Page:Rape of Prosperine - Claudian (1854).djvu/48

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

36

Where, clothed in starry robes, majestic Night
Presides to sanctify the binding rite.
As rests her hand upon the genial couch,
The voices of the good their joy avouch;
And long through Pluto's halls is heard to float
Their wakeful hymn, with sweet applausive note.
"Hail, Matron Juno! worthiest of our love!
Hail, brother thou, and son-in-law of Jove!
Clasped in each other's arms, consenting steep
Your weary senses in the dews of sleep.
Accord what Nature asks; let sons be born,
New Gods, the world predestined to adorn;
And give to Ceres—by that hope beguiled
Of care and sorrow—children of her child."