...e finds his purpose, lest exceeding heat ' Consume the lands: and rising thus to meet ' Enkindled Lion, to Syene's prayers ' By Cancer burnt gives ear; nor curbs his wave ' Till the slant sun and Meroe 's lengthening shades ' Proclaim the autumn. Who shall give the cause? ' 'Twas Parent Nature's self which gave command ' Thus for the needs of earth should flow the Nile. ' Vain too the fable that...