28
THE TRIUMPHS
Now in full charms descends the finish'd fair,
For now the morning banquet claims her care;
Already at the board, with viands pil'd,
Her sire impatient sits, and chides his tardy child.
On his imperial lips rude hunger reigns,
And keener politics usurp his brains:
But when her love-inspiring voice he hears,
When the soft magic of her smile appears,
In that glad moment he at once forgets
His empty stomach, and the nation's debts:
He bends to Nature's more divine control,
And only feels the father in his soul.
Quick to his hand behold her now present
The Indian liquor of celestial scent!
Not with more grace the nectar'd cup is given
By rose-lipp'd Hebe to the lord of heaven.
While her fair hands a fresh libation pour,
Fashion's loud thunder shakes the sounding door.
The light Serena to the window springs,
On curiosity's amusive wings:
For now the morning banquet claims her care;
Already at the board, with viands pil'd,
Her sire impatient sits, and chides his tardy child.
On his imperial lips rude hunger reigns,
And keener politics usurp his brains:
But when her love-inspiring voice he hears,
When the soft magic of her smile appears,
In that glad moment he at once forgets
His empty stomach, and the nation's debts:
He bends to Nature's more divine control,
And only feels the father in his soul.
Quick to his hand behold her now present
The Indian liquor of celestial scent!
Not with more grace the nectar'd cup is given
By rose-lipp'd Hebe to the lord of heaven.
While her fair hands a fresh libation pour,
Fashion's loud thunder shakes the sounding door.
The light Serena to the window springs,
On curiosity's amusive wings:
