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This Deity, "the boy-god," as poets love to call him, was the offspring of
Venus and Mars; when Venus had given birth to him, Jupiter foresaw the
mischief he would create in the world, as well as in his more immediate
kingdom; he therefore banished him from his court, and menaced him with his
wrath, should he return. The Goddess conveyed him to the isle of Cyprus,
where he was suckled by the wild beasts of the forest.
No sooner had strength come with years, than Cupid, forming a bow of the
ash tree, and arrows of the cypress, ungratefully turned against the
animals who had supported him.
"His quiver, sparkling bright with gems and gold,
From his fair plumed shoulder graceful hung,
And from its top in brilliant chords enrolled,
Each little vase resplendently was slung,
Still as he flew, around him sportive clung
His frolic train of winged Zephyrs light,
Wafting the fragrance which his tresses flung:
While odours dropped from every ringlet bright,
And from his blue eyes beamed ineffable delight."