Syrinx

Woman into Reeds

 

This story is a lot like Daphne’s, with Syrinx pursued by the god Pan.

 

The waves impede her flight. She earnest prays

Her sister-nymphs her human form to change.

Now thinks the sylvan god his clasping arms

Inclose her, whilst he grasps but marshy reeds.—

He mournful sighs; the light reeds catch his breath,

And soft reverberate the plaintive sound.

The dulcet movement charms th' enraptur'd god,

Who,—thus forever shall we join,—exclaims!

With wax combin'd th' unequal reeds he forms

A pipe, which still the virgin's name retains.