When Jove lay bless'd in his Alcmæna's charms, br Three nights in one he press'd her in his arms; br The sun lay set, and conscious nature strove br To shade her god, and to prolong his love. br From that auspicious night Alcides came; br What less could rise from Jove and such a dame? br May this auspicious night with that compare, br Nor less the joys, nor less the rising heir, br He strong as Jove, she like Alcmæna fair.