ΤΟ J. H. REYNOLDS, Esq. MY DEAR REYNOLDS, You will remember "Lycus." It was written in the pleasant spring-time of our friendship, and I am glad to maintain that association, by connecting your name with the Poem. It will gratify me to find that you regard it with the old partiality for the writings of each other, which prevailed in those days. For my own sake, I must regret that your pen goes now into far other records than those which used to delight me. Your true Friend and Brother, T. HOOD. LYCUS, THE CENTAUR. FROM AN UNROLLED MANUSCRIPT OF APOLLONIUS CURIUS. THE ARGUMENT. Lycus, detained by Circe in her magical dominion, is beloved by a Water Nymph, who desiring to render him immortal, has recourse to the Sorceress. Circe gives her an incantation to pronounce, which should turn Lycus into a horse; but the horrible effect of the charm causing her to break off in the midst, he becomes a Centaur. WHO hath ever been lured and bound by a spell at a touch, at a flash of the eye, But each form is a cheat, and each sound is a lie, Things born of a wish Or last for long ages - to endure for a thought, to vanish to nought, I 3 |