Psyche, and other poems — page 79: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

61 White bosomed nymphs around with loosened zones All on the guests obsequiously tend, Some sing of love with soft expiring tones, While Psyche’s melting eyes the strain commend ; Some o’er their heads the canopy suspend, Some hold the sparkling bowl, while some with skill Ambrosial showers and balmy juices blend, Or the gay lamps with liquid odours fill Whose many coloured fires divinest sweets distil. And now a softer light they seemed to shed, And sweetest music ushered in their queen: Her languid steps by winged boys are led, - Who in their semblance might have Cupids been ; Close wrapt in veils her following train was seen; Herself looked lovely in her loose attire, Her smiling eyes gave lustre to the scene, And still, where’er they turned their wanton fire, Each thrilling nerve confessed the rapture they inspire. The stranger guest she viewed with welcome glad, And crowned the banquet with reception sweet, To fill the glowing bowl her nymphs she bad, And graceful rising from her splendid seat She would herself present the sparkling treat ; When lo! the dove alarmed with sudden start, Spurned the bright cup and dashed it at her feet, For well he knew *twas mixed with treacherous art To sting his Psyche’s breast with agonizing smart. Conniclooolks.comn