Aristomenes.[608]

Canto First.

1.

The Gods of old are silent on the shore.

Since the great Pan expired, and through the roar

Of the Ionian waters broke a dread

Voice which proclaimed "the Mighty Pan is dead."

How much died with him! false or true - the dream

Was beautiful which peopled every stream

With more than finny tenants, and adorned

The woods and waters with coy nymphs that scorned

Pursuing Deities, or in the embrace

Of gods brought forth the high heroic race

Whose names are on the hills and o'er the seas.

Cephalonia, Sept^r^ 10^th^ 1823.

[From an autograph MS. in the possession of the Lady Dorchester, now for the first time printed.]