He to loud fits of mirth gave vent,
As near the maidens came and went,
And cast before him laurels wreathed
In crowns; then—ere the watchers breathed,
Lest they should be discovered there—
Lo! quick as lightning ’thwart the air,
The fiendish god turned full to view,
And ere the astonished gazers knew,
Close by their side[354] with devilish smile
He stood, and thus addressed them,[355] while