LAODAMIA. 'WITH sacrifice, before the rising morn Restore him to my sight, great Jove, restore !' So speaking, and with fervent love endow'd With faith, the suppliant heavenward lifts her hands; While, like the sun emerging from a cloud, Her countenance brightens and her eye expands, O terror! what hath she perceived? O joy! His vital presence It is his corporeal mould? 'tis he! - if sense deceive her not And a god leads him -wingèd Mercury ! Mild Hermes spake, and touch'd her with his wand That calms all fear: 'Such grace hath crown'd thy prayer, Laodamia, that at Jove's command Thy husband walks the paths of upper air: He comes to tarry with thee three hours' space; Forth sprang the impassion'd queen her lord to clasp ; As often as that eager grasp was made. The phantom parts but parts to reunite, 'Protesilaus, lo! thy guide is gone! Confirm, I pray, the vision with thy voice: 'Great Jove, Laodamia, doth not leave And something also did my worth obtain ; 'Thou know'st, the Delphic oracle foretold Supreme of heroes, - bravest, noblest, best! here thou art A nobler counsellor than my poor heart. 'But thou, though capable of sternest deed, As when their breath enrich'd Thessalian air. 'No spectre greets Come, blooming hero, place thee by my side! Jove frown'd in heaven: the conscious Parcæ threw |