Proserpine is said to have restored him to life, on condition of his
spending six months of the year with her, and six with Venus, but this is a
fable meant to apply to the alternate return of summer and winter.
"There is a flower, Anemone,
The mourner's path it cheers:
Lo! Venus, bowed with agony,
By the slain huntsman bends the knee:--
It springs, a child of tears.
"Then hither, meekest flower!--here blow
With Hyacinth:--whate'er
The legend, 'tis of ruth, of woe:
Companions meet, together grow,
Twin nurslings of Despair."