MEAN while thro' savage woods, and deserts vast,
The captive with his  masters past.
At last rich Egypt's pleasant coasts are seen,
The level meads drest with immortal green;
Between them fertile  directs his course,
And nobly flows from his immortal source.
Along the borders of the sacred flood,
Aspiring groves and stately cities stood:
Here ancient  in her height appear'd,
Before  lute the  wall had rear'd.