The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,418 pages of information about The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3.

The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,418 pages of information about The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3.
when I perceived that it was terminated by a most magnificent Temple.  The Structure was ancient, and regular.  On the Top of it was figured the God Saturn, in the same Shape and Dress that the Poets usually represent Time.
As I was advancing to satisfie my Curiosity by a nearer View, I was stopped by an Object far more beautiful than any I had before discovered in the whole Place.  I fancy, Madam, you will easily guess that this could hardly be any thing but your self; in reality it was so; you lay extended on the Flowers by the side of the River, so that your Hands which were thrown in a negligent Posture, almost touched the Water.  Your Eyes were closed; but if your Sleep deprived me of the Satisfaction of seeing them, it left me at leisure to contemplate several other Charms, which disappear when your Eyes are open.  I could not but admire the Tranquility you slept in, especially when I considered the Uneasiness you produce in so many others.
While I was wholly taken up in these Reflections, the Doors of the Temple flew open, with a very great Noise; and lifting up my Eyes, I saw two Figures, in human Shape, coming into the Valley.  Upon a nearer Survey, I found them to be YOUTH and LOVE.  The first was encircled with a kind of Purple Light, that spread a Glory over all the Place; the other held a flaming Torch in his Hand.  I could observe, that all the way as they came towards us, the Colours of the Flowers appeared more lively, the Trees shot out in Blossoms, the Birds threw themselves into Pairs, and Serenaded them as they passed:  The whole Face of Nature glowed with new Beauties.  They were no sooner arrived at the Place where you lay, when they seated themselves on each Side of you.  On their Approach, methought I saw a new Bloom arise in your Face, and new Charms diffuse themselves over your whole Person.  You appeared more than Mortal; but, to my great Surprise, continued fast asleep, tho the two Deities made several gentle Efforts to awaken you.
After a short Time, YOUTH (displaying a Pair of Wings, which I had not before taken notice of) flew off.  LOVE still remained, and holding the Torch which he had in his Hand before your Face, you still appeared as beautiful as ever.  The glaring of the Light in your Eyes at length awakened you; when, to my great Surprise, instead of acknowledging the Favour of the Deity, you frowned upon him, and struck the Torch out of his Hand into the River.  The God after having regarded you with a Look that spoke at [once [1]] his Pity and Displeasure, flew away.  Immediately a kind of Gloom overspread the whole Place.  At the same time I saw an hideous Spectre enter at one end of the Valley.  His Eyes were sunk into his Head, his Face was pale and withered, and his Skin puckered up in Wrinkles.  As he walked on the sides of the Bank the River froze, the Flowers faded, the Trees shed their Blossoms, the Birds dropped from off the Boughs, and fell dead
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The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.