14 ORIGIN OF SOCIETY. CANTO i. 



Charm'd in her train admiring Hymen moves, 

 And tiptoe Graces hand in hand with Loves. 

 Next, while on pausing step the masked mimes 

 Enact the triumphs of forgotten times, 150 



Conceal from vulgar throngs the mystic truth, 

 Or charm with Wisdom's lore the initiate youth; 

 Each shifting scene, some patriot hero trod, 

 Some sainted beauty, or some saviour god. 



III. Now rose in purple pomp the breezy dawn, 

 And crimson dew-drops trembled on the lawn; 

 Blaz'd high in air the temple's golden vanes, 

 And dancing shadows veer'd upon the plains. 

 Long trains of virgins from the sacred' grove, 

 Pair after pair, in bright procession move, 1 60 



With flower-fill'd baskets round the altar throng, 

 Or swing their censers, as they wind along. 

 The fair URANIA leads the blushing bands, 

 Presents their offerings with unsullied hands; 



