The British Poets (Volume 99); Including Translations (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1822. Excerpt: ... His watery eyes the lessening objects mourn, And parting shores that never shall return; Still the loved land attentive they pursue, Till the tall hills are veil'd in cloudy blue, Till all is lost in air, and vanish'd from his view. At length, the weary chieftain sunk to rest, And creeping slumbers sooth'd his anxious breast; When, lo in that short moment of repose, His Julia's shade a dreadful vision rose; Through gaping earth her ghastly head she rear'd, And by the light of livid flames appear'd. 'Thy impious arms (she cried) my peace infest, And drive me from the mansions of the bless'd: No more Elysium's happy fields I know, Dragg'd to the guilty Stygian shades below: I saw the fury's horrid hands prepare New rage, new flames to kindle up thy war. The sire' no longer trusts his single boat, But navies on the joyless river float. Capacious hell complains for want of room, And seeks new plagues for multitudes to come. Her nimble hands each fatal sister plies, The Sisters* scarcely to the task suffice, head When thou wert mine, what laurels crown'd thy Now thou hast changed thy fortune with thy bed. In an ill hour thy second choice was made, To slaughter thou, like Crassus, art betray'd. Death is the dower Cornelia's love affords, Ruin still waits upon her potent lords; While yet my ashes glow'd she took my place, And came a harlot to thy loose embrace. But let her partner of thy warfare go, Let her by land and sea thy labours know: 1 Charon. 2 The Destinies. In all thy broken sleeps I will be near, In all thy dreams sad Julia shall appear. Your loves shall find no moment for delight, The day shall all be Caesar's, mine the night. Not the dull stream, where long oblivions roll, Shall blot thee out, my husband from my soul. The powers beneath my constancy approve, And bid me fol...