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Show 16 ORIGIN OF SOCIETY. CAN TO I. Scan the proud pyramid, and arch sublime, E art h -can ke r' d urn ' medallion green with time, S tern b us t s of Gods ' with helmed heroes mix' d, And Beauty's radiant forms, that smile betwixt. 180 " Waked by thy voice, transmuted by thy wand, Their lips shall open, and their arms expand; The love-lost lady' and the warrior slain, Leap from their tombs, and sigh or fight again. -So when ill-fated ORPHEUS tuned to woe His potent lyre, and sought the realms below; Charm'd into life unreal forms respir'd, And list'ning shades the dulcet notes admir'd.- "LovE led the Sage through Death's tremendous porch, Cheer'd with his smile, and lighted with his torch;- 190 Laban, and hid beneath her garments as she sat upon the straw. Gen. c. xxxi. v. 34. LO'Oe led the Sage, l. 189. This description is taken from the figures on the Barbarini, or Portland Vase, where Eros, or Divine Love, with his torch precedes the manes through the gates of Death, and reverting his smiling countenance invites him into the Elysian field s. CANTO I. PRODUCTION OF LIFE. Hell's triple Dog his playful jaws expands, Fawns round the Gon, and licks his baby hands; In 'vondering groups the shadowy nations throng, And sigh or simper, as he steps along; Sad swains, and nymphs forlorn, on Lethe., s brink,. Hug their past sorrows, and refuse to drink; Night's dazzled Empress feels the golden flame 17 Play round her breast, and melt her frozen frame; Charms with soft words, and sooths with amorous w·iles, Her iron-hearted Lord,-and PLUTo smiles.- 200 His trembling Bride the Bard triumphant led From the pale mansions of the astonish' d dead; Gave the fair phantom to admiring Iight,Ah, soon again to tread irremeable night!" IV. HER snow-white arm, indulgent tQ n1y so11g, W:aves the fair Hierophant, and moves along.- Fawns round the God, 1. 192. This idea is copied from a painting of the descent of Orpheus, by a celebrated Parisian artist. D |