amber. Transformation of Cycnus to a swan. Mourning of Phœbus. Jupiter's descent to earth; and amour with Calistho. Birth of Arcas, and transformation of Calistho to a bear; and afterwards with Arcas to a constellation. Story of Coronis. Tale of the daw to the raven. Change of the raven's color. Esculapius. Ocyrrhoë's prophecies, and transformation to a mare. Apollo's herds stolen by Mercury. Battus' double-dealing, and change to a touchstone. Mercury's love for Hersé. Envy. Aglauros changed to a statue. Rape of Europa. THE *Second Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID. By towering columns bright with burnish'd gold, And fiery gems, which blaz'd their light around, Upborne, the palace stood. The lofty roof With ivory smooth incas'd. The folding doors, Of silver shone, but much by sculpture grac'd, For Vulcan there with curious hand had carv'd The ocean girding in the land; the land; And heaven o'ershadowing: here cerulean gods Sport in the waves, grim Triton with his shell; Proteus shape-changing; and Ægeon huge,-- His mighty arms upon the large broad backs Of whales hard pressing: Doris and her nymphs: Some sportive swimming; on a rocky seat Some their green tresses drying; others borne By fish swift-gliding: nor the same all seem'd, Yet sister-like a close resembling look Each face pervaded. Earth her natives bore, Mankind;--and woods, and cities, there were seen; Wild beasts, and streams, and nymphs, and rural gods. 'Bove all the bright display of heaven was hung-- Six signs celestial o'er each portal grav'd. The daring youth, the steep ascent attain'd, O'erstepp'd the threshold of his dubious sire, And hasty rush'd to meet paternal eyes; But sudden stay'd: so fierce a blaze of light No nearer he sustain'd. In purple clad, The god a regal emerald throne upheld; Encircled round by hours which space the day; By days themselves; and ages, months, and years. Crown'd with a flowery garland Spring appear'd: Chaplets of grain the swarthy brows adorn'd Of naked Summer: smear'd with trodden grapes Stood Autumn: icy Winter fill'd the groupe;-- Snow-white his shaggy locks. Sol from the midst His eyes all-seeing glanc'd upon the youth, Startled and trembling at the wonderous sight; And cried:--“What brings my Phaëton, my son, “Whose sire shall ne'er disclaim him? tell me now, “What here thou seekest?” Thus the youth replies:-- “O father, Phœbus, universal light! “If justly, I thy honor'd name may use, “Nor proudly boasting Clymené conceals “A crime by falshood; grant paternal signs, “The world convincing that from thee I spring; “Reproachful doubts erasing from my mind.” He said;--the sire the glittering rays removes That blaz'd around his head,--invites him nigh, And thus embracing:--“Proud I own thee, son, “For all is true by Clymené disclos'd. “If still thou doubtest, name the gift thou lik'st,-- “That shalt thou have; for that will I bestow. “Ye streams unseen, which hear celestial oaths “My vows attest!” But scarce had Phœbus spoke, When Phaëton, the fiery car demands,-- Demands his sway the winged-footed steeds One day should suffer. Soon the solemn oath Phœbus lamented: three times mournful shook His glorious tresses and in sorrow cry'd-- “Would I could yet deny thee!--O my son! “All else with gladness will I hear thee ask;-- “List to persuasion,--perseverance sure “Will risk thy ruin. Phaëton, my child! “The task thou seek'st is arduous; far unfit “For those weak arms, and age so immature. “Mortal,--thou would'st a seat immortal press. “Ignorant of grasping more than all the gods “Attempt to manage. Every power we grant “Diverse excels; but I of all the gods, “Have force in that igniferous car to stand. “Ev'n Jove, the ruler of...