The Works of Thomas HoodThis historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1864. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... LAMIA; A ROMANCE A mossy Bank with Trees, on the high Road near Corinth. Enter Lamia. LAMIA. Here I'll sit down and watch; till his dear foot Pronounce him to my ear. That eager hope Hath won me from the brook before I viewed My unacquainted self.--But yet it seemed' A most rare change--and methinks the change Has left the old fascination in my eyes. Look, here's a shadow of the shape I am--A dainty shadow! ISIu tts down on the bant. How fair the world seems now myself am fair! These dewy daffodils! these sweet green trees! I've coiled about their roots--but now I pluck Their drooping branches with this perfect hand! Sure those were Dryades That with such glancing looks peeped through the green To gaze upon my beauty. L-raastnlan and paueton without noUnglitr. Lycius! sweet Lycius!--what, so cruel still! What have I done thou ne'er wilt deign a look, But pass me like a worm? LYCIUS. Ha! who art thou? Mooting back. O goddess, (for there is no mortal tint, No line about thee lower than divine, ) What may that music mean, thy tuneful tongue Hath sent in chase of me?--I slight! I scorn thee! By all the light of day, till this kind hour 1 never saw that face!--nor one as fair. LAMIA. O fie, fie, fie!--what, have you never met That face at Corinth?--turned too oft towards you, Like the poor maidens that adored Apollo: --You must have marked it!--LYCIUS. Nay, then hear me swear! By all Olympus and its starry thrones--My eyes have never chanced so sweet a sight, Not in my summer dreams! LAMIA. Enough, enough!--why then I've watched in vain--Tracked all your ways, and followed like your shadow; Hung you with blessings--haunted you with love--And waited on your aspect--all in vain!--1 might as well have spent my loving looks, Like Ariadne, on the sullen sea, And hoped for a... |
