But still the Eternal Sire apart remain'd, And Juno's bounty was not yet obtained. The voice of Heaven's High Queen then fill'd the ear, "A wife and mother, let the Nymph appear." The mystic change like quick enchantment shows-- The slender lily blooms a blushing rose. Three gentle children now, by just degrees, Are ranged in budding beauty round her knees: Still to her lips their looks attentive turn, And drink instruction from its purest urn, While o'er their eyes soft memories seem to play, That paint a friend or father far away. A richer charm her ripen'd form displays, A halo round her shines with holier rays; And if at times, a shade of pensive grace Pass like a cloud across her earnest face, Yet faithful tokens the glad truth impart, That deeper happiness pervades her heart. Jove latest spoke: "One boon remains," he said, And bent serenely his ambrosial head; "The last, best boon, which I alone bestow;" Then bade the waters of Affliction flow. The golden dream was dimm'd; a darken'd room Scarce show'd where dire disease had shed its gloom. A little child in death extended lay, Still round her linger'd the departing ray. Another pallid face appear'd, where Life With its fell foe maintain'd a doubtful strife. Long was the contest; changeful hopes and fears Now sunk the Mother's soul, now dried her tears. At last a steady line of dawning light Show'd that her son was saved, and banish'd night. Though sad her heart, of one fair pledge bereft, She sees and owns the bounties Heaven hath left. In natural drops her anguish finds relief, And leaves the Matron beautified by grief; While consolation, beaming from above, Fills her with new-felt gratitude and love. O happy He! before whose waking eyes, So bright a vision may resplendent rise-- The New PANDORA, by the Gods designed, Not now the bane, but blessing of Mankind! THE REIGN OF GEORGE THE THIRD.[33]