Page:Poems, Consisting Chiefly of Translations from the Asiatick Languages.djvu/37

 Now louder still it grew, and still more loud, As distant thunder breaks the burning cloud: Through the four portals rush'd a various throng, That like a wintry torrent pour'd along: A croud of every tongue, and every hue, Toward the bright throne with eager rapture flew. A lovely stripling stepp'd before the rest With hasty pace, and tow'rd the goddess prest; His mien was graceful, and his looks were mild, And in his eye celestial sweetness smil'd: Youth's purple glow, and beauty's rosy beam. The floating ringlets of his musky hair Wav'd on the bosom of the wanton air: With modest grace the goddess he addrest, And thoughtless thus preferr'd his fond request,


 * "Queen of the world, whose wide-extended sway,

"Gay youth, firm manhood, and cold age obey, "Grant me, while life's fresh blooming roses smile, "The day with varied pleasures to beguile; "Let me on beds of dewy flowers recline, "And quaff with glowing lips the sparkling wine;