In her light chariot quickly is convey’d;
Holding their course to Paphos, where their queen
Means to immure herself and not be seen.”
This will also explain the reference to
“The dove of Paphos.”
Pericles, Act iv. Introd.
The towns of Old and New Paphos are situate on the S.W. extremity of the coast of Cyprus. Old Paphos is the one generally referred to by the poets, being the peculiar seat of the worship of Venus, who was fabled to have been wafted thither after her birth amid the waves. The “dove of Paphos” therefore, may be considered as synonymous with the “dove of Venus.” Sometimes by Paphos is understood the city of Cyprus, which is said to have been founded by Paphos, son of Pygmalion, and was known by his name:—
“Illa Paphon genuit: de quo tenet insula nomen.”
Ovid Metam. Bk. 10, Fab. 8.
The Turtle-dove (Columba turtur) has been noticed by poets in all ages as an emblem of love and constancy.