A seat in the celestial mansions is assigned to Hersilia, the wile of Romulus, who assumes the name of Ora.
Ere long the goddess of the nuptial bed, With pity moved, sends Iris in her stead To sad Hersilia. Thus the meteor maid:
“Chaste relict! in bright truth to heaven allied, The Sabines’ glory, and the sex’s pride; Honour’d on earth, and worthy of the love Of such a spouse, as now resides above, Some respite to thy killing griefs afford; And if thou wouldst once more behold thy lord, Retire to yon steep mount, with groves o’erspread, Which with an awful gloom his temples shade.”
With fear the modest matron lifts her eyes, And to the bright ambassadress replies:
“Oh goddess, yet to mortal eyes unknown, But sure thy various charms confess thee one: Oh quick to Romulus thy votress bear, With looks of love he’ll smile away my care: In whate’er orb he shines, my heaven is there.”