HEBE's BIRTH-DAY

The Queen of Paphos' flow'ry groves Ascends her dove-borne car; Cupid, the Graces, and the Loves Shed odours thro' the air. Soon Cytherea reach'd the skies; Each God that day was there— She rais'd to Jove her wat'ry eyes, And thus prefer'd her pray'r: "No more mankind invokes my pow'r, "Nor ardent vows arise "From doting bosoms, love's no more, "My Cupid's influence dies. "His bow, his arrows he has thrown "Quite useless from his arms— "See, where the Sister Graces moan "In negligence of charms. "To-day springs forth to life below "A Babe of honour'd line; "There let each God some boon bestow, "And stamp the Nymph divine." She spoke—Jove gave th'assenting nod, His thunders took their way; He then commanded that each God The Queen of Love obey. First came the Graces hand in hand And gave her all their ease, O'er ev'ry heart supreme command And elegance to please. Apollo and the Muses Nine Their heav'nly gifts impart, Wit, music, poesy divine And sense to form the heart, Jove gave his light'ning to her eyes, Gav Bacchus lasting youth, Momus with laughter shook the skies And added smiling truth. Cupid heard all—but knew not how The sky's applause to gain, Till in her smiles he spy'd his bow, And bad it there remain. Venus transported saw the Maid, And, her delight to prove, Cupid, attend on her, she said, For Hebe's Queen of Love.