Tasso and the Sisters Tasso's Spirit: The Nuptials of Juno: The Skeletons: The Spirits of the Ocean. Poems, By Thomas Wade |
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 | Tasso and the Sisters |  |
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THE NUPTIALS OF JUNO.
A DESCRIPTIVE POEM.
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It is, of course, unnecessary for me to apologize for any deviations I may have made, in the following Poem, from the records of the Heathen Mythology; as Poets and Versifiers, so often allowed to garble truth, have an undoubted right to vary falsehood in the manner that may best suit them.
Of all the isles that stud th' Ægean deep,
And o'er its lovely breast new beauty throw,
E'en as bright jewels, which aye sparkling keep,
Add fresh enchantment to a maiden's brow;—
Of all the isles that with old Neptune sleep,
And round them feel his many waters flow,
Thou art the proudest, Samos! for thy skies
First saw the glory of Olympia's eyes!
And o'er its lovely breast new beauty throw,
E'en as bright jewels, which aye sparkling keep,
Add fresh enchantment to a maiden's brow;—
Of all the isles that with old Neptune sleep,
And round them feel his many waters flow,
Thou art the proudest, Samos! for thy skies
First saw the glory of Olympia's eyes!
Thy breezes rise, with health on every wing,
To greet the freshness of fair hills and dales,
For ever fruitful;—the rejoicing Spring
On thy green earth her gentlest breath exhales,
Till Summer from her panting bosom fling
Fresh sun-beams o'er thy mountains and thy vales;
Whilst thro' each verdant mead, in tranquil pride,
Pours the glad Imbrasus his grateful tide.
To greet the freshness of fair hills and dales,
For ever fruitful;—the rejoicing Spring
On thy green earth her gentlest breath exhales,
Till Summer from her panting bosom fling
Fresh sun-beams o'er thy mountains and thy vales;
Whilst thro' each verdant mead, in tranquil pride,
Pours the glad Imbrasus his grateful tide.
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The glad Imbrasus;—o'er whose glittering wave
A willow its declining honors hung,
To which the winds endearing kisses gave
And from the stream awhile its branches flung:—
As, lover's lips, which long encounter'd have
And fondly to each other's ruby clung,
Soft words, suggested by the o'erfraught heart
Unto the ready tongue, will sweetly part.
A willow its declining honors hung,
To which the winds endearing kisses gave
And from the stream awhile its branches flung:—
As, lover's lips, which long encounter'd have
And fondly to each other's ruby clung,
Soft words, suggested by the o'erfraught heart
Unto the ready tongue, will sweetly part.
Within the willow's ever-moving shade
Was plac'd the cradle of old Saturn's child,
Rock'd by the Seasons:—there the green Spring staid
To bless the Infant with its tendance mild;
Summer, all languid, at her feet too laid,
And Autumn, crown'd with fruits, in homage smil'd;
Stern Winter tarried from his Northern clime,
And deck'd her brow with majesty sublime!
Was plac'd the cradle of old Saturn's child,
Rock'd by the Seasons:—there the green Spring staid
To bless the Infant with its tendance mild;
Summer, all languid, at her feet too laid,
And Autumn, crown'd with fruits, in homage smil'd;
Stern Winter tarried from his Northern clime,
And deck'd her brow with majesty sublime!
'Twas in that joyous period of the year
When Cupid sits on every verdant spray,
And points his arrows at young maidens near,
Nor leaves them unmolested on their way;—
When earth is green and skies are passing clear,
That Juno by her native willow lay,—
Blessing, with her sweet weight, the hallow'd ground,
And giving loveliness to all around.
When Cupid sits on every verdant spray,
And points his arrows at young maidens near,
Nor leaves them unmolested on their way;—
When earth is green and skies are passing clear,
That Juno by her native willow lay,—
Blessing, with her sweet weight, the hallow'd ground,
And giving loveliness to all around.
The Heavens were bright and the rejoicing Sun
In their deep azure shook his golden hair,
His wonted course as yet but half-way run:
Etherial Dian view'd the dazzling glare
The God threw downward, and seem'd fain to shun
Its splendor dread; as if opprest with care,
To think the glory which made earth more bright
Should veil the beauty of her silver light.
In their deep azure shook his golden hair,
His wonted course as yet but half-way run:
Etherial Dian view'd the dazzling glare
The God threw downward, and seem'd fain to shun
Its splendor dread; as if opprest with care,
To think the glory which made earth more bright
Should veil the beauty of her silver light.
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Free from his beams Olympia lay reclin'd,
Her dark locks bound with Spring's divinest flowers,
Whose colors all were tastefully combin'd
And chosen from Flora's unfrequented bowers:
Bare was her bosom, upon which the wind
Was passing merrily the sun-shine hours;
And, in thick folds, a white and silken vest
Flow'd from her lovely waist—and hid the rest.
Her dark locks bound with Spring's divinest flowers,
Whose colors all were tastefully combin'd
And chosen from Flora's unfrequented bowers:
Bare was her bosom, upon which the wind
Was passing merrily the sun-shine hours;
And, in thick folds, a white and silken vest
Flow'd from her lovely waist—and hid the rest.
Her thoughts were of the glory of the skies
And all the Gods that in their beauty reign;
When, suddenly, dark clouds were seen to rise
From the wide waters of the Ægean main;
The face of Heaven they hid from Juno's eyes,
And Phœbus struggled with their host in vain:
The air grew dull—loud thunder roll'd on high,
And lightning flam'd athwart the dreary sky.
And all the Gods that in their beauty reign;
When, suddenly, dark clouds were seen to rise
From the wide waters of the Ægean main;
The face of Heaven they hid from Juno's eyes,
And Phœbus struggled with their host in vain:
The air grew dull—loud thunder roll'd on high,
And lightning flam'd athwart the dreary sky.
Olympia watch'd the rising storm with fear,
And look'd upon the clouds, as if she thought
To see some God's almighty form career
Thro' the fierce tempest which himself had wrought
In fearful pastime—yet did none appear;
Tho' all the air with deepest gloom was fraught,
And wild-fire ran along the dark'ning space,
Like horrid joy upon a madman's face.
And look'd upon the clouds, as if she thought
To see some God's almighty form career
Thro' the fierce tempest which himself had wrought
In fearful pastime—yet did none appear;
Tho' all the air with deepest gloom was fraught,
And wild-fire ran along the dark'ning space,
Like horrid joy upon a madman's face.
Strange voices murmur'd from the Heavens aloud;
Strange sounds burst forth in answer from the sea,
Whose billows, that so late of rest were proud
And striv'd which of their host should gentlest be,
Now seem'd to envy every soaring cloud
And met the fierce winds with tumultuous glee:
The winds with corresponding ardor come,
And lave their wild wings in the Ocean's foam.
Strange sounds burst forth in answer from the sea,
Whose billows, that so late of rest were proud
And striv'd which of their host should gentlest be,
Now seem'd to envy every soaring cloud
And met the fierce winds with tumultuous glee:
The winds with corresponding ardor come,
And lave their wild wings in the Ocean's foam.
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“A God! a God!” ten thousand tongues give out;
“A God! a God!” ten thousand tongues reply;
Naiads and Dryads hear the echoing shout,
And turn expectant to the frowning sky:
Imbrasus from his urn looks up in doubt,
And hears the willow o'er his waters sigh
Thro' all its leaves; then seeks his oozy bed,
And hides once more his crown-encircled head.
“A God! a God!” ten thousand tongues reply;
Naiads and Dryads hear the echoing shout,
And turn expectant to the frowning sky:
Imbrasus from his urn looks up in doubt,
And hears the willow o'er his waters sigh
Thro' all its leaves; then seeks his oozy bed,
And hides once more his crown-encircled head.
The willow still Olympia lay beneath,
And gaz'd around in wonder at the scene;
When, by the cruel storm half pierc'd to death,
A little cuckoo trail'd along the green;
It paus'd at Juno's feet devoid of breath,
And she uplifted it with piteous mien;
Its drooping pinions to her bosom drew,
And strove to waken it to life, anew.
And gaz'd around in wonder at the scene;
When, by the cruel storm half pierc'd to death,
A little cuckoo trail'd along the green;
It paus'd at Juno's feet devoid of breath,
And she uplifted it with piteous mien;
Its drooping pinions to her bosom drew,
And strove to waken it to life, anew.
Its ruffled plumes she smooth'd, with anxious hand,
And soon to life restor'd the feeble bird,
Which all her kindness seem'd to understand
And sounds of pleasure from glad bill preferr'd:
Then, whilst the Goddess, with caresses bland,
Answer'd its notes by many a gentle word,
The Cuckoo hark'd to her harmonious tongue,
And ever as she spoke still closer clung.
And soon to life restor'd the feeble bird,
Which all her kindness seem'd to understand
And sounds of pleasure from glad bill preferr'd:
Then, whilst the Goddess, with caresses bland,
Answer'd its notes by many a gentle word,
The Cuckoo hark'd to her harmonious tongue,
And ever as she spoke still closer clung.
It shook its downy plumage with delight,
Nor longer reck'd the fury of the storm;
For what could think of terror, or of flight,
Whilst pillow'd on a couch so fair and warm?
It grew—it chang'd; and now, in radiance bright,
Stands Jove, reveal'd in his eternal form,
Before the wondering Juno's doubtful gaze,
And all the grandeur of a God displays.
Nor longer reck'd the fury of the storm;
For what could think of terror, or of flight,
Whilst pillow'd on a couch so fair and warm?
It grew—it chang'd; and now, in radiance bright,
Stands Jove, reveal'd in his eternal form,
Before the wondering Juno's doubtful gaze,
And all the grandeur of a God displays.
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He looks as when, in Heaven, he sits supreme
Among the Deities that worship round;
His matchless glories their exhaustless theme,
Whilst all the rolling spheres repeat the sound!
But in his peaceful hand no lightnings beam,
Link'd with dark thunder; nor strong sceptre, bound
By dreary cypress;—for in hours of love
Such things become not e'en Feretrian Jove.
Among the Deities that worship round;
His matchless glories their exhaustless theme,
Whilst all the rolling spheres repeat the sound!
But in his peaceful hand no lightnings beam,
Link'd with dark thunder; nor strong sceptre, bound
By dreary cypress;—for in hours of love
Such things become not e'en Feretrian Jove.
His brow was circled by an olive-crown
Of everlasting green, and to his feet
A mantle's rich, purpureal hues flow'd down,
Embroider'd with unnumber'd flow'rets sweet;
Whilst stars immaculate between them shone,
And made the raiment for a Godhead mete:
Far else than now appear'd his form divine
Unto the Mother of the Heavenly Nine!
Of everlasting green, and to his feet
A mantle's rich, purpureal hues flow'd down,
Embroider'd with unnumber'd flow'rets sweet;
Whilst stars immaculate between them shone,
And made the raiment for a Godhead mete:
Far else than now appear'd his form divine
Unto the Mother of the Heavenly Nine!
He came in glory, and around him flam'd
Diaphanous splendor and resistless fire:
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Then burst the Jubilee thro' heav'n and earth,
And Nature to renew'd existence bounded
In all her works, which felt a second birth
And with fresh beauty were anon surrounded:
Rang the far welkin with th' unwonted mirth
Which from each corner of the wide earth sounded;
Whilst God and Goddess mounted from the green,
The glorious rulers of the jocund scene!—
And Nature to renew'd existence bounded
In all her works, which felt a second birth
And with fresh beauty were anon surrounded:
Rang the far welkin with th' unwonted mirth
Which from each corner of the wide earth sounded;
Whilst God and Goddess mounted from the green,
The glorious rulers of the jocund scene!—
Her lamp the glow-worm trimm'd beneath the beam
Of the hot sun; but not her mate to greet,
Whom, from his airy course, its welcome gleam
Is wont to summon to her still retreat:
The birds sing blithely over grove and stream,
And glowing pinions in mid' ether meet;
Whilst Philomel, awaking hours too soon,
Forgets her sorrows and speaks joy at noon.
Of the hot sun; but not her mate to greet,
Whom, from his airy course, its welcome gleam
Is wont to summon to her still retreat:
The birds sing blithely over grove and stream,
And glowing pinions in mid' ether meet;
Whilst Philomel, awaking hours too soon,
Forgets her sorrows and speaks joy at noon.
The pilgrim bee career'd from flow'r to flow'r,
Whose sweets now yielded a repast more rare
Than yet they e'er had done in loveliest hour:
The butterfly with bright wings starr'd the air,
And, gayly mounting from its native bow'r,
E'en to the lark's wild height essay'd to bear:
The fish play'd ever in each crystal cell
Wherein the gambol-loving Naiads dwell.
Whose sweets now yielded a repast more rare
Than yet they e'er had done in loveliest hour:
The butterfly with bright wings starr'd the air,
And, gayly mounting from its native bow'r,
E'en to the lark's wild height essay'd to bear:
The fish play'd ever in each crystal cell
Wherein the gambol-loving Naiads dwell.
All things that breath'd on earth, or in the deep,
And the gay people of the airy space,
At once high jubilee were seen to keep:
Each Nymph, each Satyr show'd a mirthful face,
And merry Fauns, with cunning laughter, peep
Forth from the shade of every sylvan place,
Once more to gaze on Juno's well-known eyes
Ere they be giv'n to the rejoicing skies.
And the gay people of the airy space,
At once high jubilee were seen to keep:
Each Nymph, each Satyr show'd a mirthful face,
And merry Fauns, with cunning laughter, peep
Forth from the shade of every sylvan place,
Once more to gaze on Juno's well-known eyes
Ere they be giv'n to the rejoicing skies.
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High in the air Feretrian Jove appears,
Olympia hanging on his breast the while—
Shedding for earthly loves a few kind tears,
Which fell, like gems, upon her native isle:
His new-found bride the mighty Thund'rer cheers,
And soothes her spirit, till a heavenly smile
Sheds o'er her features all its beauty rare—
Then brighter grow the skies, more bland the air!
Olympia hanging on his breast the while—
Shedding for earthly loves a few kind tears,
Which fell, like gems, upon her native isle:
His new-found bride the mighty Thund'rer cheers,
And soothes her spirit, till a heavenly smile
Sheds o'er her features all its beauty rare—
Then brighter grow the skies, more bland the air!
On—on they go: proud Phœbus in his course
Stays to do homage to the Lord of Heaven;
Each River-God springs upward from his source,
And kneels to Him by whom his realms were given:
The hoary Neptune's billows, loud and hoarse,
By their rude Monarch high in air are driven,
Amid rejoicing music, and the woods
Join in the wild devotion of the floods.
Stays to do homage to the Lord of Heaven;
Each River-God springs upward from his source,
And kneels to Him by whom his realms were given:
The hoary Neptune's billows, loud and hoarse,
By their rude Monarch high in air are driven,
Amid rejoicing music, and the woods
Join in the wild devotion of the floods.
A light burst forth from ether, and a car,
Made glorious by the jewels that besprent
Its golden wheels, shot onwards like a star
At midnight on aërial message sent;
Gleaming like light'ning, it career'd afar
And second sun-light to the glad earth lent:—
Seem'd it another orb had sprung to sight,
Grand as the rest and flush'd with new-born light!
Made glorious by the jewels that besprent
Its golden wheels, shot onwards like a star
At midnight on aërial message sent;
Gleaming like light'ning, it career'd afar
And second sun-light to the glad earth lent:—
Seem'd it another orb had sprung to sight,
Grand as the rest and flush'd with new-born light!
Two graceful peacocks with the chariot flew,
Richly caparison'd in seemly state,
Their plumage bright as was the load they drew:
With their own beauty seem'd the birds elate
(As if the grandeur of their forms they knew)
And paus'd, impatiently and proud, to wait
The slow approach of Heaven's eternal King,
And flapt the air with wide-extended wing.
Richly caparison'd in seemly state,
Their plumage bright as was the load they drew:
With their own beauty seem'd the birds elate
(As if the grandeur of their forms they knew)
And paus'd, impatiently and proud, to wait
The slow approach of Heaven's eternal King,
And flapt the air with wide-extended wing.
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Soon their steep course the stately birds resume,
Wafting the Pair Immortal to the sky,
And higher toss the head and spread the plume
As onward, in more measur'd pace, they fly,
By Juno guided with bright reins, where bloom
Flowers of all hues, that change—but never die:
To Heaven's blue arch their glittering way they take,
And gorgeous entrance at its portals make.
Wafting the Pair Immortal to the sky,
And higher toss the head and spread the plume
As onward, in more measur'd pace, they fly,
By Juno guided with bright reins, where bloom
Flowers of all hues, that change—but never die:
To Heaven's blue arch their glittering way they take,
And gorgeous entrance at its portals make.
Meanwhile, in Samos, reverend flamens build
An altar, sacred to Olympia's name:
Tall oaks, on which so late sweet songsters trill'd
Their merry lays, now deck the holy frame,
And golden censers, with rich incense fill'd,
O'er the vast pile emit a perfum'd flame;
Whilst little hands o'er all are scattering flowers,
Belov'd by Juno in her infant hours.
An altar, sacred to Olympia's name:
Tall oaks, on which so late sweet songsters trill'd
Their merry lays, now deck the holy frame,
And golden censers, with rich incense fill'd,
O'er the vast pile emit a perfum'd flame;
Whilst little hands o'er all are scattering flowers,
Belov'd by Juno in her infant hours.
No bloody offering on the shrine is shown;
Nor guiltless lamb depriv'd of cherish'd life;
But fruits and herbage of the earth are strown
Upon the altar's top, with beauty rife:
The flames break forth, by gentle breezes blown
And fann'd with their light pinions into strife;
Till, quickly rising, they to Heaven ascend,
And with their force the winds no more contend.
Nor guiltless lamb depriv'd of cherish'd life;
But fruits and herbage of the earth are strown
Upon the altar's top, with beauty rife:
The flames break forth, by gentle breezes blown
And fann'd with their light pinions into strife;
Till, quickly rising, they to Heaven ascend,
And with their force the winds no more contend.
Round the high altar little children steal,
In wonder gazing on the offering's glare;
And lovely women by their side reveal
Charms that divide the ardent worship there:
Before the rising fire the flamens kneel,
Whilst, in the midst, with hand outstretch'd in air,
By words one reverend man his thought betrays,
And speaks, with solemn voice, this lay of praise:
In wonder gazing on the offering's glare;
And lovely women by their side reveal
Charms that divide the ardent worship there:
Before the rising fire the flamens kneel,
Whilst, in the midst, with hand outstretch'd in air,
By words one reverend man his thought betrays,
And speaks, with solemn voice, this lay of praise:
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“The grass on Ida's top is green,
And tall oaks seek the marble sky;
Whilst sweet flowers grow each trunk between,
And shedding all their perfumes—die:
On Creta's isle the mountain stands,
As monarch of her fertile lands!
And tall oaks seek the marble sky;
Whilst sweet flowers grow each trunk between,
And shedding all their perfumes—die:
On Creta's isle the mountain stands,
As monarch of her fertile lands!
“O'er all the Cyclades it towers,
And sees bright billows lave the beach;
Whilst upward to the heavenly bowers
Its verdant summit seems to reach;
And, fill'd with youths and maidens gay,
Crete's hundred cities round it lay.
And sees bright billows lave the beach;
Whilst upward to the heavenly bowers
Its verdant summit seems to reach;
And, fill'd with youths and maidens gay,
Crete's hundred cities round it lay.
“In Ida's mount, a cavorn, cleft
By Nature's hand, looks dim and dark;
And deeply spreads, to right and left,
Further than mortal eye may mark,
Affording, in its secret cells,
Fit place to work forbidden spells.
By Nature's hand, looks dim and dark;
And deeply spreads, to right and left,
Further than mortal eye may mark,
Affording, in its secret cells,
Fit place to work forbidden spells.
“And many a Sybil there will sit,
To mutter forth unholy charm,
Or, mad with the prophetic fit,
The future of its veil disarm,
And, in wild words and mystic verse,
Of Fate the records dark rehearse.
To mutter forth unholy charm,
Or, mad with the prophetic fit,
The future of its veil disarm,
And, in wild words and mystic verse,
Of Fate the records dark rehearse.
“Amalthea sat in Ida's cave,
Her pale cheek on her white arm leaning;
Her eyes a darken'd lustre gave,
Replete with a mysterious meaning—
And round her flow'd a zoneless shroud,
Black as the dismal thunder-cloud!
Her pale cheek on her white arm leaning;
Her eyes a darken'd lustre gave,
Replete with a mysterious meaning—
And round her flow'd a zoneless shroud,
Black as the dismal thunder-cloud!
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“Down to the earth her tresses stole,
More dark than jetty raven's wing;
And round her head a wreath, like coal,
Was plac'd to check their wandering—
A coal-like wreath; but diamonds slept
Beneath the shade that o'er them crept.
More dark than jetty raven's wing;
And round her head a wreath, like coal,
Was plac'd to check their wandering—
A coal-like wreath; but diamonds slept
Beneath the shade that o'er them crept.
“Thro' flowing locks her hands were straying;
Her eyes were fixed upon the ground—
(Vision of hidden things betraying)
Then wildly gaz'd on all around:
This wondrous lay the Sybil weaves—
And gives to air the written leaves:
Her eyes were fixed upon the ground—
(Vision of hidden things betraying)
Then wildly gaz'd on all around:
This wondrous lay the Sybil weaves—
And gives to air the written leaves:
“‘Strike the cymbals loud and long,
Priests of Cybele! in the gale;
Let their music, join'd with song,
Above the young God's cries prevail:—
Louder and still louder strike—
Make the tumult thunder-like!
Priests of Cybele! in the gale;
Let their music, join'd with song,
Above the young God's cries prevail:—
Louder and still louder strike—
Make the tumult thunder-like!
“‘With milk of the goat and with balm of the bee,
I fed the young God on my Sybil's soft knee;
And the young God laugh'd,
As the juice he quaff'd,
And laugh'd and drank right merrily!
I fed the young God on my Sybil's soft knee;
And the young God laugh'd,
As the juice he quaff'd,
And laugh'd and drank right merrily!
“‘Old Saturn is bound in a dungeon drear,
Where day-light yet never hath shone;
No accent—no sound can the Titan hear:
For Silence sits there on her throne!
Despair and a chain
Are all that remain
Of the kingdom so lately his own.
Where day-light yet never hath shone;
No accent—no sound can the Titan hear:
For Silence sits there on her throne!
Despair and a chain
Are all that remain
Of the kingdom so lately his own.
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“‘Lo! lo! the wild thunder
His prison asunder
Hath burst—and he rises again
To the star-cover'd seats of his glory;—
The young God hath rent the vile chain
That bound down the Deity hoary!
His prison asunder
Hath burst—and he rises again
To the star-cover'd seats of his glory;—
The young God hath rent the vile chain
That bound down the Deity hoary!
“‘I madden! I madden! By Tiber's river
Old Saturn wanders on for ever;
His kingdom lost—his glory gone,
Not his the earth he treads upon:—
Jove sits on high,
And rules the sky
In majesty alone!
Old Saturn wanders on for ever;
His kingdom lost—his glory gone,
Not his the earth he treads upon:—
Jove sits on high,
And rules the sky
In majesty alone!
“‘I madden! I madden! and Heaven's blue cope
Hath all its glitt'ring portals ope;
And a bird-drawn car
Is wafting afar,
Slowly slowly, envelop'd in light,
With the God of the Thunder, unbearably bright:
By the Deity's side
A Goddess doth ride,
And the portals of Heaven close over their flight!’
Hath all its glitt'ring portals ope;
And a bird-drawn car
Is wafting afar,
Slowly slowly, envelop'd in light,
With the God of the Thunder, unbearably bright:
By the Deity's side
A Goddess doth ride,
And the portals of Heaven close over their flight!’
“The Sybil paus'd: then up she rose,
Pluck'd from her hair the coal-like wreath,
(Less black than were th' unearthly brows
That arch'd her bright dark orbs beneath)
Her tresses round in wildness flung,
And thns again prophetic sung:—
Pluck'd from her hair the coal-like wreath,
(Less black than were th' unearthly brows
That arch'd her bright dark orbs beneath)
Her tresses round in wildness flung,
And thns again prophetic sung:—
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“‘Fair Infant of Samos! to thee it is given
To be Queen of the Earth—to be Mistress of Heaven;
The souls of the mighty, the hearts of the proud
Down—down to the dust at thy footstool have bow'd;
The Monarchs of Earth and the Gods of the sky
Shall shake at a glance of thy far-beaming eye,
And maidens, to quench burning passion's wild flame,
Will kneel ere they slumber, and worship thy name!
To be Queen of the Earth—to be Mistress of Heaven;
The souls of the mighty, the hearts of the proud
Down—down to the dust at thy footstool have bow'd;
The Monarchs of Earth and the Gods of the sky
Shall shake at a glance of thy far-beaming eye,
And maidens, to quench burning passion's wild flame,
Will kneel ere they slumber, and worship thy name!
“‘See! see!—her hand
The fiery brand
Whirls far along the trembling air;
From pole to pole
The thunders roll,
And all her mighty power declare!
The fiery brand
Whirls far along the trembling air;
From pole to pole
The thunders roll,
And all her mighty power declare!
“‘Mother of Hebe! Mother of Mars!
Ruler of Earth! and Queen of the Stars!
Thy temples shall spread o'er the isles of the sea,
And Dido's proud city bend lowly to thee;
The Heroes of Greece and the conquerors of Rome
To thy altars, in lowly devotion, shall come;
With their banners of triumph for ever unfurl'd,
And the swords in their hands which have vanquish'd the world!’
Ruler of Earth! and Queen of the Stars!
Thy temples shall spread o'er the isles of the sea,
And Dido's proud city bend lowly to thee;
The Heroes of Greece and the conquerors of Rome
To thy altars, in lowly devotion, shall come;
With their banners of triumph for ever unfurl'd,
And the swords in their hands which have vanquish'd the world!’
“The song was sung—and to her cell,
Far in the darkness of the cave,
The Sybil went to dream of Hell
And all the horrors of the grave:
Foul fiends watch'd o'er her troubled slumber,
And gave her visions without number.
Far in the darkness of the cave,
The Sybil went to dream of Hell
And all the horrors of the grave:
Foul fiends watch'd o'er her troubled slumber,
And gave her visions without number.
33
“Olympia, hail! The Sybil's truth
Shall be reveal'd in aftertime,
When thou, in thine immortal youth,
Shalt bloom in Heaven's eternal clime,
And there among the Gods reside,
Almighty Jove's unrivall'd Bride!
Shall be reveal'd in aftertime,
When thou, in thine immortal youth,
Shalt bloom in Heaven's eternal clime,
And there among the Gods reside,
Almighty Jove's unrivall'd Bride!
“Great Juno, hail!—and gracious smile
Upon the sacrifice we pay;
And ever bless thy native isle—
The island where thy childhood lay:
Hail, Queen of Heaven, of Earth and Air!
And listen to thy flamen's prayer.”
Upon the sacrifice we pay;
And ever bless thy native isle—
The island where thy childhood lay:
Hail, Queen of Heaven, of Earth and Air!
And listen to thy flamen's prayer.”
The flamen ceased.—And now, from all the skies,
Is heard a sound as of ten thousand lyres;
And songs from heavenly tongues in concert rise,
Telling of gentle loves and fond desires:
The music rises now—now softly dies,
And now again the list'ning soul inspires,
Alternate varying in its burst and fall,
And the charm'd senses holding at its call.
Is heard a sound as of ten thousand lyres;
And songs from heavenly tongues in concert rise,
Telling of gentle loves and fond desires:
The music rises now—now softly dies,
And now again the list'ning soul inspires,
Alternate varying in its burst and fall,
And the charm'd senses holding at its call.
Then slowly, slowly the blue skies recede,
And from their bosoms fling a glorious flood
Of light, of golden light, which doth exceed
All human thought, and glitters as imbued
With colors from their rainbow-prison freed,
Bright with eternal beauty—many hued;
And new-born radiance, as of countless suns,
Thro' all the Universe increasing runs!
And from their bosoms fling a glorious flood
Of light, of golden light, which doth exceed
All human thought, and glitters as imbued
With colors from their rainbow-prison freed,
Bright with eternal beauty—many hued;
And new-born radiance, as of countless suns,
Thro' all the Universe increasing runs!
34
The Heavens are open'd, and the mingled speech
Of their immortal dwellers, sounding sweet
In melody divine, men's ears doth reach,
Enchanting them with music: glittering feet,
Thick as clear pebbles on the wave-wash'd beach,
Now sparkling part and now in splendor meet;
And far as mortal vision can behold
Extends one wide and glowing sea of gold!
Of their immortal dwellers, sounding sweet
In melody divine, men's ears doth reach,
Enchanting them with music: glittering feet,
Thick as clear pebbles on the wave-wash'd beach,
Now sparkling part and now in splendor meet;
And far as mortal vision can behold
Extends one wide and glowing sea of gold!
There Jove in radiance sat—and at his nod
All things with renovated beauty blush'd;
And, trembling in the presence of their God,
Into mute adoration men were hush'd,
And view'd upon the verdure which they trod
Arise unnumber'd flowers, from whence there gush'd
An overpowering fragrance, and the light
Of all their various hues shone starry-bright.
All things with renovated beauty blush'd;
And, trembling in the presence of their God,
Into mute adoration men were hush'd,
And view'd upon the verdure which they trod
Arise unnumber'd flowers, from whence there gush'd
An overpowering fragrance, and the light
Of all their various hues shone starry-bright.
Beside him Juno rested on her throne,
Crown'd with a ray-emitting diadem;—
Ceaseless the many-color'd glory shone,
As if a spirit in each lustrous gem
Were smiling ever with delight alone:
A golden circle did the jewels hem,
And each appear'd as Cynthia, when around
Her glowing orb the halo's ring is bound.
Crown'd with a ray-emitting diadem;—
Ceaseless the many-color'd glory shone,
As if a spirit in each lustrous gem
Were smiling ever with delight alone:
A golden circle did the jewels hem,
And each appear'd as Cynthia, when around
Her glowing orb the halo's ring is bound.
Her hand a sceptre fill'd, on which was plac'd
A Cuckoo, sweet memento of her love!
And stately peacocks at her side were grac'd
By many a heavenly smile, which aye could move
Their plumage into air; and then they pac'd
Around her proudly, and officious strove
To show her all their beauty—then, again,
Down at her feet reclin'd, with motion vain.
A Cuckoo, sweet memento of her love!
And stately peacocks at her side were grac'd
By many a heavenly smile, which aye could move
Their plumage into air; and then they pac'd
Around her proudly, and officious strove
To show her all their beauty—then, again,
Down at her feet reclin'd, with motion vain.
35
Fair flowers by lovely hands were round her spread,
'Mong which the poppy's hues conspicuous laid;
The lily by their side its odors shed,
Nor snow-like garb its little leaves display'd;
For dies more splendid now adorn'd its head,
And in deep purple it appear'd array'd;—
In after times it took a rayless vest,
And owed its whiteness unto Juno's breast.
'Mong which the poppy's hues conspicuous laid;
The lily by their side its odors shed,
Nor snow-like garb its little leaves display'd;
For dies more splendid now adorn'd its head,
And in deep purple it appear'd array'd;—
In after times it took a rayless vest,
And owed its whiteness unto Juno's breast.
Behind her Iris in her beauty came,
Divinely smiling thro' celestial tears;
Partly dark clouds surround her airy frame,
And deck'd with sunshine half her form appears:
With graceful arm, the smiling, weeping dame
A mass of blended colors gayly rears,
And flings it high:—then, quickly, o'er the skies
The Rainbow glitters with its mingled dies.
Divinely smiling thro' celestial tears;
Partly dark clouds surround her airy frame,
And deck'd with sunshine half her form appears:
With graceful arm, the smiling, weeping dame
A mass of blended colors gayly rears,
And flings it high:—then, quickly, o'er the skies
The Rainbow glitters with its mingled dies.
The mighty Neptune left his wave-girt home,
In grandeur rising from the boundless Ocean,
And upward glided to the aërial dome,
Drawn by two winged steeds, whose rapid motion
Outstript his billows when they highest foam;
Their stately heads they toss'd in proud devotion,
And champ'd the golden bit and shook the thong
Which curb'd their fury as they swept along.
In grandeur rising from the boundless Ocean,
And upward glided to the aërial dome,
Drawn by two winged steeds, whose rapid motion
Outstript his billows when they highest foam;
Their stately heads they toss'd in proud devotion,
And champ'd the golden bit and shook the thong
Which curb'd their fury as they swept along.
The Heavens received him, and the steeds return'd,
With the deserted chariot, to the sea;
Disdainfully the wondering air they spurn'd,
And wafted on their course with haughty glee:
The coursers now along the waters burn'd,
Which lav'd their panting sides tumultuously;—
Swiftly they cut the billows, in their strength,
And sank beneath them to their home at length.
With the deserted chariot, to the sea;
Disdainfully the wondering air they spurn'd,
And wafted on their course with haughty glee:
The coursers now along the waters burn'd,
Which lav'd their panting sides tumultuously;—
Swiftly they cut the billows, in their strength,
And sank beneath them to their home at length.
36
From Enna's weeping fount, by bards oft sung,
(Nam'd from the Nymph who dar'd his power resist—
The beautiful Cyane—) Pluto sprung,
Surrounded by a dim and fire-fraught mist:
Beside him sat Persephone, still young,
And beauteous as when first her red lip kist
Her lov'd Sicanian flowers, whilst round they threw
Perfumes, made sweeter by Aurora's dew.
(Nam'd from the Nymph who dar'd his power resist—
The beautiful Cyane—) Pluto sprung,
Surrounded by a dim and fire-fraught mist:
Beside him sat Persephone, still young,
And beauteous as when first her red lip kist
Her lov'd Sicanian flowers, whilst round they threw
Perfumes, made sweeter by Aurora's dew.
Four sullen steeds along the trembling air
Drew the mute Monarch of the Realms of Woe,
In a sulphureous car, whose fearful glare
Did sudden terror on the earth bestow:
Unto the Heavens their gloomy Lord they bare;
Then quickly sought the gloomy shades below,
Whilst the fierce King assum'd his skiey throne
And sat in dark magnificence alone.
Drew the mute Monarch of the Realms of Woe,
In a sulphureous car, whose fearful glare
Did sudden terror on the earth bestow:
Unto the Heavens their gloomy Lord they bare;
Then quickly sought the gloomy shades below,
Whilst the fierce King assum'd his skiey throne
And sat in dark magnificence alone.
His bride past onward to the glorious band
Of heavenly Powers that round Olympia mov'd:
There Phœbus and Diana, hand in hand,
Admir'd by every eye, exulting rov'd,—
(He mindless of lost Daphne's beauty bland,
And she forgetful that Endymion lov'd—)
And all the Gods that fill'd the etherial space
Paid deep devotion to Olympia's face.
Of heavenly Powers that round Olympia mov'd:
There Phœbus and Diana, hand in hand,
Admir'd by every eye, exulting rov'd,—
(He mindless of lost Daphne's beauty bland,
And she forgetful that Endymion lov'd—)
And all the Gods that fill'd the etherial space
Paid deep devotion to Olympia's face.
Hush'd were the waters—and, receding, show'd
The Paphian Goddess mounting thro' the wave,
In a transparent shell, whose beauty glow'd
With the rare lustre that bright sea-gems gave,
Making the waters glitter, as they flow'd
In music by them;—and young Naiads clave
The bosom of the Deep, or, on the rocks,
Stood blitbely playing with their weltering locks.
The Paphian Goddess mounting thro' the wave,
In a transparent shell, whose beauty glow'd
With the rare lustre that bright sea-gems gave,
Making the waters glitter, as they flow'd
In music by them;—and young Naiads clave
The bosom of the Deep, or, on the rocks,
Stood blitbely playing with their weltering locks.
37
Thro' the glad Nymphs Dione onward swept
And smil'd on all their gambols as she past;
Whilst sounds of melody around them crept,
From Ocean-lyres upon the waters cast:
Huge Dolphins from their slumber swiftly leapt
And circled the bright Queen, who glided fast
Within her wave-born car, and gaily bore,
Glowing with beauty, to the Cyprian shore.
And smil'd on all their gambols as she past;
Whilst sounds of melody around them crept,
From Ocean-lyres upon the waters cast:
Huge Dolphins from their slumber swiftly leapt
And circled the bright Queen, who glided fast
Within her wave-born car, and gaily bore,
Glowing with beauty, to the Cyprian shore.
Thither the wide shell floated, 'mid the rays
Of its own brilliance with the sun-beams mix'd,
(Bright as a meteor which at midnight strays
The cloudy skies and wondering earth betwixt)
Filling all eyes that view'd it with amaze—
And where it left the sight they still were fix'd,
As loath to deem it vanish'd: on it flash'd,
Brightening the waters as they round it dash'd.
Of its own brilliance with the sun-beams mix'd,
(Bright as a meteor which at midnight strays
The cloudy skies and wondering earth betwixt)
Filling all eyes that view'd it with amaze—
And where it left the sight they still were fix'd,
As loath to deem it vanish'd: on it flash'd,
Brightening the waters as they round it dash'd.
The car hath paus'd upon the Cyprian coast,
And she, the Queen of Pleasure, treads the earth,
Fair as when first, upon the billows tost,
She rose exulting in her wondrous birth:
Her forehead white a wreath of myrtle crost,
And roses shaded her blue eyes of mirth;
Round her fine form the charmed zone was plac'd,
And robes, by Nereids wov'n, the Goddess grac'd.
And she, the Queen of Pleasure, treads the earth,
Fair as when first, upon the billows tost,
She rose exulting in her wondrous birth:
Her forehead white a wreath of myrtle crost,
And roses shaded her blue eyes of mirth;
Round her fine form the charmed zone was plac'd,
And robes, by Nereids wov'n, the Goddess grac'd.
Back to its distant cave the bright shell went,
The dolphins still disporting at its side,
Proud of the splendor which its beauty lent
To them, the dwellers of the Ocean wide:
The air with foam their splashing tails besprent;
Their thick scales glitter'd thro' th' illumin'd tide;
Till the sea-chariot sank, as if to sleep,
And left them dark'ning in their native Deep.
The dolphins still disporting at its side,
Proud of the splendor which its beauty lent
To them, the dwellers of the Ocean wide:
The air with foam their splashing tails besprent;
Their thick scales glitter'd thro' th' illumin'd tide;
Till the sea-chariot sank, as if to sleep,
And left them dark'ning in their native Deep.
38
It sank: and from afar came Cupid, thron'd
In rosy state, unarm'd and laughing loud:
Unto the Cyprian chariot doves were bound,
And meekly cut the air; whilst sparrows, proud
Of that they circled, flutter'd round and round,
And swans, snow-white, before the young God bow'd,
Small wreaths of myrtle bearing in their bill,
And sorrowing, as they went, for Phaeton still.
In rosy state, unarm'd and laughing loud:
Unto the Cyprian chariot doves were bound,
And meekly cut the air; whilst sparrows, proud
Of that they circled, flutter'd round and round,
And swans, snow-white, before the young God bow'd,
Small wreaths of myrtle bearing in their bill,
And sorrowing, as they went, for Phaeton still.
On his fond bosom Psyche's beauty lay,
Light as a rainless cloud upon the skies;—
Psyche the insect-wing'd, for ever gay
And holding a blue Heaven within her eyes;
Hallow'd by loveliness, o'er which Decay,
With its time-telling hues, was ne'er to rise;
But there she sat within the Boy-God's arms—
Her love immortal as her matchless charms!
Light as a rainless cloud upon the skies;—
Psyche the insect-wing'd, for ever gay
And holding a blue Heaven within her eyes;
Hallow'd by loveliness, o'er which Decay,
With its time-telling hues, was ne'er to rise;
But there she sat within the Boy-God's arms—
Her love immortal as her matchless charms!
One moment paus'd they on the Cyprian strand;
Then cut the air again as swift as thought,
Dione bearing from the moisten'd sand,
Who blest her offspring and his kisses sought:
Onward careering, by gay Zephyrs fann'd
And girt with odors from Arabia brought,
They on each other smil'd, and frequent spoke
Sweet words that sham'd the silence which they broke.
Then cut the air again as swift as thought,
Dione bearing from the moisten'd sand,
Who blest her offspring and his kisses sought:
Onward careering, by gay Zephyrs fann'd
And girt with odors from Arabia brought,
They on each other smil'd, and frequent spoke
Sweet words that sham'd the silence which they broke.
The yielding bosom of the winds they cleav'd,
In grandeur moving to their mansions blue;
Till Heaven the ever-cooing doves receiv'd,
Which seem'd all conscious of the charms they drew:
The Nymphs of Ocean, of their Queen bereav'd,
Gaz'd on her beauty as thro' air she flew;
Whilst her approach the glad Gods mark'd with joy,
And much they Psyche prais'd, and more the Boy.
In grandeur moving to their mansions blue;
Till Heaven the ever-cooing doves receiv'd,
Which seem'd all conscious of the charms they drew:
The Nymphs of Ocean, of their Queen bereav'd,
Gaz'd on her beauty as thro' air she flew;
Whilst her approach the glad Gods mark'd with joy,
And much they Psyche prais'd, and more the Boy.
39
Cupid rov'd sporting thro' the glitt'ring scene,
And o'er him Psyche wafted, as he went;
Whilst Venus glided all the Gods between,
And at Olympia's feet, half-smiling, bent:
Then, passing on, with slow and graceful mien,
At every step fresh beauties round her blent;
Till to her radiant throne the Queen drew nigh,
And sat the peerless dweller of the sky!
And o'er him Psyche wafted, as he went;
Whilst Venus glided all the Gods between,
And at Olympia's feet, half-smiling, bent:
Then, passing on, with slow and graceful mien,
At every step fresh beauties round her blent;
Till to her radiant throne the Queen drew nigh,
And sat the peerless dweller of the sky!
Then went the mandate forth—and all that dwelt
On earth, or in the Ocean, rush'd abroad,
Fill'd with devotion's fires, and Nature felt,
In the great presence of Immortals, awed:
Man and his sister woman humbly knelt
Th' eternal glories of the Gods to laud,
And universal songs of praise gave forth,
From the wide Indus to the frozen North.
On earth, or in the Ocean, rush'd abroad,
Fill'd with devotion's fires, and Nature felt,
In the great presence of Immortals, awed:
Man and his sister woman humbly knelt
Th' eternal glories of the Gods to laud,
And universal songs of praise gave forth,
From the wide Indus to the frozen North.
The dwellers of the waves, that long had bided
In coral caverns, 'mid the ceaseless noise
Of moaning billows, or by rocks resided,
No music hearing but the Syren's voice,
Now boldly on the water's surface glided,
And shouted to the kindling air—‘Rejoice!’
Their dwelling at the word the Syrens left,
And sang to every billow which they cleft.
In coral caverns, 'mid the ceaseless noise
Of moaning billows, or by rocks resided,
No music hearing but the Syren's voice,
Now boldly on the water's surface glided,
And shouted to the kindling air—‘Rejoice!’
Their dwelling at the word the Syrens left,
And sang to every billow which they cleft.
The fish leapt up;—then sought the wave again,
And round the Ocean-weeds unceasing danc'd;
The brindled lion left his forest-den,
And harmless with the gentle lamb advanc'd;
Sent forth the birds their praises from the glen,
Whilst merry fawns along the greensward pranc'd,
Crazy with joy, and saw the purblind mole
At noontide looking from his winding hole.
And round the Ocean-weeds unceasing danc'd;
The brindled lion left his forest-den,
And harmless with the gentle lamb advanc'd;
Sent forth the birds their praises from the glen,
Whilst merry fawns along the greensward pranc'd,
Crazy with joy, and saw the purblind mole
At noontide looking from his winding hole.
40
One stream of merriment tumultuous ran
Throughout the Universe, and sounds of praise
Unto Olympia's majesty began
From every lip to burst in thrilling lays;
And all things breathing round their ruler, man,
Stood joyous, turning to the Heavens their gaze;
And the Immortals, as their skies unfurl'd,
Saw spread before them one rejoicing world!
Throughout the Universe, and sounds of praise
Unto Olympia's majesty began
From every lip to burst in thrilling lays;
And all things breathing round their ruler, man,
Stood joyous, turning to the Heavens their gaze;
And the Immortals, as their skies unfurl'd,
Saw spread before them one rejoicing world!
Why frowns Olympia? All the Gods that dwell
In the wide Heavens pay homage to her power,
And mortals, bending low, her glories tell
And bless the Goddess in her nuptial hour;—
Throughout the world rejoicing praises swell,
And life immortal is her glorious dower;—
But yet she frowns upon her Heaven-girt throne,
And from his station calls the Pleiad's Son.
In the wide Heavens pay homage to her power,
And mortals, bending low, her glories tell
And bless the Goddess in her nuptial hour;—
Throughout the world rejoicing praises swell,
And life immortal is her glorious dower;—
But yet she frowns upon her Heaven-girt throne,
And from his station calls the Pleiad's Son.
The swift God hears the summons in the sphere
Where, by his Mother's side, he reigns retir'd:
Soon on his feet the glitt'ring wings appear,
Which seem at once with inspiration fir'd
And wave unceasing; then, his rod of fear,
With magic by Latona's Son inspir'd,
He grasps exultingly, and o'er his head
The sacred cap, by Jove bestow'd, is spread.
Where, by his Mother's side, he reigns retir'd:
Soon on his feet the glitt'ring wings appear,
Which seem at once with inspiration fir'd
And wave unceasing; then, his rod of fear,
With magic by Latona's Son inspir'd,
He grasps exultingly, and o'er his head
The sacred cap, by Jove bestow'd, is spread.
He hastens from his orb, and quickly stands
Before the throne of Heaven's relentless Queen:
Unseen by all he takes her high commands,
And glides, invisible, the Gods between;
Soon passes thro' their thick and radiant bands,
And leaves behind him all the eternal sheen:
The light air knows no burthen as he flies,
Nor feels the earth the Herald of the Skies!
Before the throne of Heaven's relentless Queen:
Unseen by all he takes her high commands,
And glides, invisible, the Gods between;
Soon passes thro' their thick and radiant bands,
And leaves behind him all the eternal sheen:
The light air knows no burthen as he flies,
Nor feels the earth the Herald of the Skies!
41
Where is Chelone? Earth's most beauteous maid!
Why comes she not rejoicing with the rest?
Why, when the Gods have all their host display'd,
No sounds to Heaven have her sweet lips address'd?
Why hath she only from its glories staid?
Of mortal girls the loveliest and the best!
Why, when devotion spreads the wide world thro',
Should she alone withhold her praises due?
Why comes she not rejoicing with the rest?
Why, when the Gods have all their host display'd,
No sounds to Heaven have her sweet lips address'd?
Why hath she only from its glories staid?
Of mortal girls the loveliest and the best!
Why, when devotion spreads the wide world thro',
Should she alone withhold her praises due?
Young, beautiful Chelone!—never yet
Did flowers shed perfume on a form more fair;
And never hues so soft in violets met
(When their fresh bosoms kiss the vernal air,
And languish, with the showers of April wet,)
As those which her blue eyes for ever bear,
Full of enchantment as the skies above
And speaking to all hearts of bliss and love!
Did flowers shed perfume on a form more fair;
And never hues so soft in violets met
(When their fresh bosoms kiss the vernal air,
And languish, with the showers of April wet,)
As those which her blue eyes for ever bear,
Full of enchantment as the skies above
And speaking to all hearts of bliss and love!
She lov'd not solitude—her gentle heart
Was proud to be a captive, and to feel
Divided pleasure; she had not the art
To cherish thoughts of passion—nor reveal;
From what she doted on to seem apart,
And the deep secrets of her breast conceal:—
Her lips told not her feelings, but her eye
Was far more eloquent than word, or sigh.
Was proud to be a captive, and to feel
Divided pleasure; she had not the art
To cherish thoughts of passion—nor reveal;
From what she doted on to seem apart,
And the deep secrets of her breast conceal:—
Her lips told not her feelings, but her eye
Was far more eloquent than word, or sigh.
She needed, ivy-like, some friendly bough
Whereon to hang her beauty and her joy;
Some kindred spirit to repeat her vow,
And render back her love without alloy:
Alas! that passion should no rest allow,
And the deep feelings of the soul destroy!
Her love was her destruction, and the truth
Of her young heart brought woe in early youth.
Whereon to hang her beauty and her joy;
Some kindred spirit to repeat her vow,
And render back her love without alloy:
Alas! that passion should no rest allow,
And the deep feelings of the soul destroy!
Her love was her destruction, and the truth
Of her young heart brought woe in early youth.
42
She sits in Tempe's leaf-encircled vale,
Where Peneus, sorrowing for his child, is flowing;—
Thin clouds his waters in their course exhale,
And on the neighb'ring groves light foam are throwing:
Enipeus and Amphrysus seek the dale,
Each stately tree within their bosoms showing;
And other streams along the valley wind,
Sad comfort whisp'ring to the Parent's mind.
Where Peneus, sorrowing for his child, is flowing;—
Thin clouds his waters in their course exhale,
And on the neighb'ring groves light foam are throwing:
Enipeus and Amphrysus seek the dale,
Each stately tree within their bosoms showing;
And other streams along the valley wind,
Sad comfort whisp'ring to the Parent's mind.
The varying colors which her cheek bedeck
Have beauty that no gem of earth can show;
And wreaths of pearls, upon her spotless neck
Glitter, like hoar-frost o'er a world of snow,
When the moon shines and many a starry speck
From its blue home sends forth a feeble glow:
Her eyes are rais'd, but far apart from Heaven
Rove the fond feelings thro' her bosom driven!
Have beauty that no gem of earth can show;
And wreaths of pearls, upon her spotless neck
Glitter, like hoar-frost o'er a world of snow,
When the moon shines and many a starry speck
From its blue home sends forth a feeble glow:
Her eyes are rais'd, but far apart from Heaven
Rove the fond feelings thro' her bosom driven!
She thinks upon her lover, and the thought
Regardless makes her of all else beside;
The music, the rejoicing seem as nought—
Full loudly now they swell, and now have died,
And yet she hears not, for her soul is fraught
With passionate sensations, and the tide
Of overwhelming love shuts out the sound
Of the wild jubilee that floats around.
Regardless makes her of all else beside;
The music, the rejoicing seem as nought—
Full loudly now they swell, and now have died,
And yet she hears not, for her soul is fraught
With passionate sensations, and the tide
Of overwhelming love shuts out the sound
Of the wild jubilee that floats around.
Her red lips part: and first, a single word
Glides o'er their ruby, gentle as the breeze
Which, in the summer months, at eve is heard
To sport in dalliance with the grateful trees;
Then more she speaks—e'en so a tuneful bird
With first a note and then a song doth please:
Her voice at length flows on, and, with her head
Leant on her hand, these love-taught words are said:
Glides o'er their ruby, gentle as the breeze
Which, in the summer months, at eve is heard
To sport in dalliance with the grateful trees;
Then more she speaks—e'en so a tuneful bird
With first a note and then a song doth please:
Her voice at length flows on, and, with her head
Leant on her hand, these love-taught words are said:
43
“Oh, that the heart should tremble at a kiss!
E'en as the strings of some melodious lute,
Beneath the hand that strikes;—that such wild bliss
Should linger in a gaze! Tho' tongues be mute
And in the eloquence of speech remiss,
Still eyes speak thrilling language, and forth shoot
Fire to the doting heart, and make it quake
With thoughts of passion, that have power to break!
E'en as the strings of some melodious lute,
Beneath the hand that strikes;—that such wild bliss
Should linger in a gaze! Tho' tongues be mute
And in the eloquence of speech remiss,
Still eyes speak thrilling language, and forth shoot
Fire to the doting heart, and make it quake
With thoughts of passion, that have power to break!
“Joy—joy to sit, by moonlight, on the hills,
Twin'd in a lover's fond, endearing arms!
The white Diana with her beauty fills
All air—all space, and, as by magic, charms
The elements to silence; o'er the rills
Breathes silver, and the depths of Ocean calms
Into wide rest,—e'en as a mother's singing
Lulls the lov'd infant to her bosom clinging.
Twin'd in a lover's fond, endearing arms!
The white Diana with her beauty fills
All air—all space, and, as by magic, charms
The elements to silence; o'er the rills
Breathes silver, and the depths of Ocean calms
Into wide rest,—e'en as a mother's singing
Lulls the lov'd infant to her bosom clinging.
“Then rise the feelings that make life a dream,
And turn all speech into a single sigh:
The stars have beauty, and the moon's pale gleam,
Can glad the bosom and delight the eye;
Till love obscures their glory, when they seem,
But as fair things to light it:—the reply
Of beating heart to heart—of soul to soul,
Shuts up the senses and demands the whole!
And turn all speech into a single sigh:
The stars have beauty, and the moon's pale gleam,
Can glad the bosom and delight the eye;
Till love obscures their glory, when they seem,
But as fair things to light it:—the reply
Of beating heart to heart—of soul to soul,
Shuts up the senses and demands the whole!
“Oh, Love! young Deity of boundless might,
Trampling o'er youthful hearts, and giving life
To musings that exist but in the light
Of thy far-beaming torch—divine and rife
With unimaginable sweetness; thoughts which write
Their records in the breast, and with the strife
Of passionate enjoyment pure hearts fill,
Which, but for thee, might have been tranquil still!
Trampling o'er youthful hearts, and giving life
To musings that exist but in the light
Of thy far-beaming torch—divine and rife
With unimaginable sweetness; thoughts which write
Their records in the breast, and with the strife
Of passionate enjoyment pure hearts fill,
Which, but for thee, might have been tranquil still!
44
“'Tis strange!—for even the tumultuous sense
Of joy which passion to the young heart yields
Is mingled with sad fears; but why, or whence
They rise we know not, o'er the bliss that gilds
The hours when love is reigning, and dispense
Clouds to his sunshine: e'en as, o'er the fields,
Light mists will spring upon the glowing green,
When nought but radiance in the skies is seen.
Of joy which passion to the young heart yields
Is mingled with sad fears; but why, or whence
They rise we know not, o'er the bliss that gilds
The hours when love is reigning, and dispense
Clouds to his sunshine: e'en as, o'er the fields,
Light mists will spring upon the glowing green,
When nought but radiance in the skies is seen.
“'Tis said to be unwise to build a nest
Of many hopes upon another's truth;
Nor deem that ought may mar its blissful rest,
Or harsh unkindness blast the days of youth.
It may be, Love!—and that thy visions blest,
Of gay-wing'd joy and undecaying ruth,
Are but as beauteous clouds of airy lightness,
Which prove but vapor cloth'd in fleeting brightness:
Of many hopes upon another's truth;
Nor deem that ought may mar its blissful rest,
Or harsh unkindness blast the days of youth.
It may be, Love!—and that thy visions blest,
Of gay-wing'd joy and undecaying ruth,
Are but as beauteous clouds of airy lightness,
Which prove but vapor cloth'd in fleeting brightness:
“Yet will I still love on!”—Chelone's tongue
Here ceas'd its music, and her long trance broke:
Then, all at once, she heard the sounds which rung
Around and Echo from her slumber woke:
Amaz'd, affrighted, on her feet she sprung
And call'd her lover—but no lover spoke,
For he had staid to worship with the crowd
That, far from Tempe's vale, to Juno bow'd.
Here ceas'd its music, and her long trance broke:
Then, all at once, she heard the sounds which rung
Around and Echo from her slumber woke:
Amaz'd, affrighted, on her feet she sprung
And call'd her lover—but no lover spoke,
For he had staid to worship with the crowd
That, far from Tempe's vale, to Juno bow'd.
She stood and shudder'd; and her bosom beat,
As if forewarning of a grief to come;
Scarce can she trust unto her trembling feet
To move in safety towards her neighb'ring home:
She slowly turns; when, lo! Cyllenius fleet
Stands in the path to work her fearful doom,
Waves his charm'd wand—and sad Chelone roves
A silent tortoise thro' her native groves.
As if forewarning of a grief to come;
Scarce can she trust unto her trembling feet
To move in safety towards her neighb'ring home:
She slowly turns; when, lo! Cyllenius fleet
Stands in the path to work her fearful doom,
Waves his charm'd wand—and sad Chelone roves
A silent tortoise thro' her native groves.
45
'Twas done—and Juno smil'd: the Nuptials then
Of the eternal Deities were sped:
Bright eyes look'd star-lit; words which mortal pen
May never venture to transcribe were said;
And sacred vows, beyond terrestrial ken,
Were spoken by rare lips, and tears were shed
From heavenly eyes, which, in their falling, show'd
'Twas in delight, not grief, their crystal flow'd.
Of the eternal Deities were sped:
Bright eyes look'd star-lit; words which mortal pen
May never venture to transcribe were said;
And sacred vows, beyond terrestrial ken,
Were spoken by rare lips, and tears were shed
From heavenly eyes, which, in their falling, show'd
'Twas in delight, not grief, their crystal flow'd.
Thro' all the world appear'd no sign of sadness,
But those look'd joyous who ne'er smil'd before;
Young, merry hearts assum'd unwonted gladness,
And painted Nature lovelier colors bore;
The mirth of the Immortals grew to madness:
The shouts of Sea-Gods drown'd the Ocean's roar,
And Heaven and Earth, with one sublime accord,
Sang Juno, Bride of their eternal Lord!
But those look'd joyous who ne'er smil'd before;
Young, merry hearts assum'd unwonted gladness,
And painted Nature lovelier colors bore;
The mirth of the Immortals grew to madness:
The shouts of Sea-Gods drown'd the Ocean's roar,
And Heaven and Earth, with one sublime accord,
Sang Juno, Bride of their eternal Lord!
They sang. Now finish'd are the sacred rites,
And from the glorious altar they descend—
Jove and his bright Imbrasia—to the heights
Of vast Olympus, whose proud top doth blend
Its grandeur with the stars, and in their lights
Bathes its wide brow in triumph; there they wend
Their way, 'mid glories that no eye could count,
And hail the splendid summit of the mount.
And from the glorious altar they descend—
Jove and his bright Imbrasia—to the heights
Of vast Olympus, whose proud top doth blend
Its grandeur with the stars, and in their lights
Bathes its wide brow in triumph; there they wend
Their way, 'mid glories that no eye could count,
And hail the splendid summit of the mount.
Rare lyres are sounding—and the heavenly Powers,
By slow degrees, desert th' aërial domes:—
Singly they go; as, when the rosy hours
Tell the dark waters that Apollo comes,
The bright stars fade before the rising showers
Of his insufferable beams, and quit their homes
Slowly, reluctantly and one by one,
Abash'd and sorrowing that the Night be gone:—
By slow degrees, desert th' aërial domes:—
Singly they go; as, when the rosy hours
Tell the dark waters that Apollo comes,
The bright stars fade before the rising showers
Of his insufferable beams, and quit their homes
Slowly, reluctantly and one by one,
Abash'd and sorrowing that the Night be gone:—
46
So the great Gods disperse thro' all the skies,
With native brightness glitt'ring on their way:
Grim Pluto to his dreary kingdom hies,
And steed drawn Neptune seeks the Ocean-spray;
Slowly away the golden radiance dies;
And all the splendors of the Heavens decay:
No longer now the thrilling music flows,
And o'er the world th' etherial portals close.
With native brightness glitt'ring on their way:
Grim Pluto to his dreary kingdom hies,
And steed drawn Neptune seeks the Ocean-spray;
Slowly away the golden radiance dies;
And all the splendors of the Heavens decay:
No longer now the thrilling music flows,
And o'er the world th' etherial portals close.
To rest the dwellers of the Earth remove:
Man seeks his home to muse on heav'nly things;
Each bird sleeps silent in its leafy grove,
And every beast to cave and forest springs
The fish all slumber in the cells they love,
And not a Nereid on the Ocean sings;
Far in the Waters Titan veils his light,
And darkens o'er the world the star-presiding Night.
Man seeks his home to muse on heav'nly things;
Each bird sleeps silent in its leafy grove,
And every beast to cave and forest springs
The fish all slumber in the cells they love,
And not a Nereid on the Ocean sings;
Far in the Waters Titan veils his light,
And darkens o'er the world the star-presiding Night.
| Tasso and the Sisters | |