But on the trembling Deer, or Mountain Goat;
At this new Quarry he prepares to shoot.
Though ev'ry Shaft took place, he spent the Store
Of his full Quiver; and 'twas long before
Th' expiring Serpent wallow'd in his Gore.
Then, to preserve the Fame of such a Deed,
For Python slain, he Pythian Games decreed.
Where Noble Youths for Mastership shou'd strive,
To Quoit, to Run, and Steeds, and Chariots drive.
The Prize was Fame: In witness of Renown
An Oaken Garland did the Victor crown.
The Lawrel was not yet for Triumphs born;
But every Green alike by Phœbus worn,
Did, with promiscuous Grace, his flowing Locks adorn.
The Transformation of Daphne into a
Lawrel.
The first and fairest of his Loves, was she
Whom not blind Fortune, but the dire decree
Of angry Cupid forc'd him to desire:
Daphne her Name, and Peneus was her Sire.
Swell'd with the Pride, that new Success attends,
He sees the Stripling, while his Bow he bends,
And thus insults him; Thou lascivious Boy,
Are Arms like these for Children to employ?
Know, such Atchievements are my proper claim;
Due to my Vigour, and unerring Aim:
Resistless are my Shafts, and Python late
In such a feather'd Death, has found his Fate.
Take up the Torch, (and lay my Weapons by)
With that the feeble Souls of Lovers fry.
To whom the Son of Venus thus reply'd,
Phœbus, thy Shafts are sure on all beside,
But mine on Phœbus, mine the Fame shall be
Of all thy Conquests, when I conquer thee.
