As toward the Ascrean Mount - Giambattista Felice Zappi

As toward the Ascrean mount I take my way
  Attending Glory at my right I hail;—
  She cheers my heart, forbids my strength to fail,
  And On, she cries, for I with thee will stay.
But as the long drear wastes our steps delay,
  Sudden doth Envy at my left assail,
  And says, I too am here:—her lips’ dead pale
  Speaks the black poisons on her heart that prey.
What then remains? If back my course I take,
  Envy, I know, that instant far is flown;
  But then shall Glory too my side forsake.
With both will I the mountain’s topmost height
  Resolve to gain: the one my toil shall crown,
  The other see it, and fret and burst with spite

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Giambattista Felice Zappi (1667 – 1719) Italy
Translated by Thomas Le Mesurier