters, imitating gold;
13:1205 Some blushing bunches of a purple hue:
13:1206 And these, and those, are all reserv'd for you.
13:1207 Red strawberries, in shades, expecting stand,
13:1208 Proud to be gather'd by so white a hand.
13:1209 Autumnal cornels latter fruit provide;
13:1210 And plumbs, to tempt you, turn their glossy side:
13:1211 Not those of common kinds; but such alone,
13:1212 As in Phaeacian orchards might have grown:
13:1213 Nor chestnuts shall be wanting to your food,
13:1214 Nor garden-fruits, nor wildings of the wood;
13:1215 The laden boughs for you alone shall bear;
13:1216 And yours shall be the product of the year.
13:1217 The flocks you see, are all my own; beside
13:1218 The rest that woods, and winding vallies hide;
13:1219 And those that folded in the caves abide.
13:1220 Ask not the numbers of my growing store;
13:1221 Who knows how many, knows he has no more.
13:1222 Nor will I praise my cattle; trust not me,
13:1223 But judge your self, and pass your own decree:
13:1224 Behold their swelling dugs; the sweepy weight
13:1225 Of ewes, that sink beneath the milky freight;
13:1226 In the warm folds their tender lambkins lye;
13:1227 Apart from kids, that call with human cry.
13:1228 New milk in nut-brown bowls is duely serv'd
13:1229 For daily drink; the rest for cheese reserv'd.
13:1230 Nor are these household dainties all my store:
13:1231 The fields, and forests will afford us more;
13:1232 The deer, the hare, the goat, the savage boar.
13:1233 All sorts of ven'son; and of birds the best;
13:1234 A pair of turtles taken from the nest.
13:1235 I walk'd the mountains, and two cubs I found
13:1236 (Whose dam had left 'em on the naked ground),
13:1237 So like, that no distinction could be seen:
13:1238 So pretty, they were presents for a queen;
13:1239 And so they shall; I took them both away;
13:1240 And keep, to be companions of your play.
13:1241 Oh raise, fair nymph, your beauteous face above
13:1242 The waves; nor scorn my presents, and my love.
13:1243 Come, Galatea, come, and view my face;
13:1244 I late beheld it, in the watry glass;
13:1245 And found it lovelier, than I fear'd it was.
13:1246 Survey my towring stature, and my size:
13:1247 Not Jove, the Jove you dream, that rules the skies,
13:1248 Bears such a bulk, or is so largely spread:
13:1249 My locks (the plenteous harvest of my head)
13:1250 Hang o'er my manly face; and dangling down,
13:1251 As with a shady grove, my shoulders crown.
13:1252 Nor think, because my limbs and body bear
13:1253 A thick-set underwood of bristling hair,
13:1254 My shape deform'd; what fouler sight can be,
13:1255 Than the bald branches of a leafless tree?
13:1256 Foul is the steed without a flowing mane:
13:1257 And birds, without their feathers, and their train.
13:1258 Wool decks the sheep; and Man receives a grace
13:1259 From bushy limbs, and from a bearded face.
13:1260 My forehead with a single eye is fill'd,
13:1261 Round, as a ball, and ample, as a shield.
13:1262 The glorious lamp of Heav'n, the radiant sun,
13:1263 Is Nature's eye; and she's content with one.
13:1264 Add, that my father sways your seas, and I,
13:1265 Like you, am of the watry family.
13:1266 I make you his, in making you my own;
13:1267 You I adore; and kneel to you alone:
13:1268 Jove, with his fabled thunder, I despise,
13:1269 And only fear the lightning of your eyes.
13:1270 Frown not, fair nymph; yet I cou'd bear to be
13:1271 Disdain'd, if others were disdain'd with me.
13:1272 But to repulse the Cyclops, and prefer
13:1273 The love of Acis (Heav'ns!) I cannot bear.
13:1274 But let the stripling please himself; nay more,
13:1275 Please you, tho' that's the thing I most abhor;
13:1276 The boy shall find, if e'er we cope in fight,
13:1277 These giant limbs, endu'd with giant might.
13:1278 His living bowels from his belly torn,
13:1279 And scatter'd limbs shall on the flood be born:
13:1280 Thy flood, ungrateful nymph; and fate shall find,
13:1281 That way for thee, and Acis to be join'd.
13:1282 For oh! I burn with love, and thy disdain
13:1283 Augments at once my passion, and my pain.
13:1284 Translated Aetna flames within my heart,
13:1285 And thou, inhuman, wilt not ease my smart.
13:1286 Lamenting thus in vain, he rose, and strode
13:1287 With furious paces to the neighb'ring wood:
13:1288 Restless his feet, distracted was his walk;
13:1289 Mad were his motions, and confus'd his talk.
13:1290 Mad, as the vanquish'd bull, when forc'd to yield
13:1291 His lovely mistress, and forsake the field.
13:1292 Thus far unseen I saw: when fatal chance,
13:1293 His looks directing, with a sudden glance,
13:1294 Acis and I were to his sight betray'd;
13:1295 Where, nought suspecting, we securely play'd.
13:1296 From his wide mouth a bellowing cry he cast,
13:1297 I see, I see; but this shall be your last:
13:1298 A roar so loud made Aetna to rebound:
13:1299 And all the Cyclops labour'd in the sound.
13:1300 Affrighted with his monstrous voice, I fled,
13:1301 And in the neighbouring ocean plung'd my head.
13:1302 Poor Acis turn'd his back, and Help, he cry'd,
13:1303 Help, Galatea, help, my parent Gods,
13:1304 And take me dying to your deep abodes.
13:1305 The Cyclops follow'd; but he sent before
13:1306 A rib, which from the living rock he tore:
13:1307 Though but an angle reach'd him of the stone,
13:1308 The mighty fragment was enough alone,
13:1309 To crush all Acis; 'twas too late to save,
13:1310 But what the Fates allow'd to give, I gave:
13:1311 That Acis to his lineage should return;
13:1312 And rowl, among the river Gods, his urn.
13:1313 Straight issu'd from the stone a stream of blood;
13:1314 Which lost the purple, mingling with the flood,
13:1315 Then, like a troubled torrent, it appear'd:
13:1316 The torrent too, in little space, was clear'd.
13:1317 The stone was cleft, and through the yawning chink
13:1318 New reeds arose, on the new river's brink.
13:1319 The rock, from out its hollow womb, disclos'd
13:1320 A sound like water in its course oppos'd,
13:1321 When (wond'rous to behold), full in the flood,
13:1322 Up starts a youth, and navel high he stood.
13:1323 Horns from his temples rise; and either horn
13:1324 Thick wreaths of reeds (his native growth) adorn.
13:1325 Were not his stature taller than before,
13:1326 His bulk augmented, and his beauty more,
13:1327 His colour blue; for Acis he might pass:
13:1328 And Acis chang'd into a stream he was,
13:1329 But mine no more; he rowls along the plains
13:1330 With rapid motion, and his name retains.
The Story of Glaucus and Scylla
13:1331 Here ceas'd the nymph; the fair assembly broke,
13:1332 The sea-green Nereids to the waves betook:
13:1333 While Scylla, fearful of the wide-spread main,
13:1334 Swift to the safer shore returns again.
13:1335 There o'er the sandy margin, unarray'd,
13:1336 With printless footsteps flies the bounding maid;
13:1337 Or in some winding creek's secure retreat
13:1338 She baths her weary limbs, and shuns the noonday's heat.
13:1339 Her Glaucus saw, as o'er the deep he rode,
13:1340 New to the seas, and late receiv'd a God.
13:1341 He saw, and languish'd for the virgin's love;
13:1342 With many an artful blandishment he strove
13:1343 Her flight to hinder, and her fears remove.
13:1344 The more he sues, the more she wings her flight,
13:1345 And nimbly gains a neighb'ring mountain's height.
13:1346 Steep shelving to the margin of the flood,
13:1347 A neighb'ring mountain bare, and woodless stood;
13:1348 Here, by the place secur'd, her steps she stay'd,
13:1349 And, trembling still, her lover's form survey'd.
13:1350 His shape, his hue, her troubled sense appall,
13:1351 And dropping locks that o'er his shoulders fall;
13:1352 She sees his face divine, and manly brow,
13:1353 End in a fish's wreathy tail below:
13:1354 She sees, and doubts within her anxious mind,
13:1355 Whether he comes of God, or monster kind.
13:1356 This Glaucus soon perceiv'd; and, Oh! forbear
13:1357 (His hand supporting on a rock lay near),
13:1358 Forbear, he cry'd, fond maid, this needless fear.
13:1359 Nor fish am I, nor monster of the main,
13:1360 But equal with the watry Gods I reign;
13:1361 Nor Proteus, nor Palaemon me excell,
13:1362 Nor he whose breath inspires the sounding shell.
13:1363 My birth, 'tis true, I owe to mortal race,
13:1364 And I my self but late a mortal was:
13:1365 Ev'n then in seas, and seas alone, I joy'd;
13:1366 The seas my hours, and all my cares employ'd,
13:1367 In meshes now the twinkling prey I drew;
13:1368 Now skilfully the slender line I threw,
13:1369 And silent sat the moving float to view.
13:1370 Not far from shore, there lies a verdant mead,
13:1371 With herbage half, and half with water spread:
13:1372 There, nor the horned heifers browsing stray,
13:1373 Nor shaggy kids, nor wanton lambkins play;
13:1374 There, nor the sounding bees their nectar cull,
13:1375 Nor rural swains their genial chaplets pull,
13:1376 Nor flocks, nor herds, nor mowers haunt the place,
13:1377 To crop the flow'rs, or cut the bushy grass:
13:1378 Thither, sure first of living race came I,
13:1379 And sat by chance, my dropping nets to dry.
13:1380 My scaly prize, in order all display'd,
13:1381 By number on the greensward there I lay'd,
13:1382 My captives, whom or in my nets I took,
13:1383 Or hung unwary on my wily hook.
13:1384 Strange to behold! yet what avails a lye?
13:1385 I saw 'em bite the grass, as I sate by;
13:1386 Then sudden darting o'er the verdant plain,
13:1387 They spread their finns, as in their native main:
13:1388 I paus'd, with wonder struck, while all my prey
13:1389 Left their new master, and regain'd the sea.
13:1390 Amaz'd, within my secret self I sought,
13:1391 What God, what herb the miracle had wrought:
13:1392 But sure no herbs have pow'r like this, I cry'd;
13:1393 And strait I pluck'd some neighb'ring herbs, and try'd.
13:1394 Scarce had I bit, and prov'd the wond'rous taste,
13:1395 When strong convulsions shook my troubled breast;
13:1396 I felt my heart grow fond of something strange,
13:1397 And my whole Nature lab'ring with a change.
13:1398 Restless I grew, and ev'ry place forsook,
13:1399 And still upon the seas I bent my look.
13:1400 Farewel for ever! farewel, land! I said;
13:1401 And plung'd amidst the waves my sinking head.
13:1402 The gentle Pow'rs, who that low empire keep,
13:1403 Receiv'd me as a brother of the deep;
13:1404 To Tethys, and to Ocean old, they pray
13:1405 To purge my mortal earthy parts away.
13:1406 The watry parents to their suit agreed,
13:1407 And thrice nine times a secret charm they read,
13:1408 Then with lustrations purify my limbs,
13:1409 And bid me bathe beneath a hundred streams:
13:1410 A hundred streams from various fountains run,
13:1411 And on my head at once come rushing down.
13:1412 Thus far each passage I remember well,
13:1413 And faithfully thus far the tale I tell;
13:1414 But then oblivion dark, on all my senses fell.
13:1415 Again at length my thought reviving came,
13:1416 When I no longer found my self the same;
13:1417 Then first this sea-green beard I felt to grow,
13:1418 And these large honours on my spreading brow;
13:1419 My long-descending locks the billows sweep,
13:1420 And my broad shoulders cleave the yielding deep;
13:1421 My fishy tail, my arms of azure hue,
13:1422 And ev'ry part divinely chang'd, I view.
13:1423 But what avail these useless honours now?
13:1424 What joys can immortality bestow?
13:1425 What, tho' our Nereids all my form approve?
13:1426 What boots it, while fair Scylla scorns my love?
13:1427 Thus far the God; and more he wou'd have said;
13:1428 When from his presence flew the ruthless maid.
13:1429 Stung with repulse, in such disdainful sort,
13:1430 He seeks Titanian Circe's horrid court.
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The last two books of Garth's
Metamorphoses, courtesy of globusz.com e-books.
BOOK THE FOURTEENTH
The Transformation of Scylla
14:1. Now Glaucus, with a lover's haste, bounds o'er
14:2. The swelling waves, and seeks the Latian shore.
14:3. Messena, Rhegium, and the barren coast
14:4. Of flaming Aetna, to his sight are lost:
14:5. At length he gains the Tyrrhene seas, and views
14:6. The hills where baneful philters Circe brews;
14:7. Monsters, in various forms, around her press;
14:8. As thus the God salutes the sorceress.
14:9. O Circe, be indulgent to my grief,
14:10. And give a love-sick deity relief.
14:11. Too well the mighty pow'r of plants I know,
14:12. To those my figure, and new Fate I owe.
14:13. Against Messena, on th' Ausonian coast,
14:14. I Scylla view'd, and from that hour was lost.
14:15. In tend'rest sounds I su'd; but still the fair
14:16. Was deaf to vows, and pityless to pray'r.
14:17. If numbers can avail, exert their pow'r;
14:18. Or energy of plants, if plants have more.
14:19. I ask no cure; let but the virgin pine
14:20. With dying pangs, or agonies, like mine.
14:21. No longer Circe could her flame disguise,
14:22. But to the suppliant God marine, replies:
14:23. When maids are coy, have manlier aims in view;
14:24. Leave those that fly, but those that like, pursue.
14:25. If love can be by kind compliance won;
14:26. See, at your feet, the daughter of the Sun.
14:27. Sooner, said Glaucus, shall the ash remove
14:28. From mountains, and the swelling surges love;
14:29. Or humble sea-weed to the hills repair;
14:30. E'er I think any but my Scylla fair.
14:31. Strait Circe reddens with a guilty shame,
14:32. And vows revenge for her rejected flame.
14:33. Fierce liking oft a spight as fierce creates;
14:34. For love refus'd, without aversion, hates.
14:35. To hurt her hapless rival she proceeds;
14:36. And, by the fall of Scylla, Glaucus bleeds.
14:37. Some fascinating bev'rage now she brews;
14:38. Compos'd of deadly drugs, and baneful juice.
14:39. At Rhegium she arrives; the ocean braves,
14:40. And treads with unwet feet the boiling waves.
14:41. Upon the beach a winding bay there lies,
14:42. Shelter'd from seas, and shaded from the skies:
14:43. This station Scylla chose: a soft retreat
14:44. From chilling winds, and raging Cancer's heat.
14:45. The vengeful sorc'ress visits this recess;
14:46. Her charm infuses, and infects the place.
14:47. Soon as the nymph wades in, her nether parts
14:48. Turn into dogs; then at her self she starts.
14:49. A ghastly horror in her eyes appears;
14:50. But yet she knows not, who it is she fears;
14:51. In vain she offers from her self to run,
14:52. And drags about her what she strives to shun.
14:53. Oppress'd with grief the pitying God appears:
14:54. And swells the rising surges with his tears;
14:55. From the detested sorceress he flies;
14:56. Her art reviles, and her address denies:
14:57. Whilst hapless Scylla, chang'd to rocks, decrees
14:58. Destruction to those barques, that beat the seas.
The Voyage of Aeneas Continu'd
14:59. Here bulg'd the pride of fam'd Ulysses' fleet,
14:60. But good Aeneas 'scap'd the Fate he met.
14:61. As to the Latian shore the Trojan stood,
14:62. And cut with well-tim'd oars the foaming flood:
14:63. He weather'd fell Charybdis: but ere-long
14:64. The skies were darken'd, and the tempest strong.
14:65. Then to the Libyan coast he stretches o'er;
14:66. And makes at length the Carthaginian shore.
14:67. Here Dido, with an hospitable care,
14:68. Into her heart receives the wanderer.
14:69. From her kind arms th' ungrateful hero flies;
14:70. The injur'd queen looks on with dying eyes,
14:71. Then to her folly falls a sacrifice.
14:72. Aeneas now sets sail, and plying gains
14:73. Fair Eryx, where his friend Acestes reigns:
14:74. First to his sire does fun'ral rites decree,
14:75. Then gives the signal next, and stands to sea;
14:76. Out-runs the islands where Volcanos roar;
14:77. Gets clear of Syrens, and their faithless shore:
14:78. But looses Palynurus in the way;
14:79. Then makes Inarime, and Prochyta.
The Transformation of Cercopians into Apes
14:80. The gallies now by Pythecusa pass;
14:81. The name is from the natives of the place,
14:82. The father of the Gods detesting lies,
14:83. Oft, with abhorrence, heard their perjuries.
14:84. Th' abandon'd race, transform'd to beasts, began
14:85. To mimick the impertinence of Man.
14:86. Flat-nos'd, and furrow'd; with grimace they grin;
14:87. And look, to what they were, too near akin:
14:88. Merry in make, and busy to no end;
14:89. This moment they divert, the next offend:
14:90. So much this species of their past retains;
14:91. Tho' lost the language, yet the noise remains.
Aeneas Descends to Hell
14:92. Now, on his right, he leaves Parthenope:
14:93. His left, Misenus jutting in the sea:
14:94. Arrives at Cuma, and with awe survey'd
14:95. The grotto of the venerable maid:
14:96. Begs leave thro' black Avernus to retire;
14:97. And view the much-lov'd Manes of his sire.
14:98. Straight the divining virgin rais'd her eyes:
14:99. And, foaming with a holy rage, replies:
14:100. O thou, whose worth thy wond'rous works proclaim;
14:101. The flames, thy piety; the world, thy fame;
14:102. Tho' great be thy request, yet shalt thou see
14:103. Th' Elysian fields, th' infernal monarchy;
14:104. Thy parent's shade: this arm thy steps shall guide:
14:105. To suppliant virtue nothing is deny'd.
14:106. She spoke, and pointing to the golden bough,
14:107. Which in th' Avernian grove refulgent grew,
14:108. Seize that, she bids; he listens to the maid;
14:109. Then views the mournful mansions of the dead:
14:110. The shade of great Anchises, and the place
14:111. By Fates determin'd to the Trojan race.
14:112. As back to upper light the hero came,
14:113. He thus salutes the visionary dame.-
14:114. O, whether some propitious deity,
14:115. Or lov'd by those bright rulers of the sky!
14:116. With grateful incense I shall stile you one,
14:117. And deem no Godhead greater, than your own.
14:118. 'Twas you restor'd me from the realms of night,
14:119. And gave me to behold the fields of light:
14:120. To feel the breezes of congenial air;
14:121. And Nature's blest benevolence to share.
The Story of the Sibyll
14:122. I am no deity, reply'd the dame,
14:123. But mortal, and religious rites disclaim.
14:124. Yet had avoided death's tyrannick sway,
14:125. Had I consented to the God of day.
14:126. With promises he sought my love, and said,
14:127. Have all you wish, my fair Cumaean maid.
14:128. I paus'd; then pointing to a heap of sand,
14:129. For ev'ry grain, to live a year, demand.
14:130. But ah! unmindful of th' effect of time,
14:131. Forgot to covenant for youth, and prime.
14:132. The smiling bloom, I boasted once, is gone,
14:133. And feeble age with lagging limbs creeps on.
14:134. Sev'n cent'ries have I liv'd; three more fulfil
14:135. The period of the years to finish still.
14:136. Who'll think, that Phoebus, drest in youth divine,
14:137. Had once believ'd his lustre less than mine?
14:138. This wither'd frame (so Fates have will'd) shall waste
14:139. To nothing, but prophetick words, at last.
14:140. The Sibyll mounting now from nether skies,
14:141. And the fam'd Ilian prince, at Cuma rise.
14:142. He sail'd, and near the place to anchor came,
14:143. Since call'd Cajeta from his nurse's name.
14:144. Here did the luckless Macareus, a friend
14:145. To wise Ulysses, his long labours end.
14:146. Here, wandring, Achaemenides he meets,
14:147. And, sudden, thus his late associate, greets.
14:148. Whence came you here, o friend, and whither bound?
14:149. All gave you lost on far Cyclopean ground;
14:150. A Greek's at last aboard a Trojan found.
The Adventures of Achaemenides
14:151. Thus Achaemenides- With thanks I name
14:152. Aeneas, and his piety proclaim.
14:153. I 'scap'd the Cyclops thro' the hero's aid,
14:154. Else in his maw my mangled limbs had laid.
14:155. When first your navy under sail he found,
14:156. He rav'd, 'till Aetna labour'd with the sound.
14:157. Raging, he stalk'd along the mountain's side,
14:158. And vented clouds of breath at ev'ry stride.
14:159. His staff a mountain ash; and in the clouds
14:160. Oft, as he walks, his grisly front he shrowds.
14:161. Eyeless he grop'd about with vengeful haste,
14:162. And justled promontories, as he pass'd.
14:163. Then heav'd a rock's high summit to the main,
14:164. And bellow'd, like some bursting hurricane.
14:165. Oh! cou'd I seize Ulysses in his flight,
14:166. How unlamented were my loss of sight!
14:167. These jaws should piece-meal tear each panting vein,
14:168. Grind ev'ry crackling bone, and pound his brain.
14:169. As thus he rav'd, my joynts with horror shook;
14:170. The tide of blood my chilling heart forsook.
14:171. I saw him once disgorge huge morsels, raw,
14:172. Of wretches undigested in his maw.
14:173. From the pale breathless trunks whole limbs he tore,
14:174. His beard all clotted with o'erflowing gore.
14:175. My anxious hours I pass'd in caves; my food
14:176. Was forest fruits, and wildings of the wood.
14:177. At length a sail I wafted, and aboard
14:178. My fortune found an hospitable lord.
14:179. Now, in return, your own adventures tell,
14:180. And what, since first you put to sea, befell.
The Adventures of Macareus
14:181. Then Macareus- There reign'd a prince of fame
14:182. O'er Tuscan seas, and Aeolus his name.
14:183. A largess to Ulysses he consign'd,
14:184. And in a steer's tough hide inclos'd a wind.
14:185. Nine days before the swelling gale we ran;
14:186. The tenth, to make the meeting land, began:
14:187. When now the merry mariners, to find
14:188. Imagin'd wealth within, the bag unbind.
14:189. Forthwith out-rush'd a gust, which backwards bore
14:190. Our gallies to the Laestrigonian shore,
14:191. Whose crown, Antiphates the tyrant wore.
14:192. Some few commission'd were with speed to treat;
14:193. We to his court repair, his guards we meet.
14:194. Two, friendly flight preserv'd; the third was doom'd,
14:195. To be by those curs'd cannibals consum'd.
14:196. Inhumanly our hapless friends they treat;
14:197. Our men they murder, and destroy our fleet.
14:198. In time the wise Ulysses bore away,
14:199. And drop'd his anchor in yon faithless bay.
14:200. The thoughts of perils past we still retain,
14:201. And fear to land, 'till lots appoint the men.
14:202. Polites true, Elpenor giv'n to wine,
14:203. Eurylochus, my self, the lots assign.
14:204. Design'd for dangers, and resolv'd to dare,
14:205. To Circe's fatal palace we repair.
The Enchantments of Circe
14:206. Before the spacious front, a herd we find
14:207. Of beasts, the fiercest of the savage kind.
14:208. Our trembling steps with blandishments they meet,
14:209. And fawn, unlike their species, at our feet.
14:210. Within upon a sumptuous throne of state,
14:211. On golden columns rais'd, th' enchantress sate.
14:212. Rich was her robe, and amiable her mein,
14:213. Her aspect awful, and she look'd a queen.
14:214. Her maids not mind the loom, nor household care,
14:215. Nor wage in needle-work a Scythian war,
14:216. But cull in canisters disastrous flow'rs,
14:217. And plants from haunted heaths, and fairy bow'rs,
14:218. With brazen sickles reap'd at planetary hours.
14:219. Each dose the Goddess weighs with watchful eye;
14:220. So nice her art in impious pharmacy!
14:221. Entring she greets us with a gracious look,
14:222. And airs, that future amity bespoke.
14:223. Her ready nymphs serve up a rich repast;
14:224. The bowl she dashes first, then gives to taste.
14:225. Quick, to our own undoing, we comply;
14:226. Her pow'r we prove, and shew the sorcery.
14:227. Soon, in a length of face, our head extends;
14:228. Our chine stiff bristles bears, and forward bends:
14:229. A breadth of brawn new burnishes our neck;
14:230. Anon we grunt, as we begin to speak.
14:231. Alone Eurylochus refus'd to taste,
14:232. Nor to a breast obscene the man debas'd.
14:233. Hither Ulysses hastes (so Fates command)
14:234. And bears the pow'rful Moly in his hand;
14:235. Unsheaths his scymitar, assaults the dame,
14:236. Preserves his species, and remains the same.
14:237. The nuptial right this outrage strait attends;
14:238. The dow'r desir'd is his transfigur'd friends.
14:239. The incantation backward she repeats,
14:240. Inverts her rod, and what she did, defeats.
14:241. And now our skin grows smooth, our shape upright;
14:242. Our arms stretch up, our cloven feet unite.
14:243. With tears our weeping gen'ral we embrace;
14:244. Hang on his neck, and melt upon his face,
14:245. Twelve silver moons in Circe's court we stay,
14:246. Whilst there they waste th' unwilling hours away.
14:247. 'Twas here I spy'd a youth in Parian stone;
14:248. His head a pecker bore; the cause unknown
14:249. To passengers. A nymph of Circe's train
14:250. The myst'ry thus attempted to explain.
The Story of Picus and Canens
14:251. Picus, who once th' Ausonian scpetre held,
14:252. Could rein the steed, and fit him for the field.
14:253. So like he was to what you see, that still
14:254. We doubt if real, or the sculptor's skill.
14:255. The graces in the finish'd piece, you find,
14:256. Are but the copy of his fairer mind.
14:257. Four lustres scarce the royal youth could name,
14:258. 'Till ev'ry love-sick nymph confess'd a flame.
14:259. Oft for his love the mountain Dryads su'd,
14:260. And ev'ry silver sister of the flood:
14:261. Those of Numicus, Albula, and those
14:262. Where Almo creeps, and hasty Nar o'erflows:
14:263. Where sedgy Anio glides thro' smiling meads,
14:264. Where shady Farfar rustles in the reeds:
14:265. And those that love the lakes, and homage owe
14:266. To the chaste Goddess of the silver bow.
14:267. In vain each nymph her brightest charms put on,
14:268. His heart no sov'reign would obey but one.
14:269. She whom Venilia, on Mount Palatine,
14:270. To Janus bore, the fairest of her line.
14:271. Nor did her face alone her charms confess,
14:272. Her voice was ravishing, and pleas'd no less.
14:273. When e'er she sung, so melting were her strains,
14:274. The flocks unfed seem'd list'ning on the plains;
14:275. The rivers would stand still, the cedars bend;
14:276. And birds neglect their pinions to attend;
14:277. The savage kind in forest-wilds grow tame;
14:278. And Canens, from her heav'nly voice, her name.
14:279. Hymen had now in some ill-fated hour
14:280. Their hands united, as their hearts before.
14:281. Whilst their soft moments in delights they waste,
14:282. And each new day was dearer than the past;
14:283. Picus would sometimes o'er the forests rove,
14:284. And mingle sports with intervals of love.
14:285. It chanc'd, as once the foaming boar he chac'd,
14:286. His jewels sparkling on his Tyrian vest,
14:287. Lascivious Circe well the youth survey'd,
14:288. As simpling on the flow'ry hills she stray'd.
14:289. Her wishing eyes their silent message tell,
14:290. And from her lap the verdant mischief fell.
14:291. As she attempts at words, his courser springs
14:292. O'er hills, and lawns, and ev'n a wish outwings.
14:293. Thou shalt not 'scape me so, pronounc'd the dame,
14:294. If plants have pow'r, and spells be not a name.
14:295. She said- and forthwith form'd a boar of air,
14:296. That sought the covert with dissembled fear.
14:297. Swift to the thicket Picus wings his way
14:298. On foot, to chase the visionary prey.
14:299. Now she invokes the daughters of the night,
14:300. Does noxious juices smear, and charms recite;
14:301. Such as can veil the moon's more feeble fire,
14:302. Or shade the golden lustre of her sire.
14:303. In filthy fogs she hides the chearful noon;
14:304. The guard at distance, and the youth alone,
14:305. By those fair eyes, she cries, and ev'ry grace
14:306. That finish all the wonders of your face,
14:307. Oh! I conjure thee, hear a Queen complain;
14:308. Nor let the sun's soft lineage sue in vain.
14:309. Who-e'er thou art, reply'd the King, forbear,
14:310. None can my passion with my Canens share.
14:311. She first my ev'ry tender wish possest,
14:312. And found the soft approaches to my breast.
14:313. In nuptials blest, each loose desire we shun,
14:314. Nor time can end, what innocence begun.
14:315. Think not, she cry'd, to saunter out a life
14:316. Of form, with that domestick drudge, a wife;
14:317. My just revenge, dull fool, ere-long shall show
14:318. What ills we women, if refus'd, can do:
14:319. Think me a woman, and a lover too.
14:320. From dear successful spight we hope for ease,
14:321. Nor fail to punish, where we fail to please.
14:322. Now twice to east she turns, as oft to west;
14:323. Thrice waves her wand, as oft a charm exprest.
14:324. On the lost youth her magick pow'r she tries;
14:325. Aloft he springs, and wonders how he flies.
14:326. On painted plumes the woods he seeks, and still
14:327. The monarch oak he pierces with his bill.
14:328. Thus chang'd, no more o'er Latian lands he reigns;
14:329. Of Picus nothing but the name remains.
14:330. The winds from drisling damps now purge the air,
14:331. The mist subsides, the settling skies are fair:
14:332. The court their sovereign seek with arms in hand,
14:333. They threaten Circe, and their lord demand.
14:334. Quick she invokes the spirits of the air,
14:335. And twilight elves, that on dun wings repair
14:336. To charnels, and th' unhallow'd sepulcher.
14:337. Now, strange to tell, the plants sweat drops of blood,
14:338. The trees are toss'd from forests where they stood;
14:339. Blue serpents o'er the tainted herbage slide,
14:340. Pale glaring spectres on the Aether ride;
14:341. Dogs howl, Earth yawns, rent rocks forsake their beds,
14:342. And from their quarries heave their stubborn heads.
14:343. The sad spectators, stiffen'd with their fears
14:344. She sees, and sudden ev'ry limb she smears;
14:345. Then each of savage beasts the figure bears.
14:346. The Sun did now to western waves retire,
14:347. In tides to temper his bright world of fire.
14:348. Canens laments her royal husband's stay;
14:349. Ill suits fond love with absence, or delay.
14:350. Where she commands, her ready people run;
14:351. She wills, retracts; bids, and forbids anon.
14:352. Restless in mind, and dying with despair,
14:353. Her breasts she beats, and tears her flowing hair.
14:354. Six days, and nights she wanders on, as chance
14:355. Directs, without or sleep, or sustenance.
14:356. Tiber at last beholds the weeping fair;
14:357. Her feeble limbs no more the mourner bear;
14:358. Stretch'd on his banks, she to the flood complains,
14:359. And faintly tunes her voice to dying strains.
14:360. The sick'ning swan thus hangs her silver wings,
14:361. And, as she droops, her elegy she sings,
14:362. Ere-long sad Canens wastes to air; whilst Fame
14:363. The place still honours with her hapless name.
14:364. Here did the tender tale of Picus cease,
14:365. Above belief the wonder, I confess.
14:366. Again we sail, but more disasters meet,
14:367. Foretold by Circe, to our suff'ring fleet.
14:368. My self unable further woes to bear,
14:369. Declin'd the voyage, and am refug'd here.
Aeneas Arrives in Italy
14:370. Thus Macareus- Now with a pious aim
14:371. Had good Aeneas rais'd a fun'ral flame,
14:372. In honour of his hoary nurse's name.
14:373. Her epitaph he fix'd; and setting sail,
14:374. Cajeta left, and catch'd at ev'ry gale.
14:375. He steer'd at distance from the faithless shore
14:376. Where the false Goddess reigns with fatal pow'r;
14:377. And sought those grateful groves, that shade the plain,
14:378. Where Tyber rouls majestick to the main,
14:379. And fattens, as he runs, the fair campain.
14:380. His kindred Gods the hero's wishes crown
14:381. With fair Lavinia, and Latinus' throne:
14:382. But not without a war the prize he won.
14:383. Drawn up in bright array the battel stands:
14:384. Turnus with arms his promis'd wife demands.
14:385. Hetrurians, Latians equal fortune share;
14:386. And doubtful long appears the face of war.
14:387. Both pow'rs from neighb'ring princes seek supplies,
14:388. And embassies appoint for new allies.
14:389. Aeneas, for relief, Evander moves;
14:390. His quarrel he asserts, his cause approves.
14:391. The bold Rutilians, with an equal speed,
14:392. Sage Venelus dispatch to Diomede.
14:393. The King, late griefs revolving in his mind,
14:394. These reasons for neutrality assign'd.-
14:395. Shall I, of one poor dotal town possest,
14:396. My people thin, my wretched country waste;
14:397. An exil'd prince, and on a shaking throne;
14:398. Or risk my patron's subjects, or my own?
14:399. You'll grieve the harshness of our hap to hear;
14:400. Nor can I tell the tale without a tear.
The Adventures of Diomedes
14:401. After fam'd Ilium was by Argives won,
14:402. And flames had finish'd, what the sword begun;
14:403. Pallas, incens'd, pursu'd us to the main,
14:404. In vengeance of her violated fane.
14:405. Alone Oileus forc'd the Trojan maid,
14:406. Yet all were punish'd for the brutal deed.
14:407. A storm begins, the raging waves run high,
14:408. The clouds look heavy, and benight the sky;
14:409. Red sheets of light'ning o'er the seas are spread,
14:410. Our tackling yields, and wrecks at last succeed.
14:411. 'Tis tedious our disast'rous state to tell;
14:412. Ev'n Priam wou'd have pity'd, what befell.
14:413. Yet Pallas sav'd me from the swallowing main;
14:414. At home new wrongs to meet, as Fates ordain.
14:415. Chac'd from my country, I once more repeat
14:416. All suff'rings seas could give, or war compleat.
14:417. For Venus, mindful of her wound, decreed
14:418. Still new calamities should past succeed.
14:419. Agmon, impatient thro' successive ills,
14:420. With fury, love's bright Goddess thus reviles:-
14:421. These plagues in spight to Diomede are sent;
14:422. The crime is his, but ours the punishment.
14:423. Let each, my friends, her puny spleen despise,
14:424. And dare that haughty harlot of the skies.
14:425. The rest of Agmon's insolence complain,
14:426. And of irreverence the wretch arraign.
14:427. About to answer; his blaspheming throat
14:428. Contracts, and shrieks in some disdainful note.
14:429. To his new skin a fleece of feather clings,
14:430. Hides his late arms, and lengthens into wings.
14:431. The lower features of his face extend,
14:432. Warp into horn, and in a beak descend.
14:433. Some more experience Agmon's destiny,
14:434. And wheeling in the air, like swans they fly:
14:435. These thin remains to Daunus' realms I bring,
14:436. And here I reign, a poor precarious king.
The Transformation of Appulus
14:437. Thus Diomedes. Venulus withdraws;
14:438. Unsped the service of the common cause.
14:439. Puteoli he passes, and survey'd
14:440. A cave long honour'd for its awful shade.
14:441. Here trembling reeds exclude the piercing ray,
14:442. Here streams in gentle falls thro' windings stray,
14:443. And with a passing breath cool zephyrs play.
14:444. The goatherd God frequents the silent place,
14:445. As once the wood-nymphs of the sylvan race,
14:446. 'Till Appulus with a dishonest air,
14:447. And gross behaviour, banish'd thence the fair.
14:448. The bold buffoon, when-e'er they tread the green,
14:449. Their motion mimicks, but with gest obscene.
14:450. Loose language oft he utters; but ere-long
14:451. A bark in filmy net-work binds his tongue.
14:452. Thus chang'd, a base wild olive he remains;
14:453. The shrub the coarseness of the clown retains.
The Trojan Ships Transform'd to Sea Nymphs
14:454. Mean-while the Latians all their pow'r prepare,
14:455. 'Gainst Fortune, and the foe to push the war.
14:456. With Phrygian blood the floating fields they stain;
14:457. But, short of succours, still contend in vain.
14:458. Turnus remarks the Trojan fleet ill mann'd,
14:459. Unguarded, and at anchor near the strand;
14:460. He thought; and strait a lighted brand he bore,
14:461. And fire invades, what 'scap'd the waves before.
14:462. The billows from the kindling prow retire;
14:463. Pitch, rosin, searwood on red wings aspire,
14:464. And Vulcan on the seas exerts his attribute of fire.
14:465. This when the mother of the Gods beheld,
14:466. Her towry crown she shook, and stood reveal'd;
14:467. Her brindl'd lions rein'd, unveil'd her head,
14:468. And hov'ring o'er her favour'd fleet, she said:
14:469. Cease Turnus, and the heav'nly Pow'rs respect,
14:470. Nor dare to violate, what I protect.
14:471. These gallies, once fair trees on Ida stood,
14:472. And gave their shade to each descending God.
14:473. Nor shall consume; irrevocable Fate
14:474. Allots their being no determin'd date.
14:475. Strait peals of thunder Heav'n's high arches rend,
14:476. The hail-stones leap, the show'rs in spouts descend.
14:477. The winds with widen'd throats the signal give;
14:478. The cables break, the smoaking vessels drive.
14:479. Now, wondrous, as they beat the foaming flood,
14:480. The timber softens into flesh, and blood;
14:481. The yards, and oars new arms, and legs design;
14:482. A trunk the hull; the slender keel, a spine;
14:483. The prow a female face; and by degrees
14:484. The gallies rise green daughters of the seas.
14:485. Sometimes on coral beds they sit in state,
14:486. Or wanton on the waves they fear'd of late.
14:487. The barks, that beat the seas are still their care,
14:488. Themselves remembring what of late they were;
14:489. To save a Trojan sail in throngs they press,
14:490. But smile to see Alcinous in distress.
14:491. Unable were those wonders to deter
14:492. The Latians from their unsuccessful war.
14:493. Both sides for doubtful victory contend;
14:494. And on their courage, and their Gods depend.
14:495. Nor bright Lavinia, nor Latinus' crown,
14:496. Warm their great soul to war, like fair renown.
14:497. Venus at last beholds her godlike son
14:498. Triumphant, and the field of battel won;
14:499. Brave Turnus slain, strong Ardea but a name,
14:500. And bury'd in fierce deluges of flame.
14:501. Her tow'rs, that boasted once a sov'reign sway,
14:502. The fate of fancy'd grandeur now betray.
14:503. A famish'd heron from the ashes springs,
14:504. And beats the ruin with disastrous wings.
14:505. Calamities of towns distrest she feigns,
14:506. And oft, with woful shrieks, of war complains.
The Deification of Aeneas
14:507. Now had Aeneas, as ordain'd by Fate,
14:508. Surviv'd the period of Saturnia's hate:
14:509. And by a sure irrevocable doom,
14:510. Fix'd the immortal majesty of Rome.
14:511. Fit for the station of his kindred stars,
14:512. His mother Goddess thus her suit prefers.
14:513. Almighty Arbiter, whose pow'rful nod
14:514. Shakes distant Earth, and bows our own abode;
14:515. To thy great progeny indulgent be,
14:516. And rank the Goddess born a deity.
14:517. Already has he view'd, with mortal eyes,
14:518. Thy brother's kingdoms of the nether skies.
14:519. Forthwith a conclave of the godhead meets,
14:520. Where Juno in the shining senate sits,
14:521. Remorse for past revenge the Goddess feels;
14:522. Then thund'ring Jove th' almighty mandate seals;
14:523. Allots the prince of his celestial line
14:524. An Apotheosis, and rights divine.
14:525. The crystal mansions eccho with applause,
14:526. And, with her graces, love's bright Queen withdraws;
14:527. Shoots in a blaze of light along the skies,
14:528. And, born by turtles, to Laurentum flies.
14:529. Alights, where thro' the reeds Numicius strays,
14:530. And to the seas his watry tribute pays.
14:531. The God she supplicates to wash away
14:532. The parts more gross, and subject to decay,
14:533. And cleanse the Goddess-born from seminal allay.
14:534. The horned flood with glad attention stands,
14:535. Then bids his streams obey their sire's commands.
14:536. His better parts by lustral waves refin'd,
14:537. More pure, and nearer to aetherial mind;
14:538. With gums of fragrant scent the Goddess strews,
14:539. And on his features breathes ambrosial dews.
14:540. Thus deify'd, new honours Rome decrees,
14:541. Shrines, festivals; and styles him Indiges.
The Line of the Latian Kings
14:542. Ascanius now the Latian sceptre sways;
14:543. The Alban nation, Sylvius, next obeys.
14:544. Then young Latinus: next an Alba came,
14:545. The grace, and guardian of the Alban name.
14:546. Then Epitus; then gentle Capys reign'd;
14:547. Then Capetis the regal pow'r sustain'd.
14:548. Next he who perish'd on the Tuscan flood,
14:549. And honour'd with his name the river God.
14:550. Now haughty Remulus begun his reign,
14:551. Who fell by thunder he aspir'd to feign.
14:552. Meek Acrota succeeded to the crown;
14:553. From peace endeavouring, more than arms, renown,
14:554. To Aventinus well resign'd his throne.
14:555. The mount on which he rul'd, preserves his name,
14:556. And Procas wore the regal diadem.
The Story of Vertumnus and Pomona
14:557. A Hama-Dryad flourish'd in these days,
14:558. Her name Pomona, from her woodland race.
14:559. In garden culture none could so excell,
14:560. Or form the pliant souls of plants so well;
14:561. Or to the fruit more gen'rous flavours lend,
14:562. Or teach the trees with nobler loads to bend.
14:563. The nymph frequented not the flatt'ring stream,
14:564. Nor meads, the subject of a virgin's dream;
14:565. But to such joys her nurs'ry did prefer,
14:566. Alone to tend her vegetable care.
14:567. A pruning-hook she carry'd in her hand,
14:568. And taught the straglers to obey command;
14:569. Lest the licentious, and unthrifty bough,
14:570. The too-indulgent parent should undo.
14:571. She shows, how stocks invite to their embrace
14:572. A graft, and naturalize a foreign race
14:573. To mend the salvage teint; and in its stead
14:574. Adopt new nature, and a nobler breed.
14:575. Now hourly she observes her growing care,
14:576. And guards their nonage from the bleaker air:
14:577. Then opes her streaming sluices, to supply
14:578. With flowing draughts her thirsty family.
14:579. Long had she labour'd to continue free
14:580. From chains of love, and nuptial tyranny;
14:581. And in her orchard's small extent immur'd,
14:582. Her vow'd virginity she still secur'd.
14:583. Oft would loose Pan, and all the lustful train
14:584. Of Satyrs, tempt her innocence in vain.
14:585. Silenus, that old dotard, own'd a flame;
14:586. And he, that frights the thieves with stratagem
14:587. Of sword, and something else too gross to name.
14:588. Vertumnus too pursu'd the maid no less;
14:589. But, with his rivals, shar'd a like success.
14:590. To gain access a thousand ways he tries;
14:591. Oft, in the hind, the lover would disguise.
14:592. The heedless lout comes shambling on, and seems
14:593. Just sweating from the labour of his teams.
14:594. Then, from the harvest, oft the mimick swain
14:595. Seems bending with a load of bearded grain.
14:596. Sometimes a dresser of the vine he feigns,
14:597. And lawless tendrils to their bounds restrains.
14:598. Sometimes his sword a soldier shews; his rod,
14:599. An angler; still so various is the God.
14:600. Now, in a forehead-cloth, some crone he seems,
14:601. A staff supplying the defect of limbs;
14:602. Admittance thus he gains; admires the store
14:603. Of fairest fruit; the fair possessor more;
14:604. Then greets her with a kiss: th' unpractis'd dame
14:605. Admir'd a grandame kiss'd with such a flame.
14:606. Now, seated by her, he beholds a vine
14:607. Around an elm in am'rous foldings twine.
14:608. If that fair elm, he cry'd, alone should stand,
14:609. No grapes would glow with gold and tempt the hand;
14:610. Or if that vine without her elm should grow,
14:611. 'Twould creep a poor neglected shrub below.
14:612. Be then, fair nymph, by these examples led;
14:613. Nor shun, for fancy'd fears, the nuptial bed.
14:614. Not she for whom the Lapithites took arms,
14:615. Nor Sparta's queen, could boast such heavenly charms.
14:616. And if you would on woman's faith rely,
14:617. None can your choice direct so well, as I.
14:618. Tho' old, so much Pomona I adore,
14:619. Scarce does the bright Vertumnus love her more.
14:620. 'Tis your fair self alone his breast inspires
14:621. With softest wishes and unsoyl'd desires.
14:622. Then fly all vulgar followers, and prove
14:623. The God of seasons only worth your love:
14:624. On my assurance well you may repose;
14:625. Vertumnus scarce Vertumnus better knows.
14:626. True to his choice, all looser flames he flies;
14:627. Nor for new faces fashionably dies.
14:628. The charms of youth, and ev'ry smiling grace
14:629. Bloom in his features, and the God confess.
14:630. Besides, he puts on ev'ry shape at ease;
14:631. But those the most, that best Pomona please.
14:632. Still to oblige her is her lover's aim;
14:633. Their likings and aversions are the same.
14:634. Nor the fair fruit your burthen'd branches bear;
14:635. Nor all the youthful product of the year,
14:636. Could bribe his choice; your self alone can prove
14:637. A fit reward for so refin'd a love.
14:638. Relent, fair nymph, and with a kind regret,
14:639. Think 'tis Vertumnus weeping at your feet.
14:640. A tale attend, thro' Cyprus known, to prove
14:641. How Venus once reveng'd neglected love.
The Story of Iphis and Anaxarete
14:642. Iphis, of vulgar birth, by chance had view'd
14:643. Fair Anaxarete of Teucer's blood.
14:644. Not long had he beheld the royal dame,
14:645. Ere the bright sparkle kindled into flame.
14:646. Oft did he struggle with a just despair,
14:647. Unfix'd to ask, unable to forbear.
14:648. But love, who flatters still his own disease,
14:649. Hopes all things will succeed, he knows will please.
14:650. Where-e'er the fair one haunts, he hovers there;
14:651. And seeks her confident with sighs, and pray'r,
14:652. Or letters he conveys, that seldom prove
14:653. Successless messengers in suits of love.
14:654. Now shiv'ring at her gates the wretch appears,
14:655. And myrtle garlands on the columns rears,
14:656. Wet with a deluge of unbidden tears.
14:657. The nymph more hard than rocks, more deaf than seas,
14:658. Derides his pray'rs; insults his agonies;
14:659. Arraigns of insolence th' aspiring swain;
14:660. And takes a cruel pleasure in his pain.
14:661. Resolv'd at last to finish his despair,
14:662. He thus upbraids th' inexorable fair.-
14:663. O Anaxarete, at last forget
14:664. The licence of a passion indiscreet.
14:665. Now triumph, since a welcome sacrifice
14:666. Your slave prepares, to offer to your eyes.
14:667. My life, without reluctance, I resign;
14:668. That present best can please a pride, like thine.
14:669. But, o! forbear to blast a flame so bright,
14:670. Doom'd never to expire, but with the light.
14:671. And you, great Pow'rs, do justice to my name;
14:672. The hours, you take from life, restore to Fame.
14:673. Then o'er the posts, once hung with wreaths, he throws
14:674. The ready cord, and fits the fatal noose;
14:675. For death prepares; and bounding from above,
14:676. At once the wretch concludes his life, and love.
14:677. Ere-long the people gather, and the dead
14:678. Is to his mourning mother's arms convey'd.
14:679. First, like some ghastly statue, she appears;
14:680. Then bathes the breathless coarse in seas of tears,
14:681. And gives it to the pile; now as the throng
14:682. Proceed in sad solemnity along,
14:683. To view the passing pomp, the cruel fair
14:684. Hastes, and beholds her breathless lover there.
14:685. Struck with the sight, inanimate she seems;
14:686. Set are her eyes, and motionless her limbs:
14:687. Her features without fire, her colour gone,
14:688. And, like her heart, she hardens into stone.
14:689. In Salamis the statue still is seen
14:690. In the fam'd temple of the Cyprian Queen.
14:691. Warn'd by this tale, no longer then disdain,
14:692. O nymph belov'd, to ease a lover's pain.
14:693. So may the frosts in Spring your blossoms spare,
14:694. And winds their rude autumnal rage forbear.
14:695. The story oft Vertumnus urg'd in vain,
14:696. But then assum'd his heav'nly form again.
14:697. Such looks, and lustre the bright youth adorn.
14:698. As when with rays glad Phoebus paints the morn,
14:699. The sight so warms the fair admiring maid,
14:700. Like snow she melts: so soon can youth persuade.
14:701. Consent, on eager winds, succeeds desire;
14:702. And both the lovers glow with mutual fire.
The Latian Line Continu'd
14:703. Now Procas yielding to the Fates, his son
14:704. Mild Numitor succeeded to the crown.
14:705. But false Amulius, with a lawless pow'r,
14:706. At length depos'd his brother Numitor.
14:707. Then Ilia's valiant issue, with the word,
14:708. Her parent re-inthron'd, the rightful lord.
14:709. Next Romulus to people Rome contrives;
14:710. The joyous time of Pales' feast arrives;
14:711. He gives the word to seize the Sabine wives.
14:712. The sires enrag'd take arms, by Tatius led,
14:713. Bold to revenge their violated bed.
14:714. A fort there was, not yet unknown to fame,
14:715. Call'd the Tarpeian, its commander's name.
14:716. This by the false Tarpeia was betray'd,
14:717. But death well recompens'd the treach'rous maid.
14:718. The foe on this new-bought success relies,
14:719. And silent, march; the city to surprize.
14:720. Saturnia's arts with Sabine arms combine;
14:721. But Venus countermines the vain design;
14:722. Intreats the nymphs that o'er the springs preside,
14:723. Which near the fane of hoary Janus glide,
14:724. To send their succours; ev'ry urn they drain,
14:725. To stop the Sabines' progress, but in vain.
14:726. The Naiads now more stratagems essay;
14:727. And kindling sulphur to each source convey.
14:728. The floods ferment, hot exhalations rise,
14:729. 'Till from the scalding ford the army flies.
14:730. Soon Romulus appears in shining arms,
14:731. And to the war the Roman legions warms:
14:732. The battel rages, and the field is spread
14:733. With nothing, but the dying, and the dead.
14:734. Both sides consent to treat without delay,
14:735. And their two chiefs at once the sceptre sway.
14:736. But Tatius by Lavinian fury slain;
14:737. Great Romulus continu'd long to reign.
The Assumption of Romulus
14:738. Now warrior Mars his burnish'd helm puts on,
14:739. And thus addresses Heav'n's imperial throne.
14:740. Since the inferior world is now become
14:741. One vassal globe, and colony to Rome,
14:742. This grace, o Jove, for Romulus I claim,
14:743. Admit him to the skies, from whence he came.
14:744. Long hast thou promis'd an aetherial state
14:745. To Mars's lineage; and thy word is Fate.
14:746. The sire, that rules the thunder, with a nod,
14:747. Declar'd the Fiat, and dismiss'd the God.
14:748. Soon as the Pow'r armipotent survey'd
14:749. The flashing skies, the signal he obey'd,-
14:750. And leaning on his lance, he mounts his car,
14:751. His fiery coursers lashing thro' the air.
14:752. Mount Palatine he gains, and finds his son
14:753. Good laws enacting on a peaceful throne;
14:754. The scales of heav'nly justice holding high,
14:755. With steady hand, and a discerning eye.
14:756. Then vaults upon his carr, and to the spheres,
14:757. Swift, as a flying shaft, Rome's founder bears.
14:758. The parts more pure, in rising are refin'd,
14:759. The gross, and perishable lag behind.
14:760. His shrine in purple vestments stands in view;
14:761. He looks a God, and is Quirinus now.
The Assumption of Hersilia
14:762. Ere-long the Goddess of the nuptial bed,
14:763. With pity mov'd, sends Iris in her stead
14:764. To sad Hersilia- Thus the meteor maid:-
14:765. Chast relict! in bright truth to Heav'n ally'd,
14:766. The Sabines' glory, and the sex's pride;
14:767. Honour'd on Earth, and worthy of the love
14:768. Of such a spouse, as now resides above,
14:769. Some respite to thy killing griefs afford;
14:770. And if thou wouldst once more behold thy lord,
14:771. Retire to yon steep mount, with groves o'er-spread,
14:772. Which with an awful gloom his temple shade.
14:773. With fear the modest matron lifts her eyes,
14:774. And to the bright embassadress replies:-
14:775. O Goddess, yet to mortal eyes unknown,
14:776. But sure thy various charms confess thee one:
14:777. O quick to Romulus thy votress bear,
14:778. With looks of love he'll smile away my care:
14:779. In what-e'er orb he shines, my Heav'n is there.
14:780. Then hastes with Iris to the holy grove,
14:781. And up the Mount Quirinal as they move,
14:782. A lambent flame glides downward thro' the air,
14:783. And brightens with a blaze Hersilia's hair.
14:784. Together on the bounding ray they rise,
14:785. And shoot a gleam of light along the skies.
14:786. With op'ning arms Quirinus met his bride,
14:787. Now Ora nam'd, and press'd her to his side.
BOOK THE FIFTEENTH
14:
The Pythagorean Philosophy
15:1. A KING is sought to guide the growing state,
15:2. One able to support the publick weight
15:3. And fill the throne where Romulus had sate.
15:4. Renown, which oft bespeaks the publick voice,
15:5. Had recommended Numa to their choice:
15:6. A peaceful, pious prince; who not content
15:7. To know the Sabine rites, his study bent
15:8. To cultivate his mind; to learn the laws
15:9. Of Nature, and explore their hidden cause.
15:10. Urg'd by this care, his country he forsook,
15:11. And to Crotona thence his journey took.
15:12. Arriv'd, he first enquir'd the founder's name
15:13. Of this new colony; and whence he came.
15:14. Then thus a senior of the place replies
15:15. (Well read, and curious of antiquities):
15:16. 'Tis said, Alcides hither took his way
15:17. From Spain, and drove along his conquer'd prey;
15:18. Then, leaving in the fields his grazing cows,
15:19. He sought himself some hospitable house:
15:20. Good Croton entertain'd his godlike guest;
15:21. While he repair'd his weary limbs with rest.
15:22. The hero, thence departing, bless'd the place;
15:23. And here, he said, in time's revolving race,
15:24. A rising town shall take his name from thee.
15:25. Revolving time fulfill'd the prophecy:
15:26. For Myscelos, the justest man on Earth,
15:27. Alemon's son, at Argos had his birth:
15:28. Him Hercules, arm'd with his club of oak,
15:29. O'ershadow'd in a dream, and thus bespoke:
15:30. Go, leave thy native soil, and make abode,
15:31. Where Aesaris rowls down his rapid flood:
15:32. He said; and sleep forsook him, and the God.
15:33. Trembling he wak'd, and rose with anxious heart;
15:34. His country laws forbad him to depart:
15:35. What shou'd he do? 'Twas death to go away,
15:36. And the God menac'd, if he dar'd to stay.
15:37. All day he doubted, and when night came on,
15:38. Sleep, and the same forewarning dream, begun:
15:39. Once more the God stood threatning o'er his head;
15:40. With added curses if he disobey'd.
15:41. Twice warn'd, he study'd flight; but wou'd convey,
15:42. At once, his person, and his wealth away:
15:43. Thus while he linger'd, his design was heard;
15:44. A speedy process form'd, and death declar'd.
15:45. Witness there needed none of his offence;
15:46. Against himself the wretch was evidence:
15:47. Condemn'd, and destitute of human aid,
15:48. To him, for whom he suffer'd, thus he pray'd.
15:49. O Pow'r, who hast deserv'd in Heav'n a throne,
15:50. Not giv'n, but by thy labours made thy own,
15:51. Pity thy suppliant, and protect his cause,
15:52. Whom thou hast made obnoxious to the laws.
15:53. A custom was of old, and still remains,
15:54. Which life, or death by suffrages ordains:
15:55. White stones, and black within an urn are cast;
15:56. The first absolve, but Fate is in the last.
15:57. The judges to the common urn bequeath
15:58. Their votes, and drop the sable signs of death;
15:59. The box receives all black, but, pour'd from thence,
15:60. The stones came candid forth; the hue of innocence.
15:61. Thus Alemonides his safety won,
15:62. Preserv'd from death by Alcumena's son:
15:63. Then to his kinsman-God his vows he pays,
15:64. And cuts with prosp'rous gales th' Ionian seas:
15:65. He leaves Tarentum favour'd by the wind,
15:66. And Thurine bays, and Temises, behind;
15:67. Soft Sybaris, and all the capes that stand
15:68. Along the shore, he makes in sight of land;
15:69. Still doubling, and still coasting, 'till he found
15:70. The mouth of Aesaris, and promis'd ground;
15:71. Then saw, where, on the margin of the flood,
15:72. The tomb, that held the bones of Croton stood:
15:73. Here, by the Gods' command, he built, and wall'd
15:74. The place predicted; and Crotona call'd.
15:75. Thus Fame, from time to time, delivers down
15:76. The sure tradition of th' Italian town.
15:77. Here dwelt the man divine, whom Samos bore,
15:78. But now self-banish'd from his native shore,
15:79. Because he hated tyrants, nor cou'd bear
15:80. The chains, which none but servile souls will wear.
15:81. He, tho' from Heav'n remote, to Heav'n cou'd move,
15:82. With strength of mind, and tread th' abyss above;
15:83. And penetrate, with his interior light,
15:84. Those upper depths, which Nature hid from sight:
15:85. And what he had observ'd, and learnt from thence,
15:86. Lov'd in familiar language to dispence.
15:87. The crowd with silent admiration stand,
15:88. And heard him, as they heard their God's command;
15:89. While he discours'd of Heav'n's mysterious laws,
15:90. The world's original, and Nature's cause;
15:91. And what was God; and why the fleecy snows
15:92. In silence fell, and rattling winds arose;
15:93. What shook the stedfast Earth, and whence begun
15:94. The dance of planets round the radiant sun;
15:95. If thunder was the voice of angry Jove,
15:96. Or clouds, with nitre pregnant, burst above:
15:97. Of these, and things beyond the common reach,
15:98. He spoke, and charm'd his audience with his speech.
15:99. He first the taste of flesh from tables drove,
15:100. And argu'd well, if arguments cou'd move:
15:101. O mortals, from your fellows' blood abstain,
15:102. Nor taint your bodies with a food profane:
15:103. While corn, and pulse by Nature are bestow'd,
15:104. And planted orchards bend their willing load;
15:105. While labour'd gardens wholesom herbs produce,
15:106. And teeming vines afford their gen'rous juice;
15:107. Nor tardier fruits of cruder kind are lost,
15:108. But tam'd with fire, or mellow'd by the frost;
15:109. While kine to pails distended udders bring,
15:110. And bees their hony redolent of Spring;
15:111. While Earth not only can your needs supply,
15:112. But, lavish of her store, provides for luxury;
15:113. A guiltless feast administers with ease,
15:114. And without blood is prodigal to please.
15:115. Wild beasts their maws with their slain brethren fill;
15:116. And yet not all, for some refuse to kill;
15:117. Sheep, goats, and oxen, and the nobler steed,
15:118. On browz, and corn, and flow'ry meadows, feed.
15:119. Bears, tygers, wolves, the lyon's angry brood,
15:120. Whom Heav'n endu'd with principles of blood,
15:121. He wisely sundred from the rest, to yell
15:122. In forests, and in lonely caves to dwell;
15:123. Where stronger beasts oppress the weak by might.
15:124. And all in prey, and purple feasts delight.
15:125. O impious use! to Nature's laws oppos'd,
15:126. Where bowels are in other bowels clos'd:
15:127. Where fatten'd by their fellow's fat, they thrive;
15:128. Maintain'd by murder, and by death they live.
15:129. 'Tis then for nought, that Mother Earth provides
15:130. The stores of all she shows, and all she hides,
15:131. If men with fleshy morsels must be fed,
15:132. And chaw with bloody teeth the breathing bread:
15:133. What else is this, but to devour our guests,
15:134. And barb'rously renew Cyclopean feasts!
15:135. We, by destroying life, our life sustain;
15:136. And gorge th' ungodly maw with meats obscene.
15:137. Not so the Golden Age, who fed on fruit,
15:138. Nor durst with bloody meals their mouths pollute.
15:139. Then birds in airy space might safely move,
15:140. And tim'rous hares on heaths securely rove:
15:141. Nor needed fish the guileful hooks to fear,
15:142. For all was peaceful; and that peace sincere.
15:143. Whoever was the wretch (and curs'd be he)
15:144. That envy'd first our food's simplicity,
15:145. Th' essay of bloody feasts on brutes began,
15:146. And after forg'd the sword to murder Man.
15:147. Had he the sharpen'd steel alone employ'd
15:148. On beasts of prey; that other beasts destroy'd,
15:149. Or Man invaded with their fangs and paws,
15:150. This had been justify'd by Nature's laws,
15:151. And self-defence: but who did feasts begin
15:152. Of flesh, he stretch'd necessity to sin.
15:153. To kill man-killers, Man has lawful pow'r,
15:154. But not th' extended licence, to devour.
15:155. Ill habits gather by unseen degrees,
15:156. As brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas.
15:157. The sow, with her broad snout, for rooting up
15:158. Th' intrusted seed, was judg'd to spoil the crop,
15:159. And intercept the sweating farmer's hope:
15:160. The covetous churl, of unforgiving kind,
15:161. Th' offender to the bloody priest resign'd:
15:162. Her hunger was no plea: for that she dy'd.
15:163. The goat came next in order to be try'd:
15:164. The goat had cropt the tendrils of the vine:
15:165. In vengeance laity, and clergy join,
15:166. Where one had lost his profit, one his wine.
15:167. Here was, at least, some shadow of offence;
15:168. The sheep was sacrific'd on no pretence,
15:169. But meek, and unresisting innocence.
15:170. A patient, useful creature, born to bear
15:171. The warm, and wooly fleece, that cloath'd her murderer;
15:172. And daily to give down the milk she bred,
15:173. A tribute for the grass on which she fed.
15:174. Living, both food and rayment she supplies,
15:175. And is of least advantage, when she dies.
15:176. How did the toyling ox his death deserve,
15:177. A downright simple drudge, and born to serve?
15:178. O tyrant! with what justice canst thou hope
15:179. The promise of the year, a plenteous crop;
15:180. When thou destroy'st thy lab'ring steer, who till'd,
15:181. And plough'd with pains, thy else ungrateful field?
15:182. From his yet reeking neck, to draw the yoke,
15:183. That neck, with which the surly clods he broke;
15:184. And to the hatchet yield thy husbandman,
15:185. Who finish'd Autumn, and the Spring began!
15:186. Nor this alone! but Heav'n it self to bribe,
15:187. We to the Gods our impious acts ascribe:
15:188. First recompence with death their creatures' toil;
15:189. Then call the bless'd above to share the spoil:
15:190. The fairest victim must the Pow'rs appease
15:191. (So fatal 'tis sometimes too much to please!),
15:192. A purple fillet his broad brows adorns,
15:193. With flow'ry garlands crown'd, and gilded horns:
15:194. He hears the murd'rous pray'r the priest prefers,
15:195. But understands not, 'tis his doom he hears:
15:196. Beholds the meal betwixt his temples cast
15:197. (The fruit and product of his labours past);
15:198. And in the water views perhaps the knife
15:199. Uplifted, to deprive him of his life;
15:200. Then broken up alive, his entrails sees
15:201. Torn out, for priests t' inspect the Gods' decrees.
15:202. From whence, o mortal men, this gust of blood
15:203. Have you deriv'd, and interdicted food?
15:204. Be taught by me this dire delight to shun,
15:205. Warn'd by my precepts, by my practice won:
15:206. And when you eat the well-deserving beast,
15:207. Think, on the lab'rour of your field you feast!
15:208. Now since the God inspires me to proceed,
15:209. Be that, whate'er inspiring Pow'r, obey'd.
15:210. For I will sing of mighty mysteries,
15:211. Of truths conceal'd before, from human eyes,
15:212. Dark oracles unveil and open all the skies.
15:213. Pleas'd as I am to walk along the sphere
15:214. Of shining stars, and travel with the year,
15:215. To leave the heavy Earth, and scale the height
15:216. Of Atlas, who supports the heav'nly weight;
15:217. To look from upper light, and thence survey
15:218. Mistaken mortals wand'ring from the way,
15:219. And wanting wisdom, fearful for the state
15:220. Of future things, and trembling at their Fate!
15:221. Those I would teach; and by right reason bring
15:222. To think of death, as but an idle thing.
15:223. Why thus affrighted at an empty name,
15:224. A dream of darkness, and fictitious flame?
15:225. Vain themes of wit, which but in poems pass,
15:226. And fables of a world, that never was!
15:227. What feels the body, when the soul expires,
15:228. By time corrupted, or consum'd by fires?
15:229. Nor dies the spirit, but new life repeats
15:230. In other forms, and only changes seats.
15:231. Ev'n I, who these mysterious truths declare,
15:232. Was once Euphorbus in the Trojan war;
15:233. My name, and lineage I remember well,
15:234. And how in fight by Sparta's king I fell.
15:235. In Argive Juno's fane I late beheld
15:236. My buckler hung on high, and own'd my former shield.
15:237. Then, death, so call'd, is but old matter dress'd
15:238. In some new figure, and a vary'd vest:
15:239. Thus all things are but alter'd, nothing dies;
15:240. And here, and there th' unbody'd spirit flies.
15:241. By time, or force, or sickness dispossest,
15:242. And lodges, where it lights, in man or beast;
15:243. Or hunts without, 'till ready limbs it find,
15:244. And actuates those according to their kind;
15:245. From tenement to tenement is toss'd,
15:246. The soul is still the same, the figure only lost:
15:247. And, as the soften'd wax new seals receives,
15:248. This face assumes, and that impression leaves;
15:249. Now call'd by one, now by another name;
15:250. The form is only chang'd, the wax is still the same:
15:251. So death, so call'd, can but the form deface;
15:252. Th' immortal soul flies out in empty space,
15:253. To seek her fortune in some other place.
15:254. Then let not piety be put to flight,
15:255. To please the taste of glutton appetite;
15:256. But suffer inmate souls secure to dwell,
15:257. Lest from their seats your parents you expel;
15:258. With rabid hunger feed upon your kind,
15:259. Or from a beast dislodge a brother's mind.
15:260. And since, like Typhis parting from the shore,
15:261. In ample seas I sail, and depths untry'd before,
15:262. This let me further add, that Nature knows
15:263. No stedfast station, but, or ebbs, or flows:
15:264. Ever in motion; she destroys her old,
15:265. And casts new figures in another mold.
15:266. Ev'n times are in perpetual flux, and run,
15:267. Like rivers from their fountain, rowling on,
15:268. For time, no more than streams, is at a stay;
15:269. The flying hour is ever on her way:
15:270. And as the fountain still supplies her store,
15:271. The wave behind impels the wave before;
15:272. Thus in successive course the minutes run,
15:273. And urge their predecessor minutes on,
15:274. Till moving, ever new: for former things
15:275. Are set aside, like abdicated kings:
15:276. And every moment alters what is done,
15:277. And innovates some act, 'till then unknown.
15:278. Darkness we see emerges into light,
15:279. And shining suns descend to sable night;
15:280. Ev'n Heav'n it self receives another dye,
15:281. When weary'd animals in slumbers lie
15:282. Of midnight ease: another, when the gray
15:283. Of morn preludes the splendor of the day.
15:284. The disk of Phoebus, when he climbs on high,
15:285. Appears at first but as a bloodshot eye;
15:286. And when his chariot downwards drives to bed.
15:287. His ball is with the same suffusion red;
15:288. But mounted high in his meridian race
15:289. All bright he shines, and with a better face:
15:290. For there, pure particles of Aether flow,
15:291. Far from th' infection of the world below.
15:292. Nor equal light th' unequal Moon adorns,
15:293. Or in her waxing, or her waning horns,
15:294. For ev'ry day she wanes, her face is less;
15:295. But gath'ring into globe, she fattens at increase.
15:296. Perceiv'st thou not the process of the year,
15:297. How the four seasons in four forms appear,
15:298. Resembling human life in ev'ry shape they wear?
15:299. Spring first, like infancy, shoots out her head,
15:300. With milky juice requiring to be fed:
15:301. Helpless, tho' fresh, and wanting to be led.
15:302. The green stem grows in stature, and in size,
15:303. But only feeds with hope the farmer's eyes;
15:304. Then laughs the childish year with flowrets crown'd,
15:305. And lavishly perfumes the fields around,
15:306. But no substantial nourishment receives;
15:307. Infirm the stalks, unsolid are the leaves.
15:308. Proceeding onward whence the year began,
15:309. The Summer grows adult, and ripens into Man.
15:310. This season, as in men, is most repleat
15:311. With kindly moisture, and prolifick heat.
15:312. Autumn succeeds, a sober tepid age,
15:313. Not froze with fear, nor boiling into rage;
15:314. More than mature, and tending to decay,
15:315. When our brown locks repine to mix with odious gray.
15:316. Last, Winter creeps along with tardy pace,
15:317. Sour is his front, and furrow'd is his face;
15:318. His scalp if not dishonour'd quite of hair,
15:319. The ragged fleece is thin; and thin is worse than bare.
15:320. Ev'n our own bodies daily change receive,
15:321. Some part of what was theirs before, they leave;
15:322. Nor are to-day, what yesterday they were;
15:323. Nor the whole same to-morrow will appear.
15:324. Time was, when we were sow'd, and just began,
15:325. From some few fruitful drops, the promise of a man:
15:326. Then Nature's hand (fermented as it was)
15:327. Moulded to shape the soft, coagulated mass;
15:328. And when the little man was fully form'd,
15:329. The breathless embrio with a spirit warm'd;
15:330. But when the mother's throws begin to come,
15:331. The creature, pent within the narrow room,
15:332. Breaks his blind prison, pushing to repair
15:333. His stifled breath, and draw the living air;
15:334. Cast on the margin of the world he lies,
15:335. A helpless babe, but by instinct he cries.
15:336. He next essays to walk, but downward press'd
15:337. On four feet imitates his brother beast:
15:338. By slow degrees he gathers from the ground
15:339. His legs, and to the rowling chair is bound;
15:340. Then walks alone; a horseman now become,
15:341. He rides a stick, and travels round the room.
15:342. In time he vaunts among his youthful peers,
15:343. Strong-bon'd, and strung with nerves, in pride of years,
15:344. He runs with mettle his first merry stage,
15:345. Maintains the next, abated of his rage,
15:346. But manages his strength, and spares his age.
15:347. Heavy the third, and stiff, he sinks apace,
15:348. And tho' tis down hill all, but creeps along the race.
15:349. Now sapless on the verge of death he stands,
15:350. Contemplating his former feet and hands;
15:351. And, Milo-like, his slacken'd sinews sees,
15:352. And wither'd arms, once fit to cope with Hercules,
15:353. Unable now to shake, much less to tear, the trees.
15:354. So Helen wept, when her too faithful glass
15:355. Reflected on her eyes the ruins of her face:
15:356. Wondring, what charms her ravishers cou'd spy,
15:357. To force her twice, or ev'n but once t' enjoy!
15:358. Thy teeth, devouring time, thine, envious age,
15:359. On things below still exercise your rage:
15:360. With venom'd grinders you corrupt your meat,
15:361. And then, at lingring meals, the morsels eat.
15:362. Nor those, which elements we call, abide,
15:363. Nor to this figure, nor to that are ty'd;
15:364. For this eternal world is said, of old,
15:365. But four prolifick principles to hold,
15:366. Four different bodies; two to Heav'n ascend,
15:367. And other two down to the center tend:
15:368. Fire first with wings expanded mounts on high,
15:369. Pure, void of weight, and dwells in upper sky;
15:370. Then air, because unclog'd in empty space,
15:371. Flies after fire, and claims the second place:
15:372. But weighty water, as her nature guides,
15:373. Lies on the lap of Earth; and Mother Earth subsides.
15:374. All things are mix'd of these, which all contain,
15:375. And into these are all resolv'd again:
15:376. Earth rarifies to dew; expanded more,
15:377. The subtil dew in air begins to soar;
15:378. Spreads, as she flies, and weary of her name
15:379. Extenuates still, and changes into flame;
15:380. Thus having by degrees perfection won,
15:381. Restless they soon untwist the web, they spun,
15:382. And fire begins to lose her radiant hue,
15:383. Mix'd with gross air, and air descends to dew;
15:384. And dew condensing, does her form forego,
15:385. And sinks, a heavy lump of Earth below.
15:386. Thus are their figures never at a stand,
15:387. But chang'd by Nature's innovating hand;
15:388. All things are alter'd, nothing is destroy'd,
15:389. The shifted scene for some new show employ'd.
15:390. Then, to be born, is to begin to be
15:391. Some other thing we were not formerly:
15:392. And what we call to die, is not t' appear,
15:393. Or be the thing, that formerly we were.
15:394. Those very elements, which we partake
15:395. Alive, when dead some other bodies make:
15:396. Translated grow, have sense, or can discourse;
15:397. But death on deathless substance has no force.
15:398. That forms are chang'd, I grant; that nothing can
15:399. Continue in the figure it began:
15:400. The golden age, to silver was debas'd:
15:401. To copper that; our metal came at last.
15:402. The face of places, and their forms, decay;
15:403. And that is solid Earth, that once was sea:
15:404. Seas in their turn retreating from the shore,
15:405. Make solid land, what ocean was before;
15:406. And far from strands are shells of fishes found,
15:407. And rusty anchors fix'd on mountain-ground:
15:408. And what were fields before, now wash'd and worn
15:409. By falling floods from high, to valleys turn,
15:410. And crumbling still descend to level lands;
15:411. And lakes, and trembling bogs, are barren sands.
15:412. And the parch'd desart floats in streams unknown;
15:413. Wondring to drink of waters not her own.
15:414. Here Nature living fountains opes; and there
15:415. Seals up the wombs, where living fountains were;
15:416. Or earthquakes stop their ancient course, and bring
15:417. Diverted streams to feed a distant spring.
15:418. So Licus, swallow'd up, is seen no more,
15:419. But far from thence knocks out another door.
15:420. Thus Erasinus dives; and blind in Earth
15:421. Runs on, and gropes his way to second birth,
15:422. Starts up in Argos' meads, and shakes his locks
15:423. Around the fields, and fattens all the flocks.
15:424. So Mysus by another way is led,
15:425. And, grown a river, now disdains his head:
15:426. Forgets his humble birth, his name forsakes,
15:427. And the proud title of Caicus takes.
15:428. Large Amenane, impure with yellow sands,
15:429. Runs rapid often, and as often stands,
15:430. And here he threats the drunken fields to drown;
15:431. And there his dugs deny to give their liquor down.
15:432. Anigros once did wholsome draughts afford,
15:433. But now his deadly waters are abhorr'd:
15:434. Since, hurt by Hercules, as Fame resounds,
15:435. The centaurs in his current wash'd their wounds.
15:436. The streams of Hypanis are sweet no more,
15:437. But brackish lose the taste they had before.
15:438. Antissa, Pharos, Tyre, in seas were pent,
15:439. Once isles, but now increase the continent;
15:440. While the Leucadian coast, main land before,
15:441. By rushing seas is sever'd from the shore.
15:442. So Zancle to th' Italian earth was ty'd,
15:443. And men once walk'd, where ships at anchor ride.
15:444. 'Till Neptune overlook'd the narrow way,
15:445. And in disdain pour'd in the conqu'ring sea.
15:446. Two cities that adorn'd th' Achaian ground,
15:447. Buris, and Helice, no more are found,
15:448. But whelm'd beneath a lake, are sunk and drown'd;
15:449. And boatsmen through the crystal water show,
15:450. To wond'ring passengers, the walls below.
15:451. Near Trazen stands a hill, expos'd in air
15:452. To winter-winds, of leafy shadows bare:
15:453. This once was level ground: but (strange to tell)
15:454. Th' included vapours, that in caverns dwell,
15:455. Lab'ring with cholick pangs; and close confin'd,
15:456. In vain sought issue for the rumbling wind:
15:457. Yet still they heav'd for vent, and heaving still
15:458. Inlarg'd the concave, and shot up the hill;
15:459. As breath extends a bladder, or the skins
15:460. Of goats are blown t' inclose the hoarded wines:
15:461. The mountain yet retains a mountain's face,
15:462. And gather'd rubbish heals the hollow space.
15:463. Of many wonders, which I heard, or knew,
15:464. Retrenching most, I will relate but few:
15:465. What, are not springs with qualities oppos'd,
15:466. Endu'd at seasons, and at seasons lost?
15:467. Thrice in a day thine, Ammon, change their form,
15:468. Cold at high noon, at morn, and evening warm:
15:469. Thine, Athaman, will kindle wood, if thrown
15:470. On the pil'd earth, and in the waning moon.
15:471. The Thracians have a stream, if any try
15:472. The taste, his harden'd bowels petrify;
15:473. Whate'er it touches, it converts to stones,
15:474. And makes a marble pavement, where it runs.
15:475. Crathis, and Sybaris her sister flood,
15:476. That slide through our Calabrian neighbour wood,
15:477. With gold, and amber dye the shining hair,
15:478. And thither youth resort (for who would not be fair?).
15:479. But stranger virtues yet in streams we find,
15:480. Some change not only bodies, but the mind:
15:481. Who has not heard of Salmacis obscene,
15:482. Whose waters into women soften men?
15:483. Or Aethiopian lakes, which turn the brain
15:484. To madness, Or in heavy sleep constrain?
15:485. Clytorian streams the love of wine expel
15:486. (Such is the virtue of th' abstemious well),
15:487. Whether the colder nymph that rules the flood
15:488. Extinguishes, and balks the drunken God;
15:489. Or that Melampus (so have some assur'd)
15:490. When the mad Proetides with charms he cur'd,
15:491. And pow'rful herbs, both charms, and simples cast
15:492. Into the sober spring, where still their virtues last.
15:493. Unlike effects Lyncestis will produce;
15:494. Who drinks his waters, tho' with mod'rate use,
15:495. Reels as with wine, and sees with double sight:
15:496. His heels too heavy, and his head too light.
15:497. Ladon, once Pheneos, an Arcadian stream
15:498. (Ambiguous in th' effects, as in the name),
15:499. By day is wholsome bev'rage; but is thought
15:500. By night infected, and a deadly draught.
15:501. Thus running rivers, and the standing lake,
15:502. Now of these virtues, now of those partake:
15:503. Time was (and all things time, and Fate obey)
15:504. When fast Ortygia floated on the sea;
15:505. Such were Cyanean isles, when Typhis steer'd
15:506. Betwixt their streights, and their collision fear'd;
15:507. They swam, where now they sit; and firmly join'd
15:508. Secure of rooting up, resist the wind.
15:509. Nor Aetna vomiting sulphureous fire
15:510. Will ever belch; for sulphur will expire
15:511. (The veins exhausted of the liquid store):
15:512. Time was, she cast no flames; in time will cast no more.
15:513. For whether Earth's an animal, and air
15:514. Imbibes; her lungs with coolness to repair,
15:515. And what she sucks remits; she still requires
15:516. Inlets for air, and outlets for her fires;
15:517. When tortur'd with convulsive fits she shakes,
15:518. That motion choaks the vent, 'till other vent she makes:
15:519. Or when the winds in hollow caves are clos'd,
15:520. And subtle spirits find that way oppos'd,
15:521. They toss up flints in air; the flints that hide
15:522. The seeds of fire, thus toss'd in air, collide,
15:523. Kindling the sulphur, 'till the fewel spent
15:524. The cave is cool'd, and the fierce winds relent.
15:525. Or whether sulphur, catching fire, feeds on
15:526. Its unctuous parts, 'till all the matter gone
15:527. The flames no more ascend; for Earth supplies
15:528. The fat that feeds them; and when Earth denies
15:529. That food, by length of time consum'd, the fire
15:530. Famish'd for want of fewel must expire.
15:531. A race of men there are, as Fame has told,
15:532. Who shiv'ring suffer Hyperborean cold,
15:533. 'Till nine times bathing in Minerva's lake,
15:534. Soft feathers, to defend their naked sides, they take.
15:535. 'Tis said, the Scythian wives (believe who will)
15:536. Transform themselves to birds by magick skill;
15:537. Smear'd over with an oil of wond'rous might.
15:538. That adds new pinions to their airy flight.
15:539. But this by sure experiment we know,
15:540. That living creatures from corruption grow:
15:541. Hide in a hollow pit a slaughter'd steer,
15:542. Bees from his putrid bowels will appear;
15:543. Who, like their parents, haunt the fields, and bring
15:544. Their hony-harvest home, and hope another Spring.
15:545. The warlike-steed is multiply'd, we find,
15:546. To wasps, and hornets of the warrior kind.
15:547. Cut from a crab his crooked claws, and hide
15:548. The rest in Earth, a scorpion thence will glide,
15:549. And shoot his sting, his tail in circles toss'd
15:550. Refers the limbs his backward father lost:
15:551. And worms, that stretch on leaves their filmy loom,
15:552. Crawl from their bags, and butterflies become.
15:553. Ev'n slime begets the frog's loquacious race:
15:554. Short of their feet at first, in little space
15:555. With arms, and legs endu'd, long leaps they take
15:556. Rais'd on their hinder part, and swim the lake,
15:557. And waves repel: for Nature gives their kind,
15:558. To that intent, a length of legs behind.
15:559. The cubs of bears a living lump appear,
15:560. When whelp'd, and no determin'd figure wear.
15:561. Their mother licks 'em into shape, and gives
15:562. As much of form, as she her self receives.
15:563. The grubs from their sexangular abode
15:564. Crawl out unfinish'd, like the maggot's brood:
15:565. Trunks without limbs; 'till time at leisure brings
15:566. The thighs they wanted, and their tardy wings.
15:567. The bird who draws the carr of Juno, vain
15:568. Of her crown'd head, and of her starry train;
15:569. And he that bears th' Artillery of Jove,
15:570. The strong-pounc'd eagle, and the billing dove;
15:571. And all the feather'd kind, who cou'd suppose
15:572. (But that from sight, the surest sense, he knows)
15:573. They from th' included yolk, not ambient white, arose.
15:574. There are, who think the marrow of a man,
15:575. Which in the spine, while he was living, ran;
15:576. When dead, the pith corrupted will become
15:577. A snake, and hiss within the hollow tomb.
15:578. All these receive their birth from other things;
15:579. But from himself the Phoenix only springs:
15:580. Self-born, begotten by the parent flame
15:581. In which he burn'd, another, and the same;
15:582. Who not by corn, or herbs his life sustains,
15:583. But the sweet essence of Amomum drains:
15:584. And watches the rich gums Arabia bears,
15:585. While yet in tender dew they drop their tears.
15:586. He (his five centuries of life fulfill'd)
15:587. His nest on oaken boughs begins to build,
15:588. Or trembling tops of palm, and first he draws
15:589. The plan with his broad bill, and crooked claws,
15:590. Nature's artificers; on this the pile
15:591. Is form'd, and rises round, then with the spoil
15:592. Of Casia, Cynamon, and stems of Nard
15:593. (For softness strew'd beneath) his fun'ral bed is rear'd:
15:594. Fun'ral and bridal both; and all around
15:595. The borders with corruptless myrrh are crown'd,
15:596. On this incumbent; 'till aetherial flame
15:597. First catches, then consumes the costly frame:
15:598. Consumes him too, as on the pile he lies;
15:599. He liv'd on odours, and in odours dies.
15:600. An infant Phoenix from the former springs,
15:601. His father's heir, and from his tender wings
15:602. Shakes off his parent dust, his method he pursues,
15:603. And the same lease of life on the same terms renews.
15:604. When grown to manhood he begins his reign,
15:605. And with stiff pinions can his flight sustain,
15:606. He lightens of its load the tree that bore
15:607. His father's royal sepulcher before,
15:608. And his own cradle: this (with pious care
15:609. Plac'd on his back) he cuts the buxome air,
15:610. Seeks the Sun's city, and his sacred church,
15:611. And decently lays down his burden in the porch.
15:612. A wonder more amazing wou'd we find?
15:613. Th' Hyaena shows it, of a double kind,
15:614. Varying the sexes in alternate years,
15:615. In one begets, and in another bears.
15:616. The thin Camelion fed with air, receives
15:617. The colour of the thing, to which he cleaves.
15:618. India when conquer'd, on the conqu'ring God
15:619. For planted vines the sharp-ey'd Lynx bestow'd,
15:620. Whose urine, shed before it touches Earth,
15:621. Congeals in air, and gives to gems their birth.
15:622. So Coral soft, and white in ocean's bed,
15:623. Comes harden'd up in air, and glows with red.
15:624. All changing species should my song recite;
15:625. Before I ceas'd, wou'd change the day to night.
15:626. Nations, and empires flourish, and decay,
15:627. By turns command, and in their turns obey;
15:628. Time softens hardy people, time again
15:629. Hardens to war a soft, unwarlike train.
15:630. Thus Troy for ten long years her foes withstood,
15:631. And daily bleeding bore th' expence of blood:
15:632. Now for thick streets it shows an empty space,
15:633. Or only fill'd with tombs of her own perish'd race,
15:634. Her self becomes the sepulcher of what she was.
15:635. Mycene, Sparta, Thebes of mighty fame,
15:636. Are vanish'd out of substance into name.
15:637. And Dardan Rome that just begins to rise,
15:638. On Tiber's banks, in time shall mate the skies:
15:639. Widening her bounds, and working on her way;
15:640. Ev'n now she meditates imperial sway:
15:641. Yet this is change, but she by changing thrives,
15:642. Like moons new-born, and in her cradle strives
15:643. To fill her infant-horns; an hour shall come,
15:644. When the round world shall be contain'd in Rome.
15:645. For thus old saws foretel, and Helenus
15:646. Anchises' drooping son enliven'd thus:
15:647. When Ilium now was in a sinking state;
15:648. And he was doubtful of his future fate:
15:649. O Goddess-born, with thy hard fortune strive,
15:650. Troy never can be lost, and thou alive.
15:651. Thy passage thou shalt free through fire, and sword,
15:652. And Troy in foreign lands shall be restor'd.
15:653. In happier fields a rising town I see
15:654. Greater, than what e'er was, or is, or e'er shall be:
15:655. And Heav'n yet owes the world a race deriv'd from thee.
15:656. Sages, and chiefs, of other lineage born,
15:657. The city shall extend, extended shall adorn:
15:658. But from Iulus he must draw his breath,
15:659. By whom thy Rome shall rule the conquer'd Earth:
15:660. Whom Heav'n will lend Mankind on Earth to reign,
15:661. And late require the precious pledge again.
15:662. This Helenus to great Aeneas told,
15:663. Which I retain, e'er since in other mould
15:664. My soul was cloath'd; and now rejoice to view
15:665. My country walls rebuilt, and Troy reviv'd anew,
15:666. Rais'd by the fall, decreed by loss to gain;
15:667. Enslav'd but to be free, and conquer'd but to reign.
15:668. 'Tis time my hard-mouth'd coursers to controul,
15:669. Apt to run riot, and transgress the goal:
15:670. And therefore I conclude, Whatever lies,
15:671. In Earth, or flits in air, or fills the skies,
15:672. All suffer change; and we, that are of soul
15:673. And body mix'd, are members of the whole.
15:674. Then when our sires, or grandsires, shall forsake
15:675. The forms of men, and brutal figures take,
15:676. Thus hous'd, securely let their spirits rest,
15:677. Nor violate thy father in the beast,
15:678. Thy friend, thy brother, any of thy kin,
15:679. If none of these, yet there's a man within:
15:680. O spare to make a Thyestaean meal,
15:681. T' inclose his body, and his soul expel.
15:682. Ill customs by degrees to habits rise,
15:683. Ill habits soon become exalted vice:
15:684. What more advance can mortals make in sin
15:685. So near perfection, who with blood begin?
15:686. Deaf to the calf, that lyes beneath the knife,
15:687. Looks up, and from her butcher begs her life:
15:688. Deaf to the harmless kid, that ere he dies
15:689. All methods to procure thy mercy tries,
15:690. And imitates in vain thy children's cries.
15:691. Where will he stop, who feeds with houshold bread,
15:692. Then eats the poultry, which before he fed?
15:693. Let plough thy steers; that when they lose their breath,
15:694. To Nature, not to thee, they may impute their death.
15:695. Let goats for food their loaded udders lend,
15:696. And sheep from winter-cold thy sides defend;
15:697. But neither sprindges, nets, nor snares employ,
15:698. And be no more ingenious to destroy.
15:699. Free as in air, let birds on Earth remain,
15:700. Nor let insidious glue their wings constrain;
15:701. Nor opening hounds the trembling stag affright,
15:702. Nor purple feathers intercept his flight:
15:703. Nor hooks conceal'd in baits for fish prepare,
15:704. Nor lines to heave 'em twinkling up in air.
15:705. Take not away the life you cannot give,
15:706. For all things have an equal right to live.
15:707. Kill noxious creatures, where 'tis sin to save;
15:708. This only just prerogative we have:
15:709. But nourish life with vegetable food,
15:710. And shun the sacrilegious taste of blood.
15:711. These precepts by the Samian sage were taught,
15:712. Which God-like Numa to the Sabines brought,
15:713. And thence transferr'd to Rome, by gift his own:
15:714. A willing people, and an offer'd throne.
15:715. O happy monarch, sent by Heav'n to bless
15:716. A salvage nation with soft arts of peace,
15:717. To teach religion, rapine to restrain,
15:718. Give laws to lust, and sacrifice ordain:
15:719. Himself a saint, a Goddess was his bride,
15:720. And all the Muses o'er his acts preside.
The Story of Hippolytus
15:721. Advanc'd in years he dy'd; one common date
15:722. His reign concluded, and his mortal state.
15:723. Their tears plebeians, and patricians shed,
15:724. And pious matrons wept their monarch dead.
15:725. His mournful wife, her sorrows to bewail,
15:726. Withdrew from Rome, and sought th' Arician vale.
15:727. Hid in thick woods, she made incessant moans,
15:728. Disturbing Cinthia's sacred rites with groans.
15:729. How oft the nymphs, who rul'd the wood and lake,
15:730. Reprov'd her tears, and words of comfort spake!
15:731. How oft (in vain) the son of Theseus said,
15:732. Thy stormy sorrows be with patience laid;
15:733. Nor are thy fortunes to be wept alone,
15:734. Weigh others' woes, and learn to bear thine own,
15:735. Be mine an instance to asswage thy grief:
15:736. Would mine were none!- yet mine may bring relief.
15:737. You've heard, perhaps, in conversation told,
15:738. What once befel Hippolytus of old;
15:739. To death by Theseus' easie faith betray'd,
15:740. And caught in snares his wicked step-dame laid.
15:741. The wondrous tale your credit scarce may claim,
15:742. Yet (strange to say) in me behold the same,
15:743. Whom lustful Phaedra oft had press'd in vain,
15:744. With impious joys, my father's bed to stain;
15:745. 'Till seiz'd with fear, or by revenge inspir'd,
15:746. She charg'd on me the crimes herself desir'd.
15:747. Expell'd by Theseus, from his home I fled
15:748. With heaps of curses on my guiltless head.
15:749. Forlorn, I sought Pitthean Troezen's land,
15:750. And drove my chariot o'er Corinthus' strand;
15:751. When from the surface of the level main
15:752. A billow rising, heav'd above the plain;
15:753. Rolling, and gath'ring, 'till so high it swell'd,
15:754. A mountain's height th' enormous mass excell'd;
15:755. Then bellowing, burst; when from the summit cleav'd,
15:756. A horned bull his ample chest upheav'd.
15:757. His mouth, and nostrils, storms of briny rain,
15:758. Expiring, blew. Dread horror seiz'd my train.
15:759. I stood unmov'd. My father's cruel doom
15:760. Claim'd all my soul, nor fear could find a room.
15:761. Amaz'd, awhile my trembling coursers stood
15:762. With prick'd up ears, contemplating the flood;
15:763. Then starting sudden, from the dreadful view,
15:764. At once, like lightning, from the seas they flew,
15:765. And o'er the craggy rocks the rattling chariot drew.
15:766. In vain to stop the hot-mouth'd steeds I try'd,
15:767. And bending backward all my strength apply'd;
15:768. The frothy foam in driving flakes distains
15:769. The bits, and bridles, and bedews the reins.
15:770. But tho', as yet untam'd they run, at length
15:771. Their heady rage had tir'd beneath my strength,
15:772. When in the spokes, a stump intangling, tore
15:773. The shatter'd wheel, and from its axle bore.
15:774. The shock impetuous tost me from the seat,
15:775. Caught in the reins beneath my horse's feet.
15:776. My reeking guts drag'd out alive, around
15:777. The jagged strump, my trembling nerves were wound,
15:778. Then stretch'd the well-knit limbs, in pieces hal'd,
15:779. Part stuck behind, and part the chariot trail'd;
15:780. 'Till, midst my cracking joints, and breaking bones,
15:781. I breath'd away my weary'd soul in groans.
15:782. No part distinguish'd from the rest was found,
15:783. But all my parts an universal wound.
15:784. Now say, self-tortur'd nymph, can you compare
15:785. Our griefs as equal, or in justice dare?
15:786. I saw besides the darksome realms of woe,
15:787. And bath'd my wounds in smoking streams below.
15:788. There I had staid, nor second life injoy'd,
15:789. But Poean's son his wondrous art imploy'd.
15:790. To light restor'd, by medicinal skill,
15:791. In spight of Fate, and rigid Pluto's will,
15:792. Th' invidious object to preserve from view,
15:793. A misty cloud around me Cynthia threw;
15:794. And lest my sight should stir my foes to rage,
15:795. She stamp'd my visage with the marks of age.
15:796. My former hue was chang'd, and for it shown
15:797. A set of features, and a face unknown.
15:798. A-while the Goddess stood in doubt, or Crete,
15:799. Or Delos' isle, to chuse for my retreat.
15:800. Delos, and Crete refus'd, this wood she chose,
15:801. Bad me my former luckless name depose,
15:802. Which kept alive the mem'ry of my woes;
15:803. Then said, Immortal life be thine; and thou,
15:804. Hippolytus once call'd, be Virbius now.
15:805. Here then a God, but of th' inferior race,
15:806. I serve my Goddess, and attend her chace.
Egeria Transform'd to a Fountain
15:807. But others' woes were useless to appease
15:808. Egeria's grief, or set her mind at ease.
15:809. Beneath the hill, all comfortless she laid,
15:810. The dropping tears her eyes incessant shed,
15:811. 'Till pitying Phoebe eas'd her pious woe,
15:812. Thaw'd to a spring, whose streams for ever flow.
15:813. The nymphs, and Virbius, like amazement fill'd,
15:814. As seiz'd the swains, who Tyrrhene furrows till'd;
15:815. When heaving up, a clod was seen to roll,
15:816. Untouch'd, self-mov'd, and big with human soul.
15:817. The spreading mass in former shape depos'd,
15:818. Began to shoot, and arms and legs disclos'd,
15:819. 'Till form'd a perfect man, the living mold
15:820. Op'd its new mouth, and future truths foretold;
15:821. And Tages nam'd by natives of the place,
15:822. Taught arts prophetic to the Tuscan race.
15:823. Or such as once by Romulus was shown,
15:824. Who saw his lance with sprouting leaves o'er-grown,
15:825. When fix'd in Earth the point began to shoot,
15:826. And growing downward turn'd a fibrous root;
15:827. While spread aloft the branching arms display'd,
15:828. O'er wondring crowds, an unexpected shade.
The Story of Cippus
15:829. Or as when Cippus in the current view'd
15:830. The shooting horns that on his forehead stood,
15:831. His temples first he feels, and with surprize
15:832. His touch confirms th' assurance of his eyes.
15:833. Streight to the skies his horned front he rears,
15:834. And to the Gods directs these pious pray'rs.
15:835. If this portent be prosp'rous, O decree
15:836. To Rome th' event; if otherwise, to me.
15:837. An altar then of turf he hastes to raise,
15:838. Rich gums in fragrant exhalations blaze;
15:839. The panting entrails crackle as they fry,
15:840. And boding fumes pronounce a mystery,
15:841. Soon as the augur saw the holy fire,
15:842. And victims with presaging signs expire,
15:843. To Cippus then he turns his eyes with speed,
15:844. And views the horny honours of his head:
15:845. Then cry'd, Hail conqueror! thy call obey,
15:846. Those omens I behold presage thy sway.
15:847. Rome waits thy nod, unwilling to be free,
15:848. And owns thy sov'reign pow'r as Fate's decree.
15:849. He said- and Cippus, starting at th' event,
15:850. Spoke in these words his pious discontent.
15:851. Far hence, ye Gods, this execration send,
15:852. And the great race of Romulus defend.
15:853. Better that I in exile live abhorr'd,
15:854. Than e'er the Capitol shou'd style me lord.
15:855. This spoke, he hides with leaves his omen'd head.
15:856. Then prays, the senate next convenes, and said:
15:857. If augurs can foresee, a wretch is come,
15:858. Design'd by destiny the bane of Rome.
15:859. Two horns (most strange to tell) his temples crown;
15:860. If e'er he pass the walls, and gain the town,
15:861. Your laws are forfeit, that ill-fated hour;
15:862. And liberty must yield to lawless pow'r.
15:863. Your gates he might have enter'd; but this arm
15:864. Seiz'd the usurper, and with-held the harm.
15:865. Haste, find the monster out, and let him be
15:866. Condemn'd to all the senate can decree;
15:867. Or ty'd in chains, or into exile thrown;
15:868. Or by the tyrant's death prevent your own.
15:869. The crowd such murmurs utter as they stand,
15:870. As swelling surges breaking on the strand;
15:871. Or as when gath'ring gales sweep o'er the grove,
15:872. And their tall heads the bending cedars move.
15:873. Each with confusion gaz'd, and then began
15:874. To feel his fellow's brows, and find the man.
15:875. Cippus then shakes his garland off, and cries,
15:876. The wretch you want, I offer to your eyes.
15:877. The anxious throng look'd down, and sad in thought,
15:878. All wish'd they had not found the sign they sought:
15:879. In haste with laurel wreaths his head they bind;
15:880. Such honour to such virtue was assign'd.
15:881. Then thus the senate- Hear, o Cippus, hear;
15:882. So god-like is thy tutelary care,
15:883. That since in Rome thy self forbids thy stay,
15:884. For thy abode those acres we convey
15:885. The plough-share can surround, the labour of a day.
15:886. In deathless records thou shalt stand inroll'd,
15:887. And Rome's rich posts shall shine with horns of gold.
The Occasion of Aesculapius Being Brought to Rome
15:888. Melodious maids of Pindus, who inspire
15:889. The flowing strains, and tune the vocal lyre;
15:890. Tradition's secrets are unlock'd to you,
15:891. Old tales revive, and ages past renew;
15:892. You, who can hidden causes best expound,
15:893. Say, whence the isle, which Tiber flows around,
15:894. Its altars with a heav'nly stranger grac'd,
15:895. And in our shrines the God of physic plac'd.
15:896. A wasting plague infected Latium's skies;
15:897. Pale, bloodless looks were seen, with ghastly eyes;
15:898. The dire disease's marks each visage wore,
15:899. And the pure blood was chang'd to putrid gore:
15:900. In vain were human remedies apply'd;
15:901. In vain the pow'r of healing herbs was try'd:
15:902. Weary'd with death, they seek celestial aid,
15:903. And visit Phoebus in his Delphic shade;
15:904. In the world's centre sacred Delphos stands,
15:905. And gives its oracles to distant lands:
15:906. Here they implore the God, with fervent vows,
15:907. His salutary pow'r to interpose,
15:908. And end a great afflicted city's woes.
15:909. The holy temple sudden tremors prov'd;
15:910. The laurel grove and all its quivers mov'd;
15:911. In hollow sounds the priestess, thus, began,
15:912. And thro' each bosom thrilling horrors ran.
15:913. "Th' assistance, Roman, which you here implore,
15:914. Seek from another, and a nearer shore;
15:915. Relief must be implor'd, and succour won,
15:916. Not from Apollo, but Apollo's son;
15:917. My son, to Latium born, shall bring redress:
15:918. Go with good omens, and expect success."
15:919. When these clear oracles the senate knew;
15:920. The sacred tripod's counsels they pursue,
15:921. Depute a pious and a chosen band,
15:922. Who sail to Epidaurus' neighb'ring land:
15:923. Before the Graecian elders when they stood,
15:924. They pray 'em to bestow the healing God:
15:925. Ordain'd was he to save Ausonia's state;
15:926. So promis'd Delphi, and unerring Fate."
15:927. Opinions various their debates enlarge:
15:928. Some plead to yield to Rome the sacred charge;
15:929. Others, tenacious of their country's wealth,
15:930. Refuse to grant the pow'r, who guards its health.
15:931. While dubious they remain'd, the wasting light
15:932. Withdrew before the growing shades of night;
15:933. Now, Roman, clos'd in sleep were mortal eyes,
15:934. When health's auspicious God appears to thee,
15:935. And thy glad dreams his form celestial see:
15:936. In his left hand, a rural staff preferr'd,
15:937. His right is seen to stroke his decent beard.
15:938. "Dismiss," said he, with mildness all divine,
15:939. "Dismiss your fears; I come, and leave my shrine;
15:940. This serpent view, that with ambitious play
15:941. My staff encircles, mark him ev'ry way;
15:942. His form, tho' larger, nobler, I'll assume,
15:943. And chang'd, as Gods should be, bring aid to Rome."
15:944. Here fled the vision, and the vision's flight
15:945. Was follow'd by the chearful dawn of light.
15:946. Now was the morn with blushing streaks o'erspread,
15:947. And all the starry fires of Heav'n were fled;
15:948. The chiefs perplex'd, and fill'd with doubtful care,
15:949. To their protector's sumptuous roofs repair,
15:950. By genuin signs implore him to express,
15:951. What seats he deigns to chuse, what land to bless:
15:952. Scarce their ascending pray'rs had reach'd the sky;
15:953. Lo, the serpentine God, erected high!
15:954. Forerunning hissings his approach confest;
15:955. Bright shone his golden scales, and wav'd his lofty crest;
15:956. The trembling altar his appearance spoke;
15:957. The marble floor, and glittering ceiling shook;
15:958. The doors were rock'd; the statue seem'd to nod;
15:959. And all the fabric own'd the present God:
15:960. His radiant chest he taught aloft to rise,
15:961. And round the temple cast his flaming eyes:
15:962. Struck was th' astonish'd crowd; the holy priest,
15:963. His temples with white bands of ribbon drest,
15:964. With rev'rent awe the Power divine confest!
15:965. The God! the God! he cries; all tongues be still!
15:966. Each conscious breast devoutest ardour fill!
15:967. O beauteous! O divine! assist our cares,
15:968. And be propitious to thy vot'ries prayers!
15:969. All with consenting hearts, and pious fear,
15:970. The words repeat, the deity revere:
15:971. The Romans in their holy worship join'd,
15:972. With silent awe, and purity of mind:
15:973. Gracious to them, his crest is seen to nod,
15:974. And, as an earnest of his care, the God,
15:975. Thrice hissing, vibrates thrice his forked tongue;
15:976. And now the smooth descent he glides along:
15:977. Still on the ancient seats he bends his eyes,
15:978. In which his statue breaths, his altars rise;
15:979. His long-lov'd shrine with kind concern he leaves,
15:980. And to forsake th' accustom'd mansion grieves:
15:981. At length, his sweeping bulk in state is born
15:982. Thro' the throng'd streets, which scatter'd flowers adorn;
15:983. Thro' many a fold he winds his mazy course,
15:984. And gains the port and moles, which break the ocean's force.
15:985. 'Twas here he made a stand, and having view'd
15:986. The pious train, who his last steps pursu'd,
15:987. Seem'd to dismiss their zeal with gracious eyes,
15:988. While gleams of pleasure in his aspect rise.
15:989. And now the Latian vessel he ascends;
15:990. Beneath the weighty God the vessel bends:
15:991. The Latins on the strand great Jove appease,
15:992. Their cables loose, and plough the yielding seas:
15:993. The high-rear'd serpent from the stern displays
15:994. His gorgeous form, and the blue deep surveys;
15:995. The ship is wafted on with gentle gales,
15:996. And o'er the calm Ionian smoothly sails;
15:997. On the sixth morn th' Italian coast they gain,
15:998. And touch Lacinia, grac'd with Juno's fane;
15:999. Now fair Calabria to the sight is lost,
15:1000. And all the cities on her fruitful coast;
15:1001. They pass at length the rough Sicilian shore,
15:1002. The Brutian soil, rich with metalic ore,
15:1003. The famous isles, where Aeolus was king,
15:1004. And Paestum blooming with eternal Spring:
15:1005. Minerva's cape they leave, and Capreae's isle,
15:1006. Campania, on whose hills the vineyards smile,
15:1007. The city, which Alcides' spoils adorn,
15:1008. Naples, for soft delight and pleasure born;
15:1009. Fair Stabiae, with Cumean Sibyl's seats,
15:1010. And Baia's tepid baths, and green retreats;
15:1011. Linternum next they reach, where balmy gums
15:1012. Distil from mastic trees, and spread perfumes:
15:1013. Caieta, from the nurse so nam'd, for whom
15:1014. With pious care Aeneas rais'd a tomb,
15:1015. Vulturne, whose whirlpools suck the numerous sands,
15:1016. And Trachas, and Minturnea's marshy lands,
15:1017. And Formia's coast is left, and Circe's plain,
15:1018. Which yet remembers her enchanting reign;
15:1019. To Antium, last, his course the pilot guides.
15:1020. Here, while the anchor'd vessel safely rides
15:1021. (For now the rufled deep portends a storm),
15:1022. The spiry God unfolds his spheric form,
15:1023. Thro' large indentings draws his lubric train,
15:1024. And seeks the refuge of Apollo's fane;
15:1025. The fane is situate on the yellow shore:
15:1026. When the sea smil'd, and the winds rag'd no more,
15:1027. He leaves his father's hospitable lands,
15:1028. And furrows, with his rattling scales, the sands
15:1029. Along the coast; at length the ship regains,
15:1030. And sails to Tibur, and Lavinum's plains.
15:1031. Here mingling crowds to meet their patron came,
15:1032. Ev'n the chast guardians of the Vestal flame,
15:1033. From every part tumultuous they repair,
15:1034. And joyful acclamations rend the air:
15:1035. Along the flowry banks, on either side,
15:1036. Where the tall ship floats on the swelling tide,
15:1037. Dispos'd in decent order altars rise,
15:1038. And crackling incense, as it mounts the skies,
15:1039. The air with sweets refreshes; while the knife,
15:1040. Warm with the victim's blood, lets out the streaming life.
15:1041. The world's great mistress, Rome, receives him now;
15:1042. On the mast's top reclin'd he waves his brow,
15:1043. And from that height surveys the great abodes,
15:1044. And mansions, worthy of residing Gods.
15:1045. The land, a narrow neck, it self extends,
15:1046. Round which his course the stream divided bends;
15:1047. The stream's two arms, on either side, are seen,
15:1048. Stretch'd out in equal length; the land between.
15:1049. The isle, so call'd from hence derives its name:
15:1050. 'Twas here the salutary serpent came;
15:1051. Nor sooner has he left the Latian pine,
15:1052. But he assumes again his form divine,
15:1053. And now no more the drooping city mourns,
15:1054. Joy is again restor'd, and health returns.
The Deification of Julius Caesar
15:1055. But Aesculapius was a foreign power:
15:1056. In his own city Caesar we adore:
15:1057. Him arms, and arts alike renown'd beheld,
15:1058. In peace conspicuous, dreadful in the field;
15:1059. His rapid conquest, and swift-finish'd wars,
15:1060. The hero justly fix'd among the stars;
15:1061. Yet is his progeny his greatest fame:
15:1062. The son immortal makes the father's name.
15:1063. The sea-girt Britons, by his courage tam'd,
15:1064. For their high rocky cliffs, and fierceness fam'd;
15:1065. His dreadful navies, which victorious rode
15:1066. O'er Nile's affrighted waves and seven-sourc'd flood;
15:1067. Numidia, and the spacious realms regain'd;
15:1068. Where Cinyphis or flows, or Juba reign'd;
15:1069. The powers of titled Mithridates broke,
15:1070. And Pontus added to the Roman yoke;
15:1071. Triumphal shows decreed, for conquests won,
15:1072. For conquests, which the triumphs still outshone;
15:1073. These are great deeds; yet less, than to have giv'n
15:1074. The world a lord, in whom, propitious Heav'n
15:1075. When you decreed the sov'reign rule to place,
15:1076. You blest with lavish bounty human race.
15:1077. Now lest so great a prince might seem to rise
15:1078. Of mortal stem, his sire much reach the skies;
15:1079. The beauteous Goddess, that Aeneas bore,
15:1080. Foresaw it, and foreseeing did deplore;
15:1081. For well she knew her hero's fate was nigh,
15:1082. Devoted by conspiring arms to die.
15:1083. Trembling, and pale, to every God, she cry'd,
15:1084. Behold, what deep and subtle arts are try'd,
15:1085. To end the last, the only branch that springs
15:1086. From my Iulus, and the Dardan kings!
15:1087. How bent they are! how desp'rate to destroy
15:1088. All that is left me of unhappy Troy!
15:1089. Am I alone by Fate ordain'd to know
15:1090. Uninterrupted care, and endless woe!
15:1091. Now from Tydides' spear I feel the wound:
15:1092. Now Ilium's tow'rs the hostile flames surround:
15:1093. Troy laid in dust, my exil'd son I mourn,
15:1094. Thro' angry seas, and raging billows born;
15:1095. O'er the wide deep his wandring course he bends;
15:1096. Now to the sullen shades of Styx descends,
15:1097. With Turnus driv'n at last fierce wars to wage,
15:1098. Or rather with unpitying Juno's rage.
15:1099. But why record I now my ancient woes?
15:1100. Sense of past ills in present fears I lose;
15:1101. On me their points the impious daggers throw;
15:1102. Forbid it, Gods, repel the direful blow:
15:1103. If by curs'd weapons Numa's priest expires,
15:1104. No longer shall ye burn, ye Vestal fires.
15:1105. While such complainings Cypria's grief disclose;
15:1106. In each celestial breast compassion rose:
15:1107. Not Gods can alter Fate's resistless will;
15:1108. Yet they foretold by signs th' approaching ill.
15:1109. Dreadful were heard, among the clouds, alarms
15:1110. Of ecchoing trumpets, and of clashing arms;
15:1111. The Sun's pale image gave so faint a light,
15:1112. That the sad Earth was almost veil'd in night;
15:1113. The Aether's face with fiery meteors glow'd;
15:1114. With storms of hail were mingled drops of blood;
15:1115. A dusky hue the morning star o'erspread,
15:1116. And the Moon's orb was stain'd with spots of red;
15:1117. In every place portentous shrieks were heard,
15:1118. The fatal warnings of th' infernal bird;
15:1119. In ev'ry place the marble melts to tears;
15:1120. While in the groves, rever'd thro' length of years,
15:1121. Boding, and awful sounds the ear invade;
15:1122. And solemn music warbles thro' the shade;
15:1123. No victim can attone the impious age,
15:1124. No sacrifice the wrathful Gods asswage;
15:1125. Dire wars and civil fury threat the state;
15:1126. And every omen points out Caesar's fate:
15:1127. Around each hallow'd shrine, and sacred dome,
15:1128. Night-howling dogs disturb the peaceful gloom;
15:1129. Their silent seats the wandring shades forsake,
15:1130. And fearful tremblings the rock'd city shake.
15:1131. Yet could not, by these prodigies, be broke
15:1132. The plotted charm, or staid the fatal stroke;
15:1133. Their swords th' assassins in the temple draw;
15:1134. Their murth'ring hands nor Gods nor temples awe;
15:1135. This sacred place their bloody weapons stain,
15:1136. And Virtue falls, before the altar slain.
15:1137. 'Twas now fair Cypria, with her woes opprest,
15:1138. In raging anguish smote her heav'nly breast;
15:1139. Wild with distracting fears, the Goddess try'd
15:1140. Her hero' in th' etherial cloud to hide,
15:1141. The cloud, which youthful Paris did conceal,
15:1142. When Menelaus urg'd the threatning steel;
15:1143. The cloud, which once deceiv'd Tydides' sight.
15:1144. And sav'd Aeneas in th' unequal fight.
15:1145. When Jove- In vain, fair daughter, you assay
15:1146. To o'er-rule destiny's unconquer'd sway:
15:1147. Your doubts to banish, enter Fate's abode;
15:1148. A privilege to heav'nly powers allow'd;
15:1149. There shall you see the records grav'd, in length,
15:1150. On ir'n and solid brass, with mighty strength;
15:1151. Which Heav'n's and Earth's concussion shall endure,
15:1152. Maugre all shocks, eternal, and secure:
15:1153. There, on perennial adamant design'd,
15:1154. The various fortunes of your race you'll find:
15:1155. Well I have mark'd 'em, and will now relate
15:1156. To thee the settled laws of future Fate.
15:1157. He, Goddess, for whose death the Fates you blame,
15:1158. Has finish'd his determin'd course with Fame:
15:1159. To thee 'tis giv'n at length, that he shall shine
15:1160. Among the Gods, and grace the worship'd shrine:
15:1161. His son to all his greatness shall be heir,
15:1162. And worthily succeed to empire's care:
15:1163. Our self will lead his wars, resolv'd to aid
15:1164. The brave avenger of his father's shade:
15:1165. To him its freedom Mutina shall owe,
15:1166. And Decius his auspicious conduct know;
15:1167. His dreadful powers shall shake Pharsalia's plain,
15:1168. And drench in gore Philippi's fields again:
15:1169. A mighty leader, in Sicilia's flood,
15:1170. Great Pompey's warlike son, shall be subdu'd:
15:1171. Aegypt's soft queen, adorn'd with fatal charms,
15:1172. Shall mourn her soldier's unsuccessful arms:
15:1173. Too late shall find her swelling hopes were vain,
15:1174. And know, that Rome o'er Memphis still must reign:
15:1175. What name I Afric, or Nile's hidden head?
15:1176. Far as both oceans roll, his power shall spread:
15:1177. All the known Earth to him shall homage pay,
15:1178. And the seas own his universal sway:
15:1179. When cruel war no more disturbs Mankind;
15:1180. To civil studies shall he bend his mind,
15:1181. With equal justice guardian laws ordain,
15:1182. And by his great example vice restrain:
15:1183. Where will his bounty or his goodness end?
15:1184. To times unborn his gen'rous views extend;
15:1185. The virtues of his heir our praise engage,
15:1186. And promise blessings to the coming age:
15:1187. Late shall he in his kindred orbs be placed,
15:1188. With Pylian years, and crowded honours graced.
15:1189. Mean-time, your hero's fleeting spirit bear,
15:1190. Fresh from his wounds, and change it to a star:
15:1191. So shall great Julius rites divine assume,
15:1192. And from the skies eternal smile on Rome.
15:1193. This spoke, the Goddess to the senate flew;
15:1194. Where, her fair form conceal'd from mortal view,
15:1195. Her Caesar's heav'nly part she made her care,
15:1196. Nor left the recent soul to waste to air;
15:1197. But bore it upwards to its native skies:
15:1198. Glowing with new-born fires she saw it rise;
15:1199. Forth springing from her bosom up it flew,
15:1200. And kindling, as it soar'd, a comet grew:
15:1201. Above the lunar sphere it took its flight,
15:1202. And shot behind it a long trail of light.
The Reign of Augustus, in which Ovid Flourish'd
15:1203. Thus rais'd, his glorious off-spring Julius view'd,
15:1204. Beneficently great, and scattering good,
15:1205. Deeds, that his own surpass'd, with joy beheld,
15:1206. And his large heart dilates to be excell'd.
15:1207. What tho' this prince refuses to receive
15:1208. The preference, which his juster subjects give;
15:1209. Fame uncontroll'd, that no restraint obeys,
15:1210. The homage, shunn'd by modest virtue, pays,
15:1211. And proves disloyal only in his praise.
15:1212. Tho' great his sire, him greater we proclaim:
15:1213. So Atreus yields to Agamemnon's fame;
15:1214. Achilles so superior honours won,
15:1215. And Peleus must submit to Peleus' son;
15:1216. Examples yet more noble to disclose,
15:1217. So Saturn was eclips'd, when Jove to empire rose;
15:1218. Jove rules the Heav'ns, the Earth Augustus sways;
15:1219. Each claims a monarch's, and a father's praise.
15:1220. Celestials, who for Rome your cares employ;
15:1221. Ye Gods, who guarded the remains of Troy;
15:1222. Ye native Gods, here born, and fix'd by Fate;
15:1223. Quirinus, founder of the Roman state;
15:1224. O parent Mars, from whom Quirinus sprung;
15:1225. Chaste Vesta, Caesar's household Gods among,
15:1226. Most sacred held; domestic Phoebus, thou,
15:1227. To whom with Vesta chaste alike we bow;
15:1228. Great guardian of the high Tarpeian rock;
15:1229. And all ye Pow'rs, whom poets may invoke;
15:1230. O grant, that day may claim our sorrows late,
15:1231. When lov'd Augustus shall submit to Fate,
15:1232. Visit those seats, where Gods and heroes dwell,
15:1233. And leave, in tears, the world he rul'd so well!
The Poet Concludes
15:1234. The work is finish'd, which nor dreads the rage
15:1235. Of tempests, fire, or war, or wasting age;
15:1236. Come, soon or late, death's undetermin'd day,
15:1237. This mortal being only can decay;
15:1238. My nobler part, my fame, shall reach the skies,
15:1239. And to late times with blooming honours rise:
15:1240. Whate'er th' unbounded Roman power obeys,
15:1241. All climes and nations shall record my praise:
15:1242. If 'tis allow'd to poets to divine,
15:1243. One half of round eternity is mine.
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* From a Latin-linked TEI.2-conformant transcript of Garth's Metamorphoses Books I-XIII (click here
for transcription details and conditions of use) with the rest of the text
supplied courtesy of globusz.com
e-books. |
