Classic Poem

Ye bright-eyed Muses, to the warbling string
The' illustrious twins of Jove and Leda sing.
Pollux renown'd for every virtuous deed,
And Castor skill'd to tame the fiery steed:
Whom 'neath Taygetus high mountain's shade,
Where Saturn's son compress'd the yielding maid,
Twin sons she bore; by favouring heaven design'd
To watch with guardian care o'er humankind.
For, dreadful when the wintry tempests sweep
The boiling bosom of the billowy deep,
The mariners with sacrifice and prayer
Invoke the friendly powers potent to spare.
Though o'er the half sunk bark the raging tide
Seem with triumphant wave in act to ride:
Wafted by golden pinions on the gale
The god's propitious flight the seamen hail.
At once the elemental discords cease,
And the tumultuous sea is hush'd to peace:
Joy fills the bosoms of the naval train,
Freed from the toils and dangers of the main.
Hail, ye Tyndaridae! who urge the speed,
And guide the progress of the generous steed;
Soon shall the Muses in another lay
The rising glory of your deeds display.