Benjamin Green (British; 1739–1798) after George Stubbs (British; 1724–1806)Phaeton Driving the Char
Benjamin Green (British; 1739–1798) after George Stubbs (British; 1724–1806)Phaeton Driving the Chariot of the Sun1770Watercolor The British Museum, London | © Trustees of the British MuseumMeanwhile the restless horses neigh’d aloud, Breathing out fire, and pawing where they stood. Tethys, not knowing what had past, gave way, And all the waste of Heav’n before ‘em lay. They spring together out, and swiftly bear The flying youth thro’ clouds and yielding air; With wingy speed outstrip the eastern wind, And leave the breezes of the morn behind. The youth was light, nor cou’d he fill the seat, Or poise the chariot with its wonted weight: But as at sea th’ unballass’d vessel rides, Cast to and fro, the sport of winds and tides; So in the bounding chariot toss’d on high, The youth is hurry’d headlong through the sky. Soon as the steeds perceive it, they forsake Their stated course, and leave the beaten track. The youth was in a maze, nor did he know Which way to turn the reins, or where to go; Nor wou’d the horses, had he known, obey. (Ovid, Metamorphoses, Book II; trans. by Sir Samuel Garth, John Dryden, et al.) -- source link
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