Page:Poems of Anne Countess of Winchilsea 1903.djvu/516

 378 THE POEMS OF ANNE �But yet, the Cause we wish to hear explain'd. 210 �Good Clinias, tell the Cause �Clin. He is return'd, and stands, like Fate, amongst 'em, The Plain's Protector, and the Army's Genius, The Virgin's Refuge, when the Town's in Flames, And Shield to those whom Fortune makes his Vassals. �Herm. 'Tis Aristomenes thou hast described: No other e'er cou'd fill a Praise like this. �Clin. 'Tis He indeed, next to the Gods, our Succour. �Herm. Transporting News ! how did the Army meet him ? �Clin. Just as a long stopt Current meets the Sea, 220 And rushes on, when once't has forced a Passage. �2d Shep. Heav'n has their Plumes ; for high as that they �toss 'em: �And not a dusty Soldier in the Host, That has not hugged him to his swarthy Bosom. �Clin. No Voice is what it was an Hour ago ; And their hoarse Joy sounds like their distant Drums; His Hands, as if the Cretan Thongs still held them, Are useless made, and f etter'd now with Kisses ; Whilst neighing Steeds think that the War surrounds them, And prance in Air light as their Master's Minds. 230 �2d Shep. How he escap'd, all ask in such Confusion, That their loud Questions drive his Answers back, And will not let them reach the nearest to him. �Herm. It is enough, ye Powers that guard Messenia! We now must change our Habits, and return. [Aside to Bar. What did I say, return! O yes! I must, �And never hope to see Climander more: [To herself. �Yet will I give my Heart this last Relief (Since Fate will have it bear th' unequal Passion) To let him know my Love, and endless Flight, 240 �And live on the dear Thought that he laments it. �[Exit with Bar. ��� �