"The ever smitten Hermes empty left his golden throne,
bent on amorous theft."
"He found a palpitating snake"
"She seemed at once, some penanced lady elf,
Some demon's mistress, or the demon's self."
"It was no dream: or say it a dream was,
real are the dreams of Gods"
"Into the recessed woods they flew:
nor grew they pale, as mortal lovers do"
"The serpent began to change: her elfin blood to madness ran"
"Tis Apollonius sage: but too he seems the ghost of folly haunting my sweet dreams"
"Of wealthy lustre was the banquet room, filled with brilliance and perfume"
" "Fool! Fool!!" repeated he.. shall I see three made a serpent's pray?"
"Then with a frightful scream she vanished"
(Extracts from Lamia, by John Keats)
(Therion: Birth of Venus illegitima)