428
VIRGIL's
Æn. IV.
Swift from the first; and ev'ry Moment brings
New Vigour to her flights, new Pinions to her wings.
Soon grows the Pygmee to Gygantic size; 255
Her Feet on Earth, her Forehead in the Skies:
Inrag'd against the Gods, revengeful Earth
Produc'd her last of the Titanian birth.
Swift is her walk, more swift her winged hast:
A monstrous Fantom, horrible and vast; 260
As many Plumes as raise her lofty flight,
So many piercing Eyes inlarge her sight:
Millions of opening Mouths to Fame belong;
And ev'ry Mouth is furnish'd with a Tongue:
And round with listning Ears the flying Plague is hung.
She fills the peaceful Universe with Cries; 266
No Slumbers ever close her wakeful Eyes.
By Day from lofty Tow'rs her Head she shews;
And spreads through trembling Crowds disastrous News.
With Court Informers haunts, and Royal Spyes, 270
Things done relates, not done the feigns; and mingles Truth with Lyes.
Talk is her business; and her chief delight
To tell of Prodigies, and cause affright.
She fills the Peoples Ears with Dido's Name;
Who, lost to Honour, and the sense of Shame, 275
Admits into her Throne and Nuptial Bed
A wandring Guest, who from his Country fled:
Whole days with him she passes in delights;
And wastes in Luxury long Winter Nights.
New Vigour to her flights, new Pinions to her wings.
Soon grows the Pygmee to Gygantic size; 255
Her Feet on Earth, her Forehead in the Skies:
Inrag'd against the Gods, revengeful Earth
Produc'd her last of the Titanian birth.
Swift is her walk, more swift her winged hast:
A monstrous Fantom, horrible and vast; 260
As many Plumes as raise her lofty flight,
So many piercing Eyes inlarge her sight:
Millions of opening Mouths to Fame belong;
And ev'ry Mouth is furnish'd with a Tongue:
And round with listning Ears the flying Plague is hung.
She fills the peaceful Universe with Cries; 266
No Slumbers ever close her wakeful Eyes.
By Day from lofty Tow'rs her Head she shews;
And spreads through trembling Crowds disastrous News.
With Court Informers haunts, and Royal Spyes, 270
Things done relates, not done the feigns; and mingles Truth with Lyes.
Talk is her business; and her chief delight
To tell of Prodigies, and cause affright.
She fills the Peoples Ears with Dido's Name;
Who, lost to Honour, and the sense of Shame, 275
Admits into her Throne and Nuptial Bed
A wandring Guest, who from his Country fled:
Whole days with him she passes in delights;
And wastes in Luxury long Winter Nights.
