Ah me, one summer in the cool of day,
1 saw the Nereids on the sandy bay,
With lovely Thetis from the wave advance
In mirthful frolic, and the naked dance.
In all her charms reveal'd the goddess trod,
With fiercest fires my struggling bosom glow'd ;
Yet, yet I feel them burning in my heart.
And hopeless, languish with the raging smart.
For her, each goddess of the heavens I scorn'd.
For her alone my fervent ardor bum'd.
In vain I woo'd her to the lover's bed.
From my grim form, with horror, mute she fled.
Madd'ning with love, by force I ween to gain
The silver goddess of the blue domain ;
To the hoar mother of the Nereid band
I tell my purpose, and her aid command :
By fear impell'd, old Doris tried to move,
And win the spouse of Peleus to my love.
The silver goddess with a smile replies,
' What nymph can yield her charms a giant's prize !
Yet, from the horrors of a war to save,
And guard in peace our empire of the wave,
Whate'er with honor he may hope to gain,
That, let him hope his wish shall soon attain.'
The promis'd grace infus'd a bolder fire.
And shook my mighty Umbs with fierce desire.
But ah, what error spreads its dreadful night.
What phantoms hover o'er the lover's sight I



THE STORY OF THE LUSIAD. 341

The war resign' d, my steps by Doris led,

Wliile gentle eve her shadowy mantle spread,

Before my steps the snowy Thetis shone

In all her charms, all naked, and alone.
