

CANTO ii. REPRODUCTION OF LIFE. 55 



Unmarried Aphides prolific prove 



For nine successions uninform'd of love; 



New sexes next with softer passions spring, 



Breathe the fond vow, and woo with quivering wing. 



"' So erst in Paradise creation's LORD, 

 As the first leaves of holy writ record, 

 From Adam's rib, who press'd the flowery grove, 

 And dreamt delighted of untasted love, 

 To cheer and charm his solitary mind, 

 Form'd a new sex, the MOTHER OF MANKIND. 140 



Buoy'd on light step the Beauty seem'd to swim, 







And stretch'd alternate every pliant limb; 

 Pleased on Euphrates' velvet margin stood, 

 And view'd her playful image in the flood ^ 

 Qwn'd the fine flame of love, as life began, 

 And smiled enchantment on adoring Man. 

 Down her white neck and o'er her bosom roll'd, 

 Flow'd in sweet negligence her locks of gold; 



The mother of mankind. 1. 140. See Additional Note X. 



