22
THE TRIUMPHS
On this thy sportive needle tried its powers,
And silver spangles form'd the mimic flowers;
On these my love shall breathe a secret charm;
With this, my cestus, thy soft bosom arm!
Above it let the decent tucker rise,
To hide the mystic band from mortal eyes!
When Spleen's dark powers would teach that breast to swell,
This guardian cincture shall those powers repel:
As the touch'd talisman, more swift than thought,
To save her charge, th' Arabian fairy brought,
So shall this zone, if my command's obey'd,
Bring my quick spirit to thy certain aid.
In Love's great name observe this high behest!
Revere my power—Be gentle, and be blest!'
Here the kind Sprite her friendly counsel clos'd,
And lightly vanish'd—Still Serena doz'd;
Still in sweet trance she fondly seem'd to hear
The soft persuasion vibrate in her ear.
And silver spangles form'd the mimic flowers;
On these my love shall breathe a secret charm;
With this, my cestus, thy soft bosom arm!
Above it let the decent tucker rise,
To hide the mystic band from mortal eyes!
When Spleen's dark powers would teach that breast to swell,
This guardian cincture shall those powers repel:
As the touch'd talisman, more swift than thought,
To save her charge, th' Arabian fairy brought,
So shall this zone, if my command's obey'd,
Bring my quick spirit to thy certain aid.
In Love's great name observe this high behest!
Revere my power—Be gentle, and be blest!'
Here the kind Sprite her friendly counsel clos'd,
And lightly vanish'd—Still Serena doz'd;
Still in sweet trance she fondly seem'd to hear
The soft persuasion vibrate in her ear.
