And, looking back, saw Neptune follow him: Whereat aghast, the poor soul gan to cry, "O, let me visit Hero ere I die!" The god put Helle's bracelet on his arm, And swore the sea should never do him harm. 180 He clapped his plump cheeks, with his tresses played, And, smiling wantonly, his love bewrayed; He watched his arms, and, as they open'd wide At every stroke, betwixt them would he slide, And steal a kiss, and then run out and dance, And, as he turn'd, cast many a lustful glance, And throw him gaudy toys to please his eye, And dive into the water, and there pry Upon his breast, his thighs, and every limb, And up again, and close beside him swim, 190 And talk of love. Leander made reply, "You are deceiv'd; I am no woman, I." Thereat smil'd Neptune, and then told a tale, How that a shepherd, sitting in a vale, Play'd with a boy so lovely-fair[33] and kind, As for his love both earth and heaven pin'd; That of the cooling river durst not drink, Lest water-nymphs should pull him from the brink; And when he sported in the fragrant lawns, Goat-footed Satyrs and up-staring[34] Fauns 200 Would steal him thence. Ere half this tale was done, "Ay me," Leander cried, "th' enamoured sun, That now should shine on Thetis' glassy bower, Descends upon my radiant Hero's tower: O, that these tardy arms of mine were wings!" And, as he spake, upon the waves he springs. Neptune was angry that he gave no ear, And in his heart revenging malice bare: He flung at him his mace; but, as it went, He call'd it in, for love made him repent: 210 The mace, returning back, his own hand hit, As meaning to be venged for darting it. When this fresh-bleeding wound Leander viewed, His colour went and came, as if he rued The grief which Neptune felt: in gentle breasts Relenting thoughts, remorse, and pity rests; And who have hard hearts and obdurate minds, But vicious, hare-brained, and illiterate hinds? The god, seeing him with pity to be moved, Thereon concluded that he was beloved. 220 (Love is too full of faith, too credulous, With folly and false hope deluding us); Wherefore, Leander's fancy to surprise, To the rich ocean for gifts he flies: Tis wisdom to give much; a gift prevails When deep persuading oratory fails, By this, Leander, being near the land, Cast down his weary feet, and felt the sand. Breathless albeit he were, he rested not Till to the solitary tower he got; 230 And knocked and called: at which celestial noise The longing heart of Hero much more joys, Than nymphs and shepherds when the timbrel rings, Or crookËd dolphin when the sailor sings.