Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/387

Geor. IV. Ev'n from the depths of Hell the Damn'd advance, Th' Infernal Mansions nodding seem to dance; The gaping three-mouth'd Dog forgets to snarl, The Furies harken, and their Snakes uncurl: Ixion seems no more his Pains to feel, But leans attentive on his standing Wheel.
 * All Dangers past, at length the lovely Bride,

In safety goes, with her Melodious Guide; Longing the common Light again to share, And draw the vital breath of upper Air: He first, and close behind him follow'd she, For such was Proserpine's severe Decree. When strong Desires th' impatient Youth invade; By little Caution and much love betray'd: A fault which easy Pardon might receive, Were Lovers Judges, or cou'd Hell forgive. For near the Confines of Etherial Light, And longing for the glimm'ring of a sight, Th' unwary Lover cast his Eyes behind, Forgetful of the Law, nor Master of his Mind. Straight all his Hopes exhal'd in empty Smoke; And his long Toils were forfeit for a Look. Three flashes of blue Light'ning gave the sign Of Cov'nants broke, three peals of Thunder join. Then thus the Bride; What fury seiz'd on thee, Unhappy Man! to lose thy self and Me? Dragg'd back again by cruel Destinies, An Iron Slumber shuts my swimming Eyes.