Page:Poems, Consisting Chiefly of Translations from the Asiatick Languages.djvu/157


 * Meantime the god, elate with heart-felt joy,

Had reach'd the temple of the sportful boy; He told Caissa's charms, his kindled fire, The naiad's counsel, and his warm desire. "Be swift, he added, give my passion aid; "A god requests."—He spake, and Sport obey'd. He fram'd a tablet of celestial mold, Inlay'd with squares of silver and of gold; Then of two metals form'd the warlike band, That here compact in show of battle stand; He taught the rules that guide the pensive game, And call'd it Cassa from the dryad's name: (Whence Albion's sons, who most its praise confess, Approv'd the play, and nam'd it thoughtful Chess.) The god delighted thank'd indulgent Sport; Then grasp'd the board, and left his airy court. With radiant feet he pierc'd the clouds; nor stay'd, Till in the woods he saw the beauteous maid: Tir'd with the chase the damsel set reclin'd, Her girdle loose, her bosom unconfin'd. He took the figure of a wanton faun, And stood before her on the flowery lawn; Then show'd his tablet: pleas'd the nymph survey'd The lifeless troops in glittering ranks display'd;