Bright Sol had almost now his Journey done,
And down the steepy western Convex run;
When the fair Nereid left the briny Wave,
And, as she us'd, retreated to her Cave.
He scarce had bound her fast, when she arose,
And into various Shapes her Body throws:
She went to move her Arms, and found 'em ty'd;
Then with a Sigh, Some God assists ye, cry'd,
And in her proper Shape stood blushing by his Side.
About her Waiste his longing Arms he flung,
From which Embrace the Great Achilles sprung.
The Transformation of Dædalion.
Peleus unmix'd Felicity enjoy'd;
(Blest in a valiant Son, and virtuous Bride)
Till Fortune did in Blood his Hands imbrue,
And his own Brother by curst Chance he slew:
Then driv'n from Thessaly, his native Clime,
Trachinia first gave Shelter to his Crime;
Where peaceful Ceyx mildly fill'd the Throne,
And like his Sire, the Morning Planet, shone;
But now, unlike himself, bedew'd with Tears,
Mourning a Brother lost, his Brow appears.
First to the Town with Travel spent, and Care,
Peleus, and his small Company repair:
His Herds, and Flocks the while at Leisure feed,
On the rich Pasture of a neighb'ring Mead.
The Prince before the Royal Presence brought,
Shew'd by the suppliant Olive what he sought;
Then tells his Name, and Race, and Country right,
But hides th' unhappy Reason of his Flight.
He begs the King some little Town to give,
Where they may safe his faithful Vassals live.
Ceyx reply'd: To all my Bounty flows,
A hospitable Realm your Suit has chose.
