Sir Richard Blackmore M. D. - King Arthur: Book VI lyrics

The Prince of Hell finding his purpose crost, And all his hopes from Albion's Troubles lost, Thus to himself began all fir'd with Rage. Against this Briton must we then engage Our Arts in vain, must he our Force repel, And disappoint the deep Designs of Hell? Must he continue to advance his Arms, And vex our Empire with his loud Alarms; Hard Fate, Infernal Gods, if this proud Wight Must scape our Snares, and baffle all our might. Still with Success have I the Sect pursu'd, Vanquish'd their Armys, and their Towns subdu'd. If Force and open Violence have fail'd, Discord and mighty Schism have still prevail'd. Their strongest Bulwarks have I overthrown Or by my Subjects Arms, or by their own. And shall this Briton thus my Power defeat, And force my Priests and Vot'rys to retreat And fly from Town to Town, from Seat to Seat? If Aid I can't to high Lutetia bring, And guard her Towers against the British King, I must my Temples Abdicate, and make My fixt abode within th' Infernal Lake. Did I exert such Strength, such Toyl sustain T' invade this World, did I with wondrous pain And wondrous Art beat out th' untrodden way Till Earth I found and the Mild Coasts of Day? From Hell's Abyss with mighty Force I sprung, And in the Stagnant, gloomy Region hung; Unbroken with my Flight and endless Care, With lab'ring Wings I beat the pondrous Air. Without a glympse or ray of Light I past The Realms of Night, and all the Stygian wast, Till I arriv'd upon the noisy Shore Where the Tempestuous waves of Chaos roar: With God-like Courage and with Looks unchang'd I plung'd into the Deep, and o'er the Desart rang'd. Now soaring high I did the way explore, Now round I flew, now swept the bleaky Shore. Undaunted I pursu'd my toilsom Flight O'er horrid Wilds, and lonesome Plains of Night; Thro' dreadful Tempests, Whirlwinds, blustring War Fierce Strife, and hostile Rage, till from afar I did with wondrous Joy descry at last Some Streaks of Light, which darted on the Wast; Pale Beams that on the face of Chaos lay The glim'ring Fragments of the Ruin'd Day. Mounting this way I reach'd the lightsome Sky; And saw the beauteous World before me ly. The fresh Creation look'd all charming mild, And all the Flowry Face of Nature smil'd. To me come newly from the Caves beneath Thro' Smoke and Flame, what an Ambrosial breath What Odours, such as Heav'nly Zephirs blow From the sweet Mouth of th' Infant World did flow? Charm'd with the Clime and ravish'd with the Air To gain these Regions was my anxious Care. And spite of Heav'n the mighty Deed was done, And from th' Allmighty this fair World I won. Shall I so rich and sweet a Region quit And see my Franks to Christian Arms submit? If all the Arts, and all the Power of Hell Can stop his Course, the Briton I'll repel. Mean time upon his Adamantine Throne sate That high amidst th' Etherial Region shone Th' Eternal Sate, collected in his Might, Girt with Omnipotence, and cloath' d with Light. The Sons of God who serve his high Command Adoring round the sacred Mount did stand: Angels, Arch-Angels, great Seraphic States Heav'n's Viceroys, Generals, and great Potentates, Who o'er Terrestrial Provinces preside, And their respective Realms, and Empires guide The mighty Princes of the spacious East With Ganges Flood and fam'd Euphrates blest. The Guardian Angels which for Parthia stand, Who rule soft Persia and th' Arabian Sand. The Presidents of the vast Tract of Nile Of Lybia, and the Mauritanian Soil. All the Protectors of the Sun-burnt Moor From the Red Sea, to Guinea's Golden Shore. And all th' Angelic Prefects who preside O'er rich Europa, and her Realms divide. Who the wide Scythian Continent direct, And all the snowy Northern Isles protect. While round the Throne these shining Orders wait Their great Transactions humbly to relate. Whelm'd over with unsufferable Light With Wings display'd they screen their troubled Sight. Hither a Thousand bright Expresses came Envoys divine, and Couriers wing'd with Flame, Return'd from distant Worlds to tell at large Th' important Business which they had in Charge. Hither repair'd ambitious Lucifer, And in the bright Assembly did appear; Distinguish'd by his Form so much decay'd, And the deep Scars by vengeful Lightning made. Like a torn Oak above the verdant Wood Blasted from Heav'n the ruin'd Seraph stood; Prepar'd the Just and Upright to arraign, And his black Charge with Slanders to maintain. When the blest Seraphs had Narration made How their Instructions they had all obey'd, What Revolutions they had caus'd below, What Kingdoms guarded from th' unequal Foe. What Monarchs Lust of Empire they restrain'd What Kings advanc'd, what sinking States sustain'd. What mighty Nations they had overthrown By monstrous Crimes ripe for Destruction grown. Then thus th' Allmighty from his lofty Throne Which bright with uncreated Glory shone To Satan spoke. Usurper of the Air Whence dost thou come to these blest Seats, declare. Th' Apostate thus return'd. I dayly rowl From farthest East to West, from Pole to Pole. O'er Hills and Dales I pa**, o'er Lands and Floods O'er howling Desarts, Wilds, and spacious Woods. I cross the raging Seas from Isle to Isle, And fly from Realm to Realm with endless Toil, To learn the State of Empires, and to know What busy Mortals say and do below. O'er the Terrestrial Regions thus I roam, And now from wandring there, am hither come. Th' Eternal to th' Impostor thus reply'd: In all thy tedious Journeys far and wide Hast thou observ'd my Servant Arthur's Ways, That just and perfect Man who still obeys With chearful Zeal and Pleasure my Command And rules with equal Laws the British Land. Whom I've anointed, Tyrants to destroy And proud Oppressors who the World annoy. To ease th' afflicted and relieve the poor And banish'd Peace and Justice to restore. Then Lucifer reply'd: 'Tis true King Arthur in the Field succeeds, And by his Arms atchieves Heroic Deeds. His Zeal seems great to serve the Christian Cause, And his vast Labors have procur'd Applause. But do's the pious Monarch serve for nought, And Vertue's Cause for Vertue's sake promote? Is all this Zeal for pure Religion shown? Do's he pursue Heav'n's Int'rest, or his own? Do's not a steep insuperable Mound Rais'd by thy Hand this Briton's Throne surround? Fenc'd thus about he do's the Foe despise, Mocks all their Rage, and all their Power defys. Do not Seraphic Squadrons aid his Arms, And guard his Camp against the Foe's Alarms? Do not the bright, divine Militia stand, Immortal Sabres flaming in their Hand Around this Fav'rite Monarch, to direct His Conduct, and his Armys to protect? Do's not the Angel of thy Presence lead His Armys forth, and his Battalions head? 'Tis known he still attends him in the Field, And do's his Head in the hot Battle shield. He watches always with officious Care To guard his Life from the sharp Edge of War. He in the Front of Battle do's appear And shakes against the Host his dreadful Spear. He marches on before him to the Foe Divides their Files, and lets this Favourite thro'. No Wonder then he should such Laurels gain, And ride so oft triumphant o'er the slain. That vanquish'd Nations should receive his Yoke, For those that him oppose, thy Wrath provoke. In vain his Foes their hot Revenge pursue, He must prevail, till Heav'n they first subdue. Tho various d**hs in horrid Shapes convey'd On every side th' encircled King invade, Tho' Showers of Darts and glitt'ring Javelins fly, Hissing, like deadly Adders thro' the Sky: Tho' o'er the bloody Field Destruction reigns And loads with ghastly Heaps the slipp'ry Plains, Arthur encompa**'d with Celestial Bands, As if a God invulnerable stands. Those Heav'n defends from Danger are secure, And those it fights for, are of Triumph sure. King Arthur's Arms immortal Wreaths have won By Power receiv'd from hence, and not his own. Th' admiring World profusely praise bestow, And worship Arthur as a God below. In time they'll Altars to his Name erect, And ask his Aid their Kingdoms to protect. No wonder then the Briton do's pretend Such Zeal for Heav'n, while Heav'n is such a Friend. But let it now withdraw its aiding Hand, And like impartial Judges neutral stand: Or let some unexpected Suff'ring prove His fam'd Integrity, and stedfast Love, And thou shalt find he'll curse thee to thy Face, And shew himself of Man's apostate Race. Then did th' Allmighty thus reply, to prove King Arthur's Patience, Fortitude and Love To shew how much the mighty Man can bear, And how unjust these Accusations are, For twice seven Days thou mayst his Vertue try, Use all thy Arts to prove his Constancy. For that determin'd Space he's in thy Power, His sacred Person only I secure. The Prince of Darkness felt an inward Joy From Heav'n's Permission Arthur to annoy. Down thro' th' aeirial Void he swiftly flew His deep Revenge and Malice to pursue: In mighty Wrath, knowing the time but short, He came, to make his terrible Effort. So when in ancient Rome a furious Beast With Hunger pinch'd was from his Den releast A constant Christian Martyr to devour Condemn'd by some Imperial Monster's Power, He roar'd and ran with open Jaws to tear His Prey and pleas'd the bloody Theater. Th' infernal Prince from Heav'n's Cerulean Top Shot thro' the liquid Gulph, nor did he stop Till he had reach'd the thick inferiour Air, And saw beneath King Arthur's Ships appear. In th' Atmosphear with level Wings he hung, And calld with such a thund'ring Voice, as rung Thro' all the Skys, and with its dreadful Sound Shook all the Rocks, and Shores, and Hills around. His dusky Ministers who Storms prepare And temper flaming Meteors in the Air, Who dress the Magazins of Hail and Rain, And whip wild Whirl winds round to vex the Main, The Engineers that in the troubled Skys Recruit exhausted Clouds with fresh Supplys, These their great Leader's Summons did obey And to receive his Orders hast away. To whom thus Lucifer, see yonder see Amidst the Waves Hell's greatest Enemy. Aerial Powers make hast at my Command, And beat th' Invader from the Gallic Land. On his tall Ships a suddain Tempest pour Sink him, or beat him to Pomona's Shore. Strait did the Fiends their Diligence employ T' embroil the deep, and Arthur to destroy. The Seeds of Tempests that imprison'd lay In hollow Cliffs, and Caves remote from Day, The lab'ring Demons did aloft convey. Now gathering Clouds the Day begins to drown, Their threat'ning Fronts thro' all th' Horizon frown. Their swagg'ring Wombs low in the Air depend Which struggling Flames, and imbred Thunder rend The strongest Winds their Breath and Vigor prove And thro' the Heav'ns th' unweildy Tempest shove. O'ercharg'd with Stores and Heav'ns Artillery They groan and pant and labour up the Sky. Impending Ruin do's the Sailor scare Rolling and wallowing thro' th' encumber'd Air. Loud Thunder, livid Flames, and Stygian Night Compounded Horrors all the Deep affright, Rent Clouds a medly of Destruction spout, And throw their dreadful Entrails round about. Tempests of Fire and Cataracts of Rain Unnatural Friendship make t'afflict the Main. Prest by incumbent Storms the Billows rise, Climb o'er the Rocks, and foam amidst the Skys. Then falling lower than before they rose The secret Horrors of the Deep disclose. Pursu'd by conquering Winds they fly and roar And crowd and headlong run against the Shore. This Orb's wide Frame with this Convulsion shakes, Oft opens in the Storm, and often cracks. Horror, Amazement and Despair appear In all the hideous Forms that Mortals fear. Driv'n by the furious Winds the Ships were tost On the rough Waves, near wild Pomona's Coast. Here the Pightlandian Gulph's impetuous Tyde Do's cold Jerne from the Isles divide; A dreadful Sea, where adverse Currents meet And beat their clashing Heads to Foam and Sleet. The roaring Billows back and forward rowl, And from the hollow Rocks Sea Monsters howl; Monsters which from the North here rendezvous, And on this Coast their hideous Dwelling chuse. Th' amazing Noise and Uproar from afar Alike the Shepherds and the Seamen feare. Sailers that once should these dire Terrors hear, Would Scylla mock, and by Charbydis steer And only Pictland Gulph hereafter fear. Here Remora's, if Fame belief may gain Ships under Sail with wondrous force detain, That thus becalm'd ev'n in a Storm remain. Stronsa they past with such a furious Gale As almost rent the Womb of every Sail. They past the Land, where on the rocky Coast Agricola his Roman Navy lost, Misled by Pilots of Pomona's Isle, Who gave their Lives to save their Native Soil. 'Cause Rome ne'er thought in Northern Climes to find A People brave, and of a Roman Mind, Who could for Publick Good their own deny, And for their Country, like her Decij, dy. While Winds and Waves and Tempests waging War, Vex'd all the Sea and troubled all the Air; Indulgent Heav'n did the kind Aid afford Which with their Prayers the Britons had implor'd. A glorious Spirit from the Fields above Descending with the swiftness of the Dove, Approach'd King Arthur with Celestial grace, And with Ambrosial Odour fill'd the Place. Around his head a gentle Glory shone, And thus the beamy Minister begun: The Powers of Hell their Angry Forces joyn T' oppose your Arms, and thwart your high Design. These did the Seas with this fierce Storm embroil, To beat your Navy from Neustrasia's Soil. Your Arms, to try your Vertue, are delay'd, So Heav'n permits, and Heav'n must be obey'd. Know, by supream Command I now prepare To chase the Demons that infest the Air, Down to their Prisons, that the troubled Seas May rest enjoy, and the fierce Tempest cease. And when the Morn shall spread with dawning Day Her Purple Loom, and shoot her early ray, You'll Thule and th' Orcadian Isles descry Which scatter'd o'er the Ocean's bosom ly. Then steer directly to Pomona's Shore, Where you will Terrors meet unknown before. Fear not this Isle and Dangers yet untry'd, Heav'n you invoke, and Heav'n will be your guide. Know, that the Prince of Hell has leave obtain'd To prove your Constancy, and now unchain'd, Th' Apostate with excessive Rage prepares His fiery Tryals, and his various Snares. That he in this great Combate may prevail, He'll bring the Pious Arthur to Assail Prodigious Monsters all of dreadful Shape, From whom few Heros e'er did yet escape. When you to Combate these shall take the Field, Assume your Heav'nly Sword and Heav'nly Shield. Your Helm unpierc'd shall fiery Darts arrest, And your Celestial Plate protect your breast. In these your Arms divinely wrought appear And then no Monster, no Aggressor fear. That with prodigious toil and sweat, for want Of Food and Rest, you grow not weak and faint; This Balm which Heav'nly Gardens yeild, receive, Th' Ambrosial Odour will fresh Vigor give, Your drooping Spirits cheer, and wasted Strength revive. But when your Arms Hell's Terrors have repell'd And with immortal praise fierce Monsters quell'd: Your Chiefest Danger still remains behind, From a fair Foe, who Murders while she's kind. A fatal Foe, Fascinia is her name, Whose Triumphs Vanquish'd Kings and Chiefs proclaim. You may not stay and Gaze, but straitway fly The Sight of this perfidious Enemy. No Mortal Courage can abide the Fight, You Conquer when you're brave and bold in Flight. All who contend fall by Fascinia's Charms, 'Tis Fear must here protect you, not your Arms. Your diffidence the surest guard will yield The Wise who run will only Win the Field. He said, and strait the Seraph disappear'd King Arthur with his Looks and Language cheer'd, Waiting th' appearance of approaching Day Resolv'd the Heav'nly Vision to obey. Th' Aerial Demons from the Seraph fly Born off on rapid Whirlwinds from the Sky. The Winds no more insult the flying Waves, But for repose retreat to Neighb'ring Caves. The Sea subsides, and on its peaceful breast Billows diffus'd dispose themselves to rest. Now did the beauteous Morn serenely rise And open'd with her Smiles the Eastern Skys. The perfect Day ensu'd, when midst the Seas They had in view the clust'ring Orcades. Direct to make Pomona's Isle they steer'd, Which near and easy of access appear'd. Soon did the Britons see a peaceful Bay To guard their Ships her spacious Arms display. Where weary Billows did securely sleep Withdrawn to shun the Tumults of the Deep. Within the winding Shores they safely past Took in their Sails, and all their Anchors cast. A Chosen Band of Britons went on Shore Who might Refreshments and Sufficient Store Of fresh Provisions for the Navy gain, Worn with their mighty suff'rings on the Main. Where many Nights and Days they had been lost Before the Men descry'd Pomona's Coast. Arthur in Person did the Men Command, Who from their Vessels leap'd out on the Strand, And boldly thence march'd up to view the Land. When in the neighb'ring Mountains did appear. Wild Swine and Goats and Herds of Fallow Deer. Their fatal Arms did the wild Game pursue, And soon abundant Store there Weapons slew. Then laden with their Spoil they turn'd their feet And came rejoycing to th' expecting Fleet. In foaming Caldrons some fat Venson boil'd, They Roasted some, and some on Coals they broil'd. Spread on the Shore they did themselves refresh, And prais'd the Swine and Deer's delicious Flesh. When they had eat and drank with toil opprest The Men dispos'd their weary Limbs to rest. Soon as the tender Morn began to dawn, King Arthur for Devotion was withdrawn. While he his humble Prayers was offering up To Heav'n upon a Neighb'ring Mountain's top, The Prince of Darkness caught him up on high, And bore th' undaunted Hero thro' the Sky, But near a Mountain in a lonesom wast, Swiftly alighting, he the Briton plac't. A mighty Dragon came down from the Hill Whose hideous Crys did all the Valley fill. The monstrous Beast was of prodigious size, Smoak from his Nostrils broke, Fire from his Eyes. His odious Feet resembled Harpys Claws, And the fierce Crocadile's his bloody Jaws. Which when expanded did three murth'ring Rows Of Teeth his native Armory disclose. His Wings spread out o'ershadow'd all the Air, Wide as the broadest Sails in Ships of War. Hard scaly Armour to his Body grew For Ornament and for Protection too. Along he drew his mighty poisonous train Like crooked Rivers sliding thro' a plain. As on the ground the turgid Volumes rol'd, They all their Speckled Terrors did unfold. On did the vast, voracious Monster come With dreadful noise, denouncing Arthur's Doom. Sometimes like heavy Bustards rais'd with pain He flew, and sometimes ran upon the Plain. Sometimes employing Feet and Pinions too, The Dragon both together ran and flew. The Beast with horrid noise advancing near, Th' undaunted Briton pois'd his ma**y Spear Which strait projected with prodigious Might, From his strong Arm took his auspicious Flight. Dragon and Spear against each other hist, Nor could the Beast this stress of d**h resist. For while he yawn'd and belch'd out dreadful Flames Amidst the Air in long impetuous Streams, Down his wide throat the Spear its pa**age made And buried deep within his Stomach staid. Down fell the wounded Beast with mighty sound, Shook all the Plain, the Woods, and Hills around, And beat his quivering Wings upon the ground. A Sea of loathsome Gore resembling Blood, Sprung from his Throat, and o'er the Region flow'd. Then did the raging Prince of Darkness bear Aloft the Conquering Briton thro' the Air. But set him down amidst a shady Wood, Which in a wild, amazing Desart stood. Where only ancient Pines, and baleful Yew, Unwholsome Box, and mournful Cypress grew. The noxious Glebe did nothing else produce But poisonous Flowers, and Herbs of Magic use. Bald Toadstools, Henbane, Nightshade, Hemlock here, Abundant choice of Mischief, did appear. The Birds obscene which love the Shades of Night Frightful to hear, and odious to the Sight, Owls, Ravens, Bats, and all th' ill-boding Race Increast the Horrors of the dismal place. So black the Shade, so thick the stagnant Air, That no reviving Sunbeams enter'd there. Nothing but here and there a straggling Ray Which lost it self in wandring from the Day. Which serv'd not to Refresh, but to affright, Not to Dispel, but to Disclose the Night. Within the midst an antient Castle stood, Encompa**'d with a Mote of reeking Blood. Wherein a dreadful Monster did reside, Who all th' attempts of humane Force defy'd: A Cruel Tyrant, of Infernal Shape, Whom none, who Fear her fury, can escape. Vipers, like those in Stygian Caverns found, Swoln with black Gore, her meagre Temples crown'd. Her ghastly Eyes were sunk within her head, And d**h-like Paleness did her Cheeks o'erspred. Her long, lank Breasts she o'er her Shoulders flung, Or to her Wast the loathsom Burden hung. Her shapeless Form no Words have force to tell, Black as the Night, and Horrible as Hell. The Monsters which Sicilia's Seas defame If this appear'd, would gentle seem and tame. She brandish'd in her hand a poison'd Dart, Which Strikes desponding Mortals to the Heart. Fast in the festring wound the Weapon rests, And tears with pain their miserable Breasts. For d**h in vain the tortur'd Wretches cry, Still do they Live, but still they Live to Dy. None but the Brave conscious of Vertuous Deeds; Whose Courage from their Innocence proceeds, Are able to withstand her dreadful Power, The rest the Monster do's with Ease devour. No sooner in th' enchanted Wood appear'd Britannia's Pious King, but straight he heard The saddest Accents, deep despairing Sighs, Bitter Complaints, and loud amazing Crys, Promiscuous Howlings, lamentable Moans, Outrageous Sorrow, and redoubled Groans. Clashing of Whips, hissings of mighty Snakes, Clancking of Chains, and noise of tort'ring Racks. Yellings of raging Furys, and the cry Of Men in dreadful Torments rend the Sky. Then thro' the Air Flashes of Light'ning past, And flaming Firebrands at his head were cast. Dragons of Fire flew swiftly thro' the Air, And ruddy Meteors shook their blazing Hair. Then murd'ring Ruffians leap'd out from the Wood, And grasping bloody Daggers threat'ning stood. Hell-hounds of hideous Forms, and dreadful Claws Ran roaring on him with their open Jaws. Pale shiv'ring Ghosts past groaning by, a sight Which humane Nature cannot but affright. These various Horrors did he see and hear Yet stood unmov'd, and ignorant of Fear. The Prince of Darkness all enrag'd to see The pious King's unshaken Constancy. To see him midst such Terrors fearless stand, Grasping his Heavenly Buckler in his Hand; Wherewith the Hero did with Ease repel The Rage of all th' united Powers of Hell; Invited dire Anelpis to his Aid, Of whom both Men and Angels are afraid. Aloud th' Apostate call'd, and at his Cry The Castle's Brazen Gates did open fly. The Draw-bridge all with Plates of Iron wrought Fell down, and lay across the Bloody Moat. When from the Castle Gates a hideous Rout With mighty Noise and Outcrys issued out. The Marks and all the ghastly Shapes of Fear In their distracted Faces did appear. Consummate Horror all their Looks possest, And Consternation not to be exprest. They beat their Breast, and tortur'd with Despair Tore from their Heads their stiff erected Hair. Torrents of Tears they pour'd out from their Eyes, And fill'd the ecchoing Wood with dismal Crys. Then next the Hellish Fury came in Sight, And call'd forth all her Terrors to affright. She shook her Vipers, and aloud she roar'd Than d**h more cruel, and as Hell abhorr'd. With horrid Port the meagre Monster strode, Poising her poison'd Dart all stain'd with Blood. Up to the King she march'd with furious Hast, And at his Breast her dreadful Dart she cast. Off from his temper'd Shield the Weapon glanc'd, The King with God-like Courage strait advanc'd, And brandishing his Fauchion in the Air T' attack the grisly Fury did prepare. Who straitway fled with all her odious Train, And in a Moment did her Castle gain. For she the timorous only can devour But flys the brave who dare resist her Power. With Spite and Rage th' Infernal Monarch swell'd When he the Britons glorious Deed beheld. Then thus he to himself. Still my Design My Vengeance still this Briton do's decline, He all my chosen Ministers defeats, And even Anelpis from his Arms retreats. Yet still I'll try, unwearied I'll pursue, I will molest him if I can't subdue. This mighty Favourite of Heav'n shall find That I have Snares and Dangers yet behind, Milder in show, but of more fatal Kind. I'll change my Arms and Method of Attack, Conquer by Wiles whom Danger cannot shake. In the South Corner of Pomona's Isle Blest with a temperate Air and fertile Soil. On the sweet Margin of a Crystal Flood, Within a flowry Vale a Palace stood, Adorn'd with Turrets of Stupendious height, With Walks and Gardens ravishing to Sight. Here did Fascinia with her wanton train In unmolested Peace and Pleasure reign. Her Form was lovely, and amazing fair Her Looks so sweet, so tender was her Air, That such soft charms, such an alluring grace Besides her own adorn'd no Mortal Face. A thousand Graces, and a thousand Joys Smil'd in her Cheeks and danc'd within her Eyes. Where sate Victorious Love with Triumph crown'd, His Conquering Arms and Trophys spread around. From these bright Magazins to Vanquish Hearts He drew his keenest flames, and all his surest Darts. Great Heros who Immortal Fame pursu'd, Citys reduc'd, and mighty Kings subdu'd, Have at this Conqueror's Feet laid down their Arms, Pleas'd to be vanquish'd by her gentle Charms. The Lilly, Jesmine, Violet and Rose Mingling their various Beautys did compose The Flowry Garland which encompa**'d round Her softer Hair, and fairer Temples crown'd. Her Amber Locks loose on her Shoulders lay, Whither lascivious Zephyrs came to play. With sporting Wings they rais'd them up, then all Flew off, aud let their Golden Burden fall. Her Silken Garments which with careless grace Her beauteous Limbs and Body did embrace, Did thro' the Air a rich Perfume diffuse, Such as Arabia's balmy Woods produce. And yet beneath the specious, fair disguise Of tender Words, and soft enticing Eyes, The treach'rous Sorceress within her Mind Conceal'd the deepest Hate to Humane Kind. She all the Herbs and potent Juices knew Which on Pomona's Hills in Plenty grew; These with infernal Art she could dispence And Mixtures Form of wondrous Influence. These Magic Draughts the fair Enchantress gave To all whom first her Beauty did enslave. Various the sk**ful Dispensations were, Which she for various Uses did prepare. As soon as some had drank th' infectious Bowl, They Wolves became, and strait began to howl. Some did the Form of wanton Goats acquire, Some Swine became, and straitway sought the Mire. Some with the Herds did thro' the Forrests pa**, And like Assyria's Monarch fed on Gra**. Some as from Humane Shape they did decline, Up to the Wast were Goats, and after Swine. Some half transform'd compos'd a monstrous Herd, Where one half Man, and one half Beast appear'd. Many Fascinia with amazing Art Changing their Sex to Women did convert. The Sorc'ress these anointed with an Oyl Of wondrous Force brought from Campania's Soil: Then by her Servants they were all convey'd To a warm Bath with strong Decoctions made Of p**na which without the Gard'ners Toil A Native grew thro' all Pomona's Isle. When she had bath'd them for a certain Space, She then remov'd the Captives from the Place And laid them softly on a downy Bed, With Lillys, Poppys, and fresh Roses spread. Then while she touch'd her Lute's enchanting String And with a charming Voice began to sing, Sweet Slumber strait their Eyelids gently prest, And on their Bed they lay dissolv'd in Rest. Mean time their Transformation did ensue, Their vig'rous Bodys smooth and slender grew; Their Limbs their Force did by degrees abate, And by degrees turn'd fair and delicate. Their Nerves grew slack, their Skin, as Lillys, white, Soft to the Touch, and easy to the Sight. From their fair Chins dropt off their Manly Beard, And on their smiling Lips a lovely Red appear'd. For mild and tender Looks, their changing Face, Put off its bold, its stern and martial Grace. Their Shape all o'er discover'd Female Charms, And all the Distaff sought, instead of Arms. These in Fascinia's Court did still remain, And furnish'd out her soft lascivious Train. Monarchs and warlike Chiefs who hither came Drawn by her charming Beauty, and her Fame In mighty Numbers did her Palace fill, Their Sex first chang'd by her prodigious Sk**. Straitway the Prince of Hell on Wings display'd, To this sweet Seat the British King convey'd. And set him down amidst the balmy Bowers With od'rous Herbs adorn'd, and fresh blown Flowers. Wherein appear'd on Iv'ry Tables set Rich garnish'd Dishes of delicious Meat. Choice Fruits in great Profusion lay around, And with their Golden Heaps the Tables crown'd. Plenty of Wine was plac'd; no nobler Juice Ausonia's Hills or fertile Greece produce. Music exceeding that of tuneful Sphears With soft harmonious Airs engag'd his Ears. Hither Fascinia with her Train to eat Now from her gilded Palace did retreat. Her, Lucifer had form'd and taught with Care How best the British Monarch to ensnare. Telling that this would raise her Glory more Than all the Triumphs she had won before. Soon as she saw the Hero stand in Arms She smil'd, and call'd forth all her conq'ring Charms. Advancing near, the lovely Sorceress Did these soft Words to Britain's King address. Tho you great Monarch are a Stranger here Your Fame is not, your Person's therefore dear. Faint with your Toil with Victorys opprest, Accept reviving Meats, and Wine and Rest. Make hast, and your exhausted Strength recruit, Conquest you've gain'd, and now enjoy the Fruit. Without Refreshment, and a due Repair Your mighty Limbs will fail, your Vigor wear. Your martial Genius for a time unbend, Some easy Hours in soft Enjoyment spend. Dangers you've born now tast these peaceful Joys, Divert your self with Pleasure's charming Voice. In this Retirement while you please to stay, All my Attendants shall your Will obey, And I my self will own your soveraign Sway. Here we'll advance the Name of Albion's King, And in soft Peace your Wars and Triumphs sing. Then you again shall Martial Fame pursue, And in the warlike Field your mighty Deeds renew. She ceas'd. And from her fair enchanting Eyes Shot Showers of Conqu'ring Darts to gain the Prize. The British Monarch view'd her beauteous Face Her tender Shape, soft Air, and every Grace. Speechless the Hero and astonish'd stood, And found an unknown Temper in his Blood. A painful Pleasure seiz'd his beating Heart, And in his Breast he felt and lov'd the Smart. The wand'ring Flame creeps thro' his wounded Veins, And all the Springs of Life the soft Contagion gains. He ne'er before met such a potent Foe, Nor did he e'er such Danger undergo. At last the Briton fir'd with Love, reply'd, Amidst such Charms who would not still abide? Happy the Kings, happy the Conquerours are Who after all their Warlike Toil can share The Smiles of one who's so divinely Fair. Then to the Bower she led him by the hand, And strait to fill out Wine she gave Command. She drank the Wine off, and of Conquest sure Bid them a second Bowl for Arthur pour. But when the Briton took the fatal drink And stood upon the Precipice's brink, At last he recollected in his Mind, How strictly he had been from Heav'n Enjoyn'd In fair Fascinia's Presence not to stay, But from her fatal Arms to break away. In hast the Monarch rose, resolv'd to fly Th' Enchanted Place, the Lovely Enemy Perceiving Arthur's great and brave intent Fell on her Knees his Purpose to prevent. She with her Arms his Martial Legs embrac'd, And in the snowy Fetters held him fast. With Tears and Prayers and every moving Art, She labour'd to confirm his wav'ring Heart. The Pious Monarch undetermin'd stood, And felt Alternate tydes Command his blood. He would not Heav'n's high order disobey, Nor had the Power or Will to break away. Thus he a while maintain'd a doubtful Field, And tho' he did not Conquer, did not yield. Mean time great Gabriel watchful of his Care, To give him Aid to break the fatal Snare, Cloath' d in white Air appear'd, and with a Cry Which shew'd the Monarch's Danger bid him fly. If thou he said wilt Life and Honour save, If thou wouldst prove above all others brave, No longer with this fair Enchantress stay Come on, and follow where I lead the Way. The Briton rous'd with this divine Alarm Felt now a nobler Flame his Bosom warm. Upon the Ground the fatal Bowl he threw, And from the fair Fascinia's Presence flew, Who with her earnest Crys did long pursue. The Gates flew open with obsequious Hast, Thro' which the Seraph and King Arthur past. Now in th' Aerial Realms had Light and Shade Twice seven alternate Revolutions made; When Lucifer's Commission was expir'd, Who from the Briton all enrag'd retir'd. Him his great Guardian Gabriel did convey Down to the Coasts where then the Britons lay. Gravellan, faithful Lucius, and the rest For their great Leader's Absence sore distrest, From Place to Place, with Care and anxious Thought In vain their Prince thro' all Pomona sought, They rang'd o'er Hill and Dale, and all around The Woods and Caves did with their Crys resound. At last o'erwhelm'd with Sorrow and Despair They to the Coast from whence they came repair; There to debate what Measures they should take, If they should cease, or fresh Enquiry make. Mean time the King amidst his Friends arriv'd, Whose Presence their desponding Minds reviv'd. With Wonder they beheld the Hero's Face, And did with Tears of Joy his Feet embrace. But when th' excessive Pa**ion did abate, The King at large did to his Friends relate, What Dangers in his Absence him befel, And how by Aids divine he did repel, All the confed'rate Force and Frauds of Hell. The mighty Triumphs by the Hero gain'd His Patience, and the Labors he sustain'd In various Combates, all his Friends amaz'd, Who fixt with Admiration on him gaz'd. With Joy transported all congratulate His mighty Conquests and his prosp'rous Fate. Some did to Heav'n his wondrous Patience raise, Some did his Courage, some his Goodness praise. And all the Soveraign of the World ador'd, Who to the Britons had their Prince restor'd. Whose powerful Hand a**isted his Escape, From Dangers of such Formidable Shape. Then Meat and Wine they did prepare in hast, Which now the Britons could with Pleasure tast. Refresh'd with Food the pious King arose And went his weary Members to repose. But first declar'd that when the dawning Day, From the cold Air should chase the Shades away, He would embark to make Neustrasia's Coast, To lead against the Franks the British Host.