clay and brass's use.    'Tis from him the art man knows Tongs and bellows how to wield;    'Neath his hammer's heavy blows Was the ploughshare first revealed. With projecting, weighty spear, Front of all, Minerva stands, Lifts her voice so strong and clear, And the godlike host commands. Steadfast walls 'tis hers to found, Shield and screen for every one, That the scattered world around Bind in loving unison. The immortals' steps she guides O'er the trackless plains so vast, And where'er her foot abides Is the boundary god held fast; And her measuring chain is led Round the mountain's border green,—    E'en the raging torrent's bed     In the holy ring is seen. All the Nymphs and Oreads too Who, the mountain pathways o'er, Swift-foot Artemis pursue, All to swell the concourse, pour, Brandishing the hunting-spear,—     Set to work,—glad shouts uprise,—    'Neath their axes' blows so clear Crashing down the pine-wood flies. E'en the sedge-crowned God ascends From his verdant spring to light, And his raft's direction bends At the goddess' word of might,—    While the hours, all gently bound, Nimbly to their duty fly; Rugged trunks are fashioned round By her skilled hand gracefully. E'en the sea-god thither fares;—     Sudden, with his trident's blow, He the granite columns tears From earth's entrails far below;—    In his mighty hands, on high, Waves he them, like some light ball, And with nimble Hermes by, Raises up the rampart-wall. But from out the golden strings Lures Apollo harmony, Measured time's sweet murmurings, And the might of melody. The Camoenae swell the strain With their song of ninefold tone:    Captive bound in music's chain, Softly stone unites to stone. Cybele, with skilful hand, Open throws the wide-winged door; Locks and bolts by her are planned, Sure to last forevermore. Soon complete the wondrous halls By the gods' own hands are made, And the temple's glowing walls     Stand in festal pomp arrayed. With a crown of myrtle twined, Now the goddess queen comes there, And she leads the fairest hind To the shepherdess most fair. Venus, with her beauteous boy, That first pair herself attires; All the gods bring gifts of joy, Blessing their love's sacred fires. Guided by the deities, Soon the new-born townsmen pour, Ushered in with harmonies, Through the friendly open door. Holding now the rites divine, Ceres at Zeus' altar stands,—    Blessing those around the shrine, Thus she speaks, with folded hands:—     "Freedom's love the beast inflames, And the god rules free in air, While the law of Nature 

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