Her father chides her oft: " Tliou ow'st/' says he, 



'' A husband to thyself, a son to me/' 



She, Uke a crime, abhors the nuptial bed: 



She glows with blushes, and she hangs her head. 



Then casting round his neck her tender arms. 



Sooths him with blandishments, and filial charms. 



'' Give me, my lord,'' she said, '' to live, and die, 



" A spotless maid, without the marriage tie. 



" 'Tis but a small request; I beg no more 



" Than what Diana's father gave before." 



The good old sire was soften'd to consent. 



But said her wish would prove her punishment; 



For so much youth, and so much beauty join'd, 



Oppos'd the state, which her desires design'd. 



The God of Light, aspiring to her bed, 

 Hopes what he seeks, with flattering fancies fed ; 

 And as in empty fields the stubble burns. 

 Or nightly travellers, when day returns. 

 Their useless torches on dry hedges throw. 

 That catch the flames, and kindle all the row; 

 So burns the god, consuming in desire. 

 And feeding in his breast a fruitless fire. 

 Her well-turn'd neck he view'd (her neck was bare). 

 And on her shoulders her dishevel'd hair; 

 '' Oh were it deck'd," said he, '' with what a grace 

 " Would every waving curl become her face!" 

 He view'd her eyes, like heav'nly lamps that shone. 

 He view'd her hps, too sweet to view alone. 

 Her taper fingers, and her panting breast ; 

 He praises all he sees, and for the rest 

 Believes ---------- 



Swift as the wind, the damsel fled away. 



Nor did for these alluring speeches stay. 



'' Stay, Nymph," he cried, '' I follow, not a foe. 



'' Thus from the lion trips the trembling doe ; 



'' Thus from the wolf the frighten'd lamb removes, 



'' And, from pursuing falcons, fearful doves. 



'' Thou shun'st a god, and shun'st a god that loves. 



Ah, lest some thorn should pierce thy tender foot. 



Or thou shouldst fall in flying my pursuit! 



To sharp uneven ways thy steps decline; 



Abate thy speed, and I will bate of mine. 

 '' Yet think from whom thou dost so rashly fly; 

 '^ Not basely born, nor shepherd's swain am 1. 

 '' Perhaps thou know'st not my superior state; 



And from that ignorance proceeds thy hate. 



Me Claros, Delphi, Tenedos, obey; 

 -- These hands the Patareian sceptre sway. 



fe 



ft 



({ 



ec 



' / 



se 



ee 



