A brighter wash; to curl their waving hairs,

Assist their blushes, and inspire their airs; Nay oft, in dreams, invention we bestow, To change a flounce, or add a furbelow. 100 "This day, black omens threat the brightest fair

That e'er deserved a watchful spirit's care;

He spoke; the spirits from the sails descend;

137

And hew triumphal arches to the ground. What wonder then, fair nymph! thy hairs should feel

The conquering force of unresisted steel?" CANTO IV

But anxious cares the pensive nymph oppressed,

And secret passions labored in her breast. Not youthful kings in battle seized alive, Not scornful virgins who their charms survive,

Not ardent lovers robbed of all their bliss, Not ancient ladies when refused a kiss, 6 Not tyrants fierce that unrepenting die, Not Cynthia when her mantua's pinned awry,

E'er felt such rage, resentment, and despair,

As thou, sad virgin! for thy ravished hair. For, that sad moment, when the sylphs withdrew,

II