Fled far away from mortal's longing sight.
These men soon pass'd away, and in their place
Far viler sons arose—the brazen race—
They first the stubborn ore obedient made,
And forg'd—unhallow'd skill—the murderous blade.
The patient ox, long wont to till the soil,
To tread the corn, and share his master's toil, 130
Dragg'd from his stall—poor harmless slaughter'd beast—
Gave to his cruel lord a bloody feast.
Justice was shock'd—the blood-stain’d earth she flies—
Jove bade her welcome to her native skies;
And near Bootes take her honour'd place,
Where men might still adore her angel face.
Sparkle her golden wings with crystal light—
One gem they bear superlatively bright:
It rolls beneath the tail, and may compare
With the fam'd stars that deck the greater Bear. 140
One gem upon her snow-white shoulder shines:
One clasps the silken girdle of her loins:
One decks her bending knee; and in her hand
Glitters her golden spike like fiery brand.
Many less brilliant stars, by name unknown,
Spangle her vestments, and her forehead crown.

⁠The Twins, beneath the muzzle of the Bear,
Parted on earth, but join'd for ever here,