Alfred An Epick Poem. In Twelve Books. By Sir Richard Blackmore |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. | BOOK VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
 | Alfred |  |
183
BOOK VI.
The ARGUMENT.
Alfred leaves Naples and directs his Course to Sicily. The Coast of Italy, by which he steer'd, described, as well as the Gulphs between Sicily and Calabria. He lands at Messina, is kindly received by Barlan King of the Island, where the People, unlike their Prince, were dissolved in Pleasure, and expressed the greatest Corruption of Manners. Their Idleness and Vices. Their Temple of Pleasure standing in the Middle of the Land described. Alfred's Curiosity led him to visit several remarkable Places in the Island. He
goes to Catanea, and from thence to Centoripe, intending to visit Mount Ætna the next Morning. At this Town an Angel inform'd him, that Lucifer with Design to destroy him, had order'd the Demons to cause a great Earthquake and a mighty Eruption from Ætna. He warned Alfred to fly with Speed to the Eerian Hills, that by this Means he might escape the Judgement, which Heaven would permit to punish the Inhabitants of the Island for their Crimes, and where he might securely see this terrible Tragedy. Alfred obeys. The Angel assists him and Guithun in their Flight. The Eruption described. At Alfred's Prayer it ceases, and the Demons are driven away. Guithun from hence takes Occasion to discourse on the future general Conflagration, and shews what Preparations appear for it in the Structure of the Earth.
184
And now unmoor'd the Heroe's Ship advanc'd
From Napolis, and o'er the Ocean danc'd,
While a propitious Wind the Sails inspir'd,
And by Degrees the less'ning Tow'rs retir'd.
Sweet-scented Exhalations, balmy Dews,
And od'rous Steams, which Zephyrs far diffuse,
The grateful Breath of each Hesperian Field
And which green Groves and thymy Mountains yield,
Regal'd the Britons Smell, while o'er the Tide,
The Shoar in Prospect, they progressive ride.
So when in India's Aromatick Isles
Batavian Merchants burn redundant Piles,
The Fruits of spicy Gardens, to the Skies
In wheeling Clouds delicious Vapours rise,
Which thro' the Air their spreading Incense cast,
Superfluous Sweets and rich voluptuous Waste,
Whence barren Hills and Seas and Lands unsown
Are sooth'd with fragrant Pleasures not their own.
From Napolis, and o'er the Ocean danc'd,
While a propitious Wind the Sails inspir'd,
And by Degrees the less'ning Tow'rs retir'd.
Sweet-scented Exhalations, balmy Dews,
And od'rous Steams, which Zephyrs far diffuse,
The grateful Breath of each Hesperian Field
And which green Groves and thymy Mountains yield,
185
The Shoar in Prospect, they progressive ride.
So when in India's Aromatick Isles
Batavian Merchants burn redundant Piles,
The Fruits of spicy Gardens, to the Skies
In wheeling Clouds delicious Vapours rise,
Which thro' the Air their spreading Incense cast,
Superfluous Sweets and rich voluptuous Waste,
Whence barren Hills and Seas and Lands unsown
Are sooth'd with fragrant Pleasures not their own.
Now did the Prince thro' foaming Billows sail,
And weather'd soon, push'd by a breezy Gale,
The Promontory whose high Head divides
The rolling Waves that wash its rocky Sides:
This Point, and that of Palinuro, keep
The spreading Gulph half-sever'd from the Deep.
And weather'd soon, push'd by a breezy Gale,
The Promontory whose high Head divides
The rolling Waves that wash its rocky Sides:
This Point, and that of Palinuro, keep
The spreading Gulph half-sever'd from the Deep.
Hence with a prosp'rous Course they spoon'd away
Before the Wind, and gain'd the ample Bay
Where fam'd Salerno stands sublime, a Town
For letter'd Sages of the first Renown:
Some from the lofty Chair in crouded Schools
Expounded Nature, some taught moral Rules;
With these the Sons of Æsculapian Art,
And tuneful Bards who touch the melting Heart
With rapt'rous Songs, enjoy'd the sweet Abode,
Whence Streams of Science thro' Hesperia flow'd.
Before the Wind, and gain'd the ample Bay
Where fam'd Salerno stands sublime, a Town
For letter'd Sages of the first Renown:
Some from the lofty Chair in crouded Schools
Expounded Nature, some taught moral Rules;
With these the Sons of Æsculapian Art,
And tuneful Bards who touch the melting Heart
186
Whence Streams of Science thro' Hesperia flow'd.
Advancing now along Calabria's Coast,
The Terinæan raging Gulph they crost,
Between th' Æolian Islands and the Land
Where Bruttian Pow'rs had once supream Command.
Standing their Course they soon beheld from far
Th' embattled Waves, that wage perpetual War,
And with alternate Fury rouse the Main,
Which Coasts almost contiguous so restrain
That turbulent it rolls in peaceful Skies,
And feels without a Wind the Tempest rise.
From Shore to Shore high restless Billows roam,
With Uproar fill the Deep, and spread with Foam
The ambient Air, and thus, surprizing Sight!
To the black Meteors send up Clouds of white.
So narrow is the interposing Tide
Whose boist'rous Waves Sicilia's Isle divide
From fair Calabria on the adverse Side,
That ancient Sages oft declar'd, that these
Were once continu'd Lands, but by the Seas
Insulted, and with Storms and Earthquakes worn
They were by slow Degrees asunder torn.
Revolving Eddies of impetuous Wind
Caught in the Gulphs and by the Cliffs confin'd,
Whirlpools and intercepted Floods enrag'd,
Tides pushing Tides and Storms with Storms engag'd,
From Rock to Rock, from Cave to Cave rebound,
Embroil the Coast, and thro' the Hills resound.
These congregated Terrors constant roar
As deep-mouth'd Hell-hounds dwelt along the Shore,
While dreadful Echoes fill the Land and Main,
Amaze the Merchant, and affright the Swain.
The Terinæan raging Gulph they crost,
Between th' Æolian Islands and the Land
Where Bruttian Pow'rs had once supream Command.
Standing their Course they soon beheld from far
Th' embattled Waves, that wage perpetual War,
And with alternate Fury rouse the Main,
Which Coasts almost contiguous so restrain
That turbulent it rolls in peaceful Skies,
And feels without a Wind the Tempest rise.
From Shore to Shore high restless Billows roam,
With Uproar fill the Deep, and spread with Foam
The ambient Air, and thus, surprizing Sight!
To the black Meteors send up Clouds of white.
So narrow is the interposing Tide
Whose boist'rous Waves Sicilia's Isle divide
From fair Calabria on the adverse Side,
That ancient Sages oft declar'd, that these
Were once continu'd Lands, but by the Seas
Insulted, and with Storms and Earthquakes worn
They were by slow Degrees asunder torn.
Revolving Eddies of impetuous Wind
Caught in the Gulphs and by the Cliffs confin'd,
187
Tides pushing Tides and Storms with Storms engag'd,
From Rock to Rock, from Cave to Cave rebound,
Embroil the Coast, and thro' the Hills resound.
These congregated Terrors constant roar
As deep-mouth'd Hell-hounds dwelt along the Shore,
While dreadful Echoes fill the Land and Main,
Amaze the Merchant, and affright the Swain.
Here Scylla, whence prodigious Fables sprung
Divulg'd by Sailers and by Poets sung,
With her sublime accuminated Peaks
Pierces the Clouds and their black Fleeces breaks;
Begirt in Part with Groupes of smaller Rocks,
Which by the Winds assaulted, and the Shocks
Of raging Seas their craggy Heads reveal,
Or in the Flood their treach'rous Heaps conceal.
Such is the crooked Current of the Tide,
That the aspiring Cliffs on either Side,
And Promontories, to th' admiring Sight
Appear to open now, and now unite;
By Turns the stormy Waters to embay,
And give by Turns to rushing Billows Way;
Whence with loud Uproar Waves on Waves recoil,
Roar in the Mountains, and the Sea embroil:
Hence ancient Bards in legendary Verse
Imagin'd Tales of this wild Deep rehearse;
Hence rose the Monsters of Sicilia's Main,
The dreadful Offspring of the Poet's Brain
Not Scylla's Womb, with all the barking Brood
And howling Horrours which the Rocks include.
Divulg'd by Sailers and by Poets sung,
With her sublime accuminated Peaks
Pierces the Clouds and their black Fleeces breaks;
Begirt in Part with Groupes of smaller Rocks,
Which by the Winds assaulted, and the Shocks
Of raging Seas their craggy Heads reveal,
Or in the Flood their treach'rous Heaps conceal.
Such is the crooked Current of the Tide,
That the aspiring Cliffs on either Side,
And Promontories, to th' admiring Sight
Appear to open now, and now unite;
By Turns the stormy Waters to embay,
And give by Turns to rushing Billows Way;
Whence with loud Uproar Waves on Waves recoil,
Roar in the Mountains, and the Sea embroil:
188
Imagin'd Tales of this wild Deep rehearse;
Hence rose the Monsters of Sicilia's Main,
The dreadful Offspring of the Poet's Brain
Not Scylla's Womb, with all the barking Brood
And howling Horrours which the Rocks include.
Like Danger's threaten'd from the adverse Strand,
Ill fam'd for Whirlpools, Gulphs, and faithless Sand:
The boist'rous Sea with Fury turning round
From central Caves and Channels underground
Rolls back upon it self, indignant raves
And labours with regurgitating Waves,
And, while the Eastern Wind the Ocean moves,
Oft to th' advent'rous Merchant fatal proves.
Here too, the Tyrrhene Sea thro' Roads unseen
Secret Canals and Burrows sub-marine,
Rushes along the excavated Isle,
Laves Ætna's Roots, and makes its Forges boil,
Whence greater Heat and Rage the Hill acquires,
Gives louder Groans, and vomits fiercer Fires:
Barks hither beaten by the Tempest's Force
Ingulph'd pursue a subterranean Course,
Nor longer subject to the Wind's Command,
Pass thro' the Channels of the cavern'd Land
By which to Africk Seas th' Ionian creep,
As Caspian dive to seek the Indian Deep:
Hence ancient Fables, which these Seas defame
And make Charybdis doubly dreadful, came.
Ill fam'd for Whirlpools, Gulphs, and faithless Sand:
The boist'rous Sea with Fury turning round
From central Caves and Channels underground
Rolls back upon it self, indignant raves
And labours with regurgitating Waves,
And, while the Eastern Wind the Ocean moves,
Oft to th' advent'rous Merchant fatal proves.
Here too, the Tyrrhene Sea thro' Roads unseen
Secret Canals and Burrows sub-marine,
Rushes along the excavated Isle,
Laves Ætna's Roots, and makes its Forges boil,
Whence greater Heat and Rage the Hill acquires,
Gives louder Groans, and vomits fiercer Fires:
Barks hither beaten by the Tempest's Force
Ingulph'd pursue a subterranean Course,
Nor longer subject to the Wind's Command,
Pass thro' the Channels of the cavern'd Land
189
As Caspian dive to seek the Indian Deep:
Hence ancient Fables, which these Seas defame
And make Charybdis doubly dreadful, came.
Five Times the solar Orb's indulgent Ray
Had cherish'd either Hemisphere with Day,
Since first they took from Napolis their Way;
When fair Messina's Town began to rise,
And thrust her beauteous Head amid'st the Skies.
Pleas'd with the Prospect ravishing to Sight
Britannia's Prince approach'd with great Delight
The safe and ample Port, and landing there
Did to the King's imperial Seat repair,
A stately Pile that rear'd on rising Ground
Proudly survey'd the Seas and Soil around.
Barlan the Monarch of Sicilia's Isle
Embrac'd the royal Youth, reliev'd his Toil
With fit Refreshments, and with Joy exprest
Marks of Distinction to his high-born Guest.
Had cherish'd either Hemisphere with Day,
Since first they took from Napolis their Way;
When fair Messina's Town began to rise,
And thrust her beauteous Head amid'st the Skies.
Pleas'd with the Prospect ravishing to Sight
Britannia's Prince approach'd with great Delight
The safe and ample Port, and landing there
Did to the King's imperial Seat repair,
A stately Pile that rear'd on rising Ground
Proudly survey'd the Seas and Soil around.
Barlan the Monarch of Sicilia's Isle
Embrac'd the royal Youth, reliev'd his Toil
With fit Refreshments, and with Joy exprest
Marks of Distinction to his high-born Guest.
This Prince renown'd to Arts of Peace inclin'd,
Temp'rate, indulgent, and serene of Mind,
Oppos'd the Pow'r of Luxury in vain
Which thro' the Kingdom did licentious reign.
The hateful Dregs of Vice now uncontroul'd
In a black Deluge o'er Sicilia roll'd,
While Pleasure here her conquering Banners spreads,
On the soft Necks of captive Nobles treads,
And ruin'd Virtue's Spoils in Triumph leads.
The Nation sunk in Ease and Indolence,
And studious to regale each craving Sense,
Their Change of Taste with Change of Pleasure cloy,
Suck every Sweet, and feast on every Joy.
Temp'rate, indulgent, and serene of Mind,
Oppos'd the Pow'r of Luxury in vain
Which thro' the Kingdom did licentious reign.
190
In a black Deluge o'er Sicilia roll'd,
While Pleasure here her conquering Banners spreads,
On the soft Necks of captive Nobles treads,
And ruin'd Virtue's Spoils in Triumph leads.
The Nation sunk in Ease and Indolence,
And studious to regale each craving Sense,
Their Change of Taste with Change of Pleasure cloy,
Suck every Sweet, and feast on every Joy.
Soon as they waken'd from their soft Repose,
All to replunge their Souls in Riot rose;
With Thirst reviv'd soft Luxury renew'd
Repeated old Delights and fresh pursu'd:
And when the falling Sun withdrew his Ray,
And to the adverse World transferr'd the Day,
The wanton Tribes employ'd succeeding Night
In boundless Mirth, and revell'd in Delight;
While charming Musick and expensive Feasts
Protracted till the Morn regal'd the Guests,
And Wines and Liquors of delicious Taste,
Not by Hesperia's noblest Grape surpast,
Went in capacious mantling Goblets round,
Drench'd their warm Veins, and all Reflection drown'd.
Gay Nymphs & Youths in their full Pride and Bloom
Danc'd with immodest Airs along the Room,
While Tongues obscene recited amorous Pains,
And Love Adventures in lascivious Strains.
They Bacchus now extoll, now Venus praise,
And Cupid now advance in wanton Lays:
Honours divine to Woodland Gods ascribe,
And sing vile Anthems to th' invented Tribe
Of Deities aton'd with wicked Rites,
Vicious Devotion, and impure Delights.
All to replunge their Souls in Riot rose;
With Thirst reviv'd soft Luxury renew'd
Repeated old Delights and fresh pursu'd:
And when the falling Sun withdrew his Ray,
And to the adverse World transferr'd the Day,
The wanton Tribes employ'd succeeding Night
In boundless Mirth, and revell'd in Delight;
While charming Musick and expensive Feasts
Protracted till the Morn regal'd the Guests,
And Wines and Liquors of delicious Taste,
Not by Hesperia's noblest Grape surpast,
Went in capacious mantling Goblets round,
Drench'd their warm Veins, and all Reflection drown'd.
Gay Nymphs & Youths in their full Pride and Bloom
Danc'd with immodest Airs along the Room,
191
And Love Adventures in lascivious Strains.
They Bacchus now extoll, now Venus praise,
And Cupid now advance in wanton Lays:
Honours divine to Woodland Gods ascribe,
And sing vile Anthems to th' invented Tribe
Of Deities aton'd with wicked Rites,
Vicious Devotion, and impure Delights.
Enormous Bacchanalian Pleasures, loose
Milesian Feasts and Luxury in Use
Among abandon'd Sibarites, were dear
To all the Natives sunk in Riot here,
As they to brutal Instincts had resign'd
Celestial Reason's Empire of the Mind.
Their Brows adorn'd with parti-colour'd Flow'rs,
They revel now in odorif'rous Bow'rs,
Now in the verdant Meadows sing and dance,
Or on the Stream in gilded Boats advance.
On endless Mirth and wild Excess intent,
Their Limbs unactive, and their Souls unbent,
Mindless, they all domestick Cares disband,
Forget to plant the Grove, or sow the Land:
Commerce and publick Business of the State
With like Reluctance they decline, and hate
Charges of Weight, and each important Task,
That Thought, Concern, and Application ask.
Milesian Feasts and Luxury in Use
Among abandon'd Sibarites, were dear
To all the Natives sunk in Riot here,
As they to brutal Instincts had resign'd
Celestial Reason's Empire of the Mind.
Their Brows adorn'd with parti-colour'd Flow'rs,
They revel now in odorif'rous Bow'rs,
Now in the verdant Meadows sing and dance,
Or on the Stream in gilded Boats advance.
On endless Mirth and wild Excess intent,
Their Limbs unactive, and their Souls unbent,
Mindless, they all domestick Cares disband,
Forget to plant the Grove, or sow the Land:
Commerce and publick Business of the State
With like Reluctance they decline, and hate
192
That Thought, Concern, and Application ask.
Nor could they intellectual Labour bear,
No Hours for Works of Erudition spare;
No venerable Schools of Learning rise
To form the Mind in soft Sicilia's Skies,
But oscitant supine and dull of Mind
Letters they mock and Sciences refin'd.
Romantick Fables, which with fatal Art
Diffuse soft Poison and infect the Heart,
Novels and comick Writings, that inspire
Immodest Thoughts and kindle wild Desire,
And lyrick Labours of a wanton Cast,
Only delight their vitiated Taste.
No Hours for Works of Erudition spare;
No venerable Schools of Learning rise
To form the Mind in soft Sicilia's Skies,
But oscitant supine and dull of Mind
Letters they mock and Sciences refin'd.
Romantick Fables, which with fatal Art
Diffuse soft Poison and infect the Heart,
Novels and comick Writings, that inspire
Immodest Thoughts and kindle wild Desire,
And lyrick Labours of a wanton Cast,
Only delight their vitiated Taste.
Reserv'd Demeanour and a modest Air,
The lovely Grace that most adorns the Fair,
The sweetest Beauty of the Sex, were here
Despis'd, while all affected to appear
By decent Rules of Conduct unrestrain'd,
Their Countenance assur'd, and never stain'd
With one weak Blush, for vain Sicilia's Court
Made that Plebeian Quality their Sport.
The fair themselves could unoffended hear
Tales the most shocking to a moral Ear,
And would as flat the best Production blast,
Not season'd high for this degen'rate Taste.
The lovely Grace that most adorns the Fair,
The sweetest Beauty of the Sex, were here
Despis'd, while all affected to appear
By decent Rules of Conduct unrestrain'd,
Their Countenance assur'd, and never stain'd
With one weak Blush, for vain Sicilia's Court
Made that Plebeian Quality their Sport.
The fair themselves could unoffended hear
Tales the most shocking to a moral Ear,
193
Not season'd high for this degen'rate Taste.
In the sweet middle Land with Plenty crown'd
A Grove sublime protects th' inchanting Ground,
Where Jes'mine, fragrant Myrtle, graceful Pines,
And Orange-Rows, aspire in beauteous Lines,
While Day descending thro' the op'ning Glades
Smiles on the Walks, and wanders thro' the Shades.
Here painted Birds pleas'd with eternal Spring
From Tree to Tree their Flights alternate wing,
And tuneful Strains to echoing Grotto's sing.
Hither lascivious Zephyrs come to load
Their downy Wings, and sportive spread Abroad
The odoriferous Spoils of blooming Bow'rs,
And the sweet Breath of verdant Plants and Flow'rs,
Which join'd, the Smell with greater Pleasure feast
Than all the Gardens of the spicy East,
Or burning Incense of the Phœnix Nest.
A Grove sublime protects th' inchanting Ground,
Where Jes'mine, fragrant Myrtle, graceful Pines,
And Orange-Rows, aspire in beauteous Lines,
While Day descending thro' the op'ning Glades
Smiles on the Walks, and wanders thro' the Shades.
Here painted Birds pleas'd with eternal Spring
From Tree to Tree their Flights alternate wing,
And tuneful Strains to echoing Grotto's sing.
Hither lascivious Zephyrs come to load
Their downy Wings, and sportive spread Abroad
The odoriferous Spoils of blooming Bow'rs,
And the sweet Breath of verdant Plants and Flow'rs,
Which join'd, the Smell with greater Pleasure feast
Than all the Gardens of the spicy East,
Or burning Incense of the Phœnix Nest.
A Chrystal River thro' a smiling Plain
In wanton Mazes to the Tuscan Main
Now draws his Ebbing, now his refluent Train.
Here the bright Turrets of the Temple rise
Sacred to Pleasure mid'st the wond'ring Skies.
High Silver Walls and Pillars cas'd with Gold,
For Cost and Art unparallell'd, uphold
Th' expanded Roof of fragrant Cedar, whence
Promiscuous Glory inset Gems dispense.
Here Statues stand, that seem with Breath inspir'd,
Frolick with Wine, or with wild Passion fir'd,
Where the surprizing artful Chizel feigns
Force in the Limbs, and Spirit in the Veins.
Here Venus smil'd attended with her Doves,
Alluring Graces and unhallow'd Loves,
Her Limbs in Marble soft look'd charming sweet,
A Chaplet crown'd her Head, and at her Feet
Lay prostrate Vot'ries, who embrac'd her Cause,
Ador'd her Beauty, and obey'd her Laws.
In wanton Mazes to the Tuscan Main
Now draws his Ebbing, now his refluent Train.
Here the bright Turrets of the Temple rise
Sacred to Pleasure mid'st the wond'ring Skies.
194
For Cost and Art unparallell'd, uphold
Th' expanded Roof of fragrant Cedar, whence
Promiscuous Glory inset Gems dispense.
Here Statues stand, that seem with Breath inspir'd,
Frolick with Wine, or with wild Passion fir'd,
Where the surprizing artful Chizel feigns
Force in the Limbs, and Spirit in the Veins.
Here Venus smil'd attended with her Doves,
Alluring Graces and unhallow'd Loves,
Her Limbs in Marble soft look'd charming sweet,
A Chaplet crown'd her Head, and at her Feet
Lay prostrate Vot'ries, who embrac'd her Cause,
Ador'd her Beauty, and obey'd her Laws.
There next in Order pleas'd Spectators see
Cupid a wanton Boy-Divinity,
Her Offspring, near th' immoral Goddess stand,
His Eyes encircled with a Linnen Band;
He holds his fatal Bow for Action strung,
And arm'd with Shafts his Quiver backward hung.
Cupid a wanton Boy-Divinity,
Her Offspring, near th' immoral Goddess stand,
His Eyes encircled with a Linnen Band;
He holds his fatal Bow for Action strung,
And arm'd with Shafts his Quiver backward hung.
Here Bacchus glows, the Clusters of the Vine
Around his Brows their Purple Riches twine;
This a full flowing Bowl, the other Hand,
The mystick Emblem of his wide Command,
The Thyrsus grasps, and o'er his Cheeks a Red
That rivals fiery Carbuncles is spread:
His Belly with vast Draughts of Wine opprest,
And striving with the strong fermenting Guest,
Streighten'd the Limits of his lab'ring Breast.
There Goats-Foot lustful Satyrs laugh, and here
Stand Nymphs immodest to the Goddess dear.
Around his Brows their Purple Riches twine;
This a full flowing Bowl, the other Hand,
The mystick Emblem of his wide Command,
195
That rivals fiery Carbuncles is spread:
His Belly with vast Draughts of Wine opprest,
And striving with the strong fermenting Guest,
Streighten'd the Limits of his lab'ring Breast.
There Goats-Foot lustful Satyrs laugh, and here
Stand Nymphs immodest to the Goddess dear.
Within, the Roof, encas'd by Azure Stone
With golden Streaks distinguish'd, glorious shone,
With polish'd Marble rich in curious Veins,
And Porph'ry varied with surprizing Stains:
Pillasters finish'd with unrivall'd Art
Strength to the Pile and Elegance impart:
Beneath the Ceiling hang with Blood distain'd
Arms, Gauntlets, Standards, and proud Laurels gain'd
From valiant Warriours, and th' inglorious Spoils
Of hapless Kings, who, after martial Toils
And num'rous Conquests, with Applauses crown'd,
Resign'd their Pow'r and Pleasure's Empire own'd.
Amidst a thousand envy'd Trophies more,
That grace the Temple, Walls, and lofty Door,
Here shines the mighty Macedonian's Sword,
Which of the World's wide Empire made him Lord,
And the fam'd Heroe's Club suspended swings,
That vanquish'd Plagues and quell'd tyrannick Kings.
With golden Streaks distinguish'd, glorious shone,
With polish'd Marble rich in curious Veins,
And Porph'ry varied with surprizing Stains:
Pillasters finish'd with unrivall'd Art
Strength to the Pile and Elegance impart:
Beneath the Ceiling hang with Blood distain'd
Arms, Gauntlets, Standards, and proud Laurels gain'd
From valiant Warriours, and th' inglorious Spoils
Of hapless Kings, who, after martial Toils
And num'rous Conquests, with Applauses crown'd,
Resign'd their Pow'r and Pleasure's Empire own'd.
Amidst a thousand envy'd Trophies more,
That grace the Temple, Walls, and lofty Door,
Here shines the mighty Macedonian's Sword,
Which of the World's wide Empire made him Lord,
And the fam'd Heroe's Club suspended swings,
That vanquish'd Plagues and quell'd tyrannick Kings.
196
Sweet Flow'rs of various Hue, white, blue, and red,
Beauteous Profusion, o'er the Floor are spread,
The Violet, Jes'mine, Rose, and blooming Pride
Of Orange-Groves, whence Odours are supply'd,
That Asia's Gumms, and India's Spice excell,
And more regale the Goddess Pleasure's Smell.
Goblets of Gold, vast Silver Vessels, Gemms,
Bracelets of Pearl, and glitt'ring Diadems,
The Gifts of Princes and great Potentates,
Enrich the Walls and grace the lofty Gates.
Besides Oblations made by all Degrees,
And the sad Spoils of ruin'd Families
(Lavish Donation on her Altars thrown)
Th' unchaste luxurious Deity atone;
In all the Pomp of Youth, and Beauty's Bloom,
Clad in fine Linnen from soft Ægypt's Loom,
O'er which unrivall'd Silks their Pride display,
Light as fair Clouds and as the Morning gay,
She sits sublime with Flow'rs sweet-scented crown'd,
A Croud of vain Adorers pour'd around,
And spreading forth with wanton Airs her Arms
Smiles lovely and unfolds ten thousand Charms.
Which her voluptuous Votaries inspire
With Thoughts impure, and kindle loose Desire.
Beauteous Profusion, o'er the Floor are spread,
The Violet, Jes'mine, Rose, and blooming Pride
Of Orange-Groves, whence Odours are supply'd,
That Asia's Gumms, and India's Spice excell,
And more regale the Goddess Pleasure's Smell.
Goblets of Gold, vast Silver Vessels, Gemms,
Bracelets of Pearl, and glitt'ring Diadems,
The Gifts of Princes and great Potentates,
Enrich the Walls and grace the lofty Gates.
Besides Oblations made by all Degrees,
And the sad Spoils of ruin'd Families
(Lavish Donation on her Altars thrown)
Th' unchaste luxurious Deity atone;
In all the Pomp of Youth, and Beauty's Bloom,
Clad in fine Linnen from soft Ægypt's Loom,
O'er which unrivall'd Silks their Pride display,
Light as fair Clouds and as the Morning gay,
She sits sublime with Flow'rs sweet-scented crown'd,
A Croud of vain Adorers pour'd around,
And spreading forth with wanton Airs her Arms
Smiles lovely and unfolds ten thousand Charms.
Which her voluptuous Votaries inspire
With Thoughts impure, and kindle loose Desire.
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The lazy Priests that at her Altar serve,
And from her grateful Precepts never swerve,
Immers'd in Riot and dissolv'd in Ease
Strive the immoral Deity to please.
Ne'er to a Temple such vast Throngs repair,
Shew warmer Zeal or more sincere an Air,
Princes, who Toil and publick Care detest,
And Lords of Pow'r and Wealth immense possest,
Mindless of Profit, busy Life, and Fame,
Crouding in long Processions hither came,
Their Heads with various flow'ry Garlands grac'd,
Greens in their Hands and Scarves around their Waste:
With Flutes and Timbrels playing, they advance,
And with lewd Joy intoxicated dance;
Pamper'd with Wine and Riot they express
Prophane Religion and devout Excess.
These stretch'd on Down their Deity adore,
Those drench'd with Surfeit round the Altar snore;
Some in the verdant Walks lascivious Play,
Or in the Myrtle-Groves unthoughtful stray.
Some sportive on the River's Silver Tide
Singing in gilded Barges wanton ride,
With silken Flags display'd, and painted Oars,
While beauteous Syrens on the flow'ry Shores
In Order rang'd their charming Voices join,
And in transporting Melody combine.
And from her grateful Precepts never swerve,
Immers'd in Riot and dissolv'd in Ease
Strive the immoral Deity to please.
Ne'er to a Temple such vast Throngs repair,
Shew warmer Zeal or more sincere an Air,
Princes, who Toil and publick Care detest,
And Lords of Pow'r and Wealth immense possest,
Mindless of Profit, busy Life, and Fame,
Crouding in long Processions hither came,
Their Heads with various flow'ry Garlands grac'd,
Greens in their Hands and Scarves around their Waste:
With Flutes and Timbrels playing, they advance,
And with lewd Joy intoxicated dance;
Pamper'd with Wine and Riot they express
Prophane Religion and devout Excess.
These stretch'd on Down their Deity adore,
Those drench'd with Surfeit round the Altar snore;
Some in the verdant Walks lascivious Play,
Or in the Myrtle-Groves unthoughtful stray.
Some sportive on the River's Silver Tide
Singing in gilded Barges wanton ride,
With silken Flags display'd, and painted Oars,
While beauteous Syrens on the flow'ry Shores
198
And in transporting Melody combine.
Thus soft Sicilian Lords their Hours employ'd
And undisturb'd with Care their Senses cloy'd,
While vulgar Tribes immers'd in vain Delight
Consum'd the Day in Sport, in Feasts the Night,
Only sate down to eat, and rose to play,
By Vice exhausted, and in Riot grey.
And undisturb'd with Care their Senses cloy'd,
While vulgar Tribes immers'd in vain Delight
Consum'd the Day in Sport, in Feasts the Night,
Only sate down to eat, and rose to play,
By Vice exhausted, and in Riot grey.
Sage Guithun, with Amazement seiz'd to see,
Such unexampled Scenes of Luxury,
Thus said to Alfred—Sure some heavy Fate
Impends o'er this supine degen'rate State:
The King of Heav'n, tho' flow to Wrath, at last
With some sore Veng'ance will this People blast,
With Plague or Famine sweep their Sons away,
Or give them up to foreign Arms a Prey.
Such unexampled Scenes of Luxury,
Thus said to Alfred—Sure some heavy Fate
Impends o'er this supine degen'rate State:
The King of Heav'n, tho' flow to Wrath, at last
With some sore Veng'ance will this People blast,
With Plague or Famine sweep their Sons away,
Or give them up to foreign Arms a Prey.
Now Alfred went from Town to Town to view
What curious Objects Nature here could shew;
He pass'd the fertile Acres, where 'tis said,
The Oxen sacred to the Sun were fed,
And the delicious Region near the Coast,
On which the Tyrrhene Sea's loud Waves are tost.
He saw Trinacria's Helicon convey
Its Silver Current to the spreading Bay.
Then Tyndarum he view'd of ancient Fame
That to the tuneful Muses gave its Name,
And with proud Cities once in Beauty vy'd,
Now sapp'd and ruin'd by the Ocean's Tide.
What curious Objects Nature here could shew;
He pass'd the fertile Acres, where 'tis said,
The Oxen sacred to the Sun were fed,
And the delicious Region near the Coast,
On which the Tyrrhene Sea's loud Waves are tost.
199
Its Silver Current to the spreading Bay.
Then Tyndarum he view'd of ancient Fame
That to the tuneful Muses gave its Name,
And with proud Cities once in Beauty vy'd,
Now sapp'd and ruin'd by the Ocean's Tide.
Then Guithun thus began—While, with Design
Of gaining wide Renown by Strains divine,
The Grecian Poets gen'rous chose to climb
Superiour Seats, and then from Heights sublime
Plung'd in the Depths of Nature to explore
Surprizing Scenes and Walks untry'd before,
Sicilian Muses did the Breast inspire,
So ancient Poets told, with gentle Fire,
And with a soft and easy Impulse raise
The flowing Genius fit for lyrick Lays
To sing the Flocks, the Forrests, and the Plains,
The Pleasures of the Nymphs, & Labours of the Swains.
Of gaining wide Renown by Strains divine,
The Grecian Poets gen'rous chose to climb
Superiour Seats, and then from Heights sublime
Plung'd in the Depths of Nature to explore
Surprizing Scenes and Walks untry'd before,
Sicilian Muses did the Breast inspire,
So ancient Poets told, with gentle Fire,
And with a soft and easy Impulse raise
The flowing Genius fit for lyrick Lays
To sing the Flocks, the Forrests, and the Plains,
The Pleasures of the Nymphs, & Labours of the Swains.
Alfred reply'd—The Pagan Bards implor'd
Justly those Gods, whom they sincere ador'd;
But Wonder 'tis the Christian tuneful Train
Such venerable Thoughts should still retain
Of unexistent heav'nly Potentates,
The empty Idols of the Heathen States,
That in Defiance of their Founder they
Senseless exploded Deities should pray
Gracious to guide and animate their Flights,
When they aspire to more than vulgar Heights.
Justly those Gods, whom they sincere ador'd;
But Wonder 'tis the Christian tuneful Train
Such venerable Thoughts should still retain
Of unexistent heav'nly Potentates,
The empty Idols of the Heathen States,
200
Senseless exploded Deities should pray
Gracious to guide and animate their Flights,
When they aspire to more than vulgar Heights.
Then to the Eerian lofty Hills they came,
For their rich Acres of unrivall'd Fame:
Sicilia's Isle, the Granary, that fed
Dependant Rome, the World's imperial Head,
Is so exhaustless, that her teeming Soil,
When scarce assisted by the Farmer's Toil,
Yields gen'rous Fruits, yet not her happiest Ground
Is more with Flocks and Corn and Vineyards crown'd,
Than the fat Glebe, that this high Ridge surveys,
Where lavish Nature Wealth immense displays.
For their rich Acres of unrivall'd Fame:
Sicilia's Isle, the Granary, that fed
Dependant Rome, the World's imperial Head,
Is so exhaustless, that her teeming Soil,
When scarce assisted by the Farmer's Toil,
Yields gen'rous Fruits, yet not her happiest Ground
Is more with Flocks and Corn and Vineyards crown'd,
Than the fat Glebe, that this high Ridge surveys,
Where lavish Nature Wealth immense displays.
They enter'd next Leontium's fertile Plain,
Where Fields excuse the Labour of the Swain,
And up and down produce spontaneous Grain
Unwounded with the Plough-share, and with Crops,
Where till'd, exceeds the greedy Farmer's Hopes.
Where Fields excuse the Labour of the Swain,
And up and down produce spontaneous Grain
Unwounded with the Plough-share, and with Crops,
Where till'd, exceeds the greedy Farmer's Hopes.
Next they approach'd the fam'd Pergæan Lake,
Which ancient Bards their frequent Subject make,
And sing how here their God of Darkness pleas'd
With her consummate Beauty eager seiz'd
Bright Proserpina, and compell'd the Fair
To change for Night and Hell the lightsome Air.
Well might the Græcian Wits in Fiction bold,
That useful Men among the Gods enroll'd,
Fix Ceres Birth, who to the harrow'd Soil
First trusted Grain, in this prolifick Isle.
Which ancient Bards their frequent Subject make,
And sing how here their God of Darkness pleas'd
With her consummate Beauty eager seiz'd
201
To change for Night and Hell the lightsome Air.
Well might the Græcian Wits in Fiction bold,
That useful Men among the Gods enroll'd,
Fix Ceres Birth, who to the harrow'd Soil
First trusted Grain, in this prolifick Isle.
And then the curious Briton took his Way
To the rich Land where Pagan Fables say,
Fierce Anthropophagi, a cruel Race,
Horrid, inhumane and obscene of Face,
Cyclopian Shepherds, savage Læstrigons,
And Giants dwelt, the Earth's enormous Sons,
Of Strength and Bulk immense, who once enrag'd
Against the Gods in impious War engag'd,
And made uplifted Hills and Mountains rise
Torn from their Roots against th' affrighted Skies,
Till thunder-struck the Warriours headlong came
From their proud Heights & stretch'd involv'd in Flame;
Where vast Typhœus raves and groaning lyes
Beneath whole Ætna's Weight, but never dies.
To the rich Land where Pagan Fables say,
Fierce Anthropophagi, a cruel Race,
Horrid, inhumane and obscene of Face,
Cyclopian Shepherds, savage Læstrigons,
And Giants dwelt, the Earth's enormous Sons,
Of Strength and Bulk immense, who once enrag'd
Against the Gods in impious War engag'd,
And made uplifted Hills and Mountains rise
Torn from their Roots against th' affrighted Skies,
Till thunder-struck the Warriours headlong came
From their proud Heights & stretch'd involv'd in Flame;
Where vast Typhœus raves and groaning lyes
Beneath whole Ætna's Weight, but never dies.
To visit Ætna's Heap and smoaking Head,
Britannia's Prince his Way with Pleasure sped
To high Catanea's Tow'rs, which from the Hill
Ejected Fires with frequent Terrour fill,
Whose lab'ring Vaults with inborn Thunder roar
From struggling Vapours, undigested Oar,
And fighting Elements, that wide and far
Disturb the Skies with subterranean War.
Soon they arriv'd at the fair City's Gate
Not far remote from Ætna's airy Height:
Two Days the Heroe in Catanea staid,
And pleas'd the Haven and the Town survey'd,
Thence he advanc'd thro' fertile Fields, and came
To Centoripe's Walls of ancient Fame.
Britannia's Prince his Way with Pleasure sped
To high Catanea's Tow'rs, which from the Hill
Ejected Fires with frequent Terrour fill,
202
From struggling Vapours, undigested Oar,
And fighting Elements, that wide and far
Disturb the Skies with subterranean War.
Soon they arriv'd at the fair City's Gate
Not far remote from Ætna's airy Height:
Two Days the Heroe in Catanea staid,
And pleas'd the Haven and the Town survey'd,
Thence he advanc'd thro' fertile Fields, and came
To Centoripe's Walls of ancient Fame.
The Prince of Darkness now conceiv'd with Joy,
That he successful might his Power employ
The Troubler of his Empire to destroy:
Then call'd the earthy, bloated Fiends, that dwell
In gloomy Caves near the sad Gulph of Hell,
That o'er low Damps and restless Stores preside,
And wild thro' cavern'd Ground in Tempests ride;
Earthquakes by fierce collected Vapours form,
Inspire the Whirlwind and excite the Storm,
Which while in Vaults beneath imprison'd, howl,
Roar when awake, and in their Slumber growl.
That he successful might his Power employ
The Troubler of his Empire to destroy:
Then call'd the earthy, bloated Fiends, that dwell
In gloomy Caves near the sad Gulph of Hell,
That o'er low Damps and restless Stores preside,
And wild thro' cavern'd Ground in Tempests ride;
Earthquakes by fierce collected Vapours form,
Inspire the Whirlwind and excite the Storm,
Which while in Vaults beneath imprison'd, howl,
Roar when awake, and in their Slumber growl.
The Fiends appear'd—Whom thus their Prince bespoke;
Alfred, whose hateful Deeds my Wrath provoke,
Will, when the rising Sun reveals his Face,
Advance to see this celebrated Place.
But then, terrestrial active Demons, show
Your mighty Pow'r in the dark Realms below:
With inward Conflicts work all Ætna's Ground,
And with Convulsions shake the Soil around;
Let your strong Breath on Caves of Sulphur blow,
Kindle fat Oars and make the Forges glow;
Disjoin the rocky Girders of the Hill,
And with intestine War its Bowels fill,
Till they explode hot Cinders, Smoke, and Fire,
In which involv'd the Briton may expire.
Alfred, whose hateful Deeds my Wrath provoke,
203
Advance to see this celebrated Place.
But then, terrestrial active Demons, show
Your mighty Pow'r in the dark Realms below:
With inward Conflicts work all Ætna's Ground,
And with Convulsions shake the Soil around;
Let your strong Breath on Caves of Sulphur blow,
Kindle fat Oars and make the Forges glow;
Disjoin the rocky Girders of the Hill,
And with intestine War its Bowels fill,
Till they explode hot Cinders, Smoke, and Fire,
In which involv'd the Briton may expire.
The Fiends obedient bow'd, and, to pursue
The Task enjoin'd, in humming Swarms withdrew,
And to avoid th' ungrateful Realms of Light,
Shot to their low Abodes, and plung'd in Night.
The Task enjoin'd, in humming Swarms withdrew,
And to avoid th' ungrateful Realms of Light,
Shot to their low Abodes, and plung'd in Night.
Now Albion's Prince in Centoripe stay'd,
Which Ætna's smoaky Furnaces survey'd,
Resolv'd to view the wond'rous Scenes that Fame
Hoarse with her Province labour'd to proclaim:
Then, while at Noon of Night, with Toil oppress'd
In Slumber's downy Arms he lay caress'd,
Amel in Heav'n, as Alfred's Guardian known,
By high Commission left th' Eternal's Throne,
And swift as solar Emanations fly
Thro' empty Gulphs and unresisting Sky,
Heav'ns Envoy brighter than the brightest Flame
Down the blue Precipice to Alfred came.
Which Ætna's smoaky Furnaces survey'd,
Resolv'd to view the wond'rous Scenes that Fame
Hoarse with her Province labour'd to proclaim:
Then, while at Noon of Night, with Toil oppress'd
In Slumber's downy Arms he lay caress'd,
Amel in Heav'n, as Alfred's Guardian known,
By high Commission left th' Eternal's Throne,
204
Thro' empty Gulphs and unresisting Sky,
Heav'ns Envoy brighter than the brightest Flame
Down the blue Precipice to Alfred came.
Then gently waken'd Britain's Son, and said
With gracious Air—Forsake in Haste your Bed
To quit this dang'rous Place, for, Alfred, know,
The potent Prince of Hell, your watchful Foe,
Prepares against your Life a fatal Blow.
Soon as the circling Sun's projected Ray
Shall gild the Mountains and renew the Day,
Vindictive Fiends will by their Lord's Command
With dreadful Earthquakes shake Sicilia's Land,
And trouble Ætna's Caves, whence mid'st the Skies
Ejected Storms of Fire and Stones may rise
Thro' horrid Mouths, and o'er the trembling Soil
Spread glowing Cinders and Metallick Spoil.
This Plot's imagin'd Alfred to destroy;
But to defeat th' Apostates cruel Joy,
From Seats of Bliss commission'd I descend
Your Life from Rage infernal to defend:
Then rise, Britannia's Prince, without Delay
And to the Eerian Mountain's speed your Way,
I'll be your faithful Guide, and lead you right,
Dispell the Darkness and assist your Flight.
With gracious Air—Forsake in Haste your Bed
To quit this dang'rous Place, for, Alfred, know,
The potent Prince of Hell, your watchful Foe,
Prepares against your Life a fatal Blow.
Soon as the circling Sun's projected Ray
Shall gild the Mountains and renew the Day,
Vindictive Fiends will by their Lord's Command
With dreadful Earthquakes shake Sicilia's Land,
And trouble Ætna's Caves, whence mid'st the Skies
Ejected Storms of Fire and Stones may rise
Thro' horrid Mouths, and o'er the trembling Soil
Spread glowing Cinders and Metallick Spoil.
This Plot's imagin'd Alfred to destroy;
But to defeat th' Apostates cruel Joy,
From Seats of Bliss commission'd I descend
Your Life from Rage infernal to defend:
Then rise, Britannia's Prince, without Delay
And to the Eerian Mountain's speed your Way,
I'll be your faithful Guide, and lead you right,
Dispell the Darkness and assist your Flight.
205
He ceas'd—The Briton soon Obedience paid:
The Seraph Guithun and the Prince convey'd
Safe to the mention'd Hill whose airy Height
Affords to Ætna's Peaks an easy Sight;
Then thus bespoke them—Hence, from Danger free
You'll hear the Noise and dire Eruptions see:
Tho' you elude th' Apostate's deep Design,
Yet 'tis decreed by Providence divine
To let the Fiends pursue their vengeful Toil,
To scourge the Natives of this godless Isle,
Lewd as Gomorrha and as Sodom vile.
Tho' lull'd by Mercy's Charms stern Justice sleeps,
And Wrath imprison'd in her Phiol keeps,
Rous'd up at length She in the destin'd Hour
On vicious Realms will ripen'd Vengeance pour.
The Seraph ceas'd—Then from their Sight withdrew,
And thro' the Skies on Wings immortal flew.
The Seraph Guithun and the Prince convey'd
Safe to the mention'd Hill whose airy Height
Affords to Ætna's Peaks an easy Sight;
Then thus bespoke them—Hence, from Danger free
You'll hear the Noise and dire Eruptions see:
Tho' you elude th' Apostate's deep Design,
Yet 'tis decreed by Providence divine
To let the Fiends pursue their vengeful Toil,
To scourge the Natives of this godless Isle,
Lewd as Gomorrha and as Sodom vile.
Tho' lull'd by Mercy's Charms stern Justice sleeps,
And Wrath imprison'd in her Phiol keeps,
Rous'd up at length She in the destin'd Hour
On vicious Realms will ripen'd Vengeance pour.
The Seraph ceas'd—Then from their Sight withdrew,
And thro' the Skies on Wings immortal flew.
Now had the Forces of returning Light
Assail'd and put nocturnal Shades to Flight:
The Sun, as conscious of the fatal Day,
Shone with a waning Face and languid Ray;
The stagnant Air unventilated stood,
Oppress'd with lazy Reeks, and streak'd with Blood,
While in the Skies prodigious Meteors hung,
Wolves howl'd, and ill presaging Ravens sung;
Portentous Shrieks and lamentable Cries
From neighb'ring Woods and cavern'd Mountains rise;
The troubled Billows foaming rush to Land,
And wild Sea-Monsters yell along the Strand.
Assail'd and put nocturnal Shades to Flight:
The Sun, as conscious of the fatal Day,
Shone with a waning Face and languid Ray;
The stagnant Air unventilated stood,
Oppress'd with lazy Reeks, and streak'd with Blood,
While in the Skies prodigious Meteors hung,
Wolves howl'd, and ill presaging Ravens sung;
206
From neighb'ring Woods and cavern'd Mountains rise;
The troubled Billows foaming rush to Land,
And wild Sea-Monsters yell along the Strand.
Now had the Sun climb'd half his steepy Way,
Rolling up Azure Heights the golden Day,
When the fierce Fiends employ'd their Strength & Skill
To rend the Roots of Ætna's trembling Hill.
Now Sounds, like Thunder ready for the Birth,
Fill the dark Prisons of the troubled Earth,
Whose rocky Girders, Ribs, and Vaults profound
Shake with intestine War, and all around
Spread strong Concussions thro' the heaving Ground,
Whence dreadful Roarings and deep Groans prelude
To the vast Strife and Uproar that ensu'd:
The list'ning Shepherds fear, and busy Swains
Start at the Noise, and tremble on the Plains.
Rolling up Azure Heights the golden Day,
When the fierce Fiends employ'd their Strength & Skill
To rend the Roots of Ætna's trembling Hill.
Now Sounds, like Thunder ready for the Birth,
Fill the dark Prisons of the troubled Earth,
Whose rocky Girders, Ribs, and Vaults profound
Shake with intestine War, and all around
Spread strong Concussions thro' the heaving Ground,
Whence dreadful Roarings and deep Groans prelude
To the vast Strife and Uproar that ensu'd:
The list'ning Shepherds fear, and busy Swains
Start at the Noise, and tremble on the Plains.
Soon from the Hill exploded Flakes of Fire
Involv'd in Clouds of Smoak to Heav'n aspire:
The ruddy Oars offensive Light display,
While burning Sulphur choaks the solar Ray.
Such Storms, such Tempests now the Heav'ns embroil,
Such Consternation struck Sicilia's Isle,
As no descriptive Words have Force to teach,
Nor Roman Wits can paint, nor Grecian reach;
And scarce will be outrivall'd till the Day,
When Heav'n and Earth dissolv'd shall melt away,
And Time it self shall cease—When, Nature's Frame
Sapp'd and disjointed by consuming Flame,
Its beauteous Parts shall from their Order fly,
And undistinguish'd in Destruction lie.
Involv'd in Clouds of Smoak to Heav'n aspire:
The ruddy Oars offensive Light display,
While burning Sulphur choaks the solar Ray.
Such Storms, such Tempests now the Heav'ns embroil,
Such Consternation struck Sicilia's Isle,
207
Nor Roman Wits can paint, nor Grecian reach;
And scarce will be outrivall'd till the Day,
When Heav'n and Earth dissolv'd shall melt away,
And Time it self shall cease—When, Nature's Frame
Sapp'd and disjointed by consuming Flame,
Its beauteous Parts shall from their Order fly,
And undistinguish'd in Destruction lie.
The lofty Peaks at once in lab'ring Throws
Spread melted Metals and unmelted Snows;
Dislodge crude Minerals from their dark Abodes,
And cast from hollow Caves unweildy Loads.
The Mountain's working Sides, dread Sight! expell
From their profoundest Gulphs and hottest Hell
Uplifted Heaps and Hurricanes of Fire,
Which with loud Storms of red hot Stones conspire
To gain Belief, that Mortals soon should see
Nature's last Pangs and dying Agony.
From Marble Rocks below great Fragments torn,
And missive Hills abrupt in Tempests born,
Prodigious Ruin! now ejected fly
Against the Azure Lines that guard the Sky.
Cinders, unfinish'd Earths, and pitchy Smoke,
Ashes, and Show'rs of Pumice-Stones, that broke
Mingled with flaming Sulphur from the Hill,
The Air and Earth with Strife and Terrour fill,
While gasping Birds their Way obstructed found,
And fell with burning Feathers to the Ground.
Spread melted Metals and unmelted Snows;
Dislodge crude Minerals from their dark Abodes,
And cast from hollow Caves unweildy Loads.
The Mountain's working Sides, dread Sight! expell
From their profoundest Gulphs and hottest Hell
Uplifted Heaps and Hurricanes of Fire,
Which with loud Storms of red hot Stones conspire
To gain Belief, that Mortals soon should see
Nature's last Pangs and dying Agony.
From Marble Rocks below great Fragments torn,
And missive Hills abrupt in Tempests born,
Prodigious Ruin! now ejected fly
Against the Azure Lines that guard the Sky.
Cinders, unfinish'd Earths, and pitchy Smoke,
Ashes, and Show'rs of Pumice-Stones, that broke
208
The Air and Earth with Strife and Terrour fill,
While gasping Birds their Way obstructed found,
And fell with burning Feathers to the Ground.
The Sun that labour'd to support the Day
Lost in black Fumes his suffocated Ray,
And from his sick'ning Orb faint Lustre sent,
While Thunder, which from Caves beneath had Vent
And subterranean Lightning's fœtid Flame
Such Uproar, such a Scene of Horrour frame,
As if blue Mountains rushing from on high,
And Earth's hard Rocks rais'd to the middle Sky,
Met, and confed'rate Forces would employ
Distinction, Peace, and Order to destroy.
Now Chaos Marks of secret Joy express'd,
To see insulted Nature so oppress'd,
And Strife and Misrule of the World possess'd.
While thus discordant Elements engag'd,
And Ruin War with Ruin fiercely wag'd,
While Ætna with Supplies the Combate fed,
And dreadful Flames and Smoke th' Horizon spread,
Thick Clouds of Ashes, which the Skies engrost
Pour down unfruitful Show'rs on Libya's Coast:
Lost in black Fumes his suffocated Ray,
And from his sick'ning Orb faint Lustre sent,
While Thunder, which from Caves beneath had Vent
And subterranean Lightning's fœtid Flame
Such Uproar, such a Scene of Horrour frame,
As if blue Mountains rushing from on high,
And Earth's hard Rocks rais'd to the middle Sky,
Met, and confed'rate Forces would employ
Distinction, Peace, and Order to destroy.
Now Chaos Marks of secret Joy express'd,
To see insulted Nature so oppress'd,
And Strife and Misrule of the World possess'd.
While thus discordant Elements engag'd,
And Ruin War with Ruin fiercely wag'd,
While Ætna with Supplies the Combate fed,
And dreadful Flames and Smoke th' Horizon spread,
Thick Clouds of Ashes, which the Skies engrost
Pour down unfruitful Show'rs on Libya's Coast:
209
Torrents of rocky Fragments, fluid Oar,
And Cataracts of Fire, with Fury roar
Along the Mountain's Sides, and join'd below
In one amazing Inundation flow.
The massy Waves whole Cities overturn,
At once the Flocks and Shepherds drown and burn,
Demolish Tow'rs, rend from their Roots the Woods,
And from their Channels raise th' exhaling Floods.
Heaps of hot Cinders, and th' unductile Store
Of Fossils, scorch the Land and spread the Shore;
While livid Streams along the Valley creep,
Rolling unborrow'd Treasures to the Deep,
And, disemboguing there their pond'rous Train,
Bury the Mountain's Entrails in the Main.
Sea-Monsters howling from the Terrour fled,
While sodden Fish swam on the Waters dead,
And liquid Metals mingling with the Waves
Now for marine change subterranean Caves.
The Billows thinn'd and sever'd by the Heat
Flew to the Clouds and left their ancient Seat;
The Skies th' ascending Ocean entertain,
Surpriz'd at this new Origine of Rain.
And Cataracts of Fire, with Fury roar
Along the Mountain's Sides, and join'd below
In one amazing Inundation flow.
The massy Waves whole Cities overturn,
At once the Flocks and Shepherds drown and burn,
Demolish Tow'rs, rend from their Roots the Woods,
And from their Channels raise th' exhaling Floods.
Heaps of hot Cinders, and th' unductile Store
Of Fossils, scorch the Land and spread the Shore;
While livid Streams along the Valley creep,
Rolling unborrow'd Treasures to the Deep,
And, disemboguing there their pond'rous Train,
Bury the Mountain's Entrails in the Main.
Sea-Monsters howling from the Terrour fled,
While sodden Fish swam on the Waters dead,
And liquid Metals mingling with the Waves
Now for marine change subterranean Caves.
The Billows thinn'd and sever'd by the Heat
Flew to the Clouds and left their ancient Seat;
The Skies th' ascending Ocean entertain,
Surpriz'd at this new Origine of Rain.
Touch'd with the penal Wrath that thus defac't
The fruitful Soil, and laid the Cities waste,
The British Prince besought with ardent Pray'r
Th' Almighty Power the suff'ring Isle to spare,
To stop the Fury of th' infernal Band,
And not compleat the Ruin of the Land.
The fruitful Soil, and laid the Cities waste,
210
Th' Almighty Power the suff'ring Isle to spare,
To stop the Fury of th' infernal Band,
And not compleat the Ruin of the Land.
His Pray'r prevail'd, and by th' Almighty sent,
Sicilia's whole Destruction to prevent,
A beamy Envoy, like a darting Ray,
Swift to the troubled Mountain wing'd his Way,
And bade the wrathful Demons Vengeance stay.
Reluctant they the great Command obey'd,
And stopp'd th' Eruptions that such Havock made;
The Sun shone bright, and peaceful was the Air,
Which freed the trembling Nation from Despair.
Sicilia's whole Destruction to prevent,
A beamy Envoy, like a darting Ray,
Swift to the troubled Mountain wing'd his Way,
And bade the wrathful Demons Vengeance stay.
Reluctant they the great Command obey'd,
And stopp'd th' Eruptions that such Havock made;
The Sun shone bright, and peaceful was the Air,
Which freed the trembling Nation from Despair.
The Christian Heroe, who with Pleasure found
His Supplications with Success were crown'd,
To Heav'n becoming Gratitude express'd;
When Guithun thus Britannia's Prince address'd.
His Supplications with Success were crown'd,
To Heav'n becoming Gratitude express'd;
When Guithun thus Britannia's Prince address'd.
The Conflagration by the Judge supream
Destin'd to ruin Nature's present Scheme
By these amazing Scenes we may conceive,
Which in the Mind no faint Idea leave
Of those destructive Flames, that shall consume
The Globe terrestrial at the general Doom.
And for the Fire that shall the World invade,
Remark the wond'rous Preparations made;
Reflect what various burning Mountains stand
In Libya's parch'd inhospitable Land:
What Numbers more eject their fiery Spoils
In Asia's Realms and distant India's Isles:
Regard the Hills which Europeans know,
Hecla, Vesuvius, Ætna, Strombolo,
That from their working Bowels vomit Flame,
Besides Volcano's of inferiour Name.
Destin'd to ruin Nature's present Scheme
By these amazing Scenes we may conceive,
Which in the Mind no faint Idea leave
Of those destructive Flames, that shall consume
The Globe terrestrial at the general Doom.
211
Remark the wond'rous Preparations made;
Reflect what various burning Mountains stand
In Libya's parch'd inhospitable Land:
What Numbers more eject their fiery Spoils
In Asia's Realms and distant India's Isles:
Regard the Hills which Europeans know,
Hecla, Vesuvius, Ætna, Strombolo,
That from their working Bowels vomit Flame,
Besides Volcano's of inferiour Name.
What burning Stores are lodg'd in barren Sands
Of vast Extent in solitary Lands
Scorch'd by the Sun's direct, incumbent Ray,
And of their Moisture drain'd by too much Day!
What plenteous fiery Fossils have their Birth
In the superiour Layings of the Earth,
As well in Climes with Beams indulgent bless'd,
As those with fierce ungenial Heat oppress'd!
See, thro' the fruitful Surface of the Ground
Rich marly Veins and Hills of Chalk abound,
And Heaps of Flint lie scatter'd o'er the Plains,
While Beds of Sulphur and exhaustless Veins
Of Coal combustible of various Kind,
In various Regions lab'ring Delvers find.
Of liquid Pitch what Treasures, what of dry,
And what of fat Bitumen hoarded lie!
Enough on fam'd Euphrates Banks alone
Was found to fix, as Cement, Stone to Stone,
And bind the wond'rous Walls of Babylon.
Add the hot Springs and Floods, that scorch the Soil,
And Baths, that with incocted Sulphur boil;
Each reeking Lake, that burns, but ne'er consumes,
And suffocates the Air with sultry Fumes,
Like that, which drowns the execrable Land,
Which impious Sodom's Tow'rs did once command;
All these enclose a Stock of Heat immense,
And secret Seeds of Flame embody'd, whence
The destin'd Conflagration may acquire
Vast Re-enforcements of collected Fire.
Of vast Extent in solitary Lands
Scorch'd by the Sun's direct, incumbent Ray,
And of their Moisture drain'd by too much Day!
What plenteous fiery Fossils have their Birth
In the superiour Layings of the Earth,
As well in Climes with Beams indulgent bless'd,
As those with fierce ungenial Heat oppress'd!
See, thro' the fruitful Surface of the Ground
Rich marly Veins and Hills of Chalk abound,
And Heaps of Flint lie scatter'd o'er the Plains,
While Beds of Sulphur and exhaustless Veins
Of Coal combustible of various Kind,
In various Regions lab'ring Delvers find.
212
And what of fat Bitumen hoarded lie!
Enough on fam'd Euphrates Banks alone
Was found to fix, as Cement, Stone to Stone,
And bind the wond'rous Walls of Babylon.
Add the hot Springs and Floods, that scorch the Soil,
And Baths, that with incocted Sulphur boil;
Each reeking Lake, that burns, but ne'er consumes,
And suffocates the Air with sultry Fumes,
Like that, which drowns the execrable Land,
Which impious Sodom's Tow'rs did once command;
All these enclose a Stock of Heat immense,
And secret Seeds of Flame embody'd, whence
The destin'd Conflagration may acquire
Vast Re-enforcements of collected Fire.
Contemplate now what ruddy Entrails glow,
What kindled Streams and smoaking Torrents flow
In distant Channels and deep Vaults below.
What burning Stores disturb the Gulphs profound
And the vast Hollows of the central Ground!
What Æstuaries rage! what reeking Tides!
What Exhalations heave their Prison's Sides!
Which thro' the rocking Earth Convulsions make,
And the strong Girders and Foundations shake;
Whence thro' the gaping Chasms and Mountains rent
Tempests of Fire and Whirlwind find a Vent.
At last, so Reason dictates, as of old
The Vaults profound, that liquid Treasures hold,
Broke up, th' ascending Waters met with those
That floated on the Surface, to compose
The mighty Flood that Hills and Valleys drown'd;
So now, the Globe terrestrial to confound,
Vast burning Seas from Earth's profoundest Caves
And Gulphs disrupt may rise in boiling Waves
To join with those above, and then employ
Associate Flames this Fabrick to destroy.
Should all these Hoards release their Stock of Fire,
And emptying all their Magazines conspire
At once with Arms confed'rate to assail
Nature's high Fences, must they not prevail?
What kindled Streams and smoaking Torrents flow
In distant Channels and deep Vaults below.
What burning Stores disturb the Gulphs profound
And the vast Hollows of the central Ground!
What Æstuaries rage! what reeking Tides!
What Exhalations heave their Prison's Sides!
Which thro' the rocking Earth Convulsions make,
And the strong Girders and Foundations shake;
213
Tempests of Fire and Whirlwind find a Vent.
At last, so Reason dictates, as of old
The Vaults profound, that liquid Treasures hold,
Broke up, th' ascending Waters met with those
That floated on the Surface, to compose
The mighty Flood that Hills and Valleys drown'd;
So now, the Globe terrestrial to confound,
Vast burning Seas from Earth's profoundest Caves
And Gulphs disrupt may rise in boiling Waves
To join with those above, and then employ
Associate Flames this Fabrick to destroy.
Should all these Hoards release their Stock of Fire,
And emptying all their Magazines conspire
At once with Arms confed'rate to assail
Nature's high Fences, must they not prevail?
Then Alfred thus—Let us with Speed retreat
From this abandon'd Race, this godless Seat,
Lest we the dreadful Cup of Vengeance share,
Which Heav'n, no longer patient, will prepare
For these Abodes, where monstrous Men abound
In Guilt obdurate, and in Pleasure drown'd.
From this abandon'd Race, this godless Seat,
Lest we the dreadful Cup of Vengeance share,
Which Heav'n, no longer patient, will prepare
For these Abodes, where monstrous Men abound
In Guilt obdurate, and in Pleasure drown'd.
Then at the tender Dawning of the Day
To fair Messina's Gates he took his Way
To bid the Court adieu, embark, and stand
His Course intended to Iberia's Land;
Unheedful then, that Hell might undermine
By captivating Snares his wife Design,
Or that Temptation's Force might over-pow'r
His Virtue's Strength in some unguarded Hour.
To fair Messina's Gates he took his Way
214
His Course intended to Iberia's Land;
Unheedful then, that Hell might undermine
By captivating Snares his wife Design,
Or that Temptation's Force might over-pow'r
His Virtue's Strength in some unguarded Hour.
| Alfred | |