[637] Ovid’s Metamorphoses, b. iii., iv., and vi.; and Fasti, iii. 767.
[638] “Declinat cursus, aurumque volubile tollit.”
[639] The author, in all his physical works, proceeds upon this foundation, that it is possible, and practicable, for art to obtain the victory over nature; that is, for human industry and power to procure, by the means of proper knowledge, such things as are necessary to render life as happy and commodious as its mortal state will allow. For instance, that it is possible to lengthen the present period of human life; bring the winds under command: and every way extend and enlarge the dominion or empire of man over the works of nature.
[640] “All-gift.”
[641] Viz: that by Pandora.
“Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas,
Quique metus omnes et inexorabile fatum
Subjecit pedibus, strepitumque Acherontis avari.”
Georg. ii. 490.