While, by the taper's trembling light, VIII. But should some chearful, equal friend Bid leave the ftudious page awhile, 65 70 And focial ease on learned toil. Then while, at love's uncareful shrine, 75 Each dictates to the god of wine Her name whom all his hopes obey, What flattering dreams each bosom warm, IX. May, thou delight of heaven and earth, The aufpicious morn, which gives thee birth, 80 85 She moves like that primeval fair: X. And if believing Love can read His better omens in her eye, Then shall my fears, o charming maid, 90 Awhile to rule the vacant sky, II. O Hefper, while the starry throng So may the bridegroom's genial strain So may the bride's unmarried train To Hymen chaunt their flattering vow, Still that his lucky torch may glow With luftre pure as thine. IV. Far other vows must i prefer And lo, from thence, in queft i roam Of Philomela's bower. 20 V. Propitious fend thy golden ray, Let no falfe flame feduce to ftray Where gulph or steep lie hid for harm: May footh afflicted lave. VI. To them, by many a grateful fong In happier seasons vow'd, Thefe lawns, Olympia's haunt, belong: Oft by yon filver ftream we walk'd, Or fix'd, while Philomela talk'd, Beneath yon copfes stood. VII. Nor feldom, where the beechen' boughs We came while her inchanting Mufe Till by a clamorous owl compell'd She fled the folemn fhade. VIII. But hark; i hear her liquid tone. Now, Hefper, guide my feet Down the red marle with mofs o'ergrown, 25 30 35 40 Through yon wild thicket next the plain, Whofe hawthorns choke the winding lane !. Which leads to her retreat. IX. See the green space: on either hand See, in the midst she takes her ftand, Inclos'd in woods profound. 50 X. Hark, how through many a melting note 55 She now prolongs her lays : How fweetly down the void they float! The breeze their magic path attends: The stars fhine out: the foreft bends: The wakeful heifers gaze. XI. Whoe'er thou art whom chance may bring To this fequefter'd spot, If then the plaintive Syren fing, Oh foftly tread beneath her bower, And think of heaven's difpofing power, Of man's uncertain lot. |