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MAGNES.
175
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Of this deprived, its frame exhausted lies, Fierce hunger gnaws, and thirst consuming dries.
With
gilded ceilings deck'd a temple shines, And two Immortals grace two
common shrines, Mars, scourging nations with his bloodstain'd spear ;
And Venus, solace sweet of human care. Different their mould—in iron
Mars commands ; Sculptured in Magnet lovely Venus stands. Their
nuptials high with solemn rites to grace Prepares the priest, the
guardian of the place. The blazing flambeaux lead the dancing quire ;
High o'er the gates the myrtle boughs aspire ; With heap'd-up roses
swells the marriage-bed ; The nuptial chamber is with purple spread.
Behold a marvel 1 Instant to her arms Her eager husband Cythereia
charms ; And ever mindful of her ancient fires, With amorous breath his
martial breast inspires ; Lifts the loved weight, tight round his
helmet twines Her loving arms, and close embraces joins. Drawn by the
mystic influence from afar, Flies to the wedded gem the God of War. The
Magnet weds the Steel : the sacred rites Nature attends, and th'
heavenly pair unites.
Say
from what source to differing metals came This hid affinity, this
wondrous flame ? What mystic concord bends their stubborn minds ? The
panting stone love's melting influence finds, Seeks the fond metal her
deep wound to heal, Whilst love's mild pleasures tame the cruel steel.''
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