These o'er the inferior naval train preside, The course determine, or the commerce guide: O'er all the rest an undistinguished crew, 330 Her wing of deepest shade oblivion drew. A sullen languor still the skies oppress'd, And held the unwilling ship in strong arrest: High in his chariot glow'd the lamp of day, O'er Ida flaming with meridian ray; Relax'd from toil the sailors range the shore, Where famine, war, and storm are felt no more; The hour to social pleasure they resign, And black remembrance drown in generous wine. On deck, beneath the shading canvas spread, 340 Rodmond a rueful tale of wonders read Of dragons roaring on the enchanted coast; The hideous goblin, and the yelling ghost: But with Arion, from the sultry heat Of noon, Palemon sought a cool retreat. And, lo! the shore with mournful prospects crown'd, [2] The rampart torn with many a fatal wound, The ruin'd bulwark tottering o'er the strand, Bewail the stroke of war's tremendous hand: What scenes of woe this hapless isle o'erspread! 350 Where late thrice fifty thousand warriors bled. Full twice twelve summers were yon towers assail'd, Till barbarous Ottoman at last prevail'd; While thundering mines the lovely plains o'erturn'd, While heroes fell, and domes and temples burn'd. III. But now before them happier scenes arise, Elysian vales salute their ravish'd eyes; Olive and cedar form'd a grateful shade, Where light with gay romantic error stray'd: The myrtles here with fond caresses twine, 360 There, rich with nectar, melts the pregnant vine And, lo! the stream renown'd in classic song, Sad Lethe, glides the silent vale along. On mossy banks, beneath the citron grove, The youthful wanderers found a wild alcove; Soft o'er the fairy region languor stole, And with sweet melancholy charm'd the soul. Here first Palemon, while his pensive mind For consolation on his friend reclined, In pity's bleeding bosom pour'd the stream 370 Of love's soft anguish, and of grief supreme: "Too true thy words! by sweet remembrance taught, My heart in secret bleeds with tender thought; In vain it courts the solitary shade, By every action, every look betray'd: The pride of generous woe disdains appeal To hearts that unrelenting frosts congeal; Yet sure, if right Palemon can divine, The sense of gentle pity dwells in thine: Yes! all his cares thy sympathy shall know, 380 And prove the kind companion of his woe. "Albert thou know'st with skill and science graced, In humble station though by fortune placed, Yet never seaman more serenely brave