The Thebaid of Statius (Volume 1)

This 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. 1767. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE Moon had measur'd haif the Course of Night, And the Stars shone with undiminish'd Light: But, though a tedious Interval remains, E'r fair Aurora climbs th' Etherial Plains, Involv'd in Cares, the Tbeban Monarch lies: 5 Peace fled his Breast, and Sleep forsook his Eyes. While the Reflection of his base Designs Preys on his Mind, and Fear the worst divines. ' Fear, that anticipates the Voice of Fame, And loves ne w Objecte of Despair to frame. 10 v. 5 Imnl'u'd in Cares.} The Pleasures of illegal Acquisitions are uneqnal to the Cares and Fears arising from them. The Pains of the Body are curable and tranfient; but the Stings of Conscience limitabse by Repentance and Death only. Clauditm has described the Torments of a guilty Villain, in the Person of Rujfinus, with great Spirit and exact Propriety. At procul exanguis Ruffinum perculit Horror: Infectae pallore gen-, stetit ore gelato Incertus peteretne fugam, veniamne subactus Pofceret an Aantes sese transserret in hostes, .-> Quid nunc Divitis ? quid fuivi vasta metalli. Congeries f quid purpureis efiulta columnis Afria prolatieve juvant ad Jidera moles ? Addit Iter, numeratque dies, spatioque viarum Metitur vitam, torquetur peste l'utura: Nec recipit somnos, et fepe cubilibus amens Excutitur, pcenamque luit formidine psns. Jn Ruffinum, Lib. 2. F 3 Asham'd Asham'd to doubt the Fortune of the Fray, He seeks Excuses for their long Delay; And cries--Has Fortune, or some fav'ring God Inspir'd the Foe to shun the publick Road ? Or Fame a Rumor of our Ambush spread, 15 And rous'd all Argos to revenge the Dead ? Nor have I chose a mean, inglorious Train, Averse to Fight, or Strangers to the Plain, But Chiefs, who great in Arms suffice alone To level Argos, and secure my Throne. 20 Fie...