Page:The Works of Alexander Pope (1717).djvu/95
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WINDSOR-FOREST.
59
It chanc'd, as eager of the chace the maid
Beyond the forest's verdant limits stray'd,
Pan saw and lov'd, and burning with desire
Pursu'd her flight, her flight increas'd his fire.
Not half so swift the trembling Doves can fly,
When the fierce Eagle cleaves the liquid sky;
Not half so swiftly the fierce Eagle moves,
When thro' the clouds he drives the trembling Doves;
As from the God she flew with furious pace,
Or as the God, more furious, urg'd the chace.
Now fainting, sinking, pale, the nymph appears;
Now close behind his soundings steps she hears;
And now his shadow reach'd her as she run,
(His shadow lengthen'd by the setting Sun)
And now his shorter breath, with sultry air,
Pants on her neck, and fans her parting hair.
In vain on father Thames she calls for aid,
Nor could Diana help her injur'd maid.
Faint, breathless, thus she pray'd, nor pray'd in vain;
"Ah Cynthia! ah—tho' banish'd from thy train,
Beyond the forest's verdant limits stray'd,
Pan saw and lov'd, and burning with desire
Pursu'd her flight, her flight increas'd his fire.
Not half so swift the trembling Doves can fly,
When the fierce Eagle cleaves the liquid sky;
Not half so swiftly the fierce Eagle moves,
When thro' the clouds he drives the trembling Doves;
As from the God she flew with furious pace,
Or as the God, more furious, urg'd the chace.
Now fainting, sinking, pale, the nymph appears;
Now close behind his soundings steps she hears;
And now his shadow reach'd her as she run,
(His shadow lengthen'd by the setting Sun)
And now his shorter breath, with sultry air,
Pants on her neck, and fans her parting hair.
In vain on father Thames she calls for aid,
Nor could Diana help her injur'd maid.
Faint, breathless, thus she pray'd, nor pray'd in vain;
"Ah Cynthia! ah—tho' banish'd from thy train,
"Let