But with her dart and brazen spear
The beasts of savage brood to chase,
And render free from every fear
Her father's herds of quiet race;
Permitting' the dull weight of sleep 40
But lightly o'er her lids to creep;
When on her sweet and tranquil bed
The early beams of morn were shed. 44
Her, as unarm'd she waged the fight
'Gainst an impetuous lion's might, 45
Apollo found, whose matchless art
From his broad quiver wings the dart.
Then Chiron from his mansion straight
He bade the potent call await.
"Hasten, Phillyrides, to leave 50
The dark and venerable cave,
In mute astonishment survey
What mind a woman dares display;
Fearless of heart, what perils dread
She brings to her courageous head, 55
A damsel whose unconquer'd soul
No labours tire, no fears control!
What mortal gave her vital air?
Sprung from what source, a scion fair
Holds she th' umbrageous mountain's breast, 60
With more than human valour bless'd? 60
Is it a hallow'd action, say,
By fraud to seek the virgin bower,
And pluck with ruthless arm away
The sweetness of her hallow'd flower?" 65
To him the sturdy centaur, while
From his relaxing brow a smile
In placid sweetness softly broke,
Without delay his counsel spoke: 68
"The key that opes persuasion wise 70
