Page:Hero and Leander; a poem (IA heroleanderpoem00musa).pdf/24

 'Are grac'd by Hymen's care, if yet thou love 'The Goddess, thou rever'st, revere the laws, 'Which lure th' enchanted soul to rapture's feast. 'In me behold thy captive; could I boast 'The Husband's happier name! my Hero's charms 'Have link'd a chain indissoluble, such 'As bound the fam'd Alcides, whom the God, 'That grasps the golden wand, an hireling led 'To proud Occhalia's Maid; not Hermes guides 'My soul to Hero's arms, the Queen of Love 'Inspires my suit; thou know'st th' Arcadian tale, 'Know'st Atalanta's fate, the maid, who spurn'd 'Melanion's flame, by angry Venus doom'd 'Humbly to wooe with unavailing sighs 'The youth, she hated; learn, my Hero, learn 'Thy Cytherea's will, nor tempt her frown.'

He ended, softly glides the subtle flame Through Hero's bosom, every note expands The seeds of fond affection, bent to earth Her looks declare her love; the cheek, which boasts More than the rose's bloom, displays the blush Of virgin-modesty, which oft her robe Wraps in its silken fold; her anxious step