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THE LOVES OF HERO and LEANDER.
|
 | The works of Anacreon, Sappho, Bion, Moschus and Musæus |  |
295
THE LOVES OF HERO and LEANDER.
Translated from the Greek of Musæus.
Oft, by the Covert of Night's Shade,
Leander woo'd the Thracian Maid;
Through foaming Seas his Passion bore,
Nor fear'd the Ocean's thundering Roar.
The conscious Virgin, from the sea-girt Tower,
Hung out the faithful Torch, to guide him to her Bower.
Dodsley's Miscell. Vol. 4. P. 308.
Leander woo'd the Thracian Maid;
Through foaming Seas his Passion bore,
Nor fear'd the Ocean's thundering Roar.
The conscious Virgin, from the sea-girt Tower,
Hung out the faithful Torch, to guide him to her Bower.
Dodsley's Miscell. Vol. 4. P. 308.
296
[_]
ADVERTISEMENT.
This celebrated Poem on the Loves of Hero and Leander has been admired by the politest Scholars for many Ages: And though Mr. Waller and several other Writers of the finest Taste have conjectured it to be one of the Stories,
Which old Musœus so divinely sung:Yet many convincing Arguments might be brought to prove it to have been the Work of a later Author, a Grammarian of that Name who lived in the fifth Century.
Nor let the English Reader look upon the title of Grammarian as a Term of Reproach, though now frequently used as such. The Profession, styled by the Ancients Γραμματικη was the same with the Belles Lettres among the Moderns: And the Appellation of Grammarian was particularly applied to those who excelled in every Kind of polite Writing.
The first English Translation of the following Poem appeared, in the Year 1647, by Sir Robert Stapylton. It has since that Time been frequently attempted; but with what Success is left to the Judgment of others.
297
Sing, Muse! the conscious Torch, whose nightly Ray
Led the bold Lover through the watry Way,
To share those Joys which mutual Faith hath seal'd,
Joys to divine Aurora unreveal'd.
Abydos, Sestos, ancient Towns, proclaim,
Where gentlest Bosoms glow'd with purest Flame.
I hear Leander dash the foaming Tide!
Fix'd high in Air, I see the glimmering Guide!
The genial Flame, the love-enkindling Light,
Signal of Joy that burn'd serenely bright;
Whose Beams, in fair Effulgency display'd,
Adorn'd the Nuptials of the Sestion Maid;
Which Jove, its friendly Office to repay,
Should plant, all-glorious, in the Realms of Day,
To blaze for ever 'midst the Stars above,
And style it gentle Harbinger of Love:
For sure on Earth it shone supremely kind,
To sooth the Anguish of the love-sick Mind,
Till cloath'd in Terrors rose the wintry Blast,
Impetuous Howling o'er the watry Waste:
And, O! inspire me, Goddess, to resound
The Torch extinguish'd, and the Lover drown'd.
Led the bold Lover through the watry Way,
To share those Joys which mutual Faith hath seal'd,
Joys to divine Aurora unreveal'd.
Abydos, Sestos, ancient Towns, proclaim,
Where gentlest Bosoms glow'd with purest Flame.
I hear Leander dash the foaming Tide!
Fix'd high in Air, I see the glimmering Guide!
The genial Flame, the love-enkindling Light,
Signal of Joy that burn'd serenely bright;
Whose Beams, in fair Effulgency display'd,
Adorn'd the Nuptials of the Sestion Maid;
Which Jove, its friendly Office to repay,
Should plant, all-glorious, in the Realms of Day,
298
And style it gentle Harbinger of Love:
For sure on Earth it shone supremely kind,
To sooth the Anguish of the love-sick Mind,
Till cloath'd in Terrors rose the wintry Blast,
Impetuous Howling o'er the watry Waste:
And, O! inspire me, Goddess, to resound
The Torch extinguish'd, and the Lover drown'd.
Against Abydos sea-beat Sestos stood,
Two neighb'ring Towns, divided by the Flood:
Here Cupid prov'd his Bow's unerring Art,
And gain'd two Conquests with a single Dart:
On two fond Hearts the sweet Infection prey'd,
A Youth engaging, and a beauteous Maid:
Of Sestos she, fair Hero was her Name;
The Youth, Leander, from Abydos came.
Their Forms divine a bright Resemblance bore,
Each was the radiant Star of either Shore.
Two neighb'ring Towns, divided by the Flood:
Here Cupid prov'd his Bow's unerring Art,
And gain'd two Conquests with a single Dart:
On two fond Hearts the sweet Infection prey'd,
A Youth engaging, and a beauteous Maid:
299
The Youth, Leander, from Abydos came.
Their Forms divine a bright Resemblance bore,
Each was the radiant Star of either Shore.
Thou, whom the Fates commission here to stray,
Awhile the Turret's Eminence survey;
Thence Hero held the blazing Torch, to guide
Her Lover rolling on the boisterous Tide;
The roaring Hellespont, whose wave-worn Strait
Still in loud Murmurs mourns Leander's Fate.
Say, heav'nly Muse, had Hero Charms to move,
And melt the Abydinian into Love?
Say, with what Wiles the amorous Youth inspir'd,
Obtain'd the Virgin whom his Soul admir'd?
Awhile the Turret's Eminence survey;
Thence Hero held the blazing Torch, to guide
Her Lover rolling on the boisterous Tide;
The roaring Hellespont, whose wave-worn Strait
Still in loud Murmurs mourns Leander's Fate.
Say, heav'nly Muse, had Hero Charms to move,
And melt the Abydinian into Love?
Say, with what Wiles the amorous Youth inspir'd,
Obtain'd the Virgin whom his Soul admir'd?
Fair Hero, Priestess to th'Idalian Queen,
Of Birth illustrious, as of graceful Mien,
Dwelt on a high sequester'd Tower, that stood
Firm on the Ramparts, and o'erlook'd the Flood:
Chaste, and unconscious of Love's pleasing Pain,
She seem'd a new-born Venus of the Main;
But, nice of Conduct, prudently withdrew
Far from the Follies of the female Crew:
Blest in Retreat, she shunn'd the vain Delight
Of daily Visits, and the Dance at Night,
Content in sweet Tranquillity to screen
Her blooming Beauty from malignant Spleen;
For where superior Beauty shines confest,
It kindles Envy in each female Breast.
To soften Venus oft with Prayer she strove,
Oft pour'd Libations to the God of Love;
Taught by th'Example of the heavenly Dame,
To dread those Arrows that were tipp'd with Flame.
Vain all her Caution, fruitless prov'd her Prayer;
Love gains an easy Conquest o'er the Fair.
Of Birth illustrious, as of graceful Mien,
Dwelt on a high sequester'd Tower, that stood
Firm on the Ramparts, and o'erlook'd the Flood:
Chaste, and unconscious of Love's pleasing Pain,
She seem'd a new-born Venus of the Main;
But, nice of Conduct, prudently withdrew
Far from the Follies of the female Crew:
300
Of daily Visits, and the Dance at Night,
Content in sweet Tranquillity to screen
Her blooming Beauty from malignant Spleen;
For where superior Beauty shines confest,
It kindles Envy in each female Breast.
To soften Venus oft with Prayer she strove,
Oft pour'd Libations to the God of Love;
Taught by th'Example of the heavenly Dame,
To dread those Arrows that were tipp'd with Flame.
Vain all her Caution, fruitless prov'd her Prayer;
Love gains an easy Conquest o'er the Fair.
For now the sacred Festival appear'd,
By pious Sestians annually rever'd,
At Venus' Fane to pay the Rites divine,
And offer Incense at Adonis' Shrine.
Vast Crowds from all the sea-girt Isles repair,
The Day to rev'rence, and the Feast to share.
From flowery Cyprus, circled by the Main,
And high Hæmonia, hastes the youthful Train;
Not one remain'd of all the female Race
Thy Towns, Cythera, and thy Groves to grace;
Afar from spicy Libanus advance
The Throngs unnumber'd, skill'd to lead the Dance;
From Phrygian Plains they haste in Shoals away,
And all Abydos celebrates the Day.
To Sestos all the mirthful Youths repair,
All that admire the Gay, the Young, the Fair;
For amorous Swains, when rumour'd Feasts invite,
Joy at the News, and follow with Delight,
Not to the Gods to pay the Rites divine,
Or offer Incense at some sacred Shrine;
Few are their Offerings, and concise their Prayer,
Who give their whole Devotion to the Fair.
By pious Sestians annually rever'd,
At Venus' Fane to pay the Rites divine,
And offer Incense at Adonis' Shrine.
Vast Crowds from all the sea-girt Isles repair,
The Day to rev'rence, and the Feast to share.
From flowery Cyprus, circled by the Main,
And high Hæmonia, hastes the youthful Train;
301
Thy Towns, Cythera, and thy Groves to grace;
Afar from spicy Libanus advance
The Throngs unnumber'd, skill'd to lead the Dance;
From Phrygian Plains they haste in Shoals away,
And all Abydos celebrates the Day.
To Sestos all the mirthful Youths repair,
All that admire the Gay, the Young, the Fair;
For amorous Swains, when rumour'd Feasts invite,
Joy at the News, and follow with Delight,
Not to the Gods to pay the Rites divine,
Or offer Incense at some sacred Shrine;
Few are their Offerings, and concise their Prayer,
Who give their whole Devotion to the Fair.
As through the Temple pass'd the Sestian Maid,
Her Face a soften'd Dignity display'd;
Thus silver Cynthia's milder Glories rise,
To glad the pale Dominion of the Skies.
Her lovely Cheeks a pure Vermillion shed,
Like Roses beautifully streak'd with Red;
A flowery Mead her well-turn'd Limbs disclose,
Fraught with the blushing Beauties of the Rose:
But when she mov'd, in radiant Mantle drest,
Flowers half unveil'd adorn'd her flowing Vest,
And numerous Graces wanton'd on her Breast.
The ancient Sages made a false Decree,
Who said, the Graces were no more than Three;
When Hero smiles, a thousand Graces rise,
Sport on her Cheek, and revel in her Eyes.
Such various Beauties sure conspir'd to prove
The Priestess worthy of the Queen of Love.
Thus as she shone superior to the rest,
In the sweet Bloom of Youth and Beauty drest,
Such Softness temper'd with majestic Mien,
The earthly Priestess match'd the heav'nly Queen.
The wondering Crowds the radiant Nymph admire,
And every Bosom kindles with Desire;
Eager each longs, transported with her Charms,
To clasp the lovely Virgin in his Arms;
Where'er she turns, their Eyes, their Thoughts pursue,
They sigh, and send their Souls at every View.
Then thus some ardent Youth bespoke the rest,
Cast a fond Look, and open'd all his Breast:
Her Face a soften'd Dignity display'd;
Thus silver Cynthia's milder Glories rise,
To glad the pale Dominion of the Skies.
Her lovely Cheeks a pure Vermillion shed,
Like Roses beautifully streak'd with Red;
A flowery Mead her well-turn'd Limbs disclose,
Fraught with the blushing Beauties of the Rose:
302
Flowers half unveil'd adorn'd her flowing Vest,
And numerous Graces wanton'd on her Breast.
The ancient Sages made a false Decree,
Who said, the Graces were no more than Three;
When Hero smiles, a thousand Graces rise,
Sport on her Cheek, and revel in her Eyes.
Such various Beauties sure conspir'd to prove
The Priestess worthy of the Queen of Love.
Thus as she shone superior to the rest,
In the sweet Bloom of Youth and Beauty drest,
Such Softness temper'd with majestic Mien,
The earthly Priestess match'd the heav'nly Queen.
The wondering Crowds the radiant Nymph admire,
And every Bosom kindles with Desire;
Eager each longs, transported with her Charms,
To clasp the lovely Virgin in his Arms;
Where'er she turns, their Eyes, their Thoughts pursue,
They sigh, and send their Souls at every View.
Then thus some ardent Youth bespoke the rest,
Cast a fond Look, and open'd all his Breast:
303
“I oft at Sparta wondering have beheld
“Young Maids contending in the listed Field,
“Sparta, that boasts the emulated Prize
“Of fairest Virgins, and of brightest Eyes;
“Yet ne'er till now beheld a Nymph so fair,
“Such beauty blended with such graceful Air:
“Perhaps (for sure immortal is her Race)
“Beneath the Priestess Venus hides a Grace.
“My dazzled Eyes with constant gazing tire,
“But my fond Fancy ever could admire.
“O! make me, Venus, Partner of her Bed,
“Though Fate that Instant strike the Lover dead:
“Let but my Love the heavenly Hero crown,
“I on the Gods will look superior down.
“Should you this Boon deny, O Queen! decree,
“To bless my Days, a Nymph as fair as she!”
“Young Maids contending in the listed Field,
“Sparta, that boasts the emulated Prize
“Of fairest Virgins, and of brightest Eyes;
“Yet ne'er till now beheld a Nymph so fair,
“Such beauty blended with such graceful Air:
“Perhaps (for sure immortal is her Race)
“Beneath the Priestess Venus hides a Grace.
“My dazzled Eyes with constant gazing tire,
“But my fond Fancy ever could admire.
“O! make me, Venus, Partner of her Bed,
“Though Fate that Instant strike the Lover dead:
“Let but my Love the heavenly Hero crown,
“I on the Gods will look superior down.
“Should you this Boon deny, O Queen! decree,
“To bless my Days, a Nymph as fair as she!”
Thus spoke the general Voice; the Train apart
Conceal the Wound deep rankling in the Heart.
But when Leander saw the blooming Fair,
Love seiz'd his Soul instead of dumb Despair;
Resolv'd the lucky Moments to improve,
He sought Occasion to reveal his Love;
The glorious Prize determin'd to obtain,
Or perish for those Joys he could not gain.
Her sparkling Eyes instilling fond Desire
Entranc'd his Soul, and kindled amorous Fire.
Such radiant Beauty, like the pointed Dart,
With piercing Anguish stings th'unguarded Heart:
For on the Eye the Wound is first imprest,
'Till by Degrees it rankles in the Breast.
Now Hope and Confidence invade his Soul;
Then Fear and Shame alternately controul:
Fear through his Bosom thrill'd; a conscious Shame
Confess'd the Passion which it seem'd to blame:
Her Beauties fix'd him in a wild Amaze;
Love made him bold, and not afraid to gaze.
With Step ambiguous, and affected Air,
The Youth advancing fac'd the charming Fair:
Each amorous Glance he cast, tho' form'd by Art,
Yet sometimes spoke the Language of his Heart;
With Nods and Becks he kept the Nymph in play,
And tried all Wiles to steal her Soul away.
Soon as she saw the fraudful Youth beguil'd,
Fair Hero, conscious of her Beauty, smil'd;
Oft in her Veil conceal'd her glowing Face,
Sweetly vermilion'd with the rosy Grace;
Yet all in vain to hide her Passion tries,
She owns it with her love-consenting Eyes.
Joy touch'd the Bosom of the gentle Swain,
To find his Love was not indulg'd in vain.
Then, while he chid the tedious lingering Day,
Down to the West declin'd the solar Ray;
And dewy Hesper shone serenely bright,
In shadowy Silence leading on the Night.
Soon as he saw the dark involving Shade,
Th'embolden'd Youth approach'd the blooming Maid;
Her lilly Hand he seiz'd, and gently prest,
And softly sigh'd the Passion of his Breast:
Joy touch'd the Damsel, tho' she seem'd displeas'd,
And soon withdrew the lilly Hand he seiz'd.
The Youth perceiv'd, through well dissembled Wiles,
A Heart just yielding by consenting Smiles;
Then to the Temple's last Recess convey'd
The unreluctant, unresisting Maid:
Her lovely Feet, that seem'd to lag behind,
But ill conceal'd her voluntary Mind.
She feign'd Resentment with an angry Look,
And, sweetly chiding, thus indignant spoke:
Conceal the Wound deep rankling in the Heart.
But when Leander saw the blooming Fair,
Love seiz'd his Soul instead of dumb Despair;
Resolv'd the lucky Moments to improve,
He sought Occasion to reveal his Love;
304
Or perish for those Joys he could not gain.
Her sparkling Eyes instilling fond Desire
Entranc'd his Soul, and kindled amorous Fire.
Such radiant Beauty, like the pointed Dart,
With piercing Anguish stings th'unguarded Heart:
For on the Eye the Wound is first imprest,
'Till by Degrees it rankles in the Breast.
Now Hope and Confidence invade his Soul;
Then Fear and Shame alternately controul:
Fear through his Bosom thrill'd; a conscious Shame
Confess'd the Passion which it seem'd to blame:
Her Beauties fix'd him in a wild Amaze;
Love made him bold, and not afraid to gaze.
With Step ambiguous, and affected Air,
The Youth advancing fac'd the charming Fair:
305
Yet sometimes spoke the Language of his Heart;
With Nods and Becks he kept the Nymph in play,
And tried all Wiles to steal her Soul away.
Soon as she saw the fraudful Youth beguil'd,
Fair Hero, conscious of her Beauty, smil'd;
Oft in her Veil conceal'd her glowing Face,
Sweetly vermilion'd with the rosy Grace;
Yet all in vain to hide her Passion tries,
She owns it with her love-consenting Eyes.
Joy touch'd the Bosom of the gentle Swain,
To find his Love was not indulg'd in vain.
Then, while he chid the tedious lingering Day,
Down to the West declin'd the solar Ray;
And dewy Hesper shone serenely bright,
In shadowy Silence leading on the Night.
Soon as he saw the dark involving Shade,
Th'embolden'd Youth approach'd the blooming Maid;
Her lilly Hand he seiz'd, and gently prest,
And softly sigh'd the Passion of his Breast:
Joy touch'd the Damsel, tho' she seem'd displeas'd,
And soon withdrew the lilly Hand he seiz'd.
306
A Heart just yielding by consenting Smiles;
Then to the Temple's last Recess convey'd
The unreluctant, unresisting Maid:
Her lovely Feet, that seem'd to lag behind,
But ill conceal'd her voluntary Mind.
She feign'd Resentment with an angry Look,
And, sweetly chiding, thus indignant spoke:
“Stranger, what Madness has possess'd thy Brain,
“To drag me thus along the sacred Fane?
“Go—to your native Habitation go—
“'Tis quite unkind to pull my Garments so.
“Rich are my Parents—urge not here your Fate,
“Lest their just Vengeance you repent too late:
“If not of me, of Venus stand afraid,
“In her own Fane soliciting a Maid:
“Hence speed your Flight; and Venus' Anger dread;
“'Tis bold aspiring to a Virgin's Bed,”
“To drag me thus along the sacred Fane?
“Go—to your native Habitation go—
“'Tis quite unkind to pull my Garments so.
“Rich are my Parents—urge not here your Fate,
“Lest their just Vengeance you repent too late:
“If not of me, of Venus stand afraid,
“In her own Fane soliciting a Maid:
“Hence speed your Flight; and Venus' Anger dread;
“'Tis bold aspiring to a Virgin's Bed,”
Thus chid the Maid, as Maids are wont to do,
And show'd her Anger, and her Fondness too:
The wily Youth, as thus the Fair complain'd,
Too well perceiv'd the Victory was gain'd:
For Nymphs enrag'd the more complying prove,
And Chidings are the Harbingers of Love.
He kiss'd her snowy Neck, her fragrant Breast:
And thus the Transport of his Soul exprest:
And show'd her Anger, and her Fondness too:
307
Too well perceiv'd the Victory was gain'd:
For Nymphs enrag'd the more complying prove,
And Chidings are the Harbingers of Love.
He kiss'd her snowy Neck, her fragrant Breast:
And thus the Transport of his Soul exprest:
“O lovely Fair, in whom combin'd are seen
“The Charms of Venus, and Minerva's Mien!
“For sure no Virgin of terrestrial Race
“Can vye with Hero in the Bloom of Face:
“I deem your Lineage from the Gods above,
“And style you Daughter of Saturnian Jove.
“Blest is the Father from whose Loins you sprung,
“Blest is the Mother at whose Breast you hung,
“Blest, doubly blest, the fruitful Womb that bore
“This heavenly Form for Mortals to adore.
“The Charms of Venus, and Minerva's Mien!
“For sure no Virgin of terrestrial Race
“Can vye with Hero in the Bloom of Face:
“I deem your Lineage from the Gods above,
“And style you Daughter of Saturnian Jove.
“Blest is the Father from whose Loins you sprung,
“Blest is the Mother at whose Breast you hung,
“Blest, doubly blest, the fruitful Womb that bore
“This heavenly Form for Mortals to adore.
“Yet, beauteous Hero, grant a Lover's Prayer,
“And to my Wishes prove as kind as fair:
“As Venus Priestess, just to Venus prove,
“Nor shun the gentle Offices of Love.
“O let us, while the happy Hour invites,
“Propitious, celebrate the nuptial Rites.
“No Maid can serve in Cytherea's Fane;
“Her Eyes delight not in the Virgin-train.
“But would fair Hero secret Rites explore,
“The Laws of Venus, and her pleasing Lore,
“Those Rites are practis'd in the bridal Bed,
“And there must Hero, yet a Maid, be led:
“Then as you fear the Goddess to offend,
“In me behold your Husband and your Friend,
“Ordain'd by Cupid, greatest God above,
“To teach you all the Mysteries of Love:
“As winged Mercury, with golden Wand,
“Made Hercules, with Distaff in his Hand,
“To every Task of Omphale submit;
“Thus Love, more powerful than the God of Wit,
“Sent me to you. 'Tis needless to relate
“The chaste Arcadian Atalanta's Fate;
“Who from th'Embraces of Milanion fled,
“Her faithful Lover, and the nuptial Bed:
“But vengeful Venus caus'd the Nymph to burn
“With equal Flame, and languish in her Turn.
“O let Example warn you to revere
“The wrathful Goddess, and your Lover hear!”
“And to my Wishes prove as kind as fair:
“As Venus Priestess, just to Venus prove,
“Nor shun the gentle Offices of Love.
“O let us, while the happy Hour invites,
“Propitious, celebrate the nuptial Rites.
308
“Her Eyes delight not in the Virgin-train.
“But would fair Hero secret Rites explore,
“The Laws of Venus, and her pleasing Lore,
“Those Rites are practis'd in the bridal Bed,
“And there must Hero, yet a Maid, be led:
“Then as you fear the Goddess to offend,
“In me behold your Husband and your Friend,
“Ordain'd by Cupid, greatest God above,
“To teach you all the Mysteries of Love:
“As winged Mercury, with golden Wand,
“Made Hercules, with Distaff in his Hand,
“To every Task of Omphale submit;
“Thus Love, more powerful than the God of Wit,
“Sent me to you. 'Tis needless to relate
“The chaste Arcadian Atalanta's Fate;
“Who from th'Embraces of Milanion fled,
“Her faithful Lover, and the nuptial Bed:
“But vengeful Venus caus'd the Nymph to burn
“With equal Flame, and languish in her Turn.
“O let Example warn you to revere
“The wrathful Goddess, and your Lover hear!”
309
Thus spoke the Youth—his magic Words controul
Her wavering Breast, and soften all her Soul.
Silent she stood, and, rapt in Thought profound,
Her modest Fyes were fix'd upon the Ground:
Her Cheeks she hid, in rosy Blushes drest,
And veil'd her lilly Shoulders with her Vest:
On the rich Floor, with Parian Marble laid,
Her nimble Foot involuntary play'd.
By secret Signs a yielding Mind is meant;
And Silence speaks the willing Maid's Consent.
Now had the wily God's envenom'd Dart
Diffus'd the pleasing Poison to her Heart;
Leander's Form, instilling soft Desire,
Woo'd her pleas'd Eyes, and set her Soul on Fire.
While on the Ground fair Hero fix'd her Sight,
Leander view'd, with exquisite Delight,
Her swelling Breast, and Neck as Ivory white.
At length her Face with lovely Blushes spread
She rais'd, and thus in sweet Confusion said:
Her wavering Breast, and soften all her Soul.
Silent she stood, and, rapt in Thought profound,
Her modest Fyes were fix'd upon the Ground:
Her Cheeks she hid, in rosy Blushes drest,
And veil'd her lilly Shoulders with her Vest:
On the rich Floor, with Parian Marble laid,
Her nimble Foot involuntary play'd.
By secret Signs a yielding Mind is meant;
And Silence speaks the willing Maid's Consent.
Now had the wily God's envenom'd Dart
Diffus'd the pleasing Poison to her Heart;
Leander's Form, instilling soft Desire,
Woo'd her pleas'd Eyes, and set her Soul on Fire.
While on the Ground fair Hero fix'd her Sight,
Leander view'd, with exquisite Delight,
Her swelling Breast, and Neck as Ivory white.
At length her Face with lovely Blushes spread
She rais'd, and thus in sweet Confusion said:
“Stranger, thy Words such magic Sounds convey
“With soft Compassion Rocks would melt away.
“Who form'd thy Tongue with such persuasive Art
“To pour delightful Ruin on the Heart?
“Ah! tell me, who thus taught thee to explore
“My lone Retirement on the Thracian Shore?
“Thy Speech, tho' pleasing, flow'd to me in vain:
“How can a Stranger Hero's Love obtain?
“Should I in public give to thee my Hand,
“My Parents would forbid the nuptial Band.
“And should'st thou here in close Concealment stay
“Our secret Passion would itself betray;
“For soon the Voice of scandal-spreading Fame
“The Deed of Silence would aloud proclaim.
“But, gentle Youth, thy Name, thy Country tell;
“For mine, alas! by thee are known too well.
“In yon high Tower, which close to Sestos stands,
“And all the roaring Hellespont commands,
“With one attending Damsel I remain;
“For so my Parents and the Fates ordain!
“No Nymphs coæval to sweet Music's Sound
“Lead the smooth Dance, or lightly beat the Ground;
“But stormy Winds eternal Discord keep,
“And blustering bellow through the boundless Deep.”
“With soft Compassion Rocks would melt away.
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“To pour delightful Ruin on the Heart?
“Ah! tell me, who thus taught thee to explore
“My lone Retirement on the Thracian Shore?
“Thy Speech, tho' pleasing, flow'd to me in vain:
“How can a Stranger Hero's Love obtain?
“Should I in public give to thee my Hand,
“My Parents would forbid the nuptial Band.
“And should'st thou here in close Concealment stay
“Our secret Passion would itself betray;
“For soon the Voice of scandal-spreading Fame
“The Deed of Silence would aloud proclaim.
“But, gentle Youth, thy Name, thy Country tell;
“For mine, alas! by thee are known too well.
“In yon high Tower, which close to Sestos stands,
“And all the roaring Hellespont commands,
“With one attending Damsel I remain;
“For so my Parents and the Fates ordain!
“No Nymphs coæval to sweet Music's Sound
“Lead the smooth Dance, or lightly beat the Ground;
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“And blustering bellow through the boundless Deep.”
Thus spoke the Priestess, and, with modest Grace
Conceal'd the new-born Beauties of her Face;
For on her Cheeks the roseate Blush that hung
Seem'd to condemn the Language of her Tongue.
Conceal'd the new-born Beauties of her Face;
For on her Cheeks the roseate Blush that hung
Seem'd to condemn the Language of her Tongue.
Meanwhile Leander feeds the hidden Fire,
Glows in each Vein, and burns with fierce Desire:
But anxious Doubt his musing Breast alarms;
How shall he gain Admittance to her Charms?
Nor long he paus'd, for Love in Wiles abounds,
Well-pleas'd to heal the Bosoms which he wounds:
'Twas he, whose Arrows Men and Gods controul,
That heal'd Leander's love-afflicted Soul;
Who thus, while Sighs upheav'd his anxious Breast,
The Nymph with artful Eloquence addrest:
Glows in each Vein, and burns with fierce Desire:
But anxious Doubt his musing Breast alarms;
How shall he gain Admittance to her Charms?
Nor long he paus'd, for Love in Wiles abounds,
Well-pleas'd to heal the Bosoms which he wounds:
'Twas he, whose Arrows Men and Gods controul,
That heal'd Leander's love-afflicted Soul;
Who thus, while Sighs upheav'd his anxious Breast,
The Nymph with artful Eloquence addrest:
“For thee, dear Object of my fond Desire,
“I'll cross the Ocean, though it flame with Fire:
“Nor would I fear the Billows loud Alarms,
“While every Billow bore me to thy Arms;
“Uncheck'd, undaunted by the boisterous Main,
“Tempestuous Winds should round me roar in vain:
“But oft as Night her sable Pinions spread,
“I through the Storm would swim to Hero's Bed:
“For rich Abydos is the Home I boast,
“Not far divided from the Thracian Coast.
“Let but my Fair a kindly Torch display,
“From the high Turret, to direct my Way;
“Then shall thy daring Swain securely glide,
“The Bark of Cupid, o'er the yielding Tide,
“Thyself my Haven, and thy Torch my Guide:
“And while I view the genial Blaze afar,
“I'll swim regardless of Boötes' Car,
“Of fell Orion, and the Northern Wain
“That never bathes his Brightness in the Main:
“Thy Star, more eminently bright than they,
“Shall lead the Lover to his blissful Bay.
“But let the Torch, O Nymph divinely fair!
“My only Safety, be thy only Care;
“Guard well its Light, when wintry Tempests roar,
“And hoarse Waves break tumultuous on the Shore,
“Lest the dire Storms, that blacken all the Sky,
“The Flame extinguish, and the Lover die.
“More would'st thou know? Leander is my Name,
“The happiest Husband of the fairest Dame.”
“I'll cross the Ocean, though it flame with Fire:
“Nor would I fear the Billows loud Alarms,
“While every Billow bore me to thy Arms;
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“Tempestuous Winds should round me roar in vain:
“But oft as Night her sable Pinions spread,
“I through the Storm would swim to Hero's Bed:
“For rich Abydos is the Home I boast,
“Not far divided from the Thracian Coast.
“Let but my Fair a kindly Torch display,
“From the high Turret, to direct my Way;
“Then shall thy daring Swain securely glide,
“The Bark of Cupid, o'er the yielding Tide,
“Thyself my Haven, and thy Torch my Guide:
“And while I view the genial Blaze afar,
“I'll swim regardless of Boötes' Car,
“Of fell Orion, and the Northern Wain
“That never bathes his Brightness in the Main:
“Thy Star, more eminently bright than they,
“Shall lead the Lover to his blissful Bay.
“But let the Torch, O Nymph divinely fair!
“My only Safety, be thy only Care;
“Guard well its Light, when wintry Tempests roar,
“And hoarse Waves break tumultuous on the Shore,
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“The Flame extinguish, and the Lover die.
“More would'st thou know? Leander is my Name,
“The happiest Husband of the fairest Dame.”
Thus mutual vow'd the Lovers to employ
The Nights in Raptures of mysterious Joy;
Her Task, secure th'extended Torch to keep,
And his, to cross th'unfathomable Deep:
On promis'd Bliss their fruitful Fancies fed,
Ecstatic Pleasures of the nuptial Bed;
Till the fond Nymph, when Decency requir'd,
Back to her Tower unwillingly retir'd:
Leander, ere he left his lovely Bride,
Mark'd well the Station of the blazing Guide,
Then sought Abydos cross the sounding Tide.
The Nights in Raptures of mysterious Joy;
Her Task, secure th'extended Torch to keep,
And his, to cross th'unfathomable Deep:
On promis'd Bliss their fruitful Fancies fed,
Ecstatic Pleasures of the nuptial Bed;
Till the fond Nymph, when Decency requir'd,
Back to her Tower unwillingly retir'd:
Leander, ere he left his lovely Bride,
Mark'd well the Station of the blazing Guide,
Then sought Abydos cross the sounding Tide.
What now but amorous Scenes their Thoughts employ,
Confus'd Ideas of the genial Joy?
Slow rose on leaden Wings the Morning Light,
Slow Noon came on—the Lovers wish'd it Night.
At length dark Gloom a dusky Mantle spread;
Sleep o'er the World his balmy Influence shed.
All but Leander lay dissolv'd in Rest,
Love kept a ceaseless Vigil in his Breast.
Silent he wander'd on the winding Shore,
The Deep resounded with tremendous Roar:
Wide o'er the foaming Waves his anxious Sight
Explor'd the Torch's love-proclaiming Light:
He little deem'd, alas! its Flame would prove
The Blaze of Death, tho' meant the Torch of Love.
Confus'd Ideas of the genial Joy?
Slow rose on leaden Wings the Morning Light,
Slow Noon came on—the Lovers wish'd it Night.
At length dark Gloom a dusky Mantle spread;
Sleep o'er the World his balmy Influence shed.
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Love kept a ceaseless Vigil in his Breast.
Silent he wander'd on the winding Shore,
The Deep resounded with tremendous Roar:
Wide o'er the foaming Waves his anxious Sight
Explor'd the Torch's love-proclaiming Light:
He little deem'd, alas! its Flame would prove
The Blaze of Death, tho' meant the Torch of Love.
Soon as fair Hero from her Tower survey'd
Th'Horizon darken'd in the sable Shade,
The Torch on high she fix'd; its Flames inspire
Leander's Bosom with the kindred Fire:
Quick thro' his Frame the bright Contagion ran,
And with the glowing Signal glow'd th'enamour'd Man.
But when he heard the hoarse-resounding Roar
Of thundering Billows breaking on the Shore,
Aghast he stood, he shrunk, and thus addrest
These Words of Courage to his trembling Breast:
Th'Horizon darken'd in the sable Shade,
The Torch on high she fix'd; its Flames inspire
Leander's Bosom with the kindred Fire:
Quick thro' his Frame the bright Contagion ran,
And with the glowing Signal glow'd th'enamour'd Man.
But when he heard the hoarse-resounding Roar
Of thundering Billows breaking on the Shore,
Aghast he stood, he shrunk, and thus addrest
These Words of Courage to his trembling Breast:
“Ah cruel Love! whose Woe the Waves conspire!
“The Waves are Water, but I burn with Fire:
“Be bold my Heart, the foaming Billows brave,
“Nor fear the Threatnings of the wintry Wave.
“Fair Venus rose propitious from the Main;
“She calms the Ocean's Rage, and sooths the Lover's Pain.”
“The Waves are Water, but I burn with Fire:
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“Nor fear the Threatnings of the wintry Wave.
“Fair Venus rose propitious from the Main;
“She calms the Ocean's Rage, and sooths the Lover's Pain.”
He spoke, and strait his lovely Limbs undrest,
And folded round his Head the various Vest;
Then dauntless plunging in the foaming Tide,
Dash'd with his Arms th'intruding Waves aside:
Full in his View he kept the shining Mark,
Himself the Pilot, Passenger, and Bark.
While faithful Hero, to her Promise true,
Watch'd on the Turret every Wind that blew;
Oft with her Robe she screen'd the Torch's Blaze
From dangerous Blasts that blew a thousand Ways:
Till the tir'd Youth, on rolling Surges tost,
Securely landed on the Sestian Coast.
Soon as she saw her Lover safe on Shore,
Eager she ran, and led him to her Tower,
Welcom'd with open Arms her panting Guest,
And, sweetly smiling, to her Bosom prest:
Then dumb with Joy the shivering Youth she led,
Still wet and weary, to the genial Bed,
Wip'd his fair Limbs, and fragrant Oyls apply'd,
To cleanse his Body from the oozy Tide;
Then claps'd him close, still panting, to her Breast,
And thus with fond, endearing Words addrest:
And folded round his Head the various Vest;
Then dauntless plunging in the foaming Tide,
Dash'd with his Arms th'intruding Waves aside:
Full in his View he kept the shining Mark,
Himself the Pilot, Passenger, and Bark.
While faithful Hero, to her Promise true,
Watch'd on the Turret every Wind that blew;
Oft with her Robe she screen'd the Torch's Blaze
From dangerous Blasts that blew a thousand Ways:
Till the tir'd Youth, on rolling Surges tost,
Securely landed on the Sestian Coast.
Soon as she saw her Lover safe on Shore,
Eager she ran, and led him to her Tower,
Welcom'd with open Arms her panting Guest,
And, sweetly smiling, to her Bosom prest:
316
Still wet and weary, to the genial Bed,
Wip'd his fair Limbs, and fragrant Oyls apply'd,
To cleanse his Body from the oozy Tide;
Then claps'd him close, still panting, to her Breast,
And thus with fond, endearing Words addrest:
“My Life, my Lover, thou hast suffer'd more
“Than fondest Bridegroom e'er endur'd before;
“Destin'd, alas! dread Troubles to sustain
“On the rough Bosom of the briny Main:
“Now let sweet Joy succeed in Sorrow's Place,
“And lull thy Labours in my warm Embrace.”
“Than fondest Bridegroom e'er endur'd before;
“Destin'd, alas! dread Troubles to sustain
“On the rough Bosom of the briny Main:
“Now let sweet Joy succeed in Sorrow's Place,
“And lull thy Labours in my warm Embrace.”
She spoke: He loos'd her Virgin Zone, to prove
The secret Rites, and Mysteries of Love.
No Youths with measur'd Dance the Nuptials crown'd,
Nor tuneful Hymn's congratulating Sound:
No Bard invok'd the heavenly Queen with Prayer,
To smile propitious on the wedded Pair:
No nuptial Torch its golden Lustre shed,
Bright Torch of Love, to grace the bridal Bed!
No Iö Pæans musically rung;
No greeting Parents Hymenæals sung:
But all was Gloom, and Silence all around,
Instead of Music's love-inspiring Sound.
Beneath the Covert of the Night conceal'd,
They tasted Pleasures mutual Faith had seal'd:
In close Embraces all entranc'd they lay,
In Raptures never usher'd to the Day:
Till the fond Youth reluctant left his Bride,
Still breathing Love, and cross'd the foaming Tide.
Thus Hero liv'd unnoted, unbetray'd,
Each Night a Woman, and each Day a Maid.
Both wish'd the Hours on swiftest Wings would fly,
And hail'd the evening, not the morning Sky.
The secret Rites, and Mysteries of Love.
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Nor tuneful Hymn's congratulating Sound:
No Bard invok'd the heavenly Queen with Prayer,
To smile propitious on the wedded Pair:
No nuptial Torch its golden Lustre shed,
Bright Torch of Love, to grace the bridal Bed!
No Iö Pæans musically rung;
No greeting Parents Hymenæals sung:
But all was Gloom, and Silence all around,
Instead of Music's love-inspiring Sound.
Beneath the Covert of the Night conceal'd,
They tasted Pleasures mutual Faith had seal'd:
In close Embraces all entranc'd they lay,
In Raptures never usher'd to the Day:
Till the fond Youth reluctant left his Bride,
Still breathing Love, and cross'd the foaming Tide.
Thus Hero liv'd unnoted, unbetray'd,
Each Night a Woman, and each Day a Maid.
Both wish'd the Hours on swiftest Wings would fly,
And hail'd the evening, not the morning Sky.
Thus rapt in hidden Joys, each blissful Night
They pass'd in Ecstacies of full Delight:
But soon, alas! those dear-bought Pleasures fled,
And short the Transports of that bridal Bed!
They pass'd in Ecstacies of full Delight:
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And short the Transports of that bridal Bed!
For now relentless Winter, that deforms
With Frost the Forest, and the Sea with Storms,
Bade the wild Winds o'er all the Ocean reign,
And raise the rapid Whirlpools of the Main;
The hoarse wild Winds obey, and, with harsh Sound,
Roar o'er the Surface of the vast Profound,
Rouze from their Beds the scatter'd Storms that sleep,
In the dark Caverns of the dreary Deep:
The trembling Sailor hears the dreadful Roar,
Nor dares the wintry Turbulence explore,
But drags his Vessel to the safer Shore.
With Frost the Forest, and the Sea with Storms,
Bade the wild Winds o'er all the Ocean reign,
And raise the rapid Whirlpools of the Main;
The hoarse wild Winds obey, and, with harsh Sound,
Roar o'er the Surface of the vast Profound,
Rouze from their Beds the scatter'd Storms that sleep,
In the dark Caverns of the dreary Deep:
The trembling Sailor hears the dreadful Roar,
Nor dares the wintry Turbulence explore,
But drags his Vessel to the safer Shore.
But thee, bold Youth, no wintry Storms restrain,
Nor all the deathful Dangers of the Main:
For when thou saw'st the Torch's Blaze from far,
(Of nuptial Bliss the bright prophetic Star)
Thee not the furious Tempest could controul,
Nor calm the glowing Raptures of thy Soul.
Yet sure fair Hero, when the gloomy Sky
With gathering Clouds proclaim'd rough Winter nigh,
Without her Lover should have pass'd the Night,
Nor from the Tower, ill-omen'd, shown the Light.
But she, ah hapless! burns with fond Desire,
'Tis Love inflames her, while the Fates conspire:
The Torch of Death now glimmer'd from above,
No more the gentle Harbinger of Love.
Nor all the deathful Dangers of the Main:
For when thou saw'st the Torch's Blaze from far,
(Of nuptial Bliss the bright prophetic Star)
Thee not the furious Tempest could controul,
Nor calm the glowing Raptures of thy Soul.
Yet sure fair Hero, when the gloomy Sky
With gathering Clouds proclaim'd rough Winter nigh,
319
Nor from the Tower, ill-omen'd, shown the Light.
But she, ah hapless! burns with fond Desire,
'Tis Love inflames her, while the Fates conspire:
The Torch of Death now glimmer'd from above,
No more the gentle Harbinger of Love.
'Twas Night, and angry Æolus had hurl'd
The Winds tempestuous o'er the watry World;
The bellowing Winds with Rage impetuous roar
And dash the foaming Billows on the Shore:
Ev'n then the Youth, with pleasing Visions fed,
Glows with Remembrance of the bridal Bed;
And, while fierce Tempests howl on every Side,
Floats on the Bosom of the briny Tide.
Waves, roll'd on Waves, in hideous Heaps are driven,
Swell'd into Mountains, and upheav'd to Heaven:
Bleak Blasts, loud-roaring, the vex'd Ocean sweep,
Foam the dash'd Billows, and resounds the Deep.
From every part the blustering Terrors fly,
Rage o'er the Main, and battle in the Sky:
The growling Thunder of the vast Profound
The Rocks rebellow, and the Shores rebound.
Amidst the watry War, with Toils oppress'd
O'erwhelm'd with Billows, and in Gulphs distress'd,
Leander oft with suppliant Prayer implor'd
The sea-sprung Goddess, and old Ocean's Lord:
Thee, Boreas, too, he summon'd to his Aid,
Nor was unmindful of th'Athenian Maid:
But Prayers are fruitless, and Petitions vain;
Love must submit to what the Fates ordain.
From Wave to Wave the hapless Youth is tost,
Now heav'd on high, and now in Whirlpools lost.
His weary'd Feet no more his Will obey,
His Arms hang useless, and forget to play.
Borne on the Surge supine, and void of Breath,
He drinks the briny Wave, and draws in Death.
Thus while in fatal Rage each Wind conspires,
Extinct at once the Flame, and Lover's Fires,
Fainting he sinks, and with the Torch expires.
The Winds tempestuous o'er the watry World;
The bellowing Winds with Rage impetuous roar
And dash the foaming Billows on the Shore:
Ev'n then the Youth, with pleasing Visions fed,
Glows with Remembrance of the bridal Bed;
And, while fierce Tempests howl on every Side,
Floats on the Bosom of the briny Tide.
Waves, roll'd on Waves, in hideous Heaps are driven,
Swell'd into Mountains, and upheav'd to Heaven:
Bleak Blasts, loud-roaring, the vex'd Ocean sweep,
Foam the dash'd Billows, and resounds the Deep.
From every part the blustering Terrors fly,
Rage o'er the Main, and battle in the Sky:
The growling Thunder of the vast Profound
The Rocks rebellow, and the Shores rebound.
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O'erwhelm'd with Billows, and in Gulphs distress'd,
Leander oft with suppliant Prayer implor'd
The sea-sprung Goddess, and old Ocean's Lord:
Thee, Boreas, too, he summon'd to his Aid,
Nor was unmindful of th'Athenian Maid:
But Prayers are fruitless, and Petitions vain;
Love must submit to what the Fates ordain.
From Wave to Wave the hapless Youth is tost,
Now heav'd on high, and now in Whirlpools lost.
His weary'd Feet no more his Will obey,
His Arms hang useless, and forget to play.
Borne on the Surge supine, and void of Breath,
He drinks the briny Wave, and draws in Death.
Thus while in fatal Rage each Wind conspires,
Extinct at once the Flame, and Lover's Fires,
Fainting he sinks, and with the Torch expires.
While on the Turret Hero mourn'd his Stay,
And fondly sighing, chid his long Delay,
Perplexing Anguish in her Bosom rose,
Nor knew her Eyes the Blessings of Repose.
And fondly sighing, chid his long Delay,
Perplexing Anguish in her Bosom rose,
Nor knew her Eyes the Blessings of Repose.
Now rose the Morn, in russet Vest array'd,
Still from th'impatient Fair the Lover stay'd:
Watchful she stood, and cast her Eyes around
O'er the wide Beach, and o'er the Depths profound,
Haply to spy her Lover, should he stray,
The Light extinguish'd, 'midst the watry Way:
But when she saw him breathless on the Sand,
Stretch'd, ghastly-pale, by Death's relentless Hand,
She shriek'd aloud; and from her throbbing Breast
Rent the gay Honours of her flowery Vest;
Then from the Tower her beauteous Body cast,
And on her Lover's Bosom breath'd her last:
Nor could the Fates this faithful Pair divide;
They liv'd united, and united died.
Still from th'impatient Fair the Lover stay'd:
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O'er the wide Beach, and o'er the Depths profound,
Haply to spy her Lover, should he stray,
The Light extinguish'd, 'midst the watry Way:
But when she saw him breathless on the Sand,
Stretch'd, ghastly-pale, by Death's relentless Hand,
She shriek'd aloud; and from her throbbing Breast
Rent the gay Honours of her flowery Vest;
Then from the Tower her beauteous Body cast,
And on her Lover's Bosom breath'd her last:
Nor could the Fates this faithful Pair divide;
They liv'd united, and united died.
| The works of Anacreon, Sappho, Bion, Moschus and Musæus | |