Such, converse while they held, to Vulcan's house,
Immortal, starlike bright, among the Gods
Unrivaled, all of brass, by Vulcan's self
Constructed, sped the silver- footed Queen.
Him sweltering at his forge she found, intent
On forming twenty tropods, which should stand
The wall surrounding of his well- built house;
With golden wheels beneath he furnished each,
And to the assembly of the God's endued
With power to move spontaneous, and return,
A marvel to behold! thus far his work.

He had completed; but not yet had fixed
The rich- wrought handles; these his labour now
Engaged, to fit them, and to rivet fast.
While thus he excercised his practiced skill,
The silver- footed Queen approached the house.
Charis, the skillful artist's wedded wife,
Beheld her coming, and advandced to meet;
And, as her hand she clasped, addressed her thus:

There waited on their King the attendant maids;
In form as living maids, but wrought in gold;
Instinct with consciousness, with voice endued,
And strength, and skill from heavenly teachers drawn.
These waited, duteous, at the Monarch's side,
His stepssupporting; he, with halting gait.