Semele, becoming pregnant by Jupiter, is persuaded by Juno, in the disguise of an old nurse, to prove the divinity of her lover, by exacting an exhibition of the same majesty as when he approached Juno—The god, having sworn by Styx to grant whatever she required, is unable to withstand her solicitations, and the unfortunate Semele is reduced to ashes—The infant Bacchus is rescued from destruction, and lodged in the thigh of Jupiter till the full period of his birth.
Actaeon’s sufferings, and Diana’s rage, Did all the thoughts of men and gods engage; Some call’d the evils which Diana wrought Too great, and disproportion’d to the fault: Others, again, esteem’d Actaeon’s woes Fit for a virgin goddess to impose. The hearers into different parts divide, And reasons are produced on either side.