Page:The Works of Alexander Pope (1717).djvu/373
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
STATIUS his THEBAIS.
337
The courtly train, the strangers, and the rest,
Crown'd with chaste lawrel, and with garlands drest,
(While with rich gums the fuming altars blaze)
Salute the God in num'rous hymns of praise.
Then thus the King: Perhaps, my noble guests,
These honour'd altars, and these annual feasts,
To bright Apollo's awful name design'd,
Unknown, with wonder may perplex your mind.
Great was the cause; our old solemnities
From no blind zeal or fond tradition rise;
But sav'd from death, our Argives yearly pay
These grateful honours to the God of Day.
When by a thousand darts the Python slain
With orbs unroll'd lay covering all the plain,
(Transfix'd as o'er Castalia's streams he hung,
And suck'd new poisons with his triple tongue)
To Argos' realms the victor God resorts,
And enters old Crotopus' humble courts.
This rural prince one only daughter blest,
That all the charms of blooming youth possest;
Crown'd with chaste lawrel, and with garlands drest,
(While with rich gums the fuming altars blaze)
Salute the God in num'rous hymns of praise.
Then thus the King: Perhaps, my noble guests,
These honour'd altars, and these annual feasts,
To bright Apollo's awful name design'd,
Unknown, with wonder may perplex your mind.
Great was the cause; our old solemnities
From no blind zeal or fond tradition rise;
But sav'd from death, our Argives yearly pay
These grateful honours to the God of Day.
When by a thousand darts the Python slain
With orbs unroll'd lay covering all the plain,
(Transfix'd as o'er Castalia's streams he hung,
And suck'd new poisons with his triple tongue)
To Argos' realms the victor God resorts,
And enters old Crotopus' humble courts.
This rural prince one only daughter blest,
That all the charms of blooming youth possest;
Fair