Amphitrion

Amphitrion and his bride, a godlike pair! He brave as Mars, and she as Venus fair; On thrones of gold in purple triumph plac'd, With matchless splendour held the nuptial feast: Whilst the high roof with loud applauses rung, Enraptur'd, thus, the happy hero sung:

Was mighty Jove descending, In all his wrath divine, Enrag'd at my pretending To call this charmer mine; His shafts of bolted thunder With boldness I'd deride: Not Heav'n itself can sunder The hearts that love has ty'd.

The Thunderer heard,—he look'd with vengeance down, Till beauty's glance disarm'd his awful frown. The magic impulse of Alcmena's eyes Compel'd the conquer'd god to quit his skies; He feign'd the husband's form, possess'd her charms, And punish'd HIS presumption in HER arms.

He deserves sublimest pleasure, Who reveals it not, when won. Beauty's like the miser's treasure: Boast it—and the fool's undone! Learn by this, unguarded lover, When your secret sighs prevail, Not to let your tongue discover Raptures that it shou'd conceal.