The poetical works of Sir William Jones :: :: University of Virginia Library

Calm breathing-place of Alpheus dead
Ortygia, graceful branch of Syracuse renown'd,
Young Dina's rosy bed,
Sister of Delos, thee, with sweet, yet lofty, sound
Bursting numbers call, to raise
Of tempest-footed steeds the trophies glorious
(Thus Etnean Jove we praise;)
While Chromius' car invites, and Nemea's plain
For noble acts victorious
To weave th'encomiastic strain.

2.

From prosp'ring Gods the song begins:
Next hails that godlike man and virtue's holy meeds:
He the flow'r of greatness wins,
Whom smiling fortune crowns; and vast heroic deeds
Ev'ry muse delights to sing.
Now wake to that fair isle the splendid story,
Which the great Olympian king,
Jove, gave to Proserpine, and wav'd his locks,
Vowing, that, supreme in glory,
Fam'd for sweet fruits, and nymph'd-lov'd rocks,

3.

Sicilia's full nutritious breast
With tow'r'd and wealthy cities he would crown.
Her the son of Saturn bless'd
With suitors brazen-arm'd for war's renown
By lance and fiery steed; yet oft thy leaves,
Olympic olive! bind their hair
In wreathy gold. Great subjects I prepare;
But none th'immortal verse deceives.