86
THE CHACE.
Book III.
Lay waste the World; his the more glorious Part 435
To check their Pride; and when the brazen Voice
Of War is hush'd, (as erst victorious Rome)
T'employ his station'd Legions in the Works
Of Peace; to smooth the rugged Wilderness.
To drain the stagnate Fen, to raise the Slope 440
Depending Road, and to make gay the Face
Of Nature, with th' Embellishments of Art.
To check their Pride; and when the brazen Voice
Of War is hush'd, (as erst victorious Rome)
T'employ his station'd Legions in the Works
Of Peace; to smooth the rugged Wilderness.
To drain the stagnate Fen, to raise the Slope 440
Depending Road, and to make gay the Face
Of Nature, with th' Embellishments of Art.
How melts my beating Heart! as I behold
Each lovely Nymph our Island's Boast and Pride,
Push on the gen'rous Steed, that strokes along 445
O'er rough, o'er smooth, nor heeds the steepy Hill,
Nor faulters in th' extended Vale below;
Their Garments loosely waving in the Wind,
And all the Flush of Beauty in their Cheeks!
While at their Sides their pensive Lovers wait, 450
Direct their dubious Course; now chill'd with Fear
Each lovely Nymph our Island's Boast and Pride,
Push on the gen'rous Steed, that strokes along 445
O'er rough, o'er smooth, nor heeds the steepy Hill,
Nor faulters in th' extended Vale below;
Their Garments loosely waving in the Wind,
And all the Flush of Beauty in their Cheeks!
While at their Sides their pensive Lovers wait, 450
Direct their dubious Course; now chill'd with Fear
Soli-
