According to the more received opinions of others, Hymenaeus was a young
Athenian of extraordinary beauty, but of low origin. Becoming enamoured of
one of the richest and noblest of his countrywomen, he worshipped her at a
distance, and followed her, though respectfully, wherever she went: and, on
one occasion, joined the nations of Athens in a religious procession,
disguising his sex by women's clothes. When they reached Eleusis, a great
part of the procession were seized by a band of pirates, who suddenly
appeared amongst them: Hymenaeus shared the captivity of his mistress, and
encouraging the captives, they slew their ravishers while they slept.
Immediately after this, Hymenaeus repaired to Athens, and promised to
deliver them if he were allowed to marry the one he might choose from
amongst them.
The Athenians consented; and the lover received so much happiness in the
marriage state, that festivals were instituted in his honour, and he was
solemnly invoked at their nuptials.
"Hail, wedded love, mysterious law, true source
Of human offspring, sole propriety,
In paradise of all things common else!
By thee adulterous lust was driven from men
Among the bestial herds to range; by thee
Founded in reason, loyal, just, and pure,
Relations dear, and all the charities
Of father, son, and brother, first were known,
Far be it that I should write thee sin or blame,
Or think thee unbefitting holiest place;
Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets,
Whose bed is undefiled, and chaste pronounced,
Present, or past, as saints and patriarchs used.
Here love his golden shafts employs, here lights
His constant lamp, and waves his purple wings,
Reigns here and revels, not in the bought smile
Of harlots, loveless, joyless, unendeared,
Casual fruition; nor in court amours,
Mixed dance or wanton mask, or midnight ball,
Or serenade, which the starved lover sings
To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain."