BOOK III.
Cloud-cinctured Iris now, at Jove's command,
Convenes the Gods of heaven, of sea, of land.
Swift-varying tints her airy path betray,
As, Zephyr-borne, she chides the Nymphs' delay,
Evokes the ancient Rulers of the waves,
And calls the Rivers from their watery caves.
In doubt and wonder each confusedly goes,
And seeks the cause that troubles his repose.
The starry gates are oped, the seats prepared;
The honour due to each by each is shared.
First rank the Heavenly Powers; the next degree
Befits the lordly Nobles of the sea:
Mild Nereus' there and aged Phorcus sit,
Whose floating locks a silvery gleam emit:
Next Glaucus, with amphibious figure strange,
And Proteus, now no more intent on change.
There too the elder Rivers find their place;
There stands of countless Streams the younger race:
