10 ORIGIN OF SOCIETY. CANTO i. 



Pleas'd, their light limbs on beds of roses press'd, 

 In slight undress recumbent Beauties rest; 

 On tiptoe steps surrounding Graces move, 

 And gay Desires expand their wings above. 



HERE young DIONE arms her quiver'd Loves, 

 Schools her bright Nymphs, and practises her doves; 

 Calls round her laughing eyes in playful turns, 

 The glance that lightens, and the smile that burns; 100 

 Her dimpling cheeks with transient blushes dies, 

 Heaves her white bosom with seductive sighs; 

 Or moulds with rosy lips the magic words, 

 That bind the heart in adamantine cords. 



Behind in twilight gloom with scowling mien 

 The demon PAIN, convokes his court unseen; 

 Whips, fetters, flames, pourtray'd on sculptur'd stone, 

 In dread festoons, adorn his ebon throne; 

 Each side a cohort of diseases stands, 



And shudd'ring Fever leads the ghastly bands; 110 



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