Walter Thornbury

“ The boat by magic moved upon the wave,
⁠The sea-nymphs drew it thro’ the deep unseen;
Great dolphins gambolled round the frothing keel,
⁠White sea-birds flew above the ripples green.
While Iris from a bright cloud smiled to see
That youthful god disdain the wrathful sea. ”

“ To Vulcan this fair youth, their trembling prize.
“Spare me!” he cried, “my mother sighs for me
⁠In Naxos, where my father, old and blind,
Begs for his bread. O, Fate! thou mystery,
⁠That brought me to this woe. O! seamen kind,
Spare a poor youth, so free from sin and blame,
And do not give me to that cruel flame.” ”