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HYLAS
Unto the woodland spring he came
For water welling fresh and sweet;
An eager purpose winged his feet
And set his heart aflame.
But musing on Alcmene's son—
Reviewing, emulous, each prize
By the godlike hero won,
A-sudden, with surprise,
He heard soft voices call upon his name:
"Hylas, Hylas, stay and listen!
Though but a moment, bright dreamer, delay!
Pleasure greets thee,
Youth entreats thee,—
From their enchantments, ah, turn not away!
Where the eddies dimpling glisten,
To the love-lorn naiads listen!
"Let not carping care destroy
Life's jocund prime with counsels cold,—
From happy youth the gods withhold
The sordid gifts that they employ
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