Demetrius, the Hero of the Don. An epick poem

Front matter

iD^mnmaiiTO9 THE HERO OF THE DON. . AN EPICK POEM. BY ALEXIS EUSTAPHIEVE. BOSTON : FUBLISBED BY MOTTHO*. & TFRANCIS, No. 4, Cornhill. Sold also by E. T. Goodnch & Co. New-York ; and Edward J. Coale, Baltimore. 1818. DISTRICT OT MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT : District Clerk's Offtre. BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the third day of March A.D. 1818, and in the forty-second year of the Independence of the United States of America, Munroe and Francis, of the said District, have deposited in this office the title of a Book, the right whereof they claim as proprietors, in the words following, to wit: " Demetrius of the Don. AnEpick Poem, in seven Cantos. By Alexis Eusta phieve." In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, '* An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and baoks, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned :" and also to an Act entitled, " An Act supplemen tary to an Act, entitle d, An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned : and extending the benefits thereof to the art* ofdesigning, engraving and etching historical, and other prints," _____________________________________________________________ IOHV W Davis S Clerk of the District I JWttW DAVIS, £ of Massachusetts.

TO THE EMPRESS OF ALL THE RUSSIAS, Elizabeth Æeæievna, THIS WORK IS MOST HUMBLY AND RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, BY HER IMPERIAL MAJESTY'S MOST DEVOTED, FAITHFUL, LOYAL, AND GRATEFUL SUBJECT, THE AUTHOR. IDIBfflIBVIBIHDBo

Canto I

The far-famed Prince I sing : the royal youth, Endow'd with virtue's noblest gifts, who liv'd To bless his country, and be blest himself ; Whose voice, inspir'd, bade prostrate Slavia rise, And, by the sound of his triumphant steps, Seek Freedom's way through victory and peace ; Whose arm, resistless, dire oppression crUsh'd ; Broke slavery's galling chain; remov'd the scourge Of foreign Tyranny, and where the Don Majestic rolls his tributary flood To dark Mæotis, quell'd the raging host Of Tartars, and of their ambition fierce The restless desolating spirit curb'd : Who dar'd and promis'd much, but moreperform'd ; Who priz'd his life less than the public weal ; And, ere stern manhood ripen'd on his front, By grateful nations was their father hail'd. No fairy-tale is mine : no special powers, No spirits I invoke that love to dwell A2 Above the earthly sphere : I speak of deeds By human means achieved, with only aid, Such wonted aid as Worth may claim of Heaven.

To Thee, 0 God ! from whom all wisdom flows, To Thee alone my pray'rs ascend ! 0 deign To guide my timid steps to that proud height Where fain my bolder spirit would repose ! Instruct me in the choice of devious paths That to the sacred fane of knowledge lead, Where, hid from mortal sight, of many an age The hoarded treasures safely lie ! Send forth A ray of Thy divine unerring light, That, while it shows me the abode of truth, I may, in accents loud and measur'd sound, Call ancient heroes from the silent grave, And rescue from Oblivion's whelming shade Their virtue, deeds of valour, just renown ! Star of theNorth, whose radiance mild, yet pure, Auspicious on delivered Europe shines ! Thou, boast and joy of Slavia's present race, The pride and living glory of our age, The first in eminence, second in name To him, whom Persia and the eastern world, Subdu'd of yore, had fear'd, but never lov'd ; Whose conquest fed Ambition's craving lust, But brought no peace ; and who. unlike to thee, W^m-d tr> enslave, to ravage and destroy, TNot to give freedom, to defend and save !

Illustrious Prince, whose blood from Peter's veins, A source immortal, flows ; vouchsafe to hear My feeble song, and with complacence look On this imperfect image of thyself ! It is from thee, and from the glorious chiefs, By whom thy standards are in triumph borne, That I the colours for my pencil take ! Thy reign, my history ! Forgive me, then, If in my hands unsteady burns the torch » Of ancient lore ; if in the doubtful path Of elder Time with erring foot I tread ! 0 that I could approach thee undisguis'd, And sing thy deeds confess'd ! Impossible ! It is the future Poet's happy lot : Yet happier far were mine, if thou, perchance, Approve my humble lay, — Delightful hope ! — And thou, sweet Partner of his scepter'd toil, Who shar'st, most worthy thus to share, his throne Imperial ! Noble Christian !

Pious Queen ! Kind friend ! Illustrious female ! Spotless wife ! The widow's joy, the orphan's mother, pair'd With that exalted One* whose fruitful womb, Thrice bless'd, bore Europe's Saviour to the world, Thy Alexander ! — Thou Heaven promis'd fair,f * The Empress-dowager, Alexander's mother, who is at the bead of charitable institutions. + Elizabeth, means promised of God (upon oath).

CANTO I.

8 BEMETRIUS. To Glory's sons,^: in whom the wise delight And whom the virtuous imitate : whose zone That girds thy station's dignity, shines most With modesty and grace, all feminine, Far brighter than the jewels of the crown ! Thou, who, amidst the blaze of Majesty, Wear'st angel woman's genuine heart ; and thence Bring'st succour to the poor, cure to the sick, Forgiveness to the erring, sympathy To hopeless woe, Protection's cheering smile To timid genius, and instructive help To sorrow's cliild ! Thou whom great ease to serve Is sole complaint of thy attending train : Whose name, the first-taught sound upon the lips Of lisping infancy, is yet the last That with the gasping breath of age expires ! Bestow thy gracious, all-benignant look On this the humble Poet's humble mite, With boldness, sprung from overflowing heart, Laid at thy feet !

Reject not, I beseech, This faint attempt, alas ! how faint ! to trace Some semblance of thyself ! Oh ! that I dwelt In that rich Paradise,^ that fairy land Where youthful Spring and riper Summer spread For thee, their mistress lov'd, their choicest gifts ; X Glory, in the Russian language Slava, is the true word from which the cognomen of Slavonians, incorrectly spelt Sclavonians, as applied to the Russians, has been derived. . Sarslcoe Selo, the summer residence of the young Empress. Where Ocean's surly god, subdued, no more Vents forth his stormy rage, but gently holds Smooth mirror to reflect thy passing form ; Or watches, duteous, at thy couch of rest ! Where Venus, chastity and wisdom taught, Where Pallas stern, to grace and softness won, Unite their mutual charms to wait on thee Through all thy fav'rite groves !

Oil ! were it mine To mingle in the sacred group, and drink Pure inspiration from the air so breath'd Then might my efforts But Hence, wayward wish ' No clime can quench the grateful Poet's fire, No distance cool his warm regard. Behold ! Behold him now borne on a crazy bark, A prey to winds and waves, from peril toss'd To peril, far beneath the northern sky,* Inclement, vex'd with blasts, and pouring down A world of whelming snow and clashing hail ! What though his foothold be the slippery deck, His prop, the rocking mast ? Intense and firm, Like some fix'd monument, he stands, sustain'd By one great glowing thought. In vain, convuls'd, The groaning vessel starts from side to side, — The furious tempest roars — grim Ocean rolls A heavy ruin from his rageful front, And yawns with all his horrid mouths at once ! » The situation of the author at the time of this effusion, was actually such as he describes, in the North sea, while on his passage to America, in N ovember last.

Heedless the Poet stands ! — Warm with the theme, The glorious theme ! rude Winter's icy touch He feels not, spurns the storm, and scarcely deigns To brush away the frothy dust that hangs In quiv'ring clusters from his humid locks. He, at this hour of horror and dismay, Amidst the shock of elemental war, To thee, his sovereign, Empress of the north ! Pours forth his grateful song. Wilt thou accept The homage, stamp'd so deep with seal of Truth ? Wilt thou, as lately on his lighter task, On this his greater labour smile ! A doubt Would wrong thy gen'rous soul. Thou wilt. Enough ! Methinks, I feel within the force divine ! My soul aspiring soars above the earth ! Obedient Time his mysteries unveils ! Past, present, future, in one picture glow ! And lo ! a scene majestic greets the sight ! Scarce yet the earliest ray had gilt the sky ; Scarce Fancy, swifter than the wings of Time, Had met the Sun below Earth's level pois'd, And left the eye to linger in suspense j Scarce yet had wakening Nature left her couch, And from her tresses shook the morning dew ; While light and shade maintain'd a dubious strife j Unusual bustle and commotion strange Ran rapid through the streets of fair Kazan ,• Each eye in eager expectation rov'd 5 Each visage wore the flush of anxious hope ; Each form appear'd with airy flight to move : Nor timid infancy nor tott'ring age, Nor feebleness of sex, nor fell disease, Could check rebellious curiosity, Full bursting from her wonted long restraint.

The swelling crowd, tumultuous onward press'd ; Thousands by thousands were impell'd along, Until the Earth beneath the burden groan'd ; The massy walls, that girt the city round, Shook with the tempest labouring within ; And the slow gates, with sudden shock assail'd, Fell, from their stubborn hinges torn, a prey To fierce impatience. As a torrent check'd Soon bears obstruction down, and rushes on With tenfold force ; or as the pent-up fire, Within some edifice, collects its strength And through a thousand vents breaks out at once : So through the various passes now pours forth The shouting throng, and deluges the plain. Whence this uproar and agitation wild ? And who yon ancient venerable man, Of form majestic and commanding mien, O'erlooking, from a high erected throne, The pressing multitude ?

His hoary locks In floating rings their riper honours shew. He seems an aged Oak, whose loftier head, And larger boughs, in richer foliage clad, With broader shade protect its fellow trees.

CANTO I

12 DEMETRIUS. 'Tis Morna, he whose mild and happy sway Extends o'er these domains ; in whom is seen The people's guardian and their constant friend, Sincerely loving them, sincerely lov'd. A beauteous fair blooms on his either side. This, on his right, that, like a blushing rose, Shuns the soft kisses of the morning breeze, And, with Heaven's mildness pleading in her eyes, Teaches e'en Love to spare, who, but for this, Had long, ere now, transfix'd her tender heart, Is lovely Selima, the monarch's joy, His pride and only child. That, on his left, Zorana nam'd, who, like some hardier plant Fearless of Winter's blast, with prouder look And bolder front, seems destin'd to repel The shafts of Love and frowns of adverse fate, Is Selima's companion, bosom friend, An orphan from illustrious parents sprung And early to the royal care bequeath'd. One cradle rock'd them both ; one breast supplied Their infant food ; one heart e'er seems to warm, One soul to animate, their diff'rent frames.

Both, as between them sat the aged Sire, Appear'd like flow'ry wreaths, in graceful curves Around some gothic stately column thrown. The insidious Orcan, whose feign'd modesty And honeyed tongue usurp'd the monarch's will And stole his confidence, submissive stood Behind the throne, heading a pompous train CAS TO I. DEMETKIUS. 13 Of lords and chiefs, the kingdom's noblest prop . While heralds all, a motley dazzling group, Were plac'd in front, and by their smiles proclaims Their lord's indulgence and their own content. But hush ! The monarch rises from his throne : He gently waves his hand ; and, suddenly, All tumult ceases, clamor drops its tongue, And silence most profound assumes the sway. So, when his fabled trident Neptune wav'd, The roaring sea forgot its rage, and sunk Into a sudden calm.

Rejoic'd to hear The voice that cheerM the brave, inspir'd the good, And ever sooth'd affliction's drooping child ; There's not an ear but eagerly expands To catch and treasure up each precious word : E'en breath itself is check'd, lest it disturb The sense of hearing while the Sov'reign speaks. " My children ! for I love to call you so ; And so, in truth, I deem you, since I place My happiness in yours, and largely share In all your griefs and joys. With willing heart I join your festive throng, and bless the day That brings our country's brave and gallant bands, From the embattled field and War's rude toils, Back to the calm delights of wished-for home. B

CANTO I.

14 DEMETRIUS. Th' immortal Chief, whose all-subduing arm Chain'd Victory to his triumphant car ; Who led them in the arduous path of Fame, And who for years has been his Nation's boast, The brightest, strongest pillar of my throne ; Th' illustrious Brono, now restores them rich With glory's spoils,and with fresh laurels crown'd. A moment — and you'll hail the matchless man, Press to your hearts your relatives and friends, While I embrace the worthiest of my sons. Rejoice ! rejoice ! and ye, my heralds ! speed, Proclaim it quick, proclaim it loud, this is The day of gladness, day of Jubilee !" Thus spoke he, and resuni'd his seat. The shouts Reviv'd : the moisten'd cheek of Selima Betray'd the tear of joy ; Zorana smil'd j The wdy Orcan's sycophantic bow Conceal'd dark secrets rushing to his face j And the obedient heralds, swift of foot, Dispers'd to execute the royal will.

And now the blazing orb rose full in view ; The conqu'ring day advane'd with rapid pace ; The gilded domes and spires, that tower'd high, Caught the descending brightness, and convey'd To humbler roofs. From swift retreating shades, Now seen no more, the fairest of the fair, The Volga's choicest gem, superb Kazan, Emerging forth, like Venus from the waves, In all her grace and beauty stood display'd. The Queen of all the riches spread around : The wide luxuriant plain that courts her smiles ; The rising hills that greet her from afar ; The waving forest, whose green-tufted heads At every nod the wonted homage yield. Behold ! along the ridge that binds the plain, And through the spaces of unequal height, A vivid glory moves. Now on some peak The gliding radiance plays, and now it sinks In some deep glen, leaving faint tracks above ; And, as it shrinks or wider spreads itself, An envious mist, in corresponding shapes, Expands, contracts, and on its traces runs : Together mingling, both in turn prevail, And both now vanish from the eager gaze.

All 's hush'd in expectation's solemn pause : When, sudden, the shrill trumpet's piercing blast Awakes the sleeping Echo in her caves, And with her thousand tongues assails the ear. « 'Tis he ! 'tis they !" resounds from mouth to mouth, And in a moment all suspense is o'er : Forth, from behind the last and loftiest hill, The gorgeous vision swells upon the view j And nearer, freed from the incumbent mist, It nearer still in all its splendour draws. The mazy lines descending from the hUJ, And painting its broad sides with various hues ; The costly banners streaming to the wind,

CANTO I

, 16 DEMETRIUS. ,• Where purple, gold, and silver sport their rays The polish'd helmets, where the Sun, surpriz'd, Views its reflected form ; the waving plumes, The richest tribute of the fcather'd world, Which cheated Fancy deems a living flight ; The gleaming forest of high-pointed spear ; And the full-mettled, proudly neighing steed, Moving in state with gay and graceful steps ; Proclaim the welcome, long-expected host, . Gladden each list'ning ear, each gazing eye With tears of joy, each heart with rapture fill. In order while the warriors range below, The people hail with transport their return, And parting suddenly, as did of old The crimson waves that bathe Arabia's shore, Present a passage to the royal throne, Shewing a noble king, and loyal host, In one fair prospect with each. other plac'd. Along the carpet, wove of choicest flowers.

By Virgins and officious Matrons spread, The warlike train, betwixt two living walls, In grandeur and full martial pomp, advance. Foremost appears their great and godlike Chief. "Though winter on his temples sits enthron'd ; His cheeks still glow with smiling spring, and still The summer's light'ning flashes from his eye ; \1 idle vig'rous manhood knits his every limb : IS or age, nor wond'rous toils, nor hostile sword, That more than once had drank his precious blood, Have yet unstrung his nervous frame, upheld By the still youthful ardour of his soul, Against mortality itself. Applause In peals of thunder, bursting from all sides, Bespeaks his country's gratitude and love. Two youthful strangers, on his either side, A proud distinction, rode ; and soon on these Fond admiration fix'd her myriad-eyes.

Their graceful air,their manly forms which heav'n On Heroes only, favour'd high, bestows : Their open visage with expression fraught, Where modesty beside stern courage sat, And gentleness drew its transparent veil Over the lion's dreadful rage in war, Betray their birth as noble as their deeds, Which Fame already in her loudest strain Had to the world proclaim'd. By Nature blest With equal gifts, whichever first is seen To him the heart must yield. Turn not this way, Ye, lovely Nymphs, who grace the Monarch's throne ! O turn not ! Listen to my warning voice ! Mistrust, thou gentle Selima, the Power Which has, till now, forborne t' invade thy peace ! Love cannot wait forever. 'Tis a foe Who spares but to afflict, whose pity feign'd B2 DEMETRIUS.

CANTO I.

Is but a specious cloak that mischief hides. And thou, too confident Zorana, more, More yet hast thou to fear ! Thy own proud heart, Impatient of control, may soon revolt And may the worst of traitors prove. Beware ! Love is revengeful when resisted long ; And, doubly arm'd, is ever on the watch To strike the blow with more destructive aim. Think, beauteous maids ! Love is a dangerous guest To friendship, e'en like your's,and with one touch Has oft dissolv'd its edifice, that else, Through all the shocks of dire adversity, Through all the changes of destroying Time, Might firmer stand than adamant itself. Turn not this way ! — Alas ! — The caution fails, The friendly counsel they disdain, and, rash, Their fatal curiosity obey. The sportive Courser (so ill stars ordain'd) That gaily with the gallant Trouvor pac'd, (Osmond was nam'd the other stranger-knight), Perchance, from pride his burthen to display, With sudden bound, and like an arrow swift, Sprung forth, and circling danc'd before the throne ; And while the rider, in his seat unmov'd, With bold and skilful hand directs the rein, And soon impels the restive Charger back, His graceful movements, and his agile strength, The fine proportion of his pliant limbs, At once with wonder mute the Virgins strike : They heedless view him with delight, nor think Each glance quick darting from his eagle eye, Matures the potent spell that holds them bound.

Like birds, enchanted by the serpent's glare, They both unconscious on one object gaze, Nor know the danger till they know too late. Ah ! soon, too soon they feel the quiv'ring shaft Fix deeply in their hearts. Sensations new, Mingled, confus'd, invade their breasts : they pine With wishes which they dare not scan ; with fear They tremble, sigh with pain, with pleasure blush; Pant for relief, yet dread to be reliev'd ; Seeking for hope, they gain despair ; and, bent T' escape, they but pursue their certain fate. So in her bleeding flanks, the stricken deer Carries the murd'rous steel ; and so, poor wretch ! For fancied safety to some forest hies, Rushing on death, while death she seems to fly. Meanwhile, dismounted, 'midst the noble youths, The loyal Chief with reverence approach'd ; But, ere he bent his knee, the generous King Descending, clasp'd him in his eager arms.

" Forbear ! forbear ! A Hero so renown'd Should for himself the proffer' d homage claim ; Justice would blush to see thee kneel : let those Who nothing else can give for favours hop'd, Bring this vile tribute to the Throne ; not thou Who never com'st to take, but to bestow.

CANTO I.

20 DEMETRIUS. Whate'er thy loyalty ow'd to the state, Hath, long since, been with tenfold int'rest paid. Majesty, poor in means of recompense, Becomes thy willing debtor : and this pledge Of royal friendship, and of royal faith, Is all a grateful King can offer, all A Hero so illustrious may accept." This saying, forth he drew a precious chain, Where his own form by living pencil trae'd, Suspended, 'midst the sparkling diamonds smil'd. On Brono's bending neck he plac'd the gem, And warmer still he press'd him to his heart. " 0 Sire i" replied tbe grateful Chief, «•' a boon So vast, o'erpays an age in service spent, And from gratuitous bounty comes ; for, nought Beyond the scope of duty have I done. My Country's claims commencing with my birth, My life is but a space of time allow'd To satisfy those claims.

The Patriot's zeal Braves age, and with the length of days extends. To live is still to owe, and death alone May cancel the accumulating debt. All, then, I have receiv'd is a reward, Not due, but graciously conferr'd, and far Exceeding my deserts. If aught I may In justice ask, it is thy royal grace For these two valiant Knights. Strangers they are, Of whom nought, save their names, perchance assum'd, Is known ; but such their deeds and zeal approv'd, Such stedfast honour, and such long-tried faith, As need no higher pledge, that motives just, Cogent and Vvise, their course mysterious urge ; That their condition, should these motives cease, Will prove full worthy of themselves. Suffice, This ample realm doth not two warriors boast More loyal or more brave. In wisdom old, Though young in years, their counsel and their arms, Both, more than once, have made us Conquerors.

The justness of our cause, and the desire, So they declar'd, to learn the art of war, Have brought them to our camp : the first they prov'd By valour often prodigal : the last Soon for its masters own'd them. While I thus Commend them to my Sovereign's grace, I aim To do no common service to the State." " Such as is justly priz'd," exclaini'd the King, And, as the youths, abash'd at their own praise, Though well descrv'd, with diffidence drew near, He thus address'd them : " Welcome, noble Knights ! 1'h rice welcome here ! To honour deeds like y mir's No knowledge need we of your birth : themselves The strongest passport to our confidence. Think not we shall ungrateful ask for more. Protection, all else to your merit due, We offer, and beseech you to accept.

CANTO I.

22 DEMETRIUS. In this ourselves, not you, shall prosit most. In council or the field, as in our love, Your place shall be next to your glorious Chief. Your worth, expos'd by its own light, is all We claim or w ish to know : Fame's busy tongue Has made it public property, and such It must remain. You come expected guests." Thus spoke he, and before they could reply, He smiling led them, where, exalted, sat The Virgins fair ; who, knowing his intent, In sweet confusion rose, and, while the youths Knelt at their feet, each one bestow'd a gift Most precious to the warrior's glowing mind. First, blushing Selima, with trembling hands, On Trouvor's head a wreath of laurel plac'd, But oh ! — her treacherous tongue will not supply One single word to give the action grace. With downcast eyes in vain she calls to aid The various thoughts writh which her fancy teem'd: The rebels fly and heed not her distress.

She fears her ill-tim'd silence will offend Whom she would give her very life to please ; She fears her rudeness will estrange the Knight, And fails where most she wishes not to fail ; But vain her fears ! E'en when she hopes the least, She charms the most ,• and, saying nothing, says Far more than ever came from Eloquence. Such is, 0 Modesty, thy magic power ! The Knight enraptur'd, and now all her own, Surveys her with delight : in wonder lost, Himself awhile forgets the use of speech ; But soon, recall'd, with Inspiration's tongue He greets her, and the favour, grateful, owns. She hears, and every other sense is hush'd In the transporting music of his voice ; Each faculty absorb'd : the accents sweet Play on each tender nerve, thrill in the heart, And wake each deep responsive chord of soul.

The charm is perfect ! wrapt in ecstacy Of him alone she thinks, for him alone She lives, and dies to every object else. Not so Zorana blest, though not less touch'd. Emotions uncongenial, undefin'd, Usurp the sway within her troubled breast. The pang of Jealousy, and Envy's sting Till now unknown to her, till now unfelt, Embitter all the softer pains of Love. 'Tis hard she thinks, that blind untoward chance Should give to Selima the favourite Knight : This chance, so simple and so mild, she deems A cruel dark conspiracy of fate, Of evil powers hostile to her peace : And harder still, that of the courteous smiles, The ardent glances, captivating words, So rich an offering to her happier friend, Not one is on herself bestow'd, not one Spar'd for her loftier charms, but lavish' d all Without a fair return, such as herself, Had Fortune so decreed, would gladly make, And by a contrast flattering to her pride,

CANTO I

*. 24 DEMETRIUS. Superior rise both in the will and power. Much blames she Selima's unseemly port, Which, had it but less pleasing prov'd, she would With joy forgive : much too she blames the Knight For being pleas'd, and for his wayward taste In giving thus his homage unreserv'd, Which some as worthy and more grateful fair Might claim with equal merit, and repay With better grace. Both she condemns; nordreams How justly on herself may fall the blame ; Since, while upon the second gallant Knight The same high honour she confers, neglect, As if design'd, or want of courtesy, Apparent, lower much the deed itself. Her hands reluctantly perform their task, Moving mechanical : nor gracious speech, Nor looks, of welcome sure, though half reveal'd, On Osmond she bestows. For him no eye, No ear she has : for him no heart, no soul.

She heeds not virtues to her choice display'd, But sighs for excellence beyond her reach, Another's lot. Such the caprice of Love ! As of some peevish school-boy, who rejects The dainties plac'd before him, coveting The portion of his mate. Haply, the Knight To other thoughts than love inclin'd, appears Unconscious of the wrong, content t' enjoy The freedom, which, had she been somewhat kind, He might have lost : and ere he could perceive, Or she redeem that wrong, the scene was chang'd. Two splendid chariots drawn by milk-white steeds, One for the King and noble Maids design'd, The other for the Chief and stranger Knights, Appear'd in view. In order each ascends, And to the Palace, where the festive board Was spread profuse, they all with solemn pace Proceed amidst the acclamations loud, That, with their own reiterated names, Shake the broad firmament.

It boots not now To tell, what scarcely can be told, the pomp And grandeur of the regal edifice, Which skill and taste for years had vied to raise And to adorn ; and where, the treasures drawn From earth's extremities, were all display'd : Nor yet the splendid luxury, and all That studious Art and Nature could bestow To gratify each sense, and give the feast The genuine marks of sumptuous Royalty : Nor how, within the Palace and without, The day in joyous revelry was spent ; What time the lovely Maids, withdrawing sought Their sep'rate couches, never pleas'd till now, To part at Night's late summons ; and what time The hoary Chief, on whose contracted brow, Unaw'd by splendour, sat corroding care Dimming the vivid lustre of his eye, And chasing from his cheeks the willing smile, Retired with both his friends ; and in a short, But deep communion with himself, resolv'd r Th' ensuing morn to tell them all his doubts, All the suspicions harassing his mind, And fears, that, secret, lurking near, deceit, Miry soon reverse the present prospects fair.

Of other weighty things, not these, I speak. High in the viewless regions lost, midway 'Twixt Earth and Heav'n, eternal bar to both, By both disclaim'd, ne'er from the first great curse To be redeem'd, 'midst the perpetual war Of jarring elements, a barren peak For ages, isolated, stood ; of all Good produce barren, fertile yet in all Pestiferous and vile : where nought but plants, Insects, and reptiles perilous to life, Prosper, and for their subtle venom find Supplies that never fail. On this curs'd spot Where Nature forc'd to be unkind, against Her own Creation plots ; on this curs'd spot A monster fear'd, Ambition's eldest born, In hell engender'd after Satan's fall, Keeps her most hideous court. Eternal smile Plays on her lips, and yet beneath that smile Eternal murder lurks. Her nimble tongue Honey distils : most tempting is the draught, And yet most foul and deadly its contents.