Aesacus

Man into Bird

 

Aesacus accidentally causes the death of the nymph Hesperia, whom he loves. Guilt-ridden, he decides to kill himself.

 

From an high rock, by hoarsely-roaring waves

Deep-worn beneath, prepar'd to plunge. Receiv'd

By pitying Tethys softly in his fall,

She clothes him, as he swims the main, with wings;

And death, so much desir'd, denies him still.

The lover, furious at th' unwelcome gift

Of life upon him forc'd, and his pent soul,

Bent on escaping from its hated seat

Confin'd, soon as the new-shot plumes he felt

Spring from his shoulders, up he flew, and plunged

Again his body in the depths below:

His feathers broke his fall. Æsacus rav'd,

And deeply div'd; with headlong fury still,

And endless perseverance death he sought.

Love keeps him meagre still; from joint to joint

His legs still longer grow; his outstretch'd neck

Is long; and distant far his head is plac'd.

He loves the ocean, and the name he bears,

From constant diving, seems correctly giv'n.