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Her robe assiduous shields the guiding flame,
Till the fond bark safe in the harbor rests
From Love's much-labor'd voyage; to the Tow'r
She leads him fainting from his course, and steals
Full many a wish'd embrace; though reeking still
With Ocean's foam, she leads him to the joys
Of Hymen's hallow'd scene; with fragrant oil,
Sweet as the vernal rose, his limbs she sooths,
And wipes the tear Neptunian; on the couch
Gently she seats, and clasps him to her breast,
The voice of Love soft-breathing from her soul.
'Great were thy labors, Bridegroom! thou alone
'Would'st stem th'opposing torrent; great thy toils!
'Enough the briny wave, enough the roar
'Of angry Ocean! my Leander, lull,
'Lull ev'ry care, and bless thy Hero's arms.'
She ends, the note of melody awakes
The weary'd Lover's trance; her virgin zone
He loos'd impatient, and in mutual bliss
They consecrate the rites of Venus' shrine.
Hail,
