Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
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Galatea.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Galatea.
See Invitation.
Fair
Galatea! fairer Thou by far
Then the white Leaves of blooming Lillies are:
Gay as the flow'ry Meads: as Christal bright:
Tall as the Alder's just proportion'd Height:
Sportive as Kids: more smooth and polish'd o'er,
Than shining Shells, oft wash'd upon the Shore:
Pleasing as Winter Suns, or Summer Shade:
Glorious as Apples when the Boughs they lade:
It's Head less graceful does the Plane uprear:
And Ice in Clearness can't with Thee compare:
Not Grapes full ripe delight the Taste so much:
Less soft new Curds, or Swan's-Down, to the Touch:
More charming much Thou art, would'st Thou but stay,
Than beauteous Gardens where cool Fountains play.
Then the white Leaves of blooming Lillies are:
415
Tall as the Alder's just proportion'd Height:
Sportive as Kids: more smooth and polish'd o'er,
Than shining Shells, oft wash'd upon the Shore:
Pleasing as Winter Suns, or Summer Shade:
Glorious as Apples when the Boughs they lade:
It's Head less graceful does the Plane uprear:
And Ice in Clearness can't with Thee compare:
Not Grapes full ripe delight the Taste so much:
Less soft new Curds, or Swan's-Down, to the Touch:
More charming much Thou art, would'st Thou but stay,
Than beauteous Gardens where cool Fountains play.
But, Galatea, wild as Bulls unbroke
Thou art, and stubborn as an ancient Oak:
More changeful than the Waves in thy Intent:
Easier than Vines, or Willows, to be bent:
More fixt than Rocks; more furious than the Flood:
More than a Peacock, when commended, proud:
Thistles less sharp, and Fires less raging are:
Less cruel 'midst her Cubs the savage Bear:
Less fierce a trodden Snake: less deaf the Seas:
And, what to me is worse than all of These,
Thy Swiftness far outstrips the hunted Hind,
The hasty Tempest, or the winged Wind.—
Thou art, and stubborn as an ancient Oak:
More changeful than the Waves in thy Intent:
Easier than Vines, or Willows, to be bent:
More fixt than Rocks; more furious than the Flood:
More than a Peacock, when commended, proud:
Thistles less sharp, and Fires less raging are:
Less cruel 'midst her Cubs the savage Bear:
Less fierce a trodden Snake: less deaf the Seas:
And, what to me is worse than all of These,
Thy Swiftness far outstrips the hunted Hind,
The hasty Tempest, or the winged Wind.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |