150
Translations, &c.
Extorting first my price, I spread my sail,
And steer my course before a merry gale,
Which haply turn'd her tatter'd veil aside, 105
When in her lap a golden vase I spy'd,
Around so rich with orient gems enchas'd,
A flamy lustre o'er the gold they cast.
With eager eyes I view the tempting bane,
And, failing now secure amid the main, 110
With felon force I seize the seeming crone,
To plunge her in, and make the prize my own.
To Venus straight she chang'd, divine to view!
The laughing Loves around their mother flew,
Who, circled with a pomp of Graces, stood, 115
Such as the first ascended from the flood.
I bow'd, ador'd—With terror in her voice,
"Thy violence (she cry'd) shall win the prize:
"Renew thy wrinkled form; be young and fair;
"But soon thy heart shall own the purchase dear.
"Nor is revenge forgot, tho' long delay'd, 121
"For vows attested in the Malean shade—"
Wrapt in a purple cloud she cut the skies,
And looking down still threaten'd with her eyes.
My fear at length dispell'd, (the sight of gold 125
Can make an avaricious coward bold)
I seiz'd the glitt'ring spoil, in hope to find
A case so rich with richer treasures lin'd.
The lid remov'd, the vacant space inclos'd
An essence with celestial art compos'd, 130
And steer my course before a merry gale,
Which haply turn'd her tatter'd veil aside, 105
When in her lap a golden vase I spy'd,
Around so rich with orient gems enchas'd,
A flamy lustre o'er the gold they cast.
With eager eyes I view the tempting bane,
And, failing now secure amid the main, 110
With felon force I seize the seeming crone,
To plunge her in, and make the prize my own.
To Venus straight she chang'd, divine to view!
The laughing Loves around their mother flew,
Who, circled with a pomp of Graces, stood, 115
Such as the first ascended from the flood.
I bow'd, ador'd—With terror in her voice,
"Thy violence (she cry'd) shall win the prize:
"Renew thy wrinkled form; be young and fair;
"But soon thy heart shall own the purchase dear.
"Nor is revenge forgot, tho' long delay'd, 121
"For vows attested in the Malean shade—"
Wrapt in a purple cloud she cut the skies,
And looking down still threaten'd with her eyes.
My fear at length dispell'd, (the sight of gold 125
Can make an avaricious coward bold)
I seiz'd the glitt'ring spoil, in hope to find
A case so rich with richer treasures lin'd.
The lid remov'd, the vacant space inclos'd
An essence with celestial art compos'd, 130
