A threaden net was stretch'd a full yard high,

And clasp'd in its reticulated arms,

As ivy clasps the oak, two sturdy staves

Uprear'd on either side. At either end,

Holding opposing corners of the field,

A youth and damsel did themselves disport

In costume airy, mystic, wonderful;

The while in dexter hand each held a quaint

And spoon-shaped instrument of chequer'd strings—

Modell'd perchance, upon an ancient lute—