Now sacred Libya's empire wide 100
Possesses thine illustrious bride,
Who her fair residence shall hold
That glitters with imperial gold.
Justly to her that fertile field
Will its unceasing produce yield, 105
A land with fruits abundant crown'd,
Where beasts unnumber'd graze around. 103
She shall produce an offspring there,
Whom to the high-throned Hours and Earth
Illustrious Mercury shall bear 110
From the dear authors of his birth.
They on their knees the babe shall place,
Bidding his young and tender lip
Sweet nectar and ambrosia sip,
And with immortal honour grace; 115
Making the rustic shepherd boy,
Whom mortals Aristæus name,
Skill'd to pursue the savage game,
His friends' delight and dearest joy;
Adored with almost equal love 120
To sacred Phœbus or to Jove." 116
Thus having said, he moved his breast
In wedlock to be fully bless'd.
But when the gods to action speed,
Short is the road and swift the deed. 125
That very day's revolving sun
Beheld the fated purpose done:
Saw them on Libya's golden strand
Join'd in the hymeneal band;
Where she protects that beauteous town 130
Which in each contest gains renown.
Once more upon the Pythian plain,
Carneades, thine offspring brave
By the bright wreath which fortune gave,
