^' IXvi^ ^JP,l'M.'MJI(!iJp(WJW!; # # ' . # THE VEILS; OB. THE TRIUMPH OF CONSTANCY. ^aTK^-^j u^-s. . a^iJ. i .f!?. , M.IO^i .iii'i' 'JO -:/iij i! ri; lUoili ffiiili W^H... It i-f;f[ 'idfi A YOUNG lady, one of the members of a small society which meets periodically for literary amusement, lost her Veil (by a gust of wind) as she was gathering shells on the coast of Norfolk. This incident gave rise to the follow- ing Poem, which was originally written in short cantos, and afterwards extended and modelled into the form in which it is now respectfully submitted to the public. The author, who considers herself a pupil of the Royal Institution, being at that time attending the Lectures given in Albe- marle-Street, on Chemistry, Geology, Natural History, and Botany, by Sir Humphry Davy, Mr. Brand, Dr. Roget, Sir James Edward Smith, and other eminent men, she was induced to combine these subjects with her story; and though hec knowledge of them was in a great measure orally acquired, and therefore cannot pretend to be exten- sive or profound, yet, as it was derived from the best teachers, she hopes it will seldom be found incorrect. The machinery is founded on the Rosicrusian doctrine, which peoples each of the four elements with a peculiar class of spirits, a system introduced into poetry by Pope, and since used by Darwin, in the Botanic Gardeu ; but the author believes that the ideal beings of these two distin- guished writers will not be found to differ more from each VIU other, than from those called into action in the ensuing Poem. She has there endeavoured to shew them as repre- senting the different energies of nature, exerted in pro- ducing the various changes that take place in the physical world ; but the plan of her Poem did not permit her to exhibit them to any considerable extent. On the tlosi- crusian mythology, a system of poetical machinery might be constructed of the highest character; but the person who directs its operations should possess the scientific know- ledge of Sir Humphry Davy, and the energy and imagina- tion of Lord Byron and Mr. Scott. In personifying the metals and minerals, and the agency of fire, the author has generally taken her names from the Greek language; but as it was impossible to avoid the nomenclature of modern chemistry, she requests, on the plea of necessity, the indulgence of her readers for what she fears will be felt as a barbarous mixture. ERRATUM, in the Title to Book II. for " The Battle," read The Earth. THE VEILS. BOOK THE FIRST. THE CASTLE. THE VEILS. BOOK THE FIRST. THE CASTLE. 1 HE summer sun its setting radiance shed, And tinged the eastern clouds with rosy red ; While from the west, a flood of amber light Stream'd thro' the foliage on the dazzled sight ; As in a forest's wildering mazes strayed A youthful warrior and a blooming maid. The Maid was fair, as Poets bent on praise Have often painted in their flattering lays. When they from Fancy, not from Nature, drew Their finished forms, yet still to Nature true. 10 2 THE CASTLE. book i. Erewhile her eyes' soft lustre did outshine The brightest diamonds of Golconda's mine; But grief had now their native fire deprest ; And frequent sighs burst from her anguished breast. No guardian veil concealed her charms, but round Her jetty locks, a wreath of flowers was bound ; Her vesture rivalled the unsullied snow, A sable scarf declared her inwai-d woe. The Knight, in prime of youthful vigour, joined Undaunted courage, and a courteous mind ; 20 Black were his arms the painting on his shield The strange occasion of their grief revealed : Lo ! on the foamy ocean's shingly sands, Reft of her Veil, a weeping damsel stands. Beside a yawning gulf a Gnome appears. Who waves the ravished veil and mocks her tears ; While forms ethereal lightly float in air, And weep in pity o'er the injured fair. An azure marge the pictured forms enroll'd. Where shine these haughty words embost in gold ; 30 " Proud Gnome, the veil to me, thy kival, YIELD, " Or dare my vengeance in the listed field." BOOK r. THE CASTLE. 3 Warned by approaching night, with slackened rein They urge their steeds some friendly roof to gain, * At length they reached the confines of the wood Where, on a hill, an ancient Castle stood ; With high embattled towers, and turrets crown'd, By massy walls enclosed, and moated round. Cheered at the sight, they checked each weary horse. And to the drawbridge bent their joyful course, 40 When as the warder from the walls espied ^ The pair advancing, to the Knight he cried, V " A friend or foe?" " A friend!" the Knight replied: j " We crave a shelter till returning day ** Shall lend its light to speed us on our way." " Then welcome," he rejoined ; " but, Warrior, pause, " And, ere you enter, learn the Castle's laws, " And swear obedience nor misdeem we claim " A pledge injurious to your knightly fame : " With Royal Edward, from their country far, 50 " Through France our warriors spread the flames of war, " And few remain, though many a danger calls " For all our care, to guard our threatened walls ; " Hence, we require, that when, with strength restored " By food and wine, you quit the festive board, B 2 4 THE CASTLE. book i. " That from the bridge descending to the plain, " You, till the morn, in arms our watch maintain ; " While we retire, with lengthened toil opprest, " And snatcii a few short hours of needful rest ; " Meanwhile the damsel in our walls shall find 60 " From foes protection, and a welcome kind. " In arms like yours, with each a beauteous dame, " Two knights this evening to the Castle came. " The knights with thee till morn the watch will share, " The maids with thine partake the Ba.on's care/' Brave Henry to the proffered terms agreed. Then o'er the drawbridge guides Maria's steed ; The warder there admits the Knight and Maid, And through a court of Gothic grandeur led ; His Lord received them in a spacious hall, 7C^ Where martial trophies decked the storied wall, And many a pictured pannel seemed to trace The ancient glories of a noble race. , On couches there two wearied maids repose, ^ Who now to meet the lovely stranger rose, While with that courtesy which marks the brave. Two youths to Henry cordial greeting gave. BOOK I. THE CASTLE. i Fair was each damsel, but the fairest far Maria seemed, like evening's dewy star, When all the rival fires that grace the night 80 By their own splendour prove her richer light : As far in speech, in mien, and courteous mind. Brave Henry left his young compeers behind. Soon to a banquet, where, with costly pride, Carinthia's* ores the massy bowl supplied. Where Gallia's grapes their richest nectar poured, And tropic dainties piled the groaning board, The Baron leads, and tries, with social arts, To soothe the anguish of their aching hearts ; Cheats the dull hour with many a sportive jest, 90 And gaily urges the neglected feast. Till sorrow slept, and joy from every eye Beamed like the sunshine through a wat'ry sky. With food refresh 'd, his helm with sable plumes. His lance and shield, each warrior now resumes. And by the warder summoned took his way. Before the bridge to watch till dawn of day. Meanwhile the Baron with surprize surveyed. In garb resembling, every knight and maid, Carinthia, a duchy of Austria^ formerly celebrated for its mines of gold and silver, &c. B 3 6 THE CASTLE. book i. Save that, amid her glossy ringlets twined, 100 A wreath of flowers Maria's locks confined. " And why," he said, " fair ladies, do you shew " By dress a seeming fellowship iu woe ? ** What wrongs have forced you from your peaceful home, " And why, unveiled, to distant lands you roam, " Why comes each knight, in sable arms arrayed, " Why on each helm are sable plumes displayed, " Fain would I learn : tho' memory oft may bring " The cup of sorrow bitterest from the spring, " Yet pitying friendship to the woeworn heart 1 10 " Repays the pangs remembered griefs impart : " And if your cause should martial aid require, " Though stiff my limbs, and quenched my youthful fire, " Tliis arm, which erst in many a well-fought day " Through Paynim hosts to victory led the way, *' May yet have strength the sword and lance to wield, ** And aid your chosen champions in the field." To all he spoke, but most Maria prest. Who sighing, thus the listening group addrest. f* Oh that the tale I tell had power to charm 120 Your grief, and anguish of its stings disarm^ BOOK I. THE CASTLE. 7 To speed the hours on pinions of delight, Till day should rise, unlocked for, on the night .! But one rash promise that has sealed my doom Will o'er my story cast a mournful gloom. Erewhile two youths of differing tempers strove With rival ardour to obtain my love, One, dark and gloomy, as the bursting storm. When lowering clouds autumnal skies deform ; The other, as the vernal morning gay, 1 30 When rosy Phoebus woos the sprightly May. " This on his boundless riches loved to dwell, Which might Arabia's fabled hoards excell ; Strove to allure my heart with splendid tales Of diamond palaces, and emerald vales. Of amber streams o'er sapphire beds that rolled, And silver seas, and lakes of liquid gold ; Described his destined consort's regal state. What slaves in gorgeous robes should round her M'ait In halls where luxury all her pomp displays, 140 And fragrant gums in golden censers blaze ; From harps unseen while heavenly music flows To cheer the feast, or soothe to soft repose ; b4 8 THE CASTLE. book i. And every lure to fix my fancy tried That flatters female vanity and pride ; But still his gloomy scowl, his eye of fire, Was on his rival bent with jealous ire, His proud demeanour chilled my soul with dread, And mystery enveloped all he said. " The other, nor on wealth nor state relied, 150 But love alone his eloquence supplied, His manly mind disdained insidious art. And scorned by flattery to ensnare my heart. Not long in vain ray gentle suitor strove. But still my breast concealed its infant love : Tho' skill'd and proved in every manly art, He struck the ring or hurl'd the unerring dart. Beyond his peers the ponderous bar he threw. And bent with surer aim the stubborn yew ; I seem'd to scorn the tourney's harmless wreath, l60 And bad him seek the nobler fields of death ; To bear the Cross in Salem's hallow'd land, Or join our sable Edward's conquering band ; Hence with that hero he resolved to sail, Whose freighted ships then watched a favouring gale. BOOK I. THE CASTLE. 9 " To me one morn, one fatal morn, he came. But nor in manner, speech, or look the same ; Gone was that cheerful smile, that graceful ease, That gentle warmth that marks the wish to please. The sportive wit, the fire of hope and joy, 170 That still with me illumed my Henry's eye ; A sullen sorrow now his looks declare, And his hoarse voice rang strangely in mine ear; I started " Does Maria then," he said, " Grieve at the change her cruelty has made ? " Thou bidst me leave thy presence, bidst me shine " In glory's favour, ere I hope for thine ; " Farewell I sail to Gallia's hostile shore, " Return victorious, or return no more ; " But oh, from thee removed, whose sight inspired 180 " My breast with love, with virtue, valour fired, " What to my arms, can like thy smile supply ** Art to repel, or vigour to annoy ? " Yet grant some pledge, no happier youth shall gain *^ That envied hand, so long desired in vain ; " This in the fight shall steel thy warrior's breast, ** And soothe his slumbers in the hour of rest." 10 THE CASTLE. book i. " 'Tis said that ' often in the parting hour' Victorious love asserts superior power, I proved it true, when by his prayers subdued, 190 These words 1 spoke, yet half in jesting mood " Go, Henry, go ! be Heaven in fight your shield, " Your guide to glory thro' the ensanguined field, " And unperceived if you this Veil obtain, " When with the year the hour returns again, " I plight my faith, with honour's laurel twined, *' Love's myrtle crown my warrior's brows shall bind." " The youth I marked, and while I gaily spoke. On his pale face the glow of triumph broke. But not my Henry's sunny smile ; it shew'd 200 Like lightning gleaming on a lurid cloud, And o'er my darkened mind appeared to throw The sad presentiment of future woe, Then fancy trac'd the battle's bloody plain. The shock of arms, the dying and the slain. Pale on the ground my wounded lover laid. The fatal sword uplifted o'er his head Shuddering I bade him stay the youth was fled. BOOK r. THE CASTLE. 11 " But Henry soon returned. He bore a wreath, From whose rich flowers no common odours breathe; 210 Their wonted fire again his eyes illumed, And on his cheeks their native roses bloomed ; " This wreath," he said, " while constant I remain, " By time uninjured, shall its hues retain ; " But should I fall by fate's severe decree, ** Or prove unfaithful to my vows and thee, " Those vows that here repeated make me thine, " These flowers their bloom and fragrance shall resign :" He placed it on my head he sigh'd adieu. Just prest my trembling hand, and then withdrew. 2'20 The precious wreath, preserved with faithful care, I since have worn, and still uninjured wear. " Some months elapsed. At length the tidings came Of Poictiers glorious field, and Edward's fame ;* Can nobler deeds the daring bard engage ? Or brighter virtues grace a future age ? * From the commencement of English history, there is no prince, except Alfred, on wliose character and exploits the memory dwells with so nluch fondness, as on those of the sable Edward. The valour and prudence which won the battles of Crecy and Poictiers, two of the most celebrated in our annals, lose their praise in admiration of the moderation and humanity of the youthful hero, even in the moment of victory. 12 .THE CASTLE. book x. There prudence aim'd, and mercy staid the sword, While vanquished Gallia mourn'd her captive lord, Who now received the honours long denied To all his pomp of power and regal pride ;* 230 The veterans that his Sire to victory led. At the glad tidings rais'd the hoary head, Blest their brave Prince, and half in envy told Their sons had fought as they had fought of old Where all were heroes, where impatient fame Could scarce prefer, and scarce reject a name, Where acts, which else in her bright page had shone. Past in the blaze of light, unmark'd, unknown ; Elate I heard of deeds by Henry wrought ; "^ How with his Prince the hottest fight he sought, 240% Once saved the youthful chief and still victorious fought; j I long'd from Henry's lips his deeds to hear. Nor thought how soon my joy would melt in air. * " Edward ordered a repast to be prepared in his tent for the prisoner, (King John,) and he himself served at the royal captive's table, as if he had been one of his retinue. He stood at the King's back during the meal, con- stantly refused to take a place at table, and declared that, being a subject, he was too well acquainted with the distance between his own rank and that of majesty to assume such freedom. All his father's pretensions to the crown of France were now buried in oblivion : John, in captivity, received the honours of a king, which were refused him when seated on the throne : hit niisfortnaes not his title were respected." Hume. i BOOK r. THE CASTLE. IS * One vernal morn, ('twas in the month of May,) As on the ocean's side I chanced to stray, My wondering eyes a thousand stones behold, A thousand shells that shone like gems and gold. Not with more colours glow'd the pretious shore To whose bright sand submissive ocean bore The riches of the shipwreck'd seamen's store, 2.50 7 When Nereus, urged by dark-browed Cymbent, gave To Marinell the treasures of the wave.* " No snare suspecting, by their beauty caught, With eager eye the stones and shells I sought. When lo ! an earthquake seemed to rock the ground, I started back, and trembling look'd around ; Beneath my feet a hollow noise I heard. And high the waves their foamy summits reared. My flying steps some magic influence staid, And opening earth a hideous gulf displayed ; 260 Mid clouds of smoke, and flames of livid blue, A giant form rose slowly to my view. The fatal veil which late my locks confined, That veil so closely with my fate combined, * Spenser's Faery Queene, Book III. Canto IV. U THE CASTLE. book t. He with insultiug transport wav'd in air; His gloomy looks my Henry's foe declare, Though now in robes of regal state he shone, And his dark forehead bore a sparkling crown. " In me," he said, " behold the King, whose sway " Thro' earth's mmumber'd caves the Gnomes obey; 270 " Lord of the mine, I own its secret stores, " Its gems, its marbles, and its mineral ores. " Long in a human shape concealed, to gain " Thy love I sought, but only met disdain, " At length my rival's form 1 bore, and found, " Beyond my warmest hope my wishes crown'd : " The veil behold no more I seek to move " Thy stubborn heart ; I claim thy promised love. " I wonder not those tears of anguish flow, " That o'er my transports cast a shade of woe, 280 " 'Tis woman's pride, if we her boast believe, " Ne'er to be duped, but ever to deceive ; " Vet sages say, tho' keen a woman's eyes " To read the heart and pierce the deep disguise, " If Flattery spread her viewless veil between, " Full in her pathway yawns the gulf unseen, BOOK I. THE CASTLP,. 15 " And here she triumphs, where the prayers of love, - " And wealth and power have vainly tried to move. " Yet why afflicted thus, why thus disdain " The hand a thousand beauties seek in vain ? 290 " In vaiii each lovely Gnome with studious care " Folds her rich robe, or braids her scented hair, " Or, rifling all the secrets of the mine, "^ " Makes her dark eye with softer lustre shine,* V " I fly their sight and live alone in thine ; J " Thy form more lovely in its plain attire, *' Thine eyes more brilliant in their native fire ; " My heart is thine, fair ingrate, thine alone ; " O ! dry those tears and share a monarch's throne. " What though thou quit the sun's enlivening ray, 300 " And ' the warm precincts of the cheerful day,' " The feathered songsters, fruits and fragrant flowers, '* And dear companions of thy social hours, " Yet deem not my extended realms below, " The constant haunt of horror, gloom, and woe, * A variety of metallic preparations have been used by the ladies of diffe- rent countries for this purpose, particularly the oxyds of bismuth and anti- mouy. Among the Medes it was not confined to the fair sex ; at least Xeno- phon, in his Cyroptedia, describes Astyages as having his eyes painted. The custom still prevails in the Levant. 16 THE CASTLE. book i. " The light of Heaven our quenchless lamps supply, " Our vaults re-echo to the sounds of joy, *' To festive songs my Gnomes attune the lyre, " And captive Sylphs the dulcet flute inspire ; " To grace my court assembled thousands shine, 310 " Approved in valour, or of charms divine ; " Those fading flowers no more shall bind thy brow, " But in their stead a diamond circlet glow ; " Art's magic hand, at thy command shall spread, " With gems in flowery guise, the emerald mead, " Bid vales descend, or lofty hills arise, " And mimic suns adorn the sapphire skies. " Farewell the cares of empire bid me flee, " Those cares neglected in pursuit of thee, " Fain would I stay, those streaming tears to dry, 320 " And gaze enraptur'd on that speaking eye, " But duty calls ^yet till the tedious sun " His lingering course thro* twelve long signs shall run^ " And shine propitious on our nuptial hour, " For thee my Gnomes shall deck the regal bower.'* " He spoke and vanished. Still in mute amaze On vacant air I fixed my earnest gaze. BOOK I. THE CASTLE. * 17 Still in my ear his hated accent^ rung, Fear fixed me to the spot, and chained my tongue ; Above his head the yawning earth had closed, 330 Sunk was the wind, the waves in peace reposed ; Surpassing Nature's law, the past might seem But the vain horrors of a dreadful dream. Yet my stol'n veil a proof too certain bore ; Grief clog'd the hours that hope had wing'd before. And murmur'd still of fairy visions crost. And love and happiness and freedom lost ; How oft 1 watch'd, impatient for the light. Then loath'd the morn, and wish'd again for night ; Or wept to find those hours had passed away, 340 And nearer brought the inevitable day ! 'Till once, as Phoebus ting'd the eastern skies, Soft slumber stole upon mine aching eyes. When on my view a form ethereal broke. That hovering o'er me, thus melodious spoke : " No more, sweet maid, let grief your peace destroy, ** But cherish hope, for hope shall lead to joy ; *' That Power Eternal, whose creative mind " This orb, and all yon wandering spheres design'd ; c 18 THE CASTLE. book i. " From nothing call'd yon source of life and light, 350 " And all the starry splendours of the night ; " To numerous spirits, in that awful hour, " Their portions gave of delegated power : " Four tribes who rule this orb with equal sway, " The Earth, the Fire, the Winds, and Waves obey; " In tire the Salamanders hold their reign, " The bold Hydidae curb the azure main, " The Gnomes are guardians of the solid land, " And Sylphs the impassive realms of air command ; " These jarring tribes in endless strife engage, 360 " Foil and are foiled, with ineffectual rage ; " Their mutual war their balanced reign secures, " And endless order ceaseless strife ensures. " In that sad morn thou soughtst on ocean's strand " The gems the Gnome had strew'd with treacherous hand, " O'er the green wave unnumber'd Sylphids play'd, " That all thy motions with delight survey 'd, " And fiU'd with warm desire to view unveil'd " The charms thy maiden modesty conceal'd, " They flutter'd round in many a lucid ring, 370 " Stretch'd the light hand, and waved the filmy wing, BOOK 1. THE CASTLE. 19 *' And strove, with gentle violence, to raise " The silken screen, that mock'd their eager gaze ; " When lo ! a viewless hand the veil unbound, ** And rudely plung'd it in the deep profound, " Then shook the earth, and in a yawning void, " Albruno rose, in all his kingly pride : " The rest thou know'st the Sylphs thy lot deplore, " Dissolve in tears, and quit the fatal shore. " Incens'd, the Gnome by fraud and theft should dare " Pollute my realms, I roused the powers of air, " In hope by prompt exertion to regain " The ravish'd pledge ; but all our toils were vain : " For base Albruno had his prize immur'd " In deepest caverns, and with spells secur'd : " But now the day approaches ; gentle maid, " Arouse thee from thy trance of grief, and aid " Our high emprize, to free thee from thy vow, " The sole resource thy stubborn fates allow. " Long had a war, with rancorous hatred waged, 390 " The sullen Gnomes and Sprites of Fire engaged, " 'Till wearied all, a transient peace confined " Each martial hand, but fettered not the mind, c2 THE CASTLE. ook i. " The Sprites, of rest impatient, every one " Loth to begin, yet wished the war begun ; " The flame to kindle, to the Prince of Fire " A Sylph I sent, who roused the monarch's ire ; " Against the Gnomes he leads his hostile line, " And soon with him will Ocean's sovereign join ; " These powers at once their double war shall wage, 400 " And from his bride Albruno's thoughts engage ; " 'Tis thine to aid us seek the gloomy mine, " There urge thy suit, and tears and prayers combine ; " For there alone must fraud or force assail, *' Tho' vain were force, such spells secure the Veil, " And tho' our strength should burst the powerful chains, " A stronger tye, thy plighted faith, remains. *' His hand alone, his breast should mercy warm, " Thy pledge resigning, can dissolve the charm, * But if, observant of the stated hour, 410 ** He come to bear thee to his bridal bower, ** We can but mourn, to save exceeds our power. *' Where'er thou art, his mightier charms compel " Their weeping slave to earth's remotest cell ; " But should he fail, by fraud or force delayed, " 'Till night descending wrap this land in shade ; 410j r. ) BOOK r. - THE CASTLE. 21 " Vain are his hopes, for in an adverse course " His spells rebounding with elastic force " Unlock the casket they secur'd before, " And the lost Veil compel him to restore ; 420 " Then cling to Hope, best solace of our pain, " Herself a blessing, if her dreams be vain ; " Npr dread the perils of the lonely road, " Or the dark horrors of his drear abode, " My watchful care thy safety shall provide, " Thy guard in danger, as in doul)t thy guide." " He vanished : but that voice so sweet, so clear. Yet thrilled with transport my delighted ear, I rose, and still a cloud of rich perfume. Shook from his wings, was floating in the room, 430 And at my gate, a milk white palfry stood, With costly trappings harnessed for the road ; 1 mounted, and discarding female fear. Placed my firm confidence in Ariel's care. All day I journey'd, but as evening fell. Trembling I wander'd thro' a woody dell ; No sound of life reliev'd my anxious ear, I look'd in vain, no sheltering roof was near, c 3 22 THE CASTLE. book i . When lo ! amid a blaze of golden light, A rich pavilion rose upon my sight, 440 I enter'd, by some unknown influence led. By hands unseen the plenteous board was spread. Prepared by hands uuseen the downy bed. " With speed untir'd, thro' many a lengthen'd day. My horse instinctive still pursu'd his way ; And still as round the shades of evening close, '^ In lonely wilds the rich pavilion rose, V Or in some rural cot I found repose ; j 'Till on this mom, in sable arms I view'd An unknown warrior, who my steps pursu'd, 450 'Twas Henry, late from conquer'd Gallia come. By Ariel warn'd, to guide me to the Gnome ; Together thro' the wood our course we steer. And bless the fate that stay'd our wanderings here. Where generous welcome cheers the weary guest, And kindness soothes the aching heart to rest ; We hope, ere sinks to-morrow's sun, to gain The rocky margin of the northern main ; For Sweden thence we sail, where mountains round Stretch their long chains, with snows eternal crown'd, 460 BOOK I. THE CASTLE. 23 As massy barriers placed to guard the road, Long, dark and dreary, to the Gnome's abode." Imprudent maid ! thy heedless lips exposed The secret plans to thee alone disclosed, Thy councils known, the host, whose cheerful smile Veil'd the dark agent of Albruno's guile, Rejoic'd in secret, while his feign'd surprize, And falser pity, blind thy heedless eyes ; Yet scarce his art the latent joy represt. Scarce on thy woes forbore the bitter jest, 470 As oft he urged Miranda to unfold. Why o'er her vest the scarf of sable roll'd, And head unveil'd, some inward sorrow told. Fair was the maid, her eyes of softest blue, Her floating tresses bore an amber hue, Of height majestic, dignity and grace Spoke in her actions, mingled in her face. All present view'd her with attentive look. By soft attraction bound, while thus she spoke : " Lost in amazement, if mine eyes betray 'd 480 No common pity for yon injur'd maid, c 4 84 THE CASTLE. book i. At once I mourned her sufferings and my own, Nor grieved nor wonder'd at her fate alone, Like her's uiy vesture, and Ijke her's my tale A royal suitor, and a ravish'd Veil. " O'er the blue regions of the restless main. Fresh lakes and streams, extends Marino's reign ; This prince, by martial force, and manly grace. More than by rank distinguish'd o'er his race ; To Love's high sway an early homage paid, 490 And bow'd the vassal of an ocean maid ; Fair as the fairest forms of Grecian art, Her beauteous frame conceal'd a canker'd heart; In vain he loved, by turns the artful dame Fed with false hopes, or check 'd the rising flame. And when he urg'd to fix the nuptial morn. Now smil'd, now blush'd, now frown 'd in seeming scorn ; And now, desponding, feign'd to doubt her power. That love should last beyond her bridal hour. Yet said, if time his changeless faith should prove, 500 She might relent, might yield her soul to love. " In vain Marino, to this heartless maid. Would prove the flame his every act display'd, BOOK I. THE CASTLE. 25 Whene'er he fought, the monarch's loaded car Bore to Lymnoria's feet the spoils of war ; Of rich or rare, that flatters pomp or pride, Whate'er she wish'd, his liberal hand supplied ; 'Till many a year in fruitless homage past, From his long dream Marino waked at last ; Of all her acts he saw the secret spring, 510 Who ruled the kingdom while she ruled the king, And vow'd, in sudden anger and disdain. No sea-born maid should o'er the Ocean reign, Then bade his slaves, of mortal lineage, find A maid in person faultless and in mind. His slaves, obedient, watch on every shore. Dart up the streams, and various lands explore, Commissioned, when the maid they view, to steal Her scarf, her girdle, or pellucid veil, Which by his hand, with secret rites imbrued, 520 In streams that flow beneath the briny flood. Twelve moons expired, would act with magic power, And draw the virgin to his coral bower. " Once, in sweet converse with a knight, I stray'd Thro' the close windings of a woody glade, 86 THE CASTLE. book i. Our hearts by tenderest friendship were allied, And some few weeks had made me Alfred's bride : At length with novel charms expands the scene, The wood retiring left a narrow green ; On either side, with various verdure crowned, 530 Nor yet by summer's sultry suns embrowned, Tall hills arise, and thro' the dell below A crystal river's winding waters flow. Its banks with flowers adorn'd, and o'er it flung Its graceful boughs the pendant willow hung. Charm'd with the scene, beneath the grateful shade. To cheat the noontide hour, awhile we staid ; The youth was skill'd in vegetable lore, I ask'd the history of a little flower, Graceful its form, and bright its lilac hue, 540 And like the crane's long beak its ripening pistil grew ;* The study pleas'd, and from the river's side, Innumerous flowers our various theme supplied, The white ranunculus, and iris gay, The yellow caltha, on the morn of May That to their homes the cheerful peasants bring. And strew around, in honour of the spring ; The geranium pratense, or blue geranium, which grows in meadows, and by the banks of streams ; a very beautiful and elegant plant. BOOK I. THE CASTLE. 27 The hyacinth, the violet's purple dye, And myosotis blue, with golden eye. Which oft the German youth, in graceful knot, 550 Bears to his love, and sighs ' Forget me not.'* At length diverging, Nature's course we trace, From the first embryo, till the plant decays ; How from the germ the leafy stems ascend, And deep in earth the fibrous roots extend ; How leaves would issue from the inverted root, And the green stems in rigid fibres shoot ^-f How from pure water, given the powers to share, Of vivifying heat, and light, and air. The leaves their vivid green, the flowers assume 560 Their balmy fragrance, and their various bloom ; * The myosotis, or scorpion grass, is a beautiful plant which grows abun- dantly by the side of running waters. It has a small blue flower, with a golden eye in the centre, and is a great favourite with the Germans, who call it " Forget me not." These flowers, or their enamelled resemblance, are frequently interchanged as tokens of regard. The " Forget me not" of the Germans is by some believed to be the veronica chamaedrys, which is also a beautiful blue flower. t If a plant be taken out of the ground and inverted, its parts also invert their functions. What was formerly the root becomes green, and leaves and flowers shoot out in the place of fibres. The inverted stem on the contrary- grows rigid, and soon assumes the appearance .and the functions of the root. Lectures delivered at the Royal Institution, by Dr. now Sir James Edward Smith. J8 THE CASTLE. book r. Its precious gum mimosa plenteous pours, The camphor tree secretes its spicy stores ;* How the same soils, in equal luxury, feed The plant medicinal, and poisonous weed ; How he, though cast upon some unknown shore. Could tell the noxious and nutritious flower ;f How in the tulip's bulb the flower is found. And future leaves their embryo charge surround ;;{; How, grafted on its stock, the crab will bear 470 The sweeter apple or the juicy pear. But gradual as the parent grafts decay. The sympathetic ofi*spring fades away. * The principal, if not the only food of plants, appears to be water, from which, when exposed to the action of the solar light, ail their various secre- tions are produced. The beautiful green of the leaves, the vivid lints of the flower, their fragrance, the flavour of the fruit, with their endless variety in the different species, all seem to be derived from one source ; and plants, whose properties and secretions are the most different, grow in equal luxuri- ance side by side. SmitVs Lectures. t The tetradynamia, or plants with cruciform flowers, are all, when boiled, wholesome and nutritious. There is also a more extended criterion. The fruits of flowers having the stamina inserted into the calyx may be eaten with safety, and are generally agreeable, but flowers having the stamina inserted into the receptacle are always to be suspected. Smith's Lectures. t If the bulb of the tulip be opened, the rudiments of the future leaves and even the embryo of the flower may be seen. Smith's Lectures. The decay of our apples has excited much apprehension. Some of th finest kinds are nearly extinct, and others have evidently degenerated. Many attempts have been made to supply this loss by grafting favourit* apples upon young stocks, but in vain. This has proved to be only the BOOK I. THE CASTLE. 29 " The paths of science while I thus pursued, A strange event disturbed the peaceful flood ; No more like liquid glass the waters seem. But dire commotions vex the troubled stream ; On rushed the impetuous tide, with thundering roar, And wave o'er wave the foaming waters pour, Drive back the refluent stream, which widely spread, 580 And rising high, o'erflowed its oozy bed ; The fishers, who the coming ill descried. With speed for safety sought the middle tide,* When in the stream a monster rose, whose sight Had filled the boldest bosom with affright ; His hideous form was rough with many a scale, Green was his hair, his hand displayed my Veil; extension of an individual, not the production of a new one, and as the parent tree decayed, the grafts decayed also. To prevent the loss of so aluable a fruit, Mr. Knight sowed a quantity of the seeds of our best apples, in hope that, although a great majority would be merely crabs, out of many thousands he might procure a few valuable apples. His efforts have not been unsuccessful, and many of the new varieties promise to vie, in size and flavour, with the finest of the old ones. Smith's Lectures, * This passage is intended as a slight description of the phenomenon called the Bore or Agar, occasioned by the sudden influx of the tide into a river. Those rivers which have a wide embouchure, that becomes suddenly con- tracted, are most subject to it. The tide rushing up the stream, drives back the descending water, and the vessels upon it find themselves instantly raised many feet above their former level. In England the Severn is parti- cularly subject to the Bore ; but it is most remarkable in the Indian rivers, the principal branches of the Ganges, the Megna, and the Hoogly. so THE CASTLE. book r. His hoarse rough voice was like the deaf ning roar Of billows breaking on the rocky shore, While with rude homage, and uncourtly mien, 590 He told Marino's tale, and hail'd me as his queen. " My fate to shun, I ponder'd long in vain, *My frustrate projects but increas'd my pain ; For counsel then I sought an hermit's cave, The prescient sage this strange injunction gave. " With Alfred to the ocean's side repair, " To aid your wish, a pearl shall meet you there, " Dear to the King, and save you from despair." s " Oh ! words obscure ! whence hope can scarcely spring. Yet still to these, our last resource we cling, 600 In dubious faith the dark behest obey, And seek the Ocean with returning day; While on my Alfred's shield our quest is shewn. And round the Veil inscribed ' For this alone.'" Miranda ceas'd ; each maid attentive heard. And felt surprize increase at every word. And while the Baron cheer'd his lovely guest. He feign'd no more the wonder he exprest ; BOOK I. THE CASTLE. 81 To Leonora turned, and sought to know If from a kindred source her sorrows flow. 610 As either maid was Leonora fair A silken net confin'd her sable hair ; Tho' less her stature, yet her form so light, That in the dance she seem'd some airy sprite, Or of that choir that met in bright array, " To do observance to the Morn of May,"* Tript in gay circles round their virgin queen, And hynin'd the praises of the laurel green. ! A warmer sun had tinged her lovely face, Yet animation lent a sprightly grace ; 620 Nor could Affliction's briny tear destroy The speaking lustre of her hazel eye ; As with a smile the damsel thus began. Through all her speech her cheerful temper ran : " I fear my story of another Veil Will prove the tedium of a thrice told tale ; Well might Maria, or Miranda, move Their hearers pity's genuine power to prove, * See " The flower and the Leaf." 8f THE CASTLE. book r. But when such rivals in the lists appear, How can / hope a sympathetic tear, 630 Who, at my onset, must perforce confess My sorrows lighter, as my beauty less ? " A Spaniard I ray father lov'd to trace, Thro' many a warlike chief, his noble race To heroes, who on Ronscesvailes plain Fought for the freedom of invaded Spain, And check'd the arms of conquering Charlemagne : In youth he came to Albion's happy land, There woo'd my mother, and obtain'd her hand, With her to Spain he plough'd the watry way, 640 Where first mine infant eyes beheld the day. Oft had the palm of victory graced his arms. Yet now he shun'd the battle's loud alarms. And fled the crowded scenes of courtly strife For the calm pleasures of domestic life. " From old Cordova's Roman walls expelled,* Brave Ferdinand the haughty Moors had quelled ; * Cordova, or Cordiiba as it was anciently called, was founded by the Romans. It was afterwards in possession of the Goths, and then of the Moors, who were expelled in 1236 by Ferdinand the Third, who first united the crowns of Castillo and Leon. From tliis time Cordova, hitherto the seat of learning, declined, and that star, which had shone amidst darkness and bar- barism, sunk ere the dawn returned to Europe. BOOK I. THE CASTLE. 33 But still from Afric poured the ambitious foes,* And the new kingdom of Granada rose, Where luxury held in Hamet's court her reign, 650 And arts and splendour triumph'd in her train. Fame, in Castille, Granada's pomp had told yf Her proud Alhambra with its walls of gold. Her nobles' wealth and state, their skill in arms. The matchless lustre of their ladies' charms ; Her hills, where dark the olive woods extend. And the green boughs with fruits Hesperian bend ; Where the sweet rose, and starry jasmine spring, And frequent founts their liquid crystal fling ; * Granada was early in the possession of the Moors, but the kingdom was dissolved in 1221. In 1236, fresh bands pouring over from Africa, Granada becamethe seat of opulence and splendour, and the Moorish capital of Spain. In speaking of Granada, historians and geographers become poetical, and describe in glowing terms its fertile valley, bounded by mountains, and watered by the Genii and the Guadalquivir ; its hills covered with groves of orange, of mulberry, and of olive ; the magnificence of its palaces, and the splendour of its court, where the manners of chivalry received a peculiar colouring from the luxury of Africa. At the time mentioned in the poem, the sceptre of Granada was held by Jusef Hacen Hamet, the seventh king of Granada. Those who are fond of romantic history will be gratified by the translation of the Civil Wars of Granada, by Mr. Rodd. t This is an anachronism. The apartment here alluded to was not added to the Alhambra till the reign of Muley Hascera, the father of Boabdelin, who lost his crown to Ferdinand and Isabella. The walls had the appearance of gold, and are supposed to have been a composition of the yolks of egg. Muley Hascem also built the celebrated court of Lions. S4 THE CASTLE. book i. Her mulberry groves, in whose propitious gloom 660 The worm industrious winds its silken tomb ; Her fertile vale where two fair rivers flow, And lofty mountains ever topt with snow.* " Roused at the sound, with martial ardour fired. Or by religion's fervent zeal inspired, Alfonzo rose; while burning for the fight, Round Sant' lago's cross, the youth of Spain unite ; To gain renown, or grasp so rich a prize, Or win fresh favour in their ladies' eyes. They rush to arms, and, of success secure, 670 Rear their proud banners, and defy the Moor. ^' From warfare long estranged, again my sire Felt in his veins the glow of youthful fire ; Again his limbs in shining arms are drest. And the broad cuirass guards his manly breast. " Little I thought of war's destructive rage. Who knew it only in the tuneful page ; My fancy still in brightest hues pourtray'd The splendid scene of hosts for fight array'd : * The Sierra Nevada, or snowy mountain, BOOK r. THE CASTLE. 55 The martial trumpet echoing from afar, 680 And prancing steeds that love the notes of war ; Aloft in air the pennon's silken fold. The plumage nodding o'er the casques of gold. The emblazon'd shields, the armour's burnish'd blaze, And lances glittering in the morning rays : Seldom I turn'd to trace the alter'd scene. When evening closes on the empurpled green; When dim with dust and blood their bright array. And cold the hearts that panted for the fray ; Yet when my weeping mother urged her lord 690 To quit his purpose, or as lost deplored, I join'd her prayers, I shrunk with kindred fears. And mix'd with her's my unavailing tears ; Fix'd was his mind, with brave Alfonzo's baud At dawn of day to seek Granada's land. " 'Twas night, and all around in silence slept. But rest my pillow shunn'd ; I rose and crept To my thin lattice, and in silence wept : I blest the evening gale's refreshing power, As on my cheek it dried the bitter shower : 700 When from the shaded walk my bower beneath, I heard soft strains of mournful music breathe. n 2 36 THE CASTLE. JoOK i. While with a pleasing voice, and faltering tongue, An amorous youth his plaintive ditty sung. My conscious memory M^ell the youth betray'd, Who waked the echoes with this serenade ; His arm was valiant, noble was his birth, Castile resounded with Alonzo's worth; Few knights could tilt, or throw the cane so well,* Few at the ring the gallant youth excell ; 710 Oft had he pierced the bidl with fatal wound, Or held the roaring savage to the ground. And still whene'er the youthful hero fought. The fairest maids the glittering barriers sought, Who view'd with jealous ire, but seeming scorn. My favourite colours by the warrior worn,t While knots of flowers, in mystic guise dispos'd, His secret passion to my sight disclos'd, And tuned beneath my vine-clad window, long The light guitar had join'd his nightly song : 720 * This was a martial game, in which the young nobles fought in squa- drons, and canes supplied the place of lances. Tilting was usually per- formed with canes, but at the tournament lances were used. t It was the custom for the Moorish or Spanish youth to denote their affection by wearing the favourite colours of their ladies. The language of flowers is slill so well understood by the ladies of Spain, that it might b dangerous for the uninitiated to present a nosegay. BOOK I. THE CASTLE. ST But on his flowers I cast a careless eye, Nor * blest the youth who bade my slumbers fly.' And twice the moon had filled her silver round Since last mine ear had listen'd to the sound. " Now sunk the strain, and softly I withdrew The latticed casement that obscured my view, Clear shone the moon, the convent's spires were seen Above its spreading groves of dusky green, While round the terrac'd walk, with every gale, Unnumber'd flowers their spicy sweets exhale. 730 Before me, wrapt in sable cloak and hood. With folded arms, the brave Alonzo stood ; He rais'd his kindling eye, the mantle fell. And brightly beam'd his mail of burnished steel. " Oh ! bliss unhoped ! does Leonora deign " A favouring ear to sad Alonzo's strain !" The youth exclaim'd ; " this unexpected grace " Can all thy scorn and all my woes efl'ace ; " And, like the setting sun, whose piercing ray " Bursts the thick clouds that veil'd him thro' the day, 740 " Thou com'st to cheer me with a parting view, " Ere to those charms I bid a long adieu : D 3 38 THE CASTLE. uook i. " Nay, turn not thus, nor thus the prayer disdain " Of him who ne'er may vex thy sight again, " For with the earliest dawn Alfonzo's band " Will march to combat in Granada's land ; " Ev'n now his standard floats, his chargers neigh, " Ev'n now my ready vassals chide my stay ; " Oh should I fall, would one repentant sigh *' Lament my fate one tear bedew thine eye? 750 " Farewel, relentless maid ; yet, ere we part, " Say, does some happier youth possess thy heart, " Or may I hope my truth at length may move " Thy mind to pity for Alonzo's love ?" " If this," I said, " can give thy bosom rest, " No love has enter'd Leonora's breast; " But wouldst thou hope to light the ardent flame, " This test of truth, and faith unchanged, I claim " My father seeks those scenes of deadly strife, " Oh ! guard with filial care his sacred life ; 760 " Shield his brave bosom from the threatening blade, " And turn the javelin from his hoary head. " So may my mother, to his arms restored, " Bless the kind hand that sav'd her honour'd lord. BOOK I. THE CASTLE. 39 " So may a daughter's heart thy deeds approve, " And gratitude illume the torch of love.'* I ceas'd : for on the solemn stilness fell. Awful and deep, the convent's matin bell : I wav'd my hand, Alonzo sigh'd ' Farewel.' \ " Swift I retired; my father joined the train, 770 Where with Alfonzo march'd the flower of Spain, To distant times shall Spanish records tell* How to their conquering arms Alziras fell. And how, his pride at Gades rock o'erthrown, Granada's monarch wore a vassal crown. But here, with patriot joy, the loyal tear Shall join to dew Alfonzo's royal bier. And mine may mingle well, for by his side. My sire, with many a proud hidalgo, died. And near him was the brave Alonzo found, 780 His manly bosom pierced with many a wound. " Oppression soon, in Pedro's iron reign, Check'd the sweet transports of reviving Spain. * Alfonzo XI. obtained a signal victory over the Moors in 1340, at which time Alziras was taken, and the kingdom of Granada made tributary. He was killed in the siege of Gibraltar, which he had lost before, and suc- ceeded by his son, Peter the Cruel. Puffendnrf. D 4 \ ) THE CASTLE. book r. Bound by affection's golden tie no more, My mother wished to seek her native shore, But as Venasquez' rocky chain we crost, Mid evening's shades, our guide, our way were lost. And wandering on, as ebbing light decayed. Farther and farther from the path we strayed ; Our frames, long soften'd in a southern vale, 790 Shrunk from the keenness of the mountain gale ; The night grew dark; with weary steps and slow We wandered o'er the treacherous field of snow. And heard the torrent roar unseen below,* And from the wood beneath, the frequent howl Of bears and wolves, that fierce with hunger prowl : The struggling ray the moon at times bestow 'd, Served but to shew the horrors of the road. The avalanch impending from on high, The gulph below, the terrors of the sky ; 800 Shone but on pohited peaks, and ample brows White with eternal, undissolving snows ; * " La, j'entendois rouler sous mes pieds un torrent qui se frajoit, ^ travers les glaces et les neiges, une route invisible, dont il ne sortoit que cinquante toises plus bas, pour se pr^cipiter du haul d'un escarpeinent de rochers, dans le grand vallon de neig^. La position pouvoit devenir dangc- reuse, a la longue ; je ia quittai bientdt." Bamond's Observations faites datis les Fyr6n6es. BOOK 1. THE CASTLE. 41 Or, on the glacier's polish'd surface, threw A fairy tint of evanescent blue : And now the storm began, and long and loud Roar'd the deep thunder from the bursting cloud. In sheets of crimson flame the lightnings play'd, And torrents fell on each defenceless head ; In azure light the fires electric sweep O'er the swift streams that ran down every steep ; 810 Yet scarce this awful scene a thought could claim, And scarcely terror rouse our torpid frame ; Careless, we now the raging storm behold. Each sense was dull, our souls benumb 'd with cold ; To sleep were death ; yet on that rugged crest. We long'd (such weight our heavy eyes opprest) Amid the snow, the storm, to sink to rest ; When from a cottage, unobserved before, A light stream'd brightly thro' the opening door: New feeling ran thro' every frozen vein, 820 And life and hope appear'd to wake again. There, o'er a blazing fire, a youth was seen, Of pleasing aspect, and of sprightly mien, Our humid robes his care attentive dried. His ready hand a plenteous meal supplied ; 4 THE CASTLE. book i. But when the morn her orient blush displayed, The altered youth our parting steps delayed, With crimson blaze his floating garments shone, A purple radiance formed his flamy crown. " Oh stay," he cried, " behold the Prince of Flame, 830 " Earth, air, and ocean start at Pyros' name ; " Prompt at my call, to nourish or annoy, " Being to give, or being to destroy, " The salamandrine tribes obey my word, " And wait in radiant phalanx round their lord ; " An hundred blazing mouths, this frozen realm, " If I command, with floods of flame o'erwhelm, " Those icy cliff's in clouds of steam aspire, " Those rocks of granite sink in liquid fire ; " Such my tremendous power but fear not thou : 840 " To beauty's sway a willing slave I bow, " Nor shall one sprite his arm in fury wave " To harm that life my care so lately gave : " Then let thy grateful heart my wishes crown, " And be my meed to raise thee to my throne." " My heart the boon of life preserv'd confest. Nor dared I spurn the mighty king's request ; BOOK I. THE CASTLE. 43 My Veil, a solemn pledge, he asked and won, Which binds my faith to him, and him alone ; But to my earnest prayers one year was given, 850 Ere for his flaming realms I quit the light of heaven. " To Albion soon we came ; and thither brought By love, our lone retreat Alonzo sought, Whom lying fame had number'd with the dead. When wounded by my father's side he laid ; And hard to say, if now his manly breast More swell'd with open joy, or grief supprest ; With joy to meet his long-lost love again. Or grief to find his cherish'd hopes were vain : Nor less my heart with mingled feelings strove, 860 When honour struggled with awakening love. That each new day with deeper grief deplored My hand aflianced to the fiery lord. And, to Alonzo pledged, my broken word. At length- 1 heard (the monarch's happy bride) A nymph of fire my destin'd place supply'd ; Yet he my pledge refuses to restore. And free the hand that he can claim no more. I 4i THE CASTLE. book i. " One eve, when all was still, I strove in vain To bid the fading embers glow again, 870 When in the midst arose a sudden flame, And to mine ear these sounds low murmuring came, " Our gracious queen, Spinthera, bids me bear " This message straight to Leonora's ear; " My heart, she says, is partner in thy pain, " And oft has urg'd thy suit, but urg'd in vain ; " In Stromboli my Pyros holds his court, " And there must all who seek the king resort; " Then hither come, and if thy prayers or mine " Have power to move, the Veil again is thine ; 880 " Nor fear ; my voice shall check the rage of heat, " And guide thee safely to his flaming seat." " We move obedient. My Alonzo's shield Our quest divulges on its argent field ; Before the monarch's throne a maid appears. Who seems to sue with ineffectual tears; And near her stands a knight in sable mail. With brandish'd falchion ' Justice and the Veil.' BOOK I. THE CASTLE. '45 " Strange is my story strange the links that join My fate with yours, sweet maids, and yours with mine; 890 Strange thus to meet, where each to each unknown, Found each sad tale an echo of her own ; Then cheer your hearts, let each derive relief From that sure source, community of grief, And trust that Pow'r, which safe thro' every ill 'Till now has guided, and shall guide us still ; Yet it is wondrous we should weep, when more Our lot would envy, than our woes deplore ; Think of the joy to range through realms unknown, ^ The robes of regal state the sparkling crown, 90oV And powers superior trembling at our frown ; j Can love's bright star, or friendship's milder ray, Vie with the splendour wealth and power display ? Come, mourn no more we lift our heads on high. Examples great of female constancy. Resolved in danger's sternest hour to prove Our dauntless courage and unchanging love." She ceas'd ; the Baron heard with careful ear, And deeply pondering, still he seem'd to hear : At length arous'd, he join'd the tribute paid Q\0 Of thanks and wonder to the lovely maid ; 46 THE CASTLE. book i. And oft a sympathetic hope exprest, To veil the mischief brooding at his breast. Each maiden half her grief resigns, and blends In cheerful converse with her new found friends ; While still their young affection warmer grew, Till late to rest the weary group withdrew. 917 END OF THE FIRST BOOK. THE VEILS. BOOK THE SECOND. THE BATTLE. u . lo.i THE VEILS. BOOK THE SECOND. THE EARTH. iVIe AN WHILE the warriors, in the open field, Their guard maintained, and each to each revealed ' The mystic meaning of his pictured shield, When from the earth upsprung a stranger knight, And dar'd Maria's champion to the fight ; His ruby armour shone with fiery blaze. His emerald helmet cast resplendent rays ; Of one vast diamond formed, his massy shield Shone like the moon, and lightened all the field ; Less brilliant, though more fatal, those of yore 10 That valiant Arthur and Ruggiero bore.* * See Speaser and Ariosto. E 50 THE EARTH. book i#* Tlie knight on Henry cast a tlireat'ning look, High o'er his head his b-umy sword he shook, Then stampt infuriate on the ground, and spoke : " Rash youth, to me Maria's charms resign, " Or meet in arms the Monarch of the Mine ; " The bold defiance on thy shield displayed, " I rise to answer fight, or yield the maid ; *' Fool, to believe thy mortal frame can stand " A weapon wielded by Albruno's hand ! SO " Advance, if still thou dar'st the unequal strife, " And lose at once thy mistress and thy life." v " Cease thy proud vaunt!" indignant Henry said, " And from my vengeance guard thy treacherous head."^ They met alike by love and hate impelled, And one in skill, and one in strength excelled. Long Henry strove to wound the Gnome in vain, His ruby arms unhurt the strokes sustain j As long Albruno with amazement found The valiant youth still fought without a wound ; 3> Fierce was the fight, till from the donjon tower The Castle bell announced the midnight hour,^ s BOOK If. THE EARTH. 51 And warned him that the vassals of the state^ By him convened, in solemn council wait ; Mad with delay, and hopeless now to quell By arms alone a knight who fought so well. The wily Gnome seemed half compelled to yield, Next faint, enfeebled, dropt his ponderous shield. Then feigned a wound, and sunk upon the field. Bent o'er the king, victorious Henry tried 40 To draw the weapon from his bleeding side. When lo ! two sinewy arms enwreathed him round, And bore him, struggling, thro' a gulph profound, Down to a central cave, and there in fetters bound. In this black vault, no ray of cheerful light Pierced the thick gloom of everlasting night. Save when the Gnomes, on hasty errand, past. Their jewelled wreaths a transient brightness cast; Then so quick flashed the red or azure beam, It seemed to Henry but the lightning's gleam, 50 And they (so far from human shape their forms) Fiends that delight in hurricanes and storms. Meanwhile, unarmed, the Monarch of the Mines In all the pride of regal splendour shines; I oi THE EARTH. book ii. Those jewels sought by men as rich, and rare, To deck the vain, the stately, or the fair. With thousands yet to solar light unknown. Blazed on his gorgeoUs vesture and his crown. He takes his amethystine throne, in state. Round which a thousand vassal sovereigns wait, 60^ .And thus he opens the august debate : " Ye chiefs, that o'er this nether realm preside, " Its powers direct, its various changes guide, " Discordant elements in, peace combine, " Their forms, proportions, properties define, " And curb, by rules as fixed, attraction's force, " As hold the struggling planets in their course,* * These lines allude to the law of definite proportions, as started by Mp, Dalton, and farther developed by Professor Davy, and also to the rules of crystallization as lately defined. The French chemists have asserted that bodies do not combine in fixed proportions, but in proportion to their relative quantities ; for instance, that carbonate of lime would, according to the rela- tive quantities of its elements at its formation, contain a greater or less pro- portion of carbonic acid, or of lime. But the experiments of Davy and others appear completely to disprove this assertion, and establish Mr. Dalton's lheor3'. Carbonate of lime is uniformly found to consist of 44 parts of car- bonic atid and 56 of lime. Nor does a body capriciously combine in different proportions with different substances. Whatever may be the defiiiile pro- portion of the body with which it enters into combination, its own remains the same ; or should it be augmented, the portion added is always either a multiple or a divisor of the original quantity. Thus oxygen, in all its various unions, with hydrogen, with nitrogen, or with the metals, preserves its fixed THE EARTH. SS " Attend ; and prove that not in fight alone *' To you descend the wreaths your fathers won, ^ " Bui in your counsels be their wisdom shewn ; 70^ ' " For wisdom is the eye our hands obey, *' Valour achieves, but wisdom points the way. i " A few short hours will view the truce expire *' So late concluded with the Prince of Fire ; ^' The furious Pyros scorns all thoughts of peace, " On every side our ills, our foes increase ; , proportion of 15 parts by weight, and where more is added, the extra por- tion is always equal either to 7\ or to 15. Thus nitrous oxyde consists of one proportion or 26 grainsof nitrogen united to one proportion, or 15 grains of oxygen, making together 41, which is the proportion in which nitrous oxyde again combines with other bodies to make a tertiary compound. Nitricoxydeconsistsof 26 grainsof nitrogen, united to two proportions, or 30 grains of oxygen, making together 56. Nitrous acid consists of 26 grains of nitrogen, united with four proportions, or 60 grains of oxygen, making tog*"- ther 86. And nitric acid consists of 26 grains of nitrogen united with five proportions, or 75 grains of oxygen, mr.kuig together 101. Thus in all these combinations the same law is observed. Nor are the laws of crystallization less defined. A body unexamined may be known by the form of its crystals, and even where the general shape, as in different rhomboids, appears the same, tlie angles are found to differ. Thus in calcareous spar, from whatever quarter procured, however small or however large the crystals, whether whole, as taken from the mine, or broken into a number of smaller ones, the form procured is always the rhomboid, and that rliomboid has always the same angle, 105 degrees. Other bodies have a rhomboidal crystal, but no other rhomboid has the same angle. Davy and Brandos Lectures, E .3 54 THE EARTH. book u, " The aquatic tribes, insidious race, complain " Of feigned encroachments on their watry reign, '' Their King Marino leads their crowded line, *^ And seeks his own with Pyros' arms to join; 80 " And while these mighty foes our thoughts divide, '' The Sylphs Would rob me of my plighted bride. '* But thanks to favouring fate, your monarch's care *' For once has foiled the restless tribes of air, " And sage Kassiteros detains the fair, " While my proud rival waits from me his doom ^* In chains of adamant and deepest gloom. ^' But let my faithful subjects now disclose ^' How best we may obstruct our watry foes ; " Say, shall we Oros place, with half our force, 90 " To stop the invaders in their headlong course, '' While, with a chosen band, we here remain, " Pyros to check, or Oros to sustain ? ** Or shall we let them join the powers of fire, " And wait .their onset with our force entire ? ** Weigh well these projects ; then let each suggest ** The genuine dictates of his faithful breast.'* MOK ii. THE EARTH. 55 Albruno ceased and Chrysos next arose; A golden circle wreath'd his reverend brows ; In finest robes of beaten gold he shone 100 The splendid " Monarch of Peruvia's throne ;" His various talents, and his worth long tried, His faithful mind and virtue unalloyed. Had made him long Albruno's friendship share, Dear to the sovereign, to the nation dear ; TTio' Oreichalcon now, with flattering art. Had from the sage estranged the monarch's heart. In the first ages of man's fleeting race, When all was social amity and peace,* Her richest fruits when earth spontaneous gave, J 10 And bade unsown the yellow harvests wave. Ere wintry storms defaced the lovely land, Or sunk the streams in summer's arid sand. When mild the gales, and soft the genial showers. And spring perpetual led the laughing hours. Gold was in all probability the first metal discovered, as it is much more frequently found native than any of the others, and if so, the age of gold, the age of silver, &c. have probably derived their names not so much from any supposed alteration in the state or character of man, as from- the disco- very of the metals whose name they bear. Davy's Lectures, E 4 56 THE EARTH. book n. He graced the earth ; then virtue reign'd alone, And vice, not even in her name was known ; And oft, while kindling with his theme, the sage Has sung enraptured, of " the Golden Age/' On Chrysos' accents hung the attentive crowd, 120 While from his lips the words of wisdom flow'd: ' ! " At this dire crisis, when on every hand *' Unnumber'd foes our vigilance demand, *' When one rash act, or one short moment lost, " May give our kingdom to a conquering host, *' Hard is the task the helm of state to guide, " To pause destructive, dangerous to decide; " Yet let us rather shun the storm of fate, *' Than meet, unguarded, its collected weight. " Across the path, by which the watry line 130 ^' Along our confines march, their friends to join, " Let Oros, of primeval rock, oppose *' A massy rampart to these furious foes ; " This powerful barrier shall for many an age " Resist unmov'd Marino's utmost rage; " And should the chances of the war require, f Will long repel the fierce attacks of fire : BOOK H. THE EARTH. M. " A band of chosen warriors station'd there, *' May every pass defend, and every breach repair. " Asbestosi may the fiery war maintain, 140" " And here our king his greatest force retain, " To guard the threat'ned Veil, and either chief sustain. " Such is the counsel, to my faithful breast " That long experience dictates as the best," He spoke : and Oreichalcon then replied, Whose pleasing arts his inward treachery hide ; Like radiant Chrysos in his garb and face, But differing far in merit, and in race. His spirit proud would regal honours claim. As tho' of Chrysos' ancient line he came; 150 His air of candour, and his specious gloze. Could e'en on Chrysos' reverend age impose. His own, and monarch's praise, while thus he sung. With plaudits oft the vaulted chamber rung, Which echoing thro' the gloomy caverns round. To anxious Henry seem'd the thunder's sound. " It grieves me much, my honour'd lord, to find " That when our danger needs our soundest mind. 68 THE EARTH. book ii. " The reverend Chrysos, who so long has shone *' In council still the bulwark of our throne, 160 " On whom all eyes in doubt and danger rest, " As their first hope, their latest, and their best, *' As tho' o'erwhelm'd by this last blow of fate, ** Now gives advice destructive to the state. " Tho' thus to differ from so great a sage *' May seem presumption in my greener age, " Yet say, does niggard heaven alone bestow " Her richest gift on time's declining brow ? " Does wisdom only then our acts advise, " When ebbing strength to work her will denies ? 1 70 " Then would her sacred light in vain be given, " And vain the best, the noblest boon of heaven; " But oft we see, tho' strong in life's full day, *' As fails the frame, the mental powers decay, " And in our king a shining proof we find " Of youth and strength, with early wisdom join'd. " Think not, my liege, that I presume to vie ^' With one thus singled by a nation's eye ; " When age has ponder'd on a doubtful road, ** Folly or youth the rightful path has show'd. 180 BOOK xr. THE EARTH. A9 ^ But if experience weight can give, your ear ^' I boldly claim, as more expert in war. " In youth, the path of valour Chrysos tried, *' But fate, to him, the victor's meed denied, " (So justly nature deals with all her train, *' Each has his share, but none can all attain.) *' Dejected then, he shunn'd the scenes of strife, ^* In courts and temples past his peaceful life ; ^' While I, in every chance of warfare tried, " Have fought, unwearied, by my monarch's side, 190 " And oft my buckler, from his threatened head '' Has tum'd the dart, and foil'd the trenchant blade. " What! shall a monarch, by his troops ador'd, *' Who burn for glory, and but wait his word ** From countless sheaths to draw th' impatient sword, *' Within his leaguered bulwarks tamely stay, *' Content to keep the threat'ning hosts at bay, " And mar that junction which, if rightly shown, " Is less his foes' advantage than his own, ** Till wearied, each shall quit our guarded plain, 200 " But watch the moment for a fresh campaign ? *' Long is the war our realms must yet endure, " The peace but short, inglorious, insecure. 40 THE EARTH. ^ book ii. " But let them meet, where nature's interests jar, " A short alliance leads to deadlier war, " And mutual rage, distrust, and discontent, " Their force shall weaken, and their plans prevent : " If they delay the fight, our cause is won, " If they provoke it, need we wish to shun ? " 'Tis for the coward, treacherous, cold, or weak, 210 " Of caution, danger, doubt, defence, to speak ; " Lord of a thousand hosts, a thousand lands, " This bolder plan our martial prince demands, " This, while his prudence gives it strength and weight, " Shall add new glories to our prosperous state." He ceased : in evil hour the listening throng Their praises of this artful speech prolong ; In evil hour, this plan the monarch chose. And bade his warriors snatch a short repose. Sleep o'er the Gnomes her gentle influence shed, <220 Who to her bondage bow'd the willing head. E'en mournful Henry own'd her balmy power; Save Oreichalcon, all enjoy 'd ihe hour. *ooK II, THE EARTH. ^1 But, can a traitor taste unbroken rest? Is peace an inmate of the canker'd breast? His father Calchos lov'd in early youth* Fair Calamina with unshaken truth; Tlie king their union long forbade, and plann'd To bless his favourite with Solfara's hand.-f- At length his anger rose, to find, that still 230 Their constancy opposed his royal will : They shunn'd the gathering storm, to Pyros fled ; He blest their loves ; and in his court they staid Till jealous Chalcos deem'd the monarch ey'd, With more than pity's gaze, his gentle bride ; (For o'er the lovely exile's form and face. Her soft dejection shed a dangerous grace ;) And soon as she, with all a mother's joy. Gave to his father's.^rras her smiling boy. He bore her thence, Albruno's grace they crave, 240 Who rais'd the suppliants, and their flight forgave. * Brass is an artificial metal, formed b^ the union of copper and zinc, which is an operation of some nicety ; for if the fire, that is necessary to unite them, be too long continued, the zinc flies off, and leaves the copper again pure. This is attempted to be allegoricaily expressed in the poem. t Copper is more frequently found united with sulphur than with anj other substance. ^ THE EARtH. ook ii. Young Oreichalcon, with insidious art^ Soon work'd his passage to Albruno's heart: Envious of Chrysos' well earn'd fame, his mind To rise upon his rival's fall desigu'd, And wishes, almost to himself unknown, In secret pointed to Albruno's throne. For this, he Pyros sought, with offers fair, T' ensure his conquest in the approaching wary For this, so late, the fatal counsel gave, ''ibCf That brought destruction, while it seem'd to save ; And from the king, Albruno's power o'erthrown. He, as his price, demanded Chrysos' throne. , But Pyros, thro' the flimsy veil descried All that ambition lurking strove to hide, And plann'd (distrustful of a traitor's aid) To crush him with the monarch he betray'd Meanwhile Marino, with unwearied haste. Along the Gnome's neglected frontier past ; Deep in a vale his weary troops retire, 260 Himself advanced to meet the Prince of Fire ; BOOK II. THE EARTH. 63 } And strange it seem'd to see those hands, that late Had grasp'd the quivering spear in mortal hate. Now joined in friendship, while the kings debate Their plan of war : Should they their bands unite ? Or lead their armies separate to the fight? But Fire's brave prince, who saw, with eagle eye. How ill his subjects brook'd their new ally, Lest secret discord, lurking in their heart. Should rouse a flame, would keep the hosts apart : 270 " Soon as the fleeting hours of truce expire, *' Myself," he said, " will lead the bands of fire. " While on the Gnomes we pour our utmost force, " Do thou, Marino, with a circling course, *' Fall on their rear, with thine unbroken powers " Oppress their line, and victory is ours." He spoke, and parted; swift the hosts prepare To quit their camps, and urge the deadly war; But higher thoughts, though to his breast confin'd, Ambition wakened in Marino's mind. 280 And now, with speed, the martial bands arose. The trumpet roused them from their brief repose, (5* THE EARTH. book n. For no sweet interchange of cheerful light, In these dark realms, divides the day from night. Not theirs " ambrosial morning's roseate ray," Or the mild lustre of departing day. Now every chieftain, in a spacious plain, In martial order rang'd his vassal train, The king appointed there his bands to join. Thence watch the motions of the adverse line, 290 Till spent and weakened by internal broils, The prey should fall in Oreichalcon's toils. And lo! Albruno comes; on either side, Before their king, the subject bands divide;. . . ; He darts his eye o'er each extended line. And sees, with pride, such squadrons round him shine. Six giants here, the patriarchs of the state,* His chosen guards, in barbarous grandeur wait ; Unbent with age, the vast Granites bearsf The gather'd weight of twice three thousand years ; 300 * The six primitive rociis ; granite, porph^iry, marble, serpentine, schist, and sienite. t The word rEjaviTiif, geraiiites, granite, has sometimes been derived from rt^avoi, geranos, a crane, as its colours are supposed to resemble tllose of tSe stork's neck ; but its name is more commonly supposed to have originated in its granular structure. BOcfK ir. THE EARTH. * 66^ Those varied hues his stubborn corslet deck, > ' That grace the stately crane's o'erarching neck. In purple armour Porphyrites came,* . / Tho.' less in stature, yet in strength the same. *< > ;^ Brave Marmaros, in vest of spotless white. Hence draws his title of the stainless knight if Ophites' garb fair Steatite bestow'd,;j: r -, With changing hues the varying texture glow'd; A silvery lustre play'd o'er Schisto's vest, In crimson arms was Sienitos drest. 310 Next, rang'd in order, the metallic line Around their leader, honour'd Chrysos, shine. By Oreichalcon's harsh aspersions stung, His peaceful robes aside the monarch flung, And sought the fight, though still he feared to find This seeming safety veil some ill behind. * Porphyry is usually found in smaller blocks than granite, and porphy- rytic mountains do not attain so great a height. t Pure primitive marble is distinguished by its sparkling, or sparry frac- ture, and unblemished whiteness. t The various and beautiful tints frequently observed in ophites, or ser- pentine, are owing to the admixture of steatite, or soap rock. Schist is said to derive its name from its bright and shining appearance. Sieuite, not differing grftatly in its composition from granite, is frequently of a dull crimson. 66 ' THE EARTH. book u. As the smooth, Surface and luxuriant grass Float o'er the horrors of the deep morass. And now in arms of purest gold array'd, More tall his .stature seem'd, more firm his tread ; 320 While Oreichal<;on, sickening at the view, His jaundic'd visage wore a greener hue, And much he fear'd the sage's piercing eye The inward treach'ry of his thoughts should spy. Chalcos beside him stood, his reverend sire, Like him engag'd to aid the powers of fire, Array'd in arms of every varying dye That paints the rainbow of an April sky.* Near these, his .dauntless band Magnetes drew, True to their leader, to their sovereign true; 33^1 Train'd to the fight, and nurs'd in war's alarms, Their field of pleasure is the field of arms : There stood Sideros bold, and by his side Chalyps, in many a fiery combat tried. The sage Argyros with Molybdos near, And brave Plumbago's brother bands appear; . * liie ores of .copper r6 remarkable (or flic rariety and brilliancy. of -huir hues. BOOK ir. THE EARTH. 67 And with these veterans, many a youthful name Yet unrecorded on the rolls of fame, Each thirsts for glory, and impatient draws His maiden falchion in Albruno's cause. 340 The brave Styptefioii leads his filial band,* The pride and boast of many an eastern land ; Of hardest texture fram'd, their armour bright Shone through the gloom' in lines of dazzling light ; Tn former combats with the powers of fire. Immortal glory did these troops acquire ; Nor less their argillaceous brethren claim The hard-earn'd wreath of never-fading fame. Stypterion, from Irunrnfia,, alumiiie or clay, pure argillaceous earth, one of the most indestructible substances in nature, and parent of all the gems known by the name of oriental, and included in the barbarous term Corun- dum : the oriental topaz, emerald, and sapphire, &c. &c Nothing can be more different tlian the characters which alumine imparts to the gems and to the earths; in the first, hard, brittle, brilliant, and pellu- cid ; in the second, opaque, devoid of lustre, and exhibiting, when broken, an earthy' fracture. The argillaceous earths are soft to the touch, but harden by fire, absorb water greedily, retain it obstinately, and form, when moisten- ed, a ductile and tenacious mass. When exposed to the action of heat they become, first of a bluish bhick, then white ; they contract and exhibit variou cracks and fissures, but fire has no farther action upon them, except in in- creasing the contraction. On this account pyrometers have been construct- ed of clay, with the hope of being able to measure very high degrees of tem- perature ; but they arc uncertain, as the clay does not contract uniformly in the same heat, and is almost as much affected by the duration, as the increase of temperature. F 2 68 THE EARTH. *ook rr. Tho' not " in glittering arms and glory drest," With equal ardour glow'd each generous breast, 350 Practis'd their flexile forms to turn, to bend, To close with speed, with speed their lines extend. To shrink compacted, at the charge of fire. Or broad expand, when aqueous foes require; In every kind of warfare train'd and skill'd. No foe appall'd, no force could make them yield. Fresh fields to dare, to win, elate they ran. And claim'd their right to combat in the van. Next was Titanos ; his white arms diffuse* No changeful lustre, boast no varied hues ; 30 Numerous his train, and like their leader drest. But courage glow'd beneath the humble vest. Near these Silexis' hardy veterans stand,f Unbent, uutam'd, a firm determin'd band; * Titanos, chalk. There is a general similarity in the appearance of all the calcareous stones. They are usually nearly white, opaque, and devoid of lustre, and are not sufficiently hard to scratch glass. t Silex is one of the hardest substances in nature, and the bodies in which it abounds are abundantly diffused. It enters into the composition of the primitive rocks, but is not generally soluble in water, though Ce Geysers of Iceland, and some springs near Bath, prove that peculiar circumstances may render it so. Siliceous stones are more or less transparent, have a fine polislj, mid scratch glays. To this order belong all those gems which the lapidaries HOOK ii. THE EARTH. 69 Yet with their savage strength, and haughty mien, The pride of splendour and of dress was seen ; Bright were their polish 'd shields, their corslets beam'd, And from their helms the living lustre streamed. And now display'd the opal's various hue, The garnet's crimson, or the sapphire's blue. 37C1 Not with more splendour Ilion's sons could shine, Or greater courage warm the Achaian line. With them was Adamas, unconquer'd knight!* His shield, his mail, insufferably bright; In him, in action, as in form divine, Achilles' strength and manly beauty join. distinguish by the term occidental, in opposition to the orieatai, or ahiniinous gems: also the carnelian, sardonyx, agate, opal, mocha, jasper, chalcedony, garnet, &c. &c. * Adamas, the diamond, which, though usually placed at the head of the gems, is very diflferent in its composition. No bodies can diflEer more in ex- ternal appearance, than charcoal, plumbago or black lead, ami the diamond, yet their chemical analysis affords similar results, 1 Ue diamond burns, like plumbago and charcoal, into pure carbonic acid, and the difference in their aspect probably arises, either from a slight excess or deficiency in the oxygen combined with the carbon, or perhaps onl^' from the different form and ar- rangement of the particles in crystallization. In coal mines, the stratum of coal is occasionally' seen passing, by sensible gradations, into plumbago- Some have supposed plumbago to be charcoal united with iron. Charcoal and plumbago are excellent conductors of electricity, but the diamond is a perfect non-conductor, which strengthens the idea that it contains a portion of oxygen combined with its carbonaceous basis, as this gas, however small in quantity, always destroys conducting power in tlie body with which it is combined . r 3 70 THE EARTH. book rr. A leader's place to him, in arms, they yield, ; ?' ' '> And gladly follow thro' the embattled field. The' prized and houour'd for himself alone. Alike his lineage and his birth unknown ; 380 But some (how far unlike his sire !) declare Him Carbon's offspring, by a nymph of air. Nor plain, nor rich, Magnesios' band \ras seen. Each, like his chief, attir'd in glossy green * With them. Asbestos came, himself an host, His foemen's terror, and his kindred's boast. Strontia, Barytes, brother chiefs, were near :f Next Ittria, Zircon, and Glucine appear,t * The magnesian stones have almost all a green colour, and a shining, or silk3' appearance. They are soft and ma^' be cut with a knife, and are sel- dom more than semi-transparent. They do not contract or harden on ex- posure to heat. t Barytes and strontia have not long been added to the catalogue of earths, and the stones in which they are predominant are not numerous. The barytic stones are particularly distinguished for their weight, which long before the discovery of the metal barium, by Professor Davy, gave rise to the suspicion that they must contain a metallic basis. They have a spongy appearance; -when exposed to heat they emit a phosphorescent light, and they may be scratched with a knife. The colour of strontia is generally whitish or light green. Its surface is a little shining in parts, it is brittle, has a slight transparency, and may be scratched with a knife. ^ The earth called ittria is only found in gadolinitc ; zircon only in the stone which bears its name, and in the hyacinth ; glucine is found in \ht'. beryl, in the Peruvian emerald, or smaragd, and in the euclase. BOOK If THE EARI. yj Gay was their armour, verdant, red, or blue, Their hearts were valiant, but tJieir troo^js were few. 390 Of various lineage, what a countless throng. In warlike order ranged, demand the song ! But who now hither bends his hasty flight, His face and armour of resplendent white? 'Tis Hydrargyras, thro' the gloom he springs. His feet and head, like Hermes, arm'd with wings : *' My liege," he cried, " tlie powers of fire are near, " A few short xnomeiits see their vanguard here ; " Rang'd in a distant vale, the wat'ry line " Remain inactive, aud the fight decline." 400 He spoke: Albruno bids his squadrons form, And still and silent wait the approaching storm. " The moment comes, so long our warm desire, " The hour of conflict with the nosts of fire" Aloud he cried : " the impetuous lines advance, " Draw the bright sword, and grasp the beaming lance. " Be ye but firm, and each his post maintain, ** Tliese light arm'd foes shall waste their strength in vain. It is to be wished, that it were practicable to avoid tlie mixture of the barbarous nomenclature of modern mineralogy with tJie more sonorous names of the Greek. f4 H , THE EARTH. book ii. " As rocks the wave shall you their force withstand, " And crush at last the faint and weary band; 410 *' Vengeance and glory ! be our signal cry, " Our firm resolve, to conquer or to die. " Be but yourselves, my sons, I wish no more, " And emulate your fathers' deeds of yore; " So may their spirits, hovering o'er the place, " Your valour view, and glory in their race, " So may proud Pyros rue this fatal day, " And my glad bounty all your toils repay." Albruno ceas'd; meanwhile, with loyal love, A snow-white scarf had Amiantha wove,* 420 Tho' thin and flexile, yel, with wondrous art, 'Twas form'd impervious to the fiery dart. Thro' the close ranks, with eager haste, she prest, And twin'd its folds around the monarch's breast. * The amianthus is more flexible than the asbestos. The ancients pos- sessed the art of weaving its fibres into a kind of cloth which, when cleansed by fire, was of a dazzling whiteness, and, from its incombustibility, was pur- chased, in the days of Roman luxury, at an exorbitant price, to wrap the bodies of persons of superior rank on the funeral pyre. Their asJies were thus prevented from mingling with those of the wood. The art of weaving amianthine cloth is now lost, or at least neglected. The Tarantaise amian- thus is most celebrated ; but it is found in many countries : in Cornwall and Anglesea; in the islands of Corsica and Elba; in Saxony and in Swe- den, &c. &c. &c. ROOK II. THE EARTH. 73 His grateful .smiles and thanks her toil repaid, " ' *^ And fiU'd with trembling joy the blushing maid ; A sister's glance she at Asbestos threw, ' ^ ^ And then with swift, but timid, steps withdrew. Now in the distance seen, a dim red light Told where the foes rush'd onward to the fight : 430 First Kapnos, Spintheros, Aleinos, came, Dalos, and Phlogos in his robe of flame ; Empreesmos, Anthrachis, Thermotes there, AVith Spodos, Phlegon, Causimos appear. And bright Ignicomus with blazing hair. There Marmarygos, Chliarotes glow'd. There his bright face the swift Lampedon show'd ; Beyond, of armed sprites a radiant train With hasty footsteps shake the echoing plain; High in the midst, the haughty Pyros shone, 440 By his bright arms and giant stature known, His fiery mail with crimson lustre glow'd. Lake redd'ning Phoebus thro* a misty cloud; While his vast helmet shone with brighter blaze, And mock'd the splendour of his noontide rays : Of lambent flame wide wav'd his nodding plume, Ard far dispell'd the subterranean gloom. H THE EARTH. ook h. Like Jove's own -^gis, his resplendent shield With inward fear the rash beholder fiil'd, Round a bright orb of silver radiance, roll'd 450 The volum'd smoke in many a snaky fold. Meanwhile the argillaceous bands oppose A serried phalanx to their fiery foes, Who, swift as glancing arrows, scour the plain. Their lines unbroke, tfee fierce assault sustain. Till to the charge the impetuous Pyros came, On his fierce courser, born of wind and flanie, Of old, by poets sung, and Rabican his name.* With all his force his flaming lance he cast, The troops divide, the weapon harmless past. 460 The monarch rush'd between, in vain Uiey close, \ His rapid steed the astonish'd ranks o'erthrows : His lance regain'd, alone, jnid countless foes. Speeds the victorious chieftain; in alarm, The Gnomes affriglited, fly his potent arm; His spear resistless spreads de&truction rwmd, And vanquish'd heroes strew the smoking ground. When brave Stypterion cheer'd his generous band, Who pale with shame and rage inactive stand : * See Ariosto. I i BOOK II. THE EARTH. 75 " All is not lost, my comrades, turn and face 47Q 'i I . 1 " Your foes redeem the glory of your race ! " - *' 'Twas not for this we claim'd this honow'd post, " Awhile let Pyros triumph, while his host " Shall feel our vengeance, and redeem our boast ; " Our boast, the longest to contest the field, " The firet to conquer, but the last to yield." So spake the indignant chief, and as he spoke. At Pericautheis aim'd a mortal stroke ; Again, in firmer lines, his squadrons close. And brave the impetuous onset of their foes. 480 But fate still guided Pyros' conquering spear. And death behind him stalk'd, before him fear. First Theion fell, in arms of yellow hue, And snowy Nitron next his fury knew. At the first stroke, his arms in fragments fell. And with an angry shout he bade the world farewel.* Next, in his sable hauberk, Carbon came. And stopt awhile the impatient Lord of Flame, Without a wound, his fiercest blows withstood, And then retir'd, repulsed, but unsubdued.f 490 * Nitre detonates with a slight heat. t No artificial heat has liitherto been sufficient to fuse charcoal, but under the action of the immense Voltaic apparatus at the Royal Institution, direct- 76 THE EARTH. book i Titanos next he quell'd; his fiery dart ' The chieftain*s corslet pierc'd, and reach'd his heart. Their leader's fall his troops with terror fill'd. In flight dispers'd, an easy prey they yield To Pyros'slaught'ring arm, who chas'd them o'er the field. The trembling Gnomes with fearful wonder view'd Whole squadrons by a single arm subdued. To check the king, advanc'd two chiefs of fame, \ Of races different, tho' alike in name, y Their shields, their surcoats, and their arms the same ; 500 7 In eastern climes one holds extensive sway. And one Iberia's noblest Gnomes obey. The foes of J^acchus, they in times of old By secret bonds the insidious god control'd. Onward they prest, by shame and rage impell'd, And broke their lances on his lifted shield. The king unshaken, with fresh fury burns, And each his blow with mightier force returns. When, wondrous change! beneath his potent spear, In different garb, the lival chiefs appear ; 510 ed by Professor Davy, it became much hardened, and a small portion as- sumed the gaseous form. Were it possible to fuse charcoal, it is probable that, by the addition of a miuute portion of oxygen, and sulFeriiig it to cool very slowly, artificial diamonds might be formed. liopK lu THE EARTir TT Late in Aurora's purple glory drest,^ r f *^ i-' ri.i ot^aj.oo. i. Now Amethystos wears a silvery vest; ^" * *' '^'^ '^'tf Unhurt he stands; a pure effulgence plays Around his form, that tnock'd the diamond's blaze : The Carthaginian by the blow was laid A milk white corse, and all his lustre fled.* Doubtful this change if fear or spells had wrought. The monarch tum'd, and fresh opponents sought. When now Asbestos, trusting in his might, Provok'd the conquering chieftain to the fight. 520 So long his arm the powers of fire had brav'd. So oft his monarch and his army sav'd. Each adverse warrior fled his arm appall'd, And he th' Invincible was justly call'd. Yet slender was his frame ; no plated vest, No temper'd arms secur'd his manly breast. * The oriental amethyst is a variety of corundum, differing only in co- lour from the oriental sapphire, topaz, and ruby. When exposed to heat it loses its colour, and is of such dazzliug brilliancy as to be frequently mis- taken for th diamond. The occidental or common amethyst is merely quartz, tinged naturally of a deep violet hue, by iron or manganese. It likewise loses its colour in the fire, but at tlie same time is deprived of its lustre, becomes opaque, and of a milky white, owing to an infinity of small crocks which are discoverable by the microscope. It is chiefly found in ihe neighbourhood of Carthagena in Spain. The Greeks and Arabians wore the amethyst as an amulet to prevent drunkenness, whence its name ajMsflwa-To?- 78 THE EARTH: book tr. Loose to his feet his Persian garments roll'd, His head envelop'd in the turban's fold ;* Yet nor the diamond's strength, nor harden'd steel, Could like those flowing robes the dart repel. 530 They met; and long unmov'd Asbestos bore The utmost efforts of the fiery power, Long seem'd almost the victor, till at length So fierce a contest wasted all his strength : He fell ; a deadly pale his features wore. White as the stones on Santorina's shore.f For Conquest from her sapphire throne on high, Long wont on him to cast a partial eye, In love still fickle as a mortal maid. In all her glory Pyros now array'd. o40 Delusive flatterer! didst thou only come To dress a lovelier victim for the tomb ? Didst thou Abestos' fame and prowess raise, To add new glories to his rival's praise ? * Advantage is here taken of tlie flexibllily of tlic asbestos to give a little variety to the costume. t The pnmicesof the island of Sanloriiic and others appear from analy- sis to have originated in the combustion of asbestos, and llie refractory nature of that mineral proves the great polcncy of the volcanic fire wliidi Jias produced there. BOOK n. THE EARTH. 79 Ah ! think how deep will be his sovereign's sighs, What tears will burst from Amiantha's eyes, What grief will sadden all his kindred train, Who " ne'er shall look upon his like again !" While Pyros thus the conquer *d legions slew. The rival king his bravest bands o'erthrew, 550 And many a sprite of fire in death deplor'd Albruno's prowess, and his absent lord. Brave Dalos first; for vanquish'd in the strife, His stiffening breast resign'd the fiarae of life. Next Spodos, but no better fate he found. His mangled limbs were scatter 'd on the ground. Their lot next Causimos and Anthrax share; And now to meet him march the valiant pair, Phlegon and Thermos, of illustrious race. But with Pyrodes share their friends' disgrace. 560 Now with Ignicomus in fight he stood. His arm at length the fainting sprite subdued. Swift was Pyrenemos, but swift in vain, Albruno's lance transfix'd him to the plain ; As vain Pyrigenes, thy strength, thy pride, And vaunted lineage to thy king allied. 80 THE EARTH. hooit ij. Next came Micante, bold but lovely maid, Her graceful form in glittering arms array'd ; By proud Albruno's sword her father died, She dropt no tender tear, nor shriek'd, nor sigh'd, 570 But from her limbs she tore the flowing vest. And seized his plated mail, and nodding crest, " Be mine," she cried, " the warrior's stern attire, " Until I perish, or avenge my sire!" Albruno's mightier arm her lance defies. Soon at his feet the lovely victim lies. And death in darkness clos'd her radiant eyes. Pyraustes flew to save, but flew too late. He fell, and shared his loved Micante's fate. But now a straggler from the routed band 580 Reveal'd the deeds of Pyros* slaught'ring hand ; Muth mourn'd the king Abestos', Calcios' doom. And hastes to save the living from the tomb. Alike Albruno's glories Pyros knew. To aid his troops vvidi equal haste he flew ; On fierce Albruno came to meet the sprite The fiery monarch rushes to the fight; On either side their hosts the war suspend. And eyes and ears in breathless silence bend. ROOK II. THE EARTH. 81 First the proud Gnome his shining lance impell'd, 590 Which pierced, resistless, Pyros' blazing shield. Drove thro' his crimson corslet and his vest. But melted ere it reached the monarch's breast. Next Fire's brave king ; but, guiltless of a wound, The spear at distance quiver'd in the ground : He Pyraphlectos drew, his wondrous blade,* In earth's most secret cells by magic made. By fire intense, unquenchable, illum'd. For ever burning, ever unconsum'd. Full on Albruno's head the blow descends, 660 And from his helm the glittering crest it rends ; While faint, and staggering o'er the plain, he felt The mighty prowess which the blow had dealt ; Loose on his nerveless arm his shield was slung, And o'er his eyes the mists of darkness hung. Against his breast now Pyros aims his sword. His faithful Gnomes stood trembling for their lord. Nought now can save him Yes ! the gift of love, ^* The snow-white scarf by Amiantha wove," Unpierc'd repels the thrice repeated blow, 6 10 And foils the vengeance of his furious foe. * TIvfo^^Miroi, pyraphlectos, burning, but not consumed by fire. G 82 THE EARTH. book u. Recovering now, again Albruno sway'd With firmer grasp his adamantine blade, With equal strength, and fir'd with equal rage. In fiercer fight the rival chiefs engage, The blows to shun, alike they turn, they bend. And swifter now the weighty strokes descend : Loud clash'd their arms, and from their falchions bright, Shields, helms, and corslets, stream'd the dazzling light But Oreichalcon chose this moment dire, 620 To lead his troops to join the powers of fire ; Sublime, upon his burnish'd steed he rode, That steed which erst the Tartar King * bestrode : Which, at his master's bidding, soars on high, And treads the trackless azure of the sky. Skims the bright surface of the emerald wave. Or sinks from sight to earth's most secret cave. In regal pomp the Gnome his band precedes. Behind, his troops the recreant Chalcos leads. Wondring they find, to check their swift advance, 630 The expected friends extend the hostile lance. Surprized, they scarcely raise the guardian shield, And vanquish'd numbers spread th' ensanguin'd field ; * Cambuscan, iiooK ir. THE EARTH. 83 s But on his flying steed the Gnome arose, And floating o'er the fight, with ceaseless blows, Now here, now there, assails the unwary foes ; First fell Pyrauges, in his brilliant course Crush'd by the fury of the magic horse ; Pierc'd by his spear, the brave Perustos died, flis brazen falchion cleft Aleinos' side, 640 But vain his valour ; to his crimes decreed. Justice meanwhile prepared the traitor's meed, Pyrobios gave the wound ; his arms no more Their golden glow and soft effiilgence wore. Or vied with Chrysos like his dusky sire. They shew the dark red hue of fading fire ;* In vain on high he turn'd his brazen steed, In vain he urged " enchantment's arrowy speed," As swiftly Phlogos, with dilated size. And lifted lance, pursues his trembling prize, 650 Arrests his flight, and, with resistless force, Destroys at once the rider and the horse. Now Chalcos came ; contending passions swell'd His labouring bosom, and his arm impell'd : * The zinc, which gives to brass its yellow colour, flies off at a much lower temperature than the copper. G 2 84 THE EARTH. boc Now on his shuddering view his treason broke, And conscience, with her thousand stings, awoke : He felt his hopes for ever laid in dust ; His honour blighted by his broken trust ; He mourn'd his son, but own'd his doom was just. His fiery eyes with rage and vengeance glare, 660 He fights with all the fury of despair. On Phlogos flies, his breast unguarded leaves, And in his heart the fatal wound receives. Their leader slain, disniay'd and spent his line, In hasty course, their kindred Gnomes rejoin, The fiery train the flying foe pursue. The armies join, and all the fight renew. Now Spintheros on stern Sideros flies, Beneath his arm the Gnome expiring lies; An equal fate Cobalto, Nickel, knew, 070 And on Tellurio next the warrior flew. At Calaminos, Phlogos aim'd his dart, And Kapnos plung'd his falchion to his heart. ooK II. THE EARTH. 8 But still distinguish'd from the vulgar dead; In fleecy clouds the gentle spirit fled.* To stop the tide of fate now ChrysoS stood ; And first the bold Pyrophoros subdued, And next Pyrosthenes, tho' great in fight, And brave Thermanticos confest his might ; His arm Chliaros and Thermotes felt, 680 On Phlogos next a mighty stroke he dealt, But in the Sprite he found an equal foe, Who fought untir'd, and echo'd blow for blow. Their monarch's darling, with the powers of flame, His first essay in arms, Pyrides came, Where brave Silexis' hardy bands appear, In hostile blood he dyed his maiden spear; And Pyros, while the war allow'd, had eyed His gallant ofl'spring with a parent's pride. Amid the band a martial form was seen, 690 A Gallic prince, the bold Aventurine;f * When acted upon by fire, iron, cobalt, nickel, telluriura, and most of the metal?, fly off in sparks, but zinc burns with a beautiful green flame, and its gaseous oxyde rises in clouds of white smoke, t The aventurine is a beautiful stone, consisting of brown, green, or red quartz or febpar, interspersed with small laminae of mica, whicli give it a spangled appearance : it is very brittle. Itcoraesfrom Franccand froniSiberia. r. .') 86 THE EARTH. book ii." Thick stars of gold adom'd his crimson vest, His crimson helmet bore a golden crest; -But from Pyrides' arm a single stroke Thro' crest and helm, and spangled corslet broke ; His soul exhaling at the ghastly wound, His members sunk, divided on the ground, When Adamas, impell'd by shame and ire, Provok'd to fight the youthful Prince of Fire. Surprized, he found, beneath a stripling's form, 700 The skill and firmness of a veteran's arm ; Yet long he bore the fight ; but faint at length, As he relax'd his rival gather'd strength ; By slow degrees his force, his limbs decay, His earthly form, exhausted, wears away, The Sylph alone remains; his mother's charms Uniting with his former strength in arms, On airy wings he floats above the war, Shakes his thin vest, and wields his slender spear, Turns on his foe, and grasps his crested head 7 10 Prone at his feet the expiring prince is laid. On victor still, thro' crowded ranks he goes ; A single stroke annihilates his foes; In vain they raise the shield, or strike, or fly, He does but breathe, they fade, they sink, they die. ooK It. THE EARTH. if Swift as a pest advanced the sudden ill, Such numbers fell, that few reinain'd to kill ; Tir'd with the work of death, h6 left the fight, And soar'd to air to claim a Sylphid's right; Yet still, as mindful of his former birth, 720 He shunff the heights, and lingers near the earth, In caves secluded flies the face of day, Nor sports and flutters in the noontide ray ; And near his cell if stray tlie sprites of fire, Beneath his arm their smother'd hosts expire.* But whence proceeds this sullen murmuring roar, Like billows breaking on a rocky shore? * The diamond, when exposed to the action of fire, burns (as already stated) into pure carbonic acid. This gas possesses the property of extin- guishing flame, and is equallj' destructive to the slow combustion of animal respiration. It is he;avier than ajmroon air, in the proportion of 47 to 31, and this density in some degree opposes the tendency of gaseous bodies to universal diffusion, so that an accumulation of carbonic acid gas is freqaenlly found near the floors of caverns, (as in the celebrated Giotto del Cane, at Naples,) at the bottom of deep wells, and of large beer vats ; also in mines, where it passes by the name of the Choak Damp, and is often productive of the most fatal effects, as persons who inhale this poisonous air have no power to withdraw themselves from its influence, but fall instantly senseless, and those who hasten to their assistance arrive but to share their fate. In descending to such places, it is always prudent first to lower a candle, as a test of the atmosphere, as wherever that will burn, man may breathe. G 4 88 THE EARTH. ItOOK M. s And whence this coolness, this refreshing breeze, Like Zephyrs breathing o'er the tranquil seas ? So late deprest, now rose the fiery line, 730 Their arms with renovated lustre shine, Yet scarce the sprites the dubious fight renew, Scarce could the mingled hosts their djinger view, Ere on their ranks the fierce Hydidae flew. On friends and foes with equal rage they fall. And undistinguished ruin whelms them all. Pyridae, Gnomes, alike their hate forego, And fly together from the common foe. The kings, who still maintain'd the doubtful fight. Beheld their forces mix'd in mutual flight, 74Q And vainly strove to raise their vengeful hands O'erpower'd and sever'd by the flying bands. On rolls the impetuous host, where Chrysos stood Amid his veterans, firm and unsubdu'd : Phlogos with Chrysos yet the fight maintaiii'd, Platina there Thermasion's strength sustain'd ; There in bright arms around their honoured sire. Four gallant youths repel the powers of fire. Xridion now, and Empyros engage. And now Palladion braves Scintillus' rage, 7dO ooK II. THE EARTH. 89 Now with the brave Lampedon Osmion fought, With Spintheros the combat Rhodios sought. Vain of his kindred, who had long withstood All hostile arts, uninjured, unsubdued,* * The fixed alcalies, potash and soda, were known to the chemists of Bag- dad as early as the reign of the Caliph Haroun Alraschid, and the word alcali is of Arabian origin. The alcalies are possessed of the highest degree of ne- gative electricity. As oxygen, even in minute quantities, destroys conducting power, and as the alcalies are perfect non-conductors, it was supposed that they consisted of oxygen united with a basis, but of what nature was un- known, since they successfully resisted every effort that was made to decora- po^e them, and had hence obtained the name of fixed alcalies. Professor Davy happily thought of applying to them the energies of voltaic electricity, and triumphing by his ingenuity over the difficulties presented by their want ef conducting power, he obtained the most glorious and unexpected results iu the discovery of their metallic bases, which he denominated sodium and potassium. The discovery of the alcaline metals quickly led to that of four others, which he named from their parent earths, calcium, magnium, barium, ud strontium. These metals have all a high metallic lustre, but on exposure to the air they immediately begin to tarnish, in a few minutes they are covered with a white crust, and by combining with the oxygen in the atmosphere r; - turn to their original earth or alcali. When thrown into water, the avidity with which they enter into combination with oxygen is so great that they take fire ead burn in the fluid. Potassium alone, which is lighter than water in the proportion of six to ten, floats and burns on the surface. From this eagerness of combination in these metals, and from their lightness, it is necessary to keep them in naphtha, the lightest fluid known. Silex, alumine, zircon, and glucine, have, like the other earihs, given indications of metallic bases, but as these have not been obtained pure. Professor Davy does not think himself authorized to call them metals. Ill addition to the six metals that owe their birth to Professor Davy, M. Berzelius, the Swedish theniist, has obtained a seventh more unlocked for than any, in the metallic basis of anunonia, the volatile alcali. If a few drops of solution of ammonia be poured on a large globule of mercury, or if tli^ lercury be placed in a cup of carbonate or muriate of ammonia, it imiupdi- THE EAUTtt. nook tt. Potassion came, in arms of dazzling white, To prove his valour in the maiden fight ; E'en with the aquatic ^g he dares engage, And falls the hapless victim of his rage ; The great Marino tost him o'er his head, Where the poor youth a moment quivering laid, 760 At length in flames his failing limbs expire, And water seem'd to wield the arms of fire. His doom brave Sodion and Ammonias share. His kinsman one, one half a child of air ; Next Calcion, Magnios, flew, but vainly brave, Nor Barion, Strontias, more avail'd to save Their kindred races and illustrious birth. In flames they mingle with their parent earth. ately expands to six times its former bulk, and is converted into a soft soild, which is an amalgam of ammonium. As yet this metal lias not been obtained pure, and its proportion in the amalgam is so small, that the least contact with the air is sufficient to regenerate the ammonia. The metallization of ammonia has opened new views in chemistry, and appears to prove that neither the gases nor the metals are simple substances. Ammonia consists of hydrogen and nitrogen ; these gases therefore are capa- ble of becoming metallic, and as in so doing they must suffer decomposition, they cannot be simple substances, neither can the metal which is formed by their union. Hydrogen, which, from its extreme levit\', h;is been assumed us unity in the scale of definite proportions, is probably simple, while nitro- gen, which bears the higher number of 26, must be supposed a compound. Professor Davy things there is probably one basis for all the metals, and one for the gases. Sonic time since he said t)i There young Asbestos lay, depriv'd of breath, Tho' pale and cold, yet lovely e'en in death. With grief the Gnomes so sad an object view'd, In Chrysos' eye the tear unbidden stood. When thus he cried : '^ And art thou too a prey To the dire rage of this ill-omen'd day ? Oh! who so brave in war's destructive scene, In peace so mild, so gentle, so serene ! Still on thy path propitious fortune smil'd, And glory claim'd thee as her favourite child. S'jO 94 ' THE EARTH. Boftx n. But now" he paus'd " thou shalt not lie," he said, Dishonour'd thus among the vulgar dead. Not all our tears, alas ! can bid thee live, But yet my care a hero's grave shall give.* He spoke ; and on a bier of lances made. Four trusty Gnomes his lifeless form convey 'd. While still the giant chiefs the fight sustain. Till safely shelter'd in their own domain. 838 END OF THE SECOND BOOK. THE VEILS. BOOK THE THIRD. THE ESCAPE. THE VEILS. BOOK THE THIRD. THE ESCAPE. JVIe AN WHILE, imprison'd in Cimmerian gloom, Young Henry sate, expectant of his doom ; 'Twas now the time when from the cavern far / Albruno's chiefs their squadrons led to war ; No lightning flash'd, no thunder shook the ground, Unbroken shade and silence reign'd around. He sigh'd " How long must I in darkness dwell, The lonely tenant of this silent cell, While to this dreary realm, through ways unknown, Maria strays, unaided and alone! 10 Oh! who shall now her erring steps direct, In fear sustain her, and from foes protect ! 98 THE ESCAPE. book iir. Or who, and soon the fatal time must come, Oh ! who shall guard her from the treacherous Gnome ! Yet still unshaken faith in Ariel's power Shall brace my mind to wait the eventful hour ; And here, tho' night her thickest veil display, Seraphic Hope shall beam a mimic day : E'en now her radiance seems to pierce the gloom, A sudden splendour fills the vaulted room, 20 Again she calls me to the realms above, Restor'd to light, to liberty, and love." Not hope or fancy's power supplied alone The dawning light that thro' the cavern shone. Gave to the languid air a sudden spring, Or shook sweet odours from the zephyr's wing, But clad in all the majesty of light. Great Ariel's self dispell'd primeval night. " What madness fiU'd thy mind, rash youth !" he cried, " The fort to enter, in its lord confide ? 30 " His craft in courteous phrase but half conceal'd '* Too well the unaccustom'd law reveal'd. " But let not vain regret the hours consume ; " Haste! quit these realms of heart-appalling gloom. ROOK III. THE ESCAPE. 99 " While now the Gnomes a distant war maintain, :* " Hence to the regions of the roaring main, " Miranda there and noble Alfred aid, " Then seek at Pyros' court the Spanish maid ; " So in Maria's cause, their spears with thine " May grateful Alfred and Alonzo join." 40 He spoke ; and at his touch from Henry's hands, Self loosen'd, dropt the adamantine bands. As Gnomes disguis'd, unmark'd they swiftly tread The caves that seem'd interminably spread; At length they reach'd a spacious plain ; on high A ruby sun illum'd a sapphire sky. Shed on the distant hills a crimson beam, And shone reflected in a silver stream. On emerald stalks, and bright with crystal dew. Earth's richest gems in flowery semblance grew ; .50 The tulips there their agate leaves unfold. And spartium blooms in imitative gold ; The hyacinth of amethystine hue Shines near the paler gentian's sapphire blue ; And on its slender stem of glittering green. Aloft Hesperia's golden fruit was seen. ioo The escape. mok nn Thus rich Peruvia's patient sons, of old, Wrought in a thousand forms the ductile gold, Bade flowers expand, and yellow harvests spread. And mimic woods the shining fields o'ershade.* 60 "Thus in Arabian fancy's! sweetest theme, Wove in the sunshine of her brightest dream. She paints the garden whence Aladdin bore The wondrous lamp, the talisman of power. Albruno's palace o'er the plahi appear'^d ' A Splendid pile, of Parian marble rear'd ; Four long arcades a spacious square enclose, . On every side a high pavilion rose ; Light pointed battlements the walls surround. An open dome each comer turret crown'd. 70^ Within the court, in grand array behold Tall minarets and cupolas of gold ; Such are the piles the wanderer's eye that feast, Where fancy revels in her favourite east, * The Peruvians are aid to Lave imitated in gold the prodoctions of their soil, and to have formed artificial gardens with trees and flowers of gold, fields of maize, and granaries filled with grains of this metal. BOOK iif. THE ESCAPE. 10 1 O'er Scythia's plains to roving Tartars shine, Or Moslems bound to Mecca's holy shrine ; Or such the Indian temples, vast and grand. By Delhi's monarchs raised on Jumna's strand. Yet, oh ! how small, this giant fabric near. Proud man! would all thy loftiest works appear; 80 The Egyptian piles, Sophia's vaunted dome ! Or the famed structures of majestic Rome ! One moment paused the adventurers, then in haste The lofty portal's ample arch they past. Tread the rich pavement of the vaultec^ ile, And mount by jasper steps the central pile ; They reach the council-hall ; at Ariel's hand The valves that radiate golden light expand. The pavement gay with various marbles shone ; High rose the monarch's amethystine throne ; 90 An azure dome the splendid chamber crown'd. Where mimic stars the silver moon surround. There giant Draco's snaky volumes roll. The northern team, the bear that guards the pole ; Tliere bright Andromeda and Perseus shone. And Cassiopeia on her glittering throne, Bootes stern, and Ariadne's crown. H 3 S lOS THE ESCAPE. book iu. Their forms so well the skilful painter drew, So nicely mock'd the heaven's ethereal blue, That Henry paus'd, as hoping to inhale 100 The cooling freshness of the evening gale. The ancient annals of the Gnomi^iti race The golden walls in pictur'd beauty grace ; Here to Albruno's might the Hydidae yield. There fire's exhausted legions quit the field ; The victor Gnomes their vanquish'd foes pursue, And dying forms the smoking ground bestrew. Here in a cave conceal'd from mortal sight, A lamp diffused its everlasting light ; His ponderous mace a brazen statue rear'd 110 As the last step the bold adventurer dar'd, Prepar'd, with one remorseless blow, to shroud The invalued secret in perpetual cloud ;* In Egypt's tombs thus burn the quenchless fires, Thus with admitted air the light expires. The painter's skill next bade the scene appear Where mourns Belinda for her ravish'd hair; Vide the Spectator, No. S79. BOOK III. THE ESCAPE. lOS Malignant Umbriel's baleful hand unties The fatal bag of passions, sobs, and sighs, " Full o'er their heads the swelling sack he rent, 1 20 " And all the furies issued at the vent."* There Juliana quits the realms above. In Idria*s mine to tend her banish'd love. And braves the baleful fogs and noisome air. Resolved his toil, his lingering death, to share. With anguish pines his fading form to see. And vv^eeps Theresa's harsh but just decree. Till mov'd to mercy by their guardian sprite. The queen restores the pair to upper light.f These, as he slowly left the council-hall, 1 30 His own sad fate to Henry's mind recall. Through many a spacious gallery Ariel led ; Their steps a small secluded chamber staid. Before a throne of ruby hue behold An emerald tripod grac'd with sculptur'd gold, Where firmly bound by adamantine chains, A crystal vase the fatal Veil contains. Beyond, its beams a wondrous mirror gave. That both illumines and reflects the cave, * Vide Pope's Rape of the Lock. + Vide Serjent's "Mine." h4 104 THE ESCAPE book in- Like that strange gem instinct with life and light, 140 That self suspended shines and chases night.* Unconsciously as Henry near it stood, Himself restor'd to native form he view'd. " That glass," said Ariel, " framed by magic charms, " Reflects substantial and ethereal forms ; " No nice disguise the real shape conceals, " Its power the bosom's inmost thoughts reveals, " And when, absorb'd in rays of solar light, " Their lucid forms too fine for mortal sight, " The sylphids revel in the noontide blaze,^ 150 ^ Its polish'd face their airy band betrays. " Form'd by Dyr Zoro in deep Komri's cave, " To Canace this mirror Acban gave ; " Here first the nymph her destin'd spouse survey 'd, \ " Its power the treacherous Acban's fraud betray'd, > " Timourshah's truth and Erbol's guilt display 'd. j " This, when Cambuscan, whose proud mind disdain'd " To share with magic, wreaths by valour gain'd. * These lines allude to a superstition of the Arabs respecting the carbun- de, which is full^ detailed in a note on Tbalaba. BOOK III. THE ESCAP?. 105 " True to his vow, his brazen courser rode " To Kaf 's vast height, by mortal erst untrod, l60 " Above the clouds, upon its peak to fling " The virtuous glass, the sabre, and the ring, " From its huge adamantine spire, the Gnome " Triumphant bore to this majestic dome.* " But from its influence haste, nor rashly dare " Thy sure detection, should a Gnome appear." The youth meanwhile scarce heeded Ariel's tale. But fixt his eyes upon the fatal Veil ; Yet, at his call, he rais'd his thoughtful head. And while his face hope's liveliest glow o'erspread, 1 70^ Mov'd from the spot, and thus impassion'd said. * The story of Cambuscan, tlie brazen steed, the virtuous sabre, rhig, and glass, as begun by Chaucer, are well known ; but this passage alludes more particularly to its continuation and conclusion by Mr. Wharton. Cambuscan, released, by the assistance of the falcon, from his aerial pil- grimage, having by these enchanted gifts discovered the treachery of Acban and Erboi, and conquered the invading array commanded by Aulum, the sovereign of Ophir, becomes touched by religious scruples respecting the use of magic, and resolves not to be indebted to it for his future safety or glory. He therefore vows, as soon as the nuptials of Algarsife and Theodora, of Ca- nace and Al Kabal, (the gentle heir of Ophir's throne,) and of Cambal with Zelica, (formerly the falcon,) have been solemnized, that he will bestride, for the last time, the brazen steed, and ascend the highest summit of Caucasus, there to leave, beyond the reach of mortal hands, the sabre, glass, and ring. ileuce Albruno redeemed the glass. 106 THE ESCAPE. book hi. " Why pause we thus, while none the deed oppose, " To snatch this prize from our unheeding foes ? " Foiled in his art, if we the pledge regain, " The baffled Gnome may rage and storm in vain." While thus he speaks, his eager arms he strains To reach the casket that the Veil contains. But Ariel seiz'd his arm,, and flung him far : " Desist, mad youth, nor thus destruction dare ! " Fixt by Albruno's power, this casket stands, 180 " Nor moves, nor opens at another's hands ; " While touch'd by hidden springs, his snares surprize " The unconscious wretch who seeks the fatal prize. " Yet had its loss fulfiU'd our bold design, " Or fraud, or force, had borne it from the mine ; " But know, the casket, from his reach convey 'd, " Frees not the promise of the hapless maid, " Himself alone, tho' gain'd by fraud his power, " Must yield Maria, and tlie Veil restore. " But hark! what means this sudden noise without? 190 " That mournful cry, and that exulting shout f " Those varied sounds the finish'd fight declare, " Haste, quit the palace, ere the Gnomes appear." BOOK in. THE ESCAPE. IO7 Soon they beheld where Chrysos' faithful train In solemn silence bore Asbestos slain ; With eager looks, as slow they mov'd along, Around the chief the anxious numbers throng, To mourn Asbestos, of the fight inquire. And learn the doom of brother, friend, or sire : As various fates attend them, beauty's eye 200 The soft eflfulgence beam'd of hope and joy. Or shone more keenly thro' her streaming tears, As brighter light thro' polish'd glass appears. By contrast heighten'd, there delight and fear, Despair and joy, and love and hate appear. As the sun's radiance on the mountain's brow In double darkness shews the glen below. Than all more fair, now Amiantha came, While strange forebodings agitate her frame. Scarce could the chief the trembling accents hear, 2 JO That told at once her wishes and her fear ; But while she waits his slow reply, the maid. With looks aghast, her brother's corse surveyed : She shriek'd, then o'er him bent in silent woe, While grief too great forbade her tears to flow. 108 THE ESCAPE. book hi. On her his glistening eye brave Chrysos turn'd, The maid he pitied, and the brother mourn'd ; But gathering numbers force him to declare The changeful fortunes of the fatal war : How Pyros rag'd, how Adamas had fought, 2*20 What mighty deeds Albruno's prowess wrought ; And here the nymph half rais'd her from the bier, ^ And h^lf forgot her brother's loss, to hear V The glorious trophies of Albruno's spear. j But when, while fortune crown'd their first desire, And from the fight their fainting foes retire, He told how false Marino's squadrons came. And whelm'd at once the hosts of earth and flame, Then Ariel from the croud young Henry led, " The war recalls me from these realms," he said ; 230 " For rash Marino, either chief o'erthrown, " May quit these kingdoms and assail niine own. " But here thy guide, this faithful magnet, view, " Still to the north thy steady course pursue, " And soon shalt thou the rocky frontier gain, " Where Oros guards the passage to the main. " This wand in sluniber shall his senses steep, " And shield thee from the monsters of the deep. BOOK in. THE ESCAPE. 109 " But then no more the Gnome's dark semblance wear, " 'Tis here tliy safety, but thy danger there. 'MO " Last, take this casket; dark its surface seems, *' Yet it, condens'd, contains ethereal beams ; " This slender spring unlocks the hidden rays, " Pure and exhaustless as the solar blaze : " This lights thy progress: swift thy course pursue, " Maria's welfare is my care adieu." So swift the monarch vanish'd from his sight. That Henry's eye could scarcely mark his flight. The lamp he took thro' many a cavern vast, Whose scatter'd crystals glimmer'd as he past, 250 Thro' clefts which freezing floods in rocks had made, Or air confin'd, or struggling fires, he stray 'd, And many a vein of mineral wealth explores. Where the rich metals slumber in their ores ; There gold's rich purple was luxuriant seen. And iron's red, and copper's brilliant green. Oft on the earth the issuing flame reveals Tlie treasur'd hoard the barren soil conceals.* * Lambent flames on the surface often indicate metallic veins, particu- larly of gold, even at a considerable depth. They are supposed to arise fronj the evolution of hydrogen, or other inflammable gases, in consequence of the decomposition of the ore. Saussure and others mention this phenomenon. 110 THE ESCAPE. jjook in. And now he past a mass of shining ore, Whose polish'd face a silvery lustre wore, 260 But as, by chance, the guiding lamp he rais'd, His lifted arm the glittering surface grazed ; Slight was the touch ; and, patient of the stroke, No fragments shiver'd from the stricken rock ; But when another night had past away. And all the Gnomes in peaceful slumber lay, A loud explosion shook the caves around. The Gnomes, astonish'd, hastened at the sound ; Vast was the chasm, and like untempered glass, In thousand atoms laid the broken mass.* 2/0 Now chang'd the scene no more in solid blocks. Of size immense, ascend the lofty rocks ; Disjointed, broken, every cleft contains Alluvial earth, and organiz'd remains. * This peculiar character is the property of a species of leaden ore, with a smooth and shining face. The slightest scratch on the surface spreads gradually' through the mass, and, after some hours, it bursts with a violent ex- plosion, and its fragments are dispersed in all directions. In one of our mines in Derbyshire, the ore is of this description. The miners scratch it slightly, in various directions, and then leave the mine, and await the explo- sion, which, perhaps, does not take place till two days after, and usually makes a great chasm. BOOK iix. THE ESCAPE. Ill The strata now proclaim their watry birth, And grasp the harder nucleus of the earth ; The fragments here in nraouldering ruin hurl'd, Of many a race that fiU'd the early world, Where watry relics earthborn tribes surround, And tropic fruits in polar climes are found ; 280 Where bodies chang'd, a mineral lustre give, And buried forests still in coal survive; The strata now erected, now deprest, Now disappearing, now again confest. The events of unrecorded time declare, Sad monuments of elemental war. Here in calcareous rocks, vast torrents force The snowy bed of their impetuous course; Or from the fires that burn unquench'd beneath, Thro' narrow clefts sulphureous odours breathe. 290 A city next he reach'd : as crystal clear, The ramparts high, and domes of salt appear. Such was the pile where lovely Bertha dwelt. While Ufo's form the strange enchantment felt. 112 THE ESCAPE. book ni. Until the seventh revolving moon restor'd . Again to human shape her dolphin lord.* Here lamps dependent mock the blaze of day, And all within the faithless walls betray. Sprightly, and high in bold Marino's grace. His subjects once, here dwelt an active race. 300 Now conquer'd by Albruno's arms, his sway. With vain regret, the vanquish'd tribe obey.^f* * See " The Three Sisters," a tale, translated from the German. Bertha, the third daughter of " the Baron," is the wife of Ufo ; who, for six months, is enchanted in the form of an immense dolphin, violent and implacable^ and retaining no vestige of hunianit3? but his speech. During this time, his only amusement is in swimming round a little island, on which is built a small habitation of the clearest cr_ystal, where his lady resides, and boils her solitary cup of coffee. The seventh month, however, restores the enchanted Ufo to his shape ; he becomes a gay and powerful prince, a kind complacent husband. The lake spreads, the isle expands. Bertha's cell grows a splendid palace ; the trout and other fishes jump out of the water, and be- come courtiers, and all is splendour and hilarity till the expiration of the month again condemns tjiem to the waves. One pleasant circumstance at- tending this mode of life is, that Berlha, though married one-and-twenty years, and not undergoing any transformation, has, in that time, like her hus- band, grown only three years older. t Darwin has given a description of the salt mines at Cracow, in Po^ land: but our own at Northwich, near Chester, though, perhaps, not so beautiful, appear to be of greater importance, and their produce of finer quality, as it is exported even to the neighbourhood of Cracow. Mr. Hol- land has published a long and very interesting account of the rock-salt of Cheshire, in the first volume of the Geological Transactions. The salt is confined to the southern or central part of the Cheshire plain, and chiefly to the valley of the Weaver and its tributary streams, and is generally indica- ted by salt springs. At Lawton there are three beds, separated by strata of indurated clay. The first bed, at the depth of 42 yards, four feet thick ; a second, 10 yards lower, 12 feet; a third, 15 yards lower, hps been sunk into BOOK III. THE ESCAPE. 113 Soon Heury past them, soon he hears the roar Of billows breaking on a distant shore. A rock of granite insulated rose Where mighty Oros' giant limbs repose, 24 yards, but its depth has not been ascertained. In every part ef tlie rock are found separate crystalline concretions of muriate of soda, sometimes cu- bical, and sometimes in large irregular masses, usually of a greyish or milk- white colour ; and possessing greater or less transparency : the salt no where appears stratified. The great body of the rock presents only a confused red mass, varied here and there by the crystalline portions. No marine exuviae, or organic remains, or impressions, are found either in the salt, or in the ar- gillaceous strata. In some parts where pillars, six or eight yards square, form the supports of the mine, the effect, when lighted up, is so splendid as to realize the magic palaces of Arabian fiction. Eleven or twelve mines are now worked, and from 50,000 to 60,000 tons raised annually. The greatest part is exported to Ireland, the Baltic, and Prussia ; the remainder is manu- factured in Cheshire. There are many other salt mines, in Spain and Portugal, in Transylvania, and in Austria, and also in Africa. The mountains and beds of salt, between Tripoli and the Pillars of Hercules, have been noticed by Herodotus, but they are not so regularly situated as he has described. He also mentions, that the inhabitants built their houses of salt, a custom they still retain. " It never rains," he observes, "otherwise such structures could not be durable." A sudden shower would in that country injure the houses of the inhabitants more than the wear and tear of many years. Tliis salt, like that of Portugal, is usually of a purple colour, but that which is washed down by the dews from the mountains becomes white when it crystallizes, and loses the bitter- ness which usually characterizes fossil salt. Mr. Bruce speaks of salt as very abundant in Abyssinia ; mines are work- ed near Azab and at Dancali. The salt, cut into solid bricks of eight or ten inches long, supplies the place of our small money. A very portable cur- rency ! perhaps rather more so than the iron money of Lycurgus. 1 ;114 THE ESCAPE. book nr. While stretch'd around the shore, a faithful band. The bold Basaltes, giant warriors, stand, A hardy race, and garrison the land.* * Even a slight attempt to discuss the long contested theory of the forma- tion of basaltic pillars, would far exceed the compass of a note. Perhaps both the Neptunists and Plutonists might spare their labours and renounce their alternate triumphs. The most commonly received opinion is, that the basalt, rolled in a semifluid stream from the mouth of a volcano, and coming in contact with the sea, contracts in its sudden refrigeration into the prisma- tic form : but unfortunately, prismatic basalt is found in many parts of the ;world, and even in our own island, in situations where there appear not the .lightest traces of volcanic fire, and again where it would be as difficult to ac- .coinit for the presence of water at its formation. But perhaps these columns, though similar in appearance, may not always be alike in origin : and fire and water, separately, or in conjunction, may equally have been concerned in their production. The basalt, rendered fluid either by the agency of wa- ter or volcanic fire, and sufiiered slowly either to evaporate or to cool, would, -by the laws of crystallization, naturally assume a regular form, qnd the per- lection of the columns would depend on the length of time allowed in their formation. Saussure, in his Travels iu the Alps, speaks of many sandstone rocks having a tendency to split into rhomboids. In the " Passage du Bon Homme," he says: " Vers le bas de la descente on trouve des chalets que je m'6tonnai de voir " construits en pierres de tailie, d'uue forme tres r6guliere ; je demaudai la " raison de cette recherche, peu commune daus les montagnes, et j'appris que " c'etoit la nature qui avoit fait tous les frais de cette tailie. Eflfectivement, " je trouvai un peu plus bas une profonde ravine, creusee par les eaux dans " des couches d'un beau gres, qui se divise de lui-meme, et que I'on voit daus " sa position originelle, actuellement divis6 en grands parall^l^pipedes rec- " tangles." Is not this the effect of crystallization ? and may it not throw some light on the formation of basaltic columns ? for no one would think of referring the pro- duction of sandstone to volcanic fires. BOOK nr. THE ESCAPE. 115 To guard the opposing frontiers of the main^ 310 Undaunted Cumos leads a countless train ; A valiant chief, but swiftly rous'd to ire, Seldom he slept, no toil his limbs could tire. Yet either chief a sudden slumber found. As Henry, passing, wav*d his wand around. Who now, to human form again restor'd. The vast recesses of the deep explor'd. Meanwhile, the armies, still in fight engaged, A triple war with fiercer fury wag'd. Such numbers fled, such numbers strew'd the plain, 320 Wondrous it were to view what hosts remain. In countless throngs the aquatic legions pour, And ranks succeeding urge the ranks before, While, as their routed foes promiscuous fly. Or sink in death, fresh troops their place supply. It seemed, (as in creation's primal hour,) That earth resum'd her vivifying power ; While the same stroke, that laid the fiery train Prone in the dust, revived their strength again : As breathing on her lamp, some careful dame ".'JO At once destroys and renovates the flame. I 2 116 THE ESCAPE. book hi. Still unsubdued, Silexis' bands appear, And bold Stypterion's lines provoke the war. On great Marino rush'd, with glory fir'd, The dread of all, and yet by all admir'd; A thousand weighty strokes he dealt around, None dealt in vain, and death in every wound. While still his myriads, rank by rank impell'd, Rush headlong on, and throng the narrow field. Till pent and crush'd amid the countless train, 340 Fear strove to fly, and valour raged in vain. Still as they fight, they seem in height to grow. And whelm with deadlier weight the prostrate foe ; Their forms dilated to gigantic size. High o'er the field the bold Hydidae rise, Bear in their arms their mangled foes aloof. And hurl with fury at the vaulted roof; Confused and prest, they fight and struggle there. So near, their shouts disturb'd the powers of air : In vain the concave with their force expands, 350 Their growing bulk a wider field demands. At length the ribs of solid rock give way ! They force a passage to the realms of day : BOOK rrr. THE ESCAPE. 117 The Sylphs retire, and trembling with affright, The Gnomes malignant eye the unusual light * 'Twas night's meridiivu ; on the tranquil scene Pale Cynthia shed her silver ray serene, And scarce a zephyr breath'd their sweets to bear From countless flowers that scent the Alpine air; Still were the hamlets in the glens below, '360 The flocks slept peaceful on the mountain's brow, When starting from the turf, in panic fear, They clustering ran, as warn'd of danger near ;f * Volcanic eruptions are known to be connected with the flowing of water into subterranean caverns, and therefore probably owe their origin to the contention of fire and water, and the expansive force of steam. This conjec- ture appears to derive strength from the Geysers, or boiling fountains of Ice- land, which throw up immense columns of steam to the height of 100 feet, with such force as to sustain bodies of considerable weight, and which un- doubtedly arise from an immense reservoir of water continually boiling be- neath that wonderful island ; that strange mixture of frost and flame, where the inhabitants of the pole and of the equator might find their accustomed temperatures without losing sight of eacli other. The Ge3'sers, with the ex- ception of some springs near Bath, are the only known waters which contain silex in solution. Sir George Mackenzie, in the account of his Travels in Iceland, has given a very interesting description of these intermittent foun- tains of steam, and a probable theory of their origin. Professor, now Sir H. Davy, has imagined volcanic eruptions to arise from the metaJs of the earth, which existing in a pure state, beyond the contact of air and oxygen, are suddenly inflamed at the influx of water. The confla- gration thus kindled might afterwards be extended and supported by other substances. t Animals are usually observed to anticipate thunder and other such phe- I 3 118 THE ESCAPE. book in. Their shaggy guards howl'd hideous at the sound Of low deep thunder in the hollow ground. Appall'd, the shepherd sees a mount arise It swells it bursts dense vapours veil the skies, While from the volum'd rings of smoke and flame, The noise of arms the cries of combat came. Strange tumult rent the vault of heaven and earth, 370 Affrighted, trembled at her monstrous birth ! As borne impetuous by their aqueous foes. Of earth and fire the mingled armies rose. The sudden flash illum'd the scene, and spread The lurid concave with a fearful red. While, by the Hydidae hurl'd, they soar on high, ~\ A thousand blazing meteors to the sky, V That burn a moment, then descend and die. y Still from the new-form'd gulf the legions throng. And pour a flood of living fire along : 380 Its headlong course no mounds, no barriers stay. It rolls resistless down the rapid way, Crush'd is the promise of the vernal year, The grain scarce budding in the tender ear. nomena. It is probable that they are warned by some peculiarity in the ftmosphere, or by some sign that escapes the notice of man. BOOK 111, THE ESCAPE. 119 The prostrate vines before their fury yield, And groves of olives blaze along the field ; The oaks mature, like tender saplings, fall. They melt the rock, and burst the massy wall ; From slumber rous'd, the city's peaceful train Behold the falling tower, the blazing fane, 390 Fly from their menac'd dwellings in despair. And weep, and raise their clasped hands in prayer. In vain their holiest relics are display'd ! In vain a thousand saints invok'd to aid! Still with fierce rage the Sprites maintain the war, Still louder swells the battle's deafening roar. Still to the skies the fiery stream ascends. Still deepest darkness o'er the earth extends. Save the quick darting flame, that frequent broke Thro' the thick volumes of sulphureous smoke, 400 Or the red light that glow'd along the plain, From gleaming arms, and fire's expiring train. But Ariel now from rescued Henry flew, And pierced the distant heaven's ethereal blue : Above the clouds, he reach'd his throne of light. Whence half the globe expands beneath his sight ; 1 4 120 THE ESCAPE. book in. (That wondrous throne, where Scandinavia's race Their fabled god, their barbarous Odin place;)* He mark'd those clouds of rising smoke, that shone In silvery light beneath the placid moon, 410 And pierced with eagle eye their sable womb. Where flames terrific light the fearful gloom ; And mid the clash of arms, the ceaseless din, A' second chaos seem'd to rage within. As thro' the gulf the mingled legions pour. Tumultuous still ! an inexhausted store. In vain the Sylphs impede them as they rise, Or headlong hurl them from the invaded skies; To share their fate uunumber'd troops succeed, And friends and foes in strife promiscuous bleed. 420 But mighty Ariel, who with grief survey'd The dreadful havoc by the Hydida3 made, Resolved to end the war A glance he cast Where near his throne a minor planet past, There oft these orbs their burning faces shew. Their names are meteors with the world below.f * The famous throne of Hlidskialfa is in the palace, not of Valliaiia, but of Valaskialf. This throne was so situated, that any one sitting upou it might behold all the regions of the world. It properly belonged to Odiu and Frigga. Cottie's Edda. t Sir John Fringle has imagined meteors to be a sort of minor planets HOOK iif. THE ESCAPE. 121 He seized the wanderer, reckless of its weight, And swift thro' ether wing'd his radiant flight ; Soon o'er the gulf he hung the orb he cast, The Sylphids Hying as it whistled past; 430 Down in its course the issuing Sprites it bore, And closed the cavern's mouth for evermore : Fixt to the spot, till time's remotest hour That stone shall rest the mark of Ariel's power. Back by his arm the clouds of smoke were driven. Again the moon illumes the azure heaven ; rolling through various systems, and kindling on their entrance into our atmosphere. During their inflammation, they throw off those bodies called meteoric stones. That these bodies actually fall from the clouds appears now scarcely to admit a doubt, both from their peculiar composition, and the number of evidences that attest the fact. Meteoric stones have been frequently found hot, immediately after the passage of a meteor. Their elements invariably consist of iron, silex, magnesia, and nickel. The three latter ingredients are sometimes in such small quantities, as to leave the iron almost pure, and constituting what is called native iron. This iron is very different from that procured from the ore, which seems to arise from the mixture of nickel': it is harder, takes a fine polish, resists tarnishing, and is always magnetic. There is a large mass of this iron in Siberia, weighing 650 pounds; in Peru there is another of the enormous weight of 1,5 tons, and there is one similar at the Cape. Professor Davy has imagined, that meteors, whether planets or otherwise, may have consisted originally of the pure metals of silex and magnesia, united with iron and nickel. The two former would necessarily ignite on meeting with the oxygen of our atmosphere, and the meteors passing off to other systems, leave a part of their substance as a compensation for the weight of oxygen acquired. 122 THE ESCAPE. book hi. Yet still the cries of warriors maim'd in fight Disturb the sacred silence of the night, The dreary scene thick dust and ashes spread. And broken arms, and bodies of the dead. 440 From conflict by their flying squadrons borne, Again to fight the rival kings return. Albruno, Pyros, view'd with equal pain, How few of all their gallant bands remain ; Alike Marino mourn'd his valiant host, Dishearten'd, weak, his bravest warriors lost ; Too late repentant of the havoc done. Where all were weaken'd, yet victorious none : In triple truce the rival kings agreed. And from the field their shatter'd forces lead. 450 The Muse now quits the drear abode of night, The clash of arms, the tumult of the fight. For Ether's gladsome realms, and cheerful light, Where, in the fort, the mournful maids remain. And Alfred and Alonzo guard the plain. Behind the eastern trees the moon was seen In silver lustre thro' their deep'ning green; BOOK III. THE ESCAPE. 123 Now on the fort her placid radiance falls, And gives new grandeur to the massy walls. Bright on thie view the lofty turrets rose, 460 While the deep shades in lengthen'd gloom repose. His loss discover'd by the expanding light, Now anxious Alfred seeks Maria's knight ; For when Albruno dar'd him to the field, A sable cloud the combatants conceal'd. Vainly he sought, and unmolested past. Where'er the moon her soft eflfulgence cast; But where the building wrapt the ground in shade. Forth from the gloom emerged a lovely maid. Miranda's seem'd the form, as veil'd in white, A^^ And grasps with sinewy arms his hardy foe. ,j .jlyy ' 650 Long was the strife, as o'er the narrow plain Struggling they fight retreat advance again. .y. The Baron's limbs to time and labour yield, Prest by his foe, he sinks upon the field ; At this, long peals of thunder shook the sky. The fallen chieftain fled Alonzo's eye : The walls, the towers tliat caught the morning beam. The moat, the drawbridge, vanish'd like a dream ! He markM the change; then sunk in trance profound, And woke, where Genoa stretch'd her bay around : 66O 'Twas on a vessel's deck, prepar'd to sail. The joyful crew observe the rising gale ; The swelling canvass spread, the ship unmoor, And seek (with him) the Liparean shore. Meanwhile the maids, who, in a dungeon's gloom. All night imprison'd, had bewailed their doom. BOOK III. THE ESCAPE, 133 Now saw the walls in air dissolve away, '^-d '"Umd o>. And hail'd the sudden flash of purple day. Amaz'd, upon the vacant plain they stood, Where their freed palfreys cropt their verdant food; 670 When thus a voice was heard " Dismiss your fear, " Pursue your way, and trust to Ariel's care." Cheer'd by the friendly voice, the nymphs obey; Their steeds, spontaneous, take the destin'd way ; And, when a secret fear their looks betray'd, Thus Leonora cheers each drooping maid. " Though now our champions fled, their fate unknown, " Through dreary ways we wander, and alone, " Rely on Ariel's word. The prince of air " Shall make our warriors, like ourselves, his care. 680 " And should he fail, although on Albion's shore, ^ " 'Gainst lawless force, no generous lions roar, V " The guards of virtue, as in days of yore, j " Ours are the arms no warrior dares defy, " The lightnings beaming from a lady's eye ; " Nor shield, nor plated mail, repels the dart, " Through all it glides, and pierces to the heart. k3 ISA THE ESCAPE. book in. " So bards have sung ; and where shall eyes be found, " That like Maria's, or Miranda's, wound ? " E'en mine, tho' dim, shall flash with virtuous ire, 69Q " And beam in your defence their keenest fire." ":; Her words their hearts revive; and now they found A spear implanted firmly in the ground ; The same that, ere he vanish 'd from his view, The bold Alonzo at the phantom threw. " Behold," the maid pursu'd, " propitious heaven, " Your eyes to aid, this wondrous lance has given; " Here planted by some sage magician's hands, " To grace a favour'd warrior's arm it stands ; " That arm is mine try one, try all, to free 700 ] *' Its buried barb, and prove, by fate's decree, " This mighty weapon is reserved for me." s Misfortune oft in mirthful guise appears, And woe, at times, will frolic, tho' in tears. Maria strives and yields, as sorely griev'd To leave this great adventure unachiev'd. BOOK HI. JTHE ESCAPE. 135 Like her, Miranda, yet but feebly, tries, And, with affected sorrow, quits the prize. But Leonora conies with all her strength, And tugs, and tears it from the ground at length, 710 And as elate she shakes it high in air. Darts looks of triumph on each vanquish'd fair. But, lo ! a maid advances o'er the plain, Whose garb proclaims a daughter of the main. Fair was her form ; with pearls embroider'd round. Her robe of snowy coral swept the ground. Pearl was her zone of pearl the wand she bore, And pearl the splendid coronet sh wore ; Loose flow'd her lucid veil of softest blue. That shone by turns with every varying hue, 720 Like dew drops to its filmy texture clung. The scatter'd pearls around its border hung; O'er the whole figure of the ocean maid. Like Cynthia's light, a silvery lustre play'd. " Fair wanderers hail !" she said, " from ocean's caves '* A hapless nymph your kind attention craves ; K 4 136 THE ESCAPE. book hi. " I quit my native realm, to guide and aid, <*^' " At great Marino's court, a suppliant maid ; >^ ^bis^i. ^' Those sparkling eyes declare success is near '* ' - ?^i " And hope already greets Miranda here." 730 . * fu i>o A The maid replied, " May every joy be thine, '^' iV\f\'\ " Who, tho' unknown, an interest takest in mine ! '* A sage, whose eye events to come descried, * **" ' " Bade me with speed repair to ocean's side, " A pearl should meet me to Marino's court " My steps direct, and there my suit support ; " Then if my woes have touch'd your gentle mind, ** Assist my search this precious gem to iind," Smiling, the nymph rejoin'd, " Behold, reveal'd " The truth the sage in mystic words conccal'd, 740 " A pearl implied in Marguerita's name ; " With bolder hope I now shall aid thy claim, " Foretold thy guide no thanks are justly mine, " For fate has link'd my happiness with thine. *' Two different races mingle in my birth, " A nymph my mother, but my sire of earth, BOOK III. THE ESCAPE. 137 " And hence from them the double power I bear, ' " To breathe the crystal tide, or lighter airj^^**^^ ('"^ ''' ' " Twelve changing moons had scarcely past away, " Since we had seen Lymnoria's power decay, 750 " When flush'd with conquest o'er the haughty Gnome, " Our king return'd in solemn triumph home, -^^^ - " And all the ocean chiefs with costly care>'^^ --->^'> ^^'^ " To greet their lord a festival prepare; - '{ j<,/ ' " That shone in crimson on my glowing cheek ; j \.^fv x^ " When lo ! in happy hour, a piercing scream ,, ? > " Thrill'd thro' my frame, and rous'd me from my dream. " Around Lymnoria's fainting form, I view'd " Where all the sisters of the ocean stood, " And hid my feelings in the throng that led " Back to her pearly grot the senseless maid. " Thus past the morning ! in his regal hall " That night the monarch gave a splendid ball ; " Fate, and the magic of the scene conspire " Still in my breast to feed the growing fire, " Grac'd with the envied honours of the fight, " I led the dance with my victorious knight. 840 " Sure not so graceful could Sir Gawaine be ! * " That gem of arms, and * Flower of Courtesie !' * Sir Gawaine's name is familiar to all the lovers of romance. He was the nephew of King Arthur, and the model of courtesy and eloquence to all the knights of the Round Table. He still lives in fairy-land, and perhaps his instructions in the art of politeness may have taught the fairies not to molest poor wayworn travellers so frequently of late, as when every son of song beheld their midnight revels, and every unwary wanderer was in danger of suffering from their pranks. The existence of these playful spirits is so dear to the imagination, that one can hardly bear to part with them, and during a moonlight ramble, it is difficult not to hope, and almost to fancy, their presence. 142 THE ESCAPE. book hi. " Not half so sweet his honied accents flow'd ! ' ' ^ " Tho' in his speech the fire of rhetoric glow'd. " He said, ' Since bright-hair'd Florimel was there, " * The ocean caves could boast no maid so fair, " ' And well the radiant zone that bound my vest " * Might seem the magic girdle she possest.'* " Think me not vain, sweet maids, for Angering here " On words like these, the speaker made them dear ! 850 " Too swift the moments wing'd their airy flight, " And put a period to that festive night; " Ne'er with such pleasure have I hail'd the mom, " And watch'd its earliest beams the sky adorn, ** As now with grief I saw the lamps decay " In the bright lustre of the orient day. *' Too soon the weary train retir'd to rest, " No gentle sleep my wakeful eyelids blest ; " On my soft couch in pensive mood reclin'd, " I scann'd the new sensations in my mind, 86() " While, with officious truth, fond memory dwelt " On all that I had seen, and heard, and felt ; * The magic girdle of Florimel must be well remembered by all tlie readers of Spenser. BOOK III. THE ESCAPE, ^48 " Each word, each look recall'd, tliat might impart " A gleam of hope to my afflicted heart. ' '--tfV " Tho' with delight I view'd my mingled birth, " Deriv'd not more from ocean than from earth, " Yet oft the dreadful vow would cross my brain, " No ' daughter of the Sea shall o'er the Ocean reign ;' " And well I knew that in the realms of air " Marino's envoys sought the fated fair, 870 " Who should with all Lymnoria's beauties shine,. " And all the beauties of the soul combine. " I knew, that day, a fatal rumour came, " His faithful Sprites had found the destin'd dame : " Too well the following morn confirm'd the tale, " Its truth establish'd, by Miranda's Veil, " Yet to my mind this gleam of comfort brought, " That she to shun the hateful union sought ; " I hop'd Lymnoria's jealousy would aid, " And in her suit support the unhappy maid. 880 " But no ! as stars by Phoebus' light opprest, " A keener fire her rising rage supprest ; " And pondering still the tourney's hapless hour, " On me she seeks her heaviest wrath to pour, 144 THE ESCAPE. book iir. " To clieck thy course, new perils threat the road, " Thro' the deep Maelstrom to the king's abode** .,., . " But fear not; were its dangers greater far, i/' ' ifr " Secure I'd waft thee in my pearly car." h'v.t '! She ceas'd ; for on the margin of the flood. Beneath a city's ancient walls they stood, 890 While the faint splendours of the fading west Proclaim'd the hour of silence and of rest. 892 * Unlike the dangers of Charybdis, those of the Maelstrom are said to have increased very much of late years. END OF THE THIRD BOOK. THE VEILS, BOOK THE FOURTH. THE SEA. THE VEILS BOOK THE FOURTH. THE SEA. While on the waves the earliest sunbeam play'd, Miranda rose, and by their margin stray'd, Impatient of her friend's expected aid, When on the tide she view'd a bark that bore A graceful damsel lightly to the shore ; But ere it touch 'd the strand, a mist profound Cloth'd in a fleecy veil the scene around ; So thick, it scarce allow'd her eye to trace The lovely features of the Sea-nymph's face, Who from the boat began " Miranda, haste ! 10 " Let no vain fear the precious moments waste, L 2 148 THE ^A. BOOK IV. " Tho' dense around the morning mists extend, ^' Trust the sure guidance of thy faithful friend; *' My bark ne'er courts the breeze's varying force, " No oars impel, no rudder guides its course, " I do but bid, at noon or night the same, " It moves unerring to its destin'd aim : " O come ! our cause admits no vain delay." She enter'd; swift the vessel glides away. In silence pondering on her doubtful fate, SO Beside her friend, Miranda mournful sate ; Slowly the mists disperse, and all around The heavens alone the wide horizon bound, While o'er the tide her eyes explore in vain. For Albion's vanish'd cliffs, the dazzling main. But now the vessel stops, the waves divide, -And seem a glassy wall on every side; Down to the bosom of the deep it goes, And o'er their heads the crystal arches close ; At length they reach a realm of purest air, 30 Where, far above, the waves like clouds appear ; And thro' their lucid veil with soften'd ray. The emerald sun diffused a milder day. Here, as on earth, tall woods and hills ascend ; Here cities rise, and fruitful vales extend ; BOOK IV. THE SEA. 149 Each flower that loves the limpid rill to drink, Or bend in beauty o'er its verdant brink, Grac'd a clear stream, whose murmuring current wound. Meandering, thro' a garden's ample bound. Of azure hue, or deck'd in golden pride, 40 The bright Nympheas graced the sparkling tide, Numerous the tribe ! a modest blush was seen O'er the fair face of Nilus' sacred queen,* Her rival, bright Nelunbia, grac'd her side, Her glowing charms in deeper crimson dyed ; She blest the Samian sage, whose wise command Her embryo offspring saved from luxury's hand.f * The lotus of Fjgypt, sacred as the emblem of fertility, and honoured with the title of the Spouse of the Nile, is a large aquatic plant of the genus nyraphea. The seed is made into a kind of bread and baked, and the root, which is round, and about the size of an apple, is also eaten. The Egyptian lotus is a very different plant from the lotus of Lybia, whence the lotophagi derived their name. The latter is a shrub, (a species of rhamnus, the rhamnus lotus of Linnaeus,) and is disseminated over the borders of the Great Desert, from Cyrene, round by Tripitfit>''"- '^ * Rais'd at the garden's verge, a grotto stands. The beauteous labour of her artful hands, *^ '' ' Here all the unnumber'd treasures of the wave. In rich profusion, deck'd the spacious cave ; Mid coral sprays, on beds of fuci green. The Mytilis and Cardium white were seen; Here Amnion's horn appear'd in all its pride,f dO (Loveliest of shells! to mortal view denied. Save when embosom'd in the depths of mines, The joy of wondering Neptunists it shines.) But in these regions, through its pearly throat, Marino's minstrels breathe the dulcet note; The flowering ruSh or sagittaria, so called from the dart-like shape of its leaves, is a plant very different from the common rush, and its flowers are of- ten a great ornament to our shallow waters. t The cornua Amraonis or horn of Jove, is a very beautiful shell, of the nau- tilus genus. The living animal is no where found, but the shell is very com- mon in a fossil state. It has a pearly lustre on the outside, and the section exhibits a beautiful camcrated structure. 1.4 1^9 THE SEA. BOOK jn^ And here its kindred Nautilus outshone* The mountain-snow, or cygnet's spotless down; , .^i ,, An unknown inmate forms the beauteous frame, Rais'd by its bitterest foe to light and fame, His stronger arms the peaceful lord expell, 70 He mounts triumphant to the conquered shell; Far o'er the seas the foreign pilot sails. Spreads his slight web, and courts tlje favouring gales^ And hence, with imitative art, mankind ^ - Unfurl the swelling canvass to the Mind : The subject seas Britannia's navies ride, And every wind, that sweeps the foaming tide^ Wafts a rich tribute to her island throne. And makes the wealth of distant worlds her own. * There is no shell that has acquired more celebrity tlian the paper nautilus, which is supposed to have given to man the first hint of the art of sailing. The tenant of this shell expanding a thin membrane to the influence of the wind, and at the same time moving its tentacute, sails %ith rapidity over the ocean. I have said the tenant of this shell, for the animal usually found in it, does not appear to have been its builder, and neither in form nor structure corre- sponds with the mansion it inhabits, or with the inhabitants of the other nau- tili. It is a species of cuttle fish, which probably, like the soldier crab, and some others, seizes the discarded shell of the nautilus, and converts it to its own uses. The different cameras of the shell are perfectly useless to this ani- mal, and could never have been formed or inhabited by it : it resides opiy iu the outer chamber. Roget and Shawh Lectures. BOOK IV. THE SEA. IftSr Here was that shell where Cytherea rode* .o p3?,- 80 In splendid triumph o'er her native flood; - :*-;n'::i r:.H' ** And here the gaudy Murex shone, that drest. In Tyrian hue, imperial Caesar's vest:-!* h rf ; And numbers here unnam'd, dispos'd with art, Beam'd their collected charms from every part. Of finest sand the grotto's floor was seen. Snow-white, and smoother than the shaven green ; Rich seats of scarlet coral grac'd the pile. Where countless myriads ply their ceaseless toil. In pleasing wonder lost, her woes forgot, ,9* ' Fair Marguerita calls the lingering fair, But calls in vain, her friends in wonder stand, 130 Then seek their vanish'd partner on the strand. - A rock abrupt and insulated stood, Its rugged head impending o'er the flood; There sat a warrior Soon his pictur'd shield And sable arms Miranda's knight reveal'd; Yet false the hopes that now their breasts inspire, In vain their lips Miranda's fate inquire. " Oh ! ask not me ! by magic arts betrayed, " I left the fort and that transcendant maid ; " And had not chance Lymnoria's face reveal'd, 140 " She now had borne me o'er yon azure field, " In ocean's darkest caves to watch and weep, " Or glut some savage monster of the deep ! " Reviled and scorned, too late I knew the dame, " Who mock'd Miranda's voice, Miranda's name; '^ In vain my weary steps my love pursue, " Nor know I where to s^ek, if not with you." Tims Alfred spoke: with grief the damsels hear. While Leonora's voice augments their fear : } BOOK IV. THE SEA. 157 " Oh, Alfred, haste ; perchance, like thee, betrayed, 150 '* The caves of ocean hide the hapless maid; " Haste, Marguerita, haste, ere yet too late, " Perhaps a moment lost decides her fate." The nymph young Alfred follows ; o'er the seas Speeds their light bark, nor heeds the adverse breeze ; Tho' slight its frame, its strength tile waves defied. And swift as lightning skimm'd the sparkling tide, No brilliant hues its dark-brown surface shows. Within the opal's changeful lustre glows, ^ And o'er their heads a graceful awning rose. l60j Soon to the warrior's eager eyes were lost The snowy cliffs that mark'd the distant coast. Whence long their anxious friends their course pursue. And gazing, wave them many a kind adieu. By Albion's shore their rapid way they steer'd. And Caledonia's ruder cliffs appear'd; Then by the rocky Orcades they past. And view'd, at distance, Norway's forests vast ; And soon they shiver'd in the icy breeze That swept the surface of the Arctic seas. 170 Those seas alike where truth and fancy reign, And with unnumber'd monsters fill the main; 15S THE SEA. book iv. Where their long course the months in darkness roll, And fogs eternal shroud the frozen pole ; Those seas where endless wastes of snow appear, And alps of ice increase with every year. Where the red lights that quiver in the sky, For half his course, the absent sun supply, *rill, from Antarctic climes, he turns again. And smiling summer takes his rapid reign ; 180 As touch'd by magic hand, the realms around jBurst into bloom, and flowers conceal the ground. Where late the Lapland boor in caves reclin'd, Fled the stern rigour of the winter wind. Or to his sledge, with thongs securely bound, Urg'd his fleet rein-deer o'er the frozen ground, Which scarce of moss its scanty pittance gave. Now fruits expand, and yellow harvests wave. In countless boats the busy seamen sail. Entrap the seal, or wound the unwieldy whale. 190 Not, like our isle, with soft transition blest, Where gradual beauties gain a higher zest, Where with delight, we watch the opening flowers. And the soft influence of the vernal showers; The expanding fruits in size and flavour grow, Till their bright rinds with ripening lustre glow ; QOK IV. THE SEA. 159 Or when the trees in richer livery clad, Of gold and crimson spread their mingled shade^ Their charms increasing in their slow decay There, soon matur'd, as soon they fade away : 20C) Like the bright rainbow in a summer sky, They rise, they bloom, they ripen, fade, and die ! On sail'd the bark secure, but soon, uprear'd Above the waves, a hideous form appear'd ; His head was like a steed's, in many a fold Round his long neck the thick tough skin was roll'd; Six flatten'd feet his mighty bulk sustain. And bristled on his back his yellow mane; The boa, largest of the serpent brood. Were weak and small, if near this hydra view'd; 210 Ten fathom long his snaky form was seen. And high he rear'd his head of dusky green.* Lymnoria's envoy, at her will he came To crush the knight, and more detested dame. This descripdou is exactly copied from an account accompanied by a sketch, given by Mr. Este in his Lectures at the Royal Institution in 1809, of the sea-snake that was stranded on one of the Orkneys in 1808. Its length was fifty-five feet ; but as part of the tail was wanting, the animal had probably measured at least sixty, when perfect. The head resembled that of a horse. ? <> 160 THE SEA". 3 The bark he follow'd o'er the wat'ry plain, And hiss'd aloud, and lash'd the foamuig main, And strove to wreathe it in his spiral train. But forth, attentive, Marguerita drew A small brown ball, and at the hydra threw ; Its potent scent the offended monster fled,* 220 And on its course the little vessel sped. New dangers now impend; thro' mountains vast Of gather'd ice, a narrow streight they past. Oh! should the sun's meridian fervour launch From yon dread height the threat'ning avalanch ; Or should the waves impel some floating rock. They sink or perish in the dreadful shock !" And lo ! impatient of the expected prey. O'er the rm ice a bear pursues their way; The neck was ten feet long, but only two feet iu circumference. It had six flat feet. The colour was a dusky green, and a thick yellow mane stood up on its back. * The castoreum, or castor, may be called an animal gum resin. It is a pe- culiar secretion of the beaver. It usually comes to England in small balls of a reddish brown colour, and covered with a tough membraue ; it has a bitter unpleasant taste, and a very peculiar and strongly disagreeable odour. The best castor comes from Russia, and the ordinary sort from Canada. The pilots of the north are said to provide themselves with tliis drug, to preserve them from the attacks of the sea-snakes, infesting the Arctic Ocean, to whom its snicli is particularly offensive. BOOK IV. THE SEA. 161 Vast as the monsters of Hirc^nia's wood, ^30 His snowy hairs with rage erected stood ; He snufTs the scented gale, and longs to clasp* The unhappy victims in his fatal grasp ! But as his feet prepare to tempt the tide, Behold! the waves the icy rock divide; To shun the double death, a narrow cave, In its clear side, the opposing glacier gave ; The vessel here preserv'd, the sever'd mass Impetuous rushes thro' the narrow pass. Borne by the furious tide, and driving gales, 240 Far out to sea the floating island sails; While prescient of his death of lingering pain. The bear, with dreadful howls laments in vain; Which, first transmitted from the ice around, Tlie echoing air returns with fainter sound. + * Tlie Hircynian forest, formerly celebrated as the haunt of large fero- cious beasts, contains stupendous monuments of iheir existence. For two hundred leagues extend an immense number of caverns lined with stalactiti- ous concretions, and their floors covered with bones. Two thirds of these belong to two species of bear which no longer exist. Tliese animals must have lived and died in the caverns where their remains are found ; and as carnivorous animals are solitary, each cavern must have contained only cne^ or perhaps a pair. What a long succession of generations does this render necessary, to produce the accumulation of bones which has long supijlit d the apothecaries of Germany with phosphate of liuie, and still icniains to excite the wonder of the naturalist ! Cuiier, d-c. t The power of water and of ice, as conductors of sound, is much superior M 1C1 THE SEA. BOOK !. But now the sea in larger waves was seen, And snowy foam emboss'd their dusky green ; And soon the vessel hasten*d in its course, Felt of that current the attractive force, Where 'tvvixt Hefle^en's mount, and Ver's wild shore 250 Round Moscoe's isle, the eddying waters roar : That current dread, which borne by adverse winds. With chilling fear the wretched seanlan finds, Laments his danger, now too late descried. And vainly struggles with the increasing tide, Then sinks unable with its force to cope, And cries in vain for aid he cannot hope ; Or marks its course the fatal vortex near, In all the dreadful calmness of despair.*" By turns the vessel sunk, by turns it rose, 260 On waves that threaten o'er their heads to close : to that of air. The noise of cannon has often been transmitted by the wares to an incredible distance, and vessels sailing among the islands of ice, in . high latitudes, often hear a double report, first and loudest from the ice, and afterwards, much more faintlj, from the air. Davy. * Eren whales and other animals, coming within the influence of the Maelstrom, appear instantly sensible of their danger, struggling and making a frightful noise but in vain. They are borne along with increasing rapidity, by the resistless force of the vortex. ROOK rv. . THE SEA. 13 A crystal vase fair Marguerita held, And o'er the seas a liquid balm distill'd,* Sudden the foaming breakers cease to rave, Calm is the sea, and sunk the furrowed wave; The mountain billows rise on either side, Between, the vessel skims the tranquil tide. And fearless to the current's force resign'd. Leaves a smooth track of silver light behind. Within the dreadful vortex now they came, 270 W hirl'd in swift circles by the rapid stream ; At once the angry waves forget to roar. Their calm as wondrous as their rage before: ** Now speed thy course, my bark," the damsel cried, * And snatch the moment of the turning tide." She spoke : but scarce the central point they gain. Ere, with redoubled fui7, boil'd tlie main. And whirl'd, with giddy motion, round and round. The bark absorb 'd descends the abyss profound. * The power of oil, in stilling troubled waters, is well known ; though without the assistance of a sea-nymph, it might not be advisable to try its efficacy in the Maelstrom. At the turn of the tide, it is said, that the water* are for a few minutes nearly calm, and that fragments of shivered limber are then " refunded on the refluent wave." M 2 16-4 THE SEA. BOOK iv. But first a ring, where words mysterious shone, 280 Like those that mark'd the seal of Solomon,* The sea-nymph to the earth-born warrior gave, And, as in air, he breathes amid the wave. Dark closed the foaming waters o'er their head, And scarce a beam of straggling light was shed. While, chafed by rugged rocks, the waters flow Thro' narrow channels to the realm below. And scarce their utmost care the vessel guides, From sure destruction on the rocky sides. At length, the widening track admits a ray 290 Of pallid light, to cheer their dreary way; The angry waves retire, and safe they land, ^ fi Tho' faint with toil, on the subaqueous strand. Onward, thro' shady grots and sunny meads, Her wondering guest fair Marguerita leads, Who, in amazement, finds this realm unknown. Reflect as clear an image of his own, As the pure stream whose waters gently flow, Gives of the flowers that round its margin grow. * lu the Arabian Nights Eutertaimnents, Saleh, a king of the sea, pre- vious to plunging with his nephew, Prince Beder, into the water, places ou his linger a ring, engraved with the same words as those on Solomon's seal, by virtue of which he is endowed with the power of breathing in the water. BOOK IT. THE SEA. 165 But whence that song, tho' distant, sweet and clear, 3fX) That falls so soft on Alfred's wondering ear? Well may he hasten, well his heart rejoice, He hears, and knows Miranda's plaintive voice. " Far from his home, how sad the captive's doom, " The loathsome dungeon's solitary gloom ; " His lamp expiring casts a feeble ray ; " No sound of man, no beam of cheerful day " Breaks the dead calm, he meets no friendly eye, " Alone the echoes to his moans reply. " But sadder is my lot, condemn'd to see 310 " The bliss forbade, and mock'd with liberty. " On yonder hills that catch the morning ray, " How sad at evening sunk the waning day, " Sad was the calm the evening twilight shed, " Grief seem'd to sleep, and hope itself was dead. " How coldly fair, this green effulgence falls " On yon majestic hills and stately halls, " Faint as my fading hopes the feeble gleam, " Oh! how unlike that glowing golden beam M 3 166 THE SEA. BOOK iv. " That cheer'd my path, while youthful fancy wove 320 " Her fairy dreams of happiness and love : " When, with the cheerful confidence of youth, " I listen'd, Alfred ! to thy vows of truth, " And thought thy love so sure a source of joy, " The storms of life might pass unlieeded by. " Oh ! whither art th6u fled, what bonds restrain, " What spells delude thee, or what walls detain ?" The captive ceased; for whtt'is yonder l:ight, And who yon nymph? So sudden was the sight, It almost seemed that fancy but defined 330 Those forms so strongly imaged in her mind ; The grottoes with her shrieks of joy rebound ; Far off, Lymnoria started at the sound. Alas ! in vain those cherish'd friends are seen. The wall of waters fills the space between. In vain fair Marguerita lifts her hand, The stubborn barrier spurns the nymph's command ; But Alfred's mind recall'd the ring that gave Its wearer power to breathe amid the wave. He passed the glassy frontier, and in haste 340 The golden circlet on her finger placed : nooK IV. THE SEA. W She leaves the cave rejoicing ; but iji vain Thro' the clear wall would Alfred plunge again, In denser mass the angry waters rose, And rolling back, a narrower space enclose. " Oh, fly," he cried, " ere yet some stronger spell " To this sad grot again thy steps compell. " If thine the Veil, Marino's arjn shall lend " Its powerful succour to release thy friend ; " If he reject thy suit, bereft of thee, 350 " This grot, or Albion's isle, alike to me." Her captive scarcely fled, Lymuoria came. Amazement, anger, seized her trembling frame. " Fly, artful wretch," she cried, " yet dare not hope " Thy strength, thy power, thine arts, with mine can cope. ** For thee, mad youth, thou ne'er shalt boast again, ^ " Lymnoria's love rejected with disdain, V " That heart, which braver warriors seek in vain. j " What, tho' I feign'd, yet had I truly strove, " As much thy pride had scorn'd the proferr'd love ! 3fiO " This thought, should mercy seek to quench the fire, " To deadlier hate shall rouse my slumbering ire. M 4 168 THE SEA. book iv. ' Soon shall a stronger fence thy love secure ; ' A trusty guard shall make thy prison sure. ' ^""^ ' ' I will not rest till her my spells enchain, ' Till envying nymphs shall follow in my train, ' And hail Lymnoria empress of the main." i Thus spoke the nymph : the knight his steady eye Fix'd on Lymnoria, but disdained reply. She left the grot : in anxious thought he sate, 370 That hour decides his loved Miranda's fate. Henry, meanwhile, pursued his way ; amaz'd, On all the wonders of the deep he gaz'd. Here the smooth sands in shining plains extend. And lofty rocks in rugged points ascend ; On their rude sides the weeds of ocean wave. The nurturing seas their floating foliage lave. And here the gay Zoanthaj emulate* Flora's bright train and transitory state. * The actiniae or sea anemones, and sea marigolds, have received the name of zoanthae or animal flowers. They are of an oblong form, and when closed, resemble a truncated cone. They are fixed by the base, and the upper part is surrounded with many tentaculaj, in the centre of which is the mouth. Many of them are of very brilliant colours, and when their tentaculae are ex- panded, they have the appearance of full blown flowers. They feed on small BOOK IV. THE SEA. 169 Mid scatter'd shells, and tufts of herbage green, 380 The sad remains of human toil are seen. On wrecks of sliips, that proudly bore afar Britannia's wealth, or hml'd her bolts of war, Unnumber'd myriads ply their ceaseless toil. And frame the basis of a future isle; Tho' small as sands that shun the inquiring eye, Their solid works the waves and winds defy ; Still on the ruins of their race renew'd : They share alike their labour and their food. Where now a mimic garden mocks the view, 3Q0 And nature sports in every form and hue. Where scarlet flowers raid verdant foliage glow, And dusky fibres seem to twine below ; Mid azure tufts and blossoms silvery white. Where purple fruits the wondring eye invite ; Soon shall soft moss, and grass, and herbs extend, On coral rocks the lofty trees ascend ; The beasts shall roam, the birds their nests shall frame. And man at last his new dominion claim : shelKiish and other marine animals, which coming within reach of the expand- ed tentacalae, are immediately seized and drawn into the mouth, which closes over them. The shells, and other indigestible parts, are afterwards re turned througli the mouth. iro THE SEA. BOOK IV. Perchance his hand may turn the shallow soil, 4<)0 And wondring pause, and tremble for the isle, Alarm'd to see the crystal waters flow. And play and sparkle mid the sprays below.* As, through the trackless air, the feather'd race, With speed untir'd, pursue their rapid chace, Or sportive wheel in many a mazy ring, Now soar on high, now sink on idle wing ; Thus o'er his head the finny nations glide, And lash with strenuous tail the sparkling tide. * The coral islands are formed with a rapidity that is astonishing, whether we consider the great depth from which they rise, or the extreme minuteness of the animals that produce them. It is cliiefly in the Pacific Ocean thut this growth of coral takes place, where many large islands are continually forming, and rise up, from immense depths almost perpendicularly, to the surface of the water. Tlie sea then gradually filling up the interstices of the coral with mud and sand, a soil is formed, and by degrees the islands be- come the rich and fertile abodes of man and animals. Captain Flinders seems to have been particularly struck with the variety of form and colour presented by the corallines on the reefs of New Holland, or Australasia, " equalling in beauty, and excelling in grandeur, the most favourite parterre of the curious florist." Some of the animals that form the coral, seem to live in a kind of common- wealth, their bodies being connected by a net-work of nerves. It should ap- pear, that the food received by one affords benefit to the wlioje community, 80 that if one of them be indisposed to eat, he may subsist on the nutriment communicated by others. The growth of coral is much less observable in European seas, or in the Atlantic, except near the West Indies and in the Red Sea. There is coral in the Strcights of Messina, and Spallanzani has given a long account of th fishcrv there. Ro^et's Lectures. BOOK IT. THE SEA. 17 1 Like swallows marshall'd for their annual flight, 410 The smaller tribes in countless shoals unite, Still as they roam, inhale the briny flood, At once their liquid atmosphere and food.* Behind, the tyrants of the deep pursue, Their savage hunger kindling at the view, Their opening jaws the gates of death reveal. And shoals are crush'd at one rapacious meal. Here countless tribes their difi^erent kinds renew, Fixt to the spot where late their parents grew,-|- * Many of the larger tribes of fishes feed on the smaller kinds, and art exceedingly voracious, but most fishes appear to derive their subsistence from the element which surrounds them. Perhaps the medusae and other minute animals which inhabit the water, may contribute to their nutrition. Among birds which assemble for periodical migrations, those which fiy first of the troop, eat up the country, and are strong and fat, while their unfortu- nate followers, unable to find sufficient provision, are weak and emaciated, and full an easy prey to the tygers and hyenas that prowl behind. But in fish, where the shoals are infinitely more numerous, this is never the case, and the last of a shoal of herrings or of mackarel, is in as good condition as its predecessors. Did the majority of fishes require any other food than what is afforded by the water which surrounds them, where would the im- mense multitudes which inhabit the ocean find provision? It would be gree- dily devoured by the larger tribes, and they would be left to perish by fa- mine. R4>get's Lectures. t This is not precisely true with all the bivalve shells ; some of them pos- sess a slight power of locomotion. The oyster, for instance, by rapidly open- ing and closing its shell, is able to effect a slow and laborious motion from place to place, the reflux of the tide impelling it slightly at every action. 178 THE SEA. Bt30K jv; Their tender frames the shining shells defend, 420 Form as they form, and with their growth extend; Not theirs the power to urge their rapid way, And gain each moment on the flying prey, Yet little arts minuter tribes allure. Their closing shells the floating food secure; Firm on their native spot, they brave the storm. And still increasing, grace the rock they form. At distance thro' the waves, on Henry's eyes. Of ocean's chiefs the splendid mansions rise. Of motherpearl and shells united fram'd, 430 With burnish'd gold and glittering gems they flam'd; Sudden, as breathing from some flowery land. The wanderer's cheek a fragrant zephyr fann'd : Surprized, he felt its breath, and turning found His steps unknown had past a viewless bound, Behind his track the distant waves appear. Before, a light subaqueous atmosphere. By gorgeous palaces, and stately groves. O'er verdant hills, and cultur'd plains, he roves ; Beholding, as he past, with wondering view, 440 Tlie ocean nymphs their various toils pursue ; BOOK It. THE SEA. '178 Some seek the cooling rills or leafy bowers, Prune the green shriibs, or tend their opening flowers ; Some for their grots, gay shells and minerals sought, Some their thin webs of fine-spun coral wrought. Wound thro' the snowy pearl the golden thread, Or the light dance in sportive mazes led, Tlieir tuneful part in songs harmonious bear. Or draw thro' combs of pearl their yellow hair. But now a well-known voice to Henry's ears, 450 Miranda's loss, and Alfred's grief declares. Beyond the garden's flowery maze was seen The grotto, glittering thro' the foliage green. Where Alfred sate, the aqueous wall behind, Like some unhappy insect, amber-shrin'd. A monster guards the gate his bulk was roll'd Voluminous, in many a scaly fold ; He rears his sparkling crest but what avails His breath of fire, his adamantine scales. His veuom'd fangs, or fascinating glance, 460 That chills its victim, ere the foe advance !* * A great deal has been said respecting the power of fascination supposed to be exerted by serpents over small animals: Dr. Lichtenstein, in his Travels in Southern Africa, has recorded an instance of it. On the brink of a ditch, he saw a large snake in pursuit of afield-mouse. " The poor aniraal was 174 THE SEA. isooK it. Great Ariel's spells the intended bound arrest ; A sudden sleep his glowing eyes opprest; Senseless he fell, the warrior past the gate, And reachM the spot where mournful Alfred sate. He wav'd his wand, the waters glide away, As evening frosts before the morning ray; The astonish'd youth a joyful greeting gave, And sprang exulting from Lymnoria's cave. But now the ocean peers in council sate, 470 Not oft accustom'd for their king to wait, Tir'd with the labours of the march and fight, Vain was the summons of the morning light ; At length he comes, assumes his shelly throne, And makes the business of the morning known. just at its hole, when it seemed in an instant to stop, as if unable to proceed, and without being touched by the snake, to be palsied with terror." The headof the snake was raised over him, the mouth open, and the eyes sted fastly fixed on him. Both remained some time in this position, but as soon as the mouse made a motion to fly, the snake followed it immediately, as if he would stop bin). After sone minutes, the noise made by Dr. Lichteu- stein's approach alarmed the snake, who snapped up his prey instantly, and glided away into a bush. The Doctor appears ratlior to nscribe this pheno- menon to tlie poisonous breath of the snake, which he thinks might really paralyse the limbs of the mouse, than to any influence of its fixed eye, or the drend of inevitable death. BOOK IV. * THE SEA. 175 " My friends," he said, " in toil and danger prov'd, " Still faithful found, respected and belov'd, ** Time urges on ; attend your king's request, " And by your actions be your zeal exprest. " When next the morning sun illumes the tide, 480 ** Here will the spell conduct our destin'd bride, " Great were the shame, if we, in war's alarms, " Forgot the homage due to beauty's charms ; " Then be our court in all its pomp array 'd, " Let tilts and tourneys greet the chosen maid ; ** Such splendour in your arms and dress be seen, " As fits the welcome of your future queen ; " And let our nymphs with care and homage sweet, " The lovely wanderer as a sister greet, " By every kind attention smooth the change 490 " To realms unknown, and modes and manners strange. " Nor unattended must the damsel come " To this subaqueous clime, her future home ; " Let Cuma, and Lymnocharis the fair, " With speed to Albion's chalky strand repair, " There Potamos, Plemura, Clydon wait, '^ To guide her passage to her subject state." ire THE SEA. BOOK IV, He ceas'd ; yet still the parting chiefs delay 'd, For still in musing mood Marino staid ; Perchance fond fancy trac'd the form and mien, .300 And all the beauties of his bride unseen. When lo ! two damsels to the presence came, Whose graceful forms might colder hearts inflame : The one a veil's depending folds conceal'd, The other shone in all her charms reveal'd^ And all unbound her flowing locks appear, Those golden locks that every heart ensnare. Amaz'd, the enraptur'd king her charms survey 'd, And hop'd before him stood the appointed maid, For well her roseate bloom betray 'd her birth, 510 No ocean nymph, the lovely child of earth. Meanwhile, Miranda view'd his gentle eye, And gracious smile, with mingled hope and joy ; Yet paus'd the bashful maid, and fear'd to find Those gentle looks bely a sterner mind. " Blest be the events unknown," exclaim'd the king, " That to these realms so fair a stranger bring ! '* If ours to grant, we grant thy boon unheard. " Or as a favour be thy suit declar'd, BOOK IV. THE sea; tlf " If wealth can aid, our treasur'd stores command, 520 " If arms, ourself, and all our subject band !" Before his throne she fell ; the monarch tried In vain to raise her, while she thus replied : " Thanks, generous king ! but till thine answer seals " My future fortune, here thy suppliant kneels; '* Nor arms, nor wealth can aid; for tho' unknown, " The boon I crave depends on thee alone. *' Soon will the charm's resistless force compel " A weeping victim to thy regal cell, " Unless thy soul relenting, shaU resign 530 " The Veil that joins Miranda's fate with thine ; " Vain were thy love, thy splendour, to impart " One throb of pleasure to her bleeding heart, " For tho' thy graces might her favour claim, " The heart once pledged, admits no second flame ; " O'er her young mind a valiant warrior reigns, " Whom captive here a crUel nymph detains, " His freedom grant let my entreaties move, " And wed a nymph who gives thee all her love; " Before thee now she waits, in hope and fear 540 " Oh ! crown those hopes, and grant my earnest prayer!'* N 178 THE SEA; uook iV/ ^ Miranda ceas'd delighted and amaz'd. The amorous monarch on his suppliant gaz'd ; He deem'd the maid who spoke the enamour'd fair. And little thought Miranda's self was there. And when, as she of Alfred dar'd to speak. The rose bloom'd deeper on her bashful cheek, With joy he mark'd the radiant tint that glow'd. But to himself transferr'd the love it shew'd ; For we, ourselves still anxious to deceive, 650- Hope what we wish, and what we hope believe. With eager voice by sudden love inflam'd, " I yield the Veil !" the fickle king exclaim'd, " On charms unseen my fancy feeds no more ! " Haste ! Clydon, haste ! Miranda's pledge restore. " Yet ! ere you part, be here your homage shewn, " Here, to the destin'd partner of my throne ! " And thou, bright fair, in happy moment seen, " Receive the vows that hail thee as my queen." The monarch mark'd with transport, as he spoke, 560 The glow of joy that o'er her features broke. But wondering, saw that glow as soon decay, As sudden clouds obscure the April day. BOOK IV. THE SEA. 170 " Alas! my generous lord !" she cried, " I claim, " The sport of wayward fate, Miranda's name ! " Yet if this form have rais'd one thought of love, " Oh ! let that thought thy mind to mercy move, " Still let thy generous hand my pledge restore, " And leave me not more wretched than before." As in their course the advancing hosts were staid, 570 When Jove's brave son the Gorgon's head display'd. E'en thus, by grief transfix'd, Marino stood, And the fair maid with looks of anguish view'd. " Tho' from my breast its sweetest hope is riven, " Love must not triumph o'er a promise given." At length he said " My adverse fates prevail, " Blest be thy future hours, and thine the Veil ! " Yet ere a gift so valued I resign, " Find me some maid whose form may equal thine ; " Nor let her outward charms alone allure, 580 " Her eyes an index to a mind as pure : " If such the maid, whose flattering portrait shewn " My eager hopes too fondly deera'd thine own, N 2 180 THE SEA. BOOK IV. " Her name, her fortunes, and her race declare, " And while my sprites the nuptial feast prepare, " Lead me, Miranda ! to this unknown fair." Fixt on Miranda, scarce the king had view'd That near the maid another damsel stood. Till Marguerita dropt her veil, and shone Bright as from clouds emerged, the silver moon, 590 As on the evening of the jousts array'd Her slender waist Marino's gift display'd. " Alas !" he said, " my heart condemn'd to roam, " Still wanders on, nor ever finds a home ; " My fatal vow to thee my love denied, " Or never had I sought an earthly bride." " Hear me! great king," the sweet Miranda said; '' Should'st thou some nymph of mortal lineage wed, " Torn from the scenes to youthful memory dear, " Not pomp and power her lonely heart could cheer: 600 " Soon inward grief would dim the radiant charms " That wak'd thy love, and tear her from thine arms. BOOK IV. THE SEA. 181 " A nymph to wed, thy solemn vow denies, " But favouring fate a middle course supplies ; " Fair Marguerita, whom in years of yore " To brave Titanos young Ostrea bore, '* Alike from oceau and from earth her race, ** And blest with every charm a throne to grace." 'Twere needless now to tell the king's reply. Or paint in every breast the rising joy, 6 10 The assembled peers, who view'd the happy scene, On bended knees salute their future queen ; When thro' the crowd the rescued Alfred sprung. And thanks and greetings trembled on his tongue ; While youthful Henry foUow'd, to require A guide to lead them to the realms of fire. But till the mom the king commands their stay ; Tlie knights, tho' loth, the monarch's will obey. The lute's soft sound, the trump, and mellow horn. And songs of pleasure rous'd the lingering morn ; 620 What splendid scenes unfolded to the sight The soft effulgence of its emerald light ! The monarch's hall, of shells and coral rais'd. With pearl and gold and gems unnumber'd blaz'd. N 3 lf THE SEA. BOOK IV. The waves in lofty columns rose, and round Their shining shafts were wreaths of sea-flowers bound ; Beneath, of lords and dames a splendid throng, To grace their sovereign's marriage, mov'd along. The rites perform'd, the trumpet's warlike sound Caird to the tournament each knight renown'd. 630 To grace the barriers, on a lofty throne Marino sate ; his queen beside him shone, A snow-white lotus form'd her simple crown. Near her was fair Miranda placed ; no more Her looks or garb the stain of sorrow bore, But rob'd in white, all smiling and serene, She sate conspicuous in the splendid scene ; The Veil, the fatal cause of fear and pain. So long remov'd, so oft deplor'd in vain, Flow'd from her head in many a graceful fold, 640 And gave new beauty to her locks of gold. Around were ocean's fairest nymphs ; but there Could none with her, or with their queen compare. Yet many a youth that to the tourney came. With eager looks had sought one absent dame. And marvelled why Lymnoria, fair and gay, ^till prompt to haste where pleasure led the way, HOOK IV. THE SEA. 13 Who lov'd the ocean's fairest maids among To shine distinguished in the glittering throng. To mark each jealous damsel's smother'd sighs 650 Burst as they watch'd their lover's wandering eyes, When, like an empress, mid her slaves she shone. And deem'd each eye should fix on her alone ; Why only she novf shunn'd the festive scene. Where all were met in honour of their queen. Yet many a nymph the secret reason guest. In looks, and signs, and whispers half exprest. And marvelled, much how envy found a place In that fair breast, and love-inspiring face ; And some, whose minds a kindred thought conceal'd, 660 In specious guise their lurking envy veil'd : " Twas true their queen was gracious, good and fair, " Yet other nymphs might with her charms compare ; " And it was hard, must be by all confest, " To see one nymph thus rais'd o'er all the rest, " And more for her, once destin'd for the throne, " Who deem'd this damsel but usurp'd her crown." While some their queen's superior charms allow, ^ut mutter something of a broken vow, N 4 134 THE SEA. book iv. Yet most their sovereign's act and clioice approv'd, 670' For Marguerita, wheresoe'er she mov'd. Was still by all esteem'd, admir'd and lov'd. The gallant pair, who sought the realms of lire, Now from the king again a guide require, Who oft, with graceful earnestness, deplor'd The cause that forc'd them from his bridal board. Yet well he knew it could not brook delay, And tho' he wish'd, he would not urge their stay. But his fair bride her suit unyielding prest. On fair Miranda to remain their guest : 680 " 111 fitting your soft sex and tender frame " Are earth's dark caverns, or the land of flame ; *' Tir'd with the labours of our dangerous way, " Not 1, but prudence, now command your stay ; " Yet small would be my bridal joys, unshar'd " By her whose prayers the way to bliss prepar'd ; " And ere their finish'd quests the knights restore, " My bark shall waft you back to Albion's shore." Miranda yielded to the queen's request. Their grateful thanks the parting knights exprest ; 690 BOOK IV. THE SEA. 185 On either youth the king bestows a steed For swiftness fam'd o'er all of ocean breed. To both his hand with princely grace extends, And as their guide the noble Clydon sends. To each the queen a scarf pellucid gave, That stole its azure tincture from the wave. So bright it shone, its soft and silky fold Was like a wave around their armour roll'd; " This scarf," she said, " shall bid the flames retire, " And guard you safe amid surrounding fire j 700 '' Oh ! may success on all your steps attend, *' And your long labours find a happy end ! " And when his richest blessings Fortune showers, " And Love and Glory brighten all your hours, " Still let this gift, if chance it meet your view, " The memory of an absent friend renew." The knights already mounted for their way ; , T' annouuce the jousts the warning clarions play ; When in the lists a stranger knight was seen Of towering stature, and of noble mien, 710 Unknown to all his arms or steed : his shield A dolphin bore upon an azure field. 186 THE SEA. -book i v. To ocean's knights and dames he seem'd, as one By none remember'd, yet unknown to none. Surpriz'd, awhile the parting knights attend, The heralds now their martial call suspend. Swiftly he rode around the silent ring And paid his graceful homage to the king ; " My liege," he said, " ere yet the jousts commence, " Or these brave knights begin their journey hence, 720 " Hear me ! within this circle stands a knight, '" Whom I have sworn to meet in deadly fight, " Before my prince, and all his peers, to prove " False to his honour and his lady's love ; *' Forlorn, deserted, in her lonely bower, " Her weeping eyes the faithless youth deplore; " He flies, the champion of another dame " Who wins your favour in a borrow'd name ; " Him I defy, and in your royal sight, " Will prove unworthy of the name of knight !" 730 The monarch's cheek, where deeper crimson glow'd As spoke the stranger knight, his anger shew'd : " Long have our ocean-peers the praise obtained " Of dauntless valour, and of faith unstained. W)OK IV. THE SEA. 187 " And much we grieve a warrior should disgrace " Himfeelf, his knighthood, and his noble race. " Knight of the Dolphin, here his name declare ! " Tlio' high his rank, and as a brother dear, " That name this instant from our heart we tear ; ^* And tho' to mirth we vow'd this festive hour, 740 " Nor wish'd that blood should stain our nuptial bower, ** He whom thy voice announces I command " Here in the lists to meet thee hand to hand." Incens'd, the monarch spoke ; the knight unknown '' Alfred !" proclaim'd, and flung his gauntlet down. Amazement chill'd the youth accus'd; the maid In changing hues surprize and fear betray'd; In wondering silence sate the bride and king, While " Alfred!" echo'd from the astonish'd ring; At length Marino spoke : " The tale you bear 750 " Is strange, and most unwelcome to our ear ; '' Still let me hope some mystery clouds your sight, " And while you combat, heaven defend the right !" Tlie queen meanwhile the sad Miranda cheers, ^' Alfred is true, then why these causeless fears ? 188 THE SEA. BOOK iv, '' His heart is brave, tlien in his valour trust ! '' Just is his cause, and heaven protects the just !" Impatient Henry mourns the impending fray, Griev'd such a charge should thus their course delay, While Alfred snatch'd the gauntlet from the ground, 760 And rode in haste the listed circle round, " Come on," he cried ; " 'tis false ! my sword shall sham6 " Thy recreant heart, and vindicate my fame." The signal given, they ran, but stood the stroke, And in their hands the faithless lances broke; ' They seize their swords, but ward the blows so well, That guiltless yet is either gleaming steel ; At length the Dolphin knight directs a blow Which pierc'd the steed, but miss'd his wary foe : It fell, though slight the wound! The warrior stands 770 Recover'd, and on foot the fight demands. While struggling on the ground, the horse betray'd ' The fatal poison of the envenom'd blade ; ' The knights alone pursu'd the fight, nor heed The clamorous circle, or expiring steed. BOOK IV. THE SEA. 189 " The conflict cease !" exclaim'd the king; " the fight " Enough has clear'd the fame of Albion's knight ; i '^ " And on yon stain to knighthood's noble name " Has fix'd the mark of infamy and shame, " Just guerdon of the coward, who in strife 780 *' Assails with poison'd arms his foeman's life !" The Dolphin warrior in amazement stood. And now the steed, and now the falchion view'd; The crowd pour on, ungovern'd in their rage, And as a dog with pelting stones engage ; He rais'd his buraish'd helm a face appears By all remember'd, tho' unseen for years ! Fresh wonder staid the throng, disgrace and shame Could never mingle with Delphino's name. " Hear me, oh king ! and by that honour gain'd 790 " In many a dangerous field, and yet unstain'd, " My fame shall from this ordeal rise more bright, " Or hence I fly self-banish'd from your sight ! " Thrice have the seasons chang'd, and thrice renew 'd, " Since at your royal side in fight 1 stood ; " The Gnomes before us fled their artful flight " Too far I folio w'd in the heat of fight. 190 THE SA. 00* r^. " Thro' ways unknown escaped the dastard foe, " I sunk into a pit that yawn'd below ; " By walls of firm basalt, secur'd and chain'd, 800 " For three long years in darkness I remain'd. " A salamander heard my moan ; his aid " Thro' the firm rock at length my passage made. " This morn my native realm, and light of day, " Again I view'd rejoicing ; on my way " I met a nymph : with many a streaming tear, " Her lips the tale of wrongs and woe declare, " And ask'd my aid. To day, she said, the king " Graced with his bride the tourney's crowded ring. " Her faithless knight alone, whose artful dame SIO " The court amus'd beneath a borrow'd name, " Bound on a feign'd adventure, shunu'd the fray " My sword avenging must compel his stay, *' On this disloyal wretch her wrongs requite, " And shame the dastard heart that fled the fight. " She told his name and arms, and bade me speed; " Unarm'd I stood; she gave these arms and steed. " I staid not till I reach'd this fatal place, " And thought to meet with honour, not disgrace." BOOK IV. THE SEA; 191: " Disgrace," the king exclaim'd, " on her alone ! 820 " Come to my arms, thou bulwark of my throne. " O ! lost so long, so long as dead deplor'd! " And now, upon this happy day restor'd " But say, what sister of the briny wave ^ " To thee those arms and poison'd weapon gave?" " Three weary years," Delphino said, " have past " Since, in your court, I saw Lymnoria last, " The stranger damsel veil'd her face with care, *' But seem'd Lymnoria in her form and air." " Seek her! be swift!" the indignant monarch said, 830 Who not till then had miss'd the once lov'd maid. Meanwhile a nymph, who breathless long had hung On every accent of Delphino's tongue, When now she found his honour freed from stain, Love's fervent impulse could no more restrain. She ran, and, clasp'd with transport to his breast, Her tearg of joy bedew'd his silken vest. Three years in sable weeds she mouru'd the knight, And the same robes of pure and spotless white Her queen ihat welcomed, greet the youth restor'd, 840 And grace her own, and sovereign's bridal board. I9f- THE SEA. BOOK ir. But now Lymnoria came! her guilt was known; Scornful she stood, nor would the crime disown. " Great is our sorrow," said the king, " to find ** That lovely form bely so foul a mind : " Thy arts our gentle suppliants to delay, " The rocks and monsters that oppos'd their way, " This maid by fraud deluded to thy cave " Unnotic'd all, our clemency forgave; " But this rash act, which menac'd with disgrace, 850 " Not one brave knight alone, but all our race ; " Which, had not heaven forbade the hateful deed, " And sav'd brave Alfred by his dying steed, " Had lost a champion to his country dear, " And drawn from beauty's eyes the bitter tear, " This wakes our sleeping wrath, our mercy shown " Rebukes, and calls our deepest vengeance down. " While countless years their course unvaried roll " In those drear seas that bathe the Antarctic pole, " On sheets of ice where powerless sunbeams play, 860 " And fogs eternal mock the frustrate ray; " Where man has never yet presum'd, nor dare " The spirits of the deep to venture there; wooK IV. THE SEAi lOS " That is thy home! in frozen solitude, : mmm.'. *' There cleanse thy heart in deepest guilt embued." With tears and prayers, and every suppliant art, ? The nymph too late assails Marino's heart; Miranda, Marguerita, knelt in vain ; The doom pronounced, unalter'd must remain. Perhaps Lymnoria hoped her tears might move 870 In him some feeling of forgotten love, Or if condemned, the magic of her eyes In her defence would bid his warriors rise. But, no ! if love rebellion dared suggest, Reason subdued the thought, or shame supprest; While those who late her lightest word obeyed, Now turn'd indignant from the guilty maid : And what of pity in his alter'd tone Marino shew'd, appear'd in that alone. Yet long and keenly smarts the rankling wound, 880 When those admir'd and lov'd are worthless found. And truth's broad mirror, with a thousand flaws, Obscures the spotless image memory draws. As if indignant aught had power to bind To transient homage her unyielding mind. lU THE SEA. BOOK iv.., Lymnoria rose, and proudly moved along ; Two aged warriors led her thro' the throng : No late repentance in her eye was seen, "^ Her doom she reck'd not, strode with haughty mien, > And her last look glanc'd scorn upon her queen. 890^ The emerald sun now verging to the west, The impatient warriorsi hastened on their quest; Past were the hours design'd for martial sport, A spacious hall receiv'd the glittering court. And with their peers, the sovereigns laid aside The cold restraints of state and regal pride ; Mirth at the table sate, a welcome guest. And darkness clos'd unmark'd upon the feast. ^ When lo ! on every side, a sudden light From lamps unnumber'd burst upon the sight, 900 While echoing from a thousand fairy bowers, The merry dance prolong'd the evening hours. The ships above that skimm'd the sparkling tide The unwonted sight with sudden fear descried. Yet the soft beams and twinkling rays admire. And deem the bosom of the deep on fire : BOOK tv. THE SEA. 195 And as the stately notes of triumph swells Or sprightlier tones inspire the sounding shell, While the clear waves the dulcet strains prolong, They muse what syrens wake the midnight song. 9 10 END OF THE FOURTH BOOK. 2 THE VEILS. BOOK THE FIFTH. STROMBOLI. o 3 .Bj:ra Hwv .]-{ T 1 5 vf :t it t y. ( JJOaKOIlT^ THE VEILS. BOOK THE FIFTH. STROMBOLI. The Nymphs, meanwhile, upon the ocean side, Still watch'd the lessening vessel o'er the tide ; When, wafted by a thousand Sylphs that fling Arabian perfumes from each filmy wing. Behold, in all his glory, Ariel come. To guide Maria to the haughty Gnome. Concentred sunbeams form'd his radiant throne. His car refulgent as a meteor shone Along the ethereal way ; but brighter far Was he who sat in that celestial car. 10 o 4 200 STIlOMBOLI. BOOK V, Unfading flowers his golden ringlets bound, His regal brow a starry circlet crown'd; Bright glow'd his wings with every varying hue, His waving mantle caught the ethereal blue ; And never rose, in opening bloom array'd, Such tints as Ariel's glowing cheeks display'd ; Nor could the sapphire's azure lustre vie With the soft light of his benignant eye. His sterner warriors round, in martial sport, Mix with the lighter spirits of his court ; 20 The brisk Electron grasps his lightning spear, Keraunos moves the thunderbolt of war ; And mighty Bronte, whose tremendous roar Fills the vast caves of Erie's rocky shore, While loud contending o'er his foaming flood / With spirits of the mountain and the wood ;* There in mid ether, o'er the monarch's head. His cloudy veil gigantic Nephos spread; Whence on the gladden'd earth kind Ombra pours The grateful moisture of descending showers. 30 Bright Actin lends his ray, and Iris flies. And with her arch of beauty spans the skies. * Lake Erie, in North America, is said to be particularly troubled witb stotms of thunder and lightning. One of its bays is galled Thunder Bay. BOOK V. STROMBOLI. 201 Thence dread Thuella pours her raging flood, "1 Sweeps o'er the earth, and rends the lofty wood ; Her form transparent, half dissolv'd in air. Here gentle Drosa sheds the glistening tear. Here moves in blameless freedom every wind, That fabling Greece to bags and caves coufin'd. Some to the earth rude blasts and tempests bring, Some shake refreshing moisture from their wing, 40 Some genial warmth and fragrant incense bear, And aid the progress of the ripening year. But now the ethereal fabric touch'd the ground, While strains of heavenly sweetness breath'd around ; Such strains as floating o'er the Eolian lyre, The zephyrs bland at evening's close respire. Soft on her ear the dulcet accents fall. That to the radiant car Maria call, That car which thro' the trackless wilds of air To Sweden's distant strand the Nymph shall bear. 50 But ere she mounts, she craves the monarch's aid Upon her course to speed the Iberian maid. The king consents ; the Sylphs his mandate hear, And at his bidding frame a concave sphere. 302 STROMBOLI. book v. Clear and pellucid was its texture rare>''* ^ Livj.]- y)'- And scarce distinguish'd from the ambient air, Save by the hues of light that rise and fade, And ever varying on its surface play'd, And made it now like floating sapphire seem, And now betray the topaz' golden gleam; 60 Now sparkle with the ruby's fiery red, And now the emerald's cooler lustre shed. Like clouds in Phoebus' setting rays that glow, ^m '^^ '- Appear'd the airy car that hung below. It open'd, and a crystal throne display'd She mounts: the closing clouds conceal the maid. Yet thro' the lucid skreen her eyes survey All the long wonders of the various way, As high it floats, o'er many a sea and land. To flaming Stromboli's volcanic strand; 70 While wondering mortals mus'd what partial blast Could make that little speck proceed so fast. When all the clouds with easy motion sail. On the smooth bosom of the vernal gale. Saint George's Channel past, tho' distant, clear. Fair Gallia's realms in prospect wide appear ; ooKV. . STROMBOIJ. 1803 Her vineyards rich with fruit, her mountains high, < Where clouds extend, and snows eternal lie; >iJ ;> Her splendid cities, and her winding streams, m each illumin'd cot that brightly glows, And crowns with starry wreaths the mountain's brows. The sails swell'd briskly in the favouring breeze, As launched the bark upon the Eolian seas. Those seas, so oft to sudden storms a prey, While calms, delusive, flatter to betray ; 370 For oft when peaceful seem the summer skies, Without a wind the troubled waters rise, And by the waves on rocks volcanic tost, ^ The unsuspecting bark is wreck'd, and lost.* Now as the vessel lightly bounds away. In sportive troops around the dolphins play, With arrowy speed they cut the waters blue. Now disappear, now rise again to view. Now o'er the foaming waves their heads they rear. And spout their crystal fountains high in air ; 380 * The seas surrounding the Eolian isles are peculiarly liable to storms, and often without any apparent cause. It is probably from this circumstance, and from the violence and fluctuation of the winds, that they derived their name, and that the ancients there fixed the dwelling of Eolus. There is a celebrated cavern in Vulcano, called the cave of the winds, whence a con- siderable blast still issues. BOOK V. STROMBOLI. 221 Now from the prow dart swiftly to the helm, A playful escort thro' the watry realm.* Panaria's isle a milder aspect wore, And vines and olives cloth'd the fertile shore ; But Lisca's rock in native grandeur stood. And three small islands break the foaming flood ; When here, in number great, and great in size, The Xiphias' shoals the admiring knight surprize, Their pointed horns a pearly lustre gave, And shone like silver thro' the sparkling wave ; 390 Emerging from Messina's streights they steer. In Genoa's seas to pass the vernal year.* When thrice the glass had chang'd its shifting sand. On Stromboli Alonzo springs to land. * What particular species of cetaceous fish Spallanzani has here men- tioned by the name of dolphin, I know not, but he particularly notices the swiftness and apparent playfulness of their motions, as they sported round the felucca which conveyed him from Lipari to Stromboli. t The sword-fisli, xiphias ensis of Linnaeus, pass in large shoals twice ayear through the Streights of Messina, where there is a considerable fishery for them. From the beginning of April to the middle of June they pass to the Genoese seas, where they propagate. From July to September they return by the Sicilian side of tlie Streights of Messina, where the fishery is then carried on. 222 STROMBOLI. BOOK V. Yet how, if here, the Spanish maid to find, A thousand doubts distract his labouring mind ; Of all he ask'd, in vain no ship was here From Albion's isle, and all the sea was clear. At length he heard, as on the shore he stray 'd, Some peasants talking of a stranger maid, 400^ While every face surprize and fear betray 'd. I " Alone, at midnight's silent hour, she came, ' The shelter of my humble roof to claim, * No guardian veil conceal'd her lovely face * From evening blasts, or man's intrusive gaze. ' At morn she left me ; Ubald for her guide ; * Eager she climb'd the mountain's rugged side : ' And when she reach'd yon. gulf of liquid fire, ' In haste she bade the wondering youth retire. ' He went: yet linger'd nigh, and thought to hear 410 * His swift recall. At length he ventur'd near, ' But not a vestige of the nymph was there ; * Nor know we how she vanish'd, when, or where. * Her garb proclaim'd her from a foreign land, ' Yet has no vessel touch'd this sable strand : * So bright her charms, her form so light and fair, ' But for her eyes of jet, and sable hair. LOOK V. STROMBOLI. 588 } " Had left her rainbow dome and airy bower."* 430 " I else had deem'd that Fay, whose magic pow'r " Paints on the distant waves our mimic shore, . " Nay, rather deem her some deluded nun,' Another said, " who seeks her vows to shun; *The Fata, or Fairy ,'Morgana, supposed by the inhabitants to be the cause of a singular and beautiful phenomenon sometimes seen in the Faro of Mes- sina. It occurs at the time when the sun surmounts the eastern hills behind Reggio, and rises high enough to form an angle of forty-five degrees on the water before the city, which at these times is smooth and glassy. The spec- tator standing with his back to the sun, on a sudden beholds in the water numberless series of pilasters, arches, castles, towers, magnificent palaces, groves of trees, plains covered with herds and flocks, armies of men, on foot and on horseback, cc. &c. in their natural colours, passing rapidly in suc- cession along the surface of the sea. Sometimes, if the air be slightly hazy, these objects are surrounded with prismatic fringes ; and sometimes, when the atmosphere is highly impregna- ted with vapour, the objects observed on the water are repeated, though more faintly, at a considerable height in the air. These images appear to be merely the multiplied reflexions of objects on shore. They probably, like the rainbow, owe their origin to the adverse sun, aided by very peculiar circumstances in the atmosphere; and like it, are pre- cisely the same to no two spectators. A curious appearance is sometimes observable on Alpine heights. A company of adventurers ascending the brow of a mountain, with their backs to the rising sun, each person, perceives, on a frozen cloud before him, his own shadow, but not that of any of his com- panions ; its head crowned with a glory, and surrounded by various concen- tric rainbows. During the dense fogs which obumbrated London in January, 1814, many persons walking in the streets, and unable to distinguish their neighbours, were thus surprised by the company of their own shadows which started up at their sides as they past the lamps. All these phenome- na appear to have a similar origin, but they are not sufficiently frequent for much investigation. 334 STROMBOLI. " Heaven's vengeance has destroy 'd the guilty fair, " And let our voices rise in earnest prayer, " Lest we the horrors of her doom should share." " No !" said a youth, " be prayers and praises given " As to, a saint that leaves her throne in heaven ! " Last night, when all around was still and mute, " As at Lavinia's bower I wak'd my lute, " In the dark sky I saw a floating cloud, 430 " Where still the evening's crimson lustre glow'd, " It sunk to earth, and seem'd to melt in air, " When in its place I saw a damsel fair; " Round her dark locks a silver glory play'd, " As thro' the night's increasing gloom she stray 'd : " Perchance St. Catharine left her spouse, to tame* " The demon sprites that vex this land of flame." Each listener's looks increasing dread display ; " Enough," Alonzo thought, and turn'd away, Nor heeds the strife of vestal, saint, or fay. 440 * St. Catharine is a favourite saint with the Italians, and her marriage has afforded a subject to many of their best painters. BOOK v^ STROMBOLI. 23^ And noWj as chance a rugged pathway shew'd, 44(J The knight pursu'd the long laborious road. High o'er the mountain spread a lofty cloud, And wrapt the summit in its sable shroud; In vain he sought to pierce its dangerous womb, Sulphureous odours fill the fatal gloom. For mighty Kapnos, a gigantic guard, . Waving his " arms of mist," his progress barr*d ; And leagued with hot Scirocco's baleful breath. Had spread around this atmosphere of death.* Rebellious Sylph ! in vain thine arts essay 450 To stop the knight; thy monarch guards his way. '< Propitious power ! till now my friend and guide, " Oh! aid my progress here!" Alonzo cried. He spoke ; a sudden gale refresh 'd the air. And mighty Boreas hasten'd at his pray'r; Not as to Albion Arctic blasts he brings. And second winter on his icy wings ; * When the scirocco, or south-east wind prevajjs, Stromboli is covered by a great cloud of lurid smoke, impervious to the sun, except at the very edges, which are white. This cloud, composed of hot sulphureous vapours, often extends half way down the mountain, and a mile above it, and renders the ascent impracticable. During the north, or north-west wind, this cloud va- nishes almost entirely, and the mountain may be ascended with safety. Spallanzani. Q 226 STROMBOLI. ook . Here the mild breezes own his gentle reign, And waft Apulian fragrance o'er the main, At distance fell Scirocco seem'd to know, 460 And with instinctive terror shuns his foe; He spreads his tawny wings he scours the plain. And seeks Sahara's boundless wilds again. Kapnos awhile delay'd, then rising high, Spread his gigantic form and vanish'd in the sky ; Again the sun his orb unclouded shew'd, Alonzo hasten'd on his dangerous road, And reach'd the fiery gulf: a numerous band Of sprites around in hostile phalanx stand ; In vain he states what wondrous causes bring 470 A mortal knight a suppliant to their king, ' And prays their courtesy to guide him right With levell'd spears the train provoke the fight ; While Spintheros his arrows showers from far, Tlie gallant Phlogos hastes to closer war. Short was the strife what mortal could withstand The fierce attack of his unconquer'd hand ! The knight invokes celestial aid in vain ; His weary arms the faulchion scarce sustain ; When Phlogos now, who saw his strength decay, 480 Seized in his arms his unresisting prey ; HOOK V. STROMBOLI. i2t Faint with the heat, exhausted with the fight, '^ He hung a lifeless burthen on the sprite, " Who, while his comrade foUow'd, swiftly bore His victim to the inhospitable shore. " But whence," he cried, " and who this knightly pair " That treads these nether realms with dauntless air? " At their approach the sprites in haste retire, " And safe they move amid encircling fire ! " Stand knights ! in death your trespass you atone, 490 " Or win your dangerous passage with my own." The summons soon obey'd, in deadly fight The dauntless warriors clos'd with either sprite. But Spintheros, in missile warfare skill'd, (His arrows useless in the narrow field,) Soon yields to Alfred's arm ; his eye of fire, And roseate bloom, in pallid death expire. As turns the victor knight, amaz'd he found Alonzo pale and senseless on the ground; He rais'd his head on Alfred's scarf-clad breast 500 His lifeless arms and throbbing temples rest. 92 2^8 STROMBOLI. The wondrous scarf exerts its cooling power, Refreshing as at summer's sultry hour To sunburnt pastures the reviving shower, Or by the faint and weary traveller seen, Mid Afric's sands her springs and isles of green. i Meanwhile, with Phlogos hand to hand engaged, A long and doubtful conflict Henry waged ; While every blow the salamander dealt On Henry's magic cincture dropt unfelt; 510 And every stroke of Henry's vengeful blade Deep in his rival's mail a passage made. The wounded Phlogos writh'd with rage and pain, " But soon the ethereal essence clos'd again :" Thus slightest shocks the limpid stream divide, And o'er the wound thus flows the closing tide. Vex'd at his fruitless toil, the knight unroU'd His emerald scarf, and flung its silken fold Full on the sprite as bubbles on the wind Burst as they sail, nor leave a trace behind, 520 He sunk, and where his arm the fight maintained, No sign, no vestige, of the chief remained. BOOK V. STROMBOLI. S9f Alouzo now restor'd, uncheck'd they past, And Pyros' regal palace reach'd at last. Bright walls of fire the ample space enclose, Here domes of smoke on flamy columns rose. There smoky pillars wreaths resplendent bound, And cornices of fire the roof surround. While, like the vault of heaven, in dazzling light, The scattered lamps adorn its fleecy white, 530 Light forms of fire the hall majestic fill. And move obedient to their monarch's will ; Who by his beauteous bride, in awful state, Rais'd on a throne of fiery splendour sate. And round his graceful form such lustre plays. That e'en the sprites are dazzled as they gaze. Before them Leonora stood ; her air And mournful eye a fruitless suit declare. In vain she strove by prayers her Veil to gain, And mild Spinthera urg'd her lord in vain, 540 Sternly he frown'd, but when the knights he saw. His alter'd looks betray'd surprize and awe ; His glowing form and glaring eyes exprest The increasing storm that struggled in his breast. Q3 230 STROMBOLI. book v. " What means this sight, that mortal knights and strange " Thus through our kingdom unmolested range? " E'en to our presence force their desperate way ! "At their approach why shrink the sprites away? " Slaves ! ye that oft in victory's dangerous field " The Gnomes o'erthrew, or bade the Hydidee yield, 550 " Fear ye a mortal's arm ? advance, and shew " That none unpunish'd tread this realm below. " Promptly avenge your lord's insulted throne, " And let their lives their rash attempt atone !" The monarch spoke; while, chafed with inward ire. His nostrils breath 'd, his eyeballs flash'd with fire; Brave Henry rais'd the visor from his brow, And thus replied, in words sedate and slow : " There was a time, in Salem's hallow'd land, "1? " That Pyros join'd Mohammed's impious band, 56(r " There led the host that worship at his shrine, " And powerful spells and magic fenc'd their line. ' The Sylphs and Europe's host their force defied, " Triumphant fought, for heaven was on their side. " 111 would it fit a warrior's tongue to tell " Of vanquish'd foes that by his valour fell ; BOOK V. 8TR0MB0U. ail " And ill it fits a Christian knight to boast " Of ruth and mercy to a conquer'd host ; " But when beneath a Christian warrior's sword, " His vauquish'd votary call'd his distant lord, 570 " Then Pyros knows the arts he used to save, " The prayers he urg'd, the royal word he gave, " And Henky comes the promis'd boon to crave." He spoke : at once the monarch's anger gone. With milder mien he left his lofty throne, Each wondering warrior hail'd with courteous grace, And welcom'd Henry with a friend's embrace. " Forgive, brave knight," he said, " thy name unknown, " Our angry mien and strange reception shewn, " Hail to these nether regions ! and receive 580 " Such welcome as a grateful prince should give, " And be thy boon of worth at once to prove " Our friend's confiding mind, and Pyros' love." " Such shall it be !" the generous knight rejoin'd, " Not for myself I tax thy noble mind; " Here stands a maid, a suppliant at thy throne, " Whose tearful eyes her suit successless own ; e4 538 StROMBOLI. ook v. " And here a youth, in combat tried and proved, " Her love deserving, and by her beloved : " Then why, since fair Spinthera at thy side 590 " Now shares thy throne and heart, a beauteous bride, " Why not her Veil, a useless gift, resign, " Which checks her bliss, yet cannot add to thine, " And claim the joy to noble natures dear, " When smiles contend with beauty's grateful tear ?" " What ! yield the Veil, that late I deeply swore " To her I never, never would restore ! " I sought her love, and pleas'd she heard my tale, " Pledge of her faith, she freely gave the Veil " She now with tears would claim, but far away 600 " War with the Gnomes from her prolong'd my stayj " And when return'd, elate I sought the fair, " To tell my triumphs to her joyful ear, " Fearful to burst too rudely on her sight, " I lurk'd unseen behind a beam of light, " That thro' the waving foliage found its way, " Where on a bank the damsel pensive lay. " But while, with love's fond gaze, I watch'd the dame, " She with a sigh pronounc'd Alonzo's name. BOOK V. STROMBOLI. 233 " * Alas !' she said, * these groves already wear 6 10 " The joyous livery of the vernal year, " And ere these buds shall ripen into bloom, " A haughty despot bears me to his home. " Farewell ! dear scenes, where oft Alonzo tells " Of hope and love, and still his image dwells, " Soon must I tear that image from my heart! " And soon to fire's terrific realms depart ! " Doom'd, by the rashness of one fatal hour, " The consort of a strange mysterious power, " Of different race, and one who still must prove 620 " An object more of terror, than of love.' " With jealous fury stung, I darted through " The quivering foliage, muttering as I flew, *' ' No more shalt thou of Pyros' love complain, " He scorns to combat or to sue in vain ; " On this ungrateful earth no more I range, " And trust a race for ever prone to change. " I quit this upper realm to wound thy pride, " This night shall hail Spintliera as my bride. " Yet think not thy inconstancy, thy scorn, 630 " Ungrateful maid ! by me are tamely borne ; 234 STROMBOLI. ook v. " Or that thine hours in calm delight shall flee " With him thy folly now prefers to me, " For while I hold the mystic pledge, thy hand, " Affianced thus, no other dares demand. " And by yon sun that rules this subject earth, " That radiant orb whence I derive my birth, " Tho' thou with tears and ceaseless prayers implore, " To thee thy Veil I never will restore.' " Too late repentant of my vow, I heard 640 " The constant prayers Spinlhera's love preferr'd, " Forc'd, while my brows in borrow'd frowns were dress'd, " To hide the pity that my heart confest ; " Then drop, my friend, a suit by fate repell'd, " And claim some boon that I may freely yield. " For I, if told, had scrupled to believe " That thou could'st ask what I should pause to give." " If but thy vow resist," the youth replied, " Still shalt thou yield, nor claim I ought beside, " Then by some other hand from thine transfer 650 " The fatal pledge thou canst not yield to her." " I will!" the king in eager transport said, And o'er his form a milder lustre play'd : BOOK V. STROM BOLI. S86 " Well pleased I yield, nor deem caprice or pride, " Sweet maid ! to thee so long the gift denied^ " O'er my rash vow propitious fates prevail, " I pause no more, Alonzo, thine the Veil! " Restore it to those lovely locks, and may " Your future bliss your sorrows past repay." Wrapt in her rescu'd pledge, the Spanish maid 660 And joyful knight their grateful homage paid To fair Spinthera, to the royal sprite. To Alfred, and to Albion's generous knight. Then as he twin'd it in her sable hair, Alonzo recogniz'd, and claim'd his spear, (That spear had prov'd a faithful staff, to guide Her failing footsteps on the mountain side.) The Veil restor'd, not long the knights delay'd. Nor linger'd long the fair Iberian maid. She bids farewell in Chliarotes' care, 670 Thro' the deep gulf again she mounts to air. And oh ! how lovely to her wearied eye. The moon's soft light, the azure of the sky, The still and placid grandeur of the scene, The haunts of man, the tufts of sober green, 236 STROMBOLI. book v. And that red cloud, that in the blue expanse, With rapid motion sailing, met her glance ; Is that her airy car ? with what delight She watch'd it sinking from the ethereal height ! How softly seem'd the evening gale to breathe, 680 How calm the waves of ocean slept beneath ! While its fair freight the aerial vessel bore. And safely lands on Albion's happy shore. 683 END OF THE FIFTH BOOK. THE VEILS. BOOK THE SIXTH. THE RESTORATION. THE VEILS. BOOK THE SIXTH, THE RESTORATION. JVIe AN WHILE, great Ariel in his beamy car Speeds with Maria thro' the pathless air, While mortal crowds, with wild admiring eyes, Pursue the seeming meteor as it flies, By some believed portending wars and woe. And plagues and tempests to the world below; But nobler mhids in sager wonder gaze. Lost in conjecture whence the vi'anderer strays ; From lunar mountains if it take its rise. Or fumes condensing in superior skies; 10 240 THE RESTORATION. book vr. Or from some comet's train ignited hurl'd, Feels the attraction of our greater world ; Or as a minor planet swiftly moves Thro' various systems, kindling as it roves.* Thro' the light air, and fann'd by fragrant gales, As o'er the clouds the ethereal chariot sails, The maidea marks the Sylphs their tasks pursue With toil unceasing, zeal for ever new. Some from the sun, with speed unmatch'd, convey To heaven's remotest bounds the lucid ray, 20 Hence countless suns to distant worlds appear. And beaming planets gild each other's sphere,+ Some o'er the viewless rays of heat preside. And thro' ethereal realms their progress guide ; J * The subject of meteors and meteoric stones, and the numerous theories respecting Uiem have been considered in a note on the third Book, page 120. t The rapidity with which light is transnjitted is surpassed by nothing but electricity, which in its passage along a very extended chain, always appears to be in every part at the same instant. Whether light be a substance or an action, has been often debated, yet never decided ; but its extreme swiftness cannot be better illustrated than by the simple fact, that the time in which it passes from the sun to the earth, a distance of nearly one hundred millions of miles, docs not exceed eight minutes and a half. J Light and heat though usually, are not inseparably, connected, which is proved by the analysis of the ray by the prism. At the violet end of the spectrum, scarcely any heat is perceptible ; but it increases gradually towards the red rays, and is strongest in certain invisible rays which extend bej'ond them. In a similar way, the chemical effects produced by the beams of the BOOK v. THE RESTORATION. 241 While some diffuse n every side around The quick vibrations of concentric sound.* Some bid the lightning flash, the thunder roll, And, as they dart around each glowing polcj- . Their quivering lights the bright Auroras spread. Till all the wondering welkin flames with red.f SO Some paint in liveliest hues each various flower, Fan the slow flame of being, and restore In tenfold light, the torch's fading ray, Or bar the bold Electron's rapid way.J sun appear not to depend either on light or heat, but on a peculiar set of rays, , different though connected with them. Horn, silver, or any other body, whose colour is changed or blackened by exposure to the sun, is scarcely affected by the red rays, but changes more rapidly when it approaches the violet end of the spectrum, and in certain invisible rays beyond them the effect is much the strongest. The nature of heat, whether it be a substance or an action, a peculiar sub- tle fluid that insinuates itself between the particles of bodies, and incites them to repel each other, or merely a series of pulsations or undulations, received and transmitted by them, appears to be as little ascertained as the nature of light, and the French and English cheaiistshave, as usual, embraced opposite sides of the question. Davy and Brande. * The nature of sound cannot be better illustrated than by throwing a pebble into the water, and observing the concentric circles that immediately begin to spread, and becoming wider and fainter, cease at a considerable dis- tance. Sound consists of a number of vibrations transmitted by the particles of air in concentric circles around the body which impels them. Denser bo- dies convey sound better and more rapidly than air, for instance, water, ice, the metals, &c. t The spirits presiding over electricity are here intended. , The pheno- mena of the Auroras Borealis and Australis are generally believed to be ow- ing to the passage of electricity through the rare atmosphere of the poles. I It has been supposed that oxygen is the chief agent in producing the R 242 THE RESTORATION. book vx. While some, with these in union, close combine, And bid the leaves with pearly dew-drops shine ;* Or where above, the sun less warmly glows. In glittering stars congeal the feathery snows .*j vivid hues of flowers, particularly the red tints. Its presence is necessary to combustion and to respiration, which appear to be of the same nature, car- bonic acid being the result of both. It was formerly believed that oxygen entered into combination with the blood during respiration, and that it was absorbed ; but experiment has proved this opinion to be incorrect, and that the whole of the oxygen, consumed in respiration, is employed in the forma- tion of the carbonic acid evolved. It has been stated in a former note, that oxygen, on entering into combination with a body, destroys its conducting power; it is, therefore, said in the poem to obstruct the progress of electricity. Davy, Brande,and Rogers Lectures. * This alludes to the formation of water by the combination of oxygen and hydrogen, or inflammable air. It is a curious circumstance, that water, the greatest enemy to combustion, should be formed by the union of the greatest, and till lately believed, the sole supporter of combustion, with a gas itself in- flammable. t The snow which fell last January, 1814, contained many beautiful little flat feathery stars, having usually six poinrs. The largest were about a quar- ter of an inch in diameter, but the size varied. Dr. Clarke in the first volume of his travels states that, while he was at St. Petersburgh, the thermometer of Celsius, being at 5 below the freezing point, with little or no wind, snow fell for three hours in the most beautiful and regular crystals, each being about the size of a split pea, and consisting of a star with six points. During this time no other snow fell. A similar phenomenon occurred at Cambridge on the 16th January, 1810, under precisely similar circumstances, and is recorded in the Cambridge Chronicle. The stars were, if possible, more perfect than at Petersburgh. Dr. Clarke has given a theory to account for this appearance, but he seems not to have been aware that the crystallization of snow was not a new pheno- menon, but bad been obserred by Descartes and Kepler. The first probable theory of it was given by M. de Mairan, and is neatly illustrated by Dr. Hut- ton in his Mathematical Recreations. The small needles of ice, which are formed in the progress of congelation, are implanted one into the other in re- BOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. 243 Now speed the Sylphs o'er Cimbria's frozen shore. Now o'er the Baltic's tideless waves they soar,* 40 Now hovering o'er Salseberist hangs the car,"|* And now descending thro' the impassive air. They reach a dreary plain, where all around With sable pines or snows eternal crown'd. Their narrow view stupendous mountains bound. Here Ariel leaves his train, the car, on high Ascending swiftly, vanish'd in the sky: Around no chperful sound of life was heard, Nor haunt of man, nor cave of beast appear'd. Thro' the thick mist the sunbeams faintly glow, 50 And darkness hover'd o'er the pit below ; That pit whose depth would mock the keenest sight, If lamps beneath had shed a noontide light. gular and determinate angles which are always 60. Hence one particle of ice meeting another, unites with it in an angle of 60** ; four more arc gradud- \j added, and the simple star of six points is formed. If new needles of ice be added, they must place themselves on the first radii, either by making an obtuse or an acute angle towards the centre. In the first case, the result will be a star, the radii of which have a kind of barbs like a feather, or a star hav- ing six salient and six re-entering angles. Tliere are also some figures stifl more complex, but these are rare. * The Baltic is liable to various agitations, but has no regular tides. t The silver mines of Salseberist, and the descent to them, have often been described, and the accounts given of them have been here followed as correct- ly as possible. The greater part has been drawn frorh M. Boraare, as quoted by Madam Geulis. R2 S44 THE RESTORATION. book vr. Now o'er the black abyss the monarch bends, And thro' the unmeasured depth his voice descends, " A guide !" the king demands ; his heavenly breath Appear'd to burst the dreadful calm of death, While echoing from the gulf and rocks around, *' , ^ An hundred voices seem'd to join the sound. And now, tho' faint and wan, a ray of light 60 Appears below, and breaks the dreary night. It brightens,. and a hideous Gnome appears, Who thro' the gulf a bark ascending steers. Less black was Vulcan, at his ceaseless toil When Thetis found him in the Lemnian isle; Less gloomy Charon seem'd when he convey 'd, In his craz'd bark, the manes of the dead. His wrinkled brow with soot was cover'd o'er. His haggard cheeks a smile malignant wore ; His eyes, unus'd to meet the light of day, 70 Star'd wildly round, and seem'd to loath the ray ; Through his dark robes his naked arms appear'd, One held a torch, and one the vessel steer'd. The bark rose slowly to the pit's dark side, At two small seats in silence points the guide, BOOK vr. THE RESTORATION. 245 The Sylph supports and cheers the entering maid; " Descend !" the Gnome in voice of thunder said. Sad on her ear those hollow accents came, And thrill'd with horror all her shrinking frame. - .:. . :! - From his dark form she turn'd her glistening eyes," SCT And fix'd them wildly on the azure skies; Still less and less the lucid circle grew, Shrunk to a point, and vanish 'd" from her view. While fainter as it shone, her eager sight More keenly strain'd to catch the latest light, And when it fled, with grief and fear opprest. She droop'd, and hope forsook her aching breast. ** Alas !" she thought, " in that bright point, the skies *' And cheerful day for ever fled mine eyes ; " I go a living victim to the tomb, 90 " Where shapes terrific haunt congenial gloom ; " Far from those scenes which memory turns to trace, " Each well known spot, each * dear familiar face,' " From love, from Henry," then with look askance She casts upon the guide an anxious glance. Then on. the aerial monarch, to descry, And diaw fresh hope from that which lit his eye; Yet still her heart is chill'd by boding fears, And o'er her breast descend her streaming tears. rS 24ft THE RESTORATION. book vx. ; But now, with sudden cold, a dreadful sound 100* Of rushing streams and torrents roaring round, Arous'd the maid, yet nought her eyes survey,* The heavy air obscur'd the torch's ray That faintly glimmer'd through the dashing spray. But as the vessel sinks, the torrent's roar Dies in the distance, and is heard no more, While down the sad abyss, long, deep, and dark. With added swiftness still descends the bark ; At length they reach the ground, Maria springs From her frail seat, yet still to Ariel clings, 1 K) While through the narrow path of damp and gloom Their steps are lighted by the sullen Gnome. But now, what cheerful sounds and sudden light Burst in full splendour on her dazzled sight ! A vast saloon the astonished travellers gain. Where silver columns the bright dome sustain ; Four spacious galleries stretch the chamber round. Each with its roof of solid silver crown'd. * About half way down a tremendous noise is heard of torrents roaring^ on every side, but they are not visible. BOOK vr. THE RESTORATION. iit Innumerous lamps illume the splendid halls, In tenfold light reflected from the walls, 120 Or on a crystal stream their lustre shed, That gaily tript along its shining bed.* Amid his court, upon a lofty throne, In regal state, the sage ArgyroS shone. An aged chief; an ample realm he swayed. Revered for wisdom, and with joy obey'd; Yet more he wish'd his loaded wains to bear The gifts of commerce, than the spoils of war, And better liked his temper'd fires to yield The sculptur'd chalice, than the bossy shield; 130 Thro' crowded streets to urge his sumptuous cars, Than ride triumphant o'er the field of Mars : His word was truth, his wisdom high was deem'd, And next to Chrysos was his worth esteem'd, And many a doubtful cause, to him referr'd. He judged impartial, as he calmly heard: * A spadous hall surrounded by galleries is supported by columns of luine silver, which reflect in every direction the lamps that illume this subterra- nean region. A river passes along the centre of the hall ; and the contrast of this scene of light, with the preceding descent, is very striking. M. de Bomare. b4 248 THE RESTORATION. i>ooiv vi. To his award e'en Chrysos bow'd, and he, Their lord Albruno, sanctioned his decree.* Tliro' the vast throng that crowd this ample hall, The adventurers past, invisible to all ; 140 They reach'd the portal, where, with Attic taste. The frieze and valves with sculptured forms were grac'd : Thence her astonish'd eyes Maria bends, Where far beyond a spacious town extends ; In silver glow the towers and spires appear. The lofty walls their glittering turrets rear, All, all was light, the dazzled eye with pain Endures the glare, and seeks repose in vain. 'Now pass the pair thro' many a shining street. And busy Gnomes and wains unnumber'd meet,f 150 And view, where turn'd by subterranean gales, The restless mills expand their whirling sails. But watchful Ariel shudder'd here to view Each yellow flame decay in livid hue. * These lines allude to silver, as being Ihe usual standard of value ainoug civilized nations, and determining the price even of gold. . ; .i-^. t In the mine of Salseberist there is a windmill turned by a subterranean enrrent of air, and employed to raise the water, which might otherwise in- comntode the miners. BOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. S4f And heard the thrilling shriek of woe and fear, That told the mine's malignant demon near.* Those fading flames attest his baleful breath, Down sink the Gnomes, or fly the impending death. Or stand prepared again in native night To shroud the realm, and mock the demon's sight. 160 The evil Spirit came ^o'er Ariel's head, A snowy film, his floating form, was spread ; The watchful Sylph his powerful arms expands, Seiz'd the foul Sprite, and crush'd him in his hands ; Or, withering at his touch, unhappy fair ! Thy fears and hopes at once had ended there ! Bright beam the lamps, the Gnomes recovered rise. And all again is bustle, life, and noise. * An attempt is here made to give an idea of the phenomenon called by the miners Fire Damp. This is an explosion of hydrogen gas, which not un- frequently takes place in mines where ventilation is not properly attended to, and sometimes produces very fatal consequences. The hydrogen exhaling from some neglected part of the mine, takes fire at the lamps of the work- men, and produces a violent explosion, ihe effect^ of which are however less dreadful than those of the air rushing in to supply its place. If the miners have sufficient time, they endeavour to prevent the explosion by extinguish- ing their lights, or fall on their faces to avoid the return of the blast. Some- times they observe a white film floating over their heads, which they in- stantly seize, and crush in their hands, to prevent its explosion. In mines which are much troubled with hydrogen gas, the men are not allowed lamps, but work by the light of a flint-mill, or of sparks struck from a wheel sur- rounded with blades of iron, like that of a razor-grinder, and turned rapidljr round. J50 THE RESTORATION. book vi. The wanderers quit these busy realms of light, And plunge once more in silence and in night ; 170 Yet still from Ariel's crown the unfading ray Supplied the absence of ethereal day. Thro' many a cave and arched way they pass, > HeWn in primeval granite's solid mass, In speckled porphyry, or in marble white. Or glittering schist, or darker sienite. And now directly in the adventurers' way, Deep, wide, and swift a milky river lay ;* Awhile in thought the aerial monarch stood, Prepar'd to bear the maiden o'er the flood, 1 SC But as the Sylph approach'd, the waters fled, And dry they journey'd o'er its silver bed. Then paus'd upon the bank, surpriz'd to view The intermittive waters flow anew.f Rivers, where the soil is much impregnated with silver, have generally a milky hue. t Intermittent springs are not very frequent, but there are three or four in England; the principal of which are those of Lay well, nearTorbay, and of Buxton, in Derbyshire. In the former the water rises and falls twenty times in succession, and afterwards flews uniformly for two hours. In that of Buxton it intermits every quarter of an hour. But the most celebrated of intermittent springs are in the lake of Tschirnitz, in Carniola. This lake is about fourteen miles in length, and five in breadth. It is full of water daring the greater part of the year, but about the beginning of July the water runs oflF by eighteen subterranean conduits ; the fish either escape with KOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. 2*1 Just as they reach'd Albruno's stately dome, To meet his council mov'd the lordly Gnome ; With loud acclaims the spacious galleries rang, The vaulted roofs reflect the trumpets' clang : Here paus'd the Sylph, and turning to the maid, " Now fate propitious speed thy suit!" he said; 190 " Why is that eye deprest with sudden fear ? *' My presence will but mar thy fortunes here ; " Thy welfare calls me hence, yet still my power " Shall shield and guide thee in this awful hour, " And when this form next bursts upon thine eye, " I come the harbinger of love and joy." He spoke, Maria answered with a sigh. Where round his throne the vassal monarchs wait, Albruno like an eastern despot sate, The bravest warriors quail'd beneath his eye, 200 And scarcely dar'd to lift their looks so high. if, or ar destroyed, and cattle soon come to feed on the grass whicli rises quickly with great luxuriance in the bed of the lake. Three or four months after the water returns suddenly through the IkjIcs by which it was absorbed, with such violence that it spouts up to the height of several feet, and the lake is filled in less than twenty-four hours. For a farther account of intermittent fountains, and of the peculiar form of pipe which is necessary to produce them, see the fourth volume of Dr. Hutton's Mathematical Recreations. 25i THE RESTORATION. book vr. Tliose veteran chiefs who oft had brav'd in fight The hosts of fire, or bold Hydidae's might, With slavish fear obey their tyrant lord. Haste at his nod, and tremble at his word. Chrysos alone, a keen reproachful glance Darts on the king, more sharp than foeman's lance, Heeds not his angry look, and dares to frown On the pale Sprite that stands before the throne ; Kassiteros, whose servile tongue display'd 210 The wiles that lur'd the unsuspecting maid. And faltering told the unexpected aid ; Which (while his towers immur'd, not her alone. Whom to decoy those towers delusive shone, But two fair maids, by spells congenial tied,) His triumph mock'd, and made his labour void, Releas'd the damsels, and the fort destroy'd. Pleas'd with their counsels known, the king forgave The fruitless toil, arid smil'd upon his slave. When first this nether realm Albruno sway'd, 22d His just commands a cheerful land obey'd; By Chrysos guided, every happy hour. With blessings wing'd, bore record of his power. BOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. 25 His prosperous realm was free from war's alarms, Or led by wisdom, glory crown'd his arms ; Hope gaz'd with transport on his dawning sway, And blazon'd brighter still his noontide ray. But ah ! too soon the monarch's heart around His serpent folds false Oreichalcon wound, Rous'd by his breath, his heart alternate strove !sJ30 With mad ambition and insensate love : One bred protracted wars and countless foes, One taught the fraud that caus'd Maria's woes; While flattery clouded truth's serener rays. And urged him to pursue their meteor blaze ; And tho', his favourite dead, again his ear To Chrysos turn'd, with penitence sincere, Returning virtue vainly fought with pride. And love yet linger'd where ambition died. Nor could the sage's prudent voice persuade 240 The stubborn monarch to release the maid ; " Tho' time yet lingers, soon the appointed hour "\ " Will place the beauteous virgin in my power, V " Then haste, ye Gnomes, and trim the bridal bower; J " Let all that yields, delight to eye or ear, " Each pleasing tint, each soothing sound be there ; 254 THE RESTORATION. book vi. " All that on earth the female heart can charm^ " All that on earth can female fancy warm ; " So shall my zeal the grateful damsel move, " And wealth and splendour light the fires of love." 250 Thus spoke Albruno, when the entering maid Among his peers her fairy form display'd ; A lovelier nymph these regions ne'er had seen, Of form more graceful, or more princely mien, Tho' from her cheeks their wonted bloom was fled, And chilling fear restrained her airy tread. The chiefs around in silent rapture pause, Or join the whisper'd murmur of applause. Not so the king ! for tho' in mute delight On her lov'd form he fed his ravish'd sight, 269 When he beheld how dim, how sunk her eye, How pale her cheek, and heard her long-drawn sigh. His conscience woke, and to his tortur'd heart Her scorpion stings their fiercest fury dart; He trembled lest the assembled Gnomes should know That he had caus'd such aggravated woe, And at her bidding rise in rebel arms, The prompt avengers of her injured charms, BOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. 256 For all were taught that mutual vows allied ^ Their amorous monarch and his mortal bride, 270 > Though jealous Ariel would their loves divide. s While thus he mused, before his throne she fell. And strongly urged him to restore the Veil : By reason's force, or soft persuasive art. She tried to move his unrelenting heart. " Alas !" she said, " what hate thy bosom bears, " Thus to rejoice and triumph in my tears, ** Destroy each vision youthful hope has wove, " And wound thus deeply in the mask of love! " Can this be love? No; love is ever prone 280 " To prize its object's weal before its own ; " Ah, yet relent 1 ere, worn by lengthen'd grief, " My frame decays, and death shall yield relief; *' And oh ! if e'er thy bosom thrill'd with joy " When tears of rapture fiU'd the glistening eye, " And virtue long opprest, by thee restor'd, ** A thousand blessings on thy name implor'd, '* Oh ! let my voice, my woes, my tears prevail, " My sufferings pity, and restore the Veil !" 256 THE RESTORATION. book vi. Albriino gaz'fi upon the maid and sigh'd ; 290 Awhile he musing stood, and then replied, " Unhappy me ! whom adverse fates compel " To cause the woe of one I love so well ; " Oh \ why that love with hate requite ? and why " Still ask a boon which love must still deny ? " Claim ought but this, and if to grant be mine, " My power, my crown, my sceptre, all are thine ! " Thine are my treasures, all my secret store, " By Gnome or mortal never view'd before; " Thine Ophir's vaunted gold, the wealth that shines 300 " In proud Hispania's or Carinthia's mines ; ** Or where Siberia's frozen plains expand, " Or vast Sahara spreads her boundless sand ; " Golconda shall her glittering hoard resign, " And Ethiopia's gems and gold be thine ; " Earth too has mines revealed to me alone, " And wealth that slumbers in a world unknown,* " Yet if thou bid'st, for thee my Gnomes unfold " Potosi's silver, and Peruvia's gold, America was not discovered in the time of Edward the Third ; it would however be known to the Gnomes. . BOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. 257 " From Anahuac* bring the various ores, 310 " And choicest diamonds from Brazilian shores. " Doubtst thou my love ! look round this realm and see " What endless labours vex my slaves for thee ! " See, where yon hills rise towering on the sight, *' The landscape emulates the fields of light, " Yon ruby sun now darts his mimic rays, " This lofty dome the evening sky displays ! " Let these prevail, a favouring ear incline, " And oh ! by choice, and not by force be mine. " Bid my glad spirits dress the nuptial bower, 320 " For know, the Veil I never can restore." He ceas'd; the lingering ray of hope was fled, Which, while he spoke, sustain'd the anxious maid ; Senseless she fell, but Chrysos rais'd the dame. And, at his bidding, Amiantha came. Long o'er the nymph employ'd her care in vain, Before she woke to life and woe again. Meanwhile, Albruno mark'd the feeling strong That broke in murmurs from his vassal throng ; Anahuac, the great tract extending from Mexico northwards, and nearly theaine with New Spain, is rich in ores of every kind, and in precious stones, 258 THE RESTORATION. book vt. Fix'd not to yield, yet griev'd those sounds to hear, 330 Where ind^nation triumph'd over fear,..;. ~t,j .ui :; He pondered how to quench the rising flame, To sooth her grief, yet not resign the dame ; When, long in craft, and wiles insidious tried, The artful plan Kassiteros supplied, And, as the damsel weeping left the halJ, Her faltering steps the monarch's words recall. " Stay, lov'd Maria, stay ! my anxious heart " In all thy sufferings bears an equal part, ,, ;,; , - " I mourn each shade of grief that clouds thine eye, 340 " Feel every tear, and echo every sigh. *' Oh could I dry those tears that this might be " At any price but that of yielding thee ! " Too well I know why all my prayers are vain, " As lunar beams to melt the frozen main ; " Shunn'd as a foe, and odious in thy sight, " Why scorn and hate my profFer'd crown requite. " What tho' my rival boast the careless mirth, " The sportive gaiety of upper earth ; " For thee a love as warm, as pure, I bear, 350 " And call thee here a monarch's throne to share. BOOK vf. THE RESTORATION. S59 " Yet if with me in fight he dare to stand, " Here let proud Henry combat for thy hand. ** To-morrow is the day, should heaven incline, " The happy day that links thy fate with mine, " Then let him meet me, then my force assail, " Till sinks the sun, and win or lose the Veil. " Nay more, let him two champions bring to fight, " With me two Gnomes shall vindicate my right, " And should my warriors vanquish'd press the field, 360 " Victor myself, I yet the pledge will yield ; " (Oh, may the fates a happier doom decree !) *' Who wins the battle, wins the Veil and thee. " And while my busy sprites the lists prepare, " On earth my heralds shall the fight declare *' To Europe's farthest bounds, and whosoe'er " Accepts the challenge, lead in safety here. " Meanwhile, in this our realm, thy guide and friend, " Shall Amiantha on thy steps attend, " Her gentle cares, her tender watchful love, 370 " Shall charm thine anxious fears to rest, and prove " That not to day's ethereal realms alone " The softer virtues of the soul are known : " Though here the sun refuse his beam, we claim " Alike a portion of that heavenly flame, s 2 ?6d THE restoration: book vr. " That flows at once thro' earth, and ah-, and sk}v " One boundless flood of life, and love, and joy." Fraudful he spoke,, who deem'd securely chain'd, His deepest cell the captive youth detain 'd. Nor thought, for one unknown, the bravest knight 3b(> Thro' Europe's realms would dare the unequal fight y Or rashly should some chief the field demand. What could Albruno fear from mortal hand ? He only sought, by seeming good betray'd. From upper light to keep the hapless maid,' And hold her, when expir'd the fatal day, Within his power an unresisting prey. Maria, weeping, with her friend withdrew, . Nor found the prospect brighten on her view ; Fate seemed to draw a darker circle round, SQO Her Henry lost, herself more firmly bound While Amiantha vainly strives to cheer Her drooping heart, and dry the frequent tear ; Yet ever as the ivijur'd maid inclin'd In harsher hues to paint Albruno's mind. She on the portrait milder colouring laid, And^ave it brighter tmts and softer shade. BOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. 26 1 Where Albion lifts her chalky cliffs on high, The first faint crimson streak'd the eastern sky, When thro' the nether realms the sounding gong 400 Cajl'd to the lists Albruno's vassal throng. A brilliant ring ! yet many a blooming maid. And aged matron, mourning robes array'd, And oft the anxious eye look'd round in vain For warriors sleeping on the battle plain. Her hands to heaven uprais'd, in earnest prayer Maria sate, and seem'd a statue fair ; Or, by her wreath of flowers and suppliant eyes. Some victim drest for ancient sacrifice. The hour-glass told the fatal moment near, 410 Its last sands ran, yet was not Henry there. " Ah !" thought Maria, " whither dost thou rove, " While instant danger threats thy distant love, " While I the moments count in torturing fear, " The day may pass, nor thou the summons hear; " To reach the spot thy distance may deny, " Or if thou com'st, thou only com'st to die ; > " Ariel might aid me now, but thron'd in air, ** Jle sits sublime, nor heeds a wretch's prayer." s 3 363 THE RESTORATION. book vi. Prepared for fight, now proud Albruno came, 4^0 His diamond shield and ruby armour flame : With him Kassiteros, in white array 'd, His stately step vain confidence betray'd ; Chrysos was last, and seem'd to loath the cause That from its sheath his golden falchion draws. The martial trio past the barriers bright, Where lamps depend in many an arch of light. And thus the herald's voice announc'd the fight : " Our lord, Albruno, of a race divine, " Chief of the Gnomes, and Monarch of the Mine, 430 " Whom earth thro' all her realms obeys, and pours, "At his command, her never-failing stores, " Maria's suitor, cloth'd in temper'd mail, ** Now seeks her hand, affianc'd by the Veil, " And comes prepared, before the beauteous dame, " To fight with all who dare dispute his claim, " With him Kassiteros and Chrysos stand, " To prove his title to the maiden's hand ; " If any doubt his right, or dare deny, " Now let them come, and here his arm defy; 440 *' Before the maiden be their quarrel tried, " Who wins the battle, wins the Veil and " Bride." ROOK VI. THE RESTORATION. 268 Twice was the summons given, no answer came, ^ And a chill faintness seiz'd the maiden's frame ; Again in louder tone the herald cried, " Prepare we come !" a hollow voice replied. > Yet vainly search'd the anxious eye around, No warrior entering, answered to the sound. But like the troubled waters of the main. The heaving earth now rose, now sunk again, 450 Now yawn'd a cavern, whence with hissing noise. Sulphureous steams and azure flames arise, ' Upsprung three knights thus Cadmus saw the field, His labour plough'd, an armed harvest yield.* First Henry came, and on Maria threw A cheerful glance, that wak'd her hopes anew. And as the throng stand speechless with surprize, To instant fight the astonish'd king defies. While Alfred and Alonzo, gallant pair ! Firm on the closing ground the conflict dare. 46O All pause in wonder, but the most amaz'd, Albruno stood, and mutter'd as he gaz'd. * Crescitque leges clypeata virorum. Ovid. Metam Lib. Ill, s 4 264 THE RESTORATION. book vr. " How comes he here ? by whom released ? and how ? " His treacherous guards but 'tis no matter now. " Success is sure, and when I end the fight, " No common pangs their treason shall requite." He tum'd " Rash youth, and dost thou madly run *^ To brave that arm which prudence bids thee shun r" Aloud he cried " then on, proud mortal, come, " And from Albruno's sword receive thy doom, 470> " That fatal doom all rash intruders prove, " Who vie with me in combat or in love." No answer Henry deign'd the trumpets blew. And from their hands their beamy lances flew ; Guiltless they fell in nearer fight oppos'd They met and now with Alfred Chrysos clos'd, While mindful of his recent fall, with fear Kassiteros beheld Alonzo near. And fled but as he ran the barriers round. The spear, pursuing, pinn'd him to the ground. 480 He fell unpity'd, not a warrior there. Or maid or matron, grac'd him with a tear : But anger glow'd on many a veteran's face, Griev'd for the wounded honour of their race ; noorvr. THE RESTORATION. "^6 And inly blamed their monarch's tardy blade, And marvell'd at his vengeance thus delay'd. Fierce was the fight ; by love and hate inspir'd, Warm'd by her presence whom they both desir'd ; Swift rush'd the tide of life thro' every vein, They turn, they bend, and every sinew strain ; 490 Their shiver'd spears bestrew'd the glittering sand. Their threat'ning falchions beam'd in either hand ; Albruno's sword, the toil of many a year, Hewn from the axis of this mundane sphere. That adamantine prism, whose branches shoot In all directions from their parent root, And when he bids its smallest fibre shake. The city falls, the solid mountains quake ;* Keen was its edge, embued in many a charm, A weapon worthy of Albruno's arm. 500 By Ariel's hand was Henry's sword bestow'd. The wondrous blade witli fiery lustre glow'd; The Oriental nations believe that the centre, or axis of the earth, is an immense stone, which they call Saxhrat. All the mountains of the earth (among them the celebrated Caucasus) are ramifications of this stone, and it has others within the surface. When God is displeased with any city or nation, he commands this stone to give motion to one of its fibres, and, an earthquake instantly takes place. il66 THE RESTORATION. book vi. Form'd of concentred lightning, at its stroke The harden'd steel divides, and knotted oak, Yet now in vain repeated blows assail, A stronger charm secured Albruno's mail,* Each with unwearied strength attacks his foe. Each stroke eludes, and blow returns for blow ; Fast from their batter'd mail the flashes fly. The echoing caverns to the strokes reply. 5 10 Yet neither yields and Chrysos unsubdued. In dubious contest still with Alfred stood ; Now on the champion's head his sword descends, The temper'd helm his threat'ned life defends, Yet glancing down, the falchion pierc'd his side, His burnish'd arms the crimson torrent dy'd : Sunk on his knee, and senseless from the blow. He seem'd an easy victim to his foe. But brave Alonzo came, his massy shield Received the stroke at Alfred's breast impell'd ; 520 With vigour unimpair'd he wag'd the fight. And with redoubled blows assails the Sprite. * All the gems are perfect non-conductors, and hence impervious to th electrical sword of Henry. BOOK vx. THE RESTORATION. 267 Meanwhile recover'd, gallant Alfred sought The spot where Henry and Albruno fought, A mighty blow the king at Henry sped, Palsied his arm, his hand resign'd the blade. But Alfred's ready sword the loss supplied. Again the knight the angry Gnome defied : Thus foil'd, when victory seem'd secure, and cries . Of joy and triumph fiU'd the nether skies, 530 Furious he turn'd, and shuun'd the former strife. To glut his vengeful soul with Alfred's life. Broke was the hero's spear his faithful brand. His only weapon, shone in Henry's hand ; Yet on his breast he held his massy shield, And slow retreated o'er the ensanguin'd field ; He came where, writhing with a mortal wound, Kassiteros lay struggling on the ground ; Tho' lingering still, the spear forbade to rise, And on the fight he turn'd his dying eyes, 540 Strain'd every nerve, and seiz'd with either hand Brave Alfred's foot, and stretch'd him on the sand. His crafty spirit at the effort fled Beneath the monarch's arm the champion laid. His sword was lifted for the stroke of fate. When Henry's falchion fell with deadly weight ; 268 THE RESTORATION. book vr. His broken mail his wounded shoulder shew'd, But from the wound no crimson torrent flovv'd. " Turn, if thou dar'st," cried Henry, " coward Sprite ! " Or dar'st thou but with foes unarm'd the fight ?" 550' Stung with the taunt, Albruno tum'd his foe Shunn'd with an agile bound the impending blow ; With strength unwearied, and increasing rage, In closer fight the valiant pair engage, Now this, now that, retiring seems to yield ; Maria, trembling, eyed the doubtful field : Thrice Henry's falchion pierc'd the monarch's side, Albruno's twice in Henry's blood was dy'd ; In silent agony the Gnomes survey 'd The blow now hanging o'er their monarch's head, 560 And had his own good weapon arm'd the knight, No more were needful to decide the fight. The monarch bent beneath the mighty stroke ; In Henry's hand the faithless weapon broke ; Who, swift as eagles seize their prey, threw down The borrow'd falchion, and regain'd his own. Prepar'd to meet the monarch's arm he stood, Again they clos'd, again their fight renew'd. HOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. 9^9 Chrysos meanwhile still braved his angry foe, And parries oft, but seldom aims a blow, 570 Still as he fought, increasing strength he gains, The exhausted Spaniard scarce the fight sustains. When now, where Albion shines amid the main. The last faint sunbeam ting'd the watry plain, By turns Maria watch'd the doubtful fight. Or on the hour-glass fix'd her aching sight. And saw, as flow'd the shallow sands away, The jaws of ruin opening on their prey. Now proud Albruno, mad that mortal knight So long with him sustained a doubtful fight, o80 Infuriate spoke : " Too long thy arts evade " The fate impending on thy guilty head! " What spells secure thy mail ? what powerful charm " Eludes the vengeance of Albruno's arm ? " No mortal strength, unaided, could withstand " The deadly weight of this immortal hand ! ** Yet now receive thy due," and as he spoke. Full at his head he aim'd the dreadful stroke. The wary youth the threat'ning blow repell'd. Which spent its fury on his lifted shield ; 590 From his stunn'd arm the orb divided flew- Maria, trembling, sickened at the view, 270 THE RESTORATION. book vi. Sad on her ear the shouts of triumph fell. As to the orphan sounds her parent's knell, She saw her last faint hopes of conquest fail, Her love defenceless, lost the fatal Veil, While Amiantha's sympathizing heart Her sorrows wept, and bore herself a part ; Then first did maiden wish, in battle field. To see her love before his rival yield. 600 Meanwhile the dauntless youth collects his might, By one decisive blow to end the fight. To win or die ; and while the king addrest A mortal stroke at his defenceless breast, He turn'd the sword aside, and onward prest ; Then where thick plates of well-wrought brass unite His ruby arms and sapphire cuirass bright. He pierc'd Albruno's chest no more avail His vaunted valour, or impassive mail. Swift to his heart the burning blade was thnist, 610 The haughty monarch sunk upon the dust; For tho' immortal, yet of sense bereft. His heart forgot to beat, his cheek the colour left. Griev'd at the sad reverse, the astonish'd throng In silence stood, when struck the mighty gong : BOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. 271 That solemn sound, which on Maria's ear, That morning fell, in anguish and despair. Which seem'd the knell of happiness to toll, Slave to a haughty tyrant's loath'd controul, Now told the setting sun, the finish'd fight, 620 The Veil redeem'd, and safe her victor knight. With such sweet force the tide of rapture came. Its sudden weight o'erwhelm'd her weary frame ; She sunk ; but pleasure soon her eye relumed. And her wan face a livelier hue assumed. Albruno top revived the languid tide Again more briskly swell'd his veins, and dyed His sallow cheek, but as he slowly rose, A sullen shame his gloomy looks disclose. " Come ! " to the champions and the maid he cries, 6ilO With stifled anger, " take the Veil, your prize ! " Retire, ye Gnomes ; no sprite of Gnomian race ** Shall view his monarch in this dire disgrace ! " They reach'd the fatal spot; the chains that bound The crystal vase and emerald tripod round. The gloomy monarch seiz'd and as he broke. Deep thunders roll'd, and all the fabric shook ; 272 THE RESTORATION. book vi. Earth felt the shock in her remotest cave, Thro' air, thro' fire, and thro' the sapphire wave Each structure trembled ; high the billows rear'd 640 Their foaming crests, the bold Hydidae feared. The yawning ground admits the unusual day, And new volcanos burst their furious way, Tlie gatheriiig clouds deform the azure heaven, The mountains fall, by frequent lightning riven. Their prayers and tears affrighted mortals pour'd. And anxious Ariel knew the Veil uestor*d ! He blest the sign, and from his throne on high, Shot like a falling meteor thro' the sky. The king meanwhile, with sad yet haughty look, 650 To Henry gave the fatal Veil, and spoke : " Fate crowns thy arms, proud mortal ; I resign " The precious pledge that makes perfection thine ; " Fool that I was, to risk the chance of arms, " My dear bought right, and those unequall'd charms ! " Hence, daring warrior, to thy native land " There boast the triumphs of a mortal hand, " By thee subdu'd, a chief the lord of flame, " And ocean's king have vainly fought to tame ! BOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. 27S " For thee ! sweet maid, no language can impart 660 " The agony that rends Albruno's heart. *' Oh ! that my will, reversing nature's plan, ** My life could shorten to a mortal span, " To him resign my wealth, my pomp, my power, " So thy bright smile might gild the transient hour ! " Mayst thou be blest ! yet hence thy joy remove, " Nor swell the tortures of despairing love." He ceas'd ; impatient to restore the Veil, At fair Maria's feet her hero fell. Before the magic glass unconscious kneels 670 A wondrous truth the magic glass reveals ! Dropp'd from his youthful limbs his radiant arms, A grace ethereal heighten'd all his charms ; Dyed in the rainbow's hues, his wings unfold Their forms pellucid, starr'd with living gold. His roseate mantle flutter'd in the wind. His locks of waving amber flow'd behind ; In heavenly beauty shines the Sylph confest. And thus his lips the astonish'd maid addrest. " Fear not, Maria ! Since by chance reveal'd 680 " The truth from thee which yet I wish'd conceal'd ; 9T4 THE RESTORATION. mook vi. " A wondrous tale Aurelio shall declare, ** And why constrain'd a human form to bear. " Not ours alone to float on painted wing, " And drink the fragrant incense of the spring ; " Nor yet our sole employ to guide on high " The radiant orbs that gem the evening sky, " In vacant air the mimic suns to form, " Ride the bright sun-beam, or the rapid storm. " Our gentler ministry, with soft controul, G90 " In virtue's path directs the female soul ; " Unseen, we whisper in the ear of youth, " The golden rules of honour, wisdom, truth " Thus softly steals at eve the dewy shower, " The sunburnt fields reveal its balmy power " In many a glistening herb, and fragrant flower. " Two lovely infants drew a kindred birth " With me a Sylph descended to the earth ; " In opening youth each shew'd a form divine, " His charge Elvira, EveUna mine. 700 " Ceruleo long had striven, with fruitless art, " In virtue's paths to lead his pupil's heart, " For ever varying, her inconstant mind " Nor friendship fix'd, nor promises could bind ; BOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. m% *' With every charm that wins the heart to love, " A youth had woo'd the maid, nor vainly strove ; *' In evil hour a wealthier rival came, " He sought, he won forgot her former flame-^- '* The Sylph incens'd, withdrew his guardian power, *' Nor shed his blessing on their nuptial hour. 710 " ' How long,* he cried, * shall this capricious race ** Our labour baffle, and our care disgrace f *' Vainly we strive their wanderings to restrain, " The sex is all inconstant, false, and vain.' " ' Oh pause,' I cried ; ' though one thy bosom vex, " Waste not thy fury on the guiltless sex! . *' How many a female name, from age to age, ** Has history blazon'd on her brightest page, " For virtues Sylphs can scarcely hope to gain, " And constancy we emulate in vain !' 720 " ' Fruitless my toil' ^the angry Sylph replied " In harsher terms, and storied truth denied, " He challeng'd me a mortal maid to shew, ** Despising wealth and power, to love and merit true. T 2 2T THE RESTORATION. book vi- " His word I took in Evelina's name, / " " And pledg'd her to redeem her sex's fame, " For she was all that claims our fondest care, " Like thee was virtuous, and almost as fair ! " And should she fail, I vow'd no more to view " Yon starry regions of ethereal blue, ' ' ". ' 730 " A mortal form to bear, till came the time, " When three fair nymphs, in youth and beauty's prime, " Should scorn a monarch and despise his throne, " And death and fate defy, for love alone. " I will not tell, to slow disease a prey, *' How long I watch'd my pupil's charms decay, " And as she lay upon her early bier, *' In human semblance dropp'd the frequent tear ; " For the stern Sylph, when Evelina died, " Still claim'd the proof her early fate denied : 740 " How often hope revived her fading fire, " Which glow'd awhile, yet blaz'd but to expire ; " As wandering in the gloom, a flash of light " Gives tenfold darkness to surrounding night. " At length I knew thee could I fail to prove " The fondest transports of a mortal's love, pooiL VI. THE RESTORATION. m " With all that deeper tenderness refined, " That fits the nature of the ethereal mind? " But when I found thy love was sought in vain, " By him whose mandate awes this vast domain, 750 *' I hail'd with rapture pleasure's dawning ray, " The happy prelude to her cloudless day. " The rest thou know'st no longer fate denies, " I soar triumphant to my native skies." " And wilt thou leave me," sigh'd the weeping fair, " In this dark realm of anguish and despair ?" " Leave thee !" Aurelio cried, " bereft of thee, " The realms of light would boast no charms for me ! ** I call thee hence, a Sylph's pure joys to share " In those bright fields of empyrean air." 760 " Stay !". said the king, in whom Aurelio's tale Wak'd a faint hope again to claim the Veil, " Dar'st thou, a Sylph, and hence my mortal foe, " Thus venture thro' the hostile realms below, " E'en in my presence dare to own the offence, " And hope to pass unmark'd, unpunish'd hence ? T 3 918 THE RESTORATIOIf. book vi. " Ho ! seize him guards !" he stampt upon the ground : The ready vassals enter'd at the sound, While his brave comrades hasten'd to defend The weeping damsel and their injur'd friend ; 770 When o'er their heads a dreadful crash was heard, A sudden fissure in the dome appear'd, The blazing lamps grew dim, an azure ray Shot thro' the dreary realm unwonted day, While down the steep descent, with rapid flight, His Sylphs great Ariel bore, enthron'd in light ; And at his side was seen a lovely maid, Bright Amiantha, as a bride array'd. " Is this a monarch's faith ? these abject chains," He cried, " are these the meed a victor gains ? 780 " Here at thy call he came, a mortal knight, " With thee to prove the equal chance of fight. " With mortal strength thy mightier arm he dar'd, " And as a mortal claims his due reward; " Claims for himself, these knights, and damsel fair, *' Free passage to the realms of light and air. " What frenzy rules thee ? why does passion blind " The light of reason in thy noble mind ? BOOK VI. THE RESTORATION. tft " Has not experience taught thy soul to know " From purer sources purer pleasures flow ? 790 " Shake off" thy bonds ; or since a monarch's throne " Wants half its lustre while he rules alone, " Hiis maid behold ! nor can these regions find " A nymph more fair in person or in mind ; '* How long with smother'd fires she vainly lov'd " I need not say, this every act has prov'd ! " And many a Gnome remembers yet the days " Thine ear was pleas'd with Amiantha's praise. " And more, thy life preserv'd from Pyros' hand, " Who stretch'd her dying brother on the sand, 800 '* Claims this just tribute from a generous chief, " And calls on thee to sooth a sister's grief." He ceas'd ; with downcast eyes the monarch stands, Nor moves, nor speaks, in anguish clasp'd his hands; At length remorse and reason vanquish'd pride. And he with new affiection hail'd his bride, ^' I yield forgive my errors past," he said, " Ye valiant knights, and each afflicted maid ; " Oh ! here may all Maria's suff'erings close ! " Be this the last of Amiantha's woes ! 810 T 4 380. THE RESTORATION. hook vi. " Forme! the memory of this painful hour - " Shall curb my passions, quench the thirst of power, " And teach henceforth my sterner soul to find " A gentle guide in Amiantha's mind ; " Between the Gnomes and Sylphs might discord cease, *' And mighty Ariel's voice confirm the peace," " 'Tis done," the Sylph replied: " the Veil restor'd, *' 1 wage no war with earth's imperial lord ; " Peace in our realms shall rest, and stretch her chain *' O'er fire's bright regions, and the azure main. 820 " 1 lit the torch of war, the furious fire [ " I fan no longer, and the flames expire I" The monarch spoke, and call'd Maria fair, With each brave knight, to mount the radiant chair ; The Sylphs ascending cleave the heavy air. s Now to Albruno's hall his subjects prest In happy crowds to grace his nuptial feast. Again by Chrysos rul'd, in paths of truth, O'er his glad people reign'd the immortal youth ; And still, with gentle though unseen controul, 830 Mild Amianiha curb'd his fiery soul, BOOK vj. THE RESTORATION. VH And oft the grateful Gnomes, in loud acclaim, Join'd peace and love with Amiantha's name. Meanwhile, where Albion's fertile vales extend, Their chosen brides the three brave youths attend. The friendly Gnomes a sumptuous palace rais'd. Each marble hall with gems unnumber'd blaz'd ; The sportive sisters of the deep, around The stately columns wreaths of coral bound, And aU the shining treasures of the wave 840 To frame a grot of ample size they gave. Innumerous seeds, the spoils of distant lands. The Sylphids scatter'd from their airy hands, The fiery spirits gently warm the earth. And push each gay exotic into birth ; There, breathing fragrance, the Magnolias vied " In snow-white innocence and purple pride ;" While drest in roseate buds and leaves of green. The Kalmia rivals her delightful queen ; Proud of her form, in classic grace array 'd, 850 Tall Agapantha rears her purple head,* * The agapanthus umbellatus, is a Cape plant, and remarkable for the graceful form of its leaves and flowers. The leaves fall ia a curve on each side of the stem, virhich, rising to the height of tWo feet, bears on its summit a cluster of blue flowers, that before they expand have a great similarity to the Grecian honey-suckle. M THE RESTORATION. book vr. In varying dyes each gay Protea springs, And Passiflora spreads her scarlet wings ; O'er all superior, tall Agave tow'rs, And the bright Aloe glows with crimson flowers. The Sylphids caught, and rang'd in lines of light. The stars that shoot athwart the gloom of night. To sight reveal'd, in various forms they move. One Hymen seems, and one the God of Love, High in their hands their flaming torches bear, 8(30 And crown with roseate wreaths each happy pair. Great Ariel now appeared his gentle look Glanced on each lovely maid, as thus he spoke : *' Hail ! blooming nymphs, whose constancy restor'd " My lov'd Aurelio to his happy lord. " Your woes a Sylph from human bondage freed " Claim from his grateful king an ample meed, " For thee, Maria ! now his chosen bride, " Nor less in virtue to our race allied : " Ne'er shall thy lips resign the vital breath, 870 " Thy roses fade, or close thine eyes in death. ** Not like Tithonus, doom'd to bear the strife *' Of mortal weakness with immortal life, ooK VI. THE RESTORATION. 288 " Each circling year to that fair form and face " Shall add fresh lustre, more ethereal grace, " Till thy pure spirit shall spontaneous rise, " And seek its destin'd station in the skies ; " As Alighieri, with his heavenly love, " Soar'd to yon round of silver light above, " A partner in thy joys, thy hopes, thy cares, 880 " Till then his human form Aurelio wears. " Miranda, Leonora, lovely pair ! " And ye, brave knights, their mortal lot who share, " Yours be each joy that cheers the child of earth, " A blooming race shall deck your social hearth ; " And when, as all of human lineage must, " Your breath expires, and dust returns to dust, " No widow's eye shall weep her spouse's doom ; " One be your dying hour, and one your tomb. " Your spirits rising in a train of light, 890 " Shall with new splendours grace yon vaulted height,* * Previous to the discovery of the four new planets, Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta, Mr. Maclaurin and others, from the general analogy of our sys- tem, entertained the idea of the existence of a planet between Mars and Jupiter, and the attention of astronomers was directed to that part of the heavens. In January, 1801, Mr. Piazzi discovered a planet in the expected situation, but not larger than our moon. This planet he named Ceres; but 11 THE RESTORATION. book vi, " In that vast space, 'twixt Jove's imperial sphere " And fiery Mars, four smaller orbs appear, " Yours be the task to rule their course on high, " And guide the kindred worlds along the sky. it was 30 small, that after it was lost in the beams of the sun, there was great difficulty in finding it again ; and it was not till 1807 that it was recognized by Dr. OUbers, of Bremen. In the meantime. Dr. OUbers and Mr. Hard- ing, in their search for this planet, discovered two others, (Juno and Pallas,) which, upon calculation, appeared to have orbits precisely the same as that of Ceres, in their distance from the sun, and only differing in obliquity. From this singular circumstance. Dr. OUbers conceived the idea that these three planets might have been originally combined in one larger orb, which had been divided by some violent commotion. Were this the case, the frag- ments, from the regulated attraction of the sun and the other planets, would continue to revolve at the same distance from the sun, but the obliquity of their orbits would be determined by the direction in which they were thrown off. These orbits would however possess two common points of intersection, or nodes, namely, the pohit in which the parent planet was, at the time when it was rent by the convulsion, and the point opposite to it. The orbits of the three new planets being calculated, appeared to have these points of inter- section ; and Dr. OUbers, confirmed in his theory, and thinking there might be more planets, continued his observations, which, in September, 1808, were rewarded by the discovery of the planet Vesta. The orbit of Vesta intersectJ that of Pallas, but not in the place where it is cut by that of Ceres. PontTs Lectures. In the poem the new planets are made use of, but not on the system of Dr. OUbers. I have supposed them not to be the fragments of one unhappy planet, but coeval in their birth, to have revolved from the beginning in the same sphere. We may presume that any convulsion sufficient to rend a planet would have produced a sensible effect on all parts of the solar system. The re- . ciprocal attractions of the planets must have been altered, they must have beeu accelerated or retarded in their course, and such an extraordinary event, had it happened since the creation of man, could hardly have been unre- corded, if act in the writings of the learned, at least in the traditions of the ulgar. ftooK VI. THE RESTORATION. 885 " Join'd in your fates below, and joined above " In mystic intercourse of holy love, '* To circle yon pure source of day, and bound " In one bright sphere your planetary round." He spoke. No words their gratitude express'd, yOO But Ariel read it in each joyful breast. END OF THE POEM. PERSONS OF THE POEM. ALFRED. ALONZO. ELVIRA. EVELINA. HENRY. LEONORA. MARIA. MIRANDA. (Bitome^* ALBRUNO. ADAMAS Diamond AMIANTHA Amianthus AMMONIAS Ammonium metallic basis of anunonia ARGYROS Silver ASBESTOS Mmmtainjlax AVENTURINE A sparry gem BARION Barium metallic basis of barjtes BARYTES An earth BASALTES Basalt CALCION Calcium metallic basis of chalk CALCIOS Chalk CALAMINA Zinc 988 PERSONS OF THE POEM. CARBON CHALCOS CHALYBS CHRYSOS COBALTO GLUCINE GRANITES HYDRARGYRAS IRIDION ITTRIA KASSITEROS MAGNESIOS MAGNETES MAGNIOS MARMAROS MOLYBDOS NICKEL NITRON OPHITES OREICHALCON OROS OSMION PALLADION PLATINA PLUMBAGO PORPHYRITES SCHISTOS SIDEROS SIENITOS SILEXIS SODION SOLFARA STEATYTE STRONTIA STRONTIAS STYPTERION TELLURIC THEION TITANOS ZIRCON Charcoal Copper Steel Gold A metal An earth Granite Quicksilver A metal An earth Tin or petvter Magnesia Magnet Magunim metallic basis of magnesia Marble Lead A metal Nitre Serpentine Brass Mountain Osmium Palladium A metal Black lead Porphyry Shist Iron Sienite Silex Sodium metallic basis of soda Sulphur Soap rock An earth Strontium metallic basis of strontia Alhimine A metal Sulphur Chalk An earth PERSONS OF THE POEM. 38f S>?lp^0* ARIEL. ACTIN Sunbeam AURELIO BROISI'E Thunder CERULEO DROSA Dew ELECTRON Lightning IRIS Rainbow KERAUNOS TJiunderbolt NEPHOS Cloud OMBRA Shower SCIROCCO The south-east wind THUELLA Storm PpciOae* PYROS. ALBINOS ANTHRAX ANTHRACHIS CAUSIMOS CHLIAROTES CHLIAROS EMPREESMOS EMPYROS IGNICOMUS KAPNOS LAMPEDON MARMARYGOS MICANTE PERUSTOS PERICAUTHEIS Hot i Lighted coal Apt for burning ? Warmth Afiame or fire, a burning Fiery, that which contains fire Fiery hair Smoke Flash Brightness Glittering J Perustiu, Lat. burnt up^ ovKorched ago PERSONS OF THE POEM. PHLEGON Burning the name of one of the horses PHLOGOS of Apollo Flame PYRENEMOS Wind of fire PYRIGENES Child of fire PYRAUSTES PYROPHOROS Fire-fly Fire-bearer PYROSTHENES PYRODES PYRIDES SCINTILLUS Ignipotent Fiery, burning hot Son of Pyroi SPINTHERA > Spark SPINTHEROS ) SPODOS Ashes THERMOTES THERMOS \Heat THERMANTICOS THERMASION Having the power of making warm Thermesia warmth, heat l^pHiUae* MARINO. CLYDON Tide CUMA CUMOS \Wave DELPHINO Dolphin LYMNORIA From Au/uvof , a lake LYMNOCHARIS MARGUERITA Pearl POTAMOS River PLEMMYRA PLEMURA i Flowing London : Printed by C. Roworth, Bell-yard, Temple-bar, ODE ADDRESSED TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD VISCOUNT BELGRAVE. ODE ADDRESSED TO THE illGHT HONOURABLE LORD VISCOUNT BELGRAVE, ON HIS MARRIAGE WITH THE^HONOURABLE A LADY ELIZABETH MARY LEVESON GOWER, SEPTEMBER 16, 1819. BY MISS PORDEN. ... L O N'D O N. Printed by Cox and Baylis, Great Queen Street, I/iucolirs-Iiiii-l'ields. A 1819. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD VISCOUNT BELGRAVE. Ere WHILE from Cimbria's frozen strand When Roi.LO loos'd his willing sails, To change a dark and stormy land For calmer seas and temperate gales, And bade his raven's plumes expand O'er Albion's green and fertile vales, With him the Patriarch of thy name * Launch'd on the unbounded tide of Fame. See Note A. But no! it was not yet the hour! That spirit, still to Britain dear, Stood proudly on her rock-girt shore. And check'd th' invader's fierce career, That Monarch,* who alike could pour The tuneful lay, or hurl the spear. Still kept the hungry wolves at bay, And bade them seek an easier prey. From fNeustria's conquer'd hills, again Their hardy offspring Jstemm'd the tide, And Albion's boasted strength was vain. For William fought, and Harold died ; But soon, beneath the Norman reign Revived her old heroic pride ; With tears of conquer'd Monarchs wet, Bright bloom'd thy crest, Plantagenet!^ * Alfred, f Normandy. * See Note B. See Note C. Then fix'd 'mid Deva's valleys fair And hills that nurse her brawling stream, Oft, Bblgrate, have thy fathers there, Before the morning's saffron beam Burst on the wild-boar's forest lair ; But if thej saw the falchion gleam, Their chase forgot, they followed far To snatch the sterner joys of War. Soon with that martial lustre strove From the bright East a milder ray j The light of Song, the smile of Love, Charm'd Valour's awful frown away; Amid his sanguine laurels wove The myrtle bloom'd, and fragrant bay ; And Kings, in pomp of martial fame. Were proudest of a Minstrel's name.* See Note D. And he who felt th' harmonious call, His lot how blest, his life how sweet ; A welcome guest in bower or hall ; Where beakers ring or squadrons meet, Whoe'er should fight, whoe'er might fall, Secure a patron's smile to greet. And find, where'er he chanc'd to roam, A friend, a welcome, and a home. Yet happier, if by kindred bound ' To sing some far descended name, And bid its knightly hails resound A theme, though varying, still the same; The Heir, whose birth spread gladness round; The Youth, whose might upheld its fame, Or when fierce War no more alarms The Hero blest in Beauty's arms. Then had I liv'd, my Lyre perchance Had caught the festal tone of song, To lap the mind in willing trance, And pleasure's rapturous thrill prolong ; Had won approving Beauty's glance, Had sooth'd or rous'd a princely throng ; Or found some spell of tuneful power To consecrate thy bridal bower. But wine, unpractised, weak, and rude, . Alas ! were better skill'd to sing. When England's bold Crusaders stood Around their Lion-hearted King, How Fame with sacred laurels woo'd The Chief from whom thy fathers spring ;* On Jaffa's plain what Moslems fall, Or Acre's long-beleaguer'd wall. See Note E. 10 To trace his lineage, Heroes still ! When England joy'd for Calais won j Or when they fought on Crecy's hill, Where left to win his spurs alone, (Such was the dauntless father's will)* On sable Edward conquest shone ; Or pause on Poictiers' nobler name. When Grosvenor shared in Audley's farae.f Yet, Rose of Gower's illustrious line! In Caledonia's wars renown'd ;^ Sweet Bride! shall not one strain be thine? Once have these halls breath'd gladness round To see these princely stems entwine; That bridal's pomp in tears was drown'd ; But this prophetic Hope has said. Its splendid promise shall not fade. See Note F. f See Note G. J See Note H. See Note I. 11 Yet can the Muse of Heaven intreat For you, blest Pair! one blessing niore ? Of Worth, of Love, of Wealth or State, Has Heaven one richer gem in store ? On jou unchequer'd pleasures wait, Your cup of joy is brimming o'er; Oh ! may its sweets for ever flow, .^ As brightly as they sparkle now. Favourite of Nature, lovely maid ! The Rose must still its leaves resign ; Yet, if at last such bloom must fade, May not one youthful grace decline Till, in a grandchild's form display'd, Thou seest whatever charms in thine^ And beaming from her eyes shalt find As pure a soul, as rich a mind. 12 And, Belgrave ! may thy parents see In Virtue thou their genuine heir, Long blest in them, and they in thee, As duly train a race as fair: In Court or Senate, mayst thou be Thy 'Country's pride, her weal thy care; Sought in her hour of fear or gloom, Yet greatest, dearest, in thy home. Merit (it is thy blazon'd boast !) Is nobler than the pride of birth ; But 'tis not now the martial host Must call thy young ambition forth ; Now be the bloody trophies lost In the rich l^eM. of peaceful worth. See! Plenty's emblem decks thy shield ;* Go ! bid it wave on every field I See Note K. 13 Then, while thy fertile valieys wear (If that may be) a brighter green ; While Arts are prospering in thy care, And Cities rise where Wilds have been; While humbler crowds thy bounty share, And Love endears each smiling scene, Blest in so vast a power to bless, Be that thy pride, thy happiness. NOTES. A. Page 5. The Patriarch of the House of Grosvenor was uncle to Rollo the Dane, and accompanied him in his descent ou England in 876. Rollo was repulsed by Alfred, and sailed to France, where he succeeded in establishing himself in Neustria, to which he gave the name of Nor- mandy. Charles tiie Simple, King of France, being unable to dispossess him, was compelled, in 912, to acknowledge him as sovereign of the territory he had conquered, under the title of Duke of Normandy. Rollo embraced Christianity, and married Giselb, the sister of the King. This was in the time of our Edward tht Elder. B. Page 6. Among those who landed in England with William the Conqueror were his nephew, Hugh Lupus, the first Earl of Chestir,. and Gilbert Le Grosvenor, nephew to Hugh Lupus. C. Page 6. The origin of the celebrated sirname of Plantagenet, is helieved to be a sprig of broom, planta genista, which Geoffrey, Earl of Anjou, wore in his hat when ou a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Other writers say that Geoffrey himself derived it from his father Fulk of Anjou, the fourth King of Jerusalem ; who, on his way thither, used a branch of broom as a scourge. I'he line in the poem refers to Henry II, the con- queror of Wales and son of the above named Geoffrey, who was the first of our Kings who bore the name of Plantagenet. He is said to have placed a sprig of broom in his helmet, on making the vow to undertake a cru- sade for the delirerance of Palestine. D. Page 7. The glory of the Troubadours was short, but brilliant. Our Richard CcBur-de-Lion, Alphonsoof Arragon, his sister Beatrix, and 15 her husband Berenger of Provence, with most of the royal or noble Knigfitd who distinguished themselves even among the crowd of Heroes that adorned that golden age of Chivalry, were proud to blend the favours of the Muses with the tokens of Love, and the trophies of War ; and the accomplished warrior was expected to moot points of tender faith in the " Courts of Love," with the same graceful ease with which he led his lady in the dance, or vanquished in the tilt the champion of some rival Fair, E. Page 9. Robert Le Grosvenor was with Richard Coeur-de-Llou when that Monarch fulfilled the incomplete vow of his father (above-men- tioned) by a crusade to Palestine. He assisled King Richard on his voyage in the assault on Messina, and the conquest of Cyprus from Isaac Comnenes, and was afterwards present at the memorable Siege of Acre, the Battle of Aivouf, and tlic still more glorious Victory at Jaffa. F. Page 10. " Early in the day, some French, Germans, and Savoy- ards, had broken through the archers of the Prince's battalion, and had en- gaged with the men at arms ; upon wtiicli the second battalion came to his aid, and it was time, for otherwise he would have been hard pressed. The first division, seeing the danger they were in, sent a knight (Sir Thomas Norwich) in great haste to the King of England, who was posted upon an eminence, near a windmill (a). On the Knight's arrival, he said, " Sir, the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Stafford, the Lord Reginald Cob- " ham, and others, who are about your son, are vigorously attacked by " the French ; and they intreat that- you would come to their assistance (a) The field of Crecy is still distinguished by a windmill, which may be seen just before entering Nampont, between Montreuil and Abbeville. It is on a low hill, about two miles and a half to the left of the roa- Anf '?' CA90024.1388 Return this material to the litHary from which it vwas borrowed. K' >'f vw ,m.0B1999 ili-.ii^^. UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILI