The Stones of Venice, Volume 2 (of 3), by John Ruskin
4. APRIL. Here, _carrying a sheep upon his shoulder_. A rare
110 words | Chapter 35
representation of him. In Northern work he is almost universally
gathering flowers, or holding them triumphantly in each hand. The
Spenserian mingling of this mediæval image with that of his being wet
with showers, and wanton with love, by turning his zodiacal sign,
Taurus, into the bull of Europa, is altogether exquisite.
"Upon a Bull he rode, the same which led
Europa floting through the Argolick fluds:
His horns were gilden all with golden studs,
And garnished with garlonds goodly dight
Of all the fairest flowres and freshest buds
Which th' earth brings forth; and _wet he seemed in sight
With waves, through which he waded for his love's delight_."
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