Page:The Amyntas of Tasso (1770) - Percival Stockdale.djvu/60

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
28
AMYNTAS.
Whets the blunt intellect!) I soon bethought me
Of a sly stratagem to gain my purpose.
An angry bee, enraged, as I pretended,
Because with heedless hand I drove it from me,
Had on my lip a thrilling wound inflicted.
Keen agony I feigned, and sore lamented;
And with a supplicating aspect begged
The favour, which my tongue durst not petition.
The simple Sylvia took compassion on me,
And offered me her efficacious cure.
But when I felt her rosy mouth touch mine,
Heavens! how it penetrated all my frame!
It smote each nerve with instantaneous fire,
Deepened my real wound, and made it mortal.
Assiduous bee never such honey sipped,
As I from Sylvia's blooming lips inhaled,
More aromatick than the new-blown rose.
And yet the kiss was languid; maiden instinct
Prevented Sylvia from impressing it;
And I with awe was overwhelmed, and durst not
Complete it with the energy of love.

That