Читать книгу The Poetical Works of Addison; Gay's Fables; and Somerville's Chase - Джозеф Аддисон - Страница 20

  As the fair vestal to the fountain came,

  (Let none be startled at a vestal's name)

  Tired with the walk, she laid her down to rest,

  And to the winds exposed her glowing breast,

  To take the freshness of the morning-air,

  And gather'd in a knot her flowing hair;

  While thus she rested, on her arm reclined,

  The hoary willows waving with the wind,

  And feather'd choirs that warbled in the shade,

  And purling streams that through the meadow stray'd,

  In drowsy murmurs lull'd the gentle maid.

  The god of war beheld the virgin lie,

  The god beheld her with a lover's eye;

  And by so tempting an occasion press'd,

  The beauteous maid, whom he beheld, possess'd:

  Conceiving as she slept, her fruitful womb

  Swell'd with the founder of immortal Rome.