On that relying, now it calmly lies Mid sea-weeds on the shore; now see it rise, Rejoicing in success, and foully feed On living forms, unpunish'd for the deed. Perchance with careless and voracious haste, And, though a captive, conscious freedom keeps ; 15 20 The reeded knots dissolve; the daring hand, 25 Benumb'd and chill, renounces its command. Weary and sad the fisherman resigns ON THE STATUES OF THE PIOUS BROTHERS AT CATINA: SEE how the brothers with undaunted air, Their venerable burthens, panting, bear! Eternal honors crown their deathless names, For whom in reverence ceased the eager flames, While Etna bade his fiery streams recoil, Amazed to see the brethren's pious toil. Upon their willing shoulders, as in state, Claud. M 5 10 See how the sire points to the crimson❜d skies; The feeble mother utters mournful cries! Actual their terrors, nor can life surpass The anguish mingled in the wond'ring brass. A secret horror, mix'd with high resolves; Themselves they know not fear, 'tis but for those The flames; their robes play with the wind; and he Who bears his father, leaves his right hand free: Behold how exquisite the artist's skill! Alike the brothers in their form, but still Their features differ; in the one we trace 15 20 25 His sire, the other boasts his mother's grace: The sculptor's art has blended various years, A parent in each blooming son appears: O'er each fair Piety exerts her claim, And proves, at once, their birth, their love the same. 50 O pride of Nature! monuments of truth! By Age revered, and deified by Youth! Not by vain-glory, not by gold allured, To save your hoary parents ye endured But if love raised the twin-born stars to heav'n, If Fame ennobles him to whom 'twas given To snatch from Phrygian flames his aged sire, 45 The sons who, duteous, dragg'd their mother's car, Shall she not sound in loudest strains afar, And thine, O Anapus, as dear to fame? 50 Each temple through Sicilia's isle shall bear The glorious record of an act so fair, Sicilia famed for many a virtuous deed Nor let us then the loss of treasured store, Or towers and glittering palaces deplore; The desolating flames that proudly rose O'er structured art, were destined to disclose The godlike virtues of the noble pair, And glory sprung from ruin and despair! 55 60 |