OF TEMPER.
99
For stiff Penelope, who near them stood,
"Albeit unused to the melting mood,"
Squeez'd from her eye-lid one reluctant tear,
And soften'd with a smile her brow severe:
But 'twas a smile of such a gloomy grace,
As lighten'd once upon Alecto's face.
When Orpheus past her, leading back to life,
From Pluto's regions, his recover'd wife,
When love connubial, join'd to music's spell,
Moisten'd with tender joy the eyes of hell.
Far other smiles, with pleasure's sofest air,
Gild the gay features of the youthful fair:
She looks like sportive Spring, when her young charms
Wind round her hoary fire's reluftant arms,
And, by a frolic infantine embrace,
Banish the rugged frown from Winter's face.
Thro' the long day she felt the glowing tide
Of exultation thro' her bosom glide;
And oft she wish'd for slow-approaching night,
To hold sweet converse with her guardian sprite.
"Albeit unused to the melting mood,"
Squeez'd from her eye-lid one reluctant tear,
And soften'd with a smile her brow severe:
But 'twas a smile of such a gloomy grace,
As lighten'd once upon Alecto's face.
When Orpheus past her, leading back to life,
From Pluto's regions, his recover'd wife,
When love connubial, join'd to music's spell,
Moisten'd with tender joy the eyes of hell.
Far other smiles, with pleasure's sofest air,
Gild the gay features of the youthful fair:
She looks like sportive Spring, when her young charms
Wind round her hoary fire's reluftant arms,
And, by a frolic infantine embrace,
Banish the rugged frown from Winter's face.
Thro' the long day she felt the glowing tide
Of exultation thro' her bosom glide;
And oft she wish'd for slow-approaching night,
To hold sweet converse with her guardian sprite.
