Page:The Deipnosophists (Volume 3).djvu/396

 XII.

And they of humankind, (to crown my song,) Who, in th' austereness of their life, pursued Knowledge abstruse, her mazy paths among,— And sought for hidden lore,—and ceaseless woo'd

The Muse severe, couching her doctrines sage In cogent language, marring ev'ry clog To intellectual sense, on reason's page;— Or, in the philosophic dialogue,

Moulded th' important truths, they meant to prove, In milder form, and pleased and reason'd too;— And these confess'd the mighty power of Love, And bow'd the neck, nor could his yoke eschew.

XIII.

Pythagoras, the Samian sage, who taught To solve the knots, perplex and intricate, Of fair geometry, and whilom brought Into a narrow sphere's brief compass strait

The stars of heav'n, in order absolute; With frantic passion woo'd Theano's charms, Infuriate,—nor ceased his am'rous suit, Till he had clasp'd the damsel in his arms.

XIV.

And what a flame of love the Paphian queen Lit, in her wrath, in the enamour'd breast Of Socrates,—whom of the sons of men Apollo named the wisest and the best!

He in Aspasia's house each lighter care Chased from his breast, when at her side he sate In am'rous parley,—and, still ling'ring there, Could find no end to love, or love's debate.

XV.

Shrewd Aristippus, Cyrenean sage, To the Corinthian Isthmus' double shore Wended his way, his passion to assuage,— And shunn'd the calm retreats he loved before;