The Stones of Venice, Volume 2 (of 3), by John Ruskin

4. APRIL. Here, _carrying a sheep upon his shoulder_. A rare

representation of him. In Northern work he is almost universally gathering flowers, or holding them triumphantly in each hand. The Spenserian mingling of this mediæval image with that of his being wet with showers, and wanton with love, by turning his zodiacal sign, Taurus, into the bull of Europa, is altogether exquisite. "Upon a Bull he rode, the same which led Europa floting through the Argolick fluds: His horns were gilden all with golden studs, And garnished with garlonds goodly dight Of all the fairest flowres and freshest buds Which th' earth brings forth; and _wet he seemed in sight With waves, through which he waded for his love's delight_."