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The temple of nature

or, the origin of society: a poem, with philosophical notes. By Erasmus Darwin
Darwin, Erasmus (1731-1802)

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THE TEMPLE OF NATURE;
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CANTO I. PRODUCTION OF LIFE.
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CANTO II. REPRODUCTION OF LIFE.
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CANTO III. PROGRESS OF THE MIND.
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CANTO IV. OF GOOD AND EVIL.
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Then hand in hand along the waving glades
The virgin Sisters pass beneath the shades;
Ascend the winding steps with pausing march,
And seek the Portico's susurrant arch;
Whose sculptur'd architrave on columns borne
Drinks the first blushes of the rising morn,
Whose fretted roof an ample shield displays,
And guards the Beauties from meridian rays.
While on light step enamour'd Zephyr springs,
And fans their glowing features with his wings,
Imbibes the fragrance of the vernal flowers,
And speeds with kisses sweet the dancing Hours.
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