Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 1) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/112

"If downward from the Heav'ns my Head I bow,
"And see the Earth and Ocean hang below,
"Ev'n I am seiz'd with Horror and Affright,
"And my own Heart misgives me at the Sight.
"A mighty Downfal steeps the Ev'ning Stage,
"And steddy Reins must curb the Horses Rage.
"Thetys her self has fear'd to see me driv'n
"Down headlong from the Precipice of Heav'n.
"Besides, consider what impetuous Force
"Turns Stars and Planets in a different Course.
"I steer against their Motions; nor am I
"Born back by all the Current of the Sky.
"But how cou'd you resist the Orbs that roul
"In adverse Whirls, and stem the rapid Pole?
"But you perhaps may hope for pleasing Woods,
"And stately Domes, and Cities fill'd with Gods;
"While through a thousand Snares your Progress lies,
"Where Forms of starry Monsters stock the Skies:
"For, shou'd you hit the doubtful Way aright,
"The Bull with stooping Horns stands opposite;
"Next him the bright Hæmonian Bow is strung,
"And next, the Lion's grinning Visage hung:
"The Scorpion's Claws, here clasp a wide Extent,
"And here the Crab's in lesser Clasps are bent.
"Nor wou'd you find it easie to compose⁠$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$
"The mettled Steeds, when from their Nostrils flows
"The scorching Fire, that in their Entrails glows.
"Ev'n I their head-strong Fury scarce restrain,
"When they grow warm and restif to the Rein.
"Let not my Son a fatal Gift require,
"But, O! in time, recal your rash Desire;
"You ask a Gift that may your Parent tell,
"Let these my Fears your Parentage reveal;

"And