Fate so decreed it--in this lonely spot, Retreat and calm, a noble fair one sought; Far from the tumult of contending arms, A solitary castle hid her charms, 160 Her tender form from all mankind conceal'd, While war detain'd her father in the field. But while his sov'reign's toil the vet'ren shar'd, His lovely child the fost'ring graces rear'd. D'Etree (that name the favour'd mortal bore), 165 Of ev'ry, charm exhausted Nature's store. Not on Eurota's bank, so beauteous shone The faithless partner of the Spartan throne; Not she who conquer'd, whom the world obey'd, On Cydnus when in pomp of charms array'd, 170 Mortals deceiv'd, in awful rapture gaz'd, And incense to the present goddess blaz'd. Scarce had she gain'd the charming dang'rous years, A pow'r too sure, when rising passion bears. Pure as heav'ns image in the crystal deep, 175 Ere clouds arise, when wanton zephyrs sleep, Her breast for love and gen'rous feeling form'd, No sigh had heav'd, no tender passion warm'd. In vain the treasures of the budding rose, From am'rous gales their modest folds enclose; 180 As vernal suns each timid charm display, They yield, and blushing, own the genial ray. Love, treacherous god, still fertile in deceit, Long sought the maid, yet seem'd by chance to meet. A shepherd's boy he came, in outward shew, 185 His back no quiver bore, his hand no bow: Careless he cried,--but so that she might hear, "See Ivry's hero thro' our grove appear! See Henry comes!" The voice of Love conveys A secret wish to see him, and to please: 190 A conscious blush diffus'd a livelier hue, Love felt the charm, and glory'd in the view. Sure of his triumph with such beauty's aid, Full in the monarch's sight he plac'd the maid. Around her dress he threw that careless air, 195 It seem'd what Nature's self would choose to wear; Her auburn locks in easy tresses play'd, Now hid her snowy neck, and now betray'd; No muse can paint what playful zephyr show'd, Nor tell the charm that modesty bestow'd: 200 Not the stiff airs that prudish virtue arm, The foes of love, the bane of ev'ry charm: Sweet, bashful grace, that bends the timid eye, Spreads o'er the glowing cheek a heav'nly dye, With soft respect extatic rapture blends, 205 And heavn's pure bliss to Love triumphant lends.