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58 While softly gliding, calm and clear, The undulating waves appear. Some heav'n-taught genius, in its flight. Has dared attempt the wondrous sight Of Venus, love's soft deity, Emerging from the silver sea. What bright and dazzling beauties rise To charm the gazer's ravish'd eyes! And those the jealous waves conceal, Sure none but impious hands reveal. She, like some sea-flower, fresh and gay, Shines glittering on her watery way. Where'er the lovely goddess swims, Obsequious billows kiss her limbs; Now rise above, now sink below Her rose-bud breasts and neck of snow. As virgin lilies brighter show Amid the dark-leaved violet's glow, So through the dark-blue wave is seen The beauteous form of love's dear queen. See, gayly sporting at her side, Young laughing Loves on dolphins ride, And o'er the silvery surface glide. The crooked natives of the deep, With wanton curve and bounding leap, Attend the goddess in her tram, Where'er she smiling skims the main.