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Of Comerce. SECT. IX.
361.
WHen these Gods saw Mankinds simplicity
Wander with Beasts, as fellows in Creation
To both their thirsts alike the water free,
Acorns their food, Earth bed and habitation,
They take compassion, and from Heaven sent
Their spirits, who did handicrafts invent.
362.
Which mysteries the slownes of mans wit,
In many years could else not have attain'd,
That as men grew, so they might learn to fit
Nature with Art, to be by them maintain'd;
And on the earth find hearbs for food and health,
As well as underneath it, Mines for wealth.
363.
To which end Ceres down to Sicil came
And spread her fruitful Art of sowing grain,
As Bacchus taught the Naxians how to frame
The Grape for Wine; and Pallas shew'd the vein
Of planting Olives, which do bear her name,
A Goddess Motherless, born of his brain,
That over all the other Gods did raign.