Forth came the priest, and bade th' obedient wife Like Sarah or Rebecca lead her life: Then prayed the pow'rs the fruitful bed to bless, And made all sure enough with holiness. And now the palace-gates are opened wide, } 315 The guests appear in order, side by side, } And placed in state, the bridegroom and the bride.[32] } The breathing flute's soft notes are heard around, And the shrill trumpets mix their silver sound; The vaulted roofs with echoing music ring, 320 These touch the vocal stops, and those the trembling string. Not thus Amphion tuned the warbling lyre, Nor Joab the sounding clarion could inspire, Nor fierce Theodomas,[33] whose sprightly strain Could swell the soul to rage, and fire the martial train. 325 Bacchus himself, the nuptial feast to grace, (So poets sing) was present on the place: And lovely Venus, goddess of delight, } Shook high her flaming torch in open sight, } And danced around, and smiled on ev'ry knight: } 330 Pleased her best servant would his courage try, No less in wedlock, than in liberty. Full many an age old Hymen had not spied So kind a bridegroom, or so bright a bride. Ye bards! renowned among the tuneful throng 335 For gentle lays, and joyous nuptial song, Think not your softest numbers can display The matchless glories of this blissful day; The joys are such, as far transcend your rage, When tender youth has wedded stooping age. 340 The beauteous dame sate smiling at the board, And darted am'rous glances at her lord. Not Hester's self, whose charms the Hebrews sing, E'er looked so lovely on her Persian king: Bright as the rising sun, in summer's day, 345 And fresh and blooming as the month of May! The joyful knight surveyed her by his side, Nor envied Paris with his Spartan bride; Still as his mind revolved with vast delight Th' entrancing raptures of th' approaching night, 350 Restless he sate, invoking ev'ry pow'r To speed his bliss, and haste the happy hour. Mean time the vig'rous dancers beat the ground, And songs were sung, and flowing bowls went round. With od'rous spices they perfumed the place, 355 And mirth and pleasure shone in ev'ry face. Damian alone, of all the menial train, Sad in the midst of triumphs, sighed for pain; Damian alone, the knight's obsequious squire, Consumed at heart, and fed a secret fire. 360 His lovely mistress all his soul possest, He looked, he languished, and could take no rest: His task performed, he sadly went his way, Fell on his bed, and loathed the light of day.