The Poetical Works of Beattie, Blair, and Falconer - With Lives, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes by Unknown
page 277 of 412 (67%)
page 277 of 412 (67%)
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By kindred age and sympathy of soul.
These o'er the inferior naval train preside, The course determine, or the commerce guide: O'er all the rest an undistinguished crew, 330 Her wing of deepest shade oblivion drew. A sullen languor still the skies oppress'd, And held the unwilling ship in strong arrest: High in his chariot glow'd the lamp of day, O'er Ida flaming with meridian ray; Relax'd from toil the sailors range the shore, Where famine, war, and storm are felt no more; The hour to social pleasure they resign, And black remembrance drown in generous wine. On deck, beneath the shading canvas spread, 340 Rodmond a rueful tale of wonders read Of dragons roaring on the enchanted coast; The hideous goblin, and the yelling ghost: But with Arion, from the sultry heat Of noon, Palemon sought a cool retreat. And, lo! the shore with mournful prospects crown'd, [2] The rampart torn with many a fatal wound, The ruin'd bulwark tottering o'er the strand, Bewail the stroke of war's tremendous hand: What scenes of woe this hapless isle o'erspread! 350 Where late thrice fifty thousand warriors bled. Full twice twelve summers were yon towers assail'd, Till barbarous Ottoman at last prevail'd; While thundering mines the lovely plains o'erturn'd, While heroes fell, and domes and temples burn'd. III. But now before them happier scenes arise, |
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