The Equinox (Volume I, Number VI)

THE RITE OF VENUS A devouring fire is thy soul, and the corpses of the dead are enkindled at thy breath. Salutation to Hathor, the child of Isis and of Nephthys ! Salutation to Hathor, the bride of Apis, of Apis that hath the beetle upon his tongue! A devouring fire is thy soul, and the corpses of the dead are enkindled at thy breath. Salutation to Hathor, whose necklace is of the Souls of the blessed ones of Amennti. Salutation to Hathor, whose girdle is of the Souls of the blessed ones of Seb! Salutation to Hathor, whose sandals are of the Souls of the blessed ones of Nu! A devouring fire is thy soul, and the corpses of the dead are enkindled at thy breathe [Returns to his throne. VENUS. Brother Libra, art thou silent? [A pausa. Brother Libra, where art thou? LIBRA, still hidden, recz'fesfwm Swinöume's "Atalanta," We have seen thee, O Love, thou art fair; thou art goodly, Ο Love; Thy wings make light in the air as the wings ofa dove, etc. . . . Famine, and blighting of corn, When thy time was come to be born. [LIBRA appears and confront: her. All these we know of; but thee Who shall discern or declare? etc. . . . Wilt thou utterly bring to an end? Have mercy, mother! VENUS. Nay, brother, thou art the chiefest of my chosen. LIBRA. Alas. VENUS. Yea, brother: in the end all turn to me, and all return to me. Isis am I, and from my life are fed All showers and suns, all moons that wax and wane; All stars and streams, the living and the dead, The mystery of pleasure and of pain. 87