PPOSING, Sestos and Abydos stood;
Two neighboring cities parted by the flood.
At both, sure-aiming, Cupid fledged the dart;
Here fired a youth's, and there a virgin's heart:
This on Abydos', that on Sestos' shore:
Leander, Hero, were the names they bore.
The lovely youth and maid were known afar,
Each of their native town' the beauteous star,
In graces matched: if thither tend your way
Inquire the turret whence the torchlight ray
Ushered the youth, while stood the maiden high;
Or let the surge-reëchoing frith reply
Of old Abydos, that with hollow roar
Shall yet Leander's love and death deplore.