Page:The Works of Alexander Pope (1717).djvu/389
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HOMER's ODYSSES.
353
Two craggy rocks, projecting to the main,
The roaring winds tempestuous rage restrain;
Within, the waves in softer murmurs glide,
And ships secure without their haulsers ride.
High at the head a branching olive grows,
And crowns the pointed cliffs with shady boughs.
Beneath, a gloomy Grotto's cool recess,
Delights the Nereids of the neighb'ring seas;
Where bowls and urns were form'd of living stone,
And massy beams in native marble shone,
On which the labours of the nymphs were roll'd,
Their webs divine of purple mix'd with gold.
Within the cave, the clustring bees attend
Their waxen works, or from the roof depend.
Perpetual waters o'er the pavement glide;
Two marble doors unfold on either side;
Sacred the south, by which the Gods descend,
But mortals enter at the northern end.
Thither they bent, and haul'd their ship to land,
(The crooked keel divides the yellow sand)
The roaring winds tempestuous rage restrain;
Within, the waves in softer murmurs glide,
And ships secure without their haulsers ride.
High at the head a branching olive grows,
And crowns the pointed cliffs with shady boughs.
Beneath, a gloomy Grotto's cool recess,
Delights the Nereids of the neighb'ring seas;
Where bowls and urns were form'd of living stone,
And massy beams in native marble shone,
On which the labours of the nymphs were roll'd,
Their webs divine of purple mix'd with gold.
Within the cave, the clustring bees attend
Their waxen works, or from the roof depend.
Perpetual waters o'er the pavement glide;
Two marble doors unfold on either side;
Sacred the south, by which the Gods descend,
But mortals enter at the northern end.
Thither they bent, and haul'd their ship to land,
(The crooked keel divides the yellow sand)
Ulysses