Jupiter (mythology) practice of swearing by Jove to witness an oath in law courts is the origin of the expression "by Jove!"—archaic, but still in use. The name of the god was also adopted as the name of the planet Jupiter; the adjective "jovial" originally described those born under the planet of Jupiter (reputed to be jolly, optimistic, and buoyant in temperament). Jove was the original namesake of Latin forms of the weekday now known in English as Thursday (originally called "Iovis Dies" in Latin). These became "jeudi" in French, "jueves" in Spanish, "joi" in Romanian, "giovedì" in Italian, "dijous" in Catalan,
Semele (Handel) Auspicious flashes rise" and chorus: "Lucky omens bless our rites".) However, the bride has been inventing one excuse after the other to put off the wedding and her father and would-be bridegroom urge her to hesitate no longer (Duet: "Daughter, hear! Hear and obey!") To herself, Semele reflects on her dilemma - she does not wish to marry Prince Athamas as she is in love with Jove himself and calls on him to assist her (Accompanied recitative: "Ah me!What refuge now is left me?", arioso: "O Jove! In pity teach me which to choose" and aria: "The morning lark"). Athamas,