Debate of the Gods

The gods are forbidden by Jupiter to renew the youth of those mortals whom they favour.

When Themis this with prescient voice had spoke, Among the gods a various murmur broke; Dissension rose in each immortal breast, That one should grant what was denied the rest. Aurora for her aged spouse complains, And Ceres grieves for Jason’s freezing veins; Vulcan would Erichthonius’ years renew; Her future race the care of Venus drew, She would Anchises’ blooming age restore; A diff’rent care employ’d each heavenly power: Thus various interests did their jars increase, Till Jove arose: he spoke; their tumults cease.

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