Page:The Works of Alexander Pope (1717).djvu/353
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STATIUS his THEBAIS.
317
Oh wretched we, a vile, submissive train,
Fortune's tame fools, and slaves in ev'ry reign!
As when two winds with rival force contend,
This way and that, the wav'ring sails they bend,
While freezing Boreas and black Eurus blow,
Now here, now there, the reeling vessel throw:
Thus on each side, alas! our tott'ring state
Feels all the fury of resistless fate,
And doubtful still, and still distracted stands,
While that Prince threatens, and while this commands.
And now th' almighty Father of the Gods.
Convenes a council in the bless'd abodes :
Far in the bright recesses of the skies,
High o'er the rowling heav'ns, a mansion lies,
Whence, far below, the Gods at once survey
The realms of rising and declining day,
And all th' extended space of earth, and air, and sea.
Full in the midst, and on a starry throne,
The Majesty of heav'n superior shone;
Fortune's tame fools, and slaves in ev'ry reign!
As when two winds with rival force contend,
This way and that, the wav'ring sails they bend,
While freezing Boreas and black Eurus blow,
Now here, now there, the reeling vessel throw:
Thus on each side, alas! our tott'ring state
Feels all the fury of resistless fate,
And doubtful still, and still distracted stands,
While that Prince threatens, and while this commands.
And now th' almighty Father of the Gods.
Convenes a council in the bless'd abodes :
Far in the bright recesses of the skies,
High o'er the rowling heav'ns, a mansion lies,
Whence, far below, the Gods at once survey
The realms of rising and declining day,
And all th' extended space of earth, and air, and sea.
Full in the midst, and on a starry throne,
The Majesty of heav'n superior shone;
Serene