AMYNTAS.
143
Pan, Pales, and Pomona I invoked,
Priapus, and nocturnal Hecate.
As soon as this solemnity was over,
Up to the hill's extremity he took me,
Where in an awful precipice it ends,
Of barren cavities, and pointed rocks.
A valley terminates this precipice.
We stopped upon the summit; I looked down,
And started back, feared at the dreadful steep,
And fearing for Amyntasis design.
But he put on a countenance serene,
Nay smiled; and with his smile my fear was lessened.
Then thus he spoke to me; be sure, Ergastus,
To tell the nymphs, and swains of our acquaintance
The scene which thou shalt now behold: he then
Looked down, and spoke these memorable words
With all the pathos of despairing love.
"Had I the ravine of a famished wolf
Priapus, and nocturnal Hecate.
As soon as this solemnity was over,
Up to the hill's extremity he took me,
Where in an awful precipice it ends,
Of barren cavities, and pointed rocks.
A valley terminates this precipice.
We stopped upon the summit; I looked down,
And started back, feared at the dreadful steep,
And fearing for Amyntasis design.
But he put on a countenance serene,
Nay smiled; and with his smile my fear was lessened.
Then thus he spoke to me; be sure, Ergastus,
To tell the nymphs, and swains of our acquaintance
The scene which thou shalt now behold: he then
Looked down, and spoke these memorable words
With all the pathos of despairing love.
"Had I the ravine of a famished wolf
"As
