Metamorphoses (Books I-XIV)
The Story of Venus and Adonis
10:846 For Cytherea's lips while Cupid prest,
10:847 He with a heedless arrow raz'd her breast,
10:848 The Goddess felt it, and with fury stung,
10:849 The wanton mischief from her bosom flung:
10:850 Yet thought at first the danger slight, but found
10:851 The dart too faithful, and too deep the wound.
10:852 Fir'd with a mortal beauty, she disdains
10:853 To haunt th' Idalian mount, or Phrygian plains.
10:854 She seeks not Cnidos, nor her Paphian shrines,
10:855 Nor Amathus, that teems with brazen mines:
10:856 Ev'n Heav'n itself with all its sweets unsought,
10:857 Adonis far a sweeter Heav'n is thought.
10:858 On him she hangs, and fonds with ev'ry art,
10:859 And never, never knows from him to part.
10:860 She, whose soft limbs had only been display'd
10:861 On rosie beds beneath the myrtle shade,
10:862 Whose pleasing care was to improve each grace,
10:863 And add more charms to an unrival'd face,
10:864 Now buskin'd, like the virgin huntress, goes
10:865 Thro' woods, and pathless wilds, and mountain-snows
10:866 With her own tuneful voice she joys to cheer
10:867 The panting hounds, that chace the flying deer.
10:868 She runs the labyrinth of fearful hares,
10:869 But fearless beasts, and dang'rous prey forbears,
10:870 Hunts not the grinning wolf, or foamy boar,
10:871 And trembles at the lion's hungry roar.
10:872 Thee too, Adonis, with a lover's care
10:873 She warns, if warn'd thou wou'dst avoid the snare,
10:874 To furious animals advance not nigh,
10:875 Fly those that follow, follow those that fly;
10:876 'Tis chance alone must the survivors save,
10:877 Whene'er brave spirits will attempt the brave.
10:878 O! lovely youth! in harmless sports delight;
10:879 Provoke not beasts, which, arm'd by Nature, fight.
10:880 For me, if not thy self, vouchsafe to fear;
10:881 Let not thy thirst of glory cost me dear.
10:882 Boars know not bow to spare a blooming age;
10:883 No sparkling eyes can sooth the lion's rage.
10:884 Not all thy charms a savage breast can move,
10:885 Which have so deeply touch'd the queen of love.
10:886 When bristled boars from beaten thickets spring,
10:887 In grinded tusks a thunderbolt they bring.
10:888 The daring hunters lions rouz'd devour,
10:889 Vast is their fury, and as vast their pow'r:
10:890 Curst be their tawny race! If thou would'st hear
10:891 What kindled thus my hate, then lend an ear:
10:892 The wond'rous tale I will to thee unfold,
10:893 How the fell monsters rose from crimes of old.
10:894 But by long toils I faint: see! wide-display'd,
10:895 A grateful poplar courts us with a shade.
10:896 The grassy turf, beneath, so verdant shows,
10:897 We may secure delightfully repose.
10:898 With her Adonis here be Venus blest;
10:899 And swift at once the grass and him she prest.
10:900 Then sweetly smiling, with a raptur'd mind,
10:901 On his lov'd bosom she her head reclin'd,
10:902 And thus began; but mindful still of bliss,
10:903 Seal'd the soft accents with a softer kiss.
10:904 Perhaps thou may'st have heard a virgin's name,
10:905 Who still in swiftness swiftest youths o'ercame.
10:906 Wondrous! that female weakness should outdo
10:907 A manly strength; the wonder yet is true.
10:908 'Twas doubtful, if her triumphs in the field
10:909 Did to her form's triumphant glories yield;
10:910 Whether her face could with more ease decoy
10:911 A crowd of lovers, or her feet destroy.
10:912 For once Apollo she implor'd to show
10:913 If courteous Fates a consort would allow:
10:914 A consort brings thy ruin, he reply'd;
10:915 O! learn to want the pleasures of a bride!
10:916 Nor shalt thou want them to thy wretched cost,
10:917 And Atalanta living shall be lost.
10:918 With such a rueful Fate th' affrighted maid
10:919 Sought green recesses in the wood-land glade.
10:920 Nor sighing suiters her resolves could move,
10:921 She bad them show their speed, to show their love.
10:922 He only, who could conquer in the race,
10:923 Might hope the conquer'd virgin to embrace;
10:924 While he, whose tardy feet had lagg'd behind,
10:925 Was doom'd the sad reward of death to find.
10:926 Tho' great the prize, yet rigid the decree,
10:927 But blind with beauty, who can rigour see?
10:928 Ev'n on these laws the fair they rashly sought,
10:929 And danger in excess of love forgot.
10:930 There sat Hippomenes, prepar'd to blame
10:931 In lovers such extravagance of flame.
10:932 And must, he said, the blessing of a wife
10:933 Be dearly purchas'd by a risk of life?
10:934 But when he saw the wonders of her face,
10:935 And her limbs naked, springing to the race,
10:936 Her limbs, as exquisitely turn'd, as mine,
10:937 Or if a woman thou, might vie with thine,
10:938 With lifted hands, he cry'd, forgive the tongue
10:939 Which durst, ye youths, your well-tim'd courage wrong.
10:940 I knew not that the nymph, for whom you strove,
10:941 Deserv'd th' unbounded transports of your love.
10:942 He saw, admir'd, and thus her spotless frame
10:943 He prais'd, and praising, kindled his own flame.
10:944 A rival now to all the youths who run,
10:945 Envious, he fears they should not be undone.
10:946 But why (reflects he) idly thus is shown
10:947 The fate of others, yet untry'd my own?
10:948 The coward must not on love's aid depend;
10:949 The God was ever to the bold a friend.
10:950 Mean-time the virgin flies, or seems to fly,
10:951 Swift as a Scythian arrow cleaves the sky:
10:952 Still more and more the youth her charms admires.
10:953 The race itself t' exalt her charms conspires.
10:954 The golden pinions, which her feet adorn,
10:955 In wanton flutt'rings by the winds are born.
10:956 Down from her head, the long, fair tresses flow,
10:957 And sport with lovely negligence below.
10:958 The waving ribbands, which her buskins tie,
10:959 Her snowy skin with waving purple die;
10:960 As crimson veils in palaces display'd,
10:961 To the white marble lend a blushing shade.
10:962 Nor long he gaz'd, yet while he gaz'd, she gain'd
10:963 The goal, and the victorious wreath obtain'd.
10:964 The vanquish'd sigh, and, as the law decreed,
10:965 Pay the dire forfeit, and prepare to bleed.
10:966 Then rose Hippomenes, not yet afraid,
10:967 And fix'd his eyes full on the beauteous maid.
10:968 Where is (he cry'd) the mighty conquest won,
10:969 To distance those, who want the nerves to run?
10:970 Here prove superior strength, nor shall it be
10:971 Thy loss of glory, if excell'd by me.
10:972 High my descent, near Neptune I aspire,
10:973 For Neptune was grand-parent to my sire.
10:974 From that great God the fourth my self I trace,
10:975 Nor sink my virtues yet beneath my race.
10:976 Thou from Hippomenes, o'ercome, may'st claim
10:977 An envy'd triumph, and a deathless fame.
10:978 While thus the youth the virgin pow'r defies,
10:979 Silent she views him still with softer eyes.
10:980 Thoughts in her breast a doubtful strife begin,
10:981 If 'tis not happier now to lose, than win.
10:982 What God, a foe to beauty, would destroy
10:983 The promis'd ripeness of this blooming boy?
10:984 With his life's danger does he seek my bed?
10:985 Scarce am I half so greatly worth, she said.
10:986 Nor has his beauty mov'd my breast to love,
10:987 And yet, I own, such beauty well might move:
10:988 'Tis not his charms, 'tis pity would engage
10:989 My soul to spare the greenness of his age.
10:990 What, that heroick conrage fires his breast,
10:991 And shines thro' brave disdain of Fate confest?
10:992 What, that his patronage by close degrees
10:993 Springs from th' imperial ruler of the seas?
10:994 Then add the love, which bids him undertake
10:995 The race, and dare to perish for my sake.
10:996 Of bloody nuptials, heedless youth, beware!
10:997 Fly, timely fly from a too barb'rous fair.
10:998 At pleasure chuse; thy love will be repaid
10:999 By a less foolish, and more beauteous maid.
10:1000 But why this tenderness, before unknown?
10:1001 Why beats, and pants my breast for him alone?
10:1002 His eyes have seen his num'rous rivals yield;
10:1003 Let him too share the rigour of the field,
10:1004 Since, by their fates untaught, his own he courts,
10:1005 And thus with ruin insolently sports.
10:1006 Yet for what crime shall he his death receive?
10:1007 Is it a crime with me to wish to live?
10:1008 Shall his kind passion his destruction prove?
10:1009 Is this the fatal recompence of love?
10:1010 So fair a youth, destroy'd, would conquest shame,
10:1011 Aud nymphs eternally detest my fame.
10:1012 Still why should nymphs my guiltless fame upbraid?
10:1013 Did I the fond adventurer persuade?
10:1014 Alas! I wish thou would'st the course decline,
10:1015 Or that my swiftness was excell'd by thine.
10:1016 See! what a virgin's bloom adorns the boy!
10:1017 Why wilt thou run, and why thy self destroy?
10:1018 Hippomenes! O that I ne'er had been
10:1019 By those bright eyes unfortunately seen!
10:1020 Ah! tempt not thus a swift, untimely Fate;
10:1021 Thy life is worthy of the longest date.
10:1022 Were I less wretched, did the galling chain
10:1023 Of rigid Gods not my free choice restrain,
10:1024 By thee alone I could with joy be led
10:1025 To taste the raptures of a nuptial bed.
10:1026 Thus she disclos'd the woman's secret heart,
10:1027 Young, innocent, and new to Cupid's dart.
10:1028 Her thoughts, her words, her actions wildly rove,
10:1029 With love she burns, yet knows not that 'tis love.
10:1030 Her royal sire now with the murm'ring crowd
10:1031 Demands the race impatiently aloud.
10:1032 Hippomenes then with true fervour pray'd,
10:1033 My bold attempt let Venus kindly aid.
10:1034 By her sweet pow'r I felt this am'rous fire,
10:1035 Still may she succour, whom she did inspire.
10:1036 A soft, unenvious wind, with speedy care,
10:1037 Wafted to Heav'n the lover's tender pray'r.
10:1038 Pity, I own, soon gain'd the wish'd consent,
10:1039 And all th' assistance he implor'd I lent.
10:1040 The Cyprian lands, tho' rich, in richness yield
10:1041 To that, surnam'd the Tamasenian field.
10:1042 That field of old was added to my shrine,
10:1043 And its choice products consecrated mine.
10:1044 A tree there stands, full glorious to behold,
10:1045 Gold are the leafs, the crackling branches gold.
10:1046 It chanc'd, three apples in my hand I bore,
10:1047 Which newly from the tree I sportive tore;
10:1048 Seen by the youth alone, to him I brought
10:1049 The fruit, and when, and how to use it, taught.
10:1050 The signal sounding by the king's command,
10:1051 Both start at once, and sweep th' imprinted sand.
10:1052 So swiftly mov'd their feet, they might with ease,
10:1053 Scarce moisten'd, skim along the glassy seas;
10:1054 Or with a wondrous levity be born
10:1055 O'er yellow harvests of unbending corn.
10:1056 Now fav'ring peals resound from ev'ry part,
10:1057 Spirit the youth, and fire his fainting heart.
10:1058 Hippomenes! (they cry'd) thy life preserve,
10:1059 Intensely labour, and stretch ev'ry nerve.
10:1060 Base fear alone can baffle thy design,
10:1061 Shoot boldly onward, and the goal is thine.
10:1062 'Tis doubtful whether shouts, like these, convey'd
10:1063 More pleasures to the youth, or to the maid.
10:1064 When a long distance oft she could have gain'd,
10:1065 She check'd her swiftness, and her feet restrain'd:
10:1066 She sigh'd, and dwelt, and languish'd on his face,
10:1067 Then with unwilling speed pursu'd the race.
10:1068 O'er-spent with heat, his breath he faintly drew,
10:1069 Parch'd was his mouth, nor yet the goal in view,
10:1070 And the first apple on the plain he threw.
10:1071 The nymph stop'd sudden at th' unusual sight,
10:1072 Struck with the fruit so beautifully bright.
10:1073 Aside she starts, the wonder to behold,
10:1074 And eager stoops to catch the rouling gold.
10:1075 Th' observant youth past by, and scour'd along,
10:1076 While peals of joy rung from th' applauding throng.
10:1077 Unkindly she corrects the short delay,
10:1078 And to redeem the time fleets swift away,
10:1079 Swift, as the lightning, or the northern wind,
10:1080 And far she leaves the panting youth behind.
10:1081 Again he strives the flying nymph to hold
10:1082 With the temptation of the second gold:
10:1083 The bright temptation fruitlessly was tost,
10:1084 So soon, alas! she won the distance lost.
10:1085 Now but a little interval of space
10:1086 Remain'd for the decision of the race.
10:1087 Fair author of the precious gift, he said,
10:1088 Be thou, O Goddess, author of my aid!
10:1089 Then of the shining fruit the last he drew,
10:1090 And with his full-collected vigour threw:
10:1091 The virgin still the longer to detain,
10:1092 Threw not directly, but a-cross the plain.
10:1093 She seem'd a-while perplex'd in dubious thought,
10:1094 If the far-distant apple should be sought:
10:1095 I lur'd her backward mind to seize the bait,
10:1096 And to the massie gold gave double weight.
10:1097 My favour to my votary was show'd,
10:1098 Her speed I lessen'd, and encreas'd her load.
10:1099 But lest, tho' long, the rapid race be run,
10:1100 Before my longer, tedious tale is done,
10:1101 The youth the goal, and so the virgin won.
10:1102 Might I, Adonis, now not hope to see
10:1103 His grateful thanks pour'd out for victory?
10:1104 His pious incense on my altars laid?
10:1105 But he nor grateful thanks, nor incense paid.
10:1106 Enrag'd I vow'd, that with the youth the fair,
10:1107 For his contempt, should my keen vengeance share;
10:1108 That future lovers might my pow'r revere,
10:1109 And, from their sad examples, learn to fear.
10:1110 The silent fanes, the sanctify'd abodes,
10:1111 Of Cybele, great mother of the Gods,
10:1112 Rais'd by Echion in a lonely wood,
10:1113 And full of brown, religious horror stood.
10:1114 By a long painful journey faint, they chose!
10:1115 Their weary limbs here secret to repose.
10:1116 But soon my pow'r inflam'd the lustful boy,
10:1117 Careless of rest he sought untimely joy.
10:1118 A hallow'd gloomy cave, with moss o'er-grown,
10:1119 The temple join'd, of native pumice-stone,
10:1120 Where antique images by priests were kept.
10:1121 And wooden deities securely slept.
10:1122 Thither the rash Hippomenes retires,
10:1123 And gives a loose to all his wild desires,
10:1124 And the chaste cell pollutes with wanton fires.
10:1125 The sacred statues trembled with surprize,
10:1126 The tow'ry Goddess, blushing, veil'd her eyes;
10:1127 And the lewd pair to Stygian sounds had sent,
10:1128 But unrevengeful seem'd that punishment,
10:1129 A heavier doom such black prophaneness draws,
10:1130 Their taper figures turn to crooked paws.
10:1131 No more their necks the smoothness can retain,
10:1132 Now cover'd sudden with a yellow mane.
10:1133 Arms change to legs: each finds the hard'ning breast
10:1134 Of rage unknown, and wond'rous strength possest.
10:1135 Their alter'd looks with fury grim appear,
10:1136 And on the ground their brushing tails they hear.
10:1137 They haunt the woods: their voices, which before
10:1138 Were musically sweet, now hoarsly roar.
10:1139 Hence lions, dreadful to the lab'ring swains,
10:1140 Are tam'd by Cybele, and curb'd with reins,
10:1141 And humbly draw her car along the plains.
10:1142 But thou, Adonis, my delightful care,
10:1143 Of these, and beasts, as fierce as these, beware!
10:1144 The savage, which not shuns thee, timely shun,
10:1145 For by rash prowess should'st thou be undone,
10:1146 A double ruin is contain'd in one.
10:1147 Thus cautious Venus school'd her fav'rite boy;
10:1148 But youthful heat all cautions will destroy.
10:1149 His sprightly soul beyond grave counsels flies,
10:1150 While with yok'd swans the Goddess cuts the skies.
10:1151 His faithful hounds, led by the tainted wind,
10:1152 Lodg'd in thick coverts chanc'd a boar to find.
10:1153 The callow hero show'd a manly heart,
10:1154 And pierc'd the savage with a side-long dart.
10:1155 The flying savage, wounded, turn'd again,
10:1156 Wrench'd out the gory dart, and foam'd with pain.
10:1157 The trembling boy by flight his safety sought,
10:1158 And now recall'd the lore, which Venus taught;
10:1159 But now too late to fly the boar he strove,
10:1160 Who in the groin his tusks impetuous drove,
10:1161 On the discolour'd grass Adonis lay,
10:1162 The monster trampling o'er his beauteous prey.
10:1163 Fair Cytherea, Cyprus scarce in view,
10:1164 Heard from afar his groans, and own'd them true,
10:1165 And turn'd her snowy swans, and backward flew.
10:1166 But as she saw him gasp his latest breath,
10:1167 And quiv'ring agonize in pangs of death,
10:1168 Down with swift flight she plung'd, nor rage forbore,
10:1169 At once her garments, and her hair she tore.
10:1170 With cruel blows she beat her guiltless breast,
10:1171 The Fates upbraided, and her love confest.
10:1172 Nor shall they yet (she cry'd) the whole devour
10:1173 With uncontroul'd, inexorable pow'r:
10:1174 For thee, lost youth, my tears, and restless pain
10:1175 Shall in immortal monuments remain,
10:1176 With solemn pomp in annual rites return'd,
10:1177 Be thou for ever, my Adonis, mourn'd,
10:1178 Could Pluto's queen with jealous fury storm,
10:1179 And Menthe to a fragrant herb transform?
10:1180 Yet dares not Venus with a change surprise,
10:1181 And in a flow'r bid her fall'n heroe rise?
10:1182 Then on the blood sweet nectar she bestows,
10:1183 The scented blood in little bubbles rose:
10:1184 Little as rainy drops, which flutt'ring fly,
10:1185 Born by the winds, along a low'ring sky.
10:1186 Short time ensu'd, 'till where the blood was shed,
10:1187 A flow'r began to rear its purple head:
10:1188 Such, as on Punick apples is reveal'd,
10:1189 Or in the filmy rind but half conceal'd.
10:1190 Still here the Fate of lovely forms we see,
10:1191 So sudden fades the sweet Anemonie.
10:1192 The feeble stems, to stormy blasts a prey,
10:1193 Their sickly beauties droop, and pine away.
10:1194 The winds forbid the flow'rs to flourish long,
10:1195 Which owe to winds their names in Grecian song.
BOOK THE ELEVENTH
Metamorphoses (Books I-XIV)
The Story of Venus and Adonis
10:846 For Cytherea's lips while Cupid prest,
10:847 He with a heedless arrow raz'd her breast,
10:848 The Goddess felt it, and with fury stung,
10:849 The wanton mischief from her bosom flung:
10:850 Yet thought at first the danger slight, but found
10:851 The dart too faithful, and too deep the wound.
10:852 Fir'd with a mortal beauty, she disdains
10:853 To haunt th' Idalian mount, or Phrygian plains.
10:854 She seeks not Cnidos, nor her Paphian shrines,
10:855 Nor Amathus, that teems with brazen mines:
10:856 Ev'n Heav'n itself with all its sweets unsought,
10:857 Adonis far a sweeter Heav'n is thought.
10:858 On him she hangs, and fonds with ev'ry art,
10:859 And never, never knows from him to part.
10:860 She, whose soft limbs had only been display'd
10:861 On rosie beds beneath the myrtle shade,
10:862 Whose pleasing care was to improve each grace,
10:863 And add more charms to an unrival'd face,
10:864 Now buskin'd, like the virgin huntress, goes
10:865 Thro' woods, and pathless wilds, and mountain-snows
10:866 With her own tuneful voice she joys to cheer
10:867 The panting hounds, that chace the flying deer.
10:868 She runs the labyrinth of fearful hares,
10:869 But fearless beasts, and dang'rous prey forbears,
10:870 Hunts not the grinning wolf, or foamy boar,
10:871 And trembles at the lion's hungry roar.
10:872 Thee too, Adonis, with a lover's care
10:873 She warns, if warn'd thou wou'dst avoid the snare,
10:874 To furious animals advance not nigh,
10:875 Fly those that follow, follow those that fly;
10:876 'Tis chance alone must the survivors save,
10:877 Whene'er brave spirits will attempt the brave.
10:878 O! lovely youth! in harmless sports delight;
10:879 Provoke not beasts, which, arm'd by Nature, fight.
10:880 For me, if not thy self, vouchsafe to fear;
10:881 Let not thy thirst of glory cost me dear.
10:882 Boars know not bow to spare a blooming age;
10:883 No sparkling eyes can sooth the lion's rage.
10:884 Not all thy charms a savage breast can move,
10:885 Which have so deeply touch'd the queen of love.
10:886 When bristled boars from beaten thickets spring,
10:887 In grinded tusks a thunderbolt they bring.
10:888 The daring hunters lions rouz'd devour,
10:889 Vast is their fury, and as vast their pow'r:
10:890 Curst be their tawny race! If thou would'st hear
10:891 What kindled thus my hate, then lend an ear:
10:892 The wond'rous tale I will to thee unfold,
10:893 How the fell monsters rose from crimes of old.
10:894 But by long toils I faint: see! wide-display'd,
10:895 A grateful poplar courts us with a shade.
10:896 The grassy turf, beneath, so verdant shows,
10:897 We may secure delightfully repose.
10:898 With her Adonis here be Venus blest;
10:899 And swift at once the grass and him she prest.
10:900 Then sweetly smiling, with a raptur'd mind,
10:901 On his lov'd bosom she her head reclin'd,
10:902 And thus began; but mindful still of bliss,
10:903 Seal'd the soft accents with a softer kiss.
10:904 Perhaps thou may'st have heard a virgin's name,
10:905 Who still in swiftness swiftest youths o'ercame.
10:906 Wondrous! that female weakness should outdo
10:907 A manly strength; the wonder yet is true.
10:908 'Twas doubtful, if her triumphs in the field
10:909 Did to her form's triumphant glories yield;
10:910 Whether her face could with more ease decoy
10:911 A crowd of lovers, or her feet destroy.
10:912 For once Apollo she implor'd to show
10:913 If courteous Fates a consort would allow:
10:914 A consort brings thy ruin, he reply'd;
10:915 O! learn to want the pleasures of a bride!
10:916 Nor shalt thou want them to thy wretched cost,
10:917 And Atalanta living shall be lost.
10:918 With such a rueful Fate th' affrighted maid
10:919 Sought green recesses in the wood-land glade.
10:920 Nor sighing suiters her resolves could move,
10:921 She bad them show their speed, to show their love.
10:922 He only, who could conquer in the race,
10:923 Might hope the conquer'd virgin to embrace;
10:924 While he, whose tardy feet had lagg'd behind,
10:925 Was doom'd the sad reward of death to find.
10:926 Tho' great the prize, yet rigid the decree,
10:927 But blind with beauty, who can rigour see?
10:928 Ev'n on these laws the fair they rashly sought,
10:929 And danger in excess of love forgot.
10:930 There sat Hippomenes, prepar'd to blame
10:931 In lovers such extravagance of flame.
10:932 And must, he said, the blessing of a wife
10:933 Be dearly purchas'd by a risk of life?
10:934 But when he saw the wonders of her face,
10:935 And her limbs naked, springing to the race,
10:936 Her limbs, as exquisitely turn'd, as mine,
10:937 Or if a woman thou, might vie with thine,
10:938 With lifted hands, he cry'd, forgive the tongue
10:939 Which durst, ye youths, your well-tim'd courage wrong.
10:940 I knew not that the nymph, for whom you strove,
10:941 Deserv'd th' unbounded transports of your love.
10:942 He saw, admir'd, and thus her spotless frame
10:943 He prais'd, and praising, kindled his own flame.
10:944 A rival now to all the youths who run,
10:945 Envious, he fears they should not be undone.
10:946 But why (reflects he) idly thus is shown
10:947 The fate of others, yet untry'd my own?
10:948 The coward must not on love's aid depend;
10:949 The God was ever to the bold a friend.
10:950 Mean-time the virgin flies, or seems to fly,
10:951 Swift as a Scythian arrow cleaves the sky:
10:952 Still more and more the youth her charms admires.
10:953 The race itself t' exalt her charms conspires.
10:954 The golden pinions, which her feet adorn,
10:955 In wanton flutt'rings by the winds are born.
10:956 Down from her head, the long, fair tresses flow,
10:957 And sport with lovely negligence below.
10:958 The waving ribbands, which her buskins tie,
10:959 Her snowy skin with waving purple die;
10:960 As crimson veils in palaces display'd,
10:961 To the white marble lend a blushing shade.
10:962 Nor long he gaz'd, yet while he gaz'd, she gain'd
10:963 The goal, and the victorious wreath obtain'd.
10:964 The vanquish'd sigh, and, as the law decreed,
10:965 Pay the dire forfeit, and prepare to bleed.
10:966 Then rose Hippomenes, not yet afraid,
10:967 And fix'd his eyes full on the beauteous maid.
10:968 Where is (he cry'd) the mighty conquest won,
10:969 To distance those, who want the nerves to run?
10:970 Here prove superior strength, nor shall it be
10:971 Thy loss of glory, if excell'd by me.
10:972 High my descent, near Neptune I aspire,
10:973 For Neptune was grand-parent to my sire.
10:974 From that great God the fourth my self I trace,
10:975 Nor sink my virtues yet beneath my race.
10:976 Thou from Hippomenes, o'ercome, may'st claim
10:977 An envy'd triumph, and a deathless fame.
10:978 While thus the youth the virgin pow'r defies,
10:979 Silent she views him still with softer eyes.
10:980 Thoughts in her breast a doubtful strife begin,
10:981 If 'tis not happier now to lose, than win.
10:982 What God, a foe to beauty, would destroy
10:983 The promis'd ripeness of this blooming boy?
10:984 With his life's danger does he seek my bed?
10:985 Scarce am I half so greatly worth, she said.
10:986 Nor has his beauty mov'd my breast to love,
10:987 And yet, I own, such beauty well might move:
10:988 'Tis not his charms, 'tis pity would engage
10:989 My soul to spare the greenness of his age.
10:990 What, that heroick conrage fires his breast,
10:991 And shines thro' brave disdain of Fate confest?
10:992 What, that his patronage by close degrees
10:993 Springs from th' imperial ruler of the seas?
10:994 Then add the love, which bids him undertake
10:995 The race, and dare to perish for my sake.
10:996 Of bloody nuptials, heedless youth, beware!
10:997 Fly, timely fly from a too barb'rous fair.
10:998 At pleasure chuse; thy love will be repaid
10:999 By a less foolish, and more beauteous maid.
10:1000 But why this tenderness, before unknown?
10:1001 Why beats, and pants my breast for him alone?
10:1002 His eyes have seen his num'rous rivals yield;
10:1003 Let him too share the rigour of the field,
10:1004 Since, by their fates untaught, his own he courts,
10:1005 And thus with ruin insolently sports.
10:1006 Yet for what crime shall he his death receive?
10:1007 Is it a crime with me to wish to live?
10:1008 Shall his kind passion his destruction prove?
10:1009 Is this the fatal recompence of love?
10:1010 So fair a youth, destroy'd, would conquest shame,
10:1011 Aud nymphs eternally detest my fame.
10:1012 Still why should nymphs my guiltless fame upbraid?
10:1013 Did I the fond adventurer persuade?
10:1014 Alas! I wish thou would'st the course decline,
10:1015 Or that my swiftness was excell'd by thine.
10:1016 See! what a virgin's bloom adorns the boy!
10:1017 Why wilt thou run, and why thy self destroy?
10:1018 Hippomenes! O that I ne'er had been
10:1019 By those bright eyes unfortunately seen!
10:1020 Ah! tempt not thus a swift, untimely Fate;
10:1021 Thy life is worthy of the longest date.
10:1022 Were I less wretched, did the galling chain
10:1023 Of rigid Gods not my free choice restrain,
10:1024 By thee alone I could with joy be led
10:1025 To taste the raptures of a nuptial bed.
10:1026 Thus she disclos'd the woman's secret heart,
10:1027 Young, innocent, and new to Cupid's dart.
10:1028 Her thoughts, her words, her actions wildly rove,
10:1029 With love she burns, yet knows not that 'tis love.
10:1030 Her royal sire now with the murm'ring crowd
10:1031 Demands the race impatiently aloud.
10:1032 Hippomenes then with true fervour pray'd,
10:1033 My bold attempt let Venus kindly aid.
10:1034 By her sweet pow'r I felt this am'rous fire,
10:1035 Still may she succour, whom she did inspire.
10:1036 A soft, unenvious wind, with speedy care,
10:1037 Wafted to Heav'n the lover's tender pray'r.
10:1038 Pity, I own, soon gain'd the wish'd consent,
10:1039 And all th' assistance he implor'd I lent.
10:1040 The Cyprian lands, tho' rich, in richness yield
10:1041 To that, surnam'd the Tamasenian field.
10:1042 That field of old was added to my shrine,
10:1043 And its choice products consecrated mine.
10:1044 A tree there stands, full glorious to behold,
10:1045 Gold are the leafs, the crackling branches gold.
10:1046 It chanc'd, three apples in my hand I bore,
10:1047 Which newly from the tree I sportive tore;
10:1048 Seen by the youth alone, to him I brought
10:1049 The fruit, and when, and how to use it, taught.
10:1050 The signal sounding by the king's command,
10:1051 Both start at once, and sweep th' imprinted sand.
10:1052 So swiftly mov'd their feet, they might with ease,
10:1053 Scarce moisten'd, skim along the glassy seas;
10:1054 Or with a wondrous levity be born
10:1055 O'er yellow harvests of unbending corn.
10:1056 Now fav'ring peals resound from ev'ry part,
10:1057 Spirit the youth, and fire his fainting heart.
10:1058 Hippomenes! (they cry'd) thy life preserve,
10:1059 Intensely labour, and stretch ev'ry nerve.
10:1060 Base fear alone can baffle thy design,
10:1061 Shoot boldly onward, and the goal is thine.
10:1062 'Tis doubtful whether shouts, like these, convey'd
10:1063 More pleasures to the youth, or to the maid.
10:1064 When a long distance oft she could have gain'd,
10:1065 She check'd her swiftness, and her feet restrain'd:
10:1066 She sigh'd, and dwelt, and languish'd on his face,
10:1067 Then with unwilling speed pursu'd the race.
10:1068 O'er-spent with heat, his breath he faintly drew,
10:1069 Parch'd was his mouth, nor yet the goal in view,
10:1070 And the first apple on the plain he threw.
10:1071 The nymph stop'd sudden at th' unusual sight,
10:1072 Struck with the fruit so beautifully bright.
10:1073 Aside she starts, the wonder to behold,
10:1074 And eager stoops to catch the rouling gold.
10:1075 Th' observant youth past by, and scour'd along,
10:1076 While peals of joy rung from th' applauding throng.
10:1077 Unkindly she corrects the short delay,
10:1078 And to redeem the time fleets swift away,
10:1079 Swift, as the lightning, or the northern wind,
10:1080 And far she leaves the panting youth behind.
10:1081 Again he strives the flying nymph to hold
10:1082 With the temptation of the second gold:
10:1083 The bright temptation fruitlessly was tost,
10:1084 So soon, alas! she won the distance lost.
10:1085 Now but a little interval of space
10:1086 Remain'd for the decision of the race.
10:1087 Fair author of the precious gift, he said,
10:1088 Be thou, O Goddess, author of my aid!
10:1089 Then of the shining fruit the last he drew,
10:1090 And with his full-collected vigour threw:
10:1091 The virgin still the longer to detain,
10:1092 Threw not directly, but a-cross the plain.
10:1093 She seem'd a-while perplex'd in dubious thought,
10:1094 If the far-distant apple should be sought:
10:1095 I lur'd her backward mind to seize the bait,
10:1096 And to the massie gold gave double weight.
10:1097 My favour to my votary was show'd,
10:1098 Her speed I lessen'd, and encreas'd her load.
10:1099 But lest, tho' long, the rapid race be run,
10:1100 Before my longer, tedious tale is done,
10:1101 The youth the goal, and so the virgin won.
10:1102 Might I, Adonis, now not hope to see
10:1103 His grateful thanks pour'd out for victory?
10:1104 His pious incense on my altars laid?
10:1105 But he nor grateful thanks, nor incense paid.
10:1106 Enrag'd I vow'd, that with the youth the fair,
10:1107 For his contempt, should my keen vengeance share;
10:1108 That future lovers might my pow'r revere,
10:1109 And, from their sad examples, learn to fear.
10:1110 The silent fanes, the sanctify'd abodes,
10:1111 Of Cybele, great mother of the Gods,
10:1112 Rais'd by Echion in a lonely wood,
10:1113 And full of brown, religious horror stood.
10:1114 By a long painful journey faint, they chose!
10:1115 Their weary limbs here secret to repose.
10:1116 But soon my pow'r inflam'd the lustful boy,
10:1117 Careless of rest he sought untimely joy.
10:1118 A hallow'd gloomy cave, with moss o'er-grown,
10:1119 The temple join'd, of native pumice-stone,
10:1120 Where antique images by priests were kept.
10:1121 And wooden deities securely slept.
10:1122 Thither the rash Hippomenes retires,
10:1123 And gives a loose to all his wild desires,
10:1124 And the chaste cell pollutes with wanton fires.
10:1125 The sacred statues trembled with surprize,
10:1126 The tow'ry Goddess, blushing, veil'd her eyes;
10:1127 And the lewd pair to Stygian sounds had sent,
10:1128 But unrevengeful seem'd that punishment,
10:1129 A heavier doom such black prophaneness draws,
10:1130 Their taper figures turn to crooked paws.
10:1131 No more their necks the smoothness can retain,
10:1132 Now cover'd sudden with a yellow mane.
10:1133 Arms change to legs: each finds the hard'ning breast
10:1134 Of rage unknown, and wond'rous strength possest.
10:1135 Their alter'd looks with fury grim appear,
10:1136 And on the ground their brushing tails they hear.
10:1137 They haunt the woods: their voices, which before
10:1138 Were musically sweet, now hoarsly roar.
10:1139 Hence lions, dreadful to the lab'ring swains,
10:1140 Are tam'd by Cybele, and curb'd with reins,
10:1141 And humbly draw her car along the plains.
10:1142 But thou, Adonis, my delightful care,
10:1143 Of these, and beasts, as fierce as these, beware!
10:1144 The savage, which not shuns thee, timely shun,
10:1145 For by rash prowess should'st thou be undone,
10:1146 A double ruin is contain'd in one.
10:1147 Thus cautious Venus school'd her fav'rite boy;
10:1148 But youthful heat all cautions will destroy.
10:1149 His sprightly soul beyond grave counsels flies,
10:1150 While with yok'd swans the Goddess cuts the skies.
10:1151 His faithful hounds, led by the tainted wind,
10:1152 Lodg'd in thick coverts chanc'd a boar to find.
10:1153 The callow hero show'd a manly heart,
10:1154 And pierc'd the savage with a side-long dart.
10:1155 The flying savage, wounded, turn'd again,
10:1156 Wrench'd out the gory dart, and foam'd with pain.
10:1157 The trembling boy by flight his safety sought,
10:1158 And now recall'd the lore, which Venus taught;
10:1159 But now too late to fly the boar he strove,
10:1160 Who in the groin his tusks impetuous drove,
10:1161 On the discolour'd grass Adonis lay,
10:1162 The monster trampling o'er his beauteous prey.
10:1163 Fair Cytherea, Cyprus scarce in view,
10:1164 Heard from afar his groans, and own'd them true,
10:1165 And turn'd her snowy swans, and backward flew.
10:1166 But as she saw him gasp his latest breath,
10:1167 And quiv'ring agonize in pangs of death,
10:1168 Down with swift flight she plung'd, nor rage forbore,
10:1169 At once her garments, and her hair she tore.
10:1170 With cruel blows she beat her guiltless breast,
10:1171 The Fates upbraided, and her love confest.
10:1172 Nor shall they yet (she cry'd) the whole devour
10:1173 With uncontroul'd, inexorable pow'r:
10:1174 For thee, lost youth, my tears, and restless pain
10:1175 Shall in immortal monuments remain,
10:1176 With solemn pomp in annual rites return'd,
10:1177 Be thou for ever, my Adonis, mourn'd,
10:1178 Could Pluto's queen with jealous fury storm,
10:1179 And Menthe to a fragrant herb transform?
10:1180 Yet dares not Venus with a change surprise,
10:1181 And in a flow'r bid her fall'n heroe rise?
10:1182 Then on the blood sweet nectar she bestows,
10:1183 The scented blood in little bubbles rose:
10:1184 Little as rainy drops, which flutt'ring fly,
10:1185 Born by the winds, along a low'ring sky.
10:1186 Short time ensu'd, 'till where the blood was shed,
10:1187 A flow'r began to rear its purple head:
10:1188 Such, as on Punick apples is reveal'd,
10:1189 Or in the filmy rind but half conceal'd.
10:1190 Still here the Fate of lovely forms we see,
10:1191 So sudden fades the sweet Anemonie.
10:1192 The feeble stems, to stormy blasts a prey,
10:1193 Their sickly beauties droop, and pine away.
10:1194 The winds forbid the flow'rs to flourish long,
10:1195 Which owe to winds their names in Grecian song.
BOOK THE ELEVENTH