Hopeless the task each separate star to name,
Many in lustre and in size the same;
But group'd in constellations they appear
Though nameless known—though numberless in order clear.
The southern Fish beneath Aquarius glides,
And upward turns to Cetus scaly sides.
Rolls from Aquarius' vase a limpid stream,
Where numerous stars like sparkling bubbles gleam;
But two alone beyond the others shine: 410
This on the Fish's jaw—that on the Monster's spine.
Glitters, the forefeet of the Archer near,
The southern Crown: its jewels not so fair
As Ariadne's in the northern sphere.
Where Scorpio to the south his claw expands,
Burning with constant fire an Altar stands.
Few are the hours it shines to mortal eye—
Short is its passage through the wintry sky—
Long as Arcturus o'er the ocean rides,
So long the darksome wave the Altar hides. 420
Primeval Night, who with the God of day
O'er earth and ocean holds divided sway,
Pitying the toils and dangers of the brave
Adventurous sailor through the pathless wave,
4
