name of
Ceres, from Cerets, _dissolution_ or _overthrow_. She was represented in
mourning, and with torches, to denote the grief she felt for the loss of
her favorite daughter _Perseph{)o}ne_ (which word, translated, signifies
corn lost) and the pains she was at to recover her. The poppies with
which this Isis was crowned, signified the joy men received at their
first abundant crop, the word which signifies a _double crop_, being
also a name for the _poppy_. Perseph{)o}ne or Proserpine found again,
was a lively symbol of the recovery of corn, and its cultivation, almost
lost in the deluge. Thus, emblems of the most important events which
ever happened in the world, simple in themselves, became when
transplanted to Greece and Rome, sources of fable and idolatry.

Ceres was usually represented of a tall majestic stature, fair
complexion, languishing eyes, and yellow or flaxen hair; her head
crowned with a garland of poppies, or ears of corn; holding in her right
hand a bunch of the same materials with her garland, and in her left a
lighted torch. When in a car or chariot, she is drawn by lions, or
winged dragons.

MUSAE, the _Muses_. This celebrated sisterhood is said to have been the
daughters of Jupiter and Mn{=e}m{)o}syne. They were believed to have
been born on Mount Pi{)e}rus, and educated by Euph{=e}me. In general
they were considered as the tutelar goddesses of sacred festivals and
banquets, and the patronesses of polite and useful arts. They supported
virtue in distress, and preserved worthy actions from oblivion. Homer
calls them superintendants and correctors of manners. In respect to the
sciences, these sisters had each their separate province; though poetry
seemed more immediately under their united protection.

These divinities, formerly called Mosae, were so named from a Greek word
signifying _to inquire_; because, by inquiring of them, the sciences
might be learnt. Others say they had their name from their resemblance,
because there is a similitude, an infinity, and relation, betwixt all
the sciences, in which they agree together, and are united with each
other; for which reason they are often painted with their hands joined,
dancing in a circle round Apollo their leader.

They were represented crowned with flowers, or wreaths of palm, each
holding some instrument, or emblem of the science or art over which she
presided. They were depicted as in the bloom of youth; and the bird
sacred to them was the s