Gebir by Walter Savage Landor
page 33 of 66 (50%)
page 33 of 66 (50%)
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The wondrous tale from royal ears delayed.
When the young queen had heard who taught the rites Her mind was shaken, and what first she asked Was, whether the sea-maids were very fair, And was it true that even gods were moved By female charms beneath the waves profound, And joined to them in marriage, and had sons-- Who knows but Gebir sprang then from the gods! He that could pity, he that could obey, Flattered both female youth and princely pride, The same ascending from amid the shades Showed Power in frightful attitude: the queen Marks the surpassing prodigy, and strives To shake off terror in her crowded court, And wonders why she trembles, nor suspects How Fear and Love assume each other's form, By birth and secret compact how allied. Vainly (to conscious virgins I appeal), Vainly with crouching tigers, prowling wolves, Rocks, precipices, waves, storms, thunderbolts, All his immense inheritance, would Fear The simplest heart, should Love refuse, assail: Consent--the maiden's pillowed ear imbibes Constancy, honour, truth, fidelity, Beauty and ardent lips and longing arms; Then fades in glimmering distance half the scene, Then her heart quails and flutters and would fly-- 'Tis her beloved! not to her! ye Powers! What doubting maid exacts the vow? behold Above the myrtles his protesting hand! |
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