Volume V Part 11 (1/2)

SWIFT,

POPE,

THOMSON,

YOUNG,

PHILIPS,

CIBBER.

As a specimen of the delicacy of our author's turn of verification, we shall present the reader with his translation of the following beautiful Ode of Sappho.

Hymn to Venus

1.

O Venus, beauty of the skies, To whom a thousand temples rise, Gayly false, in gentle smiles, Full of love, perplexing wiles; O G.o.ddess! from my heart remove The wasting cares and pains of love.

2.

If ever thou hast kindly heard A song in soft distress preferr'd, Propitious to my tuneful vow, O gentle G.o.ddess! hear me now.

Descend, thou bright immortal guest!

In all thy radiant charms confess'd.

3.

Thou once did leave almighty Jove, And all the golden roofs above; The carr thy wanton sparrows drew, Hov'ring in air, they lightly flew; As to my bower they wing'd their way, I saw their quiv'ring pinions play.

4.

The birds dismiss'd (while you remain) Bore back their empty car again; Then you, with looks divinely mild, In ev'ry heav'nly feature smil'd, And ask'd what new complaints I made, And why I call'd you to my aid?

5.

What frenzy in my bosom rag'd, And by what cure to be a.s.swag'd?

What gentle youth I would allure, Whom in my artful toils secure?

Who does thy tender heart subdue, Tell me, my Sappho, tell me who!

6.

Tho' now he shuns my longing arms, He soon shall court thy slighted charms; Tho' now thy off'rings he despise, He soon to thee shall sacrifice; Tho' now he freeze, he soon shall burn, And be thy victim in his turn.

7.

Celestial visitant once more, Thy needful presence I implore.