SELMO his eyes towards IANTHE rais'd —
IANTHE, conscious, trembled as he gaz'd;
Whate'er had pass'd with faultering lips declares,
Spent with fatigue, and shook with rising fears.
As RAPHAEL heard, a secret pang possess'd
His anxious mind, and agitates his breast;
But this repressing, her lov'd hand he took,
And from the ardour of his passion spoke;
Their nuptial day he urg'd, while inward smart
Ton'd each persuasive word, and fir'd her heart.
While yet he speaks loud tumults burst the door,
And soldiers entering, round young RAPHAEL pour;
From ARNO sent, his stern commands they brought,
Quick to convey him where his armies fought —
To distant regions, scenes to him unknown,
Where ARNO's power upheld a tyrant's throne:
Thus forced along, resistance were as vain
As if a pebble strove to stem the main.