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XVI.
THE BASSO-RELIEVO OF JUPITER AND HEBE.
Poised on his mighty wings, Jove's kingly birdStoops to the cup luxurious Hebe fills;
All day those wings the empyrean have stirred,
But now each plume a soft enchantment thrills:
The lone and weary monarch of the skies
Lapt in content, imbibes the draught of Love,
By gentle hands, and tender, watchful eyes,
Nurtured to soar Ambition's flight above.
Fondly majestic bending o'er the urn
Exhaustless as her sympathetic breast,
With calm delight see the fair goddess turn,
Dispensing feel the rapture of her guest,
To show how poor unshared is Nature's wealth
While Love to noble souls alone is health.
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