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Thus mutual faith the hallow'd union plan'd,
And seal'd th' ecstatic myst'ries; Hero's task
Constant the flaming minister to tend,
Bright pledge of rites nocturnal, his the lot
To ride the wave's broad bosom; each departs
Reluctant, each intent on nuptial scenes
Keeps separation's vigils, to the Tow'r
Slow moves her ling'ring step, Leander seeks
Abydos' native realm; amid the gloom
Of Night's incumbent shade left the wide maze
Of waters lure him devious, oft his eye
Fondling salutes the Tow'r; approaching joys
Their souls anticipate, they wish the hour,
The darkling hour, which heals the lover's pain.
At length the Night in robe of fable hue
O'ershadows Nature, slumbers soft she brings
To all but Thee, Leander; thy lone step
Roams the wide shore, list'ning the savage din
Of hoarse resounding Ocean; all intent
Ev'n now thou gazest on the Torch, thy guide
To Hymeneal bliss, ev'n now thou hail'st
This Sun of Hope, too soon to set in tears
Fair
