Page:Hero and Leander; a poem (IA heroleanderpoem00musa).pdf/31

 Hail, nuptial couch! rest of the social choir, Of strains harmonious rest!_no bard attunes The gratulating lyre, no genial lamp Sheds Hymeneal lustre; kindred Mirth Wakes not the dance enraptur'd, not a voice Tunes Iö Pæans, Mother, Father, Friend, All absent! Silence, clad in Night's dun robe, Sits with her sifter Darkness, favor'd guests, Where others are unwish'd, they watch the bed, Themselves alone prepar'd; protective mutes, Which Hymen's melancholy drama grace.

In vain, Aurora, would thy earliest ray Surprize the Lovers' joys, Leander wakes, Long ere thy orient blush with fainter smile Gleams o'er th' horizon; for Abydos' shore Not unreluctant quits his Hero's arms, Insatiate still, still breathing wild desire.

Nor less thy care, Queen of the flowing Robe, Veils from a Parent's eye the traitrous flame, By day the Virgin, and by night the Bride. Oh Sun, to others dear, a foe to vows, Which lovers wish conceal'd, thy western car Wing to the Main, and send the welcome shades!