Book III.
THE CHACE.
87
Solicitous, and now with Love inflam'd.
O! grant, indulgent Heav'n, no rising Storm
May darken with black Wings, this glorious Scene!
Shou'd some malignant Pow'r thus damp our Joys,
Vain were the gloomy Cave, such as of old
Betray'd to lawless Love the Tyrian Queen.
For Britain's virtuous Nymphs are chaste as fair,
Spotless, unblam'd, with equal Triumph reign
In the Dun Gloom, as in the Blaze of Day. 460
O! grant, indulgent Heav'n, no rising Storm
May darken with black Wings, this glorious Scene!
Shou'd some malignant Pow'r thus damp our Joys,
Vain were the gloomy Cave, such as of old
Betray'd to lawless Love the Tyrian Queen.
For Britain's virtuous Nymphs are chaste as fair,
Spotless, unblam'd, with equal Triumph reign
In the Dun Gloom, as in the Blaze of Day. 460
Now the blown Stag, thro' Woods, Bogs, Roads, and Streams
Has measur'd half the Forest; but alass!
He flies in vain, he flies not from his Fears.
Tho' far he cast the ling'ring Pack behind,
His haggard Fancy still with Horror views 465
The fell Destroyer; still the fatal Cry
Insults his Ears, and wounds his trembling Heart.
Has measur'd half the Forest; but alass!
He flies in vain, he flies not from his Fears.
Tho' far he cast the ling'ring Pack behind,
His haggard Fancy still with Horror views 465
The fell Destroyer; still the fatal Cry
Insults his Ears, and wounds his trembling Heart.
So
