Page:Poems, Consisting Chiefly of Translations from the Asiatick Languages.djvu/37

Now louder still it grew, and still more loud,
As distant thunder breaks the burning cloud:
Through the four portals rush'd a various throng,
That like a wintry torrent pour'd along:
A croud of every tongue, and every hue,
Toward the bright throne with eager rapture flew.
^[*]A lovely stripling stepp'd before the rest
With hasty pace, and tow'rd the goddess prest;
His mien was graceful, and his looks were mild,
And in his eye celestial sweetness smil'd:
Youth's purple glow, and beauty's rosy beam.
The floating ringlets of his musky hair
Wav'd on the bosom of the wanton air:
With modest grace the goddess he addrest,
And thoughtless thus preferr'd his fond request,

"Queen of the world, whose wide-extended sway,
"Gay youth, firm manhood, and cold age obey,
"Grant me, while life's fresh blooming roses smile,
"The day with varied pleasures to beguile;
"Let me on beds of dewy flowers recline,
"And quaff with glowing lips the sparkling wine;