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Rh and graceful nature of Apollonius; and in the peril and tumult of the catastrophe, rising to the gloomy grandeur of Homeric description.

The torch that witness'd stealthy loves, and him Who dared, with ocean-wandering nuptials, swim The midnight surge; embraces veil'd in shade, That ne'er the morn's immortal eyes survey'd; Abydos; Sestos; where sweet Hero lay, A bride, unconscious of the blush of day; Oh goddess tell!— The graceful virgin, of a noble strain, As priestess minister'd in Venus' fane: But mix'd not with the blithe-assembling fair, Nor midst the youthful dancers skimm'd in air: She shunn'd the curious glance of female eyes, And women's beauty-kindled jealousies. Now the throng'd festival of Venus came, By Sestians held to fair Adonis' fame: From farthest isles, encircled by the main, Flock'd to the gaudy day a countless train From Cyprus' wave-wash'd rocks, and green Hæmonia's plain. No woman in Cythera's cities staid, Nor one on hills of Libanus delay'd, Where dancers twine midst cedar-fragrant glades; Fair Phrygians haste, and near Abydos' maids. No maid-enamour'd youths are then away, Who still the rumour'd festival obey.