By them the king's unnumbered flocks were fed. The silent dawn was misty yet and gray, And hoary moisture on the mountains lay. Bactria revolts, Ninus the tidings hears, Himself in arms to meet the foe prepares. He curst his martial charge, and publick fame, And loaths th' incumbrance of a glorious name, Which rends him now from all the joys of life, His lov'd Semiramis , his charming wife. To follow you thro' raging seas I'd go, O'er burning desarts, or perpetual snow.
New pleasure fills the hero's breast, to find Such beauty, love, and stedfast virtue join'd.
With dazzling flames of gold and scarlet glow'd. A painted quiver rattled by her side. Her height and mien adorn the warlike dress, More vig'rous rays her charming eyes express. The courser, of his beauteous burden proud, With golden trappings bounded thro' the crowd. Menon , of Syrian arms the grace and pride, Kept near the lovely masquerader's side.