Astræa's virgin form below reclines—
Her angel face on realms more southern shines.
It runs athwart the Lion's loins and breast—
Cutting his shaggy mane and tawny chest.
Hence into Cancer, where its course begun,
And where in northern Tropic rests the Sun.
If in eight parts this circle we divide,
Five rise above—three sink in ocean's tide.
When Phœbus gains this point, approaching near
E'en to the forefeet of the greater Bear,
He checks his steeds, and turns his burning car
Down from the north to Capricorn afar. 510
The other corresponding circle lies
As distant from the pole in southern skies.
The breast it cuts and loins of Capricorn,
And both his legs, who holds the Watering Urn.
Its track on Cetus fishy tail is found—
Through the swift Hare—and swift pursuing Hound.
Onward it runs o'er Argo's glittering mast,
And to the monster Centaur's hairy breast. 520
Divides the Scorpion near its fiery sting—
Cutting the Archer's crooked bow and string.
His southern limits here the Sun attains,
When tyrant Winter holds in icy chains
Our northern realms. Five parts of weary night
Our hapless lot—and three of solar light.
