His sunny plumes defending he display'd,
And softly thus address'd the mournful maid:
"Say, thou, who dost yon wondrous ring possess,
"What cares disturb thee, or what wants oppress;
"To faithful ears disclose thy secret grief,
"And hope (so heaven ordains) a quick relief."
The maid replied, "Ah, sacred genius, bear
"A hopeless damsel from this land of care;
"Wast me to softcr climes and lovelier plains,
"Where nature smiles, and spring eternal reigns."
She spoke; and swifter than the glance of thought
To a fair isle his sleeping charge he brought.
Now morning breath'd: the scented air was mild,
Each meadow blossom'd, and each valley smil'd;
On every shrub the pearly dewdrops hung.
On every branch a feather'd warbler sung;
The cheerful spring her flowery chaplets wove,
And incense-breathing gales perfum'd the grove.
