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256 Pausing a while, from fruitless wo

Let us direct the patriot mind

Some public blessing to bestow;

Since a kind god hath turn'd aside

Of threat'ning ills the direful shock

That hung like the Tantalean rock

O'er Græcia's land, unskill'd the storm to bide.

But now my fear has pass'd away,

And anxious Care relax'd her sway.

To seize each object as it lies

Before his foot becomes the wise.

O'er man impends deceitful age,

Revolving still life's onward stage.

Yet mortals e'en these ills may cure,

While liberty continues sure.

In calm contentment let them rest,

Of favourable hope possess'd.

Me too the happy task awaits,

(Nurtured where Thebes expands her sevenfold gates,)

With the bright muses' wreath to grace

Ægina, nymph of kindred race.

Twin daughters of a common sire,

And youngest of Asopus' line,

Whose beauties could the soul incline

Of Jove himself to fond desire.

To her the heavenly lover gave

By Dirce's sweetly flowing wave

O'er that fair city to preside,

Who joys the rapid car to guide.

Thee to Œnopia's isle convey'd,

The thundering sire a parent made

Of Æacus, whose honour'd birth

Raised him above the sons of earth.