Up from the east the Swan majestic sails—
Returning light Jove's mighty Eagle hails.
When dripping from his dreary watery bed
Aquarius lifts his cloud-environ’d head,
The rising Horse the starry pavement paws
With panting nostril and extended jaws.
Night drags the Centaur down to her domain— 720
Aloft his head and shoulders broad remain
Till from their native waves the Fishes glide;
Then the whole monster sinks beneath the tide.
Andromeda now gladly quits the main,
Where Neptune and th' offended Nereids reign.
Long time emerging from the briny waves,
One fetter'd hand in ocean still she laves.
When rises Aries with his golden head,
And couching rests as on a flowery bed,
Quench'd in the ocean sinks the Altar's fire— 730
To hapless sailors oft an omen dire.
And Perseus arm'd emerges from the tide,
As rushing to defend his captive bride.
When quits the Bull the portals of the east,
Rises, attendant on the lordly beast,
Auriga. On him rests Capella bright,
And rivals Aldebaran's ruby light:
