Among the ancients, he was worshipped with the same solemnity {86} as his
mother Venus; and as his influence was extended over the heavens, the sea
and the earth, and even the empire of the dead, his divinity was
universally acknowledged, and vows, prayers and sacrifices, were daily
offered to him.
------------"Bright-winged child!
Who has another care when thou hast smiled?
Unfortunates on earth, we see at last
All death-shadows, and glooms that overcast
Our spirits, fanned away by thy light pinions.
O sweetest essence! sweetest of all minions!
God of warm pulses, and dishevelled hair;
Dear unseen light in darkness! eclipser
Of light in light! delicious poisoner!
Thy venomed goblet will we quaff, until
We fill--we fill!"