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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Wretch.
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Wretch.
Now from the Wood shot sudden forth to View,
A Wretch in Rags, that flutter'd as he flew.
The human Form in meager Hunger lost!
The suppliant Stranger more than half a Ghost,
Stretch'd forth his Hands, and pointed to the Coast.
We turn'd to view the Sight:—His Vest was torn,
And all the tatter'd Garb was tagg'd with Thorn.
His Beard hangs long, and Filth the Wretch distains,
And scarce the Shadow of a Man remains.
A Wretch in Rags, that flutter'd as he flew.
The human Form in meager Hunger lost!
The suppliant Stranger more than half a Ghost,
Stretch'd forth his Hands, and pointed to the Coast.
We turn'd to view the Sight:—His Vest was torn,
And all the tatter'd Garb was tagg'd with Thorn.
His Beard hangs long, and Filth the Wretch distains,
And scarce the Shadow of a Man remains.
Soon as our Dardan Dress and Arms he view'd,
In Fear suspended for a Space he stood:
Stood, stop'd, and paus'd:—then springing forth he flies,
All headlong to the Shore with Pray'rs and Cries.
Oh! by this vital Air, the Stars on high,
By ev'ry pitying Pow'r who treads the Sky!
Ye Trojans take me hence; I ask no more:
But bear, Oh! bear me to some other Shore.
In Fear suspended for a Space he stood:
Stood, stop'd, and paus'd:—then springing forth he flies,
All headlong to the Shore with Pray'rs and Cries.
Oh! by this vital Air, the Stars on high,
By ev'ry pitying Pow'r who treads the Sky!
Ye Trojans take me hence; I ask no more:
But bear, Oh! bear me to some other Shore.
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |