ir is principally
performed by the movement of their wings, and not by that of
their tails as in fish. The bird is supported in an element
so much lighter than itself by the resistance of the air as
it moves horizontally against the oblique plain made by its
breast, expanded tail and wings, when they are at rest; the
change of this obliquity also assists it to rise, and even
directs its descent, though this is owing principally to its
specific gravity, but it is in all situations kept upright or
balanced by its wings.

As the support of the bird in the air, as well as its
progression, is performed by the motion of the wings; these
require strong muscles as are seen on the breasts of
partridges. Whence all attempts of men to fly by wings
applied to the weak muscles of their arms have been
ineffectual; but it is not certain whether light machinery so
contrived as to be moved by their feet, might not enable them
to fly a little way, though not so as to answer any useful
purpose.]

"Delighted Flora, gazing from afar,
Greets with mute homage the triumphal car; 390
On silvery slippers steps with bosom bare,
Bends her white knee, and bows her auburn hair;
Calls to her purple heaths, and blushing bowers,
Bursts her green gems, and opens all her flowers;
O'er the bright Pair a shower of roses sheds,
And crowns with wreathes of hyacinth their heads.--
--Slow roll the silver wheels with snowdrops deck'd,
And primrose bands the cedar spokes connect;
Round the fine pole the twisting woodbine clings,
And knots of jasmine clasp the bending springs; 400
Bright daisy links the velvet harness chain,
And rings of violets join each silken rein;
Festoon'd behind, the snow-white lilies bend,
And tulip-tassels on each side depend.
--Slow rolls the car,--the enamour'd Flowers exhale
Their treasured sweets, and whisper to the gale;
Their ravelled buds, and wrinkled cups unfold,
Nod their green stems, and wave their bells of gold;
Breathe their soft sighs from each enchanted grove,
And hail THE DEITIES OF SEXUAL LOVE. 410

"ONWARD with march sublime in saffron robe
Young HYMEN steps, and traverses the globe;
O'er burning sands, and snow-clad mountains, treads