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Rh

But with her dart and brazen spear

The beasts of savage brood to chase,

And render free from every fear

Her father's herds of quiet race;

Permitting' the dull weight of sleep

But lightly o'er her lids to creep;

When on her sweet and tranquil bed

The early beams of morn were shed.

Her, as unarm'd she waged the fight

'Gainst an impetuous lion's might,

Apollo found, whose matchless art

From his broad quiver wings the dart.

Then Chiron from his mansion straight

He bade the potent call await.

"Hasten, Phillyrides, to leave

The dark and venerable cave,

In mute astonishment survey

What mind a woman dares display;

Fearless of heart, what perils dread

She brings to her courageous head,

A damsel whose unconquer'd soul

No labours tire, no fears control!

What mortal gave her vital air?

Sprung from what source, a scion fair

Holds she th' umbrageous mountain's breast,

With more than human valour bless'd?

Is it a hallow'd action, say,

By fraud to seek the virgin bower,

And pluck with ruthless arm away

The sweetness of her hallow'd flower?"

To him the sturdy centaur, while

From his relaxing brow a smile

In placid sweetness softly broke,

Without delay his counsel spoke:

The key that opes persuasion wise

Conceal'd in mystic darkness lies;