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POEMS.
To thee, the long desired, I come. I seekEscape from Neptune's threatenings on the sea.The deathless gods respect the prayer of himWho looks to them for help, a fugitive,As I am now, when to thy stream I come,And to thy knees, from many a hardship past,Oh thou that here art ruler, I declareMyself thy suppliant; be thou merciful." He spoke; the river stayed his current, checkedThe billows, smoothed them to a calm, and gaveThe swimmer a safe landing at his mouth.Then dropped his knees and sinewy arms, at onceUnstrung, for faint with struggling was his heart.His body was all swoln; the brine gushed forthFrom mouth and nostrils; all unnerved he lay,Breathless and speechless; utter weariness
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