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Orpheus on Gems

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384
ORPHEUS ON GEMS.
Within thy bed unseen this stone bestow, Muttering a soothing spell in whispers low : Though wrapped in slumber deep, if pure and chaste, She'll seek to strain thee to her loving breast ; But if polluted by adultery found, Hurled from the couch she tumbles on the ground.
320 And if two brothers shall a loadstone wear, Free from all strife abide the friendly pair. And when the crowds towards the forum roll, With words persuasive shalt thou melt the soul. Why needs it more its numerous virtues praise, When e'en the immortal gods its influence sways, So that with softened hearts the powers above Grant all thy wishes with a parent's love ?— Soon will we prove the virtues that I teach, When we the altar of thy saviour reach,
330 For yonder slave, companion of my road, On his broad shoulders bears an ample load. But since, undone our journey's greater part, Fear of the monster fills thy beating heart, Attend whilst I an antidote declare, No more the trailing serpent's tooth to fear. Let him who by the dragon's fang hath bled. On the dire wound Serpentine powdered spread, And in the stone his sure reliance place, For wounds inflicted by the reptile race. The Ostrites mixed with wine affords again
340 A quick relief to cool their fiery pain.— The sacred stone that from the viper came, Well known to leeches by the Viper's name, Aided by which, divine Machaon's art Cured of the rankling wound the nine years' smart, When the despairing hero now no more Hoped for deliverance from the festering sore : But taught its virtues by his sire on high, With this he healed the bold Poeantian's thigh, And sent him forth rejoicing on his way To Troy the Phrygian ravisher to slay. Pierced by his shaft, scarce Paris self believed
350 That he his death from Philocete received ; Nor deemed the hero from the Lemnian shore, With limbs restored, had hastened to the war.
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