THE WORKS OF ART TO ITALY.
25
Enshrined in thee th' imperishable ray,
Of high-souled Genius, fostered by her sway,
And bade thee teach, to ages yet unborn,
What lofty dreams were hers—who never shall return!
And mark yon group, transfix'd with many a throe,
Seal'd with the image of eternal woe:
With fearful truth, terrific power, exprest,
Thy pangs, Laocoon, agonize the breast,
And the stern combat picture to mankind,
Of suffering nature, and enduring mind.
Oh, mighty conflict! tho' his pains intense,
Distend each vein, and dart thro' every sense;
Tho' fix'd on him, his children's suppliant eyes,
Implore the aid avenging fate denies;
Tho' with the giant-snake in fruitless strife,
Heaves every muscle with convulsive life,
E
