Page:Hero and Leander; a poem (IA heroleanderpoem00musa).pdf/28

 Thus mutual faith the hallow'd union plan'd, And seal'd th' ecstatic myst'ries; Hero's task Constant the flaming minister to tend, Bright pledge of rites nocturnal, his the lot To ride the wave's broad bosom; each departs Reluctant, each intent on nuptial scenes Keeps separation's vigils, to the Tow'r Slow moves her ling'ring step, Leander seeks Abydos' native realm; amid the gloom Of Night's incumbent shade left the wide maze Of waters lure him devious, oft his eye Fondling salutes the Tow'r; approaching joys Their souls anticipate, they wish the hour, The darkling hour, which heals the lover's pain.

At length the Night in robe of fable hue O'ershadows Nature, slumbers soft she brings To all but Thee, Leander; thy lone step Roams the wide shore, list'ning the savage din Of hoarse resounding Ocean; all intent Ev'n now thou gazest on the Torch, thy guide To Hymeneal bliss, ev'n now thou hail'st This Sun of Hope, too soon to set in tears