In Roman mythology, Aurora was the goddess of the dawn. She was called Eos by the Greeks. The poets of both nations were wont to describe her as rising from the ocean in a chariot, "with rosy fingers dropping gentle dew," in fanciful allusion to the rosy skies just before sunrise. From personifying the dawn of day, the word Aurora has come to be used as synonymous with rise or beginning. There are many allusions to Aurora among English poets.
Aurora, now, fair daughter of the dawn,
Sprinkled with rosy light the dewy lawn.—Pope.
I care not Fortune what you me deny:
You cannot rob me of free Nature's grace,
You cannot shut the windows of the day
Through which Aurora shows her brightening face. —Thomson.
Now to Aurora, borne by dappled steeds,
The sacred gate of orient pearl and gold
Expanded slow to strains of harmony. —Landor.
