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to pray.

Blush, as thou may'st, my Liule Book, with shame, He look'd like Nature's error, as the mind
Nor hope with homely verse to purchase same; And body were not of a piece designd,
For such thy Maker chose; and so desigu'd But made for two, and by mistake in one were joir. j.
Thy simple style to suit thy lowly kind.

The ruling rol, the father's forming care,
Were exercis'd in vain on Wit's despair;

The more inform'd, the less he understood.
And deeper sunk by floundering in the mud.

Now scorn'd of all, and grown the public shame,
CYMON AND IPHIGENIA

The people from Galesus chang'd his name,

And Cymon call’d, which signifies a brute ;
POETA LOQUITUR.

So well his name did with his nature suit.
Old as I am, for ladies' love unfit,

His father, when he found his labor lost,
The power of beauty I remember yet,

And care employ'd that answer'd not the cost,
Which once inflam'd my soul, and still inspires my, wit. Chose an ungrateful object to remove,
If love be folly, the severe divine

And loath'd to see what Nature made him love;
Has felt that folly, though he censures mine; So to his country farm the fool confin'd;
Pollutes the pleasures of a chaste embrace, Rude work well suited with a rustic mind.
Acts what I write, and propagates in grace,

Thus to the wilds the sturdy Cymon went, (ment.
With riotous excess, a priestly race.

A squire among the swains, and pleas'd with banish-
Suppose him free, and that I forge th' offence, His corn and cattle were his only care,
He show'd the way, perverting first my sense : And his supreme delight a country fair.
In malice witly, and with venom fraught,

It happen'd on a summer's holiday,
He makes me speak the things I never thought. That to the greenwood shade he took his way;
Compute the gains of his uogovern'd zeal ; For Cymon shunn'd the church, and us'd not much
Il suits his cloth the praise of railing well.
The world will think, that what we loosely write, His quarter-staff, which he could ne'er forsake,
Though now arraign'd, he read with some delight; Hung half before, and half behind his back.
Because he seems to chew the cud again,

He trudg'd along, unknowing what he sought, When his broad comment makes the text too plain ; And whistled as he went for want of thought. And teaches more in one explaining page,

By Chance conducted, or by thirst constrain'd,
Than all the double-meanings of the stage.

The deep recesses of the grove he gain'd;
What needs he paraphrase on what we mean? Where, in a plain defended by the wood,
We were at first but wanton; he's obscene. Crept through the matted grass a crystal flood,
I not my fellows nor myself excuse ;

By which an alabaster fountain stood :
Bat love's the subject of the comic Muse; And on the margin of the fount was laid
Nur can we write without it, nor would you (Attended by her slaves) a sleeping maid,
A tale of only dry instruction view;

Like Dian and her nymphs, when, tir’d with sport,
Nor love is always of a vicious kind,

To rest by cool Eurotas they resort :
But oft to virtuous acts inflames the mind, The dame herself the goddess well express'd,
Awakes the sleepy vigor of the soul,

Not more distinguish'd by her purple vest,
And, brushing o'er, adds motion to the pool. Than by the charming features of her face,
Love, studious how to please, improves our parts

And ev'n in slumber a superior grace:
With polish'd manners, and adorns with arts. Her comely limbs composed with decent care,
Love first invented verse, and form'd the rhyme,

Her body shaded with a slight cymar ;
The motion measur'd, harmoniz'd the chime; Her bosom to the view was only bare :
To liberal acts enlarg'd the narrow-soul'd, Where two beginning paps were scarcely spied,
Softend the fierce, and made the coward bold : For yet their places were but signified:
The world, when waste, he peopled with increase, The fanning wind upon her bosom blows,
And warring nations reconcil'd in peace.

To meet the fanning wind the bosom rose ;
Ormond, the first, and all the fair may find, The fanning wind, and purling streams, continue
In this one legend, to their fame design'd,

her repose. When Beauty fires the blood, how Love exalts the

The fool of Nature stood with stupid eyes, mind.

And gaping mouth that testified surprise,

Fixd on her face, nor could remove his sight,
Is that sweet isle where Venus keeps her court, New as he was to love, and novice to delight:
And every Grace, and all the Loves, resort; Long mute he stood, and leaning on his staff,
Where either sex is form'd of softer earth,

His wonder witness'd with an idiot laugh ;
And takes the bent of pleasure from their birth; Then would have spoke, but by his glimmering sense
There liv'd a Cyprian lord, above the rest

First found his want of words, and fear'd offence
Wise, wealthy, with a numerous issue bless'd. Doubted for what he was he should be known,
But as no gift of Fortune is sincere,

By his clown accent, and his country tone. Was only wanting in a worthy, heir ;

Through the rude chaos thus the running light His eldest-born, a goodly youth to view,

Shot the first ray that pierc'd the native night; Excell'd the rest in shape, and outward show, Then day and darkness in the mass were mix'd, Fair, tall, his limbs with due proportion join'd, Till gather'd in a globe the beams were fix'd : But of a heavy, dull, degenerate mind.

Last shone the Sun, who, radiant in his sphere, His soul belied the features of his face:

Illumin's Heaven and Earth, and rollid around tho Beauty was there, but beauty in disgrace.

year. A clownish mien, a voice with rustic sound, So reason in this brutal soul began, Ind stupid eyes that ever lov'd the ground. Love made him first suspect he was a man.

Love made him doubt his broad barbarian sound, This to prevent, she wakid her sleepy crew,
By love his want of words and wit he found; And, rising hasty, took a short adieu.
That sense of want prepar'd the future way

Then Cymon first his rustic voice essay'd,
To knowledge, and disclos'd the promise of a day. With proffer'd service to the parting maid

What not his father's care, nor tutor's art, To see her safe ; his hand she long denied, Could plant with pains in his unpolish'd heart, But took at length, asham'd of such a guide. The best instructor, Love, at once inspir'd,

So Cymon led her home, and leaving there, As barren grounds to fruitfulness are fir'd :

No more would to his country clowns repair, Love taught him shame; and Shame, with Love at But sought his faiher's house, with better mind, strife,

Refusing in the farm to be consin'd. Soon taught the sweet civilities of life;

The father wonder'd at the son's return, His gross material soul at once could find

And knew not whether to rejoice or mourn; Somewhat in her excelling all her kind:

But doubtfully receiv’d, expecting still Exciting a desire till then unknown,

To learn the secret causes of his alter'd will. Somewhat unfound, or found in her alone.

Nor was he long delay'd: the first request This made the first impression on his mind,

He made, was like his brothers to be dressid, Above, but just above, the brutal kind.

And, as his birth requir'd, above the rest. For beasts can like, but not distinguish too,

With ease his suit was granted by his sire, Nor their own liking by reflection know;

Distinguishing his heir by rich attire : Nor why they like or this or t'other face,

His body thus adornd, he next design'd Or judge of this or that peculiar grace ;

With liberal arts to cultivate his mind : But love in gross, and stupidly admire:

He sought a tutor of his own accord, As flies, allur'd by light, approach the fire.

And studied lessons he before abhorr'd.
Thus our man-beast, advancing by degrees,

Thus the man-child advanc'd, and learn'd so fasi,
First likes the whole, then separates what he sees ; That in short time his equals he surpass'd :
On several parts a several praise bestows,

His brutal manners from his breast exild,
The ruby lips, the well-proportion'd nose,

His mien he fashion'd and his tongue he fil'd;
The snowy skin, and raven-glossy hair,

In every exercise of all admir'd,
The dimpled cheek, and forehead rising fair, He seem'd, nor only seem’d, but was inspir'd:
And, ev'n in sleep itself, a smiling air.

Inspir'd by Love, whose business is to please ;
From thence his eyes descending view'd the rest, He rode, he fenc'd, he mov'd with graceful ease,
Her plump round arms, white hands, and heaving More fam'd for sense, for courtly carriage more,
breast.

Than for his brutal folly known before. Long on the last he dwelt, though every part

What then of alter'd Cymon shall we say, A pointed arrow sped to pierce his heart.

But that the fire which chokd in ashes lay, Thus in a trice a judge of beauty grown, A load too heavy for his soul to move, (Love (A judge erected from a country clown)

Was upward blown below, and brush'd away by
He long d to see her eyes, in slumber hid,

Love made an active progress through his mind,
And wish'd his own could pierce within the lid : The dusky parts he clear'd, the gross refind,
He would have wak'd her, but restrain'd his thought, The drowsy wak'd ; and as he went impress’d
And Love, new-born, the first good-manners laught. The Maker's image on the human breast.
And awful Fear his ardent wish withstood,

Thus was the man amended by desire,
Nor durst disturb the goddess of the wood; And though he lov'd perhaps with too much fire,
For such she seem'd by her celestial face,

His father all his faults with reason scann'd,
Excelling all the rest of human race.

And lik'd an error of the better hand; And things divine, by common sense he knew, Excus'd th' excess of passion in his mind, Must be devoutly seen, at distant view :

By flames too fierce, perhaps too much refind :
So checking his desire, with trembling heart So Cymon, since his sire indulg'd his will,
Gazing he stood, nor would nor could depart; Impetuous lov'd, and would be Cymon still;
Fix'd as a pilgrim wilder'd in his way,

Galesus he disown'd, and chose to bear
Who dares not stir by night, for fear to stray, The name of fool confirm'd and bishop'd by the fair
But stands with awful eyes to watch the dawn of To Cipseus by his friends his suit he mov'd,
day.

Cipseus the father of the fair he lov'd :
At length awaking, Iphigene the fair

But he was pre-engag'd by former es.
(So was the beauty call’d who caus'd his care) While Cymon was endeavoring to be wise :
Unclos'd her eyes, and double day reveald, And Iphigene, oblig'd by former vows,
While those of all her slaves in sleep were seal'd. Had given her faith to wed a foreign spouse :

The slavering cudden, propp'd upon his staff, Her sire and she 10 Rhodian Pasimond,
Stood ready gaping with a grinning laugh,

Though both repenting, were by promise bound, To welcome her awake; nor durst begin

Nor could retract; and thus, as Fate decreed,
To speak, but wisely kept the fool within.

Though better lov'd, he spoke too late to speed.
Then she: “What makes you, Cymon, here alone?" The doom was past, the ship, already sent,
(For Cymon's name was round the country known, Did all his tardy diligence prevent :
Because descended of a noble race,

Sigh'd to herself the fair unhappy maid,
And for a soul ill sorted with his face.)

While stormy Cymon thus in secret said :
But still the sot stood silent with surprise, " The time is come for Iphigene to find
With fix'd regard on her new-open'd eyes, The miracle she wrought upon my mind :
And in his breast receiv'd th' envenom'd dart, Her charms have made me man, her ravish'd love
A tickling pain that pleas'd amid the smart. In rank shall place me with the bless'd above.
But, conscious of her form, with quick distrust For mine by love, by force she shall be mine,
She saw his sparkling eyes, and lear'd his brutal lust : Or death, if force should fail, shall finish my design'

pass'd.

Resolv'd he said ; and rigg'd with speedy care But all at once; at once the winds arise,
A vessel strong, and well equipp'd for war. The thunders roll, the forky lightning flies.
The secret ship with chosen friends he stor’d; In vain the master issues out commands,
And, bent to die or conquer, went aboard.

In vain the trembling sailors ply their hands : Ambush'd he lay behind the Cyprian shore, The tempest unforeseen prevents their care, Waiting the sail that all his wishes bore;

And from the first they labor in despair. Nor long expected, for the following tide

The giddy ship betwixt the winds and tides, Sent out the hostile ship and beauteous bride. Forc'd back, and forwards, in a circle rides, To Rhodes the rival bark directly steerd,

Stunn'd with the different blows; then shoots amain, When Cymon sudden at her back appear'd, Till, counterbuffd, she stops, and sleeps again. And stopp'd her flight: then, standing on his prow, Not more aghast the proud archangel fell. In haughty terms he thus defied the foe :

Plung'd from the height of Heaven to deepest Hell, " Or strike your sails at summons, or prepare

Than stood the lover of his love possessid, To prove the last extremities of war."

Now curs'd the more, the more he had been bless'd ; Thus warn'd, the Rhodians for the fight provide ; More anxious for her danger than his own, Already were the vessels side by side,

Death he defies; but would be lost alone. These obstinate to save, and those to seize the bride. Sad Iphigene to womanish complaints But Cymon soon his crooked grapples cast, Adds pious prayers, and wearies all the saints; Which with tenacious hold his foes embrac'd, Ev'n if she could, her love she would repent, And, armd with sword and shield, amid the press he But, since she cannot, dreads the punishment

Her forfeit faith, and Pasimond betray'd, Fierce was the fight, but, hastening to his prey, Are ever present, and lier crime upbraid. By force the furious lover freed his way:

She blames herself, nor blames her lover less, Himself alone dispers'd the Rhodian crew, Augmenis her anger, as her fears increase : The weak disdain’d, the valiant overthrew; From her own back the burthen would remove, Cheap conquest for his following friends remainid, And lays ibe load on his ungovern'd love, He reap'd the field, and they but only glean'd. Which, interposing, durst, in Heaven's despite, His victory confess'd, the foes retreat,

Invade, and violate another's right: And cast the weapons at the victor's feet.

The powers incens'd awhile deferr'd his pain, Whom thus he cheer'd: “O Rhodian youth, I fought And made him master of his vows in vain : For love alone, nor other booty sought :

But soon they punish d his presumptuous pride; Your lives are safe ; your vessel I resign;

That for his daring enterprise she died ; Yours be your own, restoring what is mine; Who rather not resisted, than coinplied. In Iphigene I claim my rightful due,

Then impotent of mind, with alter d sense, Robb’d by my rival, and detain'd by you :

She hugg’d th' offender, and forgave th' offence, Your Pasimond a lawless bargain drove,

Sex to the last : meantime with sails declin'd The parent could no: sell the daughter's love; The wandering vessel drove before the wind : Or, if he could, my Love disdains the laws, Toss'd and retoss'd, aloft, and then below, And like a king by conquest gains his cause : Nor port they seek, nor certain course they know, Where arms takes place, all other pleas are vain, But every moment wait the coming blow. Love taught me force, and force shall love maintain, Thus blindly driven, by breaking day they view'd You, what by strength you could not keep, release, The land before them, and their fears renewid ; And at an easy ransom buy your peace."

The land was welcome, but the tempest bore Fear on the conquer'd side soon sign'd th' accord, The threaten'd ship against a rocky shore. And Iphigene to Cymon was restor’d:

A winding bay was near; to this they bent, While to his arms the blushing bride he took, And just escap'd ; their force already spent : To seeming sadness she compos’d her look ; Secure from storms, and panting from the sea, As if by force subjected to his will,

The land unknown at leisure they survey ; Though pleas'd, dissembling, and a woman still. And saw (but soon their sickly sight withdrew) And, for she wept, he wip'd her falling tears, The rising towers of Rhodes at distant view; And pray'd her to dismiss her empty fears ; And curs'd the hostile shore of Pasimond, · For yours I am,” he said, “and have deserv'd Sav'd from the seas, and shipwreck'd on the ground Your love much better whoin so long I serv'd, The frighted sailors tried their strength in vain l'han he to whom your formal father tied

To turn the stern, and tempt the stormy main; Your vows, and sold a slave, not sent a bride." But the stiff wind withstood the laboring oar, Thus while he spoke, he seiz'd the willing prey, And forc'd them forward on the fatal shore ! As Paris bore the Spartan spouse away.

The crooked keel now bites the Rhodian strand, Faintly she scream'd, and ev’n her eyes consess'd And the ship moor'd constrains the crew to land : She rather would be thought, than was distress d. Yet still they might be safe, because unknown, Who now exults but Cymon in his mind ?

But, as ill-fortune seldom comes alone,
Vain hopes and empty joys of human-kind, The vessel they disrniss'd was driven before,
Proud of the present, to the future blind!

Already shelter'd on their native shore; (cheer;
Secure of Fate, while Cymon plows the sea, Known each, they know; but each with change of
And steers to Candy with his conquer'd prey, The vanquish'd side exults; the victors fear;
Scarce the third glass of measur'd hours was run,

Not them, but theirs, made prisoners ere they fighi, When, like a fiery meteor, sunk the Sun; Despairing conquest, and deprivid of night. The promise of a storin; the shifting gales

The country rings around with loud alarms, Forsake by fits, and fill the fagging sails;

And raw in fields the rude militia swarms; Hoarse murmurs of the main from far were heard, Mouths without hands; maintain'd at vast expense And night came on, not by degrees prepar'd, In peace a charge, in war a weak defence

Siout once a month they march, a blustering band, But here I stop, not daring to proceed,
And ever, but in times of need, at hand;

Yet blush to flatter an unrighteous deed :
This was the morn when, issuing on the guard, For crimes are but permitted, not decreed.
Drawn up in rank and file they stood prepar'd Resolv'd on force, his wit the pretor bent,
Of seeming arms to make a short essay,

To find the means that might secure th'event. Then hasten to be drunk, the business of the day, Nor long he labor d, for his lucky thought

The cowards would have fled, but that they knew In captive Cymon found the friend he sought; Themselves so many, and their foes so few : Th' example pleas'd: the cause and crime the same; But, crowding on, the last the first impel;

An injur'd lover, and a ravish'd dame. Till overborne with weight the Cyprians fell. How much he durst he knew by what he dar'd, Cymon enslav’d, who first the war begun,

The less he had to lose, the less he car'd And Iphigene once more is lost and won.

To manage lothesome life, when love was the reward. Deep in a dungeon was the captive cast,

This ponder'd well, and fix'd on his intent, Depriv'd of day, and held in fetters fast :

In depth of night he for the prisoner sent; His life was only spar'd at their request,

In secret sent, the public view to shun, Whom taken he so nobly had releas'd :

Then with a sober smile he thus begun. But Iphigenia was the ladies' care,

The powers above, who bounteously bestow Each in their turn address'd to treat the fair; Their gifis and graces on mankind below, While Pasimond and his the nuptial feast prepare. Yet prove our merit first, nor blindly give

Her secret soul to Cymon was inclin'd, To such as are not worthy to receive. But she must suffer what her Fates assignd; For valor and for virtue they provide So passive is the church of woman-kind.

Their due reward, but first they must be tried : What worse to Cymon could his fortune deal, These fruitful seeds within your mind they sow'd ; Roll’d to the lowest spoke of all her wheel? 'Twas yours t' improve the talent they bestow'd : It rested to dismiss the downward weight,

They gave you to be born of noble kind, Or raise him upward to his former height; They gave you love to lighten up your mind, The latter pleas'd ; and Love (concern'd the most) And purge the grosser parts; they gave you care Prepar'd th'amends, for what by love he lost. To please, and courage to deserve the fair. The sire of Pasimond had left a son,

Thus far they tried you, and by proof they found Though younger, yet for courage early known, The grain intrusted in a grateful ground: Ornuisda call'd, to whom, by promise tied,

But still the great experiment remain 'd, A Rhodian beauty was the destin'd bride; They suffer'd you to lose the prize you gain'd, Cassandra was her name, above the rest

That you might learn the gist was theirs alone, Renown’d for birth, with fortune amply bless'd. And when restor'd, to them the blessing own. Lysimachus, who ruld the Rhodian state,

Restor'd it soon will be; the means prepard, Was then by choice their annual magistrate : The difficully smooth'd, the danger shar'd : He lov'd Cassandra too with equal fire,

Be but yourself, the care to me resign, But Fortune had not favor'd his desire;

Then Iphigene is yours, Cassandra mine. Cross'd by her friends, by her not disapprov'd,

Your rival Pasimond pursues your life, Nor yet preferr’d, or like Ormisda lov'd :

Impatient to revenge his ravish'd wife, So siood th' affair: some little hope remain'd, But yet not his ; tomorrow is behind, That, should his rival chance to lose, he gain'd. And Love our fortunes in one hand has joind:

Meantime young Pasimond his marriage press'd, Two brothers are our foes, Ormisda mine, Ordaind the nuptial day, prepar'd the feast; As much declar'd as Pasiinond is thine: And frugally resolv'd (the charge to shun, To-morrow must their common vows be tied : Which would be double should he wed alone) With Love to friend, and Fortune for our guide, To join his brother's bridal with his own.

Let both resolve to die, or each redeem a bride. Lysimachus, oppress’d with mortal grief,

Right I have none, nor hast thou much to plead; Receiv'd the news, and studied quick relief: "Tis force, when done, must justify the deed : The fatal day approach'd ; if force were us'd, Our task perform’d, we next prepare for flight: The magistrate his public trust abus'd;

And let the losers talk in vain of right : To justice liable, as law required;

We with the fair will sail before the wind, For, when his office ceas'd, his power expird : If they are griev'd, I leave the laws behind. While power remain 'd, the means were in his hand Speak thy resolves: if now thy courage droop, By force to seize, and then forsake the land: Despair in prison, and abandon hope : Betwixt extremes he knew not how to move, But if thou dar'st in arms thy love regain, A slave to fame, but more a slave to love : (For liberty without thy love were vain,) Restraining others, yet himself not free,

Then second my design to seize the prey,

(way." Made impotent by power, debas'd by dignity. Or lead to second rape, for well thou know'st the Both sides he weighd; but, after much debate, Said Cymon overjoy'd, “Do thou propose The man prevail'd above the magistrate.

The means to fight, and only show the foes : Love never fails to master what he finds, For from the first, when love had fir'd my mind, But works a different way in different minds, Resolv'd I left the care of life behind." The fool enlightens, and the wise he blinds.

To this the bold Lysimachus replied, This youth, proposing to possess and 'scape,

Let Heaven be neuter, and the sword decide. Began in murder, to conclude in rape : [bless The spousals are prepar'd, already play Unprais’d by me, though Heaven sometimes may The minstrels, and provoke the tardy day: An impions act with undeserv'd success :

By this the brides are wak’d, their grooms are dress’d The great it seems are privileg'd alone

All Rhodes is summond to the nuptial feast, T'o punish all injustice but their own

All but myself, the sole unbidden guest.

Upbidden though I am, I will be there,

The troop retires, the lovers close the rear, And, join'd by thee, intend to joy the fair.

With forward faces not confessing fear: “ Now hear the rest ; when Day resigns the light, Backward they move, but scorn their pace to And cheerful torches gild the jolly Night,

mend, Be ready at my call; my chosen few

Then seek the stairs, and with slow haste descend. With arms administer'd shall aid thy crew.

Fierce Pasimond, their passage to prevent, Then, entering unexpected, will we seize

Thrust full on Cymon's back in his descent; Our destin'd prey, from men dissolv'd in ease, The blade return'd unbath'd, and to the handle By wine disabled, unprepar'd for fight,

bent, And hastening to the seas, suborn our flight: Stout Cymon soon remounts, and cleft in two The seas are ours, for I command the fort,

His rival's head with one descending blow: A ship well-mann'd expects us in the port : And as the next in rank Ormisda stood, If they, or if their friends, the prize contest, He turn’d the point; the sword, inur'd to blood, Death shall attend the man who dares resist." Bor'd his unguarded breast, which pour'd a purple It pleas'd: the prisoner to his hold retir'd,

flood. His troop with equal emulation fir'd,

With vow'd revenge the gathering crowd pursues, All fix'd to fight, and all their wonted work requir'd. The ravishers turn head, the fight renews; The Sun arose; the streets were throng'd around. The hall is heap'd with corps; the sprinkled gore The palace open'd, and the posts were crown'd, Besmears the walls, and floats the marble floor. The double bridegroom at the door attends Dispers'd at length the drunken squadron flies, Th' expected spouse, and entertains the friends : The victors to their vessel bear the prize ; They meet, they lead to church, the priests invoke And hear behind loud groans and lamentable cries. The powers, and feed the flames with fragrant smoke. The crew with merry shouts their anchors weigh, This done, they feast, and at the close of night Then ply their oars, and brush the buxom sea, By kindled torches vary their delight,

While troops of gather'd Rhodians crowd the key : These lead the lively dance, and those the brimming What should the people do when left alone ? bowls invite.

The governor and government are gone. Now at th' appointed place and hour assign'd, The public wealth to foreign parts convey'd ;; With souls resolv'd the ravishers were join'd: Some troops disbanded, and the rest unpaid. Three bands are formd ; the first is sent before Rhodes is the sovereign of the sea no more To favor the retreat, and guard the shore; Their ships unrigg'd, and spent their naval store, The second at the palace-gate is placid,

They neither could defend, nor can pursue, And up the lofty stairs ascend the last :

But grinn'd their teeth, and cast a helpless view; A peaceful troop they seem with shining vests, In vain with darts a distant war they try, But coats of mail beneath secure their breasts. Short, and more short, the missive weapons fly.

Dauntless they enter, Cymon at their head, Meanwhile the ravishers their crimes enjoy, And find the feast renew'd, the table spread : And flying sails and sweeping oars employ: Sweet voices, mix'd with instrumental sounds, The cliffs of Rhodes in little space are lost, Ascend the vaulted roof, the vaulted roof rebounds. Jove's isle they seek; nor Jove denies his coast. When like the harpies rushing through the hall In safety landed on the Candian shore, The sudden troop appears, the tables fall,

With generous wines their spirits they restore: Their smoking load is on the pavement thrown; There Cymon with his Rhodian friend resides, Each ravisher prepares to seize his own;

Both court, and wed at once the willing brides. The brides, invaded with a rude embrace,

A war ensues, the Cretans own their cause,
Shriek out for aid, confusion fills the place. Stiff to defend their hospitable laws:
Quick to redeem the prey their plighted lords Both parties lose by turns; and neither wins,
Advance, the palace gleams with shining swords. Till peace propounded by a truce begins.
But late is all defence, and succor vain;

The kindred of the slain forgive the deed,
The rape is made, the ravishers remain :

But a short exile must for show precede : Two sturdy slaves were only sent before

The term expir’d, from Candia they remove; To bear the purchas'd prize in safety to the shore. And happy each, at home, enjoys his love.