Jump to content

Page:The Amyntas of Tasso (1770) - Percival Stockdale.djvu/83

From Wikisource
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
AMYNTAS.
51
Curled the smooth bosom of the glassy deep.
My sanguine, hale complexion; my broad shoulders,
My brawny arms with sinews prominent,
My shaggy breast, and thighs thick-cloathed with hair,
Give me not to thee for a mortal stripling,
But prove the matchless vigour of a god.
What dost thou hope from languid, beardless boys,
Who having nothing that deserves thy favour,
Nothing substantial, nothing efficacious,
Endeavour to promote their suit by trifles:
Their dress, and hair composed with childish foppery:
Mere females in appearance, and in strength.
Suppose now such a tricked out paramour
Should o'er the mount, or through the wood attend thee,
And meet a hungry wolf, or grisly boar;
Say, for thy sake durst he oppose the savage?

No;