Quantcast
  Due to a new server, slow response may occur for which we apologize Portal logo
Login/Register
Bactrian Gold Treasure from Afghanistan, coming soon....
/gemstones/king-natural-history/page_387 - 2
 

Orpheus on Gems

Orpheus on Gems Page of 453 Orpheus on Gems Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
ORPHEUS ON GEMS.
379
130 Where lay, spared by the flames that round had sunk, The half-burnt fragment of an olive's trunk : I grasp the massy weapon as it lay, Face my pursuer, and so stand at bay ; Spying resistance he with fury burns, And in thick wreaths his supple body turns ; His scaly volumes, bright as polished steel, Fold upon fold are piled in many a wheel ; His glistening fangs above the altar rise, His horrid hissings drown my feeble cries : With all my force full on his head I struck,
140 The half-burnt club in thousand shivers broke ; But yet, for favouring fate did not ordain, That I should sink by this fell monster slain, Two sturdy hounds, that watched my father's flocks, Spread o'er the plain whence rise yon towering rocks : They hear my voice, and to my rescue come, For I had oft caressed them at my home. On them he turned ; I leaping to the ground In hasty flight a place of refuge found : As 'scaped the eagle's talons in mid-air, 'Midst tangled thickets lurks the frightened hare, So mingling with the flocks I crouched beneath, And 'mid their numbers shunned the glance of death. Whilst my good father lived, he year by year
150 Up to the guardian altar brought a steer, An offering to the Sun, of grateful joy, To pay the ransom of his rescued boy ; So now the choicest of the herd I bring, A fatted calf, the firstling of the spring ; And mount the hill, steep rising from the plain, In due procession with a friendly train ; The trusty hounds that slew the crested snake, A willing part in the procession take. Around the altar of the king of light, A thousand charms arise in beauty bright : A verdant plain, with herbage soft o'erspread, Where shaggy elms afford a grateful shade,
160 Where 'neath a rock an ever-flowing spring With bubbling melody doth sweetly sing. Come then, my friend, enjoy the present time, To slight the sacred banquet were a crime."
Orpheus on Gems Page of 453 Orpheus on Gems
Suggested Illustrations
Other Chapters you may find useful
Other Books on this topic
bullet Tag
This Page