Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 2) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/75

Book 9. We gain one Blessing from our hated Kin, Since our Paternal Freedom hides the Sin; Uncensur'd in each others Arms we lye, Think then how easie to compleat our Joy. Oh pardon, and oblige a blushing Maid, Whose Rage the Pride of her vain Sex betray'd; Nor let my Tomb thus mournfully complain, Here Byblis lies, by her lov'd Caunus slain. Forc'd here to end, she with a falling Tear Temper'd the pliant Wax, which did the Signet bear: The curious Cypher was impress'd by Art, But Love had stamp'd one deeper in her Heart; Her Page, a Youth of Confidence, and Skill, (Secret as Night) stood waiting on her Will; Sighing (she cry'd) bear this, thou faithful Boy, To my sweet Partner in eternal Joy: Here a long Pause her secret Guilt confess'd, And when at length she would have spoke the rest, Half the dear Name lay bury'd in her Breast. Thus as he listned to her vain Command, Down fell the Letter from her trembling Hand. The Omen shock'd her Soul: Yet go, she cry'd; Can a Request from Byblis be deny'd? To the Mæandrian Youth's this Message born, The half-read Lines by his fierce Rage were torn; Hence, hence, he cry'd, thou Pandar to her Lust, Bear hence the Triumph of thy impious Trust: Thy instant Death will but divulge her Shame, Or thy Life's Blood shou'd quench the guilty Flame. Frighted, from threatning Caunus he withdrew, And with the dreadful News to his lost Mistress flew. The sad Repulse so struck the wounded Fair, Her Sense was bury'd in her wild Despair; Pale was her Visage, as the ghastly Dead; And her scar'd Soul from the sweet Mansion fled; Rh