one!
"Still, if so obstinate your wish remains
"For separation, go,--let Proserpine
"To heaven return, on this condition strict,
"Her lips no food have touch'd. So will the fates.
"He ceas'd.--Glad Ceres, certain to regain
"Her daughter, knew not what the fates forbade.
"Her fast was broken; thoughtless as she stray'd
"Around the garden, from a bending tree
"She pluck'd a fair pomegranate, and seven seeds
"From the pale rind she pick'd, and ate. None saw
"Save one, Ascalaphus, the luckless deed;
"Whom Orphne, fam'd Avernus' nymphs among,
"To Acheron, long since, 'tis said, produc'd
"Beneath a dusky cave. He, cruel, told;
"And his discovery stay'd the hop'd return.

"Much wept the queen of Pluto, but she chang'd
"The vile informer to an hideous shape:
"Sprinkled with streams of Phlegethon, his head
"Feather'd appears, with beak, and monstrous eyes;
"Spoil'd of his shape, with yellow feathers cloth'd:
"Large grows his head; bent are his lengthen'd nails;
"Scarcely he moves the pinions which are shot
"Light from his lazy arms. A filthy bird
"Becoming;--constant presager of woe;
"An owl inactive; omen dire to man.

"Well he by his informing tongue deserv'd,
"His doom, but Acheloides, from whence
"Your wings, and bird-like feet, whilst still you bear
"Your virgin features? Was it that you mix'd,
"When Proserpine the vernal flowers would cull,
"Amidst her numerous train? The nymph you sought
"Through earth's extent in vain; that ocean too
"Your anxious search might scape not, straight you pray'd
"For waving wings to winnow o'er the deep;
"And favouring gods you found. Of golden hue
"Quick-shooting wings your arms you saw bespread;
"But lest your inbred song, which every ear
"Had charm'd; and lest your highly-gifted voice,
"Your tongue should fail to use;--a virgin face,
"And speech yet human are indulg'd you still.

"Now Jove as umpire 'twixt the angry pair
"His mourning sister, and his brother, bids
"The year revolving either side oblige:
"Now will the goddess, mutual in each realm,
"Six months with Ceres dwell in heaven; and six
"Reign with her spouse in hell. Straight were perceiv'd
"The goddess' countenance, and demeanour chang'd.
"For now her forehead, which had still retain'd,
"(To Pluto even) a sad and sorrowing gloom,
"Gladden'd: so Phoebus long in cloudy shade
"Envelop'd, shines, their umbrous