Classic Poem

RIDE BY HIM, WITHOUT KNOWING HER

So lightly glanc'd she o'er the lawn,
So lightly through the vale,
That not more swiftly bounds the fawn,
In Sidon's palmy dale.

Full well her bright hair'd courser knew,
How sweet a charge he bore,
And proudly shook the tassels blue,
That on his neck he wore.

Her vest, with liveliest tincture glow'd,
That summer blossoms wear,
And wanton down her shoulders flow'd
Her hyacinthine hair.

Zephyr in play had loos'd the string,
And with it laughing flown,
Diffusing from his dewy wing,
A fragrance not his own.

Her shape was like the slender pine,
With vernal buds array'd,
O heav'n! what rapture would be mine,
To slumber in its shade.

Her cheeks — one rose had Streplion seen,
But dazzled with the sight,
At distance view'd her nymph-like mien,
And fainted with delight.

He thought Diana from the chase
Was hastening to her bow'r;
For more than mortal seem'd a face
Of such resistless pow'r.

Actaeon's fatal change he fear'd,
And trembled at the breeze;
High antlers had his fancy rear'd,
And quivering sunk his knees.

He well might err — that morn confess'd,
The Queen with silver beam,
Shone forth, and Sylvia thus address'd,
By Tivy's azure stream!

" Let us this day our robes exchange;
Bind on my waxing moon:
Then through yon woods at pleasure range;
And shun the sultry noon.

" Whilst I at Cardigan prepare
Gay stores of silk and lace,
Like thine, will seem my flowing hair,
Like thine, my heavenly grace.

" My brother Phaebus lost his heart
When first he view'd thy charms,
And would this day, with dangerous art,
Allure thee to his arms.

" But, Cynthia, friend to virgins fair,
Thy steps will ever guide,
Protect thee from the' enchanting snare,
And o'er thy heart preside.

" In vain his wiles he shall essay,
And touch his golden lyre;
Then to the skies shall wing his way,
With pale, yet raging fire.

" Should he with lies traduce the fair,
And boast how oft he kiss'd her,
The gods shall laugh while I declare,
He flirted with his Sister."