SACRIFICE OF PSYCHE. From Psyche; or, the Legend of Love. BY MRS. T I. AND now the royal sacrifice prepar'd, As well might strike with awe the soul most strong, And thus divinely spoke the heav'n-inspir'd tongue: 11 "On nuptial couch, in nuptial vest array'd, "Thence soon shall bear his trembling bride away; "His power extends o'er all the bounds of space, "And Jove himself has own'd his dreaded sway, "Whose flaming breath sheds fire, whom earth and heaven obey." III. With terror, anguish, and astonishment, Till Psyche, trembling, with submissive tears, Prepare the funeral couch, and leave the destin'd prey. IV. Pleas'd by the ambiguous doom the fates promulge, The angry goddess, and enamour'd boy, Alike content, their various hopes indulge; He, still exploring, with an anxious eye, The future prospect of uncertain joy, Plans how the tender object of his care He may protect from threaten'd misery. Ah, sanguine Love! so oft deceiv'd, forbear, With flattering tints to paint illusive hope so fair. But now what lamentations rend the skies! VI. But on such scenes of terror and dismay VII. When lo! a gentle breeze began to rise, Breath'd by obedient Zephyrs round the maid, Fanning her bosom with its softest sighs. Awhile among her fluttering robes it stray'd, And, boldly-sportive, latent charms display'd: And then, as Cupid will'd, with tenderest care, From the tall rock, where weeping.she was laid, With gliding motion, through the yielding air, To Pleasure's blooming isle their lovely charge they bear. VIII. On the green bosom of the turf reclin'd, IX. Refresh'd she rose, and all-enchanted gazed The high-rang'd columns own no mortal hand, X. Gently ascending from a silvery flood, Above the palace rose a shaded hill, The lofty eminence was crown'd with wood; And the rich lawns adorn'd by Nature's skill, The passing breezes with their odours fill. Here ever-blooming groves of orange glow, And here all flowers which from their leaves distill Ambrosial dew, in sweet succession blow, And trees of matchless size a fragrant shade bestow. x1. The sun looks glorious mid a sky serene, As tranc'd in some bright vision, Psyche cries, XII.. When lo! a voice divinely sweet she hears-From unseen lips proceeds the heavenly sound, Psyche approach, dismiss thy timid fears, "At length his bride thy longing spouse has found, "And bids for thee immortal joys abound; "For thee the palace rose at his command, "For thee his love a bridal banquet crown'd; "He bids attendant nymphs around thee stand, Prompt every wish to serve-a fond obedient band." XIII. Increasing wonder fill'd her ravish'd soul, While gay saloons appear'd on either side, And all with precious gems so beautified, That scarce the beams of heaven emit such lustre bright. XIV. The amethyst was there of violet hue, Or the mild eyes where amorous glances play; And there the gein which bears his luckless name, Whose death by Phoebus mourn'd, ensur'd him death less fame. |