More sacred than the Roman, rose and stood

To take their several doom the imperial pair

Diversely born of Venus, and in mood

Diverse as their one mother, and as fair,

Though like two stars contrasted, and as good,

Though different as dark eyes from golden hair;

One as that iron planet red like blood

That bears among the stars

Fierce witness of her Mars

In bitter fire by her sweet light subdued;

One, in the gentler skies

Sweet as her amorous eyes:

One proud of worlds and seas and darkness rude

Composed and conquered; one content

With lightnings from loved eyes of lovers lightly sent.

29.

And where Alpheus and where Ladon ran

Radiant, by many a rushy and rippling cove

More known to glance of god than wandering man,

He sang the strife of strengths divine that strove,

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