Note 458 — Chapter V · THE MOST PROMINENT FIGURES IN HEBREW MYTHOLOGY. (continued 2)
R. (Russell) Martineau translation
The constant epithet ‘holding the seed of bulls’ brings to view the idea that the influence of the moon produces fertility in cattle (Spiegel, Die heiligen Schriften der Parsen [in German], III. xxi.). According to Yasht, VII. 5, it is the moon ‘that produces verdure, that produces good things.’ Compare Catullus, XXXII (XXXIV) v. 17–20, where the poet apostrophises the Moon—
Tu cursu, Dea, menstruo
Metiens iter annuum,
Rustica agricolae bonis
Tecta frugibus exples.