HERO
ΑΝD
LEANDER.
Sing, Muse, the conscious torch, whose nightly flame,
(The shining signal of a brighter dame,
Thro' trackless waves the bold Leander led,
To taste the dang'rous joys of Hero's bed:
Sing the stol'n bliss in gloomy shades conceal'd,
And never to the blushing morn reveal'd.
I see the lovely youth triumphant ride
O'er the proud billows of th' insulted tide;
And lo! a light shoots glimm'ring from afar,
Of nuptial sweets the kind-presaging star:
A light! which (would propitious Jove encline)
In brighter glory should for ever shine;
And mix'd among its kindred fires above,
Be call'd the gentle harbinger of love.
