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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Song, on Hero and Leander drown'd.
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 | The Grecian Story |  |
Song, on Hero and Leander drown'd.
I
Hero, sad, distressed Maid,Since that wing'd Archer, Boy,
Deceitful grown, thy thoughts betray'd
To Love, but scarce enjoy.
Unfriendly th' Hand, 'twas cruel Bow
Which did Wound thy poor Heart so,
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Since could with murther's act comply,
Gallant Youth constrain'd to die,
His moist, untimely Grave.
II
Hero watch'd with constant EyesTo see her Darling-Love,
And from small Tow'r intreats the Skies,
Broad Waters gentle prove;
Many a Vow she numbred o're,
If transported safe for Shore,
To th' Gods of Seas and Wind;
Too rough because their Stream, she fear'd,
Large that Swimmer's Task appear'd,
Might drown their Joyes, unkind.
III
Hero view'd, thought all belowPleas'd Water's face to smile,
Winds hush'd, becalm'd, Heaven doth show,
Conjoyn'd to cheat, beguile:
Then ranging Glance from far descries
(Nimblest oft young Lovers eyes)
Leander waves embrace:
Who leaving Shore with joyful Sight,
Her self by Torch discern'd Moon-light,
Cut through the Streams apace.
IV
Hero look'd with gladsome Thought,And hastned down to shore,
Mean time those Waves were swell'd, high-wrought,
Loud Blasts began to roar:
When Strait that Storm increasing there
Through blustring Sighs and Tears, as 'twere,
She saw's Love to fail.
Choice, fleshly Barque his Body show
Wrack-like beaten to and fro,
Faint Arms nor Legs avail.
V
Hero griev'd, when (drawn more nigh)Leander spent, quite fir'd,
With stretch'd-out Arm and mournful Cry,
Her Name sunk down, expir'd:
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Sighs and Groans were thought but vain,
She saw no Cause to live;
So that devouring Wave bestrides,
Which strait her daintiest Body hides,
Both chrystal Tomb does give.
| The Grecian Story | |