Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 2) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/11

Book 8. Compared with Phœbus, he performs so well, Let her be Judge, and Minos shall excell. But when the Helm, put off, display'd to Sight, And set his Features in an open Light; When, vaulting to his Seat, his Steed he prest, Caparison'd in Gold, and richly drest; Himself in Scarlet sumptuously array'd, New Passions rife, and fire the frantick Maid. O happy Spear! she cries, that feels his Touch; Nay, ev'n the Reins he holds are blest too much. Oh! were it lawful, she cou'd wing her Way Thro' the stern hostile Troops without Dismay; Or throw her Body to the distant Ground, And in the Cretans happy Camp be found. Wou'd Minos but desire it! she'd expose Her native Country to her Country's Foes; Unbar the Gates, the Town with Flames infest, Or any thing that Minos shou'd request. And, as she sate, and pleas'd her longing Sight, Viewing the King's Pavilion veil'd with White, Shou'd Joy, or Grief, she said, possess my Breast, To see my Country by a War opprest? I'm in Suspense! For, tho' 'tis Grief to know I love a Man that is declar'd my Foe; Yet, in my own Despite, I must approve That lucky War, which brought the Man I love. Yet, were I tender'd as a Pledge of Peace, The Cruelties of War might quickly cease. Oh! with what Joy I'd wear the Chains he gave! A patient Hostage, and a willing Slave. Thou lovely Object! if the Nymph that bare Thy charming Person, were but half so fair; Well might a God her Virgin Bloom desire, And with a Rape indulge his amorous Fire. Oh! had I Wings to glide along the Air, To his dear Tent I'd fly, and settle there: Rh