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Now sacred Libya's empire wide

Possesses thine illustrious bride,

Who her fair residence shall hold

That glitters with imperial gold.

Justly to her that fertile field

Will its unceasing produce yield,

A land with fruits abundant crown'd,

Where beasts unnumber'd graze around.

She shall produce an offspring there,

Whom to the high-throned Hours and Earth

Illustrious Mercury shall bear

From the dear authors of his birth.

They on their knees the babe shall place,

Bidding his young and tender lip

Sweet nectar and ambrosia sip,

And with immortal honour grace;

Making the rustic shepherd boy,

Whom mortals Aristæus name,

Skill'd to pursue the savage game,

His friends' delight and dearest joy;

Adored with almost equal love

To sacred Phœbus or to Jove."

Thus having said, he moved his breast

In wedlock to be fully bless'd.

But when the gods to action speed,

Short is the road and swift the deed.

That very day's revolving sun

Beheld the fated purpose done:

Saw them on Libya's golden strand

Join'd in the hymeneal band;

Where she protects that beauteous town

Which in each contest gains renown.

Once more upon the Pythian plain,

Carneades, thine offspring brave

By the bright wreath which fortune gave,

For her new lustre joys to gain.