 | The loves of hero and leander |  |
From Bion.
Idyllium II.
A boy, late following in a shady grove,Perch'd on a box, discovers run'way love.
The painted bird with transport he descrys;
(For love appear'd a bird of wond'rous size)
And joins his reeds: which love, in wanton play,
Now here, now there, evades from spray, to spray.
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His useless reeds dash'd furious on the ground.
And to the grove an ancient rustic brought;
By whom, the guileful art, he had been taught.
Told him, how he had lost the charming prize,
And mark'd him where he sat with wishful eyes.
The good old fowler shook his hoary head,
And to his thoughtless scholar smiling said:
‘Pursue him not, but fly thy self away!
‘This bird, assure thee, is a bird of prey.
‘Secure in youth, avoid him while you can,
‘Trust me, my boy, once you arrive at man,
‘He of himself, the bird that lately fled,
‘Shall freely light, and perch upon your head.
| The loves of hero and leander | |