Classic Poem

This said, the Am'rous Youth, with both Arms stript
Guided by Love, into the Waves he leapt;
A steady Course by his new Star he sought,
Himself the Pilate, Passenger, and Boat.
By the Lamps side poor Hero trembling stood,
And guarded it by all the art she cou'd;
Sometimes she cover'd it, and pray'd the wind
To that and to Leander to be kind:
Till as she wisht Leander came ashore,
Oh then how nimbly she unlock'd the doors,
Kiss'd and embrac'd, and led him to her Tow'r.
Over his quiv'ring Limbs she flung her Gown,
And dry'd his Locks that still ran trickling down;
Then to her own apartment led the way,
Whose choice perfumes did the Waves salts allay;
And as he lay still panting on her Bed,
She thus imbrac'd him, and thus softly said.
Come, my dear Bridegroom, thou thy love hast tri'd,
As never any Bridegroom did beside;
That all the Waves o'th' Hellespont can tell,
And that this scent of thine, this brackish smell;
Come let me clasp thee in my longing Arms,
There I'll secure thee from all threatning harms.
Ravish'd with pleasure he unti'd her Zone,
And so the Rites of Venus were begun;
Nuptials there were, but yet no Nuptials Dance,
No Musick or Love-Song their Joys inhance;
Not one of Phaebus Prophets tun'd his Lyre,
Not one o'th' Graces, or the Muses Choyr:
Alas! no Hymen Hymeneus cry'd,
No Torches burning; nay the bed beside
Soft silence made, black Night undress'd the Bride.