SUMMER (fragment)

After, in the celestial theatre
The horseman of the day is seen to spur
To the refulgent Bull, in his brave hold
Shaking for darts his rays of burning gold.
The beauteous spectacle of stars—a crowd
Of lovely dames, his tricks applaud aloud;
They, to enjoy the splendor of the fight,
Remain on heaven's high balcony of light.
Then is strange metamorphosis, with spurs
And crest of fire, red-throated Phoebus stirs,
Like a proud cock amongst the hens divine
Hatched out of Leda's egg, the
Twins that shine, Hens of the heavenly field.