All but myself, the sole unbidden guest. } Unbidden though I am, I will be there, And, joined by thee, intend to joy the fair. Now hear the rest; when day resigns the light, And cheerful torches gild the jolly night, Be ready at my call; my chosen few With arms administered shall aid thy crew. Then, entering unexpected, will we seize Our destined prey, from men dissolved in ease, By wine disabled, unprepared for fight; And hastening to the seas, suborn our flight: The seas are ours, for I command the fort, A ship well manned expects us in the port: If they, or if their friends, the prize contest, Death shall attend the man who dares resist.-- It pleased; the prisoner to his hold retired, } His troop with equal emulation fired, } All fixed to fight, and all their wonted work required. } The sun arose; the streets were thronged around, The palace opened, and the posts were crowned. The double bridegroom at the door attends The expected spouse, and entertains the friends: They meet, they lead to church, the priests invoke The powers, and feed the flames with fragrant smoke. This done, they feast, and at the close of night } By kindled torches vary their delight, } These lead the lively dance, and those the briming bowls invite. } Now, at the appointed place and hour assigned, With souls resolved the ravishers were joined: Three bands are formed; the first is sent before To favour the retreat, and guard the shore; The second at the palace-gate is placed, And up the lofty stairs ascend the last: A peaceful troop they seem with shining vests, But coats of mail beneath secure their breasts. Dauntless they enter, Cymon at their head, And find the feast renewed, the table spread: Sweet voices, mixed with instrumental sounds, Ascend the vaulted roof, the vaulted roof rebounds. When, like the harpies, rushing through the hall The sudden troop appears, the tables fall, Their smoking load is on the pavement thrown; Each ravisher prepares to seize his own: The brides, invaded with a rude embrace, Shriek out for aid, confusion fills the place. Quick to redeem the prey their plighted lords Advance, the palace gleams with shining swords. But late is all defence, and succour vain; The rape is made, the ravishers remain: Two sturdy slaves were only sent before To bear the purchased prize in safety to the shore. The troop retires, the lovers close the rear, With forward faces not confessing fear: Backward they move, but scorn their pace to mend; Then seek the stairs, and with slow haste descend. Fierce Pasimond, their passage to prevent, } Thrust full on Cymon's back in his descent, } The blade returned unbathed, and to the handle bent. } Stout Cymon soon remounts, and cleft in two His rival's head with one descending blow: