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Venus, one of the most celebrated deities of the ancients, was the goddess
of beauty, the mother of love, the queen of laughter, the mistress of the
graces, and the patroness of pleasure. Some mythologists speak of more than
one. Of these, however, the Venus sprung from the froth of the sea
"Where the moist Zephyrs to the favoured shore,
From Ocean's foam the lovely goddess bore,"
after the mutilated body of Uranus had been thrown there by Saturn, is the
most known, and of her in particular, ancient mythologists, as well as
painters, make mention. She arose from the sea near the island of Cyprus,
"Cytherea! whom the favoured earth
Of Cyprus claims, exulting in thy birth
Bright queen! adorned with every winning grace,
The smile enchanting, and the blooming face.
Goddess! o'er Cyprus fragrant groves who reigns,
And Salamis high cultivated plains."