Page:The Works of Alexander Pope (1717).djvu/379
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STATIUS his THEBAIS.
343
If such inclemency in heav'n can dwell;
Yet why must un-offending Argos feel
The vengeance due to this unlucky steel?
On me, on me, let all thy fury fall,
Nor err from me, since I deserve it all:
Unless our desart cities please thy fight,
And fun'ral flames reflect a grateful light.
Discharge thy shafts, this ready bosom rend,
And to the shades a ghost triumphant send;
But for my Country let my fate attone,
Be mine the vengeance, as the crime my own.
Merit distress'd, impartial heav'n relieves;
Unwelcome life relenting Phœbus gives;
For not the vengeful Pow'r, that glow'd with rage,
With such amazing virtue durst engage.
The clouds dispers'd, Apollo's wrath expir'd,
And from the wondring God th'unwilling youth retir'd.
Thence we these altars in his temple raise,
And offer annual honours, feasts, and praise;
Yet why must un-offending Argos feel
The vengeance due to this unlucky steel?
On me, on me, let all thy fury fall,
Nor err from me, since I deserve it all:
Unless our desart cities please thy fight,
And fun'ral flames reflect a grateful light.
Discharge thy shafts, this ready bosom rend,
And to the shades a ghost triumphant send;
But for my Country let my fate attone,
Be mine the vengeance, as the crime my own.
Merit distress'd, impartial heav'n relieves;
Unwelcome life relenting Phœbus gives;
For not the vengeful Pow'r, that glow'd with rage,
With such amazing virtue durst engage.
The clouds dispers'd, Apollo's wrath expir'd,
And from the wondring God th'unwilling youth retir'd.
Thence we these altars in his temple raise,
And offer annual honours, feasts, and praise;
These