388
Star Lore of All Ages
In the Alphonsine Tables ε Virginis was called "Vindemiatrix," signifying "Grape Gatherer," and the heliacal rising of this star was formerly the herald of the vintage time. The Arabs called it "the Forerunner of the Vintage." In a quatrain by Admiral Smyth we are told how to find this star:
Would you the star of Bacchus find on noble Virgo's wing,
A lengthy ray from Hydra's heart unto Arcturus bring;
Two thirds along that fancied line direct th' inquiring eye,
And there the jewel will be seen, south of Cor Caroli.
A lengthy ray from Hydra's heart unto Arcturus bring;
Two thirds along that fancied line direct th' inquiring eye,
And there the jewel will be seen, south of Cor Caroli.
