The Iliad of Homer


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She ceased; and, smiling with superior love,  
Thus answer'd mild the cloud-compelling Jove:  
"Nor god nor mortal shall our joys behold,  
Shaded with clouds, and circumfused in gold;  
Not even the sun, who darts through heaven his rays,  
And whose broad eye the extended earth surveys."  
Gazing he spoke, and, kindling at the view,  
His eager arms around the goddess threw.  
Glad Earth perceives, and from her bosom pours  
Unbidden herbs and voluntary flowers:  
Thick new-born violets a soft carpet spread,  
And clustering lotos swell'd the rising bed,  
And sudden hyacinths the turf bestrow,(237)  
And flamy crocus made the mountain glow  
There golden clouds conceal the heavenly pair,  
Steep'd in soft joys and circumfused with air;  
Celestial dews, descending o'er the ground,  
Perfume the mount, and breathe ambrosia round:  
At length, with love and sleep's soft power oppress'd,  
The panting thunderer nods, and sinks to rest.  
Now to the navy borne on silent wings,  
To Neptune's ear soft Sleep his message brings;  
Beside him sudden, unperceived, he stood,  
531  


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529 530 531 532 533

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