Page:The Works of Alexander Pope (1717).djvu/380
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344
The FIRST BOOK of
These solemn feasts propitious Phœbus please,
These honours, still renew'd, his antient wrath appease.
But say, illustrious guest (adjoin'd the King)
What name you bear, from what high race you spring?
The noble Tydeus stands confess'd, and known
Our neighbour Prince, and heir of Calydon.
Relate your fortunes, while the friendly night
And silent hours to various talk invite.
The Theban bends on earth his gloomy eyes,
Confus'd, and sadly thus at length replies:
Before these altars how shall I proclaim
(Oh gen'rous prince) my nation or my name,
Or thro' what veins our antient blood has roll'd?
Let the sad tale for ever rest untold!
Yet if propitious to a wretch unknown,
You seek to share in sorrows not your own;
Know then, from Cadmus I derive my race,
Jocasta's son, and Thebes my native place.
To whom the King, (who felt his gen'rous breast
Touch'd with concern for his unhappy guest)
These honours, still renew'd, his antient wrath appease.
But say, illustrious guest (adjoin'd the King)
What name you bear, from what high race you spring?
The noble Tydeus stands confess'd, and known
Our neighbour Prince, and heir of Calydon.
Relate your fortunes, while the friendly night
And silent hours to various talk invite.
The Theban bends on earth his gloomy eyes,
Confus'd, and sadly thus at length replies:
Before these altars how shall I proclaim
(Oh gen'rous prince) my nation or my name,
Or thro' what veins our antient blood has roll'd?
Let the sad tale for ever rest untold!
Yet if propitious to a wretch unknown,
You seek to share in sorrows not your own;
Know then, from Cadmus I derive my race,
Jocasta's son, and Thebes my native place.
To whom the King, (who felt his gen'rous breast
Touch'd with concern for his unhappy guest)
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