Chapter 4

ZEPHYRUSANDFLORA:A VISION.

ZEPHYRUS

AND

FLORA:

A VISION.

I.ASlate I wander’d o’er the flow’ry plain,Where Cambrian Cluyd pours his silver tide,Amidst the pleasures of fair Plenty’s reign,And blushing flow’rs and fruits on ev’ry side:II.Soft sigh’d the west winds, murm’ring o’er the dale,Whose ev’ry charm rose fresher from the breeze;The lofty hills more boldly kiss’d the gale,Which skimm’d their tops, and shook the wavy trees.III.The sun descending, shot his golden beamsAskance, with many a cloud his ev’ning throneAdorn’d; while mountains, woods, and lucent streams,With the last blushes of his radiance shone.IV.Far stretching hence, Cambria’s rough heights I view,Where Liberty long since forlorn retir’d,Left fairer climes, and skies of brighter hue,And, but at last, triumphantly expir’d:V.And wide around me wound the fertile vale[2],Fit theme and subject of the poet’s song;Whose num’rous beauties load the passing gale,Whose breath repeats them, as it glides along.VI.Bright Phœbus sunk, dim twilight now succeeds,Still gleaming dubious with uncertain ray,While tremblingly among the vocal reedsThe ev’ning breezes still more faintly play.VII.Amid this beauteous, soft, and flow’ry scene,On a high bank, all listless, I reclin’d;Whose shelving sides were crown’d with lively green,By tufted trees and bord’ring flow’rs confin’d.VIII.Here, while the landscape faded on my sight,Wild Fancy’s eye still brighter scenes supply’d;I view’d not the last track of parting light,Nor mark’d the fanning breezes as they dy’d.IX.At length, Imagination, roving maid,Though gentle sleep had fetter’d all my pow’rsIn golden chains, my busy soul convey’dTo other landscapes and immortal bow’rs.X.Methought I stood amidst a garden fair,Whose bounds no sight of mortal eye could trace,Situate mid-way, betwixt earth, seas, and air,Unmark’d by Time, uncircumscrib’d by Space.XI.Not half so sweet was that delightsome dale,Which to my waking view appear’d so bright;Forheredid never-ceasing suns prevail,With mildest sweetness temp’ring heav’nly light.XII.Spring breath’d eternal glories o’er the land:And gentlest winds, o’er fragrant lawns that blow,Nurs’d beauteous buds unset by mortal hand,And op’ning flow’rs that without planting grow.XIII.Serene the heav’ns, save where a cloudy shrine,Big with cœlestial plenty, sail’d on high,Show’r’d Spring’s own roses from her seat divine,And drew a purple radiance o’er the sky.XIV.Meanwhile, soft music echoing from each grove,Tun’d to enchanting notes most soft and clear,That breath’d the soul of harmony and love,Thrill’d the rapt breast, and charm’d the list’ning ear.XV.And still the while, with voices loud and sweet,The warbling birds in dulcet concert join’d,The waters murm’ring flow with cadence meet,“Low answer’d by the gently whisp’ring wind.”XVI.These themes of wonder silent I survey’d,Attentive hanging on each dying sound;Pleas’d with the glories which I saw display’d,And scenes of joy and pleasure op’ning round.XVII.Yet still methought a certain want appear’d,Of some to own this spot, so heav’nly fair,Else were each charming flow’ret vainly rear’d,“To bloom unnotic’d to the desart air:”XVIII.Else, were in vain these soft melodious strains,Which the whole soul of harmony inspir’d,Pour’d to the wild woods and the lonely plains,Though worthiest still by all to be admir’d.XIX.Such were creation’s first imperfect hours,When the gay heav’ns in early beauty shone,And earth, bedeck’d with beasts, birds, plants, and flow’rs,Spread all her bosom to the genial sun;XX.Unfinish’d still the mighty work appear’d,Till Man, the lord of all, was bid to rise;With open brow his face divine who rear’d,And sought with upright look his native skies.XXI.Thus as I paus’d, still louder swell’d the notes,From ev’ry bush, and brake, and echoing hill;While choirs cœlestial seem’d to tune their throats,And, with glad voice the chearful chorus fill.XXII.Then, by some magic pow’r swift snatch’d away,Ev’n to the midst of that delightful land,I view’d at once all clad in bright array,A thousand Genii of the gardens stand.XXIII.But far above all these a seat was plac’d,Dress’d with each flow’r that ev’ry season knows,Whose vary’d tints, in gem-like order, grac’dThe rural theatre which gradual rose.XXIV.For lo! the Genius of each blooming flow’rBrought his own fav’rite with peculiar care,To deck the arch of this inchanted bow’r,And, bowing at the throne, he plac’d it there.XXV.A sight more beauteous ne’er did eye behold,Than these bright tribes that glitter’d on the day;And, rich in purple dyes and flaming gold,Did their bright bosoms to the sun display.XXVI.Such was the throne;—but oh! what pen can traceThe heav’nly beauties of the matchless Two,Who, glowing with each bright cœlestial grace,Sat there aloft, conspicuous to the view!XXVII.The first, a youth of sweet and gentle mien,With many a wreath and knotted garland crown’d;Whose beauteous visage glow’d with charms serene,And on whose shoulders purple wings were bound:XXVIII.These when he spreads, reviving Nature poursHer copious treasures of immortal bloom;Whilst through vast realms he scatters vernal stores,And from his downy pinions shakes perfume.XXIX.His name wasZephyrus; and next him satThe beauteous goddess of the blooming year,The constant partner of his rural state,To heav’n and earth, to gods and mortals dear;XXX.Flora, bright pow’r, who sheds a thousand sweetsO’er thousand lands, what time her gifts appear,What time her consort with his kisses greetsHer coral lips, and wakes the rising year.XXXI.Her beauteous face was deck’d with youthful pride,Her graceful form in flamy robes was dress’d;And ev’ry charm wild Nature could provide,Adorn’d her head, and beam’d upon her breast.XXXII.Beside the throne, rang’d in fair order, stoodThe various Seasons of the rolling year;By all their train of months, weeks, days, pursu’d:And all their various symbols flourish’d here.XXXIII.First came theSpring, led by the rosy Hours,With all the Loves and Graces in her train;Deck’d with her wreath of never-fading flow’rs,Diffusing odours o’er the smiling plain.XXXIV.NextSummercame; his cheeks with ardour fir’d,With his own blushing fruits and harvests crown’d;Before whose face the infant Spring retir’d,And with her roses strew’d the russet ground.XXXV.Stain’d with the grape’s press’d juice, with steadier pace,Still looking backward on preceding time,RipeAutumnnext succeeded in his place;Scatt’ring rich fruits, the growth of ev’ry clime.XXXVI.LastWintercomes, with heavy step and flow,A hoary captive bound in icy chains;With haggard eyes, and mantle dipp’d in snow,Who still of cold in Spring’s own realms complains.XXXVII.Not one of these, but from their various storeSome off’ring meet to lovely Flora pay;Not one of these, but with that off’ring more,And her soft reign most willingly obey.XXXVIII.Ev’nWinter’sself, with look averted, throws,His thin-strewn flow’rets on the goddess’ shrine;Ev’nhiscold bosom for a moment glows,When he beholds her radiant form divine.XXXIX.But now the Genii of each plant and flow’r,Rang’d in fair order, wait her high commands;And each, approaching her delicious bow’r,In expectation of her verdict stands.XL.For many of thegarden’spainted race,And some that with their colours deck thefield,Rivals in wealth, in beauty, and in grace,Had wag’d high wars, unknowing how to yield.XLI.All claim’d preferment, and each one could boastOf some bright beauty or perfection dear,Which should induce mankind to prizehermost,And to preferment make her title clear.XLII.And some, of empty shew and titles vain;Alas! that Pride so many should deceive!Claim’d o’er their kindred plants and flow’rs to reign:And of their birthright others would bereave.XLIII.The Crown Imperial, and the spurious Flow’rWhich boasts of royal arms and royal mien[3];The warlike Plant that claims immortal pow’r[4],And that gay lady call’d the Meadow’s Queen.XLIV.All these, and more, that scorn’d a subject state,Rose to the claim of high imperial sway:Forgetting—to begoodwas to begreat—They rose to rule, unpractis’d to obey.XLV.Others again forbeauty’smeed contend,Chief amidst whom appear’d the Tulip race;A painted tribe, born only to contendFor praise, whereallis giv’n external grace.XLVI.Alcæa proud[5]; and lovely Venus’ joy,That does from adverse winds its title claim[6];The once conceited, self-admiring Boy[7],Whose love prepost’rous gave a flow’r a name.XLVII.The proud Carnation dipp’d in brightest dyes,Who still with thirst of praise and glory burns;With her whose mirrour cheats deluded eyes[8],And she that still to her lov’d Phœbus turns[9].XLVIII.There, with their num’rous chiefs of diff’rent hues,The painted Cock’s Comb, and his lofty train,Their beauties vaunting, to the rest refuseTo share the glories of their gaudy reign.—XLIX.The judges sat, each sep’rate claim was heard,While some forrule, and some forpraises, sought;And some had been disgrac’d, and some preferr’d,As in the goddess’ mind their various pleadings wroughtL.But her lov’d consort, gently whisp’ring, said:“What means my Queen, on these to cast her sight,Who have but pride or lust of sway display’d,Nor brought their real worth or virtues to the light?”LI.How many absent now, more fair than these,With greater fragrance in lone valleys blow?Or, if the garden’s flow’ry tribe more please,Where do the Rose and lovely Vi’let glow?LII.The Lily where, and all that num’rous host,Who claim true praise to innate virtue due;Or do theymerit leastwholoudest boast,And with false glare impose upon the view?LIII.For sure, of all who feel my genial gale,Or to the sun their fragrant breasts unfold,The best and sweetest that on earth prevail,Yet do I not in this fair court behold.LIV.He said; andFlora, rising from her throne,Bade present search for ev’ry one be made:Who, though their off’rings on her altar shone,Their modest haste had from the court convey’d.LV.Strait they return’d:—The lovely blushing Rose,The Lily ever chaste and ever fair,The Vi’let sweet with purple tints that glows,And Myrtle green, that scents the ambient air:LVI.With many more, grateful to sight and smell,By bounteous heav’n with matchless charms endu’d;That in the fragrant meads or gardens dwell,Or which wild wastes from human eyes seclude.LVII.These by their Genii now in modest guise,Excus’d from pleading ’midst the mingled throng.Claim’d but the tribute all allow’d their prize,Nor sought their own just praises to prolong.LVIII.Yet, these once seen, abash’d their rivals stand;And would have fled, butFlorathis deny’d;Who, rising graceful, with her out-stretch’d hand,Thus briefly to th’ assembled pow’rs apply’d:LIX.“Genii of gardens, meads, and sylvan scenes,Attendant still inFlora’svernal train,Say what this ardent, fond contention means,Why strive you thus for pow’r, and strive in vain?LX.Are you not all beneath our sceptre blest;Say, do not all confess our gentle sway?Then seek not one to triumph o’er the rest,But each in peaceful order still obey.LXI.Soallthe glories of my reign shall share,Soallbe still in poets songs renown’d,So shall myZephyrstill with gentlest air,Wave o’er your beds, with bloom eternal crown’d.LXII.Andyou, who not for pow’r, but beauty’s charms,For gaudy tints, still fiercely would contend;What envious fire such gentle bosoms warms?And where, alas! must the mad contest end?LXIII.Each has her charms, and each peculiar worth,To all in various portions duly giv’n,By secret Nature working at its birth,The lavish bounty of indulgent Heav’n.LXIV.Each has her charms:—but view the blushing Rose,Behold the beauties of the Lily fair;Few boast of equal excellence to those,Yet with their modest merit none compare.LXV.These, therefore, we prefer; and though no QueenBesides Ourselves we will to hold the reign;Yet, for their true desart conspicuous seen,We rank them foremost on the flow’ry plain.LXVI.Hear, and obey; and if aught else abide,To raise dispute among your orders bright;Still by true merit let the cause be try’d,And speciousshewyield to more solidright.”LXVII.She spoke;—the Seasons, and the winged Hours,Confirm’d her voice; then breath’d a rich perfume,WhichZephyrscatter’d wide o’er all the flow’rs,And deck’d their leaves with more than mortal bloom.LXVIII.Then, his lov’d consort straining in his arms,With gentlest touch salutes her swelling breast;Who strait shone forth in more refulgent charms,AsJunowhen by vernalJovecaress’d.LXIX.And sudden joining in a mazy dance,The airy phantoms of the scene appear’d;Some to the sprightly timbrel did advance,While some their clear harmonious voices rear’d.LXX.But One among the rest, who view’d me standIntent, and gazing on the prospect near,Came forth, and gently touch’d my trembling hand,And bade me mark his words, and nothing fear:LXXI.“And seest thou not (said he) these vary’d flow’rs,Contending still for beauty or for sway?Such are the contests which employ man’s hours,In life’s short, busy, transitory day.LXXII.For what is gaudy beauty’s short-liv’d bloom,The pomp of pow’r, of riches, or of pride;Soon bury’d in the undistinguish’d tomb,Which all their boasted pomp at once must hide?LXXIII.Virtuealone survives, immortal maid!Her truly amaranthine flow’r shall blow,When all the rest are wrapt in dusky shade,And laid in dark and dusty ruins low.LXXIV.Hear, and attend!—improve the moral strain,So may’st thou sail safe through life’s dang’rous sea;So from these scenes thou wisdom may’st attain,AndFloraproveMinerva’sself to thee.”LXXV.He ceas’d; and well I mark’d the prudent lore,And much revolv’d his saying in my mind;Bent all the mystic moral to explore,By this romantic, splendid scene design’d.LXXVI.But, the full concert swelling on my ear,The bands of Sleep dissolv’d, away he flies;At once the train of phantoms disappear,And on my waking sight the vision dies.LXXVII.No longer now nearFlora’sbow’r I stood,But view’d with op’ning eyes the rising day;Then down the Valley fair my path pursu’d,And homeward took my solitary way.

I.ASlate I wander’d o’er the flow’ry plain,Where Cambrian Cluyd pours his silver tide,Amidst the pleasures of fair Plenty’s reign,And blushing flow’rs and fruits on ev’ry side:

ASlate I wander’d o’er the flow’ry plain,

Where Cambrian Cluyd pours his silver tide,

Amidst the pleasures of fair Plenty’s reign,

And blushing flow’rs and fruits on ev’ry side:

II.Soft sigh’d the west winds, murm’ring o’er the dale,Whose ev’ry charm rose fresher from the breeze;The lofty hills more boldly kiss’d the gale,Which skimm’d their tops, and shook the wavy trees.

II.

Soft sigh’d the west winds, murm’ring o’er the dale,

Whose ev’ry charm rose fresher from the breeze;

The lofty hills more boldly kiss’d the gale,

Which skimm’d their tops, and shook the wavy trees.

III.The sun descending, shot his golden beamsAskance, with many a cloud his ev’ning throneAdorn’d; while mountains, woods, and lucent streams,With the last blushes of his radiance shone.

III.

The sun descending, shot his golden beams

Askance, with many a cloud his ev’ning throne

Adorn’d; while mountains, woods, and lucent streams,

With the last blushes of his radiance shone.

IV.Far stretching hence, Cambria’s rough heights I view,Where Liberty long since forlorn retir’d,Left fairer climes, and skies of brighter hue,And, but at last, triumphantly expir’d:

IV.

Far stretching hence, Cambria’s rough heights I view,

Where Liberty long since forlorn retir’d,

Left fairer climes, and skies of brighter hue,

And, but at last, triumphantly expir’d:

V.And wide around me wound the fertile vale[2],Fit theme and subject of the poet’s song;Whose num’rous beauties load the passing gale,Whose breath repeats them, as it glides along.

And wide around me wound the fertile vale[2],

Fit theme and subject of the poet’s song;

Whose num’rous beauties load the passing gale,

Whose breath repeats them, as it glides along.

VI.Bright Phœbus sunk, dim twilight now succeeds,Still gleaming dubious with uncertain ray,While tremblingly among the vocal reedsThe ev’ning breezes still more faintly play.

VI.

Bright Phœbus sunk, dim twilight now succeeds,

Still gleaming dubious with uncertain ray,

While tremblingly among the vocal reeds

The ev’ning breezes still more faintly play.

VII.Amid this beauteous, soft, and flow’ry scene,On a high bank, all listless, I reclin’d;Whose shelving sides were crown’d with lively green,By tufted trees and bord’ring flow’rs confin’d.

VII.

Amid this beauteous, soft, and flow’ry scene,

On a high bank, all listless, I reclin’d;

Whose shelving sides were crown’d with lively green,

By tufted trees and bord’ring flow’rs confin’d.

VIII.Here, while the landscape faded on my sight,Wild Fancy’s eye still brighter scenes supply’d;I view’d not the last track of parting light,Nor mark’d the fanning breezes as they dy’d.

VIII.

Here, while the landscape faded on my sight,

Wild Fancy’s eye still brighter scenes supply’d;

I view’d not the last track of parting light,

Nor mark’d the fanning breezes as they dy’d.

IX.At length, Imagination, roving maid,Though gentle sleep had fetter’d all my pow’rsIn golden chains, my busy soul convey’dTo other landscapes and immortal bow’rs.

IX.

At length, Imagination, roving maid,

Though gentle sleep had fetter’d all my pow’rs

In golden chains, my busy soul convey’d

To other landscapes and immortal bow’rs.

X.Methought I stood amidst a garden fair,Whose bounds no sight of mortal eye could trace,Situate mid-way, betwixt earth, seas, and air,Unmark’d by Time, uncircumscrib’d by Space.

Methought I stood amidst a garden fair,

Whose bounds no sight of mortal eye could trace,

Situate mid-way, betwixt earth, seas, and air,

Unmark’d by Time, uncircumscrib’d by Space.

XI.Not half so sweet was that delightsome dale,Which to my waking view appear’d so bright;Forheredid never-ceasing suns prevail,With mildest sweetness temp’ring heav’nly light.

XI.

Not half so sweet was that delightsome dale,

Which to my waking view appear’d so bright;

Forheredid never-ceasing suns prevail,

With mildest sweetness temp’ring heav’nly light.

XII.Spring breath’d eternal glories o’er the land:And gentlest winds, o’er fragrant lawns that blow,Nurs’d beauteous buds unset by mortal hand,And op’ning flow’rs that without planting grow.

XII.

Spring breath’d eternal glories o’er the land:

And gentlest winds, o’er fragrant lawns that blow,

Nurs’d beauteous buds unset by mortal hand,

And op’ning flow’rs that without planting grow.

XIII.Serene the heav’ns, save where a cloudy shrine,Big with cœlestial plenty, sail’d on high,Show’r’d Spring’s own roses from her seat divine,And drew a purple radiance o’er the sky.

XIII.

Serene the heav’ns, save where a cloudy shrine,

Big with cœlestial plenty, sail’d on high,

Show’r’d Spring’s own roses from her seat divine,

And drew a purple radiance o’er the sky.

XIV.Meanwhile, soft music echoing from each grove,Tun’d to enchanting notes most soft and clear,That breath’d the soul of harmony and love,Thrill’d the rapt breast, and charm’d the list’ning ear.

XIV.

Meanwhile, soft music echoing from each grove,

Tun’d to enchanting notes most soft and clear,

That breath’d the soul of harmony and love,

Thrill’d the rapt breast, and charm’d the list’ning ear.

XV.And still the while, with voices loud and sweet,The warbling birds in dulcet concert join’d,The waters murm’ring flow with cadence meet,“Low answer’d by the gently whisp’ring wind.”

XV.

And still the while, with voices loud and sweet,

The warbling birds in dulcet concert join’d,

The waters murm’ring flow with cadence meet,

“Low answer’d by the gently whisp’ring wind.”

XVI.These themes of wonder silent I survey’d,Attentive hanging on each dying sound;Pleas’d with the glories which I saw display’d,And scenes of joy and pleasure op’ning round.

XVI.

These themes of wonder silent I survey’d,

Attentive hanging on each dying sound;

Pleas’d with the glories which I saw display’d,

And scenes of joy and pleasure op’ning round.

XVII.Yet still methought a certain want appear’d,Of some to own this spot, so heav’nly fair,Else were each charming flow’ret vainly rear’d,“To bloom unnotic’d to the desart air:”

XVII.

Yet still methought a certain want appear’d,

Of some to own this spot, so heav’nly fair,

Else were each charming flow’ret vainly rear’d,

“To bloom unnotic’d to the desart air:”

XVIII.Else, were in vain these soft melodious strains,Which the whole soul of harmony inspir’d,Pour’d to the wild woods and the lonely plains,Though worthiest still by all to be admir’d.

XVIII.

Else, were in vain these soft melodious strains,

Which the whole soul of harmony inspir’d,

Pour’d to the wild woods and the lonely plains,

Though worthiest still by all to be admir’d.

XIX.Such were creation’s first imperfect hours,When the gay heav’ns in early beauty shone,And earth, bedeck’d with beasts, birds, plants, and flow’rs,Spread all her bosom to the genial sun;

XIX.

Such were creation’s first imperfect hours,

When the gay heav’ns in early beauty shone,

And earth, bedeck’d with beasts, birds, plants, and flow’rs,

Spread all her bosom to the genial sun;

XX.Unfinish’d still the mighty work appear’d,Till Man, the lord of all, was bid to rise;With open brow his face divine who rear’d,And sought with upright look his native skies.

XX.

Unfinish’d still the mighty work appear’d,

Till Man, the lord of all, was bid to rise;

With open brow his face divine who rear’d,

And sought with upright look his native skies.

XXI.Thus as I paus’d, still louder swell’d the notes,From ev’ry bush, and brake, and echoing hill;While choirs cœlestial seem’d to tune their throats,And, with glad voice the chearful chorus fill.

XXI.

Thus as I paus’d, still louder swell’d the notes,

From ev’ry bush, and brake, and echoing hill;

While choirs cœlestial seem’d to tune their throats,

And, with glad voice the chearful chorus fill.

XXII.Then, by some magic pow’r swift snatch’d away,Ev’n to the midst of that delightful land,I view’d at once all clad in bright array,A thousand Genii of the gardens stand.

XXII.

Then, by some magic pow’r swift snatch’d away,

Ev’n to the midst of that delightful land,

I view’d at once all clad in bright array,

A thousand Genii of the gardens stand.

XXIII.But far above all these a seat was plac’d,Dress’d with each flow’r that ev’ry season knows,Whose vary’d tints, in gem-like order, grac’dThe rural theatre which gradual rose.

XXIII.

But far above all these a seat was plac’d,

Dress’d with each flow’r that ev’ry season knows,

Whose vary’d tints, in gem-like order, grac’d

The rural theatre which gradual rose.

XXIV.For lo! the Genius of each blooming flow’rBrought his own fav’rite with peculiar care,To deck the arch of this inchanted bow’r,And, bowing at the throne, he plac’d it there.

XXIV.

For lo! the Genius of each blooming flow’r

Brought his own fav’rite with peculiar care,

To deck the arch of this inchanted bow’r,

And, bowing at the throne, he plac’d it there.

XXV.A sight more beauteous ne’er did eye behold,Than these bright tribes that glitter’d on the day;And, rich in purple dyes and flaming gold,Did their bright bosoms to the sun display.

XXV.

A sight more beauteous ne’er did eye behold,

Than these bright tribes that glitter’d on the day;

And, rich in purple dyes and flaming gold,

Did their bright bosoms to the sun display.

XXVI.Such was the throne;—but oh! what pen can traceThe heav’nly beauties of the matchless Two,Who, glowing with each bright cœlestial grace,Sat there aloft, conspicuous to the view!

XXVI.

Such was the throne;—but oh! what pen can trace

The heav’nly beauties of the matchless Two,

Who, glowing with each bright cœlestial grace,

Sat there aloft, conspicuous to the view!

XXVII.The first, a youth of sweet and gentle mien,With many a wreath and knotted garland crown’d;Whose beauteous visage glow’d with charms serene,And on whose shoulders purple wings were bound:

XXVII.

The first, a youth of sweet and gentle mien,

With many a wreath and knotted garland crown’d;

Whose beauteous visage glow’d with charms serene,

And on whose shoulders purple wings were bound:

XXVIII.These when he spreads, reviving Nature poursHer copious treasures of immortal bloom;Whilst through vast realms he scatters vernal stores,And from his downy pinions shakes perfume.

XXVIII.

These when he spreads, reviving Nature pours

Her copious treasures of immortal bloom;

Whilst through vast realms he scatters vernal stores,

And from his downy pinions shakes perfume.

XXIX.His name wasZephyrus; and next him satThe beauteous goddess of the blooming year,The constant partner of his rural state,To heav’n and earth, to gods and mortals dear;

XXIX.

His name wasZephyrus; and next him sat

The beauteous goddess of the blooming year,

The constant partner of his rural state,

To heav’n and earth, to gods and mortals dear;

XXX.Flora, bright pow’r, who sheds a thousand sweetsO’er thousand lands, what time her gifts appear,What time her consort with his kisses greetsHer coral lips, and wakes the rising year.

XXX.

Flora, bright pow’r, who sheds a thousand sweets

O’er thousand lands, what time her gifts appear,

What time her consort with his kisses greets

Her coral lips, and wakes the rising year.

XXXI.Her beauteous face was deck’d with youthful pride,Her graceful form in flamy robes was dress’d;And ev’ry charm wild Nature could provide,Adorn’d her head, and beam’d upon her breast.

XXXI.

Her beauteous face was deck’d with youthful pride,

Her graceful form in flamy robes was dress’d;

And ev’ry charm wild Nature could provide,

Adorn’d her head, and beam’d upon her breast.

XXXII.Beside the throne, rang’d in fair order, stoodThe various Seasons of the rolling year;By all their train of months, weeks, days, pursu’d:And all their various symbols flourish’d here.

XXXII.

Beside the throne, rang’d in fair order, stood

The various Seasons of the rolling year;

By all their train of months, weeks, days, pursu’d:

And all their various symbols flourish’d here.

XXXIII.First came theSpring, led by the rosy Hours,With all the Loves and Graces in her train;Deck’d with her wreath of never-fading flow’rs,Diffusing odours o’er the smiling plain.

XXXIII.

First came theSpring, led by the rosy Hours,

With all the Loves and Graces in her train;

Deck’d with her wreath of never-fading flow’rs,

Diffusing odours o’er the smiling plain.

XXXIV.NextSummercame; his cheeks with ardour fir’d,With his own blushing fruits and harvests crown’d;Before whose face the infant Spring retir’d,And with her roses strew’d the russet ground.

XXXIV.

NextSummercame; his cheeks with ardour fir’d,

With his own blushing fruits and harvests crown’d;

Before whose face the infant Spring retir’d,

And with her roses strew’d the russet ground.

XXXV.Stain’d with the grape’s press’d juice, with steadier pace,Still looking backward on preceding time,RipeAutumnnext succeeded in his place;Scatt’ring rich fruits, the growth of ev’ry clime.

XXXV.

Stain’d with the grape’s press’d juice, with steadier pace,

Still looking backward on preceding time,

RipeAutumnnext succeeded in his place;

Scatt’ring rich fruits, the growth of ev’ry clime.

XXXVI.LastWintercomes, with heavy step and flow,A hoary captive bound in icy chains;With haggard eyes, and mantle dipp’d in snow,Who still of cold in Spring’s own realms complains.

XXXVI.

LastWintercomes, with heavy step and flow,

A hoary captive bound in icy chains;

With haggard eyes, and mantle dipp’d in snow,

Who still of cold in Spring’s own realms complains.

XXXVII.Not one of these, but from their various storeSome off’ring meet to lovely Flora pay;Not one of these, but with that off’ring more,And her soft reign most willingly obey.

XXXVII.

Not one of these, but from their various store

Some off’ring meet to lovely Flora pay;

Not one of these, but with that off’ring more,

And her soft reign most willingly obey.

XXXVIII.Ev’nWinter’sself, with look averted, throws,His thin-strewn flow’rets on the goddess’ shrine;Ev’nhiscold bosom for a moment glows,When he beholds her radiant form divine.

XXXVIII.

Ev’nWinter’sself, with look averted, throws,

His thin-strewn flow’rets on the goddess’ shrine;

Ev’nhiscold bosom for a moment glows,

When he beholds her radiant form divine.

XXXIX.But now the Genii of each plant and flow’r,Rang’d in fair order, wait her high commands;And each, approaching her delicious bow’r,In expectation of her verdict stands.

XXXIX.

But now the Genii of each plant and flow’r,

Rang’d in fair order, wait her high commands;

And each, approaching her delicious bow’r,

In expectation of her verdict stands.

XL.For many of thegarden’spainted race,And some that with their colours deck thefield,Rivals in wealth, in beauty, and in grace,Had wag’d high wars, unknowing how to yield.

XL.

For many of thegarden’spainted race,

And some that with their colours deck thefield,

Rivals in wealth, in beauty, and in grace,

Had wag’d high wars, unknowing how to yield.

XLI.All claim’d preferment, and each one could boastOf some bright beauty or perfection dear,Which should induce mankind to prizehermost,And to preferment make her title clear.

XLI.

All claim’d preferment, and each one could boast

Of some bright beauty or perfection dear,

Which should induce mankind to prizehermost,

And to preferment make her title clear.

XLII.And some, of empty shew and titles vain;Alas! that Pride so many should deceive!Claim’d o’er their kindred plants and flow’rs to reign:And of their birthright others would bereave.

XLII.

And some, of empty shew and titles vain;

Alas! that Pride so many should deceive!

Claim’d o’er their kindred plants and flow’rs to reign:

And of their birthright others would bereave.

XLIII.The Crown Imperial, and the spurious Flow’rWhich boasts of royal arms and royal mien[3];The warlike Plant that claims immortal pow’r[4],And that gay lady call’d the Meadow’s Queen.

XLIII.

The Crown Imperial, and the spurious Flow’r

Which boasts of royal arms and royal mien[3];

The warlike Plant that claims immortal pow’r[4],

And that gay lady call’d the Meadow’s Queen.

XLIV.All these, and more, that scorn’d a subject state,Rose to the claim of high imperial sway:Forgetting—to begoodwas to begreat—They rose to rule, unpractis’d to obey.

XLIV.

All these, and more, that scorn’d a subject state,

Rose to the claim of high imperial sway:

Forgetting—to begoodwas to begreat—

They rose to rule, unpractis’d to obey.

XLV.Others again forbeauty’smeed contend,Chief amidst whom appear’d the Tulip race;A painted tribe, born only to contendFor praise, whereallis giv’n external grace.

XLV.

Others again forbeauty’smeed contend,

Chief amidst whom appear’d the Tulip race;

A painted tribe, born only to contend

For praise, whereallis giv’n external grace.

XLVI.Alcæa proud[5]; and lovely Venus’ joy,That does from adverse winds its title claim[6];The once conceited, self-admiring Boy[7],Whose love prepost’rous gave a flow’r a name.

XLVI.

Alcæa proud[5]; and lovely Venus’ joy,

That does from adverse winds its title claim[6];

The once conceited, self-admiring Boy[7],

Whose love prepost’rous gave a flow’r a name.

XLVII.The proud Carnation dipp’d in brightest dyes,Who still with thirst of praise and glory burns;With her whose mirrour cheats deluded eyes[8],And she that still to her lov’d Phœbus turns[9].

XLVII.

The proud Carnation dipp’d in brightest dyes,

Who still with thirst of praise and glory burns;

With her whose mirrour cheats deluded eyes[8],

And she that still to her lov’d Phœbus turns[9].

XLVIII.There, with their num’rous chiefs of diff’rent hues,The painted Cock’s Comb, and his lofty train,Their beauties vaunting, to the rest refuseTo share the glories of their gaudy reign.—

XLVIII.

There, with their num’rous chiefs of diff’rent hues,

The painted Cock’s Comb, and his lofty train,

Their beauties vaunting, to the rest refuse

To share the glories of their gaudy reign.—

XLIX.The judges sat, each sep’rate claim was heard,While some forrule, and some forpraises, sought;And some had been disgrac’d, and some preferr’d,As in the goddess’ mind their various pleadings wrought

XLIX.

The judges sat, each sep’rate claim was heard,

While some forrule, and some forpraises, sought;

And some had been disgrac’d, and some preferr’d,

As in the goddess’ mind their various pleadings wrought

L.But her lov’d consort, gently whisp’ring, said:“What means my Queen, on these to cast her sight,Who have but pride or lust of sway display’d,Nor brought their real worth or virtues to the light?”

But her lov’d consort, gently whisp’ring, said:

“What means my Queen, on these to cast her sight,

Who have but pride or lust of sway display’d,

Nor brought their real worth or virtues to the light?”

LI.How many absent now, more fair than these,With greater fragrance in lone valleys blow?Or, if the garden’s flow’ry tribe more please,Where do the Rose and lovely Vi’let glow?

LI.

How many absent now, more fair than these,

With greater fragrance in lone valleys blow?

Or, if the garden’s flow’ry tribe more please,

Where do the Rose and lovely Vi’let glow?

LII.The Lily where, and all that num’rous host,Who claim true praise to innate virtue due;Or do theymerit leastwholoudest boast,And with false glare impose upon the view?

LII.

The Lily where, and all that num’rous host,

Who claim true praise to innate virtue due;

Or do theymerit leastwholoudest boast,

And with false glare impose upon the view?

LIII.For sure, of all who feel my genial gale,Or to the sun their fragrant breasts unfold,The best and sweetest that on earth prevail,Yet do I not in this fair court behold.

LIII.

For sure, of all who feel my genial gale,

Or to the sun their fragrant breasts unfold,

The best and sweetest that on earth prevail,

Yet do I not in this fair court behold.

LIV.He said; andFlora, rising from her throne,Bade present search for ev’ry one be made:Who, though their off’rings on her altar shone,Their modest haste had from the court convey’d.

LIV.

He said; andFlora, rising from her throne,

Bade present search for ev’ry one be made:

Who, though their off’rings on her altar shone,

Their modest haste had from the court convey’d.

LV.Strait they return’d:—The lovely blushing Rose,The Lily ever chaste and ever fair,The Vi’let sweet with purple tints that glows,And Myrtle green, that scents the ambient air:

LV.

Strait they return’d:—The lovely blushing Rose,

The Lily ever chaste and ever fair,

The Vi’let sweet with purple tints that glows,

And Myrtle green, that scents the ambient air:

LVI.With many more, grateful to sight and smell,By bounteous heav’n with matchless charms endu’d;That in the fragrant meads or gardens dwell,Or which wild wastes from human eyes seclude.

LVI.

With many more, grateful to sight and smell,

By bounteous heav’n with matchless charms endu’d;

That in the fragrant meads or gardens dwell,

Or which wild wastes from human eyes seclude.

LVII.These by their Genii now in modest guise,Excus’d from pleading ’midst the mingled throng.Claim’d but the tribute all allow’d their prize,Nor sought their own just praises to prolong.

LVII.

These by their Genii now in modest guise,

Excus’d from pleading ’midst the mingled throng.

Claim’d but the tribute all allow’d their prize,

Nor sought their own just praises to prolong.

LVIII.Yet, these once seen, abash’d their rivals stand;And would have fled, butFlorathis deny’d;Who, rising graceful, with her out-stretch’d hand,Thus briefly to th’ assembled pow’rs apply’d:

LVIII.

Yet, these once seen, abash’d their rivals stand;

And would have fled, butFlorathis deny’d;

Who, rising graceful, with her out-stretch’d hand,

Thus briefly to th’ assembled pow’rs apply’d:

LIX.“Genii of gardens, meads, and sylvan scenes,Attendant still inFlora’svernal train,Say what this ardent, fond contention means,Why strive you thus for pow’r, and strive in vain?

LIX.

“Genii of gardens, meads, and sylvan scenes,

Attendant still inFlora’svernal train,

Say what this ardent, fond contention means,

Why strive you thus for pow’r, and strive in vain?

LX.Are you not all beneath our sceptre blest;Say, do not all confess our gentle sway?Then seek not one to triumph o’er the rest,But each in peaceful order still obey.

LX.

Are you not all beneath our sceptre blest;

Say, do not all confess our gentle sway?

Then seek not one to triumph o’er the rest,

But each in peaceful order still obey.

LXI.Soallthe glories of my reign shall share,Soallbe still in poets songs renown’d,So shall myZephyrstill with gentlest air,Wave o’er your beds, with bloom eternal crown’d.

LXI.

Soallthe glories of my reign shall share,

Soallbe still in poets songs renown’d,

So shall myZephyrstill with gentlest air,

Wave o’er your beds, with bloom eternal crown’d.

LXII.Andyou, who not for pow’r, but beauty’s charms,For gaudy tints, still fiercely would contend;What envious fire such gentle bosoms warms?And where, alas! must the mad contest end?

LXII.

Andyou, who not for pow’r, but beauty’s charms,

For gaudy tints, still fiercely would contend;

What envious fire such gentle bosoms warms?

And where, alas! must the mad contest end?

LXIII.Each has her charms, and each peculiar worth,To all in various portions duly giv’n,By secret Nature working at its birth,The lavish bounty of indulgent Heav’n.

LXIII.

Each has her charms, and each peculiar worth,

To all in various portions duly giv’n,

By secret Nature working at its birth,

The lavish bounty of indulgent Heav’n.

LXIV.Each has her charms:—but view the blushing Rose,Behold the beauties of the Lily fair;Few boast of equal excellence to those,Yet with their modest merit none compare.

LXIV.

Each has her charms:—but view the blushing Rose,

Behold the beauties of the Lily fair;

Few boast of equal excellence to those,

Yet with their modest merit none compare.

LXV.These, therefore, we prefer; and though no QueenBesides Ourselves we will to hold the reign;Yet, for their true desart conspicuous seen,We rank them foremost on the flow’ry plain.

LXV.

These, therefore, we prefer; and though no Queen

Besides Ourselves we will to hold the reign;

Yet, for their true desart conspicuous seen,

We rank them foremost on the flow’ry plain.

LXVI.Hear, and obey; and if aught else abide,To raise dispute among your orders bright;Still by true merit let the cause be try’d,And speciousshewyield to more solidright.”

LXVI.

Hear, and obey; and if aught else abide,

To raise dispute among your orders bright;

Still by true merit let the cause be try’d,

And speciousshewyield to more solidright.”

LXVII.She spoke;—the Seasons, and the winged Hours,Confirm’d her voice; then breath’d a rich perfume,WhichZephyrscatter’d wide o’er all the flow’rs,And deck’d their leaves with more than mortal bloom.

LXVII.

She spoke;—the Seasons, and the winged Hours,

Confirm’d her voice; then breath’d a rich perfume,

WhichZephyrscatter’d wide o’er all the flow’rs,

And deck’d their leaves with more than mortal bloom.

LXVIII.Then, his lov’d consort straining in his arms,With gentlest touch salutes her swelling breast;Who strait shone forth in more refulgent charms,AsJunowhen by vernalJovecaress’d.

LXVIII.

Then, his lov’d consort straining in his arms,

With gentlest touch salutes her swelling breast;

Who strait shone forth in more refulgent charms,

AsJunowhen by vernalJovecaress’d.

LXIX.And sudden joining in a mazy dance,The airy phantoms of the scene appear’d;Some to the sprightly timbrel did advance,While some their clear harmonious voices rear’d.

LXIX.

And sudden joining in a mazy dance,

The airy phantoms of the scene appear’d;

Some to the sprightly timbrel did advance,

While some their clear harmonious voices rear’d.

LXX.But One among the rest, who view’d me standIntent, and gazing on the prospect near,Came forth, and gently touch’d my trembling hand,And bade me mark his words, and nothing fear:

LXX.

But One among the rest, who view’d me stand

Intent, and gazing on the prospect near,

Came forth, and gently touch’d my trembling hand,

And bade me mark his words, and nothing fear:

LXXI.“And seest thou not (said he) these vary’d flow’rs,Contending still for beauty or for sway?Such are the contests which employ man’s hours,In life’s short, busy, transitory day.

LXXI.

“And seest thou not (said he) these vary’d flow’rs,

Contending still for beauty or for sway?

Such are the contests which employ man’s hours,

In life’s short, busy, transitory day.

LXXII.For what is gaudy beauty’s short-liv’d bloom,The pomp of pow’r, of riches, or of pride;Soon bury’d in the undistinguish’d tomb,Which all their boasted pomp at once must hide?

LXXII.

For what is gaudy beauty’s short-liv’d bloom,

The pomp of pow’r, of riches, or of pride;

Soon bury’d in the undistinguish’d tomb,

Which all their boasted pomp at once must hide?

LXXIII.Virtuealone survives, immortal maid!Her truly amaranthine flow’r shall blow,When all the rest are wrapt in dusky shade,And laid in dark and dusty ruins low.

LXXIII.

Virtuealone survives, immortal maid!

Her truly amaranthine flow’r shall blow,

When all the rest are wrapt in dusky shade,

And laid in dark and dusty ruins low.

LXXIV.Hear, and attend!—improve the moral strain,So may’st thou sail safe through life’s dang’rous sea;So from these scenes thou wisdom may’st attain,AndFloraproveMinerva’sself to thee.”

LXXIV.

Hear, and attend!—improve the moral strain,

So may’st thou sail safe through life’s dang’rous sea;

So from these scenes thou wisdom may’st attain,

AndFloraproveMinerva’sself to thee.”

LXXV.He ceas’d; and well I mark’d the prudent lore,And much revolv’d his saying in my mind;Bent all the mystic moral to explore,By this romantic, splendid scene design’d.

LXXV.

He ceas’d; and well I mark’d the prudent lore,

And much revolv’d his saying in my mind;

Bent all the mystic moral to explore,

By this romantic, splendid scene design’d.

LXXVI.But, the full concert swelling on my ear,The bands of Sleep dissolv’d, away he flies;At once the train of phantoms disappear,And on my waking sight the vision dies.

LXXVI.

But, the full concert swelling on my ear,

The bands of Sleep dissolv’d, away he flies;

At once the train of phantoms disappear,

And on my waking sight the vision dies.

LXXVII.No longer now nearFlora’sbow’r I stood,But view’d with op’ning eyes the rising day;Then down the Valley fair my path pursu’d,And homeward took my solitary way.

LXXVII.

No longer now nearFlora’sbow’r I stood,

But view’d with op’ning eyes the rising day;

Then down the Valley fair my path pursu’d,

And homeward took my solitary way.

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