The Changes of Proteus



8:1108 He ceas'd in his relation to proceed,
8:1109 Whilst all admir'd the author, and the deed;
8:1110 But Theseus most, inquisitive to know
8:1111 From Gods what wondrous alterations grow.
8:1112 Whom thus the Calydonian stream address'd,
8:1113 Rais'd high to speak, the couch his elbow press'd.
8:1114 Some, when transform'd, fix in the lasting change;
8:1115 Some with more right, thro' various figures range.
8:1116 Proteus, thus large thy privilege was found,
8:1117 Thou inmate of the seas, which Earth surround.
8:1118 Sometimes a bloming youth you grac'd the shore;
8:1119 Oft a fierce lion, or a furious boar:
8:1120 With glist'ning spires now seem'd an hissing snake,
8:1121 The bold would tremble in his hands to take:
8:1122 With horns assum'd a bull; sometimes you prov'd
8:1123 A tree by roots, a stone by weight unmov'd:
8:1124 Sometimes two wav'ring contraries became,
8:1125 Flow'd down in water, or aspir'd in flame.