The HISTORY of PORSENNA, King of RUSSIA IN TWO BOOKS. Thomas Lisle Alexander Huber Editor Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
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Eighteenth-Century Poetry Archive
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Oxford This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. T131163 K104099.006 Dodsley, Robert, 1703-1764. A Collection of Poems in Six Volumes. By Several Hands. Vol. VI. London printed by J. Hughs, for R. and J. Dodsley 1763 [1st ed. 1758] pp. 178-210. 6v.: music; 8⁰.

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The HISTORY of PORSENNA , King of RUSSIA IN TWO BOOKS . By the Same . Arva , beata Petamus arva , divites et insulas . HOR. Epod , 16
BOOK I. IN Russia's frozen clime some ages since There dwelt , historians say , a worthy prince , Who to his people's good confin'd his care , And fix'd the basis of his empire there ; Inlarg'd their trade , the lib'ral arts improv'd , Made nations happy , and himself belov'd ; To all the neighb'ring states a terror grown , The dear delight , and glory of his own . Not like those kings who vainly seek renown From countries ruin'd , and from battles won ; Those mighty Nimrods , who mean laws despise , Call murder but a princely exercise , And if one bloodless sun shou'd steal away , Cry out with Titus , they have lost a day ; Who , to be more than men , themselves debase Beneath the brute , their Maker's form deface , Raising their titles by their God's disgrace . Like fame to bold Erostratus we give , Who scorn'd by less than sacrilege to live ; On holy ruins rais'd a lasting name , And in the temple's fire diffus'd his shame . Far diff'rent praises , and a brighter fame , The virtues of the young Porsenna claim ; For by that name the Russian king was known , And sure a nobler ne'er adorn'd the throne . In war he knew the deathful sword to wield , And sought the thickest dangers of the field , A bold commander ; but , the storm o'erblown , He seem'd as he were made for peace alone ; Then was the golden age again restor'd , Nor less his justice honour'd than his sword . All needless pomp , and outward grandeur spar'd , The deeds that grac'd him were his only guard ; No private views beneath a borrow'd name ; His and the publick interest were the same . In wealth and pleasure let the subject live , But virtue is the king's prerogative ; Porsenna there without a rival stood , And wou'd maintain his right of doing good . Nor did his person less attraction wear , Such majesty and sweetness mingled there ; Heav'n with uncommon art the clay refin'd , A proper mansion for so fair a mind ; Each look , each action bore peculiar grace , And love itself was painted on his face . In peaceful time he suffer'd not his mind To rust in sloth , tho' much to peace inclin'd ; Nor wanton in the lap of pleasure lay , And lost to glory loiter'd life away ; But active rising ere the prime of day , Thro' woods and lonely desarts lov'd to stray ; With hounds and horns to wake the furious bear , Or rouze the tawny lion from his laire ; To rid the forest of the savage brood , And whet his courage for his country's good . One day , as he pursued the dang'rous sport , Attended by the nobles of his court , It chanced a beast of more than common speed Sprang from the brake , and thro' the desart fled . The ardent prince impetuous as the wind Rush'd on , and left his lagging train behind . Fir'd with the chace , and full of youthful blood , O'er plains , and vales , and woodland wilds he rode , Urging his courser's speed , nor thought the day How wasted , nor how intricate the way ; Nor , till the night in dusky clouds came on , Restrain'd his pace , or found himself alone . Missing his train , he strove to measure back The road he came , but cou'd not find the track ; Still turning to the place he left before , And only lab'ring to be lost the more . The bugle horn , which o'er his shoulders hung , So loud he winded , that the forest rung ; In vain , no voice but Echo from the ground , And vocal woods , made mock'ry of the sound . And now the gath'ring clouds began to spread O'er the dun face of night a deeper shade ; And the hoarse thunder growling from afar , With herald voice proclaim'd th' approaching war ; Silence awhile ensued , — then by degrees A hollow wind came mutt'ring thro' the trees . Sudden the full-fraught sky discharg'd its store , Of rain and rattling hail a mingled show'r ; The active lightning ran along the ground ; The fiery bolts by fits were hurl'd around , And the wide forests trembled at the sound . Amazement seiz'd the prince ; — where cou'd he fly ? No guide to lead , no friendly cottage nigh . Pensive and unresolv'd awhile he stood , Beneath the scanty covert of the wood ; But drove from thence soon sallied forth again , As chance directed , on the dreary plain ; Constrain'd his melancholy way to take Thro' many a loathsome bog , and thorny brake , Caught in the thicket , flound'ring in the lake . Wet with the storm , and wearied with the way , By hunger pinch'd , himself to beasts a prey ; Nor wine to cheer his heart , nor fire to burn , Nor place to rest , nor prospect to return . Drooping and spiritless , at life's despair , He bade it pass , not worth his farther care ; When suddenly he spied a distant light , That faintly twinkled thro' the gloom of night , And his heart leap'd for joy , and bless'd the welcome sight . Oft-times he doubted , it appear'd so far , And hung so high , 'twas nothing but a star , Or kindled vapour wand'ring thro' the sky , But still press'd on his steed , still kept it in his eye ; Till , much fatigue , and many dangers past , At a huge mountain he arriv'd at last . There lighting from his horse , on hands and knees Grop'd out the darksome road , by slow degrees , Crawling or clamb'ring o'er the rugged way ; The thunder rolls above , the flames around him play . Joyful at length he gain'd the steepy height , And found the rift whence sprang the friendly light . And here he stopp'd to rest his wearied feet , And weigh the perils he had still to meet ; Unsheath'd his trusty sword , and dealt his eyes With caution round him to prevent surprize ; Then summon'd all the forces of his mind , And ent'ring boldly cast his fears behind : Resolv'd to push his way , whate'er withstood , Or perish bravely as a monarch shou'd . While he the wonders of the place survey'd , And thro' the various cells at random stray'd , In a dark corner of the cave he view'd Somewhat , that in the shape of woman stood ; But more deform'd than dreams can represent The midnight hag , or poet's fancy paint The Lapland witch , when she her broom bestrides , And scatters storms and tempests as she rides . She look'd as nature made her to disgrace Her kind , and cast a blot on all the race ; Her shrivel'd skin with yellow spots besmear'd Like mouldy records seem'd ; her eyes were blear'd ; Her feeble limbs with age and palsy shook ; Bent was her body , haggard was her look . From the dark nook outcrept the filthy crone , And propp'd upon her crutch came tott'ring on . The prince in civil guise approach'd the dame , Told her his piteous case , and whence he came , And till Aurora shou'd the shades expel , Implor'd a lodging in her friendly cell . Mortal , whoe'er thou art , the fiend began , And as she spake a deadly horror ran Thro' all his frame ; his cheeks the blood forsook , Chatter'd his teeth , his knees together struck . Whoe'er thou art , that with presumption rude Dar'st on her sacred privacy intrude , And without licence in our court appear , Know , thou'rt the first that ever enter'd here . But since thou plead'st excuse , thou'rt hither brought More by thy fortune than thy own default , Thy crime , tho' great , an easy pardon finds , For mercy ever dwells in royal minds ; And wou'd you learn from whose indulgent hand You live , and in whose aweful presence stand , Know farther , thro' yon wide extended plains Great Eolus the king of tempests reigns , And in this lofty palace makes abode , Well suited to his state , and worthy of the God . The various elements his empire own , And pay their humble homage at his throne ; And hither all the storms and clouds resort , Proud to increase the splendor of his court . His queen am I , from whom the beauteous race Of winds arose , sweet fruit of our embrace ! She scarce had ended , when , with wild uproar , And horrid din , her sons impetuous pour Around the cave ; came rushing in amain Lybs , Eurus , Boreas , all the boist'rous train ; And close behind them on a whirlwind rode In clouded majesty the blust'ring God . Their locks a thousand ways were blown about ; Their cheeks like full-blown bladders strutted out ; Their boasting talk was of the feats th' had done , Of trees uprooted , and of towns o'erthrown ; And when they kindly turn'd them to accost The prince , they almost pierc'd him with their frost . The gaping hag in fix'd attention stood , And at the close of ev'ry tale cried — good , Blessing with outstretch'd arms each darling son , In due proportion to the mischief done . And where , said she , does little Zephyr stray ? Know ye , my sons , your brother's rout to-day ? In what bold deeds does he his hours employ ? Grant heav'n no evil has befall'n my boy ! Ne'er was he known to linger thus before . Scarce had she spoke , when at the cavern door Came lightly tripping in a form more fair Than the young poet's fond ideas are , When fir'd with love , he tries his utmost art To paint the beauteous tyrant of his heart . A satin vest his slender shape confin'd , Embroider'd o'er with flow'rs of ev'ry kind , Flora's own work , when first the goddess strove To win the little wanderer to her love . Of burnish'd silver were his sandals made , Silver his buskins , and with gems o'erlaid ; A saffron-colour'd robe behind him flow'd , And added grace and grandeur as he trod . His wings than lillies whiter to behold , Sprinkled with azure spots , and streak'd with gold ; So thin their form , and of so light a kind , That they for ever danc'd , and flutter'd in the wind . Around his temples with becoming air , In wanton ringlets curl'd his auburn hair , And o'er his shoulders negligently spread ; A wreath of fragrant roses crown'd his head . Such his attire , but O ! no pen can trace , No words can shew the beauties of his face ; So kind ! so winning ! so divinely fair ! Eternal youth and pleasure flourish there ; There all the little loves and graces meet , And ev'ry thing that's soft , and ev'ry thing that's sweet . Thou vagrant , cried the dame in angry tone , Where could'st thou loiter thus so long alone ? Little thou car'st what anxious thoughts molest , What pangs are lab'ring in a mother's breast . Well do you shew your duty by your haste , For thou of all my sons are always last ; A child less fondled wou'd have fled more fast . Sure 'tis a curse on mothers , doom'd to mourn , Where best they love , the least and worst return . My dear mamma , the gentle youth replied , And made a low obeisance , cease to chide , Nor wound me with your words , for well you know , Your Zephyr bears a part in all your woe ; How great must be his sorrow then to learn That he himself's the cause of your concern ! Nor had I loiter'd thus had I been free , But the fair princess of Felicity , Intreated me to make some short delay , And ask'd by her who cou'd refuse to stay ? Surrounded by the damsels of her court She sought the shady grove , her lov'd resort ; Fresh rose the grass , the flow'rs were mix'd between , Like rich embroid'ry on a ground of green , And in the midst , protected by the shade , A crystal stream in wild meanders play'd ; While in its banks , the trembling leaves among , A thousand little birds in concert sung . Close by a mount with fragrant shrubs o'ergrown , On a cool mossy couch she laid her down ; Her air , her posture , all conspir'd to please ; Her head , upon her snowy arm at ease Reclin'd , a studied carelessness express'd ; Loose lay her robe , and naked heav'd her breast . Eager I flew to that delightful place , And pour'd a show'r of kisses on her face ; Now hover'd o'er her neck , her breast , her arms , Like bees o'er flow'rs , and tasted all her charms ; And then her lips , and then her cheeks I tried , And fann'd , and wanton'd round on ev'ry side . O Zephyr , cried the fair , thou charming boy , Thy presence only can create me joy ; To me thou art beyond expression dear , Nor can I quit the place while thou art here . Excuse my weakness , madam , when I swear Such gentle words join'd with so soft an air , Pronounc'd so sweetly from a mouth so fair , Quite ravish'd all my sense , nor did I know How long I staid ; or when , or where to go . Mean while the damsels debonnair and gay , Prattled around , and laugh'd the time away : These in soft notes address'd the ravish'd ear , And warbled out so sweet , 'twas heav'n to hear ; And those in rings , beneath the greenwood shade , Danc'd to the melody their fellows made . Some studious of themselves , employ'd their care In weaving flow'ry wreaths to deck their hair ; While others to some fav'rite plant convey'd Refreshing show'rs , and cheer'd its drooping head . A joy so general spread thro' all the place , Such satisfaction dwelt on ev'ry face , The nymphs so kind , so lovely look'd the queen , That never eye beheld a sweeter scene . Porsenna , like a statue fix'd appear'd , And , wrapp'd in silent wonder , gaz'd and heard ; Much he admir'd the speech , the speaker more , And dwelt on ev'ry word , and griev'd to find it o'er . O gentle youth , he cried , proceed to tell , In what fair country does this princess dwell ; What regions unexplor'd , what hidden coast Can so much goodness , so much beauty boast ? To whom the winged god with gracious look , Numberless sweets diffusing while he spoke , Thus answer'd kind — These happy gardens lie Far hence remov'd , beneath a milder sky ; Their name — The kingdom of Felicity . Sweet scenes of endless bliss , enchanted ground , A soil for ever sought , but seldom found ; Tho' in the search all human kind in vain Weary their wits , and waste their lives in pain . In diff'rent parties , diff'rent paths they tread , As reason guides them , or as follies lead ; These wrangling for the place they ne'er shall see , Debating those , if such a place there be ; But not the wisest , nor the best can say Where lies the point , or mark the certain way . Some few , by Fortune favour'd for her sport , Have sail'd in sight of this delightful port ; In thought already seiz'd the bless'd abodes , And in their fond delirium rank'd with gods . Fruitless attempt ! all avenues are kept By dreadful foes , sentry that never slept . Here fell Detraction darts her pois'nous breath Fraught with a thousand stings , and scatters death ; Sharp-sighted Envy there maintains her post , And shakes her flaming brand , and stalks around the coast . These on the helpless bark their fury pour , Plunge in the waves , or dash against the shore ; Teach wretched mortals they were doom'd to mourn , And ne'er must rest but in the silent urn . But say , young monarch , for what name you bear Your mien , your dress , your person , all declare ; And tho' I seldom fan the frozen north , Yet I have heard of brave Porsenna's worth . My brother Boreas thro' the world has flown , Swelling his breath to spread forth your renown ; Say , wou'd you choose to visit this retreat , And view the world where all these wonders meet ? Wish you some friend o'er that tempestuous sea To bear you safe ! behold that friend in me . My active wings shall all their force employ , And nimbly waft you to the realms of joy ; As once , to gratify the god of Love , I bore fair Psyche to the Cyprian grove ; Or as Jove's bird , descending from on high , Snatch'd the young Trojan trembling to the sky . There perfect bliss thou may'st for ever share , ' Scap'd from the busy world , and all its care ; There in the lovely princess shalt thou find A mistress ever blooming , ever kind . All ecstacy on air Porsenna trod , And to his bosom strain'd the little god ; With grateful sentiments his heart o'erflow'd , And in the warmest words millions of thanks bestow'd . When Aeolus in surly humour broke Their strict embrace , and thus abruptly spoke . Enough of compliment ; I hate the sport Of meanless words ; this is no human court ; Where plain and honest are discarded quite , For the more modish title of polite ; Where in soft speeches hypocrites impart The venom'd ills that lurk beneath the heart ; In friendship's holy guise their guilt improve , And kindly kill with specious shew of love . For us , — may subjects are not us'd to wait , And waste their hours to hear a mortal prate ; They must abroad before the rising sun , And hie 'em to the seas : there's mischief to be done . Excuse my plainness , Sir , but business stands , And we have storms and shipwrecks on our hands . He ended frowning , and the noisy rout , Each to his several cell went puffing out . But Zephyr , far more courteous than the rest , To his own bow'r convey'd the royal guest ; There on a bed of roses neatly laid , Beneath the fragrance of a myrtle shade , His limbs to needful rest the prince applied , His sweet companion slumb'ring by his side .
BOOK II . NO sooner in her silver chariot rose The ruddy morn , than sated with repose The prince address'd his host ; the God awoke , And leaping from his couch , thus kindly spoke . This early call , my lord , that chides my stay , Requires my thanks , and I with joy obey . Like you I long to reach the blissful coast , Hate the slow night , and mourn the moments lost . The bright Rosinda , loveliest of the fair That crowd the princess' court , demands my care ; Ev'n now with fears and jealousies o'erborn Upbraids , and calls me cruel and forsworn . What sweet rewards on all my toils attend , Serving at once my mistress and my friend ; Just to my love and to my duty too , Well paid in her , well pleas'd in pleasing you . This said , he led him to the cavern gate , And clasp'd him in his arms , and pois'd his weight ; Then ballancing his body here and there , Stretch'd forth his agile wings , and launch'd in air ; Swift as the fiery meteor from on high Shoots to its goal , and gleams athwart the sky . Here with quick fan his lab'ring pinions play ; There glide at ease along the liquid way ; Now lightly skim the plain with even flight ; Now proudly soar above the mountain's height . Spiteful Detraction , whose envenom'd hate Sports with the suff'rings of the good and great , Spares not our prince , but with opprobrious sneer Arraigns him of the heinous sin of fear ; That he , so tried in arms , whose very name Infus'd a secret panic where it came , Ev'n he , as high above the clouds he flew , And spied the mountains less'ning to the view , Nought round him but the wide expanded air , Helpless , abandon'd to a stripling's care , Struck with the rapid whirl , and dreadful height , Confess'd some faint alarm , some little fright . The friendly God , who instantly divin'd The terrors that possess'd his fellow's mind , To calm his troubled thoughts , and cheat the way , Describ'd the nations that beneath them lay , The name , the climate , and the soil's increase , Their arms in war , their government in peace ; Shew'd their domestic arts , their foreign trade , What int'rest they pursued , what leagues they made . The sweet discourse so charm'd Porsenna's ear , That lost in joy he had no time for fear . From Scandinavia's cold inclement waste O'er wide Germania's various realms they past , And now on Albion's fields suspend their toil , And hover for awhile , and bless the soil . O'er the gay scene the prince delighted hung , And gaz'd in rapture , and forgot his tongue ; Till bursting forth at length . Behold , cried he , The promis'd isle , the land I long'd to see ; Those plains , those vales , and fruitful hills declare My queen , my charmer must inhabit there . Thus rav'd the monarch , and the gentle guide , Pleas'd with his error , thus in smiles replied . I must applaud , my lord , the lucky thought ; Ev'n I , who know th' original , am caught , And doubt my senses , when I view the draught , The slow-ascending hill , the lofty wood That mantles o'er its brow , the silver flood Wand'ring in mazes thro' the flow'ry mead , The herd that in the plenteous pastures feed , And ev'ry object , every scene excites Fresh wonder in my soul , and fills with new delights : Dwells cheerful Plenty there , and learned Ease , And Art with Nature seems at strife to please . There Liberty , delightful goddess , reigns , Gladdens each heart , and gilds the fertile plains ; There firmly seated may she ever smile , And show'r her blessings o'er her fav'rite isle ! But see , the rising sun reproves our stay . He said , and to the ocean wing'd his way , Stretching his course to climates then unknown , Nations that swelter in the burning zone . There in Peruvian vales a moment staid , And smooth'd his wings beneath the citron shade ; Then swift his oary pinions plied again , Cross'd the new world , and sought the Southern main ; Where many a wet and weary league o'erpast , The wish'd for paradise appear'd at last . With force abated now they gently sweep O'er the smooth surface of the shining deep ; The Dryads hail'd them from the distant shore , The Nereids play'd around , the Tritons swam before , While soft Favonius their arrival greets , And breathes his welcome in a thousand sweets . Nor pale disease , nor health-consuming care , Nor wrath , nor foul revenge can enter there ; No vapour's foggy gloom imbrowns the sky ; No tempests rage , no angry lightnings fly ; But dews , and soft-refreshing airs are found , And pure aetherial azure shines around . Whate'er the sweet Sabaean soil can boast , Or Mecca's plains , or India's spicy coast ; What Hybla's hills , or rich Oebalia's fields , Or flow'ry vale of fam'd Hymettus yields ; Or what of old th' Hesperian orchard grac'd ; All that was e'er delicious to the taste , Sweet to the smell , or lovely to the view , Collected there with added beauty grew . High-tow'ring to the heav'ns the trees are seen , Their bulk immense , their leaf for ever green ; So closely interwove , the tell-tale sun Can ne'er descry the deeds beneath them done , But where by fits the sportive gales divide Their tender tops , and fan the leaves aside . Like a smooth carpet at their feet lies spread The matted grass , by bubbling fountains fed ; And on each bough the feather'd choir employ Their melting notes , and nought is heard but joy . The painted flow'rs exhale a rich perfume , The fruits are mingled with eternal bloom , And Spring and Autumn hand in hand appear , Lead on the merry months , and join to cloath the year . Here , o'er the mountain's shaggy summit pour'd , From rock to rock the tumbling torrent roar'd , While beauteous Iris in the vale below Paints on the rising fumes her radiant bow . Now through the meads the mazy current stray'd , Now hid its wand'rings in the myrtle shade ; Or in a thousand veins divides its store , Visits each plant , refreshes ev'ry flow'r ; O'er gems and golden sands in murmurs flows , And sweetly soothes the soul , and lulls to soft repose . If hunger call , no sooner can the mind Express her will to needful food inclin'd , But in some cool recess , or op'ning glade , The seats are plac'd , the tables neatly laid , And instantly convey'd by magic hand In comely rows the costly dishes stand ; Meats of all kinds that nature can impart , Prepar'd in all the nicest forms of art . A troop of sprightly nymphs array'd in green , With flow'ry chaplets crown'd , come scudding in ; With fragrant blossoms these adorn the feast , Those with officious zeal attend the guest ; Beneath his feet the silken carpet spread , Or sprinkle liquid odours o'er his head . Others in ruby cups with roses bound Delightful ! deal the sparkling nectar round ; Or weave the dance , or tune the vocal lay ; The lyres resound , the merry minstrels play , Gay health , and youthful joys o'erspread the place , And swell each heart , and triumph in each face . So when embolden'd by the vernal air , The busy bees to blooming fields repair ; For various use employ their chymic pow'r ; One culls the snowy pounce , one sucks the flow'r ; Again to diff'rent works returning home , Some Or stive , stipant . steeve the honey , some erect the comb ; All for the general good in concert strive , And ev'ry soul's in motion , ev'ry limb's alive . And now descending from his flight , the God On the green turf releas'd his precious load ; There , after mutual salutations past , And endless friendship vow'd , they part in haste ; Zephyr impatient to behold his love , The prince in raptures wand'ring thro' the grove ; Now skipping on , and singing as he went , Now stopping short to give his transports vent ; With sudden gusts of happiness oppress'd , Or stands entranc'd , or raves like one possess'd ; His mind afloat , his wand'ring senses quite O'ercome with charms , and frantic with delight ; From scene to scene by random steps conveyed , Admires the distant views , explores the secret shade , Dwells on each spot , with eager eye devours The woods , the lawns , the buildings , and the bow'rs ; New sweets , new joys at every glance arise , And ev'ry turn creates a fresh surprize . Close by the borders of a rising wood , In a green vale a crystal grotto stood ; And o'er its side , beneath a beechen shade , In broken falls a silver fountain play'd . Hither , attracted by the murm'ring stream , And cool recess , the pleas'd Porsenna came , And on the tender grass reclining chose To wave his joys awhile , and take a short repose . The scene invites him , and the wanton breeze That whispers thro' the vale , the dancing trees , The warbling birds , and rills that gently creep , All join their music to prolong his sleep . The princess for her morning walk prepar'd ; The female troops attend , a beauteous guard . Array'd in all her charms appear'd the fair ; Tall was her stature , unconfin'd her air ; Proportion deck'd her limbs , and in her face Lay love inshrin'd , lay sweet attractive grace Temp'ring the aweful beams her eyes convey'd , And like a lambent flame around her play'd . No foreign aids , by mortal ladies worn , From shells and rocks her artless charms adorn ; For grant that beauty were by gems increas'd , 'Tis render'd more suspected at the least ; And foul defects , that wou'd escape the sight , Start from the piece , and take a stronger light . Her chesnut hair in careless rings around Her temples wav'd , with pinks and jes'mine crown'd , And , gather'd in a silken cord behind , Curl'd to the waist , and floated in the wind ; O'er these a veil of yellow gause she wore , With amaranths and gold embroider'd o'er . Her snowy neck half naked to the view Gracefully fell ; a robe of purple hue Hung loosely o'er her slender shape , and tried To shade those beauties , that it cou'd not hide . The damsels of her train with mirth and song Frolick behind , and laugh and sport along . The birds proclaim their queen from ev'ry tree ; The beasts run frisking thro' the groves to see ; The Loves , the Pleasures , and the Graces meet In antic rounds , and dance before her feet . By whate'er fancy led , it chanc'd that day They thro' the secret valley took their way , And to the crystal grot advancing spied The prince extended by the fountain's side . He look'd as , by some skilful hand express'd , Apollo's youthful form retir'd to rest ; When with the chace fatigued he quits the wood For Pindus' vale , and Aganippe's flood ; There sleeps secure , his careless limbs display'd At ease , encircled by the laurel shade ; Beneath his head his sheaf of arrows lie , His bow unbent hangs negligently by . The slumb'ring prince might boast an equal grace , So turn'd his limbs , so beautiful his face . Waking he started from the ground in haste , And saw the beauteous choir around him plac'd ; Then , summoning his senses , ran to meet The queen , and laid him humbly at her feet . Deign , lovely princess , to behold , said he , One , who has travers'd all the world to see Those charms , and worship thy divinity : Accept thy slave , and with a gracious smile Excuse his rashness , and reward his toil . Stood motionless the fair with mute surprize , And read him over with admiring eyes ; And while she stedfast gaz'd , a pleasing smart Ran thrilling thro' her veins , and reach'd her heart . Each limb she scann'd , consider'd ev'ry grace , And sagely judg'd him of the phoenix' race . An animal like this she ne'er had known , And thence concluded there could be but one ; The creature too had all the phoenix' air ; None but the phoenix cou'd appear so fair . The more she look'd , the more she thought it true , And call'd him by that name , to shew she knew . O handsome phoenix , for that such you are We know ; your beauty does your breed declare ; And I with sorrow own thro' all my coast No other bird can such perfection boast ; For Nature form'd you single and alone : Alas ! what pity 'tis there is but one ! Were there a queen so fortunate to shew An aviary of charming birds like you , What envy wou'd her happiness create In all , who saw the glories of her state ! The prince laugh'd inwardly , surpriz'd to find So strange a speech , so innocent a mind . The compliment indeed did some offence To reason , and a little wrong'd her sense ; He cou'd not let it pass , but told his name , And what he was , and whence , and why he came ; And hinted other things of high concern For him to mention , and for her to learn ; And she 'ad a piercing wit , of wond'rous reach To comprehend whatever he cou'd teach . Thus hand in hand they to the palace walk , Pleas'd and instructed with each other's talk . Here , shou'd I tell the furniture's expence , And all the structure's vast magnificence , Describe the walls of shining saphire made , With emerald and pearl the floors inlaid , And how the vaulted canopies unfold A mimic heav'n , and flame with gems and gold ; Or how Felicity regales her guest , The wit , the mirth , the music , and the feast ; And on each part bestow the praises due , 'Twould tire the writer , and the reader too . My amorous tale a softer path pursues : Love and the happy pair demand my Muse . O cou'd her art in equal terms express The lives they lead , the pleasures they possess ! Fortune had ne'er so plenteously before Bestow'd her gifts , nor can she lavish more . 'Tis heav'n itself , 'tis ecstacy of bliss , Uninterrupted joy , untir'd excess ; Mirth following mirth the moments dance away ; Love claims the night , and friendship rules the day . Their tender care no cold indiff'rence knows ; No jealousies disturb their sweet repose ; No sickness , no decay ; but youthful grace , And constant beauty shines in either face . Benumming age may mortal charms invade , Flow'rs of a day that do but bloom and fade ; Far diff'rent here , on them it only blows The lilly's white , and spreads the blushing rose ; No conquest o'er those radiant eyes can boast ; They like the stars shine brighter in its frost ; Nor fear its rigour , nor its rule obey ; All seasons are the fame , and ev'ry month is May . Alas ! how vain is happiness below ! Man soon or late must have his share of woe ; Slight are his joys , and fleeting as the wind ; His griefs wound home , and leave a sting behind . His lot distinguish'd from the brute appears Less certain by his laughter than his tears ; For ignorance too oft our pleasure breeds , But sorrow from the reas'ning soul proceeds . If man on earth in endless bliss cou'd be , The boon , young prince , had been bestow'd on thee . Bright shone thy stars , thy Fortune flourish'd fair , And seem'd secure beyond the reach of care , And so might still have been , but anxious thought Has dash'd thy cup , and thou must taste the draught . It so befel , as on a certain day This happy couple toy'd their time away , He ask'd how many charming hours were flown , Since on her slave her heav'n of beauty shone . Should I consult my heart , cried he , the rate Were small , a week wou'd be the utmost date : But when my mind reflects on actions past , And counts its joys , time must have fled more fast . Perhaps I might have said , three months are gone . Three months ! replied the fair , three months alone ! Know that three hundred years have roll'd away , Since at my feet the lovely phoenix lay . Three hundred years ! re-echo'd back the prince , A whole three hundred years compleated since I landed here ! O ! whither then are flown My dearest friends , my subjects , and my throne ? How strange , alas ! how alter'd shall I find Each earthly thing , each scene I left behind ! Who knows me now ? on whom shall I depend To gain my rights ? where shall I find a friend ? My crown perhaps may grace a foreign line , A race of kings , that know not me nor mine ; Who reigns may wish my death , his subjects treat My claim with scorn , and call their prince a cheat . Oh had my life been ended as begun ! My destin'd stage , my race of glory run , I shou'd have died well pleas'd ; my honour'd name Had liv'd , had flourish'd in the list of fame ; Reflecting now my mind with horror sees The sad survey , a scene of shameful ease , The odious blot , the scandal of my race , Scarce known , and only mention'd with disgrace . The fair beheld him with impatient eye , And red with anger made this warm reply . Ungrateful man ! is this the kind return My love deserves ; and can you thus with scorn Reject what once you priz'd , what once you swore Surpass'd all charms , and made ev'n glory poor ? What gifts have I bestow'd , what favours shewn ! Made you partaker of my bed and throne ; Three centuries preserv'd in youthful prime , Safe from the rage of death , and injuries of time , Weak arguments ! for glory reigns above The feeble ties of gratitude and love , I urge them not , nor wou'd request your stay ; The phantom glory calls , and I obey ; All other virtues are regardless quite , Sunk and absorb'd in that superior light . Go then , barbarian , to thy realms return , And shew thyself unworthy my concern ; Go , tell the world , your tender heart cou'd give Death to the princess , by whose care you live . At this a deadly pale her cheeks o'erspread , Cold trembling seiz'd her limbs , her spirits fled ; She sunk into his arms : the prince was mov'd , Felt all her griefs , for still he greatly lov'd . He sigh'd , he wish'd he could forget his throne ; Confine his thoughts , and live for her alone ; But glory shot him deep , the venom'd dart Was fix'd within , and rankled at his heart ; He cou'd not hide its wounds , but pin'd away Like a sick flow'r , and languish'd in decay . An age no longer like a month appears , But ev'ry month becomes a hundred years . Felicity was griev'd , and cou'd not bear A scene so chang'd , a sight of so much care . She told him with a look of cold disdain , And seeming ease , as women well can feign , He might depart at will ; a milder air Wou'd mend his health ; he was no pris'ner there ; She kept him not , and wish'd he ne'er might find Cause to regret the place he left behind ; Which once he lov'd , and where he still must own , He had at least some little pleasure known . If these prophetic words awhile destroy His peace , the former ballance it in joy . He thank'd her for her kind concern , but chose To quit the place , the rest let heav'n dispose . For Fate , on mischiefs bent , perverts the will , And first infatuates whom it means to kill . Aurora now , not , as she wont to rise , In gay attire ting'd with a thousand dies , But sober-sad in solemn state appears , Clad in a dusky veil bedew'd with tears . Thick mantling clouds beneath her chariot spread , A faded wreath hangs drooping from her head . The sick'ning sun emits a feeble ray , Half drown'd in fogs , and struggling into day . Some black event the threat'ning skies foretel . Porsenna rose to take his last farewel . A curious vest the mournful princess brought , And armour by the Lemnian artist wrought ; A shining lance with secret virtue stor'd , And of resistless force a magic sword ; Caparisons and gems of wond'rous price , And loaded him with gifts and good advice ; But chief she gave , and what he most wou'd need , The fleetest of her stud , a flying steed . The swift Grifippo , said th' afflicted fair , ( Such was the courser's name ) with speed shall bear , And place you safely in your native air ; Assist against the foe , with matchless might Ravage the field , and turn the doubtful fight ; With care protect you till the danger cease , Your trust in war , your ornament in peace . But this , I warn , beware ; whate'er shall lay To intercept your course , or tempt your stay , Quit not your saddle , nor your speed abate , Till safely landed at your palace gate . On this alone depends your weal or woe ; Such is the will of Fate , and so the Gods foreshew . He in the softest terms repaid her love , And vow'd , nor age , nor absence shou'd remove His constant faith , and sure she cou'd not blame A short divorce due to his injur'd fame . The debt discharg'd , then shou'd her soldier come Gay from the field , and flush'd with conquest , home ; With equal ardour her affection meet , And lay his laurels at his mistress' feet . He ceas'd , and sighing took a kind adieu ; Then urg'd his steed ; the fierce Grifippo flew ; With rapid force outstripp'd the lagging wind , And left the blissful shores , and weeping fair behind ; Now o'er the seas pursued his airy flight , Now scower'd the plains , and climb'd the mountain's height . Thus driving on at speed the prince had run Near half his course , when , with the setting sun , As thro' a lonely lane he chanc'd to ride , With rocks and bushes fenc'd on either side , He spied a waggon full of wings , that lay Broke and o'erturn'd across the narrow way . The helpless driver on the dirty road Lay struggling , crush'd beneath th' incumbent load . Never in human shape was seen before A wight so pale , so feeble , and so poor . Comparisons of age would do him wrong , For Nestor's self , if plac'd by him , were young . His limbs were naked all , and worn so thin , The bones seem'd starting thro' the parchment skin , His eyes half drown'd in rheum , his accents weak , Bald was his head ; and furrow'd was his cheek . The conscious steed stopp'd short in deadly fright , And back recoiling stretch'd his wings for flight . When thus the wretch with supplicating tone , And rueful face , began his piteous moan , And , as he spake , the tears ran trickling down . O gentle youth , if pity e'er inclin'd Thy soul to gen'rous deeds , if e'er thy mind Was touch'd with soft distress , extend thy care To save an old man's life , and ease the load I bear . So may propitious heav'n your journey speed , Prolong your days , and all your vows succeed . Mov'd with the pray'r the kind Porsenna staid , Too nobly-minded to refuse his aid , And , prudence yielding to superior grief , Leap'd from his steed , and ran to his relief ; Remov'd the weight , and gave the pris'ner breath , Just choak'd , and gasping on the verge of death . Then reach'd his hand , when lightly with a bound The grizly spectre vaulting from the ground , Seiz'd him with sudden gripe , th' astonish'd prince Stood horror-struck , and thoughtless of defence . O king of Russia , with a thund'ring sound Bellow'd the ghastly fiend , at length thou'rt found . Receive the ruler of mankind , and know , My name is Time , thy ever-dreaded foe . These feet are founder'd , and the wings you see Worn to the pinions in pursuit of thee ; Thro' all the world in vain for ages sought , But Fate has doom'd thee now ; and thou art caught . Then round his neck his arms he nimbly cast , And seiz'd him by the throat , and grasp'd him fast ; Till forc'd at length the soul forsook its seat , And the pale breathless corse fell bleeding at his feet . Scarce had the cursed spoiler left his prey , When , so it chanc'd , young Zephyr pass'd that way ; Too late his presence to assist his friend , A sad , but helpless witness of his end . He chases , and fans , and strives in vain to cure His streaming wounds ; the work was done too sure . Now lightly with a soft embrace uprears The lifeless load , and bathes it in his tears ; Then to the blissful seats with speed conveys , And graceful on the mossy carpet lays With decent care , close by the fountain's side , Where first the princess had her phoenix spied . There with sweet flow'rs his lovely limbs he strew'd , And gave a parting kiss , and sighs and tears bestow'd . To that sad solitude the weeping dame , Wild with her loss , and swoln with sorrow , came . There was she wont to vent her griefs , and mourn Those dear delights that must no more return . Thither that morn with more than usual care She sped , but O what joy to find him there ! As just arriv'd , and weary with the way , Retir'd to soft repose her hero lay . Now near approaching she began to creep With careful steps , loth to disturb his sleep ; Till quite o'ercome with tenderness she flew , And round his neck her arms in transport threw . But , when she found him dead , no tongue can tell The pangs she felt ; she shriek'd , and swooning fell . Waking , with loud laments she pierc'd the skies , And fill'd th' affrighted forest with her cries . That fatal hour the palace gates she barr'd , And fix'd around the coast a stronger guard ; Now rare appearing , and at distance seen , With crowds of black misfortunes plac'd between ; Mischiefs of ev'ry kind , corroding care , And fears , and jealousies , and dark despair . And since that day ( the wretched world must own These mournful truths by sad experience known ) No mortal e'er enjoy'd that happy clime , And ev'ry thing on earth submits to Time .