Saddened by his efforts to form an endearing friendship, Apollo once more
sighed for the nymph Perses, daughter of Ocean, and had by her the
celebrated Circe, remarkable for her knowledge of magic and venomous herbs.
Bolina, another nymph to whom he was attached, wishing to escape from his
pursuit, threw herself into the waves, and was received by the nymphs of
Amphitrion.
"I staid awhile to see her throw
Her tresses back, that all beset
The fair horizon of her brow,
With clouds of jet.
"I staid a little while to view
Her cheek, that wore in place of red,
The bloom of water, tender blue,
Daintily spread.
"I staid to watch a little space
Her parted lips, if she would sing;
The waters closed above her face,
With many a ring.
"And still I stayed a little more,--
Alas! she never comes again,
I throw my flowers from the shore
And watch in vain."