The Grecian Story Being an Historical Poem, in Five Books. To which is Annex'd The Grove: Consisting of Divers Shorter Poems upon several Subjects. By J. H. [i.e. John Harington] |
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 | The Grecian Story |  |
Not far from th' House, large Troop with Joy, content
From Grove appear'd, Sons, Daughters did present
Of Harvest All; were spruce tho plain to th' Eye,
Men Sickles bore, tost, Flourish'd off on high,
Their Women Rakes; whom Hats of Straw adorn,
Joyn'd bunch of Flow'rs: Wheat-Girdle wreathed worn
'Bout ev'ry Waste. Those Formost Two that led,
Like Sovereigns, each their commanding Head
(Brisk, jolly pair) were these, the God of Wine,
Whose curled Crest, plump Waste, broad Leaves of Vine
That Month became; in's Hand howe're beheld,
Glass-Bottle of Grapes, his spritely Blood, excell'd.
His Sun-burnt Queen Corn's Goddess prov'd, was crown'd,
Wheat-sprigs and Flow'rs; same Girdle did surround:
Full Basket had with Fruits gay Wealth enrich'd.
Both bending there, by Turns withall Beseech'd
Clermanthe taste that Part from plenteous store
(In Country Rhimes) small Earnest 't was of more;
Much Corn and Wine their Lot should prove, Ingag'd,
Fruits of the Womb not Ground alone presag'd.
Which She receiv'd with gentlest Smile from them
Known Tenants there, each took like precious Gem;
Who this rude Mask did hasty way compose:
Shew'd Country-dance to Bag-pipe strait, for close.
From Grove appear'd, Sons, Daughters did present
Of Harvest All; were spruce tho plain to th' Eye,
Men Sickles bore, tost, Flourish'd off on high,
Their Women Rakes; whom Hats of Straw adorn,
Joyn'd bunch of Flow'rs: Wheat-Girdle wreathed worn
'Bout ev'ry Waste. Those Formost Two that led,
Like Sovereigns, each their commanding Head
(Brisk, jolly pair) were these, the God of Wine,
Whose curled Crest, plump Waste, broad Leaves of Vine
That Month became; in's Hand howe're beheld,
Glass-Bottle of Grapes, his spritely Blood, excell'd.
His Sun-burnt Queen Corn's Goddess prov'd, was crown'd,
Wheat-sprigs and Flow'rs; same Girdle did surround:
Full Basket had with Fruits gay Wealth enrich'd.
Both bending there, by Turns withall Beseech'd
Clermanthe taste that Part from plenteous store
(In Country Rhimes) small Earnest 't was of more;
Much Corn and Wine their Lot should prove, Ingag'd,
Fruits of the Womb not Ground alone presag'd.
Which She receiv'd with gentlest Smile from them
Known Tenants there, each took like precious Gem;
Who this rude Mask did hasty way compose:
Shew'd Country-dance to Bag-pipe strait, for close.
| The Grecian Story | |