And the new nations with so dire a sight; } So monstrous was his bulk, so large a space Did his vast body and long train embrace: Whom Phœbus basking on a bank espied. Ere now the god his arrows had not tried, But on the trembling deer, or mountain-goat; At this new quarry he prepares to shoot. Though every shaft took place, he spent the store } Of his full quiver; and 'twas long before } The expiring serpent wallowed in his gore. } Then to preserve the fame of such a deed, For Python slain, he Pythian games decreed, Where noble youths for mastership should strive, To quoit, to run, and steeds and chariots drive. The prize was fame, in witness of renown, An oaken garland did the victor crown. The laurel was not yet for triumphs borne; } But every green alike, by Phœbus worn, } Did, with promiscuous grace, his flowing locks adorn. } THE TRANSFORMATION OF DAPHNE INTO A LAUREL. The first and fairest of his loves was she, Whom not blind fortune, but the dire decree Of angry Cupid, forced him to desire; Daphne her name, and Peneus was her sire. Swelled with the pride that new success attends, He sees the stripling, while his bow he bends, And thus insults him: Thou lascivious boy, Are arms like these for children to employ? Know, such atchievements are my proper claim, Due to my vigour and unerring aim: Resistless are my shafts, and Python late, In such a feathered death, has found his fate. Take up thy torch, and lay my weapons by; With that the feeble souls of lovers fry.-- To whom the son of Venus thus replied: Phœbus, thy shafts are sure on all beside; But mine on Phœbus; mine the fame shall be Of all thy conquests, when I conquer thee. He said, and soaring swiftly winged his flight; Nor stop'd but on Parnassus' airy height. Two different shafts he from his quiver draws; One to repel desire, and one to cause. One shaft is pointed with refulgent gold, To bribe the love, and make the lover bold; One blunt, and tipt with lead, whose base allay Provokes disdain, and drives desire away. The blunted bolt against the nymph he drest; But with the sharp transfixed Apollo's breast. The enamoured deity pursues the chace; The scornful damsel shuns his loathed embrace: In hunting beasts of prey her youth employs, And Phœbe rivals in her rural joys. With naked neck she goes, and shoulders bare, And with a fillet binds her flowing hair. By many suitors sought, she mocks their pains, And still her vowed virginity maintains. Impatient of a yoke, the name of bride She shuns, and hates the joys she never tried. On wilds and woods she fixes her desire; Nor knows what youth and kindly love inspire.