University of Virginia Library

The VISIT.

'Twas Noon; and seeking a Retreat
From scorching Phœbus burning Heat,
I to my brighter Mistress came,
To wanton in a Nobler Flame:
When lo! the glaring Lightnings fly
In nimble Fires along the Sky,
And with those Fires loud Thunder went,
That Pealing shook the Firmament!
Pale with her Fear, with Fear half dead,
Trembling into my Arms She fled;
I press'd Her close, o'rejoy'd to find
That Fear had render'd Her more kind.
Now as I clasp'd Her in my Arms,
Possess'd of all her Heav'n of Charms,
Said I, ah! too too tim'rous Maid,
In vain You fly to me for Aid;
For if I Safety cou'd impart,
I had from You secur'd my Heart.
Why do You tremble thus to hear
Thunder, as vain, as is your Fear?
Or from a Lambent Flame retire,
That burns with ineffectual Fire?
Jove, that has lov'd, will Beauty spare;
His Thunder cannot hurt the Fair.
Ah! then bright Goddess, do You save,
Rather do You preserve your Slave;
Your faithful Slave that bleeding lies,
Undone by your Victorious Eyes:
From whence destructive Lightnings stream,
That burn me with a fiercer Flame.