In form and stature as the Sea Nymph’s son,

When that wise Centaur from his cave well-pleased

Beheld the boy divine his growing strength

Against some shaggy lionet essay,

And fixing in the half-grown mane his hands,

Roll with him in fierce dalliance intertwined.

But like a creature of some higher sphere

His sister came; she scarcely touch’d the rock,

So light was Hermesind’s aërial speed.

Beauty and grace and innocence in her