Whether the learned Minerva be her theme, Or chaste Diana bathing in the stream, None can record their heavenly praise so well As Helen, in whose eyes ten thousand Cupids dwell. O fair, O graceful! yet with maids enrolled, But whom to-morrow's sun a matron shall behold! Yet ere to-morrow's sun shall show his head, } The dewy paths of meadows we will tread, } For crowns and chaplets to adorn thy head. } Where all shall weep, and wish for thy return, As bleating lambs their absent mother mourn. Our noblest maids shall to thy name bequeath The boughs of Lotos, formed into a wreath. This monument, thy maiden beauties due, High on a plane-tree shall be hung to view; On the smooth rind the passenger shall see Thy name engraved, and worship Helen's tree; Balm, from a silver-box distilled around, Shall all bedew the roots, and scent the sacred ground. The balm, 'tis true, can aged plants prolong, But Helen's name will keep it ever young. Hail bride, hail bridegroom, son-in-law to Jove! With fruitful joys Latona bless your love! Let Venus furnish you with full desires, Add vigour to your wills, and fuel to your fires! Almighty Jove augment your wealthy store, Give much to you, and to his grandsons more! From generous loins a generous race will spring, Each girl, like her, a queen; each boy, like you, a king. Now sleep, if sleep you can; but while you rest, Sleep close, with folded arms, and breast to breast. Rise in the morn; but oh! before you rise, Forget not to perform your morning sacrifice. We will be with you ere the crowing cock Salutes the light, and struts before his feathered flock. Hymen, oh Hymen, to thy triumphs run, And view the mighty spoils thou hast in battle won! FOOTNOTES: [62] This and the three following Idylliums were first published in the Second Miscellany. THE DESPAIRING LOVER. FROM THE TWENTY-THIRD IDYLLIUM OF THEOCRITUS.