initial commit of ebook 28621HEADmain

630 files changed, 66820 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/28621-0.txt b/28621-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e9cb302
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,16410 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in
+English blank verse Vols. I & II, by Ovid
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in English blank verse Vols. I & II
+
+Author: Ovid
+
+Translator: J. J. Howard
+
+Release Date: April 27, 2009 [EBook #28621]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK METAMORPHOSES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Michael Roe, Ted Garvin and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
+
+
+In this eBook, a circumflex (^) is used to indicate that the rest of
+the word is a superscript. Asterisks (*) are placed around words that
+were typeset in a Blackletter typeface in the original book.
+
+     *     *     *     *     *
+
+  _Book 3 p. 105._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  _R. Westall R.A. del^l._      _E. Scriven sculp^t_
+
+  _Caught by the image of his beauteous face,
+  He loves th' unbody'd form: a substance thinks
+  The shadow:----_
+
+  _Pub. 1807, for the Author._
+
+
+
+
+  THE
+  METAMORPHOSES
+  OF
+  PUBLIUS OVIDIUS NASO
+  IN
+  *English Blank Verse*
+
+
+  Translated by
+  J. J. HOWARD.
+
+  VOL. 1.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_London 1807. Printed for the Author; & Sold by John Hatchard,
+Bookseller to Her Majesty. Piccadilly; H. D. Symonds, Paternoster Row
+& James Asperne Cornhill._
+
+  TO
+  The Patronage
+  OF
+  THE RIGHT HONORABLE
+  WILLIAM,
+  EARL OF LONSDALE,
+  KNIGHT
+  OF THE
+  MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER,
+  &c. &c. &c.
+
+THE TRANSLATOR CONFIDES HIS ATTEMPT TO RENDER THE BEAUTIES OF OVID
+MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ENGLISH READERS, AND TO CHASTEN THE PRURIENCE OF
+HIS IDEAS AND HIS LANGUAGE, SO AS TO FIT HIS WRITINGS FOR MORE
+GENERAL PERUSAL.
+
+_Pimlico, Aug. 22, 1807._
+
+  _Bailey & Macdonald, Printers,
+  3, Harris's Place, Pantheon, Oxford-Street._
+
+
+
+
+THE *First Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    From bodies various form'd, mutative shapes
+  My Muse would sing:--Celestial powers give aid!
+  From you those changes sprung,--inspire my pen;
+  Connect each period of my venturous song
+  Unsever'd, from old Chaös' rude misrule,
+  Till now the world beneath Augustus smiles.
+
+    While yet nor earth nor sea their place possest,
+  Nor that cerulean canopy which hangs
+  O'ershadowing all, each undistinguish'd lay,
+  And one dead form all Nature's features bore;
+  Unshapely, rude, and Chaos justly nam'd.
+  Together struggling laid, each element
+  Confusion strange begat:--Sol had not yet
+  Whirl'd through the blue expanse his burning car:
+  Nor Luna yet had lighted forth her lamp,
+  Nor fed her waning light with borrowed rays.
+  No globous earth pois'd inly by its weight,
+  Hung pendent in the circumambient sky:
+  The sky was not:--Nor Amphitrité had
+  Clasp'd round the land her wide-encircling arms.
+  Unfirm the earth, with water mix'd and air;
+  Opaque the air; unfluid were the waves.
+  Together clash'd the elements confus'd:
+  Cold strove with heat, and moisture drought oppos'd;
+  Light, heavy, hard, and soft, in combat join'd.
+
+    Uprose the world's great Lord,--the strife dissolv'd,
+  The firm earth from the blue sky plac'd apart;
+  Roll'd back the waves from off the land, and fixt
+  Where pure ethereal joins with foggy air.
+  Defin'd each element, and from the mass
+  Chaötic, rang'd select, in concord firm
+  He bound, and all agreed. On high upsprung
+  The fiery ether to the utmost heaven:
+  The atmospheric air, in lightness next,
+  Upfloated:--dense the solid earth dragg'd down
+  The heavier mass; and girt on every side
+  By waves circumfluent, seiz'd her place below.
+
+    This done, the mass this deity unknown
+  Divides;--each part dispos'd in order lays:
+  First earth he rounds, in form a sphere immense,
+  Equal on every side: then bids the seas,
+  Pent in by banks, spread their rude waves abroad,
+  By strong winds vext; and clasp within their arms
+  The tortuous shores: and marshes wide he adds,
+  Pure springs and lakes:--he bounds with shelving banks
+  The streams smooth gliding;--slowly creeping, some
+  The arid earth absorbs; furious some rush,
+  And in the watery plain their waves disgorge;
+  Their narrow bounds escap'd, to billows rise,
+  And lash the sandy shores. He bade the plains
+  Extend;--the vallies sink;--the groves to bloom;--
+  And rocky hills to lift their heads aloft.
+  And as two zones the northern heaven restrain,
+  The southern two, and one the hotter midst,
+  With five the Godhead girt th' inclosed earth,
+  And climates five upon its face imprest.
+  The midst from heat inhabitable: snows
+  Eternal cover two: 'twixt these extremes
+  Two temperate regions lie, where heat and cold
+  Meet in due mixture; 'bove the whole light air
+  Was hung:--as water floats above the land,
+  So fire 'bove air ascends. Here he bade lodge,
+  Thick clouds and vapors; thunders bellowing loud
+  Terrific to mankind, and winds; which mixt
+  Sharp cold beget. But these to range at large
+  The air throughout, his care forbade. E'en now
+  Their force is scarce withstood; but oft they threat
+  Wild ruin to the universe, though each
+  In separate regions rules his potent blasts.
+  Such is fraternal strife! Far to the east
+  Where Persian mountains greet the rising sun
+  Eurus withdrew. Where sinking Phœbus' rays
+  Glow on the western shores mild Zephyr fled.
+  Terrific Boreas frozen Scythia seiz'd,
+  Beneath the icy bear. On southern climes
+  From constant clouds the showery Auster rains.
+  The liquid ether high above he spread,
+  Light, calm, and undefil'd by dregs terrene.
+  Scarce were those bounds immutable arrang'd,
+  When upward sprung the stars so long press'd down
+  Beneath the heap chaötic, and along
+  The path of heaven their blazing courses ran.
+
+    Next that each separate element might hold
+  Appropriate habitants,--the vault of heaven,
+  Bright constellations and the gods receiv'd.
+  To glittering fish allotted were the waves:
+  To earth fierce brutes:--to agitated air,
+  Light-plumag'd birds. A being more divine,
+  Of soul exalted more, and form'd to rule
+  The rest was wanting. Then he finish'd MAN!
+  Or by the world's creator, power supreme,
+  Form'd from an heavenly seed; or new-shap'd earth
+  Late from celestial ether torn, and still
+  Congenial warmth retaining, moisten'd felt,
+  Prometheus' fire, and moulded took the form
+  Of him all-potent. Others earth behold
+  Pronely;--to man a face erect was given.
+  The heavens he bade him view, and raise his eyes
+  High to the stars. Thus earth of late so rude,
+  So shapeless, man, till now unknown, became.
+
+    First sprung the age of gold. Unforc'd by laws
+  Strict rectitude and faith, spontaneous then
+  Mankind inspir'd. No judge vindictive frown'd;
+  Unknown alike were punishment and fear:
+  No strict decrees on brazen plates were seen;
+  Nor suppliant crowd, with trembling limbs low bent,
+  Before their judges bow'd. Unknown was law,
+  Yet safe were all. Unhewn from native hills,
+  The pine-tree knew the seas not, nor had view'd
+  Regions unknown, for man not yet had search'd
+  Shores distant from his own. The towns ungirt
+  By trenches deep, laid open to the plain;
+  Nor brazen trump, nor bended horn were seen,
+  Helmet, nor sword; but conscious and secure,
+  Unaw'd by arms the nations tranquil slept.
+  The teeming earth by barrows yet unras'd,
+  By ploughs unwounded, plenteous pour'd her stores.
+  Content with food unforc'd, man pluck'd with ease
+  Young strawberries from the mountains; cornels red;
+  The thorny bramble's fruit; and acorns shook
+  From Jove's wide-spreading tree. Spring ever smil'd;
+  And placid Zephyr foster'd with his breeze
+  The flowers unsown, which everlasting bloom'd.
+  Untill'd the land its welcome produce gave,
+  And unmanur'd its hoary crop renew'd.
+  Here streams of milk, there streams of nectar flow'd;
+  And from the ilex, drop by drop distill'd,
+  The yellow honey fell. But, Saturn down
+  To dusky Tartarus banish'd, all the world
+  By Jove was govern'd. Then a silver age
+  Succeeded; by the golden far excell'd;--
+  Itself surpassing far the age of brass.
+  The ancient durance of perpetual spring
+  He shorten'd, and in seasons four the year
+  Divided:--Winter, summer, lessen'd spring,
+  And various temper'd autumn first were known.
+  Then first the air with parching fervor dry,
+  Glow'd hot;--then ice congeal'd by piercing winds
+  Hung pendent;--houses then first shelter'd man;
+  Houses by caverns form'd, with thick shrubs fenc'd,
+  And boughs entwin'd with osiers. Then the grain
+  Of Ceres first in lengthen'd furrows lay;
+  And oxen groan'd beneath the weighty yoke.
+  Third after these a brazen race succeeds,
+  More stern in soul, and more in furious war
+  Delighting;--still to wicked deeds averse.
+  The last from stubborn iron took its name;--
+  And now rush'd in upon the wretched race
+  All impious villainies: Truth, faith, and shame,
+  Fled far; while enter'd fraud, and force, and craft,
+  And plotting, with detested avarice.
+  To winds scarce known the seaman boldly loos'd
+  His sails, and ships which long on lofty hills
+  Had rested, bounded o'er the unsearch'd waves.
+  The cautious measurer now with spacious line
+  Mark'd out the land, in common once to all;
+  Free as the sun-beams, or the lucid air.
+  Nor would the fruits and aliments suffice,
+  The rich earth from her surface threw, but deep
+  Within her womb they digg'd, and thence display'd,
+  Riches, of crimes the prompter, hid far deep
+  Close by the Stygian shades. Now murderous steel,
+  And gold more murderous enter'd into day:
+  Weapon'd with each, war sallied forth and shook
+  With bloody grasp his loud-resounding arms.
+  Now man by rapine lives;--friend fears his host;
+  And sire-in-law his son;--e'en brethren's love
+  Is rarely seen: wives plot their husbands' death;
+  And husbands theirs design: step-mothers fierce
+  The lurid poisons mix: th' impatient son
+  Enquires the limits of his father's years:--
+  Piety lies neglected; and Astræa,
+  Last of celestial deities on earth,
+  Ascends, and leaves the sanguine-moisten'd land.
+
+    Nor high-rais'd heaven was more than earth secure.
+  Giants, 'tis said, with mad ambition strove
+  To seize the heavenly throne, and mountains pile
+  On mountains till the loftiest stars they touch'd.
+  But with his darted bolt all-powerful Jove,
+  Olympus shatter'd, and from Pelion's top
+  Dash'd Ossa. There with huge unwieldy bulk
+  Oppress'd, their dreadful corses lay, and soak'd
+  Their parent earth with blood; their parent earth
+  The warm blood vivify'd, and caus'd assume
+  An human form,--a monumental type
+  Of fierce progenitors. Heaven they despise,
+  Violent, of slaughter greedy; and their race
+  From blood deriv'd, betray.
+
+                               Saturnian Jove
+  This from his lofty seat beheld, and sigh'd;
+  The recent bloody fact revolving deep,
+  The Lycaönian feast, to few yet known.
+  Incens'd with mighty rage, rage worthy Jove,
+  He calls the council;--none who hear delay.
+  A path sublime, in cloudless skies fair seen,
+  They tread when tow'rd the mighty thunderer's dome,
+  His regal court, th' immortals bend their way.
+  On right and left by folding doors enclos'd,
+  Are halls where gods of rank and power are set;
+  Plebeians far and wide their place select:
+  More potent deities, in heaven most bright,
+  Full in the front possess their shining seats.
+  This place, (might words so bold a form assume)
+  I'd term Palatium of the lofty sky.
+  Here in his marble niche each god was plac'd
+  And on his eburn sceptre leaning, Jove
+  O'er all high tower'd; the dread-inspiring locks
+  Three times he shook; and ocean, earth, and sky,
+  The motion felt and trembled. Then in rage
+  The silence thus he broke:--“Not more I fear'd
+  “Our kingdom's fate in those tempestuous times,
+  “When monsters serpent-footed furious strove,
+  “To clasp within their hundred arms the heavens,
+  “Already captive deem'd. Though fierce our foe,
+  “One race alone warr'd with us, sprung from one.
+  “Now all must perish; all within the bounds
+  “By Nereus circled with his roaring waves.
+  “I swear by Styx, by those infernal streams,
+  “Through shades slow creeping. All I could I've try'd.
+  “But lest to parts unsound the taint should spread,
+  “What baffles cure, the knife must lop away.
+  “Our demi-gods we have,--we have our nymphs,
+  “Our rustic deities,--our satyrs,--fawns,
+  “And mountain sylvans--whose deserts we grant
+  “Celestial honors claim not,--yet on earth,
+  “By us assign'd, they safely sure should rest.
+  “But, oh! ye sacred powers,--but oh! how safe
+  “Are these, when fierce Lycaön plots for me!
+  “Me! whom the thunders and yourselves obey?�
+
+    Loud murmurs fill the skies--swift vengeance all
+  With eager voice demand. When impious hands
+  With Cæsar's blood th' immortal fame of Rome,
+  Rag'd to extinguish--all the world aghast,
+  With horror shook, and trembled through its frame.
+  Nor was thy subjects' loyalty to thee
+  More sweet, Augustus, than was theirs to Jove.
+  His hand and voice, to still their noise he rais'd:
+  Their clamors loud were hush'd, all silence kept;
+  When thus the thunderer ends his angry tale:
+  “Dismiss your care, his punishment is o'er;
+  “But hear his crimes, and hear his well-earn'd fate.
+  “Of human vice the fame had reach'd mine ear,
+  “With hop'd exaggeration; gliding down,
+  “From proud Olympus' brow, I veil'd the god,
+  “And rov'd the world in human form around.
+  “'Twere long to tell what turpitude I saw
+  “On every side, for rumor far fell short,
+  “Of what I witness'd. Through the dusky woods
+  “Of Mænalus I pass'd, where savage lurk
+  “Fierce monsters; o'er the cold Lycean hill,
+  “With pine-trees waving; and Cyllené's height.
+  “Thence to th' Arcadian monarch's roof I came,
+  “As dusky twilight drew on sable night.
+  “Gave signs a god approach'd. The people crowd
+  “In adoration: but Lycaön turns
+  “Their reverence and piety to scorn.
+  “Then said,--not hard the task to ascertain,
+  “If god or mortal, by unerring test:
+  “And plots to slay me when oppress'd with sleep.
+  “Such proof his soul well suited. Impious more,
+  “An hostage from Molossus sent he slew;
+  “His palpitating members part he boil'd,
+  “And o'er the glowing embers roasted part:
+  “These on the board he serves. My vengeful flames
+  “Consume his roof;--for his deserts, o'erwhelm
+  “His household gods. Lycaön trembling fled
+  “And gain'd the silent country; loud he howl'd,
+  “And strove in vain to speak; his ravenous mouth
+  “Still thirsts for slaughter; on the harmless flocks
+  “His fury rages, as it wont on man:
+  “Blood glads him still; his vest is shaggy hair;
+  “His arms sink down to legs; a wolf he stands.
+  “Yet former traits his visage still retains;
+  “Grey still his hair; and cruel still his look;
+  “His eyes still glisten; savage all his form.
+  “Thus one house perish'd, but not one alone
+  “The fate deserves. Wherever earth extends,
+  “The fierce Erinnys reigns; men seem conspir'd
+  “In impious bond to sin; and all shall feel
+  “The scourge they merit: fixt is my decree.�
+
+    Part loud applaud his words, and feed his rage;
+  The rest assent in silence; yet to all,
+  Man's loss seems grievous; anxious all enquire
+  What form shall earth of him depriv'd assume?
+  Who then shall incense to their altars bring?
+  And if those rich and fertile lands he means
+  A spoil for beasts ferocious? Their despair
+  He bade them banish, and in him confide
+  For what the future needed; held them forth
+  The promise of a race unlike the first;
+  Originating from a wonderous stock.
+
+    And now his lightenings were already shot,
+  And earth in flames, but that a fire so vast,
+  He fear'd might reach Olympus, and consume
+  The heavenly axis. Also call'd to mind
+  What fate had doom'd, that all in future times
+  By fire should perish, earth, and sea, and heaven;
+  And all th' unwieldy fabric of the world
+  Should waste to nought. The Cyclops' labor'd bolts
+  Aside he laid. A different vengeance now,
+  To drench with rains from every part of heaven,
+  And whelm mankind beneath the rising waves,
+  Pleas'd more th' immortal. Straightway close he pent
+  The dry north-east, and every blast to showers
+  Adverse, in caves Æolian, and unbarr'd
+  The cell of Notus. Notus rushes forth
+  On pinions dropping rain; his horrid face
+  A pitchy cloud conceals; pregnant with showers
+  His beard; and waters from his grey hairs flow:
+  Mists on his forehead sit; in dews dissolv'd
+  His arms and bosom, seem to melt away.
+  With broad hands seizing on the pendent clouds
+  He press'd them--with a mighty crash they burst,
+  And thick and constant floods from heaven pour down.
+  Iris meantime, in various robe array'd,
+  Collects the waters and supplies the clouds.
+  Prostrate the harvest lies, the tiller's hopes
+  Turn to despair. The labors of an year,
+  A long, long year, without their fruit are spent.
+  Nor Jove's own heaven his anger could suffice,
+  His brother brings him his auxiliar waves.
+  He calls the rivers,--at their monarch's call
+  His roof they enter, and in brief he speaks:
+  “Few words we need, pour each his utmost strength,
+  “The cause demands it; ope' your fountains wide,
+  “Sweep every mound before you, and let gush
+  “Your furious waters with unshorten'd reins.�
+  He bids--the watery gods retire,--break up
+  Their narrow springs, and furious tow'rd the main
+  Their waters roll: himself his trident rears
+  And smites the earth; earth trembles at the stroke,
+  Yawns wide her bosom, and upon the land
+  A flood disgorges. Wide outspread the streams
+  Rush o'er the open fields;--uproot the trees;
+  Sweep harvests, flocks, and men;--nor houses stood;
+  Nor household gods, asylums hereto safe.
+  Where strong-built edifice its walls oppos'd
+  Unlevell'd in the ruin, high above
+  Its roof the billows mounted, and its towers
+  Totter'd, beneath the watery gulf oppress'd.
+  Nor land nor sea their ancient bounds maintain'd,
+  For all around was sea, sea without shore.
+  This seeks a mountain's top, that gains a skiff,
+  And plies his oars where late he plough'd the plains.
+  O'er fields of corn one sails, or 'bove the roofs
+  Of towns immerg'd;--another in the elm
+  Seizes th' intangled fish. Perchance in meads
+  The anchor oft is thrown, and oft the keel
+  Tears the subjacent vine-tree. Where were wont
+  The nimble goats to crop the tender grass
+  Unwieldy sea-calves roll. The Nereid nymphs,
+  With wonder, groves, and palaces, and towns,
+  Beneath the waves behold. By dolphins now
+  The woods are tenanted, who furious smite
+  The boughs, and shake the strong oak by their blows.
+  Swims with the flock the wolf; and swept along,
+  Tigers and tawny lions strive in vain.
+  Now not his thundering strength avails the boar;
+  Nor, borne away, the fleet stag's slender limbs:
+  And land, long sought in vain, to rest her feet,
+  The wandering bird draws in her weary wings,
+  And drops into the waves, whose uncheck'd roll
+  The hills have drown'd; and with un'custom'd surge
+  Foam on the mountain tops. Of man the most
+  They swallow'd; whom their fierce irruption spar'd,
+  By hunger perish'd in their bleak retreat.
+
+    Between th' Aönian and Actæian lands
+  Lies Phocis; fruitful were the Phocian fields
+  While fields they were, but now o'erwhelm'd, they form
+  A region only of the wide-spread main.
+  Here stands Parnassus with his forked top,
+  Above the clouds high-towering to the stars.
+  To this Deucalion with his consort driven
+  O'er ridgy billows in his bark clung close;
+  For all was sea beside. There bend they down;
+  The nymphs, and mountain gods adore, and she
+  Predicting Themis, then oraculous deem'd.
+  No man more upright than himself had liv'd;
+  Than Pyrrha none more pious heaven had seen.
+
+    Now Jove beheld a mighty lake expand
+  Where late was earth, and from the swarming crowds
+  But one man sav'd--of woman only one:
+  Both guiltless,--pious both. He chas'd the clouds
+  And bade the dry north-east to drive the showers
+  Far distant, and display the earth to heaven,
+  And unto earth the skies. The ocean's rage
+  Remains no more. Mild Neptune lays aside
+  His three-fork'd weapon, and his surges smoothes;
+  Then calls blue Triton from the dark profound.
+  Above the waves the god his shoulders rears,
+  With inbred purple ting'd: He bids him sound
+  His shelly trump, and back the billows call;
+  And rivers to their banks again remand.
+  The trump he seizes,--broad above it wreath'd
+  From narrow base;--the trump whose piercing blast
+  From east to west resounds through every shore.
+  This to his mouth the watery-bearded god
+  Applies, and breathes within the stern command.
+  All hear the sound, or waves of earth or sea,
+  And all who hear obey. Sea finds a shore;
+  Floods flow within their channels; rivers sink;
+  Hills lift their heads; and as the waves decrease,
+  In numerous islets solid earth appears.
+  A tedious time elaps'd, and now the woods
+  Display'd their leafless summits, and their boughs
+  Heavy with mud. At length the world restor'd
+  Deucalion saw, but empty all and void;
+  Deep silence reigning through th' expansive waste:
+  Tears gush'd while thus his Pyrrha he address'd:
+  “O sister! wife! O woman sole preserv'd!--
+  “By nature, kindred, and the marriage-bed,
+  “To me most closely join'd. Now nearer still
+  “By mutual perils. We, of all the earth
+  “Beheld by Sol in his diurnal course,
+  “We two alone remain. The mighty deep
+  “Entombs the rest. Nor sure our safety yet;
+  “Still hang the clouds dark louring. Wretched wife,
+  “What if preserv'd alone? What hadst thou done
+  “Of me bereft? How singly borne the shock?
+  “Where found condolement in thy load of grief?
+  “For me,--and trust, my dearest wife, my words,--
+  “Hadst thou amidst the billows been ingulph'd,
+  “Me also had they swallow'd. Oh! for power
+  “To form mankind, as once my father did,
+  “And in the shapen earth true souls infuse!
+  “In us rests human race, so will the gods,
+  “A sample only of mankind we live.�
+  He spoke and Pyrrha's tears join'd his. To heaven
+  They raise their hands in prayer, and straight resolve
+  To ask through oracles divine its aid.
+  Nor long delay. Quick to Cephisus' streams
+  They hasten; muddy still Cephisus flows,
+  Yet not beyond its wonted boundaries swol'n.
+  Libations thence they lift, and o'er their heads
+  And garments cast the sprinklings;--then their steps
+  To Themis' temple bend. The roof they found
+  With filthy moss o'ergrown;--the altars cold.
+  Prone on the steps they fell, and trembling kiss'd
+  The gelid stones, and thus preferr'd their words:
+  “If righteous prayers can move the heavenly mind,
+  “And soften harsh resolves, and soothe the rage
+  “Of great immortals, say, O Themis, say,
+  “How to the world mankind shall be restor'd;
+  “And grant, most merciful, in our distress
+  “Thy potent aid.� The goddess heard their words,
+  And instant gave reply. “The temple leave,
+  “Ungird your garments, veil your heads, and throw
+  “Behind your backs your mighty mother's bones.�
+  Astonish'd long they stood! and Pyrrha first
+  The silence broke; the oracle's behest
+  Refusing to obey; and earnest pray'd,
+  With trembling tongue for pardon for her sin:
+  Her mother's shade to violate she dreads,
+  Her bones thus rudely flinging. But meantime
+  Deep in their minds, in dark mysterious veil
+  Obscurely hid, the sentence they revolve.
+  At length Deucalion sooths his wife with words
+  Of cheering import: “Right, if I divine,
+  “No impious deed the deity desires:
+  “Earth is our mighty mother, and her bones
+  “The stony rocks within her;--these behind
+  “Our backs to cast, the oracle commands.�
+  With joy th' auspicious augury she hears,
+  But joy with doubt commingled, both so much
+  The heavenly words distrust; yet still they hope
+  The essay cannot harm. The temple left,
+  Their heads they cover, and their vests unbind;
+  And o'er their heads as order'd heave the stones.
+  The stones--(incredible! unless the fact
+  Tradition sanction'd doubtless) straight began
+  To lose their rugged firmness,--and anon,
+  To soften,--and when soft a form assume.
+  Next as they grew in size, they felt infus'd
+  A nature mild,--their form resembled man!
+  But incorrectly: marble so appears,
+  Rough hewn to form a statue, ere the hand
+  Completes the shape. What liquid was, and moist,
+  With earthy atoms mixt, soft flesh became;
+  Parts solid and unbending chang'd to bone;
+  In name unalter'd, veins the same remain'd.
+  Thus by the gods' beneficent decree,
+  And brief the change, the stones Deucalion threw,
+  A manly shape assum'd; but females sprung
+  From those by Pyrrha cast behind; and hence
+  A patient, hard, laborious race we prove,
+  And shew the source, by actions, whence we sprung.
+
+    Beings all else the teeming earth produc'd
+  Spontaneous. Heated by the solar rays,
+  The stagnant water quicken'd;--marshy fens
+  Swell'd up their oozy loads to meet the beams:
+  And nourish'd by earth's vivifying soil,
+  The fruitful elements of life increas'd,
+  As in a mother's womb; and in a while
+  Assum'd a certain shape. So when the floods
+  Of seven-mouth'd Nile desert the moisten'd fields,
+  And to their ancient channels bring their streams,
+  The soft mud fries beneath the scorching sun;
+  And midst the fresh-turn'd earth unnumber'd forms
+  The tiller finds: some scarcely half conceiv'd;
+  Imperfect some, their bodies wanting limbs:
+  And oft he beings sees with parts alive,
+  The rest a clod of earth: for where with heat
+  Due moisture kindly mixes, life will spring:
+  From these in concord all things are produc'd.
+  Though fire with water strives; yet vapour warm,
+  Discordant mixture, gives a birth to all.
+
+    Thus when the earth, with filthy ooze bespread
+  From the late deluge, felt the blazing sun;
+  His burning heat productive caus'd spring forth
+  A countless race of beings. Part appear'd
+  In forms before well-known; the rest a group
+  Of monsters strange. Then, but unwilling, she
+  Produc'd terrific Python, serpent huge!
+  A mighty mountain with his bulk he hid;
+  A plague unknown, the new-born race to scare.
+  The quiver-shoulder'd god, unus'd before
+  His arms to launch, save on the flying deer,
+  Or roebuck fleet, the horrid monster slew:
+  A thousand arrows in his sides he fix'd,
+  His quiver's store exhausting; through the wounds
+  Gush'd the black poison. To contending games,
+  Hence instituted for the serpent slain,
+  The glorious action to preserve through times
+  Succeeding, he the name of Pythian gave.
+  And here the youth who bore the palm away
+  By wrestling, racing, or in chariot swift,
+  With beechen bough was crown'd. Nor yet was known
+  The laurel's leaf: Apollo's brows, with hair
+  Deck'd graceful, no peculiar branches bound.
+
+    Penæian Daphne first his bosom charm'd;
+  No casual flame but plann'd by Love's revenge.
+  Him, Phœbus flush'd with conquest late obtain'd,
+  His bow saw bend, and thus exclaim'd in taunt:
+  “Lascivious boy! How ill with thee assort
+  “Those warlike arms?--how much my shoulders more
+  “Beseem the load, whose arm can deadly wounds
+  “In furious beasts, and every foe infix!
+  “I who but now huge Python have o'erthrown;
+  “Swol'n with a thousand darts; his mighty bulk
+  “Whole acres covering with pestiferous weight?
+  “Content in vulgar hearts thy torch to flame,
+  “To me the bow's superior glory leave.�
+  Then Venus' son: “O Phœbus, nought thy dart
+  “Evades, nor thou canst 'scape the force of mine:
+  “To thee as others yield,--so much my fame
+  “Must ever thine transcend.� Thus spoke the boy,
+  And lightly mounting, cleaves the yielding air
+  With beating wings, and on Parnassus' top
+  Umbrageous rests. There from his quiver drew
+  Two darts of different power:--this chases love;
+  And that desire enkindles; form'd of gold
+  It glistens, ending in a point acute:
+  Blunt is the first, tipt with a leaden load;
+  Which Love in Daphne's tender breast infix'd.
+  The sharper through Apollo's heart he drove,
+  And through his nerves and bones;--instant he loves:
+  She flies of love the name. In shady woods,
+  And spoils of captive beasts alone she joys;
+  To copy Dian' emulous; her hair
+  In careless tresses form'd, a fillet bound.
+  By numbers sought,--averse alike to all;
+  Impatient of their suit, through forests wild,
+  And groves, in maiden ignorance she roams;
+  Nor cares for Cupid, nor hymeneal rites,
+  Nor soft connubial joys. Oft cry'd her sire;
+  “My Daphne, you should bring to me a son;
+  “From you, my child, I hope for grandsons too.�
+  But she detesting wedlock as a crime,
+  (Suffus'd her features with a bashful glow)
+  Around his aged neck, her beauteous arms,
+  Winds blandishing, and cries, “O sire, most dear!
+  “One favor grant,--perpetual to enjoy
+  “My virgin purity;--the mighty Jove
+  “The same indulgence has to Dian' given.�
+  Thy sire complies;--but that too beauteous face,
+  And lovely form, thy anxious wish oppose:
+  Apollo loves thee;--to thy bed aspires;--
+  And looks with anxious hopes, his wish to gain:
+  Futurity, by him for once unseen.
+  As the light stubble when the ears are shorn,
+  The flames consume: as hedges blaze on high
+  From torches by the traveller closely held,
+  Or heedless flung, when morning gilds the world:
+  So flaming burnt the god;--so blaz'd his breast,
+  And with fond hopes his vain desires he fed.
+  Her tresses careless flowing o'er her neck
+  He view'd, and, “Oh! how beauteous, deck'd with care,�
+  Exclaim'd: her eyes which shone like brilliant fire,
+  Or sparkling stars, he sees; and sees her lips;
+  Unsated with the sight, he burns to touch:
+  Admires her fingers, and her hands, her arms,
+  Half to the shoulder naked:--what he sees
+  Though beauteous, what is hid he deems more fair.
+  Fleet as the wind, her fearful flight she wings,
+  Nor stays his fond recalling words to hear:
+  “Daughter of Peneus, stay! no foe pursues,--
+  “Stay, beauteous nymph!--so flies the lamb the wolf;
+  “The stag the lion;--so on trembling wings
+  “The dove avoids the eagle:--these are foes,
+  “But love alone me urges to pursue.
+  “Ah me! then, shouldst thou fall,--or prickly thorns
+  “Wound thy fair legs,--and I the cause of pain!--
+  “Rough is the road thou runnest; slack, I pray,
+  “Thy speed;--I swear to follow not so fast.
+  “But hear who loves thee;--no rough mountain swain;
+  “No shepherd;--none in raiments rugged clad,
+  “Tending the lowing herds: rash thoughtless nymph,
+  “Thou fly'st thou know'st not whom, and therefore fly'st!
+  “O'er Delphos' lands, and Tenedos I sway,
+  “And Claros, and the Pataræan realms.--
+  “My sire is Jove. To me are all things known,
+  “Or present, past, or future. Taught by me
+  “Melodious sounds poetic numbers grace.--
+  “Sure is my dart, but one more sure I feel
+  “Lodg'd in this bosom; strange to love before.--
+  “Medicine me hails inventor; through the world
+  “My help is call'd for; unto me is known
+  “The powers of plants and herbs:--ah! hapless I,
+  “Nor plants, nor herbs, afford a cure for love;
+  “Nor arts which all relieve, relieve their lord.�
+  All this, and more:--but Daphne fearful fled,
+  And left his speech unfinish'd. Lovely then
+  She running seem'd;--her limbs the breezes bar'd;
+  Her flying raiment floated on the gale;
+  Her careless tresses to the light air stream'd;
+  Her flight increas'd her beauty. Now no more
+  The god to waste his courteous words endures,
+  But urg'd by love himself, with swifter pace
+  Her footsteps treads: the rapid greyhound so,
+  When in the open field the hare he spies,
+  Trusts to his legs for prey,--as she for flight;
+  And now he snaps, and now he thinks to hold,
+  And brushes with his outstretch'd nose her heels;--
+  She trembling, half in doubt, or caught or no,
+  Springs from his jaws, and mocks his touching mouth.
+  Thus fled the virgin and the god;--he fleet
+  Through hope, and she through fear,--but wing'd by love
+  More rapid flew Apollo;--spurning rest,
+  Approach'd her close behind, and panting breath'd
+  Upon her floating tresses. Pale with dread,
+  Her strength exhausted in the lengthen'd flight,
+  Old Peneus' streams she saw, and loud exclaim'd:--
+  “O sire, assist me, if within thy streams
+  “Divinity abides. Let earth this form,
+  “Too comely for my peace, quick swallow up;
+  “Or change those beauties to an harmless shape.�
+  Her prayer scarce ended, when her lovely limbs
+  A numbness felt; a tender rind enwraps
+  Her beauteous bosom; from her head shoots up
+  Her hair in leaves; in branches spread her arms;
+  Her feet but now so swift, cleave to the earth
+  With roots immoveable; her face at last
+  The summit forms; her bloom the same remains.
+  Still loves the god the tree, and on the trunk
+  His right hand placing, feels her breast yet throb,
+  Beneath the new-grown bark: around the boughs,
+  As yet her limbs, his clasping arms he throws;
+  And burning kisses on the wood imprints.
+  The wood his lips repels. Then thus the god:--
+  “O laurel, though to be my bride deny'd,
+  “Yet shalt thou be my tree; my temples bind;
+  “My lyre and quiver shalt thou still adorn:
+  “The brows of Latian conquerors shalt thou grace,
+  “When the glad people sing triumphant hymns,
+  “And the long pomp the capitol ascends.
+  “A faithful guard before Augustus' gates,
+  “On each side hung;--the sturdy oak between.
+  “And as perpetual youth adorns my head
+  “With locks unshorn, thou also still shalt bear
+  “Thy leafy honors in perpetual green.�
+  Apollo ended, and the laurel bow'd
+  Her verdant summit as her grateful head.
+
+    Within Æmonia lies a grove, inclos'd
+  By steep and lofty hills on every side:
+  'Tis Tempé call'd. From lowest Pindus pour'd
+  Here Peneus rolls his foaming waves along:
+  Thick clouds of smoke, and dark and vapoury mists
+  The violent falls produce, sprinkling the tops
+  Of proudest forests with the plenteous dew;
+  And distant parts astounding with the roar.
+  Here holds the watery deity his throne;--
+  Here his retreat most sacred;--seated here,
+  Within the rock-form'd cavern, to the streams
+  And stream-residing nymphs, his laws he gives.
+  Here flock the neighbouring river-gods, in doubt
+  Or to condole, or gratulate the sire.
+  Here Spercheus came, whose banks with poplars wave;
+  Rapid Enipeus; Apidanus slow;
+  Amphrysos gently flowing; Æäs mild;
+  And other streams which wind their various course,
+  Till in the sea their weary wanderings end,
+  By natural bent directed. Absent sole
+  Was Inachus;--deep in his gloomy cave
+  Dark hidden, with his tears he swells his floods.
+  He, wretched sire, his Iö's loss bewails;
+  Witless if living air she still enjoys,
+  Or with the shades she dwells; and no where found
+  He dreads the worst, and thinks her not to be.
+  The beauteous damsel from her father's banks
+  Jove saw returning, and, “O, maid!� exclaim'd,
+  “Worthy of Jove, whose charms will shortly bless
+  “Some youth desertless; come, and seek the shade,
+  “Yon lofty groves afford,�--and shew'd the groves,--
+  “While now Sol scorches from heaven's midmost height.
+  “Fear not the forests to explore alone,
+  “But in their deepest shades adventurous go;
+  “A god shall guard thee:--no plebeian god,
+  “But he whose mighty hand the sceptre grasps
+  “Of rule celestial, and the lightening flings.
+  “O fly me not�--for Iö fled, amaz'd.
+  Now Lerna's pastures, and Lyrcæa's lands
+  With trees thick-planted, far behind were left;
+  When with a sudden mist the god conceal'd
+  The wide-spread earth, and stopp'd her eager flight;
+  And in his arms the struggling maid compress'd.
+  Meantime did Juno cast her eyes below,
+  The floating clouds surpris'd to see produce
+  A night-like shade amidst so bright a day.
+  No common clouds, from streams exhal'd, she knew;
+  Nor misty vapours from the humid earth.
+  Suspicions rise; her sharpness oft had caught
+  Her amorous husband in his thefts of love.
+  She search'd around the sky, its lord explor'd,--
+  But not in heaven he sate;--then loud exclaim'd:
+  “Much must I err, or much my bed is wrong'd.�
+  Down sliding from the topmost heaven, on earth
+  She lights, and bids the cloudy mists recede.
+  Prepar'd already, Jove the nymph had chang'd,
+  And in a lovely heifer's form she stood.
+  A shape so beauteous fair,--though sore chagrin'd,
+  Unwilling Juno prais'd; and whence she came,
+  And who her owner asks; and of what herd?
+  Her prying art, as witless of the truth,
+  To baffle, from the earth he feigns her sprung;
+  And straight Saturnia begs the beauteous gift.
+  Embarrass'd now he stands,--the nymph to leave
+  Abandon'd, were too cruel;--to deny
+  His wife, suspicious: shame compliance urg'd;
+  Love strong dissuaded: love had vanquish'd shame,
+  Save that a paltry cow to her refus'd,
+  Associate of his race and bed, he fear'd
+  More than a cow the goddess would suspect.
+  Her rival now she holds; but anxious, still
+  She Jove distrusts, and fears her prize to lose;
+  Nor safe she deem'd her, till to Argus' care
+  Committed. Round the jailor's watchful head
+  An hundred eyes were set. Two clos'd in turn;
+  The rest with watchful care, kept cautious guard.
+  Howe'er he stands, on Iö still he looks;
+  His face averse, yet still his eyes behold.
+  By day she pastures, but beneath the earth
+  When Phœbus sinks, he drags her to the stall,
+  And binds with cords her undeserving neck.
+  Arbutus' leaves, and bitter herbs her food:
+  Her wretched bed is oft the cold damp earth;
+  A strawy couch deny'd:--the muddy stream
+  Her constant drink: when suppliant she would raise
+  Her arms to Argus, arms to raise were none.
+  To moan she tries; loud bellowings echo wide,--
+  She starts and trembles at her voice's roar.
+  Now to the banks she comes where oft she'd play'd,--
+  The banks of Inachus, and in his streams
+  Her new-form'd horns beheld;--in wild affright
+  From them she strove, and from herself to fly.
+  Her sister Naïads know her not, nor he
+  Griev'd Inachus, his long-lost daughter knows.
+  But she her sisters and her sire pursues;
+  Invites their touch, as wondering they caress.
+  Old Inachus the gather'd herbs presents;
+  She licks his hands, and presses with her lips
+  His dear paternal fingers. Tears flow quick,
+  And could words follow she would ask his aid;
+  And speak her name, and lamentable state.
+  Marks for her words she form'd, which in the dust
+  Trac'd by her hoof, disclos'd her mournful change.
+  “Ah wretch!� her sire exclaim'd, “unhappy wretch!�
+  And o'er the weeping heifer's snowy neck,
+  His arms he threw, and round her horns he hung
+  With sobs redoubled:--“Art thou then, my child,
+  “Through earth's extent so sought? Ah! less my grief,
+  “To find thee not, than thus transform'd to find!
+  “But dumb thou art, nor with responsive words,
+  “Me cheerest. From thy deep chest sighs alone
+  “Thou utterest, and loud lowings to my words:
+  “Thou canst no more. Unwitting I prepar'd
+  “Thy marriage torches, anxious to behold
+  “A son, and next a son of thine to see.
+  “Now from the herd a husband must thou seek,
+  “Now with the herd thy sons must wander forth.
+  “Nor death my woes can finish: curst the gift
+  “Of immortality. Eternal grief
+  “Must still corrode me; Lethé's gate is clos'd.�
+  Thus griev'd the god, when starry Argus tore
+  His charge away, and to a distant mead
+  Drove her to pasture;--he a lofty hill's
+  Commanding prospect chose, and seated there
+  View'd all around alike on every side.
+
+    But now heaven's ruler could no more contain,
+  To see the sorrows Iö felt:--he calls
+  His son, of brightest Pleiäd mother born,
+  And bids him quickly compass Argus' death.
+  Instant around his heels his wings he binds;
+  His rod somniferous grasps; nor leaves his cap.
+  Accoutred thus, from native heights he springs,
+  And lights on earth; removes his cap; his wings
+  Unlooses; and his wand alone retains:
+  Through devious paths with this, a shepherd now,
+  A flock he drives of goats, and tunes his pipe
+  Of reeds constructed. Argus hears the sound,
+  Junonian guard, and captivated cries,--
+  “Come, stranger, sit with me upon this mount:
+  “Nor for thy flock more fertile pasture grows,
+  “Than round this spot;--and here the shade thou seest
+  “To shepherds' ease inviting.�--Hermes sate,
+  And with his converse stay'd declining day.
+  Long he discours'd, and anxious strove to lull
+  With music sweet, the all-observant eyes;
+  But long he strove in vain: soft slumber's bonds
+  Argus opposes;--of his numerous lights,
+  Part sleep, but others jealous watch his charge.
+  And now he questions whence the pipe was form'd,
+  The pipe but new-discover'd to the world.
+
+    Then thus the god:--“A lovely Naiäd nymph,
+  “With bleak Arcadia's Hamadryads nurs'd,
+  “And on Nonacriné for beauty fam'd
+  “Was Syrinx. Oft the satyrs wild she fled;
+  “Nor these alone, but every god that roves
+  “In shady forests, or in fertile fields.
+  “Dian' she follows, and her virgin life.
+  “Like Dian' cinctur'd, she might Dian' seem,
+  “Save that a golden bow the goddess bears;
+  “The nymph a bow of horn: yet still to most
+  “Mistake was easy. From Lycæum's height,
+  “His head encompass'd with the pointed pine,
+  “Returning, her the lustful Pan espy'd,
+  “And cry'd:--Fair virgin grant a god's request,--
+  “A god who burns to wed thee. Here he stays.
+  “Through pathless forests flies the nymph, and scorns
+  “His warm intreaties, till the gravelly stream
+  “Of Ladon, smoothly winding, she beheld.
+  “The waves impede her flight. She earnest prays
+  “Her sister-nymphs her human form to change.
+  “Now thinks the sylvan god his clasping arms
+  “Inclose her, whilst he grasps but marshy reeds.--
+  “He mournful sighs; the light reeds catch his breath,
+  “And soft reverberate the plaintive sound.
+  “The dulcet movement charms th' enraptur'd god,
+  “Who,--thus forever shall we join,--exclaims!
+  “With wax combin'd th' unequal reeds he forms
+  “A pipe, which still the virgin's name retains.�
+  While thus the god, he every eye beheld
+  Weigh'd heavy, sink in sleep, and stopp'd his tale.
+  His magic rod o'er every lid he draws,
+  His sleep confirming, and with crooked blade
+  Severs his nodding head, and down the mount
+  The bloody ruin hurls,--the craggy rock
+  With gore besmearing. Low, thou Argus liest!
+  Extinct thy hundred lights; one night obscure
+  Eclipsing all. But Juno seiz'd the rays,
+  And on the plumage of her favor'd bird,
+  In gaudy pride, the starry gems she plac'd.
+
+    With furious ire she flam'd, and instant sent
+  The dread Erinnys to the Argive maid.
+  Before her eyes, within her breast she dwelt
+  A secret torment, and in terror drove
+  Her exil'd through the world. 'Twas thou, O Nile!
+  Her tedious wandering ended. On thy banks
+  Weary'd she kneel'd, and on her back, supine
+  Her neck she lean'd:--her sad face to the skies,
+  What could she more?--she lifted. Unto Jove
+  By groans, and tears, and mournful lows she plain'd,
+  And begg'd her woes might end. The mighty god
+  Around his consort's neck embracing hung.
+  And pray'd her wrath might finish. “Fear no more
+  “A rival love, in her,� he said, “to see;�
+  And bade the Stygian streams his words record.
+  Appeas'd the goddess, Iö straight resumes
+  Her wonted shape, as lovely as before.
+  The rough hair flies; the crooked horns are shed;
+  Her visual orbits narrow; and her mouth
+  In size contracts; her arms and hands return;
+  Parted in five small nails her hoofs are lost:
+  Nought of the lovely heifer now remains,
+  Save the bright splendor. On her feet erect
+  With two now only furnish'd, stands the maid.
+  To speak she fears, lest bellowing sounds should break,
+  And timid tries her long-forgotten words.
+  Of mighty fame a goddess now, she hears
+  Of nations linen-clad the pious prayers.
+
+    Then bore she Epaphus, whose birth deriv'd
+  From mighty Jove, his temples through the land,
+  An equal worship with his mother's claim.
+  Him Phaëton, bright Phœbus' youthful son,
+  In years and spirit equall'd,--whose proud boasts,
+  To all his sire preferring, Iö's son
+  Thus check'd: “O simple! thee thy mother's arts
+  “To ought persuade. A feigned sire thou boast'st.�
+  Deep blush'd the youth, but shame his rage repress'd,
+  And each reproach to Clymené he bore.
+  “This too,� he says, “O mother, irks me more,
+  “That I so bold, so fierce, urg'd no defence:
+  “Which shame is greater? that they dare accuse,
+  “Or that accus'd, we cannot prove them false?
+  “Do thou my mother,--if from heaven indeed
+  “Descent I claim,--prove from what stock I spring.
+  “My race divine assert.� He said,--and flung
+  Around her neck his arms; and by his life,
+  The life of Merops, and his sisters' hopes
+  Of nuptial bliss, adjures her to obtain
+  Proofs of his birth celestial. Prayers like these
+  The mother doubtless mov'd;--and rage no less
+  To hear the defamation. Up to heaven
+  Her arms she raises, gazing on the sun,
+  And cries,--“My child! by yon bright rays I swear
+  “In brilliance glittering, which now hear and view,
+  “Our every word and action--thou art sprung
+  “From him, the sun thou see'st;--the sun who rules
+  “With tempering sway the seasons:--If untrue
+  “My words, let me his light no more behold!
+  “Nor long the toil to seek thy father's dome,
+  “His palace whence he rises borders close
+  “On our land's confines.--If thou dar'st the task,
+  “Go forth, and from himself thy birth enquire.�
+  Elate to hear her words, the youth departs
+  Instant, and all the sky in mind he grasps.
+  Through Æthiopia's regions swiftly went,
+  With India plac'd beneath the burning zone:
+  And quickly reach'd his own paternal east.
+
+
+
+
+*The Second Book.*
+
+
+    Palace of the Sun. Phaëton's reception by his father. His request
+    to drive the chariot. The Sun's useless arguments to dissuade him
+    from the attempt. Description of the car. Cautions how to perform
+    the journey. Terror of Phaëton, and his inability to rule the
+    horses. Conflagration of the world. Petition of Earth to Jupiter,
+    and death of Phaëton by thunder. Grief of Clymené, and of his
+    sisters. Change of the latter to poplars, and their tears to
+    amber. Transformation of Cycnus to a swan. Mourning of Phœbus.
+    Jupiter's descent to earth; and amour with Calistho. Birth of
+    Arcas, and transformation of Calistho to a bear; and afterwards
+    with Arcas to a constellation. Story of Coronis. Tale of the daw
+    to the raven. Change of the raven's color. Esculapius. Ocyrrhoë's
+    prophecies, and transformation to a mare. Apollo's herds stolen
+    by Mercury. Battus' double-dealing, and change to a touchstone.
+    Mercury's love for Hersé. Envy. Aglauros changed to a statue.
+    Rape of Europa.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Second Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    By towering columns bright with burnish'd gold,
+  And fiery gems, which blaz'd their light around,
+  Upborne, the palace stood. The lofty roof
+  With ivory smooth incas'd. The folding doors,
+  Of silver shone, but much by sculpture grac'd,
+  For Vulcan there with curious hand had carv'd
+  The ocean girding in the land; the land;
+  And heaven o'ershadowing: here cerulean gods
+  Sport in the waves, grim Triton with his shell;
+  Proteus shape-changing; and Ægeon huge,--
+  His mighty arms upon the large broad backs
+  Of whales hard pressing: Doris and her nymphs:
+  Some sportive swimming; on a rocky seat
+  Some their green tresses drying; others borne
+  By fish swift-gliding: nor the same all seem'd,
+  Yet sister-like a close resembling look
+  Each face pervaded. Earth her natives bore,
+  Mankind;--and woods, and cities, there were seen;
+  Wild beasts, and streams, and nymphs, and rural gods.
+  'Bove all the bright display of heaven was hung--
+  Six signs celestial o'er each portal grav'd.
+
+    The daring youth, the steep ascent attain'd,
+  O'erstepp'd the threshold of his dubious sire,
+  And hasty rush'd to meet paternal eyes;
+  But sudden stay'd: so fierce a blaze of light
+  No nearer he sustain'd. In purple clad,
+  The god a regal emerald throne upheld;
+  Encircled round by hours which space the day;
+  By days themselves; and ages, months, and years.
+  Crown'd with a flowery garland Spring appear'd:
+  Chaplets of grain the swarthy brows adorn'd
+  Of naked Summer: smear'd with trodden grapes
+  Stood Autumn: icy Winter fill'd the groupe;--
+  Snow-white his shaggy locks. Sol from the midst
+  His eyes all-seeing glanc'd upon the youth,
+  Startled and trembling at the wonderous sight;
+  And cried:--“What brings my Phaëton, my son,
+  “Whose sire shall ne'er disclaim him? tell me now,
+  “What here thou seekest?� Thus the youth replies:--
+  “O father, Phœbus, universal light!
+  “If justly, I thy honor'd name may use,
+  “Nor proudly boasting Clymené conceals
+  “A crime by falshood; grant paternal signs,
+  “The world convincing that from thee I spring;
+  “Reproachful doubts erasing from my mind.�
+  He said;--the sire the glittering rays removes
+  That blaz'd around his head,--invites him nigh,
+  And thus embracing:--“Proud I own thee, son,
+  “For all is true by Clymené disclos'd.
+  “If still thou doubtest, name the gift thou lik'st,--
+  “That shalt thou have; for that will I bestow.
+  “Ye streams unseen, which hear celestial oaths
+  “My vows attest!� But scarce had Phœbus spoke,
+  When Phaëton, the fiery car demands,--
+  Demands his sway the winged-footed steeds
+  One day should suffer. Soon the solemn oath
+  Phœbus lamented: three times mournful shook
+  His glorious tresses and in sorrow cry'd--
+  “Would I could yet deny thee!--O my son!
+  “All else with gladness will I hear thee ask;--
+  “List to persuasion,--perseverance sure
+  “Will risk thy ruin. Phaëton, my child!
+  “The task thou seek'st is arduous; far unfit
+  “For those weak arms, and age so immature.
+  “Mortal,--thou would'st a seat immortal press.
+  “Ignorant of grasping more than all the gods
+  “Attempt to manage. Every power we grant
+  “Diverse excels; but I of all the gods,
+  “Have force in that igniferous car to stand.
+  “Ev'n Jove, the ruler of Olympus vast,
+  “Whose right hand terrible fierce lightenings hurls,
+  “This chariot never rul'd: and who than Jove,
+  “More mighty deem we? Steep the first ascent,
+  “The fresh steeds clamber up the height with pain:
+  “High in mid heaven arriv'd, to view beneath
+  “Ocean and earth, oft strikes even me with fear,
+  “And with dread palpitation shakes my breast.
+  “Prerupt the end, and asks a firm restraint;
+  “Tethys herself who nightly me receives,
+  “Beneath the waves, fears oft my headlong fall.
+  “Nor all;--the skies a constant whirling bears
+  “In rapid motion, and the heavenly orbs
+  “Sweep with them swift; I strive the adverse my;
+  “Nor can th' impetuous force which whirls the rest
+  “Bear with them me; I stem the rapid world
+  “With force superior. Grant, the car I yield,--
+  “Could'st thou the swift rotation of the poles
+  “Stem nervous, nor be borne with them along?
+  “Perchance imagination fills thy mind,
+  “With groves, and dwellings of celestial gods,
+  “And temples richly deck'd with offer'd gold,
+  “Where thou shall pass. Far else;--thy journey lies,
+  “Through ambushes, and savage monsters' forms.
+  “Ev'n shouldst thou lucky not erratic stray,
+  “Yet must thou pass the Bull's opposing horns;
+  “The bow Hæmonian, by the Centaur bent;
+  “The Lion's countenance grim; the Scorpion's claws
+  “Bent cruel in a circuit large; the Crab
+  “In lesser compass curving. Hard the task
+  “To rule the steeds with those fierce fires inflam'd,
+  “Within their breasts, which through their nostrils glow.
+  “Scarce bear they my control, when mad with heat
+  “Their high necks spurn the rein. But, oh! my son,
+  “Beware lest I a fatal gift bestow.
+  “Retract, while yet thou may'st, thy rash demand.
+  “Sure tokens thou requir'st to prove thee sprung
+  “From me,--the genuine offspring of my blood:
+  “My anxious trembling is a token true;
+  “Paternal terrors plainly prove the sire.
+  “Lo! on my features fix thine eyes; as well,
+  “I would thou could'st them place within my breast,
+  “And view the anguish of a father's cares.
+  “Last throw thy looks around; the riches view,
+  “Whatever earth contains, and some demand;
+  “Some of so many and such mighty gifts:
+  “In heaven, or earth, or sea, 'tis undeny'd.
+  “This only would I grant not, as its grant
+  “Is punishment, not favor. Phaëton
+  “Asks evil for a gift. Why, foolish boy,
+  “Hang on my neck thus coaxing with thine arms?
+  “Whate'er thou would'st, thou shalt. The Stygian streams
+  “Have heard me swear. But make a wiser wish.�
+  His admonition ceas'd, but all advice
+  Was bootless: still his resolution holds;
+  To guide the chariot still his bosom burns.
+  The sire, his every effort vain, at length
+  Forth to the lofty car, Vulcanian gift,
+  Brings the rash youth. Of gold the axle shone;
+  The pole of gold; by gold the rolling wheels
+  Were circled; every spoke with silver bright;
+  Upon the seat bright chrysolites display'd,
+  With various jewels shed a dazzling light,
+  From Sol reflected. All the high-soul'd youth
+  Admir'd, and while he curious view'd each part,
+  Behold Aurora from the purple east
+  Wide throws the ruddy portals, and displays
+  The halls with roses strewn: the starry host
+  Fly, driven by Lucifer,--himself the last
+  To quit his heavenly station. Sol beheld
+  The earth and sky grow red, and Luna's horns
+  Blunt, and prepar'd to vanish. Straight he bade
+  The flying hours to yoke the steeds: his words
+  The nimble goddesses obey, and lead
+  The steeds fire-breathing from their lofty stalls,
+  Ambrosia fed, and fix the sounding reins.
+  Then with a sacred ointment Phœbus smear'd
+  The face of Phaëton,--unscorch'd to bear
+  The fervid blaze; and on his head a crown
+  Of rays he fix'd. His smother'd sighs within
+  His anxious breast, sad presages of woe
+  Suppressing, thus he spoke:--“If now my words
+  “Though late, thou heedest, spare, O boy! the lash,
+  “But tightly grasp the reins: unbid they run,
+  “They fly; to check their flight thy labor asks.
+  “Not through the five bright zones thy journey lies:
+  “Obliquely winds the path, with spacious curve,
+  “Three girdles only touching; leaving far
+  “The pole Antarctic, and the northern Bear:
+  “Be this thy track; there plain thou may'st discern
+  “The marks my wheels have made. Since heaven and earth
+  “An equal portion of my influence claim;
+  “Press not the car too low, nor mount aloft
+  “Near topmost heaven: there would'st thou fire the roof
+  “Celestial;--here the earth thou would'st consume.
+  “For safety keep the midst. Let thy right wheel
+  “Approach the tortuous Snake not: nor thy left
+  “Press near the Altar:--hold the midmost course.
+  “Fortune the rest must rule; may she assist
+  “Thy undertaking; for thy safety act
+  “Better than thou. But more delay deny'd,
+  “Lo! whilst I speak the dewy night has touch'd
+  “The boundaries plac'd upon th' Hesperian shore.
+  “I'm call'd,--for, darkness fled, Aurora shines.
+  “Seize then, the reins, or if thy mind relents,
+  “My counsel rather than my chariot take.
+  “Now whilst thou can'st; whilst on a solid base
+  “Thou standest, ere thou yet unskilful mount'st
+  “The chariot ev'lly wish'd: give me to dart
+  “Those rays on earth which thou may'st safely view:�
+  Agile the youth bounds from his sire, and stands
+  Proud in the chariot; joyously he holds
+  Th' entrusted reigns, and from the seat glad thanks
+  Th' unwilling parent gives. Meantime neigh'd loud
+  In curling flames, the winged steeds of Sol,
+  Pyroeis, Æthon, Phlegon, Eous swift;
+  And with impatient hoofs the barrier beat;
+  Which Tethys, ignorant of her grandson's fate,
+  Drove back, and open laid the range of heaven.
+  Swiftly they hasten,--swiftly fly their heels,
+  Through the thin air, and through opposing clouds.
+  Pois'd by their wings the eastern gales they pass,
+  Which started with them: but their burthen light,
+  Small felt the pressure on the chariot seat:
+  Not what the steeds of Sol had felt before.
+  As ships unpois'd reel tottering through the waves,
+  Light and unsteady, rambling o'er the main;
+  So bounds the car, void of its 'custom'd weight,
+  High-toss'd as though unfill'd. This quick perceiv'd,
+  Fierce rush the four-yok'd steeds, and quit the path
+  Beaten before, and tread a road unknown.
+  Trembling the youth nor knows to pull the reins
+  Which side, nor knowing would the steeds obey.
+  Then first the frozen Triönes from Sol
+  Felt warm, and try'd, but try'd in vain, to dip
+  Beneath the sea. The frozen polar snake,
+  Sluggish with cold, and indolently mild,
+  Warm'd, and dire fierceness gather'd from the flames.
+  Thou too, Boötes, fled'st away disturb'd,
+  Though slow thy flight, retarded by thy teams.
+  And now the luckless Phaëton his eyes
+  Cast on the earth remote,--far distant spread
+  Beneath the lofty sky; pale grew his face
+  With sudden terror; trembled his weak knees;
+  O'ercome with light his eyes in darkness sunk:
+  Glad were he now, his father's steeds untouch'd:
+  Griev'd that his race he knows; griev'd his request
+  Was undeny'd: glad were he now if call'd
+  The son of Merops. Ev'n as Boreas sweeps
+  Furious the vessel, when the pilot leaves
+  The helm to heaven, and puts his trust in prayers
+  So was he hurry'd. What remains to do?
+  Vast space of heaven behind him lies;--much more
+  He forward views. Each distance in his mind
+  Compar'd he measures. Now he forward bends
+  To view the west, forbidden him to reach;
+  Now to the east he backward turns his eyes.
+  With terror stunn'd his trembling hands refuse
+  To hold the reins with vigor; yet he holds.
+  The coursers' names, affrighted he forgets:
+  Trembling he views the various monsters spread
+  Through every part above; and figures huge
+  Of beasts ferocious. Heaven a spot contains,
+  Where Scorpio bends in two wide bows his arms,
+  His tail, and doubly-stretching claws;--the space
+  Encompassing of two celestial signs.
+  Soon as the youth the monstrous beast beheld,
+  Black poison sweating, and with crooked sting
+  Threatening fierce wounds, he nerveless dropp'd the reins:
+  Pale dread o'ercame him. Quick the steeds perceiv'd
+  The loose thongs playing on their backs, and rush'd
+  Wide from the path, uncheck'd;--through regions strange,
+  Now here, now there, impetuous;--unrestrain'd,
+  Amidst the loftiest stars they dash, and drag
+  The car through pathless places: upward now
+  They labor;--headlong now they down descend,
+  Nearing the earth. With wonder Luna sees
+  Her brother's coursers run beneath her own;
+  And sees the burnt clouds smoking. Lofty points
+  Of earth, feel first the flames, and fissures wide,
+  Departing moisture prove. The forage green,
+  Whitens; trees crackle with their burning leaves;
+  And ripe corn adds its fuel to the blaze.
+  Why mourn we trifles? Mighty cities fall;
+  Their walls protect them not; their dwellers sink
+  To ashes with them. Woods on mountains flame;--
+  Athos, Cilician Taurus, Tmolus, burn;
+  Oeté, and Ide, her pleasant fountains dry;
+  With virgin Helicon, and Hæmus high,
+  Å’agrius since. Now with redoubled flames
+  Fierce Etna blazes;--Eryx, Othrys too;
+  Cynthus, and fam'd Parnassus' double top,
+  And Rhodopé, at length of snow depriv'd:
+  Dindyma, Mimas, and the sacred hill
+  Cythæron nam'd, and lofty Mycalé:
+  Nor aid their snows the Scythians: Ossa burns,
+  Pindus, and Caucasus, and, loftier still,
+  The huge Olympus; with the towering Alps;
+  And cloud-capt Apennines. Now the youth,
+  Beholds earth flaming fierce from every part;--
+  The heat o'erpowers him; fiery air he breathes
+  As from a furnace; and the car he rides
+  Glows with the flame beneath him: sore annoy'd
+  On every side by cinders, and by smoke
+  Hot curling round him. Whither now he drives,
+  Or where he is, he knows not; in a cloud
+  Of pitchy night involv'd; swept as the steeds
+  Swift-flying will. The Æthiopians then,
+  'Tis said, their sable tincture first receiv'd;
+  Their purple blood the glowing heat call'd forth
+  To tinge their skins. Then dry'd the scorching fire
+  From arid Lybia all her fertile streams.
+  Now with dishevell'd locks the nymphs bewail'd
+  Their fountains and their lakes. BÅ“otia mourns
+  The loss of Dircé: Argos Amymoné:
+  Corinth laments Pirené. Nor yet safe
+  Were rivers bounded by far distant shores,
+  Tanais' midmost waves fume to the sky;
+  And ancient Peneus smokes: Ismenos swift;
+  Caïcus, Teuthrantean; and the flood
+  Of Phocis, Erymanthus: Xanthus too,
+  Doom'd to be fir'd again: Lycormas brown;
+  Mæander's sportive oft recircling waves;
+  Mygdonian Melas; and the Spartan flood,
+  Eurotas; with Euphrates burn: and burn,
+  Orontes; and the rapid Thermodoon;
+  Ganges; and Phasis; and the Ister swift.
+  Alpheus boils; the banks of Spercheus burn;
+  And Tagus' golden sands the flames dissolve.
+  Stream-loving swans, whose song melodious rung
+  Throughout Mæonian regions, feel the heat,
+  Caïster's streams amid. In terror Nile
+  Fled to the farthest earth, and sunk his head,
+  Yet undiscover'd!--void the seven-fold stream,
+  His mouth seven dry and dusty vales disclos'd.
+  Now Hebrus dries, and Strymon, Thracian floods:
+  And streams Hesperian, Rhine; and Rhone; and Po;
+  And Tiber, destin'd all the world to rule.
+  Asunder split the globe, and through the chinks
+  Darted the light to hell: the novel blaze,
+  Pluto and Proserpine with terror view'd.
+  The ocean shrinks;--a dry and scorching plain
+  Where late was sea appears. Hills lift their heads
+  Late by the deep waves hid, and countless seem
+  The scatter'd Cyclades. Deep crouch the fish;--
+  The crooked dolphins dare not leap aloft,
+  As, custom'd in the air; with breasts upturn'd
+  The gasping sea-calves float upon the waves:
+  Nereus, with Doris and her daughter-nymphs
+  Deep plung'd to seek their low, but tepid caves.
+  Thrice Neptune ventur'd to upraise his arms
+  Grim frowning,--thrice the flames too fierce he found,
+  And shrunk beneath the waters. Earth at length,
+  (By streams and founts encircled,--for her womb
+  Trembling they sought for refuge) rais'd on high
+  Her face omniferous, dry and parch'd with heat;
+  Her burning forehead shaded with her hand;
+  Shook all with tremor huge; then shrank for shade
+  Beneath, and gasping, thus to heaven she plain'd:
+
+    “Almighty lord! if such thy sovereign will,
+  “And I deserve it, why thy lightenings hold
+  “Thus idle? If by fire to perish doom'd,--
+  “Be it by thine,--an honorable fate!
+  “Scarce can my lips now utter forth my pains!--
+  Volumes of smoke oppress'd her--“See, my hair
+  “Sing'd with the flames! Behold my face,--my eyes,
+  “Scorch'd with hot embers! Is no better boon
+  “Due for the fruits I furnish? Such reward,
+  “Suits it my fertile crops? or cruel wounds
+  “Of harrow, rake, and plough, which through the year
+  “Enforc'd I suffer? For the herds I bring
+  “Green herbs and grass; bland aliments, ripe fruit
+  “For man; and incense for ye mighty gods:
+  “Faulty is this? But grant thy wrath deserv'd,
+  “How do the waves, thy brother's realm offend?
+  “Why does the main, to him by lot decreed,
+  “Shrink and retreat from heaven? Thy brother's weal,
+  “Say it concerns thee not, nor my distress;
+  “Care for thy own paternal heaven may move.
+  “Thine eyes cast round,--black smoke from either pole
+  “Mounts!--soon the greedy flames your halls will seize.
+  “Lo! Atlas labors;--scarcely he sustains
+  “The burning load. If earth and ocean flame,
+  “And heaven too perish, all to chaös turn'd,
+  “Confounded we shall sink. Snatch from the flames
+  “What yet, if ought, remains, and nature save.�
+  No more could Earth, for now thick vapors rose,
+  Her speech obstructing; down she shrunk her head,
+  And shelter'd 'midst the cool Tartarian shades.
+
+    Now Jove, the gods, all witness to the fact
+  Conven'd; ev'n Sol, the donor of the car,
+  That but for him the world in ruins soon
+  Would lie. The loftiest height of heaven he gains,
+  Whence clouds he wont upon the wide-spread earth
+  To shower;--from whence his thunders loud he hurl'd;
+  And quivering lightenings flung: but now nor clouds,
+  Nor showers to rain on earth the sovereign had.
+  He thunders;--from his right-ear pois'd, the bolt
+  Hurls on the charioteer. Life, and the car,
+  Phaëton quits at once;--his fatal fires,
+  By fires more fierce extinguish'd. Startled prance
+  The steeds confounded; free their fiery necks
+  From the torn reins: here lie the traces broke;
+  There the strong axle, sever'd from the seat;
+  Spokes of the shatter'd wheels are here display'd;
+  And scatter'd far and wide the car's remains.
+  Hurl'd headlong falls the youth, his golden locks,
+  Flame as he tumbles, swept through empty air,
+  A lengthen'd track he forms: so seems a star
+  In night serene, but only seems, to shoot.
+  Far from paternal home, the mighty Po
+  Receiv'd his burning corps, and quench'd the flames.
+
+    Due rites the nymphs Hesperian gave the limbs
+  From the fork'd lightening flaming. On his tomb
+  This epitaph they grav'd: “Here Phaëton
+  “Intombed rests; the charioteer so bold,
+  “Of Phœbus' car, which though he fail'd to rule,
+  “He perish'd greatly daring.� Griev'd his sire,
+  Veil'd his sad face; and, were tradition true,
+  One day saw not the sun; the embers blaz'd
+  Sufficient light: thus may misfortune aid.
+
+    When Clymené with all that sorrow could
+  To ease her woes give utterance, loud had wail'd
+  In wild lament; all spark of reason fled,
+  Her bosom tearing, through the world she roam'd.
+  And now his limbs inanimate she sought;
+  Then for his whiten'd bones: his bones she found,
+  On banks far distant from his home inhum'd.
+  Prone on his tomb her form she flung, and pour'd
+  Her tears in floods upon the graven lines:
+  And with her bosom bar'd, the cold stone warm'd.
+  His sisters' love their fruitless offerings bring,
+  Their griefs and briny droppings; cruel tear
+  Their beauteous bosoms; while they loudly call
+  Phaëton, deaf to all their mournful cries.
+  Stretch'd on his tomb, by night, by day they call'd.
+  Till Luna's circle four times fill'd was seen;
+  Their blows still given as 'custom'd, (use had made
+  Their forms of grief as nature). Sudden plain'd
+  Fair Phaëthusa, eldest of the three,
+  Of stiffen'd feet; as on the tomb she strove
+  To cast her body prone. Lampetie bright,
+  Rushing in hope to aid, a shooting root
+  Abruptly held. With lifted hands the third
+  Her locks to tear attempted; but green leaves
+  Tore off instead. Now this laments her legs,
+  Bound with thin bark; that mourns to see her arms
+  Shoot in long branches. While they wonder thus,
+  Th' increasing bark their bodies upward veils,
+  Their breasts, their arms, and hands, with gradual growth:
+  Their mouths alone remain; which loudly call
+  Their mother. What a mother could, she did:
+  What could she do? save, here and there to fly,
+  Where blind affection dragg'd her; and while yet,
+  'Twas given to join, join with them mouth to mouth.
+  Nor this contents; she strives to tear the rind,
+  Their limbs enwrapping; and the tender boughs
+  Pluck from their hands: but from the rended spot
+  The sanguine drops flow swift. Each suffering nymph
+  Cries,--“Spare me, mother!--spare your wounded child;
+  “I suffer in the tree.--farewell!--farewell!�--
+  For as they spoke the rind their mouths inclos'd.
+  From these new branches tears were dropp'd, and shap'd
+  By solar heat, bright amber straight compos'd.
+  Dropt in the lucid stream, the prize was borne
+  To Latium, and its gayest nymphs adorn'd.
+
+    This wonderous change Sthenelian Cycnus saw;
+  To thee, O Phaëton, by kindred join'd,
+  But by affection closer. He his realms,
+  (For o'er Liguria's large and populous towns
+  He reign'd) had then relinquish'd. With his plaints,
+  The Po's wide stream was fill'd; and fill'd the banks
+  With his lamentings; ev'n the woods, whose shade
+  The sister poplars thicken'd. Soon he feels
+  His utterance shrill and weak: his streaming locks
+  Soft snowy plumes displace: high from his chest,
+  His lengthen'd neck extends: a filmy web
+  Unites his ruddy toes: his sides are cloth'd
+  With quills and feathers: where his mouth was seen
+  Expanded, now a blunted beak obtains;
+  And Cycnus stands a bird;--but bird unknown
+  In days of yore. Mistrustful still of Jove,
+  His heaven he shuns; as mindful of the flames
+  From thence unjustly hurl'd. Wide lakes and ponds
+  He seeks to habit now;--indignant shuns
+  What favors fire, and joys in purling streams.
+
+    Meantime was Phœbus dull, his blaze obscur'd,
+  As when eclips'd his orb: his rays he hates;
+  Himself; and even the day. To grief his soul
+  He gives, and anger to his grief he joins;
+  Depriving earth of all its wonted light.
+  “Troubled my lot has been,� he cry'd, “since first
+  “Was publish'd my existence:--urg'd my toil
+  “Endless,--still unremitted, still unprais'd.
+  “Now let who will my furious chariot drive
+  “Flammiferous! If every god shall shrink
+  “Inadequate,--let Jove the task attempt:
+  “Then while my reins he tries, at least those flames,
+  “Which cause parental grief must peaceful rest.
+  “Then when the fiery flaming coursers strain
+  “His nervous arms, no more he'll judge the youth
+  “Of death deserving, who could less control.�
+  Sol, grieving thus, the deities surround,
+  And suppliant beg that earth may mourn no more,
+  By darkness 'whelm'd. Ev'n Jove concession gave,--
+  And why his fiery bolts were launch'd explain'd;
+  But threats and prayers majestically mix'd.
+  The steeds with terror trembling, Phœbus seiz'd,
+  Wild from their late affright, and rein'd their jaws;
+  Furious he wields his goad and lash, and fierce
+  He storms, and their impetuous fury blames
+  At every blow, as murderers of his son.
+
+   High heaven's huge walls the mighty sire explores,
+  With eye close searching, lest a weakening flaw,
+  Might hurl some part to ruin. All he found
+  Firm in its pristine strength;--then glanc'd his eye
+  Around the earth, and toils of man below.
+  'Bove all terrestrial lands, Arcadia felt--
+  His own Arcadia--his preserving care.
+  Her fountains he restores; her streams not yet
+  To murmur daring; to her fields he gives
+  Seed-corn; and foliage to her spreading boughs;
+  And her scorch'd forests bids again look green.
+  Through here as oft he journey'd, and return'd,
+  A virgin of Nonacriné he spy'd,
+  And instant inward fire the god consum'd.
+  No nymph was she whose skill the wool prepar'd;
+  Nor comb'd with art her tresses seem'd; full plain,
+  Her vest a button held; a fillet white
+  Careless her hair confin'd. Now pois'd her hand
+  A javelin light, and now a bow she bore:
+  In Dian's train she ran, nor nymph more dear
+  To her the mountain Mænalus e'er trode.
+  But brief the reign of favor! Sol had now
+  Beyond mid-heaven attain'd; Calistho sought
+  A grove where felling axe had never rung:
+  Here was her quiver from her shoulder thrown;
+  Her slender bow unstrung; and on the ground
+  With soft grass clad she rested: 'neath her neck
+  Was plac'd the painted quiver. Jove, the maid
+  Weary'd beheld, and from her wonted troop
+  Far distant. “Surely now, my wife,� he cries,
+  “This theft can ne'er discover. Should she know,
+  “What is her rage with such a prize compar'd?�
+  Then Dian's face and form the god conceal'd;
+  Loud calling,--“Where, O virgin, hast thou stray'd?
+  “What hills, my comrade, hast thou crost in chase?�
+  Light springing from the turf, the nymph reply'd,--
+  “Hail goddess, greater, if with me the palm,
+  “Than Jove himself, though Jove himself should hear.�
+  The feign'd Diana smil'd, and joy'd to hear
+  Him to himself preferr'd; then press'd her lips
+  With kisses, such as virgins never give
+  To virgins. Her, prepar'd to tell the woods
+  Where late she hunted, with a warm embrace
+  He hinder'd; and his crime the god disclos'd.
+  Hard strove the nymph,--and what could female more?
+  (O Juno, hadst thou seen her, less thy ire!)
+  Long she resists, but what can nymph attain,
+  Or any mortal, when to Jove oppos'd?
+  Victor the god ascends th' ethereal court.
+
+    The groves and forests, conscious of the deed,
+  Calistho hates; so swift she flies the spot,
+  Her quiver, and her darts, and slender bow
+  Suspended on the tree, through eager haste
+  Were nigh forgotten. Lo! Diana comes,
+  By clustering nymphs attended, o'er the hills
+  Of lofty Mænalus, from slaughter'd beasts,
+  Proudly triumphant. She Calistho sees,
+  And calls her;--as the goddess calls she flies,
+  Fearing another Jove disguis'd to meet.
+  But when th' attendant virgin-troop appear'd,
+  Fraud she no more suspected, but the train
+  Join'd fearless. Hard the countenance to form,
+  And not betray a perpetrated crime!
+  Scarce from the ground she dar'd her looks to raise;
+  Nor with her wonted ardor press'd before,
+  First of the throng, close to Diana's side.
+  Silent she moves; her blushes prove a wound
+  Her modesty had felt. E'en Dian' might,
+  (But that a virgin,) all the truth have known.
+  By numerous proofs and strong. Nay, fame reports
+  Her sister-nymphs had long her shame perceiv'd.
+  Nine times had Luna now her orb renew'd,
+  When Dian' from the chase retreating faint
+  By Phœbus' rays, had gain'd a forest cool,
+  Where flow'd a limpid stream with murmuring noise,
+  The shining sand upturning. Much the spot
+  The goddess tempted, and her feet she dipp'd
+  Light in the waves, as to the nymphs she cry'd:--
+  “Hence far each prying eye, we'll dare unrobe
+  “And lave beneath the stream.� Calistho blush'd;--
+  Quick while the other nymphs their bodies bare,
+  Protracting she undresses. From her limbs,
+  Suspicious they the garments rend, and view
+  Her body naked, and her fault is plain.
+  To her, confus'd, whose trembling hands essay'd
+  Her shame to hide, Diana spoke;--“Hence fly,--
+  “Far hence, nor more these sacred streams pollute.�
+  And drove her instant from her spotless train.
+
+    Long time the mighty thunderer's queen had known
+  Calistho's state; but curb'd her furious ire
+  Till ripe occasion suited: longer now
+  Delay were needless; now the nymph produc'd
+  Arcas; whom Juno more enrag'd beheld.
+  With savage mind, and furious look she ey'd
+  The boy, and spoke;--“Adulteress! this alone
+  “Was wanting! fruitful, harlot, hast thou prov'd?
+  “Must by this birth my wrongs in public glare?
+  “And what dishonor I from Jove receive
+  “Be palpable to sight. Expect not thou
+  “Impunity to find. Thy form I'll change,--
+  “To thee so pleasing, and so dear to Jove.�
+  She said; and on the flowing tresses seiz'd
+  Which o'er her forehead stream'd, and prostrate dragg'd
+  The nymph to earth. She rais'd her suppliant hands,--
+  With black hairs cover'd, rough her arms appear'd;
+  Bent were her hands, and, with her lengthen'd nails
+  To claws transform'd, press'd on the ground as feet;
+  Her mouth so beauteous, late of Jove admir'd,
+  Yawn'd wide deformity;--and lest soft prayers
+  And flowing words, might pity move, no power
+  To speak she left. Now through her hoarse throat sounds
+  An angry threatening voice that fear instills;
+  A bear becoming, though her sense the same:
+  Her sufferings proving by her constant groans.
+  Lifting to heaven such hands as lift she could,
+  Jove she ungrateful found, but Jove to call
+  Ungrateful, strove in vain. Alas! how oft
+  In woods and solitudes, to sleep afraid,
+  She roam'd around the house and fertile fields
+  Of late her own!---Alas, how oft thence driven
+  By yelping hounds o'er craggy steeps she fled!
+  Thou dread'st the hunters though an huntress thou!
+  Oft was her form forgotten, and in fear
+  From beasts she crouch'd conceal'd: the shaggy bear
+  Shudder'd to see the bears upon the hills;
+  And at the wolves she trembled, though with wolves
+  Her sire Lycaön howl'd. Now Arcas comes;
+  Arcas, her son, unconscious of his race.
+  Near fifteen suns the youth had seen revolv'd;
+  And while the game he chases, while he seeks
+  Thickets best suited for his sports, and round
+  The Erymanthean woods his toils he sets,
+  He meets his mother:--at his sight she stay'd,
+  The well-known object viewing. Arcas fled
+  Trembling, unconscious why those eyes were fix'd
+  On him immoveably. His spear, prepar'd
+  To pierce his mother's breast, as near she draws
+  The youth protends. But Jove the deed prevents:
+  Both bears away, and stays the matricide.
+  Swept through the void of heaven by rapid whirl
+  They're borne, and neighbouring constellations made,
+  Loud Juno rag'd, to see the harlot shine,
+  Amid the stars; and 'neath the deep descends,
+  To hoary Tethys, and her ancient spouse;
+  Where reverence oft the host of heaven had shewn.
+  And thus to them, who anxious seek the cause,
+  Why there she journeys. “Wish ye then to know
+  “Why I the queen of heaven, my regal seat
+  “Now leave? Another fills my lofty throne!
+  “Nor false I speak,--for when gray night shall spread
+  “O'er all,--new constellations shall you see
+  “Me irking,--on the utmost bounds of heaven,
+  “Where the last shorten'd zone the axis binds.
+  “Now surely none, t' insult shall rashly dare
+  “The thunderer's spouse, but tremble at her frown;
+  “For she who most offends is honor'd most!
+  “Much has my power perform'd!--vast is my sway!
+  “Her human form I chang'd,--and lo! she shines
+  “A goddess;--thus the guilty feel my ire!
+  “Thus potent I. Why not her form restore,
+  “And change that beastly shape, as Iö once
+  “In Argolis, the same indulgence felt.
+  “Why drives he not his consort from his bed,
+  “Calistho placing there;--for sire-in-law
+  “The wolf Lycaön chusing? If to you
+  “Your foster-daughter's insults ought import,
+  “Forbid these stars to touch the blue profound:
+  “Repel those constellations, plac'd in heaven,
+  “Meed of adultery; lest the harlot dip
+  “In your pure waves.�--The gods their promise gave
+  And through the liquid air Saturnia flies,
+  Borne in her chariot by her peacocks bright;
+  Their coats gay studded from fall'n Argus' eyes.
+
+    Less beauteous was the change, loquacious crow,
+  Thy plumage suffer'd,--snowy white to black.
+  With silvery brightness once his feathers shone;
+  Unspotted doves outvying; nor to those
+  Preserving birds the capital whose voice
+  So watchful sav'd;--nor to the stream-fond swans,
+  Inferior seem'd his covering: but his tongue,
+  His babbling tongue his ruin wrought; and chang'd
+  His hue from splendid white to gloomy black.
+
+    No fairer maid all Thessaly contain'd,
+  Than young Coronis,--to the Delphic god
+  Most dear while chaste, or while her fault unknown.
+  But Corvus, Phœbus' watchman, spy'd the deed
+  Adulterous;--and inexorably bent
+  To tell the secret crime, his flight directs
+  To seek his master. Him the daw pursues,
+  On plumes quick waving, curious all to learn.
+  His errand heard, she cries;--“Thy anxious task,
+  “A journey vain, pursue not: mark my words;--
+  “Learn what I have been;--see what now I am;
+  “And hear from whence my change: a fault you'll find
+  “Too much fidelity, which wrought my woe.
+
+    “Time was, when Pallas, Ericthonius took,
+  “Offspring created motherless, and close
+  “In basket twin'd with Attic twigs conceal'd.
+  “The charge to keep, three sister-maids she chose,
+  “Daughters of Cecrops double-form'd, but close,
+  “Conceal'd what lodg'd within; and strict forbade
+  “All prying, that her secret safe might rest.
+  “On a thick elm, behind light leaves conceal'd,
+  “I mark'd their actions. Two their sacred charge
+  “Hold faithful; Pandrosos, and Hersé they:
+  “Aglauros calls her sisters cowards weak;
+  “The twistings with bold hand unloosening, sees
+  “Within an infant, and a dragon stretch'd.
+  “The deed I tell to Pallas, and from her
+  “My service this remuneration finds:
+  “Driven from her presence, she my place supplies
+  “Of favorite with the gloomy bird of night.
+  “All other birds my fate severe may warn,
+  “To seek not danger by officious tales.
+  “Pallas, perhaps you think, but lightly lov'd
+  “One whom she thus so suddenly disgrac'd.
+  “But ask of Pallas;--she, though much enrag'd
+  “Will yet my truth confirm. A regal maid
+  “Was I,--of facts to all well-known I speak:
+  “Coroneus noble, of the Phocian lands
+  “As sire I claim. Me wealthy suitors sought--
+  “Contemn me not,--my beauty was my bane.
+  “While careless on the sandy shore I roam'd,
+  “With gentle pace as wont, the ocean's god
+  “Saw me and lov'd: persuasive words in vain
+  “Long trying, force prepar'd, and me pursu'd.
+  “I fled; the firm shore left, and tir'd my limbs
+  “Vainly, upon the light soft sinking sand.
+  “There to assist me men and gods I call'd;
+  “Deaf to the sound was every mortal ear:
+  “But by a virgin's cries a virgin mov'd,
+  “Assistance gave. Up to the skies my arms
+  “I stretch'd; and black my arms began to grow,
+  “With waving pinions. From my shoulders, back
+  “My robes I strove to fling,--my robes were plumes;
+  “Deep in my skin the quills were fix'd: I try'd
+  “On my bare bosom with my hands to beat;
+  “Nor hands nor naked bosom now were found:
+  “I ran; the sand no longer now retain'd
+  “My feet, but lightly o'er the ground I skimm'd;
+  “And soon on pinions through the air was borne;
+  “And Pallas' faultless favorite I became.
+  “What now avail to me my pure deserts?
+  “Nyctimené, whose horrid crime deserv'd
+  “Her transformation, to my place succeeds.
+  “The deed so wide through spacious Lesbos known,
+  “Ere this has reach'd thee;--how Nyctimené--
+  “Her father's bed defil'd,--a bird became.
+  “Conscious of guilt, she shuns the sight of man;
+  “Flies from the day, and in nocturnal shades
+  “Conceals her shame; by every bird assail'd
+  “And exil'd from the skies.� The crow in rage
+  To her still chattering, cry'd;--“May each delay
+  “Thy babbling causes, prove to thee a curse.
+  “I scorn thy foolish presages,�--and flew
+  His journey urging. When his master found,
+  He told him where Coronis he had seen
+  Claspt by a young Thessalian. Down he dropp'd
+  His laurel garland, when the crime he heard
+  Of her he lov'd;--his harp away he flung;
+  His countenance fell, and pale his visage grew.
+  Now with fierce rage his swelling bosom fires;
+  His wonted arms he seizes; draws his bow,
+  Bent to the horns; and through that breast so oft
+  Embrac'd,--th' inevitable weapon drove.
+  Deep groan'd the wounded nymph, and tearing out
+  The arrow from her breast, a purple flood
+  Gush'd o'er her shining limbs. She sighing cry'd,--
+  “This fate, O Phœbus, I deserv'dly meet,
+  “Were but thy infant born;--two now in one
+  “Thy dart has slain!�--She spoke,--her vital blood
+  Fast flow'd, and stay'd her voice. A deadly chill
+  Seiz'd all her members, now of life bereft.
+  Too late, alas! her sorrowing lover mourns
+  His cruel vengeance; and himself he hates,
+  Too credulous listening, and too soon enflam'd:
+  The bird he hates, who first betray'd the deed
+  And caus'd him first to grieve: his bow he hates;
+  His bowstring; arm; and with his arm the dart,
+  Shot vengeful. Fond he clasps her fallen form;
+  And strives by skill, by skill too late apply'd
+  To conquer fate:--his healing arts he tries,--
+  All unavailing. Fruitless he beholds
+  His each attempt, and sees the pile prepar'd;
+  And final flames her limbs about to burn.
+  Then from his deepest bosom burst his groans;
+  (For tears on cheeks celestial ne'er are seen,)
+  Such groans are utter'd when the heifer sees,
+  The weighty mallet, from the right ear pois'd,
+  Crush down the forehead of her suckling calf.
+  And now his useless odors in her breast
+  He pour'd; embrac'd her; to her last rites gave
+  Solemnization due. The greedy fires
+  His offspring were not suffer'd to consume.
+  Snatch'd from the curling flames, and from the womb
+  Of his dead mother, he the infant bore
+  To double-body'd Chiron's secret cave.
+  But bade the self-applauding crow, fill'd big
+  With hopes of favor for his faithful tale,
+  With snowy-plumag'd birds no more to join.
+
+    Meantime while Chiron, human half, half beast,
+  Proud of his deity-descended charge,
+  Joy'd in the honor with the task bestow'd:--
+  Behold, her shoulders with her golden locks
+  Shaded, the daughter of the Centaur comes;
+  Whom fair Chariclo, on a river's brink
+  Swift-rolling, bore, and thence Ocyrrhoë nam'd.
+  She not content her father's arts to know,
+  The hidden secrets of the fates disclos'd.
+  Now was her soul with fate-foretelling sounds
+  Fill'd, and within her fiercely rag'd the god:
+  The infant viewing;--“Grow,� she said, “apace,
+  “Health-bearer through the world. To thee shall oft
+  “Expiring mortals owe returning life!
+  “To thee 'tis given to render souls again
+  “Back to their bodies! Once thou'lt dare the deed;--
+  “The angry god's forbidding flames, thy power
+  “Further preventing:--and a bloodless corps
+  “Heaven-born, thou ly'st;---but what thy body form'd
+  “A god becomes,--resuscitated twice.
+  “Thou too, my dearest and immortal sire!
+  “To ages never-ending, born to live,
+  “Shalt wish for death in vain; when writhing sad
+  “From the dire serpent's venom in thy limbs,
+  “By wounds instill'd. The pitying gods will change
+  “Thy destin'd fate, and let immortal die:
+  “The triple sisters shall thy thread divide.
+  “More yet untold remains;�--Deep from her chest
+  The sighs burst forth, and starting tears stream down,
+  Laving her cheeks, while thus the maid pursues:
+  “The fates prevent me, and forbid to tell
+  “What more I would;--all power to speak deny.
+  “Those arts, alas! heaven's anger which have drawn,--
+  “What were they? Would I ne'er the future knew!
+  “Now seems my human shape to leave me. Now
+  “The verdant grass a pleasing food appears.
+  “Now am I urg'd along the plain to bound;
+  “Chang'd to a mare: unto my sire ally'd
+  “In form,--but why sole chang'd? my father bears
+  “A two-form'd body;�--Wailing thus, her words
+  Confus'd and indistinct at length are heard.
+  Next sounds are utter'd partly human, more
+  A mare's resembling:--then she neighs aloud;
+  Treading with alter'd arms the ground: fast join'd
+  Her fingers now become: a slender hoof
+  Her toes connecting with continuous horn.
+  Her head enlarges; and her neck expands;
+  Her spreading garment floats a beauteous tail:
+  Her scatter'd tresses o'er her shoulders flung,
+  Form a thick mane to clothe her spacious neck:
+  Her voice is alter'd with her alter'd shape:
+  And change of name the wonderous deed attends.
+
+    Deep Chiron mourn'd, O Phœbus, and thy aid
+  In vain invok'd; for bootless was thy power
+  Jove's mandate to resist; nor if thou could'st
+  Then wast thou nigh to help. In Elis far,
+  And fields Messenian then was thy abode.
+  Then was the time when shepherd-like a robe
+  Of skins enwrapp'd thee;--when thy left hand bore
+  A sylvan staff;--thy right a pipe retain'd,
+  Of seven unequal reeds. While love engag'd
+  Thy thoughts, and dulcet music sooth'd thy cares,
+  'Tis said, thy herds without their herdsman stray'd,
+  Far to the Pylian meadows. These the son
+  Of Atlantean Maiä espy'd;
+  And, slily driven away, within the woods
+  The cattle artful hid. None saw the deed,
+  Save one old hoary swain, well known around,
+  And Battus nam'd; whose post it was to guard
+  The groves, the grassy meads, and high-bred mares
+  Of wealthy Neleus. Him the robber fear'd;
+  Drew him aside, and coaxing thus address'd;--
+  “Whoe'er thou art, good friend, if here perchance,
+  “Someone should seek an herd,--say that thou here
+  “No herd hast seen;--thou shall not lack reward:
+  “Take this bright heifer:�--and the cow he gave.
+  The bribe receiv'd, the shepherd thus replies;
+  “Friend, thou art safe,--that stone shall sooner speak
+  “And tell thy deed than I:�--and shew'd the stone.
+  The son of Jove departs, or seems to go;
+  But soon with alter'd form and voice returns.
+  “Here, countryman,� he cries, “hast thou an herd
+  “This way observ'd to pass?--no secret keep,
+  “To aid the theft; an heifer with a bull
+  “Await thy information.� Doubly brib'd,
+  The hoary rogue betray'd his former trust.
+  “Beneath those hills,� he said, “the herd you'll find.�
+  Beneath the hills they were. Loud laugh'd the god
+  And cry'd,--“Thou treacherous villain, to myself
+  “Wouldst thou betray me? wouldst thou to myself
+  “My deeds betray?� And to a flinty stone
+  His perjur'd breast he chang'd, which still retains
+  The name of Touchstone;--on the harmless rock
+  His infamous demerits firmly fix'd.
+
+    Hermes from hence, on waving wings upborne
+  Darted, and in his flight beneath him saw
+  The Attic pastures,--the much-favor'd land
+  Of Pallas; and Lyceum's cultur'd groves.
+  It chanc'd that day, as wont, the virgins chaste,
+  Bore on their heads in canisters festoon'd,
+  Their offerings pure to Pallas' sacred fane.
+  Returning thence the winged god espy'd
+  The troop, and straight his onward flight restrain'd;
+  Wheeling in circles round. As sails the kite,
+  Swiftest of birds, when entrails seen from far
+  By holy augurs thick beset,--he fears
+  A near approach, but circling steers his flight
+  On beating wings, around his hopes and round.
+  So 'bove the Athenian towers the light-plum'd god
+  Swept round in circles on the self-same air.
+  As Phosphor far outshines the starry host;
+  As silver Cynthia Phosphor bright outshines;
+  So much did Hersé all the nymphs excel,
+  The bright procession's ornament; the pride
+  Of all th' accompanying nymphs. Her beauteous mien
+  Stagger'd Jove's son, who hovering in the air
+  Fierce burns with love. The Balearic sling,
+  Thus shoots a ball; quick through the air it flies,
+  Warms in its flight, and feels beneath the clouds
+  Flames hereto known not. Alter'd now his route
+  The skies he leaves, and holds a different flight:
+  Nor veils his figure,--such reliance gave
+  His beauteous form: and beauteous though that form,
+  Yet careful did the god his looks adorn;
+  He smoothes his tresses, and his robe adjusts
+  To hang in graceful folds, and fair display
+  The golden fringe; his round and slender wand,
+  Of sleep-procuring, sleep-repelling power,
+  His right hand bears; and on his comely feet
+  His plumed sandals shine. Within the house
+  Three separate chambers were secluded form'd,
+  With tortoise and with ivory rich adorn'd.
+  Thou, Pandrosos, within the right repos'd;
+  And on the left hand thou Aglauros, slept;
+  Fair Hersé in the midst. Aglauros first
+  The god's approach descry'd, and daring ask'd
+  Who he?--and what he sought?--To whom the god;
+  “Him you behold, who through the air conveys
+  “His sire's commands: Almighty Jove that sire.
+  “Nor will I feign my errand. So may'st thou
+  “True to thy sister prove, and soon be call'd
+  “My offspring's aunt. 'Tis Hersé draws me here.
+  “Help then a lover in his warm pursuit.�
+  Aglauros bends on Mercury those eyes,
+  Which yellow-hair'd Minerva's secret saw;
+  And ponderous sums for her assistance claims;
+  Driving the god meantime without the gates.
+  With angry glare the warlike goddess view'd
+  The mercenary nymph, and angry sighs,
+  Which shook her bosom heav'd; the Ægis shook,
+  On that strong bosom fix'd. Now calls to mind
+  Minerva how with hands prophane, the maid
+  Her strict behests despising, daring pry'd
+  To know her secrets; and the seed beheld
+  Of Vulcan, child without a mother form'd:
+  Now to her sister and the god unkind;
+  Rich with the gold her avarice had claim'd.
+  To Envy's gloomy cell, where clots of gore
+  The floor defil'd, enrag'd Minerva flew:
+  A darkened vale, deep sunk, the cavern held,
+  where vivid sun ne'er shone, nor freshening breeze
+  Health wafted: torpid melancholy rul'd,
+  And sluggish cold; and cheering light unknown,
+  Damp darkness ever gloom'd. The goddess here
+  In conflict dreaded came, but at the doors
+  Her footsteps staid, for entrance Fate forbade.
+  The gates she strikes--struck by her spear, the gates
+  Wide open fly, and dark within disclose,
+  On vipers gorging, (her accustom'd feast,)
+  The envious fiend: back from the hideous sight
+  Recoils the goddess, and averts her eyes.
+  Slow rising from the ground, her half chew'd food
+  She quits, advancing indolently forth:
+  The maid, in warlike brightness clad, she saw,
+  In form divine, and heavy sighs burst forth
+  Deep from her bosom's black recess: pale gloom.
+  Dwells on her forehead; lean her fleshless form;
+  Askaunce her eyes; encrusted black her teeth;
+  Green'd deep with gall her breasts; her hideous tongue
+  With poisons lurid; laughter knows her not,
+  Save woes and pangs unmerited she sees;
+  Sleep flies her couch, by cares unceasing wrung;
+  At men's success she sickens, pining sad;
+  But stung herself, while others feel her sting
+  Her torture closely grasps her.--Much the maid
+  The sight abhors; and thus in brief she speaks:--
+  “Deep in the breast of Cecrops' daughter fix
+  “Thy venom'd sting--Aglauros is the nymph.--
+  “More needs not.�--Speaking so Minerva fled,
+  Upbounding, earth she with her spear repell'd.
+  Glancing asquint the fury saw her rise,
+  And inly groan'd,--that she success should gain.
+  Her staff with prickly thorns enwreath'd she takes,
+  And forth she sallies, wrapp'd in gloomy clouds.
+  Where'er she flies she blasts the flowery fields;
+  Consumes the herbage; and the harvest blights.
+  Her breath pestiferous felt the cities round,
+  Houses and 'habitants where'er she flew.
+  At length the towers of Athens she beheld
+  With arts and riches flourishing, and blest
+  With holy peace. Scarce could she tears withhold,
+  No tearful eye throughout the place to see.
+  Straight to the room of Cecrops' daughter now
+  Her route she urges, and her task performs:
+  Her rusty hand upon the maiden's breast
+  She plants, and with sharp thorns that bosom fills;
+  Breathes noxious poison through her frame; imbues
+  With venom black her heart, and all her limbs.
+  Lest from her eyes escap'd, the maddening scene
+  Should cease to vex her, full in view she plac'd
+  Her sister, and her sister's nuptial rites;
+  And Hermes beauteous in the bridal pomp:
+  In beauty all, and splendor all increas'd.
+  Mad with the imag'd sight, the maid is gnawn
+  With secret pangs;--deep groans the lengthen'd night,
+  And deep the morning hears; she wastes away
+  Silently wretched, lingeringly slow.
+  As Sol's faint rays the summer ice dissolves:
+  So burns she to behold the envy'd lot
+  Of Hersé; not with furious flames,--as weeds
+  Blaze not when damp, but with slow heat consume.
+  Oft would she wish to die: and oft the deed
+  To hinder, thinks to tell her rigid sire
+  Her sister's fault. At length her seat she takes
+  Across the threshold, and th' approaching god
+  Repuls'd; and to his blandishments, and words
+  Beseeching fair, and soft-alluring prayers,
+  She cry'd,--“Desist,--from hence I ne'er will move
+  “Till thou art driven away.� Swift Hermes said.--
+  “Keep firmly that resolve.� And with his wand
+  The sculptur'd portals touching, wide they flew.
+  But when her limbs to raise, the virgin strove,
+  A weighty numbness o'er the members crept
+  Which bend in sitting, and their movement staid.
+  Strenuous she strives to raise her form erect,
+  But stiffen'd feels her knees; chill coldness spreads
+  Through all her toes; and, fled the purple stream,
+  Her veins turn pallid: cruel cancer thus,
+  Disease incurable, spreads far and wide,
+  Sound members adding to the parts diseas'd.
+  So gradual, o'er her breast the chilling frost
+  Crept deadly, and the gates of life shut close.
+  Complaint she try'd not; had she try'd, her voice
+  Had found no passage, for the stone had seiz'd
+  Her throat,--her mouth; to marble all was chang'd.
+  She sat a pallid statue;--all the stone
+  Her envy tainted with a livid hue.
+
+    His vengeance, when Jove's son complete had seen,
+  Due to her avarice, and her envious soul;
+  He left Minerva's land, and up the sky
+  On wafting pinions mounted. There his sire,
+  Him from th' assembly drew; nor yet disclos'd,
+  The object of his love:--“Son, quickly haste,--
+  “Thou faithful messenger of my commands,
+  “Urge rapid thy descending flight, and seek
+  “The realm whose northern bounds thy mother star
+  “O'erlooks,--the land by natives Sidon call'd.
+  “There wilt thou pasturing find the royal herd,
+  “'Neath hills not distant from the sea: turn down
+  “This herd to meadows bordering on the beach.�
+  He said;--the cattle tow'rd the sea shore move,
+  Where sported with her Tyrian maids as wont,
+  The monarch's daughter. Ill majestic state
+  And love agree; nor long combin'd remain.
+  The sire and ruler of the gods resigns
+  His weighty sceptre: he whose right hand bears
+  The three-fork'd fires; whose nod creation shakes,
+  Assumes a bull's appearance:--with the herd
+  Mingles; and strolling lets the tender shrubs
+  Brush his fair sides. Of snowy white his skin;
+  Such snow as rugged feet has never soil'd,
+  Nor southern showers dissolv'd: his brawny neck,
+  Strong from his shoulders stands: beneath extends
+  The dewlap pendulous: small are his horns;
+  But smooth as polish'd by the workman's hand;--
+  Pellucid as the brightest gems they shine:
+  No threatenings wear his brow; no fire his eyes
+  Flame fierce; but all his countenance peace proclaims.
+  Him much Agenor's royal maid admir'd;--
+  His form so beauteous, and his look so mild.
+  Yet peaceful as he seem'd, she fear'd at first
+  A close approach;--but nearer soon she drew,
+  And to his shining mouth the flowery food
+  Presented. Joy'd th' impatient lover stands,
+  Her fingers kissing; and with sore restraint
+  Defers his look'd for pleasures. Sportive now
+  He wantons, frisking in the grass; now rolls
+  His snowy sides upon the yellow sand.
+  Her apprehensions chas'd, by slow degrees,
+  The virgin's fingers playful stroke his breast;
+  Then bind with wreaths his horns: more daring now
+  Upon his back the royal maid ascends;--
+  Witless a god she presses. From the fields,
+  His steps deceitful gradual turn'd, he bends,
+  And seeks the shore; then playful in the waves
+  Just dips his feet;--thence plunging deep, he swims
+  Through midmost ocean with his ravish'd prize.
+  Trembling the nymph beholds the lessening shore;----
+  Firm grasps one hand his horn; upon his back,
+  Secure the other resting: to the wind,
+  Her fluttering garments floating as she sails.
+
+
+
+
+*The Third Book.*
+
+
+    Unsuccessful search of Cadmus for his sister. Death of his
+    companions by the dragon. Overthrow of the dragon, and production
+    of armed men from his teeth. Thebes. Actæon devoured by his
+    hounds. Semelé destroyed by lightening, and the birth of Bacchus.
+    The prophet Tiresias. Echo: and the transformation of Narcissus.
+    Impiety of Pentheus. Change of the Tyrrhenian sailors to
+    dolphins. Massacre of Pentheus.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Third Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    And now the god, his bestial form resign'd,
+  Shone in his form celestial as he gain'd
+  The Cretan shore. Meantime, the theft unknown,
+  Mourn'd her sad sire, and Cadmus sent to seek
+  The ravish'd maid; stern threatening as he went,
+  Perpetual exile if his searching fail'd:--
+  Parental love and cruelty combin'd!
+  All earth explor'd in vain, (for who shall find
+  The amorous thefts of Jove?) the exile shuns
+  His father's anger, and paternal soil.
+  A suppliant bends before Apollo's shrine,
+  To ask his aid;--what region he should chuse
+  To fix his habitation. Phœbus thus;--
+  “A cow, whose neck the yoke has never prest,
+  “Strange to the crooked plough, shall meet thy steps,
+  “Lone in the desert fields: the way she leads
+  “Chuse thou,--rand where upon the grass she rests,
+  “Erect thy walls;--Bœotia call the place.�
+  Scarce had the cave Castalian Cadmus left,
+  When he an heifer, gently pacing, spy'd
+  Untended; one whose neck no mark betray'd
+  Of galling service. Closely treads the youth,
+  Slow moving in her footsteps, and adores
+  In silence Phœbus, leader of his way.
+  Now had he pass'd the Cephisidian stream,
+  And meads of Panopé, when stay'd the beast;
+  Her broad front lifted to the sky; reverse
+  Her lofty horns reclining, shook the air
+  With lowings loud; back then her face she bent,
+  And saw the comrades following close behind:
+  Down low she couch'd, and press'd the yielding grass,
+  Glad thanks to Phœbus, Cadmus gave, and kiss'd
+  The foreign soil;--the unknown hills, and land
+  Saluted. Then a sacrifice to Jove
+  Preparing, sent his followers to explore
+  Streams flowing from the living fountain clear.
+
+    An ancient forest hallow'd from the axe,
+  Not far there stood; in whose dark bosom gloom'd
+  A cavern:--twigs and branches thick inwove
+  With rocky crags, a low arch'd entrance form'd;
+  Where pure and copious, gush'd transparent waves.
+  Deep hid within a monstrous serpent lay,
+  Sacred to Mars. Bright shone his crested head;
+  His eyeballs glow'd with fire; his body swell'd
+  Bloated with poison; o'er a threefold row
+  Of murderous teeth, three quivering tongues he shook.
+  This grove the Tyrians with ill-fated feet
+  Now enter'd; and now in the waters threw,
+  With noisy dash, their urns. Uprears his head,
+  The azure serpent from the cavern deep;
+  And breathes forth hisses dire: their urns they drop;
+  The blood forsakes their bodies; sudden fear
+  Chills their astonish'd limbs. He writhing quick,
+  Forms scaly circles; spiral twisting round,
+  Bends in an arch immense to leap, and rears
+  In the thin air erect, 'bove half his height;
+  All the wide grove o'erlooking. Such his size,
+  Could all be seen, than that vast snake no less,
+  Whose huge bulk lies the Arctic bears between.
+  The Tyrians quick he seizes; some their arms
+  Vain grasping,--flying some,--and some through fear
+  To fight or fly unable:--these his jaws
+  Crash murderous; those his writhing tail surrounds;
+  Others his breath, with poison loaded, kills.
+
+    Now loftiest Phœbus shorten'd shadows gave,
+  When Cadmus, wondering much why still his friends
+  Tarried so long, their parting footsteps trac'd.
+  His robe an hide torn from a lion's back;
+  A dart and spear of shining steel his arms;
+  With courage, arms surpassing. Now the grove
+  He enters, and their breathless limbs beholds;--
+  Their victor foe's huge bulk upon them stretch'd;
+  Licking with gory tongue their mournful wounds.
+  “My faithful friends,� he cry'd, “I will avenge
+  “Your fate,--or perish with you.� Straight a rock
+  His right hand rais'd, and with impetuous force,
+  Hurl'd it right on. A city's lofty walls
+  With all its towers, to feel the blow had shook!
+  Yet lay the beast unwounded; safely sheath'd
+  With scaly armour, and his harden'd hide:--
+  His skin alone the furious blow repell'd.
+  Not so that hardness mocks the javelin,--fixt
+  Firm in the bending of the pliant spine
+  His weapon stood,--and all the iron head
+  Deep in his entrails sunk. Mad with the pain,
+  Reverse he writhes his head;--beholds the wound;
+  Champs the fixt dart;--by many forceful tugs
+  Loosen'd at length, he tears the shaft away;
+  But deep the steel within his bones remains.
+  Now to his wonted fury fiercer flames
+  This torture adding, big with poison swells
+  His throat; and flowing, round his venom'd jaws,
+  White foam appears; deep harrow'd with his scales
+  Loud sounds the earth; and vapours black, breath'd out
+  His mouth infernal, taint with death the air.
+  Now roll'd in spires, he forms an orb immense:
+  Now stretch'd at length he seems a monstrous beam:
+  Now rushing forward with impetuous force,
+  As sweeps a torrent swell'd by rain, his breast
+  Bears down th' opposing forest. Cadmus back
+  A step recedes, and on his lion's hide
+  The shock sustains;--then with protended spear
+  Checks his approaching jaws. Furious he strives
+  To wound the harden'd steel;--on the sharp point
+  He grinds his teeth: now from his poisonous mouth,
+  Began the blood to flow, and sprinkling ting'd
+  The virid grass; but trivial still the hurt;
+  For shrinking from the blow, and twisting back
+  His wounded neck, the stroke he still prevents
+  Deeper to pierce, by yielding to its force.
+  But pushing arduous on, Agenor's son,
+  Fix'd in his throat the steel;--and the sharp point
+  Forc'd through his neck: an oak oppos'd behind;--
+  The tree and neck the spear at once transfix'd.
+  Dragg'd by the monster's weight low bends the tree,
+  And groans and cracks, as lashing blows, his tail
+  Immense, deals round. Now whilst the victor stands
+  And wondering views the conquer'd serpent's size,
+  Sudden a voice is heard, (from whence unknown,--
+  But plain the words he hears) “Why view'st thou thus,
+  “Agenor's son, the foe by thee destroy'd?
+  “Thou one day like this serpent shalt be seen.�
+  Aghast he stood,--the warm blood fled his cheeks;
+  His courage chang'd to terror; freezing fear
+  Rais'd his stiff locks erect. Lo! Pallas comes,
+  Pallas, the known protectress of the brave.
+  Smooth sliding from the higher clouds she comes;
+  Bids him remove the soil, and place beneath,
+  The serpent's fangs, a future offspring's pledge.
+  The prince obeys; and as with crooked share,
+  The ground he opens, in the furrows throws
+  The teeth directed. Thence, (beyond belief!)
+  The clods of earth at once began to move;
+  Then in the furrows glitter'd, first, the points
+  Of spears: anon fair painted crests arose,
+  Above bright helmets nodding: shoulders next;
+  And breasts; and arms, with javelins loaded came:
+  Thickening the harvest grew of shielded men.
+  Thus shews the glad theatric curtain; rais'd
+  The painted figures' faces first appear,
+  Gradual display'd; and more by slow degrees;
+  At length the whole stand forth, their feet all fix'd
+  Firm on the lower margin. Wondering, he
+  His new-made foe beheld; and grasp'd his arms.
+  But one whom earth had just produc'd, exclaim'd;--
+  “Arm not, nor meddle in our civil broils.�
+  He said,--an earth-born brother, hand to hand
+  With sword keen-edg'd attacking; but from far,
+  A javelin hurl'd, dispatch'd him. Short the boast
+  Of him who sent it;--his death wound infix'd,--
+  He breathes the air out he so late receiv'd.
+  So rage the rest, and in the furious war
+  The new-made brethren fall by mutual wounds:
+  And on their blood-stain'd mother, dash, the youths
+  To short existence born, their damp cold breasts.
+  Five only stand unhurt,--Echion one,--
+  Who threw, by Pallas prompted, down his arms
+  And peace propos'd: his brethren took his pledge.
+  These join the Tyrian prince, and social aid
+  His efforts, when th' appointed walls he builds;
+  Obedient to the Delphic god's commands.
+
+    The Theban walls now rais'd, thou, Cadmus seem'd
+  Blest in thy exile. Mars and Venus gave
+  Their daughter to thy wife. This spouse so fam'd,
+  Thee daughters brought, and sons,--a numerous tribe;
+  And grandsons, pledges dear of nuptial joys,
+  Already risen to manhood. But too true
+  That man should still his final day expect;
+  Nor blest be deem'd till flames his funeral pyre.
+  Thy grandson's fate, O, Cadmus! first with grief
+  Thy bosom wrung, amid thy prosperous state:
+  The alien horns which nodded o'er his brow;
+  And ye, voracious hounds, with blood full-gorg'd,
+  Your master's life-stream. Yet by close research,
+  We find unlucky chance, not vice, his crime.
+  What sin in error lies?
+
+                         The hills were drench'd
+  With blood of numerous slaughter'd savage beasts;
+  And objects shorten'd shadows gave: the sun
+  Exalted view'd each equi-distant goal;
+  When the young Theban hunter thus address'd,
+  His fellow sportsmen with a friendly call;
+  As wide they rov'd the savage lairs among.
+  “Our weapons, comrades, and our nets are moist
+  “With blood of spoil; sufficient sport this day
+  “Has given. But when Aurora next appears,
+  “High on her saffron car, and light restores,
+  “Then be our pleasing exercise resum'd.
+  “Now Phœbus, distant far from west and east,
+  “Cracks the parch'd ground with heat;--desist from toil,
+  “And fold your knotted snares.� His words obey,
+  His men, and from their sportive labor cease.
+
+    Near stood a vale, where pointed cypress form'd
+  With gloomy pines a grateful shade, and nam'd
+  Gargaphié;--sacred to the girded maid:
+  Its deep recess a shrubby cavern held,
+  By nature modell'd,--but by nature, art
+  Seem'd equall'd, or excell'd. A native arch
+  Of pumice light, and tophus dry, was form'd;
+  And from the right a stream transparent flow'd,
+  Of trivial size, which spread a pool below;
+  With grassy margin circled. Dian' here,
+  The woodland goddess, weary'd with the chace,
+  Had oft rejoic'd to bathe her virgin limbs.
+  As wont she comes;--her quiver, and her dart,
+  And unstrung bow, her armour-bearing nymph
+  In charge receives. Disrob'd, another's arms
+  Sustain her vest. Two from her feet unloose
+  Her sandals. Crocalé, Ismenian nymph,
+  Than others more expert, her tresses binds,
+  Loose o'er her shoulders floating, in a knot;
+  Her own wild flowing still. Five more the streams
+  In huge urns lifting; Hyalé, and Niphé,
+  Phialé, Rhanis, Psecas, lave her limbs.
+  Here while the goddess in the limpid wave
+  Washes as 'custom'd,--lo! Actæon comes;--
+  His sportive toil till morning dawn deferr'd:
+  And roving through the vale with random steps,
+  By hapless fate conducted, he arrives
+  Close to the sacred grove. Within the grot
+  Stream-pouring, when he stept, the naked nymphs,--
+  Then first by man beheld,--their bosoms beat;
+  Fill'd the deep grove with outcries loud; and round
+  Diana crowded, screening as they could
+  Her limbs with theirs. Yet high above them tower'd
+  The goddess, and her neck their heads o'erlook'd.
+  As blush the clouds by Phœbus' adverse rays
+  Deep ting'd;--or as Aurora in the morn;
+  So blush'd the virgin-goddess, seen unrob'd.
+  Sideway she stood, though closely hemm'd around
+  By clustering nymphs, and backward bent her face:
+  Then anxious praying she could reach her darts,
+  In vain,--she seiz'd the waters which she could,
+  And dash'd them o'er his features:--as his locks,
+  The vengeful drops besprinkled, thus in rage,
+  She cry'd,--“Now tell thou hast Diana seen
+  “Disrob'd;--go tell it, if thou canst,�--no more,
+  With threatenings storm'd, but on his sprinkled head,
+  The antlers of the long-liv'd stag are plac'd.
+  His neck is lengthen'd; with a sharpen'd point,
+  His upright ears are form'd; to feet his hands,--
+  To long and slender legs his arms are chang'd;
+  And round his body clings a dappled coat.
+  Fear in his bosom she instils: the youth,
+  The bold Actæon flies, and wondering feels
+  His bounding feet so rapid in the race.
+  But soon the waters shew'd his branching horns;
+  And,--“ah unhappy me!� he strove to cry:
+  His voice he found not; sighs and sobs were all;
+  And tears fast streaming down his alter'd face.
+  Still human sense remains. Where shall he turn?
+  His royal palace seek,--or in the woods
+  Secluded hide?--To tarry fear forbids,
+  And shame prevents returning. While he doubts
+  His hounds espy him. Quick-nos'd Tracer first,
+  And Blackfoot give the signal by their yell:
+  Tracer of Crete, and Blackfoot Spartan bred.
+  Swifter than air the noisy pack rush on;
+  Arcadian Quicksight; Glutton; Ranger, stout;
+  Strong Killbuck; Whirlwind, furious; Hunter, fierce;
+  Flyer, swift-footed; and quick-scented Snap:
+  Ringwood, late wounded by a furious bear;
+  And Forester, by savage wolf begot:
+  Flock-tending Shepherdess; with Ravener fierce,
+  And her two whelps; and Sicyonian Catch:
+  The thin flank'd greyhound, Racer; Yelper; Patch;
+  Tiger; Robust; Milkwhite, with snowy coat;
+  And coalblack Soot. First in the race, fleet Storm;
+  Courageous Spartan Swift; and rapid Wolf;
+  Join'd with his Cyprian brother, Snatch, well mark'd
+  With sable forehead on a coat of white:
+  Blackcoat: and thickhair'd Shag: Worrier; and Wild,--
+  Twins from a dam Laconian sprung, their sire
+  Dictæan: Babbler with his noisy throat:--
+  But all to name were endless. Urg'd by hope
+  Of prey they crowd; down precipices rush;
+  O'er rocks, and crags; through rugged paths, and ways
+  Unpass'd before. His hounds he flies, where oft
+  His hounds he had pursu'd. Poor wretch! he flies
+  His own domestics, striving hard to call,
+  “Actæon am I!--villains, know your lord.�
+  Words aid him not: loud rings the air with yells,
+  Howlings, and barkings:--Blackhair first, his teeth
+  Fix'd in his back; staunch Tamer fasten'd next;
+  And Rover seiz'd his shoulder: tardy these,
+  The rest far left behind, but o'er the hills
+  Athwart, the chase they shorten'd. Now the pack,
+  Join'd them their lord retaining; join'd their teeth
+  Their victim seizing:--now his body bleeds,
+  A wound continuous: deep he utters groans,
+  Not human, yet unlike a dying deer;
+  And fills the well-known mountains with his plaint.
+  Prone on his knees in suppliant form he bends;
+  And low beseeching waves his silent head,
+  As he would wave his hands. His witless friends,
+  The savage pack with joyous outcries urge;
+  Actæon anxious seeking: echoing loud
+  Eager his name as absent. At the name,
+  His head he turns. His absence irks them sore,
+  As lazy loitering, not the noble prey
+  Obtain'd, beholding. Joyful could he be,
+  At distance now,--but hapless is too near:
+  Glad would he see the furious dogs their fangs,
+  On other prey than his torn limbs infix.
+  On every side they crowd; their dying lord,
+  A well-seem'd deer, they rend; their ravenous teeth
+  Deep tear his members. With a thousand wounds,
+  (Dian's insatiate anger less despis'd)
+  The hapless hunter yielded forth his breath.
+
+    Report flies dubious; some the goddess blame
+  For disproportion'd vengeance; others warm
+  Applaud the deed as worthy one so pure;
+  And reasons weighty either party urge:
+  Jove's consort only silent: she nor blames
+  The action, nor approves; but inward joys,
+  Agenor's house should such misfortune feel.
+  The hatred nourish'd for the Tyrian maid,
+  Her brother's offspring visits. Now fresh cause
+  Of wrath succeeds; enrag'd the goddess learns
+  That Semelé, embrac'd by mighty Jove,
+  Is pregnant. Straight broke loose her angry tongue,
+  And loud she storm'd:--“Advantage much I gain
+  “By endless railing at unfaithful Jove!
+  “This harlot will I find,--and, if with truth
+  “They potent Juno stile me, she shall die.
+  “Destruction shall o'erwhelm her, if beseems
+  “My hand the sparkling sceptre of the sky:
+  “If queen I am to Jove;--if sister;--wife:--
+  “His sister doubtless am I, if no more.
+  “Content perchance is Semelé to joy
+  “In pleasures briefly tasted; and my wrongs
+  “Though deep, not lasting. No!--she must conceive
+  “Foul aggravation of her shameless deed!
+  “Her swelling womb unblushing proves her crime:
+  “By Jove she longs to be a mother hail'd;
+  “Which scarcely I can boast. Such faith her pride,
+  “In conscious beauty places. Trust me not,
+  “Or she mistaken proves. As I am child
+  “Of hoary Saturn, she shall sink o'erwhelm'd
+  “By her own Jove; and dip in Stygian waves.�
+
+    She said, and starting from her regal throne,
+  Wrapt in a dusky cloud descended; o'er
+  The threshold stepp'd of Semelé, nor chas'd
+  Her darkening veil, till like an ancient dame
+  She stood display'd. White hairs her temples strew'd;
+  Deep furrows plough'd her skin; her bending limbs
+  Quiver'd beneath her weight; her tremulous voice
+  Exhausted age betray'd: she stood to view
+  Old Beroë, from Epidaurus come,
+  The nurse of Semelé. With tedious tales
+  She garrulous amus'd:--when in her turn
+  Listening, the name of Jupiter she heard
+  She sigh'd, and said,--“May he be truly Jove!
+  “But age is still suspicious. Chastest beds
+  “Have been by these pretended gods defil'd:
+  “For if the deity supreme he be,
+  “Why comes he thus disguis'd? If true his love,
+  “Why prove it not? Urge thou an anxious wish
+  “To clasp him in his might, in such a sort,
+  “As lofty Juno he embraces;--round
+  “Begirt with all the ensigns of his power.�
+  Thus Juno artful, Semelé's desires
+  Apt moulded to her mind. From Jove she prays
+  A nameless boon: the ready god consents;--
+  “Chuse what thou wilt, nor least denial dread:
+  “To prove my faith, I call the Stygian streams
+  “To witness, terror of the god of gods.�
+  Joy'd at her fatal prayer's too large success;
+  And by her lover's prompt compliance, doom'd
+  To sure destruction;--“This,� said she, “I wish;--
+  “When with me next you love's delights enjoy,
+  “Appear as when Saturnia fills your arms.�
+  Fain would the god have stopp'd her mouth:--too soon
+  The hasty words found entrance to his ears.
+  Deep mourn'd he. Equal now the fates forbid,
+  The wish retracted, or the oath absolv'd.
+  Sorrowing he seeks the lofty heaven: his nod
+  Dark rolling clouds collects: here form black showers;
+  And hurricanes; and flashing lightenings mixt;
+  Thunders; and his inevitable bolt:
+  Anxious he strives with all his power to damp,
+  The fierceness of his flames: nor arm'd him now,
+  With those dread fires that to the earth dash'd down
+  The hundred-handed foe:--too powerful they.
+  He chose a milder thunder;--less of rage,
+  Of fire, and fury, had the Cyclops given
+  The mass when forg'd; a second-rated bolt.
+  Clad in mild glory thus, the dome he seeks
+  Of Semelé;--her mortal frame too weak,
+  To bear th' ethereal shock, fierce scorcht she sunk,
+  Beneath the nuptial grant. Th' imperfect babe,
+  Snatcht from his mother's smoking womb, was sew'd
+  (If faith the tale deserves) within his thigh;
+  There to complete the period of his growth.
+  Ino, his aunt maternal, then receiv'd
+  The boy; in private rear'd him, till the nymphs
+  Of Nysa's mountains, in their secret caves
+  Shelter'd, and fed with milk, th' entrusted charge.
+
+    While the rash promise caus'd on earth those deeds,
+  And twice-born Bacchus' cradle safe was hid;
+  'Tis said that Jove with heavenly nectar flush'd,
+  All serious cares dismiss'd. With sportive jests,
+  At ease conversing, he and Juno sate:
+  When he:--“The thrilling ecstasies of love,
+  “Are surely strongest on the female side.�
+  She differs,--and the question both agree
+  Tiresias, who each sex had prov'd, shall judge.
+  Two mighty snakes he spy'd upon the grass,
+  Twisted in Venus' wreaths; and with his staff
+  Hard smote them;--instant alter'd was his sex.
+  Wonderous! he woman of a man became,
+  Seven winters so he liv'd:--the eight, again
+  He spy'd the same; and cry'd,--“If such your power,
+  “That whoso strikes you must their gender change,
+  “Once more I'll try the spell.� Straight as the blow
+  The snakes receiv'd, his pristine form return'd:
+  Hence was he chosen, in the strife jocose,
+  As umpire; and the words of Jove confirm'd.
+
+    Much, say they, Juno rag'd; more than beseem'd
+  The trivial cause, or sentence justly given;
+  And veil'd the judge's eyes in endless night.
+  But Jove omnipotent, him gave to know,
+  (For fate forbids to cancel others' deeds)
+  What future times conceal; a light divine;
+  An honor'd gift to mitigate his pain.
+
+    Fam'd far and wide through all BÅ“otia's towns,
+  Unerring answers still the prophet gave,
+  To all who sought him. Blue Liriopé,
+  First prov'd his faith, and ne'er-deceiving words.
+  Her once Cephisus, in his winding stream
+  Entwin'd, and forceful in his waves enjoy'd.
+  The beauteous nymph's full womb, in time produc'd
+  A babe, whose features ev'n from birth inspir'd
+  Th' attendant nymphs with love; Narcissus nam'd.
+  For him enquiring, whether doom'd to see,
+  The peaceful period of maturest age,
+  The fate-foretelling prophet thus reply'd:--
+  “Yes,--if himself he never knows.� The words
+  Were long absurd esteem'd: but well th' event
+  Their justice prov'd; his strange unheard of death;
+  And love of object never lov'd before.
+
+    Now sixteen summers had Narcissus seen,
+  A boy in beauty, but in growth a man;
+  And crowds of youths his friendship sought, and crowds
+  Of damsels sought his love: but fiercely pride
+  Swell'd in his snowy bosom; and he spurn'd
+  His friends' advances, and the love-sick maids.
+  A chattering nymph, resounding Echo, saw
+  The youth, when in his toils the trembling deer
+  He drove;--a nymph who ne'er her words retain'd,
+  Nor dialogue commenc'd. But then she bore
+  A body palpable; and not, as now,
+  Merely a voice:--yet garrulous, she then
+  That voice, nor other us'd; 'twas all she could,
+  The closing words of speakers to repeat.
+  Juno had this ordain'd: for oft the dame
+  The frailer nymphs upon the hills had caught,
+  In trespass with her Jove; but Echo sly
+  With lengthen'd speech the goddess kept amus'd,
+  Till all by flight were sav'd. Soon Juno saw
+  The trick:--“The power of that delusive tongue,�--
+  She cry'd, “I'll lessen, and make brief thy words;�
+  Nor stay'd, but straight her threaten'd vengeance took.
+  Now she redoubles (all she can) the words
+  Which end another's speech; reporting back,
+  But only what she hears.
+
+                           Through pathless woods
+  As roves Narcissus, Echo sees, and burns;
+  Steals in his footsteps, following close, but flames
+  More fierce, more near approaching. Sudden thus,
+  The sulphurous daubing o'er the torches spread,
+  Snatches th' approaching flame. How oft she wish'd
+  With bland and soothing words to hail the youth;
+  But nature harsh forbids, nor grants to make
+  The first commencement; what she grants she takes,
+  And anxious waits to catch the wish'd-for sounds;
+  And speak responsive. Chance the youth had led
+  Far from his social troop, and loud he cry'd,--
+  “Who's he that hither comes?� Attentive she,--
+  Reply'd, “O hither come!� Amaz'd he stood,
+  Round searching whence the voice; and louder still,
+  “Here come!� exclaim'd,--and Echo answer'd,--“Come!�
+  To every part his eyes in vain are bent;
+  And, “why,� laments he, “dost thou me avoid?�
+  Again he hears her,--“dost thou me avoid?�
+  Still he persists; th' alternate voice deceives,--
+  And,--“come, approach, together let us join,�
+  Impatient now he utters: ardent she
+  Exclaims, in joyful accents,--“let us join!�
+  Her wish in person urging, from the grove
+  She springs, and wide extends her arms to clasp
+  His neck:--Narcissus flies, and flying calls,--
+  “Desist!--hold off thy hands;--may sooner death
+  “Me seize, than thou enjoy me.� Nought the maid
+  Re-echoes, but,--“enjoy me.� Close conceal'd,
+  By him disdain'd, amid the groves she hides
+  Her blushing forehead, where the leaves bud thick;
+  And dwells in lonely caverns. Still her flame
+  Clings close around her heart; and sharper pangs
+  Repulse occasions: cares unceasing waste
+  Her wretched form: gaunt famine shrivels up
+  Her skin; and all the moistening juice which fed
+  Her body, flies in air: her voice and bones
+  Alone are left: her voice, unchang'd;--her bones
+  To craggy stones are harden'd. Still in groves
+  She hides secluded; nor on hills appears:
+  Heard frequent; only heard, and nought but sound.
+
+    Thus slighted he the nymph; nor her alone,
+  But numbers else who o'er the mountains rov'd;
+  Or sported in the waves. Nor less his pride,
+  When more mature: keen smarting from his scorn,
+  To heaven one rais'd her hands, and ardent pray'd;--
+  “Ordain that he may love, but love like me
+  “One ne'er to be enjoy'd!� Rhamnusia grants
+  To prayers so just, th' assenting nod. There stood,
+  A mudless pool, whose waters silvery bright,
+  The shepherds touch'd not,--nor the mountain goats,
+  Nor lowing herds: which birds, and fierce wild beasts,
+  Dabbling disturb'd not:--nor a wither'd branch,
+  Dropt from a tree o'erhanging. Round the brink,
+  Fed by the moisture, virid grass arose;
+  And trees impervious to the solar beam,
+  Screen'd the cool surface. Weary'd with the chase,
+  And faint with heat, here laid Narcissus down;
+  Charm'd with the place, and tempted by the pool.
+  Here as he seeks to quench his burning thirst,
+  He burns with other fires: and while he drinks,
+  Caught by the image of his beauteous face,
+  He loves th' unbody'd form: a substance thinks
+  The shadow:--loves enraptur'd,--loves himself!
+  Fixes with eager gaze upon the sight
+  As on a face in Parian marble wrought.
+  Stretcht on the ground, his own bright eyes he views,
+  Twin stars;--his fingers, such as Bacchus grace;
+  His tresses like Apollo's;--downy cheeks,
+  Unbearded yet; his neck as ivory white;
+  The roseate blooming fading into snow:
+  Each trait admiring which the hapless nymphs,
+  In him admir'd. Unwitting youth, himself
+  He wants;--at once beloving, and belov'd:
+  Himself desiring, by himself desir'd:
+  Burning with love, while by himself he burns.
+  Oft, stooping, were his fruitless kisses given:
+  Oft were his arms outstretch'd to clasp the neck
+  So plainly seen beneath the waters. No!--
+  Himself he could not clasp. Whom he beholds,
+  He knows not; but for whom he sees he burns.
+  The error that his eye deceives, provokes
+  His rage. O, foolish youth! why vainly grasp
+  A fleeting shadow? What thou seek'st is not:--
+  And what thou lov'st thou now destroy'st:--thou see'st
+  A semblance only;--a reflected shade--
+  Nought of itself: with thee it came;--with thee
+  It stays;--and with thee, if thou could'st, would go.
+  Not hunger's power has force to drag him thence;
+  Nor cares of sleep oppress him. Thrown along
+  The shaded grass, he bends insatiate eyes
+  Tow'rds the fallacious beauty;--by those eyes
+  He perishes. Now half-uprais'd, his arms
+  Outspread, to all the groves around he cry'd:--
+  “Ye woods, whose darken'd shades so oft have given
+  “Convenient privacies to lovers, say,
+  “Saw you e'er one so cruelly who lov'd?
+  “In ages heap'd on ages you have stood,
+  “Remember ye a youth who pin'd as I?
+  “Pleas'd with the object, I its form behold;
+  “But what I see, and what so pleases flies.
+  “I find it not: in such bewilder'd maze
+  “The lover stands. And what my grief augments,
+  “No mighty seas divide us; lengthen'd roads;
+  “Nor lofty hills; nor high embattled walls,
+  “With portals clos'd: asunder are we held
+  “By trivial drops of water. It no less
+  “Than I, would give th' embrace; for when I bend
+  “My lips to kiss it in the limpid stream;
+  “With rising lips to meet, it anxious strives:
+  “Then might you think we touch, so faint a line
+  “Sunders us lovers. Come! whate'er thou art,
+  “Come hither! why thus mock me, dearest form?
+  “Why fly my wooing thus? My beauty sure,
+  “Nor youth are such as should provoke thy flight:
+  “For numerous nymphs for me have burn'd. Some hope
+  “Thy kindly sympathizing face affords;
+  “And when my anxious arms I stretch,--thy arms
+  “Advance to clasp me:--when I smile, thou smil'st:
+  “And often have I noted, when the tears
+  “Stream'd down my cheeks, a rivulet on thine:
+  “I nod,--thou, answering, noddest: and those lips,
+  “Those beauteous lips, whose movements plain I see,
+  “Words utter sure to mine,--though I forbid,
+  “The sounds to hear. In thee am I!--no more
+  “My shadow me deceives: I see the whole;
+  “Love for myself consumes me:--flames self-rais'd,
+  “Myself torment. What hope? be woo'd,--or woo?
+  “Wooing, or being woo'd, where is my gain?
+  “Myself I wish, and plenty makes me poor.
+  “Would that my body from itself could part!
+  “Strange wish for lovers, what most dear they love,
+  “Absent to pray. Grief undermines my strength;
+  “Nor long my life can linger;--immature,
+  “In youth I perish: but in me no fears,
+  “Can death infuse, of all my woes the end;
+  “Might I but leave this lovely object, still
+  “Existing: now two images, alas!
+  “Sink with one soul in death.� Narcissus wails;
+  And raving turns to view the face again.
+  His tears the waters trouble; and the face
+  So beauteous, scarce is seen. Griev'd, he exclaims,
+  When disappearing,--“Whither fly'st thou? stay--
+  “Stay, I beseech thee; cruel, fly me not,--
+  “Thy lover: grant me still to view the form,
+  “To touch forbidden:--food, at least, afford
+  “To this unhappy flame.� Lamenting thus,
+  He from his shoulders tore his robe, and beat
+  With snow-white hands his bosom; at the blow
+  His bosom redden'd: so the cherry seems,
+  Here ruddy blushing, there as fair as snow:
+  Or grapes unripe, part purpling to the sun,
+  In vary'd clusters. This he soon espy'd,
+  Reflected in the placid pool; no more
+  He bore it, but as gentle fire dissolves
+  The yellow wax: as Phœbus' morning beams
+  Melt the light hoar;--so wasted he,--by love
+  Gradual consum'd, as by a secret fire.
+  No more the ruddy teints appear, with white
+  Soft blended. All his active strength decays;
+  And all that pleas'd so lately. Ev'n his form
+  So much by Echo lov'd, no more remains.
+
+    All Echo saw; and though of former slights
+  Still mindful, griev'd; and when the hapless youth
+  “Alas!� exclaim'd; responsive sigh'd, “Alas!�
+  When on his breast the blows resounded; blows
+  Loud answering his were heard. His final words,
+  Gazing still earnest on the wonted wave,
+  Were,--“dearest form, belov'd in vain!�--the words
+  Resounded from the grove: “farewel,� he cry'd,
+  And Echo cry'd, “farewel.� Weary'd he threw,
+  On the green turf his head. Night clos'd his eyes;
+  Their owner fond admiring. Now retir'd
+  To regions far beneath, the Stygian lake
+  Reflects his form. The Naiäd sisters wail,
+  Shorn of their tresses, which to him they throw:
+  The Dryads also mourn; their bosoms beat;
+  And Echo answers every tearful groan.
+  A pile they build; the high-tost torches bring;
+  And funeral bier; but, lo! the corpse is gone:
+  A saffron-teinted flower alone is found,
+  Rising encircled with its snowy leaves.
+
+    Th' adventure spread through all the Achaian towns,
+  And much repute th' unerring augur gain'd.
+  Great now his prophesying fame. Alone,
+  Pentheus despis'd him;--(he the gods despis'd)
+  And only he;--he mock'd each holy word
+  Sagely prophetic:--with his rayless eyes
+  Reproach'd him. Angrily, his temples hoar
+  With reverend locks, the prophet shook, and said;--
+  “Happy for thee, if thus of light bereft,
+  “The Bacchanalian orgies ne'er to see!
+  “The day approaches, nor far distant now;
+  “My sight prophetic tells,--when here will come
+  “Bacchus new-born, of Semelé the son,
+  “Whose rites, if thou with honor due, not tend'st
+  “In temples worthy,--scatter'd far and wide,
+  “Thy limbs dismember'd shall the ground bestrew:
+  “Thy blood the forests shall distain;--thy gore
+  “Thy aunts,--nay e'en thy mother, shall pollute:
+  “For thou such honors, as immortals claim,
+  “Shalt to the god deny; then wilt thou find
+  “Beneath this darkness I but see too well.�
+  Thus speaking, Echion's son the prophet push'd
+  Harshly away; but his too faithful words
+  Time prov'd;--the threaten'd deeds accomplish'd all.
+
+    Lo! Bacchus comes, and all the country rings
+  With joyous outcries; crowds on crowds thick swarm;--
+  Matrons, and wives new-wedded, mixt with men;
+  Nobles, and commons; all the impulse bears,
+  To join the stranger's rites. But Pentheus thus;--
+  “Offspring of Mars! O nation, serpent born!
+  “What madness fills your minds? Can piercing sounds
+  “Of brass from brass rebounding; winding horns,
+  “And magic cheatings, then possess such power?
+  “You whom the warlike sword, the trumpet's clang,
+  “And battle's edge, dread bristling close with arms,
+  “Appal not; yield ye thus to female howls;
+  “Wine's maddening fumes; a filthy shameless crowd;
+  “And empty cymbals? In amaze, I see,
+  “You venerable men who plough'd the seas,
+  “And here, a refuge for your exil'd gods,
+  “This second Tyre have built,--without a blow,
+  “Yield it a spoil! Ye too, robuster youths,
+  “Of hardier age, and years more near my own;--
+  “Whom warlike arms, than Thyrsi more become;
+  “And brows with helmets than with leaves comprest:
+  “Think whence you sprang, and let the thought inspire
+  “Your souls with all the dragon's fierceness: he
+  Singly slew hosts: he for his fountain fell;
+  You for your honor vanquish. He destroy'd
+  The valiant; you th' effeminate expel;
+  And all the glory of your sire regain.
+  “If fate to Thebes a speedy fall decrees,
+  “May heroes, O, ye gods! with battering force
+  “O'erturn her walls;--may the sword rage, and flames
+  “Crackling, devour her. Wretched though our lot;
+  “Not criminal: our fate, though much bemoan'd,
+  “Would need concealment not: tears then might flow,
+  “But not from shame. Now unresisting Thebes,
+  “Yields to a boy unarm'd; who never joys
+  “In armies, steeds, nor swords;--but more in locks
+  “With myrrh moist-dropping, garlands soft, and robes
+  “Of various teints, with gold and purple gay.
+  “Rest ye but tranquil, and without delay,
+  “Him will I force to own his boasted sire
+  “Untrue; and forg'd those new invented rites.
+  “Had not Acrisius bravery to despise
+  “The counterfeited deity, and close
+  “The gates of Argos on him? And must now
+  “This wanderer come, and Pentheus terrify,
+  “With all the power of Thebes! Haste, quickly haste,�--
+  He bade his servants,--“hither drag, firm chain'd,
+  “This leader. Quick, nor brook my words delay!�
+  His grandsire, Athamas, and all the crowd
+  Reprove;--while thus he rails, with fruitless toil
+  Labor to stop him. Obstinate he stands,
+  More raging at remonstrance; and his ire
+  Restrain'd, increases; goading more and more;
+  Restraint itself enkindling more his rage.
+  So may be seen a river rolling smooth,
+  With murmuring nearly silent, while unchecked;
+  But when by rocks, or bulky trees oppos'd,
+  Foaming and boiling furious, on it sweeps
+  Impetuous raging; fiercer, more withstood.
+
+    With blood besmear'd, his men return;--their lord
+  For Bacchus anxious asks;--but Bacchus they,
+  To find, arriv'd too late;--“but here,� they cry,--
+  “Here have we seiz'd his comrade;--one who joins
+  “His train, and joins his rites.� (The Tuscans once
+  The Bacchanalian orgies follow'd.) Bound
+  Behind, his hands, their prisoner they present.
+  Pentheus survey'd the stranger, while his eyes
+  Sparkled with rage terrific: with constraint
+  His torture so deferring, thus he spoke;--
+  “Wretch! ere thou sufferest,--ere thy death shall give
+  “A public warning,--tell thy name;--confess
+  “Thy sire; declare thy country; and the cause
+  “Those rites thou celebratest in a mode
+  “Diverse from others.� Fearless, he reply'd;--
+  “Acœtes is my name: my natal land,
+  “Tyrrhenia: from an humble stock I spring.
+  “Lands by strong oxen plough'd, or wool-clad flocks,
+  “Or lowing herds my father left me none:
+  “For poor was he;--his daily toil to catch
+  “With nets and lines the fish, and as they leap'd,
+  “Draw with his bending rod the prey to land:
+  “His skill his sole estate. When unto me
+  “This art he taught,--receive, said he, my wealth;
+  “Such wealth as I possess; heir to my toil,
+  “And to my toil successor: dying, he
+  “To me bequeath'd the waters;--nothing more:
+  “These only as paternal wealth I claim.
+  “But soon, disliking on the self-same rock
+  “To dwell, I learn'd the art to rule the track
+  “Plough'd by the keel, with skilful guiding hand;
+  “And learn'd th' Olenian sign, the showery goat;
+  “Taygeté; and the Hyädes; the Bear;
+  “The dwellings of the winds; and every port
+  “Where ships could shelter. Once for Delos bound,
+  “By chance, the shore of Chios' isle we near'd;
+  “And when our starboard oars the beach had touch'd,
+  “Lightly I leap'd, and rested on the land.
+  “Now, night expir'd, Aurora warmly glow'd,
+  “And rousing up from sleep, my men I bade
+  “Supplies of living waters bring; and shew'd
+  “What path the fountain led to. I meanwhile,
+  “A lofty hill ascending, careful mark'd
+  “The wish'd-for wind approaching;--loud I call'd
+  “My fellows, and with haste the vessel gain'd.
+  “Lo! cry'd Opheltes, chief of all my crew,--
+  “Lo! here we come;--and from the desart fields,
+  “(A prize obtain'd, he thought),--he dragg'd along
+  “A boy of virgin beauty tow'rd the sands:
+  “Staggering, the youth, with wine and sleep opprest,
+  “With difficulty follow'd. Closely I
+  “His dress, his countenance, and his gait remark;
+  “And all I see, displays no mortal man.
+  “Conscious, I speak my comrades thus:--Unknown
+  “To me, what deity before us stands,
+  “But sure I am, that form conceals a god.
+  “O thou! whoe'er thou art, assist us;--aid
+  “Our undertakings;--who have seiz'd thee, spare,
+  “Unknowing what they did. Bold Dictys cries,--
+  “Than whom none swifter gain'd the topmost yards,
+  “Nor on the cordage slid more agile down;--
+  “Prayers offer not for us. Him Lybis joins;
+  “And brown Melanthus, ruler of the helm;
+  “Alcimedon unites; Epopeus too,
+  “Who rul'd the rowers, and their restings mark'd;
+  “(Arduous they urg'd their sinews by his voice)--
+  “Nay all Opheltes join,--the lust of gain,
+  “So blinded all their judgments. Still I cry;--
+  “Ne'er will I yield my vessel to behold
+  “Burthen'd with such a sacrilegious load:
+  “Pre-eminent is here my right. I stand
+  “To those who strive to hoist him in, oppos'd.
+  “Bold and outrageous, far beyond the rest,
+  “Was Lycabas; from Tuscan shore exil'd
+  “For deeds of murderous violence: he grasp'd
+  “My throat with force athletic, as I stood,
+  “And in the waves had flung me; but sore stunn'd,
+  “A cable caught, and sav'd me. Loud the crew
+  “The impious deed applauded. Bacchus rose,
+  “(The boy was Bacchus!) with the tumult loud
+  “Rous'd from his sleep;--the fumes of wine dispell'd,
+  “His senses seem'd restor'd. What is't you do?
+  “What noise is this? he cry'd;--What brought me here?
+  “O, mariners! inform me;--tell me where
+  “You carry me! Fear not,--the pilot said,--
+  “Say but the port, where most thou'dst chuse to land;--
+  “Thither we straight will steer. The god reply'd;--
+  “To Naxos then your course direct; that isle
+  “My native soil I call:--to you that isle
+  “A friendly shore shall prove. False men, they swear,
+  “By ocean, and by all the sacred gods,
+  “This to perform; and order me to loose,
+  “The painted vessel's sails. Full on the right
+  “Stood Naxos. Loudly one to me exclaims;
+  “As tow'rd the right I trim the sails to steer;--
+  “What now, Acœtes? madman! fool! what now?
+  “Art thou distracted? to the left we sail.--
+  “Most nod significant their wishes: some
+  “Soft whisper in my ear. Astounded, I
+  “Let others guide!--exclaim,--and quit the helm;
+  “Guiltless of aiding in their treacherous guile.
+  “Loud murmurings sound from all; and loudly one,
+  “Ethalion, cries;--in thee alone is plac'd
+  “Our safety, doubtless!--forward steps himself;--
+  “My station seizes; and a different course
+  “Directs the vessel, Naxos left behind.
+  “The feigning god, as though but then, the fraud
+  “To him perceptible, the waves beholds
+  “From the curv'd poop, and tears pretending, cries;--
+  “Not this, O, seamen! is the promis'd shore:
+  “Not this the wish'd-for land! What deed of mine
+  “This cruel treatment merits? Where the fame
+  “Of men, a child deceiving; numbers leagu'd
+  “Misleading one? Fast flow'd my tears with his;
+  “Our tears the impious mob deride, and press
+  “The ocean with their strong-propelling oars.
+  “Now by the god himself, I swear, (and none
+  “To vows more ready listens) that the tale,
+  “Though in appearance credence far beyond,
+  “Is strictly true. Firm fixt amid the waves
+  “The vessel stands, as in a harbour laid
+  “Dry from the ocean! Wondering, they their oars,
+  “With strokes redoubled ply; loose to the wind
+  “More sails; and with this double aid essay
+  “Onward to urge. Their oars with ivy twin'd,
+  “Are clogg'd; the curving tendrils crooked spread;
+  “The sails with clustering berries loaded hang.
+  “His temples girded with a branchy crown,
+  “Whence grapes hang dangling, stands the god, and shakes
+  “A spear entwisted with the curling vine.
+  “Round seem to prowl the tiger, and the lynx,
+  “And savage forms of panthers, various mark'd.
+  “Up leap'd the men, by sudden madness mov'd;
+  “Or terror only: Medon first appear'd
+  “Blackening to grow, with shooting fins; his form
+  “Flatten'd; and in a curve was bent his spine.
+  “Him Lycabas address'd;--what wonderous shape
+  “Art thou receiving?--speaking, wide his jaws
+  “Expanded; flatten'd down, his nose appear'd;
+  “A scaly covering cloth'd his harden'd skin.
+  “Lybis to turn the firm fixt oars attempts,
+  “But while he tries, perceives his fingers shrink;
+  “And hands, now hands no longer, fins he sees.
+  “Another round the cordage strives his arms
+  “To clasp,--but arms he has not,--down he leaps
+  “Broad on his crooked back, and seeks the waves.
+  “Forkt is their new-made tail; like Luna's form
+  “Bent in the skies, ere half her orb is fill'd.
+  “Bounding all round they leap;--now down they dash,
+  “Besprinkling wide the foamy drops; now 'merge;
+  “And now re-diving, plunge in playful sport:
+  “As chorus regular they act, and move
+  “Their forms in shapes lascivious; spouting high,
+  “The briny waters through their nostrils wide.
+  “Of twenty now, (our ship so many bore)
+  “I only stand unchang'd; with trembling limbs,
+  “And petrify'd with fear. The god himself,
+  “Scarce courage in my mind inspires; when thus,--
+  “Pale terror from thy bosom drive, and seek
+  “The isle of Naxos.--Thither come, I tend
+  “On smoking altars, Bacchus' sacred rites.�
+
+    Him Pentheus angry stopp'd. “Thy tedious tale,
+  “Form'd to divert my rage, in vain is told.
+  “Here, men, swift drag him hence!--dispatch his soul,
+  “Driven from his body, down to Stygian night;
+  “By pangs excruciating.� Straight close pent,
+  In solid dungeon is Acœtes thrown,
+  While they the instruments of death prepare;
+  The cruel steel; the flames;--spontaneous fly
+  Wide ope the dungeon doors; spontaneous fall
+  The fetters from his arms, and freed he goes.
+  Stubborn, the son of Echion still persists;
+  But sends no messenger: himself proceeds,
+  To where Cythæron, for the sacred rites
+  Selected, rings with Bacchanalian songs,
+  And outcries shrill. As foams an high-bred steed,
+  When through the speaking brass the warlike trump,
+  Sounds the glad signal; and with ardor burns
+  For battle: so the air, with howlings loud
+  Re-echoing, Pentheus moves, and doubly flames
+  His rage, to hear the clangor. Clear'd from trees,
+  A plain extends, from every part fair seen,
+  And near the mountain's centre: round its skirt,
+  Thick groves grow shady. Here his mother saw
+  His eye unhallow'd view the sacred rites;
+  And first,--by frantic madness urg'd,--she first
+  Furious the Thyrsus at her Pentheus flung:
+  Exclaiming loud;--“Ho, sisters! hither haste!
+  “Here stands the furious boar that wastes our grounds:
+  “My hand has smote him.� Raging rush the crowd,
+  In one united body. All close join,
+  And all pursue the now pale trembling wretch.
+  No longer fierce he storms; but grieving blames
+  His rashness, and his obstinacy owns.
+  Wounded,--“dear aunt, Autonoë!�--he cries,
+  “Help me!--O, let your own Actæon's ghost
+  “Move you to pity!� She, Actæon's name
+  Nought heeding, tears his outstretcht arm away;
+  The other, Ino from his body drags!
+  And when his arms, unhappy wretch, he tries
+  To lift unto his mother, arms to lift
+  Were none;--but stretching forth his mangled trunk
+  Of limbs bereft;--“look, mother!�--he exclaims.
+  Loud howl'd Agavé at the sight; his neck
+  Fierce grasping,--toss'd on high his streaming locks,
+  Her bloody fingers twisted in his hair.
+  Then clamor'd loudly;--“joy, my comrades, joy!
+  “The victory is mine!� Not swifter sweep
+  The winds those leaves which early frosts have nipp'd,
+  And lightly to the boughs attach'd remain,
+  Than scatter'd flew his limbs by furious hands.
+
+
+
+
+*The Fourth Book.*
+
+
+    Feast of Bacchus. Impiety and infidelity of Alcithoë and her
+    sisters. Story of Pyramus and Thisbe. Amour of Mars and Venus.
+    The lovers caught by Vulcan in a net. Sol's love for Leucothoë,
+    and her change to a tree of frankincense. Clytié transformed to a
+    sunflower. Tale of Salmacis and Hermaphroditus. Transformation of
+    Alcithoë and her sisters to bats. Juno's fury. Madness of
+    Athamas; and deification of Ino and Melicertes. Change of the
+    Theban women to rocks and birds. Cadmus and Hermione changed to
+    serpents. Perseus. Transformation of Atlas to a mountain.
+    Andromeda saved from the sea monster. Story of Medusa.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fourth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Warn'd by the dreadful admonition, all
+  Of Thebes the new solemnities approve;
+  Bring incense, and to Bacchus' altars bend.
+  Alcithoë only, Minyäs' daughter, views
+  His orgies still with unbelieving eyes.
+  Boldly, herself and sisters, partners all
+  In impious guilt, refuse the god to own,
+  The progeny of Jove. The prophet bids
+  Each mistress with her maids, to join the feast:
+  (Sacred the day from toil). Their breasts to clothe
+  In skins; the fillets from their heads to loose;
+  With ivy wreathe their brows; and in their hands
+  The leafy Thyrsus grasp. Threatening, he spoke,
+  In words prophetic, how th' affronted god
+  Would wreak his ire. Matrons and virgins haste;
+  Throw by their baskets; quit the loom, and leave
+  Th' unfinish'd threads: sweet incense they supply
+  Invoking Bacchus by his various names.
+  Bromius! Lyæus! power in flames produc'd!--
+  Produc'd a second time! god doubly born!
+  Born of two mothers! Nyseus! they exclaim;
+  Long-hair'd Thyoneus!--and the planter fam'd
+  Of genial grapes! Lenæus! too, they sing;
+  Nyctelius! Elelcus! and aloud
+  Iäcchus! Evan! with the numerous names,
+  O Liber! in the Grecian land thou hold'st.
+  Unwaning youth is thine, eternal boy!
+  Most beauteous form in heaven! a virgin's face
+  Thou seem'st to bear, when seen without thy horns.
+  Stoops to thy arms the East, where Ganges bounds
+  The dusky India:--Deity rever'd!
+  Thou impious Pentheus sacrific'd; and thou,
+  The mad Lycurgus punish'd with his axe:
+  By thee the Tyrrhene traitors, in the main
+  Were flung: Adorn'd with painted reins, thou curb'st
+  The lynxes in thy chariot yok'd abreast:
+  Thy steps the Satyrs and Bacchantes tread;
+  And old Silenus; who with wine o'ercharg'd,
+  With a long staff his tottering steps sustains:
+  Or on a crooked ass, unsteady sits:
+  Where'er thou enterest shout the joyous youth,
+  Females and males immingled: loud the drums
+  Struck by their hands resound;--and loudly clash
+  The brazen cymbals: soft the boxen flutes
+  Deep and melodious sound!
+
+                            Now prays all Thebes
+  The god's approach in mildness; and perform
+  His sacred rites as bidden. Sole remain
+  At home secluded, Minyäs' daughters,--they
+  With ill-tim'd industry the feast prophane.
+  Busy, they form the wool, and twirl the thread;
+  Or to the loom stick close, and all their maids
+  Urge to strict labor. One with dexterous thumb
+  The slender thread extending, cries;--“while all,
+  “Idly, those rites imaginary tend,
+  “Let us, whom Pallas, deity more great,
+  “Detains, our useful labors lighter make
+  “By vary'd converse. Each in turn relate
+  “Her tale, while others listen; thus the time
+  “Less tedious shall appear.� All pleas'd applaud
+  The proposition; and her sisters beg
+  That she the tales commence. Long she demurs,
+  What story first, of those she knew, to tell;
+  For numerous was her store. In doubt, thy tale,
+  Dercetis Babylonian, to relate,
+  Whose form, the Syrians think, with scales is cloth'd;
+  The stagnant pools frequenting: or describe
+  Thy daughter's change, on waving pinions borne;
+  Who lengthen'd age obtain'd, on lofty towers
+  Safe dwelling: or of Naïs, who the youths
+  With magic works, and potent witching words
+  To silent fishes turn'd; till she the same
+  Vile transformation suffer'd: or the tree,
+  Which once in clusters white its berries bore,
+  Now blood besprinkled, growing black. This tale
+  Most novel, pleas'd the most: and as she spun
+  Her slender thread, the nymph the tale began.
+
+    “Thisbe, the brightest of the eastern maids;
+  “And Pyramus, the pride of all the youths,
+  “Contiguous dwellings held, in that fam'd town,
+  “Where lofty walls of stone, we learn were rais'd,
+  “By bold Semiramis. Their neighbouring scite,
+  “Acquaintance first encourag'd,--primal step
+  “To further intimacy: love, in time,
+  “Grew from this chance connection; and they long'd
+  “To join by lawful rites: but harsh forbade,
+  “Their rigid sires the union fate had doom'd.
+  “With equal ardor both their minds inflam'd,
+  “Burnt fierce; and absent every watchful spy
+  “By nods and signs they spoke; for close their love
+  “Conceal'd they kept;--conceal'd it burn'd more fierce.
+  “The severing wall a narrow chink contain'd,
+  “Form'd when first rear'd;--what will not love espy?
+  “This chink, by all for ages past unseen,
+  “The lovers first espy'd.--This opening gave
+  “A passage for their voices; safely through,
+  “Their tender words were breath'd in whisperings soft.
+  “Oft punctual at their posts,--on this side she,
+  “And Pyramus on that;--each breathing sighs,--
+  “By turns inhaling, have they mutual cry'd;--
+  “Invidious wall! why lovers thus divide?
+  “Much were it, did thy parts more wide recede,
+  “And suffer us to join? were that too much
+  “A little opening more, and we might meet
+  “With lips at least. Yet grateful still we own
+  “Thy kind indulgence, which a passage gives,
+  “And amorous words conveys to loving ears.
+  “Thus they loquacious, though on sides diverse,
+  “Till night their converse stay'd;--then cry'd, adieu!
+  “And each imprinted kisses, which the stones
+  “Forbade to taste. Soon as Aurora's fires
+  “Remov'd the shades of night, and Phœbus' rays
+  “From the moist earth the dew exhal'd, they meet
+  “As 'custom'd at the wall: lamenting deep,
+  “As wont in murmuring whispers: bold they plan,
+  “Their guards evading in the silent night,
+  “To pass the outer gates. Then, when escap'd
+  “From home, to leave the city's dangerous shade;
+  “But lest, in wandering o'er the spacious plains
+  “They miss to meet, at Ninus' sacred tomb
+  “They fix their assignation,--hid conceal'd
+  “Beneath th' umbrageous leaves. There grew a tree,
+  “Close bordering on a cooling fountain's brink;
+  “A stately mulberry;--snow-white fruit hung thick
+  “On every branch. The plot pleas'd well the pair.
+
+    “And now slow seems the car of Sol to sink;
+  “Slow from the ocean seems the night to rise;
+  “Till Thisbe, cautious, by the darkness veil'd,
+  “Soft turns the hinges, and her guards beguiles.
+  “Her features veil'd, the tomb she reaches,--sits
+  “Beneath th' appointed tree: love makes her bold.
+  “Lo! comes a lioness,--her jaws besmear'd
+  “With gory foam, fresh from the slaughter'd herd,
+  “Deep in th' adjoining fount her thirst to slake.
+  “Far off the Babylonian maid beheld
+  “By Luna's rays the horrid foe,--quick fled
+  “With trembling feet, and gain'd a darksome cave:
+  “Flying, she dropp'd, and left her robe behind.
+
+    “Now had the savage beast her drought allay'd,
+  “And backward to the forest roaming, found
+  “The veiling robe;--its tender texture rent,
+  “And smear'd the spoil with bloody jaws. The youth
+  “(With later fortune his strict watch escap'd)
+  “Spy'd the plain footsteps of a monster huge
+  “Deep in the sand indented!--O'er his face
+  “Pale terror spread: but when the robe he saw,
+  “With blood besmear'd, and mangled; loud he cry'd,--
+  “One night shall close two lovers' eyes in death!
+  “She most deserving of a longer date.
+  “Mine is the fault alone. Dear luckless maid!
+  “I have destroy'd thee;--I, who bade thee keep
+  “Nocturnal meetings in this dangerous place,
+  “And came not first to shield thy steps from harm.
+  “Ye lions, wheresoe'er within those caves
+  “Ye lurk! haste hither,--tear me limb from limb!
+  “Fierce ravaging devour, and make my tomb
+  “Your horrid entrails. But for death to wish
+  “A coward's turn may serve. The robe he takes,
+  “Once Thisbe's, and beneath th' appointed tree
+  “Bearing it, bath'd in tears; with ardent lips
+  “Oft fondly kissing, thus he desperate cries;--
+  “Now with my blood be also bath'd!--drink deep!
+  “And in his body plung'd the sword, that round
+  “His loins hung ready girt: then as he dy'd,
+  “Hasty withdrew, hot reeking from the wound,
+  “The steel; and backwards falling, press'd the earth.
+  “High spouts the sanguine flood! thus forth a pipe,
+  “(The lead decay'd, or damag'd) sends a stream
+  “Contracted from the breach; upspringing high,
+  “And loudly hissing, as the air it breaks
+  “With jets repeated. Sprinkled with the blood,
+  “The tree's white fruit a purple tinge receiv'd;
+  “Deep soak'd with blood the roots convey the stain
+  “Inly, and tinge each bough with Tyrian dye.
+
+    “Now Thisbe comes, with terror trembling still,
+  “Fearful, she Pyramus expecting waits:
+  “Him seek her beating bosom, and her eyes;
+  “Anxious the peril she escap'd to tell.
+  “Well mark'd her eyes the place,--and well the tree;
+  “The berries chang'd in color, long she doubts
+  “The same or no. While hesitating thus,
+  “The panting members quivering she beholds,
+  “Upon the sanguin'd turf; and back recoils!
+  “Paler than box her features grow; her limbs
+  “More tremble than when ocean fretful sounds,
+  “Its surface briskly by the breezes swept.
+  “Nor long the pause, her lover soon is known;
+  “And now her harmless breast with furious blows
+  “She punishes; her tresses wild she rends;
+  “Clasps the lov'd body; and the gaping wound
+  “Fills with her tears,--their droppings with the blood
+  “Immingling. On his clay-cold face she press'd
+  “Her kisses, crying;--Pyramus! what chance
+  “Has torn thee from me thus? My Pyramus!
+  “Answer me,--'tis thy dearest Thisbe speaks!
+  “She calls thee,--hear me,--raise that dying face!
+  “At Thisbe's name, his lids, with death hard weigh'd,
+  “He rais'd--beheld her,--and forever clos'd.
+
+    “Him dying thus,--her lacerated veil;
+  “The ivory scabbard empty'd of its sword;
+  “She saw,--at once the truth upon her mind
+  “Flash'd quick. Alas! thy hand, by love impell'd,
+  “Has wrought thy ruin: but to me the hand,
+  “In this, at least, shall equal force display,
+  “For equal was my love; and love will grant
+  “Sufficient strength the deadly wound to give.
+  “In death I'll follow thee; with justice call'd
+  “Thy ruin's wretched cause,--but comrade too.
+  “Thou whom, but death seem'd capable to part
+  “From me, shalt find ev'n death too weak will prove.
+  “Ye wretched mourning parents, his and mine!
+  “The dying prayers respect of him,--of me:
+  “Grant that, entomb'd together, both may rest;
+  “A pair by faithful love conjoined,--by death
+  “United close. And thou fair tree which shad'st
+  “Of one the miserable corse; and two
+  “Soon with thy boughs wilt cover,--bear the mark
+  “Of the sad deed eternal;--ting'd thy fruit
+  “With mournful coloring: monumental type
+  “Of double slaughter. Speaking thus, she plac'd
+  “The steely point, while yet with blood it smok'd,
+  “Beneath her swelling breast; and forward fell.
+  “Her final prayer reach'd heaven; her parents reach'd:
+  “Purple the berries blush, when ripen'd full;
+  “And in one urn the lovers' ashes rest.�
+
+    She ceas'd: a silent interval, but short,
+  Ensu'd; and next Leuconoë thus address'd
+  Her listening sisters:--“Ev'n the sun himself,
+  “Whose heavenly light so universal shines,
+  “To love is subject: his amours I tell.
+  “This deity's keen sight the first espy'd--
+  “(For all things penetrating first he sees)
+  “The crime of Mars and Venus; sore chagrin'd,
+  “To Vulcan he th' adulterous theft display'd,
+  “And told him where they lay. Appall'd he heard,--
+  “And dropp'd the tools his dexterous hand contain'd;
+  “But soon recover'd. Slender chains of brass,
+  “And nets, and traps he form'd; so wonderous fine,
+  “They mock'd the power of sight: for far less fine,
+  “The smallest thread the distaff forms; or line,
+  “Spun by the spider, pendent from the roof.
+  “Curious he form'd it; at the lightest touch
+  “It yielded; each momentum, slight howe'er,
+  “Caus'd its recession: this he artful hung,
+  “The couch enfolding. When the faithless wife,
+  “And paramour upon the bed embrac'd,
+  “Both in the lewd conjunction were ensnar'd;
+  “Caught by the husband's skill, whose art the chains
+  “In novel form had fram'd. The Lemnian god
+  “Instant wide threw the ivory doors, and gave
+  “Admittance free to every curious eye:
+  “In shameful guise together bound they laid.
+  “But some light gods, not blaming much the sight,
+  “Would wish thus sham'd to lie: loud laugh'd the whole,
+  “And long in heaven the tale jocose was told.
+
+    “The well-remember'd deed, the Cyprian queen
+  “Retorting, made the god remember too:
+  “And him who her conceal'd amours disclos'd,
+  “In turn betray'd. What now, Hyperion's son,
+  “Avails thy beauty!--or thy radiant flames?
+  “For thou, whose fires warm all the wide-spread world,
+  “Burn'st with a new-felt heat! Thou, whose wide view,
+  “Should every object grasp, with partial ken
+  “Leucothoë only see'st! that nymph alone,
+  “Attracts those eyes, whose lustre all the world
+  “Expect to view. Oft in the eastern skies,
+  “More early rising, art thou seen; and oft
+  “More tardy 'neath the waves thou sinkest: long
+  “The wintry days thou stretchest, with delay
+  “Thy object lov'd to see. Meantime pale gloom
+  “O'ercasts thy orb; the dullness of thy mind
+  “Obstructs thy brightness; and thy rays obscure,
+  “Terror in mortal breasts inspire. Not pale
+  “Thou fadest, as, when nearer whirl'd to earth,
+  “Faint Luna's shadow o'er thy surface glooms:
+  “But love, and only love the paleness gives.
+  “Her only, now thy amorous soul pursues;
+  “Rhodos, nor Clymené, nor Persé fair,
+  “Of Colchian Circé mother, tempt thee now;
+  “Nor Clytié, whom thy cold neglect still spurns;
+  “Yet still she burns to clasp thee: deep she mourns,
+  “Stung more acutely by this fresh amour.
+  “Now in Leucothoë, every former love
+  “Is lost. Leucothoë, whom the beauteous nymph,
+  “Eurynomé, in odoriferous climes
+  “Of Araby brought forth. Full-grown, matur'd,
+  “Leucothoë's beauteous form no less surpass'd
+  “Her mother's, than her mother's all beside.
+  “Her sire, the royal Orchamus (who claim'd
+  “A seventh descent from ancient Belus) rul'd
+  “The Achæmenian towns. The rapid steeds
+  “Of Phœbus pasture 'neath the western sky;
+  “Not grass, ambrosia, eating; heavenly food,
+  “Which nerves their limbs, faint with diurnal toil,
+  “Restoring all their ardor. Whilst the steeds,
+  “This their celestial nourishment enjoy;
+  “And night, as 'custom'd, governs in her turn;
+  “The god the close apartments of his nymph
+  “Beloved, enters;--form'd to outward view,
+  “Eurynomé her mother. Her he saw
+  “The slender threads from spindle twirling fine,
+  “Illumin'd by the lamp; and circled round
+  “By twice six female helpers. Warm he gave
+  “As a lov'd daughter, his maternal kiss,
+  “And said;--our converse secrecy demands.--
+  “Th' attendant maids depart,--nor hinderance give,
+  “Loitering, a mother's secret words to hear.
+  “When he, the chamber free from spy or guard,
+  “Exclaims,--no female I! behold the god,
+  “The lengthen'd year who spaces! who beholds
+  “Each object earth contains! the world's great eye
+  “By which it all surveys. My tender words
+  “Believe, I dearly love thee. Pale she look'd,
+  “While thus he spoke;--started, and trembling dropp'd
+  “Her distaff, and her spindle from her hand
+  “Nerveless. But ev'n her terror seem'd to add
+  “Fresh beauty to her features. Longer he
+  “Delay'd not, but his wonted form assum'd;
+  “In heavenly splendor shining. Mild the maid,
+  “Won by his beauteous brightness, (though at first,
+  “His sudden shape surpriz'd her) sunk beneath
+  “The force he urg'd, with unresisting power.
+
+    “The jealous Clytié (who with amorous flame
+  “Burn'd for Apollo) urg'd by harlot's rage,
+  “Straight to the sire, Leucothoë's crime betray'd;
+  “Painting the nymph's misdeed with heighten'd glow.
+  “Fierce rag'd the father,--merciless inhum'd
+  “Her living body deep in earth! Outstretcht
+  “High to the sun her arms, and praying warm
+  “For mercy;--he by force, she cry'd, prevail'd!
+  “O'er her untimely grave a lofty mound
+  “Of sand, her sire uprear'd. Hyperion's son
+  “Through this an opening with his beams quick form'd,
+  “Full wide for her, her head intomb'd to lift,
+  “Once to the light again. Thy bury'd corse
+  “No more thou now couldst raise; the ponderous load
+  “Of earth prevents thee; and a bloodless mass,
+  “Exanimate, thou ly'st! Not deeper grief
+  “'Tis said, the ruler of the swift-wing'd steeds,
+  “Display'd, when o'er the earth the hapless flames
+  “By Phaëton were thrown. Arduous he strives,
+  “Her gelid limbs, with all his powerful rays
+  “To vivid heat recal: stern fate withstands
+  “His utmost urg'd endeavours: bathing then
+  “Her pallid corse, and all the earth around
+  “With odorous nectar, sorrowing sad he cries;--
+  “Yet, shalt thou reach the heavens! And soon began
+  “Her limbs, soft melting in celestial dew,
+  “With moistening drops of strong perfume to flow:
+  “Slowly a frankincense's rooted twigs
+  “Spread in the earth,--its top the hillock burst.
+
+    “Angry the god (though violent love the pain
+  “Of jealousy might well excuse,--the pain
+  “Of jealousy the tale) from Clytié now
+  “Abstains; no more in amorous mood they meet.
+  “Rash now the deed her burning love had caus'd,
+  “Too late she found;--she flies her sister-nymphs;
+  “And pining, on the cold bare turf she sits;
+  “By day,--by night,--sole shelter'd by the sky;
+  “Her dripping tresses matted round her brows:
+  “Food,--drink, abhorring. Nine long days she bore
+  “Sharp famine, bath'd with dew, bath'd with her tears;
+  “Still on the ground prone lying. Yet the god
+  “In circling motion still she ardent view'd;
+  “Turning her face to his. Tradition tells,
+  “Her limbs to earth grew fasten'd: ghastly pale
+  “Her color; chang'd to bloodless leaves she stood,
+  “Streak'd ruddy here and there;--a violet flower
+  “Her face o'erspreading. Still that face she turns,
+  “To meet the sun;--though binding roots retain
+  “Her feet, her love unalter'd still remains.�
+
+    She ended; all their listening ears, well pleas'd,
+  The wonderous story heard. Some hard of faith
+  Its truth, its probability deny.
+  To true divinities such power some grant;
+  And power to compass more;--to Bacchus none
+  Such potence own. The sisters, silent now,
+  Alcithoë beg to speak: she shooting swift
+  Her shuttle through th' extended threads, exclaims;--
+  “Of Daphnis' love, so known, on Ida's hill,
+  “His flocks who tended, whom his angry nymph,
+  “To stone transform'd (such fury fires the breast
+  “Of those who desperate love!) I shall not tell:
+  “Nor yet of Scython, of ambiguous form,
+  “Now male, now female; nature's wonted laws
+  “Inconstant proving: thee, O Celmis! too
+  “I pass; once faithful nurse to infant Jove,
+  “Now chang'd to adamant: Curetes! sprung
+  “From showery floods: Crocus, and Smilax, both
+  “To blooming flowers transform'd: unnotic'd these,
+  “My tale from novelty itself shall please:
+  “How Salmacis so infamous became,
+  “Then list; whose potent waves, the luckless limbs
+  “Enerve, of those they bathe. Conceal'd the cause;
+  “Yet far and wide the fountain's power is known.
+
+    “Deep in the sheltering caves of Ida's hill,
+  “The Naiäd nymphs a beauteous infant nurs'd;
+  “Whom Cyprus' goddess unto Hermes bore.
+  “His father's beauty, and his mother's, shone
+  “In every feature; in his name conjoin'd
+  “He bore their appellations. When matur'd
+  “By fifteen summers, from paternal hills
+  “Straying, he wander'd from his nursing Idé:
+  “In lands unknown he joy'd, and joy'd to see
+  “Strange rivers,--pleasure lessening every toil.
+  “Through Lycia's towns he stray'd; and further still,
+  “To bordering Caria, where a pool he spy'd,
+  “Whose lowest depth a gleam transparent shew'd:
+  “No marshy canes,--no filthy barren weeds,
+  “Nor pointed bulrush near the margin grew:
+  “Full on the eye the water shone, yet round
+  “Its brink a border smil'd of verdant turf,
+  “And plants forever green. Here dwelt a nymph,
+  “But one who never join'd the active chace;
+  “The bow who never bent; who never strove
+  “To conquer in the race: of all the nymphs,
+  “Alone no comrade of Diana fleet.
+  “Oft, as 'tis said, her sister-nymphs exclaim'd;--
+  “Come, Salmacis, thy painted quiver take;
+  “Or take thy javelin;--with soft pleasures mix
+  “Laborious sporting: but nor javelin she,
+  “Nor painted quiver took;--with sportive toil,
+  “Soft pleasures mingling: sole intent to bathe,
+  “Her beauteous limbs amidst her own clear waves;
+  “And through her flowing tresses oft to draw
+  “The boxen comb, while o'er the fountain bent,
+  “She studies all her graces: now, her form
+  “Clad in a robe transparent, stretcht she lies,
+  “Or on the yielding leaves, or bending grass;
+  “Now flowers she culls;--and so it chanc'd to fall,
+  “Flowers she was gathering, when she first beheld
+  “The charming youth; no sooner seen than lov'd.
+  “Not forth she rush'd at first, though strongly urg'd,
+  “Forward to spring, but all adjusted fair:
+  “Closely survey'd her robe; her features form'd;
+  “And every part in beauteous shape compos'd.
+  “Then thus address'd him;--O, most godlike youth!
+  “And if a god, the lovely Cupid sure!
+  “But if of mortal mould, blest is thy sire!
+  “Blest is thy brother! and thy sister blest!--
+  “If sister hast thou;--and the fostering breast
+  “Which fed thy infant growth: but far 'bove all
+  “In rapturous bliss, is she who calls thee spouse;
+  “Should nymph exist thou deem'st that bliss deserves!
+  “If wedded, grant a stol'n embrace to me;
+  “If not, let me thy nuptial couch ascend.
+  “The Naiäd ceas'd: a bashful glow suffus'd
+  “His face, for nought of love to him was known:
+  “Yet blushing seem'd he lovely: thus warm glows
+  “The apple, to the ripening sun expos'd;
+  “Or teinted ivory; or the redden'd moon,
+  “Whom brazen cymbals clash to help in vain.
+  “To her, warm praying for at least a kiss,
+  “A chaste, a sister's kiss,--her arms firm claspt
+  “Around his ivory neck;--desist! he cries,
+  “Desist! or sole to thee the place I'll leave.
+  “His flight she dreaded, and reply'd,--I go,
+  “Dear youth, and freely yield the spot to thee.
+  “And seems indeed, her steps from him to turn;
+  “But still in sight she kept him; lurking close
+  “Shelter'd by shadowy shrubs, on bended knees.
+  “Of spy unconscious, he in boyish play
+  “Frisks sportive here and there; dips first his feet,
+  “Then ancles deeper in the wantoning waves;
+  “Pleas'd with the temper of the lucid pool:
+  “Till hasty stript from off his tender limbs
+  “His garments soft he flings. More deeply struck
+  “Stood Salmacis; more fiercely flam'd her love,
+  “His naked beauty seen. Her gloating eyes
+  “Sparkled no less than seem bright Phœbus' rays,
+  “When shining splendid, midst a cloudless sky,
+  “A mirror's face reflecting gives them back.
+  “Delay ill brooking, hardly she contains
+  “Her swelling joy; frantic for his embrace,
+  “She pants, and hard from rushing forth refrains.
+  “His sides he claps, and agile in the steam
+  “Quick plunges, moving with alternate arms.
+  “Bright through the waves he shines; thus white appears
+  “The sculptur'd ivory, or the lily fair,
+  “Seen through a crystal veil. The Naiäd cries;--
+  “Lo! here I come;--he's mine,--the youth's my own!
+  “And instant far was every garment flung.
+  “Midst of the waves she leaps;--the struggling youth
+  “Clasps close; and on his cold reluctant lips,
+  “Forces her kisses; down she girds his arms;
+  “And close to hers hugs his unwilling breast:
+  “Final, around the youth who arduous strives
+  “In opposition, and escape essays,
+  “Her limbs she twines: so twines a serpent huge,
+  “Seiz'd by the bird of Jove, and borne on high,
+  “Twisting his head, the feet close-bracing holds;
+  “The wide-spread wings entangled with his tail:
+  “So twines the ivy round the lengthen'd bough:
+  “So numerous Polypus his foe confines,
+  “Seiz'd in the deep, with claws on every side
+  “Firm graspt. But Hermes' son persisting still,
+  “The Naiäd's wish denies; she presses close,
+  “And as she cleaves, their every limb close join'd
+  “Exclaims;--ungallant boy! but strive thy most,
+  “Thou shalt not fly me. Grant me, O ye gods!
+  “No time may ever sunder him from me,
+  “Or me from him.--Her prayer was granted straight;--
+  “For now, commingling, both their bodies join'd;
+  “And both their faces melted into one.
+  “So, when in growth we boughs ingrafted see,
+  “The bark inclosing both at once, they sprout.
+  “Thus were their limbs, in strong embrace comprest,
+  “Wrapp'd close; no longer two in form, yet two
+  “In feature; nor a nymph-like face remain'd,
+  “Nor yet a boy's: it both and neither seem'd.
+
+    “When Hermes' son beheld the liquid stream,
+  “Where masculine he plung'd, the power possess
+  “To enervate his body, and his limbs
+  “Effeminately soften; high he rais'd
+  “His arms, and pray'd (but not with manly voice)
+  “O, sire! O, mother dear! indulge your son,
+  “Your double appellation bearing, this
+  “Sole-urg'd petition. Whoso in these waves
+  “In strong virility, like me, shall plunge,
+  “Hence let him go, like me enervate made;
+  “Spoilt by the stream his strength. Each parent god
+  “Nodding, confirm'd their alter'd son's request;
+  “And ting'd the fountain with the changing power.�
+
+    She ceas'd: the nymphs Minyeian still persist
+  Their toil to urge, despising still the god;
+  His festival prophaning. Sudden heard,
+  The rattling sounds of unseen timbrels burst
+  Full on their ears! the pipe; the crooked horn;
+  And brazen cymbals loudly clash; perfumes
+  Of myrrh and saffron blended smell:--but more,
+  And what belief surpasses, straight their looms
+  Virid to sprout begin; the pendent threads
+  Branch into shoots like ivy: part becomes
+  The vine: what now were threads, curl'd tendrils seem:
+  Shot from the folded web, the branches climb;
+  And the bright red in purpling grapes appears.
+
+    Now was the sun declining, and approach'd
+  The twilight season, when nor day it seems,
+  Nor night confirm'd; but a gray mixture forms;
+  Of each an indetermin'd compound. Deep
+  The roof appear'd to shade; the oily lamps,
+  Ardent to glow; the torches bright to burn,
+  With reddening flames; while round them seem'd to howl,
+  Figures of beast ferocious. Fill'd with smoke
+  The room,--th' affrighted maidens seek to hide;
+  And each in different corners tries to shun
+  The fires and flaming light. But while they seek
+  A lurking shelter, o'er their shorten'd limbs
+  A webby membrane spreading, binds their arms
+  In waving wings. The gloom conceal'd the mode,
+  Of transformation from their former shape.
+  Light plumage bears them not aloft,--yet rais'd
+  On wings transparent, through the air they skim,
+  To speak they strive, but utter forth a sound
+  Feeble and weak; then, screeching shrill, they plain:
+  Men's dwellings they frequent,--nor try the woods;
+  And, cheerful day avoiding, skim by night;
+  Their name from that untimely hour deriv'd.
+
+    Now were the deeds of heaven-born Bacchus fam'd
+  Through every part of Thebes; and all around,
+  His aunt proud boasts the new-made god's great power:
+  She, of the sisters all, from sorrow spar'd,
+  Save what to view her sisters' sorrowing gave.
+  Juno beheld her lofty thus, her breast
+  Elate to view her sons; her nuptial fruits
+  With Athamas; and her great foster child,
+  The mighty Bacchus. More the furious queen
+  Bore not, but thus exclaim'd;--“Has the whore's son
+  “Power to transform the Tyrrhene crew, and plunge
+  “Them headlong in the deep? Can he impel
+  “The mother's hands to seize her bleeding son
+  “And tear his entrails? Dares he then to clothe
+  “The Minyëid sisters with un'custom'd wings?
+  “And is Saturnia's utmost power confin'd
+  “Wrongs unreveng'd to weep? Suffices such
+  “For me? Is this a goddess' utmost might?
+  “But he instructs me;--wisdom may be taught
+  “Ev'n by a foe. The wretched Pentheus' fate,
+  “Shews all-sufficient, what may madness do.
+  “Why should not Ino, stung with frantic rage,
+  “The well-known track her sisters trode pursue?�
+
+    A path declivitous, with baleful yew
+  Dark shaded, leads, a dreary silent road,
+  Down to th' infernal regions: sluggish Styx
+  Dank mists exhales: here travel new-made ghosts,
+  With rites funereal blest: pale winter's gloom
+  Wide rules the squalid place: the stranger shades
+  Wander, unknowing which the path to tread,
+  Straight to the infernal city, where is held
+  Black Pluto's savage court. A thousand gates,
+  Wide ope, surround the town on every side.
+  As boundless ocean every stream receives,
+  From earth pour'd numerous,--so each wandering soul
+  Flocks to this city; whose capacious bounds
+  Full space for all affords; nor ever feels
+  Th' increasing crowd: of flesh depriv'd, and bones,
+  The bloodless shadows wander. Some frequent
+  The forum; some th' infernal monarch's court;
+  Some various arts employ, resembling much
+  Their former daily actions; numbers groan
+  In punishments severe. Here Juno came,
+  Braving the region's horrors, from her throne
+  Celestial,--so did ire and hatred goad
+  Her bosom with their stings! Sacred she press'd
+  The groaning threshold,--instant as she stepp'd,
+  Fierce Cerberus his triple head uprais'd,
+  And howl'd with triple throat. The goddess calls
+  The night-born sisters, fierce, implacable:
+  Before the close-barr'd adamantine gates
+  They sit; their tresses twisting round with snakes.
+  The queen through clouds of midnight gloom they see,
+  And instant rise. Here dwell the suffering damn'd.
+  Here Tityus, stretcht o'er nine wide acres, yields
+  His entrails to be torn. Thou, Tantalus,
+  Art seen, the stream forbid to taste;--the fruit
+  Thy lips o'erhanging, flies! Thou, Sisyphus,
+  Thy stone pursuing downwards; or its weight
+  Straining aloft, with oft exerted power!
+  Ixion whirling, too; with swift pursuit,
+  Thou follow'st, and art follow'd! Belides!
+  Your husband-cousins who in death dar'd steep,
+  And ceaseless draw the unavailing streams!
+  All Juno view'd with unrelenting brow;
+  But, view'd Ixion sterner far than all:
+  And when on Sisyphus again she cast
+  Her eyes, behind Ixion, angry cry'd;--
+  “What justice this?--of all the brethren he
+  “Sharp torture suffers! Shall proud Athamas
+  “A regal dwelling boast,--whose scornful taunts,
+  “And scornful spouse have still my power contemn'd?�
+  Then straight her hatred's cause disclos'd. They see
+  Her journey's object, and revenge's aim.
+  This her desire, that Cadmus' regal house
+  Perish'd should sink; and Athamas, fierce urg'd
+  By madness should some dreadful vengeance claim.
+  Commands, solicitations, prayers,--at once
+  The goddesses besiege: and as she speaks,
+  Angrily mov'd, Tisiphoné replies,--
+  (Shaking her hoary locks,--the twining snakes
+  Back from her mouth repelling) hasty thus;--
+  “A tedious tale we need not; what thou wilt
+  “Believe accomplish'd. Fly this hateful gloom;--
+  “Up to the wholesome breeze of heaven repair.�
+  Glad, Juno left the spot;--when near approach'd
+  Heaven's entrance, there Thaumantian Iris met,
+  And with her sprinklings purify'd the queen.
+
+    Quick now Tisiphoné, the savage fiend,
+  Seizes her torch, with gory droppings wet;
+  Flings round her limbs a garment, deeply dy'd
+  With streaming blood; a twisting snake supplies
+  A girdle:--thus array'd she sallies forth,
+  Follow'd by loud lament, by terror, fear,
+  And quivering-featur'd madness. When she press'd
+  The threshold, fame declares the pillars shook;
+  The maple doors, with terror mov'd, grew pale:
+  Back shrunk the sun! Ino, with trembling dread
+  Beheld these wonders;--Athamas beheld;
+  And both prepar'd the haunted place to fly.
+  Escape the fury hinders: fierce she stands,
+  Blocking the entrance: wide her arms she spreads,
+  With viperous twistings bound; and threatening shakes
+  Her tresses: loud the serpents noise, disturb'd;
+  Sprawl o'er her shoulders some; some, lower fall'n,
+  Twine hissing round her breasts, with brandish'd tongue,
+  Black poison vomiting. With furious gripe,
+  Two from her locks she tore;--her deadly hand
+  Hurl'd them straight on; the breasts of Athamas,
+  And Ino, hungry, with their fangs they seiz'd;
+  Fierce pains infixing, but external wounds
+  Their limbs betray'd not: mental was the blow,
+  So direly struck. Venoms most mortal, too,
+  From Tartarus she bore:--the foam high-churn'd
+  From jaws of Cerberus; the poisonous juice
+  Of Hydra; urgent wish for roaming wide;
+  Oblivion mental-blinded; wicked deeds;
+  Weeping; and furious fierceness, slaughter fond.
+  On these commingled, fresh-drawn gore she pour'd,
+  And warm'd them bubbling in a brazen vase;
+  Stirr'd by a sprouting hemlock. Trembling, they
+  Shudder, while in their breasts the poison fierce
+  She pours: both bosoms feel it deep instill'd;--
+  Their inmost vitals feel it. Then her torch,
+  Whirl'd flaming round and round, in triumph glares,
+  Fires from the circling gathering. Powerful thus;
+  Victorious in her aims, and deeds desir'd,
+  To mighty Pluto's shadowy realm she speeds;
+  And from her loins untwists the girding snakes.
+
+    Mad bounded Athamas amid the hall,
+  “Ho! friends,� exclaiming;--“here spread wide your toils,
+  “Here, in this thicket, where ev'n now I saw
+  “With young twin cubs, a lioness!�--and mad,
+  Pursu'd his consort for a savage beast;
+  Snatching Learchus, who with playful smile,
+  Outstretch'd his infant hands to meet him. Torne
+  Rough from his mother's bosom, round in air
+  And round, sling-like he whirl'd; then savage dash'd
+  Upon a rugged rock the tender bones.
+
+    Loud howls the frantic mother; frantic made
+  By grief, or by the scatter'd poison's power:
+  And, raving, with dishevell'd tresses spread
+  Wide o'er her shoulders, flies. Her naked arms
+  Young Melicertes bear; madly she shrieks;--
+  “Evoë, Bacchus!�--Loud at Bacchus' name
+  Revengeful Juno laugh'd, and said;--“Such boon
+  “Thy foster-son upon his nurse confers!�
+  A lofty rock the foaming waves o'erhangs,
+  Whose dashing force deep in its base have scoop'd
+  A cavern, safely sheltering from the showers:
+  The adamantine summit high extends,
+  And o'er the wide main stretches. Swift this height,
+  Active and strong with madness, Ino gain'd
+  And fearless, with the infant in her arms,
+  Sprung from the cliff, and sunk beneath the waves.
+  White foam'd the surge around her!
+
+                                     Venus, griev'd,
+  Such sufferings, undeserv'd, her race should bear,
+  Thus with bland coaxings Ocean's god address'd:
+  “Lord of the azure deep, whose high command
+  “Sways next to heaven's,--a vast demand I ask;--
+  “But pity my poor offspring, whom thou see'st
+  “Plung'd in th' Ionian billows;--with their forms
+  “Thy deities increase. Some influence sure,
+  “In ocean I should hold, from thence produc'd;
+  “Sprung from the froth that on the deep main swims:
+  “Whence Grecian poets name me.� Neptune nods,
+  Assenting to her prayer; and from their limbs
+  Abstracts the mortal portion; on their forms
+  Breathes majesty; and with their alter'd mien,
+  Their names he changes too; Palæmon he,
+  Now stil'd, his mother as Leucothoë known.
+
+    The princess' anxious comrades trac'd her steps
+  With care; the last with arduous search they found,
+  Just on the giddy brink, nor dubious deem'd
+  Her fate a moment. Cadmus' house they wail;
+  With beating hands their tresses tear, and robes;
+  And highly Juno blame, as one unjust:
+  Too ireful for the hapless sister's fault.
+  Juno, fierce flaming, these reproaches stung;--
+  “Ye too,� she cry'd, “shall monuments become
+  “Of the fierce ire ye blame!� Deeds words pursu'd.
+  The nymph who most her hapless queen held dear,
+  Exclaim'd;--“deep in the roaring main I'll plunge,
+  “To join her fate,�--and sprung to take the leap;
+  But motionless she stood,--fixt to the rock!
+  Her wounding blows, upon her bosom one
+  Strives to renew, as wont; her striving arms
+  Stiffen'd to stone she sees. This tow'rd the waves
+  Her hands extends; a rocky mass she stands,
+  In the same waves far stretching. Lifted high,
+  The locks to rend, the fingers might be seen
+  Stiffen'd, and rigid with the hair become.
+  In posture whatsoever caught, each nymph,
+  In that same posture stands. Thus part are chang'd:
+  The rest, to birds transform'd, by wings upborne,
+  Skim o'er the surface of the neighbouring sea.
+
+    Cadmus, the wond'rous change which rais'd his child,
+  And his young grandson to the rank of gods,
+  Yet knew not. By his load of grief o'erwhelm'd;
+  A chain of woes; and supernatural scenes,
+  So numerous which he sees; the founder quits
+  His town, suspicious that the city's fate,
+  And not his own, misfortune on him showers.
+  Borne o'er the main, his lengthen'd wanderings end,
+  When with his exil'd consort, safe he gains
+  Illyria's shores. Opprest with grief and age,
+  The primal fortunes of their house, with care
+  They scan, and in their converse all their woes
+  Again recounting, Cadmus thus exclaims;--
+  “Was then that serpent, by my javelin pierc'd,
+  “When driven from Tyre; whose numerous teeth I sow'd,
+  “Sacred to some divinity?--If he
+  “Thus, vengeful for the deed, his anger pours,
+  “May I a serpent stretcht at length become.�
+  He said,--and serpent-like extended lies!
+  Scales he perceives, upon his harden'd skin;
+  And sees green spots on his black body form;
+  Prone on his breast he falls; together twin'd,
+  His legs commingling stretch, and gradual end
+  Lessen'd in rounded point; his arms remain
+  Still, and those arms remaining he extends;
+  While down his face yet human tears flow fast.
+  “O, hapless wife! approach,� he cries, “approach,
+  “And touch me now, while ought of me remains;
+  “Receive my hand, while yet a hand I bear;
+  “Ere to a serpent wholly turns my form.�--
+  More he prepar'd to utter, but his tongue,
+  Cleft sudden, to his wishes words refus'd:
+  And often when his sorrows sad he try'd
+  To wail anew, he hiss'd!--that sound alone,
+  Nature permitted. While her naked breast
+  With blows resounded, loud his wife exclaim'd;--
+  “Stay,--O, my Cadmus! hapless man, shake off
+  “This monstrous figure! Cadmus what is this?
+  “Where are thy feet,--and where thy arms and hands?
+  “Where are thy features,--thy complexion? Where,
+  “Whilst I bewail, art thou? Celestial powers!
+  “Why not this transformation work on me?�
+  She ended; he advancing, lick'd her face,
+  And creep'd, as custom'd, to her bosom dear,
+  And round her wonted neck embracing twin'd.
+  Now draw their servants nigh, and as they come
+  With terror start. The crested serpents play,
+  Smooth on their necks,--now two; and cordial slide,
+  In spires conjoin'd; then in the darksome shades
+  Th' adjoining woods afford them, close they hide.
+  Mankind they fly not, nor deep wounds inflict;
+  Harmless, their pristine form is ne'er forgot.
+
+    Still, though in alter'd shapes, the pair rejoic'd
+  Their grandson's fame to hear; whom vanquish'd Ind'
+  Low bending worshipp'd; Greece adoring prais'd,
+  In lofty temples. Sole Acrisius stands,
+  Like Bacchus sprung from Jove's celestial seed,
+  Opposing; and from Argos' gates propels
+  The god;--his birth deny'd, against him arms.
+  Nor Perseus would he own from heaven deriv'd;
+  Conceiv'd by Danaë, from a golden shower:
+  Yet soon,--so mighty is the force of truth,--
+  Acrisius grieves he e'er so rashly brav'd
+  The god; his grandson driving from his court,
+  Disown'd. Now one in heaven is glorious plac'd;
+  The other, laden with the well-known spoil
+  Of the fierce snaky monster, cleaves the air,
+  On sounding pinions. High the victor sails
+  O'er Lybia's desarts, and the gory drops
+  Fall from the gorgon's head; the Ground receives
+  The blood, and warms it into writhing snakes.
+  Hence does the country with the pest still swarm.
+
+    Thence borne by adverse winds, he sweeps along,
+  Through boundless ether driven; now here, now there,
+  As watery clouds are swept. From lofty skies,
+  The earth far distant viewing, round the globe
+  He skimm'd: three times he saw the Arctic pole
+  And thrice the warmer Crab. Oft to the west,
+  Th' adventurous youth was borne; back to the east,
+  As often. Now the day in darkness sank,
+  When he, nocturnal flight mistrusting, lights
+  In Atlas' kingdom 'neath th' Hesperian sky;
+  A short repose requests, till Phosphor' bright,
+  Should call Aurora forth;--she ushering in
+  The chariot of the day. Japetus' son
+  All men in huge corporeal bulk surpass'd.
+  He to th' extremest confines of the land,
+  And o'er the ocean sway'd, whose waves receive
+  Apollo's panting steeds, and weary'd car.
+  A thousand bleating flocks; a thousand herds,
+  Stray'd through the royal pastures. Neighbouring lords
+  Not near him plough'd their lands. Trees grew, whose leaves
+  With splendor glittering, threw a golden shade
+  O'er golden branches, and o'er fruit of gold.
+  Thus Perseus;--“Friendly host, if glorious birth
+  “Thee pleases, here one born of Jove behold.
+  “If deeds of merit more attraction move,
+  “Mine thy applause may claim. At present grant
+  “An hospitable shelter here, and rest.�
+  But Atlas, fearing these oraculous words,--
+  (Long since by Themis on Parnassus given)
+  “The time, O king! will come, thy golden tree
+  “Shall lose its fruit. The glory of the spoil
+  “A son of Jove shall boast:� and dreading sore;
+  Around his orchards massy walls he rears;
+  A dragon huge and fierce the guard maintains.
+  “Whatever strangers to his realm approach,
+  Far thence he drives; and thus to Perseus too;--
+  “Haste, quickly haste from hence, lest soon I prove
+  “Thy glorious deeds but feign'd,--feign'd as thy birth.�
+  Then force to threats he added,--strove to thrust
+  The hero forth; who struggling, efforts urg'd
+  Resisting, while he begg'd with softening words.
+  Proving in strength inferior (who in strength
+  Could vie with Atlas?) “Since my fame,� he cries,
+  “Such small desert obtains, a gift accept.�
+  And, back his face averting, holds display'd,
+  On his left side Medusa's ghastly head.
+  A mountain now the mighty Atlas stands!
+  His hair and beard as lofty forests wave;
+  His arms and hands high hilly summits rear;
+  O'er-topp'd above, by what was once his head:
+  His bones are rocks; then, so the gods decree,
+  Enlarg'd to size immense in every part,
+  The weight of heaven, and all the stars he bears.
+
+    His blustering vassals Æolus had pent,
+  In ever-during prisons. Phosphor' bright,
+  Most splendid 'midst the starry host of heaven;
+  Admonitor of labor, now was risen;
+  When Perseus bound again on either foot,
+  His winnowing wings; girt on his crooked sword;
+  And cleft the air, on waving pinions borne.
+  O'er numerous nations, far beneath him spread,
+  He sail'd, till Ethiopia's realms he saw;
+  Where Cepheus rul'd. There Ammon, power unjust,
+  Andromeda had sentenc'd,--guiltless maid,
+  To what her mother's boastful tongue deserv'd.
+  Her soon as Perseus spy'd, fast by the arms
+  Chain'd to the rugged rock;--where but her locks
+  Wav'd lightly to the breeze; and but her eyes
+  Trickled a tepid stream; she might be deem'd
+  A sculptur'd marble: him the unknown sight
+  Astonish'd, dazzled, and enflam'd with love.
+  His senses in the beauteous view sole wrapt,
+  Scarce he remembers on his wings to wave:--
+  Alights, exclaiming;--“O, whom chains like these
+  “Should never bind, nor other chains than such,
+  “As lovers intertwist! declare thy name;
+  “Thy country tell; and why thou bear'st those bonds.�
+  Silent awhile the virgin stood; abash'd,
+  Converse with man to hold: her blushing face,
+  Her hands, if free, had long before conceal'd.
+  Quick starting tears, 'twas all she could, her eyes
+  Veil'd swimming: then her name and country told;
+  And all the conscious pride her mother's charms
+  Inspir'd, in full acknowledg'd; lest for crimes
+  Her own, just suffering, Perseus might conceive.
+  All yet untold, when loud the billows roar'd;
+  Upheav'd the monster's bulk: far 'bove the waves
+  He stood uprear'd, and then right onward plung'd;
+  His ample bosom covering half the main.
+
+    Loud shrieks the virgin! Sad her father comes;
+  And sad her raving mother, wretched both,
+  The mother most deserv'dly. Help in vain
+  From them she seeks; with tears, and bosoms torn,
+  Her fetter'd limbs they clasp, they can no more.
+  Then Perseus thus;--“for tears and loud laments,
+  “Long may the time be: but effective aid
+  “To give, the time is short. Suppose the nymph
+  “I ask;--I, Perseus! sprung from mighty Jove,
+  “By her whose prison in a golden shower
+  “Fecundative, he enter'd. Perseus, who
+  “The Gorgon snaky-hair'd o'ercame; who bold
+  “On waving pinions winnows through the air.
+  “Him for a son in preference should ye chuse,
+  “Arduous he'll strive to these high claims to add,
+  “If heaven permits, some merits more his own.
+  “Agree she's mine, if by my arm preserv'd.�
+  The parents promise;--(who in such a case
+  Would waver) beg his help; and promise, more,
+  That all their kingdom shall her dower become.
+  Lo! as a vessel's sharpen'd prow quick cleaves
+  The waves, by strenuous sweating arms impell'd,
+  The monster comes! his mighty bosom wide
+  The waters sideway breasting; distant now,
+  Not more than what the Balearic sling
+  Could with the bullet gain, when high in air,
+  The sod repelling, upward springs the youth.
+  Soon as the main reflected Perseus' form,
+  The ocean-savage rag'd: as Jove's swift bird
+  When in the open fields a snake he spies
+  Basking, his livid back to Phœbus' rays
+  Expos'd, behind attacks him; plunges deep,
+  His hungry talons in his scaly neck,
+  To curb the twisting of his sanguine teeth.
+  With rapid flight, thus Perseus shooting cleaves
+  The empty air; lights on the monster's back;
+  Burying his weapon to the crooked hilt,
+  Full in the shoulder of the raging beast.
+  Mad with the deepen'd wound, now rears aloft
+  The savage high in air; now plunges low,
+  Beneath the waters; now he furious turns,
+  As turns the boar ferocious, when the crowd
+  Of barking dogs beset him fiercely round.
+  With rapid waft the venturous hero shuns
+  His greedy jaws: now on his back, thick-arm'd
+  With shells, he strikes where opening space he sees;
+  Now on his sides; now where his tapering tail
+  In fish-like form is finish'd, bites the steel.
+  High spouts the wounded monster from his mouth;
+  The waves with gore deep purpling: drench'd, the wings
+  Droop nagging; and no longer Perseus dares
+  To trust their dripping aid. A rock he spies
+  Whose summit o'er the peaceful waters rose,
+  But deep was hid when tempests mov'd the main.
+  Supported here, his left hand firmly grasps
+  The craggy edge; while through his sides, and through,
+  The dying savage feels the weapon drove.
+
+    Loud shouts and plaudits fill the shore, the noise
+  Resounding echoes to the heavenly thrones.
+  Cassiopé and Cepheus joyful greet
+  Their son, and grateful own him chief support,
+  And saviour. From her rugged fetters freed,
+  The virgin walks; the cause, the great reward
+  Of all his toil. His victor hands he laves
+  In the pure stream: then with soft leaves defends
+  A spot, to rest the serpent-bearing head,
+  Lest the bare sand should harm it. Twigs marine
+  He likewise strews, and rests Medusa there.
+  The fresh green twigs as though with life endow'd,
+  Felt the dire Gorgon's power; their spongy pith
+  Hard to the touch became, the stiffness spread
+  Through every twig and leaf. The Nereïd nymphs
+  More branches bring, and try the wonderous change
+  On all, and joy to see the change succeed:
+  Spreading the transformation from the seeds,
+  With them throughout the waves. This nature still
+  Retains the coral: hardness still assumes
+  From contact with the air; beneath the waves
+  A bending twig; an harden'd stone above.
+
+    Three turfy altars to three heavenly gods
+  He builds: to Hermes sacred stands the left;
+  The right to warlike Pallas; in the midst
+  The mighty Jove's is rear'd: (To Pallas bleeds
+  An heifer: to the plume-heel'd god a calf:
+  Almighty Jove accepts a lordly bull)
+  Then claims Andromeda, the rich reward,
+  without a dower, of all his valorous toil.
+
+    Now Love and Hymen wave their torches high,
+  Precursive of their joys: each hearth is heap'd
+  With odorous incense: every roof is hung
+  With flowery garlands: pipes, and harps, and lyres,
+  And songs which indicate their festive souls,
+  Resound aloud. Each portal open thrown,
+  Display'd appears the golden palace wide.
+  By every lord of Cepheus' court, array'd
+  In splendid pomp, the nuptial feast is grac'd.
+  The banquet ended, while the generous gift
+  Of Bacchus circles; and each soul dilates,
+  Perseus, the modes and customs of the land
+  Curious enquires. Lyncides full relates
+  The habits, laws, and manners of the clime.
+  His information ended;--“now,�--he cry'd,--
+  “Relate, O Perseus! boldest of mankind,--
+  “By what fierce courage, and what skilful arts,�
+  “The snaky locks in thy possession came.�
+  Then Perseus tells, how lies a lonely vale
+  Beneath cold Atlas; every side strong fenc'd
+  By lofty hills, whose only pass is held,
+  By Phorcus' twin-born daughters. Mutual they
+  One eye possess'd, in turns by either us'd.
+  His hand deceiving seiz'd it, as it pass'd
+  'Twixt them alternate; dexterous was the wile.
+  Through devious paths, and deep-sunk ways he went;
+  And craggy woods, dark-frowning, till he reach'd
+  The Gorgon's dwelling: passing then the fields,
+  And beaten roads, there forms of men he saw,
+  And shapes of savage beasts; but all to stone
+  By dire Medusa's petrifying face
+  Transform'd. He then the horrid countenance mark'd,
+  Bright from the brazen targe his left arm bore,
+  Reflected. While deep slumber safe weigh'd down,
+  The Gorgon and her serpents, he divorc'd
+  Her shoulders from her head. He adds how sprung,
+  Chrysaör, and wing'd Pegasus the swift,
+  From the prolific Gorgon's streaming gore.
+  Relates the perils of his lengthen'd flight;
+  What seas, what kingdoms from the lofty sky,
+  Beneath him he had view'd; what sparkling stars
+  His waving wings had brush'd;--thus ceas'd his tale:
+  All more desiring. Then uprose a peer,--
+  And why Medusa, of the sisters sole
+  The serpent-twisted tresses wore, enquir'd.
+  The youth:--“The story that you ask, full well
+  “Attention claims;--I what you seek recite.
+  “For matchless beauty fam'd, with envying hope
+  “Her, crowds of suitors follow'd: nought surpass'd
+  “'Mongst all her beauties, her bright lovely hair:
+  “Those who had seen her thus, have this averr'd.
+  “But in Minerva's temple Ocean's god
+  “The maid defil'd. The virgin goddess shock'd,
+  “Her eyes averted, and her forehead chaste
+  “Veil'd with the Ægis. Then with vengeful power
+  “Chang'd the Gorgonian locks to writhing snakes.
+  “The snakes, thus form'd, fixt on her shield she bears;
+  “The horrid sight her trembling foes appals.�
+
+
+
+
+*The Fifth Book.*
+
+
+    Attack of Phineus and his friends on Perseus. Defeat of the
+    former, and their change to statues. Atchievements of Perseus in
+    Argos, and Seriphus. Minerva's visit to the Muses. Fate of
+    Pyreneus. Song of the Pierides. Song of the Muses. Rape of
+    Proserpine. Change of Cyané, to a fountain. Search of Ceres.
+    Transformation of a boy to an eft. Of Ascalaphus to an owl.
+    Change of the companions of Proserpine to Sirens. Story of
+    Arethusa. Journey of Triptolemus. Transformation of Lyncus to a
+    lynx. The Pierides transformed to magpies.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fifth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    These wonders, while the son of Danaë tells,
+  Circled around by Cepheus' noble troop;
+  Sudden th' imperial hall with tumults loud
+  Resounds. Not clamor such as oft we hear,
+  The bridal feasts, in songs of joy attend:
+  But what stern war announces. Much the change,
+  (The peaceful feast to instant riot turn'd)
+  Seem'd like the placid main, when the fierce rage
+  Of sudden tempests lash its surges high.
+
+    First Phineus stepp'd, the leader of the crowd;
+  Soul of the riot; and his ashen spear,
+  Arm'd with a brazen point, he brandish'd high;--
+  “Lo, here!� he shouts, “lo, here I vengeful come
+  “On him who claims my spouse! Not thy swift wings;
+  “Nor cheating Jove, chang'd to a golden shower,
+  “Shall save thee from my arm,�--and pois'd to fling,
+  The dart was held, but Cepheus loud exclaim'd,--
+  “Brother! what dost thou? what dire madness sways
+  “To wicked acts thy soul? Is this the meed
+  “His gallant deeds deserve? Is this the dower,
+  “We for the valued life he sav'd bestow?
+  “List but to truth,--not Perseus of thy wife
+  “Bereft thee, but the angry Nereïd nymphs,--
+  “The horned Ammon,--and the monster huge!
+  “Prepar'd to glut his hunger with my child.
+  “Then was thy spouse snatch'd from thee, when remain'd
+  “Of help no hope; to all she lost appear'd.
+  “Thy savage heart perhaps had ev'n rejoic'd
+  “To see her perish, that our greater grief
+  “Might lighten part of thine. Couldst thou her see
+  “Fast chain'd before thee? uncle! spouse betroth'd!
+  “And yet no aid afford! And storm'st thou thus?
+  “She to another now her safety owes;
+  “And would'st thou snatch the prize? So high if seems
+  “To thee her precious value, thy bold arm
+  “Should on the rock where chain'd she lay, have sought
+  “And have deserv'd her. Now permit that he
+  “Who sought her there; through whom my failing age
+  “Is not now childless, grant that he enjoy
+  “Peaceful, what through his merits he no less,
+  “Than our firm compact claims: not him to thee,
+  “But him to certain loss I preference gave.�
+
+    Nought Phineus answer'd, but his furious eyes
+  Now Perseus, now the king alternate view;
+  Doubtful or this to pierce, or that: his pause
+  Was short; his powerful arm, by fury nerv'd,
+  At Perseus hurl'd the quivering spear,--in vain!
+  Fixt in the couch it stood. Quick bounded up
+  Th' indignant youth, and deep in Phineus' breast,
+  Had plung'd the point returning, but he shrunk
+  Behind an altar; which, O shame! preserv'd
+  The impious villain. Yet not harmless sped
+  The weapon;--full in Rhætus' front it stuck;
+  Who lifeless dropp'd; broke in the bone the steel;
+  He spurn'd, and sprinkled all the feast with gore.
+  Then rag'd with ire ungovern'd all the crowd,
+  And hurl'd in showers their weapons; some fierce cry'd,
+  Cepheus, no less than Perseus, death deserv'd.
+  But Cepheus left the hall, adjuring loud,
+  The hospitable gods; justice; and faith;
+  That he was guiltless of the sanguine fray.
+
+    Minerva comes; her sheltering Ægis shields
+  Her brother's body; in his breast she breathes
+  Redoubled valor. Atys, Indian bred,
+  Whom fair Limnaté, Ganges' daughter, bore,
+  'Tis told, amid the waters' crystal caves,
+  Scarce sixteen years had seen. His beauteous form,
+  In gorgeous dress more beauteous still appear'd.
+  A purple garment fring'd around with gold,
+  Enwrapp'd him; round his neck were golden beads;
+  And pins and combs of gold his lovely locks,
+  With myrrh sweet-smelling, held. Well skill'd the youth
+  To hurl the javelin to its distant mark;
+  But more to bend the bow. Him Perseus smote,
+  The flexile bow just bending, with a brand
+  Snatch'd flaming from the altar; crush'd, his face
+  A horrid mass of fractur'd bones appears.
+  His beauteous features Lycabas beheld
+  In blood convuls'd: his dearest comrade he,
+  And one who proud his ardent love display'd.
+  Griev'd to behold the last expiring breath,
+  Of Atys parting from the furious wound,
+  He seiz'd the bow the youth had bent, and cry'd;--
+  “The battle try with me!--not long thy boast
+  “Of conquest o'er a boy; a conquest more
+  “By hate than fame attended.� Railing thus,
+  The piercing weapon darted from the string.
+
+    Now Phineus, fearful hand to hand to meet
+  The foe, his javelin hurl'd, the point ill-aim'd
+  On Idas glanc'd, who vainly kept aloof
+  With neutral weapon. Phineus, stern he view'd,
+  “With threatening frown, exclaiming;--�though no share
+  “In this mad broil I took, now, Phineus, feel
+  “The power of him whom thou hast forc'd a foe;
+  “And take reciprocally wound for wound.�
+  Then from his side the weapon tore to hurl;
+  But fast the life-stream gush'd, he instant fell.
+  Here, by the sword of Clymenus was slain,
+  Odites, noblest lord in Cepheus' court;
+  Protenor fell by Hypseus; Hypseus sunk
+  Beneath Lyncides' arm. Amid the throng
+  Was old Emathion too, friend to the just,
+  And fearer of the gods; though ancient years
+  Forbade his wielding arms, what aid his words
+  Could give, he spar'd not: curs'd the impious war,
+  In loud upbraidings. As with trembling arms,
+  He grasp'd the altar, Chromis' gory sword
+  His neck divided; on the altar dropp'd
+  The head; and there the trembling, dying tongue,
+  Faint imprecations utter'd; 'midst the flames
+  He breath'd his spirit forth. By Phineus' hand,
+  Broteas and Ammon fell: the brother-twins
+  Unconquer'd in the fight, the cæstus shower'd;
+  Could but the cæstus make the falchion yield:
+  But Perseus felt it not,--its point hung fixt
+  Amidst his garments' folds. On him he turn'd,
+  The falchion, glutted with Medusa's gore,
+  And plung'd it in his breast. Dying, he looks
+  Around, with eyes rolling in endless night,
+  For Atys, and upon him drops: then pleas'd,
+  Thus join'd in death, he seeks the shades below.
+  Methion's son, Syenian Phorbas, now
+  And fierce Amphimedon, in Lybia born,
+  Rush in the fight to mingle; both fall prone,
+  The slippery earth wide spread with smoking blood.
+  The sword attacks them rising; in his throat
+  Phorbas receives it, and the other's side.
+  But Erythis, of Actor born, whd rear'd
+  An axe tremendous, not the waving sword
+  Of Perseus meets: a cup of massive bulk,
+  With both his hands high-heaving, fierce he hurls
+  Full on his foe: he vomits gory floods;
+  Falls back, and strikes with dying head the earth.
+  Then Polydæmon falls, sprung from the blood
+  Of queen Semiramis; Lycetes brave,
+  The son of Spercheus; Abaris, who dwelt
+  On frozen Caucasus; and Helicen
+  With unshorn tresses; Phlegias; Clitus too;
+  Those with the rest beneath his weapon fall;
+  And on the rising heaps of dead he stands.
+  And fell Ampycus; Ceres' sacred priest,
+  His temples with a snow-white fillet bound.
+  Thou, O, Japetides! whose string to sound
+  Such discord knew not; but whose harp still tun'd,
+  The works of peace, in concord with thy voice;
+  Wast bidden here to celebrate the feast:
+  And cheer the nuptial banquet with thy song!
+  Him, when at distance Pettalus beheld,
+  Handling his peaceful instrument, he cry'd
+  In mocking laughter;--“go, and end thy song,
+  “Amid the Stygian ghosts,�--and instant plung'd
+  Through his left temple, his too deadly sword.
+  Sinking, his dying fingers caught the strings,
+  And, chance-directed, gave a mournful sound.
+  Not long the fierce Lycormas saw his fall
+  Without revenge: a massy bar of oak
+  From the right gate he tore, and on the bones
+  Behind the neck, the furious blow was aim'd:
+  Prone on the earth, like a crush'd ox he fell.
+  Pelates of Cinypheus, strove to rend
+  A like strong fastening from th' opposing door;
+  The dart of Corythus his tugging hand
+  Transfix'd, and nail'd him to the wood confin'd:
+  Here Abas, with his spear, deep pierc'd his side:
+  Nor dying fell he;--by the hand retain'd,
+  Firm to the post he hung. Melaneus fell.
+  The arms of Perseus aiding; Dorilas,
+  The wealthiest lord in Nasamonia's land,
+  Fell too beside him: rich was he in fields;
+  In wide extent no lands with his could vie;
+  Nor equal his in hoarded heaps of grain.
+  Obliquely in his groin, the missive spear
+  Stuck deep,--a mortal spot: his Bactrian foe
+  His rolling eyes beheld, and dying breath
+  In sobs convulsive flitting, and exclaim'd;--
+  “This spot thou pressest, now of all thy lands,
+  “Possess,�--and turning left the lifeless corse.
+  Avenging Perseus hurls at him the spear,
+  Torn from the smoking wound; the point, receiv'd
+  Full in the nostrils, pierces through the neck:
+  Before, behind, expos'd the weapon stands.
+
+    Now fortune aids his blows, the brother pair,
+  Clanis, and Clytius fall, by different wounds.
+  Hurl'd by his nervous arm, the ashen spear
+  Transfix'd the thighs of Clytius: Clanis dy'd
+  Biting the steel that pierc'd his mouth. Now fell
+  Mendesian Celadon; and Astreus borne
+  By Hebrew mother, to a doubtful sire.
+  Now dy'd Ethion, once deep skill'd to see
+  The future fates; now by his skill deceiv'd.
+  Thoactes, who the monarch's armor bore;
+  And base Agyrtes, murderer of his sire.
+  Crowds though he conquers, thickening crowds remain;
+  For all united wage on him the war.
+  In every quarter fight the press, conspir'd
+  To aid a cause to worth and faith oppos'd.
+  The sire, with useless piety,--the queen,
+  And new-made bride, the hero's party take;
+  And fill the hall with screams. The clang of arms,
+  And groans of dying men their screamings drown.
+  The houshold deities, polluted once,
+  The fierce Bellona bathes with gore again;
+  With double fury lighting up the war.
+
+    Now Phineus, followed by a furious throng
+  Surrounds him single; thicker fly their darts
+  Than wintry hail, on every side; his sight
+  They cloud, and deafening, whiz his ears around.
+  By crowds opprest, retreating, Perseus leans
+  His shoulders 'gainst a massive pillar's height;
+  And, safe behind, dares all the furious fight.
+  Chaonian Molpeus rushes on his left;
+  Ethemon, Nabathæan, on his right:
+  Thus a fierce tiger, urg'd by famine, hears
+  Combin'd the lowings of two different herds,
+  Far distant in the vale; in doubt he stands,
+  On this, or that to rush; and furious burns
+  On both at once to thunder. Perseus so,
+  To left and right inclin'd at once to bear,
+  Plerc'd first the thigh of Molpeus,--straight he fled
+  Unfollow'd; for Ethemon fiercely press'd.
+  He, furious aiming at the hero's neck,
+  With ill-directed strength, his weapon broke
+  Against a column;--back the shiver'd point
+  Sprung, and his throat transfix'd: slight was the wound;
+  To doom to death unable. Perseus plung'd
+  His mortal falchion, as the trembling wretch
+  His helpless arms extended, in his breast.
+  But now his valor Perseus found oppress'd
+  By crowds unequal, and aloud exclaim'd;--
+  “Since thus you force me, from my very foe
+  “More aid I'll ask;--my friends avert your eyes!�
+  Then shew'd the Gorgon's head. “Go, elsewhere seek,�
+  Said Thescelus,--“for those such sights may move:�--
+  The deadly javelin poising in his hand,
+  In act to throw, a marble form he stands,
+  In the same posture. Near him Ampyx rear'd,
+  Against the brave Lyncides' breast his sword;
+  His uprais'd hand was harden'd; here, or there,
+  To wave unable. Nileus now display'd
+  Seven argent streams upon a shield of gold;
+  False boasting offspring from the seven-mouth'd Nile;
+  And cry'd;--“Lo! Perseus, whence my race deriv'd;
+  “Down to the silent shades this solace bear
+  “By such a hand to die.� The final words
+  Were lost; his sounding voice abrupt was stay'd;
+  His open'd mouth still seem'd the words to form,
+  Incapable to utter. Eryx storm'd
+  At these, exclaiming;---“not the Gorgon's hairs
+  “Freeze ye, but your own trembling, dastard souls:
+  “Rush forth with me, and on the earth lay low,
+  “The youth who battles thus with magic arms.�
+  Fierce had he rush'd, but firmly fixt his feet
+  Held him to earth, a rigid, fasten'd stone;
+  A statue arm'd. These well their fate deserv'd,
+  But one, Aconteus, while in aid he fought
+  Of Perseus, sudden stood to stone congeal'd;
+  As star'd the Gorgon luckless in his face.
+  Him saw Astyages, but thought he liv'd;
+  And fierce attack'd him with a mighty sword.
+  Shrill tinkling sounds the blow: astonish'd stands
+  Astyages;--astonish'd seems the stone;
+  For while he stares, he too to marble turns.
+  Long were the tale, of each plebeïan death
+  To tell; two hundred still unhurt remain;
+  By Gorgon's head two hundred stiffen'd stand:
+  When Phineus seems the strife unjust to mourn.
+  But what to act remains? Around him crowd,
+  The forms of numerous friends: his friends he knows,
+  Their aid intreats, and calls on each by name:
+  Still doubting, seizes those his grasp can reach
+  And finds them stone! Averse he turns his eyes;
+  Raises his conscious arms and hands oblique,
+  And suppliant begs;--“go Perseus,--conqueror, go!
+  “Remove that dreadful monster,--bear away
+  “That stone-creating visage, Gorgon's head!
+  “Whate'er it be, I pray thee bear it hence.
+  “Nor hate, nor lust of empire, rais'd our arms
+  “Against thee;--for my wife alone we warr'd.
+  “Thy cause, by merit best; mine, but by time.
+  “Bravest of men, me much it grieves I e'er,
+  “Thy claim oppos'd: existence only give,
+  “All else be thine.� To him, as thus he begg'd,
+  Fearing his eyes, to whom he suppliant spoke
+  To turn;--“thou dastard, Phineus!� Perseus cry'd,--
+  “What I can grant, I will; and what I grant
+  “To souls like thine a mighty boon must seem.
+  “Dispel thy terror; rest from steel secure.
+  “Yet must a during monument remain,
+  “Still in the dwelling of my spouse's sire,
+  “Conspicuous. So my bride may daily see
+  “Her imag'd husband.� Speaking thus, he held
+  The Gorgon's head, where pallid, Phineus turn'd;
+  So turning stiffen'd stood the neck; so turn'd
+  Appear'd th' inverted eyes; the humid balls
+  To stone concreted. Still the timid look,
+  And suppliant face, and tame-petitioning arms,
+  And guilty awe-struck look, in stone remain'd.
+
+    Now victor, Abantiades re-seeks
+  His soil paternal, with his well-earn'd bride:
+  And in his undeserving grandsire's aid,
+  Avenging war on Prœtus he declares.
+  Prœtus then all Acrisius' cities held;
+  From each possession forc'd, his brother fled.
+  But arms, and battled towns, like ill-possess'd,
+  The head snake-curl'd, oblig'd at once to stoop.
+  Yet not the youth's bold valor, amply prov'd,
+  By all his brave atchievements; nor his toils
+  Thee, Polydectes, mov'd; who rul'd the isle,
+  The paltry isle, Seriphus; stubborn still,
+  Inexorable hatred thou maintain'st:
+  Endless against him burns thy rage unjust.
+  Nay, from his true deserts, thou would'st detract;
+  And swear'st Medusa's death a fiction form'd.
+  Then Perseus;--“thus if true I speak, or no,
+  “Experience. Close, my friends, your eyes!�--as forth,
+  He held the Gorgon;--bloodless stood the face
+  Of Polydectes, turn'd a marble form.
+
+    Thus far, Minerva aided side by side,
+  Her brother golden-born; then swiftly flew,
+  Wrapt in a cloud opaque; and distant left
+  Seriphus. On she flies, to right she leaves
+  Cythnos, and Gyaros; and cross the main
+  The shortest route she hastens; speeds to Thebes,
+  And seeks the Heliconian nymphs, whose mount
+  Alighting feels her first: the learned nine,
+  Thus she bespeaks;--“fame tells, a new-made spring,
+  “Burst from a blow the swift-wing'd horse's hoof
+  “Inflicted; lo! the cause I hither come.
+  “That steed I saw spring from his mother's blood:
+  “Fain would I this new prodigy behold.�
+  Urania gave reply. “O, maid divine!
+  “What cause soe'er has with thy presence grac'd.
+  “Our dwelling, proves to us a grateful boon.
+  “Fame speaks not false. Our fountain surely sprung
+  “Sole from Pegasus.� Speaking thus, she leads
+  The virgin goddess to the sacred streams:
+  Who long the spring admir'd;--the spring produc'd
+  From the hoof's blow:--around surveying views
+  The groves of ancient trees, the grots, the plants
+  Of ever-vary'd tint; and happy calls
+  The learned nymphs, who such a spot possess'd.
+  Then thus a sister;--“O, divinest maid!
+  “Our choir to join most worthy, did not aims
+  “Of loftier import tempt thy warlike soul,
+  “Right hast thou spoke; our habitation well,
+  “And well our arts thy highest praises claim.
+  “Blest were our lot, if still from danger free:
+  “But nought a villain's daring power restrains,
+  “And terror soon our virgin minds appals.
+  “Ev'n now the dread Pyreneus to my eyes
+  “Stands present: to its wonted calm not yet
+  “Restor'd my mind. With furious Thracian bands
+  “Daulis he conquer'd, and the Phocian fields;
+  “And held the sway unjust. Parnassus' fane
+  “We sought; th' usurper there beheld us pass,
+  “And feigning reverence for our power divine
+  “Worshipp'd, and then address'd us, whom he knew.
+  “Here, O! ye Muses, rest, nor dubious stand
+  “But straight beneath my sheltering roof avoid
+  “The cloudy heaven, and rain (for fast it shower'd)
+  “Oft mighty deities have enter'd roofs
+  “Less pompous.--By his invitation urg'd,
+  “And by the tempest, we accede and step
+  “Within the hall. The pelting showers now ceas'd,
+  “Auster by Boreas vanquish'd; fled the clouds
+  “Black lowering, and the face of heaven left clear:
+  “Anxious we wish to go: Pyreneus fast
+  “His dwelling closes, and rough force prepares:
+  “Wings we assume, and from his force escape.
+  “He, standing on the loftiest turret's top,
+  “Like us his flight about to wing, exclaims--
+  “A path you lead, that path will I pursue.
+  “Then madly from the tower's most lofty wall,
+  “Dash'd on his face he fell, and dying strew'd
+  “His shatter'd bones upon the blood-stain'd ground.�
+
+    As spoke the muse thus, loud and strong was heard,
+  Of fluttering pinions in the air the sound;
+  And hailing voices from high branches came.
+  Jove's daughter then around enquiring look'd
+  (The sounds she hears, so like the human voice,
+  From human voice she deems them) birds the sound
+  Emitted: magpies were they;--magpies nine:
+  Their doom lamenting, on the boughs they sate,
+  Aping in voice their neighbours all around.
+  Then to the wondering goddess, thus the muse
+  Explain'd: “These vanquish'd in the arduous strife
+  “Of song, to us submitting, swell the crowd
+  “Of feather'd fliers. In Pellenian lands
+  “Most rich was Pierus their sire; to him
+  “Evippé of Pæonia bore the nymphs;
+  “Nine times invoking great Lucina's aid.
+  “Vain of their number, proud the sister-crew,
+  “In folly journey'd through Thessalia's towns,
+  “And through the towns of Greece; when here arriv'd
+  “Thus to the test of power their words provoke:--
+  “At length desist to cheat the senseless crowd
+  “With harmony pretended, Thespian maids!
+  “With us contend, if faith your talents give
+  “For such a trial. Ye in voice and skill
+  “Surpass us not,--our numbers are the same.
+  “If vanquish'd, yield the Medusæan fount,
+  “And Hyantean Aganippé,--we
+  “If conquer'd, all Emanthæa's regions cede,
+  “Far as Pæonia's snows. The nymphs around
+  “The contest shall decide. Deep shame we felt
+  “Thus to contend, but deeper shame appear'd
+  “To yield without contention to their boast.
+  “The nymphs elected to adjudge the prize
+  “Swear by the floods; and on the living rock
+  “Seated, await to hear the rival songs.
+
+    “Then one, impatient who should first commence,
+  “Or we, or they, arises;--sings the war
+  “Of gods and giants; to the rebels gives
+  “False praises; and the high celestials' power
+  “Much under-rating, tells how Typhon, rais'd.
+  “From earth's most deep recesses, struck with fear
+  “All heaven: each god betook him straight to flight
+  “Far distant, till th' Egyptian land receiv'd
+  “Each weary'd foot, where Nile's dissever'd stream
+  “Pours in seven mouths. How earth-born Typhon here,
+  “They tell, pursu'd them; and each god, conceal'd
+  “In feign'd resemblance, cheated there his power.
+  “Jove, (so she sung) a leading ram became;
+  “(Whence still the Lybians form their Ammon horn'd)
+  “The crow Apollo hid: a goat the son
+  “Of Semelé became: Diana skulk'd
+  “In shape a cat: a snow-white cow conceal'd
+  “The form of Juno: Venus seem'd a fish:
+  “And 'neath an Ibis Hermes safely crouch'd.
+
+    “Thus far she mov'd her vocal lips; thus far
+  “Her lyre her voice attended: then they call
+  “For our Aönian song. But that to hear,
+  “Perchance your leisure suits not; pressing deeds
+  “Unlike our songs must more your time demand.�
+  Pallas replies;--“be hesitation far,
+  “And all your song from first commence relate.�
+  So saying, in the forest's pleasing shade
+  She rested; while the Muse proceeding, spoke.
+
+    “To one the sole contending task we give,
+  “Calliopé;--she rises, neatly bound,
+  “Her flowing tresses with an ivy wreath.
+  “With dexterous thumb the trembling strings she tries,
+  “Then to their quivering sounds this song subjoins.
+  “Ceres at first with crooked plough upturn'd
+  “The glebe; she first mild fruits and milder corn
+  “Gave to the earth; and rules to tend them gave:
+  “All gifts from her proceed. To her the song
+  “I raise. Would that my best exerted power,
+  “A song to suit thy least deserts could form,
+  “O, goddess! worthy of our loftiest praise.
+
+    “The vast Sicilian isle, with pressure huge
+  “Thrown o'er them, deep the limbs gigantic weighs
+  “Of huge Typhœus, who the heavenly throne
+  “Had dar'd to hope for: struggling oft he tries,
+  “His efforts, daily bent to lift his load:
+  “But hard Pelorus on his right hand lies,
+  “Ausonia facing; while Pachyné rests
+  “Heavy to left: wide o'er his giant thighs
+  “Spreads Lilybœum: Etna presses down
+  “His head; beneath whose crater, laid supine,
+  “From his hot mouth he ashes sends, and flames.
+  “Thus with his body labouring to remove
+  “The ponderous load of earth;--whole towns o'erwhelm;
+  “And lofty hills o'erturn; trembles the ground;
+  “And Hell's dread monarch fears a chasm should gape:
+  “And through the opening wide his realm display:
+  “The trembling ghosts with light un'custom'd scar'd.
+  “The shock to meet expecting, starts the king
+  “Quick from his cloudy throne; and in his car
+  “Borne by his sable steeds, with care surveys
+  “Sicilia's deep foundations; wide around
+  “Exploring all; then with his toils content,
+  “No ruin'd part detected, flings aside
+  “Each apprehension. Strolling now at ease,
+  “Him Venus from the Erycinian hill
+  “Espy'd; and to her feather'd son, who lay
+  “Clasp'd in her arms, exclaim'd;--O, Cupid! son!
+  “My sole assistant! sole defence and aid!
+  “Seize now that weapon which o'er all has sway,
+  “That piercing dart,--and deep within the breast
+  “Of the dark god whose lot was given to rule
+  “The nether regions of the triple realm,
+  “Bury it. All the gods thy might confess;
+  “Ev'n Jove himself. The ocean powers allow
+  “Thy rule, and he whom Ocean's powers obey.
+  “Why then should Tartarus alone evade
+  “Thy thrall? Why not my empire and thine own
+  “With that complete? Of all the world's extent
+  “A third is stak'd. Nay more, our utmost power,
+  “Heaven our own seat contemns;--thy potent sway,
+  “And mine alike impair'd. Behold'st thou not
+  “Minerva, with the quiver-bearing maid
+  “Deserting me? Thus will the blooming child
+  “Of Ceres, if we grant it, still remain
+  “Inviolate a virgin;--thither tend
+  “Her anxious hopes. But thou, if dear thou hold'st
+  “Our mutual realm, the virgin goddess link
+  “In union with her uncle.--Venus spoke:
+  “His quiver he unlooses; from the heap
+  “Of darts, by her directed, one selects,
+  “Than which none bore a keener point; than which,
+  “None flew more certain,--trusty to the string.
+  “Bends to his knee the yielding horn, then sends
+  “Through Pluto's heart the bearded arrow sure.
+  “Not far from Enna's walls, a lake expands
+  “Profound in watery stores, Pergusa nam'd:
+  “Not ev'n Caïsters' murmuring stream e'er heard
+  “The songster-swans more frequent. Woods o'ertop
+  “The waters, rising round on every side;
+  “And veil from Phœbus' rays the surface cool.
+  “A shade the branches form; the moist earth round,
+  “Produces purple flowers: perpetual spring
+  “Here reigns. While straying sportive in this grove
+  “Here Proserpine the violet cropp'd, and here
+  “The lily fair; with childish ardor warm'd
+  “Her bosom filling, and her basket high:
+  “Proud to surpass her comrades all around
+  “In skilful culling, she herself was seen;
+  “Was chosen, and by Dis was snatch'd away.
+  “Love urg'd him to the deed. Th' affrighted maid,
+  “Loud on her mother, and her comrades call'd;
+  “But chief her mother, with lamenting shrieks.
+  “Then as her robe she rent, the well-cull'd flowers
+  “Slipp'd through the loosen'd folds: e'en this (so great
+  “Her girlish innocence) her tears increas'd.
+  “Swiftly the robber speeds his car along
+  “Urging his steeds' exertions each by name;
+  “'Bove their high manes and necks the rusty reins
+  “Rattling, as o'er the wide Palician lake,
+  “Where the cleft earth with sulphur boils, he whirls:
+  “And where the Bacchiads, from the double sea
+  “Of Corinth wandering, rais'd their lofty walls;
+  “'Twixt two unequal havens. Midst, the stream,
+  “Pisæan Arethusa, and the lake
+  “Of Cyané are seen, close round embrac'd
+  “By narrowing horns. This Cyané was once,
+  “Of all Sicilia's nymphs, the fairest deem'd;
+  “Who gave the lake her name. She to the waist
+  “Uprais'd, amidst the waters stood, and knew
+  “The god, and,--here thy speed must stay,--exclaim'd;
+  “Nor e'er of Ceres hope the son-in-law
+  “'Gainst her consent to be: beseechings bland,
+  “Not rugged rape, thy purpos'd hope might gain.
+  “If lofty things with low I durst compare,
+  “Anapis lov'd me; but the nuptial couch,
+  “I press'd, entreated,--not as thus in dread.
+  “She said;--her arms extended wide, and stopp'd
+  “His course. The angry son of Saturn flames
+  “Swelling with rage; exhorts his furious steeds;
+  “Throws with a forceful arm, and buries deep
+  “His regal sceptre in the lowest gulph:
+  “Wide gapes the stricken earth; an opening gives
+  “To hell, and headlong down, the car descends.
+
+    Now equal Cyané the goddess mourns,
+  “So forc'd; and her own sacred stream despis'd;
+  “A cureless wound her silent breast contains;
+  “And all in tears she wastes: lost in those waves,
+  “Where lately sovereign goddess she had rul'd.
+  “Soft grow her limbs, and flexile seem her bones;
+  “Her nails their hardness lose. The tenderest parts.
+  “Melt into water long before the rest:
+  “Her tresses green; her fingers, legs, and feet.
+  “Quickly this change the smaller limbs perceive,
+  “To cooling rills transform'd. Next after these,
+  “Her back, her shoulders, breasts, and sides dissolve,
+  “And vanish all in streams. A limpid flood
+  “Now fills the veins that once in purple flow'd;
+  “Nought of the nymph to fill the grasp remains.
+
+    “Meantime the trembling mother through the earth,
+  “And o'er the main, the goddess vainly sought.
+  “Aurora rising, with her locks of gold;
+  “Nor Hesper sinking, saw her labors cease.
+  “With either hand at Etna's flaming mouth,
+  “A torch she lighted, restless these she bore
+  “In dewy darkness. Then renew'd again
+  “Her labor, till fair day made blunt the stars;
+  “From Sol's first rising till his evening fall.
+  “Weary'd at length, and parch'd with thirst,--no stream
+  “Her lips to moisten nigh, by chance she spy'd
+  “A straw-thatch'd cot, and knock'd the humble door.
+  “An ancient dame thence stepp'd,--the goddess saw,
+  “And brought her, (who for water simply crav'd)
+  “A pleasing draught where roasted grain had boil'd.
+  “Swallowing the gift presented, rudely came
+  “A brazen-fronted boy, and facing stood:
+  “Then laughing mock'd to see her greedy drink.
+  “Angry grew Ceres, all the offer'd draught,
+  “Yet unconsum'd, she drench'd him as he jeer'd,
+  “With barley mixt with liquid: straight his face
+  “The spots imbib'd; and what but now as arms
+  “He bore, as legs he carries; to his limbs
+  “Thus chang'd, a tail is added; shrunk in size,
+  “Small is his power to harm; shorter he seems
+  “Than the small lizard. Swift away he fled
+  “(As, wondering, weeping, try'd the dame to clasp
+  “His changing form) and gain'd a sheltering hole.
+  “Well suits his star-like skin the name he bears.
+
+    “Long were the tale to tell, what tracts of land
+  “What tracts of sea, the wandering goddess pass'd.
+  “Earth now no spot unsearch'd affording, back
+  “To Sicily she turns; with close research
+  “Each part exploring, till at length she comes
+  “To Cyané; who all the tale had told
+  “If still unchang'd: much as she wish'd to speak
+  “Nor lips, nor tongue can aid her; nought remains
+  “Speech to afford. Yet plain a sign she gives,
+  “The zone of Proserpine upon her waves
+  “Light floating; in the sacred stream it fell;--
+  “Dropt as she pass'd the place. Well Ceres knew
+  “The sight, and then--as then her loss first known,
+  “Tore her dishevell'd tresses, beat her breast
+  “With blows on blows redoubled. Still unknown
+  “The spot that holds her, every part of earth
+  “Blaming, ungrateful, worthless of her fruits.
+  “But chief Trinacria, in whose isle was found
+  “The vestige of her loss. For this she breaks
+  “With furious hand the glebe up-turning plough:
+  “And angry, to an equal death she dooms,
+  “The tiller and his ox: forbids the fields
+  “Back to return th' entrusted grain; the seeds
+  “All rotting. Now that fertile land, renown'd
+  “Through the wide earth, lies useless; all the grain
+  “Dies in the earliest shoots: now scorching rays;
+  “Now floods of rain destroy it: noxious stars
+  “Now harm; now blighting winds: and hungry birds
+  “The scatter'd seed devour: the darnel springs,
+  “The thistle, and the knot-grass thick, which choke
+  “The sprouting wheat, and make the harvest void.
+
+    “Now Arethusa from th' Eleian waves
+  “Exalts her head; her dropping tresses flung
+  “Back from her forehead, parting shade her ears:
+  “And thus;--O goddess! mother of the maid,
+  “So sought through earth, mother of all earth's fruits!
+  “Cease now thy toilsome labor; cease thine ire,
+  “Against the land that prov'd to thee so true:
+  “Thine ire unmerited; unwilling she,
+  “Op'd for the spoil a passage. Hither I
+  “No suppliant for my native isle approach;
+  “An alien here sojourning. Pisa's land
+  “My country; there near Elis first I sprung:
+  “A stranger now in Sicily I dwell.
+  “This soil, more grateful far than is my own;
+  “This soil, where I my houshold gods have plac'd;
+  “I, Arethusa, and have fix'd my seat,
+  “Preserve, mild goddess! Why I chang'd my land,
+  “Why to Ortygia, through the wide waves borne,
+  “I came, a more appropriate hour will ask;
+  “When you, from care reliev'd, can grant your ear
+  “With brow unclouded. Through the opening earth
+  “I flow; and borne through subterraneous depths,
+  “Here lift again my head, again behold
+  “The long-lost stars. Hence was my lot to see,
+  “As pass'd my stream close by the Stygian gulph,
+  “Your Proserpine;--sad still her face appear'd,
+  “Nor fear had wholly left it. Yet she reigns
+  “A queen; the mightiest in the realm of shade,
+  “The powerful consort of th' infernal king.
+
+    “Like marble at the words the mother stands,
+  “Stupid with grief; and long astounded seems:
+  “Sorrow by heavier sorrow now surpass'd.
+  “Then in her chariot mounts th' ethereal sky,
+  “And stands indignant at th' imperial throne;
+  “Her locks wild flowing, and her face in clouds.
+  “Lo! here a suppliant, Jove,--she cry'd,--I come,
+  “To beg for her, my daughter and thine own;
+  “For if no favor may the mother find,
+  “The daughter's claim may move. Let not thy child
+  “Deserve thy care the less, as born of me.
+  “Lo! my lost maid, so long, so vainly sought
+  “At length is found; if finding we may call
+  “A surer loss; if finding we may call
+  “The knowledge where she is. Her ravish'd charms
+  “I'll pardon; let him but my child restore.
+  “What though a robber might my daughter wed,
+  “Thine sure is worthy of a different mate!
+  “Then Jove;--our daughter, our dear mutual pledge,
+  “As yours, so mine, demands our mutual care.
+  “But rightly still affairs if we design,
+  “What you lament will no injustice prove;
+  “Love only. Sure, a son-in-law like him,
+  “Can ne'er degrade, will you consent but yield.
+  “Grant nought beyond,--'tis no such trivial boast,
+  “Jove's brother to be call'd! How then, if more
+  “I claim pre-eminence from chance alone!
+  “Still, if so obstinate your wish remains
+  “For separation, go,--let Proserpine
+  “To heaven return, on this condition strict,
+  “Her lips no food have touch'd. So will the fates.
+  “He ceas'd.--Glad Ceres, certain to regain
+  “Her daughter, knew not what the fates forbade.
+  “Her fast was broken; thoughtless as she stray'd
+  “Around the garden, from a bending tree
+  “She pluck'd a fair pomegranate, and seven seeds
+  “From the pale rind she pick'd, and ate. None saw
+  “Save one, Ascalaphus, the luckless deed;
+  “Whom Orphné, fam'd Avernus' nymphs among,
+  “To Acheron, long since, 'tis said, produc'd
+  “Beneath a dusky cave. He, cruel, told;
+  “And his discovery stay'd the hop'd return.
+
+    “Much wept the queen of Pluto, but she chang'd
+  “The vile informer to an hideous shape:
+  “Sprinkled with streams of Phlegethon, his head
+  “Feather'd appears, with beak, and monstrous eyes;
+  “Spoil'd of his shape, with yellow feathers cloth'd:
+  “Large grows his head; bent are his lengthen'd nails;
+  “Scarcely he moves the pinions which are shot
+  “Light from his lazy arms. A filthy bird
+  “Becoming;--constant presager of woe;
+  “An owl inactive; omen dire to man.
+
+    “Well he by his informing tongue deserv'd,
+  “His doom, but Acheloïdes, from whence
+  “Your wings, and bird-like feet, whilst still you bear
+  “Your virgin features? Was it that you mix'd,
+  “When Proserpine the vernal flowers would cull,
+  “Amidst her numerous train? The nymph you sought
+  “Through earth's extent in vain; that ocean too
+  “Your anxious search might scape not, straight you pray'd
+  “For waving wings to winnow o'er the deep;
+  “And favouring gods you found. Of golden hue
+  “Quick-shooting wings your arms you saw bespread;
+  “But lest your inbred song, which every ear
+  “Had charm'd; and lest your highly-gifted voice,
+  “Your tongue should fail to use;--a virgin face,
+  “And speech yet human are indulg'd you still.
+
+    “Now Jove as umpire 'twixt the angry pair
+  “His mourning sister, and his brother, bids
+  “The year revolving either side oblige:
+  “Now will the goddess, mutual in each realm,
+  “Six months with Ceres dwell in heaven; and six
+  “Reign with her spouse in hell. Straight were perceiv'd
+  “The goddess' countenance, and demeanour chang'd.
+  “For now her forehead, which had still retain'd,
+  “(To Pluto even) a sad and sorrowing gloom,
+  “Gladden'd: so Phœbus long in cloudy shade
+  “Envelop'd, shines, their umbrous veil dispers'd.
+  “Now Ceres calm, her daughter safe regain'd,
+  “Enquires:--O Arethusa! say the cause,
+  “Which hither brought thee; why a sacred fount?
+  “Hush'd were the waves; and from the lowest depths
+  “The goddess rais'd her head; and as she told,
+  “The old amours the flood of Elis knew,
+  “Press'd out the water from her tresses green.
+
+    “Once with the nymphs, that on Achaïa's hills
+  “Rove, was I seen; none closer beat than I
+  “The thickets; none than I more skilful spread
+  “Th' ensnaring net. Yet though no fame I sought
+  “For beauty; though robust, I bore the name
+  “Of beauteous. Whilst the constant theme of praise,
+  “My features fair, to me no pleasure gave;
+  “What other nymphs inspire with joyful pride,
+  “Corporeal charms, did but my blushes raise.
+  “To please I thought a crime. Once tir'd with sport,
+  “The Stymphalidian forest I had left:
+  “Warm was the day; I with redoubled heat,
+  “Glow'd from my toil. A gliding stream I found
+  “By ripplings undisturb'd; silent and smooth
+  “It flow'd; so clear, that every stone was seen
+  “On the deep bottom; gently crept the waves;
+  “To creep scarce seeming; o'er the shelving banks
+  “The stream-fed poplar, and the willow hoar,
+  “A grateful shadow cast. The brink I reach'd
+  “Dipp'd first my feet, then waded to my knee;
+  “Not yet content, I loos'd my zone, and hung
+  “Upon a bending osier my soft robe:
+  “Then naked plung'd amid the stream; the waves
+  “Beating, and sporting in a thousand shapes;
+  “My arms around in every posture flung;
+  “A strange unusual murmur seem'd to sound,
+  “Deep from the bottom; terror-struck I gain'd
+  “The nearest brink;--when,--whither dost thou fly?
+  “O, Arethusa? whither dost thou fly?
+  “Alphæus, from his waters, hoarse exclaim'd!
+  “Vestless I fled, for on th' opposing bank
+  “My garment hung. Fiercer the god pursu'd;
+  “Fiercer he burn'd, all naked as I ran:
+  “Prepar'd more ready for his force I seem'd.
+  “Such was my flight, and such was his pursuit;
+  “As when on trembling wings, before the hawk
+  “Fly the mild doves: as when the hawk fierce drives
+  “The trembling doves before him. Long the chase
+  “I bore; Orchomenus, and Psophis soon
+  “I pass'd, and pass'd Cyllené, and the caves
+  “Of Mænalus, and Erymanthus' frosts,
+  “To Elis, ere his speed could cope with mine.
+  “In strength unequal, I sustain'd no more
+  “The toilsome race; he stouter flagg'd less soon.
+  “But still o'er plains I ran; o'er mountains thick
+  “With forests clad; o'er stones, and rugged rocks;
+  “And pathless spots. Behind me Phœbus shone.
+  “I saw, if fear deceiv'd me not, far spread
+  “His shade before me. What could less deceive,
+  “I heard his footsteps; and his breath full strong
+  “Blew on my banded tresses. Weary'd, faint
+  “With the long flight, I cry'd;--Dictynna, chaste!
+  “Lost am I,--help a quiver-bearing nymph,
+  “One who thy bow has oft entrusted borne;
+  “And oft thy quiver, loaded full with darts.
+  “Mov'd was the goddess; from the darkest clouds
+  “She one selected, and around me threw.
+  “The river-god, about the misty veil
+  “Pry'd anxious; and unwitting deeply grop'd
+  “Within the hollow cloud! Unconscious, twice
+  “The spot he compass'd, where Diana thought
+  “My safety surest; twice he then aloud
+  “Ho! Arethusa,--Arethusa! call'd:--
+  “What terror seiz'd my soul! not less the dread
+  “Of lambs, when round the sheltering fold they hear
+  “The wolves loud howling: or the trembling hare
+  “Close in a bramble hid, who sees approach
+  “The wide-mouth'd, hostile hounds, and fears to move.
+  “Further he pass'd not, for beyond the place
+  “No footsteps he discern'd, but guarding watch'd
+  “Around the mist. So closely thus besieg'd,
+  “My limbs a cold sweat seiz'd; cerulean drops
+  “Fell from my body; when my feet I mov'd,
+  “A pool remain'd; fast dropp'd my hair in dew;
+  “And speedier than the wonderous tale I tell,
+  “Chang'd to a stream I flow'd. But soon the god,
+  “Knew his lov'd waters; laid the man aside,
+  “And straight assum'd his proper watery form;
+  “With mine to mingle. Dian' cleft the ground;
+  “Sinking, through caverns dark I held my way;
+  “And reach'd Ortygia, from the goddess nam'd;
+  “There first ascending view'd the upper skies.
+
+    “Here Arethusa ceas'd. Then Ceres yokes
+  “The coupled dragons to her car, their mouths
+  “Curb'd by the reins; and through the air is borne,
+  “Midway 'twixt heaven and earth. At Pallas' town
+  “Arriv'd, Triptolemus the car ascends,
+  “By her commission'd;--bade to spread the seed
+  “Entrusted: part on ground untill'd before;
+  “And part on land which long had fallow laid.
+  “O'er Europe now, and Asia's lands, the youth
+  “Sublimely sails, and reaches Scythia's clime,
+  “Where Lyncus rul'd. Beneath the monarch's roof,
+  “Here enter'd; and to him, who curious sought
+  “How there he journey'd; what his journey's cause;
+  “His name, and country; thus the youth reply'd.--
+  “Athens the fam'd, my country; and my name
+  “Triptolemus: but neither o'er the main,
+  “Borne in a ship, nor travelling slow by land,
+  “I hither came; my path was through the air.
+  “I bring the gift of Ceres; scatter'd wide
+  “Through all your spacious fields, quickly restor'd
+  “In fruitful crops the wholesome food will spring.
+  “The barbarous monarch, envious he should bear
+  “So great a blessing, takes him for his guest,
+  “And when with sleep weigh'd down attacks him. Rais'd
+  “To pierce his bosom, was the sword;--just then
+  “The wretch, by Ceres, to a lynx was turn'd.
+  “Then mounts again the youth, and through the air
+  “Bids him once more the sacred dragons steer.
+
+    “Our chosen champion ended here her lays,
+  “And all the nymphs unanimous, exclaim'd;--
+  “The Heliconian goddesses have gain'd.
+  “Vanquish'd, the others rail'd. When she resum'd:--
+  “Is not your punishment enough deserv'd?
+  “Foil'd in the contest, must you swell your crime,
+  “With base revilings? Patient now no more,
+  “To punish we begin; what anger bids,
+  “We now perform.--Loud laugh'd the scornful maids,
+  “Our threatening words despis'd, and strove to speak,
+  “And clapp'd with outcries menacing, their hands.
+  “When from their fingers shooting plumes they spy;
+  “And feathers shade their arms; her sister's face,
+  “Each sees to harden in an horny beak;
+  “To beat their bosoms trying with rais'd arms,
+  “In air suspended, on those arms they move;
+  “The new-shap'd birds the sylvan tribes increase:
+  “Magpies, the scandal of the grove. Thus chang'd,
+  “Their former eloquence they still maintain,
+  “In hoarse garrulity, and empty noise.�
+
+
+
+
+*The Sixth Book.*
+
+
+    Trial of skill betwixt Pallas and Arachné. Transformation of
+    Arachné to a spider. Pride of Niobé. Her children slain by Apollo
+    and Diana. Her change to marble. The Lycian peasants changed to
+    frogs. Fate of Marsyas. Pelops. Story of Tereus, Procné, and
+    Philomela. Their change to birds. Boreas and Orithyïa. Birth of
+    Zethes and Calaïs.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Sixth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Minerva pleas'd attention to the muse,
+  While thus she spoke afforded; prais'd the song,
+  And prais'd the just resentment of the maids.
+  Then to herself;--“the vengeance others take,
+  “Merely to praise were mean. I too should claim
+  “Like praise, for like revenge; nor longer bear
+  “My power contemn'd, by who unpunish'd live.�
+  And on Arachné, fair Mæönian maid,
+  She turns her vengeful mind; whose skill she heard
+  Rivall'd her own in labors of the loom.
+  No fame her natal town, no fame her sire
+  On her bestow'd; her skill conferr'd renown.
+  Idmon of Colophon, her humble sire
+  Soak'd in the Phocian dye the spongy wool.
+  Her mother, late deceas'd, from lowest stock,
+  Had sprung; and wedded with an equal mate.
+  Yet had she gain'd through all the Lydian towns
+  For skill a mighty fame. Though born so low,
+  Though small Hypæpe was her sole abode,
+  Oft would the nymphs the vine-clad Tmolus leave
+  To view her wonderous work. Oft would the nymphs
+  In admiration quit Pactolus' waves.
+  Nor pleasure only gave the finish'd robe,
+  When view'd; but while she work'd she gave delight;
+  Such comely grace in every turn appear'd.
+  Whether she rounded into balls the wool;
+  Or with her fingers mollify'd the fleece;
+  And comb'd it floating light in cloudy waves;
+  Or her smooth spindle twirl'd with agile thumb;
+  Or with her needle painted: plain was seen
+  Her skill from Pallas learnt. This to concede
+  Unwilling, she ev'n such a tutor scorn'd
+  Exclaiming:--“come let her the contest try;
+  “If vanquish'd, let her fix my well-earn'd fate.�
+
+    Pallas, an ancient matron's form conceals;
+  Grey hairs thin strew her temples, and a staff
+  Supports her tottering limbs; while thus she speaks:--
+  “Old age though little priz'd, much good attends;
+  “Experience always grows with lengthen'd years:
+  “Spurn not my admonition. Great thy fame,
+  “Midst mortals, for the wonders of the loom.
+  “Great may it be, but to immortals yield:
+  “Bold nymph retract, and pardon for thy words,
+  “With suppliant voice require; Pallas will grant.�
+  Sternly the damsel views her; quits the threads
+  Unfinish'd; scarce her hand from force restrains:
+  And rage in all her features flushing fierce,
+  Thus to the goddess, well-disguis'd, she speaks:--
+  “Weak dotard, spent with too great gift of years,
+  “Curst with too long existence, hence, begone!
+  “Such admonition to thy daughters give,
+  “If daughters hast thou; or thy sons have wives:
+  “Enough for me my inbred wisdom serves.
+  “Hope not, that ought thy vain advice has sway'd
+  “My purpose; still my challenge holds the same.
+  “Why comes your goddess not? why shuns she still
+  “The trying contest?� Then the goddess,--“Lo!
+  “She comes,�--and flung her aged form aside,
+  Minerva's form displaying. Every nymph,
+  And every dame Mygdonian, lowly bent
+  In veneration. While Arachné sole
+  Stood stedfast, unalarm'd; but yet she blush'd.
+  A sudden flush her angry face deep ting'd,
+  But sudden faded pale. A ruddy glow
+  Thus teints the early sky, when first the morn
+  Arises; quickly from the solar ray
+  Paling to brightness. On her purpos'd boast
+  Still stubborn bent, she obstinately courts
+  Her sure destruction, for the empty hope
+  Of conquest in the strife so madly urg'd.
+  No more Jove's maid refuses, gives no more
+  Her empty admonitions, nor delays
+  The contest: each her station straight assumes,
+  Tighten each web; each slender thread prepare.
+  Firm to the beam the cloth is fix'd; the reed
+  The warp divides, with pointed shuttle, swift
+  Gliding between; which quick their fingers throw,
+  Quick extricate, and with the toothy comb
+  Firm press'd between the warp, the threads unite.
+  Both hasten now; their garments round them girt,
+  Their skilful hands they ply: their toil forgot
+  In anxious wish for conquest. There appear'd,
+  The wool of Tyrian dye, and softening teints
+  Lost imperceptible. So seems the arch
+  Coloring a spacious portion of the sky;
+  Struck by the rays of Phœbus, when the showers
+  Recede, a thousand varying tinges shine;
+  The soft transition mocks the straining eye,
+  So like the shades which join, though far distinct
+  Their distant teints. In slender threads they twist
+  The pliant gold, and in the web display,
+  Each as she works, an ancient story fair.
+  Minerva paints the rock of Mars so fam'd
+  In Cecrops' city, and the well-known strife
+  To name the town. Twice six celestials sate
+  On their high thrones, great Jupiter around
+  In gravity majestic; every god
+  Bore his celestial features. Jove appear'd
+  In royal dignity. The Ocean power
+  Standing she pictur'd, with his trident huge
+  Smiting the rugged rock; from the cleft stone
+  Leap'd forth a steed; and thence the town to name
+  The privilege he claim'd. Herself she paints
+  Shielded, and arm'd with keenly-pointed spear.
+  Helm'd was her head; her breast the Ægis bore.
+  Struck by her spear, the earth a hoary tree
+  She shews producing, loaded thick with fruit.
+  The wondering gods the gift admire; the prize
+  To her awarded, ends the glorious work.
+
+    More, that the daring rival of her art,
+  Should learn experimental, what reward
+  Her mad attempt might hope, four parts she adds;
+  And every part a test of power presents:
+  Bright the small figures in her colors shine.
+  This angle Thracian Rhodopé contains,
+  With Hæmus; both their mortal bodies now,
+  To frozen mountains chang'd; whose lofty pride
+  Assum'd the titles of celestial powers.
+  Another corner held the wretched fate
+  Felt by Pygmæa's matron; Juno bade
+  Her vanquish'd rival soar aloft a crane;
+  And on her people wage continual war.
+  Antigoné, she paints;--audacious she
+  With Jove's imperial consort durst contend;
+  By Jove's imperial queen she flits a bird:
+  Nor aids her Ilium ought; nor aids her sire,
+  Laömedon;--upborne on snowy wings,
+  A stork she rises; loud with chattering bill
+  She noises. In the sole remaining part,
+  Was childless Cynaras, in close embrace,
+  Grasping the temple's steps, his daughters once;
+  And as he lies extended on the stone,
+  In marble seems to weep. Around the piece
+  She spreads the peaceful olive: all complete
+  Her work is ended with her favorite tree.
+
+    Arachné paints Europa, by a bull
+  Deceiv'd; the god a real bull appears;
+  And real seem the waves. She, backward turn'd,
+  Views the receding shore, and seems to shriek
+  Loud to her lost companions; seems to dread
+  The dashing waves, and timid shrinks her feet.
+  She draws Asteria, by the god o'er-power'd,
+  Cloth'd in an eagle. Leda, fair she lays
+  Beneath his wings, when he a swan appears.
+  She adds how Jove beneath a Satyr's shape
+  Conceal'd, the beauteous child of Nycteus fill'd,
+  With a twin-offspring. In Amphytrion's form
+  Alcmena, thou wert press'd. A golden shower
+  Danaë deceiv'd. A flame Ægina caught.
+  A shepherd's shape Mnemosyné beguil'd.
+  And fair Deöis trusts a speckled snake.
+  Thee, Neptune, too she painted, for the maid
+  Æolian, to a threatening bull transform'd.
+  Thou, as Enipeus, didst the Aloïd twins
+  Beget. Beneath the semblance of a ram,
+  Theophané was cheated. Ceres mild,
+  Of grain inventress, with her yellow locks,
+  In shape a courser felt thy ardent love.
+  Medusa, mother of the flying steed,
+  Nymph of the snaky tresses, in a bird
+  Conceal'd, you forc'd. Melantho in a fish.
+  To these the damsel, all well-suiting forms
+  Dispens'd, and all well-suiting scenes attend.
+  And there Apollo in a herdsman's guise
+  Wanders. And now he soars a plumy hawk:
+  Now stalks a lordly lion. As a swain
+  Macarean Isse, felt his amorous guile,
+  Erigoné to Bacchus' flame was dup'd
+  Beneath a well-seem'd grape. Saturn produc'd
+  The Centaur doubly-shap'd, in form a steed.
+  Her web's extremes a slender border girt,
+  Where flowery wreathes, and twining ivy blend.
+
+    Not Pallas,--not even envy's rankling soul
+  Could blame the work. The bright immortal griev'd
+  To view her rival's merit, angry tore
+  The picture glowing with celestial crimes.
+  A boxen shuttle, grasping in her hand,
+  Thrice on the forehead of th' Idmonian maid
+  She struck. No more Arachné, hapless bore,
+  But twisted round her neck with desperate pride
+  A cord. The deed Minerva pitying saw
+  And check'd her rash suspension.--“Impious wretch!
+  “Still live,� she cry'd, “but still suspended hang;
+  “Curs'd to futurity, for all thy race,
+  “Thy sons and grandsons, to the latest day
+  “Alike shall feel the sentence.� Speaking thus,
+  The juice of Hecat's baleful plant she throws:
+  Instant besprinkled by the noxious drops,
+  Her tresses fall; her nose and ears are lost;
+  Her body shrinks; her head is lessen'd more;
+  Her slender fingers root within her sides,
+  Serving as legs; her belly forms the rest;
+  From whence her thread she still derives and spins:
+  Her art pursuing in the spider's shape.
+
+    All Lydia rung; the wonderous rumor spread
+  Through every Phrygian town; the tale employ'd
+  The tongues of all mankind. The nymph was known,
+  Ere yet Amphion's nuptial bed she press'd,
+  To Niobé. She, when a virgin dwelt
+  In Lydian Sipylus. She still unmov'd,
+  Arachné's neighboring fate not heeded, still
+  Proudly refus'd before the gods to bend;
+  And spoke in haughty boasting. Much her pride
+  By favoring gifts was swol'n. Not the fine skill
+  Amphion practis'd; not the lofty birth
+  Each claim'd; not all their mighty kingdom's power,
+  So rais'd her soul (of all though justly proud)
+  As her bright offspring. Justly were she call'd
+  Most blest of mothers; but her bliss too great
+  Seem'd to herself, and caus'd a dread reverse.
+
+    Now Manto, sprung from old Tiresias, skill'd
+  In future fate, impell'd by power divine,
+  In every street with wild prophetic tongue
+  Exclaim'd;--“Ye Theban matrons, haste in crowds,
+  “Your incense offer, and your pious prayers,
+  “To great Latona, and the heavenly twins,
+  “Latona's offspring; all your temples bound
+  “With laurel garlands. This the goddess bids;
+  “Through me commands it.� All of Thebes obey,
+  And gird their foreheads with the order'd leaves;
+  The incense burn, and with the sacred flames
+  Their pious prayers ascend. Lo! 'midst a crowd
+  Of nymphs attendant, far conspicuous seen;
+  Comes Niobé, in gorgeous Phrygian robe,
+  Inwrought with gold, attir'd. Beauteous her form,
+  Beauteous, as rage permitted. Angry shook
+  Her graceful head; and angry shook the locks
+  That o'er each shoulder wav'd. Proudly she tower'd.
+  Her haughty eyes, round from her lofty stand
+  Wide darting, cry'd;--“What madness this to place
+  “Reported gods above the gods you see!
+  “Why to Latona's altars bend ye low,
+  “Nor incense burn before my power divine?
+  “My sire, was Tantalus: of mortals sole,
+  “Celestial feasts he shar'd. A Pleiäd nymph
+  “Me bore. My grandsire is the mighty king,
+  “Whose shoulders all the load of heaven sustain.
+  “Jove is my father's parent: him I boast
+  “As sire-in-law too. All the Phrygian towns
+  “Bend to my sway. The hall of Cadmus owns
+  “Me sovereign mistress. Thebes' high towering walls,
+  “Rais'd by my consort's lute; and all the crowd
+  “Who dwell inclos'd, his rule and mine obey.
+  “Where'er within my palace turn mine eyes,
+  “Treasures immense I view. Brightness divine
+  “I boast: to all seven blooming daughters add,
+  “And seven fair sons; through whom I soon expect,
+  “If Hymen favors, seven more sons to see,
+  “And seven more daughters. Need ye further seek
+  “Whence I have cause for boasting. Dare ye still
+  “Latona, from Titanian Cæus sprung,--
+  “The unknown Cæus,--she to whom all earth
+  “In bearing pangs the smallest space deny'd:--
+  “This wretch to my divinity prefer?
+  “Not heaven your goddess would receive; not earth;
+  “Not ocean: exil'd from the world, she weep'd,
+  “Till Delos sorrowing,--wanderer like herself,
+  “Exclaim'd;--thou dreary wanderest o'er the earth,
+  “I, o'er the main;--and sympathizing thus,
+  “A resting spot afforded. There become
+  “Of two the mother, only--can she vie
+  “With one whose womb, has sevenfold hers surpass'd?
+  “Blest am I. Who can slightly e'er arraign
+  “To happiness my claim? Blest will I still
+  “Continue. Who my bliss can ever doubt?
+  “Abundance guards its surety. Far beyond
+  “The power of fortune is my lot uprais'd:
+  “Snatch them in numbers from me, crowds more great
+  “Must still remain. My happy state contemns
+  “Even now, the threats of danger. Grant the power
+  “Of fate this nation of my womb to thin,--
+  “Of part depriv'd, impossible I shrink
+  “To poor Latona's two. How scant remov'd
+  “From mothers childless! Quit your rites;--quick haste
+  “And tear those garlands from your flowing hair.�
+
+    Aside the garlands thrown, and incomplete,
+  The rites relinquish'd, what the Thebans could
+  They gave: their whispering prayers the matron dame
+  Address'd. With ire the angry goddess flam'd,
+  And thus on Cynthus' lofty top bespoke
+  Her double offspring:--“O, my children! see,
+  “Your parent, proud your parent to be call'd,--
+  “To no celestial yielding, save the queen
+  “Of Jove supreme. Lo! doubted is my claim
+  “To rites divine; and from the altars, burnt
+  “To me from endless ages, driven, I go;
+  “Save by my children succour'd. Nor this grief
+  “Alone me irks, for Niobé me mocks!--
+  “Her daring crime increasing, proud she sets
+  “Her offspring far 'bove you. Me too she spurns,--
+  “To her in number yielding; childless calls
+  “My bed, and proves the impious stock which gave
+  “Her tongue first utterance.� More Latona felt
+  Prepar'd to utter; more beseechings bland
+  For her young offspring, when Apollo, cry'd:
+  “Enough, desist to plain;--delay is long
+  “Till vengeance.� Dian' join'd him in his ire.
+  Swift gliding down the sky, and veil'd in clouds,
+  On Cadmus' roof they lighted. Wide was spread,
+  A level plain, by constant hoofs well beat,
+  The city's walls adjoining; crowding wheels,
+  And coursers' feet the rolling dust upturn'd.
+  Here of Amphion's offspring daily some
+  Mount their fleet steeds; their trappings gaily press
+  Of Tyrian dye: heavy with gold, the rens
+  They guide. 'Mid these Ismenos, primal born
+  Of Niobé, as round the circling course,
+  His well-train'd steed he sped, and strenuous curb'd
+  His foaming mouth,--loudly “Ah, me!� exclaim'd,
+  As through his bosom deep the dart was driv'n:
+  Dropp'd from his dying hands the slacken'd reins;
+  Slowly, and sidelong from his courser's back
+  He tumbled. Sipylus, gave uncheck'd scope
+  To his, when through the empty air he heard,
+  The rattling quiver sound: thus speeding clouds
+  Beheld, the guider of the ruling helm,
+  A threatening tempest fearing, looses wide
+  His every sail to catch the lightest breeze.
+  Loose flow'd his reins. Th' inevitable dart
+  The flowing reins quick follow'd. Quivering shook,
+  Fixt in his upper neck, the naked steel,
+  Far through his throat protruding. Prone he fell
+  O'er his high courser's head; his smoking gore,
+  The ground defiling. Hapless Phœdimas,
+  And Tantalus, his grandsire's name who bore,
+  Their 'custom'd sport laborious ended, strove
+  With youthful vigor in the wrestling toil.
+  Now breast to breast they strain'd with nervous grasp,
+  When the swift arrow from the bended horn,
+  Both bodies pierc'd, as close both bodies join'd;
+  At once they groan'd; at once their limbs they threw,
+  With agonies convuls'd, prone on the earth;
+  At once their rolling eyes the light forsook;
+  At once their souls were yielded forth to air.
+  Alphenor saw, and smote his grieving breast;
+  Flew to their pallid limbs, and as he rais'd,
+  Their bodies, in the pious office fell:
+  For Phœbus drove his fate-wing'd arrow deep
+  Through what his heart inclos'd. Sudden withdrawn,
+  On the barb'd head the mangled lungs were stuck;
+  And high in air his soul gush'd forth in blood.
+  But beardless Damasichthon, by a wound
+  Not single fell, as those; struck where the leg
+  To form begins, and where the nervous ham
+  A yielding joint supplies. The deadly dart
+  To draw essaying, in his throat, full driven,
+  Up to the feather'd head, another came:
+  The sanguine flood expell'd it, gushing high,
+  Cutting the distant air. With outstretcht arms
+  Ilioneus, the last, besought in vain;
+  Exclaiming,--“spare me, spare me, all ye gods!�
+  Witless that all not join'd to cause his woe.
+  The god was touch'd with pity, touch'd too late,--
+  Already shot th' irrevocable dart:
+  Yet light the blow was given, and mild the wound
+  That pierc'd his heart, and sent his soul aloft.
+
+    The rumor'd ill; the mourning people's groans;
+  The servant's tears, soon made the mother know,
+  The sudden ruin: wondering first she stands,
+  To see so great heaven's power, then angry flames
+  Indignant, that such power they dare to use.
+  The sire Amphion, in his bosom plung'd
+  His sword, and ended life at once, and woe.
+  Heavens! how remov'd this Niobé, from her
+  Who drove so lately from Latona's fane,
+  The pious crowds; who march'd in lofty state,
+  Through every street of Thebes, an envy'd sight!
+  Now to be wept by even her bitterest foes.
+  Prostrate upon their gelid limbs she lies;
+  Now this, now that, her trembling kisses press;
+  Her livid arms high-stretching unto heaven,
+  Exclaims,--“Enjoy Latona, cruel dame,
+  “My sorrows; feed on all my wretched woes;
+  “Glut with my load of grief thy savage soul;
+  “Feast thy fell heart with seven funereal scenes;
+  “Triumph, victorious foe! conqueror, exult!
+  “Victorious! said I?--How? To wretched me,
+  “Still more are left, than joyful thou canst boast:
+  “Superior I 'midst all this loss remain.�
+
+    She spoke;--the twanging bowstring sounded loud!
+  Terrific noise,--save Niobé, to all:
+  She stood audacious, callous in her crime.
+  In mourning vesture clad, with tresses loose,
+  Around the funeral couches of the slain,
+  The weeping sisters stood. One strives to pluck
+  The deep-stuck arrow from her bowels,--falls,
+  And fainting dies; her brother's clay-cold corse,
+  Prest with her lips. Another's soothing words
+  Her hapless parent strive to cheer,--struck dumb,
+  She bends beneath an unseen wound; her words
+  Reach not her parent, till her life is fled.
+  This, vainly flying, falls: that drops in death
+  Upon her sister's body. One to hide
+  Attempts: another pale and trembling dies.
+  Six now lie breathless, each by vary'd wounds;
+  One sole remaining, whom the mother shields,
+  Wrapt in her vest; her body o'er her flung,
+  Exclaiming,--“leave me this, my youngest,--last,
+  “Least of my mighty numbers,--one alone!�
+  But while she prays, the damsel pray'd for dies.
+
+    Of all depriv'd, the solitary dame,
+  Amid the lifeless bodies of her sons,
+  Her daughters, and her spouse, by sorrows steel'd,
+  Sits harden'd: no light gale her tresses moves;
+  No blood her redden'd cheeks contain; her eyes
+  Motionless glare upon her mournful face;
+  Life quits the statue: even her tongue congeals,
+  Within her stony palate; vital floods
+  Cease in her veins to flow; her neck to bow
+  Resists; her arms to move in graceful guise;
+  Her feet to step; and even to stone are turn'd
+  Her inmost bowels. Still to weep she seems.
+  Wrapt in a furious whirlwind, distant far
+  Her natal soil receives her. There fixt high
+  On a hill's utmost summit, still she melts;
+  Still does the rigid marble flow in tears.
+
+    Now every Theban, male and female, all,
+  Dread the fierce anger of the powers of heaven;
+  And with redoubled fervor lowly bend,
+  And own the twin-producing goddess' power.
+  Then, as oft seen, they ancient tales recount,
+  Reminded by events of recent date.
+  Thus one relates.--“Long since some clowns, who till'd
+  “The fertile fields of Lycia, felt the ire
+  “Of this high goddess, whom they durst despise.
+  “Obscure the fact itself, for low the race
+  “Who suffer'd; yet most wonderous was the deed.
+  “Myself have seen the marsh; the lake have seen
+  “Fam'd for the prodigy. My aged sire,
+  “To toil unable on the lengthen'd road,
+  “Me thither sent; an herd of choicest beeves
+  “Thence to conduct; to my unpractis'd steps
+  “A guiding native of the land he gave.
+  “While we the pastures travers'd, lo! we found
+  “An ancient altar, 'midst a spacious lake
+  “Erected; black with sacrificing dust;
+  “With waving reeds surrounded. Here my guide
+  “Halted, and softly whisper'd,--bless me, power!
+  “And I, like softly whispering,--bless me!--cry'd.
+  “Then ask'd, if nymph, or fawn, or native god
+  “The altar own'd?--when thus my guide reply'd.
+  “No mountain god, O, youth! this altar claims,
+  “But her whom once imperial Juno's rage,
+  “Stern interdicted from firm earth's extent:
+  “Whom scarce the wandering Delos would receive,
+  “Ardent beseeching, when the buoyant isle
+  “Light floated. There at length, Latona, laid
+  “Betwixt a palm, and bright Minerva's tree,
+  “Spite of their fierce opposing step-dame's power,
+  “Her twins produc'd. Even hence, in child-bed driven,
+  “She fled from Juno; in her bosom bore,
+  “'Tis said, the twin-celestials. Now the sun
+  “With fervid rays, had scorch'd the arid meads,
+  “When faint with lengthen'd toil, the goddess gain'd
+  “The edge of Lycia's monster-breeding clime;
+  “Parch'd and exhausted, from the solar heat,
+  “And infants milking her exhausted breast.
+  “By chance a lake, far distant she espy'd,
+  “Deep in a vale's recess, of waters pure.
+  “There clowns the bulrush gather'd; there they pluck'd
+  “The shrubby osier, and the marsh-fond grass.
+  “Approach'd the goddess; on her knees low bent,
+  “The earth she press'd, and forward lean'd to drink
+  “The cooling liquid. This the rustic mob
+  “Forbade. When she to those who thus oppos'd,--
+  “Water withhold? Water whose use is free?
+  “Nature to all unsparing gives to take,
+  “Of light, of air, and of the flowing stream.
+  “I claim but public gifts: yet suppliant beg
+  “Those public gifts to share. Not here I come,
+  “My weary'd arms and limbs within the waves
+  “To lave: my thirst alone I wish to slake.
+  “Even now my speaking lips their moisture want;
+  “Scarce my parch'd throat, a passage to my words
+  “Can yield. As nectar were the limpid draught.
+  “Life with the water give me; for to me,
+  “Water is life; with water life I seek.
+  “Let these too move you, who their tender hands
+  “Stretch to your bosoms,--for by chance the babes
+  “Their little hands held forth. The goddess' words,
+  “Thus bland-beseeching, who could e'er withstand?
+  “Yet these persisted;--obstinate refus'd
+  “To grant her wish, and with opprobrious speech
+  “And threats revil'd her, should she there remain.
+  “Nor rested thus,--the lake with hands and feet
+  “Muddy they trouble; with malicious leaps
+  “They agitate the pool, and upward stir
+  “From the deep bottom clouds of slimy ooze.
+  “Anger her thirst diverted. Rage deny'd
+  “More supplication from th' indignant dame.
+  “Their threatening words, no more the goddess brook'd;
+  “But raising high to heaven her hands, she cry'd,--
+  “Be this your home for ever!--Gracious heard,
+  “Her prayer was granted. Now they joy to plunge,
+  “Beneath the waters; now they deep immerge
+  “Their bodies in the hollow fen; now raise
+  “Their heads, and skim the surface of the pool,
+  “Often they rest upon the margin's brink,
+  “And oft light-springing, in the cool lake plunge.
+  “Now still their rude contentious tongues they use,
+  “Still squabbling, lost to shame beneath the waves:
+  “Beneath the waves they still abusings strive
+  “To utter. Hoarsely still their voice is heard,
+  “Through their wide-bloated throats. Their railing words,
+  “Their jaws more wide dilate. Depriv'd of neck,
+  “Their head and back in junction seem to meet;
+  “Green shine their backs; their bellies, hugely swol'n
+  “Are white; and frogs they plunge within the pool.�
+
+    Thus as the man, the fate destructive told
+  Of Lycia's clowns, to mind another call'd
+  The satyr's fate, who vanquish'd in the strife
+  Of skill, on Pallas' pipe, Latona's son
+  Severely punish'd.--“Wherefore thus,�--he cries,
+  “Rent from myself? O, penitent I bow.
+  “The pipe,� he shrieks, “should not such rage provoke.�
+  Exclaiming thus, o'er his extremest limbs
+  Stript was his skin; he one continuous wound!
+  Blood flow'd from every part; the naked nerves
+  Bare started; and the trembling veins full throbb'd,
+  By skin uncover'd. Every beating part
+  Inward, the breast's translucent fibres plain
+  Display'd to sight. Him every forest fawn;
+  Each brother satyr; and each sylvan god;
+  And every nymph, with fam'd Olympus wept:
+  And every swain, the woolly flock who fed;
+  Or on the mountain watch'd the horned herd.
+  Wash'd by their falling tears, the fertile earth
+  Is soak'd,--absorbs them in her inmost veins;
+  Then form'd to water, spouts them high in air.
+  Rapid 'twixt banks declivitous, they seek
+  The ocean. Marsya, is the river call'd;
+  The clearest stream through Phrygia's land which flows.
+
+    Thus far the crowd;--and then lamenting turn
+  To present griefs:--Amphion's race extinct,
+  Unanimous they wail; but hated still
+  Remains the mother's pride. For her alone
+  Weep'd Pelops;--rent his garments, bare expos'd
+  His breast and shoulders lay, and fair display'd
+  The ivory joint. This shoulder at his birth
+  In fleshy substance, and carnation tinge,
+  Equall'd the right. When by his sire his limbs
+  Disjointed lay, the gods, 'tis said, quick join'd
+  The sever'd members: every fragment found,
+  Save what combin'd the neck and upper arm;
+  The part destroy'd, with ivory they replace;
+  And Pelops perfect from the gift became.
+
+    The neighbouring lords assemble;--every town
+  Their kings intreat condolence to bestow,
+  And all to Thebes repair. First Argos sends;
+  Sparta; Mycené; Calydon, not yet
+  By stern Diana hated; Corinth, fam'd
+  For beauteous brass; Orchomenus the fierce;
+  Messené fertile; Patræ; Pylos, rul'd
+  By Neleus; Trœzen, yet unus'd to own
+  The sway of Pittheus; Cleona the low;
+  And all those towns the two-sea'd isthmus holds;
+  And all those towns the isthmus views without.
+  Athens, incredible! was absent sole.
+  War all her energy demanded. Borne
+  O'er ocean, fierce barbarian troops, the walls
+  Mopsopian threaten'd. Thracian Tereus, these
+  With arms auxiliar routed; bright his name
+  Shone from the conquest. Him in riches great,
+  Mighty in power, and from the god-like Mars,
+  His lineage tracing, Procné's nuptial hand
+  Close to Pandion bound. Their marriage bed
+  Nor Grace, nor Hymen, nor the nuptial queen
+  Attended. Furies held the torches, snatch'd
+  From biers funereal. Furies spread the couch:
+  And all night long an owl, ill-omen'd bird,
+  Perch'd on the roof that crown'd the marriage dome.
+  Join'd with such omens, with such omens bore
+  Procné a son to Tereus. Wide through Thrace
+  Congratulations sound: glad thanks to heaven
+  The parents give, and hail the happy day
+  Which gave Pandion's daughter to the king;
+  And gave the pair a son. So ignorant still
+  Mankind of real happiness remain!
+
+    Now through five autumns had the cheerful sun
+  The whirling year renew'd. When Procné, bland
+  Her spouse besought.--“If grace within thy sight
+  “Claim my deserts,--or suffer me to see
+  “In her own clime my sister, or to ours
+  “My sister bring: a quick return thou well
+  “Our sire may'st promise. This high boon obtain'd,
+  “My sister's presence,--to my sight thou'lt seem,
+  “A deity in goodness.�--On the main
+  He bids them launch the vessel; in the port
+  Cecropian enters, urg'd by oar and sail;
+  And treads Piræus' shore. Soon as he gain'd
+  His audience; soon as hand with hand was clasp'd,
+  His ill-presaging speech he open'd. First
+  The journey's cause narrating; fond desire
+  Of Procné; and the promis'd quick return
+  Of Philomela, should the sire comply.
+  Lo! Philomela enters, splendid robes
+  Attire her; still more splendid shine her charms:
+  Such they describe within the forests rove
+  Dryad, and Naiäd nymphs; such would they seem
+  Their shape like hers adorn'd, like hers attir'd.
+  Instant was Tereus at the sight inflam'd;
+  So instant would the hoary harvest burn,
+  The torch apply'd: so burn the wither'd leaves;
+  Or hoarded hay. Well might her charms inspire
+  Such love in any;--him his inbred lust
+  More goaded, more his country's warmth which burns
+  Intense; he flames from nature, and from clime.
+  First to corrupt th' attendants he designs,
+  And faithful nurse; and Philomel' to tempt
+  With gifts immense,--his kingdom's mighty price.
+  Or forceful snatch her, and the rape defend,
+  With all the powers of war. Nought but he dares.
+  Impell'd by love's unbridled power; his breast
+  The raging fire contains not. Irksome seems
+  Delay:--and eager to the anxious wish
+  Of Procné, turns his converse; her desires
+  His wishes aiding. Eloquent he spoke;
+  For love inspir'd him. Often as he press'd
+  More close than prudent, all his earnest speech,
+  Procné, he said, dictated. Heavens! how dark
+  The gloom that blinds the view of human souls.
+  Tereus for tenderest piety esteem'd,
+  More as for vice he labors: praise he gains,
+  for every crime. Now Philomela begs,
+  His prayer assisting; flings her winning arms
+  Around Pandion's neck, and suppliant sues
+  A sight of Procné; for her woe she begs,
+  But deems she begs delight. Her Tereus views;--
+  Anticipates his joys; her every kiss,
+  Her arms around her parent's neck entwin'd,
+  But goad his passion: fuel fresh they add;
+  Food for his flame. And when her sire she clasps,
+  He longs that sire to be. Parent, not more
+  His impious purpose would the wretch delay!
+  The king by both their warm beseechings won,
+  Consents;--she joyful to her father gives
+  Glad thanks;--and hapless, deems completely blest,
+  Herself and sister, both most deeply curst;
+
+    Now Phœbus' toil nigh spent, his coursers' feet
+  Sweep'd down the slope of heaven. The royal feast,
+  And golden goblets, fill'd with Bacchus' gift,
+  The board bespread. From hence in slumbers soft,
+  Each sought repose. All but the Thracian king,
+  Though far remov'd, still burning; all her face,
+  Her hands and gesture he recals, and paints
+  At pleasure all her beauties yet unseen:
+  Feeding his flame, and sleep repelling far.
+
+    'Twas morn;--Pandion, pressing warm the hand
+  Of Tereus, as they parted, while the tears
+  Gush'd sudden, thus bespeaks his friendly care.
+  “Dear son, to thee I give her, pious claims
+  “Compel me: suppliant let me thee adjure
+  “By faith, by kindred, and by all the gods,
+  “Thy care paternal, shall protect the maid;
+  “And the soft solace of my anxious years,
+  “Speedy restore, for each delay is long.
+  “Quick, Philomela, quick my child, rejoin
+  “Thy sire, if filial duty sways thee. Much
+  “Thy sister's absence pains me.�--Speaking thus
+  He press'd with kisses soft, the maiden's lips,
+  And dripping tears with each behest let fall.
+  Their hands he asks as pledge of faith, and joins
+  Their hands in his presented; tender begs
+  His salutations to his daughter dear;
+  And his young grandson. Scarce the last adieu,
+  Chok'd with deep sighs, he breathes: his boding mind
+  Foreseeing future woes.
+
+                          Now Philomel'
+  Safely on board the painted vessel plac'd,
+  The land far left, as with their laboring oars
+  The surges move;--exulting Tereus, cry'd,
+  “Victorious,--lo! my utmost wishes borne
+  Safe with me.“--Scarce his burning soul defers
+  His hop'd-for joys. His eyes are never turn'd
+  From the lov'd face. Thus Jove's protected bird
+  Rapacious bears, with his sharp talons pierc'd,
+  An hare defenceless to his lofty nest:
+  No flight remains, the spoiler calmly views
+  His prey. Now ended is their voyage, now
+  Weary'd they quit their ship, and joyful touch
+  Their native beach; and now the Thracian king
+  Pandion's daughter to a lofty stall
+  Conducts; by ancient trees the spot well screen'd.
+  There he inclos'd the pale, the trembling maid,
+  Of all things fearful, as with tears she press'd
+  Her sister's face to see: his purpose dire
+  Disclosing,--force the helpless maid o'ercame,
+  Loudly exclaiming to her sire; and loud
+  Her sister's help invoking, equal vain:
+  But chief she begs celestial powers to aid.
+  Trembling she lies; so seems a shuddering lamb
+  Wounded, and from the hoary wolf's fierce jaws
+  Just 'scap'd, not sure his safety yet he deems:
+  So seems a dove, her plumes in blood deep-drench'd,
+  With fear still shivering; still the hungry claws
+  Dreading, that lately pierc'd her. Soon restor'd
+  Her mental powers, while scatter'd hung the locks
+  Rent in her anguish, high her arms she rais'd,
+  Livid with blows, as those that mourn the dead;
+  Exclaiming,--“O, barbarian! wretch supreme!
+  “In cruelty and vice; whom not the charge
+  “Parental, seal'd with pious tears could move;
+  “A sister's charge entrusted: not her state,
+  “Virgin defenceless; not the sacred vows,
+  “Conjugal plighted. In confusion all
+  “Commixt, by thee, adulteress here I lie,
+  “Against my sister. Thou a double spouse,
+  “To both. This scourge is sure to me not due.
+  “Why, villain, not my hated life destroy?
+  “Perfect in deeds atrocious; would my breath
+  “Before the horrid act supprest had been:
+  “Then had I guiltless sought the shades. But still
+  “If powers celestial view this act; if sway
+  “On earth they hold; if all not sinks with me,
+  “Thy fate hence-forward from me dread; myself
+  “Shall unabash'd, thy acts proclaim. If power
+  “Is granted, when in public walks I roam:
+  “If here in woods imprison'd, all the woods
+  “Shall with my plaints resound; the conscious rocks
+  “I'll move. May heaven me hear! and if in heaven
+  “A god abides, me hear!�--Rous'd by her words,
+  The fierce king's anger burns; no less his fear
+  Than anger moves him: strongly spurr'd by each,
+  His weapon from the pendent sheath he drew:
+  Dragg'd by the hair, her limbs he forc'd to yield
+  To fetters; twisting rough her arms behind.
+  Glad Philomel' to him her throat presents,
+  Death from the glittering sword expecting. Grasp'd
+  In pincers, fierce her tongue he tore away;
+  Griev'd, and indignant, as her father's name
+  She strove to utter: trembling still appear'd
+  The bloody root; trembling the tongue itself
+  Murmur'd as on the gore-stain'd earth it lay:
+  As leaps the serpent's sever'd tail, the tongue,
+  Quivering in death, still to her feet advanc'd.
+  This deed of horror done, 'tis said that oft
+  (Incredible the fact) repeated force
+  Upon her mangled form the wretch employ'd.
+
+    Now dares he, all those acts atrocious done,
+  Return to Procné. Eager as he comes,
+  For Philomel' she asks. False tears and groans
+  He gives: the hapless nymph he feigns deceas'd:
+  His tears convince. Now from her shoulders torn,
+  Her robes with gold bright-glittering, sable vests
+  Her limbs enfolded. High an empty tomb
+  She rais'd, and pious obsequies perform'd
+  To manes pretended: for her sister's fate
+  She mourn'd, whose fate such mourning ill deserv'd.
+
+    Through twice six signs had Phœbus journey'd on,
+  The year completing. What, alas! remains
+  For Philomela? Guards prevent her flight.
+  Of stone erected, high the massive walls
+  Circle her round. Her lips so mute, refuse
+  The deed to blazon. Keen the sense of grief
+  Sharpens the soul:--in misery the mind
+  Ingenious sparkles. Skillful she extends
+  The Thracian web, and on the snow-white threads,
+  In purple letters, weaves the dreadful tale.
+  Complete, a servant with expressive signs,
+  The present to the queen she bids to bear.
+  To Procné was it borne, witless the slave
+  Of what he carry'd. Savage Tereus' spouse
+  The web unfolded; read the mournful tale
+  Her hapless sister told, and wonderous! sate
+  In silence; grief her rising words repress'd:
+  Indignant, chok'd, her throat refus'd to breathe,
+  The angry accents to her plaining tongue.
+  To weep she waits not, in turmoil confus'd,
+  Justice and flagrance undistinguished lie;
+  Her mind sole bent for vengeance on her spouse.
+
+    Now was the time Sithonia's matrons wont,
+  The rites triennial of the jovial god
+  To tend. Those rites to conscious shade alone
+  Confided. Rhodopé, the brazen sound
+  Shrill tinkling, hears by night;--by night the queen
+  The palace quits, attir'd as Bacchus' rites
+  Demand; and weapon'd with the Bacchant arms.
+  A vine her forehead girds; the nimble deer
+  Clothes with his skin her sides; her shoulder bears
+  A slender spear. Thus maddening, Procné seeks
+  The woods in ire terrific, crowded round
+  By all her followers: rack'd by inward pangs,
+  The furious rant of Bacchus veils her woes.
+  The lonely stable seen at length, she howls
+  Aloud,--“Evoë, ho!�--and bursts the door;
+  Drags thence her sister;--her thence dragg'd, invests        I
+  In Bacchanalian robes; her face inshrouds
+  In ivy foliage; and astonish'd leads
+  The trembling damsel o'er the palace steps.
+  The horrid dome when Philomela saw,
+  Perforce she enter'd; through her frame she shook;
+  The blood her face deserted. Procné sought
+  A spot retir'd, and from her features flung
+  The sacred trappings, and her sister's face,
+  Sorrowing and blushing, to the light unveil'd;
+  Then ran to clasp her. She the sight not bore;
+  Her eyes she rais'd not; her dejected brows
+  Bent to the ground; thus by her sister seen,
+  Encroacher on her bed. Her hands still spoke,
+  When oaths she wish'd to utter, and to call
+  Th' attesting gods, her foul disgrace by force
+  To prove accomplish'd. Furious, Procné burns,
+  Nor curbs her ire; her sister's streaming tears
+  Reproving checks, and cries;--“no period now
+  “For tears, we ask the sword! But if than sword
+  “Vengeance more keen thou hop'st for, sister dear,
+  “Behold me for most horrid deeds prepar'd.
+  “Shall I with flaming torches blaze on high
+  “His hall imperial, and the villain king
+  “Heave in the conflagration? Shall I rend
+  “As thine his tongue? or from his sockets tear,
+  “His eye-balls? or what other member maim?
+  “Or this, or instant send his guilty soul
+  “Thro' thousand wounds to judgment? What thou speak'st
+  “Be mighty. I for mightiest acts prepare.
+  “To fix I hesitate.� As Procné speaks,
+  Lo! infant Itys to his mother runs;
+  His sight her mind determines; cruel turn
+  Her eyes, exclaiming;--“See, how like his sire's
+  “Appear his features!�--More she spoke not, fixt
+  Was straight her dread resolve: now fiercer burn'd
+  Within her smother'd rage;--yet when the boy
+  Approach'd, and round her neck his infant arms
+  Threw, and his kisses printed on her lips,
+  With bland caresses mingled, even the soul
+  Of Procné melted. Mollify'd her rage,
+  Tears hard constrain'd flow'd from unwilling eyes.
+  Soon as the mother's feelings softening seem
+  To melt in extreme fondness; Procné quits
+  The sight, and to her sister's face reverts
+  Again her visage; then on each in turn
+  Full bent her view, she cries;--“Must one me melt
+  “With blandish'd soothings? Must the other mute,
+  “With tongue dismember'd stand? Must he exclaim
+  “O, mother!--she, O, sister! never more?
+  “To what a spouse, Pandion's daughter, see
+  “Art thou, degenerate wife, conjoin'd! Thy sin
+  “A spouse like Tereus to have us'd too well.�
+  More she delays not, infant Itys drags,
+  Swift as the Indian tiger sweeps the fawn
+  Through shady forests. Then the lofty dome,
+  For rooms remote well search'd, in one arrives,
+  Where she the infant pierces; 'twixt the breast
+  And side the weapon enters, while his hands,
+  Suppliant, his fate foreseeing, he extends,
+  And,--“mother! O, my mother!�--loudly cries.
+  Nor mov'd her countenance fell;--the single wound
+  Was deadly. Philomela, with her steel
+  The throat divided, and the quivering limbs
+  Dissever'd, whilst of animation still
+  Some glimmering sparks remain'd. Of these, they part
+  In brazen cauldrons boil: part on the spit
+  Crackling they turn: with gore the secret rooms
+  Offensive float. Her unsuspecting spouse
+  Procné to feast invites; delusive feigns
+  Her country's customs,--where 'twas given, but one
+  The husband should be nigh; all menial slaves
+  Far distant. On his ancestorial seat
+  High-lifted, Tereus sate, and feasted there:
+  And in his bowels deep he there entomb'd
+  Bowels his own. So blind are human souls,--
+  “Call Itys to the feast,�--he cries. No more
+  Could Procné veil her savage joy;--full bent
+  The slaughter to announce, she loud proclaim'd
+  “Thou seek'st who with thee rests!�--Around he looks.
+  Wondering where rests he. Philomela rush'd,
+  Her tresses sprinkled with the ireful blood,
+  As griev'd he, Itys calling loud, and flung,
+  With savage fury Itys' gory head
+  Full in his father's face; nor ever mourn'd
+  Lost speech so much; her well-earn'd joy to show,
+  More griev'd lost power. With outcry loud the king
+  O'er-turn'd the table; from the Stygian vale,
+  Invok'd the viper'd sisters: hard he strove
+  To tear his bosom, and from thence disgorge
+  The dire repast, the half-digested mass
+  Of Itys' limbs. Now weeping, wild he mourns,
+  Himself his offspring's tomb. Now fierce pursues
+  Pandion's daughters with his unsheath'd sword.
+  From him escaping, on light wings upborne
+  Th' Athenians seem'd; light wings their limbs upbore!
+  One sheltering in the woods: protecting roofs
+  The other seeking; still the murderous deed,
+  Mark'd on her breast remains; still on her plumes
+  The teint of blood is seen. Rapid in rage
+  And hope of vengeance, Tereus too is chang'd,
+  And flits a bird; a plumy crest he bears,
+  High on his head: the lengthen'd sword he bore,
+  A beak enormous grows. A lapwing now
+  With fierce-arm'd face he flies.
+
+                                  Untimely sought
+  Pandion, when the mournful tale he heard,
+  The Stygian shades, ere yet the lengthen'd date
+  Of years commanded. Next th' Athenian realm
+  Erechtheus rul'd, the sceptre dubious held
+  By right or forceful arms. Proud could he boast
+  Four sons;--and daughters four to him were given.
+  Beauteous the maids; in beauty equal two:
+  Of these Æölian Cephalus was bless'd
+  With thee as spouse, O, Procris!--Tereus long,
+  Boreas withstanding, with the power of Thrace,
+  Long Orithyïa, by the god belov'd,
+  Was lov'd in vain; while soft beseechings more
+  And prayers, the power to strenuous force preferr'd.
+  But now those soothings bland so vainly try'd,
+  Fierce swol'n with rage, his most accustom'd feel
+  (Too much that passion knows this wind) he cries;--
+  “Well I deserve it, all my proper arms
+  “Relinquish'd: savage fierceness, strength, stern rage,
+  “And threatening force. With humble softening prayers
+  “Fool have I su'd; in each attempt have fail'd.
+  “More apt to me is force! by force I drive
+  “The lowering clouds before me: Ocean's waves
+  “Forceful I turn; forceful the knotted oak
+  “Root from its deep foundation; hard the frost
+  “I bind; and beat the sounding earth with hail:
+  “I when in open sky, for there our field
+  “Lies in display, my blustering brethren meet,
+  “Oppose such might, that midmost sky resounds
+  “Echoing our forceful conflict; flashing flames
+  “From the cleft bodies of the hollow clouds,
+  “Elicited: I too, earth's secret womb
+  “Fierce entering, in her deepest caverns strain
+  “My strength, 'till trembling wide through all her frame,
+  “The ghosts below are troubled. These the aid
+  “My nuptial wish should seek; no longer pray
+  “Erechtheus for my sire;--my sire by force,
+  “The monarch shall be made.�--So spoke the god,
+  Or thus, or more in fury, as he shook
+  His plumes, whose motion sweep'd through earth's extent,
+  And made the wide main tremble. Lofty hills
+  His dusty mantle covers; as the plains
+  Rapid he brushes; shrouded deep in mist,
+  In his dark wings the furious lover clasps
+  His Orithyïa, trembling, pale with fear:
+  Flying his flames were fann'd, and fiercer blaz'd.
+  Nor check'd the ravisher his lofty flight,
+  Till seen the town of Cicones, whose walls
+  Receiv'd him. There th' Athenian nymph became
+  The freezing monarch's bride: a mother there,
+  A double birth she brought, whose shoulders bear
+  The father's pinions; all their semblance else
+  Their mother's. Not at first, 'tis said, appear'd
+  The feathers: Calaïs and Zethes, boys
+  Were yet unplum'd; when yet with ruddy hair,
+  Their beards appear'd not. From each shoulder shot
+  The feathers bird-like, at the self-same time,
+  Their manly cheeks were thick with yellow down.
+  Now when their youth matur'd to man appear'd,
+  Through seas unplough'd before, they sought the fleece
+  Splendid with glittering wool; with all the train
+  Of Minyæ, in the first-built vessel borne.
+
+
+
+
+*The Seventh Book.*
+
+
+    Expedition of the Argonauts. Jason obtains the golden fleece, by
+    the assistance of Medea. Æson restored to youth by her magic
+    powers. Murder of Pelias by his daughters. Medea's flight to
+    Corinth. Murder of her rival and infants. Marriage with Ægeus.
+    Adventures of Theseus. War with Minos. Plague in Ægina. Change of
+    ants into Myrmidons. Cephalus and Procris.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Seventh Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Now in the Pagasæan vessel borne,
+  Plough'd the wide sea the Argonauts, and saw
+  The fate of Phineus; whose old age the curse
+  Of hunger felt, and felt perpetual night.
+  The youths from Boreas sprung, quick sped to flight
+  The virgin-featur'd birds, his hapless face,
+  Far distant. 'Neath great Jason's rule much toil
+  They bore ere on the oozy banks they stay'd
+  Of rapid Phasis. Here the king they seek;
+  And here demand the golden fleece; and here
+  An answer big with fearful labors learn
+  The Grecian crew. Meantime the royal maid
+  Burns with fierce fires: with reason struggling long,
+  Still her hot flame to quench unable, cries
+  Aloud Medea;--“vainly I oppose!
+  “Some unknown god controls. Perhaps 'tis love!
+  “If love 'tis not, no sentiment more near
+  “To love can come. Why else my sire's commands
+  “So harsh appear? But harsh in truth they are.
+  “But why his failing dread? Why dread his death,
+  “But barely seen? What cause such fear can give?
+  “O, hapless maid! would from my virgin breast
+  “Those flames to fling were given. If mine the power
+  “More wisdom would I use. But me this force,
+  “Before unknown, unwilling drags; this love
+  “Persuades, oppos'd to reason: plain I see
+  “The better track,--approve it most, yet swerv'd,
+  “I tread the worse. Why, royal virgin, burn
+  “Thus for a stranger guest? Why long'st thou thus,
+  “A foreign partner in the marriage bed
+  “To clasp? Thy country well can thee supply
+  “What e'er thou lovest. In the gods' decree
+  “His death or safety rests. Yet may he live!
+  “Pray may'st thou for him sure,--love unconcern'd.
+  “But what has Jason done? Savage, indeed!
+  “Were those his youth, his birth, and brilliant deeds
+  “Not touch'd: how savage too the soul must be
+  “His beauty touch'd not, were there nought beside;
+  “My bosom sure it moves. But were my aid
+  “Deny'd, the furious bulls with flaming breath
+  “His fate would compass; or the foes that spring
+  “From earth, his harvest, slay him in the fight;
+  “Or last, he'd fall the ravenous dragon's prey.
+  “If this I suffer, from the tiger sprung
+  “Believe me; steel and marble in my breast,
+  “Deem me to wear. Why not his death behold?
+  “Why not mine eyes with the dread sight pollute!
+  “Why not the bulls, the earth-born foes incite,
+  “And sleepless dragon, with redoubled ire?
+  “Heaven wills it better. But let deeds, not prayers
+  “My time employ. How! shall I then betray
+  “My parent's realm? an unknown stranger aid
+  “With all my power? who by my power preserv'd,
+  “Loos'd to the wind his sails, another's spouse
+  “Becomes,--me left for punishment behind?
+  “If this to do,--another nymph to me
+  “Born to prefer, let him, ingrate! be slain.
+  “But no! his face denies it; his great soul,
+  “And graceful form forbid the fear of fraud;
+  “Or benefits forgot. Yet shall he plight
+  “His solemn faith first, call th' attesting gods
+  “To witness what he vows. What fear I more?
+  “All's safe. Medea, hasten, spurn delay,--
+  “Jason, remaining life to thee shall owe;
+  “Join'd to his state, the annual torch shall flame
+  “To thee, preserver! through the Grecian towns
+  “By crowds of mothers hail'd. Shall I for this
+  “My sister leave, my brother, and my sire;
+  “My gods, and natal land? Yes,--fierce my sire;
+  “My country barbarous; and my brother young:
+  “With all my wishes, warm my sister joins;
+  “And dwells within my breast the mightiest god.
+  “Much I relinquish not, but much I seek.
+  “The glorious title of the Grecian youth
+  “Deliverer! gain'd; the sight of lands and towns
+  “Whose fame even here has journey'd; manners mild,
+  “And cultur'd arts; and Jason for my spouse,
+  “For whom all earth's possessions were too small
+  “To change. His spouse become, supremely blest,
+  “Dear to the gods, the loftiest stars I'll reach.
+  “What are those rocks, they tell, which 'mid the waves
+  “Meet in encounter? Fell Charybdis what,--
+  “Hostile to ships, now sucking in the tide,
+  “Now fierce discharging? What the savage bounds,
+  “Which compass greedy Scylla 'mid the main
+  “Sicilian? O'er the wide-spread ocean borne,
+  “Him whom I love embracing; sheltering close
+  “In Jason's bosom; clasp'd by him, no fear
+  “My soul could harbor. Or if fear I felt,
+  “For him alone I'd tremble; for my spouse.
+  “Spouse, dost thou say, Medea? hid'st thou thus,
+  “With specious names thy crime? Behold the load
+  “Of guilt thou goest to bear! While power remains
+  “The sin avoid.�--She said, and duty, shame,
+  And rectitude, before her eyes appear'd;
+  And vanquish'd love address'd his wings to flight.
+  Now to an ancient altar Hecat' own'd,
+  By shady trees dark veil'd from day, she came:
+  Her flames abated, and her eager pulse
+  Subsided. Here Æsonides she saw,
+  And bright her love reblaz'd. Warm flush'd her cheeks,
+  Deep all her visage glow'd. The smallest spark
+  Thus low in embers hid, its vigor shews;
+  Help'd by the feeding blast, increasing burns,
+  And stirr'd in all its wonted fury glows.
+  Just so the languid passion which but now
+  All but extinct appear'd, the hero seen
+  Fresh at his beauteous presence flam'd. By chance
+  More beauteous Jason on that morn appear'd;
+  Well might a lover all her love excuse.
+  She looks, his countenance with her eyes devours
+  As then first seen; and madly fond, she deems
+  His features more than mortal: bashful turn'd
+  Her forehead not from his. But when her guest
+  Address'd her: when he gently took her hands;
+  And crav'd assistance in an humble tone,
+  The nuptial promise giving. Plenteous flow'd
+  Her tears, exclaiming;--“What I should perform
+  “Plainly I see: not ignorance me misleads
+  “But love. My gifts shall aid you, you but keep
+  “The promise pledg'd.�--Sacred the hero swears
+  By her, the tri-form'd goddess, whom that grove
+  Acknowledges divine; and by the god,
+  Whence sprung the sire-in-law he hopes to claim;
+  The god who all beholds; by all his deeds
+  Atchiev'd; and by his perils all he swears.
+  His words believ'd, immediate he receives
+  The magic plants, their use well taught, and seeks
+  The roof rejoicing. Now the morn had driven
+  The glimmering stars far distant, crowding press'd
+  The people in the sacred field of Mars,
+  The king himself amidst them, seated high,
+  In purple clad, with ivory sceptre grac'd.
+  Lo! come the brazen-footed bulls, who breathe
+  Through nostrils fenc'd with adamant hot flames:
+  Parch'd by their breath, the herbage blacken'd burns.
+  Loud as the blazing forge's chimney roars;
+  Or loud as lime in earthy furnace laid,
+  Bursts into heat by watery sprinklings touch'd:
+  So loud, within their flaming chests contain'd,
+  The struggling fires loud bellow'd. Scorch'd their throats
+  The sound transmitted. Boldly Æson's son
+  March'd onward; fiercely as the youth approach'd,
+  His foes dark lower'd, and bent their steel-tipt horns,
+  Paw'd with their clefted hoofs the dusty ground,
+  And fill'd with smoky bellowings all the air.
+  Pale grew each Grecian face; advancing on
+  The fiery blasts he feels not, such the power
+  The mighty charms possess, but boldly strokes
+  Their dewlaps pendulous, and to the yoke
+  Subjected, makes them drag the ponderous plough;
+  And with the iron cut th' uncustom'd soil.
+  The Colchians wondering gaze; the Grecians loud
+  Applaud, and with fresh courage fill his soul.
+  Then from his brazen helmet pluck'd, he sows
+  The serpent's teeth, deep in the furrow'd ground:
+  The ground, the teeth with powerful venom ting'd,
+  Soften'd and swell'd them, and a novel shape
+  Imparted. Thus within the parent's womb,
+  An human shape the infant mass receives,
+  Completed perfect in the dark recess;
+  Nor till mature, to air external given.
+  So when the manly forms were perfect made
+  Within earth's pregnant bowels, up they sprung
+  Thick in the fruitful field; more wonderous still
+  Their arms they clash'd when born. Then when the Greeks
+  Their keenly-pointed spears preparing saw
+  To hurl at Jason's head, low sunk their souls,
+  And pallid grew their cheeks; Medea ev'n,
+  Whose art insur'd his safety, trembling fear'd,
+  When single she the youth beheld assail'd
+  By foes in hosts; bloodless her face became,
+  And tremor seiz'd her limbs: then lest the herbs
+  Presented first, should fail in power, she sings
+  An helping magic song, and all her arts
+  Latent, calls forth. Amidst the hostile crowd
+  A mighty rock he flings; their martial rage
+  From him diverted, on each other turns.
+  By mutual wounds the earth-born brothers fall;
+  In civil discord perish. Joy'd again
+  The Grecians clasp the conqueror in their arms.
+  Thou too, Medea, wish'd thine arms to fill
+  With him victorious. (Shame at first repress'd
+  Thy open fondness, though thou wast embrac'd)
+  Now reputation awes thee, now prevents
+  That bliss. What honor gives,--silent to joy,
+  And pour glad thanks to all thy magic arts,
+  And gods their authors, those thou dar'st indulge.
+  Now sole remains by powerful herbs to lull
+  The wakeful dragon, whose high-crested head
+  A triple tongue contains, whose crooked fangs
+  Dreadful the golden fleece protecting guards.
+  Him when be sprinkled with the juices prest
+  From plants Lethean; and repeated thrice,
+  The words which placid sleep inspire; which still
+  The ruffled ocean; and arrest the course
+  Of rapid torrents; sleep before unknown
+  Stole o'er his eyelids, and th' Æsonian youth
+  Seiz'd on the golden prize. Proud with the spoil,
+  (A second spoil possessing) she who gave
+  The power to conquer, as his wife he bears,
+  And lands triumphant on Thessalia's shores.
+
+    Mothers of Thessaly, and aged sires
+  For sons restor'd, glad offerings bring: bright flames
+  The high-heap'd incense; votive victims deck'd
+  With gilded horns are slain: but Æson, far
+  The grateful crowd avoids, now near his fate,
+  Bent by a weight of years. Hence Jason spoke;--
+  “O, spouse! to thee my life and safety ow'd;
+  “To me, thou all hast given; the high swol'n sum
+  “Of all thy favors might belief surpass:
+  “This more attempt, if this thou can'st,--and what
+  “Thy magic power defies? My years curtail,
+  “And to my sire's existence add the term.�
+  Fast flow'd his tears while speaking;--while he spoke,
+  His pious duty mov'd Medea; quick
+  Her sire Æëta, so deserted, sprung
+  To thought, and shew'd the two contrasting souls.
+  But, veil'd her secret thoughts, she thus replies;--
+  “What impious accents hear I from thy tongue,
+  “O, spouse religious? Can I then transfer
+  “Of thy existence part? Not Hecat's power
+  “Fateful, would sanction this; nor stands thy wish
+  “In equity. Yet, Jason, will I try
+  “More than thou seek'st to give. With all my skill
+  “Thy sire's existence to prolong, thy years
+  “Unshorten'd; should the tri-form'd goddess aid
+  “Propitious my designs.�--Three nights were now
+  Deficient, ere the full-form'd horns could meet
+  The lunar orb to fill. Complete her round;
+  A solid sphere of light from earth beheld,
+  Medea wanders forth; loose all her robes;
+  Naked her feet; bare-headed; while her hair
+  Wild o'er her shoulders floats; and thus array'd,
+  Untended, while deep midnight silence reigns
+  She bends her devious way. Men, beasts, and birds,
+  In bonds of sleep were chain'd; the hedges still,
+  No murmur breath'd; nor wav'd the silent trees;
+  Hush'd was the humid sky; the stars alone
+  Twinkled: to them her arms extending, thrice
+  She turn'd around; thrice from the flowing stream
+  Her tresses sprinkled; thrice with yelling noise
+  The silence broke; then with her bended knee
+  The hard earth pressing, cry'd;--“O, night! thou friend
+  “Of secret deeds; ye glittering stars! whose rays
+  “With Luna's, Sol's diurnal light succeed;
+  “And thou, O, Hecat'! tripleform'd, who know'st
+  “My undertaking, and approaching aid'st
+  “With incantations, and with magic powers:
+  “And thou, O, earth! whose bosom witching plants
+  “Affords: ye winds; ye skies; ye mountains; lakes;
+  “And flowing streams: O, all ye gods! who dwell
+  “In shady woods; and all ye gods of night,
+  “Hither approach! by whose high power, at will,
+  “Rivers I cause between their wondering banks,
+  “Back to their springs to flow; the stormy deep
+  “Hush by my song, or lash it into rage;
+  “Clouds form, or clouds dispel; raise furious blasts,
+  “Or furious blasts allay; smite with my song
+  “The dragon's furious jaws: the living rocks
+  “I shake;--uproot the oak; the earth upturn;
+  “Move forests; bid the trembling mountains leap;
+  “Loud roar the ground; and from the tombs the ghosts
+  “Affrighted walk. Thee, Luna, too I draw
+  “From heaven, by all the threatening clash of brass
+  “Deterr'd not: pale the brighter car becomes,
+  “My spells once utterr'd: by my poisons charm'd,
+  “Pallid Aurora seems. You, plants! for me,
+  “Blunted the ardor of the flaming bulls;
+  “Press'd with the yoke, their necks impatient bent,
+  “And dragg'd the crooked plough. You bade the race
+  “Snake-born, upon themselves their warring rage
+  “To turn. In sleep the roaring dragon's eyes
+  “You steep'd; the guard eluded, sent the prize
+  “To glad the towns of Greece. Now have I need
+  “Of renovating herbs, to make old age
+  “Glow once again in all its youthful bloom.
+  “This will you grant, for sure those stars in vain
+  “Not sparkle; nor in vain the chariot comes
+  “Drawn by the dragons wing'd.� The chariot comes
+  Swift sweeping through the air. Active she mounts,
+  Strokes the rein'd dragons' manes, and shakes the thongs.
+  On high they soar:--Thessalian Tempé far
+  Beneath she views; then tow'rd the chalky land
+  Her snakes directs. On Ossa's top explores
+  For plants, and seeks what lofty Pelion bears;
+  Othrys, and Pindus, and Olympus huge.
+  What please her, part she with their root updrags;
+  Part with her crooked brazen sickle mows;
+  Apidanus; Amphrysos, on their banks
+  Many afforded: nor Enipeus scap'd.
+  Peneus, and Spercheus, and the rushy shores
+  Of Bæbé some contributed. She pluck'd
+  In Anthedon the living grass whose power,
+  Then Glaucus' form unchang'd, was yet unknown.
+
+    Now had nine days, now had nine nights elaps'd,
+  Borne on her dragon wings, and in her car
+  Wandering the fields among, ere back she turn'd:
+  Unfed her dragons, save by odorous smells;
+  Yet had they shed their scales, with youth renew'd.
+  Arriv'd, without the palace gate she stays,
+  And there sole shelter'd by the sky, all touch
+  Of man denying; altars two she rears
+  Of turf; sacred to Hecate stood the right,
+  To Youth the left: when these with vervain bound.
+  And forest boughs, here sacrifice she makes.
+  Hard by, two trenches scoops from out the ground;
+  Smites with her weapon in the sable throat,
+  A sheep presented; in the open ditch
+  Empties the blood; then bowls of wine she pours,
+  And bowls of smoking milk; with mystic words
+  Invokes the powers terrestrial; begs the king
+  Of shades, and begs his ravish'd spouse to aid,
+  Nor of his soul the aged king defraud.
+  These when with lengthen'd prayers, and murmurings long,
+  Appeas'd; she bids them tow'rd the altars bring
+  The feeble Æson; his exhausted limbs
+  Bound in deep slumber, by her magic power,
+  Corse-like, she lays extended on the grass.
+  Then Jason bids, and his attendant crew,
+  Far thence depart, nor with their view prophane
+  Her acts mysterious. As she bids they go.
+  Medea then the flaming altars round,
+  In Bacchanalian guise her flowing locks,
+  Circles; and in the ditch's blackening gore
+  Her splinter'd torches dips; with blood imbu'd,
+  Burns them upon her altars; thrice with fire,
+  With sulphur thrice, and thrice with flowing streams,
+  The sire she lustrates. Heated now in brass,
+  Her powerful medicines bubble, high and white
+  The swelling froth appears. There boils she all
+  The roots in vales Æmonian dug; and seeds,
+  And flowers, and juices dark: gems unto these,
+  Sought in the distant East, she adds; and adds
+  What on the sand the refluent ocean leaves:
+  More still, the night-long moon collected dew
+  She brings; the dismal screech-owl's flesh and wings;
+  The entrails of the wolf ambiguous, wont
+  His savage face in human guise to wear:
+  Nor wanted there, the scaly skin which clothes
+  Th' amphibious snake Cyniphian, long and small:
+  The beak and head a crow nine ages bore,
+  She adds. Now was the foreign dame prepar'd,
+  By help of these, and nameless thousands more,
+  The promis'd boon to give, the whole she stirs
+  Deep from the bottom, with a bough long rent,
+  From the mild olive. Lo! the wither'd branch,
+  The boiling caldron stirring, sudden shoots
+  In virid freshness! shortly leaves bud forth;
+  And soon it bends beneath a load of fruit!
+  Where'er the fire above the hollow brass,
+  The bubbling foam high-rais'd, and boiling drops
+  Sprinkled the ground,--the ground with verdure smil'd;
+  Flowers and soft herbage sprung. Medea sees,
+  And with her weapon ope's the senior's throat;
+  His aged blood exhausted sees, and pours
+  Her juices copious: part his mouth receives;
+  And part the wound. When Æson these had drank,
+  Their hoary whiteness lost, his beard and hair,
+  An ebon tinge receiv'd; his leanness fled;
+  His pallid ghastly face no more was seen;
+  His hollow veins with added blood were fill'd;
+  And all his limbs in lusty plumpness swell'd.
+  The wondering Æson, such himself beheld,
+  As the last forty years he ne'er had past.
+
+    Bacchus, from heaven survey'd the mighty change
+  Wonderous, and hence that power was given he found;
+  His nurses to restore to youthful years:
+  The boon from Tethys asking, he obtain'd.
+
+    Nor cease the frauds yet of the Phasian dame:
+  Fierce hatred 'gainst her by her spouse she feigns,
+  And flies to Pelias' court; a suppliant there,
+  His daughters hail her guest:--the sire bent down
+  With age. The crafty Colchian these beguiles
+  Soon, with her well-dissembled friendship's form.
+  Amid her mighty benefits, she tells
+  Æson's old age remov'd; relating all,
+  On this she chiefly dwells. Hope sudden springs
+  Within their virgin breasts: Pelias their sire,
+  Such art they trust may yet revivify.
+  That art they sue for,--highest claim'd reward
+  To her they promise: mute at first she stands,
+  And feigning doubt, in hesitation holds,
+  And anxious poise their eager minds. At last,
+  She says, when promising,--“That in the deed,
+  “More faith ye may confide, a leading ram,
+  “The oldest in your fleecy flocks, a lamb
+  “My medicine shall transform!�--Instant was dragg'd
+  The woolly beast, whose wreathing horns around
+  His hollow temples curl'd; whose wither'd throat
+  The steel Thessalian stabb'd; the scanty blood
+  The steel scarce spotting: then th' enchantress steeps
+  His mangled body in the caldron deep,
+  With juices powerful: smaller grow his limbs;
+  Shed are his horns; and vanish'd are his years;
+  And from the caldron tender bleatings sound:
+  Instant leaps forth to all the wondering crowd
+  The bleating lamb, which, frisking, flies and seeks
+  The swelling teats. With admiration struck,
+  Now Pelias' daughters faith unshaken give;
+  More urgent press their wish. Thrice had the sun,
+  'Merg'd in th' Iberian sea, unyok'd his steeds;
+  And the fourth night the glittering stars had shone;
+  When o'er the fire, pure water from the stream,
+  And powerless plants, the false Medea plac'd.
+
+    Now all in sleep relax'd, a death-like sleep,
+  The monarch's limbs were stretch'd; and with their king,
+  His guards lay dormant; so her magic words,
+  And magic tongue had doom'd. Medea leads
+  Across the steps the daughters; bidd'n by her,
+  His couch they compass.--“Why, O, feeble souls!
+  “Thus hesitate?�--she said,--“your swords unsheathe!
+  “Pour out his far-spent gore, that I may fill
+  “With youthful, vigorous blood his empty'd veins.
+  “Your father's life, and years, are in your hands:
+  “If sways you piety; if empty hopes
+  “Wavering deceive you not; then well deserve,
+  “By duty to your sire: quickly expel
+  “With weapons his old age: let issue forth
+  “His now congealing blood with brandish'd steel.�
+  Exhorted thus, most pious she who feels,
+  First impious acts;--a wicked deed performs,
+  Lest wicked she were call'd: yet on the blow
+  Not one would bend her sight; with eyes averse
+  Their savage hands the unseen wounds inflict.
+  Flowing with gore, he from the bed uprais'd
+  His limbs; and from his posture strove half-torn
+  To rise; and stretching forth his pallid arms
+  'Mid all their threatening swords;--“Daughters!�--he cries,
+  “What do ye? Why against your parent's life
+  “Thus arm ye?�--Sink their spirits! drop their hands!
+  His throat Medea severing, stay'd the words
+  He more had utter'd,--and the mangled corse,
+  Deep in the boiling brazen caldron flung.
+
+    She now,--but through the air on dragon wings
+  High borne,--their furious vengeance had not scap'd.
+  O'er shady Pelion high she flew, and o'er
+  The cave of Chiron; Othrys; and the spot
+  For old Cerambus' strange adventure known:
+  Upborne on wings by kindly-aiding nymphs,
+  Here, when the solid earth th' incroaching main
+  Wide delug'd, flying, safe Deucalion's flood
+  He 'scap'd. Æölian Pitané to left
+  She quits; and sees the dragon huge, to stone
+  An image turn'd. And Ida's grove where chang'd
+  By Bacchus' power, the steer a stag became,
+  To screen the theft. And where beneath the sand,
+  A little sand, Corythus' father lies;
+  And fields which Mæra's new-heard howlings fill.
+  Euripylus' fam'd town, where Coän dames,
+  What time the troops of Hercules them left,
+  With horns were crown'd: and Phœbus' favor'd Rhodes;
+  Jalysian Telchines, whose hateful eyes
+  All vitiating, Jove detesting 'whelm'd
+  Beneath his brother's waves. She passes next
+  Carthæïa' walls in ancient Cæä's isle,
+  Where wondering saw Alcidamas the sire,
+  A placid dove his daughter's body bear.
+  And Hyrié's lake she sees, and Tempé's pool
+  Cycneiän, which the swan so sudden form'd
+  Frequented: Phyllius there, a willing slave,
+  Birds and fierce beasts, to his capricious boy
+  Oft brought--e'en lions tam'd; a furious bull
+  He bade him bring, a furious bull he brought;
+  But now in choler at his craving soul,
+  The bull refus'd, though as the last gift claim'd:
+  Indignant, cry'd he,--“soon you'll wish him given!�--
+  And from the high rock plung'd: all thought he fell:
+  But form'd a swan, lightly he pois'd in air
+  On snowy wings. Hyrié, her son thus sav'd,
+  Knew not, by constant weeping soon dissolv'd;
+  The lake becoming that still bears her name.
+  Near this is Pleuron:--Ophian Combé, here
+  Wafted on wings, her murderous sons escap'd.
+  Thence she beholds Latona's favorite isle;
+  Calaurea, where to birds the royal pair
+  Were chang'd: Cyllené, on the right is plac'd
+  Where like the savage herd, Menephron sought
+  His mother's bed. Far hence she spies in tears
+  Cephisus, for his nephew's fate who mourn'd,
+  Chang'd by Apollo to a sea-calf huge;
+  And saw Eumelus' dome, who wept his child,
+  A bird become. At length on dragon wings,
+  Pirenian Corinth she regain'd; where tell
+  The ancient tales, in primal ages, men
+  From shower-fed mushrooms sprung. Here first was flam'd
+  In Colchian venoms fierce, the new-made bride;
+  Then either sea in blazing spires beheld
+  The royal dome; and with her children's gore
+  Her impious sword was stain'd. Thus on herself
+  Reveng'd; from royal Jason's wrath she fled.
+
+    Borne hence, her snakes Titanian reach the walls
+  Of Pallas' city, where most just of men
+  O, Phineus! thou, and Periphas the old,
+  With Polyphemon's niece, as birds are seen,
+  Soaring aloft in air on new-form'd wings.
+  Here Ægeus' roof receiv'd her, for this deed
+  Alone to blame: not satisfy'd as host,
+  In marriage bonds he makes her more his own.
+  Now Theseus comes, son to his sire unknown,
+  Whose brave atchievements, all the two-sea'd land
+  In peace had settled. For his death she mix'd
+  The baneful aconite, long since from shores
+  Of Scythia brought; which thus old tales relate,
+  From Cerberus' venom'd jaws was first produc'd,
+  Through a dark den, with gloomy opening, lies
+  A path steep shelving, where Alcides dragg'd
+  Fierce Cerberus to light, resisting strong,
+  Glancing askaunce his eyes from day, whose rays
+  Sparkled too bright, in adamantine chains.
+  With rabid anger swol'n, a triple yell
+  Fill'd all the air; he o'er the virid plain
+  Sprinkled white foam; increasing fast this shoots;
+  The fruitful soil fresh virulence imparts,
+  And ranker grows its power: from hardest rocks
+  It lively springs, and Aconite hence nam'd.
+  This did old Ægeus, by his crafty spouse
+  Deceiv'd, to Theseus, as a foe, present.
+  Unwitting Theseus, in his hand receiv'd
+  The cup presented; when the sire espy'd
+  Upon his ivory-hilted sword a mark,
+  Which prov'd his offspring; from his lips he dash'd
+  The poison. Wrapp'd in clouds by magic rais'd,
+  The sorceress from their furious vengeance fled.
+
+    The sire, though joy'd, his son in safety found,
+  Trembles astonish'd at the narrow 'scape;
+  And horrid crime premeditated: burns
+  On every altar fires;--to every god
+  Piles costly gifts: full on the brawny neck
+  Of oxen falls, their horns with garlands bound,
+  The sacrificing axe. Ne'er till that day
+  Had Athens' town, such joyous feasting seen;
+  Nobles and commons crowd around the board,
+  And thus, by wine inspir'd, sublime they sing.
+
+    “Thee, mighty Theseus! Marathon admires,
+  “Stain'd by the vanquish'd Cretan bull's black gore.
+  “Thy aid the swains of Cromyon own; thou gav'st
+  “That now secure they till their fields. The land
+  “Of Epidaurus saw the club-arm'd son
+  “Of Vulcan slain by thee. By thee, beheld
+  “Cephisus' shores, the fierce Procrustes die,
+  “Ceres' Eleusis hail'd Cercyon's fall.
+  “Sinis thou slew'st, gifted with strength ill-us'd;
+  “His strength high trees could bend, and oft he dragg'd
+  “Close down to earth the loftiest tops of pines,
+  “Thus rent the bodies of his victims wide.
+  “Safe now extends the road to Lelex' walls,
+  “Scyron low laid: earth to the robber's limbs,
+  “Wide scatter'd, rest refuses; to his bones
+  “Ocean a tomb denies; long widely tost,
+  “Age hardens into rock his last remains;
+  “His name the rock still bears. Should we thy age
+  “And actions count, thy famous deeds by far
+  “Thy years outnumber. O, most brave of men!
+  “For thee the public vows ascend; to thee,
+  “In Bacchus' bowl we drink. The royal hall
+  “Resounds with all the grateful people's praise;
+  “Nor through the city glooms one sorrowing spot.�
+
+    And yet (so seldom pleasure comes unmix'd,
+  But still some cares with joy will intervene)
+  While Ægeus, gladden'd that his son secure
+  Arriv'd; Minos, for furious war prepares.
+  Strong though his troops, and though his navy strong
+  His utmost strength was in paternal rage;
+  And with just arms Androgeus' death t' avenge
+  He wars: yet first auxiliar strength he gains;
+  And powerful sweeps the seas with flying ships.
+  First Anaphe joins him, and Astypalæa; urg'd
+  By promise this, and that by threats constrain'd,
+  Low Myconé; Cymolus' chalky fields;
+  Bright Cythnos; Scyros; flat Seriphus' isle;
+  The marble Paros; and the fort betray'd
+  For gold, demanded by the impious nymph
+  Sithonian: still for gold she anxious seeks
+  Though chang'd a bird; on sable pinions borne,
+  With sable feet, she flutters as a daw.
+
+    But Oliaros, and Didymæ, unite;
+  And Gyaros, Andros, Tenos, all refuse,
+  With Peparethos, in bright olives rich,
+  To aid the Gnossian fleet. Thence to the left
+  Steering, Å’nopia's regions Minos sought;
+  Œnopia call'd of old, Ægina now,
+  By Æäcus, his mother's honor'd name.
+  In crowds the people rush, and pant to view
+  So highly fam'd a prince: to meet him go
+  First Telamon, then Peleus next in age,
+  And Phocas third and last, Ev'n Æäcus
+  With years opprest, steps tardy forth, and asks
+  The visit's cause. The hundred-city'd king
+  Deep sighs, his grief paternal all renew'd,
+  And thus replies;--“My arms, O, king! assist
+  “Assum'd, just vengeance for a son to claim.
+  “Partake this pious war. Peace to his manes
+  “I seek.�--But Asopiades replies;--
+  “In vain you ask;--my city cannot aid:
+  “No lands by neighbouring scite more closely bound,
+  “Than ours and Athens'; hence our league.�--The king
+  Angry departs, exclaiming.--“Much your league
+  “May cost you!�--But to threaten war more safe
+  He deems, than wage it there, and waste his force.
+  Still from Å’nopia's walls the fleet was seen,
+  Not distant far; when sped by swelling sail,
+  An Attic ship arriv'd; the friendly port
+  Enter'd. On board was Cephalus who bore
+  His country's message. Well the royal youths
+  The hero knew, though long time past beheld;
+  And gave the friendly hand, and welcome led
+  To their paternal dome. The graceful chief
+  Enters, retaining still evincing marks
+  Of pristine beauty; in his hand he bears
+  A branch of native olive: in the midst
+  Senior he stands; and younger on each side,
+  Clytus, and Butes, Pallas' sons. Complete
+  Their friendly salutations; next the words
+  Th' Athenians bade him, Cephalus reports:
+  Their aid demands; their ancient league recounts;
+  The oaths their fathers swore; and adds, all Greece
+  Might perish in their ruin. When their cause
+  With eloquence the messenger thus urg'd;
+  On his bright sceptre as his left hand lean'd,
+  “Take, O Athenians,�--Æäcus exclaim'd,--
+  “Not ask, our aid! Unhesitating draw
+  “What force this isle possesses, and with yours
+  “Employ it: with you shall my strongest power
+  “March forth: strength want we not; our numerous troops
+  “Abundant, for ourselves and friends suffice:
+  “Prais'd be the gods! such is our happy state
+  “Your wish defies evasion.�--“Still may grow,�
+  Said Cephalus,--“your prosperous city's state,
+  “And yours!--What transport seiz'd me as I walk'd,
+  “To see each youth so fair, so equal ag'd,
+  “Of all who met me. Yet in vain I look'd
+  “For many features, known when last your walls
+  “Receiv'd me.�--Æäcus, with deep-drawn sighs,
+  And sorrowing voice, thus answers.--“Better fate
+  “Completed, what a mournful sight began.
+  “Would I in full could all the facts relate!
+  “Now unconnected must I speak, or tire
+  “Your ear with words superfluous. Whom you seek,
+  “Whom you remember, bones and ashes rest.
+  “But small their numbers:--Heavens! how small to those,
+  “My people, who have sunk in death beside.
+
+    “A dreadful plague, the angry Juno shed
+  “Unjust, upon the natives of the land,
+  “Detested, that her rival's name it bore.
+  “While human seem'd the scourge, the noxious cause
+  “Of slaughter yet conceal'd, with physic's skill
+  “We strove; in vain! death mock'd the power of art.
+  “At first thick darkness heavy press'd the earth;
+  “Pregnant with heat roll'd on the lazy clouds.
+  “Four times the full-orb'd moon had join'd her horns,
+  “Four times diminish'd, had she disappear'd;
+  “Still the hot south-wind blew his deadly blasts.
+  “Our lakes and fountains, from th' infected air
+  “Contagion suck'd; millions of vipers swarm'd
+  “In our uncultur'd fields, our running streams
+  “Tainting with poison. First the sudden plague
+  “Its power display'd, on sheep, on dogs, on fowls,
+  “Cattle, and forest beasts with deadly power.
+  “The hapless ploughman, wondering, at his work
+  “Sees his strong oxen in the furrow sink.
+  “The woolly flocks with sickly bleatings waste
+  “In body, while their wool spontaneous falls.
+  “The steed so fiery, on the dusty plain
+  “So fam'd, the palm contemns; and all despis'd
+  “His ancient honors, at his manger groans,
+  “Prey to disease inglorious. His fierce rage
+  “The boar forgets. The stag neglects his speed.
+  “Not rush the bears upon the stronger herds.
+  “A general languor reigns. In woods, in fields,
+  “In ways, the filthy carcases are seen;
+  “The stench pollutes the air: and, wonderous! dogs,
+  “Nor birds rapacious, nor the grizzly wolves,
+  “Touch the dead spoil. Rotting they melt away,
+  “Poisoning the gale; and spreading wide the pest.
+  “Now the disease, a heavier scourge, attacks
+  “The hapless swains, and in the lofty walls
+  “Of cities rules. First the scorch'd vitals burn;
+  “The hidden fire the blushing skin betrays,
+  “And breath laborious drawn; the furr'd tongue swells;
+  “The parch'd mouth widely gapes, th' infectious air
+  “Inhaling copious. On the couch none lie;
+  “None bear their covering robes; their bodies swol'n,
+  “On the bare earth they fling; nor coolness find
+  “Their bodies from the ground;--the ground from them
+  “Burns hot. Nor aids them now physicians' skill;
+  “E'en them the dire pest seizes, and their art
+  “Fails to assist themselves. Who boldly comes,
+  “With kindly hand his dying friend to aid,
+  “Sinks straight in death beside him. Fled all hope
+  “Of health, and in the grave alone an end
+  “Beheld of their disease,--some wild indulge
+  “Their fondest passions, void of every care;
+  “For every care is vain. Of modest shame
+  “Regardless, in promiscuous throngs they crowd
+  “To rivers, fountains, and capacious wells,
+  “Their hot thirst unextinguish'd, but with life.
+  “To rise unable, many in the stream
+  “Sink, and there perish: still their followers drink.
+  “So irksome to the wretched sufferers seem
+  “Their couches, thence they spring;--and some too weak
+  “To lift their limbs, roll desperate to the ground.
+  “Each quits his home,--to each his home appears,
+  “The fatal spot; and while obscure the cause,
+  “Each deems the house contagious. Oft were seen
+  “Beings half-dead, slow crawling o'er the ways,
+  “Till power to crawl was lost. Others with moans
+  “Stretch'd on the ground, rolling their half-clos'd eyes,
+  “In final motion: raising high their arms
+  “To heaven's o'erhanging stars, breathe out their last,
+  “Caught here by death, and there. Ah! me, what then
+  “My mind employ'd? What but to loathe my life,
+  “And pray with my dear countrymen to die?
+  “Whatever side mine eyes were bent, I saw
+  “My people strewn;--thick as the mellow fruit,
+  “Shook from the branches, or the acorns lie.
+  “Observe that temple, lofty where it towers;
+  “To Jove 'tis sacred. Who to that high fane
+  “Their useless incense brought not? There how oft
+  “Wife for her husband, parent for her child,
+  “Before th' inexorable altar, breath'd
+  “Their dying gasp, 'mid deprecating prayers;
+  “And half their incense unconsum'd remain'd.
+  “How oft the oxen to the temple dragg'd,
+  “While now the priest his voice address'd, and pour'd
+  “The goblet o'er their foreheads, have they dropp'd
+  “By stroke unlook'd for. When myself, to Jove
+  “Wish'd sacrifice to offer up; for me,
+  “My country, and my sons,--the victim loud
+  “Dire lowings utter'd, and without a blow
+  “Fell sudden,--scarce with blood the wounding knife
+  “Was stain'd. The morbid inwards mock'd our wish,
+  “To learn the truth, and pleasure of the gods:
+  “The deep-fixt plague had to the bowels pierc'd.
+  “Before the sacred portals have I seen,
+  “The corses spread; before the altars too,
+  “As death would come in his most hideous form.
+  “Some with the cord life's passage choke, and seek
+  “Death, lest they death should meet. Madly they rush
+  “And voluntary meet approaching fate.
+  “The bodies plung'd in death, funereal rites
+  “Custom'd, receiv'd not; nor the numerous dead
+  “Could all the gates receive: or un-inhum'd
+  “Above the earth they lie, or on the pyre
+  “Unhonor'd by due rites, the bodies flame.
+  “All sense of reverence lost, for piles they fight;
+  “And burn their dead in fires which others own.
+  “To mourn are none; unwept the shadows roam,
+  “Of young and old alike, of sons and sires.
+  “The ground for graves too small, for fires the woods.
+  “Aghast this whirlwind of distress to view,
+  “O, Jove!--I cry'd--if false they not report,
+  “That once you in Ægina's arms were clasp'd;--
+  “If not, O, mighty sire! asham'd to own
+  “Yourself my parent, give my people back,
+  “Or give me death with them. A rattling sign
+  “He gave, and prosperous thunders roll'd. I spoke;--
+  “These omens I accept; and pray these signs
+  “May indicate your happy will:--as pledge
+  “I take them.--Nigh by chance an oak there stood,
+  “Thick-set with spreading boughs, Jove's sacred tree,
+  “Sprung from Dodona's stock: here I beheld
+  “Grain-gathering ants, each burthen'd with his load,
+  “In his small mouth, as o'er the rugged bark
+  “In lengthen'd file they march'd. The numerous crowds
+  “Admiring;--Best of fathers, I exclaim'd,
+  “So many subjects grant me, to refill
+  “My desert walls.--Trembled the lofty oak,
+  “Of wind no breath, yet mov'd the sounding boughs;
+  “With terror shook my limbs, and upright rear'd
+  “My hair; then kisses to the ground I gave,
+  “And kiss'd the oak; scarce hope I dar'd to feel:
+  “Yet still I nourish'd hope within my soul.
+  “Night comes; my body worn with cares, to sleep
+  “Obedience yielded. Still before mine eyes
+  “The oak appear'd; branches the same it bore,
+  “And on its branches seem'd the swarms the same;
+  “So mov'd the boughs, and on the grass below,
+  “Shook the corn-carrying crowd. Sudden they grew;
+  “Large, and more large they seem'd, as from the ground
+  “Themselves they rais'd, and stood in form erect.
+  “Their slender make, their numerous feet, their hue
+  “Of sable, disappear'd, and all their limbs
+  “An human shape confess'd. Sleep fled mine eyes;
+  “And fled my vision:--As by heaven not mark'd,
+  “Complaining;--far without the hall I heard
+  “A murmuring loud, and human seem'd the sounds,--
+  “Though stranger to mine ears: musing if still
+  “I slept not,--Lo! quick, Telamon approach'd,
+  “Wide threw the doors; and cry'd,--O, sire! behold;
+  “What hope, what faith surpasses!--Forth I come;
+  “Such men as in my dream my fancy saw,
+  “I see;--I know them, man by man, again:
+  “They come, and king salute me: unto Jove
+  “My votive thanks I pay; my city share
+  “Amongst my subjects new; and all my lands,
+  “(Of those who till'd them, empty.) Myrmidons,
+  “From whence they sprung, I call them. You have seen
+  “Their bodies,--still their habits are the same:
+  “A frugal race as wont, patient of toil;
+  “On gain still bent; tenacious of that gain.
+  “These equal all, in courage and in years,
+  “Shall follow you to battle; when the east
+  “Which blew you here so prosperous, (for the east
+  “Had brought him) to the southern gales shall yield.�
+  With these and such like speeches, all the day
+  They sit conversing; evening they devote
+  To banquets; and the night to soft repose.
+  Sol rais'd his golden head, but Eurus still
+  Prevail'd, and bound their sails. Now Pallas' sons
+  To Cephalus, their chief in years, repair,
+  And to the king with Pallas' sons he goes;
+  But still deep-wrapt in sleep the king was laid.
+  Phocus receiv'd them at the gates; employ'd
+  Were Telamon and Peleus, troops to chuse
+  For the new war. Th' Athenian chief he leads
+  Within the palace, to the fairest rooms.
+  When all were seated, Phocus mark'd the dart
+  The hero bore, shap'd from a wood unknown,
+  Pointed with gold; and said, with prefac'd words:
+  “To range the forests, and fierce beasts to slay
+  “Is all my joy; yet long in doubt I've stood
+  “What tree this dart has form'd; for ash too pale,
+  “Too smooth for cornel; though from whence it comes
+  “So ignorant, ne'er before mine eyes beheld
+  “A fairer weapon.�--Pallas' son address'd
+  The youth:--“The javelin's use you'll more admire
+  “Than beauty;--thrown where'er, its mark it gains,
+  “Unrul'd by erring chance, and bloody, back
+  “Instant returns.�--Then Phocus curious asks
+  More full its story, how, and whence it came,
+  And who the author of so priz'd a gift.
+  Him Cephalus informs, but shame denies
+  To tell the whole, and what the present's price.
+  Full to his mind his consort's loss recall'd,
+  Tears sudden gush'd:--“O, goddess-born!--he cries,
+  “This dart (improbable howe'er) my tears
+  “Has often caus'd,--and long will make them flow;--
+  “If fate long life should grant. My dear-lov'd spouse
+  “This dart destroy'd:--O, that this fatal gift
+  “Had still been unpossess'd! Procris, ally'd
+  “To stol'n Orithyiä (if Orithyiä's fame
+  “Your ears has reach'd) was as her sister fair:
+  “Nay, match'd in form and manners, she might more
+  “The robber tempt. Her sire Erechthens join'd
+  “To me the maid; us love more firmly bound:
+  “Blest was I call'd, and blest I was indeed,
+  “And still were blest, but heaven else will'd my fate.
+  “Now had the second month connubial joys
+  “Beheld; when chasing dusky darkness far,
+  “Aurora ruddy, saw me on the heights
+  “Hymettus flowery rears, as there my toils
+  “For antler'd stags I spread: and there by force
+  “She clasp'd me. Truth I wish to guide my tongue
+  “Nor yet displease the goddess, when I swear
+  “Though bright her roseate cheeks; though wide she sways
+  “Of night and day the confines; though she quaffs
+  “Nectarean liquid, still I Procris lov'd:
+  “Still in my bosom Procris reign'd, and still
+  “Procris, my tongue repeated. Oft I urg'd
+  “The sacred couch, the new-felt joys, the rites
+  “So recent, and the plighted faith just given,
+  “To her deserted: when the goddess flam'd,
+  “Exclaiming;--Ingrate! cease thy doleful plaints,
+  “Enjoy thy Procris,--if I right foresee
+  “Thou'lt rue that wish'd enjoyment:--Angry thus
+  “She fled me. Slow returning, much I mus'd,
+  “The goddess' words recalling: fear me thrill'd,
+  “Lest Procris had her nuptial oaths profaned.
+  “Her age, her beauty, much suspicion mov'd;
+  “Her virtue bade me chase my fears as vain.
+  “Yet was I absent, and from whence I came,
+  “Prov'd how adulterous females might indulge,
+  “Suspicious love fears all. Studious I seek,
+  “What found would rack with torture; and I burn
+  “To bribe with gifts, and try her modest faith.
+  “Aurora aids my fears, my shape transforms:
+  “(Conscious I felt it.) To Minerva's town,
+  “To all unknown, I hastened, and my house
+  “Enter'd: the house in faultless guise I found;
+  “Chaste all appear'd, and anxious all were seen
+  “For their lost master. By a thousand arts
+  “Erechtheus' daughter I at length beheld,
+  “And seen was stagger'd: near my purpos'd proof
+  “Relinquish'd of fidelity; most hard
+  “The cheat to tell not; to refrain most hard
+  “From conjugal salutes. Sad she appear'd.
+  “But nought more lovely could in sadness seem:
+  “Burning in wishes for her absent spouse.
+  “Image, O, Phocus! what her beauteous face
+  “Could boast; a face that woe itself became.
+  “Why should I tell how oft her virtuous soul,
+  “Repuls'd my tempting offers? Why repeat
+  “How oft she cry'd;--For one myself I keep,
+  “For one, where'er he stays, my joys preserve.
+  “Whose mad suspicion would not this allay?
+  “This proof of faith? But I, not so content,
+  “Strive for my own confusion. Lavish gifts
+  “I proffer for the joys of one short night:
+  “More and more rich I heap them, till her breast
+  “Wavers, then loud exclaim,--Lo! here behold,
+  “Adulteress! one unluckily disguis'd,
+  “Unluckily betroth'd, thy lawful spouse!
+  “Perfidious! by those eyes convinc'd I stand.
+  “Nought she:--with silent shame o'ercome, she fled
+  “The house deceitful, and her hated spouse.
+  “With me offended, all the race of men
+  “Detesting, on the mountain tops she rov'd;
+  “Diana's sports close following. Fiercer love
+  “Flam'd in my bosom, thus deserted left.
+  “I su'd for pardon, and my fault I own'd;
+  “Swore that myself so tempted, so had err'd,
+  “By such high offers brib'd. Confessing thus,
+  “Her wounded modest pride grew more compos'd;
+  “And shortly I regain'd her. Long in peace
+  “We liv'd, and cordial spent the smiling years.
+  “Herself a gift she priz'd not: more she gave,
+  “An hound, she from Diana's hand receiv'd,
+  “Who said,--accept the fleetest of his race--
+  “And gave this javelin which you see me bear.
+  “If of the first the fate you seek to know,
+  “Attend, th' adventure will your wonder move.
+
+    “The son of Laïus had the words explain'd,
+  “Before his time to every mind obscure;
+  “And the dark prophetess, down headlong flung,
+  “Laid lifeless, all her riddling tales forgot.
+  “Her, fostering Themis saw, and unreveng'd
+  “To lie not suffer'd. Straight another plague
+  “On Thebes was loos'd; and all the country swains
+  “Fear'd by the savage beast their flocks to lose,
+  “And fear'd their own destruction. With the youths
+  “Adjacent, I assembled; round the fields
+  “Our toils we fix; the toils the rapid beast
+  “O'erleaps high-bounding; 'bove the loftiest ropes,
+  “Stretch'd o'er the nets, with active spring he flies.
+  “The hounds uncoupled, in the chace he mocks,
+  “And like an agile bird before them plays;
+  “With outcries loud, for Lælaps' aid they call.
+  “(My Procris' gift, so nam'd.) Long had he tugg'd,
+  “To extricate him from the chain; to free
+  “His captive neck: scarce was he loos'd, so swift
+  “He shot, in vain our eyes his progress mark'd:
+  “In the light dust his feet were printed, he,
+  “Rapt from the view, was vanish'd. Swifter flies
+  “The darted spear not: nor the leaden ball
+  “Hurl'd from the whirling sling;--nor reedy dart
+  “Shot from the Cretan bow. A central hill
+  “High-towering, all the subject plains o'erlooks;
+  “Thither I climb, and there behold the chase;
+  “A novel scene. Now seems the beast safe caught;
+  “Now from the grasp light-springing. Flight right on
+  “Crafty he shuns, and doubles round the field,
+  “Cheating his chaser's mouth; and circling turns
+  “His foe's quick speed eluding. Swift he flies,--
+  “With equal swiftness follow'd. Now to grasp
+  “His prey seems Lælaps,--in his grasp deceiv'd,
+  “His empty jaws seize air. Now to my aid
+  “I call my javelin,--poize it for the blow,
+  “And bend mine eyes the thongs to fix secure:
+  “Again I lift them to behold the chase,
+  “And see astonish'd in the spacious plain
+  “Two marble statues! this to fly appears,--
+  “That barking seems to follow. So decreed
+  “Doubtless the gods, that in the arduous course
+  “Unconquer'd, each his glory might retain.�
+
+    Thus far he spoke, then silent sate.--“What crime,�
+  Said Phocus--“has the javelin then perform'd?�--
+  And thus the javelin's fault the hero tells,
+  “Since joys supreme my sorrows first forewent,
+  “Let me, O, Phocus! first those joys recount.
+  “O, youth! how it delights me to retrace
+  “Those happy moments, when supremely blest
+  “In her, the primal years were joyous spent.
+  “She, equal happy in her darling spouse;
+  “Each mind of mutual care a portion bore;
+  “And love's connubial joys each equal shar'd.
+  “Jove's proffer'd couch, with my embrace compar'd,
+  “Procris had spurn'd; nor could the loveliest nymph
+  “Me tempt, though Venus' self had deign'd to sue:
+  “In either breast an equal ardor flam'd.
+  “In youthful guise I wont the woods to scour,
+  “For sport betimes, ere yet the sun had ting'd
+  “With early beams the lofty mountains' tops:
+  “Nor took I servants, nor the courser fleet,
+  “Nor hounds sharp-scented, nor the knotted snares;
+  “This dart my sole dependence: when my arm
+  “With slaughtered spoil was satiate, tir'd I sought
+  “The cooling shade, and sought where Aura breath'd
+  “In frigid vales her breezes. 'Midst the heat
+  “Refreshing air I sought, and Aura call'd,
+  “My labour's recreation; thus I sung,
+  “I well the words remember;--Aura, come!
+  “Come, my delight,--within my bosom creep,
+  “Most grateful friend; come, and as wont remove
+  “My inward flames.--By chance more tender words
+  “(So sway'd my destiny) to these I join'd:
+  “And thus I spoke--O, thou! my greatest joy
+  “Refreshing, cherishing my strength and power!
+  “For thee, these woods and lonely spots I love:
+  “Here does my wishing mouth thy breath inhale.--
+  “These words ambiguous, busy ears receiv'd,
+  “And Aura! Aura! oft invok'd, they deem
+  “A favor'd nymph,--a nymph by me belov'd.
+  “The rash informer with the imag'd wrong,
+  “My Procris seeks his whispering tongue relates,
+  “The words o'erheard. Love credulous believes.
+  “O'erpress'd with grief, she sudden sunk, when heard
+  “The tale,--and long she unrecover'd laid.
+  “Then--hapless wife!--O, wayward fate! she cries:--
+  “My broken faith bewails, and with my crime
+  “Imagin'd, troubled, fears what not exists,--
+  “A name without a being: much she grieves,
+  “As real were her rival: yet full oft
+  “Stagger'd, she doubts, and hopes herself deceiv'd:
+  “Trusts not th' informer; and her husband's fault,
+  “Unless beheld, refuses to believe.
+  “When next Aurora bade the darkness fly
+  “I sally'd forth, and sought th' accustomed wood:
+  “Then tir'd with conquest, on the grass I stretch'd,
+  “And,--come, dear Aura, ease my pain,--I cry'd
+  “Sudden a mournful sigh betwixt my words
+  “I heard, but still proceeded,--dearest, come!--
+  “Again the falling leaves a rustling sound
+  “Causing, a savage beast I thought lay hid,
+  “And hurl'd my faithful dart. Procris was there!
+  “And as her tender breast the blow receiv'd
+  “Alas! she cry'd.--My faithful spouse's voice
+  “I knew, and with distracted speed I ran;
+  “Half-dead I found her, all her robes distain'd
+  “With flowing blood,--and dragging from the wound,
+  “Ah, me!--her fatal gift. My guilty arms,
+  “Her body, dearer far than mine, support;
+  “My vest I rend, the cruel gash to bind,
+  “And check the gushing blood; I fearful pray,
+  “She will not leave me guilty of her fate.
+  “She now, her strength fast wasting, dying fast,
+  “These words to utter try'd:--Suppliant I beg,
+  “By all the oaths that form'd our nuptial ties;
+  “By all the gods and goddesses above;
+  “By all my actions which have given you joy;
+  “By that strong love which thus my fate has caus'd,
+  “Which now in death my bosom still retains,
+  “Let not this Aura to my bed succeed.--
+  “She said,--too late I learn'd, too late I told
+  “The error of the name; for what avail'd!
+  “She sinks, her small remaining strength is fled,
+  “Her last blood flows. While ought she seems to view,
+  “On me she bends her eyes; her hapless soul
+  “My lips inhale, yet pleas'd her brow appears
+  “In death, more calm from what I just explain'd.�
+  Thus grieving, Cephalus concludes, and all
+  His audience with him weep. When, lo! appear
+  King Æäcus, his sons, and troops new-rais'd;
+  Whom Cephalus, in warlike strength, receives.
+
+  END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
+
+  _Macdonald & Bailey, Printers, Harris's Place,
+  Oxford-Street._
+
+
+
+
+  THE
+  METAMORPHOSES
+  OF
+  PUBLIUS OVIDIUS NASO
+  IN
+  *English Blank Verse*
+
+
+  Translated by
+  J. J. HOWARD
+
+  VOL. II.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+*The Eighth Book.*
+
+
+    Nisus betrayed to Minos by his daughter Scylla; changed to a
+    falcon, and Scylla to a lark. Return of Minos to Crete. The
+    Minotaur and labyrinth. Flight of Dædalus and Icarus. Change of
+    Perdix to a partridge. Chase and death of the Calydonian boar, by
+    Meleager and Atalanta. Murder of Meleager's uncles. Vengeance of
+    his mother. Death of Meleager, and transformation of his sisters
+    to birds. Acheloüs. Nymphs transformed into the isles Echinades.
+    Perimelè into an island. Story of Baucis and Philemon. Changes of
+    Proteus. Story of Erisichthon, and transformations of his
+    daughter.
+
+  *Printed by G. HAYDEN,
+  Brydges Street, Covent Garden.*
+
+
+
+
+THE *Eighth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Now leading Phosphor' shining day disclos'd,
+  The darkness flying; and the eastern gales
+  Lull'd into calm, the vapoury clouds arose:
+  The placid south befriending, rapid borne,
+  The hero Cephalus, and aiding troops,
+  Ride unexpected in their wish'd-for port.
+
+    Minos, meanwhile, the Lelegeian coast
+  Lays waste, and on Alcathoë's town his power
+  Essays. Here Nisus rul'd, whose reverend locks
+  Of silvery brightness, in the midst contain'd
+  One with rich purple splendid, sacred pledge
+  Of fortune to his kingdom. Six times seen
+  Were Luna's horns arising fresh renew'd;
+  Still hover'd conquest doubtful o'er the war,
+  On wavering pinions, 'twixt opposing hosts.
+  A regal tower its vocal walls high-rear'd,
+  Where once Latona's son his golden lyre
+  Rested; the music still the stones retain'd.
+  Oft here the beauteous daughter of the king
+  Ascended, and the latent music drew
+  Forth to the ear, by smallest pebbles struck.
+  Thus she in peaceful times, and here she oft
+  When war was raging, ventur'd: hence she saw
+  The rough encounters of the furious field.
+  So long the tedious warfare, well she knew
+  The leaders' names, their arms, their prancing steeds:
+  And knew their garments, and their Cretan bows.
+  Far beyond all Europa's son she knew,
+  More than became her state: this Minos well
+  Could prove; whose head in crested helmet hid,
+  Most beauteous helm'd appear'd: whose arm, adorn'd
+  With brazen shield refulgent, well became
+  The brazen shield: whose hand the tough lance whirl'd,
+  And back withdrawn, the virgin wondering prais'd
+  Such strength and skill combin'd: to fit the dart
+  When to the spreading bow his strength he bent,
+  She vow'd that Phœbus in such posture stood
+  His arrows fitting: when, his brazen casque
+  Relinquish'd, all his features shone display'd,
+  As purple-rob'd his snow-white steed he press'd,
+  In painted housings gay, and curb'd his jaws
+  White foaming,--then the lost Nisean maid,
+  Scarcely herself, in frantic rapture spoke:--
+  Blest call'd the javelin, that his hands it touch'd;
+  Blest call'd the reins he curb'd. Arduous she burns,
+  (Could she) through hostile ranks her virgin steps
+  To bend: arduous she burns, from loftiest towers
+  To fling her body in the Cretan camp.
+  The brazen portals of the city's walls
+  Wide to the foe she'd ope: what could she not?
+  That Minos will'd? As resting here she view'd,
+  The white pavilion of the Gnossian king
+  Dubious, she cry'd;--“Or should I grieve or joy,
+  “This mournful war to witness? Grieve I must
+  “That Minos so belov'd should be my foe.
+  “But had the war not been, his lovely face
+  “Had ne'er to me been known. Now war may cease
+  “Should I become the hostage:--I retain'd,
+  “As Minos' comrade, and the pledge of peace.
+  “Fairest of forms! if she who brought thee forth
+  “Resembled thee, well might an amorous god
+  “Burn for her beauty. O! thrice blest were I,
+  “If borne through air on lightly-waving wings,
+  “The Cretan monarch's camp I might explore,
+  “And there, my rank and love disclos'd, demand
+  “What dowry he would ask to be my spouse.
+  “My country's towers alone, he should not seek.
+  “Perish the joys of his expected bed,
+  “Ere I through treason gain them! Yet full oft
+  “A moderate victor's clemency affords
+  “Great blessings to the vanquish'd. Doubtless, he
+  “Just warfare wages for his murder'd son.
+  “Strong in his cause, and in his armies strong,
+  “Which aid that cause, he must the conquest gain.
+  “Why, if this fate my country waits, should war,
+  “And not my love unbar to him the gates?
+  “So may he conquer; slaughter, toil, and blood,--
+  “His own dear blood, avoided. How I dread,
+  “Lest some rash hand might that lov'd bosom wound!
+  “None but the ignorant sure, the savage spear
+  “At him would hurl. The scheme delights my soul:
+  “Fixt my resolve; my country as my dower
+  “Will I deliver, finish so the war!
+  “But what are resolutions? Watchful guards
+  “The passes keep; of every gate, the keys
+  “My father careful holds. Hapless! I dread
+  “My father only; he alone withstands
+  “My wishes; would that so the gods had doom'd,
+  “I had no parent! But to each himself
+  “A god may surely be; and fortune spurns
+  “Lazy beseechers. With such love inflam'd,
+  “Another maid had long ere now destroy'd
+  “All barriers to her bliss; and why than I,
+  “Should any dare more boldly? Fearless, I
+  “Thro' swords and flames would pass, but swords and flames
+  “Oppose me not in this: my sole desire
+  “Compris'd in one small lock of Nisus' hair:
+  “Than gold that prize more dear. That purple lock
+  “Most blest would make me, and my sole desires
+  “Encompass.�--Speaking thus, the gloomy night,
+  Imperial nurse of cares, approach'd; more bold
+  Her daring project with the darkness grew.
+
+    Now primal slumbers rul'd o'er weary breasts,
+  Tir'd with their toil diurnal. Silent, she
+  Her father's chamber enters, and (O, dire!)
+  The daughter from her parent's head divides
+  The fateful lock! Her wicked prize possess'd,
+  Forth from the gate she issues; and the spoil,
+  So cursed, with her bears; as through the hosts,
+  (Such boldness gave the deed,) she seeks the king,
+  Whom thus, astonish'd and aghast, she hails:--
+  “To wicked deeds love sways; behold me here,
+  “Scylla, from royal Nisus sprung; to thee
+  “My household gods and country I betray:
+  “Thee, sole reward I seek. Pledge of my faith,
+  “This purple lock receive, and with this lock
+  “Receive my parent's head.�--Then in her hand
+  The impious gift presented. Minos spurn'd
+  The parricidal present; deeply shock'd
+  A deed so base to witness, and exclaim'd;--
+  “May all the gods, from every part of earth
+  “Thee banish, scandal of our age! may land
+  “And sea alike reject thee; such a soul
+  “So monstrous! ne'er with me shall touch the shores
+  “Of Crete, my land, and cradle of high Jove.�
+  He said, and on his captive foes impos'd
+  Most just his equal laws; his men bade loose
+  Their cables from the beach, and with their oars
+  His vessels bright with brass, urge on the deep.
+
+    Launch'd on the main, when Scylla sees the fleet,
+  Nor from its leader gain'd the hop'd reward,
+  Her wicked deed had sought, tir'd of her prayers,
+  In desperate rage she storms; wild throws her hair;
+  Stretches her hands, exclaiming;--“Where! O, where!
+  “Fly'st thou, the author of thy fortune left?
+  “O, priz'd above my country! 'bove my sire!
+  “O cruel, whither fly'st thou, whose success
+  “At once my merit, and my fault displays?
+  “Will not the gifted conquest move thy soul?
+  “Will not my love thee move? Will not the thought
+  “That all my hopes centre in thee alone?
+  “By thee deserted, whither shall I fly?
+  “Back to my natal town? Ruin'd it lies;
+  “Or if still standing, fast the gates are barr'd
+  “Against my treason. To my father's arms,
+  “Whom I betray'd? Each citizen me hates
+  “Deserv'dly; neighbours my example dread.
+  “Banish'd, an exile from each spot of earth,--
+  “Crete only open lies. Thence dost thou drive
+  “Me also? Ingrate! dost thou fly me so?
+  “Europa never bore thee, but some Syrt'
+  “Inhospitable; or some tigress fell
+  “Bred in Armenia; or Charybdis vext
+  “With tempests: Jove was ne'er thy sire, nor feign'd
+  “A bull's resemblance to delude her, false
+  “That fable of thy origin. A bull,
+  “Real and savage thee begot, whose love
+  “No heifer mov'd. O father Nisus! now
+  “Exact thy vengeance. Joy, O town! betray'd
+  “By my transgression; for the woes I feel
+  “Most merited I grant; guilty I die:
+  “Yet should the deadly blow be given by one
+  “My impious fault has injur'd; not by thee,
+  “Victor through crimes thou with avenging hate
+  “Now persecutest. This flagitious deed
+  “Against my country, and against my sire,
+  “Was all for thee. Th' adultress who beguil'd
+  “In wooden cavity the furious bull;
+  “Whose womb an ill-assorted birth produc'd;
+  “Well for a spouse befits thee. Do my words
+  “Reach to thine ears, or no? Do the brisk winds,
+  “Thou ingrate! waft my bootless plainings on,
+  “And waft thy vessels? Wondrous now no more,
+  “Pasiphaë, to thy embrace a bull
+  “Preferr'd; for more unpitying is thy soul.
+  “Joyful, ah! hapless me,--away thou fly'st;
+  “Thy cleaving oars dash on the sounding waves:
+  “Me, and my country far from thee recede.
+  “O wretch! forgetful of my favoring aid,
+  “Thou striv'st in vain to fly me. 'Gainst thy wish
+  “Thee will I follow; on thy crooked ship
+  “Hanging, embracing, dragg'd through drenching seas.'
+  Scarce ending, in the waves she furious leaped,
+  Vigorous by love, and gain'd the flying fleet;
+  And clasp'd, unwelcome guest, the Gnossian poop.
+  Here soon her father spy'd her (in the air
+  He wing'd his way, now cloth'd with yellow plumes
+  A falcon) and down darted; with his beak
+  So curv'd, to wound her as she clung. In dread
+  Her grasp she loos'd, and as she seem'd to fall,
+  The light air bore her from the waves below:
+  Plum'd she became, and form'd a feather'd bird,
+  Ciris they call'd her from the ravish'd lock.
+
+    To Jove now Minos all his vows performs,
+  An hecatomb of bulls; as from the fleet
+  He lands on Gnossus' shores: his royal hall
+  With all his spoils, on high uphung, adorn'd.
+
+    Meantime th' opprobrium of his bed increas'd:
+  The two-formed monster in a novel birth,
+  At length the mother's beastly crime proclaim'd.
+  Minos, the shameful witness from his couch,
+  Far to remove determines; in a dome
+  Intricate winding, he resolves to lodge,
+  From every eye conceal'd, the birth. Intrusts
+  The work to Dædalus, in cunning arts
+  Most fam'd, to build. He all the various marks,
+  Confuses, puzzles; bent on either side,
+  The various paths confound the searching eye.
+  So in the fields the soft Mæander plays,
+  Here refluent, flowing there with dubious course;
+  Meeting himself, his wandering stream he sees:
+  And urges now to whence he first arose;
+  Now to the open outlet of the main.
+  Thus Dædalus the numerous paths perplex'd
+  With puzzlings intricate, so much entwin'd,
+  Himself could scarce the outer threshold gain.
+  Here was the double monster, man and bull
+  Inclos'd; till by the third allotted tribe,
+  The ninth year, vanquish'd; with Athenian blood
+  Twice gorg'd before. Then was the secret gate,
+  So often sought in vain, found by the aid
+  A virgin lent to trace the winding clue.
+  Instant for Dias, Theseus loos'd his sails,
+  With Minos' ravish'd daughter: on that shore
+  Cruel! he left her. The deserted nymph
+  Wildly lamenting, Bacchus soon embrac'd,
+  And gave her needful aid; her fame to fix
+  Immortal in the skies, her sparkling crown,
+  Mov'd from her forehead, 'mid the stars he plac'd:
+  Through the thin air it flies, and as it mounts
+  To blazing stars, the glittering jewels change.
+  Still as a crown it shines, its station 'midst
+  Where stout Alcides Ophiuchus grasps.
+
+    Meantime long exile, and the land of Crete
+  Detesting; burning with a patriot's wish
+  His native soil to visit, Dædalus,
+  By sea escape prevented, thus exclaim'd;--
+  “Let earth and ocean both my flight obstruct,
+  “Still open lies the air; through air we'll go.
+  “Minos controlling all, controls not air.�--
+  He speaks, and bends to unknown arts his skill,
+  Improving Nature's gift. Quills fixt in rows
+  He places; small at first in length and size,
+  Gradual enlarg'd, as if a hill's steep side
+  Growing, produc'd them: So time past the pipe,
+  Of rustic origin, by small degrees
+  Increasing reeds compos'd. Firm fixt with thread
+  Their middle part he binds, and close with wax
+  Cements their bottom. All complete he bends
+  The composition in a gentle curve,
+  Resembling real wings. Young Icarus
+  Alone was present; ignorant that the work
+  Would his destruction cause; with playful tricks
+  He fingers now the feathers, now his hands
+  Soften the yellow wax. His sportive wiles
+  His father's wond'rous essay oft delay.
+
+    Now was the last completing stroke impos'd
+  Upon his undertaking: First the sire
+  On artificial wings his body pois'd,
+  And in the beaten air suspended hung:
+  Then his young offspring, Icarus, he taught.--
+  “This I my son advise, a middle course,
+  “To keep be cautious; low if thou should'st skim,
+  “Heavy with ocean's spray thy wings would droop:
+  “If high, the sun would scorch them. Steer thy course
+  “'Twixt each extreme. Nor would I wish thine eyes
+  “To view Boötes, or the northern bear;
+  “Nor yet Orion's naked sword. My track
+  “Cautious pursue.�--With anxious care he gives
+  Rules thus for flight; and to his shoulders fits
+  The new-form'd pinions. Tears his ancient cheeks
+  Bedew'd, as thus his admonitions flow'd:
+  And his paternal hands as thus employ'd,
+  Beneath the office trembled. Warm salutes
+  He gave the boy, nor knew he gave the last;
+  Then on his feathers borne, explores the way,
+  Timid for him who follows. So the bird,
+  Tempts from her lofty nest her new-fledg'd brood,
+  In the thin air. He bids him close pursue,
+  Tries in each shape to teach the fatal skill;
+  Shakes his own pinions, bending back to view
+  His son's. The angler as with quivering reed,
+  He drew his prey to land; the shepherd-swain,
+  As o'er his staff he lean'd; the ploughman-clown,
+  Their flight astonish'd saw, and deem'd them gods,
+  That so at will could cleave the liquid sky.
+
+    Now Samos, Juno's favor'd isle they pass'd,
+  Delos, and Paros, all to left;--to right
+  Labyrithos lay, and rich in honey'd sweets
+  Calymné: when the heedless boy o'erjoy'd
+  In his bold flight, the precepts of his guide
+  Contemning, soar'd to heaven a loftier range.
+  The neighbouring sun's fierce heat the fragrant wax
+  Which bound, his pinions, soften'd. Soon the wax
+  Dissolves; and now his naked arms he waves;
+  But destitute of power his course to steer,
+  No air his arms can gather; loud he calls
+  His father's name, as in the azure deep
+  He drops,--the deep which still his name retains.
+
+    The hapless parent, not a parent now,
+  Loud calls on Icarus;--“Where art thou, son?
+  “Where shall I seek thee, Icarus?�--He said,
+  And spy'd his feathers floating on the waves:
+  Then curs'd his hapless art, as in the earth,
+  He deep intomb'd him; all the land around
+  Bears from the youth intomb'd its present name.
+
+    The whirring partridge, from a branchy holm
+  Beheld him, as beneath the turf he plac'd
+  His son's lamented body, and with joy
+  Flutter'd his feathers; while his chirping song
+  Proclaim'd his gladness: then the only bird
+  Known of his kind, in elder days unseen;
+  But lately cloth'd with feathers, through the crime
+  Flagitious, Dædalus, of thee! To thee,
+  Thy sister, witless how his fate was doom'd,
+  Her son committed for instructing art,
+  When twice six annual suns the youth had seen;
+  His docile mind best fitted then to learn.
+  He well th' indented bones remark'd, which form
+  The fish's spiny back, and in like mode,
+  Sharp steel indenting, first the saw produc'd
+  For public service. Two steel arms he join'd
+  Fixt to one orb above; each widely stretch'd,
+  One steady rests, the other circling turns.
+  Him Dædalus with envy viewing, forc'd
+  Headlong, from sacred Pallas' lofty tower,
+  His death feign'd accidental: but the maid
+  Divine, to all ingenious minds a friend,
+  Receiv'd him in his fall; chang'd to a bird,
+  On pinions bore him through the middle air.
+  His vigorous powers in force remain the same,
+  But change their seat; rapid he flies, and quick
+  He races on the ground; his name remains
+  Unalter'd: still the cautious bird declines
+  To trust his weight aloft, nor forms his nest
+  On lofty boughs, or summits of high trees:
+  Nigh to the earth he skims; beneath the hedge
+  His shelly brood deposits; of his fall
+  Still mindful, towering heights he always shuns.
+
+    Now Dædalus, with lengthen'd flight fatigu'd,
+  Sicilia's realm receiv'd; whose king humane,
+  Great Cocalus, mov'd with his suppliant pray'r,
+  Arm'd to assist him. Now by Theseus freed,
+  Athens no more the mournful tribute paid.
+  With garlands every temple gay they hang,
+  Invoke the warlike maid, the mighty Jove,
+  And every deity: their altars all
+  With promis'd blood they honor; with rich gifts,
+  And fragrant incense. Now had wandering fame
+  Through all the Grecian towns, spread the renown
+  Of Theseus: and the rich Achaïa's tribes
+  His aid implor'd, when mighty perils press'd.
+  Ev'n Calydon, though Meleager brave
+  Possessing, sought his help with suppliant words.
+  The cause, a furious boar by Dian' sent,
+  Avenging instrument of slighted power.
+
+    Å’neus, from plenteous harvests' full success
+  Rejoicing, primal fruits to Ceres gave;
+  To Bacchus pour'd libations of his wine;
+  To yellow-hair'd Minerva offer'd oil:
+  The rites invidious, from the rural gods
+  Commencing, all the bright celestials shar'd.
+  Latona's daughter only, in her fane,
+  Nor flames nor offerings on her altar saw.
+  Rage fires ev'n heavenly breasts.--“Not unreveng'd,�--
+  She cry'd,--shall this be suffer'd; honor'd not!
+  “Not unappeas'd by vengeance will I rest.�--
+  Then through th' Å’neian fields the maid, despis'd,
+  Sends the fierce boar to ravage. Such his size,
+  The bulls that in Epirus' pastures graze
+  More huge appear not: in Sicilia's meads
+  Far less are seen. Red are his sparkling eyes,
+  Fire mixt with blood; high rears his fearful neck,
+  Thick clustering spears the threatening bristles seem:
+  Hoarse as he grunts, down his wide shoulders spreads
+  The boiling foam: his tusks the tusks outvie
+  Of India's hugest beast: the lightening's blast,
+  Driven from his mouth, burns all the verdant leaves.
+  Now o'er the corn, but yet in budding ears,
+  He tramples, immature he reaps the crop;
+  The loud-lamenting tiller's hopes destroy'd:
+  The harvest intercepting in the shoot.
+  In vain the barns, the granaries in vain,
+  Their promis'd loads expect. Prostrate alike
+  Are thrown the fruitful clusters of the vine,
+  With shooting tendrils; and the olive's fruit
+  With branches ever-blooming. On the flocks
+  He rages: these not shepherds, not their dogs
+  Could save; nor could the furious bull his herd.
+  Wide fled the people; safety none durst hope
+  Save in their cities' walls; till thirst of fame
+  Fir'd Meleager, with his chosen band
+  Of valiant youths. And first were seen the twins
+  Of Tyndarus, for wond'rous skill renown'd,
+  This at the cæstus, that to curb the steed:
+  Jason, whose art the primal ship design'd:
+  Theseus, in happy concord with his friend
+  Pirithous, join'd: Thestius' two valiant sons:
+  Lynceus, Aphareus' offspring: Idas swift:
+  Leucippus fierce: Acastus unexcell'd
+  To dart the javelin: Cæneus, now no more
+  Cloth'd in a female figure: Phœnix, sprung
+  From old Amyntor: Actor's equal sons:
+  Hippothoös: Dryas: and from Elis' town
+  Dispatch'd, came Phileus. Nor was absent there,
+  Brave Telamon, nor great Achilles' sire:
+  Nor stout Eurytion; with Pheretus' son:
+  Nor Hyantean Iölaüs brave:
+  Echion in speed unconquer'd: Nestor then
+  In primal youth: Lelex, Narycian born:
+  Panopeus: Hyleus: Hippasus the fierce:
+  Nor those whom Hippocoön sent in aid,
+  From old Amyclæ: nor Ulysses' sire:
+  Ancæus of Parrhasia: Mopsus sage:
+  Amphiareus, then by his false spouse's guile
+  Betray'd not. With them Atalanta came,
+  The grace and glory of Arcadia's woods.
+  A shining buckle from the ground confin'd
+  Her garment's border: simply bound, her hair
+  One knot confin'd: her ivory quiver, slung
+  O'er her left shoulder, sounded as she stepp'd:
+  Her hand sustain'd a bow: and thus array'd
+  Appear'd her form. Her lineaments disclos'd,
+  What scarce might feminine in boys appear;
+  Or hardly boyish in a virgin's face.
+  The chief of Calydon the maid beheld,--
+  Beheld, and lov'd: while heaven his love oppos'd.
+  The secret flames inhaling deep, he cry'd,--
+  “O, blessed youth! if youth to gain thy hand
+  “Worthy were deem'd!�--Nor bashful shame, nor time
+  Would more allow; a mightier deed now claim'd
+  Their utmost efforts for the furious war.
+
+    Darken'd with trees thick-growing, rose a wood;
+  From earliest ages there the biting axe
+  Had never sounded; in the plain it rear'd
+  Facing the sloping fields. The youths arriv'd;
+  Some spread the knotted toils; some loose the hounds;
+  Some strive the foot-prints of the boar to trace,
+  Their danger anxious seeking. Low beneath
+  A hollow vale extended, where the floods
+  Fresh showery torrents gather'd, lazy laid.
+  The flexile willow, and the waving reed;
+  The fenny bulrush, osier, and the cane
+  Diminutive, the stagnant depth conceal'd.
+  Arous'd from hence, the boar impetuous rush'd
+  Amidst his host of foes; so lightenings dart
+  When clouds concussive clash. His rapid force
+  Levels the grove, the crackling trees resound
+  Where'er he pushes: loud the joyful youth
+  Exclaim, each grasping with a nervous hand
+  His weapon brandish'd, while its broad head shakes.
+  Forward he darts, the dogs he scatters wide,
+  And each opposing power; his strokes oblique
+  Their baying drives to distance. Echion's arm
+  Hurl'd the first dart, but hurl'd the dart in vain;
+  Lightly a maple's trunk the weapon graz'd.
+  The next, but over-urg'd the force that sent,
+  Had pierc'd the rough back of the wish'd-for prey;
+  Jason's the steel,--it whizz'd beyond him far.
+  Then Mopsus pray'd,--“O Phœbus! if thy rites
+  “I e'er perform'd, if still I thee adore,
+  “Grant my sure weapon what I wish to touch.�
+  The god consented, what he could he gave,--
+  The boar was struck, but struck without a wound:
+  Diana from the flying weapon snatch'd
+  The steely head, and pointless fell the wood.
+  More chafes the beast, like lightening fierce he burns,
+  Fire from his eyeballs flashes, from his chest
+  Clouds of hot smoke through his wide nostrils roll.
+  Forc'd from the close-drawn string as flies a stone,
+  Hurl'd at embattl'd walls, or hostile towers
+  With foes thick crowded: so the deadly beast
+  Rush'd on the heroes with unerring shock.
+  Eupalamus and Pelagon, who stood
+  The right wing guarding, on the earth he threw:
+  Their fellows snatch'd them from impending fate.
+  Not so Onesimus, of Hippocoön
+  The offspring, 'scap'd the death-inflicting blow;
+  Torn through the ham, just as for flight he turn'd;
+  His slacken'd nerves could bear his weight no more.
+  Then Nestor too, long e'er the Trojan times,
+  Perchance had perish'd, but beside him stood
+  A tree, whose branches nimbly he attain'd;
+  A mighty effort, aided by his spear:
+  Safe in his seat, he view'd the foe he fled,
+  Beneath him. Fiercely threatening death below,
+  He whets his tushes on a stumpy oak,
+  And bold in sharpen'd arms, ranches the thigh,
+  With crooked fangs, of Othrys' mighty son.
+  Now the twin-brothers, ere in heaven display'd
+  Bright constellations, both fair dazzling shone,
+  Mounted on steeds, whose lily'd hue surpass'd
+  Th' unsully'd snow; both shook their brandish'd spears,
+  The trembling motion sounded high in air;
+  Deep both had pierc'd, but 'mid the darkening trees,
+  Their bristly foe sought refuge, where nor steed,
+  Nor dart could reach him. Telamon pursues;
+  Ardent, and heedless of his steps, a root
+  Checks his quick feet, and prone the hero falls.
+  While Peleus aids his brother chief to rise,
+  The beauteous Atalanta to the string
+  Fits the swift dart, and from the bended bow
+  Speeds it; the arrow, fixt beneath his ear,
+  Razes the monster's skin, and drops of blood
+  His bristly neck ensanguine. Joys the maid
+  To see the blow;--but Meleager far
+  In joy surpass'd her. He the first beheld
+  The trickling blood; he to his comrades first
+  The wound display'd, exclaiming,--“Yon fair nymph
+  “The honors so deserv'dly won shall bear.�--
+  The warriors blush with shame, and each exhorts
+  His fellow; shouts their souls more valiant swell;
+  In heaps confus'd their numerous javelins fly;
+  Clashing in crowds, each javelin fails to wound.
+  Lo! now Ancæus furious, to his fate
+  Blind rushing, rears his double axe, and cries,--
+  “Behold, O youths! how much a manly arm
+  “Outstrikes a female's, to my prowess yield
+  “The palm of conquest. Let Latona's maid
+  “With all her power protect him, yet my force,
+  “Spite of Diana, shall the monster slay.�--
+  Proud his big-boasting tongue thus speaks, then grasps
+  His two-edg'd weapon firmly in his hands,
+  And rais'd on tiptoe meditates the blow.
+  The watchful beast prevents him, through his groin,
+  To death sure passage, drives his double tusks:
+  Ancæus drops; his bowels gushing fall,
+  Roll on the earth, and soak the ground in gore.
+  Ixion's son, Pirithous, on the foe
+  Rush'd, in his nervous hand a powerful spear
+  Brandishing; Theseus loudly to his friend
+  Exclaim'd,--“O, dearer far than is myself,--
+  “Half of my soul, at distance wait; the brave
+  “At distance may engage; valor too rash
+  “Destroy'd Ancæus.�--As he spoke he hurl'd
+  His massive cornel spear; its brazen head
+  Well pois'd, its sender's anxious wish appear'd
+  Fair to accomplish, when a leafy arm
+  Branch'd from a beech, oppos'd it in its flight.
+  Next Æson's son, his javelin threw, but chance
+  Glanc'd from its mark the weapon, and transpierc'd
+  An undeserving hound; the dart was drove
+  Through all his belly, and deep fixt in earth.
+  But different fortune on the arms awaits
+  Of Meleager, javelins two he sent;
+  Deep in the ground the foremost pierc'd, the next
+  Firm in the monster's back quivering stood fixt.
+  Nor stays he, whilst he raging furious whirl'd
+  In giddy circles round, and pour'd his foam,
+  Mad with the new-felt torture, close at hand
+  The hero plies his work, provokes his foe
+  To fiercer ire, and in his furious breast
+  Buries the glittering spear. A second shout
+  Loudly proclaims his thronging comrades' joy;
+  Each to the victor crowding, hand in hand
+  Congratulating grasps him; each amaz'd
+  Views the dire savage, as his mighty bulk
+  O'erspreads a space of land. Scarce think they yet
+  Their safety sure, him touching; each his spear
+  Extends, and dips it in the flowing gore.
+  His foot upon the head destructive fixt,
+  The conquering youth thus speaks:--“Nonacria fair!
+  “Receive the spoil my fortune well might claim:
+  “Fresh glory shall I gain, with thee to share
+  “The honors of the day.�--Then gives the spoils;--
+  The chine with horrid bristles rising stiff,
+  And head, fierce threatening still with mighty tusks.
+  She takes the welcome gift, for much she joys
+  From him to take it. Envy seiz'd the rest,
+  And sullen murmurs through the comrades ran:
+  Above the rest, were Thestius' sons,--their arms
+  Out-stretching, clamor'd thus with a mighty noise;--
+  “Let not thy beauteous form thy mind deceive,
+  “When from thy eyes the donor of the spoil,
+  “Besotted with thy love, shall far be mov'd.
+  “Woman! restore the prize, nor hope to hold
+  “Our intercepted claims.�--Speaking they rob
+  Her of the gift, him of the right to give.
+  Nor passive stood the warlike youth, his teeth
+  He gnash'd with swelling rage, as fierce he cry'd;--
+  “Learn, ye base robbers of another's rights,
+  “What difference threats and valiant actions shew.--�
+  Then in Plexippus' unsuspecting breast
+  He plung'd his impious sword: nor suffer'd long
+  Toxeus to doubt, who hesitating stood,
+  Now vengeance brooding for his brother's fate,
+  Now dreading for himself a like swift blow;
+  Again he warms the weapon, reeking still
+  Hot from Plexippus' bosom, in his blood.
+
+    To every temple of the favoring gods
+  Althæa bore donations for her son,
+  Victorious: When the breathless bodies came
+  Of both her brethren, loud the sounding blows
+  Of grief were heard, and all the city rung
+  With lamentable cries: her golden robes
+  Were straight to sable chang'd. But when the hand
+  Which struck the blow was known, her every tear
+  Was dry'd, and vengeance only fill'd her soul.
+  A log there lay when Thestius' daughter groan'd
+  In child-bed pangs; which on the greedy flames
+  The triple sisters flung; and while their thumbs
+  Twirl'd round the fatal thread, this was their song;--
+  “O newly born! to thee and to this bough
+  “Like date of life we give.�--Then ceas'd their words,
+  And from her presence vanish'd: sudden snatch'd
+  The mother from the fire the burning brand,
+  And quench'd it instant in unsparing streams.
+  Long in most secret darkness had she hid
+  This fatal wood; and, thus preserv'd, her son
+  Had safely years mature attain'd; but now
+  Forth she produc'd it from its close recess.
+  Fragments of torches on the hearth she heap'd,
+  And blew the sparklings into deadly flames;
+  And thrice she rais'd her hands the branch to heave
+  On the fierce fire; and thrice her hands withdrew.
+  Sister and mother in one bosom fought,
+  To adverse acts impelling. Oft her face,
+  Dread of her meditated crime, bleach'd pale;
+  Oft to her eyes her furious rage supply'd
+  A fiery redness; now her countenance glow'd
+  With threatenings cruel; now her softening looks
+  To pity seemed to melt; and when fierce ire
+  Had fill'd her soul, and parch'd up every tear,
+  Fresh tears would gush. Thus rocks a vessel, driven
+  By winds and adverse currents, both their force
+  At once obeys, and can to neither yield.
+  Thus waver'd Thestius' daughter, dubious thus
+  Affection sway'd her; now her rage is calm,
+  Now her calm'd rage with fourfold fury burns.
+  At length the sister's o'er the parent's tie
+  The prevalence obtains; impiously good,
+  With blood her own, she soothes the brethren's shades.
+  Now, when the fires destructive fiercely glar'd,
+  She cry'd:--“Here, funeral pile, my bowels burn!--�
+  And as the fatal wood her direful hand
+  Held forth, the hapless mother, at the pyre
+  Sepulchral, stood, exclaiming;--“Furies three!
+  “Avenging sisters! hither turn your eyes;
+  “Behold the furious sacred rites I pay:
+  “For retribution I commit this crime.
+  “By death their death must be aveng'd; his fault
+  “By mine be punish'd; on their funeral biers
+  “His must be laid; one sinning house must fall,
+  “In woes accumulated. Blest shall still
+  “Œneus enjoy his proud victorious son,
+  “And Thestius childless mourn? Better that both
+  “Should weep in concert. Dear fraternal ghosts,
+  “Recent from upper air, my work behold!
+  “Take to th' infernal realms my offering bought
+  “So dear! the hapless pledge my womb produc'd.
+
+    “Ah! whither am I swept? Brothers forgive
+  “The parent. Lo! my faltering hands refuse
+  “To second my intents. Well he deserves
+  “To perish; yet by other hands than mine.
+  “Unpunish'd shall he 'scape then? Victor live,
+  “Proud of his high success, and rule the realm
+  “Of Calydon, while ye are prostrate thrown
+  “A trivial heap of ashes, and cold shades?
+  “Patience no more will bear. Perish the wretch!
+  “Perish his father's hopes! perish the realm!
+  “And all the country perish! Where? O, where?
+  “Is then the mother's soul, the pious prayers
+  “A parent should prefer? Where the strong pains
+  “Which twice five moons I bore? O, that the flames
+  “First kindled, had thy infant limbs consum'd!
+  “Would I had not then snatch'd thee from thy fate!
+  “Thy gift of life is mine; now that thou dy'st
+  “Thy own demerits ask: take the reward
+  “Thy deeds deserve: yield up thy twice-given life,
+  “First in thy birth, then by the brand I sav'd;
+  “Or lay me with my brethren in their tomb.
+  “I wish, yet what I would my hands refuse.
+  “What will my soul determine? Now mine eyes
+  “The mangled corses of my brethren fill:
+  “Now filial fondness, and a mother's name
+  “Distract my soul. O, wretched, wretched me!
+  “Brothers you gain the conquest, yet you gain
+  “Dearly for me; but on your shades I'll wait,
+  “Blest in what gives you once to me again.�
+  She said; with face averse and trembling hand,
+  The fateful brand amid the fires was dropt.
+  The brand a groan deep utter'd, or a groan
+  To utter seem'd: the flames half backward caught
+  At length their prey, which gradually consum'd.
+
+    Witless of this sad deed, and absent far,
+  Fierce Meleager, with the self-same fire
+  Burn'd inward; all his vitals felt the flame
+  Scorching conceal'd: th' excruciating pangs
+  Magnanimous he bore. Yet deep he mourn'd
+  By such a slothful bloodless fate to fall;
+  And happy call'd Ancæus in his wounds.
+  With deep-drawn groans he calls his aged sire,
+  His brother, sisters, and the nymph belov'd,
+  Who shar'd his nuptial couch; with final breath,
+  His mother too perchance. Now glows the fire,
+  And now the pains increase; now both are faint;
+  Now both together die. The soul flies forth,
+  And gently dissipates in empty air.
+
+    Low now lies lofty Calydon,--the youths,
+  And aged seniors weep; the vulgar crowd
+  And nobles mourn alike; the matrons rend
+  Their garments, beat their breasts, and tear their hair.
+  Stretch'd on the earth the wretched sire defiles
+  His hoary locks, and aged face with dust,
+  Cursing his lengthen'd years: the conscious hand
+  Which caus'd the direful end, the mother's fate
+  Accomplish'd; through her vitals pierc'd the steel.
+
+    Had heaven on me an hundred tongues bestow'd,
+  With sounding voice, and such capacious wit
+  As all might fill; and all the Muses' power,
+  Still should I fail the grieving sisters' woe
+  Justly to paint. Heedless of beauteous forms
+  They beat their bosoms livid; while the corse
+  Remains, they clasp and cherish in their arms
+  The senseless mass; the corse they kiss, and kiss
+  The couch on which it rests: to ashes burn'd,
+  Careful collected in the urn, they hug
+  Those ashes to their breasts; and prostrate thrown
+  His tomb they cover; on the graven stone
+  Embrace his name; and on the letters pour
+  Their tears in torrents. Dian' satiate now
+  The house of Å’neus levell'd with the dust,
+  Rais'd them by wings in air, which sudden shot
+  From each their bodies. Gorgé sole, and she
+  The spouse of valiant Hercules, unchang'd
+  Were left. Long pinions for their arms were seen;
+  Their mouths to horny bills were turn'd; through air
+  Thus alter'd, ample range the goddess gives.
+
+    Theseus meantime, the toil confederate done,
+  Homeward to Pallas' towers his journey bent;
+  But Acheloüs, swol'n by showery floods,
+  Delay'd his progress. “Fam'd Cecropia's chief,�--
+  He cry'd,--“here shelter, enter 'neath my roof,
+  “Nor through the furious torrents trust thy steps.
+  “Whole forests oft they root, and whirl along
+  “Vast rocks with thundering sound. High stalls I've seen,
+  “Near to the banks erected, swept away:
+  “Nor aught avail'd the lusty bull's strong limbs,
+  “Nor aught the courser's speed: the torrents oft
+  “Of melted snows, which from the mountains rush,
+  “Whelm the strong youths beneath the whirling pool.
+  “To rest is safer, till their wonted banks
+  “Again the streams confine; the lessen'd waves
+  “Within their channels pent.�--Theseus complies,
+  And answers:--“Acheloüs, we approve
+  “Thy prudent counsel, and thy cave will use,�
+  The grot they enter; hollow pumice, mixt
+  With rugged tophus, form'd it; tender moss
+  The moist floor cover'd; fretwork on the roof
+  The purple murex and the scallop white
+  Alternate form'd. Now Phœbus' steeds had run
+  Two thirds their race, when Theseus on his couch
+  Reclin'd, the comrades of his toil close by;
+  Pirithous here, Trœzenian Lelex there,
+  Whose temples now some silvery hairs display'd.
+  With these were such as Acheloüs, joy'd
+  At such a noble guest, the honor deem'd
+  Worthy to share. The barefoot Naiäd nymphs
+  Heap'd on the board the banquet: food remov'd,
+  They brought the wine, in cups with jewels deck'd.
+
+    The mighty hero then, the distant main
+  Surveying, asks:--“What land is that I see?--�
+  And shews the spot,--“tell me what name denotes
+  “That isle? and yet methinks not one it seems.�
+  The river-god replies:--“What we behold
+  “A single isle is not, but five; the eye
+  “Is mock'd by distance. That Diana's wrath
+  “May less your wonder move, these once were nymphs.
+  “Ten bullocks had they sacrific'd, and call'd
+  “Each rural god to taste the sacred feast,
+  “And join the festal chorus, me alone,
+  “Forgetful, they invited not. Sore vext,
+  “I swell'd with rage, and as my anger rose,
+  “My flood increas'd; till at my greatest height,
+  “Woods I divorc'd from woods; from meadows tore
+  “The neighbouring meadows; and the Naiäds roll'd,
+  “Now well-remembering what my godhead claim'd,
+  “Down with their habitations to the main.
+  “My waves then, with the ocean's waters join'd,
+  “The land divided, and those isles you view,
+  “Echinades, amid the sea were form'd.
+
+    “More distant may your vision reach;--behold
+  “An isle beyond them to my soul most dear;
+  “By sailors nam'd Perimelé. I snatch'd
+  “Her virgin-treasure from the much-lov'd maid.
+  “Hippodamas her sire in fury rav'd;
+  “And, from a precipice, the pregnant nymph
+  “Plung'd in the deep. My waves receiv'd the load;
+  “And whilst I bore her floating, thus I said;--
+  “O, trident-bearer, thou whom lot decreed
+  “Lord, next to heaven, o'er all the wandering waves,
+  “Where all the sacred rivers end their course;
+  “To which all rivers tend, O, Neptune, aid!
+  “Propitious, hear my prayer! Much have I wrong'd
+  “The nymph I now support: if lenient he,
+  “And equitable, sure Hippodamas,
+  “Her sire, had pity granted, and myself
+  “Had pardon'd. Gracious Neptune, grant thy help
+  “To her a parent's fury from the earth
+  “Wide banishes. O, I beseech thee! grant
+  “A place to her, paternal rage would drown:
+  “Or to a place transform her, where my waves
+  “May clasp her still. The ocean-god consents,
+  “And all his waters shake as nods his head.
+  “Still floats th' affrighted nymph; and as she swims,
+  “I feel her heart with trepid motion beat:
+  “While pressing fond her bosom, all her form
+  “Rigidly firm becomes, and round her chest
+  “Rough earth heaps high; and, whilst I wondring speak,
+  “A new-form'd land her floating limbs enclasps:
+  “Her shape transform'd, a solid isle becomes.�
+
+    Thus far the watery deity, and ceas'd.
+  The wondrous tale all mov'd, save one, the son
+  Of bold Ixion; fierce of soul, he laugh'd
+  To scorn their minds so credulous, the gods
+  Impious contemning, as he thus exclaim'd;--
+  “What tales, O, Acheloüs, you relate!
+  “Too much of potence to the gods you grant,
+  “To give and change our figures.�--All struck dumb,
+  Discourage this bold speech, and Lelex first,
+  Mature in age, and in experience old
+  Beyond the rest, thus spoke:--“Celestial power,
+  “In range is infinite, in sway immense;
+  “What the gods will, completion instant finds.
+  “To clear your doubts, upon the Phrygian hills
+  “An ancient oak, and neighbouring linden stand,
+  “Girt by a low inclosure; I the spot
+  “Survey'd, when into Phrygia's realms dispatch'd
+  “By Pittheus, when those realms his father rul'd.
+  “Not far a lake extends, a space once fill'd
+  “With human 'habitants, whose waves now swarm
+  “With fenny coots, and cormorants alone.
+  “Here Jove in human shape, and with his sire,
+  “The son of Maiä, came; the last his rod
+  “Shorn of its wings, still bore. A thousand doors,
+  “Seeking repose, they knock'd at; every door
+  “Firm barr'd repuls'd them: one at length flew wide;
+  “A lowly cot, whose humble roof long reeds,
+  “And straw firm-matted, cover'd. Baucis there,
+  “A pious dame, and old Philemon match'd
+  “In age, had dwelt, since join'd in springtide youth;
+  “And there grew old together: Full content,
+  “Their poverty they hid not, and more light
+  “Their poverty on souls unmurmuring weigh'd.
+  “Here nor for lord, nor servant, was there need
+  “To seek; beneath the roof these only dwelt;
+  “Each order'd, each obey'd. The heaven-born guests
+  “The humble threshold crossing, lowly stoop'd,
+  “And entrance gain'd: the ancient host bade sit
+  “And rest their weary'd limbs: the bench was plac'd,
+  “Which Baucis anxious for their comfort, spread
+  “With home-made coverings: then with careful hand
+  “The scarce warm embers on the hearth upturn'd;
+  “And rous'd the sleeping fires of yestern's eve,
+  “With food of leaves and bark dry-parch'd, and fann'd
+  “To flame the fuel with her aged breath:
+  “Then threw the small-slit faggots, and the boughs
+  “Long-wither'd, on the top, divided small:
+  “And plac'd her brazen vase of scanty size,
+  “O'er all. Last stripp'd the coleworts' outer leaves,
+  “Cull'd by her husband from the water'd ground,
+  “Which serv'd as garden. He meantime reach'd down,
+  “With two-fork'd prong, where high on blacken'd beam
+  “It hung, a paltry portion of an hog,
+  “Long harden'd there; and from the back he slic'd
+  “A morsel thin, which soon he soften'd down
+  “In boiling steam. The intermediate hours
+  “With pleasing chat they cheat; the short delay
+  “To feel avoiding. On a nail high hung
+  “A beechen pail for bathing, by its hand
+  “Deep-curv'd: with tepid water this he fill'd,
+  “And plac'd before his guests their feet to lave.
+  “A couch there stood, whose feet and frame were form'd
+  “Of willow; tender reeds the centre fill'd,
+  “With coverings this they spread, coverings which saw
+  “The light not, but when festal days them claim'd:
+  “Yet coarse and old were these, and such as well
+  “With willow couch agreed. The gods laid down.
+  “The dame close-girt, with tremulous hand prepar'd
+  “The board; two feet were perfect, 'neath the third
+  “She thrust a broken sherd, and all stood firm.
+  “This sloping mended, all the surface clean
+  “With fragrant mint she rubb'd: and plac'd in heaps
+  “The double-teinted fruit of Pallas, maid
+  “Of unsoil'd purity; autumnal fruits,
+  “Cornels, in liquid lees of wine preserv'd;
+  “Endive, and radish, and the milky curd;
+  “With eggs turn'd lightly o'er a gentle heat:
+  “All serv'd in earthen dishes. After these
+  “A clay-carv'd jug was set, and beechen cups,
+  “Varnish'd all bright with yellow wax within.
+  “Short the delay, when from the ready fire
+  “The steaming dish is brought; and wine not long
+  “Press'd from the grape, again went round, again
+  “Gave place to see the third remove produc'd.
+  “Now comes the nut, the fig, the wrinkled date,
+  “The plumb, the fragrant apple, and the grape
+  “Pluck'd from the purple vine; all plac'd around
+  “In spreading baskets: snow-white honey fill'd
+  “The central space. The prime of all the feast,
+  “Was looks that hearty welcome gave, and prov'd
+  “No indigence nor poverty of soul.
+  “Meantime the empty'd bowls full oft they see
+  “Spontaneously replenish'd; still the wine
+  “Springs to the brim. Astonish'd, struck with dread,
+  “To view the novel scene, the timid pair
+  “Their hands upraise devoutly, and with prayers
+  “Excuses utter for their homely treat,
+  “At unawares requir'd. A lonely goose
+  “They own'd, the watchman of their puny farm;
+  “Him would the hosts, to their celestial guests
+  “A sacred offering make, but swift of wing,
+  “Their toiling chace with age retarded, long
+  “He mock'd; at length the gods themselves he seeks
+  “For sheltering care. The gods his death forbid,
+  “And speak:--Celestials are we both; a fate
+  “Well-earn'd, your impious neighbouring roofs shall feel.
+  “To you, and unto you alone is given
+  “Exemption from their lot. Your cottage leave
+  “And tread our footsteps, while of yonder mount
+  “We seek the loftiest summit. Each obeys;
+  “The gods precede them, while their tottering limbs
+  “A trusty staff supports; tardy from years,
+  “Slowly they labor up the long ascent.
+  “Now from the summit wanted they not more
+  “Than what an arrow, shot with strenuous arm,
+  “At once could gain; when back their view they bent:
+  “Their house alone they saw,--that singly stood:
+  “All else were buried in a wide-spread lake.
+  “Wondring at this, and weeping at the doom
+  “Their hapless neighbours suffer'd; lo! they see
+  “Their mouldering cot, e'en for the pair too small,
+  “Change to a temple; pillars rear on high,
+  “In place of crotchets; yellow turns the straw,
+  “The roof seems gilded; sculptur'd shine the gates;
+  “And marble pavement covers all the floor.
+  “Then Saturn's son, in these benignant words
+  “The pair address'd;--O, ancient man, most just!
+  “And thou, O woman! worthy of thy spouse,
+  “Declare your wishes.--Baucis spoke awhile
+  “With old Philemon; then their joint desire
+  “The latter to the deities declar'd.--
+  “To be your ministers, your sacred fane
+  “To keep we ask: and as our equal years
+  “In concord we have pass'd, let the same hour
+  “Remove us hence: may I her tomb not see,
+  “Nor be by her interr'd.--The gods comply;
+  “These guard the temple through succeeding life.
+  “Fill'd now with years, as on the temple's steps
+  “They stood, conversing on the wondrous change,
+  “Baucis beheld Philemon shoot in leaves,
+  “And leaves Philemon saw from Baucis sprout;
+  “And from their heads o'er either's face they grew.
+  “Still while they could with mutual words they spoke;
+  “At once exclaim'd,--O, dearest spouse, farewell!--
+  “At once the bark, their lips thus speaking, clos'd.
+  “Ev'n yet a Tyanæan shews two trees
+  “Of neighbouring growth, form'd from the alter'd pair.
+  “Nor dotard credulous, nor lying tongue
+  “The fact to me related. On the boughs
+  “Myself have seen the votive garlands hung;
+  “And whilst I offered fresher, have I said--
+  “Heaven guards the good with care; and those who give
+  “The gods due honors, honors claim themselves.�
+
+    He ceas'd: the deed and author all admire,
+  But Theseus most; whom anxious still to hear
+  More wondrous actions of the mighty gods,
+  The stream of Calydon, as on his arm
+  Reclin'd, he rested, in these words address'd:--
+  “There are, O, valiant youth! of those once chang'd,
+  “Still in the new-form'd figures who remain:
+  “Others there are whose power more wide extends
+  “To many shapes to alter.--Proteus, thou
+  “Art one; thou 'habitant of those wide waves
+  “Which earth begird: now thou a youth appear'st;
+  “And now a lion; then a furious boar;
+  “A serpent next we tremble to approach;
+  “And then with threatening horns thou seem'st a bull.
+  “Oft as a stone thou ly'st; oft stand'st a tree:
+  “Sometimes thy countenance veil'd in fluid streams,
+  “Thou flow'st a river; sometimes mount'st in flames.
+  “Nor less of power had Erisichthon's maid,
+  “Spouse of Autolycus. Her impious sire
+  “All the divinities of heaven despis'd,
+  “Nor on their slighted altars offerings burn'd.
+  “He too, 'tis said, the Cerealean grove
+  “With axe prophan'd: his violating steel
+  “The ancient trees attacking. 'Mid the rest,
+  “A huge-grown oak, in yearly strength robust,
+  “Itself a wood, uprose: garlands hung round,
+  “And wreaths, and grateful tablets, proofs of vows
+  “For prospering favors paid. The Dryad nymphs
+  “Oft in its shade their festal dances held;
+  “Oft would they, clasping hand in hand, surround
+  “The mighty trunk: its girth around to mete,
+  “Full thrice five cubits ask'd. To every tree
+  “Lofty it seem'd; as every tree appear'd
+  “Lofty, when measur'd with the plants below.
+  “Yet not for that, did Erisichthon hold
+  “The biting steel; but bade his servants fell
+  “The sacred oak; lingering he saw them stand,
+  “His orders unobey'd; impious he snatch'd
+  “From one his weapon, and in rage, exclaim'd;--
+  “What though it be the goddess' favorite care!
+  “Were it the goddess' self, down should it fall,
+  “And bow its leafy summit to the ground.
+  “He said;--and pois'd his axe, and aim'd oblique.
+  “Deep shudderings shook the Cerealian tree,
+  “And groans were utter'd; all the leaves grew pale,
+  “And pale the acorns; while the wide-spread boughs
+  “Cold sweats bedew'd. When in the solid trunk
+  “His blow ungodly pierc'd, blood flow'd in streams
+  “From out the shatter'd bark: not flows more full,
+  “From the deep wound in the divided throat,
+  “The gore, when at the sacred altar's foot
+  “A mighty bull, an offer'd victim drops.
+  “Dread seizes all; and one most bold attempts
+  “To check his horrid wickedness, and check
+  “The murderous weapon: him the villain saw,
+  “And,--take,--he cries,--the boon thy pious soul
+  “Merits so well.--And from the trunk the steel
+  “Turns on the man, and strikes his head away:
+  “Then with redoubled blows the tree assails.
+  “Deep from the oak, these words were heard to sound:--
+  “A nymph am I, within this trunk enclos'd,
+  “Most dear to Ceres; in my dying hours,
+  “Prophetic I foresee the keen revenge
+  “Which will thy deed pursue; and this solace
+  “Grants comfort ev'n in death.--He, undismay'd,
+  “His fierce design still follows: now the tree,
+  “Tottering with numerous blows, by straining cords,
+  “He drags to earth; and half the wood below,
+  “Crush'd by its weight, lies prostrate. All astound,
+  “Of her depriv'd, and at their own sad loss,
+  “The sister Dryads, clad in sable robes,
+  “To Ceres hasten; and for vengeance call,
+  “On Erisichthon. To their urgent prayers
+  “The beauteous goddess gave assent, and shook
+  “Her locks; the motion shook the yellow ears,
+  “Which fill'd the loaded fields; and straight conceiv'd
+  “A torture piteous, if for pity he
+  “For acts like these might look:--to tear his form
+  “By Famine's power pestiferous. There, herself
+  “Approach forbidden (fate long since had doom'd
+  “Ceres and Famine far remov'd should dwell)
+  “A mountain-nymph she calls, and thus directs;--
+  “A region stretches on th' extremest bounds
+  “Of icy Scythia; dreary seems the place;
+  “Sterile the soil; nor trees, nor fruits are seen;
+  “But sluggish cold, and pale affright, and fear:
+  “Still-craving Famine, there her dwelling holds.
+  “Bid her within the inmost vitals hide
+  “Of this most daring, and most impious wretch.
+  “The proudest plenty shall not make her yield:
+  “For in the contest, all the power I boast
+  “To her shall stoop: nor let the lengthen'd way
+  “Appal thy mind; my car receive; receive
+  “My dragons; through the air their course direct
+  “By these long reins.--Speaking, the reins she gave.
+  “She, borne through ether in the granted car,
+  “To Scythia's realm is carried: on the ridge
+  “A rugged mountain offer'd, first she eas'd
+  “The dragons' necks; as Caucasus 'twas known.
+  “There she the sought-for Famine soon espy'd,
+  “Eagerly searching on the stony fields,
+  “At once with teeth and fangs, for thin-sown herbs.
+  “Rough matted were her locks; deep sunk her eyes;
+  “Pale bleach'd her face; her lips with whiten'd slime
+  “O'erspread; with furry crust her mouth was rough:
+  “Hard was her skin; and through it might be seen
+  “Her inwards: 'bove her hollow loins, upstood
+  “The arid bones: a belly's place supply'd
+  “A belly's form: her breasts to hang appear'd
+  “Held only by the chine: her fleshless shape
+  “Each joint in bulk increas'd: rigidly large
+  “The knees were swol'n, and each protruding part
+  “Immod'rately was big. Then as the nymph
+  “From far beheld her,--for a nigh approach
+  “She dreaded, what the goddess bade she told.
+  “Though brief her stay; though distant far she stood;
+  “Though instant there arriv'd; she felt the power
+  “Of Famine at the sight, and turning quick
+  “Her reins, she urg'd her dragons to their speed
+  “In retrogade direction; still on high,
+  “Till Thessaly they gain'd. Famine performs
+  “The wish of Ceres (though her anxious aim
+  “Is still to thwart her power) and borne on winds
+  “Swift through the air, the fated house she finds
+  “And instant enters, where the inmost walls
+  “The sacrilegious wretch inclose; in sleep
+  “Deep bury'd, for night reign'd; and with her wings
+  “Him clasping close, in all the man she breath'd
+  “Her inspiration: in his throat, his mouth,
+  “His chest, and in his unreplenish'd veins,
+  “Her hunger she infus'd. The bidden deed
+  “Complete, she vanish'd from those verdant fields,
+  “And turn'd her to the needy roofs again,
+  “And well-accustom'd caverns. Gentle sleep
+  “Fann'd Erisichthon still with soothing wings.
+  “Ev'n in his sleep imagin'd food he craves,
+  “And vainly moves his mouth; tires jaw on jaw
+  “With grinding; his deluded throat with stores
+  “Impalpable he crams; the empty air
+  “Greedy devouring, for more solid food.
+  “But soon his slumbers vanish'd, then fierce rag'd
+  “Insatiate hunger; ruling through his throat,
+  “And ever-craving stomach. Instant he
+  “Demands what produce, ocean, earth, and air
+  “Can furnish: still of hunger he complains,
+  “Before the full-spread tables: still he seeks
+  “Victuals to heap on victuals. What might serve
+  “A city's population, seems for him
+  “Too scant; whose stomach when it loads had gorg'd,
+  “For loads still crav'd. The ocean thus receives
+  “From all earth's regions every stream; all streams
+  “United, still requiring; greedy fire
+  “On every offer'd aliment thus feeds,
+  “Countless supplies of wood consuming;--more
+  “Nutrition craving, still the more it gains;
+  “More greedy growing from its large increase.
+  “So Erisichthon's jaws prophane, rich feasts
+  “At once devour, at once still more demand.
+  “All food but stimulates his gust for food
+  “In added heaps; and eating only seems
+  “To leave his maw more empty. Lessen'd now,
+  “In the deep abyss of his stomach huge,
+  “Were all the riches which his sire's bequest
+  “Had given: the direful torment still remain'd
+  “In undiminish'd strength; his belly's fire
+  “Implacable still rag'd. Exhausted now
+  “On the curst craving all his wealth was spent.
+  “One daughter sole remaining; of a sire
+  “Less impious, worthy: her the pauper sold.
+  “Her free-born soul, a master's sway disclaim'd.
+  “Her hands extending, to the neighbouring main,
+  “O thou!--she cry'd--who gain'd my virgin spoil
+  “Snatch me from bondage.--Neptune had the maid
+  “Previous enjoy'd: nor spurn'd her earnest prayer.
+  “She whom her master following close, had seen
+  “In her own shape but now, in manly guise
+  “Appears,--in garments such as fishers clothe.
+  “The master sees, and speaks:--O, thou! who rul'st
+  “The trembling reed; whose bending wire thy baits
+  “Conceal; so may thy wiles the water aid;
+  “So may the fish deceiv'd, beneath the waves,
+  “Thy hooks detect not, till too firmly fixt.
+  “Say thou but where she is, who stood but now
+  “Upon this beach, in humble robes array'd,
+  “With locks disorder'd; on this shore she stood;
+  “I saw her,--but no further mark her feet.--
+  “The aid of Neptune well the maid perceiv'd,
+  “And joys that of herself herself is sought,
+  “Thus his enquiries answering;--Whom thou art
+  “I know not; studious bent, the deep alone,
+  “And care to drag my prey, my eyes employ.
+  “More to remove thy doubts, so may the god
+  “Who rules the ocean, aid my toiling art,
+  “As here I swear, no man upon this shore,
+  “Nor female, I excepted, has appear'd.
+  “These words the owner credits, and the sand
+  “Treads with returning steps; deluded goes,
+  “And as he goes, her former shape returns.
+  “Soon as this changing power the sire perceiv'd,
+  “The damsel oft he sold. Now she escapes
+  “Beneath a mare's resemblance: now a bird,
+  “An heifer now, and now a deer she seem'd.
+  “Her greedy parent's maw with food ill-gain'd
+  “Supplying. When at last his forceful plague
+  “Had every aid consum'd, and every aid
+  “Fresh food afforded to his fierce disease,
+  “Then he commenc'd with furious fangs to tear
+  “For nurture his own limbs; life to support,
+  “By what his body and his life destroy'd.
+
+    “But why on others' transformations dwell?
+  “Myself, O youths! enjoy a power, my form
+  “To alter; not unlimited my range.
+  “Now in the shape at present I assume;
+  “Anon I writhe beneath a serpent's form;
+  “Or take the figure of a lordly bull,
+  “And wear my strength in horns, while horns I had:
+  “Disfigur'd now, my forehead's side laments
+  “One weapon ravish'd, as you well may see.�--
+  He spoke, and heavy sighs his words pursu'd.
+
+
+
+
+*The Ninth Book.*
+
+
+    Combat of Acheloüs and Hercules for Dejanira. Death of Nessus.
+    Torments and death of Hercules. His deification. Story of the
+    change of Galanthis to a weasel. Of Dryopè to a Lotus-tree.
+    Iölaüs restored to youth. Murmuring of the Gods. The incestuous
+    love of Byblis. Her transformation to a fountain. Story of Iphis
+    and Iänthe.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Ninth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    The son of Ægeus begs the cause to know
+  Whence spring those groans, and whence that wounded front?
+  And thus the stream of Calydon replies;--
+  (His uncomb'd locks with marshy reeds entwin'd).
+  “A mournful task, O, warrior! you impose;--
+  “For who, when vanquish'd, joys to tell the fight
+  “Where he was worsted? yet will I relate
+  “In order all: vanquish'd, the shame was small;
+  “The honor great, for such a prize to strive:
+  “And such a conqueror more the mind relieves.
+  “Has e'er the beauteous Dejanira's name
+  “Reach'd to your ears? her charms the envy'd hope
+  “Of numerous wooers form'd; mine with the rest.
+  “As o'er the threshold of my wish'd-for sire
+  “I stepp'd, I hail'd him.--O, Parthaön's son,
+  “For thine accept me.--So Alcides spoke,
+  “And all the rest to our pretensions bow'd.
+  “Of Jove, his sire, he boasts; and all the fame
+  “His acts deserv'd; and stepdame's cruel laws
+  “Final completed. I (who shameful thought
+  “That gods should yield to mortals; then a god
+  “Alcides was not) thus his claim oppos'd:--
+  “A king of floods behold me; floods which roll
+  “With winding current through the land you sway;
+  “A son in me accept, no stranger sent
+  “From distant regions; of your country one,
+  “Part of your rule. Let it not hurt my claim,
+  “That Juno hates me not; that all the toil
+  “Of slavish orders I have ne'er perform'd.
+  “Alcmena was his mother, let him boast!
+  “Jove is a sire but feign'd, or if one true,
+  “Is criminally so. He claims a sire
+  “To prove his mother's infamy: then chuse--
+  “Say feign'd thy origin from Jove, or fruit
+  “Of intercourse adulterous, own thou art.--
+  “Me, speaking thus, with furious eyes he view'd,
+  “Nor rul'd his swelling rage, replying fierce;--
+  “More than my tongue I on my arm depend:
+  “Whilst I in fighting gain the palm, be thou
+  “Victor in talking.--Furious on he rush'd.
+  “So proudly boasting, to submit I scorn'd;
+  “But stript my sea-green robe, my arms oppos'd,
+  “And held my firm-clench'd hands before my breast;
+  “For stout resistance every limb prepar'd,
+  “To meet the fight. He in his hollow palms
+  “The dust collecting, sprinkled me all o'er,
+  “And then the yellow sand upon me threw.
+  “Now on my neck he seizes; now he grasps
+  “My slippery thighs: but only thinks to hold,
+  “In every part assailing. Still secure
+  “In bulk I stand, and he assails in vain.
+  “Thus stands a rock, which waves with thundering roar
+  “Surround; it stands unhurt in all its strength.
+  “A little we recede, then rush again
+  “To join the war: stoutly our ground we hold,
+  “Steady resolv'd to yield not. Foot to foot
+  “Fixt firm: I prone press with my ample breast,
+  “And hand with hand, with forehead forehead joins.
+  “So have I seen two mighty bulls contend,
+  “When each the fairest heifer of the grove
+  “Expects the arduous struggle to reward:
+  “The herds behold and tremble, witless which
+  “The powerful contest shall successful gain.
+  “Thrice while I clasp'd him close, Alcides strove
+  “To throw me from his breast, in vain,--the fourth
+  “He shook me from him, and my clasping arms
+  “Unloosing, instant turn'd me with his hand;
+  “(Truth must I speak,) and heavy on my back
+  “He hung. If credence may my words demand,
+  “Nor seek I fame through tales of false deceit,
+  “A mighty mountain on me seem'd to weigh:
+  “Scarce were my arms, with trickling sweat bedew'd,
+  “Loos'd from his grasp; scarce was my body freed
+  “From his hard gripe, when panting hard for breath,
+  “Ere I could strength regain, my throat he seiz'd.
+  “Then on the earth my knee was press'd; my mouth
+  “Then bit the sand. Inferior prov'd in strength,
+  “To arts I next betook me. Slipp'd his hands
+  “In form a long round serpent; while I roll'd
+  “In winding spires my body; while I shook
+  “My forked tongue with hisses dire, he laugh'd,
+  “And mock'd my arts; exclaiming,--snakes to kill
+  “I in my cradle knew; grant thou excel'st,
+  “O, Acheloüs! others far in size,
+  “What art thou mated with the Hydra's bulk?
+  “He fertile from his wounds, his hundred heads
+  “Ne'er felt diminish'd, for straightway his neck,
+  “With two successors, brav'd the stroke again:
+  “Yet him I vanquish'd with his branching heads
+  “From blood produc'd: from every loss more stout,
+  “Him prostrate I o'erthrew. What hope hast thou,
+  “In form fallacious, who with borrow'd arms
+  “Now threaten'st? whom a form precarious hides?
+  “He said, and fast about my throat he squeez'd
+  “His nervous fingers; choaking, hard I strove,
+  “As pincer-like he press'd me, to unloose
+  “From his tight grasp my neck. Conquer'd in this,
+  “Still a third shape, the furious bull remain'd:
+  “Chang'd to a bull, again I wag'd the war.
+  “Around my brawny neck his arms he threw
+  “To left, and spite of every effort try'd
+  “To 'scape, he dragg'd me down; the solid earth
+  “Deep with my horn he pierc'd, and stretch'd me prone
+  “On the wide sand. Unsated yet his rage,
+  “His fierce hand seiz'd my stubborn horn, and broke
+  “From my maim'd front the weapon. Naiäd nymphs
+  “This consecrated, fill'd with fruits, and flowers
+  “Of odorous fragrance, and the horn is priz'd
+  “By Plenty's goddess as her favorite care.�
+
+    He spoke, a nymph close-girt like Dian's train,
+  Her ample tresses o'er each shoulder spread,
+  Enter'd, supporting all of Autumn's fruit
+  In the rich horn, and mellowest apples came
+  The second course to grace. Now day appear'd:
+  The youths when light the loftiest summits touch'd
+  Of the high hills, departed; waiting not
+  Till the rough floods in peaceful channels flow'd;
+  The troubled currents smooth'd. Profound his head
+  Of rustic semblance, Acheloüs hides
+  'Reft of his horn, beneath his deepest waves.
+  His forehead's honor lost sore gall'd him: all
+  Save that was perfect. Ev'n his forehead's loss
+  With willow boughs and marshy reeds was hid.
+
+    Thou too, rash Nessus, through thy furious love,
+  Of the same virgin, thy destruction met;
+  Pierc'd through thy body with the feather'd dart!
+  Jove's son returning to his natal soil,
+  Companion'd by his new-made bride, approach'd
+  Evenus' rapid flood. Swol'n was the stream
+  With wintry showers as wont, and raging whirls
+  Unfordable proclaim'd it; him, himself
+  Fearless, yet anxious for his spouse's care,
+  Nessus approach'd, in strength of limbs secure,
+  And knowledge of the fords, and thus he spoke;
+  “Her, O Alcides! will I safely bear
+  “To yonder bank; thou all thy efforts use
+  “In swimming.� Straight the Theban hero gives
+  The pallid Calydonian to his care,
+  Shivering with dread; no less the centaur frights
+  Than the rough flood. The mighty warrior, prest
+  With his large quiver, and the lion's hide,
+  For on the bank opposing had he flung
+  His club and curved bow, exclaim'd--“the stream
+  “My arms will vanquish, soon as I essay.�--
+  Nor dubious waits, but in the torrent leaps,
+  Not heeding where most tranquil flows the stream,
+  But stemming furious all its utmost rage.
+  Now had he reach'd the bank, now held again
+  The bow flung o'er, when loud his spouse's shrieks
+  Assail'd his ear. To Nessus, whom he saw
+  His trust about betraying, loud he cry'd;--
+  “What vain reliance on thy rapid speed
+  “Tempts thee to violence? O, double-shap'd!
+  “I speak, regard me,--to respect my rights,
+  “Should deference to me not move thee, think
+  “How whirls thy sire, and that thy rage may check
+  “For wishes unallow'd. Yet hope thou not
+  “With courser's speed to 'scape me: with my dart,
+  “Not feet, will I pursue thee.�--His last words
+  With deeds he guarantees, and through and through
+  The flying culprit felt the javelin driv'n;
+  Out through his breast the forked weapon stood:
+  Withdrawn, from either wound gush'd forth the gore,
+  Mixt with the venom of Lernæa's pest.
+  This be preserv'd.--“Nor will I unreveng'd
+  “Expire,�--he murmur'd faintly to himself;
+  And gave his raiment, in the warm blood dipt,
+  A present to the nymph whose spoil he sought;
+  To wake again her husband's dormant love.
+
+    Long was the intermediate time, the deeds,
+  Of great Alcides, and his step-dame's hate,
+  Fill'd all the world meanwhile. Victor return'd
+  From out Å’chalia, when the promis'd rites,
+  To Jove Cænean, he prepar'd to pay,
+  Tattling report, who joys in falshood mixt
+  With circumstantial truth, and still the least
+  Swells with her lies, had in thine ears instill'd,
+  O Dejanira! that Alcmena's son,
+  With Iölé was smitten. Ardent love
+  Sway'd her belief, and terror-struck to hear
+  Of this new flame, she melted into tears;
+  With them her weeping grief first flow'd away:
+  But soon she bursted forth.--“Why weep I so?
+  “The harlot will but gladden in my tears!
+  “But ere she here arrives, it me behoves
+  “Each effort to employ, while time now serves,
+  “To hinder what he seeks; whilst yet my couch
+  “Another presses not. Shall I complain,
+  “Or rest in silence? Shall I Calydon
+  “Re-seek, or here remain? Shall I abscond
+  “His habitation, or, if nought else serves,
+  “Strenuous oppose him? Or if truly bent,
+  “O, Meleager! with a sister's pride,
+  “Thy wicked deeds t' outvie, a witness leave,
+  “The harlot's throat divided, what the rage
+  “Of woman may accomplish, when so wrong'd.�--
+  In whirls her agitated mind is toss'd;
+  Determining last to send to him the robe,
+  In Nessus' blood imbu'd, and so restore
+  His waning love. Witless of what she sends,
+  Herself to Lychas' unsuspecting hands
+  The cause of future grief delivers. Wretch
+  Most pitiable! she, with warm-coaxing words,
+  Instructs the boy to bear her spouse the gift.
+  Th' unwitting warrior takes it, and straight clothes
+  His shoulders with Echidna's poisonous gore.
+  Incense he sprinkles in the primal flames
+  He kindles,--with the flames his prayers ascend.
+  As from the goblet he the vintage pours
+  On marble altars; hapless by the heat
+  The poison more was quicken'd; by the flame
+  Melted, it grew more potent; wide diffus'd,
+  Through all the limbs of Hercules it spread.
+  Still while he could, his fortitude, as wont
+  His groans suppress'd; at last his patience spent,
+  Fierce from the altar flinging, Œté's mount
+  So woody, with his plaintive shrieks he fills,
+  And instant from his limbs the deadly robe
+  Essays to tear: that, where he strips, the skin,
+  Stript also, follows; dreadful to describe!
+  Or to his limbs, his utmost struggling vain,
+  It clings: or bare his lacerated joints
+  And huge bones stand. With hissing noise his blood
+  Burns, as when glowing iron in a pool
+  Is dipp'd, so boils it with the venom fierce.
+  Nor hope of help remain'd, the greedy fires,
+  His utmost vitals waste; and purple sweat
+  Bedews his every limb; his scorch'd nerves crack;
+  And whilst his marrow, with the latent pest,
+  Runs fluid, high tow'rd heaven his arms he holds,
+  Exclaiming;--“now Saturnia, feast thy soul
+  “With my destruction; joy, O savage!--view
+  “From lofty heaven my tortures; satiate now
+  “Thy rancorous soul:--but if a foe may move
+  “Commiseration, (for thy foe I am)
+  “Take hence this life, grievous, through direful pains:
+  “Hateful to thee, and destin'd first for toils.
+  “Death now would be a boon; and such a boon
+  “A step-dame might confer. Have I for this,
+  “Busiris slain, who drench'd the temples deep
+  “With travellers' blood? For this Antæus robb'd
+  “Of nutriment parental? Did thy bulk,
+  “Of triple-form, swain of Iberia, fright?
+  “Or thou, three-headed Cerberus, me move?
+  “Wrought I for this in Elis? at the lake
+  “Of Stymphalis? and in Parthenian woods?
+  “Did not my valor seize the golden belt
+  “Of Thermodon's brave queen? the apples gain,
+  “Ill-guarded by th' unsleeping dragon's care?
+  “Could the fierce Centaur me resist? or could
+  “The mighty boar that laid Arcadia waste?
+  “And what avail'd the Hydra, that he grew
+  “From every loss, in double strength reviv'd?
+  “How? Saw I not the Thracian coursers gorg'd
+  “With human gore! whose stalls with mangled limbs
+  “Crowded, I overthrew, and slew their lord
+  “On his slain coursers? Strangled by these hands
+  “Nemæa's monster lies. Heaven I upbore
+  “Upon these shoulders. The fierce wife of Jove
+  “Weary'd at length with bidding, I untir'd
+  “Still was of acting. But at length behold
+  “A new-found plague, which not the bravest soul,
+  “Nor arms, nor darts can aught resist. Fierce fire,
+  “Darts through my deepest inwards; all my limbs
+  “Greedy devouring. Yet Eurystheus lives!
+  “Still are there who the deities believe?�--
+  He said, and o'er high Œté tortur'd rov'd
+  Like a mad tiger, when the hunter's dart
+  Stands in his body, and the wounder flies.
+  Oft would you see him groaning; storming oft;
+  Oft straining from his limbs again to fling
+  The vest; trees rooting up; against the hills
+  Fierce railing; next up to his father's skies
+  His arms extending. Lo! he Lychas spies,
+  Where trembling in a hollow rock he hides!
+  Then, all his fury in its utmost strength,
+  Raging, he cry'd;--“Thou, Lychas, thou supply'd
+  “This deadly gift. Thou art the author then
+  “Of my destruction.�--Shuddering he, and pale,
+  In timid accents strove excuse to plead:
+  Speaking, and round his knees prepar'd to cling,
+  Alcides seiz'd him, with an engine's force
+  Whirl'd round and round, and hurl'd him in the waves,
+  Which by Eubæa roll. He, as he shot
+  Through air, was harden'd. As the falling showers
+  Concrete by freezing winds, whence snow is form'd:
+  As snows by rolling, their soft bodies join,
+  Conglomerating into solid hail:
+  So ancient times believ'd, the boy thus flung,
+  Through empty air, by strong Alcides' arm,
+  Bloodless through fear, and all his moisture drain'd,
+  Chang'd to a flinty rock. A rock e'en now
+  High in Eubæa's gulph exalts its head,
+  Which still of human form the marks retains.
+  Which, as though still of consciousness possess'd,
+  The sailors fear to tread, and Lychas call.
+
+    Thou, Jove's renowned offspring, fell'd the trees
+  Which lofty Œté bore, and built a pile:
+  Then bade the son of Pæan bear thy bow,
+  Thy mighty quiver, and thy darts, to view
+  Once more the realm of Troy; and through his aid
+  The flames were plac'd below, whose greedy spires
+  Seiz'd on the structure. On the woody top
+  Thou laid'st the hide Nemæan, and thy head,
+  Supported with thy club, with brow serene
+  As though with garlands circled, at a feast
+  Thou laid'st, 'mid goblets fill'd with sparkling wine.
+
+    Now the strong fires spread wide o'er every part,
+  Crackling, and seizing his regardless limbs,
+  Who them despis'd. The gods beheld with fear
+  The earth's avenger. Jove, who saw their care
+  With joyous countenance, thus the powers address'd:
+  “This fear, O deities! makes glad my heart;
+  “And lively pleasure swells in all my breast,
+  “That sire and sovereign o'er such grateful minds
+  “I hold my sway; since to my offspring too
+  “Your favoring care extends. No less, 'tis true,
+  “His deeds stupendous claim. Still I'm oblig'd.
+  “But from your anxious breasts banish vain fear;
+  “Despise those flames of Œté; he who all
+  “O'ercame, shall conquer even the flames you see:
+  “Nor shall the power of Vulcan ought consume,
+  “Save his maternal part: what he deriv'd
+  “From me, is ever-during; safe from death;
+  “And never vanquish'd by the force of fire.
+  “That we'll receive, his earthly race compleat,
+  “Amidst the heavenly host; and all I trust
+  “My actions gladly will approve. Should one
+  “Haply, with grief see Hercules a god,
+  “And grudge the high reward; ev'n he shall grant
+  “His great deserts demand it; and allow
+  “Unwilling approbation.� All assent;
+  Not even his royal spouse's forehead wore,
+  A frown at ought he said; his final words
+  Irk'd her at length, to be so plainly mark'd.
+  Vulcan meantime each corruptible part
+  Bore off in flames, nor could Alcides' form
+  Remaining, now be known; nought he retain'd
+  Of what his mother gave; Jove's share alone.
+  A serpent revels thus in glittering scales,
+  His age and former skin thrown off at once.
+  So when Tirynthius from his mortal limbs
+  Departed, in his better part he shone,
+  Increas'd in stature; and majestic grace
+  Augustly deck'd his venerable brow.
+  Veil'd in a hollow cloud, and borne along
+  By four swift steeds, in a high car, the sire
+  Him plac'd in glory 'mid the radiant stars.
+  Atlas perceiv'd his load increas'd. Nor yet
+  Eurystheus 'bated in his rancorous hate,
+  But cruel exercis'd his savage rage,
+  Against the offspring of the sire abhorr'd.
+
+    But now Alcmena, worn with constant cares,
+  In Argolis, to Iölé confides
+  Her aged plaints, to her the labors tells
+  Her son atchiev'd, o'er all the wide world known;
+  And her own griefs beside. Alcides' words
+  Caus'd Hyllus to his couch to take, and take
+  Iölé, cordial to his inmost heart:
+  And now with generous fruit, the nymph was large.
+  Alcmena, thus to her commenc'd her tale.--
+
+    “May thee, at least, the favoring gods indulge;
+  “And all delay diminish, when matur'd,
+  “Thou to Ilithyiä shalt have need to call,
+  “Who o'er travailing mothers bears the rule;
+  “Whom Juno's influence made so hard to me.
+  “Of Hercules toil-bearing, now the birth,
+  “Approach'd, and in the tenth sign rul'd the sun.
+  “A mighty bulk swell'd out my womb, so huge,
+  “Well might you know that Jove the load had caus'd:
+  “Nor could I longer bear my throes (my limbs
+  “Cold rigors seize, while now I speak; my pains
+  “Part ev'n in memory now I seem to feel)
+  “Through seven long nights, and seven long days with pangs
+  “Incessant was I rack'd: my arms to heaven
+  “Stretching, I call'd Lucina, and the powers,
+  “With outcries mighty. True Lucina came,
+  “But came by Juno prepossest, and bent
+  “My life to sacrifice to Juno's rage.
+  “Soon as my groans she hearken'd, down she sate
+  “Upon the altar, plac'd without the gates:
+  “'Neath her right ham, her left knee pressing; join'd
+  “Fingers with fingers cross'd upon her breast
+  “My labor stay'd; and spellful words she spoke
+  “In whispering tone; the spellful words delay'd
+  “Th' approaching birth. I strain, and madly rave
+  “With vain upbraidings to ungrateful Jove,
+  “And crave for death; in such expressions 'plain
+  “As hardest flints might move. The Theban dames
+  “Around me throng; assist me with their prayers;
+  “And me my trying pains exhort to bear.
+  “Galanthis, one who tended me, of race
+  “Plebeïan; yellow-hair'd; and sedulous
+  “What order'd to perform; and much esteem'd
+  “For courteous deeds;--she first suspected, (what,
+  “I know not) somewhat, form'd by Juno's pique:
+  “And while she constant pass'd; now to, now fro,
+  “She saw the goddess on the altar sit,
+  “Girding her arms, with close-knit fingers o'er
+  “Her knees, and said;--O dame, whoe'er thou art,
+  “Our mistress gratulate. Alcmena now
+  “Argolican, is lighten'd. Now the prayers
+  “Of the child-bearer meet her hopes.--The dame
+  “Who rules the womb, straight from her station leap'd,
+  “And all astounded, her clench'd fingers loos'd:
+  “I in that moment felt my bonds undone.
+  “Galanthis, they report, the goddess mock'd
+  “Thus cheated, by her laughter. Savage, she
+  “Dragg'd her so laughing, by the tresses seiz'd,
+  “And forc'd her down to earth, as up she strove
+  “Erect to rise; and to forefeet her arms
+  “Transform'd. The same agility remains;
+  “Her back its colour keeps; her form alone
+  “Is diverse. She, 'cause then her lying mouth
+  “My birth assisted, by her mouth still bears:
+  “And round my house she harbors as before.�--
+
+    She said, and by the memory mov'd, she mourn'd
+  For her lost servant, whom, lamenting, thus
+  Her child-in-law address'd.--“If then the form
+  “Alter'd, of one an alien to your blood,
+  “O mother! thus affects you, let me tell
+  “The wond'rous fortune which my sister met:
+  “Though grief and tears will frequent choke my words.
+
+    “Her mother, Dryopé alone could boast,
+  “(Me to my sire another bore) her charms
+  “Œthalia all confess'd; whom (rifled first
+  “Of virgin charms, when passively she felt
+  “His force, who Delphos, and who Delos rules)
+  “Andræmon took, and held a happy spouse.
+  “A lake expands with steep and shelving shores
+  “Encompass'd; myrtles crown the rising bank.
+  “Here Dryopé, of fate unconscious came,
+  “And what must more commiseration move,
+  “Came to weave chaplets for the Naïad nymphs;
+  “Her arms sustain'd her boy, a pleasing load,
+  “His first year scarce complete, as with warm milk
+  “She nourish'd him. The watery Lotus there,
+  “For promis'd fruit in Tyrian splendor bright,
+  “Grew flowering near. The flowers my sister cropp'd,
+  “And held them to delight her boy; and I,
+  “(For there I stood,) the same prepar'd to do;
+  “But from the flowers red flowing drops I saw,
+  “And all the boughs with tremulous shuddering shook.
+  “Doubtless it is, (but far too late we learn'd
+  “By the rough swains,) nymph Lotis, when she fled
+  “From Priapus obscene, her shape transform'd
+  “Into this tree which still retains her name.
+  “My sister witless of this change, in fright
+  “Would back retreat, and leave the nymphs ador'd,
+  “But roots her feet retain: these from the ground
+  “She strains to rend; but save her upper limbs
+  “Nought can she move; a tender bark grows o'er
+  “The lower parts, and her mid limbs invades.
+  “This seeing, and her locks to rend away
+  “Attempting; her rais'd hand with leaves was fill'd.
+  “Leaves cover'd all her head. Amphyssus found,
+  “(His grandsire had the child Amphyssus nam'd)
+  “His mother's breasts grow hard; nor when he suck'd
+  “Lacteal fluid gain'd he. I there stood,
+  “Of her sad fate spectator: loud I cry'd--
+  “But, O my sister! aid I could not bring;
+  “Yet what I could I urg'd; the growing trunk,
+  “And growing boughs, my close embraces staid:
+  “In the same bark I glad had been enclos'd.
+  “Lo! come her spouse Andræmon, and her sire
+  “So wretched; and for Dryopé they seek:
+  “A Lotus, as for Dryopé they ask,
+  “I shew them; to the yet warm wood salutes
+  “Ardent they give; and prostrate spread, the roots
+  “They clasp of their own tree. Now, sister dear!
+  “Nought save thy face but what a tree becomes.
+  “Thy tears, the leaves thy body form'd, bedew.
+  “And now, whilst able, while her mouth yet gives
+  “To words a passage, such like plaints as these
+  “She breathes;--If faith th' unhappy e'er can claim,
+  “I swear by all the deities, this deed
+  “I never merited: without a crime
+  “My punishment I suffer. Innocent
+  “My life has been. If I deceive, may drought
+  “Parch those new leaves; and, by the hatchet fell'd,
+  “May fire consume me. Yet this infant bear
+  “From those maternal branches; to a nurse
+  “Transfer him; but contrive that oft he comes
+  “And 'neath my boughs let him his milk imbibe;
+  “And 'neath my boughs sport playful. When with words
+  “Able to hail me, let him me salute,
+  “And sorrowing say;--Within that trunk lies hid
+  “My mother--But the lakes, O! let him dread,
+  “Nor dare from any tree to snatch a flower;
+  “But think each shrub he sees a god contains.
+  “Adieu! dear husband; sister dear, adieu!
+  “Father, farewel! if pious cares you feel,
+  “From the sharp axe defend my boughs, and from
+  “The browsing flocks. And now, as fate denies
+  “To lean my arms to yours,--your arms advance;
+  “Approach my lips, whilst you my lips may touch:
+  “And to them lift my infant boy. More words
+  “I may not;--now the tender bark my neck,
+  “So white, invades; my utmost summit hid.
+  “Move from my lids your fingers, for the bark,
+  “So rapid growing, will my dying eyes
+  “Without assistance close.--Her lips to speak
+  “Cease, and existence ceases: the fresh boughs
+  “Long in the alter'd body warm were felt.�
+
+    While Iölé the mournful fact relates;
+  And while Alcmena, from Eurytus' maid,
+  With ready fingers dry'd the tears; herself
+  Still weeping, lo! a novel deed assuag'd
+  Their grief--for Iölaüs, scarcely youth,
+  His cheeks with tender down just cover'd, stands
+  Within the porch; to early years restor'd.
+
+    Junonian Hebé, by her husband's prayers
+  O'ercome, to Iölaüs gave the boon.
+  Who, when to vow she went, that future times
+  Should none such gift enjoying, e'er perceive,
+  Was check'd by Themis. “Now all Thebes,�--she said,
+  “Discordant warfare moves. Through Jove alone
+  “Capaneus can be conquer'd. Mutual wounds
+  “Shall slay the brothers. In the yawning earth
+  “A living prophet his own tomb shall see.
+  “A son avenger of his parent's death
+  “Upon his parent: impious for the deed,
+  “At once, and pious: at the action stunn'd,
+  “Exil'd from home, and from his senses driv'n,
+  “The furies' faces, and his mother's shade
+  “Shall haunt him; till his wife the fatal gold
+  “Shall ask: and till the Phegian sword shall pierce
+  “Their kinsman's side. Callirhoë then, the nymph
+  “From Acheloüs sprung, suppliant shall seek
+  “From Jove, her infants years mature may gain.
+  “Mov'd by her prayers, Jove will from thee demand,
+  “Son's spouse, and daughter of his wife, the boon
+  “And unripe men thou'lt make the youths become.�
+
+    While Themis thus, with fate-foretelling lips,
+  This spoke; the gods in murmuring grudgings mourn'd,
+  Angry why others might not grant the gift.
+  Aurora mourn'd her husband's aged years:
+  Mild Ceres 'plain'd that Jason's hairs were white:
+  Vulcan, for Erichthonius pray'd an age
+  Renew'd. E'en Venus future cares employ'd,
+  Anxious for promise that Anchises' years
+  Replenishment might find: And every god
+  Had whom he lov'd; and dark sedition grew
+  From special favor; till the mighty sire
+  The silence broke.--“If reverence I may claim,
+  “Where rashly rush ye? Which of you the power,
+  “Fate to control, possesses? Fate it was
+  “Gave Iölaüs youth restor'd again:
+  “By Fate Callirhoë's sons ere long shall spring
+  “To manhood, prematurely; nor can arms
+  “Nor yet ambition gain this gift. With souls
+  “More tranquil bear this; since you see the fates
+  “Me also rule. Could I the fates once change,
+  “Old age should never bend Æäcus down;
+  “And Rhadamanthus had perpetual spring
+  “Of youth enjoy'd, with Minos, now despis'd
+  “Through load of bitter years, nor reigns as wont.�
+
+    Jove's words the deities all mov'd; not one
+  Longer complain'd, when heavy press'd with years
+  They Æäcus, and Rhadamanthus saw;
+  And Minos: who, when in his prime of age,
+  Made mightiest nations tremble at his name.
+  He, feeble then, at Deïoné's son
+  Miletus, trembled, who with youthful strength,
+  And Phœbus' origin proud swol'n, and known
+  About to rise against his rule:--yet him
+  He dar'd not from his household roof to drive.
+  But thou, Miletus, fled'st spontaneous, thou
+  Th' Ægean waves in thy swift ship didst pass,
+  And on the Asian land the walls didst found
+  Which bear the builder's name. Cyancë here,
+  Mæander's daughter, whose recurving banks
+  She often trode: (whose stream itself reseeks
+  So oft) in beauteous form, by thee was known,
+  And, claspt by thee, a double offspring came,
+  Byblis and Caunus, from the warm embrace.
+
+    Let Byblis warn, that nymphs should ne'er indulge
+  Illicit warmth. Her brother Byblis lov'd;
+  Not as she ought; not with a sister's soul.
+  No fires at first the maid suspected; nought
+  Of sin: the thought that oft her lips to his
+  She wish'd to join, and clasp her arms around
+  His neck fraternal, long herself deceiv'd,
+  Beneath the semblance of a duteous love.
+  Love gradual bends to him her soul; she comes
+  Fully adorn'd to see him, anxious pants
+  Beauteous to seem; if one more beauteous there
+  She sees, invidious she that face beholds.
+  Still to herself unconscious was her love:
+  No wish she form'd beneath that burning flame,
+  Yet all within was fire. She call'd him lord,
+  Now kindred's name detesting; anxious more,
+  Byblis, than sister he should call her still.
+  Yet waking, ne'er her soul durst entertain
+  Lascivious wishes. When relax'd in sleep,
+  Then the lov'd object oft her fancy saw;
+  Oft seem'd her bosom to his bosom join'd:
+  Yet blush'd she, tranc'd in sleep. Her slumbers fly,
+  She lies awhile in silence, and revolves
+  Her dream: and thus in doubting accents speaks;
+  “Ah, wretch! what means this dream of silent night,
+  “Which yet I oft would wish? Why have I known
+  “This vision? Envy's eyes must own him fair,
+  “And but his sister am I, all my love
+  “He might possess; worthy of all my love.
+  “A sister's claim then hurts me! O! at least
+  “(While tempted thus I wakeful nought commit)
+  “Let sleep oft visit with such luscious dreams:
+  “No witness sees my sleeping joys; my joys,
+  “Though sleeping, yet are sweet. O, Venus! O,
+  “Thou feather'd Cupid, with thy tender dame!
+  “What transports I enjoy'd! what true delight
+  “Me thrill'd! how lay I, all my soul dissolv'd!
+  “How joys it me to trace in mind again
+  “The pleasure though so brief: for flying night
+  “Invidious check'd enjoyment in the bud.
+  “O Caunus! that an alter'd name might join
+  “Us closely; that thy sire a sire-in-law
+  “To me might be: O, Caunus, how I'd joy
+  “Wert thou not son, but son-in-law to mine.
+  “Would that the gods had all in common given,
+  “Save parents only. Thou in lofty birth
+  “I would should me excel. O beauteous youth!
+  “A mother whom thou'lt make I know not; I
+  “Ne'er can thee know but with a sister's love:
+  “Parents the same as thine my hapless lot.
+  “All that I have, me only pains the more.
+  “What are to me my visions? Weight have dreams?
+  “How much more happy are th' immortal gods!
+  “The gods embrace their sisters. Saturn clasps
+  “Ops, join'd to him by blood; Ocean enjoys
+  “His sister Tethys; and Olympus' king
+  “His Juno. Gods peculiar laws possess.
+  “Why seek I then celestial rites to bring
+  “Diverse, with human ord'nance to compare?
+  “Forbidden love shall from my breast be driv'n,
+  “Or that impossible, may death me seize
+  “Instant, and cold upon my couch outstretch'd,
+  “My brother then may kiss me as I lie.
+  “Yet still my wish double consent requires.
+  “Grant I should yield, still might the deed to him
+  “Seem execrable. Yet th' Æolian youth
+  “A sister's nuptial couch ne'er dreaded. Why,
+  “O, why! on this so dwell? Why thus recal
+  “Examples to my view? Where am I borne?
+  “Hence, flames obscene! hence far! a sister's love,
+  “And that alone my brother shall enjoy.
+  “But had his soul first burn'd for me, perchance
+  “I had indulg'd his passion. Surely then
+  “I may demand, who would not, ask'd, refuse.
+  “What couldst thou speak? Couldst thou confess thy flame?
+  “Love forces, and I can. If shame my lips
+  “Close binds; yet secret letters may disclose
+  “The hidden flame.�--With this idea pleas'd,
+  These words her hesitating mind resolv'd,
+  Rais'd on her side, supported by her arm.--
+  “He shall�--she said--“now know it; all my love
+  “Preposterous confess'd. Alas! what depth
+  “Now rush I to? What fire has seiz'd my soul?�--
+  And then with tremulous hand the words compos'd.
+  Her right hand grasps the style, the left sustains
+  The waxen tablet smooth; and then begins.
+  She doubts; she writes; condemns what now she wrote;
+  Corrects; erases; alters; now dislikes;
+  And now approves. Now throws the tablet by,
+  Then seizes it again. Irres'lute what
+  She would; whate'er is done displeases, all.
+  Shame and audacious boldness in her face
+  Are mingled. Sister, once her hand had wrote,
+  But sister, soon as seen, her hand eras'd;
+  And her fair tablet bore such words as these.--
+  “To thee, a lover salutation sends,
+  “And health, which only thou to her canst give:
+  “Asham'd, she blushes to disclose her name.
+  “For should I press to gain my wish'd desire,
+  “Without my name, my cause I trust would find
+  “Successful aid. Let Byblis not be known
+  “Till certain hopes of bliss her mind shall cheer.
+  “Yet faded color, leanness, and pale face,
+  “With constant dripping eye, and rising sobs
+  “Shew my unhidden grief. Well might these prove
+  “To thee an index of a wounded heart.
+  “My constant clasping, numerous fond salutes,
+  “If e'er thou'st mark'd, thou well might have perceiv'd
+  “Not sister-like embracings. In my soul
+  “Though this deep wound I bear; though in my breast
+  “This fire consuming burns, yet strive I all,
+  “(Witness, ye gods! my truth) all to suppress,
+  “And act with wiser conduct: hapless war
+  “Long have I wag'd 'gainst Cupid's furious rule
+  “More pressure have I borne, than what a maid
+  “Could e'er be thought to bear. At length o'ercome,
+  “And forc'd to yield, thy help I must implore
+  “With trembling voice: thou only canst preserve,
+  “Thou only canst the loving nymph destroy.
+  “With thee the choice remains. No foe thus sues,
+  “But one by nearest ties to thee conjoin'd,
+  “Pants to be join'd more nearly; link'd to thee
+  “With closest bands. Let aged seniors learn
+  “Our laws, and seek what moral codes permit.
+  “What is permitted, and what is deny'd,
+  “Let them enquire, and closely search the laws:
+  “A bolder love more suits our growing years.
+  “As yet we know not what the laws allow;
+  “And judge for all things we free leave enjoy;
+  “Th' example following of the mighty gods.
+  “Nor parent stern, nor strict regard for fame,
+  “Nor timid thoughts should check us; absent all
+  “Should be each cause of fear. The dear sweet theft
+  “Beneath fraternal love may be conceal'd;
+  “With thee in secret converse I may speak,
+  “Embrace thee, kiss thee in the open crowd;
+  “How little then remains! Pity, forgive,
+  “The declaration of this love, ne'er told
+  “Had raging fire not urg'd it, nor allow
+  “Upon my tomb this cause of death to stand.--�
+
+    Here the fill'd tablet check'd her hand, in vain
+  Thus writing, at the utmost edge the lines,
+  But stay'd. Her crime straightway she firmly press'd,
+  With her carv'd gem, and moisten'd it with tears:
+  Her tears of utterance robb'd her. Bashful then
+  She call'd a page, and blandishing in fear
+  Exclaim'd.--“Thou faithful boy, this billet bear--�
+  And hesitated long ere more she said,
+  Ere--“to my brother, bear it.�--As she gave
+  The tablet, from her trembling hand it fell;
+  The omen deep disturb'd her. Yet she sent.
+
+    A chosen hour the servant sought, went forth
+  And gave the secret message. Sudden rage
+  me youth Mæandrian petrify'd; and down
+  The half-read lines upon the ground he flung.
+  His hand scarce holding from the trembling face
+  Of the pale messenger. “Quick, fly!� he cry'd,
+  “Thou wicked pander of forbidden lust!
+  “Fly while thou may'st; and know, had not thy fate
+  “Involv'd our modest name, death hadst thou found.--�
+  He terrify'd escapes, and backward bears,
+  To his young mistress all fierce Caunus spoke.
+
+    Pale, thou, O Byblis! heardst the rough repulse;
+  Thy breast with frigid chills beset. But soon
+  Her spirits rally, and her furious love
+  Returns: scarce to the trembling air her tongue
+  Can utterance give in these indignant words;--
+  “Deserv'dly mourn I, who so rashly gave
+  “Him of my wounds the conscious tale to learn.
+  “Why trust so soon to words, what still might hid
+  “Remain, on tablets hastily compos'd?
+  “Why were not first the wishes of my soul
+  “Try'd in ambiguous hints? First, sure I ought
+  “Whence the wind blew have mark'd; nor loos'd my sails,
+  “Him flying, to pursue, and the wide main
+  “In all directions plough: now bellies out
+  “My canvas; not a single course explor'd.
+  “Hence am I borne against the rocks; hence 'whelm'd
+  “In the wide depth of ocean; nor my sails
+  “Know I to tack returning. Did not heaven
+  “Check the indulgence of my love, by marks
+  “Obvious to all? when from my hand down dropp'd
+  “The tablet, which the boy was bade to bear.
+  “Mark'd that my falling hopes not? More deferr'd
+  “Thy wishes, or the day should sure have been;
+  “Surely the day. For heaven itself me warn'd,
+  “And certain signs me gave; but those my mind
+  “Stupid neglected. Personal my words
+  “Should I have urg'd, nor trusted to the wax.
+  “In person should my love have been display'd.
+  “Then had my tears been seen; then had he view'd
+  “My raptur'd countenance; then had I spoke
+  “Far more than power of letters can convey.
+  “My arms around his neck I then had thrown
+  “Howe'er unwilling; and, had he been coy,
+  “In dying posture I his feet had clasp'd;
+  “And stretch'd before him life demanding, all
+  “Had I achiev'd. Perchance though, by the boy,
+  “My messenger commission'd, I have fail'd:
+  “Aptly perhaps he enter'd not; perhaps,
+  “And much I fear, improper hours he chose;
+  “Nor sought a vacant time, when nought his mind
+  “Disturb'd. This has, alas! my hopes destroy'd:
+  “For from a tiger Caunus sprung not; round
+  “His heart not solid steel, nor rigid flint,
+  “Nor adamant is girt; nor has he suck'd
+  “The lioness's milk. He shall be bent,
+  “And gain'd his heart shall be; nor will I brook
+  “The smallest bar to what I undertake,
+  “While now this spirit holds. My primal wish
+  “(If it were given I might revoke my deeds)
+  “Is, I had ne'er commenc'd: my second now
+  “Is, that I persevere in what's begun.
+  “For should I now my wishes not pursue,
+  “Still must he of those daring wishes think;
+  “And should I now desist, well might he judge
+  “Form'd lightly my desires: or plann'd to try
+  “His virtue, and involve in snares his fame:
+  “Or, (dreadful!) think me not by love o'ercome,
+  “(Who burns and rages fiercely in my breast)
+  “But by hot lust. For now conceal'd no more
+  “My guilty act can be; I've written once,
+  “Once have I ask'd; corrupted all my soul.
+  “Should further no depravity ensue,
+  “Guilty I must be call'd. What more remains,
+  “In crime is little, but in hope immense.�--
+
+    She said, and such the wavering of her breast,
+  That, whilst the trial grieves her which she made,
+  Farther to try she wishes; every bound
+  O'erpassing; and, with luckless fate, her suit
+  Still meets repulsion. He, when endless seem'd
+  Her pressing, fled his country, and the crime;
+  And in a foreign region rais'd new walls.
+
+    Then, daughter of Miletus, they report,
+  Forsook thee all thy senses; then in truth
+  Thou rent thy garments from thy breast; thy breast
+  Thy furious hands hard smote. Now to the world
+  Madly she raves; now to the world displays
+  Her wish'd-for love, deny'd: all hope--despair!
+  She too forsook her country, and the roof
+  So hated; and the vagrant steps pursu'd
+  Her flying brother trode. As Thracia's dames
+  O, son of Semelé! thy Thyrsus shake
+  When celebrating thy triennial rites,
+  So did the Carian matrons, Byblis see
+  Fly o'er the wide-spread fields, with shrieks and howls:
+  These left behind, o'er Caria's plains she runs,
+  And through the warlike Leleges, and through
+  The Lycian realms. Now Cragos had she left,
+  And Lymiré, and Xanthus' waves behind;
+  With the high ridge Chimæra lifts, who burns
+  Central with flames; his breast and front fierce arm'd
+  A lion--tow'rd his tail a serpent form'd.
+  Now all the forests past; thou Byblis, faint
+  With long pursuit, fall'st flat; on the hard ground
+  Thy locks are spread; dumb now thou ly'st; thy face
+  Presses the fallen leaves. Oft in their arms
+  So delicate, the Lelegeïan nymphs
+  To raise thee up attempted. Oft they strove
+  To give advice that might thy love control,
+  And offer solace to thy deafen'd ear.
+  Still silent Byblis lies; and with her nails
+  Rends the green herbage; moistens all the grass
+  With rivulets of tears. And here, they say,
+  The Naiäd nymphs their bubbling art supply'd.
+  Ne'er drought to know: more to afford, their power
+  Sure could not. Straightway, as the pitchy drops
+  Flow from the fir's cleft bark; from solid earth
+  As stiff bitumen oozes; or as streams,
+  By cold congeal'd, thaw with the southern wind
+  And warming sun: Phœbean Byblis so
+  By her own tears exhausted, was transform'd,
+  A fount becoming; which still in that vale,
+  'Neath a dark ilex springing, keeps her name.
+
+    Now had the rumor of this wond'rous change
+  Spread rapid through the hundred towns of Crete,
+  But Crete had lately seen a wond'rous change
+  In her own clime, in Iphis' alter'd form.
+  There in the Phestian land, near Gnossus' realm
+  Was Lygdus born: a man of unknown fame,
+  But a plebeïan of unblemish'd worth:
+  Nor had he, more than noble stock, estate;
+  Yet unimpeach'd for honesty his life.
+  He thus the ears of his then pregnant spouse
+  Address'd, when near her bearing time approach'd:--
+  “Two things my wishes bound; first that thy pains
+  “May lightly press, next that a male thou bring'st:
+  “More burdensome are females; strength to them
+  “Nature denies. Then if by fate ordain'd
+  “To give a female birth, which I detest,
+  “Unwilling I command,--O piety!
+  “Excuse it,--let the babe to death be given.�--
+  He said, and tears profuse the cheeks bedew
+  Of him who bade, and her who heard his words.
+  Still Telethusa to the latest hour,
+  With vain petitions strives her spouse to move,
+  That thus he should not straighten so his hopes.
+  Firm to his purpose Lygdus stood. And now
+  Scarce could the heavy weight her womb sustain;
+  When in the silent space of night, in sleep
+  Entranc'd; or Isis stood before her bed,
+  Or seem'd to stand; surrounded by the pomp
+  To her belonging. On her forehead shone
+  The lunar horns, and yellow wheat them bound
+  In golden radiance, with a regal crown.
+  With her Anubis, barker came; and came
+  Bubastis holy; Apis various-mark'd;
+  He who the voice suppresses, and directs
+  To silence with his finger; timbrels loud;
+  Osiris never sought enough; and snakes
+  Of foreign lands full of somniferous gall.
+  To her the goddess thus, as rais'd from sleep
+  She seem'd, and manifest each object stood:--
+  “O vot'ry, Telethusa! fling aside
+  “Thy weighty cares; thy husband's mandates cheat;
+  “Nor waver, when Lucina helps thy pains:
+  “Save it whate'er it be. A goddess I,
+  “Assisting, still give aid when rightly claim'd:
+  “Nor will it e'er thee grieve to have ador'd
+  “An ingrate goddess.�--Thus as she advis'd,
+  She vanish'd from the bed. The Cretan dame
+  Rose from the couch o'erjoy'd; and raising high
+  To heaven her guiltless hands, pray'd that her dream
+  On truth was founded. Now her pains increas'd;
+  And now her burthen forc'd itself to air:
+  A daughter came, but to the sire unknown.
+  The mother bade them rear it as a boy,
+  And all a boy believ'd it; none the truth,
+  The nurse excepted, knew. Glad prayers the sire
+  Offers, and from its grandsire is it nam'd:
+  (Iphis, the grandsire's appellation.) Joy'd
+  The mother hears the name, which either sex
+  May claim; and none, in that at least, deceiv'd;
+  The lie lay hid beneath a pious fraud.
+  The robes were masculine, the face was such
+  As beauteous boy, or beauteous girl might own.
+
+    And now three annual suns the tenth had pass'd,
+  Thy father, Iphis, had to thee betroth'd
+  Iänthé, yellow-hair'd; nymph most admir'd
+  'Mongst all the Phestians, for her beauteous charms:
+  Telestes of Dictæa was her sire.
+  Equal in age, and equal in fair form;
+  The self-same masters taught the early arts,
+  Suiting their years. Their unsuspecting minds
+  Were both by love thus touch'd, in both was fix'd
+  An equal wound: but far unlike their hopes.
+  Iänthé, for a spouse impatient looks,
+  With nuptial torches. Whom a man she thinks,
+  That spouse she hopes will be. Iphis too loves,
+  Despairing what she loves e'er to enjoy:
+  This still the more her love augments, and burns
+  A virgin for a virgin. Scarce from tears
+  Refraining;--“What,�--she cries,--“for me remains?
+  “What will the issue be? What cure for this
+  “New love, unknown to all, who prodigies
+  “Possess in this desire? If the high gods
+  “Me wish to spare, straight should they me destroy.
+  “Yet would they me destroy, they should have given
+  “A curse more natural; a more usual fate.
+  “Love for an heifer ne'er an heifer moves;
+  “Nor burns the mare for mares: rams follow ewes;
+  “The stag pursues his female; birds thus join:
+  “Nor animal creation female shews
+  “With love of female seiz'd. Would none were I!
+  “But lest all monstrous loves Crete might not shew;
+  “Sol's daughter chose a bull; even that was male
+  “With female. Yet, if candidly I speak,
+  “My passion wilder far than hers appears.
+  “She hop'd-for love pursu'd; by fraud enjoy'd;
+  “Beneath an heifer's form, th' adulterous spark
+  “Deceiving. Be from every part of earth
+  “Assembled here the skill: let Dædalus
+  “Hither, on waxen wings rebend his flight,
+  “What could all aid? Could all their learned art
+  “Change me from maid to youth? or alter thee
+  “Iänthé? But why resolute, thy mind
+  “Not fix? Why Iphis thus thyself forget,
+  “These stupid wishes driving hence, and thoughts
+  “So unavailing? Lo! what thou wast born,
+  “(Save thou would'st also thine own breast deceive)
+  “What is allow'd behold, and as a maid
+  “May love, love only. Hope, first snatch'd by love,
+  “Love feeds on still. From thee all hope is borne.
+  “No guardians thee debar the dear embrace;
+  “Nor watchful husband's care; no sire severe;
+  “Nor she herself denies thy pressing prayers,
+  “Yet art thou still forbid, though all agree;
+  “To reap the bliss, though gods and men unite.
+  “Behold, too, all my votive prayers succeed:
+  “The favoring gods whate'er I pray'd have given.
+  “My sire and hers, and even herself comply,
+  “But nature far more strong denies, alone
+  “Me irking with refusal. Lo! arrives
+  “The wish'd-for hour; the matrimonial light
+  “Approaches; when Iänthé will be mine;
+  “And yet far from me. In the midst of waves
+  “For thirst I perish. Nuptial Juno, why
+  “Com'st thou, or Hymen to these rites; where none
+  “Leads to the altar, but where both are led?�--
+
+    Here staid her speech; nor less the other nymph
+  Burn'd; and O, Hymen, pray'd thy quick approach.
+  But what she wishes Telethusa dreads,
+  And searches for delays; feign'd sickness oft
+  Prolongs the time; oft omens dire, and dreams.
+  Now all her artful fictions are consum'd;
+  And now the long protracted period came,
+  For nuptial rites; and, but one day remain'd.
+  She from her own and daughter's head unbinds
+  The fillets; and with locks dishevell'd, clasps
+  The altar, crying;--“Isis, thou who dwell'st
+  “In Parætonium; Mareotis' fields;
+  “In Pharos; and the sev'nfold mouths of Nile.
+  “Help me I pray! relieve my trembling dread.
+  “Thee, goddess, once I saw; and with thee all
+  “Those images beheld; them all I know:
+  “Thy train, thy torches, and thy timbrels loud.
+  “And with a mindful soul thy words I mark'd.
+  “That she enjoys the light, that I myself,
+  “Not sinful suffer, to thy counsels, we,
+  “And admonitions owe. Pity us both;
+  “Grant us thy helping aid.�--Tears follow'd words.
+  Straight seem'd the goddess' altars all to shake;
+  (And shake they did) trembled the temple's doors;
+  The lunar horns blaz'd bright; the timbrels rung.
+
+    Forth goes the mother, of the omen glad,
+  Yet not in faith secure. Iphis pursues
+  His mother with a step more large than wont:
+  The snow-like whiteness quits his face; his strength
+  Increases; fiercer frowns his forehead wears:
+  Shorten'd his uncomb'd locks: more vigor now
+  Than as a nymph he felt. For thou, a boy
+  Now art--so late a female! Bear thy gifts
+  Straight to the temple; and in faith rejoice.
+  Straight to the temple they their offerings bore,
+  And on them this short poem was inscrib'd.--
+  “Iphis a boy, the offerings pays, which maid,
+  “Iphis had vow'd.�--The following sun illum'd
+  The wide world with his rays; when Venus came,
+  Juno, and Hymen, to the genial fires;
+  And the boy Iphis his Iänthé clasp'd.
+
+
+
+
+*The Tenth Book.*
+
+
+    Marriage of Orpheus and Eurydicé. Her death. Descent of Orpheus
+    to Hell, to recover her. Her second loss. His mournful music on
+    mount Hæmus draws the trees, birds, and beasts around him. Change
+    of Cyparissus to a cypress-tree. Song of Orpheus. Ganymede.
+    Hyacinth changed to a flower. The Amanthians to oxen. The
+    Propætides to flints. Pygmalion's statue to a woman. Myrrha's
+    incestuous love, and transformation to a tree. Venus' love for
+    Adonis. Story of Atalanta and Hippomenes. Adonis changed to an
+    anemoné.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Tenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Thence Hymen, in his saffron vesture clad,
+  Through the vast air departs; and seeks the land
+  Ciconian; by the voice of Orpheus call'd
+  Vainly. He came indeed, but with him brought
+  No wonted gratulations, no glad face,
+  Nor happy omen. And the torch he bore
+  Crackled in hissing smoke; nor gather'd flame
+  From whirling motion. Still more dire th' event
+  Prov'd, than the presage. As the new-made bride,
+  Attended by a train of Naïad nymphs,
+  Rov'd through the grass, a serpent's fangs her heel
+  Pierc'd, and she instant dy'd. Her, when long-mourn'd
+  In upper air, the Rhodopeïan bard
+  Ventur'd to seek in shades, and dar'd descend
+  Through the Tænarian cave to Stygia's realms.
+  'Mid shadowy crowds, and bury'd ghosts he goes,
+  To Proserpine, and him who rules the shades
+  With sway ungrateful. There he strikes the strings
+  Responsive to his words, and this his song.--
+  “Gods of this subterraneous world, where all
+  “Of mortal origin must come, permit
+  “That I the truth declare; no tedious tales
+  “Of falshood will I tell. Here came I not
+  “Your dusky Hell to view: nor to o'ercome
+  “The triple-throated Medusæan beast
+  “Snake-hair'd;--my wife alone my journey caus'd,
+  “Whose heel a trampled serpent venom'd stung:
+  “Snatch'd in her bloom of years. Much did I wish,
+  “My loss to bear; nor ought forbore to strive;
+  “But love o'ercame. Well do the upper gods
+  “That deity confess. In doubt I stand
+  “If here too he is known; but here I judge
+  “His power is felt: the ancient rape, if true,
+  “Proves love ev'n you first join'd. You I implore,
+  “By all those regions fill'd with dread; by this
+  “Chaos immense; your ample realm, all fill'd
+  “With silence; once again the thread renew
+  “Eurydicé too hasty lost. To you
+  “We all belong; a little while we stay,
+  “Then soon or late to one repose we haste:
+  “All hither tend; this is our final home.
+  “You hold o'er human kind a lengthen'd reign.
+  “She too, when once her years mature are fill'd,
+  “To you again, must by just right belong.
+  “I then request her only as a loan:
+  “But should the fates this favor me refuse,
+  “Certain I'll ne'er return. Two deaths enjoy.�--
+  The bloodless shadows wept as thus he sung,
+  And struck the strings in concord with his words.
+  Nor Tantalus at flying waters caught;
+  Nor roll'd Ixion's wheel: the liver gnaw'd
+  The birds not: rested on their empty urns
+  The Belides: and Sisyphus, thou sat'st
+  Upon thy stone. Nay fame declares, then first,
+  Vanquish'd by song, the furies felt their cheeks
+  Wetted with tears. Nor could the royal spouse,
+  Nor he who rules deep darkness, him withstand
+  Thus praying; and Eurydicé is call'd.
+  Amid the recent dead she walk'd, and still
+  Halted with tardy steps from her late wound.
+  Her, when the bard of Thrace receiv'd, this law
+  Receiv'd he also: that his eyes reverse
+  He should not bend, till past Avernus' realms;
+  Else he'd the granted favor useless find.
+  In silence mute, through the steep path they climb
+  Dark, difficult, and thick with pitchy mist;
+  Nor far earth's surface wanted they to gain:
+  The lover here, in dread lest she should stray,
+  And anxious to behold, bent back his sight,
+  And instant back she sunk. As forth his arms
+  He stretch'd, to clasp expecting, and be clasp'd:
+  Unhappy! nought but fleeting air he held.
+  Twice dying, she can nought her spouse condemn;
+  For how blame him because too much he lov'd?
+  She gives her last farewel; which scarce his ears
+  Receive, then sinks again to shades below.
+
+    Orpheus, thus doubly of his spouse despoil'd,
+  All stunn'd appear'd: not less than he who saw
+  In wild affright the triple-headed dog,
+  Chain'd by the midmost: fear him never fled,
+  Till fled his former nature: sudden stone
+  On all his body seizing. Or than he,
+  Olenus, when the crime upon himself
+  He took, and guilty wish'd to seem; with thee
+  Hapless Lethæa, confident in charms.
+  Once breast to breast you join'd, now join as stones,
+  Which watery Ida bears. Beseeching vain,
+  And wishing once again the stream to pass,
+  The ferryman denies. Then on the bank
+  In squalid guise he sate, nor tasted food
+  For seven long days; his cares, and grieving soul,
+  And tears were all the sustenance he knew.
+  Cruel he call'd the gods of Erebus,
+  And to high Rhodopé himself betook,
+  And lofty Hæmus by the north-wind beat.
+
+    Thrice had the sun the year completed, each
+  By watery Pisces ended. Orpheus still
+  Fled every female's love: or his deep woe
+  Made him so cold; or faithful promise giv'n.
+  Yet crowds there were, who wish'd the bard's embrace:
+  And crowds with sorrow saw their love repuls'd.
+  A hill there rose, and on its summit spread
+  A wide extended plain, with herbage green:
+  Shade to the place was wanting; hither came
+  The heaven-born poet; seated him, and touch'd
+  His sounding strings, and straight a shade approach'd.
+  Nor wanted there Chaönian trees; nor groves
+  Of poplars; nor the acorn's spacious leaves:
+  The linden soft, the beech, the virgin bay,
+  The brittle hazle, and spear-forming ash;
+  The knotless fir; ilex with fruit low-bow'd;
+  The genial plane; the maple various stain'd;
+  Stream-loving willow; and the watery lote;
+  Box of perpetual green; slight tamarisk;
+  Two-teinted myrtle; and the laurustine
+  With purple berries. Thou too, ivy, cam'st
+  Hither with flexile feet: together flock'd
+  Grape-bearing vines; and elms with vines entwin'd:
+  Wild ash, and pitch tree; and arbutus, bent
+  With loads of ruddy fruit; the pliant palm,
+  Meed of the conqueror; the pine close bound
+  About its boughs, but at its summit shagg'd:
+  Dear to the mother of celestial powers,
+  Since Atys Cybeleïan was transform'd,
+  And in the trunk a rigid tree became.
+
+    In form pyramidal, amid the crowd,
+  The cypress came; now tree, but once a boy;
+  Dear to the god who rules the lyre's fine chords,
+  And rules the bowstring. Once was known a stag
+  Sacred to nymphs that own Carthæa's fields,
+  Who bore upon his head a lofty shade
+  From his wide-spreading horns; his horns bright shone
+  With gold; his collar, with bright gems bedeck'd,
+  Fell o'er his shoulders from his round neck hung;
+  A silver boss, by slender reins control'd
+  Mov'd o'er his brow; a brazen pair the same,
+  Shone o'er his temples hanging from his ears:
+  Devoid of fear, his nature's timid dread
+  Relinquish'd, oft the houses would he seek;
+  And oft would gently fondling stoop his neck,
+  Heedless who strok'd him. Cyparissus, thou
+  Beyond all others priz'd the sacred beast:
+  Thou, fairest far amongst the Cæan youths.
+  Thou to fresh pastures led'st the stag; to streams
+  Of cooling fountains: oft his horns entwin'd
+  With variegated garlands. Horseman-like
+  Now on his back thou pressest; and now here,
+  Now there, thou rul'st his soft jaws with the reins
+  Of purple tinge. 'Twas once in mid-day heat,
+  When burnt the bent claws of the sea-shore crab,
+  In Sol's fierce vapor; on the grassy earth
+  The weary stag repos'd his limbs, and drew
+  Cool breezes from the trees umbrageous shades.
+  Here the boy Cyparissus careless flung
+  His painted dart, and fix'd it in his side.
+  Who, when he from the cruel wound beheld
+  Him dying, instant bent his mind to die.
+  What consolation did not Phœbus speak?
+  Urging the loss far slighter grief deserv'd:
+  Yet mourn'd he still, and from the gods supreme
+  Begg'd this last gift, to latest times to mourn.
+  His blood in constant tears exhausted, now
+  His limbs a green hue take; his locks which late
+  Hung o'er his snowy forehead, rough become
+  In frightful bushiness; and hardening quick,
+  Shoot up to heaven in form a slender spire.
+  The mourning god, in grief exclaim'd--“By me
+  “Bemoan'd, thou shalt with others always grieve;
+  “And henceforth mourners shalt thou still attend.�--
+  Thus did the bard a wood collect around;
+  And in the midst he sate of thronging beasts,
+  And crowding birds. The chords he amply try'd
+  With his impulsive thumb, and vary'd much
+  In sound, he found their notes concordant still;
+  Then to this song rais'd his melodious voice.--
+
+    “O parent muse! from Jove derive my song:
+  “All yield to Jove's dominion. Oft my verse
+  “Before the mightiness of Jove has sung.
+  “I sung the giants, in a strain sublime,
+  “And vengeful thunders, o'er Phlegræa's plain
+  “Scatter'd; a tender theme now claims my lyre:
+  “I sing of youths by deities belov'd;
+  “And nymphs who with forbidden wishes burn'd,
+  “And met the doom their sensual lusts deserv'd.
+  “The king of gods made Phrygian Ganymede
+  “His favorite, but some other form possess'd.
+  “Jove must in shape be something else than Jove.
+  “He deems no form becomes him, save the bird
+  “That bears his thunder. Instant all is done;
+  “The Phrygian borne away: the air he beats
+  “With his feign'd wing. And now this youth the cup
+  “Of nectar hands, in Juno's spite, to Jove.
+
+    “Son of Amycla, thee had Phœbus plac'd
+  “Also the skies amidst, had fate allow'd
+  “For such position place; yet still thou hold'st
+  “Eternal, what fate grants: oft as the spring
+  “Winter repulses, and the ram succeeds
+  “The watery fishes, thou spring'st forth in flower
+  “'Mid the green sward. Beyond all else my sire
+  “Thee lov'd, and Delphos, plac'd in midmost earth,
+  “Wanted its ruling power, whilst now the god
+  “Eurotas lov'd, and Sparta un-intrench'd.
+  “Nor lyre, nor darts attention claim'd as wont;
+  “Of dignity unmindful, he not spurns
+  “To bear the nets; to curb the hounds; to climb
+  “With the full train the steepest mountain's ridge:
+  “And every toil augments his pleasure more.
+  “Now had the sun the midmost point near gain'd
+  “'Twixt flying night, and night approaching, each
+  “Distant in equal space; when from their limbs
+  “They flung their robes; with the fat olive's juice
+  “Their bodies shone; they enter'd in the lists
+  “Of the broad disk, which Phœbus first well pois'd,
+  “Then flung through lofty air; opposing clouds
+  “Flying it cleft; at length on solid earth
+  “It pitch'd, displaying skill with strength combin'd.
+  “Instant the rash Tænarian boy, impell'd
+  “By love of sport, sprung on to snatch the orb,
+  “But the hard ground repulsive in thy face,
+  “O, Hyacinth! it flung. Pale as the boy
+  “The god appear'd: he rais'd his fainting limbs,
+  “And in his arms now cherishes, now wipes
+  “The fatal wound, now stays his fleeting breath,
+  “With herbs apply'd; but all his arts are vain;
+  “Incurable the hurt. Just so, when broke,
+  “The violet, poppy, or the lily hang,
+  “Whose dark stems in a water'd garden spring;
+  “Flaccid they instant droop; the weighty head
+  “No longer upright rais'd, but bent to earth.
+  “So bent his dying face; his neck, bereft
+  “Of vigor, heavy on his shoulder laid.
+  “Phœbus exclaim'd;--Fall'st thou, Œbalian youth,
+  “Depriv'd of life in prime? and must I see
+  “Thy death my fault? thou art my grief, my crime;
+  “My hand the charge of thy destruction bears:
+  “I am the cause of thy untimely fate!
+  “But what my crime? unless with him to sport;
+  “Unless a fault it were too much to love.
+  “Would I could life for thee, or with thee quit;
+  “But fatal laws restrain me: yet shalt thou
+  “Be with me still; dwell ever on my lips;
+  “My hand shall sound thee on the lyre I touch;
+  “My songs of thee shall tell: a new-found flower
+  “Shall bear the letters which my griefs resound:
+  “And time shall come, when a most valiant chief
+  “Shall join him to thy flower; in the same leaf
+  “His name too shall be read.--As words like these
+  “The truth-predicting lips of Phœbus spoke,
+  “Behold! the blood which flow'd along the ground,
+  “And all the herbage ting'd, is blood no more;
+  “But springs a flower than Tyrian red more bright,
+  “A form assuming such as lilies wear:
+  “Like it, save purple this, that silvery white.
+  “Nor yet content was Phœbus; for from him
+  “The honor was deriv'd. Upon its leaves
+  “He trac'd his groans: _ai, ai_, on every flower
+  “In mournful characters is fair inscrib'd.
+  “Nor blush the Spartans, Hyacinth to own:
+  “His honors still the present age attend;
+  “And annual are the Hyacinthian feasts,
+  “In pomp surpassing aught of ancient days.
+
+    “Should you by chance of Amathus enquire,
+  “If williang the Propœtides it bore,
+  “Denying nods would equally disclaim
+  “Them, and the race whose foreheads once were rough
+  “With double horns; Cerastæ, hence their name.
+  “Jove's hospitable altar at their gates
+  “Of mournful wickedness was rear'd: who saw
+  “This stain'd with gore, if stranger, might conceive
+  “That sucking calves, or two-year's sheep there bled.
+  “There bled the guest! Mild Venus griev'd
+  “At these most impious rites, at first prepar'd
+  “To quit her cities, and her Cyprian fields:--
+  “But how,--she said,--can my beloved clime?
+  “How can my towns have given offence? what fault
+  “Abides in them? Rather the impious race,
+  “Shall vengeance feel in exile, or in death;
+  “Save death and exile medium may allow:
+  “How may that be, unless their shape is chang'd?--
+  “Then while she doubts what shape they shall assume,
+  “Their horns attract her eyes; struck by the hint,
+  “Their mighty horns she leaves them, and transforms
+  “To savage oxen all their lusty limbs.
+
+    “Still dar'd th' obscene Propœtides deny
+  “Venus a goddess' power; for which, fame says
+  “They first, so forc'd the deity's revenge,
+  “Their bodies prostituted, and their charms.
+  “As shame them left, the blood which ting'd their cheeks
+  “Harden'd, and soon they rigid stone became.
+
+    “These saw Pygmalion, and the age beheld
+  “With crimes o'er-run; the shameful vice abhorr'd
+  “Which lavish nature gave their female souls.
+  “Single, and spouseless liv'd he; long a mate
+  “Press'd not his couch. Meantime the ivory white
+  “With happy skill, and wond'rous art he carv'd;
+  “And form'd a beauteous figure; never maid
+  “So perfect yet was born, and his own work
+  “With love inspir'd him. Of a nymph her face
+  “Was such, you must believe the form to live,
+  “And move, if not by bashfulness restrain'd.
+  “Thus art his art conceal'd. Pygmalion stares
+  “In admiration; and his breast draws flames
+  “From the feign'd body: oft his hands his work
+  “Approach, if ivory or if flesh to judge;
+  “Nor ivory then will he confess the form.
+  “Kisses he gives, and thinks each kiss return'd:
+  “He speaks, he grasps her; where he grasps, he thinks
+  “His hands impression leave; and fears to see
+  “On the prest limbs some marks of livid blue.
+  “Now blandish'd words he uses; now he bears
+  “Those gifts so grateful to a girlish mind;
+  “Pearls, and smooth-polish'd gems, and smallest birds,
+  “With variegated flowers, and lilies fair,
+  “And painted figures, and the Heliads' tears,
+  “Dropt from the weeping tree: with garments gay
+  “Her limbs too he adorns, and jewels gives
+  “To deck her fingers; while a necklace large
+  “Hangs round her neck: her ears light pearls suspend;
+  “And a bright zone is circled round her waist.
+  “All well became her, yet most beauteous far
+  “She unattir'd appear'd. Her on a couch,
+  “Ting'd with the shell Sidonian, then he laid,
+  “And call'd her partner of his bed; and plac'd
+  “Her head reclin'd, as if with sense endu'd,
+  “On the soft pillow. Now the feast approach'd
+  “Of Venus, through all Cyprus' isle so fam'd,
+  “And snowy-chested heifers, whose bent horns
+  “With gold were gay, receiv'd the deadly blow;
+  “And incense burnt in clouds. Pygmalion stood
+  “Before the altar, with his offer'd gifts:
+  “Timid he spoke,--O ye all-potent gods!
+  “Give me a spouse just like my ivory nymph,--
+  “Give me my ivory nymph--he blush'd to say.
+  “Bright Venus then, as present at her feast,
+  “Perceiv'd the inmost wishes of his soul;
+  “And gave the omen of a friendly power.
+  “Thrice blaz'd the fire, and thrice the flame leap'd high.
+
+    “Returning, he the darling statue seeks
+  “Of his fair nymph; extends him on the couch;
+  “Kisses, and thinks he feels her lips grow warm:
+  “Applies his lips again, and with his hand
+  “Presses her bosom: prest the ivory yields,
+  “Softening beneath his fingers; nor remains
+  “Its rigid harshness. So Hymettus' wax
+  “Yields to the heat, when tempering thumbs it mould
+  “In various forms; and fit for future use.
+  “Astonish'd now he joys with trembling soul,
+  “But fears deception; then he loves again,
+  “And with his hands again his wishes proves:
+  “'Twas flesh, the prest pulse leap'd beneath his thumb.
+  “Then did the Cyprian youth, in words most full
+  “Of gratitude and love, to Venus pray.
+  “Then to her living lips his lips he join'd,
+  “And then the damsel felt his warm salute:
+  “Blushing she felt it, and her timid eyes
+  “Op'd to the light, and with the light beheld
+  “Her lover. Venus bless'd the match she made;
+  “And when nine times the moon's full orb was seen
+  “Sharpen'd to horns, the damsel Paphos bore;
+  “Whose appellation oft the isle receives.
+
+    “She Cinyras too bore; if childless he
+  “A place amongst the happiest might he claim.
+  “A direful song I sing! be distant far
+  “Ye daughters; distant far, O, parents be!
+  “Or if of pleasure to your minds my verse
+  “Aught gives, in this at least my truth suspect.
+  “Believe the deed not: if you must believe,
+  “Mark well the punishment the crime deserv'd.
+  “Since nature could such heinous deeds permit;
+  “The Thracian realms, my land, I 'gratulate;
+  “And joy this clime at such a distance lies,
+  “From that which could such monstrous acts produce.
+  “Let Araby be in amomum rich;
+  “And cinnamon, and zedoary produce;
+  “Incense which through the wood exudes; and flowers
+  “Of vary'd teints,--while Myrrha too it bears:
+  “Too great the price which this new tree procur'd.
+  “Cupid denies, O Myrrha! that his darts
+  “Thee wounded; vindicating from that crime
+  “His weapons. Thee, with Stygian torch most fierce,
+  “And viperous venom furies did enflame.
+  “Wicked to hate thy parent sure had been,
+  “But thus to love is worse than bitterest hate.
+  “The choicest nobles come from every part
+  “To gain thee; youths from all the East arrive,
+  “To struggle for thy hand. Chuse, Myrrha, chuse
+  “One from the crowd: one only in the world
+  “Whom chuse thou may'st not. She herself perceiv'd,
+  “And curb'd the baneful passion in her mind;
+  “Communing thus:--Ah! whither rove my thoughts?
+  “What meditate I? O, ye gods! I pray,
+  “O piety, O parents' sacred laws,
+  “Forbid this wicked act; oppose a deed
+  “So full of horrid guilt,--if guilt it be!
+  “But pious nature ne'er such love condemns.
+  “All animals in undistinguish'd form
+  “Cohabit: shame the heifer never feels
+  “Join'd with her sire; the steed his daughter takes
+  “As partner; with the female flock, who ow'd
+  “To him their being, couples oft the goat;
+  “And birds bring forth to birds who them produc'd.
+  “Blest those who thus enjoy; but human race
+  “Perversest laws invents: vexatious rules
+  “Forbid what nature grants. Yet am I told,
+  “Nations exist, where mother joins with son,
+  “And daughter with her sire; their pious love
+  “Increas'd more strongly by the double bond.
+  “Ah, me! unhappy, in such glorious climes
+  “Begotten not; I suffer but from place.
+  “But why on these ideas dwell? hence far
+  “Forbidden hopes. Well he deserves thy love,
+  “But as a father love him. Wert thou not
+  “Of mighty Cinyras the daughter, then
+  “Thou might'st the couch of Cinyras ascend.
+  “Now mine he is so much, he is not mine;
+  “Our very nearness is my greatest curse:
+  “More close, a perfect stranger had I been.
+  “Far hence I would depart; my country leave,
+  “This mischief flying; but curs'd love restrains.
+  “For, present, Cinyras I may behold;
+  “Touch, speak, my kisses to his face apply,
+  “If nought he'll grant beyond. How! impious maid,
+  “Dar'st thou hope ought beyond? perceiv'st thou not
+  “What laws, what names thou would'st confound? would'st thou
+  “The mother's rival be?--thy father's whore?
+  “Thy offspring's sister would'st thou then be call'd?
+  “Thy brother's parent? Fear'st thou not the three,
+  “Whose locks with sable serpents horrid curl?
+  “Who conscious bosoms pierce with searching eyes,
+  “And hurl their furious torches in the face?
+  “While yet thy body can resist, no more
+  “Cherish the heinous guilt thus in thy mind;
+  “Nor violate great Nature's sacred law
+  “With lust forbidden. Grant I should consent,
+  “The king would me deny: too pious he,
+  “Too dear to him the law. O, that in him
+  “Such furious passion rag'd as burns in me!--
+
+    “She ended; Cinyras, the worthy crowd
+  “Of suitors held in doubt; herself he ask'd,
+  “As name by name he counted, which as spouse
+  “She most would wish. Silent at first she stood,
+  “Then burning gaz'd on his paternal face,
+  “As the warm tears gush'd in her shining eyes.
+  “These, Cinyras effects of virgin fear
+  “Believing, chid her and forbade to weep.
+  “Drying her cheeks, he on them press'd a kiss;
+  “With too much pleasure she the kiss receiv'd:
+  “And when consulted what the spouse must be
+  “She would prefer, she answer'd,--one like you.--
+  “He witless of her meaning, prais'd her words,
+  “And said,--be such thy pious duty still--
+  “The sound of piety the virgin's eyes,
+  “With sense of guilt, cast conscious to the ground.
+
+    “'Twas now deep night when sleep sooth'd all the cares
+  “Of mortal breasts. But Myrrha wakeful laid
+  “Consum'd with raging fires; and rolling deep
+  “Her frantic wishes in her wandering mind.
+  “Despairing now, and now resolv'd to try;
+  “Now shame o'ercomes her, and anon desire:
+  “And undetermin'd how to act she rests.
+  “A mighty tree thus, wounded by the axe,
+  “Ere yet it feels the final blow, in doubt
+  “Seems where to fall; they fear on every side:
+  “Thus did her stagger'd mind from vary'd force
+  “Waver now here, now there; press'd hard by each,
+  “No ease for love, no rest but death appears.
+  “Death pleas'd. She rose, and round her throat prepar'd
+  “The cord to fasten; from the topmost beam
+  “She ty'd her girdle, and--farewel!--exclaim'd--
+  “Dear Cinyras! guess whence my fatal end.--
+  “Then drew the noose around her pallid neck.
+  “'Tis said, th' imperfect murmuring of her words,
+  “Reach'd to the faithful nurse's ears, who laid
+  “Before the threshold of her foster-child.
+  “The matron rose, threw wide the door, and saw
+  “Prepar'd the instrument of death. At once
+  “She scream'd aloud, her bosom tore, deep blows
+  “Gave her own limbs, and from the rescu'd neck
+  “Tore the tight noose. Then had she time to weep,
+  “Then to embrace, then to inquire the cause
+  “Of the dread cord. But dumb the virgin sate
+  “And motionless, her eyes to earth were fix'd;
+  “Griev'd that so check'd her efforts were for death.
+  “More the nurse presses, bares her silver'd hairs
+  “And wither'd bosom; by the cradle begs,
+  “And the first food she tasted, to confess
+  “To her the cause of sorrow. Myrrha sighs,
+  “But turns her eyes aside as thus she begs.
+  “Determin'd still to know, the nurse persists
+  “And not content her secrecy alone
+  “To promise, says--yet tell me, and my aid
+  “Allow me to afford thee. Not yet slow,
+  “Though aged. Is it love? with charms and plants
+  “I know thy love to cure. Have envious eyes
+  “Thee harm'd? with magic rites their charm I'll spoil.
+  “Are the gods angry? with appeasing rites
+  “Their anger we will soothe. What ill beside
+  “Can be conjectur'd? Lo! thy house secure,
+  “And safe thy fortune; both in prosperous train.
+  “Yet lives thy mother, and thy father lives.--
+  “Her father's name when Myrrha heard she drew
+  “Deep from her breast a mournful sigh; nor yet
+  “The nurse suspected guilt was in her soul:
+  “But saw that love disturb'd her. In her aim
+  “Inflexible; again she urg'd to know
+  “The grief whate'er it prov'd; and lull'd her head
+  “Upon her aged lap, and clasp'd her form
+  “In her own feeble arms, as thus she spoke;--
+  “I see thou lovest; banish far thy fear,
+  “My diligence in this shall aid thee; nay
+  “Not e'en thy father shall the secret know.--
+  “Madly she bounded from the lap, and cry'd,
+  “While press'd the couch her face,--I beg thee go!
+  “And spare my grievous shame.--More pressing still--
+  “Or go--she said--or ask not why I mourn:
+  “What thou so seek'st to know is shameful guilt.--
+  “With horror struck, the ancient dame holds forth
+  “Her hands, which equal shook with fear and age;
+  “Then suppliant at her foster-daughter's feet
+  “Fell. Now she coaxes; now she threatens loud;
+  “If not made privy, threatens to declare
+  “The cord's adventure, and half-finish'd death:
+  “And offers aid once more her love to gain.
+  “She rais'd her head, and fill'd her nurse's breast
+  “With sudden gushing tears. And oft she strove
+  “All to confess; as oft her tongue was mute;
+  “And in her garments hid her blushing face.--
+  “Then,--happy mother in thy spouse!--she said;
+  “No more, but groan'd. Through her cold limbs and bones,
+  “The ancient nurse a shivering tremor felt,
+  “And her white hairs all o'er her head, erect
+  “Like bristles stood; for all the truth she saw.
+  “Much did she urge the direful flame to drive
+  “Far from her soul, if that could be. The maid
+  “Knows all is just she argues, yet is fix'd
+  “For death, unless her lover is obtain'd.
+  “Then she;--O live, enjoy thy--silent there,
+  “Enjoy thy parent--she not dar'd to say:
+  “Yet by a sacred oath her promise bound.
+
+    “Now Ceres' annual feast, the pious dames
+  “All solemniz'd: in snowy robes enwrapt,
+  “They offer'd wheaten wreaths, and primal fruits.
+  “The rites of Venus, and the touch of man,
+  “For thrice three nights forbidden things they held.
+  “The monarch's spouse Cenchreïs, 'mid the crowd
+  “Forth went to celebrate the secret feast:
+  “And while the couch its legal partner lack'd,
+  “The ill-officious nurse the king espy'd
+  “Oppress'd with wine, and told the tale of love,
+  “Beneath a fictious name, and prais'd her charms.
+  “The virgin's years he asks.--Equal her age
+  “To Myrrha's--she replies.--Desir'd to bring
+  “The damsel, she returns:--Rejoice!--she cries,
+  “Rejoice! our point is gain'd.--The hapless nymph
+  “Felt not a general joy; presaging pangs
+  “Shot through her bosom; still she joy'd: her mind
+  “Such discord tore. Now was the silent hour;
+  “Boötes 'mid the Triönes had bent
+  “His wain with sloping pole; when Myrrha came
+  “To her flagitious crime. Bright Luna fled
+  “The skies; black clouds the lurking stars o'erspread;
+  “The night saw not its fires. Thou, Icarus,
+  “Thy face first hidst; and thou, Erigoné
+  “Hallow'd for thy parental love so pure.
+  “Thrice was she warn'd by stumbling feet, and thrice
+  “The owl funereal utter'd her death-note.
+  “Yet on she went; darkness and sable night
+  “Her shame diminish'd. Fast her left hand grasps
+  “Her nurse, the other waves t'explore the way.
+  “The threshold of the nuptial chamber now
+  “She touches; now she gently opes the door;
+  “Now enters. Then her trembling knees loose shook
+  “Beneath her bending hams; her color fled:
+  “Her blood flow'd back; and all her wishes sunk.
+  “The nearer was her crime approach'd, the more
+  “With horror she beheld it, and sore mourn'd
+  “Her daring; anxious to return unknown.
+  “The hoary dame, her, lingering thus, dragg'd on,
+  “And when presented at the lofty couch,
+  “Said--Cinyras receive her, she's thine own!--
+  “And the devoted bodies gave to join.
+  “The sire his proper bowels, on the bed
+  “Obscene, receiv'd; her virgin terrors calm'd,
+  “And sooth'd her trembling. Haply too, he said--
+  “My daughter,--from her age; and haply she--
+  “My sire,--lest names were wanting to their crime.
+  “Fill'd with her father from the bed she rose,
+  “Bearing in her dire womb the impious fruit;
+  “Carrying her crime conceiv'd. Th' ensuing night
+  “Her incest she repeats, nor ends she here.
+  “But Cinyras eager at length to know,
+  “After such frequent converse, who him lov'd;
+  “At once his daughter and his sin beheld,
+  “By lamps brought sudden. Grief repress'd all words;
+  “But from the sheath he snatch'd his glittering sword.
+  “Quick Myrrha fled; darkness and favoring night
+  “Sav'd her from death. O'er wide-spread fields she roam'd;
+  “Through Araby palm-bearing, and the lands
+  “Panchæa holds. Nine times returning light
+  “Had fill'd the horns of Luna, still she stray'd:
+  “Then weary rested in Sabæa's fields;
+  “While scarce she bore the burden of her womb.
+  “Then what to ask uncertain, 'twixt the fear
+  “Of death and weariness of hated life;
+  “In words like these she utter'd forth her prayers,--
+  “Ye powers, if those who guilt confess are heard,
+  “A punishment exemplar I deserve;
+  “I shrink not from it. Yet the living race
+  “Lest I contaminate, if left to live;
+  “Or lest I mix prophane with shades below,
+  “Drive me from either realm; from life and death
+  “Debar me, into some new shape transform'd.--
+  “The penitent some god propitious heard;
+  “Her final prayer at least success obtain'd:
+  “For as she spoke rose round her legs the earth;
+  “The lofty tree's foundation, crooked roots
+  “Shot from her spreading toes; hard wood her bones
+  “Became; the marrow in the midst remain'd
+  “As pith; as sappy juice still flow'd her blood:
+  “Her arms large boughs were spread; her fingers chang'd
+  “To slender twigs; rough bark her skin became.
+  “The growing tree press'd hard the gravid womb;
+  “Invested next her breast, and o'er her neck
+  “Threaten'd to spread. Impatient of delay
+  “She shrunk below to meet th' approaching wood,
+  “And hid beneath the rising bark her face.
+  “Human sensation with her change of shape
+  “She lost, yet still she weeps; and from the tree
+  “Warm drops yet fall, and much the tears are priz'd.
+  “The myrrh which oozes from the bark still holds
+  “Its mistress' name, well known in every age.
+
+    “Meantime the misbegotten infant grew
+  “Within the trunk, and press'd to find a way
+  “To push to light, and leave the parent womb.
+  “Within the tree the gravid womb swell'd large,
+  “Stretch'd was the mother with the load, but mute
+  “Were all her woes; nor in travailing voice
+  “Lucina could she call. Yet hard to strain
+  “She seem'd; thick groans oft gave the bending bole,
+  “And tears flow'd copious. Mild Lucina came,
+  “And stood before the groaning boughs, and gave
+  “Assisting help, and spoke the spellful words.
+  “Cleft is the tree, and through the fissur'd bark
+  “A living burthen comes: the infant cries,
+  “Who on soft grass plac'd. The Naïad nymphs
+  “Him bathe in tears maternal: such a face
+  “Ev'n Envy could not blame. As painters form
+  “The naked Cupid's beauty, such had he;
+  “And that their dress no help to guess may give,
+  “This the light quiver take, or that resign.
+  “Quick passing time unheeded glides along
+  “Deceiving: nought than years more quickly flies.
+  “The child, of sister and of grandsire born,
+  “Late in the tree confin'd, late thence reliev'd;
+  “Just seen most beauteous of the infant tribe,
+  “Now youth, now man appears, more beauteous still:
+  “Now Venus charm'd, his mother's pangs aveng'd.
+
+    “As kisses sweet the quiver-bearing boy
+  “Press'd on his mother's lips, he witless raz'd
+  “Slightly her bosom, with a dart that stood
+  “Protruding. Venus, wounded, angry push'd
+  “Her son far from her; light the wound appear'd;
+  “At first even her deceiving. With the blaze
+  “Of manly beauty caught, she now contemns
+  “The Cythereïan shores; nor Paphos seeks,
+  “Girt by profoundest seas; Cnidos, so fam'd
+  “For fish; nor Amathus with metals rich.
+  “Heaven too, she quits, to heaven she now prefers
+  “Adonis: him she follows, him attends;
+  “Whose sole employ was loitering in the shade,
+  “In anxious study to increase her charms.
+  “Bare to the knee, her robe, like Dian's train
+  “High-girt, o'er hills, through woods, and brambly rocks
+  “She roves: exhorts the dogs, and drives such game
+  “As threaten not with danger; fearful hares,
+  “High-antler'd stags, and rapid-flying deer.
+  “Fierce boars she shuns, and shuns the robber-wolf,
+  “Strong-talon'd bears, and lions slaughter-gorg'd.
+
+    “Thou too, Adonis, admonition heardst
+  “These to avoid, if admonition ought
+  “With thee could weigh:--Be brave,--the goddess said--
+  “To those who fly thee; courage 'gainst the bold
+  “To danger drags. Dear youth, thy heart is brave;
+  “Indulge not to my hazard, nor provoke
+  “Fierce beasts by nature arm'd, nor seek for fame.
+  “Nor youth nor beauty, such as Venus move,
+  “Will move the lion, or the bristly boar:
+  “Their eyes and breasts untouch'd by brightest charms.
+  “Thunder and lightning in his bended tusks
+  “The fierce boar carries; rapid is the force
+  “The tawny lion, (hated race!) exerts:
+  “My cause of hatred when to thee disclos'd,
+  “Will raise thy wonder at the monstrous crime,
+  “In days of yore committed. Now hard toil
+  “Unwonted tires me. Lo! the poplar's shade
+  “So opportune invites; and the green turf
+  “A couch presents. Upon the ground with thee
+  “I'll rest:--she spoke, and as she stretch'd along,
+  “She press'd the grass, and press'd the lovely youth:
+  “Smiling, her head upon his breast reclin'd,
+  “'Midst intermingling kisses, thus she spoke.--
+
+    “Perhaps thou'st heard of that renowned maid,
+  “Whose fleetness in the race the swiftest man's
+  “Surpass'd. Not fabulous the tale you heard:
+  “She vanquish'd all. And hard it was to say,
+  “If praise for swiftness, or for beauteous form,
+  “She most deserv'd. To her, who once enquir'd
+  “Of marriage, fate-predicting Phœbus said--
+  “A spouse would, Atalanta, be thy bane;
+  “Avoid an husband's couch. Yet wilt thou not
+  “An husband's couch avoid; but lose thyself,
+  “Thyself yet living.--Terror-struck to hear
+  “The sentence of the god, maiden she lives
+  “Amid the thickest woods; driving severe
+  “The throngs of pressing suitors from her far,
+  “By hard conditions.--Ne'er can I be gain'd--
+  “She said--till vanquish'd in the race. With me
+  “Your swiftness try: the conqueror in the strife,
+  “Shall gain me spouse, and gain a genial couch;
+  “But death must him who lags behind reward.
+  “Such be the laws of trial.--Pitiless
+  “The law appear'd; but (such is beauty's power)
+  “Crowds of rash lovers to the law agreed.
+  “There sat Hippomenes to view the race
+  “Unequal; and exclaim'd,--are there so mad,
+  “As seek a wife through peril so immense?--
+  “And the blind love of all the youths condemn'd.
+  “But when her face he saw, and saw her limbs
+  “Bar'd for the contest, (limbs like mine, or thine,
+  “Were thine of female mould,) amaz'd he look'd
+  “With uprais'd hands, and cry'd;--forgive my fault,
+  “Ye whom but now I blam'd; the great reward
+  “For which you labor, then to me unknown!--
+  “Thus praising, fire he feels, and hopes no youth
+  “More swift will run, and envious fears their speed--
+  “But why the fortune of this contest leave,
+  “Untry'd--he said,--myself? Heaven helps the bold.--
+  “While musing thus Hippomenes remarks
+  “The virgin's flying pace. Though not less swift
+  “Th' Aönian youth beheld her, than the dart
+  “Shot from the Scythian bow; her beauty more
+  “Ravish'd his eyes, and speed her charms increas'd.
+  “Th' opposing breeze, which met her rapid feet,
+  “Blew back the ribbons which her sandals bound;
+  “Her tresses floated down her ivory back;
+  “And loosely flow'd her garment o'er her knees,
+  “With painted border gay: a purple bloom
+  “With virgin whiteness mixt, her body shew'd;
+  “As when the snow-white hall a deepen'd tinge
+  “From purple curtains shews. While this the guest
+  “Intently notes, the utmost goal is pass'd:
+  “Victorious Atalanta with the wreath
+  “Is crown'd: the vanquish'd sigh, and meet the doom
+  “Agreed. He, by the youths' untimely fate
+  “Deterr'd not, forward stood, and on the nymph
+  “Fix'd full his eyes, and said;--Why seek you thus
+  “An easy conquest, vanquishing the weak?
+  “With me contend. So potent am I born
+  “You need not blush to such high rank to yield.
+  “Megareus was my sire, Onchestius his,
+  “Grandson to Neptune; thus the fourth I boast
+  “From Ocean's sovereign. Nor beneath my race
+  “Stoops aught my valor; should success me crown,
+  “A lofty and an everlasting fame,
+  “Hippomenes your conqueror, would you gain.--
+  “As thus he spoke, with softening eyes the maid
+  “Beheld him, doubtful which 'twere best to wish,
+  “To vanquish or be vanquish'd. While she thus
+  “Utter'd her thoughts--What god, an envious foe
+  “To beauty would destroy him: urg'd to seek
+  “My bed, by risking thus his own dear life?
+  “I cannot sure so great a prize be thought!
+  “His beauty melts me not; though yet I own
+  “Such beauty well might melt. But such a youth
+  “He seems, he moves me not but from his years.
+  “What courage in him reigns! his soul unaw'd
+  “By death. He springs the fourth from Ocean's king!
+  “Then how he loves! and prizes so my hand,
+  “That should hard fortune keep me from his arms,
+  “He'd perish. Stranger, while thou may'st, depart;
+  “Avoid the bloody nuptials. Marriage, I
+  “Too cruel make. No maid would thee refuse;
+  “And soon may'st thou a wiser nymph select.
+  “But why for him this care? from me who see
+  “So many die, whom he too has beheld?
+  “Then let him perish; since the numerous train
+  “Of slaughter'd lovers warns him not: he spurns
+  “An hated life. How! should he then be slain
+  “Because with me to live he wishes? Death
+  “Inglorious must he gain, reward of love?
+  “Hatred would such a conquest still attend.
+  “Still is not mine the fault. Do thou desist;
+  “Or if thy madness holds, O, that thy feet
+  “More swift may be! See in his youthful face
+  “What virgin beauties! Ah! Hippomenes,
+  “Would Atalanta thou had'st never seen.
+  “Well worthy thou of life. Were I more blest;
+  “Had rugged fate not me a spouse forbade,
+  “Thou, sole art he, by whom to Hymen's couch
+  “With joy I would be led.--Thus spoke the nymph,
+  “In fond simplicity, first touch'd by love,
+  “Unknowing what she felt: ardent she lov'd,
+  “Yet knew the passion not which rul'd her soul.
+
+    “Now loud the people, and the king demand,
+  “The wonted race. To me with anxious words
+  “Hippomenes, great Neptune's offspring pray'd--
+  “O Cytherea! I adjure thee, aid
+  “My bold attempt; from thee those flames I felt,
+  “Grant them thy succour.--Gales auspicious waft
+  “To me the tender prayers, my soul is mov'd:
+  “Nor long the aid so needful I delay.
+  “A tract there lies in Cyprus' richest lands,
+  “Nam'd Tamasene by those who dwell around,
+  “This ancient times made sacred unto me:
+  “And with this gift my temples were endow'd.
+  “'Midst of the field appears a shining tree;
+  “Yellow its leaves, its crackling branches gold.
+  “By chance there straying, from the boughs I pluck'd
+  “Three golden apples, bore them in my hand,
+  “And seen by none, except the favor'd youth,
+  “Approach'd Hippomenes, and taught their use.
+  “The trumpets gave the sign, each ready sprung--
+  “Shot from the barrier, and with rapid feet
+  “Skimm'd lightly o'er the sand. O'er the wide main
+  “With feet unwetted, they might seem to fly;
+  “Or sweep th' unbending ears of hoary grain.
+  “Loud shouts encouraging, and cheering words,
+  “On every side a stimulus afford,
+  “To urge the youth's exertions.--Now,--they cry,--
+  “Now, now, Hippomenes, the time to press!
+  “On, on! exert thy vigor--flag not now,--
+  “The race is thine.--The grateful sounds both heard,
+  “Megareus' son, and Schœneus' daughter; hard
+  “Which joy'd the most to judge. How oft her pace
+  “She slacken'd, when with ease she might have pass'd,
+  “And ceas'd unwilling on his face to gaze.
+  “Tir'd now, parch'd breathings from the mouth ascends
+  “Of Neptune's son, and far remote the goal.
+  “Then, as his last resource, he distant flung
+  “One of the tree's bright produce. In amaze
+  “The virgin saw it roll; and from the course
+  “Swerv'd, tempted to obtain the glittering fruit.
+  “Hippomenes o'ershoots her; all around
+  “Applauses ring. She soon corrects delay,
+  “And wasted moments, with more rapid speed,
+  “And leaves again the youth behind. Again,
+  “Delay'd to catch the second flying fruit,
+  “The youth is follow'd, and again o'erpass'd.
+  “Now near the goal they come,--O, goddess! now
+  “Who gave the boon assist; he said, and flung
+  “With youthful force obliquely o'er the plain,
+  “More to detain, the last bright glittering gold.
+  “In doubt the virgin saw it fly: I urg'd
+  “That she should follow; and fresh weight I gave
+  “The apple when obtain'd; thus by the load
+  “Her course impeding, and obtain'd delay.
+  “But lest my tale, in length surpass the race,
+  “The vanquish'd virgin was the victor's prize.
+
+    “Think'st thou Adonis, did I not deserve
+  “Most grateful thanks in smoking incense paid?
+  “Mindless, nor thanks, nor incense yielded he;
+  “And sudden anger in my bosom rag'd.
+  “Irk'd at the slight, I instantly provide
+  “That future times with less contempt behave:
+  “And 'gainst them both my raging bosom burns.
+  “Now pass'd they near a temple, long since rais'd
+  “By fam'd Echion, in a shady wood,
+  “To the great mother of the heavenly gods,
+  “When the long journey tempted to repose;
+  “And there, inspir'd by me, ill-tim'd desire
+  “Hippomenes excited. Near the fane
+  “A cave-like close recess dim-lighted stood,
+  “With native pumice roof'd, hallow'd of old;
+  “Where priests the numerous images had plac'd,
+  “Of ancient deities. They enter'd here,
+  “And with forbidden lust the place defil'd.
+  “The wooden images their eyes avert:
+  “The tower-crown'd goddess dubious stands to plunge,
+  “The guilty couple in the Stygian wave.
+  “Too light that sentence seems: straight yellow manes
+  “Cover their soft smooth necks; their fingers curve
+  “To mighty claws; their arms to fore-legs turn;
+  “And new-form'd tails sweep lightly o'er the sand:
+  “Angry their countenance glares; for speech they roar;
+  “They haunt the forests for their nuptial dome.
+  “Transform'd to lions, and by others fear'd,
+  “Their tam'd mouths champ the Cybeleïan reins.
+  “Do thou, O dearest boy! their rage avoid;
+  “Not theirs alone, but all the savage tribe,
+  “That stubborn meet with breasts the furious war;
+  “Not turn their backs for flight: lest bold too much,
+  “Thou and myself, have cause too much too mourn.--
+
+    “Thus she admonish'd; and by coupled swans
+  “Upborne, she cleft the air; but his brave soul
+  “Her cautious admonitions rash contemn'd.
+
+    “By chance his dogs the well-mark'd footprints trac'd,
+  “And from his lurking covert rous'd a boar;
+  “Whom with a stroke oblique, as from the brake
+  “To spring he went, the gallant youth transpierc'd.
+  “Instant, with crooked tusks, the gore-stain'd spear
+  “Wrench'd the fierce boar away, and at him rush'd,
+  “Trembling, and safety seeking: every fang
+  “Deep in his groin he plung'd, and on the sand
+  “Stretch'd him expiring. Cytherea, borne
+  “Through midmost ether in her chariot light,
+  “Had not at Cyprus with her swans arriv'd,
+  “When, known from far, she heard his dying groans;
+  “And thither turn'd her snowy birds. From high
+  “When lifeless she beheld him, in his blood
+  “Convulsive struggling, quick she darted down,
+  “She tore her garments, and she tore her hair;
+  “And with unpitying hands her breast she smote.
+  “Then, fate upbraiding first, she said;--Not all
+  “Shall bend to your decision; still shalt thou
+  “Remain, Adonis, monument of woe,
+  “Suffer'd by me! The image of thy death,
+  “Annual repeated, annual shall renew
+  “Remembrance of my mourning. But thy blood
+  “A flower shall form. Shalt thou, O Proserpine,
+  “A female body to a scented herb
+  “Transform; and I the Cinyreïan youth
+  “Forbidden be to change?--She said, and flung
+  “Nectar most odorous on the ebbing gore;
+  “Which instant swelling rose. So bubbles rise
+  “On the smooth stream when showery floods descend.
+  “Nor long the term, an hour's short space elaps'd,
+  “When the same teinted flower the blood produc'd:
+  “Such flowers the deep pomegranate bears, which hides
+  “Its purple grains beneath a flexile rind.
+  “But short its boast, for the same winds afford
+  “Its name, and shake them where they light adhere:
+  “Ripe for their fall in fragile beauty gay.�
+
+
+
+
+*The Eleventh Book.*
+
+
+    Rage of the Thracian women. Massacre of Orpheus. The women
+    transformed to trees by Bacchus. Midas' foolish wish to change
+    all things he touched into gold. Contest of skill between Pan and
+    Apollo. The ears of Midas transformed to asses ears. Troy built
+    by Apollo and Neptune. Laömedon's perfidy. Hesioné freed by
+    Hercules, and married to Telamon. Peleus and Thetis. Birth of
+    Achilles. Chioné ravished by Mercury, and by Apollo. Slain by
+    Diana. Her sire Dædalion changed into an hawk. A wolf changed by
+    Thetis to marble. Voyage of Ceÿx to Delphos. Lost in a storm.
+    Grief of Alcyoné. Morpheus acquaints her with her husband's
+    death. Change of both to kingfishers. Æsacus into a cormorant.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Eleventh Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    While thus the Thracian bard the forests drew,
+  And rocks, and furious beasts with strains divine;--
+  Behold the Thracian dames! their madden'd breasts
+  Clad with the shaggy spoil of furious beasts,
+  Espy'd him from an hillock's rising swell,
+  As to his sounding strings he shap'd the song.
+  When one, her tresses in the ruffling air
+  Wild streaming, cry'd--“Lo! him who spurns our ties!�--
+  And full her dart 'gainst the harmonious mouth
+  Of Phœbus' son she flung: entwisted round
+  With leaves, a bruise without a wound appear'd.
+  A stone another for a weapon seiz'd;
+  The flying stone was even in air subdu'd
+  By harmony and song; and at his feet
+  Low fell, as suppliant for its daring fault.
+  But now the tumult swells more furious,--bounds
+  It knows not! mad Erinnys reigns around.
+  Yet all their weapons had his music's power
+  Soften'd; but clamor, Berecynthian horns,
+  Drums, clappings, bacchanalian shouts, and howls,
+  Drown'd the soft lyre. Then were the stones distain'd
+  With silenc'd Orpheus' blood. The Bacchæ first
+  Drove wide the crowding birds, the snakes, the beasts,
+  In throngs collected by his tuneful voice;
+  Glory of Orpheus' stage. From thence they turn'd
+  Their gory hands on Orpheus, and around
+  Cluster'd like fowls that in the day espy
+  The bird of darkness. Then as in the morn
+  The high-rais'd amphitheatre beholds
+  The stag a prey to hounds; so they the bard
+  Attack'd, and flung their Thyrsi twin'd with leaves;
+  For different use first form'd. Those hurl huge clods:
+  These branches torn from trees; and others stones.
+  Lest to their fury arms were wanting, lo!
+  A yoke of oxen with the ploughshare broke
+  The ground, not distant far; with sinews there
+  Of nervous strength, the husbandmen upturn'd
+  The stubborn soil; with sweat producing fruit.
+  These, when the troop they saw, affrighted fled,
+  Quitting their instruments of toil. Their rakes,
+  Their ponderous harrows, and their huge long spades,
+  Were scatter'd left on the deserted field.
+  These when their furious hands had seiz'd, and tore
+  From the strong oxen's heads the threatening horns,
+  Back they return'd to end the poet's fate;
+  And sacrilegious, as he stretch'd his hands,
+  They slaughter'd him! Then first in vain his words
+  Were utter'd; nought could then his speech avail.
+  Then, heavenly powers! his spirit was expell'd
+  And breath'd in air, even through that mouth whose sound
+  Hard rocks had heard, and wildest beasts had own'd.
+  For thee, O Orpheus! mourn'd the feather'd tribe,
+  And crowds of savage monsters; flinty rocks
+  Bewail'd thee; forests, which thy tempting song
+  So oft had caus'd to follow, wept; the trees,
+  Shorn of their pride, bewail'd with falling leaves.
+  Each stream, 'tis said, with flowing tears increas'd
+  Its current. Naïad nymphs and Dryads wore
+  Garments of sable tinge, with streaming hair.
+  Wide scatter'd lie his limbs. His head and lyre
+  Thou, Hebrus, dost receive; and while they glide,
+  Wond'rous occurrence! down the floating stream,
+  The lyre a mournful moan sends forth; the lips,
+  Now lifeless, murmur plaintive; and the bank
+  Echoes the lamentations. Borne along
+  To ocean, now his native stream they leave,
+  And reach Methymna on the Lesbian shore.
+
+    The head, expos'd thus on the foreign sand,
+  And locks still dropping with the watery wave,
+  A snake approach'd. But Phœbus gave his aid,
+  And check'd the greedy bite; with open jaws
+  The serpent rears in stone congeal'd, as then
+  Widely he gap'd. The ghost from earth descends,
+  And views the regions he had view'd before.
+  Exploring through th' Elysian fields he meets
+  His dear Eurydicé; with longing arms
+  He clasps her. Here they walk, now side by side,
+  With equal pace; now follows he, and now
+  A little space precedes her: Orpheus there
+  Back on Eurydicé in safety looks.
+
+    But Bacchus suffer'd not the heinous deed
+  Unpunish'd to remain; griev'd that the bard
+  Who sung his praises, thus was snatch'd away,
+  He bound the Thracian matrons, who the crime
+  Had perpetrated, fast by twisted roots
+  To earth as trees. He stretch'd their feet and toes,
+  Which follow'd him so swift, and struck their points
+  Deep in the solid earth: A bird ensnar'd
+  Thus finds his leg imprison'd by the wires
+  Hid by the crafty fowler, and his wings
+  Beats, while his fluttering draws more tight the noose.
+  So each, as firmly fixt to earth she stood,
+  Affrighted strove to fly, but strove in vain:
+  The flexile roots detain'd them; and fast ty'd,
+  Spite of their struggling bounds, while they explore
+  For toes and nails, and while they seek for feet,
+  They see the wood their taper legs conceal;
+  Their grieving hands to beat their thighs are rais'd;
+  Their hands strike solid wood: their shoulders, breasts,
+  Are also wood become. Their outstretch'd arms
+  Extended boughs appear'd, and boughs they were.
+
+    Nor sated yet was Bacchus; all their fields
+  He quits; attended by a worthier troop.
+  To Tmolus' vineyards and Pactolus' stream
+  He hies: the stream not yet for gold was fam'd;
+  Not yet so precious were its envy'd sands.
+  Satyrs and Bacchant' nymphs, his 'custom'd choir
+  Attend him, but Silenus was not found.
+  Him drunken had the rustic Phrygians seiz'd,
+  Reeling with wine, and tottering 'neath his years;
+  With ivy crown'd; and fetter'd to their king,
+  The royal Midas, brought him. Midas once
+  The Thracian Orpheus Bacchus' orgies taught,
+  With sage Eumolpus; and at once he knew
+  His old associate in the sacred rites;
+  And joyful feasted with voluptuous fare,
+  For twice five days, and twice five nights his guest.
+  Th' eleventh time Phosphor' now the lofty host
+  Of stars had chas'd from heaven; the jovial king
+  Went forth to Lydia's fields, and there restor'd
+  Silenus to the youth his foster-child.
+  He, joy'd again his nursing sire to see,
+  On him bestow'd his anxious sought desire,
+  Though useless was the gift. Greedy he crav'd
+  What only harm'd him,--saying--“Grant, O, power!
+  “Whate'er I touch may straight to gold be chang'd�--
+  Bacchus consents to what he wishes;--gives
+  The hurtful gift; but grieves to see his mind
+  No better wish demand. Joyful departs
+  The Berecynthian monarch, with ill-fate
+  Delighted; and, each object touching, tries
+  The promis'd faith. Scarcely himself believ'd,
+  When from a growing ilex down he tore
+  A sprouting bough, straight gold the bough became:
+  A stone from earth he lifted, pale the stone
+  In gold appear'd: he touch'd a turfy clod,
+  The clod quick harden'd with the potent touch:
+  He pluck'd the ripen'd hoary ears of wheat,
+  And golden shone the grain: he from the tree
+  An apple snatch'd, the fam'd Hesperian fruit
+  He seem'd to hold: where'er his fingers touch'd
+  The lofty pillars, all the pillars shone:
+  Nay, where his hands he in the waters lav'd,
+  The waters flowing from his hands seem'd such
+  As Danaë might deceive. Scarce can his breast
+  His towering projects hold; all fancy'd gold.
+  Th' attendant slaves before their master, joy'd
+  At this great fortune, heap'd the table high
+  With dainties; nor was bread deficient there:
+  But when his hands the Cerealian boon
+  Had touch'd, the Cerealian boon grew hard:
+  And when the dainty food with greedy tooth
+  He strove to eat, the dainty food grew bright,
+  In glittering plates, where'er his teeth had touch'd.
+  He mixt pure water with his patron's wine,
+  And fluid gold adown his cheeks straight flow'd.
+  With panic seiz'd, the new-found plague to view,
+  Rich, yet most wretched; from his wealthy hoard
+  Fain would he fly; and from his soul detests
+  What late he anxious pray'd. The plenteous gold
+  Abates his hunger nought, and parching thirst
+  Burns in his throat. He well deserves the curse
+  Caus'd by now-hated gold. Lifting his hands
+  And splendid arms to heaven, he cries,--“O sire
+  “Lenæan! pardon my offence: my fault
+  “Is evident; but pity me, I pray,
+  “And from me move this fair deceitful curse.�
+  Bacchus, the gentlest of celestial powers,
+  Reliev'd him, as he thus his error own'd:
+  The compact first agreed dissolv'd, and void
+  The grant became:--“Lest still thou shouldst remain
+  “With gold�--he said,--“so madly wish'd, imbu'd,
+  “Haste to the stream by mighty Sardis' town
+  “Which flows; thy path along the mountain's ridge
+  “Explore, opposing still the gliding waves,
+  “Till thou the spring espy'st. Then deeply plunge
+  “Beneath the foaming gush thy head, where full
+  “It spouts its waters; and thy error cleanse,
+  “As clean thy limbs thou washest.�--To the stream
+  The king as bidden hastes. The golden charm
+  Tinges the river; from the monarch's limbs
+  It passes to the stream. And now the banks
+  Harden in veins of gold to sight disclos'd;
+  And the pale sands in glittering splendor shine.
+
+    Detesting riches, now in woods he lives,
+  And rural dales; with Pan, who still resorts
+  To mountain caverns. Still his soul remains
+  Stupidly dull; the folly of his breast
+  Was doom'd to harm its owner as before.
+
+    High Tmolus rears with steep ascent his head,
+  O'erlooking distant ocean; wide he spreads
+  His bounds abrupt; confin'd by Sardis here,
+  By small Hypæpé there. Upon his top,
+  While Pan in boastful strain the tender nymphs
+  Pleas'd with his notes, and on his wax-join'd reeds
+  A paltry ditty play'd; boldly he dar'd
+  To place his own above Apollo's song.
+  The god to try th' unequal strife descends;
+  Tmolus the umpire. On his mountain plac'd,
+  The ancient judge from his attentive ears
+  The branches clear'd; save that his azure head
+  With oak was crown'd, and acorns dangling down
+  His hollow temples grac'd. The shepherd's god
+  Beholding,--“no delay, your judge,�--he said--
+  “Shall cause,�--and straight Pan sounds the rural reeds.
+  His barbarous music much the judgment pleas'd
+  Of Midas, who amidst the crowd approach'd.
+  Now venerable Tmolus on the face
+  Of Phœbus turn'd his eyes; and with him turn'd
+  Th' attentive woods. Parnassian laurel bound
+  His golden locks; deep dipt in Tyrian dye,
+  His garment swept the ground; his left hand held
+  The instrument with gems and ivory rich;
+  The other grasp'd the bow: his posture shew'd
+  The skilful master's art: lightly he touch'd
+  The chords with thumb experienc'd. Justly charm'd
+  With melody so sweet, Tmolus decreed
+  The pipe of Pan to Phœbus' lute should yield.
+
+    Much did the judgment of the sacred hill,
+  And much his sentence all delight, save one:
+  For Midas blames him, and unjust declares
+  The arbitration. Human shape no more
+  The god permits his foolish ears to wear;
+  But long extends them, and with hoary hairs
+  Fills them within; and grants them power to move,
+  From their foundation flexile. All beside
+  Was man, one part felt his revenge alone;
+  A slowly pacing asses ears he bears.
+  His head, weigh'd heavy with his load of shame,
+  He strove in purple turban to enfold;
+  Thus his disgrace to hide. But when as wont
+  His slave his hairs, unseemly lengthen'd, cropp'd,
+  He saw the change; the tale he fear'd to tell,
+  Of what he witness'd, though he anxious wish'd
+  In public to proclaim it: yet to hold
+  Sacred the trust surpass'd his power. He went
+  Forth, and digg'd up the earth; with whispering voice
+  There he imparted of his master's ears
+  What he had seen; and murmur'd to the sod:
+  But bury'd close the confidential words
+  Beneath the turf again: then, all fill'd up,
+  Silently he departed. From the spot
+  Began a thick-grown tuft of trembling reeds
+  To spring, which ripening with the year's full round,
+  Betray'd their planter. By the light south wind
+  When agitated, they the bury'd words
+  Disclos'd, betraying what the monarch's ears.
+  Latona's son, aveng'd, high Tmolus leaves,
+  And cleaving liquid air, lights in the realm
+  Laömedon commands: on the strait sea,
+  Nephelian Hellé names, an altar stands
+  Sacred to Panomphæan Jove, where seen
+  Lofty Rhætæum rises to the left,
+  Sigæum to the right. From thence he saw
+  Laömedon, as first he toil'd to build
+  The walls of infant Troy; with toil immense
+  The undertaking in progression grew,
+  And mighty sums he saw the work would ask.
+  A mortal shape he takes; a mortal shape
+  Clothes too the trident-bearing sire, who rules
+  The swelling deep. The Phrygian monarch's walls
+  They raise, a certain treasure for their toil
+  Agreed on first. The work is finished. Base,
+  The king disowns the compact, and his lies
+  Perfidious, backs with perjury.--“Boast not
+  “This treatment calmly borne,� the ocean's god
+  Exclaim'd; and o'er the sordid Trojan's shores
+  Pour'd all his flood of billows; and transform'd
+  The land to sheets of water; swept away
+  The tiller's treasure; bury'd all the meads.
+  Nor sated with this ruin, he demands
+  The monarch's daughter should be given a prey
+  To an huge monster of the main; whom, chain'd
+  To the hard rock, Alcides' arm set free,
+  And claim'd the boon his due; the promis'd steeds.
+  Refus'd the prize his valorous deed deserv'd,
+  He sack'd the walls of doubly-perjur'd Troy,
+  Nor thence did Telamon, whose powerful arm
+  The hero aided, unrewarded go;
+  Hesioné was by Alcides given.
+
+    Peleus was famous for his goddess-spouse:
+  Proud not more justly of his grandsire's fame,
+  Than of his consort's father; numbers more
+  Might boast them grandsons of imperial Jove;
+  To him alone a goddess-bride belong'd.
+  For aged Proteus had to Thetis said,--
+  “O, goddess of the waves, a child conceive!
+  “Thou shalt be mother of a youth, whose deeds
+  “Will far the bravest of his sire's transcend:
+  “And mightier than his sire's shall be his name.�
+  Hence, lest the world than Jove a mightier god
+  Should know, though Jove with amorous flames fierce burn'd,
+  He shunn'd th' embraces of the watery dame:
+  And bade his grandson Peleus to his hopes
+  Succeed, and clasp the virgin in his arms.
+
+    Hæmonia's coast a bay possesses, curv'd
+  Like a bent bow; whose arms enclosing stretch
+  Far in the sea; where if more deep the waves
+  An haven would be form'd: the waters spread
+  Just o'er the sand. Firm is the level shore;
+  Such as would ne'er the race retard, nor hold
+  The print of feet; no seaweed there was spread.
+  Nigh sprung a grove of myrtle, cover'd thick
+  With double-teinted berries: in the midst
+  A cave appear'd, by art or nature form'd;
+  But art most plain was seen. Here, Thetis! oft,
+  Plac'd unattir'd on thy rein'd dolphin's back,
+  Thou didst delight to come. There, as thou laid'st
+  In slumbers bound, did Peleus on thee seize.
+  And when his most endearing prayers were spurn'd,
+  Force he prepar'd; both arms around thy neck
+  Close clasp'd. And then to thy accustom'd arts,
+  Of often-varied-form, hadst thou not fled,
+  He might have prosper'd in his daring hope.
+  But now a bird thou wert; the bird he held:
+  Now an huge tree; Peleus the tree grasp'd firm:
+  A spotted tiger then thy third-chang'd shape;
+  Frighted at that, Æäcides his hold
+  Quit from her body. Then the ocean powers
+  He worshipp'd, pouring wine upon the waves,
+  And bleating victims slew, and incense burn'd:
+  Till from the gulf profound the prophet spoke
+  Of Carpathus. “O, Peleus! gain thou shalt
+  “The wish'd-for nuptials; only when she rests
+  “In the cool cavern sleeping, thou with cords
+  “And fetters strong her, unsuspecting, bind;
+  “Nor let an hundred shapes thy soul deceive;
+  “Still hold her fast whatever form she wears,
+  “Till in her pristine looks she shines again.�
+  This Proteus said, and plung'd his head beneath
+  The waves, while scarce his final words were heard.
+
+    Prone down the west was Titan speeding now;
+  And to th' Hesperian waves his car inclin'd,
+  When the fair Nereïd from the wide deep came,
+  And sought her 'custom'd couch. Scarce Peleus seiz'd
+  Her virgin limbs, when straight a thousand forms
+  She try'd, till fast she saw her members ty'd;
+  And her arms fetter'd close in every part:
+  Then sigh'd, and said; “thou conquerest by some god:�
+  And the fair form of Thetis was display'd.
+  The hero clasp'd her, and his wishes gain'd;
+  And great Achilles straight the nymph conceiv'd.
+
+    Now blest was Peleus in his son and bride;
+  And blest in all which can to man belong;
+  Save in the crime of murder'd Phocus. Driven
+  From his paternal home, of brother's blood
+  Guilty, Trachinia's soil receiv'd him first.
+  Here Ceÿx, Phosphor's offspring, who retain'd
+  His father's splendor on his forehead, rul'd
+  The land; which knew not bloodshed, knew not force.
+  At that time gloomy, sad, himself unlike,
+  He mourn'd a brother's loss. To him, fatigu'd
+  With travel, and with care worn out, the son
+  Of Æäcus arriv'd; and in the town
+  Enter'd with followers few: the flocks and herds
+  That journey'd with him, just without the walls,
+  In a dark vale were left. When the first grant
+  T'approach the monarch was obtain'd, he rais'd
+  The olive in his suppliant hand; then told
+  His name, and lineage, but his crime conceal'd.
+  His cause of flight dissembling, next he beg'd,
+  For him and his, some pastures and a town.
+  Then thus Trachinia's king with friendly brow:
+  “To all, the very meanest of mankind,
+  “Are our possessions free; nor do I rule
+  “A realm inhospitable: add to these
+  “Inducements strong, thine own illustrious name,
+  “And grandsire Jove. In praying lose not time.
+  “Whate'er thou wouldst, thou shalt receive; and all,
+  “Such as it is, with me most freely share;
+  “Would it were better.� Speaking thus, he wept:
+  His cause of grief to Peleus and his friends,
+  Anxious enquiring, then the monarch told.
+
+    “Perchance this bird, which by fierce rapine lives,
+  “Dread of the feather'd tribe, you think still wings
+  “Possess'd. Once man, he bore a noble soul;
+  “Though stern, and rough in war, and fond of blood.
+  “His name Dædalion: from the sire produc'd
+  “Who calls Aurora forth, and last of stars
+  “Relinquishes the sky. Peace my delight;
+  “Peace to preserve was still my care: my joys
+  “I shar'd in Hymen's bonds. Fierce wars alone,
+  “My brother pleas'd. His valor then o'erthrew
+  “Monarchs and nations, who, in alter'd form,
+  “Drives now Thisbæan pigeons through the air.
+  “His daughter Chioné, in beauty rich,
+  “For marriage ripe, now fourteen years had seen;
+  “And numerous suitors with her charms were fir'd.
+  “It chanc'd that Phœbus once, and Maiä's son,
+  “Returning from his favorite Delphos this,
+  “That from Cyllené's top, together saw
+  “The nymph,--together felt the amorous flame.
+  “Apollo his warm hopes till night defers;
+  “But Hermes brooks delay not: with his rod,
+  “Compelling sleep, he strokes the virgin's face;
+  “Beneath the potent touch she sinks, and yields
+  “Without resistance to his amorous force.
+  “Night spread o'er heaven the stars, when Phœbus took
+  “A matron's form, and seiz'd fore-tasted joys.
+  “When its full time the womb matur'd had seen,
+  “Autolycus was born; the crafty seed
+  “Of the wing'd-footed god; acute of thought
+  “To every shade of theft; from his sire's art
+  “Degenerate nought; white he was wont to make
+  “Appear as black; and black from white produce.
+  “Philammon, famous with the lyre and song,
+  “Was born to Phœbus (twins the nymph brought forth).
+  “But where the benefit that two she bears?
+  “Where that the favorite of two gods she boasts?
+  “What that a valiant sire she claims? and claims
+  “As ancestor the mighty thundering god?
+  “Is it that glory such as this still harms?
+  “Certain it hurtful prov'd to her, who dar'd
+  “Herself prefer to Dian', and despise
+  “The goddess' beauty; fierce in ire she cry'd,--
+  “At least I'll try to make my actions please.--
+  “Nor stay'd; the bow she bent, and from the cord
+  “Impell'd the dart; through her deserving tongue
+  “The reed was sent. Mute straight that tongue became;
+  “Nor sound, nor what she try'd to utter, heard:
+  “Striving to speak, life flow'd with flowing blood.
+  “What woe (O hapless piety!) oppress'd
+  “My heart! What solace to her tender sire
+  “I spoke; my solace just the same he heard,
+  “As rocks hear murmuring waves. But still he moan'd
+  “For his lost child; but when the flames he saw
+  “Ascending, four times 'mid the funeral fires
+  “He strove to plunge; four times from thence repuls'd,
+  “His rapid limbs address'd for flight, and rush'd
+  “Like a young bullock, when the hornet's sting
+  “Deep in his neck he bears, in pathless ways.
+  “Ev'n now more swift than man he seem'd to run:
+  “His feet seem'd wings to wear, for all behind
+  “He left far distant. Through desire of death,
+  “Rapid he gain'd Parnassus' loftiest ridge.
+  “Apollo, pitying, when Dædalion flung
+  “From the high rock his body, to a bird
+  “Transform'd him, and on sudden pinions bore
+  “Him floating: bended hooks he gave his claws,
+  “And gave a crooked beak; valor as wont;
+  “And strength more great than such a body shews.
+  “Now as an hawk, to every bird a foe,
+  “He wages war on all; and griev'd himself,
+  “He constant cause for others grief affords.�
+
+    While these miraculous deeds bright Phosphor's sob
+  Tells of his brother, Peleus' herdsman comes,
+  Phocian Anetor, flying, and, with speed
+  Breathless, “O Peleus! Peleus!� he exclaims,
+  “Of horrid slaughter messenger I come!�
+  Him Peleus bids, whate'er he brings, to speak;
+  Trachinia's monarch even with friendly dread
+  Trembles the news to hear. When thus the man:
+  “The weary cattle to the curving shore
+  “I'd driv'n, when Sol from loftiest heaven might view
+  “His journey half perform'd, while half remain'd.
+  “Part of the oxen on the yellow sand,
+  “On their knees bending view'd the spacious plain
+  “Of wide-spread waters; part with loitering pace
+  “Stray'd here, and thither; others swam and rear'd
+  “Their lofty necks above the waves. There stood
+  “Close to the sea a temple, where nor gold,
+  “Nor polish'd marble shone; but rear'd with trees
+  “Thick-pil'd, it gloom'd within an ancient grove.
+  “This, Nereus and the Nereïd nymphs possess.
+  “A fisherman, as on the shore he dry'd
+  “His nets, inform'd us these the temple own'd.
+  “A marsh joins near the fane, with willows thick
+  “Beset, which waves o'erflowing first has form'd.
+  “A wolf from thence, a beast of monstrous bulk,
+  “Thundering with mighty clash, with terror struck
+  “The neighbouring spots: then from the marshy woods
+  “Sprung out; his jaws terrific, smear'd with foam
+  “And clotted gore; his eyes with red flames glar'd.
+  “Mad though he rag'd with ire and famine both,
+  “Famine less strong appear'd; for his dire maw
+  “And craving hunger, he not car'd to fill
+  “With the slain oxen; wounding all the herd:
+  “All hostile overthrowing. Some of us,
+  “Ranch'd by his deadly tooth, to death were sent
+  “Defence attempting. The shore and marsh
+  “With bellowings echoing, and the ocean's edge
+  “Redden with blood. But ruinous, delay!
+  “For hesitation leisure is not now.
+  “While ought remains, let all together join;
+  “Arm! arm! and on him hurl united spears.�
+  The herdsman ceas'd, Peleus the loss not mov'd;
+  But conscious of his fault, infers the plague
+  Sent by the childless Nereïd to avenge
+  Her slaughter'd Phocus' loss. Yet Ceÿx bids
+  His warriors arm, and take their forceful darts;
+  With them prepar'd to issue: but his spouse
+  Alcyöné, rous'd by the tumult, sprung
+  Forth from her chamber; unadorn'd her locks,
+  Which scatter'd hung around her. Ceÿx' neck
+  Clasping, she begg'd with moving words and tears,
+  Aid he would send, but go not; thus preserve
+  Two lives in one. Then Peleus to the queen;
+  “Banish your laudable and duteous fears.
+  “For what the king intended, thanks are due.
+  “Arms 'gainst this novel plague I will not take:
+  “Prayers must the goddess of the deep appease.�
+
+    A lofty tower there stood, whose summit bore
+  A beacon; grateful object to the sight
+  Of weary mariners. Thither they mount,
+  And see with sighs the herd strew'd o'er the beach;
+  The monster ravaging with gory jaw,
+  And his long shaggy hairs in blood bedy'd.
+  Thence Peleus, stretching to the wide sea shore
+  His arms, to Psamathé cerulean pray'd,
+  To finish there her rage, and grant relief.
+  Unmov'd she heard Æäcides implore:
+  But Thetis, suppliant, from the goddess gain'd
+  The favor for her spouse. Uncheck'd, the wolf
+  The furious slaughter quits not, fierce the more
+  From the sweet taste of blood, till to a stone
+  Transform'd, as on a bull's torn neck he hung.
+  His form remains; and, save his color, all;
+  The color only shews him wolf no more:
+  And shews no terror he shall now inspire.
+
+    Still in this realm the angry fates deny'd
+  Peleus to stay; exil'd, he wander'd on,
+  And reach'd Magnesia: from Acastus there
+  Thessalian, expiation he receiv'd.
+
+    Ceÿx meantime, with anxious doubts disturb'd;
+  First with the prodigy, his brother's change,
+  Then those which follow'd; to the Clarian god
+  Prepar'd to go, the oracles to seek,
+  Which sweetly solace men's uneasy minds.
+  Delphos was inaccessible; the road
+  Phorbas prophane, with all his Phlegians barr'd.
+  Yet first Alcyöné, most faithful spouse!
+  He tells thee of his purpose. Instant seiz'd
+  A death-like coldness on her inmost heart:
+  A boxen paleness o'er her features spread;
+  And down her cheeks the tears in torrents roll'd.
+  Thrice she attempted words, but thrice her tears
+  Her words prevented; then her pious plaints,
+  Broken by interrupted sobs, she spoke.
+  “My dearest lord! what hapless fault of mine
+  “Thy soul has alter'd? Where that love for me
+  “Thou wont'st to shew? Canst thou now unconcern'd
+  “Depart, and leave Alcyöné behind?
+  “Glads thee this tedious journey? Am I lov'd
+  “Most dearly farthest absent? Yet by land
+  “Was all thy journey, then I should but grieve,
+  “Not tremble: sighs would then of fears take place.
+  “The sea, the dread appearance of the main,
+  “Me terrifies. But lately I beheld
+  “Torn planks bestrew the shore: and oft I've read
+  “On empty tombs, the names of dead inscrib'd.
+  “Let not fallacious confidence thy mind
+  “Mislead, that Æölus I call my sire;
+  “Who binds the furious winds in caves, and smoothes
+  “At will the ocean. No! when issu'd once,
+  “They sweep the main, no power of his can rule:
+  “And uncontroll'd they ravage all the land:
+  “Nor checks them aught on ocean. Clouds of heaven,
+  “They clash; and ruddy lightnings hurl along
+  “In fierce encounter. More their force I know,
+  “(For well I knew, and oft have mark'd their power,
+  “While yet an infant at my sire's abode,)
+  “The more I deem them such as should be fear'd.
+  “Yet dearest spouse, if thy firm-fixt resolve
+  “No prayers can change, and obstinate thou stand'st
+  “For sailing, let me also with thee go:
+  “Together then the buffeting we'll bear.
+  “Then shall I fear but what I suffer; then
+  “Whate'er we suffer we'll together feel:
+  “Together sailing o'er the boundless main.�
+
+    Her words and tears the star-born husband mov'd;
+  For less of love he felt not. Yet his scheme
+  To voyage o'er the deep he could not change;
+  Nor yet consent Alcyöné should share
+  His peril: and with soothing soft replies,
+  He try'd to calm her timid breast. Nor yet
+  Himself approv'd the arguments he try'd,
+  His consort to persuade consent to yield
+  To his departure. This at length he adds
+  As solace, which alone her bosom mov'd.
+  “All absence tedious seems; but by the fires
+  “My father bears, I swear, if fates permit,
+  “Returning, thou shalt see me, ere the moon
+  “Shall twice have fill'd her orb.� Hope in her breast
+  Thus rais'd by promise of a quick return,
+  Instant the vessel, from the dock drawn forth,
+  He bids them launch in ocean, and complete
+  In all her stores and tackling. This beheld
+  Alcyöné; and, presaging again
+  Woes of the future, trembled, and a flood
+  Of tears again gush'd forth; again she clasp'd
+  His neck; at length, as, wretched wife, she cry'd,--
+  “Farewell� she, swooning, lifeless sunk to earth.
+
+    The rowers now, while Ceÿx sought delays,
+  To their strong breasts the double-ranking oars
+  Drew back, and cleft with equal stroke the surge.
+  Her humid eyes she rais'd, and first beheld
+  Her husband standing on the crooked poop,
+  Waving his hand as signal; she his sign
+  Return'd. When farther from the land they shot,
+  Her straining eyes no more indulg'd to know
+  His features; still, while yet they could, her eyes
+  Pursu'd the flying vessel. This at length
+  Increasing distance her forbade to see;
+  Still she perceiv'd the floating sails, which spread
+  From the mast's loftiest summit. Sails at length
+  Were also lost in distance: then she sought
+  Anxious her widow'd chamber; and her limbs
+  Threw on the couch. The bed, the vacant space,
+  Renew'd her tears, reminding of her loss.
+
+    Now far from port they'd sail'd, when the strong ropes
+  The breeze began to strain; the rowers turn
+  Their oars, and lash them to the vessel's side;
+  Hoist to the mast's extremest height their yards;
+  And loose their sails to catch the coming breeze.
+  Scarce half, not more than half, the sea's extent
+  The vessel now had plough'd; and either land
+  Was distant far; when, as dim night approach'd,
+  The sea seem'd foaming white with rising waves;
+  And the strong East more furious 'gan to blow.
+  Long had the master cry'd,--“Lower down your yards,
+  “And close furl every sail!�--he bids; the storm
+  Adverse, impedes the sound; the roaring waves
+  Drown every voice in noise. Yet some, untold,
+  Haste to secure the oars; part bind the sails;
+  Part fortify the sides: this water laves,
+  Ejecting seas on seas; that lowers the yards.
+  While thus they toil unguided, rough the storm
+  Increases; from each quarter furious winds
+  Wage warfare, and with mounting billows join.
+  Trembles the ruler of the bark, and owns
+  His state; he knows not what he should command,
+  Nor what forbid; so swift the sudden storm;
+  So much more strong the tempest than his skill.
+  Men clamorous shout; cords rattle; mighty waves
+  Roar, on waves rushing; thunders roll through air;
+  In billows mounts the ocean, and appears
+  To meet the sky, and o'er the hanging clouds
+  Sprinkles its foam. Now from the lowest depths,
+  As yellow sands they turn, the billows shine;
+  Now blacker seem they than the Stygian waves;
+  Now flatten'd, all with spumy froth is spread.
+  The ship Trachinian too, each rapid change
+  In agitation heaves; now rais'd sublime
+  The deepen'd vale she views as from a ridge
+  So lofty: down to Acheron's low depths,
+  Now in the hollow of the wave she falls,
+  And views th' o'erhanging heaven from hell's deep gulf.
+  Oft bursting on her side with loud report
+  The billows sound; nor with less fury beat
+  Than the balista, or huge battering ram,
+  Driv'n on the tottering fort: or lions fierce,
+  Whose strength and rage increasing with their speed,
+  Rush on the armour'd breast and outstretch'd spear.
+  So rush'd the waves with wind-propelling power
+  High o'er the decks; and 'bove the rigging rose.
+
+    Now shook the wedges; open rents appear'd,
+  The pitchy covering gone, and wide-display'd,
+  A passage opens to the deadly flood.
+  Then from the breaking clouds fell torrent showers;
+  All heaven seem'd sweeping down to swell the main;
+  And the swol'n main, ascending to invade
+  Celestial regions, soak'd with floods each sail:
+  And ocean's briny waters mix'd with rain.
+  No light the firmament possess'd, and night
+  Frown'd blacker through the tempest. Lightning oft
+  Reft the thick gloom, and gave a brilliant blaze;
+  And while the lightnings flame the waters burn.
+
+    Now o'er the vessel's cover'd deck the waves
+  High tower; and as a soldier, braver far
+  Than all his fellows, urg'd by thirst of fame,
+  (The well-defended walls to scale oft try'd,)
+  At length his hope obtains, and singly keeps
+  His post, by foes on every side assail'd:
+  So when the furious billows raging beat
+  The lofty side, the tenth impetuous rears
+  Above the rest, and forceful rushes on;
+  The battery ceasing not on the spent bark,
+  Till o'er the wall, as of a captur'd town,
+  Downward it rushes. Part without invade,
+  And part are lodg'd within. In terror all
+  In trembling panic stand: not more the crowd
+  Which fill a city's walls, when foes without
+  Mine their foundations; while an entrance gain'd
+  Within, part rage already. Art no more
+  Can aid; all courage droops; as many deaths
+  Seem rapid rushing as the billows break.
+  This wails in tears his fate; that stupid stands;
+  This calls those blest whom funeral rites await:
+  One to his deity rich offerings vows,
+  And vainly stretching forth to heaven his arms,
+  The heaven he sees not, begs for aid: his friends,
+  Brethren and parents, fill of this the mind;
+  Of that his children, or whate'er he leaves.
+
+    Alcyöné, alone in Ceÿx' soul
+  Found place; and but Alcyöné, his lips
+  Nought utter'd. Her alone he wish'd to see;
+  Yet joy'd she far was absent. Much he long'd
+  To view once more his dear paternal shores;
+  And turn his last looks tow'rd his regal dome:
+  But where to turn he knows not; in a whirl
+  So boils the sea; and all the heaven is hid
+  In shade, by more than pitchy clouds produc'd:
+  Night doubly darken'd. Now the whirlwind's force
+  Shivers the mast, and tears the helm away:
+  And like a victor, proud to view his spoils,
+  Mounts an high wave, and scornfully beholds
+  The lower billows; thundering down it sweeps,
+  Impell'd by force that Athos might o'erturn,
+  Or Pindus, from their roots; and plunge in sea.
+  Down in the lowest depths, the weight and blow
+  Bury'd the vessel; with her most the crew
+  Sunk in the raging gulf: some met their fate,
+  Ne'er to return to air: some floated still;
+  To splinter'd fragments of the bark they clung.
+  Ceÿx himself, grasp'd only in that hand
+  A shatter'd plank, which once a sceptre held;
+  And Æölus and Phosphor' call'd in vain:
+  But chiefly from his lips was, as he swam,
+  Alcyöné resounded; that lov'd name
+  Remember'd constant, and repeated most.
+  He prays the billows may his body bear
+  To meet her eyes; and prays her friendly hands
+  His burial may perform. While thus he swims,
+  Alcyöné he names, whene'er the waves
+  To gasp for breath permit him; and beneath
+  The billows, tries Alcyöné to sound.
+  Lo! a black towering arch of waters broke
+  Midst of the surges; in the boiling foam
+  Involv'd, o'erwhelm'd he sunk. That mournful night
+  Was Phosphor' dark, impalpable to view:
+  And since stern fate to heaven his post fast bound,
+  He veil'd in densest clouds his grieving face.
+
+    Meantime Alcyöné her height of woe
+  Unknown, counts each sad night, and now with haste
+  The garments he should wear prepares; and now
+  Those to adorn herself when him she meets;
+  Cherishing emptiest hopes of his return.
+  Devoutest offerings to the heavenly powers
+  She bore; but incense far before the rest
+  On Juno's altar burn'd; and oft she pray'd
+  For him who was not. For his safety pray'd;
+  For his return; and that his love might still
+  Without a rival hers remain: the last
+  Of all her ardent prayers indulgence found.
+  But longer bore the goddess not to hear
+  Such vain petitions for the dead; these hands
+  Polluted, from her altars to remove,
+  To Iris thus she spoke:--“O, faithful maid!
+  “Most trusty messenger, with speed repair
+  “To Somnus' drowsy hall; him bid to send
+  “A vision form'd in lifeless Ceÿx' shape
+  “To tell Alcyöné her woes' extent.�
+  She ended: in her various-teinted robe
+  Attir'd, and spreading o'er the spacious heaven
+  Her sweeping arch, Iris the dwelling sought
+  The goddess order'd. Hid beneath a steep
+  Near the Cimmerians, in a deep dug cave,
+  Form'd in a hollow mountain, stands the hall
+  And secret dwelling of inactive sleep;
+  Where Phœbus rising, or in mid-day height,
+  Or setting-radiance, ne'er can dart his beams.
+  Clouds with dim darkness mingled, from the ground
+  Exhale, and twilight makes a doubtful day.
+  The watchful bird, with crested head, ne'er calls
+  Aurora with his song; no wakeful dog,
+  Nor goose more wakeful, e'er the silence breaks;
+  No savage beasts, no pastur'd flocks, no boughs
+  Shook by the breeze; no brawl of human voice
+  There sounds: but death-like silence reigns around.
+  Yet from the rock's foundation, gently flows
+  A stream of Lethe's water, whose dull waves
+  In gentle murmuring o'er the pebbles purl,
+  Tempting to slumber. At the cavern door
+  The fruitful poppy, and ten thousand plants,
+  From which moist night the drowsy juices drains,
+  Then scatters o'er the shady earth, grew thick.
+  Round all the house no gate was seen, which, turn'd
+  On the dry hinge should creak; no centry strict
+  The threshold to protect. But in the midst
+  The lofty bed of ebon form'd, was plac'd.
+  Black were the feathers; all the coverings black,
+  And stretch'd at length the god was seen; his limbs
+  With lassitude relax'd. Around him throng'd
+  In every part, vain dreams, in various forms,
+  In number more than what the harvest bears
+  Of bearded grains; the woods of verdant leaves;
+  Or shore of yellow sands. Here came the nymph;
+  Th' opposing dreams push'd sideways with her hands,
+  And through the sacred mansion from her robe
+  Scatter'd refulgent light. With pain the god,
+  His eyelids weigh'd with slothful torpor, rais'd;
+  But at each effort down they sunk again:
+  And on his breast his nodding chin still smote.
+  At length he rous'd him from his drowsy state;
+  And, on his elbow resting, ask'd the nymph,
+  For well he knew her, why she thither came.
+  Then she--“O Somnus! peaceful rest of all!
+  “Somnus! most placid of immortal powers;
+  “Calm of the soul; whom care for ever flies;
+  “Who soothest bosoms, with diurnal toil
+  “Fatigu'd; and renovat'st for toil again;
+  “Dispatch a vision to Trachinia's town,
+  “(By great Alcides founded,) in the form
+  “Its hapless monarch bore: let it display
+  “The lively image of her husband's wreck,
+  “To sad Alcyöné. This Juno bids.�--
+  Iris, her message thus deliver'd, turn'd:
+  For more the soporific mist, which rose
+  Around, she bore not; soon as sleep she felt
+  Stealing upon her limbs, abrupt she fled,
+  Mounting the bow by which she glided down.
+
+    The drowsy sire, from 'midst a thousand sons,
+  Calls Morpheus forth, an artful god, who well
+  All shapes can feign. None copies else so close
+  The bidden gait, the features, and the mode
+  Of converse; vesture too the same he wears,
+  And language such as most they wont to speak.
+  Mankind alone he imitates. To seem
+  Fierce beasts, and birds, and long-extended snakes
+  Another claims: this Icelos the gods
+  Have nam'd; by mortals as Photebor known.
+  A third is Phantasus of different skill;
+  His change is happiest when he earth becomes,
+  Or rocks, or waves, or trees, or substance aught
+  That animation lacks. These shew their forms
+  By night to mighty heroes and to kings;
+  The rest before th' ignobler crowd perform.
+  All these the ancient Somnus pass'd, and chose
+  Morpheus alone from all his brethren crowd,
+  The deed Thaumantian Iris bade, to do;
+  Then, weigh'd with slumber, dropp'd again his head,
+  And shrunk once more within the sable couch.
+
+    He flies through darkness on unrustling wings,
+  And short the space, ere in Trachinia's town
+  He lights; and from his shoulders lays aside
+  His pinions; when he Ceÿx' form assumes.
+  In Ceÿx' ghastly shape pallid he stood,
+  Despoil'd of garments, at the widow'd bed
+  Of the sad queen: soak'd was his beard, and streams
+  Seem'd from his heavy dripping locks to flow.
+  Then leaning o'er the couch, while gushing tears
+  O'erspread his cheeks, he thus his wife bespoke;--
+  “Know'st thou thy Ceÿx, wretched, wretched wife?
+  “Or are my features chang'd by death? Again
+  “View me, and here behold thy husband's shade,
+  “Instead of husband: all thy pious prayers
+  “For me, Alcyöné, were vain. I'm lost!
+  “No more false hopes encourage, me to see.
+  “The showery southwind, on th' Ægean main,
+  “Seiz'd on our vessel, and with mighty blast
+  “Shiver'd it wide in fragments; and the waves
+  “Rush'd in my throat as loud thy name I call'd;
+  “But call'd in vain. No doubtful author brings
+  “To thee these tidings; no vague rumor this,
+  “In person I relate it. Shipwreck'd I,
+  “My fate to thee detail. Rise, and assist!
+  “Pour forth thy tears; in sable garments clothe;
+  “Nor send my ghost to wander undeplor'd,
+  “In shady Tartarus.� Thus Morpheus spoke;
+  And in such accents, that the queen, deceiv'd,
+  Believ'd her husband spoke. Adown his cheeks
+  Seem'd real tears to flow; and even his hand
+  With Ceÿx' motion mov'd. Deeply she groan'd,
+  Ev'n in her sleep, and rais'd her longing arms
+  To clasp his body; empty air she clasp'd:
+  Exclaiming;--“stay; O whither dost thou fly?
+  “Together let us hence!�--Rous'd with the noise,
+  And spectre of her spouse; sleep fled her eyes,
+  And round she cast her gaze for that to seek
+  Which she but now beheld. Wak'd by her voice,
+  Her slaves approach'd with lights; but when in vain
+  She search'd for what she lack'd, her face she struck;
+  Rent from her breasts her garments; beat her breasts
+  Themselves: nor stay'd her twisted hair to loose,
+  But tore the bands away; then to her nurse
+  Anxious the subject of her grief to learn--
+  “Alcyöné,�--she cries--“is now no more!
+  “She with her Ceÿx in one moment fell.
+  “Hence with your soothing words; shipwreck'd he dy'd.
+  “I saw; I knew him; as he fled me, stretch'd
+  “My arms to hold the fugitive.--Ah! no!
+  “The shadow fled, 'twas but his ghost; but shade
+  “My husband mere resembling ne'er was form'd.
+  “Yet had he not his wonted looks, nor shone
+  “In former brightness his beloved face.
+  “I saw him, hapless stand with pallid cheek,
+  “Naked, with tresses dropping still. Lo! here
+  “Wretched he stood, just on the spot I point:�--
+  Then anxious try'd his footmarks there to trace.--
+  “This did my mind foreboding fear; I pray'd
+  “When me thou fled'st, the winds thou would'st not trust:
+  “But since to sure destruction forth thou went'st,
+  “Would that by me companion'd thou had'st gone.
+  “With thee my bliss had been;--with thee to go.
+  “Unwasted then one moment of the space
+  “For life allow'd; not ev'n in death disjoin'd.
+  “But now I perish, and upon the waves,
+  “Though absent, float; the main me overwhelms,
+  “Though from the main far distant. Mental storms
+  “To me more cruel were than ocean's waves,
+  “Should I but longer seek to spin out life,
+  “And combat such deep grief? I will not strive
+  “Nor wretched thee desert; but now, though late,
+  “Now will I join thee; and the funeral verse
+  “Shall us unite; not in the self-same urn,
+  “Yet in the self-same tomb; bones join'd with bones,
+  “Allow'd not, yet shall name with name be seen.�--
+  The rest by grief was chok'd, and sounding blows
+  Each sentence interrupted; while deep groans
+  Burst from her raving bosom. Morning shone,
+  And forth she issu'd to the shore, and sought
+  In grief the spot, where last his face she view'd
+  Departing. “Here,�--she said,--“as slow he went,
+  “As slow he loos'd his cables; on this beach
+  “The parting kiss he gave.� While her mind's eye
+  Retraces every circumstance, she looks,
+  And something sees far floating on the waves,
+  Not much unlike a man: dubious at first
+  What it may be, she views it: nearer now
+  The billows drive it; and though distant still,
+  Plain to the eye a body was descry'd.
+  Whose body, witless, still a shipwreck'd wretch
+  With boding omen mov'd her; and in tears
+  She wail'd him as a stranger in these plaints.--
+  “Unhappy wretch! whoe'er thou art; and she
+  “Thy wife, if wife thou had'st�--but now the surge
+  More near the body bore. The more she views
+  Nearer the corps; the more her senses fly.
+  And now close driven to shore it floats, and now
+  Well she discern'd it was, it was--her spouse!
+  “'Tis he!�--she loudly shriek'd, and tore her face,
+  Her hair, her garments. Then her trembling arms
+  To Ceÿx stretching; “Dearest husband!�--cry'd.
+  “Art thou restor'd thus to my wretched breast?�
+
+    High-rais'd by art, adjoining to the beach
+  A mole was form'd, which broke the primal strength
+  Of ocean's fury, and the fierce waves tir'd.
+  Hither she sprung, and, wond'rous that she could!
+  She flew; the light air winnowing with her wings
+  New-sprung; a mournful bird she skimm'd along
+  The water's surface. As she flies, her beak
+  Slender and small, a creaking noise sends forth,
+  Of mournful sound, and full of sad complaint.
+  Soon as the silent bloodless corse she reach'd,
+  Around his dear-lov'd limbs her wings she clasp'd,
+  And gave cold kisses with her horny bill.
+  If Ceÿx felt them, or his head was rais'd
+  To meet her by the waves, th' unlearned doubt.
+  But sure he felt them. Both at length, the gods
+  Commisserating, chang'd to feather'd birds.
+  The same their love remains, and subject still
+  To the same fates; and in the plumag'd pair
+  The nuptial bond is sacred; join'd in one
+  Parents they soon become; and Halcyon sits
+  Sev'n peaceful days 'mid winter's keenest rule
+  Upon her floating nest. Safe then the main:
+  For Æölus with watchful care the winds
+  Guards, and prevents their egress; and the seas
+  Smooths for the offspring, with a grandsire's care.
+
+    These, as they skimm'd the surface of the main,
+  An ancient sire beheld, and prais'd their love:
+  Constant in death: his neighbour or himself
+  Also repeats;--the bird which there you see,
+  Brushing the ocean with his slender legs,
+  (And shews a corm'rant with his spacious maw)
+  A monarch's offspring was; would you descend
+  Through the long series, 'till to him you reach;
+  Ilus; Assaracus; and Ganymede,
+  Borne up to heaven by Jove, supply'd the stock
+  From whence he sprung; Laömedon the old;
+  And Priam doom'd to end his days with Troy.
+  Hector his brother; but in spring of youth
+  He felt this strange adventure, he perchance
+  As Hector's might have left a towering name:
+  Though from old Dymas' daughter Hector sprung.
+  Fair Alixirrhoë, so fame reports,
+  Daughter of two-horn'd Granicus, brought forth,
+  By stealth, Æsacus 'neath thick Ida's shade.
+  Wall'd cities he detested; and remote
+  From glittering palaces, secluded hills
+  Inhabited, and unambitious plains;
+  And scarce at Troy's assemblies e'er was seen.
+  Yet had he not a clownish heart, nor breast
+  To love impregnable. By chance he saw
+  Cebrenus' daughter, fair Hesperië--oft
+  By him through every shady wood pursu'd--
+  As on her father's banks her tresses, spread
+  Adown her back, in Phœbus' rays she dry'd.
+  The nymph, discover'd, fled. So rapid flies
+  Th' affrighted stag to 'scape the tawny Wolf;
+  Or duck, stream-loving, from the hawk, when caught,
+  Far from her wonted lakes. The Trojan youth
+  Quick follows, swift through hope; she swift through fear.
+  Lo! in the herbage hid, her flying foot
+  With crooked fang a serpent bit, and pour'd
+  O'er all her limbs the poison: with her flight
+  Her life was stopp'd. Frantic, he clasps her form
+  Now lifeless, and exclaims--“how grieve I now,
+  “That e'er I thee pursu'd; not this I fear'd!
+  “How mean my conquest, bought at such a price!
+  “Both, hapless nymph! in thy destruction join'd:
+  “I gave the cause, the serpent but the wound.
+  “I guiltier far than he, unless my death
+  “Shall thine avenge.�--He said, and in the main,
+  From an high rock, by hoarsely-roaring waves
+  Deep-worn beneath, prepar'd to plunge. Receiv'd
+  By pitying Tethys softly in his fall,
+  She clothes him, as he swims the main, with wings;
+  And death, so much desir'd, denies him still.
+  The lover, furious at th' unwelcome gift
+  Of life upon him forc'd, and his pent soul,
+  Bent on escaping from its hated seat
+  Confin'd, soon as the new-shot plumes he felt
+  Spring from his shoulders, up he flew, and plunged
+  Again his body in the depths below:
+  His feathers broke his fall. Æsacus rav'd,
+  And deeply div'd; with headlong fury still,
+  And endless perseverance death he sought.
+  Love keeps him meagre still; from joint to joint
+  His legs still longer grow; his outstretch'd neck
+  Is long; and distant far his head is plac'd.
+  He loves the ocean, and the name he bears,
+  From constant diving, seems correctly giv'n.
+
+
+
+
+*The Twelfth Book.*
+
+
+    Rape of Helen. Expedition of the Greeks against Troy. House of
+    Fame. The Trojan war. Combat of Achilles and Cygnus. The latter
+    slain and transformed to a swan. Story of Cæneus. Fight of the
+    Lapithæ and Centaurs. Change of Cæneus to a bird. Contest of
+    Hercules with Periclymenos. Death of Achilles. Dispute for his
+    arms.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Twelfth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Priam the sire, much mourn'd, to him unknown
+  That still his son, on pinions borne, surviv'd:
+  While Hector and his brethren round the tomb,
+  A name alone possessing, empty rites
+  Perform'd. Save Paris, from the solemn scene
+  None absent were; he with the ravish'd wife
+  Brought to his shores a long protracted war.
+  Quick was he follow'd by confederate ships
+  Ten hundred, and the whole Pelasgian race.
+  Nor had their vengeance borne so long delay,
+  But adverse raging tempests made the main
+  Impassable; and on BÅ“otia's shores,
+  In Aulis' port th' impatient vessels bound.
+
+    Here, while the Greeks the rites of Jove prepare,
+  Their country's custom, as the altar blaz'd,
+  They saw an azure serpent writhe around
+  A plane, which near the altar rear'd its boughs.
+  Its lofty summit held a nest; within
+  Eight callow birds were lodg'd; on these he seiz'd,
+  And seiz'd the mother, who, with trembling wings,
+  Hover'd around her loss, all burying deep
+  Within his greedy maw. All stare with dread.
+  But Thestor's son, prophetic truths who still
+  Beheld, exclaim'd--“Rejoice! O Greeks, rejoice!
+  “Conquest is ours, and lofty Troy must fall.
+  “But great our toil, and tedious our delay.�
+  Then shew'd the birds a nine years' war foretold.
+  The snake, entwining 'mid the virid boughs,
+  Hard stone becomes, but keeps his serpent's form.
+
+    But still th' Aönian waves in violent swell
+  Were lash'd by Neptune, nor their vessels bore;
+  And many deem'd that Troy he wish'd to spare,
+  Whose walls his labor rais'd. Not so the son
+  Of Thestor thought: neither he knew hot so,
+  Nor what he knew conceal'd:--a victim dire
+  The virgin-goddess claim'd; a virgin's blood!
+  When o'er affection public weal prevail'd,
+  The king o'ercame the father; and before
+  The altar Iphigenia stood, prepar'd
+  Her spotless blood to shed, as tears gush'd forth
+  Even from the sacrificial 'tendants. Then
+  “Was Dian' mov'd, and threw before their sight
+  A cloud opaque, and (so tradition tells)
+  The maid Thycenian to an hind was chang'd,
+  Amid the priests, the pious crowd and all
+  Who deprecating heard her doom. This done,
+  Dian' by such a sacrifice appeas'd
+  As Dian' best became; and sooth'd her ire,
+  The angry aspect of the seas was smooth'd;
+  And all the thousand vessels felt the breeze
+  Abaft, and bore the long impatient crowd
+  To Phrygia's shores. A spot there lies, whose seat
+  Midst of created space, 'twixt earth, and sea,
+  And heavenly regions, on the confines rests
+  Of the three-sever'd world; whence are beheld
+  All objects and all actions though remote,
+  And every sound by tending ears is heard.
+  Here Fame resides; and in the loftiest towers
+  Her dwelling chuses; and some thousand ways,
+  And thousand portals to the dwelling makes:
+  No portal clos'd with gates. By day, by night,
+  Open they stand; of sounding brass all form'd;
+  All echoing sound; all back the voice rebound:
+  And all reit'rate every word they hear.
+  No rest within, no silence there is found,
+  Yet clamor is not, but a murmur low;
+  Such as the billows wont to make when heard
+  From far, or such as distant thunder sends,
+  When Jove the dark clouds rends and drives aloof.
+  Crowds fill the halls: the trifling vulgar come
+  And issue forth. Ten thousand rumors vague
+  With truth commingled to and fro are heard.
+  Words in confusion fly. Amid the throng
+  These preach their words to vacant air, and those
+  To others tales narrate; the measure still
+  Of every fiction in narration grows;
+  And every author adds to what he hears.
+  Here lives credulity; and here abides
+  Rash error; transports vain; astonied fear;
+  Sedition sudden; and, uncertain whence,
+  Dark whisperings. Fame herself sits high aloft,
+  And views what deeds in heaven, and earth, and sea
+  Are done, and searches all creation round.
+  The news she spreads, that now the Grecian barks
+  Approach with valiant force; nor did the foe
+  Unlook'd-for threat the realm. All Troy impedes
+  Their landing, and the shores defends. Thou first,
+  Protesilaüs! by great Hector's spear
+  Unluckily wast slain. The war begun,
+  Their valiant souls, ere yet they Hector knew,
+  Dear cost the Greeks. Nor small the blood which flow'd
+  From Phrygia's sons, by Grecia's valor spill'd.
+
+    Now blush'd Sigæum's shores with spouting blood,
+  Where Cygnus, Neptune's offspring, gave to death
+  Whole crowds. Achilles in his chariot stood,
+  And with his forceful Pelian spear o'erthrew
+  Thick ranks of Trojans; and as through the fights
+  Cygnus or Hector to engage he sought,
+  Cygnus he met: delay'd was Hector's fate
+  To the tenth year. Then to his white-neck'd steeds,
+  Press'd by the yoke, with cheering shouts he spoke;
+  And full against the foe his chariot drove.
+  His quivering lance well-pois'd he shook, and call'd,
+  “Whoe'er thou art, O youth! this comfort learn
+  “In death, that by Achilles' arm thou dy'st.�
+  Thus far Pelides; and his massive spear
+  Close follow'd on his words. With truth it fled;
+  Yet did the steely point, unerring hurl'd,
+  Fall harmless: with a deaden'd point his breast
+  Was struck. Then he;--“O goddess-born! (for fame
+  “Thy race to me has long before made known)
+  “Why wonder'st thou that I unwounded stand?�
+  (For wondering stood Pelides.) “Not this helm,
+  “Which thou behold'st, gay with the courser's mane.
+  “Nor the curv'd buckler by my arm sustain'd,
+  “For aid are worn. For comely grace alone
+  “They deck me. Thus is Mars himself adorn'd.
+  “Thrown every guard far from my limbs, my limbs
+  “Unwounded would remain. Sure I may boast!
+  “Sprung not from Nereus' daughter, but from him
+  “Who rules o'er Nereus; o'er his daughter rules;
+  “And all th' extent of ocean.� Cygnus spoke:
+  And at Pelides launch'd his spear to pierce
+  His orbed shield; its brazen front it pierc'd,
+  And nine bull-hides beneath; stay'd at the tenth,
+  The warrior shook it forth; with strenuous arm
+  The quivering weapon hostile back return'd:
+  Cygnus again unwounded felt the blow.
+  Nor felt his naked bosom, to the force
+  Of the third weapon vauntingly expos'd,
+  Aught harm'd. Less fiercely in the Circus wide
+  Rages the bull not, when the scarlet vests
+  To urge his fury fixt, with furious horn
+  To gore attempting, finds elusion still,
+  The unhurt limbs invading. Seeks he now
+  If fall'n the metal from his weapon's point:
+  Fast to the wood the metal still appears;
+  And cries he;--“Weak is then my hand? and spent
+  “On one, is all the strength I once could boast?
+  “For surely strength that arm could boast, which erst
+  “Lyrnessus' wall o'erthrew, and when with gore
+  “It Tenedos, and Thebes made stream; or when
+  “Caÿcus purple flow'd, stain'd with their blood
+  “Who on its banks had dwelt; and when twice prov'd
+  “By Telephus, the virtue of my spear.
+  “This nervous arm has here too shewn its force
+  “In hills of slain by me up-heap'd; these shores
+  “Attest it.� Speaking so, his spear he sent
+  Against Menœtes 'mid the Lycian crowd,
+  As doubting faintly deeds perform'd before:
+  And pierc'd at once his corslet and his breast.
+  From the hot smoking wound as forth he drew
+  The dart,--as with his dying head was struck
+  The solid ground, he spoke:--“This is the hand,
+  “And this the spear which conquest knew before:
+  “This will I 'gainst him use. May it, when sent,
+  “The same success attend.�--Ere ceas'd his words
+  Cygnus again with aim he sought, nor swerv'd
+  His ashen weapon whence he aim'd, but rung,
+  Unshrunk from, on the shoulder: thence repell'd,
+  As from a wall or rugged rock it fell:
+  Yet where the blow was felt, did Cygnus seem
+  With blood distain'd. Achilles' joy was vain,
+  For wound was not. Menœtes' blood was there.
+  Then furious from his lofty car he sprung,
+  And close at hand his braving foe assail'd
+  With glittering falchion; by the falchion broke,
+  The helm and shield he saw, but the keen edge
+  His stubborn body blunted. More the son
+  Of Peleus bore not, but the warrior's face
+  With furious buffets from his shield, unclaspt
+  First from his arm, he smote, and with his hilt
+  Heavy his temples; and with headstrong rage
+  Bore on him: nor to his astounded soul
+  Respite allow'd. Dread through his bosom spread;
+  Before his eyes swam darkness: when amidst
+  The plain, a stone his retrogressive feet
+  Oppos'd. Pelides, with his mightiest strength,
+  Struck Cygnus against it, and to earth
+  Hard forc'd him, thrown supine. Pent with his shield,
+  And nervous knees upon his bosom prest
+  Tight, he the lacing of the helmet drew,
+  Which 'neath his chin was ty'd; close press'd his throat,
+  His breathing passage and his life at once
+  Destroy'd he. When his conquer'd foe to spoil
+  Of all his arms he went, the arms he found
+  Vacant. The ocean-god had to a bird
+  Of snowy plumage chang'd his offspring's form:
+  A bird which still the name of Cygnus bears.
+
+    Here stay'd the toil, here did the battle gain
+  Of numerous days a respite, either power
+  Resting on arms unhostile. Then, while guards,
+  Watchful, the Trojan walls protective kept;
+  And sentries equal wakeful o'er the trench
+  Form'd by the Argives watch'd, a feast was held,
+  Where Cygnus' victor, stout Achilles, gave
+  An heifer ribbon-bound to Athen's maid.
+  The sever'd flesh was on the altar plac'd,
+  Whose smoking fragrance, grateful to the gods,
+  High to th' ethereal regions mounted. Part,
+  Their due, th' official sacrificers took;
+  To swell the feast the rest was given. Outstretch'd
+  On couches, laid the noble guests, and fill'd
+  With the drest meat their hunger; and with wine
+  At once their thirst and all their cares assuag'd.
+  No lyre them sooth'd; no sound of vocal song;
+  Nor long extended boxen pipe with holes
+  Multiferous pierc'd: but all night long, discourse
+  Protracted; valiant deeds alone the theme.
+  Alike the valiant acts their foes perform'd,
+  And those their own they speak. Much they enjoy
+  To tell by turns what hazards they o'ercame;
+  And what they oft successless try'd. What else
+  Could e'er Achilles' speech employ? What else
+  By great Achilles could with joy be heard?
+  Chief in the converse, was the conquest late
+  O'er Cygnus gain'd, the topic. Strange to all
+  Seem'd it; the youth, from every weapon safe
+  By wound unconquerable, and with skin
+  Blunting the keenest steel. Wonder the Greeks,
+  And wonders ev'n Pelides: when in words
+  Like these, old Nestor hail'd them. “Cygnus, proof
+  “'Gainst steel,--unpierceable by furious blows
+  “Your age alone has known. These eyes have seen
+  “Perrhæbian Cæneus bear ten thousand strokes
+  “Unhurt. He, fam'd for warlike actions, dwelt
+  “On Othrys, and more strange those warlike deeds,
+  “Since female was he born.� The wondering crowd,
+  Mov'd with the novel prodigy, beseech
+  (Their spokesman was Achilles) that the tale
+  Nestor would give them. “Eloquent old man!
+  “Of all our age most prudent, tell, for all
+  “The same desire prevails o'er, who was he,
+  “This Cæneus? why was chang'd his sex? what wars
+  “Of fierce encounter made him known to thee?
+  “And if by any conquer'd, tell the name.�
+
+    Then thus the senior: “Though decrepid age
+  “Weighs heavy on me, and the deeds beheld
+  “In prime of youth, in numbers 'scape my mind;
+  “Yet than those facts, 'mid all of peace and war,
+  “Nought on my bosom made a deeper print.
+  “Yet may extended age of all beheld
+  “Part of the numerous acts and objects seen
+  “Relate,--I twice one hundred years have pass'd;
+  “Now in the third I breathe. Cænis, a nymph
+  “Sprung from Elateus, fam'd was all around
+  “For brightest beauty; fairest of the maids
+  “Who Thessaly adorn; theme of vain hopes
+  “To crowds of wooers through the neighbouring towns;
+  “And ev'n through thine, Achilles; for the land
+  “Thou claim'st produc'd her. Nay, her nuptial couch,
+  “Peleus perchance had sought, save that the rites
+  “Already with thy mother were compleat,
+  “Or were in promise ready. Nuptial couch
+  “She never press'd, for on the lonely shore
+  “Strolling, so fame declares, the vigorous clasp
+  “Of Ocean's god she felt. The charms possest
+  “Of his new object, Neptune said--whate'er
+  “Thou wishest, chuse, secure of no repulse.--
+  “This too does fame report, that Cænis cry'd--
+  “Wrongs such as mine no trivial gift deserve,
+  “That ne'er such shame again I suffer, grant
+  “I woman be no longer; that will all
+  “Favors comprize.--Her closing words betray'd
+  “A graver sound; manly appear'd her voice:
+  “And masculine it was. Deep ocean's god
+  “Acceded to her wish, and granted, more,
+  “That wounds should never harm her, nor by steel
+  “Should she e'er fall. Joy'd at the gift, the god
+  “Atracia's hero leaves--employs his age
+  “In studies warlike; and among the fields,
+  “Where fertilizing Peneus wanders, roams.
+
+    “Now bold Ixion's son had gain'd the hand
+  “Of Hippodamia; and the fierce-soul'd crowd
+  “Cloud-born, had bidden to attend the boards,
+  “In order rang'd within a cavern's mouth,
+  “By trees thick-shaded. All the princes round
+  “Of Thessaly attended: I, myself
+  “Amongst them went. Loud rung the regal feast
+  “With the mixt concourse; all most joyful sung
+  “O Hymen! Iö Hymen! and each hall
+  “Blaz'd bright with fires. The virgin then approach'd
+  “Pre-excellent in fairness, with a band
+  “Of matrons and unwedded nymphs begirt.
+  “Most blest, we all exclaim'd, in such a spouse
+  “Must be Pirithoüs--but such boding hopes
+  “Well nigh deceiv'd us. For when drunken lust
+  “O'er thee, Eurytus! govern'd, of the blood
+  “Of savage Centaurs, far most savage, fir'd
+  “Whether by wine, or by the virgin's charms
+  “Thou saw'st, thy breast. Instant, the board o'erturn'd,
+  “Routed the guests convivial, and the bride
+  “Caught by her locks, was forceful dragg'd away.
+  “Eurytus Hippodamia seiz'd; the rest
+  “Grasp'd such as pleas'd them, or whoe'er they met.
+  “It show'd the image of a captur'd town.
+
+    “With female shrieks the place resounded; swift
+  “We start, and Theseus foremost thus exclaims:--
+  “What frenzy, O Eurytus! thee impels
+  “Pirithoüs thus to wrong me still in life!
+  “Ign'rant that two thou wound'st in one?--Nor vain
+  “The chief magnanimous his threat'nings spoke:
+  “Th' aggressors back repell'd; and, while they rag'd,
+  “The ravish'd bride recover'd. Nought he said,
+  “Nor could such acts defence by words allow;
+  “But with rude inconsiderate hands he press'd
+  “Full on her champion's face; his valiant breast
+  “Assaulting. Near by chance a cup there stood,
+  “Of mould antique, and rough with rising forms:
+  “Mighty it was, but Theseus, mightier still,
+  “Seiz'd it, and full against his hostile face
+  “It dash'd; he vomits forth, with clots of gore,
+  “His brains, and wine; these issuing from the wound;
+  “That from his mouth; and on the soaking sand
+  “Supine he sprawls. With rage the two-form'd race
+  “Burn for their brother's slaughter; all with voice
+  “United, eager call--to arms! to arms!
+  “Wine gave them courage, and the primal fight
+  “Was goblets, fragile casks, and hollow jars,
+  “Dash'd on: once instruments to feasts alone
+  “Pertaining; now for slaughter us'd and blood.
+
+    “First Amycus, of Ophion son, not fear'd
+  “To rob the sacred chambers of their spoils;
+  “And from its cord suspensive, tore away,
+  “As from the roof it hung, a glittering lamp;
+  “And hurl'd it, lofty-pois'd, full in the front
+  “Of Lapithæan Celadon. So falls
+  “On the white neck the victim bull presents,
+  “The sacrificial axe, and all his bones
+  “Were shatter'd left; one all confounded wound.
+  “His eyes sprang forth; his palate bones displac'd,
+  “His nose driv'n back within his palate falls.
+  “Him Belates Pellæan with a foot
+  “Torn from a maple table, on the ground
+  “Stretch'd prone; his chin forc'd downward on his breast;
+  “And sputtering teeth, with blackest gore commixt,
+  “Sent by a second blow to Stygia's shades.
+
+    “As next he stood, and with tremendous brow
+  “The flaming altar view'd, Gryneus exclaim'd--
+  “Why use we this not? and the ponderous load
+  “With all its fires he seiz'd, and 'mid the crowd
+  “Of Lapithæans flung: two low it press'd;
+  “Broteas and bold Orion. From her sphere
+  “Orion's mother Mycalé, by charms
+  “The moon to drag to earth has oft been known.
+
+    “Loud cry'd Exodius:--Were but weapons found
+  “That death impunity would boast not. Horns
+  “An ancient stag once brandish'd, on a pine
+  “Hung lofty, serv'd for arms; the forky branch
+  “Hurl'd in his face deep dug out either eye.
+  “Part to the horns adhere; part flowing down
+  “His beard, thence hang in ropes of clotted gore.
+  “Lo! Rhætus snatches from the altar's height
+  “A burning torch of size immense, and through
+  “Charaxus' dexter temple, with bright hair
+  “Shaded, he drives it. Like the arid corn
+  “Caught by the rapid flame, the tresses burn;
+  “And the scorch'd blood the wound sent forth, a sound
+  “Of horrid crackling gave. Oft whizzes steel
+  “So, drawn forth glowing from the fire, with tongs
+  “Bent, and in cooling waters frequent plung'd;
+  “And crackling sounds, immers'd in tepid waves.
+  “The wounded hero from his tresses shook
+  “The greedy flames, and in his arms upheav'd,
+  “Tom from the earth, a mighty threshold stone,
+  “A waggon's burthen; but the ponderous load
+  “Forbade his strength to hurl it on the foe:
+  “And on Cometes, who beside him stood,
+  “Dropp'd the huge bulk. Nor Rhætus then his joy
+  “Disguis'd, exclaiming:--Such may be the aid
+  “That all your friends receive!--Then with his brand
+  “Half burnt, his blows redoubling, burst the skull
+  “With the strong force; and on the pulpy brain
+  “By frequent strokes the bones beat down. From thence
+  “Victor, Evagrus, Corythus, he met
+  “And Dryas. Corythus o'erthrown, whose cheeks
+  “The first down shaded; loud Evagrus cry'd:--
+  “What glory thine, thus a weak boy to slay?--
+  “No more to utter Rhætus gave, but fierce
+  “Plung'd the red-flaming weapon in his mouth,
+  “Thus speaking; and deep forc'd it down his throat.
+  “Thee also, furious Dryas! with the brand,
+  “Whirl'd round and round his head, he next assails.
+  “But thee the same sad fortune not befel:
+  “Him, proud triumphing from increas'd success
+  “In blood, thou piercest with an harden'd stake,
+  “Where the neck meets the shoulder. Rhætus groan'd:
+  “And from the hard bone scarce the wood could draw;
+  “As drench'd in blood his own, by flight he scap'd.
+  “With him fled Lycabas; and Orneus fled;
+  “Thaumas; Pisenor; Medon, who was struck
+  “'Neath the right shoulder; Mermeros, who late
+  “In rapid race all else surpass'd, but now
+  “Mov'd halting with his wound; Abas, of boars
+  “The spoiler; Pholus, and Melaneus too;
+  “With Astylos the seer, who from the war
+  “Dissuaded, but in vain, his brethren crowd.
+  “Nay more, to Nessus, fearing wounds, he cry'd--
+  “Fly not!--thou'lt for Alcides' bow be sav'd.
+
+    “Euronymus, nor Lycidas, their fate,
+  “Areos, nor Imbreos fled; whom face to face
+  “Confronting, Dryas' hand smote down. Thou too,
+  “Crenæus! felt thy death in front, though turn'd
+  “For flight thy feet; for looking back thou caught'st
+  “Betwixt thine eyes the massy steel; where joins
+  “The nose's basement to the forehead bones.
+
+    “With endless draughts of stupefactive wine
+  “Aphidas lay, 'mid all the raging noise
+  “Unrous'd; and grasping in his languid hand
+  “A ready-mingled bowl: stretch'd was he seen,
+  “On a rough bear-skin, brought from Ossa's hill.
+  “Him from afar, as Phorbas saw, no arms
+  “Dreading, he fix'd his fingers in the thongs,
+  “And said--with Stygian waters mixt, thy wine
+  “Now drink;--and instant round his javelin twin'd
+  “The youth: for as supinely stietch'd he lay
+  “The ash-form'd javelin through his throat was driv'n.
+  “No sense of death he felt; his dark brown gore
+  “Flow'd in full stream upon the couch, and flow'd
+  “In his grasp'd goblet. I, Petræus saw,
+  “An acorn-loaded oak from earth to rend
+  “Endeavoring; which while compass'd with both arms
+  “He strains, now this way, now the other, shook
+  “Appear'd the tottering tree. Pirithous' dart
+  “Driv'n through the ribs, Petræus' straining breast
+  “Nail'd to the rigid wood. Pirithous' arm
+  “Lycus o'erthrew; and 'neath Pirithous' force
+  “Fell Chromis,--so they tell. But less of fame
+  “The conqueror gain'd from these, than from the death
+  “Of Helops, and of Dictys. Helops felt
+  “The dart through both his temples; swift it whizz'd
+  “His right ear enter'd, shewing at his left.
+  “But Dictys, from a dangerous mountain's brow
+  “As flying, trembling from Ixion's son
+  “Close following, he descended, headlong down
+  “He tumbled; with his ponderous fall he broke
+  “A mighty ash; within his riven side
+  “The stumps his bowels tore. Aphareus fierce,
+  “Came on for vengeance; and a massive rock,
+  “Torn from the hill, upheav'd to throw--to throw
+  “Attempted. Theseus with an oaken club
+  “Prevented, and his mighty elbow broke:
+  “Nor now his leisure suits, nor cares he now
+  “A foe disabled to dispatch to hell:
+  “But on Biamor's lofty back he springs,
+  “Unwont to bear, except himself, before:
+  “Press'd with his knees his ribs, and grasping firm,
+  “With his left hand his locks, he bruis'd his face,
+  “His frowning forehead, and his harden'd skull,
+  “With the rough club. With the same club he lays
+  “Nidymnus prostrate; and Lycotas, skill'd
+  “To fling the javelin; Hippasus, whose beard
+  “Immense, his breast o'ershaded; Ripheus sprung
+  “From lofty woods; and Tereus wont to drag
+  “Home furious bears still living, on the hills
+  “Thessalian, caught. Nor longer in the fight
+  “Raging with such success, Demoleon bore
+  “Theseus to see, but from a crowded wood,
+  “With giant efforts strove a pine to rend,
+  “Of ancient growth, up by the roots, but foil'd
+  “He flung the broken fragment 'mid the foe.
+  “Warn'd by Minerva, from the flying wood
+  “Theseus withdrew; so would he we believe.
+  “Yet harmless fell the tree not; from the breast
+  “And shoulder of great Crantor, was the neck
+  “Sever'd. The faithful follower of thy sire
+  “Was he, Achilles. Him, Amyntor, king
+  “Of all Dolopia, in the warlike strife
+  “O'ercome, as pledge of peace and faithful words
+  “Gave to Æäcides. Him mangled so
+  “With cruel wound, Peleus far distant saw;
+  “And thus exclaim'd,--O, Crantor! dearest youth!
+  “Thy funeral obsequies behold.--He said,
+  “And hurl'd his ashen spear with vigorous arm,
+  “And with a spirit not less vigorous, forth,
+  “Full on Demoleon: tearing through the fence
+  “Of his strong chest, it quiver'd in the bones.
+  “The pointless wood his hand dragg'd out; the wood
+  “With difficulty dragg'd he: in his lungs
+  “Deep was the steel retain'd. To his fierce soul
+  “Fresh vigor gave the smart. Hurt as he was
+  “He rear'd against the foe, and with his hoofs
+  “Trampled thy sire. He, with his helm and shield,
+  “Wards off the sounding blows; his shoulders guards;
+  “Holds his protended steel, and his foe's chest
+  “Full 'twixt the shoulders; one strong blow transpierc'd.
+  “Yet had he slain by distant darts before
+  “Both Hylis and Phlegræus; and in fight
+  “More close, had Clanis and Hipponous fall'n.
+  “To these must Dorilas be added, he
+  “A wolf skin round his forehead wore; and, bent,
+  “A double wound presenting, o'er his brows
+  “He bore the weapons of a savage bull;
+  “With streaming gore deep blushing. Loud I cry'd,
+  “While courage gave me strength--see how my steel
+  “Thy horns surpasses--and my dart I flung.
+  “My dart to 'scape unable, o'er his brow
+  “To ward the blow, his hand he held; his hand
+  “Was to his forehead nail'd. Loud shouts were heard,
+  “And Peleus at him, wounded thus, rush'd on,
+  “(He nearer stood) and with a furious blow
+  “Mid belly plac'd, dispatch'd him. High he sprung
+  “On earth his entrails dragging;--as they dragg'd
+  “Madly he trampled;--what he trampled tore:
+  “These round his legs entwining, down he falls;
+  “And with an empty'd body sinks to death.
+
+    “Nor could thy beauty, Cyllarus, avail
+  “Aught in the contest! if to forms like thine
+  “Beauty we grant. His beard to sprout began,
+  “His beard of golden hue; golden the locks
+  “That down his neck, and o'er his shoulders flow'd.
+  “Cheerful his face; his shoulders, neck, and arms,
+  “Approach'd the models which the artists praise.
+  “Thus all that man resembled. Nor fell short
+  “The horse's portion: beauteous for a beast.
+  “A neck and head supply'd, a steed were form'd,
+  “Of Castor worthy: so was for the seat
+  “Fitted his back; so full outstood his chest:
+  “His coat all blacker than the darkest pitch;
+  “Save his white legs, and ample flowing tail.
+  “Crowds of his race him lov'd; but one alone,
+  “Hylonomé, could charm him; fairest nymph
+  “Of all the two-form'd race that roam'd the groves.
+  “She sole enraptur'd Cyllarus, with words
+  “Of blandishment; beloved, and her love
+  “For him confessing. Grace in all her limbs
+  “And dress, for him was studied; smooth her hair
+  “For him was comb'd; with rosemary now bound;
+  “Now with the violet; with fresh roses now;
+  “And oft the snow-white lily wore she; twice
+  “Daily she bath'd her features in the stream,
+  “That from Pagasis' woody summit falls;
+  “Twice daily in the current lav'd her limbs.
+  “Nor cloth'd she e'er her shoulders, or her side,
+  “Save with the chosen spoils of beasts which best
+  “Her form became. Most equal was their love:
+  “As one they o'er the mountains stray'd; as one
+  “The caves they sought; and both together then
+  “The Lapithæan roof had enter'd; both
+  “Now wag'd the furious war. By whom unknown,
+  “From the left side a javelin came, and pierc'd
+  “Thee deep, O Cyllarus! 'neath where thy chest
+  “Joins to thy neck. Drawn from the small-form'd wound,
+  “The weapon,--with the mangled heart, the limbs
+  “Grew rigid all. Hylonomé supports
+  “His dying body, and her aiding hand
+  “Presses against the wound; leans face to face,
+  “And tries his fleeting life awhile to stay.
+  “When fled she saw it, with laments which noise
+  “Drown'd ere my ears they reach'd, full on the dart
+  “Which through him stuck she fell; and clasp'd in death
+  “Her dear-lov'd husband's form. Before my eyes
+  “Still stands Phæöcomes, whom, closely-join'd,
+  “Six lions' hides protected; man and horse
+  “Equal the covering shar'd. Phonoleus' son
+  “Fierce on the skull he smote, with stump immense,
+  “Huge as four oxen might with labor move.
+  “Crush'd was the rounding broadness of the head;
+  “And the soft brain gush'd forth at both his ears;
+  “His mouth, his hollow nostrils, and his eyes.
+  “So through the straining oaken twigs appears,
+  “Coagulated milk: so liquid flows
+  “Through the fine sieve, by supercumbent weights
+  “Prest down, the thick curd at the small-form'd holes.
+  “Deep in his lowest flank the foe I pierc'd,
+  “As from our fallen friend the arms to strip
+  “Prepar'd, he stoop'd. Thy father saw the deed.
+  “Chthonius too fell beneath my sword, and fell
+  “Teleboas. Chthonius bore a forky bough;
+  “A javelin arm'd the other; with its steel
+  “He pierc'd me. Lo! the mark the wound has left:--
+  “Still the old scar appears. Then was the time
+  “They should have sent me to the siege of Troy:
+  “Then had I power great Hector's arm to stay;
+  “To check, if not to conquer. Hector then
+  “Was born not, or a boy. Now age me robs
+  “Of all my force. Why should I say how fell
+  “Two-form'd Pyretus, by the strength o'erthrown
+  “Of Periphantes? Why of Amphyx tell,
+  “Who in Oëclus' hostile front deep sunk,
+  “(Oëclus centaur-born) a pointless spear?
+  “Macareus, Erigdupus, (near the hill
+  “Of Pelethronus born, against his chest
+  “Full-bearing,) prostrate laid. Nor should I pass,
+  “How I the spear beheld, by Nessus' hands
+  “Launch'd forth, and bury'd in Cymelus' groin.
+  “Nor think you Mopsus, Amphyx' son, excell'd
+  “Alone to teach the future. By the dart
+  “Of Mopsus, fell Odites double-form'd.
+  “To speak in vain he strove, for tongue to chin,
+  “And chin to throat were by the javelin nail'd.
+
+    “Cæneus ere this had five to death dispatch'd
+  “Bromius, Antimachus with hatchet arm'd;
+  “Pyracmon, Stiphelus, and Helimus.
+  “What wounds them slew I know not; well their names,
+  “And numbers I remember. Latreus big
+  “In body and in limbs, sprung forth adorn'd
+  “In the gay arms Halesus once had own'd;
+  “Halesus of Thessalia by him slain:
+  “'Twixt strong virility and age his years,
+  “Still strong virility his arm could boast;
+  “Gray hairs his temples sprinkled. Lofty seen
+  “In helm and shield, and Macedonian spear,
+  “Proudly between the adverse ranks he rode;
+  “And clash'd his arms, and circling scower'd along.
+  “These boasting words to the resounding air
+  “Brave issuing--Cænis, shall I bear thee so?
+  “Still will I think thee Cænis;--female still
+  “By me thou'lt be consider'd. 'Bates it nought
+  “Thy valor, when thy origin thy soul
+  “Reflects on? When thy mind allows to own
+  “What deed the grant obtained? What price was paid
+  “To gain the false resemblance of a man?
+  “What thou was born, remember: mark as well
+  “Who has embrac'd thee. Go, the distaff take,
+  “And carding basket. With thy fingers twirl
+  “The flax, and martial contests leave to men.
+  “The spear which Cæneus hurl'd, deep in his side
+  “Bare as he cours'd, expos'd the blow to meet,
+  “Pierc'd him when boasting thus, just where the man
+  “Join'd the four-footed form. With smart he rag'd,
+  “And to the Phyllian warrior's face his spear
+  “Presented. Back the spear rebounded: so
+  “Bound the hard hailstones from the roof; so leap
+  “The paltry pebbles on the hollow drum.
+  “Now hand to hand he rushes to engage,
+  “And in his harden'd sides attempts to plunge
+  “His weapon deep. Pervious his weapon finds
+  “No spot. Then cry'd he,--still thou shalt not 'scape:
+  “Though blunted is my point my edge shall slay;--
+  “And aim'd a blow oblique, to ope his side,
+  “While round his flank was grasp'd his forceful arm.
+  “Sounded the stroke as marble struck would sound;
+  “The shiver'd steel rebounding from his neck.
+  “His limbs unwounded, to the wondering foe
+  “Thus long expos'd, loud Cæneus call'd;--Now try
+  “Our arms thy limbs to pierce!--Up to the hilt
+  “His deadly weapon 'twixt his shoulders plung'd;
+  “Then thrust and dug with blows unseeing 'mid
+  “His entrails deep; thus forming wounds on wounds.
+
+    “Now all the furious crowd of double forms
+  “Rush raging round him; all their weapons hurl;
+  “And all assail with blows this single foe.
+  “Blunted their weapons fall, and Cæneus stands
+  “Unpierc'd, unbleeding, from ten thousand strokes:
+  “Astonish'd at the miracle they gaze;
+  “But Monychus exclaims;--What blasting shame
+  “A race o'erthrown by one; that one a man,
+  “But dubious. Grant him man, our coward deeds
+  “Prove us but what he has been. What avail
+  “Our giant limbs? What boots our double strength;
+  “Strength of created forms the mightiest two,
+  “In us conjoin'd? A goddess-mother we
+  “Assur'dly should not boast; nor boast for sire
+  “Ixion, whose great daring soul him mov'd
+  “To clasp the lofty Juno in his arms.
+  “Now vanquish'd by a foe half-male. Him whelm
+  “With trees, with rocks: whole mountains heap'd on high,
+  “Whole falling forests, let that stubborn soul
+  “Crush out. The woods upon his throat shall press,
+  “And weight for wounds shall serve.--The centaur spoke,
+  “Seizing a tree which lay by chance uptorn
+  “By raging Auster; on his valiant foe
+  “The bulk he hurl'd. All in like efforts join'd:
+  “And quickly Othrys of his woods was stript:
+  “Nor Pelion shade retain'd. Cæneus opprest
+  “Beneath the pile immense--the woody load,--
+  “Hot pants, and with his forceful shoulders bears,
+  “To heave th' unwieldy weight: but soon the heap
+  “Reaches his face, and then o'ertops his head:
+  “Nor breath is left his spirit can inhale.
+  “Now faint he sinks, and struggles now in vain
+  “To lift his head to air, and from him heave
+  “The heap'd-up forests: then the pile but shakes,
+  “As shakes the lofty Ida you behold,
+  “When by an earthquake stirr'd. Doubtful his end.
+  “His body, by the sylvan load down prest,
+  “Some thought that shadowy Tartarus receiv'd.
+  “But Mopsus this deny'd, who spy'd a bird
+  “From 'mid the pile ascend, and mount the skies
+  “On yellow pinions. I the bird beheld,
+  “Then first, then last. As wide on buoyant wing
+  “Our force surveying, Mopsus saw him fly,
+  “And rustling round with mighty noise, his eyes
+  “And soul close mark'd him, and he loud exclaim'd,--
+  “Hail, Cæneus! of the Lapithæan race
+  “The glory! once of men the first, and now
+  “Bird of thy kind unique!--The seer's belief
+  “Made credible the fact. Grief spurr'd our rage.
+  “Nor bore we calmly that a single youth
+  “By hosts of foes should fall. Nor ceas'd our swords
+  “In gore to rage 'till most to death were given:
+  “The rest by favoring darkness say'd in flight.�
+
+    While thus the Pylian sage, the wars narrates
+  Wag'd by the Lapithæan race, and foe
+  Centaurs half-human; his splenetic ire
+  Tlepolemus could hide not, when he found
+  Alcides' deeds past o'er; but angry spoke.--
+  “Old sire, astonish'd, I perceive the praise
+  “The deeds of Hercules demand, has 'scap'd
+  “Your mind. My father has been wont to tell
+  “Whom, he of cloud-begotten race o'erthrew:
+  “Oft have I heard him.� Nestor sad reply'd;
+  “Why force me thus my miseries to recal
+  “To recollection; freshening up the woes
+  “Long years have blunted; and confess the hate
+  “I bear thy sire for injuries receiv'd.
+  “He, (O, ye gods!) has deeds atchiev'd which far
+  “All faith surpass; and has the wide world fill'd
+  “With his high fame. Would I could this deny!
+  “For praise we e'er Deïphobus? or praise
+  “Give we Polydamas, or Hector's self?
+  “Who can a foe applaud? This sire of thine
+  “Messenia's walls laid prostrate, and destroy'd
+  “Elis and Pylos, unoffending towns;
+  “Rushing with fire and sword in our abode.
+  “To pass the rest who 'neath his fury fell,--
+  “Twice six of Neleus' sons were we beheld;
+  “Twice six save me beneath Alcides' arm,
+  “There dy'd. With ease were conquer'd all but one;
+  “Strange was of Periclymenos the death;
+  “Whom Neptune, founder of our line, had given,
+  “What form he will'd to take; that form thrown off.
+  “His own again resume. When vainly chang'd
+  “To multifarious shapes; he to the bird
+  “Most dear to heaven's high sovereign, whose curv'd claws
+  “The thunders bear, himself transform'd; the strength
+  “That bird possesses, using, with bow'd wings,
+  “His crooked beak and talons pounc'd his face.
+  “'Gainst him Tyrinthius his unerring bow
+  “Bent, and as high amid the clouds he tower'd,
+  “And poising hung, pierc'd where his side and wing
+  “Just met: nor deep the hurt; the sinew torn
+  “Still him disabled, and deny'd the power
+  “To move his wing, or strength to urge his flight.
+  “To earth he fell; his pinions unendow'd
+  “With power to gather air: and the light dart
+  “Fixt superficial in the wing, his fall
+  “Deep in his body pierc'd; out his left side,
+  “Close by his throat the pointed mischief stood.
+
+    “Now, valiant leader of the Rhodian fleet,
+  “Judge what from me the great Alcides' deeds
+  “Of blazonry can claim? Yet the revenge
+  “I give my brethren, is on his brave acts
+  “Silent to rest: to thee still firm ally'd
+  “In friendship.� Thus his eloquent discourse
+  The son of Neleus ended, and the gift
+  Of Bacchus, oft repeated, circled round
+  To the old senior's words; then from the board
+  They rose, and night's remainder gave to sleep.
+
+    But now the deity, whose trident rules
+  The ocean waters, with a father's grief
+  Mourns for his offspring to a bird transform'd.
+  Savage 'gainst fierce Achilles, he pursues
+  His well-remember'd ire with hostile rage.
+  And now the war near twice ten years had seen,
+  When long-hair'd Phœbus, thus the god address'd;
+  “O power! to me most dear, of all the sons
+  “My brother boasts! whose hands with mine uprear'd
+  “In vain the walls of Troy! griev'st thou not now
+  “Those towers beholding as they ruin'd fall?
+  “Griev'st thou not now such thousands to behold
+  “Slain, those high towers attempting to defend?
+  “Griev'st thou not (more I need not speak) to think
+  “Of Hector's body round his own Troy dragg'd,
+  “When still the fierce Achilles, ev'n than war
+  “More ruthless, of our works destroyer, lives?
+  “Would it to me were given--my trident's power,
+  “Well know I, he should prove; but since deny'd
+  “To rush, and hand to hand this foe engage,
+  “Slay him with unsuspected secret dart.�
+  The Delian god consented, and at once
+  His uncle's vengeance and his own indulg'd.
+  Veil'd in a cloud amid the Ilian host
+  He darts, and 'mid a slaughter'd crowd beholds
+  Where Paris, on plebeïan foes his shafts
+  Unerring hurls: to him confess'd, the god
+  Exclaims;--“Why wast'st thou in ignoble blood
+  “Thy weapons? If thy friends employ thy care,
+  “Turn on Pelides every dart, revenge
+  “Thy murder'd brothers.�--Phœbus spoke, and shew'd
+  Where with his steel Achilles ranks on ranks
+  Of Troy o'erthrew. On him the bow he turns;
+  To him he guides the sure, the deadly dart.
+
+    Now may old Priam joy for Hector slain;
+  For thou, Achilles, victor o'er such hosts,
+  Fall'st by the coward's hand, who stole from Greece
+  The ravish'd wife. O! if foredoom'd thy lot
+  By woman-warrior to be slain, to fall
+  By Amazonian weapon had'st thou chos'n.
+  Now burns Æäcides, the Phrygians' dread;
+  The pride, the guardian of the Grecian name;
+  The chief in war unconquer'd: and the god
+  Who arm'd him once, consumes him. Ashes now;
+  Nought of the great Pelides can be found,
+  Save what with ease a little urn contains.
+  But still his glory lives, and fills all earth:
+  Such bounds alone the hero suit; his fame
+  Equals himself, nor sinks he to the shades.
+
+    His shield itself, as conscious whose the shield,
+  Fomented wars; and quarrels for his arms
+  Arose. Tydides fear'd to urge his claim;
+  Ajax, Oïleus' son; Atrides' each,
+  Him youngest, and the monarch who surpass'd
+  In age and warlike skill; and all the crowd.
+  Laërtes' son, and Telamon's alone
+  Try'd the bold glorious contest. From himself
+  All blame invidious Agamemnon mov'd:
+  The Grecian chiefs amid the camp he plac'd,
+  And bade the host around the cause decide.
+
+
+
+
+*The Thirteenth Book.*
+
+
+    Contest of Ajax and Ulysses for the arms of Achilles. Success of
+    Ulysses and death of Ajax. Sack of Troy. Sacrifice of Polyxena to
+    the ghost of Achilles. Lamentation of Hecuba. She tears out the
+    eyes of Polymnestor, and is changed into a bitch. Birds arise
+    from the funeral pile of Memnon, and kill each other. Escape of
+    Æneas from Troy, and voyage to Delos. The daughters of Anius
+    transformed to doves. Voyage to Crete and Italy. Story of Acis
+    and Galatea. Love of Glaucus for Scylla.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Thirteenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    The princes sate; the common troops in crowds
+  Circled them round; when Ajax in the midst,
+  Lord of the seven-fold shield, arose, with rage
+  Uncurb'd. Sigæum's shores he fiercely view'd;
+  And ship-clad beach, while with extended arms,
+  “O, Jupiter!� he cry'd, “before this fleet
+  “Must then our cause be try'd? With me contends
+  “Ulysses? He who yielded all a prey
+  “To Hector's fires; whom I alone repell'd?
+  “Fires which I from that fleet drove far? More safe
+  “'Tis sure with artful language to contend,
+  “Than battle hand to hand. Hard 'tis for me
+  “To speak; for him 'tis no less hard to fight.
+  “And much as I in keen-urg'd blows excel,
+  “And arduous contest, such in words is he.
+  “My deeds, O Grecians! to rehearse what need?
+  “Have you not seen them? Let Ulysses tell
+  “His actions, feats without a witness done;
+  “Night only privy. Mighty is the prize,
+  “I own; but Ajax' glory suffers much,
+  “Striving with such a rival. Granted, great
+  “Its value; where the boast to have obtain'd
+  “What this Ulysses hop'd for? He ev'n now
+  “Enjoys th' advantage of the contest. Foil'd,
+  “His pride will be to boast with me he strove.
+  “But I, if doubtful is my valor deem'd,
+  “Have claims most potent in my noble race:
+  “Sprung from great Telamon, who Troy's proud town,
+  “'Neath brave Alcides captur'd; and explor'd
+  “The shores of Colchis in th' Hæmonian bark.
+  “His sire was Æäcus, who equal law
+  “Dispenses 'mid the silent shades; where toils
+  “Æölian Sisyphus beneath his stone.
+  “Well mighty Jove knows Æäcus, and owns
+  “Him son. Thus Ajax ranks but third from Jove.
+  “Nor yet, O, Greeks! should this descent my cause
+  “Assist, save that Achilles claim'd the same.
+  “Of brothers born, a kinsman's right I ask.
+  “Why should one sprung of Sisyphæan blood,
+  “Like his progenitor in theft and fraud,
+  “Ingraft an alien name upon the stock
+  “Of Æäcus? Am I the arms refus'd
+  “That first I join'd the warriors? join'd your host
+  “Betray'd not by informers? Worthier he,
+  “That last his arms he took? with madness feign'd
+  “Shunning the warfare; till more crafty came
+  “Naupliades, though luckless for himself;--
+  “Who shew'd his coward soul's devices plain;
+  “And hither dragg'd him to the hated wars?
+  “Now let him arms most glorious take, who arms
+  “To wear refus'd. Let me unhonor'd go,
+  “Robb'd of my kindred right, who first arriv'd
+  “To face the perils. Would, ye gods! that true,
+  “Or thought so, his insanity had been.
+  “Then, counsellor of cruel deeds, he ne'er
+  “Had join'd our camp before the Phrygian walls.
+  “Then thou, O Pæän's son! had Lemnos ne'er
+  “Known--to our shame abandon'd on the shore.
+  “Thou now, so fame reports, in woody caves
+  “Shelter'd, ev'n rocks mov'st with thy rending groans;
+  “Pray'st that Laërtes' son his justest meeds
+  “May gain. Ye gods! ye gods! grant ye his prayers
+  “A favoring ear! Now he, by oath combin'd
+  “With us in war;--O, heavens! a leader too!
+  “Heir to employ Alcides' faithful darts,
+  “Sinks both by famine and disease opprest:
+  “By birds sustain'd, and cloth'd by birds, he spends
+  “Upon his feather'd prey, the darts design'd
+  “To end the fate of Troy. Yet still he lives:
+  “For here he never with Ulysses came.
+  “Content had hapless Palamedes been
+  “Deserted so. Life might he have enjoy'd
+  “Perchance; and blameless sure to death had sunk.
+  “He whom this wretch, too mindful of the time
+  “His counterfeited madness was expos'd,
+  “Feign'd had betray'd the Greeks; and prov'd the crime
+  “By forg'd assistance: shewing forth the gold
+  “First bury'd by himself. Thus he destroys
+  “The strength of Greece, by exile or by death.
+  “Thus fights Ulysses; thus must he be fear'd
+  “Who, though old faithful Nestor he surpass'd
+  “In eloquence, not all would e'er avail,
+  “To prove deserting Nestor was no shame:
+  “Who press'd with age, and with a wounded horse
+  “Delay'd, Ulysses' aid besought: behind
+  “His coward comrade left him. Well, this deed
+  “Tydides can declare, by me not feign'd,
+  “Who oft him reprimanded by his name,
+  “And curs'd the flying of his trembling friend.
+  “Gods with just eyes all mortal actions view.
+  “Lo! he who aid would give not, aid requires!
+  “Who Nestor left, deserted was himself:
+  “Himself prescrib'd the treatment which he found.
+  “Loud call'd he to his friends. I come, I see,
+  “Pale trembling, where he lies, with dread to view
+  “Impending death. My mighty shield I fling;
+  “Beneath it shade him, and his coward breast
+  “(My smallest claim to glory) I protect.
+  “If still persisting, thou the strife wilt urge,
+  “Thither again return. Recal the foe;
+  “Thy wound; thy wonted terror; and lie hid
+  “Beneath my shield. 'Neath that with me contend.
+  “Lo! him I snatch'd from death, whose wounds refus'd
+  “Ev'n power to stand; retarded not by wounds,
+  “In agile flight sped on. Now Hector comes,
+  “Whom in the fight the deities attend.
+  “Where'er he swept, not thou Ulysses sole
+  “Wast struck with dread; the bravest of our host
+  “Shrunk, such the terror which then fill'd the field.
+  “When hand to hand engag'd, him prone I laid,
+  “Proud of his slaughter, on th' ensanguin'd plain,
+  “With a huge stone. I singly him oppos'd,
+  “All single challeng'd; all the Greeks to me
+  “Pray'd for the lot: nor vain your prayers were found.
+  “Enquire ye, what the fortune of the fight?
+  “I stood, by him unconquer'd, when all Troy
+  “Rush'd on the fleet of Greece, with fire, with sword,
+  “And aiding Jove: Where was Ulysses then?
+  “The eloquent Ulysses? I alone,
+  “A thousand ships, the hopes of your return,
+  “Defended with my breast: this crowd of ships
+  “Deserves those arms. Nay, if with truth to speak
+  “You grant, those arms more glory gain from me
+  “Than I from them; our honor is conjoin'd.
+  “Ajax the arms demand, not Ajax arms.
+  “Let Ithacus compare his Rhæsus slain;
+  “And slain unwarlike Dolon; and trepann'd
+  “Helenus, Priam's son; and Pallas' form.
+  “In open day nought done, and nought perform'd,
+  “Save Diomed' assisted. Grant for once,
+  “Such paltry service could the armour claim;
+  “Divide the prize, and lo! the largest share
+  “Tydides must demand. But why this prize
+  “Seeks Ithacus? who all his deeds performs
+  “In private; traversing unarm'd; the foe,
+  “While unsuspecting, conquering by deceit.
+  “This helmet's radiance from the glittering gold
+  “Darting, would shew his plots, and open lay
+  “The latent spy. But his Dulichian head,
+  “Cas'd in Achilles' casque, the weight would 'whelm,
+  “And for his languid arms, the Pelian spear
+  “Too weighty would be found. That shield engrav'd,
+  “With all earth's various scenes, but ill would grace
+  “His arm, for stealthy deeds alone design'd.
+  “Presumptuous fool! to seek a prize, which gain'd
+  “Would only mar thy power. By erring votes
+  “Of Grecians giv'n to thee, cause would it be
+  “The foe would strip thee; not thy prowess fear.
+  “And flight, in which, O trembler! erst alone
+  “Thou all surpass'd, slow would'st thou then pursue;
+  “Such ponderous armor dragging. Those, thy shield
+  “Which bears so rare the brunt of battle, shines
+  “Yet whole: a new successor mine demands,
+  “Which gash'd by weapons, shews a thousand rents.
+  “To end, what need of words? let actions shew
+  “Each one's deserts. Amid the foe be thrown
+  “The valiant warrior's arms. Thence bid us bring
+  “The prize;--who brings it, let him wear the spoil.�
+
+    So spake the Telamonian warrior; round
+  A murmur follow'd from the circling crowd.
+  Till up the chief of Ithaca arose;
+  His eyes (awhile cast down) rais'd from the earth;
+  The chiefs with anxious look'd-for sounds address'd:
+  Nor grace was wanting to persuasive words.
+  “O Grecians! had your prayers and mine been heard,
+  “Owner of what such cause of strife affords
+  “Were now not dubious: thou, Pelides, still
+  “These arms possessing, we possessing thee.
+  “But since unpitying fate, to you, to me,
+  “Denies him�--(here as weeping, o'er his eyes
+  His hand he draws)--“who with so just a right
+  “Can great Achilles now succeed, as he
+  “Who great Achilles brought the Greeks to join?
+  “Let it not aid his cause, that fool he seems,
+  “Or stupid is indeed; nor aught let harm
+  “The ingenuity I claim, to mine:
+  “Which, O, ye Argives! still has aided you.
+  “Let not my eloquence, if such I boast,
+  “And words, whose 'vantage often you have prov'd,
+  “Now for their author, move invidious thoughts:
+  “Nor what each claims his proper gift, refuse.
+  “Scarce can we call our ancestry, our race,
+  “Or deeds by them perform'd, merits our own:
+  “Yet since of grandsire Jove this Ajax boasts,
+  “I too, can boast him author of my line:
+  “Nor more degrees remov'd. My sire was nam'd
+  “Laërtes; his Arcesius; and from Jove
+  “Arcesius came direct: nor in this line,
+  “E'er any exil'd or condemn'd appear'd.
+  “Cyllenius too, his noble lineage adds
+  “Through my maternal stock. Each parent boasts
+  “A god-descended race. Yet claim I not
+  “The arms contested, merely that I spring
+  “Maternally more noble; nor them claim
+  “That from a brother's blood my sire is free:
+  “By merits solely you the cause adjudge.
+  “These only none to Ajax, that his sire,
+  “And Peleus brethren were, e'er grant. The prize
+  “Desert, and not propinquity of blood,
+  “Should gain. If kindred, then the hero's heir
+  “Demands it: Peleus still survives, his sire;
+  “And Pyrrhus is his son. Where Ajax' right?
+  “To Phthia, or to Scyros be it borne.
+  “Nor less is Teucer cousin than himself;
+  “Yet does he ask, or does he hope the arms?
+  “But since the obvious contest is by deeds
+  “Perform'd, though mine outnumber far what words
+  “Can easy compass; yet will I relate
+  “In order some:--
+
+                “The Nereïd mother knew
+  “His future fate; her offspring's dress disguis'd;
+  “And all, ev'n Ajax, the fallacious robes
+  “Deceiv'd. With female wares I mingled arms,
+  “Which stir the martial soul. Nor had the youth
+  “Disrob'd him of his virgin dress, when grasp'd
+  “As in his hand the shield and lance he held,
+  “I cry'd'--O, goddess-born! reserv'd for thee
+  “Is Ilium's fate. The mighty Trojan walls
+  “Why to o'erthrow demur'st thou?--Him I seiz'd.
+  “Sent the brave youth, brave actions to atchieve:
+  “And all his actions as my own I claim.
+  “My spear then conquer'd Telephus in fight;
+  “And after heal'd the suppliant vanquish'd foe.
+  “Thebes low by me was laid. I, you must own,
+  “Lesbos, and Tenedos, and Scyros took;
+  “Chrysa, and Cylla, bright Apollo's towns.
+  “My arm Lyrnessus' walls shook, and laid low.
+  “But other deeds I well may pass: since I
+  “Gave to the host what dreadful Hector slew;
+  “By me renowned Hector fell. Those arms
+  “I claim, who gave those arms, which to the Greeks
+  “Achilles found. Living, those arms I gave;
+  “Him dead, those arms I gave, again demand.
+
+    “The wrongs of one through every Grecian breast
+  “Spread wide; a thousand ships th' Eubœan port
+  “Of Aulis fill'd. The long-expected gales
+  “Or came not, or blew adverse to the fleet.
+  “The rigid oracle Atrides bade
+  “His guiltless daughter sacrifice to calm
+  “Ruthless Diana. Stern the sire deny'd,
+  “And rag'd against the gods: the sovereign all
+  “Lost in the father. I with soothing words
+  “The parent's bosom mollify'd, and turn'd
+  “To thoughts of public good. Still, I confess,
+  “(And such confession will the king excuse;)
+  “An arduous cause I pleaded, where my judge
+  “Was by affection warp'd. The people's weal,
+  “His brother, and the lofty rank he held
+  “Mov'd him at length; and glory with his blood
+  “He bought. Then to the mother was I sent,
+  “Where reasoning had no force, but subtle craft.
+  “There had you sent the son of Telamon,
+  “Still had jour sails the needful breezes lack'd.
+  “Sent was I also to the Ilian towers,
+  “A daring envoy. Troy's fam'd court I saw;
+  “Troy's court I enter'd, then with heroes fill'd.
+  “There undismay'd, I pleaded all that Greece
+  “Bade for their common cause; Paris accus'd;
+  “Helen demanded, and the stolen spoil;
+  “And Priam and Antenor both convinc'd.
+  “But Paris, Paris' brethren, and the crowd
+  “Who aided in the rape, their impious hands
+  “Could scarce withhold. (Thou, Menelaüs, know'st,
+  “Who then with me the dawning of the war
+  “Didst prove in danger.) Long the tale, to speak
+  “Of all my deeds have done, the public cause
+  “To aid; since first the lengthen'd war began:
+  “By counsel or by valor. Wag'd the first
+  “Rough skirmish, long our foes within their walls
+  “Protected lay; no scope for open war:
+  “But in the tenth year now we fight again.
+  “In all that period what hast thou, who know'st
+  “But fighting, done? Where was thy service then?
+  “I, if my deeds thou seek'st, the foe betray'd
+  “By subtilty; girt us with trenches round;
+  “Inspirited our soldiers; made them bear,
+  “With mind unmurmuring, all the tedious war;
+  “Taught where to find the means to gain supplies
+  “Of food and arms; wherever need me call'd,
+  “There always was I sent. Lo! when the king,
+  “From Jove's deceptive dream, gave word to quit
+  “Th' unfinish'd war, he might the deed defend
+  “Through him who bade. But Ajax disapproves
+  “The flight; insists Troy shall in ruins lie,
+  “Asserts our power may do it! No! our troops
+  “Embarking, he not stay'd. Why seiz'd he not
+  “His arms? Why somewhat to the wavering crowd
+  “Said not, to fix? no weighty task to him
+  “Who ne'er harangues, except on mighty themes.
+  “Why? but that Ajax fled himself! I saw,
+  “But blush'd to see thee, when thy back thou turn'dst
+  “Hasting, thy coward sails to hoist; I spoke
+  “Instant--O fellow soldiers! whither now?
+  “What voice insane now urges you to leave
+  “Already-captur'd Troy? What will you bear
+  “Homeward, a lengthen'd ten years' shame besides?--
+  “With words like these back from the flying fleet
+  “I brought them; eloquence had sorrow's aid.
+
+    “Atrides call'd the council, all with dread
+  “Trembling were dumb; nor there dar'd Ajax gape:
+  “But there Thersites durst with galling words
+  “The king provoke; vengeance he met from me.
+  “I rose, our panic-stricken friends, once more
+  “Rous'd 'gainst the foe: I, by my words recall'd
+  “Departed valor. Hence, whoever boasts
+  “Since then of valiant deeds, those deeds are mine,
+  “Who back recall'd him, as he turn'd for flight.
+  “Last, tell me which of all the Greeks applauds,
+  “Or as a comrade seeks thee. All his acts
+  “With me Tydides shares, allows me praise:
+  “Ulysses still his confidential friend.
+  “Sure from such thousands of the Argive ranks
+  “By Diomed' selected, I may boast.
+  “Nor lot me bade to go, when void of fear,
+  “Through double danger of the foe and night,
+  “I went; and Phrygian Dolon slew, who dar'd
+  “On our adventure come; but slew him not
+  “Till made to utter all; the wiles betray
+  “Perfidious Troy intended. All I learnt;
+  “Nor ought for further search remain'd. Now I,
+  “The camp with fame sufficient might have gain'd;
+  “But not content, for Rhesus' tents I push;
+  “Him, and his guard surrounding, in his camp
+  “I slay. Victorious so, possess'd of all
+  “My hopes design'd, the car I mount, and proud
+  “A glad triumpher ride. Now me deny
+  “The arms of him, whose steeds the spy had hop'd
+  “Meed of his bold excursion. Ajax say
+  “More worthy. Why Sarpedon's Lycian troop
+  “Vanquish'd, should I with boastful tongue relate?
+  “I vanquish'd Ceranos, Iphitus' son;
+  “Alastor, Chromius, and Alcander stout;
+  “Halius, Noëmon, Prytanis, with crowds
+  “Slaughter'd beside. Thoön to hell I sent,
+  “Chersidamas, and Charops; and to fates
+  “Unpitying, Ennomus dispatch'd: with these
+  “Beneath yon' walls whole heaps of meaner rank
+  “This hand has slain. And, fellow soldiers, lo!
+  “My wounds are honorable all in place:
+  “Believe not empty words, yourselves behold.�--
+  Then stript his robe, exclaiming--“Here the breast
+  “Still for your good employ'd. No drop of blood
+  “Has Ajax shed since first our host he join'd:
+  “In all these years, his body still remains
+  “Unwounded. Yet on this why should I dwell,
+  “If he must boast, that for the Argive fleet
+  “He fought alone 'gainst Jupiter and Troy?
+  “He fought, I grant it; no malignant spite
+  “Shall move detraction from his valiant deeds.
+  “But let him not the common rites of more
+  “Monopolize; let him to each allow
+  “The honor which they claim. Patroclus, fear'd
+  “In great Pelides' semblance, backward drove
+  “All Troy and Troy's protector from the ships,
+  “Then burning. Next his vanity would boast
+  “He only in the field of Mars durst strive
+  “With Hector; of the king, the chiefs, and me
+  “Forgetful; in the list the ninth alone,
+  “Solely by lot preferr'd. Yet, warrior brave,
+  “What was the issue of this daring fight?
+  “Hector unwounded left you. Mournful theme!
+  “With what deep sorrow I the time recal,
+  “When, bulwark of the Greeks, Achilles fell!
+  “Nor tears, vain lamentations, nor pale fear
+  “Me check'd; the prostrate body from the ground
+  “I rais'd. Upon those shoulders--yes, I swear,
+  “These very shoulders, I Pelides bore,
+  “With all his arms. The arms I now require.
+  “Strength I must have to bear with such a load:
+  “As sure your votes will meet a grateful mind.
+  “Was it because the bright celestial gift
+  “Might clothe the limbs of one without a soul,
+  “Stupidly dull, that all her anxious care
+  “The green-hair'd mother on her son employ'd;
+  “Arms wrought with art so great? Knows he the least
+  “The shield's engravings? Ocean, or the land:
+  “The lofty sky; the planets; Pleiäds bright;
+  “Hyäds; the bear, ne'er plung'd beneath the main;
+  “Orion's glittering sword, or various towns?
+  “Arms he demands he cannot understand.
+  “But how asserts he I the toils of war
+  “Evaded; joining late the fighting host,
+  “Nor sees he scandalizes too the fame
+  “Of great Pelides? If indeed a crime
+  “Dissembling must be call'd,--dissembled both.
+  “If faulty all delay, the first I came.
+  “A tender wife me kept; a tender tie,
+  “A mother, kept Achilles. Our life's spring
+  “To them was given, the rest reserv'd for you.
+  “Nor should I fear, even were this crime, I share
+  “With such a man, of all defence deny'd.
+  “Yet his disguise Ulysses' cunning found:
+  “Ajax ne'er found Ulysses. Needs surprize
+  “To hear th' abusing of his booby tongue,
+  “When with like guilt he stigmatizes you?
+  “Shames most that I this Palamedes brought,
+  “Falsely accus'd your sentence to receive,
+  “Or that you doom'd him so accus'd to die?
+  “But Nauplius' son not ev'n defence could urge,
+  “So plain his crime appear'd; nor did you trust
+  “The accusation heard: obvious you saw
+  “The bribe for which you doom'd him. Nor of blame
+  “Deserve I ought, that Philoctetes stays
+  “In Vulcan's Lemnos. You the deed excuse:
+  “All to the deed assented. Yet my voice,
+  “Persuasive, will I not deny, I us'd;
+  “That spar'd from travel, and from war's fatigue,
+  “In rest he might his cruel pains assuage:
+  “He lik'd my words, and lives. My counsel here
+  “Not merely faithful (though our faith the whole
+  “Our promise can insure) but happy prov'd.
+  “His presence since the seers prophetic ask
+  “T' atchieve the fall of Troy, dispatch not me;
+  “Ajax will better go, will better soothe
+  “With eloquence of tongue, a man who burns
+  “With raging choler, and with smarting pains:
+  “Or with some stratagem him thence allure.
+  “But Simoïs' stream shall sooner backward flow;
+  “Ida unwooded stand: Achaïa aid
+  “The Trojan power, than Ajax' stupid soul
+  “Shall help the Greeks, when first my anxious mind
+  “Striving to aid you, has been found to fail.
+  “O, stubborn Philoctetes! though enrag'd
+  “Against thy comrades, 'gainst the king, and me;
+  “Though thou may'st curse me, and my head devote
+  “Through endless days; though in thy grief thou ask'st
+  “To meet me, and to glut thee with my blood,
+  “Still will I try thee, and if fortune smiles,
+  “So will I gain thy arrows, as I gain'd
+  “The Trojan prophet, whom I captive made;
+  “As I the oracles of heaven laid ope;
+  “And all the fate of Troy: as from its room
+  “Close-hidden, I the form of Pallas brought,
+  “The charm of Troy, through ranks of hostile foes.
+  “Mates Ajax here with me? Fate had deny'd
+  “Of Troy the capture till that prize obtain'd.
+  “Where then the mighty Ajax? Where the boasts
+  “Of this brave hero? Why this risk evade?
+  “Why dar'd Ulysses through the watchful guards
+  “Steal 'mid the darkling night? and find his way,
+  “Not merely past the Trojan walls, but high
+  “Through raging swords their loftiest turrets scale;
+  “Bear off the goddess from her sacred fane,
+  “And with the prize again repass the foe?
+  “This deed not done, Ajax had bore in vain
+  “On his huge arm the sevenfold oxen hide.
+  “From that night's deeds I Ilium's conquest share.
+  “Then Troy I conquer'd, when the fact was done,
+  “Which made Troy vincible. Cease thou to mark
+  “With looks and mutterings Diomed' my friend;
+  “His share in all was glorious. Nor wast thou
+  “Single, when with thy buckler thou didst guard
+  “The general fleet; crowds aided, I was one.
+  “He, but he knows too well that less esteem
+  “Valor demands than wisdom; that the prize,
+  “A mere unconquer'd arm not justly claims,
+  “Had also sought: thy milder namesake too;
+  “Or fierce Eurypilus; or Thoas, son
+  “Of bold Andræmon. Equal right to hope,
+  “Idomeneus, Meriones, might boast,
+  “Each Cretan born; and who the sovereign king
+  “His brother claims; but all their valorous breasts
+  “(Nor does their martial prowess stoop to thine)
+  “Yield to my wisdom. In the fight thy arm
+  “Is mighty; prudence boast I, which that arm
+  “Directs. To thee a force immense is given,
+  “Without a brain; foresight is given to me.
+  “Well, thou canst wage the war; the time that war
+  “To wage, Atrides oft with me resolves.
+  “Thou aidest with thy body, I with mind:
+  “And as the guider of the ship transcends
+  “Him who but plies the oar: as soars above
+  “The soldier, he who leads him, so must I
+  “Thee far surpass; for far the mental powers
+  “In me surpass the merits of my arm:
+  “In mind my vigor lies. Ye nobles, speak;
+  “Give to your watchful guardian this reward,
+  “For the long annual care with anxious mind
+  “He gave you. This reward at length bestow,
+  “To his deserts but due: his labor done.
+  “Th' obstructing destinies by me remov'd,
+  “High Troy by me is captur'd; since by me
+  “The means high Troy to overthrow are given.
+  “Now beg I by our hopes conjoin'd; the walls
+  “Of Troy already tottering; by the gods
+  “Gain'd from the foe so lately; by what more
+  “Through wisdom may be done, if aught remains;
+  “Or aught of boldness, which through peril sought,
+  “Wanting, you still may deem to fill Troy's fate.
+  “If mindful of my merits you would rest,
+  “The arms award to this, if not to me:�
+  And pointed to Minerva's fateful form.
+
+    Mov'd were the band of nobles. Plainly shewn
+  What eloquence could do:--persuasion gain'd
+  The valiant warrior's arms. Then he who stood
+  'Gainst steel, and fire, and the whole force of Jove,
+  So oft, his own vexation now o'ercame:
+  Grief conquer'd his unconquerable soul.
+  He seiz'd his sword,--“And surely this�--he cry'd--
+  “Still is my own! or claims Ulysses this?
+  “Against myself this steel must now be us'd:
+  “This stain'd so oft with Phrygian blood, be stain'd
+  “With his who owns it; lest another hand
+  “Than Ajax' own should Ajax overcome.�--
+  No more; but where his breast unguarded lay,
+  Pervious at length to wounds, his deadly blade
+  He plung'd, nor could his hand the blade withdraw;
+  The gushing blood expell'd it. Straight there sprung
+  Through the green turf, form'd by the blood-soak'd earth,
+  A purple flower, like that which sprung before
+  From Hyäcinthus' wound. Amid the leaves
+  Of each the self-same letters are inscrib'd;
+  The boy's complainings, and the hero's name.
+
+    Victorious Ithacus his sails unfurls,
+  To seek the land Hypsipylé once rul'd,
+  And Thoäs fam'd. An isle of old disgrac'd
+  By slaughter of its males, to bring the darts,
+  The weapons of Tyrinthius. These obtain'd
+  To Greece, and with their owner brought, at length
+  The furious war was finish'd. Priam falls
+  With Troy; and Priam's more unhappy spouse,
+  To crown her losses, loses human shape;
+  With new-heard barkings shaking foreign climes.
+  Where the long Hellespont's contracted bounds
+  Are seen, Troy blaz'd: nor yet the fires were quench'd.
+  The scanty drops of blood Jove's altar soak'd,
+  Which flow'd from aged Priam. By her locks
+  Dragg'd on, Apollo's priestess vainly stretch'd
+  To lofty heaven her arms. The victor Greeks
+  Tear off the Trojan mothers as they clasp
+  Their country's imag'd gods; and as they cling
+  To flaming temples--an invidious prey.
+  Astyänax is from those turrets flung,
+  Whence erst he wont to view his sire, whose arm
+  Him guarding, and his ancestorial realm
+  In fight, his mother shew'd. And Boreas now
+  Departure urg'd. Swol'n by a favoring breeze
+  The rattling canvas warn'd the sailor crew.
+  “O, Troy! farewel!�--The Trojan matrons cry--
+  “Hence are we borne.�--They kiss their natal soil;
+  And leave the smoking ruins of their domes.
+  Last--mournful object! Hecuba, descry'd
+  Amid her children's graves, the bark ascends.
+  Ulysses' hand her dragg'd, as close she grasp'd
+  Their tombs, and kiss'd their bones which still remain'd.
+  Yet snatch'd she hastily, and bore away
+  Of Hector's ashes some, and in her breast
+  Hugg'd them; and on the top of Hector's tomb
+  Left her grey hairs; her hairs, and flowing tears.
+  Oblation fruitless to his last remains.
+
+    Oppos'd to Phrygia, where Troy once was seen,
+  A country stands, where live Bistonia's race:
+  Where Polymnestor, wealthy monarch, rul'd,
+  To whom, O, Polydore! thy cautious sire
+  Thee sent; from Iliüm's battles far remov'd,
+  For safe protection. Wisdom sway'd the king;
+  Save that he sent him store of treasure too,
+  Reward of wickedness; and tempting much
+  His greedy soul. Soon as Troy's fortune sank,
+  Impious the Thracian monarch plung'd his sword
+  In his young charge's throat: as if his crime
+  And body from his sight at once 'twere given
+  To move, he flung him in the dashing main.
+
+    Now on the Thracian coast, Atrides moor'd
+  His fleet, till placid were the waves again,
+  And favoring more, the winds. Achilles here,
+  Out from the earth, by sudden rupture rent,
+  Appear'd in 'semblance of his living form:
+  Threatening his brow appear'd, as when so fierce
+  He Agamemnon with rebellious sword
+  Sought to assail.--“Depart ye then, O, Greeks!�
+  He cry'd--“of me unmindful? Is the fame
+  “Of all my yaliant acts with me interr'd?
+  “Treat me not thus. That honors due my tomb
+  “May want not, let Polyxena be given
+  “In sacrifice to soothe Achilles' ghost.�
+  He said; his fellows with the ruthless shade
+  Complying, from the mother's bosom tore
+  Her whom she sole had left to cherish. Brave
+  Than female more, the hapless maid was led
+  To the dire tomb in sacrificial pomp.
+  She, of her state still mindful, when before
+  The cruel altar brought; when all prepar'd
+  The savage-urg'd oblation of herself
+  She saw; and Neoptolemus beheld
+  There stand, the steel there grasping; on his face
+  Her eyes firm-fixing, spoke.--“My noble blood
+  “This instant spill. Delay not--plunge thy blade
+  “Or in my throat, or bosom;�--and her throat
+  And bosom, as she spoke she bar'd--“for ne'er
+  “Polyxena, a slavish life had borne.
+  “Yet grateful is this victim to no god!
+  “My only wish, that from my mother dear
+  “May be my death conceal'd: my mother clogs
+  “My final passage; damps the joys of death.
+  “Yet should she wail my death not, but my life.
+  “But distant stand ye all, that to the shades
+  “Inviolate I sink; if what I ask
+  “Be just, let every hand of man avoid
+  “A virgin's touch. Whoe'er your steel prepares
+  “To move propitiatory with my blood,
+  “A victim quite untainted best must please.
+  “And should the final accents that I speak,
+  “(King Priam's daughter, not a captive sues)
+  “My corse unransom'd to my mother give.
+  “Let her not buy the sad sepulchral rites
+  “With gold, but tears. Yet time has been, with gold
+  “I might have been redeem'd.�--The princess ceas'd,
+  And save her own no cheek unwet was seen.
+  And ev'n the priest reluctant, and in tears,
+  Op'd by a sudden plunge the offer'd breast.
+  She, to earth sinking, 'neath her tottering limbs,
+  Wore to the last a face unmov'd; ev'n then
+  Her final care was in her fall to veil
+  Limbs that a veil demanded, as she sank;
+  And decent pride of modesty preserve.
+
+    The Trojan dames receive her, and recount
+  The woes of Priam's house, the streams of blood
+  That single stock has spent. Thee too, O, maid!
+  They weep; and thee, a royal spouse so late,
+  And royal parent stil'd; pride of the realm
+  Of glorious Asia; now a mournful lot
+  Amid the spoil; whom Ithacus would scorn
+  To own, great Hector hadst thou not brought forth:
+  The name of Hector scarce a master finds,
+  To claim his mother. She, the lifeless trunk
+  Embracing, which had held a soul so brave,
+  Tears pour'd; tears often had she pour'd before,
+  For country, husband, children--now for her
+  Those tears gush'd in the wound; lips press'd to lips;
+  And beat that breast which oft with grievous blows
+  Was punish'd. Sweeping 'mid the clotted blood
+  Her silver'd tresses; all these plaints, and more
+  She utter'd, as she still her bosom rent.
+
+    “My child, thy mother's last afflicting grief
+  “(For who is spar'd me?) low, my child, thou ly'st;
+  “And in thy wound, I all my wounds behold.
+  “Yes, lest a single remnant of my race
+  “Unslaughter'd should expire, thou too must bleed.
+  “A female, thee, safe from the sword I thought:
+  “A female, thee the sword has stretch'd in death.
+  “The same Achilles, ruiner of Troy,
+  “Bereaver of my offspring, all destroy'd,--
+  “Yes, all thy brethren, he, now murders thee!
+  “Yet when by Paris' and Apollo's darts
+  “He fell,--now, surely,--said I,--now no more
+  “Pelides need be dreaded! Yet ev'n now,
+  “Dreadful to me he proves. Inurned, rage
+  “His ashes 'gainst our hapless race; we feel
+  “Ev'n in his grave the anger of this foe.
+  “I fruitful only for Pelides prov'd.
+  “Low lies proud Iliüm, and the public woe,
+  “The heavy ruin ends: if ended yet:
+  “For Troy to me still stands; my sufferings still
+  “Roll endless on. I, late in power so high,
+  “Great in my children, in my husband great,
+  “Am now dragg'd forth in poverty; exil'd
+  “From all my children's tombs; a gift to please
+  “Penelopé; who, while my daily task
+  “She gives to Ithaca's proud dames, will taunt,
+  “And cry;--of Hector, the fam'd mother see!
+  “Lo! Priam's spouse!--And thou who sole wast spar'd
+  “To soothe maternal pangs, so many lost,
+  “Now bleed'st, atonement to an hostile shade:
+  “And funeral victims has my womb produc'd
+  “T' appease a foe. Why holds this stubborn heart?
+  “Why still delay I? What to me avails
+  “This loath'd, this long-protracted life? Why spin,
+  “O, cruel deities! the lengthen'd thread
+  “Of an old wretch, save that she yet may see
+  “More deaths? Who e'er could Priam happy deem,
+  “Iliüm o'erthrown? Yet happy was his death,
+  “Thy sacrifice, my daughter! not to see;
+  “At once of life and realm bereft. Yet sure
+  “O, royal maid! funereal rites await
+  “Thy last remains; thy corse will be inhum'd
+  “In ancestorial sepulchres. Ah, no!
+  “Such fortune smiles not on our house; the tears
+  “A mother can bestow, are all thy gifts;
+  “Sprinkled with foreign dust. All have I lost.
+  “Of the whole stock I could as parent boast,
+  “To tempt me now still longer to sustain
+  “This life, my Polydore alone is left;
+  “Once least of all my manly sons, erst given
+  “To Thracia's monarch's care, upon these shores.
+  “But why delay to cleanse that ghastly wound
+  “With water, and that face, with spouting blood
+  “Besmear'd.�--She ceas'd, and bent her tottering steps,
+  With torn and scatter'd locks down to the shore.
+  And as the hapless wretch--“O, Trojans!�--cry'd,
+  “An urn supply to draw the liquid waves;�--
+  The corse of Polydore, flung on the beach
+  She saw, pierc'd deep with wounds of Thracian steel.
+  Loud shriek'd the Trojan matrons; she by grief
+  Dumb-stricken stood. Affliction keen suppress'd
+  Her rising moans, and ready-springing tears:
+  Stupid, and like a rigid stone she stood.
+  Now on the earth her eyes are fixt; and now
+  To heaven her furious countenance she lifts:
+  Now dwells she on his face, now on the wounds
+  Her son receiv'd, and on the wounds the most:
+  And now her bosom with collected rage
+  Furiously burning, all on vengeance fierce
+  Her soul is bent, as still in power a queen.
+  As storms a lioness robb'd of her cub,
+  The track pursuing of her flying foe,
+  Whom yet she sees not: rage and grief were mixt
+  Just so in Hecuba; of her old years
+  Regardless, mindful of her ire alone.
+  She Polymnestor seeks, of the dire deed
+  The perpetrator, and his ear demands--
+  That more of gold, intended for her boy,
+  Her wish was to disclose. The Thracian king
+  Heard credulous; lur'd by his wonted love
+  Of gain, with her withdrew, and wily thus;
+  With coaxing words;--“quick, Hecuba!�--exclaim'd,
+  “Give for thy son the treasure. By the gods!
+  “I swear, all shall be his; what more thou giv'st,
+  “And what thou gav'st before.�--Him, speaking so,
+  And falsely swearing, savagely she view'd,
+  And her fierce bosom swell'd with double rage.
+  Then instant on him, by the captive dames
+  Fast held, she flies; in his perfidious face
+  Digs deep; her fingers (rage all strength supply'd)
+  Tear from their orbs his eyes; bury'd her hands,
+  Streaming with blood, where once the eyes had been;
+  Widening the wounds, for eyes no more remain'd.
+
+    Fir'd at their monarch's fate the Thracian crowd
+  With stones and darts t'attack the queen began.
+  The queen with harsher voice, as they pursue,
+  Bites at th' assailing stones, and, trying words,
+  Barkings her jaws produce. The place remains
+  Nam'd from the change. She, of her ancient woes
+  Long mindful, grieving still, Sithonia's fields
+  With howlings fill'd. Her fate with pity mov'd
+  Her fellow Trojans; and the hostile Greeks;
+  Nay, all the gods above; and all deny,
+  (Ev'n she, the sister-wife of mighty Jove)
+  That Hecuba so harsh a lot deserv'd.
+
+    Nor leisure now Aurora had to mourn
+  (Though strong their cause she favor'd) the sad fall,
+  And mournful fate of Hecuba, and Troy.
+  A nearer case, a more domestic woe,
+  The loss of Memnon, wrung the goddess' breast:
+  Whom on the Phrygian plains the mother saw
+  Beneath the weapon of Achilles sink.
+  She saw--that color which the blushing morn
+  Displays, grew pale, and heaven with clouds was hid.
+  Still could the parent not support the sight,
+  Plac'd on the funeral pyre his limbs, but straight
+  With locks dishevell'd, not disdain'd to sue
+  Prostrate before the knees of mighty Jove.
+  These words her tears assisting.--“Meanest I,
+  “Of those the golden heaven supports; to me
+  “The fewest temples through earth's space are rais'd:
+  “Yet still a goddess sues. Not to demand
+  “Temples, nor festal days, nor altars warm'd
+  “With blazing fires; yet if you but behold
+  “What I, a female, for you all atchieve,
+  “Bounding night's confines with new-springing light,
+  “Such boons you might consider but my due.
+  “But these are not my care. Aurora's mind
+  “Not now e'en honors merited demands.
+  “I come, my Memnon lost, who bravely fought,
+  “But vainly, in his uncle Priam's cause:
+  “And in his prime of youth (so will'd your fates)
+  “Fell by the stout Achilles. Lord supreme!
+  “Of all the deities, grant, I beseech
+  “To him some honor, solace of his death;
+  “Allay the smarting of a mother's wounds.�
+
+    Jove nodded, round the lofty funeral pile
+  Of Memnon, rose th' aspiring flames; black clouds
+  Of smoke the day obscur'd. So streams exhale
+  The rising mists which Phœbus' rays conceal.
+  Mount the black ashes, and conglob'd in one
+  They thicken in a body, and a shape
+  That body takes, and heat and light receives
+  From the bright flames. Its lightness gave it wings:
+  Much like a bird at first, and soon indeed
+  A bird, its pinions sounded. And a crowd
+  Of sister birds, their pinions sounded too;
+  Their origin the same. Thrice they surround
+  The pile, and thrice with noisy clang the air
+  Resounds; the fourth time all the troop divide:
+  Then two and two, they furious wage the war
+  On either side; fierce with their crooked claws
+  And beaks, they pounce their adversary's breast,
+  And tire his wings. Each kindred body falls
+  An offering to the ashes of the dead,
+  And prove their offspring from a valiant man.
+  These birds of sudden origin receive
+  Their name, Memnonides, from him whose limbs
+  Produc'd them. Oft as Sol through all his signs
+  Has run, the battle they renew again,
+  To perish at their parent-warrior's tomb.
+  Thus, while all others Dymas' daughter weep
+  In howling shape, Aurora still on griefs
+  Her own sad brooding, her maternal tears
+  Sprinkles in dew o'er all th' extent of earth.
+
+    Yet fate doom'd not with Iliüm's towers the fall
+  Of Iliüm's hopes. The Cythereän prince
+  Bore off his gods; and on his shoulders bore
+  A no less sacred, venerable load,
+  His sire. Of all his riches these preferr'd.
+  The pious hero, with his youthful son
+  Ascanius, from Antandros, o'er the main
+  Borne in the flying fleet, leaves far the shore
+  Of savage Thrace, still moisten'd with the blood
+  Of Polydore, and enters Phœbus' port;
+  Aided by currents, and by gentle gales,
+  With all his social crew. Anius receives
+  The exile, in his temple,--in his dome;
+  Where o'er the land he monarch rul'd; and where,
+  As Phœbus' priest, he tended due his rites:
+  The city, and the votive temples shew'd,
+  And shew'd two trees, once by Latona grasp'd
+  In bearing throes. The incense in the flames
+  Distributed, wine o'er the incense thrown,
+  The entrails of the offer'd bulls consum'd
+  As wont; the regal roof approach they all;
+  And high on tapestry reclin'd, partake
+  Of Ceres' gift, and Bacchus' flowing boon.
+  Then good Anchises, thus--“O chosen priest
+  “Of Phœbus! was I then deceiv'd? methought,
+  “As far as memory aids me to recal,
+  “When first mine eyes these lofty walls beheld,
+  “That twice two daughters, and a son were thine.�
+  Old Anius shook his head, begirt around
+  With snowy fillets, as in grief, he said:--
+  “No, mighty hero! not deceiv'd art thou,
+  “Me hast thou seen of five the parent; now
+  “Thou well-nigh childless see'st me: (such to man
+  “The varying change of sublunary things)
+  “For, ah! what can an absent son bestow
+  “To aid me, who, in Andros' isle now dwells,
+  “Where for his sire the realm and state he holds?
+  “Delius on him prophetic art bestow'd;
+  “And Bacchus, to my female offspring, gave
+  “A boon beyond all credit, and their hopes.
+  “For all whate'er, which felt my daughters' touch
+  “To corn, and wine, and olives, was transformed:
+  “A mighty treasure in themselves they held.
+  “But Agamemnon, Troy's destroyer learn'd
+  “This gift (think not but that your overthrow
+  “In some respect we shar'd,) by ruthless force,
+  “Tore them unwilling from their parent's arms;
+  “And stern commanded that the heavenly gift
+  “Should feed the Grecian fleet. Each as she can
+  “Escapes. Eubœä two attain, and two
+  “Fraternal Andros seek. The troops pursue
+  “And threaten warfare, if withheld the maids.
+  “Fraternal love was vanquish'd in his breast
+  “By fear, (that thou this terror mayst excuse,
+  “Reflect, Æneäs was not there, nor there
+  “Was Hector, Andros to defend, whose arms
+  “To the tenth year made Iliüm stand.) And now
+  “Chains were prepar'd their captive arms to bind.
+  “While yet unchain'd, those arms to heaven they rais'd,
+  “O father Bacchus!--crying--grant thy aid.--
+  “And aid the author of the gift bestow'd:
+  “If them to lose by an unheard-of mode
+  “Be aid bestowing. Then could I not know,
+  “Nor now relate the order of the change
+  “Which lost their shapes; the summit of my grief
+  “I know; with plumage were they cloth'd; transform'd
+  “To snowy doves, thy spouse's favor'd bird.�
+
+    With these, and tales like these, the feast was clos'd:
+  The board remov'd, all sought repose. With day
+  Arising, all Apollo's shrine attend;
+  Who bids that they their ancient mother seek,
+  And kindred shores. The king attends them, gives
+  His presents as they go. Anchises holds
+  A sceptre, while a quiver and a robe
+  Ascanius boasts; Æneäs holds a cup,
+  Erst from BϚtia's shores to Anius sent,
+  By Theban Therses. Therses sent the gift;
+  Sicilian Alcon form'd it, and engrav'd
+  A copious tale around. A town was there,
+  And seven wide gates appear'd: for name were these,
+  What town it was displaying. All without
+  Its walls were funeral trains, and tombs beheld;
+  And fires; and piles; and matrons, whose bare breasts,
+  And locks dishevell'd, shew'd their mournful woe.
+  Weeping the nymphs appear'd, and seem'd to wail
+  Their arid streams; the leafless trees were hard;
+  The goats were browsing on the naked rocks:
+  And, lo! amid the Theban town was seen
+  Orion's daughters: this her naked throat
+  Offering, with more than female courage; that
+  On the sharp weapon's point forth leaning, dy'd,
+  To save the people: round the town are borne
+  Their pompous funerals, they in splendor burn.
+  Then, lest the race should perish, spring two youths
+  From out their virgin ashes; which by fame
+  Are call'd Coronæ, and the pomp attend,
+  When their maternal ashes are interr'd.
+
+    Thus far the images on ancient brass
+  Were grav'n; the bordering summit of the cup
+  In gold acanthus rough appear'd. Nor gave
+  The Trojans gifts less worthy than they took.
+  To hold his incense, they a vase present
+  The royal priest; a goblet, and a crown,
+  Shining with gold, and bright with sparkling gems.
+
+    Thence, mindful that the Trojan race first sprung
+  From Teucer's blood, tow'rd Crete their course they bend:
+  But long Jove's native clime they could not bear.
+  The hundred-city'd isle now left behind,
+  Ausonia's port they hope to gain. Rough swell
+  The wintry storms, and toss them on the main;
+  And in the port of faithless Strophades
+  Receiv'd, the wing'd Aëllo scares them far.
+  Now had they sail'd beyond Dulichium's bay;
+  Samos; and Ithaca, Neritus' soil;
+  The realms Ulysses, so perfidious, sway'd:
+  And saw Ambracia, for the strife of gods
+  Renown'd, and stone to which the judge was chang'd;
+  Now as Apollo's Actium far more fam'd:
+  And saw Dodona's land with vocal groves;
+  And deep Chaonia's bay, where vain-urg'd flames
+  Molossus' sons, on new-sprung pinions 'scap'd.
+  Phæäcia's neighbouring country, planted thick
+  With grateful apples, now they reach; from thence
+  Epirus and Buthrotus, by the seer
+  Of Iliüm govern'd, image true of Troy.
+  Thence of the future certain, full of faith,
+  In all that Helenus of fate them told,
+  Sicilia's isle they enter, which extends
+  Midst of the waves its promontories three.
+  Pachymos, tow'rd the showery south is plac'd;
+  And Zephyr soft on Lilybæum blows:
+  But 'gainst the Arctic bear that shuns the sea,
+  And Boreas' rugged storms, Pelorus looks.
+  By this the Trojans steer; urg'd by their oars,
+  And favoring tide, by night on Zanclé's beach
+  The fleet is moor'd. Here Scylla on the right;
+  Charybdis, restless, on the left alarms.
+  This sucks the destin'd ships beneath the waves,
+  And whirls them up again: fierce dogs surround
+  The other's sable belly, while she bears
+  A virgin's face; and, if what poets tell
+  Be feign'd not all, she had a virgin been.
+
+    Her many wooers sought; these all repuls'd,
+  She join'd the ocean nymphs; by ocean's nymphs
+  Much favor'd was the maid; and told the loves
+  Of all the baffled youths. Her, while she gave
+  Her locks to comb, thus Galatea fair,
+  Bespoke, but first suppress'd a rising sigh.
+  “'Tis true, O maid! a gentle race thee seeks,
+  “Whom safely, as thou dost, thou may'st deny:
+  “But I, whose sire is Nereus; who was born
+  “Of blue-hair'd Doris; who am potent too
+  “In crowds of sisters, refuge only found
+  “From the fierce Cyclops' love, in my own waves.�
+  Tears chok'd her utterance here; which when the maid
+  Had wip'd with marble fingers, and had sooth'd
+  The goddess.--“Dearest Galatea! speak;
+  “Nor from thy friend this cause of grief conceal:
+  “Faithful am I to thee.� The goddess yields,
+  And to Cratæis' daughter, thus replies.
+
+    “From Faunus and the nymph Symethis sprung
+  “Acis, his sire's delight, his mother's pride;
+  “But far to me more dear. For me the youth,
+  “And me alone, lov'd warmly; twice eight years
+  “Had o'er him pass'd; when on his tender cheek
+  “A doubtful down appear'd. Him I desir'd,
+  “As ceaseless as the Cyclops sought for me.
+  “Nor should you ask, if in my bosom dwelt
+  “For him most hate, or most for Acis love,
+  “Could I inform you: equal both in force.
+  “O, gentle Venus! with what mighty power
+  “Thou sway'st; lo! he, the merciless, the dread
+  “Of his own woods; whom hapless guest ne'er saw
+  “With safety; spurner of the power of Jove,
+  “And all the host of heaven, what love is, feels!
+  “Seiz'd with desire of me he flames, forgets
+  “His flocks, and caverns. All thy anxious care
+  “Thy beauty, Polyphemus! to improve,
+  “And all thy anxious care is now to please.
+  “And now with rakes thou comb'st thy rugged hair;
+  “Now with a scythe thou mow'st thy bushy beard:
+  “Thy features to behold in the clear brook,
+  “And calm their fire employs thee. All his love
+  “Of slaughter; all his fierceness; all his thirst
+  “Cruel of blood, him leaves; and on the coast,
+  “Ships safely moor, and safe again depart.
+  “Meantime at Etna Telemus arriv'd,
+  “Of Eurymus the son, whom never bird
+  “Deceiv'd; he to dread Polyphemus came,
+  “And spoke:--Thee, of the single light thou bear'st
+  “Mid front, Ulysses will deprive.--Loud laugh'd
+  “The monster, saying;--Stupidest of seers,
+  “How much thou err'st!--already is it gone.--
+  “So spurns the truth the prophet told in vain.
+  “Then moving on along the shore, he sinks
+  “The sand with heavy steps, or tir'd returns
+  “To his dark caves. Far stretching in the main
+  “A wedge-like promontory rears its ridge
+  “Aloft; on either side the surging waves
+  “Foam on it. To its loftiest height ascends
+  “The Cyclops fierce; his station in the midst
+  “Assumes; his woolly flocks his steps pursue
+  “Unshepherded. He when the pine immense,
+  “Which serv'd him for a staff, though fit to serve
+  “For sailyard, low beneath his feet had thrown;
+  “And grasp'd the pipe, an hundred 'pacted reeds
+  “Compos'd; the pastoral whistling all around
+  “The hills confess'd, and all the waters nigh.
+  “I, hid beneath a rock, my head reclin'd
+  “On my dear Acis' bosom, heard these words--,
+  “And still the words are noted in my breast.--
+
+    “O, Galatea! brighter than the leaves
+  “Of snow-white lilies; fresher than the meads;
+  “More lofty far than towering alder trees;
+  “Than chrystal clearer; than the wanton kid
+  “More gay; than shells, by ocean's constant waves
+  “Smooth polish'd, smoother; dearer than the shade
+  “In summer's heat; than winter's sun more dear;
+  “More than the apple bright; and fairer far
+  “Than lofty planetrees; clearer than the frost;
+  “More beauteous than the ripen'd grape; more soft
+  “Than the swan's plumage; or the new-prest milk:
+  “And, but thou fly'st, more than the garden fine
+  “With water'd streamlets. Yet the same art thou,
+  “Wild Galatea, than the untam'd steer
+  “More fierce; more stubborn than the ancient oak;
+  “Than water more deceitful; slippery more
+  “Than bending willows, or the greenest vines;
+  “More stubborn than these rocks; than seas more rough;
+  “Than the prais'd peacock prouder; sharper far
+  “Than fire; and piercing more than thistles keen.
+  “More savage than a nursing bear; more deaf
+  “Than raging billows; than the trodden snake
+  “More pitiless; and, what I more than all
+  “Would wish thou wast not, fleeter than the deer,
+  “Chas'd by shrill hunters; fleeter than wing'd air,
+  “Or winds. If well thou knew'st me, much thou'dst grieve
+  “That e'er thou fled'st; thou'dst blame thy dull delay,
+  “And sue and labor to retain my love.
+  “Caverns I have, scoop'd in the living rock
+  “Beneath the mountain's side, where never sun
+  “In mid-day heat, nor winter's cold can come.
+  “My apples bend the branches; grapes are mine
+  “On the long vine-trees clustering; some like gold;
+  “Some of a purple teint; and these and those
+  “Will I preserve for thee. Thy own fair hands
+  “Shall gather strawberries soft, beneath the shade;
+  “Autumnal cornels; and the purple plumb,
+  “Dark with its juice, and that still nobler kind
+  “Like new-made wax in hue. Nor shalt thou lack
+  “The chesnut; nor the red arbutus' fruit:
+  “Be but my spouse. All trees shall thee supply.
+  “Mine are these flocks, and thousands more besides
+  “Which roam the vallies; thousands like the woods;
+  “And thousands shelter in the shady caves:
+  “Nor could I, should'st thou ask, their numbers tell.
+  “Poor he who counts his store. Believe not me
+  “When these I praise; before thine eyes behold
+  “How scarce their legs the swelling udder bear.
+  “Mine are the tender lambs, in the warm fold
+  “Secure; and mine are kids of equal age
+  “In folds apart. The whitest milk have I;
+  “But still for drink shall serve, and thicken'd, part
+  “Shall harden into cheese. Nor wilt thou find
+  “But cheap delights, and common vulgar gifts:
+  “For deer, and hares, and goats, thou shalt possess;
+  “Pigeons in pairs, and nests from mountains gain'd.
+  “Upon the hills, a shaggy bear's twin cubs
+  “I found; so like, no difference could be seen,
+  “With thee to play I found them: these, I said,
+  “These will I force my mistress to obey.
+  “O Galatea! raise thy lovely head
+  “Above the azure deep; come! only come;
+  “Nor scorn my gifts. Right well myself I know:
+  “I view'd me lately in the liquid stream;
+  “And much my image satisfy'd my view.
+  “Behold, how vast my bulk! Jove, in his heaven,
+  “(For of some Jove ye oft are wont to tell
+  “Who rules there) towers not in a mightier size.
+  “Thick bushy locks o'er my stern forehead hang,
+  “And like a forest down my shoulders spread.
+  “Nor deem my body, with hard bristles rough,
+  “Unseemly; most unsightly is the tree,
+  “Without a leaf; unsightly is the steed,
+  “Save on his neck the flowing mane is spread:
+  “Plumes clothe the feather'd race; and their own wool
+  “Becomes the sheep; so beards become mankind,
+  “And bushy bristles, o'er their limbs bespread.
+  “True in my forehead but one light is plac'd;
+  “But huge that light, and like a mighty shield
+  “In size. Yet does not Sol from heaven's high round
+  “All view? and Sol possesses lights no more.
+  “Remember too, my father o'er your realm
+  “Rules sovereign; I in him a sire-in-law
+  “Would give thee. Only pity me, I pray,
+  “And hear my suppliant vows. To thee alone
+  “I bend: and while I scorn your mighty Jove,
+  “His heaven, and piercing thunder, thee, O nymph!
+  “I fear: than fiercest lightnings dreading more
+  “Thy anger. Far more patient should I rest
+  “With this contempt, all didst thou thus contemn.
+  “But how, the Cyclops first repuls'd, dar'st thou
+  “This Acis love? this Acis dare prefer
+  “To my embraces? Yet may he himself
+  “Delight; nay let him Galatea please,
+  “If so it must be, though what most I'd spurn:
+  “Let but the scope be given, soon should he prove
+  “My strength is equal to my mighty bulk.
+  “Living his entrails would I tear, and spread
+  “His mangled members o'er the fields, and o'er
+  “Thy waters: let him mingle with thee so.
+  “For oh! I burn; more fierce my injur'd love
+  “Now rages: in ray breast I seem to bear
+  “All Etna and its fires. But all my pains
+  “Can nought, O Galatea! thee affect.--
+
+    “Thus with vain 'plainings (for the whole I saw)
+  “He rises, raging like a furious bull
+  “Robb'd of his heifer; paces restless round,
+  “And bounds along the forests and the coasts.
+  “When me and Acis, heedless of such fate,
+  “And unsuspecting, he beheld, and roar'd:--
+  “I see ye! but the period of your love
+  “Will I accomplish.--Loud his threats were heard,
+  “As all the Cyclops' power of voice could raise.
+  “All Etna trembled at the sound. In fright
+  “I plung'd for safety in the neighbouring waves;
+  “While fair Symethis' son for flight prepar'd;
+  “And--help me, Galatea!--he exclaim'd--
+  “Help me, O help! and ye, my parents, aid;
+  “And, perishing, receive me in your realm.--
+  “Close at his heels the Cyclops comes, and hurls
+  “A mighty fragment from a mountain rent;
+  “A corner only of the mighty rock
+  “Him reach'd: that corner Acis all o'erwhelm'd.
+  “But I, what fate alone would grant, perform'd,
+  “That Acis still his ancestorial race
+  “Should join: his purple gore flow'd from the rock;
+  “And soon the redness pal'd; it seem'd a stream
+  “Disturb'd by drenching showers; and soon this stream
+  “Was clear'd to limpid purity. The rock
+  “Gap'd wide, and living reeds sprung up erect,
+  “On either brink. Loud roars the pressing flood
+  “In the rock's hollow womb, and (wond'rous sight!)
+  “A youth, his new-form'd horns with reeds begirt,
+  “Sudden appear'd, 'mid waist above the waves;
+  “Who but in stature larger, and his skin
+  “Of azure teint, might Acis well be deem'd.
+  “Acis indeed it was, Acis transform'd
+  “To a clear stream which still his name retains.�
+
+    Here Galatea ceas'd, the listening choir
+  Dividing, all depart. The Nereïd train
+  Swim o'er the placid waves. Scylla returns;
+  Fearful to venture 'mid the boundless main,
+  And vestless roams along the soaking sand;
+  Or weary'd; finding some sequester'd pool,
+  Cools in the shelter'd waters her fair limbs.
+  Lo! Glaucus, lately of the mighty deep
+  An 'habitant receiv'd, his shape transform'd
+  Upon BϚtia's shores, cleaves through the waves;
+  And feels desire as he the nymph beholds.
+  All he can urge to stay her flight he tries;
+  Yet still she flies him, swifter from her fear.
+  She gains a mountain's summit, which the shore
+  O'erhung. High to the main the lofty ridge
+  An undivided sbrubless top presents,
+  Down shelving to the sea. In safety here
+  She stood; and, dubious monster he, or god,
+  Admir'd his color, and the locks which spread
+  Adown his shoulders, and his back below:
+  And that a wreathing fish's form should end
+  His figure from his groin. He saw her gaze;
+  And on a neighbouring rock his elbow lean'd,
+  As thus he spoke.--“No monstrous thing am I,
+  “Fair virgin! nor a savage of the sea;
+  “A watery god I am; nor on the main
+  “Has Proteus; Triton; or Palæmon, son
+  “Of Athamas, more power. Yet time has been
+  “When I was mortal, yet even then attach'd
+  “To the deep water, on the ocean I,
+  “Still joy'd to labor. Now the following shoal
+  “Of fishes in my net I dragg'd; and now,
+  “Plac'd on a rock, I with my flexile rod
+  “Guided the line. Bordering a verdant mead
+  “A bank there lies, the waves its circuit bound
+  “In part; in part the virid grass surrounds;
+  “A mead which ne'er the horned herd had cropp'd:
+  “Where ne'er the placid flock, nor hairy goats
+  “Had brows'd; nor bees industrious cull'd the flowers
+  “For sweets: no genial chaplets there were pluck'd
+  “To grace the head; nor had the mower's arm
+  “E'er spoil'd the crop. The first of mortals, I
+  “On the turf rested. As my nets I dry'd;
+  “And as my captur'd scaly prey to count,
+  “Upon the grass I spread,--whatever the net
+  “Escape prevented, and the hook had snar'd
+  “Through their own folly. (Like a fiction sounds
+  “The fact, but what avails to me to feign?)
+  “Soon as the grass they touch, my captiv'd prey
+  “Begin to move, and on their sides to turn;
+  “And ply their fins on earth as in the main.
+  “Then, while with wonder struck I pause, all fly
+  “The shore in heaps, and their new master quit,
+  “Their native waves regaining. I, surpriz'd,
+  “Long doubtful stand to guess the wond'rous cause.
+  “Whether some god, or but the grasses' juice
+  “Accomplish'd this. What herb--at last, I said--
+  “Can power like this possess?--and with my hand
+  “Pluck'd up, and with my teeth the herbage chew'd.
+  “Scarce had my throat th' untasted juice first try'd,
+  “When all my entrails sudden tremblings shook,
+  “And with a love of something yet unknown
+  “My breast was mov'd; nor could I longer keep
+  “My place.--O earth! where I shall ne'er return--
+  “Farewel! I cry'd,--and plung'd below the waves.
+  “Worthy the ocean deities me deem'd
+  “To join their social troop, and anxious pray'd
+  “To Tethys, and old Ocean, Tethys' spouse,
+  “To purge whate'er of mortal I retain'd.
+  “By them lustrated, and the potent song
+  “Nine times repeated, earthly taints to cleanse,
+  “They bade me 'neath an hundred gushing streams
+  “To place my bosom. No delay I seek;
+  “The floods from numerous fountains pour'd, the main
+  “O'erwhelm'd my head. Thus far what deeds were done
+  “My memory helps me to relate; thus far
+  “Alone can I remember; all the rest
+  “Dark to my memory seems. My sense restor'd,
+  “I found my body chang'd in every part;
+  “Nor was my mind the same. Then first I saw
+  “This beard of dingy green, and these long locks
+  “Which through the seas I sweep; these shoulders huge;
+  “Those azure arms and thighs in fish-like form
+  “Furnish'd with fins. But what avails this shape?
+  “What that by all the deities marine
+  “I dear am held? a deity myself?
+  “If all these honors cannot touch thy breast.�
+  These words he spoke, and more to speak prepar'd,
+  When Scylla left the god. Repuls'd, he griev'd
+  And sought Titanian Circé's monstrous court.
+
+
+
+
+*The Fourteenth Book.*
+
+
+    Scylla transformed to a monster by Circé through jealousy; and
+    ultimately to a rock. Continuation of Æneas' voyage. Dido.
+    Cercopians changed to apes. Descent of Æneas to hell. The Cumæan
+    Sybil. Adventures of Achæmenides with Polyphemus: and of Macareus
+    amongst the Lestrigonians. Enchantments of Circé. Story of the
+    transformation of Picus to a woodpecker; and of the nymph Canens
+    to air. The Latian wars. Misfortunes of Diomede. Agmon and others
+    changed to herons. Appulus to a wild olive. The Trojan ships
+    changed to sea-nymphs. The city Ardea to a bird. Deification of
+    Æneas. Latin kings. Vertumnus and Pomona. Story of Iphis and
+    Anaxareté. Wars with the Sabines. Apotheösis of Romulus; and of
+    his wife Hersilia.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fourteenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Now had Eubœan Glaucus, who could cleave
+  The surging sea, left Etna, o'er the breasts
+  Of giants thrown, and left the Cyclops' fields,
+  Unconscious of the plough's or harrow's use;
+  And unindebted to the oxen yok'd.
+  Zanclé he left, and its opposing shore
+  Where Rhegium's turrets tower; and the strait sea
+  For shipwreck fam'd, which by incroaching shores
+  Press'd narrow, forms the separating bound
+  Betwixt Ausonia's and Sicilia's land.
+  Thence glides he swift along the Tyrrhene coast,
+  By powerful arms impell'd, and gains the dome,
+  And herbag'd hills of Circé Phœbus sprung:
+  (The dome with forms of wildest beasts full cramm'd)
+  Whom, soon as greeting salutations pass'd,
+  He thus address'd:--“O powerful goddess! grant
+  “Thy pity to a god; and thou alone,
+  “If worth that aid thou deem'st me, canst afford
+  “Aid to my love. For, O Titanian maid!
+  “To none the power of plants is better known
+  “Than me, who by the power of plants was chang'd.
+  “But lest the object of my lore, to thee
+  “Unknown, be hid; I Scylla late beheld
+  “Upon th' Italian shore: Messenia's walls
+  “Opposing. Shame me hinders to relate
+  “What promises, what prayers, what coaxing words
+  “I us'd: my words all heard with proud contempt.
+  “Do thou with magic lips thy charms repeat,
+  “If power in charms abides: or if in herbs
+  “More force is found, then use the well-try'd strength
+  “Of herbs of power. I wish thee not to soothe
+  “My heart; I wish thee not these wounds to cure;
+  “Still may they last, let her such flames but feel.�
+
+    Then Circé spoke, (and she a mind possess'd
+  Most apt to flame with love, or in her frame
+  The stimulus was plac'd; or Venus, irk'd
+  At what her sire discover'd, caus'd the heat.)
+  “O, better far the willing nymph pursue
+  “Who would in wishes meet thee; wh'o is seiz'd
+  “With equal love: well worthy of the maid
+  “Thou wast; nay shouldst have been the first besought;
+  “And if but hope thou wilt afford, believe
+  “My words, thou shalt spontaneously be lov'd.
+  “Fear not, but on thy beauteous form depend;
+  “Lo! I, a goddess! of the splendid sun
+  “A daughter, who with powerful spells so much
+  “And herbs can do, to be thy consort sue.
+  “Spurn her who spurns thee; her who thee desires
+  “Desiring meet; and both at once avenge.�
+  But to her tempting speeches Glaucus thus
+  Reply'd--“The trees shall sooner in the waves
+  “Spring up, and sea-weed on the mountain's top,
+  “Than I, while Scylla lives, my love transfer.�
+  The goddess swol'n with anger, since his form
+  To harm 'twas given her not, and love deny'd,
+  Turn'd on her happier rival all her rage.
+  Irk'd at her slighted passion, straight she grinds
+  Herbs infamous, to gain their horrid juice;
+  And mixes all with Hecatéan spells.
+  Then clothes her in a sable robe, and forth
+  Through crouds of fawning savage beasts she goes,
+  From her gay palace. Rhegium's coast she seeks
+  O'erlooking Zanclé's rocks; and on the waves
+  With fury boiling, steps; o'er them she walks
+  As on a solid shore, and skims along
+  The ridgy billows with unwetted feet.
+
+    A little pool, bent in a gentle curve,
+  With peaceful surface oft did Scylla tempt;
+  And often thither she herself betook
+  To 'scape from ocean's, and from Phœbus' heat,
+  When high in noon-tide fierceness short the shade
+  Was from the head describ'd. Before she came
+  The goddess poison'd all the pool; she pour'd
+  Her potent juice, of monster-breeding power,
+  Prest from pernicious roots, within the waves;
+  And mutter'd thrice nine times with magic lips,
+  In sounds scarce audible, her well-known spells.
+  Here Scylla came, and waded to the waist;
+  And straight, with barking monsters she espies
+  Her womb deform'd: at first, of her own limbs
+  Not dreaming they are part, she from them flies;
+  And chides them thence, and fears their savage mouths.
+  But what she flies she with her drags; she looks
+  To find her thighs, and find her legs, and feet;
+  But for those limbs Cerberean jaws are found.
+  Furious the dogs still howl; on their fierce backs
+  Her shorten'd groin, and swelling belly rest.
+
+    The amorous Glaucus griev'd, and spurn'd the love
+  Of Circé, who so rancorously had us'd
+  The power of plants. Her station Scylla kept;
+  And soon as scope for vengeance she perceiv'd,
+  In hate to Circé, of his comrade crew
+  Depriv'd Ulysses. Next the Trojan fleet
+  Had she o'erwhelm'd; but ere they pass'd, transform'd
+  To stone, she tower'd aloft a flinty rock,
+  And still do mariners that rock avoid.
+
+    The Phrygian ships that danger 'scap'd, and 'scap'd
+  Charybdis fell, by oars propell'd; but now
+  Ausonia's shore well nigh attain'd, were driv'n
+  By adverse tempests to the Libyan coast.
+  Æneäs then the queen Sidonian took
+  Most welcome to her bosom, and her dome;
+  Nor bore her Phrygian spouse's sudden flight,
+  With calm indifference: on a lofty pile
+  Rear'd for pretended sacred rites, she stood,
+  And on the sword's point fell; herself deceiv'd,
+  She all around outwitted. Flying far
+  The new-rais'd city of the sandy plains
+  To Eryx' country was he borne; where liv'd
+  Acestes faithful: here he sacrific'd,
+  And gave due honors to his father's tomb.
+  Then loos'd his ships for sea, well nigh in flames
+  By Juno's Iris: all th' Æoliän realm;
+  The islands blazing with sulphuric fire;
+  And rocks of Acheloüs' siren nymphs,
+  He left. The vessel now, of him who rul'd
+  The helm, bereft, along Ænaria's shore;
+  And Prochytas; and Pithecusa, plac'd
+  Upon a sterile hill, its name deriv'd
+  From those who dwelt there, coasted. Erst the sire
+  Of gods, detesting perjuries and fraud,
+  Which that deceitful race so much employ'd,
+  Chang'd to an animal deform'd their shapes;
+  Where still a likeness and unlikeness seems
+  To man. Their every limb contracted small;
+  Their turn'd-up noses flatten'd from the brow;
+  And ancient furrows plough'd adown their cheeks.
+  Then sent them, all their bodies cover'd o'er
+  With yellow hairs, this district to possess.
+  Yet sent them not till of the power of speech
+  Depriv'd; and tongue for direst falsehoods us'd:
+  But left their chattering jaws the power to 'plain.
+  These past, and left Parthenopé's high towers
+  To right; and musical Misenus' tomb,
+  And Cuma's shores to left; spots cover'd thick
+  With marshy reeds, he enters in the cave
+  Where dwelt the ancient Sybil; and in treats
+  That through Avernus' darkness he may pass,
+  His father's shade to seek. Then she, her eyes,
+  Long firmly fixt on earth, uprais'd; and next,
+  Fill'd with the god, in furious raving spoke.
+
+    “Much dost thou ask, O man of mighty deeds!
+  “Whose valor by the sword is amply prov'd,
+  “And piety through flames. Yet, Trojan chief,
+  “Fear not; thou shalt what thou desir'st attain:
+  “By me conducted, thou th' Elysian field,
+  “The lowest portion of the tri-form realm,
+  “And thy beloved parent's shade shalt see:
+  “No path to genuine virtue e'er is clos'd.�
+  She spoke, and pointed to th' Avernian grove,
+  Sacred to Proserpine; and shew'd a bough
+  With gold refulgent; this she bade him tear
+  From off its trunk. Æneäs her obeys,
+  And sees the treasures of hell's awful king;
+  His ancestors', and great Anchises' shades:
+  Is taught the laws and customs of the dead;
+  And what deep perils he in future wars
+  Must face. As then the backward path he trode
+  With weary'd step; the labor he beguil'd
+  By grateful speech with his Cumæan guide.
+  And, while through darkling twilight he pursu'd
+  His fearful way, he thus:--“Or, goddess, thou,
+  “Or of the gods high-favor'd, unto me
+  “Still shalt thou as a deity appear.
+  “My life I own thy gift, who hast me given
+  “To view the realms of death: who hast me brought,
+  “The realms of death beheld, to life again.
+  “For these high favors, when to air restor'd
+  “Statues to thee I'll raise, and incense burn.�
+  Backward the prophetess, to him her eyes
+  Directs, and heaves a sigh; as thus she speaks:
+  “No goddess I; deem not my mortal frame
+  “The sacred incense' honors can deserve:
+  “Err not through ignorance. Eternal youth
+  “Had I possess'd, if on Apollo's love
+  “My virgin purity had been bestow'd.
+  “This while he hop'd, and while he strove to tempt
+  “With gifts,--O, chuse--he said,--Cumæan maid!
+  “Whate'er thou would'st--whate'er thou would'st is thine.
+  “I, pointing to an heap of gather'd dust,
+  “With thoughtless mind, besought so many years
+  “I might exist, as grains of sand were there:
+  “Mindless to ask for years of constant youth.
+  “The years he granted, and had granted too
+  “Eternal youth, had I his passion quench'd.
+  “A virgin I remain; Apollo's gift
+  “Despis'd: but now the age of joy is fled;
+  “Decrepitude with trembling steps has come,
+  “Which long I must endure. Seven ages now
+  “I have existed; ere the number'd grains
+  “Are equall'd, thrice an hundred harvests I,
+  “And thrice an hundred vintages must see.
+  “The time will come, my body, shrunk with age,
+  “And wither'd limbs, shall to small substance waste;
+  “Nor shall it seem that e'er an amorous god
+  “With me was smitten. Phœbus then himself
+  “Or me will know not, or deny that e'er
+  “He sought my love. Till quite complete my change,
+  “To all invisible, by words alone
+  “I shall be known. Fate still my voice will leave.�
+
+    On the steep journey thus the Sybil spoke:
+  And from the Stygian shades Æneäs rose,
+  At Cuma's town; there sacrific'd as wont,
+  And to the shores proceeded, which as yet
+  His nurse's name not bore. Here rested too,
+  After long toil, Macareus, the constant friend
+  Of wise Ulysses: Achæmenides,
+  Erst left amid Etnæan rocks, he knows:
+  Astonish'd there, his former friend to find,
+  In life unhop'd, he cry'd; “What chance? What god
+  “O Achæmenides! has thee preserv'd?
+  “How does a Greek a foreign vessel bear?
+  “And to what shores is now this vessel bound?�
+
+  Then Achæmenides, not ragged now,
+  In robes with thorns united, but all free,
+  Thus answer'd his enquiries. “May I view
+  “Once more that Polyphemus, and those jaws
+  “With human gore o'erflowing; if I deem
+  “This ship to me than Ithaca less dear;
+  “And less Æneäs than my sire esteem.
+  “For how too grateful can I be to him,
+  “Though all to him I give? Can I e'er be
+  “Unthankful or forgetful? That I speak,
+  “And breathe, and view the heavens and glorious sun
+  “He gave: that in the Cyclops' jaws my life
+  “Was clos'd not; that when now the vital spark
+  “Me quits, I may be properly intomb'd,
+  “Not in the monster's entrails. Heavens! what thoughts
+  “Possess'd my mind, (unless by pallid dread
+  “Of sense and thought bereft) when, left behind,
+  “I saw you push to sea. Loud had I call'd,
+  “But fear'd my cries would guide to me the foe.
+  “Ulysses' clamor near your ship destroy'd.
+  “I saw the monster, when a mighty rock,
+  “Torn from a mountain's summit, in the waves
+  “He flung: I saw him when with giant arm
+  “Huge stones he hurl'd, with such impetuous force,
+  “As though an engine sent them. Fear'd I long,
+  “Lest or the stones or waves the bark would sink;
+  “Forgetful then that not on board was I.
+  “But when you 'scap'd from cruel death, by flight,
+  “Then did he madly rave indeed; and roam'd
+  “All Etna o'er; and grop'd amid the woods;
+  “Depriv'd of sight he stumbles on the rocks;
+  “And stretching to the sea his horrid arms,
+  “Blacken'd with gore, he execrates the Greeks;
+  “And thus exclaims;--O! would some lucky chance
+  “Restore Ulysses to me, or restore
+  “One of his comrades, who might glut my rage;
+  “Whose entrails I might gorge; whose living limbs
+  “My hand might rend; whose blood might sluice my throat;
+  “And mangled members tremble in my teeth.
+  “O! then how light, and next to none the curse
+  “Of sight bereft.--Raging, he this and more
+  “Fierce utter'd. I, with pallid dread o'ercome,
+  “Beheld his face still flowing down with blood;
+  “The orb of light depriv'd; his ruthless hands;
+  “His giant members; and his shaggy beard,
+  “Clotted with human gore. Death to my eyes
+  “Was obvious, yet was death my smallest dread.
+  “Now seiz'd I thought me; thought him now prepar'd
+  “T'inclose my mangled bowels in his own:
+  “And to my mind recurr'd the time I saw
+  “Two of my comrades' bodies furious dash'd
+  “Repeated on the earth: he, o'er them stretcht
+  “Prone, like a shaggy lion, in his maw
+  “Their flesh, their entrails, their yet-quivering limbs,
+  “Their marrow, and cranch'd bones, greedy ingulf'd.
+  “Horror me seiz'd. Bloodless and sad I stood,
+  “To see him champ, and from his mouth disgorge
+  “The bloody banquet; morsels mixt with wine
+  “Forth vomiting: and such a fate appear'd
+  “For wretched me prepar'd. Some tedious days
+  “Skulk'd I, and shudder'd at the smallest sound:
+  “Fearful of death, yet praying much to die;
+  “Repelling hunger by green herbs, and leaves,
+  “With acorns mixt; a solitary wretch,
+  “Poor, and to sufferings and to death decreed.
+  “Long was the time, ere I, not distant far,
+  “A ship beheld; I by my gestures shew'd
+  “My wish for flight, and hasten'd to the shore.
+  “Their hearts were mov'd, and thus a Trojan bark
+  “Receiv'd a Greek.--And now, my friend most dear,
+  “Tell thy adventures, and the chief's, and crew's,
+  “Who with thee launch'd upon th' extended main.�
+
+    He tells how Æölus his kingdom holds
+  On the deep Tuscan main, who curbs the winds
+  In cavern'd prisons; which, a noble boon!
+  Close pent within an ox's stubborn hide,
+  Dulichium's chief, from Æölus receiv'd.
+  How for nine days with prosperous breeze they sail'd;
+  And saw the long-sought land. How on the tenth,
+  Aurora rising bright, his comrades, urg'd
+  By envy, and by thirst of glittering spoil,
+  Gold deeming there inclos'd, the winds unloos'd.
+  How, driven by them, the ship was backward sped
+  Through the same waves she had so lately plough'd;
+  And reach'd the port of Æölus again.
+  “Thence,�--he continued--“to the ancient town
+  “Of Lestrygonian Lamus we arrive,
+  “Where rules Antiphates; to him dispatch'd
+  “I go, by two attended. I with one
+  “Scarce find in flight our safety: with his gore
+  “The hapless third, the Lestrigonians' jaws
+  “Besmears: our flying footsteps they pursue,
+  “While fierce Antiphates speeds on the crowd.
+  “Around they press, and unremitting hurl
+  “Huge rocks, and trunks of trees; our men o'erwhelm,
+  “And sink our fleet; one ship alone escapes,
+  “Which great Ulysses and myself contains.
+  “Most of our band thus lost, and angry much,
+  “Lamenting more, we floated to these isles,
+  “Which hence, though distant far, you may descry.
+  “Those isles, by me too near beheld, do thou
+  “At distance only view! O, goddess-born!
+  “Most righteous of all Troy, (for now no more,
+  “Æneäs, must thou enemy be stil'd
+  “To us, war ended) fly, I warn thee, fly
+  “The shore of Circé. We, our vessel moor'd
+  “Fast to that beach, not mindless of the deeds
+  “Antiphates perform'd, nor Cyclops, wretch
+  “Inhuman, now to tempt this unknown land
+  “Refuse. The choice by lot is fix'd. The lot
+  “Me sends, and with me sends Polites true;
+  “Eurylochus; and poor Elphenor, fond
+  “Too much of wine; with twice nine comrades mote,
+  “To seek the dome Circéan. Thither come;
+  “We at the entrance stand: a thousand wolves,
+  “And bears, and lionesses, with wolves mixt,
+  “Meet us, and terror in our bosoms strike.
+  “But ground for terror none: of all the crew
+  “None try our limbs to wound, but friendly wave
+  “Their arching tails, and fawningly attend
+  “Our steps; till by the menial train receiv'd,
+  “Through marbled halls to where their mistress sate,
+  “Our troop is led. She, in a bright recess,
+  “Upon a lofty throne of state, was plac'd,
+  “Cloth'd in a splendid robe; a golden veil
+  “Around her head, and o'er her shoulders thrown.
+  “Nereïds, and nymphs around (whose fingers quick
+  “The wool ne'er drew, nor form'd the following thread)
+  “Were plants arranging, and selecting flowers,
+  “And various teinted herbs, confus'dly mixt
+  “In baskets. She compleats the work they do;
+  “And well she knows the latent power each leaf
+  “Possesses; well their force combin'd she knows:
+  “And all the nice-weigh'd herbs inspects with care.
+  “When us she spy'd, and salutations pass'd
+  “Mutual; her forehead brighten'd, and she gave
+  “Our every wish. Nor waited more, but bade
+  “The beverage of the roasted grain be mix'd;
+  “And added honey, all the strength of wine,
+  “And curdy milk, and juices, which beneath
+  “Such powerful sweetness undetected lay.
+  “The cup from her accursed hand, I take,
+  “And, soon as thirsty I, with parch'd mouth drink,
+  “And the dire goddess with her wand had strok'd
+  “My head (I blush while I the rest relate)
+  “Roughen'd with bristles, I begin to grow;
+  “Nor now can speak; hoarse grunting comes for words;
+  “And all my face bends downwards to the ground;
+  “Callous I feel my mouth become, in form
+  “A crooked snout; and feel my brawny neck
+  “Swell o'er my chest; and what but now the cup
+  “Had grasp'd, that part does marks of feet imprint;
+  “With all my fellows treated thus, so great
+  “The medicine's potency, close was I shut
+  “Within a sty: there I, Eurylochus
+  “Alone unalter'd to a hog, beheld!
+  “He only had the offer'd cup refus'd.
+  “Which had he not avoided, he as one
+  “The bristly herd had join'd; nor had our chief,
+  “The great Ulysses, by his tale inform'd
+  “To Circé come, avenger of our woe.
+  “To him Cyllenius, messenger of peace
+  “A milk-white flower presented; by the gods
+  “Call'd Moly: from a sable root it-springs.
+  “Safe in the gift, and in th' advice of heaven,
+  “He enters Circé's dome; and her repels,
+  “Coaxing to taste th' invidious cup; his head
+  “To stroke attempting with her potent wand;
+  “And awes her trembling with his unsheath'd steel.
+  “Then, faith exchang'd, hands join'd, he to her bed
+  “Receiv'd, he makes the dowry of himself
+  “That all his comrades' bodies be restor'd.
+
+    “Now are we sprinkled with innocuous juice
+  “Of better herbs; with the inverted wand
+  “Our heads are touch'd; the charms, already spoke,
+  “Strong charms of import opposite destroy.
+  “The more she sings her incantations, we
+  “Rise more from earth erect; the bristles fall;
+  “And the wide fissure leaves our cloven feet;
+  “Our shoulders form again; and arms beneath
+  “Are shap'd. Him, weeping too, weeping we clasp,
+  “And round our leader's neck embracing hang.
+  “No words at first to utter have we power,
+  “But such as testify our grateful joy.
+
+    “A year's delay there kept us. There, mine eyes
+  “In that long period much beheld; mine ears
+  “Much heard. This with the rest, in private told
+  “To me, by one of four most-favor'd nymphs
+  “Who aided in her spells: while Circé toy'd
+  “In private with our leader, she me shew'd
+  “A youthful statue carv'd in whitest stone,
+  “Bearing a feather'd pecker upon his head;
+  “Plac'd in a sacred shrine, with numerous wreaths
+  “Encircled. Unto my enquiring words,
+  “And wish to know who this could be, and why
+  “There worshipp'd in the shrine, and why that bird
+  “He bore,--then, Macareus,--she said--receive
+  “Thy wish; and also learn what mighty power
+  “My mistress boasts; attentive hear my words.
+
+    “Saturnian Picus in Ausonia's climes
+  “Was king; delighted still was he to train
+  “Steeds for the fight. The beauty you behold
+  “As man was his. So strong the 'semblance strikes,
+  “His real form in the feign'd stone appears.
+  “His mind his beauty equall'd. Nor as yet,
+  “The games quinquennial Grecian Elis gives,
+  “Four times could he have seen. He, by his face
+  “The Dryad nymphs who on the Latian hills
+  “Were born, attracted. Naiäds, river-nymphs,
+  “Him sought, whom Albula, and Anio bear;
+  “Almo's short course; the rapid stream of Nar;
+  “And Numicus; and Farfar's lovely shades;
+  “With all that Scythian Dian's woody realm
+  “Traverse; and all who haunt the sedgy lakes.
+  “But he, all these despis'd, lov'd one fair nymph,
+  “Whom erst Venilia, fame reports, brought forth
+  “To Janus on Palatiura's mount. When reach'd
+  “The nuptial age, preferr'd before the rest,
+  “Laurentian Picus gain'd the lovely maid.
+  “Wond'rous was she for beauty, wond'rous more
+  “Her art in song, and hence was Canens nam'd.
+  “Wont was her voice forests and rocks to move;
+  “Soothe savage beasts; arrest the course of streams;
+  “And stay the flying birds. While warbling thus
+  “With voice mature her song, Picus went forth
+  “To pierce amid Laurentium's fields the boars,
+  “Their native dwelling; on a fiery steed
+  “He rode; two quivering spears his left hand bore;
+  “His purple vestment golden clasps confin'd.
+  “In the same woods Apollo's daughter came,
+  “And from the fertile hills as herbs she cull'd,
+  “She left the fields, from her Circæan nam'd.
+  “When, veil'd by twigs herself, the youth she saw,
+  “Amaz'd she stood. Down from her bosom dropp'd
+  “The gather'd plants, and quickly through her frame
+  “The fire was felt to shoot. Soon as her mind
+  “Collected strength to curb the furious flame,
+  “She would have told him instant what she wish'd,
+  “But his impetuous steed, and circling crowd
+  “Of followers, kept her far.--Yet shalt thou not,
+  “If I but know my power, me fly; not should
+  “The winds thee bear away; else is the force
+  “Of plants all vanished, and my spells deceive.
+  “She said; and form'd an incorporeal shape
+  “Like to a boar; and bade it glance across
+  “The monarch's sight; and seem itself to hide
+  “In the dense thicket, where the trees grew thick:
+  “A spot impervious to the courser's foot.
+  “'Tis done; unwitting Picus eager seeks
+  “His shadowy prey; leaps from his smoking steed;
+  “And, vain-hop'd spoil pursuing, wanders deep
+  “In the thick woods. She baneful words repeats,
+  “And cursing charms collects. With new-fram'd verse
+  “Invokes strange deities: verse which erst while
+  “Has dull'd the splendid circle of the moon;
+  “And hid with rain-charg'd clouds her father's face.
+  “This verse repeated, instant heaven grew dark,
+  “And mists from earth arose: his comrades roam
+  “Through the dark paths; the king without a guard
+  “Is left. This spot, and time so suiting gain'd,
+  “Thus Circé cry'd--O fairest thou of forms!
+  “By those bright eyes which me enslav'd, by all
+  “Thy beauteous charms which make a goddess sue,
+  “Indulge my flame; accept th' all-seeing sun,
+  “My sire, for thine; nor, rigidly austere,
+  “Titanian Circé spurn.--She ceas'd; he stern
+  “Repuls'd the goddess, and her praying suit;
+  “Exclaiming,--be thou whom thou may'st, yet thine
+  “I am not; captive me another holds;
+  “And fervently, I pray, to lengthen'd years
+  “She still may hold me. Never will I wrong
+  “The nuptial bond with stranger's lawless love,
+  “While Janus' daughter, my lov'd Canens lives.--
+  “Sol's daughter then (re-iterated prayers
+  “In vain oft try'd) exclaim'd:--Nor shalt thou boast
+  “Impunity; nor e'er returning see
+  “Thy Canens; but learn well what may be done
+  “By slighted, loving woman: Circé loves,
+  “Is woman, and is slighted.--To the west
+  “She turn'd her twice, and turn'd her twice to east;
+  “Thrice with her wand she struck the youth, and thrice
+  “Her charm-fraught song repeated. Swift he fled,
+  “And wondering that more swift he ran than wont,
+  “Plumes on his limbs beheld. Constrain'd to add
+  “A new-form'd 'habitant to Latium's groves,
+  “Angry he wounds the spreading boughs, and digs
+  “The stubborn oak-tree with his rigid beak.
+  “A purple tinge his feathers take, the hue
+  “His garment shew'd; the gold, a buckle once,
+  “Which clasp'd his robe, to feathers too is chang'd;
+  “The shining gold circles his neck around:
+  “Nor aught remains of Picus save the name.
+
+    “Meantime his comrades vainly Picus call,
+  “Through all the groves; but Picus no where find.
+  “Circé they meet, for now the air was clear'd,
+  “The clouds dispers'd, or by the winds or sun;
+  “Charge her with crimes committed, and demand
+  “Their king; force threaten, and prepare to lift
+  “Their savage spears. The goddess sprinkles round
+  “Her noxious poisons and envenom'd juice;
+  “Invokes old night, and the nocturnal gods,
+  “Chaos, and Erebus; and Hecat's help,
+  “With magic howlings, prays. Woods (wond'rous sight!)
+  “Leap from their seats; earth groans; the neighbouring trees
+  “Grow pale; the grass with sprinkled blood is wet;
+  “Stones hoarsely seem to roar, and dogs to howl;
+  “Earth with black serpents swarms; unmatter'd forms
+  “Of bodies long defunct, flit through the air.
+  “Tremble the crowd, struck with th' appalling scene:
+  “Appall'd, and trembling, on their heads she strikes
+  “Th' envenom'd rod. From the rod's potent touch,
+  “For men a various crowd of furious beasts
+  “Appear'd: his form no single youth retain'd.
+
+    “Descending Phœbus had Hesperia's shores
+  “Now touch'd; and Canens with her heart and looks
+  “Sought for her spouse in vain: her servants all,
+  “And all the people roam through every wood,
+  “Bearing bright torches. Not content the nymph
+  “To weep, to tear her tresses, and to beat
+  “Her bosom, though not one of these was spar'd,
+  “She sally'd forth herself; and frantic stray'd
+  “Through Latium's plains. Six times the night beheld,
+  “And six returning suns, her, wandering o'er
+  “The mountain tops, or through the vallies deep,
+  “As chance directed: foodless, sleepless, still.
+  “Tiber at length beheld her; with her toil,
+  “And woe, worn out, upon his chilling banks
+  “Her limbs extending. There her very griefs,
+  “Pour'd with her tears, still musically sound.
+  “Mourning, her words in a soft dying tone
+  “Are heard, as when of old th' expiring swan
+  “Sung his own elegy. Wasted at length
+  “Her finest marrow, fast she pin'd away;
+  “And vanish'd quite to unsubstantial air.
+  “Yet still tradition marks the spot, the muse
+  “Of ancient days, still Canens call'd the place,
+  “In honor of the nymph, and justly too.
+
+    “Many the tales like these I heard; and much
+  “Like this I saw in that long tedious year.
+  “Sluggish and indolent for lack of toil,
+  “Thence are we bid to plough the deep again;
+  “Again to hoist the sail. But Circé told
+  “So much of doubtful ways, of voyage vast,
+  “And all the perils of the raging deep
+  “We must encounter; that my soul I own
+  “Trembled. I gain'd this shore, and here remain'd.�
+
+    Here Macareus finish'd; to Æneäs' nurse
+  Inurn'd in marble, this short verse was given:
+  “Cajeta here, sav'd from the flames of Greece,
+  “Her foster-son, for piety renown'd,
+  “With fires more fitting burn'd.� Loos'd are the ropes
+  That bound them to the grassy beach, and far
+  They leave the dwelling of the guileful power;
+  And seek the groves, beneath whose cloudy shade
+  The yellow-sanded Tiber in the main
+  Fierce rushes. Here Æneäs gains the realm,
+  And daughter of Latinus, Faunus' son:
+  But not without a war. Battles ensue
+  With the fierce people. For his promis'd bride
+  Turnus loud rages. All the Tuscans join
+  With Latium, and with doubtful warfare long
+  Is sought the conquest. Either side augment
+  With foreign aid their strength. Rutilians crowds
+  Defend, and crowds the Trojan trenches guard.
+
+    Not bootless, suppliant to Evander's roof
+  Æneäs went; though Venulus in vain,
+  To exil'd Diomed's great town was sent.
+  A mighty city Diomed' had rear'd
+  Beneath Apulian Daunus, and possess'd
+  His lands by marriage dower. But when made known
+  By Venulus, the message Turnus sent,
+  Beseeching aid, th' Etolian hero aid
+  Deny'd. For neither was his wish to send
+  His father's troops to fight, nor of his own
+  Had he, which might the strenuous warfare wage.--
+  “Lest this but feign'd you think,� he said, “though grief
+  “The sad relation will once more renew,
+  “Yet will I now th'afflicting tale repeat.
+
+    “When lofty Ilium was consum'd,--the towers
+  “Of Pergamus a prey to Grecian flames,
+  “The Locrian Ajax, for the ravish'd maid,
+  “Drew vengeance on us all; which he alone
+  “Deserv'd from angry Pallas. Scatter'd wide,
+  “And swept by tempests through the foaming deep,
+  “The Grecians, thunders, rains, and darkness bore,
+  “All heaven's and ocean's rage; and all to crown,
+  “On the Capharean rocks the fleet was dash'd.
+  “But not to tire you with each mournful scene
+  “In order; Greece might then the tears have drawn
+  “Ev'n from old Priam. Yet Minerva's care
+  “Snatch'd me in safety from the surge. Again
+  “From Argos, my paternal land, I'm driven;
+  “Bright Venus bearing still in mind the wound
+  “Of former days. Upon th'expanded deep
+  “Such toils I bore excessive; on the land
+  “So in stern combat strove, that oft those seem'd
+  “To me most blest, who in the common wreck,
+  “Caphareus sunk beneath the boisterous waves;
+  “A fate I anxious wish'd I'd with them shar'd.
+  “Now all my comrades, of the toilsome main,
+  “And constant warfare weary; respite crav'd
+  “From their long wanderings. Not was Agmon so,
+  “Fierce still his bosom burn'd; and now he rag'd
+  “From his misfortunes fiercer, as he cry'd--
+  “What, fellows! can remain which now to bear
+  “Your patience should refuse? What, though she would,
+  “Possesses Cythereä to inflict?
+  “When worse is to be dreaded, is the time
+  “For prayers: but when our state the worst has seen
+  “Fear should be spurn'd at; in our depth of woe
+  “Secure. Let she herself hear all my words;
+  “And let her hate, as hate she does, each man
+  “Who follows Diomed'! Yet will we all
+  “Her hatred mock, and stand against her power
+  “So mighty, with a no less mighty breast.--
+  “With words like these Etolian Agmon goads
+  “Th' already raging goddess, and revives
+  “Her ancient hate. Few with his boldness pleas'd;
+  “Far most my friends his daring speech condemn.
+  “Aiming at words respondent, straight his voice
+  “And throat are narrow'd; into plumes his hair
+  “Is alter'd; plumes o'er his new neck are spread;
+  “And o'er his chest, and back; his arms receive
+  “Long pinions, bending into light-form'd wings;
+  “Most of his feet is cleft in claws; his mouth
+  “Hardens to horn, and in a sharp beak ends.
+  “Lycus, Rhetenor, Nycteus, Abas, stare
+  With wonder, and while wondering there they stand
+  “The same appearance take; and far the most
+  “Of all my troop on wings up fly: and round
+  “The ship the air resounds with clapping wings.
+  “If what new shape those birds so sudden form'd
+  “Distinguish'd, you would know: swans not to be,
+  “Nought could the snowy swan resemble more.
+  “Son now to Daunus, my diminish'd host
+  “Scarce guards this kingdom, and those barren fields.�
+
+    Thus far Diomedes; and Venulus
+  Th' Apulian kingdom left, Calabria's gulf
+  Pass'd, and Messapia's plains, where he beheld
+  Caverns with woods deep shaded, with light rills
+  Cool water'd: here the goatish Pan now dwelt;
+  Once tenanted by wood-nymphs. From the spot
+  Them, Appulus, a shepherd drove to flight;
+  Alarm'd at first by sudden dread, but soon,
+  Resum'd their courage, his pursuit despis'd,
+  They to the measur'd notes their agile feet
+  Mov'd in the dance. The clown insults them more,
+  Mimics their motions in his boorish steps,
+  To coarse abusing adding speech obscene:
+  Nor ceas'd his tongue 'till bury'd in a tree.
+  Well may his manner from the fruit be known;
+  For the wild olive marks his tongue's reproach,
+  In berries most austere: to them transferr'd
+  The rough ungrateful sharpness of his words.
+
+    Return'd the legates, and the message told,
+  Th' Etolians' aid deny'd; without their help
+  Wage the Rutilians now the ready war:
+  And streams of blood from either army flow.
+  Lo! Turnus comes, and greedy torches brings
+  To fire the cover'd ships; the flames they fear
+  Whom tempests spar'd. And now the fire consum'd
+  The pitch, the wax, with all that flame could feed;
+  Then, mounting up the lofty mast, assail'd
+  The canvas; and the rowers' benches smok'd.
+  This saw the sacred mother of the gods,
+  And mindful that from Ida's lofty top
+  The pines were hew'd, with clash of tinkling brass,
+  And sounds of hollow box, fill'd all the air.
+  Then borne through ether by her lions tam'd,
+  She said; “Those flames with sacrilegious hand
+  “Thou hurl'st in vain: I will them snatch away.
+  “Ne'er will I calmly view the greedy fire
+  “Aught of the forests, which are mine consume.�
+  Loud thunders rattled as the goddess spoke;
+  And showery floods with hard rebounding hail,
+  The thunder follow'd. In the troubled air
+  The blustering brethren rag'd, and swell'd the main:
+  The billows furious clash'd. The mother us'd
+  One blast's exerted force; the cables burst,
+  Which bound the Phrygian vessels to the shore;
+  Them swiftly swept along, and in the deep
+  Low plung'd them. Straight the rigid wood grows soft
+  The timber turns to flesh; the crooked prows
+  To heads are chang'd: the oars to floating legs,
+  And toes; while what were ribs, as ribs remain;
+  The keels, deep in the vessels sunk, become
+  The spinal bones; in soft long tresses flows
+  The cordage; into arms the sailyards change:
+  The hue of all cerulean as before.
+  And now the Naiäds of the ocean sport
+  With girlish play, amid those very waves
+  Ere while so dreaded: sprung from rugged hills
+  They love the gentle main; nor aught their birth
+  Their bosoms irks. Yet mindful still what risks
+  Themselves encounter'd on the raging main,
+  Oft with assisting hand the high-tost bark
+  They aid; save Greeks the hapless bark contains.
+  Mindful of Iliüm's fall, they still detest
+  The Argives; and with joyful looks behold
+  The shatter'd fragments of Ulysses' ship:
+  With joy behold the bark Alcinous gave
+  Harden to rock, stone growing from the wood.
+
+    'Twas hop'd, the fleet transform'd to nymphs marine,
+  The fierce Rutilians, struck with awe, might cease
+  The war; but stubborn either side persists.
+  Each have their gods, and each have godlike souls.
+  Nor seek they now, so much the kingdom dower,
+  Latinus' sceptre, or Lavinia! thee,
+  As conquest: waging war through shame to cease.
+  Venus at last beholds, brave Turnus slain,
+  Her son's victorious arms; and Ardea falls,
+  A mighty town when Turnus yet was safe:
+  It cruel flames destroy'd; and every roof
+  The smoking embers hid; up from the heap
+  Of ruins, sprung a bird unknown before,
+  And beat the ashes with its sounding wings:
+  Its voice, its leanness, pallid hue, and all,
+  Suit well a captur'd city; and the name
+  Retaining still, with beating wings it wails.
+
+    Now had Æneäs' virtues, all the gods,
+  Ev'n Juno, forc'd to cease their ancient hate.
+  The young Iülus' growing empire fixt
+  On firm foundations, ripe was then for heaven
+  The Cytheréan prince. Venus besought
+  That favor of the gods; round her sire's neck
+  Her arms she clasp'd--“O, father!�--she exclaim'd--
+  “Indulgent still, be more than ever kind:
+  “Grant that a deity, though e'er so low,
+  “Æneäs may become! who through my blood
+  “Claims thee as grandsire; something let him gain.
+  “Let it suffice, that he has once beheld
+  “The dreary realm; and once already past
+  “The Stygian stream.�--The deities consent:
+  Nor does the heavenly queen, her forehead stern
+  Retain, consenting with a cheerful mien.
+  Then spoke the sire. “Both, daughter, merit well
+  “The boon celestial: what thou ask'st receive,
+  “Since thou desir'st it, and since he deserves.�
+  He ceas'd. O'erjoy'd, she grateful thanks returns;
+  And by yok'd turtles borne through yielding air,
+  She seeks Laurentum's shore, where gently creep
+  Numicius' waters 'midst a reedy shade
+  Into the neighbouring main. She bids him cleanse
+  All of Æneäs that to death was given;
+  And bear him silent floating to the sea.
+  The horned god, what Venus bade perform'd:
+  All that Æneäs had of mortal mould
+  He purg'd away, and wash'd him with his waves.
+  His better part remain'd. Odours divine,
+  O'er his lustrated limbs, the mother pour'd;
+  And with ambrosia and sweet nectar touch'd
+  His lips, and perfect is the new-made god:
+  Whom Indiges, the Roman people call,
+  Worship with altars, and in temples place.
+
+    Alba, and Latium then beneath the rule
+  Of young Iülus, call'd Ascanius, came.
+  Him Sylvius follow'd. Then Latinus held
+  The ancient sceptre, with his grandsire's name.
+  Alba to fam'd Latinus was the next.
+  Then Epitus; Capetus; Capys reign'd:
+  Capys before Capetus. After these
+  The realm was sway'd by Tiberinus; sunk
+  Beneath the billows of the Tuscan stream,
+  The waters took his name. His sons were two,
+  Fierce Remulus, and Acrota; the first
+  Pre-eminent in years, the thunder mock'd;
+  And by the thunder dy'd. Of meeker mind
+  His brother, to brave Aventinus left
+  The throne; who bury'd 'neath the self-same hill
+  Where once he reign'd, gave to the hill a name;
+  And Procas now the Latian people rul'd.
+
+    Beneath this monarch fair Pomona liv'd,
+  Than whom amongst the Hamadryad train
+  None tended closer to her garden's care;
+  None o'er the trees' young fruit more anxious watch'd;
+  And thence her name. In rivers, she, and woods,
+  Delighted not, for fields were all her joy;
+  And branches bending with delicious loads.
+  Nor grasps her hand a javelin, but a hook,
+  With which she now luxurious boughs restrains,
+  And prunes the stragglers, when too wide they spread:
+  Now she divides the rind, and in the cleft
+  Inserts a scion, and supporting juice
+  Affords th' adopted stranger. Ne'er she bears
+  That drought they feel, but oft with flowing streams
+  Waters the crooked fibres of their roots:
+  This all her love, this all her care, for man
+  She heeded not. Yet of the lawless force
+  Of rustics fearful, she her orchard round
+  Well fenc'd, and every part from access barr'd,
+  And fled from all mankind. What was there left
+  Untry'd, by satyrs, by the wanton fawns,
+  Or pine-crown'd Pan; Sylvanus, ever youth;
+  Or him whose sickle frights nocturnal thieves
+  To gain her? These Vertumnus all excell'd
+  In passion; but not happier he than they.
+  How oft a basket of ripe grain he bore,
+  Clad like a hardy reaper, and in form
+  A real reaper seem'd! Oft with new hay
+  His temples bound, who turns the fresh cut grass
+  He might be thought. Oft in his horny hand
+  He bears a goad; then might you swear, that now
+  The weary oxen he had just unyok'd.
+  Arm'd with a pruning hook, he one appears
+  Who lops the vines. When he the ladder lifts,
+  Apples about to pluck he seems. His sword
+  Shews him a soldier; and his trembling reed
+  An angler. Thus a thousand shapes he tries,
+  T' enjoy the pleasure of her beauteous sight.
+  Now leaning on a staff, his temples clad
+  In painted bonnet, he an ancient dame,
+  With silver locks thin scatter'd o'er her head,
+  Would seem; and in the well-trimm'd orchard walks;
+  Admires the fruit--“But, O! how far beyond
+  “Are these;�--he said, and kiss'd the lips he prais'd:
+  No ancient dame such kisses e'er bestow'd.
+  Then rested on the swelling turf, and view'd
+  The branches bending with th' autumnal load.
+
+    An elm there stood right opposite, full spread
+  With swelling grapes, which, with its social vine,
+  He prais'd;--“Yet should that trunk there single stand�--
+  Said he,--“without its vine, nought but the leaves
+  “Desirable would seem. As well the vine
+  “Which rests now safe upon its wedded elm,
+  “If not so join'd, were prostrate on the ground.
+  “Yet does the tree's example move not thee.
+  “Thou fly'st from marriage; fly'st from nuptial joys;
+  “Would they could charm thy soul. Not Helen e'er
+  “Such crowds of wooers sought; not her who mov'd
+  “The Lapithæan war; nor the bright queen
+  “Of Ithacus, still 'gainst the coward brave,
+  “As would pursue thee. Now, though all thou fly'st,
+  “Thy suitors scorning, thousands seek thy hand,
+  “Both demi-gods and gods, whoever dwell
+  “Of deities on Alba's lofty hills.
+  “Yet wisely would'st thou act, and happy wed,
+  “Attend my aged counsel (thee I love
+  “More than all these, and more than thou'dst believe)
+  “Reject such vulgar offers, and select
+  “Vertumnus for the consort of thy bed:
+  “And for his worth accept of me as pledge.
+  “For to himself not better is he known
+  “Than me. No truant through the earth he roves;
+  “These spots he dwells in, and in these alone,
+  “Nor loves he, like thy wooer's greatest share,
+  “Instant whate'er he sees. Thou his first flame
+  “Shalt be, and be his last. He will devote
+  “His every year to thee, and thee alone.
+  “Add too his youth, and nature's bounteous gifts
+  “Which decorate him; and that changed with ease,
+  “He every form can take, and those the best
+  “That thou may'st like, for all thou may'st command.
+  “Are not your pleasures both the same? the fruits
+  “Thou gatherest first, are they not given to him?
+  “Who takes thy offerings with a grateful hand.
+  “But now he seeks not fruits pluck'd from thy trees,
+  “Nor herbs thy garden feeds with mellow juice,
+  “Nor aught, save thee. Have pity on his flame:
+  “Think 'tis himself that sues; think that he prays
+  “Through me. O fear the vengeance of the gods!
+  “Affronted Venus' unrelenting rage;
+  “And fear Rhamnusia's still vindictive mind.
+  “That these you more may dread, I will relate
+  “(For age has much to me made known) a fact
+  “Notorious through all Cyprus which may urge
+  “Your soul more quickly to relent and love.
+
+    “Iphis of humble origin beheld
+  “The noble Anaxareté--the blood
+  “Of ancient Teucer: he beheld, and felt
+  “Love burn through all his frame; he struggled long
+  “By reason to o'ercome the flame, in vain.
+  “He came a humble suppliant to her gate.
+  “To her old nurse, he now his hapless love
+  “Confess'd, and pray'd her by her nurseling's hopes,
+  “She would not be severe. Now he assails
+  “All her attendants with his flattering speech,
+  “And anxious begs of each to intercede.
+  “Oft, grav'n on tablets, were his amorous words
+  “Borne to her. Oft against her door he hung
+  “Garlands, wet dropping with the dew of tears.
+  “Plac'd on the threshold hard his tender side,
+  “Venting reproaches on the cruel bar.
+  “But she more deaf than surges which arise
+  “With setting stars; and harder than the steel
+  “Numician fires have temper'd; or the rock
+  “Still living in its bed, spurn'd him, and laugh'd:
+  “And cruel, added lofty words to deeds
+  “Unmerciful, and robb'd him ev'n of hope.
+  “Impatient Iphis, now no longer bore
+  “The pangs of endless grief, but at her gate
+  “Thus utter'd his last 'plaints--Thou hast o'ercome
+  “O Anaxareté! for never more
+  “Will I molest thy quiet. Now prepare
+  “Glad triumphs; Pæan call; and bind thy brows
+  “With laurel bright, for thou victorious art,
+  “And joyfully I die. O heart of steel!
+  “Enjoy thy bliss. Now will I force thy praise
+  “In something;--somehow find a way to please,
+  “And thee constrain to grant I have desert.
+  “Yet still remember, that my love for thee
+  “Leaves me not but with life! at once I lose
+  “A double light. But fame shall not announce
+  “To thee my death, for I myself will come.
+  “Lest thou should'st doubt, thou shalt thyself behold
+  “My death, and on my lifeless body glut
+  “Thy cruel eyes. But, O ye gods above!
+  “If mortal deeds ye view, remember me:
+  “No more my tongue can dare to ask, than this,
+  “That distant ages may my fortune know;
+  “Grant fame to him, whom ye of life deprive.--
+  “He spoke, and to the porch so oft adorn'd
+  “With flowing chaplets, rais'd his humid eyes,
+  “And stretch'd his pallid arms; then to the post,
+  “The cord with noose well-fitted, fastening, cry'd:--
+  “Nymph, pitiless and cruel! pleas'd the best
+  “With garlands such as these!--Then in the cord,
+  “His head inserted; tow'rd the maid still turn'd,
+  “As, hapless load! with strangled throat he hung.
+  “Struck by his dangling feet, the portals seem'd
+  “A sound to give, which mighty seem'd to mourn;
+  “And open thrown, the horrid deed display'd:
+  “Loudly the servants shriek, and vainly bear
+  “His breathless body to his mother's dome.
+  “(Defunct his sire) She clasp'd him to her breast,
+  “Embrac'd his clay-cold limbs; and all she said
+  “That wretched parents say; and all she did
+  “That hapless mothers do: then through the town
+  “The melancholy funeral pomp she led,
+  “The lurid members following, on a bier
+  “For burning. In the road the dwelling stood
+  “Through which the sad procession took its way,
+  “And sound of lamentation struck the ears
+  “Of Anaxareté, whom now the power
+  “Of vengeance follow'd. Mov'd, she now exclaim'd--
+  “I will this melancholy prospect view.--
+  “And to the open casement mounted high.
+  “Scarce had she Iphis on the bier beheld,
+  “When harden'd grew her eyes; a pallid hue
+  “O'erspread her body as the warm blood fled.
+  “Her feet to move for flight she try'd, her feet
+  “Stuck fast; her face she try'd to turn away;
+  “She could not turn it; and by small degrees
+  “The stony hardness of her breast was spread
+  “O'er all her limbs. Believe not that I feign,
+  “For Salamis the figure of the nymph
+  “Still keeps; and there a temple is high rear'd
+  “Where Venus, the beholder, they adore.
+  “Mindful of this, O dearest nymph! lay by
+  “That cold disdain, and join thee to a spouse.
+  “So may no vernal frosts thy budding fruits
+  “Destroy, nor sweeping storms despoil thy flowers.�
+  When this the god, to various shapes in vain
+  Transform'd, had utter'd; he assum'd again
+  The youth, and flung the garb of age aside:
+  And so appear'd, as seems the radiant sun,
+  Freed from opposing clouds, and darting bright
+  His glory round. Force he prepar'd, but force
+  He needed not. The nymph his beauty mov'd,
+  And straight her bosom felt a mutual flame.
+
+    Th' Ausonian realm Amulius' force unjust
+  Commanded next; and ancient Numitor
+  By his young grandsons the lost realm regain'd.
+  The city's walls on Pales' feast were laid.
+  Now Tatius and the Sabine sires wage war
+  Against it; and the fortress' gate unclos'd,
+  Tarpeïa, well-deserving of her fate,
+  Breathes out her soul beneath a pile of shields.
+  Thence Cures' sons, each sound of voice repress'd,
+  Silent as wolves, steal on them drown'd in sleep,
+  And gain the gates, which Ilia's son had clos'd
+  With massive bars. But Juno one threw ope,
+  Nor creak'd the portal on its turning hinge.
+  Venus alone the fastening of the gate
+  Withdrawn, perceiv'd, and had it clos'd again,
+  Save that the acts a deity performs,
+  No deity can e'er undo. A spot
+  Near Janus' temple, cool with flowing streams,
+  Ausonia's Naiäds own'd; and aid from these
+  She sought. Nor could the nymphs deny a boon
+  So just; and instant all their rills and floods
+  Burst forth. But still to Janus' open gate
+  The way was passable, nor could the waves
+  Oppose their way. They to the fruitful springs
+  Apply blue sulphur, and the hollow caves
+  Fire with bitumen; to the lowest depth
+  They forceful penetrate, both this, and that.
+  And streams that late might vie with Alpine cold,
+  To flames themselves, not now in heat would yield.
+  The porches of the deity two-fac'd
+  Smok'd with the fiery sprinkling; and the gate,
+  Op'd to the hardy Sabine troops in vain,
+  Was by the new-sprung fountain guarded, 'till
+  The sons of Mars had girt them in their arms.
+  Soon Romulus attack'd them, and Rome's soil
+  Was strew'd with Sabine bodies and her own:
+  And impious weapons mingled blood of sires
+  With blood of sons-in-law; yet so it pleas'd,
+  War settled into peace, nor rag'd the steel
+  To ultimate destruction; in the realm
+  Tatius as equal sovereign was receiv'd.
+
+    Tatius deceas'd, thou, Romulus, dispens'd,
+  To the joint nations, equitable laws.
+  When Mars, his helmet thrown aside, the sire
+  Of gods and men, in words like these, address'd.--
+  “O parent! (since the Roman realm has gain'd
+  “A strong and wide foundation, nor should look
+  “To one protector only) lo! the time
+  “To grant the favor, promis'd me so long,
+  “To thy deserving grandson. Snatch'd from earth
+  “Let him in heaven he plac'd. Time was, long since,
+  “In a full council of the gods thou said'st,
+  “Well I remember, well my mindful breast
+  “The tender words remark'd; a son of mine
+  “By thee should in the azure sky be plac'd:
+  “Now be the fulness of thy words complete.�
+  Th' Omnipotent consented; with black clouds
+  Darken'd the air; and frighten'd all the town
+  With flaming thunders. When the martial god
+  Perceiv'd this fiat of the promis'd change,
+  Propp'd on his spear he fearless mounts the steeds,
+  Press'd by the bloody yoke; loud sounds the lash,
+  And prone the air he cleaves, lights on the top
+  Of shady Palatine. There Ilia's son
+  Delivering regal laws to Romans round,
+  He saw, and swept him thence: his mortal limbs
+  Waste in the empty air, as balls of lead
+  Hurl'd from a sling, melt in the midmost sky:
+  More fair his face appears, and worthy more
+  Of the high shrines: such now appears the form
+  Of great Quirinus, clad in purple robe.
+
+    His spouse him wept as lost, when heaven's high queen
+  Bade Iris on her sweeping bow descend,
+  And thus her orders to Hersilia speak:--
+  “O matron! glory of the Latian land;
+  “Pride of the Sabine race; most worthy spouse
+  “Of such an hero once; spouse worthy now
+  “Of god Quirinus, cease thy tears: if wish
+  “To see thy husband warms thee, led by me,
+  “To yonder grove upon Quirinus' hill
+  “Which flourishes, and overshades the fane
+  “Of Rome's great monarch, haste.�--Iris obeys;
+  Upon her painted bow to earth slides down,
+  And hails Hersilia in the bidden words.
+  Her eyes scarce lifting, she with blushing face
+  Replies--“O goddess! whom thou art, to me
+  “Unknown; that thou a goddess art is plain.
+  “Lead me, O lead! shew me my spouse's face:
+  “Which if fate grant I may once more behold,
+  “Heaven I'll allow I've seen.� Nor waits she more,
+  But with Thaumantian Iris, to the hill
+  Of Romulus proceeds. There, shot from heaven,
+  A star tow'rd earth descended; from its rays
+  Bright flam'd Hersilia's hair, and with the star
+  Mounted aloft. Rome's founder's well-known arms
+  Receive her. Now her former name is chang'd,
+  As chang'd her body: known as Ora, now,
+  A goddess, with her great Quirinus join'd.
+
+
+
+
+*The Fifteenth Book.*
+
+
+    Numa's journey to Crotona. The Pythagorean philosophy of
+    transmigration of the soul, and relation of various
+    transformations. Death of Numa, and grief of Egeria. Story of
+    Hippolytus. Change of Egeria to a fountain. Cippus. Visit of
+    Esculapius to Rome, in the form of a snake. Assassination and
+    apotheösis of Julius Cæsar. Praise of Augustus. Prophetic
+    conclusion.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fifteenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Meantime they seek who may the mighty load
+  Sustain; who may succeed so great a king.
+  Fame, harbinger of truth, the realm decreed
+  To noble Numa. Not content to know
+  The laws and customs of the Sabine race,
+  His mind capacious grasp'd a larger field.
+  He sought for nature's laws. Fir'd by this wish,
+  His country left, he journey'd to the town
+  Of him, who erst was great Alcides' host:
+  And as he sought to learn what founder first
+  These Grecian walls rear'd on Italia's shore,
+  Thus an old 'habitant, well vers'd in tales
+  Of yore, reply'd.--“Jove's son, rich in the herds
+  “Iberia bred, his prosperous journey bent
+  “By ocean unto fair Lacinia's shores:
+  “Enter'd himself the hospitable roof
+  “Of mighty Croto, while his cattle' stray'd
+  “Amid the tender grass; and his long toil
+  “Reliev'd by rest. Departing, thus he spoke--
+  “Here in thy grandson's age a town shall rise.--
+  “And true the promis'd words; for Myscelos,
+  “Argive Alemon's son, dear to the gods,
+  “Beyond all mortals of that time, now liv'd.
+  “The club-arm'd god, as press'd with heavy sleep,
+  “He lay, hung o'er him, and directed thus.--
+  “Haste leave thy native land;--where distant flows
+  “The rocky stream of Æsaris, go seek.--
+  “And threaten'd much if disobedient found:
+  “Then disappear'd the god and sleep at once.
+  “Alemon's son arose; with silent care
+  “Revolv'd the new-seen vision in his soul,
+  “And undetermin'd waver'd long his mind.
+  “The god commands,--the laws forbid to go:
+  “Death is the punishment to him decreed
+  “Who would his country quit. Now glorious Sol
+  “Had in the ocean hid his glittering face,
+  “And densest night shew'd her star-studded head;
+  “Again the god was seen to come; again
+  “Admonish, and with threats more stern demand
+  “Obedience. Terror-struck he now prepar'd
+  “His property and household gods to move
+  “To this new seat. Quick through the city flies
+  “The rumor; as a slighter of the laws
+  “Is he denounc'd. The trial ends at once;
+  “Th' acknowledg'd crime without a witness prov'd.
+  “The wretched culprit lifts his eyes and hands
+  “To heaven, exclaiming;--Thou whose toils twice six
+  “Have given thee claim to glory, lend thy aid;
+  “Thou art the cause that I offence have given.--
+  “Sentence in old, by stones of white and black
+  “Was shewn: by these th' accus'd was clear'd, by those
+  “Condemn'd. Thus is the heavy doom now pass'd,
+  “And in the fatal urn each flings a stone
+  “Of sable hue. Inverted then to count
+  “The pebbles, lo! their color all is chang'd
+  “From black to white; and thus, the doom revers'd,
+  “Alemon's son by Hercules is freed.
+  “Thanks to Alcmena's son, his kinsman, given,
+  “He o'er th' Ionian sea with favoring winds
+  “Sail'd, and Tarentum, Sparta's city, pass'd,
+  “And Sybaris, Neæthus Salentine,
+  “The gulph of Thurium, and Japygia's fields,
+  “With Temeses; which shores at distance seen
+  “By him, were scarcely pass'd, when he beheld
+  “The mouth of Æsaris, the destin'd flood:
+  “And thence not far a lofty heap of earth,
+  “Where Croto's hallow'd bones were safe inhum'd.
+  “There he as bidden rais'd the walls, which took
+  “From the high sepulchre their lasting name.
+  “Plain then the city's origin appears
+  “By fame, thus built upon Italia's shores.�
+
+    Here dwelt a sage whom Samos claim'd by birth,
+  But Samos and its masters he had fled;
+  A willing exile from tyrannic rule.
+  Though from celestial regions far remov'd
+  His mind to heaven could soar; with mental eyes
+  He things explor'd which to the human ken
+  Nature deny'd. When all with watchful care
+  Was learnt in secret, to the listening crowd
+  He public spoke. Told to their wondering ears
+  The primal origin of this great world;
+  The cause of things; what nature is; what god;
+  Whence snow; and whence tremendous thunder springs,--
+  From Jove, or from the rattling of rent clouds;
+  What shakes earth's pillars; by what law the stars
+  Wander; and what besides lies hid from man.
+  And first that animals should heap the board
+  For food, he strict forbade; and first in words
+  Thus eloquent, but unbeliev'd he spoke.
+
+    “Cease, mortals, cease your bodies to pollute
+  “With food unhallow'd: plentiful is grain;
+  “The apples bend the branches with their load;
+  “The vines bear swelling heaps of clustering grapes;
+  “Bland herbs you have; and such as heat require
+  “To mollify for use. Nor do you lack
+  “The milky fluid, or the honey sweet,
+  “Fragrant of thyme. The lavish earth supplies
+  “Mild aliments, her riches and affords
+  “Dainties, with nought of slaughter or of blood.
+  “Their hunger beasts alone with flesh allay,
+  “And beasts not all; the generous steed, the flock,
+  “The herd, on grass subsist. But lions grim,
+  “Armenian tigers, bears, and wolves, delight
+  “In bloody feasts. How impious to behold
+  “Bowels in bowels bury'd! greedy limbs
+  “Fatten on limbs digested, and prolong'd
+  “One's animation by another's death.
+  “In vain the earth, benignant mother, gives
+  “Her copious stores, if nought can thee delight,
+  “Save with a savage tooth this living food
+  “To chew, and Cyclopéan feasts renew.
+  “Can'st thou not cloy the appetite's keen rage,
+  “Deprav'd desire! unless another die?
+  “That early age, to which we give the name
+  “Of golden, happy was in mellow fruits,
+  “And plants, by earth produc'd; nor e'er did gore
+  “The mouth defile. In safety through the air
+  “Fowls way'd their feathers: fearless through the fields
+  “Wander'd the hare: nor, on the barb'd hook hung
+  “By his credulity, was snar'd the fish.
+  “Fraud was not, none suspicious of deceit;
+  “And all was fill'd with harmony and peace.
+  “But soon some wretch (whatever wretch was he)
+  “Such food disliking, in his greedy maw
+  “Bury'd what animation once possess'd.
+  “He led the way to wickedness. And first
+  “The weapon smok'd with blood of ravenous beasts:
+  “And there it should have stay'd. Just is the plea
+  “To take their lives that follow us for prey;
+  “But not devour them when destroy'd. From thence
+  “Wide spread the horrid practice, and the sow,
+  “Doom'd the first victim, is decreed to die,
+  “For digging up with crooked snout the seed;
+  “And blasting all the prospect of the year.
+  “The goat had gnaw'd the vine;--the culprit bled
+  “On Bacchus' altars to appease his ire.
+  “These two their fate deserv'd. But how, O sheep!
+  “Ye harmless flocks, have ye this merited,
+  “Form'd to receive protection from mankind?
+  “Who in your swelling dugs bland liquors bear,
+  “Who give your fleecy coverings, garments soft
+  “For us to form; and more in life than death
+  “Assist our wants. What has the ox deserved?
+  “A simple harmless beast, and born for toil,
+  “Of guile and fraud devoid? Forgetful man!
+  “And undeserving of the harvest's boon,
+  “Who could, the crooked joke just from his neck
+  “Remov'd, his faithful tiller sacrifice;
+  “Smite with the axe that neck with labor worn,
+  “With which so oft he had the soil renew'd;
+  “Which had so many crops on him bestow'd.
+  “Nor is this all, the savage deed perform'd,
+  “They implicate the heavenly gods themselves,
+  “Pretend th' almighty deities delight
+  “To see the slaughter of laborious steers.
+  “Spotless must be the victim; in his form
+  “Perfection: (fatal thus too much to please!)
+  “With gold and fillets gay, the beast is led
+  “Before the altar, hears the unknown prayers,
+  “And sees the meal, the product of his toil,
+  “Betwixt his horns full in his forehead flung:
+  “Then struck, he stains the weapon with his blood,
+  “The weapon in reflecting waves beneath
+  “Haply beheld before. Next they inspect
+  “His torn-out living entrails, and from thence
+  “Learn what the bosoms of the gods intend.
+  “Whence, man, such passion for forbidden food?
+  “How dar'st thou, mortal man! in flesh indulge?
+  “O! I conjure you, do it not; my words
+  “Deep in your minds revolve, when to your mouth
+  “The mangled members of the ox you raise,
+  “Know, and reflect, your laborer you devour.
+
+    “And now the god inspires my tongue, my tongue
+  “Shall follow what th' inspiring god directs,
+  “My truths I will disclose, display all heaven,
+  “And oracles of mind divine reveal.
+  “I sing of mighty things, by none before
+  “Investigated; what has long lain hid.
+  “It glads me through the lofty heavens to go;
+  “To sail amid the clouds, the sluggish earth
+  “Left far below; and on the shoulders mount
+  “Of mighty Atlas; thence from far look down,
+  “On wandering souls of reasoning aid depriv'd,
+  “Shivering and trembling at the thoughts of death.
+  “I thus exhort, and scenes of fate unfold.
+
+    “O race! whom terror of cold death affrights,
+  “Why fear ye Styx? why darkness? why vain names,
+  “The dreams of poets? why in fancy'd worlds
+  “Severe atonements? Whether slow disease,
+  “Or on the pile the body flames consume,
+  “Think not that any suffering it can feel.
+  “The soul from death is free, and one seat left,
+  “Another habitation finds and lives.
+  “Well I remember I was Pantheus' son,
+  “Euphorbus, in the fatal war of Troy,
+  “Whose breast the young Atrides' massive spear
+  “Transpierc'd in fight. I lately knew the shield
+  “My left arm bore, in Juno's temple hung,
+  “In Abantean Argos. All is chang'd,
+  “But nothing dies. The spirit roams about
+  “From that to this, from this to that again;
+  “And enters vacant bodies at its will.
+  “Now from a beast's to human frame it goes,
+  “Now from the man it passes to a beast;
+  “And never perishes. As yielding wax
+  “Is with new figures printed, nor remains
+  “Long in one form, nor holds its pristine shape;
+  “And yet is still the same: so do I teach,
+  “The soul the same, though vary'd are its seats.
+  “Hence, lest thy belly's keen desire o'ercome
+  “All piety, (and prophet-like I speak)
+  “Forbear by impious slaughter to disturb
+  “The souls of kindred friends; and let not blood
+  “With blood be fed. Now on the boundless sea
+  “Since I am borne, and to the breeze have loos'd
+  “My swelling sail, this more:--Nought that the world
+  “Contains, is in appearance still the same
+  “All moving alters; changeable is form'd
+  “Each image. And with constant motion flows
+  “Ev'n time itself, just like a passing stream;
+  “For nor the river, nor the flying hour
+  “Can be detain'd. As wave by wave impell'd,
+  “The foremost prest by that behind; itself
+  “Urging its predecessor; so time flies,
+  “And so is follow'd, ever seeming new.
+  “For what has been, is lost; what is, no more
+  “Shall be, and every moment is renew'd.
+  “You see the night emerge to glorious day,
+  “And the bright sun in shady darkness sink.
+  “Nor shews the sky one hue when nature all
+  “Worn out, in midnight quiet rests; and when
+  “Bright Lucifer dismounts his snowy steed:
+  “Varying again when fair Aurora comes
+  “Of light fore-runner, and the world, to Sol
+  “About to yield, dyes deep. The orbed god,
+  “When from earth's margin rising, in the morn
+  “Blushing appears, and blushing seems at eve
+  “Descending to the main, but at heaven's height
+  “Shines in white splendor; there th' ethereal air
+  “Is purest, earth's contagion distant far.
+  “Nor can nocturnal Phœbe always shew
+  “Her form the same, nor equal: less to-day,
+  “If waxing, than to-morrow she'll appear;
+  “If waning, greater. Note you not the year
+  “In four succeeding seasons passing on?
+  “A lively image of our mortal life.
+  “Tender and milky, like young infancy
+  “Is the new spring: then gaily shine the plants,
+  “Tumid with juice, but helpless; and delight
+  “With hope the planter: blooming all appears,
+  “And smiles in varied flowers the feeding earth;
+  “But delicate and pow'rless are the leaves.
+  “Robuster now the year, to spring succeeds
+  “The summer, and a sturdy youth becomes:
+  “No age is stronger, none more fertile yields
+  “Its stores, and none with heat more fervid glows.
+  “Next autumn follows, all the fire of youth
+  “Allay'd, mature in mildness, just between
+  “Old age and youth a medium temper holds;
+  “Some silvery tresses o'er his temples strew'd.
+  “Then aged winter, frightful object! comes
+  “With tottering step, and bald appears his head;
+  “Or snowy white the few remaining hairs.
+  “Our bodies too themselves submit to change
+  “Without remission. Nor what we have been,
+  “Nor what we are, to-morrow shall we be.
+  “The day has been when we were but as seed,
+  “And in his mother's womb the future man
+  “Dwelt. Nature with her aiding power appear'd,
+  “Bade that the embryo bury'd deep within
+  “The pregnant mother, should not rack her more:
+  “And from its dwelling to the free drawn air
+  “Produc'd it. To the day the infant brought,
+  “Lies sinewless; then quadruped he crawls
+  “In beast-like guise; then trembling, by degrees
+  “He stands erect, but with a leg unfirm,
+  “His knees assisting with some strong support.
+  “Now is he strong and swift, and youth's brisk stage
+  “Quick passes; then, the flower of years o'ergone,
+  “He slides down gradual to descending age:
+  “This undermines, demolishes the strength
+  “Of former years. And ancient Milo weeps,
+  “When he beholds those aged feeble arms
+  “Hang dangling by his side, once like the limbs
+  “Of Hercules; so muscular, so large.
+  “And Helen weeps when in her glass she views
+  “Her aged wrinkles, wondering to herself
+  “Why she was ravish'd twice. Consuming time!
+  “And envious age! all substance ye destroy;
+  “All things your teeth decay; and you consume
+  “By gradual progress, but by certain death.
+  “These also, which the elements we call,
+  “Their varying changes know: lo! I explain
+  “Their regular vicissitudes,--attend.
+
+    “Four elements th' eternal world contains;
+  “Two, earth and water, which their ponderous weight
+  “Sinks low; and two, the air and purer fire,
+  “Void of dense gravity, soar up on high,
+  “Free, unconfin'd. Though distant far in space,
+  “Yet from these four are all things form'd, and all
+  “To them resolve again. The earth dissolv'd
+  “Melts into liquid dew; more subtile grown
+  “It passes to the breezes and the air;
+  “And air again, when in its thinest form,
+  “Depriv'd of weight, springs to the fires on high.
+  “Thence retrogade they come, inverting all
+  “This order: fire is thicken'd to dense air;
+  “Air into water; water to hard earth;
+  “Nor aught retains its form. Nature, of things
+  “Renewer, figures from old figures makes.
+  “Nought that the world contains (doubt not my truth)
+  “E'er perishes, but changes; and receives
+  “An alter'd shape. What to be born we call,
+  “Is to begin in different guise to seem
+  “Than what we were; and what we call to die,
+  “Is but to cease to wear our wonted form.
+  “Though haply some part hither may be mov'd,
+  “Some thither, still the aggregate's the same.
+  “Nor can I think that aught can long endure
+  “Unalter'd. Soon the primal ages came
+  “From gold to iron. Quite transform'd is oft
+  “The state of places. I have seen what once
+  “Was earth most solid, chang'd to fluid waves.
+  “Land have I seen from ocean form'd; and shells
+  “Marine, lie scatter'd distant from all shore:
+  “Old anchors bury'd in the mountain tops.
+  “The rush of waters hollow vallies forms
+  “Where once were plains; and level lie the hills
+  “Beneath the deluge: dry the marshy ground
+  “With barren sand becomes; and what was parch'd
+  “Is soak'd, a marshy fen. Here nature opes
+  “New fountains; there she closes up the old.
+  “Rivers have bursted forth, when earthquakes shook
+  “The globe; some chok'd have disappear'd below.
+  “Thus Lycus, swallow'd by the yawning earth,
+  “Bursts far from thence again, another stream:
+  “The mighty Erasinus, now absorb'd,
+  “Now flows, to Argive fields again restor'd.
+  “And Myssus, they relate, who both his stream
+  “And banks disliking, as Caïcus now
+  “'Twixt others flows. With Amenane who rolls
+  “O'er sands Sicilian, flowing oft, and oft
+  “With clos'd-up fountains dry. Anigros, once
+  “Sweet to the thirsty, now his waters pours
+  “Untouch'd by lips, since (save we must deny
+  “To poets faith) the double-body'd race
+  “There bath'd the wounds Alcides' arrows gave.
+  “And is not Hypanis, the flood that springs
+  “From Scythia's hills, once sweet, with bitter salts
+  “Now tainted? By the waves begirt were once
+  “Antissa, Pharos, and Phœnician Tyre;
+  “And not a spot an island now remains.
+  “The ancient clowns, Leucadia to the land
+  “Saw join'd; now surges beat around its base;
+  “And Zanclé, they relate, was once conjoin'd
+  “To Italy, 'till ocean burst his bounds,
+  “And rent the land, and girt it with his waves.
+  “For Helicé or Buris should you seek,
+  “Achaïan towns, o'erwhelm'd beneath the waves
+  “You'll find them: boatmen oft are wont to shew
+  “The tottering cities, and their walls immers'd.
+  “Near Pitthean Trœzen is a lofty hill
+  “By trees unshaded; now indeed an hill
+  “But once a level plain. Wond'rous to tell
+  “The wind's resistless force, in caverns deep
+  “Inclos'd, for exit somewhere as it strain'd,
+  “And struggled long in vain, a freer range
+  “Of air to sweep; when all the prison round
+  “Was found no fissure pervious to the blast,
+  “It swell'd the high-rais'd ground: just so the breath
+  “Puffs out the bladder, or the horn'd goat's skin.
+  “The tumor still remains, and now appears,
+  “Grown hard by lapse of time, a lofty hill.
+  “Though numbers to my mind occur, or seen
+  “Or heard, but few beside I will relate.
+  “Do not streams too receive and lose new powers?
+  “Thy fountain, horned Ammon, at mid-day
+  “Is icy cold, but hot at morn and eve.
+  “The waters of Athamanis, are said,
+  “Sprinkled on wood, when Luna's lessening orb
+  “Shines in the heavens, to warm it into flame.
+  “A river have the Cicones, which turns
+  “To marble what it touches: whoso drinks
+  “Instant his inwards harden into stone.
+  “Cathis and Sybaris, which border near
+  “Our pastures, make the hair resemble gold.
+  “More wond'rous still, waters there are, with power
+  “The mind to change as well as change the limbs.
+  “Who has not heard of Salmacis obscene?
+  “And Ethiopa's lake, which whoso drinks
+  “Or furious raves, or sinks in sleep profound?
+  “Whoe'er his thirst at the Clitorian fount
+  “Quenches, he loathes all wine: abstemious, joys
+  “To drink pure water: whether power the waves
+  “Possess to thwart the heating vinous juice,
+  “Or, as the natives tell, with herbs and charms
+  “When the mad Prætides Melampus cur'd,
+  “He in the stream the mental medicine flung;
+  “And hate of wine the fountain still retains.
+  “Lyncestius' river flows with different power;
+  “Of this who swallows but the smallest draught
+  “Staggers, as charg'd with plenteous cups of wine.
+  “A dangerous place Arcadia holds (of yore
+  “Call'd Pheneos) for its waters' two-fold force:
+  “Dreaded by night: for drank by night they harm,
+  “But guiltless of all mischief drank by day.
+  “Thus lakes and rivers now these powers possess;
+  “Now those. Time was Ortygia on the waves
+  “Floated, now firm she rests. Argo, first ship
+  “Dreaded the isles Cyanean scatter'd round
+  “And clashing oft amid the roaring waves;
+  “Which rest unmov'd now, and the winds despise.
+  “Nor Etna whose sulphureous furnace flames
+  “Will always burn; time was it burn'd not yet:
+  “For let earth be an animated mass,
+  “Which lives, and breathing holes in various parts
+  “Exhaling flame, possesses, she may change,
+  “Each time she moves, those passages of air;
+  “These caverns close, and others open throw.
+  “Or whether wind, confin'd in those deep caves,
+  “Hurls rocks on rocks, and what the seeds of fire
+  “Contain; and flames from the concussion burst;
+  “The winds appeas'd, cold will the caves be left.
+  “Or if the flame be by bitumen caught,
+  “Or by pale sulphur, fiercely will it burn
+  “To the last particle; but when the earth
+  “Fuel and oily nutriment no more
+  “The flame shall give; a tedious length of years
+  “Its force exhausting, and its nutriment
+  “By nature's tooth consum'd, the famish'd flames
+  “Will this desert, deserted by their food.
+  “Fame says, the men who in Pallené live,
+  “A northern clime, when nine times in the lake
+  “Tritonian plung'd, in plumage light are clad.
+  “This scarce can I believe. They also tell
+  “That Scythia's females, sprinkling on their limbs
+  “Rank poisons, such like transformation gain.
+  “Yet when well-try'd experience us instructs,
+  “Faith may be given. Do we not bodies see
+  “Decaying slow with moisture and with heat,
+  “To animalcules chang'd? Nay, go, inter
+  “A chosen slaughter'd steer, (well known the fact,
+  “And much in use;) lo! from the putrid paunch
+  “Swarms of the flower-collecting bee will rise,
+  “Which rove the meadows as their parent rov'd:
+  “And urge their toil and labor still in hope.
+  “The warlike courser, prostrate on the ground,
+  “Becomes the source whence angry hornets rise.
+  “Cut from the sea-shore crab his crooked claws,
+  “And place the rest in earth, a scorpion thence,
+  “Will come, and threaten with his hooked tail.
+  “The meadow worms too, which with silky threads
+  “(Well noted is the fact,) are wont to weave
+  “The foliage, change the figures which they wear,
+  “Like the gay butterfly of funeral fame.
+  “The life-producing seeds of grass-green frogs
+  “Mud holds; and forms them first devoid of feet,
+  “Then gives them legs for swimming well contriv'd;
+  “And, apt that they for lengthen'd leaps may suit,
+  “Behind these far surpass the first in length.
+  “The cub the bear brings forth, at its first birth
+  “Is but a lump of barely living flesh:
+  “Licking, the mother forms the limbs, and gives
+  “As much of shape as she herself enjoys.
+  “See we the young not of the honey'd bee,
+  “Clos'd in the wax hexagonally shap'd,
+  “First form'd a body limbless, gaining late
+  “Their feet and wings? And who could e'er suppose,
+  “Except the fact he knew, that Juno's bird
+  “Which bears the starry tail; that Venus' doves;
+  “The thunder-bearer of almighty Jove;
+  “And all the race of birds, their being owe
+  “To a small egg's still smaller central part?
+  “There are, who think the human marrow chang'd,
+  “A snake becomes, when putrid turns the spine
+  “In a close sepulchre. These, each and all,
+  “Their origin from other things derive.
+  “One bird there is, which from herself alone
+  “Springs, and regenerates without foreign aid:
+  “Assyrians call her Phœnix. Not on grain,
+  “Nor herbs she lives, but on strong frankincense,
+  “And rich amomums' juice: when she has pass'd
+  “Five ages of her life, with her broad bill
+  “And talons, she upon the ilex' boughs,
+  “Or on the summit of the trembling palm,
+  “A nest constructs: on this she cassia strews,
+  “Spikes of sweet-smelling nard, the dark brown myrrh,
+  “And cinnamon well bruis'd: then lays herself
+  “Above, and on the odorous pile expires.
+  “Then, they report, an infant Phœnix springs
+  “From the parental corse, to which is given
+  “Five ages too, to live. When years afford
+  “Due strength to lift, and bear the ponderous load,
+  “She lightens of the weighty nest the boughs;
+  “With pious duty her own cradle takes,
+  “And parent's sepulchre; then, having gain'd
+  “Hyperion's city through the yielding air,
+  “Before the sacred portal lays it down.
+  “If of stupendous wonder aught ye find
+  “In this, hyænas must your wonder move;
+  “Alternate changing, females now they bear;
+  “And annual alter unto males again:
+  “That reptile too, which feeds on wind and air;
+  “And what it touches, straight its hue assumes.
+  “India by cluster-bearing Bacchus gain'd,
+  “Lynxes upon the conquering god bestow'd:
+  “And, (so they tell) whate'er their bladders void,
+  “Concretes to gems, and hardens in the air.
+  “Thus too, the coral hardens to a stone;
+  “A plant so flexible beneath the waves.
+  “Day would desert us; Phœbus' panting steeds
+  “Would in the mighty deep be plung'd, ere I
+  “Could finish, should I every substance tell
+  “Chang'd to new form. This we perceive, that time
+  “All turns. These nations mighty strength attain:
+  “Those sink in power. Thus Troy in wealth and strength
+  “Was mighty; and for ten long years could shed
+  “Her blood in torrents. Low she lies, and shews
+  “Her ancient ruins, and her numerous tombs
+  “For all her riches. Sparta once was great;
+  “And fam'd Mycené once in power was strong;
+  “With Athens; and the town Amphion rais'd.
+  “Now a mean spot is Sparta; low now lies
+  “Lofty Mycené; what of Thebes remains,
+  “The town of Œdipus, except his tale?
+  “What of Pandion's Athens, but the name?
+  “And now begins the fame of Dardan Rome
+  “To rise; the waves of Tiber from the hills
+  “Of Appenine descending, bathe her walls:
+  “Plac'd on a huge foundation shall she fix
+  “Her empire's base. By increase shall she change;
+  “And shall hereafter of the mighty world
+  “Be head. This prophets, they assert, have said,
+  “And fate-predicting oracles. Myself
+  “Remember Helenus, old Priam's son,
+  “Address'd Æneas, when the Trojan towers
+  “Were tottering, weeping,--and of future fate
+  “Doubtful, in words like these--O goddess born!
+  “If the prognostics of my soul I read
+  “Rightly, Troy ne'er, while thou art safe, will fall.
+  “Flames and the sword shall ope to thee a path
+  “Thou shalt depart, and with thyself convey
+  “An Iliüm, till a foreign land thou find'st;
+  “A land more friendly both to thee and Troy.
+  “Now, to the Phrygians' offspring due, I see
+  “A city rais'd; such former ages ne'er
+  “Beheld; such is not; such will never be.
+  “Thousands of worthies in a length of years,
+  “Its power shall spread; but lord of all the globe
+  “Shall he, descended of Iülus, reign;
+  “Who, when by earth awhile enjoy'd, shall gain--
+  “A seat celestial; and the heavens shall be
+  “The bound of his career.--Well does my mind
+  “Retain, that Helenus in such like words
+  “Address'd the chief who bore his country's gods.
+  “Joy'd I behold my kindred walls increase;
+  “And Grecia's conquest happy prove for Troy.
+  “But lest too wide I wander, and my steeds
+  “Forget the goal; know, heaven, and all beneath;
+  “Earth, and all earth's contents their shapes must change.
+  “Let us then, members of the world (not form'd
+  “Of body only, but with winged souls
+  “Which to the bodies of wild beasts may pass,
+  “Or dwell within the breasts of grazing herds)
+  “Permit those forms which may the souls contain
+  “Of parents, brethren, or of those once join'd
+  “To us by other bonds, certain of men,
+  “To rest secure and safe from savage wounds;
+  “Nor load our bowels at Thyestes' board.
+  “Soon, by ill custom warp'd, does he prepare
+  “To bathe his impious hands in human gore,
+  “Who severs with his knife the lowing throat
+  “Of the young calf, and turns a deafen'd ear
+  “To all its cries: or who the kid can slay,
+  “Moaning in plaintive tone like children's cries:
+  “Or who the fowl he fed before, can eat.
+  “What more is wanting, that may now complete
+  “The measure of iniquity? From thence
+  “Where the next step? Then let thine oxen plough,
+  “And let their death be due alone to age.
+  “Let from dread Boreas' piercing cold the sheep
+  “Defend thee with her wool. Let the full goat
+  “Present her udder to thy hand to press.
+  “Throw far thy nets, thy nooses, and thy snares,
+  “And all thy treacherous skill; nor with lim'd twig
+  “Deceive the bird; nor with strong toils the deer;
+  “Nor hide the barbed hook with treacherous bait.
+  “If animals annoy ye, them destroy:
+  “But slay them only. From the taste of flesh
+  “Free be your mouths, while food more fit ye eat.�
+
+    His breast with these, and such like doctrines fill'd,
+  Numa, 'tis said, back to his country came;
+  And held, unsought for, the supreme command
+  O'er Latium's realm. Blest with the nymph his spouse,
+  And by the muses guided, all the rites
+  Of sacrifice he taught: the people train'd,
+  Fond of fierce war, to arts of gentle peace.
+  When late he finish'd reign at once, and life,
+  The Latian females, nobles, commons, all
+  In streaming tears, bewail'd their Numa dead.
+  His consort Rome deserted, and lay hid
+  In the deep forests of Aricia's vale;
+  And with her wailings and her mournful sighs,
+  The rites impeded in Diana's fane.
+  How oft the nymphs who dwelt in lakes and groves,
+  Kind admonitions gave her not to mourn,
+  And sooth'd her with consolatory words!
+  How oft the son of Theseus weeping, said;
+  “Cease thus to grieve, nor think your fate alone
+  “Is hard. Look round awhile on others' woes;
+  “More mild your own you'll bear. Would that not mine
+  “Were such as might assuage your woe; but mine,
+  “When heard, to calm your grief may something yield.
+
+    “Haply report has sounded in your ears
+  “Of one Hippolytus the fate, destroy'd
+  “Through his most impious step-dame's treacherous fraud,
+  “And sire's credulity. With much surprize
+  “You'll hear,--nay scarcely will you trust my words,
+  “But he am I! Pasiphaë's daughter me
+  “Accus'd, that I with vain endeavour try'd
+  “To violate my parent's nuptial couch:
+  “Me feigning guilty of the crime she wish'd;
+  “On me th' offence retorting, or through fear
+  “I might accuse, or rage at her repulse.
+  “My sire, me guiltless from the city drove,
+  “And curs'd me going with most hostile prayers.
+  “To Pitthean Træzen I my exil'd flight
+  “Directed: and now drove along the shore
+  “Of Corinth's sea; when ocean sudden heav'd;
+  “A mighty heap of waters bent appear'd,
+  “Like an huge hill, and increase seem'd to gain;
+  “Then roaring loud was at its summit cleft.
+  “Thence, from the bursting waves a horned bull
+  “Rush'd forth, breast-high uprearing in the air;
+  “Spouting the waves through his capacious mouth
+  “And nostrils. Terror seiz'd my comrades' breasts:
+  “Fill'd with the thoughts of exile, mine alone
+  “Unmov'd remain'd. While my impatient steeds,
+  “Turn'd to the main their heads; with ears erect
+  “Affrighted stood; then by the beast appall'd,
+  “Rush'd rapid with the car o'er lofty rocks.
+  “With a vain hand I strive to gird the curb,
+  “Besmear'd with foaming whiteness; bending back
+  “With all my might I pull the pliant reins.
+  “Nor had my horses' furious madness mock'd
+  “My strength, save that the fast-revolving wheel
+  “A tree opposing struck, and shatter'd: wide
+  “The fragments flew. I from the car was thrown,
+  “Entangled in the harness: plain to view
+  “Were seen my living bowels dragg'd along;
+  “My sinews twisted round the stump; my limbs
+  “Part swept away, and part entangled left:
+  “Loud crash'd my fractur'd bones; my weary'd soul
+  “At length exhal'd; my body nought retain'd
+  “That could be known, one all-continued wound.
+  “Can you, O nymph! or dare you, now compare
+  “Your woe with mine? Since then I have beheld
+  “The realm of darkness, and my mangled limbs
+  “Bath'd in the waves of Phlegethon. Nor life
+  “Had been restor'd, but through the forceful help,
+  “Of medicine that Apollo's offspring gave.
+  “From him Pæonian aid when I had gain'd
+  “By plants of power, though much in Pluto's spite,
+  “Cynthia me cover'd with her densest clouds:
+  “And lest my sight their hatred should increase,
+  “That safe I might remain, and without risk
+  “Be seen, she gave to my appearance age,
+  “Nor left me features to be known again:
+  “And long deliberated, whether Crete
+  “Or Delos, for my dwelling she would chuse.
+  “But, Crete and Delos both abandon'd, here
+  “She plac'd me, and my name she bade renounce
+  “Which still reminded me of my wild steeds;
+  “Saying--O thou, Hippolytus who wast!
+  “Be Virbius now! Thenceforth within these groves
+  “I dwell,--a minor deity, I tend
+  “My heavenly mistress, and increase her train.�
+
+    But foreign griefs possess'd not power to chase
+  Egeria's woe; who at a mountain's foot
+  Thrown prostrate, melted in a flood of tears;
+  'Till Phœbus' sister by her sorrow mov'd,
+  Transform'd her body to a cooling fount;
+  And her limbs melted to still-during streams.
+
+    The miracle the wondering nymphs beheld;
+  Nor stood the son of Amazonia's queen
+  With less surprize than on the bosom seiz'd
+  Of the Tyrrhenian ploughman, when he view'd
+  The fate-foretelling clod, amidst the fields.
+  At first spontaneous and untouch'd it mov'd;
+  Then took a human figure; shook off earth,
+  And op'd its new-form'd prophesying mouth:
+  Tages the natives call'd him, who first taught
+  Th' Etruscan race the future to explain:
+  Or Romulus, when he his spear beheld
+  Stuck on Palatium's hill, and sudden sprout:
+  By a new root, not by its steely point,
+  Fixt fast: no more a weapon, but a tree,
+  With pliant branches, which afford a shade
+  Unlook'd for to the wondering people round:
+  Or Cippus, when he in the flowing stream
+  Beheld his new-form'd horns (for them he saw)
+  But thought th' appearance false; and what he view'd,
+  Oft rais'd his fingers to his head to touch:
+  No more his eyes distrusting, then he stood,
+  (As victor from a conquer'd foe he came,)
+  And raising up to heaven his hands and eyes,
+  “Ye gods!� he said, “whatever this portends,
+  “If happy, to my country, to the state,
+  “Be it;--if ominous of ill, to me.�
+  And then with odorous fires the gods ador'd,
+  On grassy altars of the green sward form'd;
+  And from the goblets pour'd the wine; and search'd,
+  The panting entrails of the slaughter'd sheep,
+  For what was meant. Th' Etruscan seer beheld
+  That mighty revolutions they foretold;
+  But yet obscurely: till his piercing eye
+  He from the entrails turn'd to Cippus' horns.
+  Then cry'd;--“Save thee, O king! for lo! the place
+  “For thee, O Cippus! and thy horns, the towers
+  “Of Latium will obey. Thou only haste;
+  “Delay not, but within the open gates
+  “Enter; so fate commands. In them receiv'd
+  “King wilt thou be; in safety wilt enjoy
+  “An ever-during kingdom.� Back he drew
+  His feet, and from the city's walls he turn'd
+  Sternly his looks; exclaiming; “far, ye gods!
+  “O, far avert these omens! Better I
+  “An exile roam for life, than monarch rule
+  “The Capitol.� Then he assembled straight
+  The reverend senate, and the people round:
+  But first with peaceful laurel veil'd his horns:
+  Then on a mound, there by the soldiers rais'd,
+  He stood; and pray'd in ancient mode to heaven.
+  “Lo! here,� he cry'd, “is one, whom save ye drive
+  “Far from your city, will your monarch be;
+  “By marks, but not by name I him describe:
+  “Two horns his forehead bears. He is the man,
+  “Once in the town receiv'd, the augur tells,
+  “With servile laws will rule ye. Nay, he might
+  “Your open gates have enter'd, but myself
+  “Oppos'd him; though more near to me is none.
+  “Expel him, Romans! from your city far;
+  “Or, if he merit them, with massive chains
+  “Load him: or rid yourself at once of fear
+  “By the proud tyrant's death.� Such murmurs sound
+  'Mid lofty pines, when Eurus whistles fierce;
+  Such is the roaring of the ocean waves
+  Rolling far distant, as the crowd sent forth:
+  Till from amidst the all-confounding noise
+  One spoke more loud, and--“which is he?� exclaim'd.
+  Then all the brows they search'd, the horns to find.
+  Cippus again address'd them. “What you seek
+  “Behold!� and from his head the garland tore,
+  Spite of their efforts, and his forehead shew'd,
+  With double horns distinguish'd. All their eyes
+  Depress'd, and sighs from every bosom burst:
+  Unwillingly, (incredible!) they view
+  That head so bright with merit. Then, no more
+  Bearing that honors due he should not gain,
+  They bind his temples with a festal crown.
+  Thee, Cippus! since within the walls forbid
+  To enter, now the senators present
+  A grateful gift; a tract of land so large
+  As with a plough, by two yok'd oxen drawn,
+  Thou canst from morn till close of day surround.
+  The horns, the type of this stupendous fact,
+  Long shall remain on brazen pillars grav'd.
+
+    Ye muses, patrons of the poet's song,
+  Explain (for all complete your knowledge, age
+  Most distant ne'er deceives you) why the isle
+  In Tiber's bosom, by his billows wash'd,
+  The rites of Esculapius introduc'd
+  Into the town of Romulus! A plague
+  Of direst form infected Latium's air,
+  And the pale bloodless bodies wasted thin
+  Squalid in poison. When the numerous deaths
+  Prov'd every effort of mankind was vain,
+  And vain the art of medicine, they beseech
+  Celestial aid, and unto Delphos go,
+  Apollo's oracle, 'mid place of earth;
+  Pray him to help their miserable state
+  With health-affording words; and end at once
+  The dreadful pest which scourg'd their mighty town.
+  The fane, the laurel, and the quiver, slung
+  Upon his shoulder, shook; and this reply
+  The tripod from its secret depth return'd;
+  Thrilling their fear-struck bosoms: “What you seek,
+  “O Romans! here, you should have nearer sought:
+  “And nearer now ev'n seek it. Phœbus' aid
+  “Your woe can lessen not; but Phœbus' son
+  “Can help ye: therefore with good omens go,
+  “And call my offspring to afford relief.�
+  Soon as the prudent senators receiv'd
+  The god's commands, with diligence they seek
+  What city's walls Apollo's son contain;
+  Depute a band, whom favoring breezes waft
+  To Epidaurus' shores. Soon as their keels
+  Touch'd on the strand, they to th' assembled crowd
+  Of Grecian elders haste; and earnest beg
+  To grant their deity, to check the rage
+  Of death amongst the hapless Latian race,
+  By his mere presence. So unerring fate
+  Had said. Divided is the council's voice:
+  Some would the aid besought, be granted; some,
+  And many, these oppose; refuse to send
+  To foreign lands their patron, and their god.
+  While dubious they deliberated, eve
+  Chas'd the remains of light, and the earth's shade
+  Threw darkness round; when, lo! the helping god
+  Appear'd in sleep before the Roman's bed
+  To stand, in form like what his temples grace.
+  His left hand bore a rugged staff; his right
+  Strok'd down the hairs of his expanded beard;
+  As thus with words of import mild he spoke;
+  “Fear not, for I will come; my temple leave.
+  “View but this snake which with his circling folds
+  “My staff entwines; remark him, that again
+  “You well may know him; chang'd to such a form
+  “Will I be; but more huge I will appear;
+  “Mighty in bulk as heavenly beings ought.�
+  The vision ceas'd, and vanish'd with the words:
+  And with the god fled sleep; and cheerful light
+  Follow'd the flight of Somnus. Now the morn
+  Had chas'd the starry fires; the Grecian chiefs,
+  Still dubious, in the splendid temple meet
+  Of the intreated deity, and pray
+  That some celestial sign he should display,
+  To prove which country for his seat he chose.
+  Scarce had they ended, when the shining god
+  Fore-running hisses sent; and as a snake
+  With lofty crest appear'd: at his approach
+  His statue, altars, portals, gilded roofs,
+  And marble pavement shook. He rear'd his chest
+  Sublime amid the temple; and around
+  Darted his eyes, which shone with living fire.
+  Trembled the fear-struck crowd. The sacred priest,
+  His hair encircled with a snowy band,
+  Straight knew him; and, “the God! the God!� exclaim'd:
+  “All present, him with hearts and tongues adore!
+  “O glorious deity! may thou, thus seen,
+  “Propitious be; thy worshippers protect,
+  “Who keep thy rites.� All present to the god
+  Adoring bend, and all his words repeat;
+  And Rome's embassadors with fervor join
+  In mind and voice. To these the god consents,
+  And his crest moving, certain signs affords:
+  Thrice hissing, thrice he shakes his forked tongue,
+  Then down the shining steps he glides, his head
+  Retorted; as he thence departs he views
+  His ancient altars, and a last salute,
+  His wonted seat, his long-own'd temple, gives.
+  Thence rolls he huge along the ground bestrew'd
+  With scatter'd flowers, in curving folds entwin'd;
+  And through the city's centre takes his way,
+  To where the bending mole the port defends.
+  Here rested he; and to dismiss appear'd
+  His followers, and the kind attending crowd,
+  With gracious looks; then in th' Ausonian ship
+  He plac'd his length. A deity's huge weight
+  The ship confess'd; the keel beneath the load
+  Bent. Glad Æneäs' offspring felt, and loos'd
+  (A bull first sacrific'd upon the shore,)
+  The cables which their crowded galley bound.
+  Light airs impell'd the vessel. High aloft
+  The god appear'd; upon the curving poop
+  Rested his neck, and view'd the azure waves.
+  By zephyrs wafted o'er th' Iönian sea,
+  They reach'd Italia when the sixth time rose
+  Aurora. Pass'd Scylacea, and the fane
+  Of Juno, on Lacinia's noted shore;
+  Japygia left, and shunn'd Amphissia's rocks
+  With larboard oars; and, coasting on the right,
+  Ceraunia, and Romechium pass'd, and pass'd
+  Narycia and Caulonia; they, (the risks
+  Of sea, and of Pelorus' narrow straits
+  Surmounted) pass th' Æolian monarch's isles;
+  Metallic Themesis; Leucasia's land;
+  And warm and rosy Pæstus. Thence they coast
+  Along Capræa; and Minerva's cape;
+  And pass Surrentum, rich in generous wine,
+  The town of Hercules; Parthenopé,
+  Built for soft ease; with Stabia; and from thence
+  Pass the Cumæan Sybil's sacred dome.
+  Hence by Linternum, with the mastich rich;
+  And boiling fountains are they borne; and past
+  Vulturnus sucking sand within the gulf;
+  And Sinuessa, fill'd with milk-white doves:
+  Marshy Minturnæ; with Cajeta, rais'd
+  By him she nurs'd; Antiphates' abode;
+  Trachas, by fens encompass'd; Circé's land;
+  And Antium's solid shore. Here when the crew
+  Had with toe flying vessel reach'd, (for now
+  Rough was the main) the god his folds untwines,
+  Glides on in frequent coils, and spires immense;
+  Entering a temple of his sire that stood
+  Close by the yellow beach. The ocean calm'd,
+  The Epidaurian god his father's fane
+  Now leaves; a deity to him close join'd
+  Thus hospitable found: the sandy shore
+  Ploughs in a furrow with his rattling scales:
+  Then, in the steersman confident, he rests
+  On the high poop his head, till they approach
+  Lavinium's city, and her sacred seat,
+  And Tiber's mouth. The people rush in heaps,
+  And crowds of matrons and of fathers rush,
+  Confus'dly hither; even the vestal maids
+  Who guard the sacred fire: and all salute
+  The god with joyful clamor. Then where'er
+  The rapid vessel cleaves th' opposing stream,
+  The incense crackles on the banks, and rais'd
+  Are lines of altars, thick on either shore;
+  The smoke perfumes the air; the victims bleed
+  In heaps, and warm the sacrificial knife.
+  The Roman city now, the world's great head,
+  They enter'd, up erect the serpent rose;
+  From the mast's loftiest summit tower'd his neck,
+  And round he look'd to chuse a fit abode.
+  The waves circumfluent in two equal streams
+  Divide; the isle has thence its name, the arms
+  On either side are stretch'd, land in the midst.
+  Hither the Æsculapian snake himself
+  Betook, departing from the Latian ship;
+  Resum'd his form celestial, and their griefs
+  Dispersing, came health-bearer to the land.
+
+    A foreign power he in our temples stands,
+  But Cæsar, in his native town a god
+  Is worshipp'd. In the forum, and the field
+  Fam'd equal: yet not his well-finish'd wars,
+  His triumphs, nor the deeds in peace perform'd
+  So justly chang'd him to an heavenly shape,
+  A blazing star, as did the son he left.
+  For no atchievement Cæsar e'er perform'd
+  Can with the boast to be Augustus' sire
+  Compare. Far greater this than to subdue
+  The sea-girt Britons:--his victorious fleets
+  To seven-mouth'd Nile to lead;--to bring the realms
+  Cinyphian Juba rul'd, 'neath Rome's control,
+  Rebel Numidia; and, puff'd high in pride
+  With Mithridates' glory, Pontus' land;
+  Rich triumphs to have gain'd, and triumphs more
+  To merit, as a man so great produce;
+  To whose presiding care, O bounteous gods!
+  Mankind ye gave, and them completely blest.
+  And lest he seem from mortal seed to spring
+  His sire must mount to heaven, in form a god.
+  This the bright mother of Æneäs saw,
+  And for the priest beheld a mournful fate
+  Prepar'd, and moving saw the arms conspir'd.
+  She trembled, and to every god she met
+  Address'd her: “Lo! what deep and potent plots
+  “Against me they prepare. See, with what art
+  “His life is sought, who sole to me is left
+  “Of my Iülus. Why must I alone
+  “Be harrass'd still with never-ceasing cares?
+  “Whom now Tydides' Calydonian spear
+  “Wounds; now the walls of ill-protected Troy
+  “Lie prostrate. Who my darling son behold
+  “Driv'n to long wanderings; on the ocean toss'd;
+  “Entering the silent mansions of the dead;
+  “Waging fierce war with Turnus; or, if truth
+  “I speak, with Juno rather. Yet why now
+  “Record I former sufferings in my sons?
+  “Terror prevents all memory of the past;
+  “See, where at me their impious swords they point!
+  “O, I conjure you! stay them; and prevent
+  “The horrid deed; lest, spilt the high-priest's blood,
+  “The fires of Vesta be for ever dark.�
+  With words like these did troubled Venus move
+  Each power of heaven, in vain; yet all were touch'd,
+  And, though the stern decrees of rigid fate
+  To break unable, tokens plain they gave,
+  That some immense calamity was nigh.
+  They tell, that clashing arms 'mid the black clouds,
+  And dreadful horns and trumpets in the heavens
+  Sounded, to warn us of the impious deed.
+  Full of solicitude the earth beheld
+  The pale wan image of sad Phœbus' face.
+  Torches were often seen 'mid heaven to glare;
+  And from the clouds oft gory drops were shed.
+  Blue Lucifer a dusky hue o'ercast;
+  And Luna's car was sprinkled o'er with blood.
+  Th' infernal owl in numerous places shriek'd,
+  A direful omen! In a thousand fanes
+  The ivory statues wept; the sacred groves
+  Re-echo'd all with songs and threatening sounds.
+  No victim seem'd appeasing; tumults vast
+  Approaching shew'd the entrails; and appear'd
+  The liver always with a wounded head.
+  Around the domes, and temples of the gods
+  Loud howl'd the midnight dogs; the silent shades
+  Flitted along; and tremblings shook the town.
+  Yet could not these forebodings of the heavens
+  Crush the conspiracy, or ward his fate;
+  And in the temple were the weapons drawn:
+  For, but the senate-house, no spot could please
+  The vile assassins for the bloody deed.
+  Then Cytherea smote her lovely breast
+  In anguish; and beneath an heavenly cloud
+  Sought to conceal him: such a cloud as once
+  From furious Menelaüs Paris sav'd;
+  And snatch'd Æneäs from Tydides' sword.
+  Then thus her sire: “O daughter! hast thou power
+  “Th' immutable decrees of fate to change?
+  “To thee 'tis granted to inspect the dome
+  “Of the three sisters; there thou wilt behold
+  “Th' eternal tablets of events engrav'd
+  “On steel and brass, a work of mighty toil.
+  “Safe, they nor fear the clashing of the sky,
+  “Nor rage of thunder, nor of ruin aught.
+  “There wilt thou written find thy offspring's fate
+  “On ever-during adamant. Myself
+  “Have read it, and record it in my mind;
+  “And lest thou should'st be to the future blind,
+  “I will relate it. He for whom thou toil'st,
+  “O Cytherea! has his time fulfill'd;
+  “The sum of years which to the earth he ow'd.
+  “That he a deity in heaven may rise,
+  “And be in temples worshipp'd is thy care,
+  “And his successor's; who his name will take,
+  “And on his shoulders bear the wide world's rule;
+  “On him impos'd. He, of his murder'd sire
+  “Valiant avenger, shall in all his wars
+  “Our favoring influence feel. Mutina's walls,
+  “By him besieg'd, in conquest shall confess
+  “His power, and sue for peace. Pharsalia, him
+  “Shall feel; and, drench'd in Macedonian blood
+  “Again, Philippi. On Sicilia's seas
+  “His mighty name shall conquer. Egypt's queen,
+  “Falsely relying on the nuptial bond
+  “With Rome's triumvir, falls: all vain her threats,
+  “That Tiber should subservient bend to Nile.
+  “Why should I speak to thee of barbarous hordes,
+  “Nations which dwell at either seas' extreme?
+  “Whatever habitable earth contains
+  “Will to his empire bend. Ocean will own
+  “His sway. Peace on th'extended earth bestow'd,
+  “To civil studies will his breast be turn'd;
+  “And laws most equitable will he frame.
+  “By his example curb licentious souls;
+  “And, stretching forward to a future age
+  “His anxious care, which their sons' sons may feel,
+  “His offspring, nurtur'd in a pious womb,
+  “At once his name and station will assume.
+  “Nor shall he touch th' ethereal seats, nor join
+  “His kindred stars till full like him in years.
+  “Meantime his soul, snatch'd from the mangled corse,
+  “Form to a brilliant star, a god divine:
+  “That Julius from his lofty seat may still
+  “Our forum, and our Capitol behold.�
+  Scarcely the sire had ceas'd, when Venus, bright,
+  But unperceiv'd by all, stood in the midst
+  Of Rome's assembled senate; from the breast
+  Of her lov'd Cæsar took the recent soul,
+  Nor let it waste in air. Up to the stars
+  She bore it. Rapid as she swept along,
+  She saw it shine with light, she saw it burn;
+  Then from her bosom spring above the moon:
+  Lofty it flies, it shines a glittering star,
+  Dragging a flaming tail's stupendous length.
+  Viewing the glorious actions of his son,
+  Candid he grants them mightier than his own,
+  And thus surpast rejoices. Let him frown,
+  If to his parent's deeds we his prefer;
+  Yet fame quite free will such commands despise,
+  Give him unwish'd-for precedence; and here,
+  And here alone he'll disobedience find.
+  So Atreus yielded to the mighty fame
+  Of Agamemnon; Theseus so surpass'd
+  Ægeus; and Achilles Peleus so.
+  Nay more, examples nearer to themselves
+  If I should use, Saturn submits to Jove.
+  Jove rules th' ethereal sky, the triform world;
+  And all the earth beneath Augustus lies:
+  Each is the sire and ruler of his realm.
+
+    O, I implore, ye gods! who did attend
+  Æneäs,--who made fire and sword retreat!
+  Ye native deities of Latium's soil!
+  Quirinus, founder of the walls of Rome!
+  Mars, of Quirinus never-conquer'd, sire!
+  Vesta, held sacred midst the Cæsars' gods!
+  Domestic Phœbus, with chaste Vesta plac'd!
+  And Jove, who guards the high Tarpeiän walls!
+  With all whom pious poets may invoke;
+  Slow may that day arrive, and older far
+  Than what our age may see, when to the clouds
+  His glorious head shall mount, quitting this globe
+  He rules so well, and our beseeching prayers
+  Bending with condescending ear to grant.
+
+    Now is my work complete, which not Jove's ire,
+  Nor flame, nor steel, nor gnawing tooth of age,
+  Shall e'er destroy. Come when it will, that day
+  Which nothing, save my mortal frame, can touch.
+  Which ends the being of a dubious life,
+  My better part unperishing shall mount
+  Above the loftiest stars. Eternal still
+  Shall be my name. Where'er Rome's power extends
+  O'er conquer'd earth, my verses shall be read;
+  And, if the presages by poets given
+  Be true, to endless years my fame shall live.
+
+  FINIS.
+
+Hayden, Printer, Brydges Street, Covent Garden.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus
+Naso in English blank verse Vols. I, by Ovid
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK METAMORPHOSES ***
+
+***** This file should be named 28621-0.txt or 28621-0.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/6/2/28621/
+
+Produced by Michael Roe, Ted Garvin and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/28621-0.zip b/28621-0.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d1c514d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-0.zip
diff --git a/28621-8.txt b/28621-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..766ef87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,16410 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in
+English blank verse Vols. I & II, by Ovid
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in English blank verse Vols. I & II
+
+Author: Ovid
+
+Translator: J. J. Howard
+
+Release Date: April 27, 2009 [EBook #28621]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK METAMORPHOSES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Michael Roe, Ted Garvin and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
+
+
+In this eBook, a circumflex (^) is used to indicate that the rest of
+the word is a superscript. Asterisks (*) are placed around words that
+were typeset in a Blackletter typeface in the original book.
+
+     *     *     *     *     *
+
+  _Book 3 p. 105._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  _R. Westall R.A. del^l._      _E. Scriven sculp^t_
+
+  _Caught by the image of his beauteous face,
+  He loves th' unbody'd form: a substance thinks
+  The shadow:----_
+
+  _Pub. 1807, for the Author._
+
+
+
+
+  THE
+  METAMORPHOSES
+  OF
+  PUBLIUS OVIDIUS NASO
+  IN
+  *English Blank Verse*
+
+
+  Translated by
+  J. J. HOWARD.
+
+  VOL. 1.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_London 1807. Printed for the Author; & Sold by John Hatchard,
+Bookseller to Her Majesty. Piccadilly; H. D. Symonds, Paternoster Row
+& James Asperne Cornhill._
+
+  TO
+  The Patronage
+  OF
+  THE RIGHT HONORABLE
+  WILLIAM,
+  EARL OF LONSDALE,
+  KNIGHT
+  OF THE
+  MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER,
+  &c. &c. &c.
+
+THE TRANSLATOR CONFIDES HIS ATTEMPT TO RENDER THE BEAUTIES OF OVID
+MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ENGLISH READERS, AND TO CHASTEN THE PRURIENCE OF
+HIS IDEAS AND HIS LANGUAGE, SO AS TO FIT HIS WRITINGS FOR MORE
+GENERAL PERUSAL.
+
+_Pimlico, Aug. 22, 1807._
+
+  _Bailey & Macdonald, Printers,
+  3, Harris's Place, Pantheon, Oxford-Street._
+
+
+
+
+THE *First Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    From bodies various form'd, mutative shapes
+  My Muse would sing:--Celestial powers give aid!
+  From you those changes sprung,--inspire my pen;
+  Connect each period of my venturous song
+  Unsever'd, from old Chaös' rude misrule,
+  Till now the world beneath Augustus smiles.
+
+    While yet nor earth nor sea their place possest,
+  Nor that cerulean canopy which hangs
+  O'ershadowing all, each undistinguish'd lay,
+  And one dead form all Nature's features bore;
+  Unshapely, rude, and Chaos justly nam'd.
+  Together struggling laid, each element
+  Confusion strange begat:--Sol had not yet
+  Whirl'd through the blue expanse his burning car:
+  Nor Luna yet had lighted forth her lamp,
+  Nor fed her waning light with borrowed rays.
+  No globous earth pois'd inly by its weight,
+  Hung pendent in the circumambient sky:
+  The sky was not:--Nor Amphitrité had
+  Clasp'd round the land her wide-encircling arms.
+  Unfirm the earth, with water mix'd and air;
+  Opaque the air; unfluid were the waves.
+  Together clash'd the elements confus'd:
+  Cold strove with heat, and moisture drought oppos'd;
+  Light, heavy, hard, and soft, in combat join'd.
+
+    Uprose the world's great Lord,--the strife dissolv'd,
+  The firm earth from the blue sky plac'd apart;
+  Roll'd back the waves from off the land, and fixt
+  Where pure ethereal joins with foggy air.
+  Defin'd each element, and from the mass
+  Chaötic, rang'd select, in concord firm
+  He bound, and all agreed. On high upsprung
+  The fiery ether to the utmost heaven:
+  The atmospheric air, in lightness next,
+  Upfloated:--dense the solid earth dragg'd down
+  The heavier mass; and girt on every side
+  By waves circumfluent, seiz'd her place below.
+
+    This done, the mass this deity unknown
+  Divides;--each part dispos'd in order lays:
+  First earth he rounds, in form a sphere immense,
+  Equal on every side: then bids the seas,
+  Pent in by banks, spread their rude waves abroad,
+  By strong winds vext; and clasp within their arms
+  The tortuous shores: and marshes wide he adds,
+  Pure springs and lakes:--he bounds with shelving banks
+  The streams smooth gliding;--slowly creeping, some
+  The arid earth absorbs; furious some rush,
+  And in the watery plain their waves disgorge;
+  Their narrow bounds escap'd, to billows rise,
+  And lash the sandy shores. He bade the plains
+  Extend;--the vallies sink;--the groves to bloom;--
+  And rocky hills to lift their heads aloft.
+  And as two zones the northern heaven restrain,
+  The southern two, and one the hotter midst,
+  With five the Godhead girt th' inclosed earth,
+  And climates five upon its face imprest.
+  The midst from heat inhabitable: snows
+  Eternal cover two: 'twixt these extremes
+  Two temperate regions lie, where heat and cold
+  Meet in due mixture; 'bove the whole light air
+  Was hung:--as water floats above the land,
+  So fire 'bove air ascends. Here he bade lodge,
+  Thick clouds and vapors; thunders bellowing loud
+  Terrific to mankind, and winds; which mixt
+  Sharp cold beget. But these to range at large
+  The air throughout, his care forbade. E'en now
+  Their force is scarce withstood; but oft they threat
+  Wild ruin to the universe, though each
+  In separate regions rules his potent blasts.
+  Such is fraternal strife! Far to the east
+  Where Persian mountains greet the rising sun
+  Eurus withdrew. Where sinking Phoebus' rays
+  Glow on the western shores mild Zephyr fled.
+  Terrific Boreas frozen Scythia seiz'd,
+  Beneath the icy bear. On southern climes
+  From constant clouds the showery Auster rains.
+  The liquid ether high above he spread,
+  Light, calm, and undefil'd by dregs terrene.
+  Scarce were those bounds immutable arrang'd,
+  When upward sprung the stars so long press'd down
+  Beneath the heap chaötic, and along
+  The path of heaven their blazing courses ran.
+
+    Next that each separate element might hold
+  Appropriate habitants,--the vault of heaven,
+  Bright constellations and the gods receiv'd.
+  To glittering fish allotted were the waves:
+  To earth fierce brutes:--to agitated air,
+  Light-plumag'd birds. A being more divine,
+  Of soul exalted more, and form'd to rule
+  The rest was wanting. Then he finish'd MAN!
+  Or by the world's creator, power supreme,
+  Form'd from an heavenly seed; or new-shap'd earth
+  Late from celestial ether torn, and still
+  Congenial warmth retaining, moisten'd felt,
+  Prometheus' fire, and moulded took the form
+  Of him all-potent. Others earth behold
+  Pronely;--to man a face erect was given.
+  The heavens he bade him view, and raise his eyes
+  High to the stars. Thus earth of late so rude,
+  So shapeless, man, till now unknown, became.
+
+    First sprung the age of gold. Unforc'd by laws
+  Strict rectitude and faith, spontaneous then
+  Mankind inspir'd. No judge vindictive frown'd;
+  Unknown alike were punishment and fear:
+  No strict decrees on brazen plates were seen;
+  Nor suppliant crowd, with trembling limbs low bent,
+  Before their judges bow'd. Unknown was law,
+  Yet safe were all. Unhewn from native hills,
+  The pine-tree knew the seas not, nor had view'd
+  Regions unknown, for man not yet had search'd
+  Shores distant from his own. The towns ungirt
+  By trenches deep, laid open to the plain;
+  Nor brazen trump, nor bended horn were seen,
+  Helmet, nor sword; but conscious and secure,
+  Unaw'd by arms the nations tranquil slept.
+  The teeming earth by barrows yet unras'd,
+  By ploughs unwounded, plenteous pour'd her stores.
+  Content with food unforc'd, man pluck'd with ease
+  Young strawberries from the mountains; cornels red;
+  The thorny bramble's fruit; and acorns shook
+  From Jove's wide-spreading tree. Spring ever smil'd;
+  And placid Zephyr foster'd with his breeze
+  The flowers unsown, which everlasting bloom'd.
+  Untill'd the land its welcome produce gave,
+  And unmanur'd its hoary crop renew'd.
+  Here streams of milk, there streams of nectar flow'd;
+  And from the ilex, drop by drop distill'd,
+  The yellow honey fell. But, Saturn down
+  To dusky Tartarus banish'd, all the world
+  By Jove was govern'd. Then a silver age
+  Succeeded; by the golden far excell'd;--
+  Itself surpassing far the age of brass.
+  The ancient durance of perpetual spring
+  He shorten'd, and in seasons four the year
+  Divided:--Winter, summer, lessen'd spring,
+  And various temper'd autumn first were known.
+  Then first the air with parching fervor dry,
+  Glow'd hot;--then ice congeal'd by piercing winds
+  Hung pendent;--houses then first shelter'd man;
+  Houses by caverns form'd, with thick shrubs fenc'd,
+  And boughs entwin'd with osiers. Then the grain
+  Of Ceres first in lengthen'd furrows lay;
+  And oxen groan'd beneath the weighty yoke.
+  Third after these a brazen race succeeds,
+  More stern in soul, and more in furious war
+  Delighting;--still to wicked deeds averse.
+  The last from stubborn iron took its name;--
+  And now rush'd in upon the wretched race
+  All impious villainies: Truth, faith, and shame,
+  Fled far; while enter'd fraud, and force, and craft,
+  And plotting, with detested avarice.
+  To winds scarce known the seaman boldly loos'd
+  His sails, and ships which long on lofty hills
+  Had rested, bounded o'er the unsearch'd waves.
+  The cautious measurer now with spacious line
+  Mark'd out the land, in common once to all;
+  Free as the sun-beams, or the lucid air.
+  Nor would the fruits and aliments suffice,
+  The rich earth from her surface threw, but deep
+  Within her womb they digg'd, and thence display'd,
+  Riches, of crimes the prompter, hid far deep
+  Close by the Stygian shades. Now murderous steel,
+  And gold more murderous enter'd into day:
+  Weapon'd with each, war sallied forth and shook
+  With bloody grasp his loud-resounding arms.
+  Now man by rapine lives;--friend fears his host;
+  And sire-in-law his son;--e'en brethren's love
+  Is rarely seen: wives plot their husbands' death;
+  And husbands theirs design: step-mothers fierce
+  The lurid poisons mix: th' impatient son
+  Enquires the limits of his father's years:--
+  Piety lies neglected; and Astræa,
+  Last of celestial deities on earth,
+  Ascends, and leaves the sanguine-moisten'd land.
+
+    Nor high-rais'd heaven was more than earth secure.
+  Giants, 'tis said, with mad ambition strove
+  To seize the heavenly throne, and mountains pile
+  On mountains till the loftiest stars they touch'd.
+  But with his darted bolt all-powerful Jove,
+  Olympus shatter'd, and from Pelion's top
+  Dash'd Ossa. There with huge unwieldy bulk
+  Oppress'd, their dreadful corses lay, and soak'd
+  Their parent earth with blood; their parent earth
+  The warm blood vivify'd, and caus'd assume
+  An human form,--a monumental type
+  Of fierce progenitors. Heaven they despise,
+  Violent, of slaughter greedy; and their race
+  From blood deriv'd, betray.
+
+                               Saturnian Jove
+  This from his lofty seat beheld, and sigh'd;
+  The recent bloody fact revolving deep,
+  The Lycaönian feast, to few yet known.
+  Incens'd with mighty rage, rage worthy Jove,
+  He calls the council;--none who hear delay.
+  A path sublime, in cloudless skies fair seen,
+  They tread when tow'rd the mighty thunderer's dome,
+  His regal court, th' immortals bend their way.
+  On right and left by folding doors enclos'd,
+  Are halls where gods of rank and power are set;
+  Plebeians far and wide their place select:
+  More potent deities, in heaven most bright,
+  Full in the front possess their shining seats.
+  This place, (might words so bold a form assume)
+  I'd term Palatium of the lofty sky.
+  Here in his marble niche each god was plac'd
+  And on his eburn sceptre leaning, Jove
+  O'er all high tower'd; the dread-inspiring locks
+  Three times he shook; and ocean, earth, and sky,
+  The motion felt and trembled. Then in rage
+  The silence thus he broke:--"Not more I fear'd
+  "Our kingdom's fate in those tempestuous times,
+  "When monsters serpent-footed furious strove,
+  "To clasp within their hundred arms the heavens,
+  "Already captive deem'd. Though fierce our foe,
+  "One race alone warr'd with us, sprung from one.
+  "Now all must perish; all within the bounds
+  "By Nereus circled with his roaring waves.
+  "I swear by Styx, by those infernal streams,
+  "Through shades slow creeping. All I could I've try'd.
+  "But lest to parts unsound the taint should spread,
+  "What baffles cure, the knife must lop away.
+  "Our demi-gods we have,--we have our nymphs,
+  "Our rustic deities,--our satyrs,--fawns,
+  "And mountain sylvans--whose deserts we grant
+  "Celestial honors claim not,--yet on earth,
+  "By us assign'd, they safely sure should rest.
+  "But, oh! ye sacred powers,--but oh! how safe
+  "Are these, when fierce Lycaön plots for me!
+  "Me! whom the thunders and yourselves obey?"
+
+    Loud murmurs fill the skies--swift vengeance all
+  With eager voice demand. When impious hands
+  With Cæsar's blood th' immortal fame of Rome,
+  Rag'd to extinguish--all the world aghast,
+  With horror shook, and trembled through its frame.
+  Nor was thy subjects' loyalty to thee
+  More sweet, Augustus, than was theirs to Jove.
+  His hand and voice, to still their noise he rais'd:
+  Their clamors loud were hush'd, all silence kept;
+  When thus the thunderer ends his angry tale:
+  "Dismiss your care, his punishment is o'er;
+  "But hear his crimes, and hear his well-earn'd fate.
+  "Of human vice the fame had reach'd mine ear,
+  "With hop'd exaggeration; gliding down,
+  "From proud Olympus' brow, I veil'd the god,
+  "And rov'd the world in human form around.
+  "'Twere long to tell what turpitude I saw
+  "On every side, for rumor far fell short,
+  "Of what I witness'd. Through the dusky woods
+  "Of Mænalus I pass'd, where savage lurk
+  "Fierce monsters; o'er the cold Lycean hill,
+  "With pine-trees waving; and Cyllené's height.
+  "Thence to th' Arcadian monarch's roof I came,
+  "As dusky twilight drew on sable night.
+  "Gave signs a god approach'd. The people crowd
+  "In adoration: but Lycaön turns
+  "Their reverence and piety to scorn.
+  "Then said,--not hard the task to ascertain,
+  "If god or mortal, by unerring test:
+  "And plots to slay me when oppress'd with sleep.
+  "Such proof his soul well suited. Impious more,
+  "An hostage from Molossus sent he slew;
+  "His palpitating members part he boil'd,
+  "And o'er the glowing embers roasted part:
+  "These on the board he serves. My vengeful flames
+  "Consume his roof;--for his deserts, o'erwhelm
+  "His household gods. Lycaön trembling fled
+  "And gain'd the silent country; loud he howl'd,
+  "And strove in vain to speak; his ravenous mouth
+  "Still thirsts for slaughter; on the harmless flocks
+  "His fury rages, as it wont on man:
+  "Blood glads him still; his vest is shaggy hair;
+  "His arms sink down to legs; a wolf he stands.
+  "Yet former traits his visage still retains;
+  "Grey still his hair; and cruel still his look;
+  "His eyes still glisten; savage all his form.
+  "Thus one house perish'd, but not one alone
+  "The fate deserves. Wherever earth extends,
+  "The fierce Erinnys reigns; men seem conspir'd
+  "In impious bond to sin; and all shall feel
+  "The scourge they merit: fixt is my decree."
+
+    Part loud applaud his words, and feed his rage;
+  The rest assent in silence; yet to all,
+  Man's loss seems grievous; anxious all enquire
+  What form shall earth of him depriv'd assume?
+  Who then shall incense to their altars bring?
+  And if those rich and fertile lands he means
+  A spoil for beasts ferocious? Their despair
+  He bade them banish, and in him confide
+  For what the future needed; held them forth
+  The promise of a race unlike the first;
+  Originating from a wonderous stock.
+
+    And now his lightenings were already shot,
+  And earth in flames, but that a fire so vast,
+  He fear'd might reach Olympus, and consume
+  The heavenly axis. Also call'd to mind
+  What fate had doom'd, that all in future times
+  By fire should perish, earth, and sea, and heaven;
+  And all th' unwieldy fabric of the world
+  Should waste to nought. The Cyclops' labor'd bolts
+  Aside he laid. A different vengeance now,
+  To drench with rains from every part of heaven,
+  And whelm mankind beneath the rising waves,
+  Pleas'd more th' immortal. Straightway close he pent
+  The dry north-east, and every blast to showers
+  Adverse, in caves Æolian, and unbarr'd
+  The cell of Notus. Notus rushes forth
+  On pinions dropping rain; his horrid face
+  A pitchy cloud conceals; pregnant with showers
+  His beard; and waters from his grey hairs flow:
+  Mists on his forehead sit; in dews dissolv'd
+  His arms and bosom, seem to melt away.
+  With broad hands seizing on the pendent clouds
+  He press'd them--with a mighty crash they burst,
+  And thick and constant floods from heaven pour down.
+  Iris meantime, in various robe array'd,
+  Collects the waters and supplies the clouds.
+  Prostrate the harvest lies, the tiller's hopes
+  Turn to despair. The labors of an year,
+  A long, long year, without their fruit are spent.
+  Nor Jove's own heaven his anger could suffice,
+  His brother brings him his auxiliar waves.
+  He calls the rivers,--at their monarch's call
+  His roof they enter, and in brief he speaks:
+  "Few words we need, pour each his utmost strength,
+  "The cause demands it; ope' your fountains wide,
+  "Sweep every mound before you, and let gush
+  "Your furious waters with unshorten'd reins."
+  He bids--the watery gods retire,--break up
+  Their narrow springs, and furious tow'rd the main
+  Their waters roll: himself his trident rears
+  And smites the earth; earth trembles at the stroke,
+  Yawns wide her bosom, and upon the land
+  A flood disgorges. Wide outspread the streams
+  Rush o'er the open fields;--uproot the trees;
+  Sweep harvests, flocks, and men;--nor houses stood;
+  Nor household gods, asylums hereto safe.
+  Where strong-built edifice its walls oppos'd
+  Unlevell'd in the ruin, high above
+  Its roof the billows mounted, and its towers
+  Totter'd, beneath the watery gulf oppress'd.
+  Nor land nor sea their ancient bounds maintain'd,
+  For all around was sea, sea without shore.
+  This seeks a mountain's top, that gains a skiff,
+  And plies his oars where late he plough'd the plains.
+  O'er fields of corn one sails, or 'bove the roofs
+  Of towns immerg'd;--another in the elm
+  Seizes th' intangled fish. Perchance in meads
+  The anchor oft is thrown, and oft the keel
+  Tears the subjacent vine-tree. Where were wont
+  The nimble goats to crop the tender grass
+  Unwieldy sea-calves roll. The Nereid nymphs,
+  With wonder, groves, and palaces, and towns,
+  Beneath the waves behold. By dolphins now
+  The woods are tenanted, who furious smite
+  The boughs, and shake the strong oak by their blows.
+  Swims with the flock the wolf; and swept along,
+  Tigers and tawny lions strive in vain.
+  Now not his thundering strength avails the boar;
+  Nor, borne away, the fleet stag's slender limbs:
+  And land, long sought in vain, to rest her feet,
+  The wandering bird draws in her weary wings,
+  And drops into the waves, whose uncheck'd roll
+  The hills have drown'd; and with un'custom'd surge
+  Foam on the mountain tops. Of man the most
+  They swallow'd; whom their fierce irruption spar'd,
+  By hunger perish'd in their bleak retreat.
+
+    Between th' Aönian and Actæian lands
+  Lies Phocis; fruitful were the Phocian fields
+  While fields they were, but now o'erwhelm'd, they form
+  A region only of the wide-spread main.
+  Here stands Parnassus with his forked top,
+  Above the clouds high-towering to the stars.
+  To this Deucalion with his consort driven
+  O'er ridgy billows in his bark clung close;
+  For all was sea beside. There bend they down;
+  The nymphs, and mountain gods adore, and she
+  Predicting Themis, then oraculous deem'd.
+  No man more upright than himself had liv'd;
+  Than Pyrrha none more pious heaven had seen.
+
+    Now Jove beheld a mighty lake expand
+  Where late was earth, and from the swarming crowds
+  But one man sav'd--of woman only one:
+  Both guiltless,--pious both. He chas'd the clouds
+  And bade the dry north-east to drive the showers
+  Far distant, and display the earth to heaven,
+  And unto earth the skies. The ocean's rage
+  Remains no more. Mild Neptune lays aside
+  His three-fork'd weapon, and his surges smoothes;
+  Then calls blue Triton from the dark profound.
+  Above the waves the god his shoulders rears,
+  With inbred purple ting'd: He bids him sound
+  His shelly trump, and back the billows call;
+  And rivers to their banks again remand.
+  The trump he seizes,--broad above it wreath'd
+  From narrow base;--the trump whose piercing blast
+  From east to west resounds through every shore.
+  This to his mouth the watery-bearded god
+  Applies, and breathes within the stern command.
+  All hear the sound, or waves of earth or sea,
+  And all who hear obey. Sea finds a shore;
+  Floods flow within their channels; rivers sink;
+  Hills lift their heads; and as the waves decrease,
+  In numerous islets solid earth appears.
+  A tedious time elaps'd, and now the woods
+  Display'd their leafless summits, and their boughs
+  Heavy with mud. At length the world restor'd
+  Deucalion saw, but empty all and void;
+  Deep silence reigning through th' expansive waste:
+  Tears gush'd while thus his Pyrrha he address'd:
+  "O sister! wife! O woman sole preserv'd!--
+  "By nature, kindred, and the marriage-bed,
+  "To me most closely join'd. Now nearer still
+  "By mutual perils. We, of all the earth
+  "Beheld by Sol in his diurnal course,
+  "We two alone remain. The mighty deep
+  "Entombs the rest. Nor sure our safety yet;
+  "Still hang the clouds dark louring. Wretched wife,
+  "What if preserv'd alone? What hadst thou done
+  "Of me bereft? How singly borne the shock?
+  "Where found condolement in thy load of grief?
+  "For me,--and trust, my dearest wife, my words,--
+  "Hadst thou amidst the billows been ingulph'd,
+  "Me also had they swallow'd. Oh! for power
+  "To form mankind, as once my father did,
+  "And in the shapen earth true souls infuse!
+  "In us rests human race, so will the gods,
+  "A sample only of mankind we live."
+  He spoke and Pyrrha's tears join'd his. To heaven
+  They raise their hands in prayer, and straight resolve
+  To ask through oracles divine its aid.
+  Nor long delay. Quick to Cephisus' streams
+  They hasten; muddy still Cephisus flows,
+  Yet not beyond its wonted boundaries swol'n.
+  Libations thence they lift, and o'er their heads
+  And garments cast the sprinklings;--then their steps
+  To Themis' temple bend. The roof they found
+  With filthy moss o'ergrown;--the altars cold.
+  Prone on the steps they fell, and trembling kiss'd
+  The gelid stones, and thus preferr'd their words:
+  "If righteous prayers can move the heavenly mind,
+  "And soften harsh resolves, and soothe the rage
+  "Of great immortals, say, O Themis, say,
+  "How to the world mankind shall be restor'd;
+  "And grant, most merciful, in our distress
+  "Thy potent aid." The goddess heard their words,
+  And instant gave reply. "The temple leave,
+  "Ungird your garments, veil your heads, and throw
+  "Behind your backs your mighty mother's bones."
+  Astonish'd long they stood! and Pyrrha first
+  The silence broke; the oracle's behest
+  Refusing to obey; and earnest pray'd,
+  With trembling tongue for pardon for her sin:
+  Her mother's shade to violate she dreads,
+  Her bones thus rudely flinging. But meantime
+  Deep in their minds, in dark mysterious veil
+  Obscurely hid, the sentence they revolve.
+  At length Deucalion sooths his wife with words
+  Of cheering import: "Right, if I divine,
+  "No impious deed the deity desires:
+  "Earth is our mighty mother, and her bones
+  "The stony rocks within her;--these behind
+  "Our backs to cast, the oracle commands."
+  With joy th' auspicious augury she hears,
+  But joy with doubt commingled, both so much
+  The heavenly words distrust; yet still they hope
+  The essay cannot harm. The temple left,
+  Their heads they cover, and their vests unbind;
+  And o'er their heads as order'd heave the stones.
+  The stones--(incredible! unless the fact
+  Tradition sanction'd doubtless) straight began
+  To lose their rugged firmness,--and anon,
+  To soften,--and when soft a form assume.
+  Next as they grew in size, they felt infus'd
+  A nature mild,--their form resembled man!
+  But incorrectly: marble so appears,
+  Rough hewn to form a statue, ere the hand
+  Completes the shape. What liquid was, and moist,
+  With earthy atoms mixt, soft flesh became;
+  Parts solid and unbending chang'd to bone;
+  In name unalter'd, veins the same remain'd.
+  Thus by the gods' beneficent decree,
+  And brief the change, the stones Deucalion threw,
+  A manly shape assum'd; but females sprung
+  From those by Pyrrha cast behind; and hence
+  A patient, hard, laborious race we prove,
+  And shew the source, by actions, whence we sprung.
+
+    Beings all else the teeming earth produc'd
+  Spontaneous. Heated by the solar rays,
+  The stagnant water quicken'd;--marshy fens
+  Swell'd up their oozy loads to meet the beams:
+  And nourish'd by earth's vivifying soil,
+  The fruitful elements of life increas'd,
+  As in a mother's womb; and in a while
+  Assum'd a certain shape. So when the floods
+  Of seven-mouth'd Nile desert the moisten'd fields,
+  And to their ancient channels bring their streams,
+  The soft mud fries beneath the scorching sun;
+  And midst the fresh-turn'd earth unnumber'd forms
+  The tiller finds: some scarcely half conceiv'd;
+  Imperfect some, their bodies wanting limbs:
+  And oft he beings sees with parts alive,
+  The rest a clod of earth: for where with heat
+  Due moisture kindly mixes, life will spring:
+  From these in concord all things are produc'd.
+  Though fire with water strives; yet vapour warm,
+  Discordant mixture, gives a birth to all.
+
+    Thus when the earth, with filthy ooze bespread
+  From the late deluge, felt the blazing sun;
+  His burning heat productive caus'd spring forth
+  A countless race of beings. Part appear'd
+  In forms before well-known; the rest a group
+  Of monsters strange. Then, but unwilling, she
+  Produc'd terrific Python, serpent huge!
+  A mighty mountain with his bulk he hid;
+  A plague unknown, the new-born race to scare.
+  The quiver-shoulder'd god, unus'd before
+  His arms to launch, save on the flying deer,
+  Or roebuck fleet, the horrid monster slew:
+  A thousand arrows in his sides he fix'd,
+  His quiver's store exhausting; through the wounds
+  Gush'd the black poison. To contending games,
+  Hence instituted for the serpent slain,
+  The glorious action to preserve through times
+  Succeeding, he the name of Pythian gave.
+  And here the youth who bore the palm away
+  By wrestling, racing, or in chariot swift,
+  With beechen bough was crown'd. Nor yet was known
+  The laurel's leaf: Apollo's brows, with hair
+  Deck'd graceful, no peculiar branches bound.
+
+    Penæian Daphne first his bosom charm'd;
+  No casual flame but plann'd by Love's revenge.
+  Him, Phoebus flush'd with conquest late obtain'd,
+  His bow saw bend, and thus exclaim'd in taunt:
+  "Lascivious boy! How ill with thee assort
+  "Those warlike arms?--how much my shoulders more
+  "Beseem the load, whose arm can deadly wounds
+  "In furious beasts, and every foe infix!
+  "I who but now huge Python have o'erthrown;
+  "Swol'n with a thousand darts; his mighty bulk
+  "Whole acres covering with pestiferous weight?
+  "Content in vulgar hearts thy torch to flame,
+  "To me the bow's superior glory leave."
+  Then Venus' son: "O Phoebus, nought thy dart
+  "Evades, nor thou canst 'scape the force of mine:
+  "To thee as others yield,--so much my fame
+  "Must ever thine transcend." Thus spoke the boy,
+  And lightly mounting, cleaves the yielding air
+  With beating wings, and on Parnassus' top
+  Umbrageous rests. There from his quiver drew
+  Two darts of different power:--this chases love;
+  And that desire enkindles; form'd of gold
+  It glistens, ending in a point acute:
+  Blunt is the first, tipt with a leaden load;
+  Which Love in Daphne's tender breast infix'd.
+  The sharper through Apollo's heart he drove,
+  And through his nerves and bones;--instant he loves:
+  She flies of love the name. In shady woods,
+  And spoils of captive beasts alone she joys;
+  To copy Dian' emulous; her hair
+  In careless tresses form'd, a fillet bound.
+  By numbers sought,--averse alike to all;
+  Impatient of their suit, through forests wild,
+  And groves, in maiden ignorance she roams;
+  Nor cares for Cupid, nor hymeneal rites,
+  Nor soft connubial joys. Oft cry'd her sire;
+  "My Daphne, you should bring to me a son;
+  "From you, my child, I hope for grandsons too."
+  But she detesting wedlock as a crime,
+  (Suffus'd her features with a bashful glow)
+  Around his aged neck, her beauteous arms,
+  Winds blandishing, and cries, "O sire, most dear!
+  "One favor grant,--perpetual to enjoy
+  "My virgin purity;--the mighty Jove
+  "The same indulgence has to Dian' given."
+  Thy sire complies;--but that too beauteous face,
+  And lovely form, thy anxious wish oppose:
+  Apollo loves thee;--to thy bed aspires;--
+  And looks with anxious hopes, his wish to gain:
+  Futurity, by him for once unseen.
+  As the light stubble when the ears are shorn,
+  The flames consume: as hedges blaze on high
+  From torches by the traveller closely held,
+  Or heedless flung, when morning gilds the world:
+  So flaming burnt the god;--so blaz'd his breast,
+  And with fond hopes his vain desires he fed.
+  Her tresses careless flowing o'er her neck
+  He view'd, and, "Oh! how beauteous, deck'd with care,"
+  Exclaim'd: her eyes which shone like brilliant fire,
+  Or sparkling stars, he sees; and sees her lips;
+  Unsated with the sight, he burns to touch:
+  Admires her fingers, and her hands, her arms,
+  Half to the shoulder naked:--what he sees
+  Though beauteous, what is hid he deems more fair.
+  Fleet as the wind, her fearful flight she wings,
+  Nor stays his fond recalling words to hear:
+  "Daughter of Peneus, stay! no foe pursues,--
+  "Stay, beauteous nymph!--so flies the lamb the wolf;
+  "The stag the lion;--so on trembling wings
+  "The dove avoids the eagle:--these are foes,
+  "But love alone me urges to pursue.
+  "Ah me! then, shouldst thou fall,--or prickly thorns
+  "Wound thy fair legs,--and I the cause of pain!--
+  "Rough is the road thou runnest; slack, I pray,
+  "Thy speed;--I swear to follow not so fast.
+  "But hear who loves thee;--no rough mountain swain;
+  "No shepherd;--none in raiments rugged clad,
+  "Tending the lowing herds: rash thoughtless nymph,
+  "Thou fly'st thou know'st not whom, and therefore fly'st!
+  "O'er Delphos' lands, and Tenedos I sway,
+  "And Claros, and the Pataræan realms.--
+  "My sire is Jove. To me are all things known,
+  "Or present, past, or future. Taught by me
+  "Melodious sounds poetic numbers grace.--
+  "Sure is my dart, but one more sure I feel
+  "Lodg'd in this bosom; strange to love before.--
+  "Medicine me hails inventor; through the world
+  "My help is call'd for; unto me is known
+  "The powers of plants and herbs:--ah! hapless I,
+  "Nor plants, nor herbs, afford a cure for love;
+  "Nor arts which all relieve, relieve their lord."
+  All this, and more:--but Daphne fearful fled,
+  And left his speech unfinish'd. Lovely then
+  She running seem'd;--her limbs the breezes bar'd;
+  Her flying raiment floated on the gale;
+  Her careless tresses to the light air stream'd;
+  Her flight increas'd her beauty. Now no more
+  The god to waste his courteous words endures,
+  But urg'd by love himself, with swifter pace
+  Her footsteps treads: the rapid greyhound so,
+  When in the open field the hare he spies,
+  Trusts to his legs for prey,--as she for flight;
+  And now he snaps, and now he thinks to hold,
+  And brushes with his outstretch'd nose her heels;--
+  She trembling, half in doubt, or caught or no,
+  Springs from his jaws, and mocks his touching mouth.
+  Thus fled the virgin and the god;--he fleet
+  Through hope, and she through fear,--but wing'd by love
+  More rapid flew Apollo;--spurning rest,
+  Approach'd her close behind, and panting breath'd
+  Upon her floating tresses. Pale with dread,
+  Her strength exhausted in the lengthen'd flight,
+  Old Peneus' streams she saw, and loud exclaim'd:--
+  "O sire, assist me, if within thy streams
+  "Divinity abides. Let earth this form,
+  "Too comely for my peace, quick swallow up;
+  "Or change those beauties to an harmless shape."
+  Her prayer scarce ended, when her lovely limbs
+  A numbness felt; a tender rind enwraps
+  Her beauteous bosom; from her head shoots up
+  Her hair in leaves; in branches spread her arms;
+  Her feet but now so swift, cleave to the earth
+  With roots immoveable; her face at last
+  The summit forms; her bloom the same remains.
+  Still loves the god the tree, and on the trunk
+  His right hand placing, feels her breast yet throb,
+  Beneath the new-grown bark: around the boughs,
+  As yet her limbs, his clasping arms he throws;
+  And burning kisses on the wood imprints.
+  The wood his lips repels. Then thus the god:--
+  "O laurel, though to be my bride deny'd,
+  "Yet shalt thou be my tree; my temples bind;
+  "My lyre and quiver shalt thou still adorn:
+  "The brows of Latian conquerors shalt thou grace,
+  "When the glad people sing triumphant hymns,
+  "And the long pomp the capitol ascends.
+  "A faithful guard before Augustus' gates,
+  "On each side hung;--the sturdy oak between.
+  "And as perpetual youth adorns my head
+  "With locks unshorn, thou also still shalt bear
+  "Thy leafy honors in perpetual green."
+  Apollo ended, and the laurel bow'd
+  Her verdant summit as her grateful head.
+
+    Within Æmonia lies a grove, inclos'd
+  By steep and lofty hills on every side:
+  'Tis Tempé call'd. From lowest Pindus pour'd
+  Here Peneus rolls his foaming waves along:
+  Thick clouds of smoke, and dark and vapoury mists
+  The violent falls produce, sprinkling the tops
+  Of proudest forests with the plenteous dew;
+  And distant parts astounding with the roar.
+  Here holds the watery deity his throne;--
+  Here his retreat most sacred;--seated here,
+  Within the rock-form'd cavern, to the streams
+  And stream-residing nymphs, his laws he gives.
+  Here flock the neighbouring river-gods, in doubt
+  Or to condole, or gratulate the sire.
+  Here Spercheus came, whose banks with poplars wave;
+  Rapid Enipeus; Apidanus slow;
+  Amphrysos gently flowing; Æäs mild;
+  And other streams which wind their various course,
+  Till in the sea their weary wanderings end,
+  By natural bent directed. Absent sole
+  Was Inachus;--deep in his gloomy cave
+  Dark hidden, with his tears he swells his floods.
+  He, wretched sire, his Iö's loss bewails;
+  Witless if living air she still enjoys,
+  Or with the shades she dwells; and no where found
+  He dreads the worst, and thinks her not to be.
+  The beauteous damsel from her father's banks
+  Jove saw returning, and, "O, maid!" exclaim'd,
+  "Worthy of Jove, whose charms will shortly bless
+  "Some youth desertless; come, and seek the shade,
+  "Yon lofty groves afford,"--and shew'd the groves,--
+  "While now Sol scorches from heaven's midmost height.
+  "Fear not the forests to explore alone,
+  "But in their deepest shades adventurous go;
+  "A god shall guard thee:--no plebeian god,
+  "But he whose mighty hand the sceptre grasps
+  "Of rule celestial, and the lightening flings.
+  "O fly me not"--for Iö fled, amaz'd.
+  Now Lerna's pastures, and Lyrcæa's lands
+  With trees thick-planted, far behind were left;
+  When with a sudden mist the god conceal'd
+  The wide-spread earth, and stopp'd her eager flight;
+  And in his arms the struggling maid compress'd.
+  Meantime did Juno cast her eyes below,
+  The floating clouds surpris'd to see produce
+  A night-like shade amidst so bright a day.
+  No common clouds, from streams exhal'd, she knew;
+  Nor misty vapours from the humid earth.
+  Suspicions rise; her sharpness oft had caught
+  Her amorous husband in his thefts of love.
+  She search'd around the sky, its lord explor'd,--
+  But not in heaven he sate;--then loud exclaim'd:
+  "Much must I err, or much my bed is wrong'd."
+  Down sliding from the topmost heaven, on earth
+  She lights, and bids the cloudy mists recede.
+  Prepar'd already, Jove the nymph had chang'd,
+  And in a lovely heifer's form she stood.
+  A shape so beauteous fair,--though sore chagrin'd,
+  Unwilling Juno prais'd; and whence she came,
+  And who her owner asks; and of what herd?
+  Her prying art, as witless of the truth,
+  To baffle, from the earth he feigns her sprung;
+  And straight Saturnia begs the beauteous gift.
+  Embarrass'd now he stands,--the nymph to leave
+  Abandon'd, were too cruel;--to deny
+  His wife, suspicious: shame compliance urg'd;
+  Love strong dissuaded: love had vanquish'd shame,
+  Save that a paltry cow to her refus'd,
+  Associate of his race and bed, he fear'd
+  More than a cow the goddess would suspect.
+  Her rival now she holds; but anxious, still
+  She Jove distrusts, and fears her prize to lose;
+  Nor safe she deem'd her, till to Argus' care
+  Committed. Round the jailor's watchful head
+  An hundred eyes were set. Two clos'd in turn;
+  The rest with watchful care, kept cautious guard.
+  Howe'er he stands, on Iö still he looks;
+  His face averse, yet still his eyes behold.
+  By day she pastures, but beneath the earth
+  When Phoebus sinks, he drags her to the stall,
+  And binds with cords her undeserving neck.
+  Arbutus' leaves, and bitter herbs her food:
+  Her wretched bed is oft the cold damp earth;
+  A strawy couch deny'd:--the muddy stream
+  Her constant drink: when suppliant she would raise
+  Her arms to Argus, arms to raise were none.
+  To moan she tries; loud bellowings echo wide,--
+  She starts and trembles at her voice's roar.
+  Now to the banks she comes where oft she'd play'd,--
+  The banks of Inachus, and in his streams
+  Her new-form'd horns beheld;--in wild affright
+  From them she strove, and from herself to fly.
+  Her sister Naïads know her not, nor he
+  Griev'd Inachus, his long-lost daughter knows.
+  But she her sisters and her sire pursues;
+  Invites their touch, as wondering they caress.
+  Old Inachus the gather'd herbs presents;
+  She licks his hands, and presses with her lips
+  His dear paternal fingers. Tears flow quick,
+  And could words follow she would ask his aid;
+  And speak her name, and lamentable state.
+  Marks for her words she form'd, which in the dust
+  Trac'd by her hoof, disclos'd her mournful change.
+  "Ah wretch!" her sire exclaim'd, "unhappy wretch!"
+  And o'er the weeping heifer's snowy neck,
+  His arms he threw, and round her horns he hung
+  With sobs redoubled:--"Art thou then, my child,
+  "Through earth's extent so sought? Ah! less my grief,
+  "To find thee not, than thus transform'd to find!
+  "But dumb thou art, nor with responsive words,
+  "Me cheerest. From thy deep chest sighs alone
+  "Thou utterest, and loud lowings to my words:
+  "Thou canst no more. Unwitting I prepar'd
+  "Thy marriage torches, anxious to behold
+  "A son, and next a son of thine to see.
+  "Now from the herd a husband must thou seek,
+  "Now with the herd thy sons must wander forth.
+  "Nor death my woes can finish: curst the gift
+  "Of immortality. Eternal grief
+  "Must still corrode me; Lethé's gate is clos'd."
+  Thus griev'd the god, when starry Argus tore
+  His charge away, and to a distant mead
+  Drove her to pasture;--he a lofty hill's
+  Commanding prospect chose, and seated there
+  View'd all around alike on every side.
+
+    But now heaven's ruler could no more contain,
+  To see the sorrows Iö felt:--he calls
+  His son, of brightest Pleiäd mother born,
+  And bids him quickly compass Argus' death.
+  Instant around his heels his wings he binds;
+  His rod somniferous grasps; nor leaves his cap.
+  Accoutred thus, from native heights he springs,
+  And lights on earth; removes his cap; his wings
+  Unlooses; and his wand alone retains:
+  Through devious paths with this, a shepherd now,
+  A flock he drives of goats, and tunes his pipe
+  Of reeds constructed. Argus hears the sound,
+  Junonian guard, and captivated cries,--
+  "Come, stranger, sit with me upon this mount:
+  "Nor for thy flock more fertile pasture grows,
+  "Than round this spot;--and here the shade thou seest
+  "To shepherds' ease inviting."--Hermes sate,
+  And with his converse stay'd declining day.
+  Long he discours'd, and anxious strove to lull
+  With music sweet, the all-observant eyes;
+  But long he strove in vain: soft slumber's bonds
+  Argus opposes;--of his numerous lights,
+  Part sleep, but others jealous watch his charge.
+  And now he questions whence the pipe was form'd,
+  The pipe but new-discover'd to the world.
+
+    Then thus the god:--"A lovely Naiäd nymph,
+  "With bleak Arcadia's Hamadryads nurs'd,
+  "And on Nonacriné for beauty fam'd
+  "Was Syrinx. Oft the satyrs wild she fled;
+  "Nor these alone, but every god that roves
+  "In shady forests, or in fertile fields.
+  "Dian' she follows, and her virgin life.
+  "Like Dian' cinctur'd, she might Dian' seem,
+  "Save that a golden bow the goddess bears;
+  "The nymph a bow of horn: yet still to most
+  "Mistake was easy. From Lycæum's height,
+  "His head encompass'd with the pointed pine,
+  "Returning, her the lustful Pan espy'd,
+  "And cry'd:--Fair virgin grant a god's request,--
+  "A god who burns to wed thee. Here he stays.
+  "Through pathless forests flies the nymph, and scorns
+  "His warm intreaties, till the gravelly stream
+  "Of Ladon, smoothly winding, she beheld.
+  "The waves impede her flight. She earnest prays
+  "Her sister-nymphs her human form to change.
+  "Now thinks the sylvan god his clasping arms
+  "Inclose her, whilst he grasps but marshy reeds.--
+  "He mournful sighs; the light reeds catch his breath,
+  "And soft reverberate the plaintive sound.
+  "The dulcet movement charms th' enraptur'd god,
+  "Who,--thus forever shall we join,--exclaims!
+  "With wax combin'd th' unequal reeds he forms
+  "A pipe, which still the virgin's name retains."
+  While thus the god, he every eye beheld
+  Weigh'd heavy, sink in sleep, and stopp'd his tale.
+  His magic rod o'er every lid he draws,
+  His sleep confirming, and with crooked blade
+  Severs his nodding head, and down the mount
+  The bloody ruin hurls,--the craggy rock
+  With gore besmearing. Low, thou Argus liest!
+  Extinct thy hundred lights; one night obscure
+  Eclipsing all. But Juno seiz'd the rays,
+  And on the plumage of her favor'd bird,
+  In gaudy pride, the starry gems she plac'd.
+
+    With furious ire she flam'd, and instant sent
+  The dread Erinnys to the Argive maid.
+  Before her eyes, within her breast she dwelt
+  A secret torment, and in terror drove
+  Her exil'd through the world. 'Twas thou, O Nile!
+  Her tedious wandering ended. On thy banks
+  Weary'd she kneel'd, and on her back, supine
+  Her neck she lean'd:--her sad face to the skies,
+  What could she more?--she lifted. Unto Jove
+  By groans, and tears, and mournful lows she plain'd,
+  And begg'd her woes might end. The mighty god
+  Around his consort's neck embracing hung.
+  And pray'd her wrath might finish. "Fear no more
+  "A rival love, in her," he said, "to see;"
+  And bade the Stygian streams his words record.
+  Appeas'd the goddess, Iö straight resumes
+  Her wonted shape, as lovely as before.
+  The rough hair flies; the crooked horns are shed;
+  Her visual orbits narrow; and her mouth
+  In size contracts; her arms and hands return;
+  Parted in five small nails her hoofs are lost:
+  Nought of the lovely heifer now remains,
+  Save the bright splendor. On her feet erect
+  With two now only furnish'd, stands the maid.
+  To speak she fears, lest bellowing sounds should break,
+  And timid tries her long-forgotten words.
+  Of mighty fame a goddess now, she hears
+  Of nations linen-clad the pious prayers.
+
+    Then bore she Epaphus, whose birth deriv'd
+  From mighty Jove, his temples through the land,
+  An equal worship with his mother's claim.
+  Him Phaëton, bright Phoebus' youthful son,
+  In years and spirit equall'd,--whose proud boasts,
+  To all his sire preferring, Iö's son
+  Thus check'd: "O simple! thee thy mother's arts
+  "To ought persuade. A feigned sire thou boast'st."
+  Deep blush'd the youth, but shame his rage repress'd,
+  And each reproach to Clymené he bore.
+  "This too," he says, "O mother, irks me more,
+  "That I so bold, so fierce, urg'd no defence:
+  "Which shame is greater? that they dare accuse,
+  "Or that accus'd, we cannot prove them false?
+  "Do thou my mother,--if from heaven indeed
+  "Descent I claim,--prove from what stock I spring.
+  "My race divine assert." He said,--and flung
+  Around her neck his arms; and by his life,
+  The life of Merops, and his sisters' hopes
+  Of nuptial bliss, adjures her to obtain
+  Proofs of his birth celestial. Prayers like these
+  The mother doubtless mov'd;--and rage no less
+  To hear the defamation. Up to heaven
+  Her arms she raises, gazing on the sun,
+  And cries,--"My child! by yon bright rays I swear
+  "In brilliance glittering, which now hear and view,
+  "Our every word and action--thou art sprung
+  "From him, the sun thou see'st;--the sun who rules
+  "With tempering sway the seasons:--If untrue
+  "My words, let me his light no more behold!
+  "Nor long the toil to seek thy father's dome,
+  "His palace whence he rises borders close
+  "On our land's confines.--If thou dar'st the task,
+  "Go forth, and from himself thy birth enquire."
+  Elate to hear her words, the youth departs
+  Instant, and all the sky in mind he grasps.
+  Through Æthiopia's regions swiftly went,
+  With India plac'd beneath the burning zone:
+  And quickly reach'd his own paternal east.
+
+
+
+
+*The Second Book.*
+
+
+    Palace of the Sun. Phaëton's reception by his father. His request
+    to drive the chariot. The Sun's useless arguments to dissuade him
+    from the attempt. Description of the car. Cautions how to perform
+    the journey. Terror of Phaëton, and his inability to rule the
+    horses. Conflagration of the world. Petition of Earth to Jupiter,
+    and death of Phaëton by thunder. Grief of Clymené, and of his
+    sisters. Change of the latter to poplars, and their tears to
+    amber. Transformation of Cycnus to a swan. Mourning of Phoebus.
+    Jupiter's descent to earth; and amour with Calistho. Birth of
+    Arcas, and transformation of Calistho to a bear; and afterwards
+    with Arcas to a constellation. Story of Coronis. Tale of the daw
+    to the raven. Change of the raven's color. Esculapius. Ocyrrhoë's
+    prophecies, and transformation to a mare. Apollo's herds stolen
+    by Mercury. Battus' double-dealing, and change to a touchstone.
+    Mercury's love for Hersé. Envy. Aglauros changed to a statue.
+    Rape of Europa.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Second Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    By towering columns bright with burnish'd gold,
+  And fiery gems, which blaz'd their light around,
+  Upborne, the palace stood. The lofty roof
+  With ivory smooth incas'd. The folding doors,
+  Of silver shone, but much by sculpture grac'd,
+  For Vulcan there with curious hand had carv'd
+  The ocean girding in the land; the land;
+  And heaven o'ershadowing: here cerulean gods
+  Sport in the waves, grim Triton with his shell;
+  Proteus shape-changing; and Ægeon huge,--
+  His mighty arms upon the large broad backs
+  Of whales hard pressing: Doris and her nymphs:
+  Some sportive swimming; on a rocky seat
+  Some their green tresses drying; others borne
+  By fish swift-gliding: nor the same all seem'd,
+  Yet sister-like a close resembling look
+  Each face pervaded. Earth her natives bore,
+  Mankind;--and woods, and cities, there were seen;
+  Wild beasts, and streams, and nymphs, and rural gods.
+  'Bove all the bright display of heaven was hung--
+  Six signs celestial o'er each portal grav'd.
+
+    The daring youth, the steep ascent attain'd,
+  O'erstepp'd the threshold of his dubious sire,
+  And hasty rush'd to meet paternal eyes;
+  But sudden stay'd: so fierce a blaze of light
+  No nearer he sustain'd. In purple clad,
+  The god a regal emerald throne upheld;
+  Encircled round by hours which space the day;
+  By days themselves; and ages, months, and years.
+  Crown'd with a flowery garland Spring appear'd:
+  Chaplets of grain the swarthy brows adorn'd
+  Of naked Summer: smear'd with trodden grapes
+  Stood Autumn: icy Winter fill'd the groupe;--
+  Snow-white his shaggy locks. Sol from the midst
+  His eyes all-seeing glanc'd upon the youth,
+  Startled and trembling at the wonderous sight;
+  And cried:--"What brings my Phaëton, my son,
+  "Whose sire shall ne'er disclaim him? tell me now,
+  "What here thou seekest?" Thus the youth replies:--
+  "O father, Phoebus, universal light!
+  "If justly, I thy honor'd name may use,
+  "Nor proudly boasting Clymené conceals
+  "A crime by falshood; grant paternal signs,
+  "The world convincing that from thee I spring;
+  "Reproachful doubts erasing from my mind."
+  He said;--the sire the glittering rays removes
+  That blaz'd around his head,--invites him nigh,
+  And thus embracing:--"Proud I own thee, son,
+  "For all is true by Clymené disclos'd.
+  "If still thou doubtest, name the gift thou lik'st,--
+  "That shalt thou have; for that will I bestow.
+  "Ye streams unseen, which hear celestial oaths
+  "My vows attest!" But scarce had Phoebus spoke,
+  When Phaëton, the fiery car demands,--
+  Demands his sway the winged-footed steeds
+  One day should suffer. Soon the solemn oath
+  Phoebus lamented: three times mournful shook
+  His glorious tresses and in sorrow cry'd--
+  "Would I could yet deny thee!--O my son!
+  "All else with gladness will I hear thee ask;--
+  "List to persuasion,--perseverance sure
+  "Will risk thy ruin. Phaëton, my child!
+  "The task thou seek'st is arduous; far unfit
+  "For those weak arms, and age so immature.
+  "Mortal,--thou would'st a seat immortal press.
+  "Ignorant of grasping more than all the gods
+  "Attempt to manage. Every power we grant
+  "Diverse excels; but I of all the gods,
+  "Have force in that igniferous car to stand.
+  "Ev'n Jove, the ruler of Olympus vast,
+  "Whose right hand terrible fierce lightenings hurls,
+  "This chariot never rul'd: and who than Jove,
+  "More mighty deem we? Steep the first ascent,
+  "The fresh steeds clamber up the height with pain:
+  "High in mid heaven arriv'd, to view beneath
+  "Ocean and earth, oft strikes even me with fear,
+  "And with dread palpitation shakes my breast.
+  "Prerupt the end, and asks a firm restraint;
+  "Tethys herself who nightly me receives,
+  "Beneath the waves, fears oft my headlong fall.
+  "Nor all;--the skies a constant whirling bears
+  "In rapid motion, and the heavenly orbs
+  "Sweep with them swift; I strive the adverse my;
+  "Nor can th' impetuous force which whirls the rest
+  "Bear with them me; I stem the rapid world
+  "With force superior. Grant, the car I yield,--
+  "Could'st thou the swift rotation of the poles
+  "Stem nervous, nor be borne with them along?
+  "Perchance imagination fills thy mind,
+  "With groves, and dwellings of celestial gods,
+  "And temples richly deck'd with offer'd gold,
+  "Where thou shall pass. Far else;--thy journey lies,
+  "Through ambushes, and savage monsters' forms.
+  "Ev'n shouldst thou lucky not erratic stray,
+  "Yet must thou pass the Bull's opposing horns;
+  "The bow Hæmonian, by the Centaur bent;
+  "The Lion's countenance grim; the Scorpion's claws
+  "Bent cruel in a circuit large; the Crab
+  "In lesser compass curving. Hard the task
+  "To rule the steeds with those fierce fires inflam'd,
+  "Within their breasts, which through their nostrils glow.
+  "Scarce bear they my control, when mad with heat
+  "Their high necks spurn the rein. But, oh! my son,
+  "Beware lest I a fatal gift bestow.
+  "Retract, while yet thou may'st, thy rash demand.
+  "Sure tokens thou requir'st to prove thee sprung
+  "From me,--the genuine offspring of my blood:
+  "My anxious trembling is a token true;
+  "Paternal terrors plainly prove the sire.
+  "Lo! on my features fix thine eyes; as well,
+  "I would thou could'st them place within my breast,
+  "And view the anguish of a father's cares.
+  "Last throw thy looks around; the riches view,
+  "Whatever earth contains, and some demand;
+  "Some of so many and such mighty gifts:
+  "In heaven, or earth, or sea, 'tis undeny'd.
+  "This only would I grant not, as its grant
+  "Is punishment, not favor. Phaëton
+  "Asks evil for a gift. Why, foolish boy,
+  "Hang on my neck thus coaxing with thine arms?
+  "Whate'er thou would'st, thou shalt. The Stygian streams
+  "Have heard me swear. But make a wiser wish."
+  His admonition ceas'd, but all advice
+  Was bootless: still his resolution holds;
+  To guide the chariot still his bosom burns.
+  The sire, his every effort vain, at length
+  Forth to the lofty car, Vulcanian gift,
+  Brings the rash youth. Of gold the axle shone;
+  The pole of gold; by gold the rolling wheels
+  Were circled; every spoke with silver bright;
+  Upon the seat bright chrysolites display'd,
+  With various jewels shed a dazzling light,
+  From Sol reflected. All the high-soul'd youth
+  Admir'd, and while he curious view'd each part,
+  Behold Aurora from the purple east
+  Wide throws the ruddy portals, and displays
+  The halls with roses strewn: the starry host
+  Fly, driven by Lucifer,--himself the last
+  To quit his heavenly station. Sol beheld
+  The earth and sky grow red, and Luna's horns
+  Blunt, and prepar'd to vanish. Straight he bade
+  The flying hours to yoke the steeds: his words
+  The nimble goddesses obey, and lead
+  The steeds fire-breathing from their lofty stalls,
+  Ambrosia fed, and fix the sounding reins.
+  Then with a sacred ointment Phoebus smear'd
+  The face of Phaëton,--unscorch'd to bear
+  The fervid blaze; and on his head a crown
+  Of rays he fix'd. His smother'd sighs within
+  His anxious breast, sad presages of woe
+  Suppressing, thus he spoke:--"If now my words
+  "Though late, thou heedest, spare, O boy! the lash,
+  "But tightly grasp the reins: unbid they run,
+  "They fly; to check their flight thy labor asks.
+  "Not through the five bright zones thy journey lies:
+  "Obliquely winds the path, with spacious curve,
+  "Three girdles only touching; leaving far
+  "The pole Antarctic, and the northern Bear:
+  "Be this thy track; there plain thou may'st discern
+  "The marks my wheels have made. Since heaven and earth
+  "An equal portion of my influence claim;
+  "Press not the car too low, nor mount aloft
+  "Near topmost heaven: there would'st thou fire the roof
+  "Celestial;--here the earth thou would'st consume.
+  "For safety keep the midst. Let thy right wheel
+  "Approach the tortuous Snake not: nor thy left
+  "Press near the Altar:--hold the midmost course.
+  "Fortune the rest must rule; may she assist
+  "Thy undertaking; for thy safety act
+  "Better than thou. But more delay deny'd,
+  "Lo! whilst I speak the dewy night has touch'd
+  "The boundaries plac'd upon th' Hesperian shore.
+  "I'm call'd,--for, darkness fled, Aurora shines.
+  "Seize then, the reins, or if thy mind relents,
+  "My counsel rather than my chariot take.
+  "Now whilst thou can'st; whilst on a solid base
+  "Thou standest, ere thou yet unskilful mount'st
+  "The chariot ev'lly wish'd: give me to dart
+  "Those rays on earth which thou may'st safely view:"
+  Agile the youth bounds from his sire, and stands
+  Proud in the chariot; joyously he holds
+  Th' entrusted reigns, and from the seat glad thanks
+  Th' unwilling parent gives. Meantime neigh'd loud
+  In curling flames, the winged steeds of Sol,
+  Pyroeis, Æthon, Phlegon, Eous swift;
+  And with impatient hoofs the barrier beat;
+  Which Tethys, ignorant of her grandson's fate,
+  Drove back, and open laid the range of heaven.
+  Swiftly they hasten,--swiftly fly their heels,
+  Through the thin air, and through opposing clouds.
+  Pois'd by their wings the eastern gales they pass,
+  Which started with them: but their burthen light,
+  Small felt the pressure on the chariot seat:
+  Not what the steeds of Sol had felt before.
+  As ships unpois'd reel tottering through the waves,
+  Light and unsteady, rambling o'er the main;
+  So bounds the car, void of its 'custom'd weight,
+  High-toss'd as though unfill'd. This quick perceiv'd,
+  Fierce rush the four-yok'd steeds, and quit the path
+  Beaten before, and tread a road unknown.
+  Trembling the youth nor knows to pull the reins
+  Which side, nor knowing would the steeds obey.
+  Then first the frozen Triönes from Sol
+  Felt warm, and try'd, but try'd in vain, to dip
+  Beneath the sea. The frozen polar snake,
+  Sluggish with cold, and indolently mild,
+  Warm'd, and dire fierceness gather'd from the flames.
+  Thou too, Boötes, fled'st away disturb'd,
+  Though slow thy flight, retarded by thy teams.
+  And now the luckless Phaëton his eyes
+  Cast on the earth remote,--far distant spread
+  Beneath the lofty sky; pale grew his face
+  With sudden terror; trembled his weak knees;
+  O'ercome with light his eyes in darkness sunk:
+  Glad were he now, his father's steeds untouch'd:
+  Griev'd that his race he knows; griev'd his request
+  Was undeny'd: glad were he now if call'd
+  The son of Merops. Ev'n as Boreas sweeps
+  Furious the vessel, when the pilot leaves
+  The helm to heaven, and puts his trust in prayers
+  So was he hurry'd. What remains to do?
+  Vast space of heaven behind him lies;--much more
+  He forward views. Each distance in his mind
+  Compar'd he measures. Now he forward bends
+  To view the west, forbidden him to reach;
+  Now to the east he backward turns his eyes.
+  With terror stunn'd his trembling hands refuse
+  To hold the reins with vigor; yet he holds.
+  The coursers' names, affrighted he forgets:
+  Trembling he views the various monsters spread
+  Through every part above; and figures huge
+  Of beasts ferocious. Heaven a spot contains,
+  Where Scorpio bends in two wide bows his arms,
+  His tail, and doubly-stretching claws;--the space
+  Encompassing of two celestial signs.
+  Soon as the youth the monstrous beast beheld,
+  Black poison sweating, and with crooked sting
+  Threatening fierce wounds, he nerveless dropp'd the reins:
+  Pale dread o'ercame him. Quick the steeds perceiv'd
+  The loose thongs playing on their backs, and rush'd
+  Wide from the path, uncheck'd;--through regions strange,
+  Now here, now there, impetuous;--unrestrain'd,
+  Amidst the loftiest stars they dash, and drag
+  The car through pathless places: upward now
+  They labor;--headlong now they down descend,
+  Nearing the earth. With wonder Luna sees
+  Her brother's coursers run beneath her own;
+  And sees the burnt clouds smoking. Lofty points
+  Of earth, feel first the flames, and fissures wide,
+  Departing moisture prove. The forage green,
+  Whitens; trees crackle with their burning leaves;
+  And ripe corn adds its fuel to the blaze.
+  Why mourn we trifles? Mighty cities fall;
+  Their walls protect them not; their dwellers sink
+  To ashes with them. Woods on mountains flame;--
+  Athos, Cilician Taurus, Tmolus, burn;
+  Oeté, and Ide, her pleasant fountains dry;
+  With virgin Helicon, and Hæmus high,
+  OEagrius since. Now with redoubled flames
+  Fierce Etna blazes;--Eryx, Othrys too;
+  Cynthus, and fam'd Parnassus' double top,
+  And Rhodopé, at length of snow depriv'd:
+  Dindyma, Mimas, and the sacred hill
+  Cythæron nam'd, and lofty Mycalé:
+  Nor aid their snows the Scythians: Ossa burns,
+  Pindus, and Caucasus, and, loftier still,
+  The huge Olympus; with the towering Alps;
+  And cloud-capt Apennines. Now the youth,
+  Beholds earth flaming fierce from every part;--
+  The heat o'erpowers him; fiery air he breathes
+  As from a furnace; and the car he rides
+  Glows with the flame beneath him: sore annoy'd
+  On every side by cinders, and by smoke
+  Hot curling round him. Whither now he drives,
+  Or where he is, he knows not; in a cloud
+  Of pitchy night involv'd; swept as the steeds
+  Swift-flying will. The Æthiopians then,
+  'Tis said, their sable tincture first receiv'd;
+  Their purple blood the glowing heat call'd forth
+  To tinge their skins. Then dry'd the scorching fire
+  From arid Lybia all her fertile streams.
+  Now with dishevell'd locks the nymphs bewail'd
+  Their fountains and their lakes. Boeotia mourns
+  The loss of Dircé: Argos Amymoné:
+  Corinth laments Pirené. Nor yet safe
+  Were rivers bounded by far distant shores,
+  Tanais' midmost waves fume to the sky;
+  And ancient Peneus smokes: Ismenos swift;
+  Caïcus, Teuthrantean; and the flood
+  Of Phocis, Erymanthus: Xanthus too,
+  Doom'd to be fir'd again: Lycormas brown;
+  Mæander's sportive oft recircling waves;
+  Mygdonian Melas; and the Spartan flood,
+  Eurotas; with Euphrates burn: and burn,
+  Orontes; and the rapid Thermodoon;
+  Ganges; and Phasis; and the Ister swift.
+  Alpheus boils; the banks of Spercheus burn;
+  And Tagus' golden sands the flames dissolve.
+  Stream-loving swans, whose song melodious rung
+  Throughout Mæonian regions, feel the heat,
+  Caïster's streams amid. In terror Nile
+  Fled to the farthest earth, and sunk his head,
+  Yet undiscover'd!--void the seven-fold stream,
+  His mouth seven dry and dusty vales disclos'd.
+  Now Hebrus dries, and Strymon, Thracian floods:
+  And streams Hesperian, Rhine; and Rhone; and Po;
+  And Tiber, destin'd all the world to rule.
+  Asunder split the globe, and through the chinks
+  Darted the light to hell: the novel blaze,
+  Pluto and Proserpine with terror view'd.
+  The ocean shrinks;--a dry and scorching plain
+  Where late was sea appears. Hills lift their heads
+  Late by the deep waves hid, and countless seem
+  The scatter'd Cyclades. Deep crouch the fish;--
+  The crooked dolphins dare not leap aloft,
+  As, custom'd in the air; with breasts upturn'd
+  The gasping sea-calves float upon the waves:
+  Nereus, with Doris and her daughter-nymphs
+  Deep plung'd to seek their low, but tepid caves.
+  Thrice Neptune ventur'd to upraise his arms
+  Grim frowning,--thrice the flames too fierce he found,
+  And shrunk beneath the waters. Earth at length,
+  (By streams and founts encircled,--for her womb
+  Trembling they sought for refuge) rais'd on high
+  Her face omniferous, dry and parch'd with heat;
+  Her burning forehead shaded with her hand;
+  Shook all with tremor huge; then shrank for shade
+  Beneath, and gasping, thus to heaven she plain'd:
+
+    "Almighty lord! if such thy sovereign will,
+  "And I deserve it, why thy lightenings hold
+  "Thus idle? If by fire to perish doom'd,--
+  "Be it by thine,--an honorable fate!
+  "Scarce can my lips now utter forth my pains!--
+  Volumes of smoke oppress'd her--"See, my hair
+  "Sing'd with the flames! Behold my face,--my eyes,
+  "Scorch'd with hot embers! Is no better boon
+  "Due for the fruits I furnish? Such reward,
+  "Suits it my fertile crops? or cruel wounds
+  "Of harrow, rake, and plough, which through the year
+  "Enforc'd I suffer? For the herds I bring
+  "Green herbs and grass; bland aliments, ripe fruit
+  "For man; and incense for ye mighty gods:
+  "Faulty is this? But grant thy wrath deserv'd,
+  "How do the waves, thy brother's realm offend?
+  "Why does the main, to him by lot decreed,
+  "Shrink and retreat from heaven? Thy brother's weal,
+  "Say it concerns thee not, nor my distress;
+  "Care for thy own paternal heaven may move.
+  "Thine eyes cast round,--black smoke from either pole
+  "Mounts!--soon the greedy flames your halls will seize.
+  "Lo! Atlas labors;--scarcely he sustains
+  "The burning load. If earth and ocean flame,
+  "And heaven too perish, all to chaös turn'd,
+  "Confounded we shall sink. Snatch from the flames
+  "What yet, if ought, remains, and nature save."
+  No more could Earth, for now thick vapors rose,
+  Her speech obstructing; down she shrunk her head,
+  And shelter'd 'midst the cool Tartarian shades.
+
+    Now Jove, the gods, all witness to the fact
+  Conven'd; ev'n Sol, the donor of the car,
+  That but for him the world in ruins soon
+  Would lie. The loftiest height of heaven he gains,
+  Whence clouds he wont upon the wide-spread earth
+  To shower;--from whence his thunders loud he hurl'd;
+  And quivering lightenings flung: but now nor clouds,
+  Nor showers to rain on earth the sovereign had.
+  He thunders;--from his right-ear pois'd, the bolt
+  Hurls on the charioteer. Life, and the car,
+  Phaëton quits at once;--his fatal fires,
+  By fires more fierce extinguish'd. Startled prance
+  The steeds confounded; free their fiery necks
+  From the torn reins: here lie the traces broke;
+  There the strong axle, sever'd from the seat;
+  Spokes of the shatter'd wheels are here display'd;
+  And scatter'd far and wide the car's remains.
+  Hurl'd headlong falls the youth, his golden locks,
+  Flame as he tumbles, swept through empty air,
+  A lengthen'd track he forms: so seems a star
+  In night serene, but only seems, to shoot.
+  Far from paternal home, the mighty Po
+  Receiv'd his burning corps, and quench'd the flames.
+
+    Due rites the nymphs Hesperian gave the limbs
+  From the fork'd lightening flaming. On his tomb
+  This epitaph they grav'd: "Here Phaëton
+  "Intombed rests; the charioteer so bold,
+  "Of Phoebus' car, which though he fail'd to rule,
+  "He perish'd greatly daring." Griev'd his sire,
+  Veil'd his sad face; and, were tradition true,
+  One day saw not the sun; the embers blaz'd
+  Sufficient light: thus may misfortune aid.
+
+    When Clymené with all that sorrow could
+  To ease her woes give utterance, loud had wail'd
+  In wild lament; all spark of reason fled,
+  Her bosom tearing, through the world she roam'd.
+  And now his limbs inanimate she sought;
+  Then for his whiten'd bones: his bones she found,
+  On banks far distant from his home inhum'd.
+  Prone on his tomb her form she flung, and pour'd
+  Her tears in floods upon the graven lines:
+  And with her bosom bar'd, the cold stone warm'd.
+  His sisters' love their fruitless offerings bring,
+  Their griefs and briny droppings; cruel tear
+  Their beauteous bosoms; while they loudly call
+  Phaëton, deaf to all their mournful cries.
+  Stretch'd on his tomb, by night, by day they call'd.
+  Till Luna's circle four times fill'd was seen;
+  Their blows still given as 'custom'd, (use had made
+  Their forms of grief as nature). Sudden plain'd
+  Fair Phaëthusa, eldest of the three,
+  Of stiffen'd feet; as on the tomb she strove
+  To cast her body prone. Lampetie bright,
+  Rushing in hope to aid, a shooting root
+  Abruptly held. With lifted hands the third
+  Her locks to tear attempted; but green leaves
+  Tore off instead. Now this laments her legs,
+  Bound with thin bark; that mourns to see her arms
+  Shoot in long branches. While they wonder thus,
+  Th' increasing bark their bodies upward veils,
+  Their breasts, their arms, and hands, with gradual growth:
+  Their mouths alone remain; which loudly call
+  Their mother. What a mother could, she did:
+  What could she do? save, here and there to fly,
+  Where blind affection dragg'd her; and while yet,
+  'Twas given to join, join with them mouth to mouth.
+  Nor this contents; she strives to tear the rind,
+  Their limbs enwrapping; and the tender boughs
+  Pluck from their hands: but from the rended spot
+  The sanguine drops flow swift. Each suffering nymph
+  Cries,--"Spare me, mother!--spare your wounded child;
+  "I suffer in the tree.--farewell!--farewell!"--
+  For as they spoke the rind their mouths inclos'd.
+  From these new branches tears were dropp'd, and shap'd
+  By solar heat, bright amber straight compos'd.
+  Dropt in the lucid stream, the prize was borne
+  To Latium, and its gayest nymphs adorn'd.
+
+    This wonderous change Sthenelian Cycnus saw;
+  To thee, O Phaëton, by kindred join'd,
+  But by affection closer. He his realms,
+  (For o'er Liguria's large and populous towns
+  He reign'd) had then relinquish'd. With his plaints,
+  The Po's wide stream was fill'd; and fill'd the banks
+  With his lamentings; ev'n the woods, whose shade
+  The sister poplars thicken'd. Soon he feels
+  His utterance shrill and weak: his streaming locks
+  Soft snowy plumes displace: high from his chest,
+  His lengthen'd neck extends: a filmy web
+  Unites his ruddy toes: his sides are cloth'd
+  With quills and feathers: where his mouth was seen
+  Expanded, now a blunted beak obtains;
+  And Cycnus stands a bird;--but bird unknown
+  In days of yore. Mistrustful still of Jove,
+  His heaven he shuns; as mindful of the flames
+  From thence unjustly hurl'd. Wide lakes and ponds
+  He seeks to habit now;--indignant shuns
+  What favors fire, and joys in purling streams.
+
+    Meantime was Phoebus dull, his blaze obscur'd,
+  As when eclips'd his orb: his rays he hates;
+  Himself; and even the day. To grief his soul
+  He gives, and anger to his grief he joins;
+  Depriving earth of all its wonted light.
+  "Troubled my lot has been," he cry'd, "since first
+  "Was publish'd my existence:--urg'd my toil
+  "Endless,--still unremitted, still unprais'd.
+  "Now let who will my furious chariot drive
+  "Flammiferous! If every god shall shrink
+  "Inadequate,--let Jove the task attempt:
+  "Then while my reins he tries, at least those flames,
+  "Which cause parental grief must peaceful rest.
+  "Then when the fiery flaming coursers strain
+  "His nervous arms, no more he'll judge the youth
+  "Of death deserving, who could less control."
+  Sol, grieving thus, the deities surround,
+  And suppliant beg that earth may mourn no more,
+  By darkness 'whelm'd. Ev'n Jove concession gave,--
+  And why his fiery bolts were launch'd explain'd;
+  But threats and prayers majestically mix'd.
+  The steeds with terror trembling, Phoebus seiz'd,
+  Wild from their late affright, and rein'd their jaws;
+  Furious he wields his goad and lash, and fierce
+  He storms, and their impetuous fury blames
+  At every blow, as murderers of his son.
+
+   High heaven's huge walls the mighty sire explores,
+  With eye close searching, lest a weakening flaw,
+  Might hurl some part to ruin. All he found
+  Firm in its pristine strength;--then glanc'd his eye
+  Around the earth, and toils of man below.
+  'Bove all terrestrial lands, Arcadia felt--
+  His own Arcadia--his preserving care.
+  Her fountains he restores; her streams not yet
+  To murmur daring; to her fields he gives
+  Seed-corn; and foliage to her spreading boughs;
+  And her scorch'd forests bids again look green.
+  Through here as oft he journey'd, and return'd,
+  A virgin of Nonacriné he spy'd,
+  And instant inward fire the god consum'd.
+  No nymph was she whose skill the wool prepar'd;
+  Nor comb'd with art her tresses seem'd; full plain,
+  Her vest a button held; a fillet white
+  Careless her hair confin'd. Now pois'd her hand
+  A javelin light, and now a bow she bore:
+  In Dian's train she ran, nor nymph more dear
+  To her the mountain Mænalus e'er trode.
+  But brief the reign of favor! Sol had now
+  Beyond mid-heaven attain'd; Calistho sought
+  A grove where felling axe had never rung:
+  Here was her quiver from her shoulder thrown;
+  Her slender bow unstrung; and on the ground
+  With soft grass clad she rested: 'neath her neck
+  Was plac'd the painted quiver. Jove, the maid
+  Weary'd beheld, and from her wonted troop
+  Far distant. "Surely now, my wife," he cries,
+  "This theft can ne'er discover. Should she know,
+  "What is her rage with such a prize compar'd?"
+  Then Dian's face and form the god conceal'd;
+  Loud calling,--"Where, O virgin, hast thou stray'd?
+  "What hills, my comrade, hast thou crost in chase?"
+  Light springing from the turf, the nymph reply'd,--
+  "Hail goddess, greater, if with me the palm,
+  "Than Jove himself, though Jove himself should hear."
+  The feign'd Diana smil'd, and joy'd to hear
+  Him to himself preferr'd; then press'd her lips
+  With kisses, such as virgins never give
+  To virgins. Her, prepar'd to tell the woods
+  Where late she hunted, with a warm embrace
+  He hinder'd; and his crime the god disclos'd.
+  Hard strove the nymph,--and what could female more?
+  (O Juno, hadst thou seen her, less thy ire!)
+  Long she resists, but what can nymph attain,
+  Or any mortal, when to Jove oppos'd?
+  Victor the god ascends th' ethereal court.
+
+    The groves and forests, conscious of the deed,
+  Calistho hates; so swift she flies the spot,
+  Her quiver, and her darts, and slender bow
+  Suspended on the tree, through eager haste
+  Were nigh forgotten. Lo! Diana comes,
+  By clustering nymphs attended, o'er the hills
+  Of lofty Mænalus, from slaughter'd beasts,
+  Proudly triumphant. She Calistho sees,
+  And calls her;--as the goddess calls she flies,
+  Fearing another Jove disguis'd to meet.
+  But when th' attendant virgin-troop appear'd,
+  Fraud she no more suspected, but the train
+  Join'd fearless. Hard the countenance to form,
+  And not betray a perpetrated crime!
+  Scarce from the ground she dar'd her looks to raise;
+  Nor with her wonted ardor press'd before,
+  First of the throng, close to Diana's side.
+  Silent she moves; her blushes prove a wound
+  Her modesty had felt. E'en Dian' might,
+  (But that a virgin,) all the truth have known.
+  By numerous proofs and strong. Nay, fame reports
+  Her sister-nymphs had long her shame perceiv'd.
+  Nine times had Luna now her orb renew'd,
+  When Dian' from the chase retreating faint
+  By Phoebus' rays, had gain'd a forest cool,
+  Where flow'd a limpid stream with murmuring noise,
+  The shining sand upturning. Much the spot
+  The goddess tempted, and her feet she dipp'd
+  Light in the waves, as to the nymphs she cry'd:--
+  "Hence far each prying eye, we'll dare unrobe
+  "And lave beneath the stream." Calistho blush'd;--
+  Quick while the other nymphs their bodies bare,
+  Protracting she undresses. From her limbs,
+  Suspicious they the garments rend, and view
+  Her body naked, and her fault is plain.
+  To her, confus'd, whose trembling hands essay'd
+  Her shame to hide, Diana spoke;--"Hence fly,--
+  "Far hence, nor more these sacred streams pollute."
+  And drove her instant from her spotless train.
+
+    Long time the mighty thunderer's queen had known
+  Calistho's state; but curb'd her furious ire
+  Till ripe occasion suited: longer now
+  Delay were needless; now the nymph produc'd
+  Arcas; whom Juno more enrag'd beheld.
+  With savage mind, and furious look she ey'd
+  The boy, and spoke;--"Adulteress! this alone
+  "Was wanting! fruitful, harlot, hast thou prov'd?
+  "Must by this birth my wrongs in public glare?
+  "And what dishonor I from Jove receive
+  "Be palpable to sight. Expect not thou
+  "Impunity to find. Thy form I'll change,--
+  "To thee so pleasing, and so dear to Jove."
+  She said; and on the flowing tresses seiz'd
+  Which o'er her forehead stream'd, and prostrate dragg'd
+  The nymph to earth. She rais'd her suppliant hands,--
+  With black hairs cover'd, rough her arms appear'd;
+  Bent were her hands, and, with her lengthen'd nails
+  To claws transform'd, press'd on the ground as feet;
+  Her mouth so beauteous, late of Jove admir'd,
+  Yawn'd wide deformity;--and lest soft prayers
+  And flowing words, might pity move, no power
+  To speak she left. Now through her hoarse throat sounds
+  An angry threatening voice that fear instills;
+  A bear becoming, though her sense the same:
+  Her sufferings proving by her constant groans.
+  Lifting to heaven such hands as lift she could,
+  Jove she ungrateful found, but Jove to call
+  Ungrateful, strove in vain. Alas! how oft
+  In woods and solitudes, to sleep afraid,
+  She roam'd around the house and fertile fields
+  Of late her own!---Alas, how oft thence driven
+  By yelping hounds o'er craggy steeps she fled!
+  Thou dread'st the hunters though an huntress thou!
+  Oft was her form forgotten, and in fear
+  From beasts she crouch'd conceal'd: the shaggy bear
+  Shudder'd to see the bears upon the hills;
+  And at the wolves she trembled, though with wolves
+  Her sire Lycaön howl'd. Now Arcas comes;
+  Arcas, her son, unconscious of his race.
+  Near fifteen suns the youth had seen revolv'd;
+  And while the game he chases, while he seeks
+  Thickets best suited for his sports, and round
+  The Erymanthean woods his toils he sets,
+  He meets his mother:--at his sight she stay'd,
+  The well-known object viewing. Arcas fled
+  Trembling, unconscious why those eyes were fix'd
+  On him immoveably. His spear, prepar'd
+  To pierce his mother's breast, as near she draws
+  The youth protends. But Jove the deed prevents:
+  Both bears away, and stays the matricide.
+  Swept through the void of heaven by rapid whirl
+  They're borne, and neighbouring constellations made,
+  Loud Juno rag'd, to see the harlot shine,
+  Amid the stars; and 'neath the deep descends,
+  To hoary Tethys, and her ancient spouse;
+  Where reverence oft the host of heaven had shewn.
+  And thus to them, who anxious seek the cause,
+  Why there she journeys. "Wish ye then to know
+  "Why I the queen of heaven, my regal seat
+  "Now leave? Another fills my lofty throne!
+  "Nor false I speak,--for when gray night shall spread
+  "O'er all,--new constellations shall you see
+  "Me irking,--on the utmost bounds of heaven,
+  "Where the last shorten'd zone the axis binds.
+  "Now surely none, t' insult shall rashly dare
+  "The thunderer's spouse, but tremble at her frown;
+  "For she who most offends is honor'd most!
+  "Much has my power perform'd!--vast is my sway!
+  "Her human form I chang'd,--and lo! she shines
+  "A goddess;--thus the guilty feel my ire!
+  "Thus potent I. Why not her form restore,
+  "And change that beastly shape, as Iö once
+  "In Argolis, the same indulgence felt.
+  "Why drives he not his consort from his bed,
+  "Calistho placing there;--for sire-in-law
+  "The wolf Lycaön chusing? If to you
+  "Your foster-daughter's insults ought import,
+  "Forbid these stars to touch the blue profound:
+  "Repel those constellations, plac'd in heaven,
+  "Meed of adultery; lest the harlot dip
+  "In your pure waves."--The gods their promise gave
+  And through the liquid air Saturnia flies,
+  Borne in her chariot by her peacocks bright;
+  Their coats gay studded from fall'n Argus' eyes.
+
+    Less beauteous was the change, loquacious crow,
+  Thy plumage suffer'd,--snowy white to black.
+  With silvery brightness once his feathers shone;
+  Unspotted doves outvying; nor to those
+  Preserving birds the capital whose voice
+  So watchful sav'd;--nor to the stream-fond swans,
+  Inferior seem'd his covering: but his tongue,
+  His babbling tongue his ruin wrought; and chang'd
+  His hue from splendid white to gloomy black.
+
+    No fairer maid all Thessaly contain'd,
+  Than young Coronis,--to the Delphic god
+  Most dear while chaste, or while her fault unknown.
+  But Corvus, Phoebus' watchman, spy'd the deed
+  Adulterous;--and inexorably bent
+  To tell the secret crime, his flight directs
+  To seek his master. Him the daw pursues,
+  On plumes quick waving, curious all to learn.
+  His errand heard, she cries;--"Thy anxious task,
+  "A journey vain, pursue not: mark my words;--
+  "Learn what I have been;--see what now I am;
+  "And hear from whence my change: a fault you'll find
+  "Too much fidelity, which wrought my woe.
+
+    "Time was, when Pallas, Ericthonius took,
+  "Offspring created motherless, and close
+  "In basket twin'd with Attic twigs conceal'd.
+  "The charge to keep, three sister-maids she chose,
+  "Daughters of Cecrops double-form'd, but close,
+  "Conceal'd what lodg'd within; and strict forbade
+  "All prying, that her secret safe might rest.
+  "On a thick elm, behind light leaves conceal'd,
+  "I mark'd their actions. Two their sacred charge
+  "Hold faithful; Pandrosos, and Hersé they:
+  "Aglauros calls her sisters cowards weak;
+  "The twistings with bold hand unloosening, sees
+  "Within an infant, and a dragon stretch'd.
+  "The deed I tell to Pallas, and from her
+  "My service this remuneration finds:
+  "Driven from her presence, she my place supplies
+  "Of favorite with the gloomy bird of night.
+  "All other birds my fate severe may warn,
+  "To seek not danger by officious tales.
+  "Pallas, perhaps you think, but lightly lov'd
+  "One whom she thus so suddenly disgrac'd.
+  "But ask of Pallas;--she, though much enrag'd
+  "Will yet my truth confirm. A regal maid
+  "Was I,--of facts to all well-known I speak:
+  "Coroneus noble, of the Phocian lands
+  "As sire I claim. Me wealthy suitors sought--
+  "Contemn me not,--my beauty was my bane.
+  "While careless on the sandy shore I roam'd,
+  "With gentle pace as wont, the ocean's god
+  "Saw me and lov'd: persuasive words in vain
+  "Long trying, force prepar'd, and me pursu'd.
+  "I fled; the firm shore left, and tir'd my limbs
+  "Vainly, upon the light soft sinking sand.
+  "There to assist me men and gods I call'd;
+  "Deaf to the sound was every mortal ear:
+  "But by a virgin's cries a virgin mov'd,
+  "Assistance gave. Up to the skies my arms
+  "I stretch'd; and black my arms began to grow,
+  "With waving pinions. From my shoulders, back
+  "My robes I strove to fling,--my robes were plumes;
+  "Deep in my skin the quills were fix'd: I try'd
+  "On my bare bosom with my hands to beat;
+  "Nor hands nor naked bosom now were found:
+  "I ran; the sand no longer now retain'd
+  "My feet, but lightly o'er the ground I skimm'd;
+  "And soon on pinions through the air was borne;
+  "And Pallas' faultless favorite I became.
+  "What now avail to me my pure deserts?
+  "Nyctimené, whose horrid crime deserv'd
+  "Her transformation, to my place succeeds.
+  "The deed so wide through spacious Lesbos known,
+  "Ere this has reach'd thee;--how Nyctimené--
+  "Her father's bed defil'd,--a bird became.
+  "Conscious of guilt, she shuns the sight of man;
+  "Flies from the day, and in nocturnal shades
+  "Conceals her shame; by every bird assail'd
+  "And exil'd from the skies." The crow in rage
+  To her still chattering, cry'd;--"May each delay
+  "Thy babbling causes, prove to thee a curse.
+  "I scorn thy foolish presages,"--and flew
+  His journey urging. When his master found,
+  He told him where Coronis he had seen
+  Claspt by a young Thessalian. Down he dropp'd
+  His laurel garland, when the crime he heard
+  Of her he lov'd;--his harp away he flung;
+  His countenance fell, and pale his visage grew.
+  Now with fierce rage his swelling bosom fires;
+  His wonted arms he seizes; draws his bow,
+  Bent to the horns; and through that breast so oft
+  Embrac'd,--th' inevitable weapon drove.
+  Deep groan'd the wounded nymph, and tearing out
+  The arrow from her breast, a purple flood
+  Gush'd o'er her shining limbs. She sighing cry'd,--
+  "This fate, O Phoebus, I deserv'dly meet,
+  "Were but thy infant born;--two now in one
+  "Thy dart has slain!"--She spoke,--her vital blood
+  Fast flow'd, and stay'd her voice. A deadly chill
+  Seiz'd all her members, now of life bereft.
+  Too late, alas! her sorrowing lover mourns
+  His cruel vengeance; and himself he hates,
+  Too credulous listening, and too soon enflam'd:
+  The bird he hates, who first betray'd the deed
+  And caus'd him first to grieve: his bow he hates;
+  His bowstring; arm; and with his arm the dart,
+  Shot vengeful. Fond he clasps her fallen form;
+  And strives by skill, by skill too late apply'd
+  To conquer fate:--his healing arts he tries,--
+  All unavailing. Fruitless he beholds
+  His each attempt, and sees the pile prepar'd;
+  And final flames her limbs about to burn.
+  Then from his deepest bosom burst his groans;
+  (For tears on cheeks celestial ne'er are seen,)
+  Such groans are utter'd when the heifer sees,
+  The weighty mallet, from the right ear pois'd,
+  Crush down the forehead of her suckling calf.
+  And now his useless odors in her breast
+  He pour'd; embrac'd her; to her last rites gave
+  Solemnization due. The greedy fires
+  His offspring were not suffer'd to consume.
+  Snatch'd from the curling flames, and from the womb
+  Of his dead mother, he the infant bore
+  To double-body'd Chiron's secret cave.
+  But bade the self-applauding crow, fill'd big
+  With hopes of favor for his faithful tale,
+  With snowy-plumag'd birds no more to join.
+
+    Meantime while Chiron, human half, half beast,
+  Proud of his deity-descended charge,
+  Joy'd in the honor with the task bestow'd:--
+  Behold, her shoulders with her golden locks
+  Shaded, the daughter of the Centaur comes;
+  Whom fair Chariclo, on a river's brink
+  Swift-rolling, bore, and thence Ocyrrhoë nam'd.
+  She not content her father's arts to know,
+  The hidden secrets of the fates disclos'd.
+  Now was her soul with fate-foretelling sounds
+  Fill'd, and within her fiercely rag'd the god:
+  The infant viewing;--"Grow," she said, "apace,
+  "Health-bearer through the world. To thee shall oft
+  "Expiring mortals owe returning life!
+  "To thee 'tis given to render souls again
+  "Back to their bodies! Once thou'lt dare the deed;--
+  "The angry god's forbidding flames, thy power
+  "Further preventing:--and a bloodless corps
+  "Heaven-born, thou ly'st;---but what thy body form'd
+  "A god becomes,--resuscitated twice.
+  "Thou too, my dearest and immortal sire!
+  "To ages never-ending, born to live,
+  "Shalt wish for death in vain; when writhing sad
+  "From the dire serpent's venom in thy limbs,
+  "By wounds instill'd. The pitying gods will change
+  "Thy destin'd fate, and let immortal die:
+  "The triple sisters shall thy thread divide.
+  "More yet untold remains;"--Deep from her chest
+  The sighs burst forth, and starting tears stream down,
+  Laving her cheeks, while thus the maid pursues:
+  "The fates prevent me, and forbid to tell
+  "What more I would;--all power to speak deny.
+  "Those arts, alas! heaven's anger which have drawn,--
+  "What were they? Would I ne'er the future knew!
+  "Now seems my human shape to leave me. Now
+  "The verdant grass a pleasing food appears.
+  "Now am I urg'd along the plain to bound;
+  "Chang'd to a mare: unto my sire ally'd
+  "In form,--but why sole chang'd? my father bears
+  "A two-form'd body;"--Wailing thus, her words
+  Confus'd and indistinct at length are heard.
+  Next sounds are utter'd partly human, more
+  A mare's resembling:--then she neighs aloud;
+  Treading with alter'd arms the ground: fast join'd
+  Her fingers now become: a slender hoof
+  Her toes connecting with continuous horn.
+  Her head enlarges; and her neck expands;
+  Her spreading garment floats a beauteous tail:
+  Her scatter'd tresses o'er her shoulders flung,
+  Form a thick mane to clothe her spacious neck:
+  Her voice is alter'd with her alter'd shape:
+  And change of name the wonderous deed attends.
+
+    Deep Chiron mourn'd, O Phoebus, and thy aid
+  In vain invok'd; for bootless was thy power
+  Jove's mandate to resist; nor if thou could'st
+  Then wast thou nigh to help. In Elis far,
+  And fields Messenian then was thy abode.
+  Then was the time when shepherd-like a robe
+  Of skins enwrapp'd thee;--when thy left hand bore
+  A sylvan staff;--thy right a pipe retain'd,
+  Of seven unequal reeds. While love engag'd
+  Thy thoughts, and dulcet music sooth'd thy cares,
+  'Tis said, thy herds without their herdsman stray'd,
+  Far to the Pylian meadows. These the son
+  Of Atlantean Maiä espy'd;
+  And, slily driven away, within the woods
+  The cattle artful hid. None saw the deed,
+  Save one old hoary swain, well known around,
+  And Battus nam'd; whose post it was to guard
+  The groves, the grassy meads, and high-bred mares
+  Of wealthy Neleus. Him the robber fear'd;
+  Drew him aside, and coaxing thus address'd;--
+  "Whoe'er thou art, good friend, if here perchance,
+  "Someone should seek an herd,--say that thou here
+  "No herd hast seen;--thou shall not lack reward:
+  "Take this bright heifer:"--and the cow he gave.
+  The bribe receiv'd, the shepherd thus replies;
+  "Friend, thou art safe,--that stone shall sooner speak
+  "And tell thy deed than I:"--and shew'd the stone.
+  The son of Jove departs, or seems to go;
+  But soon with alter'd form and voice returns.
+  "Here, countryman," he cries, "hast thou an herd
+  "This way observ'd to pass?--no secret keep,
+  "To aid the theft; an heifer with a bull
+  "Await thy information." Doubly brib'd,
+  The hoary rogue betray'd his former trust.
+  "Beneath those hills," he said, "the herd you'll find."
+  Beneath the hills they were. Loud laugh'd the god
+  And cry'd,--"Thou treacherous villain, to myself
+  "Wouldst thou betray me? wouldst thou to myself
+  "My deeds betray?" And to a flinty stone
+  His perjur'd breast he chang'd, which still retains
+  The name of Touchstone;--on the harmless rock
+  His infamous demerits firmly fix'd.
+
+    Hermes from hence, on waving wings upborne
+  Darted, and in his flight beneath him saw
+  The Attic pastures,--the much-favor'd land
+  Of Pallas; and Lyceum's cultur'd groves.
+  It chanc'd that day, as wont, the virgins chaste,
+  Bore on their heads in canisters festoon'd,
+  Their offerings pure to Pallas' sacred fane.
+  Returning thence the winged god espy'd
+  The troop, and straight his onward flight restrain'd;
+  Wheeling in circles round. As sails the kite,
+  Swiftest of birds, when entrails seen from far
+  By holy augurs thick beset,--he fears
+  A near approach, but circling steers his flight
+  On beating wings, around his hopes and round.
+  So 'bove the Athenian towers the light-plum'd god
+  Swept round in circles on the self-same air.
+  As Phosphor far outshines the starry host;
+  As silver Cynthia Phosphor bright outshines;
+  So much did Hersé all the nymphs excel,
+  The bright procession's ornament; the pride
+  Of all th' accompanying nymphs. Her beauteous mien
+  Stagger'd Jove's son, who hovering in the air
+  Fierce burns with love. The Balearic sling,
+  Thus shoots a ball; quick through the air it flies,
+  Warms in its flight, and feels beneath the clouds
+  Flames hereto known not. Alter'd now his route
+  The skies he leaves, and holds a different flight:
+  Nor veils his figure,--such reliance gave
+  His beauteous form: and beauteous though that form,
+  Yet careful did the god his looks adorn;
+  He smoothes his tresses, and his robe adjusts
+  To hang in graceful folds, and fair display
+  The golden fringe; his round and slender wand,
+  Of sleep-procuring, sleep-repelling power,
+  His right hand bears; and on his comely feet
+  His plumed sandals shine. Within the house
+  Three separate chambers were secluded form'd,
+  With tortoise and with ivory rich adorn'd.
+  Thou, Pandrosos, within the right repos'd;
+  And on the left hand thou Aglauros, slept;
+  Fair Hersé in the midst. Aglauros first
+  The god's approach descry'd, and daring ask'd
+  Who he?--and what he sought?--To whom the god;
+  "Him you behold, who through the air conveys
+  "His sire's commands: Almighty Jove that sire.
+  "Nor will I feign my errand. So may'st thou
+  "True to thy sister prove, and soon be call'd
+  "My offspring's aunt. 'Tis Hersé draws me here.
+  "Help then a lover in his warm pursuit."
+  Aglauros bends on Mercury those eyes,
+  Which yellow-hair'd Minerva's secret saw;
+  And ponderous sums for her assistance claims;
+  Driving the god meantime without the gates.
+  With angry glare the warlike goddess view'd
+  The mercenary nymph, and angry sighs,
+  Which shook her bosom heav'd; the Ægis shook,
+  On that strong bosom fix'd. Now calls to mind
+  Minerva how with hands prophane, the maid
+  Her strict behests despising, daring pry'd
+  To know her secrets; and the seed beheld
+  Of Vulcan, child without a mother form'd:
+  Now to her sister and the god unkind;
+  Rich with the gold her avarice had claim'd.
+  To Envy's gloomy cell, where clots of gore
+  The floor defil'd, enrag'd Minerva flew:
+  A darkened vale, deep sunk, the cavern held,
+  where vivid sun ne'er shone, nor freshening breeze
+  Health wafted: torpid melancholy rul'd,
+  And sluggish cold; and cheering light unknown,
+  Damp darkness ever gloom'd. The goddess here
+  In conflict dreaded came, but at the doors
+  Her footsteps staid, for entrance Fate forbade.
+  The gates she strikes--struck by her spear, the gates
+  Wide open fly, and dark within disclose,
+  On vipers gorging, (her accustom'd feast,)
+  The envious fiend: back from the hideous sight
+  Recoils the goddess, and averts her eyes.
+  Slow rising from the ground, her half chew'd food
+  She quits, advancing indolently forth:
+  The maid, in warlike brightness clad, she saw,
+  In form divine, and heavy sighs burst forth
+  Deep from her bosom's black recess: pale gloom.
+  Dwells on her forehead; lean her fleshless form;
+  Askaunce her eyes; encrusted black her teeth;
+  Green'd deep with gall her breasts; her hideous tongue
+  With poisons lurid; laughter knows her not,
+  Save woes and pangs unmerited she sees;
+  Sleep flies her couch, by cares unceasing wrung;
+  At men's success she sickens, pining sad;
+  But stung herself, while others feel her sting
+  Her torture closely grasps her.--Much the maid
+  The sight abhors; and thus in brief she speaks:--
+  "Deep in the breast of Cecrops' daughter fix
+  "Thy venom'd sting--Aglauros is the nymph.--
+  "More needs not."--Speaking so Minerva fled,
+  Upbounding, earth she with her spear repell'd.
+  Glancing asquint the fury saw her rise,
+  And inly groan'd,--that she success should gain.
+  Her staff with prickly thorns enwreath'd she takes,
+  And forth she sallies, wrapp'd in gloomy clouds.
+  Where'er she flies she blasts the flowery fields;
+  Consumes the herbage; and the harvest blights.
+  Her breath pestiferous felt the cities round,
+  Houses and 'habitants where'er she flew.
+  At length the towers of Athens she beheld
+  With arts and riches flourishing, and blest
+  With holy peace. Scarce could she tears withhold,
+  No tearful eye throughout the place to see.
+  Straight to the room of Cecrops' daughter now
+  Her route she urges, and her task performs:
+  Her rusty hand upon the maiden's breast
+  She plants, and with sharp thorns that bosom fills;
+  Breathes noxious poison through her frame; imbues
+  With venom black her heart, and all her limbs.
+  Lest from her eyes escap'd, the maddening scene
+  Should cease to vex her, full in view she plac'd
+  Her sister, and her sister's nuptial rites;
+  And Hermes beauteous in the bridal pomp:
+  In beauty all, and splendor all increas'd.
+  Mad with the imag'd sight, the maid is gnawn
+  With secret pangs;--deep groans the lengthen'd night,
+  And deep the morning hears; she wastes away
+  Silently wretched, lingeringly slow.
+  As Sol's faint rays the summer ice dissolves:
+  So burns she to behold the envy'd lot
+  Of Hersé; not with furious flames,--as weeds
+  Blaze not when damp, but with slow heat consume.
+  Oft would she wish to die: and oft the deed
+  To hinder, thinks to tell her rigid sire
+  Her sister's fault. At length her seat she takes
+  Across the threshold, and th' approaching god
+  Repuls'd; and to his blandishments, and words
+  Beseeching fair, and soft-alluring prayers,
+  She cry'd,--"Desist,--from hence I ne'er will move
+  "Till thou art driven away." Swift Hermes said.--
+  "Keep firmly that resolve." And with his wand
+  The sculptur'd portals touching, wide they flew.
+  But when her limbs to raise, the virgin strove,
+  A weighty numbness o'er the members crept
+  Which bend in sitting, and their movement staid.
+  Strenuous she strives to raise her form erect,
+  But stiffen'd feels her knees; chill coldness spreads
+  Through all her toes; and, fled the purple stream,
+  Her veins turn pallid: cruel cancer thus,
+  Disease incurable, spreads far and wide,
+  Sound members adding to the parts diseas'd.
+  So gradual, o'er her breast the chilling frost
+  Crept deadly, and the gates of life shut close.
+  Complaint she try'd not; had she try'd, her voice
+  Had found no passage, for the stone had seiz'd
+  Her throat,--her mouth; to marble all was chang'd.
+  She sat a pallid statue;--all the stone
+  Her envy tainted with a livid hue.
+
+    His vengeance, when Jove's son complete had seen,
+  Due to her avarice, and her envious soul;
+  He left Minerva's land, and up the sky
+  On wafting pinions mounted. There his sire,
+  Him from th' assembly drew; nor yet disclos'd,
+  The object of his love:--"Son, quickly haste,--
+  "Thou faithful messenger of my commands,
+  "Urge rapid thy descending flight, and seek
+  "The realm whose northern bounds thy mother star
+  "O'erlooks,--the land by natives Sidon call'd.
+  "There wilt thou pasturing find the royal herd,
+  "'Neath hills not distant from the sea: turn down
+  "This herd to meadows bordering on the beach."
+  He said;--the cattle tow'rd the sea shore move,
+  Where sported with her Tyrian maids as wont,
+  The monarch's daughter. Ill majestic state
+  And love agree; nor long combin'd remain.
+  The sire and ruler of the gods resigns
+  His weighty sceptre: he whose right hand bears
+  The three-fork'd fires; whose nod creation shakes,
+  Assumes a bull's appearance:--with the herd
+  Mingles; and strolling lets the tender shrubs
+  Brush his fair sides. Of snowy white his skin;
+  Such snow as rugged feet has never soil'd,
+  Nor southern showers dissolv'd: his brawny neck,
+  Strong from his shoulders stands: beneath extends
+  The dewlap pendulous: small are his horns;
+  But smooth as polish'd by the workman's hand;--
+  Pellucid as the brightest gems they shine:
+  No threatenings wear his brow; no fire his eyes
+  Flame fierce; but all his countenance peace proclaims.
+  Him much Agenor's royal maid admir'd;--
+  His form so beauteous, and his look so mild.
+  Yet peaceful as he seem'd, she fear'd at first
+  A close approach;--but nearer soon she drew,
+  And to his shining mouth the flowery food
+  Presented. Joy'd th' impatient lover stands,
+  Her fingers kissing; and with sore restraint
+  Defers his look'd for pleasures. Sportive now
+  He wantons, frisking in the grass; now rolls
+  His snowy sides upon the yellow sand.
+  Her apprehensions chas'd, by slow degrees,
+  The virgin's fingers playful stroke his breast;
+  Then bind with wreaths his horns: more daring now
+  Upon his back the royal maid ascends;--
+  Witless a god she presses. From the fields,
+  His steps deceitful gradual turn'd, he bends,
+  And seeks the shore; then playful in the waves
+  Just dips his feet;--thence plunging deep, he swims
+  Through midmost ocean with his ravish'd prize.
+  Trembling the nymph beholds the lessening shore;----
+  Firm grasps one hand his horn; upon his back,
+  Secure the other resting: to the wind,
+  Her fluttering garments floating as she sails.
+
+
+
+
+*The Third Book.*
+
+
+    Unsuccessful search of Cadmus for his sister. Death of his
+    companions by the dragon. Overthrow of the dragon, and production
+    of armed men from his teeth. Thebes. Actæon devoured by his
+    hounds. Semelé destroyed by lightening, and the birth of Bacchus.
+    The prophet Tiresias. Echo: and the transformation of Narcissus.
+    Impiety of Pentheus. Change of the Tyrrhenian sailors to
+    dolphins. Massacre of Pentheus.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Third Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    And now the god, his bestial form resign'd,
+  Shone in his form celestial as he gain'd
+  The Cretan shore. Meantime, the theft unknown,
+  Mourn'd her sad sire, and Cadmus sent to seek
+  The ravish'd maid; stern threatening as he went,
+  Perpetual exile if his searching fail'd:--
+  Parental love and cruelty combin'd!
+  All earth explor'd in vain, (for who shall find
+  The amorous thefts of Jove?) the exile shuns
+  His father's anger, and paternal soil.
+  A suppliant bends before Apollo's shrine,
+  To ask his aid;--what region he should chuse
+  To fix his habitation. Phoebus thus;--
+  "A cow, whose neck the yoke has never prest,
+  "Strange to the crooked plough, shall meet thy steps,
+  "Lone in the desert fields: the way she leads
+  "Chuse thou,--rand where upon the grass she rests,
+  "Erect thy walls;--Boeotia call the place."
+  Scarce had the cave Castalian Cadmus left,
+  When he an heifer, gently pacing, spy'd
+  Untended; one whose neck no mark betray'd
+  Of galling service. Closely treads the youth,
+  Slow moving in her footsteps, and adores
+  In silence Phoebus, leader of his way.
+  Now had he pass'd the Cephisidian stream,
+  And meads of Panopé, when stay'd the beast;
+  Her broad front lifted to the sky; reverse
+  Her lofty horns reclining, shook the air
+  With lowings loud; back then her face she bent,
+  And saw the comrades following close behind:
+  Down low she couch'd, and press'd the yielding grass,
+  Glad thanks to Phoebus, Cadmus gave, and kiss'd
+  The foreign soil;--the unknown hills, and land
+  Saluted. Then a sacrifice to Jove
+  Preparing, sent his followers to explore
+  Streams flowing from the living fountain clear.
+
+    An ancient forest hallow'd from the axe,
+  Not far there stood; in whose dark bosom gloom'd
+  A cavern:--twigs and branches thick inwove
+  With rocky crags, a low arch'd entrance form'd;
+  Where pure and copious, gush'd transparent waves.
+  Deep hid within a monstrous serpent lay,
+  Sacred to Mars. Bright shone his crested head;
+  His eyeballs glow'd with fire; his body swell'd
+  Bloated with poison; o'er a threefold row
+  Of murderous teeth, three quivering tongues he shook.
+  This grove the Tyrians with ill-fated feet
+  Now enter'd; and now in the waters threw,
+  With noisy dash, their urns. Uprears his head,
+  The azure serpent from the cavern deep;
+  And breathes forth hisses dire: their urns they drop;
+  The blood forsakes their bodies; sudden fear
+  Chills their astonish'd limbs. He writhing quick,
+  Forms scaly circles; spiral twisting round,
+  Bends in an arch immense to leap, and rears
+  In the thin air erect, 'bove half his height;
+  All the wide grove o'erlooking. Such his size,
+  Could all be seen, than that vast snake no less,
+  Whose huge bulk lies the Arctic bears between.
+  The Tyrians quick he seizes; some their arms
+  Vain grasping,--flying some,--and some through fear
+  To fight or fly unable:--these his jaws
+  Crash murderous; those his writhing tail surrounds;
+  Others his breath, with poison loaded, kills.
+
+    Now loftiest Phoebus shorten'd shadows gave,
+  When Cadmus, wondering much why still his friends
+  Tarried so long, their parting footsteps trac'd.
+  His robe an hide torn from a lion's back;
+  A dart and spear of shining steel his arms;
+  With courage, arms surpassing. Now the grove
+  He enters, and their breathless limbs beholds;--
+  Their victor foe's huge bulk upon them stretch'd;
+  Licking with gory tongue their mournful wounds.
+  "My faithful friends," he cry'd, "I will avenge
+  "Your fate,--or perish with you." Straight a rock
+  His right hand rais'd, and with impetuous force,
+  Hurl'd it right on. A city's lofty walls
+  With all its towers, to feel the blow had shook!
+  Yet lay the beast unwounded; safely sheath'd
+  With scaly armour, and his harden'd hide:--
+  His skin alone the furious blow repell'd.
+  Not so that hardness mocks the javelin,--fixt
+  Firm in the bending of the pliant spine
+  His weapon stood,--and all the iron head
+  Deep in his entrails sunk. Mad with the pain,
+  Reverse he writhes his head;--beholds the wound;
+  Champs the fixt dart;--by many forceful tugs
+  Loosen'd at length, he tears the shaft away;
+  But deep the steel within his bones remains.
+  Now to his wonted fury fiercer flames
+  This torture adding, big with poison swells
+  His throat; and flowing, round his venom'd jaws,
+  White foam appears; deep harrow'd with his scales
+  Loud sounds the earth; and vapours black, breath'd out
+  His mouth infernal, taint with death the air.
+  Now roll'd in spires, he forms an orb immense:
+  Now stretch'd at length he seems a monstrous beam:
+  Now rushing forward with impetuous force,
+  As sweeps a torrent swell'd by rain, his breast
+  Bears down th' opposing forest. Cadmus back
+  A step recedes, and on his lion's hide
+  The shock sustains;--then with protended spear
+  Checks his approaching jaws. Furious he strives
+  To wound the harden'd steel;--on the sharp point
+  He grinds his teeth: now from his poisonous mouth,
+  Began the blood to flow, and sprinkling ting'd
+  The virid grass; but trivial still the hurt;
+  For shrinking from the blow, and twisting back
+  His wounded neck, the stroke he still prevents
+  Deeper to pierce, by yielding to its force.
+  But pushing arduous on, Agenor's son,
+  Fix'd in his throat the steel;--and the sharp point
+  Forc'd through his neck: an oak oppos'd behind;--
+  The tree and neck the spear at once transfix'd.
+  Dragg'd by the monster's weight low bends the tree,
+  And groans and cracks, as lashing blows, his tail
+  Immense, deals round. Now whilst the victor stands
+  And wondering views the conquer'd serpent's size,
+  Sudden a voice is heard, (from whence unknown,--
+  But plain the words he hears) "Why view'st thou thus,
+  "Agenor's son, the foe by thee destroy'd?
+  "Thou one day like this serpent shalt be seen."
+  Aghast he stood,--the warm blood fled his cheeks;
+  His courage chang'd to terror; freezing fear
+  Rais'd his stiff locks erect. Lo! Pallas comes,
+  Pallas, the known protectress of the brave.
+  Smooth sliding from the higher clouds she comes;
+  Bids him remove the soil, and place beneath,
+  The serpent's fangs, a future offspring's pledge.
+  The prince obeys; and as with crooked share,
+  The ground he opens, in the furrows throws
+  The teeth directed. Thence, (beyond belief!)
+  The clods of earth at once began to move;
+  Then in the furrows glitter'd, first, the points
+  Of spears: anon fair painted crests arose,
+  Above bright helmets nodding: shoulders next;
+  And breasts; and arms, with javelins loaded came:
+  Thickening the harvest grew of shielded men.
+  Thus shews the glad theatric curtain; rais'd
+  The painted figures' faces first appear,
+  Gradual display'd; and more by slow degrees;
+  At length the whole stand forth, their feet all fix'd
+  Firm on the lower margin. Wondering, he
+  His new-made foe beheld; and grasp'd his arms.
+  But one whom earth had just produc'd, exclaim'd;--
+  "Arm not, nor meddle in our civil broils."
+  He said,--an earth-born brother, hand to hand
+  With sword keen-edg'd attacking; but from far,
+  A javelin hurl'd, dispatch'd him. Short the boast
+  Of him who sent it;--his death wound infix'd,--
+  He breathes the air out he so late receiv'd.
+  So rage the rest, and in the furious war
+  The new-made brethren fall by mutual wounds:
+  And on their blood-stain'd mother, dash, the youths
+  To short existence born, their damp cold breasts.
+  Five only stand unhurt,--Echion one,--
+  Who threw, by Pallas prompted, down his arms
+  And peace propos'd: his brethren took his pledge.
+  These join the Tyrian prince, and social aid
+  His efforts, when th' appointed walls he builds;
+  Obedient to the Delphic god's commands.
+
+    The Theban walls now rais'd, thou, Cadmus seem'd
+  Blest in thy exile. Mars and Venus gave
+  Their daughter to thy wife. This spouse so fam'd,
+  Thee daughters brought, and sons,--a numerous tribe;
+  And grandsons, pledges dear of nuptial joys,
+  Already risen to manhood. But too true
+  That man should still his final day expect;
+  Nor blest be deem'd till flames his funeral pyre.
+  Thy grandson's fate, O, Cadmus! first with grief
+  Thy bosom wrung, amid thy prosperous state:
+  The alien horns which nodded o'er his brow;
+  And ye, voracious hounds, with blood full-gorg'd,
+  Your master's life-stream. Yet by close research,
+  We find unlucky chance, not vice, his crime.
+  What sin in error lies?
+
+                         The hills were drench'd
+  With blood of numerous slaughter'd savage beasts;
+  And objects shorten'd shadows gave: the sun
+  Exalted view'd each equi-distant goal;
+  When the young Theban hunter thus address'd,
+  His fellow sportsmen with a friendly call;
+  As wide they rov'd the savage lairs among.
+  "Our weapons, comrades, and our nets are moist
+  "With blood of spoil; sufficient sport this day
+  "Has given. But when Aurora next appears,
+  "High on her saffron car, and light restores,
+  "Then be our pleasing exercise resum'd.
+  "Now Phoebus, distant far from west and east,
+  "Cracks the parch'd ground with heat;--desist from toil,
+  "And fold your knotted snares." His words obey,
+  His men, and from their sportive labor cease.
+
+    Near stood a vale, where pointed cypress form'd
+  With gloomy pines a grateful shade, and nam'd
+  Gargaphié;--sacred to the girded maid:
+  Its deep recess a shrubby cavern held,
+  By nature modell'd,--but by nature, art
+  Seem'd equall'd, or excell'd. A native arch
+  Of pumice light, and tophus dry, was form'd;
+  And from the right a stream transparent flow'd,
+  Of trivial size, which spread a pool below;
+  With grassy margin circled. Dian' here,
+  The woodland goddess, weary'd with the chace,
+  Had oft rejoic'd to bathe her virgin limbs.
+  As wont she comes;--her quiver, and her dart,
+  And unstrung bow, her armour-bearing nymph
+  In charge receives. Disrob'd, another's arms
+  Sustain her vest. Two from her feet unloose
+  Her sandals. Crocalé, Ismenian nymph,
+  Than others more expert, her tresses binds,
+  Loose o'er her shoulders floating, in a knot;
+  Her own wild flowing still. Five more the streams
+  In huge urns lifting; Hyalé, and Niphé,
+  Phialé, Rhanis, Psecas, lave her limbs.
+  Here while the goddess in the limpid wave
+  Washes as 'custom'd,--lo! Actæon comes;--
+  His sportive toil till morning dawn deferr'd:
+  And roving through the vale with random steps,
+  By hapless fate conducted, he arrives
+  Close to the sacred grove. Within the grot
+  Stream-pouring, when he stept, the naked nymphs,--
+  Then first by man beheld,--their bosoms beat;
+  Fill'd the deep grove with outcries loud; and round
+  Diana crowded, screening as they could
+  Her limbs with theirs. Yet high above them tower'd
+  The goddess, and her neck their heads o'erlook'd.
+  As blush the clouds by Phoebus' adverse rays
+  Deep ting'd;--or as Aurora in the morn;
+  So blush'd the virgin-goddess, seen unrob'd.
+  Sideway she stood, though closely hemm'd around
+  By clustering nymphs, and backward bent her face:
+  Then anxious praying she could reach her darts,
+  In vain,--she seiz'd the waters which she could,
+  And dash'd them o'er his features:--as his locks,
+  The vengeful drops besprinkled, thus in rage,
+  She cry'd,--"Now tell thou hast Diana seen
+  "Disrob'd;--go tell it, if thou canst,"--no more,
+  With threatenings storm'd, but on his sprinkled head,
+  The antlers of the long-liv'd stag are plac'd.
+  His neck is lengthen'd; with a sharpen'd point,
+  His upright ears are form'd; to feet his hands,--
+  To long and slender legs his arms are chang'd;
+  And round his body clings a dappled coat.
+  Fear in his bosom she instils: the youth,
+  The bold Actæon flies, and wondering feels
+  His bounding feet so rapid in the race.
+  But soon the waters shew'd his branching horns;
+  And,--"ah unhappy me!" he strove to cry:
+  His voice he found not; sighs and sobs were all;
+  And tears fast streaming down his alter'd face.
+  Still human sense remains. Where shall he turn?
+  His royal palace seek,--or in the woods
+  Secluded hide?--To tarry fear forbids,
+  And shame prevents returning. While he doubts
+  His hounds espy him. Quick-nos'd Tracer first,
+  And Blackfoot give the signal by their yell:
+  Tracer of Crete, and Blackfoot Spartan bred.
+  Swifter than air the noisy pack rush on;
+  Arcadian Quicksight; Glutton; Ranger, stout;
+  Strong Killbuck; Whirlwind, furious; Hunter, fierce;
+  Flyer, swift-footed; and quick-scented Snap:
+  Ringwood, late wounded by a furious bear;
+  And Forester, by savage wolf begot:
+  Flock-tending Shepherdess; with Ravener fierce,
+  And her two whelps; and Sicyonian Catch:
+  The thin flank'd greyhound, Racer; Yelper; Patch;
+  Tiger; Robust; Milkwhite, with snowy coat;
+  And coalblack Soot. First in the race, fleet Storm;
+  Courageous Spartan Swift; and rapid Wolf;
+  Join'd with his Cyprian brother, Snatch, well mark'd
+  With sable forehead on a coat of white:
+  Blackcoat: and thickhair'd Shag: Worrier; and Wild,--
+  Twins from a dam Laconian sprung, their sire
+  Dictæan: Babbler with his noisy throat:--
+  But all to name were endless. Urg'd by hope
+  Of prey they crowd; down precipices rush;
+  O'er rocks, and crags; through rugged paths, and ways
+  Unpass'd before. His hounds he flies, where oft
+  His hounds he had pursu'd. Poor wretch! he flies
+  His own domestics, striving hard to call,
+  "Actæon am I!--villains, know your lord."
+  Words aid him not: loud rings the air with yells,
+  Howlings, and barkings:--Blackhair first, his teeth
+  Fix'd in his back; staunch Tamer fasten'd next;
+  And Rover seiz'd his shoulder: tardy these,
+  The rest far left behind, but o'er the hills
+  Athwart, the chase they shorten'd. Now the pack,
+  Join'd them their lord retaining; join'd their teeth
+  Their victim seizing:--now his body bleeds,
+  A wound continuous: deep he utters groans,
+  Not human, yet unlike a dying deer;
+  And fills the well-known mountains with his plaint.
+  Prone on his knees in suppliant form he bends;
+  And low beseeching waves his silent head,
+  As he would wave his hands. His witless friends,
+  The savage pack with joyous outcries urge;
+  Actæon anxious seeking: echoing loud
+  Eager his name as absent. At the name,
+  His head he turns. His absence irks them sore,
+  As lazy loitering, not the noble prey
+  Obtain'd, beholding. Joyful could he be,
+  At distance now,--but hapless is too near:
+  Glad would he see the furious dogs their fangs,
+  On other prey than his torn limbs infix.
+  On every side they crowd; their dying lord,
+  A well-seem'd deer, they rend; their ravenous teeth
+  Deep tear his members. With a thousand wounds,
+  (Dian's insatiate anger less despis'd)
+  The hapless hunter yielded forth his breath.
+
+    Report flies dubious; some the goddess blame
+  For disproportion'd vengeance; others warm
+  Applaud the deed as worthy one so pure;
+  And reasons weighty either party urge:
+  Jove's consort only silent: she nor blames
+  The action, nor approves; but inward joys,
+  Agenor's house should such misfortune feel.
+  The hatred nourish'd for the Tyrian maid,
+  Her brother's offspring visits. Now fresh cause
+  Of wrath succeeds; enrag'd the goddess learns
+  That Semelé, embrac'd by mighty Jove,
+  Is pregnant. Straight broke loose her angry tongue,
+  And loud she storm'd:--"Advantage much I gain
+  "By endless railing at unfaithful Jove!
+  "This harlot will I find,--and, if with truth
+  "They potent Juno stile me, she shall die.
+  "Destruction shall o'erwhelm her, if beseems
+  "My hand the sparkling sceptre of the sky:
+  "If queen I am to Jove;--if sister;--wife:--
+  "His sister doubtless am I, if no more.
+  "Content perchance is Semelé to joy
+  "In pleasures briefly tasted; and my wrongs
+  "Though deep, not lasting. No!--she must conceive
+  "Foul aggravation of her shameless deed!
+  "Her swelling womb unblushing proves her crime:
+  "By Jove she longs to be a mother hail'd;
+  "Which scarcely I can boast. Such faith her pride,
+  "In conscious beauty places. Trust me not,
+  "Or she mistaken proves. As I am child
+  "Of hoary Saturn, she shall sink o'erwhelm'd
+  "By her own Jove; and dip in Stygian waves."
+
+    She said, and starting from her regal throne,
+  Wrapt in a dusky cloud descended; o'er
+  The threshold stepp'd of Semelé, nor chas'd
+  Her darkening veil, till like an ancient dame
+  She stood display'd. White hairs her temples strew'd;
+  Deep furrows plough'd her skin; her bending limbs
+  Quiver'd beneath her weight; her tremulous voice
+  Exhausted age betray'd: she stood to view
+  Old Beroë, from Epidaurus come,
+  The nurse of Semelé. With tedious tales
+  She garrulous amus'd:--when in her turn
+  Listening, the name of Jupiter she heard
+  She sigh'd, and said,--"May he be truly Jove!
+  "But age is still suspicious. Chastest beds
+  "Have been by these pretended gods defil'd:
+  "For if the deity supreme he be,
+  "Why comes he thus disguis'd? If true his love,
+  "Why prove it not? Urge thou an anxious wish
+  "To clasp him in his might, in such a sort,
+  "As lofty Juno he embraces;--round
+  "Begirt with all the ensigns of his power."
+  Thus Juno artful, Semelé's desires
+  Apt moulded to her mind. From Jove she prays
+  A nameless boon: the ready god consents;--
+  "Chuse what thou wilt, nor least denial dread:
+  "To prove my faith, I call the Stygian streams
+  "To witness, terror of the god of gods."
+  Joy'd at her fatal prayer's too large success;
+  And by her lover's prompt compliance, doom'd
+  To sure destruction;--"This," said she, "I wish;--
+  "When with me next you love's delights enjoy,
+  "Appear as when Saturnia fills your arms."
+  Fain would the god have stopp'd her mouth:--too soon
+  The hasty words found entrance to his ears.
+  Deep mourn'd he. Equal now the fates forbid,
+  The wish retracted, or the oath absolv'd.
+  Sorrowing he seeks the lofty heaven: his nod
+  Dark rolling clouds collects: here form black showers;
+  And hurricanes; and flashing lightenings mixt;
+  Thunders; and his inevitable bolt:
+  Anxious he strives with all his power to damp,
+  The fierceness of his flames: nor arm'd him now,
+  With those dread fires that to the earth dash'd down
+  The hundred-handed foe:--too powerful they.
+  He chose a milder thunder;--less of rage,
+  Of fire, and fury, had the Cyclops given
+  The mass when forg'd; a second-rated bolt.
+  Clad in mild glory thus, the dome he seeks
+  Of Semelé;--her mortal frame too weak,
+  To bear th' ethereal shock, fierce scorcht she sunk,
+  Beneath the nuptial grant. Th' imperfect babe,
+  Snatcht from his mother's smoking womb, was sew'd
+  (If faith the tale deserves) within his thigh;
+  There to complete the period of his growth.
+  Ino, his aunt maternal, then receiv'd
+  The boy; in private rear'd him, till the nymphs
+  Of Nysa's mountains, in their secret caves
+  Shelter'd, and fed with milk, th' entrusted charge.
+
+    While the rash promise caus'd on earth those deeds,
+  And twice-born Bacchus' cradle safe was hid;
+  'Tis said that Jove with heavenly nectar flush'd,
+  All serious cares dismiss'd. With sportive jests,
+  At ease conversing, he and Juno sate:
+  When he:--"The thrilling ecstasies of love,
+  "Are surely strongest on the female side."
+  She differs,--and the question both agree
+  Tiresias, who each sex had prov'd, shall judge.
+  Two mighty snakes he spy'd upon the grass,
+  Twisted in Venus' wreaths; and with his staff
+  Hard smote them;--instant alter'd was his sex.
+  Wonderous! he woman of a man became,
+  Seven winters so he liv'd:--the eight, again
+  He spy'd the same; and cry'd,--"If such your power,
+  "That whoso strikes you must their gender change,
+  "Once more I'll try the spell." Straight as the blow
+  The snakes receiv'd, his pristine form return'd:
+  Hence was he chosen, in the strife jocose,
+  As umpire; and the words of Jove confirm'd.
+
+    Much, say they, Juno rag'd; more than beseem'd
+  The trivial cause, or sentence justly given;
+  And veil'd the judge's eyes in endless night.
+  But Jove omnipotent, him gave to know,
+  (For fate forbids to cancel others' deeds)
+  What future times conceal; a light divine;
+  An honor'd gift to mitigate his pain.
+
+    Fam'd far and wide through all Boeotia's towns,
+  Unerring answers still the prophet gave,
+  To all who sought him. Blue Liriopé,
+  First prov'd his faith, and ne'er-deceiving words.
+  Her once Cephisus, in his winding stream
+  Entwin'd, and forceful in his waves enjoy'd.
+  The beauteous nymph's full womb, in time produc'd
+  A babe, whose features ev'n from birth inspir'd
+  Th' attendant nymphs with love; Narcissus nam'd.
+  For him enquiring, whether doom'd to see,
+  The peaceful period of maturest age,
+  The fate-foretelling prophet thus reply'd:--
+  "Yes,--if himself he never knows." The words
+  Were long absurd esteem'd: but well th' event
+  Their justice prov'd; his strange unheard of death;
+  And love of object never lov'd before.
+
+    Now sixteen summers had Narcissus seen,
+  A boy in beauty, but in growth a man;
+  And crowds of youths his friendship sought, and crowds
+  Of damsels sought his love: but fiercely pride
+  Swell'd in his snowy bosom; and he spurn'd
+  His friends' advances, and the love-sick maids.
+  A chattering nymph, resounding Echo, saw
+  The youth, when in his toils the trembling deer
+  He drove;--a nymph who ne'er her words retain'd,
+  Nor dialogue commenc'd. But then she bore
+  A body palpable; and not, as now,
+  Merely a voice:--yet garrulous, she then
+  That voice, nor other us'd; 'twas all she could,
+  The closing words of speakers to repeat.
+  Juno had this ordain'd: for oft the dame
+  The frailer nymphs upon the hills had caught,
+  In trespass with her Jove; but Echo sly
+  With lengthen'd speech the goddess kept amus'd,
+  Till all by flight were sav'd. Soon Juno saw
+  The trick:--"The power of that delusive tongue,"--
+  She cry'd, "I'll lessen, and make brief thy words;"
+  Nor stay'd, but straight her threaten'd vengeance took.
+  Now she redoubles (all she can) the words
+  Which end another's speech; reporting back,
+  But only what she hears.
+
+                           Through pathless woods
+  As roves Narcissus, Echo sees, and burns;
+  Steals in his footsteps, following close, but flames
+  More fierce, more near approaching. Sudden thus,
+  The sulphurous daubing o'er the torches spread,
+  Snatches th' approaching flame. How oft she wish'd
+  With bland and soothing words to hail the youth;
+  But nature harsh forbids, nor grants to make
+  The first commencement; what she grants she takes,
+  And anxious waits to catch the wish'd-for sounds;
+  And speak responsive. Chance the youth had led
+  Far from his social troop, and loud he cry'd,--
+  "Who's he that hither comes?" Attentive she,--
+  Reply'd, "O hither come!" Amaz'd he stood,
+  Round searching whence the voice; and louder still,
+  "Here come!" exclaim'd,--and Echo answer'd,--"Come!"
+  To every part his eyes in vain are bent;
+  And, "why," laments he, "dost thou me avoid?"
+  Again he hears her,--"dost thou me avoid?"
+  Still he persists; th' alternate voice deceives,--
+  And,--"come, approach, together let us join,"
+  Impatient now he utters: ardent she
+  Exclaims, in joyful accents,--"let us join!"
+  Her wish in person urging, from the grove
+  She springs, and wide extends her arms to clasp
+  His neck:--Narcissus flies, and flying calls,--
+  "Desist!--hold off thy hands;--may sooner death
+  "Me seize, than thou enjoy me." Nought the maid
+  Re-echoes, but,--"enjoy me." Close conceal'd,
+  By him disdain'd, amid the groves she hides
+  Her blushing forehead, where the leaves bud thick;
+  And dwells in lonely caverns. Still her flame
+  Clings close around her heart; and sharper pangs
+  Repulse occasions: cares unceasing waste
+  Her wretched form: gaunt famine shrivels up
+  Her skin; and all the moistening juice which fed
+  Her body, flies in air: her voice and bones
+  Alone are left: her voice, unchang'd;--her bones
+  To craggy stones are harden'd. Still in groves
+  She hides secluded; nor on hills appears:
+  Heard frequent; only heard, and nought but sound.
+
+    Thus slighted he the nymph; nor her alone,
+  But numbers else who o'er the mountains rov'd;
+  Or sported in the waves. Nor less his pride,
+  When more mature: keen smarting from his scorn,
+  To heaven one rais'd her hands, and ardent pray'd;--
+  "Ordain that he may love, but love like me
+  "One ne'er to be enjoy'd!" Rhamnusia grants
+  To prayers so just, th' assenting nod. There stood,
+  A mudless pool, whose waters silvery bright,
+  The shepherds touch'd not,--nor the mountain goats,
+  Nor lowing herds: which birds, and fierce wild beasts,
+  Dabbling disturb'd not:--nor a wither'd branch,
+  Dropt from a tree o'erhanging. Round the brink,
+  Fed by the moisture, virid grass arose;
+  And trees impervious to the solar beam,
+  Screen'd the cool surface. Weary'd with the chase,
+  And faint with heat, here laid Narcissus down;
+  Charm'd with the place, and tempted by the pool.
+  Here as he seeks to quench his burning thirst,
+  He burns with other fires: and while he drinks,
+  Caught by the image of his beauteous face,
+  He loves th' unbody'd form: a substance thinks
+  The shadow:--loves enraptur'd,--loves himself!
+  Fixes with eager gaze upon the sight
+  As on a face in Parian marble wrought.
+  Stretcht on the ground, his own bright eyes he views,
+  Twin stars;--his fingers, such as Bacchus grace;
+  His tresses like Apollo's;--downy cheeks,
+  Unbearded yet; his neck as ivory white;
+  The roseate blooming fading into snow:
+  Each trait admiring which the hapless nymphs,
+  In him admir'd. Unwitting youth, himself
+  He wants;--at once beloving, and belov'd:
+  Himself desiring, by himself desir'd:
+  Burning with love, while by himself he burns.
+  Oft, stooping, were his fruitless kisses given:
+  Oft were his arms outstretch'd to clasp the neck
+  So plainly seen beneath the waters. No!--
+  Himself he could not clasp. Whom he beholds,
+  He knows not; but for whom he sees he burns.
+  The error that his eye deceives, provokes
+  His rage. O, foolish youth! why vainly grasp
+  A fleeting shadow? What thou seek'st is not:--
+  And what thou lov'st thou now destroy'st:--thou see'st
+  A semblance only;--a reflected shade--
+  Nought of itself: with thee it came;--with thee
+  It stays;--and with thee, if thou could'st, would go.
+  Not hunger's power has force to drag him thence;
+  Nor cares of sleep oppress him. Thrown along
+  The shaded grass, he bends insatiate eyes
+  Tow'rds the fallacious beauty;--by those eyes
+  He perishes. Now half-uprais'd, his arms
+  Outspread, to all the groves around he cry'd:--
+  "Ye woods, whose darken'd shades so oft have given
+  "Convenient privacies to lovers, say,
+  "Saw you e'er one so cruelly who lov'd?
+  "In ages heap'd on ages you have stood,
+  "Remember ye a youth who pin'd as I?
+  "Pleas'd with the object, I its form behold;
+  "But what I see, and what so pleases flies.
+  "I find it not: in such bewilder'd maze
+  "The lover stands. And what my grief augments,
+  "No mighty seas divide us; lengthen'd roads;
+  "Nor lofty hills; nor high embattled walls,
+  "With portals clos'd: asunder are we held
+  "By trivial drops of water. It no less
+  "Than I, would give th' embrace; for when I bend
+  "My lips to kiss it in the limpid stream;
+  "With rising lips to meet, it anxious strives:
+  "Then might you think we touch, so faint a line
+  "Sunders us lovers. Come! whate'er thou art,
+  "Come hither! why thus mock me, dearest form?
+  "Why fly my wooing thus? My beauty sure,
+  "Nor youth are such as should provoke thy flight:
+  "For numerous nymphs for me have burn'd. Some hope
+  "Thy kindly sympathizing face affords;
+  "And when my anxious arms I stretch,--thy arms
+  "Advance to clasp me:--when I smile, thou smil'st:
+  "And often have I noted, when the tears
+  "Stream'd down my cheeks, a rivulet on thine:
+  "I nod,--thou, answering, noddest: and those lips,
+  "Those beauteous lips, whose movements plain I see,
+  "Words utter sure to mine,--though I forbid,
+  "The sounds to hear. In thee am I!--no more
+  "My shadow me deceives: I see the whole;
+  "Love for myself consumes me:--flames self-rais'd,
+  "Myself torment. What hope? be woo'd,--or woo?
+  "Wooing, or being woo'd, where is my gain?
+  "Myself I wish, and plenty makes me poor.
+  "Would that my body from itself could part!
+  "Strange wish for lovers, what most dear they love,
+  "Absent to pray. Grief undermines my strength;
+  "Nor long my life can linger;--immature,
+  "In youth I perish: but in me no fears,
+  "Can death infuse, of all my woes the end;
+  "Might I but leave this lovely object, still
+  "Existing: now two images, alas!
+  "Sink with one soul in death." Narcissus wails;
+  And raving turns to view the face again.
+  His tears the waters trouble; and the face
+  So beauteous, scarce is seen. Griev'd, he exclaims,
+  When disappearing,--"Whither fly'st thou? stay--
+  "Stay, I beseech thee; cruel, fly me not,--
+  "Thy lover: grant me still to view the form,
+  "To touch forbidden:--food, at least, afford
+  "To this unhappy flame." Lamenting thus,
+  He from his shoulders tore his robe, and beat
+  With snow-white hands his bosom; at the blow
+  His bosom redden'd: so the cherry seems,
+  Here ruddy blushing, there as fair as snow:
+  Or grapes unripe, part purpling to the sun,
+  In vary'd clusters. This he soon espy'd,
+  Reflected in the placid pool; no more
+  He bore it, but as gentle fire dissolves
+  The yellow wax: as Phoebus' morning beams
+  Melt the light hoar;--so wasted he,--by love
+  Gradual consum'd, as by a secret fire.
+  No more the ruddy teints appear, with white
+  Soft blended. All his active strength decays;
+  And all that pleas'd so lately. Ev'n his form
+  So much by Echo lov'd, no more remains.
+
+    All Echo saw; and though of former slights
+  Still mindful, griev'd; and when the hapless youth
+  "Alas!" exclaim'd; responsive sigh'd, "Alas!"
+  When on his breast the blows resounded; blows
+  Loud answering his were heard. His final words,
+  Gazing still earnest on the wonted wave,
+  Were,--"dearest form, belov'd in vain!"--the words
+  Resounded from the grove: "farewel," he cry'd,
+  And Echo cry'd, "farewel." Weary'd he threw,
+  On the green turf his head. Night clos'd his eyes;
+  Their owner fond admiring. Now retir'd
+  To regions far beneath, the Stygian lake
+  Reflects his form. The Naiäd sisters wail,
+  Shorn of their tresses, which to him they throw:
+  The Dryads also mourn; their bosoms beat;
+  And Echo answers every tearful groan.
+  A pile they build; the high-tost torches bring;
+  And funeral bier; but, lo! the corpse is gone:
+  A saffron-teinted flower alone is found,
+  Rising encircled with its snowy leaves.
+
+    Th' adventure spread through all the Achaian towns,
+  And much repute th' unerring augur gain'd.
+  Great now his prophesying fame. Alone,
+  Pentheus despis'd him;--(he the gods despis'd)
+  And only he;--he mock'd each holy word
+  Sagely prophetic:--with his rayless eyes
+  Reproach'd him. Angrily, his temples hoar
+  With reverend locks, the prophet shook, and said;--
+  "Happy for thee, if thus of light bereft,
+  "The Bacchanalian orgies ne'er to see!
+  "The day approaches, nor far distant now;
+  "My sight prophetic tells,--when here will come
+  "Bacchus new-born, of Semelé the son,
+  "Whose rites, if thou with honor due, not tend'st
+  "In temples worthy,--scatter'd far and wide,
+  "Thy limbs dismember'd shall the ground bestrew:
+  "Thy blood the forests shall distain;--thy gore
+  "Thy aunts,--nay e'en thy mother, shall pollute:
+  "For thou such honors, as immortals claim,
+  "Shalt to the god deny; then wilt thou find
+  "Beneath this darkness I but see too well."
+  Thus speaking, Echion's son the prophet push'd
+  Harshly away; but his too faithful words
+  Time prov'd;--the threaten'd deeds accomplish'd all.
+
+    Lo! Bacchus comes, and all the country rings
+  With joyous outcries; crowds on crowds thick swarm;--
+  Matrons, and wives new-wedded, mixt with men;
+  Nobles, and commons; all the impulse bears,
+  To join the stranger's rites. But Pentheus thus;--
+  "Offspring of Mars! O nation, serpent born!
+  "What madness fills your minds? Can piercing sounds
+  "Of brass from brass rebounding; winding horns,
+  "And magic cheatings, then possess such power?
+  "You whom the warlike sword, the trumpet's clang,
+  "And battle's edge, dread bristling close with arms,
+  "Appal not; yield ye thus to female howls;
+  "Wine's maddening fumes; a filthy shameless crowd;
+  "And empty cymbals? In amaze, I see,
+  "You venerable men who plough'd the seas,
+  "And here, a refuge for your exil'd gods,
+  "This second Tyre have built,--without a blow,
+  "Yield it a spoil! Ye too, robuster youths,
+  "Of hardier age, and years more near my own;--
+  "Whom warlike arms, than Thyrsi more become;
+  "And brows with helmets than with leaves comprest:
+  "Think whence you sprang, and let the thought inspire
+  "Your souls with all the dragon's fierceness: he
+  Singly slew hosts: he for his fountain fell;
+  You for your honor vanquish. He destroy'd
+  The valiant; you th' effeminate expel;
+  And all the glory of your sire regain.
+  "If fate to Thebes a speedy fall decrees,
+  "May heroes, O, ye gods! with battering force
+  "O'erturn her walls;--may the sword rage, and flames
+  "Crackling, devour her. Wretched though our lot;
+  "Not criminal: our fate, though much bemoan'd,
+  "Would need concealment not: tears then might flow,
+  "But not from shame. Now unresisting Thebes,
+  "Yields to a boy unarm'd; who never joys
+  "In armies, steeds, nor swords;--but more in locks
+  "With myrrh moist-dropping, garlands soft, and robes
+  "Of various teints, with gold and purple gay.
+  "Rest ye but tranquil, and without delay,
+  "Him will I force to own his boasted sire
+  "Untrue; and forg'd those new invented rites.
+  "Had not Acrisius bravery to despise
+  "The counterfeited deity, and close
+  "The gates of Argos on him? And must now
+  "This wanderer come, and Pentheus terrify,
+  "With all the power of Thebes! Haste, quickly haste,"--
+  He bade his servants,--"hither drag, firm chain'd,
+  "This leader. Quick, nor brook my words delay!"
+  His grandsire, Athamas, and all the crowd
+  Reprove;--while thus he rails, with fruitless toil
+  Labor to stop him. Obstinate he stands,
+  More raging at remonstrance; and his ire
+  Restrain'd, increases; goading more and more;
+  Restraint itself enkindling more his rage.
+  So may be seen a river rolling smooth,
+  With murmuring nearly silent, while unchecked;
+  But when by rocks, or bulky trees oppos'd,
+  Foaming and boiling furious, on it sweeps
+  Impetuous raging; fiercer, more withstood.
+
+    With blood besmear'd, his men return;--their lord
+  For Bacchus anxious asks;--but Bacchus they,
+  To find, arriv'd too late;--"but here," they cry,--
+  "Here have we seiz'd his comrade;--one who joins
+  "His train, and joins his rites." (The Tuscans once
+  The Bacchanalian orgies follow'd.) Bound
+  Behind, his hands, their prisoner they present.
+  Pentheus survey'd the stranger, while his eyes
+  Sparkled with rage terrific: with constraint
+  His torture so deferring, thus he spoke;--
+  "Wretch! ere thou sufferest,--ere thy death shall give
+  "A public warning,--tell thy name;--confess
+  "Thy sire; declare thy country; and the cause
+  "Those rites thou celebratest in a mode
+  "Diverse from others." Fearless, he reply'd;--
+  "Acoetes is my name: my natal land,
+  "Tyrrhenia: from an humble stock I spring.
+  "Lands by strong oxen plough'd, or wool-clad flocks,
+  "Or lowing herds my father left me none:
+  "For poor was he;--his daily toil to catch
+  "With nets and lines the fish, and as they leap'd,
+  "Draw with his bending rod the prey to land:
+  "His skill his sole estate. When unto me
+  "This art he taught,--receive, said he, my wealth;
+  "Such wealth as I possess; heir to my toil,
+  "And to my toil successor: dying, he
+  "To me bequeath'd the waters;--nothing more:
+  "These only as paternal wealth I claim.
+  "But soon, disliking on the self-same rock
+  "To dwell, I learn'd the art to rule the track
+  "Plough'd by the keel, with skilful guiding hand;
+  "And learn'd th' Olenian sign, the showery goat;
+  "Taygeté; and the Hyädes; the Bear;
+  "The dwellings of the winds; and every port
+  "Where ships could shelter. Once for Delos bound,
+  "By chance, the shore of Chios' isle we near'd;
+  "And when our starboard oars the beach had touch'd,
+  "Lightly I leap'd, and rested on the land.
+  "Now, night expir'd, Aurora warmly glow'd,
+  "And rousing up from sleep, my men I bade
+  "Supplies of living waters bring; and shew'd
+  "What path the fountain led to. I meanwhile,
+  "A lofty hill ascending, careful mark'd
+  "The wish'd-for wind approaching;--loud I call'd
+  "My fellows, and with haste the vessel gain'd.
+  "Lo! cry'd Opheltes, chief of all my crew,--
+  "Lo! here we come;--and from the desart fields,
+  "(A prize obtain'd, he thought),--he dragg'd along
+  "A boy of virgin beauty tow'rd the sands:
+  "Staggering, the youth, with wine and sleep opprest,
+  "With difficulty follow'd. Closely I
+  "His dress, his countenance, and his gait remark;
+  "And all I see, displays no mortal man.
+  "Conscious, I speak my comrades thus:--Unknown
+  "To me, what deity before us stands,
+  "But sure I am, that form conceals a god.
+  "O thou! whoe'er thou art, assist us;--aid
+  "Our undertakings;--who have seiz'd thee, spare,
+  "Unknowing what they did. Bold Dictys cries,--
+  "Than whom none swifter gain'd the topmost yards,
+  "Nor on the cordage slid more agile down;--
+  "Prayers offer not for us. Him Lybis joins;
+  "And brown Melanthus, ruler of the helm;
+  "Alcimedon unites; Epopeus too,
+  "Who rul'd the rowers, and their restings mark'd;
+  "(Arduous they urg'd their sinews by his voice)--
+  "Nay all Opheltes join,--the lust of gain,
+  "So blinded all their judgments. Still I cry;--
+  "Ne'er will I yield my vessel to behold
+  "Burthen'd with such a sacrilegious load:
+  "Pre-eminent is here my right. I stand
+  "To those who strive to hoist him in, oppos'd.
+  "Bold and outrageous, far beyond the rest,
+  "Was Lycabas; from Tuscan shore exil'd
+  "For deeds of murderous violence: he grasp'd
+  "My throat with force athletic, as I stood,
+  "And in the waves had flung me; but sore stunn'd,
+  "A cable caught, and sav'd me. Loud the crew
+  "The impious deed applauded. Bacchus rose,
+  "(The boy was Bacchus!) with the tumult loud
+  "Rous'd from his sleep;--the fumes of wine dispell'd,
+  "His senses seem'd restor'd. What is't you do?
+  "What noise is this? he cry'd;--What brought me here?
+  "O, mariners! inform me;--tell me where
+  "You carry me! Fear not,--the pilot said,--
+  "Say but the port, where most thou'dst chuse to land;--
+  "Thither we straight will steer. The god reply'd;--
+  "To Naxos then your course direct; that isle
+  "My native soil I call:--to you that isle
+  "A friendly shore shall prove. False men, they swear,
+  "By ocean, and by all the sacred gods,
+  "This to perform; and order me to loose,
+  "The painted vessel's sails. Full on the right
+  "Stood Naxos. Loudly one to me exclaims;
+  "As tow'rd the right I trim the sails to steer;--
+  "What now, Acoetes? madman! fool! what now?
+  "Art thou distracted? to the left we sail.--
+  "Most nod significant their wishes: some
+  "Soft whisper in my ear. Astounded, I
+  "Let others guide!--exclaim,--and quit the helm;
+  "Guiltless of aiding in their treacherous guile.
+  "Loud murmurings sound from all; and loudly one,
+  "Ethalion, cries;--in thee alone is plac'd
+  "Our safety, doubtless!--forward steps himself;--
+  "My station seizes; and a different course
+  "Directs the vessel, Naxos left behind.
+  "The feigning god, as though but then, the fraud
+  "To him perceptible, the waves beholds
+  "From the curv'd poop, and tears pretending, cries;--
+  "Not this, O, seamen! is the promis'd shore:
+  "Not this the wish'd-for land! What deed of mine
+  "This cruel treatment merits? Where the fame
+  "Of men, a child deceiving; numbers leagu'd
+  "Misleading one? Fast flow'd my tears with his;
+  "Our tears the impious mob deride, and press
+  "The ocean with their strong-propelling oars.
+  "Now by the god himself, I swear, (and none
+  "To vows more ready listens) that the tale,
+  "Though in appearance credence far beyond,
+  "Is strictly true. Firm fixt amid the waves
+  "The vessel stands, as in a harbour laid
+  "Dry from the ocean! Wondering, they their oars,
+  "With strokes redoubled ply; loose to the wind
+  "More sails; and with this double aid essay
+  "Onward to urge. Their oars with ivy twin'd,
+  "Are clogg'd; the curving tendrils crooked spread;
+  "The sails with clustering berries loaded hang.
+  "His temples girded with a branchy crown,
+  "Whence grapes hang dangling, stands the god, and shakes
+  "A spear entwisted with the curling vine.
+  "Round seem to prowl the tiger, and the lynx,
+  "And savage forms of panthers, various mark'd.
+  "Up leap'd the men, by sudden madness mov'd;
+  "Or terror only: Medon first appear'd
+  "Blackening to grow, with shooting fins; his form
+  "Flatten'd; and in a curve was bent his spine.
+  "Him Lycabas address'd;--what wonderous shape
+  "Art thou receiving?--speaking, wide his jaws
+  "Expanded; flatten'd down, his nose appear'd;
+  "A scaly covering cloth'd his harden'd skin.
+  "Lybis to turn the firm fixt oars attempts,
+  "But while he tries, perceives his fingers shrink;
+  "And hands, now hands no longer, fins he sees.
+  "Another round the cordage strives his arms
+  "To clasp,--but arms he has not,--down he leaps
+  "Broad on his crooked back, and seeks the waves.
+  "Forkt is their new-made tail; like Luna's form
+  "Bent in the skies, ere half her orb is fill'd.
+  "Bounding all round they leap;--now down they dash,
+  "Besprinkling wide the foamy drops; now 'merge;
+  "And now re-diving, plunge in playful sport:
+  "As chorus regular they act, and move
+  "Their forms in shapes lascivious; spouting high,
+  "The briny waters through their nostrils wide.
+  "Of twenty now, (our ship so many bore)
+  "I only stand unchang'd; with trembling limbs,
+  "And petrify'd with fear. The god himself,
+  "Scarce courage in my mind inspires; when thus,--
+  "Pale terror from thy bosom drive, and seek
+  "The isle of Naxos.--Thither come, I tend
+  "On smoking altars, Bacchus' sacred rites."
+
+    Him Pentheus angry stopp'd. "Thy tedious tale,
+  "Form'd to divert my rage, in vain is told.
+  "Here, men, swift drag him hence!--dispatch his soul,
+  "Driven from his body, down to Stygian night;
+  "By pangs excruciating." Straight close pent,
+  In solid dungeon is Acoetes thrown,
+  While they the instruments of death prepare;
+  The cruel steel; the flames;--spontaneous fly
+  Wide ope the dungeon doors; spontaneous fall
+  The fetters from his arms, and freed he goes.
+  Stubborn, the son of Echion still persists;
+  But sends no messenger: himself proceeds,
+  To where Cythæron, for the sacred rites
+  Selected, rings with Bacchanalian songs,
+  And outcries shrill. As foams an high-bred steed,
+  When through the speaking brass the warlike trump,
+  Sounds the glad signal; and with ardor burns
+  For battle: so the air, with howlings loud
+  Re-echoing, Pentheus moves, and doubly flames
+  His rage, to hear the clangor. Clear'd from trees,
+  A plain extends, from every part fair seen,
+  And near the mountain's centre: round its skirt,
+  Thick groves grow shady. Here his mother saw
+  His eye unhallow'd view the sacred rites;
+  And first,--by frantic madness urg'd,--she first
+  Furious the Thyrsus at her Pentheus flung:
+  Exclaiming loud;--"Ho, sisters! hither haste!
+  "Here stands the furious boar that wastes our grounds:
+  "My hand has smote him." Raging rush the crowd,
+  In one united body. All close join,
+  And all pursue the now pale trembling wretch.
+  No longer fierce he storms; but grieving blames
+  His rashness, and his obstinacy owns.
+  Wounded,--"dear aunt, Autonoë!"--he cries,
+  "Help me!--O, let your own Actæon's ghost
+  "Move you to pity!" She, Actæon's name
+  Nought heeding, tears his outstretcht arm away;
+  The other, Ino from his body drags!
+  And when his arms, unhappy wretch, he tries
+  To lift unto his mother, arms to lift
+  Were none;--but stretching forth his mangled trunk
+  Of limbs bereft;--"look, mother!"--he exclaims.
+  Loud howl'd Agavé at the sight; his neck
+  Fierce grasping,--toss'd on high his streaming locks,
+  Her bloody fingers twisted in his hair.
+  Then clamor'd loudly;--"joy, my comrades, joy!
+  "The victory is mine!" Not swifter sweep
+  The winds those leaves which early frosts have nipp'd,
+  And lightly to the boughs attach'd remain,
+  Than scatter'd flew his limbs by furious hands.
+
+
+
+
+*The Fourth Book.*
+
+
+    Feast of Bacchus. Impiety and infidelity of Alcithoë and her
+    sisters. Story of Pyramus and Thisbe. Amour of Mars and Venus.
+    The lovers caught by Vulcan in a net. Sol's love for Leucothoë,
+    and her change to a tree of frankincense. Clytié transformed to a
+    sunflower. Tale of Salmacis and Hermaphroditus. Transformation of
+    Alcithoë and her sisters to bats. Juno's fury. Madness of
+    Athamas; and deification of Ino and Melicertes. Change of the
+    Theban women to rocks and birds. Cadmus and Hermione changed to
+    serpents. Perseus. Transformation of Atlas to a mountain.
+    Andromeda saved from the sea monster. Story of Medusa.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fourth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Warn'd by the dreadful admonition, all
+  Of Thebes the new solemnities approve;
+  Bring incense, and to Bacchus' altars bend.
+  Alcithoë only, Minyäs' daughter, views
+  His orgies still with unbelieving eyes.
+  Boldly, herself and sisters, partners all
+  In impious guilt, refuse the god to own,
+  The progeny of Jove. The prophet bids
+  Each mistress with her maids, to join the feast:
+  (Sacred the day from toil). Their breasts to clothe
+  In skins; the fillets from their heads to loose;
+  With ivy wreathe their brows; and in their hands
+  The leafy Thyrsus grasp. Threatening, he spoke,
+  In words prophetic, how th' affronted god
+  Would wreak his ire. Matrons and virgins haste;
+  Throw by their baskets; quit the loom, and leave
+  Th' unfinish'd threads: sweet incense they supply
+  Invoking Bacchus by his various names.
+  Bromius! Lyæus! power in flames produc'd!--
+  Produc'd a second time! god doubly born!
+  Born of two mothers! Nyseus! they exclaim;
+  Long-hair'd Thyoneus!--and the planter fam'd
+  Of genial grapes! Lenæus! too, they sing;
+  Nyctelius! Elelcus! and aloud
+  Iäcchus! Evan! with the numerous names,
+  O Liber! in the Grecian land thou hold'st.
+  Unwaning youth is thine, eternal boy!
+  Most beauteous form in heaven! a virgin's face
+  Thou seem'st to bear, when seen without thy horns.
+  Stoops to thy arms the East, where Ganges bounds
+  The dusky India:--Deity rever'd!
+  Thou impious Pentheus sacrific'd; and thou,
+  The mad Lycurgus punish'd with his axe:
+  By thee the Tyrrhene traitors, in the main
+  Were flung: Adorn'd with painted reins, thou curb'st
+  The lynxes in thy chariot yok'd abreast:
+  Thy steps the Satyrs and Bacchantes tread;
+  And old Silenus; who with wine o'ercharg'd,
+  With a long staff his tottering steps sustains:
+  Or on a crooked ass, unsteady sits:
+  Where'er thou enterest shout the joyous youth,
+  Females and males immingled: loud the drums
+  Struck by their hands resound;--and loudly clash
+  The brazen cymbals: soft the boxen flutes
+  Deep and melodious sound!
+
+                            Now prays all Thebes
+  The god's approach in mildness; and perform
+  His sacred rites as bidden. Sole remain
+  At home secluded, Minyäs' daughters,--they
+  With ill-tim'd industry the feast prophane.
+  Busy, they form the wool, and twirl the thread;
+  Or to the loom stick close, and all their maids
+  Urge to strict labor. One with dexterous thumb
+  The slender thread extending, cries;--"while all,
+  "Idly, those rites imaginary tend,
+  "Let us, whom Pallas, deity more great,
+  "Detains, our useful labors lighter make
+  "By vary'd converse. Each in turn relate
+  "Her tale, while others listen; thus the time
+  "Less tedious shall appear." All pleas'd applaud
+  The proposition; and her sisters beg
+  That she the tales commence. Long she demurs,
+  What story first, of those she knew, to tell;
+  For numerous was her store. In doubt, thy tale,
+  Dercetis Babylonian, to relate,
+  Whose form, the Syrians think, with scales is cloth'd;
+  The stagnant pools frequenting: or describe
+  Thy daughter's change, on waving pinions borne;
+  Who lengthen'd age obtain'd, on lofty towers
+  Safe dwelling: or of Naïs, who the youths
+  With magic works, and potent witching words
+  To silent fishes turn'd; till she the same
+  Vile transformation suffer'd: or the tree,
+  Which once in clusters white its berries bore,
+  Now blood besprinkled, growing black. This tale
+  Most novel, pleas'd the most: and as she spun
+  Her slender thread, the nymph the tale began.
+
+    "Thisbe, the brightest of the eastern maids;
+  "And Pyramus, the pride of all the youths,
+  "Contiguous dwellings held, in that fam'd town,
+  "Where lofty walls of stone, we learn were rais'd,
+  "By bold Semiramis. Their neighbouring scite,
+  "Acquaintance first encourag'd,--primal step
+  "To further intimacy: love, in time,
+  "Grew from this chance connection; and they long'd
+  "To join by lawful rites: but harsh forbade,
+  "Their rigid sires the union fate had doom'd.
+  "With equal ardor both their minds inflam'd,
+  "Burnt fierce; and absent every watchful spy
+  "By nods and signs they spoke; for close their love
+  "Conceal'd they kept;--conceal'd it burn'd more fierce.
+  "The severing wall a narrow chink contain'd,
+  "Form'd when first rear'd;--what will not love espy?
+  "This chink, by all for ages past unseen,
+  "The lovers first espy'd.--This opening gave
+  "A passage for their voices; safely through,
+  "Their tender words were breath'd in whisperings soft.
+  "Oft punctual at their posts,--on this side she,
+  "And Pyramus on that;--each breathing sighs,--
+  "By turns inhaling, have they mutual cry'd;--
+  "Invidious wall! why lovers thus divide?
+  "Much were it, did thy parts more wide recede,
+  "And suffer us to join? were that too much
+  "A little opening more, and we might meet
+  "With lips at least. Yet grateful still we own
+  "Thy kind indulgence, which a passage gives,
+  "And amorous words conveys to loving ears.
+  "Thus they loquacious, though on sides diverse,
+  "Till night their converse stay'd;--then cry'd, adieu!
+  "And each imprinted kisses, which the stones
+  "Forbade to taste. Soon as Aurora's fires
+  "Remov'd the shades of night, and Phoebus' rays
+  "From the moist earth the dew exhal'd, they meet
+  "As 'custom'd at the wall: lamenting deep,
+  "As wont in murmuring whispers: bold they plan,
+  "Their guards evading in the silent night,
+  "To pass the outer gates. Then, when escap'd
+  "From home, to leave the city's dangerous shade;
+  "But lest, in wandering o'er the spacious plains
+  "They miss to meet, at Ninus' sacred tomb
+  "They fix their assignation,--hid conceal'd
+  "Beneath th' umbrageous leaves. There grew a tree,
+  "Close bordering on a cooling fountain's brink;
+  "A stately mulberry;--snow-white fruit hung thick
+  "On every branch. The plot pleas'd well the pair.
+
+    "And now slow seems the car of Sol to sink;
+  "Slow from the ocean seems the night to rise;
+  "Till Thisbe, cautious, by the darkness veil'd,
+  "Soft turns the hinges, and her guards beguiles.
+  "Her features veil'd, the tomb she reaches,--sits
+  "Beneath th' appointed tree: love makes her bold.
+  "Lo! comes a lioness,--her jaws besmear'd
+  "With gory foam, fresh from the slaughter'd herd,
+  "Deep in th' adjoining fount her thirst to slake.
+  "Far off the Babylonian maid beheld
+  "By Luna's rays the horrid foe,--quick fled
+  "With trembling feet, and gain'd a darksome cave:
+  "Flying, she dropp'd, and left her robe behind.
+
+    "Now had the savage beast her drought allay'd,
+  "And backward to the forest roaming, found
+  "The veiling robe;--its tender texture rent,
+  "And smear'd the spoil with bloody jaws. The youth
+  "(With later fortune his strict watch escap'd)
+  "Spy'd the plain footsteps of a monster huge
+  "Deep in the sand indented!--O'er his face
+  "Pale terror spread: but when the robe he saw,
+  "With blood besmear'd, and mangled; loud he cry'd,--
+  "One night shall close two lovers' eyes in death!
+  "She most deserving of a longer date.
+  "Mine is the fault alone. Dear luckless maid!
+  "I have destroy'd thee;--I, who bade thee keep
+  "Nocturnal meetings in this dangerous place,
+  "And came not first to shield thy steps from harm.
+  "Ye lions, wheresoe'er within those caves
+  "Ye lurk! haste hither,--tear me limb from limb!
+  "Fierce ravaging devour, and make my tomb
+  "Your horrid entrails. But for death to wish
+  "A coward's turn may serve. The robe he takes,
+  "Once Thisbe's, and beneath th' appointed tree
+  "Bearing it, bath'd in tears; with ardent lips
+  "Oft fondly kissing, thus he desperate cries;--
+  "Now with my blood be also bath'd!--drink deep!
+  "And in his body plung'd the sword, that round
+  "His loins hung ready girt: then as he dy'd,
+  "Hasty withdrew, hot reeking from the wound,
+  "The steel; and backwards falling, press'd the earth.
+  "High spouts the sanguine flood! thus forth a pipe,
+  "(The lead decay'd, or damag'd) sends a stream
+  "Contracted from the breach; upspringing high,
+  "And loudly hissing, as the air it breaks
+  "With jets repeated. Sprinkled with the blood,
+  "The tree's white fruit a purple tinge receiv'd;
+  "Deep soak'd with blood the roots convey the stain
+  "Inly, and tinge each bough with Tyrian dye.
+
+    "Now Thisbe comes, with terror trembling still,
+  "Fearful, she Pyramus expecting waits:
+  "Him seek her beating bosom, and her eyes;
+  "Anxious the peril she escap'd to tell.
+  "Well mark'd her eyes the place,--and well the tree;
+  "The berries chang'd in color, long she doubts
+  "The same or no. While hesitating thus,
+  "The panting members quivering she beholds,
+  "Upon the sanguin'd turf; and back recoils!
+  "Paler than box her features grow; her limbs
+  "More tremble than when ocean fretful sounds,
+  "Its surface briskly by the breezes swept.
+  "Nor long the pause, her lover soon is known;
+  "And now her harmless breast with furious blows
+  "She punishes; her tresses wild she rends;
+  "Clasps the lov'd body; and the gaping wound
+  "Fills with her tears,--their droppings with the blood
+  "Immingling. On his clay-cold face she press'd
+  "Her kisses, crying;--Pyramus! what chance
+  "Has torn thee from me thus? My Pyramus!
+  "Answer me,--'tis thy dearest Thisbe speaks!
+  "She calls thee,--hear me,--raise that dying face!
+  "At Thisbe's name, his lids, with death hard weigh'd,
+  "He rais'd--beheld her,--and forever clos'd.
+
+    "Him dying thus,--her lacerated veil;
+  "The ivory scabbard empty'd of its sword;
+  "She saw,--at once the truth upon her mind
+  "Flash'd quick. Alas! thy hand, by love impell'd,
+  "Has wrought thy ruin: but to me the hand,
+  "In this, at least, shall equal force display,
+  "For equal was my love; and love will grant
+  "Sufficient strength the deadly wound to give.
+  "In death I'll follow thee; with justice call'd
+  "Thy ruin's wretched cause,--but comrade too.
+  "Thou whom, but death seem'd capable to part
+  "From me, shalt find ev'n death too weak will prove.
+  "Ye wretched mourning parents, his and mine!
+  "The dying prayers respect of him,--of me:
+  "Grant that, entomb'd together, both may rest;
+  "A pair by faithful love conjoined,--by death
+  "United close. And thou fair tree which shad'st
+  "Of one the miserable corse; and two
+  "Soon with thy boughs wilt cover,--bear the mark
+  "Of the sad deed eternal;--ting'd thy fruit
+  "With mournful coloring: monumental type
+  "Of double slaughter. Speaking thus, she plac'd
+  "The steely point, while yet with blood it smok'd,
+  "Beneath her swelling breast; and forward fell.
+  "Her final prayer reach'd heaven; her parents reach'd:
+  "Purple the berries blush, when ripen'd full;
+  "And in one urn the lovers' ashes rest."
+
+    She ceas'd: a silent interval, but short,
+  Ensu'd; and next Leuconoë thus address'd
+  Her listening sisters:--"Ev'n the sun himself,
+  "Whose heavenly light so universal shines,
+  "To love is subject: his amours I tell.
+  "This deity's keen sight the first espy'd--
+  "(For all things penetrating first he sees)
+  "The crime of Mars and Venus; sore chagrin'd,
+  "To Vulcan he th' adulterous theft display'd,
+  "And told him where they lay. Appall'd he heard,--
+  "And dropp'd the tools his dexterous hand contain'd;
+  "But soon recover'd. Slender chains of brass,
+  "And nets, and traps he form'd; so wonderous fine,
+  "They mock'd the power of sight: for far less fine,
+  "The smallest thread the distaff forms; or line,
+  "Spun by the spider, pendent from the roof.
+  "Curious he form'd it; at the lightest touch
+  "It yielded; each momentum, slight howe'er,
+  "Caus'd its recession: this he artful hung,
+  "The couch enfolding. When the faithless wife,
+  "And paramour upon the bed embrac'd,
+  "Both in the lewd conjunction were ensnar'd;
+  "Caught by the husband's skill, whose art the chains
+  "In novel form had fram'd. The Lemnian god
+  "Instant wide threw the ivory doors, and gave
+  "Admittance free to every curious eye:
+  "In shameful guise together bound they laid.
+  "But some light gods, not blaming much the sight,
+  "Would wish thus sham'd to lie: loud laugh'd the whole,
+  "And long in heaven the tale jocose was told.
+
+    "The well-remember'd deed, the Cyprian queen
+  "Retorting, made the god remember too:
+  "And him who her conceal'd amours disclos'd,
+  "In turn betray'd. What now, Hyperion's son,
+  "Avails thy beauty!--or thy radiant flames?
+  "For thou, whose fires warm all the wide-spread world,
+  "Burn'st with a new-felt heat! Thou, whose wide view,
+  "Should every object grasp, with partial ken
+  "Leucothoë only see'st! that nymph alone,
+  "Attracts those eyes, whose lustre all the world
+  "Expect to view. Oft in the eastern skies,
+  "More early rising, art thou seen; and oft
+  "More tardy 'neath the waves thou sinkest: long
+  "The wintry days thou stretchest, with delay
+  "Thy object lov'd to see. Meantime pale gloom
+  "O'ercasts thy orb; the dullness of thy mind
+  "Obstructs thy brightness; and thy rays obscure,
+  "Terror in mortal breasts inspire. Not pale
+  "Thou fadest, as, when nearer whirl'd to earth,
+  "Faint Luna's shadow o'er thy surface glooms:
+  "But love, and only love the paleness gives.
+  "Her only, now thy amorous soul pursues;
+  "Rhodos, nor Clymené, nor Persé fair,
+  "Of Colchian Circé mother, tempt thee now;
+  "Nor Clytié, whom thy cold neglect still spurns;
+  "Yet still she burns to clasp thee: deep she mourns,
+  "Stung more acutely by this fresh amour.
+  "Now in Leucothoë, every former love
+  "Is lost. Leucothoë, whom the beauteous nymph,
+  "Eurynomé, in odoriferous climes
+  "Of Araby brought forth. Full-grown, matur'd,
+  "Leucothoë's beauteous form no less surpass'd
+  "Her mother's, than her mother's all beside.
+  "Her sire, the royal Orchamus (who claim'd
+  "A seventh descent from ancient Belus) rul'd
+  "The Achæmenian towns. The rapid steeds
+  "Of Phoebus pasture 'neath the western sky;
+  "Not grass, ambrosia, eating; heavenly food,
+  "Which nerves their limbs, faint with diurnal toil,
+  "Restoring all their ardor. Whilst the steeds,
+  "This their celestial nourishment enjoy;
+  "And night, as 'custom'd, governs in her turn;
+  "The god the close apartments of his nymph
+  "Beloved, enters;--form'd to outward view,
+  "Eurynomé her mother. Her he saw
+  "The slender threads from spindle twirling fine,
+  "Illumin'd by the lamp; and circled round
+  "By twice six female helpers. Warm he gave
+  "As a lov'd daughter, his maternal kiss,
+  "And said;--our converse secrecy demands.--
+  "Th' attendant maids depart,--nor hinderance give,
+  "Loitering, a mother's secret words to hear.
+  "When he, the chamber free from spy or guard,
+  "Exclaims,--no female I! behold the god,
+  "The lengthen'd year who spaces! who beholds
+  "Each object earth contains! the world's great eye
+  "By which it all surveys. My tender words
+  "Believe, I dearly love thee. Pale she look'd,
+  "While thus he spoke;--started, and trembling dropp'd
+  "Her distaff, and her spindle from her hand
+  "Nerveless. But ev'n her terror seem'd to add
+  "Fresh beauty to her features. Longer he
+  "Delay'd not, but his wonted form assum'd;
+  "In heavenly splendor shining. Mild the maid,
+  "Won by his beauteous brightness, (though at first,
+  "His sudden shape surpriz'd her) sunk beneath
+  "The force he urg'd, with unresisting power.
+
+    "The jealous Clytié (who with amorous flame
+  "Burn'd for Apollo) urg'd by harlot's rage,
+  "Straight to the sire, Leucothoë's crime betray'd;
+  "Painting the nymph's misdeed with heighten'd glow.
+  "Fierce rag'd the father,--merciless inhum'd
+  "Her living body deep in earth! Outstretcht
+  "High to the sun her arms, and praying warm
+  "For mercy;--he by force, she cry'd, prevail'd!
+  "O'er her untimely grave a lofty mound
+  "Of sand, her sire uprear'd. Hyperion's son
+  "Through this an opening with his beams quick form'd,
+  "Full wide for her, her head intomb'd to lift,
+  "Once to the light again. Thy bury'd corse
+  "No more thou now couldst raise; the ponderous load
+  "Of earth prevents thee; and a bloodless mass,
+  "Exanimate, thou ly'st! Not deeper grief
+  "'Tis said, the ruler of the swift-wing'd steeds,
+  "Display'd, when o'er the earth the hapless flames
+  "By Phaëton were thrown. Arduous he strives,
+  "Her gelid limbs, with all his powerful rays
+  "To vivid heat recal: stern fate withstands
+  "His utmost urg'd endeavours: bathing then
+  "Her pallid corse, and all the earth around
+  "With odorous nectar, sorrowing sad he cries;--
+  "Yet, shalt thou reach the heavens! And soon began
+  "Her limbs, soft melting in celestial dew,
+  "With moistening drops of strong perfume to flow:
+  "Slowly a frankincense's rooted twigs
+  "Spread in the earth,--its top the hillock burst.
+
+    "Angry the god (though violent love the pain
+  "Of jealousy might well excuse,--the pain
+  "Of jealousy the tale) from Clytié now
+  "Abstains; no more in amorous mood they meet.
+  "Rash now the deed her burning love had caus'd,
+  "Too late she found;--she flies her sister-nymphs;
+  "And pining, on the cold bare turf she sits;
+  "By day,--by night,--sole shelter'd by the sky;
+  "Her dripping tresses matted round her brows:
+  "Food,--drink, abhorring. Nine long days she bore
+  "Sharp famine, bath'd with dew, bath'd with her tears;
+  "Still on the ground prone lying. Yet the god
+  "In circling motion still she ardent view'd;
+  "Turning her face to his. Tradition tells,
+  "Her limbs to earth grew fasten'd: ghastly pale
+  "Her color; chang'd to bloodless leaves she stood,
+  "Streak'd ruddy here and there;--a violet flower
+  "Her face o'erspreading. Still that face she turns,
+  "To meet the sun;--though binding roots retain
+  "Her feet, her love unalter'd still remains."
+
+    She ended; all their listening ears, well pleas'd,
+  The wonderous story heard. Some hard of faith
+  Its truth, its probability deny.
+  To true divinities such power some grant;
+  And power to compass more;--to Bacchus none
+  Such potence own. The sisters, silent now,
+  Alcithoë beg to speak: she shooting swift
+  Her shuttle through th' extended threads, exclaims;--
+  "Of Daphnis' love, so known, on Ida's hill,
+  "His flocks who tended, whom his angry nymph,
+  "To stone transform'd (such fury fires the breast
+  "Of those who desperate love!) I shall not tell:
+  "Nor yet of Scython, of ambiguous form,
+  "Now male, now female; nature's wonted laws
+  "Inconstant proving: thee, O Celmis! too
+  "I pass; once faithful nurse to infant Jove,
+  "Now chang'd to adamant: Curetes! sprung
+  "From showery floods: Crocus, and Smilax, both
+  "To blooming flowers transform'd: unnotic'd these,
+  "My tale from novelty itself shall please:
+  "How Salmacis so infamous became,
+  "Then list; whose potent waves, the luckless limbs
+  "Enerve, of those they bathe. Conceal'd the cause;
+  "Yet far and wide the fountain's power is known.
+
+    "Deep in the sheltering caves of Ida's hill,
+  "The Naiäd nymphs a beauteous infant nurs'd;
+  "Whom Cyprus' goddess unto Hermes bore.
+  "His father's beauty, and his mother's, shone
+  "In every feature; in his name conjoin'd
+  "He bore their appellations. When matur'd
+  "By fifteen summers, from paternal hills
+  "Straying, he wander'd from his nursing Idé:
+  "In lands unknown he joy'd, and joy'd to see
+  "Strange rivers,--pleasure lessening every toil.
+  "Through Lycia's towns he stray'd; and further still,
+  "To bordering Caria, where a pool he spy'd,
+  "Whose lowest depth a gleam transparent shew'd:
+  "No marshy canes,--no filthy barren weeds,
+  "Nor pointed bulrush near the margin grew:
+  "Full on the eye the water shone, yet round
+  "Its brink a border smil'd of verdant turf,
+  "And plants forever green. Here dwelt a nymph,
+  "But one who never join'd the active chace;
+  "The bow who never bent; who never strove
+  "To conquer in the race: of all the nymphs,
+  "Alone no comrade of Diana fleet.
+  "Oft, as 'tis said, her sister-nymphs exclaim'd;--
+  "Come, Salmacis, thy painted quiver take;
+  "Or take thy javelin;--with soft pleasures mix
+  "Laborious sporting: but nor javelin she,
+  "Nor painted quiver took;--with sportive toil,
+  "Soft pleasures mingling: sole intent to bathe,
+  "Her beauteous limbs amidst her own clear waves;
+  "And through her flowing tresses oft to draw
+  "The boxen comb, while o'er the fountain bent,
+  "She studies all her graces: now, her form
+  "Clad in a robe transparent, stretcht she lies,
+  "Or on the yielding leaves, or bending grass;
+  "Now flowers she culls;--and so it chanc'd to fall,
+  "Flowers she was gathering, when she first beheld
+  "The charming youth; no sooner seen than lov'd.
+  "Not forth she rush'd at first, though strongly urg'd,
+  "Forward to spring, but all adjusted fair:
+  "Closely survey'd her robe; her features form'd;
+  "And every part in beauteous shape compos'd.
+  "Then thus address'd him;--O, most godlike youth!
+  "And if a god, the lovely Cupid sure!
+  "But if of mortal mould, blest is thy sire!
+  "Blest is thy brother! and thy sister blest!--
+  "If sister hast thou;--and the fostering breast
+  "Which fed thy infant growth: but far 'bove all
+  "In rapturous bliss, is she who calls thee spouse;
+  "Should nymph exist thou deem'st that bliss deserves!
+  "If wedded, grant a stol'n embrace to me;
+  "If not, let me thy nuptial couch ascend.
+  "The Naiäd ceas'd: a bashful glow suffus'd
+  "His face, for nought of love to him was known:
+  "Yet blushing seem'd he lovely: thus warm glows
+  "The apple, to the ripening sun expos'd;
+  "Or teinted ivory; or the redden'd moon,
+  "Whom brazen cymbals clash to help in vain.
+  "To her, warm praying for at least a kiss,
+  "A chaste, a sister's kiss,--her arms firm claspt
+  "Around his ivory neck;--desist! he cries,
+  "Desist! or sole to thee the place I'll leave.
+  "His flight she dreaded, and reply'd,--I go,
+  "Dear youth, and freely yield the spot to thee.
+  "And seems indeed, her steps from him to turn;
+  "But still in sight she kept him; lurking close
+  "Shelter'd by shadowy shrubs, on bended knees.
+  "Of spy unconscious, he in boyish play
+  "Frisks sportive here and there; dips first his feet,
+  "Then ancles deeper in the wantoning waves;
+  "Pleas'd with the temper of the lucid pool:
+  "Till hasty stript from off his tender limbs
+  "His garments soft he flings. More deeply struck
+  "Stood Salmacis; more fiercely flam'd her love,
+  "His naked beauty seen. Her gloating eyes
+  "Sparkled no less than seem bright Phoebus' rays,
+  "When shining splendid, midst a cloudless sky,
+  "A mirror's face reflecting gives them back.
+  "Delay ill brooking, hardly she contains
+  "Her swelling joy; frantic for his embrace,
+  "She pants, and hard from rushing forth refrains.
+  "His sides he claps, and agile in the steam
+  "Quick plunges, moving with alternate arms.
+  "Bright through the waves he shines; thus white appears
+  "The sculptur'd ivory, or the lily fair,
+  "Seen through a crystal veil. The Naiäd cries;--
+  "Lo! here I come;--he's mine,--the youth's my own!
+  "And instant far was every garment flung.
+  "Midst of the waves she leaps;--the struggling youth
+  "Clasps close; and on his cold reluctant lips,
+  "Forces her kisses; down she girds his arms;
+  "And close to hers hugs his unwilling breast:
+  "Final, around the youth who arduous strives
+  "In opposition, and escape essays,
+  "Her limbs she twines: so twines a serpent huge,
+  "Seiz'd by the bird of Jove, and borne on high,
+  "Twisting his head, the feet close-bracing holds;
+  "The wide-spread wings entangled with his tail:
+  "So twines the ivy round the lengthen'd bough:
+  "So numerous Polypus his foe confines,
+  "Seiz'd in the deep, with claws on every side
+  "Firm graspt. But Hermes' son persisting still,
+  "The Naiäd's wish denies; she presses close,
+  "And as she cleaves, their every limb close join'd
+  "Exclaims;--ungallant boy! but strive thy most,
+  "Thou shalt not fly me. Grant me, O ye gods!
+  "No time may ever sunder him from me,
+  "Or me from him.--Her prayer was granted straight;--
+  "For now, commingling, both their bodies join'd;
+  "And both their faces melted into one.
+  "So, when in growth we boughs ingrafted see,
+  "The bark inclosing both at once, they sprout.
+  "Thus were their limbs, in strong embrace comprest,
+  "Wrapp'd close; no longer two in form, yet two
+  "In feature; nor a nymph-like face remain'd,
+  "Nor yet a boy's: it both and neither seem'd.
+
+    "When Hermes' son beheld the liquid stream,
+  "Where masculine he plung'd, the power possess
+  "To enervate his body, and his limbs
+  "Effeminately soften; high he rais'd
+  "His arms, and pray'd (but not with manly voice)
+  "O, sire! O, mother dear! indulge your son,
+  "Your double appellation bearing, this
+  "Sole-urg'd petition. Whoso in these waves
+  "In strong virility, like me, shall plunge,
+  "Hence let him go, like me enervate made;
+  "Spoilt by the stream his strength. Each parent god
+  "Nodding, confirm'd their alter'd son's request;
+  "And ting'd the fountain with the changing power."
+
+    She ceas'd: the nymphs Minyeian still persist
+  Their toil to urge, despising still the god;
+  His festival prophaning. Sudden heard,
+  The rattling sounds of unseen timbrels burst
+  Full on their ears! the pipe; the crooked horn;
+  And brazen cymbals loudly clash; perfumes
+  Of myrrh and saffron blended smell:--but more,
+  And what belief surpasses, straight their looms
+  Virid to sprout begin; the pendent threads
+  Branch into shoots like ivy: part becomes
+  The vine: what now were threads, curl'd tendrils seem:
+  Shot from the folded web, the branches climb;
+  And the bright red in purpling grapes appears.
+
+    Now was the sun declining, and approach'd
+  The twilight season, when nor day it seems,
+  Nor night confirm'd; but a gray mixture forms;
+  Of each an indetermin'd compound. Deep
+  The roof appear'd to shade; the oily lamps,
+  Ardent to glow; the torches bright to burn,
+  With reddening flames; while round them seem'd to howl,
+  Figures of beast ferocious. Fill'd with smoke
+  The room,--th' affrighted maidens seek to hide;
+  And each in different corners tries to shun
+  The fires and flaming light. But while they seek
+  A lurking shelter, o'er their shorten'd limbs
+  A webby membrane spreading, binds their arms
+  In waving wings. The gloom conceal'd the mode,
+  Of transformation from their former shape.
+  Light plumage bears them not aloft,--yet rais'd
+  On wings transparent, through the air they skim,
+  To speak they strive, but utter forth a sound
+  Feeble and weak; then, screeching shrill, they plain:
+  Men's dwellings they frequent,--nor try the woods;
+  And, cheerful day avoiding, skim by night;
+  Their name from that untimely hour deriv'd.
+
+    Now were the deeds of heaven-born Bacchus fam'd
+  Through every part of Thebes; and all around,
+  His aunt proud boasts the new-made god's great power:
+  She, of the sisters all, from sorrow spar'd,
+  Save what to view her sisters' sorrowing gave.
+  Juno beheld her lofty thus, her breast
+  Elate to view her sons; her nuptial fruits
+  With Athamas; and her great foster child,
+  The mighty Bacchus. More the furious queen
+  Bore not, but thus exclaim'd;--"Has the whore's son
+  "Power to transform the Tyrrhene crew, and plunge
+  "Them headlong in the deep? Can he impel
+  "The mother's hands to seize her bleeding son
+  "And tear his entrails? Dares he then to clothe
+  "The Minyëid sisters with un'custom'd wings?
+  "And is Saturnia's utmost power confin'd
+  "Wrongs unreveng'd to weep? Suffices such
+  "For me? Is this a goddess' utmost might?
+  "But he instructs me;--wisdom may be taught
+  "Ev'n by a foe. The wretched Pentheus' fate,
+  "Shews all-sufficient, what may madness do.
+  "Why should not Ino, stung with frantic rage,
+  "The well-known track her sisters trode pursue?"
+
+    A path declivitous, with baleful yew
+  Dark shaded, leads, a dreary silent road,
+  Down to th' infernal regions: sluggish Styx
+  Dank mists exhales: here travel new-made ghosts,
+  With rites funereal blest: pale winter's gloom
+  Wide rules the squalid place: the stranger shades
+  Wander, unknowing which the path to tread,
+  Straight to the infernal city, where is held
+  Black Pluto's savage court. A thousand gates,
+  Wide ope, surround the town on every side.
+  As boundless ocean every stream receives,
+  From earth pour'd numerous,--so each wandering soul
+  Flocks to this city; whose capacious bounds
+  Full space for all affords; nor ever feels
+  Th' increasing crowd: of flesh depriv'd, and bones,
+  The bloodless shadows wander. Some frequent
+  The forum; some th' infernal monarch's court;
+  Some various arts employ, resembling much
+  Their former daily actions; numbers groan
+  In punishments severe. Here Juno came,
+  Braving the region's horrors, from her throne
+  Celestial,--so did ire and hatred goad
+  Her bosom with their stings! Sacred she press'd
+  The groaning threshold,--instant as she stepp'd,
+  Fierce Cerberus his triple head uprais'd,
+  And howl'd with triple throat. The goddess calls
+  The night-born sisters, fierce, implacable:
+  Before the close-barr'd adamantine gates
+  They sit; their tresses twisting round with snakes.
+  The queen through clouds of midnight gloom they see,
+  And instant rise. Here dwell the suffering damn'd.
+  Here Tityus, stretcht o'er nine wide acres, yields
+  His entrails to be torn. Thou, Tantalus,
+  Art seen, the stream forbid to taste;--the fruit
+  Thy lips o'erhanging, flies! Thou, Sisyphus,
+  Thy stone pursuing downwards; or its weight
+  Straining aloft, with oft exerted power!
+  Ixion whirling, too; with swift pursuit,
+  Thou follow'st, and art follow'd! Belides!
+  Your husband-cousins who in death dar'd steep,
+  And ceaseless draw the unavailing streams!
+  All Juno view'd with unrelenting brow;
+  But, view'd Ixion sterner far than all:
+  And when on Sisyphus again she cast
+  Her eyes, behind Ixion, angry cry'd;--
+  "What justice this?--of all the brethren he
+  "Sharp torture suffers! Shall proud Athamas
+  "A regal dwelling boast,--whose scornful taunts,
+  "And scornful spouse have still my power contemn'd?"
+  Then straight her hatred's cause disclos'd. They see
+  Her journey's object, and revenge's aim.
+  This her desire, that Cadmus' regal house
+  Perish'd should sink; and Athamas, fierce urg'd
+  By madness should some dreadful vengeance claim.
+  Commands, solicitations, prayers,--at once
+  The goddesses besiege: and as she speaks,
+  Angrily mov'd, Tisiphoné replies,--
+  (Shaking her hoary locks,--the twining snakes
+  Back from her mouth repelling) hasty thus;--
+  "A tedious tale we need not; what thou wilt
+  "Believe accomplish'd. Fly this hateful gloom;--
+  "Up to the wholesome breeze of heaven repair."
+  Glad, Juno left the spot;--when near approach'd
+  Heaven's entrance, there Thaumantian Iris met,
+  And with her sprinklings purify'd the queen.
+
+    Quick now Tisiphoné, the savage fiend,
+  Seizes her torch, with gory droppings wet;
+  Flings round her limbs a garment, deeply dy'd
+  With streaming blood; a twisting snake supplies
+  A girdle:--thus array'd she sallies forth,
+  Follow'd by loud lament, by terror, fear,
+  And quivering-featur'd madness. When she press'd
+  The threshold, fame declares the pillars shook;
+  The maple doors, with terror mov'd, grew pale:
+  Back shrunk the sun! Ino, with trembling dread
+  Beheld these wonders;--Athamas beheld;
+  And both prepar'd the haunted place to fly.
+  Escape the fury hinders: fierce she stands,
+  Blocking the entrance: wide her arms she spreads,
+  With viperous twistings bound; and threatening shakes
+  Her tresses: loud the serpents noise, disturb'd;
+  Sprawl o'er her shoulders some; some, lower fall'n,
+  Twine hissing round her breasts, with brandish'd tongue,
+  Black poison vomiting. With furious gripe,
+  Two from her locks she tore;--her deadly hand
+  Hurl'd them straight on; the breasts of Athamas,
+  And Ino, hungry, with their fangs they seiz'd;
+  Fierce pains infixing, but external wounds
+  Their limbs betray'd not: mental was the blow,
+  So direly struck. Venoms most mortal, too,
+  From Tartarus she bore:--the foam high-churn'd
+  From jaws of Cerberus; the poisonous juice
+  Of Hydra; urgent wish for roaming wide;
+  Oblivion mental-blinded; wicked deeds;
+  Weeping; and furious fierceness, slaughter fond.
+  On these commingled, fresh-drawn gore she pour'd,
+  And warm'd them bubbling in a brazen vase;
+  Stirr'd by a sprouting hemlock. Trembling, they
+  Shudder, while in their breasts the poison fierce
+  She pours: both bosoms feel it deep instill'd;--
+  Their inmost vitals feel it. Then her torch,
+  Whirl'd flaming round and round, in triumph glares,
+  Fires from the circling gathering. Powerful thus;
+  Victorious in her aims, and deeds desir'd,
+  To mighty Pluto's shadowy realm she speeds;
+  And from her loins untwists the girding snakes.
+
+    Mad bounded Athamas amid the hall,
+  "Ho! friends," exclaiming;--"here spread wide your toils,
+  "Here, in this thicket, where ev'n now I saw
+  "With young twin cubs, a lioness!"--and mad,
+  Pursu'd his consort for a savage beast;
+  Snatching Learchus, who with playful smile,
+  Outstretch'd his infant hands to meet him. Torne
+  Rough from his mother's bosom, round in air
+  And round, sling-like he whirl'd; then savage dash'd
+  Upon a rugged rock the tender bones.
+
+    Loud howls the frantic mother; frantic made
+  By grief, or by the scatter'd poison's power:
+  And, raving, with dishevell'd tresses spread
+  Wide o'er her shoulders, flies. Her naked arms
+  Young Melicertes bear; madly she shrieks;--
+  "Evoë, Bacchus!"--Loud at Bacchus' name
+  Revengeful Juno laugh'd, and said;--"Such boon
+  "Thy foster-son upon his nurse confers!"
+  A lofty rock the foaming waves o'erhangs,
+  Whose dashing force deep in its base have scoop'd
+  A cavern, safely sheltering from the showers:
+  The adamantine summit high extends,
+  And o'er the wide main stretches. Swift this height,
+  Active and strong with madness, Ino gain'd
+  And fearless, with the infant in her arms,
+  Sprung from the cliff, and sunk beneath the waves.
+  White foam'd the surge around her!
+
+                                     Venus, griev'd,
+  Such sufferings, undeserv'd, her race should bear,
+  Thus with bland coaxings Ocean's god address'd:
+  "Lord of the azure deep, whose high command
+  "Sways next to heaven's,--a vast demand I ask;--
+  "But pity my poor offspring, whom thou see'st
+  "Plung'd in th' Ionian billows;--with their forms
+  "Thy deities increase. Some influence sure,
+  "In ocean I should hold, from thence produc'd;
+  "Sprung from the froth that on the deep main swims:
+  "Whence Grecian poets name me." Neptune nods,
+  Assenting to her prayer; and from their limbs
+  Abstracts the mortal portion; on their forms
+  Breathes majesty; and with their alter'd mien,
+  Their names he changes too; Palæmon he,
+  Now stil'd, his mother as Leucothoë known.
+
+    The princess' anxious comrades trac'd her steps
+  With care; the last with arduous search they found,
+  Just on the giddy brink, nor dubious deem'd
+  Her fate a moment. Cadmus' house they wail;
+  With beating hands their tresses tear, and robes;
+  And highly Juno blame, as one unjust:
+  Too ireful for the hapless sister's fault.
+  Juno, fierce flaming, these reproaches stung;--
+  "Ye too," she cry'd, "shall monuments become
+  "Of the fierce ire ye blame!" Deeds words pursu'd.
+  The nymph who most her hapless queen held dear,
+  Exclaim'd;--"deep in the roaring main I'll plunge,
+  "To join her fate,"--and sprung to take the leap;
+  But motionless she stood,--fixt to the rock!
+  Her wounding blows, upon her bosom one
+  Strives to renew, as wont; her striving arms
+  Stiffen'd to stone she sees. This tow'rd the waves
+  Her hands extends; a rocky mass she stands,
+  In the same waves far stretching. Lifted high,
+  The locks to rend, the fingers might be seen
+  Stiffen'd, and rigid with the hair become.
+  In posture whatsoever caught, each nymph,
+  In that same posture stands. Thus part are chang'd:
+  The rest, to birds transform'd, by wings upborne,
+  Skim o'er the surface of the neighbouring sea.
+
+    Cadmus, the wond'rous change which rais'd his child,
+  And his young grandson to the rank of gods,
+  Yet knew not. By his load of grief o'erwhelm'd;
+  A chain of woes; and supernatural scenes,
+  So numerous which he sees; the founder quits
+  His town, suspicious that the city's fate,
+  And not his own, misfortune on him showers.
+  Borne o'er the main, his lengthen'd wanderings end,
+  When with his exil'd consort, safe he gains
+  Illyria's shores. Opprest with grief and age,
+  The primal fortunes of their house, with care
+  They scan, and in their converse all their woes
+  Again recounting, Cadmus thus exclaims;--
+  "Was then that serpent, by my javelin pierc'd,
+  "When driven from Tyre; whose numerous teeth I sow'd,
+  "Sacred to some divinity?--If he
+  "Thus, vengeful for the deed, his anger pours,
+  "May I a serpent stretcht at length become."
+  He said,--and serpent-like extended lies!
+  Scales he perceives, upon his harden'd skin;
+  And sees green spots on his black body form;
+  Prone on his breast he falls; together twin'd,
+  His legs commingling stretch, and gradual end
+  Lessen'd in rounded point; his arms remain
+  Still, and those arms remaining he extends;
+  While down his face yet human tears flow fast.
+  "O, hapless wife! approach," he cries, "approach,
+  "And touch me now, while ought of me remains;
+  "Receive my hand, while yet a hand I bear;
+  "Ere to a serpent wholly turns my form."--
+  More he prepar'd to utter, but his tongue,
+  Cleft sudden, to his wishes words refus'd:
+  And often when his sorrows sad he try'd
+  To wail anew, he hiss'd!--that sound alone,
+  Nature permitted. While her naked breast
+  With blows resounded, loud his wife exclaim'd;--
+  "Stay,--O, my Cadmus! hapless man, shake off
+  "This monstrous figure! Cadmus what is this?
+  "Where are thy feet,--and where thy arms and hands?
+  "Where are thy features,--thy complexion? Where,
+  "Whilst I bewail, art thou? Celestial powers!
+  "Why not this transformation work on me?"
+  She ended; he advancing, lick'd her face,
+  And creep'd, as custom'd, to her bosom dear,
+  And round her wonted neck embracing twin'd.
+  Now draw their servants nigh, and as they come
+  With terror start. The crested serpents play,
+  Smooth on their necks,--now two; and cordial slide,
+  In spires conjoin'd; then in the darksome shades
+  Th' adjoining woods afford them, close they hide.
+  Mankind they fly not, nor deep wounds inflict;
+  Harmless, their pristine form is ne'er forgot.
+
+    Still, though in alter'd shapes, the pair rejoic'd
+  Their grandson's fame to hear; whom vanquish'd Ind'
+  Low bending worshipp'd; Greece adoring prais'd,
+  In lofty temples. Sole Acrisius stands,
+  Like Bacchus sprung from Jove's celestial seed,
+  Opposing; and from Argos' gates propels
+  The god;--his birth deny'd, against him arms.
+  Nor Perseus would he own from heaven deriv'd;
+  Conceiv'd by Danaë, from a golden shower:
+  Yet soon,--so mighty is the force of truth,--
+  Acrisius grieves he e'er so rashly brav'd
+  The god; his grandson driving from his court,
+  Disown'd. Now one in heaven is glorious plac'd;
+  The other, laden with the well-known spoil
+  Of the fierce snaky monster, cleaves the air,
+  On sounding pinions. High the victor sails
+  O'er Lybia's desarts, and the gory drops
+  Fall from the gorgon's head; the Ground receives
+  The blood, and warms it into writhing snakes.
+  Hence does the country with the pest still swarm.
+
+    Thence borne by adverse winds, he sweeps along,
+  Through boundless ether driven; now here, now there,
+  As watery clouds are swept. From lofty skies,
+  The earth far distant viewing, round the globe
+  He skimm'd: three times he saw the Arctic pole
+  And thrice the warmer Crab. Oft to the west,
+  Th' adventurous youth was borne; back to the east,
+  As often. Now the day in darkness sank,
+  When he, nocturnal flight mistrusting, lights
+  In Atlas' kingdom 'neath th' Hesperian sky;
+  A short repose requests, till Phosphor' bright,
+  Should call Aurora forth;--she ushering in
+  The chariot of the day. Japetus' son
+  All men in huge corporeal bulk surpass'd.
+  He to th' extremest confines of the land,
+  And o'er the ocean sway'd, whose waves receive
+  Apollo's panting steeds, and weary'd car.
+  A thousand bleating flocks; a thousand herds,
+  Stray'd through the royal pastures. Neighbouring lords
+  Not near him plough'd their lands. Trees grew, whose leaves
+  With splendor glittering, threw a golden shade
+  O'er golden branches, and o'er fruit of gold.
+  Thus Perseus;--"Friendly host, if glorious birth
+  "Thee pleases, here one born of Jove behold.
+  "If deeds of merit more attraction move,
+  "Mine thy applause may claim. At present grant
+  "An hospitable shelter here, and rest."
+  But Atlas, fearing these oraculous words,--
+  (Long since by Themis on Parnassus given)
+  "The time, O king! will come, thy golden tree
+  "Shall lose its fruit. The glory of the spoil
+  "A son of Jove shall boast:" and dreading sore;
+  Around his orchards massy walls he rears;
+  A dragon huge and fierce the guard maintains.
+  "Whatever strangers to his realm approach,
+  Far thence he drives; and thus to Perseus too;--
+  "Haste, quickly haste from hence, lest soon I prove
+  "Thy glorious deeds but feign'd,--feign'd as thy birth."
+  Then force to threats he added,--strove to thrust
+  The hero forth; who struggling, efforts urg'd
+  Resisting, while he begg'd with softening words.
+  Proving in strength inferior (who in strength
+  Could vie with Atlas?) "Since my fame," he cries,
+  "Such small desert obtains, a gift accept."
+  And, back his face averting, holds display'd,
+  On his left side Medusa's ghastly head.
+  A mountain now the mighty Atlas stands!
+  His hair and beard as lofty forests wave;
+  His arms and hands high hilly summits rear;
+  O'er-topp'd above, by what was once his head:
+  His bones are rocks; then, so the gods decree,
+  Enlarg'd to size immense in every part,
+  The weight of heaven, and all the stars he bears.
+
+    His blustering vassals Æolus had pent,
+  In ever-during prisons. Phosphor' bright,
+  Most splendid 'midst the starry host of heaven;
+  Admonitor of labor, now was risen;
+  When Perseus bound again on either foot,
+  His winnowing wings; girt on his crooked sword;
+  And cleft the air, on waving pinions borne.
+  O'er numerous nations, far beneath him spread,
+  He sail'd, till Ethiopia's realms he saw;
+  Where Cepheus rul'd. There Ammon, power unjust,
+  Andromeda had sentenc'd,--guiltless maid,
+  To what her mother's boastful tongue deserv'd.
+  Her soon as Perseus spy'd, fast by the arms
+  Chain'd to the rugged rock;--where but her locks
+  Wav'd lightly to the breeze; and but her eyes
+  Trickled a tepid stream; she might be deem'd
+  A sculptur'd marble: him the unknown sight
+  Astonish'd, dazzled, and enflam'd with love.
+  His senses in the beauteous view sole wrapt,
+  Scarce he remembers on his wings to wave:--
+  Alights, exclaiming;--"O, whom chains like these
+  "Should never bind, nor other chains than such,
+  "As lovers intertwist! declare thy name;
+  "Thy country tell; and why thou bear'st those bonds."
+  Silent awhile the virgin stood; abash'd,
+  Converse with man to hold: her blushing face,
+  Her hands, if free, had long before conceal'd.
+  Quick starting tears, 'twas all she could, her eyes
+  Veil'd swimming: then her name and country told;
+  And all the conscious pride her mother's charms
+  Inspir'd, in full acknowledg'd; lest for crimes
+  Her own, just suffering, Perseus might conceive.
+  All yet untold, when loud the billows roar'd;
+  Upheav'd the monster's bulk: far 'bove the waves
+  He stood uprear'd, and then right onward plung'd;
+  His ample bosom covering half the main.
+
+    Loud shrieks the virgin! Sad her father comes;
+  And sad her raving mother, wretched both,
+  The mother most deserv'dly. Help in vain
+  From them she seeks; with tears, and bosoms torn,
+  Her fetter'd limbs they clasp, they can no more.
+  Then Perseus thus;--"for tears and loud laments,
+  "Long may the time be: but effective aid
+  "To give, the time is short. Suppose the nymph
+  "I ask;--I, Perseus! sprung from mighty Jove,
+  "By her whose prison in a golden shower
+  "Fecundative, he enter'd. Perseus, who
+  "The Gorgon snaky-hair'd o'ercame; who bold
+  "On waving pinions winnows through the air.
+  "Him for a son in preference should ye chuse,
+  "Arduous he'll strive to these high claims to add,
+  "If heaven permits, some merits more his own.
+  "Agree she's mine, if by my arm preserv'd."
+  The parents promise;--(who in such a case
+  Would waver) beg his help; and promise, more,
+  That all their kingdom shall her dower become.
+  Lo! as a vessel's sharpen'd prow quick cleaves
+  The waves, by strenuous sweating arms impell'd,
+  The monster comes! his mighty bosom wide
+  The waters sideway breasting; distant now,
+  Not more than what the Balearic sling
+  Could with the bullet gain, when high in air,
+  The sod repelling, upward springs the youth.
+  Soon as the main reflected Perseus' form,
+  The ocean-savage rag'd: as Jove's swift bird
+  When in the open fields a snake he spies
+  Basking, his livid back to Phoebus' rays
+  Expos'd, behind attacks him; plunges deep,
+  His hungry talons in his scaly neck,
+  To curb the twisting of his sanguine teeth.
+  With rapid flight, thus Perseus shooting cleaves
+  The empty air; lights on the monster's back;
+  Burying his weapon to the crooked hilt,
+  Full in the shoulder of the raging beast.
+  Mad with the deepen'd wound, now rears aloft
+  The savage high in air; now plunges low,
+  Beneath the waters; now he furious turns,
+  As turns the boar ferocious, when the crowd
+  Of barking dogs beset him fiercely round.
+  With rapid waft the venturous hero shuns
+  His greedy jaws: now on his back, thick-arm'd
+  With shells, he strikes where opening space he sees;
+  Now on his sides; now where his tapering tail
+  In fish-like form is finish'd, bites the steel.
+  High spouts the wounded monster from his mouth;
+  The waves with gore deep purpling: drench'd, the wings
+  Droop nagging; and no longer Perseus dares
+  To trust their dripping aid. A rock he spies
+  Whose summit o'er the peaceful waters rose,
+  But deep was hid when tempests mov'd the main.
+  Supported here, his left hand firmly grasps
+  The craggy edge; while through his sides, and through,
+  The dying savage feels the weapon drove.
+
+    Loud shouts and plaudits fill the shore, the noise
+  Resounding echoes to the heavenly thrones.
+  Cassiopé and Cepheus joyful greet
+  Their son, and grateful own him chief support,
+  And saviour. From her rugged fetters freed,
+  The virgin walks; the cause, the great reward
+  Of all his toil. His victor hands he laves
+  In the pure stream: then with soft leaves defends
+  A spot, to rest the serpent-bearing head,
+  Lest the bare sand should harm it. Twigs marine
+  He likewise strews, and rests Medusa there.
+  The fresh green twigs as though with life endow'd,
+  Felt the dire Gorgon's power; their spongy pith
+  Hard to the touch became, the stiffness spread
+  Through every twig and leaf. The Nereïd nymphs
+  More branches bring, and try the wonderous change
+  On all, and joy to see the change succeed:
+  Spreading the transformation from the seeds,
+  With them throughout the waves. This nature still
+  Retains the coral: hardness still assumes
+  From contact with the air; beneath the waves
+  A bending twig; an harden'd stone above.
+
+    Three turfy altars to three heavenly gods
+  He builds: to Hermes sacred stands the left;
+  The right to warlike Pallas; in the midst
+  The mighty Jove's is rear'd: (To Pallas bleeds
+  An heifer: to the plume-heel'd god a calf:
+  Almighty Jove accepts a lordly bull)
+  Then claims Andromeda, the rich reward,
+  without a dower, of all his valorous toil.
+
+    Now Love and Hymen wave their torches high,
+  Precursive of their joys: each hearth is heap'd
+  With odorous incense: every roof is hung
+  With flowery garlands: pipes, and harps, and lyres,
+  And songs which indicate their festive souls,
+  Resound aloud. Each portal open thrown,
+  Display'd appears the golden palace wide.
+  By every lord of Cepheus' court, array'd
+  In splendid pomp, the nuptial feast is grac'd.
+  The banquet ended, while the generous gift
+  Of Bacchus circles; and each soul dilates,
+  Perseus, the modes and customs of the land
+  Curious enquires. Lyncides full relates
+  The habits, laws, and manners of the clime.
+  His information ended;--"now,"--he cry'd,--
+  "Relate, O Perseus! boldest of mankind,--
+  "By what fierce courage, and what skilful arts,"
+  "The snaky locks in thy possession came."
+  Then Perseus tells, how lies a lonely vale
+  Beneath cold Atlas; every side strong fenc'd
+  By lofty hills, whose only pass is held,
+  By Phorcus' twin-born daughters. Mutual they
+  One eye possess'd, in turns by either us'd.
+  His hand deceiving seiz'd it, as it pass'd
+  'Twixt them alternate; dexterous was the wile.
+  Through devious paths, and deep-sunk ways he went;
+  And craggy woods, dark-frowning, till he reach'd
+  The Gorgon's dwelling: passing then the fields,
+  And beaten roads, there forms of men he saw,
+  And shapes of savage beasts; but all to stone
+  By dire Medusa's petrifying face
+  Transform'd. He then the horrid countenance mark'd,
+  Bright from the brazen targe his left arm bore,
+  Reflected. While deep slumber safe weigh'd down,
+  The Gorgon and her serpents, he divorc'd
+  Her shoulders from her head. He adds how sprung,
+  Chrysaör, and wing'd Pegasus the swift,
+  From the prolific Gorgon's streaming gore.
+  Relates the perils of his lengthen'd flight;
+  What seas, what kingdoms from the lofty sky,
+  Beneath him he had view'd; what sparkling stars
+  His waving wings had brush'd;--thus ceas'd his tale:
+  All more desiring. Then uprose a peer,--
+  And why Medusa, of the sisters sole
+  The serpent-twisted tresses wore, enquir'd.
+  The youth:--"The story that you ask, full well
+  "Attention claims;--I what you seek recite.
+  "For matchless beauty fam'd, with envying hope
+  "Her, crowds of suitors follow'd: nought surpass'd
+  "'Mongst all her beauties, her bright lovely hair:
+  "Those who had seen her thus, have this averr'd.
+  "But in Minerva's temple Ocean's god
+  "The maid defil'd. The virgin goddess shock'd,
+  "Her eyes averted, and her forehead chaste
+  "Veil'd with the Ægis. Then with vengeful power
+  "Chang'd the Gorgonian locks to writhing snakes.
+  "The snakes, thus form'd, fixt on her shield she bears;
+  "The horrid sight her trembling foes appals."
+
+
+
+
+*The Fifth Book.*
+
+
+    Attack of Phineus and his friends on Perseus. Defeat of the
+    former, and their change to statues. Atchievements of Perseus in
+    Argos, and Seriphus. Minerva's visit to the Muses. Fate of
+    Pyreneus. Song of the Pierides. Song of the Muses. Rape of
+    Proserpine. Change of Cyané, to a fountain. Search of Ceres.
+    Transformation of a boy to an eft. Of Ascalaphus to an owl.
+    Change of the companions of Proserpine to Sirens. Story of
+    Arethusa. Journey of Triptolemus. Transformation of Lyncus to a
+    lynx. The Pierides transformed to magpies.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fifth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    These wonders, while the son of Danaë tells,
+  Circled around by Cepheus' noble troop;
+  Sudden th' imperial hall with tumults loud
+  Resounds. Not clamor such as oft we hear,
+  The bridal feasts, in songs of joy attend:
+  But what stern war announces. Much the change,
+  (The peaceful feast to instant riot turn'd)
+  Seem'd like the placid main, when the fierce rage
+  Of sudden tempests lash its surges high.
+
+    First Phineus stepp'd, the leader of the crowd;
+  Soul of the riot; and his ashen spear,
+  Arm'd with a brazen point, he brandish'd high;--
+  "Lo, here!" he shouts, "lo, here I vengeful come
+  "On him who claims my spouse! Not thy swift wings;
+  "Nor cheating Jove, chang'd to a golden shower,
+  "Shall save thee from my arm,"--and pois'd to fling,
+  The dart was held, but Cepheus loud exclaim'd,--
+  "Brother! what dost thou? what dire madness sways
+  "To wicked acts thy soul? Is this the meed
+  "His gallant deeds deserve? Is this the dower,
+  "We for the valued life he sav'd bestow?
+  "List but to truth,--not Perseus of thy wife
+  "Bereft thee, but the angry Nereïd nymphs,--
+  "The horned Ammon,--and the monster huge!
+  "Prepar'd to glut his hunger with my child.
+  "Then was thy spouse snatch'd from thee, when remain'd
+  "Of help no hope; to all she lost appear'd.
+  "Thy savage heart perhaps had ev'n rejoic'd
+  "To see her perish, that our greater grief
+  "Might lighten part of thine. Couldst thou her see
+  "Fast chain'd before thee? uncle! spouse betroth'd!
+  "And yet no aid afford! And storm'st thou thus?
+  "She to another now her safety owes;
+  "And would'st thou snatch the prize? So high if seems
+  "To thee her precious value, thy bold arm
+  "Should on the rock where chain'd she lay, have sought
+  "And have deserv'd her. Now permit that he
+  "Who sought her there; through whom my failing age
+  "Is not now childless, grant that he enjoy
+  "Peaceful, what through his merits he no less,
+  "Than our firm compact claims: not him to thee,
+  "But him to certain loss I preference gave."
+
+    Nought Phineus answer'd, but his furious eyes
+  Now Perseus, now the king alternate view;
+  Doubtful or this to pierce, or that: his pause
+  Was short; his powerful arm, by fury nerv'd,
+  At Perseus hurl'd the quivering spear,--in vain!
+  Fixt in the couch it stood. Quick bounded up
+  Th' indignant youth, and deep in Phineus' breast,
+  Had plung'd the point returning, but he shrunk
+  Behind an altar; which, O shame! preserv'd
+  The impious villain. Yet not harmless sped
+  The weapon;--full in Rhætus' front it stuck;
+  Who lifeless dropp'd; broke in the bone the steel;
+  He spurn'd, and sprinkled all the feast with gore.
+  Then rag'd with ire ungovern'd all the crowd,
+  And hurl'd in showers their weapons; some fierce cry'd,
+  Cepheus, no less than Perseus, death deserv'd.
+  But Cepheus left the hall, adjuring loud,
+  The hospitable gods; justice; and faith;
+  That he was guiltless of the sanguine fray.
+
+    Minerva comes; her sheltering Ægis shields
+  Her brother's body; in his breast she breathes
+  Redoubled valor. Atys, Indian bred,
+  Whom fair Limnaté, Ganges' daughter, bore,
+  'Tis told, amid the waters' crystal caves,
+  Scarce sixteen years had seen. His beauteous form,
+  In gorgeous dress more beauteous still appear'd.
+  A purple garment fring'd around with gold,
+  Enwrapp'd him; round his neck were golden beads;
+  And pins and combs of gold his lovely locks,
+  With myrrh sweet-smelling, held. Well skill'd the youth
+  To hurl the javelin to its distant mark;
+  But more to bend the bow. Him Perseus smote,
+  The flexile bow just bending, with a brand
+  Snatch'd flaming from the altar; crush'd, his face
+  A horrid mass of fractur'd bones appears.
+  His beauteous features Lycabas beheld
+  In blood convuls'd: his dearest comrade he,
+  And one who proud his ardent love display'd.
+  Griev'd to behold the last expiring breath,
+  Of Atys parting from the furious wound,
+  He seiz'd the bow the youth had bent, and cry'd;--
+  "The battle try with me!--not long thy boast
+  "Of conquest o'er a boy; a conquest more
+  "By hate than fame attended." Railing thus,
+  The piercing weapon darted from the string.
+
+    Now Phineus, fearful hand to hand to meet
+  The foe, his javelin hurl'd, the point ill-aim'd
+  On Idas glanc'd, who vainly kept aloof
+  With neutral weapon. Phineus, stern he view'd,
+  "With threatening frown, exclaiming;--"though no share
+  "In this mad broil I took, now, Phineus, feel
+  "The power of him whom thou hast forc'd a foe;
+  "And take reciprocally wound for wound."
+  Then from his side the weapon tore to hurl;
+  But fast the life-stream gush'd, he instant fell.
+  Here, by the sword of Clymenus was slain,
+  Odites, noblest lord in Cepheus' court;
+  Protenor fell by Hypseus; Hypseus sunk
+  Beneath Lyncides' arm. Amid the throng
+  Was old Emathion too, friend to the just,
+  And fearer of the gods; though ancient years
+  Forbade his wielding arms, what aid his words
+  Could give, he spar'd not: curs'd the impious war,
+  In loud upbraidings. As with trembling arms,
+  He grasp'd the altar, Chromis' gory sword
+  His neck divided; on the altar dropp'd
+  The head; and there the trembling, dying tongue,
+  Faint imprecations utter'd; 'midst the flames
+  He breath'd his spirit forth. By Phineus' hand,
+  Broteas and Ammon fell: the brother-twins
+  Unconquer'd in the fight, the cæstus shower'd;
+  Could but the cæstus make the falchion yield:
+  But Perseus felt it not,--its point hung fixt
+  Amidst his garments' folds. On him he turn'd,
+  The falchion, glutted with Medusa's gore,
+  And plung'd it in his breast. Dying, he looks
+  Around, with eyes rolling in endless night,
+  For Atys, and upon him drops: then pleas'd,
+  Thus join'd in death, he seeks the shades below.
+  Methion's son, Syenian Phorbas, now
+  And fierce Amphimedon, in Lybia born,
+  Rush in the fight to mingle; both fall prone,
+  The slippery earth wide spread with smoking blood.
+  The sword attacks them rising; in his throat
+  Phorbas receives it, and the other's side.
+  But Erythis, of Actor born, whd rear'd
+  An axe tremendous, not the waving sword
+  Of Perseus meets: a cup of massive bulk,
+  With both his hands high-heaving, fierce he hurls
+  Full on his foe: he vomits gory floods;
+  Falls back, and strikes with dying head the earth.
+  Then Polydæmon falls, sprung from the blood
+  Of queen Semiramis; Lycetes brave,
+  The son of Spercheus; Abaris, who dwelt
+  On frozen Caucasus; and Helicen
+  With unshorn tresses; Phlegias; Clitus too;
+  Those with the rest beneath his weapon fall;
+  And on the rising heaps of dead he stands.
+  And fell Ampycus; Ceres' sacred priest,
+  His temples with a snow-white fillet bound.
+  Thou, O, Japetides! whose string to sound
+  Such discord knew not; but whose harp still tun'd,
+  The works of peace, in concord with thy voice;
+  Wast bidden here to celebrate the feast:
+  And cheer the nuptial banquet with thy song!
+  Him, when at distance Pettalus beheld,
+  Handling his peaceful instrument, he cry'd
+  In mocking laughter;--"go, and end thy song,
+  "Amid the Stygian ghosts,"--and instant plung'd
+  Through his left temple, his too deadly sword.
+  Sinking, his dying fingers caught the strings,
+  And, chance-directed, gave a mournful sound.
+  Not long the fierce Lycormas saw his fall
+  Without revenge: a massy bar of oak
+  From the right gate he tore, and on the bones
+  Behind the neck, the furious blow was aim'd:
+  Prone on the earth, like a crush'd ox he fell.
+  Pelates of Cinypheus, strove to rend
+  A like strong fastening from th' opposing door;
+  The dart of Corythus his tugging hand
+  Transfix'd, and nail'd him to the wood confin'd:
+  Here Abas, with his spear, deep pierc'd his side:
+  Nor dying fell he;--by the hand retain'd,
+  Firm to the post he hung. Melaneus fell.
+  The arms of Perseus aiding; Dorilas,
+  The wealthiest lord in Nasamonia's land,
+  Fell too beside him: rich was he in fields;
+  In wide extent no lands with his could vie;
+  Nor equal his in hoarded heaps of grain.
+  Obliquely in his groin, the missive spear
+  Stuck deep,--a mortal spot: his Bactrian foe
+  His rolling eyes beheld, and dying breath
+  In sobs convulsive flitting, and exclaim'd;--
+  "This spot thou pressest, now of all thy lands,
+  "Possess,"--and turning left the lifeless corse.
+  Avenging Perseus hurls at him the spear,
+  Torn from the smoking wound; the point, receiv'd
+  Full in the nostrils, pierces through the neck:
+  Before, behind, expos'd the weapon stands.
+
+    Now fortune aids his blows, the brother pair,
+  Clanis, and Clytius fall, by different wounds.
+  Hurl'd by his nervous arm, the ashen spear
+  Transfix'd the thighs of Clytius: Clanis dy'd
+  Biting the steel that pierc'd his mouth. Now fell
+  Mendesian Celadon; and Astreus borne
+  By Hebrew mother, to a doubtful sire.
+  Now dy'd Ethion, once deep skill'd to see
+  The future fates; now by his skill deceiv'd.
+  Thoactes, who the monarch's armor bore;
+  And base Agyrtes, murderer of his sire.
+  Crowds though he conquers, thickening crowds remain;
+  For all united wage on him the war.
+  In every quarter fight the press, conspir'd
+  To aid a cause to worth and faith oppos'd.
+  The sire, with useless piety,--the queen,
+  And new-made bride, the hero's party take;
+  And fill the hall with screams. The clang of arms,
+  And groans of dying men their screamings drown.
+  The houshold deities, polluted once,
+  The fierce Bellona bathes with gore again;
+  With double fury lighting up the war.
+
+    Now Phineus, followed by a furious throng
+  Surrounds him single; thicker fly their darts
+  Than wintry hail, on every side; his sight
+  They cloud, and deafening, whiz his ears around.
+  By crowds opprest, retreating, Perseus leans
+  His shoulders 'gainst a massive pillar's height;
+  And, safe behind, dares all the furious fight.
+  Chaonian Molpeus rushes on his left;
+  Ethemon, Nabathæan, on his right:
+  Thus a fierce tiger, urg'd by famine, hears
+  Combin'd the lowings of two different herds,
+  Far distant in the vale; in doubt he stands,
+  On this, or that to rush; and furious burns
+  On both at once to thunder. Perseus so,
+  To left and right inclin'd at once to bear,
+  Plerc'd first the thigh of Molpeus,--straight he fled
+  Unfollow'd; for Ethemon fiercely press'd.
+  He, furious aiming at the hero's neck,
+  With ill-directed strength, his weapon broke
+  Against a column;--back the shiver'd point
+  Sprung, and his throat transfix'd: slight was the wound;
+  To doom to death unable. Perseus plung'd
+  His mortal falchion, as the trembling wretch
+  His helpless arms extended, in his breast.
+  But now his valor Perseus found oppress'd
+  By crowds unequal, and aloud exclaim'd;--
+  "Since thus you force me, from my very foe
+  "More aid I'll ask;--my friends avert your eyes!"
+  Then shew'd the Gorgon's head. "Go, elsewhere seek,"
+  Said Thescelus,--"for those such sights may move:"--
+  The deadly javelin poising in his hand,
+  In act to throw, a marble form he stands,
+  In the same posture. Near him Ampyx rear'd,
+  Against the brave Lyncides' breast his sword;
+  His uprais'd hand was harden'd; here, or there,
+  To wave unable. Nileus now display'd
+  Seven argent streams upon a shield of gold;
+  False boasting offspring from the seven-mouth'd Nile;
+  And cry'd;--"Lo! Perseus, whence my race deriv'd;
+  "Down to the silent shades this solace bear
+  "By such a hand to die." The final words
+  Were lost; his sounding voice abrupt was stay'd;
+  His open'd mouth still seem'd the words to form,
+  Incapable to utter. Eryx storm'd
+  At these, exclaiming;---"not the Gorgon's hairs
+  "Freeze ye, but your own trembling, dastard souls:
+  "Rush forth with me, and on the earth lay low,
+  "The youth who battles thus with magic arms."
+  Fierce had he rush'd, but firmly fixt his feet
+  Held him to earth, a rigid, fasten'd stone;
+  A statue arm'd. These well their fate deserv'd,
+  But one, Aconteus, while in aid he fought
+  Of Perseus, sudden stood to stone congeal'd;
+  As star'd the Gorgon luckless in his face.
+  Him saw Astyages, but thought he liv'd;
+  And fierce attack'd him with a mighty sword.
+  Shrill tinkling sounds the blow: astonish'd stands
+  Astyages;--astonish'd seems the stone;
+  For while he stares, he too to marble turns.
+  Long were the tale, of each plebeïan death
+  To tell; two hundred still unhurt remain;
+  By Gorgon's head two hundred stiffen'd stand:
+  When Phineus seems the strife unjust to mourn.
+  But what to act remains? Around him crowd,
+  The forms of numerous friends: his friends he knows,
+  Their aid intreats, and calls on each by name:
+  Still doubting, seizes those his grasp can reach
+  And finds them stone! Averse he turns his eyes;
+  Raises his conscious arms and hands oblique,
+  And suppliant begs;--"go Perseus,--conqueror, go!
+  "Remove that dreadful monster,--bear away
+  "That stone-creating visage, Gorgon's head!
+  "Whate'er it be, I pray thee bear it hence.
+  "Nor hate, nor lust of empire, rais'd our arms
+  "Against thee;--for my wife alone we warr'd.
+  "Thy cause, by merit best; mine, but by time.
+  "Bravest of men, me much it grieves I e'er,
+  "Thy claim oppos'd: existence only give,
+  "All else be thine." To him, as thus he begg'd,
+  Fearing his eyes, to whom he suppliant spoke
+  To turn;--"thou dastard, Phineus!" Perseus cry'd,--
+  "What I can grant, I will; and what I grant
+  "To souls like thine a mighty boon must seem.
+  "Dispel thy terror; rest from steel secure.
+  "Yet must a during monument remain,
+  "Still in the dwelling of my spouse's sire,
+  "Conspicuous. So my bride may daily see
+  "Her imag'd husband." Speaking thus, he held
+  The Gorgon's head, where pallid, Phineus turn'd;
+  So turning stiffen'd stood the neck; so turn'd
+  Appear'd th' inverted eyes; the humid balls
+  To stone concreted. Still the timid look,
+  And suppliant face, and tame-petitioning arms,
+  And guilty awe-struck look, in stone remain'd.
+
+    Now victor, Abantiades re-seeks
+  His soil paternal, with his well-earn'd bride:
+  And in his undeserving grandsire's aid,
+  Avenging war on Proetus he declares.
+  Proetus then all Acrisius' cities held;
+  From each possession forc'd, his brother fled.
+  But arms, and battled towns, like ill-possess'd,
+  The head snake-curl'd, oblig'd at once to stoop.
+  Yet not the youth's bold valor, amply prov'd,
+  By all his brave atchievements; nor his toils
+  Thee, Polydectes, mov'd; who rul'd the isle,
+  The paltry isle, Seriphus; stubborn still,
+  Inexorable hatred thou maintain'st:
+  Endless against him burns thy rage unjust.
+  Nay, from his true deserts, thou would'st detract;
+  And swear'st Medusa's death a fiction form'd.
+  Then Perseus;--"thus if true I speak, or no,
+  "Experience. Close, my friends, your eyes!"--as forth,
+  He held the Gorgon;--bloodless stood the face
+  Of Polydectes, turn'd a marble form.
+
+    Thus far, Minerva aided side by side,
+  Her brother golden-born; then swiftly flew,
+  Wrapt in a cloud opaque; and distant left
+  Seriphus. On she flies, to right she leaves
+  Cythnos, and Gyaros; and cross the main
+  The shortest route she hastens; speeds to Thebes,
+  And seeks the Heliconian nymphs, whose mount
+  Alighting feels her first: the learned nine,
+  Thus she bespeaks;--"fame tells, a new-made spring,
+  "Burst from a blow the swift-wing'd horse's hoof
+  "Inflicted; lo! the cause I hither come.
+  "That steed I saw spring from his mother's blood:
+  "Fain would I this new prodigy behold."
+  Urania gave reply. "O, maid divine!
+  "What cause soe'er has with thy presence grac'd.
+  "Our dwelling, proves to us a grateful boon.
+  "Fame speaks not false. Our fountain surely sprung
+  "Sole from Pegasus." Speaking thus, she leads
+  The virgin goddess to the sacred streams:
+  Who long the spring admir'd;--the spring produc'd
+  From the hoof's blow:--around surveying views
+  The groves of ancient trees, the grots, the plants
+  Of ever-vary'd tint; and happy calls
+  The learned nymphs, who such a spot possess'd.
+  Then thus a sister;--"O, divinest maid!
+  "Our choir to join most worthy, did not aims
+  "Of loftier import tempt thy warlike soul,
+  "Right hast thou spoke; our habitation well,
+  "And well our arts thy highest praises claim.
+  "Blest were our lot, if still from danger free:
+  "But nought a villain's daring power restrains,
+  "And terror soon our virgin minds appals.
+  "Ev'n now the dread Pyreneus to my eyes
+  "Stands present: to its wonted calm not yet
+  "Restor'd my mind. With furious Thracian bands
+  "Daulis he conquer'd, and the Phocian fields;
+  "And held the sway unjust. Parnassus' fane
+  "We sought; th' usurper there beheld us pass,
+  "And feigning reverence for our power divine
+  "Worshipp'd, and then address'd us, whom he knew.
+  "Here, O! ye Muses, rest, nor dubious stand
+  "But straight beneath my sheltering roof avoid
+  "The cloudy heaven, and rain (for fast it shower'd)
+  "Oft mighty deities have enter'd roofs
+  "Less pompous.--By his invitation urg'd,
+  "And by the tempest, we accede and step
+  "Within the hall. The pelting showers now ceas'd,
+  "Auster by Boreas vanquish'd; fled the clouds
+  "Black lowering, and the face of heaven left clear:
+  "Anxious we wish to go: Pyreneus fast
+  "His dwelling closes, and rough force prepares:
+  "Wings we assume, and from his force escape.
+  "He, standing on the loftiest turret's top,
+  "Like us his flight about to wing, exclaims--
+  "A path you lead, that path will I pursue.
+  "Then madly from the tower's most lofty wall,
+  "Dash'd on his face he fell, and dying strew'd
+  "His shatter'd bones upon the blood-stain'd ground."
+
+    As spoke the muse thus, loud and strong was heard,
+  Of fluttering pinions in the air the sound;
+  And hailing voices from high branches came.
+  Jove's daughter then around enquiring look'd
+  (The sounds she hears, so like the human voice,
+  From human voice she deems them) birds the sound
+  Emitted: magpies were they;--magpies nine:
+  Their doom lamenting, on the boughs they sate,
+  Aping in voice their neighbours all around.
+  Then to the wondering goddess, thus the muse
+  Explain'd: "These vanquish'd in the arduous strife
+  "Of song, to us submitting, swell the crowd
+  "Of feather'd fliers. In Pellenian lands
+  "Most rich was Pierus their sire; to him
+  "Evippé of Pæonia bore the nymphs;
+  "Nine times invoking great Lucina's aid.
+  "Vain of their number, proud the sister-crew,
+  "In folly journey'd through Thessalia's towns,
+  "And through the towns of Greece; when here arriv'd
+  "Thus to the test of power their words provoke:--
+  "At length desist to cheat the senseless crowd
+  "With harmony pretended, Thespian maids!
+  "With us contend, if faith your talents give
+  "For such a trial. Ye in voice and skill
+  "Surpass us not,--our numbers are the same.
+  "If vanquish'd, yield the Medusæan fount,
+  "And Hyantean Aganippé,--we
+  "If conquer'd, all Emanthæa's regions cede,
+  "Far as Pæonia's snows. The nymphs around
+  "The contest shall decide. Deep shame we felt
+  "Thus to contend, but deeper shame appear'd
+  "To yield without contention to their boast.
+  "The nymphs elected to adjudge the prize
+  "Swear by the floods; and on the living rock
+  "Seated, await to hear the rival songs.
+
+    "Then one, impatient who should first commence,
+  "Or we, or they, arises;--sings the war
+  "Of gods and giants; to the rebels gives
+  "False praises; and the high celestials' power
+  "Much under-rating, tells how Typhon, rais'd.
+  "From earth's most deep recesses, struck with fear
+  "All heaven: each god betook him straight to flight
+  "Far distant, till th' Egyptian land receiv'd
+  "Each weary'd foot, where Nile's dissever'd stream
+  "Pours in seven mouths. How earth-born Typhon here,
+  "They tell, pursu'd them; and each god, conceal'd
+  "In feign'd resemblance, cheated there his power.
+  "Jove, (so she sung) a leading ram became;
+  "(Whence still the Lybians form their Ammon horn'd)
+  "The crow Apollo hid: a goat the son
+  "Of Semelé became: Diana skulk'd
+  "In shape a cat: a snow-white cow conceal'd
+  "The form of Juno: Venus seem'd a fish:
+  "And 'neath an Ibis Hermes safely crouch'd.
+
+    "Thus far she mov'd her vocal lips; thus far
+  "Her lyre her voice attended: then they call
+  "For our Aönian song. But that to hear,
+  "Perchance your leisure suits not; pressing deeds
+  "Unlike our songs must more your time demand."
+  Pallas replies;--"be hesitation far,
+  "And all your song from first commence relate."
+  So saying, in the forest's pleasing shade
+  She rested; while the Muse proceeding, spoke.
+
+    "To one the sole contending task we give,
+  "Calliopé;--she rises, neatly bound,
+  "Her flowing tresses with an ivy wreath.
+  "With dexterous thumb the trembling strings she tries,
+  "Then to their quivering sounds this song subjoins.
+  "Ceres at first with crooked plough upturn'd
+  "The glebe; she first mild fruits and milder corn
+  "Gave to the earth; and rules to tend them gave:
+  "All gifts from her proceed. To her the song
+  "I raise. Would that my best exerted power,
+  "A song to suit thy least deserts could form,
+  "O, goddess! worthy of our loftiest praise.
+
+    "The vast Sicilian isle, with pressure huge
+  "Thrown o'er them, deep the limbs gigantic weighs
+  "Of huge Typhoeus, who the heavenly throne
+  "Had dar'd to hope for: struggling oft he tries,
+  "His efforts, daily bent to lift his load:
+  "But hard Pelorus on his right hand lies,
+  "Ausonia facing; while Pachyné rests
+  "Heavy to left: wide o'er his giant thighs
+  "Spreads Lilyboeum: Etna presses down
+  "His head; beneath whose crater, laid supine,
+  "From his hot mouth he ashes sends, and flames.
+  "Thus with his body labouring to remove
+  "The ponderous load of earth;--whole towns o'erwhelm;
+  "And lofty hills o'erturn; trembles the ground;
+  "And Hell's dread monarch fears a chasm should gape:
+  "And through the opening wide his realm display:
+  "The trembling ghosts with light un'custom'd scar'd.
+  "The shock to meet expecting, starts the king
+  "Quick from his cloudy throne; and in his car
+  "Borne by his sable steeds, with care surveys
+  "Sicilia's deep foundations; wide around
+  "Exploring all; then with his toils content,
+  "No ruin'd part detected, flings aside
+  "Each apprehension. Strolling now at ease,
+  "Him Venus from the Erycinian hill
+  "Espy'd; and to her feather'd son, who lay
+  "Clasp'd in her arms, exclaim'd;--O, Cupid! son!
+  "My sole assistant! sole defence and aid!
+  "Seize now that weapon which o'er all has sway,
+  "That piercing dart,--and deep within the breast
+  "Of the dark god whose lot was given to rule
+  "The nether regions of the triple realm,
+  "Bury it. All the gods thy might confess;
+  "Ev'n Jove himself. The ocean powers allow
+  "Thy rule, and he whom Ocean's powers obey.
+  "Why then should Tartarus alone evade
+  "Thy thrall? Why not my empire and thine own
+  "With that complete? Of all the world's extent
+  "A third is stak'd. Nay more, our utmost power,
+  "Heaven our own seat contemns;--thy potent sway,
+  "And mine alike impair'd. Behold'st thou not
+  "Minerva, with the quiver-bearing maid
+  "Deserting me? Thus will the blooming child
+  "Of Ceres, if we grant it, still remain
+  "Inviolate a virgin;--thither tend
+  "Her anxious hopes. But thou, if dear thou hold'st
+  "Our mutual realm, the virgin goddess link
+  "In union with her uncle.--Venus spoke:
+  "His quiver he unlooses; from the heap
+  "Of darts, by her directed, one selects,
+  "Than which none bore a keener point; than which,
+  "None flew more certain,--trusty to the string.
+  "Bends to his knee the yielding horn, then sends
+  "Through Pluto's heart the bearded arrow sure.
+  "Not far from Enna's walls, a lake expands
+  "Profound in watery stores, Pergusa nam'd:
+  "Not ev'n Caïsters' murmuring stream e'er heard
+  "The songster-swans more frequent. Woods o'ertop
+  "The waters, rising round on every side;
+  "And veil from Phoebus' rays the surface cool.
+  "A shade the branches form; the moist earth round,
+  "Produces purple flowers: perpetual spring
+  "Here reigns. While straying sportive in this grove
+  "Here Proserpine the violet cropp'd, and here
+  "The lily fair; with childish ardor warm'd
+  "Her bosom filling, and her basket high:
+  "Proud to surpass her comrades all around
+  "In skilful culling, she herself was seen;
+  "Was chosen, and by Dis was snatch'd away.
+  "Love urg'd him to the deed. Th' affrighted maid,
+  "Loud on her mother, and her comrades call'd;
+  "But chief her mother, with lamenting shrieks.
+  "Then as her robe she rent, the well-cull'd flowers
+  "Slipp'd through the loosen'd folds: e'en this (so great
+  "Her girlish innocence) her tears increas'd.
+  "Swiftly the robber speeds his car along
+  "Urging his steeds' exertions each by name;
+  "'Bove their high manes and necks the rusty reins
+  "Rattling, as o'er the wide Palician lake,
+  "Where the cleft earth with sulphur boils, he whirls:
+  "And where the Bacchiads, from the double sea
+  "Of Corinth wandering, rais'd their lofty walls;
+  "'Twixt two unequal havens. Midst, the stream,
+  "Pisæan Arethusa, and the lake
+  "Of Cyané are seen, close round embrac'd
+  "By narrowing horns. This Cyané was once,
+  "Of all Sicilia's nymphs, the fairest deem'd;
+  "Who gave the lake her name. She to the waist
+  "Uprais'd, amidst the waters stood, and knew
+  "The god, and,--here thy speed must stay,--exclaim'd;
+  "Nor e'er of Ceres hope the son-in-law
+  "'Gainst her consent to be: beseechings bland,
+  "Not rugged rape, thy purpos'd hope might gain.
+  "If lofty things with low I durst compare,
+  "Anapis lov'd me; but the nuptial couch,
+  "I press'd, entreated,--not as thus in dread.
+  "She said;--her arms extended wide, and stopp'd
+  "His course. The angry son of Saturn flames
+  "Swelling with rage; exhorts his furious steeds;
+  "Throws with a forceful arm, and buries deep
+  "His regal sceptre in the lowest gulph:
+  "Wide gapes the stricken earth; an opening gives
+  "To hell, and headlong down, the car descends.
+
+    Now equal Cyané the goddess mourns,
+  "So forc'd; and her own sacred stream despis'd;
+  "A cureless wound her silent breast contains;
+  "And all in tears she wastes: lost in those waves,
+  "Where lately sovereign goddess she had rul'd.
+  "Soft grow her limbs, and flexile seem her bones;
+  "Her nails their hardness lose. The tenderest parts.
+  "Melt into water long before the rest:
+  "Her tresses green; her fingers, legs, and feet.
+  "Quickly this change the smaller limbs perceive,
+  "To cooling rills transform'd. Next after these,
+  "Her back, her shoulders, breasts, and sides dissolve,
+  "And vanish all in streams. A limpid flood
+  "Now fills the veins that once in purple flow'd;
+  "Nought of the nymph to fill the grasp remains.
+
+    "Meantime the trembling mother through the earth,
+  "And o'er the main, the goddess vainly sought.
+  "Aurora rising, with her locks of gold;
+  "Nor Hesper sinking, saw her labors cease.
+  "With either hand at Etna's flaming mouth,
+  "A torch she lighted, restless these she bore
+  "In dewy darkness. Then renew'd again
+  "Her labor, till fair day made blunt the stars;
+  "From Sol's first rising till his evening fall.
+  "Weary'd at length, and parch'd with thirst,--no stream
+  "Her lips to moisten nigh, by chance she spy'd
+  "A straw-thatch'd cot, and knock'd the humble door.
+  "An ancient dame thence stepp'd,--the goddess saw,
+  "And brought her, (who for water simply crav'd)
+  "A pleasing draught where roasted grain had boil'd.
+  "Swallowing the gift presented, rudely came
+  "A brazen-fronted boy, and facing stood:
+  "Then laughing mock'd to see her greedy drink.
+  "Angry grew Ceres, all the offer'd draught,
+  "Yet unconsum'd, she drench'd him as he jeer'd,
+  "With barley mixt with liquid: straight his face
+  "The spots imbib'd; and what but now as arms
+  "He bore, as legs he carries; to his limbs
+  "Thus chang'd, a tail is added; shrunk in size,
+  "Small is his power to harm; shorter he seems
+  "Than the small lizard. Swift away he fled
+  "(As, wondering, weeping, try'd the dame to clasp
+  "His changing form) and gain'd a sheltering hole.
+  "Well suits his star-like skin the name he bears.
+
+    "Long were the tale to tell, what tracts of land
+  "What tracts of sea, the wandering goddess pass'd.
+  "Earth now no spot unsearch'd affording, back
+  "To Sicily she turns; with close research
+  "Each part exploring, till at length she comes
+  "To Cyané; who all the tale had told
+  "If still unchang'd: much as she wish'd to speak
+  "Nor lips, nor tongue can aid her; nought remains
+  "Speech to afford. Yet plain a sign she gives,
+  "The zone of Proserpine upon her waves
+  "Light floating; in the sacred stream it fell;--
+  "Dropt as she pass'd the place. Well Ceres knew
+  "The sight, and then--as then her loss first known,
+  "Tore her dishevell'd tresses, beat her breast
+  "With blows on blows redoubled. Still unknown
+  "The spot that holds her, every part of earth
+  "Blaming, ungrateful, worthless of her fruits.
+  "But chief Trinacria, in whose isle was found
+  "The vestige of her loss. For this she breaks
+  "With furious hand the glebe up-turning plough:
+  "And angry, to an equal death she dooms,
+  "The tiller and his ox: forbids the fields
+  "Back to return th' entrusted grain; the seeds
+  "All rotting. Now that fertile land, renown'd
+  "Through the wide earth, lies useless; all the grain
+  "Dies in the earliest shoots: now scorching rays;
+  "Now floods of rain destroy it: noxious stars
+  "Now harm; now blighting winds: and hungry birds
+  "The scatter'd seed devour: the darnel springs,
+  "The thistle, and the knot-grass thick, which choke
+  "The sprouting wheat, and make the harvest void.
+
+    "Now Arethusa from th' Eleian waves
+  "Exalts her head; her dropping tresses flung
+  "Back from her forehead, parting shade her ears:
+  "And thus;--O goddess! mother of the maid,
+  "So sought through earth, mother of all earth's fruits!
+  "Cease now thy toilsome labor; cease thine ire,
+  "Against the land that prov'd to thee so true:
+  "Thine ire unmerited; unwilling she,
+  "Op'd for the spoil a passage. Hither I
+  "No suppliant for my native isle approach;
+  "An alien here sojourning. Pisa's land
+  "My country; there near Elis first I sprung:
+  "A stranger now in Sicily I dwell.
+  "This soil, more grateful far than is my own;
+  "This soil, where I my houshold gods have plac'd;
+  "I, Arethusa, and have fix'd my seat,
+  "Preserve, mild goddess! Why I chang'd my land,
+  "Why to Ortygia, through the wide waves borne,
+  "I came, a more appropriate hour will ask;
+  "When you, from care reliev'd, can grant your ear
+  "With brow unclouded. Through the opening earth
+  "I flow; and borne through subterraneous depths,
+  "Here lift again my head, again behold
+  "The long-lost stars. Hence was my lot to see,
+  "As pass'd my stream close by the Stygian gulph,
+  "Your Proserpine;--sad still her face appear'd,
+  "Nor fear had wholly left it. Yet she reigns
+  "A queen; the mightiest in the realm of shade,
+  "The powerful consort of th' infernal king.
+
+    "Like marble at the words the mother stands,
+  "Stupid with grief; and long astounded seems:
+  "Sorrow by heavier sorrow now surpass'd.
+  "Then in her chariot mounts th' ethereal sky,
+  "And stands indignant at th' imperial throne;
+  "Her locks wild flowing, and her face in clouds.
+  "Lo! here a suppliant, Jove,--she cry'd,--I come,
+  "To beg for her, my daughter and thine own;
+  "For if no favor may the mother find,
+  "The daughter's claim may move. Let not thy child
+  "Deserve thy care the less, as born of me.
+  "Lo! my lost maid, so long, so vainly sought
+  "At length is found; if finding we may call
+  "A surer loss; if finding we may call
+  "The knowledge where she is. Her ravish'd charms
+  "I'll pardon; let him but my child restore.
+  "What though a robber might my daughter wed,
+  "Thine sure is worthy of a different mate!
+  "Then Jove;--our daughter, our dear mutual pledge,
+  "As yours, so mine, demands our mutual care.
+  "But rightly still affairs if we design,
+  "What you lament will no injustice prove;
+  "Love only. Sure, a son-in-law like him,
+  "Can ne'er degrade, will you consent but yield.
+  "Grant nought beyond,--'tis no such trivial boast,
+  "Jove's brother to be call'd! How then, if more
+  "I claim pre-eminence from chance alone!
+  "Still, if so obstinate your wish remains
+  "For separation, go,--let Proserpine
+  "To heaven return, on this condition strict,
+  "Her lips no food have touch'd. So will the fates.
+  "He ceas'd.--Glad Ceres, certain to regain
+  "Her daughter, knew not what the fates forbade.
+  "Her fast was broken; thoughtless as she stray'd
+  "Around the garden, from a bending tree
+  "She pluck'd a fair pomegranate, and seven seeds
+  "From the pale rind she pick'd, and ate. None saw
+  "Save one, Ascalaphus, the luckless deed;
+  "Whom Orphné, fam'd Avernus' nymphs among,
+  "To Acheron, long since, 'tis said, produc'd
+  "Beneath a dusky cave. He, cruel, told;
+  "And his discovery stay'd the hop'd return.
+
+    "Much wept the queen of Pluto, but she chang'd
+  "The vile informer to an hideous shape:
+  "Sprinkled with streams of Phlegethon, his head
+  "Feather'd appears, with beak, and monstrous eyes;
+  "Spoil'd of his shape, with yellow feathers cloth'd:
+  "Large grows his head; bent are his lengthen'd nails;
+  "Scarcely he moves the pinions which are shot
+  "Light from his lazy arms. A filthy bird
+  "Becoming;--constant presager of woe;
+  "An owl inactive; omen dire to man.
+
+    "Well he by his informing tongue deserv'd,
+  "His doom, but Acheloïdes, from whence
+  "Your wings, and bird-like feet, whilst still you bear
+  "Your virgin features? Was it that you mix'd,
+  "When Proserpine the vernal flowers would cull,
+  "Amidst her numerous train? The nymph you sought
+  "Through earth's extent in vain; that ocean too
+  "Your anxious search might scape not, straight you pray'd
+  "For waving wings to winnow o'er the deep;
+  "And favouring gods you found. Of golden hue
+  "Quick-shooting wings your arms you saw bespread;
+  "But lest your inbred song, which every ear
+  "Had charm'd; and lest your highly-gifted voice,
+  "Your tongue should fail to use;--a virgin face,
+  "And speech yet human are indulg'd you still.
+
+    "Now Jove as umpire 'twixt the angry pair
+  "His mourning sister, and his brother, bids
+  "The year revolving either side oblige:
+  "Now will the goddess, mutual in each realm,
+  "Six months with Ceres dwell in heaven; and six
+  "Reign with her spouse in hell. Straight were perceiv'd
+  "The goddess' countenance, and demeanour chang'd.
+  "For now her forehead, which had still retain'd,
+  "(To Pluto even) a sad and sorrowing gloom,
+  "Gladden'd: so Phoebus long in cloudy shade
+  "Envelop'd, shines, their umbrous veil dispers'd.
+  "Now Ceres calm, her daughter safe regain'd,
+  "Enquires:--O Arethusa! say the cause,
+  "Which hither brought thee; why a sacred fount?
+  "Hush'd were the waves; and from the lowest depths
+  "The goddess rais'd her head; and as she told,
+  "The old amours the flood of Elis knew,
+  "Press'd out the water from her tresses green.
+
+    "Once with the nymphs, that on Achaïa's hills
+  "Rove, was I seen; none closer beat than I
+  "The thickets; none than I more skilful spread
+  "Th' ensnaring net. Yet though no fame I sought
+  "For beauty; though robust, I bore the name
+  "Of beauteous. Whilst the constant theme of praise,
+  "My features fair, to me no pleasure gave;
+  "What other nymphs inspire with joyful pride,
+  "Corporeal charms, did but my blushes raise.
+  "To please I thought a crime. Once tir'd with sport,
+  "The Stymphalidian forest I had left:
+  "Warm was the day; I with redoubled heat,
+  "Glow'd from my toil. A gliding stream I found
+  "By ripplings undisturb'd; silent and smooth
+  "It flow'd; so clear, that every stone was seen
+  "On the deep bottom; gently crept the waves;
+  "To creep scarce seeming; o'er the shelving banks
+  "The stream-fed poplar, and the willow hoar,
+  "A grateful shadow cast. The brink I reach'd
+  "Dipp'd first my feet, then waded to my knee;
+  "Not yet content, I loos'd my zone, and hung
+  "Upon a bending osier my soft robe:
+  "Then naked plung'd amid the stream; the waves
+  "Beating, and sporting in a thousand shapes;
+  "My arms around in every posture flung;
+  "A strange unusual murmur seem'd to sound,
+  "Deep from the bottom; terror-struck I gain'd
+  "The nearest brink;--when,--whither dost thou fly?
+  "O, Arethusa? whither dost thou fly?
+  "Alphæus, from his waters, hoarse exclaim'd!
+  "Vestless I fled, for on th' opposing bank
+  "My garment hung. Fiercer the god pursu'd;
+  "Fiercer he burn'd, all naked as I ran:
+  "Prepar'd more ready for his force I seem'd.
+  "Such was my flight, and such was his pursuit;
+  "As when on trembling wings, before the hawk
+  "Fly the mild doves: as when the hawk fierce drives
+  "The trembling doves before him. Long the chase
+  "I bore; Orchomenus, and Psophis soon
+  "I pass'd, and pass'd Cyllené, and the caves
+  "Of Mænalus, and Erymanthus' frosts,
+  "To Elis, ere his speed could cope with mine.
+  "In strength unequal, I sustain'd no more
+  "The toilsome race; he stouter flagg'd less soon.
+  "But still o'er plains I ran; o'er mountains thick
+  "With forests clad; o'er stones, and rugged rocks;
+  "And pathless spots. Behind me Phoebus shone.
+  "I saw, if fear deceiv'd me not, far spread
+  "His shade before me. What could less deceive,
+  "I heard his footsteps; and his breath full strong
+  "Blew on my banded tresses. Weary'd, faint
+  "With the long flight, I cry'd;--Dictynna, chaste!
+  "Lost am I,--help a quiver-bearing nymph,
+  "One who thy bow has oft entrusted borne;
+  "And oft thy quiver, loaded full with darts.
+  "Mov'd was the goddess; from the darkest clouds
+  "She one selected, and around me threw.
+  "The river-god, about the misty veil
+  "Pry'd anxious; and unwitting deeply grop'd
+  "Within the hollow cloud! Unconscious, twice
+  "The spot he compass'd, where Diana thought
+  "My safety surest; twice he then aloud
+  "Ho! Arethusa,--Arethusa! call'd:--
+  "What terror seiz'd my soul! not less the dread
+  "Of lambs, when round the sheltering fold they hear
+  "The wolves loud howling: or the trembling hare
+  "Close in a bramble hid, who sees approach
+  "The wide-mouth'd, hostile hounds, and fears to move.
+  "Further he pass'd not, for beyond the place
+  "No footsteps he discern'd, but guarding watch'd
+  "Around the mist. So closely thus besieg'd,
+  "My limbs a cold sweat seiz'd; cerulean drops
+  "Fell from my body; when my feet I mov'd,
+  "A pool remain'd; fast dropp'd my hair in dew;
+  "And speedier than the wonderous tale I tell,
+  "Chang'd to a stream I flow'd. But soon the god,
+  "Knew his lov'd waters; laid the man aside,
+  "And straight assum'd his proper watery form;
+  "With mine to mingle. Dian' cleft the ground;
+  "Sinking, through caverns dark I held my way;
+  "And reach'd Ortygia, from the goddess nam'd;
+  "There first ascending view'd the upper skies.
+
+    "Here Arethusa ceas'd. Then Ceres yokes
+  "The coupled dragons to her car, their mouths
+  "Curb'd by the reins; and through the air is borne,
+  "Midway 'twixt heaven and earth. At Pallas' town
+  "Arriv'd, Triptolemus the car ascends,
+  "By her commission'd;--bade to spread the seed
+  "Entrusted: part on ground untill'd before;
+  "And part on land which long had fallow laid.
+  "O'er Europe now, and Asia's lands, the youth
+  "Sublimely sails, and reaches Scythia's clime,
+  "Where Lyncus rul'd. Beneath the monarch's roof,
+  "Here enter'd; and to him, who curious sought
+  "How there he journey'd; what his journey's cause;
+  "His name, and country; thus the youth reply'd.--
+  "Athens the fam'd, my country; and my name
+  "Triptolemus: but neither o'er the main,
+  "Borne in a ship, nor travelling slow by land,
+  "I hither came; my path was through the air.
+  "I bring the gift of Ceres; scatter'd wide
+  "Through all your spacious fields, quickly restor'd
+  "In fruitful crops the wholesome food will spring.
+  "The barbarous monarch, envious he should bear
+  "So great a blessing, takes him for his guest,
+  "And when with sleep weigh'd down attacks him. Rais'd
+  "To pierce his bosom, was the sword;--just then
+  "The wretch, by Ceres, to a lynx was turn'd.
+  "Then mounts again the youth, and through the air
+  "Bids him once more the sacred dragons steer.
+
+    "Our chosen champion ended here her lays,
+  "And all the nymphs unanimous, exclaim'd;--
+  "The Heliconian goddesses have gain'd.
+  "Vanquish'd, the others rail'd. When she resum'd:--
+  "Is not your punishment enough deserv'd?
+  "Foil'd in the contest, must you swell your crime,
+  "With base revilings? Patient now no more,
+  "To punish we begin; what anger bids,
+  "We now perform.--Loud laugh'd the scornful maids,
+  "Our threatening words despis'd, and strove to speak,
+  "And clapp'd with outcries menacing, their hands.
+  "When from their fingers shooting plumes they spy;
+  "And feathers shade their arms; her sister's face,
+  "Each sees to harden in an horny beak;
+  "To beat their bosoms trying with rais'd arms,
+  "In air suspended, on those arms they move;
+  "The new-shap'd birds the sylvan tribes increase:
+  "Magpies, the scandal of the grove. Thus chang'd,
+  "Their former eloquence they still maintain,
+  "In hoarse garrulity, and empty noise."
+
+
+
+
+*The Sixth Book.*
+
+
+    Trial of skill betwixt Pallas and Arachné. Transformation of
+    Arachné to a spider. Pride of Niobé. Her children slain by Apollo
+    and Diana. Her change to marble. The Lycian peasants changed to
+    frogs. Fate of Marsyas. Pelops. Story of Tereus, Procné, and
+    Philomela. Their change to birds. Boreas and Orithyïa. Birth of
+    Zethes and Calaïs.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Sixth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Minerva pleas'd attention to the muse,
+  While thus she spoke afforded; prais'd the song,
+  And prais'd the just resentment of the maids.
+  Then to herself;--"the vengeance others take,
+  "Merely to praise were mean. I too should claim
+  "Like praise, for like revenge; nor longer bear
+  "My power contemn'd, by who unpunish'd live."
+  And on Arachné, fair Mæönian maid,
+  She turns her vengeful mind; whose skill she heard
+  Rivall'd her own in labors of the loom.
+  No fame her natal town, no fame her sire
+  On her bestow'd; her skill conferr'd renown.
+  Idmon of Colophon, her humble sire
+  Soak'd in the Phocian dye the spongy wool.
+  Her mother, late deceas'd, from lowest stock,
+  Had sprung; and wedded with an equal mate.
+  Yet had she gain'd through all the Lydian towns
+  For skill a mighty fame. Though born so low,
+  Though small Hypæpe was her sole abode,
+  Oft would the nymphs the vine-clad Tmolus leave
+  To view her wonderous work. Oft would the nymphs
+  In admiration quit Pactolus' waves.
+  Nor pleasure only gave the finish'd robe,
+  When view'd; but while she work'd she gave delight;
+  Such comely grace in every turn appear'd.
+  Whether she rounded into balls the wool;
+  Or with her fingers mollify'd the fleece;
+  And comb'd it floating light in cloudy waves;
+  Or her smooth spindle twirl'd with agile thumb;
+  Or with her needle painted: plain was seen
+  Her skill from Pallas learnt. This to concede
+  Unwilling, she ev'n such a tutor scorn'd
+  Exclaiming:--"come let her the contest try;
+  "If vanquish'd, let her fix my well-earn'd fate."
+
+    Pallas, an ancient matron's form conceals;
+  Grey hairs thin strew her temples, and a staff
+  Supports her tottering limbs; while thus she speaks:--
+  "Old age though little priz'd, much good attends;
+  "Experience always grows with lengthen'd years:
+  "Spurn not my admonition. Great thy fame,
+  "Midst mortals, for the wonders of the loom.
+  "Great may it be, but to immortals yield:
+  "Bold nymph retract, and pardon for thy words,
+  "With suppliant voice require; Pallas will grant."
+  Sternly the damsel views her; quits the threads
+  Unfinish'd; scarce her hand from force restrains:
+  And rage in all her features flushing fierce,
+  Thus to the goddess, well-disguis'd, she speaks:--
+  "Weak dotard, spent with too great gift of years,
+  "Curst with too long existence, hence, begone!
+  "Such admonition to thy daughters give,
+  "If daughters hast thou; or thy sons have wives:
+  "Enough for me my inbred wisdom serves.
+  "Hope not, that ought thy vain advice has sway'd
+  "My purpose; still my challenge holds the same.
+  "Why comes your goddess not? why shuns she still
+  "The trying contest?" Then the goddess,--"Lo!
+  "She comes,"--and flung her aged form aside,
+  Minerva's form displaying. Every nymph,
+  And every dame Mygdonian, lowly bent
+  In veneration. While Arachné sole
+  Stood stedfast, unalarm'd; but yet she blush'd.
+  A sudden flush her angry face deep ting'd,
+  But sudden faded pale. A ruddy glow
+  Thus teints the early sky, when first the morn
+  Arises; quickly from the solar ray
+  Paling to brightness. On her purpos'd boast
+  Still stubborn bent, she obstinately courts
+  Her sure destruction, for the empty hope
+  Of conquest in the strife so madly urg'd.
+  No more Jove's maid refuses, gives no more
+  Her empty admonitions, nor delays
+  The contest: each her station straight assumes,
+  Tighten each web; each slender thread prepare.
+  Firm to the beam the cloth is fix'd; the reed
+  The warp divides, with pointed shuttle, swift
+  Gliding between; which quick their fingers throw,
+  Quick extricate, and with the toothy comb
+  Firm press'd between the warp, the threads unite.
+  Both hasten now; their garments round them girt,
+  Their skilful hands they ply: their toil forgot
+  In anxious wish for conquest. There appear'd,
+  The wool of Tyrian dye, and softening teints
+  Lost imperceptible. So seems the arch
+  Coloring a spacious portion of the sky;
+  Struck by the rays of Phoebus, when the showers
+  Recede, a thousand varying tinges shine;
+  The soft transition mocks the straining eye,
+  So like the shades which join, though far distinct
+  Their distant teints. In slender threads they twist
+  The pliant gold, and in the web display,
+  Each as she works, an ancient story fair.
+  Minerva paints the rock of Mars so fam'd
+  In Cecrops' city, and the well-known strife
+  To name the town. Twice six celestials sate
+  On their high thrones, great Jupiter around
+  In gravity majestic; every god
+  Bore his celestial features. Jove appear'd
+  In royal dignity. The Ocean power
+  Standing she pictur'd, with his trident huge
+  Smiting the rugged rock; from the cleft stone
+  Leap'd forth a steed; and thence the town to name
+  The privilege he claim'd. Herself she paints
+  Shielded, and arm'd with keenly-pointed spear.
+  Helm'd was her head; her breast the Ægis bore.
+  Struck by her spear, the earth a hoary tree
+  She shews producing, loaded thick with fruit.
+  The wondering gods the gift admire; the prize
+  To her awarded, ends the glorious work.
+
+    More, that the daring rival of her art,
+  Should learn experimental, what reward
+  Her mad attempt might hope, four parts she adds;
+  And every part a test of power presents:
+  Bright the small figures in her colors shine.
+  This angle Thracian Rhodopé contains,
+  With Hæmus; both their mortal bodies now,
+  To frozen mountains chang'd; whose lofty pride
+  Assum'd the titles of celestial powers.
+  Another corner held the wretched fate
+  Felt by Pygmæa's matron; Juno bade
+  Her vanquish'd rival soar aloft a crane;
+  And on her people wage continual war.
+  Antigoné, she paints;--audacious she
+  With Jove's imperial consort durst contend;
+  By Jove's imperial queen she flits a bird:
+  Nor aids her Ilium ought; nor aids her sire,
+  Laömedon;--upborne on snowy wings,
+  A stork she rises; loud with chattering bill
+  She noises. In the sole remaining part,
+  Was childless Cynaras, in close embrace,
+  Grasping the temple's steps, his daughters once;
+  And as he lies extended on the stone,
+  In marble seems to weep. Around the piece
+  She spreads the peaceful olive: all complete
+  Her work is ended with her favorite tree.
+
+    Arachné paints Europa, by a bull
+  Deceiv'd; the god a real bull appears;
+  And real seem the waves. She, backward turn'd,
+  Views the receding shore, and seems to shriek
+  Loud to her lost companions; seems to dread
+  The dashing waves, and timid shrinks her feet.
+  She draws Asteria, by the god o'er-power'd,
+  Cloth'd in an eagle. Leda, fair she lays
+  Beneath his wings, when he a swan appears.
+  She adds how Jove beneath a Satyr's shape
+  Conceal'd, the beauteous child of Nycteus fill'd,
+  With a twin-offspring. In Amphytrion's form
+  Alcmena, thou wert press'd. A golden shower
+  Danaë deceiv'd. A flame Ægina caught.
+  A shepherd's shape Mnemosyné beguil'd.
+  And fair Deöis trusts a speckled snake.
+  Thee, Neptune, too she painted, for the maid
+  Æolian, to a threatening bull transform'd.
+  Thou, as Enipeus, didst the Aloïd twins
+  Beget. Beneath the semblance of a ram,
+  Theophané was cheated. Ceres mild,
+  Of grain inventress, with her yellow locks,
+  In shape a courser felt thy ardent love.
+  Medusa, mother of the flying steed,
+  Nymph of the snaky tresses, in a bird
+  Conceal'd, you forc'd. Melantho in a fish.
+  To these the damsel, all well-suiting forms
+  Dispens'd, and all well-suiting scenes attend.
+  And there Apollo in a herdsman's guise
+  Wanders. And now he soars a plumy hawk:
+  Now stalks a lordly lion. As a swain
+  Macarean Isse, felt his amorous guile,
+  Erigoné to Bacchus' flame was dup'd
+  Beneath a well-seem'd grape. Saturn produc'd
+  The Centaur doubly-shap'd, in form a steed.
+  Her web's extremes a slender border girt,
+  Where flowery wreathes, and twining ivy blend.
+
+    Not Pallas,--not even envy's rankling soul
+  Could blame the work. The bright immortal griev'd
+  To view her rival's merit, angry tore
+  The picture glowing with celestial crimes.
+  A boxen shuttle, grasping in her hand,
+  Thrice on the forehead of th' Idmonian maid
+  She struck. No more Arachné, hapless bore,
+  But twisted round her neck with desperate pride
+  A cord. The deed Minerva pitying saw
+  And check'd her rash suspension.--"Impious wretch!
+  "Still live," she cry'd, "but still suspended hang;
+  "Curs'd to futurity, for all thy race,
+  "Thy sons and grandsons, to the latest day
+  "Alike shall feel the sentence." Speaking thus,
+  The juice of Hecat's baleful plant she throws:
+  Instant besprinkled by the noxious drops,
+  Her tresses fall; her nose and ears are lost;
+  Her body shrinks; her head is lessen'd more;
+  Her slender fingers root within her sides,
+  Serving as legs; her belly forms the rest;
+  From whence her thread she still derives and spins:
+  Her art pursuing in the spider's shape.
+
+    All Lydia rung; the wonderous rumor spread
+  Through every Phrygian town; the tale employ'd
+  The tongues of all mankind. The nymph was known,
+  Ere yet Amphion's nuptial bed she press'd,
+  To Niobé. She, when a virgin dwelt
+  In Lydian Sipylus. She still unmov'd,
+  Arachné's neighboring fate not heeded, still
+  Proudly refus'd before the gods to bend;
+  And spoke in haughty boasting. Much her pride
+  By favoring gifts was swol'n. Not the fine skill
+  Amphion practis'd; not the lofty birth
+  Each claim'd; not all their mighty kingdom's power,
+  So rais'd her soul (of all though justly proud)
+  As her bright offspring. Justly were she call'd
+  Most blest of mothers; but her bliss too great
+  Seem'd to herself, and caus'd a dread reverse.
+
+    Now Manto, sprung from old Tiresias, skill'd
+  In future fate, impell'd by power divine,
+  In every street with wild prophetic tongue
+  Exclaim'd;--"Ye Theban matrons, haste in crowds,
+  "Your incense offer, and your pious prayers,
+  "To great Latona, and the heavenly twins,
+  "Latona's offspring; all your temples bound
+  "With laurel garlands. This the goddess bids;
+  "Through me commands it." All of Thebes obey,
+  And gird their foreheads with the order'd leaves;
+  The incense burn, and with the sacred flames
+  Their pious prayers ascend. Lo! 'midst a crowd
+  Of nymphs attendant, far conspicuous seen;
+  Comes Niobé, in gorgeous Phrygian robe,
+  Inwrought with gold, attir'd. Beauteous her form,
+  Beauteous, as rage permitted. Angry shook
+  Her graceful head; and angry shook the locks
+  That o'er each shoulder wav'd. Proudly she tower'd.
+  Her haughty eyes, round from her lofty stand
+  Wide darting, cry'd;--"What madness this to place
+  "Reported gods above the gods you see!
+  "Why to Latona's altars bend ye low,
+  "Nor incense burn before my power divine?
+  "My sire, was Tantalus: of mortals sole,
+  "Celestial feasts he shar'd. A Pleiäd nymph
+  "Me bore. My grandsire is the mighty king,
+  "Whose shoulders all the load of heaven sustain.
+  "Jove is my father's parent: him I boast
+  "As sire-in-law too. All the Phrygian towns
+  "Bend to my sway. The hall of Cadmus owns
+  "Me sovereign mistress. Thebes' high towering walls,
+  "Rais'd by my consort's lute; and all the crowd
+  "Who dwell inclos'd, his rule and mine obey.
+  "Where'er within my palace turn mine eyes,
+  "Treasures immense I view. Brightness divine
+  "I boast: to all seven blooming daughters add,
+  "And seven fair sons; through whom I soon expect,
+  "If Hymen favors, seven more sons to see,
+  "And seven more daughters. Need ye further seek
+  "Whence I have cause for boasting. Dare ye still
+  "Latona, from Titanian Cæus sprung,--
+  "The unknown Cæus,--she to whom all earth
+  "In bearing pangs the smallest space deny'd:--
+  "This wretch to my divinity prefer?
+  "Not heaven your goddess would receive; not earth;
+  "Not ocean: exil'd from the world, she weep'd,
+  "Till Delos sorrowing,--wanderer like herself,
+  "Exclaim'd;--thou dreary wanderest o'er the earth,
+  "I, o'er the main;--and sympathizing thus,
+  "A resting spot afforded. There become
+  "Of two the mother, only--can she vie
+  "With one whose womb, has sevenfold hers surpass'd?
+  "Blest am I. Who can slightly e'er arraign
+  "To happiness my claim? Blest will I still
+  "Continue. Who my bliss can ever doubt?
+  "Abundance guards its surety. Far beyond
+  "The power of fortune is my lot uprais'd:
+  "Snatch them in numbers from me, crowds more great
+  "Must still remain. My happy state contemns
+  "Even now, the threats of danger. Grant the power
+  "Of fate this nation of my womb to thin,--
+  "Of part depriv'd, impossible I shrink
+  "To poor Latona's two. How scant remov'd
+  "From mothers childless! Quit your rites;--quick haste
+  "And tear those garlands from your flowing hair."
+
+    Aside the garlands thrown, and incomplete,
+  The rites relinquish'd, what the Thebans could
+  They gave: their whispering prayers the matron dame
+  Address'd. With ire the angry goddess flam'd,
+  And thus on Cynthus' lofty top bespoke
+  Her double offspring:--"O, my children! see,
+  "Your parent, proud your parent to be call'd,--
+  "To no celestial yielding, save the queen
+  "Of Jove supreme. Lo! doubted is my claim
+  "To rites divine; and from the altars, burnt
+  "To me from endless ages, driven, I go;
+  "Save by my children succour'd. Nor this grief
+  "Alone me irks, for Niobé me mocks!--
+  "Her daring crime increasing, proud she sets
+  "Her offspring far 'bove you. Me too she spurns,--
+  "To her in number yielding; childless calls
+  "My bed, and proves the impious stock which gave
+  "Her tongue first utterance." More Latona felt
+  Prepar'd to utter; more beseechings bland
+  For her young offspring, when Apollo, cry'd:
+  "Enough, desist to plain;--delay is long
+  "Till vengeance." Dian' join'd him in his ire.
+  Swift gliding down the sky, and veil'd in clouds,
+  On Cadmus' roof they lighted. Wide was spread,
+  A level plain, by constant hoofs well beat,
+  The city's walls adjoining; crowding wheels,
+  And coursers' feet the rolling dust upturn'd.
+  Here of Amphion's offspring daily some
+  Mount their fleet steeds; their trappings gaily press
+  Of Tyrian dye: heavy with gold, the rens
+  They guide. 'Mid these Ismenos, primal born
+  Of Niobé, as round the circling course,
+  His well-train'd steed he sped, and strenuous curb'd
+  His foaming mouth,--loudly "Ah, me!" exclaim'd,
+  As through his bosom deep the dart was driv'n:
+  Dropp'd from his dying hands the slacken'd reins;
+  Slowly, and sidelong from his courser's back
+  He tumbled. Sipylus, gave uncheck'd scope
+  To his, when through the empty air he heard,
+  The rattling quiver sound: thus speeding clouds
+  Beheld, the guider of the ruling helm,
+  A threatening tempest fearing, looses wide
+  His every sail to catch the lightest breeze.
+  Loose flow'd his reins. Th' inevitable dart
+  The flowing reins quick follow'd. Quivering shook,
+  Fixt in his upper neck, the naked steel,
+  Far through his throat protruding. Prone he fell
+  O'er his high courser's head; his smoking gore,
+  The ground defiling. Hapless Phoedimas,
+  And Tantalus, his grandsire's name who bore,
+  Their 'custom'd sport laborious ended, strove
+  With youthful vigor in the wrestling toil.
+  Now breast to breast they strain'd with nervous grasp,
+  When the swift arrow from the bended horn,
+  Both bodies pierc'd, as close both bodies join'd;
+  At once they groan'd; at once their limbs they threw,
+  With agonies convuls'd, prone on the earth;
+  At once their rolling eyes the light forsook;
+  At once their souls were yielded forth to air.
+  Alphenor saw, and smote his grieving breast;
+  Flew to their pallid limbs, and as he rais'd,
+  Their bodies, in the pious office fell:
+  For Phoebus drove his fate-wing'd arrow deep
+  Through what his heart inclos'd. Sudden withdrawn,
+  On the barb'd head the mangled lungs were stuck;
+  And high in air his soul gush'd forth in blood.
+  But beardless Damasichthon, by a wound
+  Not single fell, as those; struck where the leg
+  To form begins, and where the nervous ham
+  A yielding joint supplies. The deadly dart
+  To draw essaying, in his throat, full driven,
+  Up to the feather'd head, another came:
+  The sanguine flood expell'd it, gushing high,
+  Cutting the distant air. With outstretcht arms
+  Ilioneus, the last, besought in vain;
+  Exclaiming,--"spare me, spare me, all ye gods!"
+  Witless that all not join'd to cause his woe.
+  The god was touch'd with pity, touch'd too late,--
+  Already shot th' irrevocable dart:
+  Yet light the blow was given, and mild the wound
+  That pierc'd his heart, and sent his soul aloft.
+
+    The rumor'd ill; the mourning people's groans;
+  The servant's tears, soon made the mother know,
+  The sudden ruin: wondering first she stands,
+  To see so great heaven's power, then angry flames
+  Indignant, that such power they dare to use.
+  The sire Amphion, in his bosom plung'd
+  His sword, and ended life at once, and woe.
+  Heavens! how remov'd this Niobé, from her
+  Who drove so lately from Latona's fane,
+  The pious crowds; who march'd in lofty state,
+  Through every street of Thebes, an envy'd sight!
+  Now to be wept by even her bitterest foes.
+  Prostrate upon their gelid limbs she lies;
+  Now this, now that, her trembling kisses press;
+  Her livid arms high-stretching unto heaven,
+  Exclaims,--"Enjoy Latona, cruel dame,
+  "My sorrows; feed on all my wretched woes;
+  "Glut with my load of grief thy savage soul;
+  "Feast thy fell heart with seven funereal scenes;
+  "Triumph, victorious foe! conqueror, exult!
+  "Victorious! said I?--How? To wretched me,
+  "Still more are left, than joyful thou canst boast:
+  "Superior I 'midst all this loss remain."
+
+    She spoke;--the twanging bowstring sounded loud!
+  Terrific noise,--save Niobé, to all:
+  She stood audacious, callous in her crime.
+  In mourning vesture clad, with tresses loose,
+  Around the funeral couches of the slain,
+  The weeping sisters stood. One strives to pluck
+  The deep-stuck arrow from her bowels,--falls,
+  And fainting dies; her brother's clay-cold corse,
+  Prest with her lips. Another's soothing words
+  Her hapless parent strive to cheer,--struck dumb,
+  She bends beneath an unseen wound; her words
+  Reach not her parent, till her life is fled.
+  This, vainly flying, falls: that drops in death
+  Upon her sister's body. One to hide
+  Attempts: another pale and trembling dies.
+  Six now lie breathless, each by vary'd wounds;
+  One sole remaining, whom the mother shields,
+  Wrapt in her vest; her body o'er her flung,
+  Exclaiming,--"leave me this, my youngest,--last,
+  "Least of my mighty numbers,--one alone!"
+  But while she prays, the damsel pray'd for dies.
+
+    Of all depriv'd, the solitary dame,
+  Amid the lifeless bodies of her sons,
+  Her daughters, and her spouse, by sorrows steel'd,
+  Sits harden'd: no light gale her tresses moves;
+  No blood her redden'd cheeks contain; her eyes
+  Motionless glare upon her mournful face;
+  Life quits the statue: even her tongue congeals,
+  Within her stony palate; vital floods
+  Cease in her veins to flow; her neck to bow
+  Resists; her arms to move in graceful guise;
+  Her feet to step; and even to stone are turn'd
+  Her inmost bowels. Still to weep she seems.
+  Wrapt in a furious whirlwind, distant far
+  Her natal soil receives her. There fixt high
+  On a hill's utmost summit, still she melts;
+  Still does the rigid marble flow in tears.
+
+    Now every Theban, male and female, all,
+  Dread the fierce anger of the powers of heaven;
+  And with redoubled fervor lowly bend,
+  And own the twin-producing goddess' power.
+  Then, as oft seen, they ancient tales recount,
+  Reminded by events of recent date.
+  Thus one relates.--"Long since some clowns, who till'd
+  "The fertile fields of Lycia, felt the ire
+  "Of this high goddess, whom they durst despise.
+  "Obscure the fact itself, for low the race
+  "Who suffer'd; yet most wonderous was the deed.
+  "Myself have seen the marsh; the lake have seen
+  "Fam'd for the prodigy. My aged sire,
+  "To toil unable on the lengthen'd road,
+  "Me thither sent; an herd of choicest beeves
+  "Thence to conduct; to my unpractis'd steps
+  "A guiding native of the land he gave.
+  "While we the pastures travers'd, lo! we found
+  "An ancient altar, 'midst a spacious lake
+  "Erected; black with sacrificing dust;
+  "With waving reeds surrounded. Here my guide
+  "Halted, and softly whisper'd,--bless me, power!
+  "And I, like softly whispering,--bless me!--cry'd.
+  "Then ask'd, if nymph, or fawn, or native god
+  "The altar own'd?--when thus my guide reply'd.
+  "No mountain god, O, youth! this altar claims,
+  "But her whom once imperial Juno's rage,
+  "Stern interdicted from firm earth's extent:
+  "Whom scarce the wandering Delos would receive,
+  "Ardent beseeching, when the buoyant isle
+  "Light floated. There at length, Latona, laid
+  "Betwixt a palm, and bright Minerva's tree,
+  "Spite of their fierce opposing step-dame's power,
+  "Her twins produc'd. Even hence, in child-bed driven,
+  "She fled from Juno; in her bosom bore,
+  "'Tis said, the twin-celestials. Now the sun
+  "With fervid rays, had scorch'd the arid meads,
+  "When faint with lengthen'd toil, the goddess gain'd
+  "The edge of Lycia's monster-breeding clime;
+  "Parch'd and exhausted, from the solar heat,
+  "And infants milking her exhausted breast.
+  "By chance a lake, far distant she espy'd,
+  "Deep in a vale's recess, of waters pure.
+  "There clowns the bulrush gather'd; there they pluck'd
+  "The shrubby osier, and the marsh-fond grass.
+  "Approach'd the goddess; on her knees low bent,
+  "The earth she press'd, and forward lean'd to drink
+  "The cooling liquid. This the rustic mob
+  "Forbade. When she to those who thus oppos'd,--
+  "Water withhold? Water whose use is free?
+  "Nature to all unsparing gives to take,
+  "Of light, of air, and of the flowing stream.
+  "I claim but public gifts: yet suppliant beg
+  "Those public gifts to share. Not here I come,
+  "My weary'd arms and limbs within the waves
+  "To lave: my thirst alone I wish to slake.
+  "Even now my speaking lips their moisture want;
+  "Scarce my parch'd throat, a passage to my words
+  "Can yield. As nectar were the limpid draught.
+  "Life with the water give me; for to me,
+  "Water is life; with water life I seek.
+  "Let these too move you, who their tender hands
+  "Stretch to your bosoms,--for by chance the babes
+  "Their little hands held forth. The goddess' words,
+  "Thus bland-beseeching, who could e'er withstand?
+  "Yet these persisted;--obstinate refus'd
+  "To grant her wish, and with opprobrious speech
+  "And threats revil'd her, should she there remain.
+  "Nor rested thus,--the lake with hands and feet
+  "Muddy they trouble; with malicious leaps
+  "They agitate the pool, and upward stir
+  "From the deep bottom clouds of slimy ooze.
+  "Anger her thirst diverted. Rage deny'd
+  "More supplication from th' indignant dame.
+  "Their threatening words, no more the goddess brook'd;
+  "But raising high to heaven her hands, she cry'd,--
+  "Be this your home for ever!--Gracious heard,
+  "Her prayer was granted. Now they joy to plunge,
+  "Beneath the waters; now they deep immerge
+  "Their bodies in the hollow fen; now raise
+  "Their heads, and skim the surface of the pool,
+  "Often they rest upon the margin's brink,
+  "And oft light-springing, in the cool lake plunge.
+  "Now still their rude contentious tongues they use,
+  "Still squabbling, lost to shame beneath the waves:
+  "Beneath the waves they still abusings strive
+  "To utter. Hoarsely still their voice is heard,
+  "Through their wide-bloated throats. Their railing words,
+  "Their jaws more wide dilate. Depriv'd of neck,
+  "Their head and back in junction seem to meet;
+  "Green shine their backs; their bellies, hugely swol'n
+  "Are white; and frogs they plunge within the pool."
+
+    Thus as the man, the fate destructive told
+  Of Lycia's clowns, to mind another call'd
+  The satyr's fate, who vanquish'd in the strife
+  Of skill, on Pallas' pipe, Latona's son
+  Severely punish'd.--"Wherefore thus,"--he cries,
+  "Rent from myself? O, penitent I bow.
+  "The pipe," he shrieks, "should not such rage provoke."
+  Exclaiming thus, o'er his extremest limbs
+  Stript was his skin; he one continuous wound!
+  Blood flow'd from every part; the naked nerves
+  Bare started; and the trembling veins full throbb'd,
+  By skin uncover'd. Every beating part
+  Inward, the breast's translucent fibres plain
+  Display'd to sight. Him every forest fawn;
+  Each brother satyr; and each sylvan god;
+  And every nymph, with fam'd Olympus wept:
+  And every swain, the woolly flock who fed;
+  Or on the mountain watch'd the horned herd.
+  Wash'd by their falling tears, the fertile earth
+  Is soak'd,--absorbs them in her inmost veins;
+  Then form'd to water, spouts them high in air.
+  Rapid 'twixt banks declivitous, they seek
+  The ocean. Marsya, is the river call'd;
+  The clearest stream through Phrygia's land which flows.
+
+    Thus far the crowd;--and then lamenting turn
+  To present griefs:--Amphion's race extinct,
+  Unanimous they wail; but hated still
+  Remains the mother's pride. For her alone
+  Weep'd Pelops;--rent his garments, bare expos'd
+  His breast and shoulders lay, and fair display'd
+  The ivory joint. This shoulder at his birth
+  In fleshy substance, and carnation tinge,
+  Equall'd the right. When by his sire his limbs
+  Disjointed lay, the gods, 'tis said, quick join'd
+  The sever'd members: every fragment found,
+  Save what combin'd the neck and upper arm;
+  The part destroy'd, with ivory they replace;
+  And Pelops perfect from the gift became.
+
+    The neighbouring lords assemble;--every town
+  Their kings intreat condolence to bestow,
+  And all to Thebes repair. First Argos sends;
+  Sparta; Mycené; Calydon, not yet
+  By stern Diana hated; Corinth, fam'd
+  For beauteous brass; Orchomenus the fierce;
+  Messené fertile; Patræ; Pylos, rul'd
+  By Neleus; Troezen, yet unus'd to own
+  The sway of Pittheus; Cleona the low;
+  And all those towns the two-sea'd isthmus holds;
+  And all those towns the isthmus views without.
+  Athens, incredible! was absent sole.
+  War all her energy demanded. Borne
+  O'er ocean, fierce barbarian troops, the walls
+  Mopsopian threaten'd. Thracian Tereus, these
+  With arms auxiliar routed; bright his name
+  Shone from the conquest. Him in riches great,
+  Mighty in power, and from the god-like Mars,
+  His lineage tracing, Procné's nuptial hand
+  Close to Pandion bound. Their marriage bed
+  Nor Grace, nor Hymen, nor the nuptial queen
+  Attended. Furies held the torches, snatch'd
+  From biers funereal. Furies spread the couch:
+  And all night long an owl, ill-omen'd bird,
+  Perch'd on the roof that crown'd the marriage dome.
+  Join'd with such omens, with such omens bore
+  Procné a son to Tereus. Wide through Thrace
+  Congratulations sound: glad thanks to heaven
+  The parents give, and hail the happy day
+  Which gave Pandion's daughter to the king;
+  And gave the pair a son. So ignorant still
+  Mankind of real happiness remain!
+
+    Now through five autumns had the cheerful sun
+  The whirling year renew'd. When Procné, bland
+  Her spouse besought.--"If grace within thy sight
+  "Claim my deserts,--or suffer me to see
+  "In her own clime my sister, or to ours
+  "My sister bring: a quick return thou well
+  "Our sire may'st promise. This high boon obtain'd,
+  "My sister's presence,--to my sight thou'lt seem,
+  "A deity in goodness."--On the main
+  He bids them launch the vessel; in the port
+  Cecropian enters, urg'd by oar and sail;
+  And treads Piræus' shore. Soon as he gain'd
+  His audience; soon as hand with hand was clasp'd,
+  His ill-presaging speech he open'd. First
+  The journey's cause narrating; fond desire
+  Of Procné; and the promis'd quick return
+  Of Philomela, should the sire comply.
+  Lo! Philomela enters, splendid robes
+  Attire her; still more splendid shine her charms:
+  Such they describe within the forests rove
+  Dryad, and Naiäd nymphs; such would they seem
+  Their shape like hers adorn'd, like hers attir'd.
+  Instant was Tereus at the sight inflam'd;
+  So instant would the hoary harvest burn,
+  The torch apply'd: so burn the wither'd leaves;
+  Or hoarded hay. Well might her charms inspire
+  Such love in any;--him his inbred lust
+  More goaded, more his country's warmth which burns
+  Intense; he flames from nature, and from clime.
+  First to corrupt th' attendants he designs,
+  And faithful nurse; and Philomel' to tempt
+  With gifts immense,--his kingdom's mighty price.
+  Or forceful snatch her, and the rape defend,
+  With all the powers of war. Nought but he dares.
+  Impell'd by love's unbridled power; his breast
+  The raging fire contains not. Irksome seems
+  Delay:--and eager to the anxious wish
+  Of Procné, turns his converse; her desires
+  His wishes aiding. Eloquent he spoke;
+  For love inspir'd him. Often as he press'd
+  More close than prudent, all his earnest speech,
+  Procné, he said, dictated. Heavens! how dark
+  The gloom that blinds the view of human souls.
+  Tereus for tenderest piety esteem'd,
+  More as for vice he labors: praise he gains,
+  for every crime. Now Philomela begs,
+  His prayer assisting; flings her winning arms
+  Around Pandion's neck, and suppliant sues
+  A sight of Procné; for her woe she begs,
+  But deems she begs delight. Her Tereus views;--
+  Anticipates his joys; her every kiss,
+  Her arms around her parent's neck entwin'd,
+  But goad his passion: fuel fresh they add;
+  Food for his flame. And when her sire she clasps,
+  He longs that sire to be. Parent, not more
+  His impious purpose would the wretch delay!
+  The king by both their warm beseechings won,
+  Consents;--she joyful to her father gives
+  Glad thanks;--and hapless, deems completely blest,
+  Herself and sister, both most deeply curst;
+
+    Now Phoebus' toil nigh spent, his coursers' feet
+  Sweep'd down the slope of heaven. The royal feast,
+  And golden goblets, fill'd with Bacchus' gift,
+  The board bespread. From hence in slumbers soft,
+  Each sought repose. All but the Thracian king,
+  Though far remov'd, still burning; all her face,
+  Her hands and gesture he recals, and paints
+  At pleasure all her beauties yet unseen:
+  Feeding his flame, and sleep repelling far.
+
+    'Twas morn;--Pandion, pressing warm the hand
+  Of Tereus, as they parted, while the tears
+  Gush'd sudden, thus bespeaks his friendly care.
+  "Dear son, to thee I give her, pious claims
+  "Compel me: suppliant let me thee adjure
+  "By faith, by kindred, and by all the gods,
+  "Thy care paternal, shall protect the maid;
+  "And the soft solace of my anxious years,
+  "Speedy restore, for each delay is long.
+  "Quick, Philomela, quick my child, rejoin
+  "Thy sire, if filial duty sways thee. Much
+  "Thy sister's absence pains me."--Speaking thus
+  He press'd with kisses soft, the maiden's lips,
+  And dripping tears with each behest let fall.
+  Their hands he asks as pledge of faith, and joins
+  Their hands in his presented; tender begs
+  His salutations to his daughter dear;
+  And his young grandson. Scarce the last adieu,
+  Chok'd with deep sighs, he breathes: his boding mind
+  Foreseeing future woes.
+
+                          Now Philomel'
+  Safely on board the painted vessel plac'd,
+  The land far left, as with their laboring oars
+  The surges move;--exulting Tereus, cry'd,
+  "Victorious,--lo! my utmost wishes borne
+  Safe with me."--Scarce his burning soul defers
+  His hop'd-for joys. His eyes are never turn'd
+  From the lov'd face. Thus Jove's protected bird
+  Rapacious bears, with his sharp talons pierc'd,
+  An hare defenceless to his lofty nest:
+  No flight remains, the spoiler calmly views
+  His prey. Now ended is their voyage, now
+  Weary'd they quit their ship, and joyful touch
+  Their native beach; and now the Thracian king
+  Pandion's daughter to a lofty stall
+  Conducts; by ancient trees the spot well screen'd.
+  There he inclos'd the pale, the trembling maid,
+  Of all things fearful, as with tears she press'd
+  Her sister's face to see: his purpose dire
+  Disclosing,--force the helpless maid o'ercame,
+  Loudly exclaiming to her sire; and loud
+  Her sister's help invoking, equal vain:
+  But chief she begs celestial powers to aid.
+  Trembling she lies; so seems a shuddering lamb
+  Wounded, and from the hoary wolf's fierce jaws
+  Just 'scap'd, not sure his safety yet he deems:
+  So seems a dove, her plumes in blood deep-drench'd,
+  With fear still shivering; still the hungry claws
+  Dreading, that lately pierc'd her. Soon restor'd
+  Her mental powers, while scatter'd hung the locks
+  Rent in her anguish, high her arms she rais'd,
+  Livid with blows, as those that mourn the dead;
+  Exclaiming,--"O, barbarian! wretch supreme!
+  "In cruelty and vice; whom not the charge
+  "Parental, seal'd with pious tears could move;
+  "A sister's charge entrusted: not her state,
+  "Virgin defenceless; not the sacred vows,
+  "Conjugal plighted. In confusion all
+  "Commixt, by thee, adulteress here I lie,
+  "Against my sister. Thou a double spouse,
+  "To both. This scourge is sure to me not due.
+  "Why, villain, not my hated life destroy?
+  "Perfect in deeds atrocious; would my breath
+  "Before the horrid act supprest had been:
+  "Then had I guiltless sought the shades. But still
+  "If powers celestial view this act; if sway
+  "On earth they hold; if all not sinks with me,
+  "Thy fate hence-forward from me dread; myself
+  "Shall unabash'd, thy acts proclaim. If power
+  "Is granted, when in public walks I roam:
+  "If here in woods imprison'd, all the woods
+  "Shall with my plaints resound; the conscious rocks
+  "I'll move. May heaven me hear! and if in heaven
+  "A god abides, me hear!"--Rous'd by her words,
+  The fierce king's anger burns; no less his fear
+  Than anger moves him: strongly spurr'd by each,
+  His weapon from the pendent sheath he drew:
+  Dragg'd by the hair, her limbs he forc'd to yield
+  To fetters; twisting rough her arms behind.
+  Glad Philomel' to him her throat presents,
+  Death from the glittering sword expecting. Grasp'd
+  In pincers, fierce her tongue he tore away;
+  Griev'd, and indignant, as her father's name
+  She strove to utter: trembling still appear'd
+  The bloody root; trembling the tongue itself
+  Murmur'd as on the gore-stain'd earth it lay:
+  As leaps the serpent's sever'd tail, the tongue,
+  Quivering in death, still to her feet advanc'd.
+  This deed of horror done, 'tis said that oft
+  (Incredible the fact) repeated force
+  Upon her mangled form the wretch employ'd.
+
+    Now dares he, all those acts atrocious done,
+  Return to Procné. Eager as he comes,
+  For Philomel' she asks. False tears and groans
+  He gives: the hapless nymph he feigns deceas'd:
+  His tears convince. Now from her shoulders torn,
+  Her robes with gold bright-glittering, sable vests
+  Her limbs enfolded. High an empty tomb
+  She rais'd, and pious obsequies perform'd
+  To manes pretended: for her sister's fate
+  She mourn'd, whose fate such mourning ill deserv'd.
+
+    Through twice six signs had Phoebus journey'd on,
+  The year completing. What, alas! remains
+  For Philomela? Guards prevent her flight.
+  Of stone erected, high the massive walls
+  Circle her round. Her lips so mute, refuse
+  The deed to blazon. Keen the sense of grief
+  Sharpens the soul:--in misery the mind
+  Ingenious sparkles. Skillful she extends
+  The Thracian web, and on the snow-white threads,
+  In purple letters, weaves the dreadful tale.
+  Complete, a servant with expressive signs,
+  The present to the queen she bids to bear.
+  To Procné was it borne, witless the slave
+  Of what he carry'd. Savage Tereus' spouse
+  The web unfolded; read the mournful tale
+  Her hapless sister told, and wonderous! sate
+  In silence; grief her rising words repress'd:
+  Indignant, chok'd, her throat refus'd to breathe,
+  The angry accents to her plaining tongue.
+  To weep she waits not, in turmoil confus'd,
+  Justice and flagrance undistinguished lie;
+  Her mind sole bent for vengeance on her spouse.
+
+    Now was the time Sithonia's matrons wont,
+  The rites triennial of the jovial god
+  To tend. Those rites to conscious shade alone
+  Confided. Rhodopé, the brazen sound
+  Shrill tinkling, hears by night;--by night the queen
+  The palace quits, attir'd as Bacchus' rites
+  Demand; and weapon'd with the Bacchant arms.
+  A vine her forehead girds; the nimble deer
+  Clothes with his skin her sides; her shoulder bears
+  A slender spear. Thus maddening, Procné seeks
+  The woods in ire terrific, crowded round
+  By all her followers: rack'd by inward pangs,
+  The furious rant of Bacchus veils her woes.
+  The lonely stable seen at length, she howls
+  Aloud,--"Evoë, ho!"--and bursts the door;
+  Drags thence her sister;--her thence dragg'd, invests        I
+  In Bacchanalian robes; her face inshrouds
+  In ivy foliage; and astonish'd leads
+  The trembling damsel o'er the palace steps.
+  The horrid dome when Philomela saw,
+  Perforce she enter'd; through her frame she shook;
+  The blood her face deserted. Procné sought
+  A spot retir'd, and from her features flung
+  The sacred trappings, and her sister's face,
+  Sorrowing and blushing, to the light unveil'd;
+  Then ran to clasp her. She the sight not bore;
+  Her eyes she rais'd not; her dejected brows
+  Bent to the ground; thus by her sister seen,
+  Encroacher on her bed. Her hands still spoke,
+  When oaths she wish'd to utter, and to call
+  Th' attesting gods, her foul disgrace by force
+  To prove accomplish'd. Furious, Procné burns,
+  Nor curbs her ire; her sister's streaming tears
+  Reproving checks, and cries;--"no period now
+  "For tears, we ask the sword! But if than sword
+  "Vengeance more keen thou hop'st for, sister dear,
+  "Behold me for most horrid deeds prepar'd.
+  "Shall I with flaming torches blaze on high
+  "His hall imperial, and the villain king
+  "Heave in the conflagration? Shall I rend
+  "As thine his tongue? or from his sockets tear,
+  "His eye-balls? or what other member maim?
+  "Or this, or instant send his guilty soul
+  "Thro' thousand wounds to judgment? What thou speak'st
+  "Be mighty. I for mightiest acts prepare.
+  "To fix I hesitate." As Procné speaks,
+  Lo! infant Itys to his mother runs;
+  His sight her mind determines; cruel turn
+  Her eyes, exclaiming;--"See, how like his sire's
+  "Appear his features!"--More she spoke not, fixt
+  Was straight her dread resolve: now fiercer burn'd
+  Within her smother'd rage;--yet when the boy
+  Approach'd, and round her neck his infant arms
+  Threw, and his kisses printed on her lips,
+  With bland caresses mingled, even the soul
+  Of Procné melted. Mollify'd her rage,
+  Tears hard constrain'd flow'd from unwilling eyes.
+  Soon as the mother's feelings softening seem
+  To melt in extreme fondness; Procné quits
+  The sight, and to her sister's face reverts
+  Again her visage; then on each in turn
+  Full bent her view, she cries;--"Must one me melt
+  "With blandish'd soothings? Must the other mute,
+  "With tongue dismember'd stand? Must he exclaim
+  "O, mother!--she, O, sister! never more?
+  "To what a spouse, Pandion's daughter, see
+  "Art thou, degenerate wife, conjoin'd! Thy sin
+  "A spouse like Tereus to have us'd too well."
+  More she delays not, infant Itys drags,
+  Swift as the Indian tiger sweeps the fawn
+  Through shady forests. Then the lofty dome,
+  For rooms remote well search'd, in one arrives,
+  Where she the infant pierces; 'twixt the breast
+  And side the weapon enters, while his hands,
+  Suppliant, his fate foreseeing, he extends,
+  And,--"mother! O, my mother!"--loudly cries.
+  Nor mov'd her countenance fell;--the single wound
+  Was deadly. Philomela, with her steel
+  The throat divided, and the quivering limbs
+  Dissever'd, whilst of animation still
+  Some glimmering sparks remain'd. Of these, they part
+  In brazen cauldrons boil: part on the spit
+  Crackling they turn: with gore the secret rooms
+  Offensive float. Her unsuspecting spouse
+  Procné to feast invites; delusive feigns
+  Her country's customs,--where 'twas given, but one
+  The husband should be nigh; all menial slaves
+  Far distant. On his ancestorial seat
+  High-lifted, Tereus sate, and feasted there:
+  And in his bowels deep he there entomb'd
+  Bowels his own. So blind are human souls,--
+  "Call Itys to the feast,"--he cries. No more
+  Could Procné veil her savage joy;--full bent
+  The slaughter to announce, she loud proclaim'd
+  "Thou seek'st who with thee rests!"--Around he looks.
+  Wondering where rests he. Philomela rush'd,
+  Her tresses sprinkled with the ireful blood,
+  As griev'd he, Itys calling loud, and flung,
+  With savage fury Itys' gory head
+  Full in his father's face; nor ever mourn'd
+  Lost speech so much; her well-earn'd joy to show,
+  More griev'd lost power. With outcry loud the king
+  O'er-turn'd the table; from the Stygian vale,
+  Invok'd the viper'd sisters: hard he strove
+  To tear his bosom, and from thence disgorge
+  The dire repast, the half-digested mass
+  Of Itys' limbs. Now weeping, wild he mourns,
+  Himself his offspring's tomb. Now fierce pursues
+  Pandion's daughters with his unsheath'd sword.
+  From him escaping, on light wings upborne
+  Th' Athenians seem'd; light wings their limbs upbore!
+  One sheltering in the woods: protecting roofs
+  The other seeking; still the murderous deed,
+  Mark'd on her breast remains; still on her plumes
+  The teint of blood is seen. Rapid in rage
+  And hope of vengeance, Tereus too is chang'd,
+  And flits a bird; a plumy crest he bears,
+  High on his head: the lengthen'd sword he bore,
+  A beak enormous grows. A lapwing now
+  With fierce-arm'd face he flies.
+
+                                  Untimely sought
+  Pandion, when the mournful tale he heard,
+  The Stygian shades, ere yet the lengthen'd date
+  Of years commanded. Next th' Athenian realm
+  Erechtheus rul'd, the sceptre dubious held
+  By right or forceful arms. Proud could he boast
+  Four sons;--and daughters four to him were given.
+  Beauteous the maids; in beauty equal two:
+  Of these Æölian Cephalus was bless'd
+  With thee as spouse, O, Procris!--Tereus long,
+  Boreas withstanding, with the power of Thrace,
+  Long Orithyïa, by the god belov'd,
+  Was lov'd in vain; while soft beseechings more
+  And prayers, the power to strenuous force preferr'd.
+  But now those soothings bland so vainly try'd,
+  Fierce swol'n with rage, his most accustom'd feel
+  (Too much that passion knows this wind) he cries;--
+  "Well I deserve it, all my proper arms
+  "Relinquish'd: savage fierceness, strength, stern rage,
+  "And threatening force. With humble softening prayers
+  "Fool have I su'd; in each attempt have fail'd.
+  "More apt to me is force! by force I drive
+  "The lowering clouds before me: Ocean's waves
+  "Forceful I turn; forceful the knotted oak
+  "Root from its deep foundation; hard the frost
+  "I bind; and beat the sounding earth with hail:
+  "I when in open sky, for there our field
+  "Lies in display, my blustering brethren meet,
+  "Oppose such might, that midmost sky resounds
+  "Echoing our forceful conflict; flashing flames
+  "From the cleft bodies of the hollow clouds,
+  "Elicited: I too, earth's secret womb
+  "Fierce entering, in her deepest caverns strain
+  "My strength, 'till trembling wide through all her frame,
+  "The ghosts below are troubled. These the aid
+  "My nuptial wish should seek; no longer pray
+  "Erechtheus for my sire;--my sire by force,
+  "The monarch shall be made."--So spoke the god,
+  Or thus, or more in fury, as he shook
+  His plumes, whose motion sweep'd through earth's extent,
+  And made the wide main tremble. Lofty hills
+  His dusty mantle covers; as the plains
+  Rapid he brushes; shrouded deep in mist,
+  In his dark wings the furious lover clasps
+  His Orithyïa, trembling, pale with fear:
+  Flying his flames were fann'd, and fiercer blaz'd.
+  Nor check'd the ravisher his lofty flight,
+  Till seen the town of Cicones, whose walls
+  Receiv'd him. There th' Athenian nymph became
+  The freezing monarch's bride: a mother there,
+  A double birth she brought, whose shoulders bear
+  The father's pinions; all their semblance else
+  Their mother's. Not at first, 'tis said, appear'd
+  The feathers: Calaïs and Zethes, boys
+  Were yet unplum'd; when yet with ruddy hair,
+  Their beards appear'd not. From each shoulder shot
+  The feathers bird-like, at the self-same time,
+  Their manly cheeks were thick with yellow down.
+  Now when their youth matur'd to man appear'd,
+  Through seas unplough'd before, they sought the fleece
+  Splendid with glittering wool; with all the train
+  Of Minyæ, in the first-built vessel borne.
+
+
+
+
+*The Seventh Book.*
+
+
+    Expedition of the Argonauts. Jason obtains the golden fleece, by
+    the assistance of Medea. Æson restored to youth by her magic
+    powers. Murder of Pelias by his daughters. Medea's flight to
+    Corinth. Murder of her rival and infants. Marriage with Ægeus.
+    Adventures of Theseus. War with Minos. Plague in Ægina. Change of
+    ants into Myrmidons. Cephalus and Procris.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Seventh Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Now in the Pagasæan vessel borne,
+  Plough'd the wide sea the Argonauts, and saw
+  The fate of Phineus; whose old age the curse
+  Of hunger felt, and felt perpetual night.
+  The youths from Boreas sprung, quick sped to flight
+  The virgin-featur'd birds, his hapless face,
+  Far distant. 'Neath great Jason's rule much toil
+  They bore ere on the oozy banks they stay'd
+  Of rapid Phasis. Here the king they seek;
+  And here demand the golden fleece; and here
+  An answer big with fearful labors learn
+  The Grecian crew. Meantime the royal maid
+  Burns with fierce fires: with reason struggling long,
+  Still her hot flame to quench unable, cries
+  Aloud Medea;--"vainly I oppose!
+  "Some unknown god controls. Perhaps 'tis love!
+  "If love 'tis not, no sentiment more near
+  "To love can come. Why else my sire's commands
+  "So harsh appear? But harsh in truth they are.
+  "But why his failing dread? Why dread his death,
+  "But barely seen? What cause such fear can give?
+  "O, hapless maid! would from my virgin breast
+  "Those flames to fling were given. If mine the power
+  "More wisdom would I use. But me this force,
+  "Before unknown, unwilling drags; this love
+  "Persuades, oppos'd to reason: plain I see
+  "The better track,--approve it most, yet swerv'd,
+  "I tread the worse. Why, royal virgin, burn
+  "Thus for a stranger guest? Why long'st thou thus,
+  "A foreign partner in the marriage bed
+  "To clasp? Thy country well can thee supply
+  "What e'er thou lovest. In the gods' decree
+  "His death or safety rests. Yet may he live!
+  "Pray may'st thou for him sure,--love unconcern'd.
+  "But what has Jason done? Savage, indeed!
+  "Were those his youth, his birth, and brilliant deeds
+  "Not touch'd: how savage too the soul must be
+  "His beauty touch'd not, were there nought beside;
+  "My bosom sure it moves. But were my aid
+  "Deny'd, the furious bulls with flaming breath
+  "His fate would compass; or the foes that spring
+  "From earth, his harvest, slay him in the fight;
+  "Or last, he'd fall the ravenous dragon's prey.
+  "If this I suffer, from the tiger sprung
+  "Believe me; steel and marble in my breast,
+  "Deem me to wear. Why not his death behold?
+  "Why not mine eyes with the dread sight pollute!
+  "Why not the bulls, the earth-born foes incite,
+  "And sleepless dragon, with redoubled ire?
+  "Heaven wills it better. But let deeds, not prayers
+  "My time employ. How! shall I then betray
+  "My parent's realm? an unknown stranger aid
+  "With all my power? who by my power preserv'd,
+  "Loos'd to the wind his sails, another's spouse
+  "Becomes,--me left for punishment behind?
+  "If this to do,--another nymph to me
+  "Born to prefer, let him, ingrate! be slain.
+  "But no! his face denies it; his great soul,
+  "And graceful form forbid the fear of fraud;
+  "Or benefits forgot. Yet shall he plight
+  "His solemn faith first, call th' attesting gods
+  "To witness what he vows. What fear I more?
+  "All's safe. Medea, hasten, spurn delay,--
+  "Jason, remaining life to thee shall owe;
+  "Join'd to his state, the annual torch shall flame
+  "To thee, preserver! through the Grecian towns
+  "By crowds of mothers hail'd. Shall I for this
+  "My sister leave, my brother, and my sire;
+  "My gods, and natal land? Yes,--fierce my sire;
+  "My country barbarous; and my brother young:
+  "With all my wishes, warm my sister joins;
+  "And dwells within my breast the mightiest god.
+  "Much I relinquish not, but much I seek.
+  "The glorious title of the Grecian youth
+  "Deliverer! gain'd; the sight of lands and towns
+  "Whose fame even here has journey'd; manners mild,
+  "And cultur'd arts; and Jason for my spouse,
+  "For whom all earth's possessions were too small
+  "To change. His spouse become, supremely blest,
+  "Dear to the gods, the loftiest stars I'll reach.
+  "What are those rocks, they tell, which 'mid the waves
+  "Meet in encounter? Fell Charybdis what,--
+  "Hostile to ships, now sucking in the tide,
+  "Now fierce discharging? What the savage bounds,
+  "Which compass greedy Scylla 'mid the main
+  "Sicilian? O'er the wide-spread ocean borne,
+  "Him whom I love embracing; sheltering close
+  "In Jason's bosom; clasp'd by him, no fear
+  "My soul could harbor. Or if fear I felt,
+  "For him alone I'd tremble; for my spouse.
+  "Spouse, dost thou say, Medea? hid'st thou thus,
+  "With specious names thy crime? Behold the load
+  "Of guilt thou goest to bear! While power remains
+  "The sin avoid."--She said, and duty, shame,
+  And rectitude, before her eyes appear'd;
+  And vanquish'd love address'd his wings to flight.
+  Now to an ancient altar Hecat' own'd,
+  By shady trees dark veil'd from day, she came:
+  Her flames abated, and her eager pulse
+  Subsided. Here Æsonides she saw,
+  And bright her love reblaz'd. Warm flush'd her cheeks,
+  Deep all her visage glow'd. The smallest spark
+  Thus low in embers hid, its vigor shews;
+  Help'd by the feeding blast, increasing burns,
+  And stirr'd in all its wonted fury glows.
+  Just so the languid passion which but now
+  All but extinct appear'd, the hero seen
+  Fresh at his beauteous presence flam'd. By chance
+  More beauteous Jason on that morn appear'd;
+  Well might a lover all her love excuse.
+  She looks, his countenance with her eyes devours
+  As then first seen; and madly fond, she deems
+  His features more than mortal: bashful turn'd
+  Her forehead not from his. But when her guest
+  Address'd her: when he gently took her hands;
+  And crav'd assistance in an humble tone,
+  The nuptial promise giving. Plenteous flow'd
+  Her tears, exclaiming;--"What I should perform
+  "Plainly I see: not ignorance me misleads
+  "But love. My gifts shall aid you, you but keep
+  "The promise pledg'd."--Sacred the hero swears
+  By her, the tri-form'd goddess, whom that grove
+  Acknowledges divine; and by the god,
+  Whence sprung the sire-in-law he hopes to claim;
+  The god who all beholds; by all his deeds
+  Atchiev'd; and by his perils all he swears.
+  His words believ'd, immediate he receives
+  The magic plants, their use well taught, and seeks
+  The roof rejoicing. Now the morn had driven
+  The glimmering stars far distant, crowding press'd
+  The people in the sacred field of Mars,
+  The king himself amidst them, seated high,
+  In purple clad, with ivory sceptre grac'd.
+  Lo! come the brazen-footed bulls, who breathe
+  Through nostrils fenc'd with adamant hot flames:
+  Parch'd by their breath, the herbage blacken'd burns.
+  Loud as the blazing forge's chimney roars;
+  Or loud as lime in earthy furnace laid,
+  Bursts into heat by watery sprinklings touch'd:
+  So loud, within their flaming chests contain'd,
+  The struggling fires loud bellow'd. Scorch'd their throats
+  The sound transmitted. Boldly Æson's son
+  March'd onward; fiercely as the youth approach'd,
+  His foes dark lower'd, and bent their steel-tipt horns,
+  Paw'd with their clefted hoofs the dusty ground,
+  And fill'd with smoky bellowings all the air.
+  Pale grew each Grecian face; advancing on
+  The fiery blasts he feels not, such the power
+  The mighty charms possess, but boldly strokes
+  Their dewlaps pendulous, and to the yoke
+  Subjected, makes them drag the ponderous plough;
+  And with the iron cut th' uncustom'd soil.
+  The Colchians wondering gaze; the Grecians loud
+  Applaud, and with fresh courage fill his soul.
+  Then from his brazen helmet pluck'd, he sows
+  The serpent's teeth, deep in the furrow'd ground:
+  The ground, the teeth with powerful venom ting'd,
+  Soften'd and swell'd them, and a novel shape
+  Imparted. Thus within the parent's womb,
+  An human shape the infant mass receives,
+  Completed perfect in the dark recess;
+  Nor till mature, to air external given.
+  So when the manly forms were perfect made
+  Within earth's pregnant bowels, up they sprung
+  Thick in the fruitful field; more wonderous still
+  Their arms they clash'd when born. Then when the Greeks
+  Their keenly-pointed spears preparing saw
+  To hurl at Jason's head, low sunk their souls,
+  And pallid grew their cheeks; Medea ev'n,
+  Whose art insur'd his safety, trembling fear'd,
+  When single she the youth beheld assail'd
+  By foes in hosts; bloodless her face became,
+  And tremor seiz'd her limbs: then lest the herbs
+  Presented first, should fail in power, she sings
+  An helping magic song, and all her arts
+  Latent, calls forth. Amidst the hostile crowd
+  A mighty rock he flings; their martial rage
+  From him diverted, on each other turns.
+  By mutual wounds the earth-born brothers fall;
+  In civil discord perish. Joy'd again
+  The Grecians clasp the conqueror in their arms.
+  Thou too, Medea, wish'd thine arms to fill
+  With him victorious. (Shame at first repress'd
+  Thy open fondness, though thou wast embrac'd)
+  Now reputation awes thee, now prevents
+  That bliss. What honor gives,--silent to joy,
+  And pour glad thanks to all thy magic arts,
+  And gods their authors, those thou dar'st indulge.
+  Now sole remains by powerful herbs to lull
+  The wakeful dragon, whose high-crested head
+  A triple tongue contains, whose crooked fangs
+  Dreadful the golden fleece protecting guards.
+  Him when be sprinkled with the juices prest
+  From plants Lethean; and repeated thrice,
+  The words which placid sleep inspire; which still
+  The ruffled ocean; and arrest the course
+  Of rapid torrents; sleep before unknown
+  Stole o'er his eyelids, and th' Æsonian youth
+  Seiz'd on the golden prize. Proud with the spoil,
+  (A second spoil possessing) she who gave
+  The power to conquer, as his wife he bears,
+  And lands triumphant on Thessalia's shores.
+
+    Mothers of Thessaly, and aged sires
+  For sons restor'd, glad offerings bring: bright flames
+  The high-heap'd incense; votive victims deck'd
+  With gilded horns are slain: but Æson, far
+  The grateful crowd avoids, now near his fate,
+  Bent by a weight of years. Hence Jason spoke;--
+  "O, spouse! to thee my life and safety ow'd;
+  "To me, thou all hast given; the high swol'n sum
+  "Of all thy favors might belief surpass:
+  "This more attempt, if this thou can'st,--and what
+  "Thy magic power defies? My years curtail,
+  "And to my sire's existence add the term."
+  Fast flow'd his tears while speaking;--while he spoke,
+  His pious duty mov'd Medea; quick
+  Her sire Æëta, so deserted, sprung
+  To thought, and shew'd the two contrasting souls.
+  But, veil'd her secret thoughts, she thus replies;--
+  "What impious accents hear I from thy tongue,
+  "O, spouse religious? Can I then transfer
+  "Of thy existence part? Not Hecat's power
+  "Fateful, would sanction this; nor stands thy wish
+  "In equity. Yet, Jason, will I try
+  "More than thou seek'st to give. With all my skill
+  "Thy sire's existence to prolong, thy years
+  "Unshorten'd; should the tri-form'd goddess aid
+  "Propitious my designs."--Three nights were now
+  Deficient, ere the full-form'd horns could meet
+  The lunar orb to fill. Complete her round;
+  A solid sphere of light from earth beheld,
+  Medea wanders forth; loose all her robes;
+  Naked her feet; bare-headed; while her hair
+  Wild o'er her shoulders floats; and thus array'd,
+  Untended, while deep midnight silence reigns
+  She bends her devious way. Men, beasts, and birds,
+  In bonds of sleep were chain'd; the hedges still,
+  No murmur breath'd; nor wav'd the silent trees;
+  Hush'd was the humid sky; the stars alone
+  Twinkled: to them her arms extending, thrice
+  She turn'd around; thrice from the flowing stream
+  Her tresses sprinkled; thrice with yelling noise
+  The silence broke; then with her bended knee
+  The hard earth pressing, cry'd;--"O, night! thou friend
+  "Of secret deeds; ye glittering stars! whose rays
+  "With Luna's, Sol's diurnal light succeed;
+  "And thou, O, Hecat'! tripleform'd, who know'st
+  "My undertaking, and approaching aid'st
+  "With incantations, and with magic powers:
+  "And thou, O, earth! whose bosom witching plants
+  "Affords: ye winds; ye skies; ye mountains; lakes;
+  "And flowing streams: O, all ye gods! who dwell
+  "In shady woods; and all ye gods of night,
+  "Hither approach! by whose high power, at will,
+  "Rivers I cause between their wondering banks,
+  "Back to their springs to flow; the stormy deep
+  "Hush by my song, or lash it into rage;
+  "Clouds form, or clouds dispel; raise furious blasts,
+  "Or furious blasts allay; smite with my song
+  "The dragon's furious jaws: the living rocks
+  "I shake;--uproot the oak; the earth upturn;
+  "Move forests; bid the trembling mountains leap;
+  "Loud roar the ground; and from the tombs the ghosts
+  "Affrighted walk. Thee, Luna, too I draw
+  "From heaven, by all the threatening clash of brass
+  "Deterr'd not: pale the brighter car becomes,
+  "My spells once utterr'd: by my poisons charm'd,
+  "Pallid Aurora seems. You, plants! for me,
+  "Blunted the ardor of the flaming bulls;
+  "Press'd with the yoke, their necks impatient bent,
+  "And dragg'd the crooked plough. You bade the race
+  "Snake-born, upon themselves their warring rage
+  "To turn. In sleep the roaring dragon's eyes
+  "You steep'd; the guard eluded, sent the prize
+  "To glad the towns of Greece. Now have I need
+  "Of renovating herbs, to make old age
+  "Glow once again in all its youthful bloom.
+  "This will you grant, for sure those stars in vain
+  "Not sparkle; nor in vain the chariot comes
+  "Drawn by the dragons wing'd." The chariot comes
+  Swift sweeping through the air. Active she mounts,
+  Strokes the rein'd dragons' manes, and shakes the thongs.
+  On high they soar:--Thessalian Tempé far
+  Beneath she views; then tow'rd the chalky land
+  Her snakes directs. On Ossa's top explores
+  For plants, and seeks what lofty Pelion bears;
+  Othrys, and Pindus, and Olympus huge.
+  What please her, part she with their root updrags;
+  Part with her crooked brazen sickle mows;
+  Apidanus; Amphrysos, on their banks
+  Many afforded: nor Enipeus scap'd.
+  Peneus, and Spercheus, and the rushy shores
+  Of Bæbé some contributed. She pluck'd
+  In Anthedon the living grass whose power,
+  Then Glaucus' form unchang'd, was yet unknown.
+
+    Now had nine days, now had nine nights elaps'd,
+  Borne on her dragon wings, and in her car
+  Wandering the fields among, ere back she turn'd:
+  Unfed her dragons, save by odorous smells;
+  Yet had they shed their scales, with youth renew'd.
+  Arriv'd, without the palace gate she stays,
+  And there sole shelter'd by the sky, all touch
+  Of man denying; altars two she rears
+  Of turf; sacred to Hecate stood the right,
+  To Youth the left: when these with vervain bound.
+  And forest boughs, here sacrifice she makes.
+  Hard by, two trenches scoops from out the ground;
+  Smites with her weapon in the sable throat,
+  A sheep presented; in the open ditch
+  Empties the blood; then bowls of wine she pours,
+  And bowls of smoking milk; with mystic words
+  Invokes the powers terrestrial; begs the king
+  Of shades, and begs his ravish'd spouse to aid,
+  Nor of his soul the aged king defraud.
+  These when with lengthen'd prayers, and murmurings long,
+  Appeas'd; she bids them tow'rd the altars bring
+  The feeble Æson; his exhausted limbs
+  Bound in deep slumber, by her magic power,
+  Corse-like, she lays extended on the grass.
+  Then Jason bids, and his attendant crew,
+  Far thence depart, nor with their view prophane
+  Her acts mysterious. As she bids they go.
+  Medea then the flaming altars round,
+  In Bacchanalian guise her flowing locks,
+  Circles; and in the ditch's blackening gore
+  Her splinter'd torches dips; with blood imbu'd,
+  Burns them upon her altars; thrice with fire,
+  With sulphur thrice, and thrice with flowing streams,
+  The sire she lustrates. Heated now in brass,
+  Her powerful medicines bubble, high and white
+  The swelling froth appears. There boils she all
+  The roots in vales Æmonian dug; and seeds,
+  And flowers, and juices dark: gems unto these,
+  Sought in the distant East, she adds; and adds
+  What on the sand the refluent ocean leaves:
+  More still, the night-long moon collected dew
+  She brings; the dismal screech-owl's flesh and wings;
+  The entrails of the wolf ambiguous, wont
+  His savage face in human guise to wear:
+  Nor wanted there, the scaly skin which clothes
+  Th' amphibious snake Cyniphian, long and small:
+  The beak and head a crow nine ages bore,
+  She adds. Now was the foreign dame prepar'd,
+  By help of these, and nameless thousands more,
+  The promis'd boon to give, the whole she stirs
+  Deep from the bottom, with a bough long rent,
+  From the mild olive. Lo! the wither'd branch,
+  The boiling caldron stirring, sudden shoots
+  In virid freshness! shortly leaves bud forth;
+  And soon it bends beneath a load of fruit!
+  Where'er the fire above the hollow brass,
+  The bubbling foam high-rais'd, and boiling drops
+  Sprinkled the ground,--the ground with verdure smil'd;
+  Flowers and soft herbage sprung. Medea sees,
+  And with her weapon ope's the senior's throat;
+  His aged blood exhausted sees, and pours
+  Her juices copious: part his mouth receives;
+  And part the wound. When Æson these had drank,
+  Their hoary whiteness lost, his beard and hair,
+  An ebon tinge receiv'd; his leanness fled;
+  His pallid ghastly face no more was seen;
+  His hollow veins with added blood were fill'd;
+  And all his limbs in lusty plumpness swell'd.
+  The wondering Æson, such himself beheld,
+  As the last forty years he ne'er had past.
+
+    Bacchus, from heaven survey'd the mighty change
+  Wonderous, and hence that power was given he found;
+  His nurses to restore to youthful years:
+  The boon from Tethys asking, he obtain'd.
+
+    Nor cease the frauds yet of the Phasian dame:
+  Fierce hatred 'gainst her by her spouse she feigns,
+  And flies to Pelias' court; a suppliant there,
+  His daughters hail her guest:--the sire bent down
+  With age. The crafty Colchian these beguiles
+  Soon, with her well-dissembled friendship's form.
+  Amid her mighty benefits, she tells
+  Æson's old age remov'd; relating all,
+  On this she chiefly dwells. Hope sudden springs
+  Within their virgin breasts: Pelias their sire,
+  Such art they trust may yet revivify.
+  That art they sue for,--highest claim'd reward
+  To her they promise: mute at first she stands,
+  And feigning doubt, in hesitation holds,
+  And anxious poise their eager minds. At last,
+  She says, when promising,--"That in the deed,
+  "More faith ye may confide, a leading ram,
+  "The oldest in your fleecy flocks, a lamb
+  "My medicine shall transform!"--Instant was dragg'd
+  The woolly beast, whose wreathing horns around
+  His hollow temples curl'd; whose wither'd throat
+  The steel Thessalian stabb'd; the scanty blood
+  The steel scarce spotting: then th' enchantress steeps
+  His mangled body in the caldron deep,
+  With juices powerful: smaller grow his limbs;
+  Shed are his horns; and vanish'd are his years;
+  And from the caldron tender bleatings sound:
+  Instant leaps forth to all the wondering crowd
+  The bleating lamb, which, frisking, flies and seeks
+  The swelling teats. With admiration struck,
+  Now Pelias' daughters faith unshaken give;
+  More urgent press their wish. Thrice had the sun,
+  'Merg'd in th' Iberian sea, unyok'd his steeds;
+  And the fourth night the glittering stars had shone;
+  When o'er the fire, pure water from the stream,
+  And powerless plants, the false Medea plac'd.
+
+    Now all in sleep relax'd, a death-like sleep,
+  The monarch's limbs were stretch'd; and with their king,
+  His guards lay dormant; so her magic words,
+  And magic tongue had doom'd. Medea leads
+  Across the steps the daughters; bidd'n by her,
+  His couch they compass.--"Why, O, feeble souls!
+  "Thus hesitate?"--she said,--"your swords unsheathe!
+  "Pour out his far-spent gore, that I may fill
+  "With youthful, vigorous blood his empty'd veins.
+  "Your father's life, and years, are in your hands:
+  "If sways you piety; if empty hopes
+  "Wavering deceive you not; then well deserve,
+  "By duty to your sire: quickly expel
+  "With weapons his old age: let issue forth
+  "His now congealing blood with brandish'd steel."
+  Exhorted thus, most pious she who feels,
+  First impious acts;--a wicked deed performs,
+  Lest wicked she were call'd: yet on the blow
+  Not one would bend her sight; with eyes averse
+  Their savage hands the unseen wounds inflict.
+  Flowing with gore, he from the bed uprais'd
+  His limbs; and from his posture strove half-torn
+  To rise; and stretching forth his pallid arms
+  'Mid all their threatening swords;--"Daughters!"--he cries,
+  "What do ye? Why against your parent's life
+  "Thus arm ye?"--Sink their spirits! drop their hands!
+  His throat Medea severing, stay'd the words
+  He more had utter'd,--and the mangled corse,
+  Deep in the boiling brazen caldron flung.
+
+    She now,--but through the air on dragon wings
+  High borne,--their furious vengeance had not scap'd.
+  O'er shady Pelion high she flew, and o'er
+  The cave of Chiron; Othrys; and the spot
+  For old Cerambus' strange adventure known:
+  Upborne on wings by kindly-aiding nymphs,
+  Here, when the solid earth th' incroaching main
+  Wide delug'd, flying, safe Deucalion's flood
+  He 'scap'd. Æölian Pitané to left
+  She quits; and sees the dragon huge, to stone
+  An image turn'd. And Ida's grove where chang'd
+  By Bacchus' power, the steer a stag became,
+  To screen the theft. And where beneath the sand,
+  A little sand, Corythus' father lies;
+  And fields which Mæra's new-heard howlings fill.
+  Euripylus' fam'd town, where Coän dames,
+  What time the troops of Hercules them left,
+  With horns were crown'd: and Phoebus' favor'd Rhodes;
+  Jalysian Telchines, whose hateful eyes
+  All vitiating, Jove detesting 'whelm'd
+  Beneath his brother's waves. She passes next
+  Carthæïa' walls in ancient Cæä's isle,
+  Where wondering saw Alcidamas the sire,
+  A placid dove his daughter's body bear.
+  And Hyrié's lake she sees, and Tempé's pool
+  Cycneiän, which the swan so sudden form'd
+  Frequented: Phyllius there, a willing slave,
+  Birds and fierce beasts, to his capricious boy
+  Oft brought--e'en lions tam'd; a furious bull
+  He bade him bring, a furious bull he brought;
+  But now in choler at his craving soul,
+  The bull refus'd, though as the last gift claim'd:
+  Indignant, cry'd he,--"soon you'll wish him given!"--
+  And from the high rock plung'd: all thought he fell:
+  But form'd a swan, lightly he pois'd in air
+  On snowy wings. Hyrié, her son thus sav'd,
+  Knew not, by constant weeping soon dissolv'd;
+  The lake becoming that still bears her name.
+  Near this is Pleuron:--Ophian Combé, here
+  Wafted on wings, her murderous sons escap'd.
+  Thence she beholds Latona's favorite isle;
+  Calaurea, where to birds the royal pair
+  Were chang'd: Cyllené, on the right is plac'd
+  Where like the savage herd, Menephron sought
+  His mother's bed. Far hence she spies in tears
+  Cephisus, for his nephew's fate who mourn'd,
+  Chang'd by Apollo to a sea-calf huge;
+  And saw Eumelus' dome, who wept his child,
+  A bird become. At length on dragon wings,
+  Pirenian Corinth she regain'd; where tell
+  The ancient tales, in primal ages, men
+  From shower-fed mushrooms sprung. Here first was flam'd
+  In Colchian venoms fierce, the new-made bride;
+  Then either sea in blazing spires beheld
+  The royal dome; and with her children's gore
+  Her impious sword was stain'd. Thus on herself
+  Reveng'd; from royal Jason's wrath she fled.
+
+    Borne hence, her snakes Titanian reach the walls
+  Of Pallas' city, where most just of men
+  O, Phineus! thou, and Periphas the old,
+  With Polyphemon's niece, as birds are seen,
+  Soaring aloft in air on new-form'd wings.
+  Here Ægeus' roof receiv'd her, for this deed
+  Alone to blame: not satisfy'd as host,
+  In marriage bonds he makes her more his own.
+  Now Theseus comes, son to his sire unknown,
+  Whose brave atchievements, all the two-sea'd land
+  In peace had settled. For his death she mix'd
+  The baneful aconite, long since from shores
+  Of Scythia brought; which thus old tales relate,
+  From Cerberus' venom'd jaws was first produc'd,
+  Through a dark den, with gloomy opening, lies
+  A path steep shelving, where Alcides dragg'd
+  Fierce Cerberus to light, resisting strong,
+  Glancing askaunce his eyes from day, whose rays
+  Sparkled too bright, in adamantine chains.
+  With rabid anger swol'n, a triple yell
+  Fill'd all the air; he o'er the virid plain
+  Sprinkled white foam; increasing fast this shoots;
+  The fruitful soil fresh virulence imparts,
+  And ranker grows its power: from hardest rocks
+  It lively springs, and Aconite hence nam'd.
+  This did old Ægeus, by his crafty spouse
+  Deceiv'd, to Theseus, as a foe, present.
+  Unwitting Theseus, in his hand receiv'd
+  The cup presented; when the sire espy'd
+  Upon his ivory-hilted sword a mark,
+  Which prov'd his offspring; from his lips he dash'd
+  The poison. Wrapp'd in clouds by magic rais'd,
+  The sorceress from their furious vengeance fled.
+
+    The sire, though joy'd, his son in safety found,
+  Trembles astonish'd at the narrow 'scape;
+  And horrid crime premeditated: burns
+  On every altar fires;--to every god
+  Piles costly gifts: full on the brawny neck
+  Of oxen falls, their horns with garlands bound,
+  The sacrificing axe. Ne'er till that day
+  Had Athens' town, such joyous feasting seen;
+  Nobles and commons crowd around the board,
+  And thus, by wine inspir'd, sublime they sing.
+
+    "Thee, mighty Theseus! Marathon admires,
+  "Stain'd by the vanquish'd Cretan bull's black gore.
+  "Thy aid the swains of Cromyon own; thou gav'st
+  "That now secure they till their fields. The land
+  "Of Epidaurus saw the club-arm'd son
+  "Of Vulcan slain by thee. By thee, beheld
+  "Cephisus' shores, the fierce Procrustes die,
+  "Ceres' Eleusis hail'd Cercyon's fall.
+  "Sinis thou slew'st, gifted with strength ill-us'd;
+  "His strength high trees could bend, and oft he dragg'd
+  "Close down to earth the loftiest tops of pines,
+  "Thus rent the bodies of his victims wide.
+  "Safe now extends the road to Lelex' walls,
+  "Scyron low laid: earth to the robber's limbs,
+  "Wide scatter'd, rest refuses; to his bones
+  "Ocean a tomb denies; long widely tost,
+  "Age hardens into rock his last remains;
+  "His name the rock still bears. Should we thy age
+  "And actions count, thy famous deeds by far
+  "Thy years outnumber. O, most brave of men!
+  "For thee the public vows ascend; to thee,
+  "In Bacchus' bowl we drink. The royal hall
+  "Resounds with all the grateful people's praise;
+  "Nor through the city glooms one sorrowing spot."
+
+    And yet (so seldom pleasure comes unmix'd,
+  But still some cares with joy will intervene)
+  While Ægeus, gladden'd that his son secure
+  Arriv'd; Minos, for furious war prepares.
+  Strong though his troops, and though his navy strong
+  His utmost strength was in paternal rage;
+  And with just arms Androgeus' death t' avenge
+  He wars: yet first auxiliar strength he gains;
+  And powerful sweeps the seas with flying ships.
+  First Anaphe joins him, and Astypalæa; urg'd
+  By promise this, and that by threats constrain'd,
+  Low Myconé; Cymolus' chalky fields;
+  Bright Cythnos; Scyros; flat Seriphus' isle;
+  The marble Paros; and the fort betray'd
+  For gold, demanded by the impious nymph
+  Sithonian: still for gold she anxious seeks
+  Though chang'd a bird; on sable pinions borne,
+  With sable feet, she flutters as a daw.
+
+    But Oliaros, and Didymæ, unite;
+  And Gyaros, Andros, Tenos, all refuse,
+  With Peparethos, in bright olives rich,
+  To aid the Gnossian fleet. Thence to the left
+  Steering, OEnopia's regions Minos sought;
+  OEnopia call'd of old, Ægina now,
+  By Æäcus, his mother's honor'd name.
+  In crowds the people rush, and pant to view
+  So highly fam'd a prince: to meet him go
+  First Telamon, then Peleus next in age,
+  And Phocas third and last, Ev'n Æäcus
+  With years opprest, steps tardy forth, and asks
+  The visit's cause. The hundred-city'd king
+  Deep sighs, his grief paternal all renew'd,
+  And thus replies;--"My arms, O, king! assist
+  "Assum'd, just vengeance for a son to claim.
+  "Partake this pious war. Peace to his manes
+  "I seek."--But Asopiades replies;--
+  "In vain you ask;--my city cannot aid:
+  "No lands by neighbouring scite more closely bound,
+  "Than ours and Athens'; hence our league."--The king
+  Angry departs, exclaiming.--"Much your league
+  "May cost you!"--But to threaten war more safe
+  He deems, than wage it there, and waste his force.
+  Still from OEnopia's walls the fleet was seen,
+  Not distant far; when sped by swelling sail,
+  An Attic ship arriv'd; the friendly port
+  Enter'd. On board was Cephalus who bore
+  His country's message. Well the royal youths
+  The hero knew, though long time past beheld;
+  And gave the friendly hand, and welcome led
+  To their paternal dome. The graceful chief
+  Enters, retaining still evincing marks
+  Of pristine beauty; in his hand he bears
+  A branch of native olive: in the midst
+  Senior he stands; and younger on each side,
+  Clytus, and Butes, Pallas' sons. Complete
+  Their friendly salutations; next the words
+  Th' Athenians bade him, Cephalus reports:
+  Their aid demands; their ancient league recounts;
+  The oaths their fathers swore; and adds, all Greece
+  Might perish in their ruin. When their cause
+  With eloquence the messenger thus urg'd;
+  On his bright sceptre as his left hand lean'd,
+  "Take, O Athenians,"--Æäcus exclaim'd,--
+  "Not ask, our aid! Unhesitating draw
+  "What force this isle possesses, and with yours
+  "Employ it: with you shall my strongest power
+  "March forth: strength want we not; our numerous troops
+  "Abundant, for ourselves and friends suffice:
+  "Prais'd be the gods! such is our happy state
+  "Your wish defies evasion."--"Still may grow,"
+  Said Cephalus,--"your prosperous city's state,
+  "And yours!--What transport seiz'd me as I walk'd,
+  "To see each youth so fair, so equal ag'd,
+  "Of all who met me. Yet in vain I look'd
+  "For many features, known when last your walls
+  "Receiv'd me."--Æäcus, with deep-drawn sighs,
+  And sorrowing voice, thus answers.--"Better fate
+  "Completed, what a mournful sight began.
+  "Would I in full could all the facts relate!
+  "Now unconnected must I speak, or tire
+  "Your ear with words superfluous. Whom you seek,
+  "Whom you remember, bones and ashes rest.
+  "But small their numbers:--Heavens! how small to those,
+  "My people, who have sunk in death beside.
+
+    "A dreadful plague, the angry Juno shed
+  "Unjust, upon the natives of the land,
+  "Detested, that her rival's name it bore.
+  "While human seem'd the scourge, the noxious cause
+  "Of slaughter yet conceal'd, with physic's skill
+  "We strove; in vain! death mock'd the power of art.
+  "At first thick darkness heavy press'd the earth;
+  "Pregnant with heat roll'd on the lazy clouds.
+  "Four times the full-orb'd moon had join'd her horns,
+  "Four times diminish'd, had she disappear'd;
+  "Still the hot south-wind blew his deadly blasts.
+  "Our lakes and fountains, from th' infected air
+  "Contagion suck'd; millions of vipers swarm'd
+  "In our uncultur'd fields, our running streams
+  "Tainting with poison. First the sudden plague
+  "Its power display'd, on sheep, on dogs, on fowls,
+  "Cattle, and forest beasts with deadly power.
+  "The hapless ploughman, wondering, at his work
+  "Sees his strong oxen in the furrow sink.
+  "The woolly flocks with sickly bleatings waste
+  "In body, while their wool spontaneous falls.
+  "The steed so fiery, on the dusty plain
+  "So fam'd, the palm contemns; and all despis'd
+  "His ancient honors, at his manger groans,
+  "Prey to disease inglorious. His fierce rage
+  "The boar forgets. The stag neglects his speed.
+  "Not rush the bears upon the stronger herds.
+  "A general languor reigns. In woods, in fields,
+  "In ways, the filthy carcases are seen;
+  "The stench pollutes the air: and, wonderous! dogs,
+  "Nor birds rapacious, nor the grizzly wolves,
+  "Touch the dead spoil. Rotting they melt away,
+  "Poisoning the gale; and spreading wide the pest.
+  "Now the disease, a heavier scourge, attacks
+  "The hapless swains, and in the lofty walls
+  "Of cities rules. First the scorch'd vitals burn;
+  "The hidden fire the blushing skin betrays,
+  "And breath laborious drawn; the furr'd tongue swells;
+  "The parch'd mouth widely gapes, th' infectious air
+  "Inhaling copious. On the couch none lie;
+  "None bear their covering robes; their bodies swol'n,
+  "On the bare earth they fling; nor coolness find
+  "Their bodies from the ground;--the ground from them
+  "Burns hot. Nor aids them now physicians' skill;
+  "E'en them the dire pest seizes, and their art
+  "Fails to assist themselves. Who boldly comes,
+  "With kindly hand his dying friend to aid,
+  "Sinks straight in death beside him. Fled all hope
+  "Of health, and in the grave alone an end
+  "Beheld of their disease,--some wild indulge
+  "Their fondest passions, void of every care;
+  "For every care is vain. Of modest shame
+  "Regardless, in promiscuous throngs they crowd
+  "To rivers, fountains, and capacious wells,
+  "Their hot thirst unextinguish'd, but with life.
+  "To rise unable, many in the stream
+  "Sink, and there perish: still their followers drink.
+  "So irksome to the wretched sufferers seem
+  "Their couches, thence they spring;--and some too weak
+  "To lift their limbs, roll desperate to the ground.
+  "Each quits his home,--to each his home appears,
+  "The fatal spot; and while obscure the cause,
+  "Each deems the house contagious. Oft were seen
+  "Beings half-dead, slow crawling o'er the ways,
+  "Till power to crawl was lost. Others with moans
+  "Stretch'd on the ground, rolling their half-clos'd eyes,
+  "In final motion: raising high their arms
+  "To heaven's o'erhanging stars, breathe out their last,
+  "Caught here by death, and there. Ah! me, what then
+  "My mind employ'd? What but to loathe my life,
+  "And pray with my dear countrymen to die?
+  "Whatever side mine eyes were bent, I saw
+  "My people strewn;--thick as the mellow fruit,
+  "Shook from the branches, or the acorns lie.
+  "Observe that temple, lofty where it towers;
+  "To Jove 'tis sacred. Who to that high fane
+  "Their useless incense brought not? There how oft
+  "Wife for her husband, parent for her child,
+  "Before th' inexorable altar, breath'd
+  "Their dying gasp, 'mid deprecating prayers;
+  "And half their incense unconsum'd remain'd.
+  "How oft the oxen to the temple dragg'd,
+  "While now the priest his voice address'd, and pour'd
+  "The goblet o'er their foreheads, have they dropp'd
+  "By stroke unlook'd for. When myself, to Jove
+  "Wish'd sacrifice to offer up; for me,
+  "My country, and my sons,--the victim loud
+  "Dire lowings utter'd, and without a blow
+  "Fell sudden,--scarce with blood the wounding knife
+  "Was stain'd. The morbid inwards mock'd our wish,
+  "To learn the truth, and pleasure of the gods:
+  "The deep-fixt plague had to the bowels pierc'd.
+  "Before the sacred portals have I seen,
+  "The corses spread; before the altars too,
+  "As death would come in his most hideous form.
+  "Some with the cord life's passage choke, and seek
+  "Death, lest they death should meet. Madly they rush
+  "And voluntary meet approaching fate.
+  "The bodies plung'd in death, funereal rites
+  "Custom'd, receiv'd not; nor the numerous dead
+  "Could all the gates receive: or un-inhum'd
+  "Above the earth they lie, or on the pyre
+  "Unhonor'd by due rites, the bodies flame.
+  "All sense of reverence lost, for piles they fight;
+  "And burn their dead in fires which others own.
+  "To mourn are none; unwept the shadows roam,
+  "Of young and old alike, of sons and sires.
+  "The ground for graves too small, for fires the woods.
+  "Aghast this whirlwind of distress to view,
+  "O, Jove!--I cry'd--if false they not report,
+  "That once you in Ægina's arms were clasp'd;--
+  "If not, O, mighty sire! asham'd to own
+  "Yourself my parent, give my people back,
+  "Or give me death with them. A rattling sign
+  "He gave, and prosperous thunders roll'd. I spoke;--
+  "These omens I accept; and pray these signs
+  "May indicate your happy will:--as pledge
+  "I take them.--Nigh by chance an oak there stood,
+  "Thick-set with spreading boughs, Jove's sacred tree,
+  "Sprung from Dodona's stock: here I beheld
+  "Grain-gathering ants, each burthen'd with his load,
+  "In his small mouth, as o'er the rugged bark
+  "In lengthen'd file they march'd. The numerous crowds
+  "Admiring;--Best of fathers, I exclaim'd,
+  "So many subjects grant me, to refill
+  "My desert walls.--Trembled the lofty oak,
+  "Of wind no breath, yet mov'd the sounding boughs;
+  "With terror shook my limbs, and upright rear'd
+  "My hair; then kisses to the ground I gave,
+  "And kiss'd the oak; scarce hope I dar'd to feel:
+  "Yet still I nourish'd hope within my soul.
+  "Night comes; my body worn with cares, to sleep
+  "Obedience yielded. Still before mine eyes
+  "The oak appear'd; branches the same it bore,
+  "And on its branches seem'd the swarms the same;
+  "So mov'd the boughs, and on the grass below,
+  "Shook the corn-carrying crowd. Sudden they grew;
+  "Large, and more large they seem'd, as from the ground
+  "Themselves they rais'd, and stood in form erect.
+  "Their slender make, their numerous feet, their hue
+  "Of sable, disappear'd, and all their limbs
+  "An human shape confess'd. Sleep fled mine eyes;
+  "And fled my vision:--As by heaven not mark'd,
+  "Complaining;--far without the hall I heard
+  "A murmuring loud, and human seem'd the sounds,--
+  "Though stranger to mine ears: musing if still
+  "I slept not,--Lo! quick, Telamon approach'd,
+  "Wide threw the doors; and cry'd,--O, sire! behold;
+  "What hope, what faith surpasses!--Forth I come;
+  "Such men as in my dream my fancy saw,
+  "I see;--I know them, man by man, again:
+  "They come, and king salute me: unto Jove
+  "My votive thanks I pay; my city share
+  "Amongst my subjects new; and all my lands,
+  "(Of those who till'd them, empty.) Myrmidons,
+  "From whence they sprung, I call them. You have seen
+  "Their bodies,--still their habits are the same:
+  "A frugal race as wont, patient of toil;
+  "On gain still bent; tenacious of that gain.
+  "These equal all, in courage and in years,
+  "Shall follow you to battle; when the east
+  "Which blew you here so prosperous, (for the east
+  "Had brought him) to the southern gales shall yield."
+  With these and such like speeches, all the day
+  They sit conversing; evening they devote
+  To banquets; and the night to soft repose.
+  Sol rais'd his golden head, but Eurus still
+  Prevail'd, and bound their sails. Now Pallas' sons
+  To Cephalus, their chief in years, repair,
+  And to the king with Pallas' sons he goes;
+  But still deep-wrapt in sleep the king was laid.
+  Phocus receiv'd them at the gates; employ'd
+  Were Telamon and Peleus, troops to chuse
+  For the new war. Th' Athenian chief he leads
+  Within the palace, to the fairest rooms.
+  When all were seated, Phocus mark'd the dart
+  The hero bore, shap'd from a wood unknown,
+  Pointed with gold; and said, with prefac'd words:
+  "To range the forests, and fierce beasts to slay
+  "Is all my joy; yet long in doubt I've stood
+  "What tree this dart has form'd; for ash too pale,
+  "Too smooth for cornel; though from whence it comes
+  "So ignorant, ne'er before mine eyes beheld
+  "A fairer weapon."--Pallas' son address'd
+  The youth:--"The javelin's use you'll more admire
+  "Than beauty;--thrown where'er, its mark it gains,
+  "Unrul'd by erring chance, and bloody, back
+  "Instant returns."--Then Phocus curious asks
+  More full its story, how, and whence it came,
+  And who the author of so priz'd a gift.
+  Him Cephalus informs, but shame denies
+  To tell the whole, and what the present's price.
+  Full to his mind his consort's loss recall'd,
+  Tears sudden gush'd:--"O, goddess-born!--he cries,
+  "This dart (improbable howe'er) my tears
+  "Has often caus'd,--and long will make them flow;--
+  "If fate long life should grant. My dear-lov'd spouse
+  "This dart destroy'd:--O, that this fatal gift
+  "Had still been unpossess'd! Procris, ally'd
+  "To stol'n Orithyiä (if Orithyiä's fame
+  "Your ears has reach'd) was as her sister fair:
+  "Nay, match'd in form and manners, she might more
+  "The robber tempt. Her sire Erechthens join'd
+  "To me the maid; us love more firmly bound:
+  "Blest was I call'd, and blest I was indeed,
+  "And still were blest, but heaven else will'd my fate.
+  "Now had the second month connubial joys
+  "Beheld; when chasing dusky darkness far,
+  "Aurora ruddy, saw me on the heights
+  "Hymettus flowery rears, as there my toils
+  "For antler'd stags I spread: and there by force
+  "She clasp'd me. Truth I wish to guide my tongue
+  "Nor yet displease the goddess, when I swear
+  "Though bright her roseate cheeks; though wide she sways
+  "Of night and day the confines; though she quaffs
+  "Nectarean liquid, still I Procris lov'd:
+  "Still in my bosom Procris reign'd, and still
+  "Procris, my tongue repeated. Oft I urg'd
+  "The sacred couch, the new-felt joys, the rites
+  "So recent, and the plighted faith just given,
+  "To her deserted: when the goddess flam'd,
+  "Exclaiming;--Ingrate! cease thy doleful plaints,
+  "Enjoy thy Procris,--if I right foresee
+  "Thou'lt rue that wish'd enjoyment:--Angry thus
+  "She fled me. Slow returning, much I mus'd,
+  "The goddess' words recalling: fear me thrill'd,
+  "Lest Procris had her nuptial oaths profaned.
+  "Her age, her beauty, much suspicion mov'd;
+  "Her virtue bade me chase my fears as vain.
+  "Yet was I absent, and from whence I came,
+  "Prov'd how adulterous females might indulge,
+  "Suspicious love fears all. Studious I seek,
+  "What found would rack with torture; and I burn
+  "To bribe with gifts, and try her modest faith.
+  "Aurora aids my fears, my shape transforms:
+  "(Conscious I felt it.) To Minerva's town,
+  "To all unknown, I hastened, and my house
+  "Enter'd: the house in faultless guise I found;
+  "Chaste all appear'd, and anxious all were seen
+  "For their lost master. By a thousand arts
+  "Erechtheus' daughter I at length beheld,
+  "And seen was stagger'd: near my purpos'd proof
+  "Relinquish'd of fidelity; most hard
+  "The cheat to tell not; to refrain most hard
+  "From conjugal salutes. Sad she appear'd.
+  "But nought more lovely could in sadness seem:
+  "Burning in wishes for her absent spouse.
+  "Image, O, Phocus! what her beauteous face
+  "Could boast; a face that woe itself became.
+  "Why should I tell how oft her virtuous soul,
+  "Repuls'd my tempting offers? Why repeat
+  "How oft she cry'd;--For one myself I keep,
+  "For one, where'er he stays, my joys preserve.
+  "Whose mad suspicion would not this allay?
+  "This proof of faith? But I, not so content,
+  "Strive for my own confusion. Lavish gifts
+  "I proffer for the joys of one short night:
+  "More and more rich I heap them, till her breast
+  "Wavers, then loud exclaim,--Lo! here behold,
+  "Adulteress! one unluckily disguis'd,
+  "Unluckily betroth'd, thy lawful spouse!
+  "Perfidious! by those eyes convinc'd I stand.
+  "Nought she:--with silent shame o'ercome, she fled
+  "The house deceitful, and her hated spouse.
+  "With me offended, all the race of men
+  "Detesting, on the mountain tops she rov'd;
+  "Diana's sports close following. Fiercer love
+  "Flam'd in my bosom, thus deserted left.
+  "I su'd for pardon, and my fault I own'd;
+  "Swore that myself so tempted, so had err'd,
+  "By such high offers brib'd. Confessing thus,
+  "Her wounded modest pride grew more compos'd;
+  "And shortly I regain'd her. Long in peace
+  "We liv'd, and cordial spent the smiling years.
+  "Herself a gift she priz'd not: more she gave,
+  "An hound, she from Diana's hand receiv'd,
+  "Who said,--accept the fleetest of his race--
+  "And gave this javelin which you see me bear.
+  "If of the first the fate you seek to know,
+  "Attend, th' adventure will your wonder move.
+
+    "The son of Laïus had the words explain'd,
+  "Before his time to every mind obscure;
+  "And the dark prophetess, down headlong flung,
+  "Laid lifeless, all her riddling tales forgot.
+  "Her, fostering Themis saw, and unreveng'd
+  "To lie not suffer'd. Straight another plague
+  "On Thebes was loos'd; and all the country swains
+  "Fear'd by the savage beast their flocks to lose,
+  "And fear'd their own destruction. With the youths
+  "Adjacent, I assembled; round the fields
+  "Our toils we fix; the toils the rapid beast
+  "O'erleaps high-bounding; 'bove the loftiest ropes,
+  "Stretch'd o'er the nets, with active spring he flies.
+  "The hounds uncoupled, in the chace he mocks,
+  "And like an agile bird before them plays;
+  "With outcries loud, for Lælaps' aid they call.
+  "(My Procris' gift, so nam'd.) Long had he tugg'd,
+  "To extricate him from the chain; to free
+  "His captive neck: scarce was he loos'd, so swift
+  "He shot, in vain our eyes his progress mark'd:
+  "In the light dust his feet were printed, he,
+  "Rapt from the view, was vanish'd. Swifter flies
+  "The darted spear not: nor the leaden ball
+  "Hurl'd from the whirling sling;--nor reedy dart
+  "Shot from the Cretan bow. A central hill
+  "High-towering, all the subject plains o'erlooks;
+  "Thither I climb, and there behold the chase;
+  "A novel scene. Now seems the beast safe caught;
+  "Now from the grasp light-springing. Flight right on
+  "Crafty he shuns, and doubles round the field,
+  "Cheating his chaser's mouth; and circling turns
+  "His foe's quick speed eluding. Swift he flies,--
+  "With equal swiftness follow'd. Now to grasp
+  "His prey seems Lælaps,--in his grasp deceiv'd,
+  "His empty jaws seize air. Now to my aid
+  "I call my javelin,--poize it for the blow,
+  "And bend mine eyes the thongs to fix secure:
+  "Again I lift them to behold the chase,
+  "And see astonish'd in the spacious plain
+  "Two marble statues! this to fly appears,--
+  "That barking seems to follow. So decreed
+  "Doubtless the gods, that in the arduous course
+  "Unconquer'd, each his glory might retain."
+
+    Thus far he spoke, then silent sate.--"What crime,"
+  Said Phocus--"has the javelin then perform'd?"--
+  And thus the javelin's fault the hero tells,
+  "Since joys supreme my sorrows first forewent,
+  "Let me, O, Phocus! first those joys recount.
+  "O, youth! how it delights me to retrace
+  "Those happy moments, when supremely blest
+  "In her, the primal years were joyous spent.
+  "She, equal happy in her darling spouse;
+  "Each mind of mutual care a portion bore;
+  "And love's connubial joys each equal shar'd.
+  "Jove's proffer'd couch, with my embrace compar'd,
+  "Procris had spurn'd; nor could the loveliest nymph
+  "Me tempt, though Venus' self had deign'd to sue:
+  "In either breast an equal ardor flam'd.
+  "In youthful guise I wont the woods to scour,
+  "For sport betimes, ere yet the sun had ting'd
+  "With early beams the lofty mountains' tops:
+  "Nor took I servants, nor the courser fleet,
+  "Nor hounds sharp-scented, nor the knotted snares;
+  "This dart my sole dependence: when my arm
+  "With slaughtered spoil was satiate, tir'd I sought
+  "The cooling shade, and sought where Aura breath'd
+  "In frigid vales her breezes. 'Midst the heat
+  "Refreshing air I sought, and Aura call'd,
+  "My labour's recreation; thus I sung,
+  "I well the words remember;--Aura, come!
+  "Come, my delight,--within my bosom creep,
+  "Most grateful friend; come, and as wont remove
+  "My inward flames.--By chance more tender words
+  "(So sway'd my destiny) to these I join'd:
+  "And thus I spoke--O, thou! my greatest joy
+  "Refreshing, cherishing my strength and power!
+  "For thee, these woods and lonely spots I love:
+  "Here does my wishing mouth thy breath inhale.--
+  "These words ambiguous, busy ears receiv'd,
+  "And Aura! Aura! oft invok'd, they deem
+  "A favor'd nymph,--a nymph by me belov'd.
+  "The rash informer with the imag'd wrong,
+  "My Procris seeks his whispering tongue relates,
+  "The words o'erheard. Love credulous believes.
+  "O'erpress'd with grief, she sudden sunk, when heard
+  "The tale,--and long she unrecover'd laid.
+  "Then--hapless wife!--O, wayward fate! she cries:--
+  "My broken faith bewails, and with my crime
+  "Imagin'd, troubled, fears what not exists,--
+  "A name without a being: much she grieves,
+  "As real were her rival: yet full oft
+  "Stagger'd, she doubts, and hopes herself deceiv'd:
+  "Trusts not th' informer; and her husband's fault,
+  "Unless beheld, refuses to believe.
+  "When next Aurora bade the darkness fly
+  "I sally'd forth, and sought th' accustomed wood:
+  "Then tir'd with conquest, on the grass I stretch'd,
+  "And,--come, dear Aura, ease my pain,--I cry'd
+  "Sudden a mournful sigh betwixt my words
+  "I heard, but still proceeded,--dearest, come!--
+  "Again the falling leaves a rustling sound
+  "Causing, a savage beast I thought lay hid,
+  "And hurl'd my faithful dart. Procris was there!
+  "And as her tender breast the blow receiv'd
+  "Alas! she cry'd.--My faithful spouse's voice
+  "I knew, and with distracted speed I ran;
+  "Half-dead I found her, all her robes distain'd
+  "With flowing blood,--and dragging from the wound,
+  "Ah, me!--her fatal gift. My guilty arms,
+  "Her body, dearer far than mine, support;
+  "My vest I rend, the cruel gash to bind,
+  "And check the gushing blood; I fearful pray,
+  "She will not leave me guilty of her fate.
+  "She now, her strength fast wasting, dying fast,
+  "These words to utter try'd:--Suppliant I beg,
+  "By all the oaths that form'd our nuptial ties;
+  "By all the gods and goddesses above;
+  "By all my actions which have given you joy;
+  "By that strong love which thus my fate has caus'd,
+  "Which now in death my bosom still retains,
+  "Let not this Aura to my bed succeed.--
+  "She said,--too late I learn'd, too late I told
+  "The error of the name; for what avail'd!
+  "She sinks, her small remaining strength is fled,
+  "Her last blood flows. While ought she seems to view,
+  "On me she bends her eyes; her hapless soul
+  "My lips inhale, yet pleas'd her brow appears
+  "In death, more calm from what I just explain'd."
+  Thus grieving, Cephalus concludes, and all
+  His audience with him weep. When, lo! appear
+  King Æäcus, his sons, and troops new-rais'd;
+  Whom Cephalus, in warlike strength, receives.
+
+  END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
+
+  _Macdonald & Bailey, Printers, Harris's Place,
+  Oxford-Street._
+
+
+
+
+  THE
+  METAMORPHOSES
+  OF
+  PUBLIUS OVIDIUS NASO
+  IN
+  *English Blank Verse*
+
+
+  Translated by
+  J. J. HOWARD
+
+  VOL. II.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+*The Eighth Book.*
+
+
+    Nisus betrayed to Minos by his daughter Scylla; changed to a
+    falcon, and Scylla to a lark. Return of Minos to Crete. The
+    Minotaur and labyrinth. Flight of Dædalus and Icarus. Change of
+    Perdix to a partridge. Chase and death of the Calydonian boar, by
+    Meleager and Atalanta. Murder of Meleager's uncles. Vengeance of
+    his mother. Death of Meleager, and transformation of his sisters
+    to birds. Acheloüs. Nymphs transformed into the isles Echinades.
+    Perimelè into an island. Story of Baucis and Philemon. Changes of
+    Proteus. Story of Erisichthon, and transformations of his
+    daughter.
+
+  *Printed by G. HAYDEN,
+  Brydges Street, Covent Garden.*
+
+
+
+
+THE *Eighth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Now leading Phosphor' shining day disclos'd,
+  The darkness flying; and the eastern gales
+  Lull'd into calm, the vapoury clouds arose:
+  The placid south befriending, rapid borne,
+  The hero Cephalus, and aiding troops,
+  Ride unexpected in their wish'd-for port.
+
+    Minos, meanwhile, the Lelegeian coast
+  Lays waste, and on Alcathoë's town his power
+  Essays. Here Nisus rul'd, whose reverend locks
+  Of silvery brightness, in the midst contain'd
+  One with rich purple splendid, sacred pledge
+  Of fortune to his kingdom. Six times seen
+  Were Luna's horns arising fresh renew'd;
+  Still hover'd conquest doubtful o'er the war,
+  On wavering pinions, 'twixt opposing hosts.
+  A regal tower its vocal walls high-rear'd,
+  Where once Latona's son his golden lyre
+  Rested; the music still the stones retain'd.
+  Oft here the beauteous daughter of the king
+  Ascended, and the latent music drew
+  Forth to the ear, by smallest pebbles struck.
+  Thus she in peaceful times, and here she oft
+  When war was raging, ventur'd: hence she saw
+  The rough encounters of the furious field.
+  So long the tedious warfare, well she knew
+  The leaders' names, their arms, their prancing steeds:
+  And knew their garments, and their Cretan bows.
+  Far beyond all Europa's son she knew,
+  More than became her state: this Minos well
+  Could prove; whose head in crested helmet hid,
+  Most beauteous helm'd appear'd: whose arm, adorn'd
+  With brazen shield refulgent, well became
+  The brazen shield: whose hand the tough lance whirl'd,
+  And back withdrawn, the virgin wondering prais'd
+  Such strength and skill combin'd: to fit the dart
+  When to the spreading bow his strength he bent,
+  She vow'd that Phoebus in such posture stood
+  His arrows fitting: when, his brazen casque
+  Relinquish'd, all his features shone display'd,
+  As purple-rob'd his snow-white steed he press'd,
+  In painted housings gay, and curb'd his jaws
+  White foaming,--then the lost Nisean maid,
+  Scarcely herself, in frantic rapture spoke:--
+  Blest call'd the javelin, that his hands it touch'd;
+  Blest call'd the reins he curb'd. Arduous she burns,
+  (Could she) through hostile ranks her virgin steps
+  To bend: arduous she burns, from loftiest towers
+  To fling her body in the Cretan camp.
+  The brazen portals of the city's walls
+  Wide to the foe she'd ope: what could she not?
+  That Minos will'd? As resting here she view'd,
+  The white pavilion of the Gnossian king
+  Dubious, she cry'd;--"Or should I grieve or joy,
+  "This mournful war to witness? Grieve I must
+  "That Minos so belov'd should be my foe.
+  "But had the war not been, his lovely face
+  "Had ne'er to me been known. Now war may cease
+  "Should I become the hostage:--I retain'd,
+  "As Minos' comrade, and the pledge of peace.
+  "Fairest of forms! if she who brought thee forth
+  "Resembled thee, well might an amorous god
+  "Burn for her beauty. O! thrice blest were I,
+  "If borne through air on lightly-waving wings,
+  "The Cretan monarch's camp I might explore,
+  "And there, my rank and love disclos'd, demand
+  "What dowry he would ask to be my spouse.
+  "My country's towers alone, he should not seek.
+  "Perish the joys of his expected bed,
+  "Ere I through treason gain them! Yet full oft
+  "A moderate victor's clemency affords
+  "Great blessings to the vanquish'd. Doubtless, he
+  "Just warfare wages for his murder'd son.
+  "Strong in his cause, and in his armies strong,
+  "Which aid that cause, he must the conquest gain.
+  "Why, if this fate my country waits, should war,
+  "And not my love unbar to him the gates?
+  "So may he conquer; slaughter, toil, and blood,--
+  "His own dear blood, avoided. How I dread,
+  "Lest some rash hand might that lov'd bosom wound!
+  "None but the ignorant sure, the savage spear
+  "At him would hurl. The scheme delights my soul:
+  "Fixt my resolve; my country as my dower
+  "Will I deliver, finish so the war!
+  "But what are resolutions? Watchful guards
+  "The passes keep; of every gate, the keys
+  "My father careful holds. Hapless! I dread
+  "My father only; he alone withstands
+  "My wishes; would that so the gods had doom'd,
+  "I had no parent! But to each himself
+  "A god may surely be; and fortune spurns
+  "Lazy beseechers. With such love inflam'd,
+  "Another maid had long ere now destroy'd
+  "All barriers to her bliss; and why than I,
+  "Should any dare more boldly? Fearless, I
+  "Thro' swords and flames would pass, but swords and flames
+  "Oppose me not in this: my sole desire
+  "Compris'd in one small lock of Nisus' hair:
+  "Than gold that prize more dear. That purple lock
+  "Most blest would make me, and my sole desires
+  "Encompass."--Speaking thus, the gloomy night,
+  Imperial nurse of cares, approach'd; more bold
+  Her daring project with the darkness grew.
+
+    Now primal slumbers rul'd o'er weary breasts,
+  Tir'd with their toil diurnal. Silent, she
+  Her father's chamber enters, and (O, dire!)
+  The daughter from her parent's head divides
+  The fateful lock! Her wicked prize possess'd,
+  Forth from the gate she issues; and the spoil,
+  So cursed, with her bears; as through the hosts,
+  (Such boldness gave the deed,) she seeks the king,
+  Whom thus, astonish'd and aghast, she hails:--
+  "To wicked deeds love sways; behold me here,
+  "Scylla, from royal Nisus sprung; to thee
+  "My household gods and country I betray:
+  "Thee, sole reward I seek. Pledge of my faith,
+  "This purple lock receive, and with this lock
+  "Receive my parent's head."--Then in her hand
+  The impious gift presented. Minos spurn'd
+  The parricidal present; deeply shock'd
+  A deed so base to witness, and exclaim'd;--
+  "May all the gods, from every part of earth
+  "Thee banish, scandal of our age! may land
+  "And sea alike reject thee; such a soul
+  "So monstrous! ne'er with me shall touch the shores
+  "Of Crete, my land, and cradle of high Jove."
+  He said, and on his captive foes impos'd
+  Most just his equal laws; his men bade loose
+  Their cables from the beach, and with their oars
+  His vessels bright with brass, urge on the deep.
+
+    Launch'd on the main, when Scylla sees the fleet,
+  Nor from its leader gain'd the hop'd reward,
+  Her wicked deed had sought, tir'd of her prayers,
+  In desperate rage she storms; wild throws her hair;
+  Stretches her hands, exclaiming;--"Where! O, where!
+  "Fly'st thou, the author of thy fortune left?
+  "O, priz'd above my country! 'bove my sire!
+  "O cruel, whither fly'st thou, whose success
+  "At once my merit, and my fault displays?
+  "Will not the gifted conquest move thy soul?
+  "Will not my love thee move? Will not the thought
+  "That all my hopes centre in thee alone?
+  "By thee deserted, whither shall I fly?
+  "Back to my natal town? Ruin'd it lies;
+  "Or if still standing, fast the gates are barr'd
+  "Against my treason. To my father's arms,
+  "Whom I betray'd? Each citizen me hates
+  "Deserv'dly; neighbours my example dread.
+  "Banish'd, an exile from each spot of earth,--
+  "Crete only open lies. Thence dost thou drive
+  "Me also? Ingrate! dost thou fly me so?
+  "Europa never bore thee, but some Syrt'
+  "Inhospitable; or some tigress fell
+  "Bred in Armenia; or Charybdis vext
+  "With tempests: Jove was ne'er thy sire, nor feign'd
+  "A bull's resemblance to delude her, false
+  "That fable of thy origin. A bull,
+  "Real and savage thee begot, whose love
+  "No heifer mov'd. O father Nisus! now
+  "Exact thy vengeance. Joy, O town! betray'd
+  "By my transgression; for the woes I feel
+  "Most merited I grant; guilty I die:
+  "Yet should the deadly blow be given by one
+  "My impious fault has injur'd; not by thee,
+  "Victor through crimes thou with avenging hate
+  "Now persecutest. This flagitious deed
+  "Against my country, and against my sire,
+  "Was all for thee. Th' adultress who beguil'd
+  "In wooden cavity the furious bull;
+  "Whose womb an ill-assorted birth produc'd;
+  "Well for a spouse befits thee. Do my words
+  "Reach to thine ears, or no? Do the brisk winds,
+  "Thou ingrate! waft my bootless plainings on,
+  "And waft thy vessels? Wondrous now no more,
+  "Pasiphaë, to thy embrace a bull
+  "Preferr'd; for more unpitying is thy soul.
+  "Joyful, ah! hapless me,--away thou fly'st;
+  "Thy cleaving oars dash on the sounding waves:
+  "Me, and my country far from thee recede.
+  "O wretch! forgetful of my favoring aid,
+  "Thou striv'st in vain to fly me. 'Gainst thy wish
+  "Thee will I follow; on thy crooked ship
+  "Hanging, embracing, dragg'd through drenching seas.'
+  Scarce ending, in the waves she furious leaped,
+  Vigorous by love, and gain'd the flying fleet;
+  And clasp'd, unwelcome guest, the Gnossian poop.
+  Here soon her father spy'd her (in the air
+  He wing'd his way, now cloth'd with yellow plumes
+  A falcon) and down darted; with his beak
+  So curv'd, to wound her as she clung. In dread
+  Her grasp she loos'd, and as she seem'd to fall,
+  The light air bore her from the waves below:
+  Plum'd she became, and form'd a feather'd bird,
+  Ciris they call'd her from the ravish'd lock.
+
+    To Jove now Minos all his vows performs,
+  An hecatomb of bulls; as from the fleet
+  He lands on Gnossus' shores: his royal hall
+  With all his spoils, on high uphung, adorn'd.
+
+    Meantime th' opprobrium of his bed increas'd:
+  The two-formed monster in a novel birth,
+  At length the mother's beastly crime proclaim'd.
+  Minos, the shameful witness from his couch,
+  Far to remove determines; in a dome
+  Intricate winding, he resolves to lodge,
+  From every eye conceal'd, the birth. Intrusts
+  The work to Dædalus, in cunning arts
+  Most fam'd, to build. He all the various marks,
+  Confuses, puzzles; bent on either side,
+  The various paths confound the searching eye.
+  So in the fields the soft Mæander plays,
+  Here refluent, flowing there with dubious course;
+  Meeting himself, his wandering stream he sees:
+  And urges now to whence he first arose;
+  Now to the open outlet of the main.
+  Thus Dædalus the numerous paths perplex'd
+  With puzzlings intricate, so much entwin'd,
+  Himself could scarce the outer threshold gain.
+  Here was the double monster, man and bull
+  Inclos'd; till by the third allotted tribe,
+  The ninth year, vanquish'd; with Athenian blood
+  Twice gorg'd before. Then was the secret gate,
+  So often sought in vain, found by the aid
+  A virgin lent to trace the winding clue.
+  Instant for Dias, Theseus loos'd his sails,
+  With Minos' ravish'd daughter: on that shore
+  Cruel! he left her. The deserted nymph
+  Wildly lamenting, Bacchus soon embrac'd,
+  And gave her needful aid; her fame to fix
+  Immortal in the skies, her sparkling crown,
+  Mov'd from her forehead, 'mid the stars he plac'd:
+  Through the thin air it flies, and as it mounts
+  To blazing stars, the glittering jewels change.
+  Still as a crown it shines, its station 'midst
+  Where stout Alcides Ophiuchus grasps.
+
+    Meantime long exile, and the land of Crete
+  Detesting; burning with a patriot's wish
+  His native soil to visit, Dædalus,
+  By sea escape prevented, thus exclaim'd;--
+  "Let earth and ocean both my flight obstruct,
+  "Still open lies the air; through air we'll go.
+  "Minos controlling all, controls not air."--
+  He speaks, and bends to unknown arts his skill,
+  Improving Nature's gift. Quills fixt in rows
+  He places; small at first in length and size,
+  Gradual enlarg'd, as if a hill's steep side
+  Growing, produc'd them: So time past the pipe,
+  Of rustic origin, by small degrees
+  Increasing reeds compos'd. Firm fixt with thread
+  Their middle part he binds, and close with wax
+  Cements their bottom. All complete he bends
+  The composition in a gentle curve,
+  Resembling real wings. Young Icarus
+  Alone was present; ignorant that the work
+  Would his destruction cause; with playful tricks
+  He fingers now the feathers, now his hands
+  Soften the yellow wax. His sportive wiles
+  His father's wond'rous essay oft delay.
+
+    Now was the last completing stroke impos'd
+  Upon his undertaking: First the sire
+  On artificial wings his body pois'd,
+  And in the beaten air suspended hung:
+  Then his young offspring, Icarus, he taught.--
+  "This I my son advise, a middle course,
+  "To keep be cautious; low if thou should'st skim,
+  "Heavy with ocean's spray thy wings would droop:
+  "If high, the sun would scorch them. Steer thy course
+  "'Twixt each extreme. Nor would I wish thine eyes
+  "To view Boötes, or the northern bear;
+  "Nor yet Orion's naked sword. My track
+  "Cautious pursue."--With anxious care he gives
+  Rules thus for flight; and to his shoulders fits
+  The new-form'd pinions. Tears his ancient cheeks
+  Bedew'd, as thus his admonitions flow'd:
+  And his paternal hands as thus employ'd,
+  Beneath the office trembled. Warm salutes
+  He gave the boy, nor knew he gave the last;
+  Then on his feathers borne, explores the way,
+  Timid for him who follows. So the bird,
+  Tempts from her lofty nest her new-fledg'd brood,
+  In the thin air. He bids him close pursue,
+  Tries in each shape to teach the fatal skill;
+  Shakes his own pinions, bending back to view
+  His son's. The angler as with quivering reed,
+  He drew his prey to land; the shepherd-swain,
+  As o'er his staff he lean'd; the ploughman-clown,
+  Their flight astonish'd saw, and deem'd them gods,
+  That so at will could cleave the liquid sky.
+
+    Now Samos, Juno's favor'd isle they pass'd,
+  Delos, and Paros, all to left;--to right
+  Labyrithos lay, and rich in honey'd sweets
+  Calymné: when the heedless boy o'erjoy'd
+  In his bold flight, the precepts of his guide
+  Contemning, soar'd to heaven a loftier range.
+  The neighbouring sun's fierce heat the fragrant wax
+  Which bound, his pinions, soften'd. Soon the wax
+  Dissolves; and now his naked arms he waves;
+  But destitute of power his course to steer,
+  No air his arms can gather; loud he calls
+  His father's name, as in the azure deep
+  He drops,--the deep which still his name retains.
+
+    The hapless parent, not a parent now,
+  Loud calls on Icarus;--"Where art thou, son?
+  "Where shall I seek thee, Icarus?"--He said,
+  And spy'd his feathers floating on the waves:
+  Then curs'd his hapless art, as in the earth,
+  He deep intomb'd him; all the land around
+  Bears from the youth intomb'd its present name.
+
+    The whirring partridge, from a branchy holm
+  Beheld him, as beneath the turf he plac'd
+  His son's lamented body, and with joy
+  Flutter'd his feathers; while his chirping song
+  Proclaim'd his gladness: then the only bird
+  Known of his kind, in elder days unseen;
+  But lately cloth'd with feathers, through the crime
+  Flagitious, Dædalus, of thee! To thee,
+  Thy sister, witless how his fate was doom'd,
+  Her son committed for instructing art,
+  When twice six annual suns the youth had seen;
+  His docile mind best fitted then to learn.
+  He well th' indented bones remark'd, which form
+  The fish's spiny back, and in like mode,
+  Sharp steel indenting, first the saw produc'd
+  For public service. Two steel arms he join'd
+  Fixt to one orb above; each widely stretch'd,
+  One steady rests, the other circling turns.
+  Him Dædalus with envy viewing, forc'd
+  Headlong, from sacred Pallas' lofty tower,
+  His death feign'd accidental: but the maid
+  Divine, to all ingenious minds a friend,
+  Receiv'd him in his fall; chang'd to a bird,
+  On pinions bore him through the middle air.
+  His vigorous powers in force remain the same,
+  But change their seat; rapid he flies, and quick
+  He races on the ground; his name remains
+  Unalter'd: still the cautious bird declines
+  To trust his weight aloft, nor forms his nest
+  On lofty boughs, or summits of high trees:
+  Nigh to the earth he skims; beneath the hedge
+  His shelly brood deposits; of his fall
+  Still mindful, towering heights he always shuns.
+
+    Now Dædalus, with lengthen'd flight fatigu'd,
+  Sicilia's realm receiv'd; whose king humane,
+  Great Cocalus, mov'd with his suppliant pray'r,
+  Arm'd to assist him. Now by Theseus freed,
+  Athens no more the mournful tribute paid.
+  With garlands every temple gay they hang,
+  Invoke the warlike maid, the mighty Jove,
+  And every deity: their altars all
+  With promis'd blood they honor; with rich gifts,
+  And fragrant incense. Now had wandering fame
+  Through all the Grecian towns, spread the renown
+  Of Theseus: and the rich Achaïa's tribes
+  His aid implor'd, when mighty perils press'd.
+  Ev'n Calydon, though Meleager brave
+  Possessing, sought his help with suppliant words.
+  The cause, a furious boar by Dian' sent,
+  Avenging instrument of slighted power.
+
+    OEneus, from plenteous harvests' full success
+  Rejoicing, primal fruits to Ceres gave;
+  To Bacchus pour'd libations of his wine;
+  To yellow-hair'd Minerva offer'd oil:
+  The rites invidious, from the rural gods
+  Commencing, all the bright celestials shar'd.
+  Latona's daughter only, in her fane,
+  Nor flames nor offerings on her altar saw.
+  Rage fires ev'n heavenly breasts.--"Not unreveng'd,"--
+  She cry'd,--shall this be suffer'd; honor'd not!
+  "Not unappeas'd by vengeance will I rest."--
+  Then through th' OEneian fields the maid, despis'd,
+  Sends the fierce boar to ravage. Such his size,
+  The bulls that in Epirus' pastures graze
+  More huge appear not: in Sicilia's meads
+  Far less are seen. Red are his sparkling eyes,
+  Fire mixt with blood; high rears his fearful neck,
+  Thick clustering spears the threatening bristles seem:
+  Hoarse as he grunts, down his wide shoulders spreads
+  The boiling foam: his tusks the tusks outvie
+  Of India's hugest beast: the lightening's blast,
+  Driven from his mouth, burns all the verdant leaves.
+  Now o'er the corn, but yet in budding ears,
+  He tramples, immature he reaps the crop;
+  The loud-lamenting tiller's hopes destroy'd:
+  The harvest intercepting in the shoot.
+  In vain the barns, the granaries in vain,
+  Their promis'd loads expect. Prostrate alike
+  Are thrown the fruitful clusters of the vine,
+  With shooting tendrils; and the olive's fruit
+  With branches ever-blooming. On the flocks
+  He rages: these not shepherds, not their dogs
+  Could save; nor could the furious bull his herd.
+  Wide fled the people; safety none durst hope
+  Save in their cities' walls; till thirst of fame
+  Fir'd Meleager, with his chosen band
+  Of valiant youths. And first were seen the twins
+  Of Tyndarus, for wond'rous skill renown'd,
+  This at the cæstus, that to curb the steed:
+  Jason, whose art the primal ship design'd:
+  Theseus, in happy concord with his friend
+  Pirithous, join'd: Thestius' two valiant sons:
+  Lynceus, Aphareus' offspring: Idas swift:
+  Leucippus fierce: Acastus unexcell'd
+  To dart the javelin: Cæneus, now no more
+  Cloth'd in a female figure: Phoenix, sprung
+  From old Amyntor: Actor's equal sons:
+  Hippothoös: Dryas: and from Elis' town
+  Dispatch'd, came Phileus. Nor was absent there,
+  Brave Telamon, nor great Achilles' sire:
+  Nor stout Eurytion; with Pheretus' son:
+  Nor Hyantean Iölaüs brave:
+  Echion in speed unconquer'd: Nestor then
+  In primal youth: Lelex, Narycian born:
+  Panopeus: Hyleus: Hippasus the fierce:
+  Nor those whom Hippocoön sent in aid,
+  From old Amyclæ: nor Ulysses' sire:
+  Ancæus of Parrhasia: Mopsus sage:
+  Amphiareus, then by his false spouse's guile
+  Betray'd not. With them Atalanta came,
+  The grace and glory of Arcadia's woods.
+  A shining buckle from the ground confin'd
+  Her garment's border: simply bound, her hair
+  One knot confin'd: her ivory quiver, slung
+  O'er her left shoulder, sounded as she stepp'd:
+  Her hand sustain'd a bow: and thus array'd
+  Appear'd her form. Her lineaments disclos'd,
+  What scarce might feminine in boys appear;
+  Or hardly boyish in a virgin's face.
+  The chief of Calydon the maid beheld,--
+  Beheld, and lov'd: while heaven his love oppos'd.
+  The secret flames inhaling deep, he cry'd,--
+  "O, blessed youth! if youth to gain thy hand
+  "Worthy were deem'd!"--Nor bashful shame, nor time
+  Would more allow; a mightier deed now claim'd
+  Their utmost efforts for the furious war.
+
+    Darken'd with trees thick-growing, rose a wood;
+  From earliest ages there the biting axe
+  Had never sounded; in the plain it rear'd
+  Facing the sloping fields. The youths arriv'd;
+  Some spread the knotted toils; some loose the hounds;
+  Some strive the foot-prints of the boar to trace,
+  Their danger anxious seeking. Low beneath
+  A hollow vale extended, where the floods
+  Fresh showery torrents gather'd, lazy laid.
+  The flexile willow, and the waving reed;
+  The fenny bulrush, osier, and the cane
+  Diminutive, the stagnant depth conceal'd.
+  Arous'd from hence, the boar impetuous rush'd
+  Amidst his host of foes; so lightenings dart
+  When clouds concussive clash. His rapid force
+  Levels the grove, the crackling trees resound
+  Where'er he pushes: loud the joyful youth
+  Exclaim, each grasping with a nervous hand
+  His weapon brandish'd, while its broad head shakes.
+  Forward he darts, the dogs he scatters wide,
+  And each opposing power; his strokes oblique
+  Their baying drives to distance. Echion's arm
+  Hurl'd the first dart, but hurl'd the dart in vain;
+  Lightly a maple's trunk the weapon graz'd.
+  The next, but over-urg'd the force that sent,
+  Had pierc'd the rough back of the wish'd-for prey;
+  Jason's the steel,--it whizz'd beyond him far.
+  Then Mopsus pray'd,--"O Phoebus! if thy rites
+  "I e'er perform'd, if still I thee adore,
+  "Grant my sure weapon what I wish to touch."
+  The god consented, what he could he gave,--
+  The boar was struck, but struck without a wound:
+  Diana from the flying weapon snatch'd
+  The steely head, and pointless fell the wood.
+  More chafes the beast, like lightening fierce he burns,
+  Fire from his eyeballs flashes, from his chest
+  Clouds of hot smoke through his wide nostrils roll.
+  Forc'd from the close-drawn string as flies a stone,
+  Hurl'd at embattl'd walls, or hostile towers
+  With foes thick crowded: so the deadly beast
+  Rush'd on the heroes with unerring shock.
+  Eupalamus and Pelagon, who stood
+  The right wing guarding, on the earth he threw:
+  Their fellows snatch'd them from impending fate.
+  Not so Onesimus, of Hippocoön
+  The offspring, 'scap'd the death-inflicting blow;
+  Torn through the ham, just as for flight he turn'd;
+  His slacken'd nerves could bear his weight no more.
+  Then Nestor too, long e'er the Trojan times,
+  Perchance had perish'd, but beside him stood
+  A tree, whose branches nimbly he attain'd;
+  A mighty effort, aided by his spear:
+  Safe in his seat, he view'd the foe he fled,
+  Beneath him. Fiercely threatening death below,
+  He whets his tushes on a stumpy oak,
+  And bold in sharpen'd arms, ranches the thigh,
+  With crooked fangs, of Othrys' mighty son.
+  Now the twin-brothers, ere in heaven display'd
+  Bright constellations, both fair dazzling shone,
+  Mounted on steeds, whose lily'd hue surpass'd
+  Th' unsully'd snow; both shook their brandish'd spears,
+  The trembling motion sounded high in air;
+  Deep both had pierc'd, but 'mid the darkening trees,
+  Their bristly foe sought refuge, where nor steed,
+  Nor dart could reach him. Telamon pursues;
+  Ardent, and heedless of his steps, a root
+  Checks his quick feet, and prone the hero falls.
+  While Peleus aids his brother chief to rise,
+  The beauteous Atalanta to the string
+  Fits the swift dart, and from the bended bow
+  Speeds it; the arrow, fixt beneath his ear,
+  Razes the monster's skin, and drops of blood
+  His bristly neck ensanguine. Joys the maid
+  To see the blow;--but Meleager far
+  In joy surpass'd her. He the first beheld
+  The trickling blood; he to his comrades first
+  The wound display'd, exclaiming,--"Yon fair nymph
+  "The honors so deserv'dly won shall bear."--
+  The warriors blush with shame, and each exhorts
+  His fellow; shouts their souls more valiant swell;
+  In heaps confus'd their numerous javelins fly;
+  Clashing in crowds, each javelin fails to wound.
+  Lo! now Ancæus furious, to his fate
+  Blind rushing, rears his double axe, and cries,--
+  "Behold, O youths! how much a manly arm
+  "Outstrikes a female's, to my prowess yield
+  "The palm of conquest. Let Latona's maid
+  "With all her power protect him, yet my force,
+  "Spite of Diana, shall the monster slay."--
+  Proud his big-boasting tongue thus speaks, then grasps
+  His two-edg'd weapon firmly in his hands,
+  And rais'd on tiptoe meditates the blow.
+  The watchful beast prevents him, through his groin,
+  To death sure passage, drives his double tusks:
+  Ancæus drops; his bowels gushing fall,
+  Roll on the earth, and soak the ground in gore.
+  Ixion's son, Pirithous, on the foe
+  Rush'd, in his nervous hand a powerful spear
+  Brandishing; Theseus loudly to his friend
+  Exclaim'd,--"O, dearer far than is myself,--
+  "Half of my soul, at distance wait; the brave
+  "At distance may engage; valor too rash
+  "Destroy'd Ancæus."--As he spoke he hurl'd
+  His massive cornel spear; its brazen head
+  Well pois'd, its sender's anxious wish appear'd
+  Fair to accomplish, when a leafy arm
+  Branch'd from a beech, oppos'd it in its flight.
+  Next Æson's son, his javelin threw, but chance
+  Glanc'd from its mark the weapon, and transpierc'd
+  An undeserving hound; the dart was drove
+  Through all his belly, and deep fixt in earth.
+  But different fortune on the arms awaits
+  Of Meleager, javelins two he sent;
+  Deep in the ground the foremost pierc'd, the next
+  Firm in the monster's back quivering stood fixt.
+  Nor stays he, whilst he raging furious whirl'd
+  In giddy circles round, and pour'd his foam,
+  Mad with the new-felt torture, close at hand
+  The hero plies his work, provokes his foe
+  To fiercer ire, and in his furious breast
+  Buries the glittering spear. A second shout
+  Loudly proclaims his thronging comrades' joy;
+  Each to the victor crowding, hand in hand
+  Congratulating grasps him; each amaz'd
+  Views the dire savage, as his mighty bulk
+  O'erspreads a space of land. Scarce think they yet
+  Their safety sure, him touching; each his spear
+  Extends, and dips it in the flowing gore.
+  His foot upon the head destructive fixt,
+  The conquering youth thus speaks:--"Nonacria fair!
+  "Receive the spoil my fortune well might claim:
+  "Fresh glory shall I gain, with thee to share
+  "The honors of the day."--Then gives the spoils;--
+  The chine with horrid bristles rising stiff,
+  And head, fierce threatening still with mighty tusks.
+  She takes the welcome gift, for much she joys
+  From him to take it. Envy seiz'd the rest,
+  And sullen murmurs through the comrades ran:
+  Above the rest, were Thestius' sons,--their arms
+  Out-stretching, clamor'd thus with a mighty noise;--
+  "Let not thy beauteous form thy mind deceive,
+  "When from thy eyes the donor of the spoil,
+  "Besotted with thy love, shall far be mov'd.
+  "Woman! restore the prize, nor hope to hold
+  "Our intercepted claims."--Speaking they rob
+  Her of the gift, him of the right to give.
+  Nor passive stood the warlike youth, his teeth
+  He gnash'd with swelling rage, as fierce he cry'd;--
+  "Learn, ye base robbers of another's rights,
+  "What difference threats and valiant actions shew.--"
+  Then in Plexippus' unsuspecting breast
+  He plung'd his impious sword: nor suffer'd long
+  Toxeus to doubt, who hesitating stood,
+  Now vengeance brooding for his brother's fate,
+  Now dreading for himself a like swift blow;
+  Again he warms the weapon, reeking still
+  Hot from Plexippus' bosom, in his blood.
+
+    To every temple of the favoring gods
+  Althæa bore donations for her son,
+  Victorious: When the breathless bodies came
+  Of both her brethren, loud the sounding blows
+  Of grief were heard, and all the city rung
+  With lamentable cries: her golden robes
+  Were straight to sable chang'd. But when the hand
+  Which struck the blow was known, her every tear
+  Was dry'd, and vengeance only fill'd her soul.
+  A log there lay when Thestius' daughter groan'd
+  In child-bed pangs; which on the greedy flames
+  The triple sisters flung; and while their thumbs
+  Twirl'd round the fatal thread, this was their song;--
+  "O newly born! to thee and to this bough
+  "Like date of life we give."--Then ceas'd their words,
+  And from her presence vanish'd: sudden snatch'd
+  The mother from the fire the burning brand,
+  And quench'd it instant in unsparing streams.
+  Long in most secret darkness had she hid
+  This fatal wood; and, thus preserv'd, her son
+  Had safely years mature attain'd; but now
+  Forth she produc'd it from its close recess.
+  Fragments of torches on the hearth she heap'd,
+  And blew the sparklings into deadly flames;
+  And thrice she rais'd her hands the branch to heave
+  On the fierce fire; and thrice her hands withdrew.
+  Sister and mother in one bosom fought,
+  To adverse acts impelling. Oft her face,
+  Dread of her meditated crime, bleach'd pale;
+  Oft to her eyes her furious rage supply'd
+  A fiery redness; now her countenance glow'd
+  With threatenings cruel; now her softening looks
+  To pity seemed to melt; and when fierce ire
+  Had fill'd her soul, and parch'd up every tear,
+  Fresh tears would gush. Thus rocks a vessel, driven
+  By winds and adverse currents, both their force
+  At once obeys, and can to neither yield.
+  Thus waver'd Thestius' daughter, dubious thus
+  Affection sway'd her; now her rage is calm,
+  Now her calm'd rage with fourfold fury burns.
+  At length the sister's o'er the parent's tie
+  The prevalence obtains; impiously good,
+  With blood her own, she soothes the brethren's shades.
+  Now, when the fires destructive fiercely glar'd,
+  She cry'd:--"Here, funeral pile, my bowels burn!--"
+  And as the fatal wood her direful hand
+  Held forth, the hapless mother, at the pyre
+  Sepulchral, stood, exclaiming;--"Furies three!
+  "Avenging sisters! hither turn your eyes;
+  "Behold the furious sacred rites I pay:
+  "For retribution I commit this crime.
+  "By death their death must be aveng'd; his fault
+  "By mine be punish'd; on their funeral biers
+  "His must be laid; one sinning house must fall,
+  "In woes accumulated. Blest shall still
+  "OEneus enjoy his proud victorious son,
+  "And Thestius childless mourn? Better that both
+  "Should weep in concert. Dear fraternal ghosts,
+  "Recent from upper air, my work behold!
+  "Take to th' infernal realms my offering bought
+  "So dear! the hapless pledge my womb produc'd.
+
+    "Ah! whither am I swept? Brothers forgive
+  "The parent. Lo! my faltering hands refuse
+  "To second my intents. Well he deserves
+  "To perish; yet by other hands than mine.
+  "Unpunish'd shall he 'scape then? Victor live,
+  "Proud of his high success, and rule the realm
+  "Of Calydon, while ye are prostrate thrown
+  "A trivial heap of ashes, and cold shades?
+  "Patience no more will bear. Perish the wretch!
+  "Perish his father's hopes! perish the realm!
+  "And all the country perish! Where? O, where?
+  "Is then the mother's soul, the pious prayers
+  "A parent should prefer? Where the strong pains
+  "Which twice five moons I bore? O, that the flames
+  "First kindled, had thy infant limbs consum'd!
+  "Would I had not then snatch'd thee from thy fate!
+  "Thy gift of life is mine; now that thou dy'st
+  "Thy own demerits ask: take the reward
+  "Thy deeds deserve: yield up thy twice-given life,
+  "First in thy birth, then by the brand I sav'd;
+  "Or lay me with my brethren in their tomb.
+  "I wish, yet what I would my hands refuse.
+  "What will my soul determine? Now mine eyes
+  "The mangled corses of my brethren fill:
+  "Now filial fondness, and a mother's name
+  "Distract my soul. O, wretched, wretched me!
+  "Brothers you gain the conquest, yet you gain
+  "Dearly for me; but on your shades I'll wait,
+  "Blest in what gives you once to me again."
+  She said; with face averse and trembling hand,
+  The fateful brand amid the fires was dropt.
+  The brand a groan deep utter'd, or a groan
+  To utter seem'd: the flames half backward caught
+  At length their prey, which gradually consum'd.
+
+    Witless of this sad deed, and absent far,
+  Fierce Meleager, with the self-same fire
+  Burn'd inward; all his vitals felt the flame
+  Scorching conceal'd: th' excruciating pangs
+  Magnanimous he bore. Yet deep he mourn'd
+  By such a slothful bloodless fate to fall;
+  And happy call'd Ancæus in his wounds.
+  With deep-drawn groans he calls his aged sire,
+  His brother, sisters, and the nymph belov'd,
+  Who shar'd his nuptial couch; with final breath,
+  His mother too perchance. Now glows the fire,
+  And now the pains increase; now both are faint;
+  Now both together die. The soul flies forth,
+  And gently dissipates in empty air.
+
+    Low now lies lofty Calydon,--the youths,
+  And aged seniors weep; the vulgar crowd
+  And nobles mourn alike; the matrons rend
+  Their garments, beat their breasts, and tear their hair.
+  Stretch'd on the earth the wretched sire defiles
+  His hoary locks, and aged face with dust,
+  Cursing his lengthen'd years: the conscious hand
+  Which caus'd the direful end, the mother's fate
+  Accomplish'd; through her vitals pierc'd the steel.
+
+    Had heaven on me an hundred tongues bestow'd,
+  With sounding voice, and such capacious wit
+  As all might fill; and all the Muses' power,
+  Still should I fail the grieving sisters' woe
+  Justly to paint. Heedless of beauteous forms
+  They beat their bosoms livid; while the corse
+  Remains, they clasp and cherish in their arms
+  The senseless mass; the corse they kiss, and kiss
+  The couch on which it rests: to ashes burn'd,
+  Careful collected in the urn, they hug
+  Those ashes to their breasts; and prostrate thrown
+  His tomb they cover; on the graven stone
+  Embrace his name; and on the letters pour
+  Their tears in torrents. Dian' satiate now
+  The house of OEneus levell'd with the dust,
+  Rais'd them by wings in air, which sudden shot
+  From each their bodies. Gorgé sole, and she
+  The spouse of valiant Hercules, unchang'd
+  Were left. Long pinions for their arms were seen;
+  Their mouths to horny bills were turn'd; through air
+  Thus alter'd, ample range the goddess gives.
+
+    Theseus meantime, the toil confederate done,
+  Homeward to Pallas' towers his journey bent;
+  But Acheloüs, swol'n by showery floods,
+  Delay'd his progress. "Fam'd Cecropia's chief,"--
+  He cry'd,--"here shelter, enter 'neath my roof,
+  "Nor through the furious torrents trust thy steps.
+  "Whole forests oft they root, and whirl along
+  "Vast rocks with thundering sound. High stalls I've seen,
+  "Near to the banks erected, swept away:
+  "Nor aught avail'd the lusty bull's strong limbs,
+  "Nor aught the courser's speed: the torrents oft
+  "Of melted snows, which from the mountains rush,
+  "Whelm the strong youths beneath the whirling pool.
+  "To rest is safer, till their wonted banks
+  "Again the streams confine; the lessen'd waves
+  "Within their channels pent."--Theseus complies,
+  And answers:--"Acheloüs, we approve
+  "Thy prudent counsel, and thy cave will use,"
+  The grot they enter; hollow pumice, mixt
+  With rugged tophus, form'd it; tender moss
+  The moist floor cover'd; fretwork on the roof
+  The purple murex and the scallop white
+  Alternate form'd. Now Phoebus' steeds had run
+  Two thirds their race, when Theseus on his couch
+  Reclin'd, the comrades of his toil close by;
+  Pirithous here, Troezenian Lelex there,
+  Whose temples now some silvery hairs display'd.
+  With these were such as Acheloüs, joy'd
+  At such a noble guest, the honor deem'd
+  Worthy to share. The barefoot Naiäd nymphs
+  Heap'd on the board the banquet: food remov'd,
+  They brought the wine, in cups with jewels deck'd.
+
+    The mighty hero then, the distant main
+  Surveying, asks:--"What land is that I see?--"
+  And shews the spot,--"tell me what name denotes
+  "That isle? and yet methinks not one it seems."
+  The river-god replies:--"What we behold
+  "A single isle is not, but five; the eye
+  "Is mock'd by distance. That Diana's wrath
+  "May less your wonder move, these once were nymphs.
+  "Ten bullocks had they sacrific'd, and call'd
+  "Each rural god to taste the sacred feast,
+  "And join the festal chorus, me alone,
+  "Forgetful, they invited not. Sore vext,
+  "I swell'd with rage, and as my anger rose,
+  "My flood increas'd; till at my greatest height,
+  "Woods I divorc'd from woods; from meadows tore
+  "The neighbouring meadows; and the Naiäds roll'd,
+  "Now well-remembering what my godhead claim'd,
+  "Down with their habitations to the main.
+  "My waves then, with the ocean's waters join'd,
+  "The land divided, and those isles you view,
+  "Echinades, amid the sea were form'd.
+
+    "More distant may your vision reach;--behold
+  "An isle beyond them to my soul most dear;
+  "By sailors nam'd Perimelé. I snatch'd
+  "Her virgin-treasure from the much-lov'd maid.
+  "Hippodamas her sire in fury rav'd;
+  "And, from a precipice, the pregnant nymph
+  "Plung'd in the deep. My waves receiv'd the load;
+  "And whilst I bore her floating, thus I said;--
+  "O, trident-bearer, thou whom lot decreed
+  "Lord, next to heaven, o'er all the wandering waves,
+  "Where all the sacred rivers end their course;
+  "To which all rivers tend, O, Neptune, aid!
+  "Propitious, hear my prayer! Much have I wrong'd
+  "The nymph I now support: if lenient he,
+  "And equitable, sure Hippodamas,
+  "Her sire, had pity granted, and myself
+  "Had pardon'd. Gracious Neptune, grant thy help
+  "To her a parent's fury from the earth
+  "Wide banishes. O, I beseech thee! grant
+  "A place to her, paternal rage would drown:
+  "Or to a place transform her, where my waves
+  "May clasp her still. The ocean-god consents,
+  "And all his waters shake as nods his head.
+  "Still floats th' affrighted nymph; and as she swims,
+  "I feel her heart with trepid motion beat:
+  "While pressing fond her bosom, all her form
+  "Rigidly firm becomes, and round her chest
+  "Rough earth heaps high; and, whilst I wondring speak,
+  "A new-form'd land her floating limbs enclasps:
+  "Her shape transform'd, a solid isle becomes."
+
+    Thus far the watery deity, and ceas'd.
+  The wondrous tale all mov'd, save one, the son
+  Of bold Ixion; fierce of soul, he laugh'd
+  To scorn their minds so credulous, the gods
+  Impious contemning, as he thus exclaim'd;--
+  "What tales, O, Acheloüs, you relate!
+  "Too much of potence to the gods you grant,
+  "To give and change our figures."--All struck dumb,
+  Discourage this bold speech, and Lelex first,
+  Mature in age, and in experience old
+  Beyond the rest, thus spoke:--"Celestial power,
+  "In range is infinite, in sway immense;
+  "What the gods will, completion instant finds.
+  "To clear your doubts, upon the Phrygian hills
+  "An ancient oak, and neighbouring linden stand,
+  "Girt by a low inclosure; I the spot
+  "Survey'd, when into Phrygia's realms dispatch'd
+  "By Pittheus, when those realms his father rul'd.
+  "Not far a lake extends, a space once fill'd
+  "With human 'habitants, whose waves now swarm
+  "With fenny coots, and cormorants alone.
+  "Here Jove in human shape, and with his sire,
+  "The son of Maiä, came; the last his rod
+  "Shorn of its wings, still bore. A thousand doors,
+  "Seeking repose, they knock'd at; every door
+  "Firm barr'd repuls'd them: one at length flew wide;
+  "A lowly cot, whose humble roof long reeds,
+  "And straw firm-matted, cover'd. Baucis there,
+  "A pious dame, and old Philemon match'd
+  "In age, had dwelt, since join'd in springtide youth;
+  "And there grew old together: Full content,
+  "Their poverty they hid not, and more light
+  "Their poverty on souls unmurmuring weigh'd.
+  "Here nor for lord, nor servant, was there need
+  "To seek; beneath the roof these only dwelt;
+  "Each order'd, each obey'd. The heaven-born guests
+  "The humble threshold crossing, lowly stoop'd,
+  "And entrance gain'd: the ancient host bade sit
+  "And rest their weary'd limbs: the bench was plac'd,
+  "Which Baucis anxious for their comfort, spread
+  "With home-made coverings: then with careful hand
+  "The scarce warm embers on the hearth upturn'd;
+  "And rous'd the sleeping fires of yestern's eve,
+  "With food of leaves and bark dry-parch'd, and fann'd
+  "To flame the fuel with her aged breath:
+  "Then threw the small-slit faggots, and the boughs
+  "Long-wither'd, on the top, divided small:
+  "And plac'd her brazen vase of scanty size,
+  "O'er all. Last stripp'd the coleworts' outer leaves,
+  "Cull'd by her husband from the water'd ground,
+  "Which serv'd as garden. He meantime reach'd down,
+  "With two-fork'd prong, where high on blacken'd beam
+  "It hung, a paltry portion of an hog,
+  "Long harden'd there; and from the back he slic'd
+  "A morsel thin, which soon he soften'd down
+  "In boiling steam. The intermediate hours
+  "With pleasing chat they cheat; the short delay
+  "To feel avoiding. On a nail high hung
+  "A beechen pail for bathing, by its hand
+  "Deep-curv'd: with tepid water this he fill'd,
+  "And plac'd before his guests their feet to lave.
+  "A couch there stood, whose feet and frame were form'd
+  "Of willow; tender reeds the centre fill'd,
+  "With coverings this they spread, coverings which saw
+  "The light not, but when festal days them claim'd:
+  "Yet coarse and old were these, and such as well
+  "With willow couch agreed. The gods laid down.
+  "The dame close-girt, with tremulous hand prepar'd
+  "The board; two feet were perfect, 'neath the third
+  "She thrust a broken sherd, and all stood firm.
+  "This sloping mended, all the surface clean
+  "With fragrant mint she rubb'd: and plac'd in heaps
+  "The double-teinted fruit of Pallas, maid
+  "Of unsoil'd purity; autumnal fruits,
+  "Cornels, in liquid lees of wine preserv'd;
+  "Endive, and radish, and the milky curd;
+  "With eggs turn'd lightly o'er a gentle heat:
+  "All serv'd in earthen dishes. After these
+  "A clay-carv'd jug was set, and beechen cups,
+  "Varnish'd all bright with yellow wax within.
+  "Short the delay, when from the ready fire
+  "The steaming dish is brought; and wine not long
+  "Press'd from the grape, again went round, again
+  "Gave place to see the third remove produc'd.
+  "Now comes the nut, the fig, the wrinkled date,
+  "The plumb, the fragrant apple, and the grape
+  "Pluck'd from the purple vine; all plac'd around
+  "In spreading baskets: snow-white honey fill'd
+  "The central space. The prime of all the feast,
+  "Was looks that hearty welcome gave, and prov'd
+  "No indigence nor poverty of soul.
+  "Meantime the empty'd bowls full oft they see
+  "Spontaneously replenish'd; still the wine
+  "Springs to the brim. Astonish'd, struck with dread,
+  "To view the novel scene, the timid pair
+  "Their hands upraise devoutly, and with prayers
+  "Excuses utter for their homely treat,
+  "At unawares requir'd. A lonely goose
+  "They own'd, the watchman of their puny farm;
+  "Him would the hosts, to their celestial guests
+  "A sacred offering make, but swift of wing,
+  "Their toiling chace with age retarded, long
+  "He mock'd; at length the gods themselves he seeks
+  "For sheltering care. The gods his death forbid,
+  "And speak:--Celestials are we both; a fate
+  "Well-earn'd, your impious neighbouring roofs shall feel.
+  "To you, and unto you alone is given
+  "Exemption from their lot. Your cottage leave
+  "And tread our footsteps, while of yonder mount
+  "We seek the loftiest summit. Each obeys;
+  "The gods precede them, while their tottering limbs
+  "A trusty staff supports; tardy from years,
+  "Slowly they labor up the long ascent.
+  "Now from the summit wanted they not more
+  "Than what an arrow, shot with strenuous arm,
+  "At once could gain; when back their view they bent:
+  "Their house alone they saw,--that singly stood:
+  "All else were buried in a wide-spread lake.
+  "Wondring at this, and weeping at the doom
+  "Their hapless neighbours suffer'd; lo! they see
+  "Their mouldering cot, e'en for the pair too small,
+  "Change to a temple; pillars rear on high,
+  "In place of crotchets; yellow turns the straw,
+  "The roof seems gilded; sculptur'd shine the gates;
+  "And marble pavement covers all the floor.
+  "Then Saturn's son, in these benignant words
+  "The pair address'd;--O, ancient man, most just!
+  "And thou, O woman! worthy of thy spouse,
+  "Declare your wishes.--Baucis spoke awhile
+  "With old Philemon; then their joint desire
+  "The latter to the deities declar'd.--
+  "To be your ministers, your sacred fane
+  "To keep we ask: and as our equal years
+  "In concord we have pass'd, let the same hour
+  "Remove us hence: may I her tomb not see,
+  "Nor be by her interr'd.--The gods comply;
+  "These guard the temple through succeeding life.
+  "Fill'd now with years, as on the temple's steps
+  "They stood, conversing on the wondrous change,
+  "Baucis beheld Philemon shoot in leaves,
+  "And leaves Philemon saw from Baucis sprout;
+  "And from their heads o'er either's face they grew.
+  "Still while they could with mutual words they spoke;
+  "At once exclaim'd,--O, dearest spouse, farewell!--
+  "At once the bark, their lips thus speaking, clos'd.
+  "Ev'n yet a Tyanæan shews two trees
+  "Of neighbouring growth, form'd from the alter'd pair.
+  "Nor dotard credulous, nor lying tongue
+  "The fact to me related. On the boughs
+  "Myself have seen the votive garlands hung;
+  "And whilst I offered fresher, have I said--
+  "Heaven guards the good with care; and those who give
+  "The gods due honors, honors claim themselves."
+
+    He ceas'd: the deed and author all admire,
+  But Theseus most; whom anxious still to hear
+  More wondrous actions of the mighty gods,
+  The stream of Calydon, as on his arm
+  Reclin'd, he rested, in these words address'd:--
+  "There are, O, valiant youth! of those once chang'd,
+  "Still in the new-form'd figures who remain:
+  "Others there are whose power more wide extends
+  "To many shapes to alter.--Proteus, thou
+  "Art one; thou 'habitant of those wide waves
+  "Which earth begird: now thou a youth appear'st;
+  "And now a lion; then a furious boar;
+  "A serpent next we tremble to approach;
+  "And then with threatening horns thou seem'st a bull.
+  "Oft as a stone thou ly'st; oft stand'st a tree:
+  "Sometimes thy countenance veil'd in fluid streams,
+  "Thou flow'st a river; sometimes mount'st in flames.
+  "Nor less of power had Erisichthon's maid,
+  "Spouse of Autolycus. Her impious sire
+  "All the divinities of heaven despis'd,
+  "Nor on their slighted altars offerings burn'd.
+  "He too, 'tis said, the Cerealean grove
+  "With axe prophan'd: his violating steel
+  "The ancient trees attacking. 'Mid the rest,
+  "A huge-grown oak, in yearly strength robust,
+  "Itself a wood, uprose: garlands hung round,
+  "And wreaths, and grateful tablets, proofs of vows
+  "For prospering favors paid. The Dryad nymphs
+  "Oft in its shade their festal dances held;
+  "Oft would they, clasping hand in hand, surround
+  "The mighty trunk: its girth around to mete,
+  "Full thrice five cubits ask'd. To every tree
+  "Lofty it seem'd; as every tree appear'd
+  "Lofty, when measur'd with the plants below.
+  "Yet not for that, did Erisichthon hold
+  "The biting steel; but bade his servants fell
+  "The sacred oak; lingering he saw them stand,
+  "His orders unobey'd; impious he snatch'd
+  "From one his weapon, and in rage, exclaim'd;--
+  "What though it be the goddess' favorite care!
+  "Were it the goddess' self, down should it fall,
+  "And bow its leafy summit to the ground.
+  "He said;--and pois'd his axe, and aim'd oblique.
+  "Deep shudderings shook the Cerealian tree,
+  "And groans were utter'd; all the leaves grew pale,
+  "And pale the acorns; while the wide-spread boughs
+  "Cold sweats bedew'd. When in the solid trunk
+  "His blow ungodly pierc'd, blood flow'd in streams
+  "From out the shatter'd bark: not flows more full,
+  "From the deep wound in the divided throat,
+  "The gore, when at the sacred altar's foot
+  "A mighty bull, an offer'd victim drops.
+  "Dread seizes all; and one most bold attempts
+  "To check his horrid wickedness, and check
+  "The murderous weapon: him the villain saw,
+  "And,--take,--he cries,--the boon thy pious soul
+  "Merits so well.--And from the trunk the steel
+  "Turns on the man, and strikes his head away:
+  "Then with redoubled blows the tree assails.
+  "Deep from the oak, these words were heard to sound:--
+  "A nymph am I, within this trunk enclos'd,
+  "Most dear to Ceres; in my dying hours,
+  "Prophetic I foresee the keen revenge
+  "Which will thy deed pursue; and this solace
+  "Grants comfort ev'n in death.--He, undismay'd,
+  "His fierce design still follows: now the tree,
+  "Tottering with numerous blows, by straining cords,
+  "He drags to earth; and half the wood below,
+  "Crush'd by its weight, lies prostrate. All astound,
+  "Of her depriv'd, and at their own sad loss,
+  "The sister Dryads, clad in sable robes,
+  "To Ceres hasten; and for vengeance call,
+  "On Erisichthon. To their urgent prayers
+  "The beauteous goddess gave assent, and shook
+  "Her locks; the motion shook the yellow ears,
+  "Which fill'd the loaded fields; and straight conceiv'd
+  "A torture piteous, if for pity he
+  "For acts like these might look:--to tear his form
+  "By Famine's power pestiferous. There, herself
+  "Approach forbidden (fate long since had doom'd
+  "Ceres and Famine far remov'd should dwell)
+  "A mountain-nymph she calls, and thus directs;--
+  "A region stretches on th' extremest bounds
+  "Of icy Scythia; dreary seems the place;
+  "Sterile the soil; nor trees, nor fruits are seen;
+  "But sluggish cold, and pale affright, and fear:
+  "Still-craving Famine, there her dwelling holds.
+  "Bid her within the inmost vitals hide
+  "Of this most daring, and most impious wretch.
+  "The proudest plenty shall not make her yield:
+  "For in the contest, all the power I boast
+  "To her shall stoop: nor let the lengthen'd way
+  "Appal thy mind; my car receive; receive
+  "My dragons; through the air their course direct
+  "By these long reins.--Speaking, the reins she gave.
+  "She, borne through ether in the granted car,
+  "To Scythia's realm is carried: on the ridge
+  "A rugged mountain offer'd, first she eas'd
+  "The dragons' necks; as Caucasus 'twas known.
+  "There she the sought-for Famine soon espy'd,
+  "Eagerly searching on the stony fields,
+  "At once with teeth and fangs, for thin-sown herbs.
+  "Rough matted were her locks; deep sunk her eyes;
+  "Pale bleach'd her face; her lips with whiten'd slime
+  "O'erspread; with furry crust her mouth was rough:
+  "Hard was her skin; and through it might be seen
+  "Her inwards: 'bove her hollow loins, upstood
+  "The arid bones: a belly's place supply'd
+  "A belly's form: her breasts to hang appear'd
+  "Held only by the chine: her fleshless shape
+  "Each joint in bulk increas'd: rigidly large
+  "The knees were swol'n, and each protruding part
+  "Immod'rately was big. Then as the nymph
+  "From far beheld her,--for a nigh approach
+  "She dreaded, what the goddess bade she told.
+  "Though brief her stay; though distant far she stood;
+  "Though instant there arriv'd; she felt the power
+  "Of Famine at the sight, and turning quick
+  "Her reins, she urg'd her dragons to their speed
+  "In retrogade direction; still on high,
+  "Till Thessaly they gain'd. Famine performs
+  "The wish of Ceres (though her anxious aim
+  "Is still to thwart her power) and borne on winds
+  "Swift through the air, the fated house she finds
+  "And instant enters, where the inmost walls
+  "The sacrilegious wretch inclose; in sleep
+  "Deep bury'd, for night reign'd; and with her wings
+  "Him clasping close, in all the man she breath'd
+  "Her inspiration: in his throat, his mouth,
+  "His chest, and in his unreplenish'd veins,
+  "Her hunger she infus'd. The bidden deed
+  "Complete, she vanish'd from those verdant fields,
+  "And turn'd her to the needy roofs again,
+  "And well-accustom'd caverns. Gentle sleep
+  "Fann'd Erisichthon still with soothing wings.
+  "Ev'n in his sleep imagin'd food he craves,
+  "And vainly moves his mouth; tires jaw on jaw
+  "With grinding; his deluded throat with stores
+  "Impalpable he crams; the empty air
+  "Greedy devouring, for more solid food.
+  "But soon his slumbers vanish'd, then fierce rag'd
+  "Insatiate hunger; ruling through his throat,
+  "And ever-craving stomach. Instant he
+  "Demands what produce, ocean, earth, and air
+  "Can furnish: still of hunger he complains,
+  "Before the full-spread tables: still he seeks
+  "Victuals to heap on victuals. What might serve
+  "A city's population, seems for him
+  "Too scant; whose stomach when it loads had gorg'd,
+  "For loads still crav'd. The ocean thus receives
+  "From all earth's regions every stream; all streams
+  "United, still requiring; greedy fire
+  "On every offer'd aliment thus feeds,
+  "Countless supplies of wood consuming;--more
+  "Nutrition craving, still the more it gains;
+  "More greedy growing from its large increase.
+  "So Erisichthon's jaws prophane, rich feasts
+  "At once devour, at once still more demand.
+  "All food but stimulates his gust for food
+  "In added heaps; and eating only seems
+  "To leave his maw more empty. Lessen'd now,
+  "In the deep abyss of his stomach huge,
+  "Were all the riches which his sire's bequest
+  "Had given: the direful torment still remain'd
+  "In undiminish'd strength; his belly's fire
+  "Implacable still rag'd. Exhausted now
+  "On the curst craving all his wealth was spent.
+  "One daughter sole remaining; of a sire
+  "Less impious, worthy: her the pauper sold.
+  "Her free-born soul, a master's sway disclaim'd.
+  "Her hands extending, to the neighbouring main,
+  "O thou!--she cry'd--who gain'd my virgin spoil
+  "Snatch me from bondage.--Neptune had the maid
+  "Previous enjoy'd: nor spurn'd her earnest prayer.
+  "She whom her master following close, had seen
+  "In her own shape but now, in manly guise
+  "Appears,--in garments such as fishers clothe.
+  "The master sees, and speaks:--O, thou! who rul'st
+  "The trembling reed; whose bending wire thy baits
+  "Conceal; so may thy wiles the water aid;
+  "So may the fish deceiv'd, beneath the waves,
+  "Thy hooks detect not, till too firmly fixt.
+  "Say thou but where she is, who stood but now
+  "Upon this beach, in humble robes array'd,
+  "With locks disorder'd; on this shore she stood;
+  "I saw her,--but no further mark her feet.--
+  "The aid of Neptune well the maid perceiv'd,
+  "And joys that of herself herself is sought,
+  "Thus his enquiries answering;--Whom thou art
+  "I know not; studious bent, the deep alone,
+  "And care to drag my prey, my eyes employ.
+  "More to remove thy doubts, so may the god
+  "Who rules the ocean, aid my toiling art,
+  "As here I swear, no man upon this shore,
+  "Nor female, I excepted, has appear'd.
+  "These words the owner credits, and the sand
+  "Treads with returning steps; deluded goes,
+  "And as he goes, her former shape returns.
+  "Soon as this changing power the sire perceiv'd,
+  "The damsel oft he sold. Now she escapes
+  "Beneath a mare's resemblance: now a bird,
+  "An heifer now, and now a deer she seem'd.
+  "Her greedy parent's maw with food ill-gain'd
+  "Supplying. When at last his forceful plague
+  "Had every aid consum'd, and every aid
+  "Fresh food afforded to his fierce disease,
+  "Then he commenc'd with furious fangs to tear
+  "For nurture his own limbs; life to support,
+  "By what his body and his life destroy'd.
+
+    "But why on others' transformations dwell?
+  "Myself, O youths! enjoy a power, my form
+  "To alter; not unlimited my range.
+  "Now in the shape at present I assume;
+  "Anon I writhe beneath a serpent's form;
+  "Or take the figure of a lordly bull,
+  "And wear my strength in horns, while horns I had:
+  "Disfigur'd now, my forehead's side laments
+  "One weapon ravish'd, as you well may see."--
+  He spoke, and heavy sighs his words pursu'd.
+
+
+
+
+*The Ninth Book.*
+
+
+    Combat of Acheloüs and Hercules for Dejanira. Death of Nessus.
+    Torments and death of Hercules. His deification. Story of the
+    change of Galanthis to a weasel. Of Dryopè to a Lotus-tree.
+    Iölaüs restored to youth. Murmuring of the Gods. The incestuous
+    love of Byblis. Her transformation to a fountain. Story of Iphis
+    and Iänthe.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Ninth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    The son of Ægeus begs the cause to know
+  Whence spring those groans, and whence that wounded front?
+  And thus the stream of Calydon replies;--
+  (His uncomb'd locks with marshy reeds entwin'd).
+  "A mournful task, O, warrior! you impose;--
+  "For who, when vanquish'd, joys to tell the fight
+  "Where he was worsted? yet will I relate
+  "In order all: vanquish'd, the shame was small;
+  "The honor great, for such a prize to strive:
+  "And such a conqueror more the mind relieves.
+  "Has e'er the beauteous Dejanira's name
+  "Reach'd to your ears? her charms the envy'd hope
+  "Of numerous wooers form'd; mine with the rest.
+  "As o'er the threshold of my wish'd-for sire
+  "I stepp'd, I hail'd him.--O, Parthaön's son,
+  "For thine accept me.--So Alcides spoke,
+  "And all the rest to our pretensions bow'd.
+  "Of Jove, his sire, he boasts; and all the fame
+  "His acts deserv'd; and stepdame's cruel laws
+  "Final completed. I (who shameful thought
+  "That gods should yield to mortals; then a god
+  "Alcides was not) thus his claim oppos'd:--
+  "A king of floods behold me; floods which roll
+  "With winding current through the land you sway;
+  "A son in me accept, no stranger sent
+  "From distant regions; of your country one,
+  "Part of your rule. Let it not hurt my claim,
+  "That Juno hates me not; that all the toil
+  "Of slavish orders I have ne'er perform'd.
+  "Alcmena was his mother, let him boast!
+  "Jove is a sire but feign'd, or if one true,
+  "Is criminally so. He claims a sire
+  "To prove his mother's infamy: then chuse--
+  "Say feign'd thy origin from Jove, or fruit
+  "Of intercourse adulterous, own thou art.--
+  "Me, speaking thus, with furious eyes he view'd,
+  "Nor rul'd his swelling rage, replying fierce;--
+  "More than my tongue I on my arm depend:
+  "Whilst I in fighting gain the palm, be thou
+  "Victor in talking.--Furious on he rush'd.
+  "So proudly boasting, to submit I scorn'd;
+  "But stript my sea-green robe, my arms oppos'd,
+  "And held my firm-clench'd hands before my breast;
+  "For stout resistance every limb prepar'd,
+  "To meet the fight. He in his hollow palms
+  "The dust collecting, sprinkled me all o'er,
+  "And then the yellow sand upon me threw.
+  "Now on my neck he seizes; now he grasps
+  "My slippery thighs: but only thinks to hold,
+  "In every part assailing. Still secure
+  "In bulk I stand, and he assails in vain.
+  "Thus stands a rock, which waves with thundering roar
+  "Surround; it stands unhurt in all its strength.
+  "A little we recede, then rush again
+  "To join the war: stoutly our ground we hold,
+  "Steady resolv'd to yield not. Foot to foot
+  "Fixt firm: I prone press with my ample breast,
+  "And hand with hand, with forehead forehead joins.
+  "So have I seen two mighty bulls contend,
+  "When each the fairest heifer of the grove
+  "Expects the arduous struggle to reward:
+  "The herds behold and tremble, witless which
+  "The powerful contest shall successful gain.
+  "Thrice while I clasp'd him close, Alcides strove
+  "To throw me from his breast, in vain,--the fourth
+  "He shook me from him, and my clasping arms
+  "Unloosing, instant turn'd me with his hand;
+  "(Truth must I speak,) and heavy on my back
+  "He hung. If credence may my words demand,
+  "Nor seek I fame through tales of false deceit,
+  "A mighty mountain on me seem'd to weigh:
+  "Scarce were my arms, with trickling sweat bedew'd,
+  "Loos'd from his grasp; scarce was my body freed
+  "From his hard gripe, when panting hard for breath,
+  "Ere I could strength regain, my throat he seiz'd.
+  "Then on the earth my knee was press'd; my mouth
+  "Then bit the sand. Inferior prov'd in strength,
+  "To arts I next betook me. Slipp'd his hands
+  "In form a long round serpent; while I roll'd
+  "In winding spires my body; while I shook
+  "My forked tongue with hisses dire, he laugh'd,
+  "And mock'd my arts; exclaiming,--snakes to kill
+  "I in my cradle knew; grant thou excel'st,
+  "O, Acheloüs! others far in size,
+  "What art thou mated with the Hydra's bulk?
+  "He fertile from his wounds, his hundred heads
+  "Ne'er felt diminish'd, for straightway his neck,
+  "With two successors, brav'd the stroke again:
+  "Yet him I vanquish'd with his branching heads
+  "From blood produc'd: from every loss more stout,
+  "Him prostrate I o'erthrew. What hope hast thou,
+  "In form fallacious, who with borrow'd arms
+  "Now threaten'st? whom a form precarious hides?
+  "He said, and fast about my throat he squeez'd
+  "His nervous fingers; choaking, hard I strove,
+  "As pincer-like he press'd me, to unloose
+  "From his tight grasp my neck. Conquer'd in this,
+  "Still a third shape, the furious bull remain'd:
+  "Chang'd to a bull, again I wag'd the war.
+  "Around my brawny neck his arms he threw
+  "To left, and spite of every effort try'd
+  "To 'scape, he dragg'd me down; the solid earth
+  "Deep with my horn he pierc'd, and stretch'd me prone
+  "On the wide sand. Unsated yet his rage,
+  "His fierce hand seiz'd my stubborn horn, and broke
+  "From my maim'd front the weapon. Naiäd nymphs
+  "This consecrated, fill'd with fruits, and flowers
+  "Of odorous fragrance, and the horn is priz'd
+  "By Plenty's goddess as her favorite care."
+
+    He spoke, a nymph close-girt like Dian's train,
+  Her ample tresses o'er each shoulder spread,
+  Enter'd, supporting all of Autumn's fruit
+  In the rich horn, and mellowest apples came
+  The second course to grace. Now day appear'd:
+  The youths when light the loftiest summits touch'd
+  Of the high hills, departed; waiting not
+  Till the rough floods in peaceful channels flow'd;
+  The troubled currents smooth'd. Profound his head
+  Of rustic semblance, Acheloüs hides
+  'Reft of his horn, beneath his deepest waves.
+  His forehead's honor lost sore gall'd him: all
+  Save that was perfect. Ev'n his forehead's loss
+  With willow boughs and marshy reeds was hid.
+
+    Thou too, rash Nessus, through thy furious love,
+  Of the same virgin, thy destruction met;
+  Pierc'd through thy body with the feather'd dart!
+  Jove's son returning to his natal soil,
+  Companion'd by his new-made bride, approach'd
+  Evenus' rapid flood. Swol'n was the stream
+  With wintry showers as wont, and raging whirls
+  Unfordable proclaim'd it; him, himself
+  Fearless, yet anxious for his spouse's care,
+  Nessus approach'd, in strength of limbs secure,
+  And knowledge of the fords, and thus he spoke;
+  "Her, O Alcides! will I safely bear
+  "To yonder bank; thou all thy efforts use
+  "In swimming." Straight the Theban hero gives
+  The pallid Calydonian to his care,
+  Shivering with dread; no less the centaur frights
+  Than the rough flood. The mighty warrior, prest
+  With his large quiver, and the lion's hide,
+  For on the bank opposing had he flung
+  His club and curved bow, exclaim'd--"the stream
+  "My arms will vanquish, soon as I essay."--
+  Nor dubious waits, but in the torrent leaps,
+  Not heeding where most tranquil flows the stream,
+  But stemming furious all its utmost rage.
+  Now had he reach'd the bank, now held again
+  The bow flung o'er, when loud his spouse's shrieks
+  Assail'd his ear. To Nessus, whom he saw
+  His trust about betraying, loud he cry'd;--
+  "What vain reliance on thy rapid speed
+  "Tempts thee to violence? O, double-shap'd!
+  "I speak, regard me,--to respect my rights,
+  "Should deference to me not move thee, think
+  "How whirls thy sire, and that thy rage may check
+  "For wishes unallow'd. Yet hope thou not
+  "With courser's speed to 'scape me: with my dart,
+  "Not feet, will I pursue thee."--His last words
+  With deeds he guarantees, and through and through
+  The flying culprit felt the javelin driv'n;
+  Out through his breast the forked weapon stood:
+  Withdrawn, from either wound gush'd forth the gore,
+  Mixt with the venom of Lernæa's pest.
+  This be preserv'd.--"Nor will I unreveng'd
+  "Expire,"--he murmur'd faintly to himself;
+  And gave his raiment, in the warm blood dipt,
+  A present to the nymph whose spoil he sought;
+  To wake again her husband's dormant love.
+
+    Long was the intermediate time, the deeds,
+  Of great Alcides, and his step-dame's hate,
+  Fill'd all the world meanwhile. Victor return'd
+  From out OEchalia, when the promis'd rites,
+  To Jove Cænean, he prepar'd to pay,
+  Tattling report, who joys in falshood mixt
+  With circumstantial truth, and still the least
+  Swells with her lies, had in thine ears instill'd,
+  O Dejanira! that Alcmena's son,
+  With Iölé was smitten. Ardent love
+  Sway'd her belief, and terror-struck to hear
+  Of this new flame, she melted into tears;
+  With them her weeping grief first flow'd away:
+  But soon she bursted forth.--"Why weep I so?
+  "The harlot will but gladden in my tears!
+  "But ere she here arrives, it me behoves
+  "Each effort to employ, while time now serves,
+  "To hinder what he seeks; whilst yet my couch
+  "Another presses not. Shall I complain,
+  "Or rest in silence? Shall I Calydon
+  "Re-seek, or here remain? Shall I abscond
+  "His habitation, or, if nought else serves,
+  "Strenuous oppose him? Or if truly bent,
+  "O, Meleager! with a sister's pride,
+  "Thy wicked deeds t' outvie, a witness leave,
+  "The harlot's throat divided, what the rage
+  "Of woman may accomplish, when so wrong'd."--
+  In whirls her agitated mind is toss'd;
+  Determining last to send to him the robe,
+  In Nessus' blood imbu'd, and so restore
+  His waning love. Witless of what she sends,
+  Herself to Lychas' unsuspecting hands
+  The cause of future grief delivers. Wretch
+  Most pitiable! she, with warm-coaxing words,
+  Instructs the boy to bear her spouse the gift.
+  Th' unwitting warrior takes it, and straight clothes
+  His shoulders with Echidna's poisonous gore.
+  Incense he sprinkles in the primal flames
+  He kindles,--with the flames his prayers ascend.
+  As from the goblet he the vintage pours
+  On marble altars; hapless by the heat
+  The poison more was quicken'd; by the flame
+  Melted, it grew more potent; wide diffus'd,
+  Through all the limbs of Hercules it spread.
+  Still while he could, his fortitude, as wont
+  His groans suppress'd; at last his patience spent,
+  Fierce from the altar flinging, OEté's mount
+  So woody, with his plaintive shrieks he fills,
+  And instant from his limbs the deadly robe
+  Essays to tear: that, where he strips, the skin,
+  Stript also, follows; dreadful to describe!
+  Or to his limbs, his utmost struggling vain,
+  It clings: or bare his lacerated joints
+  And huge bones stand. With hissing noise his blood
+  Burns, as when glowing iron in a pool
+  Is dipp'd, so boils it with the venom fierce.
+  Nor hope of help remain'd, the greedy fires,
+  His utmost vitals waste; and purple sweat
+  Bedews his every limb; his scorch'd nerves crack;
+  And whilst his marrow, with the latent pest,
+  Runs fluid, high tow'rd heaven his arms he holds,
+  Exclaiming;--"now Saturnia, feast thy soul
+  "With my destruction; joy, O savage!--view
+  "From lofty heaven my tortures; satiate now
+  "Thy rancorous soul:--but if a foe may move
+  "Commiseration, (for thy foe I am)
+  "Take hence this life, grievous, through direful pains:
+  "Hateful to thee, and destin'd first for toils.
+  "Death now would be a boon; and such a boon
+  "A step-dame might confer. Have I for this,
+  "Busiris slain, who drench'd the temples deep
+  "With travellers' blood? For this Antæus robb'd
+  "Of nutriment parental? Did thy bulk,
+  "Of triple-form, swain of Iberia, fright?
+  "Or thou, three-headed Cerberus, me move?
+  "Wrought I for this in Elis? at the lake
+  "Of Stymphalis? and in Parthenian woods?
+  "Did not my valor seize the golden belt
+  "Of Thermodon's brave queen? the apples gain,
+  "Ill-guarded by th' unsleeping dragon's care?
+  "Could the fierce Centaur me resist? or could
+  "The mighty boar that laid Arcadia waste?
+  "And what avail'd the Hydra, that he grew
+  "From every loss, in double strength reviv'd?
+  "How? Saw I not the Thracian coursers gorg'd
+  "With human gore! whose stalls with mangled limbs
+  "Crowded, I overthrew, and slew their lord
+  "On his slain coursers? Strangled by these hands
+  "Nemæa's monster lies. Heaven I upbore
+  "Upon these shoulders. The fierce wife of Jove
+  "Weary'd at length with bidding, I untir'd
+  "Still was of acting. But at length behold
+  "A new-found plague, which not the bravest soul,
+  "Nor arms, nor darts can aught resist. Fierce fire,
+  "Darts through my deepest inwards; all my limbs
+  "Greedy devouring. Yet Eurystheus lives!
+  "Still are there who the deities believe?"--
+  He said, and o'er high OEté tortur'd rov'd
+  Like a mad tiger, when the hunter's dart
+  Stands in his body, and the wounder flies.
+  Oft would you see him groaning; storming oft;
+  Oft straining from his limbs again to fling
+  The vest; trees rooting up; against the hills
+  Fierce railing; next up to his father's skies
+  His arms extending. Lo! he Lychas spies,
+  Where trembling in a hollow rock he hides!
+  Then, all his fury in its utmost strength,
+  Raging, he cry'd;--"Thou, Lychas, thou supply'd
+  "This deadly gift. Thou art the author then
+  "Of my destruction."--Shuddering he, and pale,
+  In timid accents strove excuse to plead:
+  Speaking, and round his knees prepar'd to cling,
+  Alcides seiz'd him, with an engine's force
+  Whirl'd round and round, and hurl'd him in the waves,
+  Which by Eubæa roll. He, as he shot
+  Through air, was harden'd. As the falling showers
+  Concrete by freezing winds, whence snow is form'd:
+  As snows by rolling, their soft bodies join,
+  Conglomerating into solid hail:
+  So ancient times believ'd, the boy thus flung,
+  Through empty air, by strong Alcides' arm,
+  Bloodless through fear, and all his moisture drain'd,
+  Chang'd to a flinty rock. A rock e'en now
+  High in Eubæa's gulph exalts its head,
+  Which still of human form the marks retains.
+  Which, as though still of consciousness possess'd,
+  The sailors fear to tread, and Lychas call.
+
+    Thou, Jove's renowned offspring, fell'd the trees
+  Which lofty OEté bore, and built a pile:
+  Then bade the son of Pæan bear thy bow,
+  Thy mighty quiver, and thy darts, to view
+  Once more the realm of Troy; and through his aid
+  The flames were plac'd below, whose greedy spires
+  Seiz'd on the structure. On the woody top
+  Thou laid'st the hide Nemæan, and thy head,
+  Supported with thy club, with brow serene
+  As though with garlands circled, at a feast
+  Thou laid'st, 'mid goblets fill'd with sparkling wine.
+
+    Now the strong fires spread wide o'er every part,
+  Crackling, and seizing his regardless limbs,
+  Who them despis'd. The gods beheld with fear
+  The earth's avenger. Jove, who saw their care
+  With joyous countenance, thus the powers address'd:
+  "This fear, O deities! makes glad my heart;
+  "And lively pleasure swells in all my breast,
+  "That sire and sovereign o'er such grateful minds
+  "I hold my sway; since to my offspring too
+  "Your favoring care extends. No less, 'tis true,
+  "His deeds stupendous claim. Still I'm oblig'd.
+  "But from your anxious breasts banish vain fear;
+  "Despise those flames of OEté; he who all
+  "O'ercame, shall conquer even the flames you see:
+  "Nor shall the power of Vulcan ought consume,
+  "Save his maternal part: what he deriv'd
+  "From me, is ever-during; safe from death;
+  "And never vanquish'd by the force of fire.
+  "That we'll receive, his earthly race compleat,
+  "Amidst the heavenly host; and all I trust
+  "My actions gladly will approve. Should one
+  "Haply, with grief see Hercules a god,
+  "And grudge the high reward; ev'n he shall grant
+  "His great deserts demand it; and allow
+  "Unwilling approbation." All assent;
+  Not even his royal spouse's forehead wore,
+  A frown at ought he said; his final words
+  Irk'd her at length, to be so plainly mark'd.
+  Vulcan meantime each corruptible part
+  Bore off in flames, nor could Alcides' form
+  Remaining, now be known; nought he retain'd
+  Of what his mother gave; Jove's share alone.
+  A serpent revels thus in glittering scales,
+  His age and former skin thrown off at once.
+  So when Tirynthius from his mortal limbs
+  Departed, in his better part he shone,
+  Increas'd in stature; and majestic grace
+  Augustly deck'd his venerable brow.
+  Veil'd in a hollow cloud, and borne along
+  By four swift steeds, in a high car, the sire
+  Him plac'd in glory 'mid the radiant stars.
+  Atlas perceiv'd his load increas'd. Nor yet
+  Eurystheus 'bated in his rancorous hate,
+  But cruel exercis'd his savage rage,
+  Against the offspring of the sire abhorr'd.
+
+    But now Alcmena, worn with constant cares,
+  In Argolis, to Iölé confides
+  Her aged plaints, to her the labors tells
+  Her son atchiev'd, o'er all the wide world known;
+  And her own griefs beside. Alcides' words
+  Caus'd Hyllus to his couch to take, and take
+  Iölé, cordial to his inmost heart:
+  And now with generous fruit, the nymph was large.
+  Alcmena, thus to her commenc'd her tale.--
+
+    "May thee, at least, the favoring gods indulge;
+  "And all delay diminish, when matur'd,
+  "Thou to Ilithyiä shalt have need to call,
+  "Who o'er travailing mothers bears the rule;
+  "Whom Juno's influence made so hard to me.
+  "Of Hercules toil-bearing, now the birth,
+  "Approach'd, and in the tenth sign rul'd the sun.
+  "A mighty bulk swell'd out my womb, so huge,
+  "Well might you know that Jove the load had caus'd:
+  "Nor could I longer bear my throes (my limbs
+  "Cold rigors seize, while now I speak; my pains
+  "Part ev'n in memory now I seem to feel)
+  "Through seven long nights, and seven long days with pangs
+  "Incessant was I rack'd: my arms to heaven
+  "Stretching, I call'd Lucina, and the powers,
+  "With outcries mighty. True Lucina came,
+  "But came by Juno prepossest, and bent
+  "My life to sacrifice to Juno's rage.
+  "Soon as my groans she hearken'd, down she sate
+  "Upon the altar, plac'd without the gates:
+  "'Neath her right ham, her left knee pressing; join'd
+  "Fingers with fingers cross'd upon her breast
+  "My labor stay'd; and spellful words she spoke
+  "In whispering tone; the spellful words delay'd
+  "Th' approaching birth. I strain, and madly rave
+  "With vain upbraidings to ungrateful Jove,
+  "And crave for death; in such expressions 'plain
+  "As hardest flints might move. The Theban dames
+  "Around me throng; assist me with their prayers;
+  "And me my trying pains exhort to bear.
+  "Galanthis, one who tended me, of race
+  "Plebeïan; yellow-hair'd; and sedulous
+  "What order'd to perform; and much esteem'd
+  "For courteous deeds;--she first suspected, (what,
+  "I know not) somewhat, form'd by Juno's pique:
+  "And while she constant pass'd; now to, now fro,
+  "She saw the goddess on the altar sit,
+  "Girding her arms, with close-knit fingers o'er
+  "Her knees, and said;--O dame, whoe'er thou art,
+  "Our mistress gratulate. Alcmena now
+  "Argolican, is lighten'd. Now the prayers
+  "Of the child-bearer meet her hopes.--The dame
+  "Who rules the womb, straight from her station leap'd,
+  "And all astounded, her clench'd fingers loos'd:
+  "I in that moment felt my bonds undone.
+  "Galanthis, they report, the goddess mock'd
+  "Thus cheated, by her laughter. Savage, she
+  "Dragg'd her so laughing, by the tresses seiz'd,
+  "And forc'd her down to earth, as up she strove
+  "Erect to rise; and to forefeet her arms
+  "Transform'd. The same agility remains;
+  "Her back its colour keeps; her form alone
+  "Is diverse. She, 'cause then her lying mouth
+  "My birth assisted, by her mouth still bears:
+  "And round my house she harbors as before."--
+
+    She said, and by the memory mov'd, she mourn'd
+  For her lost servant, whom, lamenting, thus
+  Her child-in-law address'd.--"If then the form
+  "Alter'd, of one an alien to your blood,
+  "O mother! thus affects you, let me tell
+  "The wond'rous fortune which my sister met:
+  "Though grief and tears will frequent choke my words.
+
+    "Her mother, Dryopé alone could boast,
+  "(Me to my sire another bore) her charms
+  "OEthalia all confess'd; whom (rifled first
+  "Of virgin charms, when passively she felt
+  "His force, who Delphos, and who Delos rules)
+  "Andræmon took, and held a happy spouse.
+  "A lake expands with steep and shelving shores
+  "Encompass'd; myrtles crown the rising bank.
+  "Here Dryopé, of fate unconscious came,
+  "And what must more commiseration move,
+  "Came to weave chaplets for the Naïad nymphs;
+  "Her arms sustain'd her boy, a pleasing load,
+  "His first year scarce complete, as with warm milk
+  "She nourish'd him. The watery Lotus there,
+  "For promis'd fruit in Tyrian splendor bright,
+  "Grew flowering near. The flowers my sister cropp'd,
+  "And held them to delight her boy; and I,
+  "(For there I stood,) the same prepar'd to do;
+  "But from the flowers red flowing drops I saw,
+  "And all the boughs with tremulous shuddering shook.
+  "Doubtless it is, (but far too late we learn'd
+  "By the rough swains,) nymph Lotis, when she fled
+  "From Priapus obscene, her shape transform'd
+  "Into this tree which still retains her name.
+  "My sister witless of this change, in fright
+  "Would back retreat, and leave the nymphs ador'd,
+  "But roots her feet retain: these from the ground
+  "She strains to rend; but save her upper limbs
+  "Nought can she move; a tender bark grows o'er
+  "The lower parts, and her mid limbs invades.
+  "This seeing, and her locks to rend away
+  "Attempting; her rais'd hand with leaves was fill'd.
+  "Leaves cover'd all her head. Amphyssus found,
+  "(His grandsire had the child Amphyssus nam'd)
+  "His mother's breasts grow hard; nor when he suck'd
+  "Lacteal fluid gain'd he. I there stood,
+  "Of her sad fate spectator: loud I cry'd--
+  "But, O my sister! aid I could not bring;
+  "Yet what I could I urg'd; the growing trunk,
+  "And growing boughs, my close embraces staid:
+  "In the same bark I glad had been enclos'd.
+  "Lo! come her spouse Andræmon, and her sire
+  "So wretched; and for Dryopé they seek:
+  "A Lotus, as for Dryopé they ask,
+  "I shew them; to the yet warm wood salutes
+  "Ardent they give; and prostrate spread, the roots
+  "They clasp of their own tree. Now, sister dear!
+  "Nought save thy face but what a tree becomes.
+  "Thy tears, the leaves thy body form'd, bedew.
+  "And now, whilst able, while her mouth yet gives
+  "To words a passage, such like plaints as these
+  "She breathes;--If faith th' unhappy e'er can claim,
+  "I swear by all the deities, this deed
+  "I never merited: without a crime
+  "My punishment I suffer. Innocent
+  "My life has been. If I deceive, may drought
+  "Parch those new leaves; and, by the hatchet fell'd,
+  "May fire consume me. Yet this infant bear
+  "From those maternal branches; to a nurse
+  "Transfer him; but contrive that oft he comes
+  "And 'neath my boughs let him his milk imbibe;
+  "And 'neath my boughs sport playful. When with words
+  "Able to hail me, let him me salute,
+  "And sorrowing say;--Within that trunk lies hid
+  "My mother--But the lakes, O! let him dread,
+  "Nor dare from any tree to snatch a flower;
+  "But think each shrub he sees a god contains.
+  "Adieu! dear husband; sister dear, adieu!
+  "Father, farewel! if pious cares you feel,
+  "From the sharp axe defend my boughs, and from
+  "The browsing flocks. And now, as fate denies
+  "To lean my arms to yours,--your arms advance;
+  "Approach my lips, whilst you my lips may touch:
+  "And to them lift my infant boy. More words
+  "I may not;--now the tender bark my neck,
+  "So white, invades; my utmost summit hid.
+  "Move from my lids your fingers, for the bark,
+  "So rapid growing, will my dying eyes
+  "Without assistance close.--Her lips to speak
+  "Cease, and existence ceases: the fresh boughs
+  "Long in the alter'd body warm were felt."
+
+    While Iölé the mournful fact relates;
+  And while Alcmena, from Eurytus' maid,
+  With ready fingers dry'd the tears; herself
+  Still weeping, lo! a novel deed assuag'd
+  Their grief--for Iölaüs, scarcely youth,
+  His cheeks with tender down just cover'd, stands
+  Within the porch; to early years restor'd.
+
+    Junonian Hebé, by her husband's prayers
+  O'ercome, to Iölaüs gave the boon.
+  Who, when to vow she went, that future times
+  Should none such gift enjoying, e'er perceive,
+  Was check'd by Themis. "Now all Thebes,"--she said,
+  "Discordant warfare moves. Through Jove alone
+  "Capaneus can be conquer'd. Mutual wounds
+  "Shall slay the brothers. In the yawning earth
+  "A living prophet his own tomb shall see.
+  "A son avenger of his parent's death
+  "Upon his parent: impious for the deed,
+  "At once, and pious: at the action stunn'd,
+  "Exil'd from home, and from his senses driv'n,
+  "The furies' faces, and his mother's shade
+  "Shall haunt him; till his wife the fatal gold
+  "Shall ask: and till the Phegian sword shall pierce
+  "Their kinsman's side. Callirhoë then, the nymph
+  "From Acheloüs sprung, suppliant shall seek
+  "From Jove, her infants years mature may gain.
+  "Mov'd by her prayers, Jove will from thee demand,
+  "Son's spouse, and daughter of his wife, the boon
+  "And unripe men thou'lt make the youths become."
+
+    While Themis thus, with fate-foretelling lips,
+  This spoke; the gods in murmuring grudgings mourn'd,
+  Angry why others might not grant the gift.
+  Aurora mourn'd her husband's aged years:
+  Mild Ceres 'plain'd that Jason's hairs were white:
+  Vulcan, for Erichthonius pray'd an age
+  Renew'd. E'en Venus future cares employ'd,
+  Anxious for promise that Anchises' years
+  Replenishment might find: And every god
+  Had whom he lov'd; and dark sedition grew
+  From special favor; till the mighty sire
+  The silence broke.--"If reverence I may claim,
+  "Where rashly rush ye? Which of you the power,
+  "Fate to control, possesses? Fate it was
+  "Gave Iölaüs youth restor'd again:
+  "By Fate Callirhoë's sons ere long shall spring
+  "To manhood, prematurely; nor can arms
+  "Nor yet ambition gain this gift. With souls
+  "More tranquil bear this; since you see the fates
+  "Me also rule. Could I the fates once change,
+  "Old age should never bend Æäcus down;
+  "And Rhadamanthus had perpetual spring
+  "Of youth enjoy'd, with Minos, now despis'd
+  "Through load of bitter years, nor reigns as wont."
+
+    Jove's words the deities all mov'd; not one
+  Longer complain'd, when heavy press'd with years
+  They Æäcus, and Rhadamanthus saw;
+  And Minos: who, when in his prime of age,
+  Made mightiest nations tremble at his name.
+  He, feeble then, at Deïoné's son
+  Miletus, trembled, who with youthful strength,
+  And Phoebus' origin proud swol'n, and known
+  About to rise against his rule:--yet him
+  He dar'd not from his household roof to drive.
+  But thou, Miletus, fled'st spontaneous, thou
+  Th' Ægean waves in thy swift ship didst pass,
+  And on the Asian land the walls didst found
+  Which bear the builder's name. Cyancë here,
+  Mæander's daughter, whose recurving banks
+  She often trode: (whose stream itself reseeks
+  So oft) in beauteous form, by thee was known,
+  And, claspt by thee, a double offspring came,
+  Byblis and Caunus, from the warm embrace.
+
+    Let Byblis warn, that nymphs should ne'er indulge
+  Illicit warmth. Her brother Byblis lov'd;
+  Not as she ought; not with a sister's soul.
+  No fires at first the maid suspected; nought
+  Of sin: the thought that oft her lips to his
+  She wish'd to join, and clasp her arms around
+  His neck fraternal, long herself deceiv'd,
+  Beneath the semblance of a duteous love.
+  Love gradual bends to him her soul; she comes
+  Fully adorn'd to see him, anxious pants
+  Beauteous to seem; if one more beauteous there
+  She sees, invidious she that face beholds.
+  Still to herself unconscious was her love:
+  No wish she form'd beneath that burning flame,
+  Yet all within was fire. She call'd him lord,
+  Now kindred's name detesting; anxious more,
+  Byblis, than sister he should call her still.
+  Yet waking, ne'er her soul durst entertain
+  Lascivious wishes. When relax'd in sleep,
+  Then the lov'd object oft her fancy saw;
+  Oft seem'd her bosom to his bosom join'd:
+  Yet blush'd she, tranc'd in sleep. Her slumbers fly,
+  She lies awhile in silence, and revolves
+  Her dream: and thus in doubting accents speaks;
+  "Ah, wretch! what means this dream of silent night,
+  "Which yet I oft would wish? Why have I known
+  "This vision? Envy's eyes must own him fair,
+  "And but his sister am I, all my love
+  "He might possess; worthy of all my love.
+  "A sister's claim then hurts me! O! at least
+  "(While tempted thus I wakeful nought commit)
+  "Let sleep oft visit with such luscious dreams:
+  "No witness sees my sleeping joys; my joys,
+  "Though sleeping, yet are sweet. O, Venus! O,
+  "Thou feather'd Cupid, with thy tender dame!
+  "What transports I enjoy'd! what true delight
+  "Me thrill'd! how lay I, all my soul dissolv'd!
+  "How joys it me to trace in mind again
+  "The pleasure though so brief: for flying night
+  "Invidious check'd enjoyment in the bud.
+  "O Caunus! that an alter'd name might join
+  "Us closely; that thy sire a sire-in-law
+  "To me might be: O, Caunus, how I'd joy
+  "Wert thou not son, but son-in-law to mine.
+  "Would that the gods had all in common given,
+  "Save parents only. Thou in lofty birth
+  "I would should me excel. O beauteous youth!
+  "A mother whom thou'lt make I know not; I
+  "Ne'er can thee know but with a sister's love:
+  "Parents the same as thine my hapless lot.
+  "All that I have, me only pains the more.
+  "What are to me my visions? Weight have dreams?
+  "How much more happy are th' immortal gods!
+  "The gods embrace their sisters. Saturn clasps
+  "Ops, join'd to him by blood; Ocean enjoys
+  "His sister Tethys; and Olympus' king
+  "His Juno. Gods peculiar laws possess.
+  "Why seek I then celestial rites to bring
+  "Diverse, with human ord'nance to compare?
+  "Forbidden love shall from my breast be driv'n,
+  "Or that impossible, may death me seize
+  "Instant, and cold upon my couch outstretch'd,
+  "My brother then may kiss me as I lie.
+  "Yet still my wish double consent requires.
+  "Grant I should yield, still might the deed to him
+  "Seem execrable. Yet th' Æolian youth
+  "A sister's nuptial couch ne'er dreaded. Why,
+  "O, why! on this so dwell? Why thus recal
+  "Examples to my view? Where am I borne?
+  "Hence, flames obscene! hence far! a sister's love,
+  "And that alone my brother shall enjoy.
+  "But had his soul first burn'd for me, perchance
+  "I had indulg'd his passion. Surely then
+  "I may demand, who would not, ask'd, refuse.
+  "What couldst thou speak? Couldst thou confess thy flame?
+  "Love forces, and I can. If shame my lips
+  "Close binds; yet secret letters may disclose
+  "The hidden flame."--With this idea pleas'd,
+  These words her hesitating mind resolv'd,
+  Rais'd on her side, supported by her arm.--
+  "He shall"--she said--"now know it; all my love
+  "Preposterous confess'd. Alas! what depth
+  "Now rush I to? What fire has seiz'd my soul?"--
+  And then with tremulous hand the words compos'd.
+  Her right hand grasps the style, the left sustains
+  The waxen tablet smooth; and then begins.
+  She doubts; she writes; condemns what now she wrote;
+  Corrects; erases; alters; now dislikes;
+  And now approves. Now throws the tablet by,
+  Then seizes it again. Irres'lute what
+  She would; whate'er is done displeases, all.
+  Shame and audacious boldness in her face
+  Are mingled. Sister, once her hand had wrote,
+  But sister, soon as seen, her hand eras'd;
+  And her fair tablet bore such words as these.--
+  "To thee, a lover salutation sends,
+  "And health, which only thou to her canst give:
+  "Asham'd, she blushes to disclose her name.
+  "For should I press to gain my wish'd desire,
+  "Without my name, my cause I trust would find
+  "Successful aid. Let Byblis not be known
+  "Till certain hopes of bliss her mind shall cheer.
+  "Yet faded color, leanness, and pale face,
+  "With constant dripping eye, and rising sobs
+  "Shew my unhidden grief. Well might these prove
+  "To thee an index of a wounded heart.
+  "My constant clasping, numerous fond salutes,
+  "If e'er thou'st mark'd, thou well might have perceiv'd
+  "Not sister-like embracings. In my soul
+  "Though this deep wound I bear; though in my breast
+  "This fire consuming burns, yet strive I all,
+  "(Witness, ye gods! my truth) all to suppress,
+  "And act with wiser conduct: hapless war
+  "Long have I wag'd 'gainst Cupid's furious rule
+  "More pressure have I borne, than what a maid
+  "Could e'er be thought to bear. At length o'ercome,
+  "And forc'd to yield, thy help I must implore
+  "With trembling voice: thou only canst preserve,
+  "Thou only canst the loving nymph destroy.
+  "With thee the choice remains. No foe thus sues,
+  "But one by nearest ties to thee conjoin'd,
+  "Pants to be join'd more nearly; link'd to thee
+  "With closest bands. Let aged seniors learn
+  "Our laws, and seek what moral codes permit.
+  "What is permitted, and what is deny'd,
+  "Let them enquire, and closely search the laws:
+  "A bolder love more suits our growing years.
+  "As yet we know not what the laws allow;
+  "And judge for all things we free leave enjoy;
+  "Th' example following of the mighty gods.
+  "Nor parent stern, nor strict regard for fame,
+  "Nor timid thoughts should check us; absent all
+  "Should be each cause of fear. The dear sweet theft
+  "Beneath fraternal love may be conceal'd;
+  "With thee in secret converse I may speak,
+  "Embrace thee, kiss thee in the open crowd;
+  "How little then remains! Pity, forgive,
+  "The declaration of this love, ne'er told
+  "Had raging fire not urg'd it, nor allow
+  "Upon my tomb this cause of death to stand.--"
+
+    Here the fill'd tablet check'd her hand, in vain
+  Thus writing, at the utmost edge the lines,
+  But stay'd. Her crime straightway she firmly press'd,
+  With her carv'd gem, and moisten'd it with tears:
+  Her tears of utterance robb'd her. Bashful then
+  She call'd a page, and blandishing in fear
+  Exclaim'd.--"Thou faithful boy, this billet bear--"
+  And hesitated long ere more she said,
+  Ere--"to my brother, bear it."--As she gave
+  The tablet, from her trembling hand it fell;
+  The omen deep disturb'd her. Yet she sent.
+
+    A chosen hour the servant sought, went forth
+  And gave the secret message. Sudden rage
+  me youth Mæandrian petrify'd; and down
+  The half-read lines upon the ground he flung.
+  His hand scarce holding from the trembling face
+  Of the pale messenger. "Quick, fly!" he cry'd,
+  "Thou wicked pander of forbidden lust!
+  "Fly while thou may'st; and know, had not thy fate
+  "Involv'd our modest name, death hadst thou found.--"
+  He terrify'd escapes, and backward bears,
+  To his young mistress all fierce Caunus spoke.
+
+    Pale, thou, O Byblis! heardst the rough repulse;
+  Thy breast with frigid chills beset. But soon
+  Her spirits rally, and her furious love
+  Returns: scarce to the trembling air her tongue
+  Can utterance give in these indignant words;--
+  "Deserv'dly mourn I, who so rashly gave
+  "Him of my wounds the conscious tale to learn.
+  "Why trust so soon to words, what still might hid
+  "Remain, on tablets hastily compos'd?
+  "Why were not first the wishes of my soul
+  "Try'd in ambiguous hints? First, sure I ought
+  "Whence the wind blew have mark'd; nor loos'd my sails,
+  "Him flying, to pursue, and the wide main
+  "In all directions plough: now bellies out
+  "My canvas; not a single course explor'd.
+  "Hence am I borne against the rocks; hence 'whelm'd
+  "In the wide depth of ocean; nor my sails
+  "Know I to tack returning. Did not heaven
+  "Check the indulgence of my love, by marks
+  "Obvious to all? when from my hand down dropp'd
+  "The tablet, which the boy was bade to bear.
+  "Mark'd that my falling hopes not? More deferr'd
+  "Thy wishes, or the day should sure have been;
+  "Surely the day. For heaven itself me warn'd,
+  "And certain signs me gave; but those my mind
+  "Stupid neglected. Personal my words
+  "Should I have urg'd, nor trusted to the wax.
+  "In person should my love have been display'd.
+  "Then had my tears been seen; then had he view'd
+  "My raptur'd countenance; then had I spoke
+  "Far more than power of letters can convey.
+  "My arms around his neck I then had thrown
+  "Howe'er unwilling; and, had he been coy,
+  "In dying posture I his feet had clasp'd;
+  "And stretch'd before him life demanding, all
+  "Had I achiev'd. Perchance though, by the boy,
+  "My messenger commission'd, I have fail'd:
+  "Aptly perhaps he enter'd not; perhaps,
+  "And much I fear, improper hours he chose;
+  "Nor sought a vacant time, when nought his mind
+  "Disturb'd. This has, alas! my hopes destroy'd:
+  "For from a tiger Caunus sprung not; round
+  "His heart not solid steel, nor rigid flint,
+  "Nor adamant is girt; nor has he suck'd
+  "The lioness's milk. He shall be bent,
+  "And gain'd his heart shall be; nor will I brook
+  "The smallest bar to what I undertake,
+  "While now this spirit holds. My primal wish
+  "(If it were given I might revoke my deeds)
+  "Is, I had ne'er commenc'd: my second now
+  "Is, that I persevere in what's begun.
+  "For should I now my wishes not pursue,
+  "Still must he of those daring wishes think;
+  "And should I now desist, well might he judge
+  "Form'd lightly my desires: or plann'd to try
+  "His virtue, and involve in snares his fame:
+  "Or, (dreadful!) think me not by love o'ercome,
+  "(Who burns and rages fiercely in my breast)
+  "But by hot lust. For now conceal'd no more
+  "My guilty act can be; I've written once,
+  "Once have I ask'd; corrupted all my soul.
+  "Should further no depravity ensue,
+  "Guilty I must be call'd. What more remains,
+  "In crime is little, but in hope immense."--
+
+    She said, and such the wavering of her breast,
+  That, whilst the trial grieves her which she made,
+  Farther to try she wishes; every bound
+  O'erpassing; and, with luckless fate, her suit
+  Still meets repulsion. He, when endless seem'd
+  Her pressing, fled his country, and the crime;
+  And in a foreign region rais'd new walls.
+
+    Then, daughter of Miletus, they report,
+  Forsook thee all thy senses; then in truth
+  Thou rent thy garments from thy breast; thy breast
+  Thy furious hands hard smote. Now to the world
+  Madly she raves; now to the world displays
+  Her wish'd-for love, deny'd: all hope--despair!
+  She too forsook her country, and the roof
+  So hated; and the vagrant steps pursu'd
+  Her flying brother trode. As Thracia's dames
+  O, son of Semelé! thy Thyrsus shake
+  When celebrating thy triennial rites,
+  So did the Carian matrons, Byblis see
+  Fly o'er the wide-spread fields, with shrieks and howls:
+  These left behind, o'er Caria's plains she runs,
+  And through the warlike Leleges, and through
+  The Lycian realms. Now Cragos had she left,
+  And Lymiré, and Xanthus' waves behind;
+  With the high ridge Chimæra lifts, who burns
+  Central with flames; his breast and front fierce arm'd
+  A lion--tow'rd his tail a serpent form'd.
+  Now all the forests past; thou Byblis, faint
+  With long pursuit, fall'st flat; on the hard ground
+  Thy locks are spread; dumb now thou ly'st; thy face
+  Presses the fallen leaves. Oft in their arms
+  So delicate, the Lelegeïan nymphs
+  To raise thee up attempted. Oft they strove
+  To give advice that might thy love control,
+  And offer solace to thy deafen'd ear.
+  Still silent Byblis lies; and with her nails
+  Rends the green herbage; moistens all the grass
+  With rivulets of tears. And here, they say,
+  The Naiäd nymphs their bubbling art supply'd.
+  Ne'er drought to know: more to afford, their power
+  Sure could not. Straightway, as the pitchy drops
+  Flow from the fir's cleft bark; from solid earth
+  As stiff bitumen oozes; or as streams,
+  By cold congeal'd, thaw with the southern wind
+  And warming sun: Phoebean Byblis so
+  By her own tears exhausted, was transform'd,
+  A fount becoming; which still in that vale,
+  'Neath a dark ilex springing, keeps her name.
+
+    Now had the rumor of this wond'rous change
+  Spread rapid through the hundred towns of Crete,
+  But Crete had lately seen a wond'rous change
+  In her own clime, in Iphis' alter'd form.
+  There in the Phestian land, near Gnossus' realm
+  Was Lygdus born: a man of unknown fame,
+  But a plebeïan of unblemish'd worth:
+  Nor had he, more than noble stock, estate;
+  Yet unimpeach'd for honesty his life.
+  He thus the ears of his then pregnant spouse
+  Address'd, when near her bearing time approach'd:--
+  "Two things my wishes bound; first that thy pains
+  "May lightly press, next that a male thou bring'st:
+  "More burdensome are females; strength to them
+  "Nature denies. Then if by fate ordain'd
+  "To give a female birth, which I detest,
+  "Unwilling I command,--O piety!
+  "Excuse it,--let the babe to death be given."--
+  He said, and tears profuse the cheeks bedew
+  Of him who bade, and her who heard his words.
+  Still Telethusa to the latest hour,
+  With vain petitions strives her spouse to move,
+  That thus he should not straighten so his hopes.
+  Firm to his purpose Lygdus stood. And now
+  Scarce could the heavy weight her womb sustain;
+  When in the silent space of night, in sleep
+  Entranc'd; or Isis stood before her bed,
+  Or seem'd to stand; surrounded by the pomp
+  To her belonging. On her forehead shone
+  The lunar horns, and yellow wheat them bound
+  In golden radiance, with a regal crown.
+  With her Anubis, barker came; and came
+  Bubastis holy; Apis various-mark'd;
+  He who the voice suppresses, and directs
+  To silence with his finger; timbrels loud;
+  Osiris never sought enough; and snakes
+  Of foreign lands full of somniferous gall.
+  To her the goddess thus, as rais'd from sleep
+  She seem'd, and manifest each object stood:--
+  "O vot'ry, Telethusa! fling aside
+  "Thy weighty cares; thy husband's mandates cheat;
+  "Nor waver, when Lucina helps thy pains:
+  "Save it whate'er it be. A goddess I,
+  "Assisting, still give aid when rightly claim'd:
+  "Nor will it e'er thee grieve to have ador'd
+  "An ingrate goddess."--Thus as she advis'd,
+  She vanish'd from the bed. The Cretan dame
+  Rose from the couch o'erjoy'd; and raising high
+  To heaven her guiltless hands, pray'd that her dream
+  On truth was founded. Now her pains increas'd;
+  And now her burthen forc'd itself to air:
+  A daughter came, but to the sire unknown.
+  The mother bade them rear it as a boy,
+  And all a boy believ'd it; none the truth,
+  The nurse excepted, knew. Glad prayers the sire
+  Offers, and from its grandsire is it nam'd:
+  (Iphis, the grandsire's appellation.) Joy'd
+  The mother hears the name, which either sex
+  May claim; and none, in that at least, deceiv'd;
+  The lie lay hid beneath a pious fraud.
+  The robes were masculine, the face was such
+  As beauteous boy, or beauteous girl might own.
+
+    And now three annual suns the tenth had pass'd,
+  Thy father, Iphis, had to thee betroth'd
+  Iänthé, yellow-hair'd; nymph most admir'd
+  'Mongst all the Phestians, for her beauteous charms:
+  Telestes of Dictæa was her sire.
+  Equal in age, and equal in fair form;
+  The self-same masters taught the early arts,
+  Suiting their years. Their unsuspecting minds
+  Were both by love thus touch'd, in both was fix'd
+  An equal wound: but far unlike their hopes.
+  Iänthé, for a spouse impatient looks,
+  With nuptial torches. Whom a man she thinks,
+  That spouse she hopes will be. Iphis too loves,
+  Despairing what she loves e'er to enjoy:
+  This still the more her love augments, and burns
+  A virgin for a virgin. Scarce from tears
+  Refraining;--"What,"--she cries,--"for me remains?
+  "What will the issue be? What cure for this
+  "New love, unknown to all, who prodigies
+  "Possess in this desire? If the high gods
+  "Me wish to spare, straight should they me destroy.
+  "Yet would they me destroy, they should have given
+  "A curse more natural; a more usual fate.
+  "Love for an heifer ne'er an heifer moves;
+  "Nor burns the mare for mares: rams follow ewes;
+  "The stag pursues his female; birds thus join:
+  "Nor animal creation female shews
+  "With love of female seiz'd. Would none were I!
+  "But lest all monstrous loves Crete might not shew;
+  "Sol's daughter chose a bull; even that was male
+  "With female. Yet, if candidly I speak,
+  "My passion wilder far than hers appears.
+  "She hop'd-for love pursu'd; by fraud enjoy'd;
+  "Beneath an heifer's form, th' adulterous spark
+  "Deceiving. Be from every part of earth
+  "Assembled here the skill: let Dædalus
+  "Hither, on waxen wings rebend his flight,
+  "What could all aid? Could all their learned art
+  "Change me from maid to youth? or alter thee
+  "Iänthé? But why resolute, thy mind
+  "Not fix? Why Iphis thus thyself forget,
+  "These stupid wishes driving hence, and thoughts
+  "So unavailing? Lo! what thou wast born,
+  "(Save thou would'st also thine own breast deceive)
+  "What is allow'd behold, and as a maid
+  "May love, love only. Hope, first snatch'd by love,
+  "Love feeds on still. From thee all hope is borne.
+  "No guardians thee debar the dear embrace;
+  "Nor watchful husband's care; no sire severe;
+  "Nor she herself denies thy pressing prayers,
+  "Yet art thou still forbid, though all agree;
+  "To reap the bliss, though gods and men unite.
+  "Behold, too, all my votive prayers succeed:
+  "The favoring gods whate'er I pray'd have given.
+  "My sire and hers, and even herself comply,
+  "But nature far more strong denies, alone
+  "Me irking with refusal. Lo! arrives
+  "The wish'd-for hour; the matrimonial light
+  "Approaches; when Iänthé will be mine;
+  "And yet far from me. In the midst of waves
+  "For thirst I perish. Nuptial Juno, why
+  "Com'st thou, or Hymen to these rites; where none
+  "Leads to the altar, but where both are led?"--
+
+    Here staid her speech; nor less the other nymph
+  Burn'd; and O, Hymen, pray'd thy quick approach.
+  But what she wishes Telethusa dreads,
+  And searches for delays; feign'd sickness oft
+  Prolongs the time; oft omens dire, and dreams.
+  Now all her artful fictions are consum'd;
+  And now the long protracted period came,
+  For nuptial rites; and, but one day remain'd.
+  She from her own and daughter's head unbinds
+  The fillets; and with locks dishevell'd, clasps
+  The altar, crying;--"Isis, thou who dwell'st
+  "In Parætonium; Mareotis' fields;
+  "In Pharos; and the sev'nfold mouths of Nile.
+  "Help me I pray! relieve my trembling dread.
+  "Thee, goddess, once I saw; and with thee all
+  "Those images beheld; them all I know:
+  "Thy train, thy torches, and thy timbrels loud.
+  "And with a mindful soul thy words I mark'd.
+  "That she enjoys the light, that I myself,
+  "Not sinful suffer, to thy counsels, we,
+  "And admonitions owe. Pity us both;
+  "Grant us thy helping aid."--Tears follow'd words.
+  Straight seem'd the goddess' altars all to shake;
+  (And shake they did) trembled the temple's doors;
+  The lunar horns blaz'd bright; the timbrels rung.
+
+    Forth goes the mother, of the omen glad,
+  Yet not in faith secure. Iphis pursues
+  His mother with a step more large than wont:
+  The snow-like whiteness quits his face; his strength
+  Increases; fiercer frowns his forehead wears:
+  Shorten'd his uncomb'd locks: more vigor now
+  Than as a nymph he felt. For thou, a boy
+  Now art--so late a female! Bear thy gifts
+  Straight to the temple; and in faith rejoice.
+  Straight to the temple they their offerings bore,
+  And on them this short poem was inscrib'd.--
+  "Iphis a boy, the offerings pays, which maid,
+  "Iphis had vow'd."--The following sun illum'd
+  The wide world with his rays; when Venus came,
+  Juno, and Hymen, to the genial fires;
+  And the boy Iphis his Iänthé clasp'd.
+
+
+
+
+*The Tenth Book.*
+
+
+    Marriage of Orpheus and Eurydicé. Her death. Descent of Orpheus
+    to Hell, to recover her. Her second loss. His mournful music on
+    mount Hæmus draws the trees, birds, and beasts around him. Change
+    of Cyparissus to a cypress-tree. Song of Orpheus. Ganymede.
+    Hyacinth changed to a flower. The Amanthians to oxen. The
+    Propætides to flints. Pygmalion's statue to a woman. Myrrha's
+    incestuous love, and transformation to a tree. Venus' love for
+    Adonis. Story of Atalanta and Hippomenes. Adonis changed to an
+    anemoné.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Tenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Thence Hymen, in his saffron vesture clad,
+  Through the vast air departs; and seeks the land
+  Ciconian; by the voice of Orpheus call'd
+  Vainly. He came indeed, but with him brought
+  No wonted gratulations, no glad face,
+  Nor happy omen. And the torch he bore
+  Crackled in hissing smoke; nor gather'd flame
+  From whirling motion. Still more dire th' event
+  Prov'd, than the presage. As the new-made bride,
+  Attended by a train of Naïad nymphs,
+  Rov'd through the grass, a serpent's fangs her heel
+  Pierc'd, and she instant dy'd. Her, when long-mourn'd
+  In upper air, the Rhodopeïan bard
+  Ventur'd to seek in shades, and dar'd descend
+  Through the Tænarian cave to Stygia's realms.
+  'Mid shadowy crowds, and bury'd ghosts he goes,
+  To Proserpine, and him who rules the shades
+  With sway ungrateful. There he strikes the strings
+  Responsive to his words, and this his song.--
+  "Gods of this subterraneous world, where all
+  "Of mortal origin must come, permit
+  "That I the truth declare; no tedious tales
+  "Of falshood will I tell. Here came I not
+  "Your dusky Hell to view: nor to o'ercome
+  "The triple-throated Medusæan beast
+  "Snake-hair'd;--my wife alone my journey caus'd,
+  "Whose heel a trampled serpent venom'd stung:
+  "Snatch'd in her bloom of years. Much did I wish,
+  "My loss to bear; nor ought forbore to strive;
+  "But love o'ercame. Well do the upper gods
+  "That deity confess. In doubt I stand
+  "If here too he is known; but here I judge
+  "His power is felt: the ancient rape, if true,
+  "Proves love ev'n you first join'd. You I implore,
+  "By all those regions fill'd with dread; by this
+  "Chaos immense; your ample realm, all fill'd
+  "With silence; once again the thread renew
+  "Eurydicé too hasty lost. To you
+  "We all belong; a little while we stay,
+  "Then soon or late to one repose we haste:
+  "All hither tend; this is our final home.
+  "You hold o'er human kind a lengthen'd reign.
+  "She too, when once her years mature are fill'd,
+  "To you again, must by just right belong.
+  "I then request her only as a loan:
+  "But should the fates this favor me refuse,
+  "Certain I'll ne'er return. Two deaths enjoy."--
+  The bloodless shadows wept as thus he sung,
+  And struck the strings in concord with his words.
+  Nor Tantalus at flying waters caught;
+  Nor roll'd Ixion's wheel: the liver gnaw'd
+  The birds not: rested on their empty urns
+  The Belides: and Sisyphus, thou sat'st
+  Upon thy stone. Nay fame declares, then first,
+  Vanquish'd by song, the furies felt their cheeks
+  Wetted with tears. Nor could the royal spouse,
+  Nor he who rules deep darkness, him withstand
+  Thus praying; and Eurydicé is call'd.
+  Amid the recent dead she walk'd, and still
+  Halted with tardy steps from her late wound.
+  Her, when the bard of Thrace receiv'd, this law
+  Receiv'd he also: that his eyes reverse
+  He should not bend, till past Avernus' realms;
+  Else he'd the granted favor useless find.
+  In silence mute, through the steep path they climb
+  Dark, difficult, and thick with pitchy mist;
+  Nor far earth's surface wanted they to gain:
+  The lover here, in dread lest she should stray,
+  And anxious to behold, bent back his sight,
+  And instant back she sunk. As forth his arms
+  He stretch'd, to clasp expecting, and be clasp'd:
+  Unhappy! nought but fleeting air he held.
+  Twice dying, she can nought her spouse condemn;
+  For how blame him because too much he lov'd?
+  She gives her last farewel; which scarce his ears
+  Receive, then sinks again to shades below.
+
+    Orpheus, thus doubly of his spouse despoil'd,
+  All stunn'd appear'd: not less than he who saw
+  In wild affright the triple-headed dog,
+  Chain'd by the midmost: fear him never fled,
+  Till fled his former nature: sudden stone
+  On all his body seizing. Or than he,
+  Olenus, when the crime upon himself
+  He took, and guilty wish'd to seem; with thee
+  Hapless Lethæa, confident in charms.
+  Once breast to breast you join'd, now join as stones,
+  Which watery Ida bears. Beseeching vain,
+  And wishing once again the stream to pass,
+  The ferryman denies. Then on the bank
+  In squalid guise he sate, nor tasted food
+  For seven long days; his cares, and grieving soul,
+  And tears were all the sustenance he knew.
+  Cruel he call'd the gods of Erebus,
+  And to high Rhodopé himself betook,
+  And lofty Hæmus by the north-wind beat.
+
+    Thrice had the sun the year completed, each
+  By watery Pisces ended. Orpheus still
+  Fled every female's love: or his deep woe
+  Made him so cold; or faithful promise giv'n.
+  Yet crowds there were, who wish'd the bard's embrace:
+  And crowds with sorrow saw their love repuls'd.
+  A hill there rose, and on its summit spread
+  A wide extended plain, with herbage green:
+  Shade to the place was wanting; hither came
+  The heaven-born poet; seated him, and touch'd
+  His sounding strings, and straight a shade approach'd.
+  Nor wanted there Chaönian trees; nor groves
+  Of poplars; nor the acorn's spacious leaves:
+  The linden soft, the beech, the virgin bay,
+  The brittle hazle, and spear-forming ash;
+  The knotless fir; ilex with fruit low-bow'd;
+  The genial plane; the maple various stain'd;
+  Stream-loving willow; and the watery lote;
+  Box of perpetual green; slight tamarisk;
+  Two-teinted myrtle; and the laurustine
+  With purple berries. Thou too, ivy, cam'st
+  Hither with flexile feet: together flock'd
+  Grape-bearing vines; and elms with vines entwin'd:
+  Wild ash, and pitch tree; and arbutus, bent
+  With loads of ruddy fruit; the pliant palm,
+  Meed of the conqueror; the pine close bound
+  About its boughs, but at its summit shagg'd:
+  Dear to the mother of celestial powers,
+  Since Atys Cybeleïan was transform'd,
+  And in the trunk a rigid tree became.
+
+    In form pyramidal, amid the crowd,
+  The cypress came; now tree, but once a boy;
+  Dear to the god who rules the lyre's fine chords,
+  And rules the bowstring. Once was known a stag
+  Sacred to nymphs that own Carthæa's fields,
+  Who bore upon his head a lofty shade
+  From his wide-spreading horns; his horns bright shone
+  With gold; his collar, with bright gems bedeck'd,
+  Fell o'er his shoulders from his round neck hung;
+  A silver boss, by slender reins control'd
+  Mov'd o'er his brow; a brazen pair the same,
+  Shone o'er his temples hanging from his ears:
+  Devoid of fear, his nature's timid dread
+  Relinquish'd, oft the houses would he seek;
+  And oft would gently fondling stoop his neck,
+  Heedless who strok'd him. Cyparissus, thou
+  Beyond all others priz'd the sacred beast:
+  Thou, fairest far amongst the Cæan youths.
+  Thou to fresh pastures led'st the stag; to streams
+  Of cooling fountains: oft his horns entwin'd
+  With variegated garlands. Horseman-like
+  Now on his back thou pressest; and now here,
+  Now there, thou rul'st his soft jaws with the reins
+  Of purple tinge. 'Twas once in mid-day heat,
+  When burnt the bent claws of the sea-shore crab,
+  In Sol's fierce vapor; on the grassy earth
+  The weary stag repos'd his limbs, and drew
+  Cool breezes from the trees umbrageous shades.
+  Here the boy Cyparissus careless flung
+  His painted dart, and fix'd it in his side.
+  Who, when he from the cruel wound beheld
+  Him dying, instant bent his mind to die.
+  What consolation did not Phoebus speak?
+  Urging the loss far slighter grief deserv'd:
+  Yet mourn'd he still, and from the gods supreme
+  Begg'd this last gift, to latest times to mourn.
+  His blood in constant tears exhausted, now
+  His limbs a green hue take; his locks which late
+  Hung o'er his snowy forehead, rough become
+  In frightful bushiness; and hardening quick,
+  Shoot up to heaven in form a slender spire.
+  The mourning god, in grief exclaim'd--"By me
+  "Bemoan'd, thou shalt with others always grieve;
+  "And henceforth mourners shalt thou still attend."--
+  Thus did the bard a wood collect around;
+  And in the midst he sate of thronging beasts,
+  And crowding birds. The chords he amply try'd
+  With his impulsive thumb, and vary'd much
+  In sound, he found their notes concordant still;
+  Then to this song rais'd his melodious voice.--
+
+    "O parent muse! from Jove derive my song:
+  "All yield to Jove's dominion. Oft my verse
+  "Before the mightiness of Jove has sung.
+  "I sung the giants, in a strain sublime,
+  "And vengeful thunders, o'er Phlegræa's plain
+  "Scatter'd; a tender theme now claims my lyre:
+  "I sing of youths by deities belov'd;
+  "And nymphs who with forbidden wishes burn'd,
+  "And met the doom their sensual lusts deserv'd.
+  "The king of gods made Phrygian Ganymede
+  "His favorite, but some other form possess'd.
+  "Jove must in shape be something else than Jove.
+  "He deems no form becomes him, save the bird
+  "That bears his thunder. Instant all is done;
+  "The Phrygian borne away: the air he beats
+  "With his feign'd wing. And now this youth the cup
+  "Of nectar hands, in Juno's spite, to Jove.
+
+    "Son of Amycla, thee had Phoebus plac'd
+  "Also the skies amidst, had fate allow'd
+  "For such position place; yet still thou hold'st
+  "Eternal, what fate grants: oft as the spring
+  "Winter repulses, and the ram succeeds
+  "The watery fishes, thou spring'st forth in flower
+  "'Mid the green sward. Beyond all else my sire
+  "Thee lov'd, and Delphos, plac'd in midmost earth,
+  "Wanted its ruling power, whilst now the god
+  "Eurotas lov'd, and Sparta un-intrench'd.
+  "Nor lyre, nor darts attention claim'd as wont;
+  "Of dignity unmindful, he not spurns
+  "To bear the nets; to curb the hounds; to climb
+  "With the full train the steepest mountain's ridge:
+  "And every toil augments his pleasure more.
+  "Now had the sun the midmost point near gain'd
+  "'Twixt flying night, and night approaching, each
+  "Distant in equal space; when from their limbs
+  "They flung their robes; with the fat olive's juice
+  "Their bodies shone; they enter'd in the lists
+  "Of the broad disk, which Phoebus first well pois'd,
+  "Then flung through lofty air; opposing clouds
+  "Flying it cleft; at length on solid earth
+  "It pitch'd, displaying skill with strength combin'd.
+  "Instant the rash Tænarian boy, impell'd
+  "By love of sport, sprung on to snatch the orb,
+  "But the hard ground repulsive in thy face,
+  "O, Hyacinth! it flung. Pale as the boy
+  "The god appear'd: he rais'd his fainting limbs,
+  "And in his arms now cherishes, now wipes
+  "The fatal wound, now stays his fleeting breath,
+  "With herbs apply'd; but all his arts are vain;
+  "Incurable the hurt. Just so, when broke,
+  "The violet, poppy, or the lily hang,
+  "Whose dark stems in a water'd garden spring;
+  "Flaccid they instant droop; the weighty head
+  "No longer upright rais'd, but bent to earth.
+  "So bent his dying face; his neck, bereft
+  "Of vigor, heavy on his shoulder laid.
+  "Phoebus exclaim'd;--Fall'st thou, OEbalian youth,
+  "Depriv'd of life in prime? and must I see
+  "Thy death my fault? thou art my grief, my crime;
+  "My hand the charge of thy destruction bears:
+  "I am the cause of thy untimely fate!
+  "But what my crime? unless with him to sport;
+  "Unless a fault it were too much to love.
+  "Would I could life for thee, or with thee quit;
+  "But fatal laws restrain me: yet shalt thou
+  "Be with me still; dwell ever on my lips;
+  "My hand shall sound thee on the lyre I touch;
+  "My songs of thee shall tell: a new-found flower
+  "Shall bear the letters which my griefs resound:
+  "And time shall come, when a most valiant chief
+  "Shall join him to thy flower; in the same leaf
+  "His name too shall be read.--As words like these
+  "The truth-predicting lips of Phoebus spoke,
+  "Behold! the blood which flow'd along the ground,
+  "And all the herbage ting'd, is blood no more;
+  "But springs a flower than Tyrian red more bright,
+  "A form assuming such as lilies wear:
+  "Like it, save purple this, that silvery white.
+  "Nor yet content was Phoebus; for from him
+  "The honor was deriv'd. Upon its leaves
+  "He trac'd his groans: _ai, ai_, on every flower
+  "In mournful characters is fair inscrib'd.
+  "Nor blush the Spartans, Hyacinth to own:
+  "His honors still the present age attend;
+  "And annual are the Hyacinthian feasts,
+  "In pomp surpassing aught of ancient days.
+
+    "Should you by chance of Amathus enquire,
+  "If williang the Propoetides it bore,
+  "Denying nods would equally disclaim
+  "Them, and the race whose foreheads once were rough
+  "With double horns; Cerastæ, hence their name.
+  "Jove's hospitable altar at their gates
+  "Of mournful wickedness was rear'd: who saw
+  "This stain'd with gore, if stranger, might conceive
+  "That sucking calves, or two-year's sheep there bled.
+  "There bled the guest! Mild Venus griev'd
+  "At these most impious rites, at first prepar'd
+  "To quit her cities, and her Cyprian fields:--
+  "But how,--she said,--can my beloved clime?
+  "How can my towns have given offence? what fault
+  "Abides in them? Rather the impious race,
+  "Shall vengeance feel in exile, or in death;
+  "Save death and exile medium may allow:
+  "How may that be, unless their shape is chang'd?--
+  "Then while she doubts what shape they shall assume,
+  "Their horns attract her eyes; struck by the hint,
+  "Their mighty horns she leaves them, and transforms
+  "To savage oxen all their lusty limbs.
+
+    "Still dar'd th' obscene Propoetides deny
+  "Venus a goddess' power; for which, fame says
+  "They first, so forc'd the deity's revenge,
+  "Their bodies prostituted, and their charms.
+  "As shame them left, the blood which ting'd their cheeks
+  "Harden'd, and soon they rigid stone became.
+
+    "These saw Pygmalion, and the age beheld
+  "With crimes o'er-run; the shameful vice abhorr'd
+  "Which lavish nature gave their female souls.
+  "Single, and spouseless liv'd he; long a mate
+  "Press'd not his couch. Meantime the ivory white
+  "With happy skill, and wond'rous art he carv'd;
+  "And form'd a beauteous figure; never maid
+  "So perfect yet was born, and his own work
+  "With love inspir'd him. Of a nymph her face
+  "Was such, you must believe the form to live,
+  "And move, if not by bashfulness restrain'd.
+  "Thus art his art conceal'd. Pygmalion stares
+  "In admiration; and his breast draws flames
+  "From the feign'd body: oft his hands his work
+  "Approach, if ivory or if flesh to judge;
+  "Nor ivory then will he confess the form.
+  "Kisses he gives, and thinks each kiss return'd:
+  "He speaks, he grasps her; where he grasps, he thinks
+  "His hands impression leave; and fears to see
+  "On the prest limbs some marks of livid blue.
+  "Now blandish'd words he uses; now he bears
+  "Those gifts so grateful to a girlish mind;
+  "Pearls, and smooth-polish'd gems, and smallest birds,
+  "With variegated flowers, and lilies fair,
+  "And painted figures, and the Heliads' tears,
+  "Dropt from the weeping tree: with garments gay
+  "Her limbs too he adorns, and jewels gives
+  "To deck her fingers; while a necklace large
+  "Hangs round her neck: her ears light pearls suspend;
+  "And a bright zone is circled round her waist.
+  "All well became her, yet most beauteous far
+  "She unattir'd appear'd. Her on a couch,
+  "Ting'd with the shell Sidonian, then he laid,
+  "And call'd her partner of his bed; and plac'd
+  "Her head reclin'd, as if with sense endu'd,
+  "On the soft pillow. Now the feast approach'd
+  "Of Venus, through all Cyprus' isle so fam'd,
+  "And snowy-chested heifers, whose bent horns
+  "With gold were gay, receiv'd the deadly blow;
+  "And incense burnt in clouds. Pygmalion stood
+  "Before the altar, with his offer'd gifts:
+  "Timid he spoke,--O ye all-potent gods!
+  "Give me a spouse just like my ivory nymph,--
+  "Give me my ivory nymph--he blush'd to say.
+  "Bright Venus then, as present at her feast,
+  "Perceiv'd the inmost wishes of his soul;
+  "And gave the omen of a friendly power.
+  "Thrice blaz'd the fire, and thrice the flame leap'd high.
+
+    "Returning, he the darling statue seeks
+  "Of his fair nymph; extends him on the couch;
+  "Kisses, and thinks he feels her lips grow warm:
+  "Applies his lips again, and with his hand
+  "Presses her bosom: prest the ivory yields,
+  "Softening beneath his fingers; nor remains
+  "Its rigid harshness. So Hymettus' wax
+  "Yields to the heat, when tempering thumbs it mould
+  "In various forms; and fit for future use.
+  "Astonish'd now he joys with trembling soul,
+  "But fears deception; then he loves again,
+  "And with his hands again his wishes proves:
+  "'Twas flesh, the prest pulse leap'd beneath his thumb.
+  "Then did the Cyprian youth, in words most full
+  "Of gratitude and love, to Venus pray.
+  "Then to her living lips his lips he join'd,
+  "And then the damsel felt his warm salute:
+  "Blushing she felt it, and her timid eyes
+  "Op'd to the light, and with the light beheld
+  "Her lover. Venus bless'd the match she made;
+  "And when nine times the moon's full orb was seen
+  "Sharpen'd to horns, the damsel Paphos bore;
+  "Whose appellation oft the isle receives.
+
+    "She Cinyras too bore; if childless he
+  "A place amongst the happiest might he claim.
+  "A direful song I sing! be distant far
+  "Ye daughters; distant far, O, parents be!
+  "Or if of pleasure to your minds my verse
+  "Aught gives, in this at least my truth suspect.
+  "Believe the deed not: if you must believe,
+  "Mark well the punishment the crime deserv'd.
+  "Since nature could such heinous deeds permit;
+  "The Thracian realms, my land, I 'gratulate;
+  "And joy this clime at such a distance lies,
+  "From that which could such monstrous acts produce.
+  "Let Araby be in amomum rich;
+  "And cinnamon, and zedoary produce;
+  "Incense which through the wood exudes; and flowers
+  "Of vary'd teints,--while Myrrha too it bears:
+  "Too great the price which this new tree procur'd.
+  "Cupid denies, O Myrrha! that his darts
+  "Thee wounded; vindicating from that crime
+  "His weapons. Thee, with Stygian torch most fierce,
+  "And viperous venom furies did enflame.
+  "Wicked to hate thy parent sure had been,
+  "But thus to love is worse than bitterest hate.
+  "The choicest nobles come from every part
+  "To gain thee; youths from all the East arrive,
+  "To struggle for thy hand. Chuse, Myrrha, chuse
+  "One from the crowd: one only in the world
+  "Whom chuse thou may'st not. She herself perceiv'd,
+  "And curb'd the baneful passion in her mind;
+  "Communing thus:--Ah! whither rove my thoughts?
+  "What meditate I? O, ye gods! I pray,
+  "O piety, O parents' sacred laws,
+  "Forbid this wicked act; oppose a deed
+  "So full of horrid guilt,--if guilt it be!
+  "But pious nature ne'er such love condemns.
+  "All animals in undistinguish'd form
+  "Cohabit: shame the heifer never feels
+  "Join'd with her sire; the steed his daughter takes
+  "As partner; with the female flock, who ow'd
+  "To him their being, couples oft the goat;
+  "And birds bring forth to birds who them produc'd.
+  "Blest those who thus enjoy; but human race
+  "Perversest laws invents: vexatious rules
+  "Forbid what nature grants. Yet am I told,
+  "Nations exist, where mother joins with son,
+  "And daughter with her sire; their pious love
+  "Increas'd more strongly by the double bond.
+  "Ah, me! unhappy, in such glorious climes
+  "Begotten not; I suffer but from place.
+  "But why on these ideas dwell? hence far
+  "Forbidden hopes. Well he deserves thy love,
+  "But as a father love him. Wert thou not
+  "Of mighty Cinyras the daughter, then
+  "Thou might'st the couch of Cinyras ascend.
+  "Now mine he is so much, he is not mine;
+  "Our very nearness is my greatest curse:
+  "More close, a perfect stranger had I been.
+  "Far hence I would depart; my country leave,
+  "This mischief flying; but curs'd love restrains.
+  "For, present, Cinyras I may behold;
+  "Touch, speak, my kisses to his face apply,
+  "If nought he'll grant beyond. How! impious maid,
+  "Dar'st thou hope ought beyond? perceiv'st thou not
+  "What laws, what names thou would'st confound? would'st thou
+  "The mother's rival be?--thy father's whore?
+  "Thy offspring's sister would'st thou then be call'd?
+  "Thy brother's parent? Fear'st thou not the three,
+  "Whose locks with sable serpents horrid curl?
+  "Who conscious bosoms pierce with searching eyes,
+  "And hurl their furious torches in the face?
+  "While yet thy body can resist, no more
+  "Cherish the heinous guilt thus in thy mind;
+  "Nor violate great Nature's sacred law
+  "With lust forbidden. Grant I should consent,
+  "The king would me deny: too pious he,
+  "Too dear to him the law. O, that in him
+  "Such furious passion rag'd as burns in me!--
+
+    "She ended; Cinyras, the worthy crowd
+  "Of suitors held in doubt; herself he ask'd,
+  "As name by name he counted, which as spouse
+  "She most would wish. Silent at first she stood,
+  "Then burning gaz'd on his paternal face,
+  "As the warm tears gush'd in her shining eyes.
+  "These, Cinyras effects of virgin fear
+  "Believing, chid her and forbade to weep.
+  "Drying her cheeks, he on them press'd a kiss;
+  "With too much pleasure she the kiss receiv'd:
+  "And when consulted what the spouse must be
+  "She would prefer, she answer'd,--one like you.--
+  "He witless of her meaning, prais'd her words,
+  "And said,--be such thy pious duty still--
+  "The sound of piety the virgin's eyes,
+  "With sense of guilt, cast conscious to the ground.
+
+    "'Twas now deep night when sleep sooth'd all the cares
+  "Of mortal breasts. But Myrrha wakeful laid
+  "Consum'd with raging fires; and rolling deep
+  "Her frantic wishes in her wandering mind.
+  "Despairing now, and now resolv'd to try;
+  "Now shame o'ercomes her, and anon desire:
+  "And undetermin'd how to act she rests.
+  "A mighty tree thus, wounded by the axe,
+  "Ere yet it feels the final blow, in doubt
+  "Seems where to fall; they fear on every side:
+  "Thus did her stagger'd mind from vary'd force
+  "Waver now here, now there; press'd hard by each,
+  "No ease for love, no rest but death appears.
+  "Death pleas'd. She rose, and round her throat prepar'd
+  "The cord to fasten; from the topmost beam
+  "She ty'd her girdle, and--farewel!--exclaim'd--
+  "Dear Cinyras! guess whence my fatal end.--
+  "Then drew the noose around her pallid neck.
+  "'Tis said, th' imperfect murmuring of her words,
+  "Reach'd to the faithful nurse's ears, who laid
+  "Before the threshold of her foster-child.
+  "The matron rose, threw wide the door, and saw
+  "Prepar'd the instrument of death. At once
+  "She scream'd aloud, her bosom tore, deep blows
+  "Gave her own limbs, and from the rescu'd neck
+  "Tore the tight noose. Then had she time to weep,
+  "Then to embrace, then to inquire the cause
+  "Of the dread cord. But dumb the virgin sate
+  "And motionless, her eyes to earth were fix'd;
+  "Griev'd that so check'd her efforts were for death.
+  "More the nurse presses, bares her silver'd hairs
+  "And wither'd bosom; by the cradle begs,
+  "And the first food she tasted, to confess
+  "To her the cause of sorrow. Myrrha sighs,
+  "But turns her eyes aside as thus she begs.
+  "Determin'd still to know, the nurse persists
+  "And not content her secrecy alone
+  "To promise, says--yet tell me, and my aid
+  "Allow me to afford thee. Not yet slow,
+  "Though aged. Is it love? with charms and plants
+  "I know thy love to cure. Have envious eyes
+  "Thee harm'd? with magic rites their charm I'll spoil.
+  "Are the gods angry? with appeasing rites
+  "Their anger we will soothe. What ill beside
+  "Can be conjectur'd? Lo! thy house secure,
+  "And safe thy fortune; both in prosperous train.
+  "Yet lives thy mother, and thy father lives.--
+  "Her father's name when Myrrha heard she drew
+  "Deep from her breast a mournful sigh; nor yet
+  "The nurse suspected guilt was in her soul:
+  "But saw that love disturb'd her. In her aim
+  "Inflexible; again she urg'd to know
+  "The grief whate'er it prov'd; and lull'd her head
+  "Upon her aged lap, and clasp'd her form
+  "In her own feeble arms, as thus she spoke;--
+  "I see thou lovest; banish far thy fear,
+  "My diligence in this shall aid thee; nay
+  "Not e'en thy father shall the secret know.--
+  "Madly she bounded from the lap, and cry'd,
+  "While press'd the couch her face,--I beg thee go!
+  "And spare my grievous shame.--More pressing still--
+  "Or go--she said--or ask not why I mourn:
+  "What thou so seek'st to know is shameful guilt.--
+  "With horror struck, the ancient dame holds forth
+  "Her hands, which equal shook with fear and age;
+  "Then suppliant at her foster-daughter's feet
+  "Fell. Now she coaxes; now she threatens loud;
+  "If not made privy, threatens to declare
+  "The cord's adventure, and half-finish'd death:
+  "And offers aid once more her love to gain.
+  "She rais'd her head, and fill'd her nurse's breast
+  "With sudden gushing tears. And oft she strove
+  "All to confess; as oft her tongue was mute;
+  "And in her garments hid her blushing face.--
+  "Then,--happy mother in thy spouse!--she said;
+  "No more, but groan'd. Through her cold limbs and bones,
+  "The ancient nurse a shivering tremor felt,
+  "And her white hairs all o'er her head, erect
+  "Like bristles stood; for all the truth she saw.
+  "Much did she urge the direful flame to drive
+  "Far from her soul, if that could be. The maid
+  "Knows all is just she argues, yet is fix'd
+  "For death, unless her lover is obtain'd.
+  "Then she;--O live, enjoy thy--silent there,
+  "Enjoy thy parent--she not dar'd to say:
+  "Yet by a sacred oath her promise bound.
+
+    "Now Ceres' annual feast, the pious dames
+  "All solemniz'd: in snowy robes enwrapt,
+  "They offer'd wheaten wreaths, and primal fruits.
+  "The rites of Venus, and the touch of man,
+  "For thrice three nights forbidden things they held.
+  "The monarch's spouse Cenchreïs, 'mid the crowd
+  "Forth went to celebrate the secret feast:
+  "And while the couch its legal partner lack'd,
+  "The ill-officious nurse the king espy'd
+  "Oppress'd with wine, and told the tale of love,
+  "Beneath a fictious name, and prais'd her charms.
+  "The virgin's years he asks.--Equal her age
+  "To Myrrha's--she replies.--Desir'd to bring
+  "The damsel, she returns:--Rejoice!--she cries,
+  "Rejoice! our point is gain'd.--The hapless nymph
+  "Felt not a general joy; presaging pangs
+  "Shot through her bosom; still she joy'd: her mind
+  "Such discord tore. Now was the silent hour;
+  "Boötes 'mid the Triönes had bent
+  "His wain with sloping pole; when Myrrha came
+  "To her flagitious crime. Bright Luna fled
+  "The skies; black clouds the lurking stars o'erspread;
+  "The night saw not its fires. Thou, Icarus,
+  "Thy face first hidst; and thou, Erigoné
+  "Hallow'd for thy parental love so pure.
+  "Thrice was she warn'd by stumbling feet, and thrice
+  "The owl funereal utter'd her death-note.
+  "Yet on she went; darkness and sable night
+  "Her shame diminish'd. Fast her left hand grasps
+  "Her nurse, the other waves t'explore the way.
+  "The threshold of the nuptial chamber now
+  "She touches; now she gently opes the door;
+  "Now enters. Then her trembling knees loose shook
+  "Beneath her bending hams; her color fled:
+  "Her blood flow'd back; and all her wishes sunk.
+  "The nearer was her crime approach'd, the more
+  "With horror she beheld it, and sore mourn'd
+  "Her daring; anxious to return unknown.
+  "The hoary dame, her, lingering thus, dragg'd on,
+  "And when presented at the lofty couch,
+  "Said--Cinyras receive her, she's thine own!--
+  "And the devoted bodies gave to join.
+  "The sire his proper bowels, on the bed
+  "Obscene, receiv'd; her virgin terrors calm'd,
+  "And sooth'd her trembling. Haply too, he said--
+  "My daughter,--from her age; and haply she--
+  "My sire,--lest names were wanting to their crime.
+  "Fill'd with her father from the bed she rose,
+  "Bearing in her dire womb the impious fruit;
+  "Carrying her crime conceiv'd. Th' ensuing night
+  "Her incest she repeats, nor ends she here.
+  "But Cinyras eager at length to know,
+  "After such frequent converse, who him lov'd;
+  "At once his daughter and his sin beheld,
+  "By lamps brought sudden. Grief repress'd all words;
+  "But from the sheath he snatch'd his glittering sword.
+  "Quick Myrrha fled; darkness and favoring night
+  "Sav'd her from death. O'er wide-spread fields she roam'd;
+  "Through Araby palm-bearing, and the lands
+  "Panchæa holds. Nine times returning light
+  "Had fill'd the horns of Luna, still she stray'd:
+  "Then weary rested in Sabæa's fields;
+  "While scarce she bore the burden of her womb.
+  "Then what to ask uncertain, 'twixt the fear
+  "Of death and weariness of hated life;
+  "In words like these she utter'd forth her prayers,--
+  "Ye powers, if those who guilt confess are heard,
+  "A punishment exemplar I deserve;
+  "I shrink not from it. Yet the living race
+  "Lest I contaminate, if left to live;
+  "Or lest I mix prophane with shades below,
+  "Drive me from either realm; from life and death
+  "Debar me, into some new shape transform'd.--
+  "The penitent some god propitious heard;
+  "Her final prayer at least success obtain'd:
+  "For as she spoke rose round her legs the earth;
+  "The lofty tree's foundation, crooked roots
+  "Shot from her spreading toes; hard wood her bones
+  "Became; the marrow in the midst remain'd
+  "As pith; as sappy juice still flow'd her blood:
+  "Her arms large boughs were spread; her fingers chang'd
+  "To slender twigs; rough bark her skin became.
+  "The growing tree press'd hard the gravid womb;
+  "Invested next her breast, and o'er her neck
+  "Threaten'd to spread. Impatient of delay
+  "She shrunk below to meet th' approaching wood,
+  "And hid beneath the rising bark her face.
+  "Human sensation with her change of shape
+  "She lost, yet still she weeps; and from the tree
+  "Warm drops yet fall, and much the tears are priz'd.
+  "The myrrh which oozes from the bark still holds
+  "Its mistress' name, well known in every age.
+
+    "Meantime the misbegotten infant grew
+  "Within the trunk, and press'd to find a way
+  "To push to light, and leave the parent womb.
+  "Within the tree the gravid womb swell'd large,
+  "Stretch'd was the mother with the load, but mute
+  "Were all her woes; nor in travailing voice
+  "Lucina could she call. Yet hard to strain
+  "She seem'd; thick groans oft gave the bending bole,
+  "And tears flow'd copious. Mild Lucina came,
+  "And stood before the groaning boughs, and gave
+  "Assisting help, and spoke the spellful words.
+  "Cleft is the tree, and through the fissur'd bark
+  "A living burthen comes: the infant cries,
+  "Who on soft grass plac'd. The Naïad nymphs
+  "Him bathe in tears maternal: such a face
+  "Ev'n Envy could not blame. As painters form
+  "The naked Cupid's beauty, such had he;
+  "And that their dress no help to guess may give,
+  "This the light quiver take, or that resign.
+  "Quick passing time unheeded glides along
+  "Deceiving: nought than years more quickly flies.
+  "The child, of sister and of grandsire born,
+  "Late in the tree confin'd, late thence reliev'd;
+  "Just seen most beauteous of the infant tribe,
+  "Now youth, now man appears, more beauteous still:
+  "Now Venus charm'd, his mother's pangs aveng'd.
+
+    "As kisses sweet the quiver-bearing boy
+  "Press'd on his mother's lips, he witless raz'd
+  "Slightly her bosom, with a dart that stood
+  "Protruding. Venus, wounded, angry push'd
+  "Her son far from her; light the wound appear'd;
+  "At first even her deceiving. With the blaze
+  "Of manly beauty caught, she now contemns
+  "The Cythereïan shores; nor Paphos seeks,
+  "Girt by profoundest seas; Cnidos, so fam'd
+  "For fish; nor Amathus with metals rich.
+  "Heaven too, she quits, to heaven she now prefers
+  "Adonis: him she follows, him attends;
+  "Whose sole employ was loitering in the shade,
+  "In anxious study to increase her charms.
+  "Bare to the knee, her robe, like Dian's train
+  "High-girt, o'er hills, through woods, and brambly rocks
+  "She roves: exhorts the dogs, and drives such game
+  "As threaten not with danger; fearful hares,
+  "High-antler'd stags, and rapid-flying deer.
+  "Fierce boars she shuns, and shuns the robber-wolf,
+  "Strong-talon'd bears, and lions slaughter-gorg'd.
+
+    "Thou too, Adonis, admonition heardst
+  "These to avoid, if admonition ought
+  "With thee could weigh:--Be brave,--the goddess said--
+  "To those who fly thee; courage 'gainst the bold
+  "To danger drags. Dear youth, thy heart is brave;
+  "Indulge not to my hazard, nor provoke
+  "Fierce beasts by nature arm'd, nor seek for fame.
+  "Nor youth nor beauty, such as Venus move,
+  "Will move the lion, or the bristly boar:
+  "Their eyes and breasts untouch'd by brightest charms.
+  "Thunder and lightning in his bended tusks
+  "The fierce boar carries; rapid is the force
+  "The tawny lion, (hated race!) exerts:
+  "My cause of hatred when to thee disclos'd,
+  "Will raise thy wonder at the monstrous crime,
+  "In days of yore committed. Now hard toil
+  "Unwonted tires me. Lo! the poplar's shade
+  "So opportune invites; and the green turf
+  "A couch presents. Upon the ground with thee
+  "I'll rest:--she spoke, and as she stretch'd along,
+  "She press'd the grass, and press'd the lovely youth:
+  "Smiling, her head upon his breast reclin'd,
+  "'Midst intermingling kisses, thus she spoke.--
+
+    "Perhaps thou'st heard of that renowned maid,
+  "Whose fleetness in the race the swiftest man's
+  "Surpass'd. Not fabulous the tale you heard:
+  "She vanquish'd all. And hard it was to say,
+  "If praise for swiftness, or for beauteous form,
+  "She most deserv'd. To her, who once enquir'd
+  "Of marriage, fate-predicting Phoebus said--
+  "A spouse would, Atalanta, be thy bane;
+  "Avoid an husband's couch. Yet wilt thou not
+  "An husband's couch avoid; but lose thyself,
+  "Thyself yet living.--Terror-struck to hear
+  "The sentence of the god, maiden she lives
+  "Amid the thickest woods; driving severe
+  "The throngs of pressing suitors from her far,
+  "By hard conditions.--Ne'er can I be gain'd--
+  "She said--till vanquish'd in the race. With me
+  "Your swiftness try: the conqueror in the strife,
+  "Shall gain me spouse, and gain a genial couch;
+  "But death must him who lags behind reward.
+  "Such be the laws of trial.--Pitiless
+  "The law appear'd; but (such is beauty's power)
+  "Crowds of rash lovers to the law agreed.
+  "There sat Hippomenes to view the race
+  "Unequal; and exclaim'd,--are there so mad,
+  "As seek a wife through peril so immense?--
+  "And the blind love of all the youths condemn'd.
+  "But when her face he saw, and saw her limbs
+  "Bar'd for the contest, (limbs like mine, or thine,
+  "Were thine of female mould,) amaz'd he look'd
+  "With uprais'd hands, and cry'd;--forgive my fault,
+  "Ye whom but now I blam'd; the great reward
+  "For which you labor, then to me unknown!--
+  "Thus praising, fire he feels, and hopes no youth
+  "More swift will run, and envious fears their speed--
+  "But why the fortune of this contest leave,
+  "Untry'd--he said,--myself? Heaven helps the bold.--
+  "While musing thus Hippomenes remarks
+  "The virgin's flying pace. Though not less swift
+  "Th' Aönian youth beheld her, than the dart
+  "Shot from the Scythian bow; her beauty more
+  "Ravish'd his eyes, and speed her charms increas'd.
+  "Th' opposing breeze, which met her rapid feet,
+  "Blew back the ribbons which her sandals bound;
+  "Her tresses floated down her ivory back;
+  "And loosely flow'd her garment o'er her knees,
+  "With painted border gay: a purple bloom
+  "With virgin whiteness mixt, her body shew'd;
+  "As when the snow-white hall a deepen'd tinge
+  "From purple curtains shews. While this the guest
+  "Intently notes, the utmost goal is pass'd:
+  "Victorious Atalanta with the wreath
+  "Is crown'd: the vanquish'd sigh, and meet the doom
+  "Agreed. He, by the youths' untimely fate
+  "Deterr'd not, forward stood, and on the nymph
+  "Fix'd full his eyes, and said;--Why seek you thus
+  "An easy conquest, vanquishing the weak?
+  "With me contend. So potent am I born
+  "You need not blush to such high rank to yield.
+  "Megareus was my sire, Onchestius his,
+  "Grandson to Neptune; thus the fourth I boast
+  "From Ocean's sovereign. Nor beneath my race
+  "Stoops aught my valor; should success me crown,
+  "A lofty and an everlasting fame,
+  "Hippomenes your conqueror, would you gain.--
+  "As thus he spoke, with softening eyes the maid
+  "Beheld him, doubtful which 'twere best to wish,
+  "To vanquish or be vanquish'd. While she thus
+  "Utter'd her thoughts--What god, an envious foe
+  "To beauty would destroy him: urg'd to seek
+  "My bed, by risking thus his own dear life?
+  "I cannot sure so great a prize be thought!
+  "His beauty melts me not; though yet I own
+  "Such beauty well might melt. But such a youth
+  "He seems, he moves me not but from his years.
+  "What courage in him reigns! his soul unaw'd
+  "By death. He springs the fourth from Ocean's king!
+  "Then how he loves! and prizes so my hand,
+  "That should hard fortune keep me from his arms,
+  "He'd perish. Stranger, while thou may'st, depart;
+  "Avoid the bloody nuptials. Marriage, I
+  "Too cruel make. No maid would thee refuse;
+  "And soon may'st thou a wiser nymph select.
+  "But why for him this care? from me who see
+  "So many die, whom he too has beheld?
+  "Then let him perish; since the numerous train
+  "Of slaughter'd lovers warns him not: he spurns
+  "An hated life. How! should he then be slain
+  "Because with me to live he wishes? Death
+  "Inglorious must he gain, reward of love?
+  "Hatred would such a conquest still attend.
+  "Still is not mine the fault. Do thou desist;
+  "Or if thy madness holds, O, that thy feet
+  "More swift may be! See in his youthful face
+  "What virgin beauties! Ah! Hippomenes,
+  "Would Atalanta thou had'st never seen.
+  "Well worthy thou of life. Were I more blest;
+  "Had rugged fate not me a spouse forbade,
+  "Thou, sole art he, by whom to Hymen's couch
+  "With joy I would be led.--Thus spoke the nymph,
+  "In fond simplicity, first touch'd by love,
+  "Unknowing what she felt: ardent she lov'd,
+  "Yet knew the passion not which rul'd her soul.
+
+    "Now loud the people, and the king demand,
+  "The wonted race. To me with anxious words
+  "Hippomenes, great Neptune's offspring pray'd--
+  "O Cytherea! I adjure thee, aid
+  "My bold attempt; from thee those flames I felt,
+  "Grant them thy succour.--Gales auspicious waft
+  "To me the tender prayers, my soul is mov'd:
+  "Nor long the aid so needful I delay.
+  "A tract there lies in Cyprus' richest lands,
+  "Nam'd Tamasene by those who dwell around,
+  "This ancient times made sacred unto me:
+  "And with this gift my temples were endow'd.
+  "'Midst of the field appears a shining tree;
+  "Yellow its leaves, its crackling branches gold.
+  "By chance there straying, from the boughs I pluck'd
+  "Three golden apples, bore them in my hand,
+  "And seen by none, except the favor'd youth,
+  "Approach'd Hippomenes, and taught their use.
+  "The trumpets gave the sign, each ready sprung--
+  "Shot from the barrier, and with rapid feet
+  "Skimm'd lightly o'er the sand. O'er the wide main
+  "With feet unwetted, they might seem to fly;
+  "Or sweep th' unbending ears of hoary grain.
+  "Loud shouts encouraging, and cheering words,
+  "On every side a stimulus afford,
+  "To urge the youth's exertions.--Now,--they cry,--
+  "Now, now, Hippomenes, the time to press!
+  "On, on! exert thy vigor--flag not now,--
+  "The race is thine.--The grateful sounds both heard,
+  "Megareus' son, and Schoeneus' daughter; hard
+  "Which joy'd the most to judge. How oft her pace
+  "She slacken'd, when with ease she might have pass'd,
+  "And ceas'd unwilling on his face to gaze.
+  "Tir'd now, parch'd breathings from the mouth ascends
+  "Of Neptune's son, and far remote the goal.
+  "Then, as his last resource, he distant flung
+  "One of the tree's bright produce. In amaze
+  "The virgin saw it roll; and from the course
+  "Swerv'd, tempted to obtain the glittering fruit.
+  "Hippomenes o'ershoots her; all around
+  "Applauses ring. She soon corrects delay,
+  "And wasted moments, with more rapid speed,
+  "And leaves again the youth behind. Again,
+  "Delay'd to catch the second flying fruit,
+  "The youth is follow'd, and again o'erpass'd.
+  "Now near the goal they come,--O, goddess! now
+  "Who gave the boon assist; he said, and flung
+  "With youthful force obliquely o'er the plain,
+  "More to detain, the last bright glittering gold.
+  "In doubt the virgin saw it fly: I urg'd
+  "That she should follow; and fresh weight I gave
+  "The apple when obtain'd; thus by the load
+  "Her course impeding, and obtain'd delay.
+  "But lest my tale, in length surpass the race,
+  "The vanquish'd virgin was the victor's prize.
+
+    "Think'st thou Adonis, did I not deserve
+  "Most grateful thanks in smoking incense paid?
+  "Mindless, nor thanks, nor incense yielded he;
+  "And sudden anger in my bosom rag'd.
+  "Irk'd at the slight, I instantly provide
+  "That future times with less contempt behave:
+  "And 'gainst them both my raging bosom burns.
+  "Now pass'd they near a temple, long since rais'd
+  "By fam'd Echion, in a shady wood,
+  "To the great mother of the heavenly gods,
+  "When the long journey tempted to repose;
+  "And there, inspir'd by me, ill-tim'd desire
+  "Hippomenes excited. Near the fane
+  "A cave-like close recess dim-lighted stood,
+  "With native pumice roof'd, hallow'd of old;
+  "Where priests the numerous images had plac'd,
+  "Of ancient deities. They enter'd here,
+  "And with forbidden lust the place defil'd.
+  "The wooden images their eyes avert:
+  "The tower-crown'd goddess dubious stands to plunge,
+  "The guilty couple in the Stygian wave.
+  "Too light that sentence seems: straight yellow manes
+  "Cover their soft smooth necks; their fingers curve
+  "To mighty claws; their arms to fore-legs turn;
+  "And new-form'd tails sweep lightly o'er the sand:
+  "Angry their countenance glares; for speech they roar;
+  "They haunt the forests for their nuptial dome.
+  "Transform'd to lions, and by others fear'd,
+  "Their tam'd mouths champ the Cybeleïan reins.
+  "Do thou, O dearest boy! their rage avoid;
+  "Not theirs alone, but all the savage tribe,
+  "That stubborn meet with breasts the furious war;
+  "Not turn their backs for flight: lest bold too much,
+  "Thou and myself, have cause too much too mourn.--
+
+    "Thus she admonish'd; and by coupled swans
+  "Upborne, she cleft the air; but his brave soul
+  "Her cautious admonitions rash contemn'd.
+
+    "By chance his dogs the well-mark'd footprints trac'd,
+  "And from his lurking covert rous'd a boar;
+  "Whom with a stroke oblique, as from the brake
+  "To spring he went, the gallant youth transpierc'd.
+  "Instant, with crooked tusks, the gore-stain'd spear
+  "Wrench'd the fierce boar away, and at him rush'd,
+  "Trembling, and safety seeking: every fang
+  "Deep in his groin he plung'd, and on the sand
+  "Stretch'd him expiring. Cytherea, borne
+  "Through midmost ether in her chariot light,
+  "Had not at Cyprus with her swans arriv'd,
+  "When, known from far, she heard his dying groans;
+  "And thither turn'd her snowy birds. From high
+  "When lifeless she beheld him, in his blood
+  "Convulsive struggling, quick she darted down,
+  "She tore her garments, and she tore her hair;
+  "And with unpitying hands her breast she smote.
+  "Then, fate upbraiding first, she said;--Not all
+  "Shall bend to your decision; still shalt thou
+  "Remain, Adonis, monument of woe,
+  "Suffer'd by me! The image of thy death,
+  "Annual repeated, annual shall renew
+  "Remembrance of my mourning. But thy blood
+  "A flower shall form. Shalt thou, O Proserpine,
+  "A female body to a scented herb
+  "Transform; and I the Cinyreïan youth
+  "Forbidden be to change?--She said, and flung
+  "Nectar most odorous on the ebbing gore;
+  "Which instant swelling rose. So bubbles rise
+  "On the smooth stream when showery floods descend.
+  "Nor long the term, an hour's short space elaps'd,
+  "When the same teinted flower the blood produc'd:
+  "Such flowers the deep pomegranate bears, which hides
+  "Its purple grains beneath a flexile rind.
+  "But short its boast, for the same winds afford
+  "Its name, and shake them where they light adhere:
+  "Ripe for their fall in fragile beauty gay."
+
+
+
+
+*The Eleventh Book.*
+
+
+    Rage of the Thracian women. Massacre of Orpheus. The women
+    transformed to trees by Bacchus. Midas' foolish wish to change
+    all things he touched into gold. Contest of skill between Pan and
+    Apollo. The ears of Midas transformed to asses ears. Troy built
+    by Apollo and Neptune. Laömedon's perfidy. Hesioné freed by
+    Hercules, and married to Telamon. Peleus and Thetis. Birth of
+    Achilles. Chioné ravished by Mercury, and by Apollo. Slain by
+    Diana. Her sire Dædalion changed into an hawk. A wolf changed by
+    Thetis to marble. Voyage of Ceÿx to Delphos. Lost in a storm.
+    Grief of Alcyoné. Morpheus acquaints her with her husband's
+    death. Change of both to kingfishers. Æsacus into a cormorant.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Eleventh Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    While thus the Thracian bard the forests drew,
+  And rocks, and furious beasts with strains divine;--
+  Behold the Thracian dames! their madden'd breasts
+  Clad with the shaggy spoil of furious beasts,
+  Espy'd him from an hillock's rising swell,
+  As to his sounding strings he shap'd the song.
+  When one, her tresses in the ruffling air
+  Wild streaming, cry'd--"Lo! him who spurns our ties!"--
+  And full her dart 'gainst the harmonious mouth
+  Of Phoebus' son she flung: entwisted round
+  With leaves, a bruise without a wound appear'd.
+  A stone another for a weapon seiz'd;
+  The flying stone was even in air subdu'd
+  By harmony and song; and at his feet
+  Low fell, as suppliant for its daring fault.
+  But now the tumult swells more furious,--bounds
+  It knows not! mad Erinnys reigns around.
+  Yet all their weapons had his music's power
+  Soften'd; but clamor, Berecynthian horns,
+  Drums, clappings, bacchanalian shouts, and howls,
+  Drown'd the soft lyre. Then were the stones distain'd
+  With silenc'd Orpheus' blood. The Bacchæ first
+  Drove wide the crowding birds, the snakes, the beasts,
+  In throngs collected by his tuneful voice;
+  Glory of Orpheus' stage. From thence they turn'd
+  Their gory hands on Orpheus, and around
+  Cluster'd like fowls that in the day espy
+  The bird of darkness. Then as in the morn
+  The high-rais'd amphitheatre beholds
+  The stag a prey to hounds; so they the bard
+  Attack'd, and flung their Thyrsi twin'd with leaves;
+  For different use first form'd. Those hurl huge clods:
+  These branches torn from trees; and others stones.
+  Lest to their fury arms were wanting, lo!
+  A yoke of oxen with the ploughshare broke
+  The ground, not distant far; with sinews there
+  Of nervous strength, the husbandmen upturn'd
+  The stubborn soil; with sweat producing fruit.
+  These, when the troop they saw, affrighted fled,
+  Quitting their instruments of toil. Their rakes,
+  Their ponderous harrows, and their huge long spades,
+  Were scatter'd left on the deserted field.
+  These when their furious hands had seiz'd, and tore
+  From the strong oxen's heads the threatening horns,
+  Back they return'd to end the poet's fate;
+  And sacrilegious, as he stretch'd his hands,
+  They slaughter'd him! Then first in vain his words
+  Were utter'd; nought could then his speech avail.
+  Then, heavenly powers! his spirit was expell'd
+  And breath'd in air, even through that mouth whose sound
+  Hard rocks had heard, and wildest beasts had own'd.
+  For thee, O Orpheus! mourn'd the feather'd tribe,
+  And crowds of savage monsters; flinty rocks
+  Bewail'd thee; forests, which thy tempting song
+  So oft had caus'd to follow, wept; the trees,
+  Shorn of their pride, bewail'd with falling leaves.
+  Each stream, 'tis said, with flowing tears increas'd
+  Its current. Naïad nymphs and Dryads wore
+  Garments of sable tinge, with streaming hair.
+  Wide scatter'd lie his limbs. His head and lyre
+  Thou, Hebrus, dost receive; and while they glide,
+  Wond'rous occurrence! down the floating stream,
+  The lyre a mournful moan sends forth; the lips,
+  Now lifeless, murmur plaintive; and the bank
+  Echoes the lamentations. Borne along
+  To ocean, now his native stream they leave,
+  And reach Methymna on the Lesbian shore.
+
+    The head, expos'd thus on the foreign sand,
+  And locks still dropping with the watery wave,
+  A snake approach'd. But Phoebus gave his aid,
+  And check'd the greedy bite; with open jaws
+  The serpent rears in stone congeal'd, as then
+  Widely he gap'd. The ghost from earth descends,
+  And views the regions he had view'd before.
+  Exploring through th' Elysian fields he meets
+  His dear Eurydicé; with longing arms
+  He clasps her. Here they walk, now side by side,
+  With equal pace; now follows he, and now
+  A little space precedes her: Orpheus there
+  Back on Eurydicé in safety looks.
+
+    But Bacchus suffer'd not the heinous deed
+  Unpunish'd to remain; griev'd that the bard
+  Who sung his praises, thus was snatch'd away,
+  He bound the Thracian matrons, who the crime
+  Had perpetrated, fast by twisted roots
+  To earth as trees. He stretch'd their feet and toes,
+  Which follow'd him so swift, and struck their points
+  Deep in the solid earth: A bird ensnar'd
+  Thus finds his leg imprison'd by the wires
+  Hid by the crafty fowler, and his wings
+  Beats, while his fluttering draws more tight the noose.
+  So each, as firmly fixt to earth she stood,
+  Affrighted strove to fly, but strove in vain:
+  The flexile roots detain'd them; and fast ty'd,
+  Spite of their struggling bounds, while they explore
+  For toes and nails, and while they seek for feet,
+  They see the wood their taper legs conceal;
+  Their grieving hands to beat their thighs are rais'd;
+  Their hands strike solid wood: their shoulders, breasts,
+  Are also wood become. Their outstretch'd arms
+  Extended boughs appear'd, and boughs they were.
+
+    Nor sated yet was Bacchus; all their fields
+  He quits; attended by a worthier troop.
+  To Tmolus' vineyards and Pactolus' stream
+  He hies: the stream not yet for gold was fam'd;
+  Not yet so precious were its envy'd sands.
+  Satyrs and Bacchant' nymphs, his 'custom'd choir
+  Attend him, but Silenus was not found.
+  Him drunken had the rustic Phrygians seiz'd,
+  Reeling with wine, and tottering 'neath his years;
+  With ivy crown'd; and fetter'd to their king,
+  The royal Midas, brought him. Midas once
+  The Thracian Orpheus Bacchus' orgies taught,
+  With sage Eumolpus; and at once he knew
+  His old associate in the sacred rites;
+  And joyful feasted with voluptuous fare,
+  For twice five days, and twice five nights his guest.
+  Th' eleventh time Phosphor' now the lofty host
+  Of stars had chas'd from heaven; the jovial king
+  Went forth to Lydia's fields, and there restor'd
+  Silenus to the youth his foster-child.
+  He, joy'd again his nursing sire to see,
+  On him bestow'd his anxious sought desire,
+  Though useless was the gift. Greedy he crav'd
+  What only harm'd him,--saying--"Grant, O, power!
+  "Whate'er I touch may straight to gold be chang'd"--
+  Bacchus consents to what he wishes;--gives
+  The hurtful gift; but grieves to see his mind
+  No better wish demand. Joyful departs
+  The Berecynthian monarch, with ill-fate
+  Delighted; and, each object touching, tries
+  The promis'd faith. Scarcely himself believ'd,
+  When from a growing ilex down he tore
+  A sprouting bough, straight gold the bough became:
+  A stone from earth he lifted, pale the stone
+  In gold appear'd: he touch'd a turfy clod,
+  The clod quick harden'd with the potent touch:
+  He pluck'd the ripen'd hoary ears of wheat,
+  And golden shone the grain: he from the tree
+  An apple snatch'd, the fam'd Hesperian fruit
+  He seem'd to hold: where'er his fingers touch'd
+  The lofty pillars, all the pillars shone:
+  Nay, where his hands he in the waters lav'd,
+  The waters flowing from his hands seem'd such
+  As Danaë might deceive. Scarce can his breast
+  His towering projects hold; all fancy'd gold.
+  Th' attendant slaves before their master, joy'd
+  At this great fortune, heap'd the table high
+  With dainties; nor was bread deficient there:
+  But when his hands the Cerealian boon
+  Had touch'd, the Cerealian boon grew hard:
+  And when the dainty food with greedy tooth
+  He strove to eat, the dainty food grew bright,
+  In glittering plates, where'er his teeth had touch'd.
+  He mixt pure water with his patron's wine,
+  And fluid gold adown his cheeks straight flow'd.
+  With panic seiz'd, the new-found plague to view,
+  Rich, yet most wretched; from his wealthy hoard
+  Fain would he fly; and from his soul detests
+  What late he anxious pray'd. The plenteous gold
+  Abates his hunger nought, and parching thirst
+  Burns in his throat. He well deserves the curse
+  Caus'd by now-hated gold. Lifting his hands
+  And splendid arms to heaven, he cries,--"O sire
+  "Lenæan! pardon my offence: my fault
+  "Is evident; but pity me, I pray,
+  "And from me move this fair deceitful curse."
+  Bacchus, the gentlest of celestial powers,
+  Reliev'd him, as he thus his error own'd:
+  The compact first agreed dissolv'd, and void
+  The grant became:--"Lest still thou shouldst remain
+  "With gold"--he said,--"so madly wish'd, imbu'd,
+  "Haste to the stream by mighty Sardis' town
+  "Which flows; thy path along the mountain's ridge
+  "Explore, opposing still the gliding waves,
+  "Till thou the spring espy'st. Then deeply plunge
+  "Beneath the foaming gush thy head, where full
+  "It spouts its waters; and thy error cleanse,
+  "As clean thy limbs thou washest."--To the stream
+  The king as bidden hastes. The golden charm
+  Tinges the river; from the monarch's limbs
+  It passes to the stream. And now the banks
+  Harden in veins of gold to sight disclos'd;
+  And the pale sands in glittering splendor shine.
+
+    Detesting riches, now in woods he lives,
+  And rural dales; with Pan, who still resorts
+  To mountain caverns. Still his soul remains
+  Stupidly dull; the folly of his breast
+  Was doom'd to harm its owner as before.
+
+    High Tmolus rears with steep ascent his head,
+  O'erlooking distant ocean; wide he spreads
+  His bounds abrupt; confin'd by Sardis here,
+  By small Hypæpé there. Upon his top,
+  While Pan in boastful strain the tender nymphs
+  Pleas'd with his notes, and on his wax-join'd reeds
+  A paltry ditty play'd; boldly he dar'd
+  To place his own above Apollo's song.
+  The god to try th' unequal strife descends;
+  Tmolus the umpire. On his mountain plac'd,
+  The ancient judge from his attentive ears
+  The branches clear'd; save that his azure head
+  With oak was crown'd, and acorns dangling down
+  His hollow temples grac'd. The shepherd's god
+  Beholding,--"no delay, your judge,"--he said--
+  "Shall cause,"--and straight Pan sounds the rural reeds.
+  His barbarous music much the judgment pleas'd
+  Of Midas, who amidst the crowd approach'd.
+  Now venerable Tmolus on the face
+  Of Phoebus turn'd his eyes; and with him turn'd
+  Th' attentive woods. Parnassian laurel bound
+  His golden locks; deep dipt in Tyrian dye,
+  His garment swept the ground; his left hand held
+  The instrument with gems and ivory rich;
+  The other grasp'd the bow: his posture shew'd
+  The skilful master's art: lightly he touch'd
+  The chords with thumb experienc'd. Justly charm'd
+  With melody so sweet, Tmolus decreed
+  The pipe of Pan to Phoebus' lute should yield.
+
+    Much did the judgment of the sacred hill,
+  And much his sentence all delight, save one:
+  For Midas blames him, and unjust declares
+  The arbitration. Human shape no more
+  The god permits his foolish ears to wear;
+  But long extends them, and with hoary hairs
+  Fills them within; and grants them power to move,
+  From their foundation flexile. All beside
+  Was man, one part felt his revenge alone;
+  A slowly pacing asses ears he bears.
+  His head, weigh'd heavy with his load of shame,
+  He strove in purple turban to enfold;
+  Thus his disgrace to hide. But when as wont
+  His slave his hairs, unseemly lengthen'd, cropp'd,
+  He saw the change; the tale he fear'd to tell,
+  Of what he witness'd, though he anxious wish'd
+  In public to proclaim it: yet to hold
+  Sacred the trust surpass'd his power. He went
+  Forth, and digg'd up the earth; with whispering voice
+  There he imparted of his master's ears
+  What he had seen; and murmur'd to the sod:
+  But bury'd close the confidential words
+  Beneath the turf again: then, all fill'd up,
+  Silently he departed. From the spot
+  Began a thick-grown tuft of trembling reeds
+  To spring, which ripening with the year's full round,
+  Betray'd their planter. By the light south wind
+  When agitated, they the bury'd words
+  Disclos'd, betraying what the monarch's ears.
+  Latona's son, aveng'd, high Tmolus leaves,
+  And cleaving liquid air, lights in the realm
+  Laömedon commands: on the strait sea,
+  Nephelian Hellé names, an altar stands
+  Sacred to Panomphæan Jove, where seen
+  Lofty Rhætæum rises to the left,
+  Sigæum to the right. From thence he saw
+  Laömedon, as first he toil'd to build
+  The walls of infant Troy; with toil immense
+  The undertaking in progression grew,
+  And mighty sums he saw the work would ask.
+  A mortal shape he takes; a mortal shape
+  Clothes too the trident-bearing sire, who rules
+  The swelling deep. The Phrygian monarch's walls
+  They raise, a certain treasure for their toil
+  Agreed on first. The work is finished. Base,
+  The king disowns the compact, and his lies
+  Perfidious, backs with perjury.--"Boast not
+  "This treatment calmly borne," the ocean's god
+  Exclaim'd; and o'er the sordid Trojan's shores
+  Pour'd all his flood of billows; and transform'd
+  The land to sheets of water; swept away
+  The tiller's treasure; bury'd all the meads.
+  Nor sated with this ruin, he demands
+  The monarch's daughter should be given a prey
+  To an huge monster of the main; whom, chain'd
+  To the hard rock, Alcides' arm set free,
+  And claim'd the boon his due; the promis'd steeds.
+  Refus'd the prize his valorous deed deserv'd,
+  He sack'd the walls of doubly-perjur'd Troy,
+  Nor thence did Telamon, whose powerful arm
+  The hero aided, unrewarded go;
+  Hesioné was by Alcides given.
+
+    Peleus was famous for his goddess-spouse:
+  Proud not more justly of his grandsire's fame,
+  Than of his consort's father; numbers more
+  Might boast them grandsons of imperial Jove;
+  To him alone a goddess-bride belong'd.
+  For aged Proteus had to Thetis said,--
+  "O, goddess of the waves, a child conceive!
+  "Thou shalt be mother of a youth, whose deeds
+  "Will far the bravest of his sire's transcend:
+  "And mightier than his sire's shall be his name."
+  Hence, lest the world than Jove a mightier god
+  Should know, though Jove with amorous flames fierce burn'd,
+  He shunn'd th' embraces of the watery dame:
+  And bade his grandson Peleus to his hopes
+  Succeed, and clasp the virgin in his arms.
+
+    Hæmonia's coast a bay possesses, curv'd
+  Like a bent bow; whose arms enclosing stretch
+  Far in the sea; where if more deep the waves
+  An haven would be form'd: the waters spread
+  Just o'er the sand. Firm is the level shore;
+  Such as would ne'er the race retard, nor hold
+  The print of feet; no seaweed there was spread.
+  Nigh sprung a grove of myrtle, cover'd thick
+  With double-teinted berries: in the midst
+  A cave appear'd, by art or nature form'd;
+  But art most plain was seen. Here, Thetis! oft,
+  Plac'd unattir'd on thy rein'd dolphin's back,
+  Thou didst delight to come. There, as thou laid'st
+  In slumbers bound, did Peleus on thee seize.
+  And when his most endearing prayers were spurn'd,
+  Force he prepar'd; both arms around thy neck
+  Close clasp'd. And then to thy accustom'd arts,
+  Of often-varied-form, hadst thou not fled,
+  He might have prosper'd in his daring hope.
+  But now a bird thou wert; the bird he held:
+  Now an huge tree; Peleus the tree grasp'd firm:
+  A spotted tiger then thy third-chang'd shape;
+  Frighted at that, Æäcides his hold
+  Quit from her body. Then the ocean powers
+  He worshipp'd, pouring wine upon the waves,
+  And bleating victims slew, and incense burn'd:
+  Till from the gulf profound the prophet spoke
+  Of Carpathus. "O, Peleus! gain thou shalt
+  "The wish'd-for nuptials; only when she rests
+  "In the cool cavern sleeping, thou with cords
+  "And fetters strong her, unsuspecting, bind;
+  "Nor let an hundred shapes thy soul deceive;
+  "Still hold her fast whatever form she wears,
+  "Till in her pristine looks she shines again."
+  This Proteus said, and plung'd his head beneath
+  The waves, while scarce his final words were heard.
+
+    Prone down the west was Titan speeding now;
+  And to th' Hesperian waves his car inclin'd,
+  When the fair Nereïd from the wide deep came,
+  And sought her 'custom'd couch. Scarce Peleus seiz'd
+  Her virgin limbs, when straight a thousand forms
+  She try'd, till fast she saw her members ty'd;
+  And her arms fetter'd close in every part:
+  Then sigh'd, and said; "thou conquerest by some god:"
+  And the fair form of Thetis was display'd.
+  The hero clasp'd her, and his wishes gain'd;
+  And great Achilles straight the nymph conceiv'd.
+
+    Now blest was Peleus in his son and bride;
+  And blest in all which can to man belong;
+  Save in the crime of murder'd Phocus. Driven
+  From his paternal home, of brother's blood
+  Guilty, Trachinia's soil receiv'd him first.
+  Here Ceÿx, Phosphor's offspring, who retain'd
+  His father's splendor on his forehead, rul'd
+  The land; which knew not bloodshed, knew not force.
+  At that time gloomy, sad, himself unlike,
+  He mourn'd a brother's loss. To him, fatigu'd
+  With travel, and with care worn out, the son
+  Of Æäcus arriv'd; and in the town
+  Enter'd with followers few: the flocks and herds
+  That journey'd with him, just without the walls,
+  In a dark vale were left. When the first grant
+  T'approach the monarch was obtain'd, he rais'd
+  The olive in his suppliant hand; then told
+  His name, and lineage, but his crime conceal'd.
+  His cause of flight dissembling, next he beg'd,
+  For him and his, some pastures and a town.
+  Then thus Trachinia's king with friendly brow:
+  "To all, the very meanest of mankind,
+  "Are our possessions free; nor do I rule
+  "A realm inhospitable: add to these
+  "Inducements strong, thine own illustrious name,
+  "And grandsire Jove. In praying lose not time.
+  "Whate'er thou wouldst, thou shalt receive; and all,
+  "Such as it is, with me most freely share;
+  "Would it were better." Speaking thus, he wept:
+  His cause of grief to Peleus and his friends,
+  Anxious enquiring, then the monarch told.
+
+    "Perchance this bird, which by fierce rapine lives,
+  "Dread of the feather'd tribe, you think still wings
+  "Possess'd. Once man, he bore a noble soul;
+  "Though stern, and rough in war, and fond of blood.
+  "His name Dædalion: from the sire produc'd
+  "Who calls Aurora forth, and last of stars
+  "Relinquishes the sky. Peace my delight;
+  "Peace to preserve was still my care: my joys
+  "I shar'd in Hymen's bonds. Fierce wars alone,
+  "My brother pleas'd. His valor then o'erthrew
+  "Monarchs and nations, who, in alter'd form,
+  "Drives now Thisbæan pigeons through the air.
+  "His daughter Chioné, in beauty rich,
+  "For marriage ripe, now fourteen years had seen;
+  "And numerous suitors with her charms were fir'd.
+  "It chanc'd that Phoebus once, and Maiä's son,
+  "Returning from his favorite Delphos this,
+  "That from Cyllené's top, together saw
+  "The nymph,--together felt the amorous flame.
+  "Apollo his warm hopes till night defers;
+  "But Hermes brooks delay not: with his rod,
+  "Compelling sleep, he strokes the virgin's face;
+  "Beneath the potent touch she sinks, and yields
+  "Without resistance to his amorous force.
+  "Night spread o'er heaven the stars, when Phoebus took
+  "A matron's form, and seiz'd fore-tasted joys.
+  "When its full time the womb matur'd had seen,
+  "Autolycus was born; the crafty seed
+  "Of the wing'd-footed god; acute of thought
+  "To every shade of theft; from his sire's art
+  "Degenerate nought; white he was wont to make
+  "Appear as black; and black from white produce.
+  "Philammon, famous with the lyre and song,
+  "Was born to Phoebus (twins the nymph brought forth).
+  "But where the benefit that two she bears?
+  "Where that the favorite of two gods she boasts?
+  "What that a valiant sire she claims? and claims
+  "As ancestor the mighty thundering god?
+  "Is it that glory such as this still harms?
+  "Certain it hurtful prov'd to her, who dar'd
+  "Herself prefer to Dian', and despise
+  "The goddess' beauty; fierce in ire she cry'd,--
+  "At least I'll try to make my actions please.--
+  "Nor stay'd; the bow she bent, and from the cord
+  "Impell'd the dart; through her deserving tongue
+  "The reed was sent. Mute straight that tongue became;
+  "Nor sound, nor what she try'd to utter, heard:
+  "Striving to speak, life flow'd with flowing blood.
+  "What woe (O hapless piety!) oppress'd
+  "My heart! What solace to her tender sire
+  "I spoke; my solace just the same he heard,
+  "As rocks hear murmuring waves. But still he moan'd
+  "For his lost child; but when the flames he saw
+  "Ascending, four times 'mid the funeral fires
+  "He strove to plunge; four times from thence repuls'd,
+  "His rapid limbs address'd for flight, and rush'd
+  "Like a young bullock, when the hornet's sting
+  "Deep in his neck he bears, in pathless ways.
+  "Ev'n now more swift than man he seem'd to run:
+  "His feet seem'd wings to wear, for all behind
+  "He left far distant. Through desire of death,
+  "Rapid he gain'd Parnassus' loftiest ridge.
+  "Apollo, pitying, when Dædalion flung
+  "From the high rock his body, to a bird
+  "Transform'd him, and on sudden pinions bore
+  "Him floating: bended hooks he gave his claws,
+  "And gave a crooked beak; valor as wont;
+  "And strength more great than such a body shews.
+  "Now as an hawk, to every bird a foe,
+  "He wages war on all; and griev'd himself,
+  "He constant cause for others grief affords."
+
+    While these miraculous deeds bright Phosphor's sob
+  Tells of his brother, Peleus' herdsman comes,
+  Phocian Anetor, flying, and, with speed
+  Breathless, "O Peleus! Peleus!" he exclaims,
+  "Of horrid slaughter messenger I come!"
+  Him Peleus bids, whate'er he brings, to speak;
+  Trachinia's monarch even with friendly dread
+  Trembles the news to hear. When thus the man:
+  "The weary cattle to the curving shore
+  "I'd driv'n, when Sol from loftiest heaven might view
+  "His journey half perform'd, while half remain'd.
+  "Part of the oxen on the yellow sand,
+  "On their knees bending view'd the spacious plain
+  "Of wide-spread waters; part with loitering pace
+  "Stray'd here, and thither; others swam and rear'd
+  "Their lofty necks above the waves. There stood
+  "Close to the sea a temple, where nor gold,
+  "Nor polish'd marble shone; but rear'd with trees
+  "Thick-pil'd, it gloom'd within an ancient grove.
+  "This, Nereus and the Nereïd nymphs possess.
+  "A fisherman, as on the shore he dry'd
+  "His nets, inform'd us these the temple own'd.
+  "A marsh joins near the fane, with willows thick
+  "Beset, which waves o'erflowing first has form'd.
+  "A wolf from thence, a beast of monstrous bulk,
+  "Thundering with mighty clash, with terror struck
+  "The neighbouring spots: then from the marshy woods
+  "Sprung out; his jaws terrific, smear'd with foam
+  "And clotted gore; his eyes with red flames glar'd.
+  "Mad though he rag'd with ire and famine both,
+  "Famine less strong appear'd; for his dire maw
+  "And craving hunger, he not car'd to fill
+  "With the slain oxen; wounding all the herd:
+  "All hostile overthrowing. Some of us,
+  "Ranch'd by his deadly tooth, to death were sent
+  "Defence attempting. The shore and marsh
+  "With bellowings echoing, and the ocean's edge
+  "Redden with blood. But ruinous, delay!
+  "For hesitation leisure is not now.
+  "While ought remains, let all together join;
+  "Arm! arm! and on him hurl united spears."
+  The herdsman ceas'd, Peleus the loss not mov'd;
+  But conscious of his fault, infers the plague
+  Sent by the childless Nereïd to avenge
+  Her slaughter'd Phocus' loss. Yet Ceÿx bids
+  His warriors arm, and take their forceful darts;
+  With them prepar'd to issue: but his spouse
+  Alcyöné, rous'd by the tumult, sprung
+  Forth from her chamber; unadorn'd her locks,
+  Which scatter'd hung around her. Ceÿx' neck
+  Clasping, she begg'd with moving words and tears,
+  Aid he would send, but go not; thus preserve
+  Two lives in one. Then Peleus to the queen;
+  "Banish your laudable and duteous fears.
+  "For what the king intended, thanks are due.
+  "Arms 'gainst this novel plague I will not take:
+  "Prayers must the goddess of the deep appease."
+
+    A lofty tower there stood, whose summit bore
+  A beacon; grateful object to the sight
+  Of weary mariners. Thither they mount,
+  And see with sighs the herd strew'd o'er the beach;
+  The monster ravaging with gory jaw,
+  And his long shaggy hairs in blood bedy'd.
+  Thence Peleus, stretching to the wide sea shore
+  His arms, to Psamathé cerulean pray'd,
+  To finish there her rage, and grant relief.
+  Unmov'd she heard Æäcides implore:
+  But Thetis, suppliant, from the goddess gain'd
+  The favor for her spouse. Uncheck'd, the wolf
+  The furious slaughter quits not, fierce the more
+  From the sweet taste of blood, till to a stone
+  Transform'd, as on a bull's torn neck he hung.
+  His form remains; and, save his color, all;
+  The color only shews him wolf no more:
+  And shews no terror he shall now inspire.
+
+    Still in this realm the angry fates deny'd
+  Peleus to stay; exil'd, he wander'd on,
+  And reach'd Magnesia: from Acastus there
+  Thessalian, expiation he receiv'd.
+
+    Ceÿx meantime, with anxious doubts disturb'd;
+  First with the prodigy, his brother's change,
+  Then those which follow'd; to the Clarian god
+  Prepar'd to go, the oracles to seek,
+  Which sweetly solace men's uneasy minds.
+  Delphos was inaccessible; the road
+  Phorbas prophane, with all his Phlegians barr'd.
+  Yet first Alcyöné, most faithful spouse!
+  He tells thee of his purpose. Instant seiz'd
+  A death-like coldness on her inmost heart:
+  A boxen paleness o'er her features spread;
+  And down her cheeks the tears in torrents roll'd.
+  Thrice she attempted words, but thrice her tears
+  Her words prevented; then her pious plaints,
+  Broken by interrupted sobs, she spoke.
+  "My dearest lord! what hapless fault of mine
+  "Thy soul has alter'd? Where that love for me
+  "Thou wont'st to shew? Canst thou now unconcern'd
+  "Depart, and leave Alcyöné behind?
+  "Glads thee this tedious journey? Am I lov'd
+  "Most dearly farthest absent? Yet by land
+  "Was all thy journey, then I should but grieve,
+  "Not tremble: sighs would then of fears take place.
+  "The sea, the dread appearance of the main,
+  "Me terrifies. But lately I beheld
+  "Torn planks bestrew the shore: and oft I've read
+  "On empty tombs, the names of dead inscrib'd.
+  "Let not fallacious confidence thy mind
+  "Mislead, that Æölus I call my sire;
+  "Who binds the furious winds in caves, and smoothes
+  "At will the ocean. No! when issu'd once,
+  "They sweep the main, no power of his can rule:
+  "And uncontroll'd they ravage all the land:
+  "Nor checks them aught on ocean. Clouds of heaven,
+  "They clash; and ruddy lightnings hurl along
+  "In fierce encounter. More their force I know,
+  "(For well I knew, and oft have mark'd their power,
+  "While yet an infant at my sire's abode,)
+  "The more I deem them such as should be fear'd.
+  "Yet dearest spouse, if thy firm-fixt resolve
+  "No prayers can change, and obstinate thou stand'st
+  "For sailing, let me also with thee go:
+  "Together then the buffeting we'll bear.
+  "Then shall I fear but what I suffer; then
+  "Whate'er we suffer we'll together feel:
+  "Together sailing o'er the boundless main."
+
+    Her words and tears the star-born husband mov'd;
+  For less of love he felt not. Yet his scheme
+  To voyage o'er the deep he could not change;
+  Nor yet consent Alcyöné should share
+  His peril: and with soothing soft replies,
+  He try'd to calm her timid breast. Nor yet
+  Himself approv'd the arguments he try'd,
+  His consort to persuade consent to yield
+  To his departure. This at length he adds
+  As solace, which alone her bosom mov'd.
+  "All absence tedious seems; but by the fires
+  "My father bears, I swear, if fates permit,
+  "Returning, thou shalt see me, ere the moon
+  "Shall twice have fill'd her orb." Hope in her breast
+  Thus rais'd by promise of a quick return,
+  Instant the vessel, from the dock drawn forth,
+  He bids them launch in ocean, and complete
+  In all her stores and tackling. This beheld
+  Alcyöné; and, presaging again
+  Woes of the future, trembled, and a flood
+  Of tears again gush'd forth; again she clasp'd
+  His neck; at length, as, wretched wife, she cry'd,--
+  "Farewell" she, swooning, lifeless sunk to earth.
+
+    The rowers now, while Ceÿx sought delays,
+  To their strong breasts the double-ranking oars
+  Drew back, and cleft with equal stroke the surge.
+  Her humid eyes she rais'd, and first beheld
+  Her husband standing on the crooked poop,
+  Waving his hand as signal; she his sign
+  Return'd. When farther from the land they shot,
+  Her straining eyes no more indulg'd to know
+  His features; still, while yet they could, her eyes
+  Pursu'd the flying vessel. This at length
+  Increasing distance her forbade to see;
+  Still she perceiv'd the floating sails, which spread
+  From the mast's loftiest summit. Sails at length
+  Were also lost in distance: then she sought
+  Anxious her widow'd chamber; and her limbs
+  Threw on the couch. The bed, the vacant space,
+  Renew'd her tears, reminding of her loss.
+
+    Now far from port they'd sail'd, when the strong ropes
+  The breeze began to strain; the rowers turn
+  Their oars, and lash them to the vessel's side;
+  Hoist to the mast's extremest height their yards;
+  And loose their sails to catch the coming breeze.
+  Scarce half, not more than half, the sea's extent
+  The vessel now had plough'd; and either land
+  Was distant far; when, as dim night approach'd,
+  The sea seem'd foaming white with rising waves;
+  And the strong East more furious 'gan to blow.
+  Long had the master cry'd,--"Lower down your yards,
+  "And close furl every sail!"--he bids; the storm
+  Adverse, impedes the sound; the roaring waves
+  Drown every voice in noise. Yet some, untold,
+  Haste to secure the oars; part bind the sails;
+  Part fortify the sides: this water laves,
+  Ejecting seas on seas; that lowers the yards.
+  While thus they toil unguided, rough the storm
+  Increases; from each quarter furious winds
+  Wage warfare, and with mounting billows join.
+  Trembles the ruler of the bark, and owns
+  His state; he knows not what he should command,
+  Nor what forbid; so swift the sudden storm;
+  So much more strong the tempest than his skill.
+  Men clamorous shout; cords rattle; mighty waves
+  Roar, on waves rushing; thunders roll through air;
+  In billows mounts the ocean, and appears
+  To meet the sky, and o'er the hanging clouds
+  Sprinkles its foam. Now from the lowest depths,
+  As yellow sands they turn, the billows shine;
+  Now blacker seem they than the Stygian waves;
+  Now flatten'd, all with spumy froth is spread.
+  The ship Trachinian too, each rapid change
+  In agitation heaves; now rais'd sublime
+  The deepen'd vale she views as from a ridge
+  So lofty: down to Acheron's low depths,
+  Now in the hollow of the wave she falls,
+  And views th' o'erhanging heaven from hell's deep gulf.
+  Oft bursting on her side with loud report
+  The billows sound; nor with less fury beat
+  Than the balista, or huge battering ram,
+  Driv'n on the tottering fort: or lions fierce,
+  Whose strength and rage increasing with their speed,
+  Rush on the armour'd breast and outstretch'd spear.
+  So rush'd the waves with wind-propelling power
+  High o'er the decks; and 'bove the rigging rose.
+
+    Now shook the wedges; open rents appear'd,
+  The pitchy covering gone, and wide-display'd,
+  A passage opens to the deadly flood.
+  Then from the breaking clouds fell torrent showers;
+  All heaven seem'd sweeping down to swell the main;
+  And the swol'n main, ascending to invade
+  Celestial regions, soak'd with floods each sail:
+  And ocean's briny waters mix'd with rain.
+  No light the firmament possess'd, and night
+  Frown'd blacker through the tempest. Lightning oft
+  Reft the thick gloom, and gave a brilliant blaze;
+  And while the lightnings flame the waters burn.
+
+    Now o'er the vessel's cover'd deck the waves
+  High tower; and as a soldier, braver far
+  Than all his fellows, urg'd by thirst of fame,
+  (The well-defended walls to scale oft try'd,)
+  At length his hope obtains, and singly keeps
+  His post, by foes on every side assail'd:
+  So when the furious billows raging beat
+  The lofty side, the tenth impetuous rears
+  Above the rest, and forceful rushes on;
+  The battery ceasing not on the spent bark,
+  Till o'er the wall, as of a captur'd town,
+  Downward it rushes. Part without invade,
+  And part are lodg'd within. In terror all
+  In trembling panic stand: not more the crowd
+  Which fill a city's walls, when foes without
+  Mine their foundations; while an entrance gain'd
+  Within, part rage already. Art no more
+  Can aid; all courage droops; as many deaths
+  Seem rapid rushing as the billows break.
+  This wails in tears his fate; that stupid stands;
+  This calls those blest whom funeral rites await:
+  One to his deity rich offerings vows,
+  And vainly stretching forth to heaven his arms,
+  The heaven he sees not, begs for aid: his friends,
+  Brethren and parents, fill of this the mind;
+  Of that his children, or whate'er he leaves.
+
+    Alcyöné, alone in Ceÿx' soul
+  Found place; and but Alcyöné, his lips
+  Nought utter'd. Her alone he wish'd to see;
+  Yet joy'd she far was absent. Much he long'd
+  To view once more his dear paternal shores;
+  And turn his last looks tow'rd his regal dome:
+  But where to turn he knows not; in a whirl
+  So boils the sea; and all the heaven is hid
+  In shade, by more than pitchy clouds produc'd:
+  Night doubly darken'd. Now the whirlwind's force
+  Shivers the mast, and tears the helm away:
+  And like a victor, proud to view his spoils,
+  Mounts an high wave, and scornfully beholds
+  The lower billows; thundering down it sweeps,
+  Impell'd by force that Athos might o'erturn,
+  Or Pindus, from their roots; and plunge in sea.
+  Down in the lowest depths, the weight and blow
+  Bury'd the vessel; with her most the crew
+  Sunk in the raging gulf: some met their fate,
+  Ne'er to return to air: some floated still;
+  To splinter'd fragments of the bark they clung.
+  Ceÿx himself, grasp'd only in that hand
+  A shatter'd plank, which once a sceptre held;
+  And Æölus and Phosphor' call'd in vain:
+  But chiefly from his lips was, as he swam,
+  Alcyöné resounded; that lov'd name
+  Remember'd constant, and repeated most.
+  He prays the billows may his body bear
+  To meet her eyes; and prays her friendly hands
+  His burial may perform. While thus he swims,
+  Alcyöné he names, whene'er the waves
+  To gasp for breath permit him; and beneath
+  The billows, tries Alcyöné to sound.
+  Lo! a black towering arch of waters broke
+  Midst of the surges; in the boiling foam
+  Involv'd, o'erwhelm'd he sunk. That mournful night
+  Was Phosphor' dark, impalpable to view:
+  And since stern fate to heaven his post fast bound,
+  He veil'd in densest clouds his grieving face.
+
+    Meantime Alcyöné her height of woe
+  Unknown, counts each sad night, and now with haste
+  The garments he should wear prepares; and now
+  Those to adorn herself when him she meets;
+  Cherishing emptiest hopes of his return.
+  Devoutest offerings to the heavenly powers
+  She bore; but incense far before the rest
+  On Juno's altar burn'd; and oft she pray'd
+  For him who was not. For his safety pray'd;
+  For his return; and that his love might still
+  Without a rival hers remain: the last
+  Of all her ardent prayers indulgence found.
+  But longer bore the goddess not to hear
+  Such vain petitions for the dead; these hands
+  Polluted, from her altars to remove,
+  To Iris thus she spoke:--"O, faithful maid!
+  "Most trusty messenger, with speed repair
+  "To Somnus' drowsy hall; him bid to send
+  "A vision form'd in lifeless Ceÿx' shape
+  "To tell Alcyöné her woes' extent."
+  She ended: in her various-teinted robe
+  Attir'd, and spreading o'er the spacious heaven
+  Her sweeping arch, Iris the dwelling sought
+  The goddess order'd. Hid beneath a steep
+  Near the Cimmerians, in a deep dug cave,
+  Form'd in a hollow mountain, stands the hall
+  And secret dwelling of inactive sleep;
+  Where Phoebus rising, or in mid-day height,
+  Or setting-radiance, ne'er can dart his beams.
+  Clouds with dim darkness mingled, from the ground
+  Exhale, and twilight makes a doubtful day.
+  The watchful bird, with crested head, ne'er calls
+  Aurora with his song; no wakeful dog,
+  Nor goose more wakeful, e'er the silence breaks;
+  No savage beasts, no pastur'd flocks, no boughs
+  Shook by the breeze; no brawl of human voice
+  There sounds: but death-like silence reigns around.
+  Yet from the rock's foundation, gently flows
+  A stream of Lethe's water, whose dull waves
+  In gentle murmuring o'er the pebbles purl,
+  Tempting to slumber. At the cavern door
+  The fruitful poppy, and ten thousand plants,
+  From which moist night the drowsy juices drains,
+  Then scatters o'er the shady earth, grew thick.
+  Round all the house no gate was seen, which, turn'd
+  On the dry hinge should creak; no centry strict
+  The threshold to protect. But in the midst
+  The lofty bed of ebon form'd, was plac'd.
+  Black were the feathers; all the coverings black,
+  And stretch'd at length the god was seen; his limbs
+  With lassitude relax'd. Around him throng'd
+  In every part, vain dreams, in various forms,
+  In number more than what the harvest bears
+  Of bearded grains; the woods of verdant leaves;
+  Or shore of yellow sands. Here came the nymph;
+  Th' opposing dreams push'd sideways with her hands,
+  And through the sacred mansion from her robe
+  Scatter'd refulgent light. With pain the god,
+  His eyelids weigh'd with slothful torpor, rais'd;
+  But at each effort down they sunk again:
+  And on his breast his nodding chin still smote.
+  At length he rous'd him from his drowsy state;
+  And, on his elbow resting, ask'd the nymph,
+  For well he knew her, why she thither came.
+  Then she--"O Somnus! peaceful rest of all!
+  "Somnus! most placid of immortal powers;
+  "Calm of the soul; whom care for ever flies;
+  "Who soothest bosoms, with diurnal toil
+  "Fatigu'd; and renovat'st for toil again;
+  "Dispatch a vision to Trachinia's town,
+  "(By great Alcides founded,) in the form
+  "Its hapless monarch bore: let it display
+  "The lively image of her husband's wreck,
+  "To sad Alcyöné. This Juno bids."--
+  Iris, her message thus deliver'd, turn'd:
+  For more the soporific mist, which rose
+  Around, she bore not; soon as sleep she felt
+  Stealing upon her limbs, abrupt she fled,
+  Mounting the bow by which she glided down.
+
+    The drowsy sire, from 'midst a thousand sons,
+  Calls Morpheus forth, an artful god, who well
+  All shapes can feign. None copies else so close
+  The bidden gait, the features, and the mode
+  Of converse; vesture too the same he wears,
+  And language such as most they wont to speak.
+  Mankind alone he imitates. To seem
+  Fierce beasts, and birds, and long-extended snakes
+  Another claims: this Icelos the gods
+  Have nam'd; by mortals as Photebor known.
+  A third is Phantasus of different skill;
+  His change is happiest when he earth becomes,
+  Or rocks, or waves, or trees, or substance aught
+  That animation lacks. These shew their forms
+  By night to mighty heroes and to kings;
+  The rest before th' ignobler crowd perform.
+  All these the ancient Somnus pass'd, and chose
+  Morpheus alone from all his brethren crowd,
+  The deed Thaumantian Iris bade, to do;
+  Then, weigh'd with slumber, dropp'd again his head,
+  And shrunk once more within the sable couch.
+
+    He flies through darkness on unrustling wings,
+  And short the space, ere in Trachinia's town
+  He lights; and from his shoulders lays aside
+  His pinions; when he Ceÿx' form assumes.
+  In Ceÿx' ghastly shape pallid he stood,
+  Despoil'd of garments, at the widow'd bed
+  Of the sad queen: soak'd was his beard, and streams
+  Seem'd from his heavy dripping locks to flow.
+  Then leaning o'er the couch, while gushing tears
+  O'erspread his cheeks, he thus his wife bespoke;--
+  "Know'st thou thy Ceÿx, wretched, wretched wife?
+  "Or are my features chang'd by death? Again
+  "View me, and here behold thy husband's shade,
+  "Instead of husband: all thy pious prayers
+  "For me, Alcyöné, were vain. I'm lost!
+  "No more false hopes encourage, me to see.
+  "The showery southwind, on th' Ægean main,
+  "Seiz'd on our vessel, and with mighty blast
+  "Shiver'd it wide in fragments; and the waves
+  "Rush'd in my throat as loud thy name I call'd;
+  "But call'd in vain. No doubtful author brings
+  "To thee these tidings; no vague rumor this,
+  "In person I relate it. Shipwreck'd I,
+  "My fate to thee detail. Rise, and assist!
+  "Pour forth thy tears; in sable garments clothe;
+  "Nor send my ghost to wander undeplor'd,
+  "In shady Tartarus." Thus Morpheus spoke;
+  And in such accents, that the queen, deceiv'd,
+  Believ'd her husband spoke. Adown his cheeks
+  Seem'd real tears to flow; and even his hand
+  With Ceÿx' motion mov'd. Deeply she groan'd,
+  Ev'n in her sleep, and rais'd her longing arms
+  To clasp his body; empty air she clasp'd:
+  Exclaiming;--"stay; O whither dost thou fly?
+  "Together let us hence!"--Rous'd with the noise,
+  And spectre of her spouse; sleep fled her eyes,
+  And round she cast her gaze for that to seek
+  Which she but now beheld. Wak'd by her voice,
+  Her slaves approach'd with lights; but when in vain
+  She search'd for what she lack'd, her face she struck;
+  Rent from her breasts her garments; beat her breasts
+  Themselves: nor stay'd her twisted hair to loose,
+  But tore the bands away; then to her nurse
+  Anxious the subject of her grief to learn--
+  "Alcyöné,"--she cries--"is now no more!
+  "She with her Ceÿx in one moment fell.
+  "Hence with your soothing words; shipwreck'd he dy'd.
+  "I saw; I knew him; as he fled me, stretch'd
+  "My arms to hold the fugitive.--Ah! no!
+  "The shadow fled, 'twas but his ghost; but shade
+  "My husband mere resembling ne'er was form'd.
+  "Yet had he not his wonted looks, nor shone
+  "In former brightness his beloved face.
+  "I saw him, hapless stand with pallid cheek,
+  "Naked, with tresses dropping still. Lo! here
+  "Wretched he stood, just on the spot I point:"--
+  Then anxious try'd his footmarks there to trace.--
+  "This did my mind foreboding fear; I pray'd
+  "When me thou fled'st, the winds thou would'st not trust:
+  "But since to sure destruction forth thou went'st,
+  "Would that by me companion'd thou had'st gone.
+  "With thee my bliss had been;--with thee to go.
+  "Unwasted then one moment of the space
+  "For life allow'd; not ev'n in death disjoin'd.
+  "But now I perish, and upon the waves,
+  "Though absent, float; the main me overwhelms,
+  "Though from the main far distant. Mental storms
+  "To me more cruel were than ocean's waves,
+  "Should I but longer seek to spin out life,
+  "And combat such deep grief? I will not strive
+  "Nor wretched thee desert; but now, though late,
+  "Now will I join thee; and the funeral verse
+  "Shall us unite; not in the self-same urn,
+  "Yet in the self-same tomb; bones join'd with bones,
+  "Allow'd not, yet shall name with name be seen."--
+  The rest by grief was chok'd, and sounding blows
+  Each sentence interrupted; while deep groans
+  Burst from her raving bosom. Morning shone,
+  And forth she issu'd to the shore, and sought
+  In grief the spot, where last his face she view'd
+  Departing. "Here,"--she said,--"as slow he went,
+  "As slow he loos'd his cables; on this beach
+  "The parting kiss he gave." While her mind's eye
+  Retraces every circumstance, she looks,
+  And something sees far floating on the waves,
+  Not much unlike a man: dubious at first
+  What it may be, she views it: nearer now
+  The billows drive it; and though distant still,
+  Plain to the eye a body was descry'd.
+  Whose body, witless, still a shipwreck'd wretch
+  With boding omen mov'd her; and in tears
+  She wail'd him as a stranger in these plaints.--
+  "Unhappy wretch! whoe'er thou art; and she
+  "Thy wife, if wife thou had'st"--but now the surge
+  More near the body bore. The more she views
+  Nearer the corps; the more her senses fly.
+  And now close driven to shore it floats, and now
+  Well she discern'd it was, it was--her spouse!
+  "'Tis he!"--she loudly shriek'd, and tore her face,
+  Her hair, her garments. Then her trembling arms
+  To Ceÿx stretching; "Dearest husband!"--cry'd.
+  "Art thou restor'd thus to my wretched breast?"
+
+    High-rais'd by art, adjoining to the beach
+  A mole was form'd, which broke the primal strength
+  Of ocean's fury, and the fierce waves tir'd.
+  Hither she sprung, and, wond'rous that she could!
+  She flew; the light air winnowing with her wings
+  New-sprung; a mournful bird she skimm'd along
+  The water's surface. As she flies, her beak
+  Slender and small, a creaking noise sends forth,
+  Of mournful sound, and full of sad complaint.
+  Soon as the silent bloodless corse she reach'd,
+  Around his dear-lov'd limbs her wings she clasp'd,
+  And gave cold kisses with her horny bill.
+  If Ceÿx felt them, or his head was rais'd
+  To meet her by the waves, th' unlearned doubt.
+  But sure he felt them. Both at length, the gods
+  Commisserating, chang'd to feather'd birds.
+  The same their love remains, and subject still
+  To the same fates; and in the plumag'd pair
+  The nuptial bond is sacred; join'd in one
+  Parents they soon become; and Halcyon sits
+  Sev'n peaceful days 'mid winter's keenest rule
+  Upon her floating nest. Safe then the main:
+  For Æölus with watchful care the winds
+  Guards, and prevents their egress; and the seas
+  Smooths for the offspring, with a grandsire's care.
+
+    These, as they skimm'd the surface of the main,
+  An ancient sire beheld, and prais'd their love:
+  Constant in death: his neighbour or himself
+  Also repeats;--the bird which there you see,
+  Brushing the ocean with his slender legs,
+  (And shews a corm'rant with his spacious maw)
+  A monarch's offspring was; would you descend
+  Through the long series, 'till to him you reach;
+  Ilus; Assaracus; and Ganymede,
+  Borne up to heaven by Jove, supply'd the stock
+  From whence he sprung; Laömedon the old;
+  And Priam doom'd to end his days with Troy.
+  Hector his brother; but in spring of youth
+  He felt this strange adventure, he perchance
+  As Hector's might have left a towering name:
+  Though from old Dymas' daughter Hector sprung.
+  Fair Alixirrhoë, so fame reports,
+  Daughter of two-horn'd Granicus, brought forth,
+  By stealth, Æsacus 'neath thick Ida's shade.
+  Wall'd cities he detested; and remote
+  From glittering palaces, secluded hills
+  Inhabited, and unambitious plains;
+  And scarce at Troy's assemblies e'er was seen.
+  Yet had he not a clownish heart, nor breast
+  To love impregnable. By chance he saw
+  Cebrenus' daughter, fair Hesperië--oft
+  By him through every shady wood pursu'd--
+  As on her father's banks her tresses, spread
+  Adown her back, in Phoebus' rays she dry'd.
+  The nymph, discover'd, fled. So rapid flies
+  Th' affrighted stag to 'scape the tawny Wolf;
+  Or duck, stream-loving, from the hawk, when caught,
+  Far from her wonted lakes. The Trojan youth
+  Quick follows, swift through hope; she swift through fear.
+  Lo! in the herbage hid, her flying foot
+  With crooked fang a serpent bit, and pour'd
+  O'er all her limbs the poison: with her flight
+  Her life was stopp'd. Frantic, he clasps her form
+  Now lifeless, and exclaims--"how grieve I now,
+  "That e'er I thee pursu'd; not this I fear'd!
+  "How mean my conquest, bought at such a price!
+  "Both, hapless nymph! in thy destruction join'd:
+  "I gave the cause, the serpent but the wound.
+  "I guiltier far than he, unless my death
+  "Shall thine avenge."--He said, and in the main,
+  From an high rock, by hoarsely-roaring waves
+  Deep-worn beneath, prepar'd to plunge. Receiv'd
+  By pitying Tethys softly in his fall,
+  She clothes him, as he swims the main, with wings;
+  And death, so much desir'd, denies him still.
+  The lover, furious at th' unwelcome gift
+  Of life upon him forc'd, and his pent soul,
+  Bent on escaping from its hated seat
+  Confin'd, soon as the new-shot plumes he felt
+  Spring from his shoulders, up he flew, and plunged
+  Again his body in the depths below:
+  His feathers broke his fall. Æsacus rav'd,
+  And deeply div'd; with headlong fury still,
+  And endless perseverance death he sought.
+  Love keeps him meagre still; from joint to joint
+  His legs still longer grow; his outstretch'd neck
+  Is long; and distant far his head is plac'd.
+  He loves the ocean, and the name he bears,
+  From constant diving, seems correctly giv'n.
+
+
+
+
+*The Twelfth Book.*
+
+
+    Rape of Helen. Expedition of the Greeks against Troy. House of
+    Fame. The Trojan war. Combat of Achilles and Cygnus. The latter
+    slain and transformed to a swan. Story of Cæneus. Fight of the
+    Lapithæ and Centaurs. Change of Cæneus to a bird. Contest of
+    Hercules with Periclymenos. Death of Achilles. Dispute for his
+    arms.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Twelfth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Priam the sire, much mourn'd, to him unknown
+  That still his son, on pinions borne, surviv'd:
+  While Hector and his brethren round the tomb,
+  A name alone possessing, empty rites
+  Perform'd. Save Paris, from the solemn scene
+  None absent were; he with the ravish'd wife
+  Brought to his shores a long protracted war.
+  Quick was he follow'd by confederate ships
+  Ten hundred, and the whole Pelasgian race.
+  Nor had their vengeance borne so long delay,
+  But adverse raging tempests made the main
+  Impassable; and on Boeotia's shores,
+  In Aulis' port th' impatient vessels bound.
+
+    Here, while the Greeks the rites of Jove prepare,
+  Their country's custom, as the altar blaz'd,
+  They saw an azure serpent writhe around
+  A plane, which near the altar rear'd its boughs.
+  Its lofty summit held a nest; within
+  Eight callow birds were lodg'd; on these he seiz'd,
+  And seiz'd the mother, who, with trembling wings,
+  Hover'd around her loss, all burying deep
+  Within his greedy maw. All stare with dread.
+  But Thestor's son, prophetic truths who still
+  Beheld, exclaim'd--"Rejoice! O Greeks, rejoice!
+  "Conquest is ours, and lofty Troy must fall.
+  "But great our toil, and tedious our delay."
+  Then shew'd the birds a nine years' war foretold.
+  The snake, entwining 'mid the virid boughs,
+  Hard stone becomes, but keeps his serpent's form.
+
+    But still th' Aönian waves in violent swell
+  Were lash'd by Neptune, nor their vessels bore;
+  And many deem'd that Troy he wish'd to spare,
+  Whose walls his labor rais'd. Not so the son
+  Of Thestor thought: neither he knew hot so,
+  Nor what he knew conceal'd:--a victim dire
+  The virgin-goddess claim'd; a virgin's blood!
+  When o'er affection public weal prevail'd,
+  The king o'ercame the father; and before
+  The altar Iphigenia stood, prepar'd
+  Her spotless blood to shed, as tears gush'd forth
+  Even from the sacrificial 'tendants. Then
+  "Was Dian' mov'd, and threw before their sight
+  A cloud opaque, and (so tradition tells)
+  The maid Thycenian to an hind was chang'd,
+  Amid the priests, the pious crowd and all
+  Who deprecating heard her doom. This done,
+  Dian' by such a sacrifice appeas'd
+  As Dian' best became; and sooth'd her ire,
+  The angry aspect of the seas was smooth'd;
+  And all the thousand vessels felt the breeze
+  Abaft, and bore the long impatient crowd
+  To Phrygia's shores. A spot there lies, whose seat
+  Midst of created space, 'twixt earth, and sea,
+  And heavenly regions, on the confines rests
+  Of the three-sever'd world; whence are beheld
+  All objects and all actions though remote,
+  And every sound by tending ears is heard.
+  Here Fame resides; and in the loftiest towers
+  Her dwelling chuses; and some thousand ways,
+  And thousand portals to the dwelling makes:
+  No portal clos'd with gates. By day, by night,
+  Open they stand; of sounding brass all form'd;
+  All echoing sound; all back the voice rebound:
+  And all reit'rate every word they hear.
+  No rest within, no silence there is found,
+  Yet clamor is not, but a murmur low;
+  Such as the billows wont to make when heard
+  From far, or such as distant thunder sends,
+  When Jove the dark clouds rends and drives aloof.
+  Crowds fill the halls: the trifling vulgar come
+  And issue forth. Ten thousand rumors vague
+  With truth commingled to and fro are heard.
+  Words in confusion fly. Amid the throng
+  These preach their words to vacant air, and those
+  To others tales narrate; the measure still
+  Of every fiction in narration grows;
+  And every author adds to what he hears.
+  Here lives credulity; and here abides
+  Rash error; transports vain; astonied fear;
+  Sedition sudden; and, uncertain whence,
+  Dark whisperings. Fame herself sits high aloft,
+  And views what deeds in heaven, and earth, and sea
+  Are done, and searches all creation round.
+  The news she spreads, that now the Grecian barks
+  Approach with valiant force; nor did the foe
+  Unlook'd-for threat the realm. All Troy impedes
+  Their landing, and the shores defends. Thou first,
+  Protesilaüs! by great Hector's spear
+  Unluckily wast slain. The war begun,
+  Their valiant souls, ere yet they Hector knew,
+  Dear cost the Greeks. Nor small the blood which flow'd
+  From Phrygia's sons, by Grecia's valor spill'd.
+
+    Now blush'd Sigæum's shores with spouting blood,
+  Where Cygnus, Neptune's offspring, gave to death
+  Whole crowds. Achilles in his chariot stood,
+  And with his forceful Pelian spear o'erthrew
+  Thick ranks of Trojans; and as through the fights
+  Cygnus or Hector to engage he sought,
+  Cygnus he met: delay'd was Hector's fate
+  To the tenth year. Then to his white-neck'd steeds,
+  Press'd by the yoke, with cheering shouts he spoke;
+  And full against the foe his chariot drove.
+  His quivering lance well-pois'd he shook, and call'd,
+  "Whoe'er thou art, O youth! this comfort learn
+  "In death, that by Achilles' arm thou dy'st."
+  Thus far Pelides; and his massive spear
+  Close follow'd on his words. With truth it fled;
+  Yet did the steely point, unerring hurl'd,
+  Fall harmless: with a deaden'd point his breast
+  Was struck. Then he;--"O goddess-born! (for fame
+  "Thy race to me has long before made known)
+  "Why wonder'st thou that I unwounded stand?"
+  (For wondering stood Pelides.) "Not this helm,
+  "Which thou behold'st, gay with the courser's mane.
+  "Nor the curv'd buckler by my arm sustain'd,
+  "For aid are worn. For comely grace alone
+  "They deck me. Thus is Mars himself adorn'd.
+  "Thrown every guard far from my limbs, my limbs
+  "Unwounded would remain. Sure I may boast!
+  "Sprung not from Nereus' daughter, but from him
+  "Who rules o'er Nereus; o'er his daughter rules;
+  "And all th' extent of ocean." Cygnus spoke:
+  And at Pelides launch'd his spear to pierce
+  His orbed shield; its brazen front it pierc'd,
+  And nine bull-hides beneath; stay'd at the tenth,
+  The warrior shook it forth; with strenuous arm
+  The quivering weapon hostile back return'd:
+  Cygnus again unwounded felt the blow.
+  Nor felt his naked bosom, to the force
+  Of the third weapon vauntingly expos'd,
+  Aught harm'd. Less fiercely in the Circus wide
+  Rages the bull not, when the scarlet vests
+  To urge his fury fixt, with furious horn
+  To gore attempting, finds elusion still,
+  The unhurt limbs invading. Seeks he now
+  If fall'n the metal from his weapon's point:
+  Fast to the wood the metal still appears;
+  And cries he;--"Weak is then my hand? and spent
+  "On one, is all the strength I once could boast?
+  "For surely strength that arm could boast, which erst
+  "Lyrnessus' wall o'erthrew, and when with gore
+  "It Tenedos, and Thebes made stream; or when
+  "Caÿcus purple flow'd, stain'd with their blood
+  "Who on its banks had dwelt; and when twice prov'd
+  "By Telephus, the virtue of my spear.
+  "This nervous arm has here too shewn its force
+  "In hills of slain by me up-heap'd; these shores
+  "Attest it." Speaking so, his spear he sent
+  Against Menoetes 'mid the Lycian crowd,
+  As doubting faintly deeds perform'd before:
+  And pierc'd at once his corslet and his breast.
+  From the hot smoking wound as forth he drew
+  The dart,--as with his dying head was struck
+  The solid ground, he spoke:--"This is the hand,
+  "And this the spear which conquest knew before:
+  "This will I 'gainst him use. May it, when sent,
+  "The same success attend."--Ere ceas'd his words
+  Cygnus again with aim he sought, nor swerv'd
+  His ashen weapon whence he aim'd, but rung,
+  Unshrunk from, on the shoulder: thence repell'd,
+  As from a wall or rugged rock it fell:
+  Yet where the blow was felt, did Cygnus seem
+  With blood distain'd. Achilles' joy was vain,
+  For wound was not. Menoetes' blood was there.
+  Then furious from his lofty car he sprung,
+  And close at hand his braving foe assail'd
+  With glittering falchion; by the falchion broke,
+  The helm and shield he saw, but the keen edge
+  His stubborn body blunted. More the son
+  Of Peleus bore not, but the warrior's face
+  With furious buffets from his shield, unclaspt
+  First from his arm, he smote, and with his hilt
+  Heavy his temples; and with headstrong rage
+  Bore on him: nor to his astounded soul
+  Respite allow'd. Dread through his bosom spread;
+  Before his eyes swam darkness: when amidst
+  The plain, a stone his retrogressive feet
+  Oppos'd. Pelides, with his mightiest strength,
+  Struck Cygnus against it, and to earth
+  Hard forc'd him, thrown supine. Pent with his shield,
+  And nervous knees upon his bosom prest
+  Tight, he the lacing of the helmet drew,
+  Which 'neath his chin was ty'd; close press'd his throat,
+  His breathing passage and his life at once
+  Destroy'd he. When his conquer'd foe to spoil
+  Of all his arms he went, the arms he found
+  Vacant. The ocean-god had to a bird
+  Of snowy plumage chang'd his offspring's form:
+  A bird which still the name of Cygnus bears.
+
+    Here stay'd the toil, here did the battle gain
+  Of numerous days a respite, either power
+  Resting on arms unhostile. Then, while guards,
+  Watchful, the Trojan walls protective kept;
+  And sentries equal wakeful o'er the trench
+  Form'd by the Argives watch'd, a feast was held,
+  Where Cygnus' victor, stout Achilles, gave
+  An heifer ribbon-bound to Athen's maid.
+  The sever'd flesh was on the altar plac'd,
+  Whose smoking fragrance, grateful to the gods,
+  High to th' ethereal regions mounted. Part,
+  Their due, th' official sacrificers took;
+  To swell the feast the rest was given. Outstretch'd
+  On couches, laid the noble guests, and fill'd
+  With the drest meat their hunger; and with wine
+  At once their thirst and all their cares assuag'd.
+  No lyre them sooth'd; no sound of vocal song;
+  Nor long extended boxen pipe with holes
+  Multiferous pierc'd: but all night long, discourse
+  Protracted; valiant deeds alone the theme.
+  Alike the valiant acts their foes perform'd,
+  And those their own they speak. Much they enjoy
+  To tell by turns what hazards they o'ercame;
+  And what they oft successless try'd. What else
+  Could e'er Achilles' speech employ? What else
+  By great Achilles could with joy be heard?
+  Chief in the converse, was the conquest late
+  O'er Cygnus gain'd, the topic. Strange to all
+  Seem'd it; the youth, from every weapon safe
+  By wound unconquerable, and with skin
+  Blunting the keenest steel. Wonder the Greeks,
+  And wonders ev'n Pelides: when in words
+  Like these, old Nestor hail'd them. "Cygnus, proof
+  "'Gainst steel,--unpierceable by furious blows
+  "Your age alone has known. These eyes have seen
+  "Perrhæbian Cæneus bear ten thousand strokes
+  "Unhurt. He, fam'd for warlike actions, dwelt
+  "On Othrys, and more strange those warlike deeds,
+  "Since female was he born." The wondering crowd,
+  Mov'd with the novel prodigy, beseech
+  (Their spokesman was Achilles) that the tale
+  Nestor would give them. "Eloquent old man!
+  "Of all our age most prudent, tell, for all
+  "The same desire prevails o'er, who was he,
+  "This Cæneus? why was chang'd his sex? what wars
+  "Of fierce encounter made him known to thee?
+  "And if by any conquer'd, tell the name."
+
+    Then thus the senior: "Though decrepid age
+  "Weighs heavy on me, and the deeds beheld
+  "In prime of youth, in numbers 'scape my mind;
+  "Yet than those facts, 'mid all of peace and war,
+  "Nought on my bosom made a deeper print.
+  "Yet may extended age of all beheld
+  "Part of the numerous acts and objects seen
+  "Relate,--I twice one hundred years have pass'd;
+  "Now in the third I breathe. Cænis, a nymph
+  "Sprung from Elateus, fam'd was all around
+  "For brightest beauty; fairest of the maids
+  "Who Thessaly adorn; theme of vain hopes
+  "To crowds of wooers through the neighbouring towns;
+  "And ev'n through thine, Achilles; for the land
+  "Thou claim'st produc'd her. Nay, her nuptial couch,
+  "Peleus perchance had sought, save that the rites
+  "Already with thy mother were compleat,
+  "Or were in promise ready. Nuptial couch
+  "She never press'd, for on the lonely shore
+  "Strolling, so fame declares, the vigorous clasp
+  "Of Ocean's god she felt. The charms possest
+  "Of his new object, Neptune said--whate'er
+  "Thou wishest, chuse, secure of no repulse.--
+  "This too does fame report, that Cænis cry'd--
+  "Wrongs such as mine no trivial gift deserve,
+  "That ne'er such shame again I suffer, grant
+  "I woman be no longer; that will all
+  "Favors comprize.--Her closing words betray'd
+  "A graver sound; manly appear'd her voice:
+  "And masculine it was. Deep ocean's god
+  "Acceded to her wish, and granted, more,
+  "That wounds should never harm her, nor by steel
+  "Should she e'er fall. Joy'd at the gift, the god
+  "Atracia's hero leaves--employs his age
+  "In studies warlike; and among the fields,
+  "Where fertilizing Peneus wanders, roams.
+
+    "Now bold Ixion's son had gain'd the hand
+  "Of Hippodamia; and the fierce-soul'd crowd
+  "Cloud-born, had bidden to attend the boards,
+  "In order rang'd within a cavern's mouth,
+  "By trees thick-shaded. All the princes round
+  "Of Thessaly attended: I, myself
+  "Amongst them went. Loud rung the regal feast
+  "With the mixt concourse; all most joyful sung
+  "O Hymen! Iö Hymen! and each hall
+  "Blaz'd bright with fires. The virgin then approach'd
+  "Pre-excellent in fairness, with a band
+  "Of matrons and unwedded nymphs begirt.
+  "Most blest, we all exclaim'd, in such a spouse
+  "Must be Pirithoüs--but such boding hopes
+  "Well nigh deceiv'd us. For when drunken lust
+  "O'er thee, Eurytus! govern'd, of the blood
+  "Of savage Centaurs, far most savage, fir'd
+  "Whether by wine, or by the virgin's charms
+  "Thou saw'st, thy breast. Instant, the board o'erturn'd,
+  "Routed the guests convivial, and the bride
+  "Caught by her locks, was forceful dragg'd away.
+  "Eurytus Hippodamia seiz'd; the rest
+  "Grasp'd such as pleas'd them, or whoe'er they met.
+  "It show'd the image of a captur'd town.
+
+    "With female shrieks the place resounded; swift
+  "We start, and Theseus foremost thus exclaims:--
+  "What frenzy, O Eurytus! thee impels
+  "Pirithoüs thus to wrong me still in life!
+  "Ign'rant that two thou wound'st in one?--Nor vain
+  "The chief magnanimous his threat'nings spoke:
+  "Th' aggressors back repell'd; and, while they rag'd,
+  "The ravish'd bride recover'd. Nought he said,
+  "Nor could such acts defence by words allow;
+  "But with rude inconsiderate hands he press'd
+  "Full on her champion's face; his valiant breast
+  "Assaulting. Near by chance a cup there stood,
+  "Of mould antique, and rough with rising forms:
+  "Mighty it was, but Theseus, mightier still,
+  "Seiz'd it, and full against his hostile face
+  "It dash'd; he vomits forth, with clots of gore,
+  "His brains, and wine; these issuing from the wound;
+  "That from his mouth; and on the soaking sand
+  "Supine he sprawls. With rage the two-form'd race
+  "Burn for their brother's slaughter; all with voice
+  "United, eager call--to arms! to arms!
+  "Wine gave them courage, and the primal fight
+  "Was goblets, fragile casks, and hollow jars,
+  "Dash'd on: once instruments to feasts alone
+  "Pertaining; now for slaughter us'd and blood.
+
+    "First Amycus, of Ophion son, not fear'd
+  "To rob the sacred chambers of their spoils;
+  "And from its cord suspensive, tore away,
+  "As from the roof it hung, a glittering lamp;
+  "And hurl'd it, lofty-pois'd, full in the front
+  "Of Lapithæan Celadon. So falls
+  "On the white neck the victim bull presents,
+  "The sacrificial axe, and all his bones
+  "Were shatter'd left; one all confounded wound.
+  "His eyes sprang forth; his palate bones displac'd,
+  "His nose driv'n back within his palate falls.
+  "Him Belates Pellæan with a foot
+  "Torn from a maple table, on the ground
+  "Stretch'd prone; his chin forc'd downward on his breast;
+  "And sputtering teeth, with blackest gore commixt,
+  "Sent by a second blow to Stygia's shades.
+
+    "As next he stood, and with tremendous brow
+  "The flaming altar view'd, Gryneus exclaim'd--
+  "Why use we this not? and the ponderous load
+  "With all its fires he seiz'd, and 'mid the crowd
+  "Of Lapithæans flung: two low it press'd;
+  "Broteas and bold Orion. From her sphere
+  "Orion's mother Mycalé, by charms
+  "The moon to drag to earth has oft been known.
+
+    "Loud cry'd Exodius:--Were but weapons found
+  "That death impunity would boast not. Horns
+  "An ancient stag once brandish'd, on a pine
+  "Hung lofty, serv'd for arms; the forky branch
+  "Hurl'd in his face deep dug out either eye.
+  "Part to the horns adhere; part flowing down
+  "His beard, thence hang in ropes of clotted gore.
+  "Lo! Rhætus snatches from the altar's height
+  "A burning torch of size immense, and through
+  "Charaxus' dexter temple, with bright hair
+  "Shaded, he drives it. Like the arid corn
+  "Caught by the rapid flame, the tresses burn;
+  "And the scorch'd blood the wound sent forth, a sound
+  "Of horrid crackling gave. Oft whizzes steel
+  "So, drawn forth glowing from the fire, with tongs
+  "Bent, and in cooling waters frequent plung'd;
+  "And crackling sounds, immers'd in tepid waves.
+  "The wounded hero from his tresses shook
+  "The greedy flames, and in his arms upheav'd,
+  "Tom from the earth, a mighty threshold stone,
+  "A waggon's burthen; but the ponderous load
+  "Forbade his strength to hurl it on the foe:
+  "And on Cometes, who beside him stood,
+  "Dropp'd the huge bulk. Nor Rhætus then his joy
+  "Disguis'd, exclaiming:--Such may be the aid
+  "That all your friends receive!--Then with his brand
+  "Half burnt, his blows redoubling, burst the skull
+  "With the strong force; and on the pulpy brain
+  "By frequent strokes the bones beat down. From thence
+  "Victor, Evagrus, Corythus, he met
+  "And Dryas. Corythus o'erthrown, whose cheeks
+  "The first down shaded; loud Evagrus cry'd:--
+  "What glory thine, thus a weak boy to slay?--
+  "No more to utter Rhætus gave, but fierce
+  "Plung'd the red-flaming weapon in his mouth,
+  "Thus speaking; and deep forc'd it down his throat.
+  "Thee also, furious Dryas! with the brand,
+  "Whirl'd round and round his head, he next assails.
+  "But thee the same sad fortune not befel:
+  "Him, proud triumphing from increas'd success
+  "In blood, thou piercest with an harden'd stake,
+  "Where the neck meets the shoulder. Rhætus groan'd:
+  "And from the hard bone scarce the wood could draw;
+  "As drench'd in blood his own, by flight he scap'd.
+  "With him fled Lycabas; and Orneus fled;
+  "Thaumas; Pisenor; Medon, who was struck
+  "'Neath the right shoulder; Mermeros, who late
+  "In rapid race all else surpass'd, but now
+  "Mov'd halting with his wound; Abas, of boars
+  "The spoiler; Pholus, and Melaneus too;
+  "With Astylos the seer, who from the war
+  "Dissuaded, but in vain, his brethren crowd.
+  "Nay more, to Nessus, fearing wounds, he cry'd--
+  "Fly not!--thou'lt for Alcides' bow be sav'd.
+
+    "Euronymus, nor Lycidas, their fate,
+  "Areos, nor Imbreos fled; whom face to face
+  "Confronting, Dryas' hand smote down. Thou too,
+  "Crenæus! felt thy death in front, though turn'd
+  "For flight thy feet; for looking back thou caught'st
+  "Betwixt thine eyes the massy steel; where joins
+  "The nose's basement to the forehead bones.
+
+    "With endless draughts of stupefactive wine
+  "Aphidas lay, 'mid all the raging noise
+  "Unrous'd; and grasping in his languid hand
+  "A ready-mingled bowl: stretch'd was he seen,
+  "On a rough bear-skin, brought from Ossa's hill.
+  "Him from afar, as Phorbas saw, no arms
+  "Dreading, he fix'd his fingers in the thongs,
+  "And said--with Stygian waters mixt, thy wine
+  "Now drink;--and instant round his javelin twin'd
+  "The youth: for as supinely stietch'd he lay
+  "The ash-form'd javelin through his throat was driv'n.
+  "No sense of death he felt; his dark brown gore
+  "Flow'd in full stream upon the couch, and flow'd
+  "In his grasp'd goblet. I, Petræus saw,
+  "An acorn-loaded oak from earth to rend
+  "Endeavoring; which while compass'd with both arms
+  "He strains, now this way, now the other, shook
+  "Appear'd the tottering tree. Pirithous' dart
+  "Driv'n through the ribs, Petræus' straining breast
+  "Nail'd to the rigid wood. Pirithous' arm
+  "Lycus o'erthrew; and 'neath Pirithous' force
+  "Fell Chromis,--so they tell. But less of fame
+  "The conqueror gain'd from these, than from the death
+  "Of Helops, and of Dictys. Helops felt
+  "The dart through both his temples; swift it whizz'd
+  "His right ear enter'd, shewing at his left.
+  "But Dictys, from a dangerous mountain's brow
+  "As flying, trembling from Ixion's son
+  "Close following, he descended, headlong down
+  "He tumbled; with his ponderous fall he broke
+  "A mighty ash; within his riven side
+  "The stumps his bowels tore. Aphareus fierce,
+  "Came on for vengeance; and a massive rock,
+  "Torn from the hill, upheav'd to throw--to throw
+  "Attempted. Theseus with an oaken club
+  "Prevented, and his mighty elbow broke:
+  "Nor now his leisure suits, nor cares he now
+  "A foe disabled to dispatch to hell:
+  "But on Biamor's lofty back he springs,
+  "Unwont to bear, except himself, before:
+  "Press'd with his knees his ribs, and grasping firm,
+  "With his left hand his locks, he bruis'd his face,
+  "His frowning forehead, and his harden'd skull,
+  "With the rough club. With the same club he lays
+  "Nidymnus prostrate; and Lycotas, skill'd
+  "To fling the javelin; Hippasus, whose beard
+  "Immense, his breast o'ershaded; Ripheus sprung
+  "From lofty woods; and Tereus wont to drag
+  "Home furious bears still living, on the hills
+  "Thessalian, caught. Nor longer in the fight
+  "Raging with such success, Demoleon bore
+  "Theseus to see, but from a crowded wood,
+  "With giant efforts strove a pine to rend,
+  "Of ancient growth, up by the roots, but foil'd
+  "He flung the broken fragment 'mid the foe.
+  "Warn'd by Minerva, from the flying wood
+  "Theseus withdrew; so would he we believe.
+  "Yet harmless fell the tree not; from the breast
+  "And shoulder of great Crantor, was the neck
+  "Sever'd. The faithful follower of thy sire
+  "Was he, Achilles. Him, Amyntor, king
+  "Of all Dolopia, in the warlike strife
+  "O'ercome, as pledge of peace and faithful words
+  "Gave to Æäcides. Him mangled so
+  "With cruel wound, Peleus far distant saw;
+  "And thus exclaim'd,--O, Crantor! dearest youth!
+  "Thy funeral obsequies behold.--He said,
+  "And hurl'd his ashen spear with vigorous arm,
+  "And with a spirit not less vigorous, forth,
+  "Full on Demoleon: tearing through the fence
+  "Of his strong chest, it quiver'd in the bones.
+  "The pointless wood his hand dragg'd out; the wood
+  "With difficulty dragg'd he: in his lungs
+  "Deep was the steel retain'd. To his fierce soul
+  "Fresh vigor gave the smart. Hurt as he was
+  "He rear'd against the foe, and with his hoofs
+  "Trampled thy sire. He, with his helm and shield,
+  "Wards off the sounding blows; his shoulders guards;
+  "Holds his protended steel, and his foe's chest
+  "Full 'twixt the shoulders; one strong blow transpierc'd.
+  "Yet had he slain by distant darts before
+  "Both Hylis and Phlegræus; and in fight
+  "More close, had Clanis and Hipponous fall'n.
+  "To these must Dorilas be added, he
+  "A wolf skin round his forehead wore; and, bent,
+  "A double wound presenting, o'er his brows
+  "He bore the weapons of a savage bull;
+  "With streaming gore deep blushing. Loud I cry'd,
+  "While courage gave me strength--see how my steel
+  "Thy horns surpasses--and my dart I flung.
+  "My dart to 'scape unable, o'er his brow
+  "To ward the blow, his hand he held; his hand
+  "Was to his forehead nail'd. Loud shouts were heard,
+  "And Peleus at him, wounded thus, rush'd on,
+  "(He nearer stood) and with a furious blow
+  "Mid belly plac'd, dispatch'd him. High he sprung
+  "On earth his entrails dragging;--as they dragg'd
+  "Madly he trampled;--what he trampled tore:
+  "These round his legs entwining, down he falls;
+  "And with an empty'd body sinks to death.
+
+    "Nor could thy beauty, Cyllarus, avail
+  "Aught in the contest! if to forms like thine
+  "Beauty we grant. His beard to sprout began,
+  "His beard of golden hue; golden the locks
+  "That down his neck, and o'er his shoulders flow'd.
+  "Cheerful his face; his shoulders, neck, and arms,
+  "Approach'd the models which the artists praise.
+  "Thus all that man resembled. Nor fell short
+  "The horse's portion: beauteous for a beast.
+  "A neck and head supply'd, a steed were form'd,
+  "Of Castor worthy: so was for the seat
+  "Fitted his back; so full outstood his chest:
+  "His coat all blacker than the darkest pitch;
+  "Save his white legs, and ample flowing tail.
+  "Crowds of his race him lov'd; but one alone,
+  "Hylonomé, could charm him; fairest nymph
+  "Of all the two-form'd race that roam'd the groves.
+  "She sole enraptur'd Cyllarus, with words
+  "Of blandishment; beloved, and her love
+  "For him confessing. Grace in all her limbs
+  "And dress, for him was studied; smooth her hair
+  "For him was comb'd; with rosemary now bound;
+  "Now with the violet; with fresh roses now;
+  "And oft the snow-white lily wore she; twice
+  "Daily she bath'd her features in the stream,
+  "That from Pagasis' woody summit falls;
+  "Twice daily in the current lav'd her limbs.
+  "Nor cloth'd she e'er her shoulders, or her side,
+  "Save with the chosen spoils of beasts which best
+  "Her form became. Most equal was their love:
+  "As one they o'er the mountains stray'd; as one
+  "The caves they sought; and both together then
+  "The Lapithæan roof had enter'd; both
+  "Now wag'd the furious war. By whom unknown,
+  "From the left side a javelin came, and pierc'd
+  "Thee deep, O Cyllarus! 'neath where thy chest
+  "Joins to thy neck. Drawn from the small-form'd wound,
+  "The weapon,--with the mangled heart, the limbs
+  "Grew rigid all. Hylonomé supports
+  "His dying body, and her aiding hand
+  "Presses against the wound; leans face to face,
+  "And tries his fleeting life awhile to stay.
+  "When fled she saw it, with laments which noise
+  "Drown'd ere my ears they reach'd, full on the dart
+  "Which through him stuck she fell; and clasp'd in death
+  "Her dear-lov'd husband's form. Before my eyes
+  "Still stands Phæöcomes, whom, closely-join'd,
+  "Six lions' hides protected; man and horse
+  "Equal the covering shar'd. Phonoleus' son
+  "Fierce on the skull he smote, with stump immense,
+  "Huge as four oxen might with labor move.
+  "Crush'd was the rounding broadness of the head;
+  "And the soft brain gush'd forth at both his ears;
+  "His mouth, his hollow nostrils, and his eyes.
+  "So through the straining oaken twigs appears,
+  "Coagulated milk: so liquid flows
+  "Through the fine sieve, by supercumbent weights
+  "Prest down, the thick curd at the small-form'd holes.
+  "Deep in his lowest flank the foe I pierc'd,
+  "As from our fallen friend the arms to strip
+  "Prepar'd, he stoop'd. Thy father saw the deed.
+  "Chthonius too fell beneath my sword, and fell
+  "Teleboas. Chthonius bore a forky bough;
+  "A javelin arm'd the other; with its steel
+  "He pierc'd me. Lo! the mark the wound has left:--
+  "Still the old scar appears. Then was the time
+  "They should have sent me to the siege of Troy:
+  "Then had I power great Hector's arm to stay;
+  "To check, if not to conquer. Hector then
+  "Was born not, or a boy. Now age me robs
+  "Of all my force. Why should I say how fell
+  "Two-form'd Pyretus, by the strength o'erthrown
+  "Of Periphantes? Why of Amphyx tell,
+  "Who in Oëclus' hostile front deep sunk,
+  "(Oëclus centaur-born) a pointless spear?
+  "Macareus, Erigdupus, (near the hill
+  "Of Pelethronus born, against his chest
+  "Full-bearing,) prostrate laid. Nor should I pass,
+  "How I the spear beheld, by Nessus' hands
+  "Launch'd forth, and bury'd in Cymelus' groin.
+  "Nor think you Mopsus, Amphyx' son, excell'd
+  "Alone to teach the future. By the dart
+  "Of Mopsus, fell Odites double-form'd.
+  "To speak in vain he strove, for tongue to chin,
+  "And chin to throat were by the javelin nail'd.
+
+    "Cæneus ere this had five to death dispatch'd
+  "Bromius, Antimachus with hatchet arm'd;
+  "Pyracmon, Stiphelus, and Helimus.
+  "What wounds them slew I know not; well their names,
+  "And numbers I remember. Latreus big
+  "In body and in limbs, sprung forth adorn'd
+  "In the gay arms Halesus once had own'd;
+  "Halesus of Thessalia by him slain:
+  "'Twixt strong virility and age his years,
+  "Still strong virility his arm could boast;
+  "Gray hairs his temples sprinkled. Lofty seen
+  "In helm and shield, and Macedonian spear,
+  "Proudly between the adverse ranks he rode;
+  "And clash'd his arms, and circling scower'd along.
+  "These boasting words to the resounding air
+  "Brave issuing--Cænis, shall I bear thee so?
+  "Still will I think thee Cænis;--female still
+  "By me thou'lt be consider'd. 'Bates it nought
+  "Thy valor, when thy origin thy soul
+  "Reflects on? When thy mind allows to own
+  "What deed the grant obtained? What price was paid
+  "To gain the false resemblance of a man?
+  "What thou was born, remember: mark as well
+  "Who has embrac'd thee. Go, the distaff take,
+  "And carding basket. With thy fingers twirl
+  "The flax, and martial contests leave to men.
+  "The spear which Cæneus hurl'd, deep in his side
+  "Bare as he cours'd, expos'd the blow to meet,
+  "Pierc'd him when boasting thus, just where the man
+  "Join'd the four-footed form. With smart he rag'd,
+  "And to the Phyllian warrior's face his spear
+  "Presented. Back the spear rebounded: so
+  "Bound the hard hailstones from the roof; so leap
+  "The paltry pebbles on the hollow drum.
+  "Now hand to hand he rushes to engage,
+  "And in his harden'd sides attempts to plunge
+  "His weapon deep. Pervious his weapon finds
+  "No spot. Then cry'd he,--still thou shalt not 'scape:
+  "Though blunted is my point my edge shall slay;--
+  "And aim'd a blow oblique, to ope his side,
+  "While round his flank was grasp'd his forceful arm.
+  "Sounded the stroke as marble struck would sound;
+  "The shiver'd steel rebounding from his neck.
+  "His limbs unwounded, to the wondering foe
+  "Thus long expos'd, loud Cæneus call'd;--Now try
+  "Our arms thy limbs to pierce!--Up to the hilt
+  "His deadly weapon 'twixt his shoulders plung'd;
+  "Then thrust and dug with blows unseeing 'mid
+  "His entrails deep; thus forming wounds on wounds.
+
+    "Now all the furious crowd of double forms
+  "Rush raging round him; all their weapons hurl;
+  "And all assail with blows this single foe.
+  "Blunted their weapons fall, and Cæneus stands
+  "Unpierc'd, unbleeding, from ten thousand strokes:
+  "Astonish'd at the miracle they gaze;
+  "But Monychus exclaims;--What blasting shame
+  "A race o'erthrown by one; that one a man,
+  "But dubious. Grant him man, our coward deeds
+  "Prove us but what he has been. What avail
+  "Our giant limbs? What boots our double strength;
+  "Strength of created forms the mightiest two,
+  "In us conjoin'd? A goddess-mother we
+  "Assur'dly should not boast; nor boast for sire
+  "Ixion, whose great daring soul him mov'd
+  "To clasp the lofty Juno in his arms.
+  "Now vanquish'd by a foe half-male. Him whelm
+  "With trees, with rocks: whole mountains heap'd on high,
+  "Whole falling forests, let that stubborn soul
+  "Crush out. The woods upon his throat shall press,
+  "And weight for wounds shall serve.--The centaur spoke,
+  "Seizing a tree which lay by chance uptorn
+  "By raging Auster; on his valiant foe
+  "The bulk he hurl'd. All in like efforts join'd:
+  "And quickly Othrys of his woods was stript:
+  "Nor Pelion shade retain'd. Cæneus opprest
+  "Beneath the pile immense--the woody load,--
+  "Hot pants, and with his forceful shoulders bears,
+  "To heave th' unwieldy weight: but soon the heap
+  "Reaches his face, and then o'ertops his head:
+  "Nor breath is left his spirit can inhale.
+  "Now faint he sinks, and struggles now in vain
+  "To lift his head to air, and from him heave
+  "The heap'd-up forests: then the pile but shakes,
+  "As shakes the lofty Ida you behold,
+  "When by an earthquake stirr'd. Doubtful his end.
+  "His body, by the sylvan load down prest,
+  "Some thought that shadowy Tartarus receiv'd.
+  "But Mopsus this deny'd, who spy'd a bird
+  "From 'mid the pile ascend, and mount the skies
+  "On yellow pinions. I the bird beheld,
+  "Then first, then last. As wide on buoyant wing
+  "Our force surveying, Mopsus saw him fly,
+  "And rustling round with mighty noise, his eyes
+  "And soul close mark'd him, and he loud exclaim'd,--
+  "Hail, Cæneus! of the Lapithæan race
+  "The glory! once of men the first, and now
+  "Bird of thy kind unique!--The seer's belief
+  "Made credible the fact. Grief spurr'd our rage.
+  "Nor bore we calmly that a single youth
+  "By hosts of foes should fall. Nor ceas'd our swords
+  "In gore to rage 'till most to death were given:
+  "The rest by favoring darkness say'd in flight."
+
+    While thus the Pylian sage, the wars narrates
+  Wag'd by the Lapithæan race, and foe
+  Centaurs half-human; his splenetic ire
+  Tlepolemus could hide not, when he found
+  Alcides' deeds past o'er; but angry spoke.--
+  "Old sire, astonish'd, I perceive the praise
+  "The deeds of Hercules demand, has 'scap'd
+  "Your mind. My father has been wont to tell
+  "Whom, he of cloud-begotten race o'erthrew:
+  "Oft have I heard him." Nestor sad reply'd;
+  "Why force me thus my miseries to recal
+  "To recollection; freshening up the woes
+  "Long years have blunted; and confess the hate
+  "I bear thy sire for injuries receiv'd.
+  "He, (O, ye gods!) has deeds atchiev'd which far
+  "All faith surpass; and has the wide world fill'd
+  "With his high fame. Would I could this deny!
+  "For praise we e'er Deïphobus? or praise
+  "Give we Polydamas, or Hector's self?
+  "Who can a foe applaud? This sire of thine
+  "Messenia's walls laid prostrate, and destroy'd
+  "Elis and Pylos, unoffending towns;
+  "Rushing with fire and sword in our abode.
+  "To pass the rest who 'neath his fury fell,--
+  "Twice six of Neleus' sons were we beheld;
+  "Twice six save me beneath Alcides' arm,
+  "There dy'd. With ease were conquer'd all but one;
+  "Strange was of Periclymenos the death;
+  "Whom Neptune, founder of our line, had given,
+  "What form he will'd to take; that form thrown off.
+  "His own again resume. When vainly chang'd
+  "To multifarious shapes; he to the bird
+  "Most dear to heaven's high sovereign, whose curv'd claws
+  "The thunders bear, himself transform'd; the strength
+  "That bird possesses, using, with bow'd wings,
+  "His crooked beak and talons pounc'd his face.
+  "'Gainst him Tyrinthius his unerring bow
+  "Bent, and as high amid the clouds he tower'd,
+  "And poising hung, pierc'd where his side and wing
+  "Just met: nor deep the hurt; the sinew torn
+  "Still him disabled, and deny'd the power
+  "To move his wing, or strength to urge his flight.
+  "To earth he fell; his pinions unendow'd
+  "With power to gather air: and the light dart
+  "Fixt superficial in the wing, his fall
+  "Deep in his body pierc'd; out his left side,
+  "Close by his throat the pointed mischief stood.
+
+    "Now, valiant leader of the Rhodian fleet,
+  "Judge what from me the great Alcides' deeds
+  "Of blazonry can claim? Yet the revenge
+  "I give my brethren, is on his brave acts
+  "Silent to rest: to thee still firm ally'd
+  "In friendship." Thus his eloquent discourse
+  The son of Neleus ended, and the gift
+  Of Bacchus, oft repeated, circled round
+  To the old senior's words; then from the board
+  They rose, and night's remainder gave to sleep.
+
+    But now the deity, whose trident rules
+  The ocean waters, with a father's grief
+  Mourns for his offspring to a bird transform'd.
+  Savage 'gainst fierce Achilles, he pursues
+  His well-remember'd ire with hostile rage.
+  And now the war near twice ten years had seen,
+  When long-hair'd Phoebus, thus the god address'd;
+  "O power! to me most dear, of all the sons
+  "My brother boasts! whose hands with mine uprear'd
+  "In vain the walls of Troy! griev'st thou not now
+  "Those towers beholding as they ruin'd fall?
+  "Griev'st thou not now such thousands to behold
+  "Slain, those high towers attempting to defend?
+  "Griev'st thou not (more I need not speak) to think
+  "Of Hector's body round his own Troy dragg'd,
+  "When still the fierce Achilles, ev'n than war
+  "More ruthless, of our works destroyer, lives?
+  "Would it to me were given--my trident's power,
+  "Well know I, he should prove; but since deny'd
+  "To rush, and hand to hand this foe engage,
+  "Slay him with unsuspected secret dart."
+  The Delian god consented, and at once
+  His uncle's vengeance and his own indulg'd.
+  Veil'd in a cloud amid the Ilian host
+  He darts, and 'mid a slaughter'd crowd beholds
+  Where Paris, on plebeïan foes his shafts
+  Unerring hurls: to him confess'd, the god
+  Exclaims;--"Why wast'st thou in ignoble blood
+  "Thy weapons? If thy friends employ thy care,
+  "Turn on Pelides every dart, revenge
+  "Thy murder'd brothers."--Phoebus spoke, and shew'd
+  Where with his steel Achilles ranks on ranks
+  Of Troy o'erthrew. On him the bow he turns;
+  To him he guides the sure, the deadly dart.
+
+    Now may old Priam joy for Hector slain;
+  For thou, Achilles, victor o'er such hosts,
+  Fall'st by the coward's hand, who stole from Greece
+  The ravish'd wife. O! if foredoom'd thy lot
+  By woman-warrior to be slain, to fall
+  By Amazonian weapon had'st thou chos'n.
+  Now burns Æäcides, the Phrygians' dread;
+  The pride, the guardian of the Grecian name;
+  The chief in war unconquer'd: and the god
+  Who arm'd him once, consumes him. Ashes now;
+  Nought of the great Pelides can be found,
+  Save what with ease a little urn contains.
+  But still his glory lives, and fills all earth:
+  Such bounds alone the hero suit; his fame
+  Equals himself, nor sinks he to the shades.
+
+    His shield itself, as conscious whose the shield,
+  Fomented wars; and quarrels for his arms
+  Arose. Tydides fear'd to urge his claim;
+  Ajax, Oïleus' son; Atrides' each,
+  Him youngest, and the monarch who surpass'd
+  In age and warlike skill; and all the crowd.
+  Laërtes' son, and Telamon's alone
+  Try'd the bold glorious contest. From himself
+  All blame invidious Agamemnon mov'd:
+  The Grecian chiefs amid the camp he plac'd,
+  And bade the host around the cause decide.
+
+
+
+
+*The Thirteenth Book.*
+
+
+    Contest of Ajax and Ulysses for the arms of Achilles. Success of
+    Ulysses and death of Ajax. Sack of Troy. Sacrifice of Polyxena to
+    the ghost of Achilles. Lamentation of Hecuba. She tears out the
+    eyes of Polymnestor, and is changed into a bitch. Birds arise
+    from the funeral pile of Memnon, and kill each other. Escape of
+    Æneas from Troy, and voyage to Delos. The daughters of Anius
+    transformed to doves. Voyage to Crete and Italy. Story of Acis
+    and Galatea. Love of Glaucus for Scylla.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Thirteenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    The princes sate; the common troops in crowds
+  Circled them round; when Ajax in the midst,
+  Lord of the seven-fold shield, arose, with rage
+  Uncurb'd. Sigæum's shores he fiercely view'd;
+  And ship-clad beach, while with extended arms,
+  "O, Jupiter!" he cry'd, "before this fleet
+  "Must then our cause be try'd? With me contends
+  "Ulysses? He who yielded all a prey
+  "To Hector's fires; whom I alone repell'd?
+  "Fires which I from that fleet drove far? More safe
+  "'Tis sure with artful language to contend,
+  "Than battle hand to hand. Hard 'tis for me
+  "To speak; for him 'tis no less hard to fight.
+  "And much as I in keen-urg'd blows excel,
+  "And arduous contest, such in words is he.
+  "My deeds, O Grecians! to rehearse what need?
+  "Have you not seen them? Let Ulysses tell
+  "His actions, feats without a witness done;
+  "Night only privy. Mighty is the prize,
+  "I own; but Ajax' glory suffers much,
+  "Striving with such a rival. Granted, great
+  "Its value; where the boast to have obtain'd
+  "What this Ulysses hop'd for? He ev'n now
+  "Enjoys th' advantage of the contest. Foil'd,
+  "His pride will be to boast with me he strove.
+  "But I, if doubtful is my valor deem'd,
+  "Have claims most potent in my noble race:
+  "Sprung from great Telamon, who Troy's proud town,
+  "'Neath brave Alcides captur'd; and explor'd
+  "The shores of Colchis in th' Hæmonian bark.
+  "His sire was Æäcus, who equal law
+  "Dispenses 'mid the silent shades; where toils
+  "Æölian Sisyphus beneath his stone.
+  "Well mighty Jove knows Æäcus, and owns
+  "Him son. Thus Ajax ranks but third from Jove.
+  "Nor yet, O, Greeks! should this descent my cause
+  "Assist, save that Achilles claim'd the same.
+  "Of brothers born, a kinsman's right I ask.
+  "Why should one sprung of Sisyphæan blood,
+  "Like his progenitor in theft and fraud,
+  "Ingraft an alien name upon the stock
+  "Of Æäcus? Am I the arms refus'd
+  "That first I join'd the warriors? join'd your host
+  "Betray'd not by informers? Worthier he,
+  "That last his arms he took? with madness feign'd
+  "Shunning the warfare; till more crafty came
+  "Naupliades, though luckless for himself;--
+  "Who shew'd his coward soul's devices plain;
+  "And hither dragg'd him to the hated wars?
+  "Now let him arms most glorious take, who arms
+  "To wear refus'd. Let me unhonor'd go,
+  "Robb'd of my kindred right, who first arriv'd
+  "To face the perils. Would, ye gods! that true,
+  "Or thought so, his insanity had been.
+  "Then, counsellor of cruel deeds, he ne'er
+  "Had join'd our camp before the Phrygian walls.
+  "Then thou, O Pæän's son! had Lemnos ne'er
+  "Known--to our shame abandon'd on the shore.
+  "Thou now, so fame reports, in woody caves
+  "Shelter'd, ev'n rocks mov'st with thy rending groans;
+  "Pray'st that Laërtes' son his justest meeds
+  "May gain. Ye gods! ye gods! grant ye his prayers
+  "A favoring ear! Now he, by oath combin'd
+  "With us in war;--O, heavens! a leader too!
+  "Heir to employ Alcides' faithful darts,
+  "Sinks both by famine and disease opprest:
+  "By birds sustain'd, and cloth'd by birds, he spends
+  "Upon his feather'd prey, the darts design'd
+  "To end the fate of Troy. Yet still he lives:
+  "For here he never with Ulysses came.
+  "Content had hapless Palamedes been
+  "Deserted so. Life might he have enjoy'd
+  "Perchance; and blameless sure to death had sunk.
+  "He whom this wretch, too mindful of the time
+  "His counterfeited madness was expos'd,
+  "Feign'd had betray'd the Greeks; and prov'd the crime
+  "By forg'd assistance: shewing forth the gold
+  "First bury'd by himself. Thus he destroys
+  "The strength of Greece, by exile or by death.
+  "Thus fights Ulysses; thus must he be fear'd
+  "Who, though old faithful Nestor he surpass'd
+  "In eloquence, not all would e'er avail,
+  "To prove deserting Nestor was no shame:
+  "Who press'd with age, and with a wounded horse
+  "Delay'd, Ulysses' aid besought: behind
+  "His coward comrade left him. Well, this deed
+  "Tydides can declare, by me not feign'd,
+  "Who oft him reprimanded by his name,
+  "And curs'd the flying of his trembling friend.
+  "Gods with just eyes all mortal actions view.
+  "Lo! he who aid would give not, aid requires!
+  "Who Nestor left, deserted was himself:
+  "Himself prescrib'd the treatment which he found.
+  "Loud call'd he to his friends. I come, I see,
+  "Pale trembling, where he lies, with dread to view
+  "Impending death. My mighty shield I fling;
+  "Beneath it shade him, and his coward breast
+  "(My smallest claim to glory) I protect.
+  "If still persisting, thou the strife wilt urge,
+  "Thither again return. Recal the foe;
+  "Thy wound; thy wonted terror; and lie hid
+  "Beneath my shield. 'Neath that with me contend.
+  "Lo! him I snatch'd from death, whose wounds refus'd
+  "Ev'n power to stand; retarded not by wounds,
+  "In agile flight sped on. Now Hector comes,
+  "Whom in the fight the deities attend.
+  "Where'er he swept, not thou Ulysses sole
+  "Wast struck with dread; the bravest of our host
+  "Shrunk, such the terror which then fill'd the field.
+  "When hand to hand engag'd, him prone I laid,
+  "Proud of his slaughter, on th' ensanguin'd plain,
+  "With a huge stone. I singly him oppos'd,
+  "All single challeng'd; all the Greeks to me
+  "Pray'd for the lot: nor vain your prayers were found.
+  "Enquire ye, what the fortune of the fight?
+  "I stood, by him unconquer'd, when all Troy
+  "Rush'd on the fleet of Greece, with fire, with sword,
+  "And aiding Jove: Where was Ulysses then?
+  "The eloquent Ulysses? I alone,
+  "A thousand ships, the hopes of your return,
+  "Defended with my breast: this crowd of ships
+  "Deserves those arms. Nay, if with truth to speak
+  "You grant, those arms more glory gain from me
+  "Than I from them; our honor is conjoin'd.
+  "Ajax the arms demand, not Ajax arms.
+  "Let Ithacus compare his Rhæsus slain;
+  "And slain unwarlike Dolon; and trepann'd
+  "Helenus, Priam's son; and Pallas' form.
+  "In open day nought done, and nought perform'd,
+  "Save Diomed' assisted. Grant for once,
+  "Such paltry service could the armour claim;
+  "Divide the prize, and lo! the largest share
+  "Tydides must demand. But why this prize
+  "Seeks Ithacus? who all his deeds performs
+  "In private; traversing unarm'd; the foe,
+  "While unsuspecting, conquering by deceit.
+  "This helmet's radiance from the glittering gold
+  "Darting, would shew his plots, and open lay
+  "The latent spy. But his Dulichian head,
+  "Cas'd in Achilles' casque, the weight would 'whelm,
+  "And for his languid arms, the Pelian spear
+  "Too weighty would be found. That shield engrav'd,
+  "With all earth's various scenes, but ill would grace
+  "His arm, for stealthy deeds alone design'd.
+  "Presumptuous fool! to seek a prize, which gain'd
+  "Would only mar thy power. By erring votes
+  "Of Grecians giv'n to thee, cause would it be
+  "The foe would strip thee; not thy prowess fear.
+  "And flight, in which, O trembler! erst alone
+  "Thou all surpass'd, slow would'st thou then pursue;
+  "Such ponderous armor dragging. Those, thy shield
+  "Which bears so rare the brunt of battle, shines
+  "Yet whole: a new successor mine demands,
+  "Which gash'd by weapons, shews a thousand rents.
+  "To end, what need of words? let actions shew
+  "Each one's deserts. Amid the foe be thrown
+  "The valiant warrior's arms. Thence bid us bring
+  "The prize;--who brings it, let him wear the spoil."
+
+    So spake the Telamonian warrior; round
+  A murmur follow'd from the circling crowd.
+  Till up the chief of Ithaca arose;
+  His eyes (awhile cast down) rais'd from the earth;
+  The chiefs with anxious look'd-for sounds address'd:
+  Nor grace was wanting to persuasive words.
+  "O Grecians! had your prayers and mine been heard,
+  "Owner of what such cause of strife affords
+  "Were now not dubious: thou, Pelides, still
+  "These arms possessing, we possessing thee.
+  "But since unpitying fate, to you, to me,
+  "Denies him"--(here as weeping, o'er his eyes
+  His hand he draws)--"who with so just a right
+  "Can great Achilles now succeed, as he
+  "Who great Achilles brought the Greeks to join?
+  "Let it not aid his cause, that fool he seems,
+  "Or stupid is indeed; nor aught let harm
+  "The ingenuity I claim, to mine:
+  "Which, O, ye Argives! still has aided you.
+  "Let not my eloquence, if such I boast,
+  "And words, whose 'vantage often you have prov'd,
+  "Now for their author, move invidious thoughts:
+  "Nor what each claims his proper gift, refuse.
+  "Scarce can we call our ancestry, our race,
+  "Or deeds by them perform'd, merits our own:
+  "Yet since of grandsire Jove this Ajax boasts,
+  "I too, can boast him author of my line:
+  "Nor more degrees remov'd. My sire was nam'd
+  "Laërtes; his Arcesius; and from Jove
+  "Arcesius came direct: nor in this line,
+  "E'er any exil'd or condemn'd appear'd.
+  "Cyllenius too, his noble lineage adds
+  "Through my maternal stock. Each parent boasts
+  "A god-descended race. Yet claim I not
+  "The arms contested, merely that I spring
+  "Maternally more noble; nor them claim
+  "That from a brother's blood my sire is free:
+  "By merits solely you the cause adjudge.
+  "These only none to Ajax, that his sire,
+  "And Peleus brethren were, e'er grant. The prize
+  "Desert, and not propinquity of blood,
+  "Should gain. If kindred, then the hero's heir
+  "Demands it: Peleus still survives, his sire;
+  "And Pyrrhus is his son. Where Ajax' right?
+  "To Phthia, or to Scyros be it borne.
+  "Nor less is Teucer cousin than himself;
+  "Yet does he ask, or does he hope the arms?
+  "But since the obvious contest is by deeds
+  "Perform'd, though mine outnumber far what words
+  "Can easy compass; yet will I relate
+  "In order some:--
+
+                "The Nereïd mother knew
+  "His future fate; her offspring's dress disguis'd;
+  "And all, ev'n Ajax, the fallacious robes
+  "Deceiv'd. With female wares I mingled arms,
+  "Which stir the martial soul. Nor had the youth
+  "Disrob'd him of his virgin dress, when grasp'd
+  "As in his hand the shield and lance he held,
+  "I cry'd'--O, goddess-born! reserv'd for thee
+  "Is Ilium's fate. The mighty Trojan walls
+  "Why to o'erthrow demur'st thou?--Him I seiz'd.
+  "Sent the brave youth, brave actions to atchieve:
+  "And all his actions as my own I claim.
+  "My spear then conquer'd Telephus in fight;
+  "And after heal'd the suppliant vanquish'd foe.
+  "Thebes low by me was laid. I, you must own,
+  "Lesbos, and Tenedos, and Scyros took;
+  "Chrysa, and Cylla, bright Apollo's towns.
+  "My arm Lyrnessus' walls shook, and laid low.
+  "But other deeds I well may pass: since I
+  "Gave to the host what dreadful Hector slew;
+  "By me renowned Hector fell. Those arms
+  "I claim, who gave those arms, which to the Greeks
+  "Achilles found. Living, those arms I gave;
+  "Him dead, those arms I gave, again demand.
+
+    "The wrongs of one through every Grecian breast
+  "Spread wide; a thousand ships th' Euboean port
+  "Of Aulis fill'd. The long-expected gales
+  "Or came not, or blew adverse to the fleet.
+  "The rigid oracle Atrides bade
+  "His guiltless daughter sacrifice to calm
+  "Ruthless Diana. Stern the sire deny'd,
+  "And rag'd against the gods: the sovereign all
+  "Lost in the father. I with soothing words
+  "The parent's bosom mollify'd, and turn'd
+  "To thoughts of public good. Still, I confess,
+  "(And such confession will the king excuse;)
+  "An arduous cause I pleaded, where my judge
+  "Was by affection warp'd. The people's weal,
+  "His brother, and the lofty rank he held
+  "Mov'd him at length; and glory with his blood
+  "He bought. Then to the mother was I sent,
+  "Where reasoning had no force, but subtle craft.
+  "There had you sent the son of Telamon,
+  "Still had jour sails the needful breezes lack'd.
+  "Sent was I also to the Ilian towers,
+  "A daring envoy. Troy's fam'd court I saw;
+  "Troy's court I enter'd, then with heroes fill'd.
+  "There undismay'd, I pleaded all that Greece
+  "Bade for their common cause; Paris accus'd;
+  "Helen demanded, and the stolen spoil;
+  "And Priam and Antenor both convinc'd.
+  "But Paris, Paris' brethren, and the crowd
+  "Who aided in the rape, their impious hands
+  "Could scarce withhold. (Thou, Menelaüs, know'st,
+  "Who then with me the dawning of the war
+  "Didst prove in danger.) Long the tale, to speak
+  "Of all my deeds have done, the public cause
+  "To aid; since first the lengthen'd war began:
+  "By counsel or by valor. Wag'd the first
+  "Rough skirmish, long our foes within their walls
+  "Protected lay; no scope for open war:
+  "But in the tenth year now we fight again.
+  "In all that period what hast thou, who know'st
+  "But fighting, done? Where was thy service then?
+  "I, if my deeds thou seek'st, the foe betray'd
+  "By subtilty; girt us with trenches round;
+  "Inspirited our soldiers; made them bear,
+  "With mind unmurmuring, all the tedious war;
+  "Taught where to find the means to gain supplies
+  "Of food and arms; wherever need me call'd,
+  "There always was I sent. Lo! when the king,
+  "From Jove's deceptive dream, gave word to quit
+  "Th' unfinish'd war, he might the deed defend
+  "Through him who bade. But Ajax disapproves
+  "The flight; insists Troy shall in ruins lie,
+  "Asserts our power may do it! No! our troops
+  "Embarking, he not stay'd. Why seiz'd he not
+  "His arms? Why somewhat to the wavering crowd
+  "Said not, to fix? no weighty task to him
+  "Who ne'er harangues, except on mighty themes.
+  "Why? but that Ajax fled himself! I saw,
+  "But blush'd to see thee, when thy back thou turn'dst
+  "Hasting, thy coward sails to hoist; I spoke
+  "Instant--O fellow soldiers! whither now?
+  "What voice insane now urges you to leave
+  "Already-captur'd Troy? What will you bear
+  "Homeward, a lengthen'd ten years' shame besides?--
+  "With words like these back from the flying fleet
+  "I brought them; eloquence had sorrow's aid.
+
+    "Atrides call'd the council, all with dread
+  "Trembling were dumb; nor there dar'd Ajax gape:
+  "But there Thersites durst with galling words
+  "The king provoke; vengeance he met from me.
+  "I rose, our panic-stricken friends, once more
+  "Rous'd 'gainst the foe: I, by my words recall'd
+  "Departed valor. Hence, whoever boasts
+  "Since then of valiant deeds, those deeds are mine,
+  "Who back recall'd him, as he turn'd for flight.
+  "Last, tell me which of all the Greeks applauds,
+  "Or as a comrade seeks thee. All his acts
+  "With me Tydides shares, allows me praise:
+  "Ulysses still his confidential friend.
+  "Sure from such thousands of the Argive ranks
+  "By Diomed' selected, I may boast.
+  "Nor lot me bade to go, when void of fear,
+  "Through double danger of the foe and night,
+  "I went; and Phrygian Dolon slew, who dar'd
+  "On our adventure come; but slew him not
+  "Till made to utter all; the wiles betray
+  "Perfidious Troy intended. All I learnt;
+  "Nor ought for further search remain'd. Now I,
+  "The camp with fame sufficient might have gain'd;
+  "But not content, for Rhesus' tents I push;
+  "Him, and his guard surrounding, in his camp
+  "I slay. Victorious so, possess'd of all
+  "My hopes design'd, the car I mount, and proud
+  "A glad triumpher ride. Now me deny
+  "The arms of him, whose steeds the spy had hop'd
+  "Meed of his bold excursion. Ajax say
+  "More worthy. Why Sarpedon's Lycian troop
+  "Vanquish'd, should I with boastful tongue relate?
+  "I vanquish'd Ceranos, Iphitus' son;
+  "Alastor, Chromius, and Alcander stout;
+  "Halius, Noëmon, Prytanis, with crowds
+  "Slaughter'd beside. Thoön to hell I sent,
+  "Chersidamas, and Charops; and to fates
+  "Unpitying, Ennomus dispatch'd: with these
+  "Beneath yon' walls whole heaps of meaner rank
+  "This hand has slain. And, fellow soldiers, lo!
+  "My wounds are honorable all in place:
+  "Believe not empty words, yourselves behold."--
+  Then stript his robe, exclaiming--"Here the breast
+  "Still for your good employ'd. No drop of blood
+  "Has Ajax shed since first our host he join'd:
+  "In all these years, his body still remains
+  "Unwounded. Yet on this why should I dwell,
+  "If he must boast, that for the Argive fleet
+  "He fought alone 'gainst Jupiter and Troy?
+  "He fought, I grant it; no malignant spite
+  "Shall move detraction from his valiant deeds.
+  "But let him not the common rites of more
+  "Monopolize; let him to each allow
+  "The honor which they claim. Patroclus, fear'd
+  "In great Pelides' semblance, backward drove
+  "All Troy and Troy's protector from the ships,
+  "Then burning. Next his vanity would boast
+  "He only in the field of Mars durst strive
+  "With Hector; of the king, the chiefs, and me
+  "Forgetful; in the list the ninth alone,
+  "Solely by lot preferr'd. Yet, warrior brave,
+  "What was the issue of this daring fight?
+  "Hector unwounded left you. Mournful theme!
+  "With what deep sorrow I the time recal,
+  "When, bulwark of the Greeks, Achilles fell!
+  "Nor tears, vain lamentations, nor pale fear
+  "Me check'd; the prostrate body from the ground
+  "I rais'd. Upon those shoulders--yes, I swear,
+  "These very shoulders, I Pelides bore,
+  "With all his arms. The arms I now require.
+  "Strength I must have to bear with such a load:
+  "As sure your votes will meet a grateful mind.
+  "Was it because the bright celestial gift
+  "Might clothe the limbs of one without a soul,
+  "Stupidly dull, that all her anxious care
+  "The green-hair'd mother on her son employ'd;
+  "Arms wrought with art so great? Knows he the least
+  "The shield's engravings? Ocean, or the land:
+  "The lofty sky; the planets; Pleiäds bright;
+  "Hyäds; the bear, ne'er plung'd beneath the main;
+  "Orion's glittering sword, or various towns?
+  "Arms he demands he cannot understand.
+  "But how asserts he I the toils of war
+  "Evaded; joining late the fighting host,
+  "Nor sees he scandalizes too the fame
+  "Of great Pelides? If indeed a crime
+  "Dissembling must be call'd,--dissembled both.
+  "If faulty all delay, the first I came.
+  "A tender wife me kept; a tender tie,
+  "A mother, kept Achilles. Our life's spring
+  "To them was given, the rest reserv'd for you.
+  "Nor should I fear, even were this crime, I share
+  "With such a man, of all defence deny'd.
+  "Yet his disguise Ulysses' cunning found:
+  "Ajax ne'er found Ulysses. Needs surprize
+  "To hear th' abusing of his booby tongue,
+  "When with like guilt he stigmatizes you?
+  "Shames most that I this Palamedes brought,
+  "Falsely accus'd your sentence to receive,
+  "Or that you doom'd him so accus'd to die?
+  "But Nauplius' son not ev'n defence could urge,
+  "So plain his crime appear'd; nor did you trust
+  "The accusation heard: obvious you saw
+  "The bribe for which you doom'd him. Nor of blame
+  "Deserve I ought, that Philoctetes stays
+  "In Vulcan's Lemnos. You the deed excuse:
+  "All to the deed assented. Yet my voice,
+  "Persuasive, will I not deny, I us'd;
+  "That spar'd from travel, and from war's fatigue,
+  "In rest he might his cruel pains assuage:
+  "He lik'd my words, and lives. My counsel here
+  "Not merely faithful (though our faith the whole
+  "Our promise can insure) but happy prov'd.
+  "His presence since the seers prophetic ask
+  "T' atchieve the fall of Troy, dispatch not me;
+  "Ajax will better go, will better soothe
+  "With eloquence of tongue, a man who burns
+  "With raging choler, and with smarting pains:
+  "Or with some stratagem him thence allure.
+  "But Simoïs' stream shall sooner backward flow;
+  "Ida unwooded stand: Achaïa aid
+  "The Trojan power, than Ajax' stupid soul
+  "Shall help the Greeks, when first my anxious mind
+  "Striving to aid you, has been found to fail.
+  "O, stubborn Philoctetes! though enrag'd
+  "Against thy comrades, 'gainst the king, and me;
+  "Though thou may'st curse me, and my head devote
+  "Through endless days; though in thy grief thou ask'st
+  "To meet me, and to glut thee with my blood,
+  "Still will I try thee, and if fortune smiles,
+  "So will I gain thy arrows, as I gain'd
+  "The Trojan prophet, whom I captive made;
+  "As I the oracles of heaven laid ope;
+  "And all the fate of Troy: as from its room
+  "Close-hidden, I the form of Pallas brought,
+  "The charm of Troy, through ranks of hostile foes.
+  "Mates Ajax here with me? Fate had deny'd
+  "Of Troy the capture till that prize obtain'd.
+  "Where then the mighty Ajax? Where the boasts
+  "Of this brave hero? Why this risk evade?
+  "Why dar'd Ulysses through the watchful guards
+  "Steal 'mid the darkling night? and find his way,
+  "Not merely past the Trojan walls, but high
+  "Through raging swords their loftiest turrets scale;
+  "Bear off the goddess from her sacred fane,
+  "And with the prize again repass the foe?
+  "This deed not done, Ajax had bore in vain
+  "On his huge arm the sevenfold oxen hide.
+  "From that night's deeds I Ilium's conquest share.
+  "Then Troy I conquer'd, when the fact was done,
+  "Which made Troy vincible. Cease thou to mark
+  "With looks and mutterings Diomed' my friend;
+  "His share in all was glorious. Nor wast thou
+  "Single, when with thy buckler thou didst guard
+  "The general fleet; crowds aided, I was one.
+  "He, but he knows too well that less esteem
+  "Valor demands than wisdom; that the prize,
+  "A mere unconquer'd arm not justly claims,
+  "Had also sought: thy milder namesake too;
+  "Or fierce Eurypilus; or Thoas, son
+  "Of bold Andræmon. Equal right to hope,
+  "Idomeneus, Meriones, might boast,
+  "Each Cretan born; and who the sovereign king
+  "His brother claims; but all their valorous breasts
+  "(Nor does their martial prowess stoop to thine)
+  "Yield to my wisdom. In the fight thy arm
+  "Is mighty; prudence boast I, which that arm
+  "Directs. To thee a force immense is given,
+  "Without a brain; foresight is given to me.
+  "Well, thou canst wage the war; the time that war
+  "To wage, Atrides oft with me resolves.
+  "Thou aidest with thy body, I with mind:
+  "And as the guider of the ship transcends
+  "Him who but plies the oar: as soars above
+  "The soldier, he who leads him, so must I
+  "Thee far surpass; for far the mental powers
+  "In me surpass the merits of my arm:
+  "In mind my vigor lies. Ye nobles, speak;
+  "Give to your watchful guardian this reward,
+  "For the long annual care with anxious mind
+  "He gave you. This reward at length bestow,
+  "To his deserts but due: his labor done.
+  "Th' obstructing destinies by me remov'd,
+  "High Troy by me is captur'd; since by me
+  "The means high Troy to overthrow are given.
+  "Now beg I by our hopes conjoin'd; the walls
+  "Of Troy already tottering; by the gods
+  "Gain'd from the foe so lately; by what more
+  "Through wisdom may be done, if aught remains;
+  "Or aught of boldness, which through peril sought,
+  "Wanting, you still may deem to fill Troy's fate.
+  "If mindful of my merits you would rest,
+  "The arms award to this, if not to me:"
+  And pointed to Minerva's fateful form.
+
+    Mov'd were the band of nobles. Plainly shewn
+  What eloquence could do:--persuasion gain'd
+  The valiant warrior's arms. Then he who stood
+  'Gainst steel, and fire, and the whole force of Jove,
+  So oft, his own vexation now o'ercame:
+  Grief conquer'd his unconquerable soul.
+  He seiz'd his sword,--"And surely this"--he cry'd--
+  "Still is my own! or claims Ulysses this?
+  "Against myself this steel must now be us'd:
+  "This stain'd so oft with Phrygian blood, be stain'd
+  "With his who owns it; lest another hand
+  "Than Ajax' own should Ajax overcome."--
+  No more; but where his breast unguarded lay,
+  Pervious at length to wounds, his deadly blade
+  He plung'd, nor could his hand the blade withdraw;
+  The gushing blood expell'd it. Straight there sprung
+  Through the green turf, form'd by the blood-soak'd earth,
+  A purple flower, like that which sprung before
+  From Hyäcinthus' wound. Amid the leaves
+  Of each the self-same letters are inscrib'd;
+  The boy's complainings, and the hero's name.
+
+    Victorious Ithacus his sails unfurls,
+  To seek the land Hypsipylé once rul'd,
+  And Thoäs fam'd. An isle of old disgrac'd
+  By slaughter of its males, to bring the darts,
+  The weapons of Tyrinthius. These obtain'd
+  To Greece, and with their owner brought, at length
+  The furious war was finish'd. Priam falls
+  With Troy; and Priam's more unhappy spouse,
+  To crown her losses, loses human shape;
+  With new-heard barkings shaking foreign climes.
+  Where the long Hellespont's contracted bounds
+  Are seen, Troy blaz'd: nor yet the fires were quench'd.
+  The scanty drops of blood Jove's altar soak'd,
+  Which flow'd from aged Priam. By her locks
+  Dragg'd on, Apollo's priestess vainly stretch'd
+  To lofty heaven her arms. The victor Greeks
+  Tear off the Trojan mothers as they clasp
+  Their country's imag'd gods; and as they cling
+  To flaming temples--an invidious prey.
+  Astyänax is from those turrets flung,
+  Whence erst he wont to view his sire, whose arm
+  Him guarding, and his ancestorial realm
+  In fight, his mother shew'd. And Boreas now
+  Departure urg'd. Swol'n by a favoring breeze
+  The rattling canvas warn'd the sailor crew.
+  "O, Troy! farewel!"--The Trojan matrons cry--
+  "Hence are we borne."--They kiss their natal soil;
+  And leave the smoking ruins of their domes.
+  Last--mournful object! Hecuba, descry'd
+  Amid her children's graves, the bark ascends.
+  Ulysses' hand her dragg'd, as close she grasp'd
+  Their tombs, and kiss'd their bones which still remain'd.
+  Yet snatch'd she hastily, and bore away
+  Of Hector's ashes some, and in her breast
+  Hugg'd them; and on the top of Hector's tomb
+  Left her grey hairs; her hairs, and flowing tears.
+  Oblation fruitless to his last remains.
+
+    Oppos'd to Phrygia, where Troy once was seen,
+  A country stands, where live Bistonia's race:
+  Where Polymnestor, wealthy monarch, rul'd,
+  To whom, O, Polydore! thy cautious sire
+  Thee sent; from Iliüm's battles far remov'd,
+  For safe protection. Wisdom sway'd the king;
+  Save that he sent him store of treasure too,
+  Reward of wickedness; and tempting much
+  His greedy soul. Soon as Troy's fortune sank,
+  Impious the Thracian monarch plung'd his sword
+  In his young charge's throat: as if his crime
+  And body from his sight at once 'twere given
+  To move, he flung him in the dashing main.
+
+    Now on the Thracian coast, Atrides moor'd
+  His fleet, till placid were the waves again,
+  And favoring more, the winds. Achilles here,
+  Out from the earth, by sudden rupture rent,
+  Appear'd in 'semblance of his living form:
+  Threatening his brow appear'd, as when so fierce
+  He Agamemnon with rebellious sword
+  Sought to assail.--"Depart ye then, O, Greeks!"
+  He cry'd--"of me unmindful? Is the fame
+  "Of all my yaliant acts with me interr'd?
+  "Treat me not thus. That honors due my tomb
+  "May want not, let Polyxena be given
+  "In sacrifice to soothe Achilles' ghost."
+  He said; his fellows with the ruthless shade
+  Complying, from the mother's bosom tore
+  Her whom she sole had left to cherish. Brave
+  Than female more, the hapless maid was led
+  To the dire tomb in sacrificial pomp.
+  She, of her state still mindful, when before
+  The cruel altar brought; when all prepar'd
+  The savage-urg'd oblation of herself
+  She saw; and Neoptolemus beheld
+  There stand, the steel there grasping; on his face
+  Her eyes firm-fixing, spoke.--"My noble blood
+  "This instant spill. Delay not--plunge thy blade
+  "Or in my throat, or bosom;"--and her throat
+  And bosom, as she spoke she bar'd--"for ne'er
+  "Polyxena, a slavish life had borne.
+  "Yet grateful is this victim to no god!
+  "My only wish, that from my mother dear
+  "May be my death conceal'd: my mother clogs
+  "My final passage; damps the joys of death.
+  "Yet should she wail my death not, but my life.
+  "But distant stand ye all, that to the shades
+  "Inviolate I sink; if what I ask
+  "Be just, let every hand of man avoid
+  "A virgin's touch. Whoe'er your steel prepares
+  "To move propitiatory with my blood,
+  "A victim quite untainted best must please.
+  "And should the final accents that I speak,
+  "(King Priam's daughter, not a captive sues)
+  "My corse unransom'd to my mother give.
+  "Let her not buy the sad sepulchral rites
+  "With gold, but tears. Yet time has been, with gold
+  "I might have been redeem'd."--The princess ceas'd,
+  And save her own no cheek unwet was seen.
+  And ev'n the priest reluctant, and in tears,
+  Op'd by a sudden plunge the offer'd breast.
+  She, to earth sinking, 'neath her tottering limbs,
+  Wore to the last a face unmov'd; ev'n then
+  Her final care was in her fall to veil
+  Limbs that a veil demanded, as she sank;
+  And decent pride of modesty preserve.
+
+    The Trojan dames receive her, and recount
+  The woes of Priam's house, the streams of blood
+  That single stock has spent. Thee too, O, maid!
+  They weep; and thee, a royal spouse so late,
+  And royal parent stil'd; pride of the realm
+  Of glorious Asia; now a mournful lot
+  Amid the spoil; whom Ithacus would scorn
+  To own, great Hector hadst thou not brought forth:
+  The name of Hector scarce a master finds,
+  To claim his mother. She, the lifeless trunk
+  Embracing, which had held a soul so brave,
+  Tears pour'd; tears often had she pour'd before,
+  For country, husband, children--now for her
+  Those tears gush'd in the wound; lips press'd to lips;
+  And beat that breast which oft with grievous blows
+  Was punish'd. Sweeping 'mid the clotted blood
+  Her silver'd tresses; all these plaints, and more
+  She utter'd, as she still her bosom rent.
+
+    "My child, thy mother's last afflicting grief
+  "(For who is spar'd me?) low, my child, thou ly'st;
+  "And in thy wound, I all my wounds behold.
+  "Yes, lest a single remnant of my race
+  "Unslaughter'd should expire, thou too must bleed.
+  "A female, thee, safe from the sword I thought:
+  "A female, thee the sword has stretch'd in death.
+  "The same Achilles, ruiner of Troy,
+  "Bereaver of my offspring, all destroy'd,--
+  "Yes, all thy brethren, he, now murders thee!
+  "Yet when by Paris' and Apollo's darts
+  "He fell,--now, surely,--said I,--now no more
+  "Pelides need be dreaded! Yet ev'n now,
+  "Dreadful to me he proves. Inurned, rage
+  "His ashes 'gainst our hapless race; we feel
+  "Ev'n in his grave the anger of this foe.
+  "I fruitful only for Pelides prov'd.
+  "Low lies proud Iliüm, and the public woe,
+  "The heavy ruin ends: if ended yet:
+  "For Troy to me still stands; my sufferings still
+  "Roll endless on. I, late in power so high,
+  "Great in my children, in my husband great,
+  "Am now dragg'd forth in poverty; exil'd
+  "From all my children's tombs; a gift to please
+  "Penelopé; who, while my daily task
+  "She gives to Ithaca's proud dames, will taunt,
+  "And cry;--of Hector, the fam'd mother see!
+  "Lo! Priam's spouse!--And thou who sole wast spar'd
+  "To soothe maternal pangs, so many lost,
+  "Now bleed'st, atonement to an hostile shade:
+  "And funeral victims has my womb produc'd
+  "T' appease a foe. Why holds this stubborn heart?
+  "Why still delay I? What to me avails
+  "This loath'd, this long-protracted life? Why spin,
+  "O, cruel deities! the lengthen'd thread
+  "Of an old wretch, save that she yet may see
+  "More deaths? Who e'er could Priam happy deem,
+  "Iliüm o'erthrown? Yet happy was his death,
+  "Thy sacrifice, my daughter! not to see;
+  "At once of life and realm bereft. Yet sure
+  "O, royal maid! funereal rites await
+  "Thy last remains; thy corse will be inhum'd
+  "In ancestorial sepulchres. Ah, no!
+  "Such fortune smiles not on our house; the tears
+  "A mother can bestow, are all thy gifts;
+  "Sprinkled with foreign dust. All have I lost.
+  "Of the whole stock I could as parent boast,
+  "To tempt me now still longer to sustain
+  "This life, my Polydore alone is left;
+  "Once least of all my manly sons, erst given
+  "To Thracia's monarch's care, upon these shores.
+  "But why delay to cleanse that ghastly wound
+  "With water, and that face, with spouting blood
+  "Besmear'd."--She ceas'd, and bent her tottering steps,
+  With torn and scatter'd locks down to the shore.
+  And as the hapless wretch--"O, Trojans!"--cry'd,
+  "An urn supply to draw the liquid waves;"--
+  The corse of Polydore, flung on the beach
+  She saw, pierc'd deep with wounds of Thracian steel.
+  Loud shriek'd the Trojan matrons; she by grief
+  Dumb-stricken stood. Affliction keen suppress'd
+  Her rising moans, and ready-springing tears:
+  Stupid, and like a rigid stone she stood.
+  Now on the earth her eyes are fixt; and now
+  To heaven her furious countenance she lifts:
+  Now dwells she on his face, now on the wounds
+  Her son receiv'd, and on the wounds the most:
+  And now her bosom with collected rage
+  Furiously burning, all on vengeance fierce
+  Her soul is bent, as still in power a queen.
+  As storms a lioness robb'd of her cub,
+  The track pursuing of her flying foe,
+  Whom yet she sees not: rage and grief were mixt
+  Just so in Hecuba; of her old years
+  Regardless, mindful of her ire alone.
+  She Polymnestor seeks, of the dire deed
+  The perpetrator, and his ear demands--
+  That more of gold, intended for her boy,
+  Her wish was to disclose. The Thracian king
+  Heard credulous; lur'd by his wonted love
+  Of gain, with her withdrew, and wily thus;
+  With coaxing words;--"quick, Hecuba!"--exclaim'd,
+  "Give for thy son the treasure. By the gods!
+  "I swear, all shall be his; what more thou giv'st,
+  "And what thou gav'st before."--Him, speaking so,
+  And falsely swearing, savagely she view'd,
+  And her fierce bosom swell'd with double rage.
+  Then instant on him, by the captive dames
+  Fast held, she flies; in his perfidious face
+  Digs deep; her fingers (rage all strength supply'd)
+  Tear from their orbs his eyes; bury'd her hands,
+  Streaming with blood, where once the eyes had been;
+  Widening the wounds, for eyes no more remain'd.
+
+    Fir'd at their monarch's fate the Thracian crowd
+  With stones and darts t'attack the queen began.
+  The queen with harsher voice, as they pursue,
+  Bites at th' assailing stones, and, trying words,
+  Barkings her jaws produce. The place remains
+  Nam'd from the change. She, of her ancient woes
+  Long mindful, grieving still, Sithonia's fields
+  With howlings fill'd. Her fate with pity mov'd
+  Her fellow Trojans; and the hostile Greeks;
+  Nay, all the gods above; and all deny,
+  (Ev'n she, the sister-wife of mighty Jove)
+  That Hecuba so harsh a lot deserv'd.
+
+    Nor leisure now Aurora had to mourn
+  (Though strong their cause she favor'd) the sad fall,
+  And mournful fate of Hecuba, and Troy.
+  A nearer case, a more domestic woe,
+  The loss of Memnon, wrung the goddess' breast:
+  Whom on the Phrygian plains the mother saw
+  Beneath the weapon of Achilles sink.
+  She saw--that color which the blushing morn
+  Displays, grew pale, and heaven with clouds was hid.
+  Still could the parent not support the sight,
+  Plac'd on the funeral pyre his limbs, but straight
+  With locks dishevell'd, not disdain'd to sue
+  Prostrate before the knees of mighty Jove.
+  These words her tears assisting.--"Meanest I,
+  "Of those the golden heaven supports; to me
+  "The fewest temples through earth's space are rais'd:
+  "Yet still a goddess sues. Not to demand
+  "Temples, nor festal days, nor altars warm'd
+  "With blazing fires; yet if you but behold
+  "What I, a female, for you all atchieve,
+  "Bounding night's confines with new-springing light,
+  "Such boons you might consider but my due.
+  "But these are not my care. Aurora's mind
+  "Not now e'en honors merited demands.
+  "I come, my Memnon lost, who bravely fought,
+  "But vainly, in his uncle Priam's cause:
+  "And in his prime of youth (so will'd your fates)
+  "Fell by the stout Achilles. Lord supreme!
+  "Of all the deities, grant, I beseech
+  "To him some honor, solace of his death;
+  "Allay the smarting of a mother's wounds."
+
+    Jove nodded, round the lofty funeral pile
+  Of Memnon, rose th' aspiring flames; black clouds
+  Of smoke the day obscur'd. So streams exhale
+  The rising mists which Phoebus' rays conceal.
+  Mount the black ashes, and conglob'd in one
+  They thicken in a body, and a shape
+  That body takes, and heat and light receives
+  From the bright flames. Its lightness gave it wings:
+  Much like a bird at first, and soon indeed
+  A bird, its pinions sounded. And a crowd
+  Of sister birds, their pinions sounded too;
+  Their origin the same. Thrice they surround
+  The pile, and thrice with noisy clang the air
+  Resounds; the fourth time all the troop divide:
+  Then two and two, they furious wage the war
+  On either side; fierce with their crooked claws
+  And beaks, they pounce their adversary's breast,
+  And tire his wings. Each kindred body falls
+  An offering to the ashes of the dead,
+  And prove their offspring from a valiant man.
+  These birds of sudden origin receive
+  Their name, Memnonides, from him whose limbs
+  Produc'd them. Oft as Sol through all his signs
+  Has run, the battle they renew again,
+  To perish at their parent-warrior's tomb.
+  Thus, while all others Dymas' daughter weep
+  In howling shape, Aurora still on griefs
+  Her own sad brooding, her maternal tears
+  Sprinkles in dew o'er all th' extent of earth.
+
+    Yet fate doom'd not with Iliüm's towers the fall
+  Of Iliüm's hopes. The Cythereän prince
+  Bore off his gods; and on his shoulders bore
+  A no less sacred, venerable load,
+  His sire. Of all his riches these preferr'd.
+  The pious hero, with his youthful son
+  Ascanius, from Antandros, o'er the main
+  Borne in the flying fleet, leaves far the shore
+  Of savage Thrace, still moisten'd with the blood
+  Of Polydore, and enters Phoebus' port;
+  Aided by currents, and by gentle gales,
+  With all his social crew. Anius receives
+  The exile, in his temple,--in his dome;
+  Where o'er the land he monarch rul'd; and where,
+  As Phoebus' priest, he tended due his rites:
+  The city, and the votive temples shew'd,
+  And shew'd two trees, once by Latona grasp'd
+  In bearing throes. The incense in the flames
+  Distributed, wine o'er the incense thrown,
+  The entrails of the offer'd bulls consum'd
+  As wont; the regal roof approach they all;
+  And high on tapestry reclin'd, partake
+  Of Ceres' gift, and Bacchus' flowing boon.
+  Then good Anchises, thus--"O chosen priest
+  "Of Phoebus! was I then deceiv'd? methought,
+  "As far as memory aids me to recal,
+  "When first mine eyes these lofty walls beheld,
+  "That twice two daughters, and a son were thine."
+  Old Anius shook his head, begirt around
+  With snowy fillets, as in grief, he said:--
+  "No, mighty hero! not deceiv'd art thou,
+  "Me hast thou seen of five the parent; now
+  "Thou well-nigh childless see'st me: (such to man
+  "The varying change of sublunary things)
+  "For, ah! what can an absent son bestow
+  "To aid me, who, in Andros' isle now dwells,
+  "Where for his sire the realm and state he holds?
+  "Delius on him prophetic art bestow'd;
+  "And Bacchus, to my female offspring, gave
+  "A boon beyond all credit, and their hopes.
+  "For all whate'er, which felt my daughters' touch
+  "To corn, and wine, and olives, was transformed:
+  "A mighty treasure in themselves they held.
+  "But Agamemnon, Troy's destroyer learn'd
+  "This gift (think not but that your overthrow
+  "In some respect we shar'd,) by ruthless force,
+  "Tore them unwilling from their parent's arms;
+  "And stern commanded that the heavenly gift
+  "Should feed the Grecian fleet. Each as she can
+  "Escapes. Euboeä two attain, and two
+  "Fraternal Andros seek. The troops pursue
+  "And threaten warfare, if withheld the maids.
+  "Fraternal love was vanquish'd in his breast
+  "By fear, (that thou this terror mayst excuse,
+  "Reflect, Æneäs was not there, nor there
+  "Was Hector, Andros to defend, whose arms
+  "To the tenth year made Iliüm stand.) And now
+  "Chains were prepar'd their captive arms to bind.
+  "While yet unchain'd, those arms to heaven they rais'd,
+  "O father Bacchus!--crying--grant thy aid.--
+  "And aid the author of the gift bestow'd:
+  "If them to lose by an unheard-of mode
+  "Be aid bestowing. Then could I not know,
+  "Nor now relate the order of the change
+  "Which lost their shapes; the summit of my grief
+  "I know; with plumage were they cloth'd; transform'd
+  "To snowy doves, thy spouse's favor'd bird."
+
+    With these, and tales like these, the feast was clos'd:
+  The board remov'd, all sought repose. With day
+  Arising, all Apollo's shrine attend;
+  Who bids that they their ancient mother seek,
+  And kindred shores. The king attends them, gives
+  His presents as they go. Anchises holds
+  A sceptre, while a quiver and a robe
+  Ascanius boasts; Æneäs holds a cup,
+  Erst from Boeötia's shores to Anius sent,
+  By Theban Therses. Therses sent the gift;
+  Sicilian Alcon form'd it, and engrav'd
+  A copious tale around. A town was there,
+  And seven wide gates appear'd: for name were these,
+  What town it was displaying. All without
+  Its walls were funeral trains, and tombs beheld;
+  And fires; and piles; and matrons, whose bare breasts,
+  And locks dishevell'd, shew'd their mournful woe.
+  Weeping the nymphs appear'd, and seem'd to wail
+  Their arid streams; the leafless trees were hard;
+  The goats were browsing on the naked rocks:
+  And, lo! amid the Theban town was seen
+  Orion's daughters: this her naked throat
+  Offering, with more than female courage; that
+  On the sharp weapon's point forth leaning, dy'd,
+  To save the people: round the town are borne
+  Their pompous funerals, they in splendor burn.
+  Then, lest the race should perish, spring two youths
+  From out their virgin ashes; which by fame
+  Are call'd Coronæ, and the pomp attend,
+  When their maternal ashes are interr'd.
+
+    Thus far the images on ancient brass
+  Were grav'n; the bordering summit of the cup
+  In gold acanthus rough appear'd. Nor gave
+  The Trojans gifts less worthy than they took.
+  To hold his incense, they a vase present
+  The royal priest; a goblet, and a crown,
+  Shining with gold, and bright with sparkling gems.
+
+    Thence, mindful that the Trojan race first sprung
+  From Teucer's blood, tow'rd Crete their course they bend:
+  But long Jove's native clime they could not bear.
+  The hundred-city'd isle now left behind,
+  Ausonia's port they hope to gain. Rough swell
+  The wintry storms, and toss them on the main;
+  And in the port of faithless Strophades
+  Receiv'd, the wing'd Aëllo scares them far.
+  Now had they sail'd beyond Dulichium's bay;
+  Samos; and Ithaca, Neritus' soil;
+  The realms Ulysses, so perfidious, sway'd:
+  And saw Ambracia, for the strife of gods
+  Renown'd, and stone to which the judge was chang'd;
+  Now as Apollo's Actium far more fam'd:
+  And saw Dodona's land with vocal groves;
+  And deep Chaonia's bay, where vain-urg'd flames
+  Molossus' sons, on new-sprung pinions 'scap'd.
+  Phæäcia's neighbouring country, planted thick
+  With grateful apples, now they reach; from thence
+  Epirus and Buthrotus, by the seer
+  Of Iliüm govern'd, image true of Troy.
+  Thence of the future certain, full of faith,
+  In all that Helenus of fate them told,
+  Sicilia's isle they enter, which extends
+  Midst of the waves its promontories three.
+  Pachymos, tow'rd the showery south is plac'd;
+  And Zephyr soft on Lilybæum blows:
+  But 'gainst the Arctic bear that shuns the sea,
+  And Boreas' rugged storms, Pelorus looks.
+  By this the Trojans steer; urg'd by their oars,
+  And favoring tide, by night on Zanclé's beach
+  The fleet is moor'd. Here Scylla on the right;
+  Charybdis, restless, on the left alarms.
+  This sucks the destin'd ships beneath the waves,
+  And whirls them up again: fierce dogs surround
+  The other's sable belly, while she bears
+  A virgin's face; and, if what poets tell
+  Be feign'd not all, she had a virgin been.
+
+    Her many wooers sought; these all repuls'd,
+  She join'd the ocean nymphs; by ocean's nymphs
+  Much favor'd was the maid; and told the loves
+  Of all the baffled youths. Her, while she gave
+  Her locks to comb, thus Galatea fair,
+  Bespoke, but first suppress'd a rising sigh.
+  "'Tis true, O maid! a gentle race thee seeks,
+  "Whom safely, as thou dost, thou may'st deny:
+  "But I, whose sire is Nereus; who was born
+  "Of blue-hair'd Doris; who am potent too
+  "In crowds of sisters, refuge only found
+  "From the fierce Cyclops' love, in my own waves."
+  Tears chok'd her utterance here; which when the maid
+  Had wip'd with marble fingers, and had sooth'd
+  The goddess.--"Dearest Galatea! speak;
+  "Nor from thy friend this cause of grief conceal:
+  "Faithful am I to thee." The goddess yields,
+  And to Cratæis' daughter, thus replies.
+
+    "From Faunus and the nymph Symethis sprung
+  "Acis, his sire's delight, his mother's pride;
+  "But far to me more dear. For me the youth,
+  "And me alone, lov'd warmly; twice eight years
+  "Had o'er him pass'd; when on his tender cheek
+  "A doubtful down appear'd. Him I desir'd,
+  "As ceaseless as the Cyclops sought for me.
+  "Nor should you ask, if in my bosom dwelt
+  "For him most hate, or most for Acis love,
+  "Could I inform you: equal both in force.
+  "O, gentle Venus! with what mighty power
+  "Thou sway'st; lo! he, the merciless, the dread
+  "Of his own woods; whom hapless guest ne'er saw
+  "With safety; spurner of the power of Jove,
+  "And all the host of heaven, what love is, feels!
+  "Seiz'd with desire of me he flames, forgets
+  "His flocks, and caverns. All thy anxious care
+  "Thy beauty, Polyphemus! to improve,
+  "And all thy anxious care is now to please.
+  "And now with rakes thou comb'st thy rugged hair;
+  "Now with a scythe thou mow'st thy bushy beard:
+  "Thy features to behold in the clear brook,
+  "And calm their fire employs thee. All his love
+  "Of slaughter; all his fierceness; all his thirst
+  "Cruel of blood, him leaves; and on the coast,
+  "Ships safely moor, and safe again depart.
+  "Meantime at Etna Telemus arriv'd,
+  "Of Eurymus the son, whom never bird
+  "Deceiv'd; he to dread Polyphemus came,
+  "And spoke:--Thee, of the single light thou bear'st
+  "Mid front, Ulysses will deprive.--Loud laugh'd
+  "The monster, saying;--Stupidest of seers,
+  "How much thou err'st!--already is it gone.--
+  "So spurns the truth the prophet told in vain.
+  "Then moving on along the shore, he sinks
+  "The sand with heavy steps, or tir'd returns
+  "To his dark caves. Far stretching in the main
+  "A wedge-like promontory rears its ridge
+  "Aloft; on either side the surging waves
+  "Foam on it. To its loftiest height ascends
+  "The Cyclops fierce; his station in the midst
+  "Assumes; his woolly flocks his steps pursue
+  "Unshepherded. He when the pine immense,
+  "Which serv'd him for a staff, though fit to serve
+  "For sailyard, low beneath his feet had thrown;
+  "And grasp'd the pipe, an hundred 'pacted reeds
+  "Compos'd; the pastoral whistling all around
+  "The hills confess'd, and all the waters nigh.
+  "I, hid beneath a rock, my head reclin'd
+  "On my dear Acis' bosom, heard these words--,
+  "And still the words are noted in my breast.--
+
+    "O, Galatea! brighter than the leaves
+  "Of snow-white lilies; fresher than the meads;
+  "More lofty far than towering alder trees;
+  "Than chrystal clearer; than the wanton kid
+  "More gay; than shells, by ocean's constant waves
+  "Smooth polish'd, smoother; dearer than the shade
+  "In summer's heat; than winter's sun more dear;
+  "More than the apple bright; and fairer far
+  "Than lofty planetrees; clearer than the frost;
+  "More beauteous than the ripen'd grape; more soft
+  "Than the swan's plumage; or the new-prest milk:
+  "And, but thou fly'st, more than the garden fine
+  "With water'd streamlets. Yet the same art thou,
+  "Wild Galatea, than the untam'd steer
+  "More fierce; more stubborn than the ancient oak;
+  "Than water more deceitful; slippery more
+  "Than bending willows, or the greenest vines;
+  "More stubborn than these rocks; than seas more rough;
+  "Than the prais'd peacock prouder; sharper far
+  "Than fire; and piercing more than thistles keen.
+  "More savage than a nursing bear; more deaf
+  "Than raging billows; than the trodden snake
+  "More pitiless; and, what I more than all
+  "Would wish thou wast not, fleeter than the deer,
+  "Chas'd by shrill hunters; fleeter than wing'd air,
+  "Or winds. If well thou knew'st me, much thou'dst grieve
+  "That e'er thou fled'st; thou'dst blame thy dull delay,
+  "And sue and labor to retain my love.
+  "Caverns I have, scoop'd in the living rock
+  "Beneath the mountain's side, where never sun
+  "In mid-day heat, nor winter's cold can come.
+  "My apples bend the branches; grapes are mine
+  "On the long vine-trees clustering; some like gold;
+  "Some of a purple teint; and these and those
+  "Will I preserve for thee. Thy own fair hands
+  "Shall gather strawberries soft, beneath the shade;
+  "Autumnal cornels; and the purple plumb,
+  "Dark with its juice, and that still nobler kind
+  "Like new-made wax in hue. Nor shalt thou lack
+  "The chesnut; nor the red arbutus' fruit:
+  "Be but my spouse. All trees shall thee supply.
+  "Mine are these flocks, and thousands more besides
+  "Which roam the vallies; thousands like the woods;
+  "And thousands shelter in the shady caves:
+  "Nor could I, should'st thou ask, their numbers tell.
+  "Poor he who counts his store. Believe not me
+  "When these I praise; before thine eyes behold
+  "How scarce their legs the swelling udder bear.
+  "Mine are the tender lambs, in the warm fold
+  "Secure; and mine are kids of equal age
+  "In folds apart. The whitest milk have I;
+  "But still for drink shall serve, and thicken'd, part
+  "Shall harden into cheese. Nor wilt thou find
+  "But cheap delights, and common vulgar gifts:
+  "For deer, and hares, and goats, thou shalt possess;
+  "Pigeons in pairs, and nests from mountains gain'd.
+  "Upon the hills, a shaggy bear's twin cubs
+  "I found; so like, no difference could be seen,
+  "With thee to play I found them: these, I said,
+  "These will I force my mistress to obey.
+  "O Galatea! raise thy lovely head
+  "Above the azure deep; come! only come;
+  "Nor scorn my gifts. Right well myself I know:
+  "I view'd me lately in the liquid stream;
+  "And much my image satisfy'd my view.
+  "Behold, how vast my bulk! Jove, in his heaven,
+  "(For of some Jove ye oft are wont to tell
+  "Who rules there) towers not in a mightier size.
+  "Thick bushy locks o'er my stern forehead hang,
+  "And like a forest down my shoulders spread.
+  "Nor deem my body, with hard bristles rough,
+  "Unseemly; most unsightly is the tree,
+  "Without a leaf; unsightly is the steed,
+  "Save on his neck the flowing mane is spread:
+  "Plumes clothe the feather'd race; and their own wool
+  "Becomes the sheep; so beards become mankind,
+  "And bushy bristles, o'er their limbs bespread.
+  "True in my forehead but one light is plac'd;
+  "But huge that light, and like a mighty shield
+  "In size. Yet does not Sol from heaven's high round
+  "All view? and Sol possesses lights no more.
+  "Remember too, my father o'er your realm
+  "Rules sovereign; I in him a sire-in-law
+  "Would give thee. Only pity me, I pray,
+  "And hear my suppliant vows. To thee alone
+  "I bend: and while I scorn your mighty Jove,
+  "His heaven, and piercing thunder, thee, O nymph!
+  "I fear: than fiercest lightnings dreading more
+  "Thy anger. Far more patient should I rest
+  "With this contempt, all didst thou thus contemn.
+  "But how, the Cyclops first repuls'd, dar'st thou
+  "This Acis love? this Acis dare prefer
+  "To my embraces? Yet may he himself
+  "Delight; nay let him Galatea please,
+  "If so it must be, though what most I'd spurn:
+  "Let but the scope be given, soon should he prove
+  "My strength is equal to my mighty bulk.
+  "Living his entrails would I tear, and spread
+  "His mangled members o'er the fields, and o'er
+  "Thy waters: let him mingle with thee so.
+  "For oh! I burn; more fierce my injur'd love
+  "Now rages: in ray breast I seem to bear
+  "All Etna and its fires. But all my pains
+  "Can nought, O Galatea! thee affect.--
+
+    "Thus with vain 'plainings (for the whole I saw)
+  "He rises, raging like a furious bull
+  "Robb'd of his heifer; paces restless round,
+  "And bounds along the forests and the coasts.
+  "When me and Acis, heedless of such fate,
+  "And unsuspecting, he beheld, and roar'd:--
+  "I see ye! but the period of your love
+  "Will I accomplish.--Loud his threats were heard,
+  "As all the Cyclops' power of voice could raise.
+  "All Etna trembled at the sound. In fright
+  "I plung'd for safety in the neighbouring waves;
+  "While fair Symethis' son for flight prepar'd;
+  "And--help me, Galatea!--he exclaim'd--
+  "Help me, O help! and ye, my parents, aid;
+  "And, perishing, receive me in your realm.--
+  "Close at his heels the Cyclops comes, and hurls
+  "A mighty fragment from a mountain rent;
+  "A corner only of the mighty rock
+  "Him reach'd: that corner Acis all o'erwhelm'd.
+  "But I, what fate alone would grant, perform'd,
+  "That Acis still his ancestorial race
+  "Should join: his purple gore flow'd from the rock;
+  "And soon the redness pal'd; it seem'd a stream
+  "Disturb'd by drenching showers; and soon this stream
+  "Was clear'd to limpid purity. The rock
+  "Gap'd wide, and living reeds sprung up erect,
+  "On either brink. Loud roars the pressing flood
+  "In the rock's hollow womb, and (wond'rous sight!)
+  "A youth, his new-form'd horns with reeds begirt,
+  "Sudden appear'd, 'mid waist above the waves;
+  "Who but in stature larger, and his skin
+  "Of azure teint, might Acis well be deem'd.
+  "Acis indeed it was, Acis transform'd
+  "To a clear stream which still his name retains."
+
+    Here Galatea ceas'd, the listening choir
+  Dividing, all depart. The Nereïd train
+  Swim o'er the placid waves. Scylla returns;
+  Fearful to venture 'mid the boundless main,
+  And vestless roams along the soaking sand;
+  Or weary'd; finding some sequester'd pool,
+  Cools in the shelter'd waters her fair limbs.
+  Lo! Glaucus, lately of the mighty deep
+  An 'habitant receiv'd, his shape transform'd
+  Upon Boeötia's shores, cleaves through the waves;
+  And feels desire as he the nymph beholds.
+  All he can urge to stay her flight he tries;
+  Yet still she flies him, swifter from her fear.
+  She gains a mountain's summit, which the shore
+  O'erhung. High to the main the lofty ridge
+  An undivided sbrubless top presents,
+  Down shelving to the sea. In safety here
+  She stood; and, dubious monster he, or god,
+  Admir'd his color, and the locks which spread
+  Adown his shoulders, and his back below:
+  And that a wreathing fish's form should end
+  His figure from his groin. He saw her gaze;
+  And on a neighbouring rock his elbow lean'd,
+  As thus he spoke.--"No monstrous thing am I,
+  "Fair virgin! nor a savage of the sea;
+  "A watery god I am; nor on the main
+  "Has Proteus; Triton; or Palæmon, son
+  "Of Athamas, more power. Yet time has been
+  "When I was mortal, yet even then attach'd
+  "To the deep water, on the ocean I,
+  "Still joy'd to labor. Now the following shoal
+  "Of fishes in my net I dragg'd; and now,
+  "Plac'd on a rock, I with my flexile rod
+  "Guided the line. Bordering a verdant mead
+  "A bank there lies, the waves its circuit bound
+  "In part; in part the virid grass surrounds;
+  "A mead which ne'er the horned herd had cropp'd:
+  "Where ne'er the placid flock, nor hairy goats
+  "Had brows'd; nor bees industrious cull'd the flowers
+  "For sweets: no genial chaplets there were pluck'd
+  "To grace the head; nor had the mower's arm
+  "E'er spoil'd the crop. The first of mortals, I
+  "On the turf rested. As my nets I dry'd;
+  "And as my captur'd scaly prey to count,
+  "Upon the grass I spread,--whatever the net
+  "Escape prevented, and the hook had snar'd
+  "Through their own folly. (Like a fiction sounds
+  "The fact, but what avails to me to feign?)
+  "Soon as the grass they touch, my captiv'd prey
+  "Begin to move, and on their sides to turn;
+  "And ply their fins on earth as in the main.
+  "Then, while with wonder struck I pause, all fly
+  "The shore in heaps, and their new master quit,
+  "Their native waves regaining. I, surpriz'd,
+  "Long doubtful stand to guess the wond'rous cause.
+  "Whether some god, or but the grasses' juice
+  "Accomplish'd this. What herb--at last, I said--
+  "Can power like this possess?--and with my hand
+  "Pluck'd up, and with my teeth the herbage chew'd.
+  "Scarce had my throat th' untasted juice first try'd,
+  "When all my entrails sudden tremblings shook,
+  "And with a love of something yet unknown
+  "My breast was mov'd; nor could I longer keep
+  "My place.--O earth! where I shall ne'er return--
+  "Farewel! I cry'd,--and plung'd below the waves.
+  "Worthy the ocean deities me deem'd
+  "To join their social troop, and anxious pray'd
+  "To Tethys, and old Ocean, Tethys' spouse,
+  "To purge whate'er of mortal I retain'd.
+  "By them lustrated, and the potent song
+  "Nine times repeated, earthly taints to cleanse,
+  "They bade me 'neath an hundred gushing streams
+  "To place my bosom. No delay I seek;
+  "The floods from numerous fountains pour'd, the main
+  "O'erwhelm'd my head. Thus far what deeds were done
+  "My memory helps me to relate; thus far
+  "Alone can I remember; all the rest
+  "Dark to my memory seems. My sense restor'd,
+  "I found my body chang'd in every part;
+  "Nor was my mind the same. Then first I saw
+  "This beard of dingy green, and these long locks
+  "Which through the seas I sweep; these shoulders huge;
+  "Those azure arms and thighs in fish-like form
+  "Furnish'd with fins. But what avails this shape?
+  "What that by all the deities marine
+  "I dear am held? a deity myself?
+  "If all these honors cannot touch thy breast."
+  These words he spoke, and more to speak prepar'd,
+  When Scylla left the god. Repuls'd, he griev'd
+  And sought Titanian Circé's monstrous court.
+
+
+
+
+*The Fourteenth Book.*
+
+
+    Scylla transformed to a monster by Circé through jealousy; and
+    ultimately to a rock. Continuation of Æneas' voyage. Dido.
+    Cercopians changed to apes. Descent of Æneas to hell. The Cumæan
+    Sybil. Adventures of Achæmenides with Polyphemus: and of Macareus
+    amongst the Lestrigonians. Enchantments of Circé. Story of the
+    transformation of Picus to a woodpecker; and of the nymph Canens
+    to air. The Latian wars. Misfortunes of Diomede. Agmon and others
+    changed to herons. Appulus to a wild olive. The Trojan ships
+    changed to sea-nymphs. The city Ardea to a bird. Deification of
+    Æneas. Latin kings. Vertumnus and Pomona. Story of Iphis and
+    Anaxareté. Wars with the Sabines. Apotheösis of Romulus; and of
+    his wife Hersilia.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fourteenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Now had Euboean Glaucus, who could cleave
+  The surging sea, left Etna, o'er the breasts
+  Of giants thrown, and left the Cyclops' fields,
+  Unconscious of the plough's or harrow's use;
+  And unindebted to the oxen yok'd.
+  Zanclé he left, and its opposing shore
+  Where Rhegium's turrets tower; and the strait sea
+  For shipwreck fam'd, which by incroaching shores
+  Press'd narrow, forms the separating bound
+  Betwixt Ausonia's and Sicilia's land.
+  Thence glides he swift along the Tyrrhene coast,
+  By powerful arms impell'd, and gains the dome,
+  And herbag'd hills of Circé Phoebus sprung:
+  (The dome with forms of wildest beasts full cramm'd)
+  Whom, soon as greeting salutations pass'd,
+  He thus address'd:--"O powerful goddess! grant
+  "Thy pity to a god; and thou alone,
+  "If worth that aid thou deem'st me, canst afford
+  "Aid to my love. For, O Titanian maid!
+  "To none the power of plants is better known
+  "Than me, who by the power of plants was chang'd.
+  "But lest the object of my lore, to thee
+  "Unknown, be hid; I Scylla late beheld
+  "Upon th' Italian shore: Messenia's walls
+  "Opposing. Shame me hinders to relate
+  "What promises, what prayers, what coaxing words
+  "I us'd: my words all heard with proud contempt.
+  "Do thou with magic lips thy charms repeat,
+  "If power in charms abides: or if in herbs
+  "More force is found, then use the well-try'd strength
+  "Of herbs of power. I wish thee not to soothe
+  "My heart; I wish thee not these wounds to cure;
+  "Still may they last, let her such flames but feel."
+
+    Then Circé spoke, (and she a mind possess'd
+  Most apt to flame with love, or in her frame
+  The stimulus was plac'd; or Venus, irk'd
+  At what her sire discover'd, caus'd the heat.)
+  "O, better far the willing nymph pursue
+  "Who would in wishes meet thee; wh'o is seiz'd
+  "With equal love: well worthy of the maid
+  "Thou wast; nay shouldst have been the first besought;
+  "And if but hope thou wilt afford, believe
+  "My words, thou shalt spontaneously be lov'd.
+  "Fear not, but on thy beauteous form depend;
+  "Lo! I, a goddess! of the splendid sun
+  "A daughter, who with powerful spells so much
+  "And herbs can do, to be thy consort sue.
+  "Spurn her who spurns thee; her who thee desires
+  "Desiring meet; and both at once avenge."
+  But to her tempting speeches Glaucus thus
+  Reply'd--"The trees shall sooner in the waves
+  "Spring up, and sea-weed on the mountain's top,
+  "Than I, while Scylla lives, my love transfer."
+  The goddess swol'n with anger, since his form
+  To harm 'twas given her not, and love deny'd,
+  Turn'd on her happier rival all her rage.
+  Irk'd at her slighted passion, straight she grinds
+  Herbs infamous, to gain their horrid juice;
+  And mixes all with Hecatéan spells.
+  Then clothes her in a sable robe, and forth
+  Through crouds of fawning savage beasts she goes,
+  From her gay palace. Rhegium's coast she seeks
+  O'erlooking Zanclé's rocks; and on the waves
+  With fury boiling, steps; o'er them she walks
+  As on a solid shore, and skims along
+  The ridgy billows with unwetted feet.
+
+    A little pool, bent in a gentle curve,
+  With peaceful surface oft did Scylla tempt;
+  And often thither she herself betook
+  To 'scape from ocean's, and from Phoebus' heat,
+  When high in noon-tide fierceness short the shade
+  Was from the head describ'd. Before she came
+  The goddess poison'd all the pool; she pour'd
+  Her potent juice, of monster-breeding power,
+  Prest from pernicious roots, within the waves;
+  And mutter'd thrice nine times with magic lips,
+  In sounds scarce audible, her well-known spells.
+  Here Scylla came, and waded to the waist;
+  And straight, with barking monsters she espies
+  Her womb deform'd: at first, of her own limbs
+  Not dreaming they are part, she from them flies;
+  And chides them thence, and fears their savage mouths.
+  But what she flies she with her drags; she looks
+  To find her thighs, and find her legs, and feet;
+  But for those limbs Cerberean jaws are found.
+  Furious the dogs still howl; on their fierce backs
+  Her shorten'd groin, and swelling belly rest.
+
+    The amorous Glaucus griev'd, and spurn'd the love
+  Of Circé, who so rancorously had us'd
+  The power of plants. Her station Scylla kept;
+  And soon as scope for vengeance she perceiv'd,
+  In hate to Circé, of his comrade crew
+  Depriv'd Ulysses. Next the Trojan fleet
+  Had she o'erwhelm'd; but ere they pass'd, transform'd
+  To stone, she tower'd aloft a flinty rock,
+  And still do mariners that rock avoid.
+
+    The Phrygian ships that danger 'scap'd, and 'scap'd
+  Charybdis fell, by oars propell'd; but now
+  Ausonia's shore well nigh attain'd, were driv'n
+  By adverse tempests to the Libyan coast.
+  Æneäs then the queen Sidonian took
+  Most welcome to her bosom, and her dome;
+  Nor bore her Phrygian spouse's sudden flight,
+  With calm indifference: on a lofty pile
+  Rear'd for pretended sacred rites, she stood,
+  And on the sword's point fell; herself deceiv'd,
+  She all around outwitted. Flying far
+  The new-rais'd city of the sandy plains
+  To Eryx' country was he borne; where liv'd
+  Acestes faithful: here he sacrific'd,
+  And gave due honors to his father's tomb.
+  Then loos'd his ships for sea, well nigh in flames
+  By Juno's Iris: all th' Æoliän realm;
+  The islands blazing with sulphuric fire;
+  And rocks of Acheloüs' siren nymphs,
+  He left. The vessel now, of him who rul'd
+  The helm, bereft, along Ænaria's shore;
+  And Prochytas; and Pithecusa, plac'd
+  Upon a sterile hill, its name deriv'd
+  From those who dwelt there, coasted. Erst the sire
+  Of gods, detesting perjuries and fraud,
+  Which that deceitful race so much employ'd,
+  Chang'd to an animal deform'd their shapes;
+  Where still a likeness and unlikeness seems
+  To man. Their every limb contracted small;
+  Their turn'd-up noses flatten'd from the brow;
+  And ancient furrows plough'd adown their cheeks.
+  Then sent them, all their bodies cover'd o'er
+  With yellow hairs, this district to possess.
+  Yet sent them not till of the power of speech
+  Depriv'd; and tongue for direst falsehoods us'd:
+  But left their chattering jaws the power to 'plain.
+  These past, and left Parthenopé's high towers
+  To right; and musical Misenus' tomb,
+  And Cuma's shores to left; spots cover'd thick
+  With marshy reeds, he enters in the cave
+  Where dwelt the ancient Sybil; and in treats
+  That through Avernus' darkness he may pass,
+  His father's shade to seek. Then she, her eyes,
+  Long firmly fixt on earth, uprais'd; and next,
+  Fill'd with the god, in furious raving spoke.
+
+    "Much dost thou ask, O man of mighty deeds!
+  "Whose valor by the sword is amply prov'd,
+  "And piety through flames. Yet, Trojan chief,
+  "Fear not; thou shalt what thou desir'st attain:
+  "By me conducted, thou th' Elysian field,
+  "The lowest portion of the tri-form realm,
+  "And thy beloved parent's shade shalt see:
+  "No path to genuine virtue e'er is clos'd."
+  She spoke, and pointed to th' Avernian grove,
+  Sacred to Proserpine; and shew'd a bough
+  With gold refulgent; this she bade him tear
+  From off its trunk. Æneäs her obeys,
+  And sees the treasures of hell's awful king;
+  His ancestors', and great Anchises' shades:
+  Is taught the laws and customs of the dead;
+  And what deep perils he in future wars
+  Must face. As then the backward path he trode
+  With weary'd step; the labor he beguil'd
+  By grateful speech with his Cumæan guide.
+  And, while through darkling twilight he pursu'd
+  His fearful way, he thus:--"Or, goddess, thou,
+  "Or of the gods high-favor'd, unto me
+  "Still shalt thou as a deity appear.
+  "My life I own thy gift, who hast me given
+  "To view the realms of death: who hast me brought,
+  "The realms of death beheld, to life again.
+  "For these high favors, when to air restor'd
+  "Statues to thee I'll raise, and incense burn."
+  Backward the prophetess, to him her eyes
+  Directs, and heaves a sigh; as thus she speaks:
+  "No goddess I; deem not my mortal frame
+  "The sacred incense' honors can deserve:
+  "Err not through ignorance. Eternal youth
+  "Had I possess'd, if on Apollo's love
+  "My virgin purity had been bestow'd.
+  "This while he hop'd, and while he strove to tempt
+  "With gifts,--O, chuse--he said,--Cumæan maid!
+  "Whate'er thou would'st--whate'er thou would'st is thine.
+  "I, pointing to an heap of gather'd dust,
+  "With thoughtless mind, besought so many years
+  "I might exist, as grains of sand were there:
+  "Mindless to ask for years of constant youth.
+  "The years he granted, and had granted too
+  "Eternal youth, had I his passion quench'd.
+  "A virgin I remain; Apollo's gift
+  "Despis'd: but now the age of joy is fled;
+  "Decrepitude with trembling steps has come,
+  "Which long I must endure. Seven ages now
+  "I have existed; ere the number'd grains
+  "Are equall'd, thrice an hundred harvests I,
+  "And thrice an hundred vintages must see.
+  "The time will come, my body, shrunk with age,
+  "And wither'd limbs, shall to small substance waste;
+  "Nor shall it seem that e'er an amorous god
+  "With me was smitten. Phoebus then himself
+  "Or me will know not, or deny that e'er
+  "He sought my love. Till quite complete my change,
+  "To all invisible, by words alone
+  "I shall be known. Fate still my voice will leave."
+
+    On the steep journey thus the Sybil spoke:
+  And from the Stygian shades Æneäs rose,
+  At Cuma's town; there sacrific'd as wont,
+  And to the shores proceeded, which as yet
+  His nurse's name not bore. Here rested too,
+  After long toil, Macareus, the constant friend
+  Of wise Ulysses: Achæmenides,
+  Erst left amid Etnæan rocks, he knows:
+  Astonish'd there, his former friend to find,
+  In life unhop'd, he cry'd; "What chance? What god
+  "O Achæmenides! has thee preserv'd?
+  "How does a Greek a foreign vessel bear?
+  "And to what shores is now this vessel bound?"
+
+  Then Achæmenides, not ragged now,
+  In robes with thorns united, but all free,
+  Thus answer'd his enquiries. "May I view
+  "Once more that Polyphemus, and those jaws
+  "With human gore o'erflowing; if I deem
+  "This ship to me than Ithaca less dear;
+  "And less Æneäs than my sire esteem.
+  "For how too grateful can I be to him,
+  "Though all to him I give? Can I e'er be
+  "Unthankful or forgetful? That I speak,
+  "And breathe, and view the heavens and glorious sun
+  "He gave: that in the Cyclops' jaws my life
+  "Was clos'd not; that when now the vital spark
+  "Me quits, I may be properly intomb'd,
+  "Not in the monster's entrails. Heavens! what thoughts
+  "Possess'd my mind, (unless by pallid dread
+  "Of sense and thought bereft) when, left behind,
+  "I saw you push to sea. Loud had I call'd,
+  "But fear'd my cries would guide to me the foe.
+  "Ulysses' clamor near your ship destroy'd.
+  "I saw the monster, when a mighty rock,
+  "Torn from a mountain's summit, in the waves
+  "He flung: I saw him when with giant arm
+  "Huge stones he hurl'd, with such impetuous force,
+  "As though an engine sent them. Fear'd I long,
+  "Lest or the stones or waves the bark would sink;
+  "Forgetful then that not on board was I.
+  "But when you 'scap'd from cruel death, by flight,
+  "Then did he madly rave indeed; and roam'd
+  "All Etna o'er; and grop'd amid the woods;
+  "Depriv'd of sight he stumbles on the rocks;
+  "And stretching to the sea his horrid arms,
+  "Blacken'd with gore, he execrates the Greeks;
+  "And thus exclaims;--O! would some lucky chance
+  "Restore Ulysses to me, or restore
+  "One of his comrades, who might glut my rage;
+  "Whose entrails I might gorge; whose living limbs
+  "My hand might rend; whose blood might sluice my throat;
+  "And mangled members tremble in my teeth.
+  "O! then how light, and next to none the curse
+  "Of sight bereft.--Raging, he this and more
+  "Fierce utter'd. I, with pallid dread o'ercome,
+  "Beheld his face still flowing down with blood;
+  "The orb of light depriv'd; his ruthless hands;
+  "His giant members; and his shaggy beard,
+  "Clotted with human gore. Death to my eyes
+  "Was obvious, yet was death my smallest dread.
+  "Now seiz'd I thought me; thought him now prepar'd
+  "T'inclose my mangled bowels in his own:
+  "And to my mind recurr'd the time I saw
+  "Two of my comrades' bodies furious dash'd
+  "Repeated on the earth: he, o'er them stretcht
+  "Prone, like a shaggy lion, in his maw
+  "Their flesh, their entrails, their yet-quivering limbs,
+  "Their marrow, and cranch'd bones, greedy ingulf'd.
+  "Horror me seiz'd. Bloodless and sad I stood,
+  "To see him champ, and from his mouth disgorge
+  "The bloody banquet; morsels mixt with wine
+  "Forth vomiting: and such a fate appear'd
+  "For wretched me prepar'd. Some tedious days
+  "Skulk'd I, and shudder'd at the smallest sound:
+  "Fearful of death, yet praying much to die;
+  "Repelling hunger by green herbs, and leaves,
+  "With acorns mixt; a solitary wretch,
+  "Poor, and to sufferings and to death decreed.
+  "Long was the time, ere I, not distant far,
+  "A ship beheld; I by my gestures shew'd
+  "My wish for flight, and hasten'd to the shore.
+  "Their hearts were mov'd, and thus a Trojan bark
+  "Receiv'd a Greek.--And now, my friend most dear,
+  "Tell thy adventures, and the chief's, and crew's,
+  "Who with thee launch'd upon th' extended main."
+
+    He tells how Æölus his kingdom holds
+  On the deep Tuscan main, who curbs the winds
+  In cavern'd prisons; which, a noble boon!
+  Close pent within an ox's stubborn hide,
+  Dulichium's chief, from Æölus receiv'd.
+  How for nine days with prosperous breeze they sail'd;
+  And saw the long-sought land. How on the tenth,
+  Aurora rising bright, his comrades, urg'd
+  By envy, and by thirst of glittering spoil,
+  Gold deeming there inclos'd, the winds unloos'd.
+  How, driven by them, the ship was backward sped
+  Through the same waves she had so lately plough'd;
+  And reach'd the port of Æölus again.
+  "Thence,"--he continued--"to the ancient town
+  "Of Lestrygonian Lamus we arrive,
+  "Where rules Antiphates; to him dispatch'd
+  "I go, by two attended. I with one
+  "Scarce find in flight our safety: with his gore
+  "The hapless third, the Lestrigonians' jaws
+  "Besmears: our flying footsteps they pursue,
+  "While fierce Antiphates speeds on the crowd.
+  "Around they press, and unremitting hurl
+  "Huge rocks, and trunks of trees; our men o'erwhelm,
+  "And sink our fleet; one ship alone escapes,
+  "Which great Ulysses and myself contains.
+  "Most of our band thus lost, and angry much,
+  "Lamenting more, we floated to these isles,
+  "Which hence, though distant far, you may descry.
+  "Those isles, by me too near beheld, do thou
+  "At distance only view! O, goddess-born!
+  "Most righteous of all Troy, (for now no more,
+  "Æneäs, must thou enemy be stil'd
+  "To us, war ended) fly, I warn thee, fly
+  "The shore of Circé. We, our vessel moor'd
+  "Fast to that beach, not mindless of the deeds
+  "Antiphates perform'd, nor Cyclops, wretch
+  "Inhuman, now to tempt this unknown land
+  "Refuse. The choice by lot is fix'd. The lot
+  "Me sends, and with me sends Polites true;
+  "Eurylochus; and poor Elphenor, fond
+  "Too much of wine; with twice nine comrades mote,
+  "To seek the dome Circéan. Thither come;
+  "We at the entrance stand: a thousand wolves,
+  "And bears, and lionesses, with wolves mixt,
+  "Meet us, and terror in our bosoms strike.
+  "But ground for terror none: of all the crew
+  "None try our limbs to wound, but friendly wave
+  "Their arching tails, and fawningly attend
+  "Our steps; till by the menial train receiv'd,
+  "Through marbled halls to where their mistress sate,
+  "Our troop is led. She, in a bright recess,
+  "Upon a lofty throne of state, was plac'd,
+  "Cloth'd in a splendid robe; a golden veil
+  "Around her head, and o'er her shoulders thrown.
+  "Nereïds, and nymphs around (whose fingers quick
+  "The wool ne'er drew, nor form'd the following thread)
+  "Were plants arranging, and selecting flowers,
+  "And various teinted herbs, confus'dly mixt
+  "In baskets. She compleats the work they do;
+  "And well she knows the latent power each leaf
+  "Possesses; well their force combin'd she knows:
+  "And all the nice-weigh'd herbs inspects with care.
+  "When us she spy'd, and salutations pass'd
+  "Mutual; her forehead brighten'd, and she gave
+  "Our every wish. Nor waited more, but bade
+  "The beverage of the roasted grain be mix'd;
+  "And added honey, all the strength of wine,
+  "And curdy milk, and juices, which beneath
+  "Such powerful sweetness undetected lay.
+  "The cup from her accursed hand, I take,
+  "And, soon as thirsty I, with parch'd mouth drink,
+  "And the dire goddess with her wand had strok'd
+  "My head (I blush while I the rest relate)
+  "Roughen'd with bristles, I begin to grow;
+  "Nor now can speak; hoarse grunting comes for words;
+  "And all my face bends downwards to the ground;
+  "Callous I feel my mouth become, in form
+  "A crooked snout; and feel my brawny neck
+  "Swell o'er my chest; and what but now the cup
+  "Had grasp'd, that part does marks of feet imprint;
+  "With all my fellows treated thus, so great
+  "The medicine's potency, close was I shut
+  "Within a sty: there I, Eurylochus
+  "Alone unalter'd to a hog, beheld!
+  "He only had the offer'd cup refus'd.
+  "Which had he not avoided, he as one
+  "The bristly herd had join'd; nor had our chief,
+  "The great Ulysses, by his tale inform'd
+  "To Circé come, avenger of our woe.
+  "To him Cyllenius, messenger of peace
+  "A milk-white flower presented; by the gods
+  "Call'd Moly: from a sable root it-springs.
+  "Safe in the gift, and in th' advice of heaven,
+  "He enters Circé's dome; and her repels,
+  "Coaxing to taste th' invidious cup; his head
+  "To stroke attempting with her potent wand;
+  "And awes her trembling with his unsheath'd steel.
+  "Then, faith exchang'd, hands join'd, he to her bed
+  "Receiv'd, he makes the dowry of himself
+  "That all his comrades' bodies be restor'd.
+
+    "Now are we sprinkled with innocuous juice
+  "Of better herbs; with the inverted wand
+  "Our heads are touch'd; the charms, already spoke,
+  "Strong charms of import opposite destroy.
+  "The more she sings her incantations, we
+  "Rise more from earth erect; the bristles fall;
+  "And the wide fissure leaves our cloven feet;
+  "Our shoulders form again; and arms beneath
+  "Are shap'd. Him, weeping too, weeping we clasp,
+  "And round our leader's neck embracing hang.
+  "No words at first to utter have we power,
+  "But such as testify our grateful joy.
+
+    "A year's delay there kept us. There, mine eyes
+  "In that long period much beheld; mine ears
+  "Much heard. This with the rest, in private told
+  "To me, by one of four most-favor'd nymphs
+  "Who aided in her spells: while Circé toy'd
+  "In private with our leader, she me shew'd
+  "A youthful statue carv'd in whitest stone,
+  "Bearing a feather'd pecker upon his head;
+  "Plac'd in a sacred shrine, with numerous wreaths
+  "Encircled. Unto my enquiring words,
+  "And wish to know who this could be, and why
+  "There worshipp'd in the shrine, and why that bird
+  "He bore,--then, Macareus,--she said--receive
+  "Thy wish; and also learn what mighty power
+  "My mistress boasts; attentive hear my words.
+
+    "Saturnian Picus in Ausonia's climes
+  "Was king; delighted still was he to train
+  "Steeds for the fight. The beauty you behold
+  "As man was his. So strong the 'semblance strikes,
+  "His real form in the feign'd stone appears.
+  "His mind his beauty equall'd. Nor as yet,
+  "The games quinquennial Grecian Elis gives,
+  "Four times could he have seen. He, by his face
+  "The Dryad nymphs who on the Latian hills
+  "Were born, attracted. Naiäds, river-nymphs,
+  "Him sought, whom Albula, and Anio bear;
+  "Almo's short course; the rapid stream of Nar;
+  "And Numicus; and Farfar's lovely shades;
+  "With all that Scythian Dian's woody realm
+  "Traverse; and all who haunt the sedgy lakes.
+  "But he, all these despis'd, lov'd one fair nymph,
+  "Whom erst Venilia, fame reports, brought forth
+  "To Janus on Palatiura's mount. When reach'd
+  "The nuptial age, preferr'd before the rest,
+  "Laurentian Picus gain'd the lovely maid.
+  "Wond'rous was she for beauty, wond'rous more
+  "Her art in song, and hence was Canens nam'd.
+  "Wont was her voice forests and rocks to move;
+  "Soothe savage beasts; arrest the course of streams;
+  "And stay the flying birds. While warbling thus
+  "With voice mature her song, Picus went forth
+  "To pierce amid Laurentium's fields the boars,
+  "Their native dwelling; on a fiery steed
+  "He rode; two quivering spears his left hand bore;
+  "His purple vestment golden clasps confin'd.
+  "In the same woods Apollo's daughter came,
+  "And from the fertile hills as herbs she cull'd,
+  "She left the fields, from her Circæan nam'd.
+  "When, veil'd by twigs herself, the youth she saw,
+  "Amaz'd she stood. Down from her bosom dropp'd
+  "The gather'd plants, and quickly through her frame
+  "The fire was felt to shoot. Soon as her mind
+  "Collected strength to curb the furious flame,
+  "She would have told him instant what she wish'd,
+  "But his impetuous steed, and circling crowd
+  "Of followers, kept her far.--Yet shalt thou not,
+  "If I but know my power, me fly; not should
+  "The winds thee bear away; else is the force
+  "Of plants all vanished, and my spells deceive.
+  "She said; and form'd an incorporeal shape
+  "Like to a boar; and bade it glance across
+  "The monarch's sight; and seem itself to hide
+  "In the dense thicket, where the trees grew thick:
+  "A spot impervious to the courser's foot.
+  "'Tis done; unwitting Picus eager seeks
+  "His shadowy prey; leaps from his smoking steed;
+  "And, vain-hop'd spoil pursuing, wanders deep
+  "In the thick woods. She baneful words repeats,
+  "And cursing charms collects. With new-fram'd verse
+  "Invokes strange deities: verse which erst while
+  "Has dull'd the splendid circle of the moon;
+  "And hid with rain-charg'd clouds her father's face.
+  "This verse repeated, instant heaven grew dark,
+  "And mists from earth arose: his comrades roam
+  "Through the dark paths; the king without a guard
+  "Is left. This spot, and time so suiting gain'd,
+  "Thus Circé cry'd--O fairest thou of forms!
+  "By those bright eyes which me enslav'd, by all
+  "Thy beauteous charms which make a goddess sue,
+  "Indulge my flame; accept th' all-seeing sun,
+  "My sire, for thine; nor, rigidly austere,
+  "Titanian Circé spurn.--She ceas'd; he stern
+  "Repuls'd the goddess, and her praying suit;
+  "Exclaiming,--be thou whom thou may'st, yet thine
+  "I am not; captive me another holds;
+  "And fervently, I pray, to lengthen'd years
+  "She still may hold me. Never will I wrong
+  "The nuptial bond with stranger's lawless love,
+  "While Janus' daughter, my lov'd Canens lives.--
+  "Sol's daughter then (re-iterated prayers
+  "In vain oft try'd) exclaim'd:--Nor shalt thou boast
+  "Impunity; nor e'er returning see
+  "Thy Canens; but learn well what may be done
+  "By slighted, loving woman: Circé loves,
+  "Is woman, and is slighted.--To the west
+  "She turn'd her twice, and turn'd her twice to east;
+  "Thrice with her wand she struck the youth, and thrice
+  "Her charm-fraught song repeated. Swift he fled,
+  "And wondering that more swift he ran than wont,
+  "Plumes on his limbs beheld. Constrain'd to add
+  "A new-form'd 'habitant to Latium's groves,
+  "Angry he wounds the spreading boughs, and digs
+  "The stubborn oak-tree with his rigid beak.
+  "A purple tinge his feathers take, the hue
+  "His garment shew'd; the gold, a buckle once,
+  "Which clasp'd his robe, to feathers too is chang'd;
+  "The shining gold circles his neck around:
+  "Nor aught remains of Picus save the name.
+
+    "Meantime his comrades vainly Picus call,
+  "Through all the groves; but Picus no where find.
+  "Circé they meet, for now the air was clear'd,
+  "The clouds dispers'd, or by the winds or sun;
+  "Charge her with crimes committed, and demand
+  "Their king; force threaten, and prepare to lift
+  "Their savage spears. The goddess sprinkles round
+  "Her noxious poisons and envenom'd juice;
+  "Invokes old night, and the nocturnal gods,
+  "Chaos, and Erebus; and Hecat's help,
+  "With magic howlings, prays. Woods (wond'rous sight!)
+  "Leap from their seats; earth groans; the neighbouring trees
+  "Grow pale; the grass with sprinkled blood is wet;
+  "Stones hoarsely seem to roar, and dogs to howl;
+  "Earth with black serpents swarms; unmatter'd forms
+  "Of bodies long defunct, flit through the air.
+  "Tremble the crowd, struck with th' appalling scene:
+  "Appall'd, and trembling, on their heads she strikes
+  "Th' envenom'd rod. From the rod's potent touch,
+  "For men a various crowd of furious beasts
+  "Appear'd: his form no single youth retain'd.
+
+    "Descending Phoebus had Hesperia's shores
+  "Now touch'd; and Canens with her heart and looks
+  "Sought for her spouse in vain: her servants all,
+  "And all the people roam through every wood,
+  "Bearing bright torches. Not content the nymph
+  "To weep, to tear her tresses, and to beat
+  "Her bosom, though not one of these was spar'd,
+  "She sally'd forth herself; and frantic stray'd
+  "Through Latium's plains. Six times the night beheld,
+  "And six returning suns, her, wandering o'er
+  "The mountain tops, or through the vallies deep,
+  "As chance directed: foodless, sleepless, still.
+  "Tiber at length beheld her; with her toil,
+  "And woe, worn out, upon his chilling banks
+  "Her limbs extending. There her very griefs,
+  "Pour'd with her tears, still musically sound.
+  "Mourning, her words in a soft dying tone
+  "Are heard, as when of old th' expiring swan
+  "Sung his own elegy. Wasted at length
+  "Her finest marrow, fast she pin'd away;
+  "And vanish'd quite to unsubstantial air.
+  "Yet still tradition marks the spot, the muse
+  "Of ancient days, still Canens call'd the place,
+  "In honor of the nymph, and justly too.
+
+    "Many the tales like these I heard; and much
+  "Like this I saw in that long tedious year.
+  "Sluggish and indolent for lack of toil,
+  "Thence are we bid to plough the deep again;
+  "Again to hoist the sail. But Circé told
+  "So much of doubtful ways, of voyage vast,
+  "And all the perils of the raging deep
+  "We must encounter; that my soul I own
+  "Trembled. I gain'd this shore, and here remain'd."
+
+    Here Macareus finish'd; to Æneäs' nurse
+  Inurn'd in marble, this short verse was given:
+  "Cajeta here, sav'd from the flames of Greece,
+  "Her foster-son, for piety renown'd,
+  "With fires more fitting burn'd." Loos'd are the ropes
+  That bound them to the grassy beach, and far
+  They leave the dwelling of the guileful power;
+  And seek the groves, beneath whose cloudy shade
+  The yellow-sanded Tiber in the main
+  Fierce rushes. Here Æneäs gains the realm,
+  And daughter of Latinus, Faunus' son:
+  But not without a war. Battles ensue
+  With the fierce people. For his promis'd bride
+  Turnus loud rages. All the Tuscans join
+  With Latium, and with doubtful warfare long
+  Is sought the conquest. Either side augment
+  With foreign aid their strength. Rutilians crowds
+  Defend, and crowds the Trojan trenches guard.
+
+    Not bootless, suppliant to Evander's roof
+  Æneäs went; though Venulus in vain,
+  To exil'd Diomed's great town was sent.
+  A mighty city Diomed' had rear'd
+  Beneath Apulian Daunus, and possess'd
+  His lands by marriage dower. But when made known
+  By Venulus, the message Turnus sent,
+  Beseeching aid, th' Etolian hero aid
+  Deny'd. For neither was his wish to send
+  His father's troops to fight, nor of his own
+  Had he, which might the strenuous warfare wage.--
+  "Lest this but feign'd you think," he said, "though grief
+  "The sad relation will once more renew,
+  "Yet will I now th'afflicting tale repeat.
+
+    "When lofty Ilium was consum'd,--the towers
+  "Of Pergamus a prey to Grecian flames,
+  "The Locrian Ajax, for the ravish'd maid,
+  "Drew vengeance on us all; which he alone
+  "Deserv'd from angry Pallas. Scatter'd wide,
+  "And swept by tempests through the foaming deep,
+  "The Grecians, thunders, rains, and darkness bore,
+  "All heaven's and ocean's rage; and all to crown,
+  "On the Capharean rocks the fleet was dash'd.
+  "But not to tire you with each mournful scene
+  "In order; Greece might then the tears have drawn
+  "Ev'n from old Priam. Yet Minerva's care
+  "Snatch'd me in safety from the surge. Again
+  "From Argos, my paternal land, I'm driven;
+  "Bright Venus bearing still in mind the wound
+  "Of former days. Upon th'expanded deep
+  "Such toils I bore excessive; on the land
+  "So in stern combat strove, that oft those seem'd
+  "To me most blest, who in the common wreck,
+  "Caphareus sunk beneath the boisterous waves;
+  "A fate I anxious wish'd I'd with them shar'd.
+  "Now all my comrades, of the toilsome main,
+  "And constant warfare weary; respite crav'd
+  "From their long wanderings. Not was Agmon so,
+  "Fierce still his bosom burn'd; and now he rag'd
+  "From his misfortunes fiercer, as he cry'd--
+  "What, fellows! can remain which now to bear
+  "Your patience should refuse? What, though she would,
+  "Possesses Cythereä to inflict?
+  "When worse is to be dreaded, is the time
+  "For prayers: but when our state the worst has seen
+  "Fear should be spurn'd at; in our depth of woe
+  "Secure. Let she herself hear all my words;
+  "And let her hate, as hate she does, each man
+  "Who follows Diomed'! Yet will we all
+  "Her hatred mock, and stand against her power
+  "So mighty, with a no less mighty breast.--
+  "With words like these Etolian Agmon goads
+  "Th' already raging goddess, and revives
+  "Her ancient hate. Few with his boldness pleas'd;
+  "Far most my friends his daring speech condemn.
+  "Aiming at words respondent, straight his voice
+  "And throat are narrow'd; into plumes his hair
+  "Is alter'd; plumes o'er his new neck are spread;
+  "And o'er his chest, and back; his arms receive
+  "Long pinions, bending into light-form'd wings;
+  "Most of his feet is cleft in claws; his mouth
+  "Hardens to horn, and in a sharp beak ends.
+  "Lycus, Rhetenor, Nycteus, Abas, stare
+  With wonder, and while wondering there they stand
+  "The same appearance take; and far the most
+  "Of all my troop on wings up fly: and round
+  "The ship the air resounds with clapping wings.
+  "If what new shape those birds so sudden form'd
+  "Distinguish'd, you would know: swans not to be,
+  "Nought could the snowy swan resemble more.
+  "Son now to Daunus, my diminish'd host
+  "Scarce guards this kingdom, and those barren fields."
+
+    Thus far Diomedes; and Venulus
+  Th' Apulian kingdom left, Calabria's gulf
+  Pass'd, and Messapia's plains, where he beheld
+  Caverns with woods deep shaded, with light rills
+  Cool water'd: here the goatish Pan now dwelt;
+  Once tenanted by wood-nymphs. From the spot
+  Them, Appulus, a shepherd drove to flight;
+  Alarm'd at first by sudden dread, but soon,
+  Resum'd their courage, his pursuit despis'd,
+  They to the measur'd notes their agile feet
+  Mov'd in the dance. The clown insults them more,
+  Mimics their motions in his boorish steps,
+  To coarse abusing adding speech obscene:
+  Nor ceas'd his tongue 'till bury'd in a tree.
+  Well may his manner from the fruit be known;
+  For the wild olive marks his tongue's reproach,
+  In berries most austere: to them transferr'd
+  The rough ungrateful sharpness of his words.
+
+    Return'd the legates, and the message told,
+  Th' Etolians' aid deny'd; without their help
+  Wage the Rutilians now the ready war:
+  And streams of blood from either army flow.
+  Lo! Turnus comes, and greedy torches brings
+  To fire the cover'd ships; the flames they fear
+  Whom tempests spar'd. And now the fire consum'd
+  The pitch, the wax, with all that flame could feed;
+  Then, mounting up the lofty mast, assail'd
+  The canvas; and the rowers' benches smok'd.
+  This saw the sacred mother of the gods,
+  And mindful that from Ida's lofty top
+  The pines were hew'd, with clash of tinkling brass,
+  And sounds of hollow box, fill'd all the air.
+  Then borne through ether by her lions tam'd,
+  She said; "Those flames with sacrilegious hand
+  "Thou hurl'st in vain: I will them snatch away.
+  "Ne'er will I calmly view the greedy fire
+  "Aught of the forests, which are mine consume."
+  Loud thunders rattled as the goddess spoke;
+  And showery floods with hard rebounding hail,
+  The thunder follow'd. In the troubled air
+  The blustering brethren rag'd, and swell'd the main:
+  The billows furious clash'd. The mother us'd
+  One blast's exerted force; the cables burst,
+  Which bound the Phrygian vessels to the shore;
+  Them swiftly swept along, and in the deep
+  Low plung'd them. Straight the rigid wood grows soft
+  The timber turns to flesh; the crooked prows
+  To heads are chang'd: the oars to floating legs,
+  And toes; while what were ribs, as ribs remain;
+  The keels, deep in the vessels sunk, become
+  The spinal bones; in soft long tresses flows
+  The cordage; into arms the sailyards change:
+  The hue of all cerulean as before.
+  And now the Naiäds of the ocean sport
+  With girlish play, amid those very waves
+  Ere while so dreaded: sprung from rugged hills
+  They love the gentle main; nor aught their birth
+  Their bosoms irks. Yet mindful still what risks
+  Themselves encounter'd on the raging main,
+  Oft with assisting hand the high-tost bark
+  They aid; save Greeks the hapless bark contains.
+  Mindful of Iliüm's fall, they still detest
+  The Argives; and with joyful looks behold
+  The shatter'd fragments of Ulysses' ship:
+  With joy behold the bark Alcinous gave
+  Harden to rock, stone growing from the wood.
+
+    'Twas hop'd, the fleet transform'd to nymphs marine,
+  The fierce Rutilians, struck with awe, might cease
+  The war; but stubborn either side persists.
+  Each have their gods, and each have godlike souls.
+  Nor seek they now, so much the kingdom dower,
+  Latinus' sceptre, or Lavinia! thee,
+  As conquest: waging war through shame to cease.
+  Venus at last beholds, brave Turnus slain,
+  Her son's victorious arms; and Ardea falls,
+  A mighty town when Turnus yet was safe:
+  It cruel flames destroy'd; and every roof
+  The smoking embers hid; up from the heap
+  Of ruins, sprung a bird unknown before,
+  And beat the ashes with its sounding wings:
+  Its voice, its leanness, pallid hue, and all,
+  Suit well a captur'd city; and the name
+  Retaining still, with beating wings it wails.
+
+    Now had Æneäs' virtues, all the gods,
+  Ev'n Juno, forc'd to cease their ancient hate.
+  The young Iülus' growing empire fixt
+  On firm foundations, ripe was then for heaven
+  The Cytheréan prince. Venus besought
+  That favor of the gods; round her sire's neck
+  Her arms she clasp'd--"O, father!"--she exclaim'd--
+  "Indulgent still, be more than ever kind:
+  "Grant that a deity, though e'er so low,
+  "Æneäs may become! who through my blood
+  "Claims thee as grandsire; something let him gain.
+  "Let it suffice, that he has once beheld
+  "The dreary realm; and once already past
+  "The Stygian stream."--The deities consent:
+  Nor does the heavenly queen, her forehead stern
+  Retain, consenting with a cheerful mien.
+  Then spoke the sire. "Both, daughter, merit well
+  "The boon celestial: what thou ask'st receive,
+  "Since thou desir'st it, and since he deserves."
+  He ceas'd. O'erjoy'd, she grateful thanks returns;
+  And by yok'd turtles borne through yielding air,
+  She seeks Laurentum's shore, where gently creep
+  Numicius' waters 'midst a reedy shade
+  Into the neighbouring main. She bids him cleanse
+  All of Æneäs that to death was given;
+  And bear him silent floating to the sea.
+  The horned god, what Venus bade perform'd:
+  All that Æneäs had of mortal mould
+  He purg'd away, and wash'd him with his waves.
+  His better part remain'd. Odours divine,
+  O'er his lustrated limbs, the mother pour'd;
+  And with ambrosia and sweet nectar touch'd
+  His lips, and perfect is the new-made god:
+  Whom Indiges, the Roman people call,
+  Worship with altars, and in temples place.
+
+    Alba, and Latium then beneath the rule
+  Of young Iülus, call'd Ascanius, came.
+  Him Sylvius follow'd. Then Latinus held
+  The ancient sceptre, with his grandsire's name.
+  Alba to fam'd Latinus was the next.
+  Then Epitus; Capetus; Capys reign'd:
+  Capys before Capetus. After these
+  The realm was sway'd by Tiberinus; sunk
+  Beneath the billows of the Tuscan stream,
+  The waters took his name. His sons were two,
+  Fierce Remulus, and Acrota; the first
+  Pre-eminent in years, the thunder mock'd;
+  And by the thunder dy'd. Of meeker mind
+  His brother, to brave Aventinus left
+  The throne; who bury'd 'neath the self-same hill
+  Where once he reign'd, gave to the hill a name;
+  And Procas now the Latian people rul'd.
+
+    Beneath this monarch fair Pomona liv'd,
+  Than whom amongst the Hamadryad train
+  None tended closer to her garden's care;
+  None o'er the trees' young fruit more anxious watch'd;
+  And thence her name. In rivers, she, and woods,
+  Delighted not, for fields were all her joy;
+  And branches bending with delicious loads.
+  Nor grasps her hand a javelin, but a hook,
+  With which she now luxurious boughs restrains,
+  And prunes the stragglers, when too wide they spread:
+  Now she divides the rind, and in the cleft
+  Inserts a scion, and supporting juice
+  Affords th' adopted stranger. Ne'er she bears
+  That drought they feel, but oft with flowing streams
+  Waters the crooked fibres of their roots:
+  This all her love, this all her care, for man
+  She heeded not. Yet of the lawless force
+  Of rustics fearful, she her orchard round
+  Well fenc'd, and every part from access barr'd,
+  And fled from all mankind. What was there left
+  Untry'd, by satyrs, by the wanton fawns,
+  Or pine-crown'd Pan; Sylvanus, ever youth;
+  Or him whose sickle frights nocturnal thieves
+  To gain her? These Vertumnus all excell'd
+  In passion; but not happier he than they.
+  How oft a basket of ripe grain he bore,
+  Clad like a hardy reaper, and in form
+  A real reaper seem'd! Oft with new hay
+  His temples bound, who turns the fresh cut grass
+  He might be thought. Oft in his horny hand
+  He bears a goad; then might you swear, that now
+  The weary oxen he had just unyok'd.
+  Arm'd with a pruning hook, he one appears
+  Who lops the vines. When he the ladder lifts,
+  Apples about to pluck he seems. His sword
+  Shews him a soldier; and his trembling reed
+  An angler. Thus a thousand shapes he tries,
+  T' enjoy the pleasure of her beauteous sight.
+  Now leaning on a staff, his temples clad
+  In painted bonnet, he an ancient dame,
+  With silver locks thin scatter'd o'er her head,
+  Would seem; and in the well-trimm'd orchard walks;
+  Admires the fruit--"But, O! how far beyond
+  "Are these;"--he said, and kiss'd the lips he prais'd:
+  No ancient dame such kisses e'er bestow'd.
+  Then rested on the swelling turf, and view'd
+  The branches bending with th' autumnal load.
+
+    An elm there stood right opposite, full spread
+  With swelling grapes, which, with its social vine,
+  He prais'd;--"Yet should that trunk there single stand"--
+  Said he,--"without its vine, nought but the leaves
+  "Desirable would seem. As well the vine
+  "Which rests now safe upon its wedded elm,
+  "If not so join'd, were prostrate on the ground.
+  "Yet does the tree's example move not thee.
+  "Thou fly'st from marriage; fly'st from nuptial joys;
+  "Would they could charm thy soul. Not Helen e'er
+  "Such crowds of wooers sought; not her who mov'd
+  "The Lapithæan war; nor the bright queen
+  "Of Ithacus, still 'gainst the coward brave,
+  "As would pursue thee. Now, though all thou fly'st,
+  "Thy suitors scorning, thousands seek thy hand,
+  "Both demi-gods and gods, whoever dwell
+  "Of deities on Alba's lofty hills.
+  "Yet wisely would'st thou act, and happy wed,
+  "Attend my aged counsel (thee I love
+  "More than all these, and more than thou'dst believe)
+  "Reject such vulgar offers, and select
+  "Vertumnus for the consort of thy bed:
+  "And for his worth accept of me as pledge.
+  "For to himself not better is he known
+  "Than me. No truant through the earth he roves;
+  "These spots he dwells in, and in these alone,
+  "Nor loves he, like thy wooer's greatest share,
+  "Instant whate'er he sees. Thou his first flame
+  "Shalt be, and be his last. He will devote
+  "His every year to thee, and thee alone.
+  "Add too his youth, and nature's bounteous gifts
+  "Which decorate him; and that changed with ease,
+  "He every form can take, and those the best
+  "That thou may'st like, for all thou may'st command.
+  "Are not your pleasures both the same? the fruits
+  "Thou gatherest first, are they not given to him?
+  "Who takes thy offerings with a grateful hand.
+  "But now he seeks not fruits pluck'd from thy trees,
+  "Nor herbs thy garden feeds with mellow juice,
+  "Nor aught, save thee. Have pity on his flame:
+  "Think 'tis himself that sues; think that he prays
+  "Through me. O fear the vengeance of the gods!
+  "Affronted Venus' unrelenting rage;
+  "And fear Rhamnusia's still vindictive mind.
+  "That these you more may dread, I will relate
+  "(For age has much to me made known) a fact
+  "Notorious through all Cyprus which may urge
+  "Your soul more quickly to relent and love.
+
+    "Iphis of humble origin beheld
+  "The noble Anaxareté--the blood
+  "Of ancient Teucer: he beheld, and felt
+  "Love burn through all his frame; he struggled long
+  "By reason to o'ercome the flame, in vain.
+  "He came a humble suppliant to her gate.
+  "To her old nurse, he now his hapless love
+  "Confess'd, and pray'd her by her nurseling's hopes,
+  "She would not be severe. Now he assails
+  "All her attendants with his flattering speech,
+  "And anxious begs of each to intercede.
+  "Oft, grav'n on tablets, were his amorous words
+  "Borne to her. Oft against her door he hung
+  "Garlands, wet dropping with the dew of tears.
+  "Plac'd on the threshold hard his tender side,
+  "Venting reproaches on the cruel bar.
+  "But she more deaf than surges which arise
+  "With setting stars; and harder than the steel
+  "Numician fires have temper'd; or the rock
+  "Still living in its bed, spurn'd him, and laugh'd:
+  "And cruel, added lofty words to deeds
+  "Unmerciful, and robb'd him ev'n of hope.
+  "Impatient Iphis, now no longer bore
+  "The pangs of endless grief, but at her gate
+  "Thus utter'd his last 'plaints--Thou hast o'ercome
+  "O Anaxareté! for never more
+  "Will I molest thy quiet. Now prepare
+  "Glad triumphs; Pæan call; and bind thy brows
+  "With laurel bright, for thou victorious art,
+  "And joyfully I die. O heart of steel!
+  "Enjoy thy bliss. Now will I force thy praise
+  "In something;--somehow find a way to please,
+  "And thee constrain to grant I have desert.
+  "Yet still remember, that my love for thee
+  "Leaves me not but with life! at once I lose
+  "A double light. But fame shall not announce
+  "To thee my death, for I myself will come.
+  "Lest thou should'st doubt, thou shalt thyself behold
+  "My death, and on my lifeless body glut
+  "Thy cruel eyes. But, O ye gods above!
+  "If mortal deeds ye view, remember me:
+  "No more my tongue can dare to ask, than this,
+  "That distant ages may my fortune know;
+  "Grant fame to him, whom ye of life deprive.--
+  "He spoke, and to the porch so oft adorn'd
+  "With flowing chaplets, rais'd his humid eyes,
+  "And stretch'd his pallid arms; then to the post,
+  "The cord with noose well-fitted, fastening, cry'd:--
+  "Nymph, pitiless and cruel! pleas'd the best
+  "With garlands such as these!--Then in the cord,
+  "His head inserted; tow'rd the maid still turn'd,
+  "As, hapless load! with strangled throat he hung.
+  "Struck by his dangling feet, the portals seem'd
+  "A sound to give, which mighty seem'd to mourn;
+  "And open thrown, the horrid deed display'd:
+  "Loudly the servants shriek, and vainly bear
+  "His breathless body to his mother's dome.
+  "(Defunct his sire) She clasp'd him to her breast,
+  "Embrac'd his clay-cold limbs; and all she said
+  "That wretched parents say; and all she did
+  "That hapless mothers do: then through the town
+  "The melancholy funeral pomp she led,
+  "The lurid members following, on a bier
+  "For burning. In the road the dwelling stood
+  "Through which the sad procession took its way,
+  "And sound of lamentation struck the ears
+  "Of Anaxareté, whom now the power
+  "Of vengeance follow'd. Mov'd, she now exclaim'd--
+  "I will this melancholy prospect view.--
+  "And to the open casement mounted high.
+  "Scarce had she Iphis on the bier beheld,
+  "When harden'd grew her eyes; a pallid hue
+  "O'erspread her body as the warm blood fled.
+  "Her feet to move for flight she try'd, her feet
+  "Stuck fast; her face she try'd to turn away;
+  "She could not turn it; and by small degrees
+  "The stony hardness of her breast was spread
+  "O'er all her limbs. Believe not that I feign,
+  "For Salamis the figure of the nymph
+  "Still keeps; and there a temple is high rear'd
+  "Where Venus, the beholder, they adore.
+  "Mindful of this, O dearest nymph! lay by
+  "That cold disdain, and join thee to a spouse.
+  "So may no vernal frosts thy budding fruits
+  "Destroy, nor sweeping storms despoil thy flowers."
+  When this the god, to various shapes in vain
+  Transform'd, had utter'd; he assum'd again
+  The youth, and flung the garb of age aside:
+  And so appear'd, as seems the radiant sun,
+  Freed from opposing clouds, and darting bright
+  His glory round. Force he prepar'd, but force
+  He needed not. The nymph his beauty mov'd,
+  And straight her bosom felt a mutual flame.
+
+    Th' Ausonian realm Amulius' force unjust
+  Commanded next; and ancient Numitor
+  By his young grandsons the lost realm regain'd.
+  The city's walls on Pales' feast were laid.
+  Now Tatius and the Sabine sires wage war
+  Against it; and the fortress' gate unclos'd,
+  Tarpeïa, well-deserving of her fate,
+  Breathes out her soul beneath a pile of shields.
+  Thence Cures' sons, each sound of voice repress'd,
+  Silent as wolves, steal on them drown'd in sleep,
+  And gain the gates, which Ilia's son had clos'd
+  With massive bars. But Juno one threw ope,
+  Nor creak'd the portal on its turning hinge.
+  Venus alone the fastening of the gate
+  Withdrawn, perceiv'd, and had it clos'd again,
+  Save that the acts a deity performs,
+  No deity can e'er undo. A spot
+  Near Janus' temple, cool with flowing streams,
+  Ausonia's Naiäds own'd; and aid from these
+  She sought. Nor could the nymphs deny a boon
+  So just; and instant all their rills and floods
+  Burst forth. But still to Janus' open gate
+  The way was passable, nor could the waves
+  Oppose their way. They to the fruitful springs
+  Apply blue sulphur, and the hollow caves
+  Fire with bitumen; to the lowest depth
+  They forceful penetrate, both this, and that.
+  And streams that late might vie with Alpine cold,
+  To flames themselves, not now in heat would yield.
+  The porches of the deity two-fac'd
+  Smok'd with the fiery sprinkling; and the gate,
+  Op'd to the hardy Sabine troops in vain,
+  Was by the new-sprung fountain guarded, 'till
+  The sons of Mars had girt them in their arms.
+  Soon Romulus attack'd them, and Rome's soil
+  Was strew'd with Sabine bodies and her own:
+  And impious weapons mingled blood of sires
+  With blood of sons-in-law; yet so it pleas'd,
+  War settled into peace, nor rag'd the steel
+  To ultimate destruction; in the realm
+  Tatius as equal sovereign was receiv'd.
+
+    Tatius deceas'd, thou, Romulus, dispens'd,
+  To the joint nations, equitable laws.
+  When Mars, his helmet thrown aside, the sire
+  Of gods and men, in words like these, address'd.--
+  "O parent! (since the Roman realm has gain'd
+  "A strong and wide foundation, nor should look
+  "To one protector only) lo! the time
+  "To grant the favor, promis'd me so long,
+  "To thy deserving grandson. Snatch'd from earth
+  "Let him in heaven he plac'd. Time was, long since,
+  "In a full council of the gods thou said'st,
+  "Well I remember, well my mindful breast
+  "The tender words remark'd; a son of mine
+  "By thee should in the azure sky be plac'd:
+  "Now be the fulness of thy words complete."
+  Th' Omnipotent consented; with black clouds
+  Darken'd the air; and frighten'd all the town
+  With flaming thunders. When the martial god
+  Perceiv'd this fiat of the promis'd change,
+  Propp'd on his spear he fearless mounts the steeds,
+  Press'd by the bloody yoke; loud sounds the lash,
+  And prone the air he cleaves, lights on the top
+  Of shady Palatine. There Ilia's son
+  Delivering regal laws to Romans round,
+  He saw, and swept him thence: his mortal limbs
+  Waste in the empty air, as balls of lead
+  Hurl'd from a sling, melt in the midmost sky:
+  More fair his face appears, and worthy more
+  Of the high shrines: such now appears the form
+  Of great Quirinus, clad in purple robe.
+
+    His spouse him wept as lost, when heaven's high queen
+  Bade Iris on her sweeping bow descend,
+  And thus her orders to Hersilia speak:--
+  "O matron! glory of the Latian land;
+  "Pride of the Sabine race; most worthy spouse
+  "Of such an hero once; spouse worthy now
+  "Of god Quirinus, cease thy tears: if wish
+  "To see thy husband warms thee, led by me,
+  "To yonder grove upon Quirinus' hill
+  "Which flourishes, and overshades the fane
+  "Of Rome's great monarch, haste."--Iris obeys;
+  Upon her painted bow to earth slides down,
+  And hails Hersilia in the bidden words.
+  Her eyes scarce lifting, she with blushing face
+  Replies--"O goddess! whom thou art, to me
+  "Unknown; that thou a goddess art is plain.
+  "Lead me, O lead! shew me my spouse's face:
+  "Which if fate grant I may once more behold,
+  "Heaven I'll allow I've seen." Nor waits she more,
+  But with Thaumantian Iris, to the hill
+  Of Romulus proceeds. There, shot from heaven,
+  A star tow'rd earth descended; from its rays
+  Bright flam'd Hersilia's hair, and with the star
+  Mounted aloft. Rome's founder's well-known arms
+  Receive her. Now her former name is chang'd,
+  As chang'd her body: known as Ora, now,
+  A goddess, with her great Quirinus join'd.
+
+
+
+
+*The Fifteenth Book.*
+
+
+    Numa's journey to Crotona. The Pythagorean philosophy of
+    transmigration of the soul, and relation of various
+    transformations. Death of Numa, and grief of Egeria. Story of
+    Hippolytus. Change of Egeria to a fountain. Cippus. Visit of
+    Esculapius to Rome, in the form of a snake. Assassination and
+    apotheösis of Julius Cæsar. Praise of Augustus. Prophetic
+    conclusion.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fifteenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Meantime they seek who may the mighty load
+  Sustain; who may succeed so great a king.
+  Fame, harbinger of truth, the realm decreed
+  To noble Numa. Not content to know
+  The laws and customs of the Sabine race,
+  His mind capacious grasp'd a larger field.
+  He sought for nature's laws. Fir'd by this wish,
+  His country left, he journey'd to the town
+  Of him, who erst was great Alcides' host:
+  And as he sought to learn what founder first
+  These Grecian walls rear'd on Italia's shore,
+  Thus an old 'habitant, well vers'd in tales
+  Of yore, reply'd.--"Jove's son, rich in the herds
+  "Iberia bred, his prosperous journey bent
+  "By ocean unto fair Lacinia's shores:
+  "Enter'd himself the hospitable roof
+  "Of mighty Croto, while his cattle' stray'd
+  "Amid the tender grass; and his long toil
+  "Reliev'd by rest. Departing, thus he spoke--
+  "Here in thy grandson's age a town shall rise.--
+  "And true the promis'd words; for Myscelos,
+  "Argive Alemon's son, dear to the gods,
+  "Beyond all mortals of that time, now liv'd.
+  "The club-arm'd god, as press'd with heavy sleep,
+  "He lay, hung o'er him, and directed thus.--
+  "Haste leave thy native land;--where distant flows
+  "The rocky stream of Æsaris, go seek.--
+  "And threaten'd much if disobedient found:
+  "Then disappear'd the god and sleep at once.
+  "Alemon's son arose; with silent care
+  "Revolv'd the new-seen vision in his soul,
+  "And undetermin'd waver'd long his mind.
+  "The god commands,--the laws forbid to go:
+  "Death is the punishment to him decreed
+  "Who would his country quit. Now glorious Sol
+  "Had in the ocean hid his glittering face,
+  "And densest night shew'd her star-studded head;
+  "Again the god was seen to come; again
+  "Admonish, and with threats more stern demand
+  "Obedience. Terror-struck he now prepar'd
+  "His property and household gods to move
+  "To this new seat. Quick through the city flies
+  "The rumor; as a slighter of the laws
+  "Is he denounc'd. The trial ends at once;
+  "Th' acknowledg'd crime without a witness prov'd.
+  "The wretched culprit lifts his eyes and hands
+  "To heaven, exclaiming;--Thou whose toils twice six
+  "Have given thee claim to glory, lend thy aid;
+  "Thou art the cause that I offence have given.--
+  "Sentence in old, by stones of white and black
+  "Was shewn: by these th' accus'd was clear'd, by those
+  "Condemn'd. Thus is the heavy doom now pass'd,
+  "And in the fatal urn each flings a stone
+  "Of sable hue. Inverted then to count
+  "The pebbles, lo! their color all is chang'd
+  "From black to white; and thus, the doom revers'd,
+  "Alemon's son by Hercules is freed.
+  "Thanks to Alcmena's son, his kinsman, given,
+  "He o'er th' Ionian sea with favoring winds
+  "Sail'd, and Tarentum, Sparta's city, pass'd,
+  "And Sybaris, Neæthus Salentine,
+  "The gulph of Thurium, and Japygia's fields,
+  "With Temeses; which shores at distance seen
+  "By him, were scarcely pass'd, when he beheld
+  "The mouth of Æsaris, the destin'd flood:
+  "And thence not far a lofty heap of earth,
+  "Where Croto's hallow'd bones were safe inhum'd.
+  "There he as bidden rais'd the walls, which took
+  "From the high sepulchre their lasting name.
+  "Plain then the city's origin appears
+  "By fame, thus built upon Italia's shores."
+
+    Here dwelt a sage whom Samos claim'd by birth,
+  But Samos and its masters he had fled;
+  A willing exile from tyrannic rule.
+  Though from celestial regions far remov'd
+  His mind to heaven could soar; with mental eyes
+  He things explor'd which to the human ken
+  Nature deny'd. When all with watchful care
+  Was learnt in secret, to the listening crowd
+  He public spoke. Told to their wondering ears
+  The primal origin of this great world;
+  The cause of things; what nature is; what god;
+  Whence snow; and whence tremendous thunder springs,--
+  From Jove, or from the rattling of rent clouds;
+  What shakes earth's pillars; by what law the stars
+  Wander; and what besides lies hid from man.
+  And first that animals should heap the board
+  For food, he strict forbade; and first in words
+  Thus eloquent, but unbeliev'd he spoke.
+
+    "Cease, mortals, cease your bodies to pollute
+  "With food unhallow'd: plentiful is grain;
+  "The apples bend the branches with their load;
+  "The vines bear swelling heaps of clustering grapes;
+  "Bland herbs you have; and such as heat require
+  "To mollify for use. Nor do you lack
+  "The milky fluid, or the honey sweet,
+  "Fragrant of thyme. The lavish earth supplies
+  "Mild aliments, her riches and affords
+  "Dainties, with nought of slaughter or of blood.
+  "Their hunger beasts alone with flesh allay,
+  "And beasts not all; the generous steed, the flock,
+  "The herd, on grass subsist. But lions grim,
+  "Armenian tigers, bears, and wolves, delight
+  "In bloody feasts. How impious to behold
+  "Bowels in bowels bury'd! greedy limbs
+  "Fatten on limbs digested, and prolong'd
+  "One's animation by another's death.
+  "In vain the earth, benignant mother, gives
+  "Her copious stores, if nought can thee delight,
+  "Save with a savage tooth this living food
+  "To chew, and Cyclopéan feasts renew.
+  "Can'st thou not cloy the appetite's keen rage,
+  "Deprav'd desire! unless another die?
+  "That early age, to which we give the name
+  "Of golden, happy was in mellow fruits,
+  "And plants, by earth produc'd; nor e'er did gore
+  "The mouth defile. In safety through the air
+  "Fowls way'd their feathers: fearless through the fields
+  "Wander'd the hare: nor, on the barb'd hook hung
+  "By his credulity, was snar'd the fish.
+  "Fraud was not, none suspicious of deceit;
+  "And all was fill'd with harmony and peace.
+  "But soon some wretch (whatever wretch was he)
+  "Such food disliking, in his greedy maw
+  "Bury'd what animation once possess'd.
+  "He led the way to wickedness. And first
+  "The weapon smok'd with blood of ravenous beasts:
+  "And there it should have stay'd. Just is the plea
+  "To take their lives that follow us for prey;
+  "But not devour them when destroy'd. From thence
+  "Wide spread the horrid practice, and the sow,
+  "Doom'd the first victim, is decreed to die,
+  "For digging up with crooked snout the seed;
+  "And blasting all the prospect of the year.
+  "The goat had gnaw'd the vine;--the culprit bled
+  "On Bacchus' altars to appease his ire.
+  "These two their fate deserv'd. But how, O sheep!
+  "Ye harmless flocks, have ye this merited,
+  "Form'd to receive protection from mankind?
+  "Who in your swelling dugs bland liquors bear,
+  "Who give your fleecy coverings, garments soft
+  "For us to form; and more in life than death
+  "Assist our wants. What has the ox deserved?
+  "A simple harmless beast, and born for toil,
+  "Of guile and fraud devoid? Forgetful man!
+  "And undeserving of the harvest's boon,
+  "Who could, the crooked joke just from his neck
+  "Remov'd, his faithful tiller sacrifice;
+  "Smite with the axe that neck with labor worn,
+  "With which so oft he had the soil renew'd;
+  "Which had so many crops on him bestow'd.
+  "Nor is this all, the savage deed perform'd,
+  "They implicate the heavenly gods themselves,
+  "Pretend th' almighty deities delight
+  "To see the slaughter of laborious steers.
+  "Spotless must be the victim; in his form
+  "Perfection: (fatal thus too much to please!)
+  "With gold and fillets gay, the beast is led
+  "Before the altar, hears the unknown prayers,
+  "And sees the meal, the product of his toil,
+  "Betwixt his horns full in his forehead flung:
+  "Then struck, he stains the weapon with his blood,
+  "The weapon in reflecting waves beneath
+  "Haply beheld before. Next they inspect
+  "His torn-out living entrails, and from thence
+  "Learn what the bosoms of the gods intend.
+  "Whence, man, such passion for forbidden food?
+  "How dar'st thou, mortal man! in flesh indulge?
+  "O! I conjure you, do it not; my words
+  "Deep in your minds revolve, when to your mouth
+  "The mangled members of the ox you raise,
+  "Know, and reflect, your laborer you devour.
+
+    "And now the god inspires my tongue, my tongue
+  "Shall follow what th' inspiring god directs,
+  "My truths I will disclose, display all heaven,
+  "And oracles of mind divine reveal.
+  "I sing of mighty things, by none before
+  "Investigated; what has long lain hid.
+  "It glads me through the lofty heavens to go;
+  "To sail amid the clouds, the sluggish earth
+  "Left far below; and on the shoulders mount
+  "Of mighty Atlas; thence from far look down,
+  "On wandering souls of reasoning aid depriv'd,
+  "Shivering and trembling at the thoughts of death.
+  "I thus exhort, and scenes of fate unfold.
+
+    "O race! whom terror of cold death affrights,
+  "Why fear ye Styx? why darkness? why vain names,
+  "The dreams of poets? why in fancy'd worlds
+  "Severe atonements? Whether slow disease,
+  "Or on the pile the body flames consume,
+  "Think not that any suffering it can feel.
+  "The soul from death is free, and one seat left,
+  "Another habitation finds and lives.
+  "Well I remember I was Pantheus' son,
+  "Euphorbus, in the fatal war of Troy,
+  "Whose breast the young Atrides' massive spear
+  "Transpierc'd in fight. I lately knew the shield
+  "My left arm bore, in Juno's temple hung,
+  "In Abantean Argos. All is chang'd,
+  "But nothing dies. The spirit roams about
+  "From that to this, from this to that again;
+  "And enters vacant bodies at its will.
+  "Now from a beast's to human frame it goes,
+  "Now from the man it passes to a beast;
+  "And never perishes. As yielding wax
+  "Is with new figures printed, nor remains
+  "Long in one form, nor holds its pristine shape;
+  "And yet is still the same: so do I teach,
+  "The soul the same, though vary'd are its seats.
+  "Hence, lest thy belly's keen desire o'ercome
+  "All piety, (and prophet-like I speak)
+  "Forbear by impious slaughter to disturb
+  "The souls of kindred friends; and let not blood
+  "With blood be fed. Now on the boundless sea
+  "Since I am borne, and to the breeze have loos'd
+  "My swelling sail, this more:--Nought that the world
+  "Contains, is in appearance still the same
+  "All moving alters; changeable is form'd
+  "Each image. And with constant motion flows
+  "Ev'n time itself, just like a passing stream;
+  "For nor the river, nor the flying hour
+  "Can be detain'd. As wave by wave impell'd,
+  "The foremost prest by that behind; itself
+  "Urging its predecessor; so time flies,
+  "And so is follow'd, ever seeming new.
+  "For what has been, is lost; what is, no more
+  "Shall be, and every moment is renew'd.
+  "You see the night emerge to glorious day,
+  "And the bright sun in shady darkness sink.
+  "Nor shews the sky one hue when nature all
+  "Worn out, in midnight quiet rests; and when
+  "Bright Lucifer dismounts his snowy steed:
+  "Varying again when fair Aurora comes
+  "Of light fore-runner, and the world, to Sol
+  "About to yield, dyes deep. The orbed god,
+  "When from earth's margin rising, in the morn
+  "Blushing appears, and blushing seems at eve
+  "Descending to the main, but at heaven's height
+  "Shines in white splendor; there th' ethereal air
+  "Is purest, earth's contagion distant far.
+  "Nor can nocturnal Phoebe always shew
+  "Her form the same, nor equal: less to-day,
+  "If waxing, than to-morrow she'll appear;
+  "If waning, greater. Note you not the year
+  "In four succeeding seasons passing on?
+  "A lively image of our mortal life.
+  "Tender and milky, like young infancy
+  "Is the new spring: then gaily shine the plants,
+  "Tumid with juice, but helpless; and delight
+  "With hope the planter: blooming all appears,
+  "And smiles in varied flowers the feeding earth;
+  "But delicate and pow'rless are the leaves.
+  "Robuster now the year, to spring succeeds
+  "The summer, and a sturdy youth becomes:
+  "No age is stronger, none more fertile yields
+  "Its stores, and none with heat more fervid glows.
+  "Next autumn follows, all the fire of youth
+  "Allay'd, mature in mildness, just between
+  "Old age and youth a medium temper holds;
+  "Some silvery tresses o'er his temples strew'd.
+  "Then aged winter, frightful object! comes
+  "With tottering step, and bald appears his head;
+  "Or snowy white the few remaining hairs.
+  "Our bodies too themselves submit to change
+  "Without remission. Nor what we have been,
+  "Nor what we are, to-morrow shall we be.
+  "The day has been when we were but as seed,
+  "And in his mother's womb the future man
+  "Dwelt. Nature with her aiding power appear'd,
+  "Bade that the embryo bury'd deep within
+  "The pregnant mother, should not rack her more:
+  "And from its dwelling to the free drawn air
+  "Produc'd it. To the day the infant brought,
+  "Lies sinewless; then quadruped he crawls
+  "In beast-like guise; then trembling, by degrees
+  "He stands erect, but with a leg unfirm,
+  "His knees assisting with some strong support.
+  "Now is he strong and swift, and youth's brisk stage
+  "Quick passes; then, the flower of years o'ergone,
+  "He slides down gradual to descending age:
+  "This undermines, demolishes the strength
+  "Of former years. And ancient Milo weeps,
+  "When he beholds those aged feeble arms
+  "Hang dangling by his side, once like the limbs
+  "Of Hercules; so muscular, so large.
+  "And Helen weeps when in her glass she views
+  "Her aged wrinkles, wondering to herself
+  "Why she was ravish'd twice. Consuming time!
+  "And envious age! all substance ye destroy;
+  "All things your teeth decay; and you consume
+  "By gradual progress, but by certain death.
+  "These also, which the elements we call,
+  "Their varying changes know: lo! I explain
+  "Their regular vicissitudes,--attend.
+
+    "Four elements th' eternal world contains;
+  "Two, earth and water, which their ponderous weight
+  "Sinks low; and two, the air and purer fire,
+  "Void of dense gravity, soar up on high,
+  "Free, unconfin'd. Though distant far in space,
+  "Yet from these four are all things form'd, and all
+  "To them resolve again. The earth dissolv'd
+  "Melts into liquid dew; more subtile grown
+  "It passes to the breezes and the air;
+  "And air again, when in its thinest form,
+  "Depriv'd of weight, springs to the fires on high.
+  "Thence retrogade they come, inverting all
+  "This order: fire is thicken'd to dense air;
+  "Air into water; water to hard earth;
+  "Nor aught retains its form. Nature, of things
+  "Renewer, figures from old figures makes.
+  "Nought that the world contains (doubt not my truth)
+  "E'er perishes, but changes; and receives
+  "An alter'd shape. What to be born we call,
+  "Is to begin in different guise to seem
+  "Than what we were; and what we call to die,
+  "Is but to cease to wear our wonted form.
+  "Though haply some part hither may be mov'd,
+  "Some thither, still the aggregate's the same.
+  "Nor can I think that aught can long endure
+  "Unalter'd. Soon the primal ages came
+  "From gold to iron. Quite transform'd is oft
+  "The state of places. I have seen what once
+  "Was earth most solid, chang'd to fluid waves.
+  "Land have I seen from ocean form'd; and shells
+  "Marine, lie scatter'd distant from all shore:
+  "Old anchors bury'd in the mountain tops.
+  "The rush of waters hollow vallies forms
+  "Where once were plains; and level lie the hills
+  "Beneath the deluge: dry the marshy ground
+  "With barren sand becomes; and what was parch'd
+  "Is soak'd, a marshy fen. Here nature opes
+  "New fountains; there she closes up the old.
+  "Rivers have bursted forth, when earthquakes shook
+  "The globe; some chok'd have disappear'd below.
+  "Thus Lycus, swallow'd by the yawning earth,
+  "Bursts far from thence again, another stream:
+  "The mighty Erasinus, now absorb'd,
+  "Now flows, to Argive fields again restor'd.
+  "And Myssus, they relate, who both his stream
+  "And banks disliking, as Caïcus now
+  "'Twixt others flows. With Amenane who rolls
+  "O'er sands Sicilian, flowing oft, and oft
+  "With clos'd-up fountains dry. Anigros, once
+  "Sweet to the thirsty, now his waters pours
+  "Untouch'd by lips, since (save we must deny
+  "To poets faith) the double-body'd race
+  "There bath'd the wounds Alcides' arrows gave.
+  "And is not Hypanis, the flood that springs
+  "From Scythia's hills, once sweet, with bitter salts
+  "Now tainted? By the waves begirt were once
+  "Antissa, Pharos, and Phoenician Tyre;
+  "And not a spot an island now remains.
+  "The ancient clowns, Leucadia to the land
+  "Saw join'd; now surges beat around its base;
+  "And Zanclé, they relate, was once conjoin'd
+  "To Italy, 'till ocean burst his bounds,
+  "And rent the land, and girt it with his waves.
+  "For Helicé or Buris should you seek,
+  "Achaïan towns, o'erwhelm'd beneath the waves
+  "You'll find them: boatmen oft are wont to shew
+  "The tottering cities, and their walls immers'd.
+  "Near Pitthean Troezen is a lofty hill
+  "By trees unshaded; now indeed an hill
+  "But once a level plain. Wond'rous to tell
+  "The wind's resistless force, in caverns deep
+  "Inclos'd, for exit somewhere as it strain'd,
+  "And struggled long in vain, a freer range
+  "Of air to sweep; when all the prison round
+  "Was found no fissure pervious to the blast,
+  "It swell'd the high-rais'd ground: just so the breath
+  "Puffs out the bladder, or the horn'd goat's skin.
+  "The tumor still remains, and now appears,
+  "Grown hard by lapse of time, a lofty hill.
+  "Though numbers to my mind occur, or seen
+  "Or heard, but few beside I will relate.
+  "Do not streams too receive and lose new powers?
+  "Thy fountain, horned Ammon, at mid-day
+  "Is icy cold, but hot at morn and eve.
+  "The waters of Athamanis, are said,
+  "Sprinkled on wood, when Luna's lessening orb
+  "Shines in the heavens, to warm it into flame.
+  "A river have the Cicones, which turns
+  "To marble what it touches: whoso drinks
+  "Instant his inwards harden into stone.
+  "Cathis and Sybaris, which border near
+  "Our pastures, make the hair resemble gold.
+  "More wond'rous still, waters there are, with power
+  "The mind to change as well as change the limbs.
+  "Who has not heard of Salmacis obscene?
+  "And Ethiopa's lake, which whoso drinks
+  "Or furious raves, or sinks in sleep profound?
+  "Whoe'er his thirst at the Clitorian fount
+  "Quenches, he loathes all wine: abstemious, joys
+  "To drink pure water: whether power the waves
+  "Possess to thwart the heating vinous juice,
+  "Or, as the natives tell, with herbs and charms
+  "When the mad Prætides Melampus cur'd,
+  "He in the stream the mental medicine flung;
+  "And hate of wine the fountain still retains.
+  "Lyncestius' river flows with different power;
+  "Of this who swallows but the smallest draught
+  "Staggers, as charg'd with plenteous cups of wine.
+  "A dangerous place Arcadia holds (of yore
+  "Call'd Pheneos) for its waters' two-fold force:
+  "Dreaded by night: for drank by night they harm,
+  "But guiltless of all mischief drank by day.
+  "Thus lakes and rivers now these powers possess;
+  "Now those. Time was Ortygia on the waves
+  "Floated, now firm she rests. Argo, first ship
+  "Dreaded the isles Cyanean scatter'd round
+  "And clashing oft amid the roaring waves;
+  "Which rest unmov'd now, and the winds despise.
+  "Nor Etna whose sulphureous furnace flames
+  "Will always burn; time was it burn'd not yet:
+  "For let earth be an animated mass,
+  "Which lives, and breathing holes in various parts
+  "Exhaling flame, possesses, she may change,
+  "Each time she moves, those passages of air;
+  "These caverns close, and others open throw.
+  "Or whether wind, confin'd in those deep caves,
+  "Hurls rocks on rocks, and what the seeds of fire
+  "Contain; and flames from the concussion burst;
+  "The winds appeas'd, cold will the caves be left.
+  "Or if the flame be by bitumen caught,
+  "Or by pale sulphur, fiercely will it burn
+  "To the last particle; but when the earth
+  "Fuel and oily nutriment no more
+  "The flame shall give; a tedious length of years
+  "Its force exhausting, and its nutriment
+  "By nature's tooth consum'd, the famish'd flames
+  "Will this desert, deserted by their food.
+  "Fame says, the men who in Pallené live,
+  "A northern clime, when nine times in the lake
+  "Tritonian plung'd, in plumage light are clad.
+  "This scarce can I believe. They also tell
+  "That Scythia's females, sprinkling on their limbs
+  "Rank poisons, such like transformation gain.
+  "Yet when well-try'd experience us instructs,
+  "Faith may be given. Do we not bodies see
+  "Decaying slow with moisture and with heat,
+  "To animalcules chang'd? Nay, go, inter
+  "A chosen slaughter'd steer, (well known the fact,
+  "And much in use;) lo! from the putrid paunch
+  "Swarms of the flower-collecting bee will rise,
+  "Which rove the meadows as their parent rov'd:
+  "And urge their toil and labor still in hope.
+  "The warlike courser, prostrate on the ground,
+  "Becomes the source whence angry hornets rise.
+  "Cut from the sea-shore crab his crooked claws,
+  "And place the rest in earth, a scorpion thence,
+  "Will come, and threaten with his hooked tail.
+  "The meadow worms too, which with silky threads
+  "(Well noted is the fact,) are wont to weave
+  "The foliage, change the figures which they wear,
+  "Like the gay butterfly of funeral fame.
+  "The life-producing seeds of grass-green frogs
+  "Mud holds; and forms them first devoid of feet,
+  "Then gives them legs for swimming well contriv'd;
+  "And, apt that they for lengthen'd leaps may suit,
+  "Behind these far surpass the first in length.
+  "The cub the bear brings forth, at its first birth
+  "Is but a lump of barely living flesh:
+  "Licking, the mother forms the limbs, and gives
+  "As much of shape as she herself enjoys.
+  "See we the young not of the honey'd bee,
+  "Clos'd in the wax hexagonally shap'd,
+  "First form'd a body limbless, gaining late
+  "Their feet and wings? And who could e'er suppose,
+  "Except the fact he knew, that Juno's bird
+  "Which bears the starry tail; that Venus' doves;
+  "The thunder-bearer of almighty Jove;
+  "And all the race of birds, their being owe
+  "To a small egg's still smaller central part?
+  "There are, who think the human marrow chang'd,
+  "A snake becomes, when putrid turns the spine
+  "In a close sepulchre. These, each and all,
+  "Their origin from other things derive.
+  "One bird there is, which from herself alone
+  "Springs, and regenerates without foreign aid:
+  "Assyrians call her Phoenix. Not on grain,
+  "Nor herbs she lives, but on strong frankincense,
+  "And rich amomums' juice: when she has pass'd
+  "Five ages of her life, with her broad bill
+  "And talons, she upon the ilex' boughs,
+  "Or on the summit of the trembling palm,
+  "A nest constructs: on this she cassia strews,
+  "Spikes of sweet-smelling nard, the dark brown myrrh,
+  "And cinnamon well bruis'd: then lays herself
+  "Above, and on the odorous pile expires.
+  "Then, they report, an infant Phoenix springs
+  "From the parental corse, to which is given
+  "Five ages too, to live. When years afford
+  "Due strength to lift, and bear the ponderous load,
+  "She lightens of the weighty nest the boughs;
+  "With pious duty her own cradle takes,
+  "And parent's sepulchre; then, having gain'd
+  "Hyperion's city through the yielding air,
+  "Before the sacred portal lays it down.
+  "If of stupendous wonder aught ye find
+  "In this, hyænas must your wonder move;
+  "Alternate changing, females now they bear;
+  "And annual alter unto males again:
+  "That reptile too, which feeds on wind and air;
+  "And what it touches, straight its hue assumes.
+  "India by cluster-bearing Bacchus gain'd,
+  "Lynxes upon the conquering god bestow'd:
+  "And, (so they tell) whate'er their bladders void,
+  "Concretes to gems, and hardens in the air.
+  "Thus too, the coral hardens to a stone;
+  "A plant so flexible beneath the waves.
+  "Day would desert us; Phoebus' panting steeds
+  "Would in the mighty deep be plung'd, ere I
+  "Could finish, should I every substance tell
+  "Chang'd to new form. This we perceive, that time
+  "All turns. These nations mighty strength attain:
+  "Those sink in power. Thus Troy in wealth and strength
+  "Was mighty; and for ten long years could shed
+  "Her blood in torrents. Low she lies, and shews
+  "Her ancient ruins, and her numerous tombs
+  "For all her riches. Sparta once was great;
+  "And fam'd Mycené once in power was strong;
+  "With Athens; and the town Amphion rais'd.
+  "Now a mean spot is Sparta; low now lies
+  "Lofty Mycené; what of Thebes remains,
+  "The town of OEdipus, except his tale?
+  "What of Pandion's Athens, but the name?
+  "And now begins the fame of Dardan Rome
+  "To rise; the waves of Tiber from the hills
+  "Of Appenine descending, bathe her walls:
+  "Plac'd on a huge foundation shall she fix
+  "Her empire's base. By increase shall she change;
+  "And shall hereafter of the mighty world
+  "Be head. This prophets, they assert, have said,
+  "And fate-predicting oracles. Myself
+  "Remember Helenus, old Priam's son,
+  "Address'd Æneas, when the Trojan towers
+  "Were tottering, weeping,--and of future fate
+  "Doubtful, in words like these--O goddess born!
+  "If the prognostics of my soul I read
+  "Rightly, Troy ne'er, while thou art safe, will fall.
+  "Flames and the sword shall ope to thee a path
+  "Thou shalt depart, and with thyself convey
+  "An Iliüm, till a foreign land thou find'st;
+  "A land more friendly both to thee and Troy.
+  "Now, to the Phrygians' offspring due, I see
+  "A city rais'd; such former ages ne'er
+  "Beheld; such is not; such will never be.
+  "Thousands of worthies in a length of years,
+  "Its power shall spread; but lord of all the globe
+  "Shall he, descended of Iülus, reign;
+  "Who, when by earth awhile enjoy'd, shall gain--
+  "A seat celestial; and the heavens shall be
+  "The bound of his career.--Well does my mind
+  "Retain, that Helenus in such like words
+  "Address'd the chief who bore his country's gods.
+  "Joy'd I behold my kindred walls increase;
+  "And Grecia's conquest happy prove for Troy.
+  "But lest too wide I wander, and my steeds
+  "Forget the goal; know, heaven, and all beneath;
+  "Earth, and all earth's contents their shapes must change.
+  "Let us then, members of the world (not form'd
+  "Of body only, but with winged souls
+  "Which to the bodies of wild beasts may pass,
+  "Or dwell within the breasts of grazing herds)
+  "Permit those forms which may the souls contain
+  "Of parents, brethren, or of those once join'd
+  "To us by other bonds, certain of men,
+  "To rest secure and safe from savage wounds;
+  "Nor load our bowels at Thyestes' board.
+  "Soon, by ill custom warp'd, does he prepare
+  "To bathe his impious hands in human gore,
+  "Who severs with his knife the lowing throat
+  "Of the young calf, and turns a deafen'd ear
+  "To all its cries: or who the kid can slay,
+  "Moaning in plaintive tone like children's cries:
+  "Or who the fowl he fed before, can eat.
+  "What more is wanting, that may now complete
+  "The measure of iniquity? From thence
+  "Where the next step? Then let thine oxen plough,
+  "And let their death be due alone to age.
+  "Let from dread Boreas' piercing cold the sheep
+  "Defend thee with her wool. Let the full goat
+  "Present her udder to thy hand to press.
+  "Throw far thy nets, thy nooses, and thy snares,
+  "And all thy treacherous skill; nor with lim'd twig
+  "Deceive the bird; nor with strong toils the deer;
+  "Nor hide the barbed hook with treacherous bait.
+  "If animals annoy ye, them destroy:
+  "But slay them only. From the taste of flesh
+  "Free be your mouths, while food more fit ye eat."
+
+    His breast with these, and such like doctrines fill'd,
+  Numa, 'tis said, back to his country came;
+  And held, unsought for, the supreme command
+  O'er Latium's realm. Blest with the nymph his spouse,
+  And by the muses guided, all the rites
+  Of sacrifice he taught: the people train'd,
+  Fond of fierce war, to arts of gentle peace.
+  When late he finish'd reign at once, and life,
+  The Latian females, nobles, commons, all
+  In streaming tears, bewail'd their Numa dead.
+  His consort Rome deserted, and lay hid
+  In the deep forests of Aricia's vale;
+  And with her wailings and her mournful sighs,
+  The rites impeded in Diana's fane.
+  How oft the nymphs who dwelt in lakes and groves,
+  Kind admonitions gave her not to mourn,
+  And sooth'd her with consolatory words!
+  How oft the son of Theseus weeping, said;
+  "Cease thus to grieve, nor think your fate alone
+  "Is hard. Look round awhile on others' woes;
+  "More mild your own you'll bear. Would that not mine
+  "Were such as might assuage your woe; but mine,
+  "When heard, to calm your grief may something yield.
+
+    "Haply report has sounded in your ears
+  "Of one Hippolytus the fate, destroy'd
+  "Through his most impious step-dame's treacherous fraud,
+  "And sire's credulity. With much surprize
+  "You'll hear,--nay scarcely will you trust my words,
+  "But he am I! Pasiphaë's daughter me
+  "Accus'd, that I with vain endeavour try'd
+  "To violate my parent's nuptial couch:
+  "Me feigning guilty of the crime she wish'd;
+  "On me th' offence retorting, or through fear
+  "I might accuse, or rage at her repulse.
+  "My sire, me guiltless from the city drove,
+  "And curs'd me going with most hostile prayers.
+  "To Pitthean Træzen I my exil'd flight
+  "Directed: and now drove along the shore
+  "Of Corinth's sea; when ocean sudden heav'd;
+  "A mighty heap of waters bent appear'd,
+  "Like an huge hill, and increase seem'd to gain;
+  "Then roaring loud was at its summit cleft.
+  "Thence, from the bursting waves a horned bull
+  "Rush'd forth, breast-high uprearing in the air;
+  "Spouting the waves through his capacious mouth
+  "And nostrils. Terror seiz'd my comrades' breasts:
+  "Fill'd with the thoughts of exile, mine alone
+  "Unmov'd remain'd. While my impatient steeds,
+  "Turn'd to the main their heads; with ears erect
+  "Affrighted stood; then by the beast appall'd,
+  "Rush'd rapid with the car o'er lofty rocks.
+  "With a vain hand I strive to gird the curb,
+  "Besmear'd with foaming whiteness; bending back
+  "With all my might I pull the pliant reins.
+  "Nor had my horses' furious madness mock'd
+  "My strength, save that the fast-revolving wheel
+  "A tree opposing struck, and shatter'd: wide
+  "The fragments flew. I from the car was thrown,
+  "Entangled in the harness: plain to view
+  "Were seen my living bowels dragg'd along;
+  "My sinews twisted round the stump; my limbs
+  "Part swept away, and part entangled left:
+  "Loud crash'd my fractur'd bones; my weary'd soul
+  "At length exhal'd; my body nought retain'd
+  "That could be known, one all-continued wound.
+  "Can you, O nymph! or dare you, now compare
+  "Your woe with mine? Since then I have beheld
+  "The realm of darkness, and my mangled limbs
+  "Bath'd in the waves of Phlegethon. Nor life
+  "Had been restor'd, but through the forceful help,
+  "Of medicine that Apollo's offspring gave.
+  "From him Pæonian aid when I had gain'd
+  "By plants of power, though much in Pluto's spite,
+  "Cynthia me cover'd with her densest clouds:
+  "And lest my sight their hatred should increase,
+  "That safe I might remain, and without risk
+  "Be seen, she gave to my appearance age,
+  "Nor left me features to be known again:
+  "And long deliberated, whether Crete
+  "Or Delos, for my dwelling she would chuse.
+  "But, Crete and Delos both abandon'd, here
+  "She plac'd me, and my name she bade renounce
+  "Which still reminded me of my wild steeds;
+  "Saying--O thou, Hippolytus who wast!
+  "Be Virbius now! Thenceforth within these groves
+  "I dwell,--a minor deity, I tend
+  "My heavenly mistress, and increase her train."
+
+    But foreign griefs possess'd not power to chase
+  Egeria's woe; who at a mountain's foot
+  Thrown prostrate, melted in a flood of tears;
+  'Till Phoebus' sister by her sorrow mov'd,
+  Transform'd her body to a cooling fount;
+  And her limbs melted to still-during streams.
+
+    The miracle the wondering nymphs beheld;
+  Nor stood the son of Amazonia's queen
+  With less surprize than on the bosom seiz'd
+  Of the Tyrrhenian ploughman, when he view'd
+  The fate-foretelling clod, amidst the fields.
+  At first spontaneous and untouch'd it mov'd;
+  Then took a human figure; shook off earth,
+  And op'd its new-form'd prophesying mouth:
+  Tages the natives call'd him, who first taught
+  Th' Etruscan race the future to explain:
+  Or Romulus, when he his spear beheld
+  Stuck on Palatium's hill, and sudden sprout:
+  By a new root, not by its steely point,
+  Fixt fast: no more a weapon, but a tree,
+  With pliant branches, which afford a shade
+  Unlook'd for to the wondering people round:
+  Or Cippus, when he in the flowing stream
+  Beheld his new-form'd horns (for them he saw)
+  But thought th' appearance false; and what he view'd,
+  Oft rais'd his fingers to his head to touch:
+  No more his eyes distrusting, then he stood,
+  (As victor from a conquer'd foe he came,)
+  And raising up to heaven his hands and eyes,
+  "Ye gods!" he said, "whatever this portends,
+  "If happy, to my country, to the state,
+  "Be it;--if ominous of ill, to me."
+  And then with odorous fires the gods ador'd,
+  On grassy altars of the green sward form'd;
+  And from the goblets pour'd the wine; and search'd,
+  The panting entrails of the slaughter'd sheep,
+  For what was meant. Th' Etruscan seer beheld
+  That mighty revolutions they foretold;
+  But yet obscurely: till his piercing eye
+  He from the entrails turn'd to Cippus' horns.
+  Then cry'd;--"Save thee, O king! for lo! the place
+  "For thee, O Cippus! and thy horns, the towers
+  "Of Latium will obey. Thou only haste;
+  "Delay not, but within the open gates
+  "Enter; so fate commands. In them receiv'd
+  "King wilt thou be; in safety wilt enjoy
+  "An ever-during kingdom." Back he drew
+  His feet, and from the city's walls he turn'd
+  Sternly his looks; exclaiming; "far, ye gods!
+  "O, far avert these omens! Better I
+  "An exile roam for life, than monarch rule
+  "The Capitol." Then he assembled straight
+  The reverend senate, and the people round:
+  But first with peaceful laurel veil'd his horns:
+  Then on a mound, there by the soldiers rais'd,
+  He stood; and pray'd in ancient mode to heaven.
+  "Lo! here," he cry'd, "is one, whom save ye drive
+  "Far from your city, will your monarch be;
+  "By marks, but not by name I him describe:
+  "Two horns his forehead bears. He is the man,
+  "Once in the town receiv'd, the augur tells,
+  "With servile laws will rule ye. Nay, he might
+  "Your open gates have enter'd, but myself
+  "Oppos'd him; though more near to me is none.
+  "Expel him, Romans! from your city far;
+  "Or, if he merit them, with massive chains
+  "Load him: or rid yourself at once of fear
+  "By the proud tyrant's death." Such murmurs sound
+  'Mid lofty pines, when Eurus whistles fierce;
+  Such is the roaring of the ocean waves
+  Rolling far distant, as the crowd sent forth:
+  Till from amidst the all-confounding noise
+  One spoke more loud, and--"which is he?" exclaim'd.
+  Then all the brows they search'd, the horns to find.
+  Cippus again address'd them. "What you seek
+  "Behold!" and from his head the garland tore,
+  Spite of their efforts, and his forehead shew'd,
+  With double horns distinguish'd. All their eyes
+  Depress'd, and sighs from every bosom burst:
+  Unwillingly, (incredible!) they view
+  That head so bright with merit. Then, no more
+  Bearing that honors due he should not gain,
+  They bind his temples with a festal crown.
+  Thee, Cippus! since within the walls forbid
+  To enter, now the senators present
+  A grateful gift; a tract of land so large
+  As with a plough, by two yok'd oxen drawn,
+  Thou canst from morn till close of day surround.
+  The horns, the type of this stupendous fact,
+  Long shall remain on brazen pillars grav'd.
+
+    Ye muses, patrons of the poet's song,
+  Explain (for all complete your knowledge, age
+  Most distant ne'er deceives you) why the isle
+  In Tiber's bosom, by his billows wash'd,
+  The rites of Esculapius introduc'd
+  Into the town of Romulus! A plague
+  Of direst form infected Latium's air,
+  And the pale bloodless bodies wasted thin
+  Squalid in poison. When the numerous deaths
+  Prov'd every effort of mankind was vain,
+  And vain the art of medicine, they beseech
+  Celestial aid, and unto Delphos go,
+  Apollo's oracle, 'mid place of earth;
+  Pray him to help their miserable state
+  With health-affording words; and end at once
+  The dreadful pest which scourg'd their mighty town.
+  The fane, the laurel, and the quiver, slung
+  Upon his shoulder, shook; and this reply
+  The tripod from its secret depth return'd;
+  Thrilling their fear-struck bosoms: "What you seek,
+  "O Romans! here, you should have nearer sought:
+  "And nearer now ev'n seek it. Phoebus' aid
+  "Your woe can lessen not; but Phoebus' son
+  "Can help ye: therefore with good omens go,
+  "And call my offspring to afford relief."
+  Soon as the prudent senators receiv'd
+  The god's commands, with diligence they seek
+  What city's walls Apollo's son contain;
+  Depute a band, whom favoring breezes waft
+  To Epidaurus' shores. Soon as their keels
+  Touch'd on the strand, they to th' assembled crowd
+  Of Grecian elders haste; and earnest beg
+  To grant their deity, to check the rage
+  Of death amongst the hapless Latian race,
+  By his mere presence. So unerring fate
+  Had said. Divided is the council's voice:
+  Some would the aid besought, be granted; some,
+  And many, these oppose; refuse to send
+  To foreign lands their patron, and their god.
+  While dubious they deliberated, eve
+  Chas'd the remains of light, and the earth's shade
+  Threw darkness round; when, lo! the helping god
+  Appear'd in sleep before the Roman's bed
+  To stand, in form like what his temples grace.
+  His left hand bore a rugged staff; his right
+  Strok'd down the hairs of his expanded beard;
+  As thus with words of import mild he spoke;
+  "Fear not, for I will come; my temple leave.
+  "View but this snake which with his circling folds
+  "My staff entwines; remark him, that again
+  "You well may know him; chang'd to such a form
+  "Will I be; but more huge I will appear;
+  "Mighty in bulk as heavenly beings ought."
+  The vision ceas'd, and vanish'd with the words:
+  And with the god fled sleep; and cheerful light
+  Follow'd the flight of Somnus. Now the morn
+  Had chas'd the starry fires; the Grecian chiefs,
+  Still dubious, in the splendid temple meet
+  Of the intreated deity, and pray
+  That some celestial sign he should display,
+  To prove which country for his seat he chose.
+  Scarce had they ended, when the shining god
+  Fore-running hisses sent; and as a snake
+  With lofty crest appear'd: at his approach
+  His statue, altars, portals, gilded roofs,
+  And marble pavement shook. He rear'd his chest
+  Sublime amid the temple; and around
+  Darted his eyes, which shone with living fire.
+  Trembled the fear-struck crowd. The sacred priest,
+  His hair encircled with a snowy band,
+  Straight knew him; and, "the God! the God!" exclaim'd:
+  "All present, him with hearts and tongues adore!
+  "O glorious deity! may thou, thus seen,
+  "Propitious be; thy worshippers protect,
+  "Who keep thy rites." All present to the god
+  Adoring bend, and all his words repeat;
+  And Rome's embassadors with fervor join
+  In mind and voice. To these the god consents,
+  And his crest moving, certain signs affords:
+  Thrice hissing, thrice he shakes his forked tongue,
+  Then down the shining steps he glides, his head
+  Retorted; as he thence departs he views
+  His ancient altars, and a last salute,
+  His wonted seat, his long-own'd temple, gives.
+  Thence rolls he huge along the ground bestrew'd
+  With scatter'd flowers, in curving folds entwin'd;
+  And through the city's centre takes his way,
+  To where the bending mole the port defends.
+  Here rested he; and to dismiss appear'd
+  His followers, and the kind attending crowd,
+  With gracious looks; then in th' Ausonian ship
+  He plac'd his length. A deity's huge weight
+  The ship confess'd; the keel beneath the load
+  Bent. Glad Æneäs' offspring felt, and loos'd
+  (A bull first sacrific'd upon the shore,)
+  The cables which their crowded galley bound.
+  Light airs impell'd the vessel. High aloft
+  The god appear'd; upon the curving poop
+  Rested his neck, and view'd the azure waves.
+  By zephyrs wafted o'er th' Iönian sea,
+  They reach'd Italia when the sixth time rose
+  Aurora. Pass'd Scylacea, and the fane
+  Of Juno, on Lacinia's noted shore;
+  Japygia left, and shunn'd Amphissia's rocks
+  With larboard oars; and, coasting on the right,
+  Ceraunia, and Romechium pass'd, and pass'd
+  Narycia and Caulonia; they, (the risks
+  Of sea, and of Pelorus' narrow straits
+  Surmounted) pass th' Æolian monarch's isles;
+  Metallic Themesis; Leucasia's land;
+  And warm and rosy Pæstus. Thence they coast
+  Along Capræa; and Minerva's cape;
+  And pass Surrentum, rich in generous wine,
+  The town of Hercules; Parthenopé,
+  Built for soft ease; with Stabia; and from thence
+  Pass the Cumæan Sybil's sacred dome.
+  Hence by Linternum, with the mastich rich;
+  And boiling fountains are they borne; and past
+  Vulturnus sucking sand within the gulf;
+  And Sinuessa, fill'd with milk-white doves:
+  Marshy Minturnæ; with Cajeta, rais'd
+  By him she nurs'd; Antiphates' abode;
+  Trachas, by fens encompass'd; Circé's land;
+  And Antium's solid shore. Here when the crew
+  Had with toe flying vessel reach'd, (for now
+  Rough was the main) the god his folds untwines,
+  Glides on in frequent coils, and spires immense;
+  Entering a temple of his sire that stood
+  Close by the yellow beach. The ocean calm'd,
+  The Epidaurian god his father's fane
+  Now leaves; a deity to him close join'd
+  Thus hospitable found: the sandy shore
+  Ploughs in a furrow with his rattling scales:
+  Then, in the steersman confident, he rests
+  On the high poop his head, till they approach
+  Lavinium's city, and her sacred seat,
+  And Tiber's mouth. The people rush in heaps,
+  And crowds of matrons and of fathers rush,
+  Confus'dly hither; even the vestal maids
+  Who guard the sacred fire: and all salute
+  The god with joyful clamor. Then where'er
+  The rapid vessel cleaves th' opposing stream,
+  The incense crackles on the banks, and rais'd
+  Are lines of altars, thick on either shore;
+  The smoke perfumes the air; the victims bleed
+  In heaps, and warm the sacrificial knife.
+  The Roman city now, the world's great head,
+  They enter'd, up erect the serpent rose;
+  From the mast's loftiest summit tower'd his neck,
+  And round he look'd to chuse a fit abode.
+  The waves circumfluent in two equal streams
+  Divide; the isle has thence its name, the arms
+  On either side are stretch'd, land in the midst.
+  Hither the Æsculapian snake himself
+  Betook, departing from the Latian ship;
+  Resum'd his form celestial, and their griefs
+  Dispersing, came health-bearer to the land.
+
+    A foreign power he in our temples stands,
+  But Cæsar, in his native town a god
+  Is worshipp'd. In the forum, and the field
+  Fam'd equal: yet not his well-finish'd wars,
+  His triumphs, nor the deeds in peace perform'd
+  So justly chang'd him to an heavenly shape,
+  A blazing star, as did the son he left.
+  For no atchievement Cæsar e'er perform'd
+  Can with the boast to be Augustus' sire
+  Compare. Far greater this than to subdue
+  The sea-girt Britons:--his victorious fleets
+  To seven-mouth'd Nile to lead;--to bring the realms
+  Cinyphian Juba rul'd, 'neath Rome's control,
+  Rebel Numidia; and, puff'd high in pride
+  With Mithridates' glory, Pontus' land;
+  Rich triumphs to have gain'd, and triumphs more
+  To merit, as a man so great produce;
+  To whose presiding care, O bounteous gods!
+  Mankind ye gave, and them completely blest.
+  And lest he seem from mortal seed to spring
+  His sire must mount to heaven, in form a god.
+  This the bright mother of Æneäs saw,
+  And for the priest beheld a mournful fate
+  Prepar'd, and moving saw the arms conspir'd.
+  She trembled, and to every god she met
+  Address'd her: "Lo! what deep and potent plots
+  "Against me they prepare. See, with what art
+  "His life is sought, who sole to me is left
+  "Of my Iülus. Why must I alone
+  "Be harrass'd still with never-ceasing cares?
+  "Whom now Tydides' Calydonian spear
+  "Wounds; now the walls of ill-protected Troy
+  "Lie prostrate. Who my darling son behold
+  "Driv'n to long wanderings; on the ocean toss'd;
+  "Entering the silent mansions of the dead;
+  "Waging fierce war with Turnus; or, if truth
+  "I speak, with Juno rather. Yet why now
+  "Record I former sufferings in my sons?
+  "Terror prevents all memory of the past;
+  "See, where at me their impious swords they point!
+  "O, I conjure you! stay them; and prevent
+  "The horrid deed; lest, spilt the high-priest's blood,
+  "The fires of Vesta be for ever dark."
+  With words like these did troubled Venus move
+  Each power of heaven, in vain; yet all were touch'd,
+  And, though the stern decrees of rigid fate
+  To break unable, tokens plain they gave,
+  That some immense calamity was nigh.
+  They tell, that clashing arms 'mid the black clouds,
+  And dreadful horns and trumpets in the heavens
+  Sounded, to warn us of the impious deed.
+  Full of solicitude the earth beheld
+  The pale wan image of sad Phoebus' face.
+  Torches were often seen 'mid heaven to glare;
+  And from the clouds oft gory drops were shed.
+  Blue Lucifer a dusky hue o'ercast;
+  And Luna's car was sprinkled o'er with blood.
+  Th' infernal owl in numerous places shriek'd,
+  A direful omen! In a thousand fanes
+  The ivory statues wept; the sacred groves
+  Re-echo'd all with songs and threatening sounds.
+  No victim seem'd appeasing; tumults vast
+  Approaching shew'd the entrails; and appear'd
+  The liver always with a wounded head.
+  Around the domes, and temples of the gods
+  Loud howl'd the midnight dogs; the silent shades
+  Flitted along; and tremblings shook the town.
+  Yet could not these forebodings of the heavens
+  Crush the conspiracy, or ward his fate;
+  And in the temple were the weapons drawn:
+  For, but the senate-house, no spot could please
+  The vile assassins for the bloody deed.
+  Then Cytherea smote her lovely breast
+  In anguish; and beneath an heavenly cloud
+  Sought to conceal him: such a cloud as once
+  From furious Menelaüs Paris sav'd;
+  And snatch'd Æneäs from Tydides' sword.
+  Then thus her sire: "O daughter! hast thou power
+  "Th' immutable decrees of fate to change?
+  "To thee 'tis granted to inspect the dome
+  "Of the three sisters; there thou wilt behold
+  "Th' eternal tablets of events engrav'd
+  "On steel and brass, a work of mighty toil.
+  "Safe, they nor fear the clashing of the sky,
+  "Nor rage of thunder, nor of ruin aught.
+  "There wilt thou written find thy offspring's fate
+  "On ever-during adamant. Myself
+  "Have read it, and record it in my mind;
+  "And lest thou should'st be to the future blind,
+  "I will relate it. He for whom thou toil'st,
+  "O Cytherea! has his time fulfill'd;
+  "The sum of years which to the earth he ow'd.
+  "That he a deity in heaven may rise,
+  "And be in temples worshipp'd is thy care,
+  "And his successor's; who his name will take,
+  "And on his shoulders bear the wide world's rule;
+  "On him impos'd. He, of his murder'd sire
+  "Valiant avenger, shall in all his wars
+  "Our favoring influence feel. Mutina's walls,
+  "By him besieg'd, in conquest shall confess
+  "His power, and sue for peace. Pharsalia, him
+  "Shall feel; and, drench'd in Macedonian blood
+  "Again, Philippi. On Sicilia's seas
+  "His mighty name shall conquer. Egypt's queen,
+  "Falsely relying on the nuptial bond
+  "With Rome's triumvir, falls: all vain her threats,
+  "That Tiber should subservient bend to Nile.
+  "Why should I speak to thee of barbarous hordes,
+  "Nations which dwell at either seas' extreme?
+  "Whatever habitable earth contains
+  "Will to his empire bend. Ocean will own
+  "His sway. Peace on th'extended earth bestow'd,
+  "To civil studies will his breast be turn'd;
+  "And laws most equitable will he frame.
+  "By his example curb licentious souls;
+  "And, stretching forward to a future age
+  "His anxious care, which their sons' sons may feel,
+  "His offspring, nurtur'd in a pious womb,
+  "At once his name and station will assume.
+  "Nor shall he touch th' ethereal seats, nor join
+  "His kindred stars till full like him in years.
+  "Meantime his soul, snatch'd from the mangled corse,
+  "Form to a brilliant star, a god divine:
+  "That Julius from his lofty seat may still
+  "Our forum, and our Capitol behold."
+  Scarcely the sire had ceas'd, when Venus, bright,
+  But unperceiv'd by all, stood in the midst
+  Of Rome's assembled senate; from the breast
+  Of her lov'd Cæsar took the recent soul,
+  Nor let it waste in air. Up to the stars
+  She bore it. Rapid as she swept along,
+  She saw it shine with light, she saw it burn;
+  Then from her bosom spring above the moon:
+  Lofty it flies, it shines a glittering star,
+  Dragging a flaming tail's stupendous length.
+  Viewing the glorious actions of his son,
+  Candid he grants them mightier than his own,
+  And thus surpast rejoices. Let him frown,
+  If to his parent's deeds we his prefer;
+  Yet fame quite free will such commands despise,
+  Give him unwish'd-for precedence; and here,
+  And here alone he'll disobedience find.
+  So Atreus yielded to the mighty fame
+  Of Agamemnon; Theseus so surpass'd
+  Ægeus; and Achilles Peleus so.
+  Nay more, examples nearer to themselves
+  If I should use, Saturn submits to Jove.
+  Jove rules th' ethereal sky, the triform world;
+  And all the earth beneath Augustus lies:
+  Each is the sire and ruler of his realm.
+
+    O, I implore, ye gods! who did attend
+  Æneäs,--who made fire and sword retreat!
+  Ye native deities of Latium's soil!
+  Quirinus, founder of the walls of Rome!
+  Mars, of Quirinus never-conquer'd, sire!
+  Vesta, held sacred midst the Cæsars' gods!
+  Domestic Phoebus, with chaste Vesta plac'd!
+  And Jove, who guards the high Tarpeiän walls!
+  With all whom pious poets may invoke;
+  Slow may that day arrive, and older far
+  Than what our age may see, when to the clouds
+  His glorious head shall mount, quitting this globe
+  He rules so well, and our beseeching prayers
+  Bending with condescending ear to grant.
+
+    Now is my work complete, which not Jove's ire,
+  Nor flame, nor steel, nor gnawing tooth of age,
+  Shall e'er destroy. Come when it will, that day
+  Which nothing, save my mortal frame, can touch.
+  Which ends the being of a dubious life,
+  My better part unperishing shall mount
+  Above the loftiest stars. Eternal still
+  Shall be my name. Where'er Rome's power extends
+  O'er conquer'd earth, my verses shall be read;
+  And, if the presages by poets given
+  Be true, to endless years my fame shall live.
+
+  FINIS.
+
+Hayden, Printer, Brydges Street, Covent Garden.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus
+Naso in English blank verse Vols. I & II, by Ovid
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK METAMORPHOSES ***
+
+***** This file should be named 28621-8.txt or 28621-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/6/2/28621/
+
+Produced by Michael Roe, Ted Garvin and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/28621-8.zip b/28621-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fdf9826
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-8.zip
diff --git a/28621-h.zip b/28621-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..21233a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-h.zip
diff --git a/28621-h/28621-h.htm b/28621-h/28621-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c043867
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-h/28621-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,17574 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+<head>
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Metamorphoses, by Publius Ovidius Naso</title>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /><style type="text/css">
+
+  p {
+    margin-top: .75em;
+    text-align: justify;
+    margin-bottom: .75em;
+    }
+
+  h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {
+    text-align: center;
+    clear: both;
+    }
+
+  body {
+    margin-left: 15%;
+    margin-right: 15%;
+    }
+
+  h1 {margin-top: 4em;}
+
+  h2 {margin-top: 2em;}
+
+  .h2a {
+    text-align: center;
+    font-weight: bold;
+    margin-bottom: 1.5em;
+    }
+
+  .rmn { left: 92%; position: absolute; text-align: right;}
+
+  .pagenum { left: 92%; position: absolute; text-align: right; font-weight: normal; font-size: small; color: #808080;}
+
+  .fnref {vertical-align: 0.25em; font-size: 0.8em; text-decoration: none;}
+
+  .footnote {margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: small;}
+
+  .sidenote {float: right; border: solid 1px; padding-right: 0.5em; padding-left: 0.5em; margin-left: 0.5em; width: 25%}
+
+  .nowrap {margin-left: 2em;}
+
+  .figure {margin-top: 2em; text-align: center;}
+
+  .caption {text-align: center}
+
+  .titlecenter {text-align: center;}
+
+  .captionright {text-align: right;}
+
+  .volumeend {text-align: center;
+     font-size: large;
+     margin-top: 2em;
+     margin-bottom: 2em;}
+
+  .printer {text-align: center;}
+
+  .author {text-align: center; font-size: large;}
+
+  .titlesmaller {font-size: smaller;}
+
+  .trnote {margin: 3em auto 3em auto;
+    border: 1px solid; padding: 1em 2em 1em 2em;
+    background-color: #ccffff; width: 30em;}
+
+  ins.hemistich {text-decoration: none;}
+
+  .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;}
+
+  .allsmcap {font-size: smaller;}
+
+  .fraktur {font-style: italic;}
+
+
+</style>
+</head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in
+English blank verse Vols. I & II, by Ovid
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in English blank verse Vols. I & II
+
+Author: Ovid
+
+Translator: J. J. Howard
+
+Release Date: April 27, 2009 [EBook #28621]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK METAMORPHOSES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Michael Roe, Ted Garvin and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<table>
+<tr><td></td><td></td><td><i><a href="#page105quote">Book 3 p. 105.</a></i></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td><img src="images/front.jpg" width="261" height="334" alt="frontispiece" /></td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td><i>R. Westall R.A. del<sup>l</sup>.</i></td><td></td>
+<td><i>E. Scriven sculp<sup>t</sup></i></td></tr>
+</table>
+<p class="nowrap">
+<i>Caught by the image of his beauteous face,<br />
+He loves th' unbody'd form: a substance thinks<br />
+The shadow:&mdash;&mdash;</i><br />
+</p>
+<p>
+<i>Pub. 1807, for the Author.</i><br />
+</p>
+<h1>
+<a name="chapter1"></a>
+<span class="titlesmaller">THE</span><br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+<span class="titlesmaller">OF</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">Publius Ovidius Naso</span><br />
+<span class="titlesmaller">IN</span><br />
+<span class="fraktur">English Blank Verse</span><br />
+</h1>
+<p class="author">
+Translated by<br />
+<span class="smcap">J. J. Howard.</span><br />
+</p>
+<h2>
+VOL. 1.
+</h2>
+<p class="figure">
+<img src="images/vol1.jpg" width="577" height="546" alt="lyre" />
+</p>
+<p>
+<i>London 1807. Printed for the Author; &amp; Sold by John Hatchard, Bookseller to
+Her Majesty. Piccadilly; H. D. Symonds, Paternoster Row &amp; James Asperne Cornhill.</i>
+<a name="page1"></a>
+</p>
+<p class="titlecenter">
+TO<br />
+The Patronage<br />
+OF<br />
+THE RIGHT HONORABLE<br />
+WILLIAM,<br />
+EARL OF LONSDALE,<br />
+KNIGHT<br />
+OF THE<br />
+MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER,<br />
+&amp;c. &amp;c. &amp;c.<br />
+</p>
+<p>
+THE TRANSLATOR CONFIDES HIS ATTEMPT TO RENDER
+THE BEAUTIES OF OVID MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ENGLISH
+READERS, AND TO CHASTEN THE PRURIENCE OF HIS
+IDEAS AND HIS LANGUAGE, SO AS TO FIT HIS WRITINGS
+FOR MORE GENERAL PERUSAL.
+</p>
+<p>
+<i>Pimlico, Aug. 22, 1807.</i>
+<a name="page2"></a>
+</p>
+<p class="printer">
+<i>Bailey &amp; Macdonald, Printers,<br />
+3, Harris's Place, Pantheon, Oxford-Street.</i><br />
+</p>
+<div class="trnote">
+<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
+<p class="h2a">
+(Added by transcriber.)
+</p>
+<p>
+<a href="#chapter1">Volume I</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter2">The First Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter3">The Second Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter5">The Third Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter7">The Fourth Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter9">The Fifth Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter11">The Sixth Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter13">The Seventh Book</a><br />
+<a href="#chapter15">Volume II</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter16">The Eighth Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter18">The Ninth Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter20">The Tenth Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter22">The Eleventh Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter24">The Twelfth Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter26">The Thirteenth Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter28">The Fourteenth Book</a><br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="#chapter30">The Fifteenth Book</a><br />
+<a name="page3"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;3]</span>
+</p>
+</div>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter2"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">First Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From bodies various form'd, mutative shapes<br />
+My Muse would sing:&mdash;Celestial powers give aid!<br />
+From you those changes sprung,&mdash;inspire my pen;<br />
+Connect each period of my venturous song<br />
+Unsever'd, from old Chaös' rude misrule,<br />
+Till now the world beneath Augustus smiles.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While yet nor earth nor sea their place possest,<br />
+Nor that cerulean canopy which hangs<br />
+O'ershadowing all, each undistinguish'd lay,<br />
+And one dead form all Nature's features bore;<br />
+Unshapely, rude, and Chaos justly nam'd.<br />
+<a name="page4"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;4]</span>
+Together struggling laid, each element<br />
+Confusion strange begat:&mdash;Sol had not yet<br />
+Whirl'd through the blue expanse his burning car:<br />
+Nor Luna yet had lighted forth her lamp,<br />
+Nor fed her waning light with borrowed rays.<br />
+No globous earth pois'd inly by its weight,<br />
+Hung pendent in the circumambient sky:<br />
+The sky was not:&mdash;Nor Amphitrité had<br />
+Clasp'd round the land her wide-encircling arms.<br />
+Unfirm the earth, with water mix'd and air;<br />
+Opaque the air; unfluid were the waves.<br />
+Together clash'd the elements confus'd:<br />
+Cold strove with heat, and moisture drought oppos'd;<br />
+Light, heavy, hard, and soft, in combat join'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Uprose the world's great Lord,&mdash;the strife dissolv'd,<br />
+The firm earth from the blue sky plac'd apart;<br />
+Roll'd back the waves from off the land, and fixt<br />
+Where pure ethereal joins with foggy air.<br />
+Defin'd each element, and from the mass<br />
+Chaötic, rang'd select, in concord firm<br />
+He bound, and all agreed.  On high upsprung<br />
+The fiery ether to the utmost heaven:<br />
+The atmospheric air, in lightness next,<br />
+Upfloated:&mdash;dense the solid earth dragg'd down<br />
+The heavier mass; and girt on every side<br />
+By waves circumfluent, seiz'd her place below.<br />
+<a name="page5"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;5]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This done, the mass this deity unknown<br />
+Divides;&mdash;each part dispos'd in order lays:<br />
+First earth he rounds, in form a sphere immense,<br />
+Equal on every side: then bids the seas,<br />
+Pent in by banks, spread their rude waves abroad,<br />
+By strong winds vext; and clasp within their arms<br />
+The tortuous shores: and marshes wide he adds,<br />
+Pure springs and lakes:&mdash;he bounds with shelving banks<br />
+The streams smooth gliding;&mdash;slowly creeping, some<br />
+The arid earth absorbs; furious some rush,<br />
+And in the watery plain their waves disgorge;<br />
+Their narrow bounds escap'd, to billows rise,<br />
+And lash the sandy shores. He bade the plains<br />
+Extend;&mdash;the vallies sink;&mdash;the groves to bloom;&mdash;<br />
+And rocky hills to lift their heads aloft.<br />
+And as two zones the northern heaven restrain,<br />
+The southern two, and one the hotter midst,<br />
+With five the Godhead girt th' inclosed earth,<br />
+And climates five upon its face imprest.<br />
+The midst from heat inhabitable: snows<br />
+Eternal cover two: 'twixt these extremes<br />
+Two temperate regions lie, where heat and cold<br />
+Meet in due mixture; 'bove the whole light air<br />
+Was hung:&mdash;as water floats above the land,<br />
+So fire 'bove air ascends. Here he bade lodge,<br />
+Thick clouds and vapors; thunders bellowing loud<br />
+Terrific to mankind, and winds; which mixt<br />
+<a name="page6"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;6]</span>
+Sharp cold beget. But these to range at large<br />
+The air throughout, his care forbade. E'en now<br />
+Their force is scarce withstood; but oft they threat<br />
+Wild ruin to the universe, though each<br />
+In separate regions rules his potent blasts.<br />
+Such is fraternal strife! Far to the east<br />
+Where Persian mountains greet the rising sun<br />
+Eurus withdrew. Where sinking Ph&oelig;bus' rays<br />
+Glow on the western shores mild Zephyr fled.<br />
+Terrific Boreas frozen Scythia seiz'd,<br />
+Beneath the icy bear. On southern climes<br />
+From constant clouds the showery Auster rains.<br />
+The liquid ether high above he spread,<br />
+Light, calm, and undefil'd by dregs terrene.<br />
+Scarce were those bounds immutable arrang'd,<br />
+When upward sprung the stars so long press'd down<br />
+Beneath the heap chaötic, and along<br />
+The path of heaven their blazing courses ran.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next that each separate element might hold<br />
+Appropriate habitants,&mdash;the vault of heaven,<br />
+Bright constellations and the gods receiv'd.<br />
+To glittering fish allotted were the waves:<br />
+To earth fierce brutes:&mdash;to agitated air,<br />
+Light-plumag'd birds. A being more divine,<br />
+Of soul exalted more, and form'd to rule<br />
+The rest was wanting. Then he finish'd <span class="allsmcap">MAN</span>!<br />
+<a name="page7"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;7]</span>
+Or by the world's creator, power supreme,<br />
+Form'd from an heavenly seed; or new-shap'd earth<br />
+Late from celestial ether torn, and still<br />
+Congenial warmth retaining, moisten'd felt,<br />
+Prometheus' fire, and moulded took the form<br />
+Of him all-potent. Others earth behold<br />
+Pronely;&mdash;to man a face erect was given.<br />
+The heavens he bade him view, and raise his eyes<br />
+High to the stars. Thus earth of late so rude,<br />
+So shapeless, man, till now unknown, became.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;First sprung the age of gold. Unforc'd by laws<br />
+Strict rectitude and faith, spontaneous then<br />
+Mankind inspir'd. No judge vindictive frown'd;<br />
+Unknown alike were punishment and fear:<br />
+No strict decrees on brazen plates were seen;<br />
+Nor suppliant crowd, with trembling limbs low bent,<br />
+Before their judges bow'd. Unknown was law,<br />
+Yet safe were all. Unhewn from native hills,<br />
+The pine-tree knew the seas not, nor had view'd<br />
+Regions unknown, for man not yet had search'd<br />
+Shores distant from his own. The towns ungirt<br />
+By trenches deep, laid open to the plain;<br />
+Nor brazen trump, nor bended horn were seen,<br />
+Helmet, nor sword; but conscious and secure,<br />
+Unaw'd by arms the nations tranquil slept.<br />
+The teeming earth by barrows yet unras'd,<br />
+<a name="page8"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;8]</span>
+By ploughs unwounded, plenteous pour'd her stores.<br />
+Content with food unforc'd, man pluck'd with ease<br />
+Young strawberries from the mountains; cornels red;<br />
+The thorny bramble's fruit; and acorns shook<br />
+From Jove's wide-spreading tree. Spring ever smil'd;<br />
+And placid Zephyr foster'd with his breeze<br />
+The flowers unsown, which everlasting bloom'd.<br />
+Untill'd the land its welcome produce gave,<br />
+And unmanur'd its hoary crop renew'd.<br />
+Here streams of milk, there streams of nectar flow'd;<br />
+And from the ilex, drop by drop distill'd,<br />
+The yellow honey fell. But, Saturn down<br />
+To dusky Tartarus banish'd, all the world<br />
+By Jove was govern'd. Then a silver age<br />
+Succeeded; by the golden far excell'd;&mdash;<br />
+Itself surpassing far the age of brass.<br />
+The ancient durance of perpetual spring<br />
+He shorten'd, and in seasons four the year<br />
+Divided:&mdash;Winter, summer, lessen'd spring,<br />
+And various temper'd autumn first were known.<br />
+Then first the air with parching fervor dry,<br />
+Glow'd hot;&mdash;then ice congeal'd by piercing winds<br />
+Hung pendent;&mdash;houses then first shelter'd man;<br />
+Houses by caverns form'd, with thick shrubs fenc'd,<br />
+And boughs entwin'd with osiers. Then the grain<br />
+Of Ceres first in lengthen'd furrows lay;<br />
+And oxen groan'd beneath the weighty yoke.<br />
+<a name="page9"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;9]</span>
+Third after these a brazen race succeeds,<br />
+More stern in soul, and more in furious war<br />
+Delighting;&mdash;still to wicked deeds averse.<br />
+The last from stubborn iron took its name;&mdash;<br />
+And now rush'd in upon the wretched race<br />
+All impious villainies: Truth, faith, and shame,<br />
+Fled far; while enter'd fraud, and force, and craft,<br />
+And plotting, with detested avarice.<br />
+To winds scarce known the seaman boldly loos'd<br />
+His sails, and ships which long on lofty hills<br />
+Had rested, bounded o'er the unsearch'd waves.<br />
+The cautious measurer now with spacious line<br />
+Mark'd out the land, in common once to all;<br />
+Free as the sun-beams, or the lucid air.<br />
+Nor would the fruits and aliments suffice,<br />
+The rich earth from her surface threw, but deep<br />
+Within her womb they digg'd, and thence display'd,<br />
+Riches, of crimes the prompter, hid far deep<br />
+Close by the Stygian shades. Now murderous steel,<br />
+And gold more murderous enter'd into day:<br />
+Weapon'd with each, war sallied forth and shook<br />
+With bloody grasp his loud-resounding arms.<br />
+Now man by rapine lives;&mdash;friend fears his host;<br />
+And sire-in-law his son;&mdash;e'en brethren's love<br />
+Is rarely seen: wives plot their husbands' death;<br />
+And husbands theirs design: step-mothers fierce<br />
+The lurid poisons mix: th' impatient son<br />
+<a name="page10"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;10]</span>
+Enquires the limits of his father's years:&mdash;<br />
+Piety lies neglected; and Astræa,<br />
+Last of celestial deities on earth,<br />
+Ascends, and leaves the sanguine-moisten'd land.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nor high-rais'd heaven was more than earth secure.<br />
+Giants, 'tis said, with mad ambition strove<br />
+To seize the heavenly throne, and mountains pile<br />
+On mountains till the loftiest stars they touch'd.<br />
+But with his darted bolt all-powerful Jove,<br />
+Olympus shatter'd, and from Pelion's top<br />
+Dash'd Ossa. There with huge unwieldy bulk<br />
+Oppress'd, their dreadful corses lay, and soak'd<br />
+Their parent earth with blood; their parent earth<br />
+The warm blood vivify'd, and caus'd assume<br />
+An human form,&mdash;a monumental type<br />
+Of fierce progenitors. Heaven they despise,<br />
+Violent, of slaughter greedy; and their race<br />
+<ins class="hemistich">
+<table>
+<tr><td>From blood deriv'd, betray.</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td>Saturnian Jove</td></tr>
+</table>
+</ins>
+This from his lofty seat beheld, and sigh'd;<br />
+The recent bloody fact revolving deep,<br />
+The Lycaönian feast, to few yet known.<br />
+Incens'd with mighty rage, rage worthy Jove,<br />
+He calls the council;&mdash;none who hear delay.<br />
+A path sublime, in cloudless skies fair seen,<br />
+<a name="page11"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;11]</span>
+They tread when tow'rd the mighty thunderer's dome,<br />
+His regal court, th' immortals bend their way.<br />
+On right and left by folding doors enclos'd,<br />
+Are halls where gods of rank and power are set;<br />
+Plebeians far and wide their place select:<br />
+More potent deities, in heaven most bright,<br />
+Full in the front possess their shining seats.<br />
+This place, (might words so bold a form assume)<br />
+I'd term Palatium of the lofty sky.<br />
+Here in his marble niche each god was plac'd<br />
+And on his eburn sceptre leaning, Jove<br />
+O'er all high tower'd; the dread-inspiring locks<br />
+Three times he shook; and ocean, earth, and sky,<br />
+The motion felt and trembled. Then in rage<br />
+The silence thus he broke:&mdash;“Not more I fear'd<br />
+“Our kingdom's fate in those tempestuous times,<br />
+“When monsters serpent-footed furious strove,<br />
+“To clasp within their hundred arms the heavens,<br />
+“Already captive deem'd. Though fierce our foe,<br />
+“One race alone warr'd with us, sprung from one.<br />
+“Now all must perish; all within the bounds<br />
+“By Nereus circled with his roaring waves.<br />
+“I swear by Styx, by those infernal streams,<br />
+“Through shades slow creeping. All I could I've try'd.<br />
+“But lest to parts unsound the taint should spread,<br />
+“What baffles cure, the knife must lop away.<br />
+“Our demi-gods we have,&mdash;we have our nymphs,<br />
+<a name="page12"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;12]</span>
+“Our rustic deities,&mdash;our satyrs,&mdash;fawns,<br />
+“And mountain sylvans&mdash;whose deserts we grant<br />
+“Celestial honors claim not,&mdash;yet on earth,<br />
+“By us assign'd, they safely sure should rest.<br />
+“But, oh! ye sacred powers,&mdash;but oh! how safe<br />
+“Are these, when fierce Lycaön plots for me!<br />
+“Me! whom the thunders and yourselves obey?�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loud murmurs fill the skies&mdash;swift vengeance all<br />
+With eager voice demand. When impious hands<br />
+With Cæsar's blood th' immortal fame of Rome,<br />
+Rag'd to extinguish&mdash;all the world aghast,<br />
+With horror shook, and trembled through its frame.<br />
+Nor was thy subjects' loyalty to thee<br />
+More sweet, Augustus, than was theirs to Jove.<br />
+His hand and voice, to still their noise he rais'd:<br />
+Their clamors loud were hush'd, all silence kept;<br />
+When thus the thunderer ends his angry tale:<br />
+“Dismiss your care, his punishment is o'er;<br />
+“But hear his crimes, and hear his well-earn'd fate.<br />
+“Of human vice the fame had reach'd mine ear,<br />
+“With hop'd exaggeration; gliding down,<br />
+“From proud Olympus' brow, I veil'd the god,<br />
+“And rov'd the world in human form around.<br />
+“'Twere long to tell what turpitude I saw<br />
+“On every side, for rumor far fell short,<br />
+“Of what I witness'd. Through the dusky woods<br />
+<a name="page13"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;13]</span>
+“Of Mænalus I pass'd, where savage lurk<br />
+“Fierce monsters; o'er the cold Lycean hill,<br />
+“With pine-trees waving; and Cyllené's height.<br />
+“Thence to th' Arcadian monarch's roof I came,<br />
+“As dusky twilight drew on sable night.<br />
+“Gave signs a god approach'd. The people crowd<br />
+“In adoration: but Lycaön turns<br />
+“Their reverence and piety to scorn.<br />
+“Then said,&mdash;not hard the task to ascertain,<br />
+“If god or mortal, by unerring test:<br />
+“And plots to slay me when oppress'd with sleep.<br />
+“Such proof his soul well suited. Impious more,<br />
+“An hostage from Molossus sent he slew;<br />
+“His palpitating members part he boil'd,<br />
+“And o'er the glowing embers roasted part:<br />
+“These on the board he serves. My vengeful flames<br />
+“Consume his roof;&mdash;for his deserts, o'erwhelm<br />
+“His household gods. Lycaön trembling fled<br />
+“And gain'd the silent country; loud he howl'd,<br />
+“And strove in vain to speak; his ravenous mouth<br />
+“Still thirsts for slaughter; on the harmless flocks<br />
+“His fury rages, as it wont on man:<br />
+“Blood glads him still; his vest is shaggy hair;<br />
+“His arms sink down to legs; a wolf he stands.<br />
+“Yet former traits his visage still retains;<br />
+“Grey still his hair; and cruel still his look;<br />
+“His eyes still glisten; savage all his form.<br />
+<a name="page14"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;14]</span>
+“Thus one house perish'd, but not one alone<br />
+“The fate deserves. Wherever earth extends,<br />
+“The fierce Erinnys reigns; men seem conspir'd<br />
+“In impious bond to sin; and all shall feel<br />
+“The scourge they merit: fixt is my decree.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Part loud applaud his words, and feed his rage;<br />
+The rest assent in silence; yet to all,<br />
+Man's loss seems grievous; anxious all enquire<br />
+What form shall earth of him depriv'd assume?<br />
+Who then shall incense to their altars bring?<br />
+And if those rich and fertile lands he means<br />
+A spoil for beasts ferocious? Their despair<br />
+He bade them banish, and in him confide<br />
+For what the future needed; held them forth<br />
+The promise of a race unlike the first;<br />
+Originating from a wonderous stock.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And now his lightenings were already shot,<br />
+And earth in flames, but that a fire so vast,<br />
+He fear'd might reach Olympus, and consume<br />
+The heavenly axis. Also call'd to mind<br />
+What fate had doom'd, that all in future times<br />
+By fire should perish, earth, and sea, and heaven;<br />
+And all th' unwieldy fabric of the world<br />
+Should waste to nought. The Cyclops' labor'd bolts<br />
+Aside he laid. A different vengeance now,<br />
+<a name="page15"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;15]</span>
+To drench with rains from every part of heaven,<br />
+And whelm mankind beneath the rising waves,<br />
+Pleas'd more th' immortal. Straightway close he pent<br />
+The dry north-east, and every blast to showers<br />
+Adverse, in caves Æolian, and unbarr'd<br />
+The cell of Notus. Notus rushes forth<br />
+On pinions dropping rain; his horrid face<br />
+A pitchy cloud conceals; pregnant with showers<br />
+His beard; and waters from his grey hairs flow:<br />
+Mists on his forehead sit; in dews dissolv'd<br />
+His arms and bosom, seem to melt away.<br />
+With broad hands seizing on the pendent clouds<br />
+He press'd them&mdash;with a mighty crash they burst,<br />
+And thick and constant floods from heaven pour down.<br />
+Iris meantime, in various robe array'd,<br />
+Collects the waters and supplies the clouds.<br />
+Prostrate the harvest lies, the tiller's hopes<br />
+Turn to despair. The labors of an year,<br />
+A long, long year, without their fruit are spent.<br />
+Nor Jove's own heaven his anger could suffice,<br />
+His brother brings him his auxiliar waves.<br />
+He calls the rivers,&mdash;at their monarch's call<br />
+His roof they enter, and in brief he speaks:<br />
+“Few words we need, pour each his utmost strength,<br />
+“The cause demands it; ope' your fountains wide,<br />
+“Sweep every mound before you, and let gush<br />
+“Your furious waters with unshorten'd reins.�<br />
+<a name="page16"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;16]</span>
+He bids&mdash;the watery gods retire,&mdash;break up<br />
+Their narrow springs, and furious tow'rd the main<br />
+Their waters roll: himself his trident rears<br />
+And smites the earth; earth trembles at the stroke,<br />
+Yawns wide her bosom, and upon the land<br />
+A flood disgorges. Wide outspread the streams<br />
+Rush o'er the open fields;&mdash;uproot the trees;<br />
+Sweep harvests, flocks, and men;&mdash;nor houses stood;<br />
+Nor household gods, asylums hereto safe.<br />
+Where strong-built edifice its walls oppos'd<br />
+Unlevell'd in the ruin, high above<br />
+Its roof the billows mounted, and its towers<br />
+Totter'd, beneath the watery gulf oppress'd.<br />
+Nor land nor sea their ancient bounds maintain'd,<br />
+For all around was sea, sea without shore.<br />
+This seeks a mountain's top, that gains a skiff,<br />
+And plies his oars where late he plough'd the plains.<br />
+O'er fields of corn one sails, or 'bove the roofs<br />
+Of towns immerg'd;&mdash;another in the elm<br />
+Seizes th' intangled fish. Perchance in meads<br />
+The anchor oft is thrown, and oft the keel<br />
+Tears the subjacent vine-tree. Where were wont<br />
+The nimble goats to crop the tender grass<br />
+Unwieldy sea-calves roll. The Nereid nymphs,<br />
+With wonder, groves, and palaces, and towns,<br />
+Beneath the waves behold. By dolphins now<br />
+The woods are tenanted, who furious smite<br />
+<a name="page17"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;17]</span>
+The boughs, and shake the strong oak by their blows.<br />
+Swims with the flock the wolf; and swept along,<br />
+Tigers and tawny lions strive in vain.<br />
+Now not his thundering strength avails the boar;<br />
+Nor, borne away, the fleet stag's slender limbs:<br />
+And land, long sought in vain, to rest her feet,<br />
+The wandering bird draws in her weary wings,<br />
+And drops into the waves, whose uncheck'd roll<br />
+The hills have drown'd; and with un'custom'd surge<br />
+Foam on the mountain tops. Of man the most<br />
+They swallow'd; whom their fierce irruption spar'd,<br />
+By hunger perish'd in their bleak retreat.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Between th' Aönian and Actæian lands<br />
+Lies Phocis; fruitful were the Phocian fields<br />
+While fields they were, but now o'erwhelm'd, they form<br />
+A region only of the wide-spread main.<br />
+Here stands Parnassus with his forked top,<br />
+Above the clouds high-towering to the stars.<br />
+To this Deucalion with his consort driven<br />
+O'er ridgy billows in his bark clung close;<br />
+For all was sea beside. There bend they down;<br />
+The nymphs, and mountain gods adore, and she<br />
+Predicting Themis, then oraculous deem'd.<br />
+No man more upright than himself had liv'd;<br />
+Than Pyrrha none more pious heaven had seen.<br />
+<a name="page18"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;18]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now Jove beheld a mighty lake expand<br />
+Where late was earth, and from the swarming crowds<br />
+But one man sav'd&mdash;of woman only one:<br />
+Both guiltless,&mdash;pious both. He chas'd the clouds<br />
+And bade the dry north-east to drive the showers<br />
+Far distant, and display the earth to heaven,<br />
+And unto earth the skies. The ocean's rage<br />
+Remains no more. Mild Neptune lays aside<br />
+His three-fork'd weapon, and his surges smoothes;<br />
+Then calls blue Triton from the dark profound.<br />
+Above the waves the god his shoulders rears,<br />
+With inbred purple ting'd: He bids him sound<br />
+His shelly trump, and back the billows call;<br />
+And rivers to their banks again remand.<br />
+The trump he seizes,&mdash;broad above it wreath'd<br />
+From narrow base;&mdash;the trump whose piercing blast<br />
+From east to west resounds through every shore.<br />
+This to his mouth the watery-bearded god<br />
+Applies, and breathes within the stern command.<br />
+All hear the sound, or waves of earth or sea,<br />
+And all who hear obey. Sea finds a shore;<br />
+Floods flow within their channels; rivers sink;<br />
+Hills lift their heads; and as the waves decrease,<br />
+In numerous islets solid earth appears.<br />
+A tedious time elaps'd, and now the woods<br />
+Display'd their leafless summits, and their boughs<br />
+<a name="page19"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;19]</span>
+Heavy with mud. At length the world restor'd<br />
+Deucalion saw, but empty all and void;<br />
+Deep silence reigning through th' expansive waste:<br />
+Tears gush'd while thus his Pyrrha he address'd:<br />
+“O sister! wife! O woman sole preserv'd!&mdash;<br />
+“By nature, kindred, and the marriage-bed,<br />
+“To me most closely join'd. Now nearer still<br />
+“By mutual perils. We, of all the earth<br />
+“Beheld by Sol in his diurnal course,<br />
+“We two alone remain. The mighty deep<br />
+“Entombs the rest. Nor sure our safety yet;<br />
+“Still hang the clouds dark louring. Wretched wife,<br />
+“What if preserv'd alone? What hadst thou done<br />
+“Of me bereft? How singly borne the shock?<br />
+“Where found condolement in thy load of grief?<br />
+“For me,&mdash;and trust, my dearest wife, my words,&mdash;<br />
+“Hadst thou amidst the billows been ingulph'd,<br />
+“Me also had they swallow'd. Oh! for power<br />
+“To form mankind, as once my father did,<br />
+“And in the shapen earth true souls infuse!<br />
+“In us rests human race, so will the gods,<br />
+“A sample only of mankind we live.�<br />
+He spoke and Pyrrha's tears join'd his. To heaven<br />
+They raise their hands in prayer, and straight resolve<br />
+To ask through oracles divine its aid.<br />
+Nor long delay. Quick to Cephisus' streams<br />
+They hasten; muddy still Cephisus flows,<br />
+<a name="page20"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;20]</span>
+Yet not beyond its wonted boundaries swol'n.<br />
+Libations thence they lift, and o'er their heads<br />
+And garments cast the sprinklings;&mdash;then their steps<br />
+To Themis' temple bend. The roof they found<br />
+With filthy moss o'ergrown;&mdash;the altars cold.<br />
+Prone on the steps they fell, and trembling kiss'd<br />
+The gelid stones, and thus preferr'd their words:<br />
+“If righteous prayers can move the heavenly mind,<br />
+“And soften harsh resolves, and soothe the rage<br />
+“Of great immortals, say, O Themis, say,<br />
+“How to the world mankind shall be restor'd;<br />
+“And grant, most merciful, in our distress<br />
+“Thy potent aid.� The goddess heard their words,<br />
+And instant gave reply. “The temple leave,<br />
+“Ungird your garments, veil your heads, and throw<br />
+“Behind your backs your mighty mother's bones.�<br />
+Astonish'd long they stood! and Pyrrha first<br />
+The silence broke; the oracle's behest<br />
+Refusing to obey; and earnest pray'd,<br />
+With trembling tongue for pardon for her sin:<br />
+Her mother's shade to violate she dreads,<br />
+Her bones thus rudely flinging. But meantime<br />
+Deep in their minds, in dark mysterious veil<br />
+Obscurely hid, the sentence they revolve.<br />
+At length Deucalion sooths his wife with words<br />
+Of cheering import: “Right, if I divine,<br />
+“No impious deed the deity desires:<br />
+<a name="page21"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;21]</span>
+“Earth is our mighty mother, and her bones<br />
+“The stony rocks within her;&mdash;these behind<br />
+“Our backs to cast, the oracle commands.�<br />
+With joy th' auspicious augury she hears,<br />
+But joy with doubt commingled, both so much<br />
+The heavenly words distrust; yet still they hope<br />
+The essay cannot harm. The temple left,<br />
+Their heads they cover, and their vests unbind;<br />
+And o'er their heads as order'd heave the stones.<br />
+The stones&mdash;(incredible! unless the fact<br />
+Tradition sanction'd doubtless) straight began<br />
+To lose their rugged firmness,&mdash;and anon,<br />
+To soften,&mdash;and when soft a form assume.<br />
+Next as they grew in size, they felt infus'd<br />
+A nature mild,&mdash;their form resembled man!<br />
+But incorrectly: marble so appears,<br />
+Rough hewn to form a statue, ere the hand<br />
+Completes the shape. What liquid was, and moist,<br />
+With earthy atoms mixt, soft flesh became;<br />
+Parts solid and unbending chang'd to bone;<br />
+In name unalter'd, veins the same remain'd.<br />
+Thus by the gods' beneficent decree,<br />
+And brief the change, the stones Deucalion threw,<br />
+A manly shape assum'd; but females sprung<br />
+From those by Pyrrha cast behind; and hence<br />
+A patient, hard, laborious race we prove,<br />
+And shew the source, by actions, whence we sprung.<br />
+<a name="page22"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;22]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beings all else the teeming earth produc'd<br />
+Spontaneous. Heated by the solar rays,<br />
+The stagnant water quicken'd;&mdash;marshy fens<br />
+Swell'd up their oozy loads to meet the beams:<br />
+And nourish'd by earth's vivifying soil,<br />
+The fruitful elements of life increas'd,<br />
+As in a mother's womb; and in a while<br />
+Assum'd a certain shape. So when the floods<br />
+Of seven-mouth'd Nile desert the moisten'd fields,<br />
+And to their ancient channels bring their streams,<br />
+The soft mud fries beneath the scorching sun;<br />
+And midst the fresh-turn'd earth unnumber'd forms<br />
+The tiller finds: some scarcely half conceiv'd;<br />
+Imperfect some, their bodies wanting limbs:<br />
+And oft he beings sees with parts alive,<br />
+The rest a clod of earth: for where with heat<br />
+Due moisture kindly mixes, life will spring:<br />
+From these in concord all things are produc'd.<br />
+Though fire with water strives; yet vapour warm,<br />
+Discordant mixture, gives a birth to all.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus when the earth, with filthy ooze bespread<br />
+From the late deluge, felt the blazing sun;<br />
+His burning heat productive caus'd spring forth<br />
+A countless race of beings. Part appear'd<br />
+In forms before well-known; the rest a group<br />
+Of monsters strange. Then, but unwilling, she<br />
+<a name="page23"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;23]</span>
+Produc'd terrific Python, serpent huge!<br />
+A mighty mountain with his bulk he hid;<br />
+A plague unknown, the new-born race to scare.<br />
+The quiver-shoulder'd god, unus'd before<br />
+His arms to launch, save on the flying deer,<br />
+Or roebuck fleet, the horrid monster slew:<br />
+A thousand arrows in his sides he fix'd,<br />
+His quiver's store exhausting; through the wounds<br />
+Gush'd the black poison. To contending games,<br />
+Hence instituted for the serpent slain,<br />
+The glorious action to preserve through times<br />
+Succeeding, he the name of Pythian gave.<br />
+And here the youth who bore the palm away<br />
+By wrestling, racing, or in chariot swift,<br />
+With beechen bough was crown'd. Nor yet was known<br />
+The laurel's leaf: Apollo's brows, with hair<br />
+Deck'd graceful, no peculiar branches bound.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Penæian Daphne first his bosom charm'd;<br />
+No casual flame but plann'd by Love's revenge.<br />
+Him, Ph&oelig;bus flush'd with conquest late obtain'd,<br />
+His bow saw bend, and thus exclaim'd in taunt:<br />
+“Lascivious boy! How ill with thee assort<br />
+“Those warlike arms?&mdash;how much my shoulders more<br />
+“Beseem the load, whose arm can deadly wounds<br />
+“In furious beasts, and every foe infix!<br />
+“I who but now huge Python have o'erthrown;<br />
+<a name="page24"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;24]</span>
+“Swol'n with a thousand darts; his mighty bulk<br />
+“Whole acres covering with pestiferous weight?<br />
+“Content in vulgar hearts thy torch to flame,<br />
+“To me the bow's superior glory leave.�<br />
+Then Venus' son: “O Ph&oelig;bus, nought thy dart<br />
+“Evades, nor thou canst 'scape the force of mine:<br />
+“To thee as others yield,&mdash;so much my fame<br />
+“Must ever thine transcend.� Thus spoke the boy,<br />
+And lightly mounting, cleaves the yielding air<br />
+With beating wings, and on Parnassus' top<br />
+Umbrageous rests. There from his quiver drew<br />
+Two darts of different power:&mdash;this chases love;<br />
+And that desire enkindles; form'd of gold<br />
+It glistens, ending in a point acute:<br />
+Blunt is the first, tipt with a leaden load;<br />
+Which Love in Daphne's tender breast infix'd.<br />
+The sharper through Apollo's heart he drove,<br />
+And through his nerves and bones;&mdash;instant he loves:<br />
+She flies of love the name. In shady woods,<br />
+And spoils of captive beasts alone she joys;<br />
+To copy Dian' emulous; her hair<br />
+In careless tresses form'd, a fillet bound.<br />
+By numbers sought,&mdash;averse alike to all;<br />
+Impatient of their suit, through forests wild,<br />
+And groves, in maiden ignorance she roams;<br />
+Nor cares for Cupid, nor hymeneal rites,<br />
+Nor soft connubial joys. Oft cry'd her sire;<br />
+<a name="page25"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;25]</span>
+“My Daphne, you should bring to me a son;<br />
+“From you, my child, I hope for grandsons too.�<br />
+But she detesting wedlock as a crime,<br />
+(Suffus'd her features with a bashful glow)<br />
+Around his aged neck, her beauteous arms,<br />
+Winds blandishing, and cries, “O sire, most dear!<br />
+“One favor grant,&mdash;perpetual to enjoy<br />
+“My virgin purity;&mdash;the mighty Jove<br />
+“The same indulgence has to Dian' given.�<br />
+Thy sire complies;&mdash;but that too beauteous face,<br />
+And lovely form, thy anxious wish oppose:<br />
+Apollo loves thee;&mdash;to thy bed aspires;&mdash;<br />
+And looks with anxious hopes, his wish to gain:<br />
+Futurity, by him for once unseen.<br />
+As the light stubble when the ears are shorn,<br />
+The flames consume: as hedges blaze on high<br />
+From torches by the traveller closely held,<br />
+Or heedless flung, when morning gilds the world:<br />
+So flaming burnt the god;&mdash;so blaz'd his breast,<br />
+And with fond hopes his vain desires he fed.<br />
+Her tresses careless flowing o'er her neck<br />
+He view'd, and, “Oh! how beauteous, deck'd with care,�<br />
+Exclaim'd: her eyes which shone like brilliant fire,<br />
+Or sparkling stars, he sees; and sees her lips;<br />
+Unsated with the sight, he burns to touch:<br />
+Admires her fingers, and her hands, her arms,<br />
+Half to the shoulder naked:&mdash;what he sees<br />
+<a name="page26"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;26]</span>
+Though beauteous, what is hid he deems more fair.<br />
+Fleet as the wind, her fearful flight she wings,<br />
+Nor stays his fond recalling words to hear:<br />
+“Daughter of Peneus, stay! no foe pursues,&mdash;<br />
+“Stay, beauteous nymph!&mdash;so flies the lamb the wolf;<br />
+“The stag the lion;&mdash;so on trembling wings<br />
+“The dove avoids the eagle:&mdash;these are foes,<br />
+“But love alone me urges to pursue.<br />
+“Ah me! then, shouldst thou fall,&mdash;or prickly thorns<br />
+“Wound thy fair legs,&mdash;and I the cause of pain!&mdash;<br />
+“Rough is the road thou runnest; slack, I pray,<br />
+“Thy speed;&mdash;I swear to follow not so fast.<br />
+“But hear who loves thee;&mdash;no rough mountain swain;<br />
+“No shepherd;&mdash;none in raiments rugged clad,<br />
+“Tending the lowing herds: rash thoughtless nymph,<br />
+“Thou fly'st thou know'st not whom, and therefore fly'st!<br />
+“O'er Delphos' lands, and Tenedos I sway,<br />
+“And Claros, and the Pataræan realms.&mdash;<br />
+“My sire is Jove. To me are all things known,<br />
+“Or present, past, or future. Taught by me<br />
+“Melodious sounds poetic numbers grace.&mdash;<br />
+“Sure is my dart, but one more sure I feel<br />
+“Lodg'd in this bosom; strange to love before.&mdash;<br />
+“Medicine me hails inventor; through the world<br />
+“My help is call'd for; unto me is known<br />
+“The powers of plants and herbs:&mdash;ah! hapless I,<br />
+“Nor plants, nor herbs, afford a cure for love;<br />
+<a name="page27"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;27]</span>
+“Nor arts which all relieve, relieve their lord.�<br />
+All this, and more:&mdash;but Daphne fearful fled,<br />
+And left his speech unfinish'd. Lovely then<br />
+She running seem'd;&mdash;her limbs the breezes bar'd;<br />
+Her flying raiment floated on the gale;<br />
+Her careless tresses to the light air stream'd;<br />
+Her flight increas'd her beauty. Now no more<br />
+The god to waste his courteous words endures,<br />
+But urg'd by love himself, with swifter pace<br />
+Her footsteps treads: the rapid greyhound so,<br />
+When in the open field the hare he spies,<br />
+Trusts to his legs for prey,&mdash;as she for flight;<br />
+And now he snaps, and now he thinks to hold,<br />
+And brushes with his outstretch'd nose her heels;&mdash;<br />
+She trembling, half in doubt, or caught or no,<br />
+Springs from his jaws, and mocks his touching mouth.<br />
+Thus fled the virgin and the god;&mdash;he fleet<br />
+Through hope, and she through fear,&mdash;but wing'd by love<br />
+More rapid flew Apollo;&mdash;spurning rest,<br />
+Approach'd her close behind, and panting breath'd<br />
+Upon her floating tresses. Pale with dread,<br />
+Her strength exhausted in the lengthen'd flight,<br />
+Old Peneus' streams she saw, and loud exclaim'd:&mdash;<br />
+“O sire, assist me, if within thy streams<br />
+“Divinity abides. Let earth this form,<br />
+“Too comely for my peace, quick swallow up;<br />
+“Or change those beauties to an harmless shape.�<br />
+<a name="page28"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;28]</span>
+Her prayer scarce ended, when her lovely limbs<br />
+A numbness felt; a tender rind enwraps<br />
+Her beauteous bosom; from her head shoots up<br />
+Her hair in leaves; in branches spread her arms;<br />
+Her feet but now so swift, cleave to the earth<br />
+With roots immoveable; her face at last<br />
+The summit forms; her bloom the same remains.<br />
+Still loves the god the tree, and on the trunk<br />
+His right hand placing, feels her breast yet throb,<br />
+Beneath the new-grown bark: around the boughs,<br />
+As yet her limbs, his clasping arms he throws;<br />
+And burning kisses on the wood imprints.<br />
+The wood his lips repels. Then thus the god:&mdash;<br />
+“O laurel, though to be my bride deny'd,<br />
+“Yet shalt thou be my tree; my temples bind;<br />
+“My lyre and quiver shalt thou still adorn:<br />
+“The brows of Latian conquerors shalt thou grace,<br />
+“When the glad people sing triumphant hymns,<br />
+“And the long pomp the capitol ascends.<br />
+“A faithful guard before Augustus' gates,<br />
+“On each side hung;&mdash;the sturdy oak between.<br />
+“And as perpetual youth adorns my head<br />
+“With locks unshorn, thou also still shalt bear<br />
+“Thy leafy honors in perpetual green.�<br />
+Apollo ended, and the laurel bow'd<br />
+Her verdant summit as her grateful head.<br />
+<a name="page29"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;29]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Within Æmonia lies a grove, inclos'd<br />
+By steep and lofty hills on every side:<br />
+'Tis Tempé call'd. From lowest Pindus pour'd<br />
+Here Peneus rolls his foaming waves along:<br />
+Thick clouds of smoke, and dark and vapoury mists<br />
+The violent falls produce, sprinkling the tops<br />
+Of proudest forests with the plenteous dew;<br />
+And distant parts astounding with the roar.<br />
+Here holds the watery deity his throne;&mdash;<br />
+Here his retreat most sacred;&mdash;seated here,<br />
+Within the rock-form'd cavern, to the streams<br />
+And stream-residing nymphs, his laws he gives.<br />
+Here flock the neighbouring river-gods, in doubt<br />
+Or to condole, or gratulate the sire.<br />
+Here Spercheus came, whose banks with poplars wave;<br />
+Rapid Enipeus; Apidanus slow;<br />
+Amphrysos gently flowing; Æäs mild;<br />
+And other streams which wind their various course,<br />
+Till in the sea their weary wanderings end,<br />
+By natural bent directed. Absent sole<br />
+Was Inachus;&mdash;deep in his gloomy cave<br />
+Dark hidden, with his tears he swells his floods.<br />
+He, wretched sire, his Iö's loss bewails;<br />
+Witless if living air she still enjoys,<br />
+Or with the shades she dwells; and no where found<br />
+He dreads the worst, and thinks her not to be.<br />
+The beauteous damsel from her father's banks<br />
+<a name="page30"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;30]</span>
+Jove saw returning, and, “O, maid!� exclaim'd,<br />
+“Worthy of Jove, whose charms will shortly bless<br />
+“Some youth desertless; come, and seek the shade,<br />
+“Yon lofty groves afford,�&mdash;and shew'd the groves,&mdash;<br />
+“While now Sol scorches from heaven's midmost height.<br />
+“Fear not the forests to explore alone,<br />
+“But in their deepest shades adventurous go;<br />
+“A god shall guard thee:&mdash;no plebeian god,<br />
+“But he whose mighty hand the sceptre grasps<br />
+“Of rule celestial, and the lightening flings.<br />
+“O fly me not�&mdash;for Iö fled, amaz'd.<br />
+Now Lerna's pastures, and Lyrcæa's lands<br />
+With trees thick-planted, far behind were left;<br />
+When with a sudden mist the god conceal'd<br />
+The wide-spread earth, and stopp'd her eager flight;<br />
+And in his arms the struggling maid compress'd.<br />
+Meantime did Juno cast her eyes below,<br />
+The floating clouds surpris'd to see produce<br />
+A night-like shade amidst so bright a day.<br />
+No common clouds, from streams exhal'd, she knew;<br />
+Nor misty vapours from the humid earth.<br />
+Suspicions rise; her sharpness oft had caught<br />
+Her amorous husband in his thefts of love.<br />
+She search'd around the sky, its lord explor'd,&mdash;<br />
+But not in heaven he sate;&mdash;then loud exclaim'd:<br />
+“Much must I err, or much my bed is wrong'd.�<br />
+Down sliding from the topmost heaven, on earth<br />
+<a name="page31"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;31]</span>
+She lights, and bids the cloudy mists recede.<br />
+Prepar'd already, Jove the nymph had chang'd,<br />
+And in a lovely heifer's form she stood.<br />
+A shape so beauteous fair,&mdash;though sore chagrin'd,<br />
+Unwilling Juno prais'd; and whence she came,<br />
+And who her owner asks; and of what herd?<br />
+Her prying art, as witless of the truth,<br />
+To baffle, from the earth he feigns her sprung;<br />
+And straight Saturnia begs the beauteous gift.<br />
+Embarrass'd now he stands,&mdash;the nymph to leave<br />
+Abandon'd, were too cruel;&mdash;to deny<br />
+His wife, suspicious: shame compliance urg'd;<br />
+Love strong dissuaded: love had vanquish'd shame,<br />
+Save that a paltry cow to her refus'd,<br />
+Associate of his race and bed, he fear'd<br />
+More than a cow the goddess would suspect.<br />
+Her rival now she holds; but anxious, still<br />
+She Jove distrusts, and fears her prize to lose;<br />
+Nor safe she deem'd her, till to Argus' care<br />
+Committed. Round the jailor's watchful head<br />
+An hundred eyes were set. Two clos'd in turn;<br />
+The rest with watchful care, kept cautious guard.<br />
+Howe'er he stands, on Iö still he looks;<br />
+His face averse, yet still his eyes behold.<br />
+By day she pastures, but beneath the earth<br />
+When Ph&oelig;bus sinks, he drags her to the stall,<br />
+And binds with cords her undeserving neck.<br />
+<a name="page32"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;32]</span>
+Arbutus' leaves, and bitter herbs her food:<br />
+Her wretched bed is oft the cold damp earth;<br />
+A strawy couch deny'd:&mdash;the muddy stream<br />
+Her constant drink: when suppliant she would raise<br />
+Her arms to Argus, arms to raise were none.<br />
+To moan she tries; loud bellowings echo wide,&mdash;<br />
+She starts and trembles at her voice's roar.<br />
+Now to the banks she comes where oft she'd play'd,&mdash;<br />
+The banks of Inachus, and in his streams<br />
+Her new-form'd horns beheld;&mdash;in wild affright<br />
+From them she strove, and from herself to fly.<br />
+Her sister Naïads know her not, nor he<br />
+Griev'd Inachus, his long-lost daughter knows.<br />
+But she her sisters and her sire pursues;<br />
+Invites their touch, as wondering they caress.<br />
+Old Inachus the gather'd herbs presents;<br />
+She licks his hands, and presses with her lips<br />
+His dear paternal fingers. Tears flow quick,<br />
+And could words follow she would ask his aid;<br />
+And speak her name, and lamentable state.<br />
+Marks for her words she form'd, which in the dust<br />
+Trac'd by her hoof, disclos'd her mournful change.<br />
+“Ah wretch!� her sire exclaim'd, “unhappy wretch!�<br />
+And o'er the weeping heifer's snowy neck,<br />
+His arms he threw, and round her horns he hung<br />
+With sobs redoubled:&mdash;“Art thou then, my child,<br />
+“Through earth's extent so sought? Ah! less my grief,<br />
+<a name="page33"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;33]</span>
+“To find thee not, than thus transform'd to find!<br />
+“But dumb thou art, nor with responsive words,<br />
+“Me cheerest. From thy deep chest sighs alone<br />
+“Thou utterest, and loud lowings to my words:<br />
+“Thou canst no more. Unwitting I prepar'd<br />
+“Thy marriage torches, anxious to behold<br />
+“A son, and next a son of thine to see.<br />
+“Now from the herd a husband must thou seek,<br />
+“Now with the herd thy sons must wander forth.<br />
+“Nor death my woes can finish: curst the gift<br />
+“Of immortality. Eternal grief<br />
+“Must still corrode me; Lethé's gate is clos'd.�<br />
+Thus griev'd the god, when starry Argus tore<br />
+His charge away, and to a distant mead<br />
+Drove her to pasture;&mdash;he a lofty hill's<br />
+Commanding prospect chose, and seated there<br />
+View'd all around alike on every side.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But now heaven's ruler could no more contain,<br />
+To see the sorrows Iö felt:&mdash;he calls<br />
+His son, of brightest Pleiäd mother born,<br />
+And bids him quickly compass Argus' death.<br />
+Instant around his heels his wings he binds;<br />
+His rod somniferous grasps; nor leaves his cap.<br />
+Accoutred thus, from native heights he springs,<br />
+And lights on earth; removes his cap; his wings<br />
+Unlooses; and his wand alone retains:<br />
+<a name="page34"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;34]</span>
+Through devious paths with this, a shepherd now,<br />
+A flock he drives of goats, and tunes his pipe<br />
+Of reeds constructed. Argus hears the sound,<br />
+Junonian guard, and captivated cries,&mdash;<br />
+“Come, stranger, sit with me upon this mount:<br />
+“Nor for thy flock more fertile pasture grows,<br />
+“Than round this spot;&mdash;and here the shade thou seest<br />
+“To shepherds' ease inviting.�&mdash;Hermes sate,<br />
+And with his converse stay'd declining day.<br />
+Long he discours'd, and anxious strove to lull<br />
+With music sweet, the all-observant eyes;<br />
+But long he strove in vain: soft slumber's bonds<br />
+Argus opposes;&mdash;of his numerous lights,<br />
+Part sleep, but others jealous watch his charge.<br />
+And now he questions whence the pipe was form'd,<br />
+The pipe but new-discover'd to the world.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then thus the god:&mdash;“A lovely Naiäd nymph,<br />
+“With bleak Arcadia's Hamadryads nurs'd,<br />
+“And on Nonacriné for beauty fam'd<br />
+“Was Syrinx. Oft the satyrs wild she fled;<br />
+“Nor these alone, but every god that roves<br />
+“In shady forests, or in fertile fields.<br />
+“Dian' she follows, and her virgin life.<br />
+“Like Dian' cinctur'd, she might Dian' seem,<br />
+“Save that a golden bow the goddess bears;<br />
+“The nymph a bow of horn: yet still to most<br />
+<a name="page35"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;35]</span>
+“Mistake was easy. From Lycæum's height,<br />
+“His head encompass'd with the pointed pine,<br />
+“Returning, her the lustful Pan espy'd,<br />
+“And cry'd:&mdash;Fair virgin grant a god's request,&mdash;<br />
+“A god who burns to wed thee. Here he stays.<br />
+“Through pathless forests flies the nymph, and scorns<br />
+“His warm intreaties, till the gravelly stream<br />
+“Of Ladon, smoothly winding, she beheld.<br />
+“The waves impede her flight. She earnest prays<br />
+“Her sister-nymphs her human form to change.<br />
+“Now thinks the sylvan god his clasping arms<br />
+“Inclose her, whilst he grasps but marshy reeds.&mdash;<br />
+“He mournful sighs; the light reeds catch his breath,<br />
+“And soft reverberate the plaintive sound.<br />
+“The dulcet movement charms th' enraptur'd god,<br />
+“Who,&mdash;thus forever shall we join,&mdash;exclaims!<br />
+“With wax combin'd th' unequal reeds he forms<br />
+“A pipe, which still the virgin's name retains.�<br />
+While thus the god, he every eye beheld<br />
+Weigh'd heavy, sink in sleep, and stopp'd his tale.<br />
+His magic rod o'er every lid he draws,<br />
+His sleep confirming, and with crooked blade<br />
+Severs his nodding head, and down the mount<br />
+The bloody ruin hurls,&mdash;the craggy rock<br />
+With gore besmearing. Low, thou Argus liest!<br />
+Extinct thy hundred lights; one night obscure<br />
+<a name="page36"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;36]</span>
+Eclipsing all. But Juno seiz'd the rays,<br />
+And on the plumage of her favor'd bird,<br />
+In gaudy pride, the starry gems she plac'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With furious ire she flam'd, and instant sent<br />
+The dread Erinnys to the Argive maid.<br />
+Before her eyes, within her breast she dwelt<br />
+A secret torment, and in terror drove<br />
+Her exil'd through the world. 'Twas thou, O Nile!<br />
+Her tedious wandering ended. On thy banks<br />
+Weary'd she kneel'd, and on her back, supine<br />
+Her neck she lean'd:&mdash;her sad face to the skies,<br />
+What could she more?&mdash;she lifted. Unto Jove<br />
+By groans, and tears, and mournful lows she plain'd,<br />
+And begg'd her woes might end. The mighty god<br />
+Around his consort's neck embracing hung.<br />
+And pray'd her wrath might finish. “Fear no more<br />
+“A rival love, in her,� he said, “to see;�<br />
+And bade the Stygian streams his words record.<br />
+Appeas'd the goddess, Iö straight resumes<br />
+Her wonted shape, as lovely as before.<br />
+The rough hair flies; the crooked horns are shed;<br />
+Her visual orbits narrow; and her mouth<br />
+In size contracts; her arms and hands return;<br />
+Parted in five small nails her hoofs are lost:<br />
+Nought of the lovely heifer now remains,<br />
+Save the bright splendor. On her feet erect<br />
+<a name="page37"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;37]</span>
+With two now only furnish'd, stands the maid.<br />
+To speak she fears, lest bellowing sounds should break,<br />
+And timid tries her long-forgotten words.<br />
+Of mighty fame a goddess now, she hears<br />
+Of nations linen-clad the pious prayers.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then bore she Epaphus, whose birth deriv'd<br />
+From mighty Jove, his temples through the land,<br />
+An equal worship with his mother's claim.<br />
+Him Phaëton, bright Ph&oelig;bus' youthful son,<br />
+In years and spirit equall'd,&mdash;whose proud boasts,<br />
+To all his sire preferring, Iö's son<br />
+Thus check'd: “O simple! thee thy mother's arts<br />
+“To ought persuade. A feigned sire thou boast'st.�<br />
+Deep blush'd the youth, but shame his rage repress'd,<br />
+And each reproach to Clymené he bore.<br />
+“This too,� he says, “O mother, irks me more,<br />
+“That I so bold, so fierce, urg'd no defence:<br />
+“Which shame is greater? that they dare accuse,<br />
+“Or that accus'd, we cannot prove them false?<br />
+“Do thou my mother,&mdash;if from heaven indeed<br />
+“Descent I claim,&mdash;prove from what stock I spring.<br />
+“My race divine assert.� He said,&mdash;and flung<br />
+Around her neck his arms; and by his life,<br />
+The life of Merops, and his sisters' hopes<br />
+Of nuptial bliss, adjures her to obtain<br />
+Proofs of his birth celestial. Prayers like these<br />
+<a name="page38"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;38]</span>
+The mother doubtless mov'd;&mdash;and rage no less<br />
+To hear the defamation. Up to heaven<br />
+Her arms she raises, gazing on the sun,<br />
+And cries,&mdash;“My child! by yon bright rays I swear<br />
+“In brilliance glittering, which now hear and view,<br />
+“Our every word and action&mdash;thou art sprung<br />
+“From him, the sun thou see'st;&mdash;the sun who rules<br />
+“With tempering sway the seasons:&mdash;If untrue<br />
+“My words, let me his light no more behold!<br />
+“Nor long the toil to seek thy father's dome,<br />
+“His palace whence he rises borders close<br />
+“On our land's confines.&mdash;If thou dar'st the task,<br />
+“Go forth, and from himself thy birth enquire.�<br />
+Elate to hear her words, the youth departs<br />
+Instant, and all the sky in mind he grasps.<br />
+Through Æthiopia's regions swiftly went,<br />
+With India plac'd beneath the burning zone:<br />
+And quickly reach'd his own paternal east.<br />
+<a name="page39"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;39]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter3"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Second Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Palace of the Sun. Phaëton's reception by his father. His request
+to drive the chariot. The Sun's useless arguments to dissuade him from
+the attempt. Description of the car. Cautions how to perform the
+journey. Terror of Phaëton, and his inability to rule the horses. Conflagration
+of the world. Petition of Earth to Jupiter, and death
+of Phaëton by thunder. Grief of Clymené, and of his sisters. Change
+of the latter to poplars, and their tears to amber. Transformation of
+Cycnus to a swan. Mourning of Ph&oelig;bus. Jupiter's descent to earth;
+and amour with Calistho. Birth of Arcas, and transformation of Calistho
+to a bear; and afterwards with Arcas to a constellation. Story of
+Coronis. Tale of the daw to the raven. Change of the raven's color.
+Esculapius. Ocyrrhoë's prophecies, and transformation to a mare.
+Apollo's herds stolen by Mercury. Battus' double-dealing, and change
+to a touchstone. Mercury's love for Hersé. Envy. Aglauros changed
+to a statue. Rape of Europa.
+<a name="page40"></a>
+<a name="page41"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;41]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter4"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Second Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By towering columns bright with burnish'd gold,<br />
+And fiery gems, which blaz'd their light around,<br />
+Upborne, the palace stood. The lofty roof<br />
+With ivory smooth incas'd. The folding doors,<br />
+Of silver shone, but much by sculpture grac'd,<br />
+For Vulcan there with curious hand had carv'd<br />
+The ocean girding in the land; the land;<br />
+And heaven o'ershadowing: here cerulean gods<br />
+Sport in the waves, grim Triton with his shell;<br />
+Proteus shape-changing; and Ægeon huge,&mdash;<br />
+His mighty arms upon the large broad backs<br />
+Of whales hard pressing: Doris and her nymphs:<br />
+<a name="page42"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;42]</span>
+Some sportive swimming; on a rocky seat<br />
+Some their green tresses drying; others borne<br />
+By fish swift-gliding: nor the same all seem'd,<br />
+Yet sister-like a close resembling look<br />
+Each face pervaded. Earth her natives bore,<br />
+Mankind;&mdash;and woods, and cities, there were seen;<br />
+Wild beasts, and streams, and nymphs, and rural gods.<br />
+'Bove all the bright display of heaven was hung&mdash;<br />
+Six signs celestial o'er each portal grav'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The daring youth, the steep ascent attain'd,<br />
+O'erstepp'd the threshold of his dubious sire,<br />
+And hasty rush'd to meet paternal eyes;<br />
+But sudden stay'd: so fierce a blaze of light<br />
+No nearer he sustain'd. In purple clad,<br />
+The god a regal emerald throne upheld;<br />
+Encircled round by hours which space the day;<br />
+By days themselves; and ages, months, and years.<br />
+Crown'd with a flowery garland Spring appear'd:<br />
+Chaplets of grain the swarthy brows adorn'd<br />
+Of naked Summer: smear'd with trodden grapes<br />
+Stood Autumn: icy Winter fill'd the groupe;&mdash;<br />
+Snow-white his shaggy locks. Sol from the midst<br />
+His eyes all-seeing glanc'd upon the youth,<br />
+Startled and trembling at the wonderous sight;<br />
+And cried:&mdash;“What brings my Phaëton, my son,<br />
+“Whose sire shall ne'er disclaim him? tell me now,<br />
+<a name="page43"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;43]</span>
+“What here thou seekest?� Thus the youth replies:&mdash;<br />
+“O father, Ph&oelig;bus, universal light!<br />
+“If justly, I thy honor'd name may use,<br />
+“Nor proudly boasting Clymené conceals<br />
+“A crime by falshood; grant paternal signs,<br />
+“The world convincing that from thee I spring;<br />
+“Reproachful doubts erasing from my mind.�<br />
+He said;&mdash;the sire the glittering rays removes<br />
+That blaz'd around his head,&mdash;invites him nigh,<br />
+And thus embracing:&mdash;“Proud I own thee, son,<br />
+“For all is true by Clymené disclos'd.<br />
+“If still thou doubtest, name the gift thou lik'st,&mdash;<br />
+“That shalt thou have; for that will I bestow.<br />
+“Ye streams unseen, which hear celestial oaths<br />
+“My vows attest!� But scarce had Ph&oelig;bus spoke,<br />
+When Phaëton, the fiery car demands,&mdash;<br />
+Demands his sway the winged-footed steeds<br />
+One day should suffer. Soon the solemn oath<br />
+Ph&oelig;bus lamented: three times mournful shook<br />
+His glorious tresses and in sorrow cry'd&mdash;<br />
+“Would I could yet deny thee!&mdash;O my son!<br />
+“All else with gladness will I hear thee ask;&mdash;<br />
+“List to persuasion,&mdash;perseverance sure<br />
+“Will risk thy ruin. Phaëton, my child!<br />
+“The task thou seek'st is arduous; far unfit<br />
+“For those weak arms, and age so immature.<br />
+“Mortal,&mdash;thou would'st a seat immortal press.<br />
+<a name="page44"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;44]</span>
+“Ignorant of grasping more than all the gods<br />
+“Attempt to manage. Every power we grant<br />
+“Diverse excels; but I of all the gods,<br />
+“Have force in that igniferous car to stand.<br />
+“Ev'n Jove, the ruler of Olympus vast,<br />
+“Whose right hand terrible fierce lightenings hurls,<br />
+“This chariot never rul'd: and who than Jove,<br />
+“More mighty deem we? Steep the first ascent,<br />
+“The fresh steeds clamber up the height with pain:<br />
+“High in mid heaven arriv'd, to view beneath<br />
+“Ocean and earth, oft strikes even me with fear,<br />
+“And with dread palpitation shakes my breast.<br />
+“Prerupt the end, and asks a firm restraint;<br />
+“Tethys herself who nightly me receives,<br />
+“Beneath the waves, fears oft my headlong fall.<br />
+“Nor all;&mdash;the skies a constant whirling bears<br />
+“In rapid motion, and the heavenly orbs<br />
+“Sweep with them swift; I strive the adverse my;<br />
+“Nor can th' impetuous force which whirls the rest<br />
+“Bear with them me; I stem the rapid world<br />
+“With force superior. Grant, the car I yield,&mdash;<br />
+“Could'st thou the swift rotation of the poles<br />
+“Stem nervous, nor be borne with them along?<br />
+“Perchance imagination fills thy mind,<br />
+“With groves, and dwellings of celestial gods,<br />
+“And temples richly deck'd with offer'd gold,<br />
+“Where thou shall pass. Far else;&mdash;thy journey lies,<br />
+<a name="page45"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;45]</span>
+“Through ambushes, and savage monsters' forms.<br />
+“Ev'n shouldst thou lucky not erratic stray,<br />
+“Yet must thou pass the Bull's opposing horns;<br />
+“The bow Hæmonian, by the Centaur bent;<br />
+“The Lion's countenance grim; the Scorpion's claws<br />
+“Bent cruel in a circuit large; the Crab<br />
+“In lesser compass curving. Hard the task<br />
+“To rule the steeds with those fierce fires inflam'd,<br />
+“Within their breasts, which through their nostrils glow.<br />
+“Scarce bear they my control, when mad with heat<br />
+“Their high necks spurn the rein. But, oh! my son,<br />
+“Beware lest I a fatal gift bestow.<br />
+“Retract, while yet thou may'st, thy rash demand.<br />
+“Sure tokens thou requir'st to prove thee sprung<br />
+“From me,&mdash;the genuine offspring of my blood:<br />
+“My anxious trembling is a token true;<br />
+“Paternal terrors plainly prove the sire.<br />
+“Lo! on my features fix thine eyes; as well,<br />
+“I would thou could'st them place within my breast,<br />
+“And view the anguish of a father's cares.<br />
+“Last throw thy looks around; the riches view,<br />
+“Whatever earth contains, and some demand;<br />
+“Some of so many and such mighty gifts:<br />
+“In heaven, or earth, or sea, 'tis undeny'd.<br />
+“This only would I grant not, as its grant<br />
+“Is punishment, not favor. Phaëton<br />
+“Asks evil for a gift. Why, foolish boy,<br />
+<a name="page46"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;46]</span>
+“Hang on my neck thus coaxing with thine arms?<br />
+“Whate'er thou would'st, thou shalt. The Stygian streams<br />
+“Have heard me swear. But make a wiser wish.�<br />
+His admonition ceas'd, but all advice<br />
+Was bootless: still his resolution holds;<br />
+To guide the chariot still his bosom burns.<br />
+The sire, his every effort vain, at length<br />
+Forth to the lofty car, Vulcanian gift,<br />
+Brings the rash youth. Of gold the axle shone;<br />
+The pole of gold; by gold the rolling wheels<br />
+Were circled; every spoke with silver bright;<br />
+Upon the seat bright chrysolites display'd,<br />
+With various jewels shed a dazzling light,<br />
+From Sol reflected. All the high-soul'd youth<br />
+Admir'd, and while he curious view'd each part,<br />
+Behold Aurora from the purple east<br />
+Wide throws the ruddy portals, and displays<br />
+The halls with roses strewn: the starry host<br />
+Fly, driven by Lucifer,&mdash;himself the last<br />
+To quit his heavenly station. Sol beheld<br />
+The earth and sky grow red, and Luna's horns<br />
+Blunt, and prepar'd to vanish. Straight he bade<br />
+The flying hours to yoke the steeds: his words<br />
+The nimble goddesses obey, and lead<br />
+The steeds fire-breathing from their lofty stalls,<br />
+Ambrosia fed, and fix the sounding reins.<br />
+Then with a sacred ointment Ph&oelig;bus smear'd<br />
+<a name="page47"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;47]</span>
+The face of Phaëton,&mdash;unscorch'd to bear<br />
+The fervid blaze; and on his head a crown<br />
+Of rays he fix'd. His smother'd sighs within<br />
+His anxious breast, sad presages of woe<br />
+Suppressing, thus he spoke:&mdash;“If now my words<br />
+“Though late, thou heedest, spare, O boy! the lash,<br />
+“But tightly grasp the reins: unbid they run,<br />
+“They fly; to check their flight thy labor asks.<br />
+“Not through the five bright zones thy journey lies:<br />
+“Obliquely winds the path, with spacious curve,<br />
+“Three girdles only touching; leaving far<br />
+“The pole Antarctic, and the northern Bear:<br />
+“Be this thy track; there plain thou may'st discern<br />
+“The marks my wheels have made. Since heaven and earth<br />
+“An equal portion of my influence claim;<br />
+“Press not the car too low, nor mount aloft<br />
+“Near topmost heaven: there would'st thou fire the roof<br />
+“Celestial;&mdash;here the earth thou would'st consume.<br />
+“For safety keep the midst. Let thy right wheel<br />
+“Approach the tortuous Snake not: nor thy left<br />
+“Press near the Altar:&mdash;hold the midmost course.<br />
+“Fortune the rest must rule; may she assist<br />
+“Thy undertaking; for thy safety act<br />
+“Better than thou. But more delay deny'd,<br />
+“Lo! whilst I speak the dewy night has touch'd<br />
+“The boundaries plac'd upon th' Hesperian shore.<br />
+“I'm call'd,&mdash;for, darkness fled, Aurora shines.<br />
+<a name="page48"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;48]</span>
+“Seize then, the reins, or if thy mind relents,<br />
+“My counsel rather than my chariot take.<br />
+“Now whilst thou can'st; whilst on a solid base<br />
+“Thou standest, ere thou yet unskilful mount'st<br />
+“The chariot ev'lly wish'd: give me to dart<br />
+“Those rays on earth which thou may'st safely view:�<br />
+Agile the youth bounds from his sire, and stands<br />
+Proud in the chariot; joyously he holds<br />
+Th' entrusted reigns, and from the seat glad thanks<br />
+Th' unwilling parent gives. Meantime neigh'd loud<br />
+In curling flames, the winged steeds of Sol,<br />
+Pyroeis, Æthon, Phlegon, Eous swift;<br />
+And with impatient hoofs the barrier beat;<br />
+Which Tethys, ignorant of her grandson's fate,<br />
+Drove back, and open laid the range of heaven.<br />
+Swiftly they hasten,&mdash;swiftly fly their heels,<br />
+Through the thin air, and through opposing clouds.<br />
+Pois'd by their wings the eastern gales they pass,<br />
+Which started with them: but their burthen light,<br />
+Small felt the pressure on the chariot seat:<br />
+Not what the steeds of Sol had felt before.<br />
+As ships unpois'd reel tottering through the waves,<br />
+Light and unsteady, rambling o'er the main;<br />
+So bounds the car, void of its 'custom'd weight,<br />
+High-toss'd as though unfill'd. This quick perceiv'd,<br />
+Fierce rush the four-yok'd steeds, and quit the path<br />
+Beaten before, and tread a road unknown.<br />
+<a name="page49"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;49]</span>
+Trembling the youth nor knows to pull the reins<br />
+Which side, nor knowing would the steeds obey.<br />
+Then first the frozen Triönes from Sol<br />
+Felt warm, and try'd, but try'd in vain, to dip<br />
+Beneath the sea. The frozen polar snake,<br />
+Sluggish with cold, and indolently mild,<br />
+Warm'd, and dire fierceness gather'd from the flames.<br />
+Thou too, Boötes, fled'st away disturb'd,<br />
+Though slow thy flight, retarded by thy teams.<br />
+And now the luckless Phaëton his eyes<br />
+Cast on the earth remote,&mdash;far distant spread<br />
+Beneath the lofty sky; pale grew his face<br />
+With sudden terror; trembled his weak knees;<br />
+O'ercome with light his eyes in darkness sunk:<br />
+Glad were he now, his father's steeds untouch'd:<br />
+Griev'd that his race he knows; griev'd his request<br />
+Was undeny'd: glad were he now if call'd<br />
+The son of Merops. Ev'n as Boreas sweeps<br />
+Furious the vessel, when the pilot leaves<br />
+The helm to heaven, and puts his trust in prayers<br />
+So was he hurry'd. What remains to do?<br />
+Vast space of heaven behind him lies;&mdash;much more<br />
+He forward views. Each distance in his mind<br />
+Compar'd he measures. Now he forward bends<br />
+To view the west, forbidden him to reach;<br />
+Now to the east he backward turns his eyes.<br />
+With terror stunn'd his trembling hands refuse<br />
+<a name="page50"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;50]</span>
+To hold the reins with vigor; yet he holds.<br />
+The coursers' names, affrighted he forgets:<br />
+Trembling he views the various monsters spread<br />
+Through every part above; and figures huge<br />
+Of beasts ferocious. Heaven a spot contains,<br />
+Where Scorpio bends in two wide bows his arms,<br />
+His tail, and doubly-stretching claws;&mdash;the space<br />
+Encompassing of two celestial signs.<br />
+Soon as the youth the monstrous beast beheld,<br />
+Black poison sweating, and with crooked sting<br />
+Threatening fierce wounds, he nerveless dropp'd the reins:<br />
+Pale dread o'ercame him. Quick the steeds perceiv'd<br />
+The loose thongs playing on their backs, and rush'd<br />
+Wide from the path, uncheck'd;&mdash;through regions strange,<br />
+Now here, now there, impetuous;&mdash;unrestrain'd,<br />
+Amidst the loftiest stars they dash, and drag<br />
+The car through pathless places: upward now<br />
+They labor;&mdash;headlong now they down descend,<br />
+Nearing the earth. With wonder Luna sees<br />
+Her brother's coursers run beneath her own;<br />
+And sees the burnt clouds smoking. Lofty points<br />
+Of earth, feel first the flames, and fissures wide,<br />
+Departing moisture prove. The forage green,<br />
+Whitens; trees crackle with their burning leaves;<br />
+And ripe corn adds its fuel to the blaze.<br />
+Why mourn we trifles? Mighty cities fall;<br />
+Their walls protect them not; their dwellers sink<br />
+<a name="page51"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;51]</span>
+To ashes with them. Woods on mountains flame;&mdash;<br />
+Athos, Cilician Taurus, Tmolus, burn;<br />
+Oeté, and Ide, her pleasant fountains dry;<br />
+With virgin Helicon, and Hæmus high,<br />
+&OElig;agrius since. Now with redoubled flames<br />
+Fierce Etna blazes;&mdash;Eryx, Othrys too;<br />
+Cynthus, and fam'd Parnassus' double top,<br />
+And Rhodopé, at length of snow depriv'd:<br />
+Dindyma, Mimas, and the sacred hill<br />
+Cythæron nam'd, and lofty Mycalé:<br />
+Nor aid their snows the Scythians: Ossa burns,<br />
+Pindus, and Caucasus, and, loftier still,<br />
+The huge Olympus; with the towering Alps;<br />
+And cloud-capt Apennines. Now the youth,<br />
+Beholds earth flaming fierce from every part;&mdash;<br />
+The heat o'erpowers him; fiery air he breathes<br />
+As from a furnace; and the car he rides<br />
+Glows with the flame beneath him: sore annoy'd<br />
+On every side by cinders, and by smoke<br />
+Hot curling round him. Whither now he drives,<br />
+Or where he is, he knows not; in a cloud<br />
+Of pitchy night involv'd; swept as the steeds<br />
+Swift-flying will. The Æthiopians then,<br />
+'Tis said, their sable tincture first receiv'd;<br />
+Their purple blood the glowing heat call'd forth<br />
+To tinge their skins. Then dry'd the scorching fire<br />
+From arid Lybia all her fertile streams.<br />
+<a name="page52"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;52]</span>
+Now with dishevell'd locks the nymphs bewail'd<br />
+Their fountains and their lakes. B&oelig;otia mourns<br />
+The loss of Dircé: Argos Amymoné:<br />
+Corinth laments Pirené. Nor yet safe<br />
+Were rivers bounded by far distant shores,<br />
+Tanais' midmost waves fume to the sky;<br />
+And ancient Peneus smokes: Ismenos swift;<br />
+Caïcus, Teuthrantean; and the flood<br />
+Of Phocis, Erymanthus: Xanthus too,<br />
+Doom'd to be fir'd again: Lycormas brown;<br />
+Mæander's sportive oft recircling waves;<br />
+Mygdonian Melas; and the Spartan flood,<br />
+Eurotas; with Euphrates burn: and burn,<br />
+Orontes; and the rapid Thermodoon;<br />
+Ganges; and Phasis; and the Ister swift.<br />
+Alpheus boils; the banks of Spercheus burn;<br />
+And Tagus' golden sands the flames dissolve.<br />
+Stream-loving swans, whose song melodious rung<br />
+Throughout Mæonian regions, feel the heat,<br />
+Caïster's streams amid. In terror Nile<br />
+Fled to the farthest earth, and sunk his head,<br />
+Yet undiscover'd!&mdash;void the seven-fold stream,<br />
+His mouth seven dry and dusty vales disclos'd.<br />
+Now Hebrus dries, and Strymon, Thracian floods:<br />
+And streams Hesperian, Rhine; and Rhone; and Po;<br />
+And Tiber, destin'd all the world to rule.<br />
+Asunder split the globe, and through the chinks<br />
+<a name="page53"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;53]</span>
+Darted the light to hell: the novel blaze,<br />
+Pluto and Proserpine with terror view'd.<br />
+The ocean shrinks;&mdash;a dry and scorching plain<br />
+Where late was sea appears. Hills lift their heads<br />
+Late by the deep waves hid, and countless seem<br />
+The scatter'd Cyclades. Deep crouch the fish;&mdash;<br />
+The crooked dolphins dare not leap aloft,<br />
+As, custom'd in the air; with breasts upturn'd<br />
+The gasping sea-calves float upon the waves:<br />
+Nereus, with Doris and her daughter-nymphs<br />
+Deep plung'd to seek their low, but tepid caves.<br />
+Thrice Neptune ventur'd to upraise his arms<br />
+Grim frowning,&mdash;thrice the flames too fierce he found,<br />
+And shrunk beneath the waters. Earth at length,<br />
+(By streams and founts encircled,&mdash;for her womb<br />
+Trembling they sought for refuge) rais'd on high<br />
+Her face omniferous, dry and parch'd with heat;<br />
+Her burning forehead shaded with her hand;<br />
+Shook all with tremor huge; then shrank for shade<br />
+Beneath, and gasping, thus to heaven she plain'd:<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Almighty lord! if such thy sovereign will,<br />
+“And I deserve it, why thy lightenings hold<br />
+“Thus idle? If by fire to perish doom'd,&mdash;<br />
+“Be it by thine,&mdash;an honorable fate!<br />
+“Scarce can my lips now utter forth my pains!&mdash;<br />
+Volumes of smoke oppress'd her&mdash;“See, my hair<br />
+<a name="page54"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;54]</span>
+“Sing'd with the flames! Behold my face,&mdash;my eyes,<br />
+“Scorch'd with hot embers! Is no better boon<br />
+“Due for the fruits I furnish? Such reward,<br />
+“Suits it my fertile crops? or cruel wounds<br />
+“Of harrow, rake, and plough, which through the year<br />
+“Enforc'd I suffer? For the herds I bring<br />
+“Green herbs and grass; bland aliments, ripe fruit<br />
+“For man; and incense for ye mighty gods:<br />
+“Faulty is this? But grant thy wrath deserv'd,<br />
+“How do the waves, thy brother's realm offend?<br />
+“Why does the main, to him by lot decreed,<br />
+“Shrink and retreat from heaven? Thy brother's weal,<br />
+“Say it concerns thee not, nor my distress;<br />
+“Care for thy own paternal heaven may move.<br />
+“Thine eyes cast round,&mdash;black smoke from either pole<br />
+“Mounts!&mdash;soon the greedy flames your halls will seize.<br />
+“Lo! Atlas labors;&mdash;scarcely he sustains<br />
+“The burning load. If earth and ocean flame,<br />
+“And heaven too perish, all to chaös turn'd,<br />
+“Confounded we shall sink. Snatch from the flames<br />
+“What yet, if ought, remains, and nature save.�<br />
+No more could Earth, for now thick vapors rose,<br />
+Her speech obstructing; down she shrunk her head,<br />
+And shelter'd 'midst the cool Tartarian shades.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now Jove, the gods, all witness to the fact<br />
+Conven'd; ev'n Sol, the donor of the car,<br />
+<a name="page55"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;55]</span>
+That but for him the world in ruins soon<br />
+Would lie. The loftiest height of heaven he gains,<br />
+Whence clouds he wont upon the wide-spread earth<br />
+To shower;&mdash;from whence his thunders loud he hurl'd;<br />
+And quivering lightenings flung: but now nor clouds,<br />
+Nor showers to rain on earth the sovereign had.<br />
+He thunders;&mdash;from his right-ear pois'd, the bolt<br />
+Hurls on the charioteer. Life, and the car,<br />
+Phaëton quits at once;&mdash;his fatal fires,<br />
+By fires more fierce extinguish'd. Startled prance<br />
+The steeds confounded; free their fiery necks<br />
+From the torn reins: here lie the traces broke;<br />
+There the strong axle, sever'd from the seat;<br />
+Spokes of the shatter'd wheels are here display'd;<br />
+And scatter'd far and wide the car's remains.<br />
+Hurl'd headlong falls the youth, his golden locks,<br />
+Flame as he tumbles, swept through empty air,<br />
+A lengthen'd track he forms: so seems a star<br />
+In night serene, but only seems, to shoot.<br />
+Far from paternal home, the mighty Po<br />
+Receiv'd his burning corps, and quench'd the flames.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Due rites the nymphs Hesperian gave the limbs<br />
+From the fork'd lightening flaming. On his tomb<br />
+This epitaph they grav'd: “Here Phaëton<br />
+“Intombed rests; the charioteer so bold,<br />
+“Of Ph&oelig;bus' car, which though he fail'd to rule,<br />
+<a name="page56"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;56]</span>
+“He perish'd greatly daring.� Griev'd his sire,<br />
+Veil'd his sad face; and, were tradition true,<br />
+One day saw not the sun; the embers blaz'd<br />
+Sufficient light: thus may misfortune aid.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Clymené with all that sorrow could<br />
+To ease her woes give utterance, loud had wail'd<br />
+In wild lament; all spark of reason fled,<br />
+Her bosom tearing, through the world she roam'd.<br />
+And now his limbs inanimate she sought;<br />
+Then for his whiten'd bones: his bones she found,<br />
+On banks far distant from his home inhum'd.<br />
+Prone on his tomb her form she flung, and pour'd<br />
+Her tears in floods upon the graven lines:<br />
+And with her bosom bar'd, the cold stone warm'd.<br />
+His sisters' love their fruitless offerings bring,<br />
+Their griefs and briny droppings; cruel tear<br />
+Their beauteous bosoms; while they loudly call<br />
+Phaëton, deaf to all their mournful cries.<br />
+Stretch'd on his tomb, by night, by day they call'd.<br />
+Till Luna's circle four times fill'd was seen;<br />
+Their blows still given as 'custom'd, (use had made<br />
+Their forms of grief as nature). Sudden plain'd<br />
+Fair Phaëthusa, eldest of the three,<br />
+Of stiffen'd feet; as on the tomb she strove<br />
+To cast her body prone. Lampetie bright,<br />
+Rushing in hope to aid, a shooting root<br />
+<a name="page57"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;57]</span>
+Abruptly held. With lifted hands the third<br />
+Her locks to tear attempted; but green leaves<br />
+Tore off instead. Now this laments her legs,<br />
+Bound with thin bark; that mourns to see her arms<br />
+Shoot in long branches. While they wonder thus,<br />
+Th' increasing bark their bodies upward veils,<br />
+Their breasts, their arms, and hands, with gradual growth:<br />
+Their mouths alone remain; which loudly call<br />
+Their mother. What a mother could, she did:<br />
+What could she do? save, here and there to fly,<br />
+Where blind affection dragg'd her; and while yet,<br />
+'Twas given to join, join with them mouth to mouth.<br />
+Nor this contents; she strives to tear the rind,<br />
+Their limbs enwrapping; and the tender boughs<br />
+Pluck from their hands: but from the rended spot<br />
+The sanguine drops flow swift. Each suffering nymph<br />
+Cries,&mdash;“Spare me, mother!&mdash;spare your wounded child;<br />
+“I suffer in the tree.&mdash;farewell!&mdash;farewell!�&mdash;<br />
+For as they spoke the rind their mouths inclos'd.<br />
+From these new branches tears were dropp'd, and shap'd<br />
+By solar heat, bright amber straight compos'd.<br />
+Dropt in the lucid stream, the prize was borne<br />
+To Latium, and its gayest nymphs adorn'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This wonderous change Sthenelian Cycnus saw;<br />
+To thee, O Phaëton, by kindred join'd,<br />
+But by affection closer. He his realms,<br />
+<a name="page58"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;58]</span>
+(For o'er Liguria's large and populous towns<br />
+He reign'd) had then relinquish'd. With his plaints,<br />
+The Po's wide stream was fill'd; and fill'd the banks<br />
+With his lamentings; ev'n the woods, whose shade<br />
+The sister poplars thicken'd. Soon he feels<br />
+His utterance shrill and weak: his streaming locks<br />
+Soft snowy plumes displace: high from his chest,<br />
+His lengthen'd neck extends: a filmy web<br />
+Unites his ruddy toes: his sides are cloth'd<br />
+With quills and feathers: where his mouth was seen<br />
+Expanded, now a blunted beak obtains;<br />
+And Cycnus stands a bird;&mdash;but bird unknown<br />
+In days of yore. Mistrustful still of Jove,<br />
+His heaven he shuns; as mindful of the flames<br />
+From thence unjustly hurl'd. Wide lakes and ponds<br />
+He seeks to habit now;&mdash;indignant shuns<br />
+What favors fire, and joys in purling streams.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meantime was Ph&oelig;bus dull, his blaze obscur'd,<br />
+As when eclips'd his orb: his rays he hates;<br />
+Himself; and even the day. To grief his soul<br />
+He gives, and anger to his grief he joins;<br />
+Depriving earth of all its wonted light.<br />
+“Troubled my lot has been,� he cry'd, “since first<br />
+“Was publish'd my existence:&mdash;urg'd my toil<br />
+“Endless,&mdash;still unremitted, still unprais'd.<br />
+“Now let who will my furious chariot drive<br />
+<a name="page59"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;59]</span>
+“Flammiferous! If every god shall shrink<br />
+“Inadequate,&mdash;let Jove the task attempt:<br />
+“Then while my reins he tries, at least those flames,<br />
+“Which cause parental grief must peaceful rest.<br />
+“Then when the fiery flaming coursers strain<br />
+“His nervous arms, no more he'll judge the youth<br />
+“Of death deserving, who could less control.�<br />
+Sol, grieving thus, the deities surround,<br />
+And suppliant beg that earth may mourn no more,<br />
+By darkness 'whelm'd. Ev'n Jove concession gave,&mdash;<br />
+And why his fiery bolts were launch'd explain'd;<br />
+But threats and prayers majestically mix'd.<br />
+The steeds with terror trembling, Ph&oelig;bus seiz'd,<br />
+Wild from their late affright, and rein'd their jaws;<br />
+Furious he wields his goad and lash, and fierce<br />
+He storms, and their impetuous fury blames<br />
+At every blow, as murderers of his son.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;High heaven's huge walls the mighty sire explores,<br />
+With eye close searching, lest a weakening flaw,<br />
+Might hurl some part to ruin. All he found<br />
+Firm in its pristine strength;&mdash;then glanc'd his eye<br />
+Around the earth, and toils of man below.<br />
+'Bove all terrestrial lands, Arcadia felt&mdash;<br />
+His own Arcadia&mdash;his preserving care.<br />
+Her fountains he restores; her streams not yet<br />
+To murmur daring; to her fields he gives<br />
+<a name="page60"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;60]</span>
+Seed-corn; and foliage to her spreading boughs;<br />
+And her scorch'd forests bids again look green.<br />
+Through here as oft he journey'd, and return'd,<br />
+A virgin of Nonacriné he spy'd,<br />
+And instant inward fire the god consum'd.<br />
+No nymph was she whose skill the wool prepar'd;<br />
+Nor comb'd with art her tresses seem'd; full plain,<br />
+Her vest a button held; a fillet white<br />
+Careless her hair confin'd. Now pois'd her hand<br />
+A javelin light, and now a bow she bore:<br />
+In Dian's train she ran, nor nymph more dear<br />
+To her the mountain Mænalus e'er trode.<br />
+But brief the reign of favor! Sol had now<br />
+Beyond mid-heaven attain'd; Calistho sought<br />
+A grove where felling axe had never rung:<br />
+Here was her quiver from her shoulder thrown;<br />
+Her slender bow unstrung; and on the ground<br />
+With soft grass clad she rested: 'neath her neck<br />
+Was plac'd the painted quiver. Jove, the maid<br />
+Weary'd beheld, and from her wonted troop<br />
+Far distant. “Surely now, my wife,� he cries,<br />
+“This theft can ne'er discover. Should she know,<br />
+“What is her rage with such a prize compar'd?�<br />
+Then Dian's face and form the god conceal'd;<br />
+Loud calling,&mdash;“Where, O virgin, hast thou stray'd?<br />
+“What hills, my comrade, hast thou crost in chase?�<br />
+Light springing from the turf, the nymph reply'd,&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page61"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;61]</span>
+“Hail goddess, greater, if with me the palm,<br />
+“Than Jove himself, though Jove himself should hear.�<br />
+The feign'd Diana smil'd, and joy'd to hear<br />
+Him to himself preferr'd; then press'd her lips<br />
+With kisses, such as virgins never give<br />
+To virgins. Her, prepar'd to tell the woods<br />
+Where late she hunted, with a warm embrace<br />
+He hinder'd; and his crime the god disclos'd.<br />
+Hard strove the nymph,&mdash;and what could female more?<br />
+(O Juno, hadst thou seen her, less thy ire!)<br />
+Long she resists, but what can nymph attain,<br />
+Or any mortal, when to Jove oppos'd?<br />
+Victor the god ascends th' ethereal court.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The groves and forests, conscious of the deed,<br />
+Calistho hates; so swift she flies the spot,<br />
+Her quiver, and her darts, and slender bow<br />
+Suspended on the tree, through eager haste<br />
+Were nigh forgotten. Lo! Diana comes,<br />
+By clustering nymphs attended, o'er the hills<br />
+Of lofty Mænalus, from slaughter'd beasts,<br />
+Proudly triumphant. She Calistho sees,<br />
+And calls her;&mdash;as the goddess calls she flies,<br />
+Fearing another Jove disguis'd to meet.<br />
+But when th' attendant virgin-troop appear'd,<br />
+Fraud she no more suspected, but the train<br />
+<a name="page62"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;62]</span>
+Join'd fearless. Hard the countenance to form,<br />
+And not betray a perpetrated crime!<br />
+Scarce from the ground she dar'd her looks to raise;<br />
+Nor with her wonted ardor press'd before,<br />
+First of the throng, close to Diana's side.<br />
+Silent she moves; her blushes prove a wound<br />
+Her modesty had felt. E'en Dian' might,<br />
+(But that a virgin,) all the truth have known.<br />
+By numerous proofs and strong. Nay, fame reports<br />
+Her sister-nymphs had long her shame perceiv'd.<br />
+Nine times had Luna now her orb renew'd,<br />
+When Dian' from the chase retreating faint<br />
+By Ph&oelig;bus' rays, had gain'd a forest cool,<br />
+Where flow'd a limpid stream with murmuring noise,<br />
+The shining sand upturning. Much the spot<br />
+The goddess tempted, and her feet she dipp'd<br />
+Light in the waves, as to the nymphs she cry'd:&mdash;<br />
+“Hence far each prying eye, we'll dare unrobe<br />
+“And lave beneath the stream.� Calistho blush'd;&mdash;<br />
+Quick while the other nymphs their bodies bare,<br />
+Protracting she undresses. From her limbs,<br />
+Suspicious they the garments rend, and view<br />
+Her body naked, and her fault is plain.<br />
+To her, confus'd, whose trembling hands essay'd<br />
+Her shame to hide, Diana spoke;&mdash;“Hence fly,&mdash;<br />
+“Far hence, nor more these sacred streams pollute.�<br />
+And drove her instant from her spotless train.<br />
+<a name="page63"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;63]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Long time the mighty thunderer's queen had known<br />
+Calistho's state; but curb'd her furious ire<br />
+Till ripe occasion suited: longer now<br />
+Delay were needless; now the nymph produc'd<br />
+Arcas; whom Juno more enrag'd beheld.<br />
+With savage mind, and furious look she ey'd<br />
+The boy, and spoke;&mdash;“Adulteress! this alone<br />
+“Was wanting! fruitful, harlot, hast thou prov'd?<br />
+“Must by this birth my wrongs in public glare?<br />
+“And what dishonor I from Jove receive<br />
+“Be palpable to sight. Expect not thou<br />
+“Impunity to find. Thy form I'll change,&mdash;<br />
+“To thee so pleasing, and so dear to Jove.�<br />
+She said; and on the flowing tresses seiz'd<br />
+Which o'er her forehead stream'd, and prostrate dragg'd<br />
+The nymph to earth. She rais'd her suppliant hands,&mdash;<br />
+With black hairs cover'd, rough her arms appear'd;<br />
+Bent were her hands, and, with her lengthen'd nails<br />
+To claws transform'd, press'd on the ground as feet;<br />
+Her mouth so beauteous, late of Jove admir'd,<br />
+Yawn'd wide deformity;&mdash;and lest soft prayers<br />
+And flowing words, might pity move, no power<br />
+To speak she left. Now through her hoarse throat sounds<br />
+An angry threatening voice that fear instills;<br />
+A bear becoming, though her sense the same:<br />
+Her sufferings proving by her constant groans.<br />
+Lifting to heaven such hands as lift she could,<br />
+<a name="page64"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;64]</span>
+Jove she ungrateful found, but Jove to call<br />
+Ungrateful, strove in vain. Alas! how oft<br />
+In woods and solitudes, to sleep afraid,<br />
+She roam'd around the house and fertile fields<br />
+Of late her own!&mdash;-Alas, how oft thence driven<br />
+By yelping hounds o'er craggy steeps she fled!<br />
+Thou dread'st the hunters though an huntress thou!<br />
+Oft was her form forgotten, and in fear<br />
+From beasts she crouch'd conceal'd: the shaggy bear<br />
+Shudder'd to see the bears upon the hills;<br />
+And at the wolves she trembled, though with wolves<br />
+Her sire Lycaön howl'd. Now Arcas comes;<br />
+Arcas, her son, unconscious of his race.<br />
+Near fifteen suns the youth had seen revolv'd;<br />
+And while the game he chases, while he seeks<br />
+Thickets best suited for his sports, and round<br />
+The Erymanthean woods his toils he sets,<br />
+He meets his mother:&mdash;at his sight she stay'd,<br />
+The well-known object viewing. Arcas fled<br />
+Trembling, unconscious why those eyes were fix'd<br />
+On him immoveably. His spear, prepar'd<br />
+To pierce his mother's breast, as near she draws<br />
+The youth protends. But Jove the deed prevents:<br />
+Both bears away, and stays the matricide.<br />
+Swept through the void of heaven by rapid whirl<br />
+They're borne, and neighbouring constellations made,<br />
+<a name="page65"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;65]</span>
+Loud Juno rag'd, to see the harlot shine,<br />
+Amid the stars; and 'neath the deep descends,<br />
+To hoary Tethys, and her ancient spouse;<br />
+Where reverence oft the host of heaven had shewn.<br />
+And thus to them, who anxious seek the cause,<br />
+Why there she journeys. “Wish ye then to know<br />
+“Why I the queen of heaven, my regal seat<br />
+“Now leave? Another fills my lofty throne!<br />
+“Nor false I speak,&mdash;for when gray night shall spread<br />
+“O'er all,&mdash;new constellations shall you see<br />
+“Me irking,&mdash;on the utmost bounds of heaven,<br />
+“Where the last shorten'd zone the axis binds.<br />
+“Now surely none, t' insult shall rashly dare<br />
+“The thunderer's spouse, but tremble at her frown;<br />
+“For she who most offends is honor'd most!<br />
+“Much has my power perform'd!&mdash;vast is my sway!<br />
+“Her human form I chang'd,&mdash;and lo! she shines<br />
+“A goddess;&mdash;thus the guilty feel my ire!<br />
+“Thus potent I. Why not her form restore,<br />
+“And change that beastly shape, as Iö once<br />
+“In Argolis, the same indulgence felt.<br />
+“Why drives he not his consort from his bed,<br />
+“Calistho placing there;&mdash;for sire-in-law<br />
+“The wolf Lycaön chusing? If to you<br />
+“Your foster-daughter's insults ought import,<br />
+“Forbid these stars to touch the blue profound:<br />
+“Repel those constellations, plac'd in heaven,<br />
+<a name="page66"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;66]</span>
+“Meed of adultery; lest the harlot dip<br />
+“In your pure waves.�&mdash;The gods their promise gave<br />
+And through the liquid air Saturnia flies,<br />
+Borne in her chariot by her peacocks bright;<br />
+Their coats gay studded from fall'n Argus' eyes.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Less beauteous was the change, loquacious crow,<br />
+Thy plumage suffer'd,&mdash;snowy white to black.<br />
+With silvery brightness once his feathers shone;<br />
+Unspotted doves outvying; nor to those<br />
+Preserving birds the capital whose voice<br />
+So watchful sav'd;&mdash;nor to the stream-fond swans,<br />
+Inferior seem'd his covering: but his tongue,<br />
+His babbling tongue his ruin wrought; and chang'd<br />
+His hue from splendid white to gloomy black.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No fairer maid all Thessaly contain'd,<br />
+Than young Coronis,&mdash;to the Delphic god<br />
+Most dear while chaste, or while her fault unknown.<br />
+But Corvus, Ph&oelig;bus' watchman, spy'd the deed<br />
+Adulterous;&mdash;and inexorably bent<br />
+To tell the secret crime, his flight directs<br />
+To seek his master. Him the daw pursues,<br />
+On plumes quick waving, curious all to learn.<br />
+His errand heard, she cries;&mdash;“Thy anxious task,<br />
+“A journey vain, pursue not: mark my words;&mdash;<br />
+“Learn what I have been;&mdash;see what now I am;<br />
+<a name="page67"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;67]</span>
+“And hear from whence my change: a fault you'll find<br />
+“Too much fidelity, which wrought my woe.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Time was, when Pallas, Ericthonius took,<br />
+“Offspring created motherless, and close<br />
+“In basket twin'd with Attic twigs conceal'd.<br />
+“The charge to keep, three sister-maids she chose,<br />
+“Daughters of Cecrops double-form'd, but close,<br />
+“Conceal'd what lodg'd within; and strict forbade<br />
+“All prying, that her secret safe might rest.<br />
+“On a thick elm, behind light leaves conceal'd,<br />
+“I mark'd their actions. Two their sacred charge<br />
+“Hold faithful; Pandrosos, and Hersé they:<br />
+“Aglauros calls her sisters cowards weak;<br />
+“The twistings with bold hand unloosening, sees<br />
+“Within an infant, and a dragon stretch'd.<br />
+“The deed I tell to Pallas, and from her<br />
+“My service this remuneration finds:<br />
+“Driven from her presence, she my place supplies<br />
+“Of favorite with the gloomy bird of night.<br />
+“All other birds my fate severe may warn,<br />
+“To seek not danger by officious tales.<br />
+“Pallas, perhaps you think, but lightly lov'd<br />
+“One whom she thus so suddenly disgrac'd.<br />
+“But ask of Pallas;&mdash;she, though much enrag'd<br />
+“Will yet my truth confirm. A regal maid<br />
+“Was I,&mdash;of facts to all well-known I speak:<br />
+<a name="page68"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;68]</span>
+“Coroneus noble, of the Phocian lands<br />
+“As sire I claim. Me wealthy suitors sought&mdash;<br />
+“Contemn me not,&mdash;my beauty was my bane.<br />
+“While careless on the sandy shore I roam'd,<br />
+“With gentle pace as wont, the ocean's god<br />
+“Saw me and lov'd: persuasive words in vain<br />
+“Long trying, force prepar'd, and me pursu'd.<br />
+“I fled; the firm shore left, and tir'd my limbs<br />
+“Vainly, upon the light soft sinking sand.<br />
+“There to assist me men and gods I call'd;<br />
+“Deaf to the sound was every mortal ear:<br />
+“But by a virgin's cries a virgin mov'd,<br />
+“Assistance gave. Up to the skies my arms<br />
+“I stretch'd; and black my arms began to grow,<br />
+“With waving pinions. From my shoulders, back<br />
+“My robes I strove to fling,&mdash;my robes were plumes;<br />
+“Deep in my skin the quills were fix'd: I try'd<br />
+“On my bare bosom with my hands to beat;<br />
+“Nor hands nor naked bosom now were found:<br />
+“I ran; the sand no longer now retain'd<br />
+“My feet, but lightly o'er the ground I skimm'd;<br />
+“And soon on pinions through the air was borne;<br />
+“And Pallas' faultless favorite I became.<br />
+“What now avail to me my pure deserts?<br />
+“Nyctimené, whose horrid crime deserv'd<br />
+“Her transformation, to my place succeeds.<br />
+“The deed so wide through spacious Lesbos known,<br />
+<a name="page69"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;69]</span>
+“Ere this has reach'd thee;&mdash;how Nyctimené&mdash;<br />
+“Her father's bed defil'd,&mdash;a bird became.<br />
+“Conscious of guilt, she shuns the sight of man;<br />
+“Flies from the day, and in nocturnal shades<br />
+“Conceals her shame; by every bird assail'd<br />
+“And exil'd from the skies.� The crow in rage<br />
+To her still chattering, cry'd;&mdash;“May each delay<br />
+“Thy babbling causes, prove to thee a curse.<br />
+“I scorn thy foolish presages,�&mdash;and flew<br />
+His journey urging. When his master found,<br />
+He told him where Coronis he had seen<br />
+Claspt by a young Thessalian. Down he dropp'd<br />
+His laurel garland, when the crime he heard<br />
+Of her he lov'd;&mdash;his harp away he flung;<br />
+His countenance fell, and pale his visage grew.<br />
+Now with fierce rage his swelling bosom fires;<br />
+His wonted arms he seizes; draws his bow,<br />
+Bent to the horns; and through that breast so oft<br />
+Embrac'd,&mdash;th' inevitable weapon drove.<br />
+Deep groan'd the wounded nymph, and tearing out<br />
+The arrow from her breast, a purple flood<br />
+Gush'd o'er her shining limbs. She sighing cry'd,&mdash;<br />
+“This fate, O Ph&oelig;bus, I deserv'dly meet,<br />
+“Were but thy infant born;&mdash;two now in one<br />
+“Thy dart has slain!�&mdash;She spoke,&mdash;her vital blood<br />
+Fast flow'd, and stay'd her voice. A deadly chill<br />
+Seiz'd all her members, now of life bereft.<br />
+<a name="page70"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;70]</span>
+Too late, alas! her sorrowing lover mourns<br />
+His cruel vengeance; and himself he hates,<br />
+Too credulous listening, and too soon enflam'd:<br />
+The bird he hates, who first betray'd the deed<br />
+And caus'd him first to grieve: his bow he hates;<br />
+His bowstring; arm; and with his arm the dart,<br />
+Shot vengeful. Fond he clasps her fallen form;<br />
+And strives by skill, by skill too late apply'd<br />
+To conquer fate:&mdash;his healing arts he tries,&mdash;<br />
+All unavailing. Fruitless he beholds<br />
+His each attempt, and sees the pile prepar'd;<br />
+And final flames her limbs about to burn.<br />
+Then from his deepest bosom burst his groans;<br />
+(For tears on cheeks celestial ne'er are seen,)<br />
+Such groans are utter'd when the heifer sees,<br />
+The weighty mallet, from the right ear pois'd,<br />
+Crush down the forehead of her suckling calf.<br />
+And now his useless odors in her breast<br />
+He pour'd; embrac'd her; to her last rites gave<br />
+Solemnization due. The greedy fires<br />
+His offspring were not suffer'd to consume.<br />
+Snatch'd from the curling flames, and from the womb<br />
+Of his dead mother, he the infant bore<br />
+To double-body'd Chiron's secret cave.<br />
+But bade the self-applauding crow, fill'd big<br />
+With hopes of favor for his faithful tale,<br />
+With snowy-plumag'd birds no more to join.<br />
+<a name="page71"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;71]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meantime while Chiron, human half, half beast,<br />
+Proud of his deity-descended charge,<br />
+Joy'd in the honor with the task bestow'd:&mdash;<br />
+Behold, her shoulders with her golden locks<br />
+Shaded, the daughter of the Centaur comes;<br />
+Whom fair Chariclo, on a river's brink<br />
+Swift-rolling, bore, and thence Ocyrrhoë nam'd.<br />
+She not content her father's arts to know,<br />
+The hidden secrets of the fates disclos'd.<br />
+Now was her soul with fate-foretelling sounds<br />
+Fill'd, and within her fiercely rag'd the god:<br />
+The infant viewing;&mdash;“Grow,� she said, “apace,<br />
+“Health-bearer through the world. To thee shall oft<br />
+“Expiring mortals owe returning life!<br />
+“To thee 'tis given to render souls again<br />
+“Back to their bodies! Once thou'lt dare the deed;&mdash;<br />
+“The angry god's forbidding flames, thy power<br />
+“Further preventing:&mdash;and a bloodless corps<br />
+“Heaven-born, thou ly'st;&mdash;-but what thy body form'd<br />
+“A god becomes,&mdash;resuscitated twice.<br />
+“Thou too, my dearest and immortal sire!<br />
+“To ages never-ending, born to live,<br />
+“Shalt wish for death in vain; when writhing sad<br />
+“From the dire serpent's venom in thy limbs,<br />
+“By wounds instill'd. The pitying gods will change<br />
+“Thy destin'd fate, and let immortal die:<br />
+<a name="page72"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;72]</span>
+“The triple sisters shall thy thread divide.<br />
+“More yet untold remains;�&mdash;Deep from her chest<br />
+The sighs burst forth, and starting tears stream down,<br />
+Laving her cheeks, while thus the maid pursues:<br />
+“The fates prevent me, and forbid to tell<br />
+“What more I would;&mdash;all power to speak deny.<br />
+“Those arts, alas! heaven's anger which have drawn,&mdash;<br />
+“What were they? Would I ne'er the future knew!<br />
+“Now seems my human shape to leave me. Now<br />
+“The verdant grass a pleasing food appears.<br />
+“Now am I urg'd along the plain to bound;<br />
+“Chang'd to a mare: unto my sire ally'd<br />
+“In form,&mdash;but why sole chang'd? my father bears<br />
+“A two-form'd body;�&mdash;Wailing thus, her words<br />
+Confus'd and indistinct at length are heard.<br />
+Next sounds are utter'd partly human, more<br />
+A mare's resembling:&mdash;then she neighs aloud;<br />
+Treading with alter'd arms the ground: fast join'd<br />
+Her fingers now become: a slender hoof<br />
+Her toes connecting with continuous horn.<br />
+Her head enlarges; and her neck expands;<br />
+Her spreading garment floats a beauteous tail:<br />
+Her scatter'd tresses o'er her shoulders flung,<br />
+Form a thick mane to clothe her spacious neck:<br />
+Her voice is alter'd with her alter'd shape:<br />
+And change of name the wonderous deed attends.<br />
+<a name="page73"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;73]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deep Chiron mourn'd, O Ph&oelig;bus, and thy aid<br />
+In vain invok'd; for bootless was thy power<br />
+Jove's mandate to resist; nor if thou could'st<br />
+Then wast thou nigh to help. In Elis far,<br />
+And fields Messenian then was thy abode.<br />
+Then was the time when shepherd-like a robe<br />
+Of skins enwrapp'd thee;&mdash;when thy left hand bore<br />
+A sylvan staff;&mdash;thy right a pipe retain'd,<br />
+Of seven unequal reeds. While love engag'd<br />
+Thy thoughts, and dulcet music sooth'd thy cares,<br />
+'Tis said, thy herds without their herdsman stray'd,<br />
+Far to the Pylian meadows. These the son<br />
+Of Atlantean Maiä espy'd;<br />
+And, slily driven away, within the woods<br />
+The cattle artful hid. None saw the deed,<br />
+Save one old hoary swain, well known around,<br />
+And Battus nam'd; whose post it was to guard<br />
+The groves, the grassy meads, and high-bred mares<br />
+Of wealthy Neleus. Him the robber fear'd;<br />
+Drew him aside, and coaxing thus address'd;&mdash;<br />
+“Whoe'er thou art, good friend, if here perchance,<br />
+“Someone should seek an herd,&mdash;say that thou here<br />
+“No herd hast seen;&mdash;thou shall not lack reward:<br />
+“Take this bright heifer:�&mdash;and the cow he gave.<br />
+The bribe receiv'd, the shepherd thus replies;<br />
+“Friend, thou art safe,&mdash;that stone shall sooner speak<br />
+“And tell thy deed than I:�&mdash;and shew'd the stone.<br />
+<a name="page74"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;74]</span>
+The son of Jove departs, or seems to go;<br />
+But soon with alter'd form and voice returns.<br />
+“Here, countryman,� he cries, “hast thou an herd<br />
+“This way observ'd to pass?&mdash;no secret keep,<br />
+“To aid the theft; an heifer with a bull<br />
+“Await thy information.� Doubly brib'd,<br />
+The hoary rogue betray'd his former trust.<br />
+“Beneath those hills,� he said, “the herd you'll find.�<br />
+Beneath the hills they were. Loud laugh'd the god<br />
+And cry'd,&mdash;“Thou treacherous villain, to myself<br />
+“Wouldst thou betray me? wouldst thou to myself<br />
+“My deeds betray?� And to a flinty stone<br />
+His perjur'd breast he chang'd, which still retains<br />
+The name of Touchstone;&mdash;on the harmless rock<br />
+His infamous demerits firmly fix'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hermes from hence, on waving wings upborne<br />
+Darted, and in his flight beneath him saw<br />
+The Attic pastures,&mdash;the much-favor'd land<br />
+Of Pallas; and Lyceum's cultur'd groves.<br />
+It chanc'd that day, as wont, the virgins chaste,<br />
+Bore on their heads in canisters festoon'd,<br />
+Their offerings pure to Pallas' sacred fane.<br />
+Returning thence the winged god espy'd<br />
+The troop, and straight his onward flight restrain'd;<br />
+Wheeling in circles round. As sails the kite,<br />
+Swiftest of birds, when entrails seen from far<br />
+<a name="page75"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;75]</span>
+By holy augurs thick beset,&mdash;he fears<br />
+A near approach, but circling steers his flight<br />
+On beating wings, around his hopes and round.<br />
+So 'bove the Athenian towers the light-plum'd god<br />
+Swept round in circles on the self-same air.<br />
+As Phosphor far outshines the starry host;<br />
+As silver Cynthia Phosphor bright outshines;<br />
+So much did Hersé all the nymphs excel,<br />
+The bright procession's ornament; the pride<br />
+Of all th' accompanying nymphs. Her beauteous mien<br />
+Stagger'd Jove's son, who hovering in the air<br />
+Fierce burns with love. The Balearic sling,<br />
+Thus shoots a ball; quick through the air it flies,<br />
+Warms in its flight, and feels beneath the clouds<br />
+Flames hereto known not. Alter'd now his route<br />
+The skies he leaves, and holds a different flight:<br />
+Nor veils his figure,&mdash;such reliance gave<br />
+His beauteous form: and beauteous though that form,<br />
+Yet careful did the god his looks adorn;<br />
+He smoothes his tresses, and his robe adjusts<br />
+To hang in graceful folds, and fair display<br />
+The golden fringe; his round and slender wand,<br />
+Of sleep-procuring, sleep-repelling power,<br />
+His right hand bears; and on his comely feet<br />
+His plumed sandals shine. Within the house<br />
+Three separate chambers were secluded form'd,<br />
+With tortoise and with ivory rich adorn'd.<br />
+<a name="page76"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;76]</span>
+Thou, Pandrosos, within the right repos'd;<br />
+And on the left hand thou Aglauros, slept;<br />
+Fair Hersé in the midst. Aglauros first<br />
+The god's approach descry'd, and daring ask'd<br />
+Who he?&mdash;and what he sought?&mdash;To whom the god;<br />
+“Him you behold, who through the air conveys<br />
+“His sire's commands: Almighty Jove that sire.<br />
+“Nor will I feign my errand. So may'st thou<br />
+“True to thy sister prove, and soon be call'd<br />
+“My offspring's aunt. 'Tis Hersé draws me here.<br />
+“Help then a lover in his warm pursuit.�<br />
+Aglauros bends on Mercury those eyes,<br />
+Which yellow-hair'd Minerva's secret saw;<br />
+And ponderous sums for her assistance claims;<br />
+Driving the god meantime without the gates.<br />
+With angry glare the warlike goddess view'd<br />
+The mercenary nymph, and angry sighs,<br />
+Which shook her bosom heav'd; the Ægis shook,<br />
+On that strong bosom fix'd. Now calls to mind<br />
+Minerva how with hands prophane, the maid<br />
+Her strict behests despising, daring pry'd<br />
+To know her secrets; and the seed beheld<br />
+Of Vulcan, child without a mother form'd:<br />
+Now to her sister and the god unkind;<br />
+Rich with the gold her avarice had claim'd.<br />
+To Envy's gloomy cell, where clots of gore<br />
+The floor defil'd, enrag'd Minerva flew:<br />
+<a name="page77"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;77]</span>
+A darkened vale, deep sunk, the cavern held,<br />
+where vivid sun ne'er shone, nor freshening breeze<br />
+Health wafted: torpid melancholy rul'd,<br />
+And sluggish cold; and cheering light unknown,<br />
+Damp darkness ever gloom'd. The goddess here<br />
+In conflict dreaded came, but at the doors<br />
+Her footsteps staid, for entrance Fate forbade.<br />
+The gates she strikes&mdash;struck by her spear, the gates<br />
+Wide open fly, and dark within disclose,<br />
+On vipers gorging, (her accustom'd feast,)<br />
+The envious fiend: back from the hideous sight<br />
+Recoils the goddess, and averts her eyes.<br />
+Slow rising from the ground, her half chew'd food<br />
+She quits, advancing indolently forth:<br />
+The maid, in warlike brightness clad, she saw,<br />
+In form divine, and heavy sighs burst forth<br />
+Deep from her bosom's black recess: pale gloom.<br />
+Dwells on her forehead; lean her fleshless form;<br />
+Askaunce her eyes; encrusted black her teeth;<br />
+Green'd deep with gall her breasts; her hideous tongue<br />
+With poisons lurid; laughter knows her not,<br />
+Save woes and pangs unmerited she sees;<br />
+Sleep flies her couch, by cares unceasing wrung;<br />
+At men's success she sickens, pining sad;<br />
+But stung herself, while others feel her sting<br />
+Her torture closely grasps her.&mdash;Much the maid<br />
+The sight abhors; and thus in brief she speaks:&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page78"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;78]</span>
+“Deep in the breast of Cecrops' daughter fix<br />
+“Thy venom'd sting&mdash;Aglauros is the nymph.&mdash;<br />
+“More needs not.�&mdash;Speaking so Minerva fled,<br />
+Upbounding, earth she with her spear repell'd.<br />
+Glancing asquint the fury saw her rise,<br />
+And inly groan'd,&mdash;that she success should gain.<br />
+Her staff with prickly thorns enwreath'd she takes,<br />
+And forth she sallies, wrapp'd in gloomy clouds.<br />
+Where'er she flies she blasts the flowery fields;<br />
+Consumes the herbage; and the harvest blights.<br />
+Her breath pestiferous felt the cities round,<br />
+Houses and 'habitants where'er she flew.<br />
+At length the towers of Athens she beheld<br />
+With arts and riches flourishing, and blest<br />
+With holy peace. Scarce could she tears withhold,<br />
+No tearful eye throughout the place to see.<br />
+Straight to the room of Cecrops' daughter now<br />
+Her route she urges, and her task performs:<br />
+Her rusty hand upon the maiden's breast<br />
+She plants, and with sharp thorns that bosom fills;<br />
+Breathes noxious poison through her frame; imbues<br />
+With venom black her heart, and all her limbs.<br />
+Lest from her eyes escap'd, the maddening scene<br />
+Should cease to vex her, full in view she plac'd<br />
+Her sister, and her sister's nuptial rites;<br />
+And Hermes beauteous in the bridal pomp:<br />
+In beauty all, and splendor all increas'd.<br />
+<a name="page79"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;79]</span>
+Mad with the imag'd sight, the maid is gnawn<br />
+With secret pangs;&mdash;deep groans the lengthen'd night,<br />
+And deep the morning hears; she wastes away<br />
+Silently wretched, lingeringly slow.<br />
+As Sol's faint rays the summer ice dissolves:<br />
+So burns she to behold the envy'd lot<br />
+Of Hersé; not with furious flames,&mdash;as weeds<br />
+Blaze not when damp, but with slow heat consume.<br />
+Oft would she wish to die: and oft the deed<br />
+To hinder, thinks to tell her rigid sire<br />
+Her sister's fault. At length her seat she takes<br />
+Across the threshold, and th' approaching god<br />
+Repuls'd; and to his blandishments, and words<br />
+Beseeching fair, and soft-alluring prayers,<br />
+She cry'd,&mdash;“Desist,&mdash;from hence I ne'er will move<br />
+“Till thou art driven away.� Swift Hermes said.&mdash;<br />
+“Keep firmly that resolve.� And with his wand<br />
+The sculptur'd portals touching, wide they flew.<br />
+But when her limbs to raise, the virgin strove,<br />
+A weighty numbness o'er the members crept<br />
+Which bend in sitting, and their movement staid.<br />
+Strenuous she strives to raise her form erect,<br />
+But stiffen'd feels her knees; chill coldness spreads<br />
+Through all her toes; and, fled the purple stream,<br />
+Her veins turn pallid: cruel cancer thus,<br />
+Disease incurable, spreads far and wide,<br />
+Sound members adding to the parts diseas'd.<br />
+<a name="page80"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;80]</span>
+So gradual, o'er her breast the chilling frost<br />
+Crept deadly, and the gates of life shut close.<br />
+Complaint she try'd not; had she try'd, her voice<br />
+Had found no passage, for the stone had seiz'd<br />
+Her throat,&mdash;her mouth; to marble all was chang'd.<br />
+She sat a pallid statue;&mdash;all the stone<br />
+Her envy tainted with a livid hue.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His vengeance, when Jove's son complete had seen,<br />
+Due to her avarice, and her envious soul;<br />
+He left Minerva's land, and up the sky<br />
+On wafting pinions mounted. There his sire,<br />
+Him from th' assembly drew; nor yet disclos'd,<br />
+The object of his love:&mdash;“Son, quickly haste,&mdash;<br />
+“Thou faithful messenger of my commands,<br />
+“Urge rapid thy descending flight, and seek<br />
+“The realm whose northern bounds thy mother star<br />
+“O'erlooks,&mdash;the land by natives Sidon call'd.<br />
+“There wilt thou pasturing find the royal herd,<br />
+“'Neath hills not distant from the sea: turn down<br />
+“This herd to meadows bordering on the beach.�<br />
+He said;&mdash;the cattle tow'rd the sea shore move,<br />
+Where sported with her Tyrian maids as wont,<br />
+The monarch's daughter. Ill majestic state<br />
+And love agree; nor long combin'd remain.<br />
+The sire and ruler of the gods resigns<br />
+His weighty sceptre: he whose right hand bears<br />
+<a name="page81"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;81]</span>
+The three-fork'd fires; whose nod creation shakes,<br />
+Assumes a bull's appearance:&mdash;with the herd<br />
+Mingles; and strolling lets the tender shrubs<br />
+Brush his fair sides. Of snowy white his skin;<br />
+Such snow as rugged feet has never soil'd,<br />
+Nor southern showers dissolv'd: his brawny neck,<br />
+Strong from his shoulders stands: beneath extends<br />
+The dewlap pendulous: small are his horns;<br />
+But smooth as polish'd by the workman's hand;&mdash;<br />
+Pellucid as the brightest gems they shine:<br />
+No threatenings wear his brow; no fire his eyes<br />
+Flame fierce; but all his countenance peace proclaims.<br />
+Him much Agenor's royal maid admir'd;&mdash;<br />
+His form so beauteous, and his look so mild.<br />
+Yet peaceful as he seem'd, she fear'd at first<br />
+A close approach;&mdash;but nearer soon she drew,<br />
+And to his shining mouth the flowery food<br />
+Presented. Joy'd th' impatient lover stands,<br />
+Her fingers kissing; and with sore restraint<br />
+Defers his look'd for pleasures. Sportive now<br />
+He wantons, frisking in the grass; now rolls<br />
+His snowy sides upon the yellow sand.<br />
+Her apprehensions chas'd, by slow degrees,<br />
+The virgin's fingers playful stroke his breast;<br />
+Then bind with wreaths his horns: more daring now<br />
+Upon his back the royal maid ascends;&mdash;<br />
+Witless a god she presses. From the fields,<br />
+<a name="page82"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;82]</span>
+His steps deceitful gradual turn'd, he bends,<br />
+And seeks the shore; then playful in the waves<br />
+Just dips his feet;&mdash;thence plunging deep, he swims<br />
+Through midmost ocean with his ravish'd prize.<br />
+Trembling the nymph beholds the lessening shore;&mdash;&mdash;<br />
+Firm grasps one hand his horn; upon his back,<br />
+Secure the other resting: to the wind,<br />
+Her fluttering garments floating as she sails.<br />
+<a name="page83"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;83]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter5"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Third Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Unsuccessful search of Cadmus for his sister. Death of his companions
+by the dragon. Overthrow of the dragon, and production of
+armed men from his teeth. Thebes. Actæon devoured by his hounds.
+Semelé destroyed by lightening, and the birth of Bacchus. The prophet
+Tiresias. Echo: and the transformation of Narcissus. Impiety of
+Pentheus. Change of the Tyrrhenian sailors to dolphins. Massacre of
+Pentheus.
+<a name="page84"></a>
+<a name="page85"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;85]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter6"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Third Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And now the god, his bestial form resign'd,<br />
+Shone in his form celestial as he gain'd<br />
+The Cretan shore. Meantime, the theft unknown,<br />
+Mourn'd her sad sire, and Cadmus sent to seek<br />
+The ravish'd maid; stern threatening as he went,<br />
+Perpetual exile if his searching fail'd:&mdash;<br />
+Parental love and cruelty combin'd!<br />
+All earth explor'd in vain, (for who shall find<br />
+The amorous thefts of Jove?) the exile shuns<br />
+His father's anger, and paternal soil.<br />
+A suppliant bends before Apollo's shrine,<br />
+To ask his aid;&mdash;what region he should chuse<br />
+<a name="page86"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;86]</span>
+To fix his habitation. Ph&oelig;bus thus;&mdash;<br />
+“A cow, whose neck the yoke has never prest,<br />
+“Strange to the crooked plough, shall meet thy steps,<br />
+“Lone in the desert fields: the way she leads<br />
+“Chuse thou,&mdash;rand where upon the grass she rests,<br />
+“Erect thy walls;&mdash;B&oelig;otia call the place.�<br />
+Scarce had the cave Castalian Cadmus left,<br />
+When he an heifer, gently pacing, spy'd<br />
+Untended; one whose neck no mark betray'd<br />
+Of galling service. Closely treads the youth,<br />
+Slow moving in her footsteps, and adores<br />
+In silence Ph&oelig;bus, leader of his way.<br />
+Now had he pass'd the Cephisidian stream,<br />
+And meads of Panopé, when stay'd the beast;<br />
+Her broad front lifted to the sky; reverse<br />
+Her lofty horns reclining, shook the air<br />
+With lowings loud; back then her face she bent,<br />
+And saw the comrades following close behind:<br />
+Down low she couch'd, and press'd the yielding grass,<br />
+Glad thanks to Ph&oelig;bus, Cadmus gave, and kiss'd<br />
+The foreign soil;&mdash;the unknown hills, and land<br />
+Saluted. Then a sacrifice to Jove<br />
+Preparing, sent his followers to explore<br />
+Streams flowing from the living fountain clear.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An ancient forest hallow'd from the axe,<br />
+Not far there stood; in whose dark bosom gloom'd<br />
+<a name="page87"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;87]</span>
+A cavern:&mdash;twigs and branches thick inwove<br />
+With rocky crags, a low arch'd entrance form'd;<br />
+Where pure and copious, gush'd transparent waves.<br />
+Deep hid within a monstrous serpent lay,<br />
+Sacred to Mars. Bright shone his crested head;<br />
+His eyeballs glow'd with fire; his body swell'd<br />
+Bloated with poison; o'er a threefold row<br />
+Of murderous teeth, three quivering tongues he shook.<br />
+This grove the Tyrians with ill-fated feet<br />
+Now enter'd; and now in the waters threw,<br />
+With noisy dash, their urns. Uprears his head,<br />
+The azure serpent from the cavern deep;<br />
+And breathes forth hisses dire: their urns they drop;<br />
+The blood forsakes their bodies; sudden fear<br />
+Chills their astonish'd limbs. He writhing quick,<br />
+Forms scaly circles; spiral twisting round,<br />
+Bends in an arch immense to leap, and rears<br />
+In the thin air erect, 'bove half his height;<br />
+All the wide grove o'erlooking. Such his size,<br />
+Could all be seen, than that vast snake no less,<br />
+Whose huge bulk lies the Arctic bears between.<br />
+The Tyrians quick he seizes; some their arms<br />
+Vain grasping,&mdash;flying some,&mdash;and some through fear<br />
+To fight or fly unable:&mdash;these his jaws<br />
+Crash murderous; those his writhing tail surrounds;<br />
+Others his breath, with poison loaded, kills.<br />
+<a name="page88"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;88]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now loftiest Ph&oelig;bus shorten'd shadows gave,<br />
+When Cadmus, wondering much why still his friends<br />
+Tarried so long, their parting footsteps trac'd.<br />
+His robe an hide torn from a lion's back;<br />
+A dart and spear of shining steel his arms;<br />
+With courage, arms surpassing. Now the grove<br />
+He enters, and their breathless limbs beholds;&mdash;<br />
+Their victor foe's huge bulk upon them stretch'd;<br />
+Licking with gory tongue their mournful wounds.<br />
+“My faithful friends,� he cry'd, “I will avenge<br />
+“Your fate,&mdash;or perish with you.� Straight a rock<br />
+His right hand rais'd, and with impetuous force,<br />
+Hurl'd it right on. A city's lofty walls<br />
+With all its towers, to feel the blow had shook!<br />
+Yet lay the beast unwounded; safely sheath'd<br />
+With scaly armour, and his harden'd hide:&mdash;<br />
+His skin alone the furious blow repell'd.<br />
+Not so that hardness mocks the javelin,&mdash;fixt<br />
+Firm in the bending of the pliant spine<br />
+His weapon stood,&mdash;and all the iron head<br />
+Deep in his entrails sunk. Mad with the pain,<br />
+Reverse he writhes his head;&mdash;beholds the wound;<br />
+Champs the fixt dart;&mdash;by many forceful tugs<br />
+Loosen'd at length, he tears the shaft away;<br />
+But deep the steel within his bones remains.<br />
+Now to his wonted fury fiercer flames<br />
+This torture adding, big with poison swells<br />
+<a name="page89"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;89]</span>
+His throat; and flowing, round his venom'd jaws,<br />
+White foam appears; deep harrow'd with his scales<br />
+Loud sounds the earth; and vapours black, breath'd out<br />
+His mouth infernal, taint with death the air.<br />
+Now roll'd in spires, he forms an orb immense:<br />
+Now stretch'd at length he seems a monstrous beam:<br />
+Now rushing forward with impetuous force,<br />
+As sweeps a torrent swell'd by rain, his breast<br />
+Bears down th' opposing forest. Cadmus back<br />
+A step recedes, and on his lion's hide<br />
+The shock sustains;&mdash;then with protended spear<br />
+Checks his approaching jaws. Furious he strives<br />
+To wound the harden'd steel;&mdash;on the sharp point<br />
+He grinds his teeth: now from his poisonous mouth,<br />
+Began the blood to flow, and sprinkling ting'd<br />
+The virid grass; but trivial still the hurt;<br />
+For shrinking from the blow, and twisting back<br />
+His wounded neck, the stroke he still prevents<br />
+Deeper to pierce, by yielding to its force.<br />
+But pushing arduous on, Agenor's son,<br />
+Fix'd in his throat the steel;&mdash;and the sharp point<br />
+Forc'd through his neck: an oak oppos'd behind;&mdash;<br />
+The tree and neck the spear at once transfix'd.<br />
+Dragg'd by the monster's weight low bends the tree,<br />
+And groans and cracks, as lashing blows, his tail<br />
+Immense, deals round. Now whilst the victor stands<br />
+And wondering views the conquer'd serpent's size,<br />
+<a name="page90"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;90]</span>
+Sudden a voice is heard, (from whence unknown,&mdash;<br />
+But plain the words he hears) “Why view'st thou thus,<br />
+“Agenor's son, the foe by thee destroy'd?<br />
+“Thou one day like this serpent shalt be seen.�<br />
+Aghast he stood,&mdash;the warm blood fled his cheeks;<br />
+His courage chang'd to terror; freezing fear<br />
+Rais'd his stiff locks erect. Lo! Pallas comes,<br />
+Pallas, the known protectress of the brave.<br />
+Smooth sliding from the higher clouds she comes;<br />
+Bids him remove the soil, and place beneath,<br />
+The serpent's fangs, a future offspring's pledge.<br />
+The prince obeys; and as with crooked share,<br />
+The ground he opens, in the furrows throws<br />
+The teeth directed. Thence, (beyond belief!)<br />
+The clods of earth at once began to move;<br />
+Then in the furrows glitter'd, first, the points<br />
+Of spears: anon fair painted crests arose,<br />
+Above bright helmets nodding: shoulders next;<br />
+And breasts; and arms, with javelins loaded came:<br />
+Thickening the harvest grew of shielded men.<br />
+Thus shews the glad theatric curtain; rais'd<br />
+The painted figures' faces first appear,<br />
+Gradual display'd; and more by slow degrees;<br />
+At length the whole stand forth, their feet all fix'd<br />
+Firm on the lower margin. Wondering, he<br />
+His new-made foe beheld; and grasp'd his arms.<br />
+But one whom earth had just produc'd, exclaim'd;&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page91"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;91]</span>
+“Arm not, nor meddle in our civil broils.�<br />
+He said,&mdash;an earth-born brother, hand to hand<br />
+With sword keen-edg'd attacking; but from far,<br />
+A javelin hurl'd, dispatch'd him. Short the boast<br />
+Of him who sent it;&mdash;his death wound infix'd,&mdash;<br />
+He breathes the air out he so late receiv'd.<br />
+So rage the rest, and in the furious war<br />
+The new-made brethren fall by mutual wounds:<br />
+And on their blood-stain'd mother, dash, the youths<br />
+To short existence born, their damp cold breasts.<br />
+Five only stand unhurt,&mdash;Echion one,&mdash;<br />
+Who threw, by Pallas prompted, down his arms<br />
+And peace propos'd: his brethren took his pledge.<br />
+These join the Tyrian prince, and social aid<br />
+His efforts, when th' appointed walls he builds;<br />
+Obedient to the Delphic god's commands.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Theban walls now rais'd, thou, Cadmus seem'd<br />
+Blest in thy exile. Mars and Venus gave<br />
+Their daughter to thy wife. This spouse so fam'd,<br />
+Thee daughters brought, and sons,&mdash;a numerous tribe;<br />
+And grandsons, pledges dear of nuptial joys,<br />
+Already risen to manhood. But too true<br />
+That man should still his final day expect;<br />
+Nor blest be deem'd till flames his funeral pyre.<br />
+Thy grandson's fate, O, Cadmus! first with grief<br />
+Thy bosom wrung, amid thy prosperous state:<br />
+<a name="page92"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;92]</span>
+The alien horns which nodded o'er his brow;<br />
+And ye, voracious hounds, with blood full-gorg'd,<br />
+Your master's life-stream. Yet by close research,<br />
+We find unlucky chance, not vice, his crime.<br />
+<ins class="hemistich">
+<table>
+<tr><td>What sin in error lies?</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td>The hills were drench'd</td></tr>
+</table>
+</ins>
+With blood of numerous slaughter'd savage beasts;<br />
+And objects shorten'd shadows gave: the sun<br />
+Exalted view'd each equi-distant goal;<br />
+When the young Theban hunter thus address'd,<br />
+His fellow sportsmen with a friendly call;<br />
+As wide they rov'd the savage lairs among.<br />
+“Our weapons, comrades, and our nets are moist<br />
+“With blood of spoil; sufficient sport this day<br />
+“Has given. But when Aurora next appears,<br />
+“High on her saffron car, and light restores,<br />
+“Then be our pleasing exercise resum'd.<br />
+“Now Ph&oelig;bus, distant far from west and east,<br />
+“Cracks the parch'd ground with heat;&mdash;desist from toil,<br />
+“And fold your knotted snares.� His words obey,<br />
+His men, and from their sportive labor cease.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Near stood a vale, where pointed cypress form'd<br />
+With gloomy pines a grateful shade, and nam'd<br />
+Gargaphié;&mdash;sacred to the girded maid:<br />
+Its deep recess a shrubby cavern held,<br />
+<a name="page93"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;93]</span>
+By nature modell'd,&mdash;but by nature, art<br />
+Seem'd equall'd, or excell'd. A native arch<br />
+Of pumice light, and tophus dry, was form'd;<br />
+And from the right a stream transparent flow'd,<br />
+Of trivial size, which spread a pool below;<br />
+With grassy margin circled. Dian' here,<br />
+The woodland goddess, weary'd with the chace,<br />
+Had oft rejoic'd to bathe her virgin limbs.<br />
+As wont she comes;&mdash;her quiver, and her dart,<br />
+And unstrung bow, her armour-bearing nymph<br />
+In charge receives. Disrob'd, another's arms<br />
+Sustain her vest. Two from her feet unloose<br />
+Her sandals. Crocalé, Ismenian nymph,<br />
+Than others more expert, her tresses binds,<br />
+Loose o'er her shoulders floating, in a knot;<br />
+Her own wild flowing still. Five more the streams<br />
+In huge urns lifting; Hyalé, and Niphé,<br />
+Phialé, Rhanis, Psecas, lave her limbs.<br />
+Here while the goddess in the limpid wave<br />
+Washes as 'custom'd,&mdash;lo! Actæon comes;&mdash;<br />
+His sportive toil till morning dawn deferr'd:<br />
+And roving through the vale with random steps,<br />
+By hapless fate conducted, he arrives<br />
+Close to the sacred grove. Within the grot<br />
+Stream-pouring, when he stept, the naked nymphs,&mdash;<br />
+Then first by man beheld,&mdash;their bosoms beat;<br />
+Fill'd the deep grove with outcries loud; and round<br />
+<a name="page94"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;94]</span>
+Diana crowded, screening as they could<br />
+Her limbs with theirs. Yet high above them tower'd<br />
+The goddess, and her neck their heads o'erlook'd.<br />
+As blush the clouds by Ph&oelig;bus' adverse rays<br />
+Deep ting'd;&mdash;or as Aurora in the morn;<br />
+So blush'd the virgin-goddess, seen unrob'd.<br />
+Sideway she stood, though closely hemm'd around<br />
+By clustering nymphs, and backward bent her face:<br />
+Then anxious praying she could reach her darts,<br />
+In vain,&mdash;she seiz'd the waters which she could,<br />
+And dash'd them o'er his features:&mdash;as his locks,<br />
+The vengeful drops besprinkled, thus in rage,<br />
+She cry'd,&mdash;“Now tell thou hast Diana seen<br />
+“Disrob'd;&mdash;go tell it, if thou canst,�&mdash;no more,<br />
+With threatenings storm'd, but on his sprinkled head,<br />
+The antlers of the long-liv'd stag are plac'd.<br />
+His neck is lengthen'd; with a sharpen'd point,<br />
+His upright ears are form'd; to feet his hands,&mdash;<br />
+To long and slender legs his arms are chang'd;<br />
+And round his body clings a dappled coat.<br />
+Fear in his bosom she instils: the youth,<br />
+The bold Actæon flies, and wondering feels<br />
+His bounding feet so rapid in the race.<br />
+But soon the waters shew'd his branching horns;<br />
+And,&mdash;“ah unhappy me!� he strove to cry:<br />
+His voice he found not; sighs and sobs were all;<br />
+And tears fast streaming down his alter'd face.<br />
+<a name="page95"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;95]</span>
+Still human sense remains. Where shall he turn?<br />
+His royal palace seek,&mdash;or in the woods<br />
+Secluded hide?&mdash;To tarry fear forbids,<br />
+And shame prevents returning. While he doubts<br />
+His hounds espy him. Quick-nos'd Tracer first,<br />
+And Blackfoot give the signal by their yell:<br />
+Tracer of Crete, and Blackfoot Spartan bred.<br />
+Swifter than air the noisy pack rush on;<br />
+Arcadian Quicksight; Glutton; Ranger, stout;<br />
+Strong Killbuck; Whirlwind, furious; Hunter, fierce;<br />
+Flyer, swift-footed; and quick-scented Snap:<br />
+Ringwood, late wounded by a furious bear;<br />
+And Forester, by savage wolf begot:<br />
+Flock-tending Shepherdess; with Ravener fierce,<br />
+And her two whelps; and Sicyonian Catch:<br />
+The thin flank'd greyhound, Racer; Yelper; Patch;<br />
+Tiger; Robust; Milkwhite, with snowy coat;<br />
+And coalblack Soot. First in the race, fleet Storm;<br />
+Courageous Spartan Swift; and rapid Wolf;<br />
+Join'd with his Cyprian brother, Snatch, well mark'd<br />
+With sable forehead on a coat of white:<br />
+Blackcoat: and thickhair'd Shag: Worrier; and Wild,&mdash;<br />
+Twins from a dam Laconian sprung, their sire<br />
+Dictæan: Babbler with his noisy throat:&mdash;<br />
+But all to name were endless. Urg'd by hope<br />
+Of prey they crowd; down precipices rush;<br />
+O'er rocks, and crags; through rugged paths, and ways<br />
+<a name="page96"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;96]</span>
+Unpass'd before. His hounds he flies, where oft<br />
+His hounds he had pursu'd. Poor wretch! he flies<br />
+His own domestics, striving hard to call,<br />
+“Actæon am I!&mdash;villains, know your lord.�<br />
+Words aid him not: loud rings the air with yells,<br />
+Howlings, and barkings:&mdash;Blackhair first, his teeth<br />
+Fix'd in his back; staunch Tamer fasten'd next;<br />
+And Rover seiz'd his shoulder: tardy these,<br />
+The rest far left behind, but o'er the hills<br />
+Athwart, the chase they shorten'd. Now the pack,<br />
+Join'd them their lord retaining; join'd their teeth<br />
+Their victim seizing:&mdash;now his body bleeds,<br />
+A wound continuous: deep he utters groans,<br />
+Not human, yet unlike a dying deer;<br />
+And fills the well-known mountains with his plaint.<br />
+Prone on his knees in suppliant form he bends;<br />
+And low beseeching waves his silent head,<br />
+As he would wave his hands. His witless friends,<br />
+The savage pack with joyous outcries urge;<br />
+Actæon anxious seeking: echoing loud<br />
+Eager his name as absent. At the name,<br />
+His head he turns. His absence irks them sore,<br />
+As lazy loitering, not the noble prey<br />
+Obtain'd, beholding. Joyful could he be,<br />
+At distance now,&mdash;but hapless is too near:<br />
+Glad would he see the furious dogs their fangs,<br />
+On other prey than his torn limbs infix.<br />
+<a name="page97"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;97]</span>
+On every side they crowd; their dying lord,<br />
+A well-seem'd deer, they rend; their ravenous teeth<br />
+Deep tear his members. With a thousand wounds,<br />
+(Dian's insatiate anger less despis'd)<br />
+The hapless hunter yielded forth his breath.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Report flies dubious; some the goddess blame<br />
+For disproportion'd vengeance; others warm<br />
+Applaud the deed as worthy one so pure;<br />
+And reasons weighty either party urge:<br />
+Jove's consort only silent: she nor blames<br />
+The action, nor approves; but inward joys,<br />
+Agenor's house should such misfortune feel.<br />
+The hatred nourish'd for the Tyrian maid,<br />
+Her brother's offspring visits. Now fresh cause<br />
+Of wrath succeeds; enrag'd the goddess learns<br />
+That Semelé, embrac'd by mighty Jove,<br />
+Is pregnant. Straight broke loose her angry tongue,<br />
+And loud she storm'd:&mdash;“Advantage much I gain<br />
+“By endless railing at unfaithful Jove!<br />
+“This harlot will I find,&mdash;and, if with truth<br />
+“They potent Juno stile me, she shall die.<br />
+“Destruction shall o'erwhelm her, if beseems<br />
+“My hand the sparkling sceptre of the sky:<br />
+“If queen I am to Jove;&mdash;if sister;&mdash;wife:&mdash;<br />
+“His sister doubtless am I, if no more.<br />
+“Content perchance is Semelé to joy<br />
+<a name="page98"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;98]</span>
+“In pleasures briefly tasted; and my wrongs<br />
+“Though deep, not lasting. No!&mdash;she must conceive<br />
+“Foul aggravation of her shameless deed!<br />
+“Her swelling womb unblushing proves her crime:<br />
+“By Jove she longs to be a mother hail'd;<br />
+“Which scarcely I can boast. Such faith her pride,<br />
+“In conscious beauty places. Trust me not,<br />
+“Or she mistaken proves. As I am child<br />
+“Of hoary Saturn, she shall sink o'erwhelm'd<br />
+“By her own Jove; and dip in Stygian waves.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She said, and starting from her regal throne,<br />
+Wrapt in a dusky cloud descended; o'er<br />
+The threshold stepp'd of Semelé, nor chas'd<br />
+Her darkening veil, till like an ancient dame<br />
+She stood display'd. White hairs her temples strew'd;<br />
+Deep furrows plough'd her skin; her bending limbs<br />
+Quiver'd beneath her weight; her tremulous voice<br />
+Exhausted age betray'd: she stood to view<br />
+Old Beroë, from Epidaurus come,<br />
+The nurse of Semelé. With tedious tales<br />
+She garrulous amus'd:&mdash;when in her turn<br />
+Listening, the name of Jupiter she heard<br />
+She sigh'd, and said,&mdash;“May he be truly Jove!<br />
+“But age is still suspicious. Chastest beds<br />
+“Have been by these pretended gods defil'd:<br />
+“For if the deity supreme he be,<br />
+<a name="page99"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;99]</span>
+“Why comes he thus disguis'd? If true his love,<br />
+“Why prove it not? Urge thou an anxious wish<br />
+“To clasp him in his might, in such a sort,<br />
+“As lofty Juno he embraces;&mdash;round<br />
+“Begirt with all the ensigns of his power.�<br />
+Thus Juno artful, Semelé's desires<br />
+Apt moulded to her mind. From Jove she prays<br />
+A nameless boon: the ready god consents;&mdash;<br />
+“Chuse what thou wilt, nor least denial dread:<br />
+“To prove my faith, I call the Stygian streams<br />
+“To witness, terror of the god of gods.�<br />
+Joy'd at her fatal prayer's too large success;<br />
+And by her lover's prompt compliance, doom'd<br />
+To sure destruction;&mdash;“This,� said she, “I wish;&mdash;<br />
+“When with me next you love's delights enjoy,<br />
+“Appear as when Saturnia fills your arms.�<br />
+Fain would the god have stopp'd her mouth:&mdash;too soon<br />
+The hasty words found entrance to his ears.<br />
+Deep mourn'd he. Equal now the fates forbid,<br />
+The wish retracted, or the oath absolv'd.<br />
+Sorrowing he seeks the lofty heaven: his nod<br />
+Dark rolling clouds collects: here form black showers;<br />
+And hurricanes; and flashing lightenings mixt;<br />
+Thunders; and his inevitable bolt:<br />
+Anxious he strives with all his power to damp,<br />
+The fierceness of his flames: nor arm'd him now,<br />
+With those dread fires that to the earth dash'd down<br />
+<a name="page100"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;100]</span>
+The hundred-handed foe:&mdash;too powerful they.<br />
+He chose a milder thunder;&mdash;less of rage,<br />
+Of fire, and fury, had the Cyclops given<br />
+The mass when forg'd; a second-rated bolt.<br />
+Clad in mild glory thus, the dome he seeks<br />
+Of Semelé;&mdash;her mortal frame too weak,<br />
+To bear th' ethereal shock, fierce scorcht she sunk,<br />
+Beneath the nuptial grant. Th' imperfect babe,<br />
+Snatcht from his mother's smoking womb, was sew'd<br />
+(If faith the tale deserves) within his thigh;<br />
+There to complete the period of his growth.<br />
+Ino, his aunt maternal, then receiv'd<br />
+The boy; in private rear'd him, till the nymphs<br />
+Of Nysa's mountains, in their secret caves<br />
+Shelter'd, and fed with milk, th' entrusted charge.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While the rash promise caus'd on earth those deeds,<br />
+And twice-born Bacchus' cradle safe was hid;<br />
+'Tis said that Jove with heavenly nectar flush'd,<br />
+All serious cares dismiss'd. With sportive jests,<br />
+At ease conversing, he and Juno sate:<br />
+When he:&mdash;“The thrilling ecstasies of love,<br />
+“Are surely strongest on the female side.�<br />
+She differs,&mdash;and the question both agree<br />
+Tiresias, who each sex had prov'd, shall judge.<br />
+Two mighty snakes he spy'd upon the grass,<br />
+Twisted in Venus' wreaths; and with his staff<br />
+<a name="page101"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;101]</span>
+Hard smote them;&mdash;instant alter'd was his sex.<br />
+Wonderous! he woman of a man became,<br />
+Seven winters so he liv'd:&mdash;the eight, again<br />
+He spy'd the same; and cry'd,&mdash;“If such your power,<br />
+“That whoso strikes you must their gender change,<br />
+“Once more I'll try the spell.� Straight as the blow<br />
+The snakes receiv'd, his pristine form return'd:<br />
+Hence was he chosen, in the strife jocose,<br />
+As umpire; and the words of Jove confirm'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Much, say they, Juno rag'd; more than beseem'd<br />
+The trivial cause, or sentence justly given;<br />
+And veil'd the judge's eyes in endless night.<br />
+But Jove omnipotent, him gave to know,<br />
+(For fate forbids to cancel others' deeds)<br />
+What future times conceal; a light divine;<br />
+An honor'd gift to mitigate his pain.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fam'd far and wide through all B&oelig;otia's towns,<br />
+Unerring answers still the prophet gave,<br />
+To all who sought him. Blue Liriopé,<br />
+First prov'd his faith, and ne'er-deceiving words.<br />
+Her once Cephisus, in his winding stream<br />
+Entwin'd, and forceful in his waves enjoy'd.<br />
+The beauteous nymph's full womb, in time produc'd<br />
+A babe, whose features ev'n from birth inspir'd<br />
+Th' attendant nymphs with love; Narcissus nam'd.<br />
+<a name="page102"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;102]</span>
+For him enquiring, whether doom'd to see,<br />
+The peaceful period of maturest age,<br />
+The fate-foretelling prophet thus reply'd:&mdash;<br />
+“Yes,&mdash;if himself he never knows.� The words<br />
+Were long absurd esteem'd: but well th' event<br />
+Their justice prov'd; his strange unheard of death;<br />
+And love of object never lov'd before.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now sixteen summers had Narcissus seen,<br />
+A boy in beauty, but in growth a man;<br />
+And crowds of youths his friendship sought, and crowds<br />
+Of damsels sought his love: but fiercely pride<br />
+Swell'd in his snowy bosom; and he spurn'd<br />
+His friends' advances, and the love-sick maids.<br />
+A chattering nymph, resounding Echo, saw<br />
+The youth, when in his toils the trembling deer<br />
+He drove;&mdash;a nymph who ne'er her words retain'd,<br />
+Nor dialogue commenc'd. But then she bore<br />
+A body palpable; and not, as now,<br />
+Merely a voice:&mdash;yet garrulous, she then<br />
+That voice, nor other us'd; 'twas all she could,<br />
+The closing words of speakers to repeat.<br />
+Juno had this ordain'd: for oft the dame<br />
+The frailer nymphs upon the hills had caught,<br />
+In trespass with her Jove; but Echo sly<br />
+With lengthen'd speech the goddess kept amus'd,<br />
+Till all by flight were sav'd. Soon Juno saw<br />
+<a name="page103"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;103]</span>
+The trick:&mdash;“The power of that delusive tongue,�&mdash;<br />
+She cry'd, “I'll lessen, and make brief thy words;�<br />
+Nor stay'd, but straight her threaten'd vengeance took.<br />
+Now she redoubles (all she can) the words<br />
+Which end another's speech; reporting back,<br />
+<ins class="hemistich">
+<table>
+<tr><td>But only what she hears.</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td>Through pathless woods</td></tr>
+</table>
+</ins>
+As roves Narcissus, Echo sees, and burns;<br />
+Steals in his footsteps, following close, but flames<br />
+More fierce, more near approaching. Sudden thus,<br />
+The sulphurous daubing o'er the torches spread,<br />
+Snatches th' approaching flame. How oft she wish'd<br />
+With bland and soothing words to hail the youth;<br />
+But nature harsh forbids, nor grants to make<br />
+The first commencement; what she grants she takes,<br />
+And anxious waits to catch the wish'd-for sounds;<br />
+And speak responsive. Chance the youth had led<br />
+Far from his social troop, and loud he cry'd,&mdash;<br />
+“Who's he that hither comes?� Attentive she,&mdash;<br />
+Reply'd, “O hither come!� Amaz'd he stood,<br />
+Round searching whence the voice; and louder still,<br />
+“Here come!� exclaim'd,&mdash;and Echo answer'd,&mdash;“Come!�<br />
+To every part his eyes in vain are bent;<br />
+And, “why,� laments he, “dost thou me avoid?�<br />
+Again he hears her,&mdash;“dost thou me avoid?�<br />
+Still he persists; th' alternate voice deceives,&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page104"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;104]</span>
+And,&mdash;“come, approach, together let us join,�<br />
+Impatient now he utters: ardent she<br />
+Exclaims, in joyful accents,&mdash;“let us join!�<br />
+Her wish in person urging, from the grove<br />
+She springs, and wide extends her arms to clasp<br />
+His neck:&mdash;Narcissus flies, and flying calls,&mdash;<br />
+“Desist!&mdash;hold off thy hands;&mdash;may sooner death<br />
+“Me seize, than thou enjoy me.� Nought the maid<br />
+Re-echoes, but,&mdash;“enjoy me.� Close conceal'd,<br />
+By him disdain'd, amid the groves she hides<br />
+Her blushing forehead, where the leaves bud thick;<br />
+And dwells in lonely caverns. Still her flame<br />
+Clings close around her heart; and sharper pangs<br />
+Repulse occasions: cares unceasing waste<br />
+Her wretched form: gaunt famine shrivels up<br />
+Her skin; and all the moistening juice which fed<br />
+Her body, flies in air: her voice and bones<br />
+Alone are left: her voice, unchang'd;&mdash;her bones<br />
+To craggy stones are harden'd. Still in groves<br />
+She hides secluded; nor on hills appears:<br />
+Heard frequent; only heard, and nought but sound.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus slighted he the nymph; nor her alone,<br />
+But numbers else who o'er the mountains rov'd;<br />
+Or sported in the waves. Nor less his pride,<br />
+When more mature: keen smarting from his scorn,<br />
+To heaven one rais'd her hands, and ardent pray'd;&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page105"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;105]</span>
+“Ordain that he may love, but love like me<br />
+“One ne'er to be enjoy'd!� Rhamnusia grants<br />
+To prayers so just, th' assenting nod. There stood,<br />
+A mudless pool, whose waters silvery bright,<br />
+The shepherds touch'd not,&mdash;nor the mountain goats,<br />
+Nor lowing herds: which birds, and fierce wild beasts,<br />
+Dabbling disturb'd not:&mdash;nor a wither'd branch,<br />
+Dropt from a tree o'erhanging. Round the brink,<br />
+Fed by the moisture, virid grass arose;<br />
+And trees impervious to the solar beam,<br />
+Screen'd the cool surface. Weary'd with the chase,<br />
+And faint with heat, here laid Narcissus down;<br />
+Charm'd with the place, and tempted by the pool.<br />
+Here as he seeks to quench his burning thirst,<br />
+He burns with other fires: and while he drinks,<br />
+<a name="page105quote"></a>Caught by the image of his beauteous face,<br />
+He loves th' unbody'd form: a substance thinks<br />
+The shadow:&mdash;loves enraptur'd,&mdash;loves himself!<br />
+Fixes with eager gaze upon the sight<br />
+As on a face in Parian marble wrought.<br />
+Stretcht on the ground, his own bright eyes he views,<br />
+Twin stars;&mdash;his fingers, such as Bacchus grace;<br />
+His tresses like Apollo's;&mdash;downy cheeks,<br />
+Unbearded yet; his neck as ivory white;<br />
+The roseate blooming fading into snow:<br />
+Each trait admiring which the hapless nymphs,<br />
+In him admir'd. Unwitting youth, himself<br />
+<a name="page106"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;106]</span>
+He wants;&mdash;at once beloving, and belov'd:<br />
+Himself desiring, by himself desir'd:<br />
+Burning with love, while by himself he burns.<br />
+Oft, stooping, were his fruitless kisses given:<br />
+Oft were his arms outstretch'd to clasp the neck<br />
+So plainly seen beneath the waters. No!&mdash;<br />
+Himself he could not clasp. Whom he beholds,<br />
+He knows not; but for whom he sees he burns.<br />
+The error that his eye deceives, provokes<br />
+His rage. O, foolish youth! why vainly grasp<br />
+A fleeting shadow? What thou seek'st is not:&mdash;<br />
+And what thou lov'st thou now destroy'st:&mdash;thou see'st<br />
+A semblance only;&mdash;a reflected shade&mdash;<br />
+Nought of itself: with thee it came;&mdash;with thee<br />
+It stays;&mdash;and with thee, if thou could'st, would go.<br />
+Not hunger's power has force to drag him thence;<br />
+Nor cares of sleep oppress him. Thrown along<br />
+The shaded grass, he bends insatiate eyes<br />
+Tow'rds the fallacious beauty;&mdash;by those eyes<br />
+He perishes. Now half-uprais'd, his arms<br />
+Outspread, to all the groves around he cry'd:&mdash;<br />
+“Ye woods, whose darken'd shades so oft have given<br />
+“Convenient privacies to lovers, say,<br />
+“Saw you e'er one so cruelly who lov'd?<br />
+“In ages heap'd on ages you have stood,<br />
+“Remember ye a youth who pin'd as I?<br />
+“Pleas'd with the object, I its form behold;<br />
+<a name="page107"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;107]</span>
+“But what I see, and what so pleases flies.<br />
+“I find it not: in such bewilder'd maze<br />
+“The lover stands. And what my grief augments,<br />
+“No mighty seas divide us; lengthen'd roads;<br />
+“Nor lofty hills; nor high embattled walls,<br />
+“With portals clos'd: asunder are we held<br />
+“By trivial drops of water. It no less<br />
+“Than I, would give th' embrace; for when I bend<br />
+“My lips to kiss it in the limpid stream;<br />
+“With rising lips to meet, it anxious strives:<br />
+“Then might you think we touch, so faint a line<br />
+“Sunders us lovers. Come! whate'er thou art,<br />
+“Come hither! why thus mock me, dearest form?<br />
+“Why fly my wooing thus? My beauty sure,<br />
+“Nor youth are such as should provoke thy flight:<br />
+“For numerous nymphs for me have burn'd. Some hope<br />
+“Thy kindly sympathizing face affords;<br />
+“And when my anxious arms I stretch,&mdash;thy arms<br />
+“Advance to clasp me:&mdash;when I smile, thou smil'st:<br />
+“And often have I noted, when the tears<br />
+“Stream'd down my cheeks, a rivulet on thine:<br />
+“I nod,&mdash;thou, answering, noddest: and those lips,<br />
+“Those beauteous lips, whose movements plain I see,<br />
+“Words utter sure to mine,&mdash;though I forbid,<br />
+“The sounds to hear. In thee am I!&mdash;no more<br />
+“My shadow me deceives: I see the whole;<br />
+“Love for myself consumes me:&mdash;flames self-rais'd,<br />
+<a name="page108"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;108]</span>
+“Myself torment. What hope? be woo'd,&mdash;or woo?<br />
+“Wooing, or being woo'd, where is my gain?<br />
+“Myself I wish, and plenty makes me poor.<br />
+“Would that my body from itself could part!<br />
+“Strange wish for lovers, what most dear they love,<br />
+“Absent to pray. Grief undermines my strength;<br />
+“Nor long my life can linger;&mdash;immature,<br />
+“In youth I perish: but in me no fears,<br />
+“Can death infuse, of all my woes the end;<br />
+“Might I but leave this lovely object, still<br />
+“Existing: now two images, alas!<br />
+“Sink with one soul in death.� Narcissus wails;<br />
+And raving turns to view the face again.<br />
+His tears the waters trouble; and the face<br />
+So beauteous, scarce is seen. Griev'd, he exclaims,<br />
+When disappearing,&mdash;“Whither fly'st thou? stay&mdash;<br />
+“Stay, I beseech thee; cruel, fly me not,&mdash;<br />
+“Thy lover: grant me still to view the form,<br />
+“To touch forbidden:&mdash;food, at least, afford<br />
+“To this unhappy flame.� Lamenting thus,<br />
+He from his shoulders tore his robe, and beat<br />
+With snow-white hands his bosom; at the blow<br />
+His bosom redden'd: so the cherry seems,<br />
+Here ruddy blushing, there as fair as snow:<br />
+Or grapes unripe, part purpling to the sun,<br />
+In vary'd clusters. This he soon espy'd,<br />
+Reflected in the placid pool; no more<br />
+<a name="page109"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;109]</span>
+He bore it, but as gentle fire dissolves<br />
+The yellow wax: as Ph&oelig;bus' morning beams<br />
+Melt the light hoar;&mdash;so wasted he,&mdash;by love<br />
+Gradual consum'd, as by a secret fire.<br />
+No more the ruddy teints appear, with white<br />
+Soft blended. All his active strength decays;<br />
+And all that pleas'd so lately. Ev'n his form<br />
+So much by Echo lov'd, no more remains.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All Echo saw; and though of former slights<br />
+Still mindful, griev'd; and when the hapless youth<br />
+“Alas!� exclaim'd; responsive sigh'd, “Alas!�<br />
+When on his breast the blows resounded; blows<br />
+Loud answering his were heard. His final words,<br />
+Gazing still earnest on the wonted wave,<br />
+Were,&mdash;“dearest form, belov'd in vain!�&mdash;the words<br />
+Resounded from the grove: “farewel,� he cry'd,<br />
+And Echo cry'd, “farewel.� Weary'd he threw,<br />
+On the green turf his head. Night clos'd his eyes;<br />
+Their owner fond admiring. Now retir'd<br />
+To regions far beneath, the Stygian lake<br />
+Reflects his form. The Naiäd sisters wail,<br />
+Shorn of their tresses, which to him they throw:<br />
+The Dryads also mourn; their bosoms beat;<br />
+And Echo answers every tearful groan.<br />
+A pile they build; the high-tost torches bring;<br />
+And funeral bier; but, lo! the corpse is gone:<br />
+<a name="page110"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;110]</span>
+A saffron-teinted flower alone is found,<br />
+Rising encircled with its snowy leaves.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Th' adventure spread through all the Achaian towns,<br />
+And much repute th' unerring augur gain'd.<br />
+Great now his prophesying fame. Alone,<br />
+Pentheus despis'd him;&mdash;(he the gods despis'd)<br />
+And only he;&mdash;he mock'd each holy word<br />
+Sagely prophetic:&mdash;with his rayless eyes<br />
+Reproach'd him. Angrily, his temples hoar<br />
+With reverend locks, the prophet shook, and said;&mdash;<br />
+“Happy for thee, if thus of light bereft,<br />
+“The Bacchanalian orgies ne'er to see!<br />
+“The day approaches, nor far distant now;<br />
+“My sight prophetic tells,&mdash;when here will come<br />
+“Bacchus new-born, of Semelé the son,<br />
+“Whose rites, if thou with honor due, not tend'st<br />
+“In temples worthy,&mdash;scatter'd far and wide,<br />
+“Thy limbs dismember'd shall the ground bestrew:<br />
+“Thy blood the forests shall distain;&mdash;thy gore<br />
+“Thy aunts,&mdash;nay e'en thy mother, shall pollute:<br />
+“For thou such honors, as immortals claim,<br />
+“Shalt to the god deny; then wilt thou find<br />
+“Beneath this darkness I but see too well.�<br />
+Thus speaking, Echion's son the prophet push'd<br />
+Harshly away; but his too faithful words<br />
+Time prov'd;&mdash;the threaten'd deeds accomplish'd all.<br />
+<a name="page111"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;111]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lo! Bacchus comes, and all the country rings<br />
+With joyous outcries; crowds on crowds thick swarm;&mdash;<br />
+Matrons, and wives new-wedded, mixt with men;<br />
+Nobles, and commons; all the impulse bears,<br />
+To join the stranger's rites. But Pentheus thus;&mdash;<br />
+“Offspring of Mars! O nation, serpent born!<br />
+“What madness fills your minds? Can piercing sounds<br />
+“Of brass from brass rebounding; winding horns,<br />
+“And magic cheatings, then possess such power?<br />
+“You whom the warlike sword, the trumpet's clang,<br />
+“And battle's edge, dread bristling close with arms,<br />
+“Appal not; yield ye thus to female howls;<br />
+“Wine's maddening fumes; a filthy shameless crowd;<br />
+“And empty cymbals? In amaze, I see,<br />
+“You venerable men who plough'd the seas,<br />
+“And here, a refuge for your exil'd gods,<br />
+“This second Tyre have built,&mdash;without a blow,<br />
+“Yield it a spoil! Ye too, robuster youths,<br />
+“Of hardier age, and years more near my own;&mdash;<br />
+“Whom warlike arms, than Thyrsi more become;<br />
+“And brows with helmets than with leaves comprest:<br />
+“Think whence you sprang, and let the thought inspire<br />
+“Your souls with all the dragon's fierceness: he<br />
+Singly slew hosts: he for his fountain fell;<br />
+You for your honor vanquish. He destroy'd<br />
+The valiant; you th' effeminate expel;<br />
+And all the glory of your sire regain.<br />
+<a name="page112"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;112]</span>
+“If fate to Thebes a speedy fall decrees,<br />
+“May heroes, O, ye gods! with battering force<br />
+“O'erturn her walls;&mdash;may the sword rage, and flames<br />
+“Crackling, devour her. Wretched though our lot;<br />
+“Not criminal: our fate, though much bemoan'd,<br />
+“Would need concealment not: tears then might flow,<br />
+“But not from shame. Now unresisting Thebes,<br />
+“Yields to a boy unarm'd; who never joys<br />
+“In armies, steeds, nor swords;&mdash;but more in locks<br />
+“With myrrh moist-dropping, garlands soft, and robes<br />
+“Of various teints, with gold and purple gay.<br />
+“Rest ye but tranquil, and without delay,<br />
+“Him will I force to own his boasted sire<br />
+“Untrue; and forg'd those new invented rites.<br />
+“Had not Acrisius bravery to despise<br />
+“The counterfeited deity, and close<br />
+“The gates of Argos on him? And must now<br />
+“This wanderer come, and Pentheus terrify,<br />
+“With all the power of Thebes! Haste, quickly haste,�&mdash;<br />
+He bade his servants,&mdash;“hither drag, firm chain'd,<br />
+“This leader. Quick, nor brook my words delay!�<br />
+His grandsire, Athamas, and all the crowd<br />
+Reprove;&mdash;while thus he rails, with fruitless toil<br />
+Labor to stop him. Obstinate he stands,<br />
+More raging at remonstrance; and his ire<br />
+Restrain'd, increases; goading more and more;<br />
+Restraint itself enkindling more his rage.<br />
+<a name="page113"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;113]</span>
+So may be seen a river rolling smooth,<br />
+With murmuring nearly silent, while unchecked;<br />
+But when by rocks, or bulky trees oppos'd,<br />
+Foaming and boiling furious, on it sweeps<br />
+Impetuous raging; fiercer, more withstood.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With blood besmear'd, his men return;&mdash;their lord<br />
+For Bacchus anxious asks;&mdash;but Bacchus they,<br />
+To find, arriv'd too late;&mdash;“but here,� they cry,&mdash;<br />
+“Here have we seiz'd his comrade;&mdash;one who joins<br />
+“His train, and joins his rites.� (The Tuscans once<br />
+The Bacchanalian orgies follow'd.) Bound<br />
+Behind, his hands, their prisoner they present.<br />
+Pentheus survey'd the stranger, while his eyes<br />
+Sparkled with rage terrific: with constraint<br />
+His torture so deferring, thus he spoke;&mdash;<br />
+“Wretch! ere thou sufferest,&mdash;ere thy death shall give<br />
+“A public warning,&mdash;tell thy name;&mdash;confess<br />
+“Thy sire; declare thy country; and the cause<br />
+“Those rites thou celebratest in a mode<br />
+“Diverse from others.� Fearless, he reply'd;&mdash;<br />
+“Ac&oelig;tes is my name: my natal land,<br />
+“Tyrrhenia: from an humble stock I spring.<br />
+“Lands by strong oxen plough'd, or wool-clad flocks,<br />
+“Or lowing herds my father left me none:<br />
+“For poor was he;&mdash;his daily toil to catch<br />
+“With nets and lines the fish, and as they leap'd,<br />
+<a name="page114"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;114]</span>
+“Draw with his bending rod the prey to land:<br />
+“His skill his sole estate. When unto me<br />
+“This art he taught,&mdash;receive, said he, my wealth;<br />
+“Such wealth as I possess; heir to my toil,<br />
+“And to my toil successor: dying, he<br />
+“To me bequeath'd the waters;&mdash;nothing more:<br />
+“These only as paternal wealth I claim.<br />
+“But soon, disliking on the self-same rock<br />
+“To dwell, I learn'd the art to rule the track<br />
+“Plough'd by the keel, with skilful guiding hand;<br />
+“And learn'd th' Olenian sign, the showery goat;<br />
+“Taygeté; and the Hyädes; the Bear;<br />
+“The dwellings of the winds; and every port<br />
+“Where ships could shelter. Once for Delos bound,<br />
+“By chance, the shore of Chios' isle we near'd;<br />
+“And when our starboard oars the beach had touch'd,<br />
+“Lightly I leap'd, and rested on the land.<br />
+“Now, night expir'd, Aurora warmly glow'd,<br />
+“And rousing up from sleep, my men I bade<br />
+“Supplies of living waters bring; and shew'd<br />
+“What path the fountain led to. I meanwhile,<br />
+“A lofty hill ascending, careful mark'd<br />
+“The wish'd-for wind approaching;&mdash;loud I call'd<br />
+“My fellows, and with haste the vessel gain'd.<br />
+“Lo! cry'd Opheltes, chief of all my crew,&mdash;<br />
+“Lo! here we come;&mdash;and from the desart fields,<br />
+“(A prize obtain'd, he thought),&mdash;he dragg'd along<br />
+<a name="page115"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;115]</span>
+“A boy of virgin beauty tow'rd the sands:<br />
+“Staggering, the youth, with wine and sleep opprest,<br />
+“With difficulty follow'd. Closely I<br />
+“His dress, his countenance, and his gait remark;<br />
+“And all I see, displays no mortal man.<br />
+“Conscious, I speak my comrades thus:&mdash;Unknown<br />
+“To me, what deity before us stands,<br />
+“But sure I am, that form conceals a god.<br />
+“O thou! whoe'er thou art, assist us;&mdash;aid<br />
+“Our undertakings;&mdash;who have seiz'd thee, spare,<br />
+“Unknowing what they did. Bold Dictys cries,&mdash;<br />
+“Than whom none swifter gain'd the topmost yards,<br />
+“Nor on the cordage slid more agile down;&mdash;<br />
+“Prayers offer not for us. Him Lybis joins;<br />
+“And brown Melanthus, ruler of the helm;<br />
+“Alcimedon unites; Epopeus too,<br />
+“Who rul'd the rowers, and their restings mark'd;<br />
+“(Arduous they urg'd their sinews by his voice)&mdash;<br />
+“Nay all Opheltes join,&mdash;the lust of gain,<br />
+“So blinded all their judgments. Still I cry;&mdash;<br />
+“Ne'er will I yield my vessel to behold<br />
+“Burthen'd with such a sacrilegious load:<br />
+“Pre-eminent is here my right. I stand<br />
+“To those who strive to hoist him in, oppos'd.<br />
+“Bold and outrageous, far beyond the rest,<br />
+“Was Lycabas; from Tuscan shore exil'd<br />
+<a name="page116"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;116]</span>
+“For deeds of murderous violence: he grasp'd<br />
+“My throat with force athletic, as I stood,<br />
+“And in the waves had flung me; but sore stunn'd,<br />
+“A cable caught, and sav'd me. Loud the crew<br />
+“The impious deed applauded. Bacchus rose,<br />
+“(The boy was Bacchus!) with the tumult loud<br />
+“Rous'd from his sleep;&mdash;the fumes of wine dispell'd,<br />
+“His senses seem'd restor'd. What is't you do?<br />
+“What noise is this? he cry'd;&mdash;What brought me here?<br />
+“O, mariners! inform me;&mdash;tell me where<br />
+“You carry me! Fear not,&mdash;the pilot said,&mdash;<br />
+“Say but the port, where most thou'dst chuse to land;&mdash;<br />
+“Thither we straight will steer. The god reply'd;&mdash;<br />
+“To Naxos then your course direct; that isle<br />
+“My native soil I call:&mdash;to you that isle<br />
+“A friendly shore shall prove. False men, they swear,<br />
+“By ocean, and by all the sacred gods,<br />
+“This to perform; and order me to loose,<br />
+“The painted vessel's sails. Full on the right<br />
+“Stood Naxos. Loudly one to me exclaims;<br />
+“As tow'rd the right I trim the sails to steer;&mdash;<br />
+“What now, Ac&oelig;tes? madman! fool! what now?<br />
+“Art thou distracted? to the left we sail.&mdash;<br />
+“Most nod significant their wishes: some<br />
+“Soft whisper in my ear. Astounded, I<br />
+“Let others guide!&mdash;exclaim,&mdash;and quit the helm;<br />
+<a name="page117"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;117]</span>
+“Guiltless of aiding in their treacherous guile.<br />
+“Loud murmurings sound from all; and loudly one,<br />
+“Ethalion, cries;&mdash;in thee alone is plac'd<br />
+“Our safety, doubtless!&mdash;forward steps himself;&mdash;<br />
+“My station seizes; and a different course<br />
+“Directs the vessel, Naxos left behind.<br />
+“The feigning god, as though but then, the fraud<br />
+“To him perceptible, the waves beholds<br />
+“From the curv'd poop, and tears pretending, cries;&mdash;<br />
+“Not this, O, seamen! is the promis'd shore:<br />
+“Not this the wish'd-for land! What deed of mine<br />
+“This cruel treatment merits? Where the fame<br />
+“Of men, a child deceiving; numbers leagu'd<br />
+“Misleading one? Fast flow'd my tears with his;<br />
+“Our tears the impious mob deride, and press<br />
+“The ocean with their strong-propelling oars.<br />
+“Now by the god himself, I swear, (and none<br />
+“To vows more ready listens) that the tale,<br />
+“Though in appearance credence far beyond,<br />
+“Is strictly true. Firm fixt amid the waves<br />
+“The vessel stands, as in a harbour laid<br />
+“Dry from the ocean! Wondering, they their oars,<br />
+“With strokes redoubled ply; loose to the wind<br />
+“More sails; and with this double aid essay<br />
+“Onward to urge. Their oars with ivy twin'd,<br />
+“Are clogg'd; the curving tendrils crooked spread;<br />
+<a name="page118"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;118]</span>
+“The sails with clustering berries loaded hang.<br />
+“His temples girded with a branchy crown,<br />
+“Whence grapes hang dangling, stands the god, and shakes<br />
+“A spear entwisted with the curling vine.<br />
+“Round seem to prowl the tiger, and the lynx,<br />
+“And savage forms of panthers, various mark'd.<br />
+“Up leap'd the men, by sudden madness mov'd;<br />
+“Or terror only: Medon first appear'd<br />
+“Blackening to grow, with shooting fins; his form<br />
+“Flatten'd; and in a curve was bent his spine.<br />
+“Him Lycabas address'd;&mdash;what wonderous shape<br />
+“Art thou receiving?&mdash;speaking, wide his jaws<br />
+“Expanded; flatten'd down, his nose appear'd;<br />
+“A scaly covering cloth'd his harden'd skin.<br />
+“Lybis to turn the firm fixt oars attempts,<br />
+“But while he tries, perceives his fingers shrink;<br />
+“And hands, now hands no longer, fins he sees.<br />
+“Another round the cordage strives his arms<br />
+“To clasp,&mdash;but arms he has not,&mdash;down he leaps<br />
+“Broad on his crooked back, and seeks the waves.<br />
+“Forkt is their new-made tail; like Luna's form<br />
+“Bent in the skies, ere half her orb is fill'd.<br />
+“Bounding all round they leap;&mdash;now down they dash,<br />
+“Besprinkling wide the foamy drops; now 'merge;<br />
+“And now re-diving, plunge in playful sport:<br />
+“As chorus regular they act, and move<br />
+<a name="page119"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;119]</span>
+“Their forms in shapes lascivious; spouting high,<br />
+“The briny waters through their nostrils wide.<br />
+“Of twenty now, (our ship so many bore)<br />
+“I only stand unchang'd; with trembling limbs,<br />
+“And petrify'd with fear. The god himself,<br />
+“Scarce courage in my mind inspires; when thus,&mdash;<br />
+“Pale terror from thy bosom drive, and seek<br />
+“The isle of Naxos.&mdash;Thither come, I tend<br />
+“On smoking altars, Bacchus' sacred rites.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Him Pentheus angry stopp'd. “Thy tedious tale,<br />
+“Form'd to divert my rage, in vain is told.<br />
+“Here, men, swift drag him hence!&mdash;dispatch his soul,<br />
+“Driven from his body, down to Stygian night;<br />
+“By pangs excruciating.� Straight close pent,<br />
+In solid dungeon is Ac&oelig;tes thrown,<br />
+While they the instruments of death prepare;<br />
+The cruel steel; the flames;&mdash;spontaneous fly<br />
+Wide ope the dungeon doors; spontaneous fall<br />
+The fetters from his arms, and freed he goes.<br />
+Stubborn, the son of Echion still persists;<br />
+But sends no messenger: himself proceeds,<br />
+To where Cythæron, for the sacred rites<br />
+Selected, rings with Bacchanalian songs,<br />
+And outcries shrill. As foams an high-bred steed,<br />
+When through the speaking brass the warlike trump,<br />
+<a name="page120"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;120]</span>
+Sounds the glad signal; and with ardor burns<br />
+For battle: so the air, with howlings loud<br />
+Re-echoing, Pentheus moves, and doubly flames<br />
+His rage, to hear the clangor. Clear'd from trees,<br />
+A plain extends, from every part fair seen,<br />
+And near the mountain's centre: round its skirt,<br />
+Thick groves grow shady. Here his mother saw<br />
+His eye unhallow'd view the sacred rites;<br />
+And first,&mdash;by frantic madness urg'd,&mdash;she first<br />
+Furious the Thyrsus at her Pentheus flung:<br />
+Exclaiming loud;&mdash;“Ho, sisters! hither haste!<br />
+“Here stands the furious boar that wastes our grounds:<br />
+“My hand has smote him.� Raging rush the crowd,<br />
+In one united body. All close join,<br />
+And all pursue the now pale trembling wretch.<br />
+No longer fierce he storms; but grieving blames<br />
+His rashness, and his obstinacy owns.<br />
+Wounded,&mdash;“dear aunt, Autonoë!�&mdash;he cries,<br />
+“Help me!&mdash;O, let your own Actæon's ghost<br />
+“Move you to pity!� She, Actæon's name<br />
+Nought heeding, tears his outstretcht arm away;<br />
+The other, Ino from his body drags!<br />
+And when his arms, unhappy wretch, he tries<br />
+To lift unto his mother, arms to lift<br />
+Were none;&mdash;but stretching forth his mangled trunk<br />
+Of limbs bereft;&mdash;“look, mother!�&mdash;he exclaims.<br />
+<a name="page121"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;121]</span>
+Loud howl'd Agavé at the sight; his neck<br />
+Fierce grasping,&mdash;toss'd on high his streaming locks,<br />
+Her bloody fingers twisted in his hair.<br />
+Then clamor'd loudly;&mdash;“joy, my comrades, joy!<br />
+“The victory is mine!� Not swifter sweep<br />
+The winds those leaves which early frosts have nipp'd,<br />
+And lightly to the boughs attach'd remain,<br />
+Than scatter'd flew his limbs by furious hands.<br />
+<a name="page122"></a>
+<a name="page123"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;123]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter7"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Fourth Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Feast of Bacchus. Impiety and infidelity of Alcithoë and her sisters.
+Story of Pyramus and Thisbe. Amour of Mars and Venus. The lovers
+caught by Vulcan in a net. Sol's love for Leucothoë, and her change to
+a tree of frankincense. Clytié transformed to a sunflower. Tale of
+Salmacis and Hermaphroditus. Transformation of Alcithoë and her
+sisters to bats. Juno's fury. Madness of Athamas; and deification of
+Ino and Melicertes. Change of the Theban women to rocks and birds.
+Cadmus and Hermione changed to serpents. Perseus. Transformation
+of Atlas to a mountain. Andromeda saved from the sea monster. Story
+of Medusa.
+<a name="page124"></a>
+<a name="page125"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;125]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter8"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Fourth Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Warn'd by the dreadful admonition, all<br />
+Of Thebes the new solemnities approve;<br />
+Bring incense, and to Bacchus' altars bend.<br />
+Alcithoë only, Minyäs' daughter, views<br />
+His orgies still with unbelieving eyes.<br />
+Boldly, herself and sisters, partners all<br />
+In impious guilt, refuse the god to own,<br />
+The progeny of Jove. The prophet bids<br />
+Each mistress with her maids, to join the feast:<br />
+(Sacred the day from toil). Their breasts to clothe<br />
+In skins; the fillets from their heads to loose;<br />
+With ivy wreathe their brows; and in their hands<br />
+<a name="page126"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;126]</span>
+The leafy Thyrsus grasp. Threatening, he spoke,<br />
+In words prophetic, how th' affronted god<br />
+Would wreak his ire. Matrons and virgins haste;<br />
+Throw by their baskets; quit the loom, and leave<br />
+Th' unfinish'd threads: sweet incense they supply<br />
+Invoking Bacchus by his various names.<br />
+Bromius! Lyæus! power in flames produc'd!&mdash;<br />
+Produc'd a second time! god doubly born!<br />
+Born of two mothers! Nyseus! they exclaim;<br />
+Long-hair'd Thyoneus!&mdash;and the planter fam'd<br />
+Of genial grapes! Lenæus! too, they sing;<br />
+Nyctelius! Elelcus! and aloud<br />
+Iäcchus! Evan! with the numerous names,<br />
+O Liber! in the Grecian land thou hold'st.<br />
+Unwaning youth is thine, eternal boy!<br />
+Most beauteous form in heaven! a virgin's face<br />
+Thou seem'st to bear, when seen without thy horns.<br />
+Stoops to thy arms the East, where Ganges bounds<br />
+The dusky India:&mdash;Deity rever'd!<br />
+Thou impious Pentheus sacrific'd; and thou,<br />
+The mad Lycurgus punish'd with his axe:<br />
+By thee the Tyrrhene traitors, in the main<br />
+Were flung: Adorn'd with painted reins, thou curb'st<br />
+The lynxes in thy chariot yok'd abreast:<br />
+Thy steps the Satyrs and Bacchantes tread;<br />
+And old Silenus; who with wine o'ercharg'd,<br />
+With a long staff his tottering steps sustains:<br />
+<a name="page127"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;127]</span>
+Or on a crooked ass, unsteady sits:<br />
+Where'er thou enterest shout the joyous youth,<br />
+Females and males immingled: loud the drums<br />
+Struck by their hands resound;&mdash;and loudly clash<br />
+The brazen cymbals: soft the boxen flutes<br />
+<ins class="hemistich">
+<table>
+<tr><td>Deep and melodious sound!</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td>Now prays all Thebes</td></tr>
+</table>
+</ins>
+The god's approach in mildness; and perform<br />
+His sacred rites as bidden. Sole remain<br />
+At home secluded, Minyäs' daughters,&mdash;they<br />
+With ill-tim'd industry the feast prophane.<br />
+Busy, they form the wool, and twirl the thread;<br />
+Or to the loom stick close, and all their maids<br />
+Urge to strict labor. One with dexterous thumb<br />
+The slender thread extending, cries;&mdash;“while all,<br />
+“Idly, those rites imaginary tend,<br />
+“Let us, whom Pallas, deity more great,<br />
+“Detains, our useful labors lighter make<br />
+“By vary'd converse. Each in turn relate<br />
+“Her tale, while others listen; thus the time<br />
+“Less tedious shall appear.� All pleas'd applaud<br />
+The proposition; and her sisters beg<br />
+That she the tales commence. Long she demurs,<br />
+What story first, of those she knew, to tell;<br />
+For numerous was her store. In doubt, thy tale,<br />
+Dercetis Babylonian, to relate,<br />
+<a name="page128"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;128]</span>
+Whose form, the Syrians think, with scales is cloth'd;<br />
+The stagnant pools frequenting: or describe<br />
+Thy daughter's change, on waving pinions borne;<br />
+Who lengthen'd age obtain'd, on lofty towers<br />
+Safe dwelling: or of Naïs, who the youths<br />
+With magic works, and potent witching words<br />
+To silent fishes turn'd; till she the same<br />
+Vile transformation suffer'd: or the tree,<br />
+Which once in clusters white its berries bore,<br />
+Now blood besprinkled, growing black. This tale<br />
+Most novel, pleas'd the most: and as she spun<br />
+Her slender thread, the nymph the tale began.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thisbe, the brightest of the eastern maids;<br />
+“And Pyramus, the pride of all the youths,<br />
+“Contiguous dwellings held, in that fam'd town,<br />
+“Where lofty walls of stone, we learn were rais'd,<br />
+“By bold Semiramis. Their neighbouring scite,<br />
+“Acquaintance first encourag'd,&mdash;primal step<br />
+“To further intimacy: love, in time,<br />
+“Grew from this chance connection; and they long'd<br />
+“To join by lawful rites: but harsh forbade,<br />
+“Their rigid sires the union fate had doom'd.<br />
+“With equal ardor both their minds inflam'd,<br />
+“Burnt fierce; and absent every watchful spy<br />
+“By nods and signs they spoke; for close their love<br />
+“Conceal'd they kept;&mdash;conceal'd it burn'd more fierce.<br />
+<a name="page129"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;129]</span>
+“The severing wall a narrow chink contain'd,<br />
+“Form'd when first rear'd;&mdash;what will not love espy?<br />
+“This chink, by all for ages past unseen,<br />
+“The lovers first espy'd.&mdash;This opening gave<br />
+“A passage for their voices; safely through,<br />
+“Their tender words were breath'd in whisperings soft.<br />
+“Oft punctual at their posts,&mdash;on this side she,<br />
+“And Pyramus on that;&mdash;each breathing sighs,&mdash;<br />
+“By turns inhaling, have they mutual cry'd;&mdash;<br />
+“Invidious wall! why lovers thus divide?<br />
+“Much were it, did thy parts more wide recede,<br />
+“And suffer us to join? were that too much<br />
+“A little opening more, and we might meet<br />
+“With lips at least. Yet grateful still we own<br />
+“Thy kind indulgence, which a passage gives,<br />
+“And amorous words conveys to loving ears.<br />
+“Thus they loquacious, though on sides diverse,<br />
+“Till night their converse stay'd;&mdash;then cry'd, adieu!<br />
+“And each imprinted kisses, which the stones<br />
+“Forbade to taste. Soon as Aurora's fires<br />
+“Remov'd the shades of night, and Ph&oelig;bus' rays<br />
+“From the moist earth the dew exhal'd, they meet<br />
+“As 'custom'd at the wall: lamenting deep,<br />
+“As wont in murmuring whispers: bold they plan,<br />
+“Their guards evading in the silent night,<br />
+“To pass the outer gates. Then, when escap'd<br />
+“From home, to leave the city's dangerous shade;<br />
+<a name="page130"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;130]</span>
+“But lest, in wandering o'er the spacious plains<br />
+“They miss to meet, at Ninus' sacred tomb<br />
+“They fix their assignation,&mdash;hid conceal'd<br />
+“Beneath th' umbrageous leaves. There grew a tree,<br />
+“Close bordering on a cooling fountain's brink;<br />
+“A stately mulberry;&mdash;snow-white fruit hung thick<br />
+“On every branch. The plot pleas'd well the pair.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“And now slow seems the car of Sol to sink;<br />
+“Slow from the ocean seems the night to rise;<br />
+“Till Thisbe, cautious, by the darkness veil'd,<br />
+“Soft turns the hinges, and her guards beguiles.<br />
+“Her features veil'd, the tomb she reaches,&mdash;sits<br />
+“Beneath th' appointed tree: love makes her bold.<br />
+“Lo! comes a lioness,&mdash;her jaws besmear'd<br />
+“With gory foam, fresh from the slaughter'd herd,<br />
+“Deep in th' adjoining fount her thirst to slake.<br />
+“Far off the Babylonian maid beheld<br />
+“By Luna's rays the horrid foe,&mdash;quick fled<br />
+“With trembling feet, and gain'd a darksome cave:<br />
+“Flying, she dropp'd, and left her robe behind.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now had the savage beast her drought allay'd,<br />
+“And backward to the forest roaming, found<br />
+“The veiling robe;&mdash;its tender texture rent,<br />
+“And smear'd the spoil with bloody jaws. The youth<br />
+“(With later fortune his strict watch escap'd)<br />
+<a name="page131"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;131]</span>
+“Spy'd the plain footsteps of a monster huge<br />
+“Deep in the sand indented!&mdash;O'er his face<br />
+“Pale terror spread: but when the robe he saw,<br />
+“With blood besmear'd, and mangled; loud he cry'd,&mdash;<br />
+“One night shall close two lovers' eyes in death!<br />
+“She most deserving of a longer date.<br />
+“Mine is the fault alone. Dear luckless maid!<br />
+“I have destroy'd thee;&mdash;I, who bade thee keep<br />
+“Nocturnal meetings in this dangerous place,<br />
+“And came not first to shield thy steps from harm.<br />
+“Ye lions, wheresoe'er within those caves<br />
+“Ye lurk! haste hither,&mdash;tear me limb from limb!<br />
+“Fierce ravaging devour, and make my tomb<br />
+“Your horrid entrails. But for death to wish<br />
+“A coward's turn may serve. The robe he takes,<br />
+“Once Thisbe's, and beneath th' appointed tree<br />
+“Bearing it, bath'd in tears; with ardent lips<br />
+“Oft fondly kissing, thus he desperate cries;&mdash;<br />
+“Now with my blood be also bath'd!&mdash;drink deep!<br />
+“And in his body plung'd the sword, that round<br />
+“His loins hung ready girt: then as he dy'd,<br />
+“Hasty withdrew, hot reeking from the wound,<br />
+“The steel; and backwards falling, press'd the earth.<br />
+“High spouts the sanguine flood! thus forth a pipe,<br />
+“(The lead decay'd, or damag'd) sends a stream<br />
+“Contracted from the breach; upspringing high,<br />
+“And loudly hissing, as the air it breaks<br />
+<a name="page132"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;132]</span>
+“With jets repeated. Sprinkled with the blood,<br />
+“The tree's white fruit a purple tinge receiv'd;<br />
+“Deep soak'd with blood the roots convey the stain<br />
+“Inly, and tinge each bough with Tyrian dye.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now Thisbe comes, with terror trembling still,<br />
+“Fearful, she Pyramus expecting waits:<br />
+“Him seek her beating bosom, and her eyes;<br />
+“Anxious the peril she escap'd to tell.<br />
+“Well mark'd her eyes the place,&mdash;and well the tree;<br />
+“The berries chang'd in color, long she doubts<br />
+“The same or no. While hesitating thus,<br />
+“The panting members quivering she beholds,<br />
+“Upon the sanguin'd turf; and back recoils!<br />
+“Paler than box her features grow; her limbs<br />
+“More tremble than when ocean fretful sounds,<br />
+“Its surface briskly by the breezes swept.<br />
+“Nor long the pause, her lover soon is known;<br />
+“And now her harmless breast with furious blows<br />
+“She punishes; her tresses wild she rends;<br />
+“Clasps the lov'd body; and the gaping wound<br />
+“Fills with her tears,&mdash;their droppings with the blood<br />
+“Immingling. On his clay-cold face she press'd<br />
+“Her kisses, crying;&mdash;Pyramus! what chance<br />
+“Has torn thee from me thus? My Pyramus!<br />
+“Answer me,&mdash;'tis thy dearest Thisbe speaks!<br />
+“She calls thee,&mdash;hear me,&mdash;raise that dying face!<br />
+<a name="page133"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;133]</span>
+“At Thisbe's name, his lids, with death hard weigh'd,<br />
+“He rais'd&mdash;beheld her,&mdash;and forever clos'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Him dying thus,&mdash;her lacerated veil;<br />
+“The ivory scabbard empty'd of its sword;<br />
+“She saw,&mdash;at once the truth upon her mind<br />
+“Flash'd quick. Alas! thy hand, by love impell'd,<br />
+“Has wrought thy ruin: but to me the hand,<br />
+“In this, at least, shall equal force display,<br />
+“For equal was my love; and love will grant<br />
+“Sufficient strength the deadly wound to give.<br />
+“In death I'll follow thee; with justice call'd<br />
+“Thy ruin's wretched cause,&mdash;but comrade too.<br />
+“Thou whom, but death seem'd capable to part<br />
+“From me, shalt find ev'n death too weak will prove.<br />
+“Ye wretched mourning parents, his and mine!<br />
+“The dying prayers respect of him,&mdash;of me:<br />
+“Grant that, entomb'd together, both may rest;<br />
+“A pair by faithful love conjoined,&mdash;by death<br />
+“United close. And thou fair tree which shad'st<br />
+“Of one the miserable corse; and two<br />
+“Soon with thy boughs wilt cover,&mdash;bear the mark<br />
+“Of the sad deed eternal;&mdash;ting'd thy fruit<br />
+“With mournful coloring: monumental type<br />
+“Of double slaughter. Speaking thus, she plac'd<br />
+“The steely point, while yet with blood it smok'd,<br />
+“Beneath her swelling breast; and forward fell.<br />
+<a name="page134"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;134]</span>
+“Her final prayer reach'd heaven; her parents reach'd:<br />
+“Purple the berries blush, when ripen'd full;<br />
+“And in one urn the lovers' ashes rest.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She ceas'd: a silent interval, but short,<br />
+Ensu'd; and next Leuconoë thus address'd<br />
+Her listening sisters:&mdash;“Ev'n the sun himself,<br />
+“Whose heavenly light so universal shines,<br />
+“To love is subject: his amours I tell.<br />
+“This deity's keen sight the first espy'd&mdash;<br />
+“(For all things penetrating first he sees)<br />
+“The crime of Mars and Venus; sore chagrin'd,<br />
+“To Vulcan he th' adulterous theft display'd,<br />
+“And told him where they lay. Appall'd he heard,&mdash;<br />
+“And dropp'd the tools his dexterous hand contain'd;<br />
+“But soon recover'd. Slender chains of brass,<br />
+“And nets, and traps he form'd; so wonderous fine,<br />
+“They mock'd the power of sight: for far less fine,<br />
+“The smallest thread the distaff forms; or line,<br />
+“Spun by the spider, pendent from the roof.<br />
+“Curious he form'd it; at the lightest touch<br />
+“It yielded; each momentum, slight howe'er,<br />
+“Caus'd its recession: this he artful hung,<br />
+“The couch enfolding. When the faithless wife,<br />
+“And paramour upon the bed embrac'd,<br />
+“Both in the lewd conjunction were ensnar'd;<br />
+“Caught by the husband's skill, whose art the chains<br />
+<a name="page135"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;135]</span>
+“In novel form had fram'd. The Lemnian god<br />
+“Instant wide threw the ivory doors, and gave<br />
+“Admittance free to every curious eye:<br />
+“In shameful guise together bound they laid.<br />
+“But some light gods, not blaming much the sight,<br />
+“Would wish thus sham'd to lie: loud laugh'd the whole,<br />
+“And long in heaven the tale jocose was told.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The well-remember'd deed, the Cyprian queen<br />
+“Retorting, made the god remember too:<br />
+“And him who her conceal'd amours disclos'd,<br />
+“In turn betray'd. What now, Hyperion's son,<br />
+“Avails thy beauty!&mdash;or thy radiant flames?<br />
+“For thou, whose fires warm all the wide-spread world,<br />
+“Burn'st with a new-felt heat! Thou, whose wide view,<br />
+“Should every object grasp, with partial ken<br />
+“Leucothoë only see'st! that nymph alone,<br />
+“Attracts those eyes, whose lustre all the world<br />
+“Expect to view. Oft in the eastern skies,<br />
+“More early rising, art thou seen; and oft<br />
+“More tardy 'neath the waves thou sinkest: long<br />
+“The wintry days thou stretchest, with delay<br />
+“Thy object lov'd to see. Meantime pale gloom<br />
+“O'ercasts thy orb; the dullness of thy mind<br />
+“Obstructs thy brightness; and thy rays obscure,<br />
+“Terror in mortal breasts inspire. Not pale<br />
+“Thou fadest, as, when nearer whirl'd to earth,<br />
+<a name="page136"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;136]</span>
+“Faint Luna's shadow o'er thy surface glooms:<br />
+“But love, and only love the paleness gives.<br />
+“Her only, now thy amorous soul pursues;<br />
+“Rhodos, nor Clymené, nor Persé fair,<br />
+“Of Colchian Circé mother, tempt thee now;<br />
+“Nor Clytié, whom thy cold neglect still spurns;<br />
+“Yet still she burns to clasp thee: deep she mourns,<br />
+“Stung more acutely by this fresh amour.<br />
+“Now in Leucothoë, every former love<br />
+“Is lost. Leucothoë, whom the beauteous nymph,<br />
+“Eurynomé, in odoriferous climes<br />
+“Of Araby brought forth. Full-grown, matur'd,<br />
+“Leucothoë's beauteous form no less surpass'd<br />
+“Her mother's, than her mother's all beside.<br />
+“Her sire, the royal Orchamus (who claim'd<br />
+“A seventh descent from ancient Belus) rul'd<br />
+“The Achæmenian towns. The rapid steeds<br />
+“Of Ph&oelig;bus pasture 'neath the western sky;<br />
+“Not grass, ambrosia, eating; heavenly food,<br />
+“Which nerves their limbs, faint with diurnal toil,<br />
+“Restoring all their ardor. Whilst the steeds,<br />
+“This their celestial nourishment enjoy;<br />
+“And night, as 'custom'd, governs in her turn;<br />
+“The god the close apartments of his nymph<br />
+“Beloved, enters;&mdash;form'd to outward view,<br />
+“Eurynomé her mother. Her he saw<br />
+“The slender threads from spindle twirling fine,<br />
+<a name="page137"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;137]</span>
+“Illumin'd by the lamp; and circled round<br />
+“By twice six female helpers. Warm he gave<br />
+“As a lov'd daughter, his maternal kiss,<br />
+“And said;&mdash;our converse secrecy demands.&mdash;<br />
+“Th' attendant maids depart,&mdash;nor hinderance give,<br />
+“Loitering, a mother's secret words to hear.<br />
+“When he, the chamber free from spy or guard,<br />
+“Exclaims,&mdash;no female I! behold the god,<br />
+“The lengthen'd year who spaces! who beholds<br />
+“Each object earth contains! the world's great eye<br />
+“By which it all surveys. My tender words<br />
+“Believe, I dearly love thee. Pale she look'd,<br />
+“While thus he spoke;&mdash;started, and trembling dropp'd<br />
+“Her distaff, and her spindle from her hand<br />
+“Nerveless. But ev'n her terror seem'd to add<br />
+“Fresh beauty to her features. Longer he<br />
+“Delay'd not, but his wonted form assum'd;<br />
+“In heavenly splendor shining. Mild the maid,<br />
+“Won by his beauteous brightness, (though at first,<br />
+“His sudden shape surpriz'd her) sunk beneath<br />
+“The force he urg'd, with unresisting power.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The jealous Clytié (who with amorous flame<br />
+“Burn'd for Apollo) urg'd by harlot's rage,<br />
+“Straight to the sire, Leucothoë's crime betray'd;<br />
+“Painting the nymph's misdeed with heighten'd glow.<br />
+“Fierce rag'd the father,&mdash;merciless inhum'd<br />
+<a name="page138"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;138]</span>
+“Her living body deep in earth! Outstretcht<br />
+“High to the sun her arms, and praying warm<br />
+“For mercy;&mdash;he by force, she cry'd, prevail'd!<br />
+“O'er her untimely grave a lofty mound<br />
+“Of sand, her sire uprear'd. Hyperion's son<br />
+“Through this an opening with his beams quick form'd,<br />
+“Full wide for her, her head intomb'd to lift,<br />
+“Once to the light again. Thy bury'd corse<br />
+“No more thou now couldst raise; the ponderous load<br />
+“Of earth prevents thee; and a bloodless mass,<br />
+“Exanimate, thou ly'st! Not deeper grief<br />
+“'Tis said, the ruler of the swift-wing'd steeds,<br />
+“Display'd, when o'er the earth the hapless flames<br />
+“By Phaëton were thrown. Arduous he strives,<br />
+“Her gelid limbs, with all his powerful rays<br />
+“To vivid heat recal: stern fate withstands<br />
+“His utmost urg'd endeavours: bathing then<br />
+“Her pallid corse, and all the earth around<br />
+“With odorous nectar, sorrowing sad he cries;&mdash;<br />
+“Yet, shalt thou reach the heavens! And soon began<br />
+“Her limbs, soft melting in celestial dew,<br />
+“With moistening drops of strong perfume to flow:<br />
+“Slowly a frankincense's rooted twigs<br />
+“Spread in the earth,&mdash;its top the hillock burst.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Angry the god (though violent love the pain<br />
+“Of jealousy might well excuse,&mdash;the pain<br />
+<a name="page139"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;139]</span>
+“Of jealousy the tale) from Clytié now<br />
+“Abstains; no more in amorous mood they meet.<br />
+“Rash now the deed her burning love had caus'd,<br />
+“Too late she found;&mdash;she flies her sister-nymphs;<br />
+“And pining, on the cold bare turf she sits;<br />
+“By day,&mdash;by night,&mdash;sole shelter'd by the sky;<br />
+“Her dripping tresses matted round her brows:<br />
+“Food,&mdash;drink, abhorring. Nine long days she bore<br />
+“Sharp famine, bath'd with dew, bath'd with her tears;<br />
+“Still on the ground prone lying. Yet the god<br />
+“In circling motion still she ardent view'd;<br />
+“Turning her face to his. Tradition tells,<br />
+“Her limbs to earth grew fasten'd: ghastly pale<br />
+“Her color; chang'd to bloodless leaves she stood,<br />
+“Streak'd ruddy here and there;&mdash;a violet flower<br />
+“Her face o'erspreading. Still that face she turns,<br />
+“To meet the sun;&mdash;though binding roots retain<br />
+“Her feet, her love unalter'd still remains.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She ended; all their listening ears, well pleas'd,<br />
+The wonderous story heard. Some hard of faith<br />
+Its truth, its probability deny.<br />
+To true divinities such power some grant;<br />
+And power to compass more;&mdash;to Bacchus none<br />
+Such potence own. The sisters, silent now,<br />
+Alcithoë beg to speak: she shooting swift<br />
+Her shuttle through th' extended threads, exclaims;&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page140"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;140]</span>
+“Of Daphnis' love, so known, on Ida's hill,<br />
+“His flocks who tended, whom his angry nymph,<br />
+“To stone transform'd (such fury fires the breast<br />
+“Of those who desperate love!) I shall not tell:<br />
+“Nor yet of Scython, of ambiguous form,<br />
+“Now male, now female; nature's wonted laws<br />
+“Inconstant proving: thee, O Celmis! too<br />
+“I pass; once faithful nurse to infant Jove,<br />
+“Now chang'd to adamant: Curetes! sprung<br />
+“From showery floods: Crocus, and Smilax, both<br />
+“To blooming flowers transform'd: unnotic'd these,<br />
+“My tale from novelty itself shall please:<br />
+“How Salmacis so infamous became,<br />
+“Then list; whose potent waves, the luckless limbs<br />
+“Enerve, of those they bathe. Conceal'd the cause;<br />
+“Yet far and wide the fountain's power is known.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Deep in the sheltering caves of Ida's hill,<br />
+“The Naiäd nymphs a beauteous infant nurs'd;<br />
+“Whom Cyprus' goddess unto Hermes bore.<br />
+“His father's beauty, and his mother's, shone<br />
+“In every feature; in his name conjoin'd<br />
+“He bore their appellations. When matur'd<br />
+“By fifteen summers, from paternal hills<br />
+“Straying, he wander'd from his nursing Idé:<br />
+“In lands unknown he joy'd, and joy'd to see<br />
+“Strange rivers,&mdash;pleasure lessening every toil.<br />
+<a name="page141"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;141]</span>
+“Through Lycia's towns he stray'd; and further still,<br />
+“To bordering Caria, where a pool he spy'd,<br />
+“Whose lowest depth a gleam transparent shew'd:<br />
+“No marshy canes,&mdash;no filthy barren weeds,<br />
+“Nor pointed bulrush near the margin grew:<br />
+“Full on the eye the water shone, yet round<br />
+“Its brink a border smil'd of verdant turf,<br />
+“And plants forever green. Here dwelt a nymph,<br />
+“But one who never join'd the active chace;<br />
+“The bow who never bent; who never strove<br />
+“To conquer in the race: of all the nymphs,<br />
+“Alone no comrade of Diana fleet.<br />
+“Oft, as 'tis said, her sister-nymphs exclaim'd;&mdash;<br />
+“Come, Salmacis, thy painted quiver take;<br />
+“Or take thy javelin;&mdash;with soft pleasures mix<br />
+“Laborious sporting: but nor javelin she,<br />
+“Nor painted quiver took;&mdash;with sportive toil,<br />
+“Soft pleasures mingling: sole intent to bathe,<br />
+“Her beauteous limbs amidst her own clear waves;<br />
+“And through her flowing tresses oft to draw<br />
+“The boxen comb, while o'er the fountain bent,<br />
+“She studies all her graces: now, her form<br />
+“Clad in a robe transparent, stretcht she lies,<br />
+“Or on the yielding leaves, or bending grass;<br />
+“Now flowers she culls;&mdash;and so it chanc'd to fall,<br />
+“Flowers she was gathering, when she first beheld<br />
+“The charming youth; no sooner seen than lov'd.<br />
+<a name="page142"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;142]</span>
+“Not forth she rush'd at first, though strongly urg'd,<br />
+“Forward to spring, but all adjusted fair:<br />
+“Closely survey'd her robe; her features form'd;<br />
+“And every part in beauteous shape compos'd.<br />
+“Then thus address'd him;&mdash;O, most godlike youth!<br />
+“And if a god, the lovely Cupid sure!<br />
+“But if of mortal mould, blest is thy sire!<br />
+“Blest is thy brother! and thy sister blest!&mdash;<br />
+“If sister hast thou;&mdash;and the fostering breast<br />
+“Which fed thy infant growth: but far 'bove all<br />
+“In rapturous bliss, is she who calls thee spouse;<br />
+“Should nymph exist thou deem'st that bliss deserves!<br />
+“If wedded, grant a stol'n embrace to me;<br />
+“If not, let me thy nuptial couch ascend.<br />
+“The Naiäd ceas'd: a bashful glow suffus'd<br />
+“His face, for nought of love to him was known:<br />
+“Yet blushing seem'd he lovely: thus warm glows<br />
+“The apple, to the ripening sun expos'd;<br />
+“Or teinted ivory; or the redden'd moon,<br />
+“Whom brazen cymbals clash to help in vain.<br />
+“To her, warm praying for at least a kiss,<br />
+“A chaste, a sister's kiss,&mdash;her arms firm claspt<br />
+“Around his ivory neck;&mdash;desist! he cries,<br />
+“Desist! or sole to thee the place I'll leave.<br />
+“His flight she dreaded, and reply'd,&mdash;I go,<br />
+“Dear youth, and freely yield the spot to thee.<br />
+“And seems indeed, her steps from him to turn;<br />
+<a name="page143"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;143]</span>
+“But still in sight she kept him; lurking close<br />
+“Shelter'd by shadowy shrubs, on bended knees.<br />
+“Of spy unconscious, he in boyish play<br />
+“Frisks sportive here and there; dips first his feet,<br />
+“Then ancles deeper in the wantoning waves;<br />
+“Pleas'd with the temper of the lucid pool:<br />
+“Till hasty stript from off his tender limbs<br />
+“His garments soft he flings. More deeply struck<br />
+“Stood Salmacis; more fiercely flam'd her love,<br />
+“His naked beauty seen. Her gloating eyes<br />
+“Sparkled no less than seem bright Ph&oelig;bus' rays,<br />
+“When shining splendid, midst a cloudless sky,<br />
+“A mirror's face reflecting gives them back.<br />
+“Delay ill brooking, hardly she contains<br />
+“Her swelling joy; frantic for his embrace,<br />
+“She pants, and hard from rushing forth refrains.<br />
+“His sides he claps, and agile in the steam<br />
+“Quick plunges, moving with alternate arms.<br />
+“Bright through the waves he shines; thus white appears<br />
+“The sculptur'd ivory, or the lily fair,<br />
+“Seen through a crystal veil. The Naiäd cries;&mdash;<br />
+“Lo! here I come;&mdash;he's mine,&mdash;the youth's my own!<br />
+“And instant far was every garment flung.<br />
+“Midst of the waves she leaps;&mdash;the struggling youth<br />
+“Clasps close; and on his cold reluctant lips,<br />
+“Forces her kisses; down she girds his arms;<br />
+“And close to hers hugs his unwilling breast:<br />
+<a name="page144"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;144]</span>
+“Final, around the youth who arduous strives<br />
+“In opposition, and escape essays,<br />
+“Her limbs she twines: so twines a serpent huge,<br />
+“Seiz'd by the bird of Jove, and borne on high,<br />
+“Twisting his head, the feet close-bracing holds;<br />
+“The wide-spread wings entangled with his tail:<br />
+“So twines the ivy round the lengthen'd bough:<br />
+“So numerous Polypus his foe confines,<br />
+“Seiz'd in the deep, with claws on every side<br />
+“Firm graspt. But Hermes' son persisting still,<br />
+“The Naiäd's wish denies; she presses close,<br />
+“And as she cleaves, their every limb close join'd<br />
+“Exclaims;&mdash;ungallant boy! but strive thy most,<br />
+“Thou shalt not fly me. Grant me, O ye gods!<br />
+“No time may ever sunder him from me,<br />
+“Or me from him.&mdash;Her prayer was granted straight;&mdash;<br />
+“For now, commingling, both their bodies join'd;<br />
+“And both their faces melted into one.<br />
+“So, when in growth we boughs ingrafted see,<br />
+“The bark inclosing both at once, they sprout.<br />
+“Thus were their limbs, in strong embrace comprest,<br />
+“Wrapp'd close; no longer two in form, yet two<br />
+“In feature; nor a nymph-like face remain'd,<br />
+“Nor yet a boy's: it both and neither seem'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“When Hermes' son beheld the liquid stream,<br />
+“Where masculine he plung'd, the power possess<br />
+<a name="page145"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;145]</span>
+“To enervate his body, and his limbs<br />
+“Effeminately soften; high he rais'd<br />
+“His arms, and pray'd (but not with manly voice)<br />
+“O, sire! O, mother dear! indulge your son,<br />
+“Your double appellation bearing, this<br />
+“Sole-urg'd petition. Whoso in these waves<br />
+“In strong virility, like me, shall plunge,<br />
+“Hence let him go, like me enervate made;<br />
+“Spoilt by the stream his strength. Each parent god<br />
+“Nodding, confirm'd their alter'd son's request;<br />
+“And ting'd the fountain with the changing power.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She ceas'd: the nymphs Minyeian still persist<br />
+Their toil to urge, despising still the god;<br />
+His festival prophaning. Sudden heard,<br />
+The rattling sounds of unseen timbrels burst<br />
+Full on their ears! the pipe; the crooked horn;<br />
+And brazen cymbals loudly clash; perfumes<br />
+Of myrrh and saffron blended smell:&mdash;but more,<br />
+And what belief surpasses, straight their looms<br />
+Virid to sprout begin; the pendent threads<br />
+Branch into shoots like ivy: part becomes<br />
+The vine: what now were threads, curl'd tendrils seem:<br />
+Shot from the folded web, the branches climb;<br />
+And the bright red in purpling grapes appears.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now was the sun declining, and approach'd<br />
+<a name="page146"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;146]</span>
+The twilight season, when nor day it seems,<br />
+Nor night confirm'd; but a gray mixture forms;<br />
+Of each an indetermin'd compound. Deep<br />
+The roof appear'd to shade; the oily lamps,<br />
+Ardent to glow; the torches bright to burn,<br />
+With reddening flames; while round them seem'd to howl,<br />
+Figures of beast ferocious. Fill'd with smoke<br />
+The room,&mdash;th' affrighted maidens seek to hide;<br />
+And each in different corners tries to shun<br />
+The fires and flaming light. But while they seek<br />
+A lurking shelter, o'er their shorten'd limbs<br />
+A webby membrane spreading, binds their arms<br />
+In waving wings. The gloom conceal'd the mode,<br />
+Of transformation from their former shape.<br />
+Light plumage bears them not aloft,&mdash;yet rais'd<br />
+On wings transparent, through the air they skim,<br />
+To speak they strive, but utter forth a sound<br />
+Feeble and weak; then, screeching shrill, they plain:<br />
+Men's dwellings they frequent,&mdash;nor try the woods;<br />
+And, cheerful day avoiding, skim by night;<br />
+Their name from that untimely hour deriv'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now were the deeds of heaven-born Bacchus fam'd<br />
+Through every part of Thebes; and all around,<br />
+His aunt proud boasts the new-made god's great power:<br />
+She, of the sisters all, from sorrow spar'd,<br />
+Save what to view her sisters' sorrowing gave.<br />
+<a name="page147"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;147]</span>
+Juno beheld her lofty thus, her breast<br />
+Elate to view her sons; her nuptial fruits<br />
+With Athamas; and her great foster child,<br />
+The mighty Bacchus. More the furious queen<br />
+Bore not, but thus exclaim'd;&mdash;“Has the whore's son<br />
+“Power to transform the Tyrrhene crew, and plunge<br />
+“Them headlong in the deep? Can he impel<br />
+“The mother's hands to seize her bleeding son<br />
+“And tear his entrails? Dares he then to clothe<br />
+“The Minyëid sisters with un'custom'd wings?<br />
+“And is Saturnia's utmost power confin'd<br />
+“Wrongs unreveng'd to weep? Suffices such<br />
+“For me? Is this a goddess' utmost might?<br />
+“But he instructs me;&mdash;wisdom may be taught<br />
+“Ev'n by a foe. The wretched Pentheus' fate,<br />
+“Shews all-sufficient, what may madness do.<br />
+“Why should not Ino, stung with frantic rage,<br />
+“The well-known track her sisters trode pursue?�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A path declivitous, with baleful yew<br />
+Dark shaded, leads, a dreary silent road,<br />
+Down to th' infernal regions: sluggish Styx<br />
+Dank mists exhales: here travel new-made ghosts,<br />
+With rites funereal blest: pale winter's gloom<br />
+Wide rules the squalid place: the stranger shades<br />
+Wander, unknowing which the path to tread,<br />
+Straight to the infernal city, where is held<br />
+<a name="page148"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;148]</span>
+Black Pluto's savage court. A thousand gates,<br />
+Wide ope, surround the town on every side.<br />
+As boundless ocean every stream receives,<br />
+From earth pour'd numerous,&mdash;so each wandering soul<br />
+Flocks to this city; whose capacious bounds<br />
+Full space for all affords; nor ever feels<br />
+Th' increasing crowd: of flesh depriv'd, and bones,<br />
+The bloodless shadows wander. Some frequent<br />
+The forum; some th' infernal monarch's court;<br />
+Some various arts employ, resembling much<br />
+Their former daily actions; numbers groan<br />
+In punishments severe. Here Juno came,<br />
+Braving the region's horrors, from her throne<br />
+Celestial,&mdash;so did ire and hatred goad<br />
+Her bosom with their stings! Sacred she press'd<br />
+The groaning threshold,&mdash;instant as she stepp'd,<br />
+Fierce Cerberus his triple head uprais'd,<br />
+And howl'd with triple throat. The goddess calls<br />
+The night-born sisters, fierce, implacable:<br />
+Before the close-barr'd adamantine gates<br />
+They sit; their tresses twisting round with snakes.<br />
+The queen through clouds of midnight gloom they see,<br />
+And instant rise. Here dwell the suffering damn'd.<br />
+Here Tityus, stretcht o'er nine wide acres, yields<br />
+His entrails to be torn. Thou, Tantalus,<br />
+Art seen, the stream forbid to taste;&mdash;the fruit<br />
+Thy lips o'erhanging, flies! Thou, Sisyphus,<br />
+<a name="page149"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;149]</span>
+Thy stone pursuing downwards; or its weight<br />
+Straining aloft, with oft exerted power!<br />
+Ixion whirling, too; with swift pursuit,<br />
+Thou follow'st, and art follow'd! Belides!<br />
+Your husband-cousins who in death dar'd steep,<br />
+And ceaseless draw the unavailing streams!<br />
+All Juno view'd with unrelenting brow;<br />
+But, view'd Ixion sterner far than all:<br />
+And when on Sisyphus again she cast<br />
+Her eyes, behind Ixion, angry cry'd;&mdash;<br />
+“What justice this?&mdash;of all the brethren he<br />
+“Sharp torture suffers! Shall proud Athamas<br />
+“A regal dwelling boast,&mdash;whose scornful taunts,<br />
+“And scornful spouse have still my power contemn'd?�<br />
+Then straight her hatred's cause disclos'd. They see<br />
+Her journey's object, and revenge's aim.<br />
+This her desire, that Cadmus' regal house<br />
+Perish'd should sink; and Athamas, fierce urg'd<br />
+By madness should some dreadful vengeance claim.<br />
+Commands, solicitations, prayers,&mdash;at once<br />
+The goddesses besiege: and as she speaks,<br />
+Angrily mov'd, Tisiphoné replies,&mdash;<br />
+(Shaking her hoary locks,&mdash;the twining snakes<br />
+Back from her mouth repelling) hasty thus;&mdash;<br />
+“A tedious tale we need not; what thou wilt<br />
+“Believe accomplish'd. Fly this hateful gloom;&mdash;<br />
+“Up to the wholesome breeze of heaven repair.�<br />
+<a name="page150"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;150]</span>
+Glad, Juno left the spot;&mdash;when near approach'd<br />
+Heaven's entrance, there Thaumantian Iris met,<br />
+And with her sprinklings purify'd the queen.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quick now Tisiphoné, the savage fiend,<br />
+Seizes her torch, with gory droppings wet;<br />
+Flings round her limbs a garment, deeply dy'd<br />
+With streaming blood; a twisting snake supplies<br />
+A girdle:&mdash;thus array'd she sallies forth,<br />
+Follow'd by loud lament, by terror, fear,<br />
+And quivering-featur'd madness. When she press'd<br />
+The threshold, fame declares the pillars shook;<br />
+The maple doors, with terror mov'd, grew pale:<br />
+Back shrunk the sun! Ino, with trembling dread<br />
+Beheld these wonders;&mdash;Athamas beheld;<br />
+And both prepar'd the haunted place to fly.<br />
+Escape the fury hinders: fierce she stands,<br />
+Blocking the entrance: wide her arms she spreads,<br />
+With viperous twistings bound; and threatening shakes<br />
+Her tresses: loud the serpents noise, disturb'd;<br />
+Sprawl o'er her shoulders some; some, lower fall'n,<br />
+Twine hissing round her breasts, with brandish'd tongue,<br />
+Black poison vomiting. With furious gripe,<br />
+Two from her locks she tore;&mdash;her deadly hand<br />
+Hurl'd them straight on; the breasts of Athamas,<br />
+And Ino, hungry, with their fangs they seiz'd;<br />
+Fierce pains infixing, but external wounds<br />
+<a name="page151"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;151]</span>
+Their limbs betray'd not: mental was the blow,<br />
+So direly struck. Venoms most mortal, too,<br />
+From Tartarus she bore:&mdash;the foam high-churn'd<br />
+From jaws of Cerberus; the poisonous juice<br />
+Of Hydra; urgent wish for roaming wide;<br />
+Oblivion mental-blinded; wicked deeds;<br />
+Weeping; and furious fierceness, slaughter fond.<br />
+On these commingled, fresh-drawn gore she pour'd,<br />
+And warm'd them bubbling in a brazen vase;<br />
+Stirr'd by a sprouting hemlock. Trembling, they<br />
+Shudder, while in their breasts the poison fierce<br />
+She pours: both bosoms feel it deep instill'd;&mdash;<br />
+Their inmost vitals feel it. Then her torch,<br />
+Whirl'd flaming round and round, in triumph glares,<br />
+Fires from the circling gathering. Powerful thus;<br />
+Victorious in her aims, and deeds desir'd,<br />
+To mighty Pluto's shadowy realm she speeds;<br />
+And from her loins untwists the girding snakes.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mad bounded Athamas amid the hall,<br />
+“Ho! friends,� exclaiming;&mdash;“here spread wide your toils,<br />
+“Here, in this thicket, where ev'n now I saw<br />
+“With young twin cubs, a lioness!�&mdash;and mad,<br />
+Pursu'd his consort for a savage beast;<br />
+Snatching Learchus, who with playful smile,<br />
+Outstretch'd his infant hands to meet him. Torne<br />
+Rough from his mother's bosom, round in air<br />
+<a name="page152"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;152]</span>
+And round, sling-like he whirl'd; then savage dash'd<br />
+Upon a rugged rock the tender bones.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loud howls the frantic mother; frantic made<br />
+By grief, or by the scatter'd poison's power:<br />
+And, raving, with dishevell'd tresses spread<br />
+Wide o'er her shoulders, flies. Her naked arms<br />
+Young Melicertes bear; madly she shrieks;&mdash;<br />
+“Evoë, Bacchus!�&mdash;Loud at Bacchus' name<br />
+Revengeful Juno laugh'd, and said;&mdash;“Such boon<br />
+“Thy foster-son upon his nurse confers!�<br />
+A lofty rock the foaming waves o'erhangs,<br />
+Whose dashing force deep in its base have scoop'd<br />
+A cavern, safely sheltering from the showers:<br />
+The adamantine summit high extends,<br />
+And o'er the wide main stretches. Swift this height,<br />
+Active and strong with madness, Ino gain'd<br />
+And fearless, with the infant in her arms,<br />
+Sprung from the cliff, and sunk beneath the waves.<br />
+<ins class="hemistich">
+<table>
+<tr><td>White foam'd the surge around her!</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td>Venus, griev'd,</td></tr>
+</table>
+</ins>
+Such sufferings, undeserv'd, her race should bear,<br />
+Thus with bland coaxings Ocean's god address'd:<br />
+“Lord of the azure deep, whose high command<br />
+“Sways next to heaven's,&mdash;a vast demand I ask;&mdash;<br />
+“But pity my poor offspring, whom thou see'st<br />
+<a name="page153"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;153]</span>
+“Plung'd in th' Ionian billows;&mdash;with their forms<br />
+“Thy deities increase. Some influence sure,<br />
+“In ocean I should hold, from thence produc'd;<br />
+“Sprung from the froth that on the deep main swims:<br />
+“Whence Grecian poets name me.� Neptune nods,<br />
+Assenting to her prayer; and from their limbs<br />
+Abstracts the mortal portion; on their forms<br />
+Breathes majesty; and with their alter'd mien,<br />
+Their names he changes too; Palæmon he,<br />
+Now stil'd, his mother as Leucothoë known.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The princess' anxious comrades trac'd her steps<br />
+With care; the last with arduous search they found,<br />
+Just on the giddy brink, nor dubious deem'd<br />
+Her fate a moment. Cadmus' house they wail;<br />
+With beating hands their tresses tear, and robes;<br />
+And highly Juno blame, as one unjust:<br />
+Too ireful for the hapless sister's fault.<br />
+Juno, fierce flaming, these reproaches stung;&mdash;<br />
+“Ye too,� she cry'd, “shall monuments become<br />
+“Of the fierce ire ye blame!� Deeds words pursu'd.<br />
+The nymph who most her hapless queen held dear,<br />
+Exclaim'd;&mdash;“deep in the roaring main I'll plunge,<br />
+“To join her fate,�&mdash;and sprung to take the leap;<br />
+But motionless she stood,&mdash;fixt to the rock!<br />
+Her wounding blows, upon her bosom one<br />
+Strives to renew, as wont; her striving arms<br />
+<a name="page154"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;154]</span>
+Stiffen'd to stone she sees. This tow'rd the waves<br />
+Her hands extends; a rocky mass she stands,<br />
+In the same waves far stretching. Lifted high,<br />
+The locks to rend, the fingers might be seen<br />
+Stiffen'd, and rigid with the hair become.<br />
+In posture whatsoever caught, each nymph,<br />
+In that same posture stands. Thus part are chang'd:<br />
+The rest, to birds transform'd, by wings upborne,<br />
+Skim o'er the surface of the neighbouring sea.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cadmus, the wond'rous change which rais'd his child,<br />
+And his young grandson to the rank of gods,<br />
+Yet knew not. By his load of grief o'erwhelm'd;<br />
+A chain of woes; and supernatural scenes,<br />
+So numerous which he sees; the founder quits<br />
+His town, suspicious that the city's fate,<br />
+And not his own, misfortune on him showers.<br />
+Borne o'er the main, his lengthen'd wanderings end,<br />
+When with his exil'd consort, safe he gains<br />
+Illyria's shores. Opprest with grief and age,<br />
+The primal fortunes of their house, with care<br />
+They scan, and in their converse all their woes<br />
+Again recounting, Cadmus thus exclaims;&mdash;<br />
+“Was then that serpent, by my javelin pierc'd,<br />
+“When driven from Tyre; whose numerous teeth I sow'd,<br />
+“Sacred to some divinity?&mdash;If he<br />
+“Thus, vengeful for the deed, his anger pours,<br />
+<a name="page155"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;155]</span>
+“May I a serpent stretcht at length become.�<br />
+He said,&mdash;and serpent-like extended lies!<br />
+Scales he perceives, upon his harden'd skin;<br />
+And sees green spots on his black body form;<br />
+Prone on his breast he falls; together twin'd,<br />
+His legs commingling stretch, and gradual end<br />
+Lessen'd in rounded point; his arms remain<br />
+Still, and those arms remaining he extends;<br />
+While down his face yet human tears flow fast.<br />
+“O, hapless wife! approach,� he cries, “approach,<br />
+“And touch me now, while ought of me remains;<br />
+“Receive my hand, while yet a hand I bear;<br />
+“Ere to a serpent wholly turns my form.�&mdash;<br />
+More he prepar'd to utter, but his tongue,<br />
+Cleft sudden, to his wishes words refus'd:<br />
+And often when his sorrows sad he try'd<br />
+To wail anew, he hiss'd!&mdash;that sound alone,<br />
+Nature permitted. While her naked breast<br />
+With blows resounded, loud his wife exclaim'd;&mdash;<br />
+“Stay,&mdash;O, my Cadmus! hapless man, shake off<br />
+“This monstrous figure! Cadmus what is this?<br />
+“Where are thy feet,&mdash;and where thy arms and hands?<br />
+“Where are thy features,&mdash;thy complexion? Where,<br />
+“Whilst I bewail, art thou? Celestial powers!<br />
+“Why not this transformation work on me?�<br />
+She ended; he advancing, lick'd her face,<br />
+And creep'd, as custom'd, to her bosom dear,<br />
+<a name="page156"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;156]</span>
+And round her wonted neck embracing twin'd.<br />
+Now draw their servants nigh, and as they come<br />
+With terror start. The crested serpents play,<br />
+Smooth on their necks,&mdash;now two; and cordial slide,<br />
+In spires conjoin'd; then in the darksome shades<br />
+Th' adjoining woods afford them, close they hide.<br />
+Mankind they fly not, nor deep wounds inflict;<br />
+Harmless, their pristine form is ne'er forgot.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, though in alter'd shapes, the pair rejoic'd<br />
+Their grandson's fame to hear; whom vanquish'd Ind'<br />
+Low bending worshipp'd; Greece adoring prais'd,<br />
+In lofty temples. Sole Acrisius stands,<br />
+Like Bacchus sprung from Jove's celestial seed,<br />
+Opposing; and from Argos' gates propels<br />
+The god;&mdash;his birth deny'd, against him arms.<br />
+Nor Perseus would he own from heaven deriv'd;<br />
+Conceiv'd by Danaë, from a golden shower:<br />
+Yet soon,&mdash;so mighty is the force of truth,&mdash;<br />
+Acrisius grieves he e'er so rashly brav'd<br />
+The god; his grandson driving from his court,<br />
+Disown'd. Now one in heaven is glorious plac'd;<br />
+The other, laden with the well-known spoil<br />
+Of the fierce snaky monster, cleaves the air,<br />
+On sounding pinions. High the victor sails<br />
+O'er Lybia's desarts, and the gory drops<br />
+<a name="page157"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;157]</span>
+Fall from the gorgon's head; the Ground receives<br />
+The blood, and warms it into writhing snakes.<br />
+Hence does the country with the pest still swarm.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thence borne by adverse winds, he sweeps along,<br />
+Through boundless ether driven; now here, now there,<br />
+As watery clouds are swept. From lofty skies,<br />
+The earth far distant viewing, round the globe<br />
+He skimm'd: three times he saw the Arctic pole<br />
+And thrice the warmer Crab. Oft to the west,<br />
+Th' adventurous youth was borne; back to the east,<br />
+As often. Now the day in darkness sank,<br />
+When he, nocturnal flight mistrusting, lights<br />
+In Atlas' kingdom 'neath th' Hesperian sky;<br />
+A short repose requests, till Phosphor' bright,<br />
+Should call Aurora forth;&mdash;she ushering in<br />
+The chariot of the day. Japetus' son<br />
+All men in huge corporeal bulk surpass'd.<br />
+He to th' extremest confines of the land,<br />
+And o'er the ocean sway'd, whose waves receive<br />
+Apollo's panting steeds, and weary'd car.<br />
+A thousand bleating flocks; a thousand herds,<br />
+Stray'd through the royal pastures. Neighbouring lords<br />
+Not near him plough'd their lands. Trees grew, whose leaves<br />
+With splendor glittering, threw a golden shade<br />
+O'er golden branches, and o'er fruit of gold.<br />
+Thus Perseus;&mdash;“Friendly host, if glorious birth<br />
+<a name="page158"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;158]</span>
+“Thee pleases, here one born of Jove behold.<br />
+“If deeds of merit more attraction move,<br />
+“Mine thy applause may claim. At present grant<br />
+“An hospitable shelter here, and rest.�<br />
+But Atlas, fearing these oraculous words,&mdash;<br />
+(Long since by Themis on Parnassus given)<br />
+“The time, O king! will come, thy golden tree<br />
+“Shall lose its fruit. The glory of the spoil<br />
+“A son of Jove shall boast:� and dreading sore;<br />
+Around his orchards massy walls he rears;<br />
+A dragon huge and fierce the guard maintains.<br />
+“Whatever strangers to his realm approach,<br />
+Far thence he drives; and thus to Perseus too;&mdash;<br />
+“Haste, quickly haste from hence, lest soon I prove<br />
+“Thy glorious deeds but feign'd,&mdash;feign'd as thy birth.�<br />
+Then force to threats he added,&mdash;strove to thrust<br />
+The hero forth; who struggling, efforts urg'd<br />
+Resisting, while he begg'd with softening words.<br />
+Proving in strength inferior (who in strength<br />
+Could vie with Atlas?) “Since my fame,� he cries,<br />
+“Such small desert obtains, a gift accept.�<br />
+And, back his face averting, holds display'd,<br />
+On his left side Medusa's ghastly head.<br />
+A mountain now the mighty Atlas stands!<br />
+His hair and beard as lofty forests wave;<br />
+His arms and hands high hilly summits rear;<br />
+O'er-topp'd above, by what was once his head:<br />
+<a name="page159"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;159]</span>
+His bones are rocks; then, so the gods decree,<br />
+Enlarg'd to size immense in every part,<br />
+The weight of heaven, and all the stars he bears.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His blustering vassals Æolus had pent,<br />
+In ever-during prisons. Phosphor' bright,<br />
+Most splendid 'midst the starry host of heaven;<br />
+Admonitor of labor, now was risen;<br />
+When Perseus bound again on either foot,<br />
+His winnowing wings; girt on his crooked sword;<br />
+And cleft the air, on waving pinions borne.<br />
+O'er numerous nations, far beneath him spread,<br />
+He sail'd, till Ethiopia's realms he saw;<br />
+Where Cepheus rul'd. There Ammon, power unjust,<br />
+Andromeda had sentenc'd,&mdash;guiltless maid,<br />
+To what her mother's boastful tongue deserv'd.<br />
+Her soon as Perseus spy'd, fast by the arms<br />
+Chain'd to the rugged rock;&mdash;where but her locks<br />
+Wav'd lightly to the breeze; and but her eyes<br />
+Trickled a tepid stream; she might be deem'd<br />
+A sculptur'd marble: him the unknown sight<br />
+Astonish'd, dazzled, and enflam'd with love.<br />
+His senses in the beauteous view sole wrapt,<br />
+Scarce he remembers on his wings to wave:&mdash;<br />
+Alights, exclaiming;&mdash;“O, whom chains like these<br />
+“Should never bind, nor other chains than such,<br />
+“As lovers intertwist! declare thy name;<br />
+<a name="page160"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;160]</span>
+“Thy country tell; and why thou bear'st those bonds.�<br />
+Silent awhile the virgin stood; abash'd,<br />
+Converse with man to hold: her blushing face,<br />
+Her hands, if free, had long before conceal'd.<br />
+Quick starting tears, 'twas all she could, her eyes<br />
+Veil'd swimming: then her name and country told;<br />
+And all the conscious pride her mother's charms<br />
+Inspir'd, in full acknowledg'd; lest for crimes<br />
+Her own, just suffering, Perseus might conceive.<br />
+All yet untold, when loud the billows roar'd;<br />
+Upheav'd the monster's bulk: far 'bove the waves<br />
+He stood uprear'd, and then right onward plung'd;<br />
+His ample bosom covering half the main.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loud shrieks the virgin! Sad her father comes;<br />
+And sad her raving mother, wretched both,<br />
+The mother most deserv'dly. Help in vain<br />
+From them she seeks; with tears, and bosoms torn,<br />
+Her fetter'd limbs they clasp, they can no more.<br />
+Then Perseus thus;&mdash;“for tears and loud laments,<br />
+“Long may the time be: but effective aid<br />
+“To give, the time is short. Suppose the nymph<br />
+“I ask;&mdash;I, Perseus! sprung from mighty Jove,<br />
+“By her whose prison in a golden shower<br />
+“Fecundative, he enter'd. Perseus, who<br />
+“The Gorgon snaky-hair'd o'ercame; who bold<br />
+“On waving pinions winnows through the air.<br />
+<a name="page161"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;161]</span>
+“Him for a son in preference should ye chuse,<br />
+“Arduous he'll strive to these high claims to add,<br />
+“If heaven permits, some merits more his own.<br />
+“Agree she's mine, if by my arm preserv'd.�<br />
+The parents promise;&mdash;(who in such a case<br />
+Would waver) beg his help; and promise, more,<br />
+That all their kingdom shall her dower become.<br />
+Lo! as a vessel's sharpen'd prow quick cleaves<br />
+The waves, by strenuous sweating arms impell'd,<br />
+The monster comes! his mighty bosom wide<br />
+The waters sideway breasting; distant now,<br />
+Not more than what the Balearic sling<br />
+Could with the bullet gain, when high in air,<br />
+The sod repelling, upward springs the youth.<br />
+Soon as the main reflected Perseus' form,<br />
+The ocean-savage rag'd: as Jove's swift bird<br />
+When in the open fields a snake he spies<br />
+Basking, his livid back to Ph&oelig;bus' rays<br />
+Expos'd, behind attacks him; plunges deep,<br />
+His hungry talons in his scaly neck,<br />
+To curb the twisting of his sanguine teeth.<br />
+With rapid flight, thus Perseus shooting cleaves<br />
+The empty air; lights on the monster's back;<br />
+Burying his weapon to the crooked hilt,<br />
+Full in the shoulder of the raging beast.<br />
+Mad with the deepen'd wound, now rears aloft<br />
+<a name="page162"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;162]</span>
+The savage high in air; now plunges low,<br />
+Beneath the waters; now he furious turns,<br />
+As turns the boar ferocious, when the crowd<br />
+Of barking dogs beset him fiercely round.<br />
+With rapid waft the venturous hero shuns<br />
+His greedy jaws: now on his back, thick-arm'd<br />
+With shells, he strikes where opening space he sees;<br />
+Now on his sides; now where his tapering tail<br />
+In fish-like form is finish'd, bites the steel.<br />
+High spouts the wounded monster from his mouth;<br />
+The waves with gore deep purpling: drench'd, the wings<br />
+Droop nagging; and no longer Perseus dares<br />
+To trust their dripping aid. A rock he spies<br />
+Whose summit o'er the peaceful waters rose,<br />
+But deep was hid when tempests mov'd the main.<br />
+Supported here, his left hand firmly grasps<br />
+The craggy edge; while through his sides, and through,<br />
+The dying savage feels the weapon drove.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loud shouts and plaudits fill the shore, the noise<br />
+Resounding echoes to the heavenly thrones.<br />
+Cassiopé and Cepheus joyful greet<br />
+Their son, and grateful own him chief support,<br />
+And saviour. From her rugged fetters freed,<br />
+The virgin walks; the cause, the great reward<br />
+Of all his toil. His victor hands he laves<br />
+<a name="page163"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;163]</span>
+In the pure stream: then with soft leaves defends<br />
+A spot, to rest the serpent-bearing head,<br />
+Lest the bare sand should harm it. Twigs marine<br />
+He likewise strews, and rests Medusa there.<br />
+The fresh green twigs as though with life endow'd,<br />
+Felt the dire Gorgon's power; their spongy pith<br />
+Hard to the touch became, the stiffness spread<br />
+Through every twig and leaf. The Nereïd nymphs<br />
+More branches bring, and try the wonderous change<br />
+On all, and joy to see the change succeed:<br />
+Spreading the transformation from the seeds,<br />
+With them throughout the waves. This nature still<br />
+Retains the coral: hardness still assumes<br />
+From contact with the air; beneath the waves<br />
+A bending twig; an harden'd stone above.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Three turfy altars to three heavenly gods<br />
+He builds: to Hermes sacred stands the left;<br />
+The right to warlike Pallas; in the midst<br />
+The mighty Jove's is rear'd: (To Pallas bleeds<br />
+An heifer: to the plume-heel'd god a calf:<br />
+Almighty Jove accepts a lordly bull)<br />
+Then claims Andromeda, the rich reward,<br />
+without a dower, of all his valorous toil.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now Love and Hymen wave their torches high,<br />
+<a name="page164"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;164]</span>
+Precursive of their joys: each hearth is heap'd<br />
+With odorous incense: every roof is hung<br />
+With flowery garlands: pipes, and harps, and lyres,<br />
+And songs which indicate their festive souls,<br />
+Resound aloud. Each portal open thrown,<br />
+Display'd appears the golden palace wide.<br />
+By every lord of Cepheus' court, array'd<br />
+In splendid pomp, the nuptial feast is grac'd.<br />
+The banquet ended, while the generous gift<br />
+Of Bacchus circles; and each soul dilates,<br />
+Perseus, the modes and customs of the land<br />
+Curious enquires. Lyncides full relates<br />
+The habits, laws, and manners of the clime.<br />
+His information ended;&mdash;“now,�&mdash;he cry'd,&mdash;<br />
+“Relate, O Perseus! boldest of mankind,&mdash;<br />
+“By what fierce courage, and what skilful arts,�<br />
+“The snaky locks in thy possession came.�<br />
+Then Perseus tells, how lies a lonely vale<br />
+Beneath cold Atlas; every side strong fenc'd<br />
+By lofty hills, whose only pass is held,<br />
+By Phorcus' twin-born daughters. Mutual they<br />
+One eye possess'd, in turns by either us'd.<br />
+His hand deceiving seiz'd it, as it pass'd<br />
+'Twixt them alternate; dexterous was the wile.<br />
+Through devious paths, and deep-sunk ways he went;<br />
+And craggy woods, dark-frowning, till he reach'd<br />
+<a name="page165"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;165]</span>
+The Gorgon's dwelling: passing then the fields,<br />
+And beaten roads, there forms of men he saw,<br />
+And shapes of savage beasts; but all to stone<br />
+By dire Medusa's petrifying face<br />
+Transform'd. He then the horrid countenance mark'd,<br />
+Bright from the brazen targe his left arm bore,<br />
+Reflected. While deep slumber safe weigh'd down,<br />
+The Gorgon and her serpents, he divorc'd<br />
+Her shoulders from her head. He adds how sprung,<br />
+Chrysaör, and wing'd Pegasus the swift,<br />
+From the prolific Gorgon's streaming gore.<br />
+Relates the perils of his lengthen'd flight;<br />
+What seas, what kingdoms from the lofty sky,<br />
+Beneath him he had view'd; what sparkling stars<br />
+His waving wings had brush'd;&mdash;thus ceas'd his tale:<br />
+All more desiring. Then uprose a peer,&mdash;<br />
+And why Medusa, of the sisters sole<br />
+The serpent-twisted tresses wore, enquir'd.<br />
+The youth:&mdash;“The story that you ask, full well<br />
+“Attention claims;&mdash;I what you seek recite.<br />
+“For matchless beauty fam'd, with envying hope<br />
+“Her, crowds of suitors follow'd: nought surpass'd<br />
+“'Mongst all her beauties, her bright lovely hair:<br />
+“Those who had seen her thus, have this averr'd.<br />
+“But in Minerva's temple Ocean's god<br />
+<a name="page166"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;166]</span>
+“The maid defil'd. The virgin goddess shock'd,<br />
+“Her eyes averted, and her forehead chaste<br />
+“Veil'd with the Ægis. Then with vengeful power<br />
+“Chang'd the Gorgonian locks to writhing snakes.<br />
+“The snakes, thus form'd, fixt on her shield she bears;<br />
+“The horrid sight her trembling foes appals.�<br />
+<a name="page167"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;167]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter9"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Fifth Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Attack of Phineus and his friends on Perseus. Defeat of the former,
+and their change to statues. Atchievements of Perseus in Argos, and
+Seriphus. Minerva's visit to the Muses. Fate of Pyreneus. Song of
+the Pierides. Song of the Muses. Rape of Proserpine. Change of
+Cyané, to a fountain. Search of Ceres. Transformation of a boy to
+an eft. Of Ascalaphus to an owl. Change of the companions of Proserpine
+to Sirens. Story of Arethusa. Journey of Triptolemus.
+Transformation of Lyncus to a lynx. The Pierides transformed to
+magpies.
+<a name="page168"></a>
+<a name="page169"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;169]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter10"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Fifth Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These wonders, while the son of Danaë tells,<br />
+Circled around by Cepheus' noble troop;<br />
+Sudden th' imperial hall with tumults loud<br />
+Resounds. Not clamor such as oft we hear,<br />
+The bridal feasts, in songs of joy attend:<br />
+But what stern war announces. Much the change,<br />
+(The peaceful feast to instant riot turn'd)<br />
+Seem'd like the placid main, when the fierce rage<br />
+Of sudden tempests lash its surges high.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;First Phineus stepp'd, the leader of the crowd;<br />
+Soul of the riot; and his ashen spear,<br />
+<a name="page170"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;170]</span>
+Arm'd with a brazen point, he brandish'd high;&mdash;<br />
+“Lo, here!� he shouts, “lo, here I vengeful come<br />
+“On him who claims my spouse! Not thy swift wings;<br />
+“Nor cheating Jove, chang'd to a golden shower,<br />
+“Shall save thee from my arm,�&mdash;and pois'd to fling,<br />
+The dart was held, but Cepheus loud exclaim'd,&mdash;<br />
+“Brother! what dost thou? what dire madness sways<br />
+“To wicked acts thy soul? Is this the meed<br />
+“His gallant deeds deserve? Is this the dower,<br />
+“We for the valued life he sav'd bestow?<br />
+“List but to truth,&mdash;not Perseus of thy wife<br />
+“Bereft thee, but the angry Nereïd nymphs,&mdash;<br />
+“The horned Ammon,&mdash;and the monster huge!<br />
+“Prepar'd to glut his hunger with my child.<br />
+“Then was thy spouse snatch'd from thee, when remain'd<br />
+“Of help no hope; to all she lost appear'd.<br />
+“Thy savage heart perhaps had ev'n rejoic'd<br />
+“To see her perish, that our greater grief<br />
+“Might lighten part of thine. Couldst thou her see<br />
+“Fast chain'd before thee? uncle! spouse betroth'd!<br />
+“And yet no aid afford! And storm'st thou thus?<br />
+“She to another now her safety owes;<br />
+“And would'st thou snatch the prize? So high if seems<br />
+“To thee her precious value, thy bold arm<br />
+“Should on the rock where chain'd she lay, have sought<br />
+“And have deserv'd her. Now permit that he<br />
+<a name="page171"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;171]</span>
+“Who sought her there; through whom my failing age<br />
+“Is not now childless, grant that he enjoy<br />
+“Peaceful, what through his merits he no less,<br />
+“Than our firm compact claims: not him to thee,<br />
+“But him to certain loss I preference gave.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nought Phineus answer'd, but his furious eyes<br />
+Now Perseus, now the king alternate view;<br />
+Doubtful or this to pierce, or that: his pause<br />
+Was short; his powerful arm, by fury nerv'd,<br />
+At Perseus hurl'd the quivering spear,&mdash;in vain!<br />
+Fixt in the couch it stood. Quick bounded up<br />
+Th' indignant youth, and deep in Phineus' breast,<br />
+Had plung'd the point returning, but he shrunk<br />
+Behind an altar; which, O shame! preserv'd<br />
+The impious villain. Yet not harmless sped<br />
+The weapon;&mdash;full in Rhætus' front it stuck;<br />
+Who lifeless dropp'd; broke in the bone the steel;<br />
+He spurn'd, and sprinkled all the feast with gore.<br />
+Then rag'd with ire ungovern'd all the crowd,<br />
+And hurl'd in showers their weapons; some fierce cry'd,<br />
+Cepheus, no less than Perseus, death deserv'd.<br />
+But Cepheus left the hall, adjuring loud,<br />
+The hospitable gods; justice; and faith;<br />
+That he was guiltless of the sanguine fray.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Minerva comes; her sheltering Ægis shields<br />
+<a name="page172"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;172]</span>
+Her brother's body; in his breast she breathes<br />
+Redoubled valor. Atys, Indian bred,<br />
+Whom fair Limnaté, Ganges' daughter, bore,<br />
+'Tis told, amid the waters' crystal caves,<br />
+Scarce sixteen years had seen. His beauteous form,<br />
+In gorgeous dress more beauteous still appear'd.<br />
+A purple garment fring'd around with gold,<br />
+Enwrapp'd him; round his neck were golden beads;<br />
+And pins and combs of gold his lovely locks,<br />
+With myrrh sweet-smelling, held. Well skill'd the youth<br />
+To hurl the javelin to its distant mark;<br />
+But more to bend the bow. Him Perseus smote,<br />
+The flexile bow just bending, with a brand<br />
+Snatch'd flaming from the altar; crush'd, his face<br />
+A horrid mass of fractur'd bones appears.<br />
+His beauteous features Lycabas beheld<br />
+In blood convuls'd: his dearest comrade he,<br />
+And one who proud his ardent love display'd.<br />
+Griev'd to behold the last expiring breath,<br />
+Of Atys parting from the furious wound,<br />
+He seiz'd the bow the youth had bent, and cry'd;&mdash;<br />
+“The battle try with me!&mdash;not long thy boast<br />
+“Of conquest o'er a boy; a conquest more<br />
+“By hate than fame attended.� Railing thus,<br />
+The piercing weapon darted from the string.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now Phineus, fearful hand to hand to meet<br />
+<a name="page173"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;173]</span>
+The foe, his javelin hurl'd, the point ill-aim'd<br />
+On Idas glanc'd, who vainly kept aloof<br />
+With neutral weapon. Phineus, stern he view'd,<br />
+“With threatening frown, exclaiming;&mdash;�though no share<br />
+“In this mad broil I took, now, Phineus, feel<br />
+“The power of him whom thou hast forc'd a foe;<br />
+“And take reciprocally wound for wound.�<br />
+Then from his side the weapon tore to hurl;<br />
+But fast the life-stream gush'd, he instant fell.<br />
+Here, by the sword of Clymenus was slain,<br />
+Odites, noblest lord in Cepheus' court;<br />
+Protenor fell by Hypseus; Hypseus sunk<br />
+Beneath Lyncides' arm. Amid the throng<br />
+Was old Emathion too, friend to the just,<br />
+And fearer of the gods; though ancient years<br />
+Forbade his wielding arms, what aid his words<br />
+Could give, he spar'd not: curs'd the impious war,<br />
+In loud upbraidings. As with trembling arms,<br />
+He grasp'd the altar, Chromis' gory sword<br />
+His neck divided; on the altar dropp'd<br />
+The head; and there the trembling, dying tongue,<br />
+Faint imprecations utter'd; 'midst the flames<br />
+He breath'd his spirit forth. By Phineus' hand,<br />
+Broteas and Ammon fell: the brother-twins<br />
+Unconquer'd in the fight, the cæstus shower'd;<br />
+Could but the cæstus make the falchion yield:<br />
+<a name="page174"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;174]</span>
+But Perseus felt it not,&mdash;its point hung fixt<br />
+Amidst his garments' folds. On him he turn'd,<br />
+The falchion, glutted with Medusa's gore,<br />
+And plung'd it in his breast. Dying, he looks<br />
+Around, with eyes rolling in endless night,<br />
+For Atys, and upon him drops: then pleas'd,<br />
+Thus join'd in death, he seeks the shades below.<br />
+Methion's son, Syenian Phorbas, now<br />
+And fierce Amphimedon, in Lybia born,<br />
+Rush in the fight to mingle; both fall prone,<br />
+The slippery earth wide spread with smoking blood.<br />
+The sword attacks them rising; in his throat<br />
+Phorbas receives it, and the other's side.<br />
+But Erythis, of Actor born, whd rear'd<br />
+An axe tremendous, not the waving sword<br />
+Of Perseus meets: a cup of massive bulk,<br />
+With both his hands high-heaving, fierce he hurls<br />
+Full on his foe: he vomits gory floods;<br />
+Falls back, and strikes with dying head the earth.<br />
+Then Polydæmon falls, sprung from the blood<br />
+Of queen Semiramis; Lycetes brave,<br />
+The son of Spercheus; Abaris, who dwelt<br />
+On frozen Caucasus; and Helicen<br />
+With unshorn tresses; Phlegias; Clitus too;<br />
+Those with the rest beneath his weapon fall;<br />
+And on the rising heaps of dead he stands.<br />
+<a name="page175"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;175]</span>
+And fell Ampycus; Ceres' sacred priest,<br />
+His temples with a snow-white fillet bound.<br />
+Thou, O, Japetides! whose string to sound<br />
+Such discord knew not; but whose harp still tun'd,<br />
+The works of peace, in concord with thy voice;<br />
+Wast bidden here to celebrate the feast:<br />
+And cheer the nuptial banquet with thy song!<br />
+Him, when at distance Pettalus beheld,<br />
+Handling his peaceful instrument, he cry'd<br />
+In mocking laughter;&mdash;“go, and end thy song,<br />
+“Amid the Stygian ghosts,�&mdash;and instant plung'd<br />
+Through his left temple, his too deadly sword.<br />
+Sinking, his dying fingers caught the strings,<br />
+And, chance-directed, gave a mournful sound.<br />
+Not long the fierce Lycormas saw his fall<br />
+Without revenge: a massy bar of oak<br />
+From the right gate he tore, and on the bones<br />
+Behind the neck, the furious blow was aim'd:<br />
+Prone on the earth, like a crush'd ox he fell.<br />
+Pelates of Cinypheus, strove to rend<br />
+A like strong fastening from th' opposing door;<br />
+The dart of Corythus his tugging hand<br />
+Transfix'd, and nail'd him to the wood confin'd:<br />
+Here Abas, with his spear, deep pierc'd his side:<br />
+Nor dying fell he;&mdash;by the hand retain'd,<br />
+Firm to the post he hung. Melaneus fell.<br />
+The arms of Perseus aiding; Dorilas,<br />
+<a name="page176"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;176]</span>
+The wealthiest lord in Nasamonia's land,<br />
+Fell too beside him: rich was he in fields;<br />
+In wide extent no lands with his could vie;<br />
+Nor equal his in hoarded heaps of grain.<br />
+Obliquely in his groin, the missive spear<br />
+Stuck deep,&mdash;a mortal spot: his Bactrian foe<br />
+His rolling eyes beheld, and dying breath<br />
+In sobs convulsive flitting, and exclaim'd;&mdash;<br />
+“This spot thou pressest, now of all thy lands,<br />
+“Possess,�&mdash;and turning left the lifeless corse.<br />
+Avenging Perseus hurls at him the spear,<br />
+Torn from the smoking wound; the point, receiv'd<br />
+Full in the nostrils, pierces through the neck:<br />
+Before, behind, expos'd the weapon stands.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now fortune aids his blows, the brother pair,<br />
+Clanis, and Clytius fall, by different wounds.<br />
+Hurl'd by his nervous arm, the ashen spear<br />
+Transfix'd the thighs of Clytius: Clanis dy'd<br />
+Biting the steel that pierc'd his mouth. Now fell<br />
+Mendesian Celadon; and Astreus borne<br />
+By Hebrew mother, to a doubtful sire.<br />
+Now dy'd Ethion, once deep skill'd to see<br />
+The future fates; now by his skill deceiv'd.<br />
+Thoactes, who the monarch's armor bore;<br />
+And base Agyrtes, murderer of his sire.<br />
+Crowds though he conquers, thickening crowds remain;<br />
+<a name="page177"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;177]</span>
+For all united wage on him the war.<br />
+In every quarter fight the press, conspir'd<br />
+To aid a cause to worth and faith oppos'd.<br />
+The sire, with useless piety,&mdash;the queen,<br />
+And new-made bride, the hero's party take;<br />
+And fill the hall with screams. The clang of arms,<br />
+And groans of dying men their screamings drown.<br />
+The houshold deities, polluted once,<br />
+The fierce Bellona bathes with gore again;<br />
+With double fury lighting up the war.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now Phineus, followed by a furious throng<br />
+Surrounds him single; thicker fly their darts<br />
+Than wintry hail, on every side; his sight<br />
+They cloud, and deafening, whiz his ears around.<br />
+By crowds opprest, retreating, Perseus leans<br />
+His shoulders 'gainst a massive pillar's height;<br />
+And, safe behind, dares all the furious fight.<br />
+Chaonian Molpeus rushes on his left;<br />
+Ethemon, Nabathæan, on his right:<br />
+Thus a fierce tiger, urg'd by famine, hears<br />
+Combin'd the lowings of two different herds,<br />
+Far distant in the vale; in doubt he stands,<br />
+On this, or that to rush; and furious burns<br />
+On both at once to thunder. Perseus so,<br />
+To left and right inclin'd at once to bear,<br />
+Plerc'd first the thigh of Molpeus,&mdash;straight he fled<br />
+<a name="page178"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;178]</span>
+Unfollow'd; for Ethemon fiercely press'd.<br />
+He, furious aiming at the hero's neck,<br />
+With ill-directed strength, his weapon broke<br />
+Against a column;&mdash;back the shiver'd point<br />
+Sprung, and his throat transfix'd: slight was the wound;<br />
+To doom to death unable. Perseus plung'd<br />
+His mortal falchion, as the trembling wretch<br />
+His helpless arms extended, in his breast.<br />
+But now his valor Perseus found oppress'd<br />
+By crowds unequal, and aloud exclaim'd;&mdash;<br />
+“Since thus you force me, from my very foe<br />
+“More aid I'll ask;&mdash;my friends avert your eyes!�<br />
+Then shew'd the Gorgon's head. “Go, elsewhere seek,�<br />
+Said Thescelus,&mdash;“for those such sights may move:�&mdash;<br />
+The deadly javelin poising in his hand,<br />
+In act to throw, a marble form he stands,<br />
+In the same posture. Near him Ampyx rear'd,<br />
+Against the brave Lyncides' breast his sword;<br />
+His uprais'd hand was harden'd; here, or there,<br />
+To wave unable. Nileus now display'd<br />
+Seven argent streams upon a shield of gold;<br />
+False boasting offspring from the seven-mouth'd Nile;<br />
+And cry'd;&mdash;“Lo! Perseus, whence my race deriv'd;<br />
+“Down to the silent shades this solace bear<br />
+“By such a hand to die.� The final words<br />
+Were lost; his sounding voice abrupt was stay'd;<br />
+His open'd mouth still seem'd the words to form,<br />
+<a name="page179"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;179]</span>
+Incapable to utter. Eryx storm'd<br />
+At these, exclaiming;&mdash;-“not the Gorgon's hairs<br />
+“Freeze ye, but your own trembling, dastard souls:<br />
+“Rush forth with me, and on the earth lay low,<br />
+“The youth who battles thus with magic arms.�<br />
+Fierce had he rush'd, but firmly fixt his feet<br />
+Held him to earth, a rigid, fasten'd stone;<br />
+A statue arm'd. These well their fate deserv'd,<br />
+But one, Aconteus, while in aid he fought<br />
+Of Perseus, sudden stood to stone congeal'd;<br />
+As star'd the Gorgon luckless in his face.<br />
+Him saw Astyages, but thought he liv'd;<br />
+And fierce attack'd him with a mighty sword.<br />
+Shrill tinkling sounds the blow: astonish'd stands<br />
+Astyages;&mdash;astonish'd seems the stone;<br />
+For while he stares, he too to marble turns.<br />
+Long were the tale, of each plebeïan death<br />
+To tell; two hundred still unhurt remain;<br />
+By Gorgon's head two hundred stiffen'd stand:<br />
+When Phineus seems the strife unjust to mourn.<br />
+But what to act remains? Around him crowd,<br />
+The forms of numerous friends: his friends he knows,<br />
+Their aid intreats, and calls on each by name:<br />
+Still doubting, seizes those his grasp can reach<br />
+And finds them stone! Averse he turns his eyes;<br />
+Raises his conscious arms and hands oblique,<br />
+And suppliant begs;&mdash;“go Perseus,&mdash;conqueror, go!<br />
+<a name="page180"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;180]</span>
+“Remove that dreadful monster,&mdash;bear away<br />
+“That stone-creating visage, Gorgon's head!<br />
+“Whate'er it be, I pray thee bear it hence.<br />
+“Nor hate, nor lust of empire, rais'd our arms<br />
+“Against thee;&mdash;for my wife alone we warr'd.<br />
+“Thy cause, by merit best; mine, but by time.<br />
+“Bravest of men, me much it grieves I e'er,<br />
+“Thy claim oppos'd: existence only give,<br />
+“All else be thine.� To him, as thus he begg'd,<br />
+Fearing his eyes, to whom he suppliant spoke<br />
+To turn;&mdash;“thou dastard, Phineus!� Perseus cry'd,&mdash;<br />
+“What I can grant, I will; and what I grant<br />
+“To souls like thine a mighty boon must seem.<br />
+“Dispel thy terror; rest from steel secure.<br />
+“Yet must a during monument remain,<br />
+“Still in the dwelling of my spouse's sire,<br />
+“Conspicuous. So my bride may daily see<br />
+“Her imag'd husband.� Speaking thus, he held<br />
+The Gorgon's head, where pallid, Phineus turn'd;<br />
+So turning stiffen'd stood the neck; so turn'd<br />
+Appear'd th' inverted eyes; the humid balls<br />
+To stone concreted. Still the timid look,<br />
+And suppliant face, and tame-petitioning arms,<br />
+And guilty awe-struck look, in stone remain'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now victor, Abantiades re-seeks<br />
+His soil paternal, with his well-earn'd bride:<br />
+<a name="page181"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;181]</span>
+And in his undeserving grandsire's aid,<br />
+Avenging war on Pr&oelig;tus he declares.<br />
+Pr&oelig;tus then all Acrisius' cities held;<br />
+From each possession forc'd, his brother fled.<br />
+But arms, and battled towns, like ill-possess'd,<br />
+The head snake-curl'd, oblig'd at once to stoop.<br />
+Yet not the youth's bold valor, amply prov'd,<br />
+By all his brave atchievements; nor his toils<br />
+Thee, Polydectes, mov'd; who rul'd the isle,<br />
+The paltry isle, Seriphus; stubborn still,<br />
+Inexorable hatred thou maintain'st:<br />
+Endless against him burns thy rage unjust.<br />
+Nay, from his true deserts, thou would'st detract;<br />
+And swear'st Medusa's death a fiction form'd.<br />
+Then Perseus;&mdash;“thus if true I speak, or no,<br />
+“Experience. Close, my friends, your eyes!�&mdash;as forth,<br />
+He held the Gorgon;&mdash;bloodless stood the face<br />
+Of Polydectes, turn'd a marble form.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus far, Minerva aided side by side,<br />
+Her brother golden-born; then swiftly flew,<br />
+Wrapt in a cloud opaque; and distant left<br />
+Seriphus. On she flies, to right she leaves<br />
+Cythnos, and Gyaros; and cross the main<br />
+The shortest route she hastens; speeds to Thebes,<br />
+And seeks the Heliconian nymphs, whose mount<br />
+Alighting feels her first: the learned nine,<br />
+<a name="page182"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;182]</span>
+Thus she bespeaks;&mdash;“fame tells, a new-made spring,<br />
+“Burst from a blow the swift-wing'd horse's hoof<br />
+“Inflicted; lo! the cause I hither come.<br />
+“That steed I saw spring from his mother's blood:<br />
+“Fain would I this new prodigy behold.�<br />
+Urania gave reply. “O, maid divine!<br />
+“What cause soe'er has with thy presence grac'd.<br />
+“Our dwelling, proves to us a grateful boon.<br />
+“Fame speaks not false. Our fountain surely sprung<br />
+“Sole from Pegasus.� Speaking thus, she leads<br />
+The virgin goddess to the sacred streams:<br />
+Who long the spring admir'd;&mdash;the spring produc'd<br />
+From the hoof's blow:&mdash;around surveying views<br />
+The groves of ancient trees, the grots, the plants<br />
+Of ever-vary'd tint; and happy calls<br />
+The learned nymphs, who such a spot possess'd.<br />
+Then thus a sister;&mdash;“O, divinest maid!<br />
+“Our choir to join most worthy, did not aims<br />
+“Of loftier import tempt thy warlike soul,<br />
+“Right hast thou spoke; our habitation well,<br />
+“And well our arts thy highest praises claim.<br />
+“Blest were our lot, if still from danger free:<br />
+“But nought a villain's daring power restrains,<br />
+“And terror soon our virgin minds appals.<br />
+“Ev'n now the dread Pyreneus to my eyes<br />
+“Stands present: to its wonted calm not yet<br />
+“Restor'd my mind. With furious Thracian bands<br />
+<a name="page183"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;183]</span>
+“Daulis he conquer'd, and the Phocian fields;<br />
+“And held the sway unjust. Parnassus' fane<br />
+“We sought; th' usurper there beheld us pass,<br />
+“And feigning reverence for our power divine<br />
+“Worshipp'd, and then address'd us, whom he knew.<br />
+“Here, O! ye Muses, rest, nor dubious stand<br />
+“But straight beneath my sheltering roof avoid<br />
+“The cloudy heaven, and rain (for fast it shower'd)<br />
+“Oft mighty deities have enter'd roofs<br />
+“Less pompous.&mdash;By his invitation urg'd,<br />
+“And by the tempest, we accede and step<br />
+“Within the hall. The pelting showers now ceas'd,<br />
+“Auster by Boreas vanquish'd; fled the clouds<br />
+“Black lowering, and the face of heaven left clear:<br />
+“Anxious we wish to go: Pyreneus fast<br />
+“His dwelling closes, and rough force prepares:<br />
+“Wings we assume, and from his force escape.<br />
+“He, standing on the loftiest turret's top,<br />
+“Like us his flight about to wing, exclaims&mdash;<br />
+“A path you lead, that path will I pursue.<br />
+“Then madly from the tower's most lofty wall,<br />
+“Dash'd on his face he fell, and dying strew'd<br />
+“His shatter'd bones upon the blood-stain'd ground.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As spoke the muse thus, loud and strong was heard,<br />
+Of fluttering pinions in the air the sound;<br />
+And hailing voices from high branches came.<br />
+<a name="page184"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;184]</span>
+Jove's daughter then around enquiring look'd<br />
+(The sounds she hears, so like the human voice,<br />
+From human voice she deems them) birds the sound<br />
+Emitted: magpies were they;&mdash;magpies nine:<br />
+Their doom lamenting, on the boughs they sate,<br />
+Aping in voice their neighbours all around.<br />
+Then to the wondering goddess, thus the muse<br />
+Explain'd: “These vanquish'd in the arduous strife<br />
+“Of song, to us submitting, swell the crowd<br />
+“Of feather'd fliers. In Pellenian lands<br />
+“Most rich was Pierus their sire; to him<br />
+“Evippé of Pæonia bore the nymphs;<br />
+“Nine times invoking great Lucina's aid.<br />
+“Vain of their number, proud the sister-crew,<br />
+“In folly journey'd through Thessalia's towns,<br />
+“And through the towns of Greece; when here arriv'd<br />
+“Thus to the test of power their words provoke:&mdash;<br />
+“At length desist to cheat the senseless crowd<br />
+“With harmony pretended, Thespian maids!<br />
+“With us contend, if faith your talents give<br />
+“For such a trial. Ye in voice and skill<br />
+“Surpass us not,&mdash;our numbers are the same.<br />
+“If vanquish'd, yield the Medusæan fount,<br />
+“And Hyantean Aganippé,&mdash;we<br />
+“If conquer'd, all Emanthæa's regions cede,<br />
+“Far as Pæonia's snows. The nymphs around<br />
+“The contest shall decide. Deep shame we felt<br />
+<a name="page185"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;185]</span>
+“Thus to contend, but deeper shame appear'd<br />
+“To yield without contention to their boast.<br />
+“The nymphs elected to adjudge the prize<br />
+“Swear by the floods; and on the living rock<br />
+“Seated, await to hear the rival songs.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Then one, impatient who should first commence,<br />
+“Or we, or they, arises;&mdash;sings the war<br />
+“Of gods and giants; to the rebels gives<br />
+“False praises; and the high celestials' power<br />
+“Much under-rating, tells how Typhon, rais'd.<br />
+“From earth's most deep recesses, struck with fear<br />
+“All heaven: each god betook him straight to flight<br />
+“Far distant, till th' Egyptian land receiv'd<br />
+“Each weary'd foot, where Nile's dissever'd stream<br />
+“Pours in seven mouths. How earth-born Typhon here,<br />
+“They tell, pursu'd them; and each god, conceal'd<br />
+“In feign'd resemblance, cheated there his power.<br />
+“Jove, (so she sung) a leading ram became;<br />
+“(Whence still the Lybians form their Ammon horn'd)<br />
+“The crow Apollo hid: a goat the son<br />
+“Of Semelé became: Diana skulk'd<br />
+“In shape a cat: a snow-white cow conceal'd<br />
+“The form of Juno: Venus seem'd a fish:<br />
+“And 'neath an Ibis Hermes safely crouch'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thus far she mov'd her vocal lips; thus far<br />
+<a name="page186"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;186]</span>
+“Her lyre her voice attended: then they call<br />
+“For our Aönian song. But that to hear,<br />
+“Perchance your leisure suits not; pressing deeds<br />
+“Unlike our songs must more your time demand.�<br />
+Pallas replies;&mdash;“be hesitation far,<br />
+“And all your song from first commence relate.�<br />
+So saying, in the forest's pleasing shade<br />
+She rested; while the Muse proceeding, spoke.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“To one the sole contending task we give,<br />
+“Calliopé;&mdash;she rises, neatly bound,<br />
+“Her flowing tresses with an ivy wreath.<br />
+“With dexterous thumb the trembling strings she tries,<br />
+“Then to their quivering sounds this song subjoins.<br />
+“Ceres at first with crooked plough upturn'd<br />
+“The glebe; she first mild fruits and milder corn<br />
+“Gave to the earth; and rules to tend them gave:<br />
+“All gifts from her proceed. To her the song<br />
+“I raise. Would that my best exerted power,<br />
+“A song to suit thy least deserts could form,<br />
+“O, goddess! worthy of our loftiest praise.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The vast Sicilian isle, with pressure huge<br />
+“Thrown o'er them, deep the limbs gigantic weighs<br />
+“Of huge Typh&oelig;us, who the heavenly throne<br />
+“Had dar'd to hope for: struggling oft he tries,<br />
+“His efforts, daily bent to lift his load:<br />
+<a name="page187"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;187]</span>
+“But hard Pelorus on his right hand lies,<br />
+“Ausonia facing; while Pachyné rests<br />
+“Heavy to left: wide o'er his giant thighs<br />
+“Spreads Lilyb&oelig;um: Etna presses down<br />
+“His head; beneath whose crater, laid supine,<br />
+“From his hot mouth he ashes sends, and flames.<br />
+“Thus with his body labouring to remove<br />
+“The ponderous load of earth;&mdash;whole towns o'erwhelm;<br />
+“And lofty hills o'erturn; trembles the ground;<br />
+“And Hell's dread monarch fears a chasm should gape:<br />
+“And through the opening wide his realm display:<br />
+“The trembling ghosts with light un'custom'd scar'd.<br />
+“The shock to meet expecting, starts the king<br />
+“Quick from his cloudy throne; and in his car<br />
+“Borne by his sable steeds, with care surveys<br />
+“Sicilia's deep foundations; wide around<br />
+“Exploring all; then with his toils content,<br />
+“No ruin'd part detected, flings aside<br />
+“Each apprehension. Strolling now at ease,<br />
+“Him Venus from the Erycinian hill<br />
+“Espy'd; and to her feather'd son, who lay<br />
+“Clasp'd in her arms, exclaim'd;&mdash;O, Cupid! son!<br />
+“My sole assistant! sole defence and aid!<br />
+“Seize now that weapon which o'er all has sway,<br />
+“That piercing dart,&mdash;and deep within the breast<br />
+“Of the dark god whose lot was given to rule<br />
+“The nether regions of the triple realm,<br />
+<a name="page188"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;188]</span>
+“Bury it. All the gods thy might confess;<br />
+“Ev'n Jove himself. The ocean powers allow<br />
+“Thy rule, and he whom Ocean's powers obey.<br />
+“Why then should Tartarus alone evade<br />
+“Thy thrall? Why not my empire and thine own<br />
+“With that complete? Of all the world's extent<br />
+“A third is stak'd. Nay more, our utmost power,<br />
+“Heaven our own seat contemns;&mdash;thy potent sway,<br />
+“And mine alike impair'd. Behold'st thou not<br />
+“Minerva, with the quiver-bearing maid<br />
+“Deserting me? Thus will the blooming child<br />
+“Of Ceres, if we grant it, still remain<br />
+“Inviolate a virgin;&mdash;thither tend<br />
+“Her anxious hopes. But thou, if dear thou hold'st<br />
+“Our mutual realm, the virgin goddess link<br />
+“In union with her uncle.&mdash;Venus spoke:<br />
+“His quiver he unlooses; from the heap<br />
+“Of darts, by her directed, one selects,<br />
+“Than which none bore a keener point; than which,<br />
+“None flew more certain,&mdash;trusty to the string.<br />
+“Bends to his knee the yielding horn, then sends<br />
+“Through Pluto's heart the bearded arrow sure.<br />
+“Not far from Enna's walls, a lake expands<br />
+“Profound in watery stores, Pergusa nam'd:<br />
+“Not ev'n Caïsters' murmuring stream e'er heard<br />
+“The songster-swans more frequent. Woods o'ertop<br />
+“The waters, rising round on every side;<br />
+<a name="page189"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;189]</span>
+“And veil from Ph&oelig;bus' rays the surface cool.<br />
+“A shade the branches form; the moist earth round,<br />
+“Produces purple flowers: perpetual spring<br />
+“Here reigns. While straying sportive in this grove<br />
+“Here Proserpine the violet cropp'd, and here<br />
+“The lily fair; with childish ardor warm'd<br />
+“Her bosom filling, and her basket high:<br />
+“Proud to surpass her comrades all around<br />
+“In skilful culling, she herself was seen;<br />
+“Was chosen, and by Dis was snatch'd away.<br />
+“Love urg'd him to the deed. Th' affrighted maid,<br />
+“Loud on her mother, and her comrades call'd;<br />
+“But chief her mother, with lamenting shrieks.<br />
+“Then as her robe she rent, the well-cull'd flowers<br />
+“Slipp'd through the loosen'd folds: e'en this (so great<br />
+“Her girlish innocence) her tears increas'd.<br />
+“Swiftly the robber speeds his car along<br />
+“Urging his steeds' exertions each by name;<br />
+“'Bove their high manes and necks the rusty reins<br />
+“Rattling, as o'er the wide Palician lake,<br />
+“Where the cleft earth with sulphur boils, he whirls:<br />
+“And where the Bacchiads, from the double sea<br />
+“Of Corinth wandering, rais'd their lofty walls;<br />
+“'Twixt two unequal havens. Midst, the stream,<br />
+“Pisæan Arethusa, and the lake<br />
+“Of Cyané are seen, close round embrac'd<br />
+“By narrowing horns. This Cyané was once,<br />
+<a name="page190"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;190]</span>
+“Of all Sicilia's nymphs, the fairest deem'd;<br />
+“Who gave the lake her name. She to the waist<br />
+“Uprais'd, amidst the waters stood, and knew<br />
+“The god, and,&mdash;here thy speed must stay,&mdash;exclaim'd;<br />
+“Nor e'er of Ceres hope the son-in-law<br />
+“'Gainst her consent to be: beseechings bland,<br />
+“Not rugged rape, thy purpos'd hope might gain.<br />
+“If lofty things with low I durst compare,<br />
+“Anapis lov'd me; but the nuptial couch,<br />
+“I press'd, entreated,&mdash;not as thus in dread.<br />
+“She said;&mdash;her arms extended wide, and stopp'd<br />
+“His course. The angry son of Saturn flames<br />
+“Swelling with rage; exhorts his furious steeds;<br />
+“Throws with a forceful arm, and buries deep<br />
+“His regal sceptre in the lowest gulph:<br />
+“Wide gapes the stricken earth; an opening gives<br />
+“To hell, and headlong down, the car descends.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now equal Cyané the goddess mourns,<br />
+“So forc'd; and her own sacred stream despis'd;<br />
+“A cureless wound her silent breast contains;<br />
+“And all in tears she wastes: lost in those waves,<br />
+“Where lately sovereign goddess she had rul'd.<br />
+“Soft grow her limbs, and flexile seem her bones;<br />
+“Her nails their hardness lose. The tenderest parts.<br />
+“Melt into water long before the rest:<br />
+“Her tresses green; her fingers, legs, and feet.<br />
+<a name="page191"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;191]</span>
+“Quickly this change the smaller limbs perceive,<br />
+“To cooling rills transform'd. Next after these,<br />
+“Her back, her shoulders, breasts, and sides dissolve,<br />
+“And vanish all in streams. A limpid flood<br />
+“Now fills the veins that once in purple flow'd;<br />
+“Nought of the nymph to fill the grasp remains.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Meantime the trembling mother through the earth,<br />
+“And o'er the main, the goddess vainly sought.<br />
+“Aurora rising, with her locks of gold;<br />
+“Nor Hesper sinking, saw her labors cease.<br />
+“With either hand at Etna's flaming mouth,<br />
+“A torch she lighted, restless these she bore<br />
+“In dewy darkness. Then renew'd again<br />
+“Her labor, till fair day made blunt the stars;<br />
+“From Sol's first rising till his evening fall.<br />
+“Weary'd at length, and parch'd with thirst,&mdash;no stream<br />
+“Her lips to moisten nigh, by chance she spy'd<br />
+“A straw-thatch'd cot, and knock'd the humble door.<br />
+“An ancient dame thence stepp'd,&mdash;the goddess saw,<br />
+“And brought her, (who for water simply crav'd)<br />
+“A pleasing draught where roasted grain had boil'd.<br />
+“Swallowing the gift presented, rudely came<br />
+“A brazen-fronted boy, and facing stood:<br />
+“Then laughing mock'd to see her greedy drink.<br />
+“Angry grew Ceres, all the offer'd draught,<br />
+“Yet unconsum'd, she drench'd him as he jeer'd,<br />
+<a name="page192"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;192]</span>
+“With barley mixt with liquid: straight his face<br />
+“The spots imbib'd; and what but now as arms<br />
+“He bore, as legs he carries; to his limbs<br />
+“Thus chang'd, a tail is added; shrunk in size,<br />
+“Small is his power to harm; shorter he seems<br />
+“Than the small lizard. Swift away he fled<br />
+“(As, wondering, weeping, try'd the dame to clasp<br />
+“His changing form) and gain'd a sheltering hole.<br />
+“Well suits his star-like skin the name he bears.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Long were the tale to tell, what tracts of land<br />
+“What tracts of sea, the wandering goddess pass'd.<br />
+“Earth now no spot unsearch'd affording, back<br />
+“To Sicily she turns; with close research<br />
+“Each part exploring, till at length she comes<br />
+“To Cyané; who all the tale had told<br />
+“If still unchang'd: much as she wish'd to speak<br />
+“Nor lips, nor tongue can aid her; nought remains<br />
+“Speech to afford. Yet plain a sign she gives,<br />
+“The zone of Proserpine upon her waves<br />
+“Light floating; in the sacred stream it fell;&mdash;<br />
+“Dropt as she pass'd the place. Well Ceres knew<br />
+“The sight, and then&mdash;as then her loss first known,<br />
+“Tore her dishevell'd tresses, beat her breast<br />
+“With blows on blows redoubled. Still unknown<br />
+“The spot that holds her, every part of earth<br />
+“Blaming, ungrateful, worthless of her fruits.<br />
+<a name="page193"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;193]</span>
+“But chief Trinacria, in whose isle was found<br />
+“The vestige of her loss. For this she breaks<br />
+“With furious hand the glebe up-turning plough:<br />
+“And angry, to an equal death she dooms,<br />
+“The tiller and his ox: forbids the fields<br />
+“Back to return th' entrusted grain; the seeds<br />
+“All rotting. Now that fertile land, renown'd<br />
+“Through the wide earth, lies useless; all the grain<br />
+“Dies in the earliest shoots: now scorching rays;<br />
+“Now floods of rain destroy it: noxious stars<br />
+“Now harm; now blighting winds: and hungry birds<br />
+“The scatter'd seed devour: the darnel springs,<br />
+“The thistle, and the knot-grass thick, which choke<br />
+“The sprouting wheat, and make the harvest void.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now Arethusa from th' Eleian waves<br />
+“Exalts her head; her dropping tresses flung<br />
+“Back from her forehead, parting shade her ears:<br />
+“And thus;&mdash;O goddess! mother of the maid,<br />
+“So sought through earth, mother of all earth's fruits!<br />
+“Cease now thy toilsome labor; cease thine ire,<br />
+“Against the land that prov'd to thee so true:<br />
+“Thine ire unmerited; unwilling she,<br />
+“Op'd for the spoil a passage. Hither I<br />
+“No suppliant for my native isle approach;<br />
+“An alien here sojourning. Pisa's land<br />
+“My country; there near Elis first I sprung:<br />
+<a name="page194"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;194]</span>
+“A stranger now in Sicily I dwell.<br />
+“This soil, more grateful far than is my own;<br />
+“This soil, where I my houshold gods have plac'd;<br />
+“I, Arethusa, and have fix'd my seat,<br />
+“Preserve, mild goddess! Why I chang'd my land,<br />
+“Why to Ortygia, through the wide waves borne,<br />
+“I came, a more appropriate hour will ask;<br />
+“When you, from care reliev'd, can grant your ear<br />
+“With brow unclouded. Through the opening earth<br />
+“I flow; and borne through subterraneous depths,<br />
+“Here lift again my head, again behold<br />
+“The long-lost stars. Hence was my lot to see,<br />
+“As pass'd my stream close by the Stygian gulph,<br />
+“Your Proserpine;&mdash;sad still her face appear'd,<br />
+“Nor fear had wholly left it. Yet she reigns<br />
+“A queen; the mightiest in the realm of shade,<br />
+“The powerful consort of th' infernal king.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Like marble at the words the mother stands,<br />
+“Stupid with grief; and long astounded seems:<br />
+“Sorrow by heavier sorrow now surpass'd.<br />
+“Then in her chariot mounts th' ethereal sky,<br />
+“And stands indignant at th' imperial throne;<br />
+“Her locks wild flowing, and her face in clouds.<br />
+“Lo! here a suppliant, Jove,&mdash;she cry'd,&mdash;I come,<br />
+“To beg for her, my daughter and thine own;<br />
+“For if no favor may the mother find,<br />
+<a name="page195"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;195]</span>
+“The daughter's claim may move. Let not thy child<br />
+“Deserve thy care the less, as born of me.<br />
+“Lo! my lost maid, so long, so vainly sought<br />
+“At length is found; if finding we may call<br />
+“A surer loss; if finding we may call<br />
+“The knowledge where she is. Her ravish'd charms<br />
+“I'll pardon; let him but my child restore.<br />
+“What though a robber might my daughter wed,<br />
+“Thine sure is worthy of a different mate!<br />
+“Then Jove;&mdash;our daughter, our dear mutual pledge,<br />
+“As yours, so mine, demands our mutual care.<br />
+“But rightly still affairs if we design,<br />
+“What you lament will no injustice prove;<br />
+“Love only. Sure, a son-in-law like him,<br />
+“Can ne'er degrade, will you consent but yield.<br />
+“Grant nought beyond,&mdash;'tis no such trivial boast,<br />
+“Jove's brother to be call'd! How then, if more<br />
+“I claim pre-eminence from chance alone!<br />
+“Still, if so obstinate your wish remains<br />
+“For separation, go,&mdash;let Proserpine<br />
+“To heaven return, on this condition strict,<br />
+“Her lips no food have touch'd. So will the fates.<br />
+“He ceas'd.&mdash;Glad Ceres, certain to regain<br />
+“Her daughter, knew not what the fates forbade.<br />
+“Her fast was broken; thoughtless as she stray'd<br />
+“Around the garden, from a bending tree<br />
+“She pluck'd a fair pomegranate, and seven seeds<br />
+<a name="page196"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;196]</span>
+“From the pale rind she pick'd, and ate. None saw<br />
+“Save one, Ascalaphus, the luckless deed;<br />
+“Whom Orphné, fam'd Avernus' nymphs among,<br />
+“To Acheron, long since, 'tis said, produc'd<br />
+“Beneath a dusky cave. He, cruel, told;<br />
+“And his discovery stay'd the hop'd return.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Much wept the queen of Pluto, but she chang'd<br />
+“The vile informer to an hideous shape:<br />
+“Sprinkled with streams of Phlegethon, his head<br />
+“Feather'd appears, with beak, and monstrous eyes;<br />
+“Spoil'd of his shape, with yellow feathers cloth'd:<br />
+“Large grows his head; bent are his lengthen'd nails;<br />
+“Scarcely he moves the pinions which are shot<br />
+“Light from his lazy arms. A filthy bird<br />
+“Becoming;&mdash;constant presager of woe;<br />
+“An owl inactive; omen dire to man.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Well he by his informing tongue deserv'd,<br />
+“His doom, but Acheloïdes, from whence<br />
+“Your wings, and bird-like feet, whilst still you bear<br />
+“Your virgin features? Was it that you mix'd,<br />
+“When Proserpine the vernal flowers would cull,<br />
+“Amidst her numerous train? The nymph you sought<br />
+“Through earth's extent in vain; that ocean too<br />
+“Your anxious search might scape not, straight you pray'd<br />
+“For waving wings to winnow o'er the deep;<br />
+<a name="page197"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;197]</span>
+“And favouring gods you found. Of golden hue<br />
+“Quick-shooting wings your arms you saw bespread;<br />
+“But lest your inbred song, which every ear<br />
+“Had charm'd; and lest your highly-gifted voice,<br />
+“Your tongue should fail to use;&mdash;a virgin face,<br />
+“And speech yet human are indulg'd you still.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now Jove as umpire 'twixt the angry pair<br />
+“His mourning sister, and his brother, bids<br />
+“The year revolving either side oblige:<br />
+“Now will the goddess, mutual in each realm,<br />
+“Six months with Ceres dwell in heaven; and six<br />
+“Reign with her spouse in hell. Straight were perceiv'd<br />
+“The goddess' countenance, and demeanour chang'd.<br />
+“For now her forehead, which had still retain'd,<br />
+“(To Pluto even) a sad and sorrowing gloom,<br />
+“Gladden'd: so Ph&oelig;bus long in cloudy shade<br />
+“Envelop'd, shines, their umbrous veil dispers'd.<br />
+“Now Ceres calm, her daughter safe regain'd,<br />
+“Enquires:&mdash;O Arethusa! say the cause,<br />
+“Which hither brought thee; why a sacred fount?<br />
+“Hush'd were the waves; and from the lowest depths<br />
+“The goddess rais'd her head; and as she told,<br />
+“The old amours the flood of Elis knew,<br />
+“Press'd out the water from her tresses green.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Once with the nymphs, that on Achaïa's hills<br />
+<a name="page198"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;198]</span>
+“Rove, was I seen; none closer beat than I<br />
+“The thickets; none than I more skilful spread<br />
+“Th' ensnaring net. Yet though no fame I sought<br />
+“For beauty; though robust, I bore the name<br />
+“Of beauteous. Whilst the constant theme of praise,<br />
+“My features fair, to me no pleasure gave;<br />
+“What other nymphs inspire with joyful pride,<br />
+“Corporeal charms, did but my blushes raise.<br />
+“To please I thought a crime. Once tir'd with sport,<br />
+“The Stymphalidian forest I had left:<br />
+“Warm was the day; I with redoubled heat,<br />
+“Glow'd from my toil. A gliding stream I found<br />
+“By ripplings undisturb'd; silent and smooth<br />
+“It flow'd; so clear, that every stone was seen<br />
+“On the deep bottom; gently crept the waves;<br />
+“To creep scarce seeming; o'er the shelving banks<br />
+“The stream-fed poplar, and the willow hoar,<br />
+“A grateful shadow cast. The brink I reach'd<br />
+“Dipp'd first my feet, then waded to my knee;<br />
+“Not yet content, I loos'd my zone, and hung<br />
+“Upon a bending osier my soft robe:<br />
+“Then naked plung'd amid the stream; the waves<br />
+“Beating, and sporting in a thousand shapes;<br />
+“My arms around in every posture flung;<br />
+“A strange unusual murmur seem'd to sound,<br />
+“Deep from the bottom; terror-struck I gain'd<br />
+“The nearest brink;&mdash;when,&mdash;whither dost thou fly?<br />
+<a name="page199"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;199]</span>
+“O, Arethusa? whither dost thou fly?<br />
+“Alphæus, from his waters, hoarse exclaim'd!<br />
+“Vestless I fled, for on th' opposing bank<br />
+“My garment hung. Fiercer the god pursu'd;<br />
+“Fiercer he burn'd, all naked as I ran:<br />
+“Prepar'd more ready for his force I seem'd.<br />
+“Such was my flight, and such was his pursuit;<br />
+“As when on trembling wings, before the hawk<br />
+“Fly the mild doves: as when the hawk fierce drives<br />
+“The trembling doves before him. Long the chase<br />
+“I bore; Orchomenus, and Psophis soon<br />
+“I pass'd, and pass'd Cyllené, and the caves<br />
+“Of Mænalus, and Erymanthus' frosts,<br />
+“To Elis, ere his speed could cope with mine.<br />
+“In strength unequal, I sustain'd no more<br />
+“The toilsome race; he stouter flagg'd less soon.<br />
+“But still o'er plains I ran; o'er mountains thick<br />
+“With forests clad; o'er stones, and rugged rocks;<br />
+“And pathless spots. Behind me Ph&oelig;bus shone.<br />
+“I saw, if fear deceiv'd me not, far spread<br />
+“His shade before me. What could less deceive,<br />
+“I heard his footsteps; and his breath full strong<br />
+“Blew on my banded tresses. Weary'd, faint<br />
+“With the long flight, I cry'd;&mdash;Dictynna, chaste!<br />
+“Lost am I,&mdash;help a quiver-bearing nymph,<br />
+“One who thy bow has oft entrusted borne;<br />
+“And oft thy quiver, loaded full with darts.<br />
+<a name="page200"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;200]</span>
+“Mov'd was the goddess; from the darkest clouds<br />
+“She one selected, and around me threw.<br />
+“The river-god, about the misty veil<br />
+“Pry'd anxious; and unwitting deeply grop'd<br />
+“Within the hollow cloud! Unconscious, twice<br />
+“The spot he compass'd, where Diana thought<br />
+“My safety surest; twice he then aloud<br />
+“Ho! Arethusa,&mdash;Arethusa! call'd:&mdash;<br />
+“What terror seiz'd my soul! not less the dread<br />
+“Of lambs, when round the sheltering fold they hear<br />
+“The wolves loud howling: or the trembling hare<br />
+“Close in a bramble hid, who sees approach<br />
+“The wide-mouth'd, hostile hounds, and fears to move.<br />
+“Further he pass'd not, for beyond the place<br />
+“No footsteps he discern'd, but guarding watch'd<br />
+“Around the mist. So closely thus besieg'd,<br />
+“My limbs a cold sweat seiz'd; cerulean drops<br />
+“Fell from my body; when my feet I mov'd,<br />
+“A pool remain'd; fast dropp'd my hair in dew;<br />
+“And speedier than the wonderous tale I tell,<br />
+“Chang'd to a stream I flow'd. But soon the god,<br />
+“Knew his lov'd waters; laid the man aside,<br />
+“And straight assum'd his proper watery form;<br />
+“With mine to mingle. Dian' cleft the ground;<br />
+“Sinking, through caverns dark I held my way;<br />
+“And reach'd Ortygia, from the goddess nam'd;<br />
+“There first ascending view'd the upper skies.<br />
+<a name="page201"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;201]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Here Arethusa ceas'd. Then Ceres yokes<br />
+“The coupled dragons to her car, their mouths<br />
+“Curb'd by the reins; and through the air is borne,<br />
+“Midway 'twixt heaven and earth. At Pallas' town<br />
+“Arriv'd, Triptolemus the car ascends,<br />
+“By her commission'd;&mdash;bade to spread the seed<br />
+“Entrusted: part on ground untill'd before;<br />
+“And part on land which long had fallow laid.<br />
+“O'er Europe now, and Asia's lands, the youth<br />
+“Sublimely sails, and reaches Scythia's clime,<br />
+“Where Lyncus rul'd. Beneath the monarch's roof,<br />
+“Here enter'd; and to him, who curious sought<br />
+“How there he journey'd; what his journey's cause;<br />
+“His name, and country; thus the youth reply'd.&mdash;<br />
+“Athens the fam'd, my country; and my name<br />
+“Triptolemus: but neither o'er the main,<br />
+“Borne in a ship, nor travelling slow by land,<br />
+“I hither came; my path was through the air.<br />
+“I bring the gift of Ceres; scatter'd wide<br />
+“Through all your spacious fields, quickly restor'd<br />
+“In fruitful crops the wholesome food will spring.<br />
+“The barbarous monarch, envious he should bear<br />
+“So great a blessing, takes him for his guest,<br />
+“And when with sleep weigh'd down attacks him. Rais'd<br />
+“To pierce his bosom, was the sword;&mdash;just then<br />
+“The wretch, by Ceres, to a lynx was turn'd.<br />
+<a name="page202"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;202]</span>
+“Then mounts again the youth, and through the air<br />
+“Bids him once more the sacred dragons steer.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our chosen champion ended here her lays,<br />
+“And all the nymphs unanimous, exclaim'd;&mdash;<br />
+“The Heliconian goddesses have gain'd.<br />
+“Vanquish'd, the others rail'd. When she resum'd:&mdash;<br />
+“Is not your punishment enough deserv'd?<br />
+“Foil'd in the contest, must you swell your crime,<br />
+“With base revilings? Patient now no more,<br />
+“To punish we begin; what anger bids,<br />
+“We now perform.&mdash;Loud laugh'd the scornful maids,<br />
+“Our threatening words despis'd, and strove to speak,<br />
+“And clapp'd with outcries menacing, their hands.<br />
+“When from their fingers shooting plumes they spy;<br />
+“And feathers shade their arms; her sister's face,<br />
+“Each sees to harden in an horny beak;<br />
+“To beat their bosoms trying with rais'd arms,<br />
+“In air suspended, on those arms they move;<br />
+“The new-shap'd birds the sylvan tribes increase:<br />
+“Magpies, the scandal of the grove. Thus chang'd,<br />
+“Their former eloquence they still maintain,<br />
+“In hoarse garrulity, and empty noise.�<br />
+<a name="page203"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;203]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter11"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Sixth Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Trial of skill betwixt Pallas and Arachné. Transformation of Arachné
+to a spider. Pride of Niobé. Her children slain by Apollo and Diana.
+Her change to marble. The Lycian peasants changed to frogs. Fate of
+Marsyas. Pelops. Story of Tereus, Procné, and Philomela. Their
+change to birds. Boreas and Orithyïa. Birth of Zethes and Calaïs.
+<a name="page204"></a>
+<a name="page205"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;205]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter12"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Sixth Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Minerva pleas'd attention to the muse,<br />
+While thus she spoke afforded; prais'd the song,<br />
+And prais'd the just resentment of the maids.<br />
+Then to herself;&mdash;“the vengeance others take,<br />
+“Merely to praise were mean. I too should claim<br />
+“Like praise, for like revenge; nor longer bear<br />
+“My power contemn'd, by who unpunish'd live.�<br />
+And on Arachné, fair Mæönian maid,<br />
+She turns her vengeful mind; whose skill she heard<br />
+Rivall'd her own in labors of the loom.<br />
+No fame her natal town, no fame her sire<br />
+On her bestow'd; her skill conferr'd renown.<br />
+<a name="page206"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;206]</span>
+Idmon of Colophon, her humble sire<br />
+Soak'd in the Phocian dye the spongy wool.<br />
+Her mother, late deceas'd, from lowest stock,<br />
+Had sprung; and wedded with an equal mate.<br />
+Yet had she gain'd through all the Lydian towns<br />
+For skill a mighty fame. Though born so low,<br />
+Though small Hypæpe was her sole abode,<br />
+Oft would the nymphs the vine-clad Tmolus leave<br />
+To view her wonderous work. Oft would the nymphs<br />
+In admiration quit Pactolus' waves.<br />
+Nor pleasure only gave the finish'd robe,<br />
+When view'd; but while she work'd she gave delight;<br />
+Such comely grace in every turn appear'd.<br />
+Whether she rounded into balls the wool;<br />
+Or with her fingers mollify'd the fleece;<br />
+And comb'd it floating light in cloudy waves;<br />
+Or her smooth spindle twirl'd with agile thumb;<br />
+Or with her needle painted: plain was seen<br />
+Her skill from Pallas learnt. This to concede<br />
+Unwilling, she ev'n such a tutor scorn'd<br />
+Exclaiming:&mdash;“come let her the contest try;<br />
+“If vanquish'd, let her fix my well-earn'd fate.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pallas, an ancient matron's form conceals;<br />
+Grey hairs thin strew her temples, and a staff<br />
+Supports her tottering limbs; while thus she speaks:&mdash;<br />
+“Old age though little priz'd, much good attends;<br />
+<a name="page207"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;207]</span>
+“Experience always grows with lengthen'd years:<br />
+“Spurn not my admonition. Great thy fame,<br />
+“Midst mortals, for the wonders of the loom.<br />
+“Great may it be, but to immortals yield:<br />
+“Bold nymph retract, and pardon for thy words,<br />
+“With suppliant voice require; Pallas will grant.�<br />
+Sternly the damsel views her; quits the threads<br />
+Unfinish'd; scarce her hand from force restrains:<br />
+And rage in all her features flushing fierce,<br />
+Thus to the goddess, well-disguis'd, she speaks:&mdash;<br />
+“Weak dotard, spent with too great gift of years,<br />
+“Curst with too long existence, hence, begone!<br />
+“Such admonition to thy daughters give,<br />
+“If daughters hast thou; or thy sons have wives:<br />
+“Enough for me my inbred wisdom serves.<br />
+“Hope not, that ought thy vain advice has sway'd<br />
+“My purpose; still my challenge holds the same.<br />
+“Why comes your goddess not? why shuns she still<br />
+“The trying contest?� Then the goddess,&mdash;“Lo!<br />
+“She comes,�&mdash;and flung her aged form aside,<br />
+Minerva's form displaying. Every nymph,<br />
+And every dame Mygdonian, lowly bent<br />
+In veneration. While Arachné sole<br />
+Stood stedfast, unalarm'd; but yet she blush'd.<br />
+A sudden flush her angry face deep ting'd,<br />
+But sudden faded pale. A ruddy glow<br />
+Thus teints the early sky, when first the morn<br />
+<a name="page208"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;208]</span>
+Arises; quickly from the solar ray<br />
+Paling to brightness. On her purpos'd boast<br />
+Still stubborn bent, she obstinately courts<br />
+Her sure destruction, for the empty hope<br />
+Of conquest in the strife so madly urg'd.<br />
+No more Jove's maid refuses, gives no more<br />
+Her empty admonitions, nor delays<br />
+The contest: each her station straight assumes,<br />
+Tighten each web; each slender thread prepare.<br />
+Firm to the beam the cloth is fix'd; the reed<br />
+The warp divides, with pointed shuttle, swift<br />
+Gliding between; which quick their fingers throw,<br />
+Quick extricate, and with the toothy comb<br />
+Firm press'd between the warp, the threads unite.<br />
+Both hasten now; their garments round them girt,<br />
+Their skilful hands they ply: their toil forgot<br />
+In anxious wish for conquest. There appear'd,<br />
+The wool of Tyrian dye, and softening teints<br />
+Lost imperceptible. So seems the arch<br />
+Coloring a spacious portion of the sky;<br />
+Struck by the rays of Ph&oelig;bus, when the showers<br />
+Recede, a thousand varying tinges shine;<br />
+The soft transition mocks the straining eye,<br />
+So like the shades which join, though far distinct<br />
+Their distant teints. In slender threads they twist<br />
+The pliant gold, and in the web display,<br />
+Each as she works, an ancient story fair.<br />
+<a name="page209"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;209]</span>
+Minerva paints the rock of Mars so fam'd<br />
+In Cecrops' city, and the well-known strife<br />
+To name the town. Twice six celestials sate<br />
+On their high thrones, great Jupiter around<br />
+In gravity majestic; every god<br />
+Bore his celestial features. Jove appear'd<br />
+In royal dignity. The Ocean power<br />
+Standing she pictur'd, with his trident huge<br />
+Smiting the rugged rock; from the cleft stone<br />
+Leap'd forth a steed; and thence the town to name<br />
+The privilege he claim'd. Herself she paints<br />
+Shielded, and arm'd with keenly-pointed spear.<br />
+Helm'd was her head; her breast the Ægis bore.<br />
+Struck by her spear, the earth a hoary tree<br />
+She shews producing, loaded thick with fruit.<br />
+The wondering gods the gift admire; the prize<br />
+To her awarded, ends the glorious work.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;More, that the daring rival of her art,<br />
+Should learn experimental, what reward<br />
+Her mad attempt might hope, four parts she adds;<br />
+And every part a test of power presents:<br />
+Bright the small figures in her colors shine.<br />
+This angle Thracian Rhodopé contains,<br />
+With Hæmus; both their mortal bodies now,<br />
+To frozen mountains chang'd; whose lofty pride<br />
+<a name="page210"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;210]</span>
+Assum'd the titles of celestial powers.<br />
+Another corner held the wretched fate<br />
+Felt by Pygmæa's matron; Juno bade<br />
+Her vanquish'd rival soar aloft a crane;<br />
+And on her people wage continual war.<br />
+Antigoné, she paints;&mdash;audacious she<br />
+With Jove's imperial consort durst contend;<br />
+By Jove's imperial queen she flits a bird:<br />
+Nor aids her Ilium ought; nor aids her sire,<br />
+Laömedon;&mdash;upborne on snowy wings,<br />
+A stork she rises; loud with chattering bill<br />
+She noises. In the sole remaining part,<br />
+Was childless Cynaras, in close embrace,<br />
+Grasping the temple's steps, his daughters once;<br />
+And as he lies extended on the stone,<br />
+In marble seems to weep. Around the piece<br />
+She spreads the peaceful olive: all complete<br />
+Her work is ended with her favorite tree.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Arachné paints Europa, by a bull<br />
+Deceiv'd; the god a real bull appears;<br />
+And real seem the waves. She, backward turn'd,<br />
+Views the receding shore, and seems to shriek<br />
+Loud to her lost companions; seems to dread<br />
+The dashing waves, and timid shrinks her feet.<br />
+She draws Asteria, by the god o'er-power'd,<br />
+Cloth'd in an eagle. Leda, fair she lays<br />
+<a name="page211"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;211]</span>
+Beneath his wings, when he a swan appears.<br />
+She adds how Jove beneath a Satyr's shape<br />
+Conceal'd, the beauteous child of Nycteus fill'd,<br />
+With a twin-offspring. In Amphytrion's form<br />
+Alcmena, thou wert press'd. A golden shower<br />
+Danaë deceiv'd. A flame Ægina caught.<br />
+A shepherd's shape Mnemosyné beguil'd.<br />
+And fair Deöis trusts a speckled snake.<br />
+Thee, Neptune, too she painted, for the maid<br />
+Æolian, to a threatening bull transform'd.<br />
+Thou, as Enipeus, didst the Aloïd twins<br />
+Beget. Beneath the semblance of a ram,<br />
+Theophané was cheated. Ceres mild,<br />
+Of grain inventress, with her yellow locks,<br />
+In shape a courser felt thy ardent love.<br />
+Medusa, mother of the flying steed,<br />
+Nymph of the snaky tresses, in a bird<br />
+Conceal'd, you forc'd. Melantho in a fish.<br />
+To these the damsel, all well-suiting forms<br />
+Dispens'd, and all well-suiting scenes attend.<br />
+And there Apollo in a herdsman's guise<br />
+Wanders. And now he soars a plumy hawk:<br />
+Now stalks a lordly lion. As a swain<br />
+Macarean Isse, felt his amorous guile,<br />
+Erigoné to Bacchus' flame was dup'd<br />
+Beneath a well-seem'd grape. Saturn produc'd<br />
+The Centaur doubly-shap'd, in form a steed.<br />
+<a name="page212"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;212]</span>
+Her web's extremes a slender border girt,<br />
+Where flowery wreathes, and twining ivy blend.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Pallas,&mdash;not even envy's rankling soul<br />
+Could blame the work. The bright immortal griev'd<br />
+To view her rival's merit, angry tore<br />
+The picture glowing with celestial crimes.<br />
+A boxen shuttle, grasping in her hand,<br />
+Thrice on the forehead of th' Idmonian maid<br />
+She struck. No more Arachné, hapless bore,<br />
+But twisted round her neck with desperate pride<br />
+A cord. The deed Minerva pitying saw<br />
+And check'd her rash suspension.&mdash;“Impious wretch!<br />
+“Still live,� she cry'd, “but still suspended hang;<br />
+“Curs'd to futurity, for all thy race,<br />
+“Thy sons and grandsons, to the latest day<br />
+“Alike shall feel the sentence.� Speaking thus,<br />
+The juice of Hecat's baleful plant she throws:<br />
+Instant besprinkled by the noxious drops,<br />
+Her tresses fall; her nose and ears are lost;<br />
+Her body shrinks; her head is lessen'd more;<br />
+Her slender fingers root within her sides,<br />
+Serving as legs; her belly forms the rest;<br />
+From whence her thread she still derives and spins:<br />
+Her art pursuing in the spider's shape.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All Lydia rung; the wonderous rumor spread<br />
+<a name="page213"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;213]</span>
+Through every Phrygian town; the tale employ'd<br />
+The tongues of all mankind. The nymph was known,<br />
+Ere yet Amphion's nuptial bed she press'd,<br />
+To Niobé. She, when a virgin dwelt<br />
+In Lydian Sipylus. She still unmov'd,<br />
+Arachné's neighboring fate not heeded, still<br />
+Proudly refus'd before the gods to bend;<br />
+And spoke in haughty boasting. Much her pride<br />
+By favoring gifts was swol'n. Not the fine skill<br />
+Amphion practis'd; not the lofty birth<br />
+Each claim'd; not all their mighty kingdom's power,<br />
+So rais'd her soul (of all though justly proud)<br />
+As her bright offspring. Justly were she call'd<br />
+Most blest of mothers; but her bliss too great<br />
+Seem'd to herself, and caus'd a dread reverse.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now Manto, sprung from old Tiresias, skill'd<br />
+In future fate, impell'd by power divine,<br />
+In every street with wild prophetic tongue<br />
+Exclaim'd;&mdash;“Ye Theban matrons, haste in crowds,<br />
+“Your incense offer, and your pious prayers,<br />
+“To great Latona, and the heavenly twins,<br />
+“Latona's offspring; all your temples bound<br />
+“With laurel garlands. This the goddess bids;<br />
+“Through me commands it.� All of Thebes obey,<br />
+And gird their foreheads with the order'd leaves;<br />
+The incense burn, and with the sacred flames<br />
+<a name="page214"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;214]</span>
+Their pious prayers ascend. Lo! 'midst a crowd<br />
+Of nymphs attendant, far conspicuous seen;<br />
+Comes Niobé, in gorgeous Phrygian robe,<br />
+Inwrought with gold, attir'd. Beauteous her form,<br />
+Beauteous, as rage permitted. Angry shook<br />
+Her graceful head; and angry shook the locks<br />
+That o'er each shoulder wav'd. Proudly she tower'd.<br />
+Her haughty eyes, round from her lofty stand<br />
+Wide darting, cry'd;&mdash;“What madness this to place<br />
+“Reported gods above the gods you see!<br />
+“Why to Latona's altars bend ye low,<br />
+“Nor incense burn before my power divine?<br />
+“My sire, was Tantalus: of mortals sole,<br />
+“Celestial feasts he shar'd. A Pleiäd nymph<br />
+“Me bore. My grandsire is the mighty king,<br />
+“Whose shoulders all the load of heaven sustain.<br />
+“Jove is my father's parent: him I boast<br />
+“As sire-in-law too. All the Phrygian towns<br />
+“Bend to my sway. The hall of Cadmus owns<br />
+“Me sovereign mistress. Thebes' high towering walls,<br />
+“Rais'd by my consort's lute; and all the crowd<br />
+“Who dwell inclos'd, his rule and mine obey.<br />
+“Where'er within my palace turn mine eyes,<br />
+“Treasures immense I view. Brightness divine<br />
+“I boast: to all seven blooming daughters add,<br />
+“And seven fair sons; through whom I soon expect,<br />
+“If Hymen favors, seven more sons to see,<br />
+<a name="page215"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;215]</span>
+“And seven more daughters. Need ye further seek<br />
+“Whence I have cause for boasting. Dare ye still<br />
+“Latona, from Titanian Cæus sprung,&mdash;<br />
+“The unknown Cæus,&mdash;she to whom all earth<br />
+“In bearing pangs the smallest space deny'd:&mdash;<br />
+“This wretch to my divinity prefer?<br />
+“Not heaven your goddess would receive; not earth;<br />
+“Not ocean: exil'd from the world, she weep'd,<br />
+“Till Delos sorrowing,&mdash;wanderer like herself,<br />
+“Exclaim'd;&mdash;thou dreary wanderest o'er the earth,<br />
+“I, o'er the main;&mdash;and sympathizing thus,<br />
+“A resting spot afforded. There become<br />
+“Of two the mother, only&mdash;can she vie<br />
+“With one whose womb, has sevenfold hers surpass'd?<br />
+“Blest am I. Who can slightly e'er arraign<br />
+“To happiness my claim? Blest will I still<br />
+“Continue. Who my bliss can ever doubt?<br />
+“Abundance guards its surety. Far beyond<br />
+“The power of fortune is my lot uprais'd:<br />
+“Snatch them in numbers from me, crowds more great<br />
+“Must still remain. My happy state contemns<br />
+“Even now, the threats of danger. Grant the power<br />
+“Of fate this nation of my womb to thin,&mdash;<br />
+“Of part depriv'd, impossible I shrink<br />
+“To poor Latona's two. How scant remov'd<br />
+“From mothers childless! Quit your rites;&mdash;quick haste<br />
+“And tear those garlands from your flowing hair.�<br />
+<a name="page216"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;216]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aside the garlands thrown, and incomplete,<br />
+The rites relinquish'd, what the Thebans could<br />
+They gave: their whispering prayers the matron dame<br />
+Address'd. With ire the angry goddess flam'd,<br />
+And thus on Cynthus' lofty top bespoke<br />
+Her double offspring:&mdash;“O, my children! see,<br />
+“Your parent, proud your parent to be call'd,&mdash;<br />
+“To no celestial yielding, save the queen<br />
+“Of Jove supreme. Lo! doubted is my claim<br />
+“To rites divine; and from the altars, burnt<br />
+“To me from endless ages, driven, I go;<br />
+“Save by my children succour'd. Nor this grief<br />
+“Alone me irks, for Niobé me mocks!&mdash;<br />
+“Her daring crime increasing, proud she sets<br />
+“Her offspring far 'bove you. Me too she spurns,&mdash;<br />
+“To her in number yielding; childless calls<br />
+“My bed, and proves the impious stock which gave<br />
+“Her tongue first utterance.� More Latona felt<br />
+Prepar'd to utter; more beseechings bland<br />
+For her young offspring, when Apollo, cry'd:<br />
+“Enough, desist to plain;&mdash;delay is long<br />
+“Till vengeance.� Dian' join'd him in his ire.<br />
+Swift gliding down the sky, and veil'd in clouds,<br />
+On Cadmus' roof they lighted. Wide was spread,<br />
+A level plain, by constant hoofs well beat,<br />
+The city's walls adjoining; crowding wheels,<br />
+And coursers' feet the rolling dust upturn'd.<br />
+<a name="page217"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;217]</span>
+Here of Amphion's offspring daily some<br />
+Mount their fleet steeds; their trappings gaily press<br />
+Of Tyrian dye: heavy with gold, the rens<br />
+They guide. 'Mid these Ismenos, primal born<br />
+Of Niobé, as round the circling course,<br />
+His well-train'd steed he sped, and strenuous curb'd<br />
+His foaming mouth,&mdash;loudly “Ah, me!� exclaim'd,<br />
+As through his bosom deep the dart was driv'n:<br />
+Dropp'd from his dying hands the slacken'd reins;<br />
+Slowly, and sidelong from his courser's back<br />
+He tumbled. Sipylus, gave uncheck'd scope<br />
+To his, when through the empty air he heard,<br />
+The rattling quiver sound: thus speeding clouds<br />
+Beheld, the guider of the ruling helm,<br />
+A threatening tempest fearing, looses wide<br />
+His every sail to catch the lightest breeze.<br />
+Loose flow'd his reins. Th' inevitable dart<br />
+The flowing reins quick follow'd. Quivering shook,<br />
+Fixt in his upper neck, the naked steel,<br />
+Far through his throat protruding. Prone he fell<br />
+O'er his high courser's head; his smoking gore,<br />
+The ground defiling. Hapless Ph&oelig;dimas,<br />
+And Tantalus, his grandsire's name who bore,<br />
+Their 'custom'd sport laborious ended, strove<br />
+With youthful vigor in the wrestling toil.<br />
+Now breast to breast they strain'd with nervous grasp,<br />
+When the swift arrow from the bended horn,<br />
+<a name="page218"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;218]</span>
+Both bodies pierc'd, as close both bodies join'd;<br />
+At once they groan'd; at once their limbs they threw,<br />
+With agonies convuls'd, prone on the earth;<br />
+At once their rolling eyes the light forsook;<br />
+At once their souls were yielded forth to air.<br />
+Alphenor saw, and smote his grieving breast;<br />
+Flew to their pallid limbs, and as he rais'd,<br />
+Their bodies, in the pious office fell:<br />
+For Ph&oelig;bus drove his fate-wing'd arrow deep<br />
+Through what his heart inclos'd. Sudden withdrawn,<br />
+On the barb'd head the mangled lungs were stuck;<br />
+And high in air his soul gush'd forth in blood.<br />
+But beardless Damasichthon, by a wound<br />
+Not single fell, as those; struck where the leg<br />
+To form begins, and where the nervous ham<br />
+A yielding joint supplies. The deadly dart<br />
+To draw essaying, in his throat, full driven,<br />
+Up to the feather'd head, another came:<br />
+The sanguine flood expell'd it, gushing high,<br />
+Cutting the distant air. With outstretcht arms<br />
+Ilioneus, the last, besought in vain;<br />
+Exclaiming,&mdash;“spare me, spare me, all ye gods!�<br />
+Witless that all not join'd to cause his woe.<br />
+The god was touch'd with pity, touch'd too late,&mdash;<br />
+Already shot th' irrevocable dart:<br />
+Yet light the blow was given, and mild the wound<br />
+That pierc'd his heart, and sent his soul aloft.<br />
+<a name="page219"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;219]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The rumor'd ill; the mourning people's groans;<br />
+The servant's tears, soon made the mother know,<br />
+The sudden ruin: wondering first she stands,<br />
+To see so great heaven's power, then angry flames<br />
+Indignant, that such power they dare to use.<br />
+The sire Amphion, in his bosom plung'd<br />
+His sword, and ended life at once, and woe.<br />
+Heavens! how remov'd this Niobé, from her<br />
+Who drove so lately from Latona's fane,<br />
+The pious crowds; who march'd in lofty state,<br />
+Through every street of Thebes, an envy'd sight!<br />
+Now to be wept by even her bitterest foes.<br />
+Prostrate upon their gelid limbs she lies;<br />
+Now this, now that, her trembling kisses press;<br />
+Her livid arms high-stretching unto heaven,<br />
+Exclaims,&mdash;“Enjoy Latona, cruel dame,<br />
+“My sorrows; feed on all my wretched woes;<br />
+“Glut with my load of grief thy savage soul;<br />
+“Feast thy fell heart with seven funereal scenes;<br />
+“Triumph, victorious foe! conqueror, exult!<br />
+“Victorious! said I?&mdash;How? To wretched me,<br />
+“Still more are left, than joyful thou canst boast:<br />
+“Superior I 'midst all this loss remain.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She spoke;&mdash;the twanging bowstring sounded loud!<br />
+Terrific noise,&mdash;save Niobé, to all:<br />
+She stood audacious, callous in her crime.<br />
+<a name="page220"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;220]</span>
+In mourning vesture clad, with tresses loose,<br />
+Around the funeral couches of the slain,<br />
+The weeping sisters stood. One strives to pluck<br />
+The deep-stuck arrow from her bowels,&mdash;falls,<br />
+And fainting dies; her brother's clay-cold corse,<br />
+Prest with her lips. Another's soothing words<br />
+Her hapless parent strive to cheer,&mdash;struck dumb,<br />
+She bends beneath an unseen wound; her words<br />
+Reach not her parent, till her life is fled.<br />
+This, vainly flying, falls: that drops in death<br />
+Upon her sister's body. One to hide<br />
+Attempts: another pale and trembling dies.<br />
+Six now lie breathless, each by vary'd wounds;<br />
+One sole remaining, whom the mother shields,<br />
+Wrapt in her vest; her body o'er her flung,<br />
+Exclaiming,&mdash;“leave me this, my youngest,&mdash;last,<br />
+“Least of my mighty numbers,&mdash;one alone!�<br />
+But while she prays, the damsel pray'd for dies.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of all depriv'd, the solitary dame,<br />
+Amid the lifeless bodies of her sons,<br />
+Her daughters, and her spouse, by sorrows steel'd,<br />
+Sits harden'd: no light gale her tresses moves;<br />
+No blood her redden'd cheeks contain; her eyes<br />
+Motionless glare upon her mournful face;<br />
+Life quits the statue: even her tongue congeals,<br />
+Within her stony palate; vital floods<br />
+<a name="page221"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;221]</span>
+Cease in her veins to flow; her neck to bow<br />
+Resists; her arms to move in graceful guise;<br />
+Her feet to step; and even to stone are turn'd<br />
+Her inmost bowels. Still to weep she seems.<br />
+Wrapt in a furious whirlwind, distant far<br />
+Her natal soil receives her. There fixt high<br />
+On a hill's utmost summit, still she melts;<br />
+Still does the rigid marble flow in tears.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now every Theban, male and female, all,<br />
+Dread the fierce anger of the powers of heaven;<br />
+And with redoubled fervor lowly bend,<br />
+And own the twin-producing goddess' power.<br />
+Then, as oft seen, they ancient tales recount,<br />
+Reminded by events of recent date.<br />
+Thus one relates.&mdash;“Long since some clowns, who till'd<br />
+“The fertile fields of Lycia, felt the ire<br />
+“Of this high goddess, whom they durst despise.<br />
+“Obscure the fact itself, for low the race<br />
+“Who suffer'd; yet most wonderous was the deed.<br />
+“Myself have seen the marsh; the lake have seen<br />
+“Fam'd for the prodigy. My aged sire,<br />
+“To toil unable on the lengthen'd road,<br />
+“Me thither sent; an herd of choicest beeves<br />
+“Thence to conduct; to my unpractis'd steps<br />
+“A guiding native of the land he gave.<br />
+“While we the pastures travers'd, lo! we found<br />
+<a name="page222"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;222]</span>
+“An ancient altar, 'midst a spacious lake<br />
+“Erected; black with sacrificing dust;<br />
+“With waving reeds surrounded. Here my guide<br />
+“Halted, and softly whisper'd,&mdash;bless me, power!<br />
+“And I, like softly whispering,&mdash;bless me!&mdash;cry'd.<br />
+“Then ask'd, if nymph, or fawn, or native god<br />
+“The altar own'd?&mdash;when thus my guide reply'd.<br />
+“No mountain god, O, youth! this altar claims,<br />
+“But her whom once imperial Juno's rage,<br />
+“Stern interdicted from firm earth's extent:<br />
+“Whom scarce the wandering Delos would receive,<br />
+“Ardent beseeching, when the buoyant isle<br />
+“Light floated. There at length, Latona, laid<br />
+“Betwixt a palm, and bright Minerva's tree,<br />
+“Spite of their fierce opposing step-dame's power,<br />
+“Her twins produc'd. Even hence, in child-bed driven,<br />
+“She fled from Juno; in her bosom bore,<br />
+“'Tis said, the twin-celestials. Now the sun<br />
+“With fervid rays, had scorch'd the arid meads,<br />
+“When faint with lengthen'd toil, the goddess gain'd<br />
+“The edge of Lycia's monster-breeding clime;<br />
+“Parch'd and exhausted, from the solar heat,<br />
+“And infants milking her exhausted breast.<br />
+“By chance a lake, far distant she espy'd,<br />
+“Deep in a vale's recess, of waters pure.<br />
+“There clowns the bulrush gather'd; there they pluck'd<br />
+“The shrubby osier, and the marsh-fond grass.<br />
+<a name="page223"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;223]</span>
+“Approach'd the goddess; on her knees low bent,<br />
+“The earth she press'd, and forward lean'd to drink<br />
+“The cooling liquid. This the rustic mob<br />
+“Forbade. When she to those who thus oppos'd,&mdash;<br />
+“Water withhold? Water whose use is free?<br />
+“Nature to all unsparing gives to take,<br />
+“Of light, of air, and of the flowing stream.<br />
+“I claim but public gifts: yet suppliant beg<br />
+“Those public gifts to share. Not here I come,<br />
+“My weary'd arms and limbs within the waves<br />
+“To lave: my thirst alone I wish to slake.<br />
+“Even now my speaking lips their moisture want;<br />
+“Scarce my parch'd throat, a passage to my words<br />
+“Can yield. As nectar were the limpid draught.<br />
+“Life with the water give me; for to me,<br />
+“Water is life; with water life I seek.<br />
+“Let these too move you, who their tender hands<br />
+“Stretch to your bosoms,&mdash;for by chance the babes<br />
+“Their little hands held forth. The goddess' words,<br />
+“Thus bland-beseeching, who could e'er withstand?<br />
+“Yet these persisted;&mdash;obstinate refus'd<br />
+“To grant her wish, and with opprobrious speech<br />
+“And threats revil'd her, should she there remain.<br />
+“Nor rested thus,&mdash;the lake with hands and feet<br />
+“Muddy they trouble; with malicious leaps<br />
+“They agitate the pool, and upward stir<br />
+“From the deep bottom clouds of slimy ooze.<br />
+<a name="page224"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;224]</span>
+“Anger her thirst diverted. Rage deny'd<br />
+“More supplication from th' indignant dame.<br />
+“Their threatening words, no more the goddess brook'd;<br />
+“But raising high to heaven her hands, she cry'd,&mdash;<br />
+“Be this your home for ever!&mdash;Gracious heard,<br />
+“Her prayer was granted. Now they joy to plunge,<br />
+“Beneath the waters; now they deep immerge<br />
+“Their bodies in the hollow fen; now raise<br />
+“Their heads, and skim the surface of the pool,<br />
+“Often they rest upon the margin's brink,<br />
+“And oft light-springing, in the cool lake plunge.<br />
+“Now still their rude contentious tongues they use,<br />
+“Still squabbling, lost to shame beneath the waves:<br />
+“Beneath the waves they still abusings strive<br />
+“To utter. Hoarsely still their voice is heard,<br />
+“Through their wide-bloated throats. Their railing words,<br />
+“Their jaws more wide dilate. Depriv'd of neck,<br />
+“Their head and back in junction seem to meet;<br />
+“Green shine their backs; their bellies, hugely swol'n<br />
+“Are white; and frogs they plunge within the pool.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus as the man, the fate destructive told<br />
+Of Lycia's clowns, to mind another call'd<br />
+The satyr's fate, who vanquish'd in the strife<br />
+Of skill, on Pallas' pipe, Latona's son<br />
+Severely punish'd.&mdash;“Wherefore thus,�&mdash;he cries,<br />
+“Rent from myself? O, penitent I bow.<br />
+<a name="page225"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;225]</span>
+“The pipe,� he shrieks, “should not such rage provoke.�<br />
+Exclaiming thus, o'er his extremest limbs<br />
+Stript was his skin; he one continuous wound!<br />
+Blood flow'd from every part; the naked nerves<br />
+Bare started; and the trembling veins full throbb'd,<br />
+By skin uncover'd. Every beating part<br />
+Inward, the breast's translucent fibres plain<br />
+Display'd to sight. Him every forest fawn;<br />
+Each brother satyr; and each sylvan god;<br />
+And every nymph, with fam'd Olympus wept:<br />
+And every swain, the woolly flock who fed;<br />
+Or on the mountain watch'd the horned herd.<br />
+Wash'd by their falling tears, the fertile earth<br />
+Is soak'd,&mdash;absorbs them in her inmost veins;<br />
+Then form'd to water, spouts them high in air.<br />
+Rapid 'twixt banks declivitous, they seek<br />
+The ocean. Marsya, is the river call'd;<br />
+The clearest stream through Phrygia's land which flows.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus far the crowd;&mdash;and then lamenting turn<br />
+To present griefs:&mdash;Amphion's race extinct,<br />
+Unanimous they wail; but hated still<br />
+Remains the mother's pride. For her alone<br />
+Weep'd Pelops;&mdash;rent his garments, bare expos'd<br />
+His breast and shoulders lay, and fair display'd<br />
+The ivory joint. This shoulder at his birth<br />
+In fleshy substance, and carnation tinge,<br />
+<a name="page226"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;226]</span>
+Equall'd the right. When by his sire his limbs<br />
+Disjointed lay, the gods, 'tis said, quick join'd<br />
+The sever'd members: every fragment found,<br />
+Save what combin'd the neck and upper arm;<br />
+The part destroy'd, with ivory they replace;<br />
+And Pelops perfect from the gift became.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The neighbouring lords assemble;&mdash;every town<br />
+Their kings intreat condolence to bestow,<br />
+And all to Thebes repair. First Argos sends;<br />
+Sparta; Mycené; Calydon, not yet<br />
+By stern Diana hated; Corinth, fam'd<br />
+For beauteous brass; Orchomenus the fierce;<br />
+Messené fertile; Patræ; Pylos, rul'd<br />
+By Neleus; Tr&oelig;zen, yet unus'd to own<br />
+The sway of Pittheus; Cleona the low;<br />
+And all those towns the two-sea'd isthmus holds;<br />
+And all those towns the isthmus views without.<br />
+Athens, incredible! was absent sole.<br />
+War all her energy demanded. Borne<br />
+O'er ocean, fierce barbarian troops, the walls<br />
+Mopsopian threaten'd. Thracian Tereus, these<br />
+With arms auxiliar routed; bright his name<br />
+Shone from the conquest. Him in riches great,<br />
+Mighty in power, and from the god-like Mars,<br />
+His lineage tracing, Procné's nuptial hand<br />
+Close to Pandion bound. Their marriage bed<br />
+<a name="page227"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;227]</span>
+Nor Grace, nor Hymen, nor the nuptial queen<br />
+Attended. Furies held the torches, snatch'd<br />
+From biers funereal. Furies spread the couch:<br />
+And all night long an owl, ill-omen'd bird,<br />
+Perch'd on the roof that crown'd the marriage dome.<br />
+Join'd with such omens, with such omens bore<br />
+Procné a son to Tereus. Wide through Thrace<br />
+Congratulations sound: glad thanks to heaven<br />
+The parents give, and hail the happy day<br />
+Which gave Pandion's daughter to the king;<br />
+And gave the pair a son. So ignorant still<br />
+Mankind of real happiness remain!<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now through five autumns had the cheerful sun<br />
+The whirling year renew'd. When Procné, bland<br />
+Her spouse besought.&mdash;“If grace within thy sight<br />
+“Claim my deserts,&mdash;or suffer me to see<br />
+“In her own clime my sister, or to ours<br />
+“My sister bring: a quick return thou well<br />
+“Our sire may'st promise. This high boon obtain'd,<br />
+“My sister's presence,&mdash;to my sight thou'lt seem,<br />
+“A deity in goodness.�&mdash;On the main<br />
+He bids them launch the vessel; in the port<br />
+Cecropian enters, urg'd by oar and sail;<br />
+And treads Piræus' shore. Soon as he gain'd<br />
+His audience; soon as hand with hand was clasp'd,<br />
+His ill-presaging speech he open'd. First<br />
+<a name="page228"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;228]</span>
+The journey's cause narrating; fond desire<br />
+Of Procné; and the promis'd quick return<br />
+Of Philomela, should the sire comply.<br />
+Lo! Philomela enters, splendid robes<br />
+Attire her; still more splendid shine her charms:<br />
+Such they describe within the forests rove<br />
+Dryad, and Naiäd nymphs; such would they seem<br />
+Their shape like hers adorn'd, like hers attir'd.<br />
+Instant was Tereus at the sight inflam'd;<br />
+So instant would the hoary harvest burn,<br />
+The torch apply'd: so burn the wither'd leaves;<br />
+Or hoarded hay. Well might her charms inspire<br />
+Such love in any;&mdash;him his inbred lust<br />
+More goaded, more his country's warmth which burns<br />
+Intense; he flames from nature, and from clime.<br />
+First to corrupt th' attendants he designs,<br />
+And faithful nurse; and Philomel' to tempt<br />
+With gifts immense,&mdash;his kingdom's mighty price.<br />
+Or forceful snatch her, and the rape defend,<br />
+With all the powers of war. Nought but he dares.<br />
+Impell'd by love's unbridled power; his breast<br />
+The raging fire contains not. Irksome seems<br />
+Delay:&mdash;and eager to the anxious wish<br />
+Of Procné, turns his converse; her desires<br />
+His wishes aiding. Eloquent he spoke;<br />
+For love inspir'd him. Often as he press'd<br />
+More close than prudent, all his earnest speech,<br />
+<a name="page229"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;229]</span>
+Procné, he said, dictated.  Heavens! how dark<br />
+The gloom that blinds the view of human souls.<br />
+Tereus for tenderest piety esteem'd,<br />
+More as for vice he labors: praise he gains,<br />
+for every crime.  Now Philomela begs,<br />
+His prayer assisting; flings her winning arms<br />
+Around Pandion's neck, and suppliant sues<br />
+A sight of Procné; for her woe she begs,<br />
+But deems she begs delight.  Her Tereus views;&mdash;<br />
+Anticipates his joys; her every kiss,<br />
+Her arms around her parent's neck entwin'd,<br />
+But goad his passion: fuel fresh they add;<br />
+Food for his flame.  And when her sire she clasps,<br />
+He longs that sire to be.  Parent, not more<br />
+His impious purpose would the wretch delay!<br />
+The king by both their warm beseechings won,<br />
+Consents;&mdash;she joyful to her father gives<br />
+Glad thanks;&mdash;and hapless, deems completely blest,<br />
+Herself and sister, both most deeply curst;<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now Ph&oelig;bus' toil nigh spent, his coursers' feet<br />
+Sweep'd down the slope of heaven. The royal feast,<br />
+And golden goblets, fill'd with Bacchus' gift,<br />
+The board bespread.  From hence in slumbers soft,<br />
+Each sought repose.  All but the Thracian king,<br />
+Though far remov'd, still burning; all her face,<br />
+Her hands and gesture he recals, and paints<br />
+<a name="page230"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;230]</span>
+At pleasure all her beauties yet unseen:<br />
+Feeding his flame, and sleep repelling far.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Twas morn;&mdash;Pandion, pressing warm the hand<br />
+Of Tereus, as they parted, while the tears<br />
+Gush'd sudden, thus bespeaks his friendly care.<br />
+“Dear son, to thee I give her, pious claims<br />
+“Compel me: suppliant let me thee adjure<br />
+“By faith, by kindred, and by all the gods,<br />
+“Thy care paternal, shall protect the maid;<br />
+“And the soft solace of my anxious years,<br />
+“Speedy restore, for each delay is long.<br />
+“Quick, Philomela, quick my child, rejoin<br />
+“Thy sire, if filial duty sways thee. Much<br />
+“Thy sister's absence pains me.�&mdash;Speaking thus<br />
+He press'd with kisses soft, the maiden's lips,<br />
+And dripping tears with each behest let fall.<br />
+Their hands he asks as pledge of faith, and joins<br />
+Their hands in his presented; tender begs<br />
+His salutations to his daughter dear;<br />
+And his young grandson. Scarce the last adieu,<br />
+Chok'd with deep sighs, he breathes: his boding mind<br />
+<ins class="hemistich">
+<table>
+<tr><td>Foreseeing future woes.</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td>Now Philomel'</td></tr>
+</table>
+</ins>
+Safely on board the painted vessel plac'd,<br />
+The land far left, as with their laboring oars<br />
+<a name="page231"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;231]</span>
+The surges move;&mdash;exulting Tereus, cry'd,<br />
+“Victorious,&mdash;lo! my utmost wishes borne<br />
+Safe with me.“&mdash;Scarce his burning soul defers<br />
+His hop'd-for joys. His eyes are never turn'd<br />
+From the lov'd face. Thus Jove's protected bird<br />
+Rapacious bears, with his sharp talons pierc'd,<br />
+An hare defenceless to his lofty nest:<br />
+No flight remains, the spoiler calmly views<br />
+His prey. Now ended is their voyage, now<br />
+Weary'd they quit their ship, and joyful touch<br />
+Their native beach; and now the Thracian king<br />
+Pandion's daughter to a lofty stall<br />
+Conducts; by ancient trees the spot well screen'd.<br />
+There he inclos'd the pale, the trembling maid,<br />
+Of all things fearful, as with tears she press'd<br />
+Her sister's face to see: his purpose dire<br />
+Disclosing,&mdash;force the helpless maid o'ercame,<br />
+Loudly exclaiming to her sire; and loud<br />
+Her sister's help invoking, equal vain:<br />
+But chief she begs celestial powers to aid.<br />
+Trembling she lies; so seems a shuddering lamb<br />
+Wounded, and from the hoary wolf's fierce jaws<br />
+Just 'scap'd, not sure his safety yet he deems:<br />
+So seems a dove, her plumes in blood deep-drench'd,<br />
+With fear still shivering; still the hungry claws<br />
+Dreading, that lately pierc'd her. Soon restor'd<br />
+Her mental powers, while scatter'd hung the locks<br />
+<a name="page232"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;232]</span>
+Rent in her anguish, high her arms she rais'd,<br />
+Livid with blows, as those that mourn the dead;<br />
+Exclaiming,&mdash;“O, barbarian! wretch supreme!<br />
+“In cruelty and vice; whom not the charge<br />
+“Parental, seal'd with pious tears could move;<br />
+“A sister's charge entrusted: not her state,<br />
+“Virgin defenceless; not the sacred vows,<br />
+“Conjugal plighted. In confusion all<br />
+“Commixt, by thee, adulteress here I lie,<br />
+“Against my sister. Thou a double spouse,<br />
+“To both. This scourge is sure to me not due.<br />
+“Why, villain, not my hated life destroy?<br />
+“Perfect in deeds atrocious; would my breath<br />
+“Before the horrid act supprest had been:<br />
+“Then had I guiltless sought the shades. But still<br />
+“If powers celestial view this act; if sway<br />
+“On earth they hold; if all not sinks with me,<br />
+“Thy fate hence-forward from me dread; myself<br />
+“Shall unabash'd, thy acts proclaim. If power<br />
+“Is granted, when in public walks I roam:<br />
+“If here in woods imprison'd, all the woods<br />
+“Shall with my plaints resound; the conscious rocks<br />
+“I'll move. May heaven me hear! and if in heaven<br />
+“A god abides, me hear!�&mdash;Rous'd by her words,<br />
+The fierce king's anger burns; no less his fear<br />
+Than anger moves him: strongly spurr'd by each,<br />
+His weapon from the pendent sheath he drew:<br />
+<a name="page233"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;233]</span>
+Dragg'd by the hair, her limbs he forc'd to yield<br />
+To fetters; twisting rough her arms behind.<br />
+Glad Philomel' to him her throat presents,<br />
+Death from the glittering sword expecting. Grasp'd<br />
+In pincers, fierce her tongue he tore away;<br />
+Griev'd, and indignant, as her father's name<br />
+She strove to utter: trembling still appear'd<br />
+The bloody root; trembling the tongue itself<br />
+Murmur'd as on the gore-stain'd earth it lay:<br />
+As leaps the serpent's sever'd tail, the tongue,<br />
+Quivering in death, still to her feet advanc'd.<br />
+This deed of horror done, 'tis said that oft<br />
+(Incredible the fact) repeated force<br />
+Upon her mangled form the wretch employ'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now dares he, all those acts atrocious done,<br />
+Return to Procné. Eager as he comes,<br />
+For Philomel' she asks. False tears and groans<br />
+He gives: the hapless nymph he feigns deceas'd:<br />
+His tears convince. Now from her shoulders torn,<br />
+Her robes with gold bright-glittering, sable vests<br />
+Her limbs enfolded. High an empty tomb<br />
+She rais'd, and pious obsequies perform'd<br />
+To manes pretended: for her sister's fate<br />
+She mourn'd, whose fate such mourning ill deserv'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Through twice six signs had Ph&oelig;bus journey'd on,<br />
+<a name="page234"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;234]</span>
+The year completing. What, alas! remains<br />
+For Philomela? Guards prevent her flight.<br />
+Of stone erected, high the massive walls<br />
+Circle her round. Her lips so mute, refuse<br />
+The deed to blazon. Keen the sense of grief<br />
+Sharpens the soul:&mdash;in misery the mind<br />
+Ingenious sparkles. Skillful she extends<br />
+The Thracian web, and on the snow-white threads,<br />
+In purple letters, weaves the dreadful tale.<br />
+Complete, a servant with expressive signs,<br />
+The present to the queen she bids to bear.<br />
+To Procné was it borne, witless the slave<br />
+Of what he carry'd. Savage Tereus' spouse<br />
+The web unfolded; read the mournful tale<br />
+Her hapless sister told, and wonderous! sate<br />
+In silence; grief her rising words repress'd:<br />
+Indignant, chok'd, her throat refus'd to breathe,<br />
+The angry accents to her plaining tongue.<br />
+To weep she waits not, in turmoil confus'd,<br />
+Justice and flagrance undistinguished lie;<br />
+Her mind sole bent for vengeance on her spouse.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now was the time Sithonia's matrons wont,<br />
+The rites triennial of the jovial god<br />
+To tend. Those rites to conscious shade alone<br />
+Confided. Rhodopé, the brazen sound<br />
+Shrill tinkling, hears by night;&mdash;by night the queen<br />
+<a name="page235"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;235]</span>
+The palace quits, attir'd as Bacchus' rites<br />
+Demand; and weapon'd with the Bacchant arms.<br />
+A vine her forehead girds; the nimble deer<br />
+Clothes with his skin her sides; her shoulder bears<br />
+A slender spear. Thus maddening, Procné seeks<br />
+The woods in ire terrific, crowded round<br />
+By all her followers: rack'd by inward pangs,<br />
+The furious rant of Bacchus veils her woes.<br />
+The lonely stable seen at length, she howls<br />
+Aloud,&mdash;“Evoë, ho!�&mdash;and bursts the door;<br />
+Drags thence her sister;&mdash;her thence dragg'd, invests <span class="rmn">I</span><br />
+In Bacchanalian robes; her face inshrouds<br />
+In ivy foliage; and astonish'd leads<br />
+The trembling damsel o'er the palace steps.<br />
+The horrid dome when Philomela saw,<br />
+Perforce she enter'd; through her frame she shook;<br />
+The blood her face deserted. Procné sought<br />
+A spot retir'd, and from her features flung<br />
+The sacred trappings, and her sister's face,<br />
+Sorrowing and blushing, to the light unveil'd;<br />
+Then ran to clasp her. She the sight not bore;<br />
+Her eyes she rais'd not; her dejected brows<br />
+Bent to the ground; thus by her sister seen,<br />
+Encroacher on her bed. Her hands still spoke,<br />
+When oaths she wish'd to utter, and to call<br />
+Th' attesting gods, her foul disgrace by force<br />
+To prove accomplish'd. Furious, Procné burns,<br />
+<a name="page236"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;236]</span>
+Nor curbs her ire; her sister's streaming tears<br />
+Reproving checks, and cries;&mdash;“no period now<br />
+“For tears, we ask the sword! But if than sword<br />
+“Vengeance more keen thou hop'st for, sister dear,<br />
+“Behold me for most horrid deeds prepar'd.<br />
+“Shall I with flaming torches blaze on high<br />
+“His hall imperial, and the villain king<br />
+“Heave in the conflagration? Shall I rend<br />
+“As thine his tongue? or from his sockets tear,<br />
+“His eye-balls? or what other member maim?<br />
+“Or this, or instant send his guilty soul<br />
+“Thro' thousand wounds to judgment? What thou speak'st<br />
+“Be mighty. I for mightiest acts prepare.<br />
+“To fix I hesitate.� As Procné speaks,<br />
+Lo! infant Itys to his mother runs;<br />
+His sight her mind determines; cruel turn<br />
+Her eyes, exclaiming;&mdash;“See, how like his sire's<br />
+“Appear his features!�&mdash;More she spoke not, fixt<br />
+Was straight her dread resolve: now fiercer burn'd<br />
+Within her smother'd rage;&mdash;yet when the boy<br />
+Approach'd, and round her neck his infant arms<br />
+Threw, and his kisses printed on her lips,<br />
+With bland caresses mingled, even the soul<br />
+Of Procné melted. Mollify'd her rage,<br />
+Tears hard constrain'd flow'd from unwilling eyes.<br />
+Soon as the mother's feelings softening seem<br />
+To melt in extreme fondness; Procné quits<br />
+<a name="page237"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;237]</span>
+The sight, and to her sister's face reverts<br />
+Again her visage; then on each in turn<br />
+Full bent her view, she cries;&mdash;“Must one me melt<br />
+“With blandish'd soothings? Must the other mute,<br />
+“With tongue dismember'd stand? Must he exclaim<br />
+“O, mother!&mdash;she, O, sister! never more?<br />
+“To what a spouse, Pandion's daughter, see<br />
+“Art thou, degenerate wife, conjoin'd! Thy sin<br />
+“A spouse like Tereus to have us'd too well.�<br />
+More she delays not, infant Itys drags,<br />
+Swift as the Indian tiger sweeps the fawn<br />
+Through shady forests. Then the lofty dome,<br />
+For rooms remote well search'd, in one arrives,<br />
+Where she the infant pierces; 'twixt the breast<br />
+And side the weapon enters, while his hands,<br />
+Suppliant, his fate foreseeing, he extends,<br />
+And,&mdash;“mother! O, my mother!�&mdash;loudly cries.<br />
+Nor mov'd her countenance fell;&mdash;the single wound<br />
+Was deadly. Philomela, with her steel<br />
+The throat divided, and the quivering limbs<br />
+Dissever'd, whilst of animation still<br />
+Some glimmering sparks remain'd. Of these, they part<br />
+In brazen cauldrons boil: part on the spit<br />
+Crackling they turn: with gore the secret rooms<br />
+Offensive float. Her unsuspecting spouse<br />
+Procné to feast invites; delusive feigns<br />
+Her country's customs,&mdash;where 'twas given, but one<br />
+<a name="page238"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;238]</span>
+The husband should be nigh; all menial slaves<br />
+Far distant. On his ancestorial seat<br />
+High-lifted, Tereus sate, and feasted there:<br />
+And in his bowels deep he there entomb'd<br />
+Bowels his own. So blind are human souls,&mdash;<br />
+“Call Itys to the feast,�&mdash;he cries. No more<br />
+Could Procné veil her savage joy;&mdash;full bent<br />
+The slaughter to announce, she loud proclaim'd<br />
+“Thou seek'st who with thee rests!�&mdash;Around he looks.<br />
+Wondering where rests he. Philomela rush'd,<br />
+Her tresses sprinkled with the ireful blood,<br />
+As griev'd he, Itys calling loud, and flung,<br />
+With savage fury Itys' gory head<br />
+Full in his father's face; nor ever mourn'd<br />
+Lost speech so much; her well-earn'd joy to show,<br />
+More griev'd lost power. With outcry loud the king<br />
+O'er-turn'd the table; from the Stygian vale,<br />
+Invok'd the viper'd sisters: hard he strove<br />
+To tear his bosom, and from thence disgorge<br />
+The dire repast, the half-digested mass<br />
+Of Itys' limbs. Now weeping, wild he mourns,<br />
+Himself his offspring's tomb. Now fierce pursues<br />
+Pandion's daughters with his unsheath'd sword.<br />
+From him escaping, on light wings upborne<br />
+Th' Athenians seem'd; light wings their limbs upbore!<br />
+One sheltering in the woods: protecting roofs<br />
+The other seeking; still the murderous deed,<br />
+<a name="page239"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;239]</span>
+Mark'd on her breast remains; still on her plumes<br />
+The teint of blood is seen. Rapid in rage<br />
+And hope of vengeance, Tereus too is chang'd,<br />
+And flits a bird; a plumy crest he bears,<br />
+High on his head: the lengthen'd sword he bore,<br />
+A beak enormous grows. A lapwing now<br />
+<ins class="hemistich">
+<table>
+<tr><td>With fierce-arm'd face he flies.</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td>Untimely sought</td></tr>
+</table>
+</ins>
+Pandion, when the mournful tale he heard,<br />
+The Stygian shades, ere yet the lengthen'd date<br />
+Of years commanded. Next th' Athenian realm<br />
+Erechtheus rul'd, the sceptre dubious held<br />
+By right or forceful arms. Proud could he boast<br />
+Four sons;&mdash;and daughters four to him were given.<br />
+Beauteous the maids; in beauty equal two:<br />
+Of these Æölian Cephalus was bless'd<br />
+With thee as spouse, O, Procris!&mdash;Tereus long,<br />
+Boreas withstanding, with the power of Thrace,<br />
+Long Orithyïa, by the god belov'd,<br />
+Was lov'd in vain; while soft beseechings more<br />
+And prayers, the power to strenuous force preferr'd.<br />
+But now those soothings bland so vainly try'd,<br />
+Fierce swol'n with rage, his most accustom'd feel<br />
+(Too much that passion knows this wind) he cries;&mdash;<br />
+“Well I deserve it, all my proper arms<br />
+“Relinquish'd: savage fierceness, strength, stern rage,<br />
+<a name="page240"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;240]</span>
+“And threatening force. With humble softening prayers<br />
+“Fool have I su'd; in each attempt have fail'd.<br />
+“More apt to me is force! by force I drive<br />
+“The lowering clouds before me: Ocean's waves<br />
+“Forceful I turn; forceful the knotted oak<br />
+“Root from its deep foundation; hard the frost<br />
+“I bind; and beat the sounding earth with hail:<br />
+“I when in open sky, for there our field<br />
+“Lies in display, my blustering brethren meet,<br />
+“Oppose such might, that midmost sky resounds<br />
+“Echoing our forceful conflict; flashing flames<br />
+“From the cleft bodies of the hollow clouds,<br />
+“Elicited: I too, earth's secret womb<br />
+“Fierce entering, in her deepest caverns strain<br />
+“My strength, 'till trembling wide through all her frame,<br />
+“The ghosts below are troubled. These the aid<br />
+“My nuptial wish should seek; no longer pray<br />
+“Erechtheus for my sire;&mdash;my sire by force,<br />
+“The monarch shall be made.�&mdash;So spoke the god,<br />
+Or thus, or more in fury, as he shook<br />
+His plumes, whose motion sweep'd through earth's extent,<br />
+And made the wide main tremble. Lofty hills<br />
+His dusty mantle covers; as the plains<br />
+Rapid he brushes; shrouded deep in mist,<br />
+In his dark wings the furious lover clasps<br />
+His Orithyïa, trembling, pale with fear:<br />
+Flying his flames were fann'd, and fiercer blaz'd.<br />
+<a name="page241"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;241]</span>
+Nor check'd the ravisher his lofty flight,<br />
+Till seen the town of Cicones, whose walls<br />
+Receiv'd him. There th' Athenian nymph became<br />
+The freezing monarch's bride: a mother there,<br />
+A double birth she brought, whose shoulders bear<br />
+The father's pinions; all their semblance else<br />
+Their mother's. Not at first, 'tis said, appear'd<br />
+The feathers: Calaïs and Zethes, boys<br />
+Were yet unplum'd; when yet with ruddy hair,<br />
+Their beards appear'd not. From each shoulder shot<br />
+The feathers bird-like, at the self-same time,<br />
+Their manly cheeks were thick with yellow down.<br />
+Now when their youth matur'd to man appear'd,<br />
+Through seas unplough'd before, they sought the fleece<br />
+Splendid with glittering wool; with all the train<br />
+Of Minyæ, in the first-built vessel borne.<br />
+<a name="page242"></a>
+<a name="page243"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;243]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter13"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Seventh Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Expedition of the Argonauts. Jason obtains the golden fleece, by the
+assistance of Medea. Æson restored to youth by her magic powers.
+Murder of Pelias by his daughters. Medea's flight to Corinth. Murder
+of her rival and infants. Marriage with Ægeus. Adventures of Theseus.
+War with Minos. Plague in Ægina. Change of ants into Myrmidons.
+Cephalus and Procris.
+<a name="page244"></a>
+<a name="page245"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;245]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter14"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Seventh Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now in the Pagasæan vessel borne,<br />
+Plough'd the wide sea the Argonauts, and saw<br />
+The fate of Phineus; whose old age the curse<br />
+Of hunger felt, and felt perpetual night.<br />
+The youths from Boreas sprung, quick sped to flight<br />
+The virgin-featur'd birds, his hapless face,<br />
+Far distant. 'Neath great Jason's rule much toil<br />
+They bore ere on the oozy banks they stay'd<br />
+Of rapid Phasis. Here the king they seek;<br />
+And here demand the golden fleece; and here<br />
+An answer big with fearful labors learn<br />
+The Grecian crew. Meantime the royal maid<br />
+<a name="page246"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;246]</span>
+Burns with fierce fires: with reason struggling long,<br />
+Still her hot flame to quench unable, cries<br />
+Aloud Medea;&mdash;“vainly I oppose!<br />
+“Some unknown god controls. Perhaps 'tis love!<br />
+“If love 'tis not, no sentiment more near<br />
+“To love can come. Why else my sire's commands<br />
+“So harsh appear? But harsh in truth they are.<br />
+“But why his failing dread? Why dread his death,<br />
+“But barely seen? What cause such fear can give?<br />
+“O, hapless maid! would from my virgin breast<br />
+“Those flames to fling were given. If mine the power<br />
+“More wisdom would I use. But me this force,<br />
+“Before unknown, unwilling drags; this love<br />
+“Persuades, oppos'd to reason: plain I see<br />
+“The better track,&mdash;approve it most, yet swerv'd,<br />
+“I tread the worse. Why, royal virgin, burn<br />
+“Thus for a stranger guest? Why long'st thou thus,<br />
+“A foreign partner in the marriage bed<br />
+“To clasp? Thy country well can thee supply<br />
+“What e'er thou lovest. In the gods' decree<br />
+“His death or safety rests. Yet may he live!<br />
+“Pray may'st thou for him sure,&mdash;love unconcern'd.<br />
+“But what has Jason done? Savage, indeed!<br />
+“Were those his youth, his birth, and brilliant deeds<br />
+“Not touch'd: how savage too the soul must be<br />
+“His beauty touch'd not, were there nought beside;<br />
+“My bosom sure it moves. But were my aid<br />
+<a name="page247"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;247]</span>
+“Deny'd, the furious bulls with flaming breath<br />
+“His fate would compass; or the foes that spring<br />
+“From earth, his harvest, slay him in the fight;<br />
+“Or last, he'd fall the ravenous dragon's prey.<br />
+“If this I suffer, from the tiger sprung<br />
+“Believe me; steel and marble in my breast,<br />
+“Deem me to wear. Why not his death behold?<br />
+“Why not mine eyes with the dread sight pollute!<br />
+“Why not the bulls, the earth-born foes incite,<br />
+“And sleepless dragon, with redoubled ire?<br />
+“Heaven wills it better. But let deeds, not prayers<br />
+“My time employ. How! shall I then betray<br />
+“My parent's realm? an unknown stranger aid<br />
+“With all my power? who by my power preserv'd,<br />
+“Loos'd to the wind his sails, another's spouse<br />
+“Becomes,&mdash;me left for punishment behind?<br />
+“If this to do,&mdash;another nymph to me<br />
+“Born to prefer, let him, ingrate! be slain.<br />
+“But no! his face denies it; his great soul,<br />
+“And graceful form forbid the fear of fraud;<br />
+“Or benefits forgot. Yet shall he plight<br />
+“His solemn faith first, call th' attesting gods<br />
+“To witness what he vows. What fear I more?<br />
+“All's safe. Medea, hasten, spurn delay,&mdash;<br />
+“Jason, remaining life to thee shall owe;<br />
+“Join'd to his state, the annual torch shall flame<br />
+“To thee, preserver! through the Grecian towns<br />
+<a name="page248"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;248]</span>
+“By crowds of mothers hail'd. Shall I for this<br />
+“My sister leave, my brother, and my sire;<br />
+“My gods, and natal land? Yes,&mdash;fierce my sire;<br />
+“My country barbarous; and my brother young:<br />
+“With all my wishes, warm my sister joins;<br />
+“And dwells within my breast the mightiest god.<br />
+“Much I relinquish not, but much I seek.<br />
+“The glorious title of the Grecian youth<br />
+“Deliverer! gain'd; the sight of lands and towns<br />
+“Whose fame even here has journey'd; manners mild,<br />
+“And cultur'd arts; and Jason for my spouse,<br />
+“For whom all earth's possessions were too small<br />
+“To change. His spouse become, supremely blest,<br />
+“Dear to the gods, the loftiest stars I'll reach.<br />
+“What are those rocks, they tell, which 'mid the waves<br />
+“Meet in encounter? Fell Charybdis what,&mdash;<br />
+“Hostile to ships, now sucking in the tide,<br />
+“Now fierce discharging? What the savage bounds,<br />
+“Which compass greedy Scylla 'mid the main<br />
+“Sicilian? O'er the wide-spread ocean borne,<br />
+“Him whom I love embracing; sheltering close<br />
+“In Jason's bosom; clasp'd by him, no fear<br />
+“My soul could harbor. Or if fear I felt,<br />
+“For him alone I'd tremble; for my spouse.<br />
+“Spouse, dost thou say, Medea? hid'st thou thus,<br />
+“With specious names thy crime? Behold the load<br />
+“Of guilt thou goest to bear! While power remains<br />
+<a name="page249"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;249]</span>
+“The sin avoid.�&mdash;She said, and duty, shame,<br />
+And rectitude, before her eyes appear'd;<br />
+And vanquish'd love address'd his wings to flight.<br />
+Now to an ancient altar Hecat' own'd,<br />
+By shady trees dark veil'd from day, she came:<br />
+Her flames abated, and her eager pulse<br />
+Subsided. Here Æsonides she saw,<br />
+And bright her love reblaz'd. Warm flush'd her cheeks,<br />
+Deep all her visage glow'd. The smallest spark<br />
+Thus low in embers hid, its vigor shews;<br />
+Help'd by the feeding blast, increasing burns,<br />
+And stirr'd in all its wonted fury glows.<br />
+Just so the languid passion which but now<br />
+All but extinct appear'd, the hero seen<br />
+Fresh at his beauteous presence flam'd. By chance<br />
+More beauteous Jason on that morn appear'd;<br />
+Well might a lover all her love excuse.<br />
+She looks, his countenance with her eyes devours<br />
+As then first seen; and madly fond, she deems<br />
+His features more than mortal: bashful turn'd<br />
+Her forehead not from his. But when her guest<br />
+Address'd her: when he gently took her hands;<br />
+And crav'd assistance in an humble tone,<br />
+The nuptial promise giving. Plenteous flow'd<br />
+Her tears, exclaiming;&mdash;“What I should perform<br />
+“Plainly I see: not ignorance me misleads<br />
+“But love. My gifts shall aid you, you but keep<br />
+<a name="page250"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;250]</span>
+“The promise pledg'd.�&mdash;Sacred the hero swears<br />
+By her, the tri-form'd goddess, whom that grove<br />
+Acknowledges divine; and by the god,<br />
+Whence sprung the sire-in-law he hopes to claim;<br />
+The god who all beholds; by all his deeds<br />
+Atchiev'd; and by his perils all he swears.<br />
+His words believ'd, immediate he receives<br />
+The magic plants, their use well taught, and seeks<br />
+The roof rejoicing. Now the morn had driven<br />
+The glimmering stars far distant, crowding press'd<br />
+The people in the sacred field of Mars,<br />
+The king himself amidst them, seated high,<br />
+In purple clad, with ivory sceptre grac'd.<br />
+Lo! come the brazen-footed bulls, who breathe<br />
+Through nostrils fenc'd with adamant hot flames:<br />
+Parch'd by their breath, the herbage blacken'd burns.<br />
+Loud as the blazing forge's chimney roars;<br />
+Or loud as lime in earthy furnace laid,<br />
+Bursts into heat by watery sprinklings touch'd:<br />
+So loud, within their flaming chests contain'd,<br />
+The struggling fires loud bellow'd. Scorch'd their throats<br />
+The sound transmitted. Boldly Æson's son<br />
+March'd onward; fiercely as the youth approach'd,<br />
+His foes dark lower'd, and bent their steel-tipt horns,<br />
+Paw'd with their clefted hoofs the dusty ground,<br />
+And fill'd with smoky bellowings all the air.<br />
+Pale grew each Grecian face; advancing on<br />
+<a name="page251"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;251]</span>
+The fiery blasts he feels not, such the power<br />
+The mighty charms possess, but boldly strokes<br />
+Their dewlaps pendulous, and to the yoke<br />
+Subjected, makes them drag the ponderous plough;<br />
+And with the iron cut th' uncustom'd soil.<br />
+The Colchians wondering gaze; the Grecians loud<br />
+Applaud, and with fresh courage fill his soul.<br />
+Then from his brazen helmet pluck'd, he sows<br />
+The serpent's teeth, deep in the furrow'd ground:<br />
+The ground, the teeth with powerful venom ting'd,<br />
+Soften'd and swell'd them, and a novel shape<br />
+Imparted. Thus within the parent's womb,<br />
+An human shape the infant mass receives,<br />
+Completed perfect in the dark recess;<br />
+Nor till mature, to air external given.<br />
+So when the manly forms were perfect made<br />
+Within earth's pregnant bowels, up they sprung<br />
+Thick in the fruitful field; more wonderous still<br />
+Their arms they clash'd when born. Then when the Greeks<br />
+Their keenly-pointed spears preparing saw<br />
+To hurl at Jason's head, low sunk their souls,<br />
+And pallid grew their cheeks; Medea ev'n,<br />
+Whose art insur'd his safety, trembling fear'd,<br />
+When single she the youth beheld assail'd<br />
+By foes in hosts; bloodless her face became,<br />
+And tremor seiz'd her limbs: then lest the herbs<br />
+<a name="page252"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;252]</span>
+Presented first, should fail in power, she sings<br />
+An helping magic song, and all her arts<br />
+Latent, calls forth. Amidst the hostile crowd<br />
+A mighty rock he flings; their martial rage<br />
+From him diverted, on each other turns.<br />
+By mutual wounds the earth-born brothers fall;<br />
+In civil discord perish. Joy'd again<br />
+The Grecians clasp the conqueror in their arms.<br />
+Thou too, Medea, wish'd thine arms to fill<br />
+With him victorious. (Shame at first repress'd<br />
+Thy open fondness, though thou wast embrac'd)<br />
+Now reputation awes thee, now prevents<br />
+That bliss. What honor gives,&mdash;silent to joy,<br />
+And pour glad thanks to all thy magic arts,<br />
+And gods their authors, those thou dar'st indulge.<br />
+Now sole remains by powerful herbs to lull<br />
+The wakeful dragon, whose high-crested head<br />
+A triple tongue contains, whose crooked fangs<br />
+Dreadful the golden fleece protecting guards.<br />
+Him when be sprinkled with the juices prest<br />
+From plants Lethean; and repeated thrice,<br />
+The words which placid sleep inspire; which still<br />
+The ruffled ocean; and arrest the course<br />
+Of rapid torrents; sleep before unknown<br />
+Stole o'er his eyelids, and th' Æsonian youth<br />
+Seiz'd on the golden prize. Proud with the spoil,<br />
+<a name="page253"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;253]</span>
+(A second spoil possessing) she who gave<br />
+The power to conquer, as his wife he bears,<br />
+And lands triumphant on Thessalia's shores.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mothers of Thessaly, and aged sires<br />
+For sons restor'd, glad offerings bring: bright flames<br />
+The high-heap'd incense; votive victims deck'd<br />
+With gilded horns are slain: but Æson, far<br />
+The grateful crowd avoids, now near his fate,<br />
+Bent by a weight of years. Hence Jason spoke;&mdash;<br />
+“O, spouse! to thee my life and safety ow'd;<br />
+“To me, thou all hast given; the high swol'n sum<br />
+“Of all thy favors might belief surpass:<br />
+“This more attempt, if this thou can'st,&mdash;and what<br />
+“Thy magic power defies? My years curtail,<br />
+“And to my sire's existence add the term.�<br />
+Fast flow'd his tears while speaking;&mdash;while he spoke,<br />
+His pious duty mov'd Medea; quick<br />
+Her sire Æëta, so deserted, sprung<br />
+To thought, and shew'd the two contrasting souls.<br />
+But, veil'd her secret thoughts, she thus replies;&mdash;<br />
+“What impious accents hear I from thy tongue,<br />
+“O, spouse religious? Can I then transfer<br />
+“Of thy existence part? Not Hecat's power<br />
+“Fateful, would sanction this; nor stands thy wish<br />
+“In equity. Yet, Jason, will I try<br />
+“More than thou seek'st to give. With all my skill<br />
+<a name="page254"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;254]</span>
+“Thy sire's existence to prolong, thy years<br />
+“Unshorten'd; should the tri-form'd goddess aid<br />
+“Propitious my designs.�&mdash;Three nights were now<br />
+Deficient, ere the full-form'd horns could meet<br />
+The lunar orb to fill. Complete her round;<br />
+A solid sphere of light from earth beheld,<br />
+Medea wanders forth; loose all her robes;<br />
+Naked her feet; bare-headed; while her hair<br />
+Wild o'er her shoulders floats; and thus array'd,<br />
+Untended, while deep midnight silence reigns<br />
+She bends her devious way. Men, beasts, and birds,<br />
+In bonds of sleep were chain'd; the hedges still,<br />
+No murmur breath'd; nor wav'd the silent trees;<br />
+Hush'd was the humid sky; the stars alone<br />
+Twinkled: to them her arms extending, thrice<br />
+She turn'd around; thrice from the flowing stream<br />
+Her tresses sprinkled; thrice with yelling noise<br />
+The silence broke; then with her bended knee<br />
+The hard earth pressing, cry'd;&mdash;“O, night! thou friend<br />
+“Of secret deeds; ye glittering stars! whose rays<br />
+“With Luna's, Sol's diurnal light succeed;<br />
+“And thou, O, Hecat'! tripleform'd, who know'st<br />
+“My undertaking, and approaching aid'st<br />
+“With incantations, and with magic powers:<br />
+“And thou, O, earth! whose bosom witching plants<br />
+“Affords: ye winds; ye skies; ye mountains; lakes;<br />
+“And flowing streams: O, all ye gods! who dwell<br />
+<a name="page255"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;255]</span>
+“In shady woods; and all ye gods of night,<br />
+“Hither approach! by whose high power, at will,<br />
+“Rivers I cause between their wondering banks,<br />
+“Back to their springs to flow; the stormy deep<br />
+“Hush by my song, or lash it into rage;<br />
+“Clouds form, or clouds dispel; raise furious blasts,<br />
+“Or furious blasts allay; smite with my song<br />
+“The dragon's furious jaws: the living rocks<br />
+“I shake;&mdash;uproot the oak; the earth upturn;<br />
+“Move forests; bid the trembling mountains leap;<br />
+“Loud roar the ground; and from the tombs the ghosts<br />
+“Affrighted walk. Thee, Luna, too I draw<br />
+“From heaven, by all the threatening clash of brass<br />
+“Deterr'd not: pale the brighter car becomes,<br />
+“My spells once utterr'd: by my poisons charm'd,<br />
+“Pallid Aurora seems. You, plants! for me,<br />
+“Blunted the ardor of the flaming bulls;<br />
+“Press'd with the yoke, their necks impatient bent,<br />
+“And dragg'd the crooked plough. You bade the race<br />
+“Snake-born, upon themselves their warring rage<br />
+“To turn. In sleep the roaring dragon's eyes<br />
+“You steep'd; the guard eluded, sent the prize<br />
+“To glad the towns of Greece. Now have I need<br />
+“Of renovating herbs, to make old age<br />
+“Glow once again in all its youthful bloom.<br />
+“This will you grant, for sure those stars in vain<br />
+“Not sparkle; nor in vain the chariot comes<br />
+<a name="page256"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;256]</span>
+“Drawn by the dragons wing'd.� The chariot comes<br />
+Swift sweeping through the air. Active she mounts,<br />
+Strokes the rein'd dragons' manes, and shakes the thongs.<br />
+On high they soar:&mdash;Thessalian Tempé far<br />
+Beneath she views; then tow'rd the chalky land<br />
+Her snakes directs. On Ossa's top explores<br />
+For plants, and seeks what lofty Pelion bears;<br />
+Othrys, and Pindus, and Olympus huge.<br />
+What please her, part she with their root updrags;<br />
+Part with her crooked brazen sickle mows;<br />
+Apidanus; Amphrysos, on their banks<br />
+Many afforded: nor Enipeus scap'd.<br />
+Peneus, and Spercheus, and the rushy shores<br />
+Of Bæbé some contributed. She pluck'd<br />
+In Anthedon the living grass whose power,<br />
+Then Glaucus' form unchang'd, was yet unknown.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now had nine days, now had nine nights elaps'd,<br />
+Borne on her dragon wings, and in her car<br />
+Wandering the fields among, ere back she turn'd:<br />
+Unfed her dragons, save by odorous smells;<br />
+Yet had they shed their scales, with youth renew'd.<br />
+Arriv'd, without the palace gate she stays,<br />
+And there sole shelter'd by the sky, all touch<br />
+Of man denying; altars two she rears<br />
+Of turf; sacred to Hecate stood the right,<br />
+To Youth the left: when these with vervain bound.<br />
+<a name="page257"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;257]</span>
+And forest boughs, here sacrifice she makes.<br />
+Hard by, two trenches scoops from out the ground;<br />
+Smites with her weapon in the sable throat,<br />
+A sheep presented; in the open ditch<br />
+Empties the blood; then bowls of wine she pours,<br />
+And bowls of smoking milk; with mystic words<br />
+Invokes the powers terrestrial; begs the king<br />
+Of shades, and begs his ravish'd spouse to aid,<br />
+Nor of his soul the aged king defraud.<br />
+These when with lengthen'd prayers, and murmurings long,<br />
+Appeas'd; she bids them tow'rd the altars bring<br />
+The feeble Æson; his exhausted limbs<br />
+Bound in deep slumber, by her magic power,<br />
+Corse-like, she lays extended on the grass.<br />
+Then Jason bids, and his attendant crew,<br />
+Far thence depart, nor with their view prophane<br />
+Her acts mysterious. As she bids they go.<br />
+Medea then the flaming altars round,<br />
+In Bacchanalian guise her flowing locks,<br />
+Circles; and in the ditch's blackening gore<br />
+Her splinter'd torches dips; with blood imbu'd,<br />
+Burns them upon her altars; thrice with fire,<br />
+With sulphur thrice, and thrice with flowing streams,<br />
+The sire she lustrates. Heated now in brass,<br />
+Her powerful medicines bubble, high and white<br />
+The swelling froth appears. There boils she all<br />
+The roots in vales Æmonian dug; and seeds,<br />
+<a name="page258"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;258]</span>
+And flowers, and juices dark: gems unto these,<br />
+Sought in the distant East, she adds; and adds<br />
+What on the sand the refluent ocean leaves:<br />
+More still, the night-long moon collected dew<br />
+She brings; the dismal screech-owl's flesh and wings;<br />
+The entrails of the wolf ambiguous, wont<br />
+His savage face in human guise to wear:<br />
+Nor wanted there, the scaly skin which clothes<br />
+Th' amphibious snake Cyniphian, long and small:<br />
+The beak and head a crow nine ages bore,<br />
+She adds. Now was the foreign dame prepar'd,<br />
+By help of these, and nameless thousands more,<br />
+The promis'd boon to give, the whole she stirs<br />
+Deep from the bottom, with a bough long rent,<br />
+From the mild olive. Lo! the wither'd branch,<br />
+The boiling caldron stirring, sudden shoots<br />
+In virid freshness! shortly leaves bud forth;<br />
+And soon it bends beneath a load of fruit!<br />
+Where'er the fire above the hollow brass,<br />
+The bubbling foam high-rais'd, and boiling drops<br />
+Sprinkled the ground,&mdash;the ground with verdure smil'd;<br />
+Flowers and soft herbage sprung. Medea sees,<br />
+And with her weapon ope's the senior's throat;<br />
+His aged blood exhausted sees, and pours<br />
+Her juices copious: part his mouth receives;<br />
+And part the wound. When Æson these had drank,<br />
+Their hoary whiteness lost, his beard and hair,<br />
+<a name="page259"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;259]</span>
+An ebon tinge receiv'd; his leanness fled;<br />
+His pallid ghastly face no more was seen;<br />
+His hollow veins with added blood were fill'd;<br />
+And all his limbs in lusty plumpness swell'd.<br />
+The wondering Æson, such himself beheld,<br />
+As the last forty years he ne'er had past.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bacchus, from heaven survey'd the mighty change<br />
+Wonderous, and hence that power was given he found;<br />
+His nurses to restore to youthful years:<br />
+The boon from Tethys asking, he obtain'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nor cease the frauds yet of the Phasian dame:<br />
+Fierce hatred 'gainst her by her spouse she feigns,<br />
+And flies to Pelias' court; a suppliant there,<br />
+His daughters hail her guest:&mdash;the sire bent down<br />
+With age. The crafty Colchian these beguiles<br />
+Soon, with her well-dissembled friendship's form.<br />
+Amid her mighty benefits, she tells<br />
+Æson's old age remov'd; relating all,<br />
+On this she chiefly dwells. Hope sudden springs<br />
+Within their virgin breasts: Pelias their sire,<br />
+Such art they trust may yet revivify.<br />
+That art they sue for,&mdash;highest claim'd reward<br />
+To her they promise: mute at first she stands,<br />
+And feigning doubt, in hesitation holds,<br />
+And anxious poise their eager minds. At last,<br />
+<a name="page260"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;260]</span>
+She says, when promising,&mdash;“That in the deed,<br />
+“More faith ye may confide, a leading ram,<br />
+“The oldest in your fleecy flocks, a lamb<br />
+“My medicine shall transform!�&mdash;Instant was dragg'd<br />
+The woolly beast, whose wreathing horns around<br />
+His hollow temples curl'd; whose wither'd throat<br />
+The steel Thessalian stabb'd; the scanty blood<br />
+The steel scarce spotting: then th' enchantress steeps<br />
+His mangled body in the caldron deep,<br />
+With juices powerful: smaller grow his limbs;<br />
+Shed are his horns; and vanish'd are his years;<br />
+And from the caldron tender bleatings sound:<br />
+Instant leaps forth to all the wondering crowd<br />
+The bleating lamb, which, frisking, flies and seeks<br />
+The swelling teats. With admiration struck,<br />
+Now Pelias' daughters faith unshaken give;<br />
+More urgent press their wish. Thrice had the sun,<br />
+'Merg'd in th' Iberian sea, unyok'd his steeds;<br />
+And the fourth night the glittering stars had shone;<br />
+When o'er the fire, pure water from the stream,<br />
+And powerless plants, the false Medea plac'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now all in sleep relax'd, a death-like sleep,<br />
+The monarch's limbs were stretch'd; and with their king,<br />
+His guards lay dormant; so her magic words,<br />
+And magic tongue had doom'd. Medea leads<br />
+Across the steps the daughters; bidd'n by her,<br />
+<a name="page261"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;261]</span>
+His couch they compass.&mdash;“Why, O, feeble souls!<br />
+“Thus hesitate?�&mdash;she said,&mdash;“your swords unsheathe!<br />
+“Pour out his far-spent gore, that I may fill<br />
+“With youthful, vigorous blood his empty'd veins.<br />
+“Your father's life, and years, are in your hands:<br />
+“If sways you piety; if empty hopes<br />
+“Wavering deceive you not; then well deserve,<br />
+“By duty to your sire: quickly expel<br />
+“With weapons his old age: let issue forth<br />
+“His now congealing blood with brandish'd steel.�<br />
+Exhorted thus, most pious she who feels,<br />
+First impious acts;&mdash;a wicked deed performs,<br />
+Lest wicked she were call'd: yet on the blow<br />
+Not one would bend her sight; with eyes averse<br />
+Their savage hands the unseen wounds inflict.<br />
+Flowing with gore, he from the bed uprais'd<br />
+His limbs; and from his posture strove half-torn<br />
+To rise; and stretching forth his pallid arms<br />
+'Mid all their threatening swords;&mdash;“Daughters!�&mdash;he cries,<br />
+“What do ye? Why against your parent's life<br />
+“Thus arm ye?�&mdash;Sink their spirits! drop their hands!<br />
+His throat Medea severing, stay'd the words<br />
+He more had utter'd,&mdash;and the mangled corse,<br />
+Deep in the boiling brazen caldron flung.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She now,&mdash;but through the air on dragon wings<br />
+High borne,&mdash;their furious vengeance had not scap'd.<br />
+<a name="page262"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;262]</span>
+O'er shady Pelion high she flew, and o'er<br />
+The cave of Chiron; Othrys; and the spot<br />
+For old Cerambus' strange adventure known:<br />
+Upborne on wings by kindly-aiding nymphs,<br />
+Here, when the solid earth th' incroaching main<br />
+Wide delug'd, flying, safe Deucalion's flood<br />
+He 'scap'd. Æölian Pitané to left<br />
+She quits; and sees the dragon huge, to stone<br />
+An image turn'd. And Ida's grove where chang'd<br />
+By Bacchus' power, the steer a stag became,<br />
+To screen the theft. And where beneath the sand,<br />
+A little sand, Corythus' father lies;<br />
+And fields which Mæra's new-heard howlings fill.<br />
+Euripylus' fam'd town, where Coän dames,<br />
+What time the troops of Hercules them left,<br />
+With horns were crown'd: and Ph&oelig;bus' favor'd Rhodes;<br />
+Jalysian Telchines, whose hateful eyes<br />
+All vitiating, Jove detesting 'whelm'd<br />
+Beneath his brother's waves. She passes next<br />
+Carthæïa' walls in ancient Cæä's isle,<br />
+Where wondering saw Alcidamas the sire,<br />
+A placid dove his daughter's body bear.<br />
+And Hyrié's lake she sees, and Tempé's pool<br />
+Cycneiän, which the swan so sudden form'd<br />
+Frequented: Phyllius there, a willing slave,<br />
+Birds and fierce beasts, to his capricious boy<br />
+Oft brought&mdash;e'en lions tam'd; a furious bull<br />
+<a name="page263"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;263]</span>
+He bade him bring, a furious bull he brought;<br />
+But now in choler at his craving soul,<br />
+The bull refus'd, though as the last gift claim'd:<br />
+Indignant, cry'd he,&mdash;“soon you'll wish him given!�&mdash;<br />
+And from the high rock plung'd: all thought he fell:<br />
+But form'd a swan, lightly he pois'd in air<br />
+On snowy wings. Hyrié, her son thus sav'd,<br />
+Knew not, by constant weeping soon dissolv'd;<br />
+The lake becoming that still bears her name.<br />
+Near this is Pleuron:&mdash;Ophian Combé, here<br />
+Wafted on wings, her murderous sons escap'd.<br />
+Thence she beholds Latona's favorite isle;<br />
+Calaurea, where to birds the royal pair<br />
+Were chang'd: Cyllené, on the right is plac'd<br />
+Where like the savage herd, Menephron sought<br />
+His mother's bed. Far hence she spies in tears<br />
+Cephisus, for his nephew's fate who mourn'd,<br />
+Chang'd by Apollo to a sea-calf huge;<br />
+And saw Eumelus' dome, who wept his child,<br />
+A bird become. At length on dragon wings,<br />
+Pirenian Corinth she regain'd; where tell<br />
+The ancient tales, in primal ages, men<br />
+From shower-fed mushrooms sprung. Here first was flam'd<br />
+In Colchian venoms fierce, the new-made bride;<br />
+Then either sea in blazing spires beheld<br />
+The royal dome; and with her children's gore<br />
+<a name="page264"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;264]</span>
+Her impious sword was stain'd. Thus on herself<br />
+Reveng'd; from royal Jason's wrath she fled.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Borne hence, her snakes Titanian reach the walls<br />
+Of Pallas' city, where most just of men<br />
+O, Phineus! thou, and Periphas the old,<br />
+With Polyphemon's niece, as birds are seen,<br />
+Soaring aloft in air on new-form'd wings.<br />
+Here Ægeus' roof receiv'd her, for this deed<br />
+Alone to blame: not satisfy'd as host,<br />
+In marriage bonds he makes her more his own.<br />
+Now Theseus comes, son to his sire unknown,<br />
+Whose brave atchievements, all the two-sea'd land<br />
+In peace had settled. For his death she mix'd<br />
+The baneful aconite, long since from shores<br />
+Of Scythia brought; which thus old tales relate,<br />
+From Cerberus' venom'd jaws was first produc'd,<br />
+Through a dark den, with gloomy opening, lies<br />
+A path steep shelving, where Alcides dragg'd<br />
+Fierce Cerberus to light, resisting strong,<br />
+Glancing askaunce his eyes from day, whose rays<br />
+Sparkled too bright, in adamantine chains.<br />
+With rabid anger swol'n, a triple yell<br />
+Fill'd all the air; he o'er the virid plain<br />
+Sprinkled white foam; increasing fast this shoots;<br />
+The fruitful soil fresh virulence imparts,<br />
+<a name="page265"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;265]</span>
+And ranker grows its power: from hardest rocks<br />
+It lively springs, and Aconite hence nam'd.<br />
+This did old Ægeus, by his crafty spouse<br />
+Deceiv'd, to Theseus, as a foe, present.<br />
+Unwitting Theseus, in his hand receiv'd<br />
+The cup presented; when the sire espy'd<br />
+Upon his ivory-hilted sword a mark,<br />
+Which prov'd his offspring; from his lips he dash'd<br />
+The poison. Wrapp'd in clouds by magic rais'd,<br />
+The sorceress from their furious vengeance fled.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sire, though joy'd, his son in safety found,<br />
+Trembles astonish'd at the narrow 'scape;<br />
+And horrid crime premeditated: burns<br />
+On every altar fires;&mdash;to every god<br />
+Piles costly gifts: full on the brawny neck<br />
+Of oxen falls, their horns with garlands bound,<br />
+The sacrificing axe. Ne'er till that day<br />
+Had Athens' town, such joyous feasting seen;<br />
+Nobles and commons crowd around the board,<br />
+And thus, by wine inspir'd, sublime they sing.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thee, mighty Theseus! Marathon admires,<br />
+“Stain'd by the vanquish'd Cretan bull's black gore.<br />
+“Thy aid the swains of Cromyon own; thou gav'st<br />
+“That now secure they till their fields. The land<br />
+“Of Epidaurus saw the club-arm'd son<br />
+<a name="page266"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;266]</span>
+“Of Vulcan slain by thee. By thee, beheld<br />
+“Cephisus' shores, the fierce Procrustes die,<br />
+“Ceres' Eleusis hail'd Cercyon's fall.<br />
+“Sinis thou slew'st, gifted with strength ill-us'd;<br />
+“His strength high trees could bend, and oft he dragg'd<br />
+“Close down to earth the loftiest tops of pines,<br />
+“Thus rent the bodies of his victims wide.<br />
+“Safe now extends the road to Lelex' walls,<br />
+“Scyron low laid: earth to the robber's limbs,<br />
+“Wide scatter'd, rest refuses; to his bones<br />
+“Ocean a tomb denies; long widely tost,<br />
+“Age hardens into rock his last remains;<br />
+“His name the rock still bears. Should we thy age<br />
+“And actions count, thy famous deeds by far<br />
+“Thy years outnumber. O, most brave of men!<br />
+“For thee the public vows ascend; to thee,<br />
+“In Bacchus' bowl we drink. The royal hall<br />
+“Resounds with all the grateful people's praise;<br />
+“Nor through the city glooms one sorrowing spot.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And yet (so seldom pleasure comes unmix'd,<br />
+But still some cares with joy will intervene)<br />
+While Ægeus, gladden'd that his son secure<br />
+Arriv'd; Minos, for furious war prepares.<br />
+Strong though his troops, and though his navy strong<br />
+His utmost strength was in paternal rage;<br />
+And with just arms Androgeus' death t' avenge<br />
+<a name="page267"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;267]</span>
+He wars: yet first auxiliar strength he gains;<br />
+And powerful sweeps the seas with flying ships.<br />
+First Anaphe joins him, and Astypalæa; urg'd<br />
+By promise this, and that by threats constrain'd,<br />
+Low Myconé; Cymolus' chalky fields;<br />
+Bright Cythnos; Scyros; flat Seriphus' isle;<br />
+The marble Paros; and the fort betray'd<br />
+For gold, demanded by the impious nymph<br />
+Sithonian: still for gold she anxious seeks<br />
+Though chang'd a bird; on sable pinions borne,<br />
+With sable feet, she flutters as a daw.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But Oliaros, and Didymæ, unite;<br />
+And Gyaros, Andros, Tenos, all refuse,<br />
+With Peparethos, in bright olives rich,<br />
+To aid the Gnossian fleet. Thence to the left<br />
+Steering, &OElig;nopia's regions Minos sought;<br />
+&OElig;nopia call'd of old, Ægina now,<br />
+By Æäcus, his mother's honor'd name.<br />
+In crowds the people rush, and pant to view<br />
+So highly fam'd a prince: to meet him go<br />
+First Telamon, then Peleus next in age,<br />
+And Phocas third and last, Ev'n Æäcus<br />
+With years opprest, steps tardy forth, and asks<br />
+The visit's cause. The hundred-city'd king<br />
+Deep sighs, his grief paternal all renew'd,<br />
+And thus replies;&mdash;“My arms, O, king! assist<br />
+<a name="page268"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;268]</span>
+“Assum'd, just vengeance for a son to claim.<br />
+“Partake this pious war. Peace to his manes<br />
+“I seek.�&mdash;But Asopiades replies;&mdash;<br />
+“In vain you ask;&mdash;my city cannot aid:<br />
+“No lands by neighbouring scite more closely bound,<br />
+“Than ours and Athens'; hence our league.�&mdash;The king<br />
+Angry departs, exclaiming.&mdash;“Much your league<br />
+“May cost you!�&mdash;But to threaten war more safe<br />
+He deems, than wage it there, and waste his force.<br />
+Still from &OElig;nopia's walls the fleet was seen,<br />
+Not distant far; when sped by swelling sail,<br />
+An Attic ship arriv'd; the friendly port<br />
+Enter'd. On board was Cephalus who bore<br />
+His country's message. Well the royal youths<br />
+The hero knew, though long time past beheld;<br />
+And gave the friendly hand, and welcome led<br />
+To their paternal dome. The graceful chief<br />
+Enters, retaining still evincing marks<br />
+Of pristine beauty; in his hand he bears<br />
+A branch of native olive: in the midst<br />
+Senior he stands; and younger on each side,<br />
+Clytus, and Butes, Pallas' sons. Complete<br />
+Their friendly salutations; next the words<br />
+Th' Athenians bade him, Cephalus reports:<br />
+Their aid demands; their ancient league recounts;<br />
+The oaths their fathers swore; and adds, all Greece<br />
+Might perish in their ruin. When their cause<br />
+<a name="page269"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;269]</span>
+With eloquence the messenger thus urg'd;<br />
+On his bright sceptre as his left hand lean'd,<br />
+“Take, O Athenians,�&mdash;Æäcus exclaim'd,&mdash;<br />
+“Not ask, our aid! Unhesitating draw<br />
+“What force this isle possesses, and with yours<br />
+“Employ it: with you shall my strongest power<br />
+“March forth: strength want we not; our numerous troops<br />
+“Abundant, for ourselves and friends suffice:<br />
+“Prais'd be the gods! such is our happy state<br />
+“Your wish defies evasion.�&mdash;“Still may grow,�<br />
+Said Cephalus,&mdash;“your prosperous city's state,<br />
+“And yours!&mdash;What transport seiz'd me as I walk'd,<br />
+“To see each youth so fair, so equal ag'd,<br />
+“Of all who met me. Yet in vain I look'd<br />
+“For many features, known when last your walls<br />
+“Receiv'd me.�&mdash;Æäcus, with deep-drawn sighs,<br />
+And sorrowing voice, thus answers.&mdash;“Better fate<br />
+“Completed, what a mournful sight began.<br />
+“Would I in full could all the facts relate!<br />
+“Now unconnected must I speak, or tire<br />
+“Your ear with words superfluous. Whom you seek,<br />
+“Whom you remember, bones and ashes rest.<br />
+“But small their numbers:&mdash;Heavens! how small to those,<br />
+“My people, who have sunk in death beside.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“A dreadful plague, the angry Juno shed<br />
+“Unjust, upon the natives of the land,<br />
+<a name="page270"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;270]</span>
+“Detested, that her rival's name it bore.<br />
+“While human seem'd the scourge, the noxious cause<br />
+“Of slaughter yet conceal'd, with physic's skill<br />
+“We strove; in vain! death mock'd the power of art.<br />
+“At first thick darkness heavy press'd the earth;<br />
+“Pregnant with heat roll'd on the lazy clouds.<br />
+“Four times the full-orb'd moon had join'd her horns,<br />
+“Four times diminish'd, had she disappear'd;<br />
+“Still the hot south-wind blew his deadly blasts.<br />
+“Our lakes and fountains, from th' infected air<br />
+“Contagion suck'd; millions of vipers swarm'd<br />
+“In our uncultur'd fields, our running streams<br />
+“Tainting with poison. First the sudden plague<br />
+“Its power display'd, on sheep, on dogs, on fowls,<br />
+“Cattle, and forest beasts with deadly power.<br />
+“The hapless ploughman, wondering, at his work<br />
+“Sees his strong oxen in the furrow sink.<br />
+“The woolly flocks with sickly bleatings waste<br />
+“In body, while their wool spontaneous falls.<br />
+“The steed so fiery, on the dusty plain<br />
+“So fam'd, the palm contemns; and all despis'd<br />
+“His ancient honors, at his manger groans,<br />
+“Prey to disease inglorious. His fierce rage<br />
+“The boar forgets. The stag neglects his speed.<br />
+“Not rush the bears upon the stronger herds.<br />
+“A general languor reigns. In woods, in fields,<br />
+“In ways, the filthy carcases are seen;<br />
+<a name="page271"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;271]</span>
+“The stench pollutes the air: and, wonderous! dogs,<br />
+“Nor birds rapacious, nor the grizzly wolves,<br />
+“Touch the dead spoil. Rotting they melt away,<br />
+“Poisoning the gale; and spreading wide the pest.<br />
+“Now the disease, a heavier scourge, attacks<br />
+“The hapless swains, and in the lofty walls<br />
+“Of cities rules. First the scorch'd vitals burn;<br />
+“The hidden fire the blushing skin betrays,<br />
+“And breath laborious drawn; the furr'd tongue swells;<br />
+“The parch'd mouth widely gapes, th' infectious air<br />
+“Inhaling copious. On the couch none lie;<br />
+“None bear their covering robes; their bodies swol'n,<br />
+“On the bare earth they fling; nor coolness find<br />
+“Their bodies from the ground;&mdash;the ground from them<br />
+“Burns hot. Nor aids them now physicians' skill;<br />
+“E'en them the dire pest seizes, and their art<br />
+“Fails to assist themselves. Who boldly comes,<br />
+“With kindly hand his dying friend to aid,<br />
+“Sinks straight in death beside him. Fled all hope<br />
+“Of health, and in the grave alone an end<br />
+“Beheld of their disease,&mdash;some wild indulge<br />
+“Their fondest passions, void of every care;<br />
+“For every care is vain. Of modest shame<br />
+“Regardless, in promiscuous throngs they crowd<br />
+“To rivers, fountains, and capacious wells,<br />
+“Their hot thirst unextinguish'd, but with life.<br />
+“To rise unable, many in the stream<br />
+<a name="page272"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;272]</span>
+“Sink, and there perish: still their followers drink.<br />
+“So irksome to the wretched sufferers seem<br />
+“Their couches, thence they spring;&mdash;and some too weak<br />
+“To lift their limbs, roll desperate to the ground.<br />
+“Each quits his home,&mdash;to each his home appears,<br />
+“The fatal spot; and while obscure the cause,<br />
+“Each deems the house contagious. Oft were seen<br />
+“Beings half-dead, slow crawling o'er the ways,<br />
+“Till power to crawl was lost. Others with moans<br />
+“Stretch'd on the ground, rolling their half-clos'd eyes,<br />
+“In final motion: raising high their arms<br />
+“To heaven's o'erhanging stars, breathe out their last,<br />
+“Caught here by death, and there. Ah! me, what then<br />
+“My mind employ'd? What but to loathe my life,<br />
+“And pray with my dear countrymen to die?<br />
+“Whatever side mine eyes were bent, I saw<br />
+“My people strewn;&mdash;thick as the mellow fruit,<br />
+“Shook from the branches, or the acorns lie.<br />
+“Observe that temple, lofty where it towers;<br />
+“To Jove 'tis sacred. Who to that high fane<br />
+“Their useless incense brought not? There how oft<br />
+“Wife for her husband, parent for her child,<br />
+“Before th' inexorable altar, breath'd<br />
+“Their dying gasp, 'mid deprecating prayers;<br />
+“And half their incense unconsum'd remain'd.<br />
+“How oft the oxen to the temple dragg'd,<br />
+“While now the priest his voice address'd, and pour'd<br />
+<a name="page273"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;273]</span>
+“The goblet o'er their foreheads, have they dropp'd<br />
+“By stroke unlook'd for. When myself, to Jove<br />
+“Wish'd sacrifice to offer up; for me,<br />
+“My country, and my sons,&mdash;the victim loud<br />
+“Dire lowings utter'd, and without a blow<br />
+“Fell sudden,&mdash;scarce with blood the wounding knife<br />
+“Was stain'd. The morbid inwards mock'd our wish,<br />
+“To learn the truth, and pleasure of the gods:<br />
+“The deep-fixt plague had to the bowels pierc'd.<br />
+“Before the sacred portals have I seen,<br />
+“The corses spread; before the altars too,<br />
+“As death would come in his most hideous form.<br />
+“Some with the cord life's passage choke, and seek<br />
+“Death, lest they death should meet. Madly they rush<br />
+“And voluntary meet approaching fate.<br />
+“The bodies plung'd in death, funereal rites<br />
+“Custom'd, receiv'd not; nor the numerous dead<br />
+“Could all the gates receive: or un-inhum'd<br />
+“Above the earth they lie, or on the pyre<br />
+“Unhonor'd by due rites, the bodies flame.<br />
+“All sense of reverence lost, for piles they fight;<br />
+“And burn their dead in fires which others own.<br />
+“To mourn are none; unwept the shadows roam,<br />
+“Of young and old alike, of sons and sires.<br />
+“The ground for graves too small, for fires the woods.<br />
+“Aghast this whirlwind of distress to view,<br />
+“O, Jove!&mdash;I cry'd&mdash;if false they not report,<br />
+<a name="page274"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;274]</span>
+“That once you in Ægina's arms were clasp'd;&mdash;<br />
+“If not, O, mighty sire! asham'd to own<br />
+“Yourself my parent, give my people back,<br />
+“Or give me death with them. A rattling sign<br />
+“He gave, and prosperous thunders roll'd. I spoke;&mdash;<br />
+“These omens I accept; and pray these signs<br />
+“May indicate your happy will:&mdash;as pledge<br />
+“I take them.&mdash;Nigh by chance an oak there stood,<br />
+“Thick-set with spreading boughs, Jove's sacred tree,<br />
+“Sprung from Dodona's stock: here I beheld<br />
+“Grain-gathering ants, each burthen'd with his load,<br />
+“In his small mouth, as o'er the rugged bark<br />
+“In lengthen'd file they march'd. The numerous crowds<br />
+“Admiring;&mdash;Best of fathers, I exclaim'd,<br />
+“So many subjects grant me, to refill<br />
+“My desert walls.&mdash;Trembled the lofty oak,<br />
+“Of wind no breath, yet mov'd the sounding boughs;<br />
+“With terror shook my limbs, and upright rear'd<br />
+“My hair; then kisses to the ground I gave,<br />
+“And kiss'd the oak; scarce hope I dar'd to feel:<br />
+“Yet still I nourish'd hope within my soul.<br />
+“Night comes; my body worn with cares, to sleep<br />
+“Obedience yielded. Still before mine eyes<br />
+“The oak appear'd; branches the same it bore,<br />
+“And on its branches seem'd the swarms the same;<br />
+“So mov'd the boughs, and on the grass below,<br />
+“Shook the corn-carrying crowd. Sudden they grew;<br />
+<a name="page275"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;275]</span>
+“Large, and more large they seem'd, as from the ground<br />
+“Themselves they rais'd, and stood in form erect.<br />
+“Their slender make, their numerous feet, their hue<br />
+“Of sable, disappear'd, and all their limbs<br />
+“An human shape confess'd. Sleep fled mine eyes;<br />
+“And fled my vision:&mdash;As by heaven not mark'd,<br />
+“Complaining;&mdash;far without the hall I heard<br />
+“A murmuring loud, and human seem'd the sounds,&mdash;<br />
+“Though stranger to mine ears: musing if still<br />
+“I slept not,&mdash;Lo! quick, Telamon approach'd,<br />
+“Wide threw the doors; and cry'd,&mdash;O, sire! behold;<br />
+“What hope, what faith surpasses!&mdash;Forth I come;<br />
+“Such men as in my dream my fancy saw,<br />
+“I see;&mdash;I know them, man by man, again:<br />
+“They come, and king salute me: unto Jove<br />
+“My votive thanks I pay; my city share<br />
+“Amongst my subjects new; and all my lands,<br />
+“(Of those who till'd them, empty.) Myrmidons,<br />
+“From whence they sprung, I call them. You have seen<br />
+“Their bodies,&mdash;still their habits are the same:<br />
+“A frugal race as wont, patient of toil;<br />
+“On gain still bent; tenacious of that gain.<br />
+“These equal all, in courage and in years,<br />
+“Shall follow you to battle; when the east<br />
+“Which blew you here so prosperous, (for the east<br />
+“Had brought him) to the southern gales shall yield.�<br />
+With these and such like speeches, all the day<br />
+<a name="page276"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;276]</span>
+They sit conversing; evening they devote<br />
+To banquets; and the night to soft repose.<br />
+Sol rais'd his golden head, but Eurus still<br />
+Prevail'd, and bound their sails. Now Pallas' sons<br />
+To Cephalus, their chief in years, repair,<br />
+And to the king with Pallas' sons he goes;<br />
+But still deep-wrapt in sleep the king was laid.<br />
+Phocus receiv'd them at the gates; employ'd<br />
+Were Telamon and Peleus, troops to chuse<br />
+For the new war. Th' Athenian chief he leads<br />
+Within the palace, to the fairest rooms.<br />
+When all were seated, Phocus mark'd the dart<br />
+The hero bore, shap'd from a wood unknown,<br />
+Pointed with gold; and said, with prefac'd words:<br />
+“To range the forests, and fierce beasts to slay<br />
+“Is all my joy; yet long in doubt I've stood<br />
+“What tree this dart has form'd; for ash too pale,<br />
+“Too smooth for cornel; though from whence it comes<br />
+“So ignorant, ne'er before mine eyes beheld<br />
+“A fairer weapon.�&mdash;Pallas' son address'd<br />
+The youth:&mdash;“The javelin's use you'll more admire<br />
+“Than beauty;&mdash;thrown where'er, its mark it gains,<br />
+“Unrul'd by erring chance, and bloody, back<br />
+“Instant returns.�&mdash;Then Phocus curious asks<br />
+More full its story, how, and whence it came,<br />
+And who the author of so priz'd a gift.<br />
+Him Cephalus informs, but shame denies<br />
+<a name="page277"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;277]</span>
+To tell the whole, and what the present's price.<br />
+Full to his mind his consort's loss recall'd,<br />
+Tears sudden gush'd:&mdash;“O, goddess-born!&mdash;he cries,<br />
+“This dart (improbable howe'er) my tears<br />
+“Has often caus'd,&mdash;and long will make them flow;&mdash;<br />
+“If fate long life should grant. My dear-lov'd spouse<br />
+“This dart destroy'd:&mdash;O, that this fatal gift<br />
+“Had still been unpossess'd! Procris, ally'd<br />
+“To stol'n Orithyiä (if Orithyiä's fame<br />
+“Your ears has reach'd) was as her sister fair:<br />
+“Nay, match'd in form and manners, she might more<br />
+“The robber tempt. Her sire Erechthens join'd<br />
+“To me the maid; us love more firmly bound:<br />
+“Blest was I call'd, and blest I was indeed,<br />
+“And still were blest, but heaven else will'd my fate.<br />
+“Now had the second month connubial joys<br />
+“Beheld; when chasing dusky darkness far,<br />
+“Aurora ruddy, saw me on the heights<br />
+“Hymettus flowery rears, as there my toils<br />
+“For antler'd stags I spread: and there by force<br />
+“She clasp'd me. Truth I wish to guide my tongue<br />
+“Nor yet displease the goddess, when I swear<br />
+“Though bright her roseate cheeks; though wide she sways<br />
+“Of night and day the confines; though she quaffs<br />
+“Nectarean liquid, still I Procris lov'd:<br />
+“Still in my bosom Procris reign'd, and still<br />
+“Procris, my tongue repeated. Oft I urg'd<br />
+<a name="page278"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;278]</span>
+“The sacred couch, the new-felt joys, the rites<br />
+“So recent, and the plighted faith just given,<br />
+“To her deserted: when the goddess flam'd,<br />
+“Exclaiming;&mdash;Ingrate! cease thy doleful plaints,<br />
+“Enjoy thy Procris,&mdash;if I right foresee<br />
+“Thou'lt rue that wish'd enjoyment:&mdash;Angry thus<br />
+“She fled me. Slow returning, much I mus'd,<br />
+“The goddess' words recalling: fear me thrill'd,<br />
+“Lest Procris had her nuptial oaths profaned.<br />
+“Her age, her beauty, much suspicion mov'd;<br />
+“Her virtue bade me chase my fears as vain.<br />
+“Yet was I absent, and from whence I came,<br />
+“Prov'd how adulterous females might indulge,<br />
+“Suspicious love fears all. Studious I seek,<br />
+“What found would rack with torture; and I burn<br />
+“To bribe with gifts, and try her modest faith.<br />
+“Aurora aids my fears, my shape transforms:<br />
+“(Conscious I felt it.) To Minerva's town,<br />
+“To all unknown, I hastened, and my house<br />
+“Enter'd: the house in faultless guise I found;<br />
+“Chaste all appear'd, and anxious all were seen<br />
+“For their lost master. By a thousand arts<br />
+“Erechtheus' daughter I at length beheld,<br />
+“And seen was stagger'd: near my purpos'd proof<br />
+“Relinquish'd of fidelity; most hard<br />
+“The cheat to tell not; to refrain most hard<br />
+“From conjugal salutes. Sad she appear'd.<br />
+<a name="page279"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;279]</span>
+“But nought more lovely could in sadness seem:<br />
+“Burning in wishes for her absent spouse.<br />
+“Image, O, Phocus! what her beauteous face<br />
+“Could boast; a face that woe itself became.<br />
+“Why should I tell how oft her virtuous soul,<br />
+“Repuls'd my tempting offers? Why repeat<br />
+“How oft she cry'd;&mdash;For one myself I keep,<br />
+“For one, where'er he stays, my joys preserve.<br />
+“Whose mad suspicion would not this allay?<br />
+“This proof of faith? But I, not so content,<br />
+“Strive for my own confusion. Lavish gifts<br />
+“I proffer for the joys of one short night:<br />
+“More and more rich I heap them, till her breast<br />
+“Wavers, then loud exclaim,&mdash;Lo! here behold,<br />
+“Adulteress! one unluckily disguis'd,<br />
+“Unluckily betroth'd, thy lawful spouse!<br />
+“Perfidious! by those eyes convinc'd I stand.<br />
+“Nought she:&mdash;with silent shame o'ercome, she fled<br />
+“The house deceitful, and her hated spouse.<br />
+“With me offended, all the race of men<br />
+“Detesting, on the mountain tops she rov'd;<br />
+“Diana's sports close following. Fiercer love<br />
+“Flam'd in my bosom, thus deserted left.<br />
+“I su'd for pardon, and my fault I own'd;<br />
+“Swore that myself so tempted, so had err'd,<br />
+“By such high offers brib'd. Confessing thus,<br />
+<a name="page280"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;280]</span>
+“Her wounded modest pride grew more compos'd;<br />
+“And shortly I regain'd her. Long in peace<br />
+“We liv'd, and cordial spent the smiling years.<br />
+“Herself a gift she priz'd not: more she gave,<br />
+“An hound, she from Diana's hand receiv'd,<br />
+“Who said,&mdash;accept the fleetest of his race&mdash;<br />
+“And gave this javelin which you see me bear.<br />
+“If of the first the fate you seek to know,<br />
+“Attend, th' adventure will your wonder move.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The son of Laïus had the words explain'd,<br />
+“Before his time to every mind obscure;<br />
+“And the dark prophetess, down headlong flung,<br />
+“Laid lifeless, all her riddling tales forgot.<br />
+“Her, fostering Themis saw, and unreveng'd<br />
+“To lie not suffer'd. Straight another plague<br />
+“On Thebes was loos'd; and all the country swains<br />
+“Fear'd by the savage beast their flocks to lose,<br />
+“And fear'd their own destruction. With the youths<br />
+“Adjacent, I assembled; round the fields<br />
+“Our toils we fix; the toils the rapid beast<br />
+“O'erleaps high-bounding; 'bove the loftiest ropes,<br />
+“Stretch'd o'er the nets, with active spring he flies.<br />
+“The hounds uncoupled, in the chace he mocks,<br />
+“And like an agile bird before them plays;<br />
+“With outcries loud, for Lælaps' aid they call.<br />
+<a name="page281"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;281]</span>
+“(My Procris' gift, so nam'd.) Long had he tugg'd,<br />
+“To extricate him from the chain; to free<br />
+“His captive neck: scarce was he loos'd, so swift<br />
+“He shot, in vain our eyes his progress mark'd:<br />
+“In the light dust his feet were printed, he,<br />
+“Rapt from the view, was vanish'd. Swifter flies<br />
+“The darted spear not: nor the leaden ball<br />
+“Hurl'd from the whirling sling;&mdash;nor reedy dart<br />
+“Shot from the Cretan bow. A central hill<br />
+“High-towering, all the subject plains o'erlooks;<br />
+“Thither I climb, and there behold the chase;<br />
+“A novel scene. Now seems the beast safe caught;<br />
+“Now from the grasp light-springing. Flight right on<br />
+“Crafty he shuns, and doubles round the field,<br />
+“Cheating his chaser's mouth; and circling turns<br />
+“His foe's quick speed eluding. Swift he flies,&mdash;<br />
+“With equal swiftness follow'd. Now to grasp<br />
+“His prey seems Lælaps,&mdash;in his grasp deceiv'd,<br />
+“His empty jaws seize air. Now to my aid<br />
+“I call my javelin,&mdash;poize it for the blow,<br />
+“And bend mine eyes the thongs to fix secure:<br />
+“Again I lift them to behold the chase,<br />
+“And see astonish'd in the spacious plain<br />
+“Two marble statues! this to fly appears,&mdash;<br />
+“That barking seems to follow. So decreed<br />
+“Doubtless the gods, that in the arduous course<br />
+“Unconquer'd, each his glory might retain.�<br />
+<a name="page282"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;282]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus far he spoke, then silent sate.&mdash;“What crime,�<br />
+Said Phocus&mdash;“has the javelin then perform'd?�&mdash;<br />
+And thus the javelin's fault the hero tells,<br />
+“Since joys supreme my sorrows first forewent,<br />
+“Let me, O, Phocus! first those joys recount.<br />
+“O, youth! how it delights me to retrace<br />
+“Those happy moments, when supremely blest<br />
+“In her, the primal years were joyous spent.<br />
+“She, equal happy in her darling spouse;<br />
+“Each mind of mutual care a portion bore;<br />
+“And love's connubial joys each equal shar'd.<br />
+“Jove's proffer'd couch, with my embrace compar'd,<br />
+“Procris had spurn'd; nor could the loveliest nymph<br />
+“Me tempt, though Venus' self had deign'd to sue:<br />
+“In either breast an equal ardor flam'd.<br />
+“In youthful guise I wont the woods to scour,<br />
+“For sport betimes, ere yet the sun had ting'd<br />
+“With early beams the lofty mountains' tops:<br />
+“Nor took I servants, nor the courser fleet,<br />
+“Nor hounds sharp-scented, nor the knotted snares;<br />
+“This dart my sole dependence: when my arm<br />
+“With slaughtered spoil was satiate, tir'd I sought<br />
+“The cooling shade, and sought where Aura breath'd<br />
+“In frigid vales her breezes. 'Midst the heat<br />
+“Refreshing air I sought, and Aura call'd,<br />
+“My labour's recreation; thus I sung,<br />
+“I well the words remember;&mdash;Aura, come!<br />
+<a name="page283"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;283]</span>
+“Come, my delight,&mdash;within my bosom creep,<br />
+“Most grateful friend; come, and as wont remove<br />
+“My inward flames.&mdash;By chance more tender words<br />
+“(So sway'd my destiny) to these I join'd:<br />
+“And thus I spoke&mdash;O, thou! my greatest joy<br />
+“Refreshing, cherishing my strength and power!<br />
+“For thee, these woods and lonely spots I love:<br />
+“Here does my wishing mouth thy breath inhale.&mdash;<br />
+“These words ambiguous, busy ears receiv'd,<br />
+“And Aura! Aura! oft invok'd, they deem<br />
+“A favor'd nymph,&mdash;a nymph by me belov'd.<br />
+“The rash informer with the imag'd wrong,<br />
+“My Procris seeks his whispering tongue relates,<br />
+“The words o'erheard. Love credulous believes.<br />
+“O'erpress'd with grief, she sudden sunk, when heard<br />
+“The tale,&mdash;and long she unrecover'd laid.<br />
+“Then&mdash;hapless wife!&mdash;O, wayward fate! she cries:&mdash;<br />
+“My broken faith bewails, and with my crime<br />
+“Imagin'd, troubled, fears what not exists,&mdash;<br />
+“A name without a being: much she grieves,<br />
+“As real were her rival: yet full oft<br />
+“Stagger'd, she doubts, and hopes herself deceiv'd:<br />
+“Trusts not th' informer; and her husband's fault,<br />
+“Unless beheld, refuses to believe.<br />
+“When next Aurora bade the darkness fly<br />
+“I sally'd forth, and sought th' accustomed wood:<br />
+“Then tir'd with conquest, on the grass I stretch'd,<br />
+<a name="page284"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;284]</span>
+“And,&mdash;come, dear Aura, ease my pain,&mdash;I cry'd<br />
+“Sudden a mournful sigh betwixt my words<br />
+“I heard, but still proceeded,&mdash;dearest, come!&mdash;<br />
+“Again the falling leaves a rustling sound<br />
+“Causing, a savage beast I thought lay hid,<br />
+“And hurl'd my faithful dart. Procris was there!<br />
+“And as her tender breast the blow receiv'd<br />
+“Alas! she cry'd.&mdash;My faithful spouse's voice<br />
+“I knew, and with distracted speed I ran;<br />
+“Half-dead I found her, all her robes distain'd<br />
+“With flowing blood,&mdash;and dragging from the wound,<br />
+“Ah, me!&mdash;her fatal gift. My guilty arms,<br />
+“Her body, dearer far than mine, support;<br />
+“My vest I rend, the cruel gash to bind,<br />
+“And check the gushing blood; I fearful pray,<br />
+“She will not leave me guilty of her fate.<br />
+“She now, her strength fast wasting, dying fast,<br />
+“These words to utter try'd:&mdash;Suppliant I beg,<br />
+“By all the oaths that form'd our nuptial ties;<br />
+“By all the gods and goddesses above;<br />
+“By all my actions which have given you joy;<br />
+“By that strong love which thus my fate has caus'd,<br />
+“Which now in death my bosom still retains,<br />
+“Let not this Aura to my bed succeed.&mdash;<br />
+“She said,&mdash;too late I learn'd, too late I told<br />
+“The error of the name; for what avail'd!<br />
+“She sinks, her small remaining strength is fled,<br />
+<a name="page285"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;285]</span>
+“Her last blood flows. While ought she seems to view,<br />
+“On me she bends her eyes; her hapless soul<br />
+“My lips inhale, yet pleas'd her brow appears<br />
+“In death, more calm from what I just explain'd.�<br />
+Thus grieving, Cephalus concludes, and all<br />
+His audience with him weep. When, lo! appear<br />
+King Æäcus, his sons, and troops new-rais'd;<br />
+Whom Cephalus, in warlike strength, receives.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="volumeend">
+END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="printer">
+<i>Macdonald &amp; Bailey, Printers, Harris's Place,<br />
+Oxford-Street.</i><br />
+<a name="page286"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;286]</span>
+</p>
+<h1>
+<a name="chapter15"></a>
+<span class="titlesmaller">THE</span><br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+<span class="titlesmaller">OF</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">Publius Ovidius Naso</span><br />
+<span class="titlesmaller">IN</span><br />
+<span class="fraktur">English Blank Verse</span>
+</h1>
+<p class="author">
+Translated by
+<span class="smcap">J. J. Howard</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+VOL. II.
+</h2>
+<p class="figure">
+<img src="images/vol1.jpg" width="577" height="546" alt="lyre" />
+<a name="page_2_1"></a>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter16"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Eighth Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Nisus betrayed to Minos by his daughter Scylla; changed to a falcon,
+and Scylla to a lark. Return of Minos to Crete. The Minotaur and
+labyrinth. Flight of Dædalus and Icarus. Change of Perdix to a partridge.
+Chase and death of the Calydonian boar, by Meleager and Atalanta.
+Murder of Meleager's uncles. Vengeance of his mother. Death
+of Meleager, and transformation of his sisters to birds. Acheloüs.
+Nymphs transformed into the isles Echinades. Perimelè into an island.
+Story of Baucis and Philemon. Changes of Proteus. Story of Erisichthon,
+and transformations of his daughter.
+<a name="page_2_2"></a>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<p class="printer">
+<b>Printed by <span class="smcap">G. Hayden</span>,<br />
+Brydges Street, Covent Garden.</b><br />
+<a name="page_2_3"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;3]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter17"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Eighth Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now leading Phosphor' shining day disclos'd,<br />
+The darkness flying; and the eastern gales<br />
+Lull'd into calm, the vapoury clouds arose:<br />
+The placid south befriending, rapid borne,<br />
+The hero Cephalus, and aiding troops,<br />
+Ride unexpected in their wish'd-for port.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Minos, meanwhile, the Lelegeian coast<br />
+Lays waste, and on Alcathoë's town his power<br />
+Essays. Here Nisus rul'd, whose reverend locks<br />
+Of silvery brightness, in the midst contain'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_4"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;4]</span>
+One with rich purple splendid, sacred pledge<br />
+Of fortune to his kingdom. Six times seen<br />
+Were Luna's horns arising fresh renew'd;<br />
+Still hover'd conquest doubtful o'er the war,<br />
+On wavering pinions, 'twixt opposing hosts.<br />
+A regal tower its vocal walls high-rear'd,<br />
+Where once Latona's son his golden lyre<br />
+Rested; the music still the stones retain'd.<br />
+Oft here the beauteous daughter of the king<br />
+Ascended, and the latent music drew<br />
+Forth to the ear, by smallest pebbles struck.<br />
+Thus she in peaceful times, and here she oft<br />
+When war was raging, ventur'd: hence she saw<br />
+The rough encounters of the furious field.<br />
+So long the tedious warfare, well she knew<br />
+The leaders' names, their arms, their prancing steeds:<br />
+And knew their garments, and their Cretan bows.<br />
+Far beyond all Europa's son she knew,<br />
+More than became her state: this Minos well<br />
+Could prove; whose head in crested helmet hid,<br />
+Most beauteous helm'd appear'd: whose arm, adorn'd<br />
+With brazen shield refulgent, well became<br />
+The brazen shield: whose hand the tough lance whirl'd,<br />
+And back withdrawn, the virgin wondering prais'd<br />
+Such strength and skill combin'd: to fit the dart<br />
+When to the spreading bow his strength he bent,<br />
+She vow'd that Ph&oelig;bus in such posture stood<br />
+<a name="page_2_5"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;5]</span>
+His arrows fitting: when, his brazen casque<br />
+Relinquish'd, all his features shone display'd,<br />
+As purple-rob'd his snow-white steed he press'd,<br />
+In painted housings gay, and curb'd his jaws<br />
+White foaming,&mdash;then the lost Nisean maid,<br />
+Scarcely herself, in frantic rapture spoke:&mdash;<br />
+Blest call'd the javelin, that his hands it touch'd;<br />
+Blest call'd the reins he curb'd. Arduous she burns,<br />
+(Could she) through hostile ranks her virgin steps<br />
+To bend: arduous she burns, from loftiest towers<br />
+To fling her body in the Cretan camp.<br />
+The brazen portals of the city's walls<br />
+Wide to the foe she'd ope: what could she not?<br />
+That Minos will'd? As resting here she view'd,<br />
+The white pavilion of the Gnossian king<br />
+Dubious, she cry'd;&mdash;“Or should I grieve or joy,<br />
+“This mournful war to witness? Grieve I must<br />
+“That Minos so belov'd should be my foe.<br />
+“But had the war not been, his lovely face<br />
+“Had ne'er to me been known. Now war may cease<br />
+“Should I become the hostage:&mdash;I retain'd,<br />
+“As Minos' comrade, and the pledge of peace.<br />
+“Fairest of forms! if she who brought thee forth<br />
+“Resembled thee, well might an amorous god<br />
+“Burn for her beauty. O! thrice blest were I,<br />
+“If borne through air on lightly-waving wings,<br />
+“The Cretan monarch's camp I might explore,<br />
+<a name="page_2_6"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;6]</span>
+“And there, my rank and love disclos'd, demand<br />
+“What dowry he would ask to be my spouse.<br />
+“My country's towers alone, he should not seek.<br />
+“Perish the joys of his expected bed,<br />
+“Ere I through treason gain them! Yet full oft<br />
+“A moderate victor's clemency affords<br />
+“Great blessings to the vanquish'd. Doubtless, he<br />
+“Just warfare wages for his murder'd son.<br />
+“Strong in his cause, and in his armies strong,<br />
+“Which aid that cause, he must the conquest gain.<br />
+“Why, if this fate my country waits, should war,<br />
+“And not my love unbar to him the gates?<br />
+“So may he conquer; slaughter, toil, and blood,&mdash;<br />
+“His own dear blood, avoided. How I dread,<br />
+“Lest some rash hand might that lov'd bosom wound!<br />
+“None but the ignorant sure, the savage spear<br />
+“At him would hurl. The scheme delights my soul:<br />
+“Fixt my resolve; my country as my dower<br />
+“Will I deliver, finish so the war!<br />
+“But what are resolutions? Watchful guards<br />
+“The passes keep; of every gate, the keys<br />
+“My father careful holds. Hapless! I dread<br />
+“My father only; he alone withstands<br />
+“My wishes; would that so the gods had doom'd,<br />
+“I had no parent! But to each himself<br />
+“A god may surely be; and fortune spurns<br />
+“Lazy beseechers. With such love inflam'd,<br />
+<a name="page_2_7"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;7]</span>
+“Another maid had long ere now destroy'd<br />
+“All barriers to her bliss; and why than I,<br />
+“Should any dare more boldly? Fearless, I<br />
+“Thro' swords and flames would pass, but swords and flames<br />
+“Oppose me not in this: my sole desire<br />
+“Compris'd in one small lock of Nisus' hair:<br />
+“Than gold that prize more dear. That purple lock<br />
+“Most blest would make me, and my sole desires<br />
+“Encompass.�&mdash;Speaking thus, the gloomy night,<br />
+Imperial nurse of cares, approach'd; more bold<br />
+Her daring project with the darkness grew.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now primal slumbers rul'd o'er weary breasts,<br />
+Tir'd with their toil diurnal. Silent, she<br />
+Her father's chamber enters, and (O, dire!)<br />
+The daughter from her parent's head divides<br />
+The fateful lock! Her wicked prize possess'd,<br />
+Forth from the gate she issues; and the spoil,<br />
+So cursed, with her bears; as through the hosts,<br />
+(Such boldness gave the deed,) she seeks the king,<br />
+Whom thus, astonish'd and aghast, she hails:&mdash;<br />
+“To wicked deeds love sways; behold me here,<br />
+“Scylla, from royal Nisus sprung; to thee<br />
+“My household gods and country I betray:<br />
+“Thee, sole reward I seek. Pledge of my faith,<br />
+“This purple lock receive, and with this lock<br />
+“Receive my parent's head.�&mdash;Then in her hand<br />
+<a name="page_2_8"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;8]</span>
+The impious gift presented. Minos spurn'd<br />
+The parricidal present; deeply shock'd<br />
+A deed so base to witness, and exclaim'd;&mdash;<br />
+“May all the gods, from every part of earth<br />
+“Thee banish, scandal of our age! may land<br />
+“And sea alike reject thee; such a soul<br />
+“So monstrous! ne'er with me shall touch the shores<br />
+“Of Crete, my land, and cradle of high Jove.�<br />
+He said, and on his captive foes impos'd<br />
+Most just his equal laws; his men bade loose<br />
+Their cables from the beach, and with their oars<br />
+His vessels bright with brass, urge on the deep.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Launch'd on the main, when Scylla sees the fleet,<br />
+Nor from its leader gain'd the hop'd reward,<br />
+Her wicked deed had sought, tir'd of her prayers,<br />
+In desperate rage she storms; wild throws her hair;<br />
+Stretches her hands, exclaiming;&mdash;“Where! O, where!<br />
+“Fly'st thou, the author of thy fortune left?<br />
+“O, priz'd above my country! 'bove my sire!<br />
+“O cruel, whither fly'st thou, whose success<br />
+“At once my merit, and my fault displays?<br />
+“Will not the gifted conquest move thy soul?<br />
+“Will not my love thee move? Will not the thought<br />
+“That all my hopes centre in thee alone?<br />
+“By thee deserted, whither shall I fly?<br />
+“Back to my natal town? Ruin'd it lies;<br />
+<a name="page_2_9"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;9]</span>
+“Or if still standing, fast the gates are barr'd<br />
+“Against my treason. To my father's arms,<br />
+“Whom I betray'd? Each citizen me hates<br />
+“Deserv'dly; neighbours my example dread.<br />
+“Banish'd, an exile from each spot of earth,&mdash;<br />
+“Crete only open lies. Thence dost thou drive<br />
+“Me also? Ingrate! dost thou fly me so?<br />
+“Europa never bore thee, but some Syrt'<br />
+“Inhospitable; or some tigress fell<br />
+“Bred in Armenia; or Charybdis vext<br />
+“With tempests: Jove was ne'er thy sire, nor feign'd<br />
+“A bull's resemblance to delude her, false<br />
+“That fable of thy origin. A bull,<br />
+“Real and savage thee begot, whose love<br />
+“No heifer mov'd. O father Nisus! now<br />
+“Exact thy vengeance. Joy, O town! betray'd<br />
+“By my transgression; for the woes I feel<br />
+“Most merited I grant; guilty I die:<br />
+“Yet should the deadly blow be given by one<br />
+“My impious fault has injur'd; not by thee,<br />
+“Victor through crimes thou with avenging hate<br />
+“Now persecutest. This flagitious deed<br />
+“Against my country, and against my sire,<br />
+“Was all for thee. Th' adultress who beguil'd<br />
+“In wooden cavity the furious bull;<br />
+“Whose womb an ill-assorted birth produc'd;<br />
+<a name="page_2_10"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;10]</span>
+“Well for a spouse befits thee. Do my words<br />
+“Reach to thine ears, or no? Do the brisk winds,<br />
+“Thou ingrate! waft my bootless plainings on,<br />
+“And waft thy vessels? Wondrous now no more,<br />
+“Pasiphaë, to thy embrace a bull<br />
+“Preferr'd; for more unpitying is thy soul.<br />
+“Joyful, ah! hapless me,&mdash;away thou fly'st;<br />
+“Thy cleaving oars dash on the sounding waves:<br />
+“Me, and my country far from thee recede.<br />
+“O wretch! forgetful of my favoring aid,<br />
+“Thou striv'st in vain to fly me. 'Gainst thy wish<br />
+“Thee will I follow; on thy crooked ship<br />
+“Hanging, embracing, dragg'd through drenching seas.'<br />
+Scarce ending, in the waves she furious leaped,<br />
+Vigorous by love, and gain'd the flying fleet;<br />
+And clasp'd, unwelcome guest, the Gnossian poop.<br />
+Here soon her father spy'd her (in the air<br />
+He wing'd his way, now cloth'd with yellow plumes<br />
+A falcon) and down darted; with his beak<br />
+So curv'd, to wound her as she clung. In dread<br />
+Her grasp she loos'd, and as she seem'd to fall,<br />
+The light air bore her from the waves below:<br />
+Plum'd she became, and form'd a feather'd bird,<br />
+Ciris they call'd her from the ravish'd lock.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Jove now Minos all his vows performs,<br />
+An hecatomb of bulls; as from the fleet<br />
+<a name="page_2_11"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;11]</span>
+He lands on Gnossus' shores: his royal hall<br />
+With all his spoils, on high uphung, adorn'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meantime th' opprobrium of his bed increas'd:<br />
+The two-formed monster in a novel birth,<br />
+At length the mother's beastly crime proclaim'd.<br />
+Minos, the shameful witness from his couch,<br />
+Far to remove determines; in a dome<br />
+Intricate winding, he resolves to lodge,<br />
+From every eye conceal'd, the birth. Intrusts<br />
+The work to Dædalus, in cunning arts<br />
+Most fam'd, to build. He all the various marks,<br />
+Confuses, puzzles; bent on either side,<br />
+The various paths confound the searching eye.<br />
+So in the fields the soft Mæander plays,<br />
+Here refluent, flowing there with dubious course;<br />
+Meeting himself, his wandering stream he sees:<br />
+And urges now to whence he first arose;<br />
+Now to the open outlet of the main.<br />
+Thus Dædalus the numerous paths perplex'd<br />
+With puzzlings intricate, so much entwin'd,<br />
+Himself could scarce the outer threshold gain.<br />
+Here was the double monster, man and bull<br />
+Inclos'd; till by the third allotted tribe,<br />
+The ninth year, vanquish'd; with Athenian blood<br />
+Twice gorg'd before. Then was the secret gate,<br />
+So often sought in vain, found by the aid<br />
+<a name="page_2_12"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;12]</span>
+A virgin lent to trace the winding clue.<br />
+Instant for Dias, Theseus loos'd his sails,<br />
+With Minos' ravish'd daughter: on that shore<br />
+Cruel! he left her. The deserted nymph<br />
+Wildly lamenting, Bacchus soon embrac'd,<br />
+And gave her needful aid; her fame to fix<br />
+Immortal in the skies, her sparkling crown,<br />
+Mov'd from her forehead, 'mid the stars he plac'd:<br />
+Through the thin air it flies, and as it mounts<br />
+To blazing stars, the glittering jewels change.<br />
+Still as a crown it shines, its station 'midst<br />
+Where stout Alcides Ophiuchus grasps.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meantime long exile, and the land of Crete<br />
+Detesting; burning with a patriot's wish<br />
+His native soil to visit, Dædalus,<br />
+By sea escape prevented, thus exclaim'd;&mdash;<br />
+“Let earth and ocean both my flight obstruct,<br />
+“Still open lies the air; through air we'll go.<br />
+“Minos controlling all, controls not air.�&mdash;<br />
+He speaks, and bends to unknown arts his skill,<br />
+Improving Nature's gift. Quills fixt in rows<br />
+He places; small at first in length and size,<br />
+Gradual enlarg'd, as if a hill's steep side<br />
+Growing, produc'd them: So time past the pipe,<br />
+Of rustic origin, by small degrees<br />
+Increasing reeds compos'd. Firm fixt with thread<br />
+<a name="page_2_13"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;13]</span>
+Their middle part he binds, and close with wax<br />
+Cements their bottom. All complete he bends<br />
+The composition in a gentle curve,<br />
+Resembling real wings. Young Icarus<br />
+Alone was present; ignorant that the work<br />
+Would his destruction cause; with playful tricks<br />
+He fingers now the feathers, now his hands<br />
+Soften the yellow wax. His sportive wiles<br />
+His father's wond'rous essay oft delay.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now was the last completing stroke impos'd<br />
+Upon his undertaking: First the sire<br />
+On artificial wings his body pois'd,<br />
+And in the beaten air suspended hung:<br />
+Then his young offspring, Icarus, he taught.&mdash;<br />
+“This I my son advise, a middle course,<br />
+“To keep be cautious; low if thou should'st skim,<br />
+“Heavy with ocean's spray thy wings would droop:<br />
+“If high, the sun would scorch them. Steer thy course<br />
+“'Twixt each extreme. Nor would I wish thine eyes<br />
+“To view Boötes, or the northern bear;<br />
+“Nor yet Orion's naked sword. My track<br />
+“Cautious pursue.�&mdash;With anxious care he gives<br />
+Rules thus for flight; and to his shoulders fits<br />
+The new-form'd pinions. Tears his ancient cheeks<br />
+Bedew'd, as thus his admonitions flow'd:<br />
+And his paternal hands as thus employ'd,<br />
+<a name="page_2_14"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;14]</span>
+Beneath the office trembled. Warm salutes<br />
+He gave the boy, nor knew he gave the last;<br />
+Then on his feathers borne, explores the way,<br />
+Timid for him who follows. So the bird,<br />
+Tempts from her lofty nest her new-fledg'd brood,<br />
+In the thin air. He bids him close pursue,<br />
+Tries in each shape to teach the fatal skill;<br />
+Shakes his own pinions, bending back to view<br />
+His son's. The angler as with quivering reed,<br />
+He drew his prey to land; the shepherd-swain,<br />
+As o'er his staff he lean'd; the ploughman-clown,<br />
+Their flight astonish'd saw, and deem'd them gods,<br />
+That so at will could cleave the liquid sky.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now Samos, Juno's favor'd isle they pass'd,<br />
+Delos, and Paros, all to left;&mdash;to right<br />
+Labyrithos lay, and rich in honey'd sweets<br />
+Calymné: when the heedless boy o'erjoy'd<br />
+In his bold flight, the precepts of his guide<br />
+Contemning, soar'd to heaven a loftier range.<br />
+The neighbouring sun's fierce heat the fragrant wax<br />
+Which bound, his pinions, soften'd. Soon the wax<br />
+Dissolves; and now his naked arms he waves;<br />
+But destitute of power his course to steer,<br />
+No air his arms can gather; loud he calls<br />
+His father's name, as in the azure deep<br />
+He drops,&mdash;the deep which still his name retains.<br />
+<a name="page_2_15"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;15]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hapless parent, not a parent now,<br />
+Loud calls on Icarus;&mdash;“Where art thou, son?<br />
+“Where shall I seek thee, Icarus?�&mdash;He said,<br />
+And spy'd his feathers floating on the waves:<br />
+Then curs'd his hapless art, as in the earth,<br />
+He deep intomb'd him; all the land around<br />
+Bears from the youth intomb'd its present name.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The whirring partridge, from a branchy holm<br />
+Beheld him, as beneath the turf he plac'd<br />
+His son's lamented body, and with joy<br />
+Flutter'd his feathers; while his chirping song<br />
+Proclaim'd his gladness: then the only bird<br />
+Known of his kind, in elder days unseen;<br />
+But lately cloth'd with feathers, through the crime<br />
+Flagitious, Dædalus, of thee! To thee,<br />
+Thy sister, witless how his fate was doom'd,<br />
+Her son committed for instructing art,<br />
+When twice six annual suns the youth had seen;<br />
+His docile mind best fitted then to learn.<br />
+He well th' indented bones remark'd, which form<br />
+The fish's spiny back, and in like mode,<br />
+Sharp steel indenting, first the saw produc'd<br />
+For public service. Two steel arms he join'd<br />
+Fixt to one orb above; each widely stretch'd,<br />
+One steady rests, the other circling turns.<br />
+Him Dædalus with envy viewing, forc'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_16"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;16]</span>
+Headlong, from sacred Pallas' lofty tower,<br />
+His death feign'd accidental: but the maid<br />
+Divine, to all ingenious minds a friend,<br />
+Receiv'd him in his fall; chang'd to a bird,<br />
+On pinions bore him through the middle air.<br />
+His vigorous powers in force remain the same,<br />
+But change their seat; rapid he flies, and quick<br />
+He races on the ground; his name remains<br />
+Unalter'd: still the cautious bird declines<br />
+To trust his weight aloft, nor forms his nest<br />
+On lofty boughs, or summits of high trees:<br />
+Nigh to the earth he skims; beneath the hedge<br />
+His shelly brood deposits; of his fall<br />
+Still mindful, towering heights he always shuns.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now Dædalus, with lengthen'd flight fatigu'd,<br />
+Sicilia's realm receiv'd; whose king humane,<br />
+Great Cocalus, mov'd with his suppliant pray'r,<br />
+Arm'd to assist him. Now by Theseus freed,<br />
+Athens no more the mournful tribute paid.<br />
+With garlands every temple gay they hang,<br />
+Invoke the warlike maid, the mighty Jove,<br />
+And every deity: their altars all<br />
+With promis'd blood they honor; with rich gifts,<br />
+And fragrant incense. Now had wandering fame<br />
+Through all the Grecian towns, spread the renown<br />
+Of Theseus: and the rich Achaïa's tribes<br />
+<a name="page_2_17"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;17]</span>
+His aid implor'd, when mighty perils press'd.<br />
+Ev'n Calydon, though Meleager brave<br />
+Possessing, sought his help with suppliant words.<br />
+The cause, a furious boar by Dian' sent,<br />
+Avenging instrument of slighted power.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&OElig;neus, from plenteous harvests' full success<br />
+Rejoicing, primal fruits to Ceres gave;<br />
+To Bacchus pour'd libations of his wine;<br />
+To yellow-hair'd Minerva offer'd oil:<br />
+The rites invidious, from the rural gods<br />
+Commencing, all the bright celestials shar'd.<br />
+Latona's daughter only, in her fane,<br />
+Nor flames nor offerings on her altar saw.<br />
+Rage fires ev'n heavenly breasts.&mdash;“Not unreveng'd,�&mdash;<br />
+She cry'd,&mdash;shall this be suffer'd; honor'd not!<br />
+“Not unappeas'd by vengeance will I rest.�&mdash;<br />
+Then through th' &OElig;neian fields the maid, despis'd,<br />
+Sends the fierce boar to ravage. Such his size,<br />
+The bulls that in Epirus' pastures graze<br />
+More huge appear not: in Sicilia's meads<br />
+Far less are seen. Red are his sparkling eyes,<br />
+Fire mixt with blood; high rears his fearful neck,<br />
+Thick clustering spears the threatening bristles seem:<br />
+Hoarse as he grunts, down his wide shoulders spreads<br />
+The boiling foam: his tusks the tusks outvie<br />
+Of India's hugest beast: the lightening's blast,<br />
+<a name="page_2_18"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;18]</span>
+Driven from his mouth, burns all the verdant leaves.<br />
+Now o'er the corn, but yet in budding ears,<br />
+He tramples, immature he reaps the crop;<br />
+The loud-lamenting tiller's hopes destroy'd:<br />
+The harvest intercepting in the shoot.<br />
+In vain the barns, the granaries in vain,<br />
+Their promis'd loads expect. Prostrate alike<br />
+Are thrown the fruitful clusters of the vine,<br />
+With shooting tendrils; and the olive's fruit<br />
+With branches ever-blooming. On the flocks<br />
+He rages: these not shepherds, not their dogs<br />
+Could save; nor could the furious bull his herd.<br />
+Wide fled the people; safety none durst hope<br />
+Save in their cities' walls; till thirst of fame<br />
+Fir'd Meleager, with his chosen band<br />
+Of valiant youths. And first were seen the twins<br />
+Of Tyndarus, for wond'rous skill renown'd,<br />
+This at the cæstus, that to curb the steed:<br />
+Jason, whose art the primal ship design'd:<br />
+Theseus, in happy concord with his friend<br />
+Pirithous, join'd: Thestius' two valiant sons:<br />
+Lynceus, Aphareus' offspring: Idas swift:<br />
+Leucippus fierce: Acastus unexcell'd<br />
+To dart the javelin: Cæneus, now no more<br />
+Cloth'd in a female figure: Ph&oelig;nix, sprung<br />
+From old Amyntor: Actor's equal sons:<br />
+Hippothoös: Dryas: and from Elis' town<br />
+<a name="page_2_19"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;19]</span>
+Dispatch'd, came Phileus. Nor was absent there,<br />
+Brave Telamon, nor great Achilles' sire:<br />
+Nor stout Eurytion; with Pheretus' son:<br />
+Nor Hyantean Iölaüs brave:<br />
+Echion in speed unconquer'd: Nestor then<br />
+In primal youth: Lelex, Narycian born:<br />
+Panopeus: Hyleus: Hippasus the fierce:<br />
+Nor those whom Hippocoön sent in aid,<br />
+From old Amyclæ: nor Ulysses' sire:<br />
+Ancæus of Parrhasia: Mopsus sage:<br />
+Amphiareus, then by his false spouse's guile<br />
+Betray'd not. With them Atalanta came,<br />
+The grace and glory of Arcadia's woods.<br />
+A shining buckle from the ground confin'd<br />
+Her garment's border: simply bound, her hair<br />
+One knot confin'd: her ivory quiver, slung<br />
+O'er her left shoulder, sounded as she stepp'd:<br />
+Her hand sustain'd a bow: and thus array'd<br />
+Appear'd her form. Her lineaments disclos'd,<br />
+What scarce might feminine in boys appear;<br />
+Or hardly boyish in a virgin's face.<br />
+The chief of Calydon the maid beheld,&mdash;<br />
+Beheld, and lov'd: while heaven his love oppos'd.<br />
+The secret flames inhaling deep, he cry'd,&mdash;<br />
+“O, blessed youth! if youth to gain thy hand<br />
+“Worthy were deem'd!�&mdash;Nor bashful shame, nor time<br />
+<a name="page_2_20"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;20]</span>
+Would more allow; a mightier deed now claim'd<br />
+Their utmost efforts for the furious war.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darken'd with trees thick-growing, rose a wood;<br />
+From earliest ages there the biting axe<br />
+Had never sounded; in the plain it rear'd<br />
+Facing the sloping fields. The youths arriv'd;<br />
+Some spread the knotted toils; some loose the hounds;<br />
+Some strive the foot-prints of the boar to trace,<br />
+Their danger anxious seeking. Low beneath<br />
+A hollow vale extended, where the floods<br />
+Fresh showery torrents gather'd, lazy laid.<br />
+The flexile willow, and the waving reed;<br />
+The fenny bulrush, osier, and the cane<br />
+Diminutive, the stagnant depth conceal'd.<br />
+Arous'd from hence, the boar impetuous rush'd<br />
+Amidst his host of foes; so lightenings dart<br />
+When clouds concussive clash. His rapid force<br />
+Levels the grove, the crackling trees resound<br />
+Where'er he pushes: loud the joyful youth<br />
+Exclaim, each grasping with a nervous hand<br />
+His weapon brandish'd, while its broad head shakes.<br />
+Forward he darts, the dogs he scatters wide,<br />
+And each opposing power; his strokes oblique<br />
+Their baying drives to distance. Echion's arm<br />
+Hurl'd the first dart, but hurl'd the dart in vain;<br />
+Lightly a maple's trunk the weapon graz'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_21"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;21]</span>
+The next, but over-urg'd the force that sent,<br />
+Had pierc'd the rough back of the wish'd-for prey;<br />
+Jason's the steel,&mdash;it whizz'd beyond him far.<br />
+Then Mopsus pray'd,&mdash;“O Ph&oelig;bus! if thy rites<br />
+“I e'er perform'd, if still I thee adore,<br />
+“Grant my sure weapon what I wish to touch.�<br />
+The god consented, what he could he gave,&mdash;<br />
+The boar was struck, but struck without a wound:<br />
+Diana from the flying weapon snatch'd<br />
+The steely head, and pointless fell the wood.<br />
+More chafes the beast, like lightening fierce he burns,<br />
+Fire from his eyeballs flashes, from his chest<br />
+Clouds of hot smoke through his wide nostrils roll.<br />
+Forc'd from the close-drawn string as flies a stone,<br />
+Hurl'd at embattl'd walls, or hostile towers<br />
+With foes thick crowded: so the deadly beast<br />
+Rush'd on the heroes with unerring shock.<br />
+Eupalamus and Pelagon, who stood<br />
+The right wing guarding, on the earth he threw:<br />
+Their fellows snatch'd them from impending fate.<br />
+Not so Onesimus, of Hippocoön<br />
+The offspring, 'scap'd the death-inflicting blow;<br />
+Torn through the ham, just as for flight he turn'd;<br />
+His slacken'd nerves could bear his weight no more.<br />
+Then Nestor too, long e'er the Trojan times,<br />
+Perchance had perish'd, but beside him stood<br />
+A tree, whose branches nimbly he attain'd;<br />
+<a name="page_2_22"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;22]</span>
+A mighty effort, aided by his spear:<br />
+Safe in his seat, he view'd the foe he fled,<br />
+Beneath him. Fiercely threatening death below,<br />
+He whets his tushes on a stumpy oak,<br />
+And bold in sharpen'd arms, ranches the thigh,<br />
+With crooked fangs, of Othrys' mighty son.<br />
+Now the twin-brothers, ere in heaven display'd<br />
+Bright constellations, both fair dazzling shone,<br />
+Mounted on steeds, whose lily'd hue surpass'd<br />
+Th' unsully'd snow; both shook their brandish'd spears,<br />
+The trembling motion sounded high in air;<br />
+Deep both had pierc'd, but 'mid the darkening trees,<br />
+Their bristly foe sought refuge, where nor steed,<br />
+Nor dart could reach him. Telamon pursues;<br />
+Ardent, and heedless of his steps, a root<br />
+Checks his quick feet, and prone the hero falls.<br />
+While Peleus aids his brother chief to rise,<br />
+The beauteous Atalanta to the string<br />
+Fits the swift dart, and from the bended bow<br />
+Speeds it; the arrow, fixt beneath his ear,<br />
+Razes the monster's skin, and drops of blood<br />
+His bristly neck ensanguine. Joys the maid<br />
+To see the blow;&mdash;but Meleager far<br />
+In joy surpass'd her. He the first beheld<br />
+The trickling blood; he to his comrades first<br />
+The wound display'd, exclaiming,&mdash;“Yon fair nymph<br />
+“The honors so deserv'dly won shall bear.�&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page_2_23"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;23]</span>
+The warriors blush with shame, and each exhorts<br />
+His fellow; shouts their souls more valiant swell;<br />
+In heaps confus'd their numerous javelins fly;<br />
+Clashing in crowds, each javelin fails to wound.<br />
+Lo! now Ancæus furious, to his fate<br />
+Blind rushing, rears his double axe, and cries,&mdash;<br />
+“Behold, O youths! how much a manly arm<br />
+“Outstrikes a female's, to my prowess yield<br />
+“The palm of conquest. Let Latona's maid<br />
+“With all her power protect him, yet my force,<br />
+“Spite of Diana, shall the monster slay.�&mdash;<br />
+Proud his big-boasting tongue thus speaks, then grasps<br />
+His two-edg'd weapon firmly in his hands,<br />
+And rais'd on tiptoe meditates the blow.<br />
+The watchful beast prevents him, through his groin,<br />
+To death sure passage, drives his double tusks:<br />
+Ancæus drops; his bowels gushing fall,<br />
+Roll on the earth, and soak the ground in gore.<br />
+Ixion's son, Pirithous, on the foe<br />
+Rush'd, in his nervous hand a powerful spear<br />
+Brandishing; Theseus loudly to his friend<br />
+Exclaim'd,&mdash;“O, dearer far than is myself,&mdash;<br />
+“Half of my soul, at distance wait; the brave<br />
+“At distance may engage; valor too rash<br />
+“Destroy'd Ancæus.�&mdash;As he spoke he hurl'd<br />
+His massive cornel spear; its brazen head<br />
+Well pois'd, its sender's anxious wish appear'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_24"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;24]</span>
+Fair to accomplish, when a leafy arm<br />
+Branch'd from a beech, oppos'd it in its flight.<br />
+Next Æson's son, his javelin threw, but chance<br />
+Glanc'd from its mark the weapon, and transpierc'd<br />
+An undeserving hound; the dart was drove<br />
+Through all his belly, and deep fixt in earth.<br />
+But different fortune on the arms awaits<br />
+Of Meleager, javelins two he sent;<br />
+Deep in the ground the foremost pierc'd, the next<br />
+Firm in the monster's back quivering stood fixt.<br />
+Nor stays he, whilst he raging furious whirl'd<br />
+In giddy circles round, and pour'd his foam,<br />
+Mad with the new-felt torture, close at hand<br />
+The hero plies his work, provokes his foe<br />
+To fiercer ire, and in his furious breast<br />
+Buries the glittering spear. A second shout<br />
+Loudly proclaims his thronging comrades' joy;<br />
+Each to the victor crowding, hand in hand<br />
+Congratulating grasps him; each amaz'd<br />
+Views the dire savage, as his mighty bulk<br />
+O'erspreads a space of land. Scarce think they yet<br />
+Their safety sure, him touching; each his spear<br />
+Extends, and dips it in the flowing gore.<br />
+His foot upon the head destructive fixt,<br />
+The conquering youth thus speaks:&mdash;“Nonacria fair!<br />
+“Receive the spoil my fortune well might claim:<br />
+“Fresh glory shall I gain, with thee to share<br />
+<a name="page_2_25"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;25]</span>
+“The honors of the day.�&mdash;Then gives the spoils;&mdash;<br />
+The chine with horrid bristles rising stiff,<br />
+And head, fierce threatening still with mighty tusks.<br />
+She takes the welcome gift, for much she joys<br />
+From him to take it. Envy seiz'd the rest,<br />
+And sullen murmurs through the comrades ran:<br />
+Above the rest, were Thestius' sons,&mdash;their arms<br />
+Out-stretching, clamor'd thus with a mighty noise;&mdash;<br />
+“Let not thy beauteous form thy mind deceive,<br />
+“When from thy eyes the donor of the spoil,<br />
+“Besotted with thy love, shall far be mov'd.<br />
+“Woman! restore the prize, nor hope to hold<br />
+“Our intercepted claims.�&mdash;Speaking they rob<br />
+Her of the gift, him of the right to give.<br />
+Nor passive stood the warlike youth, his teeth<br />
+He gnash'd with swelling rage, as fierce he cry'd;&mdash;<br />
+“Learn, ye base robbers of another's rights,<br />
+“What difference threats and valiant actions shew.&mdash;�<br />
+Then in Plexippus' unsuspecting breast<br />
+He plung'd his impious sword: nor suffer'd long<br />
+Toxeus to doubt, who hesitating stood,<br />
+Now vengeance brooding for his brother's fate,<br />
+Now dreading for himself a like swift blow;<br />
+Again he warms the weapon, reeking still<br />
+Hot from Plexippus' bosom, in his blood.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To every temple of the favoring gods<br />
+<a name="page_2_26"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;26]</span>
+Althæa bore donations for her son,<br />
+Victorious: When the breathless bodies came<br />
+Of both her brethren, loud the sounding blows<br />
+Of grief were heard, and all the city rung<br />
+With lamentable cries: her golden robes<br />
+Were straight to sable chang'd. But when the hand<br />
+Which struck the blow was known, her every tear<br />
+Was dry'd, and vengeance only fill'd her soul.<br />
+A log there lay when Thestius' daughter groan'd<br />
+In child-bed pangs; which on the greedy flames<br />
+The triple sisters flung; and while their thumbs<br />
+Twirl'd round the fatal thread, this was their song;&mdash;<br />
+“O newly born! to thee and to this bough<br />
+“Like date of life we give.�&mdash;Then ceas'd their words,<br />
+And from her presence vanish'd: sudden snatch'd<br />
+The mother from the fire the burning brand,<br />
+And quench'd it instant in unsparing streams.<br />
+Long in most secret darkness had she hid<br />
+This fatal wood; and, thus preserv'd, her son<br />
+Had safely years mature attain'd; but now<br />
+Forth she produc'd it from its close recess.<br />
+Fragments of torches on the hearth she heap'd,<br />
+And blew the sparklings into deadly flames;<br />
+And thrice she rais'd her hands the branch to heave<br />
+On the fierce fire; and thrice her hands withdrew.<br />
+Sister and mother in one bosom fought,<br />
+To adverse acts impelling. Oft her face,<br />
+<a name="page_2_27"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;27]</span>
+Dread of her meditated crime, bleach'd pale;<br />
+Oft to her eyes her furious rage supply'd<br />
+A fiery redness; now her countenance glow'd<br />
+With threatenings cruel; now her softening looks<br />
+To pity seemed to melt; and when fierce ire<br />
+Had fill'd her soul, and parch'd up every tear,<br />
+Fresh tears would gush. Thus rocks a vessel, driven<br />
+By winds and adverse currents, both their force<br />
+At once obeys, and can to neither yield.<br />
+Thus waver'd Thestius' daughter, dubious thus<br />
+Affection sway'd her; now her rage is calm,<br />
+Now her calm'd rage with fourfold fury burns.<br />
+At length the sister's o'er the parent's tie<br />
+The prevalence obtains; impiously good,<br />
+With blood her own, she soothes the brethren's shades.<br />
+Now, when the fires destructive fiercely glar'd,<br />
+She cry'd:&mdash;“Here, funeral pile, my bowels burn!&mdash;�<br />
+And as the fatal wood her direful hand<br />
+Held forth, the hapless mother, at the pyre<br />
+Sepulchral, stood, exclaiming;&mdash;“Furies three!<br />
+“Avenging sisters! hither turn your eyes;<br />
+“Behold the furious sacred rites I pay:<br />
+“For retribution I commit this crime.<br />
+“By death their death must be aveng'd; his fault<br />
+“By mine be punish'd; on their funeral biers<br />
+“His must be laid; one sinning house must fall,<br />
+“In woes accumulated. Blest shall still<br />
+<a name="page_2_28"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;28]</span>
+“&OElig;neus enjoy his proud victorious son,<br />
+“And Thestius childless mourn? Better that both<br />
+“Should weep in concert. Dear fraternal ghosts,<br />
+“Recent from upper air, my work behold!<br />
+“Take to th' infernal realms my offering bought<br />
+“So dear! the hapless pledge my womb produc'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Ah! whither am I swept? Brothers forgive<br />
+“The parent. Lo! my faltering hands refuse<br />
+“To second my intents. Well he deserves<br />
+“To perish; yet by other hands than mine.<br />
+“Unpunish'd shall he 'scape then? Victor live,<br />
+“Proud of his high success, and rule the realm<br />
+“Of Calydon, while ye are prostrate thrown<br />
+“A trivial heap of ashes, and cold shades?<br />
+“Patience no more will bear. Perish the wretch!<br />
+“Perish his father's hopes! perish the realm!<br />
+“And all the country perish! Where? O, where?<br />
+“Is then the mother's soul, the pious prayers<br />
+“A parent should prefer? Where the strong pains<br />
+“Which twice five moons I bore? O, that the flames<br />
+“First kindled, had thy infant limbs consum'd!<br />
+“Would I had not then snatch'd thee from thy fate!<br />
+“Thy gift of life is mine; now that thou dy'st<br />
+“Thy own demerits ask: take the reward<br />
+“Thy deeds deserve: yield up thy twice-given life,<br />
+“First in thy birth, then by the brand I sav'd;<br />
+<a name="page_2_29"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;29]</span>
+“Or lay me with my brethren in their tomb.<br />
+“I wish, yet what I would my hands refuse.<br />
+“What will my soul determine? Now mine eyes<br />
+“The mangled corses of my brethren fill:<br />
+“Now filial fondness, and a mother's name<br />
+“Distract my soul. O, wretched, wretched me!<br />
+“Brothers you gain the conquest, yet you gain<br />
+“Dearly for me; but on your shades I'll wait,<br />
+“Blest in what gives you once to me again.�<br />
+She said; with face averse and trembling hand,<br />
+The fateful brand amid the fires was dropt.<br />
+The brand a groan deep utter'd, or a groan<br />
+To utter seem'd: the flames half backward caught<br />
+At length their prey, which gradually consum'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Witless of this sad deed, and absent far,<br />
+Fierce Meleager, with the self-same fire<br />
+Burn'd inward; all his vitals felt the flame<br />
+Scorching conceal'd: th' excruciating pangs<br />
+Magnanimous he bore. Yet deep he mourn'd<br />
+By such a slothful bloodless fate to fall;<br />
+And happy call'd Ancæus in his wounds.<br />
+With deep-drawn groans he calls his aged sire,<br />
+His brother, sisters, and the nymph belov'd,<br />
+Who shar'd his nuptial couch; with final breath,<br />
+His mother too perchance. Now glows the fire,<br />
+And now the pains increase; now both are faint;<br />
+<a name="page_2_30"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;30]</span>
+Now both together die. The soul flies forth,<br />
+And gently dissipates in empty air.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Low now lies lofty Calydon,&mdash;the youths,<br />
+And aged seniors weep; the vulgar crowd<br />
+And nobles mourn alike; the matrons rend<br />
+Their garments, beat their breasts, and tear their hair.<br />
+Stretch'd on the earth the wretched sire defiles<br />
+His hoary locks, and aged face with dust,<br />
+Cursing his lengthen'd years: the conscious hand<br />
+Which caus'd the direful end, the mother's fate<br />
+Accomplish'd; through her vitals pierc'd the steel.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Had heaven on me an hundred tongues bestow'd,<br />
+With sounding voice, and such capacious wit<br />
+As all might fill; and all the Muses' power,<br />
+Still should I fail the grieving sisters' woe<br />
+Justly to paint. Heedless of beauteous forms<br />
+They beat their bosoms livid; while the corse<br />
+Remains, they clasp and cherish in their arms<br />
+The senseless mass; the corse they kiss, and kiss<br />
+The couch on which it rests: to ashes burn'd,<br />
+Careful collected in the urn, they hug<br />
+Those ashes to their breasts; and prostrate thrown<br />
+His tomb they cover; on the graven stone<br />
+Embrace his name; and on the letters pour<br />
+Their tears in torrents. Dian' satiate now<br />
+<a name="page_2_31"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;31]</span>
+The house of &OElig;neus levell'd with the dust,<br />
+Rais'd them by wings in air, which sudden shot<br />
+From each their bodies. Gorgé sole, and she<br />
+The spouse of valiant Hercules, unchang'd<br />
+Were left. Long pinions for their arms were seen;<br />
+Their mouths to horny bills were turn'd; through air<br />
+Thus alter'd, ample range the goddess gives.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Theseus meantime, the toil confederate done,<br />
+Homeward to Pallas' towers his journey bent;<br />
+But Acheloüs, swol'n by showery floods,<br />
+Delay'd his progress. “Fam'd Cecropia's chief,�&mdash;<br />
+He cry'd,&mdash;“here shelter, enter 'neath my roof,<br />
+“Nor through the furious torrents trust thy steps.<br />
+“Whole forests oft they root, and whirl along<br />
+“Vast rocks with thundering sound. High stalls I've seen,<br />
+“Near to the banks erected, swept away:<br />
+“Nor aught avail'd the lusty bull's strong limbs,<br />
+“Nor aught the courser's speed: the torrents oft<br />
+“Of melted snows, which from the mountains rush,<br />
+“Whelm the strong youths beneath the whirling pool.<br />
+“To rest is safer, till their wonted banks<br />
+“Again the streams confine; the lessen'd waves<br />
+“Within their channels pent.�&mdash;Theseus complies,<br />
+And answers:&mdash;“Acheloüs, we approve<br />
+“Thy prudent counsel, and thy cave will use,�<br />
+The grot they enter; hollow pumice, mixt<br />
+<a name="page_2_32"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;32]</span>
+With rugged tophus, form'd it; tender moss<br />
+The moist floor cover'd; fretwork on the roof<br />
+The purple murex and the scallop white<br />
+Alternate form'd. Now Ph&oelig;bus' steeds had run<br />
+Two thirds their race, when Theseus on his couch<br />
+Reclin'd, the comrades of his toil close by;<br />
+Pirithous here, Tr&oelig;zenian Lelex there,<br />
+Whose temples now some silvery hairs display'd.<br />
+With these were such as Acheloüs, joy'd<br />
+At such a noble guest, the honor deem'd<br />
+Worthy to share. The barefoot Naiäd nymphs<br />
+Heap'd on the board the banquet: food remov'd,<br />
+They brought the wine, in cups with jewels deck'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mighty hero then, the distant main<br />
+Surveying, asks:&mdash;“What land is that I see?&mdash;�<br />
+And shews the spot,&mdash;“tell me what name denotes<br />
+“That isle? and yet methinks not one it seems.�<br />
+The river-god replies:&mdash;“What we behold<br />
+“A single isle is not, but five; the eye<br />
+“Is mock'd by distance. That Diana's wrath<br />
+“May less your wonder move, these once were nymphs.<br />
+“Ten bullocks had they sacrific'd, and call'd<br />
+“Each rural god to taste the sacred feast,<br />
+“And join the festal chorus, me alone,<br />
+“Forgetful, they invited not. Sore vext,<br />
+“I swell'd with rage, and as my anger rose,<br />
+<a name="page_2_33"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;33]</span>
+“My flood increas'd; till at my greatest height,<br />
+“Woods I divorc'd from woods; from meadows tore<br />
+“The neighbouring meadows; and the Naiäds roll'd,<br />
+“Now well-remembering what my godhead claim'd,<br />
+“Down with their habitations to the main.<br />
+“My waves then, with the ocean's waters join'd,<br />
+“The land divided, and those isles you view,<br />
+“Echinades, amid the sea were form'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“More distant may your vision reach;&mdash;behold<br />
+“An isle beyond them to my soul most dear;<br />
+“By sailors nam'd Perimelé. I snatch'd<br />
+“Her virgin-treasure from the much-lov'd maid.<br />
+“Hippodamas her sire in fury rav'd;<br />
+“And, from a precipice, the pregnant nymph<br />
+“Plung'd in the deep. My waves receiv'd the load;<br />
+“And whilst I bore her floating, thus I said;&mdash;<br />
+“O, trident-bearer, thou whom lot decreed<br />
+“Lord, next to heaven, o'er all the wandering waves,<br />
+“Where all the sacred rivers end their course;<br />
+“To which all rivers tend, O, Neptune, aid!<br />
+“Propitious, hear my prayer! Much have I wrong'd<br />
+“The nymph I now support: if lenient he,<br />
+“And equitable, sure Hippodamas,<br />
+“Her sire, had pity granted, and myself<br />
+“Had pardon'd. Gracious Neptune, grant thy help<br />
+“To her a parent's fury from the earth<br />
+<a name="page_2_34"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;34]</span>
+“Wide banishes. O, I beseech thee! grant<br />
+“A place to her, paternal rage would drown:<br />
+“Or to a place transform her, where my waves<br />
+“May clasp her still. The ocean-god consents,<br />
+“And all his waters shake as nods his head.<br />
+“Still floats th' affrighted nymph; and as she swims,<br />
+“I feel her heart with trepid motion beat:<br />
+“While pressing fond her bosom, all her form<br />
+“Rigidly firm becomes, and round her chest<br />
+“Rough earth heaps high; and, whilst I wondring speak,<br />
+“A new-form'd land her floating limbs enclasps:<br />
+“Her shape transform'd, a solid isle becomes.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus far the watery deity, and ceas'd.<br />
+The wondrous tale all mov'd, save one, the son<br />
+Of bold Ixion; fierce of soul, he laugh'd<br />
+To scorn their minds so credulous, the gods<br />
+Impious contemning, as he thus exclaim'd;&mdash;<br />
+“What tales, O, Acheloüs, you relate!<br />
+“Too much of potence to the gods you grant,<br />
+“To give and change our figures.�&mdash;All struck dumb,<br />
+Discourage this bold speech, and Lelex first,<br />
+Mature in age, and in experience old<br />
+Beyond the rest, thus spoke:&mdash;“Celestial power,<br />
+“In range is infinite, in sway immense;<br />
+“What the gods will, completion instant finds.<br />
+“To clear your doubts, upon the Phrygian hills<br />
+<a name="page_2_35"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;35]</span>
+“An ancient oak, and neighbouring linden stand,<br />
+“Girt by a low inclosure; I the spot<br />
+“Survey'd, when into Phrygia's realms dispatch'd<br />
+“By Pittheus, when those realms his father rul'd.<br />
+“Not far a lake extends, a space once fill'd<br />
+“With human 'habitants, whose waves now swarm<br />
+“With fenny coots, and cormorants alone.<br />
+“Here Jove in human shape, and with his sire,<br />
+“The son of Maiä, came; the last his rod<br />
+“Shorn of its wings, still bore. A thousand doors,<br />
+“Seeking repose, they knock'd at; every door<br />
+“Firm barr'd repuls'd them: one at length flew wide;<br />
+“A lowly cot, whose humble roof long reeds,<br />
+“And straw firm-matted, cover'd. Baucis there,<br />
+“A pious dame, and old Philemon match'd<br />
+“In age, had dwelt, since join'd in springtide youth;<br />
+“And there grew old together: Full content,<br />
+“Their poverty they hid not, and more light<br />
+“Their poverty on souls unmurmuring weigh'd.<br />
+“Here nor for lord, nor servant, was there need<br />
+“To seek; beneath the roof these only dwelt;<br />
+“Each order'd, each obey'd. The heaven-born guests<br />
+“The humble threshold crossing, lowly stoop'd,<br />
+“And entrance gain'd: the ancient host bade sit<br />
+“And rest their weary'd limbs: the bench was plac'd,<br />
+“Which Baucis anxious for their comfort, spread<br />
+“With home-made coverings: then with careful hand<br />
+<a name="page_2_36"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;36]</span>
+“The scarce warm embers on the hearth upturn'd;<br />
+“And rous'd the sleeping fires of yestern's eve,<br />
+“With food of leaves and bark dry-parch'd, and fann'd<br />
+“To flame the fuel with her aged breath:<br />
+“Then threw the small-slit faggots, and the boughs<br />
+“Long-wither'd, on the top, divided small:<br />
+“And plac'd her brazen vase of scanty size,<br />
+“O'er all. Last stripp'd the coleworts' outer leaves,<br />
+“Cull'd by her husband from the water'd ground,<br />
+“Which serv'd as garden. He meantime reach'd down,<br />
+“With two-fork'd prong, where high on blacken'd beam<br />
+“It hung, a paltry portion of an hog,<br />
+“Long harden'd there; and from the back he slic'd<br />
+“A morsel thin, which soon he soften'd down<br />
+“In boiling steam. The intermediate hours<br />
+“With pleasing chat they cheat; the short delay<br />
+“To feel avoiding. On a nail high hung<br />
+“A beechen pail for bathing, by its hand<br />
+“Deep-curv'd: with tepid water this he fill'd,<br />
+“And plac'd before his guests their feet to lave.<br />
+“A couch there stood, whose feet and frame were form'd<br />
+“Of willow; tender reeds the centre fill'd,<br />
+“With coverings this they spread, coverings which saw<br />
+“The light not, but when festal days them claim'd:<br />
+“Yet coarse and old were these, and such as well<br />
+“With willow couch agreed. The gods laid down.<br />
+“The dame close-girt, with tremulous hand prepar'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_37"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;37]</span>
+“The board; two feet were perfect, 'neath the third<br />
+“She thrust a broken sherd, and all stood firm.<br />
+“This sloping mended, all the surface clean<br />
+“With fragrant mint she rubb'd: and plac'd in heaps<br />
+“The double-teinted fruit of Pallas, maid<br />
+“Of unsoil'd purity; autumnal fruits,<br />
+“Cornels, in liquid lees of wine preserv'd;<br />
+“Endive, and radish, and the milky curd;<br />
+“With eggs turn'd lightly o'er a gentle heat:<br />
+“All serv'd in earthen dishes. After these<br />
+“A clay-carv'd jug was set, and beechen cups,<br />
+“Varnish'd all bright with yellow wax within.<br />
+“Short the delay, when from the ready fire<br />
+“The steaming dish is brought; and wine not long<br />
+“Press'd from the grape, again went round, again<br />
+“Gave place to see the third remove produc'd.<br />
+“Now comes the nut, the fig, the wrinkled date,<br />
+“The plumb, the fragrant apple, and the grape<br />
+“Pluck'd from the purple vine; all plac'd around<br />
+“In spreading baskets: snow-white honey fill'd<br />
+“The central space. The prime of all the feast,<br />
+“Was looks that hearty welcome gave, and prov'd<br />
+“No indigence nor poverty of soul.<br />
+“Meantime the empty'd bowls full oft they see<br />
+“Spontaneously replenish'd; still the wine<br />
+“Springs to the brim. Astonish'd, struck with dread,<br />
+“To view the novel scene, the timid pair<br />
+<a name="page_2_38"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;38]</span>
+“Their hands upraise devoutly, and with prayers<br />
+“Excuses utter for their homely treat,<br />
+“At unawares requir'd. A lonely goose<br />
+“They own'd, the watchman of their puny farm;<br />
+“Him would the hosts, to their celestial guests<br />
+“A sacred offering make, but swift of wing,<br />
+“Their toiling chace with age retarded, long<br />
+“He mock'd; at length the gods themselves he seeks<br />
+“For sheltering care. The gods his death forbid,<br />
+“And speak:&mdash;Celestials are we both; a fate<br />
+“Well-earn'd, your impious neighbouring roofs shall feel.<br />
+“To you, and unto you alone is given<br />
+“Exemption from their lot. Your cottage leave<br />
+“And tread our footsteps, while of yonder mount<br />
+“We seek the loftiest summit. Each obeys;<br />
+“The gods precede them, while their tottering limbs<br />
+“A trusty staff supports; tardy from years,<br />
+“Slowly they labor up the long ascent.<br />
+“Now from the summit wanted they not more<br />
+“Than what an arrow, shot with strenuous arm,<br />
+“At once could gain; when back their view they bent:<br />
+“Their house alone they saw,&mdash;that singly stood:<br />
+“All else were buried in a wide-spread lake.<br />
+“Wondring at this, and weeping at the doom<br />
+“Their hapless neighbours suffer'd; lo! they see<br />
+“Their mouldering cot, e'en for the pair too small,<br />
+“Change to a temple; pillars rear on high,<br />
+<a name="page_2_39"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;39]</span>
+“In place of crotchets; yellow turns the straw,<br />
+“The roof seems gilded; sculptur'd shine the gates;<br />
+“And marble pavement covers all the floor.<br />
+“Then Saturn's son, in these benignant words<br />
+“The pair address'd;&mdash;O, ancient man, most just!<br />
+“And thou, O woman! worthy of thy spouse,<br />
+“Declare your wishes.&mdash;Baucis spoke awhile<br />
+“With old Philemon; then their joint desire<br />
+“The latter to the deities declar'd.&mdash;<br />
+“To be your ministers, your sacred fane<br />
+“To keep we ask: and as our equal years<br />
+“In concord we have pass'd, let the same hour<br />
+“Remove us hence: may I her tomb not see,<br />
+“Nor be by her interr'd.&mdash;The gods comply;<br />
+“These guard the temple through succeeding life.<br />
+“Fill'd now with years, as on the temple's steps<br />
+“They stood, conversing on the wondrous change,<br />
+“Baucis beheld Philemon shoot in leaves,<br />
+“And leaves Philemon saw from Baucis sprout;<br />
+“And from their heads o'er either's face they grew.<br />
+“Still while they could with mutual words they spoke;<br />
+“At once exclaim'd,&mdash;O, dearest spouse, farewell!&mdash;<br />
+“At once the bark, their lips thus speaking, clos'd.<br />
+“Ev'n yet a Tyanæan shews two trees<br />
+“Of neighbouring growth, form'd from the alter'd pair.<br />
+“Nor dotard credulous, nor lying tongue<br />
+“The fact to me related. On the boughs<br />
+<a name="page_2_40"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;40]</span>
+“Myself have seen the votive garlands hung;<br />
+“And whilst I offered fresher, have I said&mdash;<br />
+“Heaven guards the good with care; and those who give<br />
+“The gods due honors, honors claim themselves.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He ceas'd: the deed and author all admire,<br />
+But Theseus most; whom anxious still to hear<br />
+More wondrous actions of the mighty gods,<br />
+The stream of Calydon, as on his arm<br />
+Reclin'd, he rested, in these words address'd:&mdash;<br />
+“There are, O, valiant youth! of those once chang'd,<br />
+“Still in the new-form'd figures who remain:<br />
+“Others there are whose power more wide extends<br />
+“To many shapes to alter.&mdash;Proteus, thou<br />
+“Art one; thou 'habitant of those wide waves<br />
+“Which earth begird: now thou a youth appear'st;<br />
+“And now a lion; then a furious boar;<br />
+“A serpent next we tremble to approach;<br />
+“And then with threatening horns thou seem'st a bull.<br />
+“Oft as a stone thou ly'st; oft stand'st a tree:<br />
+“Sometimes thy countenance veil'd in fluid streams,<br />
+“Thou flow'st a river; sometimes mount'st in flames.<br />
+“Nor less of power had Erisichthon's maid,<br />
+“Spouse of Autolycus. Her impious sire<br />
+“All the divinities of heaven despis'd,<br />
+“Nor on their slighted altars offerings burn'd.<br />
+“He too, 'tis said, the Cerealean grove<br />
+<a name="page_2_41"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;41]</span>
+“With axe prophan'd: his violating steel<br />
+“The ancient trees attacking. 'Mid the rest,<br />
+“A huge-grown oak, in yearly strength robust,<br />
+“Itself a wood, uprose: garlands hung round,<br />
+“And wreaths, and grateful tablets, proofs of vows<br />
+“For prospering favors paid. The Dryad nymphs<br />
+“Oft in its shade their festal dances held;<br />
+“Oft would they, clasping hand in hand, surround<br />
+“The mighty trunk: its girth around to mete,<br />
+“Full thrice five cubits ask'd. To every tree<br />
+“Lofty it seem'd; as every tree appear'd<br />
+“Lofty, when measur'd with the plants below.<br />
+“Yet not for that, did Erisichthon hold<br />
+“The biting steel; but bade his servants fell<br />
+“The sacred oak; lingering he saw them stand,<br />
+“His orders unobey'd; impious he snatch'd<br />
+“From one his weapon, and in rage, exclaim'd;&mdash;<br />
+“What though it be the goddess' favorite care!<br />
+“Were it the goddess' self, down should it fall,<br />
+“And bow its leafy summit to the ground.<br />
+“He said;&mdash;and pois'd his axe, and aim'd oblique.<br />
+“Deep shudderings shook the Cerealian tree,<br />
+“And groans were utter'd; all the leaves grew pale,<br />
+“And pale the acorns; while the wide-spread boughs<br />
+“Cold sweats bedew'd. When in the solid trunk<br />
+“His blow ungodly pierc'd, blood flow'd in streams<br />
+“From out the shatter'd bark: not flows more full,<br />
+<a name="page_2_42"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;42]</span>
+“From the deep wound in the divided throat,<br />
+“The gore, when at the sacred altar's foot<br />
+“A mighty bull, an offer'd victim drops.<br />
+“Dread seizes all; and one most bold attempts<br />
+“To check his horrid wickedness, and check<br />
+“The murderous weapon: him the villain saw,<br />
+“And,&mdash;take,&mdash;he cries,&mdash;the boon thy pious soul<br />
+“Merits so well.&mdash;And from the trunk the steel<br />
+“Turns on the man, and strikes his head away:<br />
+“Then with redoubled blows the tree assails.<br />
+“Deep from the oak, these words were heard to sound:&mdash;<br />
+“A nymph am I, within this trunk enclos'd,<br />
+“Most dear to Ceres; in my dying hours,<br />
+“Prophetic I foresee the keen revenge<br />
+“Which will thy deed pursue; and this solace<br />
+“Grants comfort ev'n in death.&mdash;He, undismay'd,<br />
+“His fierce design still follows: now the tree,<br />
+“Tottering with numerous blows, by straining cords,<br />
+“He drags to earth; and half the wood below,<br />
+“Crush'd by its weight, lies prostrate. All astound,<br />
+“Of her depriv'd, and at their own sad loss,<br />
+“The sister Dryads, clad in sable robes,<br />
+“To Ceres hasten; and for vengeance call,<br />
+“On Erisichthon. To their urgent prayers<br />
+“The beauteous goddess gave assent, and shook<br />
+“Her locks; the motion shook the yellow ears,<br />
+“Which fill'd the loaded fields; and straight conceiv'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_43"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;43]</span>
+“A torture piteous, if for pity he<br />
+“For acts like these might look:&mdash;to tear his form<br />
+“By Famine's power pestiferous. There, herself<br />
+“Approach forbidden (fate long since had doom'd<br />
+“Ceres and Famine far remov'd should dwell)<br />
+“A mountain-nymph she calls, and thus directs;&mdash;<br />
+“A region stretches on th' extremest bounds<br />
+“Of icy Scythia; dreary seems the place;<br />
+“Sterile the soil; nor trees, nor fruits are seen;<br />
+“But sluggish cold, and pale affright, and fear:<br />
+“Still-craving Famine, there her dwelling holds.<br />
+“Bid her within the inmost vitals hide<br />
+“Of this most daring, and most impious wretch.<br />
+“The proudest plenty shall not make her yield:<br />
+“For in the contest, all the power I boast<br />
+“To her shall stoop: nor let the lengthen'd way<br />
+“Appal thy mind; my car receive; receive<br />
+“My dragons; through the air their course direct<br />
+“By these long reins.&mdash;Speaking, the reins she gave.<br />
+“She, borne through ether in the granted car,<br />
+“To Scythia's realm is carried: on the ridge<br />
+“A rugged mountain offer'd, first she eas'd<br />
+“The dragons' necks; as Caucasus 'twas known.<br />
+“There she the sought-for Famine soon espy'd,<br />
+“Eagerly searching on the stony fields,<br />
+“At once with teeth and fangs, for thin-sown herbs.<br />
+“Rough matted were her locks; deep sunk her eyes;<br />
+<a name="page_2_44"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;44]</span>
+“Pale bleach'd her face; her lips with whiten'd slime<br />
+“O'erspread; with furry crust her mouth was rough:<br />
+“Hard was her skin; and through it might be seen<br />
+“Her inwards: 'bove her hollow loins, upstood<br />
+“The arid bones: a belly's place supply'd<br />
+“A belly's form: her breasts to hang appear'd<br />
+“Held only by the chine: her fleshless shape<br />
+“Each joint in bulk increas'd: rigidly large<br />
+“The knees were swol'n, and each protruding part<br />
+“Immod'rately was big. Then as the nymph<br />
+“From far beheld her,&mdash;for a nigh approach<br />
+“She dreaded, what the goddess bade she told.<br />
+“Though brief her stay; though distant far she stood;<br />
+“Though instant there arriv'd; she felt the power<br />
+“Of Famine at the sight, and turning quick<br />
+“Her reins, she urg'd her dragons to their speed<br />
+“In retrogade direction; still on high,<br />
+“Till Thessaly they gain'd. Famine performs<br />
+“The wish of Ceres (though her anxious aim<br />
+“Is still to thwart her power) and borne on winds<br />
+“Swift through the air, the fated house she finds<br />
+“And instant enters, where the inmost walls<br />
+“The sacrilegious wretch inclose; in sleep<br />
+“Deep bury'd, for night reign'd; and with her wings<br />
+“Him clasping close, in all the man she breath'd<br />
+“Her inspiration: in his throat, his mouth,<br />
+“His chest, and in his unreplenish'd veins,<br />
+<a name="page_2_45"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;45]</span>
+“Her hunger she infus'd. The bidden deed<br />
+“Complete, she vanish'd from those verdant fields,<br />
+“And turn'd her to the needy roofs again,<br />
+“And well-accustom'd caverns. Gentle sleep<br />
+“Fann'd Erisichthon still with soothing wings.<br />
+“Ev'n in his sleep imagin'd food he craves,<br />
+“And vainly moves his mouth; tires jaw on jaw<br />
+“With grinding; his deluded throat with stores<br />
+“Impalpable he crams; the empty air<br />
+“Greedy devouring, for more solid food.<br />
+“But soon his slumbers vanish'd, then fierce rag'd<br />
+“Insatiate hunger; ruling through his throat,<br />
+“And ever-craving stomach. Instant he<br />
+“Demands what produce, ocean, earth, and air<br />
+“Can furnish: still of hunger he complains,<br />
+“Before the full-spread tables: still he seeks<br />
+“Victuals to heap on victuals. What might serve<br />
+“A city's population, seems for him<br />
+“Too scant; whose stomach when it loads had gorg'd,<br />
+“For loads still crav'd. The ocean thus receives<br />
+“From all earth's regions every stream; all streams<br />
+“United, still requiring; greedy fire<br />
+“On every offer'd aliment thus feeds,<br />
+“Countless supplies of wood consuming;&mdash;more<br />
+“Nutrition craving, still the more it gains;<br />
+“More greedy growing from its large increase.<br />
+“So Erisichthon's jaws prophane, rich feasts<br />
+<a name="page_2_46"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;46]</span>
+“At once devour, at once still more demand.<br />
+“All food but stimulates his gust for food<br />
+“In added heaps; and eating only seems<br />
+“To leave his maw more empty. Lessen'd now,<br />
+“In the deep abyss of his stomach huge,<br />
+“Were all the riches which his sire's bequest<br />
+“Had given: the direful torment still remain'd<br />
+“In undiminish'd strength; his belly's fire<br />
+“Implacable still rag'd. Exhausted now<br />
+“On the curst craving all his wealth was spent.<br />
+“One daughter sole remaining; of a sire<br />
+“Less impious, worthy: her the pauper sold.<br />
+“Her free-born soul, a master's sway disclaim'd.<br />
+“Her hands extending, to the neighbouring main,<br />
+“O thou!&mdash;she cry'd&mdash;who gain'd my virgin spoil<br />
+“Snatch me from bondage.&mdash;Neptune had the maid<br />
+“Previous enjoy'd: nor spurn'd her earnest prayer.<br />
+“She whom her master following close, had seen<br />
+“In her own shape but now, in manly guise<br />
+“Appears,&mdash;in garments such as fishers clothe.<br />
+“The master sees, and speaks:&mdash;O, thou! who rul'st<br />
+“The trembling reed; whose bending wire thy baits<br />
+“Conceal; so may thy wiles the water aid;<br />
+“So may the fish deceiv'd, beneath the waves,<br />
+“Thy hooks detect not, till too firmly fixt.<br />
+“Say thou but where she is, who stood but now<br />
+“Upon this beach, in humble robes array'd,<br />
+<a name="page_2_47"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;47]</span>
+“With locks disorder'd; on this shore she stood;<br />
+“I saw her,&mdash;but no further mark her feet.&mdash;<br />
+“The aid of Neptune well the maid perceiv'd,<br />
+“And joys that of herself herself is sought,<br />
+“Thus his enquiries answering;&mdash;Whom thou art<br />
+“I know not; studious bent, the deep alone,<br />
+“And care to drag my prey, my eyes employ.<br />
+“More to remove thy doubts, so may the god<br />
+“Who rules the ocean, aid my toiling art,<br />
+“As here I swear, no man upon this shore,<br />
+“Nor female, I excepted, has appear'd.<br />
+“These words the owner credits, and the sand<br />
+“Treads with returning steps; deluded goes,<br />
+“And as he goes, her former shape returns.<br />
+“Soon as this changing power the sire perceiv'd,<br />
+“The damsel oft he sold. Now she escapes<br />
+“Beneath a mare's resemblance: now a bird,<br />
+“An heifer now, and now a deer she seem'd.<br />
+“Her greedy parent's maw with food ill-gain'd<br />
+“Supplying. When at last his forceful plague<br />
+“Had every aid consum'd, and every aid<br />
+“Fresh food afforded to his fierce disease,<br />
+“Then he commenc'd with furious fangs to tear<br />
+“For nurture his own limbs; life to support,<br />
+“By what his body and his life destroy'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“But why on others' transformations dwell?<br />
+<a name="page_2_48"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;48]</span>
+“Myself, O youths! enjoy a power, my form<br />
+“To alter; not unlimited my range.<br />
+“Now in the shape at present I assume;<br />
+“Anon I writhe beneath a serpent's form;<br />
+“Or take the figure of a lordly bull,<br />
+“And wear my strength in horns, while horns I had:<br />
+“Disfigur'd now, my forehead's side laments<br />
+“One weapon ravish'd, as you well may see.�&mdash;<br />
+He spoke, and heavy sighs his words pursu'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_49"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;49]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter18"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Ninth Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Combat of Acheloüs and Hercules for Dejanira. Death of Nessus.
+Torments and death of Hercules. His deification. Story of the change
+of Galanthis to a weasel. Of Dryopè to a Lotus-tree. Iölaüs restored to
+youth. Murmuring of the Gods. The incestuous love of Byblis. Her
+transformation to a fountain. Story of Iphis and Iänthe.
+<a name="page_2_50"></a>
+<a name="page_2_51"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;51]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter19"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Ninth Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The son of Ægeus begs the cause to know<br />
+Whence spring those groans, and whence that wounded front?<br />
+And thus the stream of Calydon replies;&mdash;<br />
+(His uncomb'd locks with marshy reeds entwin'd).<br />
+“A mournful task, O, warrior! you impose;&mdash;<br />
+“For who, when vanquish'd, joys to tell the fight<br />
+“Where he was worsted? yet will I relate<br />
+“In order all: vanquish'd, the shame was small;<br />
+“The honor great, for such a prize to strive:<br />
+“And such a conqueror more the mind relieves.<br />
+“Has e'er the beauteous Dejanira's name<br />
+<a name="page_2_52"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;52]</span>
+“Reach'd to your ears? her charms the envy'd hope<br />
+“Of numerous wooers form'd; mine with the rest.<br />
+“As o'er the threshold of my wish'd-for sire<br />
+“I stepp'd, I hail'd him.&mdash;O, Parthaön's son,<br />
+“For thine accept me.&mdash;So Alcides spoke,<br />
+“And all the rest to our pretensions bow'd.<br />
+“Of Jove, his sire, he boasts; and all the fame<br />
+“His acts deserv'd; and stepdame's cruel laws<br />
+“Final completed. I (who shameful thought<br />
+“That gods should yield to mortals; then a god<br />
+“Alcides was not) thus his claim oppos'd:&mdash;<br />
+“A king of floods behold me; floods which roll<br />
+“With winding current through the land you sway;<br />
+“A son in me accept, no stranger sent<br />
+“From distant regions; of your country one,<br />
+“Part of your rule. Let it not hurt my claim,<br />
+“That Juno hates me not; that all the toil<br />
+“Of slavish orders I have ne'er perform'd.<br />
+“Alcmena was his mother, let him boast!<br />
+“Jove is a sire but feign'd, or if one true,<br />
+“Is criminally so. He claims a sire<br />
+“To prove his mother's infamy: then chuse&mdash;<br />
+“Say feign'd thy origin from Jove, or fruit<br />
+“Of intercourse adulterous, own thou art.&mdash;<br />
+“Me, speaking thus, with furious eyes he view'd,<br />
+“Nor rul'd his swelling rage, replying fierce;&mdash;<br />
+“More than my tongue I on my arm depend:<br />
+<a name="page_2_53"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;53]</span>
+“Whilst I in fighting gain the palm, be thou<br />
+“Victor in talking.&mdash;Furious on he rush'd.<br />
+“So proudly boasting, to submit I scorn'd;<br />
+“But stript my sea-green robe, my arms oppos'd,<br />
+“And held my firm-clench'd hands before my breast;<br />
+“For stout resistance every limb prepar'd,<br />
+“To meet the fight. He in his hollow palms<br />
+“The dust collecting, sprinkled me all o'er,<br />
+“And then the yellow sand upon me threw.<br />
+“Now on my neck he seizes; now he grasps<br />
+“My slippery thighs: but only thinks to hold,<br />
+“In every part assailing. Still secure<br />
+“In bulk I stand, and he assails in vain.<br />
+“Thus stands a rock, which waves with thundering roar<br />
+“Surround; it stands unhurt in all its strength.<br />
+“A little we recede, then rush again<br />
+“To join the war: stoutly our ground we hold,<br />
+“Steady resolv'd to yield not. Foot to foot<br />
+“Fixt firm: I prone press with my ample breast,<br />
+“And hand with hand, with forehead forehead joins.<br />
+“So have I seen two mighty bulls contend,<br />
+“When each the fairest heifer of the grove<br />
+“Expects the arduous struggle to reward:<br />
+“The herds behold and tremble, witless which<br />
+“The powerful contest shall successful gain.<br />
+“Thrice while I clasp'd him close, Alcides strove<br />
+“To throw me from his breast, in vain,&mdash;the fourth<br />
+<a name="page_2_54"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;54]</span>
+“He shook me from him, and my clasping arms<br />
+“Unloosing, instant turn'd me with his hand;<br />
+“(Truth must I speak,) and heavy on my back<br />
+“He hung. If credence may my words demand,<br />
+“Nor seek I fame through tales of false deceit,<br />
+“A mighty mountain on me seem'd to weigh:<br />
+“Scarce were my arms, with trickling sweat bedew'd,<br />
+“Loos'd from his grasp; scarce was my body freed<br />
+“From his hard gripe, when panting hard for breath,<br />
+“Ere I could strength regain, my throat he seiz'd.<br />
+“Then on the earth my knee was press'd; my mouth<br />
+“Then bit the sand. Inferior prov'd in strength,<br />
+“To arts I next betook me. Slipp'd his hands<br />
+“In form a long round serpent; while I roll'd<br />
+“In winding spires my body; while I shook<br />
+“My forked tongue with hisses dire, he laugh'd,<br />
+“And mock'd my arts; exclaiming,&mdash;snakes to kill<br />
+“I in my cradle knew; grant thou excel'st,<br />
+“O, Acheloüs! others far in size,<br />
+“What art thou mated with the Hydra's bulk?<br />
+“He fertile from his wounds, his hundred heads<br />
+“Ne'er felt diminish'd, for straightway his neck,<br />
+“With two successors, brav'd the stroke again:<br />
+“Yet him I vanquish'd with his branching heads<br />
+“From blood produc'd: from every loss more stout,<br />
+“Him prostrate I o'erthrew. What hope hast thou,<br />
+“In form fallacious, who with borrow'd arms<br />
+<a name="page_2_55"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;55]</span>
+“Now threaten'st? whom a form precarious hides?<br />
+“He said, and fast about my throat he squeez'd<br />
+“His nervous fingers; choaking, hard I strove,<br />
+“As pincer-like he press'd me, to unloose<br />
+“From his tight grasp my neck. Conquer'd in this,<br />
+“Still a third shape, the furious bull remain'd:<br />
+“Chang'd to a bull, again I wag'd the war.<br />
+“Around my brawny neck his arms he threw<br />
+“To left, and spite of every effort try'd<br />
+“To 'scape, he dragg'd me down; the solid earth<br />
+“Deep with my horn he pierc'd, and stretch'd me prone<br />
+“On the wide sand. Unsated yet his rage,<br />
+“His fierce hand seiz'd my stubborn horn, and broke<br />
+“From my maim'd front the weapon. Naiäd nymphs<br />
+“This consecrated, fill'd with fruits, and flowers<br />
+“Of odorous fragrance, and the horn is priz'd<br />
+“By Plenty's goddess as her favorite care.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He spoke, a nymph close-girt like Dian's train,<br />
+Her ample tresses o'er each shoulder spread,<br />
+Enter'd, supporting all of Autumn's fruit<br />
+In the rich horn, and mellowest apples came<br />
+The second course to grace. Now day appear'd:<br />
+The youths when light the loftiest summits touch'd<br />
+Of the high hills, departed; waiting not<br />
+Till the rough floods in peaceful channels flow'd;<br />
+The troubled currents smooth'd. Profound his head<br />
+<a name="page_2_56"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;56]</span>
+Of rustic semblance, Acheloüs hides<br />
+'Reft of his horn, beneath his deepest waves.<br />
+His forehead's honor lost sore gall'd him: all<br />
+Save that was perfect. Ev'n his forehead's loss<br />
+With willow boughs and marshy reeds was hid.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thou too, rash Nessus, through thy furious love,<br />
+Of the same virgin, thy destruction met;<br />
+Pierc'd through thy body with the feather'd dart!<br />
+Jove's son returning to his natal soil,<br />
+Companion'd by his new-made bride, approach'd<br />
+Evenus' rapid flood. Swol'n was the stream<br />
+With wintry showers as wont, and raging whirls<br />
+Unfordable proclaim'd it; him, himself<br />
+Fearless, yet anxious for his spouse's care,<br />
+Nessus approach'd, in strength of limbs secure,<br />
+And knowledge of the fords, and thus he spoke;<br />
+“Her, O Alcides! will I safely bear<br />
+“To yonder bank; thou all thy efforts use<br />
+“In swimming.� Straight the Theban hero gives<br />
+The pallid Calydonian to his care,<br />
+Shivering with dread; no less the centaur frights<br />
+Than the rough flood. The mighty warrior, prest<br />
+With his large quiver, and the lion's hide,<br />
+For on the bank opposing had he flung<br />
+His club and curved bow, exclaim'd&mdash;“the stream<br />
+“My arms will vanquish, soon as I essay.�&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page_2_57"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;57]</span>
+Nor dubious waits, but in the torrent leaps,<br />
+Not heeding where most tranquil flows the stream,<br />
+But stemming furious all its utmost rage.<br />
+Now had he reach'd the bank, now held again<br />
+The bow flung o'er, when loud his spouse's shrieks<br />
+Assail'd his ear. To Nessus, whom he saw<br />
+His trust about betraying, loud he cry'd;&mdash;<br />
+“What vain reliance on thy rapid speed<br />
+“Tempts thee to violence? O, double-shap'd!<br />
+“I speak, regard me,&mdash;to respect my rights,<br />
+“Should deference to me not move thee, think<br />
+“How whirls thy sire, and that thy rage may check<br />
+“For wishes unallow'd. Yet hope thou not<br />
+“With courser's speed to 'scape me: with my dart,<br />
+“Not feet, will I pursue thee.�&mdash;His last words<br />
+With deeds he guarantees, and through and through<br />
+The flying culprit felt the javelin driv'n;<br />
+Out through his breast the forked weapon stood:<br />
+Withdrawn, from either wound gush'd forth the gore,<br />
+Mixt with the venom of Lernæa's pest.<br />
+This be preserv'd.&mdash;“Nor will I unreveng'd<br />
+“Expire,�&mdash;he murmur'd faintly to himself;<br />
+And gave his raiment, in the warm blood dipt,<br />
+A present to the nymph whose spoil he sought;<br />
+To wake again her husband's dormant love.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Long was the intermediate time, the deeds,<br />
+<a name="page_2_58"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;58]</span>
+Of great Alcides, and his step-dame's hate,<br />
+Fill'd all the world meanwhile. Victor return'd<br />
+From out &OElig;chalia, when the promis'd rites,<br />
+To Jove Cænean, he prepar'd to pay,<br />
+Tattling report, who joys in falshood mixt<br />
+With circumstantial truth, and still the least<br />
+Swells with her lies, had in thine ears instill'd,<br />
+O Dejanira! that Alcmena's son,<br />
+With Iölé was smitten. Ardent love<br />
+Sway'd her belief, and terror-struck to hear<br />
+Of this new flame, she melted into tears;<br />
+With them her weeping grief first flow'd away:<br />
+But soon she bursted forth.&mdash;“Why weep I so?<br />
+“The harlot will but gladden in my tears!<br />
+“But ere she here arrives, it me behoves<br />
+“Each effort to employ, while time now serves,<br />
+“To hinder what he seeks; whilst yet my couch<br />
+“Another presses not. Shall I complain,<br />
+“Or rest in silence? Shall I Calydon<br />
+“Re-seek, or here remain? Shall I abscond<br />
+“His habitation, or, if nought else serves,<br />
+“Strenuous oppose him? Or if truly bent,<br />
+“O, Meleager! with a sister's pride,<br />
+“Thy wicked deeds t' outvie, a witness leave,<br />
+“The harlot's throat divided, what the rage<br />
+“Of woman may accomplish, when so wrong'd.�&mdash;<br />
+In whirls her agitated mind is toss'd;<br />
+<a name="page_2_59"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;59]</span>
+Determining last to send to him the robe,<br />
+In Nessus' blood imbu'd, and so restore<br />
+His waning love. Witless of what she sends,<br />
+Herself to Lychas' unsuspecting hands<br />
+The cause of future grief delivers. Wretch<br />
+Most pitiable! she, with warm-coaxing words,<br />
+Instructs the boy to bear her spouse the gift.<br />
+Th' unwitting warrior takes it, and straight clothes<br />
+His shoulders with Echidna's poisonous gore.<br />
+Incense he sprinkles in the primal flames<br />
+He kindles,&mdash;with the flames his prayers ascend.<br />
+As from the goblet he the vintage pours<br />
+On marble altars; hapless by the heat<br />
+The poison more was quicken'd; by the flame<br />
+Melted, it grew more potent; wide diffus'd,<br />
+Through all the limbs of Hercules it spread.<br />
+Still while he could, his fortitude, as wont<br />
+His groans suppress'd; at last his patience spent,<br />
+Fierce from the altar flinging, &OElig;té's mount<br />
+So woody, with his plaintive shrieks he fills,<br />
+And instant from his limbs the deadly robe<br />
+Essays to tear: that, where he strips, the skin,<br />
+Stript also, follows; dreadful to describe!<br />
+Or to his limbs, his utmost struggling vain,<br />
+It clings: or bare his lacerated joints<br />
+And huge bones stand. With hissing noise his blood<br />
+Burns, as when glowing iron in a pool<br />
+<a name="page_2_60"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;60]</span>
+Is dipp'd, so boils it with the venom fierce.<br />
+Nor hope of help remain'd, the greedy fires,<br />
+His utmost vitals waste; and purple sweat<br />
+Bedews his every limb; his scorch'd nerves crack;<br />
+And whilst his marrow, with the latent pest,<br />
+Runs fluid, high tow'rd heaven his arms he holds,<br />
+Exclaiming;&mdash;“now Saturnia, feast thy soul<br />
+“With my destruction; joy, O savage!&mdash;view<br />
+“From lofty heaven my tortures; satiate now<br />
+“Thy rancorous soul:&mdash;but if a foe may move<br />
+“Commiseration, (for thy foe I am)<br />
+“Take hence this life, grievous, through direful pains:<br />
+“Hateful to thee, and destin'd first for toils.<br />
+“Death now would be a boon; and such a boon<br />
+“A step-dame might confer. Have I for this,<br />
+“Busiris slain, who drench'd the temples deep<br />
+“With travellers' blood? For this Antæus robb'd<br />
+“Of nutriment parental? Did thy bulk,<br />
+“Of triple-form, swain of Iberia, fright?<br />
+“Or thou, three-headed Cerberus, me move?<br />
+“Wrought I for this in Elis? at the lake<br />
+“Of Stymphalis? and in Parthenian woods?<br />
+“Did not my valor seize the golden belt<br />
+“Of Thermodon's brave queen? the apples gain,<br />
+“Ill-guarded by th' unsleeping dragon's care?<br />
+“Could the fierce Centaur me resist? or could<br />
+“The mighty boar that laid Arcadia waste?<br />
+<a name="page_2_61"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;61]</span>
+“And what avail'd the Hydra, that he grew<br />
+“From every loss, in double strength reviv'd?<br />
+“How? Saw I not the Thracian coursers gorg'd<br />
+“With human gore! whose stalls with mangled limbs<br />
+“Crowded, I overthrew, and slew their lord<br />
+“On his slain coursers? Strangled by these hands<br />
+“Nemæa's monster lies. Heaven I upbore<br />
+“Upon these shoulders. The fierce wife of Jove<br />
+“Weary'd at length with bidding, I untir'd<br />
+“Still was of acting. But at length behold<br />
+“A new-found plague, which not the bravest soul,<br />
+“Nor arms, nor darts can aught resist. Fierce fire,<br />
+“Darts through my deepest inwards; all my limbs<br />
+“Greedy devouring. Yet Eurystheus lives!<br />
+“Still are there who the deities believe?�&mdash;<br />
+He said, and o'er high &OElig;té tortur'd rov'd<br />
+Like a mad tiger, when the hunter's dart<br />
+Stands in his body, and the wounder flies.<br />
+Oft would you see him groaning; storming oft;<br />
+Oft straining from his limbs again to fling<br />
+The vest; trees rooting up; against the hills<br />
+Fierce railing; next up to his father's skies<br />
+His arms extending. Lo! he Lychas spies,<br />
+Where trembling in a hollow rock he hides!<br />
+Then, all his fury in its utmost strength,<br />
+Raging, he cry'd;&mdash;“Thou, Lychas, thou supply'd<br />
+“This deadly gift. Thou art the author then<br />
+<a name="page_2_62"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;62]</span>
+“Of my destruction.�&mdash;Shuddering he, and pale,<br />
+In timid accents strove excuse to plead:<br />
+Speaking, and round his knees prepar'd to cling,<br />
+Alcides seiz'd him, with an engine's force<br />
+Whirl'd round and round, and hurl'd him in the waves,<br />
+Which by Eubæa roll. He, as he shot<br />
+Through air, was harden'd. As the falling showers<br />
+Concrete by freezing winds, whence snow is form'd:<br />
+As snows by rolling, their soft bodies join,<br />
+Conglomerating into solid hail:<br />
+So ancient times believ'd, the boy thus flung,<br />
+Through empty air, by strong Alcides' arm,<br />
+Bloodless through fear, and all his moisture drain'd,<br />
+Chang'd to a flinty rock. A rock e'en now<br />
+High in Eubæa's gulph exalts its head,<br />
+Which still of human form the marks retains.<br />
+Which, as though still of consciousness possess'd,<br />
+The sailors fear to tread, and Lychas call.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thou, Jove's renowned offspring, fell'd the trees<br />
+Which lofty &OElig;té bore, and built a pile:<br />
+Then bade the son of Pæan bear thy bow,<br />
+Thy mighty quiver, and thy darts, to view<br />
+Once more the realm of Troy; and through his aid<br />
+The flames were plac'd below, whose greedy spires<br />
+Seiz'd on the structure. On the woody top<br />
+Thou laid'st the hide Nemæan, and thy head,<br />
+<a name="page_2_63"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;63]</span>
+Supported with thy club, with brow serene<br />
+As though with garlands circled, at a feast<br />
+Thou laid'st, 'mid goblets fill'd with sparkling wine.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now the strong fires spread wide o'er every part,<br />
+Crackling, and seizing his regardless limbs,<br />
+Who them despis'd. The gods beheld with fear<br />
+The earth's avenger. Jove, who saw their care<br />
+With joyous countenance, thus the powers address'd:<br />
+“This fear, O deities! makes glad my heart;<br />
+“And lively pleasure swells in all my breast,<br />
+“That sire and sovereign o'er such grateful minds<br />
+“I hold my sway; since to my offspring too<br />
+“Your favoring care extends. No less, 'tis true,<br />
+“His deeds stupendous claim. Still I'm oblig'd.<br />
+“But from your anxious breasts banish vain fear;<br />
+“Despise those flames of &OElig;té; he who all<br />
+“O'ercame, shall conquer even the flames you see:<br />
+“Nor shall the power of Vulcan ought consume,<br />
+“Save his maternal part: what he deriv'd<br />
+“From me, is ever-during; safe from death;<br />
+“And never vanquish'd by the force of fire.<br />
+“That we'll receive, his earthly race compleat,<br />
+“Amidst the heavenly host; and all I trust<br />
+“My actions gladly will approve. Should one<br />
+“Haply, with grief see Hercules a god,<br />
+“And grudge the high reward; ev'n he shall grant<br />
+<a name="page_2_64"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;64]</span>
+“His great deserts demand it; and allow<br />
+“Unwilling approbation.� All assent;<br />
+Not even his royal spouse's forehead wore,<br />
+A frown at ought he said; his final words<br />
+Irk'd her at length, to be so plainly mark'd.<br />
+Vulcan meantime each corruptible part<br />
+Bore off in flames, nor could Alcides' form<br />
+Remaining, now be known; nought he retain'd<br />
+Of what his mother gave; Jove's share alone.<br />
+A serpent revels thus in glittering scales,<br />
+His age and former skin thrown off at once.<br />
+So when Tirynthius from his mortal limbs<br />
+Departed, in his better part he shone,<br />
+Increas'd in stature; and majestic grace<br />
+Augustly deck'd his venerable brow.<br />
+Veil'd in a hollow cloud, and borne along<br />
+By four swift steeds, in a high car, the sire<br />
+Him plac'd in glory 'mid the radiant stars.<br />
+Atlas perceiv'd his load increas'd. Nor yet<br />
+Eurystheus 'bated in his rancorous hate,<br />
+But cruel exercis'd his savage rage,<br />
+Against the offspring of the sire abhorr'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But now Alcmena, worn with constant cares,<br />
+In Argolis, to Iölé confides<br />
+Her aged plaints, to her the labors tells<br />
+Her son atchiev'd, o'er all the wide world known;<br />
+<a name="page_2_65"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;65]</span>
+And her own griefs beside. Alcides' words<br />
+Caus'd Hyllus to his couch to take, and take<br />
+Iölé, cordial to his inmost heart:<br />
+And now with generous fruit, the nymph was large.<br />
+Alcmena, thus to her commenc'd her tale.&mdash;<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“May thee, at least, the favoring gods indulge;<br />
+“And all delay diminish, when matur'd,<br />
+“Thou to Ilithyiä shalt have need to call,<br />
+“Who o'er travailing mothers bears the rule;<br />
+“Whom Juno's influence made so hard to me.<br />
+“Of Hercules toil-bearing, now the birth,<br />
+“Approach'd, and in the tenth sign rul'd the sun.<br />
+“A mighty bulk swell'd out my womb, so huge,<br />
+“Well might you know that Jove the load had caus'd:<br />
+“Nor could I longer bear my throes (my limbs<br />
+“Cold rigors seize, while now I speak; my pains<br />
+“Part ev'n in memory now I seem to feel)<br />
+“Through seven long nights, and seven long days with pangs<br />
+“Incessant was I rack'd: my arms to heaven<br />
+“Stretching, I call'd Lucina, and the powers,<br />
+“With outcries mighty. True Lucina came,<br />
+“But came by Juno prepossest, and bent<br />
+“My life to sacrifice to Juno's rage.<br />
+“Soon as my groans she hearken'd, down she sate<br />
+“Upon the altar, plac'd without the gates:<br />
+“'Neath her right ham, her left knee pressing; join'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_66"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;66]</span>
+“Fingers with fingers cross'd upon her breast<br />
+“My labor stay'd; and spellful words she spoke<br />
+“In whispering tone; the spellful words delay'd<br />
+“Th' approaching birth. I strain, and madly rave<br />
+“With vain upbraidings to ungrateful Jove,<br />
+“And crave for death; in such expressions 'plain<br />
+“As hardest flints might move. The Theban dames<br />
+“Around me throng; assist me with their prayers;<br />
+“And me my trying pains exhort to bear.<br />
+“Galanthis, one who tended me, of race<br />
+“Plebeïan; yellow-hair'd; and sedulous<br />
+“What order'd to perform; and much esteem'd<br />
+“For courteous deeds;&mdash;she first suspected, (what,<br />
+“I know not) somewhat, form'd by Juno's pique:<br />
+“And while she constant pass'd; now to, now fro,<br />
+“She saw the goddess on the altar sit,<br />
+“Girding her arms, with close-knit fingers o'er<br />
+“Her knees, and said;&mdash;O dame, whoe'er thou art,<br />
+“Our mistress gratulate. Alcmena now<br />
+“Argolican, is lighten'd. Now the prayers<br />
+“Of the child-bearer meet her hopes.&mdash;The dame<br />
+“Who rules the womb, straight from her station leap'd,<br />
+“And all astounded, her clench'd fingers loos'd:<br />
+“I in that moment felt my bonds undone.<br />
+“Galanthis, they report, the goddess mock'd<br />
+“Thus cheated, by her laughter. Savage, she<br />
+“Dragg'd her so laughing, by the tresses seiz'd,<br />
+<a name="page_2_67"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;67]</span>
+“And forc'd her down to earth, as up she strove<br />
+“Erect to rise; and to forefeet her arms<br />
+“Transform'd. The same agility remains;<br />
+“Her back its colour keeps; her form alone<br />
+“Is diverse. She, 'cause then her lying mouth<br />
+“My birth assisted, by her mouth still bears:<br />
+“And round my house she harbors as before.�&mdash;<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She said, and by the memory mov'd, she mourn'd<br />
+For her lost servant, whom, lamenting, thus<br />
+Her child-in-law address'd.&mdash;“If then the form<br />
+“Alter'd, of one an alien to your blood,<br />
+“O mother! thus affects you, let me tell<br />
+“The wond'rous fortune which my sister met:<br />
+“Though grief and tears will frequent choke my words.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Her mother, Dryopé alone could boast,<br />
+“(Me to my sire another bore) her charms<br />
+“&OElig;thalia all confess'd; whom (rifled first<br />
+“Of virgin charms, when passively she felt<br />
+“His force, who Delphos, and who Delos rules)<br />
+“Andræmon took, and held a happy spouse.<br />
+“A lake expands with steep and shelving shores<br />
+“Encompass'd; myrtles crown the rising bank.<br />
+“Here Dryopé, of fate unconscious came,<br />
+“And what must more commiseration move,<br />
+“Came to weave chaplets for the Naïad nymphs;<br />
+<a name="page_2_68"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;68]</span>
+“Her arms sustain'd her boy, a pleasing load,<br />
+“His first year scarce complete, as with warm milk<br />
+“She nourish'd him. The watery Lotus there,<br />
+“For promis'd fruit in Tyrian splendor bright,<br />
+“Grew flowering near. The flowers my sister cropp'd,<br />
+“And held them to delight her boy; and I,<br />
+“(For there I stood,) the same prepar'd to do;<br />
+“But from the flowers red flowing drops I saw,<br />
+“And all the boughs with tremulous shuddering shook.<br />
+“Doubtless it is, (but far too late we learn'd<br />
+“By the rough swains,) nymph Lotis, when she fled<br />
+“From Priapus obscene, her shape transform'd<br />
+“Into this tree which still retains her name.<br />
+“My sister witless of this change, in fright<br />
+“Would back retreat, and leave the nymphs ador'd,<br />
+“But roots her feet retain: these from the ground<br />
+“She strains to rend; but save her upper limbs<br />
+“Nought can she move; a tender bark grows o'er<br />
+“The lower parts, and her mid limbs invades.<br />
+“This seeing, and her locks to rend away<br />
+“Attempting; her rais'd hand with leaves was fill'd.<br />
+“Leaves cover'd all her head. Amphyssus found,<br />
+“(His grandsire had the child Amphyssus nam'd)<br />
+“His mother's breasts grow hard; nor when he suck'd<br />
+“Lacteal fluid gain'd he. I there stood,<br />
+“Of her sad fate spectator: loud I cry'd&mdash;<br />
+“But, O my sister! aid I could not bring;<br />
+<a name="page_2_69"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;69]</span>
+“Yet what I could I urg'd; the growing trunk,<br />
+“And growing boughs, my close embraces staid:<br />
+“In the same bark I glad had been enclos'd.<br />
+“Lo! come her spouse Andræmon, and her sire<br />
+“So wretched; and for Dryopé they seek:<br />
+“A Lotus, as for Dryopé they ask,<br />
+“I shew them; to the yet warm wood salutes<br />
+“Ardent they give; and prostrate spread, the roots<br />
+“They clasp of their own tree. Now, sister dear!<br />
+“Nought save thy face but what a tree becomes.<br />
+“Thy tears, the leaves thy body form'd, bedew.<br />
+“And now, whilst able, while her mouth yet gives<br />
+“To words a passage, such like plaints as these<br />
+“She breathes;&mdash;If faith th' unhappy e'er can claim,<br />
+“I swear by all the deities, this deed<br />
+“I never merited: without a crime<br />
+“My punishment I suffer. Innocent<br />
+“My life has been. If I deceive, may drought<br />
+“Parch those new leaves; and, by the hatchet fell'd,<br />
+“May fire consume me. Yet this infant bear<br />
+“From those maternal branches; to a nurse<br />
+“Transfer him; but contrive that oft he comes<br />
+“And 'neath my boughs let him his milk imbibe;<br />
+“And 'neath my boughs sport playful. When with words<br />
+“Able to hail me, let him me salute,<br />
+“And sorrowing say;&mdash;Within that trunk lies hid<br />
+“My mother&mdash;But the lakes, O! let him dread,<br />
+<a name="page_2_70"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;70]</span>
+“Nor dare from any tree to snatch a flower;<br />
+“But think each shrub he sees a god contains.<br />
+“Adieu! dear husband; sister dear, adieu!<br />
+“Father, farewel! if pious cares you feel,<br />
+“From the sharp axe defend my boughs, and from<br />
+“The browsing flocks. And now, as fate denies<br />
+“To lean my arms to yours,&mdash;your arms advance;<br />
+“Approach my lips, whilst you my lips may touch:<br />
+“And to them lift my infant boy. More words<br />
+“I may not;&mdash;now the tender bark my neck,<br />
+“So white, invades; my utmost summit hid.<br />
+“Move from my lids your fingers, for the bark,<br />
+“So rapid growing, will my dying eyes<br />
+“Without assistance close.&mdash;Her lips to speak<br />
+“Cease, and existence ceases: the fresh boughs<br />
+“Long in the alter'd body warm were felt.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While Iölé the mournful fact relates;<br />
+And while Alcmena, from Eurytus' maid,<br />
+With ready fingers dry'd the tears; herself<br />
+Still weeping, lo! a novel deed assuag'd<br />
+Their grief&mdash;for Iölaüs, scarcely youth,<br />
+His cheeks with tender down just cover'd, stands<br />
+Within the porch; to early years restor'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Junonian Hebé, by her husband's prayers<br />
+O'ercome, to Iölaüs gave the boon.<br />
+<a name="page_2_71"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;71]</span>
+Who, when to vow she went, that future times<br />
+Should none such gift enjoying, e'er perceive,<br />
+Was check'd by Themis. “Now all Thebes,�&mdash;she said,<br />
+“Discordant warfare moves. Through Jove alone<br />
+“Capaneus can be conquer'd. Mutual wounds<br />
+“Shall slay the brothers. In the yawning earth<br />
+“A living prophet his own tomb shall see.<br />
+“A son avenger of his parent's death<br />
+“Upon his parent: impious for the deed,<br />
+“At once, and pious: at the action stunn'd,<br />
+“Exil'd from home, and from his senses driv'n,<br />
+“The furies' faces, and his mother's shade<br />
+“Shall haunt him; till his wife the fatal gold<br />
+“Shall ask: and till the Phegian sword shall pierce<br />
+“Their kinsman's side. Callirhoë then, the nymph<br />
+“From Acheloüs sprung, suppliant shall seek<br />
+“From Jove, her infants years mature may gain.<br />
+“Mov'd by her prayers, Jove will from thee demand,<br />
+“Son's spouse, and daughter of his wife, the boon<br />
+“And unripe men thou'lt make the youths become.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While Themis thus, with fate-foretelling lips,<br />
+This spoke; the gods in murmuring grudgings mourn'd,<br />
+Angry why others might not grant the gift.<br />
+Aurora mourn'd her husband's aged years:<br />
+Mild Ceres 'plain'd that Jason's hairs were white:<br />
+Vulcan, for Erichthonius pray'd an age<br />
+<a name="page_2_72"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;72]</span>
+Renew'd. E'en Venus future cares employ'd,<br />
+Anxious for promise that Anchises' years<br />
+Replenishment might find: And every god<br />
+Had whom he lov'd; and dark sedition grew<br />
+From special favor; till the mighty sire<br />
+The silence broke.&mdash;“If reverence I may claim,<br />
+“Where rashly rush ye? Which of you the power,<br />
+“Fate to control, possesses? Fate it was<br />
+“Gave Iölaüs youth restor'd again:<br />
+“By Fate Callirhoë's sons ere long shall spring<br />
+“To manhood, prematurely; nor can arms<br />
+“Nor yet ambition gain this gift. With souls<br />
+“More tranquil bear this; since you see the fates<br />
+“Me also rule. Could I the fates once change,<br />
+“Old age should never bend Æäcus down;<br />
+“And Rhadamanthus had perpetual spring<br />
+“Of youth enjoy'd, with Minos, now despis'd<br />
+“Through load of bitter years, nor reigns as wont.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jove's words the deities all mov'd; not one<br />
+Longer complain'd, when heavy press'd with years<br />
+They Æäcus, and Rhadamanthus saw;<br />
+And Minos: who, when in his prime of age,<br />
+Made mightiest nations tremble at his name.<br />
+He, feeble then, at Deïoné's son<br />
+Miletus, trembled, who with youthful strength,<br />
+And Ph&oelig;bus' origin proud swol'n, and known<br />
+<a name="page_2_73"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;73]</span>
+About to rise against his rule:&mdash;yet him<br />
+He dar'd not from his household roof to drive.<br />
+But thou, Miletus, fled'st spontaneous, thou<br />
+Th' Ægean waves in thy swift ship didst pass,<br />
+And on the Asian land the walls didst found<br />
+Which bear the builder's name. Cyancë here,<br />
+Mæander's daughter, whose recurving banks<br />
+She often trode: (whose stream itself reseeks<br />
+So oft) in beauteous form, by thee was known,<br />
+And, claspt by thee, a double offspring came,<br />
+Byblis and Caunus, from the warm embrace.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Let Byblis warn, that nymphs should ne'er indulge<br />
+Illicit warmth. Her brother Byblis lov'd;<br />
+Not as she ought; not with a sister's soul.<br />
+No fires at first the maid suspected; nought<br />
+Of sin: the thought that oft her lips to his<br />
+She wish'd to join, and clasp her arms around<br />
+His neck fraternal, long herself deceiv'd,<br />
+Beneath the semblance of a duteous love.<br />
+Love gradual bends to him her soul; she comes<br />
+Fully adorn'd to see him, anxious pants<br />
+Beauteous to seem; if one more beauteous there<br />
+She sees, invidious she that face beholds.<br />
+Still to herself unconscious was her love:<br />
+No wish she form'd beneath that burning flame,<br />
+Yet all within was fire. She call'd him lord,<br />
+<a name="page_2_74"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;74]</span>
+Now kindred's name detesting; anxious more,<br />
+Byblis, than sister he should call her still.<br />
+Yet waking, ne'er her soul durst entertain<br />
+Lascivious wishes. When relax'd in sleep,<br />
+Then the lov'd object oft her fancy saw;<br />
+Oft seem'd her bosom to his bosom join'd:<br />
+Yet blush'd she, tranc'd in sleep. Her slumbers fly,<br />
+She lies awhile in silence, and revolves<br />
+Her dream: and thus in doubting accents speaks;<br />
+“Ah, wretch! what means this dream of silent night,<br />
+“Which yet I oft would wish? Why have I known<br />
+“This vision? Envy's eyes must own him fair,<br />
+“And but his sister am I, all my love<br />
+“He might possess; worthy of all my love.<br />
+“A sister's claim then hurts me! O! at least<br />
+“(While tempted thus I wakeful nought commit)<br />
+“Let sleep oft visit with such luscious dreams:<br />
+“No witness sees my sleeping joys; my joys,<br />
+“Though sleeping, yet are sweet. O, Venus! O,<br />
+“Thou feather'd Cupid, with thy tender dame!<br />
+“What transports I enjoy'd! what true delight<br />
+“Me thrill'd! how lay I, all my soul dissolv'd!<br />
+“How joys it me to trace in mind again<br />
+“The pleasure though so brief: for flying night<br />
+“Invidious check'd enjoyment in the bud.<br />
+“O Caunus! that an alter'd name might join<br />
+“Us closely; that thy sire a sire-in-law<br />
+<a name="page_2_75"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;75]</span>
+“To me might be: O, Caunus, how I'd joy<br />
+“Wert thou not son, but son-in-law to mine.<br />
+“Would that the gods had all in common given,<br />
+“Save parents only. Thou in lofty birth<br />
+“I would should me excel. O beauteous youth!<br />
+“A mother whom thou'lt make I know not; I<br />
+“Ne'er can thee know but with a sister's love:<br />
+“Parents the same as thine my hapless lot.<br />
+“All that I have, me only pains the more.<br />
+“What are to me my visions? Weight have dreams?<br />
+“How much more happy are th' immortal gods!<br />
+“The gods embrace their sisters. Saturn clasps<br />
+“Ops, join'd to him by blood; Ocean enjoys<br />
+“His sister Tethys; and Olympus' king<br />
+“His Juno. Gods peculiar laws possess.<br />
+“Why seek I then celestial rites to bring<br />
+“Diverse, with human ord'nance to compare?<br />
+“Forbidden love shall from my breast be driv'n,<br />
+“Or that impossible, may death me seize<br />
+“Instant, and cold upon my couch outstretch'd,<br />
+“My brother then may kiss me as I lie.<br />
+“Yet still my wish double consent requires.<br />
+“Grant I should yield, still might the deed to him<br />
+“Seem execrable. Yet th' Æolian youth<br />
+“A sister's nuptial couch ne'er dreaded. Why,<br />
+“O, why! on this so dwell? Why thus recal<br />
+“Examples to my view? Where am I borne?<br />
+<a name="page_2_76"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;76]</span>
+“Hence, flames obscene! hence far! a sister's love,<br />
+“And that alone my brother shall enjoy.<br />
+“But had his soul first burn'd for me, perchance<br />
+“I had indulg'd his passion. Surely then<br />
+“I may demand, who would not, ask'd, refuse.<br />
+“What couldst thou speak? Couldst thou confess thy flame?<br />
+“Love forces, and I can. If shame my lips<br />
+“Close binds; yet secret letters may disclose<br />
+“The hidden flame.�&mdash;With this idea pleas'd,<br />
+These words her hesitating mind resolv'd,<br />
+Rais'd on her side, supported by her arm.&mdash;<br />
+“He shall�&mdash;she said&mdash;“now know it; all my love<br />
+“Preposterous confess'd. Alas! what depth<br />
+“Now rush I to? What fire has seiz'd my soul?�&mdash;<br />
+And then with tremulous hand the words compos'd.<br />
+Her right hand grasps the style, the left sustains<br />
+The waxen tablet smooth; and then begins.<br />
+She doubts; she writes; condemns what now she wrote;<br />
+Corrects; erases; alters; now dislikes;<br />
+And now approves. Now throws the tablet by,<br />
+Then seizes it again. Irres'lute what<br />
+She would; whate'er is done displeases, all.<br />
+Shame and audacious boldness in her face<br />
+Are mingled. Sister, once her hand had wrote,<br />
+But sister, soon as seen, her hand eras'd;<br />
+And her fair tablet bore such words as these.&mdash;<br />
+“To thee, a lover salutation sends,<br />
+<a name="page_2_77"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;77]</span>
+“And health, which only thou to her canst give:<br />
+“Asham'd, she blushes to disclose her name.<br />
+“For should I press to gain my wish'd desire,<br />
+“Without my name, my cause I trust would find<br />
+“Successful aid. Let Byblis not be known<br />
+“Till certain hopes of bliss her mind shall cheer.<br />
+“Yet faded color, leanness, and pale face,<br />
+“With constant dripping eye, and rising sobs<br />
+“Shew my unhidden grief. Well might these prove<br />
+“To thee an index of a wounded heart.<br />
+“My constant clasping, numerous fond salutes,<br />
+“If e'er thou'st mark'd, thou well might have perceiv'd<br />
+“Not sister-like embracings. In my soul<br />
+“Though this deep wound I bear; though in my breast<br />
+“This fire consuming burns, yet strive I all,<br />
+“(Witness, ye gods! my truth) all to suppress,<br />
+“And act with wiser conduct: hapless war<br />
+“Long have I wag'd 'gainst Cupid's furious rule<br />
+“More pressure have I borne, than what a maid<br />
+“Could e'er be thought to bear. At length o'ercome,<br />
+“And forc'd to yield, thy help I must implore<br />
+“With trembling voice: thou only canst preserve,<br />
+“Thou only canst the loving nymph destroy.<br />
+“With thee the choice remains. No foe thus sues,<br />
+“But one by nearest ties to thee conjoin'd,<br />
+“Pants to be join'd more nearly; link'd to thee<br />
+“With closest bands. Let aged seniors learn<br />
+<a name="page_2_78"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;78]</span>
+“Our laws, and seek what moral codes permit.<br />
+“What is permitted, and what is deny'd,<br />
+“Let them enquire, and closely search the laws:<br />
+“A bolder love more suits our growing years.<br />
+“As yet we know not what the laws allow;<br />
+“And judge for all things we free leave enjoy;<br />
+“Th' example following of the mighty gods.<br />
+“Nor parent stern, nor strict regard for fame,<br />
+“Nor timid thoughts should check us; absent all<br />
+“Should be each cause of fear. The dear sweet theft<br />
+“Beneath fraternal love may be conceal'd;<br />
+“With thee in secret converse I may speak,<br />
+“Embrace thee, kiss thee in the open crowd;<br />
+“How little then remains! Pity, forgive,<br />
+“The declaration of this love, ne'er told<br />
+“Had raging fire not urg'd it, nor allow<br />
+“Upon my tomb this cause of death to stand.&mdash;�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here the fill'd tablet check'd her hand, in vain<br />
+Thus writing, at the utmost edge the lines,<br />
+But stay'd. Her crime straightway she firmly press'd,<br />
+With her carv'd gem, and moisten'd it with tears:<br />
+Her tears of utterance robb'd her. Bashful then<br />
+She call'd a page, and blandishing in fear<br />
+Exclaim'd.&mdash;“Thou faithful boy, this billet bear&mdash;�<br />
+And hesitated long ere more she said,<br />
+Ere&mdash;“to my brother, bear it.�&mdash;As she gave<br />
+<a name="page_2_79"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;79]</span>
+The tablet, from her trembling hand it fell;<br />
+The omen deep disturb'd her. Yet she sent.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A chosen hour the servant sought, went forth<br />
+And gave the secret message. Sudden rage<br />
+me youth Mæandrian petrify'd; and down<br />
+The half-read lines upon the ground he flung.<br />
+His hand scarce holding from the trembling face<br />
+Of the pale messenger. “Quick, fly!� he cry'd,<br />
+“Thou wicked pander of forbidden lust!<br />
+“Fly while thou may'st; and know, had not thy fate<br />
+“Involv'd our modest name, death hadst thou found.&mdash;�<br />
+He terrify'd escapes, and backward bears,<br />
+To his young mistress all fierce Caunus spoke.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pale, thou, O Byblis! heardst the rough repulse;<br />
+Thy breast with frigid chills beset. But soon<br />
+Her spirits rally, and her furious love<br />
+Returns: scarce to the trembling air her tongue<br />
+Can utterance give in these indignant words;&mdash;<br />
+“Deserv'dly mourn I, who so rashly gave<br />
+“Him of my wounds the conscious tale to learn.<br />
+“Why trust so soon to words, what still might hid<br />
+“Remain, on tablets hastily compos'd?<br />
+“Why were not first the wishes of my soul<br />
+“Try'd in ambiguous hints? First, sure I ought<br />
+“Whence the wind blew have mark'd; nor loos'd my sails,<br />
+<a name="page_2_80"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;80]</span>
+“Him flying, to pursue, and the wide main<br />
+“In all directions plough: now bellies out<br />
+“My canvas; not a single course explor'd.<br />
+“Hence am I borne against the rocks; hence 'whelm'd<br />
+“In the wide depth of ocean; nor my sails<br />
+“Know I to tack returning. Did not heaven<br />
+“Check the indulgence of my love, by marks<br />
+“Obvious to all? when from my hand down dropp'd<br />
+“The tablet, which the boy was bade to bear.<br />
+“Mark'd that my falling hopes not? More deferr'd<br />
+“Thy wishes, or the day should sure have been;<br />
+“Surely the day. For heaven itself me warn'd,<br />
+“And certain signs me gave; but those my mind<br />
+“Stupid neglected. Personal my words<br />
+“Should I have urg'd, nor trusted to the wax.<br />
+“In person should my love have been display'd.<br />
+“Then had my tears been seen; then had he view'd<br />
+“My raptur'd countenance; then had I spoke<br />
+“Far more than power of letters can convey.<br />
+“My arms around his neck I then had thrown<br />
+“Howe'er unwilling; and, had he been coy,<br />
+“In dying posture I his feet had clasp'd;<br />
+“And stretch'd before him life demanding, all<br />
+“Had I achiev'd. Perchance though, by the boy,<br />
+“My messenger commission'd, I have fail'd:<br />
+“Aptly perhaps he enter'd not; perhaps,<br />
+“And much I fear, improper hours he chose;<br />
+<a name="page_2_81"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;81]</span>
+“Nor sought a vacant time, when nought his mind<br />
+“Disturb'd. This has, alas! my hopes destroy'd:<br />
+“For from a tiger Caunus sprung not; round<br />
+“His heart not solid steel, nor rigid flint,<br />
+“Nor adamant is girt; nor has he suck'd<br />
+“The lioness's milk. He shall be bent,<br />
+“And gain'd his heart shall be; nor will I brook<br />
+“The smallest bar to what I undertake,<br />
+“While now this spirit holds. My primal wish<br />
+“(If it were given I might revoke my deeds)<br />
+“Is, I had ne'er commenc'd: my second now<br />
+“Is, that I persevere in what's begun.<br />
+“For should I now my wishes not pursue,<br />
+“Still must he of those daring wishes think;<br />
+“And should I now desist, well might he judge<br />
+“Form'd lightly my desires: or plann'd to try<br />
+“His virtue, and involve in snares his fame:<br />
+“Or, (dreadful!) think me not by love o'ercome,<br />
+“(Who burns and rages fiercely in my breast)<br />
+“But by hot lust. For now conceal'd no more<br />
+“My guilty act can be; I've written once,<br />
+“Once have I ask'd; corrupted all my soul.<br />
+“Should further no depravity ensue,<br />
+“Guilty I must be call'd. What more remains,<br />
+“In crime is little, but in hope immense.�&mdash;<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She said, and such the wavering of her breast,<br />
+<a name="page_2_82"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;82]</span>
+That, whilst the trial grieves her which she made,<br />
+Farther to try she wishes; every bound<br />
+O'erpassing; and, with luckless fate, her suit<br />
+Still meets repulsion. He, when endless seem'd<br />
+Her pressing, fled his country, and the crime;<br />
+And in a foreign region rais'd new walls.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then, daughter of Miletus, they report,<br />
+Forsook thee all thy senses; then in truth<br />
+Thou rent thy garments from thy breast; thy breast<br />
+Thy furious hands hard smote. Now to the world<br />
+Madly she raves; now to the world displays<br />
+Her wish'd-for love, deny'd: all hope&mdash;despair!<br />
+She too forsook her country, and the roof<br />
+So hated; and the vagrant steps pursu'd<br />
+Her flying brother trode. As Thracia's dames<br />
+O, son of Semelé! thy Thyrsus shake<br />
+When celebrating thy triennial rites,<br />
+So did the Carian matrons, Byblis see<br />
+Fly o'er the wide-spread fields, with shrieks and howls:<br />
+These left behind, o'er Caria's plains she runs,<br />
+And through the warlike Leleges, and through<br />
+The Lycian realms. Now Cragos had she left,<br />
+And Lymiré, and Xanthus' waves behind;<br />
+With the high ridge Chimæra lifts, who burns<br />
+Central with flames; his breast and front fierce arm'd<br />
+A lion&mdash;tow'rd his tail a serpent form'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_83"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;83]</span>
+Now all the forests past; thou Byblis, faint<br />
+With long pursuit, fall'st flat; on the hard ground<br />
+Thy locks are spread; dumb now thou ly'st; thy face<br />
+Presses the fallen leaves. Oft in their arms<br />
+So delicate, the Lelegeïan nymphs<br />
+To raise thee up attempted. Oft they strove<br />
+To give advice that might thy love control,<br />
+And offer solace to thy deafen'd ear.<br />
+Still silent Byblis lies; and with her nails<br />
+Rends the green herbage; moistens all the grass<br />
+With rivulets of tears. And here, they say,<br />
+The Naiäd nymphs their bubbling art supply'd.<br />
+Ne'er drought to know: more to afford, their power<br />
+Sure could not. Straightway, as the pitchy drops<br />
+Flow from the fir's cleft bark; from solid earth<br />
+As stiff bitumen oozes; or as streams,<br />
+By cold congeal'd, thaw with the southern wind<br />
+And warming sun: Ph&oelig;bean Byblis so<br />
+By her own tears exhausted, was transform'd,<br />
+A fount becoming; which still in that vale,<br />
+'Neath a dark ilex springing, keeps her name.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now had the rumor of this wond'rous change<br />
+Spread rapid through the hundred towns of Crete,<br />
+But Crete had lately seen a wond'rous change<br />
+In her own clime, in Iphis' alter'd form.<br />
+There in the Phestian land, near Gnossus' realm<br />
+<a name="page_2_84"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;84]</span>
+Was Lygdus born: a man of unknown fame,<br />
+But a plebeïan of unblemish'd worth:<br />
+Nor had he, more than noble stock, estate;<br />
+Yet unimpeach'd for honesty his life.<br />
+He thus the ears of his then pregnant spouse<br />
+Address'd, when near her bearing time approach'd:&mdash;<br />
+“Two things my wishes bound; first that thy pains<br />
+“May lightly press, next that a male thou bring'st:<br />
+“More burdensome are females; strength to them<br />
+“Nature denies. Then if by fate ordain'd<br />
+“To give a female birth, which I detest,<br />
+“Unwilling I command,&mdash;O piety!<br />
+“Excuse it,&mdash;let the babe to death be given.�&mdash;<br />
+He said, and tears profuse the cheeks bedew<br />
+Of him who bade, and her who heard his words.<br />
+Still Telethusa to the latest hour,<br />
+With vain petitions strives her spouse to move,<br />
+That thus he should not straighten so his hopes.<br />
+Firm to his purpose Lygdus stood. And now<br />
+Scarce could the heavy weight her womb sustain;<br />
+When in the silent space of night, in sleep<br />
+Entranc'd; or Isis stood before her bed,<br />
+Or seem'd to stand; surrounded by the pomp<br />
+To her belonging. On her forehead shone<br />
+The lunar horns, and yellow wheat them bound<br />
+In golden radiance, with a regal crown.<br />
+With her Anubis, barker came; and came<br />
+<a name="page_2_85"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;85]</span>
+Bubastis holy; Apis various-mark'd;<br />
+He who the voice suppresses, and directs<br />
+To silence with his finger; timbrels loud;<br />
+Osiris never sought enough; and snakes<br />
+Of foreign lands full of somniferous gall.<br />
+To her the goddess thus, as rais'd from sleep<br />
+She seem'd, and manifest each object stood:&mdash;<br />
+“O vot'ry, Telethusa! fling aside<br />
+“Thy weighty cares; thy husband's mandates cheat;<br />
+“Nor waver, when Lucina helps thy pains:<br />
+“Save it whate'er it be. A goddess I,<br />
+“Assisting, still give aid when rightly claim'd:<br />
+“Nor will it e'er thee grieve to have ador'd<br />
+“An ingrate goddess.�&mdash;Thus as she advis'd,<br />
+She vanish'd from the bed. The Cretan dame<br />
+Rose from the couch o'erjoy'd; and raising high<br />
+To heaven her guiltless hands, pray'd that her dream<br />
+On truth was founded. Now her pains increas'd;<br />
+And now her burthen forc'd itself to air:<br />
+A daughter came, but to the sire unknown.<br />
+The mother bade them rear it as a boy,<br />
+And all a boy believ'd it; none the truth,<br />
+The nurse excepted, knew. Glad prayers the sire<br />
+Offers, and from its grandsire is it nam'd:<br />
+(Iphis, the grandsire's appellation.) Joy'd<br />
+The mother hears the name, which either sex<br />
+May claim; and none, in that at least, deceiv'd;<br />
+<a name="page_2_86"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;86]</span>
+The lie lay hid beneath a pious fraud.<br />
+The robes were masculine, the face was such<br />
+As beauteous boy, or beauteous girl might own.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And now three annual suns the tenth had pass'd,<br />
+Thy father, Iphis, had to thee betroth'd<br />
+Iänthé, yellow-hair'd; nymph most admir'd<br />
+'Mongst all the Phestians, for her beauteous charms:<br />
+Telestes of Dictæa was her sire.<br />
+Equal in age, and equal in fair form;<br />
+The self-same masters taught the early arts,<br />
+Suiting their years. Their unsuspecting minds<br />
+Were both by love thus touch'd, in both was fix'd<br />
+An equal wound: but far unlike their hopes.<br />
+Iänthé, for a spouse impatient looks,<br />
+With nuptial torches. Whom a man she thinks,<br />
+That spouse she hopes will be. Iphis too loves,<br />
+Despairing what she loves e'er to enjoy:<br />
+This still the more her love augments, and burns<br />
+A virgin for a virgin. Scarce from tears<br />
+Refraining;&mdash;“What,�&mdash;she cries,&mdash;“for me remains?<br />
+“What will the issue be? What cure for this<br />
+“New love, unknown to all, who prodigies<br />
+“Possess in this desire? If the high gods<br />
+“Me wish to spare, straight should they me destroy.<br />
+“Yet would they me destroy, they should have given<br />
+“A curse more natural; a more usual fate.<br />
+<a name="page_2_87"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;87]</span>
+“Love for an heifer ne'er an heifer moves;<br />
+“Nor burns the mare for mares: rams follow ewes;<br />
+“The stag pursues his female; birds thus join:<br />
+“Nor animal creation female shews<br />
+“With love of female seiz'd. Would none were I!<br />
+“But lest all monstrous loves Crete might not shew;<br />
+“Sol's daughter chose a bull; even that was male<br />
+“With female. Yet, if candidly I speak,<br />
+“My passion wilder far than hers appears.<br />
+“She hop'd-for love pursu'd; by fraud enjoy'd;<br />
+“Beneath an heifer's form, th' adulterous spark<br />
+“Deceiving. Be from every part of earth<br />
+“Assembled here the skill: let Dædalus<br />
+“Hither, on waxen wings rebend his flight,<br />
+“What could all aid? Could all their learned art<br />
+“Change me from maid to youth? or alter thee<br />
+“Iänthé? But why resolute, thy mind<br />
+“Not fix? Why Iphis thus thyself forget,<br />
+“These stupid wishes driving hence, and thoughts<br />
+“So unavailing? Lo! what thou wast born,<br />
+“(Save thou would'st also thine own breast deceive)<br />
+“What is allow'd behold, and as a maid<br />
+“May love, love only. Hope, first snatch'd by love,<br />
+“Love feeds on still. From thee all hope is borne.<br />
+“No guardians thee debar the dear embrace;<br />
+“Nor watchful husband's care; no sire severe;<br />
+“Nor she herself denies thy pressing prayers,<br />
+<a name="page_2_88"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;88]</span>
+“Yet art thou still forbid, though all agree;<br />
+“To reap the bliss, though gods and men unite.<br />
+“Behold, too, all my votive prayers succeed:<br />
+“The favoring gods whate'er I pray'd have given.<br />
+“My sire and hers, and even herself comply,<br />
+“But nature far more strong denies, alone<br />
+“Me irking with refusal. Lo! arrives<br />
+“The wish'd-for hour; the matrimonial light<br />
+“Approaches; when Iänthé will be mine;<br />
+“And yet far from me. In the midst of waves<br />
+“For thirst I perish. Nuptial Juno, why<br />
+“Com'st thou, or Hymen to these rites; where none<br />
+“Leads to the altar, but where both are led?�&mdash;<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here staid her speech; nor less the other nymph<br />
+Burn'd; and O, Hymen, pray'd thy quick approach.<br />
+But what she wishes Telethusa dreads,<br />
+And searches for delays; feign'd sickness oft<br />
+Prolongs the time; oft omens dire, and dreams.<br />
+Now all her artful fictions are consum'd;<br />
+And now the long protracted period came,<br />
+For nuptial rites; and, but one day remain'd.<br />
+She from her own and daughter's head unbinds<br />
+The fillets; and with locks dishevell'd, clasps<br />
+The altar, crying;&mdash;“Isis, thou who dwell'st<br />
+“In Parætonium; Mareotis' fields;<br />
+“In Pharos; and the sev'nfold mouths of Nile.<br />
+<a name="page_2_89"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;89]</span>
+“Help me I pray! relieve my trembling dread.<br />
+“Thee, goddess, once I saw; and with thee all<br />
+“Those images beheld; them all I know:<br />
+“Thy train, thy torches, and thy timbrels loud.<br />
+“And with a mindful soul thy words I mark'd.<br />
+“That she enjoys the light, that I myself,<br />
+“Not sinful suffer, to thy counsels, we,<br />
+“And admonitions owe. Pity us both;<br />
+“Grant us thy helping aid.�&mdash;Tears follow'd words.<br />
+Straight seem'd the goddess' altars all to shake;<br />
+(And shake they did) trembled the temple's doors;<br />
+The lunar horns blaz'd bright; the timbrels rung.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Forth goes the mother, of the omen glad,<br />
+Yet not in faith secure. Iphis pursues<br />
+His mother with a step more large than wont:<br />
+The snow-like whiteness quits his face; his strength<br />
+Increases; fiercer frowns his forehead wears:<br />
+Shorten'd his uncomb'd locks: more vigor now<br />
+Than as a nymph he felt. For thou, a boy<br />
+Now art&mdash;so late a female! Bear thy gifts<br />
+Straight to the temple; and in faith rejoice.<br />
+Straight to the temple they their offerings bore,<br />
+And on them this short poem was inscrib'd.&mdash;<br />
+“Iphis a boy, the offerings pays, which maid,<br />
+“Iphis had vow'd.�&mdash;The following sun illum'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_90"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;90]</span>
+The wide world with his rays; when Venus came,<br />
+Juno, and Hymen, to the genial fires;<br />
+And the boy Iphis his Iänthé clasp'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_91"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;91]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter20"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Tenth Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Marriage of Orpheus and Eurydicé. Her death. Descent of Orpheus
+to Hell, to recover her. Her second loss. His mournful music on mount
+Hæmus draws the trees, birds, and beasts around him. Change of Cyparissus
+to a cypress-tree. Song of Orpheus. Ganymede. Hyacinth changed
+to a flower. The Amanthians to oxen. The Propætides to flints. Pygmalion's
+statue to a woman. Myrrha's incestuous love, and transformation
+to a tree. Venus' love for Adonis. Story of Atalanta and Hippomenes.
+Adonis changed to an anemoné.
+<a name="page_2_92"></a>
+<a name="page_2_93"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;93]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter21"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Tenth Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thence Hymen, in his saffron vesture clad,<br />
+Through the vast air departs; and seeks the land<br />
+Ciconian; by the voice of Orpheus call'd<br />
+Vainly. He came indeed, but with him brought<br />
+No wonted gratulations, no glad face,<br />
+Nor happy omen. And the torch he bore<br />
+Crackled in hissing smoke; nor gather'd flame<br />
+From whirling motion. Still more dire th' event<br />
+Prov'd, than the presage. As the new-made bride,<br />
+Attended by a train of Naïad nymphs,<br />
+Rov'd through the grass, a serpent's fangs her heel<br />
+<a name="page_2_94"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;94]</span>
+Pierc'd, and she instant dy'd. Her, when long-mourn'd<br />
+In upper air, the Rhodopeïan bard<br />
+Ventur'd to seek in shades, and dar'd descend<br />
+Through the Tænarian cave to Stygia's realms.<br />
+'Mid shadowy crowds, and bury'd ghosts he goes,<br />
+To Proserpine, and him who rules the shades<br />
+With sway ungrateful. There he strikes the strings<br />
+Responsive to his words, and this his song.&mdash;<br />
+“Gods of this subterraneous world, where all<br />
+“Of mortal origin must come, permit<br />
+“That I the truth declare; no tedious tales<br />
+“Of falshood will I tell. Here came I not<br />
+“Your dusky Hell to view: nor to o'ercome<br />
+“The triple-throated Medusæan beast<br />
+“Snake-hair'd;&mdash;my wife alone my journey caus'd,<br />
+“Whose heel a trampled serpent venom'd stung:<br />
+“Snatch'd in her bloom of years. Much did I wish,<br />
+“My loss to bear; nor ought forbore to strive;<br />
+“But love o'ercame. Well do the upper gods<br />
+“That deity confess. In doubt I stand<br />
+“If here too he is known; but here I judge<br />
+“His power is felt: the ancient rape, if true,<br />
+“Proves love ev'n you first join'd. You I implore,<br />
+“By all those regions fill'd with dread; by this<br />
+“Chaos immense; your ample realm, all fill'd<br />
+“With silence; once again the thread renew<br />
+“Eurydicé too hasty lost. To you<br />
+<a name="page_2_95"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;95]</span>
+“We all belong; a little while we stay,<br />
+“Then soon or late to one repose we haste:<br />
+“All hither tend; this is our final home.<br />
+“You hold o'er human kind a lengthen'd reign.<br />
+“She too, when once her years mature are fill'd,<br />
+“To you again, must by just right belong.<br />
+“I then request her only as a loan:<br />
+“But should the fates this favor me refuse,<br />
+“Certain I'll ne'er return. Two deaths enjoy.�&mdash;<br />
+The bloodless shadows wept as thus he sung,<br />
+And struck the strings in concord with his words.<br />
+Nor Tantalus at flying waters caught;<br />
+Nor roll'd Ixion's wheel: the liver gnaw'd<br />
+The birds not: rested on their empty urns<br />
+The Belides: and Sisyphus, thou sat'st<br />
+Upon thy stone. Nay fame declares, then first,<br />
+Vanquish'd by song, the furies felt their cheeks<br />
+Wetted with tears. Nor could the royal spouse,<br />
+Nor he who rules deep darkness, him withstand<br />
+Thus praying; and Eurydicé is call'd.<br />
+Amid the recent dead she walk'd, and still<br />
+Halted with tardy steps from her late wound.<br />
+Her, when the bard of Thrace receiv'd, this law<br />
+Receiv'd he also: that his eyes reverse<br />
+He should not bend, till past Avernus' realms;<br />
+Else he'd the granted favor useless find.<br />
+In silence mute, through the steep path they climb<br />
+<a name="page_2_96"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;96]</span>
+Dark, difficult, and thick with pitchy mist;<br />
+Nor far earth's surface wanted they to gain:<br />
+The lover here, in dread lest she should stray,<br />
+And anxious to behold, bent back his sight,<br />
+And instant back she sunk. As forth his arms<br />
+He stretch'd, to clasp expecting, and be clasp'd:<br />
+Unhappy! nought but fleeting air he held.<br />
+Twice dying, she can nought her spouse condemn;<br />
+For how blame him because too much he lov'd?<br />
+She gives her last farewel; which scarce his ears<br />
+Receive, then sinks again to shades below.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Orpheus, thus doubly of his spouse despoil'd,<br />
+All stunn'd appear'd: not less than he who saw<br />
+In wild affright the triple-headed dog,<br />
+Chain'd by the midmost: fear him never fled,<br />
+Till fled his former nature: sudden stone<br />
+On all his body seizing. Or than he,<br />
+Olenus, when the crime upon himself<br />
+He took, and guilty wish'd to seem; with thee<br />
+Hapless Lethæa, confident in charms.<br />
+Once breast to breast you join'd, now join as stones,<br />
+Which watery Ida bears. Beseeching vain,<br />
+And wishing once again the stream to pass,<br />
+The ferryman denies. Then on the bank<br />
+In squalid guise he sate, nor tasted food<br />
+For seven long days; his cares, and grieving soul,<br />
+<a name="page_2_97"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;97]</span>
+And tears were all the sustenance he knew.<br />
+Cruel he call'd the gods of Erebus,<br />
+And to high Rhodopé himself betook,<br />
+And lofty Hæmus by the north-wind beat.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thrice had the sun the year completed, each<br />
+By watery Pisces ended. Orpheus still<br />
+Fled every female's love: or his deep woe<br />
+Made him so cold; or faithful promise giv'n.<br />
+Yet crowds there were, who wish'd the bard's embrace:<br />
+And crowds with sorrow saw their love repuls'd.<br />
+A hill there rose, and on its summit spread<br />
+A wide extended plain, with herbage green:<br />
+Shade to the place was wanting; hither came<br />
+The heaven-born poet; seated him, and touch'd<br />
+His sounding strings, and straight a shade approach'd.<br />
+Nor wanted there Chaönian trees; nor groves<br />
+Of poplars; nor the acorn's spacious leaves:<br />
+The linden soft, the beech, the virgin bay,<br />
+The brittle hazle, and spear-forming ash;<br />
+The knotless fir; ilex with fruit low-bow'd;<br />
+The genial plane; the maple various stain'd;<br />
+Stream-loving willow; and the watery lote;<br />
+Box of perpetual green; slight tamarisk;<br />
+Two-teinted myrtle; and the laurustine<br />
+With purple berries. Thou too, ivy, cam'st<br />
+Hither with flexile feet: together flock'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_98"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;98]</span>
+Grape-bearing vines; and elms with vines entwin'd:<br />
+Wild ash, and pitch tree; and arbutus, bent<br />
+With loads of ruddy fruit; the pliant palm,<br />
+Meed of the conqueror; the pine close bound<br />
+About its boughs, but at its summit shagg'd:<br />
+Dear to the mother of celestial powers,<br />
+Since Atys Cybeleïan was transform'd,<br />
+And in the trunk a rigid tree became.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In form pyramidal, amid the crowd,<br />
+The cypress came; now tree, but once a boy;<br />
+Dear to the god who rules the lyre's fine chords,<br />
+And rules the bowstring. Once was known a stag<br />
+Sacred to nymphs that own Carthæa's fields,<br />
+Who bore upon his head a lofty shade<br />
+From his wide-spreading horns; his horns bright shone<br />
+With gold; his collar, with bright gems bedeck'd,<br />
+Fell o'er his shoulders from his round neck hung;<br />
+A silver boss, by slender reins control'd<br />
+Mov'd o'er his brow; a brazen pair the same,<br />
+Shone o'er his temples hanging from his ears:<br />
+Devoid of fear, his nature's timid dread<br />
+Relinquish'd, oft the houses would he seek;<br />
+And oft would gently fondling stoop his neck,<br />
+Heedless who strok'd him. Cyparissus, thou<br />
+Beyond all others priz'd the sacred beast:<br />
+Thou, fairest far amongst the Cæan youths.<br />
+<a name="page_2_99"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;99]</span>
+Thou to fresh pastures led'st the stag; to streams<br />
+Of cooling fountains: oft his horns entwin'd<br />
+With variegated garlands. Horseman-like<br />
+Now on his back thou pressest; and now here,<br />
+Now there, thou rul'st his soft jaws with the reins<br />
+Of purple tinge. 'Twas once in mid-day heat,<br />
+When burnt the bent claws of the sea-shore crab,<br />
+In Sol's fierce vapor; on the grassy earth<br />
+The weary stag repos'd his limbs, and drew<br />
+Cool breezes from the trees umbrageous shades.<br />
+Here the boy Cyparissus careless flung<br />
+His painted dart, and fix'd it in his side.<br />
+Who, when he from the cruel wound beheld<br />
+Him dying, instant bent his mind to die.<br />
+What consolation did not Ph&oelig;bus speak?<br />
+Urging the loss far slighter grief deserv'd:<br />
+Yet mourn'd he still, and from the gods supreme<br />
+Begg'd this last gift, to latest times to mourn.<br />
+His blood in constant tears exhausted, now<br />
+His limbs a green hue take; his locks which late<br />
+Hung o'er his snowy forehead, rough become<br />
+In frightful bushiness; and hardening quick,<br />
+Shoot up to heaven in form a slender spire.<br />
+The mourning god, in grief exclaim'd&mdash;“By me<br />
+“Bemoan'd, thou shalt with others always grieve;<br />
+“And henceforth mourners shalt thou still attend.�&mdash;<br />
+Thus did the bard a wood collect around;<br />
+<a name="page_2_100"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;100]</span>
+And in the midst he sate of thronging beasts,<br />
+And crowding birds. The chords he amply try'd<br />
+With his impulsive thumb, and vary'd much<br />
+In sound, he found their notes concordant still;<br />
+Then to this song rais'd his melodious voice.&mdash;<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“O parent muse! from Jove derive my song:<br />
+“All yield to Jove's dominion. Oft my verse<br />
+“Before the mightiness of Jove has sung.<br />
+“I sung the giants, in a strain sublime,<br />
+“And vengeful thunders, o'er Phlegræa's plain<br />
+“Scatter'd; a tender theme now claims my lyre:<br />
+“I sing of youths by deities belov'd;<br />
+“And nymphs who with forbidden wishes burn'd,<br />
+“And met the doom their sensual lusts deserv'd.<br />
+“The king of gods made Phrygian Ganymede<br />
+“His favorite, but some other form possess'd.<br />
+“Jove must in shape be something else than Jove.<br />
+“He deems no form becomes him, save the bird<br />
+“That bears his thunder. Instant all is done;<br />
+“The Phrygian borne away: the air he beats<br />
+“With his feign'd wing. And now this youth the cup<br />
+“Of nectar hands, in Juno's spite, to Jove.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Son of Amycla, thee had Ph&oelig;bus plac'd<br />
+“Also the skies amidst, had fate allow'd<br />
+“For such position place; yet still thou hold'st<br />
+<a name="page_2_101"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;101]</span>
+“Eternal, what fate grants: oft as the spring<br />
+“Winter repulses, and the ram succeeds<br />
+“The watery fishes, thou spring'st forth in flower<br />
+“'Mid the green sward. Beyond all else my sire<br />
+“Thee lov'd, and Delphos, plac'd in midmost earth,<br />
+“Wanted its ruling power, whilst now the god<br />
+“Eurotas lov'd, and Sparta un-intrench'd.<br />
+“Nor lyre, nor darts attention claim'd as wont;<br />
+“Of dignity unmindful, he not spurns<br />
+“To bear the nets; to curb the hounds; to climb<br />
+“With the full train the steepest mountain's ridge:<br />
+“And every toil augments his pleasure more.<br />
+“Now had the sun the midmost point near gain'd<br />
+“'Twixt flying night, and night approaching, each<br />
+“Distant in equal space; when from their limbs<br />
+“They flung their robes; with the fat olive's juice<br />
+“Their bodies shone; they enter'd in the lists<br />
+“Of the broad disk, which Ph&oelig;bus first well pois'd,<br />
+“Then flung through lofty air; opposing clouds<br />
+“Flying it cleft; at length on solid earth<br />
+“It pitch'd, displaying skill with strength combin'd.<br />
+“Instant the rash Tænarian boy, impell'd<br />
+“By love of sport, sprung on to snatch the orb,<br />
+“But the hard ground repulsive in thy face,<br />
+“O, Hyacinth! it flung. Pale as the boy<br />
+“The god appear'd: he rais'd his fainting limbs,<br />
+“And in his arms now cherishes, now wipes<br />
+<a name="page_2_102"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;102]</span>
+“The fatal wound, now stays his fleeting breath,<br />
+“With herbs apply'd; but all his arts are vain;<br />
+“Incurable the hurt. Just so, when broke,<br />
+“The violet, poppy, or the lily hang,<br />
+“Whose dark stems in a water'd garden spring;<br />
+“Flaccid they instant droop; the weighty head<br />
+“No longer upright rais'd, but bent to earth.<br />
+“So bent his dying face; his neck, bereft<br />
+“Of vigor, heavy on his shoulder laid.<br />
+“Ph&oelig;bus exclaim'd;&mdash;Fall'st thou, &OElig;balian youth,<br />
+“Depriv'd of life in prime? and must I see<br />
+“Thy death my fault? thou art my grief, my crime;<br />
+“My hand the charge of thy destruction bears:<br />
+“I am the cause of thy untimely fate!<br />
+“But what my crime? unless with him to sport;<br />
+“Unless a fault it were too much to love.<br />
+“Would I could life for thee, or with thee quit;<br />
+“But fatal laws restrain me: yet shalt thou<br />
+“Be with me still; dwell ever on my lips;<br />
+“My hand shall sound thee on the lyre I touch;<br />
+“My songs of thee shall tell: a new-found flower<br />
+“Shall bear the letters which my griefs resound:<br />
+“And time shall come, when a most valiant chief<br />
+“Shall join him to thy flower; in the same leaf<br />
+“His name too shall be read.&mdash;As words like these<br />
+“The truth-predicting lips of Ph&oelig;bus spoke,<br />
+“Behold! the blood which flow'd along the ground,<br />
+<a name="page_2_103"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;103]</span>
+“And all the herbage ting'd, is blood no more;<br />
+“But springs a flower than Tyrian red more bright,<br />
+“A form assuming such as lilies wear:<br />
+“Like it, save purple this, that silvery white.<br />
+“Nor yet content was Ph&oelig;bus; for from him<br />
+“The honor was deriv'd. Upon its leaves<br />
+“He trac'd his groans: <i>ai, ai</i>, on every flower<br />
+“In mournful characters is fair inscrib'd.<br />
+“Nor blush the Spartans, Hyacinth to own:<br />
+“His honors still the present age attend;<br />
+“And annual are the Hyacinthian feasts,<br />
+“In pomp surpassing aught of ancient days.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Should you by chance of Amathus enquire,<br />
+“If williang the Prop&oelig;tides it bore,<br />
+“Denying nods would equally disclaim<br />
+“Them, and the race whose foreheads once were rough<br />
+“With double horns; Cerastæ, hence their name.<br />
+“Jove's hospitable altar at their gates<br />
+“Of mournful wickedness was rear'd: who saw<br />
+“This stain'd with gore, if stranger, might conceive<br />
+“That sucking calves, or two-year's sheep there bled.<br />
+“There bled the guest! Mild Venus griev'd<br />
+“At these most impious rites, at first prepar'd<br />
+“To quit her cities, and her Cyprian fields:&mdash;<br />
+“But how,&mdash;she said,&mdash;can my beloved clime?<br />
+“How can my towns have given offence? what fault<br />
+<a name="page_2_104"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;104]</span>
+“Abides in them? Rather the impious race,<br />
+“Shall vengeance feel in exile, or in death;<br />
+“Save death and exile medium may allow:<br />
+“How may that be, unless their shape is chang'd?&mdash;<br />
+“Then while she doubts what shape they shall assume,<br />
+“Their horns attract her eyes; struck by the hint,<br />
+“Their mighty horns she leaves them, and transforms<br />
+“To savage oxen all their lusty limbs.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Still dar'd th' obscene Prop&oelig;tides deny<br />
+“Venus a goddess' power; for which, fame says<br />
+“They first, so forc'd the deity's revenge,<br />
+“Their bodies prostituted, and their charms.<br />
+“As shame them left, the blood which ting'd their cheeks<br />
+“Harden'd, and soon they rigid stone became.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“These saw Pygmalion, and the age beheld<br />
+“With crimes o'er-run; the shameful vice abhorr'd<br />
+“Which lavish nature gave their female souls.<br />
+“Single, and spouseless liv'd he; long a mate<br />
+“Press'd not his couch. Meantime the ivory white<br />
+“With happy skill, and wond'rous art he carv'd;<br />
+“And form'd a beauteous figure; never maid<br />
+“So perfect yet was born, and his own work<br />
+“With love inspir'd him. Of a nymph her face<br />
+“Was such, you must believe the form to live,<br />
+“And move, if not by bashfulness restrain'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_105"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;105]</span>
+“Thus art his art conceal'd. Pygmalion stares<br />
+“In admiration; and his breast draws flames<br />
+“From the feign'd body: oft his hands his work<br />
+“Approach, if ivory or if flesh to judge;<br />
+“Nor ivory then will he confess the form.<br />
+“Kisses he gives, and thinks each kiss return'd:<br />
+“He speaks, he grasps her; where he grasps, he thinks<br />
+“His hands impression leave; and fears to see<br />
+“On the prest limbs some marks of livid blue.<br />
+“Now blandish'd words he uses; now he bears<br />
+“Those gifts so grateful to a girlish mind;<br />
+“Pearls, and smooth-polish'd gems, and smallest birds,<br />
+“With variegated flowers, and lilies fair,<br />
+“And painted figures, and the Heliads' tears,<br />
+“Dropt from the weeping tree: with garments gay<br />
+“Her limbs too he adorns, and jewels gives<br />
+“To deck her fingers; while a necklace large<br />
+“Hangs round her neck: her ears light pearls suspend;<br />
+“And a bright zone is circled round her waist.<br />
+“All well became her, yet most beauteous far<br />
+“She unattir'd appear'd. Her on a couch,<br />
+“Ting'd with the shell Sidonian, then he laid,<br />
+“And call'd her partner of his bed; and plac'd<br />
+“Her head reclin'd, as if with sense endu'd,<br />
+“On the soft pillow. Now the feast approach'd<br />
+“Of Venus, through all Cyprus' isle so fam'd,<br />
+“And snowy-chested heifers, whose bent horns<br />
+<a name="page_2_106"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;106]</span>
+“With gold were gay, receiv'd the deadly blow;<br />
+“And incense burnt in clouds. Pygmalion stood<br />
+“Before the altar, with his offer'd gifts:<br />
+“Timid he spoke,&mdash;O ye all-potent gods!<br />
+“Give me a spouse just like my ivory nymph,&mdash;<br />
+“Give me my ivory nymph&mdash;he blush'd to say.<br />
+“Bright Venus then, as present at her feast,<br />
+“Perceiv'd the inmost wishes of his soul;<br />
+“And gave the omen of a friendly power.<br />
+“Thrice blaz'd the fire, and thrice the flame leap'd high.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Returning, he the darling statue seeks<br />
+“Of his fair nymph; extends him on the couch;<br />
+“Kisses, and thinks he feels her lips grow warm:<br />
+“Applies his lips again, and with his hand<br />
+“Presses her bosom: prest the ivory yields,<br />
+“Softening beneath his fingers; nor remains<br />
+“Its rigid harshness. So Hymettus' wax<br />
+“Yields to the heat, when tempering thumbs it mould<br />
+“In various forms; and fit for future use.<br />
+“Astonish'd now he joys with trembling soul,<br />
+“But fears deception; then he loves again,<br />
+“And with his hands again his wishes proves:<br />
+“'Twas flesh, the prest pulse leap'd beneath his thumb.<br />
+“Then did the Cyprian youth, in words most full<br />
+“Of gratitude and love, to Venus pray.<br />
+“Then to her living lips his lips he join'd,<br />
+<a name="page_2_107"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;107]</span>
+“And then the damsel felt his warm salute:<br />
+“Blushing she felt it, and her timid eyes<br />
+“Op'd to the light, and with the light beheld<br />
+“Her lover. Venus bless'd the match she made;<br />
+“And when nine times the moon's full orb was seen<br />
+“Sharpen'd to horns, the damsel Paphos bore;<br />
+“Whose appellation oft the isle receives.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“She Cinyras too bore; if childless he<br />
+“A place amongst the happiest might he claim.<br />
+“A direful song I sing! be distant far<br />
+“Ye daughters; distant far, O, parents be!<br />
+“Or if of pleasure to your minds my verse<br />
+“Aught gives, in this at least my truth suspect.<br />
+“Believe the deed not: if you must believe,<br />
+“Mark well the punishment the crime deserv'd.<br />
+“Since nature could such heinous deeds permit;<br />
+“The Thracian realms, my land, I 'gratulate;<br />
+“And joy this clime at such a distance lies,<br />
+“From that which could such monstrous acts produce.<br />
+“Let Araby be in amomum rich;<br />
+“And cinnamon, and zedoary produce;<br />
+“Incense which through the wood exudes; and flowers<br />
+“Of vary'd teints,&mdash;while Myrrha too it bears:<br />
+“Too great the price which this new tree procur'd.<br />
+“Cupid denies, O Myrrha! that his darts<br />
+“Thee wounded; vindicating from that crime<br />
+<a name="page_2_108"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;108]</span>
+“His weapons. Thee, with Stygian torch most fierce,<br />
+“And viperous venom furies did enflame.<br />
+“Wicked to hate thy parent sure had been,<br />
+“But thus to love is worse than bitterest hate.<br />
+“The choicest nobles come from every part<br />
+“To gain thee; youths from all the East arrive,<br />
+“To struggle for thy hand. Chuse, Myrrha, chuse<br />
+“One from the crowd: one only in the world<br />
+“Whom chuse thou may'st not. She herself perceiv'd,<br />
+“And curb'd the baneful passion in her mind;<br />
+“Communing thus:&mdash;Ah! whither rove my thoughts?<br />
+“What meditate I? O, ye gods! I pray,<br />
+“O piety, O parents' sacred laws,<br />
+“Forbid this wicked act; oppose a deed<br />
+“So full of horrid guilt,&mdash;if guilt it be!<br />
+“But pious nature ne'er such love condemns.<br />
+“All animals in undistinguish'd form<br />
+“Cohabit: shame the heifer never feels<br />
+“Join'd with her sire; the steed his daughter takes<br />
+“As partner; with the female flock, who ow'd<br />
+“To him their being, couples oft the goat;<br />
+“And birds bring forth to birds who them produc'd.<br />
+“Blest those who thus enjoy; but human race<br />
+“Perversest laws invents: vexatious rules<br />
+“Forbid what nature grants. Yet am I told,<br />
+“Nations exist, where mother joins with son,<br />
+“And daughter with her sire; their pious love<br />
+<a name="page_2_109"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;109]</span>
+“Increas'd more strongly by the double bond.<br />
+“Ah, me! unhappy, in such glorious climes<br />
+“Begotten not; I suffer but from place.<br />
+“But why on these ideas dwell? hence far<br />
+“Forbidden hopes. Well he deserves thy love,<br />
+“But as a father love him. Wert thou not<br />
+“Of mighty Cinyras the daughter, then<br />
+“Thou might'st the couch of Cinyras ascend.<br />
+“Now mine he is so much, he is not mine;<br />
+“Our very nearness is my greatest curse:<br />
+“More close, a perfect stranger had I been.<br />
+“Far hence I would depart; my country leave,<br />
+“This mischief flying; but curs'd love restrains.<br />
+“For, present, Cinyras I may behold;<br />
+“Touch, speak, my kisses to his face apply,<br />
+“If nought he'll grant beyond. How! impious maid,<br />
+“Dar'st thou hope ought beyond? perceiv'st thou not<br />
+“What laws, what names thou would'st confound? would'st thou<br />
+“The mother's rival be?&mdash;thy father's whore?<br />
+“Thy offspring's sister would'st thou then be call'd?<br />
+“Thy brother's parent? Fear'st thou not the three,<br />
+“Whose locks with sable serpents horrid curl?<br />
+“Who conscious bosoms pierce with searching eyes,<br />
+“And hurl their furious torches in the face?<br />
+“While yet thy body can resist, no more<br />
+“Cherish the heinous guilt thus in thy mind;<br />
+<a name="page_2_110"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;110]</span>
+“Nor violate great Nature's sacred law<br />
+“With lust forbidden. Grant I should consent,<br />
+“The king would me deny: too pious he,<br />
+“Too dear to him the law. O, that in him<br />
+“Such furious passion rag'd as burns in me!&mdash;<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“She ended; Cinyras, the worthy crowd<br />
+“Of suitors held in doubt; herself he ask'd,<br />
+“As name by name he counted, which as spouse<br />
+“She most would wish. Silent at first she stood,<br />
+“Then burning gaz'd on his paternal face,<br />
+“As the warm tears gush'd in her shining eyes.<br />
+“These, Cinyras effects of virgin fear<br />
+“Believing, chid her and forbade to weep.<br />
+“Drying her cheeks, he on them press'd a kiss;<br />
+“With too much pleasure she the kiss receiv'd:<br />
+“And when consulted what the spouse must be<br />
+“She would prefer, she answer'd,&mdash;one like you.&mdash;<br />
+“He witless of her meaning, prais'd her words,<br />
+“And said,&mdash;be such thy pious duty still&mdash;<br />
+“The sound of piety the virgin's eyes,<br />
+“With sense of guilt, cast conscious to the ground.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“'Twas now deep night when sleep sooth'd all the cares<br />
+“Of mortal breasts. But Myrrha wakeful laid<br />
+“Consum'd with raging fires; and rolling deep<br />
+“Her frantic wishes in her wandering mind.<br />
+<a name="page_2_111"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;111]</span>
+“Despairing now, and now resolv'd to try;<br />
+“Now shame o'ercomes her, and anon desire:<br />
+“And undetermin'd how to act she rests.<br />
+“A mighty tree thus, wounded by the axe,<br />
+“Ere yet it feels the final blow, in doubt<br />
+“Seems where to fall; they fear on every side:<br />
+“Thus did her stagger'd mind from vary'd force<br />
+“Waver now here, now there; press'd hard by each,<br />
+“No ease for love, no rest but death appears.<br />
+“Death pleas'd. She rose, and round her throat prepar'd<br />
+“The cord to fasten; from the topmost beam<br />
+“She ty'd her girdle, and&mdash;farewel!&mdash;exclaim'd&mdash;<br />
+“Dear Cinyras! guess whence my fatal end.&mdash;<br />
+“Then drew the noose around her pallid neck.<br />
+“'Tis said, th' imperfect murmuring of her words,<br />
+“Reach'd to the faithful nurse's ears, who laid<br />
+“Before the threshold of her foster-child.<br />
+“The matron rose, threw wide the door, and saw<br />
+“Prepar'd the instrument of death. At once<br />
+“She scream'd aloud, her bosom tore, deep blows<br />
+“Gave her own limbs, and from the rescu'd neck<br />
+“Tore the tight noose. Then had she time to weep,<br />
+“Then to embrace, then to inquire the cause<br />
+“Of the dread cord. But dumb the virgin sate<br />
+“And motionless, her eyes to earth were fix'd;<br />
+“Griev'd that so check'd her efforts were for death.<br />
+“More the nurse presses, bares her silver'd hairs<br />
+<a name="page_2_112"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;112]</span>
+“And wither'd bosom; by the cradle begs,<br />
+“And the first food she tasted, to confess<br />
+“To her the cause of sorrow. Myrrha sighs,<br />
+“But turns her eyes aside as thus she begs.<br />
+“Determin'd still to know, the nurse persists<br />
+“And not content her secrecy alone<br />
+“To promise, says&mdash;yet tell me, and my aid<br />
+“Allow me to afford thee. Not yet slow,<br />
+“Though aged. Is it love? with charms and plants<br />
+“I know thy love to cure. Have envious eyes<br />
+“Thee harm'd? with magic rites their charm I'll spoil.<br />
+“Are the gods angry? with appeasing rites<br />
+“Their anger we will soothe. What ill beside<br />
+“Can be conjectur'd? Lo! thy house secure,<br />
+“And safe thy fortune; both in prosperous train.<br />
+“Yet lives thy mother, and thy father lives.&mdash;<br />
+“Her father's name when Myrrha heard she drew<br />
+“Deep from her breast a mournful sigh; nor yet<br />
+“The nurse suspected guilt was in her soul:<br />
+“But saw that love disturb'd her. In her aim<br />
+“Inflexible; again she urg'd to know<br />
+“The grief whate'er it prov'd; and lull'd her head<br />
+“Upon her aged lap, and clasp'd her form<br />
+“In her own feeble arms, as thus she spoke;&mdash;<br />
+“I see thou lovest; banish far thy fear,<br />
+“My diligence in this shall aid thee; nay<br />
+“Not e'en thy father shall the secret know.&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page_2_113"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;113]</span>
+“Madly she bounded from the lap, and cry'd,<br />
+“While press'd the couch her face,&mdash;I beg thee go!<br />
+“And spare my grievous shame.&mdash;More pressing still&mdash;<br />
+“Or go&mdash;she said&mdash;or ask not why I mourn:<br />
+“What thou so seek'st to know is shameful guilt.&mdash;<br />
+“With horror struck, the ancient dame holds forth<br />
+“Her hands, which equal shook with fear and age;<br />
+“Then suppliant at her foster-daughter's feet<br />
+“Fell. Now she coaxes; now she threatens loud;<br />
+“If not made privy, threatens to declare<br />
+“The cord's adventure, and half-finish'd death:<br />
+“And offers aid once more her love to gain.<br />
+“She rais'd her head, and fill'd her nurse's breast<br />
+“With sudden gushing tears. And oft she strove<br />
+“All to confess; as oft her tongue was mute;<br />
+“And in her garments hid her blushing face.&mdash;<br />
+“Then,&mdash;happy mother in thy spouse!&mdash;she said;<br />
+“No more, but groan'd. Through her cold limbs and bones,<br />
+“The ancient nurse a shivering tremor felt,<br />
+“And her white hairs all o'er her head, erect<br />
+“Like bristles stood; for all the truth she saw.<br />
+“Much did she urge the direful flame to drive<br />
+“Far from her soul, if that could be. The maid<br />
+“Knows all is just she argues, yet is fix'd<br />
+“For death, unless her lover is obtain'd.<br />
+“Then she;&mdash;O live, enjoy thy&mdash;silent there,<br />
+<a name="page_2_114"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;114]</span>
+“Enjoy thy parent&mdash;she not dar'd to say:<br />
+“Yet by a sacred oath her promise bound.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now Ceres' annual feast, the pious dames<br />
+“All solemniz'd: in snowy robes enwrapt,<br />
+“They offer'd wheaten wreaths, and primal fruits.<br />
+“The rites of Venus, and the touch of man,<br />
+“For thrice three nights forbidden things they held.<br />
+“The monarch's spouse Cenchreïs, 'mid the crowd<br />
+“Forth went to celebrate the secret feast:<br />
+“And while the couch its legal partner lack'd,<br />
+“The ill-officious nurse the king espy'd<br />
+“Oppress'd with wine, and told the tale of love,<br />
+“Beneath a fictious name, and prais'd her charms.<br />
+“The virgin's years he asks.&mdash;Equal her age<br />
+“To Myrrha's&mdash;she replies.&mdash;Desir'd to bring<br />
+“The damsel, she returns:&mdash;Rejoice!&mdash;she cries,<br />
+“Rejoice! our point is gain'd.&mdash;The hapless nymph<br />
+“Felt not a general joy; presaging pangs<br />
+“Shot through her bosom; still she joy'd: her mind<br />
+“Such discord tore. Now was the silent hour;<br />
+“Boötes 'mid the Triönes had bent<br />
+“His wain with sloping pole; when Myrrha came<br />
+“To her flagitious crime. Bright Luna fled<br />
+“The skies; black clouds the lurking stars o'erspread;<br />
+“The night saw not its fires. Thou, Icarus,<br />
+“Thy face first hidst; and thou, Erigoné<br />
+<a name="page_2_115"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;115]</span>
+“Hallow'd for thy parental love so pure.<br />
+“Thrice was she warn'd by stumbling feet, and thrice<br />
+“The owl funereal utter'd her death-note.<br />
+“Yet on she went; darkness and sable night<br />
+“Her shame diminish'd. Fast her left hand grasps<br />
+“Her nurse, the other waves t'explore the way.<br />
+“The threshold of the nuptial chamber now<br />
+“She touches; now she gently opes the door;<br />
+“Now enters. Then her trembling knees loose shook<br />
+“Beneath her bending hams; her color fled:<br />
+“Her blood flow'd back; and all her wishes sunk.<br />
+“The nearer was her crime approach'd, the more<br />
+“With horror she beheld it, and sore mourn'd<br />
+“Her daring; anxious to return unknown.<br />
+“The hoary dame, her, lingering thus, dragg'd on,<br />
+“And when presented at the lofty couch,<br />
+“Said&mdash;Cinyras receive her, she's thine own!&mdash;<br />
+“And the devoted bodies gave to join.<br />
+“The sire his proper bowels, on the bed<br />
+“Obscene, receiv'd; her virgin terrors calm'd,<br />
+“And sooth'd her trembling. Haply too, he said&mdash;<br />
+“My daughter,&mdash;from her age; and haply she&mdash;<br />
+“My sire,&mdash;lest names were wanting to their crime.<br />
+“Fill'd with her father from the bed she rose,<br />
+“Bearing in her dire womb the impious fruit;<br />
+“Carrying her crime conceiv'd. Th' ensuing night<br />
+“Her incest she repeats, nor ends she here.<br />
+<a name="page_2_116"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;116]</span>
+“But Cinyras eager at length to know,<br />
+“After such frequent converse, who him lov'd;<br />
+“At once his daughter and his sin beheld,<br />
+“By lamps brought sudden. Grief repress'd all words;<br />
+“But from the sheath he snatch'd his glittering sword.<br />
+“Quick Myrrha fled; darkness and favoring night<br />
+“Sav'd her from death. O'er wide-spread fields she roam'd;<br />
+“Through Araby palm-bearing, and the lands<br />
+“Panchæa holds. Nine times returning light<br />
+“Had fill'd the horns of Luna, still she stray'd:<br />
+“Then weary rested in Sabæa's fields;<br />
+“While scarce she bore the burden of her womb.<br />
+“Then what to ask uncertain, 'twixt the fear<br />
+“Of death and weariness of hated life;<br />
+“In words like these she utter'd forth her prayers,&mdash;<br />
+“Ye powers, if those who guilt confess are heard,<br />
+“A punishment exemplar I deserve;<br />
+“I shrink not from it. Yet the living race<br />
+“Lest I contaminate, if left to live;<br />
+“Or lest I mix prophane with shades below,<br />
+“Drive me from either realm; from life and death<br />
+“Debar me, into some new shape transform'd.&mdash;<br />
+“The penitent some god propitious heard;<br />
+“Her final prayer at least success obtain'd:<br />
+“For as she spoke rose round her legs the earth;<br />
+“The lofty tree's foundation, crooked roots<br />
+“Shot from her spreading toes; hard wood her bones<br />
+<a name="page_2_117"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;117]</span>
+“Became; the marrow in the midst remain'd<br />
+“As pith; as sappy juice still flow'd her blood:<br />
+“Her arms large boughs were spread; her fingers chang'd<br />
+“To slender twigs; rough bark her skin became.<br />
+“The growing tree press'd hard the gravid womb;<br />
+“Invested next her breast, and o'er her neck<br />
+“Threaten'd to spread. Impatient of delay<br />
+“She shrunk below to meet th' approaching wood,<br />
+“And hid beneath the rising bark her face.<br />
+“Human sensation with her change of shape<br />
+“She lost, yet still she weeps; and from the tree<br />
+“Warm drops yet fall, and much the tears are priz'd.<br />
+“The myrrh which oozes from the bark still holds<br />
+“Its mistress' name, well known in every age.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Meantime the misbegotten infant grew<br />
+“Within the trunk, and press'd to find a way<br />
+“To push to light, and leave the parent womb.<br />
+“Within the tree the gravid womb swell'd large,<br />
+“Stretch'd was the mother with the load, but mute<br />
+“Were all her woes; nor in travailing voice<br />
+“Lucina could she call. Yet hard to strain<br />
+“She seem'd; thick groans oft gave the bending bole,<br />
+“And tears flow'd copious. Mild Lucina came,<br />
+“And stood before the groaning boughs, and gave<br />
+“Assisting help, and spoke the spellful words.<br />
+“Cleft is the tree, and through the fissur'd bark<br />
+<a name="page_2_118"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;118]</span>
+“A living burthen comes: the infant cries,<br />
+“Who on soft grass plac'd. The Naïad nymphs<br />
+“Him bathe in tears maternal: such a face<br />
+“Ev'n Envy could not blame. As painters form<br />
+“The naked Cupid's beauty, such had he;<br />
+“And that their dress no help to guess may give,<br />
+“This the light quiver take, or that resign.<br />
+“Quick passing time unheeded glides along<br />
+“Deceiving: nought than years more quickly flies.<br />
+“The child, of sister and of grandsire born,<br />
+“Late in the tree confin'd, late thence reliev'd;<br />
+“Just seen most beauteous of the infant tribe,<br />
+“Now youth, now man appears, more beauteous still:<br />
+“Now Venus charm'd, his mother's pangs aveng'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“As kisses sweet the quiver-bearing boy<br />
+“Press'd on his mother's lips, he witless raz'd<br />
+“Slightly her bosom, with a dart that stood<br />
+“Protruding. Venus, wounded, angry push'd<br />
+“Her son far from her; light the wound appear'd;<br />
+“At first even her deceiving. With the blaze<br />
+“Of manly beauty caught, she now contemns<br />
+“The Cythereïan shores; nor Paphos seeks,<br />
+“Girt by profoundest seas; Cnidos, so fam'd<br />
+“For fish; nor Amathus with metals rich.<br />
+“Heaven too, she quits, to heaven she now prefers<br />
+“Adonis: him she follows, him attends;<br />
+<a name="page_2_119"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;119]</span>
+“Whose sole employ was loitering in the shade,<br />
+“In anxious study to increase her charms.<br />
+“Bare to the knee, her robe, like Dian's train<br />
+“High-girt, o'er hills, through woods, and brambly rocks<br />
+“She roves: exhorts the dogs, and drives such game<br />
+“As threaten not with danger; fearful hares,<br />
+“High-antler'd stags, and rapid-flying deer.<br />
+“Fierce boars she shuns, and shuns the robber-wolf,<br />
+“Strong-talon'd bears, and lions slaughter-gorg'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thou too, Adonis, admonition heardst<br />
+“These to avoid, if admonition ought<br />
+“With thee could weigh:&mdash;Be brave,&mdash;the goddess said&mdash;<br />
+“To those who fly thee; courage 'gainst the bold<br />
+“To danger drags. Dear youth, thy heart is brave;<br />
+“Indulge not to my hazard, nor provoke<br />
+“Fierce beasts by nature arm'd, nor seek for fame.<br />
+“Nor youth nor beauty, such as Venus move,<br />
+“Will move the lion, or the bristly boar:<br />
+“Their eyes and breasts untouch'd by brightest charms.<br />
+“Thunder and lightning in his bended tusks<br />
+“The fierce boar carries; rapid is the force<br />
+“The tawny lion, (hated race!) exerts:<br />
+“My cause of hatred when to thee disclos'd,<br />
+“Will raise thy wonder at the monstrous crime,<br />
+“In days of yore committed. Now hard toil<br />
+“Unwonted tires me. Lo! the poplar's shade<br />
+<a name="page_2_120"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;120]</span>
+“So opportune invites; and the green turf<br />
+“A couch presents. Upon the ground with thee<br />
+“I'll rest:&mdash;she spoke, and as she stretch'd along,<br />
+“She press'd the grass, and press'd the lovely youth:<br />
+“Smiling, her head upon his breast reclin'd,<br />
+“'Midst intermingling kisses, thus she spoke.&mdash;<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Perhaps thou'st heard of that renowned maid,<br />
+“Whose fleetness in the race the swiftest man's<br />
+“Surpass'd. Not fabulous the tale you heard:<br />
+“She vanquish'd all. And hard it was to say,<br />
+“If praise for swiftness, or for beauteous form,<br />
+“She most deserv'd. To her, who once enquir'd<br />
+“Of marriage, fate-predicting Ph&oelig;bus said&mdash;<br />
+“A spouse would, Atalanta, be thy bane;<br />
+“Avoid an husband's couch. Yet wilt thou not<br />
+“An husband's couch avoid; but lose thyself,<br />
+“Thyself yet living.&mdash;Terror-struck to hear<br />
+“The sentence of the god, maiden she lives<br />
+“Amid the thickest woods; driving severe<br />
+“The throngs of pressing suitors from her far,<br />
+“By hard conditions.&mdash;Ne'er can I be gain'd&mdash;<br />
+“She said&mdash;till vanquish'd in the race. With me<br />
+“Your swiftness try: the conqueror in the strife,<br />
+“Shall gain me spouse, and gain a genial couch;<br />
+“But death must him who lags behind reward.<br />
+“Such be the laws of trial.&mdash;Pitiless<br />
+<a name="page_2_121"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;121]</span>
+“The law appear'd; but (such is beauty's power)<br />
+“Crowds of rash lovers to the law agreed.<br />
+“There sat Hippomenes to view the race<br />
+“Unequal; and exclaim'd,&mdash;are there so mad,<br />
+“As seek a wife through peril so immense?&mdash;<br />
+“And the blind love of all the youths condemn'd.<br />
+“But when her face he saw, and saw her limbs<br />
+“Bar'd for the contest, (limbs like mine, or thine,<br />
+“Were thine of female mould,) amaz'd he look'd<br />
+“With uprais'd hands, and cry'd;&mdash;forgive my fault,<br />
+“Ye whom but now I blam'd; the great reward<br />
+“For which you labor, then to me unknown!&mdash;<br />
+“Thus praising, fire he feels, and hopes no youth<br />
+“More swift will run, and envious fears their speed&mdash;<br />
+“But why the fortune of this contest leave,<br />
+“Untry'd&mdash;he said,&mdash;myself? Heaven helps the bold.&mdash;<br />
+“While musing thus Hippomenes remarks<br />
+“The virgin's flying pace. Though not less swift<br />
+“Th' Aönian youth beheld her, than the dart<br />
+“Shot from the Scythian bow; her beauty more<br />
+“Ravish'd his eyes, and speed her charms increas'd.<br />
+“Th' opposing breeze, which met her rapid feet,<br />
+“Blew back the ribbons which her sandals bound;<br />
+“Her tresses floated down her ivory back;<br />
+“And loosely flow'd her garment o'er her knees,<br />
+“With painted border gay: a purple bloom<br />
+“With virgin whiteness mixt, her body shew'd;<br />
+<a name="page_2_122"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;122]</span>
+“As when the snow-white hall a deepen'd tinge<br />
+“From purple curtains shews. While this the guest<br />
+“Intently notes, the utmost goal is pass'd:<br />
+“Victorious Atalanta with the wreath<br />
+“Is crown'd: the vanquish'd sigh, and meet the doom<br />
+“Agreed. He, by the youths' untimely fate<br />
+“Deterr'd not, forward stood, and on the nymph<br />
+“Fix'd full his eyes, and said;&mdash;Why seek you thus<br />
+“An easy conquest, vanquishing the weak?<br />
+“With me contend. So potent am I born<br />
+“You need not blush to such high rank to yield.<br />
+“Megareus was my sire, Onchestius his,<br />
+“Grandson to Neptune; thus the fourth I boast<br />
+“From Ocean's sovereign. Nor beneath my race<br />
+“Stoops aught my valor; should success me crown,<br />
+“A lofty and an everlasting fame,<br />
+“Hippomenes your conqueror, would you gain.&mdash;<br />
+“As thus he spoke, with softening eyes the maid<br />
+“Beheld him, doubtful which 'twere best to wish,<br />
+“To vanquish or be vanquish'd. While she thus<br />
+“Utter'd her thoughts&mdash;What god, an envious foe<br />
+“To beauty would destroy him: urg'd to seek<br />
+“My bed, by risking thus his own dear life?<br />
+“I cannot sure so great a prize be thought!<br />
+“His beauty melts me not; though yet I own<br />
+“Such beauty well might melt. But such a youth<br />
+“He seems, he moves me not but from his years.<br />
+<a name="page_2_123"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;123]</span>
+“What courage in him reigns! his soul unaw'd<br />
+“By death. He springs the fourth from Ocean's king!<br />
+“Then how he loves! and prizes so my hand,<br />
+“That should hard fortune keep me from his arms,<br />
+“He'd perish. Stranger, while thou may'st, depart;<br />
+“Avoid the bloody nuptials. Marriage, I<br />
+“Too cruel make. No maid would thee refuse;<br />
+“And soon may'st thou a wiser nymph select.<br />
+“But why for him this care? from me who see<br />
+“So many die, whom he too has beheld?<br />
+“Then let him perish; since the numerous train<br />
+“Of slaughter'd lovers warns him not: he spurns<br />
+“An hated life. How! should he then be slain<br />
+“Because with me to live he wishes? Death<br />
+“Inglorious must he gain, reward of love?<br />
+“Hatred would such a conquest still attend.<br />
+“Still is not mine the fault. Do thou desist;<br />
+“Or if thy madness holds, O, that thy feet<br />
+“More swift may be! See in his youthful face<br />
+“What virgin beauties! Ah! Hippomenes,<br />
+“Would Atalanta thou had'st never seen.<br />
+“Well worthy thou of life. Were I more blest;<br />
+“Had rugged fate not me a spouse forbade,<br />
+“Thou, sole art he, by whom to Hymen's couch<br />
+“With joy I would be led.&mdash;Thus spoke the nymph,<br />
+“In fond simplicity, first touch'd by love,<br />
+<a name="page_2_124"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;124]</span>
+“Unknowing what she felt: ardent she lov'd,<br />
+“Yet knew the passion not which rul'd her soul.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now loud the people, and the king demand,<br />
+“The wonted race. To me with anxious words<br />
+“Hippomenes, great Neptune's offspring pray'd&mdash;<br />
+“O Cytherea! I adjure thee, aid<br />
+“My bold attempt; from thee those flames I felt,<br />
+“Grant them thy succour.&mdash;Gales auspicious waft<br />
+“To me the tender prayers, my soul is mov'd:<br />
+“Nor long the aid so needful I delay.<br />
+“A tract there lies in Cyprus' richest lands,<br />
+“Nam'd Tamasene by those who dwell around,<br />
+“This ancient times made sacred unto me:<br />
+“And with this gift my temples were endow'd.<br />
+“'Midst of the field appears a shining tree;<br />
+“Yellow its leaves, its crackling branches gold.<br />
+“By chance there straying, from the boughs I pluck'd<br />
+“Three golden apples, bore them in my hand,<br />
+“And seen by none, except the favor'd youth,<br />
+“Approach'd Hippomenes, and taught their use.<br />
+“The trumpets gave the sign, each ready sprung&mdash;<br />
+“Shot from the barrier, and with rapid feet<br />
+“Skimm'd lightly o'er the sand. O'er the wide main<br />
+“With feet unwetted, they might seem to fly;<br />
+“Or sweep th' unbending ears of hoary grain.<br />
+“Loud shouts encouraging, and cheering words,<br />
+<a name="page_2_125"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;125]</span>
+“On every side a stimulus afford,<br />
+“To urge the youth's exertions.&mdash;Now,&mdash;they cry,&mdash;<br />
+“Now, now, Hippomenes, the time to press!<br />
+“On, on! exert thy vigor&mdash;flag not now,&mdash;<br />
+“The race is thine.&mdash;The grateful sounds both heard,<br />
+“Megareus' son, and Sch&oelig;neus' daughter; hard<br />
+“Which joy'd the most to judge. How oft her pace<br />
+“She slacken'd, when with ease she might have pass'd,<br />
+“And ceas'd unwilling on his face to gaze.<br />
+“Tir'd now, parch'd breathings from the mouth ascends<br />
+“Of Neptune's son, and far remote the goal.<br />
+“Then, as his last resource, he distant flung<br />
+“One of the tree's bright produce. In amaze<br />
+“The virgin saw it roll; and from the course<br />
+“Swerv'd, tempted to obtain the glittering fruit.<br />
+“Hippomenes o'ershoots her; all around<br />
+“Applauses ring. She soon corrects delay,<br />
+“And wasted moments, with more rapid speed,<br />
+“And leaves again the youth behind. Again,<br />
+“Delay'd to catch the second flying fruit,<br />
+“The youth is follow'd, and again o'erpass'd.<br />
+“Now near the goal they come,&mdash;O, goddess! now<br />
+“Who gave the boon assist; he said, and flung<br />
+“With youthful force obliquely o'er the plain,<br />
+“More to detain, the last bright glittering gold.<br />
+“In doubt the virgin saw it fly: I urg'd<br />
+“That she should follow; and fresh weight I gave<br />
+<a name="page_2_126"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;126]</span>
+“The apple when obtain'd; thus by the load<br />
+“Her course impeding, and obtain'd delay.<br />
+“But lest my tale, in length surpass the race,<br />
+“The vanquish'd virgin was the victor's prize.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Think'st thou Adonis, did I not deserve<br />
+“Most grateful thanks in smoking incense paid?<br />
+“Mindless, nor thanks, nor incense yielded he;<br />
+“And sudden anger in my bosom rag'd.<br />
+“Irk'd at the slight, I instantly provide<br />
+“That future times with less contempt behave:<br />
+“And 'gainst them both my raging bosom burns.<br />
+“Now pass'd they near a temple, long since rais'd<br />
+“By fam'd Echion, in a shady wood,<br />
+“To the great mother of the heavenly gods,<br />
+“When the long journey tempted to repose;<br />
+“And there, inspir'd by me, ill-tim'd desire<br />
+“Hippomenes excited. Near the fane<br />
+“A cave-like close recess dim-lighted stood,<br />
+“With native pumice roof'd, hallow'd of old;<br />
+“Where priests the numerous images had plac'd,<br />
+“Of ancient deities. They enter'd here,<br />
+“And with forbidden lust the place defil'd.<br />
+“The wooden images their eyes avert:<br />
+“The tower-crown'd goddess dubious stands to plunge,<br />
+“The guilty couple in the Stygian wave.<br />
+“Too light that sentence seems: straight yellow manes<br />
+<a name="page_2_127"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;127]</span>
+“Cover their soft smooth necks; their fingers curve<br />
+“To mighty claws; their arms to fore-legs turn;<br />
+“And new-form'd tails sweep lightly o'er the sand:<br />
+“Angry their countenance glares; for speech they roar;<br />
+“They haunt the forests for their nuptial dome.<br />
+“Transform'd to lions, and by others fear'd,<br />
+“Their tam'd mouths champ the Cybeleïan reins.<br />
+“Do thou, O dearest boy! their rage avoid;<br />
+“Not theirs alone, but all the savage tribe,<br />
+“That stubborn meet with breasts the furious war;<br />
+“Not turn their backs for flight: lest bold too much,<br />
+“Thou and myself, have cause too much too mourn.&mdash;<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thus she admonish'd; and by coupled swans<br />
+“Upborne, she cleft the air; but his brave soul<br />
+“Her cautious admonitions rash contemn'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“By chance his dogs the well-mark'd footprints trac'd,<br />
+“And from his lurking covert rous'd a boar;<br />
+“Whom with a stroke oblique, as from the brake<br />
+“To spring he went, the gallant youth transpierc'd.<br />
+“Instant, with crooked tusks, the gore-stain'd spear<br />
+“Wrench'd the fierce boar away, and at him rush'd,<br />
+“Trembling, and safety seeking: every fang<br />
+“Deep in his groin he plung'd, and on the sand<br />
+“Stretch'd him expiring. Cytherea, borne<br />
+“Through midmost ether in her chariot light,<br />
+<a name="page_2_128"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;128]</span>
+“Had not at Cyprus with her swans arriv'd,<br />
+“When, known from far, she heard his dying groans;<br />
+“And thither turn'd her snowy birds. From high<br />
+“When lifeless she beheld him, in his blood<br />
+“Convulsive struggling, quick she darted down,<br />
+“She tore her garments, and she tore her hair;<br />
+“And with unpitying hands her breast she smote.<br />
+“Then, fate upbraiding first, she said;&mdash;Not all<br />
+“Shall bend to your decision; still shalt thou<br />
+“Remain, Adonis, monument of woe,<br />
+“Suffer'd by me! The image of thy death,<br />
+“Annual repeated, annual shall renew<br />
+“Remembrance of my mourning. But thy blood<br />
+“A flower shall form. Shalt thou, O Proserpine,<br />
+“A female body to a scented herb<br />
+“Transform; and I the Cinyreïan youth<br />
+“Forbidden be to change?&mdash;She said, and flung<br />
+“Nectar most odorous on the ebbing gore;<br />
+“Which instant swelling rose. So bubbles rise<br />
+“On the smooth stream when showery floods descend.<br />
+“Nor long the term, an hour's short space elaps'd,<br />
+“When the same teinted flower the blood produc'd:<br />
+“Such flowers the deep pomegranate bears, which hides<br />
+“Its purple grains beneath a flexile rind.<br />
+“But short its boast, for the same winds afford<br />
+“Its name, and shake them where they light adhere:<br />
+“Ripe for their fall in fragile beauty gay.�<br />
+<a name="page_2_129"></a>
+<a name="page_2_130"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;130]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter22"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Eleventh Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Rage of the Thracian women. Massacre of Orpheus. The women transformed
+to trees by Bacchus. Midas' foolish wish to change all things he
+touched into gold. Contest of skill between Pan and Apollo. The ears
+of Midas transformed to asses ears. Troy built by Apollo and Neptune.
+Laömedon's perfidy. Hesioné freed by Hercules, and married to Telamon.
+Peleus and Thetis. Birth of Achilles. Chioné ravished by Mercury, and
+by Apollo. Slain by Diana. Her sire Dædalion changed into an hawk.
+A wolf changed by Thetis to marble. Voyage of Ceÿx to Delphos. Lost
+in a storm. Grief of Alcyoné. Morpheus acquaints her with her husband's
+death. Change of both to kingfishers. Æsacus into a cormorant.
+<a name="page_2_131"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;131]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter23"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Eleventh Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While thus the Thracian bard the forests drew,<br />
+And rocks, and furious beasts with strains divine;&mdash;<br />
+Behold the Thracian dames! their madden'd breasts<br />
+Clad with the shaggy spoil of furious beasts,<br />
+Espy'd him from an hillock's rising swell,<br />
+As to his sounding strings he shap'd the song.<br />
+When one, her tresses in the ruffling air<br />
+Wild streaming, cry'd&mdash;“Lo! him who spurns our ties!�&mdash;<br />
+And full her dart 'gainst the harmonious mouth<br />
+Of Ph&oelig;bus' son she flung: entwisted round<br />
+<a name="page_2_132"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;132]</span>
+With leaves, a bruise without a wound appear'd.<br />
+A stone another for a weapon seiz'd;<br />
+The flying stone was even in air subdu'd<br />
+By harmony and song; and at his feet<br />
+Low fell, as suppliant for its daring fault.<br />
+But now the tumult swells more furious,&mdash;bounds<br />
+It knows not! mad Erinnys reigns around.<br />
+Yet all their weapons had his music's power<br />
+Soften'd; but clamor, Berecynthian horns,<br />
+Drums, clappings, bacchanalian shouts, and howls,<br />
+Drown'd the soft lyre. Then were the stones distain'd<br />
+With silenc'd Orpheus' blood. The Bacchæ first<br />
+Drove wide the crowding birds, the snakes, the beasts,<br />
+In throngs collected by his tuneful voice;<br />
+Glory of Orpheus' stage. From thence they turn'd<br />
+Their gory hands on Orpheus, and around<br />
+Cluster'd like fowls that in the day espy<br />
+The bird of darkness. Then as in the morn<br />
+The high-rais'd amphitheatre beholds<br />
+The stag a prey to hounds; so they the bard<br />
+Attack'd, and flung their Thyrsi twin'd with leaves;<br />
+For different use first form'd. Those hurl huge clods:<br />
+These branches torn from trees; and others stones.<br />
+Lest to their fury arms were wanting, lo!<br />
+A yoke of oxen with the ploughshare broke<br />
+The ground, not distant far; with sinews there<br />
+Of nervous strength, the husbandmen upturn'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_133"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;133]</span>
+The stubborn soil; with sweat producing fruit.<br />
+These, when the troop they saw, affrighted fled,<br />
+Quitting their instruments of toil. Their rakes,<br />
+Their ponderous harrows, and their huge long spades,<br />
+Were scatter'd left on the deserted field.<br />
+These when their furious hands had seiz'd, and tore<br />
+From the strong oxen's heads the threatening horns,<br />
+Back they return'd to end the poet's fate;<br />
+And sacrilegious, as he stretch'd his hands,<br />
+They slaughter'd him! Then first in vain his words<br />
+Were utter'd; nought could then his speech avail.<br />
+Then, heavenly powers! his spirit was expell'd<br />
+And breath'd in air, even through that mouth whose sound<br />
+Hard rocks had heard, and wildest beasts had own'd.<br />
+For thee, O Orpheus! mourn'd the feather'd tribe,<br />
+And crowds of savage monsters; flinty rocks<br />
+Bewail'd thee; forests, which thy tempting song<br />
+So oft had caus'd to follow, wept; the trees,<br />
+Shorn of their pride, bewail'd with falling leaves.<br />
+Each stream, 'tis said, with flowing tears increas'd<br />
+Its current. Naïad nymphs and Dryads wore<br />
+Garments of sable tinge, with streaming hair.<br />
+Wide scatter'd lie his limbs. His head and lyre<br />
+Thou, Hebrus, dost receive; and while they glide,<br />
+Wond'rous occurrence! down the floating stream,<br />
+The lyre a mournful moan sends forth; the lips,<br />
+Now lifeless, murmur plaintive; and the bank<br />
+<a name="page_2_134"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;134]</span>
+Echoes the lamentations. Borne along<br />
+To ocean, now his native stream they leave,<br />
+And reach Methymna on the Lesbian shore.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The head, expos'd thus on the foreign sand,<br />
+And locks still dropping with the watery wave,<br />
+A snake approach'd. But Ph&oelig;bus gave his aid,<br />
+And check'd the greedy bite; with open jaws<br />
+The serpent rears in stone congeal'd, as then<br />
+Widely he gap'd. The ghost from earth descends,<br />
+And views the regions he had view'd before.<br />
+Exploring through th' Elysian fields he meets<br />
+His dear Eurydicé; with longing arms<br />
+He clasps her. Here they walk, now side by side,<br />
+With equal pace; now follows he, and now<br />
+A little space precedes her: Orpheus there<br />
+Back on Eurydicé in safety looks.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But Bacchus suffer'd not the heinous deed<br />
+Unpunish'd to remain; griev'd that the bard<br />
+Who sung his praises, thus was snatch'd away,<br />
+He bound the Thracian matrons, who the crime<br />
+Had perpetrated, fast by twisted roots<br />
+To earth as trees. He stretch'd their feet and toes,<br />
+Which follow'd him so swift, and struck their points<br />
+Deep in the solid earth: A bird ensnar'd<br />
+Thus finds his leg imprison'd by the wires<br />
+<a name="page_2_135"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;135]</span>
+Hid by the crafty fowler, and his wings<br />
+Beats, while his fluttering draws more tight the noose.<br />
+So each, as firmly fixt to earth she stood,<br />
+Affrighted strove to fly, but strove in vain:<br />
+The flexile roots detain'd them; and fast ty'd,<br />
+Spite of their struggling bounds, while they explore<br />
+For toes and nails, and while they seek for feet,<br />
+They see the wood their taper legs conceal;<br />
+Their grieving hands to beat their thighs are rais'd;<br />
+Their hands strike solid wood: their shoulders, breasts,<br />
+Are also wood become. Their outstretch'd arms<br />
+Extended boughs appear'd, and boughs they were.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nor sated yet was Bacchus; all their fields<br />
+He quits; attended by a worthier troop.<br />
+To Tmolus' vineyards and Pactolus' stream<br />
+He hies: the stream not yet for gold was fam'd;<br />
+Not yet so precious were its envy'd sands.<br />
+Satyrs and Bacchant' nymphs, his 'custom'd choir<br />
+Attend him, but Silenus was not found.<br />
+Him drunken had the rustic Phrygians seiz'd,<br />
+Reeling with wine, and tottering 'neath his years;<br />
+With ivy crown'd; and fetter'd to their king,<br />
+The royal Midas, brought him. Midas once<br />
+The Thracian Orpheus Bacchus' orgies taught,<br />
+With sage Eumolpus; and at once he knew<br />
+His old associate in the sacred rites;<br />
+<a name="page_2_136"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;136]</span>
+And joyful feasted with voluptuous fare,<br />
+For twice five days, and twice five nights his guest.<br />
+Th' eleventh time Phosphor' now the lofty host<br />
+Of stars had chas'd from heaven; the jovial king<br />
+Went forth to Lydia's fields, and there restor'd<br />
+Silenus to the youth his foster-child.<br />
+He, joy'd again his nursing sire to see,<br />
+On him bestow'd his anxious sought desire,<br />
+Though useless was the gift. Greedy he crav'd<br />
+What only harm'd him,&mdash;saying&mdash;“Grant, O, power!<br />
+“Whate'er I touch may straight to gold be chang'd�&mdash;<br />
+Bacchus consents to what he wishes;&mdash;gives<br />
+The hurtful gift; but grieves to see his mind<br />
+No better wish demand. Joyful departs<br />
+The Berecynthian monarch, with ill-fate<br />
+Delighted; and, each object touching, tries<br />
+The promis'd faith. Scarcely himself believ'd,<br />
+When from a growing ilex down he tore<br />
+A sprouting bough, straight gold the bough became:<br />
+A stone from earth he lifted, pale the stone<br />
+In gold appear'd: he touch'd a turfy clod,<br />
+The clod quick harden'd with the potent touch:<br />
+He pluck'd the ripen'd hoary ears of wheat,<br />
+And golden shone the grain: he from the tree<br />
+An apple snatch'd, the fam'd Hesperian fruit<br />
+He seem'd to hold: where'er his fingers touch'd<br />
+The lofty pillars, all the pillars shone:<br />
+<a name="page_2_137"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;137]</span>
+Nay, where his hands he in the waters lav'd,<br />
+The waters flowing from his hands seem'd such<br />
+As Danaë might deceive. Scarce can his breast<br />
+His towering projects hold; all fancy'd gold.<br />
+Th' attendant slaves before their master, joy'd<br />
+At this great fortune, heap'd the table high<br />
+With dainties; nor was bread deficient there:<br />
+But when his hands the Cerealian boon<br />
+Had touch'd, the Cerealian boon grew hard:<br />
+And when the dainty food with greedy tooth<br />
+He strove to eat, the dainty food grew bright,<br />
+In glittering plates, where'er his teeth had touch'd.<br />
+He mixt pure water with his patron's wine,<br />
+And fluid gold adown his cheeks straight flow'd.<br />
+With panic seiz'd, the new-found plague to view,<br />
+Rich, yet most wretched; from his wealthy hoard<br />
+Fain would he fly; and from his soul detests<br />
+What late he anxious pray'd. The plenteous gold<br />
+Abates his hunger nought, and parching thirst<br />
+Burns in his throat. He well deserves the curse<br />
+Caus'd by now-hated gold. Lifting his hands<br />
+And splendid arms to heaven, he cries,&mdash;“O sire<br />
+“Lenæan! pardon my offence: my fault<br />
+“Is evident; but pity me, I pray,<br />
+“And from me move this fair deceitful curse.�<br />
+Bacchus, the gentlest of celestial powers,<br />
+Reliev'd him, as he thus his error own'd:<br />
+<a name="page_2_138"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;138]</span>
+The compact first agreed dissolv'd, and void<br />
+The grant became:&mdash;“Lest still thou shouldst remain<br />
+“With gold�&mdash;he said,&mdash;“so madly wish'd, imbu'd,<br />
+“Haste to the stream by mighty Sardis' town<br />
+“Which flows; thy path along the mountain's ridge<br />
+“Explore, opposing still the gliding waves,<br />
+“Till thou the spring espy'st. Then deeply plunge<br />
+“Beneath the foaming gush thy head, where full<br />
+“It spouts its waters; and thy error cleanse,<br />
+“As clean thy limbs thou washest.�&mdash;To the stream<br />
+The king as bidden hastes. The golden charm<br />
+Tinges the river; from the monarch's limbs<br />
+It passes to the stream. And now the banks<br />
+Harden in veins of gold to sight disclos'd;<br />
+And the pale sands in glittering splendor shine.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Detesting riches, now in woods he lives,<br />
+And rural dales; with Pan, who still resorts<br />
+To mountain caverns. Still his soul remains<br />
+Stupidly dull; the folly of his breast<br />
+Was doom'd to harm its owner as before.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;High Tmolus rears with steep ascent his head,<br />
+O'erlooking distant ocean; wide he spreads<br />
+His bounds abrupt; confin'd by Sardis here,<br />
+By small Hypæpé there. Upon his top,<br />
+While Pan in boastful strain the tender nymphs<br />
+<a name="page_2_139"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;139]</span>
+Pleas'd with his notes, and on his wax-join'd reeds<br />
+A paltry ditty play'd; boldly he dar'd<br />
+To place his own above Apollo's song.<br />
+The god to try th' unequal strife descends;<br />
+Tmolus the umpire. On his mountain plac'd,<br />
+The ancient judge from his attentive ears<br />
+The branches clear'd; save that his azure head<br />
+With oak was crown'd, and acorns dangling down<br />
+His hollow temples grac'd. The shepherd's god<br />
+Beholding,&mdash;“no delay, your judge,�&mdash;he said&mdash;<br />
+“Shall cause,�&mdash;and straight Pan sounds the rural reeds.<br />
+His barbarous music much the judgment pleas'd<br />
+Of Midas, who amidst the crowd approach'd.<br />
+Now venerable Tmolus on the face<br />
+Of Ph&oelig;bus turn'd his eyes; and with him turn'd<br />
+Th' attentive woods. Parnassian laurel bound<br />
+His golden locks; deep dipt in Tyrian dye,<br />
+His garment swept the ground; his left hand held<br />
+The instrument with gems and ivory rich;<br />
+The other grasp'd the bow: his posture shew'd<br />
+The skilful master's art: lightly he touch'd<br />
+The chords with thumb experienc'd. Justly charm'd<br />
+With melody so sweet, Tmolus decreed<br />
+The pipe of Pan to Ph&oelig;bus' lute should yield.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Much did the judgment of the sacred hill,<br />
+And much his sentence all delight, save one:<br />
+<a name="page_2_140"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;140]</span>
+For Midas blames him, and unjust declares<br />
+The arbitration. Human shape no more<br />
+The god permits his foolish ears to wear;<br />
+But long extends them, and with hoary hairs<br />
+Fills them within; and grants them power to move,<br />
+From their foundation flexile. All beside<br />
+Was man, one part felt his revenge alone;<br />
+A slowly pacing asses ears he bears.<br />
+His head, weigh'd heavy with his load of shame,<br />
+He strove in purple turban to enfold;<br />
+Thus his disgrace to hide. But when as wont<br />
+His slave his hairs, unseemly lengthen'd, cropp'd,<br />
+He saw the change; the tale he fear'd to tell,<br />
+Of what he witness'd, though he anxious wish'd<br />
+In public to proclaim it: yet to hold<br />
+Sacred the trust surpass'd his power. He went<br />
+Forth, and digg'd up the earth; with whispering voice<br />
+There he imparted of his master's ears<br />
+What he had seen; and murmur'd to the sod:<br />
+But bury'd close the confidential words<br />
+Beneath the turf again: then, all fill'd up,<br />
+Silently he departed. From the spot<br />
+Began a thick-grown tuft of trembling reeds<br />
+To spring, which ripening with the year's full round,<br />
+Betray'd their planter. By the light south wind<br />
+When agitated, they the bury'd words<br />
+Disclos'd, betraying what the monarch's ears.<br />
+<a name="page_2_141"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;141]</span>
+Latona's son, aveng'd, high Tmolus leaves,<br />
+And cleaving liquid air, lights in the realm<br />
+Laömedon commands: on the strait sea,<br />
+Nephelian Hellé names, an altar stands<br />
+Sacred to Panomphæan Jove, where seen<br />
+Lofty Rhætæum rises to the left,<br />
+Sigæum to the right. From thence he saw<br />
+Laömedon, as first he toil'd to build<br />
+The walls of infant Troy; with toil immense<br />
+The undertaking in progression grew,<br />
+And mighty sums he saw the work would ask.<br />
+A mortal shape he takes; a mortal shape<br />
+Clothes too the trident-bearing sire, who rules<br />
+The swelling deep. The Phrygian monarch's walls<br />
+They raise, a certain treasure for their toil<br />
+Agreed on first. The work is finished. Base,<br />
+The king disowns the compact, and his lies<br />
+Perfidious, backs with perjury.&mdash;“Boast not<br />
+“This treatment calmly borne,� the ocean's god<br />
+Exclaim'd; and o'er the sordid Trojan's shores<br />
+Pour'd all his flood of billows; and transform'd<br />
+The land to sheets of water; swept away<br />
+The tiller's treasure; bury'd all the meads.<br />
+Nor sated with this ruin, he demands<br />
+The monarch's daughter should be given a prey<br />
+To an huge monster of the main; whom, chain'd<br />
+To the hard rock, Alcides' arm set free,<br />
+<a name="page_2_142"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;142]</span>
+And claim'd the boon his due; the promis'd steeds.<br />
+Refus'd the prize his valorous deed deserv'd,<br />
+He sack'd the walls of doubly-perjur'd Troy,<br />
+Nor thence did Telamon, whose powerful arm<br />
+The hero aided, unrewarded go;<br />
+Hesioné was by Alcides given.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Peleus was famous for his goddess-spouse:<br />
+Proud not more justly of his grandsire's fame,<br />
+Than of his consort's father; numbers more<br />
+Might boast them grandsons of imperial Jove;<br />
+To him alone a goddess-bride belong'd.<br />
+For aged Proteus had to Thetis said,&mdash;<br />
+“O, goddess of the waves, a child conceive!<br />
+“Thou shalt be mother of a youth, whose deeds<br />
+“Will far the bravest of his sire's transcend:<br />
+“And mightier than his sire's shall be his name.�<br />
+Hence, lest the world than Jove a mightier god<br />
+Should know, though Jove with amorous flames fierce burn'd,<br />
+He shunn'd th' embraces of the watery dame:<br />
+And bade his grandson Peleus to his hopes<br />
+Succeed, and clasp the virgin in his arms.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hæmonia's coast a bay possesses, curv'd<br />
+Like a bent bow; whose arms enclosing stretch<br />
+Far in the sea; where if more deep the waves<br />
+An haven would be form'd: the waters spread<br />
+<a name="page_2_143"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;143]</span>
+Just o'er the sand. Firm is the level shore;<br />
+Such as would ne'er the race retard, nor hold<br />
+The print of feet; no seaweed there was spread.<br />
+Nigh sprung a grove of myrtle, cover'd thick<br />
+With double-teinted berries: in the midst<br />
+A cave appear'd, by art or nature form'd;<br />
+But art most plain was seen. Here, Thetis! oft,<br />
+Plac'd unattir'd on thy rein'd dolphin's back,<br />
+Thou didst delight to come. There, as thou laid'st<br />
+In slumbers bound, did Peleus on thee seize.<br />
+And when his most endearing prayers were spurn'd,<br />
+Force he prepar'd; both arms around thy neck<br />
+Close clasp'd. And then to thy accustom'd arts,<br />
+Of often-varied-form, hadst thou not fled,<br />
+He might have prosper'd in his daring hope.<br />
+But now a bird thou wert; the bird he held:<br />
+Now an huge tree; Peleus the tree grasp'd firm:<br />
+A spotted tiger then thy third-chang'd shape;<br />
+Frighted at that, Æäcides his hold<br />
+Quit from her body. Then the ocean powers<br />
+He worshipp'd, pouring wine upon the waves,<br />
+And bleating victims slew, and incense burn'd:<br />
+Till from the gulf profound the prophet spoke<br />
+Of Carpathus. “O, Peleus! gain thou shalt<br />
+“The wish'd-for nuptials; only when she rests<br />
+“In the cool cavern sleeping, thou with cords<br />
+“And fetters strong her, unsuspecting, bind;<br />
+<a name="page_2_144"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;144]</span>
+“Nor let an hundred shapes thy soul deceive;<br />
+“Still hold her fast whatever form she wears,<br />
+“Till in her pristine looks she shines again.�<br />
+This Proteus said, and plung'd his head beneath<br />
+The waves, while scarce his final words were heard.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prone down the west was Titan speeding now;<br />
+And to th' Hesperian waves his car inclin'd,<br />
+When the fair Nereïd from the wide deep came,<br />
+And sought her 'custom'd couch. Scarce Peleus seiz'd<br />
+Her virgin limbs, when straight a thousand forms<br />
+She try'd, till fast she saw her members ty'd;<br />
+And her arms fetter'd close in every part:<br />
+Then sigh'd, and said; “thou conquerest by some god:�<br />
+And the fair form of Thetis was display'd.<br />
+The hero clasp'd her, and his wishes gain'd;<br />
+And great Achilles straight the nymph conceiv'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now blest was Peleus in his son and bride;<br />
+And blest in all which can to man belong;<br />
+Save in the crime of murder'd Phocus. Driven<br />
+From his paternal home, of brother's blood<br />
+Guilty, Trachinia's soil receiv'd him first.<br />
+Here Ceÿx, Phosphor's offspring, who retain'd<br />
+His father's splendor on his forehead, rul'd<br />
+The land; which knew not bloodshed, knew not force.<br />
+At that time gloomy, sad, himself unlike,<br />
+<a name="page_2_145"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;145]</span>
+He mourn'd a brother's loss. To him, fatigu'd<br />
+With travel, and with care worn out, the son<br />
+Of Æäcus arriv'd; and in the town<br />
+Enter'd with followers few: the flocks and herds<br />
+That journey'd with him, just without the walls,<br />
+In a dark vale were left. When the first grant<br />
+T'approach the monarch was obtain'd, he rais'd<br />
+The olive in his suppliant hand; then told<br />
+His name, and lineage, but his crime conceal'd.<br />
+His cause of flight dissembling, next he beg'd,<br />
+For him and his, some pastures and a town.<br />
+Then thus Trachinia's king with friendly brow:<br />
+“To all, the very meanest of mankind,<br />
+“Are our possessions free; nor do I rule<br />
+“A realm inhospitable: add to these<br />
+“Inducements strong, thine own illustrious name,<br />
+“And grandsire Jove. In praying lose not time.<br />
+“Whate'er thou wouldst, thou shalt receive; and all,<br />
+“Such as it is, with me most freely share;<br />
+“Would it were better.� Speaking thus, he wept:<br />
+His cause of grief to Peleus and his friends,<br />
+Anxious enquiring, then the monarch told.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Perchance this bird, which by fierce rapine lives,<br />
+“Dread of the feather'd tribe, you think still wings<br />
+“Possess'd. Once man, he bore a noble soul;<br />
+“Though stern, and rough in war, and fond of blood.<br />
+<a name="page_2_146"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;146]</span>
+“His name Dædalion: from the sire produc'd<br />
+“Who calls Aurora forth, and last of stars<br />
+“Relinquishes the sky. Peace my delight;<br />
+“Peace to preserve was still my care: my joys<br />
+“I shar'd in Hymen's bonds. Fierce wars alone,<br />
+“My brother pleas'd. His valor then o'erthrew<br />
+“Monarchs and nations, who, in alter'd form,<br />
+“Drives now Thisbæan pigeons through the air.<br />
+“His daughter Chioné, in beauty rich,<br />
+“For marriage ripe, now fourteen years had seen;<br />
+“And numerous suitors with her charms were fir'd.<br />
+“It chanc'd that Ph&oelig;bus once, and Maiä's son,<br />
+“Returning from his favorite Delphos this,<br />
+“That from Cyllené's top, together saw<br />
+“The nymph,&mdash;together felt the amorous flame.<br />
+“Apollo his warm hopes till night defers;<br />
+“But Hermes brooks delay not: with his rod,<br />
+“Compelling sleep, he strokes the virgin's face;<br />
+“Beneath the potent touch she sinks, and yields<br />
+“Without resistance to his amorous force.<br />
+“Night spread o'er heaven the stars, when Ph&oelig;bus took<br />
+“A matron's form, and seiz'd fore-tasted joys.<br />
+“When its full time the womb matur'd had seen,<br />
+“Autolycus was born; the crafty seed<br />
+“Of the wing'd-footed god; acute of thought<br />
+“To every shade of theft; from his sire's art<br />
+“Degenerate nought; white he was wont to make<br />
+<a name="page_2_147"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;147]</span>
+“Appear as black; and black from white produce.<br />
+“Philammon, famous with the lyre and song,<br />
+“Was born to Ph&oelig;bus (twins the nymph brought forth).<br />
+“But where the benefit that two she bears?<br />
+“Where that the favorite of two gods she boasts?<br />
+“What that a valiant sire she claims? and claims<br />
+“As ancestor the mighty thundering god?<br />
+“Is it that glory such as this still harms?<br />
+“Certain it hurtful prov'd to her, who dar'd<br />
+“Herself prefer to Dian', and despise<br />
+“The goddess' beauty; fierce in ire she cry'd,&mdash;<br />
+“At least I'll try to make my actions please.&mdash;<br />
+“Nor stay'd; the bow she bent, and from the cord<br />
+“Impell'd the dart; through her deserving tongue<br />
+“The reed was sent. Mute straight that tongue became;<br />
+“Nor sound, nor what she try'd to utter, heard:<br />
+“Striving to speak, life flow'd with flowing blood.<br />
+“What woe (O hapless piety!) oppress'd<br />
+“My heart! What solace to her tender sire<br />
+“I spoke; my solace just the same he heard,<br />
+“As rocks hear murmuring waves. But still he moan'd<br />
+“For his lost child; but when the flames he saw<br />
+“Ascending, four times 'mid the funeral fires<br />
+“He strove to plunge; four times from thence repuls'd,<br />
+“His rapid limbs address'd for flight, and rush'd<br />
+“Like a young bullock, when the hornet's sting<br />
+“Deep in his neck he bears, in pathless ways.<br />
+<a name="page_2_148"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;148]</span>
+“Ev'n now more swift than man he seem'd to run:<br />
+“His feet seem'd wings to wear, for all behind<br />
+“He left far distant. Through desire of death,<br />
+“Rapid he gain'd Parnassus' loftiest ridge.<br />
+“Apollo, pitying, when Dædalion flung<br />
+“From the high rock his body, to a bird<br />
+“Transform'd him, and on sudden pinions bore<br />
+“Him floating: bended hooks he gave his claws,<br />
+“And gave a crooked beak; valor as wont;<br />
+“And strength more great than such a body shews.<br />
+“Now as an hawk, to every bird a foe,<br />
+“He wages war on all; and griev'd himself,<br />
+“He constant cause for others grief affords.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While these miraculous deeds bright Phosphor's sob<br />
+Tells of his brother, Peleus' herdsman comes,<br />
+Phocian Anetor, flying, and, with speed<br />
+Breathless, “O Peleus! Peleus!� he exclaims,<br />
+“Of horrid slaughter messenger I come!�<br />
+Him Peleus bids, whate'er he brings, to speak;<br />
+Trachinia's monarch even with friendly dread<br />
+Trembles the news to hear. When thus the man:<br />
+“The weary cattle to the curving shore<br />
+“I'd driv'n, when Sol from loftiest heaven might view<br />
+“His journey half perform'd, while half remain'd.<br />
+“Part of the oxen on the yellow sand,<br />
+“On their knees bending view'd the spacious plain<br />
+<a name="page_2_149"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;149]</span>
+“Of wide-spread waters; part with loitering pace<br />
+“Stray'd here, and thither; others swam and rear'd<br />
+“Their lofty necks above the waves. There stood<br />
+“Close to the sea a temple, where nor gold,<br />
+“Nor polish'd marble shone; but rear'd with trees<br />
+“Thick-pil'd, it gloom'd within an ancient grove.<br />
+“This, Nereus and the Nereïd nymphs possess.<br />
+“A fisherman, as on the shore he dry'd<br />
+“His nets, inform'd us these the temple own'd.<br />
+“A marsh joins near the fane, with willows thick<br />
+“Beset, which waves o'erflowing first has form'd.<br />
+“A wolf from thence, a beast of monstrous bulk,<br />
+“Thundering with mighty clash, with terror struck<br />
+“The neighbouring spots: then from the marshy woods<br />
+“Sprung out; his jaws terrific, smear'd with foam<br />
+“And clotted gore; his eyes with red flames glar'd.<br />
+“Mad though he rag'd with ire and famine both,<br />
+“Famine less strong appear'd; for his dire maw<br />
+“And craving hunger, he not car'd to fill<br />
+“With the slain oxen; wounding all the herd:<br />
+“All hostile overthrowing. Some of us,<br />
+“Ranch'd by his deadly tooth, to death were sent<br />
+“Defence attempting. The shore and marsh<br />
+“With bellowings echoing, and the ocean's edge<br />
+“Redden with blood. But ruinous, delay!<br />
+“For hesitation leisure is not now.<br />
+“While ought remains, let all together join;<br />
+<a name="page_2_150"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;150]</span>
+“Arm! arm! and on him hurl united spears.�<br />
+The herdsman ceas'd, Peleus the loss not mov'd;<br />
+But conscious of his fault, infers the plague<br />
+Sent by the childless Nereïd to avenge<br />
+Her slaughter'd Phocus' loss. Yet Ceÿx bids<br />
+His warriors arm, and take their forceful darts;<br />
+With them prepar'd to issue: but his spouse<br />
+Alcyöné, rous'd by the tumult, sprung<br />
+Forth from her chamber; unadorn'd her locks,<br />
+Which scatter'd hung around her. Ceÿx' neck<br />
+Clasping, she begg'd with moving words and tears,<br />
+Aid he would send, but go not; thus preserve<br />
+Two lives in one. Then Peleus to the queen;<br />
+“Banish your laudable and duteous fears.<br />
+“For what the king intended, thanks are due.<br />
+“Arms 'gainst this novel plague I will not take:<br />
+“Prayers must the goddess of the deep appease.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A lofty tower there stood, whose summit bore<br />
+A beacon; grateful object to the sight<br />
+Of weary mariners. Thither they mount,<br />
+And see with sighs the herd strew'd o'er the beach;<br />
+The monster ravaging with gory jaw,<br />
+And his long shaggy hairs in blood bedy'd.<br />
+Thence Peleus, stretching to the wide sea shore<br />
+His arms, to Psamathé cerulean pray'd,<br />
+To finish there her rage, and grant relief.<br />
+<a name="page_2_151"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;151]</span>
+Unmov'd she heard Æäcides implore:<br />
+But Thetis, suppliant, from the goddess gain'd<br />
+The favor for her spouse. Uncheck'd, the wolf<br />
+The furious slaughter quits not, fierce the more<br />
+From the sweet taste of blood, till to a stone<br />
+Transform'd, as on a bull's torn neck he hung.<br />
+His form remains; and, save his color, all;<br />
+The color only shews him wolf no more:<br />
+And shews no terror he shall now inspire.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still in this realm the angry fates deny'd<br />
+Peleus to stay; exil'd, he wander'd on,<br />
+And reach'd Magnesia: from Acastus there<br />
+Thessalian, expiation he receiv'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ceÿx meantime, with anxious doubts disturb'd;<br />
+First with the prodigy, his brother's change,<br />
+Then those which follow'd; to the Clarian god<br />
+Prepar'd to go, the oracles to seek,<br />
+Which sweetly solace men's uneasy minds.<br />
+Delphos was inaccessible; the road<br />
+Phorbas prophane, with all his Phlegians barr'd.<br />
+Yet first Alcyöné, most faithful spouse!<br />
+He tells thee of his purpose. Instant seiz'd<br />
+A death-like coldness on her inmost heart:<br />
+A boxen paleness o'er her features spread;<br />
+And down her cheeks the tears in torrents roll'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_152"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;152]</span>
+Thrice she attempted words, but thrice her tears<br />
+Her words prevented; then her pious plaints,<br />
+Broken by interrupted sobs, she spoke.<br />
+“My dearest lord! what hapless fault of mine<br />
+“Thy soul has alter'd? Where that love for me<br />
+“Thou wont'st to shew? Canst thou now unconcern'd<br />
+“Depart, and leave Alcyöné behind?<br />
+“Glads thee this tedious journey? Am I lov'd<br />
+“Most dearly farthest absent? Yet by land<br />
+“Was all thy journey, then I should but grieve,<br />
+“Not tremble: sighs would then of fears take place.<br />
+“The sea, the dread appearance of the main,<br />
+“Me terrifies. But lately I beheld<br />
+“Torn planks bestrew the shore: and oft I've read<br />
+“On empty tombs, the names of dead inscrib'd.<br />
+“Let not fallacious confidence thy mind<br />
+“Mislead, that Æölus I call my sire;<br />
+“Who binds the furious winds in caves, and smoothes<br />
+“At will the ocean. No! when issu'd once,<br />
+“They sweep the main, no power of his can rule:<br />
+“And uncontroll'd they ravage all the land:<br />
+“Nor checks them aught on ocean. Clouds of heaven,<br />
+“They clash; and ruddy lightnings hurl along<br />
+“In fierce encounter. More their force I know,<br />
+“(For well I knew, and oft have mark'd their power,<br />
+“While yet an infant at my sire's abode,)<br />
+“The more I deem them such as should be fear'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_153"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;153]</span>
+“Yet dearest spouse, if thy firm-fixt resolve<br />
+“No prayers can change, and obstinate thou stand'st<br />
+“For sailing, let me also with thee go:<br />
+“Together then the buffeting we'll bear.<br />
+“Then shall I fear but what I suffer; then<br />
+“Whate'er we suffer we'll together feel:<br />
+“Together sailing o'er the boundless main.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her words and tears the star-born husband mov'd;<br />
+For less of love he felt not. Yet his scheme<br />
+To voyage o'er the deep he could not change;<br />
+Nor yet consent Alcyöné should share<br />
+His peril: and with soothing soft replies,<br />
+He try'd to calm her timid breast. Nor yet<br />
+Himself approv'd the arguments he try'd,<br />
+His consort to persuade consent to yield<br />
+To his departure. This at length he adds<br />
+As solace, which alone her bosom mov'd.<br />
+“All absence tedious seems; but by the fires<br />
+“My father bears, I swear, if fates permit,<br />
+“Returning, thou shalt see me, ere the moon<br />
+“Shall twice have fill'd her orb.� Hope in her breast<br />
+Thus rais'd by promise of a quick return,<br />
+Instant the vessel, from the dock drawn forth,<br />
+He bids them launch in ocean, and complete<br />
+In all her stores and tackling. This beheld<br />
+Alcyöné; and, presaging again<br />
+<a name="page_2_154"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;154]</span>
+Woes of the future, trembled, and a flood<br />
+Of tears again gush'd forth; again she clasp'd<br />
+His neck; at length, as, wretched wife, she cry'd,&mdash;<br />
+“Farewell� she, swooning, lifeless sunk to earth.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The rowers now, while Ceÿx sought delays,<br />
+To their strong breasts the double-ranking oars<br />
+Drew back, and cleft with equal stroke the surge.<br />
+Her humid eyes she rais'd, and first beheld<br />
+Her husband standing on the crooked poop,<br />
+Waving his hand as signal; she his sign<br />
+Return'd. When farther from the land they shot,<br />
+Her straining eyes no more indulg'd to know<br />
+His features; still, while yet they could, her eyes<br />
+Pursu'd the flying vessel. This at length<br />
+Increasing distance her forbade to see;<br />
+Still she perceiv'd the floating sails, which spread<br />
+From the mast's loftiest summit. Sails at length<br />
+Were also lost in distance: then she sought<br />
+Anxious her widow'd chamber; and her limbs<br />
+Threw on the couch. The bed, the vacant space,<br />
+Renew'd her tears, reminding of her loss.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now far from port they'd sail'd, when the strong ropes<br />
+The breeze began to strain; the rowers turn<br />
+Their oars, and lash them to the vessel's side;<br />
+Hoist to the mast's extremest height their yards;<br />
+And loose their sails to catch the coming breeze.<br />
+<a name="page_2_155"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;155]</span>
+Scarce half, not more than half, the sea's extent<br />
+The vessel now had plough'd; and either land<br />
+Was distant far; when, as dim night approach'd,<br />
+The sea seem'd foaming white with rising waves;<br />
+And the strong East more furious 'gan to blow.<br />
+Long had the master cry'd,&mdash;“Lower down your yards,<br />
+“And close furl every sail!�&mdash;he bids; the storm<br />
+Adverse, impedes the sound; the roaring waves<br />
+Drown every voice in noise. Yet some, untold,<br />
+Haste to secure the oars; part bind the sails;<br />
+Part fortify the sides: this water laves,<br />
+Ejecting seas on seas; that lowers the yards.<br />
+While thus they toil unguided, rough the storm<br />
+Increases; from each quarter furious winds<br />
+Wage warfare, and with mounting billows join.<br />
+Trembles the ruler of the bark, and owns<br />
+His state; he knows not what he should command,<br />
+Nor what forbid; so swift the sudden storm;<br />
+So much more strong the tempest than his skill.<br />
+Men clamorous shout; cords rattle; mighty waves<br />
+Roar, on waves rushing; thunders roll through air;<br />
+In billows mounts the ocean, and appears<br />
+To meet the sky, and o'er the hanging clouds<br />
+Sprinkles its foam. Now from the lowest depths,<br />
+As yellow sands they turn, the billows shine;<br />
+Now blacker seem they than the Stygian waves;<br />
+Now flatten'd, all with spumy froth is spread.<br />
+<a name="page_2_156"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;156]</span>
+The ship Trachinian too, each rapid change<br />
+In agitation heaves; now rais'd sublime<br />
+The deepen'd vale she views as from a ridge<br />
+So lofty: down to Acheron's low depths,<br />
+Now in the hollow of the wave she falls,<br />
+And views th' o'erhanging heaven from hell's deep gulf.<br />
+Oft bursting on her side with loud report<br />
+The billows sound; nor with less fury beat<br />
+Than the balista, or huge battering ram,<br />
+Driv'n on the tottering fort: or lions fierce,<br />
+Whose strength and rage increasing with their speed,<br />
+Rush on the armour'd breast and outstretch'd spear.<br />
+So rush'd the waves with wind-propelling power<br />
+High o'er the decks; and 'bove the rigging rose.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now shook the wedges; open rents appear'd,<br />
+The pitchy covering gone, and wide-display'd,<br />
+A passage opens to the deadly flood.<br />
+Then from the breaking clouds fell torrent showers;<br />
+All heaven seem'd sweeping down to swell the main;<br />
+And the swol'n main, ascending to invade<br />
+Celestial regions, soak'd with floods each sail:<br />
+And ocean's briny waters mix'd with rain.<br />
+No light the firmament possess'd, and night<br />
+Frown'd blacker through the tempest. Lightning oft<br />
+Reft the thick gloom, and gave a brilliant blaze;<br />
+And while the lightnings flame the waters burn.<br />
+<a name="page_2_157"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;157]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now o'er the vessel's cover'd deck the waves<br />
+High tower; and as a soldier, braver far<br />
+Than all his fellows, urg'd by thirst of fame,<br />
+(The well-defended walls to scale oft try'd,)<br />
+At length his hope obtains, and singly keeps<br />
+His post, by foes on every side assail'd:<br />
+So when the furious billows raging beat<br />
+The lofty side, the tenth impetuous rears<br />
+Above the rest, and forceful rushes on;<br />
+The battery ceasing not on the spent bark,<br />
+Till o'er the wall, as of a captur'd town,<br />
+Downward it rushes. Part without invade,<br />
+And part are lodg'd within. In terror all<br />
+In trembling panic stand: not more the crowd<br />
+Which fill a city's walls, when foes without<br />
+Mine their foundations; while an entrance gain'd<br />
+Within, part rage already. Art no more<br />
+Can aid; all courage droops; as many deaths<br />
+Seem rapid rushing as the billows break.<br />
+This wails in tears his fate; that stupid stands;<br />
+This calls those blest whom funeral rites await:<br />
+One to his deity rich offerings vows,<br />
+And vainly stretching forth to heaven his arms,<br />
+The heaven he sees not, begs for aid: his friends,<br />
+Brethren and parents, fill of this the mind;<br />
+Of that his children, or whate'er he leaves.<br />
+<a name="page_2_158"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;158]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alcyöné, alone in Ceÿx' soul<br />
+Found place; and but Alcyöné, his lips<br />
+Nought utter'd. Her alone he wish'd to see;<br />
+Yet joy'd she far was absent. Much he long'd<br />
+To view once more his dear paternal shores;<br />
+And turn his last looks tow'rd his regal dome:<br />
+But where to turn he knows not; in a whirl<br />
+So boils the sea; and all the heaven is hid<br />
+In shade, by more than pitchy clouds produc'd:<br />
+Night doubly darken'd. Now the whirlwind's force<br />
+Shivers the mast, and tears the helm away:<br />
+And like a victor, proud to view his spoils,<br />
+Mounts an high wave, and scornfully beholds<br />
+The lower billows; thundering down it sweeps,<br />
+Impell'd by force that Athos might o'erturn,<br />
+Or Pindus, from their roots; and plunge in sea.<br />
+Down in the lowest depths, the weight and blow<br />
+Bury'd the vessel; with her most the crew<br />
+Sunk in the raging gulf: some met their fate,<br />
+Ne'er to return to air: some floated still;<br />
+To splinter'd fragments of the bark they clung.<br />
+Ceÿx himself, grasp'd only in that hand<br />
+A shatter'd plank, which once a sceptre held;<br />
+And Æölus and Phosphor' call'd in vain:<br />
+But chiefly from his lips was, as he swam,<br />
+Alcyöné resounded; that lov'd name<br />
+Remember'd constant, and repeated most.<br />
+<a name="page_2_159"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;159]</span>
+He prays the billows may his body bear<br />
+To meet her eyes; and prays her friendly hands<br />
+His burial may perform. While thus he swims,<br />
+Alcyöné he names, whene'er the waves<br />
+To gasp for breath permit him; and beneath<br />
+The billows, tries Alcyöné to sound.<br />
+Lo! a black towering arch of waters broke<br />
+Midst of the surges; in the boiling foam<br />
+Involv'd, o'erwhelm'd he sunk. That mournful night<br />
+Was Phosphor' dark, impalpable to view:<br />
+And since stern fate to heaven his post fast bound,<br />
+He veil'd in densest clouds his grieving face.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meantime Alcyöné her height of woe<br />
+Unknown, counts each sad night, and now with haste<br />
+The garments he should wear prepares; and now<br />
+Those to adorn herself when him she meets;<br />
+Cherishing emptiest hopes of his return.<br />
+Devoutest offerings to the heavenly powers<br />
+She bore; but incense far before the rest<br />
+On Juno's altar burn'd; and oft she pray'd<br />
+For him who was not. For his safety pray'd;<br />
+For his return; and that his love might still<br />
+Without a rival hers remain: the last<br />
+Of all her ardent prayers indulgence found.<br />
+But longer bore the goddess not to hear<br />
+Such vain petitions for the dead; these hands<br />
+<a name="page_2_160"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;160]</span>
+Polluted, from her altars to remove,<br />
+To Iris thus she spoke:&mdash;“O, faithful maid!<br />
+“Most trusty messenger, with speed repair<br />
+“To Somnus' drowsy hall; him bid to send<br />
+“A vision form'd in lifeless Ceÿx' shape<br />
+“To tell Alcyöné her woes' extent.�<br />
+She ended: in her various-teinted robe<br />
+Attir'd, and spreading o'er the spacious heaven<br />
+Her sweeping arch, Iris the dwelling sought<br />
+The goddess order'd. Hid beneath a steep<br />
+Near the Cimmerians, in a deep dug cave,<br />
+Form'd in a hollow mountain, stands the hall<br />
+And secret dwelling of inactive sleep;<br />
+Where Ph&oelig;bus rising, or in mid-day height,<br />
+Or setting-radiance, ne'er can dart his beams.<br />
+Clouds with dim darkness mingled, from the ground<br />
+Exhale, and twilight makes a doubtful day.<br />
+The watchful bird, with crested head, ne'er calls<br />
+Aurora with his song; no wakeful dog,<br />
+Nor goose more wakeful, e'er the silence breaks;<br />
+No savage beasts, no pastur'd flocks, no boughs<br />
+Shook by the breeze; no brawl of human voice<br />
+There sounds: but death-like silence reigns around.<br />
+Yet from the rock's foundation, gently flows<br />
+A stream of Lethe's water, whose dull waves<br />
+In gentle murmuring o'er the pebbles purl,<br />
+Tempting to slumber. At the cavern door<br />
+<a name="page_2_161"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;161]</span>
+The fruitful poppy, and ten thousand plants,<br />
+From which moist night the drowsy juices drains,<br />
+Then scatters o'er the shady earth, grew thick.<br />
+Round all the house no gate was seen, which, turn'd<br />
+On the dry hinge should creak; no centry strict<br />
+The threshold to protect. But in the midst<br />
+The lofty bed of ebon form'd, was plac'd.<br />
+Black were the feathers; all the coverings black,<br />
+And stretch'd at length the god was seen; his limbs<br />
+With lassitude relax'd. Around him throng'd<br />
+In every part, vain dreams, in various forms,<br />
+In number more than what the harvest bears<br />
+Of bearded grains; the woods of verdant leaves;<br />
+Or shore of yellow sands. Here came the nymph;<br />
+Th' opposing dreams push'd sideways with her hands,<br />
+And through the sacred mansion from her robe<br />
+Scatter'd refulgent light. With pain the god,<br />
+His eyelids weigh'd with slothful torpor, rais'd;<br />
+But at each effort down they sunk again:<br />
+And on his breast his nodding chin still smote.<br />
+At length he rous'd him from his drowsy state;<br />
+And, on his elbow resting, ask'd the nymph,<br />
+For well he knew her, why she thither came.<br />
+Then she&mdash;“O Somnus! peaceful rest of all!<br />
+“Somnus! most placid of immortal powers;<br />
+“Calm of the soul; whom care for ever flies;<br />
+“Who soothest bosoms, with diurnal toil<br />
+<a name="page_2_162"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;162]</span>
+“Fatigu'd; and renovat'st for toil again;<br />
+“Dispatch a vision to Trachinia's town,<br />
+“(By great Alcides founded,) in the form<br />
+“Its hapless monarch bore: let it display<br />
+“The lively image of her husband's wreck,<br />
+“To sad Alcyöné. This Juno bids.�&mdash;<br />
+Iris, her message thus deliver'd, turn'd:<br />
+For more the soporific mist, which rose<br />
+Around, she bore not; soon as sleep she felt<br />
+Stealing upon her limbs, abrupt she fled,<br />
+Mounting the bow by which she glided down.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The drowsy sire, from 'midst a thousand sons,<br />
+Calls Morpheus forth, an artful god, who well<br />
+All shapes can feign. None copies else so close<br />
+The bidden gait, the features, and the mode<br />
+Of converse; vesture too the same he wears,<br />
+And language such as most they wont to speak.<br />
+Mankind alone he imitates. To seem<br />
+Fierce beasts, and birds, and long-extended snakes<br />
+Another claims: this Icelos the gods<br />
+Have nam'd; by mortals as Photebor known.<br />
+A third is Phantasus of different skill;<br />
+His change is happiest when he earth becomes,<br />
+Or rocks, or waves, or trees, or substance aught<br />
+That animation lacks. These shew their forms<br />
+By night to mighty heroes and to kings;<br />
+<a name="page_2_163"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;163]</span>
+The rest before th' ignobler crowd perform.<br />
+All these the ancient Somnus pass'd, and chose<br />
+Morpheus alone from all his brethren crowd,<br />
+The deed Thaumantian Iris bade, to do;<br />
+Then, weigh'd with slumber, dropp'd again his head,<br />
+And shrunk once more within the sable couch.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He flies through darkness on unrustling wings,<br />
+And short the space, ere in Trachinia's town<br />
+He lights; and from his shoulders lays aside<br />
+His pinions; when he Ceÿx' form assumes.<br />
+In Ceÿx' ghastly shape pallid he stood,<br />
+Despoil'd of garments, at the widow'd bed<br />
+Of the sad queen: soak'd was his beard, and streams<br />
+Seem'd from his heavy dripping locks to flow.<br />
+Then leaning o'er the couch, while gushing tears<br />
+O'erspread his cheeks, he thus his wife bespoke;&mdash;<br />
+“Know'st thou thy Ceÿx, wretched, wretched wife?<br />
+“Or are my features chang'd by death? Again<br />
+“View me, and here behold thy husband's shade,<br />
+“Instead of husband: all thy pious prayers<br />
+“For me, Alcyöné, were vain. I'm lost!<br />
+“No more false hopes encourage, me to see.<br />
+“The showery southwind, on th' Ægean main,<br />
+“Seiz'd on our vessel, and with mighty blast<br />
+“Shiver'd it wide in fragments; and the waves<br />
+“Rush'd in my throat as loud thy name I call'd;<br />
+<a name="page_2_164"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;164]</span>
+“But call'd in vain. No doubtful author brings<br />
+“To thee these tidings; no vague rumor this,<br />
+“In person I relate it. Shipwreck'd I,<br />
+“My fate to thee detail. Rise, and assist!<br />
+“Pour forth thy tears; in sable garments clothe;<br />
+“Nor send my ghost to wander undeplor'd,<br />
+“In shady Tartarus.� Thus Morpheus spoke;<br />
+And in such accents, that the queen, deceiv'd,<br />
+Believ'd her husband spoke. Adown his cheeks<br />
+Seem'd real tears to flow; and even his hand<br />
+With Ceÿx' motion mov'd. Deeply she groan'd,<br />
+Ev'n in her sleep, and rais'd her longing arms<br />
+To clasp his body; empty air she clasp'd:<br />
+Exclaiming;&mdash;“stay; O whither dost thou fly?<br />
+“Together let us hence!�&mdash;Rous'd with the noise,<br />
+And spectre of her spouse; sleep fled her eyes,<br />
+And round she cast her gaze for that to seek<br />
+Which she but now beheld. Wak'd by her voice,<br />
+Her slaves approach'd with lights; but when in vain<br />
+She search'd for what she lack'd, her face she struck;<br />
+Rent from her breasts her garments; beat her breasts<br />
+Themselves: nor stay'd her twisted hair to loose,<br />
+But tore the bands away; then to her nurse<br />
+Anxious the subject of her grief to learn&mdash;<br />
+“Alcyöné,�&mdash;she cries&mdash;“is now no more!<br />
+“She with her Ceÿx in one moment fell.<br />
+“Hence with your soothing words; shipwreck'd he dy'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_165"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;165]</span>
+“I saw; I knew him; as he fled me, stretch'd<br />
+“My arms to hold the fugitive.&mdash;Ah! no!<br />
+“The shadow fled, 'twas but his ghost; but shade<br />
+“My husband mere resembling ne'er was form'd.<br />
+“Yet had he not his wonted looks, nor shone<br />
+“In former brightness his beloved face.<br />
+“I saw him, hapless stand with pallid cheek,<br />
+“Naked, with tresses dropping still. Lo! here<br />
+“Wretched he stood, just on the spot I point:�&mdash;<br />
+Then anxious try'd his footmarks there to trace.&mdash;<br />
+“This did my mind foreboding fear; I pray'd<br />
+“When me thou fled'st, the winds thou would'st not trust:<br />
+“But since to sure destruction forth thou went'st,<br />
+“Would that by me companion'd thou had'st gone.<br />
+“With thee my bliss had been;&mdash;with thee to go.<br />
+“Unwasted then one moment of the space<br />
+“For life allow'd; not ev'n in death disjoin'd.<br />
+“But now I perish, and upon the waves,<br />
+“Though absent, float; the main me overwhelms,<br />
+“Though from the main far distant. Mental storms<br />
+“To me more cruel were than ocean's waves,<br />
+“Should I but longer seek to spin out life,<br />
+“And combat such deep grief? I will not strive<br />
+“Nor wretched thee desert; but now, though late,<br />
+“Now will I join thee; and the funeral verse<br />
+“Shall us unite; not in the self-same urn,<br />
+“Yet in the self-same tomb; bones join'd with bones,<br />
+<a name="page_2_166"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;166]</span>
+“Allow'd not, yet shall name with name be seen.�&mdash;<br />
+The rest by grief was chok'd, and sounding blows<br />
+Each sentence interrupted; while deep groans<br />
+Burst from her raving bosom. Morning shone,<br />
+And forth she issu'd to the shore, and sought<br />
+In grief the spot, where last his face she view'd<br />
+Departing. “Here,�&mdash;she said,&mdash;“as slow he went,<br />
+“As slow he loos'd his cables; on this beach<br />
+“The parting kiss he gave.� While her mind's eye<br />
+Retraces every circumstance, she looks,<br />
+And something sees far floating on the waves,<br />
+Not much unlike a man: dubious at first<br />
+What it may be, she views it: nearer now<br />
+The billows drive it; and though distant still,<br />
+Plain to the eye a body was descry'd.<br />
+Whose body, witless, still a shipwreck'd wretch<br />
+With boding omen mov'd her; and in tears<br />
+She wail'd him as a stranger in these plaints.&mdash;<br />
+“Unhappy wretch! whoe'er thou art; and she<br />
+“Thy wife, if wife thou had'st�&mdash;but now the surge<br />
+More near the body bore. The more she views<br />
+Nearer the corps; the more her senses fly.<br />
+And now close driven to shore it floats, and now<br />
+Well she discern'd it was, it was&mdash;her spouse!<br />
+“'Tis he!�&mdash;she loudly shriek'd, and tore her face,<br />
+Her hair, her garments. Then her trembling arms<br />
+<a name="page_2_167"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;167]</span>
+To Ceÿx stretching; “Dearest husband!�&mdash;cry'd.<br />
+“Art thou restor'd thus to my wretched breast?�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;High-rais'd by art, adjoining to the beach<br />
+A mole was form'd, which broke the primal strength<br />
+Of ocean's fury, and the fierce waves tir'd.<br />
+Hither she sprung, and, wond'rous that she could!<br />
+She flew; the light air winnowing with her wings<br />
+New-sprung; a mournful bird she skimm'd along<br />
+The water's surface. As she flies, her beak<br />
+Slender and small, a creaking noise sends forth,<br />
+Of mournful sound, and full of sad complaint.<br />
+Soon as the silent bloodless corse she reach'd,<br />
+Around his dear-lov'd limbs her wings she clasp'd,<br />
+And gave cold kisses with her horny bill.<br />
+If Ceÿx felt them, or his head was rais'd<br />
+To meet her by the waves, th' unlearned doubt.<br />
+But sure he felt them. Both at length, the gods<br />
+Commisserating, chang'd to feather'd birds.<br />
+The same their love remains, and subject still<br />
+To the same fates; and in the plumag'd pair<br />
+The nuptial bond is sacred; join'd in one<br />
+Parents they soon become; and Halcyon sits<br />
+Sev'n peaceful days 'mid winter's keenest rule<br />
+Upon her floating nest. Safe then the main:<br />
+For Æölus with watchful care the winds<br />
+<a name="page_2_168"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;168]</span>
+Guards, and prevents their egress; and the seas<br />
+Smooths for the offspring, with a grandsire's care.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;These, as they skimm'd the surface of the main,<br />
+An ancient sire beheld, and prais'd their love:<br />
+Constant in death: his neighbour or himself<br />
+Also repeats;&mdash;the bird which there you see,<br />
+Brushing the ocean with his slender legs,<br />
+(And shews a corm'rant with his spacious maw)<br />
+A monarch's offspring was; would you descend<br />
+Through the long series, 'till to him you reach;<br />
+Ilus; Assaracus; and Ganymede,<br />
+Borne up to heaven by Jove, supply'd the stock<br />
+From whence he sprung; Laömedon the old;<br />
+And Priam doom'd to end his days with Troy.<br />
+Hector his brother; but in spring of youth<br />
+He felt this strange adventure, he perchance<br />
+As Hector's might have left a towering name:<br />
+Though from old Dymas' daughter Hector sprung.<br />
+Fair Alixirrhoë, so fame reports,<br />
+Daughter of two-horn'd Granicus, brought forth,<br />
+By stealth, Æsacus 'neath thick Ida's shade.<br />
+Wall'd cities he detested; and remote<br />
+From glittering palaces, secluded hills<br />
+Inhabited, and unambitious plains;<br />
+And scarce at Troy's assemblies e'er was seen.<br />
+Yet had he not a clownish heart, nor breast<br />
+<a name="page_2_169"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;169]</span>
+To love impregnable. By chance he saw<br />
+Cebrenus' daughter, fair Hesperië&mdash;oft<br />
+By him through every shady wood pursu'd&mdash;<br />
+As on her father's banks her tresses, spread<br />
+Adown her back, in Ph&oelig;bus' rays she dry'd.<br />
+The nymph, discover'd, fled. So rapid flies<br />
+Th' affrighted stag to 'scape the tawny Wolf;<br />
+Or duck, stream-loving, from the hawk, when caught,<br />
+Far from her wonted lakes. The Trojan youth<br />
+Quick follows, swift through hope; she swift through fear.<br />
+Lo! in the herbage hid, her flying foot<br />
+With crooked fang a serpent bit, and pour'd<br />
+O'er all her limbs the poison: with her flight<br />
+Her life was stopp'd. Frantic, he clasps her form<br />
+Now lifeless, and exclaims&mdash;“how grieve I now,<br />
+“That e'er I thee pursu'd; not this I fear'd!<br />
+“How mean my conquest, bought at such a price!<br />
+“Both, hapless nymph! in thy destruction join'd:<br />
+“I gave the cause, the serpent but the wound.<br />
+“I guiltier far than he, unless my death<br />
+“Shall thine avenge.�&mdash;He said, and in the main,<br />
+From an high rock, by hoarsely-roaring waves<br />
+Deep-worn beneath, prepar'd to plunge. Receiv'd<br />
+By pitying Tethys softly in his fall,<br />
+She clothes him, as he swims the main, with wings;<br />
+And death, so much desir'd, denies him still.<br />
+The lover, furious at th' unwelcome gift<br />
+<a name="page_2_170"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;170]</span>
+Of life upon him forc'd, and his pent soul,<br />
+Bent on escaping from its hated seat<br />
+Confin'd, soon as the new-shot plumes he felt<br />
+Spring from his shoulders, up he flew, and plunged<br />
+Again his body in the depths below:<br />
+His feathers broke his fall. Æsacus rav'd,<br />
+And deeply div'd; with headlong fury still,<br />
+And endless perseverance death he sought.<br />
+Love keeps him meagre still; from joint to joint<br />
+His legs still longer grow; his outstretch'd neck<br />
+Is long; and distant far his head is plac'd.<br />
+He loves the ocean, and the name he bears,<br />
+From constant diving, seems correctly giv'n.<br />
+<a name="page_2_171"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;171]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter24"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Twelfth Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Rape of Helen. Expedition of the Greeks against Troy. House of
+Fame. The Trojan war. Combat of Achilles and Cygnus. The latter
+slain and transformed to a swan. Story of Cæneus. Fight of the Lapithæ
+and Centaurs. Change of Cæneus to a bird. Contest of Hercules with
+Periclymenos. Death of Achilles. Dispute for his arms.
+<a name="page_2_172"></a>
+<a name="page_2_173"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;173]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter25"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Twelfth Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Priam the sire, much mourn'd, to him unknown<br />
+That still his son, on pinions borne, surviv'd:<br />
+While Hector and his brethren round the tomb,<br />
+A name alone possessing, empty rites<br />
+Perform'd. Save Paris, from the solemn scene<br />
+None absent were; he with the ravish'd wife<br />
+Brought to his shores a long protracted war.<br />
+Quick was he follow'd by confederate ships<br />
+Ten hundred, and the whole Pelasgian race.<br />
+Nor had their vengeance borne so long delay,<br />
+<a name="page_2_174"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;174]</span>
+But adverse raging tempests made the main<br />
+Impassable; and on B&oelig;otia's shores,<br />
+In Aulis' port th' impatient vessels bound.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here, while the Greeks the rites of Jove prepare,<br />
+Their country's custom, as the altar blaz'd,<br />
+They saw an azure serpent writhe around<br />
+A plane, which near the altar rear'd its boughs.<br />
+Its lofty summit held a nest; within<br />
+Eight callow birds were lodg'd; on these he seiz'd,<br />
+And seiz'd the mother, who, with trembling wings,<br />
+Hover'd around her loss, all burying deep<br />
+Within his greedy maw. All stare with dread.<br />
+But Thestor's son, prophetic truths who still<br />
+Beheld, exclaim'd&mdash;“Rejoice! O Greeks, rejoice!<br />
+“Conquest is ours, and lofty Troy must fall.<br />
+“But great our toil, and tedious our delay.�<br />
+Then shew'd the birds a nine years' war foretold.<br />
+The snake, entwining 'mid the virid boughs,<br />
+Hard stone becomes, but keeps his serpent's form.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But still th' Aönian waves in violent swell<br />
+Were lash'd by Neptune, nor their vessels bore;<br />
+And many deem'd that Troy he wish'd to spare,<br />
+Whose walls his labor rais'd. Not so the son<br />
+Of Thestor thought: neither he knew hot so,<br />
+Nor what he knew conceal'd:&mdash;a victim dire<br />
+<a name="page_2_175"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;175]</span>
+The virgin-goddess claim'd; a virgin's blood!<br />
+When o'er affection public weal prevail'd,<br />
+The king o'ercame the father; and before<br />
+The altar Iphigenia stood, prepar'd<br />
+Her spotless blood to shed, as tears gush'd forth<br />
+Even from the sacrificial 'tendants. Then<br />
+“Was Dian' mov'd, and threw before their sight<br />
+A cloud opaque, and (so tradition tells)<br />
+The maid Thycenian to an hind was chang'd,<br />
+Amid the priests, the pious crowd and all<br />
+Who deprecating heard her doom. This done,<br />
+Dian' by such a sacrifice appeas'd<br />
+As Dian' best became; and sooth'd her ire,<br />
+The angry aspect of the seas was smooth'd;<br />
+And all the thousand vessels felt the breeze<br />
+Abaft, and bore the long impatient crowd<br />
+To Phrygia's shores. A spot there lies, whose seat<br />
+Midst of created space, 'twixt earth, and sea,<br />
+And heavenly regions, on the confines rests<br />
+Of the three-sever'd world; whence are beheld<br />
+All objects and all actions though remote,<br />
+And every sound by tending ears is heard.<br />
+Here Fame resides; and in the loftiest towers<br />
+Her dwelling chuses; and some thousand ways,<br />
+And thousand portals to the dwelling makes:<br />
+No portal clos'd with gates. By day, by night,<br />
+Open they stand; of sounding brass all form'd;<br />
+<a name="page_2_176"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;176]</span>
+All echoing sound; all back the voice rebound:<br />
+And all reit'rate every word they hear.<br />
+No rest within, no silence there is found,<br />
+Yet clamor is not, but a murmur low;<br />
+Such as the billows wont to make when heard<br />
+From far, or such as distant thunder sends,<br />
+When Jove the dark clouds rends and drives aloof.<br />
+Crowds fill the halls: the trifling vulgar come<br />
+And issue forth. Ten thousand rumors vague<br />
+With truth commingled to and fro are heard.<br />
+Words in confusion fly. Amid the throng<br />
+These preach their words to vacant air, and those<br />
+To others tales narrate; the measure still<br />
+Of every fiction in narration grows;<br />
+And every author adds to what he hears.<br />
+Here lives credulity; and here abides<br />
+Rash error; transports vain; astonied fear;<br />
+Sedition sudden; and, uncertain whence,<br />
+Dark whisperings. Fame herself sits high aloft,<br />
+And views what deeds in heaven, and earth, and sea<br />
+Are done, and searches all creation round.<br />
+The news she spreads, that now the Grecian barks<br />
+Approach with valiant force; nor did the foe<br />
+Unlook'd-for threat the realm. All Troy impedes<br />
+Their landing, and the shores defends. Thou first,<br />
+Protesilaüs! by great Hector's spear<br />
+Unluckily wast slain. The war begun,<br />
+<a name="page_2_177"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;177]</span>
+Their valiant souls, ere yet they Hector knew,<br />
+Dear cost the Greeks. Nor small the blood which flow'd<br />
+From Phrygia's sons, by Grecia's valor spill'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now blush'd Sigæum's shores with spouting blood,<br />
+Where Cygnus, Neptune's offspring, gave to death<br />
+Whole crowds. Achilles in his chariot stood,<br />
+And with his forceful Pelian spear o'erthrew<br />
+Thick ranks of Trojans; and as through the fights<br />
+Cygnus or Hector to engage he sought,<br />
+Cygnus he met: delay'd was Hector's fate<br />
+To the tenth year. Then to his white-neck'd steeds,<br />
+Press'd by the yoke, with cheering shouts he spoke;<br />
+And full against the foe his chariot drove.<br />
+His quivering lance well-pois'd he shook, and call'd,<br />
+“Whoe'er thou art, O youth! this comfort learn<br />
+“In death, that by Achilles' arm thou dy'st.�<br />
+Thus far Pelides; and his massive spear<br />
+Close follow'd on his words. With truth it fled;<br />
+Yet did the steely point, unerring hurl'd,<br />
+Fall harmless: with a deaden'd point his breast<br />
+Was struck. Then he;&mdash;“O goddess-born! (for fame<br />
+“Thy race to me has long before made known)<br />
+“Why wonder'st thou that I unwounded stand?�<br />
+(For wondering stood Pelides.) “Not this helm,<br />
+“Which thou behold'st, gay with the courser's mane.<br />
+“Nor the curv'd buckler by my arm sustain'd,<br />
+<a name="page_2_178"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;178]</span>
+“For aid are worn. For comely grace alone<br />
+“They deck me. Thus is Mars himself adorn'd.<br />
+“Thrown every guard far from my limbs, my limbs<br />
+“Unwounded would remain. Sure I may boast!<br />
+“Sprung not from Nereus' daughter, but from him<br />
+“Who rules o'er Nereus; o'er his daughter rules;<br />
+“And all th' extent of ocean.� Cygnus spoke:<br />
+And at Pelides launch'd his spear to pierce<br />
+His orbed shield; its brazen front it pierc'd,<br />
+And nine bull-hides beneath; stay'd at the tenth,<br />
+The warrior shook it forth; with strenuous arm<br />
+The quivering weapon hostile back return'd:<br />
+Cygnus again unwounded felt the blow.<br />
+Nor felt his naked bosom, to the force<br />
+Of the third weapon vauntingly expos'd,<br />
+Aught harm'd. Less fiercely in the Circus wide<br />
+Rages the bull not, when the scarlet vests<br />
+To urge his fury fixt, with furious horn<br />
+To gore attempting, finds elusion still,<br />
+The unhurt limbs invading. Seeks he now<br />
+If fall'n the metal from his weapon's point:<br />
+Fast to the wood the metal still appears;<br />
+And cries he;&mdash;“Weak is then my hand? and spent<br />
+“On one, is all the strength I once could boast?<br />
+“For surely strength that arm could boast, which erst<br />
+“Lyrnessus' wall o'erthrew, and when with gore<br />
+“It Tenedos, and Thebes made stream; or when<br />
+<a name="page_2_179"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;179]</span>
+“Caÿcus purple flow'd, stain'd with their blood<br />
+“Who on its banks had dwelt; and when twice prov'd<br />
+“By Telephus, the virtue of my spear.<br />
+“This nervous arm has here too shewn its force<br />
+“In hills of slain by me up-heap'd; these shores<br />
+“Attest it.� Speaking so, his spear he sent<br />
+Against Men&oelig;tes 'mid the Lycian crowd,<br />
+As doubting faintly deeds perform'd before:<br />
+And pierc'd at once his corslet and his breast.<br />
+From the hot smoking wound as forth he drew<br />
+The dart,&mdash;as with his dying head was struck<br />
+The solid ground, he spoke:&mdash;“This is the hand,<br />
+“And this the spear which conquest knew before:<br />
+“This will I 'gainst him use. May it, when sent,<br />
+“The same success attend.�&mdash;Ere ceas'd his words<br />
+Cygnus again with aim he sought, nor swerv'd<br />
+His ashen weapon whence he aim'd, but rung,<br />
+Unshrunk from, on the shoulder: thence repell'd,<br />
+As from a wall or rugged rock it fell:<br />
+Yet where the blow was felt, did Cygnus seem<br />
+With blood distain'd. Achilles' joy was vain,<br />
+For wound was not. Men&oelig;tes' blood was there.<br />
+Then furious from his lofty car he sprung,<br />
+And close at hand his braving foe assail'd<br />
+With glittering falchion; by the falchion broke,<br />
+The helm and shield he saw, but the keen edge<br />
+His stubborn body blunted. More the son<br />
+<a name="page_2_180"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;180]</span>
+Of Peleus bore not, but the warrior's face<br />
+With furious buffets from his shield, unclaspt<br />
+First from his arm, he smote, and with his hilt<br />
+Heavy his temples; and with headstrong rage<br />
+Bore on him: nor to his astounded soul<br />
+Respite allow'd. Dread through his bosom spread;<br />
+Before his eyes swam darkness: when amidst<br />
+The plain, a stone his retrogressive feet<br />
+Oppos'd. Pelides, with his mightiest strength,<br />
+Struck Cygnus against it, and to earth<br />
+Hard forc'd him, thrown supine. Pent with his shield,<br />
+And nervous knees upon his bosom prest<br />
+Tight, he the lacing of the helmet drew,<br />
+Which 'neath his chin was ty'd; close press'd his throat,<br />
+His breathing passage and his life at once<br />
+Destroy'd he. When his conquer'd foe to spoil<br />
+Of all his arms he went, the arms he found<br />
+Vacant. The ocean-god had to a bird<br />
+Of snowy plumage chang'd his offspring's form:<br />
+A bird which still the name of Cygnus bears.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here stay'd the toil, here did the battle gain<br />
+Of numerous days a respite, either power<br />
+Resting on arms unhostile. Then, while guards,<br />
+Watchful, the Trojan walls protective kept;<br />
+And sentries equal wakeful o'er the trench<br />
+Form'd by the Argives watch'd, a feast was held,<br />
+<a name="page_2_181"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;181]</span>
+Where Cygnus' victor, stout Achilles, gave<br />
+An heifer ribbon-bound to Athen's maid.<br />
+The sever'd flesh was on the altar plac'd,<br />
+Whose smoking fragrance, grateful to the gods,<br />
+High to th' ethereal regions mounted. Part,<br />
+Their due, th' official sacrificers took;<br />
+To swell the feast the rest was given. Outstretch'd<br />
+On couches, laid the noble guests, and fill'd<br />
+With the drest meat their hunger; and with wine<br />
+At once their thirst and all their cares assuag'd.<br />
+No lyre them sooth'd; no sound of vocal song;<br />
+Nor long extended boxen pipe with holes<br />
+Multiferous pierc'd: but all night long, discourse<br />
+Protracted; valiant deeds alone the theme.<br />
+Alike the valiant acts their foes perform'd,<br />
+And those their own they speak. Much they enjoy<br />
+To tell by turns what hazards they o'ercame;<br />
+And what they oft successless try'd. What else<br />
+Could e'er Achilles' speech employ? What else<br />
+By great Achilles could with joy be heard?<br />
+Chief in the converse, was the conquest late<br />
+O'er Cygnus gain'd, the topic. Strange to all<br />
+Seem'd it; the youth, from every weapon safe<br />
+By wound unconquerable, and with skin<br />
+Blunting the keenest steel. Wonder the Greeks,<br />
+And wonders ev'n Pelides: when in words<br />
+Like these, old Nestor hail'd them. “Cygnus, proof<br />
+<a name="page_2_182"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;182]</span>
+“'Gainst steel,&mdash;unpierceable by furious blows<br />
+“Your age alone has known. These eyes have seen<br />
+“Perrhæbian Cæneus bear ten thousand strokes<br />
+“Unhurt. He, fam'd for warlike actions, dwelt<br />
+“On Othrys, and more strange those warlike deeds,<br />
+“Since female was he born.� The wondering crowd,<br />
+Mov'd with the novel prodigy, beseech<br />
+(Their spokesman was Achilles) that the tale<br />
+Nestor would give them. “Eloquent old man!<br />
+“Of all our age most prudent, tell, for all<br />
+“The same desire prevails o'er, who was he,<br />
+“This Cæneus? why was chang'd his sex? what wars<br />
+“Of fierce encounter made him known to thee?<br />
+“And if by any conquer'd, tell the name.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then thus the senior: “Though decrepid age<br />
+“Weighs heavy on me, and the deeds beheld<br />
+“In prime of youth, in numbers 'scape my mind;<br />
+“Yet than those facts, 'mid all of peace and war,<br />
+“Nought on my bosom made a deeper print.<br />
+“Yet may extended age of all beheld<br />
+“Part of the numerous acts and objects seen<br />
+“Relate,&mdash;I twice one hundred years have pass'd;<br />
+“Now in the third I breathe. Cænis, a nymph<br />
+“Sprung from Elateus, fam'd was all around<br />
+“For brightest beauty; fairest of the maids<br />
+“Who Thessaly adorn; theme of vain hopes<br />
+<a name="page_2_183"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;183]</span>
+“To crowds of wooers through the neighbouring towns;<br />
+“And ev'n through thine, Achilles; for the land<br />
+“Thou claim'st produc'd her. Nay, her nuptial couch,<br />
+“Peleus perchance had sought, save that the rites<br />
+“Already with thy mother were compleat,<br />
+“Or were in promise ready. Nuptial couch<br />
+“She never press'd, for on the lonely shore<br />
+“Strolling, so fame declares, the vigorous clasp<br />
+“Of Ocean's god she felt. The charms possest<br />
+“Of his new object, Neptune said&mdash;whate'er<br />
+“Thou wishest, chuse, secure of no repulse.&mdash;<br />
+“This too does fame report, that Cænis cry'd&mdash;<br />
+“Wrongs such as mine no trivial gift deserve,<br />
+“That ne'er such shame again I suffer, grant<br />
+“I woman be no longer; that will all<br />
+“Favors comprize.&mdash;Her closing words betray'd<br />
+“A graver sound; manly appear'd her voice:<br />
+“And masculine it was. Deep ocean's god<br />
+“Acceded to her wish, and granted, more,<br />
+“That wounds should never harm her, nor by steel<br />
+“Should she e'er fall. Joy'd at the gift, the god<br />
+“Atracia's hero leaves&mdash;employs his age<br />
+“In studies warlike; and among the fields,<br />
+“Where fertilizing Peneus wanders, roams.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now bold Ixion's son had gain'd the hand<br />
+“Of Hippodamia; and the fierce-soul'd crowd<br />
+<a name="page_2_184"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;184]</span>
+“Cloud-born, had bidden to attend the boards,<br />
+“In order rang'd within a cavern's mouth,<br />
+“By trees thick-shaded. All the princes round<br />
+“Of Thessaly attended: I, myself<br />
+“Amongst them went. Loud rung the regal feast<br />
+“With the mixt concourse; all most joyful sung<br />
+“O Hymen! Iö Hymen! and each hall<br />
+“Blaz'd bright with fires. The virgin then approach'd<br />
+“Pre-excellent in fairness, with a band<br />
+“Of matrons and unwedded nymphs begirt.<br />
+“Most blest, we all exclaim'd, in such a spouse<br />
+“Must be Pirithoüs&mdash;but such boding hopes<br />
+“Well nigh deceiv'd us. For when drunken lust<br />
+“O'er thee, Eurytus! govern'd, of the blood<br />
+“Of savage Centaurs, far most savage, fir'd<br />
+“Whether by wine, or by the virgin's charms<br />
+“Thou saw'st, thy breast. Instant, the board o'erturn'd,<br />
+“Routed the guests convivial, and the bride<br />
+“Caught by her locks, was forceful dragg'd away.<br />
+“Eurytus Hippodamia seiz'd; the rest<br />
+“Grasp'd such as pleas'd them, or whoe'er they met.<br />
+“It show'd the image of a captur'd town.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“With female shrieks the place resounded; swift<br />
+“We start, and Theseus foremost thus exclaims:&mdash;<br />
+“What frenzy, O Eurytus! thee impels<br />
+“Pirithoüs thus to wrong me still in life!<br />
+<a name="page_2_185"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;185]</span>
+“Ign'rant that two thou wound'st in one?&mdash;Nor vain<br />
+“The chief magnanimous his threat'nings spoke:<br />
+“Th' aggressors back repell'd; and, while they rag'd,<br />
+“The ravish'd bride recover'd. Nought he said,<br />
+“Nor could such acts defence by words allow;<br />
+“But with rude inconsiderate hands he press'd<br />
+“Full on her champion's face; his valiant breast<br />
+“Assaulting. Near by chance a cup there stood,<br />
+“Of mould antique, and rough with rising forms:<br />
+“Mighty it was, but Theseus, mightier still,<br />
+“Seiz'd it, and full against his hostile face<br />
+“It dash'd; he vomits forth, with clots of gore,<br />
+“His brains, and wine; these issuing from the wound;<br />
+“That from his mouth; and on the soaking sand<br />
+“Supine he sprawls. With rage the two-form'd race<br />
+“Burn for their brother's slaughter; all with voice<br />
+“United, eager call&mdash;to arms! to arms!<br />
+“Wine gave them courage, and the primal fight<br />
+“Was goblets, fragile casks, and hollow jars,<br />
+“Dash'd on: once instruments to feasts alone<br />
+“Pertaining; now for slaughter us'd and blood.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“First Amycus, of Ophion son, not fear'd<br />
+“To rob the sacred chambers of their spoils;<br />
+“And from its cord suspensive, tore away,<br />
+“As from the roof it hung, a glittering lamp;<br />
+“And hurl'd it, lofty-pois'd, full in the front<br />
+<a name="page_2_186"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;186]</span>
+“Of Lapithæan Celadon. So falls<br />
+“On the white neck the victim bull presents,<br />
+“The sacrificial axe, and all his bones<br />
+“Were shatter'd left; one all confounded wound.<br />
+“His eyes sprang forth; his palate bones displac'd,<br />
+“His nose driv'n back within his palate falls.<br />
+“Him Belates Pellæan with a foot<br />
+“Torn from a maple table, on the ground<br />
+“Stretch'd prone; his chin forc'd downward on his breast;<br />
+“And sputtering teeth, with blackest gore commixt,<br />
+“Sent by a second blow to Stygia's shades.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“As next he stood, and with tremendous brow<br />
+“The flaming altar view'd, Gryneus exclaim'd&mdash;<br />
+“Why use we this not? and the ponderous load<br />
+“With all its fires he seiz'd, and 'mid the crowd<br />
+“Of Lapithæans flung: two low it press'd;<br />
+“Broteas and bold Orion. From her sphere<br />
+“Orion's mother Mycalé, by charms<br />
+“The moon to drag to earth has oft been known.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Loud cry'd Exodius:&mdash;Were but weapons found<br />
+“That death impunity would boast not. Horns<br />
+“An ancient stag once brandish'd, on a pine<br />
+“Hung lofty, serv'd for arms; the forky branch<br />
+“Hurl'd in his face deep dug out either eye.<br />
+“Part to the horns adhere; part flowing down<br />
+<a name="page_2_187"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;187]</span>
+“His beard, thence hang in ropes of clotted gore.<br />
+“Lo! Rhætus snatches from the altar's height<br />
+“A burning torch of size immense, and through<br />
+“Charaxus' dexter temple, with bright hair<br />
+“Shaded, he drives it. Like the arid corn<br />
+“Caught by the rapid flame, the tresses burn;<br />
+“And the scorch'd blood the wound sent forth, a sound<br />
+“Of horrid crackling gave. Oft whizzes steel<br />
+“So, drawn forth glowing from the fire, with tongs<br />
+“Bent, and in cooling waters frequent plung'd;<br />
+“And crackling sounds, immers'd in tepid waves.<br />
+“The wounded hero from his tresses shook<br />
+“The greedy flames, and in his arms upheav'd,<br />
+“Tom from the earth, a mighty threshold stone,<br />
+“A waggon's burthen; but the ponderous load<br />
+“Forbade his strength to hurl it on the foe:<br />
+“And on Cometes, who beside him stood,<br />
+“Dropp'd the huge bulk. Nor Rhætus then his joy<br />
+“Disguis'd, exclaiming:&mdash;Such may be the aid<br />
+“That all your friends receive!&mdash;Then with his brand<br />
+“Half burnt, his blows redoubling, burst the skull<br />
+“With the strong force; and on the pulpy brain<br />
+“By frequent strokes the bones beat down. From thence<br />
+“Victor, Evagrus, Corythus, he met<br />
+“And Dryas. Corythus o'erthrown, whose cheeks<br />
+“The first down shaded; loud Evagrus cry'd:&mdash;<br />
+“What glory thine, thus a weak boy to slay?&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page_2_188"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;188]</span>
+“No more to utter Rhætus gave, but fierce<br />
+“Plung'd the red-flaming weapon in his mouth,<br />
+“Thus speaking; and deep forc'd it down his throat.<br />
+“Thee also, furious Dryas! with the brand,<br />
+“Whirl'd round and round his head, he next assails.<br />
+“But thee the same sad fortune not befel:<br />
+“Him, proud triumphing from increas'd success<br />
+“In blood, thou piercest with an harden'd stake,<br />
+“Where the neck meets the shoulder. Rhætus groan'd:<br />
+“And from the hard bone scarce the wood could draw;<br />
+“As drench'd in blood his own, by flight he scap'd.<br />
+“With him fled Lycabas; and Orneus fled;<br />
+“Thaumas; Pisenor; Medon, who was struck<br />
+“'Neath the right shoulder; Mermeros, who late<br />
+“In rapid race all else surpass'd, but now<br />
+“Mov'd halting with his wound; Abas, of boars<br />
+“The spoiler; Pholus, and Melaneus too;<br />
+“With Astylos the seer, who from the war<br />
+“Dissuaded, but in vain, his brethren crowd.<br />
+“Nay more, to Nessus, fearing wounds, he cry'd&mdash;<br />
+“Fly not!&mdash;thou'lt for Alcides' bow be sav'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Euronymus, nor Lycidas, their fate,<br />
+“Areos, nor Imbreos fled; whom face to face<br />
+“Confronting, Dryas' hand smote down. Thou too,<br />
+“Crenæus! felt thy death in front, though turn'd<br />
+“For flight thy feet; for looking back thou caught'st<br />
+<a name="page_2_189"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;189]</span>
+“Betwixt thine eyes the massy steel; where joins<br />
+“The nose's basement to the forehead bones.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“With endless draughts of stupefactive wine<br />
+“Aphidas lay, 'mid all the raging noise<br />
+“Unrous'd; and grasping in his languid hand<br />
+“A ready-mingled bowl: stretch'd was he seen,<br />
+“On a rough bear-skin, brought from Ossa's hill.<br />
+“Him from afar, as Phorbas saw, no arms<br />
+“Dreading, he fix'd his fingers in the thongs,<br />
+“And said&mdash;with Stygian waters mixt, thy wine<br />
+“Now drink;&mdash;and instant round his javelin twin'd<br />
+“The youth: for as supinely stietch'd he lay<br />
+“The ash-form'd javelin through his throat was driv'n.<br />
+“No sense of death he felt; his dark brown gore<br />
+“Flow'd in full stream upon the couch, and flow'd<br />
+“In his grasp'd goblet. I, Petræus saw,<br />
+“An acorn-loaded oak from earth to rend<br />
+“Endeavoring; which while compass'd with both arms<br />
+“He strains, now this way, now the other, shook<br />
+“Appear'd the tottering tree. Pirithous' dart<br />
+“Driv'n through the ribs, Petræus' straining breast<br />
+“Nail'd to the rigid wood. Pirithous' arm<br />
+“Lycus o'erthrew; and 'neath Pirithous' force<br />
+“Fell Chromis,&mdash;so they tell. But less of fame<br />
+“The conqueror gain'd from these, than from the death<br />
+“Of Helops, and of Dictys. Helops felt<br />
+<a name="page_2_190"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;190]</span>
+“The dart through both his temples; swift it whizz'd<br />
+“His right ear enter'd, shewing at his left.<br />
+“But Dictys, from a dangerous mountain's brow<br />
+“As flying, trembling from Ixion's son<br />
+“Close following, he descended, headlong down<br />
+“He tumbled; with his ponderous fall he broke<br />
+“A mighty ash; within his riven side<br />
+“The stumps his bowels tore. Aphareus fierce,<br />
+“Came on for vengeance; and a massive rock,<br />
+“Torn from the hill, upheav'd to throw&mdash;to throw<br />
+“Attempted. Theseus with an oaken club<br />
+“Prevented, and his mighty elbow broke:<br />
+“Nor now his leisure suits, nor cares he now<br />
+“A foe disabled to dispatch to hell:<br />
+“But on Biamor's lofty back he springs,<br />
+“Unwont to bear, except himself, before:<br />
+“Press'd with his knees his ribs, and grasping firm,<br />
+“With his left hand his locks, he bruis'd his face,<br />
+“His frowning forehead, and his harden'd skull,<br />
+“With the rough club. With the same club he lays<br />
+“Nidymnus prostrate; and Lycotas, skill'd<br />
+“To fling the javelin; Hippasus, whose beard<br />
+“Immense, his breast o'ershaded; Ripheus sprung<br />
+“From lofty woods; and Tereus wont to drag<br />
+“Home furious bears still living, on the hills<br />
+“Thessalian, caught. Nor longer in the fight<br />
+“Raging with such success, Demoleon bore<br />
+<a name="page_2_191"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;191]</span>
+“Theseus to see, but from a crowded wood,<br />
+“With giant efforts strove a pine to rend,<br />
+“Of ancient growth, up by the roots, but foil'd<br />
+“He flung the broken fragment 'mid the foe.<br />
+“Warn'd by Minerva, from the flying wood<br />
+“Theseus withdrew; so would he we believe.<br />
+“Yet harmless fell the tree not; from the breast<br />
+“And shoulder of great Crantor, was the neck<br />
+“Sever'd. The faithful follower of thy sire<br />
+“Was he, Achilles. Him, Amyntor, king<br />
+“Of all Dolopia, in the warlike strife<br />
+“O'ercome, as pledge of peace and faithful words<br />
+“Gave to Æäcides. Him mangled so<br />
+“With cruel wound, Peleus far distant saw;<br />
+“And thus exclaim'd,&mdash;O, Crantor! dearest youth!<br />
+“Thy funeral obsequies behold.&mdash;He said,<br />
+“And hurl'd his ashen spear with vigorous arm,<br />
+“And with a spirit not less vigorous, forth,<br />
+“Full on Demoleon: tearing through the fence<br />
+“Of his strong chest, it quiver'd in the bones.<br />
+“The pointless wood his hand dragg'd out; the wood<br />
+“With difficulty dragg'd he: in his lungs<br />
+“Deep was the steel retain'd. To his fierce soul<br />
+“Fresh vigor gave the smart. Hurt as he was<br />
+“He rear'd against the foe, and with his hoofs<br />
+“Trampled thy sire. He, with his helm and shield,<br />
+“Wards off the sounding blows; his shoulders guards;<br />
+<a name="page_2_192"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;192]</span>
+“Holds his protended steel, and his foe's chest<br />
+“Full 'twixt the shoulders; one strong blow transpierc'd.<br />
+“Yet had he slain by distant darts before<br />
+“Both Hylis and Phlegræus; and in fight<br />
+“More close, had Clanis and Hipponous fall'n.<br />
+“To these must Dorilas be added, he<br />
+“A wolf skin round his forehead wore; and, bent,<br />
+“A double wound presenting, o'er his brows<br />
+“He bore the weapons of a savage bull;<br />
+“With streaming gore deep blushing. Loud I cry'd,<br />
+“While courage gave me strength&mdash;see how my steel<br />
+“Thy horns surpasses&mdash;and my dart I flung.<br />
+“My dart to 'scape unable, o'er his brow<br />
+“To ward the blow, his hand he held; his hand<br />
+“Was to his forehead nail'd. Loud shouts were heard,<br />
+“And Peleus at him, wounded thus, rush'd on,<br />
+“(He nearer stood) and with a furious blow<br />
+“Mid belly plac'd, dispatch'd him. High he sprung<br />
+“On earth his entrails dragging;&mdash;as they dragg'd<br />
+“Madly he trampled;&mdash;what he trampled tore:<br />
+“These round his legs entwining, down he falls;<br />
+“And with an empty'd body sinks to death.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Nor could thy beauty, Cyllarus, avail<br />
+“Aught in the contest! if to forms like thine<br />
+“Beauty we grant. His beard to sprout began,<br />
+“His beard of golden hue; golden the locks<br />
+<a name="page_2_193"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;193]</span>
+“That down his neck, and o'er his shoulders flow'd.<br />
+“Cheerful his face; his shoulders, neck, and arms,<br />
+“Approach'd the models which the artists praise.<br />
+“Thus all that man resembled. Nor fell short<br />
+“The horse's portion: beauteous for a beast.<br />
+“A neck and head supply'd, a steed were form'd,<br />
+“Of Castor worthy: so was for the seat<br />
+“Fitted his back; so full outstood his chest:<br />
+“His coat all blacker than the darkest pitch;<br />
+“Save his white legs, and ample flowing tail.<br />
+“Crowds of his race him lov'd; but one alone,<br />
+“Hylonomé, could charm him; fairest nymph<br />
+“Of all the two-form'd race that roam'd the groves.<br />
+“She sole enraptur'd Cyllarus, with words<br />
+“Of blandishment; beloved, and her love<br />
+“For him confessing. Grace in all her limbs<br />
+“And dress, for him was studied; smooth her hair<br />
+“For him was comb'd; with rosemary now bound;<br />
+“Now with the violet; with fresh roses now;<br />
+“And oft the snow-white lily wore she; twice<br />
+“Daily she bath'd her features in the stream,<br />
+“That from Pagasis' woody summit falls;<br />
+“Twice daily in the current lav'd her limbs.<br />
+“Nor cloth'd she e'er her shoulders, or her side,<br />
+“Save with the chosen spoils of beasts which best<br />
+“Her form became. Most equal was their love:<br />
+“As one they o'er the mountains stray'd; as one<br />
+<a name="page_2_194"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;194]</span>
+“The caves they sought; and both together then<br />
+“The Lapithæan roof had enter'd; both<br />
+“Now wag'd the furious war. By whom unknown,<br />
+“From the left side a javelin came, and pierc'd<br />
+“Thee deep, O Cyllarus! 'neath where thy chest<br />
+“Joins to thy neck. Drawn from the small-form'd wound,<br />
+“The weapon,&mdash;with the mangled heart, the limbs<br />
+“Grew rigid all. Hylonomé supports<br />
+“His dying body, and her aiding hand<br />
+“Presses against the wound; leans face to face,<br />
+“And tries his fleeting life awhile to stay.<br />
+“When fled she saw it, with laments which noise<br />
+“Drown'd ere my ears they reach'd, full on the dart<br />
+“Which through him stuck she fell; and clasp'd in death<br />
+“Her dear-lov'd husband's form. Before my eyes<br />
+“Still stands Phæöcomes, whom, closely-join'd,<br />
+“Six lions' hides protected; man and horse<br />
+“Equal the covering shar'd. Phonoleus' son<br />
+“Fierce on the skull he smote, with stump immense,<br />
+“Huge as four oxen might with labor move.<br />
+“Crush'd was the rounding broadness of the head;<br />
+“And the soft brain gush'd forth at both his ears;<br />
+“His mouth, his hollow nostrils, and his eyes.<br />
+“So through the straining oaken twigs appears,<br />
+“Coagulated milk: so liquid flows<br />
+“Through the fine sieve, by supercumbent weights<br />
+“Prest down, the thick curd at the small-form'd holes.<br />
+<a name="page_2_195"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;195]</span>
+“Deep in his lowest flank the foe I pierc'd,<br />
+“As from our fallen friend the arms to strip<br />
+“Prepar'd, he stoop'd. Thy father saw the deed.<br />
+“Chthonius too fell beneath my sword, and fell<br />
+“Teleboas. Chthonius bore a forky bough;<br />
+“A javelin arm'd the other; with its steel<br />
+“He pierc'd me. Lo! the mark the wound has left:&mdash;<br />
+“Still the old scar appears. Then was the time<br />
+“They should have sent me to the siege of Troy:<br />
+“Then had I power great Hector's arm to stay;<br />
+“To check, if not to conquer. Hector then<br />
+“Was born not, or a boy. Now age me robs<br />
+“Of all my force. Why should I say how fell<br />
+“Two-form'd Pyretus, by the strength o'erthrown<br />
+“Of Periphantes? Why of Amphyx tell,<br />
+“Who in Oëclus' hostile front deep sunk,<br />
+“(Oëclus centaur-born) a pointless spear?<br />
+“Macareus, Erigdupus, (near the hill<br />
+“Of Pelethronus born, against his chest<br />
+“Full-bearing,) prostrate laid. Nor should I pass,<br />
+“How I the spear beheld, by Nessus' hands<br />
+“Launch'd forth, and bury'd in Cymelus' groin.<br />
+“Nor think you Mopsus, Amphyx' son, excell'd<br />
+“Alone to teach the future. By the dart<br />
+“Of Mopsus, fell Odites double-form'd.<br />
+“To speak in vain he strove, for tongue to chin,<br />
+“And chin to throat were by the javelin nail'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_196"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;196]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Cæneus ere this had five to death dispatch'd<br />
+“Bromius, Antimachus with hatchet arm'd;<br />
+“Pyracmon, Stiphelus, and Helimus.<br />
+“What wounds them slew I know not; well their names,<br />
+“And numbers I remember. Latreus big<br />
+“In body and in limbs, sprung forth adorn'd<br />
+“In the gay arms Halesus once had own'd;<br />
+“Halesus of Thessalia by him slain:<br />
+“'Twixt strong virility and age his years,<br />
+“Still strong virility his arm could boast;<br />
+“Gray hairs his temples sprinkled. Lofty seen<br />
+“In helm and shield, and Macedonian spear,<br />
+“Proudly between the adverse ranks he rode;<br />
+“And clash'd his arms, and circling scower'd along.<br />
+“These boasting words to the resounding air<br />
+“Brave issuing&mdash;Cænis, shall I bear thee so?<br />
+“Still will I think thee Cænis;&mdash;female still<br />
+“By me thou'lt be consider'd. 'Bates it nought<br />
+“Thy valor, when thy origin thy soul<br />
+“Reflects on? When thy mind allows to own<br />
+“What deed the grant obtained? What price was paid<br />
+“To gain the false resemblance of a man?<br />
+“What thou was born, remember: mark as well<br />
+“Who has embrac'd thee. Go, the distaff take,<br />
+“And carding basket. With thy fingers twirl<br />
+“The flax, and martial contests leave to men.<br />
+“The spear which Cæneus hurl'd, deep in his side<br />
+<a name="page_2_197"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;197]</span>
+“Bare as he cours'd, expos'd the blow to meet,<br />
+“Pierc'd him when boasting thus, just where the man<br />
+“Join'd the four-footed form. With smart he rag'd,<br />
+“And to the Phyllian warrior's face his spear<br />
+“Presented. Back the spear rebounded: so<br />
+“Bound the hard hailstones from the roof; so leap<br />
+“The paltry pebbles on the hollow drum.<br />
+“Now hand to hand he rushes to engage,<br />
+“And in his harden'd sides attempts to plunge<br />
+“His weapon deep. Pervious his weapon finds<br />
+“No spot. Then cry'd he,&mdash;still thou shalt not 'scape:<br />
+“Though blunted is my point my edge shall slay;&mdash;<br />
+“And aim'd a blow oblique, to ope his side,<br />
+“While round his flank was grasp'd his forceful arm.<br />
+“Sounded the stroke as marble struck would sound;<br />
+“The shiver'd steel rebounding from his neck.<br />
+“His limbs unwounded, to the wondering foe<br />
+“Thus long expos'd, loud Cæneus call'd;&mdash;Now try<br />
+“Our arms thy limbs to pierce!&mdash;Up to the hilt<br />
+“His deadly weapon 'twixt his shoulders plung'd;<br />
+“Then thrust and dug with blows unseeing 'mid<br />
+“His entrails deep; thus forming wounds on wounds.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now all the furious crowd of double forms<br />
+“Rush raging round him; all their weapons hurl;<br />
+“And all assail with blows this single foe.<br />
+“Blunted their weapons fall, and Cæneus stands<br />
+<a name="page_2_198"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;198]</span>
+“Unpierc'd, unbleeding, from ten thousand strokes:<br />
+“Astonish'd at the miracle they gaze;<br />
+“But Monychus exclaims;&mdash;What blasting shame<br />
+“A race o'erthrown by one; that one a man,<br />
+“But dubious. Grant him man, our coward deeds<br />
+“Prove us but what he has been. What avail<br />
+“Our giant limbs? What boots our double strength;<br />
+“Strength of created forms the mightiest two,<br />
+“In us conjoin'd? A goddess-mother we<br />
+“Assur'dly should not boast; nor boast for sire<br />
+“Ixion, whose great daring soul him mov'd<br />
+“To clasp the lofty Juno in his arms.<br />
+“Now vanquish'd by a foe half-male. Him whelm<br />
+“With trees, with rocks: whole mountains heap'd on high,<br />
+“Whole falling forests, let that stubborn soul<br />
+“Crush out. The woods upon his throat shall press,<br />
+“And weight for wounds shall serve.&mdash;The centaur spoke,<br />
+“Seizing a tree which lay by chance uptorn<br />
+“By raging Auster; on his valiant foe<br />
+“The bulk he hurl'd. All in like efforts join'd:<br />
+“And quickly Othrys of his woods was stript:<br />
+“Nor Pelion shade retain'd. Cæneus opprest<br />
+“Beneath the pile immense&mdash;the woody load,&mdash;<br />
+“Hot pants, and with his forceful shoulders bears,<br />
+“To heave th' unwieldy weight: but soon the heap<br />
+“Reaches his face, and then o'ertops his head:<br />
+“Nor breath is left his spirit can inhale.<br />
+<a name="page_2_199"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;199]</span>
+“Now faint he sinks, and struggles now in vain<br />
+“To lift his head to air, and from him heave<br />
+“The heap'd-up forests: then the pile but shakes,<br />
+“As shakes the lofty Ida you behold,<br />
+“When by an earthquake stirr'd. Doubtful his end.<br />
+“His body, by the sylvan load down prest,<br />
+“Some thought that shadowy Tartarus receiv'd.<br />
+“But Mopsus this deny'd, who spy'd a bird<br />
+“From 'mid the pile ascend, and mount the skies<br />
+“On yellow pinions. I the bird beheld,<br />
+“Then first, then last. As wide on buoyant wing<br />
+“Our force surveying, Mopsus saw him fly,<br />
+“And rustling round with mighty noise, his eyes<br />
+“And soul close mark'd him, and he loud exclaim'd,&mdash;<br />
+“Hail, Cæneus! of the Lapithæan race<br />
+“The glory! once of men the first, and now<br />
+“Bird of thy kind unique!&mdash;The seer's belief<br />
+“Made credible the fact. Grief spurr'd our rage.<br />
+“Nor bore we calmly that a single youth<br />
+“By hosts of foes should fall. Nor ceas'd our swords<br />
+“In gore to rage 'till most to death were given:<br />
+“The rest by favoring darkness say'd in flight.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While thus the Pylian sage, the wars narrates<br />
+Wag'd by the Lapithæan race, and foe<br />
+Centaurs half-human; his splenetic ire<br />
+Tlepolemus could hide not, when he found<br />
+<a name="page_2_200"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;200]</span>
+Alcides' deeds past o'er; but angry spoke.&mdash;<br />
+“Old sire, astonish'd, I perceive the praise<br />
+“The deeds of Hercules demand, has 'scap'd<br />
+“Your mind. My father has been wont to tell<br />
+“Whom, he of cloud-begotten race o'erthrew:<br />
+“Oft have I heard him.� Nestor sad reply'd;<br />
+“Why force me thus my miseries to recal<br />
+“To recollection; freshening up the woes<br />
+“Long years have blunted; and confess the hate<br />
+“I bear thy sire for injuries receiv'd.<br />
+“He, (O, ye gods!) has deeds atchiev'd which far<br />
+“All faith surpass; and has the wide world fill'd<br />
+“With his high fame. Would I could this deny!<br />
+“For praise we e'er Deïphobus? or praise<br />
+“Give we Polydamas, or Hector's self?<br />
+“Who can a foe applaud? This sire of thine<br />
+“Messenia's walls laid prostrate, and destroy'd<br />
+“Elis and Pylos, unoffending towns;<br />
+“Rushing with fire and sword in our abode.<br />
+“To pass the rest who 'neath his fury fell,&mdash;<br />
+“Twice six of Neleus' sons were we beheld;<br />
+“Twice six save me beneath Alcides' arm,<br />
+“There dy'd. With ease were conquer'd all but one;<br />
+“Strange was of Periclymenos the death;<br />
+“Whom Neptune, founder of our line, had given,<br />
+“What form he will'd to take; that form thrown off.<br />
+“His own again resume. When vainly chang'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_201"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;201]</span>
+“To multifarious shapes; he to the bird<br />
+“Most dear to heaven's high sovereign, whose curv'd claws<br />
+“The thunders bear, himself transform'd; the strength<br />
+“That bird possesses, using, with bow'd wings,<br />
+“His crooked beak and talons pounc'd his face.<br />
+“'Gainst him Tyrinthius his unerring bow<br />
+“Bent, and as high amid the clouds he tower'd,<br />
+“And poising hung, pierc'd where his side and wing<br />
+“Just met: nor deep the hurt; the sinew torn<br />
+“Still him disabled, and deny'd the power<br />
+“To move his wing, or strength to urge his flight.<br />
+“To earth he fell; his pinions unendow'd<br />
+“With power to gather air: and the light dart<br />
+“Fixt superficial in the wing, his fall<br />
+“Deep in his body pierc'd; out his left side,<br />
+“Close by his throat the pointed mischief stood.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now, valiant leader of the Rhodian fleet,<br />
+“Judge what from me the great Alcides' deeds<br />
+“Of blazonry can claim? Yet the revenge<br />
+“I give my brethren, is on his brave acts<br />
+“Silent to rest: to thee still firm ally'd<br />
+“In friendship.� Thus his eloquent discourse<br />
+The son of Neleus ended, and the gift<br />
+Of Bacchus, oft repeated, circled round<br />
+To the old senior's words; then from the board<br />
+They rose, and night's remainder gave to sleep.<br />
+<a name="page_2_202"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;202]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But now the deity, whose trident rules<br />
+The ocean waters, with a father's grief<br />
+Mourns for his offspring to a bird transform'd.<br />
+Savage 'gainst fierce Achilles, he pursues<br />
+His well-remember'd ire with hostile rage.<br />
+And now the war near twice ten years had seen,<br />
+When long-hair'd Ph&oelig;bus, thus the god address'd;<br />
+“O power! to me most dear, of all the sons<br />
+“My brother boasts! whose hands with mine uprear'd<br />
+“In vain the walls of Troy! griev'st thou not now<br />
+“Those towers beholding as they ruin'd fall?<br />
+“Griev'st thou not now such thousands to behold<br />
+“Slain, those high towers attempting to defend?<br />
+“Griev'st thou not (more I need not speak) to think<br />
+“Of Hector's body round his own Troy dragg'd,<br />
+“When still the fierce Achilles, ev'n than war<br />
+“More ruthless, of our works destroyer, lives?<br />
+“Would it to me were given&mdash;my trident's power,<br />
+“Well know I, he should prove; but since deny'd<br />
+“To rush, and hand to hand this foe engage,<br />
+“Slay him with unsuspected secret dart.�<br />
+The Delian god consented, and at once<br />
+His uncle's vengeance and his own indulg'd.<br />
+Veil'd in a cloud amid the Ilian host<br />
+He darts, and 'mid a slaughter'd crowd beholds<br />
+Where Paris, on plebeïan foes his shafts<br />
+Unerring hurls: to him confess'd, the god<br />
+<a name="page_2_203"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;203]</span>
+Exclaims;&mdash;“Why wast'st thou in ignoble blood<br />
+“Thy weapons? If thy friends employ thy care,<br />
+“Turn on Pelides every dart, revenge<br />
+“Thy murder'd brothers.�&mdash;Ph&oelig;bus spoke, and shew'd<br />
+Where with his steel Achilles ranks on ranks<br />
+Of Troy o'erthrew. On him the bow he turns;<br />
+To him he guides the sure, the deadly dart.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now may old Priam joy for Hector slain;<br />
+For thou, Achilles, victor o'er such hosts,<br />
+Fall'st by the coward's hand, who stole from Greece<br />
+The ravish'd wife. O! if foredoom'd thy lot<br />
+By woman-warrior to be slain, to fall<br />
+By Amazonian weapon had'st thou chos'n.<br />
+Now burns Æäcides, the Phrygians' dread;<br />
+The pride, the guardian of the Grecian name;<br />
+The chief in war unconquer'd: and the god<br />
+Who arm'd him once, consumes him. Ashes now;<br />
+Nought of the great Pelides can be found,<br />
+Save what with ease a little urn contains.<br />
+But still his glory lives, and fills all earth:<br />
+Such bounds alone the hero suit; his fame<br />
+Equals himself, nor sinks he to the shades.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His shield itself, as conscious whose the shield,<br />
+Fomented wars; and quarrels for his arms<br />
+Arose. Tydides fear'd to urge his claim;<br />
+<a name="page_2_204"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;204]</span>
+Ajax, Oïleus' son; Atrides' each,<br />
+Him youngest, and the monarch who surpass'd<br />
+In age and warlike skill; and all the crowd.<br />
+Laërtes' son, and Telamon's alone<br />
+Try'd the bold glorious contest. From himself<br />
+All blame invidious Agamemnon mov'd:<br />
+The Grecian chiefs amid the camp he plac'd,<br />
+And bade the host around the cause decide.<br />
+<a name="page_2_205"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;205]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter26"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Thirteenth Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Contest of Ajax and Ulysses for the arms of Achilles. Success of Ulysses
+and death of Ajax. Sack of Troy. Sacrifice of Polyxena to the ghost of
+Achilles. Lamentation of Hecuba. She tears out the eyes of Polymnestor,
+and is changed into a bitch. Birds arise from the funeral pile of Memnon,
+and kill each other. Escape of Æneas from Troy, and voyage to Delos.
+The daughters of Anius transformed to doves. Voyage to Crete and Italy.
+Story of Acis and Galatea. Love of Glaucus for Scylla.
+<a name="page_2_206"></a>
+<a name="page_2_207"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;207]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter27"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Thirteenth Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The princes sate; the common troops in crowds<br />
+Circled them round; when Ajax in the midst,<br />
+Lord of the seven-fold shield, arose, with rage<br />
+Uncurb'd. Sigæum's shores he fiercely view'd;<br />
+And ship-clad beach, while with extended arms,<br />
+“O, Jupiter!� he cry'd, “before this fleet<br />
+“Must then our cause be try'd? With me contends<br />
+“Ulysses? He who yielded all a prey<br />
+“To Hector's fires; whom I alone repell'd?<br />
+“Fires which I from that fleet drove far? More safe<br />
+<a name="page_2_208"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;208]</span>
+“'Tis sure with artful language to contend,<br />
+“Than battle hand to hand. Hard 'tis for me<br />
+“To speak; for him 'tis no less hard to fight.<br />
+“And much as I in keen-urg'd blows excel,<br />
+“And arduous contest, such in words is he.<br />
+“My deeds, O Grecians! to rehearse what need?<br />
+“Have you not seen them? Let Ulysses tell<br />
+“His actions, feats without a witness done;<br />
+“Night only privy. Mighty is the prize,<br />
+“I own; but Ajax' glory suffers much,<br />
+“Striving with such a rival. Granted, great<br />
+“Its value; where the boast to have obtain'd<br />
+“What this Ulysses hop'd for? He ev'n now<br />
+“Enjoys th' advantage of the contest. Foil'd,<br />
+“His pride will be to boast with me he strove.<br />
+“But I, if doubtful is my valor deem'd,<br />
+“Have claims most potent in my noble race:<br />
+“Sprung from great Telamon, who Troy's proud town,<br />
+“'Neath brave Alcides captur'd; and explor'd<br />
+“The shores of Colchis in th' Hæmonian bark.<br />
+“His sire was Æäcus, who equal law<br />
+“Dispenses 'mid the silent shades; where toils<br />
+“Æölian Sisyphus beneath his stone.<br />
+“Well mighty Jove knows Æäcus, and owns<br />
+“Him son. Thus Ajax ranks but third from Jove.<br />
+“Nor yet, O, Greeks! should this descent my cause<br />
+“Assist, save that Achilles claim'd the same.<br />
+<a name="page_2_209"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;209]</span>
+“Of brothers born, a kinsman's right I ask.<br />
+“Why should one sprung of Sisyphæan blood,<br />
+“Like his progenitor in theft and fraud,<br />
+“Ingraft an alien name upon the stock<br />
+“Of Æäcus? Am I the arms refus'd<br />
+“That first I join'd the warriors? join'd your host<br />
+“Betray'd not by informers? Worthier he,<br />
+“That last his arms he took? with madness feign'd<br />
+“Shunning the warfare; till more crafty came<br />
+“Naupliades, though luckless for himself;&mdash;<br />
+“Who shew'd his coward soul's devices plain;<br />
+“And hither dragg'd him to the hated wars?<br />
+“Now let him arms most glorious take, who arms<br />
+“To wear refus'd. Let me unhonor'd go,<br />
+“Robb'd of my kindred right, who first arriv'd<br />
+“To face the perils. Would, ye gods! that true,<br />
+“Or thought so, his insanity had been.<br />
+“Then, counsellor of cruel deeds, he ne'er<br />
+“Had join'd our camp before the Phrygian walls.<br />
+“Then thou, O Pæän's son! had Lemnos ne'er<br />
+“Known&mdash;to our shame abandon'd on the shore.<br />
+“Thou now, so fame reports, in woody caves<br />
+“Shelter'd, ev'n rocks mov'st with thy rending groans;<br />
+“Pray'st that Laërtes' son his justest meeds<br />
+“May gain. Ye gods! ye gods! grant ye his prayers<br />
+“A favoring ear! Now he, by oath combin'd<br />
+“With us in war;&mdash;O, heavens! a leader too!<br />
+<a name="page_2_210"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;210]</span>
+“Heir to employ Alcides' faithful darts,<br />
+“Sinks both by famine and disease opprest:<br />
+“By birds sustain'd, and cloth'd by birds, he spends<br />
+“Upon his feather'd prey, the darts design'd<br />
+“To end the fate of Troy. Yet still he lives:<br />
+“For here he never with Ulysses came.<br />
+“Content had hapless Palamedes been<br />
+“Deserted so. Life might he have enjoy'd<br />
+“Perchance; and blameless sure to death had sunk.<br />
+“He whom this wretch, too mindful of the time<br />
+“His counterfeited madness was expos'd,<br />
+“Feign'd had betray'd the Greeks; and prov'd the crime<br />
+“By forg'd assistance: shewing forth the gold<br />
+“First bury'd by himself. Thus he destroys<br />
+“The strength of Greece, by exile or by death.<br />
+“Thus fights Ulysses; thus must he be fear'd<br />
+“Who, though old faithful Nestor he surpass'd<br />
+“In eloquence, not all would e'er avail,<br />
+“To prove deserting Nestor was no shame:<br />
+“Who press'd with age, and with a wounded horse<br />
+“Delay'd, Ulysses' aid besought: behind<br />
+“His coward comrade left him. Well, this deed<br />
+“Tydides can declare, by me not feign'd,<br />
+“Who oft him reprimanded by his name,<br />
+“And curs'd the flying of his trembling friend.<br />
+“Gods with just eyes all mortal actions view.<br />
+“Lo! he who aid would give not, aid requires!<br />
+<a name="page_2_211"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;211]</span>
+“Who Nestor left, deserted was himself:<br />
+“Himself prescrib'd the treatment which he found.<br />
+“Loud call'd he to his friends. I come, I see,<br />
+“Pale trembling, where he lies, with dread to view<br />
+“Impending death. My mighty shield I fling;<br />
+“Beneath it shade him, and his coward breast<br />
+“(My smallest claim to glory) I protect.<br />
+“If still persisting, thou the strife wilt urge,<br />
+“Thither again return. Recal the foe;<br />
+“Thy wound; thy wonted terror; and lie hid<br />
+“Beneath my shield. 'Neath that with me contend.<br />
+“Lo! him I snatch'd from death, whose wounds refus'd<br />
+“Ev'n power to stand; retarded not by wounds,<br />
+“In agile flight sped on. Now Hector comes,<br />
+“Whom in the fight the deities attend.<br />
+“Where'er he swept, not thou Ulysses sole<br />
+“Wast struck with dread; the bravest of our host<br />
+“Shrunk, such the terror which then fill'd the field.<br />
+“When hand to hand engag'd, him prone I laid,<br />
+“Proud of his slaughter, on th' ensanguin'd plain,<br />
+“With a huge stone. I singly him oppos'd,<br />
+“All single challeng'd; all the Greeks to me<br />
+“Pray'd for the lot: nor vain your prayers were found.<br />
+“Enquire ye, what the fortune of the fight?<br />
+“I stood, by him unconquer'd, when all Troy<br />
+“Rush'd on the fleet of Greece, with fire, with sword,<br />
+“And aiding Jove: Where was Ulysses then?<br />
+<a name="page_2_212"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;212]</span>
+“The eloquent Ulysses? I alone,<br />
+“A thousand ships, the hopes of your return,<br />
+“Defended with my breast: this crowd of ships<br />
+“Deserves those arms. Nay, if with truth to speak<br />
+“You grant, those arms more glory gain from me<br />
+“Than I from them; our honor is conjoin'd.<br />
+“Ajax the arms demand, not Ajax arms.<br />
+“Let Ithacus compare his Rhæsus slain;<br />
+“And slain unwarlike Dolon; and trepann'd<br />
+“Helenus, Priam's son; and Pallas' form.<br />
+“In open day nought done, and nought perform'd,<br />
+“Save Diomed' assisted. Grant for once,<br />
+“Such paltry service could the armour claim;<br />
+“Divide the prize, and lo! the largest share<br />
+“Tydides must demand. But why this prize<br />
+“Seeks Ithacus? who all his deeds performs<br />
+“In private; traversing unarm'd; the foe,<br />
+“While unsuspecting, conquering by deceit.<br />
+“This helmet's radiance from the glittering gold<br />
+“Darting, would shew his plots, and open lay<br />
+“The latent spy. But his Dulichian head,<br />
+“Cas'd in Achilles' casque, the weight would 'whelm,<br />
+“And for his languid arms, the Pelian spear<br />
+“Too weighty would be found. That shield engrav'd,<br />
+“With all earth's various scenes, but ill would grace<br />
+“His arm, for stealthy deeds alone design'd.<br />
+“Presumptuous fool! to seek a prize, which gain'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_213"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;213]</span>
+“Would only mar thy power. By erring votes<br />
+“Of Grecians giv'n to thee, cause would it be<br />
+“The foe would strip thee; not thy prowess fear.<br />
+“And flight, in which, O trembler! erst alone<br />
+“Thou all surpass'd, slow would'st thou then pursue;<br />
+“Such ponderous armor dragging. Those, thy shield<br />
+“Which bears so rare the brunt of battle, shines<br />
+“Yet whole: a new successor mine demands,<br />
+“Which gash'd by weapons, shews a thousand rents.<br />
+“To end, what need of words? let actions shew<br />
+“Each one's deserts. Amid the foe be thrown<br />
+“The valiant warrior's arms. Thence bid us bring<br />
+“The prize;&mdash;who brings it, let him wear the spoil.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So spake the Telamonian warrior; round<br />
+A murmur follow'd from the circling crowd.<br />
+Till up the chief of Ithaca arose;<br />
+His eyes (awhile cast down) rais'd from the earth;<br />
+The chiefs with anxious look'd-for sounds address'd:<br />
+Nor grace was wanting to persuasive words.<br />
+“O Grecians! had your prayers and mine been heard,<br />
+“Owner of what such cause of strife affords<br />
+“Were now not dubious: thou, Pelides, still<br />
+“These arms possessing, we possessing thee.<br />
+“But since unpitying fate, to you, to me,<br />
+“Denies him�&mdash;(here as weeping, o'er his eyes<br />
+His hand he draws)&mdash;“who with so just a right<br />
+<a name="page_2_214"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;214]</span>
+“Can great Achilles now succeed, as he<br />
+“Who great Achilles brought the Greeks to join?<br />
+“Let it not aid his cause, that fool he seems,<br />
+“Or stupid is indeed; nor aught let harm<br />
+“The ingenuity I claim, to mine:<br />
+“Which, O, ye Argives! still has aided you.<br />
+“Let not my eloquence, if such I boast,<br />
+“And words, whose 'vantage often you have prov'd,<br />
+“Now for their author, move invidious thoughts:<br />
+“Nor what each claims his proper gift, refuse.<br />
+“Scarce can we call our ancestry, our race,<br />
+“Or deeds by them perform'd, merits our own:<br />
+“Yet since of grandsire Jove this Ajax boasts,<br />
+“I too, can boast him author of my line:<br />
+“Nor more degrees remov'd. My sire was nam'd<br />
+“Laërtes; his Arcesius; and from Jove<br />
+“Arcesius came direct: nor in this line,<br />
+“E'er any exil'd or condemn'd appear'd.<br />
+“Cyllenius too, his noble lineage adds<br />
+“Through my maternal stock. Each parent boasts<br />
+“A god-descended race. Yet claim I not<br />
+“The arms contested, merely that I spring<br />
+“Maternally more noble; nor them claim<br />
+“That from a brother's blood my sire is free:<br />
+“By merits solely you the cause adjudge.<br />
+“These only none to Ajax, that his sire,<br />
+“And Peleus brethren were, e'er grant. The prize<br />
+<a name="page_2_215"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;215]</span>
+“Desert, and not propinquity of blood,<br />
+“Should gain. If kindred, then the hero's heir<br />
+“Demands it: Peleus still survives, his sire;<br />
+“And Pyrrhus is his son. Where Ajax' right?<br />
+“To Phthia, or to Scyros be it borne.<br />
+“Nor less is Teucer cousin than himself;<br />
+“Yet does he ask, or does he hope the arms?<br />
+“But since the obvious contest is by deeds<br />
+“Perform'd, though mine outnumber far what words<br />
+“Can easy compass; yet will I relate<br />
+<ins class="hemistich">
+<table>
+<tr><td>“In order some:&mdash;</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td>“The Nereïd mother knew</td></tr>
+</table>
+</ins>
+“His future fate; her offspring's dress disguis'd;<br />
+“And all, ev'n Ajax, the fallacious robes<br />
+“Deceiv'd. With female wares I mingled arms,<br />
+“Which stir the martial soul. Nor had the youth<br />
+“Disrob'd him of his virgin dress, when grasp'd<br />
+“As in his hand the shield and lance he held,<br />
+“I cry'd'&mdash;O, goddess-born! reserv'd for thee<br />
+“Is Ilium's fate. The mighty Trojan walls<br />
+“Why to o'erthrow demur'st thou?&mdash;Him I seiz'd.<br />
+“Sent the brave youth, brave actions to atchieve:<br />
+“And all his actions as my own I claim.<br />
+“My spear then conquer'd Telephus in fight;<br />
+“And after heal'd the suppliant vanquish'd foe.<br />
+“Thebes low by me was laid. I, you must own,<br />
+<a name="page_2_216"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;216]</span>
+“Lesbos, and Tenedos, and Scyros took;<br />
+“Chrysa, and Cylla, bright Apollo's towns.<br />
+“My arm Lyrnessus' walls shook, and laid low.<br />
+“But other deeds I well may pass: since I<br />
+“Gave to the host what dreadful Hector slew;<br />
+“By me renowned Hector fell. Those arms<br />
+“I claim, who gave those arms, which to the Greeks<br />
+“Achilles found. Living, those arms I gave;<br />
+“Him dead, those arms I gave, again demand.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“The wrongs of one through every Grecian breast<br />
+“Spread wide; a thousand ships th' Eub&oelig;an port<br />
+“Of Aulis fill'd. The long-expected gales<br />
+“Or came not, or blew adverse to the fleet.<br />
+“The rigid oracle Atrides bade<br />
+“His guiltless daughter sacrifice to calm<br />
+“Ruthless Diana. Stern the sire deny'd,<br />
+“And rag'd against the gods: the sovereign all<br />
+“Lost in the father. I with soothing words<br />
+“The parent's bosom mollify'd, and turn'd<br />
+“To thoughts of public good. Still, I confess,<br />
+“(And such confession will the king excuse;)<br />
+“An arduous cause I pleaded, where my judge<br />
+“Was by affection warp'd. The people's weal,<br />
+“His brother, and the lofty rank he held<br />
+“Mov'd him at length; and glory with his blood<br />
+“He bought. Then to the mother was I sent,<br />
+<a name="page_2_217"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;217]</span>
+“Where reasoning had no force, but subtle craft.<br />
+“There had you sent the son of Telamon,<br />
+“Still had jour sails the needful breezes lack'd.<br />
+“Sent was I also to the Ilian towers,<br />
+“A daring envoy. Troy's fam'd court I saw;<br />
+“Troy's court I enter'd, then with heroes fill'd.<br />
+“There undismay'd, I pleaded all that Greece<br />
+“Bade for their common cause; Paris accus'd;<br />
+“Helen demanded, and the stolen spoil;<br />
+“And Priam and Antenor both convinc'd.<br />
+“But Paris, Paris' brethren, and the crowd<br />
+“Who aided in the rape, their impious hands<br />
+“Could scarce withhold. (Thou, Menelaüs, know'st,<br />
+“Who then with me the dawning of the war<br />
+“Didst prove in danger.) Long the tale, to speak<br />
+“Of all my deeds have done, the public cause<br />
+“To aid; since first the lengthen'd war began:<br />
+“By counsel or by valor. Wag'd the first<br />
+“Rough skirmish, long our foes within their walls<br />
+“Protected lay; no scope for open war:<br />
+“But in the tenth year now we fight again.<br />
+“In all that period what hast thou, who know'st<br />
+“But fighting, done? Where was thy service then?<br />
+“I, if my deeds thou seek'st, the foe betray'd<br />
+“By subtilty; girt us with trenches round;<br />
+“Inspirited our soldiers; made them bear,<br />
+“With mind unmurmuring, all the tedious war;<br />
+<a name="page_2_218"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;218]</span>
+“Taught where to find the means to gain supplies<br />
+“Of food and arms; wherever need me call'd,<br />
+“There always was I sent. Lo! when the king,<br />
+“From Jove's deceptive dream, gave word to quit<br />
+“Th' unfinish'd war, he might the deed defend<br />
+“Through him who bade. But Ajax disapproves<br />
+“The flight; insists Troy shall in ruins lie,<br />
+“Asserts our power may do it! No! our troops<br />
+“Embarking, he not stay'd. Why seiz'd he not<br />
+“His arms? Why somewhat to the wavering crowd<br />
+“Said not, to fix? no weighty task to him<br />
+“Who ne'er harangues, except on mighty themes.<br />
+“Why? but that Ajax fled himself! I saw,<br />
+“But blush'd to see thee, when thy back thou turn'dst<br />
+“Hasting, thy coward sails to hoist; I spoke<br />
+“Instant&mdash;O fellow soldiers! whither now?<br />
+“What voice insane now urges you to leave<br />
+“Already-captur'd Troy? What will you bear<br />
+“Homeward, a lengthen'd ten years' shame besides?&mdash;<br />
+“With words like these back from the flying fleet<br />
+“I brought them; eloquence had sorrow's aid.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Atrides call'd the council, all with dread<br />
+“Trembling were dumb; nor there dar'd Ajax gape:<br />
+“But there Thersites durst with galling words<br />
+“The king provoke; vengeance he met from me.<br />
+“I rose, our panic-stricken friends, once more<br />
+<a name="page_2_219"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;219]</span>
+“Rous'd 'gainst the foe: I, by my words recall'd<br />
+“Departed valor. Hence, whoever boasts<br />
+“Since then of valiant deeds, those deeds are mine,<br />
+“Who back recall'd him, as he turn'd for flight.<br />
+“Last, tell me which of all the Greeks applauds,<br />
+“Or as a comrade seeks thee. All his acts<br />
+“With me Tydides shares, allows me praise:<br />
+“Ulysses still his confidential friend.<br />
+“Sure from such thousands of the Argive ranks<br />
+“By Diomed' selected, I may boast.<br />
+“Nor lot me bade to go, when void of fear,<br />
+“Through double danger of the foe and night,<br />
+“I went; and Phrygian Dolon slew, who dar'd<br />
+“On our adventure come; but slew him not<br />
+“Till made to utter all; the wiles betray<br />
+“Perfidious Troy intended. All I learnt;<br />
+“Nor ought for further search remain'd. Now I,<br />
+“The camp with fame sufficient might have gain'd;<br />
+“But not content, for Rhesus' tents I push;<br />
+“Him, and his guard surrounding, in his camp<br />
+“I slay. Victorious so, possess'd of all<br />
+“My hopes design'd, the car I mount, and proud<br />
+“A glad triumpher ride. Now me deny<br />
+“The arms of him, whose steeds the spy had hop'd<br />
+“Meed of his bold excursion. Ajax say<br />
+“More worthy. Why Sarpedon's Lycian troop<br />
+“Vanquish'd, should I with boastful tongue relate?<br />
+<a name="page_2_220"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;220]</span>
+“I vanquish'd Ceranos, Iphitus' son;<br />
+“Alastor, Chromius, and Alcander stout;<br />
+“Halius, Noëmon, Prytanis, with crowds<br />
+“Slaughter'd beside. Thoön to hell I sent,<br />
+“Chersidamas, and Charops; and to fates<br />
+“Unpitying, Ennomus dispatch'd: with these<br />
+“Beneath yon' walls whole heaps of meaner rank<br />
+“This hand has slain. And, fellow soldiers, lo!<br />
+“My wounds are honorable all in place:<br />
+“Believe not empty words, yourselves behold.�&mdash;<br />
+Then stript his robe, exclaiming&mdash;“Here the breast<br />
+“Still for your good employ'd. No drop of blood<br />
+“Has Ajax shed since first our host he join'd:<br />
+“In all these years, his body still remains<br />
+“Unwounded. Yet on this why should I dwell,<br />
+“If he must boast, that for the Argive fleet<br />
+“He fought alone 'gainst Jupiter and Troy?<br />
+“He fought, I grant it; no malignant spite<br />
+“Shall move detraction from his valiant deeds.<br />
+“But let him not the common rites of more<br />
+“Monopolize; let him to each allow<br />
+“The honor which they claim. Patroclus, fear'd<br />
+“In great Pelides' semblance, backward drove<br />
+“All Troy and Troy's protector from the ships,<br />
+“Then burning. Next his vanity would boast<br />
+“He only in the field of Mars durst strive<br />
+“With Hector; of the king, the chiefs, and me<br />
+<a name="page_2_221"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;221]</span>
+“Forgetful; in the list the ninth alone,<br />
+“Solely by lot preferr'd. Yet, warrior brave,<br />
+“What was the issue of this daring fight?<br />
+“Hector unwounded left you. Mournful theme!<br />
+“With what deep sorrow I the time recal,<br />
+“When, bulwark of the Greeks, Achilles fell!<br />
+“Nor tears, vain lamentations, nor pale fear<br />
+“Me check'd; the prostrate body from the ground<br />
+“I rais'd. Upon those shoulders&mdash;yes, I swear,<br />
+“These very shoulders, I Pelides bore,<br />
+“With all his arms. The arms I now require.<br />
+“Strength I must have to bear with such a load:<br />
+“As sure your votes will meet a grateful mind.<br />
+“Was it because the bright celestial gift<br />
+“Might clothe the limbs of one without a soul,<br />
+“Stupidly dull, that all her anxious care<br />
+“The green-hair'd mother on her son employ'd;<br />
+“Arms wrought with art so great? Knows he the least<br />
+“The shield's engravings? Ocean, or the land:<br />
+“The lofty sky; the planets; Pleiäds bright;<br />
+“Hyäds; the bear, ne'er plung'd beneath the main;<br />
+“Orion's glittering sword, or various towns?<br />
+“Arms he demands he cannot understand.<br />
+“But how asserts he I the toils of war<br />
+“Evaded; joining late the fighting host,<br />
+“Nor sees he scandalizes too the fame<br />
+“Of great Pelides? If indeed a crime<br />
+<a name="page_2_222"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;222]</span>
+“Dissembling must be call'd,&mdash;dissembled both.<br />
+“If faulty all delay, the first I came.<br />
+“A tender wife me kept; a tender tie,<br />
+“A mother, kept Achilles. Our life's spring<br />
+“To them was given, the rest reserv'd for you.<br />
+“Nor should I fear, even were this crime, I share<br />
+“With such a man, of all defence deny'd.<br />
+“Yet his disguise Ulysses' cunning found:<br />
+“Ajax ne'er found Ulysses. Needs surprize<br />
+“To hear th' abusing of his booby tongue,<br />
+“When with like guilt he stigmatizes you?<br />
+“Shames most that I this Palamedes brought,<br />
+“Falsely accus'd your sentence to receive,<br />
+“Or that you doom'd him so accus'd to die?<br />
+“But Nauplius' son not ev'n defence could urge,<br />
+“So plain his crime appear'd; nor did you trust<br />
+“The accusation heard: obvious you saw<br />
+“The bribe for which you doom'd him. Nor of blame<br />
+“Deserve I ought, that Philoctetes stays<br />
+“In Vulcan's Lemnos. You the deed excuse:<br />
+“All to the deed assented. Yet my voice,<br />
+“Persuasive, will I not deny, I us'd;<br />
+“That spar'd from travel, and from war's fatigue,<br />
+“In rest he might his cruel pains assuage:<br />
+“He lik'd my words, and lives. My counsel here<br />
+“Not merely faithful (though our faith the whole<br />
+“Our promise can insure) but happy prov'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_223"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;223]</span>
+“His presence since the seers prophetic ask<br />
+“T' atchieve the fall of Troy, dispatch not me;<br />
+“Ajax will better go, will better soothe<br />
+“With eloquence of tongue, a man who burns<br />
+“With raging choler, and with smarting pains:<br />
+“Or with some stratagem him thence allure.<br />
+“But Simoïs' stream shall sooner backward flow;<br />
+“Ida unwooded stand: Achaïa aid<br />
+“The Trojan power, than Ajax' stupid soul<br />
+“Shall help the Greeks, when first my anxious mind<br />
+“Striving to aid you, has been found to fail.<br />
+“O, stubborn Philoctetes! though enrag'd<br />
+“Against thy comrades, 'gainst the king, and me;<br />
+“Though thou may'st curse me, and my head devote<br />
+“Through endless days; though in thy grief thou ask'st<br />
+“To meet me, and to glut thee with my blood,<br />
+“Still will I try thee, and if fortune smiles,<br />
+“So will I gain thy arrows, as I gain'd<br />
+“The Trojan prophet, whom I captive made;<br />
+“As I the oracles of heaven laid ope;<br />
+“And all the fate of Troy: as from its room<br />
+“Close-hidden, I the form of Pallas brought,<br />
+“The charm of Troy, through ranks of hostile foes.<br />
+“Mates Ajax here with me? Fate had deny'd<br />
+“Of Troy the capture till that prize obtain'd.<br />
+“Where then the mighty Ajax? Where the boasts<br />
+“Of this brave hero? Why this risk evade?<br />
+<a name="page_2_224"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;224]</span>
+“Why dar'd Ulysses through the watchful guards<br />
+“Steal 'mid the darkling night? and find his way,<br />
+“Not merely past the Trojan walls, but high<br />
+“Through raging swords their loftiest turrets scale;<br />
+“Bear off the goddess from her sacred fane,<br />
+“And with the prize again repass the foe?<br />
+“This deed not done, Ajax had bore in vain<br />
+“On his huge arm the sevenfold oxen hide.<br />
+“From that night's deeds I Ilium's conquest share.<br />
+“Then Troy I conquer'd, when the fact was done,<br />
+“Which made Troy vincible. Cease thou to mark<br />
+“With looks and mutterings Diomed' my friend;<br />
+“His share in all was glorious. Nor wast thou<br />
+“Single, when with thy buckler thou didst guard<br />
+“The general fleet; crowds aided, I was one.<br />
+“He, but he knows too well that less esteem<br />
+“Valor demands than wisdom; that the prize,<br />
+“A mere unconquer'd arm not justly claims,<br />
+“Had also sought: thy milder namesake too;<br />
+“Or fierce Eurypilus; or Thoas, son<br />
+“Of bold Andræmon. Equal right to hope,<br />
+“Idomeneus, Meriones, might boast,<br />
+“Each Cretan born; and who the sovereign king<br />
+“His brother claims; but all their valorous breasts<br />
+“(Nor does their martial prowess stoop to thine)<br />
+“Yield to my wisdom. In the fight thy arm<br />
+“Is mighty; prudence boast I, which that arm<br />
+<a name="page_2_225"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;225]</span>
+“Directs. To thee a force immense is given,<br />
+“Without a brain; foresight is given to me.<br />
+“Well, thou canst wage the war; the time that war<br />
+“To wage, Atrides oft with me resolves.<br />
+“Thou aidest with thy body, I with mind:<br />
+“And as the guider of the ship transcends<br />
+“Him who but plies the oar: as soars above<br />
+“The soldier, he who leads him, so must I<br />
+“Thee far surpass; for far the mental powers<br />
+“In me surpass the merits of my arm:<br />
+“In mind my vigor lies. Ye nobles, speak;<br />
+“Give to your watchful guardian this reward,<br />
+“For the long annual care with anxious mind<br />
+“He gave you. This reward at length bestow,<br />
+“To his deserts but due: his labor done.<br />
+“Th' obstructing destinies by me remov'd,<br />
+“High Troy by me is captur'd; since by me<br />
+“The means high Troy to overthrow are given.<br />
+“Now beg I by our hopes conjoin'd; the walls<br />
+“Of Troy already tottering; by the gods<br />
+“Gain'd from the foe so lately; by what more<br />
+“Through wisdom may be done, if aught remains;<br />
+“Or aught of boldness, which through peril sought,<br />
+“Wanting, you still may deem to fill Troy's fate.<br />
+“If mindful of my merits you would rest,<br />
+“The arms award to this, if not to me:�<br />
+And pointed to Minerva's fateful form.<br />
+<a name="page_2_226"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;226]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mov'd were the band of nobles. Plainly shewn<br />
+What eloquence could do:&mdash;persuasion gain'd<br />
+The valiant warrior's arms. Then he who stood<br />
+'Gainst steel, and fire, and the whole force of Jove,<br />
+So oft, his own vexation now o'ercame:<br />
+Grief conquer'd his unconquerable soul.<br />
+He seiz'd his sword,&mdash;“And surely this�&mdash;he cry'd&mdash;<br />
+“Still is my own! or claims Ulysses this?<br />
+“Against myself this steel must now be us'd:<br />
+“This stain'd so oft with Phrygian blood, be stain'd<br />
+“With his who owns it; lest another hand<br />
+“Than Ajax' own should Ajax overcome.�&mdash;<br />
+No more; but where his breast unguarded lay,<br />
+Pervious at length to wounds, his deadly blade<br />
+He plung'd, nor could his hand the blade withdraw;<br />
+The gushing blood expell'd it. Straight there sprung<br />
+Through the green turf, form'd by the blood-soak'd earth,<br />
+A purple flower, like that which sprung before<br />
+From Hyäcinthus' wound. Amid the leaves<br />
+Of each the self-same letters are inscrib'd;<br />
+The boy's complainings, and the hero's name.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Victorious Ithacus his sails unfurls,<br />
+To seek the land Hypsipylé once rul'd,<br />
+And Thoäs fam'd. An isle of old disgrac'd<br />
+By slaughter of its males, to bring the darts,<br />
+The weapons of Tyrinthius. These obtain'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_227"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;227]</span>
+To Greece, and with their owner brought, at length<br />
+The furious war was finish'd. Priam falls<br />
+With Troy; and Priam's more unhappy spouse,<br />
+To crown her losses, loses human shape;<br />
+With new-heard barkings shaking foreign climes.<br />
+Where the long Hellespont's contracted bounds<br />
+Are seen, Troy blaz'd: nor yet the fires were quench'd.<br />
+The scanty drops of blood Jove's altar soak'd,<br />
+Which flow'd from aged Priam. By her locks<br />
+Dragg'd on, Apollo's priestess vainly stretch'd<br />
+To lofty heaven her arms. The victor Greeks<br />
+Tear off the Trojan mothers as they clasp<br />
+Their country's imag'd gods; and as they cling<br />
+To flaming temples&mdash;an invidious prey.<br />
+Astyänax is from those turrets flung,<br />
+Whence erst he wont to view his sire, whose arm<br />
+Him guarding, and his ancestorial realm<br />
+In fight, his mother shew'd. And Boreas now<br />
+Departure urg'd. Swol'n by a favoring breeze<br />
+The rattling canvas warn'd the sailor crew.<br />
+“O, Troy! farewel!�&mdash;The Trojan matrons cry&mdash;<br />
+“Hence are we borne.�&mdash;They kiss their natal soil;<br />
+And leave the smoking ruins of their domes.<br />
+Last&mdash;mournful object! Hecuba, descry'd<br />
+Amid her children's graves, the bark ascends.<br />
+Ulysses' hand her dragg'd, as close she grasp'd<br />
+Their tombs, and kiss'd their bones which still remain'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_228"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;228]</span>
+Yet snatch'd she hastily, and bore away<br />
+Of Hector's ashes some, and in her breast<br />
+Hugg'd them; and on the top of Hector's tomb<br />
+Left her grey hairs; her hairs, and flowing tears.<br />
+Oblation fruitless to his last remains.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oppos'd to Phrygia, where Troy once was seen,<br />
+A country stands, where live Bistonia's race:<br />
+Where Polymnestor, wealthy monarch, rul'd,<br />
+To whom, O, Polydore! thy cautious sire<br />
+Thee sent; from Iliüm's battles far remov'd,<br />
+For safe protection. Wisdom sway'd the king;<br />
+Save that he sent him store of treasure too,<br />
+Reward of wickedness; and tempting much<br />
+His greedy soul. Soon as Troy's fortune sank,<br />
+Impious the Thracian monarch plung'd his sword<br />
+In his young charge's throat: as if his crime<br />
+And body from his sight at once 'twere given<br />
+To move, he flung him in the dashing main.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now on the Thracian coast, Atrides moor'd<br />
+His fleet, till placid were the waves again,<br />
+And favoring more, the winds. Achilles here,<br />
+Out from the earth, by sudden rupture rent,<br />
+Appear'd in 'semblance of his living form:<br />
+Threatening his brow appear'd, as when so fierce<br />
+He Agamemnon with rebellious sword<br />
+<a name="page_2_229"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;229]</span>
+Sought to assail.&mdash;“Depart ye then, O, Greeks!�<br />
+He cry'd&mdash;“of me unmindful? Is the fame<br />
+“Of all my yaliant acts with me interr'd?<br />
+“Treat me not thus. That honors due my tomb<br />
+“May want not, let Polyxena be given<br />
+“In sacrifice to soothe Achilles' ghost.�<br />
+He said; his fellows with the ruthless shade<br />
+Complying, from the mother's bosom tore<br />
+Her whom she sole had left to cherish. Brave<br />
+Than female more, the hapless maid was led<br />
+To the dire tomb in sacrificial pomp.<br />
+She, of her state still mindful, when before<br />
+The cruel altar brought; when all prepar'd<br />
+The savage-urg'd oblation of herself<br />
+She saw; and Neoptolemus beheld<br />
+There stand, the steel there grasping; on his face<br />
+Her eyes firm-fixing, spoke.&mdash;“My noble blood<br />
+“This instant spill. Delay not&mdash;plunge thy blade<br />
+“Or in my throat, or bosom;�&mdash;and her throat<br />
+And bosom, as she spoke she bar'd&mdash;“for ne'er<br />
+“Polyxena, a slavish life had borne.<br />
+“Yet grateful is this victim to no god!<br />
+“My only wish, that from my mother dear<br />
+“May be my death conceal'd: my mother clogs<br />
+“My final passage; damps the joys of death.<br />
+“Yet should she wail my death not, but my life.<br />
+“But distant stand ye all, that to the shades<br />
+<a name="page_2_230"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;230]</span>
+“Inviolate I sink; if what I ask<br />
+“Be just, let every hand of man avoid<br />
+“A virgin's touch. Whoe'er your steel prepares<br />
+“To move propitiatory with my blood,<br />
+“A victim quite untainted best must please.<br />
+“And should the final accents that I speak,<br />
+“(King Priam's daughter, not a captive sues)<br />
+“My corse unransom'd to my mother give.<br />
+“Let her not buy the sad sepulchral rites<br />
+“With gold, but tears. Yet time has been, with gold<br />
+“I might have been redeem'd.�&mdash;The princess ceas'd,<br />
+And save her own no cheek unwet was seen.<br />
+And ev'n the priest reluctant, and in tears,<br />
+Op'd by a sudden plunge the offer'd breast.<br />
+She, to earth sinking, 'neath her tottering limbs,<br />
+Wore to the last a face unmov'd; ev'n then<br />
+Her final care was in her fall to veil<br />
+Limbs that a veil demanded, as she sank;<br />
+And decent pride of modesty preserve.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Trojan dames receive her, and recount<br />
+The woes of Priam's house, the streams of blood<br />
+That single stock has spent. Thee too, O, maid!<br />
+They weep; and thee, a royal spouse so late,<br />
+And royal parent stil'd; pride of the realm<br />
+Of glorious Asia; now a mournful lot<br />
+Amid the spoil; whom Ithacus would scorn<br />
+<a name="page_2_231"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;231]</span>
+To own, great Hector hadst thou not brought forth:<br />
+The name of Hector scarce a master finds,<br />
+To claim his mother. She, the lifeless trunk<br />
+Embracing, which had held a soul so brave,<br />
+Tears pour'd; tears often had she pour'd before,<br />
+For country, husband, children&mdash;now for her<br />
+Those tears gush'd in the wound; lips press'd to lips;<br />
+And beat that breast which oft with grievous blows<br />
+Was punish'd. Sweeping 'mid the clotted blood<br />
+Her silver'd tresses; all these plaints, and more<br />
+She utter'd, as she still her bosom rent.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“My child, thy mother's last afflicting grief<br />
+“(For who is spar'd me?) low, my child, thou ly'st;<br />
+“And in thy wound, I all my wounds behold.<br />
+“Yes, lest a single remnant of my race<br />
+“Unslaughter'd should expire, thou too must bleed.<br />
+“A female, thee, safe from the sword I thought:<br />
+“A female, thee the sword has stretch'd in death.<br />
+“The same Achilles, ruiner of Troy,<br />
+“Bereaver of my offspring, all destroy'd,&mdash;<br />
+“Yes, all thy brethren, he, now murders thee!<br />
+“Yet when by Paris' and Apollo's darts<br />
+“He fell,&mdash;now, surely,&mdash;said I,&mdash;now no more<br />
+“Pelides need be dreaded! Yet ev'n now,<br />
+“Dreadful to me he proves. Inurned, rage<br />
+“His ashes 'gainst our hapless race; we feel<br />
+<a name="page_2_232"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;232]</span>
+“Ev'n in his grave the anger of this foe.<br />
+“I fruitful only for Pelides prov'd.<br />
+“Low lies proud Iliüm, and the public woe,<br />
+“The heavy ruin ends: if ended yet:<br />
+“For Troy to me still stands; my sufferings still<br />
+“Roll endless on. I, late in power so high,<br />
+“Great in my children, in my husband great,<br />
+“Am now dragg'd forth in poverty; exil'd<br />
+“From all my children's tombs; a gift to please<br />
+“Penelopé; who, while my daily task<br />
+“She gives to Ithaca's proud dames, will taunt,<br />
+“And cry;&mdash;of Hector, the fam'd mother see!<br />
+“Lo! Priam's spouse!&mdash;And thou who sole wast spar'd<br />
+“To soothe maternal pangs, so many lost,<br />
+“Now bleed'st, atonement to an hostile shade:<br />
+“And funeral victims has my womb produc'd<br />
+“T' appease a foe. Why holds this stubborn heart?<br />
+“Why still delay I? What to me avails<br />
+“This loath'd, this long-protracted life? Why spin,<br />
+“O, cruel deities! the lengthen'd thread<br />
+“Of an old wretch, save that she yet may see<br />
+“More deaths? Who e'er could Priam happy deem,<br />
+“Iliüm o'erthrown? Yet happy was his death,<br />
+“Thy sacrifice, my daughter! not to see;<br />
+“At once of life and realm bereft. Yet sure<br />
+“O, royal maid! funereal rites await<br />
+“Thy last remains; thy corse will be inhum'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_233"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;233]</span>
+“In ancestorial sepulchres. Ah, no!<br />
+“Such fortune smiles not on our house; the tears<br />
+“A mother can bestow, are all thy gifts;<br />
+“Sprinkled with foreign dust. All have I lost.<br />
+“Of the whole stock I could as parent boast,<br />
+“To tempt me now still longer to sustain<br />
+“This life, my Polydore alone is left;<br />
+“Once least of all my manly sons, erst given<br />
+“To Thracia's monarch's care, upon these shores.<br />
+“But why delay to cleanse that ghastly wound<br />
+“With water, and that face, with spouting blood<br />
+“Besmear'd.�&mdash;She ceas'd, and bent her tottering steps,<br />
+With torn and scatter'd locks down to the shore.<br />
+And as the hapless wretch&mdash;“O, Trojans!�&mdash;cry'd,<br />
+“An urn supply to draw the liquid waves;�&mdash;<br />
+The corse of Polydore, flung on the beach<br />
+She saw, pierc'd deep with wounds of Thracian steel.<br />
+Loud shriek'd the Trojan matrons; she by grief<br />
+Dumb-stricken stood. Affliction keen suppress'd<br />
+Her rising moans, and ready-springing tears:<br />
+Stupid, and like a rigid stone she stood.<br />
+Now on the earth her eyes are fixt; and now<br />
+To heaven her furious countenance she lifts:<br />
+Now dwells she on his face, now on the wounds<br />
+Her son receiv'd, and on the wounds the most:<br />
+And now her bosom with collected rage<br />
+Furiously burning, all on vengeance fierce<br />
+<a name="page_2_234"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;234]</span>
+Her soul is bent, as still in power a queen.<br />
+As storms a lioness robb'd of her cub,<br />
+The track pursuing of her flying foe,<br />
+Whom yet she sees not: rage and grief were mixt<br />
+Just so in Hecuba; of her old years<br />
+Regardless, mindful of her ire alone.<br />
+She Polymnestor seeks, of the dire deed<br />
+The perpetrator, and his ear demands&mdash;<br />
+That more of gold, intended for her boy,<br />
+Her wish was to disclose. The Thracian king<br />
+Heard credulous; lur'd by his wonted love<br />
+Of gain, with her withdrew, and wily thus;<br />
+With coaxing words;&mdash;“quick, Hecuba!�&mdash;exclaim'd,<br />
+“Give for thy son the treasure. By the gods!<br />
+“I swear, all shall be his; what more thou giv'st,<br />
+“And what thou gav'st before.�&mdash;Him, speaking so,<br />
+And falsely swearing, savagely she view'd,<br />
+And her fierce bosom swell'd with double rage.<br />
+Then instant on him, by the captive dames<br />
+Fast held, she flies; in his perfidious face<br />
+Digs deep; her fingers (rage all strength supply'd)<br />
+Tear from their orbs his eyes; bury'd her hands,<br />
+Streaming with blood, where once the eyes had been;<br />
+Widening the wounds, for eyes no more remain'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fir'd at their monarch's fate the Thracian crowd<br />
+With stones and darts t'attack the queen began.<br />
+<a name="page_2_235"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;235]</span>
+The queen with harsher voice, as they pursue,<br />
+Bites at th' assailing stones, and, trying words,<br />
+Barkings her jaws produce. The place remains<br />
+Nam'd from the change. She, of her ancient woes<br />
+Long mindful, grieving still, Sithonia's fields<br />
+With howlings fill'd. Her fate with pity mov'd<br />
+Her fellow Trojans; and the hostile Greeks;<br />
+Nay, all the gods above; and all deny,<br />
+(Ev'n she, the sister-wife of mighty Jove)<br />
+That Hecuba so harsh a lot deserv'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nor leisure now Aurora had to mourn<br />
+(Though strong their cause she favor'd) the sad fall,<br />
+And mournful fate of Hecuba, and Troy.<br />
+A nearer case, a more domestic woe,<br />
+The loss of Memnon, wrung the goddess' breast:<br />
+Whom on the Phrygian plains the mother saw<br />
+Beneath the weapon of Achilles sink.<br />
+She saw&mdash;that color which the blushing morn<br />
+Displays, grew pale, and heaven with clouds was hid.<br />
+Still could the parent not support the sight,<br />
+Plac'd on the funeral pyre his limbs, but straight<br />
+With locks dishevell'd, not disdain'd to sue<br />
+Prostrate before the knees of mighty Jove.<br />
+These words her tears assisting.&mdash;“Meanest I,<br />
+“Of those the golden heaven supports; to me<br />
+“The fewest temples through earth's space are rais'd:<br />
+<a name="page_2_236"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;236]</span>
+“Yet still a goddess sues. Not to demand<br />
+“Temples, nor festal days, nor altars warm'd<br />
+“With blazing fires; yet if you but behold<br />
+“What I, a female, for you all atchieve,<br />
+“Bounding night's confines with new-springing light,<br />
+“Such boons you might consider but my due.<br />
+“But these are not my care. Aurora's mind<br />
+“Not now e'en honors merited demands.<br />
+“I come, my Memnon lost, who bravely fought,<br />
+“But vainly, in his uncle Priam's cause:<br />
+“And in his prime of youth (so will'd your fates)<br />
+“Fell by the stout Achilles. Lord supreme!<br />
+“Of all the deities, grant, I beseech<br />
+“To him some honor, solace of his death;<br />
+“Allay the smarting of a mother's wounds.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jove nodded, round the lofty funeral pile<br />
+Of Memnon, rose th' aspiring flames; black clouds<br />
+Of smoke the day obscur'd. So streams exhale<br />
+The rising mists which Ph&oelig;bus' rays conceal.<br />
+Mount the black ashes, and conglob'd in one<br />
+They thicken in a body, and a shape<br />
+That body takes, and heat and light receives<br />
+From the bright flames. Its lightness gave it wings:<br />
+Much like a bird at first, and soon indeed<br />
+A bird, its pinions sounded. And a crowd<br />
+Of sister birds, their pinions sounded too;<br />
+<a name="page_2_237"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;237]</span>
+Their origin the same. Thrice they surround<br />
+The pile, and thrice with noisy clang the air<br />
+Resounds; the fourth time all the troop divide:<br />
+Then two and two, they furious wage the war<br />
+On either side; fierce with their crooked claws<br />
+And beaks, they pounce their adversary's breast,<br />
+And tire his wings. Each kindred body falls<br />
+An offering to the ashes of the dead,<br />
+And prove their offspring from a valiant man.<br />
+These birds of sudden origin receive<br />
+Their name, Memnonides, from him whose limbs<br />
+Produc'd them. Oft as Sol through all his signs<br />
+Has run, the battle they renew again,<br />
+To perish at their parent-warrior's tomb.<br />
+Thus, while all others Dymas' daughter weep<br />
+In howling shape, Aurora still on griefs<br />
+Her own sad brooding, her maternal tears<br />
+Sprinkles in dew o'er all th' extent of earth.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet fate doom'd not with Iliüm's towers the fall<br />
+Of Iliüm's hopes. The Cythereän prince<br />
+Bore off his gods; and on his shoulders bore<br />
+A no less sacred, venerable load,<br />
+His sire. Of all his riches these preferr'd.<br />
+The pious hero, with his youthful son<br />
+Ascanius, from Antandros, o'er the main<br />
+Borne in the flying fleet, leaves far the shore<br />
+<a name="page_2_238"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;238]</span>
+Of savage Thrace, still moisten'd with the blood<br />
+Of Polydore, and enters Ph&oelig;bus' port;<br />
+Aided by currents, and by gentle gales,<br />
+With all his social crew. Anius receives<br />
+The exile, in his temple,&mdash;in his dome;<br />
+Where o'er the land he monarch rul'd; and where,<br />
+As Ph&oelig;bus' priest, he tended due his rites:<br />
+The city, and the votive temples shew'd,<br />
+And shew'd two trees, once by Latona grasp'd<br />
+In bearing throes. The incense in the flames<br />
+Distributed, wine o'er the incense thrown,<br />
+The entrails of the offer'd bulls consum'd<br />
+As wont; the regal roof approach they all;<br />
+And high on tapestry reclin'd, partake<br />
+Of Ceres' gift, and Bacchus' flowing boon.<br />
+Then good Anchises, thus&mdash;“O chosen priest<br />
+“Of Ph&oelig;bus! was I then deceiv'd? methought,<br />
+“As far as memory aids me to recal,<br />
+“When first mine eyes these lofty walls beheld,<br />
+“That twice two daughters, and a son were thine.�<br />
+Old Anius shook his head, begirt around<br />
+With snowy fillets, as in grief, he said:&mdash;<br />
+“No, mighty hero! not deceiv'd art thou,<br />
+“Me hast thou seen of five the parent; now<br />
+“Thou well-nigh childless see'st me: (such to man<br />
+“The varying change of sublunary things)<br />
+“For, ah! what can an absent son bestow<br />
+<a name="page_2_239"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;239]</span>
+“To aid me, who, in Andros' isle now dwells,<br />
+“Where for his sire the realm and state he holds?<br />
+“Delius on him prophetic art bestow'd;<br />
+“And Bacchus, to my female offspring, gave<br />
+“A boon beyond all credit, and their hopes.<br />
+“For all whate'er, which felt my daughters' touch<br />
+“To corn, and wine, and olives, was transformed:<br />
+“A mighty treasure in themselves they held.<br />
+“But Agamemnon, Troy's destroyer learn'd<br />
+“This gift (think not but that your overthrow<br />
+“In some respect we shar'd,) by ruthless force,<br />
+“Tore them unwilling from their parent's arms;<br />
+“And stern commanded that the heavenly gift<br />
+“Should feed the Grecian fleet. Each as she can<br />
+“Escapes. Eub&oelig;ä two attain, and two<br />
+“Fraternal Andros seek. The troops pursue<br />
+“And threaten warfare, if withheld the maids.<br />
+“Fraternal love was vanquish'd in his breast<br />
+“By fear, (that thou this terror mayst excuse,<br />
+“Reflect, Æneäs was not there, nor there<br />
+“Was Hector, Andros to defend, whose arms<br />
+“To the tenth year made Iliüm stand.) And now<br />
+“Chains were prepar'd their captive arms to bind.<br />
+“While yet unchain'd, those arms to heaven they rais'd,<br />
+“O father Bacchus!&mdash;crying&mdash;grant thy aid.&mdash;<br />
+“And aid the author of the gift bestow'd:<br />
+“If them to lose by an unheard-of mode<br />
+<a name="page_2_240"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;240]</span>
+“Be aid bestowing. Then could I not know,<br />
+“Nor now relate the order of the change<br />
+“Which lost their shapes; the summit of my grief<br />
+“I know; with plumage were they cloth'd; transform'd<br />
+“To snowy doves, thy spouse's favor'd bird.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With these, and tales like these, the feast was clos'd:<br />
+The board remov'd, all sought repose. With day<br />
+Arising, all Apollo's shrine attend;<br />
+Who bids that they their ancient mother seek,<br />
+And kindred shores. The king attends them, gives<br />
+His presents as they go. Anchises holds<br />
+A sceptre, while a quiver and a robe<br />
+Ascanius boasts; Æneäs holds a cup,<br />
+Erst from B&oelig;ötia's shores to Anius sent,<br />
+By Theban Therses. Therses sent the gift;<br />
+Sicilian Alcon form'd it, and engrav'd<br />
+A copious tale around. A town was there,<br />
+And seven wide gates appear'd: for name were these,<br />
+What town it was displaying. All without<br />
+Its walls were funeral trains, and tombs beheld;<br />
+And fires; and piles; and matrons, whose bare breasts,<br />
+And locks dishevell'd, shew'd their mournful woe.<br />
+Weeping the nymphs appear'd, and seem'd to wail<br />
+Their arid streams; the leafless trees were hard;<br />
+The goats were browsing on the naked rocks:<br />
+And, lo! amid the Theban town was seen<br />
+<a name="page_2_241"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;241]</span>
+Orion's daughters: this her naked throat<br />
+Offering, with more than female courage; that<br />
+On the sharp weapon's point forth leaning, dy'd,<br />
+To save the people: round the town are borne<br />
+Their pompous funerals, they in splendor burn.<br />
+Then, lest the race should perish, spring two youths<br />
+From out their virgin ashes; which by fame<br />
+Are call'd Coronæ, and the pomp attend,<br />
+When their maternal ashes are interr'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus far the images on ancient brass<br />
+Were grav'n; the bordering summit of the cup<br />
+In gold acanthus rough appear'd. Nor gave<br />
+The Trojans gifts less worthy than they took.<br />
+To hold his incense, they a vase present<br />
+The royal priest; a goblet, and a crown,<br />
+Shining with gold, and bright with sparkling gems.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thence, mindful that the Trojan race first sprung<br />
+From Teucer's blood, tow'rd Crete their course they bend:<br />
+But long Jove's native clime they could not bear.<br />
+The hundred-city'd isle now left behind,<br />
+Ausonia's port they hope to gain. Rough swell<br />
+The wintry storms, and toss them on the main;<br />
+And in the port of faithless Strophades<br />
+Receiv'd, the wing'd Aëllo scares them far.<br />
+Now had they sail'd beyond Dulichium's bay;<br />
+<a name="page_2_242"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;242]</span>
+Samos; and Ithaca, Neritus' soil;<br />
+The realms Ulysses, so perfidious, sway'd:<br />
+And saw Ambracia, for the strife of gods<br />
+Renown'd, and stone to which the judge was chang'd;<br />
+Now as Apollo's Actium far more fam'd:<br />
+And saw Dodona's land with vocal groves;<br />
+And deep Chaonia's bay, where vain-urg'd flames<br />
+Molossus' sons, on new-sprung pinions 'scap'd.<br />
+Phæäcia's neighbouring country, planted thick<br />
+With grateful apples, now they reach; from thence<br />
+Epirus and Buthrotus, by the seer<br />
+Of Iliüm govern'd, image true of Troy.<br />
+Thence of the future certain, full of faith,<br />
+In all that Helenus of fate them told,<br />
+Sicilia's isle they enter, which extends<br />
+Midst of the waves its promontories three.<br />
+Pachymos, tow'rd the showery south is plac'd;<br />
+And Zephyr soft on Lilybæum blows:<br />
+But 'gainst the Arctic bear that shuns the sea,<br />
+And Boreas' rugged storms, Pelorus looks.<br />
+By this the Trojans steer; urg'd by their oars,<br />
+And favoring tide, by night on Zanclé's beach<br />
+The fleet is moor'd. Here Scylla on the right;<br />
+Charybdis, restless, on the left alarms.<br />
+This sucks the destin'd ships beneath the waves,<br />
+And whirls them up again: fierce dogs surround<br />
+The other's sable belly, while she bears<br />
+<a name="page_2_243"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;243]</span>
+A virgin's face; and, if what poets tell<br />
+Be feign'd not all, she had a virgin been.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her many wooers sought; these all repuls'd,<br />
+She join'd the ocean nymphs; by ocean's nymphs<br />
+Much favor'd was the maid; and told the loves<br />
+Of all the baffled youths. Her, while she gave<br />
+Her locks to comb, thus Galatea fair,<br />
+Bespoke, but first suppress'd a rising sigh.<br />
+“'Tis true, O maid! a gentle race thee seeks,<br />
+“Whom safely, as thou dost, thou may'st deny:<br />
+“But I, whose sire is Nereus; who was born<br />
+“Of blue-hair'd Doris; who am potent too<br />
+“In crowds of sisters, refuge only found<br />
+“From the fierce Cyclops' love, in my own waves.�<br />
+Tears chok'd her utterance here; which when the maid<br />
+Had wip'd with marble fingers, and had sooth'd<br />
+The goddess.&mdash;“Dearest Galatea! speak;<br />
+“Nor from thy friend this cause of grief conceal:<br />
+“Faithful am I to thee.� The goddess yields,<br />
+And to Cratæis' daughter, thus replies.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“From Faunus and the nymph Symethis sprung<br />
+“Acis, his sire's delight, his mother's pride;<br />
+“But far to me more dear. For me the youth,<br />
+“And me alone, lov'd warmly; twice eight years<br />
+“Had o'er him pass'd; when on his tender cheek<br />
+<a name="page_2_244"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;244]</span>
+“A doubtful down appear'd. Him I desir'd,<br />
+“As ceaseless as the Cyclops sought for me.<br />
+“Nor should you ask, if in my bosom dwelt<br />
+“For him most hate, or most for Acis love,<br />
+“Could I inform you: equal both in force.<br />
+“O, gentle Venus! with what mighty power<br />
+“Thou sway'st; lo! he, the merciless, the dread<br />
+“Of his own woods; whom hapless guest ne'er saw<br />
+“With safety; spurner of the power of Jove,<br />
+“And all the host of heaven, what love is, feels!<br />
+“Seiz'd with desire of me he flames, forgets<br />
+“His flocks, and caverns. All thy anxious care<br />
+“Thy beauty, Polyphemus! to improve,<br />
+“And all thy anxious care is now to please.<br />
+“And now with rakes thou comb'st thy rugged hair;<br />
+“Now with a scythe thou mow'st thy bushy beard:<br />
+“Thy features to behold in the clear brook,<br />
+“And calm their fire employs thee. All his love<br />
+“Of slaughter; all his fierceness; all his thirst<br />
+“Cruel of blood, him leaves; and on the coast,<br />
+“Ships safely moor, and safe again depart.<br />
+“Meantime at Etna Telemus arriv'd,<br />
+“Of Eurymus the son, whom never bird<br />
+“Deceiv'd; he to dread Polyphemus came,<br />
+“And spoke:&mdash;Thee, of the single light thou bear'st<br />
+“Mid front, Ulysses will deprive.&mdash;Loud laugh'd<br />
+“The monster, saying;&mdash;Stupidest of seers,<br />
+<a name="page_2_245"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;245]</span>
+“How much thou err'st!&mdash;already is it gone.&mdash;<br />
+“So spurns the truth the prophet told in vain.<br />
+“Then moving on along the shore, he sinks<br />
+“The sand with heavy steps, or tir'd returns<br />
+“To his dark caves. Far stretching in the main<br />
+“A wedge-like promontory rears its ridge<br />
+“Aloft; on either side the surging waves<br />
+“Foam on it. To its loftiest height ascends<br />
+“The Cyclops fierce; his station in the midst<br />
+“Assumes; his woolly flocks his steps pursue<br />
+“Unshepherded. He when the pine immense,<br />
+“Which serv'd him for a staff, though fit to serve<br />
+“For sailyard, low beneath his feet had thrown;<br />
+“And grasp'd the pipe, an hundred 'pacted reeds<br />
+“Compos'd; the pastoral whistling all around<br />
+“The hills confess'd, and all the waters nigh.<br />
+“I, hid beneath a rock, my head reclin'd<br />
+“On my dear Acis' bosom, heard these words&mdash;,<br />
+“And still the words are noted in my breast.&mdash;<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“O, Galatea! brighter than the leaves<br />
+“Of snow-white lilies; fresher than the meads;<br />
+“More lofty far than towering alder trees;<br />
+“Than chrystal clearer; than the wanton kid<br />
+“More gay; than shells, by ocean's constant waves<br />
+“Smooth polish'd, smoother; dearer than the shade<br />
+“In summer's heat; than winter's sun more dear;<br />
+<a name="page_2_246"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;246]</span>
+“More than the apple bright; and fairer far<br />
+“Than lofty planetrees; clearer than the frost;<br />
+“More beauteous than the ripen'd grape; more soft<br />
+“Than the swan's plumage; or the new-prest milk:<br />
+“And, but thou fly'st, more than the garden fine<br />
+“With water'd streamlets. Yet the same art thou,<br />
+“Wild Galatea, than the untam'd steer<br />
+“More fierce; more stubborn than the ancient oak;<br />
+“Than water more deceitful; slippery more<br />
+“Than bending willows, or the greenest vines;<br />
+“More stubborn than these rocks; than seas more rough;<br />
+“Than the prais'd peacock prouder; sharper far<br />
+“Than fire; and piercing more than thistles keen.<br />
+“More savage than a nursing bear; more deaf<br />
+“Than raging billows; than the trodden snake<br />
+“More pitiless; and, what I more than all<br />
+“Would wish thou wast not, fleeter than the deer,<br />
+“Chas'd by shrill hunters; fleeter than wing'd air,<br />
+“Or winds. If well thou knew'st me, much thou'dst grieve<br />
+“That e'er thou fled'st; thou'dst blame thy dull delay,<br />
+“And sue and labor to retain my love.<br />
+“Caverns I have, scoop'd in the living rock<br />
+“Beneath the mountain's side, where never sun<br />
+“In mid-day heat, nor winter's cold can come.<br />
+“My apples bend the branches; grapes are mine<br />
+“On the long vine-trees clustering; some like gold;<br />
+“Some of a purple teint; and these and those<br />
+<a name="page_2_247"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;247]</span>
+“Will I preserve for thee. Thy own fair hands<br />
+“Shall gather strawberries soft, beneath the shade;<br />
+“Autumnal cornels; and the purple plumb,<br />
+“Dark with its juice, and that still nobler kind<br />
+“Like new-made wax in hue. Nor shalt thou lack<br />
+“The chesnut; nor the red arbutus' fruit:<br />
+“Be but my spouse. All trees shall thee supply.<br />
+“Mine are these flocks, and thousands more besides<br />
+“Which roam the vallies; thousands like the woods;<br />
+“And thousands shelter in the shady caves:<br />
+“Nor could I, should'st thou ask, their numbers tell.<br />
+“Poor he who counts his store. Believe not me<br />
+“When these I praise; before thine eyes behold<br />
+“How scarce their legs the swelling udder bear.<br />
+“Mine are the tender lambs, in the warm fold<br />
+“Secure; and mine are kids of equal age<br />
+“In folds apart. The whitest milk have I;<br />
+“But still for drink shall serve, and thicken'd, part<br />
+“Shall harden into cheese. Nor wilt thou find<br />
+“But cheap delights, and common vulgar gifts:<br />
+“For deer, and hares, and goats, thou shalt possess;<br />
+“Pigeons in pairs, and nests from mountains gain'd.<br />
+“Upon the hills, a shaggy bear's twin cubs<br />
+“I found; so like, no difference could be seen,<br />
+“With thee to play I found them: these, I said,<br />
+“These will I force my mistress to obey.<br />
+“O Galatea! raise thy lovely head<br />
+<a name="page_2_248"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;248]</span>
+“Above the azure deep; come! only come;<br />
+“Nor scorn my gifts. Right well myself I know:<br />
+“I view'd me lately in the liquid stream;<br />
+“And much my image satisfy'd my view.<br />
+“Behold, how vast my bulk! Jove, in his heaven,<br />
+“(For of some Jove ye oft are wont to tell<br />
+“Who rules there) towers not in a mightier size.<br />
+“Thick bushy locks o'er my stern forehead hang,<br />
+“And like a forest down my shoulders spread.<br />
+“Nor deem my body, with hard bristles rough,<br />
+“Unseemly; most unsightly is the tree,<br />
+“Without a leaf; unsightly is the steed,<br />
+“Save on his neck the flowing mane is spread:<br />
+“Plumes clothe the feather'd race; and their own wool<br />
+“Becomes the sheep; so beards become mankind,<br />
+“And bushy bristles, o'er their limbs bespread.<br />
+“True in my forehead but one light is plac'd;<br />
+“But huge that light, and like a mighty shield<br />
+“In size. Yet does not Sol from heaven's high round<br />
+“All view? and Sol possesses lights no more.<br />
+“Remember too, my father o'er your realm<br />
+“Rules sovereign; I in him a sire-in-law<br />
+“Would give thee. Only pity me, I pray,<br />
+“And hear my suppliant vows. To thee alone<br />
+“I bend: and while I scorn your mighty Jove,<br />
+“His heaven, and piercing thunder, thee, O nymph!<br />
+“I fear: than fiercest lightnings dreading more<br />
+<a name="page_2_249"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;249]</span>
+“Thy anger. Far more patient should I rest<br />
+“With this contempt, all didst thou thus contemn.<br />
+“But how, the Cyclops first repuls'd, dar'st thou<br />
+“This Acis love? this Acis dare prefer<br />
+“To my embraces? Yet may he himself<br />
+“Delight; nay let him Galatea please,<br />
+“If so it must be, though what most I'd spurn:<br />
+“Let but the scope be given, soon should he prove<br />
+“My strength is equal to my mighty bulk.<br />
+“Living his entrails would I tear, and spread<br />
+“His mangled members o'er the fields, and o'er<br />
+“Thy waters: let him mingle with thee so.<br />
+“For oh! I burn; more fierce my injur'd love<br />
+“Now rages: in ray breast I seem to bear<br />
+“All Etna and its fires. But all my pains<br />
+“Can nought, O Galatea! thee affect.&mdash;<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thus with vain 'plainings (for the whole I saw)<br />
+“He rises, raging like a furious bull<br />
+“Robb'd of his heifer; paces restless round,<br />
+“And bounds along the forests and the coasts.<br />
+“When me and Acis, heedless of such fate,<br />
+“And unsuspecting, he beheld, and roar'd:&mdash;<br />
+“I see ye! but the period of your love<br />
+“Will I accomplish.&mdash;Loud his threats were heard,<br />
+“As all the Cyclops' power of voice could raise.<br />
+“All Etna trembled at the sound. In fright<br />
+<a name="page_2_250"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;250]</span>
+“I plung'd for safety in the neighbouring waves;<br />
+“While fair Symethis' son for flight prepar'd;<br />
+“And&mdash;help me, Galatea!&mdash;he exclaim'd&mdash;<br />
+“Help me, O help! and ye, my parents, aid;<br />
+“And, perishing, receive me in your realm.&mdash;<br />
+“Close at his heels the Cyclops comes, and hurls<br />
+“A mighty fragment from a mountain rent;<br />
+“A corner only of the mighty rock<br />
+“Him reach'd: that corner Acis all o'erwhelm'd.<br />
+“But I, what fate alone would grant, perform'd,<br />
+“That Acis still his ancestorial race<br />
+“Should join: his purple gore flow'd from the rock;<br />
+“And soon the redness pal'd; it seem'd a stream<br />
+“Disturb'd by drenching showers; and soon this stream<br />
+“Was clear'd to limpid purity. The rock<br />
+“Gap'd wide, and living reeds sprung up erect,<br />
+“On either brink. Loud roars the pressing flood<br />
+“In the rock's hollow womb, and (wond'rous sight!)<br />
+“A youth, his new-form'd horns with reeds begirt,<br />
+“Sudden appear'd, 'mid waist above the waves;<br />
+“Who but in stature larger, and his skin<br />
+“Of azure teint, might Acis well be deem'd.<br />
+“Acis indeed it was, Acis transform'd<br />
+“To a clear stream which still his name retains.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here Galatea ceas'd, the listening choir<br />
+Dividing, all depart. The Nereïd train<br />
+<a name="page_2_251"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;251]</span>
+Swim o'er the placid waves. Scylla returns;<br />
+Fearful to venture 'mid the boundless main,<br />
+And vestless roams along the soaking sand;<br />
+Or weary'd; finding some sequester'd pool,<br />
+Cools in the shelter'd waters her fair limbs.<br />
+Lo! Glaucus, lately of the mighty deep<br />
+An 'habitant receiv'd, his shape transform'd<br />
+Upon B&oelig;ötia's shores, cleaves through the waves;<br />
+And feels desire as he the nymph beholds.<br />
+All he can urge to stay her flight he tries;<br />
+Yet still she flies him, swifter from her fear.<br />
+She gains a mountain's summit, which the shore<br />
+O'erhung. High to the main the lofty ridge<br />
+An undivided sbrubless top presents,<br />
+Down shelving to the sea. In safety here<br />
+She stood; and, dubious monster he, or god,<br />
+Admir'd his color, and the locks which spread<br />
+Adown his shoulders, and his back below:<br />
+And that a wreathing fish's form should end<br />
+His figure from his groin. He saw her gaze;<br />
+And on a neighbouring rock his elbow lean'd,<br />
+As thus he spoke.&mdash;“No monstrous thing am I,<br />
+“Fair virgin! nor a savage of the sea;<br />
+“A watery god I am; nor on the main<br />
+“Has Proteus; Triton; or Palæmon, son<br />
+“Of Athamas, more power. Yet time has been<br />
+“When I was mortal, yet even then attach'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_252"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;252]</span>
+“To the deep water, on the ocean I,<br />
+“Still joy'd to labor. Now the following shoal<br />
+“Of fishes in my net I dragg'd; and now,<br />
+“Plac'd on a rock, I with my flexile rod<br />
+“Guided the line. Bordering a verdant mead<br />
+“A bank there lies, the waves its circuit bound<br />
+“In part; in part the virid grass surrounds;<br />
+“A mead which ne'er the horned herd had cropp'd:<br />
+“Where ne'er the placid flock, nor hairy goats<br />
+“Had brows'd; nor bees industrious cull'd the flowers<br />
+“For sweets: no genial chaplets there were pluck'd<br />
+“To grace the head; nor had the mower's arm<br />
+“E'er spoil'd the crop. The first of mortals, I<br />
+“On the turf rested. As my nets I dry'd;<br />
+“And as my captur'd scaly prey to count,<br />
+“Upon the grass I spread,&mdash;whatever the net<br />
+“Escape prevented, and the hook had snar'd<br />
+“Through their own folly. (Like a fiction sounds<br />
+“The fact, but what avails to me to feign?)<br />
+“Soon as the grass they touch, my captiv'd prey<br />
+“Begin to move, and on their sides to turn;<br />
+“And ply their fins on earth as in the main.<br />
+“Then, while with wonder struck I pause, all fly<br />
+“The shore in heaps, and their new master quit,<br />
+“Their native waves regaining. I, surpriz'd,<br />
+“Long doubtful stand to guess the wond'rous cause.<br />
+“Whether some god, or but the grasses' juice<br />
+<a name="page_2_253"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;253]</span>
+“Accomplish'd this. What herb&mdash;at last, I said&mdash;<br />
+“Can power like this possess?&mdash;and with my hand<br />
+“Pluck'd up, and with my teeth the herbage chew'd.<br />
+“Scarce had my throat th' untasted juice first try'd,<br />
+“When all my entrails sudden tremblings shook,<br />
+“And with a love of something yet unknown<br />
+“My breast was mov'd; nor could I longer keep<br />
+“My place.&mdash;O earth! where I shall ne'er return&mdash;<br />
+“Farewel! I cry'd,&mdash;and plung'd below the waves.<br />
+“Worthy the ocean deities me deem'd<br />
+“To join their social troop, and anxious pray'd<br />
+“To Tethys, and old Ocean, Tethys' spouse,<br />
+“To purge whate'er of mortal I retain'd.<br />
+“By them lustrated, and the potent song<br />
+“Nine times repeated, earthly taints to cleanse,<br />
+“They bade me 'neath an hundred gushing streams<br />
+“To place my bosom. No delay I seek;<br />
+“The floods from numerous fountains pour'd, the main<br />
+“O'erwhelm'd my head. Thus far what deeds were done<br />
+“My memory helps me to relate; thus far<br />
+“Alone can I remember; all the rest<br />
+“Dark to my memory seems. My sense restor'd,<br />
+“I found my body chang'd in every part;<br />
+“Nor was my mind the same. Then first I saw<br />
+“This beard of dingy green, and these long locks<br />
+“Which through the seas I sweep; these shoulders huge;<br />
+“Those azure arms and thighs in fish-like form<br />
+<a name="page_2_254"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;254]</span>
+“Furnish'd with fins. But what avails this shape?<br />
+“What that by all the deities marine<br />
+“I dear am held? a deity myself?<br />
+“If all these honors cannot touch thy breast.�<br />
+These words he spoke, and more to speak prepar'd,<br />
+When Scylla left the god. Repuls'd, he griev'd<br />
+And sought Titanian Circé's monstrous court.<br />
+<a name="page_2_255"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;255]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter28"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Fourteenth Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Scylla transformed to a monster by Circé through jealousy; and ultimately
+to a rock. Continuation of Æneas' voyage. Dido. Cercopians
+changed to apes. Descent of Æneas to hell. The Cumæan Sybil. Adventures
+of Achæmenides with Polyphemus: and of Macareus amongst the
+Lestrigonians. Enchantments of Circé. Story of the transformation of Picus
+to a woodpecker; and of the nymph Canens to air. The Latian wars.
+Misfortunes of Diomede. Agmon and others changed to herons. Appulus
+to a wild olive. The Trojan ships changed to sea-nymphs. The city
+Ardea to a bird. Deification of Æneas. Latin kings. Vertumnus and
+Pomona. Story of Iphis and Anaxareté. Wars with the Sabines. Apotheösis
+of Romulus; and of his wife Hersilia.
+<a name="page_2_256"></a>
+<a name="page_2_257"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;257]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter29"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Fourteenth Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now had Eub&oelig;an Glaucus, who could cleave<br />
+The surging sea, left Etna, o'er the breasts<br />
+Of giants thrown, and left the Cyclops' fields,<br />
+Unconscious of the plough's or harrow's use;<br />
+And unindebted to the oxen yok'd.<br />
+Zanclé he left, and its opposing shore<br />
+Where Rhegium's turrets tower; and the strait sea<br />
+For shipwreck fam'd, which by incroaching shores<br />
+Press'd narrow, forms the separating bound<br />
+Betwixt Ausonia's and Sicilia's land.<br />
+<a name="page_2_258"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;258]</span>
+Thence glides he swift along the Tyrrhene coast,<br />
+By powerful arms impell'd, and gains the dome,<br />
+And herbag'd hills of Circé Ph&oelig;bus sprung:<br />
+(The dome with forms of wildest beasts full cramm'd)<br />
+Whom, soon as greeting salutations pass'd,<br />
+He thus address'd:&mdash;“O powerful goddess! grant<br />
+“Thy pity to a god; and thou alone,<br />
+“If worth that aid thou deem'st me, canst afford<br />
+“Aid to my love. For, O Titanian maid!<br />
+“To none the power of plants is better known<br />
+“Than me, who by the power of plants was chang'd.<br />
+“But lest the object of my lore, to thee<br />
+“Unknown, be hid; I Scylla late beheld<br />
+“Upon th' Italian shore: Messenia's walls<br />
+“Opposing. Shame me hinders to relate<br />
+“What promises, what prayers, what coaxing words<br />
+“I us'd: my words all heard with proud contempt.<br />
+“Do thou with magic lips thy charms repeat,<br />
+“If power in charms abides: or if in herbs<br />
+“More force is found, then use the well-try'd strength<br />
+“Of herbs of power. I wish thee not to soothe<br />
+“My heart; I wish thee not these wounds to cure;<br />
+“Still may they last, let her such flames but feel.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Circé spoke, (and she a mind possess'd<br />
+Most apt to flame with love, or in her frame<br />
+The stimulus was plac'd; or Venus, irk'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_259"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;259]</span>
+At what her sire discover'd, caus'd the heat.)<br />
+“O, better far the willing nymph pursue<br />
+“Who would in wishes meet thee; wh'o is seiz'd<br />
+“With equal love: well worthy of the maid<br />
+“Thou wast; nay shouldst have been the first besought;<br />
+“And if but hope thou wilt afford, believe<br />
+“My words, thou shalt spontaneously be lov'd.<br />
+“Fear not, but on thy beauteous form depend;<br />
+“Lo! I, a goddess! of the splendid sun<br />
+“A daughter, who with powerful spells so much<br />
+“And herbs can do, to be thy consort sue.<br />
+“Spurn her who spurns thee; her who thee desires<br />
+“Desiring meet; and both at once avenge.�<br />
+But to her tempting speeches Glaucus thus<br />
+Reply'd&mdash;“The trees shall sooner in the waves<br />
+“Spring up, and sea-weed on the mountain's top,<br />
+“Than I, while Scylla lives, my love transfer.�<br />
+The goddess swol'n with anger, since his form<br />
+To harm 'twas given her not, and love deny'd,<br />
+Turn'd on her happier rival all her rage.<br />
+Irk'd at her slighted passion, straight she grinds<br />
+Herbs infamous, to gain their horrid juice;<br />
+And mixes all with Hecatéan spells.<br />
+Then clothes her in a sable robe, and forth<br />
+Through crouds of fawning savage beasts she goes,<br />
+From her gay palace. Rhegium's coast she seeks<br />
+O'erlooking Zanclé's rocks; and on the waves<br />
+<a name="page_2_260"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;260]</span>
+With fury boiling, steps; o'er them she walks<br />
+As on a solid shore, and skims along<br />
+The ridgy billows with unwetted feet.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A little pool, bent in a gentle curve,<br />
+With peaceful surface oft did Scylla tempt;<br />
+And often thither she herself betook<br />
+To 'scape from ocean's, and from Ph&oelig;bus' heat,<br />
+When high in noon-tide fierceness short the shade<br />
+Was from the head describ'd. Before she came<br />
+The goddess poison'd all the pool; she pour'd<br />
+Her potent juice, of monster-breeding power,<br />
+Prest from pernicious roots, within the waves;<br />
+And mutter'd thrice nine times with magic lips,<br />
+In sounds scarce audible, her well-known spells.<br />
+Here Scylla came, and waded to the waist;<br />
+And straight, with barking monsters she espies<br />
+Her womb deform'd: at first, of her own limbs<br />
+Not dreaming they are part, she from them flies;<br />
+And chides them thence, and fears their savage mouths.<br />
+But what she flies she with her drags; she looks<br />
+To find her thighs, and find her legs, and feet;<br />
+But for those limbs Cerberean jaws are found.<br />
+Furious the dogs still howl; on their fierce backs<br />
+Her shorten'd groin, and swelling belly rest.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The amorous Glaucus griev'd, and spurn'd the love<br />
+<a name="page_2_261"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;261]</span>
+Of Circé, who so rancorously had us'd<br />
+The power of plants. Her station Scylla kept;<br />
+And soon as scope for vengeance she perceiv'd,<br />
+In hate to Circé, of his comrade crew<br />
+Depriv'd Ulysses. Next the Trojan fleet<br />
+Had she o'erwhelm'd; but ere they pass'd, transform'd<br />
+To stone, she tower'd aloft a flinty rock,<br />
+And still do mariners that rock avoid.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Phrygian ships that danger 'scap'd, and 'scap'd<br />
+Charybdis fell, by oars propell'd; but now<br />
+Ausonia's shore well nigh attain'd, were driv'n<br />
+By adverse tempests to the Libyan coast.<br />
+Æneäs then the queen Sidonian took<br />
+Most welcome to her bosom, and her dome;<br />
+Nor bore her Phrygian spouse's sudden flight,<br />
+With calm indifference: on a lofty pile<br />
+Rear'd for pretended sacred rites, she stood,<br />
+And on the sword's point fell; herself deceiv'd,<br />
+She all around outwitted. Flying far<br />
+The new-rais'd city of the sandy plains<br />
+To Eryx' country was he borne; where liv'd<br />
+Acestes faithful: here he sacrific'd,<br />
+And gave due honors to his father's tomb.<br />
+Then loos'd his ships for sea, well nigh in flames<br />
+By Juno's Iris: all th' Æoliän realm;<br />
+The islands blazing with sulphuric fire;<br />
+<a name="page_2_262"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;262]</span>
+And rocks of Acheloüs' siren nymphs,<br />
+He left. The vessel now, of him who rul'd<br />
+The helm, bereft, along Ænaria's shore;<br />
+And Prochytas; and Pithecusa, plac'd<br />
+Upon a sterile hill, its name deriv'd<br />
+From those who dwelt there, coasted. Erst the sire<br />
+Of gods, detesting perjuries and fraud,<br />
+Which that deceitful race so much employ'd,<br />
+Chang'd to an animal deform'd their shapes;<br />
+Where still a likeness and unlikeness seems<br />
+To man. Their every limb contracted small;<br />
+Their turn'd-up noses flatten'd from the brow;<br />
+And ancient furrows plough'd adown their cheeks.<br />
+Then sent them, all their bodies cover'd o'er<br />
+With yellow hairs, this district to possess.<br />
+Yet sent them not till of the power of speech<br />
+Depriv'd; and tongue for direst falsehoods us'd:<br />
+But left their chattering jaws the power to 'plain.<br />
+These past, and left Parthenopé's high towers<br />
+To right; and musical Misenus' tomb,<br />
+And Cuma's shores to left; spots cover'd thick<br />
+With marshy reeds, he enters in the cave<br />
+Where dwelt the ancient Sybil; and in treats<br />
+That through Avernus' darkness he may pass,<br />
+His father's shade to seek. Then she, her eyes,<br />
+Long firmly fixt on earth, uprais'd; and next,<br />
+Fill'd with the god, in furious raving spoke.<br />
+<a name="page_2_263"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;263]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Much dost thou ask, O man of mighty deeds!<br />
+“Whose valor by the sword is amply prov'd,<br />
+“And piety through flames. Yet, Trojan chief,<br />
+“Fear not; thou shalt what thou desir'st attain:<br />
+“By me conducted, thou th' Elysian field,<br />
+“The lowest portion of the tri-form realm,<br />
+“And thy beloved parent's shade shalt see:<br />
+“No path to genuine virtue e'er is clos'd.�<br />
+She spoke, and pointed to th' Avernian grove,<br />
+Sacred to Proserpine; and shew'd a bough<br />
+With gold refulgent; this she bade him tear<br />
+From off its trunk. Æneäs her obeys,<br />
+And sees the treasures of hell's awful king;<br />
+His ancestors', and great Anchises' shades:<br />
+Is taught the laws and customs of the dead;<br />
+And what deep perils he in future wars<br />
+Must face. As then the backward path he trode<br />
+With weary'd step; the labor he beguil'd<br />
+By grateful speech with his Cumæan guide.<br />
+And, while through darkling twilight he pursu'd<br />
+His fearful way, he thus:&mdash;“Or, goddess, thou,<br />
+“Or of the gods high-favor'd, unto me<br />
+“Still shalt thou as a deity appear.<br />
+“My life I own thy gift, who hast me given<br />
+“To view the realms of death: who hast me brought,<br />
+“The realms of death beheld, to life again.<br />
+“For these high favors, when to air restor'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_264"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;264]</span>
+“Statues to thee I'll raise, and incense burn.�<br />
+Backward the prophetess, to him her eyes<br />
+Directs, and heaves a sigh; as thus she speaks:<br />
+“No goddess I; deem not my mortal frame<br />
+“The sacred incense' honors can deserve:<br />
+“Err not through ignorance. Eternal youth<br />
+“Had I possess'd, if on Apollo's love<br />
+“My virgin purity had been bestow'd.<br />
+“This while he hop'd, and while he strove to tempt<br />
+“With gifts,&mdash;O, chuse&mdash;he said,&mdash;Cumæan maid!<br />
+“Whate'er thou would'st&mdash;whate'er thou would'st is thine.<br />
+“I, pointing to an heap of gather'd dust,<br />
+“With thoughtless mind, besought so many years<br />
+“I might exist, as grains of sand were there:<br />
+“Mindless to ask for years of constant youth.<br />
+“The years he granted, and had granted too<br />
+“Eternal youth, had I his passion quench'd.<br />
+“A virgin I remain; Apollo's gift<br />
+“Despis'd: but now the age of joy is fled;<br />
+“Decrepitude with trembling steps has come,<br />
+“Which long I must endure. Seven ages now<br />
+“I have existed; ere the number'd grains<br />
+“Are equall'd, thrice an hundred harvests I,<br />
+“And thrice an hundred vintages must see.<br />
+“The time will come, my body, shrunk with age,<br />
+“And wither'd limbs, shall to small substance waste;<br />
+“Nor shall it seem that e'er an amorous god<br />
+<a name="page_2_265"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;265]</span>
+“With me was smitten. Ph&oelig;bus then himself<br />
+“Or me will know not, or deny that e'er<br />
+“He sought my love. Till quite complete my change,<br />
+“To all invisible, by words alone<br />
+“I shall be known. Fate still my voice will leave.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the steep journey thus the Sybil spoke:<br />
+And from the Stygian shades Æneäs rose,<br />
+At Cuma's town; there sacrific'd as wont,<br />
+And to the shores proceeded, which as yet<br />
+His nurse's name not bore. Here rested too,<br />
+After long toil, Macareus, the constant friend<br />
+Of wise Ulysses: Achæmenides,<br />
+Erst left amid Etnæan rocks, he knows:<br />
+Astonish'd there, his former friend to find,<br />
+In life unhop'd, he cry'd; “What chance? What god<br />
+“O Achæmenides! has thee preserv'd?<br />
+“How does a Greek a foreign vessel bear?<br />
+“And to what shores is now this vessel bound?�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+Then Achæmenides, not ragged now,<br />
+In robes with thorns united, but all free,<br />
+Thus answer'd his enquiries. “May I view<br />
+“Once more that Polyphemus, and those jaws<br />
+“With human gore o'erflowing; if I deem<br />
+“This ship to me than Ithaca less dear;<br />
+“And less Æneäs than my sire esteem.<br />
+<a name="page_2_266"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;266]</span>
+“For how too grateful can I be to him,<br />
+“Though all to him I give? Can I e'er be<br />
+“Unthankful or forgetful? That I speak,<br />
+“And breathe, and view the heavens and glorious sun<br />
+“He gave: that in the Cyclops' jaws my life<br />
+“Was clos'd not; that when now the vital spark<br />
+“Me quits, I may be properly intomb'd,<br />
+“Not in the monster's entrails. Heavens! what thoughts<br />
+“Possess'd my mind, (unless by pallid dread<br />
+“Of sense and thought bereft) when, left behind,<br />
+“I saw you push to sea. Loud had I call'd,<br />
+“But fear'd my cries would guide to me the foe.<br />
+“Ulysses' clamor near your ship destroy'd.<br />
+“I saw the monster, when a mighty rock,<br />
+“Torn from a mountain's summit, in the waves<br />
+“He flung: I saw him when with giant arm<br />
+“Huge stones he hurl'd, with such impetuous force,<br />
+“As though an engine sent them. Fear'd I long,<br />
+“Lest or the stones or waves the bark would sink;<br />
+“Forgetful then that not on board was I.<br />
+“But when you 'scap'd from cruel death, by flight,<br />
+“Then did he madly rave indeed; and roam'd<br />
+“All Etna o'er; and grop'd amid the woods;<br />
+“Depriv'd of sight he stumbles on the rocks;<br />
+“And stretching to the sea his horrid arms,<br />
+“Blacken'd with gore, he execrates the Greeks;<br />
+“And thus exclaims;&mdash;O! would some lucky chance<br />
+<a name="page_2_267"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;267]</span>
+“Restore Ulysses to me, or restore<br />
+“One of his comrades, who might glut my rage;<br />
+“Whose entrails I might gorge; whose living limbs<br />
+“My hand might rend; whose blood might sluice my throat;<br />
+“And mangled members tremble in my teeth.<br />
+“O! then how light, and next to none the curse<br />
+“Of sight bereft.&mdash;Raging, he this and more<br />
+“Fierce utter'd. I, with pallid dread o'ercome,<br />
+“Beheld his face still flowing down with blood;<br />
+“The orb of light depriv'd; his ruthless hands;<br />
+“His giant members; and his shaggy beard,<br />
+“Clotted with human gore. Death to my eyes<br />
+“Was obvious, yet was death my smallest dread.<br />
+“Now seiz'd I thought me; thought him now prepar'd<br />
+“T'inclose my mangled bowels in his own:<br />
+“And to my mind recurr'd the time I saw<br />
+“Two of my comrades' bodies furious dash'd<br />
+“Repeated on the earth: he, o'er them stretcht<br />
+“Prone, like a shaggy lion, in his maw<br />
+“Their flesh, their entrails, their yet-quivering limbs,<br />
+“Their marrow, and cranch'd bones, greedy ingulf'd.<br />
+“Horror me seiz'd. Bloodless and sad I stood,<br />
+“To see him champ, and from his mouth disgorge<br />
+“The bloody banquet; morsels mixt with wine<br />
+“Forth vomiting: and such a fate appear'd<br />
+“For wretched me prepar'd. Some tedious days<br />
+“Skulk'd I, and shudder'd at the smallest sound:<br />
+<a name="page_2_268"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;268]</span>
+“Fearful of death, yet praying much to die;<br />
+“Repelling hunger by green herbs, and leaves,<br />
+“With acorns mixt; a solitary wretch,<br />
+“Poor, and to sufferings and to death decreed.<br />
+“Long was the time, ere I, not distant far,<br />
+“A ship beheld; I by my gestures shew'd<br />
+“My wish for flight, and hasten'd to the shore.<br />
+“Their hearts were mov'd, and thus a Trojan bark<br />
+“Receiv'd a Greek.&mdash;And now, my friend most dear,<br />
+“Tell thy adventures, and the chief's, and crew's,<br />
+“Who with thee launch'd upon th' extended main.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He tells how Æölus his kingdom holds<br />
+On the deep Tuscan main, who curbs the winds<br />
+In cavern'd prisons; which, a noble boon!<br />
+Close pent within an ox's stubborn hide,<br />
+Dulichium's chief, from Æölus receiv'd.<br />
+How for nine days with prosperous breeze they sail'd;<br />
+And saw the long-sought land. How on the tenth,<br />
+Aurora rising bright, his comrades, urg'd<br />
+By envy, and by thirst of glittering spoil,<br />
+Gold deeming there inclos'd, the winds unloos'd.<br />
+How, driven by them, the ship was backward sped<br />
+Through the same waves she had so lately plough'd;<br />
+And reach'd the port of Æölus again.<br />
+“Thence,�&mdash;he continued&mdash;“to the ancient town<br />
+“Of Lestrygonian Lamus we arrive,<br />
+<a name="page_2_269"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;269]</span>
+“Where rules Antiphates; to him dispatch'd<br />
+“I go, by two attended. I with one<br />
+“Scarce find in flight our safety: with his gore<br />
+“The hapless third, the Lestrigonians' jaws<br />
+“Besmears: our flying footsteps they pursue,<br />
+“While fierce Antiphates speeds on the crowd.<br />
+“Around they press, and unremitting hurl<br />
+“Huge rocks, and trunks of trees; our men o'erwhelm,<br />
+“And sink our fleet; one ship alone escapes,<br />
+“Which great Ulysses and myself contains.<br />
+“Most of our band thus lost, and angry much,<br />
+“Lamenting more, we floated to these isles,<br />
+“Which hence, though distant far, you may descry.<br />
+“Those isles, by me too near beheld, do thou<br />
+“At distance only view! O, goddess-born!<br />
+“Most righteous of all Troy, (for now no more,<br />
+“Æneäs, must thou enemy be stil'd<br />
+“To us, war ended) fly, I warn thee, fly<br />
+“The shore of Circé. We, our vessel moor'd<br />
+“Fast to that beach, not mindless of the deeds<br />
+“Antiphates perform'd, nor Cyclops, wretch<br />
+“Inhuman, now to tempt this unknown land<br />
+“Refuse. The choice by lot is fix'd. The lot<br />
+“Me sends, and with me sends Polites true;<br />
+“Eurylochus; and poor Elphenor, fond<br />
+“Too much of wine; with twice nine comrades mote,<br />
+“To seek the dome Circéan. Thither come;<br />
+<a name="page_2_270"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;270]</span>
+“We at the entrance stand: a thousand wolves,<br />
+“And bears, and lionesses, with wolves mixt,<br />
+“Meet us, and terror in our bosoms strike.<br />
+“But ground for terror none: of all the crew<br />
+“None try our limbs to wound, but friendly wave<br />
+“Their arching tails, and fawningly attend<br />
+“Our steps; till by the menial train receiv'd,<br />
+“Through marbled halls to where their mistress sate,<br />
+“Our troop is led. She, in a bright recess,<br />
+“Upon a lofty throne of state, was plac'd,<br />
+“Cloth'd in a splendid robe; a golden veil<br />
+“Around her head, and o'er her shoulders thrown.<br />
+“Nereïds, and nymphs around (whose fingers quick<br />
+“The wool ne'er drew, nor form'd the following thread)<br />
+“Were plants arranging, and selecting flowers,<br />
+“And various teinted herbs, confus'dly mixt<br />
+“In baskets. She compleats the work they do;<br />
+“And well she knows the latent power each leaf<br />
+“Possesses; well their force combin'd she knows:<br />
+“And all the nice-weigh'd herbs inspects with care.<br />
+“When us she spy'd, and salutations pass'd<br />
+“Mutual; her forehead brighten'd, and she gave<br />
+“Our every wish. Nor waited more, but bade<br />
+“The beverage of the roasted grain be mix'd;<br />
+“And added honey, all the strength of wine,<br />
+“And curdy milk, and juices, which beneath<br />
+“Such powerful sweetness undetected lay.<br />
+<a name="page_2_271"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;271]</span>
+“The cup from her accursed hand, I take,<br />
+“And, soon as thirsty I, with parch'd mouth drink,<br />
+“And the dire goddess with her wand had strok'd<br />
+“My head (I blush while I the rest relate)<br />
+“Roughen'd with bristles, I begin to grow;<br />
+“Nor now can speak; hoarse grunting comes for words;<br />
+“And all my face bends downwards to the ground;<br />
+“Callous I feel my mouth become, in form<br />
+“A crooked snout; and feel my brawny neck<br />
+“Swell o'er my chest; and what but now the cup<br />
+“Had grasp'd, that part does marks of feet imprint;<br />
+“With all my fellows treated thus, so great<br />
+“The medicine's potency, close was I shut<br />
+“Within a sty: there I, Eurylochus<br />
+“Alone unalter'd to a hog, beheld!<br />
+“He only had the offer'd cup refus'd.<br />
+“Which had he not avoided, he as one<br />
+“The bristly herd had join'd; nor had our chief,<br />
+“The great Ulysses, by his tale inform'd<br />
+“To Circé come, avenger of our woe.<br />
+“To him Cyllenius, messenger of peace<br />
+“A milk-white flower presented; by the gods<br />
+“Call'd Moly: from a sable root it-springs.<br />
+“Safe in the gift, and in th' advice of heaven,<br />
+“He enters Circé's dome; and her repels,<br />
+“Coaxing to taste th' invidious cup; his head<br />
+“To stroke attempting with her potent wand;<br />
+<a name="page_2_272"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;272]</span>
+“And awes her trembling with his unsheath'd steel.<br />
+“Then, faith exchang'd, hands join'd, he to her bed<br />
+“Receiv'd, he makes the dowry of himself<br />
+“That all his comrades' bodies be restor'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Now are we sprinkled with innocuous juice<br />
+“Of better herbs; with the inverted wand<br />
+“Our heads are touch'd; the charms, already spoke,<br />
+“Strong charms of import opposite destroy.<br />
+“The more she sings her incantations, we<br />
+“Rise more from earth erect; the bristles fall;<br />
+“And the wide fissure leaves our cloven feet;<br />
+“Our shoulders form again; and arms beneath<br />
+“Are shap'd. Him, weeping too, weeping we clasp,<br />
+“And round our leader's neck embracing hang.<br />
+“No words at first to utter have we power,<br />
+“But such as testify our grateful joy.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“A year's delay there kept us. There, mine eyes<br />
+“In that long period much beheld; mine ears<br />
+“Much heard. This with the rest, in private told<br />
+“To me, by one of four most-favor'd nymphs<br />
+“Who aided in her spells: while Circé toy'd<br />
+“In private with our leader, she me shew'd<br />
+“A youthful statue carv'd in whitest stone,<br />
+“Bearing a feather'd pecker upon his head;<br />
+“Plac'd in a sacred shrine, with numerous wreaths<br />
+<a name="page_2_273"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;273]</span>
+“Encircled. Unto my enquiring words,<br />
+“And wish to know who this could be, and why<br />
+“There worshipp'd in the shrine, and why that bird<br />
+“He bore,&mdash;then, Macareus,&mdash;she said&mdash;receive<br />
+“Thy wish; and also learn what mighty power<br />
+“My mistress boasts; attentive hear my words.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Saturnian Picus in Ausonia's climes<br />
+“Was king; delighted still was he to train<br />
+“Steeds for the fight. The beauty you behold<br />
+“As man was his. So strong the 'semblance strikes,<br />
+“His real form in the feign'd stone appears.<br />
+“His mind his beauty equall'd. Nor as yet,<br />
+“The games quinquennial Grecian Elis gives,<br />
+“Four times could he have seen. He, by his face<br />
+“The Dryad nymphs who on the Latian hills<br />
+“Were born, attracted. Naiäds, river-nymphs,<br />
+“Him sought, whom Albula, and Anio bear;<br />
+“Almo's short course; the rapid stream of Nar;<br />
+“And Numicus; and Farfar's lovely shades;<br />
+“With all that Scythian Dian's woody realm<br />
+“Traverse; and all who haunt the sedgy lakes.<br />
+“But he, all these despis'd, lov'd one fair nymph,<br />
+“Whom erst Venilia, fame reports, brought forth<br />
+“To Janus on Palatiura's mount. When reach'd<br />
+“The nuptial age, preferr'd before the rest,<br />
+“Laurentian Picus gain'd the lovely maid.<br />
+<a name="page_2_274"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;274]</span>
+“Wond'rous was she for beauty, wond'rous more<br />
+“Her art in song, and hence was Canens nam'd.<br />
+“Wont was her voice forests and rocks to move;<br />
+“Soothe savage beasts; arrest the course of streams;<br />
+“And stay the flying birds. While warbling thus<br />
+“With voice mature her song, Picus went forth<br />
+“To pierce amid Laurentium's fields the boars,<br />
+“Their native dwelling; on a fiery steed<br />
+“He rode; two quivering spears his left hand bore;<br />
+“His purple vestment golden clasps confin'd.<br />
+“In the same woods Apollo's daughter came,<br />
+“And from the fertile hills as herbs she cull'd,<br />
+“She left the fields, from her Circæan nam'd.<br />
+“When, veil'd by twigs herself, the youth she saw,<br />
+“Amaz'd she stood. Down from her bosom dropp'd<br />
+“The gather'd plants, and quickly through her frame<br />
+“The fire was felt to shoot. Soon as her mind<br />
+“Collected strength to curb the furious flame,<br />
+“She would have told him instant what she wish'd,<br />
+“But his impetuous steed, and circling crowd<br />
+“Of followers, kept her far.&mdash;Yet shalt thou not,<br />
+“If I but know my power, me fly; not should<br />
+“The winds thee bear away; else is the force<br />
+“Of plants all vanished, and my spells deceive.<br />
+“She said; and form'd an incorporeal shape<br />
+“Like to a boar; and bade it glance across<br />
+“The monarch's sight; and seem itself to hide<br />
+<a name="page_2_275"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;275]</span>
+“In the dense thicket, where the trees grew thick:<br />
+“A spot impervious to the courser's foot.<br />
+“'Tis done; unwitting Picus eager seeks<br />
+“His shadowy prey; leaps from his smoking steed;<br />
+“And, vain-hop'd spoil pursuing, wanders deep<br />
+“In the thick woods. She baneful words repeats,<br />
+“And cursing charms collects. With new-fram'd verse<br />
+“Invokes strange deities: verse which erst while<br />
+“Has dull'd the splendid circle of the moon;<br />
+“And hid with rain-charg'd clouds her father's face.<br />
+“This verse repeated, instant heaven grew dark,<br />
+“And mists from earth arose: his comrades roam<br />
+“Through the dark paths; the king without a guard<br />
+“Is left. This spot, and time so suiting gain'd,<br />
+“Thus Circé cry'd&mdash;O fairest thou of forms!<br />
+“By those bright eyes which me enslav'd, by all<br />
+“Thy beauteous charms which make a goddess sue,<br />
+“Indulge my flame; accept th' all-seeing sun,<br />
+“My sire, for thine; nor, rigidly austere,<br />
+“Titanian Circé spurn.&mdash;She ceas'd; he stern<br />
+“Repuls'd the goddess, and her praying suit;<br />
+“Exclaiming,&mdash;be thou whom thou may'st, yet thine<br />
+“I am not; captive me another holds;<br />
+“And fervently, I pray, to lengthen'd years<br />
+“She still may hold me. Never will I wrong<br />
+“The nuptial bond with stranger's lawless love,<br />
+“While Janus' daughter, my lov'd Canens lives.&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page_2_276"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;276]</span>
+“Sol's daughter then (re-iterated prayers<br />
+“In vain oft try'd) exclaim'd:&mdash;Nor shalt thou boast<br />
+“Impunity; nor e'er returning see<br />
+“Thy Canens; but learn well what may be done<br />
+“By slighted, loving woman: Circé loves,<br />
+“Is woman, and is slighted.&mdash;To the west<br />
+“She turn'd her twice, and turn'd her twice to east;<br />
+“Thrice with her wand she struck the youth, and thrice<br />
+“Her charm-fraught song repeated. Swift he fled,<br />
+“And wondering that more swift he ran than wont,<br />
+“Plumes on his limbs beheld. Constrain'd to add<br />
+“A new-form'd 'habitant to Latium's groves,<br />
+“Angry he wounds the spreading boughs, and digs<br />
+“The stubborn oak-tree with his rigid beak.<br />
+“A purple tinge his feathers take, the hue<br />
+“His garment shew'd; the gold, a buckle once,<br />
+“Which clasp'd his robe, to feathers too is chang'd;<br />
+“The shining gold circles his neck around:<br />
+“Nor aught remains of Picus save the name.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Meantime his comrades vainly Picus call,<br />
+“Through all the groves; but Picus no where find.<br />
+“Circé they meet, for now the air was clear'd,<br />
+“The clouds dispers'd, or by the winds or sun;<br />
+“Charge her with crimes committed, and demand<br />
+“Their king; force threaten, and prepare to lift<br />
+“Their savage spears. The goddess sprinkles round<br />
+<a name="page_2_277"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;277]</span>
+“Her noxious poisons and envenom'd juice;<br />
+“Invokes old night, and the nocturnal gods,<br />
+“Chaos, and Erebus; and Hecat's help,<br />
+“With magic howlings, prays. Woods (wond'rous sight!)<br />
+“Leap from their seats; earth groans; the neighbouring trees<br />
+“Grow pale; the grass with sprinkled blood is wet;<br />
+“Stones hoarsely seem to roar, and dogs to howl;<br />
+“Earth with black serpents swarms; unmatter'd forms<br />
+“Of bodies long defunct, flit through the air.<br />
+“Tremble the crowd, struck with th' appalling scene:<br />
+“Appall'd, and trembling, on their heads she strikes<br />
+“Th' envenom'd rod. From the rod's potent touch,<br />
+“For men a various crowd of furious beasts<br />
+“Appear'd: his form no single youth retain'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Descending Ph&oelig;bus had Hesperia's shores<br />
+“Now touch'd; and Canens with her heart and looks<br />
+“Sought for her spouse in vain: her servants all,<br />
+“And all the people roam through every wood,<br />
+“Bearing bright torches. Not content the nymph<br />
+“To weep, to tear her tresses, and to beat<br />
+“Her bosom, though not one of these was spar'd,<br />
+“She sally'd forth herself; and frantic stray'd<br />
+“Through Latium's plains. Six times the night beheld,<br />
+“And six returning suns, her, wandering o'er<br />
+“The mountain tops, or through the vallies deep,<br />
+<a name="page_2_278"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;278]</span>
+“As chance directed: foodless, sleepless, still.<br />
+“Tiber at length beheld her; with her toil,<br />
+“And woe, worn out, upon his chilling banks<br />
+“Her limbs extending. There her very griefs,<br />
+“Pour'd with her tears, still musically sound.<br />
+“Mourning, her words in a soft dying tone<br />
+“Are heard, as when of old th' expiring swan<br />
+“Sung his own elegy. Wasted at length<br />
+“Her finest marrow, fast she pin'd away;<br />
+“And vanish'd quite to unsubstantial air.<br />
+“Yet still tradition marks the spot, the muse<br />
+“Of ancient days, still Canens call'd the place,<br />
+“In honor of the nymph, and justly too.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Many the tales like these I heard; and much<br />
+“Like this I saw in that long tedious year.<br />
+“Sluggish and indolent for lack of toil,<br />
+“Thence are we bid to plough the deep again;<br />
+“Again to hoist the sail. But Circé told<br />
+“So much of doubtful ways, of voyage vast,<br />
+“And all the perils of the raging deep<br />
+“We must encounter; that my soul I own<br />
+“Trembled. I gain'd this shore, and here remain'd.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here Macareus finish'd; to Æneäs' nurse<br />
+Inurn'd in marble, this short verse was given:<br />
+“Cajeta here, sav'd from the flames of Greece,<br />
+<a name="page_2_279"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;279]</span>
+“Her foster-son, for piety renown'd,<br />
+“With fires more fitting burn'd.� Loos'd are the ropes<br />
+That bound them to the grassy beach, and far<br />
+They leave the dwelling of the guileful power;<br />
+And seek the groves, beneath whose cloudy shade<br />
+The yellow-sanded Tiber in the main<br />
+Fierce rushes. Here Æneäs gains the realm,<br />
+And daughter of Latinus, Faunus' son:<br />
+But not without a war. Battles ensue<br />
+With the fierce people. For his promis'd bride<br />
+Turnus loud rages. All the Tuscans join<br />
+With Latium, and with doubtful warfare long<br />
+Is sought the conquest. Either side augment<br />
+With foreign aid their strength. Rutilians crowds<br />
+Defend, and crowds the Trojan trenches guard.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not bootless, suppliant to Evander's roof<br />
+Æneäs went; though Venulus in vain,<br />
+To exil'd Diomed's great town was sent.<br />
+A mighty city Diomed' had rear'd<br />
+Beneath Apulian Daunus, and possess'd<br />
+His lands by marriage dower. But when made known<br />
+By Venulus, the message Turnus sent,<br />
+Beseeching aid, th' Etolian hero aid<br />
+Deny'd. For neither was his wish to send<br />
+His father's troops to fight, nor of his own<br />
+Had he, which might the strenuous warfare wage.&mdash;<br />
+<a name="page_2_280"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;280]</span>
+“Lest this but feign'd you think,� he said, “though grief<br />
+“The sad relation will once more renew,<br />
+“Yet will I now th'afflicting tale repeat.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“When lofty Ilium was consum'd,&mdash;the towers<br />
+“Of Pergamus a prey to Grecian flames,<br />
+“The Locrian Ajax, for the ravish'd maid,<br />
+“Drew vengeance on us all; which he alone<br />
+“Deserv'd from angry Pallas. Scatter'd wide,<br />
+“And swept by tempests through the foaming deep,<br />
+“The Grecians, thunders, rains, and darkness bore,<br />
+“All heaven's and ocean's rage; and all to crown,<br />
+“On the Capharean rocks the fleet was dash'd.<br />
+“But not to tire you with each mournful scene<br />
+“In order; Greece might then the tears have drawn<br />
+“Ev'n from old Priam. Yet Minerva's care<br />
+“Snatch'd me in safety from the surge. Again<br />
+“From Argos, my paternal land, I'm driven;<br />
+“Bright Venus bearing still in mind the wound<br />
+“Of former days. Upon th'expanded deep<br />
+“Such toils I bore excessive; on the land<br />
+“So in stern combat strove, that oft those seem'd<br />
+“To me most blest, who in the common wreck,<br />
+“Caphareus sunk beneath the boisterous waves;<br />
+“A fate I anxious wish'd I'd with them shar'd.<br />
+“Now all my comrades, of the toilsome main,<br />
+“And constant warfare weary; respite crav'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_281"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;281]</span>
+“From their long wanderings. Not was Agmon so,<br />
+“Fierce still his bosom burn'd; and now he rag'd<br />
+“From his misfortunes fiercer, as he cry'd&mdash;<br />
+“What, fellows! can remain which now to bear<br />
+“Your patience should refuse? What, though she would,<br />
+“Possesses Cythereä to inflict?<br />
+“When worse is to be dreaded, is the time<br />
+“For prayers: but when our state the worst has seen<br />
+“Fear should be spurn'd at; in our depth of woe<br />
+“Secure. Let she herself hear all my words;<br />
+“And let her hate, as hate she does, each man<br />
+“Who follows Diomed'! Yet will we all<br />
+“Her hatred mock, and stand against her power<br />
+“So mighty, with a no less mighty breast.&mdash;<br />
+“With words like these Etolian Agmon goads<br />
+“Th' already raging goddess, and revives<br />
+“Her ancient hate. Few with his boldness pleas'd;<br />
+“Far most my friends his daring speech condemn.<br />
+“Aiming at words respondent, straight his voice<br />
+“And throat are narrow'd; into plumes his hair<br />
+“Is alter'd; plumes o'er his new neck are spread;<br />
+“And o'er his chest, and back; his arms receive<br />
+“Long pinions, bending into light-form'd wings;<br />
+“Most of his feet is cleft in claws; his mouth<br />
+“Hardens to horn, and in a sharp beak ends.<br />
+“Lycus, Rhetenor, Nycteus, Abas, stare<br />
+With wonder, and while wondering there they stand<br />
+<a name="page_2_282"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;282]</span>
+“The same appearance take; and far the most<br />
+“Of all my troop on wings up fly: and round<br />
+“The ship the air resounds with clapping wings.<br />
+“If what new shape those birds so sudden form'd<br />
+“Distinguish'd, you would know: swans not to be,<br />
+“Nought could the snowy swan resemble more.<br />
+“Son now to Daunus, my diminish'd host<br />
+“Scarce guards this kingdom, and those barren fields.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus far Diomedes; and Venulus<br />
+Th' Apulian kingdom left, Calabria's gulf<br />
+Pass'd, and Messapia's plains, where he beheld<br />
+Caverns with woods deep shaded, with light rills<br />
+Cool water'd: here the goatish Pan now dwelt;<br />
+Once tenanted by wood-nymphs. From the spot<br />
+Them, Appulus, a shepherd drove to flight;<br />
+Alarm'd at first by sudden dread, but soon,<br />
+Resum'd their courage, his pursuit despis'd,<br />
+They to the measur'd notes their agile feet<br />
+Mov'd in the dance. The clown insults them more,<br />
+Mimics their motions in his boorish steps,<br />
+To coarse abusing adding speech obscene:<br />
+Nor ceas'd his tongue 'till bury'd in a tree.<br />
+Well may his manner from the fruit be known;<br />
+For the wild olive marks his tongue's reproach,<br />
+In berries most austere: to them transferr'd<br />
+The rough ungrateful sharpness of his words.<br />
+<a name="page_2_283"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;283]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return'd the legates, and the message told,<br />
+Th' Etolians' aid deny'd; without their help<br />
+Wage the Rutilians now the ready war:<br />
+And streams of blood from either army flow.<br />
+Lo! Turnus comes, and greedy torches brings<br />
+To fire the cover'd ships; the flames they fear<br />
+Whom tempests spar'd. And now the fire consum'd<br />
+The pitch, the wax, with all that flame could feed;<br />
+Then, mounting up the lofty mast, assail'd<br />
+The canvas; and the rowers' benches smok'd.<br />
+This saw the sacred mother of the gods,<br />
+And mindful that from Ida's lofty top<br />
+The pines were hew'd, with clash of tinkling brass,<br />
+And sounds of hollow box, fill'd all the air.<br />
+Then borne through ether by her lions tam'd,<br />
+She said; “Those flames with sacrilegious hand<br />
+“Thou hurl'st in vain: I will them snatch away.<br />
+“Ne'er will I calmly view the greedy fire<br />
+“Aught of the forests, which are mine consume.�<br />
+Loud thunders rattled as the goddess spoke;<br />
+And showery floods with hard rebounding hail,<br />
+The thunder follow'd. In the troubled air<br />
+The blustering brethren rag'd, and swell'd the main:<br />
+The billows furious clash'd. The mother us'd<br />
+One blast's exerted force; the cables burst,<br />
+Which bound the Phrygian vessels to the shore;<br />
+Them swiftly swept along, and in the deep<br />
+<a name="page_2_284"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;284]</span>
+Low plung'd them. Straight the rigid wood grows soft<br />
+The timber turns to flesh; the crooked prows<br />
+To heads are chang'd: the oars to floating legs,<br />
+And toes; while what were ribs, as ribs remain;<br />
+The keels, deep in the vessels sunk, become<br />
+The spinal bones; in soft long tresses flows<br />
+The cordage; into arms the sailyards change:<br />
+The hue of all cerulean as before.<br />
+And now the Naiäds of the ocean sport<br />
+With girlish play, amid those very waves<br />
+Ere while so dreaded: sprung from rugged hills<br />
+They love the gentle main; nor aught their birth<br />
+Their bosoms irks. Yet mindful still what risks<br />
+Themselves encounter'd on the raging main,<br />
+Oft with assisting hand the high-tost bark<br />
+They aid; save Greeks the hapless bark contains.<br />
+Mindful of Iliüm's fall, they still detest<br />
+The Argives; and with joyful looks behold<br />
+The shatter'd fragments of Ulysses' ship:<br />
+With joy behold the bark Alcinous gave<br />
+Harden to rock, stone growing from the wood.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Twas hop'd, the fleet transform'd to nymphs marine,<br />
+The fierce Rutilians, struck with awe, might cease<br />
+The war; but stubborn either side persists.<br />
+Each have their gods, and each have godlike souls.<br />
+Nor seek they now, so much the kingdom dower,<br />
+<a name="page_2_285"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;285]</span>
+Latinus' sceptre, or Lavinia! thee,<br />
+As conquest: waging war through shame to cease.<br />
+Venus at last beholds, brave Turnus slain,<br />
+Her son's victorious arms; and Ardea falls,<br />
+A mighty town when Turnus yet was safe:<br />
+It cruel flames destroy'd; and every roof<br />
+The smoking embers hid; up from the heap<br />
+Of ruins, sprung a bird unknown before,<br />
+And beat the ashes with its sounding wings:<br />
+Its voice, its leanness, pallid hue, and all,<br />
+Suit well a captur'd city; and the name<br />
+Retaining still, with beating wings it wails.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now had Æneäs' virtues, all the gods,<br />
+Ev'n Juno, forc'd to cease their ancient hate.<br />
+The young Iülus' growing empire fixt<br />
+On firm foundations, ripe was then for heaven<br />
+The Cytheréan prince. Venus besought<br />
+That favor of the gods; round her sire's neck<br />
+Her arms she clasp'd&mdash;“O, father!�&mdash;she exclaim'd&mdash;<br />
+“Indulgent still, be more than ever kind:<br />
+“Grant that a deity, though e'er so low,<br />
+“Æneäs may become! who through my blood<br />
+“Claims thee as grandsire; something let him gain.<br />
+“Let it suffice, that he has once beheld<br />
+“The dreary realm; and once already past<br />
+“The Stygian stream.�&mdash;The deities consent:<br />
+<a name="page_2_286"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;286]</span>
+Nor does the heavenly queen, her forehead stern<br />
+Retain, consenting with a cheerful mien.<br />
+Then spoke the sire. “Both, daughter, merit well<br />
+“The boon celestial: what thou ask'st receive,<br />
+“Since thou desir'st it, and since he deserves.�<br />
+He ceas'd. O'erjoy'd, she grateful thanks returns;<br />
+And by yok'd turtles borne through yielding air,<br />
+She seeks Laurentum's shore, where gently creep<br />
+Numicius' waters 'midst a reedy shade<br />
+Into the neighbouring main. She bids him cleanse<br />
+All of Æneäs that to death was given;<br />
+And bear him silent floating to the sea.<br />
+The horned god, what Venus bade perform'd:<br />
+All that Æneäs had of mortal mould<br />
+He purg'd away, and wash'd him with his waves.<br />
+His better part remain'd. Odours divine,<br />
+O'er his lustrated limbs, the mother pour'd;<br />
+And with ambrosia and sweet nectar touch'd<br />
+His lips, and perfect is the new-made god:<br />
+Whom Indiges, the Roman people call,<br />
+Worship with altars, and in temples place.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alba, and Latium then beneath the rule<br />
+Of young Iülus, call'd Ascanius, came.<br />
+Him Sylvius follow'd. Then Latinus held<br />
+The ancient sceptre, with his grandsire's name.<br />
+Alba to fam'd Latinus was the next.<br />
+<a name="page_2_287"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;287]</span>
+Then Epitus; Capetus; Capys reign'd:<br />
+Capys before Capetus. After these<br />
+The realm was sway'd by Tiberinus; sunk<br />
+Beneath the billows of the Tuscan stream,<br />
+The waters took his name. His sons were two,<br />
+Fierce Remulus, and Acrota; the first<br />
+Pre-eminent in years, the thunder mock'd;<br />
+And by the thunder dy'd. Of meeker mind<br />
+His brother, to brave Aventinus left<br />
+The throne; who bury'd 'neath the self-same hill<br />
+Where once he reign'd, gave to the hill a name;<br />
+And Procas now the Latian people rul'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beneath this monarch fair Pomona liv'd,<br />
+Than whom amongst the Hamadryad train<br />
+None tended closer to her garden's care;<br />
+None o'er the trees' young fruit more anxious watch'd;<br />
+And thence her name. In rivers, she, and woods,<br />
+Delighted not, for fields were all her joy;<br />
+And branches bending with delicious loads.<br />
+Nor grasps her hand a javelin, but a hook,<br />
+With which she now luxurious boughs restrains,<br />
+And prunes the stragglers, when too wide they spread:<br />
+Now she divides the rind, and in the cleft<br />
+Inserts a scion, and supporting juice<br />
+Affords th' adopted stranger. Ne'er she bears<br />
+That drought they feel, but oft with flowing streams<br />
+<a name="page_2_288"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;288]</span>
+Waters the crooked fibres of their roots:<br />
+This all her love, this all her care, for man<br />
+She heeded not. Yet of the lawless force<br />
+Of rustics fearful, she her orchard round<br />
+Well fenc'd, and every part from access barr'd,<br />
+And fled from all mankind. What was there left<br />
+Untry'd, by satyrs, by the wanton fawns,<br />
+Or pine-crown'd Pan; Sylvanus, ever youth;<br />
+Or him whose sickle frights nocturnal thieves<br />
+To gain her? These Vertumnus all excell'd<br />
+In passion; but not happier he than they.<br />
+How oft a basket of ripe grain he bore,<br />
+Clad like a hardy reaper, and in form<br />
+A real reaper seem'd! Oft with new hay<br />
+His temples bound, who turns the fresh cut grass<br />
+He might be thought. Oft in his horny hand<br />
+He bears a goad; then might you swear, that now<br />
+The weary oxen he had just unyok'd.<br />
+Arm'd with a pruning hook, he one appears<br />
+Who lops the vines. When he the ladder lifts,<br />
+Apples about to pluck he seems. His sword<br />
+Shews him a soldier; and his trembling reed<br />
+An angler. Thus a thousand shapes he tries,<br />
+T' enjoy the pleasure of her beauteous sight.<br />
+Now leaning on a staff, his temples clad<br />
+In painted bonnet, he an ancient dame,<br />
+With silver locks thin scatter'd o'er her head,<br />
+<a name="page_2_289"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;289]</span>
+Would seem; and in the well-trimm'd orchard walks;<br />
+Admires the fruit&mdash;“But, O! how far beyond<br />
+“Are these;�&mdash;he said, and kiss'd the lips he prais'd:<br />
+No ancient dame such kisses e'er bestow'd.<br />
+Then rested on the swelling turf, and view'd<br />
+The branches bending with th' autumnal load.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An elm there stood right opposite, full spread<br />
+With swelling grapes, which, with its social vine,<br />
+He prais'd;&mdash;“Yet should that trunk there single stand�&mdash;<br />
+Said he,&mdash;“without its vine, nought but the leaves<br />
+“Desirable would seem. As well the vine<br />
+“Which rests now safe upon its wedded elm,<br />
+“If not so join'd, were prostrate on the ground.<br />
+“Yet does the tree's example move not thee.<br />
+“Thou fly'st from marriage; fly'st from nuptial joys;<br />
+“Would they could charm thy soul. Not Helen e'er<br />
+“Such crowds of wooers sought; not her who mov'd<br />
+“The Lapithæan war; nor the bright queen<br />
+“Of Ithacus, still 'gainst the coward brave,<br />
+“As would pursue thee. Now, though all thou fly'st,<br />
+“Thy suitors scorning, thousands seek thy hand,<br />
+“Both demi-gods and gods, whoever dwell<br />
+“Of deities on Alba's lofty hills.<br />
+“Yet wisely would'st thou act, and happy wed,<br />
+“Attend my aged counsel (thee I love<br />
+<a name="page_2_290"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;290]</span>
+“More than all these, and more than thou'dst believe)<br />
+“Reject such vulgar offers, and select<br />
+“Vertumnus for the consort of thy bed:<br />
+“And for his worth accept of me as pledge.<br />
+“For to himself not better is he known<br />
+“Than me. No truant through the earth he roves;<br />
+“These spots he dwells in, and in these alone,<br />
+“Nor loves he, like thy wooer's greatest share,<br />
+“Instant whate'er he sees. Thou his first flame<br />
+“Shalt be, and be his last. He will devote<br />
+“His every year to thee, and thee alone.<br />
+“Add too his youth, and nature's bounteous gifts<br />
+“Which decorate him; and that changed with ease,<br />
+“He every form can take, and those the best<br />
+“That thou may'st like, for all thou may'st command.<br />
+“Are not your pleasures both the same? the fruits<br />
+“Thou gatherest first, are they not given to him?<br />
+“Who takes thy offerings with a grateful hand.<br />
+“But now he seeks not fruits pluck'd from thy trees,<br />
+“Nor herbs thy garden feeds with mellow juice,<br />
+“Nor aught, save thee. Have pity on his flame:<br />
+“Think 'tis himself that sues; think that he prays<br />
+“Through me. O fear the vengeance of the gods!<br />
+“Affronted Venus' unrelenting rage;<br />
+“And fear Rhamnusia's still vindictive mind.<br />
+“That these you more may dread, I will relate<br />
+“(For age has much to me made known) a fact<br />
+<a name="page_2_291"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;291]</span>
+“Notorious through all Cyprus which may urge<br />
+“Your soul more quickly to relent and love.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Iphis of humble origin beheld<br />
+“The noble Anaxareté&mdash;the blood<br />
+“Of ancient Teucer: he beheld, and felt<br />
+“Love burn through all his frame; he struggled long<br />
+“By reason to o'ercome the flame, in vain.<br />
+“He came a humble suppliant to her gate.<br />
+“To her old nurse, he now his hapless love<br />
+“Confess'd, and pray'd her by her nurseling's hopes,<br />
+“She would not be severe. Now he assails<br />
+“All her attendants with his flattering speech,<br />
+“And anxious begs of each to intercede.<br />
+“Oft, grav'n on tablets, were his amorous words<br />
+“Borne to her. Oft against her door he hung<br />
+“Garlands, wet dropping with the dew of tears.<br />
+“Plac'd on the threshold hard his tender side,<br />
+“Venting reproaches on the cruel bar.<br />
+“But she more deaf than surges which arise<br />
+“With setting stars; and harder than the steel<br />
+“Numician fires have temper'd; or the rock<br />
+“Still living in its bed, spurn'd him, and laugh'd:<br />
+“And cruel, added lofty words to deeds<br />
+“Unmerciful, and robb'd him ev'n of hope.<br />
+“Impatient Iphis, now no longer bore<br />
+“The pangs of endless grief, but at her gate<br />
+<a name="page_2_292"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;292]</span>
+“Thus utter'd his last 'plaints&mdash;Thou hast o'ercome<br />
+“O Anaxareté! for never more<br />
+“Will I molest thy quiet. Now prepare<br />
+“Glad triumphs; Pæan call; and bind thy brows<br />
+“With laurel bright, for thou victorious art,<br />
+“And joyfully I die. O heart of steel!<br />
+“Enjoy thy bliss. Now will I force thy praise<br />
+“In something;&mdash;somehow find a way to please,<br />
+“And thee constrain to grant I have desert.<br />
+“Yet still remember, that my love for thee<br />
+“Leaves me not but with life! at once I lose<br />
+“A double light. But fame shall not announce<br />
+“To thee my death, for I myself will come.<br />
+“Lest thou should'st doubt, thou shalt thyself behold<br />
+“My death, and on my lifeless body glut<br />
+“Thy cruel eyes. But, O ye gods above!<br />
+“If mortal deeds ye view, remember me:<br />
+“No more my tongue can dare to ask, than this,<br />
+“That distant ages may my fortune know;<br />
+“Grant fame to him, whom ye of life deprive.&mdash;<br />
+“He spoke, and to the porch so oft adorn'd<br />
+“With flowing chaplets, rais'd his humid eyes,<br />
+“And stretch'd his pallid arms; then to the post,<br />
+“The cord with noose well-fitted, fastening, cry'd:&mdash;<br />
+“Nymph, pitiless and cruel! pleas'd the best<br />
+“With garlands such as these!&mdash;Then in the cord,<br />
+“His head inserted; tow'rd the maid still turn'd,<br />
+<a name="page_2_293"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;293]</span>
+“As, hapless load! with strangled throat he hung.<br />
+“Struck by his dangling feet, the portals seem'd<br />
+“A sound to give, which mighty seem'd to mourn;<br />
+“And open thrown, the horrid deed display'd:<br />
+“Loudly the servants shriek, and vainly bear<br />
+“His breathless body to his mother's dome.<br />
+“(Defunct his sire) She clasp'd him to her breast,<br />
+“Embrac'd his clay-cold limbs; and all she said<br />
+“That wretched parents say; and all she did<br />
+“That hapless mothers do: then through the town<br />
+“The melancholy funeral pomp she led,<br />
+“The lurid members following, on a bier<br />
+“For burning. In the road the dwelling stood<br />
+“Through which the sad procession took its way,<br />
+“And sound of lamentation struck the ears<br />
+“Of Anaxareté, whom now the power<br />
+“Of vengeance follow'd. Mov'd, she now exclaim'd&mdash;<br />
+“I will this melancholy prospect view.&mdash;<br />
+“And to the open casement mounted high.<br />
+“Scarce had she Iphis on the bier beheld,<br />
+“When harden'd grew her eyes; a pallid hue<br />
+“O'erspread her body as the warm blood fled.<br />
+“Her feet to move for flight she try'd, her feet<br />
+“Stuck fast; her face she try'd to turn away;<br />
+“She could not turn it; and by small degrees<br />
+“The stony hardness of her breast was spread<br />
+“O'er all her limbs. Believe not that I feign,<br />
+<a name="page_2_294"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;294]</span>
+“For Salamis the figure of the nymph<br />
+“Still keeps; and there a temple is high rear'd<br />
+“Where Venus, the beholder, they adore.<br />
+“Mindful of this, O dearest nymph! lay by<br />
+“That cold disdain, and join thee to a spouse.<br />
+“So may no vernal frosts thy budding fruits<br />
+“Destroy, nor sweeping storms despoil thy flowers.�<br />
+When this the god, to various shapes in vain<br />
+Transform'd, had utter'd; he assum'd again<br />
+The youth, and flung the garb of age aside:<br />
+And so appear'd, as seems the radiant sun,<br />
+Freed from opposing clouds, and darting bright<br />
+His glory round. Force he prepar'd, but force<br />
+He needed not. The nymph his beauty mov'd,<br />
+And straight her bosom felt a mutual flame.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Th' Ausonian realm Amulius' force unjust<br />
+Commanded next; and ancient Numitor<br />
+By his young grandsons the lost realm regain'd.<br />
+The city's walls on Pales' feast were laid.<br />
+Now Tatius and the Sabine sires wage war<br />
+Against it; and the fortress' gate unclos'd,<br />
+Tarpeïa, well-deserving of her fate,<br />
+Breathes out her soul beneath a pile of shields.<br />
+Thence Cures' sons, each sound of voice repress'd,<br />
+Silent as wolves, steal on them drown'd in sleep,<br />
+And gain the gates, which Ilia's son had clos'd<br />
+<a name="page_2_295"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;295]</span>
+With massive bars. But Juno one threw ope,<br />
+Nor creak'd the portal on its turning hinge.<br />
+Venus alone the fastening of the gate<br />
+Withdrawn, perceiv'd, and had it clos'd again,<br />
+Save that the acts a deity performs,<br />
+No deity can e'er undo. A spot<br />
+Near Janus' temple, cool with flowing streams,<br />
+Ausonia's Naiäds own'd; and aid from these<br />
+She sought. Nor could the nymphs deny a boon<br />
+So just; and instant all their rills and floods<br />
+Burst forth. But still to Janus' open gate<br />
+The way was passable, nor could the waves<br />
+Oppose their way. They to the fruitful springs<br />
+Apply blue sulphur, and the hollow caves<br />
+Fire with bitumen; to the lowest depth<br />
+They forceful penetrate, both this, and that.<br />
+And streams that late might vie with Alpine cold,<br />
+To flames themselves, not now in heat would yield.<br />
+The porches of the deity two-fac'd<br />
+Smok'd with the fiery sprinkling; and the gate,<br />
+Op'd to the hardy Sabine troops in vain,<br />
+Was by the new-sprung fountain guarded, 'till<br />
+The sons of Mars had girt them in their arms.<br />
+Soon Romulus attack'd them, and Rome's soil<br />
+Was strew'd with Sabine bodies and her own:<br />
+And impious weapons mingled blood of sires<br />
+With blood of sons-in-law; yet so it pleas'd,<br />
+<a name="page_2_296"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;296]</span>
+War settled into peace, nor rag'd the steel<br />
+To ultimate destruction; in the realm<br />
+Tatius as equal sovereign was receiv'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tatius deceas'd, thou, Romulus, dispens'd,<br />
+To the joint nations, equitable laws.<br />
+When Mars, his helmet thrown aside, the sire<br />
+Of gods and men, in words like these, address'd.&mdash;<br />
+“O parent! (since the Roman realm has gain'd<br />
+“A strong and wide foundation, nor should look<br />
+“To one protector only) lo! the time<br />
+“To grant the favor, promis'd me so long,<br />
+“To thy deserving grandson. Snatch'd from earth<br />
+“Let him in heaven he plac'd. Time was, long since,<br />
+“In a full council of the gods thou said'st,<br />
+“Well I remember, well my mindful breast<br />
+“The tender words remark'd; a son of mine<br />
+“By thee should in the azure sky be plac'd:<br />
+“Now be the fulness of thy words complete.�<br />
+Th' Omnipotent consented; with black clouds<br />
+Darken'd the air; and frighten'd all the town<br />
+With flaming thunders. When the martial god<br />
+Perceiv'd this fiat of the promis'd change,<br />
+Propp'd on his spear he fearless mounts the steeds,<br />
+Press'd by the bloody yoke; loud sounds the lash,<br />
+And prone the air he cleaves, lights on the top<br />
+Of shady Palatine. There Ilia's son<br />
+<a name="page_2_297"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;297]</span>
+Delivering regal laws to Romans round,<br />
+He saw, and swept him thence: his mortal limbs<br />
+Waste in the empty air, as balls of lead<br />
+Hurl'd from a sling, melt in the midmost sky:<br />
+More fair his face appears, and worthy more<br />
+Of the high shrines: such now appears the form<br />
+Of great Quirinus, clad in purple robe.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His spouse him wept as lost, when heaven's high queen<br />
+Bade Iris on her sweeping bow descend,<br />
+And thus her orders to Hersilia speak:&mdash;<br />
+“O matron! glory of the Latian land;<br />
+“Pride of the Sabine race; most worthy spouse<br />
+“Of such an hero once; spouse worthy now<br />
+“Of god Quirinus, cease thy tears: if wish<br />
+“To see thy husband warms thee, led by me,<br />
+“To yonder grove upon Quirinus' hill<br />
+“Which flourishes, and overshades the fane<br />
+“Of Rome's great monarch, haste.�&mdash;Iris obeys;<br />
+Upon her painted bow to earth slides down,<br />
+And hails Hersilia in the bidden words.<br />
+Her eyes scarce lifting, she with blushing face<br />
+Replies&mdash;“O goddess! whom thou art, to me<br />
+“Unknown; that thou a goddess art is plain.<br />
+“Lead me, O lead! shew me my spouse's face:<br />
+“Which if fate grant I may once more behold,<br />
+“Heaven I'll allow I've seen.� Nor waits she more,<br />
+<a name="page_2_298"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;298]</span>
+But with Thaumantian Iris, to the hill<br />
+Of Romulus proceeds. There, shot from heaven,<br />
+A star tow'rd earth descended; from its rays<br />
+Bright flam'd Hersilia's hair, and with the star<br />
+Mounted aloft. Rome's founder's well-known arms<br />
+Receive her. Now her former name is chang'd,<br />
+As chang'd her body: known as Ora, now,<br />
+A goddess, with her great Quirinus join'd.<br />
+<a name="page_2_299"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;299]</span>
+</p>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter30"></a>
+<span class="fraktur">The Fifteenth Book.</span>
+</h2>
+<blockquote>
+<p>
+Numa's journey to Crotona. The Pythagorean philosophy of transmigration
+of the soul, and relation of various transformations. Death of
+Numa, and grief of Egeria. Story of Hippolytus. Change of Egeria
+to a fountain. Cippus. Visit of Esculapius to Rome, in the form of a
+snake. Assassination and apotheösis of Julius Cæsar. Praise of Augustus.
+Prophetic conclusion.
+<a name="page_2_300"></a>
+<a name="page_2_301"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;301]</span>
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+<h2>
+<a name="chapter31"></a>
+THE<br />
+<span class="fraktur">Fifteenth Book</span><br />
+OF THE<br />
+METAMORPHOSES<br />
+OF<br />
+OVID.
+</h2>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meantime they seek who may the mighty load<br />
+Sustain; who may succeed so great a king.<br />
+Fame, harbinger of truth, the realm decreed<br />
+To noble Numa. Not content to know<br />
+The laws and customs of the Sabine race,<br />
+His mind capacious grasp'd a larger field.<br />
+He sought for nature's laws. Fir'd by this wish,<br />
+His country left, he journey'd to the town<br />
+Of him, who erst was great Alcides' host:<br />
+And as he sought to learn what founder first<br />
+<a name="page_2_302"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;302]</span>
+These Grecian walls rear'd on Italia's shore,<br />
+Thus an old 'habitant, well vers'd in tales<br />
+Of yore, reply'd.&mdash;“Jove's son, rich in the herds<br />
+“Iberia bred, his prosperous journey bent<br />
+“By ocean unto fair Lacinia's shores:<br />
+“Enter'd himself the hospitable roof<br />
+“Of mighty Croto, while his cattle' stray'd<br />
+“Amid the tender grass; and his long toil<br />
+“Reliev'd by rest. Departing, thus he spoke&mdash;<br />
+“Here in thy grandson's age a town shall rise.&mdash;<br />
+“And true the promis'd words; for Myscelos,<br />
+“Argive Alemon's son, dear to the gods,<br />
+“Beyond all mortals of that time, now liv'd.<br />
+“The club-arm'd god, as press'd with heavy sleep,<br />
+“He lay, hung o'er him, and directed thus.&mdash;<br />
+“Haste leave thy native land;&mdash;where distant flows<br />
+“The rocky stream of Æsaris, go seek.&mdash;<br />
+“And threaten'd much if disobedient found:<br />
+“Then disappear'd the god and sleep at once.<br />
+“Alemon's son arose; with silent care<br />
+“Revolv'd the new-seen vision in his soul,<br />
+“And undetermin'd waver'd long his mind.<br />
+“The god commands,&mdash;the laws forbid to go:<br />
+“Death is the punishment to him decreed<br />
+“Who would his country quit. Now glorious Sol<br />
+“Had in the ocean hid his glittering face,<br />
+“And densest night shew'd her star-studded head;<br />
+<a name="page_2_303"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;303]</span>
+“Again the god was seen to come; again<br />
+“Admonish, and with threats more stern demand<br />
+“Obedience. Terror-struck he now prepar'd<br />
+“His property and household gods to move<br />
+“To this new seat. Quick through the city flies<br />
+“The rumor; as a slighter of the laws<br />
+“Is he denounc'd. The trial ends at once;<br />
+“Th' acknowledg'd crime without a witness prov'd.<br />
+“The wretched culprit lifts his eyes and hands<br />
+“To heaven, exclaiming;&mdash;Thou whose toils twice six<br />
+“Have given thee claim to glory, lend thy aid;<br />
+“Thou art the cause that I offence have given.&mdash;<br />
+“Sentence in old, by stones of white and black<br />
+“Was shewn: by these th' accus'd was clear'd, by those<br />
+“Condemn'd. Thus is the heavy doom now pass'd,<br />
+“And in the fatal urn each flings a stone<br />
+“Of sable hue. Inverted then to count<br />
+“The pebbles, lo! their color all is chang'd<br />
+“From black to white; and thus, the doom revers'd,<br />
+“Alemon's son by Hercules is freed.<br />
+“Thanks to Alcmena's son, his kinsman, given,<br />
+“He o'er th' Ionian sea with favoring winds<br />
+“Sail'd, and Tarentum, Sparta's city, pass'd,<br />
+“And Sybaris, Neæthus Salentine,<br />
+“The gulph of Thurium, and Japygia's fields,<br />
+“With Temeses; which shores at distance seen<br />
+“By him, were scarcely pass'd, when he beheld<br />
+<a name="page_2_304"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;304]</span>
+“The mouth of Æsaris, the destin'd flood:<br />
+“And thence not far a lofty heap of earth,<br />
+“Where Croto's hallow'd bones were safe inhum'd.<br />
+“There he as bidden rais'd the walls, which took<br />
+“From the high sepulchre their lasting name.<br />
+“Plain then the city's origin appears<br />
+“By fame, thus built upon Italia's shores.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here dwelt a sage whom Samos claim'd by birth,<br />
+But Samos and its masters he had fled;<br />
+A willing exile from tyrannic rule.<br />
+Though from celestial regions far remov'd<br />
+His mind to heaven could soar; with mental eyes<br />
+He things explor'd which to the human ken<br />
+Nature deny'd. When all with watchful care<br />
+Was learnt in secret, to the listening crowd<br />
+He public spoke. Told to their wondering ears<br />
+The primal origin of this great world;<br />
+The cause of things; what nature is; what god;<br />
+Whence snow; and whence tremendous thunder springs,&mdash;<br />
+From Jove, or from the rattling of rent clouds;<br />
+What shakes earth's pillars; by what law the stars<br />
+Wander; and what besides lies hid from man.<br />
+And first that animals should heap the board<br />
+For food, he strict forbade; and first in words<br />
+Thus eloquent, but unbeliev'd he spoke.<br />
+<a name="page_2_305"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;305]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Cease, mortals, cease your bodies to pollute<br />
+“With food unhallow'd: plentiful is grain;<br />
+“The apples bend the branches with their load;<br />
+“The vines bear swelling heaps of clustering grapes;<br />
+“Bland herbs you have; and such as heat require<br />
+“To mollify for use. Nor do you lack<br />
+“The milky fluid, or the honey sweet,<br />
+“Fragrant of thyme. The lavish earth supplies<br />
+“Mild aliments, her riches and affords<br />
+“Dainties, with nought of slaughter or of blood.<br />
+“Their hunger beasts alone with flesh allay,<br />
+“And beasts not all; the generous steed, the flock,<br />
+“The herd, on grass subsist. But lions grim,<br />
+“Armenian tigers, bears, and wolves, delight<br />
+“In bloody feasts. How impious to behold<br />
+“Bowels in bowels bury'd! greedy limbs<br />
+“Fatten on limbs digested, and prolong'd<br />
+“One's animation by another's death.<br />
+“In vain the earth, benignant mother, gives<br />
+“Her copious stores, if nought can thee delight,<br />
+“Save with a savage tooth this living food<br />
+“To chew, and Cyclopéan feasts renew.<br />
+“Can'st thou not cloy the appetite's keen rage,<br />
+“Deprav'd desire! unless another die?<br />
+“That early age, to which we give the name<br />
+“Of golden, happy was in mellow fruits,<br />
+“And plants, by earth produc'd; nor e'er did gore<br />
+<a name="page_2_306"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;306]</span>
+“The mouth defile. In safety through the air<br />
+“Fowls way'd their feathers: fearless through the fields<br />
+“Wander'd the hare: nor, on the barb'd hook hung<br />
+“By his credulity, was snar'd the fish.<br />
+“Fraud was not, none suspicious of deceit;<br />
+“And all was fill'd with harmony and peace.<br />
+“But soon some wretch (whatever wretch was he)<br />
+“Such food disliking, in his greedy maw<br />
+“Bury'd what animation once possess'd.<br />
+“He led the way to wickedness. And first<br />
+“The weapon smok'd with blood of ravenous beasts:<br />
+“And there it should have stay'd. Just is the plea<br />
+“To take their lives that follow us for prey;<br />
+“But not devour them when destroy'd. From thence<br />
+“Wide spread the horrid practice, and the sow,<br />
+“Doom'd the first victim, is decreed to die,<br />
+“For digging up with crooked snout the seed;<br />
+“And blasting all the prospect of the year.<br />
+“The goat had gnaw'd the vine;&mdash;the culprit bled<br />
+“On Bacchus' altars to appease his ire.<br />
+“These two their fate deserv'd. But how, O sheep!<br />
+“Ye harmless flocks, have ye this merited,<br />
+“Form'd to receive protection from mankind?<br />
+“Who in your swelling dugs bland liquors bear,<br />
+“Who give your fleecy coverings, garments soft<br />
+“For us to form; and more in life than death<br />
+“Assist our wants. What has the ox deserved?<br />
+<a name="page_2_307"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;307]</span>
+“A simple harmless beast, and born for toil,<br />
+“Of guile and fraud devoid? Forgetful man!<br />
+“And undeserving of the harvest's boon,<br />
+“Who could, the crooked joke just from his neck<br />
+“Remov'd, his faithful tiller sacrifice;<br />
+“Smite with the axe that neck with labor worn,<br />
+“With which so oft he had the soil renew'd;<br />
+“Which had so many crops on him bestow'd.<br />
+“Nor is this all, the savage deed perform'd,<br />
+“They implicate the heavenly gods themselves,<br />
+“Pretend th' almighty deities delight<br />
+“To see the slaughter of laborious steers.<br />
+“Spotless must be the victim; in his form<br />
+“Perfection: (fatal thus too much to please!)<br />
+“With gold and fillets gay, the beast is led<br />
+“Before the altar, hears the unknown prayers,<br />
+“And sees the meal, the product of his toil,<br />
+“Betwixt his horns full in his forehead flung:<br />
+“Then struck, he stains the weapon with his blood,<br />
+“The weapon in reflecting waves beneath<br />
+“Haply beheld before. Next they inspect<br />
+“His torn-out living entrails, and from thence<br />
+“Learn what the bosoms of the gods intend.<br />
+“Whence, man, such passion for forbidden food?<br />
+“How dar'st thou, mortal man! in flesh indulge?<br />
+“O! I conjure you, do it not; my words<br />
+“Deep in your minds revolve, when to your mouth<br />
+<a name="page_2_308"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;308]</span>
+“The mangled members of the ox you raise,<br />
+“Know, and reflect, your laborer you devour.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“And now the god inspires my tongue, my tongue<br />
+“Shall follow what th' inspiring god directs,<br />
+“My truths I will disclose, display all heaven,<br />
+“And oracles of mind divine reveal.<br />
+“I sing of mighty things, by none before<br />
+“Investigated; what has long lain hid.<br />
+“It glads me through the lofty heavens to go;<br />
+“To sail amid the clouds, the sluggish earth<br />
+“Left far below; and on the shoulders mount<br />
+“Of mighty Atlas; thence from far look down,<br />
+“On wandering souls of reasoning aid depriv'd,<br />
+“Shivering and trembling at the thoughts of death.<br />
+“I thus exhort, and scenes of fate unfold.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“O race! whom terror of cold death affrights,<br />
+“Why fear ye Styx? why darkness? why vain names,<br />
+“The dreams of poets? why in fancy'd worlds<br />
+“Severe atonements? Whether slow disease,<br />
+“Or on the pile the body flames consume,<br />
+“Think not that any suffering it can feel.<br />
+“The soul from death is free, and one seat left,<br />
+“Another habitation finds and lives.<br />
+“Well I remember I was Pantheus' son,<br />
+“Euphorbus, in the fatal war of Troy,<br />
+<a name="page_2_309"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;309]</span>
+“Whose breast the young Atrides' massive spear<br />
+“Transpierc'd in fight. I lately knew the shield<br />
+“My left arm bore, in Juno's temple hung,<br />
+“In Abantean Argos. All is chang'd,<br />
+“But nothing dies. The spirit roams about<br />
+“From that to this, from this to that again;<br />
+“And enters vacant bodies at its will.<br />
+“Now from a beast's to human frame it goes,<br />
+“Now from the man it passes to a beast;<br />
+“And never perishes. As yielding wax<br />
+“Is with new figures printed, nor remains<br />
+“Long in one form, nor holds its pristine shape;<br />
+“And yet is still the same: so do I teach,<br />
+“The soul the same, though vary'd are its seats.<br />
+“Hence, lest thy belly's keen desire o'ercome<br />
+“All piety, (and prophet-like I speak)<br />
+“Forbear by impious slaughter to disturb<br />
+“The souls of kindred friends; and let not blood<br />
+“With blood be fed. Now on the boundless sea<br />
+“Since I am borne, and to the breeze have loos'd<br />
+“My swelling sail, this more:&mdash;Nought that the world<br />
+“Contains, is in appearance still the same<br />
+“All moving alters; changeable is form'd<br />
+“Each image. And with constant motion flows<br />
+“Ev'n time itself, just like a passing stream;<br />
+“For nor the river, nor the flying hour<br />
+“Can be detain'd. As wave by wave impell'd,<br />
+<a name="page_2_310"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;310]</span>
+“The foremost prest by that behind; itself<br />
+“Urging its predecessor; so time flies,<br />
+“And so is follow'd, ever seeming new.<br />
+“For what has been, is lost; what is, no more<br />
+“Shall be, and every moment is renew'd.<br />
+“You see the night emerge to glorious day,<br />
+“And the bright sun in shady darkness sink.<br />
+“Nor shews the sky one hue when nature all<br />
+“Worn out, in midnight quiet rests; and when<br />
+“Bright Lucifer dismounts his snowy steed:<br />
+“Varying again when fair Aurora comes<br />
+“Of light fore-runner, and the world, to Sol<br />
+“About to yield, dyes deep. The orbed god,<br />
+“When from earth's margin rising, in the morn<br />
+“Blushing appears, and blushing seems at eve<br />
+“Descending to the main, but at heaven's height<br />
+“Shines in white splendor; there th' ethereal air<br />
+“Is purest, earth's contagion distant far.<br />
+“Nor can nocturnal Ph&oelig;be always shew<br />
+“Her form the same, nor equal: less to-day,<br />
+“If waxing, than to-morrow she'll appear;<br />
+“If waning, greater. Note you not the year<br />
+“In four succeeding seasons passing on?<br />
+“A lively image of our mortal life.<br />
+“Tender and milky, like young infancy<br />
+“Is the new spring: then gaily shine the plants,<br />
+“Tumid with juice, but helpless; and delight<br />
+<a name="page_2_311"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;311]</span>
+“With hope the planter: blooming all appears,<br />
+“And smiles in varied flowers the feeding earth;<br />
+“But delicate and pow'rless are the leaves.<br />
+“Robuster now the year, to spring succeeds<br />
+“The summer, and a sturdy youth becomes:<br />
+“No age is stronger, none more fertile yields<br />
+“Its stores, and none with heat more fervid glows.<br />
+“Next autumn follows, all the fire of youth<br />
+“Allay'd, mature in mildness, just between<br />
+“Old age and youth a medium temper holds;<br />
+“Some silvery tresses o'er his temples strew'd.<br />
+“Then aged winter, frightful object! comes<br />
+“With tottering step, and bald appears his head;<br />
+“Or snowy white the few remaining hairs.<br />
+“Our bodies too themselves submit to change<br />
+“Without remission. Nor what we have been,<br />
+“Nor what we are, to-morrow shall we be.<br />
+“The day has been when we were but as seed,<br />
+“And in his mother's womb the future man<br />
+“Dwelt. Nature with her aiding power appear'd,<br />
+“Bade that the embryo bury'd deep within<br />
+“The pregnant mother, should not rack her more:<br />
+“And from its dwelling to the free drawn air<br />
+“Produc'd it. To the day the infant brought,<br />
+“Lies sinewless; then quadruped he crawls<br />
+“In beast-like guise; then trembling, by degrees<br />
+“He stands erect, but with a leg unfirm,<br />
+<a name="page_2_312"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;312]</span>
+“His knees assisting with some strong support.<br />
+“Now is he strong and swift, and youth's brisk stage<br />
+“Quick passes; then, the flower of years o'ergone,<br />
+“He slides down gradual to descending age:<br />
+“This undermines, demolishes the strength<br />
+“Of former years. And ancient Milo weeps,<br />
+“When he beholds those aged feeble arms<br />
+“Hang dangling by his side, once like the limbs<br />
+“Of Hercules; so muscular, so large.<br />
+“And Helen weeps when in her glass she views<br />
+“Her aged wrinkles, wondering to herself<br />
+“Why she was ravish'd twice. Consuming time!<br />
+“And envious age! all substance ye destroy;<br />
+“All things your teeth decay; and you consume<br />
+“By gradual progress, but by certain death.<br />
+“These also, which the elements we call,<br />
+“Their varying changes know: lo! I explain<br />
+“Their regular vicissitudes,&mdash;attend.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Four elements th' eternal world contains;<br />
+“Two, earth and water, which their ponderous weight<br />
+“Sinks low; and two, the air and purer fire,<br />
+“Void of dense gravity, soar up on high,<br />
+“Free, unconfin'd. Though distant far in space,<br />
+“Yet from these four are all things form'd, and all<br />
+“To them resolve again. The earth dissolv'd<br />
+“Melts into liquid dew; more subtile grown<br />
+<a name="page_2_313"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;313]</span>
+“It passes to the breezes and the air;<br />
+“And air again, when in its thinest form,<br />
+“Depriv'd of weight, springs to the fires on high.<br />
+“Thence retrogade they come, inverting all<br />
+“This order: fire is thicken'd to dense air;<br />
+“Air into water; water to hard earth;<br />
+“Nor aught retains its form. Nature, of things<br />
+“Renewer, figures from old figures makes.<br />
+“Nought that the world contains (doubt not my truth)<br />
+“E'er perishes, but changes; and receives<br />
+“An alter'd shape. What to be born we call,<br />
+“Is to begin in different guise to seem<br />
+“Than what we were; and what we call to die,<br />
+“Is but to cease to wear our wonted form.<br />
+“Though haply some part hither may be mov'd,<br />
+“Some thither, still the aggregate's the same.<br />
+“Nor can I think that aught can long endure<br />
+“Unalter'd. Soon the primal ages came<br />
+“From gold to iron. Quite transform'd is oft<br />
+“The state of places. I have seen what once<br />
+“Was earth most solid, chang'd to fluid waves.<br />
+“Land have I seen from ocean form'd; and shells<br />
+“Marine, lie scatter'd distant from all shore:<br />
+“Old anchors bury'd in the mountain tops.<br />
+“The rush of waters hollow vallies forms<br />
+“Where once were plains; and level lie the hills<br />
+“Beneath the deluge: dry the marshy ground<br />
+<a name="page_2_314"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;314]</span>
+“With barren sand becomes; and what was parch'd<br />
+“Is soak'd, a marshy fen. Here nature opes<br />
+“New fountains; there she closes up the old.<br />
+“Rivers have bursted forth, when earthquakes shook<br />
+“The globe; some chok'd have disappear'd below.<br />
+“Thus Lycus, swallow'd by the yawning earth,<br />
+“Bursts far from thence again, another stream:<br />
+“The mighty Erasinus, now absorb'd,<br />
+“Now flows, to Argive fields again restor'd.<br />
+“And Myssus, they relate, who both his stream<br />
+“And banks disliking, as Caïcus now<br />
+“'Twixt others flows. With Amenane who rolls<br />
+“O'er sands Sicilian, flowing oft, and oft<br />
+“With clos'd-up fountains dry. Anigros, once<br />
+“Sweet to the thirsty, now his waters pours<br />
+“Untouch'd by lips, since (save we must deny<br />
+“To poets faith) the double-body'd race<br />
+“There bath'd the wounds Alcides' arrows gave.<br />
+“And is not Hypanis, the flood that springs<br />
+“From Scythia's hills, once sweet, with bitter salts<br />
+“Now tainted? By the waves begirt were once<br />
+“Antissa, Pharos, and Ph&oelig;nician Tyre;<br />
+“And not a spot an island now remains.<br />
+“The ancient clowns, Leucadia to the land<br />
+“Saw join'd; now surges beat around its base;<br />
+“And Zanclé, they relate, was once conjoin'd<br />
+“To Italy, 'till ocean burst his bounds,<br />
+<a name="page_2_315"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;315]</span>
+“And rent the land, and girt it with his waves.<br />
+“For Helicé or Buris should you seek,<br />
+“Achaïan towns, o'erwhelm'd beneath the waves<br />
+“You'll find them: boatmen oft are wont to shew<br />
+“The tottering cities, and their walls immers'd.<br />
+“Near Pitthean Tr&oelig;zen is a lofty hill<br />
+“By trees unshaded; now indeed an hill<br />
+“But once a level plain. Wond'rous to tell<br />
+“The wind's resistless force, in caverns deep<br />
+“Inclos'd, for exit somewhere as it strain'd,<br />
+“And struggled long in vain, a freer range<br />
+“Of air to sweep; when all the prison round<br />
+“Was found no fissure pervious to the blast,<br />
+“It swell'd the high-rais'd ground: just so the breath<br />
+“Puffs out the bladder, or the horn'd goat's skin.<br />
+“The tumor still remains, and now appears,<br />
+“Grown hard by lapse of time, a lofty hill.<br />
+“Though numbers to my mind occur, or seen<br />
+“Or heard, but few beside I will relate.<br />
+“Do not streams too receive and lose new powers?<br />
+“Thy fountain, horned Ammon, at mid-day<br />
+“Is icy cold, but hot at morn and eve.<br />
+“The waters of Athamanis, are said,<br />
+“Sprinkled on wood, when Luna's lessening orb<br />
+“Shines in the heavens, to warm it into flame.<br />
+“A river have the Cicones, which turns<br />
+“To marble what it touches: whoso drinks<br />
+<a name="page_2_316"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;316]</span>
+“Instant his inwards harden into stone.<br />
+“Cathis and Sybaris, which border near<br />
+“Our pastures, make the hair resemble gold.<br />
+“More wond'rous still, waters there are, with power<br />
+“The mind to change as well as change the limbs.<br />
+“Who has not heard of Salmacis obscene?<br />
+“And Ethiopa's lake, which whoso drinks<br />
+“Or furious raves, or sinks in sleep profound?<br />
+“Whoe'er his thirst at the Clitorian fount<br />
+“Quenches, he loathes all wine: abstemious, joys<br />
+“To drink pure water: whether power the waves<br />
+“Possess to thwart the heating vinous juice,<br />
+“Or, as the natives tell, with herbs and charms<br />
+“When the mad Prætides Melampus cur'd,<br />
+“He in the stream the mental medicine flung;<br />
+“And hate of wine the fountain still retains.<br />
+“Lyncestius' river flows with different power;<br />
+“Of this who swallows but the smallest draught<br />
+“Staggers, as charg'd with plenteous cups of wine.<br />
+“A dangerous place Arcadia holds (of yore<br />
+“Call'd Pheneos) for its waters' two-fold force:<br />
+“Dreaded by night: for drank by night they harm,<br />
+“But guiltless of all mischief drank by day.<br />
+“Thus lakes and rivers now these powers possess;<br />
+“Now those. Time was Ortygia on the waves<br />
+“Floated, now firm she rests. Argo, first ship<br />
+“Dreaded the isles Cyanean scatter'd round<br />
+<a name="page_2_317"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;317]</span>
+“And clashing oft amid the roaring waves;<br />
+“Which rest unmov'd now, and the winds despise.<br />
+“Nor Etna whose sulphureous furnace flames<br />
+“Will always burn; time was it burn'd not yet:<br />
+“For let earth be an animated mass,<br />
+“Which lives, and breathing holes in various parts<br />
+“Exhaling flame, possesses, she may change,<br />
+“Each time she moves, those passages of air;<br />
+“These caverns close, and others open throw.<br />
+“Or whether wind, confin'd in those deep caves,<br />
+“Hurls rocks on rocks, and what the seeds of fire<br />
+“Contain; and flames from the concussion burst;<br />
+“The winds appeas'd, cold will the caves be left.<br />
+“Or if the flame be by bitumen caught,<br />
+“Or by pale sulphur, fiercely will it burn<br />
+“To the last particle; but when the earth<br />
+“Fuel and oily nutriment no more<br />
+“The flame shall give; a tedious length of years<br />
+“Its force exhausting, and its nutriment<br />
+“By nature's tooth consum'd, the famish'd flames<br />
+“Will this desert, deserted by their food.<br />
+“Fame says, the men who in Pallené live,<br />
+“A northern clime, when nine times in the lake<br />
+“Tritonian plung'd, in plumage light are clad.<br />
+“This scarce can I believe. They also tell<br />
+“That Scythia's females, sprinkling on their limbs<br />
+“Rank poisons, such like transformation gain.<br />
+<a name="page_2_318"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;318]</span>
+“Yet when well-try'd experience us instructs,<br />
+“Faith may be given. Do we not bodies see<br />
+“Decaying slow with moisture and with heat,<br />
+“To animalcules chang'd? Nay, go, inter<br />
+“A chosen slaughter'd steer, (well known the fact,<br />
+“And much in use;) lo! from the putrid paunch<br />
+“Swarms of the flower-collecting bee will rise,<br />
+“Which rove the meadows as their parent rov'd:<br />
+“And urge their toil and labor still in hope.<br />
+“The warlike courser, prostrate on the ground,<br />
+“Becomes the source whence angry hornets rise.<br />
+“Cut from the sea-shore crab his crooked claws,<br />
+“And place the rest in earth, a scorpion thence,<br />
+“Will come, and threaten with his hooked tail.<br />
+“The meadow worms too, which with silky threads<br />
+“(Well noted is the fact,) are wont to weave<br />
+“The foliage, change the figures which they wear,<br />
+“Like the gay butterfly of funeral fame.<br />
+“The life-producing seeds of grass-green frogs<br />
+“Mud holds; and forms them first devoid of feet,<br />
+“Then gives them legs for swimming well contriv'd;<br />
+“And, apt that they for lengthen'd leaps may suit,<br />
+“Behind these far surpass the first in length.<br />
+“The cub the bear brings forth, at its first birth<br />
+“Is but a lump of barely living flesh:<br />
+“Licking, the mother forms the limbs, and gives<br />
+“As much of shape as she herself enjoys.<br />
+<a name="page_2_319"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;319]</span>
+“See we the young not of the honey'd bee,<br />
+“Clos'd in the wax hexagonally shap'd,<br />
+“First form'd a body limbless, gaining late<br />
+“Their feet and wings? And who could e'er suppose,<br />
+“Except the fact he knew, that Juno's bird<br />
+“Which bears the starry tail; that Venus' doves;<br />
+“The thunder-bearer of almighty Jove;<br />
+“And all the race of birds, their being owe<br />
+“To a small egg's still smaller central part?<br />
+“There are, who think the human marrow chang'd,<br />
+“A snake becomes, when putrid turns the spine<br />
+“In a close sepulchre. These, each and all,<br />
+“Their origin from other things derive.<br />
+“One bird there is, which from herself alone<br />
+“Springs, and regenerates without foreign aid:<br />
+“Assyrians call her Ph&oelig;nix. Not on grain,<br />
+“Nor herbs she lives, but on strong frankincense,<br />
+“And rich amomums' juice: when she has pass'd<br />
+“Five ages of her life, with her broad bill<br />
+“And talons, she upon the ilex' boughs,<br />
+“Or on the summit of the trembling palm,<br />
+“A nest constructs: on this she cassia strews,<br />
+“Spikes of sweet-smelling nard, the dark brown myrrh,<br />
+“And cinnamon well bruis'd: then lays herself<br />
+“Above, and on the odorous pile expires.<br />
+“Then, they report, an infant Ph&oelig;nix springs<br />
+“From the parental corse, to which is given<br />
+<a name="page_2_320"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;320]</span>
+“Five ages too, to live. When years afford<br />
+“Due strength to lift, and bear the ponderous load,<br />
+“She lightens of the weighty nest the boughs;<br />
+“With pious duty her own cradle takes,<br />
+“And parent's sepulchre; then, having gain'd<br />
+“Hyperion's city through the yielding air,<br />
+“Before the sacred portal lays it down.<br />
+“If of stupendous wonder aught ye find<br />
+“In this, hyænas must your wonder move;<br />
+“Alternate changing, females now they bear;<br />
+“And annual alter unto males again:<br />
+“That reptile too, which feeds on wind and air;<br />
+“And what it touches, straight its hue assumes.<br />
+“India by cluster-bearing Bacchus gain'd,<br />
+“Lynxes upon the conquering god bestow'd:<br />
+“And, (so they tell) whate'er their bladders void,<br />
+“Concretes to gems, and hardens in the air.<br />
+“Thus too, the coral hardens to a stone;<br />
+“A plant so flexible beneath the waves.<br />
+“Day would desert us; Ph&oelig;bus' panting steeds<br />
+“Would in the mighty deep be plung'd, ere I<br />
+“Could finish, should I every substance tell<br />
+“Chang'd to new form. This we perceive, that time<br />
+“All turns. These nations mighty strength attain:<br />
+“Those sink in power. Thus Troy in wealth and strength<br />
+“Was mighty; and for ten long years could shed<br />
+“Her blood in torrents. Low she lies, and shews<br />
+<a name="page_2_321"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;321]</span>
+“Her ancient ruins, and her numerous tombs<br />
+“For all her riches. Sparta once was great;<br />
+“And fam'd Mycené once in power was strong;<br />
+“With Athens; and the town Amphion rais'd.<br />
+“Now a mean spot is Sparta; low now lies<br />
+“Lofty Mycené; what of Thebes remains,<br />
+“The town of &OElig;dipus, except his tale?<br />
+“What of Pandion's Athens, but the name?<br />
+“And now begins the fame of Dardan Rome<br />
+“To rise; the waves of Tiber from the hills<br />
+“Of Appenine descending, bathe her walls:<br />
+“Plac'd on a huge foundation shall she fix<br />
+“Her empire's base. By increase shall she change;<br />
+“And shall hereafter of the mighty world<br />
+“Be head. This prophets, they assert, have said,<br />
+“And fate-predicting oracles. Myself<br />
+“Remember Helenus, old Priam's son,<br />
+“Address'd Æneas, when the Trojan towers<br />
+“Were tottering, weeping,&mdash;and of future fate<br />
+“Doubtful, in words like these&mdash;O goddess born!<br />
+“If the prognostics of my soul I read<br />
+“Rightly, Troy ne'er, while thou art safe, will fall.<br />
+“Flames and the sword shall ope to thee a path<br />
+“Thou shalt depart, and with thyself convey<br />
+“An Iliüm, till a foreign land thou find'st;<br />
+“A land more friendly both to thee and Troy.<br />
+“Now, to the Phrygians' offspring due, I see<br />
+<a name="page_2_322"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;322]</span>
+“A city rais'd; such former ages ne'er<br />
+“Beheld; such is not; such will never be.<br />
+“Thousands of worthies in a length of years,<br />
+“Its power shall spread; but lord of all the globe<br />
+“Shall he, descended of Iülus, reign;<br />
+“Who, when by earth awhile enjoy'd, shall gain&mdash;<br />
+“A seat celestial; and the heavens shall be<br />
+“The bound of his career.&mdash;Well does my mind<br />
+“Retain, that Helenus in such like words<br />
+“Address'd the chief who bore his country's gods.<br />
+“Joy'd I behold my kindred walls increase;<br />
+“And Grecia's conquest happy prove for Troy.<br />
+“But lest too wide I wander, and my steeds<br />
+“Forget the goal; know, heaven, and all beneath;<br />
+“Earth, and all earth's contents their shapes must change.<br />
+“Let us then, members of the world (not form'd<br />
+“Of body only, but with winged souls<br />
+“Which to the bodies of wild beasts may pass,<br />
+“Or dwell within the breasts of grazing herds)<br />
+“Permit those forms which may the souls contain<br />
+“Of parents, brethren, or of those once join'd<br />
+“To us by other bonds, certain of men,<br />
+“To rest secure and safe from savage wounds;<br />
+“Nor load our bowels at Thyestes' board.<br />
+“Soon, by ill custom warp'd, does he prepare<br />
+“To bathe his impious hands in human gore,<br />
+“Who severs with his knife the lowing throat<br />
+<a name="page_2_323"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;323]</span>
+“Of the young calf, and turns a deafen'd ear<br />
+“To all its cries: or who the kid can slay,<br />
+“Moaning in plaintive tone like children's cries:<br />
+“Or who the fowl he fed before, can eat.<br />
+“What more is wanting, that may now complete<br />
+“The measure of iniquity? From thence<br />
+“Where the next step? Then let thine oxen plough,<br />
+“And let their death be due alone to age.<br />
+“Let from dread Boreas' piercing cold the sheep<br />
+“Defend thee with her wool. Let the full goat<br />
+“Present her udder to thy hand to press.<br />
+“Throw far thy nets, thy nooses, and thy snares,<br />
+“And all thy treacherous skill; nor with lim'd twig<br />
+“Deceive the bird; nor with strong toils the deer;<br />
+“Nor hide the barbed hook with treacherous bait.<br />
+“If animals annoy ye, them destroy:<br />
+“But slay them only. From the taste of flesh<br />
+“Free be your mouths, while food more fit ye eat.�<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His breast with these, and such like doctrines fill'd,<br />
+Numa, 'tis said, back to his country came;<br />
+And held, unsought for, the supreme command<br />
+O'er Latium's realm. Blest with the nymph his spouse,<br />
+And by the muses guided, all the rites<br />
+Of sacrifice he taught: the people train'd,<br />
+Fond of fierce war, to arts of gentle peace.<br />
+When late he finish'd reign at once, and life,<br />
+<a name="page_2_324"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;324]</span>
+The Latian females, nobles, commons, all<br />
+In streaming tears, bewail'd their Numa dead.<br />
+His consort Rome deserted, and lay hid<br />
+In the deep forests of Aricia's vale;<br />
+And with her wailings and her mournful sighs,<br />
+The rites impeded in Diana's fane.<br />
+How oft the nymphs who dwelt in lakes and groves,<br />
+Kind admonitions gave her not to mourn,<br />
+And sooth'd her with consolatory words!<br />
+How oft the son of Theseus weeping, said;<br />
+“Cease thus to grieve, nor think your fate alone<br />
+“Is hard. Look round awhile on others' woes;<br />
+“More mild your own you'll bear. Would that not mine<br />
+“Were such as might assuage your woe; but mine,<br />
+“When heard, to calm your grief may something yield.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Haply report has sounded in your ears<br />
+“Of one Hippolytus the fate, destroy'd<br />
+“Through his most impious step-dame's treacherous fraud,<br />
+“And sire's credulity. With much surprize<br />
+“You'll hear,&mdash;nay scarcely will you trust my words,<br />
+“But he am I! Pasiphaë's daughter me<br />
+“Accus'd, that I with vain endeavour try'd<br />
+“To violate my parent's nuptial couch:<br />
+“Me feigning guilty of the crime she wish'd;<br />
+“On me th' offence retorting, or through fear<br />
+“I might accuse, or rage at her repulse.<br />
+<a name="page_2_325"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;325]</span>
+“My sire, me guiltless from the city drove,<br />
+“And curs'd me going with most hostile prayers.<br />
+“To Pitthean Træzen I my exil'd flight<br />
+“Directed: and now drove along the shore<br />
+“Of Corinth's sea; when ocean sudden heav'd;<br />
+“A mighty heap of waters bent appear'd,<br />
+“Like an huge hill, and increase seem'd to gain;<br />
+“Then roaring loud was at its summit cleft.<br />
+“Thence, from the bursting waves a horned bull<br />
+“Rush'd forth, breast-high uprearing in the air;<br />
+“Spouting the waves through his capacious mouth<br />
+“And nostrils. Terror seiz'd my comrades' breasts:<br />
+“Fill'd with the thoughts of exile, mine alone<br />
+“Unmov'd remain'd. While my impatient steeds,<br />
+“Turn'd to the main their heads; with ears erect<br />
+“Affrighted stood; then by the beast appall'd,<br />
+“Rush'd rapid with the car o'er lofty rocks.<br />
+“With a vain hand I strive to gird the curb,<br />
+“Besmear'd with foaming whiteness; bending back<br />
+“With all my might I pull the pliant reins.<br />
+“Nor had my horses' furious madness mock'd<br />
+“My strength, save that the fast-revolving wheel<br />
+“A tree opposing struck, and shatter'd: wide<br />
+“The fragments flew. I from the car was thrown,<br />
+“Entangled in the harness: plain to view<br />
+“Were seen my living bowels dragg'd along;<br />
+“My sinews twisted round the stump; my limbs<br />
+<a name="page_2_326"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;326]</span>
+“Part swept away, and part entangled left:<br />
+“Loud crash'd my fractur'd bones; my weary'd soul<br />
+“At length exhal'd; my body nought retain'd<br />
+“That could be known, one all-continued wound.<br />
+“Can you, O nymph! or dare you, now compare<br />
+“Your woe with mine? Since then I have beheld<br />
+“The realm of darkness, and my mangled limbs<br />
+“Bath'd in the waves of Phlegethon. Nor life<br />
+“Had been restor'd, but through the forceful help,<br />
+“Of medicine that Apollo's offspring gave.<br />
+“From him Pæonian aid when I had gain'd<br />
+“By plants of power, though much in Pluto's spite,<br />
+“Cynthia me cover'd with her densest clouds:<br />
+“And lest my sight their hatred should increase,<br />
+“That safe I might remain, and without risk<br />
+“Be seen, she gave to my appearance age,<br />
+“Nor left me features to be known again:<br />
+“And long deliberated, whether Crete<br />
+“Or Delos, for my dwelling she would chuse.<br />
+“But, Crete and Delos both abandon'd, here<br />
+“She plac'd me, and my name she bade renounce<br />
+“Which still reminded me of my wild steeds;<br />
+“Saying&mdash;O thou, Hippolytus who wast!<br />
+“Be Virbius now! Thenceforth within these groves<br />
+“I dwell,&mdash;a minor deity, I tend<br />
+“My heavenly mistress, and increase her train.�<br />
+<a name="page_2_327"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;327]</span>
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But foreign griefs possess'd not power to chase<br />
+Egeria's woe; who at a mountain's foot<br />
+Thrown prostrate, melted in a flood of tears;<br />
+'Till Ph&oelig;bus' sister by her sorrow mov'd,<br />
+Transform'd her body to a cooling fount;<br />
+And her limbs melted to still-during streams.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The miracle the wondering nymphs beheld;<br />
+Nor stood the son of Amazonia's queen<br />
+With less surprize than on the bosom seiz'd<br />
+Of the Tyrrhenian ploughman, when he view'd<br />
+The fate-foretelling clod, amidst the fields.<br />
+At first spontaneous and untouch'd it mov'd;<br />
+Then took a human figure; shook off earth,<br />
+And op'd its new-form'd prophesying mouth:<br />
+Tages the natives call'd him, who first taught<br />
+Th' Etruscan race the future to explain:<br />
+Or Romulus, when he his spear beheld<br />
+Stuck on Palatium's hill, and sudden sprout:<br />
+By a new root, not by its steely point,<br />
+Fixt fast: no more a weapon, but a tree,<br />
+With pliant branches, which afford a shade<br />
+Unlook'd for to the wondering people round:<br />
+Or Cippus, when he in the flowing stream<br />
+Beheld his new-form'd horns (for them he saw)<br />
+But thought th' appearance false; and what he view'd,<br />
+Oft rais'd his fingers to his head to touch:<br />
+<a name="page_2_328"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;328]</span>
+No more his eyes distrusting, then he stood,<br />
+(As victor from a conquer'd foe he came,)<br />
+And raising up to heaven his hands and eyes,<br />
+“Ye gods!� he said, “whatever this portends,<br />
+“If happy, to my country, to the state,<br />
+“Be it;&mdash;if ominous of ill, to me.�<br />
+And then with odorous fires the gods ador'd,<br />
+On grassy altars of the green sward form'd;<br />
+And from the goblets pour'd the wine; and search'd,<br />
+The panting entrails of the slaughter'd sheep,<br />
+For what was meant. Th' Etruscan seer beheld<br />
+That mighty revolutions they foretold;<br />
+But yet obscurely: till his piercing eye<br />
+He from the entrails turn'd to Cippus' horns.<br />
+Then cry'd;&mdash;“Save thee, O king! for lo! the place<br />
+“For thee, O Cippus! and thy horns, the towers<br />
+“Of Latium will obey. Thou only haste;<br />
+“Delay not, but within the open gates<br />
+“Enter; so fate commands. In them receiv'd<br />
+“King wilt thou be; in safety wilt enjoy<br />
+“An ever-during kingdom.� Back he drew<br />
+His feet, and from the city's walls he turn'd<br />
+Sternly his looks; exclaiming; “far, ye gods!<br />
+“O, far avert these omens! Better I<br />
+“An exile roam for life, than monarch rule<br />
+“The Capitol.� Then he assembled straight<br />
+The reverend senate, and the people round:<br />
+<a name="page_2_329"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;329]</span>
+But first with peaceful laurel veil'd his horns:<br />
+Then on a mound, there by the soldiers rais'd,<br />
+He stood; and pray'd in ancient mode to heaven.<br />
+“Lo! here,� he cry'd, “is one, whom save ye drive<br />
+“Far from your city, will your monarch be;<br />
+“By marks, but not by name I him describe:<br />
+“Two horns his forehead bears. He is the man,<br />
+“Once in the town receiv'd, the augur tells,<br />
+“With servile laws will rule ye. Nay, he might<br />
+“Your open gates have enter'd, but myself<br />
+“Oppos'd him; though more near to me is none.<br />
+“Expel him, Romans! from your city far;<br />
+“Or, if he merit them, with massive chains<br />
+“Load him: or rid yourself at once of fear<br />
+“By the proud tyrant's death.� Such murmurs sound<br />
+'Mid lofty pines, when Eurus whistles fierce;<br />
+Such is the roaring of the ocean waves<br />
+Rolling far distant, as the crowd sent forth:<br />
+Till from amidst the all-confounding noise<br />
+One spoke more loud, and&mdash;“which is he?� exclaim'd.<br />
+Then all the brows they search'd, the horns to find.<br />
+Cippus again address'd them. “What you seek<br />
+“Behold!� and from his head the garland tore,<br />
+Spite of their efforts, and his forehead shew'd,<br />
+With double horns distinguish'd. All their eyes<br />
+Depress'd, and sighs from every bosom burst:<br />
+Unwillingly, (incredible!) they view<br />
+<a name="page_2_330"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;330]</span>
+That head so bright with merit. Then, no more<br />
+Bearing that honors due he should not gain,<br />
+They bind his temples with a festal crown.<br />
+Thee, Cippus! since within the walls forbid<br />
+To enter, now the senators present<br />
+A grateful gift; a tract of land so large<br />
+As with a plough, by two yok'd oxen drawn,<br />
+Thou canst from morn till close of day surround.<br />
+The horns, the type of this stupendous fact,<br />
+Long shall remain on brazen pillars grav'd.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ye muses, patrons of the poet's song,<br />
+Explain (for all complete your knowledge, age<br />
+Most distant ne'er deceives you) why the isle<br />
+In Tiber's bosom, by his billows wash'd,<br />
+The rites of Esculapius introduc'd<br />
+Into the town of Romulus! A plague<br />
+Of direst form infected Latium's air,<br />
+And the pale bloodless bodies wasted thin<br />
+Squalid in poison. When the numerous deaths<br />
+Prov'd every effort of mankind was vain,<br />
+And vain the art of medicine, they beseech<br />
+Celestial aid, and unto Delphos go,<br />
+Apollo's oracle, 'mid place of earth;<br />
+Pray him to help their miserable state<br />
+With health-affording words; and end at once<br />
+The dreadful pest which scourg'd their mighty town.<br />
+<a name="page_2_331"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;331]</span>
+The fane, the laurel, and the quiver, slung<br />
+Upon his shoulder, shook; and this reply<br />
+The tripod from its secret depth return'd;<br />
+Thrilling their fear-struck bosoms: “What you seek,<br />
+“O Romans! here, you should have nearer sought:<br />
+“And nearer now ev'n seek it. Ph&oelig;bus' aid<br />
+“Your woe can lessen not; but Ph&oelig;bus' son<br />
+“Can help ye: therefore with good omens go,<br />
+“And call my offspring to afford relief.�<br />
+Soon as the prudent senators receiv'd<br />
+The god's commands, with diligence they seek<br />
+What city's walls Apollo's son contain;<br />
+Depute a band, whom favoring breezes waft<br />
+To Epidaurus' shores. Soon as their keels<br />
+Touch'd on the strand, they to th' assembled crowd<br />
+Of Grecian elders haste; and earnest beg<br />
+To grant their deity, to check the rage<br />
+Of death amongst the hapless Latian race,<br />
+By his mere presence. So unerring fate<br />
+Had said. Divided is the council's voice:<br />
+Some would the aid besought, be granted; some,<br />
+And many, these oppose; refuse to send<br />
+To foreign lands their patron, and their god.<br />
+While dubious they deliberated, eve<br />
+Chas'd the remains of light, and the earth's shade<br />
+Threw darkness round; when, lo! the helping god<br />
+Appear'd in sleep before the Roman's bed<br />
+<a name="page_2_332"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;332]</span>
+To stand, in form like what his temples grace.<br />
+His left hand bore a rugged staff; his right<br />
+Strok'd down the hairs of his expanded beard;<br />
+As thus with words of import mild he spoke;<br />
+“Fear not, for I will come; my temple leave.<br />
+“View but this snake which with his circling folds<br />
+“My staff entwines; remark him, that again<br />
+“You well may know him; chang'd to such a form<br />
+“Will I be; but more huge I will appear;<br />
+“Mighty in bulk as heavenly beings ought.�<br />
+The vision ceas'd, and vanish'd with the words:<br />
+And with the god fled sleep; and cheerful light<br />
+Follow'd the flight of Somnus. Now the morn<br />
+Had chas'd the starry fires; the Grecian chiefs,<br />
+Still dubious, in the splendid temple meet<br />
+Of the intreated deity, and pray<br />
+That some celestial sign he should display,<br />
+To prove which country for his seat he chose.<br />
+Scarce had they ended, when the shining god<br />
+Fore-running hisses sent; and as a snake<br />
+With lofty crest appear'd: at his approach<br />
+His statue, altars, portals, gilded roofs,<br />
+And marble pavement shook. He rear'd his chest<br />
+Sublime amid the temple; and around<br />
+Darted his eyes, which shone with living fire.<br />
+Trembled the fear-struck crowd. The sacred priest,<br />
+His hair encircled with a snowy band,<br />
+<a name="page_2_333"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;333]</span>
+Straight knew him; and, “the God! the God!� exclaim'd:<br />
+“All present, him with hearts and tongues adore!<br />
+“O glorious deity! may thou, thus seen,<br />
+“Propitious be; thy worshippers protect,<br />
+“Who keep thy rites.� All present to the god<br />
+Adoring bend, and all his words repeat;<br />
+And Rome's embassadors with fervor join<br />
+In mind and voice. To these the god consents,<br />
+And his crest moving, certain signs affords:<br />
+Thrice hissing, thrice he shakes his forked tongue,<br />
+Then down the shining steps he glides, his head<br />
+Retorted; as he thence departs he views<br />
+His ancient altars, and a last salute,<br />
+His wonted seat, his long-own'd temple, gives.<br />
+Thence rolls he huge along the ground bestrew'd<br />
+With scatter'd flowers, in curving folds entwin'd;<br />
+And through the city's centre takes his way,<br />
+To where the bending mole the port defends.<br />
+Here rested he; and to dismiss appear'd<br />
+His followers, and the kind attending crowd,<br />
+With gracious looks; then in th' Ausonian ship<br />
+He plac'd his length. A deity's huge weight<br />
+The ship confess'd; the keel beneath the load<br />
+Bent. Glad Æneäs' offspring felt, and loos'd<br />
+(A bull first sacrific'd upon the shore,)<br />
+The cables which their crowded galley bound.<br />
+Light airs impell'd the vessel. High aloft<br />
+<a name="page_2_334"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;334]</span>
+The god appear'd; upon the curving poop<br />
+Rested his neck, and view'd the azure waves.<br />
+By zephyrs wafted o'er th' Iönian sea,<br />
+They reach'd Italia when the sixth time rose<br />
+Aurora. Pass'd Scylacea, and the fane<br />
+Of Juno, on Lacinia's noted shore;<br />
+Japygia left, and shunn'd Amphissia's rocks<br />
+With larboard oars; and, coasting on the right,<br />
+Ceraunia, and Romechium pass'd, and pass'd<br />
+Narycia and Caulonia; they, (the risks<br />
+Of sea, and of Pelorus' narrow straits<br />
+Surmounted) pass th' Æolian monarch's isles;<br />
+Metallic Themesis; Leucasia's land;<br />
+And warm and rosy Pæstus. Thence they coast<br />
+Along Capræa; and Minerva's cape;<br />
+And pass Surrentum, rich in generous wine,<br />
+The town of Hercules; Parthenopé,<br />
+Built for soft ease; with Stabia; and from thence<br />
+Pass the Cumæan Sybil's sacred dome.<br />
+Hence by Linternum, with the mastich rich;<br />
+And boiling fountains are they borne; and past<br />
+Vulturnus sucking sand within the gulf;<br />
+And Sinuessa, fill'd with milk-white doves:<br />
+Marshy Minturnæ; with Cajeta, rais'd<br />
+By him she nurs'd; Antiphates' abode;<br />
+Trachas, by fens encompass'd; Circé's land;<br />
+And Antium's solid shore. Here when the crew<br />
+<a name="page_2_335"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;335]</span>
+Had with toe flying vessel reach'd, (for now<br />
+Rough was the main) the god his folds untwines,<br />
+Glides on in frequent coils, and spires immense;<br />
+Entering a temple of his sire that stood<br />
+Close by the yellow beach. The ocean calm'd,<br />
+The Epidaurian god his father's fane<br />
+Now leaves; a deity to him close join'd<br />
+Thus hospitable found: the sandy shore<br />
+Ploughs in a furrow with his rattling scales:<br />
+Then, in the steersman confident, he rests<br />
+On the high poop his head, till they approach<br />
+Lavinium's city, and her sacred seat,<br />
+And Tiber's mouth. The people rush in heaps,<br />
+And crowds of matrons and of fathers rush,<br />
+Confus'dly hither; even the vestal maids<br />
+Who guard the sacred fire: and all salute<br />
+The god with joyful clamor. Then where'er<br />
+The rapid vessel cleaves th' opposing stream,<br />
+The incense crackles on the banks, and rais'd<br />
+Are lines of altars, thick on either shore;<br />
+The smoke perfumes the air; the victims bleed<br />
+In heaps, and warm the sacrificial knife.<br />
+The Roman city now, the world's great head,<br />
+They enter'd, up erect the serpent rose;<br />
+From the mast's loftiest summit tower'd his neck,<br />
+And round he look'd to chuse a fit abode.<br />
+The waves circumfluent in two equal streams<br />
+<a name="page_2_336"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;336]</span>
+Divide; the isle has thence its name, the arms<br />
+On either side are stretch'd, land in the midst.<br />
+Hither the Æsculapian snake himself<br />
+Betook, departing from the Latian ship;<br />
+Resum'd his form celestial, and their griefs<br />
+Dispersing, came health-bearer to the land.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A foreign power he in our temples stands,<br />
+But Cæsar, in his native town a god<br />
+Is worshipp'd. In the forum, and the field<br />
+Fam'd equal: yet not his well-finish'd wars,<br />
+His triumphs, nor the deeds in peace perform'd<br />
+So justly chang'd him to an heavenly shape,<br />
+A blazing star, as did the son he left.<br />
+For no atchievement Cæsar e'er perform'd<br />
+Can with the boast to be Augustus' sire<br />
+Compare. Far greater this than to subdue<br />
+The sea-girt Britons:&mdash;his victorious fleets<br />
+To seven-mouth'd Nile to lead;&mdash;to bring the realms<br />
+Cinyphian Juba rul'd, 'neath Rome's control,<br />
+Rebel Numidia; and, puff'd high in pride<br />
+With Mithridates' glory, Pontus' land;<br />
+Rich triumphs to have gain'd, and triumphs more<br />
+To merit, as a man so great produce;<br />
+To whose presiding care, O bounteous gods!<br />
+Mankind ye gave, and them completely blest.<br />
+And lest he seem from mortal seed to spring<br />
+<a name="page_2_337"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;337]</span>
+His sire must mount to heaven, in form a god.<br />
+This the bright mother of Æneäs saw,<br />
+And for the priest beheld a mournful fate<br />
+Prepar'd, and moving saw the arms conspir'd.<br />
+She trembled, and to every god she met<br />
+Address'd her: “Lo! what deep and potent plots<br />
+“Against me they prepare. See, with what art<br />
+“His life is sought, who sole to me is left<br />
+“Of my Iülus. Why must I alone<br />
+“Be harrass'd still with never-ceasing cares?<br />
+“Whom now Tydides' Calydonian spear<br />
+“Wounds; now the walls of ill-protected Troy<br />
+“Lie prostrate. Who my darling son behold<br />
+“Driv'n to long wanderings; on the ocean toss'd;<br />
+“Entering the silent mansions of the dead;<br />
+“Waging fierce war with Turnus; or, if truth<br />
+“I speak, with Juno rather. Yet why now<br />
+“Record I former sufferings in my sons?<br />
+“Terror prevents all memory of the past;<br />
+“See, where at me their impious swords they point!<br />
+“O, I conjure you! stay them; and prevent<br />
+“The horrid deed; lest, spilt the high-priest's blood,<br />
+“The fires of Vesta be for ever dark.�<br />
+With words like these did troubled Venus move<br />
+Each power of heaven, in vain; yet all were touch'd,<br />
+And, though the stern decrees of rigid fate<br />
+To break unable, tokens plain they gave,<br />
+<a name="page_2_338"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;338]</span>
+That some immense calamity was nigh.<br />
+They tell, that clashing arms 'mid the black clouds,<br />
+And dreadful horns and trumpets in the heavens<br />
+Sounded, to warn us of the impious deed.<br />
+Full of solicitude the earth beheld<br />
+The pale wan image of sad Ph&oelig;bus' face.<br />
+Torches were often seen 'mid heaven to glare;<br />
+And from the clouds oft gory drops were shed.<br />
+Blue Lucifer a dusky hue o'ercast;<br />
+And Luna's car was sprinkled o'er with blood.<br />
+Th' infernal owl in numerous places shriek'd,<br />
+A direful omen! In a thousand fanes<br />
+The ivory statues wept; the sacred groves<br />
+Re-echo'd all with songs and threatening sounds.<br />
+No victim seem'd appeasing; tumults vast<br />
+Approaching shew'd the entrails; and appear'd<br />
+The liver always with a wounded head.<br />
+Around the domes, and temples of the gods<br />
+Loud howl'd the midnight dogs; the silent shades<br />
+Flitted along; and tremblings shook the town.<br />
+Yet could not these forebodings of the heavens<br />
+Crush the conspiracy, or ward his fate;<br />
+And in the temple were the weapons drawn:<br />
+For, but the senate-house, no spot could please<br />
+The vile assassins for the bloody deed.<br />
+Then Cytherea smote her lovely breast<br />
+In anguish; and beneath an heavenly cloud<br />
+<a name="page_2_339"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;339]</span>
+Sought to conceal him: such a cloud as once<br />
+From furious Menelaüs Paris sav'd;<br />
+And snatch'd Æneäs from Tydides' sword.<br />
+Then thus her sire: “O daughter! hast thou power<br />
+“Th' immutable decrees of fate to change?<br />
+“To thee 'tis granted to inspect the dome<br />
+“Of the three sisters; there thou wilt behold<br />
+“Th' eternal tablets of events engrav'd<br />
+“On steel and brass, a work of mighty toil.<br />
+“Safe, they nor fear the clashing of the sky,<br />
+“Nor rage of thunder, nor of ruin aught.<br />
+“There wilt thou written find thy offspring's fate<br />
+“On ever-during adamant. Myself<br />
+“Have read it, and record it in my mind;<br />
+“And lest thou should'st be to the future blind,<br />
+“I will relate it. He for whom thou toil'st,<br />
+“O Cytherea! has his time fulfill'd;<br />
+“The sum of years which to the earth he ow'd.<br />
+“That he a deity in heaven may rise,<br />
+“And be in temples worshipp'd is thy care,<br />
+“And his successor's; who his name will take,<br />
+“And on his shoulders bear the wide world's rule;<br />
+“On him impos'd. He, of his murder'd sire<br />
+“Valiant avenger, shall in all his wars<br />
+“Our favoring influence feel. Mutina's walls,<br />
+“By him besieg'd, in conquest shall confess<br />
+“His power, and sue for peace. Pharsalia, him<br />
+<a name="page_2_340"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;340]</span>
+“Shall feel; and, drench'd in Macedonian blood<br />
+“Again, Philippi. On Sicilia's seas<br />
+“His mighty name shall conquer. Egypt's queen,<br />
+“Falsely relying on the nuptial bond<br />
+“With Rome's triumvir, falls: all vain her threats,<br />
+“That Tiber should subservient bend to Nile.<br />
+“Why should I speak to thee of barbarous hordes,<br />
+“Nations which dwell at either seas' extreme?<br />
+“Whatever habitable earth contains<br />
+“Will to his empire bend. Ocean will own<br />
+“His sway. Peace on th'extended earth bestow'd,<br />
+“To civil studies will his breast be turn'd;<br />
+“And laws most equitable will he frame.<br />
+“By his example curb licentious souls;<br />
+“And, stretching forward to a future age<br />
+“His anxious care, which their sons' sons may feel,<br />
+“His offspring, nurtur'd in a pious womb,<br />
+“At once his name and station will assume.<br />
+“Nor shall he touch th' ethereal seats, nor join<br />
+“His kindred stars till full like him in years.<br />
+“Meantime his soul, snatch'd from the mangled corse,<br />
+“Form to a brilliant star, a god divine:<br />
+“That Julius from his lofty seat may still<br />
+“Our forum, and our Capitol behold.�<br />
+Scarcely the sire had ceas'd, when Venus, bright,<br />
+But unperceiv'd by all, stood in the midst<br />
+Of Rome's assembled senate; from the breast<br />
+<a name="page_2_341"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;341]</span>
+Of her lov'd Cæsar took the recent soul,<br />
+Nor let it waste in air. Up to the stars<br />
+She bore it. Rapid as she swept along,<br />
+She saw it shine with light, she saw it burn;<br />
+Then from her bosom spring above the moon:<br />
+Lofty it flies, it shines a glittering star,<br />
+Dragging a flaming tail's stupendous length.<br />
+Viewing the glorious actions of his son,<br />
+Candid he grants them mightier than his own,<br />
+And thus surpast rejoices. Let him frown,<br />
+If to his parent's deeds we his prefer;<br />
+Yet fame quite free will such commands despise,<br />
+Give him unwish'd-for precedence; and here,<br />
+And here alone he'll disobedience find.<br />
+So Atreus yielded to the mighty fame<br />
+Of Agamemnon; Theseus so surpass'd<br />
+Ægeus; and Achilles Peleus so.<br />
+Nay more, examples nearer to themselves<br />
+If I should use, Saturn submits to Jove.<br />
+Jove rules th' ethereal sky, the triform world;<br />
+And all the earth beneath Augustus lies:<br />
+Each is the sire and ruler of his realm.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O, I implore, ye gods! who did attend<br />
+Æneäs,&mdash;who made fire and sword retreat!<br />
+Ye native deities of Latium's soil!<br />
+Quirinus, founder of the walls of Rome!<br />
+<a name="page_2_342"></a><span class="pagenum">[Pg&nbsp;342]</span>
+Mars, of Quirinus never-conquer'd, sire!<br />
+Vesta, held sacred midst the Cæsars' gods!<br />
+Domestic Ph&oelig;bus, with chaste Vesta plac'd!<br />
+And Jove, who guards the high Tarpeiän walls!<br />
+With all whom pious poets may invoke;<br />
+Slow may that day arrive, and older far<br />
+Than what our age may see, when to the clouds<br />
+His glorious head shall mount, quitting this globe<br />
+He rules so well, and our beseeching prayers<br />
+Bending with condescending ear to grant.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="nowrap">
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now is my work complete, which not Jove's ire,<br />
+Nor flame, nor steel, nor gnawing tooth of age,<br />
+Shall e'er destroy. Come when it will, that day<br />
+Which nothing, save my mortal frame, can touch.<br />
+Which ends the being of a dubious life,<br />
+My better part unperishing shall mount<br />
+Above the loftiest stars. Eternal still<br />
+Shall be my name. Where'er Rome's power extends<br />
+O'er conquer'd earth, my verses shall be read;<br />
+And, if the presages by poets given<br />
+Be true, to endless years my fame shall live.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="volumeend">
+FINIS.<br />
+</p>
+<p class="printer">
+Hayden, Printer, Brydges Street, Covent Garden.
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus
+Naso in English blank verse Vols. I, by Ovid
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK METAMORPHOSES ***
+
+***** This file should be named 28621-h.htm or 28621-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/6/2/28621/
+
+Produced by Michael Roe, Ted Garvin and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/28621-h/images/front.jpg b/28621-h/images/front.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5dcbab8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-h/images/front.jpg
diff --git a/28621-h/images/vol1.JPG b/28621-h/images/vol1.JPG
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..82c2d2d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-h/images/vol1.JPG
diff --git a/28621-h/images/vol1.jpg b/28621-h/images/vol1.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..82c2d2d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-h/images/vol1.jpg
diff --git a/28621-page-images/c0001-image1.jpg b/28621-page-images/c0001-image1.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ad37601
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/c0001-image1.jpg
diff --git a/28621-page-images/f0000-image1.jpg b/28621-page-images/f0000-image1.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1881e2f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/f0000-image1.jpg
diff --git a/28621-page-images/f0001-image1.jpg b/28621-page-images/f0001-image1.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2ebce9e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/f0001-image1.jpg
diff --git a/28621-page-images/f0001.png b/28621-page-images/f0001.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e17265f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/f0001.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/f0003.png b/28621-page-images/f0003.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2731e7e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/f0003.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0003.png b/28621-page-images/p0003.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f5d5dea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0003.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0004.png b/28621-page-images/p0004.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6c95643
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0004.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0005.png b/28621-page-images/p0005.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7d4ede5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0005.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0006.png b/28621-page-images/p0006.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1ae3056
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0006.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0007.png b/28621-page-images/p0007.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c9bc2df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0007.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0008.png b/28621-page-images/p0008.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9eb0a3d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0008.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0009.png b/28621-page-images/p0009.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60f1de7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0009.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0010.png b/28621-page-images/p0010.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8b20925
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0010.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0011.png b/28621-page-images/p0011.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..05c8591
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0011.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0012.png b/28621-page-images/p0012.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..155747c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0012.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0013.png b/28621-page-images/p0013.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9d26634
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0013.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0014.png b/28621-page-images/p0014.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6c28bf3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0014.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0015.png b/28621-page-images/p0015.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..040f0da
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0015.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0016.png b/28621-page-images/p0016.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e800fd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0016.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0017.png b/28621-page-images/p0017.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bd20e83
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0017.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0018.png b/28621-page-images/p0018.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cedbb6f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0018.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0019.png b/28621-page-images/p0019.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c996a64
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0019.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0020.png b/28621-page-images/p0020.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..72d184f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0020.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0021.png b/28621-page-images/p0021.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8a647fe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0021.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0022.png b/28621-page-images/p0022.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d287213
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0022.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0023.png b/28621-page-images/p0023.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4bfe786
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0023.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0024.png b/28621-page-images/p0024.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..460bd15
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0024.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0025.png b/28621-page-images/p0025.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2630f08
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0025.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0026.png b/28621-page-images/p0026.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5a8c383
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0026.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0027.png b/28621-page-images/p0027.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cfbd868
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0027.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0028.png b/28621-page-images/p0028.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1ea8a13
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0028.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0029.png b/28621-page-images/p0029.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e146ab6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0029.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0030.png b/28621-page-images/p0030.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..715b4c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0030.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0031.png b/28621-page-images/p0031.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6f1721b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0031.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0032.png b/28621-page-images/p0032.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..32fa8b2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0032.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0033.png b/28621-page-images/p0033.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..05a594a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0033.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0034.png b/28621-page-images/p0034.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b4bf253
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0034.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0035.png b/28621-page-images/p0035.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4e9ed50
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0035.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0036.png b/28621-page-images/p0036.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..797e875
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0036.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0037.png b/28621-page-images/p0037.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c4f2395
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0037.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0038.png b/28621-page-images/p0038.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f53dead
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0038.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0039.png b/28621-page-images/p0039.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7586126
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0039.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0041.png b/28621-page-images/p0041.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..351d83d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0041.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0042.png b/28621-page-images/p0042.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fac00dd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0042.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0043.png b/28621-page-images/p0043.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ed52c5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0043.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0044.png b/28621-page-images/p0044.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2c54cc2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0044.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0045.png b/28621-page-images/p0045.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5b371a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0045.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0046.png b/28621-page-images/p0046.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a2d2b5f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0046.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0047.png b/28621-page-images/p0047.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..39aef7e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0047.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0048.png b/28621-page-images/p0048.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60b969e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0048.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0049.png b/28621-page-images/p0049.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6b380bb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0049.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0050.png b/28621-page-images/p0050.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d96e40
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0050.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0051.png b/28621-page-images/p0051.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..462ae33
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0051.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0052.png b/28621-page-images/p0052.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8552b50
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0052.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0053.png b/28621-page-images/p0053.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cf91d84
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0053.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0054.png b/28621-page-images/p0054.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1cbb08e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0054.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0055.png b/28621-page-images/p0055.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b8320d0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0055.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0056.png b/28621-page-images/p0056.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..340258d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0056.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0057.png b/28621-page-images/p0057.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..994d28a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0057.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0058.png b/28621-page-images/p0058.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7c95aec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0058.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0059.png b/28621-page-images/p0059.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ad5fe8b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0059.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0060.png b/28621-page-images/p0060.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9ccd658
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0060.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0061.png b/28621-page-images/p0061.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d807b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0061.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0062.png b/28621-page-images/p0062.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..16afce9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0062.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0063.png b/28621-page-images/p0063.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e5dd291
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0063.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0064.png b/28621-page-images/p0064.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a694d66
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0064.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0065.png b/28621-page-images/p0065.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..75340f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0065.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0066.png b/28621-page-images/p0066.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ba68bb1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0066.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0067.png b/28621-page-images/p0067.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4e67643
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0067.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0068.png b/28621-page-images/p0068.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6b1f75e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0068.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0069.png b/28621-page-images/p0069.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f7b69fe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0069.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0070.png b/28621-page-images/p0070.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6f0d271
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0070.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0071.png b/28621-page-images/p0071.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9ed139f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0071.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0072.png b/28621-page-images/p0072.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dfb9dbe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0072.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0073.png b/28621-page-images/p0073.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dc539ba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0073.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0074.png b/28621-page-images/p0074.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f98f78c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0074.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0075.png b/28621-page-images/p0075.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e85e0d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0075.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0076.png b/28621-page-images/p0076.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..23eb2ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0076.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0077.png b/28621-page-images/p0077.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6c74c42
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0077.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0078.png b/28621-page-images/p0078.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dfb48c1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0078.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0079.png b/28621-page-images/p0079.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e569ff0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0079.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0080.png b/28621-page-images/p0080.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bdb9aab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0080.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0081.png b/28621-page-images/p0081.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3997133
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0081.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0082.png b/28621-page-images/p0082.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5484c9a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0082.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0083.png b/28621-page-images/p0083.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..12ac5c7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0083.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0085.png b/28621-page-images/p0085.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..afd9554
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0085.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0086.png b/28621-page-images/p0086.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b572b2b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0086.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0087.png b/28621-page-images/p0087.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d42968a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0087.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0088.png b/28621-page-images/p0088.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e90692
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0088.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0089.png b/28621-page-images/p0089.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..57120ea
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0089.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0090.png b/28621-page-images/p0090.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c3098a0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0090.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0091.png b/28621-page-images/p0091.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b049b7f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0091.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0092.png b/28621-page-images/p0092.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..494c764
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0092.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0093.png b/28621-page-images/p0093.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..625eed4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0093.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0094.png b/28621-page-images/p0094.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9accc33
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0094.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0095.png b/28621-page-images/p0095.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5709ea7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0095.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0096.png b/28621-page-images/p0096.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4826e91
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0096.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0097.png b/28621-page-images/p0097.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eb04b26
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0097.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0098.png b/28621-page-images/p0098.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e4ad1ab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0098.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0099.png b/28621-page-images/p0099.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..65ea117
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0099.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0100.png b/28621-page-images/p0100.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..790bd17
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0100.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0101.png b/28621-page-images/p0101.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ca0e58f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0101.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0102.png b/28621-page-images/p0102.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1f13866
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0102.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0103.png b/28621-page-images/p0103.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7e4f1f4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0103.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0104.png b/28621-page-images/p0104.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4f83ce8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0104.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0105.png b/28621-page-images/p0105.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6e9487f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0105.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0106.png b/28621-page-images/p0106.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9db221b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0106.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0107.png b/28621-page-images/p0107.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ef61468
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0107.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0108.png b/28621-page-images/p0108.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b56f563
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0108.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0109.png b/28621-page-images/p0109.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7be6f15
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0109.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0110.png b/28621-page-images/p0110.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2d85666
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0110.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0111.png b/28621-page-images/p0111.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a3516ec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0111.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0112.png b/28621-page-images/p0112.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..54105e4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0112.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0113.png b/28621-page-images/p0113.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e22538b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0113.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0114.png b/28621-page-images/p0114.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cad0b71
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0114.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0115.png b/28621-page-images/p0115.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a66a359
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0115.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0116.png b/28621-page-images/p0116.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5c68473
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0116.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0117.png b/28621-page-images/p0117.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a4fedaf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0117.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0118.png b/28621-page-images/p0118.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e15affd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0118.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0119.png b/28621-page-images/p0119.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..598b009
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0119.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0120.png b/28621-page-images/p0120.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0811d3f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0120.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0121.png b/28621-page-images/p0121.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a790005
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0121.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0123.png b/28621-page-images/p0123.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..027f4b3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0123.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0125.png b/28621-page-images/p0125.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..36bbdcc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0125.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0126.png b/28621-page-images/p0126.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e0b79f7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0126.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0127.png b/28621-page-images/p0127.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67adfd4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0127.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0128.png b/28621-page-images/p0128.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6ea657a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0128.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0129.png b/28621-page-images/p0129.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9da82f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0129.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0130.png b/28621-page-images/p0130.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..24be2df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0130.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0131.png b/28621-page-images/p0131.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a2441ff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0131.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0132.png b/28621-page-images/p0132.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e9001b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0132.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0133.png b/28621-page-images/p0133.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60bec6e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0133.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0134.png b/28621-page-images/p0134.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7d0c95
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0134.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0135.png b/28621-page-images/p0135.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c256fbf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0135.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0136.png b/28621-page-images/p0136.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..92529eb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0136.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0137.png b/28621-page-images/p0137.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..48a880b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0137.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0138.png b/28621-page-images/p0138.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b935d26
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0138.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0139.png b/28621-page-images/p0139.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d80e9ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0139.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0140.png b/28621-page-images/p0140.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f6e6d8d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0140.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0141.png b/28621-page-images/p0141.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9ef7956
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0141.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0142.png b/28621-page-images/p0142.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c6ccaab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0142.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0143.png b/28621-page-images/p0143.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e455780
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0143.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0144.png b/28621-page-images/p0144.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b6002ae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0144.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0145.png b/28621-page-images/p0145.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..17649c6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0145.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0146.png b/28621-page-images/p0146.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..29b9c24
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0146.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0147.png b/28621-page-images/p0147.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7b47d51
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0147.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0148.png b/28621-page-images/p0148.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aa9655b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0148.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0149.png b/28621-page-images/p0149.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8116edf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0149.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0150.png b/28621-page-images/p0150.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..12d1854
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0150.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0151.png b/28621-page-images/p0151.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b8f421a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0151.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0152.png b/28621-page-images/p0152.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d1cc69f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0152.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0153.png b/28621-page-images/p0153.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fdbee7e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0153.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0154.png b/28621-page-images/p0154.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..89087f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0154.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0155.png b/28621-page-images/p0155.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..519cd66
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0155.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0156.png b/28621-page-images/p0156.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..497beaf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0156.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0157.png b/28621-page-images/p0157.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..355dd11
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0157.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0158.png b/28621-page-images/p0158.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5c1be6d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0158.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0159.png b/28621-page-images/p0159.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e4d392a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0159.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0160.png b/28621-page-images/p0160.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..711e72f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0160.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0161.png b/28621-page-images/p0161.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..495c078
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0161.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0162.png b/28621-page-images/p0162.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5142f74
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0162.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0163.png b/28621-page-images/p0163.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..97a1d01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0163.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0164.png b/28621-page-images/p0164.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3597ce5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0164.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0165.png b/28621-page-images/p0165.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aebabda
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0165.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0166.png b/28621-page-images/p0166.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7f9504d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0166.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0167.png b/28621-page-images/p0167.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b05b3e4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0167.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0169.png b/28621-page-images/p0169.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..368a0e6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0169.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0170.png b/28621-page-images/p0170.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ea92a7d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0170.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0171.png b/28621-page-images/p0171.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ca7edf1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0171.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0172.png b/28621-page-images/p0172.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..482380d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0172.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0173.png b/28621-page-images/p0173.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..811e20d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0173.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0174.png b/28621-page-images/p0174.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f60615d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0174.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0175.png b/28621-page-images/p0175.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d9d2541
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0175.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0176.png b/28621-page-images/p0176.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b249749
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0176.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0177.png b/28621-page-images/p0177.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ec33ea7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0177.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0178.png b/28621-page-images/p0178.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2aa652d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0178.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0179.png b/28621-page-images/p0179.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a20c591
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0179.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0180.png b/28621-page-images/p0180.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5de907a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0180.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0181.png b/28621-page-images/p0181.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d65f030
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0181.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0182.png b/28621-page-images/p0182.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d071f1d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0182.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0183.png b/28621-page-images/p0183.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1425be0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0183.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0184.png b/28621-page-images/p0184.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ce9620
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0184.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0185.png b/28621-page-images/p0185.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..523d1bb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0185.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0186.png b/28621-page-images/p0186.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2efc3c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0186.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0187.png b/28621-page-images/p0187.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b4d4e48
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0187.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0188.png b/28621-page-images/p0188.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..db0795d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0188.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0189.png b/28621-page-images/p0189.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..df0020e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0189.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0190.png b/28621-page-images/p0190.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..809abed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0190.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0191.png b/28621-page-images/p0191.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..66ae104
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0191.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0192.png b/28621-page-images/p0192.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..50ee81e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0192.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0193.png b/28621-page-images/p0193.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bdd1829
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0193.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0194.png b/28621-page-images/p0194.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d8438ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0194.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0195.png b/28621-page-images/p0195.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4eb1305
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0195.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0196.png b/28621-page-images/p0196.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..174e61d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0196.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0197.png b/28621-page-images/p0197.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9d93aa4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0197.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0198.png b/28621-page-images/p0198.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..abc67d1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0198.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0199.png b/28621-page-images/p0199.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1f4b3ae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0199.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0200.png b/28621-page-images/p0200.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0e594be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0200.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0201.png b/28621-page-images/p0201.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..808aaf1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0201.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0202.png b/28621-page-images/p0202.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5043c03
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0202.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0203.png b/28621-page-images/p0203.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b3aaf2d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0203.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0205.png b/28621-page-images/p0205.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..115ee69
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0205.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0206.png b/28621-page-images/p0206.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..64460f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0206.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0207.png b/28621-page-images/p0207.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5b78804
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0207.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0208.png b/28621-page-images/p0208.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e99d943
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0208.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0209.png b/28621-page-images/p0209.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5329108
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0209.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0210.png b/28621-page-images/p0210.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bfd9fb3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0210.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0211.png b/28621-page-images/p0211.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7639abc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0211.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0212.png b/28621-page-images/p0212.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b721e5c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0212.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0213.png b/28621-page-images/p0213.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9e64db0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0213.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0214.png b/28621-page-images/p0214.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0d6be32
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0214.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0215.png b/28621-page-images/p0215.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e473fd3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0215.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0216.png b/28621-page-images/p0216.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a5c63dc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0216.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0217.png b/28621-page-images/p0217.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f371f44
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0217.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0218.png b/28621-page-images/p0218.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1374ba3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0218.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0219.png b/28621-page-images/p0219.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3cb12be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0219.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0220.png b/28621-page-images/p0220.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..26e4eda
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0220.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0221.png b/28621-page-images/p0221.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bd51205
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0221.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0222.png b/28621-page-images/p0222.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a15b424
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0222.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0223.png b/28621-page-images/p0223.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9fc8b91
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0223.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0224.png b/28621-page-images/p0224.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d0e38f0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0224.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0225.png b/28621-page-images/p0225.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..77c782b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0225.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0226.png b/28621-page-images/p0226.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ae51b24
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0226.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0227.png b/28621-page-images/p0227.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8f87694
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0227.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0228.png b/28621-page-images/p0228.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..38f8246
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0228.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0229.png b/28621-page-images/p0229.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a66ba1b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0229.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0230.png b/28621-page-images/p0230.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..82dc4ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0230.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0231.png b/28621-page-images/p0231.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4775b9b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0231.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0232.png b/28621-page-images/p0232.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ddcf1e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0232.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0233.png b/28621-page-images/p0233.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8b7dd73
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0233.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0234.png b/28621-page-images/p0234.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5414910
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0234.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0235.png b/28621-page-images/p0235.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ac1be30
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0235.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0236.png b/28621-page-images/p0236.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3568418
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0236.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0237.png b/28621-page-images/p0237.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..592aaaa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0237.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0238.png b/28621-page-images/p0238.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..81ec551
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0238.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0239.png b/28621-page-images/p0239.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c250ffc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0239.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0240.png b/28621-page-images/p0240.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0606065
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0240.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0241.png b/28621-page-images/p0241.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a24b69a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0241.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0243.png b/28621-page-images/p0243.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..28991bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0243.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0245.png b/28621-page-images/p0245.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..740da6e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0245.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0246.png b/28621-page-images/p0246.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..747a5a8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0246.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0247.png b/28621-page-images/p0247.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..15f15ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0247.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0248.png b/28621-page-images/p0248.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e0e70a9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0248.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0249.png b/28621-page-images/p0249.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3698670
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0249.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0250.png b/28621-page-images/p0250.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..619774e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0250.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0251.png b/28621-page-images/p0251.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ef6c652
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0251.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0252.png b/28621-page-images/p0252.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..edb5713
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0252.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0253.png b/28621-page-images/p0253.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9ad5f39
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0253.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0254.png b/28621-page-images/p0254.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e36e765
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0254.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0255.png b/28621-page-images/p0255.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fcd943d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0255.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0256.png b/28621-page-images/p0256.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7c9479d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0256.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0257.png b/28621-page-images/p0257.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..81e520a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0257.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0258.png b/28621-page-images/p0258.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4883a3e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0258.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0259.png b/28621-page-images/p0259.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f61c1a8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0259.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0260.png b/28621-page-images/p0260.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d3d9dad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0260.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0261.png b/28621-page-images/p0261.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7ee85d1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0261.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0262.png b/28621-page-images/p0262.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5588e53
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0262.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0263.png b/28621-page-images/p0263.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0bdff88
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0263.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0264.png b/28621-page-images/p0264.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ed472be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0264.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0265.png b/28621-page-images/p0265.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..95573db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0265.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0266.png b/28621-page-images/p0266.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e3818c6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0266.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0267.png b/28621-page-images/p0267.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d11aeb9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0267.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0268.png b/28621-page-images/p0268.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c731692
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0268.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0269.png b/28621-page-images/p0269.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ac3ef82
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0269.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0270.png b/28621-page-images/p0270.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..58ae7af
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0270.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0271.png b/28621-page-images/p0271.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f3ca693
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0271.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0272.png b/28621-page-images/p0272.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0f3e575
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0272.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0273.png b/28621-page-images/p0273.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ca2793f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0273.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0274.png b/28621-page-images/p0274.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8658926
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0274.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0275.png b/28621-page-images/p0275.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f1d458a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0275.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0276.png b/28621-page-images/p0276.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7dfc821
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0276.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0277.png b/28621-page-images/p0277.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8b545a8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0277.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0278.png b/28621-page-images/p0278.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c992ebd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0278.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0279.png b/28621-page-images/p0279.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1b03a34
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0279.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0280.png b/28621-page-images/p0280.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cdb3e63
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0280.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0281.png b/28621-page-images/p0281.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1defd37
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0281.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0282.png b/28621-page-images/p0282.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f0a5a81
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0282.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0283.png b/28621-page-images/p0283.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e60bafe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0283.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0284.png b/28621-page-images/p0284.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..62b1342
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0284.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/p0285.png b/28621-page-images/p0285.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..37ae0fa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/p0285.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/q0001-image1.jpg b/28621-page-images/q0001-image1.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7217a95
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/q0001-image1.jpg
diff --git a/28621-page-images/q0001.png b/28621-page-images/q0001.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d47012a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/q0001.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/r0001.png b/28621-page-images/r0001.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..85103b5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/r0001.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0003.png b/28621-page-images/s0003.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..338e898
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0003.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0004.png b/28621-page-images/s0004.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ec0341
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0004.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0005.png b/28621-page-images/s0005.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ee727b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0005.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0006.png b/28621-page-images/s0006.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f612545
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0006.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0007.png b/28621-page-images/s0007.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9be80ab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0007.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0008.png b/28621-page-images/s0008.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..47d46ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0008.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0009.png b/28621-page-images/s0009.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b360faf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0009.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0010.png b/28621-page-images/s0010.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7fccbc1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0010.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0011.png b/28621-page-images/s0011.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..70ffed7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0011.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0012.png b/28621-page-images/s0012.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aba0f35
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0012.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0013.png b/28621-page-images/s0013.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f2c60e9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0013.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0014.png b/28621-page-images/s0014.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b223b17
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0014.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0015.png b/28621-page-images/s0015.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ae5294d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0015.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0016.png b/28621-page-images/s0016.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6c2c595
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0016.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0017.png b/28621-page-images/s0017.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4747d1f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0017.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0018.png b/28621-page-images/s0018.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60c014d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0018.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0019.png b/28621-page-images/s0019.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c188268
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0019.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0020.png b/28621-page-images/s0020.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c4c1996
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0020.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0021.png b/28621-page-images/s0021.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..edc3808
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0021.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0022.png b/28621-page-images/s0022.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2808180
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0022.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0023.png b/28621-page-images/s0023.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e49fd2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0023.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0024.png b/28621-page-images/s0024.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d0857e5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0024.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0025.png b/28621-page-images/s0025.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a10e4de
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0025.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0026.png b/28621-page-images/s0026.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2df43b1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0026.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0027.png b/28621-page-images/s0027.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4b0e360
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0027.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0028.png b/28621-page-images/s0028.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..72626c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0028.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0029.png b/28621-page-images/s0029.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..36f0867
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0029.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0030.png b/28621-page-images/s0030.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9319e27
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0030.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0031.png b/28621-page-images/s0031.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c61d6ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0031.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0032.png b/28621-page-images/s0032.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fc313cf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0032.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0033.png b/28621-page-images/s0033.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dec69bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0033.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0034.png b/28621-page-images/s0034.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..358cfcb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0034.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0035.png b/28621-page-images/s0035.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d493681
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0035.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0036.png b/28621-page-images/s0036.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9192f7b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0036.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0037.png b/28621-page-images/s0037.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0095ef2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0037.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0038.png b/28621-page-images/s0038.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2669347
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0038.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0039.png b/28621-page-images/s0039.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1d0019c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0039.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0040.png b/28621-page-images/s0040.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bf8b9ce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0040.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0041.png b/28621-page-images/s0041.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9b783b5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0041.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0042.png b/28621-page-images/s0042.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..277776c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0042.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0043.png b/28621-page-images/s0043.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9173921
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0043.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0044.png b/28621-page-images/s0044.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3212a86
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0044.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0045.png b/28621-page-images/s0045.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cde20d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0045.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0046.png b/28621-page-images/s0046.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..233bc1a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0046.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0047.png b/28621-page-images/s0047.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c40d21e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0047.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0048.png b/28621-page-images/s0048.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..04abd3e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0048.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0049.png b/28621-page-images/s0049.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ec84626
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0049.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0051.png b/28621-page-images/s0051.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4395c46
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0051.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0052.png b/28621-page-images/s0052.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e5a7076
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0052.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0053.png b/28621-page-images/s0053.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1be79c8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0053.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0054.png b/28621-page-images/s0054.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..00bfddf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0054.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0055.png b/28621-page-images/s0055.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0337364
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0055.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0056.png b/28621-page-images/s0056.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..57773c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0056.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0057.png b/28621-page-images/s0057.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d692012
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0057.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0058.png b/28621-page-images/s0058.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0349889
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0058.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0059.png b/28621-page-images/s0059.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e41ca17
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0059.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0060.png b/28621-page-images/s0060.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..68d6ec7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0060.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0061.png b/28621-page-images/s0061.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f6826aa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0061.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0062.png b/28621-page-images/s0062.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a73e611
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0062.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0063.png b/28621-page-images/s0063.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9693f10
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0063.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0064.png b/28621-page-images/s0064.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cc77d8c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0064.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0065.png b/28621-page-images/s0065.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9e4932a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0065.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0066.png b/28621-page-images/s0066.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..daccf4e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0066.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0067.png b/28621-page-images/s0067.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b2281ac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0067.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0068.png b/28621-page-images/s0068.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e8e2de
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0068.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0069.png b/28621-page-images/s0069.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..13d3dde
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0069.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0070.png b/28621-page-images/s0070.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6474031
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0070.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0071.png b/28621-page-images/s0071.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6f9fc73
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0071.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0072.png b/28621-page-images/s0072.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..11004d3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0072.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0073.png b/28621-page-images/s0073.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ef9eed0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0073.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0074.png b/28621-page-images/s0074.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3dbfbf9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0074.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0075.png b/28621-page-images/s0075.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4d69bda
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0075.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0076.png b/28621-page-images/s0076.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..445bbc4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0076.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0077.png b/28621-page-images/s0077.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5269bf9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0077.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0078.png b/28621-page-images/s0078.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0d147cf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0078.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0079.png b/28621-page-images/s0079.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..db7be31
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0079.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0080.png b/28621-page-images/s0080.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..070fd3a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0080.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0081.png b/28621-page-images/s0081.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e593321
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0081.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0082.png b/28621-page-images/s0082.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ba50760
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0082.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0083.png b/28621-page-images/s0083.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..215d0f1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0083.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0084.png b/28621-page-images/s0084.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b875657
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0084.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0085.png b/28621-page-images/s0085.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1ce4d3b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0085.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0086.png b/28621-page-images/s0086.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d88293a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0086.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0087.png b/28621-page-images/s0087.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..57d3513
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0087.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0088.png b/28621-page-images/s0088.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..91ac97b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0088.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0089.png b/28621-page-images/s0089.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..68a1159
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0089.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0090.png b/28621-page-images/s0090.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9ff5f6c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0090.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0091.png b/28621-page-images/s0091.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4a78c37
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0091.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0093.png b/28621-page-images/s0093.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..422aa6d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0093.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0094.png b/28621-page-images/s0094.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bbd93f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0094.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0095.png b/28621-page-images/s0095.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dc7e942
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0095.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0096.png b/28621-page-images/s0096.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..35834d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0096.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0097.png b/28621-page-images/s0097.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d27591f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0097.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0098.png b/28621-page-images/s0098.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6ac3957
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0098.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0099.png b/28621-page-images/s0099.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..739454d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0099.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0100.png b/28621-page-images/s0100.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ae61fcd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0100.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0101.png b/28621-page-images/s0101.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c786c95
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0101.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0102.png b/28621-page-images/s0102.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..522f66b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0102.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0103.png b/28621-page-images/s0103.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3291e66
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0103.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0104.png b/28621-page-images/s0104.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..94be92c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0104.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0105.png b/28621-page-images/s0105.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f7fb98b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0105.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0106.png b/28621-page-images/s0106.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e6672c4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0106.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0107.png b/28621-page-images/s0107.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0d42817
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0107.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0108.png b/28621-page-images/s0108.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6c59ec7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0108.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0109.png b/28621-page-images/s0109.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bb79217
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0109.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0110.png b/28621-page-images/s0110.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..64b0871
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0110.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0111.png b/28621-page-images/s0111.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4b34751
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0111.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0112.png b/28621-page-images/s0112.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..213bf6b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0112.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0113.png b/28621-page-images/s0113.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b5de89f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0113.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0114.png b/28621-page-images/s0114.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2e418ce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0114.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0115.png b/28621-page-images/s0115.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3929849
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0115.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0116.png b/28621-page-images/s0116.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..80e9262
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0116.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0117.png b/28621-page-images/s0117.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..651ef1a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0117.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0118.png b/28621-page-images/s0118.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..966e14b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0118.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0119.png b/28621-page-images/s0119.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0035bbe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0119.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0120.png b/28621-page-images/s0120.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9e5d053
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0120.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0121.png b/28621-page-images/s0121.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..66e49bb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0121.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0122.png b/28621-page-images/s0122.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e189d51
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0122.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0123.png b/28621-page-images/s0123.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..87d5659
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0123.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0124.png b/28621-page-images/s0124.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a7bde8a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0124.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0125.png b/28621-page-images/s0125.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7a064d0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0125.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0126.png b/28621-page-images/s0126.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..98494f1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0126.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0127.png b/28621-page-images/s0127.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..47f0ef2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0127.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0128.png b/28621-page-images/s0128.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..57d3dc3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0128.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0130.png b/28621-page-images/s0130.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cb87a0d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0130.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0131.png b/28621-page-images/s0131.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7d1c2c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0131.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0132.png b/28621-page-images/s0132.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..620cc81
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0132.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0133.png b/28621-page-images/s0133.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d084c1b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0133.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0134.png b/28621-page-images/s0134.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2f9f4af
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0134.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0135.png b/28621-page-images/s0135.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fb68e8e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0135.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0136.png b/28621-page-images/s0136.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8ae8870
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0136.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0137.png b/28621-page-images/s0137.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc8ee34
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0137.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0138.png b/28621-page-images/s0138.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6986ee5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0138.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0139.png b/28621-page-images/s0139.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5606d3c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0139.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0140.png b/28621-page-images/s0140.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..23f3f63
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0140.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0141.png b/28621-page-images/s0141.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b100ea4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0141.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0142.png b/28621-page-images/s0142.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f8dc723
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0142.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0143.png b/28621-page-images/s0143.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..314b1c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0143.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0144.png b/28621-page-images/s0144.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d42bac9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0144.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0145.png b/28621-page-images/s0145.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ffe6208
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0145.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0146.png b/28621-page-images/s0146.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ddf8818
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0146.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0147.png b/28621-page-images/s0147.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ccf7a5e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0147.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0148.png b/28621-page-images/s0148.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..32809af
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0148.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0149.png b/28621-page-images/s0149.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..59373a2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0149.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0150.png b/28621-page-images/s0150.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..17c5f28
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0150.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0151.png b/28621-page-images/s0151.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..47ae485
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0151.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0152.png b/28621-page-images/s0152.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3f25283
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0152.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0153.png b/28621-page-images/s0153.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4b76fda
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0153.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0154.png b/28621-page-images/s0154.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..55f14a0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0154.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0155.png b/28621-page-images/s0155.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8072928
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0155.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0156.png b/28621-page-images/s0156.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fa4e9a7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0156.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0157.png b/28621-page-images/s0157.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bbbc677
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0157.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0158.png b/28621-page-images/s0158.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c9cb972
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0158.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0159.png b/28621-page-images/s0159.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b98b897
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0159.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0160.png b/28621-page-images/s0160.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c9c4f56
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0160.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0161.png b/28621-page-images/s0161.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b2b2ca3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0161.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0162.png b/28621-page-images/s0162.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a59283b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0162.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0163.png b/28621-page-images/s0163.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..707325b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0163.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0164.png b/28621-page-images/s0164.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..146cba5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0164.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0165.png b/28621-page-images/s0165.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ef7473
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0165.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0166.png b/28621-page-images/s0166.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..65c053c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0166.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0167.png b/28621-page-images/s0167.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..007c591
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0167.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0168.png b/28621-page-images/s0168.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..934fd62
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0168.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0169.png b/28621-page-images/s0169.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f06f888
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0169.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0170.png b/28621-page-images/s0170.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d9bfb4c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0170.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0171.png b/28621-page-images/s0171.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e3c70fe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0171.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0173.png b/28621-page-images/s0173.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c3f7ad4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0173.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0174.png b/28621-page-images/s0174.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..69a01af
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0174.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0175.png b/28621-page-images/s0175.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..55ede6e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0175.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0176.png b/28621-page-images/s0176.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d1db9f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0176.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0177.png b/28621-page-images/s0177.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..668e9a7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0177.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0178.png b/28621-page-images/s0178.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..36960c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0178.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0179.png b/28621-page-images/s0179.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e14eb68
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0179.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0180.png b/28621-page-images/s0180.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1e45c3f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0180.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0181.png b/28621-page-images/s0181.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4f583c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0181.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0182.png b/28621-page-images/s0182.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f8a5926
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0182.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0183.png b/28621-page-images/s0183.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..daefdb3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0183.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0184.png b/28621-page-images/s0184.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8b01d4e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0184.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0185.png b/28621-page-images/s0185.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0b2759e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0185.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0186.png b/28621-page-images/s0186.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..93a604c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0186.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0187.png b/28621-page-images/s0187.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f86a886
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0187.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0188.png b/28621-page-images/s0188.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..69442da
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0188.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0189.png b/28621-page-images/s0189.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e2a368d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0189.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0190.png b/28621-page-images/s0190.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..29411a0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0190.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0191.png b/28621-page-images/s0191.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f85211c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0191.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0192.png b/28621-page-images/s0192.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..975c809
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0192.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0193.png b/28621-page-images/s0193.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cad86ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0193.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0194.png b/28621-page-images/s0194.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..989ac08
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0194.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0195.png b/28621-page-images/s0195.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..058ee9e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0195.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0196.png b/28621-page-images/s0196.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..64ba4d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0196.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0197.png b/28621-page-images/s0197.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6cffe40
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0197.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0198.png b/28621-page-images/s0198.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..91742a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0198.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0199.png b/28621-page-images/s0199.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3c271f4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0199.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0200.png b/28621-page-images/s0200.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0aad38a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0200.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0201.png b/28621-page-images/s0201.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..28ecfcf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0201.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0202.png b/28621-page-images/s0202.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..77db569
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0202.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0203.png b/28621-page-images/s0203.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f36fcaf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0203.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0204.png b/28621-page-images/s0204.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe4ef90
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0204.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0205.png b/28621-page-images/s0205.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a999d57
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0205.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0207.png b/28621-page-images/s0207.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..59162b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0207.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0208.png b/28621-page-images/s0208.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..95b5680
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0208.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0209.png b/28621-page-images/s0209.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..48604b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0209.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0210.png b/28621-page-images/s0210.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9f92734
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0210.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0211.png b/28621-page-images/s0211.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ea24bef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0211.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0212.png b/28621-page-images/s0212.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0a75b41
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0212.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0213.png b/28621-page-images/s0213.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0f64769
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0213.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0214.png b/28621-page-images/s0214.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4196306
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0214.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0215.png b/28621-page-images/s0215.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67f8679
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0215.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0216.png b/28621-page-images/s0216.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b3f87a9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0216.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0217.png b/28621-page-images/s0217.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b16014c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0217.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0218.png b/28621-page-images/s0218.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c97fcf6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0218.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0219.png b/28621-page-images/s0219.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d2623d0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0219.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0220.png b/28621-page-images/s0220.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f344bc2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0220.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0221.png b/28621-page-images/s0221.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd29bf9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0221.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0222.png b/28621-page-images/s0222.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8658e01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0222.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0223.png b/28621-page-images/s0223.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c458f81
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0223.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0224.png b/28621-page-images/s0224.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..23d8bc3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0224.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0225.png b/28621-page-images/s0225.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5c5255b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0225.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0226.png b/28621-page-images/s0226.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4940600
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0226.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0227.png b/28621-page-images/s0227.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7e6b434
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0227.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0228.png b/28621-page-images/s0228.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9372f03
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0228.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0229.png b/28621-page-images/s0229.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d3b9d0c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0229.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0230.png b/28621-page-images/s0230.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5ad5345
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0230.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0231.png b/28621-page-images/s0231.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..23ade55
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0231.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0232.png b/28621-page-images/s0232.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f00a4c8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0232.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0233.png b/28621-page-images/s0233.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..214d7f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0233.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0234.png b/28621-page-images/s0234.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2b29ba1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0234.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0235.png b/28621-page-images/s0235.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd5d06b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0235.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0236.png b/28621-page-images/s0236.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a96c090
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0236.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0237.png b/28621-page-images/s0237.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..70958b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0237.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0238.png b/28621-page-images/s0238.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a3cab9c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0238.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0239.png b/28621-page-images/s0239.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ece60bf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0239.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0240.png b/28621-page-images/s0240.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c998620
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0240.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0241.png b/28621-page-images/s0241.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c2f07a9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0241.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0242.png b/28621-page-images/s0242.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ec6676a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0242.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0243.png b/28621-page-images/s0243.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d93f8df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0243.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0244.png b/28621-page-images/s0244.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5934643
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0244.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0245.png b/28621-page-images/s0245.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5eb31ae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0245.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0246.png b/28621-page-images/s0246.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4060126
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0246.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0247.png b/28621-page-images/s0247.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c253c33
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0247.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0248.png b/28621-page-images/s0248.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9294603
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0248.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0249.png b/28621-page-images/s0249.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..30dee19
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0249.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0250.png b/28621-page-images/s0250.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ee59d53
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0250.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0251.png b/28621-page-images/s0251.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4a8e3f6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0251.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0252.png b/28621-page-images/s0252.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..200616b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0252.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0253.png b/28621-page-images/s0253.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0f48d95
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0253.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0254.png b/28621-page-images/s0254.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..056975f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0254.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0255.png b/28621-page-images/s0255.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..deb9a6b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0255.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0257.png b/28621-page-images/s0257.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..66e2435
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0257.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0258.png b/28621-page-images/s0258.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..885b2c1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0258.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0259.png b/28621-page-images/s0259.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..08279d1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0259.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0260.png b/28621-page-images/s0260.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b0e6040
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0260.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0261.png b/28621-page-images/s0261.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..40d67cc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0261.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0262.png b/28621-page-images/s0262.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..55c705c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0262.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0263.png b/28621-page-images/s0263.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d4f54f0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0263.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0264.png b/28621-page-images/s0264.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..93fdec5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0264.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0265.png b/28621-page-images/s0265.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ab557ec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0265.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0266.png b/28621-page-images/s0266.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..88730c8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0266.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0267.png b/28621-page-images/s0267.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..df34b6a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0267.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0268.png b/28621-page-images/s0268.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..277bcad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0268.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0269.png b/28621-page-images/s0269.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..17252f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0269.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0270.png b/28621-page-images/s0270.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..11767ce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0270.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0271.png b/28621-page-images/s0271.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2eeb017
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0271.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0272.png b/28621-page-images/s0272.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..45d5adc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0272.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0273.png b/28621-page-images/s0273.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..31156ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0273.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0274.png b/28621-page-images/s0274.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7eb6106
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0274.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0275.png b/28621-page-images/s0275.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0a41f32
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0275.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0276.png b/28621-page-images/s0276.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..83cec20
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0276.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0277.png b/28621-page-images/s0277.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6c11f73
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0277.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0278.png b/28621-page-images/s0278.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2a0ba29
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0278.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0279.png b/28621-page-images/s0279.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7ae9e5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0279.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0280.png b/28621-page-images/s0280.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7fc637
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0280.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0281.png b/28621-page-images/s0281.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e30a76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0281.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0282.png b/28621-page-images/s0282.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f548666
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0282.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0283.png b/28621-page-images/s0283.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a96f73c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0283.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0284.png b/28621-page-images/s0284.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..27f89d8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0284.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0285.png b/28621-page-images/s0285.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9bbce6c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0285.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0286.png b/28621-page-images/s0286.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d984353
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0286.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0287.png b/28621-page-images/s0287.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ad5bbab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0287.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0288.png b/28621-page-images/s0288.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f08be17
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0288.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0289.png b/28621-page-images/s0289.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fd62526
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0289.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0290.png b/28621-page-images/s0290.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f7720d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0290.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0291.png b/28621-page-images/s0291.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..893eb98
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0291.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0292.png b/28621-page-images/s0292.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..18c8b2b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0292.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0293.png b/28621-page-images/s0293.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..90af74d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0293.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0294.png b/28621-page-images/s0294.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..89c36b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0294.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0295.png b/28621-page-images/s0295.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..26e5443
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0295.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0296.png b/28621-page-images/s0296.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a6c27e7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0296.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0297.png b/28621-page-images/s0297.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..be94663
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0297.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0298.png b/28621-page-images/s0298.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1670491
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0298.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0299.png b/28621-page-images/s0299.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9e0709c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0299.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0301.png b/28621-page-images/s0301.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8350cd6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0301.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0302.png b/28621-page-images/s0302.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a6480ac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0302.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0303.png b/28621-page-images/s0303.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d5abe19
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0303.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0304.png b/28621-page-images/s0304.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..11bf3b3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0304.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0305.png b/28621-page-images/s0305.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..35e480a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0305.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0306.png b/28621-page-images/s0306.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d39b27e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0306.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0307.png b/28621-page-images/s0307.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..71a5e01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0307.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0308.png b/28621-page-images/s0308.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..182b329
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0308.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0309.png b/28621-page-images/s0309.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cd0702e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0309.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0310.png b/28621-page-images/s0310.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..45e7d76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0310.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0311.png b/28621-page-images/s0311.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b9d3712
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0311.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0312.png b/28621-page-images/s0312.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3986e30
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0312.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0313.png b/28621-page-images/s0313.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ab5850
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0313.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0314.png b/28621-page-images/s0314.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7ec47f4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0314.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0315.png b/28621-page-images/s0315.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..41ef187
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0315.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0316.png b/28621-page-images/s0316.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c58ad1d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0316.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0317.png b/28621-page-images/s0317.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2c9bfac
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0317.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0318.png b/28621-page-images/s0318.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..67613a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0318.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0319.png b/28621-page-images/s0319.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f9af65c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0319.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0320.png b/28621-page-images/s0320.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bcfe32b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0320.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0321.png b/28621-page-images/s0321.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2a87b24
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0321.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0322.png b/28621-page-images/s0322.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..be17c17
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0322.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0323.png b/28621-page-images/s0323.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4005d79
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0323.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0324.png b/28621-page-images/s0324.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..377567d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0324.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0325.png b/28621-page-images/s0325.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8779825
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0325.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0326.png b/28621-page-images/s0326.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3f4e657
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0326.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0327.png b/28621-page-images/s0327.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c1482f4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0327.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0328.png b/28621-page-images/s0328.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..29e9287
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0328.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0329.png b/28621-page-images/s0329.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f28be6a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0329.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0330.png b/28621-page-images/s0330.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8629aa4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0330.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0331.png b/28621-page-images/s0331.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7d6d08f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0331.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0332.png b/28621-page-images/s0332.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..29aef50
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0332.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0333.png b/28621-page-images/s0333.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..802b714
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0333.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0334.png b/28621-page-images/s0334.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..95886a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0334.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0335.png b/28621-page-images/s0335.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e5ef014
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0335.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0336.png b/28621-page-images/s0336.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..31b8040
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0336.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0337.png b/28621-page-images/s0337.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0fe439a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0337.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0338.png b/28621-page-images/s0338.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d12d7a4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0338.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0339.png b/28621-page-images/s0339.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bb302b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0339.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0340.png b/28621-page-images/s0340.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e70c9c8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0340.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0341.png b/28621-page-images/s0341.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..77b006d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0341.png
diff --git a/28621-page-images/s0342.png b/28621-page-images/s0342.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a22c800
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621-page-images/s0342.png
diff --git a/28621.txt b/28621.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a385f87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,16410 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in
+English blank verse Vols. I & II, by Ovid
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in English blank verse Vols. I & II
+
+Author: Ovid
+
+Translator: J. J. Howard
+
+Release Date: April 27, 2009 [EBook #28621]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK METAMORPHOSES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Michael Roe, Ted Garvin and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
+
+
+In this eBook, a circumflex (^) is used to indicate that the rest of
+the word is a superscript. Asterisks (*) are placed around words that
+were typeset in a Blackletter typeface in the original book.
+
+     *     *     *     *     *
+
+  _Book 3 p. 105._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+  _R. Westall R.A. del^l._      _E. Scriven sculp^t_
+
+  _Caught by the image of his beauteous face,
+  He loves th' unbody'd form: a substance thinks
+  The shadow:----_
+
+  _Pub. 1807, for the Author._
+
+
+
+
+  THE
+  METAMORPHOSES
+  OF
+  PUBLIUS OVIDIUS NASO
+  IN
+  *English Blank Verse*
+
+
+  Translated by
+  J. J. HOWARD.
+
+  VOL. 1.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_London 1807. Printed for the Author; & Sold by John Hatchard,
+Bookseller to Her Majesty. Piccadilly; H. D. Symonds, Paternoster Row
+& James Asperne Cornhill._
+
+  TO
+  The Patronage
+  OF
+  THE RIGHT HONORABLE
+  WILLIAM,
+  EARL OF LONSDALE,
+  KNIGHT
+  OF THE
+  MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER,
+  &c. &c. &c.
+
+THE TRANSLATOR CONFIDES HIS ATTEMPT TO RENDER THE BEAUTIES OF OVID
+MORE ACCESSIBLE TO ENGLISH READERS, AND TO CHASTEN THE PRURIENCE OF
+HIS IDEAS AND HIS LANGUAGE, SO AS TO FIT HIS WRITINGS FOR MORE
+GENERAL PERUSAL.
+
+_Pimlico, Aug. 22, 1807._
+
+  _Bailey & Macdonald, Printers,
+  3, Harris's Place, Pantheon, Oxford-Street._
+
+
+
+
+THE *First Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    From bodies various form'd, mutative shapes
+  My Muse would sing:--Celestial powers give aid!
+  From you those changes sprung,--inspire my pen;
+  Connect each period of my venturous song
+  Unsever'd, from old Chaoes' rude misrule,
+  Till now the world beneath Augustus smiles.
+
+    While yet nor earth nor sea their place possest,
+  Nor that cerulean canopy which hangs
+  O'ershadowing all, each undistinguish'd lay,
+  And one dead form all Nature's features bore;
+  Unshapely, rude, and Chaos justly nam'd.
+  Together struggling laid, each element
+  Confusion strange begat:--Sol had not yet
+  Whirl'd through the blue expanse his burning car:
+  Nor Luna yet had lighted forth her lamp,
+  Nor fed her waning light with borrowed rays.
+  No globous earth pois'd inly by its weight,
+  Hung pendent in the circumambient sky:
+  The sky was not:--Nor Amphitrite had
+  Clasp'd round the land her wide-encircling arms.
+  Unfirm the earth, with water mix'd and air;
+  Opaque the air; unfluid were the waves.
+  Together clash'd the elements confus'd:
+  Cold strove with heat, and moisture drought oppos'd;
+  Light, heavy, hard, and soft, in combat join'd.
+
+    Uprose the world's great Lord,--the strife dissolv'd,
+  The firm earth from the blue sky plac'd apart;
+  Roll'd back the waves from off the land, and fixt
+  Where pure ethereal joins with foggy air.
+  Defin'd each element, and from the mass
+  Chaoetic, rang'd select, in concord firm
+  He bound, and all agreed. On high upsprung
+  The fiery ether to the utmost heaven:
+  The atmospheric air, in lightness next,
+  Upfloated:--dense the solid earth dragg'd down
+  The heavier mass; and girt on every side
+  By waves circumfluent, seiz'd her place below.
+
+    This done, the mass this deity unknown
+  Divides;--each part dispos'd in order lays:
+  First earth he rounds, in form a sphere immense,
+  Equal on every side: then bids the seas,
+  Pent in by banks, spread their rude waves abroad,
+  By strong winds vext; and clasp within their arms
+  The tortuous shores: and marshes wide he adds,
+  Pure springs and lakes:--he bounds with shelving banks
+  The streams smooth gliding;--slowly creeping, some
+  The arid earth absorbs; furious some rush,
+  And in the watery plain their waves disgorge;
+  Their narrow bounds escap'd, to billows rise,
+  And lash the sandy shores. He bade the plains
+  Extend;--the vallies sink;--the groves to bloom;--
+  And rocky hills to lift their heads aloft.
+  And as two zones the northern heaven restrain,
+  The southern two, and one the hotter midst,
+  With five the Godhead girt th' inclosed earth,
+  And climates five upon its face imprest.
+  The midst from heat inhabitable: snows
+  Eternal cover two: 'twixt these extremes
+  Two temperate regions lie, where heat and cold
+  Meet in due mixture; 'bove the whole light air
+  Was hung:--as water floats above the land,
+  So fire 'bove air ascends. Here he bade lodge,
+  Thick clouds and vapors; thunders bellowing loud
+  Terrific to mankind, and winds; which mixt
+  Sharp cold beget. But these to range at large
+  The air throughout, his care forbade. E'en now
+  Their force is scarce withstood; but oft they threat
+  Wild ruin to the universe, though each
+  In separate regions rules his potent blasts.
+  Such is fraternal strife! Far to the east
+  Where Persian mountains greet the rising sun
+  Eurus withdrew. Where sinking Phoebus' rays
+  Glow on the western shores mild Zephyr fled.
+  Terrific Boreas frozen Scythia seiz'd,
+  Beneath the icy bear. On southern climes
+  From constant clouds the showery Auster rains.
+  The liquid ether high above he spread,
+  Light, calm, and undefil'd by dregs terrene.
+  Scarce were those bounds immutable arrang'd,
+  When upward sprung the stars so long press'd down
+  Beneath the heap chaoetic, and along
+  The path of heaven their blazing courses ran.
+
+    Next that each separate element might hold
+  Appropriate habitants,--the vault of heaven,
+  Bright constellations and the gods receiv'd.
+  To glittering fish allotted were the waves:
+  To earth fierce brutes:--to agitated air,
+  Light-plumag'd birds. A being more divine,
+  Of soul exalted more, and form'd to rule
+  The rest was wanting. Then he finish'd MAN!
+  Or by the world's creator, power supreme,
+  Form'd from an heavenly seed; or new-shap'd earth
+  Late from celestial ether torn, and still
+  Congenial warmth retaining, moisten'd felt,
+  Prometheus' fire, and moulded took the form
+  Of him all-potent. Others earth behold
+  Pronely;--to man a face erect was given.
+  The heavens he bade him view, and raise his eyes
+  High to the stars. Thus earth of late so rude,
+  So shapeless, man, till now unknown, became.
+
+    First sprung the age of gold. Unforc'd by laws
+  Strict rectitude and faith, spontaneous then
+  Mankind inspir'd. No judge vindictive frown'd;
+  Unknown alike were punishment and fear:
+  No strict decrees on brazen plates were seen;
+  Nor suppliant crowd, with trembling limbs low bent,
+  Before their judges bow'd. Unknown was law,
+  Yet safe were all. Unhewn from native hills,
+  The pine-tree knew the seas not, nor had view'd
+  Regions unknown, for man not yet had search'd
+  Shores distant from his own. The towns ungirt
+  By trenches deep, laid open to the plain;
+  Nor brazen trump, nor bended horn were seen,
+  Helmet, nor sword; but conscious and secure,
+  Unaw'd by arms the nations tranquil slept.
+  The teeming earth by barrows yet unras'd,
+  By ploughs unwounded, plenteous pour'd her stores.
+  Content with food unforc'd, man pluck'd with ease
+  Young strawberries from the mountains; cornels red;
+  The thorny bramble's fruit; and acorns shook
+  From Jove's wide-spreading tree. Spring ever smil'd;
+  And placid Zephyr foster'd with his breeze
+  The flowers unsown, which everlasting bloom'd.
+  Untill'd the land its welcome produce gave,
+  And unmanur'd its hoary crop renew'd.
+  Here streams of milk, there streams of nectar flow'd;
+  And from the ilex, drop by drop distill'd,
+  The yellow honey fell. But, Saturn down
+  To dusky Tartarus banish'd, all the world
+  By Jove was govern'd. Then a silver age
+  Succeeded; by the golden far excell'd;--
+  Itself surpassing far the age of brass.
+  The ancient durance of perpetual spring
+  He shorten'd, and in seasons four the year
+  Divided:--Winter, summer, lessen'd spring,
+  And various temper'd autumn first were known.
+  Then first the air with parching fervor dry,
+  Glow'd hot;--then ice congeal'd by piercing winds
+  Hung pendent;--houses then first shelter'd man;
+  Houses by caverns form'd, with thick shrubs fenc'd,
+  And boughs entwin'd with osiers. Then the grain
+  Of Ceres first in lengthen'd furrows lay;
+  And oxen groan'd beneath the weighty yoke.
+  Third after these a brazen race succeeds,
+  More stern in soul, and more in furious war
+  Delighting;--still to wicked deeds averse.
+  The last from stubborn iron took its name;--
+  And now rush'd in upon the wretched race
+  All impious villainies: Truth, faith, and shame,
+  Fled far; while enter'd fraud, and force, and craft,
+  And plotting, with detested avarice.
+  To winds scarce known the seaman boldly loos'd
+  His sails, and ships which long on lofty hills
+  Had rested, bounded o'er the unsearch'd waves.
+  The cautious measurer now with spacious line
+  Mark'd out the land, in common once to all;
+  Free as the sun-beams, or the lucid air.
+  Nor would the fruits and aliments suffice,
+  The rich earth from her surface threw, but deep
+  Within her womb they digg'd, and thence display'd,
+  Riches, of crimes the prompter, hid far deep
+  Close by the Stygian shades. Now murderous steel,
+  And gold more murderous enter'd into day:
+  Weapon'd with each, war sallied forth and shook
+  With bloody grasp his loud-resounding arms.
+  Now man by rapine lives;--friend fears his host;
+  And sire-in-law his son;--e'en brethren's love
+  Is rarely seen: wives plot their husbands' death;
+  And husbands theirs design: step-mothers fierce
+  The lurid poisons mix: th' impatient son
+  Enquires the limits of his father's years:--
+  Piety lies neglected; and Astraea,
+  Last of celestial deities on earth,
+  Ascends, and leaves the sanguine-moisten'd land.
+
+    Nor high-rais'd heaven was more than earth secure.
+  Giants, 'tis said, with mad ambition strove
+  To seize the heavenly throne, and mountains pile
+  On mountains till the loftiest stars they touch'd.
+  But with his darted bolt all-powerful Jove,
+  Olympus shatter'd, and from Pelion's top
+  Dash'd Ossa. There with huge unwieldy bulk
+  Oppress'd, their dreadful corses lay, and soak'd
+  Their parent earth with blood; their parent earth
+  The warm blood vivify'd, and caus'd assume
+  An human form,--a monumental type
+  Of fierce progenitors. Heaven they despise,
+  Violent, of slaughter greedy; and their race
+  From blood deriv'd, betray.
+
+                               Saturnian Jove
+  This from his lofty seat beheld, and sigh'd;
+  The recent bloody fact revolving deep,
+  The Lycaoenian feast, to few yet known.
+  Incens'd with mighty rage, rage worthy Jove,
+  He calls the council;--none who hear delay.
+  A path sublime, in cloudless skies fair seen,
+  They tread when tow'rd the mighty thunderer's dome,
+  His regal court, th' immortals bend their way.
+  On right and left by folding doors enclos'd,
+  Are halls where gods of rank and power are set;
+  Plebeians far and wide their place select:
+  More potent deities, in heaven most bright,
+  Full in the front possess their shining seats.
+  This place, (might words so bold a form assume)
+  I'd term Palatium of the lofty sky.
+  Here in his marble niche each god was plac'd
+  And on his eburn sceptre leaning, Jove
+  O'er all high tower'd; the dread-inspiring locks
+  Three times he shook; and ocean, earth, and sky,
+  The motion felt and trembled. Then in rage
+  The silence thus he broke:--"Not more I fear'd
+  "Our kingdom's fate in those tempestuous times,
+  "When monsters serpent-footed furious strove,
+  "To clasp within their hundred arms the heavens,
+  "Already captive deem'd. Though fierce our foe,
+  "One race alone warr'd with us, sprung from one.
+  "Now all must perish; all within the bounds
+  "By Nereus circled with his roaring waves.
+  "I swear by Styx, by those infernal streams,
+  "Through shades slow creeping. All I could I've try'd.
+  "But lest to parts unsound the taint should spread,
+  "What baffles cure, the knife must lop away.
+  "Our demi-gods we have,--we have our nymphs,
+  "Our rustic deities,--our satyrs,--fawns,
+  "And mountain sylvans--whose deserts we grant
+  "Celestial honors claim not,--yet on earth,
+  "By us assign'd, they safely sure should rest.
+  "But, oh! ye sacred powers,--but oh! how safe
+  "Are these, when fierce Lycaoen plots for me!
+  "Me! whom the thunders and yourselves obey?"
+
+    Loud murmurs fill the skies--swift vengeance all
+  With eager voice demand. When impious hands
+  With Caesar's blood th' immortal fame of Rome,
+  Rag'd to extinguish--all the world aghast,
+  With horror shook, and trembled through its frame.
+  Nor was thy subjects' loyalty to thee
+  More sweet, Augustus, than was theirs to Jove.
+  His hand and voice, to still their noise he rais'd:
+  Their clamors loud were hush'd, all silence kept;
+  When thus the thunderer ends his angry tale:
+  "Dismiss your care, his punishment is o'er;
+  "But hear his crimes, and hear his well-earn'd fate.
+  "Of human vice the fame had reach'd mine ear,
+  "With hop'd exaggeration; gliding down,
+  "From proud Olympus' brow, I veil'd the god,
+  "And rov'd the world in human form around.
+  "'Twere long to tell what turpitude I saw
+  "On every side, for rumor far fell short,
+  "Of what I witness'd. Through the dusky woods
+  "Of Maenalus I pass'd, where savage lurk
+  "Fierce monsters; o'er the cold Lycean hill,
+  "With pine-trees waving; and Cyllene's height.
+  "Thence to th' Arcadian monarch's roof I came,
+  "As dusky twilight drew on sable night.
+  "Gave signs a god approach'd. The people crowd
+  "In adoration: but Lycaoen turns
+  "Their reverence and piety to scorn.
+  "Then said,--not hard the task to ascertain,
+  "If god or mortal, by unerring test:
+  "And plots to slay me when oppress'd with sleep.
+  "Such proof his soul well suited. Impious more,
+  "An hostage from Molossus sent he slew;
+  "His palpitating members part he boil'd,
+  "And o'er the glowing embers roasted part:
+  "These on the board he serves. My vengeful flames
+  "Consume his roof;--for his deserts, o'erwhelm
+  "His household gods. Lycaoen trembling fled
+  "And gain'd the silent country; loud he howl'd,
+  "And strove in vain to speak; his ravenous mouth
+  "Still thirsts for slaughter; on the harmless flocks
+  "His fury rages, as it wont on man:
+  "Blood glads him still; his vest is shaggy hair;
+  "His arms sink down to legs; a wolf he stands.
+  "Yet former traits his visage still retains;
+  "Grey still his hair; and cruel still his look;
+  "His eyes still glisten; savage all his form.
+  "Thus one house perish'd, but not one alone
+  "The fate deserves. Wherever earth extends,
+  "The fierce Erinnys reigns; men seem conspir'd
+  "In impious bond to sin; and all shall feel
+  "The scourge they merit: fixt is my decree."
+
+    Part loud applaud his words, and feed his rage;
+  The rest assent in silence; yet to all,
+  Man's loss seems grievous; anxious all enquire
+  What form shall earth of him depriv'd assume?
+  Who then shall incense to their altars bring?
+  And if those rich and fertile lands he means
+  A spoil for beasts ferocious? Their despair
+  He bade them banish, and in him confide
+  For what the future needed; held them forth
+  The promise of a race unlike the first;
+  Originating from a wonderous stock.
+
+    And now his lightenings were already shot,
+  And earth in flames, but that a fire so vast,
+  He fear'd might reach Olympus, and consume
+  The heavenly axis. Also call'd to mind
+  What fate had doom'd, that all in future times
+  By fire should perish, earth, and sea, and heaven;
+  And all th' unwieldy fabric of the world
+  Should waste to nought. The Cyclops' labor'd bolts
+  Aside he laid. A different vengeance now,
+  To drench with rains from every part of heaven,
+  And whelm mankind beneath the rising waves,
+  Pleas'd more th' immortal. Straightway close he pent
+  The dry north-east, and every blast to showers
+  Adverse, in caves AEolian, and unbarr'd
+  The cell of Notus. Notus rushes forth
+  On pinions dropping rain; his horrid face
+  A pitchy cloud conceals; pregnant with showers
+  His beard; and waters from his grey hairs flow:
+  Mists on his forehead sit; in dews dissolv'd
+  His arms and bosom, seem to melt away.
+  With broad hands seizing on the pendent clouds
+  He press'd them--with a mighty crash they burst,
+  And thick and constant floods from heaven pour down.
+  Iris meantime, in various robe array'd,
+  Collects the waters and supplies the clouds.
+  Prostrate the harvest lies, the tiller's hopes
+  Turn to despair. The labors of an year,
+  A long, long year, without their fruit are spent.
+  Nor Jove's own heaven his anger could suffice,
+  His brother brings him his auxiliar waves.
+  He calls the rivers,--at their monarch's call
+  His roof they enter, and in brief he speaks:
+  "Few words we need, pour each his utmost strength,
+  "The cause demands it; ope' your fountains wide,
+  "Sweep every mound before you, and let gush
+  "Your furious waters with unshorten'd reins."
+  He bids--the watery gods retire,--break up
+  Their narrow springs, and furious tow'rd the main
+  Their waters roll: himself his trident rears
+  And smites the earth; earth trembles at the stroke,
+  Yawns wide her bosom, and upon the land
+  A flood disgorges. Wide outspread the streams
+  Rush o'er the open fields;--uproot the trees;
+  Sweep harvests, flocks, and men;--nor houses stood;
+  Nor household gods, asylums hereto safe.
+  Where strong-built edifice its walls oppos'd
+  Unlevell'd in the ruin, high above
+  Its roof the billows mounted, and its towers
+  Totter'd, beneath the watery gulf oppress'd.
+  Nor land nor sea their ancient bounds maintain'd,
+  For all around was sea, sea without shore.
+  This seeks a mountain's top, that gains a skiff,
+  And plies his oars where late he plough'd the plains.
+  O'er fields of corn one sails, or 'bove the roofs
+  Of towns immerg'd;--another in the elm
+  Seizes th' intangled fish. Perchance in meads
+  The anchor oft is thrown, and oft the keel
+  Tears the subjacent vine-tree. Where were wont
+  The nimble goats to crop the tender grass
+  Unwieldy sea-calves roll. The Nereid nymphs,
+  With wonder, groves, and palaces, and towns,
+  Beneath the waves behold. By dolphins now
+  The woods are tenanted, who furious smite
+  The boughs, and shake the strong oak by their blows.
+  Swims with the flock the wolf; and swept along,
+  Tigers and tawny lions strive in vain.
+  Now not his thundering strength avails the boar;
+  Nor, borne away, the fleet stag's slender limbs:
+  And land, long sought in vain, to rest her feet,
+  The wandering bird draws in her weary wings,
+  And drops into the waves, whose uncheck'd roll
+  The hills have drown'd; and with un'custom'd surge
+  Foam on the mountain tops. Of man the most
+  They swallow'd; whom their fierce irruption spar'd,
+  By hunger perish'd in their bleak retreat.
+
+    Between th' Aoenian and Actaeian lands
+  Lies Phocis; fruitful were the Phocian fields
+  While fields they were, but now o'erwhelm'd, they form
+  A region only of the wide-spread main.
+  Here stands Parnassus with his forked top,
+  Above the clouds high-towering to the stars.
+  To this Deucalion with his consort driven
+  O'er ridgy billows in his bark clung close;
+  For all was sea beside. There bend they down;
+  The nymphs, and mountain gods adore, and she
+  Predicting Themis, then oraculous deem'd.
+  No man more upright than himself had liv'd;
+  Than Pyrrha none more pious heaven had seen.
+
+    Now Jove beheld a mighty lake expand
+  Where late was earth, and from the swarming crowds
+  But one man sav'd--of woman only one:
+  Both guiltless,--pious both. He chas'd the clouds
+  And bade the dry north-east to drive the showers
+  Far distant, and display the earth to heaven,
+  And unto earth the skies. The ocean's rage
+  Remains no more. Mild Neptune lays aside
+  His three-fork'd weapon, and his surges smoothes;
+  Then calls blue Triton from the dark profound.
+  Above the waves the god his shoulders rears,
+  With inbred purple ting'd: He bids him sound
+  His shelly trump, and back the billows call;
+  And rivers to their banks again remand.
+  The trump he seizes,--broad above it wreath'd
+  From narrow base;--the trump whose piercing blast
+  From east to west resounds through every shore.
+  This to his mouth the watery-bearded god
+  Applies, and breathes within the stern command.
+  All hear the sound, or waves of earth or sea,
+  And all who hear obey. Sea finds a shore;
+  Floods flow within their channels; rivers sink;
+  Hills lift their heads; and as the waves decrease,
+  In numerous islets solid earth appears.
+  A tedious time elaps'd, and now the woods
+  Display'd their leafless summits, and their boughs
+  Heavy with mud. At length the world restor'd
+  Deucalion saw, but empty all and void;
+  Deep silence reigning through th' expansive waste:
+  Tears gush'd while thus his Pyrrha he address'd:
+  "O sister! wife! O woman sole preserv'd!--
+  "By nature, kindred, and the marriage-bed,
+  "To me most closely join'd. Now nearer still
+  "By mutual perils. We, of all the earth
+  "Beheld by Sol in his diurnal course,
+  "We two alone remain. The mighty deep
+  "Entombs the rest. Nor sure our safety yet;
+  "Still hang the clouds dark louring. Wretched wife,
+  "What if preserv'd alone? What hadst thou done
+  "Of me bereft? How singly borne the shock?
+  "Where found condolement in thy load of grief?
+  "For me,--and trust, my dearest wife, my words,--
+  "Hadst thou amidst the billows been ingulph'd,
+  "Me also had they swallow'd. Oh! for power
+  "To form mankind, as once my father did,
+  "And in the shapen earth true souls infuse!
+  "In us rests human race, so will the gods,
+  "A sample only of mankind we live."
+  He spoke and Pyrrha's tears join'd his. To heaven
+  They raise their hands in prayer, and straight resolve
+  To ask through oracles divine its aid.
+  Nor long delay. Quick to Cephisus' streams
+  They hasten; muddy still Cephisus flows,
+  Yet not beyond its wonted boundaries swol'n.
+  Libations thence they lift, and o'er their heads
+  And garments cast the sprinklings;--then their steps
+  To Themis' temple bend. The roof they found
+  With filthy moss o'ergrown;--the altars cold.
+  Prone on the steps they fell, and trembling kiss'd
+  The gelid stones, and thus preferr'd their words:
+  "If righteous prayers can move the heavenly mind,
+  "And soften harsh resolves, and soothe the rage
+  "Of great immortals, say, O Themis, say,
+  "How to the world mankind shall be restor'd;
+  "And grant, most merciful, in our distress
+  "Thy potent aid." The goddess heard their words,
+  And instant gave reply. "The temple leave,
+  "Ungird your garments, veil your heads, and throw
+  "Behind your backs your mighty mother's bones."
+  Astonish'd long they stood! and Pyrrha first
+  The silence broke; the oracle's behest
+  Refusing to obey; and earnest pray'd,
+  With trembling tongue for pardon for her sin:
+  Her mother's shade to violate she dreads,
+  Her bones thus rudely flinging. But meantime
+  Deep in their minds, in dark mysterious veil
+  Obscurely hid, the sentence they revolve.
+  At length Deucalion sooths his wife with words
+  Of cheering import: "Right, if I divine,
+  "No impious deed the deity desires:
+  "Earth is our mighty mother, and her bones
+  "The stony rocks within her;--these behind
+  "Our backs to cast, the oracle commands."
+  With joy th' auspicious augury she hears,
+  But joy with doubt commingled, both so much
+  The heavenly words distrust; yet still they hope
+  The essay cannot harm. The temple left,
+  Their heads they cover, and their vests unbind;
+  And o'er their heads as order'd heave the stones.
+  The stones--(incredible! unless the fact
+  Tradition sanction'd doubtless) straight began
+  To lose their rugged firmness,--and anon,
+  To soften,--and when soft a form assume.
+  Next as they grew in size, they felt infus'd
+  A nature mild,--their form resembled man!
+  But incorrectly: marble so appears,
+  Rough hewn to form a statue, ere the hand
+  Completes the shape. What liquid was, and moist,
+  With earthy atoms mixt, soft flesh became;
+  Parts solid and unbending chang'd to bone;
+  In name unalter'd, veins the same remain'd.
+  Thus by the gods' beneficent decree,
+  And brief the change, the stones Deucalion threw,
+  A manly shape assum'd; but females sprung
+  From those by Pyrrha cast behind; and hence
+  A patient, hard, laborious race we prove,
+  And shew the source, by actions, whence we sprung.
+
+    Beings all else the teeming earth produc'd
+  Spontaneous. Heated by the solar rays,
+  The stagnant water quicken'd;--marshy fens
+  Swell'd up their oozy loads to meet the beams:
+  And nourish'd by earth's vivifying soil,
+  The fruitful elements of life increas'd,
+  As in a mother's womb; and in a while
+  Assum'd a certain shape. So when the floods
+  Of seven-mouth'd Nile desert the moisten'd fields,
+  And to their ancient channels bring their streams,
+  The soft mud fries beneath the scorching sun;
+  And midst the fresh-turn'd earth unnumber'd forms
+  The tiller finds: some scarcely half conceiv'd;
+  Imperfect some, their bodies wanting limbs:
+  And oft he beings sees with parts alive,
+  The rest a clod of earth: for where with heat
+  Due moisture kindly mixes, life will spring:
+  From these in concord all things are produc'd.
+  Though fire with water strives; yet vapour warm,
+  Discordant mixture, gives a birth to all.
+
+    Thus when the earth, with filthy ooze bespread
+  From the late deluge, felt the blazing sun;
+  His burning heat productive caus'd spring forth
+  A countless race of beings. Part appear'd
+  In forms before well-known; the rest a group
+  Of monsters strange. Then, but unwilling, she
+  Produc'd terrific Python, serpent huge!
+  A mighty mountain with his bulk he hid;
+  A plague unknown, the new-born race to scare.
+  The quiver-shoulder'd god, unus'd before
+  His arms to launch, save on the flying deer,
+  Or roebuck fleet, the horrid monster slew:
+  A thousand arrows in his sides he fix'd,
+  His quiver's store exhausting; through the wounds
+  Gush'd the black poison. To contending games,
+  Hence instituted for the serpent slain,
+  The glorious action to preserve through times
+  Succeeding, he the name of Pythian gave.
+  And here the youth who bore the palm away
+  By wrestling, racing, or in chariot swift,
+  With beechen bough was crown'd. Nor yet was known
+  The laurel's leaf: Apollo's brows, with hair
+  Deck'd graceful, no peculiar branches bound.
+
+    Penaeian Daphne first his bosom charm'd;
+  No casual flame but plann'd by Love's revenge.
+  Him, Phoebus flush'd with conquest late obtain'd,
+  His bow saw bend, and thus exclaim'd in taunt:
+  "Lascivious boy! How ill with thee assort
+  "Those warlike arms?--how much my shoulders more
+  "Beseem the load, whose arm can deadly wounds
+  "In furious beasts, and every foe infix!
+  "I who but now huge Python have o'erthrown;
+  "Swol'n with a thousand darts; his mighty bulk
+  "Whole acres covering with pestiferous weight?
+  "Content in vulgar hearts thy torch to flame,
+  "To me the bow's superior glory leave."
+  Then Venus' son: "O Phoebus, nought thy dart
+  "Evades, nor thou canst 'scape the force of mine:
+  "To thee as others yield,--so much my fame
+  "Must ever thine transcend." Thus spoke the boy,
+  And lightly mounting, cleaves the yielding air
+  With beating wings, and on Parnassus' top
+  Umbrageous rests. There from his quiver drew
+  Two darts of different power:--this chases love;
+  And that desire enkindles; form'd of gold
+  It glistens, ending in a point acute:
+  Blunt is the first, tipt with a leaden load;
+  Which Love in Daphne's tender breast infix'd.
+  The sharper through Apollo's heart he drove,
+  And through his nerves and bones;--instant he loves:
+  She flies of love the name. In shady woods,
+  And spoils of captive beasts alone she joys;
+  To copy Dian' emulous; her hair
+  In careless tresses form'd, a fillet bound.
+  By numbers sought,--averse alike to all;
+  Impatient of their suit, through forests wild,
+  And groves, in maiden ignorance she roams;
+  Nor cares for Cupid, nor hymeneal rites,
+  Nor soft connubial joys. Oft cry'd her sire;
+  "My Daphne, you should bring to me a son;
+  "From you, my child, I hope for grandsons too."
+  But she detesting wedlock as a crime,
+  (Suffus'd her features with a bashful glow)
+  Around his aged neck, her beauteous arms,
+  Winds blandishing, and cries, "O sire, most dear!
+  "One favor grant,--perpetual to enjoy
+  "My virgin purity;--the mighty Jove
+  "The same indulgence has to Dian' given."
+  Thy sire complies;--but that too beauteous face,
+  And lovely form, thy anxious wish oppose:
+  Apollo loves thee;--to thy bed aspires;--
+  And looks with anxious hopes, his wish to gain:
+  Futurity, by him for once unseen.
+  As the light stubble when the ears are shorn,
+  The flames consume: as hedges blaze on high
+  From torches by the traveller closely held,
+  Or heedless flung, when morning gilds the world:
+  So flaming burnt the god;--so blaz'd his breast,
+  And with fond hopes his vain desires he fed.
+  Her tresses careless flowing o'er her neck
+  He view'd, and, "Oh! how beauteous, deck'd with care,"
+  Exclaim'd: her eyes which shone like brilliant fire,
+  Or sparkling stars, he sees; and sees her lips;
+  Unsated with the sight, he burns to touch:
+  Admires her fingers, and her hands, her arms,
+  Half to the shoulder naked:--what he sees
+  Though beauteous, what is hid he deems more fair.
+  Fleet as the wind, her fearful flight she wings,
+  Nor stays his fond recalling words to hear:
+  "Daughter of Peneus, stay! no foe pursues,--
+  "Stay, beauteous nymph!--so flies the lamb the wolf;
+  "The stag the lion;--so on trembling wings
+  "The dove avoids the eagle:--these are foes,
+  "But love alone me urges to pursue.
+  "Ah me! then, shouldst thou fall,--or prickly thorns
+  "Wound thy fair legs,--and I the cause of pain!--
+  "Rough is the road thou runnest; slack, I pray,
+  "Thy speed;--I swear to follow not so fast.
+  "But hear who loves thee;--no rough mountain swain;
+  "No shepherd;--none in raiments rugged clad,
+  "Tending the lowing herds: rash thoughtless nymph,
+  "Thou fly'st thou know'st not whom, and therefore fly'st!
+  "O'er Delphos' lands, and Tenedos I sway,
+  "And Claros, and the Pataraean realms.--
+  "My sire is Jove. To me are all things known,
+  "Or present, past, or future. Taught by me
+  "Melodious sounds poetic numbers grace.--
+  "Sure is my dart, but one more sure I feel
+  "Lodg'd in this bosom; strange to love before.--
+  "Medicine me hails inventor; through the world
+  "My help is call'd for; unto me is known
+  "The powers of plants and herbs:--ah! hapless I,
+  "Nor plants, nor herbs, afford a cure for love;
+  "Nor arts which all relieve, relieve their lord."
+  All this, and more:--but Daphne fearful fled,
+  And left his speech unfinish'd. Lovely then
+  She running seem'd;--her limbs the breezes bar'd;
+  Her flying raiment floated on the gale;
+  Her careless tresses to the light air stream'd;
+  Her flight increas'd her beauty. Now no more
+  The god to waste his courteous words endures,
+  But urg'd by love himself, with swifter pace
+  Her footsteps treads: the rapid greyhound so,
+  When in the open field the hare he spies,
+  Trusts to his legs for prey,--as she for flight;
+  And now he snaps, and now he thinks to hold,
+  And brushes with his outstretch'd nose her heels;--
+  She trembling, half in doubt, or caught or no,
+  Springs from his jaws, and mocks his touching mouth.
+  Thus fled the virgin and the god;--he fleet
+  Through hope, and she through fear,--but wing'd by love
+  More rapid flew Apollo;--spurning rest,
+  Approach'd her close behind, and panting breath'd
+  Upon her floating tresses. Pale with dread,
+  Her strength exhausted in the lengthen'd flight,
+  Old Peneus' streams she saw, and loud exclaim'd:--
+  "O sire, assist me, if within thy streams
+  "Divinity abides. Let earth this form,
+  "Too comely for my peace, quick swallow up;
+  "Or change those beauties to an harmless shape."
+  Her prayer scarce ended, when her lovely limbs
+  A numbness felt; a tender rind enwraps
+  Her beauteous bosom; from her head shoots up
+  Her hair in leaves; in branches spread her arms;
+  Her feet but now so swift, cleave to the earth
+  With roots immoveable; her face at last
+  The summit forms; her bloom the same remains.
+  Still loves the god the tree, and on the trunk
+  His right hand placing, feels her breast yet throb,
+  Beneath the new-grown bark: around the boughs,
+  As yet her limbs, his clasping arms he throws;
+  And burning kisses on the wood imprints.
+  The wood his lips repels. Then thus the god:--
+  "O laurel, though to be my bride deny'd,
+  "Yet shalt thou be my tree; my temples bind;
+  "My lyre and quiver shalt thou still adorn:
+  "The brows of Latian conquerors shalt thou grace,
+  "When the glad people sing triumphant hymns,
+  "And the long pomp the capitol ascends.
+  "A faithful guard before Augustus' gates,
+  "On each side hung;--the sturdy oak between.
+  "And as perpetual youth adorns my head
+  "With locks unshorn, thou also still shalt bear
+  "Thy leafy honors in perpetual green."
+  Apollo ended, and the laurel bow'd
+  Her verdant summit as her grateful head.
+
+    Within AEmonia lies a grove, inclos'd
+  By steep and lofty hills on every side:
+  'Tis Tempe call'd. From lowest Pindus pour'd
+  Here Peneus rolls his foaming waves along:
+  Thick clouds of smoke, and dark and vapoury mists
+  The violent falls produce, sprinkling the tops
+  Of proudest forests with the plenteous dew;
+  And distant parts astounding with the roar.
+  Here holds the watery deity his throne;--
+  Here his retreat most sacred;--seated here,
+  Within the rock-form'd cavern, to the streams
+  And stream-residing nymphs, his laws he gives.
+  Here flock the neighbouring river-gods, in doubt
+  Or to condole, or gratulate the sire.
+  Here Spercheus came, whose banks with poplars wave;
+  Rapid Enipeus; Apidanus slow;
+  Amphrysos gently flowing; AEaes mild;
+  And other streams which wind their various course,
+  Till in the sea their weary wanderings end,
+  By natural bent directed. Absent sole
+  Was Inachus;--deep in his gloomy cave
+  Dark hidden, with his tears he swells his floods.
+  He, wretched sire, his Ioe's loss bewails;
+  Witless if living air she still enjoys,
+  Or with the shades she dwells; and no where found
+  He dreads the worst, and thinks her not to be.
+  The beauteous damsel from her father's banks
+  Jove saw returning, and, "O, maid!" exclaim'd,
+  "Worthy of Jove, whose charms will shortly bless
+  "Some youth desertless; come, and seek the shade,
+  "Yon lofty groves afford,"--and shew'd the groves,--
+  "While now Sol scorches from heaven's midmost height.
+  "Fear not the forests to explore alone,
+  "But in their deepest shades adventurous go;
+  "A god shall guard thee:--no plebeian god,
+  "But he whose mighty hand the sceptre grasps
+  "Of rule celestial, and the lightening flings.
+  "O fly me not"--for Ioe fled, amaz'd.
+  Now Lerna's pastures, and Lyrcaea's lands
+  With trees thick-planted, far behind were left;
+  When with a sudden mist the god conceal'd
+  The wide-spread earth, and stopp'd her eager flight;
+  And in his arms the struggling maid compress'd.
+  Meantime did Juno cast her eyes below,
+  The floating clouds surpris'd to see produce
+  A night-like shade amidst so bright a day.
+  No common clouds, from streams exhal'd, she knew;
+  Nor misty vapours from the humid earth.
+  Suspicions rise; her sharpness oft had caught
+  Her amorous husband in his thefts of love.
+  She search'd around the sky, its lord explor'd,--
+  But not in heaven he sate;--then loud exclaim'd:
+  "Much must I err, or much my bed is wrong'd."
+  Down sliding from the topmost heaven, on earth
+  She lights, and bids the cloudy mists recede.
+  Prepar'd already, Jove the nymph had chang'd,
+  And in a lovely heifer's form she stood.
+  A shape so beauteous fair,--though sore chagrin'd,
+  Unwilling Juno prais'd; and whence she came,
+  And who her owner asks; and of what herd?
+  Her prying art, as witless of the truth,
+  To baffle, from the earth he feigns her sprung;
+  And straight Saturnia begs the beauteous gift.
+  Embarrass'd now he stands,--the nymph to leave
+  Abandon'd, were too cruel;--to deny
+  His wife, suspicious: shame compliance urg'd;
+  Love strong dissuaded: love had vanquish'd shame,
+  Save that a paltry cow to her refus'd,
+  Associate of his race and bed, he fear'd
+  More than a cow the goddess would suspect.
+  Her rival now she holds; but anxious, still
+  She Jove distrusts, and fears her prize to lose;
+  Nor safe she deem'd her, till to Argus' care
+  Committed. Round the jailor's watchful head
+  An hundred eyes were set. Two clos'd in turn;
+  The rest with watchful care, kept cautious guard.
+  Howe'er he stands, on Ioe still he looks;
+  His face averse, yet still his eyes behold.
+  By day she pastures, but beneath the earth
+  When Phoebus sinks, he drags her to the stall,
+  And binds with cords her undeserving neck.
+  Arbutus' leaves, and bitter herbs her food:
+  Her wretched bed is oft the cold damp earth;
+  A strawy couch deny'd:--the muddy stream
+  Her constant drink: when suppliant she would raise
+  Her arms to Argus, arms to raise were none.
+  To moan she tries; loud bellowings echo wide,--
+  She starts and trembles at her voice's roar.
+  Now to the banks she comes where oft she'd play'd,--
+  The banks of Inachus, and in his streams
+  Her new-form'd horns beheld;--in wild affright
+  From them she strove, and from herself to fly.
+  Her sister Naiads know her not, nor he
+  Griev'd Inachus, his long-lost daughter knows.
+  But she her sisters and her sire pursues;
+  Invites their touch, as wondering they caress.
+  Old Inachus the gather'd herbs presents;
+  She licks his hands, and presses with her lips
+  His dear paternal fingers. Tears flow quick,
+  And could words follow she would ask his aid;
+  And speak her name, and lamentable state.
+  Marks for her words she form'd, which in the dust
+  Trac'd by her hoof, disclos'd her mournful change.
+  "Ah wretch!" her sire exclaim'd, "unhappy wretch!"
+  And o'er the weeping heifer's snowy neck,
+  His arms he threw, and round her horns he hung
+  With sobs redoubled:--"Art thou then, my child,
+  "Through earth's extent so sought? Ah! less my grief,
+  "To find thee not, than thus transform'd to find!
+  "But dumb thou art, nor with responsive words,
+  "Me cheerest. From thy deep chest sighs alone
+  "Thou utterest, and loud lowings to my words:
+  "Thou canst no more. Unwitting I prepar'd
+  "Thy marriage torches, anxious to behold
+  "A son, and next a son of thine to see.
+  "Now from the herd a husband must thou seek,
+  "Now with the herd thy sons must wander forth.
+  "Nor death my woes can finish: curst the gift
+  "Of immortality. Eternal grief
+  "Must still corrode me; Lethe's gate is clos'd."
+  Thus griev'd the god, when starry Argus tore
+  His charge away, and to a distant mead
+  Drove her to pasture;--he a lofty hill's
+  Commanding prospect chose, and seated there
+  View'd all around alike on every side.
+
+    But now heaven's ruler could no more contain,
+  To see the sorrows Ioe felt:--he calls
+  His son, of brightest Pleiaed mother born,
+  And bids him quickly compass Argus' death.
+  Instant around his heels his wings he binds;
+  His rod somniferous grasps; nor leaves his cap.
+  Accoutred thus, from native heights he springs,
+  And lights on earth; removes his cap; his wings
+  Unlooses; and his wand alone retains:
+  Through devious paths with this, a shepherd now,
+  A flock he drives of goats, and tunes his pipe
+  Of reeds constructed. Argus hears the sound,
+  Junonian guard, and captivated cries,--
+  "Come, stranger, sit with me upon this mount:
+  "Nor for thy flock more fertile pasture grows,
+  "Than round this spot;--and here the shade thou seest
+  "To shepherds' ease inviting."--Hermes sate,
+  And with his converse stay'd declining day.
+  Long he discours'd, and anxious strove to lull
+  With music sweet, the all-observant eyes;
+  But long he strove in vain: soft slumber's bonds
+  Argus opposes;--of his numerous lights,
+  Part sleep, but others jealous watch his charge.
+  And now he questions whence the pipe was form'd,
+  The pipe but new-discover'd to the world.
+
+    Then thus the god:--"A lovely Naiaed nymph,
+  "With bleak Arcadia's Hamadryads nurs'd,
+  "And on Nonacrine for beauty fam'd
+  "Was Syrinx. Oft the satyrs wild she fled;
+  "Nor these alone, but every god that roves
+  "In shady forests, or in fertile fields.
+  "Dian' she follows, and her virgin life.
+  "Like Dian' cinctur'd, she might Dian' seem,
+  "Save that a golden bow the goddess bears;
+  "The nymph a bow of horn: yet still to most
+  "Mistake was easy. From Lycaeum's height,
+  "His head encompass'd with the pointed pine,
+  "Returning, her the lustful Pan espy'd,
+  "And cry'd:--Fair virgin grant a god's request,--
+  "A god who burns to wed thee. Here he stays.
+  "Through pathless forests flies the nymph, and scorns
+  "His warm intreaties, till the gravelly stream
+  "Of Ladon, smoothly winding, she beheld.
+  "The waves impede her flight. She earnest prays
+  "Her sister-nymphs her human form to change.
+  "Now thinks the sylvan god his clasping arms
+  "Inclose her, whilst he grasps but marshy reeds.--
+  "He mournful sighs; the light reeds catch his breath,
+  "And soft reverberate the plaintive sound.
+  "The dulcet movement charms th' enraptur'd god,
+  "Who,--thus forever shall we join,--exclaims!
+  "With wax combin'd th' unequal reeds he forms
+  "A pipe, which still the virgin's name retains."
+  While thus the god, he every eye beheld
+  Weigh'd heavy, sink in sleep, and stopp'd his tale.
+  His magic rod o'er every lid he draws,
+  His sleep confirming, and with crooked blade
+  Severs his nodding head, and down the mount
+  The bloody ruin hurls,--the craggy rock
+  With gore besmearing. Low, thou Argus liest!
+  Extinct thy hundred lights; one night obscure
+  Eclipsing all. But Juno seiz'd the rays,
+  And on the plumage of her favor'd bird,
+  In gaudy pride, the starry gems she plac'd.
+
+    With furious ire she flam'd, and instant sent
+  The dread Erinnys to the Argive maid.
+  Before her eyes, within her breast she dwelt
+  A secret torment, and in terror drove
+  Her exil'd through the world. 'Twas thou, O Nile!
+  Her tedious wandering ended. On thy banks
+  Weary'd she kneel'd, and on her back, supine
+  Her neck she lean'd:--her sad face to the skies,
+  What could she more?--she lifted. Unto Jove
+  By groans, and tears, and mournful lows she plain'd,
+  And begg'd her woes might end. The mighty god
+  Around his consort's neck embracing hung.
+  And pray'd her wrath might finish. "Fear no more
+  "A rival love, in her," he said, "to see;"
+  And bade the Stygian streams his words record.
+  Appeas'd the goddess, Ioe straight resumes
+  Her wonted shape, as lovely as before.
+  The rough hair flies; the crooked horns are shed;
+  Her visual orbits narrow; and her mouth
+  In size contracts; her arms and hands return;
+  Parted in five small nails her hoofs are lost:
+  Nought of the lovely heifer now remains,
+  Save the bright splendor. On her feet erect
+  With two now only furnish'd, stands the maid.
+  To speak she fears, lest bellowing sounds should break,
+  And timid tries her long-forgotten words.
+  Of mighty fame a goddess now, she hears
+  Of nations linen-clad the pious prayers.
+
+    Then bore she Epaphus, whose birth deriv'd
+  From mighty Jove, his temples through the land,
+  An equal worship with his mother's claim.
+  Him Phaeton, bright Phoebus' youthful son,
+  In years and spirit equall'd,--whose proud boasts,
+  To all his sire preferring, Ioe's son
+  Thus check'd: "O simple! thee thy mother's arts
+  "To ought persuade. A feigned sire thou boast'st."
+  Deep blush'd the youth, but shame his rage repress'd,
+  And each reproach to Clymene he bore.
+  "This too," he says, "O mother, irks me more,
+  "That I so bold, so fierce, urg'd no defence:
+  "Which shame is greater? that they dare accuse,
+  "Or that accus'd, we cannot prove them false?
+  "Do thou my mother,--if from heaven indeed
+  "Descent I claim,--prove from what stock I spring.
+  "My race divine assert." He said,--and flung
+  Around her neck his arms; and by his life,
+  The life of Merops, and his sisters' hopes
+  Of nuptial bliss, adjures her to obtain
+  Proofs of his birth celestial. Prayers like these
+  The mother doubtless mov'd;--and rage no less
+  To hear the defamation. Up to heaven
+  Her arms she raises, gazing on the sun,
+  And cries,--"My child! by yon bright rays I swear
+  "In brilliance glittering, which now hear and view,
+  "Our every word and action--thou art sprung
+  "From him, the sun thou see'st;--the sun who rules
+  "With tempering sway the seasons:--If untrue
+  "My words, let me his light no more behold!
+  "Nor long the toil to seek thy father's dome,
+  "His palace whence he rises borders close
+  "On our land's confines.--If thou dar'st the task,
+  "Go forth, and from himself thy birth enquire."
+  Elate to hear her words, the youth departs
+  Instant, and all the sky in mind he grasps.
+  Through AEthiopia's regions swiftly went,
+  With India plac'd beneath the burning zone:
+  And quickly reach'd his own paternal east.
+
+
+
+
+*The Second Book.*
+
+
+    Palace of the Sun. Phaeton's reception by his father. His request
+    to drive the chariot. The Sun's useless arguments to dissuade him
+    from the attempt. Description of the car. Cautions how to perform
+    the journey. Terror of Phaeton, and his inability to rule the
+    horses. Conflagration of the world. Petition of Earth to Jupiter,
+    and death of Phaeton by thunder. Grief of Clymene, and of his
+    sisters. Change of the latter to poplars, and their tears to
+    amber. Transformation of Cycnus to a swan. Mourning of Phoebus.
+    Jupiter's descent to earth; and amour with Calistho. Birth of
+    Arcas, and transformation of Calistho to a bear; and afterwards
+    with Arcas to a constellation. Story of Coronis. Tale of the daw
+    to the raven. Change of the raven's color. Esculapius. Ocyrrhoe's
+    prophecies, and transformation to a mare. Apollo's herds stolen
+    by Mercury. Battus' double-dealing, and change to a touchstone.
+    Mercury's love for Herse. Envy. Aglauros changed to a statue.
+    Rape of Europa.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Second Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    By towering columns bright with burnish'd gold,
+  And fiery gems, which blaz'd their light around,
+  Upborne, the palace stood. The lofty roof
+  With ivory smooth incas'd. The folding doors,
+  Of silver shone, but much by sculpture grac'd,
+  For Vulcan there with curious hand had carv'd
+  The ocean girding in the land; the land;
+  And heaven o'ershadowing: here cerulean gods
+  Sport in the waves, grim Triton with his shell;
+  Proteus shape-changing; and AEgeon huge,--
+  His mighty arms upon the large broad backs
+  Of whales hard pressing: Doris and her nymphs:
+  Some sportive swimming; on a rocky seat
+  Some their green tresses drying; others borne
+  By fish swift-gliding: nor the same all seem'd,
+  Yet sister-like a close resembling look
+  Each face pervaded. Earth her natives bore,
+  Mankind;--and woods, and cities, there were seen;
+  Wild beasts, and streams, and nymphs, and rural gods.
+  'Bove all the bright display of heaven was hung--
+  Six signs celestial o'er each portal grav'd.
+
+    The daring youth, the steep ascent attain'd,
+  O'erstepp'd the threshold of his dubious sire,
+  And hasty rush'd to meet paternal eyes;
+  But sudden stay'd: so fierce a blaze of light
+  No nearer he sustain'd. In purple clad,
+  The god a regal emerald throne upheld;
+  Encircled round by hours which space the day;
+  By days themselves; and ages, months, and years.
+  Crown'd with a flowery garland Spring appear'd:
+  Chaplets of grain the swarthy brows adorn'd
+  Of naked Summer: smear'd with trodden grapes
+  Stood Autumn: icy Winter fill'd the groupe;--
+  Snow-white his shaggy locks. Sol from the midst
+  His eyes all-seeing glanc'd upon the youth,
+  Startled and trembling at the wonderous sight;
+  And cried:--"What brings my Phaeton, my son,
+  "Whose sire shall ne'er disclaim him? tell me now,
+  "What here thou seekest?" Thus the youth replies:--
+  "O father, Phoebus, universal light!
+  "If justly, I thy honor'd name may use,
+  "Nor proudly boasting Clymene conceals
+  "A crime by falshood; grant paternal signs,
+  "The world convincing that from thee I spring;
+  "Reproachful doubts erasing from my mind."
+  He said;--the sire the glittering rays removes
+  That blaz'd around his head,--invites him nigh,
+  And thus embracing:--"Proud I own thee, son,
+  "For all is true by Clymene disclos'd.
+  "If still thou doubtest, name the gift thou lik'st,--
+  "That shalt thou have; for that will I bestow.
+  "Ye streams unseen, which hear celestial oaths
+  "My vows attest!" But scarce had Phoebus spoke,
+  When Phaeton, the fiery car demands,--
+  Demands his sway the winged-footed steeds
+  One day should suffer. Soon the solemn oath
+  Phoebus lamented: three times mournful shook
+  His glorious tresses and in sorrow cry'd--
+  "Would I could yet deny thee!--O my son!
+  "All else with gladness will I hear thee ask;--
+  "List to persuasion,--perseverance sure
+  "Will risk thy ruin. Phaeton, my child!
+  "The task thou seek'st is arduous; far unfit
+  "For those weak arms, and age so immature.
+  "Mortal,--thou would'st a seat immortal press.
+  "Ignorant of grasping more than all the gods
+  "Attempt to manage. Every power we grant
+  "Diverse excels; but I of all the gods,
+  "Have force in that igniferous car to stand.
+  "Ev'n Jove, the ruler of Olympus vast,
+  "Whose right hand terrible fierce lightenings hurls,
+  "This chariot never rul'd: and who than Jove,
+  "More mighty deem we? Steep the first ascent,
+  "The fresh steeds clamber up the height with pain:
+  "High in mid heaven arriv'd, to view beneath
+  "Ocean and earth, oft strikes even me with fear,
+  "And with dread palpitation shakes my breast.
+  "Prerupt the end, and asks a firm restraint;
+  "Tethys herself who nightly me receives,
+  "Beneath the waves, fears oft my headlong fall.
+  "Nor all;--the skies a constant whirling bears
+  "In rapid motion, and the heavenly orbs
+  "Sweep with them swift; I strive the adverse my;
+  "Nor can th' impetuous force which whirls the rest
+  "Bear with them me; I stem the rapid world
+  "With force superior. Grant, the car I yield,--
+  "Could'st thou the swift rotation of the poles
+  "Stem nervous, nor be borne with them along?
+  "Perchance imagination fills thy mind,
+  "With groves, and dwellings of celestial gods,
+  "And temples richly deck'd with offer'd gold,
+  "Where thou shall pass. Far else;--thy journey lies,
+  "Through ambushes, and savage monsters' forms.
+  "Ev'n shouldst thou lucky not erratic stray,
+  "Yet must thou pass the Bull's opposing horns;
+  "The bow Haemonian, by the Centaur bent;
+  "The Lion's countenance grim; the Scorpion's claws
+  "Bent cruel in a circuit large; the Crab
+  "In lesser compass curving. Hard the task
+  "To rule the steeds with those fierce fires inflam'd,
+  "Within their breasts, which through their nostrils glow.
+  "Scarce bear they my control, when mad with heat
+  "Their high necks spurn the rein. But, oh! my son,
+  "Beware lest I a fatal gift bestow.
+  "Retract, while yet thou may'st, thy rash demand.
+  "Sure tokens thou requir'st to prove thee sprung
+  "From me,--the genuine offspring of my blood:
+  "My anxious trembling is a token true;
+  "Paternal terrors plainly prove the sire.
+  "Lo! on my features fix thine eyes; as well,
+  "I would thou could'st them place within my breast,
+  "And view the anguish of a father's cares.
+  "Last throw thy looks around; the riches view,
+  "Whatever earth contains, and some demand;
+  "Some of so many and such mighty gifts:
+  "In heaven, or earth, or sea, 'tis undeny'd.
+  "This only would I grant not, as its grant
+  "Is punishment, not favor. Phaeton
+  "Asks evil for a gift. Why, foolish boy,
+  "Hang on my neck thus coaxing with thine arms?
+  "Whate'er thou would'st, thou shalt. The Stygian streams
+  "Have heard me swear. But make a wiser wish."
+  His admonition ceas'd, but all advice
+  Was bootless: still his resolution holds;
+  To guide the chariot still his bosom burns.
+  The sire, his every effort vain, at length
+  Forth to the lofty car, Vulcanian gift,
+  Brings the rash youth. Of gold the axle shone;
+  The pole of gold; by gold the rolling wheels
+  Were circled; every spoke with silver bright;
+  Upon the seat bright chrysolites display'd,
+  With various jewels shed a dazzling light,
+  From Sol reflected. All the high-soul'd youth
+  Admir'd, and while he curious view'd each part,
+  Behold Aurora from the purple east
+  Wide throws the ruddy portals, and displays
+  The halls with roses strewn: the starry host
+  Fly, driven by Lucifer,--himself the last
+  To quit his heavenly station. Sol beheld
+  The earth and sky grow red, and Luna's horns
+  Blunt, and prepar'd to vanish. Straight he bade
+  The flying hours to yoke the steeds: his words
+  The nimble goddesses obey, and lead
+  The steeds fire-breathing from their lofty stalls,
+  Ambrosia fed, and fix the sounding reins.
+  Then with a sacred ointment Phoebus smear'd
+  The face of Phaeton,--unscorch'd to bear
+  The fervid blaze; and on his head a crown
+  Of rays he fix'd. His smother'd sighs within
+  His anxious breast, sad presages of woe
+  Suppressing, thus he spoke:--"If now my words
+  "Though late, thou heedest, spare, O boy! the lash,
+  "But tightly grasp the reins: unbid they run,
+  "They fly; to check their flight thy labor asks.
+  "Not through the five bright zones thy journey lies:
+  "Obliquely winds the path, with spacious curve,
+  "Three girdles only touching; leaving far
+  "The pole Antarctic, and the northern Bear:
+  "Be this thy track; there plain thou may'st discern
+  "The marks my wheels have made. Since heaven and earth
+  "An equal portion of my influence claim;
+  "Press not the car too low, nor mount aloft
+  "Near topmost heaven: there would'st thou fire the roof
+  "Celestial;--here the earth thou would'st consume.
+  "For safety keep the midst. Let thy right wheel
+  "Approach the tortuous Snake not: nor thy left
+  "Press near the Altar:--hold the midmost course.
+  "Fortune the rest must rule; may she assist
+  "Thy undertaking; for thy safety act
+  "Better than thou. But more delay deny'd,
+  "Lo! whilst I speak the dewy night has touch'd
+  "The boundaries plac'd upon th' Hesperian shore.
+  "I'm call'd,--for, darkness fled, Aurora shines.
+  "Seize then, the reins, or if thy mind relents,
+  "My counsel rather than my chariot take.
+  "Now whilst thou can'st; whilst on a solid base
+  "Thou standest, ere thou yet unskilful mount'st
+  "The chariot ev'lly wish'd: give me to dart
+  "Those rays on earth which thou may'st safely view:"
+  Agile the youth bounds from his sire, and stands
+  Proud in the chariot; joyously he holds
+  Th' entrusted reigns, and from the seat glad thanks
+  Th' unwilling parent gives. Meantime neigh'd loud
+  In curling flames, the winged steeds of Sol,
+  Pyroeis, AEthon, Phlegon, Eous swift;
+  And with impatient hoofs the barrier beat;
+  Which Tethys, ignorant of her grandson's fate,
+  Drove back, and open laid the range of heaven.
+  Swiftly they hasten,--swiftly fly their heels,
+  Through the thin air, and through opposing clouds.
+  Pois'd by their wings the eastern gales they pass,
+  Which started with them: but their burthen light,
+  Small felt the pressure on the chariot seat:
+  Not what the steeds of Sol had felt before.
+  As ships unpois'd reel tottering through the waves,
+  Light and unsteady, rambling o'er the main;
+  So bounds the car, void of its 'custom'd weight,
+  High-toss'd as though unfill'd. This quick perceiv'd,
+  Fierce rush the four-yok'd steeds, and quit the path
+  Beaten before, and tread a road unknown.
+  Trembling the youth nor knows to pull the reins
+  Which side, nor knowing would the steeds obey.
+  Then first the frozen Trioenes from Sol
+  Felt warm, and try'd, but try'd in vain, to dip
+  Beneath the sea. The frozen polar snake,
+  Sluggish with cold, and indolently mild,
+  Warm'd, and dire fierceness gather'd from the flames.
+  Thou too, Booetes, fled'st away disturb'd,
+  Though slow thy flight, retarded by thy teams.
+  And now the luckless Phaeton his eyes
+  Cast on the earth remote,--far distant spread
+  Beneath the lofty sky; pale grew his face
+  With sudden terror; trembled his weak knees;
+  O'ercome with light his eyes in darkness sunk:
+  Glad were he now, his father's steeds untouch'd:
+  Griev'd that his race he knows; griev'd his request
+  Was undeny'd: glad were he now if call'd
+  The son of Merops. Ev'n as Boreas sweeps
+  Furious the vessel, when the pilot leaves
+  The helm to heaven, and puts his trust in prayers
+  So was he hurry'd. What remains to do?
+  Vast space of heaven behind him lies;--much more
+  He forward views. Each distance in his mind
+  Compar'd he measures. Now he forward bends
+  To view the west, forbidden him to reach;
+  Now to the east he backward turns his eyes.
+  With terror stunn'd his trembling hands refuse
+  To hold the reins with vigor; yet he holds.
+  The coursers' names, affrighted he forgets:
+  Trembling he views the various monsters spread
+  Through every part above; and figures huge
+  Of beasts ferocious. Heaven a spot contains,
+  Where Scorpio bends in two wide bows his arms,
+  His tail, and doubly-stretching claws;--the space
+  Encompassing of two celestial signs.
+  Soon as the youth the monstrous beast beheld,
+  Black poison sweating, and with crooked sting
+  Threatening fierce wounds, he nerveless dropp'd the reins:
+  Pale dread o'ercame him. Quick the steeds perceiv'd
+  The loose thongs playing on their backs, and rush'd
+  Wide from the path, uncheck'd;--through regions strange,
+  Now here, now there, impetuous;--unrestrain'd,
+  Amidst the loftiest stars they dash, and drag
+  The car through pathless places: upward now
+  They labor;--headlong now they down descend,
+  Nearing the earth. With wonder Luna sees
+  Her brother's coursers run beneath her own;
+  And sees the burnt clouds smoking. Lofty points
+  Of earth, feel first the flames, and fissures wide,
+  Departing moisture prove. The forage green,
+  Whitens; trees crackle with their burning leaves;
+  And ripe corn adds its fuel to the blaze.
+  Why mourn we trifles? Mighty cities fall;
+  Their walls protect them not; their dwellers sink
+  To ashes with them. Woods on mountains flame;--
+  Athos, Cilician Taurus, Tmolus, burn;
+  Oete, and Ide, her pleasant fountains dry;
+  With virgin Helicon, and Haemus high,
+  OEagrius since. Now with redoubled flames
+  Fierce Etna blazes;--Eryx, Othrys too;
+  Cynthus, and fam'd Parnassus' double top,
+  And Rhodope, at length of snow depriv'd:
+  Dindyma, Mimas, and the sacred hill
+  Cythaeron nam'd, and lofty Mycale:
+  Nor aid their snows the Scythians: Ossa burns,
+  Pindus, and Caucasus, and, loftier still,
+  The huge Olympus; with the towering Alps;
+  And cloud-capt Apennines. Now the youth,
+  Beholds earth flaming fierce from every part;--
+  The heat o'erpowers him; fiery air he breathes
+  As from a furnace; and the car he rides
+  Glows with the flame beneath him: sore annoy'd
+  On every side by cinders, and by smoke
+  Hot curling round him. Whither now he drives,
+  Or where he is, he knows not; in a cloud
+  Of pitchy night involv'd; swept as the steeds
+  Swift-flying will. The AEthiopians then,
+  'Tis said, their sable tincture first receiv'd;
+  Their purple blood the glowing heat call'd forth
+  To tinge their skins. Then dry'd the scorching fire
+  From arid Lybia all her fertile streams.
+  Now with dishevell'd locks the nymphs bewail'd
+  Their fountains and their lakes. Boeotia mourns
+  The loss of Dirce: Argos Amymone:
+  Corinth laments Pirene. Nor yet safe
+  Were rivers bounded by far distant shores,
+  Tanais' midmost waves fume to the sky;
+  And ancient Peneus smokes: Ismenos swift;
+  Caicus, Teuthrantean; and the flood
+  Of Phocis, Erymanthus: Xanthus too,
+  Doom'd to be fir'd again: Lycormas brown;
+  Maeander's sportive oft recircling waves;
+  Mygdonian Melas; and the Spartan flood,
+  Eurotas; with Euphrates burn: and burn,
+  Orontes; and the rapid Thermodoon;
+  Ganges; and Phasis; and the Ister swift.
+  Alpheus boils; the banks of Spercheus burn;
+  And Tagus' golden sands the flames dissolve.
+  Stream-loving swans, whose song melodious rung
+  Throughout Maeonian regions, feel the heat,
+  Caister's streams amid. In terror Nile
+  Fled to the farthest earth, and sunk his head,
+  Yet undiscover'd!--void the seven-fold stream,
+  His mouth seven dry and dusty vales disclos'd.
+  Now Hebrus dries, and Strymon, Thracian floods:
+  And streams Hesperian, Rhine; and Rhone; and Po;
+  And Tiber, destin'd all the world to rule.
+  Asunder split the globe, and through the chinks
+  Darted the light to hell: the novel blaze,
+  Pluto and Proserpine with terror view'd.
+  The ocean shrinks;--a dry and scorching plain
+  Where late was sea appears. Hills lift their heads
+  Late by the deep waves hid, and countless seem
+  The scatter'd Cyclades. Deep crouch the fish;--
+  The crooked dolphins dare not leap aloft,
+  As, custom'd in the air; with breasts upturn'd
+  The gasping sea-calves float upon the waves:
+  Nereus, with Doris and her daughter-nymphs
+  Deep plung'd to seek their low, but tepid caves.
+  Thrice Neptune ventur'd to upraise his arms
+  Grim frowning,--thrice the flames too fierce he found,
+  And shrunk beneath the waters. Earth at length,
+  (By streams and founts encircled,--for her womb
+  Trembling they sought for refuge) rais'd on high
+  Her face omniferous, dry and parch'd with heat;
+  Her burning forehead shaded with her hand;
+  Shook all with tremor huge; then shrank for shade
+  Beneath, and gasping, thus to heaven she plain'd:
+
+    "Almighty lord! if such thy sovereign will,
+  "And I deserve it, why thy lightenings hold
+  "Thus idle? If by fire to perish doom'd,--
+  "Be it by thine,--an honorable fate!
+  "Scarce can my lips now utter forth my pains!--
+  Volumes of smoke oppress'd her--"See, my hair
+  "Sing'd with the flames! Behold my face,--my eyes,
+  "Scorch'd with hot embers! Is no better boon
+  "Due for the fruits I furnish? Such reward,
+  "Suits it my fertile crops? or cruel wounds
+  "Of harrow, rake, and plough, which through the year
+  "Enforc'd I suffer? For the herds I bring
+  "Green herbs and grass; bland aliments, ripe fruit
+  "For man; and incense for ye mighty gods:
+  "Faulty is this? But grant thy wrath deserv'd,
+  "How do the waves, thy brother's realm offend?
+  "Why does the main, to him by lot decreed,
+  "Shrink and retreat from heaven? Thy brother's weal,
+  "Say it concerns thee not, nor my distress;
+  "Care for thy own paternal heaven may move.
+  "Thine eyes cast round,--black smoke from either pole
+  "Mounts!--soon the greedy flames your halls will seize.
+  "Lo! Atlas labors;--scarcely he sustains
+  "The burning load. If earth and ocean flame,
+  "And heaven too perish, all to chaoes turn'd,
+  "Confounded we shall sink. Snatch from the flames
+  "What yet, if ought, remains, and nature save."
+  No more could Earth, for now thick vapors rose,
+  Her speech obstructing; down she shrunk her head,
+  And shelter'd 'midst the cool Tartarian shades.
+
+    Now Jove, the gods, all witness to the fact
+  Conven'd; ev'n Sol, the donor of the car,
+  That but for him the world in ruins soon
+  Would lie. The loftiest height of heaven he gains,
+  Whence clouds he wont upon the wide-spread earth
+  To shower;--from whence his thunders loud he hurl'd;
+  And quivering lightenings flung: but now nor clouds,
+  Nor showers to rain on earth the sovereign had.
+  He thunders;--from his right-ear pois'd, the bolt
+  Hurls on the charioteer. Life, and the car,
+  Phaeton quits at once;--his fatal fires,
+  By fires more fierce extinguish'd. Startled prance
+  The steeds confounded; free their fiery necks
+  From the torn reins: here lie the traces broke;
+  There the strong axle, sever'd from the seat;
+  Spokes of the shatter'd wheels are here display'd;
+  And scatter'd far and wide the car's remains.
+  Hurl'd headlong falls the youth, his golden locks,
+  Flame as he tumbles, swept through empty air,
+  A lengthen'd track he forms: so seems a star
+  In night serene, but only seems, to shoot.
+  Far from paternal home, the mighty Po
+  Receiv'd his burning corps, and quench'd the flames.
+
+    Due rites the nymphs Hesperian gave the limbs
+  From the fork'd lightening flaming. On his tomb
+  This epitaph they grav'd: "Here Phaeton
+  "Intombed rests; the charioteer so bold,
+  "Of Phoebus' car, which though he fail'd to rule,
+  "He perish'd greatly daring." Griev'd his sire,
+  Veil'd his sad face; and, were tradition true,
+  One day saw not the sun; the embers blaz'd
+  Sufficient light: thus may misfortune aid.
+
+    When Clymene with all that sorrow could
+  To ease her woes give utterance, loud had wail'd
+  In wild lament; all spark of reason fled,
+  Her bosom tearing, through the world she roam'd.
+  And now his limbs inanimate she sought;
+  Then for his whiten'd bones: his bones she found,
+  On banks far distant from his home inhum'd.
+  Prone on his tomb her form she flung, and pour'd
+  Her tears in floods upon the graven lines:
+  And with her bosom bar'd, the cold stone warm'd.
+  His sisters' love their fruitless offerings bring,
+  Their griefs and briny droppings; cruel tear
+  Their beauteous bosoms; while they loudly call
+  Phaeton, deaf to all their mournful cries.
+  Stretch'd on his tomb, by night, by day they call'd.
+  Till Luna's circle four times fill'd was seen;
+  Their blows still given as 'custom'd, (use had made
+  Their forms of grief as nature). Sudden plain'd
+  Fair Phaethusa, eldest of the three,
+  Of stiffen'd feet; as on the tomb she strove
+  To cast her body prone. Lampetie bright,
+  Rushing in hope to aid, a shooting root
+  Abruptly held. With lifted hands the third
+  Her locks to tear attempted; but green leaves
+  Tore off instead. Now this laments her legs,
+  Bound with thin bark; that mourns to see her arms
+  Shoot in long branches. While they wonder thus,
+  Th' increasing bark their bodies upward veils,
+  Their breasts, their arms, and hands, with gradual growth:
+  Their mouths alone remain; which loudly call
+  Their mother. What a mother could, she did:
+  What could she do? save, here and there to fly,
+  Where blind affection dragg'd her; and while yet,
+  'Twas given to join, join with them mouth to mouth.
+  Nor this contents; she strives to tear the rind,
+  Their limbs enwrapping; and the tender boughs
+  Pluck from their hands: but from the rended spot
+  The sanguine drops flow swift. Each suffering nymph
+  Cries,--"Spare me, mother!--spare your wounded child;
+  "I suffer in the tree.--farewell!--farewell!"--
+  For as they spoke the rind their mouths inclos'd.
+  From these new branches tears were dropp'd, and shap'd
+  By solar heat, bright amber straight compos'd.
+  Dropt in the lucid stream, the prize was borne
+  To Latium, and its gayest nymphs adorn'd.
+
+    This wonderous change Sthenelian Cycnus saw;
+  To thee, O Phaeton, by kindred join'd,
+  But by affection closer. He his realms,
+  (For o'er Liguria's large and populous towns
+  He reign'd) had then relinquish'd. With his plaints,
+  The Po's wide stream was fill'd; and fill'd the banks
+  With his lamentings; ev'n the woods, whose shade
+  The sister poplars thicken'd. Soon he feels
+  His utterance shrill and weak: his streaming locks
+  Soft snowy plumes displace: high from his chest,
+  His lengthen'd neck extends: a filmy web
+  Unites his ruddy toes: his sides are cloth'd
+  With quills and feathers: where his mouth was seen
+  Expanded, now a blunted beak obtains;
+  And Cycnus stands a bird;--but bird unknown
+  In days of yore. Mistrustful still of Jove,
+  His heaven he shuns; as mindful of the flames
+  From thence unjustly hurl'd. Wide lakes and ponds
+  He seeks to habit now;--indignant shuns
+  What favors fire, and joys in purling streams.
+
+    Meantime was Phoebus dull, his blaze obscur'd,
+  As when eclips'd his orb: his rays he hates;
+  Himself; and even the day. To grief his soul
+  He gives, and anger to his grief he joins;
+  Depriving earth of all its wonted light.
+  "Troubled my lot has been," he cry'd, "since first
+  "Was publish'd my existence:--urg'd my toil
+  "Endless,--still unremitted, still unprais'd.
+  "Now let who will my furious chariot drive
+  "Flammiferous! If every god shall shrink
+  "Inadequate,--let Jove the task attempt:
+  "Then while my reins he tries, at least those flames,
+  "Which cause parental grief must peaceful rest.
+  "Then when the fiery flaming coursers strain
+  "His nervous arms, no more he'll judge the youth
+  "Of death deserving, who could less control."
+  Sol, grieving thus, the deities surround,
+  And suppliant beg that earth may mourn no more,
+  By darkness 'whelm'd. Ev'n Jove concession gave,--
+  And why his fiery bolts were launch'd explain'd;
+  But threats and prayers majestically mix'd.
+  The steeds with terror trembling, Phoebus seiz'd,
+  Wild from their late affright, and rein'd their jaws;
+  Furious he wields his goad and lash, and fierce
+  He storms, and their impetuous fury blames
+  At every blow, as murderers of his son.
+
+   High heaven's huge walls the mighty sire explores,
+  With eye close searching, lest a weakening flaw,
+  Might hurl some part to ruin. All he found
+  Firm in its pristine strength;--then glanc'd his eye
+  Around the earth, and toils of man below.
+  'Bove all terrestrial lands, Arcadia felt--
+  His own Arcadia--his preserving care.
+  Her fountains he restores; her streams not yet
+  To murmur daring; to her fields he gives
+  Seed-corn; and foliage to her spreading boughs;
+  And her scorch'd forests bids again look green.
+  Through here as oft he journey'd, and return'd,
+  A virgin of Nonacrine he spy'd,
+  And instant inward fire the god consum'd.
+  No nymph was she whose skill the wool prepar'd;
+  Nor comb'd with art her tresses seem'd; full plain,
+  Her vest a button held; a fillet white
+  Careless her hair confin'd. Now pois'd her hand
+  A javelin light, and now a bow she bore:
+  In Dian's train she ran, nor nymph more dear
+  To her the mountain Maenalus e'er trode.
+  But brief the reign of favor! Sol had now
+  Beyond mid-heaven attain'd; Calistho sought
+  A grove where felling axe had never rung:
+  Here was her quiver from her shoulder thrown;
+  Her slender bow unstrung; and on the ground
+  With soft grass clad she rested: 'neath her neck
+  Was plac'd the painted quiver. Jove, the maid
+  Weary'd beheld, and from her wonted troop
+  Far distant. "Surely now, my wife," he cries,
+  "This theft can ne'er discover. Should she know,
+  "What is her rage with such a prize compar'd?"
+  Then Dian's face and form the god conceal'd;
+  Loud calling,--"Where, O virgin, hast thou stray'd?
+  "What hills, my comrade, hast thou crost in chase?"
+  Light springing from the turf, the nymph reply'd,--
+  "Hail goddess, greater, if with me the palm,
+  "Than Jove himself, though Jove himself should hear."
+  The feign'd Diana smil'd, and joy'd to hear
+  Him to himself preferr'd; then press'd her lips
+  With kisses, such as virgins never give
+  To virgins. Her, prepar'd to tell the woods
+  Where late she hunted, with a warm embrace
+  He hinder'd; and his crime the god disclos'd.
+  Hard strove the nymph,--and what could female more?
+  (O Juno, hadst thou seen her, less thy ire!)
+  Long she resists, but what can nymph attain,
+  Or any mortal, when to Jove oppos'd?
+  Victor the god ascends th' ethereal court.
+
+    The groves and forests, conscious of the deed,
+  Calistho hates; so swift she flies the spot,
+  Her quiver, and her darts, and slender bow
+  Suspended on the tree, through eager haste
+  Were nigh forgotten. Lo! Diana comes,
+  By clustering nymphs attended, o'er the hills
+  Of lofty Maenalus, from slaughter'd beasts,
+  Proudly triumphant. She Calistho sees,
+  And calls her;--as the goddess calls she flies,
+  Fearing another Jove disguis'd to meet.
+  But when th' attendant virgin-troop appear'd,
+  Fraud she no more suspected, but the train
+  Join'd fearless. Hard the countenance to form,
+  And not betray a perpetrated crime!
+  Scarce from the ground she dar'd her looks to raise;
+  Nor with her wonted ardor press'd before,
+  First of the throng, close to Diana's side.
+  Silent she moves; her blushes prove a wound
+  Her modesty had felt. E'en Dian' might,
+  (But that a virgin,) all the truth have known.
+  By numerous proofs and strong. Nay, fame reports
+  Her sister-nymphs had long her shame perceiv'd.
+  Nine times had Luna now her orb renew'd,
+  When Dian' from the chase retreating faint
+  By Phoebus' rays, had gain'd a forest cool,
+  Where flow'd a limpid stream with murmuring noise,
+  The shining sand upturning. Much the spot
+  The goddess tempted, and her feet she dipp'd
+  Light in the waves, as to the nymphs she cry'd:--
+  "Hence far each prying eye, we'll dare unrobe
+  "And lave beneath the stream." Calistho blush'd;--
+  Quick while the other nymphs their bodies bare,
+  Protracting she undresses. From her limbs,
+  Suspicious they the garments rend, and view
+  Her body naked, and her fault is plain.
+  To her, confus'd, whose trembling hands essay'd
+  Her shame to hide, Diana spoke;--"Hence fly,--
+  "Far hence, nor more these sacred streams pollute."
+  And drove her instant from her spotless train.
+
+    Long time the mighty thunderer's queen had known
+  Calistho's state; but curb'd her furious ire
+  Till ripe occasion suited: longer now
+  Delay were needless; now the nymph produc'd
+  Arcas; whom Juno more enrag'd beheld.
+  With savage mind, and furious look she ey'd
+  The boy, and spoke;--"Adulteress! this alone
+  "Was wanting! fruitful, harlot, hast thou prov'd?
+  "Must by this birth my wrongs in public glare?
+  "And what dishonor I from Jove receive
+  "Be palpable to sight. Expect not thou
+  "Impunity to find. Thy form I'll change,--
+  "To thee so pleasing, and so dear to Jove."
+  She said; and on the flowing tresses seiz'd
+  Which o'er her forehead stream'd, and prostrate dragg'd
+  The nymph to earth. She rais'd her suppliant hands,--
+  With black hairs cover'd, rough her arms appear'd;
+  Bent were her hands, and, with her lengthen'd nails
+  To claws transform'd, press'd on the ground as feet;
+  Her mouth so beauteous, late of Jove admir'd,
+  Yawn'd wide deformity;--and lest soft prayers
+  And flowing words, might pity move, no power
+  To speak she left. Now through her hoarse throat sounds
+  An angry threatening voice that fear instills;
+  A bear becoming, though her sense the same:
+  Her sufferings proving by her constant groans.
+  Lifting to heaven such hands as lift she could,
+  Jove she ungrateful found, but Jove to call
+  Ungrateful, strove in vain. Alas! how oft
+  In woods and solitudes, to sleep afraid,
+  She roam'd around the house and fertile fields
+  Of late her own!---Alas, how oft thence driven
+  By yelping hounds o'er craggy steeps she fled!
+  Thou dread'st the hunters though an huntress thou!
+  Oft was her form forgotten, and in fear
+  From beasts she crouch'd conceal'd: the shaggy bear
+  Shudder'd to see the bears upon the hills;
+  And at the wolves she trembled, though with wolves
+  Her sire Lycaoen howl'd. Now Arcas comes;
+  Arcas, her son, unconscious of his race.
+  Near fifteen suns the youth had seen revolv'd;
+  And while the game he chases, while he seeks
+  Thickets best suited for his sports, and round
+  The Erymanthean woods his toils he sets,
+  He meets his mother:--at his sight she stay'd,
+  The well-known object viewing. Arcas fled
+  Trembling, unconscious why those eyes were fix'd
+  On him immoveably. His spear, prepar'd
+  To pierce his mother's breast, as near she draws
+  The youth protends. But Jove the deed prevents:
+  Both bears away, and stays the matricide.
+  Swept through the void of heaven by rapid whirl
+  They're borne, and neighbouring constellations made,
+  Loud Juno rag'd, to see the harlot shine,
+  Amid the stars; and 'neath the deep descends,
+  To hoary Tethys, and her ancient spouse;
+  Where reverence oft the host of heaven had shewn.
+  And thus to them, who anxious seek the cause,
+  Why there she journeys. "Wish ye then to know
+  "Why I the queen of heaven, my regal seat
+  "Now leave? Another fills my lofty throne!
+  "Nor false I speak,--for when gray night shall spread
+  "O'er all,--new constellations shall you see
+  "Me irking,--on the utmost bounds of heaven,
+  "Where the last shorten'd zone the axis binds.
+  "Now surely none, t' insult shall rashly dare
+  "The thunderer's spouse, but tremble at her frown;
+  "For she who most offends is honor'd most!
+  "Much has my power perform'd!--vast is my sway!
+  "Her human form I chang'd,--and lo! she shines
+  "A goddess;--thus the guilty feel my ire!
+  "Thus potent I. Why not her form restore,
+  "And change that beastly shape, as Ioe once
+  "In Argolis, the same indulgence felt.
+  "Why drives he not his consort from his bed,
+  "Calistho placing there;--for sire-in-law
+  "The wolf Lycaoen chusing? If to you
+  "Your foster-daughter's insults ought import,
+  "Forbid these stars to touch the blue profound:
+  "Repel those constellations, plac'd in heaven,
+  "Meed of adultery; lest the harlot dip
+  "In your pure waves."--The gods their promise gave
+  And through the liquid air Saturnia flies,
+  Borne in her chariot by her peacocks bright;
+  Their coats gay studded from fall'n Argus' eyes.
+
+    Less beauteous was the change, loquacious crow,
+  Thy plumage suffer'd,--snowy white to black.
+  With silvery brightness once his feathers shone;
+  Unspotted doves outvying; nor to those
+  Preserving birds the capital whose voice
+  So watchful sav'd;--nor to the stream-fond swans,
+  Inferior seem'd his covering: but his tongue,
+  His babbling tongue his ruin wrought; and chang'd
+  His hue from splendid white to gloomy black.
+
+    No fairer maid all Thessaly contain'd,
+  Than young Coronis,--to the Delphic god
+  Most dear while chaste, or while her fault unknown.
+  But Corvus, Phoebus' watchman, spy'd the deed
+  Adulterous;--and inexorably bent
+  To tell the secret crime, his flight directs
+  To seek his master. Him the daw pursues,
+  On plumes quick waving, curious all to learn.
+  His errand heard, she cries;--"Thy anxious task,
+  "A journey vain, pursue not: mark my words;--
+  "Learn what I have been;--see what now I am;
+  "And hear from whence my change: a fault you'll find
+  "Too much fidelity, which wrought my woe.
+
+    "Time was, when Pallas, Ericthonius took,
+  "Offspring created motherless, and close
+  "In basket twin'd with Attic twigs conceal'd.
+  "The charge to keep, three sister-maids she chose,
+  "Daughters of Cecrops double-form'd, but close,
+  "Conceal'd what lodg'd within; and strict forbade
+  "All prying, that her secret safe might rest.
+  "On a thick elm, behind light leaves conceal'd,
+  "I mark'd their actions. Two their sacred charge
+  "Hold faithful; Pandrosos, and Herse they:
+  "Aglauros calls her sisters cowards weak;
+  "The twistings with bold hand unloosening, sees
+  "Within an infant, and a dragon stretch'd.
+  "The deed I tell to Pallas, and from her
+  "My service this remuneration finds:
+  "Driven from her presence, she my place supplies
+  "Of favorite with the gloomy bird of night.
+  "All other birds my fate severe may warn,
+  "To seek not danger by officious tales.
+  "Pallas, perhaps you think, but lightly lov'd
+  "One whom she thus so suddenly disgrac'd.
+  "But ask of Pallas;--she, though much enrag'd
+  "Will yet my truth confirm. A regal maid
+  "Was I,--of facts to all well-known I speak:
+  "Coroneus noble, of the Phocian lands
+  "As sire I claim. Me wealthy suitors sought--
+  "Contemn me not,--my beauty was my bane.
+  "While careless on the sandy shore I roam'd,
+  "With gentle pace as wont, the ocean's god
+  "Saw me and lov'd: persuasive words in vain
+  "Long trying, force prepar'd, and me pursu'd.
+  "I fled; the firm shore left, and tir'd my limbs
+  "Vainly, upon the light soft sinking sand.
+  "There to assist me men and gods I call'd;
+  "Deaf to the sound was every mortal ear:
+  "But by a virgin's cries a virgin mov'd,
+  "Assistance gave. Up to the skies my arms
+  "I stretch'd; and black my arms began to grow,
+  "With waving pinions. From my shoulders, back
+  "My robes I strove to fling,--my robes were plumes;
+  "Deep in my skin the quills were fix'd: I try'd
+  "On my bare bosom with my hands to beat;
+  "Nor hands nor naked bosom now were found:
+  "I ran; the sand no longer now retain'd
+  "My feet, but lightly o'er the ground I skimm'd;
+  "And soon on pinions through the air was borne;
+  "And Pallas' faultless favorite I became.
+  "What now avail to me my pure deserts?
+  "Nyctimene, whose horrid crime deserv'd
+  "Her transformation, to my place succeeds.
+  "The deed so wide through spacious Lesbos known,
+  "Ere this has reach'd thee;--how Nyctimene--
+  "Her father's bed defil'd,--a bird became.
+  "Conscious of guilt, she shuns the sight of man;
+  "Flies from the day, and in nocturnal shades
+  "Conceals her shame; by every bird assail'd
+  "And exil'd from the skies." The crow in rage
+  To her still chattering, cry'd;--"May each delay
+  "Thy babbling causes, prove to thee a curse.
+  "I scorn thy foolish presages,"--and flew
+  His journey urging. When his master found,
+  He told him where Coronis he had seen
+  Claspt by a young Thessalian. Down he dropp'd
+  His laurel garland, when the crime he heard
+  Of her he lov'd;--his harp away he flung;
+  His countenance fell, and pale his visage grew.
+  Now with fierce rage his swelling bosom fires;
+  His wonted arms he seizes; draws his bow,
+  Bent to the horns; and through that breast so oft
+  Embrac'd,--th' inevitable weapon drove.
+  Deep groan'd the wounded nymph, and tearing out
+  The arrow from her breast, a purple flood
+  Gush'd o'er her shining limbs. She sighing cry'd,--
+  "This fate, O Phoebus, I deserv'dly meet,
+  "Were but thy infant born;--two now in one
+  "Thy dart has slain!"--She spoke,--her vital blood
+  Fast flow'd, and stay'd her voice. A deadly chill
+  Seiz'd all her members, now of life bereft.
+  Too late, alas! her sorrowing lover mourns
+  His cruel vengeance; and himself he hates,
+  Too credulous listening, and too soon enflam'd:
+  The bird he hates, who first betray'd the deed
+  And caus'd him first to grieve: his bow he hates;
+  His bowstring; arm; and with his arm the dart,
+  Shot vengeful. Fond he clasps her fallen form;
+  And strives by skill, by skill too late apply'd
+  To conquer fate:--his healing arts he tries,--
+  All unavailing. Fruitless he beholds
+  His each attempt, and sees the pile prepar'd;
+  And final flames her limbs about to burn.
+  Then from his deepest bosom burst his groans;
+  (For tears on cheeks celestial ne'er are seen,)
+  Such groans are utter'd when the heifer sees,
+  The weighty mallet, from the right ear pois'd,
+  Crush down the forehead of her suckling calf.
+  And now his useless odors in her breast
+  He pour'd; embrac'd her; to her last rites gave
+  Solemnization due. The greedy fires
+  His offspring were not suffer'd to consume.
+  Snatch'd from the curling flames, and from the womb
+  Of his dead mother, he the infant bore
+  To double-body'd Chiron's secret cave.
+  But bade the self-applauding crow, fill'd big
+  With hopes of favor for his faithful tale,
+  With snowy-plumag'd birds no more to join.
+
+    Meantime while Chiron, human half, half beast,
+  Proud of his deity-descended charge,
+  Joy'd in the honor with the task bestow'd:--
+  Behold, her shoulders with her golden locks
+  Shaded, the daughter of the Centaur comes;
+  Whom fair Chariclo, on a river's brink
+  Swift-rolling, bore, and thence Ocyrrhoe nam'd.
+  She not content her father's arts to know,
+  The hidden secrets of the fates disclos'd.
+  Now was her soul with fate-foretelling sounds
+  Fill'd, and within her fiercely rag'd the god:
+  The infant viewing;--"Grow," she said, "apace,
+  "Health-bearer through the world. To thee shall oft
+  "Expiring mortals owe returning life!
+  "To thee 'tis given to render souls again
+  "Back to their bodies! Once thou'lt dare the deed;--
+  "The angry god's forbidding flames, thy power
+  "Further preventing:--and a bloodless corps
+  "Heaven-born, thou ly'st;---but what thy body form'd
+  "A god becomes,--resuscitated twice.
+  "Thou too, my dearest and immortal sire!
+  "To ages never-ending, born to live,
+  "Shalt wish for death in vain; when writhing sad
+  "From the dire serpent's venom in thy limbs,
+  "By wounds instill'd. The pitying gods will change
+  "Thy destin'd fate, and let immortal die:
+  "The triple sisters shall thy thread divide.
+  "More yet untold remains;"--Deep from her chest
+  The sighs burst forth, and starting tears stream down,
+  Laving her cheeks, while thus the maid pursues:
+  "The fates prevent me, and forbid to tell
+  "What more I would;--all power to speak deny.
+  "Those arts, alas! heaven's anger which have drawn,--
+  "What were they? Would I ne'er the future knew!
+  "Now seems my human shape to leave me. Now
+  "The verdant grass a pleasing food appears.
+  "Now am I urg'd along the plain to bound;
+  "Chang'd to a mare: unto my sire ally'd
+  "In form,--but why sole chang'd? my father bears
+  "A two-form'd body;"--Wailing thus, her words
+  Confus'd and indistinct at length are heard.
+  Next sounds are utter'd partly human, more
+  A mare's resembling:--then she neighs aloud;
+  Treading with alter'd arms the ground: fast join'd
+  Her fingers now become: a slender hoof
+  Her toes connecting with continuous horn.
+  Her head enlarges; and her neck expands;
+  Her spreading garment floats a beauteous tail:
+  Her scatter'd tresses o'er her shoulders flung,
+  Form a thick mane to clothe her spacious neck:
+  Her voice is alter'd with her alter'd shape:
+  And change of name the wonderous deed attends.
+
+    Deep Chiron mourn'd, O Phoebus, and thy aid
+  In vain invok'd; for bootless was thy power
+  Jove's mandate to resist; nor if thou could'st
+  Then wast thou nigh to help. In Elis far,
+  And fields Messenian then was thy abode.
+  Then was the time when shepherd-like a robe
+  Of skins enwrapp'd thee;--when thy left hand bore
+  A sylvan staff;--thy right a pipe retain'd,
+  Of seven unequal reeds. While love engag'd
+  Thy thoughts, and dulcet music sooth'd thy cares,
+  'Tis said, thy herds without their herdsman stray'd,
+  Far to the Pylian meadows. These the son
+  Of Atlantean Maiae espy'd;
+  And, slily driven away, within the woods
+  The cattle artful hid. None saw the deed,
+  Save one old hoary swain, well known around,
+  And Battus nam'd; whose post it was to guard
+  The groves, the grassy meads, and high-bred mares
+  Of wealthy Neleus. Him the robber fear'd;
+  Drew him aside, and coaxing thus address'd;--
+  "Whoe'er thou art, good friend, if here perchance,
+  "Someone should seek an herd,--say that thou here
+  "No herd hast seen;--thou shall not lack reward:
+  "Take this bright heifer:"--and the cow he gave.
+  The bribe receiv'd, the shepherd thus replies;
+  "Friend, thou art safe,--that stone shall sooner speak
+  "And tell thy deed than I:"--and shew'd the stone.
+  The son of Jove departs, or seems to go;
+  But soon with alter'd form and voice returns.
+  "Here, countryman," he cries, "hast thou an herd
+  "This way observ'd to pass?--no secret keep,
+  "To aid the theft; an heifer with a bull
+  "Await thy information." Doubly brib'd,
+  The hoary rogue betray'd his former trust.
+  "Beneath those hills," he said, "the herd you'll find."
+  Beneath the hills they were. Loud laugh'd the god
+  And cry'd,--"Thou treacherous villain, to myself
+  "Wouldst thou betray me? wouldst thou to myself
+  "My deeds betray?" And to a flinty stone
+  His perjur'd breast he chang'd, which still retains
+  The name of Touchstone;--on the harmless rock
+  His infamous demerits firmly fix'd.
+
+    Hermes from hence, on waving wings upborne
+  Darted, and in his flight beneath him saw
+  The Attic pastures,--the much-favor'd land
+  Of Pallas; and Lyceum's cultur'd groves.
+  It chanc'd that day, as wont, the virgins chaste,
+  Bore on their heads in canisters festoon'd,
+  Their offerings pure to Pallas' sacred fane.
+  Returning thence the winged god espy'd
+  The troop, and straight his onward flight restrain'd;
+  Wheeling in circles round. As sails the kite,
+  Swiftest of birds, when entrails seen from far
+  By holy augurs thick beset,--he fears
+  A near approach, but circling steers his flight
+  On beating wings, around his hopes and round.
+  So 'bove the Athenian towers the light-plum'd god
+  Swept round in circles on the self-same air.
+  As Phosphor far outshines the starry host;
+  As silver Cynthia Phosphor bright outshines;
+  So much did Herse all the nymphs excel,
+  The bright procession's ornament; the pride
+  Of all th' accompanying nymphs. Her beauteous mien
+  Stagger'd Jove's son, who hovering in the air
+  Fierce burns with love. The Balearic sling,
+  Thus shoots a ball; quick through the air it flies,
+  Warms in its flight, and feels beneath the clouds
+  Flames hereto known not. Alter'd now his route
+  The skies he leaves, and holds a different flight:
+  Nor veils his figure,--such reliance gave
+  His beauteous form: and beauteous though that form,
+  Yet careful did the god his looks adorn;
+  He smoothes his tresses, and his robe adjusts
+  To hang in graceful folds, and fair display
+  The golden fringe; his round and slender wand,
+  Of sleep-procuring, sleep-repelling power,
+  His right hand bears; and on his comely feet
+  His plumed sandals shine. Within the house
+  Three separate chambers were secluded form'd,
+  With tortoise and with ivory rich adorn'd.
+  Thou, Pandrosos, within the right repos'd;
+  And on the left hand thou Aglauros, slept;
+  Fair Herse in the midst. Aglauros first
+  The god's approach descry'd, and daring ask'd
+  Who he?--and what he sought?--To whom the god;
+  "Him you behold, who through the air conveys
+  "His sire's commands: Almighty Jove that sire.
+  "Nor will I feign my errand. So may'st thou
+  "True to thy sister prove, and soon be call'd
+  "My offspring's aunt. 'Tis Herse draws me here.
+  "Help then a lover in his warm pursuit."
+  Aglauros bends on Mercury those eyes,
+  Which yellow-hair'd Minerva's secret saw;
+  And ponderous sums for her assistance claims;
+  Driving the god meantime without the gates.
+  With angry glare the warlike goddess view'd
+  The mercenary nymph, and angry sighs,
+  Which shook her bosom heav'd; the AEgis shook,
+  On that strong bosom fix'd. Now calls to mind
+  Minerva how with hands prophane, the maid
+  Her strict behests despising, daring pry'd
+  To know her secrets; and the seed beheld
+  Of Vulcan, child without a mother form'd:
+  Now to her sister and the god unkind;
+  Rich with the gold her avarice had claim'd.
+  To Envy's gloomy cell, where clots of gore
+  The floor defil'd, enrag'd Minerva flew:
+  A darkened vale, deep sunk, the cavern held,
+  where vivid sun ne'er shone, nor freshening breeze
+  Health wafted: torpid melancholy rul'd,
+  And sluggish cold; and cheering light unknown,
+  Damp darkness ever gloom'd. The goddess here
+  In conflict dreaded came, but at the doors
+  Her footsteps staid, for entrance Fate forbade.
+  The gates she strikes--struck by her spear, the gates
+  Wide open fly, and dark within disclose,
+  On vipers gorging, (her accustom'd feast,)
+  The envious fiend: back from the hideous sight
+  Recoils the goddess, and averts her eyes.
+  Slow rising from the ground, her half chew'd food
+  She quits, advancing indolently forth:
+  The maid, in warlike brightness clad, she saw,
+  In form divine, and heavy sighs burst forth
+  Deep from her bosom's black recess: pale gloom.
+  Dwells on her forehead; lean her fleshless form;
+  Askaunce her eyes; encrusted black her teeth;
+  Green'd deep with gall her breasts; her hideous tongue
+  With poisons lurid; laughter knows her not,
+  Save woes and pangs unmerited she sees;
+  Sleep flies her couch, by cares unceasing wrung;
+  At men's success she sickens, pining sad;
+  But stung herself, while others feel her sting
+  Her torture closely grasps her.--Much the maid
+  The sight abhors; and thus in brief she speaks:--
+  "Deep in the breast of Cecrops' daughter fix
+  "Thy venom'd sting--Aglauros is the nymph.--
+  "More needs not."--Speaking so Minerva fled,
+  Upbounding, earth she with her spear repell'd.
+  Glancing asquint the fury saw her rise,
+  And inly groan'd,--that she success should gain.
+  Her staff with prickly thorns enwreath'd she takes,
+  And forth she sallies, wrapp'd in gloomy clouds.
+  Where'er she flies she blasts the flowery fields;
+  Consumes the herbage; and the harvest blights.
+  Her breath pestiferous felt the cities round,
+  Houses and 'habitants where'er she flew.
+  At length the towers of Athens she beheld
+  With arts and riches flourishing, and blest
+  With holy peace. Scarce could she tears withhold,
+  No tearful eye throughout the place to see.
+  Straight to the room of Cecrops' daughter now
+  Her route she urges, and her task performs:
+  Her rusty hand upon the maiden's breast
+  She plants, and with sharp thorns that bosom fills;
+  Breathes noxious poison through her frame; imbues
+  With venom black her heart, and all her limbs.
+  Lest from her eyes escap'd, the maddening scene
+  Should cease to vex her, full in view she plac'd
+  Her sister, and her sister's nuptial rites;
+  And Hermes beauteous in the bridal pomp:
+  In beauty all, and splendor all increas'd.
+  Mad with the imag'd sight, the maid is gnawn
+  With secret pangs;--deep groans the lengthen'd night,
+  And deep the morning hears; she wastes away
+  Silently wretched, lingeringly slow.
+  As Sol's faint rays the summer ice dissolves:
+  So burns she to behold the envy'd lot
+  Of Herse; not with furious flames,--as weeds
+  Blaze not when damp, but with slow heat consume.
+  Oft would she wish to die: and oft the deed
+  To hinder, thinks to tell her rigid sire
+  Her sister's fault. At length her seat she takes
+  Across the threshold, and th' approaching god
+  Repuls'd; and to his blandishments, and words
+  Beseeching fair, and soft-alluring prayers,
+  She cry'd,--"Desist,--from hence I ne'er will move
+  "Till thou art driven away." Swift Hermes said.--
+  "Keep firmly that resolve." And with his wand
+  The sculptur'd portals touching, wide they flew.
+  But when her limbs to raise, the virgin strove,
+  A weighty numbness o'er the members crept
+  Which bend in sitting, and their movement staid.
+  Strenuous she strives to raise her form erect,
+  But stiffen'd feels her knees; chill coldness spreads
+  Through all her toes; and, fled the purple stream,
+  Her veins turn pallid: cruel cancer thus,
+  Disease incurable, spreads far and wide,
+  Sound members adding to the parts diseas'd.
+  So gradual, o'er her breast the chilling frost
+  Crept deadly, and the gates of life shut close.
+  Complaint she try'd not; had she try'd, her voice
+  Had found no passage, for the stone had seiz'd
+  Her throat,--her mouth; to marble all was chang'd.
+  She sat a pallid statue;--all the stone
+  Her envy tainted with a livid hue.
+
+    His vengeance, when Jove's son complete had seen,
+  Due to her avarice, and her envious soul;
+  He left Minerva's land, and up the sky
+  On wafting pinions mounted. There his sire,
+  Him from th' assembly drew; nor yet disclos'd,
+  The object of his love:--"Son, quickly haste,--
+  "Thou faithful messenger of my commands,
+  "Urge rapid thy descending flight, and seek
+  "The realm whose northern bounds thy mother star
+  "O'erlooks,--the land by natives Sidon call'd.
+  "There wilt thou pasturing find the royal herd,
+  "'Neath hills not distant from the sea: turn down
+  "This herd to meadows bordering on the beach."
+  He said;--the cattle tow'rd the sea shore move,
+  Where sported with her Tyrian maids as wont,
+  The monarch's daughter. Ill majestic state
+  And love agree; nor long combin'd remain.
+  The sire and ruler of the gods resigns
+  His weighty sceptre: he whose right hand bears
+  The three-fork'd fires; whose nod creation shakes,
+  Assumes a bull's appearance:--with the herd
+  Mingles; and strolling lets the tender shrubs
+  Brush his fair sides. Of snowy white his skin;
+  Such snow as rugged feet has never soil'd,
+  Nor southern showers dissolv'd: his brawny neck,
+  Strong from his shoulders stands: beneath extends
+  The dewlap pendulous: small are his horns;
+  But smooth as polish'd by the workman's hand;--
+  Pellucid as the brightest gems they shine:
+  No threatenings wear his brow; no fire his eyes
+  Flame fierce; but all his countenance peace proclaims.
+  Him much Agenor's royal maid admir'd;--
+  His form so beauteous, and his look so mild.
+  Yet peaceful as he seem'd, she fear'd at first
+  A close approach;--but nearer soon she drew,
+  And to his shining mouth the flowery food
+  Presented. Joy'd th' impatient lover stands,
+  Her fingers kissing; and with sore restraint
+  Defers his look'd for pleasures. Sportive now
+  He wantons, frisking in the grass; now rolls
+  His snowy sides upon the yellow sand.
+  Her apprehensions chas'd, by slow degrees,
+  The virgin's fingers playful stroke his breast;
+  Then bind with wreaths his horns: more daring now
+  Upon his back the royal maid ascends;--
+  Witless a god she presses. From the fields,
+  His steps deceitful gradual turn'd, he bends,
+  And seeks the shore; then playful in the waves
+  Just dips his feet;--thence plunging deep, he swims
+  Through midmost ocean with his ravish'd prize.
+  Trembling the nymph beholds the lessening shore;----
+  Firm grasps one hand his horn; upon his back,
+  Secure the other resting: to the wind,
+  Her fluttering garments floating as she sails.
+
+
+
+
+*The Third Book.*
+
+
+    Unsuccessful search of Cadmus for his sister. Death of his
+    companions by the dragon. Overthrow of the dragon, and production
+    of armed men from his teeth. Thebes. Actaeon devoured by his
+    hounds. Semele destroyed by lightening, and the birth of Bacchus.
+    The prophet Tiresias. Echo: and the transformation of Narcissus.
+    Impiety of Pentheus. Change of the Tyrrhenian sailors to
+    dolphins. Massacre of Pentheus.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Third Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    And now the god, his bestial form resign'd,
+  Shone in his form celestial as he gain'd
+  The Cretan shore. Meantime, the theft unknown,
+  Mourn'd her sad sire, and Cadmus sent to seek
+  The ravish'd maid; stern threatening as he went,
+  Perpetual exile if his searching fail'd:--
+  Parental love and cruelty combin'd!
+  All earth explor'd in vain, (for who shall find
+  The amorous thefts of Jove?) the exile shuns
+  His father's anger, and paternal soil.
+  A suppliant bends before Apollo's shrine,
+  To ask his aid;--what region he should chuse
+  To fix his habitation. Phoebus thus;--
+  "A cow, whose neck the yoke has never prest,
+  "Strange to the crooked plough, shall meet thy steps,
+  "Lone in the desert fields: the way she leads
+  "Chuse thou,--rand where upon the grass she rests,
+  "Erect thy walls;--Boeotia call the place."
+  Scarce had the cave Castalian Cadmus left,
+  When he an heifer, gently pacing, spy'd
+  Untended; one whose neck no mark betray'd
+  Of galling service. Closely treads the youth,
+  Slow moving in her footsteps, and adores
+  In silence Phoebus, leader of his way.
+  Now had he pass'd the Cephisidian stream,
+  And meads of Panope, when stay'd the beast;
+  Her broad front lifted to the sky; reverse
+  Her lofty horns reclining, shook the air
+  With lowings loud; back then her face she bent,
+  And saw the comrades following close behind:
+  Down low she couch'd, and press'd the yielding grass,
+  Glad thanks to Phoebus, Cadmus gave, and kiss'd
+  The foreign soil;--the unknown hills, and land
+  Saluted. Then a sacrifice to Jove
+  Preparing, sent his followers to explore
+  Streams flowing from the living fountain clear.
+
+    An ancient forest hallow'd from the axe,
+  Not far there stood; in whose dark bosom gloom'd
+  A cavern:--twigs and branches thick inwove
+  With rocky crags, a low arch'd entrance form'd;
+  Where pure and copious, gush'd transparent waves.
+  Deep hid within a monstrous serpent lay,
+  Sacred to Mars. Bright shone his crested head;
+  His eyeballs glow'd with fire; his body swell'd
+  Bloated with poison; o'er a threefold row
+  Of murderous teeth, three quivering tongues he shook.
+  This grove the Tyrians with ill-fated feet
+  Now enter'd; and now in the waters threw,
+  With noisy dash, their urns. Uprears his head,
+  The azure serpent from the cavern deep;
+  And breathes forth hisses dire: their urns they drop;
+  The blood forsakes their bodies; sudden fear
+  Chills their astonish'd limbs. He writhing quick,
+  Forms scaly circles; spiral twisting round,
+  Bends in an arch immense to leap, and rears
+  In the thin air erect, 'bove half his height;
+  All the wide grove o'erlooking. Such his size,
+  Could all be seen, than that vast snake no less,
+  Whose huge bulk lies the Arctic bears between.
+  The Tyrians quick he seizes; some their arms
+  Vain grasping,--flying some,--and some through fear
+  To fight or fly unable:--these his jaws
+  Crash murderous; those his writhing tail surrounds;
+  Others his breath, with poison loaded, kills.
+
+    Now loftiest Phoebus shorten'd shadows gave,
+  When Cadmus, wondering much why still his friends
+  Tarried so long, their parting footsteps trac'd.
+  His robe an hide torn from a lion's back;
+  A dart and spear of shining steel his arms;
+  With courage, arms surpassing. Now the grove
+  He enters, and their breathless limbs beholds;--
+  Their victor foe's huge bulk upon them stretch'd;
+  Licking with gory tongue their mournful wounds.
+  "My faithful friends," he cry'd, "I will avenge
+  "Your fate,--or perish with you." Straight a rock
+  His right hand rais'd, and with impetuous force,
+  Hurl'd it right on. A city's lofty walls
+  With all its towers, to feel the blow had shook!
+  Yet lay the beast unwounded; safely sheath'd
+  With scaly armour, and his harden'd hide:--
+  His skin alone the furious blow repell'd.
+  Not so that hardness mocks the javelin,--fixt
+  Firm in the bending of the pliant spine
+  His weapon stood,--and all the iron head
+  Deep in his entrails sunk. Mad with the pain,
+  Reverse he writhes his head;--beholds the wound;
+  Champs the fixt dart;--by many forceful tugs
+  Loosen'd at length, he tears the shaft away;
+  But deep the steel within his bones remains.
+  Now to his wonted fury fiercer flames
+  This torture adding, big with poison swells
+  His throat; and flowing, round his venom'd jaws,
+  White foam appears; deep harrow'd with his scales
+  Loud sounds the earth; and vapours black, breath'd out
+  His mouth infernal, taint with death the air.
+  Now roll'd in spires, he forms an orb immense:
+  Now stretch'd at length he seems a monstrous beam:
+  Now rushing forward with impetuous force,
+  As sweeps a torrent swell'd by rain, his breast
+  Bears down th' opposing forest. Cadmus back
+  A step recedes, and on his lion's hide
+  The shock sustains;--then with protended spear
+  Checks his approaching jaws. Furious he strives
+  To wound the harden'd steel;--on the sharp point
+  He grinds his teeth: now from his poisonous mouth,
+  Began the blood to flow, and sprinkling ting'd
+  The virid grass; but trivial still the hurt;
+  For shrinking from the blow, and twisting back
+  His wounded neck, the stroke he still prevents
+  Deeper to pierce, by yielding to its force.
+  But pushing arduous on, Agenor's son,
+  Fix'd in his throat the steel;--and the sharp point
+  Forc'd through his neck: an oak oppos'd behind;--
+  The tree and neck the spear at once transfix'd.
+  Dragg'd by the monster's weight low bends the tree,
+  And groans and cracks, as lashing blows, his tail
+  Immense, deals round. Now whilst the victor stands
+  And wondering views the conquer'd serpent's size,
+  Sudden a voice is heard, (from whence unknown,--
+  But plain the words he hears) "Why view'st thou thus,
+  "Agenor's son, the foe by thee destroy'd?
+  "Thou one day like this serpent shalt be seen."
+  Aghast he stood,--the warm blood fled his cheeks;
+  His courage chang'd to terror; freezing fear
+  Rais'd his stiff locks erect. Lo! Pallas comes,
+  Pallas, the known protectress of the brave.
+  Smooth sliding from the higher clouds she comes;
+  Bids him remove the soil, and place beneath,
+  The serpent's fangs, a future offspring's pledge.
+  The prince obeys; and as with crooked share,
+  The ground he opens, in the furrows throws
+  The teeth directed. Thence, (beyond belief!)
+  The clods of earth at once began to move;
+  Then in the furrows glitter'd, first, the points
+  Of spears: anon fair painted crests arose,
+  Above bright helmets nodding: shoulders next;
+  And breasts; and arms, with javelins loaded came:
+  Thickening the harvest grew of shielded men.
+  Thus shews the glad theatric curtain; rais'd
+  The painted figures' faces first appear,
+  Gradual display'd; and more by slow degrees;
+  At length the whole stand forth, their feet all fix'd
+  Firm on the lower margin. Wondering, he
+  His new-made foe beheld; and grasp'd his arms.
+  But one whom earth had just produc'd, exclaim'd;--
+  "Arm not, nor meddle in our civil broils."
+  He said,--an earth-born brother, hand to hand
+  With sword keen-edg'd attacking; but from far,
+  A javelin hurl'd, dispatch'd him. Short the boast
+  Of him who sent it;--his death wound infix'd,--
+  He breathes the air out he so late receiv'd.
+  So rage the rest, and in the furious war
+  The new-made brethren fall by mutual wounds:
+  And on their blood-stain'd mother, dash, the youths
+  To short existence born, their damp cold breasts.
+  Five only stand unhurt,--Echion one,--
+  Who threw, by Pallas prompted, down his arms
+  And peace propos'd: his brethren took his pledge.
+  These join the Tyrian prince, and social aid
+  His efforts, when th' appointed walls he builds;
+  Obedient to the Delphic god's commands.
+
+    The Theban walls now rais'd, thou, Cadmus seem'd
+  Blest in thy exile. Mars and Venus gave
+  Their daughter to thy wife. This spouse so fam'd,
+  Thee daughters brought, and sons,--a numerous tribe;
+  And grandsons, pledges dear of nuptial joys,
+  Already risen to manhood. But too true
+  That man should still his final day expect;
+  Nor blest be deem'd till flames his funeral pyre.
+  Thy grandson's fate, O, Cadmus! first with grief
+  Thy bosom wrung, amid thy prosperous state:
+  The alien horns which nodded o'er his brow;
+  And ye, voracious hounds, with blood full-gorg'd,
+  Your master's life-stream. Yet by close research,
+  We find unlucky chance, not vice, his crime.
+  What sin in error lies?
+
+                         The hills were drench'd
+  With blood of numerous slaughter'd savage beasts;
+  And objects shorten'd shadows gave: the sun
+  Exalted view'd each equi-distant goal;
+  When the young Theban hunter thus address'd,
+  His fellow sportsmen with a friendly call;
+  As wide they rov'd the savage lairs among.
+  "Our weapons, comrades, and our nets are moist
+  "With blood of spoil; sufficient sport this day
+  "Has given. But when Aurora next appears,
+  "High on her saffron car, and light restores,
+  "Then be our pleasing exercise resum'd.
+  "Now Phoebus, distant far from west and east,
+  "Cracks the parch'd ground with heat;--desist from toil,
+  "And fold your knotted snares." His words obey,
+  His men, and from their sportive labor cease.
+
+    Near stood a vale, where pointed cypress form'd
+  With gloomy pines a grateful shade, and nam'd
+  Gargaphie;--sacred to the girded maid:
+  Its deep recess a shrubby cavern held,
+  By nature modell'd,--but by nature, art
+  Seem'd equall'd, or excell'd. A native arch
+  Of pumice light, and tophus dry, was form'd;
+  And from the right a stream transparent flow'd,
+  Of trivial size, which spread a pool below;
+  With grassy margin circled. Dian' here,
+  The woodland goddess, weary'd with the chace,
+  Had oft rejoic'd to bathe her virgin limbs.
+  As wont she comes;--her quiver, and her dart,
+  And unstrung bow, her armour-bearing nymph
+  In charge receives. Disrob'd, another's arms
+  Sustain her vest. Two from her feet unloose
+  Her sandals. Crocale, Ismenian nymph,
+  Than others more expert, her tresses binds,
+  Loose o'er her shoulders floating, in a knot;
+  Her own wild flowing still. Five more the streams
+  In huge urns lifting; Hyale, and Niphe,
+  Phiale, Rhanis, Psecas, lave her limbs.
+  Here while the goddess in the limpid wave
+  Washes as 'custom'd,--lo! Actaeon comes;--
+  His sportive toil till morning dawn deferr'd:
+  And roving through the vale with random steps,
+  By hapless fate conducted, he arrives
+  Close to the sacred grove. Within the grot
+  Stream-pouring, when he stept, the naked nymphs,--
+  Then first by man beheld,--their bosoms beat;
+  Fill'd the deep grove with outcries loud; and round
+  Diana crowded, screening as they could
+  Her limbs with theirs. Yet high above them tower'd
+  The goddess, and her neck their heads o'erlook'd.
+  As blush the clouds by Phoebus' adverse rays
+  Deep ting'd;--or as Aurora in the morn;
+  So blush'd the virgin-goddess, seen unrob'd.
+  Sideway she stood, though closely hemm'd around
+  By clustering nymphs, and backward bent her face:
+  Then anxious praying she could reach her darts,
+  In vain,--she seiz'd the waters which she could,
+  And dash'd them o'er his features:--as his locks,
+  The vengeful drops besprinkled, thus in rage,
+  She cry'd,--"Now tell thou hast Diana seen
+  "Disrob'd;--go tell it, if thou canst,"--no more,
+  With threatenings storm'd, but on his sprinkled head,
+  The antlers of the long-liv'd stag are plac'd.
+  His neck is lengthen'd; with a sharpen'd point,
+  His upright ears are form'd; to feet his hands,--
+  To long and slender legs his arms are chang'd;
+  And round his body clings a dappled coat.
+  Fear in his bosom she instils: the youth,
+  The bold Actaeon flies, and wondering feels
+  His bounding feet so rapid in the race.
+  But soon the waters shew'd his branching horns;
+  And,--"ah unhappy me!" he strove to cry:
+  His voice he found not; sighs and sobs were all;
+  And tears fast streaming down his alter'd face.
+  Still human sense remains. Where shall he turn?
+  His royal palace seek,--or in the woods
+  Secluded hide?--To tarry fear forbids,
+  And shame prevents returning. While he doubts
+  His hounds espy him. Quick-nos'd Tracer first,
+  And Blackfoot give the signal by their yell:
+  Tracer of Crete, and Blackfoot Spartan bred.
+  Swifter than air the noisy pack rush on;
+  Arcadian Quicksight; Glutton; Ranger, stout;
+  Strong Killbuck; Whirlwind, furious; Hunter, fierce;
+  Flyer, swift-footed; and quick-scented Snap:
+  Ringwood, late wounded by a furious bear;
+  And Forester, by savage wolf begot:
+  Flock-tending Shepherdess; with Ravener fierce,
+  And her two whelps; and Sicyonian Catch:
+  The thin flank'd greyhound, Racer; Yelper; Patch;
+  Tiger; Robust; Milkwhite, with snowy coat;
+  And coalblack Soot. First in the race, fleet Storm;
+  Courageous Spartan Swift; and rapid Wolf;
+  Join'd with his Cyprian brother, Snatch, well mark'd
+  With sable forehead on a coat of white:
+  Blackcoat: and thickhair'd Shag: Worrier; and Wild,--
+  Twins from a dam Laconian sprung, their sire
+  Dictaean: Babbler with his noisy throat:--
+  But all to name were endless. Urg'd by hope
+  Of prey they crowd; down precipices rush;
+  O'er rocks, and crags; through rugged paths, and ways
+  Unpass'd before. His hounds he flies, where oft
+  His hounds he had pursu'd. Poor wretch! he flies
+  His own domestics, striving hard to call,
+  "Actaeon am I!--villains, know your lord."
+  Words aid him not: loud rings the air with yells,
+  Howlings, and barkings:--Blackhair first, his teeth
+  Fix'd in his back; staunch Tamer fasten'd next;
+  And Rover seiz'd his shoulder: tardy these,
+  The rest far left behind, but o'er the hills
+  Athwart, the chase they shorten'd. Now the pack,
+  Join'd them their lord retaining; join'd their teeth
+  Their victim seizing:--now his body bleeds,
+  A wound continuous: deep he utters groans,
+  Not human, yet unlike a dying deer;
+  And fills the well-known mountains with his plaint.
+  Prone on his knees in suppliant form he bends;
+  And low beseeching waves his silent head,
+  As he would wave his hands. His witless friends,
+  The savage pack with joyous outcries urge;
+  Actaeon anxious seeking: echoing loud
+  Eager his name as absent. At the name,
+  His head he turns. His absence irks them sore,
+  As lazy loitering, not the noble prey
+  Obtain'd, beholding. Joyful could he be,
+  At distance now,--but hapless is too near:
+  Glad would he see the furious dogs their fangs,
+  On other prey than his torn limbs infix.
+  On every side they crowd; their dying lord,
+  A well-seem'd deer, they rend; their ravenous teeth
+  Deep tear his members. With a thousand wounds,
+  (Dian's insatiate anger less despis'd)
+  The hapless hunter yielded forth his breath.
+
+    Report flies dubious; some the goddess blame
+  For disproportion'd vengeance; others warm
+  Applaud the deed as worthy one so pure;
+  And reasons weighty either party urge:
+  Jove's consort only silent: she nor blames
+  The action, nor approves; but inward joys,
+  Agenor's house should such misfortune feel.
+  The hatred nourish'd for the Tyrian maid,
+  Her brother's offspring visits. Now fresh cause
+  Of wrath succeeds; enrag'd the goddess learns
+  That Semele, embrac'd by mighty Jove,
+  Is pregnant. Straight broke loose her angry tongue,
+  And loud she storm'd:--"Advantage much I gain
+  "By endless railing at unfaithful Jove!
+  "This harlot will I find,--and, if with truth
+  "They potent Juno stile me, she shall die.
+  "Destruction shall o'erwhelm her, if beseems
+  "My hand the sparkling sceptre of the sky:
+  "If queen I am to Jove;--if sister;--wife:--
+  "His sister doubtless am I, if no more.
+  "Content perchance is Semele to joy
+  "In pleasures briefly tasted; and my wrongs
+  "Though deep, not lasting. No!--she must conceive
+  "Foul aggravation of her shameless deed!
+  "Her swelling womb unblushing proves her crime:
+  "By Jove she longs to be a mother hail'd;
+  "Which scarcely I can boast. Such faith her pride,
+  "In conscious beauty places. Trust me not,
+  "Or she mistaken proves. As I am child
+  "Of hoary Saturn, she shall sink o'erwhelm'd
+  "By her own Jove; and dip in Stygian waves."
+
+    She said, and starting from her regal throne,
+  Wrapt in a dusky cloud descended; o'er
+  The threshold stepp'd of Semele, nor chas'd
+  Her darkening veil, till like an ancient dame
+  She stood display'd. White hairs her temples strew'd;
+  Deep furrows plough'd her skin; her bending limbs
+  Quiver'd beneath her weight; her tremulous voice
+  Exhausted age betray'd: she stood to view
+  Old Beroe, from Epidaurus come,
+  The nurse of Semele. With tedious tales
+  She garrulous amus'd:--when in her turn
+  Listening, the name of Jupiter she heard
+  She sigh'd, and said,--"May he be truly Jove!
+  "But age is still suspicious. Chastest beds
+  "Have been by these pretended gods defil'd:
+  "For if the deity supreme he be,
+  "Why comes he thus disguis'd? If true his love,
+  "Why prove it not? Urge thou an anxious wish
+  "To clasp him in his might, in such a sort,
+  "As lofty Juno he embraces;--round
+  "Begirt with all the ensigns of his power."
+  Thus Juno artful, Semele's desires
+  Apt moulded to her mind. From Jove she prays
+  A nameless boon: the ready god consents;--
+  "Chuse what thou wilt, nor least denial dread:
+  "To prove my faith, I call the Stygian streams
+  "To witness, terror of the god of gods."
+  Joy'd at her fatal prayer's too large success;
+  And by her lover's prompt compliance, doom'd
+  To sure destruction;--"This," said she, "I wish;--
+  "When with me next you love's delights enjoy,
+  "Appear as when Saturnia fills your arms."
+  Fain would the god have stopp'd her mouth:--too soon
+  The hasty words found entrance to his ears.
+  Deep mourn'd he. Equal now the fates forbid,
+  The wish retracted, or the oath absolv'd.
+  Sorrowing he seeks the lofty heaven: his nod
+  Dark rolling clouds collects: here form black showers;
+  And hurricanes; and flashing lightenings mixt;
+  Thunders; and his inevitable bolt:
+  Anxious he strives with all his power to damp,
+  The fierceness of his flames: nor arm'd him now,
+  With those dread fires that to the earth dash'd down
+  The hundred-handed foe:--too powerful they.
+  He chose a milder thunder;--less of rage,
+  Of fire, and fury, had the Cyclops given
+  The mass when forg'd; a second-rated bolt.
+  Clad in mild glory thus, the dome he seeks
+  Of Semele;--her mortal frame too weak,
+  To bear th' ethereal shock, fierce scorcht she sunk,
+  Beneath the nuptial grant. Th' imperfect babe,
+  Snatcht from his mother's smoking womb, was sew'd
+  (If faith the tale deserves) within his thigh;
+  There to complete the period of his growth.
+  Ino, his aunt maternal, then receiv'd
+  The boy; in private rear'd him, till the nymphs
+  Of Nysa's mountains, in their secret caves
+  Shelter'd, and fed with milk, th' entrusted charge.
+
+    While the rash promise caus'd on earth those deeds,
+  And twice-born Bacchus' cradle safe was hid;
+  'Tis said that Jove with heavenly nectar flush'd,
+  All serious cares dismiss'd. With sportive jests,
+  At ease conversing, he and Juno sate:
+  When he:--"The thrilling ecstasies of love,
+  "Are surely strongest on the female side."
+  She differs,--and the question both agree
+  Tiresias, who each sex had prov'd, shall judge.
+  Two mighty snakes he spy'd upon the grass,
+  Twisted in Venus' wreaths; and with his staff
+  Hard smote them;--instant alter'd was his sex.
+  Wonderous! he woman of a man became,
+  Seven winters so he liv'd:--the eight, again
+  He spy'd the same; and cry'd,--"If such your power,
+  "That whoso strikes you must their gender change,
+  "Once more I'll try the spell." Straight as the blow
+  The snakes receiv'd, his pristine form return'd:
+  Hence was he chosen, in the strife jocose,
+  As umpire; and the words of Jove confirm'd.
+
+    Much, say they, Juno rag'd; more than beseem'd
+  The trivial cause, or sentence justly given;
+  And veil'd the judge's eyes in endless night.
+  But Jove omnipotent, him gave to know,
+  (For fate forbids to cancel others' deeds)
+  What future times conceal; a light divine;
+  An honor'd gift to mitigate his pain.
+
+    Fam'd far and wide through all Boeotia's towns,
+  Unerring answers still the prophet gave,
+  To all who sought him. Blue Liriope,
+  First prov'd his faith, and ne'er-deceiving words.
+  Her once Cephisus, in his winding stream
+  Entwin'd, and forceful in his waves enjoy'd.
+  The beauteous nymph's full womb, in time produc'd
+  A babe, whose features ev'n from birth inspir'd
+  Th' attendant nymphs with love; Narcissus nam'd.
+  For him enquiring, whether doom'd to see,
+  The peaceful period of maturest age,
+  The fate-foretelling prophet thus reply'd:--
+  "Yes,--if himself he never knows." The words
+  Were long absurd esteem'd: but well th' event
+  Their justice prov'd; his strange unheard of death;
+  And love of object never lov'd before.
+
+    Now sixteen summers had Narcissus seen,
+  A boy in beauty, but in growth a man;
+  And crowds of youths his friendship sought, and crowds
+  Of damsels sought his love: but fiercely pride
+  Swell'd in his snowy bosom; and he spurn'd
+  His friends' advances, and the love-sick maids.
+  A chattering nymph, resounding Echo, saw
+  The youth, when in his toils the trembling deer
+  He drove;--a nymph who ne'er her words retain'd,
+  Nor dialogue commenc'd. But then she bore
+  A body palpable; and not, as now,
+  Merely a voice:--yet garrulous, she then
+  That voice, nor other us'd; 'twas all she could,
+  The closing words of speakers to repeat.
+  Juno had this ordain'd: for oft the dame
+  The frailer nymphs upon the hills had caught,
+  In trespass with her Jove; but Echo sly
+  With lengthen'd speech the goddess kept amus'd,
+  Till all by flight were sav'd. Soon Juno saw
+  The trick:--"The power of that delusive tongue,"--
+  She cry'd, "I'll lessen, and make brief thy words;"
+  Nor stay'd, but straight her threaten'd vengeance took.
+  Now she redoubles (all she can) the words
+  Which end another's speech; reporting back,
+  But only what she hears.
+
+                           Through pathless woods
+  As roves Narcissus, Echo sees, and burns;
+  Steals in his footsteps, following close, but flames
+  More fierce, more near approaching. Sudden thus,
+  The sulphurous daubing o'er the torches spread,
+  Snatches th' approaching flame. How oft she wish'd
+  With bland and soothing words to hail the youth;
+  But nature harsh forbids, nor grants to make
+  The first commencement; what she grants she takes,
+  And anxious waits to catch the wish'd-for sounds;
+  And speak responsive. Chance the youth had led
+  Far from his social troop, and loud he cry'd,--
+  "Who's he that hither comes?" Attentive she,--
+  Reply'd, "O hither come!" Amaz'd he stood,
+  Round searching whence the voice; and louder still,
+  "Here come!" exclaim'd,--and Echo answer'd,--"Come!"
+  To every part his eyes in vain are bent;
+  And, "why," laments he, "dost thou me avoid?"
+  Again he hears her,--"dost thou me avoid?"
+  Still he persists; th' alternate voice deceives,--
+  And,--"come, approach, together let us join,"
+  Impatient now he utters: ardent she
+  Exclaims, in joyful accents,--"let us join!"
+  Her wish in person urging, from the grove
+  She springs, and wide extends her arms to clasp
+  His neck:--Narcissus flies, and flying calls,--
+  "Desist!--hold off thy hands;--may sooner death
+  "Me seize, than thou enjoy me." Nought the maid
+  Re-echoes, but,--"enjoy me." Close conceal'd,
+  By him disdain'd, amid the groves she hides
+  Her blushing forehead, where the leaves bud thick;
+  And dwells in lonely caverns. Still her flame
+  Clings close around her heart; and sharper pangs
+  Repulse occasions: cares unceasing waste
+  Her wretched form: gaunt famine shrivels up
+  Her skin; and all the moistening juice which fed
+  Her body, flies in air: her voice and bones
+  Alone are left: her voice, unchang'd;--her bones
+  To craggy stones are harden'd. Still in groves
+  She hides secluded; nor on hills appears:
+  Heard frequent; only heard, and nought but sound.
+
+    Thus slighted he the nymph; nor her alone,
+  But numbers else who o'er the mountains rov'd;
+  Or sported in the waves. Nor less his pride,
+  When more mature: keen smarting from his scorn,
+  To heaven one rais'd her hands, and ardent pray'd;--
+  "Ordain that he may love, but love like me
+  "One ne'er to be enjoy'd!" Rhamnusia grants
+  To prayers so just, th' assenting nod. There stood,
+  A mudless pool, whose waters silvery bright,
+  The shepherds touch'd not,--nor the mountain goats,
+  Nor lowing herds: which birds, and fierce wild beasts,
+  Dabbling disturb'd not:--nor a wither'd branch,
+  Dropt from a tree o'erhanging. Round the brink,
+  Fed by the moisture, virid grass arose;
+  And trees impervious to the solar beam,
+  Screen'd the cool surface. Weary'd with the chase,
+  And faint with heat, here laid Narcissus down;
+  Charm'd with the place, and tempted by the pool.
+  Here as he seeks to quench his burning thirst,
+  He burns with other fires: and while he drinks,
+  Caught by the image of his beauteous face,
+  He loves th' unbody'd form: a substance thinks
+  The shadow:--loves enraptur'd,--loves himself!
+  Fixes with eager gaze upon the sight
+  As on a face in Parian marble wrought.
+  Stretcht on the ground, his own bright eyes he views,
+  Twin stars;--his fingers, such as Bacchus grace;
+  His tresses like Apollo's;--downy cheeks,
+  Unbearded yet; his neck as ivory white;
+  The roseate blooming fading into snow:
+  Each trait admiring which the hapless nymphs,
+  In him admir'd. Unwitting youth, himself
+  He wants;--at once beloving, and belov'd:
+  Himself desiring, by himself desir'd:
+  Burning with love, while by himself he burns.
+  Oft, stooping, were his fruitless kisses given:
+  Oft were his arms outstretch'd to clasp the neck
+  So plainly seen beneath the waters. No!--
+  Himself he could not clasp. Whom he beholds,
+  He knows not; but for whom he sees he burns.
+  The error that his eye deceives, provokes
+  His rage. O, foolish youth! why vainly grasp
+  A fleeting shadow? What thou seek'st is not:--
+  And what thou lov'st thou now destroy'st:--thou see'st
+  A semblance only;--a reflected shade--
+  Nought of itself: with thee it came;--with thee
+  It stays;--and with thee, if thou could'st, would go.
+  Not hunger's power has force to drag him thence;
+  Nor cares of sleep oppress him. Thrown along
+  The shaded grass, he bends insatiate eyes
+  Tow'rds the fallacious beauty;--by those eyes
+  He perishes. Now half-uprais'd, his arms
+  Outspread, to all the groves around he cry'd:--
+  "Ye woods, whose darken'd shades so oft have given
+  "Convenient privacies to lovers, say,
+  "Saw you e'er one so cruelly who lov'd?
+  "In ages heap'd on ages you have stood,
+  "Remember ye a youth who pin'd as I?
+  "Pleas'd with the object, I its form behold;
+  "But what I see, and what so pleases flies.
+  "I find it not: in such bewilder'd maze
+  "The lover stands. And what my grief augments,
+  "No mighty seas divide us; lengthen'd roads;
+  "Nor lofty hills; nor high embattled walls,
+  "With portals clos'd: asunder are we held
+  "By trivial drops of water. It no less
+  "Than I, would give th' embrace; for when I bend
+  "My lips to kiss it in the limpid stream;
+  "With rising lips to meet, it anxious strives:
+  "Then might you think we touch, so faint a line
+  "Sunders us lovers. Come! whate'er thou art,
+  "Come hither! why thus mock me, dearest form?
+  "Why fly my wooing thus? My beauty sure,
+  "Nor youth are such as should provoke thy flight:
+  "For numerous nymphs for me have burn'd. Some hope
+  "Thy kindly sympathizing face affords;
+  "And when my anxious arms I stretch,--thy arms
+  "Advance to clasp me:--when I smile, thou smil'st:
+  "And often have I noted, when the tears
+  "Stream'd down my cheeks, a rivulet on thine:
+  "I nod,--thou, answering, noddest: and those lips,
+  "Those beauteous lips, whose movements plain I see,
+  "Words utter sure to mine,--though I forbid,
+  "The sounds to hear. In thee am I!--no more
+  "My shadow me deceives: I see the whole;
+  "Love for myself consumes me:--flames self-rais'd,
+  "Myself torment. What hope? be woo'd,--or woo?
+  "Wooing, or being woo'd, where is my gain?
+  "Myself I wish, and plenty makes me poor.
+  "Would that my body from itself could part!
+  "Strange wish for lovers, what most dear they love,
+  "Absent to pray. Grief undermines my strength;
+  "Nor long my life can linger;--immature,
+  "In youth I perish: but in me no fears,
+  "Can death infuse, of all my woes the end;
+  "Might I but leave this lovely object, still
+  "Existing: now two images, alas!
+  "Sink with one soul in death." Narcissus wails;
+  And raving turns to view the face again.
+  His tears the waters trouble; and the face
+  So beauteous, scarce is seen. Griev'd, he exclaims,
+  When disappearing,--"Whither fly'st thou? stay--
+  "Stay, I beseech thee; cruel, fly me not,--
+  "Thy lover: grant me still to view the form,
+  "To touch forbidden:--food, at least, afford
+  "To this unhappy flame." Lamenting thus,
+  He from his shoulders tore his robe, and beat
+  With snow-white hands his bosom; at the blow
+  His bosom redden'd: so the cherry seems,
+  Here ruddy blushing, there as fair as snow:
+  Or grapes unripe, part purpling to the sun,
+  In vary'd clusters. This he soon espy'd,
+  Reflected in the placid pool; no more
+  He bore it, but as gentle fire dissolves
+  The yellow wax: as Phoebus' morning beams
+  Melt the light hoar;--so wasted he,--by love
+  Gradual consum'd, as by a secret fire.
+  No more the ruddy teints appear, with white
+  Soft blended. All his active strength decays;
+  And all that pleas'd so lately. Ev'n his form
+  So much by Echo lov'd, no more remains.
+
+    All Echo saw; and though of former slights
+  Still mindful, griev'd; and when the hapless youth
+  "Alas!" exclaim'd; responsive sigh'd, "Alas!"
+  When on his breast the blows resounded; blows
+  Loud answering his were heard. His final words,
+  Gazing still earnest on the wonted wave,
+  Were,--"dearest form, belov'd in vain!"--the words
+  Resounded from the grove: "farewel," he cry'd,
+  And Echo cry'd, "farewel." Weary'd he threw,
+  On the green turf his head. Night clos'd his eyes;
+  Their owner fond admiring. Now retir'd
+  To regions far beneath, the Stygian lake
+  Reflects his form. The Naiaed sisters wail,
+  Shorn of their tresses, which to him they throw:
+  The Dryads also mourn; their bosoms beat;
+  And Echo answers every tearful groan.
+  A pile they build; the high-tost torches bring;
+  And funeral bier; but, lo! the corpse is gone:
+  A saffron-teinted flower alone is found,
+  Rising encircled with its snowy leaves.
+
+    Th' adventure spread through all the Achaian towns,
+  And much repute th' unerring augur gain'd.
+  Great now his prophesying fame. Alone,
+  Pentheus despis'd him;--(he the gods despis'd)
+  And only he;--he mock'd each holy word
+  Sagely prophetic:--with his rayless eyes
+  Reproach'd him. Angrily, his temples hoar
+  With reverend locks, the prophet shook, and said;--
+  "Happy for thee, if thus of light bereft,
+  "The Bacchanalian orgies ne'er to see!
+  "The day approaches, nor far distant now;
+  "My sight prophetic tells,--when here will come
+  "Bacchus new-born, of Semele the son,
+  "Whose rites, if thou with honor due, not tend'st
+  "In temples worthy,--scatter'd far and wide,
+  "Thy limbs dismember'd shall the ground bestrew:
+  "Thy blood the forests shall distain;--thy gore
+  "Thy aunts,--nay e'en thy mother, shall pollute:
+  "For thou such honors, as immortals claim,
+  "Shalt to the god deny; then wilt thou find
+  "Beneath this darkness I but see too well."
+  Thus speaking, Echion's son the prophet push'd
+  Harshly away; but his too faithful words
+  Time prov'd;--the threaten'd deeds accomplish'd all.
+
+    Lo! Bacchus comes, and all the country rings
+  With joyous outcries; crowds on crowds thick swarm;--
+  Matrons, and wives new-wedded, mixt with men;
+  Nobles, and commons; all the impulse bears,
+  To join the stranger's rites. But Pentheus thus;--
+  "Offspring of Mars! O nation, serpent born!
+  "What madness fills your minds? Can piercing sounds
+  "Of brass from brass rebounding; winding horns,
+  "And magic cheatings, then possess such power?
+  "You whom the warlike sword, the trumpet's clang,
+  "And battle's edge, dread bristling close with arms,
+  "Appal not; yield ye thus to female howls;
+  "Wine's maddening fumes; a filthy shameless crowd;
+  "And empty cymbals? In amaze, I see,
+  "You venerable men who plough'd the seas,
+  "And here, a refuge for your exil'd gods,
+  "This second Tyre have built,--without a blow,
+  "Yield it a spoil! Ye too, robuster youths,
+  "Of hardier age, and years more near my own;--
+  "Whom warlike arms, than Thyrsi more become;
+  "And brows with helmets than with leaves comprest:
+  "Think whence you sprang, and let the thought inspire
+  "Your souls with all the dragon's fierceness: he
+  Singly slew hosts: he for his fountain fell;
+  You for your honor vanquish. He destroy'd
+  The valiant; you th' effeminate expel;
+  And all the glory of your sire regain.
+  "If fate to Thebes a speedy fall decrees,
+  "May heroes, O, ye gods! with battering force
+  "O'erturn her walls;--may the sword rage, and flames
+  "Crackling, devour her. Wretched though our lot;
+  "Not criminal: our fate, though much bemoan'd,
+  "Would need concealment not: tears then might flow,
+  "But not from shame. Now unresisting Thebes,
+  "Yields to a boy unarm'd; who never joys
+  "In armies, steeds, nor swords;--but more in locks
+  "With myrrh moist-dropping, garlands soft, and robes
+  "Of various teints, with gold and purple gay.
+  "Rest ye but tranquil, and without delay,
+  "Him will I force to own his boasted sire
+  "Untrue; and forg'd those new invented rites.
+  "Had not Acrisius bravery to despise
+  "The counterfeited deity, and close
+  "The gates of Argos on him? And must now
+  "This wanderer come, and Pentheus terrify,
+  "With all the power of Thebes! Haste, quickly haste,"--
+  He bade his servants,--"hither drag, firm chain'd,
+  "This leader. Quick, nor brook my words delay!"
+  His grandsire, Athamas, and all the crowd
+  Reprove;--while thus he rails, with fruitless toil
+  Labor to stop him. Obstinate he stands,
+  More raging at remonstrance; and his ire
+  Restrain'd, increases; goading more and more;
+  Restraint itself enkindling more his rage.
+  So may be seen a river rolling smooth,
+  With murmuring nearly silent, while unchecked;
+  But when by rocks, or bulky trees oppos'd,
+  Foaming and boiling furious, on it sweeps
+  Impetuous raging; fiercer, more withstood.
+
+    With blood besmear'd, his men return;--their lord
+  For Bacchus anxious asks;--but Bacchus they,
+  To find, arriv'd too late;--"but here," they cry,--
+  "Here have we seiz'd his comrade;--one who joins
+  "His train, and joins his rites." (The Tuscans once
+  The Bacchanalian orgies follow'd.) Bound
+  Behind, his hands, their prisoner they present.
+  Pentheus survey'd the stranger, while his eyes
+  Sparkled with rage terrific: with constraint
+  His torture so deferring, thus he spoke;--
+  "Wretch! ere thou sufferest,--ere thy death shall give
+  "A public warning,--tell thy name;--confess
+  "Thy sire; declare thy country; and the cause
+  "Those rites thou celebratest in a mode
+  "Diverse from others." Fearless, he reply'd;--
+  "Acoetes is my name: my natal land,
+  "Tyrrhenia: from an humble stock I spring.
+  "Lands by strong oxen plough'd, or wool-clad flocks,
+  "Or lowing herds my father left me none:
+  "For poor was he;--his daily toil to catch
+  "With nets and lines the fish, and as they leap'd,
+  "Draw with his bending rod the prey to land:
+  "His skill his sole estate. When unto me
+  "This art he taught,--receive, said he, my wealth;
+  "Such wealth as I possess; heir to my toil,
+  "And to my toil successor: dying, he
+  "To me bequeath'd the waters;--nothing more:
+  "These only as paternal wealth I claim.
+  "But soon, disliking on the self-same rock
+  "To dwell, I learn'd the art to rule the track
+  "Plough'd by the keel, with skilful guiding hand;
+  "And learn'd th' Olenian sign, the showery goat;
+  "Taygete; and the Hyaedes; the Bear;
+  "The dwellings of the winds; and every port
+  "Where ships could shelter. Once for Delos bound,
+  "By chance, the shore of Chios' isle we near'd;
+  "And when our starboard oars the beach had touch'd,
+  "Lightly I leap'd, and rested on the land.
+  "Now, night expir'd, Aurora warmly glow'd,
+  "And rousing up from sleep, my men I bade
+  "Supplies of living waters bring; and shew'd
+  "What path the fountain led to. I meanwhile,
+  "A lofty hill ascending, careful mark'd
+  "The wish'd-for wind approaching;--loud I call'd
+  "My fellows, and with haste the vessel gain'd.
+  "Lo! cry'd Opheltes, chief of all my crew,--
+  "Lo! here we come;--and from the desart fields,
+  "(A prize obtain'd, he thought),--he dragg'd along
+  "A boy of virgin beauty tow'rd the sands:
+  "Staggering, the youth, with wine and sleep opprest,
+  "With difficulty follow'd. Closely I
+  "His dress, his countenance, and his gait remark;
+  "And all I see, displays no mortal man.
+  "Conscious, I speak my comrades thus:--Unknown
+  "To me, what deity before us stands,
+  "But sure I am, that form conceals a god.
+  "O thou! whoe'er thou art, assist us;--aid
+  "Our undertakings;--who have seiz'd thee, spare,
+  "Unknowing what they did. Bold Dictys cries,--
+  "Than whom none swifter gain'd the topmost yards,
+  "Nor on the cordage slid more agile down;--
+  "Prayers offer not for us. Him Lybis joins;
+  "And brown Melanthus, ruler of the helm;
+  "Alcimedon unites; Epopeus too,
+  "Who rul'd the rowers, and their restings mark'd;
+  "(Arduous they urg'd their sinews by his voice)--
+  "Nay all Opheltes join,--the lust of gain,
+  "So blinded all their judgments. Still I cry;--
+  "Ne'er will I yield my vessel to behold
+  "Burthen'd with such a sacrilegious load:
+  "Pre-eminent is here my right. I stand
+  "To those who strive to hoist him in, oppos'd.
+  "Bold and outrageous, far beyond the rest,
+  "Was Lycabas; from Tuscan shore exil'd
+  "For deeds of murderous violence: he grasp'd
+  "My throat with force athletic, as I stood,
+  "And in the waves had flung me; but sore stunn'd,
+  "A cable caught, and sav'd me. Loud the crew
+  "The impious deed applauded. Bacchus rose,
+  "(The boy was Bacchus!) with the tumult loud
+  "Rous'd from his sleep;--the fumes of wine dispell'd,
+  "His senses seem'd restor'd. What is't you do?
+  "What noise is this? he cry'd;--What brought me here?
+  "O, mariners! inform me;--tell me where
+  "You carry me! Fear not,--the pilot said,--
+  "Say but the port, where most thou'dst chuse to land;--
+  "Thither we straight will steer. The god reply'd;--
+  "To Naxos then your course direct; that isle
+  "My native soil I call:--to you that isle
+  "A friendly shore shall prove. False men, they swear,
+  "By ocean, and by all the sacred gods,
+  "This to perform; and order me to loose,
+  "The painted vessel's sails. Full on the right
+  "Stood Naxos. Loudly one to me exclaims;
+  "As tow'rd the right I trim the sails to steer;--
+  "What now, Acoetes? madman! fool! what now?
+  "Art thou distracted? to the left we sail.--
+  "Most nod significant their wishes: some
+  "Soft whisper in my ear. Astounded, I
+  "Let others guide!--exclaim,--and quit the helm;
+  "Guiltless of aiding in their treacherous guile.
+  "Loud murmurings sound from all; and loudly one,
+  "Ethalion, cries;--in thee alone is plac'd
+  "Our safety, doubtless!--forward steps himself;--
+  "My station seizes; and a different course
+  "Directs the vessel, Naxos left behind.
+  "The feigning god, as though but then, the fraud
+  "To him perceptible, the waves beholds
+  "From the curv'd poop, and tears pretending, cries;--
+  "Not this, O, seamen! is the promis'd shore:
+  "Not this the wish'd-for land! What deed of mine
+  "This cruel treatment merits? Where the fame
+  "Of men, a child deceiving; numbers leagu'd
+  "Misleading one? Fast flow'd my tears with his;
+  "Our tears the impious mob deride, and press
+  "The ocean with their strong-propelling oars.
+  "Now by the god himself, I swear, (and none
+  "To vows more ready listens) that the tale,
+  "Though in appearance credence far beyond,
+  "Is strictly true. Firm fixt amid the waves
+  "The vessel stands, as in a harbour laid
+  "Dry from the ocean! Wondering, they their oars,
+  "With strokes redoubled ply; loose to the wind
+  "More sails; and with this double aid essay
+  "Onward to urge. Their oars with ivy twin'd,
+  "Are clogg'd; the curving tendrils crooked spread;
+  "The sails with clustering berries loaded hang.
+  "His temples girded with a branchy crown,
+  "Whence grapes hang dangling, stands the god, and shakes
+  "A spear entwisted with the curling vine.
+  "Round seem to prowl the tiger, and the lynx,
+  "And savage forms of panthers, various mark'd.
+  "Up leap'd the men, by sudden madness mov'd;
+  "Or terror only: Medon first appear'd
+  "Blackening to grow, with shooting fins; his form
+  "Flatten'd; and in a curve was bent his spine.
+  "Him Lycabas address'd;--what wonderous shape
+  "Art thou receiving?--speaking, wide his jaws
+  "Expanded; flatten'd down, his nose appear'd;
+  "A scaly covering cloth'd his harden'd skin.
+  "Lybis to turn the firm fixt oars attempts,
+  "But while he tries, perceives his fingers shrink;
+  "And hands, now hands no longer, fins he sees.
+  "Another round the cordage strives his arms
+  "To clasp,--but arms he has not,--down he leaps
+  "Broad on his crooked back, and seeks the waves.
+  "Forkt is their new-made tail; like Luna's form
+  "Bent in the skies, ere half her orb is fill'd.
+  "Bounding all round they leap;--now down they dash,
+  "Besprinkling wide the foamy drops; now 'merge;
+  "And now re-diving, plunge in playful sport:
+  "As chorus regular they act, and move
+  "Their forms in shapes lascivious; spouting high,
+  "The briny waters through their nostrils wide.
+  "Of twenty now, (our ship so many bore)
+  "I only stand unchang'd; with trembling limbs,
+  "And petrify'd with fear. The god himself,
+  "Scarce courage in my mind inspires; when thus,--
+  "Pale terror from thy bosom drive, and seek
+  "The isle of Naxos.--Thither come, I tend
+  "On smoking altars, Bacchus' sacred rites."
+
+    Him Pentheus angry stopp'd. "Thy tedious tale,
+  "Form'd to divert my rage, in vain is told.
+  "Here, men, swift drag him hence!--dispatch his soul,
+  "Driven from his body, down to Stygian night;
+  "By pangs excruciating." Straight close pent,
+  In solid dungeon is Acoetes thrown,
+  While they the instruments of death prepare;
+  The cruel steel; the flames;--spontaneous fly
+  Wide ope the dungeon doors; spontaneous fall
+  The fetters from his arms, and freed he goes.
+  Stubborn, the son of Echion still persists;
+  But sends no messenger: himself proceeds,
+  To where Cythaeron, for the sacred rites
+  Selected, rings with Bacchanalian songs,
+  And outcries shrill. As foams an high-bred steed,
+  When through the speaking brass the warlike trump,
+  Sounds the glad signal; and with ardor burns
+  For battle: so the air, with howlings loud
+  Re-echoing, Pentheus moves, and doubly flames
+  His rage, to hear the clangor. Clear'd from trees,
+  A plain extends, from every part fair seen,
+  And near the mountain's centre: round its skirt,
+  Thick groves grow shady. Here his mother saw
+  His eye unhallow'd view the sacred rites;
+  And first,--by frantic madness urg'd,--she first
+  Furious the Thyrsus at her Pentheus flung:
+  Exclaiming loud;--"Ho, sisters! hither haste!
+  "Here stands the furious boar that wastes our grounds:
+  "My hand has smote him." Raging rush the crowd,
+  In one united body. All close join,
+  And all pursue the now pale trembling wretch.
+  No longer fierce he storms; but grieving blames
+  His rashness, and his obstinacy owns.
+  Wounded,--"dear aunt, Autonoe!"--he cries,
+  "Help me!--O, let your own Actaeon's ghost
+  "Move you to pity!" She, Actaeon's name
+  Nought heeding, tears his outstretcht arm away;
+  The other, Ino from his body drags!
+  And when his arms, unhappy wretch, he tries
+  To lift unto his mother, arms to lift
+  Were none;--but stretching forth his mangled trunk
+  Of limbs bereft;--"look, mother!"--he exclaims.
+  Loud howl'd Agave at the sight; his neck
+  Fierce grasping,--toss'd on high his streaming locks,
+  Her bloody fingers twisted in his hair.
+  Then clamor'd loudly;--"joy, my comrades, joy!
+  "The victory is mine!" Not swifter sweep
+  The winds those leaves which early frosts have nipp'd,
+  And lightly to the boughs attach'd remain,
+  Than scatter'd flew his limbs by furious hands.
+
+
+
+
+*The Fourth Book.*
+
+
+    Feast of Bacchus. Impiety and infidelity of Alcithoe and her
+    sisters. Story of Pyramus and Thisbe. Amour of Mars and Venus.
+    The lovers caught by Vulcan in a net. Sol's love for Leucothoe,
+    and her change to a tree of frankincense. Clytie transformed to a
+    sunflower. Tale of Salmacis and Hermaphroditus. Transformation of
+    Alcithoe and her sisters to bats. Juno's fury. Madness of
+    Athamas; and deification of Ino and Melicertes. Change of the
+    Theban women to rocks and birds. Cadmus and Hermione changed to
+    serpents. Perseus. Transformation of Atlas to a mountain.
+    Andromeda saved from the sea monster. Story of Medusa.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fourth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Warn'd by the dreadful admonition, all
+  Of Thebes the new solemnities approve;
+  Bring incense, and to Bacchus' altars bend.
+  Alcithoe only, Minyaes' daughter, views
+  His orgies still with unbelieving eyes.
+  Boldly, herself and sisters, partners all
+  In impious guilt, refuse the god to own,
+  The progeny of Jove. The prophet bids
+  Each mistress with her maids, to join the feast:
+  (Sacred the day from toil). Their breasts to clothe
+  In skins; the fillets from their heads to loose;
+  With ivy wreathe their brows; and in their hands
+  The leafy Thyrsus grasp. Threatening, he spoke,
+  In words prophetic, how th' affronted god
+  Would wreak his ire. Matrons and virgins haste;
+  Throw by their baskets; quit the loom, and leave
+  Th' unfinish'd threads: sweet incense they supply
+  Invoking Bacchus by his various names.
+  Bromius! Lyaeus! power in flames produc'd!--
+  Produc'd a second time! god doubly born!
+  Born of two mothers! Nyseus! they exclaim;
+  Long-hair'd Thyoneus!--and the planter fam'd
+  Of genial grapes! Lenaeus! too, they sing;
+  Nyctelius! Elelcus! and aloud
+  Iaecchus! Evan! with the numerous names,
+  O Liber! in the Grecian land thou hold'st.
+  Unwaning youth is thine, eternal boy!
+  Most beauteous form in heaven! a virgin's face
+  Thou seem'st to bear, when seen without thy horns.
+  Stoops to thy arms the East, where Ganges bounds
+  The dusky India:--Deity rever'd!
+  Thou impious Pentheus sacrific'd; and thou,
+  The mad Lycurgus punish'd with his axe:
+  By thee the Tyrrhene traitors, in the main
+  Were flung: Adorn'd with painted reins, thou curb'st
+  The lynxes in thy chariot yok'd abreast:
+  Thy steps the Satyrs and Bacchantes tread;
+  And old Silenus; who with wine o'ercharg'd,
+  With a long staff his tottering steps sustains:
+  Or on a crooked ass, unsteady sits:
+  Where'er thou enterest shout the joyous youth,
+  Females and males immingled: loud the drums
+  Struck by their hands resound;--and loudly clash
+  The brazen cymbals: soft the boxen flutes
+  Deep and melodious sound!
+
+                            Now prays all Thebes
+  The god's approach in mildness; and perform
+  His sacred rites as bidden. Sole remain
+  At home secluded, Minyaes' daughters,--they
+  With ill-tim'd industry the feast prophane.
+  Busy, they form the wool, and twirl the thread;
+  Or to the loom stick close, and all their maids
+  Urge to strict labor. One with dexterous thumb
+  The slender thread extending, cries;--"while all,
+  "Idly, those rites imaginary tend,
+  "Let us, whom Pallas, deity more great,
+  "Detains, our useful labors lighter make
+  "By vary'd converse. Each in turn relate
+  "Her tale, while others listen; thus the time
+  "Less tedious shall appear." All pleas'd applaud
+  The proposition; and her sisters beg
+  That she the tales commence. Long she demurs,
+  What story first, of those she knew, to tell;
+  For numerous was her store. In doubt, thy tale,
+  Dercetis Babylonian, to relate,
+  Whose form, the Syrians think, with scales is cloth'd;
+  The stagnant pools frequenting: or describe
+  Thy daughter's change, on waving pinions borne;
+  Who lengthen'd age obtain'd, on lofty towers
+  Safe dwelling: or of Nais, who the youths
+  With magic works, and potent witching words
+  To silent fishes turn'd; till she the same
+  Vile transformation suffer'd: or the tree,
+  Which once in clusters white its berries bore,
+  Now blood besprinkled, growing black. This tale
+  Most novel, pleas'd the most: and as she spun
+  Her slender thread, the nymph the tale began.
+
+    "Thisbe, the brightest of the eastern maids;
+  "And Pyramus, the pride of all the youths,
+  "Contiguous dwellings held, in that fam'd town,
+  "Where lofty walls of stone, we learn were rais'd,
+  "By bold Semiramis. Their neighbouring scite,
+  "Acquaintance first encourag'd,--primal step
+  "To further intimacy: love, in time,
+  "Grew from this chance connection; and they long'd
+  "To join by lawful rites: but harsh forbade,
+  "Their rigid sires the union fate had doom'd.
+  "With equal ardor both their minds inflam'd,
+  "Burnt fierce; and absent every watchful spy
+  "By nods and signs they spoke; for close their love
+  "Conceal'd they kept;--conceal'd it burn'd more fierce.
+  "The severing wall a narrow chink contain'd,
+  "Form'd when first rear'd;--what will not love espy?
+  "This chink, by all for ages past unseen,
+  "The lovers first espy'd.--This opening gave
+  "A passage for their voices; safely through,
+  "Their tender words were breath'd in whisperings soft.
+  "Oft punctual at their posts,--on this side she,
+  "And Pyramus on that;--each breathing sighs,--
+  "By turns inhaling, have they mutual cry'd;--
+  "Invidious wall! why lovers thus divide?
+  "Much were it, did thy parts more wide recede,
+  "And suffer us to join? were that too much
+  "A little opening more, and we might meet
+  "With lips at least. Yet grateful still we own
+  "Thy kind indulgence, which a passage gives,
+  "And amorous words conveys to loving ears.
+  "Thus they loquacious, though on sides diverse,
+  "Till night their converse stay'd;--then cry'd, adieu!
+  "And each imprinted kisses, which the stones
+  "Forbade to taste. Soon as Aurora's fires
+  "Remov'd the shades of night, and Phoebus' rays
+  "From the moist earth the dew exhal'd, they meet
+  "As 'custom'd at the wall: lamenting deep,
+  "As wont in murmuring whispers: bold they plan,
+  "Their guards evading in the silent night,
+  "To pass the outer gates. Then, when escap'd
+  "From home, to leave the city's dangerous shade;
+  "But lest, in wandering o'er the spacious plains
+  "They miss to meet, at Ninus' sacred tomb
+  "They fix their assignation,--hid conceal'd
+  "Beneath th' umbrageous leaves. There grew a tree,
+  "Close bordering on a cooling fountain's brink;
+  "A stately mulberry;--snow-white fruit hung thick
+  "On every branch. The plot pleas'd well the pair.
+
+    "And now slow seems the car of Sol to sink;
+  "Slow from the ocean seems the night to rise;
+  "Till Thisbe, cautious, by the darkness veil'd,
+  "Soft turns the hinges, and her guards beguiles.
+  "Her features veil'd, the tomb she reaches,--sits
+  "Beneath th' appointed tree: love makes her bold.
+  "Lo! comes a lioness,--her jaws besmear'd
+  "With gory foam, fresh from the slaughter'd herd,
+  "Deep in th' adjoining fount her thirst to slake.
+  "Far off the Babylonian maid beheld
+  "By Luna's rays the horrid foe,--quick fled
+  "With trembling feet, and gain'd a darksome cave:
+  "Flying, she dropp'd, and left her robe behind.
+
+    "Now had the savage beast her drought allay'd,
+  "And backward to the forest roaming, found
+  "The veiling robe;--its tender texture rent,
+  "And smear'd the spoil with bloody jaws. The youth
+  "(With later fortune his strict watch escap'd)
+  "Spy'd the plain footsteps of a monster huge
+  "Deep in the sand indented!--O'er his face
+  "Pale terror spread: but when the robe he saw,
+  "With blood besmear'd, and mangled; loud he cry'd,--
+  "One night shall close two lovers' eyes in death!
+  "She most deserving of a longer date.
+  "Mine is the fault alone. Dear luckless maid!
+  "I have destroy'd thee;--I, who bade thee keep
+  "Nocturnal meetings in this dangerous place,
+  "And came not first to shield thy steps from harm.
+  "Ye lions, wheresoe'er within those caves
+  "Ye lurk! haste hither,--tear me limb from limb!
+  "Fierce ravaging devour, and make my tomb
+  "Your horrid entrails. But for death to wish
+  "A coward's turn may serve. The robe he takes,
+  "Once Thisbe's, and beneath th' appointed tree
+  "Bearing it, bath'd in tears; with ardent lips
+  "Oft fondly kissing, thus he desperate cries;--
+  "Now with my blood be also bath'd!--drink deep!
+  "And in his body plung'd the sword, that round
+  "His loins hung ready girt: then as he dy'd,
+  "Hasty withdrew, hot reeking from the wound,
+  "The steel; and backwards falling, press'd the earth.
+  "High spouts the sanguine flood! thus forth a pipe,
+  "(The lead decay'd, or damag'd) sends a stream
+  "Contracted from the breach; upspringing high,
+  "And loudly hissing, as the air it breaks
+  "With jets repeated. Sprinkled with the blood,
+  "The tree's white fruit a purple tinge receiv'd;
+  "Deep soak'd with blood the roots convey the stain
+  "Inly, and tinge each bough with Tyrian dye.
+
+    "Now Thisbe comes, with terror trembling still,
+  "Fearful, she Pyramus expecting waits:
+  "Him seek her beating bosom, and her eyes;
+  "Anxious the peril she escap'd to tell.
+  "Well mark'd her eyes the place,--and well the tree;
+  "The berries chang'd in color, long she doubts
+  "The same or no. While hesitating thus,
+  "The panting members quivering she beholds,
+  "Upon the sanguin'd turf; and back recoils!
+  "Paler than box her features grow; her limbs
+  "More tremble than when ocean fretful sounds,
+  "Its surface briskly by the breezes swept.
+  "Nor long the pause, her lover soon is known;
+  "And now her harmless breast with furious blows
+  "She punishes; her tresses wild she rends;
+  "Clasps the lov'd body; and the gaping wound
+  "Fills with her tears,--their droppings with the blood
+  "Immingling. On his clay-cold face she press'd
+  "Her kisses, crying;--Pyramus! what chance
+  "Has torn thee from me thus? My Pyramus!
+  "Answer me,--'tis thy dearest Thisbe speaks!
+  "She calls thee,--hear me,--raise that dying face!
+  "At Thisbe's name, his lids, with death hard weigh'd,
+  "He rais'd--beheld her,--and forever clos'd.
+
+    "Him dying thus,--her lacerated veil;
+  "The ivory scabbard empty'd of its sword;
+  "She saw,--at once the truth upon her mind
+  "Flash'd quick. Alas! thy hand, by love impell'd,
+  "Has wrought thy ruin: but to me the hand,
+  "In this, at least, shall equal force display,
+  "For equal was my love; and love will grant
+  "Sufficient strength the deadly wound to give.
+  "In death I'll follow thee; with justice call'd
+  "Thy ruin's wretched cause,--but comrade too.
+  "Thou whom, but death seem'd capable to part
+  "From me, shalt find ev'n death too weak will prove.
+  "Ye wretched mourning parents, his and mine!
+  "The dying prayers respect of him,--of me:
+  "Grant that, entomb'd together, both may rest;
+  "A pair by faithful love conjoined,--by death
+  "United close. And thou fair tree which shad'st
+  "Of one the miserable corse; and two
+  "Soon with thy boughs wilt cover,--bear the mark
+  "Of the sad deed eternal;--ting'd thy fruit
+  "With mournful coloring: monumental type
+  "Of double slaughter. Speaking thus, she plac'd
+  "The steely point, while yet with blood it smok'd,
+  "Beneath her swelling breast; and forward fell.
+  "Her final prayer reach'd heaven; her parents reach'd:
+  "Purple the berries blush, when ripen'd full;
+  "And in one urn the lovers' ashes rest."
+
+    She ceas'd: a silent interval, but short,
+  Ensu'd; and next Leuconoe thus address'd
+  Her listening sisters:--"Ev'n the sun himself,
+  "Whose heavenly light so universal shines,
+  "To love is subject: his amours I tell.
+  "This deity's keen sight the first espy'd--
+  "(For all things penetrating first he sees)
+  "The crime of Mars and Venus; sore chagrin'd,
+  "To Vulcan he th' adulterous theft display'd,
+  "And told him where they lay. Appall'd he heard,--
+  "And dropp'd the tools his dexterous hand contain'd;
+  "But soon recover'd. Slender chains of brass,
+  "And nets, and traps he form'd; so wonderous fine,
+  "They mock'd the power of sight: for far less fine,
+  "The smallest thread the distaff forms; or line,
+  "Spun by the spider, pendent from the roof.
+  "Curious he form'd it; at the lightest touch
+  "It yielded; each momentum, slight howe'er,
+  "Caus'd its recession: this he artful hung,
+  "The couch enfolding. When the faithless wife,
+  "And paramour upon the bed embrac'd,
+  "Both in the lewd conjunction were ensnar'd;
+  "Caught by the husband's skill, whose art the chains
+  "In novel form had fram'd. The Lemnian god
+  "Instant wide threw the ivory doors, and gave
+  "Admittance free to every curious eye:
+  "In shameful guise together bound they laid.
+  "But some light gods, not blaming much the sight,
+  "Would wish thus sham'd to lie: loud laugh'd the whole,
+  "And long in heaven the tale jocose was told.
+
+    "The well-remember'd deed, the Cyprian queen
+  "Retorting, made the god remember too:
+  "And him who her conceal'd amours disclos'd,
+  "In turn betray'd. What now, Hyperion's son,
+  "Avails thy beauty!--or thy radiant flames?
+  "For thou, whose fires warm all the wide-spread world,
+  "Burn'st with a new-felt heat! Thou, whose wide view,
+  "Should every object grasp, with partial ken
+  "Leucothoe only see'st! that nymph alone,
+  "Attracts those eyes, whose lustre all the world
+  "Expect to view. Oft in the eastern skies,
+  "More early rising, art thou seen; and oft
+  "More tardy 'neath the waves thou sinkest: long
+  "The wintry days thou stretchest, with delay
+  "Thy object lov'd to see. Meantime pale gloom
+  "O'ercasts thy orb; the dullness of thy mind
+  "Obstructs thy brightness; and thy rays obscure,
+  "Terror in mortal breasts inspire. Not pale
+  "Thou fadest, as, when nearer whirl'd to earth,
+  "Faint Luna's shadow o'er thy surface glooms:
+  "But love, and only love the paleness gives.
+  "Her only, now thy amorous soul pursues;
+  "Rhodos, nor Clymene, nor Perse fair,
+  "Of Colchian Circe mother, tempt thee now;
+  "Nor Clytie, whom thy cold neglect still spurns;
+  "Yet still she burns to clasp thee: deep she mourns,
+  "Stung more acutely by this fresh amour.
+  "Now in Leucothoe, every former love
+  "Is lost. Leucothoe, whom the beauteous nymph,
+  "Eurynome, in odoriferous climes
+  "Of Araby brought forth. Full-grown, matur'd,
+  "Leucothoe's beauteous form no less surpass'd
+  "Her mother's, than her mother's all beside.
+  "Her sire, the royal Orchamus (who claim'd
+  "A seventh descent from ancient Belus) rul'd
+  "The Achaemenian towns. The rapid steeds
+  "Of Phoebus pasture 'neath the western sky;
+  "Not grass, ambrosia, eating; heavenly food,
+  "Which nerves their limbs, faint with diurnal toil,
+  "Restoring all their ardor. Whilst the steeds,
+  "This their celestial nourishment enjoy;
+  "And night, as 'custom'd, governs in her turn;
+  "The god the close apartments of his nymph
+  "Beloved, enters;--form'd to outward view,
+  "Eurynome her mother. Her he saw
+  "The slender threads from spindle twirling fine,
+  "Illumin'd by the lamp; and circled round
+  "By twice six female helpers. Warm he gave
+  "As a lov'd daughter, his maternal kiss,
+  "And said;--our converse secrecy demands.--
+  "Th' attendant maids depart,--nor hinderance give,
+  "Loitering, a mother's secret words to hear.
+  "When he, the chamber free from spy or guard,
+  "Exclaims,--no female I! behold the god,
+  "The lengthen'd year who spaces! who beholds
+  "Each object earth contains! the world's great eye
+  "By which it all surveys. My tender words
+  "Believe, I dearly love thee. Pale she look'd,
+  "While thus he spoke;--started, and trembling dropp'd
+  "Her distaff, and her spindle from her hand
+  "Nerveless. But ev'n her terror seem'd to add
+  "Fresh beauty to her features. Longer he
+  "Delay'd not, but his wonted form assum'd;
+  "In heavenly splendor shining. Mild the maid,
+  "Won by his beauteous brightness, (though at first,
+  "His sudden shape surpriz'd her) sunk beneath
+  "The force he urg'd, with unresisting power.
+
+    "The jealous Clytie (who with amorous flame
+  "Burn'd for Apollo) urg'd by harlot's rage,
+  "Straight to the sire, Leucothoe's crime betray'd;
+  "Painting the nymph's misdeed with heighten'd glow.
+  "Fierce rag'd the father,--merciless inhum'd
+  "Her living body deep in earth! Outstretcht
+  "High to the sun her arms, and praying warm
+  "For mercy;--he by force, she cry'd, prevail'd!
+  "O'er her untimely grave a lofty mound
+  "Of sand, her sire uprear'd. Hyperion's son
+  "Through this an opening with his beams quick form'd,
+  "Full wide for her, her head intomb'd to lift,
+  "Once to the light again. Thy bury'd corse
+  "No more thou now couldst raise; the ponderous load
+  "Of earth prevents thee; and a bloodless mass,
+  "Exanimate, thou ly'st! Not deeper grief
+  "'Tis said, the ruler of the swift-wing'd steeds,
+  "Display'd, when o'er the earth the hapless flames
+  "By Phaeton were thrown. Arduous he strives,
+  "Her gelid limbs, with all his powerful rays
+  "To vivid heat recal: stern fate withstands
+  "His utmost urg'd endeavours: bathing then
+  "Her pallid corse, and all the earth around
+  "With odorous nectar, sorrowing sad he cries;--
+  "Yet, shalt thou reach the heavens! And soon began
+  "Her limbs, soft melting in celestial dew,
+  "With moistening drops of strong perfume to flow:
+  "Slowly a frankincense's rooted twigs
+  "Spread in the earth,--its top the hillock burst.
+
+    "Angry the god (though violent love the pain
+  "Of jealousy might well excuse,--the pain
+  "Of jealousy the tale) from Clytie now
+  "Abstains; no more in amorous mood they meet.
+  "Rash now the deed her burning love had caus'd,
+  "Too late she found;--she flies her sister-nymphs;
+  "And pining, on the cold bare turf she sits;
+  "By day,--by night,--sole shelter'd by the sky;
+  "Her dripping tresses matted round her brows:
+  "Food,--drink, abhorring. Nine long days she bore
+  "Sharp famine, bath'd with dew, bath'd with her tears;
+  "Still on the ground prone lying. Yet the god
+  "In circling motion still she ardent view'd;
+  "Turning her face to his. Tradition tells,
+  "Her limbs to earth grew fasten'd: ghastly pale
+  "Her color; chang'd to bloodless leaves she stood,
+  "Streak'd ruddy here and there;--a violet flower
+  "Her face o'erspreading. Still that face she turns,
+  "To meet the sun;--though binding roots retain
+  "Her feet, her love unalter'd still remains."
+
+    She ended; all their listening ears, well pleas'd,
+  The wonderous story heard. Some hard of faith
+  Its truth, its probability deny.
+  To true divinities such power some grant;
+  And power to compass more;--to Bacchus none
+  Such potence own. The sisters, silent now,
+  Alcithoe beg to speak: she shooting swift
+  Her shuttle through th' extended threads, exclaims;--
+  "Of Daphnis' love, so known, on Ida's hill,
+  "His flocks who tended, whom his angry nymph,
+  "To stone transform'd (such fury fires the breast
+  "Of those who desperate love!) I shall not tell:
+  "Nor yet of Scython, of ambiguous form,
+  "Now male, now female; nature's wonted laws
+  "Inconstant proving: thee, O Celmis! too
+  "I pass; once faithful nurse to infant Jove,
+  "Now chang'd to adamant: Curetes! sprung
+  "From showery floods: Crocus, and Smilax, both
+  "To blooming flowers transform'd: unnotic'd these,
+  "My tale from novelty itself shall please:
+  "How Salmacis so infamous became,
+  "Then list; whose potent waves, the luckless limbs
+  "Enerve, of those they bathe. Conceal'd the cause;
+  "Yet far and wide the fountain's power is known.
+
+    "Deep in the sheltering caves of Ida's hill,
+  "The Naiaed nymphs a beauteous infant nurs'd;
+  "Whom Cyprus' goddess unto Hermes bore.
+  "His father's beauty, and his mother's, shone
+  "In every feature; in his name conjoin'd
+  "He bore their appellations. When matur'd
+  "By fifteen summers, from paternal hills
+  "Straying, he wander'd from his nursing Ide:
+  "In lands unknown he joy'd, and joy'd to see
+  "Strange rivers,--pleasure lessening every toil.
+  "Through Lycia's towns he stray'd; and further still,
+  "To bordering Caria, where a pool he spy'd,
+  "Whose lowest depth a gleam transparent shew'd:
+  "No marshy canes,--no filthy barren weeds,
+  "Nor pointed bulrush near the margin grew:
+  "Full on the eye the water shone, yet round
+  "Its brink a border smil'd of verdant turf,
+  "And plants forever green. Here dwelt a nymph,
+  "But one who never join'd the active chace;
+  "The bow who never bent; who never strove
+  "To conquer in the race: of all the nymphs,
+  "Alone no comrade of Diana fleet.
+  "Oft, as 'tis said, her sister-nymphs exclaim'd;--
+  "Come, Salmacis, thy painted quiver take;
+  "Or take thy javelin;--with soft pleasures mix
+  "Laborious sporting: but nor javelin she,
+  "Nor painted quiver took;--with sportive toil,
+  "Soft pleasures mingling: sole intent to bathe,
+  "Her beauteous limbs amidst her own clear waves;
+  "And through her flowing tresses oft to draw
+  "The boxen comb, while o'er the fountain bent,
+  "She studies all her graces: now, her form
+  "Clad in a robe transparent, stretcht she lies,
+  "Or on the yielding leaves, or bending grass;
+  "Now flowers she culls;--and so it chanc'd to fall,
+  "Flowers she was gathering, when she first beheld
+  "The charming youth; no sooner seen than lov'd.
+  "Not forth she rush'd at first, though strongly urg'd,
+  "Forward to spring, but all adjusted fair:
+  "Closely survey'd her robe; her features form'd;
+  "And every part in beauteous shape compos'd.
+  "Then thus address'd him;--O, most godlike youth!
+  "And if a god, the lovely Cupid sure!
+  "But if of mortal mould, blest is thy sire!
+  "Blest is thy brother! and thy sister blest!--
+  "If sister hast thou;--and the fostering breast
+  "Which fed thy infant growth: but far 'bove all
+  "In rapturous bliss, is she who calls thee spouse;
+  "Should nymph exist thou deem'st that bliss deserves!
+  "If wedded, grant a stol'n embrace to me;
+  "If not, let me thy nuptial couch ascend.
+  "The Naiaed ceas'd: a bashful glow suffus'd
+  "His face, for nought of love to him was known:
+  "Yet blushing seem'd he lovely: thus warm glows
+  "The apple, to the ripening sun expos'd;
+  "Or teinted ivory; or the redden'd moon,
+  "Whom brazen cymbals clash to help in vain.
+  "To her, warm praying for at least a kiss,
+  "A chaste, a sister's kiss,--her arms firm claspt
+  "Around his ivory neck;--desist! he cries,
+  "Desist! or sole to thee the place I'll leave.
+  "His flight she dreaded, and reply'd,--I go,
+  "Dear youth, and freely yield the spot to thee.
+  "And seems indeed, her steps from him to turn;
+  "But still in sight she kept him; lurking close
+  "Shelter'd by shadowy shrubs, on bended knees.
+  "Of spy unconscious, he in boyish play
+  "Frisks sportive here and there; dips first his feet,
+  "Then ancles deeper in the wantoning waves;
+  "Pleas'd with the temper of the lucid pool:
+  "Till hasty stript from off his tender limbs
+  "His garments soft he flings. More deeply struck
+  "Stood Salmacis; more fiercely flam'd her love,
+  "His naked beauty seen. Her gloating eyes
+  "Sparkled no less than seem bright Phoebus' rays,
+  "When shining splendid, midst a cloudless sky,
+  "A mirror's face reflecting gives them back.
+  "Delay ill brooking, hardly she contains
+  "Her swelling joy; frantic for his embrace,
+  "She pants, and hard from rushing forth refrains.
+  "His sides he claps, and agile in the steam
+  "Quick plunges, moving with alternate arms.
+  "Bright through the waves he shines; thus white appears
+  "The sculptur'd ivory, or the lily fair,
+  "Seen through a crystal veil. The Naiaed cries;--
+  "Lo! here I come;--he's mine,--the youth's my own!
+  "And instant far was every garment flung.
+  "Midst of the waves she leaps;--the struggling youth
+  "Clasps close; and on his cold reluctant lips,
+  "Forces her kisses; down she girds his arms;
+  "And close to hers hugs his unwilling breast:
+  "Final, around the youth who arduous strives
+  "In opposition, and escape essays,
+  "Her limbs she twines: so twines a serpent huge,
+  "Seiz'd by the bird of Jove, and borne on high,
+  "Twisting his head, the feet close-bracing holds;
+  "The wide-spread wings entangled with his tail:
+  "So twines the ivy round the lengthen'd bough:
+  "So numerous Polypus his foe confines,
+  "Seiz'd in the deep, with claws on every side
+  "Firm graspt. But Hermes' son persisting still,
+  "The Naiaed's wish denies; she presses close,
+  "And as she cleaves, their every limb close join'd
+  "Exclaims;--ungallant boy! but strive thy most,
+  "Thou shalt not fly me. Grant me, O ye gods!
+  "No time may ever sunder him from me,
+  "Or me from him.--Her prayer was granted straight;--
+  "For now, commingling, both their bodies join'd;
+  "And both their faces melted into one.
+  "So, when in growth we boughs ingrafted see,
+  "The bark inclosing both at once, they sprout.
+  "Thus were their limbs, in strong embrace comprest,
+  "Wrapp'd close; no longer two in form, yet two
+  "In feature; nor a nymph-like face remain'd,
+  "Nor yet a boy's: it both and neither seem'd.
+
+    "When Hermes' son beheld the liquid stream,
+  "Where masculine he plung'd, the power possess
+  "To enervate his body, and his limbs
+  "Effeminately soften; high he rais'd
+  "His arms, and pray'd (but not with manly voice)
+  "O, sire! O, mother dear! indulge your son,
+  "Your double appellation bearing, this
+  "Sole-urg'd petition. Whoso in these waves
+  "In strong virility, like me, shall plunge,
+  "Hence let him go, like me enervate made;
+  "Spoilt by the stream his strength. Each parent god
+  "Nodding, confirm'd their alter'd son's request;
+  "And ting'd the fountain with the changing power."
+
+    She ceas'd: the nymphs Minyeian still persist
+  Their toil to urge, despising still the god;
+  His festival prophaning. Sudden heard,
+  The rattling sounds of unseen timbrels burst
+  Full on their ears! the pipe; the crooked horn;
+  And brazen cymbals loudly clash; perfumes
+  Of myrrh and saffron blended smell:--but more,
+  And what belief surpasses, straight their looms
+  Virid to sprout begin; the pendent threads
+  Branch into shoots like ivy: part becomes
+  The vine: what now were threads, curl'd tendrils seem:
+  Shot from the folded web, the branches climb;
+  And the bright red in purpling grapes appears.
+
+    Now was the sun declining, and approach'd
+  The twilight season, when nor day it seems,
+  Nor night confirm'd; but a gray mixture forms;
+  Of each an indetermin'd compound. Deep
+  The roof appear'd to shade; the oily lamps,
+  Ardent to glow; the torches bright to burn,
+  With reddening flames; while round them seem'd to howl,
+  Figures of beast ferocious. Fill'd with smoke
+  The room,--th' affrighted maidens seek to hide;
+  And each in different corners tries to shun
+  The fires and flaming light. But while they seek
+  A lurking shelter, o'er their shorten'd limbs
+  A webby membrane spreading, binds their arms
+  In waving wings. The gloom conceal'd the mode,
+  Of transformation from their former shape.
+  Light plumage bears them not aloft,--yet rais'd
+  On wings transparent, through the air they skim,
+  To speak they strive, but utter forth a sound
+  Feeble and weak; then, screeching shrill, they plain:
+  Men's dwellings they frequent,--nor try the woods;
+  And, cheerful day avoiding, skim by night;
+  Their name from that untimely hour deriv'd.
+
+    Now were the deeds of heaven-born Bacchus fam'd
+  Through every part of Thebes; and all around,
+  His aunt proud boasts the new-made god's great power:
+  She, of the sisters all, from sorrow spar'd,
+  Save what to view her sisters' sorrowing gave.
+  Juno beheld her lofty thus, her breast
+  Elate to view her sons; her nuptial fruits
+  With Athamas; and her great foster child,
+  The mighty Bacchus. More the furious queen
+  Bore not, but thus exclaim'd;--"Has the whore's son
+  "Power to transform the Tyrrhene crew, and plunge
+  "Them headlong in the deep? Can he impel
+  "The mother's hands to seize her bleeding son
+  "And tear his entrails? Dares he then to clothe
+  "The Minyeid sisters with un'custom'd wings?
+  "And is Saturnia's utmost power confin'd
+  "Wrongs unreveng'd to weep? Suffices such
+  "For me? Is this a goddess' utmost might?
+  "But he instructs me;--wisdom may be taught
+  "Ev'n by a foe. The wretched Pentheus' fate,
+  "Shews all-sufficient, what may madness do.
+  "Why should not Ino, stung with frantic rage,
+  "The well-known track her sisters trode pursue?"
+
+    A path declivitous, with baleful yew
+  Dark shaded, leads, a dreary silent road,
+  Down to th' infernal regions: sluggish Styx
+  Dank mists exhales: here travel new-made ghosts,
+  With rites funereal blest: pale winter's gloom
+  Wide rules the squalid place: the stranger shades
+  Wander, unknowing which the path to tread,
+  Straight to the infernal city, where is held
+  Black Pluto's savage court. A thousand gates,
+  Wide ope, surround the town on every side.
+  As boundless ocean every stream receives,
+  From earth pour'd numerous,--so each wandering soul
+  Flocks to this city; whose capacious bounds
+  Full space for all affords; nor ever feels
+  Th' increasing crowd: of flesh depriv'd, and bones,
+  The bloodless shadows wander. Some frequent
+  The forum; some th' infernal monarch's court;
+  Some various arts employ, resembling much
+  Their former daily actions; numbers groan
+  In punishments severe. Here Juno came,
+  Braving the region's horrors, from her throne
+  Celestial,--so did ire and hatred goad
+  Her bosom with their stings! Sacred she press'd
+  The groaning threshold,--instant as she stepp'd,
+  Fierce Cerberus his triple head uprais'd,
+  And howl'd with triple throat. The goddess calls
+  The night-born sisters, fierce, implacable:
+  Before the close-barr'd adamantine gates
+  They sit; their tresses twisting round with snakes.
+  The queen through clouds of midnight gloom they see,
+  And instant rise. Here dwell the suffering damn'd.
+  Here Tityus, stretcht o'er nine wide acres, yields
+  His entrails to be torn. Thou, Tantalus,
+  Art seen, the stream forbid to taste;--the fruit
+  Thy lips o'erhanging, flies! Thou, Sisyphus,
+  Thy stone pursuing downwards; or its weight
+  Straining aloft, with oft exerted power!
+  Ixion whirling, too; with swift pursuit,
+  Thou follow'st, and art follow'd! Belides!
+  Your husband-cousins who in death dar'd steep,
+  And ceaseless draw the unavailing streams!
+  All Juno view'd with unrelenting brow;
+  But, view'd Ixion sterner far than all:
+  And when on Sisyphus again she cast
+  Her eyes, behind Ixion, angry cry'd;--
+  "What justice this?--of all the brethren he
+  "Sharp torture suffers! Shall proud Athamas
+  "A regal dwelling boast,--whose scornful taunts,
+  "And scornful spouse have still my power contemn'd?"
+  Then straight her hatred's cause disclos'd. They see
+  Her journey's object, and revenge's aim.
+  This her desire, that Cadmus' regal house
+  Perish'd should sink; and Athamas, fierce urg'd
+  By madness should some dreadful vengeance claim.
+  Commands, solicitations, prayers,--at once
+  The goddesses besiege: and as she speaks,
+  Angrily mov'd, Tisiphone replies,--
+  (Shaking her hoary locks,--the twining snakes
+  Back from her mouth repelling) hasty thus;--
+  "A tedious tale we need not; what thou wilt
+  "Believe accomplish'd. Fly this hateful gloom;--
+  "Up to the wholesome breeze of heaven repair."
+  Glad, Juno left the spot;--when near approach'd
+  Heaven's entrance, there Thaumantian Iris met,
+  And with her sprinklings purify'd the queen.
+
+    Quick now Tisiphone, the savage fiend,
+  Seizes her torch, with gory droppings wet;
+  Flings round her limbs a garment, deeply dy'd
+  With streaming blood; a twisting snake supplies
+  A girdle:--thus array'd she sallies forth,
+  Follow'd by loud lament, by terror, fear,
+  And quivering-featur'd madness. When she press'd
+  The threshold, fame declares the pillars shook;
+  The maple doors, with terror mov'd, grew pale:
+  Back shrunk the sun! Ino, with trembling dread
+  Beheld these wonders;--Athamas beheld;
+  And both prepar'd the haunted place to fly.
+  Escape the fury hinders: fierce she stands,
+  Blocking the entrance: wide her arms she spreads,
+  With viperous twistings bound; and threatening shakes
+  Her tresses: loud the serpents noise, disturb'd;
+  Sprawl o'er her shoulders some; some, lower fall'n,
+  Twine hissing round her breasts, with brandish'd tongue,
+  Black poison vomiting. With furious gripe,
+  Two from her locks she tore;--her deadly hand
+  Hurl'd them straight on; the breasts of Athamas,
+  And Ino, hungry, with their fangs they seiz'd;
+  Fierce pains infixing, but external wounds
+  Their limbs betray'd not: mental was the blow,
+  So direly struck. Venoms most mortal, too,
+  From Tartarus she bore:--the foam high-churn'd
+  From jaws of Cerberus; the poisonous juice
+  Of Hydra; urgent wish for roaming wide;
+  Oblivion mental-blinded; wicked deeds;
+  Weeping; and furious fierceness, slaughter fond.
+  On these commingled, fresh-drawn gore she pour'd,
+  And warm'd them bubbling in a brazen vase;
+  Stirr'd by a sprouting hemlock. Trembling, they
+  Shudder, while in their breasts the poison fierce
+  She pours: both bosoms feel it deep instill'd;--
+  Their inmost vitals feel it. Then her torch,
+  Whirl'd flaming round and round, in triumph glares,
+  Fires from the circling gathering. Powerful thus;
+  Victorious in her aims, and deeds desir'd,
+  To mighty Pluto's shadowy realm she speeds;
+  And from her loins untwists the girding snakes.
+
+    Mad bounded Athamas amid the hall,
+  "Ho! friends," exclaiming;--"here spread wide your toils,
+  "Here, in this thicket, where ev'n now I saw
+  "With young twin cubs, a lioness!"--and mad,
+  Pursu'd his consort for a savage beast;
+  Snatching Learchus, who with playful smile,
+  Outstretch'd his infant hands to meet him. Torne
+  Rough from his mother's bosom, round in air
+  And round, sling-like he whirl'd; then savage dash'd
+  Upon a rugged rock the tender bones.
+
+    Loud howls the frantic mother; frantic made
+  By grief, or by the scatter'd poison's power:
+  And, raving, with dishevell'd tresses spread
+  Wide o'er her shoulders, flies. Her naked arms
+  Young Melicertes bear; madly she shrieks;--
+  "Evoe, Bacchus!"--Loud at Bacchus' name
+  Revengeful Juno laugh'd, and said;--"Such boon
+  "Thy foster-son upon his nurse confers!"
+  A lofty rock the foaming waves o'erhangs,
+  Whose dashing force deep in its base have scoop'd
+  A cavern, safely sheltering from the showers:
+  The adamantine summit high extends,
+  And o'er the wide main stretches. Swift this height,
+  Active and strong with madness, Ino gain'd
+  And fearless, with the infant in her arms,
+  Sprung from the cliff, and sunk beneath the waves.
+  White foam'd the surge around her!
+
+                                     Venus, griev'd,
+  Such sufferings, undeserv'd, her race should bear,
+  Thus with bland coaxings Ocean's god address'd:
+  "Lord of the azure deep, whose high command
+  "Sways next to heaven's,--a vast demand I ask;--
+  "But pity my poor offspring, whom thou see'st
+  "Plung'd in th' Ionian billows;--with their forms
+  "Thy deities increase. Some influence sure,
+  "In ocean I should hold, from thence produc'd;
+  "Sprung from the froth that on the deep main swims:
+  "Whence Grecian poets name me." Neptune nods,
+  Assenting to her prayer; and from their limbs
+  Abstracts the mortal portion; on their forms
+  Breathes majesty; and with their alter'd mien,
+  Their names he changes too; Palaemon he,
+  Now stil'd, his mother as Leucothoe known.
+
+    The princess' anxious comrades trac'd her steps
+  With care; the last with arduous search they found,
+  Just on the giddy brink, nor dubious deem'd
+  Her fate a moment. Cadmus' house they wail;
+  With beating hands their tresses tear, and robes;
+  And highly Juno blame, as one unjust:
+  Too ireful for the hapless sister's fault.
+  Juno, fierce flaming, these reproaches stung;--
+  "Ye too," she cry'd, "shall monuments become
+  "Of the fierce ire ye blame!" Deeds words pursu'd.
+  The nymph who most her hapless queen held dear,
+  Exclaim'd;--"deep in the roaring main I'll plunge,
+  "To join her fate,"--and sprung to take the leap;
+  But motionless she stood,--fixt to the rock!
+  Her wounding blows, upon her bosom one
+  Strives to renew, as wont; her striving arms
+  Stiffen'd to stone she sees. This tow'rd the waves
+  Her hands extends; a rocky mass she stands,
+  In the same waves far stretching. Lifted high,
+  The locks to rend, the fingers might be seen
+  Stiffen'd, and rigid with the hair become.
+  In posture whatsoever caught, each nymph,
+  In that same posture stands. Thus part are chang'd:
+  The rest, to birds transform'd, by wings upborne,
+  Skim o'er the surface of the neighbouring sea.
+
+    Cadmus, the wond'rous change which rais'd his child,
+  And his young grandson to the rank of gods,
+  Yet knew not. By his load of grief o'erwhelm'd;
+  A chain of woes; and supernatural scenes,
+  So numerous which he sees; the founder quits
+  His town, suspicious that the city's fate,
+  And not his own, misfortune on him showers.
+  Borne o'er the main, his lengthen'd wanderings end,
+  When with his exil'd consort, safe he gains
+  Illyria's shores. Opprest with grief and age,
+  The primal fortunes of their house, with care
+  They scan, and in their converse all their woes
+  Again recounting, Cadmus thus exclaims;--
+  "Was then that serpent, by my javelin pierc'd,
+  "When driven from Tyre; whose numerous teeth I sow'd,
+  "Sacred to some divinity?--If he
+  "Thus, vengeful for the deed, his anger pours,
+  "May I a serpent stretcht at length become."
+  He said,--and serpent-like extended lies!
+  Scales he perceives, upon his harden'd skin;
+  And sees green spots on his black body form;
+  Prone on his breast he falls; together twin'd,
+  His legs commingling stretch, and gradual end
+  Lessen'd in rounded point; his arms remain
+  Still, and those arms remaining he extends;
+  While down his face yet human tears flow fast.
+  "O, hapless wife! approach," he cries, "approach,
+  "And touch me now, while ought of me remains;
+  "Receive my hand, while yet a hand I bear;
+  "Ere to a serpent wholly turns my form."--
+  More he prepar'd to utter, but his tongue,
+  Cleft sudden, to his wishes words refus'd:
+  And often when his sorrows sad he try'd
+  To wail anew, he hiss'd!--that sound alone,
+  Nature permitted. While her naked breast
+  With blows resounded, loud his wife exclaim'd;--
+  "Stay,--O, my Cadmus! hapless man, shake off
+  "This monstrous figure! Cadmus what is this?
+  "Where are thy feet,--and where thy arms and hands?
+  "Where are thy features,--thy complexion? Where,
+  "Whilst I bewail, art thou? Celestial powers!
+  "Why not this transformation work on me?"
+  She ended; he advancing, lick'd her face,
+  And creep'd, as custom'd, to her bosom dear,
+  And round her wonted neck embracing twin'd.
+  Now draw their servants nigh, and as they come
+  With terror start. The crested serpents play,
+  Smooth on their necks,--now two; and cordial slide,
+  In spires conjoin'd; then in the darksome shades
+  Th' adjoining woods afford them, close they hide.
+  Mankind they fly not, nor deep wounds inflict;
+  Harmless, their pristine form is ne'er forgot.
+
+    Still, though in alter'd shapes, the pair rejoic'd
+  Their grandson's fame to hear; whom vanquish'd Ind'
+  Low bending worshipp'd; Greece adoring prais'd,
+  In lofty temples. Sole Acrisius stands,
+  Like Bacchus sprung from Jove's celestial seed,
+  Opposing; and from Argos' gates propels
+  The god;--his birth deny'd, against him arms.
+  Nor Perseus would he own from heaven deriv'd;
+  Conceiv'd by Danae, from a golden shower:
+  Yet soon,--so mighty is the force of truth,--
+  Acrisius grieves he e'er so rashly brav'd
+  The god; his grandson driving from his court,
+  Disown'd. Now one in heaven is glorious plac'd;
+  The other, laden with the well-known spoil
+  Of the fierce snaky monster, cleaves the air,
+  On sounding pinions. High the victor sails
+  O'er Lybia's desarts, and the gory drops
+  Fall from the gorgon's head; the Ground receives
+  The blood, and warms it into writhing snakes.
+  Hence does the country with the pest still swarm.
+
+    Thence borne by adverse winds, he sweeps along,
+  Through boundless ether driven; now here, now there,
+  As watery clouds are swept. From lofty skies,
+  The earth far distant viewing, round the globe
+  He skimm'd: three times he saw the Arctic pole
+  And thrice the warmer Crab. Oft to the west,
+  Th' adventurous youth was borne; back to the east,
+  As often. Now the day in darkness sank,
+  When he, nocturnal flight mistrusting, lights
+  In Atlas' kingdom 'neath th' Hesperian sky;
+  A short repose requests, till Phosphor' bright,
+  Should call Aurora forth;--she ushering in
+  The chariot of the day. Japetus' son
+  All men in huge corporeal bulk surpass'd.
+  He to th' extremest confines of the land,
+  And o'er the ocean sway'd, whose waves receive
+  Apollo's panting steeds, and weary'd car.
+  A thousand bleating flocks; a thousand herds,
+  Stray'd through the royal pastures. Neighbouring lords
+  Not near him plough'd their lands. Trees grew, whose leaves
+  With splendor glittering, threw a golden shade
+  O'er golden branches, and o'er fruit of gold.
+  Thus Perseus;--"Friendly host, if glorious birth
+  "Thee pleases, here one born of Jove behold.
+  "If deeds of merit more attraction move,
+  "Mine thy applause may claim. At present grant
+  "An hospitable shelter here, and rest."
+  But Atlas, fearing these oraculous words,--
+  (Long since by Themis on Parnassus given)
+  "The time, O king! will come, thy golden tree
+  "Shall lose its fruit. The glory of the spoil
+  "A son of Jove shall boast:" and dreading sore;
+  Around his orchards massy walls he rears;
+  A dragon huge and fierce the guard maintains.
+  "Whatever strangers to his realm approach,
+  Far thence he drives; and thus to Perseus too;--
+  "Haste, quickly haste from hence, lest soon I prove
+  "Thy glorious deeds but feign'd,--feign'd as thy birth."
+  Then force to threats he added,--strove to thrust
+  The hero forth; who struggling, efforts urg'd
+  Resisting, while he begg'd with softening words.
+  Proving in strength inferior (who in strength
+  Could vie with Atlas?) "Since my fame," he cries,
+  "Such small desert obtains, a gift accept."
+  And, back his face averting, holds display'd,
+  On his left side Medusa's ghastly head.
+  A mountain now the mighty Atlas stands!
+  His hair and beard as lofty forests wave;
+  His arms and hands high hilly summits rear;
+  O'er-topp'd above, by what was once his head:
+  His bones are rocks; then, so the gods decree,
+  Enlarg'd to size immense in every part,
+  The weight of heaven, and all the stars he bears.
+
+    His blustering vassals AEolus had pent,
+  In ever-during prisons. Phosphor' bright,
+  Most splendid 'midst the starry host of heaven;
+  Admonitor of labor, now was risen;
+  When Perseus bound again on either foot,
+  His winnowing wings; girt on his crooked sword;
+  And cleft the air, on waving pinions borne.
+  O'er numerous nations, far beneath him spread,
+  He sail'd, till Ethiopia's realms he saw;
+  Where Cepheus rul'd. There Ammon, power unjust,
+  Andromeda had sentenc'd,--guiltless maid,
+  To what her mother's boastful tongue deserv'd.
+  Her soon as Perseus spy'd, fast by the arms
+  Chain'd to the rugged rock;--where but her locks
+  Wav'd lightly to the breeze; and but her eyes
+  Trickled a tepid stream; she might be deem'd
+  A sculptur'd marble: him the unknown sight
+  Astonish'd, dazzled, and enflam'd with love.
+  His senses in the beauteous view sole wrapt,
+  Scarce he remembers on his wings to wave:--
+  Alights, exclaiming;--"O, whom chains like these
+  "Should never bind, nor other chains than such,
+  "As lovers intertwist! declare thy name;
+  "Thy country tell; and why thou bear'st those bonds."
+  Silent awhile the virgin stood; abash'd,
+  Converse with man to hold: her blushing face,
+  Her hands, if free, had long before conceal'd.
+  Quick starting tears, 'twas all she could, her eyes
+  Veil'd swimming: then her name and country told;
+  And all the conscious pride her mother's charms
+  Inspir'd, in full acknowledg'd; lest for crimes
+  Her own, just suffering, Perseus might conceive.
+  All yet untold, when loud the billows roar'd;
+  Upheav'd the monster's bulk: far 'bove the waves
+  He stood uprear'd, and then right onward plung'd;
+  His ample bosom covering half the main.
+
+    Loud shrieks the virgin! Sad her father comes;
+  And sad her raving mother, wretched both,
+  The mother most deserv'dly. Help in vain
+  From them she seeks; with tears, and bosoms torn,
+  Her fetter'd limbs they clasp, they can no more.
+  Then Perseus thus;--"for tears and loud laments,
+  "Long may the time be: but effective aid
+  "To give, the time is short. Suppose the nymph
+  "I ask;--I, Perseus! sprung from mighty Jove,
+  "By her whose prison in a golden shower
+  "Fecundative, he enter'd. Perseus, who
+  "The Gorgon snaky-hair'd o'ercame; who bold
+  "On waving pinions winnows through the air.
+  "Him for a son in preference should ye chuse,
+  "Arduous he'll strive to these high claims to add,
+  "If heaven permits, some merits more his own.
+  "Agree she's mine, if by my arm preserv'd."
+  The parents promise;--(who in such a case
+  Would waver) beg his help; and promise, more,
+  That all their kingdom shall her dower become.
+  Lo! as a vessel's sharpen'd prow quick cleaves
+  The waves, by strenuous sweating arms impell'd,
+  The monster comes! his mighty bosom wide
+  The waters sideway breasting; distant now,
+  Not more than what the Balearic sling
+  Could with the bullet gain, when high in air,
+  The sod repelling, upward springs the youth.
+  Soon as the main reflected Perseus' form,
+  The ocean-savage rag'd: as Jove's swift bird
+  When in the open fields a snake he spies
+  Basking, his livid back to Phoebus' rays
+  Expos'd, behind attacks him; plunges deep,
+  His hungry talons in his scaly neck,
+  To curb the twisting of his sanguine teeth.
+  With rapid flight, thus Perseus shooting cleaves
+  The empty air; lights on the monster's back;
+  Burying his weapon to the crooked hilt,
+  Full in the shoulder of the raging beast.
+  Mad with the deepen'd wound, now rears aloft
+  The savage high in air; now plunges low,
+  Beneath the waters; now he furious turns,
+  As turns the boar ferocious, when the crowd
+  Of barking dogs beset him fiercely round.
+  With rapid waft the venturous hero shuns
+  His greedy jaws: now on his back, thick-arm'd
+  With shells, he strikes where opening space he sees;
+  Now on his sides; now where his tapering tail
+  In fish-like form is finish'd, bites the steel.
+  High spouts the wounded monster from his mouth;
+  The waves with gore deep purpling: drench'd, the wings
+  Droop nagging; and no longer Perseus dares
+  To trust their dripping aid. A rock he spies
+  Whose summit o'er the peaceful waters rose,
+  But deep was hid when tempests mov'd the main.
+  Supported here, his left hand firmly grasps
+  The craggy edge; while through his sides, and through,
+  The dying savage feels the weapon drove.
+
+    Loud shouts and plaudits fill the shore, the noise
+  Resounding echoes to the heavenly thrones.
+  Cassiope and Cepheus joyful greet
+  Their son, and grateful own him chief support,
+  And saviour. From her rugged fetters freed,
+  The virgin walks; the cause, the great reward
+  Of all his toil. His victor hands he laves
+  In the pure stream: then with soft leaves defends
+  A spot, to rest the serpent-bearing head,
+  Lest the bare sand should harm it. Twigs marine
+  He likewise strews, and rests Medusa there.
+  The fresh green twigs as though with life endow'd,
+  Felt the dire Gorgon's power; their spongy pith
+  Hard to the touch became, the stiffness spread
+  Through every twig and leaf. The Nereid nymphs
+  More branches bring, and try the wonderous change
+  On all, and joy to see the change succeed:
+  Spreading the transformation from the seeds,
+  With them throughout the waves. This nature still
+  Retains the coral: hardness still assumes
+  From contact with the air; beneath the waves
+  A bending twig; an harden'd stone above.
+
+    Three turfy altars to three heavenly gods
+  He builds: to Hermes sacred stands the left;
+  The right to warlike Pallas; in the midst
+  The mighty Jove's is rear'd: (To Pallas bleeds
+  An heifer: to the plume-heel'd god a calf:
+  Almighty Jove accepts a lordly bull)
+  Then claims Andromeda, the rich reward,
+  without a dower, of all his valorous toil.
+
+    Now Love and Hymen wave their torches high,
+  Precursive of their joys: each hearth is heap'd
+  With odorous incense: every roof is hung
+  With flowery garlands: pipes, and harps, and lyres,
+  And songs which indicate their festive souls,
+  Resound aloud. Each portal open thrown,
+  Display'd appears the golden palace wide.
+  By every lord of Cepheus' court, array'd
+  In splendid pomp, the nuptial feast is grac'd.
+  The banquet ended, while the generous gift
+  Of Bacchus circles; and each soul dilates,
+  Perseus, the modes and customs of the land
+  Curious enquires. Lyncides full relates
+  The habits, laws, and manners of the clime.
+  His information ended;--"now,"--he cry'd,--
+  "Relate, O Perseus! boldest of mankind,--
+  "By what fierce courage, and what skilful arts,"
+  "The snaky locks in thy possession came."
+  Then Perseus tells, how lies a lonely vale
+  Beneath cold Atlas; every side strong fenc'd
+  By lofty hills, whose only pass is held,
+  By Phorcus' twin-born daughters. Mutual they
+  One eye possess'd, in turns by either us'd.
+  His hand deceiving seiz'd it, as it pass'd
+  'Twixt them alternate; dexterous was the wile.
+  Through devious paths, and deep-sunk ways he went;
+  And craggy woods, dark-frowning, till he reach'd
+  The Gorgon's dwelling: passing then the fields,
+  And beaten roads, there forms of men he saw,
+  And shapes of savage beasts; but all to stone
+  By dire Medusa's petrifying face
+  Transform'd. He then the horrid countenance mark'd,
+  Bright from the brazen targe his left arm bore,
+  Reflected. While deep slumber safe weigh'd down,
+  The Gorgon and her serpents, he divorc'd
+  Her shoulders from her head. He adds how sprung,
+  Chrysaoer, and wing'd Pegasus the swift,
+  From the prolific Gorgon's streaming gore.
+  Relates the perils of his lengthen'd flight;
+  What seas, what kingdoms from the lofty sky,
+  Beneath him he had view'd; what sparkling stars
+  His waving wings had brush'd;--thus ceas'd his tale:
+  All more desiring. Then uprose a peer,--
+  And why Medusa, of the sisters sole
+  The serpent-twisted tresses wore, enquir'd.
+  The youth:--"The story that you ask, full well
+  "Attention claims;--I what you seek recite.
+  "For matchless beauty fam'd, with envying hope
+  "Her, crowds of suitors follow'd: nought surpass'd
+  "'Mongst all her beauties, her bright lovely hair:
+  "Those who had seen her thus, have this averr'd.
+  "But in Minerva's temple Ocean's god
+  "The maid defil'd. The virgin goddess shock'd,
+  "Her eyes averted, and her forehead chaste
+  "Veil'd with the AEgis. Then with vengeful power
+  "Chang'd the Gorgonian locks to writhing snakes.
+  "The snakes, thus form'd, fixt on her shield she bears;
+  "The horrid sight her trembling foes appals."
+
+
+
+
+*The Fifth Book.*
+
+
+    Attack of Phineus and his friends on Perseus. Defeat of the
+    former, and their change to statues. Atchievements of Perseus in
+    Argos, and Seriphus. Minerva's visit to the Muses. Fate of
+    Pyreneus. Song of the Pierides. Song of the Muses. Rape of
+    Proserpine. Change of Cyane, to a fountain. Search of Ceres.
+    Transformation of a boy to an eft. Of Ascalaphus to an owl.
+    Change of the companions of Proserpine to Sirens. Story of
+    Arethusa. Journey of Triptolemus. Transformation of Lyncus to a
+    lynx. The Pierides transformed to magpies.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fifth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    These wonders, while the son of Danae tells,
+  Circled around by Cepheus' noble troop;
+  Sudden th' imperial hall with tumults loud
+  Resounds. Not clamor such as oft we hear,
+  The bridal feasts, in songs of joy attend:
+  But what stern war announces. Much the change,
+  (The peaceful feast to instant riot turn'd)
+  Seem'd like the placid main, when the fierce rage
+  Of sudden tempests lash its surges high.
+
+    First Phineus stepp'd, the leader of the crowd;
+  Soul of the riot; and his ashen spear,
+  Arm'd with a brazen point, he brandish'd high;--
+  "Lo, here!" he shouts, "lo, here I vengeful come
+  "On him who claims my spouse! Not thy swift wings;
+  "Nor cheating Jove, chang'd to a golden shower,
+  "Shall save thee from my arm,"--and pois'd to fling,
+  The dart was held, but Cepheus loud exclaim'd,--
+  "Brother! what dost thou? what dire madness sways
+  "To wicked acts thy soul? Is this the meed
+  "His gallant deeds deserve? Is this the dower,
+  "We for the valued life he sav'd bestow?
+  "List but to truth,--not Perseus of thy wife
+  "Bereft thee, but the angry Nereid nymphs,--
+  "The horned Ammon,--and the monster huge!
+  "Prepar'd to glut his hunger with my child.
+  "Then was thy spouse snatch'd from thee, when remain'd
+  "Of help no hope; to all she lost appear'd.
+  "Thy savage heart perhaps had ev'n rejoic'd
+  "To see her perish, that our greater grief
+  "Might lighten part of thine. Couldst thou her see
+  "Fast chain'd before thee? uncle! spouse betroth'd!
+  "And yet no aid afford! And storm'st thou thus?
+  "She to another now her safety owes;
+  "And would'st thou snatch the prize? So high if seems
+  "To thee her precious value, thy bold arm
+  "Should on the rock where chain'd she lay, have sought
+  "And have deserv'd her. Now permit that he
+  "Who sought her there; through whom my failing age
+  "Is not now childless, grant that he enjoy
+  "Peaceful, what through his merits he no less,
+  "Than our firm compact claims: not him to thee,
+  "But him to certain loss I preference gave."
+
+    Nought Phineus answer'd, but his furious eyes
+  Now Perseus, now the king alternate view;
+  Doubtful or this to pierce, or that: his pause
+  Was short; his powerful arm, by fury nerv'd,
+  At Perseus hurl'd the quivering spear,--in vain!
+  Fixt in the couch it stood. Quick bounded up
+  Th' indignant youth, and deep in Phineus' breast,
+  Had plung'd the point returning, but he shrunk
+  Behind an altar; which, O shame! preserv'd
+  The impious villain. Yet not harmless sped
+  The weapon;--full in Rhaetus' front it stuck;
+  Who lifeless dropp'd; broke in the bone the steel;
+  He spurn'd, and sprinkled all the feast with gore.
+  Then rag'd with ire ungovern'd all the crowd,
+  And hurl'd in showers their weapons; some fierce cry'd,
+  Cepheus, no less than Perseus, death deserv'd.
+  But Cepheus left the hall, adjuring loud,
+  The hospitable gods; justice; and faith;
+  That he was guiltless of the sanguine fray.
+
+    Minerva comes; her sheltering AEgis shields
+  Her brother's body; in his breast she breathes
+  Redoubled valor. Atys, Indian bred,
+  Whom fair Limnate, Ganges' daughter, bore,
+  'Tis told, amid the waters' crystal caves,
+  Scarce sixteen years had seen. His beauteous form,
+  In gorgeous dress more beauteous still appear'd.
+  A purple garment fring'd around with gold,
+  Enwrapp'd him; round his neck were golden beads;
+  And pins and combs of gold his lovely locks,
+  With myrrh sweet-smelling, held. Well skill'd the youth
+  To hurl the javelin to its distant mark;
+  But more to bend the bow. Him Perseus smote,
+  The flexile bow just bending, with a brand
+  Snatch'd flaming from the altar; crush'd, his face
+  A horrid mass of fractur'd bones appears.
+  His beauteous features Lycabas beheld
+  In blood convuls'd: his dearest comrade he,
+  And one who proud his ardent love display'd.
+  Griev'd to behold the last expiring breath,
+  Of Atys parting from the furious wound,
+  He seiz'd the bow the youth had bent, and cry'd;--
+  "The battle try with me!--not long thy boast
+  "Of conquest o'er a boy; a conquest more
+  "By hate than fame attended." Railing thus,
+  The piercing weapon darted from the string.
+
+    Now Phineus, fearful hand to hand to meet
+  The foe, his javelin hurl'd, the point ill-aim'd
+  On Idas glanc'd, who vainly kept aloof
+  With neutral weapon. Phineus, stern he view'd,
+  "With threatening frown, exclaiming;--"though no share
+  "In this mad broil I took, now, Phineus, feel
+  "The power of him whom thou hast forc'd a foe;
+  "And take reciprocally wound for wound."
+  Then from his side the weapon tore to hurl;
+  But fast the life-stream gush'd, he instant fell.
+  Here, by the sword of Clymenus was slain,
+  Odites, noblest lord in Cepheus' court;
+  Protenor fell by Hypseus; Hypseus sunk
+  Beneath Lyncides' arm. Amid the throng
+  Was old Emathion too, friend to the just,
+  And fearer of the gods; though ancient years
+  Forbade his wielding arms, what aid his words
+  Could give, he spar'd not: curs'd the impious war,
+  In loud upbraidings. As with trembling arms,
+  He grasp'd the altar, Chromis' gory sword
+  His neck divided; on the altar dropp'd
+  The head; and there the trembling, dying tongue,
+  Faint imprecations utter'd; 'midst the flames
+  He breath'd his spirit forth. By Phineus' hand,
+  Broteas and Ammon fell: the brother-twins
+  Unconquer'd in the fight, the caestus shower'd;
+  Could but the caestus make the falchion yield:
+  But Perseus felt it not,--its point hung fixt
+  Amidst his garments' folds. On him he turn'd,
+  The falchion, glutted with Medusa's gore,
+  And plung'd it in his breast. Dying, he looks
+  Around, with eyes rolling in endless night,
+  For Atys, and upon him drops: then pleas'd,
+  Thus join'd in death, he seeks the shades below.
+  Methion's son, Syenian Phorbas, now
+  And fierce Amphimedon, in Lybia born,
+  Rush in the fight to mingle; both fall prone,
+  The slippery earth wide spread with smoking blood.
+  The sword attacks them rising; in his throat
+  Phorbas receives it, and the other's side.
+  But Erythis, of Actor born, whd rear'd
+  An axe tremendous, not the waving sword
+  Of Perseus meets: a cup of massive bulk,
+  With both his hands high-heaving, fierce he hurls
+  Full on his foe: he vomits gory floods;
+  Falls back, and strikes with dying head the earth.
+  Then Polydaemon falls, sprung from the blood
+  Of queen Semiramis; Lycetes brave,
+  The son of Spercheus; Abaris, who dwelt
+  On frozen Caucasus; and Helicen
+  With unshorn tresses; Phlegias; Clitus too;
+  Those with the rest beneath his weapon fall;
+  And on the rising heaps of dead he stands.
+  And fell Ampycus; Ceres' sacred priest,
+  His temples with a snow-white fillet bound.
+  Thou, O, Japetides! whose string to sound
+  Such discord knew not; but whose harp still tun'd,
+  The works of peace, in concord with thy voice;
+  Wast bidden here to celebrate the feast:
+  And cheer the nuptial banquet with thy song!
+  Him, when at distance Pettalus beheld,
+  Handling his peaceful instrument, he cry'd
+  In mocking laughter;--"go, and end thy song,
+  "Amid the Stygian ghosts,"--and instant plung'd
+  Through his left temple, his too deadly sword.
+  Sinking, his dying fingers caught the strings,
+  And, chance-directed, gave a mournful sound.
+  Not long the fierce Lycormas saw his fall
+  Without revenge: a massy bar of oak
+  From the right gate he tore, and on the bones
+  Behind the neck, the furious blow was aim'd:
+  Prone on the earth, like a crush'd ox he fell.
+  Pelates of Cinypheus, strove to rend
+  A like strong fastening from th' opposing door;
+  The dart of Corythus his tugging hand
+  Transfix'd, and nail'd him to the wood confin'd:
+  Here Abas, with his spear, deep pierc'd his side:
+  Nor dying fell he;--by the hand retain'd,
+  Firm to the post he hung. Melaneus fell.
+  The arms of Perseus aiding; Dorilas,
+  The wealthiest lord in Nasamonia's land,
+  Fell too beside him: rich was he in fields;
+  In wide extent no lands with his could vie;
+  Nor equal his in hoarded heaps of grain.
+  Obliquely in his groin, the missive spear
+  Stuck deep,--a mortal spot: his Bactrian foe
+  His rolling eyes beheld, and dying breath
+  In sobs convulsive flitting, and exclaim'd;--
+  "This spot thou pressest, now of all thy lands,
+  "Possess,"--and turning left the lifeless corse.
+  Avenging Perseus hurls at him the spear,
+  Torn from the smoking wound; the point, receiv'd
+  Full in the nostrils, pierces through the neck:
+  Before, behind, expos'd the weapon stands.
+
+    Now fortune aids his blows, the brother pair,
+  Clanis, and Clytius fall, by different wounds.
+  Hurl'd by his nervous arm, the ashen spear
+  Transfix'd the thighs of Clytius: Clanis dy'd
+  Biting the steel that pierc'd his mouth. Now fell
+  Mendesian Celadon; and Astreus borne
+  By Hebrew mother, to a doubtful sire.
+  Now dy'd Ethion, once deep skill'd to see
+  The future fates; now by his skill deceiv'd.
+  Thoactes, who the monarch's armor bore;
+  And base Agyrtes, murderer of his sire.
+  Crowds though he conquers, thickening crowds remain;
+  For all united wage on him the war.
+  In every quarter fight the press, conspir'd
+  To aid a cause to worth and faith oppos'd.
+  The sire, with useless piety,--the queen,
+  And new-made bride, the hero's party take;
+  And fill the hall with screams. The clang of arms,
+  And groans of dying men their screamings drown.
+  The houshold deities, polluted once,
+  The fierce Bellona bathes with gore again;
+  With double fury lighting up the war.
+
+    Now Phineus, followed by a furious throng
+  Surrounds him single; thicker fly their darts
+  Than wintry hail, on every side; his sight
+  They cloud, and deafening, whiz his ears around.
+  By crowds opprest, retreating, Perseus leans
+  His shoulders 'gainst a massive pillar's height;
+  And, safe behind, dares all the furious fight.
+  Chaonian Molpeus rushes on his left;
+  Ethemon, Nabathaean, on his right:
+  Thus a fierce tiger, urg'd by famine, hears
+  Combin'd the lowings of two different herds,
+  Far distant in the vale; in doubt he stands,
+  On this, or that to rush; and furious burns
+  On both at once to thunder. Perseus so,
+  To left and right inclin'd at once to bear,
+  Plerc'd first the thigh of Molpeus,--straight he fled
+  Unfollow'd; for Ethemon fiercely press'd.
+  He, furious aiming at the hero's neck,
+  With ill-directed strength, his weapon broke
+  Against a column;--back the shiver'd point
+  Sprung, and his throat transfix'd: slight was the wound;
+  To doom to death unable. Perseus plung'd
+  His mortal falchion, as the trembling wretch
+  His helpless arms extended, in his breast.
+  But now his valor Perseus found oppress'd
+  By crowds unequal, and aloud exclaim'd;--
+  "Since thus you force me, from my very foe
+  "More aid I'll ask;--my friends avert your eyes!"
+  Then shew'd the Gorgon's head. "Go, elsewhere seek,"
+  Said Thescelus,--"for those such sights may move:"--
+  The deadly javelin poising in his hand,
+  In act to throw, a marble form he stands,
+  In the same posture. Near him Ampyx rear'd,
+  Against the brave Lyncides' breast his sword;
+  His uprais'd hand was harden'd; here, or there,
+  To wave unable. Nileus now display'd
+  Seven argent streams upon a shield of gold;
+  False boasting offspring from the seven-mouth'd Nile;
+  And cry'd;--"Lo! Perseus, whence my race deriv'd;
+  "Down to the silent shades this solace bear
+  "By such a hand to die." The final words
+  Were lost; his sounding voice abrupt was stay'd;
+  His open'd mouth still seem'd the words to form,
+  Incapable to utter. Eryx storm'd
+  At these, exclaiming;---"not the Gorgon's hairs
+  "Freeze ye, but your own trembling, dastard souls:
+  "Rush forth with me, and on the earth lay low,
+  "The youth who battles thus with magic arms."
+  Fierce had he rush'd, but firmly fixt his feet
+  Held him to earth, a rigid, fasten'd stone;
+  A statue arm'd. These well their fate deserv'd,
+  But one, Aconteus, while in aid he fought
+  Of Perseus, sudden stood to stone congeal'd;
+  As star'd the Gorgon luckless in his face.
+  Him saw Astyages, but thought he liv'd;
+  And fierce attack'd him with a mighty sword.
+  Shrill tinkling sounds the blow: astonish'd stands
+  Astyages;--astonish'd seems the stone;
+  For while he stares, he too to marble turns.
+  Long were the tale, of each plebeian death
+  To tell; two hundred still unhurt remain;
+  By Gorgon's head two hundred stiffen'd stand:
+  When Phineus seems the strife unjust to mourn.
+  But what to act remains? Around him crowd,
+  The forms of numerous friends: his friends he knows,
+  Their aid intreats, and calls on each by name:
+  Still doubting, seizes those his grasp can reach
+  And finds them stone! Averse he turns his eyes;
+  Raises his conscious arms and hands oblique,
+  And suppliant begs;--"go Perseus,--conqueror, go!
+  "Remove that dreadful monster,--bear away
+  "That stone-creating visage, Gorgon's head!
+  "Whate'er it be, I pray thee bear it hence.
+  "Nor hate, nor lust of empire, rais'd our arms
+  "Against thee;--for my wife alone we warr'd.
+  "Thy cause, by merit best; mine, but by time.
+  "Bravest of men, me much it grieves I e'er,
+  "Thy claim oppos'd: existence only give,
+  "All else be thine." To him, as thus he begg'd,
+  Fearing his eyes, to whom he suppliant spoke
+  To turn;--"thou dastard, Phineus!" Perseus cry'd,--
+  "What I can grant, I will; and what I grant
+  "To souls like thine a mighty boon must seem.
+  "Dispel thy terror; rest from steel secure.
+  "Yet must a during monument remain,
+  "Still in the dwelling of my spouse's sire,
+  "Conspicuous. So my bride may daily see
+  "Her imag'd husband." Speaking thus, he held
+  The Gorgon's head, where pallid, Phineus turn'd;
+  So turning stiffen'd stood the neck; so turn'd
+  Appear'd th' inverted eyes; the humid balls
+  To stone concreted. Still the timid look,
+  And suppliant face, and tame-petitioning arms,
+  And guilty awe-struck look, in stone remain'd.
+
+    Now victor, Abantiades re-seeks
+  His soil paternal, with his well-earn'd bride:
+  And in his undeserving grandsire's aid,
+  Avenging war on Proetus he declares.
+  Proetus then all Acrisius' cities held;
+  From each possession forc'd, his brother fled.
+  But arms, and battled towns, like ill-possess'd,
+  The head snake-curl'd, oblig'd at once to stoop.
+  Yet not the youth's bold valor, amply prov'd,
+  By all his brave atchievements; nor his toils
+  Thee, Polydectes, mov'd; who rul'd the isle,
+  The paltry isle, Seriphus; stubborn still,
+  Inexorable hatred thou maintain'st:
+  Endless against him burns thy rage unjust.
+  Nay, from his true deserts, thou would'st detract;
+  And swear'st Medusa's death a fiction form'd.
+  Then Perseus;--"thus if true I speak, or no,
+  "Experience. Close, my friends, your eyes!"--as forth,
+  He held the Gorgon;--bloodless stood the face
+  Of Polydectes, turn'd a marble form.
+
+    Thus far, Minerva aided side by side,
+  Her brother golden-born; then swiftly flew,
+  Wrapt in a cloud opaque; and distant left
+  Seriphus. On she flies, to right she leaves
+  Cythnos, and Gyaros; and cross the main
+  The shortest route she hastens; speeds to Thebes,
+  And seeks the Heliconian nymphs, whose mount
+  Alighting feels her first: the learned nine,
+  Thus she bespeaks;--"fame tells, a new-made spring,
+  "Burst from a blow the swift-wing'd horse's hoof
+  "Inflicted; lo! the cause I hither come.
+  "That steed I saw spring from his mother's blood:
+  "Fain would I this new prodigy behold."
+  Urania gave reply. "O, maid divine!
+  "What cause soe'er has with thy presence grac'd.
+  "Our dwelling, proves to us a grateful boon.
+  "Fame speaks not false. Our fountain surely sprung
+  "Sole from Pegasus." Speaking thus, she leads
+  The virgin goddess to the sacred streams:
+  Who long the spring admir'd;--the spring produc'd
+  From the hoof's blow:--around surveying views
+  The groves of ancient trees, the grots, the plants
+  Of ever-vary'd tint; and happy calls
+  The learned nymphs, who such a spot possess'd.
+  Then thus a sister;--"O, divinest maid!
+  "Our choir to join most worthy, did not aims
+  "Of loftier import tempt thy warlike soul,
+  "Right hast thou spoke; our habitation well,
+  "And well our arts thy highest praises claim.
+  "Blest were our lot, if still from danger free:
+  "But nought a villain's daring power restrains,
+  "And terror soon our virgin minds appals.
+  "Ev'n now the dread Pyreneus to my eyes
+  "Stands present: to its wonted calm not yet
+  "Restor'd my mind. With furious Thracian bands
+  "Daulis he conquer'd, and the Phocian fields;
+  "And held the sway unjust. Parnassus' fane
+  "We sought; th' usurper there beheld us pass,
+  "And feigning reverence for our power divine
+  "Worshipp'd, and then address'd us, whom he knew.
+  "Here, O! ye Muses, rest, nor dubious stand
+  "But straight beneath my sheltering roof avoid
+  "The cloudy heaven, and rain (for fast it shower'd)
+  "Oft mighty deities have enter'd roofs
+  "Less pompous.--By his invitation urg'd,
+  "And by the tempest, we accede and step
+  "Within the hall. The pelting showers now ceas'd,
+  "Auster by Boreas vanquish'd; fled the clouds
+  "Black lowering, and the face of heaven left clear:
+  "Anxious we wish to go: Pyreneus fast
+  "His dwelling closes, and rough force prepares:
+  "Wings we assume, and from his force escape.
+  "He, standing on the loftiest turret's top,
+  "Like us his flight about to wing, exclaims--
+  "A path you lead, that path will I pursue.
+  "Then madly from the tower's most lofty wall,
+  "Dash'd on his face he fell, and dying strew'd
+  "His shatter'd bones upon the blood-stain'd ground."
+
+    As spoke the muse thus, loud and strong was heard,
+  Of fluttering pinions in the air the sound;
+  And hailing voices from high branches came.
+  Jove's daughter then around enquiring look'd
+  (The sounds she hears, so like the human voice,
+  From human voice she deems them) birds the sound
+  Emitted: magpies were they;--magpies nine:
+  Their doom lamenting, on the boughs they sate,
+  Aping in voice their neighbours all around.
+  Then to the wondering goddess, thus the muse
+  Explain'd: "These vanquish'd in the arduous strife
+  "Of song, to us submitting, swell the crowd
+  "Of feather'd fliers. In Pellenian lands
+  "Most rich was Pierus their sire; to him
+  "Evippe of Paeonia bore the nymphs;
+  "Nine times invoking great Lucina's aid.
+  "Vain of their number, proud the sister-crew,
+  "In folly journey'd through Thessalia's towns,
+  "And through the towns of Greece; when here arriv'd
+  "Thus to the test of power their words provoke:--
+  "At length desist to cheat the senseless crowd
+  "With harmony pretended, Thespian maids!
+  "With us contend, if faith your talents give
+  "For such a trial. Ye in voice and skill
+  "Surpass us not,--our numbers are the same.
+  "If vanquish'd, yield the Medusaean fount,
+  "And Hyantean Aganippe,--we
+  "If conquer'd, all Emanthaea's regions cede,
+  "Far as Paeonia's snows. The nymphs around
+  "The contest shall decide. Deep shame we felt
+  "Thus to contend, but deeper shame appear'd
+  "To yield without contention to their boast.
+  "The nymphs elected to adjudge the prize
+  "Swear by the floods; and on the living rock
+  "Seated, await to hear the rival songs.
+
+    "Then one, impatient who should first commence,
+  "Or we, or they, arises;--sings the war
+  "Of gods and giants; to the rebels gives
+  "False praises; and the high celestials' power
+  "Much under-rating, tells how Typhon, rais'd.
+  "From earth's most deep recesses, struck with fear
+  "All heaven: each god betook him straight to flight
+  "Far distant, till th' Egyptian land receiv'd
+  "Each weary'd foot, where Nile's dissever'd stream
+  "Pours in seven mouths. How earth-born Typhon here,
+  "They tell, pursu'd them; and each god, conceal'd
+  "In feign'd resemblance, cheated there his power.
+  "Jove, (so she sung) a leading ram became;
+  "(Whence still the Lybians form their Ammon horn'd)
+  "The crow Apollo hid: a goat the son
+  "Of Semele became: Diana skulk'd
+  "In shape a cat: a snow-white cow conceal'd
+  "The form of Juno: Venus seem'd a fish:
+  "And 'neath an Ibis Hermes safely crouch'd.
+
+    "Thus far she mov'd her vocal lips; thus far
+  "Her lyre her voice attended: then they call
+  "For our Aoenian song. But that to hear,
+  "Perchance your leisure suits not; pressing deeds
+  "Unlike our songs must more your time demand."
+  Pallas replies;--"be hesitation far,
+  "And all your song from first commence relate."
+  So saying, in the forest's pleasing shade
+  She rested; while the Muse proceeding, spoke.
+
+    "To one the sole contending task we give,
+  "Calliope;--she rises, neatly bound,
+  "Her flowing tresses with an ivy wreath.
+  "With dexterous thumb the trembling strings she tries,
+  "Then to their quivering sounds this song subjoins.
+  "Ceres at first with crooked plough upturn'd
+  "The glebe; she first mild fruits and milder corn
+  "Gave to the earth; and rules to tend them gave:
+  "All gifts from her proceed. To her the song
+  "I raise. Would that my best exerted power,
+  "A song to suit thy least deserts could form,
+  "O, goddess! worthy of our loftiest praise.
+
+    "The vast Sicilian isle, with pressure huge
+  "Thrown o'er them, deep the limbs gigantic weighs
+  "Of huge Typhoeus, who the heavenly throne
+  "Had dar'd to hope for: struggling oft he tries,
+  "His efforts, daily bent to lift his load:
+  "But hard Pelorus on his right hand lies,
+  "Ausonia facing; while Pachyne rests
+  "Heavy to left: wide o'er his giant thighs
+  "Spreads Lilyboeum: Etna presses down
+  "His head; beneath whose crater, laid supine,
+  "From his hot mouth he ashes sends, and flames.
+  "Thus with his body labouring to remove
+  "The ponderous load of earth;--whole towns o'erwhelm;
+  "And lofty hills o'erturn; trembles the ground;
+  "And Hell's dread monarch fears a chasm should gape:
+  "And through the opening wide his realm display:
+  "The trembling ghosts with light un'custom'd scar'd.
+  "The shock to meet expecting, starts the king
+  "Quick from his cloudy throne; and in his car
+  "Borne by his sable steeds, with care surveys
+  "Sicilia's deep foundations; wide around
+  "Exploring all; then with his toils content,
+  "No ruin'd part detected, flings aside
+  "Each apprehension. Strolling now at ease,
+  "Him Venus from the Erycinian hill
+  "Espy'd; and to her feather'd son, who lay
+  "Clasp'd in her arms, exclaim'd;--O, Cupid! son!
+  "My sole assistant! sole defence and aid!
+  "Seize now that weapon which o'er all has sway,
+  "That piercing dart,--and deep within the breast
+  "Of the dark god whose lot was given to rule
+  "The nether regions of the triple realm,
+  "Bury it. All the gods thy might confess;
+  "Ev'n Jove himself. The ocean powers allow
+  "Thy rule, and he whom Ocean's powers obey.
+  "Why then should Tartarus alone evade
+  "Thy thrall? Why not my empire and thine own
+  "With that complete? Of all the world's extent
+  "A third is stak'd. Nay more, our utmost power,
+  "Heaven our own seat contemns;--thy potent sway,
+  "And mine alike impair'd. Behold'st thou not
+  "Minerva, with the quiver-bearing maid
+  "Deserting me? Thus will the blooming child
+  "Of Ceres, if we grant it, still remain
+  "Inviolate a virgin;--thither tend
+  "Her anxious hopes. But thou, if dear thou hold'st
+  "Our mutual realm, the virgin goddess link
+  "In union with her uncle.--Venus spoke:
+  "His quiver he unlooses; from the heap
+  "Of darts, by her directed, one selects,
+  "Than which none bore a keener point; than which,
+  "None flew more certain,--trusty to the string.
+  "Bends to his knee the yielding horn, then sends
+  "Through Pluto's heart the bearded arrow sure.
+  "Not far from Enna's walls, a lake expands
+  "Profound in watery stores, Pergusa nam'd:
+  "Not ev'n Caisters' murmuring stream e'er heard
+  "The songster-swans more frequent. Woods o'ertop
+  "The waters, rising round on every side;
+  "And veil from Phoebus' rays the surface cool.
+  "A shade the branches form; the moist earth round,
+  "Produces purple flowers: perpetual spring
+  "Here reigns. While straying sportive in this grove
+  "Here Proserpine the violet cropp'd, and here
+  "The lily fair; with childish ardor warm'd
+  "Her bosom filling, and her basket high:
+  "Proud to surpass her comrades all around
+  "In skilful culling, she herself was seen;
+  "Was chosen, and by Dis was snatch'd away.
+  "Love urg'd him to the deed. Th' affrighted maid,
+  "Loud on her mother, and her comrades call'd;
+  "But chief her mother, with lamenting shrieks.
+  "Then as her robe she rent, the well-cull'd flowers
+  "Slipp'd through the loosen'd folds: e'en this (so great
+  "Her girlish innocence) her tears increas'd.
+  "Swiftly the robber speeds his car along
+  "Urging his steeds' exertions each by name;
+  "'Bove their high manes and necks the rusty reins
+  "Rattling, as o'er the wide Palician lake,
+  "Where the cleft earth with sulphur boils, he whirls:
+  "And where the Bacchiads, from the double sea
+  "Of Corinth wandering, rais'd their lofty walls;
+  "'Twixt two unequal havens. Midst, the stream,
+  "Pisaean Arethusa, and the lake
+  "Of Cyane are seen, close round embrac'd
+  "By narrowing horns. This Cyane was once,
+  "Of all Sicilia's nymphs, the fairest deem'd;
+  "Who gave the lake her name. She to the waist
+  "Uprais'd, amidst the waters stood, and knew
+  "The god, and,--here thy speed must stay,--exclaim'd;
+  "Nor e'er of Ceres hope the son-in-law
+  "'Gainst her consent to be: beseechings bland,
+  "Not rugged rape, thy purpos'd hope might gain.
+  "If lofty things with low I durst compare,
+  "Anapis lov'd me; but the nuptial couch,
+  "I press'd, entreated,--not as thus in dread.
+  "She said;--her arms extended wide, and stopp'd
+  "His course. The angry son of Saturn flames
+  "Swelling with rage; exhorts his furious steeds;
+  "Throws with a forceful arm, and buries deep
+  "His regal sceptre in the lowest gulph:
+  "Wide gapes the stricken earth; an opening gives
+  "To hell, and headlong down, the car descends.
+
+    Now equal Cyane the goddess mourns,
+  "So forc'd; and her own sacred stream despis'd;
+  "A cureless wound her silent breast contains;
+  "And all in tears she wastes: lost in those waves,
+  "Where lately sovereign goddess she had rul'd.
+  "Soft grow her limbs, and flexile seem her bones;
+  "Her nails their hardness lose. The tenderest parts.
+  "Melt into water long before the rest:
+  "Her tresses green; her fingers, legs, and feet.
+  "Quickly this change the smaller limbs perceive,
+  "To cooling rills transform'd. Next after these,
+  "Her back, her shoulders, breasts, and sides dissolve,
+  "And vanish all in streams. A limpid flood
+  "Now fills the veins that once in purple flow'd;
+  "Nought of the nymph to fill the grasp remains.
+
+    "Meantime the trembling mother through the earth,
+  "And o'er the main, the goddess vainly sought.
+  "Aurora rising, with her locks of gold;
+  "Nor Hesper sinking, saw her labors cease.
+  "With either hand at Etna's flaming mouth,
+  "A torch she lighted, restless these she bore
+  "In dewy darkness. Then renew'd again
+  "Her labor, till fair day made blunt the stars;
+  "From Sol's first rising till his evening fall.
+  "Weary'd at length, and parch'd with thirst,--no stream
+  "Her lips to moisten nigh, by chance she spy'd
+  "A straw-thatch'd cot, and knock'd the humble door.
+  "An ancient dame thence stepp'd,--the goddess saw,
+  "And brought her, (who for water simply crav'd)
+  "A pleasing draught where roasted grain had boil'd.
+  "Swallowing the gift presented, rudely came
+  "A brazen-fronted boy, and facing stood:
+  "Then laughing mock'd to see her greedy drink.
+  "Angry grew Ceres, all the offer'd draught,
+  "Yet unconsum'd, she drench'd him as he jeer'd,
+  "With barley mixt with liquid: straight his face
+  "The spots imbib'd; and what but now as arms
+  "He bore, as legs he carries; to his limbs
+  "Thus chang'd, a tail is added; shrunk in size,
+  "Small is his power to harm; shorter he seems
+  "Than the small lizard. Swift away he fled
+  "(As, wondering, weeping, try'd the dame to clasp
+  "His changing form) and gain'd a sheltering hole.
+  "Well suits his star-like skin the name he bears.
+
+    "Long were the tale to tell, what tracts of land
+  "What tracts of sea, the wandering goddess pass'd.
+  "Earth now no spot unsearch'd affording, back
+  "To Sicily she turns; with close research
+  "Each part exploring, till at length she comes
+  "To Cyane; who all the tale had told
+  "If still unchang'd: much as she wish'd to speak
+  "Nor lips, nor tongue can aid her; nought remains
+  "Speech to afford. Yet plain a sign she gives,
+  "The zone of Proserpine upon her waves
+  "Light floating; in the sacred stream it fell;--
+  "Dropt as she pass'd the place. Well Ceres knew
+  "The sight, and then--as then her loss first known,
+  "Tore her dishevell'd tresses, beat her breast
+  "With blows on blows redoubled. Still unknown
+  "The spot that holds her, every part of earth
+  "Blaming, ungrateful, worthless of her fruits.
+  "But chief Trinacria, in whose isle was found
+  "The vestige of her loss. For this she breaks
+  "With furious hand the glebe up-turning plough:
+  "And angry, to an equal death she dooms,
+  "The tiller and his ox: forbids the fields
+  "Back to return th' entrusted grain; the seeds
+  "All rotting. Now that fertile land, renown'd
+  "Through the wide earth, lies useless; all the grain
+  "Dies in the earliest shoots: now scorching rays;
+  "Now floods of rain destroy it: noxious stars
+  "Now harm; now blighting winds: and hungry birds
+  "The scatter'd seed devour: the darnel springs,
+  "The thistle, and the knot-grass thick, which choke
+  "The sprouting wheat, and make the harvest void.
+
+    "Now Arethusa from th' Eleian waves
+  "Exalts her head; her dropping tresses flung
+  "Back from her forehead, parting shade her ears:
+  "And thus;--O goddess! mother of the maid,
+  "So sought through earth, mother of all earth's fruits!
+  "Cease now thy toilsome labor; cease thine ire,
+  "Against the land that prov'd to thee so true:
+  "Thine ire unmerited; unwilling she,
+  "Op'd for the spoil a passage. Hither I
+  "No suppliant for my native isle approach;
+  "An alien here sojourning. Pisa's land
+  "My country; there near Elis first I sprung:
+  "A stranger now in Sicily I dwell.
+  "This soil, more grateful far than is my own;
+  "This soil, where I my houshold gods have plac'd;
+  "I, Arethusa, and have fix'd my seat,
+  "Preserve, mild goddess! Why I chang'd my land,
+  "Why to Ortygia, through the wide waves borne,
+  "I came, a more appropriate hour will ask;
+  "When you, from care reliev'd, can grant your ear
+  "With brow unclouded. Through the opening earth
+  "I flow; and borne through subterraneous depths,
+  "Here lift again my head, again behold
+  "The long-lost stars. Hence was my lot to see,
+  "As pass'd my stream close by the Stygian gulph,
+  "Your Proserpine;--sad still her face appear'd,
+  "Nor fear had wholly left it. Yet she reigns
+  "A queen; the mightiest in the realm of shade,
+  "The powerful consort of th' infernal king.
+
+    "Like marble at the words the mother stands,
+  "Stupid with grief; and long astounded seems:
+  "Sorrow by heavier sorrow now surpass'd.
+  "Then in her chariot mounts th' ethereal sky,
+  "And stands indignant at th' imperial throne;
+  "Her locks wild flowing, and her face in clouds.
+  "Lo! here a suppliant, Jove,--she cry'd,--I come,
+  "To beg for her, my daughter and thine own;
+  "For if no favor may the mother find,
+  "The daughter's claim may move. Let not thy child
+  "Deserve thy care the less, as born of me.
+  "Lo! my lost maid, so long, so vainly sought
+  "At length is found; if finding we may call
+  "A surer loss; if finding we may call
+  "The knowledge where she is. Her ravish'd charms
+  "I'll pardon; let him but my child restore.
+  "What though a robber might my daughter wed,
+  "Thine sure is worthy of a different mate!
+  "Then Jove;--our daughter, our dear mutual pledge,
+  "As yours, so mine, demands our mutual care.
+  "But rightly still affairs if we design,
+  "What you lament will no injustice prove;
+  "Love only. Sure, a son-in-law like him,
+  "Can ne'er degrade, will you consent but yield.
+  "Grant nought beyond,--'tis no such trivial boast,
+  "Jove's brother to be call'd! How then, if more
+  "I claim pre-eminence from chance alone!
+  "Still, if so obstinate your wish remains
+  "For separation, go,--let Proserpine
+  "To heaven return, on this condition strict,
+  "Her lips no food have touch'd. So will the fates.
+  "He ceas'd.--Glad Ceres, certain to regain
+  "Her daughter, knew not what the fates forbade.
+  "Her fast was broken; thoughtless as she stray'd
+  "Around the garden, from a bending tree
+  "She pluck'd a fair pomegranate, and seven seeds
+  "From the pale rind she pick'd, and ate. None saw
+  "Save one, Ascalaphus, the luckless deed;
+  "Whom Orphne, fam'd Avernus' nymphs among,
+  "To Acheron, long since, 'tis said, produc'd
+  "Beneath a dusky cave. He, cruel, told;
+  "And his discovery stay'd the hop'd return.
+
+    "Much wept the queen of Pluto, but she chang'd
+  "The vile informer to an hideous shape:
+  "Sprinkled with streams of Phlegethon, his head
+  "Feather'd appears, with beak, and monstrous eyes;
+  "Spoil'd of his shape, with yellow feathers cloth'd:
+  "Large grows his head; bent are his lengthen'd nails;
+  "Scarcely he moves the pinions which are shot
+  "Light from his lazy arms. A filthy bird
+  "Becoming;--constant presager of woe;
+  "An owl inactive; omen dire to man.
+
+    "Well he by his informing tongue deserv'd,
+  "His doom, but Acheloides, from whence
+  "Your wings, and bird-like feet, whilst still you bear
+  "Your virgin features? Was it that you mix'd,
+  "When Proserpine the vernal flowers would cull,
+  "Amidst her numerous train? The nymph you sought
+  "Through earth's extent in vain; that ocean too
+  "Your anxious search might scape not, straight you pray'd
+  "For waving wings to winnow o'er the deep;
+  "And favouring gods you found. Of golden hue
+  "Quick-shooting wings your arms you saw bespread;
+  "But lest your inbred song, which every ear
+  "Had charm'd; and lest your highly-gifted voice,
+  "Your tongue should fail to use;--a virgin face,
+  "And speech yet human are indulg'd you still.
+
+    "Now Jove as umpire 'twixt the angry pair
+  "His mourning sister, and his brother, bids
+  "The year revolving either side oblige:
+  "Now will the goddess, mutual in each realm,
+  "Six months with Ceres dwell in heaven; and six
+  "Reign with her spouse in hell. Straight were perceiv'd
+  "The goddess' countenance, and demeanour chang'd.
+  "For now her forehead, which had still retain'd,
+  "(To Pluto even) a sad and sorrowing gloom,
+  "Gladden'd: so Phoebus long in cloudy shade
+  "Envelop'd, shines, their umbrous veil dispers'd.
+  "Now Ceres calm, her daughter safe regain'd,
+  "Enquires:--O Arethusa! say the cause,
+  "Which hither brought thee; why a sacred fount?
+  "Hush'd were the waves; and from the lowest depths
+  "The goddess rais'd her head; and as she told,
+  "The old amours the flood of Elis knew,
+  "Press'd out the water from her tresses green.
+
+    "Once with the nymphs, that on Achaia's hills
+  "Rove, was I seen; none closer beat than I
+  "The thickets; none than I more skilful spread
+  "Th' ensnaring net. Yet though no fame I sought
+  "For beauty; though robust, I bore the name
+  "Of beauteous. Whilst the constant theme of praise,
+  "My features fair, to me no pleasure gave;
+  "What other nymphs inspire with joyful pride,
+  "Corporeal charms, did but my blushes raise.
+  "To please I thought a crime. Once tir'd with sport,
+  "The Stymphalidian forest I had left:
+  "Warm was the day; I with redoubled heat,
+  "Glow'd from my toil. A gliding stream I found
+  "By ripplings undisturb'd; silent and smooth
+  "It flow'd; so clear, that every stone was seen
+  "On the deep bottom; gently crept the waves;
+  "To creep scarce seeming; o'er the shelving banks
+  "The stream-fed poplar, and the willow hoar,
+  "A grateful shadow cast. The brink I reach'd
+  "Dipp'd first my feet, then waded to my knee;
+  "Not yet content, I loos'd my zone, and hung
+  "Upon a bending osier my soft robe:
+  "Then naked plung'd amid the stream; the waves
+  "Beating, and sporting in a thousand shapes;
+  "My arms around in every posture flung;
+  "A strange unusual murmur seem'd to sound,
+  "Deep from the bottom; terror-struck I gain'd
+  "The nearest brink;--when,--whither dost thou fly?
+  "O, Arethusa? whither dost thou fly?
+  "Alphaeus, from his waters, hoarse exclaim'd!
+  "Vestless I fled, for on th' opposing bank
+  "My garment hung. Fiercer the god pursu'd;
+  "Fiercer he burn'd, all naked as I ran:
+  "Prepar'd more ready for his force I seem'd.
+  "Such was my flight, and such was his pursuit;
+  "As when on trembling wings, before the hawk
+  "Fly the mild doves: as when the hawk fierce drives
+  "The trembling doves before him. Long the chase
+  "I bore; Orchomenus, and Psophis soon
+  "I pass'd, and pass'd Cyllene, and the caves
+  "Of Maenalus, and Erymanthus' frosts,
+  "To Elis, ere his speed could cope with mine.
+  "In strength unequal, I sustain'd no more
+  "The toilsome race; he stouter flagg'd less soon.
+  "But still o'er plains I ran; o'er mountains thick
+  "With forests clad; o'er stones, and rugged rocks;
+  "And pathless spots. Behind me Phoebus shone.
+  "I saw, if fear deceiv'd me not, far spread
+  "His shade before me. What could less deceive,
+  "I heard his footsteps; and his breath full strong
+  "Blew on my banded tresses. Weary'd, faint
+  "With the long flight, I cry'd;--Dictynna, chaste!
+  "Lost am I,--help a quiver-bearing nymph,
+  "One who thy bow has oft entrusted borne;
+  "And oft thy quiver, loaded full with darts.
+  "Mov'd was the goddess; from the darkest clouds
+  "She one selected, and around me threw.
+  "The river-god, about the misty veil
+  "Pry'd anxious; and unwitting deeply grop'd
+  "Within the hollow cloud! Unconscious, twice
+  "The spot he compass'd, where Diana thought
+  "My safety surest; twice he then aloud
+  "Ho! Arethusa,--Arethusa! call'd:--
+  "What terror seiz'd my soul! not less the dread
+  "Of lambs, when round the sheltering fold they hear
+  "The wolves loud howling: or the trembling hare
+  "Close in a bramble hid, who sees approach
+  "The wide-mouth'd, hostile hounds, and fears to move.
+  "Further he pass'd not, for beyond the place
+  "No footsteps he discern'd, but guarding watch'd
+  "Around the mist. So closely thus besieg'd,
+  "My limbs a cold sweat seiz'd; cerulean drops
+  "Fell from my body; when my feet I mov'd,
+  "A pool remain'd; fast dropp'd my hair in dew;
+  "And speedier than the wonderous tale I tell,
+  "Chang'd to a stream I flow'd. But soon the god,
+  "Knew his lov'd waters; laid the man aside,
+  "And straight assum'd his proper watery form;
+  "With mine to mingle. Dian' cleft the ground;
+  "Sinking, through caverns dark I held my way;
+  "And reach'd Ortygia, from the goddess nam'd;
+  "There first ascending view'd the upper skies.
+
+    "Here Arethusa ceas'd. Then Ceres yokes
+  "The coupled dragons to her car, their mouths
+  "Curb'd by the reins; and through the air is borne,
+  "Midway 'twixt heaven and earth. At Pallas' town
+  "Arriv'd, Triptolemus the car ascends,
+  "By her commission'd;--bade to spread the seed
+  "Entrusted: part on ground untill'd before;
+  "And part on land which long had fallow laid.
+  "O'er Europe now, and Asia's lands, the youth
+  "Sublimely sails, and reaches Scythia's clime,
+  "Where Lyncus rul'd. Beneath the monarch's roof,
+  "Here enter'd; and to him, who curious sought
+  "How there he journey'd; what his journey's cause;
+  "His name, and country; thus the youth reply'd.--
+  "Athens the fam'd, my country; and my name
+  "Triptolemus: but neither o'er the main,
+  "Borne in a ship, nor travelling slow by land,
+  "I hither came; my path was through the air.
+  "I bring the gift of Ceres; scatter'd wide
+  "Through all your spacious fields, quickly restor'd
+  "In fruitful crops the wholesome food will spring.
+  "The barbarous monarch, envious he should bear
+  "So great a blessing, takes him for his guest,
+  "And when with sleep weigh'd down attacks him. Rais'd
+  "To pierce his bosom, was the sword;--just then
+  "The wretch, by Ceres, to a lynx was turn'd.
+  "Then mounts again the youth, and through the air
+  "Bids him once more the sacred dragons steer.
+
+    "Our chosen champion ended here her lays,
+  "And all the nymphs unanimous, exclaim'd;--
+  "The Heliconian goddesses have gain'd.
+  "Vanquish'd, the others rail'd. When she resum'd:--
+  "Is not your punishment enough deserv'd?
+  "Foil'd in the contest, must you swell your crime,
+  "With base revilings? Patient now no more,
+  "To punish we begin; what anger bids,
+  "We now perform.--Loud laugh'd the scornful maids,
+  "Our threatening words despis'd, and strove to speak,
+  "And clapp'd with outcries menacing, their hands.
+  "When from their fingers shooting plumes they spy;
+  "And feathers shade their arms; her sister's face,
+  "Each sees to harden in an horny beak;
+  "To beat their bosoms trying with rais'd arms,
+  "In air suspended, on those arms they move;
+  "The new-shap'd birds the sylvan tribes increase:
+  "Magpies, the scandal of the grove. Thus chang'd,
+  "Their former eloquence they still maintain,
+  "In hoarse garrulity, and empty noise."
+
+
+
+
+*The Sixth Book.*
+
+
+    Trial of skill betwixt Pallas and Arachne. Transformation of
+    Arachne to a spider. Pride of Niobe. Her children slain by Apollo
+    and Diana. Her change to marble. The Lycian peasants changed to
+    frogs. Fate of Marsyas. Pelops. Story of Tereus, Procne, and
+    Philomela. Their change to birds. Boreas and Orithyia. Birth of
+    Zethes and Calais.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Sixth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Minerva pleas'd attention to the muse,
+  While thus she spoke afforded; prais'd the song,
+  And prais'd the just resentment of the maids.
+  Then to herself;--"the vengeance others take,
+  "Merely to praise were mean. I too should claim
+  "Like praise, for like revenge; nor longer bear
+  "My power contemn'd, by who unpunish'd live."
+  And on Arachne, fair Maeoenian maid,
+  She turns her vengeful mind; whose skill she heard
+  Rivall'd her own in labors of the loom.
+  No fame her natal town, no fame her sire
+  On her bestow'd; her skill conferr'd renown.
+  Idmon of Colophon, her humble sire
+  Soak'd in the Phocian dye the spongy wool.
+  Her mother, late deceas'd, from lowest stock,
+  Had sprung; and wedded with an equal mate.
+  Yet had she gain'd through all the Lydian towns
+  For skill a mighty fame. Though born so low,
+  Though small Hypaepe was her sole abode,
+  Oft would the nymphs the vine-clad Tmolus leave
+  To view her wonderous work. Oft would the nymphs
+  In admiration quit Pactolus' waves.
+  Nor pleasure only gave the finish'd robe,
+  When view'd; but while she work'd she gave delight;
+  Such comely grace in every turn appear'd.
+  Whether she rounded into balls the wool;
+  Or with her fingers mollify'd the fleece;
+  And comb'd it floating light in cloudy waves;
+  Or her smooth spindle twirl'd with agile thumb;
+  Or with her needle painted: plain was seen
+  Her skill from Pallas learnt. This to concede
+  Unwilling, she ev'n such a tutor scorn'd
+  Exclaiming:--"come let her the contest try;
+  "If vanquish'd, let her fix my well-earn'd fate."
+
+    Pallas, an ancient matron's form conceals;
+  Grey hairs thin strew her temples, and a staff
+  Supports her tottering limbs; while thus she speaks:--
+  "Old age though little priz'd, much good attends;
+  "Experience always grows with lengthen'd years:
+  "Spurn not my admonition. Great thy fame,
+  "Midst mortals, for the wonders of the loom.
+  "Great may it be, but to immortals yield:
+  "Bold nymph retract, and pardon for thy words,
+  "With suppliant voice require; Pallas will grant."
+  Sternly the damsel views her; quits the threads
+  Unfinish'd; scarce her hand from force restrains:
+  And rage in all her features flushing fierce,
+  Thus to the goddess, well-disguis'd, she speaks:--
+  "Weak dotard, spent with too great gift of years,
+  "Curst with too long existence, hence, begone!
+  "Such admonition to thy daughters give,
+  "If daughters hast thou; or thy sons have wives:
+  "Enough for me my inbred wisdom serves.
+  "Hope not, that ought thy vain advice has sway'd
+  "My purpose; still my challenge holds the same.
+  "Why comes your goddess not? why shuns she still
+  "The trying contest?" Then the goddess,--"Lo!
+  "She comes,"--and flung her aged form aside,
+  Minerva's form displaying. Every nymph,
+  And every dame Mygdonian, lowly bent
+  In veneration. While Arachne sole
+  Stood stedfast, unalarm'd; but yet she blush'd.
+  A sudden flush her angry face deep ting'd,
+  But sudden faded pale. A ruddy glow
+  Thus teints the early sky, when first the morn
+  Arises; quickly from the solar ray
+  Paling to brightness. On her purpos'd boast
+  Still stubborn bent, she obstinately courts
+  Her sure destruction, for the empty hope
+  Of conquest in the strife so madly urg'd.
+  No more Jove's maid refuses, gives no more
+  Her empty admonitions, nor delays
+  The contest: each her station straight assumes,
+  Tighten each web; each slender thread prepare.
+  Firm to the beam the cloth is fix'd; the reed
+  The warp divides, with pointed shuttle, swift
+  Gliding between; which quick their fingers throw,
+  Quick extricate, and with the toothy comb
+  Firm press'd between the warp, the threads unite.
+  Both hasten now; their garments round them girt,
+  Their skilful hands they ply: their toil forgot
+  In anxious wish for conquest. There appear'd,
+  The wool of Tyrian dye, and softening teints
+  Lost imperceptible. So seems the arch
+  Coloring a spacious portion of the sky;
+  Struck by the rays of Phoebus, when the showers
+  Recede, a thousand varying tinges shine;
+  The soft transition mocks the straining eye,
+  So like the shades which join, though far distinct
+  Their distant teints. In slender threads they twist
+  The pliant gold, and in the web display,
+  Each as she works, an ancient story fair.
+  Minerva paints the rock of Mars so fam'd
+  In Cecrops' city, and the well-known strife
+  To name the town. Twice six celestials sate
+  On their high thrones, great Jupiter around
+  In gravity majestic; every god
+  Bore his celestial features. Jove appear'd
+  In royal dignity. The Ocean power
+  Standing she pictur'd, with his trident huge
+  Smiting the rugged rock; from the cleft stone
+  Leap'd forth a steed; and thence the town to name
+  The privilege he claim'd. Herself she paints
+  Shielded, and arm'd with keenly-pointed spear.
+  Helm'd was her head; her breast the AEgis bore.
+  Struck by her spear, the earth a hoary tree
+  She shews producing, loaded thick with fruit.
+  The wondering gods the gift admire; the prize
+  To her awarded, ends the glorious work.
+
+    More, that the daring rival of her art,
+  Should learn experimental, what reward
+  Her mad attempt might hope, four parts she adds;
+  And every part a test of power presents:
+  Bright the small figures in her colors shine.
+  This angle Thracian Rhodope contains,
+  With Haemus; both their mortal bodies now,
+  To frozen mountains chang'd; whose lofty pride
+  Assum'd the titles of celestial powers.
+  Another corner held the wretched fate
+  Felt by Pygmaea's matron; Juno bade
+  Her vanquish'd rival soar aloft a crane;
+  And on her people wage continual war.
+  Antigone, she paints;--audacious she
+  With Jove's imperial consort durst contend;
+  By Jove's imperial queen she flits a bird:
+  Nor aids her Ilium ought; nor aids her sire,
+  Laoemedon;--upborne on snowy wings,
+  A stork she rises; loud with chattering bill
+  She noises. In the sole remaining part,
+  Was childless Cynaras, in close embrace,
+  Grasping the temple's steps, his daughters once;
+  And as he lies extended on the stone,
+  In marble seems to weep. Around the piece
+  She spreads the peaceful olive: all complete
+  Her work is ended with her favorite tree.
+
+    Arachne paints Europa, by a bull
+  Deceiv'd; the god a real bull appears;
+  And real seem the waves. She, backward turn'd,
+  Views the receding shore, and seems to shriek
+  Loud to her lost companions; seems to dread
+  The dashing waves, and timid shrinks her feet.
+  She draws Asteria, by the god o'er-power'd,
+  Cloth'd in an eagle. Leda, fair she lays
+  Beneath his wings, when he a swan appears.
+  She adds how Jove beneath a Satyr's shape
+  Conceal'd, the beauteous child of Nycteus fill'd,
+  With a twin-offspring. In Amphytrion's form
+  Alcmena, thou wert press'd. A golden shower
+  Danae deceiv'd. A flame AEgina caught.
+  A shepherd's shape Mnemosyne beguil'd.
+  And fair Deoeis trusts a speckled snake.
+  Thee, Neptune, too she painted, for the maid
+  AEolian, to a threatening bull transform'd.
+  Thou, as Enipeus, didst the Aloid twins
+  Beget. Beneath the semblance of a ram,
+  Theophane was cheated. Ceres mild,
+  Of grain inventress, with her yellow locks,
+  In shape a courser felt thy ardent love.
+  Medusa, mother of the flying steed,
+  Nymph of the snaky tresses, in a bird
+  Conceal'd, you forc'd. Melantho in a fish.
+  To these the damsel, all well-suiting forms
+  Dispens'd, and all well-suiting scenes attend.
+  And there Apollo in a herdsman's guise
+  Wanders. And now he soars a plumy hawk:
+  Now stalks a lordly lion. As a swain
+  Macarean Isse, felt his amorous guile,
+  Erigone to Bacchus' flame was dup'd
+  Beneath a well-seem'd grape. Saturn produc'd
+  The Centaur doubly-shap'd, in form a steed.
+  Her web's extremes a slender border girt,
+  Where flowery wreathes, and twining ivy blend.
+
+    Not Pallas,--not even envy's rankling soul
+  Could blame the work. The bright immortal griev'd
+  To view her rival's merit, angry tore
+  The picture glowing with celestial crimes.
+  A boxen shuttle, grasping in her hand,
+  Thrice on the forehead of th' Idmonian maid
+  She struck. No more Arachne, hapless bore,
+  But twisted round her neck with desperate pride
+  A cord. The deed Minerva pitying saw
+  And check'd her rash suspension.--"Impious wretch!
+  "Still live," she cry'd, "but still suspended hang;
+  "Curs'd to futurity, for all thy race,
+  "Thy sons and grandsons, to the latest day
+  "Alike shall feel the sentence." Speaking thus,
+  The juice of Hecat's baleful plant she throws:
+  Instant besprinkled by the noxious drops,
+  Her tresses fall; her nose and ears are lost;
+  Her body shrinks; her head is lessen'd more;
+  Her slender fingers root within her sides,
+  Serving as legs; her belly forms the rest;
+  From whence her thread she still derives and spins:
+  Her art pursuing in the spider's shape.
+
+    All Lydia rung; the wonderous rumor spread
+  Through every Phrygian town; the tale employ'd
+  The tongues of all mankind. The nymph was known,
+  Ere yet Amphion's nuptial bed she press'd,
+  To Niobe. She, when a virgin dwelt
+  In Lydian Sipylus. She still unmov'd,
+  Arachne's neighboring fate not heeded, still
+  Proudly refus'd before the gods to bend;
+  And spoke in haughty boasting. Much her pride
+  By favoring gifts was swol'n. Not the fine skill
+  Amphion practis'd; not the lofty birth
+  Each claim'd; not all their mighty kingdom's power,
+  So rais'd her soul (of all though justly proud)
+  As her bright offspring. Justly were she call'd
+  Most blest of mothers; but her bliss too great
+  Seem'd to herself, and caus'd a dread reverse.
+
+    Now Manto, sprung from old Tiresias, skill'd
+  In future fate, impell'd by power divine,
+  In every street with wild prophetic tongue
+  Exclaim'd;--"Ye Theban matrons, haste in crowds,
+  "Your incense offer, and your pious prayers,
+  "To great Latona, and the heavenly twins,
+  "Latona's offspring; all your temples bound
+  "With laurel garlands. This the goddess bids;
+  "Through me commands it." All of Thebes obey,
+  And gird their foreheads with the order'd leaves;
+  The incense burn, and with the sacred flames
+  Their pious prayers ascend. Lo! 'midst a crowd
+  Of nymphs attendant, far conspicuous seen;
+  Comes Niobe, in gorgeous Phrygian robe,
+  Inwrought with gold, attir'd. Beauteous her form,
+  Beauteous, as rage permitted. Angry shook
+  Her graceful head; and angry shook the locks
+  That o'er each shoulder wav'd. Proudly she tower'd.
+  Her haughty eyes, round from her lofty stand
+  Wide darting, cry'd;--"What madness this to place
+  "Reported gods above the gods you see!
+  "Why to Latona's altars bend ye low,
+  "Nor incense burn before my power divine?
+  "My sire, was Tantalus: of mortals sole,
+  "Celestial feasts he shar'd. A Pleiaed nymph
+  "Me bore. My grandsire is the mighty king,
+  "Whose shoulders all the load of heaven sustain.
+  "Jove is my father's parent: him I boast
+  "As sire-in-law too. All the Phrygian towns
+  "Bend to my sway. The hall of Cadmus owns
+  "Me sovereign mistress. Thebes' high towering walls,
+  "Rais'd by my consort's lute; and all the crowd
+  "Who dwell inclos'd, his rule and mine obey.
+  "Where'er within my palace turn mine eyes,
+  "Treasures immense I view. Brightness divine
+  "I boast: to all seven blooming daughters add,
+  "And seven fair sons; through whom I soon expect,
+  "If Hymen favors, seven more sons to see,
+  "And seven more daughters. Need ye further seek
+  "Whence I have cause for boasting. Dare ye still
+  "Latona, from Titanian Caeus sprung,--
+  "The unknown Caeus,--she to whom all earth
+  "In bearing pangs the smallest space deny'd:--
+  "This wretch to my divinity prefer?
+  "Not heaven your goddess would receive; not earth;
+  "Not ocean: exil'd from the world, she weep'd,
+  "Till Delos sorrowing,--wanderer like herself,
+  "Exclaim'd;--thou dreary wanderest o'er the earth,
+  "I, o'er the main;--and sympathizing thus,
+  "A resting spot afforded. There become
+  "Of two the mother, only--can she vie
+  "With one whose womb, has sevenfold hers surpass'd?
+  "Blest am I. Who can slightly e'er arraign
+  "To happiness my claim? Blest will I still
+  "Continue. Who my bliss can ever doubt?
+  "Abundance guards its surety. Far beyond
+  "The power of fortune is my lot uprais'd:
+  "Snatch them in numbers from me, crowds more great
+  "Must still remain. My happy state contemns
+  "Even now, the threats of danger. Grant the power
+  "Of fate this nation of my womb to thin,--
+  "Of part depriv'd, impossible I shrink
+  "To poor Latona's two. How scant remov'd
+  "From mothers childless! Quit your rites;--quick haste
+  "And tear those garlands from your flowing hair."
+
+    Aside the garlands thrown, and incomplete,
+  The rites relinquish'd, what the Thebans could
+  They gave: their whispering prayers the matron dame
+  Address'd. With ire the angry goddess flam'd,
+  And thus on Cynthus' lofty top bespoke
+  Her double offspring:--"O, my children! see,
+  "Your parent, proud your parent to be call'd,--
+  "To no celestial yielding, save the queen
+  "Of Jove supreme. Lo! doubted is my claim
+  "To rites divine; and from the altars, burnt
+  "To me from endless ages, driven, I go;
+  "Save by my children succour'd. Nor this grief
+  "Alone me irks, for Niobe me mocks!--
+  "Her daring crime increasing, proud she sets
+  "Her offspring far 'bove you. Me too she spurns,--
+  "To her in number yielding; childless calls
+  "My bed, and proves the impious stock which gave
+  "Her tongue first utterance." More Latona felt
+  Prepar'd to utter; more beseechings bland
+  For her young offspring, when Apollo, cry'd:
+  "Enough, desist to plain;--delay is long
+  "Till vengeance." Dian' join'd him in his ire.
+  Swift gliding down the sky, and veil'd in clouds,
+  On Cadmus' roof they lighted. Wide was spread,
+  A level plain, by constant hoofs well beat,
+  The city's walls adjoining; crowding wheels,
+  And coursers' feet the rolling dust upturn'd.
+  Here of Amphion's offspring daily some
+  Mount their fleet steeds; their trappings gaily press
+  Of Tyrian dye: heavy with gold, the rens
+  They guide. 'Mid these Ismenos, primal born
+  Of Niobe, as round the circling course,
+  His well-train'd steed he sped, and strenuous curb'd
+  His foaming mouth,--loudly "Ah, me!" exclaim'd,
+  As through his bosom deep the dart was driv'n:
+  Dropp'd from his dying hands the slacken'd reins;
+  Slowly, and sidelong from his courser's back
+  He tumbled. Sipylus, gave uncheck'd scope
+  To his, when through the empty air he heard,
+  The rattling quiver sound: thus speeding clouds
+  Beheld, the guider of the ruling helm,
+  A threatening tempest fearing, looses wide
+  His every sail to catch the lightest breeze.
+  Loose flow'd his reins. Th' inevitable dart
+  The flowing reins quick follow'd. Quivering shook,
+  Fixt in his upper neck, the naked steel,
+  Far through his throat protruding. Prone he fell
+  O'er his high courser's head; his smoking gore,
+  The ground defiling. Hapless Phoedimas,
+  And Tantalus, his grandsire's name who bore,
+  Their 'custom'd sport laborious ended, strove
+  With youthful vigor in the wrestling toil.
+  Now breast to breast they strain'd with nervous grasp,
+  When the swift arrow from the bended horn,
+  Both bodies pierc'd, as close both bodies join'd;
+  At once they groan'd; at once their limbs they threw,
+  With agonies convuls'd, prone on the earth;
+  At once their rolling eyes the light forsook;
+  At once their souls were yielded forth to air.
+  Alphenor saw, and smote his grieving breast;
+  Flew to their pallid limbs, and as he rais'd,
+  Their bodies, in the pious office fell:
+  For Phoebus drove his fate-wing'd arrow deep
+  Through what his heart inclos'd. Sudden withdrawn,
+  On the barb'd head the mangled lungs were stuck;
+  And high in air his soul gush'd forth in blood.
+  But beardless Damasichthon, by a wound
+  Not single fell, as those; struck where the leg
+  To form begins, and where the nervous ham
+  A yielding joint supplies. The deadly dart
+  To draw essaying, in his throat, full driven,
+  Up to the feather'd head, another came:
+  The sanguine flood expell'd it, gushing high,
+  Cutting the distant air. With outstretcht arms
+  Ilioneus, the last, besought in vain;
+  Exclaiming,--"spare me, spare me, all ye gods!"
+  Witless that all not join'd to cause his woe.
+  The god was touch'd with pity, touch'd too late,--
+  Already shot th' irrevocable dart:
+  Yet light the blow was given, and mild the wound
+  That pierc'd his heart, and sent his soul aloft.
+
+    The rumor'd ill; the mourning people's groans;
+  The servant's tears, soon made the mother know,
+  The sudden ruin: wondering first she stands,
+  To see so great heaven's power, then angry flames
+  Indignant, that such power they dare to use.
+  The sire Amphion, in his bosom plung'd
+  His sword, and ended life at once, and woe.
+  Heavens! how remov'd this Niobe, from her
+  Who drove so lately from Latona's fane,
+  The pious crowds; who march'd in lofty state,
+  Through every street of Thebes, an envy'd sight!
+  Now to be wept by even her bitterest foes.
+  Prostrate upon their gelid limbs she lies;
+  Now this, now that, her trembling kisses press;
+  Her livid arms high-stretching unto heaven,
+  Exclaims,--"Enjoy Latona, cruel dame,
+  "My sorrows; feed on all my wretched woes;
+  "Glut with my load of grief thy savage soul;
+  "Feast thy fell heart with seven funereal scenes;
+  "Triumph, victorious foe! conqueror, exult!
+  "Victorious! said I?--How? To wretched me,
+  "Still more are left, than joyful thou canst boast:
+  "Superior I 'midst all this loss remain."
+
+    She spoke;--the twanging bowstring sounded loud!
+  Terrific noise,--save Niobe, to all:
+  She stood audacious, callous in her crime.
+  In mourning vesture clad, with tresses loose,
+  Around the funeral couches of the slain,
+  The weeping sisters stood. One strives to pluck
+  The deep-stuck arrow from her bowels,--falls,
+  And fainting dies; her brother's clay-cold corse,
+  Prest with her lips. Another's soothing words
+  Her hapless parent strive to cheer,--struck dumb,
+  She bends beneath an unseen wound; her words
+  Reach not her parent, till her life is fled.
+  This, vainly flying, falls: that drops in death
+  Upon her sister's body. One to hide
+  Attempts: another pale and trembling dies.
+  Six now lie breathless, each by vary'd wounds;
+  One sole remaining, whom the mother shields,
+  Wrapt in her vest; her body o'er her flung,
+  Exclaiming,--"leave me this, my youngest,--last,
+  "Least of my mighty numbers,--one alone!"
+  But while she prays, the damsel pray'd for dies.
+
+    Of all depriv'd, the solitary dame,
+  Amid the lifeless bodies of her sons,
+  Her daughters, and her spouse, by sorrows steel'd,
+  Sits harden'd: no light gale her tresses moves;
+  No blood her redden'd cheeks contain; her eyes
+  Motionless glare upon her mournful face;
+  Life quits the statue: even her tongue congeals,
+  Within her stony palate; vital floods
+  Cease in her veins to flow; her neck to bow
+  Resists; her arms to move in graceful guise;
+  Her feet to step; and even to stone are turn'd
+  Her inmost bowels. Still to weep she seems.
+  Wrapt in a furious whirlwind, distant far
+  Her natal soil receives her. There fixt high
+  On a hill's utmost summit, still she melts;
+  Still does the rigid marble flow in tears.
+
+    Now every Theban, male and female, all,
+  Dread the fierce anger of the powers of heaven;
+  And with redoubled fervor lowly bend,
+  And own the twin-producing goddess' power.
+  Then, as oft seen, they ancient tales recount,
+  Reminded by events of recent date.
+  Thus one relates.--"Long since some clowns, who till'd
+  "The fertile fields of Lycia, felt the ire
+  "Of this high goddess, whom they durst despise.
+  "Obscure the fact itself, for low the race
+  "Who suffer'd; yet most wonderous was the deed.
+  "Myself have seen the marsh; the lake have seen
+  "Fam'd for the prodigy. My aged sire,
+  "To toil unable on the lengthen'd road,
+  "Me thither sent; an herd of choicest beeves
+  "Thence to conduct; to my unpractis'd steps
+  "A guiding native of the land he gave.
+  "While we the pastures travers'd, lo! we found
+  "An ancient altar, 'midst a spacious lake
+  "Erected; black with sacrificing dust;
+  "With waving reeds surrounded. Here my guide
+  "Halted, and softly whisper'd,--bless me, power!
+  "And I, like softly whispering,--bless me!--cry'd.
+  "Then ask'd, if nymph, or fawn, or native god
+  "The altar own'd?--when thus my guide reply'd.
+  "No mountain god, O, youth! this altar claims,
+  "But her whom once imperial Juno's rage,
+  "Stern interdicted from firm earth's extent:
+  "Whom scarce the wandering Delos would receive,
+  "Ardent beseeching, when the buoyant isle
+  "Light floated. There at length, Latona, laid
+  "Betwixt a palm, and bright Minerva's tree,
+  "Spite of their fierce opposing step-dame's power,
+  "Her twins produc'd. Even hence, in child-bed driven,
+  "She fled from Juno; in her bosom bore,
+  "'Tis said, the twin-celestials. Now the sun
+  "With fervid rays, had scorch'd the arid meads,
+  "When faint with lengthen'd toil, the goddess gain'd
+  "The edge of Lycia's monster-breeding clime;
+  "Parch'd and exhausted, from the solar heat,
+  "And infants milking her exhausted breast.
+  "By chance a lake, far distant she espy'd,
+  "Deep in a vale's recess, of waters pure.
+  "There clowns the bulrush gather'd; there they pluck'd
+  "The shrubby osier, and the marsh-fond grass.
+  "Approach'd the goddess; on her knees low bent,
+  "The earth she press'd, and forward lean'd to drink
+  "The cooling liquid. This the rustic mob
+  "Forbade. When she to those who thus oppos'd,--
+  "Water withhold? Water whose use is free?
+  "Nature to all unsparing gives to take,
+  "Of light, of air, and of the flowing stream.
+  "I claim but public gifts: yet suppliant beg
+  "Those public gifts to share. Not here I come,
+  "My weary'd arms and limbs within the waves
+  "To lave: my thirst alone I wish to slake.
+  "Even now my speaking lips their moisture want;
+  "Scarce my parch'd throat, a passage to my words
+  "Can yield. As nectar were the limpid draught.
+  "Life with the water give me; for to me,
+  "Water is life; with water life I seek.
+  "Let these too move you, who their tender hands
+  "Stretch to your bosoms,--for by chance the babes
+  "Their little hands held forth. The goddess' words,
+  "Thus bland-beseeching, who could e'er withstand?
+  "Yet these persisted;--obstinate refus'd
+  "To grant her wish, and with opprobrious speech
+  "And threats revil'd her, should she there remain.
+  "Nor rested thus,--the lake with hands and feet
+  "Muddy they trouble; with malicious leaps
+  "They agitate the pool, and upward stir
+  "From the deep bottom clouds of slimy ooze.
+  "Anger her thirst diverted. Rage deny'd
+  "More supplication from th' indignant dame.
+  "Their threatening words, no more the goddess brook'd;
+  "But raising high to heaven her hands, she cry'd,--
+  "Be this your home for ever!--Gracious heard,
+  "Her prayer was granted. Now they joy to plunge,
+  "Beneath the waters; now they deep immerge
+  "Their bodies in the hollow fen; now raise
+  "Their heads, and skim the surface of the pool,
+  "Often they rest upon the margin's brink,
+  "And oft light-springing, in the cool lake plunge.
+  "Now still their rude contentious tongues they use,
+  "Still squabbling, lost to shame beneath the waves:
+  "Beneath the waves they still abusings strive
+  "To utter. Hoarsely still their voice is heard,
+  "Through their wide-bloated throats. Their railing words,
+  "Their jaws more wide dilate. Depriv'd of neck,
+  "Their head and back in junction seem to meet;
+  "Green shine their backs; their bellies, hugely swol'n
+  "Are white; and frogs they plunge within the pool."
+
+    Thus as the man, the fate destructive told
+  Of Lycia's clowns, to mind another call'd
+  The satyr's fate, who vanquish'd in the strife
+  Of skill, on Pallas' pipe, Latona's son
+  Severely punish'd.--"Wherefore thus,"--he cries,
+  "Rent from myself? O, penitent I bow.
+  "The pipe," he shrieks, "should not such rage provoke."
+  Exclaiming thus, o'er his extremest limbs
+  Stript was his skin; he one continuous wound!
+  Blood flow'd from every part; the naked nerves
+  Bare started; and the trembling veins full throbb'd,
+  By skin uncover'd. Every beating part
+  Inward, the breast's translucent fibres plain
+  Display'd to sight. Him every forest fawn;
+  Each brother satyr; and each sylvan god;
+  And every nymph, with fam'd Olympus wept:
+  And every swain, the woolly flock who fed;
+  Or on the mountain watch'd the horned herd.
+  Wash'd by their falling tears, the fertile earth
+  Is soak'd,--absorbs them in her inmost veins;
+  Then form'd to water, spouts them high in air.
+  Rapid 'twixt banks declivitous, they seek
+  The ocean. Marsya, is the river call'd;
+  The clearest stream through Phrygia's land which flows.
+
+    Thus far the crowd;--and then lamenting turn
+  To present griefs:--Amphion's race extinct,
+  Unanimous they wail; but hated still
+  Remains the mother's pride. For her alone
+  Weep'd Pelops;--rent his garments, bare expos'd
+  His breast and shoulders lay, and fair display'd
+  The ivory joint. This shoulder at his birth
+  In fleshy substance, and carnation tinge,
+  Equall'd the right. When by his sire his limbs
+  Disjointed lay, the gods, 'tis said, quick join'd
+  The sever'd members: every fragment found,
+  Save what combin'd the neck and upper arm;
+  The part destroy'd, with ivory they replace;
+  And Pelops perfect from the gift became.
+
+    The neighbouring lords assemble;--every town
+  Their kings intreat condolence to bestow,
+  And all to Thebes repair. First Argos sends;
+  Sparta; Mycene; Calydon, not yet
+  By stern Diana hated; Corinth, fam'd
+  For beauteous brass; Orchomenus the fierce;
+  Messene fertile; Patrae; Pylos, rul'd
+  By Neleus; Troezen, yet unus'd to own
+  The sway of Pittheus; Cleona the low;
+  And all those towns the two-sea'd isthmus holds;
+  And all those towns the isthmus views without.
+  Athens, incredible! was absent sole.
+  War all her energy demanded. Borne
+  O'er ocean, fierce barbarian troops, the walls
+  Mopsopian threaten'd. Thracian Tereus, these
+  With arms auxiliar routed; bright his name
+  Shone from the conquest. Him in riches great,
+  Mighty in power, and from the god-like Mars,
+  His lineage tracing, Procne's nuptial hand
+  Close to Pandion bound. Their marriage bed
+  Nor Grace, nor Hymen, nor the nuptial queen
+  Attended. Furies held the torches, snatch'd
+  From biers funereal. Furies spread the couch:
+  And all night long an owl, ill-omen'd bird,
+  Perch'd on the roof that crown'd the marriage dome.
+  Join'd with such omens, with such omens bore
+  Procne a son to Tereus. Wide through Thrace
+  Congratulations sound: glad thanks to heaven
+  The parents give, and hail the happy day
+  Which gave Pandion's daughter to the king;
+  And gave the pair a son. So ignorant still
+  Mankind of real happiness remain!
+
+    Now through five autumns had the cheerful sun
+  The whirling year renew'd. When Procne, bland
+  Her spouse besought.--"If grace within thy sight
+  "Claim my deserts,--or suffer me to see
+  "In her own clime my sister, or to ours
+  "My sister bring: a quick return thou well
+  "Our sire may'st promise. This high boon obtain'd,
+  "My sister's presence,--to my sight thou'lt seem,
+  "A deity in goodness."--On the main
+  He bids them launch the vessel; in the port
+  Cecropian enters, urg'd by oar and sail;
+  And treads Piraeus' shore. Soon as he gain'd
+  His audience; soon as hand with hand was clasp'd,
+  His ill-presaging speech he open'd. First
+  The journey's cause narrating; fond desire
+  Of Procne; and the promis'd quick return
+  Of Philomela, should the sire comply.
+  Lo! Philomela enters, splendid robes
+  Attire her; still more splendid shine her charms:
+  Such they describe within the forests rove
+  Dryad, and Naiaed nymphs; such would they seem
+  Their shape like hers adorn'd, like hers attir'd.
+  Instant was Tereus at the sight inflam'd;
+  So instant would the hoary harvest burn,
+  The torch apply'd: so burn the wither'd leaves;
+  Or hoarded hay. Well might her charms inspire
+  Such love in any;--him his inbred lust
+  More goaded, more his country's warmth which burns
+  Intense; he flames from nature, and from clime.
+  First to corrupt th' attendants he designs,
+  And faithful nurse; and Philomel' to tempt
+  With gifts immense,--his kingdom's mighty price.
+  Or forceful snatch her, and the rape defend,
+  With all the powers of war. Nought but he dares.
+  Impell'd by love's unbridled power; his breast
+  The raging fire contains not. Irksome seems
+  Delay:--and eager to the anxious wish
+  Of Procne, turns his converse; her desires
+  His wishes aiding. Eloquent he spoke;
+  For love inspir'd him. Often as he press'd
+  More close than prudent, all his earnest speech,
+  Procne, he said, dictated. Heavens! how dark
+  The gloom that blinds the view of human souls.
+  Tereus for tenderest piety esteem'd,
+  More as for vice he labors: praise he gains,
+  for every crime. Now Philomela begs,
+  His prayer assisting; flings her winning arms
+  Around Pandion's neck, and suppliant sues
+  A sight of Procne; for her woe she begs,
+  But deems she begs delight. Her Tereus views;--
+  Anticipates his joys; her every kiss,
+  Her arms around her parent's neck entwin'd,
+  But goad his passion: fuel fresh they add;
+  Food for his flame. And when her sire she clasps,
+  He longs that sire to be. Parent, not more
+  His impious purpose would the wretch delay!
+  The king by both their warm beseechings won,
+  Consents;--she joyful to her father gives
+  Glad thanks;--and hapless, deems completely blest,
+  Herself and sister, both most deeply curst;
+
+    Now Phoebus' toil nigh spent, his coursers' feet
+  Sweep'd down the slope of heaven. The royal feast,
+  And golden goblets, fill'd with Bacchus' gift,
+  The board bespread. From hence in slumbers soft,
+  Each sought repose. All but the Thracian king,
+  Though far remov'd, still burning; all her face,
+  Her hands and gesture he recals, and paints
+  At pleasure all her beauties yet unseen:
+  Feeding his flame, and sleep repelling far.
+
+    'Twas morn;--Pandion, pressing warm the hand
+  Of Tereus, as they parted, while the tears
+  Gush'd sudden, thus bespeaks his friendly care.
+  "Dear son, to thee I give her, pious claims
+  "Compel me: suppliant let me thee adjure
+  "By faith, by kindred, and by all the gods,
+  "Thy care paternal, shall protect the maid;
+  "And the soft solace of my anxious years,
+  "Speedy restore, for each delay is long.
+  "Quick, Philomela, quick my child, rejoin
+  "Thy sire, if filial duty sways thee. Much
+  "Thy sister's absence pains me."--Speaking thus
+  He press'd with kisses soft, the maiden's lips,
+  And dripping tears with each behest let fall.
+  Their hands he asks as pledge of faith, and joins
+  Their hands in his presented; tender begs
+  His salutations to his daughter dear;
+  And his young grandson. Scarce the last adieu,
+  Chok'd with deep sighs, he breathes: his boding mind
+  Foreseeing future woes.
+
+                          Now Philomel'
+  Safely on board the painted vessel plac'd,
+  The land far left, as with their laboring oars
+  The surges move;--exulting Tereus, cry'd,
+  "Victorious,--lo! my utmost wishes borne
+  Safe with me."--Scarce his burning soul defers
+  His hop'd-for joys. His eyes are never turn'd
+  From the lov'd face. Thus Jove's protected bird
+  Rapacious bears, with his sharp talons pierc'd,
+  An hare defenceless to his lofty nest:
+  No flight remains, the spoiler calmly views
+  His prey. Now ended is their voyage, now
+  Weary'd they quit their ship, and joyful touch
+  Their native beach; and now the Thracian king
+  Pandion's daughter to a lofty stall
+  Conducts; by ancient trees the spot well screen'd.
+  There he inclos'd the pale, the trembling maid,
+  Of all things fearful, as with tears she press'd
+  Her sister's face to see: his purpose dire
+  Disclosing,--force the helpless maid o'ercame,
+  Loudly exclaiming to her sire; and loud
+  Her sister's help invoking, equal vain:
+  But chief she begs celestial powers to aid.
+  Trembling she lies; so seems a shuddering lamb
+  Wounded, and from the hoary wolf's fierce jaws
+  Just 'scap'd, not sure his safety yet he deems:
+  So seems a dove, her plumes in blood deep-drench'd,
+  With fear still shivering; still the hungry claws
+  Dreading, that lately pierc'd her. Soon restor'd
+  Her mental powers, while scatter'd hung the locks
+  Rent in her anguish, high her arms she rais'd,
+  Livid with blows, as those that mourn the dead;
+  Exclaiming,--"O, barbarian! wretch supreme!
+  "In cruelty and vice; whom not the charge
+  "Parental, seal'd with pious tears could move;
+  "A sister's charge entrusted: not her state,
+  "Virgin defenceless; not the sacred vows,
+  "Conjugal plighted. In confusion all
+  "Commixt, by thee, adulteress here I lie,
+  "Against my sister. Thou a double spouse,
+  "To both. This scourge is sure to me not due.
+  "Why, villain, not my hated life destroy?
+  "Perfect in deeds atrocious; would my breath
+  "Before the horrid act supprest had been:
+  "Then had I guiltless sought the shades. But still
+  "If powers celestial view this act; if sway
+  "On earth they hold; if all not sinks with me,
+  "Thy fate hence-forward from me dread; myself
+  "Shall unabash'd, thy acts proclaim. If power
+  "Is granted, when in public walks I roam:
+  "If here in woods imprison'd, all the woods
+  "Shall with my plaints resound; the conscious rocks
+  "I'll move. May heaven me hear! and if in heaven
+  "A god abides, me hear!"--Rous'd by her words,
+  The fierce king's anger burns; no less his fear
+  Than anger moves him: strongly spurr'd by each,
+  His weapon from the pendent sheath he drew:
+  Dragg'd by the hair, her limbs he forc'd to yield
+  To fetters; twisting rough her arms behind.
+  Glad Philomel' to him her throat presents,
+  Death from the glittering sword expecting. Grasp'd
+  In pincers, fierce her tongue he tore away;
+  Griev'd, and indignant, as her father's name
+  She strove to utter: trembling still appear'd
+  The bloody root; trembling the tongue itself
+  Murmur'd as on the gore-stain'd earth it lay:
+  As leaps the serpent's sever'd tail, the tongue,
+  Quivering in death, still to her feet advanc'd.
+  This deed of horror done, 'tis said that oft
+  (Incredible the fact) repeated force
+  Upon her mangled form the wretch employ'd.
+
+    Now dares he, all those acts atrocious done,
+  Return to Procne. Eager as he comes,
+  For Philomel' she asks. False tears and groans
+  He gives: the hapless nymph he feigns deceas'd:
+  His tears convince. Now from her shoulders torn,
+  Her robes with gold bright-glittering, sable vests
+  Her limbs enfolded. High an empty tomb
+  She rais'd, and pious obsequies perform'd
+  To manes pretended: for her sister's fate
+  She mourn'd, whose fate such mourning ill deserv'd.
+
+    Through twice six signs had Phoebus journey'd on,
+  The year completing. What, alas! remains
+  For Philomela? Guards prevent her flight.
+  Of stone erected, high the massive walls
+  Circle her round. Her lips so mute, refuse
+  The deed to blazon. Keen the sense of grief
+  Sharpens the soul:--in misery the mind
+  Ingenious sparkles. Skillful she extends
+  The Thracian web, and on the snow-white threads,
+  In purple letters, weaves the dreadful tale.
+  Complete, a servant with expressive signs,
+  The present to the queen she bids to bear.
+  To Procne was it borne, witless the slave
+  Of what he carry'd. Savage Tereus' spouse
+  The web unfolded; read the mournful tale
+  Her hapless sister told, and wonderous! sate
+  In silence; grief her rising words repress'd:
+  Indignant, chok'd, her throat refus'd to breathe,
+  The angry accents to her plaining tongue.
+  To weep she waits not, in turmoil confus'd,
+  Justice and flagrance undistinguished lie;
+  Her mind sole bent for vengeance on her spouse.
+
+    Now was the time Sithonia's matrons wont,
+  The rites triennial of the jovial god
+  To tend. Those rites to conscious shade alone
+  Confided. Rhodope, the brazen sound
+  Shrill tinkling, hears by night;--by night the queen
+  The palace quits, attir'd as Bacchus' rites
+  Demand; and weapon'd with the Bacchant arms.
+  A vine her forehead girds; the nimble deer
+  Clothes with his skin her sides; her shoulder bears
+  A slender spear. Thus maddening, Procne seeks
+  The woods in ire terrific, crowded round
+  By all her followers: rack'd by inward pangs,
+  The furious rant of Bacchus veils her woes.
+  The lonely stable seen at length, she howls
+  Aloud,--"Evoe, ho!"--and bursts the door;
+  Drags thence her sister;--her thence dragg'd, invests        I
+  In Bacchanalian robes; her face inshrouds
+  In ivy foliage; and astonish'd leads
+  The trembling damsel o'er the palace steps.
+  The horrid dome when Philomela saw,
+  Perforce she enter'd; through her frame she shook;
+  The blood her face deserted. Procne sought
+  A spot retir'd, and from her features flung
+  The sacred trappings, and her sister's face,
+  Sorrowing and blushing, to the light unveil'd;
+  Then ran to clasp her. She the sight not bore;
+  Her eyes she rais'd not; her dejected brows
+  Bent to the ground; thus by her sister seen,
+  Encroacher on her bed. Her hands still spoke,
+  When oaths she wish'd to utter, and to call
+  Th' attesting gods, her foul disgrace by force
+  To prove accomplish'd. Furious, Procne burns,
+  Nor curbs her ire; her sister's streaming tears
+  Reproving checks, and cries;--"no period now
+  "For tears, we ask the sword! But if than sword
+  "Vengeance more keen thou hop'st for, sister dear,
+  "Behold me for most horrid deeds prepar'd.
+  "Shall I with flaming torches blaze on high
+  "His hall imperial, and the villain king
+  "Heave in the conflagration? Shall I rend
+  "As thine his tongue? or from his sockets tear,
+  "His eye-balls? or what other member maim?
+  "Or this, or instant send his guilty soul
+  "Thro' thousand wounds to judgment? What thou speak'st
+  "Be mighty. I for mightiest acts prepare.
+  "To fix I hesitate." As Procne speaks,
+  Lo! infant Itys to his mother runs;
+  His sight her mind determines; cruel turn
+  Her eyes, exclaiming;--"See, how like his sire's
+  "Appear his features!"--More she spoke not, fixt
+  Was straight her dread resolve: now fiercer burn'd
+  Within her smother'd rage;--yet when the boy
+  Approach'd, and round her neck his infant arms
+  Threw, and his kisses printed on her lips,
+  With bland caresses mingled, even the soul
+  Of Procne melted. Mollify'd her rage,
+  Tears hard constrain'd flow'd from unwilling eyes.
+  Soon as the mother's feelings softening seem
+  To melt in extreme fondness; Procne quits
+  The sight, and to her sister's face reverts
+  Again her visage; then on each in turn
+  Full bent her view, she cries;--"Must one me melt
+  "With blandish'd soothings? Must the other mute,
+  "With tongue dismember'd stand? Must he exclaim
+  "O, mother!--she, O, sister! never more?
+  "To what a spouse, Pandion's daughter, see
+  "Art thou, degenerate wife, conjoin'd! Thy sin
+  "A spouse like Tereus to have us'd too well."
+  More she delays not, infant Itys drags,
+  Swift as the Indian tiger sweeps the fawn
+  Through shady forests. Then the lofty dome,
+  For rooms remote well search'd, in one arrives,
+  Where she the infant pierces; 'twixt the breast
+  And side the weapon enters, while his hands,
+  Suppliant, his fate foreseeing, he extends,
+  And,--"mother! O, my mother!"--loudly cries.
+  Nor mov'd her countenance fell;--the single wound
+  Was deadly. Philomela, with her steel
+  The throat divided, and the quivering limbs
+  Dissever'd, whilst of animation still
+  Some glimmering sparks remain'd. Of these, they part
+  In brazen cauldrons boil: part on the spit
+  Crackling they turn: with gore the secret rooms
+  Offensive float. Her unsuspecting spouse
+  Procne to feast invites; delusive feigns
+  Her country's customs,--where 'twas given, but one
+  The husband should be nigh; all menial slaves
+  Far distant. On his ancestorial seat
+  High-lifted, Tereus sate, and feasted there:
+  And in his bowels deep he there entomb'd
+  Bowels his own. So blind are human souls,--
+  "Call Itys to the feast,"--he cries. No more
+  Could Procne veil her savage joy;--full bent
+  The slaughter to announce, she loud proclaim'd
+  "Thou seek'st who with thee rests!"--Around he looks.
+  Wondering where rests he. Philomela rush'd,
+  Her tresses sprinkled with the ireful blood,
+  As griev'd he, Itys calling loud, and flung,
+  With savage fury Itys' gory head
+  Full in his father's face; nor ever mourn'd
+  Lost speech so much; her well-earn'd joy to show,
+  More griev'd lost power. With outcry loud the king
+  O'er-turn'd the table; from the Stygian vale,
+  Invok'd the viper'd sisters: hard he strove
+  To tear his bosom, and from thence disgorge
+  The dire repast, the half-digested mass
+  Of Itys' limbs. Now weeping, wild he mourns,
+  Himself his offspring's tomb. Now fierce pursues
+  Pandion's daughters with his unsheath'd sword.
+  From him escaping, on light wings upborne
+  Th' Athenians seem'd; light wings their limbs upbore!
+  One sheltering in the woods: protecting roofs
+  The other seeking; still the murderous deed,
+  Mark'd on her breast remains; still on her plumes
+  The teint of blood is seen. Rapid in rage
+  And hope of vengeance, Tereus too is chang'd,
+  And flits a bird; a plumy crest he bears,
+  High on his head: the lengthen'd sword he bore,
+  A beak enormous grows. A lapwing now
+  With fierce-arm'd face he flies.
+
+                                  Untimely sought
+  Pandion, when the mournful tale he heard,
+  The Stygian shades, ere yet the lengthen'd date
+  Of years commanded. Next th' Athenian realm
+  Erechtheus rul'd, the sceptre dubious held
+  By right or forceful arms. Proud could he boast
+  Four sons;--and daughters four to him were given.
+  Beauteous the maids; in beauty equal two:
+  Of these AEoelian Cephalus was bless'd
+  With thee as spouse, O, Procris!--Tereus long,
+  Boreas withstanding, with the power of Thrace,
+  Long Orithyia, by the god belov'd,
+  Was lov'd in vain; while soft beseechings more
+  And prayers, the power to strenuous force preferr'd.
+  But now those soothings bland so vainly try'd,
+  Fierce swol'n with rage, his most accustom'd feel
+  (Too much that passion knows this wind) he cries;--
+  "Well I deserve it, all my proper arms
+  "Relinquish'd: savage fierceness, strength, stern rage,
+  "And threatening force. With humble softening prayers
+  "Fool have I su'd; in each attempt have fail'd.
+  "More apt to me is force! by force I drive
+  "The lowering clouds before me: Ocean's waves
+  "Forceful I turn; forceful the knotted oak
+  "Root from its deep foundation; hard the frost
+  "I bind; and beat the sounding earth with hail:
+  "I when in open sky, for there our field
+  "Lies in display, my blustering brethren meet,
+  "Oppose such might, that midmost sky resounds
+  "Echoing our forceful conflict; flashing flames
+  "From the cleft bodies of the hollow clouds,
+  "Elicited: I too, earth's secret womb
+  "Fierce entering, in her deepest caverns strain
+  "My strength, 'till trembling wide through all her frame,
+  "The ghosts below are troubled. These the aid
+  "My nuptial wish should seek; no longer pray
+  "Erechtheus for my sire;--my sire by force,
+  "The monarch shall be made."--So spoke the god,
+  Or thus, or more in fury, as he shook
+  His plumes, whose motion sweep'd through earth's extent,
+  And made the wide main tremble. Lofty hills
+  His dusty mantle covers; as the plains
+  Rapid he brushes; shrouded deep in mist,
+  In his dark wings the furious lover clasps
+  His Orithyia, trembling, pale with fear:
+  Flying his flames were fann'd, and fiercer blaz'd.
+  Nor check'd the ravisher his lofty flight,
+  Till seen the town of Cicones, whose walls
+  Receiv'd him. There th' Athenian nymph became
+  The freezing monarch's bride: a mother there,
+  A double birth she brought, whose shoulders bear
+  The father's pinions; all their semblance else
+  Their mother's. Not at first, 'tis said, appear'd
+  The feathers: Calais and Zethes, boys
+  Were yet unplum'd; when yet with ruddy hair,
+  Their beards appear'd not. From each shoulder shot
+  The feathers bird-like, at the self-same time,
+  Their manly cheeks were thick with yellow down.
+  Now when their youth matur'd to man appear'd,
+  Through seas unplough'd before, they sought the fleece
+  Splendid with glittering wool; with all the train
+  Of Minyae, in the first-built vessel borne.
+
+
+
+
+*The Seventh Book.*
+
+
+    Expedition of the Argonauts. Jason obtains the golden fleece, by
+    the assistance of Medea. AEson restored to youth by her magic
+    powers. Murder of Pelias by his daughters. Medea's flight to
+    Corinth. Murder of her rival and infants. Marriage with AEgeus.
+    Adventures of Theseus. War with Minos. Plague in AEgina. Change of
+    ants into Myrmidons. Cephalus and Procris.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Seventh Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Now in the Pagasaean vessel borne,
+  Plough'd the wide sea the Argonauts, and saw
+  The fate of Phineus; whose old age the curse
+  Of hunger felt, and felt perpetual night.
+  The youths from Boreas sprung, quick sped to flight
+  The virgin-featur'd birds, his hapless face,
+  Far distant. 'Neath great Jason's rule much toil
+  They bore ere on the oozy banks they stay'd
+  Of rapid Phasis. Here the king they seek;
+  And here demand the golden fleece; and here
+  An answer big with fearful labors learn
+  The Grecian crew. Meantime the royal maid
+  Burns with fierce fires: with reason struggling long,
+  Still her hot flame to quench unable, cries
+  Aloud Medea;--"vainly I oppose!
+  "Some unknown god controls. Perhaps 'tis love!
+  "If love 'tis not, no sentiment more near
+  "To love can come. Why else my sire's commands
+  "So harsh appear? But harsh in truth they are.
+  "But why his failing dread? Why dread his death,
+  "But barely seen? What cause such fear can give?
+  "O, hapless maid! would from my virgin breast
+  "Those flames to fling were given. If mine the power
+  "More wisdom would I use. But me this force,
+  "Before unknown, unwilling drags; this love
+  "Persuades, oppos'd to reason: plain I see
+  "The better track,--approve it most, yet swerv'd,
+  "I tread the worse. Why, royal virgin, burn
+  "Thus for a stranger guest? Why long'st thou thus,
+  "A foreign partner in the marriage bed
+  "To clasp? Thy country well can thee supply
+  "What e'er thou lovest. In the gods' decree
+  "His death or safety rests. Yet may he live!
+  "Pray may'st thou for him sure,--love unconcern'd.
+  "But what has Jason done? Savage, indeed!
+  "Were those his youth, his birth, and brilliant deeds
+  "Not touch'd: how savage too the soul must be
+  "His beauty touch'd not, were there nought beside;
+  "My bosom sure it moves. But were my aid
+  "Deny'd, the furious bulls with flaming breath
+  "His fate would compass; or the foes that spring
+  "From earth, his harvest, slay him in the fight;
+  "Or last, he'd fall the ravenous dragon's prey.
+  "If this I suffer, from the tiger sprung
+  "Believe me; steel and marble in my breast,
+  "Deem me to wear. Why not his death behold?
+  "Why not mine eyes with the dread sight pollute!
+  "Why not the bulls, the earth-born foes incite,
+  "And sleepless dragon, with redoubled ire?
+  "Heaven wills it better. But let deeds, not prayers
+  "My time employ. How! shall I then betray
+  "My parent's realm? an unknown stranger aid
+  "With all my power? who by my power preserv'd,
+  "Loos'd to the wind his sails, another's spouse
+  "Becomes,--me left for punishment behind?
+  "If this to do,--another nymph to me
+  "Born to prefer, let him, ingrate! be slain.
+  "But no! his face denies it; his great soul,
+  "And graceful form forbid the fear of fraud;
+  "Or benefits forgot. Yet shall he plight
+  "His solemn faith first, call th' attesting gods
+  "To witness what he vows. What fear I more?
+  "All's safe. Medea, hasten, spurn delay,--
+  "Jason, remaining life to thee shall owe;
+  "Join'd to his state, the annual torch shall flame
+  "To thee, preserver! through the Grecian towns
+  "By crowds of mothers hail'd. Shall I for this
+  "My sister leave, my brother, and my sire;
+  "My gods, and natal land? Yes,--fierce my sire;
+  "My country barbarous; and my brother young:
+  "With all my wishes, warm my sister joins;
+  "And dwells within my breast the mightiest god.
+  "Much I relinquish not, but much I seek.
+  "The glorious title of the Grecian youth
+  "Deliverer! gain'd; the sight of lands and towns
+  "Whose fame even here has journey'd; manners mild,
+  "And cultur'd arts; and Jason for my spouse,
+  "For whom all earth's possessions were too small
+  "To change. His spouse become, supremely blest,
+  "Dear to the gods, the loftiest stars I'll reach.
+  "What are those rocks, they tell, which 'mid the waves
+  "Meet in encounter? Fell Charybdis what,--
+  "Hostile to ships, now sucking in the tide,
+  "Now fierce discharging? What the savage bounds,
+  "Which compass greedy Scylla 'mid the main
+  "Sicilian? O'er the wide-spread ocean borne,
+  "Him whom I love embracing; sheltering close
+  "In Jason's bosom; clasp'd by him, no fear
+  "My soul could harbor. Or if fear I felt,
+  "For him alone I'd tremble; for my spouse.
+  "Spouse, dost thou say, Medea? hid'st thou thus,
+  "With specious names thy crime? Behold the load
+  "Of guilt thou goest to bear! While power remains
+  "The sin avoid."--She said, and duty, shame,
+  And rectitude, before her eyes appear'd;
+  And vanquish'd love address'd his wings to flight.
+  Now to an ancient altar Hecat' own'd,
+  By shady trees dark veil'd from day, she came:
+  Her flames abated, and her eager pulse
+  Subsided. Here AEsonides she saw,
+  And bright her love reblaz'd. Warm flush'd her cheeks,
+  Deep all her visage glow'd. The smallest spark
+  Thus low in embers hid, its vigor shews;
+  Help'd by the feeding blast, increasing burns,
+  And stirr'd in all its wonted fury glows.
+  Just so the languid passion which but now
+  All but extinct appear'd, the hero seen
+  Fresh at his beauteous presence flam'd. By chance
+  More beauteous Jason on that morn appear'd;
+  Well might a lover all her love excuse.
+  She looks, his countenance with her eyes devours
+  As then first seen; and madly fond, she deems
+  His features more than mortal: bashful turn'd
+  Her forehead not from his. But when her guest
+  Address'd her: when he gently took her hands;
+  And crav'd assistance in an humble tone,
+  The nuptial promise giving. Plenteous flow'd
+  Her tears, exclaiming;--"What I should perform
+  "Plainly I see: not ignorance me misleads
+  "But love. My gifts shall aid you, you but keep
+  "The promise pledg'd."--Sacred the hero swears
+  By her, the tri-form'd goddess, whom that grove
+  Acknowledges divine; and by the god,
+  Whence sprung the sire-in-law he hopes to claim;
+  The god who all beholds; by all his deeds
+  Atchiev'd; and by his perils all he swears.
+  His words believ'd, immediate he receives
+  The magic plants, their use well taught, and seeks
+  The roof rejoicing. Now the morn had driven
+  The glimmering stars far distant, crowding press'd
+  The people in the sacred field of Mars,
+  The king himself amidst them, seated high,
+  In purple clad, with ivory sceptre grac'd.
+  Lo! come the brazen-footed bulls, who breathe
+  Through nostrils fenc'd with adamant hot flames:
+  Parch'd by their breath, the herbage blacken'd burns.
+  Loud as the blazing forge's chimney roars;
+  Or loud as lime in earthy furnace laid,
+  Bursts into heat by watery sprinklings touch'd:
+  So loud, within their flaming chests contain'd,
+  The struggling fires loud bellow'd. Scorch'd their throats
+  The sound transmitted. Boldly AEson's son
+  March'd onward; fiercely as the youth approach'd,
+  His foes dark lower'd, and bent their steel-tipt horns,
+  Paw'd with their clefted hoofs the dusty ground,
+  And fill'd with smoky bellowings all the air.
+  Pale grew each Grecian face; advancing on
+  The fiery blasts he feels not, such the power
+  The mighty charms possess, but boldly strokes
+  Their dewlaps pendulous, and to the yoke
+  Subjected, makes them drag the ponderous plough;
+  And with the iron cut th' uncustom'd soil.
+  The Colchians wondering gaze; the Grecians loud
+  Applaud, and with fresh courage fill his soul.
+  Then from his brazen helmet pluck'd, he sows
+  The serpent's teeth, deep in the furrow'd ground:
+  The ground, the teeth with powerful venom ting'd,
+  Soften'd and swell'd them, and a novel shape
+  Imparted. Thus within the parent's womb,
+  An human shape the infant mass receives,
+  Completed perfect in the dark recess;
+  Nor till mature, to air external given.
+  So when the manly forms were perfect made
+  Within earth's pregnant bowels, up they sprung
+  Thick in the fruitful field; more wonderous still
+  Their arms they clash'd when born. Then when the Greeks
+  Their keenly-pointed spears preparing saw
+  To hurl at Jason's head, low sunk their souls,
+  And pallid grew their cheeks; Medea ev'n,
+  Whose art insur'd his safety, trembling fear'd,
+  When single she the youth beheld assail'd
+  By foes in hosts; bloodless her face became,
+  And tremor seiz'd her limbs: then lest the herbs
+  Presented first, should fail in power, she sings
+  An helping magic song, and all her arts
+  Latent, calls forth. Amidst the hostile crowd
+  A mighty rock he flings; their martial rage
+  From him diverted, on each other turns.
+  By mutual wounds the earth-born brothers fall;
+  In civil discord perish. Joy'd again
+  The Grecians clasp the conqueror in their arms.
+  Thou too, Medea, wish'd thine arms to fill
+  With him victorious. (Shame at first repress'd
+  Thy open fondness, though thou wast embrac'd)
+  Now reputation awes thee, now prevents
+  That bliss. What honor gives,--silent to joy,
+  And pour glad thanks to all thy magic arts,
+  And gods their authors, those thou dar'st indulge.
+  Now sole remains by powerful herbs to lull
+  The wakeful dragon, whose high-crested head
+  A triple tongue contains, whose crooked fangs
+  Dreadful the golden fleece protecting guards.
+  Him when be sprinkled with the juices prest
+  From plants Lethean; and repeated thrice,
+  The words which placid sleep inspire; which still
+  The ruffled ocean; and arrest the course
+  Of rapid torrents; sleep before unknown
+  Stole o'er his eyelids, and th' AEsonian youth
+  Seiz'd on the golden prize. Proud with the spoil,
+  (A second spoil possessing) she who gave
+  The power to conquer, as his wife he bears,
+  And lands triumphant on Thessalia's shores.
+
+    Mothers of Thessaly, and aged sires
+  For sons restor'd, glad offerings bring: bright flames
+  The high-heap'd incense; votive victims deck'd
+  With gilded horns are slain: but AEson, far
+  The grateful crowd avoids, now near his fate,
+  Bent by a weight of years. Hence Jason spoke;--
+  "O, spouse! to thee my life and safety ow'd;
+  "To me, thou all hast given; the high swol'n sum
+  "Of all thy favors might belief surpass:
+  "This more attempt, if this thou can'st,--and what
+  "Thy magic power defies? My years curtail,
+  "And to my sire's existence add the term."
+  Fast flow'd his tears while speaking;--while he spoke,
+  His pious duty mov'd Medea; quick
+  Her sire AEeta, so deserted, sprung
+  To thought, and shew'd the two contrasting souls.
+  But, veil'd her secret thoughts, she thus replies;--
+  "What impious accents hear I from thy tongue,
+  "O, spouse religious? Can I then transfer
+  "Of thy existence part? Not Hecat's power
+  "Fateful, would sanction this; nor stands thy wish
+  "In equity. Yet, Jason, will I try
+  "More than thou seek'st to give. With all my skill
+  "Thy sire's existence to prolong, thy years
+  "Unshorten'd; should the tri-form'd goddess aid
+  "Propitious my designs."--Three nights were now
+  Deficient, ere the full-form'd horns could meet
+  The lunar orb to fill. Complete her round;
+  A solid sphere of light from earth beheld,
+  Medea wanders forth; loose all her robes;
+  Naked her feet; bare-headed; while her hair
+  Wild o'er her shoulders floats; and thus array'd,
+  Untended, while deep midnight silence reigns
+  She bends her devious way. Men, beasts, and birds,
+  In bonds of sleep were chain'd; the hedges still,
+  No murmur breath'd; nor wav'd the silent trees;
+  Hush'd was the humid sky; the stars alone
+  Twinkled: to them her arms extending, thrice
+  She turn'd around; thrice from the flowing stream
+  Her tresses sprinkled; thrice with yelling noise
+  The silence broke; then with her bended knee
+  The hard earth pressing, cry'd;--"O, night! thou friend
+  "Of secret deeds; ye glittering stars! whose rays
+  "With Luna's, Sol's diurnal light succeed;
+  "And thou, O, Hecat'! tripleform'd, who know'st
+  "My undertaking, and approaching aid'st
+  "With incantations, and with magic powers:
+  "And thou, O, earth! whose bosom witching plants
+  "Affords: ye winds; ye skies; ye mountains; lakes;
+  "And flowing streams: O, all ye gods! who dwell
+  "In shady woods; and all ye gods of night,
+  "Hither approach! by whose high power, at will,
+  "Rivers I cause between their wondering banks,
+  "Back to their springs to flow; the stormy deep
+  "Hush by my song, or lash it into rage;
+  "Clouds form, or clouds dispel; raise furious blasts,
+  "Or furious blasts allay; smite with my song
+  "The dragon's furious jaws: the living rocks
+  "I shake;--uproot the oak; the earth upturn;
+  "Move forests; bid the trembling mountains leap;
+  "Loud roar the ground; and from the tombs the ghosts
+  "Affrighted walk. Thee, Luna, too I draw
+  "From heaven, by all the threatening clash of brass
+  "Deterr'd not: pale the brighter car becomes,
+  "My spells once utterr'd: by my poisons charm'd,
+  "Pallid Aurora seems. You, plants! for me,
+  "Blunted the ardor of the flaming bulls;
+  "Press'd with the yoke, their necks impatient bent,
+  "And dragg'd the crooked plough. You bade the race
+  "Snake-born, upon themselves their warring rage
+  "To turn. In sleep the roaring dragon's eyes
+  "You steep'd; the guard eluded, sent the prize
+  "To glad the towns of Greece. Now have I need
+  "Of renovating herbs, to make old age
+  "Glow once again in all its youthful bloom.
+  "This will you grant, for sure those stars in vain
+  "Not sparkle; nor in vain the chariot comes
+  "Drawn by the dragons wing'd." The chariot comes
+  Swift sweeping through the air. Active she mounts,
+  Strokes the rein'd dragons' manes, and shakes the thongs.
+  On high they soar:--Thessalian Tempe far
+  Beneath she views; then tow'rd the chalky land
+  Her snakes directs. On Ossa's top explores
+  For plants, and seeks what lofty Pelion bears;
+  Othrys, and Pindus, and Olympus huge.
+  What please her, part she with their root updrags;
+  Part with her crooked brazen sickle mows;
+  Apidanus; Amphrysos, on their banks
+  Many afforded: nor Enipeus scap'd.
+  Peneus, and Spercheus, and the rushy shores
+  Of Baebe some contributed. She pluck'd
+  In Anthedon the living grass whose power,
+  Then Glaucus' form unchang'd, was yet unknown.
+
+    Now had nine days, now had nine nights elaps'd,
+  Borne on her dragon wings, and in her car
+  Wandering the fields among, ere back she turn'd:
+  Unfed her dragons, save by odorous smells;
+  Yet had they shed their scales, with youth renew'd.
+  Arriv'd, without the palace gate she stays,
+  And there sole shelter'd by the sky, all touch
+  Of man denying; altars two she rears
+  Of turf; sacred to Hecate stood the right,
+  To Youth the left: when these with vervain bound.
+  And forest boughs, here sacrifice she makes.
+  Hard by, two trenches scoops from out the ground;
+  Smites with her weapon in the sable throat,
+  A sheep presented; in the open ditch
+  Empties the blood; then bowls of wine she pours,
+  And bowls of smoking milk; with mystic words
+  Invokes the powers terrestrial; begs the king
+  Of shades, and begs his ravish'd spouse to aid,
+  Nor of his soul the aged king defraud.
+  These when with lengthen'd prayers, and murmurings long,
+  Appeas'd; she bids them tow'rd the altars bring
+  The feeble AEson; his exhausted limbs
+  Bound in deep slumber, by her magic power,
+  Corse-like, she lays extended on the grass.
+  Then Jason bids, and his attendant crew,
+  Far thence depart, nor with their view prophane
+  Her acts mysterious. As she bids they go.
+  Medea then the flaming altars round,
+  In Bacchanalian guise her flowing locks,
+  Circles; and in the ditch's blackening gore
+  Her splinter'd torches dips; with blood imbu'd,
+  Burns them upon her altars; thrice with fire,
+  With sulphur thrice, and thrice with flowing streams,
+  The sire she lustrates. Heated now in brass,
+  Her powerful medicines bubble, high and white
+  The swelling froth appears. There boils she all
+  The roots in vales AEmonian dug; and seeds,
+  And flowers, and juices dark: gems unto these,
+  Sought in the distant East, she adds; and adds
+  What on the sand the refluent ocean leaves:
+  More still, the night-long moon collected dew
+  She brings; the dismal screech-owl's flesh and wings;
+  The entrails of the wolf ambiguous, wont
+  His savage face in human guise to wear:
+  Nor wanted there, the scaly skin which clothes
+  Th' amphibious snake Cyniphian, long and small:
+  The beak and head a crow nine ages bore,
+  She adds. Now was the foreign dame prepar'd,
+  By help of these, and nameless thousands more,
+  The promis'd boon to give, the whole she stirs
+  Deep from the bottom, with a bough long rent,
+  From the mild olive. Lo! the wither'd branch,
+  The boiling caldron stirring, sudden shoots
+  In virid freshness! shortly leaves bud forth;
+  And soon it bends beneath a load of fruit!
+  Where'er the fire above the hollow brass,
+  The bubbling foam high-rais'd, and boiling drops
+  Sprinkled the ground,--the ground with verdure smil'd;
+  Flowers and soft herbage sprung. Medea sees,
+  And with her weapon ope's the senior's throat;
+  His aged blood exhausted sees, and pours
+  Her juices copious: part his mouth receives;
+  And part the wound. When AEson these had drank,
+  Their hoary whiteness lost, his beard and hair,
+  An ebon tinge receiv'd; his leanness fled;
+  His pallid ghastly face no more was seen;
+  His hollow veins with added blood were fill'd;
+  And all his limbs in lusty plumpness swell'd.
+  The wondering AEson, such himself beheld,
+  As the last forty years he ne'er had past.
+
+    Bacchus, from heaven survey'd the mighty change
+  Wonderous, and hence that power was given he found;
+  His nurses to restore to youthful years:
+  The boon from Tethys asking, he obtain'd.
+
+    Nor cease the frauds yet of the Phasian dame:
+  Fierce hatred 'gainst her by her spouse she feigns,
+  And flies to Pelias' court; a suppliant there,
+  His daughters hail her guest:--the sire bent down
+  With age. The crafty Colchian these beguiles
+  Soon, with her well-dissembled friendship's form.
+  Amid her mighty benefits, she tells
+  AEson's old age remov'd; relating all,
+  On this she chiefly dwells. Hope sudden springs
+  Within their virgin breasts: Pelias their sire,
+  Such art they trust may yet revivify.
+  That art they sue for,--highest claim'd reward
+  To her they promise: mute at first she stands,
+  And feigning doubt, in hesitation holds,
+  And anxious poise their eager minds. At last,
+  She says, when promising,--"That in the deed,
+  "More faith ye may confide, a leading ram,
+  "The oldest in your fleecy flocks, a lamb
+  "My medicine shall transform!"--Instant was dragg'd
+  The woolly beast, whose wreathing horns around
+  His hollow temples curl'd; whose wither'd throat
+  The steel Thessalian stabb'd; the scanty blood
+  The steel scarce spotting: then th' enchantress steeps
+  His mangled body in the caldron deep,
+  With juices powerful: smaller grow his limbs;
+  Shed are his horns; and vanish'd are his years;
+  And from the caldron tender bleatings sound:
+  Instant leaps forth to all the wondering crowd
+  The bleating lamb, which, frisking, flies and seeks
+  The swelling teats. With admiration struck,
+  Now Pelias' daughters faith unshaken give;
+  More urgent press their wish. Thrice had the sun,
+  'Merg'd in th' Iberian sea, unyok'd his steeds;
+  And the fourth night the glittering stars had shone;
+  When o'er the fire, pure water from the stream,
+  And powerless plants, the false Medea plac'd.
+
+    Now all in sleep relax'd, a death-like sleep,
+  The monarch's limbs were stretch'd; and with their king,
+  His guards lay dormant; so her magic words,
+  And magic tongue had doom'd. Medea leads
+  Across the steps the daughters; bidd'n by her,
+  His couch they compass.--"Why, O, feeble souls!
+  "Thus hesitate?"--she said,--"your swords unsheathe!
+  "Pour out his far-spent gore, that I may fill
+  "With youthful, vigorous blood his empty'd veins.
+  "Your father's life, and years, are in your hands:
+  "If sways you piety; if empty hopes
+  "Wavering deceive you not; then well deserve,
+  "By duty to your sire: quickly expel
+  "With weapons his old age: let issue forth
+  "His now congealing blood with brandish'd steel."
+  Exhorted thus, most pious she who feels,
+  First impious acts;--a wicked deed performs,
+  Lest wicked she were call'd: yet on the blow
+  Not one would bend her sight; with eyes averse
+  Their savage hands the unseen wounds inflict.
+  Flowing with gore, he from the bed uprais'd
+  His limbs; and from his posture strove half-torn
+  To rise; and stretching forth his pallid arms
+  'Mid all their threatening swords;--"Daughters!"--he cries,
+  "What do ye? Why against your parent's life
+  "Thus arm ye?"--Sink their spirits! drop their hands!
+  His throat Medea severing, stay'd the words
+  He more had utter'd,--and the mangled corse,
+  Deep in the boiling brazen caldron flung.
+
+    She now,--but through the air on dragon wings
+  High borne,--their furious vengeance had not scap'd.
+  O'er shady Pelion high she flew, and o'er
+  The cave of Chiron; Othrys; and the spot
+  For old Cerambus' strange adventure known:
+  Upborne on wings by kindly-aiding nymphs,
+  Here, when the solid earth th' incroaching main
+  Wide delug'd, flying, safe Deucalion's flood
+  He 'scap'd. AEoelian Pitane to left
+  She quits; and sees the dragon huge, to stone
+  An image turn'd. And Ida's grove where chang'd
+  By Bacchus' power, the steer a stag became,
+  To screen the theft. And where beneath the sand,
+  A little sand, Corythus' father lies;
+  And fields which Maera's new-heard howlings fill.
+  Euripylus' fam'd town, where Coaen dames,
+  What time the troops of Hercules them left,
+  With horns were crown'd: and Phoebus' favor'd Rhodes;
+  Jalysian Telchines, whose hateful eyes
+  All vitiating, Jove detesting 'whelm'd
+  Beneath his brother's waves. She passes next
+  Carthaeia' walls in ancient Caeae's isle,
+  Where wondering saw Alcidamas the sire,
+  A placid dove his daughter's body bear.
+  And Hyrie's lake she sees, and Tempe's pool
+  Cycneiaen, which the swan so sudden form'd
+  Frequented: Phyllius there, a willing slave,
+  Birds and fierce beasts, to his capricious boy
+  Oft brought--e'en lions tam'd; a furious bull
+  He bade him bring, a furious bull he brought;
+  But now in choler at his craving soul,
+  The bull refus'd, though as the last gift claim'd:
+  Indignant, cry'd he,--"soon you'll wish him given!"--
+  And from the high rock plung'd: all thought he fell:
+  But form'd a swan, lightly he pois'd in air
+  On snowy wings. Hyrie, her son thus sav'd,
+  Knew not, by constant weeping soon dissolv'd;
+  The lake becoming that still bears her name.
+  Near this is Pleuron:--Ophian Combe, here
+  Wafted on wings, her murderous sons escap'd.
+  Thence she beholds Latona's favorite isle;
+  Calaurea, where to birds the royal pair
+  Were chang'd: Cyllene, on the right is plac'd
+  Where like the savage herd, Menephron sought
+  His mother's bed. Far hence she spies in tears
+  Cephisus, for his nephew's fate who mourn'd,
+  Chang'd by Apollo to a sea-calf huge;
+  And saw Eumelus' dome, who wept his child,
+  A bird become. At length on dragon wings,
+  Pirenian Corinth she regain'd; where tell
+  The ancient tales, in primal ages, men
+  From shower-fed mushrooms sprung. Here first was flam'd
+  In Colchian venoms fierce, the new-made bride;
+  Then either sea in blazing spires beheld
+  The royal dome; and with her children's gore
+  Her impious sword was stain'd. Thus on herself
+  Reveng'd; from royal Jason's wrath she fled.
+
+    Borne hence, her snakes Titanian reach the walls
+  Of Pallas' city, where most just of men
+  O, Phineus! thou, and Periphas the old,
+  With Polyphemon's niece, as birds are seen,
+  Soaring aloft in air on new-form'd wings.
+  Here AEgeus' roof receiv'd her, for this deed
+  Alone to blame: not satisfy'd as host,
+  In marriage bonds he makes her more his own.
+  Now Theseus comes, son to his sire unknown,
+  Whose brave atchievements, all the two-sea'd land
+  In peace had settled. For his death she mix'd
+  The baneful aconite, long since from shores
+  Of Scythia brought; which thus old tales relate,
+  From Cerberus' venom'd jaws was first produc'd,
+  Through a dark den, with gloomy opening, lies
+  A path steep shelving, where Alcides dragg'd
+  Fierce Cerberus to light, resisting strong,
+  Glancing askaunce his eyes from day, whose rays
+  Sparkled too bright, in adamantine chains.
+  With rabid anger swol'n, a triple yell
+  Fill'd all the air; he o'er the virid plain
+  Sprinkled white foam; increasing fast this shoots;
+  The fruitful soil fresh virulence imparts,
+  And ranker grows its power: from hardest rocks
+  It lively springs, and Aconite hence nam'd.
+  This did old AEgeus, by his crafty spouse
+  Deceiv'd, to Theseus, as a foe, present.
+  Unwitting Theseus, in his hand receiv'd
+  The cup presented; when the sire espy'd
+  Upon his ivory-hilted sword a mark,
+  Which prov'd his offspring; from his lips he dash'd
+  The poison. Wrapp'd in clouds by magic rais'd,
+  The sorceress from their furious vengeance fled.
+
+    The sire, though joy'd, his son in safety found,
+  Trembles astonish'd at the narrow 'scape;
+  And horrid crime premeditated: burns
+  On every altar fires;--to every god
+  Piles costly gifts: full on the brawny neck
+  Of oxen falls, their horns with garlands bound,
+  The sacrificing axe. Ne'er till that day
+  Had Athens' town, such joyous feasting seen;
+  Nobles and commons crowd around the board,
+  And thus, by wine inspir'd, sublime they sing.
+
+    "Thee, mighty Theseus! Marathon admires,
+  "Stain'd by the vanquish'd Cretan bull's black gore.
+  "Thy aid the swains of Cromyon own; thou gav'st
+  "That now secure they till their fields. The land
+  "Of Epidaurus saw the club-arm'd son
+  "Of Vulcan slain by thee. By thee, beheld
+  "Cephisus' shores, the fierce Procrustes die,
+  "Ceres' Eleusis hail'd Cercyon's fall.
+  "Sinis thou slew'st, gifted with strength ill-us'd;
+  "His strength high trees could bend, and oft he dragg'd
+  "Close down to earth the loftiest tops of pines,
+  "Thus rent the bodies of his victims wide.
+  "Safe now extends the road to Lelex' walls,
+  "Scyron low laid: earth to the robber's limbs,
+  "Wide scatter'd, rest refuses; to his bones
+  "Ocean a tomb denies; long widely tost,
+  "Age hardens into rock his last remains;
+  "His name the rock still bears. Should we thy age
+  "And actions count, thy famous deeds by far
+  "Thy years outnumber. O, most brave of men!
+  "For thee the public vows ascend; to thee,
+  "In Bacchus' bowl we drink. The royal hall
+  "Resounds with all the grateful people's praise;
+  "Nor through the city glooms one sorrowing spot."
+
+    And yet (so seldom pleasure comes unmix'd,
+  But still some cares with joy will intervene)
+  While AEgeus, gladden'd that his son secure
+  Arriv'd; Minos, for furious war prepares.
+  Strong though his troops, and though his navy strong
+  His utmost strength was in paternal rage;
+  And with just arms Androgeus' death t' avenge
+  He wars: yet first auxiliar strength he gains;
+  And powerful sweeps the seas with flying ships.
+  First Anaphe joins him, and Astypalaea; urg'd
+  By promise this, and that by threats constrain'd,
+  Low Mycone; Cymolus' chalky fields;
+  Bright Cythnos; Scyros; flat Seriphus' isle;
+  The marble Paros; and the fort betray'd
+  For gold, demanded by the impious nymph
+  Sithonian: still for gold she anxious seeks
+  Though chang'd a bird; on sable pinions borne,
+  With sable feet, she flutters as a daw.
+
+    But Oliaros, and Didymae, unite;
+  And Gyaros, Andros, Tenos, all refuse,
+  With Peparethos, in bright olives rich,
+  To aid the Gnossian fleet. Thence to the left
+  Steering, OEnopia's regions Minos sought;
+  OEnopia call'd of old, AEgina now,
+  By AEaecus, his mother's honor'd name.
+  In crowds the people rush, and pant to view
+  So highly fam'd a prince: to meet him go
+  First Telamon, then Peleus next in age,
+  And Phocas third and last, Ev'n AEaecus
+  With years opprest, steps tardy forth, and asks
+  The visit's cause. The hundred-city'd king
+  Deep sighs, his grief paternal all renew'd,
+  And thus replies;--"My arms, O, king! assist
+  "Assum'd, just vengeance for a son to claim.
+  "Partake this pious war. Peace to his manes
+  "I seek."--But Asopiades replies;--
+  "In vain you ask;--my city cannot aid:
+  "No lands by neighbouring scite more closely bound,
+  "Than ours and Athens'; hence our league."--The king
+  Angry departs, exclaiming.--"Much your league
+  "May cost you!"--But to threaten war more safe
+  He deems, than wage it there, and waste his force.
+  Still from OEnopia's walls the fleet was seen,
+  Not distant far; when sped by swelling sail,
+  An Attic ship arriv'd; the friendly port
+  Enter'd. On board was Cephalus who bore
+  His country's message. Well the royal youths
+  The hero knew, though long time past beheld;
+  And gave the friendly hand, and welcome led
+  To their paternal dome. The graceful chief
+  Enters, retaining still evincing marks
+  Of pristine beauty; in his hand he bears
+  A branch of native olive: in the midst
+  Senior he stands; and younger on each side,
+  Clytus, and Butes, Pallas' sons. Complete
+  Their friendly salutations; next the words
+  Th' Athenians bade him, Cephalus reports:
+  Their aid demands; their ancient league recounts;
+  The oaths their fathers swore; and adds, all Greece
+  Might perish in their ruin. When their cause
+  With eloquence the messenger thus urg'd;
+  On his bright sceptre as his left hand lean'd,
+  "Take, O Athenians,"--AEaecus exclaim'd,--
+  "Not ask, our aid! Unhesitating draw
+  "What force this isle possesses, and with yours
+  "Employ it: with you shall my strongest power
+  "March forth: strength want we not; our numerous troops
+  "Abundant, for ourselves and friends suffice:
+  "Prais'd be the gods! such is our happy state
+  "Your wish defies evasion."--"Still may grow,"
+  Said Cephalus,--"your prosperous city's state,
+  "And yours!--What transport seiz'd me as I walk'd,
+  "To see each youth so fair, so equal ag'd,
+  "Of all who met me. Yet in vain I look'd
+  "For many features, known when last your walls
+  "Receiv'd me."--AEaecus, with deep-drawn sighs,
+  And sorrowing voice, thus answers.--"Better fate
+  "Completed, what a mournful sight began.
+  "Would I in full could all the facts relate!
+  "Now unconnected must I speak, or tire
+  "Your ear with words superfluous. Whom you seek,
+  "Whom you remember, bones and ashes rest.
+  "But small their numbers:--Heavens! how small to those,
+  "My people, who have sunk in death beside.
+
+    "A dreadful plague, the angry Juno shed
+  "Unjust, upon the natives of the land,
+  "Detested, that her rival's name it bore.
+  "While human seem'd the scourge, the noxious cause
+  "Of slaughter yet conceal'd, with physic's skill
+  "We strove; in vain! death mock'd the power of art.
+  "At first thick darkness heavy press'd the earth;
+  "Pregnant with heat roll'd on the lazy clouds.
+  "Four times the full-orb'd moon had join'd her horns,
+  "Four times diminish'd, had she disappear'd;
+  "Still the hot south-wind blew his deadly blasts.
+  "Our lakes and fountains, from th' infected air
+  "Contagion suck'd; millions of vipers swarm'd
+  "In our uncultur'd fields, our running streams
+  "Tainting with poison. First the sudden plague
+  "Its power display'd, on sheep, on dogs, on fowls,
+  "Cattle, and forest beasts with deadly power.
+  "The hapless ploughman, wondering, at his work
+  "Sees his strong oxen in the furrow sink.
+  "The woolly flocks with sickly bleatings waste
+  "In body, while their wool spontaneous falls.
+  "The steed so fiery, on the dusty plain
+  "So fam'd, the palm contemns; and all despis'd
+  "His ancient honors, at his manger groans,
+  "Prey to disease inglorious. His fierce rage
+  "The boar forgets. The stag neglects his speed.
+  "Not rush the bears upon the stronger herds.
+  "A general languor reigns. In woods, in fields,
+  "In ways, the filthy carcases are seen;
+  "The stench pollutes the air: and, wonderous! dogs,
+  "Nor birds rapacious, nor the grizzly wolves,
+  "Touch the dead spoil. Rotting they melt away,
+  "Poisoning the gale; and spreading wide the pest.
+  "Now the disease, a heavier scourge, attacks
+  "The hapless swains, and in the lofty walls
+  "Of cities rules. First the scorch'd vitals burn;
+  "The hidden fire the blushing skin betrays,
+  "And breath laborious drawn; the furr'd tongue swells;
+  "The parch'd mouth widely gapes, th' infectious air
+  "Inhaling copious. On the couch none lie;
+  "None bear their covering robes; their bodies swol'n,
+  "On the bare earth they fling; nor coolness find
+  "Their bodies from the ground;--the ground from them
+  "Burns hot. Nor aids them now physicians' skill;
+  "E'en them the dire pest seizes, and their art
+  "Fails to assist themselves. Who boldly comes,
+  "With kindly hand his dying friend to aid,
+  "Sinks straight in death beside him. Fled all hope
+  "Of health, and in the grave alone an end
+  "Beheld of their disease,--some wild indulge
+  "Their fondest passions, void of every care;
+  "For every care is vain. Of modest shame
+  "Regardless, in promiscuous throngs they crowd
+  "To rivers, fountains, and capacious wells,
+  "Their hot thirst unextinguish'd, but with life.
+  "To rise unable, many in the stream
+  "Sink, and there perish: still their followers drink.
+  "So irksome to the wretched sufferers seem
+  "Their couches, thence they spring;--and some too weak
+  "To lift their limbs, roll desperate to the ground.
+  "Each quits his home,--to each his home appears,
+  "The fatal spot; and while obscure the cause,
+  "Each deems the house contagious. Oft were seen
+  "Beings half-dead, slow crawling o'er the ways,
+  "Till power to crawl was lost. Others with moans
+  "Stretch'd on the ground, rolling their half-clos'd eyes,
+  "In final motion: raising high their arms
+  "To heaven's o'erhanging stars, breathe out their last,
+  "Caught here by death, and there. Ah! me, what then
+  "My mind employ'd? What but to loathe my life,
+  "And pray with my dear countrymen to die?
+  "Whatever side mine eyes were bent, I saw
+  "My people strewn;--thick as the mellow fruit,
+  "Shook from the branches, or the acorns lie.
+  "Observe that temple, lofty where it towers;
+  "To Jove 'tis sacred. Who to that high fane
+  "Their useless incense brought not? There how oft
+  "Wife for her husband, parent for her child,
+  "Before th' inexorable altar, breath'd
+  "Their dying gasp, 'mid deprecating prayers;
+  "And half their incense unconsum'd remain'd.
+  "How oft the oxen to the temple dragg'd,
+  "While now the priest his voice address'd, and pour'd
+  "The goblet o'er their foreheads, have they dropp'd
+  "By stroke unlook'd for. When myself, to Jove
+  "Wish'd sacrifice to offer up; for me,
+  "My country, and my sons,--the victim loud
+  "Dire lowings utter'd, and without a blow
+  "Fell sudden,--scarce with blood the wounding knife
+  "Was stain'd. The morbid inwards mock'd our wish,
+  "To learn the truth, and pleasure of the gods:
+  "The deep-fixt plague had to the bowels pierc'd.
+  "Before the sacred portals have I seen,
+  "The corses spread; before the altars too,
+  "As death would come in his most hideous form.
+  "Some with the cord life's passage choke, and seek
+  "Death, lest they death should meet. Madly they rush
+  "And voluntary meet approaching fate.
+  "The bodies plung'd in death, funereal rites
+  "Custom'd, receiv'd not; nor the numerous dead
+  "Could all the gates receive: or un-inhum'd
+  "Above the earth they lie, or on the pyre
+  "Unhonor'd by due rites, the bodies flame.
+  "All sense of reverence lost, for piles they fight;
+  "And burn their dead in fires which others own.
+  "To mourn are none; unwept the shadows roam,
+  "Of young and old alike, of sons and sires.
+  "The ground for graves too small, for fires the woods.
+  "Aghast this whirlwind of distress to view,
+  "O, Jove!--I cry'd--if false they not report,
+  "That once you in AEgina's arms were clasp'd;--
+  "If not, O, mighty sire! asham'd to own
+  "Yourself my parent, give my people back,
+  "Or give me death with them. A rattling sign
+  "He gave, and prosperous thunders roll'd. I spoke;--
+  "These omens I accept; and pray these signs
+  "May indicate your happy will:--as pledge
+  "I take them.--Nigh by chance an oak there stood,
+  "Thick-set with spreading boughs, Jove's sacred tree,
+  "Sprung from Dodona's stock: here I beheld
+  "Grain-gathering ants, each burthen'd with his load,
+  "In his small mouth, as o'er the rugged bark
+  "In lengthen'd file they march'd. The numerous crowds
+  "Admiring;--Best of fathers, I exclaim'd,
+  "So many subjects grant me, to refill
+  "My desert walls.--Trembled the lofty oak,
+  "Of wind no breath, yet mov'd the sounding boughs;
+  "With terror shook my limbs, and upright rear'd
+  "My hair; then kisses to the ground I gave,
+  "And kiss'd the oak; scarce hope I dar'd to feel:
+  "Yet still I nourish'd hope within my soul.
+  "Night comes; my body worn with cares, to sleep
+  "Obedience yielded. Still before mine eyes
+  "The oak appear'd; branches the same it bore,
+  "And on its branches seem'd the swarms the same;
+  "So mov'd the boughs, and on the grass below,
+  "Shook the corn-carrying crowd. Sudden they grew;
+  "Large, and more large they seem'd, as from the ground
+  "Themselves they rais'd, and stood in form erect.
+  "Their slender make, their numerous feet, their hue
+  "Of sable, disappear'd, and all their limbs
+  "An human shape confess'd. Sleep fled mine eyes;
+  "And fled my vision:--As by heaven not mark'd,
+  "Complaining;--far without the hall I heard
+  "A murmuring loud, and human seem'd the sounds,--
+  "Though stranger to mine ears: musing if still
+  "I slept not,--Lo! quick, Telamon approach'd,
+  "Wide threw the doors; and cry'd,--O, sire! behold;
+  "What hope, what faith surpasses!--Forth I come;
+  "Such men as in my dream my fancy saw,
+  "I see;--I know them, man by man, again:
+  "They come, and king salute me: unto Jove
+  "My votive thanks I pay; my city share
+  "Amongst my subjects new; and all my lands,
+  "(Of those who till'd them, empty.) Myrmidons,
+  "From whence they sprung, I call them. You have seen
+  "Their bodies,--still their habits are the same:
+  "A frugal race as wont, patient of toil;
+  "On gain still bent; tenacious of that gain.
+  "These equal all, in courage and in years,
+  "Shall follow you to battle; when the east
+  "Which blew you here so prosperous, (for the east
+  "Had brought him) to the southern gales shall yield."
+  With these and such like speeches, all the day
+  They sit conversing; evening they devote
+  To banquets; and the night to soft repose.
+  Sol rais'd his golden head, but Eurus still
+  Prevail'd, and bound their sails. Now Pallas' sons
+  To Cephalus, their chief in years, repair,
+  And to the king with Pallas' sons he goes;
+  But still deep-wrapt in sleep the king was laid.
+  Phocus receiv'd them at the gates; employ'd
+  Were Telamon and Peleus, troops to chuse
+  For the new war. Th' Athenian chief he leads
+  Within the palace, to the fairest rooms.
+  When all were seated, Phocus mark'd the dart
+  The hero bore, shap'd from a wood unknown,
+  Pointed with gold; and said, with prefac'd words:
+  "To range the forests, and fierce beasts to slay
+  "Is all my joy; yet long in doubt I've stood
+  "What tree this dart has form'd; for ash too pale,
+  "Too smooth for cornel; though from whence it comes
+  "So ignorant, ne'er before mine eyes beheld
+  "A fairer weapon."--Pallas' son address'd
+  The youth:--"The javelin's use you'll more admire
+  "Than beauty;--thrown where'er, its mark it gains,
+  "Unrul'd by erring chance, and bloody, back
+  "Instant returns."--Then Phocus curious asks
+  More full its story, how, and whence it came,
+  And who the author of so priz'd a gift.
+  Him Cephalus informs, but shame denies
+  To tell the whole, and what the present's price.
+  Full to his mind his consort's loss recall'd,
+  Tears sudden gush'd:--"O, goddess-born!--he cries,
+  "This dart (improbable howe'er) my tears
+  "Has often caus'd,--and long will make them flow;--
+  "If fate long life should grant. My dear-lov'd spouse
+  "This dart destroy'd:--O, that this fatal gift
+  "Had still been unpossess'd! Procris, ally'd
+  "To stol'n Orithyiae (if Orithyiae's fame
+  "Your ears has reach'd) was as her sister fair:
+  "Nay, match'd in form and manners, she might more
+  "The robber tempt. Her sire Erechthens join'd
+  "To me the maid; us love more firmly bound:
+  "Blest was I call'd, and blest I was indeed,
+  "And still were blest, but heaven else will'd my fate.
+  "Now had the second month connubial joys
+  "Beheld; when chasing dusky darkness far,
+  "Aurora ruddy, saw me on the heights
+  "Hymettus flowery rears, as there my toils
+  "For antler'd stags I spread: and there by force
+  "She clasp'd me. Truth I wish to guide my tongue
+  "Nor yet displease the goddess, when I swear
+  "Though bright her roseate cheeks; though wide she sways
+  "Of night and day the confines; though she quaffs
+  "Nectarean liquid, still I Procris lov'd:
+  "Still in my bosom Procris reign'd, and still
+  "Procris, my tongue repeated. Oft I urg'd
+  "The sacred couch, the new-felt joys, the rites
+  "So recent, and the plighted faith just given,
+  "To her deserted: when the goddess flam'd,
+  "Exclaiming;--Ingrate! cease thy doleful plaints,
+  "Enjoy thy Procris,--if I right foresee
+  "Thou'lt rue that wish'd enjoyment:--Angry thus
+  "She fled me. Slow returning, much I mus'd,
+  "The goddess' words recalling: fear me thrill'd,
+  "Lest Procris had her nuptial oaths profaned.
+  "Her age, her beauty, much suspicion mov'd;
+  "Her virtue bade me chase my fears as vain.
+  "Yet was I absent, and from whence I came,
+  "Prov'd how adulterous females might indulge,
+  "Suspicious love fears all. Studious I seek,
+  "What found would rack with torture; and I burn
+  "To bribe with gifts, and try her modest faith.
+  "Aurora aids my fears, my shape transforms:
+  "(Conscious I felt it.) To Minerva's town,
+  "To all unknown, I hastened, and my house
+  "Enter'd: the house in faultless guise I found;
+  "Chaste all appear'd, and anxious all were seen
+  "For their lost master. By a thousand arts
+  "Erechtheus' daughter I at length beheld,
+  "And seen was stagger'd: near my purpos'd proof
+  "Relinquish'd of fidelity; most hard
+  "The cheat to tell not; to refrain most hard
+  "From conjugal salutes. Sad she appear'd.
+  "But nought more lovely could in sadness seem:
+  "Burning in wishes for her absent spouse.
+  "Image, O, Phocus! what her beauteous face
+  "Could boast; a face that woe itself became.
+  "Why should I tell how oft her virtuous soul,
+  "Repuls'd my tempting offers? Why repeat
+  "How oft she cry'd;--For one myself I keep,
+  "For one, where'er he stays, my joys preserve.
+  "Whose mad suspicion would not this allay?
+  "This proof of faith? But I, not so content,
+  "Strive for my own confusion. Lavish gifts
+  "I proffer for the joys of one short night:
+  "More and more rich I heap them, till her breast
+  "Wavers, then loud exclaim,--Lo! here behold,
+  "Adulteress! one unluckily disguis'd,
+  "Unluckily betroth'd, thy lawful spouse!
+  "Perfidious! by those eyes convinc'd I stand.
+  "Nought she:--with silent shame o'ercome, she fled
+  "The house deceitful, and her hated spouse.
+  "With me offended, all the race of men
+  "Detesting, on the mountain tops she rov'd;
+  "Diana's sports close following. Fiercer love
+  "Flam'd in my bosom, thus deserted left.
+  "I su'd for pardon, and my fault I own'd;
+  "Swore that myself so tempted, so had err'd,
+  "By such high offers brib'd. Confessing thus,
+  "Her wounded modest pride grew more compos'd;
+  "And shortly I regain'd her. Long in peace
+  "We liv'd, and cordial spent the smiling years.
+  "Herself a gift she priz'd not: more she gave,
+  "An hound, she from Diana's hand receiv'd,
+  "Who said,--accept the fleetest of his race--
+  "And gave this javelin which you see me bear.
+  "If of the first the fate you seek to know,
+  "Attend, th' adventure will your wonder move.
+
+    "The son of Laius had the words explain'd,
+  "Before his time to every mind obscure;
+  "And the dark prophetess, down headlong flung,
+  "Laid lifeless, all her riddling tales forgot.
+  "Her, fostering Themis saw, and unreveng'd
+  "To lie not suffer'd. Straight another plague
+  "On Thebes was loos'd; and all the country swains
+  "Fear'd by the savage beast their flocks to lose,
+  "And fear'd their own destruction. With the youths
+  "Adjacent, I assembled; round the fields
+  "Our toils we fix; the toils the rapid beast
+  "O'erleaps high-bounding; 'bove the loftiest ropes,
+  "Stretch'd o'er the nets, with active spring he flies.
+  "The hounds uncoupled, in the chace he mocks,
+  "And like an agile bird before them plays;
+  "With outcries loud, for Laelaps' aid they call.
+  "(My Procris' gift, so nam'd.) Long had he tugg'd,
+  "To extricate him from the chain; to free
+  "His captive neck: scarce was he loos'd, so swift
+  "He shot, in vain our eyes his progress mark'd:
+  "In the light dust his feet were printed, he,
+  "Rapt from the view, was vanish'd. Swifter flies
+  "The darted spear not: nor the leaden ball
+  "Hurl'd from the whirling sling;--nor reedy dart
+  "Shot from the Cretan bow. A central hill
+  "High-towering, all the subject plains o'erlooks;
+  "Thither I climb, and there behold the chase;
+  "A novel scene. Now seems the beast safe caught;
+  "Now from the grasp light-springing. Flight right on
+  "Crafty he shuns, and doubles round the field,
+  "Cheating his chaser's mouth; and circling turns
+  "His foe's quick speed eluding. Swift he flies,--
+  "With equal swiftness follow'd. Now to grasp
+  "His prey seems Laelaps,--in his grasp deceiv'd,
+  "His empty jaws seize air. Now to my aid
+  "I call my javelin,--poize it for the blow,
+  "And bend mine eyes the thongs to fix secure:
+  "Again I lift them to behold the chase,
+  "And see astonish'd in the spacious plain
+  "Two marble statues! this to fly appears,--
+  "That barking seems to follow. So decreed
+  "Doubtless the gods, that in the arduous course
+  "Unconquer'd, each his glory might retain."
+
+    Thus far he spoke, then silent sate.--"What crime,"
+  Said Phocus--"has the javelin then perform'd?"--
+  And thus the javelin's fault the hero tells,
+  "Since joys supreme my sorrows first forewent,
+  "Let me, O, Phocus! first those joys recount.
+  "O, youth! how it delights me to retrace
+  "Those happy moments, when supremely blest
+  "In her, the primal years were joyous spent.
+  "She, equal happy in her darling spouse;
+  "Each mind of mutual care a portion bore;
+  "And love's connubial joys each equal shar'd.
+  "Jove's proffer'd couch, with my embrace compar'd,
+  "Procris had spurn'd; nor could the loveliest nymph
+  "Me tempt, though Venus' self had deign'd to sue:
+  "In either breast an equal ardor flam'd.
+  "In youthful guise I wont the woods to scour,
+  "For sport betimes, ere yet the sun had ting'd
+  "With early beams the lofty mountains' tops:
+  "Nor took I servants, nor the courser fleet,
+  "Nor hounds sharp-scented, nor the knotted snares;
+  "This dart my sole dependence: when my arm
+  "With slaughtered spoil was satiate, tir'd I sought
+  "The cooling shade, and sought where Aura breath'd
+  "In frigid vales her breezes. 'Midst the heat
+  "Refreshing air I sought, and Aura call'd,
+  "My labour's recreation; thus I sung,
+  "I well the words remember;--Aura, come!
+  "Come, my delight,--within my bosom creep,
+  "Most grateful friend; come, and as wont remove
+  "My inward flames.--By chance more tender words
+  "(So sway'd my destiny) to these I join'd:
+  "And thus I spoke--O, thou! my greatest joy
+  "Refreshing, cherishing my strength and power!
+  "For thee, these woods and lonely spots I love:
+  "Here does my wishing mouth thy breath inhale.--
+  "These words ambiguous, busy ears receiv'd,
+  "And Aura! Aura! oft invok'd, they deem
+  "A favor'd nymph,--a nymph by me belov'd.
+  "The rash informer with the imag'd wrong,
+  "My Procris seeks his whispering tongue relates,
+  "The words o'erheard. Love credulous believes.
+  "O'erpress'd with grief, she sudden sunk, when heard
+  "The tale,--and long she unrecover'd laid.
+  "Then--hapless wife!--O, wayward fate! she cries:--
+  "My broken faith bewails, and with my crime
+  "Imagin'd, troubled, fears what not exists,--
+  "A name without a being: much she grieves,
+  "As real were her rival: yet full oft
+  "Stagger'd, she doubts, and hopes herself deceiv'd:
+  "Trusts not th' informer; and her husband's fault,
+  "Unless beheld, refuses to believe.
+  "When next Aurora bade the darkness fly
+  "I sally'd forth, and sought th' accustomed wood:
+  "Then tir'd with conquest, on the grass I stretch'd,
+  "And,--come, dear Aura, ease my pain,--I cry'd
+  "Sudden a mournful sigh betwixt my words
+  "I heard, but still proceeded,--dearest, come!--
+  "Again the falling leaves a rustling sound
+  "Causing, a savage beast I thought lay hid,
+  "And hurl'd my faithful dart. Procris was there!
+  "And as her tender breast the blow receiv'd
+  "Alas! she cry'd.--My faithful spouse's voice
+  "I knew, and with distracted speed I ran;
+  "Half-dead I found her, all her robes distain'd
+  "With flowing blood,--and dragging from the wound,
+  "Ah, me!--her fatal gift. My guilty arms,
+  "Her body, dearer far than mine, support;
+  "My vest I rend, the cruel gash to bind,
+  "And check the gushing blood; I fearful pray,
+  "She will not leave me guilty of her fate.
+  "She now, her strength fast wasting, dying fast,
+  "These words to utter try'd:--Suppliant I beg,
+  "By all the oaths that form'd our nuptial ties;
+  "By all the gods and goddesses above;
+  "By all my actions which have given you joy;
+  "By that strong love which thus my fate has caus'd,
+  "Which now in death my bosom still retains,
+  "Let not this Aura to my bed succeed.--
+  "She said,--too late I learn'd, too late I told
+  "The error of the name; for what avail'd!
+  "She sinks, her small remaining strength is fled,
+  "Her last blood flows. While ought she seems to view,
+  "On me she bends her eyes; her hapless soul
+  "My lips inhale, yet pleas'd her brow appears
+  "In death, more calm from what I just explain'd."
+  Thus grieving, Cephalus concludes, and all
+  His audience with him weep. When, lo! appear
+  King AEaecus, his sons, and troops new-rais'd;
+  Whom Cephalus, in warlike strength, receives.
+
+  END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
+
+  _Macdonald & Bailey, Printers, Harris's Place,
+  Oxford-Street._
+
+
+
+
+  THE
+  METAMORPHOSES
+  OF
+  PUBLIUS OVIDIUS NASO
+  IN
+  *English Blank Verse*
+
+
+  Translated by
+  J. J. HOWARD
+
+  VOL. II.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+*The Eighth Book.*
+
+
+    Nisus betrayed to Minos by his daughter Scylla; changed to a
+    falcon, and Scylla to a lark. Return of Minos to Crete. The
+    Minotaur and labyrinth. Flight of Daedalus and Icarus. Change of
+    Perdix to a partridge. Chase and death of the Calydonian boar, by
+    Meleager and Atalanta. Murder of Meleager's uncles. Vengeance of
+    his mother. Death of Meleager, and transformation of his sisters
+    to birds. Acheloues. Nymphs transformed into the isles Echinades.
+    Perimele into an island. Story of Baucis and Philemon. Changes of
+    Proteus. Story of Erisichthon, and transformations of his
+    daughter.
+
+  *Printed by G. HAYDEN,
+  Brydges Street, Covent Garden.*
+
+
+
+
+THE *Eighth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Now leading Phosphor' shining day disclos'd,
+  The darkness flying; and the eastern gales
+  Lull'd into calm, the vapoury clouds arose:
+  The placid south befriending, rapid borne,
+  The hero Cephalus, and aiding troops,
+  Ride unexpected in their wish'd-for port.
+
+    Minos, meanwhile, the Lelegeian coast
+  Lays waste, and on Alcathoe's town his power
+  Essays. Here Nisus rul'd, whose reverend locks
+  Of silvery brightness, in the midst contain'd
+  One with rich purple splendid, sacred pledge
+  Of fortune to his kingdom. Six times seen
+  Were Luna's horns arising fresh renew'd;
+  Still hover'd conquest doubtful o'er the war,
+  On wavering pinions, 'twixt opposing hosts.
+  A regal tower its vocal walls high-rear'd,
+  Where once Latona's son his golden lyre
+  Rested; the music still the stones retain'd.
+  Oft here the beauteous daughter of the king
+  Ascended, and the latent music drew
+  Forth to the ear, by smallest pebbles struck.
+  Thus she in peaceful times, and here she oft
+  When war was raging, ventur'd: hence she saw
+  The rough encounters of the furious field.
+  So long the tedious warfare, well she knew
+  The leaders' names, their arms, their prancing steeds:
+  And knew their garments, and their Cretan bows.
+  Far beyond all Europa's son she knew,
+  More than became her state: this Minos well
+  Could prove; whose head in crested helmet hid,
+  Most beauteous helm'd appear'd: whose arm, adorn'd
+  With brazen shield refulgent, well became
+  The brazen shield: whose hand the tough lance whirl'd,
+  And back withdrawn, the virgin wondering prais'd
+  Such strength and skill combin'd: to fit the dart
+  When to the spreading bow his strength he bent,
+  She vow'd that Phoebus in such posture stood
+  His arrows fitting: when, his brazen casque
+  Relinquish'd, all his features shone display'd,
+  As purple-rob'd his snow-white steed he press'd,
+  In painted housings gay, and curb'd his jaws
+  White foaming,--then the lost Nisean maid,
+  Scarcely herself, in frantic rapture spoke:--
+  Blest call'd the javelin, that his hands it touch'd;
+  Blest call'd the reins he curb'd. Arduous she burns,
+  (Could she) through hostile ranks her virgin steps
+  To bend: arduous she burns, from loftiest towers
+  To fling her body in the Cretan camp.
+  The brazen portals of the city's walls
+  Wide to the foe she'd ope: what could she not?
+  That Minos will'd? As resting here she view'd,
+  The white pavilion of the Gnossian king
+  Dubious, she cry'd;--"Or should I grieve or joy,
+  "This mournful war to witness? Grieve I must
+  "That Minos so belov'd should be my foe.
+  "But had the war not been, his lovely face
+  "Had ne'er to me been known. Now war may cease
+  "Should I become the hostage:--I retain'd,
+  "As Minos' comrade, and the pledge of peace.
+  "Fairest of forms! if she who brought thee forth
+  "Resembled thee, well might an amorous god
+  "Burn for her beauty. O! thrice blest were I,
+  "If borne through air on lightly-waving wings,
+  "The Cretan monarch's camp I might explore,
+  "And there, my rank and love disclos'd, demand
+  "What dowry he would ask to be my spouse.
+  "My country's towers alone, he should not seek.
+  "Perish the joys of his expected bed,
+  "Ere I through treason gain them! Yet full oft
+  "A moderate victor's clemency affords
+  "Great blessings to the vanquish'd. Doubtless, he
+  "Just warfare wages for his murder'd son.
+  "Strong in his cause, and in his armies strong,
+  "Which aid that cause, he must the conquest gain.
+  "Why, if this fate my country waits, should war,
+  "And not my love unbar to him the gates?
+  "So may he conquer; slaughter, toil, and blood,--
+  "His own dear blood, avoided. How I dread,
+  "Lest some rash hand might that lov'd bosom wound!
+  "None but the ignorant sure, the savage spear
+  "At him would hurl. The scheme delights my soul:
+  "Fixt my resolve; my country as my dower
+  "Will I deliver, finish so the war!
+  "But what are resolutions? Watchful guards
+  "The passes keep; of every gate, the keys
+  "My father careful holds. Hapless! I dread
+  "My father only; he alone withstands
+  "My wishes; would that so the gods had doom'd,
+  "I had no parent! But to each himself
+  "A god may surely be; and fortune spurns
+  "Lazy beseechers. With such love inflam'd,
+  "Another maid had long ere now destroy'd
+  "All barriers to her bliss; and why than I,
+  "Should any dare more boldly? Fearless, I
+  "Thro' swords and flames would pass, but swords and flames
+  "Oppose me not in this: my sole desire
+  "Compris'd in one small lock of Nisus' hair:
+  "Than gold that prize more dear. That purple lock
+  "Most blest would make me, and my sole desires
+  "Encompass."--Speaking thus, the gloomy night,
+  Imperial nurse of cares, approach'd; more bold
+  Her daring project with the darkness grew.
+
+    Now primal slumbers rul'd o'er weary breasts,
+  Tir'd with their toil diurnal. Silent, she
+  Her father's chamber enters, and (O, dire!)
+  The daughter from her parent's head divides
+  The fateful lock! Her wicked prize possess'd,
+  Forth from the gate she issues; and the spoil,
+  So cursed, with her bears; as through the hosts,
+  (Such boldness gave the deed,) she seeks the king,
+  Whom thus, astonish'd and aghast, she hails:--
+  "To wicked deeds love sways; behold me here,
+  "Scylla, from royal Nisus sprung; to thee
+  "My household gods and country I betray:
+  "Thee, sole reward I seek. Pledge of my faith,
+  "This purple lock receive, and with this lock
+  "Receive my parent's head."--Then in her hand
+  The impious gift presented. Minos spurn'd
+  The parricidal present; deeply shock'd
+  A deed so base to witness, and exclaim'd;--
+  "May all the gods, from every part of earth
+  "Thee banish, scandal of our age! may land
+  "And sea alike reject thee; such a soul
+  "So monstrous! ne'er with me shall touch the shores
+  "Of Crete, my land, and cradle of high Jove."
+  He said, and on his captive foes impos'd
+  Most just his equal laws; his men bade loose
+  Their cables from the beach, and with their oars
+  His vessels bright with brass, urge on the deep.
+
+    Launch'd on the main, when Scylla sees the fleet,
+  Nor from its leader gain'd the hop'd reward,
+  Her wicked deed had sought, tir'd of her prayers,
+  In desperate rage she storms; wild throws her hair;
+  Stretches her hands, exclaiming;--"Where! O, where!
+  "Fly'st thou, the author of thy fortune left?
+  "O, priz'd above my country! 'bove my sire!
+  "O cruel, whither fly'st thou, whose success
+  "At once my merit, and my fault displays?
+  "Will not the gifted conquest move thy soul?
+  "Will not my love thee move? Will not the thought
+  "That all my hopes centre in thee alone?
+  "By thee deserted, whither shall I fly?
+  "Back to my natal town? Ruin'd it lies;
+  "Or if still standing, fast the gates are barr'd
+  "Against my treason. To my father's arms,
+  "Whom I betray'd? Each citizen me hates
+  "Deserv'dly; neighbours my example dread.
+  "Banish'd, an exile from each spot of earth,--
+  "Crete only open lies. Thence dost thou drive
+  "Me also? Ingrate! dost thou fly me so?
+  "Europa never bore thee, but some Syrt'
+  "Inhospitable; or some tigress fell
+  "Bred in Armenia; or Charybdis vext
+  "With tempests: Jove was ne'er thy sire, nor feign'd
+  "A bull's resemblance to delude her, false
+  "That fable of thy origin. A bull,
+  "Real and savage thee begot, whose love
+  "No heifer mov'd. O father Nisus! now
+  "Exact thy vengeance. Joy, O town! betray'd
+  "By my transgression; for the woes I feel
+  "Most merited I grant; guilty I die:
+  "Yet should the deadly blow be given by one
+  "My impious fault has injur'd; not by thee,
+  "Victor through crimes thou with avenging hate
+  "Now persecutest. This flagitious deed
+  "Against my country, and against my sire,
+  "Was all for thee. Th' adultress who beguil'd
+  "In wooden cavity the furious bull;
+  "Whose womb an ill-assorted birth produc'd;
+  "Well for a spouse befits thee. Do my words
+  "Reach to thine ears, or no? Do the brisk winds,
+  "Thou ingrate! waft my bootless plainings on,
+  "And waft thy vessels? Wondrous now no more,
+  "Pasiphae, to thy embrace a bull
+  "Preferr'd; for more unpitying is thy soul.
+  "Joyful, ah! hapless me,--away thou fly'st;
+  "Thy cleaving oars dash on the sounding waves:
+  "Me, and my country far from thee recede.
+  "O wretch! forgetful of my favoring aid,
+  "Thou striv'st in vain to fly me. 'Gainst thy wish
+  "Thee will I follow; on thy crooked ship
+  "Hanging, embracing, dragg'd through drenching seas.'
+  Scarce ending, in the waves she furious leaped,
+  Vigorous by love, and gain'd the flying fleet;
+  And clasp'd, unwelcome guest, the Gnossian poop.
+  Here soon her father spy'd her (in the air
+  He wing'd his way, now cloth'd with yellow plumes
+  A falcon) and down darted; with his beak
+  So curv'd, to wound her as she clung. In dread
+  Her grasp she loos'd, and as she seem'd to fall,
+  The light air bore her from the waves below:
+  Plum'd she became, and form'd a feather'd bird,
+  Ciris they call'd her from the ravish'd lock.
+
+    To Jove now Minos all his vows performs,
+  An hecatomb of bulls; as from the fleet
+  He lands on Gnossus' shores: his royal hall
+  With all his spoils, on high uphung, adorn'd.
+
+    Meantime th' opprobrium of his bed increas'd:
+  The two-formed monster in a novel birth,
+  At length the mother's beastly crime proclaim'd.
+  Minos, the shameful witness from his couch,
+  Far to remove determines; in a dome
+  Intricate winding, he resolves to lodge,
+  From every eye conceal'd, the birth. Intrusts
+  The work to Daedalus, in cunning arts
+  Most fam'd, to build. He all the various marks,
+  Confuses, puzzles; bent on either side,
+  The various paths confound the searching eye.
+  So in the fields the soft Maeander plays,
+  Here refluent, flowing there with dubious course;
+  Meeting himself, his wandering stream he sees:
+  And urges now to whence he first arose;
+  Now to the open outlet of the main.
+  Thus Daedalus the numerous paths perplex'd
+  With puzzlings intricate, so much entwin'd,
+  Himself could scarce the outer threshold gain.
+  Here was the double monster, man and bull
+  Inclos'd; till by the third allotted tribe,
+  The ninth year, vanquish'd; with Athenian blood
+  Twice gorg'd before. Then was the secret gate,
+  So often sought in vain, found by the aid
+  A virgin lent to trace the winding clue.
+  Instant for Dias, Theseus loos'd his sails,
+  With Minos' ravish'd daughter: on that shore
+  Cruel! he left her. The deserted nymph
+  Wildly lamenting, Bacchus soon embrac'd,
+  And gave her needful aid; her fame to fix
+  Immortal in the skies, her sparkling crown,
+  Mov'd from her forehead, 'mid the stars he plac'd:
+  Through the thin air it flies, and as it mounts
+  To blazing stars, the glittering jewels change.
+  Still as a crown it shines, its station 'midst
+  Where stout Alcides Ophiuchus grasps.
+
+    Meantime long exile, and the land of Crete
+  Detesting; burning with a patriot's wish
+  His native soil to visit, Daedalus,
+  By sea escape prevented, thus exclaim'd;--
+  "Let earth and ocean both my flight obstruct,
+  "Still open lies the air; through air we'll go.
+  "Minos controlling all, controls not air."--
+  He speaks, and bends to unknown arts his skill,
+  Improving Nature's gift. Quills fixt in rows
+  He places; small at first in length and size,
+  Gradual enlarg'd, as if a hill's steep side
+  Growing, produc'd them: So time past the pipe,
+  Of rustic origin, by small degrees
+  Increasing reeds compos'd. Firm fixt with thread
+  Their middle part he binds, and close with wax
+  Cements their bottom. All complete he bends
+  The composition in a gentle curve,
+  Resembling real wings. Young Icarus
+  Alone was present; ignorant that the work
+  Would his destruction cause; with playful tricks
+  He fingers now the feathers, now his hands
+  Soften the yellow wax. His sportive wiles
+  His father's wond'rous essay oft delay.
+
+    Now was the last completing stroke impos'd
+  Upon his undertaking: First the sire
+  On artificial wings his body pois'd,
+  And in the beaten air suspended hung:
+  Then his young offspring, Icarus, he taught.--
+  "This I my son advise, a middle course,
+  "To keep be cautious; low if thou should'st skim,
+  "Heavy with ocean's spray thy wings would droop:
+  "If high, the sun would scorch them. Steer thy course
+  "'Twixt each extreme. Nor would I wish thine eyes
+  "To view Booetes, or the northern bear;
+  "Nor yet Orion's naked sword. My track
+  "Cautious pursue."--With anxious care he gives
+  Rules thus for flight; and to his shoulders fits
+  The new-form'd pinions. Tears his ancient cheeks
+  Bedew'd, as thus his admonitions flow'd:
+  And his paternal hands as thus employ'd,
+  Beneath the office trembled. Warm salutes
+  He gave the boy, nor knew he gave the last;
+  Then on his feathers borne, explores the way,
+  Timid for him who follows. So the bird,
+  Tempts from her lofty nest her new-fledg'd brood,
+  In the thin air. He bids him close pursue,
+  Tries in each shape to teach the fatal skill;
+  Shakes his own pinions, bending back to view
+  His son's. The angler as with quivering reed,
+  He drew his prey to land; the shepherd-swain,
+  As o'er his staff he lean'd; the ploughman-clown,
+  Their flight astonish'd saw, and deem'd them gods,
+  That so at will could cleave the liquid sky.
+
+    Now Samos, Juno's favor'd isle they pass'd,
+  Delos, and Paros, all to left;--to right
+  Labyrithos lay, and rich in honey'd sweets
+  Calymne: when the heedless boy o'erjoy'd
+  In his bold flight, the precepts of his guide
+  Contemning, soar'd to heaven a loftier range.
+  The neighbouring sun's fierce heat the fragrant wax
+  Which bound, his pinions, soften'd. Soon the wax
+  Dissolves; and now his naked arms he waves;
+  But destitute of power his course to steer,
+  No air his arms can gather; loud he calls
+  His father's name, as in the azure deep
+  He drops,--the deep which still his name retains.
+
+    The hapless parent, not a parent now,
+  Loud calls on Icarus;--"Where art thou, son?
+  "Where shall I seek thee, Icarus?"--He said,
+  And spy'd his feathers floating on the waves:
+  Then curs'd his hapless art, as in the earth,
+  He deep intomb'd him; all the land around
+  Bears from the youth intomb'd its present name.
+
+    The whirring partridge, from a branchy holm
+  Beheld him, as beneath the turf he plac'd
+  His son's lamented body, and with joy
+  Flutter'd his feathers; while his chirping song
+  Proclaim'd his gladness: then the only bird
+  Known of his kind, in elder days unseen;
+  But lately cloth'd with feathers, through the crime
+  Flagitious, Daedalus, of thee! To thee,
+  Thy sister, witless how his fate was doom'd,
+  Her son committed for instructing art,
+  When twice six annual suns the youth had seen;
+  His docile mind best fitted then to learn.
+  He well th' indented bones remark'd, which form
+  The fish's spiny back, and in like mode,
+  Sharp steel indenting, first the saw produc'd
+  For public service. Two steel arms he join'd
+  Fixt to one orb above; each widely stretch'd,
+  One steady rests, the other circling turns.
+  Him Daedalus with envy viewing, forc'd
+  Headlong, from sacred Pallas' lofty tower,
+  His death feign'd accidental: but the maid
+  Divine, to all ingenious minds a friend,
+  Receiv'd him in his fall; chang'd to a bird,
+  On pinions bore him through the middle air.
+  His vigorous powers in force remain the same,
+  But change their seat; rapid he flies, and quick
+  He races on the ground; his name remains
+  Unalter'd: still the cautious bird declines
+  To trust his weight aloft, nor forms his nest
+  On lofty boughs, or summits of high trees:
+  Nigh to the earth he skims; beneath the hedge
+  His shelly brood deposits; of his fall
+  Still mindful, towering heights he always shuns.
+
+    Now Daedalus, with lengthen'd flight fatigu'd,
+  Sicilia's realm receiv'd; whose king humane,
+  Great Cocalus, mov'd with his suppliant pray'r,
+  Arm'd to assist him. Now by Theseus freed,
+  Athens no more the mournful tribute paid.
+  With garlands every temple gay they hang,
+  Invoke the warlike maid, the mighty Jove,
+  And every deity: their altars all
+  With promis'd blood they honor; with rich gifts,
+  And fragrant incense. Now had wandering fame
+  Through all the Grecian towns, spread the renown
+  Of Theseus: and the rich Achaia's tribes
+  His aid implor'd, when mighty perils press'd.
+  Ev'n Calydon, though Meleager brave
+  Possessing, sought his help with suppliant words.
+  The cause, a furious boar by Dian' sent,
+  Avenging instrument of slighted power.
+
+    OEneus, from plenteous harvests' full success
+  Rejoicing, primal fruits to Ceres gave;
+  To Bacchus pour'd libations of his wine;
+  To yellow-hair'd Minerva offer'd oil:
+  The rites invidious, from the rural gods
+  Commencing, all the bright celestials shar'd.
+  Latona's daughter only, in her fane,
+  Nor flames nor offerings on her altar saw.
+  Rage fires ev'n heavenly breasts.--"Not unreveng'd,"--
+  She cry'd,--shall this be suffer'd; honor'd not!
+  "Not unappeas'd by vengeance will I rest."--
+  Then through th' OEneian fields the maid, despis'd,
+  Sends the fierce boar to ravage. Such his size,
+  The bulls that in Epirus' pastures graze
+  More huge appear not: in Sicilia's meads
+  Far less are seen. Red are his sparkling eyes,
+  Fire mixt with blood; high rears his fearful neck,
+  Thick clustering spears the threatening bristles seem:
+  Hoarse as he grunts, down his wide shoulders spreads
+  The boiling foam: his tusks the tusks outvie
+  Of India's hugest beast: the lightening's blast,
+  Driven from his mouth, burns all the verdant leaves.
+  Now o'er the corn, but yet in budding ears,
+  He tramples, immature he reaps the crop;
+  The loud-lamenting tiller's hopes destroy'd:
+  The harvest intercepting in the shoot.
+  In vain the barns, the granaries in vain,
+  Their promis'd loads expect. Prostrate alike
+  Are thrown the fruitful clusters of the vine,
+  With shooting tendrils; and the olive's fruit
+  With branches ever-blooming. On the flocks
+  He rages: these not shepherds, not their dogs
+  Could save; nor could the furious bull his herd.
+  Wide fled the people; safety none durst hope
+  Save in their cities' walls; till thirst of fame
+  Fir'd Meleager, with his chosen band
+  Of valiant youths. And first were seen the twins
+  Of Tyndarus, for wond'rous skill renown'd,
+  This at the caestus, that to curb the steed:
+  Jason, whose art the primal ship design'd:
+  Theseus, in happy concord with his friend
+  Pirithous, join'd: Thestius' two valiant sons:
+  Lynceus, Aphareus' offspring: Idas swift:
+  Leucippus fierce: Acastus unexcell'd
+  To dart the javelin: Caeneus, now no more
+  Cloth'd in a female figure: Phoenix, sprung
+  From old Amyntor: Actor's equal sons:
+  Hippothooes: Dryas: and from Elis' town
+  Dispatch'd, came Phileus. Nor was absent there,
+  Brave Telamon, nor great Achilles' sire:
+  Nor stout Eurytion; with Pheretus' son:
+  Nor Hyantean Ioelaues brave:
+  Echion in speed unconquer'd: Nestor then
+  In primal youth: Lelex, Narycian born:
+  Panopeus: Hyleus: Hippasus the fierce:
+  Nor those whom Hippocooen sent in aid,
+  From old Amyclae: nor Ulysses' sire:
+  Ancaeus of Parrhasia: Mopsus sage:
+  Amphiareus, then by his false spouse's guile
+  Betray'd not. With them Atalanta came,
+  The grace and glory of Arcadia's woods.
+  A shining buckle from the ground confin'd
+  Her garment's border: simply bound, her hair
+  One knot confin'd: her ivory quiver, slung
+  O'er her left shoulder, sounded as she stepp'd:
+  Her hand sustain'd a bow: and thus array'd
+  Appear'd her form. Her lineaments disclos'd,
+  What scarce might feminine in boys appear;
+  Or hardly boyish in a virgin's face.
+  The chief of Calydon the maid beheld,--
+  Beheld, and lov'd: while heaven his love oppos'd.
+  The secret flames inhaling deep, he cry'd,--
+  "O, blessed youth! if youth to gain thy hand
+  "Worthy were deem'd!"--Nor bashful shame, nor time
+  Would more allow; a mightier deed now claim'd
+  Their utmost efforts for the furious war.
+
+    Darken'd with trees thick-growing, rose a wood;
+  From earliest ages there the biting axe
+  Had never sounded; in the plain it rear'd
+  Facing the sloping fields. The youths arriv'd;
+  Some spread the knotted toils; some loose the hounds;
+  Some strive the foot-prints of the boar to trace,
+  Their danger anxious seeking. Low beneath
+  A hollow vale extended, where the floods
+  Fresh showery torrents gather'd, lazy laid.
+  The flexile willow, and the waving reed;
+  The fenny bulrush, osier, and the cane
+  Diminutive, the stagnant depth conceal'd.
+  Arous'd from hence, the boar impetuous rush'd
+  Amidst his host of foes; so lightenings dart
+  When clouds concussive clash. His rapid force
+  Levels the grove, the crackling trees resound
+  Where'er he pushes: loud the joyful youth
+  Exclaim, each grasping with a nervous hand
+  His weapon brandish'd, while its broad head shakes.
+  Forward he darts, the dogs he scatters wide,
+  And each opposing power; his strokes oblique
+  Their baying drives to distance. Echion's arm
+  Hurl'd the first dart, but hurl'd the dart in vain;
+  Lightly a maple's trunk the weapon graz'd.
+  The next, but over-urg'd the force that sent,
+  Had pierc'd the rough back of the wish'd-for prey;
+  Jason's the steel,--it whizz'd beyond him far.
+  Then Mopsus pray'd,--"O Phoebus! if thy rites
+  "I e'er perform'd, if still I thee adore,
+  "Grant my sure weapon what I wish to touch."
+  The god consented, what he could he gave,--
+  The boar was struck, but struck without a wound:
+  Diana from the flying weapon snatch'd
+  The steely head, and pointless fell the wood.
+  More chafes the beast, like lightening fierce he burns,
+  Fire from his eyeballs flashes, from his chest
+  Clouds of hot smoke through his wide nostrils roll.
+  Forc'd from the close-drawn string as flies a stone,
+  Hurl'd at embattl'd walls, or hostile towers
+  With foes thick crowded: so the deadly beast
+  Rush'd on the heroes with unerring shock.
+  Eupalamus and Pelagon, who stood
+  The right wing guarding, on the earth he threw:
+  Their fellows snatch'd them from impending fate.
+  Not so Onesimus, of Hippocooen
+  The offspring, 'scap'd the death-inflicting blow;
+  Torn through the ham, just as for flight he turn'd;
+  His slacken'd nerves could bear his weight no more.
+  Then Nestor too, long e'er the Trojan times,
+  Perchance had perish'd, but beside him stood
+  A tree, whose branches nimbly he attain'd;
+  A mighty effort, aided by his spear:
+  Safe in his seat, he view'd the foe he fled,
+  Beneath him. Fiercely threatening death below,
+  He whets his tushes on a stumpy oak,
+  And bold in sharpen'd arms, ranches the thigh,
+  With crooked fangs, of Othrys' mighty son.
+  Now the twin-brothers, ere in heaven display'd
+  Bright constellations, both fair dazzling shone,
+  Mounted on steeds, whose lily'd hue surpass'd
+  Th' unsully'd snow; both shook their brandish'd spears,
+  The trembling motion sounded high in air;
+  Deep both had pierc'd, but 'mid the darkening trees,
+  Their bristly foe sought refuge, where nor steed,
+  Nor dart could reach him. Telamon pursues;
+  Ardent, and heedless of his steps, a root
+  Checks his quick feet, and prone the hero falls.
+  While Peleus aids his brother chief to rise,
+  The beauteous Atalanta to the string
+  Fits the swift dart, and from the bended bow
+  Speeds it; the arrow, fixt beneath his ear,
+  Razes the monster's skin, and drops of blood
+  His bristly neck ensanguine. Joys the maid
+  To see the blow;--but Meleager far
+  In joy surpass'd her. He the first beheld
+  The trickling blood; he to his comrades first
+  The wound display'd, exclaiming,--"Yon fair nymph
+  "The honors so deserv'dly won shall bear."--
+  The warriors blush with shame, and each exhorts
+  His fellow; shouts their souls more valiant swell;
+  In heaps confus'd their numerous javelins fly;
+  Clashing in crowds, each javelin fails to wound.
+  Lo! now Ancaeus furious, to his fate
+  Blind rushing, rears his double axe, and cries,--
+  "Behold, O youths! how much a manly arm
+  "Outstrikes a female's, to my prowess yield
+  "The palm of conquest. Let Latona's maid
+  "With all her power protect him, yet my force,
+  "Spite of Diana, shall the monster slay."--
+  Proud his big-boasting tongue thus speaks, then grasps
+  His two-edg'd weapon firmly in his hands,
+  And rais'd on tiptoe meditates the blow.
+  The watchful beast prevents him, through his groin,
+  To death sure passage, drives his double tusks:
+  Ancaeus drops; his bowels gushing fall,
+  Roll on the earth, and soak the ground in gore.
+  Ixion's son, Pirithous, on the foe
+  Rush'd, in his nervous hand a powerful spear
+  Brandishing; Theseus loudly to his friend
+  Exclaim'd,--"O, dearer far than is myself,--
+  "Half of my soul, at distance wait; the brave
+  "At distance may engage; valor too rash
+  "Destroy'd Ancaeus."--As he spoke he hurl'd
+  His massive cornel spear; its brazen head
+  Well pois'd, its sender's anxious wish appear'd
+  Fair to accomplish, when a leafy arm
+  Branch'd from a beech, oppos'd it in its flight.
+  Next AEson's son, his javelin threw, but chance
+  Glanc'd from its mark the weapon, and transpierc'd
+  An undeserving hound; the dart was drove
+  Through all his belly, and deep fixt in earth.
+  But different fortune on the arms awaits
+  Of Meleager, javelins two he sent;
+  Deep in the ground the foremost pierc'd, the next
+  Firm in the monster's back quivering stood fixt.
+  Nor stays he, whilst he raging furious whirl'd
+  In giddy circles round, and pour'd his foam,
+  Mad with the new-felt torture, close at hand
+  The hero plies his work, provokes his foe
+  To fiercer ire, and in his furious breast
+  Buries the glittering spear. A second shout
+  Loudly proclaims his thronging comrades' joy;
+  Each to the victor crowding, hand in hand
+  Congratulating grasps him; each amaz'd
+  Views the dire savage, as his mighty bulk
+  O'erspreads a space of land. Scarce think they yet
+  Their safety sure, him touching; each his spear
+  Extends, and dips it in the flowing gore.
+  His foot upon the head destructive fixt,
+  The conquering youth thus speaks:--"Nonacria fair!
+  "Receive the spoil my fortune well might claim:
+  "Fresh glory shall I gain, with thee to share
+  "The honors of the day."--Then gives the spoils;--
+  The chine with horrid bristles rising stiff,
+  And head, fierce threatening still with mighty tusks.
+  She takes the welcome gift, for much she joys
+  From him to take it. Envy seiz'd the rest,
+  And sullen murmurs through the comrades ran:
+  Above the rest, were Thestius' sons,--their arms
+  Out-stretching, clamor'd thus with a mighty noise;--
+  "Let not thy beauteous form thy mind deceive,
+  "When from thy eyes the donor of the spoil,
+  "Besotted with thy love, shall far be mov'd.
+  "Woman! restore the prize, nor hope to hold
+  "Our intercepted claims."--Speaking they rob
+  Her of the gift, him of the right to give.
+  Nor passive stood the warlike youth, his teeth
+  He gnash'd with swelling rage, as fierce he cry'd;--
+  "Learn, ye base robbers of another's rights,
+  "What difference threats and valiant actions shew.--"
+  Then in Plexippus' unsuspecting breast
+  He plung'd his impious sword: nor suffer'd long
+  Toxeus to doubt, who hesitating stood,
+  Now vengeance brooding for his brother's fate,
+  Now dreading for himself a like swift blow;
+  Again he warms the weapon, reeking still
+  Hot from Plexippus' bosom, in his blood.
+
+    To every temple of the favoring gods
+  Althaea bore donations for her son,
+  Victorious: When the breathless bodies came
+  Of both her brethren, loud the sounding blows
+  Of grief were heard, and all the city rung
+  With lamentable cries: her golden robes
+  Were straight to sable chang'd. But when the hand
+  Which struck the blow was known, her every tear
+  Was dry'd, and vengeance only fill'd her soul.
+  A log there lay when Thestius' daughter groan'd
+  In child-bed pangs; which on the greedy flames
+  The triple sisters flung; and while their thumbs
+  Twirl'd round the fatal thread, this was their song;--
+  "O newly born! to thee and to this bough
+  "Like date of life we give."--Then ceas'd their words,
+  And from her presence vanish'd: sudden snatch'd
+  The mother from the fire the burning brand,
+  And quench'd it instant in unsparing streams.
+  Long in most secret darkness had she hid
+  This fatal wood; and, thus preserv'd, her son
+  Had safely years mature attain'd; but now
+  Forth she produc'd it from its close recess.
+  Fragments of torches on the hearth she heap'd,
+  And blew the sparklings into deadly flames;
+  And thrice she rais'd her hands the branch to heave
+  On the fierce fire; and thrice her hands withdrew.
+  Sister and mother in one bosom fought,
+  To adverse acts impelling. Oft her face,
+  Dread of her meditated crime, bleach'd pale;
+  Oft to her eyes her furious rage supply'd
+  A fiery redness; now her countenance glow'd
+  With threatenings cruel; now her softening looks
+  To pity seemed to melt; and when fierce ire
+  Had fill'd her soul, and parch'd up every tear,
+  Fresh tears would gush. Thus rocks a vessel, driven
+  By winds and adverse currents, both their force
+  At once obeys, and can to neither yield.
+  Thus waver'd Thestius' daughter, dubious thus
+  Affection sway'd her; now her rage is calm,
+  Now her calm'd rage with fourfold fury burns.
+  At length the sister's o'er the parent's tie
+  The prevalence obtains; impiously good,
+  With blood her own, she soothes the brethren's shades.
+  Now, when the fires destructive fiercely glar'd,
+  She cry'd:--"Here, funeral pile, my bowels burn!--"
+  And as the fatal wood her direful hand
+  Held forth, the hapless mother, at the pyre
+  Sepulchral, stood, exclaiming;--"Furies three!
+  "Avenging sisters! hither turn your eyes;
+  "Behold the furious sacred rites I pay:
+  "For retribution I commit this crime.
+  "By death their death must be aveng'd; his fault
+  "By mine be punish'd; on their funeral biers
+  "His must be laid; one sinning house must fall,
+  "In woes accumulated. Blest shall still
+  "OEneus enjoy his proud victorious son,
+  "And Thestius childless mourn? Better that both
+  "Should weep in concert. Dear fraternal ghosts,
+  "Recent from upper air, my work behold!
+  "Take to th' infernal realms my offering bought
+  "So dear! the hapless pledge my womb produc'd.
+
+    "Ah! whither am I swept? Brothers forgive
+  "The parent. Lo! my faltering hands refuse
+  "To second my intents. Well he deserves
+  "To perish; yet by other hands than mine.
+  "Unpunish'd shall he 'scape then? Victor live,
+  "Proud of his high success, and rule the realm
+  "Of Calydon, while ye are prostrate thrown
+  "A trivial heap of ashes, and cold shades?
+  "Patience no more will bear. Perish the wretch!
+  "Perish his father's hopes! perish the realm!
+  "And all the country perish! Where? O, where?
+  "Is then the mother's soul, the pious prayers
+  "A parent should prefer? Where the strong pains
+  "Which twice five moons I bore? O, that the flames
+  "First kindled, had thy infant limbs consum'd!
+  "Would I had not then snatch'd thee from thy fate!
+  "Thy gift of life is mine; now that thou dy'st
+  "Thy own demerits ask: take the reward
+  "Thy deeds deserve: yield up thy twice-given life,
+  "First in thy birth, then by the brand I sav'd;
+  "Or lay me with my brethren in their tomb.
+  "I wish, yet what I would my hands refuse.
+  "What will my soul determine? Now mine eyes
+  "The mangled corses of my brethren fill:
+  "Now filial fondness, and a mother's name
+  "Distract my soul. O, wretched, wretched me!
+  "Brothers you gain the conquest, yet you gain
+  "Dearly for me; but on your shades I'll wait,
+  "Blest in what gives you once to me again."
+  She said; with face averse and trembling hand,
+  The fateful brand amid the fires was dropt.
+  The brand a groan deep utter'd, or a groan
+  To utter seem'd: the flames half backward caught
+  At length their prey, which gradually consum'd.
+
+    Witless of this sad deed, and absent far,
+  Fierce Meleager, with the self-same fire
+  Burn'd inward; all his vitals felt the flame
+  Scorching conceal'd: th' excruciating pangs
+  Magnanimous he bore. Yet deep he mourn'd
+  By such a slothful bloodless fate to fall;
+  And happy call'd Ancaeus in his wounds.
+  With deep-drawn groans he calls his aged sire,
+  His brother, sisters, and the nymph belov'd,
+  Who shar'd his nuptial couch; with final breath,
+  His mother too perchance. Now glows the fire,
+  And now the pains increase; now both are faint;
+  Now both together die. The soul flies forth,
+  And gently dissipates in empty air.
+
+    Low now lies lofty Calydon,--the youths,
+  And aged seniors weep; the vulgar crowd
+  And nobles mourn alike; the matrons rend
+  Their garments, beat their breasts, and tear their hair.
+  Stretch'd on the earth the wretched sire defiles
+  His hoary locks, and aged face with dust,
+  Cursing his lengthen'd years: the conscious hand
+  Which caus'd the direful end, the mother's fate
+  Accomplish'd; through her vitals pierc'd the steel.
+
+    Had heaven on me an hundred tongues bestow'd,
+  With sounding voice, and such capacious wit
+  As all might fill; and all the Muses' power,
+  Still should I fail the grieving sisters' woe
+  Justly to paint. Heedless of beauteous forms
+  They beat their bosoms livid; while the corse
+  Remains, they clasp and cherish in their arms
+  The senseless mass; the corse they kiss, and kiss
+  The couch on which it rests: to ashes burn'd,
+  Careful collected in the urn, they hug
+  Those ashes to their breasts; and prostrate thrown
+  His tomb they cover; on the graven stone
+  Embrace his name; and on the letters pour
+  Their tears in torrents. Dian' satiate now
+  The house of OEneus levell'd with the dust,
+  Rais'd them by wings in air, which sudden shot
+  From each their bodies. Gorge sole, and she
+  The spouse of valiant Hercules, unchang'd
+  Were left. Long pinions for their arms were seen;
+  Their mouths to horny bills were turn'd; through air
+  Thus alter'd, ample range the goddess gives.
+
+    Theseus meantime, the toil confederate done,
+  Homeward to Pallas' towers his journey bent;
+  But Acheloues, swol'n by showery floods,
+  Delay'd his progress. "Fam'd Cecropia's chief,"--
+  He cry'd,--"here shelter, enter 'neath my roof,
+  "Nor through the furious torrents trust thy steps.
+  "Whole forests oft they root, and whirl along
+  "Vast rocks with thundering sound. High stalls I've seen,
+  "Near to the banks erected, swept away:
+  "Nor aught avail'd the lusty bull's strong limbs,
+  "Nor aught the courser's speed: the torrents oft
+  "Of melted snows, which from the mountains rush,
+  "Whelm the strong youths beneath the whirling pool.
+  "To rest is safer, till their wonted banks
+  "Again the streams confine; the lessen'd waves
+  "Within their channels pent."--Theseus complies,
+  And answers:--"Acheloues, we approve
+  "Thy prudent counsel, and thy cave will use,"
+  The grot they enter; hollow pumice, mixt
+  With rugged tophus, form'd it; tender moss
+  The moist floor cover'd; fretwork on the roof
+  The purple murex and the scallop white
+  Alternate form'd. Now Phoebus' steeds had run
+  Two thirds their race, when Theseus on his couch
+  Reclin'd, the comrades of his toil close by;
+  Pirithous here, Troezenian Lelex there,
+  Whose temples now some silvery hairs display'd.
+  With these were such as Acheloues, joy'd
+  At such a noble guest, the honor deem'd
+  Worthy to share. The barefoot Naiaed nymphs
+  Heap'd on the board the banquet: food remov'd,
+  They brought the wine, in cups with jewels deck'd.
+
+    The mighty hero then, the distant main
+  Surveying, asks:--"What land is that I see?--"
+  And shews the spot,--"tell me what name denotes
+  "That isle? and yet methinks not one it seems."
+  The river-god replies:--"What we behold
+  "A single isle is not, but five; the eye
+  "Is mock'd by distance. That Diana's wrath
+  "May less your wonder move, these once were nymphs.
+  "Ten bullocks had they sacrific'd, and call'd
+  "Each rural god to taste the sacred feast,
+  "And join the festal chorus, me alone,
+  "Forgetful, they invited not. Sore vext,
+  "I swell'd with rage, and as my anger rose,
+  "My flood increas'd; till at my greatest height,
+  "Woods I divorc'd from woods; from meadows tore
+  "The neighbouring meadows; and the Naiaeds roll'd,
+  "Now well-remembering what my godhead claim'd,
+  "Down with their habitations to the main.
+  "My waves then, with the ocean's waters join'd,
+  "The land divided, and those isles you view,
+  "Echinades, amid the sea were form'd.
+
+    "More distant may your vision reach;--behold
+  "An isle beyond them to my soul most dear;
+  "By sailors nam'd Perimele. I snatch'd
+  "Her virgin-treasure from the much-lov'd maid.
+  "Hippodamas her sire in fury rav'd;
+  "And, from a precipice, the pregnant nymph
+  "Plung'd in the deep. My waves receiv'd the load;
+  "And whilst I bore her floating, thus I said;--
+  "O, trident-bearer, thou whom lot decreed
+  "Lord, next to heaven, o'er all the wandering waves,
+  "Where all the sacred rivers end their course;
+  "To which all rivers tend, O, Neptune, aid!
+  "Propitious, hear my prayer! Much have I wrong'd
+  "The nymph I now support: if lenient he,
+  "And equitable, sure Hippodamas,
+  "Her sire, had pity granted, and myself
+  "Had pardon'd. Gracious Neptune, grant thy help
+  "To her a parent's fury from the earth
+  "Wide banishes. O, I beseech thee! grant
+  "A place to her, paternal rage would drown:
+  "Or to a place transform her, where my waves
+  "May clasp her still. The ocean-god consents,
+  "And all his waters shake as nods his head.
+  "Still floats th' affrighted nymph; and as she swims,
+  "I feel her heart with trepid motion beat:
+  "While pressing fond her bosom, all her form
+  "Rigidly firm becomes, and round her chest
+  "Rough earth heaps high; and, whilst I wondring speak,
+  "A new-form'd land her floating limbs enclasps:
+  "Her shape transform'd, a solid isle becomes."
+
+    Thus far the watery deity, and ceas'd.
+  The wondrous tale all mov'd, save one, the son
+  Of bold Ixion; fierce of soul, he laugh'd
+  To scorn their minds so credulous, the gods
+  Impious contemning, as he thus exclaim'd;--
+  "What tales, O, Acheloues, you relate!
+  "Too much of potence to the gods you grant,
+  "To give and change our figures."--All struck dumb,
+  Discourage this bold speech, and Lelex first,
+  Mature in age, and in experience old
+  Beyond the rest, thus spoke:--"Celestial power,
+  "In range is infinite, in sway immense;
+  "What the gods will, completion instant finds.
+  "To clear your doubts, upon the Phrygian hills
+  "An ancient oak, and neighbouring linden stand,
+  "Girt by a low inclosure; I the spot
+  "Survey'd, when into Phrygia's realms dispatch'd
+  "By Pittheus, when those realms his father rul'd.
+  "Not far a lake extends, a space once fill'd
+  "With human 'habitants, whose waves now swarm
+  "With fenny coots, and cormorants alone.
+  "Here Jove in human shape, and with his sire,
+  "The son of Maiae, came; the last his rod
+  "Shorn of its wings, still bore. A thousand doors,
+  "Seeking repose, they knock'd at; every door
+  "Firm barr'd repuls'd them: one at length flew wide;
+  "A lowly cot, whose humble roof long reeds,
+  "And straw firm-matted, cover'd. Baucis there,
+  "A pious dame, and old Philemon match'd
+  "In age, had dwelt, since join'd in springtide youth;
+  "And there grew old together: Full content,
+  "Their poverty they hid not, and more light
+  "Their poverty on souls unmurmuring weigh'd.
+  "Here nor for lord, nor servant, was there need
+  "To seek; beneath the roof these only dwelt;
+  "Each order'd, each obey'd. The heaven-born guests
+  "The humble threshold crossing, lowly stoop'd,
+  "And entrance gain'd: the ancient host bade sit
+  "And rest their weary'd limbs: the bench was plac'd,
+  "Which Baucis anxious for their comfort, spread
+  "With home-made coverings: then with careful hand
+  "The scarce warm embers on the hearth upturn'd;
+  "And rous'd the sleeping fires of yestern's eve,
+  "With food of leaves and bark dry-parch'd, and fann'd
+  "To flame the fuel with her aged breath:
+  "Then threw the small-slit faggots, and the boughs
+  "Long-wither'd, on the top, divided small:
+  "And plac'd her brazen vase of scanty size,
+  "O'er all. Last stripp'd the coleworts' outer leaves,
+  "Cull'd by her husband from the water'd ground,
+  "Which serv'd as garden. He meantime reach'd down,
+  "With two-fork'd prong, where high on blacken'd beam
+  "It hung, a paltry portion of an hog,
+  "Long harden'd there; and from the back he slic'd
+  "A morsel thin, which soon he soften'd down
+  "In boiling steam. The intermediate hours
+  "With pleasing chat they cheat; the short delay
+  "To feel avoiding. On a nail high hung
+  "A beechen pail for bathing, by its hand
+  "Deep-curv'd: with tepid water this he fill'd,
+  "And plac'd before his guests their feet to lave.
+  "A couch there stood, whose feet and frame were form'd
+  "Of willow; tender reeds the centre fill'd,
+  "With coverings this they spread, coverings which saw
+  "The light not, but when festal days them claim'd:
+  "Yet coarse and old were these, and such as well
+  "With willow couch agreed. The gods laid down.
+  "The dame close-girt, with tremulous hand prepar'd
+  "The board; two feet were perfect, 'neath the third
+  "She thrust a broken sherd, and all stood firm.
+  "This sloping mended, all the surface clean
+  "With fragrant mint she rubb'd: and plac'd in heaps
+  "The double-teinted fruit of Pallas, maid
+  "Of unsoil'd purity; autumnal fruits,
+  "Cornels, in liquid lees of wine preserv'd;
+  "Endive, and radish, and the milky curd;
+  "With eggs turn'd lightly o'er a gentle heat:
+  "All serv'd in earthen dishes. After these
+  "A clay-carv'd jug was set, and beechen cups,
+  "Varnish'd all bright with yellow wax within.
+  "Short the delay, when from the ready fire
+  "The steaming dish is brought; and wine not long
+  "Press'd from the grape, again went round, again
+  "Gave place to see the third remove produc'd.
+  "Now comes the nut, the fig, the wrinkled date,
+  "The plumb, the fragrant apple, and the grape
+  "Pluck'd from the purple vine; all plac'd around
+  "In spreading baskets: snow-white honey fill'd
+  "The central space. The prime of all the feast,
+  "Was looks that hearty welcome gave, and prov'd
+  "No indigence nor poverty of soul.
+  "Meantime the empty'd bowls full oft they see
+  "Spontaneously replenish'd; still the wine
+  "Springs to the brim. Astonish'd, struck with dread,
+  "To view the novel scene, the timid pair
+  "Their hands upraise devoutly, and with prayers
+  "Excuses utter for their homely treat,
+  "At unawares requir'd. A lonely goose
+  "They own'd, the watchman of their puny farm;
+  "Him would the hosts, to their celestial guests
+  "A sacred offering make, but swift of wing,
+  "Their toiling chace with age retarded, long
+  "He mock'd; at length the gods themselves he seeks
+  "For sheltering care. The gods his death forbid,
+  "And speak:--Celestials are we both; a fate
+  "Well-earn'd, your impious neighbouring roofs shall feel.
+  "To you, and unto you alone is given
+  "Exemption from their lot. Your cottage leave
+  "And tread our footsteps, while of yonder mount
+  "We seek the loftiest summit. Each obeys;
+  "The gods precede them, while their tottering limbs
+  "A trusty staff supports; tardy from years,
+  "Slowly they labor up the long ascent.
+  "Now from the summit wanted they not more
+  "Than what an arrow, shot with strenuous arm,
+  "At once could gain; when back their view they bent:
+  "Their house alone they saw,--that singly stood:
+  "All else were buried in a wide-spread lake.
+  "Wondring at this, and weeping at the doom
+  "Their hapless neighbours suffer'd; lo! they see
+  "Their mouldering cot, e'en for the pair too small,
+  "Change to a temple; pillars rear on high,
+  "In place of crotchets; yellow turns the straw,
+  "The roof seems gilded; sculptur'd shine the gates;
+  "And marble pavement covers all the floor.
+  "Then Saturn's son, in these benignant words
+  "The pair address'd;--O, ancient man, most just!
+  "And thou, O woman! worthy of thy spouse,
+  "Declare your wishes.--Baucis spoke awhile
+  "With old Philemon; then their joint desire
+  "The latter to the deities declar'd.--
+  "To be your ministers, your sacred fane
+  "To keep we ask: and as our equal years
+  "In concord we have pass'd, let the same hour
+  "Remove us hence: may I her tomb not see,
+  "Nor be by her interr'd.--The gods comply;
+  "These guard the temple through succeeding life.
+  "Fill'd now with years, as on the temple's steps
+  "They stood, conversing on the wondrous change,
+  "Baucis beheld Philemon shoot in leaves,
+  "And leaves Philemon saw from Baucis sprout;
+  "And from their heads o'er either's face they grew.
+  "Still while they could with mutual words they spoke;
+  "At once exclaim'd,--O, dearest spouse, farewell!--
+  "At once the bark, their lips thus speaking, clos'd.
+  "Ev'n yet a Tyanaean shews two trees
+  "Of neighbouring growth, form'd from the alter'd pair.
+  "Nor dotard credulous, nor lying tongue
+  "The fact to me related. On the boughs
+  "Myself have seen the votive garlands hung;
+  "And whilst I offered fresher, have I said--
+  "Heaven guards the good with care; and those who give
+  "The gods due honors, honors claim themselves."
+
+    He ceas'd: the deed and author all admire,
+  But Theseus most; whom anxious still to hear
+  More wondrous actions of the mighty gods,
+  The stream of Calydon, as on his arm
+  Reclin'd, he rested, in these words address'd:--
+  "There are, O, valiant youth! of those once chang'd,
+  "Still in the new-form'd figures who remain:
+  "Others there are whose power more wide extends
+  "To many shapes to alter.--Proteus, thou
+  "Art one; thou 'habitant of those wide waves
+  "Which earth begird: now thou a youth appear'st;
+  "And now a lion; then a furious boar;
+  "A serpent next we tremble to approach;
+  "And then with threatening horns thou seem'st a bull.
+  "Oft as a stone thou ly'st; oft stand'st a tree:
+  "Sometimes thy countenance veil'd in fluid streams,
+  "Thou flow'st a river; sometimes mount'st in flames.
+  "Nor less of power had Erisichthon's maid,
+  "Spouse of Autolycus. Her impious sire
+  "All the divinities of heaven despis'd,
+  "Nor on their slighted altars offerings burn'd.
+  "He too, 'tis said, the Cerealean grove
+  "With axe prophan'd: his violating steel
+  "The ancient trees attacking. 'Mid the rest,
+  "A huge-grown oak, in yearly strength robust,
+  "Itself a wood, uprose: garlands hung round,
+  "And wreaths, and grateful tablets, proofs of vows
+  "For prospering favors paid. The Dryad nymphs
+  "Oft in its shade their festal dances held;
+  "Oft would they, clasping hand in hand, surround
+  "The mighty trunk: its girth around to mete,
+  "Full thrice five cubits ask'd. To every tree
+  "Lofty it seem'd; as every tree appear'd
+  "Lofty, when measur'd with the plants below.
+  "Yet not for that, did Erisichthon hold
+  "The biting steel; but bade his servants fell
+  "The sacred oak; lingering he saw them stand,
+  "His orders unobey'd; impious he snatch'd
+  "From one his weapon, and in rage, exclaim'd;--
+  "What though it be the goddess' favorite care!
+  "Were it the goddess' self, down should it fall,
+  "And bow its leafy summit to the ground.
+  "He said;--and pois'd his axe, and aim'd oblique.
+  "Deep shudderings shook the Cerealian tree,
+  "And groans were utter'd; all the leaves grew pale,
+  "And pale the acorns; while the wide-spread boughs
+  "Cold sweats bedew'd. When in the solid trunk
+  "His blow ungodly pierc'd, blood flow'd in streams
+  "From out the shatter'd bark: not flows more full,
+  "From the deep wound in the divided throat,
+  "The gore, when at the sacred altar's foot
+  "A mighty bull, an offer'd victim drops.
+  "Dread seizes all; and one most bold attempts
+  "To check his horrid wickedness, and check
+  "The murderous weapon: him the villain saw,
+  "And,--take,--he cries,--the boon thy pious soul
+  "Merits so well.--And from the trunk the steel
+  "Turns on the man, and strikes his head away:
+  "Then with redoubled blows the tree assails.
+  "Deep from the oak, these words were heard to sound:--
+  "A nymph am I, within this trunk enclos'd,
+  "Most dear to Ceres; in my dying hours,
+  "Prophetic I foresee the keen revenge
+  "Which will thy deed pursue; and this solace
+  "Grants comfort ev'n in death.--He, undismay'd,
+  "His fierce design still follows: now the tree,
+  "Tottering with numerous blows, by straining cords,
+  "He drags to earth; and half the wood below,
+  "Crush'd by its weight, lies prostrate. All astound,
+  "Of her depriv'd, and at their own sad loss,
+  "The sister Dryads, clad in sable robes,
+  "To Ceres hasten; and for vengeance call,
+  "On Erisichthon. To their urgent prayers
+  "The beauteous goddess gave assent, and shook
+  "Her locks; the motion shook the yellow ears,
+  "Which fill'd the loaded fields; and straight conceiv'd
+  "A torture piteous, if for pity he
+  "For acts like these might look:--to tear his form
+  "By Famine's power pestiferous. There, herself
+  "Approach forbidden (fate long since had doom'd
+  "Ceres and Famine far remov'd should dwell)
+  "A mountain-nymph she calls, and thus directs;--
+  "A region stretches on th' extremest bounds
+  "Of icy Scythia; dreary seems the place;
+  "Sterile the soil; nor trees, nor fruits are seen;
+  "But sluggish cold, and pale affright, and fear:
+  "Still-craving Famine, there her dwelling holds.
+  "Bid her within the inmost vitals hide
+  "Of this most daring, and most impious wretch.
+  "The proudest plenty shall not make her yield:
+  "For in the contest, all the power I boast
+  "To her shall stoop: nor let the lengthen'd way
+  "Appal thy mind; my car receive; receive
+  "My dragons; through the air their course direct
+  "By these long reins.--Speaking, the reins she gave.
+  "She, borne through ether in the granted car,
+  "To Scythia's realm is carried: on the ridge
+  "A rugged mountain offer'd, first she eas'd
+  "The dragons' necks; as Caucasus 'twas known.
+  "There she the sought-for Famine soon espy'd,
+  "Eagerly searching on the stony fields,
+  "At once with teeth and fangs, for thin-sown herbs.
+  "Rough matted were her locks; deep sunk her eyes;
+  "Pale bleach'd her face; her lips with whiten'd slime
+  "O'erspread; with furry crust her mouth was rough:
+  "Hard was her skin; and through it might be seen
+  "Her inwards: 'bove her hollow loins, upstood
+  "The arid bones: a belly's place supply'd
+  "A belly's form: her breasts to hang appear'd
+  "Held only by the chine: her fleshless shape
+  "Each joint in bulk increas'd: rigidly large
+  "The knees were swol'n, and each protruding part
+  "Immod'rately was big. Then as the nymph
+  "From far beheld her,--for a nigh approach
+  "She dreaded, what the goddess bade she told.
+  "Though brief her stay; though distant far she stood;
+  "Though instant there arriv'd; she felt the power
+  "Of Famine at the sight, and turning quick
+  "Her reins, she urg'd her dragons to their speed
+  "In retrogade direction; still on high,
+  "Till Thessaly they gain'd. Famine performs
+  "The wish of Ceres (though her anxious aim
+  "Is still to thwart her power) and borne on winds
+  "Swift through the air, the fated house she finds
+  "And instant enters, where the inmost walls
+  "The sacrilegious wretch inclose; in sleep
+  "Deep bury'd, for night reign'd; and with her wings
+  "Him clasping close, in all the man she breath'd
+  "Her inspiration: in his throat, his mouth,
+  "His chest, and in his unreplenish'd veins,
+  "Her hunger she infus'd. The bidden deed
+  "Complete, she vanish'd from those verdant fields,
+  "And turn'd her to the needy roofs again,
+  "And well-accustom'd caverns. Gentle sleep
+  "Fann'd Erisichthon still with soothing wings.
+  "Ev'n in his sleep imagin'd food he craves,
+  "And vainly moves his mouth; tires jaw on jaw
+  "With grinding; his deluded throat with stores
+  "Impalpable he crams; the empty air
+  "Greedy devouring, for more solid food.
+  "But soon his slumbers vanish'd, then fierce rag'd
+  "Insatiate hunger; ruling through his throat,
+  "And ever-craving stomach. Instant he
+  "Demands what produce, ocean, earth, and air
+  "Can furnish: still of hunger he complains,
+  "Before the full-spread tables: still he seeks
+  "Victuals to heap on victuals. What might serve
+  "A city's population, seems for him
+  "Too scant; whose stomach when it loads had gorg'd,
+  "For loads still crav'd. The ocean thus receives
+  "From all earth's regions every stream; all streams
+  "United, still requiring; greedy fire
+  "On every offer'd aliment thus feeds,
+  "Countless supplies of wood consuming;--more
+  "Nutrition craving, still the more it gains;
+  "More greedy growing from its large increase.
+  "So Erisichthon's jaws prophane, rich feasts
+  "At once devour, at once still more demand.
+  "All food but stimulates his gust for food
+  "In added heaps; and eating only seems
+  "To leave his maw more empty. Lessen'd now,
+  "In the deep abyss of his stomach huge,
+  "Were all the riches which his sire's bequest
+  "Had given: the direful torment still remain'd
+  "In undiminish'd strength; his belly's fire
+  "Implacable still rag'd. Exhausted now
+  "On the curst craving all his wealth was spent.
+  "One daughter sole remaining; of a sire
+  "Less impious, worthy: her the pauper sold.
+  "Her free-born soul, a master's sway disclaim'd.
+  "Her hands extending, to the neighbouring main,
+  "O thou!--she cry'd--who gain'd my virgin spoil
+  "Snatch me from bondage.--Neptune had the maid
+  "Previous enjoy'd: nor spurn'd her earnest prayer.
+  "She whom her master following close, had seen
+  "In her own shape but now, in manly guise
+  "Appears,--in garments such as fishers clothe.
+  "The master sees, and speaks:--O, thou! who rul'st
+  "The trembling reed; whose bending wire thy baits
+  "Conceal; so may thy wiles the water aid;
+  "So may the fish deceiv'd, beneath the waves,
+  "Thy hooks detect not, till too firmly fixt.
+  "Say thou but where she is, who stood but now
+  "Upon this beach, in humble robes array'd,
+  "With locks disorder'd; on this shore she stood;
+  "I saw her,--but no further mark her feet.--
+  "The aid of Neptune well the maid perceiv'd,
+  "And joys that of herself herself is sought,
+  "Thus his enquiries answering;--Whom thou art
+  "I know not; studious bent, the deep alone,
+  "And care to drag my prey, my eyes employ.
+  "More to remove thy doubts, so may the god
+  "Who rules the ocean, aid my toiling art,
+  "As here I swear, no man upon this shore,
+  "Nor female, I excepted, has appear'd.
+  "These words the owner credits, and the sand
+  "Treads with returning steps; deluded goes,
+  "And as he goes, her former shape returns.
+  "Soon as this changing power the sire perceiv'd,
+  "The damsel oft he sold. Now she escapes
+  "Beneath a mare's resemblance: now a bird,
+  "An heifer now, and now a deer she seem'd.
+  "Her greedy parent's maw with food ill-gain'd
+  "Supplying. When at last his forceful plague
+  "Had every aid consum'd, and every aid
+  "Fresh food afforded to his fierce disease,
+  "Then he commenc'd with furious fangs to tear
+  "For nurture his own limbs; life to support,
+  "By what his body and his life destroy'd.
+
+    "But why on others' transformations dwell?
+  "Myself, O youths! enjoy a power, my form
+  "To alter; not unlimited my range.
+  "Now in the shape at present I assume;
+  "Anon I writhe beneath a serpent's form;
+  "Or take the figure of a lordly bull,
+  "And wear my strength in horns, while horns I had:
+  "Disfigur'd now, my forehead's side laments
+  "One weapon ravish'd, as you well may see."--
+  He spoke, and heavy sighs his words pursu'd.
+
+
+
+
+*The Ninth Book.*
+
+
+    Combat of Acheloues and Hercules for Dejanira. Death of Nessus.
+    Torments and death of Hercules. His deification. Story of the
+    change of Galanthis to a weasel. Of Dryope to a Lotus-tree.
+    Ioelaues restored to youth. Murmuring of the Gods. The incestuous
+    love of Byblis. Her transformation to a fountain. Story of Iphis
+    and Iaenthe.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Ninth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    The son of AEgeus begs the cause to know
+  Whence spring those groans, and whence that wounded front?
+  And thus the stream of Calydon replies;--
+  (His uncomb'd locks with marshy reeds entwin'd).
+  "A mournful task, O, warrior! you impose;--
+  "For who, when vanquish'd, joys to tell the fight
+  "Where he was worsted? yet will I relate
+  "In order all: vanquish'd, the shame was small;
+  "The honor great, for such a prize to strive:
+  "And such a conqueror more the mind relieves.
+  "Has e'er the beauteous Dejanira's name
+  "Reach'd to your ears? her charms the envy'd hope
+  "Of numerous wooers form'd; mine with the rest.
+  "As o'er the threshold of my wish'd-for sire
+  "I stepp'd, I hail'd him.--O, Parthaoen's son,
+  "For thine accept me.--So Alcides spoke,
+  "And all the rest to our pretensions bow'd.
+  "Of Jove, his sire, he boasts; and all the fame
+  "His acts deserv'd; and stepdame's cruel laws
+  "Final completed. I (who shameful thought
+  "That gods should yield to mortals; then a god
+  "Alcides was not) thus his claim oppos'd:--
+  "A king of floods behold me; floods which roll
+  "With winding current through the land you sway;
+  "A son in me accept, no stranger sent
+  "From distant regions; of your country one,
+  "Part of your rule. Let it not hurt my claim,
+  "That Juno hates me not; that all the toil
+  "Of slavish orders I have ne'er perform'd.
+  "Alcmena was his mother, let him boast!
+  "Jove is a sire but feign'd, or if one true,
+  "Is criminally so. He claims a sire
+  "To prove his mother's infamy: then chuse--
+  "Say feign'd thy origin from Jove, or fruit
+  "Of intercourse adulterous, own thou art.--
+  "Me, speaking thus, with furious eyes he view'd,
+  "Nor rul'd his swelling rage, replying fierce;--
+  "More than my tongue I on my arm depend:
+  "Whilst I in fighting gain the palm, be thou
+  "Victor in talking.--Furious on he rush'd.
+  "So proudly boasting, to submit I scorn'd;
+  "But stript my sea-green robe, my arms oppos'd,
+  "And held my firm-clench'd hands before my breast;
+  "For stout resistance every limb prepar'd,
+  "To meet the fight. He in his hollow palms
+  "The dust collecting, sprinkled me all o'er,
+  "And then the yellow sand upon me threw.
+  "Now on my neck he seizes; now he grasps
+  "My slippery thighs: but only thinks to hold,
+  "In every part assailing. Still secure
+  "In bulk I stand, and he assails in vain.
+  "Thus stands a rock, which waves with thundering roar
+  "Surround; it stands unhurt in all its strength.
+  "A little we recede, then rush again
+  "To join the war: stoutly our ground we hold,
+  "Steady resolv'd to yield not. Foot to foot
+  "Fixt firm: I prone press with my ample breast,
+  "And hand with hand, with forehead forehead joins.
+  "So have I seen two mighty bulls contend,
+  "When each the fairest heifer of the grove
+  "Expects the arduous struggle to reward:
+  "The herds behold and tremble, witless which
+  "The powerful contest shall successful gain.
+  "Thrice while I clasp'd him close, Alcides strove
+  "To throw me from his breast, in vain,--the fourth
+  "He shook me from him, and my clasping arms
+  "Unloosing, instant turn'd me with his hand;
+  "(Truth must I speak,) and heavy on my back
+  "He hung. If credence may my words demand,
+  "Nor seek I fame through tales of false deceit,
+  "A mighty mountain on me seem'd to weigh:
+  "Scarce were my arms, with trickling sweat bedew'd,
+  "Loos'd from his grasp; scarce was my body freed
+  "From his hard gripe, when panting hard for breath,
+  "Ere I could strength regain, my throat he seiz'd.
+  "Then on the earth my knee was press'd; my mouth
+  "Then bit the sand. Inferior prov'd in strength,
+  "To arts I next betook me. Slipp'd his hands
+  "In form a long round serpent; while I roll'd
+  "In winding spires my body; while I shook
+  "My forked tongue with hisses dire, he laugh'd,
+  "And mock'd my arts; exclaiming,--snakes to kill
+  "I in my cradle knew; grant thou excel'st,
+  "O, Acheloues! others far in size,
+  "What art thou mated with the Hydra's bulk?
+  "He fertile from his wounds, his hundred heads
+  "Ne'er felt diminish'd, for straightway his neck,
+  "With two successors, brav'd the stroke again:
+  "Yet him I vanquish'd with his branching heads
+  "From blood produc'd: from every loss more stout,
+  "Him prostrate I o'erthrew. What hope hast thou,
+  "In form fallacious, who with borrow'd arms
+  "Now threaten'st? whom a form precarious hides?
+  "He said, and fast about my throat he squeez'd
+  "His nervous fingers; choaking, hard I strove,
+  "As pincer-like he press'd me, to unloose
+  "From his tight grasp my neck. Conquer'd in this,
+  "Still a third shape, the furious bull remain'd:
+  "Chang'd to a bull, again I wag'd the war.
+  "Around my brawny neck his arms he threw
+  "To left, and spite of every effort try'd
+  "To 'scape, he dragg'd me down; the solid earth
+  "Deep with my horn he pierc'd, and stretch'd me prone
+  "On the wide sand. Unsated yet his rage,
+  "His fierce hand seiz'd my stubborn horn, and broke
+  "From my maim'd front the weapon. Naiaed nymphs
+  "This consecrated, fill'd with fruits, and flowers
+  "Of odorous fragrance, and the horn is priz'd
+  "By Plenty's goddess as her favorite care."
+
+    He spoke, a nymph close-girt like Dian's train,
+  Her ample tresses o'er each shoulder spread,
+  Enter'd, supporting all of Autumn's fruit
+  In the rich horn, and mellowest apples came
+  The second course to grace. Now day appear'd:
+  The youths when light the loftiest summits touch'd
+  Of the high hills, departed; waiting not
+  Till the rough floods in peaceful channels flow'd;
+  The troubled currents smooth'd. Profound his head
+  Of rustic semblance, Acheloues hides
+  'Reft of his horn, beneath his deepest waves.
+  His forehead's honor lost sore gall'd him: all
+  Save that was perfect. Ev'n his forehead's loss
+  With willow boughs and marshy reeds was hid.
+
+    Thou too, rash Nessus, through thy furious love,
+  Of the same virgin, thy destruction met;
+  Pierc'd through thy body with the feather'd dart!
+  Jove's son returning to his natal soil,
+  Companion'd by his new-made bride, approach'd
+  Evenus' rapid flood. Swol'n was the stream
+  With wintry showers as wont, and raging whirls
+  Unfordable proclaim'd it; him, himself
+  Fearless, yet anxious for his spouse's care,
+  Nessus approach'd, in strength of limbs secure,
+  And knowledge of the fords, and thus he spoke;
+  "Her, O Alcides! will I safely bear
+  "To yonder bank; thou all thy efforts use
+  "In swimming." Straight the Theban hero gives
+  The pallid Calydonian to his care,
+  Shivering with dread; no less the centaur frights
+  Than the rough flood. The mighty warrior, prest
+  With his large quiver, and the lion's hide,
+  For on the bank opposing had he flung
+  His club and curved bow, exclaim'd--"the stream
+  "My arms will vanquish, soon as I essay."--
+  Nor dubious waits, but in the torrent leaps,
+  Not heeding where most tranquil flows the stream,
+  But stemming furious all its utmost rage.
+  Now had he reach'd the bank, now held again
+  The bow flung o'er, when loud his spouse's shrieks
+  Assail'd his ear. To Nessus, whom he saw
+  His trust about betraying, loud he cry'd;--
+  "What vain reliance on thy rapid speed
+  "Tempts thee to violence? O, double-shap'd!
+  "I speak, regard me,--to respect my rights,
+  "Should deference to me not move thee, think
+  "How whirls thy sire, and that thy rage may check
+  "For wishes unallow'd. Yet hope thou not
+  "With courser's speed to 'scape me: with my dart,
+  "Not feet, will I pursue thee."--His last words
+  With deeds he guarantees, and through and through
+  The flying culprit felt the javelin driv'n;
+  Out through his breast the forked weapon stood:
+  Withdrawn, from either wound gush'd forth the gore,
+  Mixt with the venom of Lernaea's pest.
+  This be preserv'd.--"Nor will I unreveng'd
+  "Expire,"--he murmur'd faintly to himself;
+  And gave his raiment, in the warm blood dipt,
+  A present to the nymph whose spoil he sought;
+  To wake again her husband's dormant love.
+
+    Long was the intermediate time, the deeds,
+  Of great Alcides, and his step-dame's hate,
+  Fill'd all the world meanwhile. Victor return'd
+  From out OEchalia, when the promis'd rites,
+  To Jove Caenean, he prepar'd to pay,
+  Tattling report, who joys in falshood mixt
+  With circumstantial truth, and still the least
+  Swells with her lies, had in thine ears instill'd,
+  O Dejanira! that Alcmena's son,
+  With Ioele was smitten. Ardent love
+  Sway'd her belief, and terror-struck to hear
+  Of this new flame, she melted into tears;
+  With them her weeping grief first flow'd away:
+  But soon she bursted forth.--"Why weep I so?
+  "The harlot will but gladden in my tears!
+  "But ere she here arrives, it me behoves
+  "Each effort to employ, while time now serves,
+  "To hinder what he seeks; whilst yet my couch
+  "Another presses not. Shall I complain,
+  "Or rest in silence? Shall I Calydon
+  "Re-seek, or here remain? Shall I abscond
+  "His habitation, or, if nought else serves,
+  "Strenuous oppose him? Or if truly bent,
+  "O, Meleager! with a sister's pride,
+  "Thy wicked deeds t' outvie, a witness leave,
+  "The harlot's throat divided, what the rage
+  "Of woman may accomplish, when so wrong'd."--
+  In whirls her agitated mind is toss'd;
+  Determining last to send to him the robe,
+  In Nessus' blood imbu'd, and so restore
+  His waning love. Witless of what she sends,
+  Herself to Lychas' unsuspecting hands
+  The cause of future grief delivers. Wretch
+  Most pitiable! she, with warm-coaxing words,
+  Instructs the boy to bear her spouse the gift.
+  Th' unwitting warrior takes it, and straight clothes
+  His shoulders with Echidna's poisonous gore.
+  Incense he sprinkles in the primal flames
+  He kindles,--with the flames his prayers ascend.
+  As from the goblet he the vintage pours
+  On marble altars; hapless by the heat
+  The poison more was quicken'd; by the flame
+  Melted, it grew more potent; wide diffus'd,
+  Through all the limbs of Hercules it spread.
+  Still while he could, his fortitude, as wont
+  His groans suppress'd; at last his patience spent,
+  Fierce from the altar flinging, OEte's mount
+  So woody, with his plaintive shrieks he fills,
+  And instant from his limbs the deadly robe
+  Essays to tear: that, where he strips, the skin,
+  Stript also, follows; dreadful to describe!
+  Or to his limbs, his utmost struggling vain,
+  It clings: or bare his lacerated joints
+  And huge bones stand. With hissing noise his blood
+  Burns, as when glowing iron in a pool
+  Is dipp'd, so boils it with the venom fierce.
+  Nor hope of help remain'd, the greedy fires,
+  His utmost vitals waste; and purple sweat
+  Bedews his every limb; his scorch'd nerves crack;
+  And whilst his marrow, with the latent pest,
+  Runs fluid, high tow'rd heaven his arms he holds,
+  Exclaiming;--"now Saturnia, feast thy soul
+  "With my destruction; joy, O savage!--view
+  "From lofty heaven my tortures; satiate now
+  "Thy rancorous soul:--but if a foe may move
+  "Commiseration, (for thy foe I am)
+  "Take hence this life, grievous, through direful pains:
+  "Hateful to thee, and destin'd first for toils.
+  "Death now would be a boon; and such a boon
+  "A step-dame might confer. Have I for this,
+  "Busiris slain, who drench'd the temples deep
+  "With travellers' blood? For this Antaeus robb'd
+  "Of nutriment parental? Did thy bulk,
+  "Of triple-form, swain of Iberia, fright?
+  "Or thou, three-headed Cerberus, me move?
+  "Wrought I for this in Elis? at the lake
+  "Of Stymphalis? and in Parthenian woods?
+  "Did not my valor seize the golden belt
+  "Of Thermodon's brave queen? the apples gain,
+  "Ill-guarded by th' unsleeping dragon's care?
+  "Could the fierce Centaur me resist? or could
+  "The mighty boar that laid Arcadia waste?
+  "And what avail'd the Hydra, that he grew
+  "From every loss, in double strength reviv'd?
+  "How? Saw I not the Thracian coursers gorg'd
+  "With human gore! whose stalls with mangled limbs
+  "Crowded, I overthrew, and slew their lord
+  "On his slain coursers? Strangled by these hands
+  "Nemaea's monster lies. Heaven I upbore
+  "Upon these shoulders. The fierce wife of Jove
+  "Weary'd at length with bidding, I untir'd
+  "Still was of acting. But at length behold
+  "A new-found plague, which not the bravest soul,
+  "Nor arms, nor darts can aught resist. Fierce fire,
+  "Darts through my deepest inwards; all my limbs
+  "Greedy devouring. Yet Eurystheus lives!
+  "Still are there who the deities believe?"--
+  He said, and o'er high OEte tortur'd rov'd
+  Like a mad tiger, when the hunter's dart
+  Stands in his body, and the wounder flies.
+  Oft would you see him groaning; storming oft;
+  Oft straining from his limbs again to fling
+  The vest; trees rooting up; against the hills
+  Fierce railing; next up to his father's skies
+  His arms extending. Lo! he Lychas spies,
+  Where trembling in a hollow rock he hides!
+  Then, all his fury in its utmost strength,
+  Raging, he cry'd;--"Thou, Lychas, thou supply'd
+  "This deadly gift. Thou art the author then
+  "Of my destruction."--Shuddering he, and pale,
+  In timid accents strove excuse to plead:
+  Speaking, and round his knees prepar'd to cling,
+  Alcides seiz'd him, with an engine's force
+  Whirl'd round and round, and hurl'd him in the waves,
+  Which by Eubaea roll. He, as he shot
+  Through air, was harden'd. As the falling showers
+  Concrete by freezing winds, whence snow is form'd:
+  As snows by rolling, their soft bodies join,
+  Conglomerating into solid hail:
+  So ancient times believ'd, the boy thus flung,
+  Through empty air, by strong Alcides' arm,
+  Bloodless through fear, and all his moisture drain'd,
+  Chang'd to a flinty rock. A rock e'en now
+  High in Eubaea's gulph exalts its head,
+  Which still of human form the marks retains.
+  Which, as though still of consciousness possess'd,
+  The sailors fear to tread, and Lychas call.
+
+    Thou, Jove's renowned offspring, fell'd the trees
+  Which lofty OEte bore, and built a pile:
+  Then bade the son of Paean bear thy bow,
+  Thy mighty quiver, and thy darts, to view
+  Once more the realm of Troy; and through his aid
+  The flames were plac'd below, whose greedy spires
+  Seiz'd on the structure. On the woody top
+  Thou laid'st the hide Nemaean, and thy head,
+  Supported with thy club, with brow serene
+  As though with garlands circled, at a feast
+  Thou laid'st, 'mid goblets fill'd with sparkling wine.
+
+    Now the strong fires spread wide o'er every part,
+  Crackling, and seizing his regardless limbs,
+  Who them despis'd. The gods beheld with fear
+  The earth's avenger. Jove, who saw their care
+  With joyous countenance, thus the powers address'd:
+  "This fear, O deities! makes glad my heart;
+  "And lively pleasure swells in all my breast,
+  "That sire and sovereign o'er such grateful minds
+  "I hold my sway; since to my offspring too
+  "Your favoring care extends. No less, 'tis true,
+  "His deeds stupendous claim. Still I'm oblig'd.
+  "But from your anxious breasts banish vain fear;
+  "Despise those flames of OEte; he who all
+  "O'ercame, shall conquer even the flames you see:
+  "Nor shall the power of Vulcan ought consume,
+  "Save his maternal part: what he deriv'd
+  "From me, is ever-during; safe from death;
+  "And never vanquish'd by the force of fire.
+  "That we'll receive, his earthly race compleat,
+  "Amidst the heavenly host; and all I trust
+  "My actions gladly will approve. Should one
+  "Haply, with grief see Hercules a god,
+  "And grudge the high reward; ev'n he shall grant
+  "His great deserts demand it; and allow
+  "Unwilling approbation." All assent;
+  Not even his royal spouse's forehead wore,
+  A frown at ought he said; his final words
+  Irk'd her at length, to be so plainly mark'd.
+  Vulcan meantime each corruptible part
+  Bore off in flames, nor could Alcides' form
+  Remaining, now be known; nought he retain'd
+  Of what his mother gave; Jove's share alone.
+  A serpent revels thus in glittering scales,
+  His age and former skin thrown off at once.
+  So when Tirynthius from his mortal limbs
+  Departed, in his better part he shone,
+  Increas'd in stature; and majestic grace
+  Augustly deck'd his venerable brow.
+  Veil'd in a hollow cloud, and borne along
+  By four swift steeds, in a high car, the sire
+  Him plac'd in glory 'mid the radiant stars.
+  Atlas perceiv'd his load increas'd. Nor yet
+  Eurystheus 'bated in his rancorous hate,
+  But cruel exercis'd his savage rage,
+  Against the offspring of the sire abhorr'd.
+
+    But now Alcmena, worn with constant cares,
+  In Argolis, to Ioele confides
+  Her aged plaints, to her the labors tells
+  Her son atchiev'd, o'er all the wide world known;
+  And her own griefs beside. Alcides' words
+  Caus'd Hyllus to his couch to take, and take
+  Ioele, cordial to his inmost heart:
+  And now with generous fruit, the nymph was large.
+  Alcmena, thus to her commenc'd her tale.--
+
+    "May thee, at least, the favoring gods indulge;
+  "And all delay diminish, when matur'd,
+  "Thou to Ilithyiae shalt have need to call,
+  "Who o'er travailing mothers bears the rule;
+  "Whom Juno's influence made so hard to me.
+  "Of Hercules toil-bearing, now the birth,
+  "Approach'd, and in the tenth sign rul'd the sun.
+  "A mighty bulk swell'd out my womb, so huge,
+  "Well might you know that Jove the load had caus'd:
+  "Nor could I longer bear my throes (my limbs
+  "Cold rigors seize, while now I speak; my pains
+  "Part ev'n in memory now I seem to feel)
+  "Through seven long nights, and seven long days with pangs
+  "Incessant was I rack'd: my arms to heaven
+  "Stretching, I call'd Lucina, and the powers,
+  "With outcries mighty. True Lucina came,
+  "But came by Juno prepossest, and bent
+  "My life to sacrifice to Juno's rage.
+  "Soon as my groans she hearken'd, down she sate
+  "Upon the altar, plac'd without the gates:
+  "'Neath her right ham, her left knee pressing; join'd
+  "Fingers with fingers cross'd upon her breast
+  "My labor stay'd; and spellful words she spoke
+  "In whispering tone; the spellful words delay'd
+  "Th' approaching birth. I strain, and madly rave
+  "With vain upbraidings to ungrateful Jove,
+  "And crave for death; in such expressions 'plain
+  "As hardest flints might move. The Theban dames
+  "Around me throng; assist me with their prayers;
+  "And me my trying pains exhort to bear.
+  "Galanthis, one who tended me, of race
+  "Plebeian; yellow-hair'd; and sedulous
+  "What order'd to perform; and much esteem'd
+  "For courteous deeds;--she first suspected, (what,
+  "I know not) somewhat, form'd by Juno's pique:
+  "And while she constant pass'd; now to, now fro,
+  "She saw the goddess on the altar sit,
+  "Girding her arms, with close-knit fingers o'er
+  "Her knees, and said;--O dame, whoe'er thou art,
+  "Our mistress gratulate. Alcmena now
+  "Argolican, is lighten'd. Now the prayers
+  "Of the child-bearer meet her hopes.--The dame
+  "Who rules the womb, straight from her station leap'd,
+  "And all astounded, her clench'd fingers loos'd:
+  "I in that moment felt my bonds undone.
+  "Galanthis, they report, the goddess mock'd
+  "Thus cheated, by her laughter. Savage, she
+  "Dragg'd her so laughing, by the tresses seiz'd,
+  "And forc'd her down to earth, as up she strove
+  "Erect to rise; and to forefeet her arms
+  "Transform'd. The same agility remains;
+  "Her back its colour keeps; her form alone
+  "Is diverse. She, 'cause then her lying mouth
+  "My birth assisted, by her mouth still bears:
+  "And round my house she harbors as before."--
+
+    She said, and by the memory mov'd, she mourn'd
+  For her lost servant, whom, lamenting, thus
+  Her child-in-law address'd.--"If then the form
+  "Alter'd, of one an alien to your blood,
+  "O mother! thus affects you, let me tell
+  "The wond'rous fortune which my sister met:
+  "Though grief and tears will frequent choke my words.
+
+    "Her mother, Dryope alone could boast,
+  "(Me to my sire another bore) her charms
+  "OEthalia all confess'd; whom (rifled first
+  "Of virgin charms, when passively she felt
+  "His force, who Delphos, and who Delos rules)
+  "Andraemon took, and held a happy spouse.
+  "A lake expands with steep and shelving shores
+  "Encompass'd; myrtles crown the rising bank.
+  "Here Dryope, of fate unconscious came,
+  "And what must more commiseration move,
+  "Came to weave chaplets for the Naiad nymphs;
+  "Her arms sustain'd her boy, a pleasing load,
+  "His first year scarce complete, as with warm milk
+  "She nourish'd him. The watery Lotus there,
+  "For promis'd fruit in Tyrian splendor bright,
+  "Grew flowering near. The flowers my sister cropp'd,
+  "And held them to delight her boy; and I,
+  "(For there I stood,) the same prepar'd to do;
+  "But from the flowers red flowing drops I saw,
+  "And all the boughs with tremulous shuddering shook.
+  "Doubtless it is, (but far too late we learn'd
+  "By the rough swains,) nymph Lotis, when she fled
+  "From Priapus obscene, her shape transform'd
+  "Into this tree which still retains her name.
+  "My sister witless of this change, in fright
+  "Would back retreat, and leave the nymphs ador'd,
+  "But roots her feet retain: these from the ground
+  "She strains to rend; but save her upper limbs
+  "Nought can she move; a tender bark grows o'er
+  "The lower parts, and her mid limbs invades.
+  "This seeing, and her locks to rend away
+  "Attempting; her rais'd hand with leaves was fill'd.
+  "Leaves cover'd all her head. Amphyssus found,
+  "(His grandsire had the child Amphyssus nam'd)
+  "His mother's breasts grow hard; nor when he suck'd
+  "Lacteal fluid gain'd he. I there stood,
+  "Of her sad fate spectator: loud I cry'd--
+  "But, O my sister! aid I could not bring;
+  "Yet what I could I urg'd; the growing trunk,
+  "And growing boughs, my close embraces staid:
+  "In the same bark I glad had been enclos'd.
+  "Lo! come her spouse Andraemon, and her sire
+  "So wretched; and for Dryope they seek:
+  "A Lotus, as for Dryope they ask,
+  "I shew them; to the yet warm wood salutes
+  "Ardent they give; and prostrate spread, the roots
+  "They clasp of their own tree. Now, sister dear!
+  "Nought save thy face but what a tree becomes.
+  "Thy tears, the leaves thy body form'd, bedew.
+  "And now, whilst able, while her mouth yet gives
+  "To words a passage, such like plaints as these
+  "She breathes;--If faith th' unhappy e'er can claim,
+  "I swear by all the deities, this deed
+  "I never merited: without a crime
+  "My punishment I suffer. Innocent
+  "My life has been. If I deceive, may drought
+  "Parch those new leaves; and, by the hatchet fell'd,
+  "May fire consume me. Yet this infant bear
+  "From those maternal branches; to a nurse
+  "Transfer him; but contrive that oft he comes
+  "And 'neath my boughs let him his milk imbibe;
+  "And 'neath my boughs sport playful. When with words
+  "Able to hail me, let him me salute,
+  "And sorrowing say;--Within that trunk lies hid
+  "My mother--But the lakes, O! let him dread,
+  "Nor dare from any tree to snatch a flower;
+  "But think each shrub he sees a god contains.
+  "Adieu! dear husband; sister dear, adieu!
+  "Father, farewel! if pious cares you feel,
+  "From the sharp axe defend my boughs, and from
+  "The browsing flocks. And now, as fate denies
+  "To lean my arms to yours,--your arms advance;
+  "Approach my lips, whilst you my lips may touch:
+  "And to them lift my infant boy. More words
+  "I may not;--now the tender bark my neck,
+  "So white, invades; my utmost summit hid.
+  "Move from my lids your fingers, for the bark,
+  "So rapid growing, will my dying eyes
+  "Without assistance close.--Her lips to speak
+  "Cease, and existence ceases: the fresh boughs
+  "Long in the alter'd body warm were felt."
+
+    While Ioele the mournful fact relates;
+  And while Alcmena, from Eurytus' maid,
+  With ready fingers dry'd the tears; herself
+  Still weeping, lo! a novel deed assuag'd
+  Their grief--for Ioelaues, scarcely youth,
+  His cheeks with tender down just cover'd, stands
+  Within the porch; to early years restor'd.
+
+    Junonian Hebe, by her husband's prayers
+  O'ercome, to Ioelaues gave the boon.
+  Who, when to vow she went, that future times
+  Should none such gift enjoying, e'er perceive,
+  Was check'd by Themis. "Now all Thebes,"--she said,
+  "Discordant warfare moves. Through Jove alone
+  "Capaneus can be conquer'd. Mutual wounds
+  "Shall slay the brothers. In the yawning earth
+  "A living prophet his own tomb shall see.
+  "A son avenger of his parent's death
+  "Upon his parent: impious for the deed,
+  "At once, and pious: at the action stunn'd,
+  "Exil'd from home, and from his senses driv'n,
+  "The furies' faces, and his mother's shade
+  "Shall haunt him; till his wife the fatal gold
+  "Shall ask: and till the Phegian sword shall pierce
+  "Their kinsman's side. Callirhoe then, the nymph
+  "From Acheloues sprung, suppliant shall seek
+  "From Jove, her infants years mature may gain.
+  "Mov'd by her prayers, Jove will from thee demand,
+  "Son's spouse, and daughter of his wife, the boon
+  "And unripe men thou'lt make the youths become."
+
+    While Themis thus, with fate-foretelling lips,
+  This spoke; the gods in murmuring grudgings mourn'd,
+  Angry why others might not grant the gift.
+  Aurora mourn'd her husband's aged years:
+  Mild Ceres 'plain'd that Jason's hairs were white:
+  Vulcan, for Erichthonius pray'd an age
+  Renew'd. E'en Venus future cares employ'd,
+  Anxious for promise that Anchises' years
+  Replenishment might find: And every god
+  Had whom he lov'd; and dark sedition grew
+  From special favor; till the mighty sire
+  The silence broke.--"If reverence I may claim,
+  "Where rashly rush ye? Which of you the power,
+  "Fate to control, possesses? Fate it was
+  "Gave Ioelaues youth restor'd again:
+  "By Fate Callirhoe's sons ere long shall spring
+  "To manhood, prematurely; nor can arms
+  "Nor yet ambition gain this gift. With souls
+  "More tranquil bear this; since you see the fates
+  "Me also rule. Could I the fates once change,
+  "Old age should never bend AEaecus down;
+  "And Rhadamanthus had perpetual spring
+  "Of youth enjoy'd, with Minos, now despis'd
+  "Through load of bitter years, nor reigns as wont."
+
+    Jove's words the deities all mov'd; not one
+  Longer complain'd, when heavy press'd with years
+  They AEaecus, and Rhadamanthus saw;
+  And Minos: who, when in his prime of age,
+  Made mightiest nations tremble at his name.
+  He, feeble then, at Deione's son
+  Miletus, trembled, who with youthful strength,
+  And Phoebus' origin proud swol'n, and known
+  About to rise against his rule:--yet him
+  He dar'd not from his household roof to drive.
+  But thou, Miletus, fled'st spontaneous, thou
+  Th' AEgean waves in thy swift ship didst pass,
+  And on the Asian land the walls didst found
+  Which bear the builder's name. Cyance here,
+  Maeander's daughter, whose recurving banks
+  She often trode: (whose stream itself reseeks
+  So oft) in beauteous form, by thee was known,
+  And, claspt by thee, a double offspring came,
+  Byblis and Caunus, from the warm embrace.
+
+    Let Byblis warn, that nymphs should ne'er indulge
+  Illicit warmth. Her brother Byblis lov'd;
+  Not as she ought; not with a sister's soul.
+  No fires at first the maid suspected; nought
+  Of sin: the thought that oft her lips to his
+  She wish'd to join, and clasp her arms around
+  His neck fraternal, long herself deceiv'd,
+  Beneath the semblance of a duteous love.
+  Love gradual bends to him her soul; she comes
+  Fully adorn'd to see him, anxious pants
+  Beauteous to seem; if one more beauteous there
+  She sees, invidious she that face beholds.
+  Still to herself unconscious was her love:
+  No wish she form'd beneath that burning flame,
+  Yet all within was fire. She call'd him lord,
+  Now kindred's name detesting; anxious more,
+  Byblis, than sister he should call her still.
+  Yet waking, ne'er her soul durst entertain
+  Lascivious wishes. When relax'd in sleep,
+  Then the lov'd object oft her fancy saw;
+  Oft seem'd her bosom to his bosom join'd:
+  Yet blush'd she, tranc'd in sleep. Her slumbers fly,
+  She lies awhile in silence, and revolves
+  Her dream: and thus in doubting accents speaks;
+  "Ah, wretch! what means this dream of silent night,
+  "Which yet I oft would wish? Why have I known
+  "This vision? Envy's eyes must own him fair,
+  "And but his sister am I, all my love
+  "He might possess; worthy of all my love.
+  "A sister's claim then hurts me! O! at least
+  "(While tempted thus I wakeful nought commit)
+  "Let sleep oft visit with such luscious dreams:
+  "No witness sees my sleeping joys; my joys,
+  "Though sleeping, yet are sweet. O, Venus! O,
+  "Thou feather'd Cupid, with thy tender dame!
+  "What transports I enjoy'd! what true delight
+  "Me thrill'd! how lay I, all my soul dissolv'd!
+  "How joys it me to trace in mind again
+  "The pleasure though so brief: for flying night
+  "Invidious check'd enjoyment in the bud.
+  "O Caunus! that an alter'd name might join
+  "Us closely; that thy sire a sire-in-law
+  "To me might be: O, Caunus, how I'd joy
+  "Wert thou not son, but son-in-law to mine.
+  "Would that the gods had all in common given,
+  "Save parents only. Thou in lofty birth
+  "I would should me excel. O beauteous youth!
+  "A mother whom thou'lt make I know not; I
+  "Ne'er can thee know but with a sister's love:
+  "Parents the same as thine my hapless lot.
+  "All that I have, me only pains the more.
+  "What are to me my visions? Weight have dreams?
+  "How much more happy are th' immortal gods!
+  "The gods embrace their sisters. Saturn clasps
+  "Ops, join'd to him by blood; Ocean enjoys
+  "His sister Tethys; and Olympus' king
+  "His Juno. Gods peculiar laws possess.
+  "Why seek I then celestial rites to bring
+  "Diverse, with human ord'nance to compare?
+  "Forbidden love shall from my breast be driv'n,
+  "Or that impossible, may death me seize
+  "Instant, and cold upon my couch outstretch'd,
+  "My brother then may kiss me as I lie.
+  "Yet still my wish double consent requires.
+  "Grant I should yield, still might the deed to him
+  "Seem execrable. Yet th' AEolian youth
+  "A sister's nuptial couch ne'er dreaded. Why,
+  "O, why! on this so dwell? Why thus recal
+  "Examples to my view? Where am I borne?
+  "Hence, flames obscene! hence far! a sister's love,
+  "And that alone my brother shall enjoy.
+  "But had his soul first burn'd for me, perchance
+  "I had indulg'd his passion. Surely then
+  "I may demand, who would not, ask'd, refuse.
+  "What couldst thou speak? Couldst thou confess thy flame?
+  "Love forces, and I can. If shame my lips
+  "Close binds; yet secret letters may disclose
+  "The hidden flame."--With this idea pleas'd,
+  These words her hesitating mind resolv'd,
+  Rais'd on her side, supported by her arm.--
+  "He shall"--she said--"now know it; all my love
+  "Preposterous confess'd. Alas! what depth
+  "Now rush I to? What fire has seiz'd my soul?"--
+  And then with tremulous hand the words compos'd.
+  Her right hand grasps the style, the left sustains
+  The waxen tablet smooth; and then begins.
+  She doubts; she writes; condemns what now she wrote;
+  Corrects; erases; alters; now dislikes;
+  And now approves. Now throws the tablet by,
+  Then seizes it again. Irres'lute what
+  She would; whate'er is done displeases, all.
+  Shame and audacious boldness in her face
+  Are mingled. Sister, once her hand had wrote,
+  But sister, soon as seen, her hand eras'd;
+  And her fair tablet bore such words as these.--
+  "To thee, a lover salutation sends,
+  "And health, which only thou to her canst give:
+  "Asham'd, she blushes to disclose her name.
+  "For should I press to gain my wish'd desire,
+  "Without my name, my cause I trust would find
+  "Successful aid. Let Byblis not be known
+  "Till certain hopes of bliss her mind shall cheer.
+  "Yet faded color, leanness, and pale face,
+  "With constant dripping eye, and rising sobs
+  "Shew my unhidden grief. Well might these prove
+  "To thee an index of a wounded heart.
+  "My constant clasping, numerous fond salutes,
+  "If e'er thou'st mark'd, thou well might have perceiv'd
+  "Not sister-like embracings. In my soul
+  "Though this deep wound I bear; though in my breast
+  "This fire consuming burns, yet strive I all,
+  "(Witness, ye gods! my truth) all to suppress,
+  "And act with wiser conduct: hapless war
+  "Long have I wag'd 'gainst Cupid's furious rule
+  "More pressure have I borne, than what a maid
+  "Could e'er be thought to bear. At length o'ercome,
+  "And forc'd to yield, thy help I must implore
+  "With trembling voice: thou only canst preserve,
+  "Thou only canst the loving nymph destroy.
+  "With thee the choice remains. No foe thus sues,
+  "But one by nearest ties to thee conjoin'd,
+  "Pants to be join'd more nearly; link'd to thee
+  "With closest bands. Let aged seniors learn
+  "Our laws, and seek what moral codes permit.
+  "What is permitted, and what is deny'd,
+  "Let them enquire, and closely search the laws:
+  "A bolder love more suits our growing years.
+  "As yet we know not what the laws allow;
+  "And judge for all things we free leave enjoy;
+  "Th' example following of the mighty gods.
+  "Nor parent stern, nor strict regard for fame,
+  "Nor timid thoughts should check us; absent all
+  "Should be each cause of fear. The dear sweet theft
+  "Beneath fraternal love may be conceal'd;
+  "With thee in secret converse I may speak,
+  "Embrace thee, kiss thee in the open crowd;
+  "How little then remains! Pity, forgive,
+  "The declaration of this love, ne'er told
+  "Had raging fire not urg'd it, nor allow
+  "Upon my tomb this cause of death to stand.--"
+
+    Here the fill'd tablet check'd her hand, in vain
+  Thus writing, at the utmost edge the lines,
+  But stay'd. Her crime straightway she firmly press'd,
+  With her carv'd gem, and moisten'd it with tears:
+  Her tears of utterance robb'd her. Bashful then
+  She call'd a page, and blandishing in fear
+  Exclaim'd.--"Thou faithful boy, this billet bear--"
+  And hesitated long ere more she said,
+  Ere--"to my brother, bear it."--As she gave
+  The tablet, from her trembling hand it fell;
+  The omen deep disturb'd her. Yet she sent.
+
+    A chosen hour the servant sought, went forth
+  And gave the secret message. Sudden rage
+  me youth Maeandrian petrify'd; and down
+  The half-read lines upon the ground he flung.
+  His hand scarce holding from the trembling face
+  Of the pale messenger. "Quick, fly!" he cry'd,
+  "Thou wicked pander of forbidden lust!
+  "Fly while thou may'st; and know, had not thy fate
+  "Involv'd our modest name, death hadst thou found.--"
+  He terrify'd escapes, and backward bears,
+  To his young mistress all fierce Caunus spoke.
+
+    Pale, thou, O Byblis! heardst the rough repulse;
+  Thy breast with frigid chills beset. But soon
+  Her spirits rally, and her furious love
+  Returns: scarce to the trembling air her tongue
+  Can utterance give in these indignant words;--
+  "Deserv'dly mourn I, who so rashly gave
+  "Him of my wounds the conscious tale to learn.
+  "Why trust so soon to words, what still might hid
+  "Remain, on tablets hastily compos'd?
+  "Why were not first the wishes of my soul
+  "Try'd in ambiguous hints? First, sure I ought
+  "Whence the wind blew have mark'd; nor loos'd my sails,
+  "Him flying, to pursue, and the wide main
+  "In all directions plough: now bellies out
+  "My canvas; not a single course explor'd.
+  "Hence am I borne against the rocks; hence 'whelm'd
+  "In the wide depth of ocean; nor my sails
+  "Know I to tack returning. Did not heaven
+  "Check the indulgence of my love, by marks
+  "Obvious to all? when from my hand down dropp'd
+  "The tablet, which the boy was bade to bear.
+  "Mark'd that my falling hopes not? More deferr'd
+  "Thy wishes, or the day should sure have been;
+  "Surely the day. For heaven itself me warn'd,
+  "And certain signs me gave; but those my mind
+  "Stupid neglected. Personal my words
+  "Should I have urg'd, nor trusted to the wax.
+  "In person should my love have been display'd.
+  "Then had my tears been seen; then had he view'd
+  "My raptur'd countenance; then had I spoke
+  "Far more than power of letters can convey.
+  "My arms around his neck I then had thrown
+  "Howe'er unwilling; and, had he been coy,
+  "In dying posture I his feet had clasp'd;
+  "And stretch'd before him life demanding, all
+  "Had I achiev'd. Perchance though, by the boy,
+  "My messenger commission'd, I have fail'd:
+  "Aptly perhaps he enter'd not; perhaps,
+  "And much I fear, improper hours he chose;
+  "Nor sought a vacant time, when nought his mind
+  "Disturb'd. This has, alas! my hopes destroy'd:
+  "For from a tiger Caunus sprung not; round
+  "His heart not solid steel, nor rigid flint,
+  "Nor adamant is girt; nor has he suck'd
+  "The lioness's milk. He shall be bent,
+  "And gain'd his heart shall be; nor will I brook
+  "The smallest bar to what I undertake,
+  "While now this spirit holds. My primal wish
+  "(If it were given I might revoke my deeds)
+  "Is, I had ne'er commenc'd: my second now
+  "Is, that I persevere in what's begun.
+  "For should I now my wishes not pursue,
+  "Still must he of those daring wishes think;
+  "And should I now desist, well might he judge
+  "Form'd lightly my desires: or plann'd to try
+  "His virtue, and involve in snares his fame:
+  "Or, (dreadful!) think me not by love o'ercome,
+  "(Who burns and rages fiercely in my breast)
+  "But by hot lust. For now conceal'd no more
+  "My guilty act can be; I've written once,
+  "Once have I ask'd; corrupted all my soul.
+  "Should further no depravity ensue,
+  "Guilty I must be call'd. What more remains,
+  "In crime is little, but in hope immense."--
+
+    She said, and such the wavering of her breast,
+  That, whilst the trial grieves her which she made,
+  Farther to try she wishes; every bound
+  O'erpassing; and, with luckless fate, her suit
+  Still meets repulsion. He, when endless seem'd
+  Her pressing, fled his country, and the crime;
+  And in a foreign region rais'd new walls.
+
+    Then, daughter of Miletus, they report,
+  Forsook thee all thy senses; then in truth
+  Thou rent thy garments from thy breast; thy breast
+  Thy furious hands hard smote. Now to the world
+  Madly she raves; now to the world displays
+  Her wish'd-for love, deny'd: all hope--despair!
+  She too forsook her country, and the roof
+  So hated; and the vagrant steps pursu'd
+  Her flying brother trode. As Thracia's dames
+  O, son of Semele! thy Thyrsus shake
+  When celebrating thy triennial rites,
+  So did the Carian matrons, Byblis see
+  Fly o'er the wide-spread fields, with shrieks and howls:
+  These left behind, o'er Caria's plains she runs,
+  And through the warlike Leleges, and through
+  The Lycian realms. Now Cragos had she left,
+  And Lymire, and Xanthus' waves behind;
+  With the high ridge Chimaera lifts, who burns
+  Central with flames; his breast and front fierce arm'd
+  A lion--tow'rd his tail a serpent form'd.
+  Now all the forests past; thou Byblis, faint
+  With long pursuit, fall'st flat; on the hard ground
+  Thy locks are spread; dumb now thou ly'st; thy face
+  Presses the fallen leaves. Oft in their arms
+  So delicate, the Lelegeian nymphs
+  To raise thee up attempted. Oft they strove
+  To give advice that might thy love control,
+  And offer solace to thy deafen'd ear.
+  Still silent Byblis lies; and with her nails
+  Rends the green herbage; moistens all the grass
+  With rivulets of tears. And here, they say,
+  The Naiaed nymphs their bubbling art supply'd.
+  Ne'er drought to know: more to afford, their power
+  Sure could not. Straightway, as the pitchy drops
+  Flow from the fir's cleft bark; from solid earth
+  As stiff bitumen oozes; or as streams,
+  By cold congeal'd, thaw with the southern wind
+  And warming sun: Phoebean Byblis so
+  By her own tears exhausted, was transform'd,
+  A fount becoming; which still in that vale,
+  'Neath a dark ilex springing, keeps her name.
+
+    Now had the rumor of this wond'rous change
+  Spread rapid through the hundred towns of Crete,
+  But Crete had lately seen a wond'rous change
+  In her own clime, in Iphis' alter'd form.
+  There in the Phestian land, near Gnossus' realm
+  Was Lygdus born: a man of unknown fame,
+  But a plebeian of unblemish'd worth:
+  Nor had he, more than noble stock, estate;
+  Yet unimpeach'd for honesty his life.
+  He thus the ears of his then pregnant spouse
+  Address'd, when near her bearing time approach'd:--
+  "Two things my wishes bound; first that thy pains
+  "May lightly press, next that a male thou bring'st:
+  "More burdensome are females; strength to them
+  "Nature denies. Then if by fate ordain'd
+  "To give a female birth, which I detest,
+  "Unwilling I command,--O piety!
+  "Excuse it,--let the babe to death be given."--
+  He said, and tears profuse the cheeks bedew
+  Of him who bade, and her who heard his words.
+  Still Telethusa to the latest hour,
+  With vain petitions strives her spouse to move,
+  That thus he should not straighten so his hopes.
+  Firm to his purpose Lygdus stood. And now
+  Scarce could the heavy weight her womb sustain;
+  When in the silent space of night, in sleep
+  Entranc'd; or Isis stood before her bed,
+  Or seem'd to stand; surrounded by the pomp
+  To her belonging. On her forehead shone
+  The lunar horns, and yellow wheat them bound
+  In golden radiance, with a regal crown.
+  With her Anubis, barker came; and came
+  Bubastis holy; Apis various-mark'd;
+  He who the voice suppresses, and directs
+  To silence with his finger; timbrels loud;
+  Osiris never sought enough; and snakes
+  Of foreign lands full of somniferous gall.
+  To her the goddess thus, as rais'd from sleep
+  She seem'd, and manifest each object stood:--
+  "O vot'ry, Telethusa! fling aside
+  "Thy weighty cares; thy husband's mandates cheat;
+  "Nor waver, when Lucina helps thy pains:
+  "Save it whate'er it be. A goddess I,
+  "Assisting, still give aid when rightly claim'd:
+  "Nor will it e'er thee grieve to have ador'd
+  "An ingrate goddess."--Thus as she advis'd,
+  She vanish'd from the bed. The Cretan dame
+  Rose from the couch o'erjoy'd; and raising high
+  To heaven her guiltless hands, pray'd that her dream
+  On truth was founded. Now her pains increas'd;
+  And now her burthen forc'd itself to air:
+  A daughter came, but to the sire unknown.
+  The mother bade them rear it as a boy,
+  And all a boy believ'd it; none the truth,
+  The nurse excepted, knew. Glad prayers the sire
+  Offers, and from its grandsire is it nam'd:
+  (Iphis, the grandsire's appellation.) Joy'd
+  The mother hears the name, which either sex
+  May claim; and none, in that at least, deceiv'd;
+  The lie lay hid beneath a pious fraud.
+  The robes were masculine, the face was such
+  As beauteous boy, or beauteous girl might own.
+
+    And now three annual suns the tenth had pass'd,
+  Thy father, Iphis, had to thee betroth'd
+  Iaenthe, yellow-hair'd; nymph most admir'd
+  'Mongst all the Phestians, for her beauteous charms:
+  Telestes of Dictaea was her sire.
+  Equal in age, and equal in fair form;
+  The self-same masters taught the early arts,
+  Suiting their years. Their unsuspecting minds
+  Were both by love thus touch'd, in both was fix'd
+  An equal wound: but far unlike their hopes.
+  Iaenthe, for a spouse impatient looks,
+  With nuptial torches. Whom a man she thinks,
+  That spouse she hopes will be. Iphis too loves,
+  Despairing what she loves e'er to enjoy:
+  This still the more her love augments, and burns
+  A virgin for a virgin. Scarce from tears
+  Refraining;--"What,"--she cries,--"for me remains?
+  "What will the issue be? What cure for this
+  "New love, unknown to all, who prodigies
+  "Possess in this desire? If the high gods
+  "Me wish to spare, straight should they me destroy.
+  "Yet would they me destroy, they should have given
+  "A curse more natural; a more usual fate.
+  "Love for an heifer ne'er an heifer moves;
+  "Nor burns the mare for mares: rams follow ewes;
+  "The stag pursues his female; birds thus join:
+  "Nor animal creation female shews
+  "With love of female seiz'd. Would none were I!
+  "But lest all monstrous loves Crete might not shew;
+  "Sol's daughter chose a bull; even that was male
+  "With female. Yet, if candidly I speak,
+  "My passion wilder far than hers appears.
+  "She hop'd-for love pursu'd; by fraud enjoy'd;
+  "Beneath an heifer's form, th' adulterous spark
+  "Deceiving. Be from every part of earth
+  "Assembled here the skill: let Daedalus
+  "Hither, on waxen wings rebend his flight,
+  "What could all aid? Could all their learned art
+  "Change me from maid to youth? or alter thee
+  "Iaenthe? But why resolute, thy mind
+  "Not fix? Why Iphis thus thyself forget,
+  "These stupid wishes driving hence, and thoughts
+  "So unavailing? Lo! what thou wast born,
+  "(Save thou would'st also thine own breast deceive)
+  "What is allow'd behold, and as a maid
+  "May love, love only. Hope, first snatch'd by love,
+  "Love feeds on still. From thee all hope is borne.
+  "No guardians thee debar the dear embrace;
+  "Nor watchful husband's care; no sire severe;
+  "Nor she herself denies thy pressing prayers,
+  "Yet art thou still forbid, though all agree;
+  "To reap the bliss, though gods and men unite.
+  "Behold, too, all my votive prayers succeed:
+  "The favoring gods whate'er I pray'd have given.
+  "My sire and hers, and even herself comply,
+  "But nature far more strong denies, alone
+  "Me irking with refusal. Lo! arrives
+  "The wish'd-for hour; the matrimonial light
+  "Approaches; when Iaenthe will be mine;
+  "And yet far from me. In the midst of waves
+  "For thirst I perish. Nuptial Juno, why
+  "Com'st thou, or Hymen to these rites; where none
+  "Leads to the altar, but where both are led?"--
+
+    Here staid her speech; nor less the other nymph
+  Burn'd; and O, Hymen, pray'd thy quick approach.
+  But what she wishes Telethusa dreads,
+  And searches for delays; feign'd sickness oft
+  Prolongs the time; oft omens dire, and dreams.
+  Now all her artful fictions are consum'd;
+  And now the long protracted period came,
+  For nuptial rites; and, but one day remain'd.
+  She from her own and daughter's head unbinds
+  The fillets; and with locks dishevell'd, clasps
+  The altar, crying;--"Isis, thou who dwell'st
+  "In Paraetonium; Mareotis' fields;
+  "In Pharos; and the sev'nfold mouths of Nile.
+  "Help me I pray! relieve my trembling dread.
+  "Thee, goddess, once I saw; and with thee all
+  "Those images beheld; them all I know:
+  "Thy train, thy torches, and thy timbrels loud.
+  "And with a mindful soul thy words I mark'd.
+  "That she enjoys the light, that I myself,
+  "Not sinful suffer, to thy counsels, we,
+  "And admonitions owe. Pity us both;
+  "Grant us thy helping aid."--Tears follow'd words.
+  Straight seem'd the goddess' altars all to shake;
+  (And shake they did) trembled the temple's doors;
+  The lunar horns blaz'd bright; the timbrels rung.
+
+    Forth goes the mother, of the omen glad,
+  Yet not in faith secure. Iphis pursues
+  His mother with a step more large than wont:
+  The snow-like whiteness quits his face; his strength
+  Increases; fiercer frowns his forehead wears:
+  Shorten'd his uncomb'd locks: more vigor now
+  Than as a nymph he felt. For thou, a boy
+  Now art--so late a female! Bear thy gifts
+  Straight to the temple; and in faith rejoice.
+  Straight to the temple they their offerings bore,
+  And on them this short poem was inscrib'd.--
+  "Iphis a boy, the offerings pays, which maid,
+  "Iphis had vow'd."--The following sun illum'd
+  The wide world with his rays; when Venus came,
+  Juno, and Hymen, to the genial fires;
+  And the boy Iphis his Iaenthe clasp'd.
+
+
+
+
+*The Tenth Book.*
+
+
+    Marriage of Orpheus and Eurydice. Her death. Descent of Orpheus
+    to Hell, to recover her. Her second loss. His mournful music on
+    mount Haemus draws the trees, birds, and beasts around him. Change
+    of Cyparissus to a cypress-tree. Song of Orpheus. Ganymede.
+    Hyacinth changed to a flower. The Amanthians to oxen. The
+    Propaetides to flints. Pygmalion's statue to a woman. Myrrha's
+    incestuous love, and transformation to a tree. Venus' love for
+    Adonis. Story of Atalanta and Hippomenes. Adonis changed to an
+    anemone.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Tenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Thence Hymen, in his saffron vesture clad,
+  Through the vast air departs; and seeks the land
+  Ciconian; by the voice of Orpheus call'd
+  Vainly. He came indeed, but with him brought
+  No wonted gratulations, no glad face,
+  Nor happy omen. And the torch he bore
+  Crackled in hissing smoke; nor gather'd flame
+  From whirling motion. Still more dire th' event
+  Prov'd, than the presage. As the new-made bride,
+  Attended by a train of Naiad nymphs,
+  Rov'd through the grass, a serpent's fangs her heel
+  Pierc'd, and she instant dy'd. Her, when long-mourn'd
+  In upper air, the Rhodopeian bard
+  Ventur'd to seek in shades, and dar'd descend
+  Through the Taenarian cave to Stygia's realms.
+  'Mid shadowy crowds, and bury'd ghosts he goes,
+  To Proserpine, and him who rules the shades
+  With sway ungrateful. There he strikes the strings
+  Responsive to his words, and this his song.--
+  "Gods of this subterraneous world, where all
+  "Of mortal origin must come, permit
+  "That I the truth declare; no tedious tales
+  "Of falshood will I tell. Here came I not
+  "Your dusky Hell to view: nor to o'ercome
+  "The triple-throated Medusaean beast
+  "Snake-hair'd;--my wife alone my journey caus'd,
+  "Whose heel a trampled serpent venom'd stung:
+  "Snatch'd in her bloom of years. Much did I wish,
+  "My loss to bear; nor ought forbore to strive;
+  "But love o'ercame. Well do the upper gods
+  "That deity confess. In doubt I stand
+  "If here too he is known; but here I judge
+  "His power is felt: the ancient rape, if true,
+  "Proves love ev'n you first join'd. You I implore,
+  "By all those regions fill'd with dread; by this
+  "Chaos immense; your ample realm, all fill'd
+  "With silence; once again the thread renew
+  "Eurydice too hasty lost. To you
+  "We all belong; a little while we stay,
+  "Then soon or late to one repose we haste:
+  "All hither tend; this is our final home.
+  "You hold o'er human kind a lengthen'd reign.
+  "She too, when once her years mature are fill'd,
+  "To you again, must by just right belong.
+  "I then request her only as a loan:
+  "But should the fates this favor me refuse,
+  "Certain I'll ne'er return. Two deaths enjoy."--
+  The bloodless shadows wept as thus he sung,
+  And struck the strings in concord with his words.
+  Nor Tantalus at flying waters caught;
+  Nor roll'd Ixion's wheel: the liver gnaw'd
+  The birds not: rested on their empty urns
+  The Belides: and Sisyphus, thou sat'st
+  Upon thy stone. Nay fame declares, then first,
+  Vanquish'd by song, the furies felt their cheeks
+  Wetted with tears. Nor could the royal spouse,
+  Nor he who rules deep darkness, him withstand
+  Thus praying; and Eurydice is call'd.
+  Amid the recent dead she walk'd, and still
+  Halted with tardy steps from her late wound.
+  Her, when the bard of Thrace receiv'd, this law
+  Receiv'd he also: that his eyes reverse
+  He should not bend, till past Avernus' realms;
+  Else he'd the granted favor useless find.
+  In silence mute, through the steep path they climb
+  Dark, difficult, and thick with pitchy mist;
+  Nor far earth's surface wanted they to gain:
+  The lover here, in dread lest she should stray,
+  And anxious to behold, bent back his sight,
+  And instant back she sunk. As forth his arms
+  He stretch'd, to clasp expecting, and be clasp'd:
+  Unhappy! nought but fleeting air he held.
+  Twice dying, she can nought her spouse condemn;
+  For how blame him because too much he lov'd?
+  She gives her last farewel; which scarce his ears
+  Receive, then sinks again to shades below.
+
+    Orpheus, thus doubly of his spouse despoil'd,
+  All stunn'd appear'd: not less than he who saw
+  In wild affright the triple-headed dog,
+  Chain'd by the midmost: fear him never fled,
+  Till fled his former nature: sudden stone
+  On all his body seizing. Or than he,
+  Olenus, when the crime upon himself
+  He took, and guilty wish'd to seem; with thee
+  Hapless Lethaea, confident in charms.
+  Once breast to breast you join'd, now join as stones,
+  Which watery Ida bears. Beseeching vain,
+  And wishing once again the stream to pass,
+  The ferryman denies. Then on the bank
+  In squalid guise he sate, nor tasted food
+  For seven long days; his cares, and grieving soul,
+  And tears were all the sustenance he knew.
+  Cruel he call'd the gods of Erebus,
+  And to high Rhodope himself betook,
+  And lofty Haemus by the north-wind beat.
+
+    Thrice had the sun the year completed, each
+  By watery Pisces ended. Orpheus still
+  Fled every female's love: or his deep woe
+  Made him so cold; or faithful promise giv'n.
+  Yet crowds there were, who wish'd the bard's embrace:
+  And crowds with sorrow saw their love repuls'd.
+  A hill there rose, and on its summit spread
+  A wide extended plain, with herbage green:
+  Shade to the place was wanting; hither came
+  The heaven-born poet; seated him, and touch'd
+  His sounding strings, and straight a shade approach'd.
+  Nor wanted there Chaoenian trees; nor groves
+  Of poplars; nor the acorn's spacious leaves:
+  The linden soft, the beech, the virgin bay,
+  The brittle hazle, and spear-forming ash;
+  The knotless fir; ilex with fruit low-bow'd;
+  The genial plane; the maple various stain'd;
+  Stream-loving willow; and the watery lote;
+  Box of perpetual green; slight tamarisk;
+  Two-teinted myrtle; and the laurustine
+  With purple berries. Thou too, ivy, cam'st
+  Hither with flexile feet: together flock'd
+  Grape-bearing vines; and elms with vines entwin'd:
+  Wild ash, and pitch tree; and arbutus, bent
+  With loads of ruddy fruit; the pliant palm,
+  Meed of the conqueror; the pine close bound
+  About its boughs, but at its summit shagg'd:
+  Dear to the mother of celestial powers,
+  Since Atys Cybeleian was transform'd,
+  And in the trunk a rigid tree became.
+
+    In form pyramidal, amid the crowd,
+  The cypress came; now tree, but once a boy;
+  Dear to the god who rules the lyre's fine chords,
+  And rules the bowstring. Once was known a stag
+  Sacred to nymphs that own Carthaea's fields,
+  Who bore upon his head a lofty shade
+  From his wide-spreading horns; his horns bright shone
+  With gold; his collar, with bright gems bedeck'd,
+  Fell o'er his shoulders from his round neck hung;
+  A silver boss, by slender reins control'd
+  Mov'd o'er his brow; a brazen pair the same,
+  Shone o'er his temples hanging from his ears:
+  Devoid of fear, his nature's timid dread
+  Relinquish'd, oft the houses would he seek;
+  And oft would gently fondling stoop his neck,
+  Heedless who strok'd him. Cyparissus, thou
+  Beyond all others priz'd the sacred beast:
+  Thou, fairest far amongst the Caean youths.
+  Thou to fresh pastures led'st the stag; to streams
+  Of cooling fountains: oft his horns entwin'd
+  With variegated garlands. Horseman-like
+  Now on his back thou pressest; and now here,
+  Now there, thou rul'st his soft jaws with the reins
+  Of purple tinge. 'Twas once in mid-day heat,
+  When burnt the bent claws of the sea-shore crab,
+  In Sol's fierce vapor; on the grassy earth
+  The weary stag repos'd his limbs, and drew
+  Cool breezes from the trees umbrageous shades.
+  Here the boy Cyparissus careless flung
+  His painted dart, and fix'd it in his side.
+  Who, when he from the cruel wound beheld
+  Him dying, instant bent his mind to die.
+  What consolation did not Phoebus speak?
+  Urging the loss far slighter grief deserv'd:
+  Yet mourn'd he still, and from the gods supreme
+  Begg'd this last gift, to latest times to mourn.
+  His blood in constant tears exhausted, now
+  His limbs a green hue take; his locks which late
+  Hung o'er his snowy forehead, rough become
+  In frightful bushiness; and hardening quick,
+  Shoot up to heaven in form a slender spire.
+  The mourning god, in grief exclaim'd--"By me
+  "Bemoan'd, thou shalt with others always grieve;
+  "And henceforth mourners shalt thou still attend."--
+  Thus did the bard a wood collect around;
+  And in the midst he sate of thronging beasts,
+  And crowding birds. The chords he amply try'd
+  With his impulsive thumb, and vary'd much
+  In sound, he found their notes concordant still;
+  Then to this song rais'd his melodious voice.--
+
+    "O parent muse! from Jove derive my song:
+  "All yield to Jove's dominion. Oft my verse
+  "Before the mightiness of Jove has sung.
+  "I sung the giants, in a strain sublime,
+  "And vengeful thunders, o'er Phlegraea's plain
+  "Scatter'd; a tender theme now claims my lyre:
+  "I sing of youths by deities belov'd;
+  "And nymphs who with forbidden wishes burn'd,
+  "And met the doom their sensual lusts deserv'd.
+  "The king of gods made Phrygian Ganymede
+  "His favorite, but some other form possess'd.
+  "Jove must in shape be something else than Jove.
+  "He deems no form becomes him, save the bird
+  "That bears his thunder. Instant all is done;
+  "The Phrygian borne away: the air he beats
+  "With his feign'd wing. And now this youth the cup
+  "Of nectar hands, in Juno's spite, to Jove.
+
+    "Son of Amycla, thee had Phoebus plac'd
+  "Also the skies amidst, had fate allow'd
+  "For such position place; yet still thou hold'st
+  "Eternal, what fate grants: oft as the spring
+  "Winter repulses, and the ram succeeds
+  "The watery fishes, thou spring'st forth in flower
+  "'Mid the green sward. Beyond all else my sire
+  "Thee lov'd, and Delphos, plac'd in midmost earth,
+  "Wanted its ruling power, whilst now the god
+  "Eurotas lov'd, and Sparta un-intrench'd.
+  "Nor lyre, nor darts attention claim'd as wont;
+  "Of dignity unmindful, he not spurns
+  "To bear the nets; to curb the hounds; to climb
+  "With the full train the steepest mountain's ridge:
+  "And every toil augments his pleasure more.
+  "Now had the sun the midmost point near gain'd
+  "'Twixt flying night, and night approaching, each
+  "Distant in equal space; when from their limbs
+  "They flung their robes; with the fat olive's juice
+  "Their bodies shone; they enter'd in the lists
+  "Of the broad disk, which Phoebus first well pois'd,
+  "Then flung through lofty air; opposing clouds
+  "Flying it cleft; at length on solid earth
+  "It pitch'd, displaying skill with strength combin'd.
+  "Instant the rash Taenarian boy, impell'd
+  "By love of sport, sprung on to snatch the orb,
+  "But the hard ground repulsive in thy face,
+  "O, Hyacinth! it flung. Pale as the boy
+  "The god appear'd: he rais'd his fainting limbs,
+  "And in his arms now cherishes, now wipes
+  "The fatal wound, now stays his fleeting breath,
+  "With herbs apply'd; but all his arts are vain;
+  "Incurable the hurt. Just so, when broke,
+  "The violet, poppy, or the lily hang,
+  "Whose dark stems in a water'd garden spring;
+  "Flaccid they instant droop; the weighty head
+  "No longer upright rais'd, but bent to earth.
+  "So bent his dying face; his neck, bereft
+  "Of vigor, heavy on his shoulder laid.
+  "Phoebus exclaim'd;--Fall'st thou, OEbalian youth,
+  "Depriv'd of life in prime? and must I see
+  "Thy death my fault? thou art my grief, my crime;
+  "My hand the charge of thy destruction bears:
+  "I am the cause of thy untimely fate!
+  "But what my crime? unless with him to sport;
+  "Unless a fault it were too much to love.
+  "Would I could life for thee, or with thee quit;
+  "But fatal laws restrain me: yet shalt thou
+  "Be with me still; dwell ever on my lips;
+  "My hand shall sound thee on the lyre I touch;
+  "My songs of thee shall tell: a new-found flower
+  "Shall bear the letters which my griefs resound:
+  "And time shall come, when a most valiant chief
+  "Shall join him to thy flower; in the same leaf
+  "His name too shall be read.--As words like these
+  "The truth-predicting lips of Phoebus spoke,
+  "Behold! the blood which flow'd along the ground,
+  "And all the herbage ting'd, is blood no more;
+  "But springs a flower than Tyrian red more bright,
+  "A form assuming such as lilies wear:
+  "Like it, save purple this, that silvery white.
+  "Nor yet content was Phoebus; for from him
+  "The honor was deriv'd. Upon its leaves
+  "He trac'd his groans: _ai, ai_, on every flower
+  "In mournful characters is fair inscrib'd.
+  "Nor blush the Spartans, Hyacinth to own:
+  "His honors still the present age attend;
+  "And annual are the Hyacinthian feasts,
+  "In pomp surpassing aught of ancient days.
+
+    "Should you by chance of Amathus enquire,
+  "If williang the Propoetides it bore,
+  "Denying nods would equally disclaim
+  "Them, and the race whose foreheads once were rough
+  "With double horns; Cerastae, hence their name.
+  "Jove's hospitable altar at their gates
+  "Of mournful wickedness was rear'd: who saw
+  "This stain'd with gore, if stranger, might conceive
+  "That sucking calves, or two-year's sheep there bled.
+  "There bled the guest! Mild Venus griev'd
+  "At these most impious rites, at first prepar'd
+  "To quit her cities, and her Cyprian fields:--
+  "But how,--she said,--can my beloved clime?
+  "How can my towns have given offence? what fault
+  "Abides in them? Rather the impious race,
+  "Shall vengeance feel in exile, or in death;
+  "Save death and exile medium may allow:
+  "How may that be, unless their shape is chang'd?--
+  "Then while she doubts what shape they shall assume,
+  "Their horns attract her eyes; struck by the hint,
+  "Their mighty horns she leaves them, and transforms
+  "To savage oxen all their lusty limbs.
+
+    "Still dar'd th' obscene Propoetides deny
+  "Venus a goddess' power; for which, fame says
+  "They first, so forc'd the deity's revenge,
+  "Their bodies prostituted, and their charms.
+  "As shame them left, the blood which ting'd their cheeks
+  "Harden'd, and soon they rigid stone became.
+
+    "These saw Pygmalion, and the age beheld
+  "With crimes o'er-run; the shameful vice abhorr'd
+  "Which lavish nature gave their female souls.
+  "Single, and spouseless liv'd he; long a mate
+  "Press'd not his couch. Meantime the ivory white
+  "With happy skill, and wond'rous art he carv'd;
+  "And form'd a beauteous figure; never maid
+  "So perfect yet was born, and his own work
+  "With love inspir'd him. Of a nymph her face
+  "Was such, you must believe the form to live,
+  "And move, if not by bashfulness restrain'd.
+  "Thus art his art conceal'd. Pygmalion stares
+  "In admiration; and his breast draws flames
+  "From the feign'd body: oft his hands his work
+  "Approach, if ivory or if flesh to judge;
+  "Nor ivory then will he confess the form.
+  "Kisses he gives, and thinks each kiss return'd:
+  "He speaks, he grasps her; where he grasps, he thinks
+  "His hands impression leave; and fears to see
+  "On the prest limbs some marks of livid blue.
+  "Now blandish'd words he uses; now he bears
+  "Those gifts so grateful to a girlish mind;
+  "Pearls, and smooth-polish'd gems, and smallest birds,
+  "With variegated flowers, and lilies fair,
+  "And painted figures, and the Heliads' tears,
+  "Dropt from the weeping tree: with garments gay
+  "Her limbs too he adorns, and jewels gives
+  "To deck her fingers; while a necklace large
+  "Hangs round her neck: her ears light pearls suspend;
+  "And a bright zone is circled round her waist.
+  "All well became her, yet most beauteous far
+  "She unattir'd appear'd. Her on a couch,
+  "Ting'd with the shell Sidonian, then he laid,
+  "And call'd her partner of his bed; and plac'd
+  "Her head reclin'd, as if with sense endu'd,
+  "On the soft pillow. Now the feast approach'd
+  "Of Venus, through all Cyprus' isle so fam'd,
+  "And snowy-chested heifers, whose bent horns
+  "With gold were gay, receiv'd the deadly blow;
+  "And incense burnt in clouds. Pygmalion stood
+  "Before the altar, with his offer'd gifts:
+  "Timid he spoke,--O ye all-potent gods!
+  "Give me a spouse just like my ivory nymph,--
+  "Give me my ivory nymph--he blush'd to say.
+  "Bright Venus then, as present at her feast,
+  "Perceiv'd the inmost wishes of his soul;
+  "And gave the omen of a friendly power.
+  "Thrice blaz'd the fire, and thrice the flame leap'd high.
+
+    "Returning, he the darling statue seeks
+  "Of his fair nymph; extends him on the couch;
+  "Kisses, and thinks he feels her lips grow warm:
+  "Applies his lips again, and with his hand
+  "Presses her bosom: prest the ivory yields,
+  "Softening beneath his fingers; nor remains
+  "Its rigid harshness. So Hymettus' wax
+  "Yields to the heat, when tempering thumbs it mould
+  "In various forms; and fit for future use.
+  "Astonish'd now he joys with trembling soul,
+  "But fears deception; then he loves again,
+  "And with his hands again his wishes proves:
+  "'Twas flesh, the prest pulse leap'd beneath his thumb.
+  "Then did the Cyprian youth, in words most full
+  "Of gratitude and love, to Venus pray.
+  "Then to her living lips his lips he join'd,
+  "And then the damsel felt his warm salute:
+  "Blushing she felt it, and her timid eyes
+  "Op'd to the light, and with the light beheld
+  "Her lover. Venus bless'd the match she made;
+  "And when nine times the moon's full orb was seen
+  "Sharpen'd to horns, the damsel Paphos bore;
+  "Whose appellation oft the isle receives.
+
+    "She Cinyras too bore; if childless he
+  "A place amongst the happiest might he claim.
+  "A direful song I sing! be distant far
+  "Ye daughters; distant far, O, parents be!
+  "Or if of pleasure to your minds my verse
+  "Aught gives, in this at least my truth suspect.
+  "Believe the deed not: if you must believe,
+  "Mark well the punishment the crime deserv'd.
+  "Since nature could such heinous deeds permit;
+  "The Thracian realms, my land, I 'gratulate;
+  "And joy this clime at such a distance lies,
+  "From that which could such monstrous acts produce.
+  "Let Araby be in amomum rich;
+  "And cinnamon, and zedoary produce;
+  "Incense which through the wood exudes; and flowers
+  "Of vary'd teints,--while Myrrha too it bears:
+  "Too great the price which this new tree procur'd.
+  "Cupid denies, O Myrrha! that his darts
+  "Thee wounded; vindicating from that crime
+  "His weapons. Thee, with Stygian torch most fierce,
+  "And viperous venom furies did enflame.
+  "Wicked to hate thy parent sure had been,
+  "But thus to love is worse than bitterest hate.
+  "The choicest nobles come from every part
+  "To gain thee; youths from all the East arrive,
+  "To struggle for thy hand. Chuse, Myrrha, chuse
+  "One from the crowd: one only in the world
+  "Whom chuse thou may'st not. She herself perceiv'd,
+  "And curb'd the baneful passion in her mind;
+  "Communing thus:--Ah! whither rove my thoughts?
+  "What meditate I? O, ye gods! I pray,
+  "O piety, O parents' sacred laws,
+  "Forbid this wicked act; oppose a deed
+  "So full of horrid guilt,--if guilt it be!
+  "But pious nature ne'er such love condemns.
+  "All animals in undistinguish'd form
+  "Cohabit: shame the heifer never feels
+  "Join'd with her sire; the steed his daughter takes
+  "As partner; with the female flock, who ow'd
+  "To him their being, couples oft the goat;
+  "And birds bring forth to birds who them produc'd.
+  "Blest those who thus enjoy; but human race
+  "Perversest laws invents: vexatious rules
+  "Forbid what nature grants. Yet am I told,
+  "Nations exist, where mother joins with son,
+  "And daughter with her sire; their pious love
+  "Increas'd more strongly by the double bond.
+  "Ah, me! unhappy, in such glorious climes
+  "Begotten not; I suffer but from place.
+  "But why on these ideas dwell? hence far
+  "Forbidden hopes. Well he deserves thy love,
+  "But as a father love him. Wert thou not
+  "Of mighty Cinyras the daughter, then
+  "Thou might'st the couch of Cinyras ascend.
+  "Now mine he is so much, he is not mine;
+  "Our very nearness is my greatest curse:
+  "More close, a perfect stranger had I been.
+  "Far hence I would depart; my country leave,
+  "This mischief flying; but curs'd love restrains.
+  "For, present, Cinyras I may behold;
+  "Touch, speak, my kisses to his face apply,
+  "If nought he'll grant beyond. How! impious maid,
+  "Dar'st thou hope ought beyond? perceiv'st thou not
+  "What laws, what names thou would'st confound? would'st thou
+  "The mother's rival be?--thy father's whore?
+  "Thy offspring's sister would'st thou then be call'd?
+  "Thy brother's parent? Fear'st thou not the three,
+  "Whose locks with sable serpents horrid curl?
+  "Who conscious bosoms pierce with searching eyes,
+  "And hurl their furious torches in the face?
+  "While yet thy body can resist, no more
+  "Cherish the heinous guilt thus in thy mind;
+  "Nor violate great Nature's sacred law
+  "With lust forbidden. Grant I should consent,
+  "The king would me deny: too pious he,
+  "Too dear to him the law. O, that in him
+  "Such furious passion rag'd as burns in me!--
+
+    "She ended; Cinyras, the worthy crowd
+  "Of suitors held in doubt; herself he ask'd,
+  "As name by name he counted, which as spouse
+  "She most would wish. Silent at first she stood,
+  "Then burning gaz'd on his paternal face,
+  "As the warm tears gush'd in her shining eyes.
+  "These, Cinyras effects of virgin fear
+  "Believing, chid her and forbade to weep.
+  "Drying her cheeks, he on them press'd a kiss;
+  "With too much pleasure she the kiss receiv'd:
+  "And when consulted what the spouse must be
+  "She would prefer, she answer'd,--one like you.--
+  "He witless of her meaning, prais'd her words,
+  "And said,--be such thy pious duty still--
+  "The sound of piety the virgin's eyes,
+  "With sense of guilt, cast conscious to the ground.
+
+    "'Twas now deep night when sleep sooth'd all the cares
+  "Of mortal breasts. But Myrrha wakeful laid
+  "Consum'd with raging fires; and rolling deep
+  "Her frantic wishes in her wandering mind.
+  "Despairing now, and now resolv'd to try;
+  "Now shame o'ercomes her, and anon desire:
+  "And undetermin'd how to act she rests.
+  "A mighty tree thus, wounded by the axe,
+  "Ere yet it feels the final blow, in doubt
+  "Seems where to fall; they fear on every side:
+  "Thus did her stagger'd mind from vary'd force
+  "Waver now here, now there; press'd hard by each,
+  "No ease for love, no rest but death appears.
+  "Death pleas'd. She rose, and round her throat prepar'd
+  "The cord to fasten; from the topmost beam
+  "She ty'd her girdle, and--farewel!--exclaim'd--
+  "Dear Cinyras! guess whence my fatal end.--
+  "Then drew the noose around her pallid neck.
+  "'Tis said, th' imperfect murmuring of her words,
+  "Reach'd to the faithful nurse's ears, who laid
+  "Before the threshold of her foster-child.
+  "The matron rose, threw wide the door, and saw
+  "Prepar'd the instrument of death. At once
+  "She scream'd aloud, her bosom tore, deep blows
+  "Gave her own limbs, and from the rescu'd neck
+  "Tore the tight noose. Then had she time to weep,
+  "Then to embrace, then to inquire the cause
+  "Of the dread cord. But dumb the virgin sate
+  "And motionless, her eyes to earth were fix'd;
+  "Griev'd that so check'd her efforts were for death.
+  "More the nurse presses, bares her silver'd hairs
+  "And wither'd bosom; by the cradle begs,
+  "And the first food she tasted, to confess
+  "To her the cause of sorrow. Myrrha sighs,
+  "But turns her eyes aside as thus she begs.
+  "Determin'd still to know, the nurse persists
+  "And not content her secrecy alone
+  "To promise, says--yet tell me, and my aid
+  "Allow me to afford thee. Not yet slow,
+  "Though aged. Is it love? with charms and plants
+  "I know thy love to cure. Have envious eyes
+  "Thee harm'd? with magic rites their charm I'll spoil.
+  "Are the gods angry? with appeasing rites
+  "Their anger we will soothe. What ill beside
+  "Can be conjectur'd? Lo! thy house secure,
+  "And safe thy fortune; both in prosperous train.
+  "Yet lives thy mother, and thy father lives.--
+  "Her father's name when Myrrha heard she drew
+  "Deep from her breast a mournful sigh; nor yet
+  "The nurse suspected guilt was in her soul:
+  "But saw that love disturb'd her. In her aim
+  "Inflexible; again she urg'd to know
+  "The grief whate'er it prov'd; and lull'd her head
+  "Upon her aged lap, and clasp'd her form
+  "In her own feeble arms, as thus she spoke;--
+  "I see thou lovest; banish far thy fear,
+  "My diligence in this shall aid thee; nay
+  "Not e'en thy father shall the secret know.--
+  "Madly she bounded from the lap, and cry'd,
+  "While press'd the couch her face,--I beg thee go!
+  "And spare my grievous shame.--More pressing still--
+  "Or go--she said--or ask not why I mourn:
+  "What thou so seek'st to know is shameful guilt.--
+  "With horror struck, the ancient dame holds forth
+  "Her hands, which equal shook with fear and age;
+  "Then suppliant at her foster-daughter's feet
+  "Fell. Now she coaxes; now she threatens loud;
+  "If not made privy, threatens to declare
+  "The cord's adventure, and half-finish'd death:
+  "And offers aid once more her love to gain.
+  "She rais'd her head, and fill'd her nurse's breast
+  "With sudden gushing tears. And oft she strove
+  "All to confess; as oft her tongue was mute;
+  "And in her garments hid her blushing face.--
+  "Then,--happy mother in thy spouse!--she said;
+  "No more, but groan'd. Through her cold limbs and bones,
+  "The ancient nurse a shivering tremor felt,
+  "And her white hairs all o'er her head, erect
+  "Like bristles stood; for all the truth she saw.
+  "Much did she urge the direful flame to drive
+  "Far from her soul, if that could be. The maid
+  "Knows all is just she argues, yet is fix'd
+  "For death, unless her lover is obtain'd.
+  "Then she;--O live, enjoy thy--silent there,
+  "Enjoy thy parent--she not dar'd to say:
+  "Yet by a sacred oath her promise bound.
+
+    "Now Ceres' annual feast, the pious dames
+  "All solemniz'd: in snowy robes enwrapt,
+  "They offer'd wheaten wreaths, and primal fruits.
+  "The rites of Venus, and the touch of man,
+  "For thrice three nights forbidden things they held.
+  "The monarch's spouse Cenchreis, 'mid the crowd
+  "Forth went to celebrate the secret feast:
+  "And while the couch its legal partner lack'd,
+  "The ill-officious nurse the king espy'd
+  "Oppress'd with wine, and told the tale of love,
+  "Beneath a fictious name, and prais'd her charms.
+  "The virgin's years he asks.--Equal her age
+  "To Myrrha's--she replies.--Desir'd to bring
+  "The damsel, she returns:--Rejoice!--she cries,
+  "Rejoice! our point is gain'd.--The hapless nymph
+  "Felt not a general joy; presaging pangs
+  "Shot through her bosom; still she joy'd: her mind
+  "Such discord tore. Now was the silent hour;
+  "Booetes 'mid the Trioenes had bent
+  "His wain with sloping pole; when Myrrha came
+  "To her flagitious crime. Bright Luna fled
+  "The skies; black clouds the lurking stars o'erspread;
+  "The night saw not its fires. Thou, Icarus,
+  "Thy face first hidst; and thou, Erigone
+  "Hallow'd for thy parental love so pure.
+  "Thrice was she warn'd by stumbling feet, and thrice
+  "The owl funereal utter'd her death-note.
+  "Yet on she went; darkness and sable night
+  "Her shame diminish'd. Fast her left hand grasps
+  "Her nurse, the other waves t'explore the way.
+  "The threshold of the nuptial chamber now
+  "She touches; now she gently opes the door;
+  "Now enters. Then her trembling knees loose shook
+  "Beneath her bending hams; her color fled:
+  "Her blood flow'd back; and all her wishes sunk.
+  "The nearer was her crime approach'd, the more
+  "With horror she beheld it, and sore mourn'd
+  "Her daring; anxious to return unknown.
+  "The hoary dame, her, lingering thus, dragg'd on,
+  "And when presented at the lofty couch,
+  "Said--Cinyras receive her, she's thine own!--
+  "And the devoted bodies gave to join.
+  "The sire his proper bowels, on the bed
+  "Obscene, receiv'd; her virgin terrors calm'd,
+  "And sooth'd her trembling. Haply too, he said--
+  "My daughter,--from her age; and haply she--
+  "My sire,--lest names were wanting to their crime.
+  "Fill'd with her father from the bed she rose,
+  "Bearing in her dire womb the impious fruit;
+  "Carrying her crime conceiv'd. Th' ensuing night
+  "Her incest she repeats, nor ends she here.
+  "But Cinyras eager at length to know,
+  "After such frequent converse, who him lov'd;
+  "At once his daughter and his sin beheld,
+  "By lamps brought sudden. Grief repress'd all words;
+  "But from the sheath he snatch'd his glittering sword.
+  "Quick Myrrha fled; darkness and favoring night
+  "Sav'd her from death. O'er wide-spread fields she roam'd;
+  "Through Araby palm-bearing, and the lands
+  "Panchaea holds. Nine times returning light
+  "Had fill'd the horns of Luna, still she stray'd:
+  "Then weary rested in Sabaea's fields;
+  "While scarce she bore the burden of her womb.
+  "Then what to ask uncertain, 'twixt the fear
+  "Of death and weariness of hated life;
+  "In words like these she utter'd forth her prayers,--
+  "Ye powers, if those who guilt confess are heard,
+  "A punishment exemplar I deserve;
+  "I shrink not from it. Yet the living race
+  "Lest I contaminate, if left to live;
+  "Or lest I mix prophane with shades below,
+  "Drive me from either realm; from life and death
+  "Debar me, into some new shape transform'd.--
+  "The penitent some god propitious heard;
+  "Her final prayer at least success obtain'd:
+  "For as she spoke rose round her legs the earth;
+  "The lofty tree's foundation, crooked roots
+  "Shot from her spreading toes; hard wood her bones
+  "Became; the marrow in the midst remain'd
+  "As pith; as sappy juice still flow'd her blood:
+  "Her arms large boughs were spread; her fingers chang'd
+  "To slender twigs; rough bark her skin became.
+  "The growing tree press'd hard the gravid womb;
+  "Invested next her breast, and o'er her neck
+  "Threaten'd to spread. Impatient of delay
+  "She shrunk below to meet th' approaching wood,
+  "And hid beneath the rising bark her face.
+  "Human sensation with her change of shape
+  "She lost, yet still she weeps; and from the tree
+  "Warm drops yet fall, and much the tears are priz'd.
+  "The myrrh which oozes from the bark still holds
+  "Its mistress' name, well known in every age.
+
+    "Meantime the misbegotten infant grew
+  "Within the trunk, and press'd to find a way
+  "To push to light, and leave the parent womb.
+  "Within the tree the gravid womb swell'd large,
+  "Stretch'd was the mother with the load, but mute
+  "Were all her woes; nor in travailing voice
+  "Lucina could she call. Yet hard to strain
+  "She seem'd; thick groans oft gave the bending bole,
+  "And tears flow'd copious. Mild Lucina came,
+  "And stood before the groaning boughs, and gave
+  "Assisting help, and spoke the spellful words.
+  "Cleft is the tree, and through the fissur'd bark
+  "A living burthen comes: the infant cries,
+  "Who on soft grass plac'd. The Naiad nymphs
+  "Him bathe in tears maternal: such a face
+  "Ev'n Envy could not blame. As painters form
+  "The naked Cupid's beauty, such had he;
+  "And that their dress no help to guess may give,
+  "This the light quiver take, or that resign.
+  "Quick passing time unheeded glides along
+  "Deceiving: nought than years more quickly flies.
+  "The child, of sister and of grandsire born,
+  "Late in the tree confin'd, late thence reliev'd;
+  "Just seen most beauteous of the infant tribe,
+  "Now youth, now man appears, more beauteous still:
+  "Now Venus charm'd, his mother's pangs aveng'd.
+
+    "As kisses sweet the quiver-bearing boy
+  "Press'd on his mother's lips, he witless raz'd
+  "Slightly her bosom, with a dart that stood
+  "Protruding. Venus, wounded, angry push'd
+  "Her son far from her; light the wound appear'd;
+  "At first even her deceiving. With the blaze
+  "Of manly beauty caught, she now contemns
+  "The Cythereian shores; nor Paphos seeks,
+  "Girt by profoundest seas; Cnidos, so fam'd
+  "For fish; nor Amathus with metals rich.
+  "Heaven too, she quits, to heaven she now prefers
+  "Adonis: him she follows, him attends;
+  "Whose sole employ was loitering in the shade,
+  "In anxious study to increase her charms.
+  "Bare to the knee, her robe, like Dian's train
+  "High-girt, o'er hills, through woods, and brambly rocks
+  "She roves: exhorts the dogs, and drives such game
+  "As threaten not with danger; fearful hares,
+  "High-antler'd stags, and rapid-flying deer.
+  "Fierce boars she shuns, and shuns the robber-wolf,
+  "Strong-talon'd bears, and lions slaughter-gorg'd.
+
+    "Thou too, Adonis, admonition heardst
+  "These to avoid, if admonition ought
+  "With thee could weigh:--Be brave,--the goddess said--
+  "To those who fly thee; courage 'gainst the bold
+  "To danger drags. Dear youth, thy heart is brave;
+  "Indulge not to my hazard, nor provoke
+  "Fierce beasts by nature arm'd, nor seek for fame.
+  "Nor youth nor beauty, such as Venus move,
+  "Will move the lion, or the bristly boar:
+  "Their eyes and breasts untouch'd by brightest charms.
+  "Thunder and lightning in his bended tusks
+  "The fierce boar carries; rapid is the force
+  "The tawny lion, (hated race!) exerts:
+  "My cause of hatred when to thee disclos'd,
+  "Will raise thy wonder at the monstrous crime,
+  "In days of yore committed. Now hard toil
+  "Unwonted tires me. Lo! the poplar's shade
+  "So opportune invites; and the green turf
+  "A couch presents. Upon the ground with thee
+  "I'll rest:--she spoke, and as she stretch'd along,
+  "She press'd the grass, and press'd the lovely youth:
+  "Smiling, her head upon his breast reclin'd,
+  "'Midst intermingling kisses, thus she spoke.--
+
+    "Perhaps thou'st heard of that renowned maid,
+  "Whose fleetness in the race the swiftest man's
+  "Surpass'd. Not fabulous the tale you heard:
+  "She vanquish'd all. And hard it was to say,
+  "If praise for swiftness, or for beauteous form,
+  "She most deserv'd. To her, who once enquir'd
+  "Of marriage, fate-predicting Phoebus said--
+  "A spouse would, Atalanta, be thy bane;
+  "Avoid an husband's couch. Yet wilt thou not
+  "An husband's couch avoid; but lose thyself,
+  "Thyself yet living.--Terror-struck to hear
+  "The sentence of the god, maiden she lives
+  "Amid the thickest woods; driving severe
+  "The throngs of pressing suitors from her far,
+  "By hard conditions.--Ne'er can I be gain'd--
+  "She said--till vanquish'd in the race. With me
+  "Your swiftness try: the conqueror in the strife,
+  "Shall gain me spouse, and gain a genial couch;
+  "But death must him who lags behind reward.
+  "Such be the laws of trial.--Pitiless
+  "The law appear'd; but (such is beauty's power)
+  "Crowds of rash lovers to the law agreed.
+  "There sat Hippomenes to view the race
+  "Unequal; and exclaim'd,--are there so mad,
+  "As seek a wife through peril so immense?--
+  "And the blind love of all the youths condemn'd.
+  "But when her face he saw, and saw her limbs
+  "Bar'd for the contest, (limbs like mine, or thine,
+  "Were thine of female mould,) amaz'd he look'd
+  "With uprais'd hands, and cry'd;--forgive my fault,
+  "Ye whom but now I blam'd; the great reward
+  "For which you labor, then to me unknown!--
+  "Thus praising, fire he feels, and hopes no youth
+  "More swift will run, and envious fears their speed--
+  "But why the fortune of this contest leave,
+  "Untry'd--he said,--myself? Heaven helps the bold.--
+  "While musing thus Hippomenes remarks
+  "The virgin's flying pace. Though not less swift
+  "Th' Aoenian youth beheld her, than the dart
+  "Shot from the Scythian bow; her beauty more
+  "Ravish'd his eyes, and speed her charms increas'd.
+  "Th' opposing breeze, which met her rapid feet,
+  "Blew back the ribbons which her sandals bound;
+  "Her tresses floated down her ivory back;
+  "And loosely flow'd her garment o'er her knees,
+  "With painted border gay: a purple bloom
+  "With virgin whiteness mixt, her body shew'd;
+  "As when the snow-white hall a deepen'd tinge
+  "From purple curtains shews. While this the guest
+  "Intently notes, the utmost goal is pass'd:
+  "Victorious Atalanta with the wreath
+  "Is crown'd: the vanquish'd sigh, and meet the doom
+  "Agreed. He, by the youths' untimely fate
+  "Deterr'd not, forward stood, and on the nymph
+  "Fix'd full his eyes, and said;--Why seek you thus
+  "An easy conquest, vanquishing the weak?
+  "With me contend. So potent am I born
+  "You need not blush to such high rank to yield.
+  "Megareus was my sire, Onchestius his,
+  "Grandson to Neptune; thus the fourth I boast
+  "From Ocean's sovereign. Nor beneath my race
+  "Stoops aught my valor; should success me crown,
+  "A lofty and an everlasting fame,
+  "Hippomenes your conqueror, would you gain.--
+  "As thus he spoke, with softening eyes the maid
+  "Beheld him, doubtful which 'twere best to wish,
+  "To vanquish or be vanquish'd. While she thus
+  "Utter'd her thoughts--What god, an envious foe
+  "To beauty would destroy him: urg'd to seek
+  "My bed, by risking thus his own dear life?
+  "I cannot sure so great a prize be thought!
+  "His beauty melts me not; though yet I own
+  "Such beauty well might melt. But such a youth
+  "He seems, he moves me not but from his years.
+  "What courage in him reigns! his soul unaw'd
+  "By death. He springs the fourth from Ocean's king!
+  "Then how he loves! and prizes so my hand,
+  "That should hard fortune keep me from his arms,
+  "He'd perish. Stranger, while thou may'st, depart;
+  "Avoid the bloody nuptials. Marriage, I
+  "Too cruel make. No maid would thee refuse;
+  "And soon may'st thou a wiser nymph select.
+  "But why for him this care? from me who see
+  "So many die, whom he too has beheld?
+  "Then let him perish; since the numerous train
+  "Of slaughter'd lovers warns him not: he spurns
+  "An hated life. How! should he then be slain
+  "Because with me to live he wishes? Death
+  "Inglorious must he gain, reward of love?
+  "Hatred would such a conquest still attend.
+  "Still is not mine the fault. Do thou desist;
+  "Or if thy madness holds, O, that thy feet
+  "More swift may be! See in his youthful face
+  "What virgin beauties! Ah! Hippomenes,
+  "Would Atalanta thou had'st never seen.
+  "Well worthy thou of life. Were I more blest;
+  "Had rugged fate not me a spouse forbade,
+  "Thou, sole art he, by whom to Hymen's couch
+  "With joy I would be led.--Thus spoke the nymph,
+  "In fond simplicity, first touch'd by love,
+  "Unknowing what she felt: ardent she lov'd,
+  "Yet knew the passion not which rul'd her soul.
+
+    "Now loud the people, and the king demand,
+  "The wonted race. To me with anxious words
+  "Hippomenes, great Neptune's offspring pray'd--
+  "O Cytherea! I adjure thee, aid
+  "My bold attempt; from thee those flames I felt,
+  "Grant them thy succour.--Gales auspicious waft
+  "To me the tender prayers, my soul is mov'd:
+  "Nor long the aid so needful I delay.
+  "A tract there lies in Cyprus' richest lands,
+  "Nam'd Tamasene by those who dwell around,
+  "This ancient times made sacred unto me:
+  "And with this gift my temples were endow'd.
+  "'Midst of the field appears a shining tree;
+  "Yellow its leaves, its crackling branches gold.
+  "By chance there straying, from the boughs I pluck'd
+  "Three golden apples, bore them in my hand,
+  "And seen by none, except the favor'd youth,
+  "Approach'd Hippomenes, and taught their use.
+  "The trumpets gave the sign, each ready sprung--
+  "Shot from the barrier, and with rapid feet
+  "Skimm'd lightly o'er the sand. O'er the wide main
+  "With feet unwetted, they might seem to fly;
+  "Or sweep th' unbending ears of hoary grain.
+  "Loud shouts encouraging, and cheering words,
+  "On every side a stimulus afford,
+  "To urge the youth's exertions.--Now,--they cry,--
+  "Now, now, Hippomenes, the time to press!
+  "On, on! exert thy vigor--flag not now,--
+  "The race is thine.--The grateful sounds both heard,
+  "Megareus' son, and Schoeneus' daughter; hard
+  "Which joy'd the most to judge. How oft her pace
+  "She slacken'd, when with ease she might have pass'd,
+  "And ceas'd unwilling on his face to gaze.
+  "Tir'd now, parch'd breathings from the mouth ascends
+  "Of Neptune's son, and far remote the goal.
+  "Then, as his last resource, he distant flung
+  "One of the tree's bright produce. In amaze
+  "The virgin saw it roll; and from the course
+  "Swerv'd, tempted to obtain the glittering fruit.
+  "Hippomenes o'ershoots her; all around
+  "Applauses ring. She soon corrects delay,
+  "And wasted moments, with more rapid speed,
+  "And leaves again the youth behind. Again,
+  "Delay'd to catch the second flying fruit,
+  "The youth is follow'd, and again o'erpass'd.
+  "Now near the goal they come,--O, goddess! now
+  "Who gave the boon assist; he said, and flung
+  "With youthful force obliquely o'er the plain,
+  "More to detain, the last bright glittering gold.
+  "In doubt the virgin saw it fly: I urg'd
+  "That she should follow; and fresh weight I gave
+  "The apple when obtain'd; thus by the load
+  "Her course impeding, and obtain'd delay.
+  "But lest my tale, in length surpass the race,
+  "The vanquish'd virgin was the victor's prize.
+
+    "Think'st thou Adonis, did I not deserve
+  "Most grateful thanks in smoking incense paid?
+  "Mindless, nor thanks, nor incense yielded he;
+  "And sudden anger in my bosom rag'd.
+  "Irk'd at the slight, I instantly provide
+  "That future times with less contempt behave:
+  "And 'gainst them both my raging bosom burns.
+  "Now pass'd they near a temple, long since rais'd
+  "By fam'd Echion, in a shady wood,
+  "To the great mother of the heavenly gods,
+  "When the long journey tempted to repose;
+  "And there, inspir'd by me, ill-tim'd desire
+  "Hippomenes excited. Near the fane
+  "A cave-like close recess dim-lighted stood,
+  "With native pumice roof'd, hallow'd of old;
+  "Where priests the numerous images had plac'd,
+  "Of ancient deities. They enter'd here,
+  "And with forbidden lust the place defil'd.
+  "The wooden images their eyes avert:
+  "The tower-crown'd goddess dubious stands to plunge,
+  "The guilty couple in the Stygian wave.
+  "Too light that sentence seems: straight yellow manes
+  "Cover their soft smooth necks; their fingers curve
+  "To mighty claws; their arms to fore-legs turn;
+  "And new-form'd tails sweep lightly o'er the sand:
+  "Angry their countenance glares; for speech they roar;
+  "They haunt the forests for their nuptial dome.
+  "Transform'd to lions, and by others fear'd,
+  "Their tam'd mouths champ the Cybeleian reins.
+  "Do thou, O dearest boy! their rage avoid;
+  "Not theirs alone, but all the savage tribe,
+  "That stubborn meet with breasts the furious war;
+  "Not turn their backs for flight: lest bold too much,
+  "Thou and myself, have cause too much too mourn.--
+
+    "Thus she admonish'd; and by coupled swans
+  "Upborne, she cleft the air; but his brave soul
+  "Her cautious admonitions rash contemn'd.
+
+    "By chance his dogs the well-mark'd footprints trac'd,
+  "And from his lurking covert rous'd a boar;
+  "Whom with a stroke oblique, as from the brake
+  "To spring he went, the gallant youth transpierc'd.
+  "Instant, with crooked tusks, the gore-stain'd spear
+  "Wrench'd the fierce boar away, and at him rush'd,
+  "Trembling, and safety seeking: every fang
+  "Deep in his groin he plung'd, and on the sand
+  "Stretch'd him expiring. Cytherea, borne
+  "Through midmost ether in her chariot light,
+  "Had not at Cyprus with her swans arriv'd,
+  "When, known from far, she heard his dying groans;
+  "And thither turn'd her snowy birds. From high
+  "When lifeless she beheld him, in his blood
+  "Convulsive struggling, quick she darted down,
+  "She tore her garments, and she tore her hair;
+  "And with unpitying hands her breast she smote.
+  "Then, fate upbraiding first, she said;--Not all
+  "Shall bend to your decision; still shalt thou
+  "Remain, Adonis, monument of woe,
+  "Suffer'd by me! The image of thy death,
+  "Annual repeated, annual shall renew
+  "Remembrance of my mourning. But thy blood
+  "A flower shall form. Shalt thou, O Proserpine,
+  "A female body to a scented herb
+  "Transform; and I the Cinyreian youth
+  "Forbidden be to change?--She said, and flung
+  "Nectar most odorous on the ebbing gore;
+  "Which instant swelling rose. So bubbles rise
+  "On the smooth stream when showery floods descend.
+  "Nor long the term, an hour's short space elaps'd,
+  "When the same teinted flower the blood produc'd:
+  "Such flowers the deep pomegranate bears, which hides
+  "Its purple grains beneath a flexile rind.
+  "But short its boast, for the same winds afford
+  "Its name, and shake them where they light adhere:
+  "Ripe for their fall in fragile beauty gay."
+
+
+
+
+*The Eleventh Book.*
+
+
+    Rage of the Thracian women. Massacre of Orpheus. The women
+    transformed to trees by Bacchus. Midas' foolish wish to change
+    all things he touched into gold. Contest of skill between Pan and
+    Apollo. The ears of Midas transformed to asses ears. Troy built
+    by Apollo and Neptune. Laoemedon's perfidy. Hesione freed by
+    Hercules, and married to Telamon. Peleus and Thetis. Birth of
+    Achilles. Chione ravished by Mercury, and by Apollo. Slain by
+    Diana. Her sire Daedalion changed into an hawk. A wolf changed by
+    Thetis to marble. Voyage of Ceyx to Delphos. Lost in a storm.
+    Grief of Alcyone. Morpheus acquaints her with her husband's
+    death. Change of both to kingfishers. AEsacus into a cormorant.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Eleventh Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    While thus the Thracian bard the forests drew,
+  And rocks, and furious beasts with strains divine;--
+  Behold the Thracian dames! their madden'd breasts
+  Clad with the shaggy spoil of furious beasts,
+  Espy'd him from an hillock's rising swell,
+  As to his sounding strings he shap'd the song.
+  When one, her tresses in the ruffling air
+  Wild streaming, cry'd--"Lo! him who spurns our ties!"--
+  And full her dart 'gainst the harmonious mouth
+  Of Phoebus' son she flung: entwisted round
+  With leaves, a bruise without a wound appear'd.
+  A stone another for a weapon seiz'd;
+  The flying stone was even in air subdu'd
+  By harmony and song; and at his feet
+  Low fell, as suppliant for its daring fault.
+  But now the tumult swells more furious,--bounds
+  It knows not! mad Erinnys reigns around.
+  Yet all their weapons had his music's power
+  Soften'd; but clamor, Berecynthian horns,
+  Drums, clappings, bacchanalian shouts, and howls,
+  Drown'd the soft lyre. Then were the stones distain'd
+  With silenc'd Orpheus' blood. The Bacchae first
+  Drove wide the crowding birds, the snakes, the beasts,
+  In throngs collected by his tuneful voice;
+  Glory of Orpheus' stage. From thence they turn'd
+  Their gory hands on Orpheus, and around
+  Cluster'd like fowls that in the day espy
+  The bird of darkness. Then as in the morn
+  The high-rais'd amphitheatre beholds
+  The stag a prey to hounds; so they the bard
+  Attack'd, and flung their Thyrsi twin'd with leaves;
+  For different use first form'd. Those hurl huge clods:
+  These branches torn from trees; and others stones.
+  Lest to their fury arms were wanting, lo!
+  A yoke of oxen with the ploughshare broke
+  The ground, not distant far; with sinews there
+  Of nervous strength, the husbandmen upturn'd
+  The stubborn soil; with sweat producing fruit.
+  These, when the troop they saw, affrighted fled,
+  Quitting their instruments of toil. Their rakes,
+  Their ponderous harrows, and their huge long spades,
+  Were scatter'd left on the deserted field.
+  These when their furious hands had seiz'd, and tore
+  From the strong oxen's heads the threatening horns,
+  Back they return'd to end the poet's fate;
+  And sacrilegious, as he stretch'd his hands,
+  They slaughter'd him! Then first in vain his words
+  Were utter'd; nought could then his speech avail.
+  Then, heavenly powers! his spirit was expell'd
+  And breath'd in air, even through that mouth whose sound
+  Hard rocks had heard, and wildest beasts had own'd.
+  For thee, O Orpheus! mourn'd the feather'd tribe,
+  And crowds of savage monsters; flinty rocks
+  Bewail'd thee; forests, which thy tempting song
+  So oft had caus'd to follow, wept; the trees,
+  Shorn of their pride, bewail'd with falling leaves.
+  Each stream, 'tis said, with flowing tears increas'd
+  Its current. Naiad nymphs and Dryads wore
+  Garments of sable tinge, with streaming hair.
+  Wide scatter'd lie his limbs. His head and lyre
+  Thou, Hebrus, dost receive; and while they glide,
+  Wond'rous occurrence! down the floating stream,
+  The lyre a mournful moan sends forth; the lips,
+  Now lifeless, murmur plaintive; and the bank
+  Echoes the lamentations. Borne along
+  To ocean, now his native stream they leave,
+  And reach Methymna on the Lesbian shore.
+
+    The head, expos'd thus on the foreign sand,
+  And locks still dropping with the watery wave,
+  A snake approach'd. But Phoebus gave his aid,
+  And check'd the greedy bite; with open jaws
+  The serpent rears in stone congeal'd, as then
+  Widely he gap'd. The ghost from earth descends,
+  And views the regions he had view'd before.
+  Exploring through th' Elysian fields he meets
+  His dear Eurydice; with longing arms
+  He clasps her. Here they walk, now side by side,
+  With equal pace; now follows he, and now
+  A little space precedes her: Orpheus there
+  Back on Eurydice in safety looks.
+
+    But Bacchus suffer'd not the heinous deed
+  Unpunish'd to remain; griev'd that the bard
+  Who sung his praises, thus was snatch'd away,
+  He bound the Thracian matrons, who the crime
+  Had perpetrated, fast by twisted roots
+  To earth as trees. He stretch'd their feet and toes,
+  Which follow'd him so swift, and struck their points
+  Deep in the solid earth: A bird ensnar'd
+  Thus finds his leg imprison'd by the wires
+  Hid by the crafty fowler, and his wings
+  Beats, while his fluttering draws more tight the noose.
+  So each, as firmly fixt to earth she stood,
+  Affrighted strove to fly, but strove in vain:
+  The flexile roots detain'd them; and fast ty'd,
+  Spite of their struggling bounds, while they explore
+  For toes and nails, and while they seek for feet,
+  They see the wood their taper legs conceal;
+  Their grieving hands to beat their thighs are rais'd;
+  Their hands strike solid wood: their shoulders, breasts,
+  Are also wood become. Their outstretch'd arms
+  Extended boughs appear'd, and boughs they were.
+
+    Nor sated yet was Bacchus; all their fields
+  He quits; attended by a worthier troop.
+  To Tmolus' vineyards and Pactolus' stream
+  He hies: the stream not yet for gold was fam'd;
+  Not yet so precious were its envy'd sands.
+  Satyrs and Bacchant' nymphs, his 'custom'd choir
+  Attend him, but Silenus was not found.
+  Him drunken had the rustic Phrygians seiz'd,
+  Reeling with wine, and tottering 'neath his years;
+  With ivy crown'd; and fetter'd to their king,
+  The royal Midas, brought him. Midas once
+  The Thracian Orpheus Bacchus' orgies taught,
+  With sage Eumolpus; and at once he knew
+  His old associate in the sacred rites;
+  And joyful feasted with voluptuous fare,
+  For twice five days, and twice five nights his guest.
+  Th' eleventh time Phosphor' now the lofty host
+  Of stars had chas'd from heaven; the jovial king
+  Went forth to Lydia's fields, and there restor'd
+  Silenus to the youth his foster-child.
+  He, joy'd again his nursing sire to see,
+  On him bestow'd his anxious sought desire,
+  Though useless was the gift. Greedy he crav'd
+  What only harm'd him,--saying--"Grant, O, power!
+  "Whate'er I touch may straight to gold be chang'd"--
+  Bacchus consents to what he wishes;--gives
+  The hurtful gift; but grieves to see his mind
+  No better wish demand. Joyful departs
+  The Berecynthian monarch, with ill-fate
+  Delighted; and, each object touching, tries
+  The promis'd faith. Scarcely himself believ'd,
+  When from a growing ilex down he tore
+  A sprouting bough, straight gold the bough became:
+  A stone from earth he lifted, pale the stone
+  In gold appear'd: he touch'd a turfy clod,
+  The clod quick harden'd with the potent touch:
+  He pluck'd the ripen'd hoary ears of wheat,
+  And golden shone the grain: he from the tree
+  An apple snatch'd, the fam'd Hesperian fruit
+  He seem'd to hold: where'er his fingers touch'd
+  The lofty pillars, all the pillars shone:
+  Nay, where his hands he in the waters lav'd,
+  The waters flowing from his hands seem'd such
+  As Danae might deceive. Scarce can his breast
+  His towering projects hold; all fancy'd gold.
+  Th' attendant slaves before their master, joy'd
+  At this great fortune, heap'd the table high
+  With dainties; nor was bread deficient there:
+  But when his hands the Cerealian boon
+  Had touch'd, the Cerealian boon grew hard:
+  And when the dainty food with greedy tooth
+  He strove to eat, the dainty food grew bright,
+  In glittering plates, where'er his teeth had touch'd.
+  He mixt pure water with his patron's wine,
+  And fluid gold adown his cheeks straight flow'd.
+  With panic seiz'd, the new-found plague to view,
+  Rich, yet most wretched; from his wealthy hoard
+  Fain would he fly; and from his soul detests
+  What late he anxious pray'd. The plenteous gold
+  Abates his hunger nought, and parching thirst
+  Burns in his throat. He well deserves the curse
+  Caus'd by now-hated gold. Lifting his hands
+  And splendid arms to heaven, he cries,--"O sire
+  "Lenaean! pardon my offence: my fault
+  "Is evident; but pity me, I pray,
+  "And from me move this fair deceitful curse."
+  Bacchus, the gentlest of celestial powers,
+  Reliev'd him, as he thus his error own'd:
+  The compact first agreed dissolv'd, and void
+  The grant became:--"Lest still thou shouldst remain
+  "With gold"--he said,--"so madly wish'd, imbu'd,
+  "Haste to the stream by mighty Sardis' town
+  "Which flows; thy path along the mountain's ridge
+  "Explore, opposing still the gliding waves,
+  "Till thou the spring espy'st. Then deeply plunge
+  "Beneath the foaming gush thy head, where full
+  "It spouts its waters; and thy error cleanse,
+  "As clean thy limbs thou washest."--To the stream
+  The king as bidden hastes. The golden charm
+  Tinges the river; from the monarch's limbs
+  It passes to the stream. And now the banks
+  Harden in veins of gold to sight disclos'd;
+  And the pale sands in glittering splendor shine.
+
+    Detesting riches, now in woods he lives,
+  And rural dales; with Pan, who still resorts
+  To mountain caverns. Still his soul remains
+  Stupidly dull; the folly of his breast
+  Was doom'd to harm its owner as before.
+
+    High Tmolus rears with steep ascent his head,
+  O'erlooking distant ocean; wide he spreads
+  His bounds abrupt; confin'd by Sardis here,
+  By small Hypaepe there. Upon his top,
+  While Pan in boastful strain the tender nymphs
+  Pleas'd with his notes, and on his wax-join'd reeds
+  A paltry ditty play'd; boldly he dar'd
+  To place his own above Apollo's song.
+  The god to try th' unequal strife descends;
+  Tmolus the umpire. On his mountain plac'd,
+  The ancient judge from his attentive ears
+  The branches clear'd; save that his azure head
+  With oak was crown'd, and acorns dangling down
+  His hollow temples grac'd. The shepherd's god
+  Beholding,--"no delay, your judge,"--he said--
+  "Shall cause,"--and straight Pan sounds the rural reeds.
+  His barbarous music much the judgment pleas'd
+  Of Midas, who amidst the crowd approach'd.
+  Now venerable Tmolus on the face
+  Of Phoebus turn'd his eyes; and with him turn'd
+  Th' attentive woods. Parnassian laurel bound
+  His golden locks; deep dipt in Tyrian dye,
+  His garment swept the ground; his left hand held
+  The instrument with gems and ivory rich;
+  The other grasp'd the bow: his posture shew'd
+  The skilful master's art: lightly he touch'd
+  The chords with thumb experienc'd. Justly charm'd
+  With melody so sweet, Tmolus decreed
+  The pipe of Pan to Phoebus' lute should yield.
+
+    Much did the judgment of the sacred hill,
+  And much his sentence all delight, save one:
+  For Midas blames him, and unjust declares
+  The arbitration. Human shape no more
+  The god permits his foolish ears to wear;
+  But long extends them, and with hoary hairs
+  Fills them within; and grants them power to move,
+  From their foundation flexile. All beside
+  Was man, one part felt his revenge alone;
+  A slowly pacing asses ears he bears.
+  His head, weigh'd heavy with his load of shame,
+  He strove in purple turban to enfold;
+  Thus his disgrace to hide. But when as wont
+  His slave his hairs, unseemly lengthen'd, cropp'd,
+  He saw the change; the tale he fear'd to tell,
+  Of what he witness'd, though he anxious wish'd
+  In public to proclaim it: yet to hold
+  Sacred the trust surpass'd his power. He went
+  Forth, and digg'd up the earth; with whispering voice
+  There he imparted of his master's ears
+  What he had seen; and murmur'd to the sod:
+  But bury'd close the confidential words
+  Beneath the turf again: then, all fill'd up,
+  Silently he departed. From the spot
+  Began a thick-grown tuft of trembling reeds
+  To spring, which ripening with the year's full round,
+  Betray'd their planter. By the light south wind
+  When agitated, they the bury'd words
+  Disclos'd, betraying what the monarch's ears.
+  Latona's son, aveng'd, high Tmolus leaves,
+  And cleaving liquid air, lights in the realm
+  Laoemedon commands: on the strait sea,
+  Nephelian Helle names, an altar stands
+  Sacred to Panomphaean Jove, where seen
+  Lofty Rhaetaeum rises to the left,
+  Sigaeum to the right. From thence he saw
+  Laoemedon, as first he toil'd to build
+  The walls of infant Troy; with toil immense
+  The undertaking in progression grew,
+  And mighty sums he saw the work would ask.
+  A mortal shape he takes; a mortal shape
+  Clothes too the trident-bearing sire, who rules
+  The swelling deep. The Phrygian monarch's walls
+  They raise, a certain treasure for their toil
+  Agreed on first. The work is finished. Base,
+  The king disowns the compact, and his lies
+  Perfidious, backs with perjury.--"Boast not
+  "This treatment calmly borne," the ocean's god
+  Exclaim'd; and o'er the sordid Trojan's shores
+  Pour'd all his flood of billows; and transform'd
+  The land to sheets of water; swept away
+  The tiller's treasure; bury'd all the meads.
+  Nor sated with this ruin, he demands
+  The monarch's daughter should be given a prey
+  To an huge monster of the main; whom, chain'd
+  To the hard rock, Alcides' arm set free,
+  And claim'd the boon his due; the promis'd steeds.
+  Refus'd the prize his valorous deed deserv'd,
+  He sack'd the walls of doubly-perjur'd Troy,
+  Nor thence did Telamon, whose powerful arm
+  The hero aided, unrewarded go;
+  Hesione was by Alcides given.
+
+    Peleus was famous for his goddess-spouse:
+  Proud not more justly of his grandsire's fame,
+  Than of his consort's father; numbers more
+  Might boast them grandsons of imperial Jove;
+  To him alone a goddess-bride belong'd.
+  For aged Proteus had to Thetis said,--
+  "O, goddess of the waves, a child conceive!
+  "Thou shalt be mother of a youth, whose deeds
+  "Will far the bravest of his sire's transcend:
+  "And mightier than his sire's shall be his name."
+  Hence, lest the world than Jove a mightier god
+  Should know, though Jove with amorous flames fierce burn'd,
+  He shunn'd th' embraces of the watery dame:
+  And bade his grandson Peleus to his hopes
+  Succeed, and clasp the virgin in his arms.
+
+    Haemonia's coast a bay possesses, curv'd
+  Like a bent bow; whose arms enclosing stretch
+  Far in the sea; where if more deep the waves
+  An haven would be form'd: the waters spread
+  Just o'er the sand. Firm is the level shore;
+  Such as would ne'er the race retard, nor hold
+  The print of feet; no seaweed there was spread.
+  Nigh sprung a grove of myrtle, cover'd thick
+  With double-teinted berries: in the midst
+  A cave appear'd, by art or nature form'd;
+  But art most plain was seen. Here, Thetis! oft,
+  Plac'd unattir'd on thy rein'd dolphin's back,
+  Thou didst delight to come. There, as thou laid'st
+  In slumbers bound, did Peleus on thee seize.
+  And when his most endearing prayers were spurn'd,
+  Force he prepar'd; both arms around thy neck
+  Close clasp'd. And then to thy accustom'd arts,
+  Of often-varied-form, hadst thou not fled,
+  He might have prosper'd in his daring hope.
+  But now a bird thou wert; the bird he held:
+  Now an huge tree; Peleus the tree grasp'd firm:
+  A spotted tiger then thy third-chang'd shape;
+  Frighted at that, AEaecides his hold
+  Quit from her body. Then the ocean powers
+  He worshipp'd, pouring wine upon the waves,
+  And bleating victims slew, and incense burn'd:
+  Till from the gulf profound the prophet spoke
+  Of Carpathus. "O, Peleus! gain thou shalt
+  "The wish'd-for nuptials; only when she rests
+  "In the cool cavern sleeping, thou with cords
+  "And fetters strong her, unsuspecting, bind;
+  "Nor let an hundred shapes thy soul deceive;
+  "Still hold her fast whatever form she wears,
+  "Till in her pristine looks she shines again."
+  This Proteus said, and plung'd his head beneath
+  The waves, while scarce his final words were heard.
+
+    Prone down the west was Titan speeding now;
+  And to th' Hesperian waves his car inclin'd,
+  When the fair Nereid from the wide deep came,
+  And sought her 'custom'd couch. Scarce Peleus seiz'd
+  Her virgin limbs, when straight a thousand forms
+  She try'd, till fast she saw her members ty'd;
+  And her arms fetter'd close in every part:
+  Then sigh'd, and said; "thou conquerest by some god:"
+  And the fair form of Thetis was display'd.
+  The hero clasp'd her, and his wishes gain'd;
+  And great Achilles straight the nymph conceiv'd.
+
+    Now blest was Peleus in his son and bride;
+  And blest in all which can to man belong;
+  Save in the crime of murder'd Phocus. Driven
+  From his paternal home, of brother's blood
+  Guilty, Trachinia's soil receiv'd him first.
+  Here Ceyx, Phosphor's offspring, who retain'd
+  His father's splendor on his forehead, rul'd
+  The land; which knew not bloodshed, knew not force.
+  At that time gloomy, sad, himself unlike,
+  He mourn'd a brother's loss. To him, fatigu'd
+  With travel, and with care worn out, the son
+  Of AEaecus arriv'd; and in the town
+  Enter'd with followers few: the flocks and herds
+  That journey'd with him, just without the walls,
+  In a dark vale were left. When the first grant
+  T'approach the monarch was obtain'd, he rais'd
+  The olive in his suppliant hand; then told
+  His name, and lineage, but his crime conceal'd.
+  His cause of flight dissembling, next he beg'd,
+  For him and his, some pastures and a town.
+  Then thus Trachinia's king with friendly brow:
+  "To all, the very meanest of mankind,
+  "Are our possessions free; nor do I rule
+  "A realm inhospitable: add to these
+  "Inducements strong, thine own illustrious name,
+  "And grandsire Jove. In praying lose not time.
+  "Whate'er thou wouldst, thou shalt receive; and all,
+  "Such as it is, with me most freely share;
+  "Would it were better." Speaking thus, he wept:
+  His cause of grief to Peleus and his friends,
+  Anxious enquiring, then the monarch told.
+
+    "Perchance this bird, which by fierce rapine lives,
+  "Dread of the feather'd tribe, you think still wings
+  "Possess'd. Once man, he bore a noble soul;
+  "Though stern, and rough in war, and fond of blood.
+  "His name Daedalion: from the sire produc'd
+  "Who calls Aurora forth, and last of stars
+  "Relinquishes the sky. Peace my delight;
+  "Peace to preserve was still my care: my joys
+  "I shar'd in Hymen's bonds. Fierce wars alone,
+  "My brother pleas'd. His valor then o'erthrew
+  "Monarchs and nations, who, in alter'd form,
+  "Drives now Thisbaean pigeons through the air.
+  "His daughter Chione, in beauty rich,
+  "For marriage ripe, now fourteen years had seen;
+  "And numerous suitors with her charms were fir'd.
+  "It chanc'd that Phoebus once, and Maiae's son,
+  "Returning from his favorite Delphos this,
+  "That from Cyllene's top, together saw
+  "The nymph,--together felt the amorous flame.
+  "Apollo his warm hopes till night defers;
+  "But Hermes brooks delay not: with his rod,
+  "Compelling sleep, he strokes the virgin's face;
+  "Beneath the potent touch she sinks, and yields
+  "Without resistance to his amorous force.
+  "Night spread o'er heaven the stars, when Phoebus took
+  "A matron's form, and seiz'd fore-tasted joys.
+  "When its full time the womb matur'd had seen,
+  "Autolycus was born; the crafty seed
+  "Of the wing'd-footed god; acute of thought
+  "To every shade of theft; from his sire's art
+  "Degenerate nought; white he was wont to make
+  "Appear as black; and black from white produce.
+  "Philammon, famous with the lyre and song,
+  "Was born to Phoebus (twins the nymph brought forth).
+  "But where the benefit that two she bears?
+  "Where that the favorite of two gods she boasts?
+  "What that a valiant sire she claims? and claims
+  "As ancestor the mighty thundering god?
+  "Is it that glory such as this still harms?
+  "Certain it hurtful prov'd to her, who dar'd
+  "Herself prefer to Dian', and despise
+  "The goddess' beauty; fierce in ire she cry'd,--
+  "At least I'll try to make my actions please.--
+  "Nor stay'd; the bow she bent, and from the cord
+  "Impell'd the dart; through her deserving tongue
+  "The reed was sent. Mute straight that tongue became;
+  "Nor sound, nor what she try'd to utter, heard:
+  "Striving to speak, life flow'd with flowing blood.
+  "What woe (O hapless piety!) oppress'd
+  "My heart! What solace to her tender sire
+  "I spoke; my solace just the same he heard,
+  "As rocks hear murmuring waves. But still he moan'd
+  "For his lost child; but when the flames he saw
+  "Ascending, four times 'mid the funeral fires
+  "He strove to plunge; four times from thence repuls'd,
+  "His rapid limbs address'd for flight, and rush'd
+  "Like a young bullock, when the hornet's sting
+  "Deep in his neck he bears, in pathless ways.
+  "Ev'n now more swift than man he seem'd to run:
+  "His feet seem'd wings to wear, for all behind
+  "He left far distant. Through desire of death,
+  "Rapid he gain'd Parnassus' loftiest ridge.
+  "Apollo, pitying, when Daedalion flung
+  "From the high rock his body, to a bird
+  "Transform'd him, and on sudden pinions bore
+  "Him floating: bended hooks he gave his claws,
+  "And gave a crooked beak; valor as wont;
+  "And strength more great than such a body shews.
+  "Now as an hawk, to every bird a foe,
+  "He wages war on all; and griev'd himself,
+  "He constant cause for others grief affords."
+
+    While these miraculous deeds bright Phosphor's sob
+  Tells of his brother, Peleus' herdsman comes,
+  Phocian Anetor, flying, and, with speed
+  Breathless, "O Peleus! Peleus!" he exclaims,
+  "Of horrid slaughter messenger I come!"
+  Him Peleus bids, whate'er he brings, to speak;
+  Trachinia's monarch even with friendly dread
+  Trembles the news to hear. When thus the man:
+  "The weary cattle to the curving shore
+  "I'd driv'n, when Sol from loftiest heaven might view
+  "His journey half perform'd, while half remain'd.
+  "Part of the oxen on the yellow sand,
+  "On their knees bending view'd the spacious plain
+  "Of wide-spread waters; part with loitering pace
+  "Stray'd here, and thither; others swam and rear'd
+  "Their lofty necks above the waves. There stood
+  "Close to the sea a temple, where nor gold,
+  "Nor polish'd marble shone; but rear'd with trees
+  "Thick-pil'd, it gloom'd within an ancient grove.
+  "This, Nereus and the Nereid nymphs possess.
+  "A fisherman, as on the shore he dry'd
+  "His nets, inform'd us these the temple own'd.
+  "A marsh joins near the fane, with willows thick
+  "Beset, which waves o'erflowing first has form'd.
+  "A wolf from thence, a beast of monstrous bulk,
+  "Thundering with mighty clash, with terror struck
+  "The neighbouring spots: then from the marshy woods
+  "Sprung out; his jaws terrific, smear'd with foam
+  "And clotted gore; his eyes with red flames glar'd.
+  "Mad though he rag'd with ire and famine both,
+  "Famine less strong appear'd; for his dire maw
+  "And craving hunger, he not car'd to fill
+  "With the slain oxen; wounding all the herd:
+  "All hostile overthrowing. Some of us,
+  "Ranch'd by his deadly tooth, to death were sent
+  "Defence attempting. The shore and marsh
+  "With bellowings echoing, and the ocean's edge
+  "Redden with blood. But ruinous, delay!
+  "For hesitation leisure is not now.
+  "While ought remains, let all together join;
+  "Arm! arm! and on him hurl united spears."
+  The herdsman ceas'd, Peleus the loss not mov'd;
+  But conscious of his fault, infers the plague
+  Sent by the childless Nereid to avenge
+  Her slaughter'd Phocus' loss. Yet Ceyx bids
+  His warriors arm, and take their forceful darts;
+  With them prepar'd to issue: but his spouse
+  Alcyoene, rous'd by the tumult, sprung
+  Forth from her chamber; unadorn'd her locks,
+  Which scatter'd hung around her. Ceyx' neck
+  Clasping, she begg'd with moving words and tears,
+  Aid he would send, but go not; thus preserve
+  Two lives in one. Then Peleus to the queen;
+  "Banish your laudable and duteous fears.
+  "For what the king intended, thanks are due.
+  "Arms 'gainst this novel plague I will not take:
+  "Prayers must the goddess of the deep appease."
+
+    A lofty tower there stood, whose summit bore
+  A beacon; grateful object to the sight
+  Of weary mariners. Thither they mount,
+  And see with sighs the herd strew'd o'er the beach;
+  The monster ravaging with gory jaw,
+  And his long shaggy hairs in blood bedy'd.
+  Thence Peleus, stretching to the wide sea shore
+  His arms, to Psamathe cerulean pray'd,
+  To finish there her rage, and grant relief.
+  Unmov'd she heard AEaecides implore:
+  But Thetis, suppliant, from the goddess gain'd
+  The favor for her spouse. Uncheck'd, the wolf
+  The furious slaughter quits not, fierce the more
+  From the sweet taste of blood, till to a stone
+  Transform'd, as on a bull's torn neck he hung.
+  His form remains; and, save his color, all;
+  The color only shews him wolf no more:
+  And shews no terror he shall now inspire.
+
+    Still in this realm the angry fates deny'd
+  Peleus to stay; exil'd, he wander'd on,
+  And reach'd Magnesia: from Acastus there
+  Thessalian, expiation he receiv'd.
+
+    Ceyx meantime, with anxious doubts disturb'd;
+  First with the prodigy, his brother's change,
+  Then those which follow'd; to the Clarian god
+  Prepar'd to go, the oracles to seek,
+  Which sweetly solace men's uneasy minds.
+  Delphos was inaccessible; the road
+  Phorbas prophane, with all his Phlegians barr'd.
+  Yet first Alcyoene, most faithful spouse!
+  He tells thee of his purpose. Instant seiz'd
+  A death-like coldness on her inmost heart:
+  A boxen paleness o'er her features spread;
+  And down her cheeks the tears in torrents roll'd.
+  Thrice she attempted words, but thrice her tears
+  Her words prevented; then her pious plaints,
+  Broken by interrupted sobs, she spoke.
+  "My dearest lord! what hapless fault of mine
+  "Thy soul has alter'd? Where that love for me
+  "Thou wont'st to shew? Canst thou now unconcern'd
+  "Depart, and leave Alcyoene behind?
+  "Glads thee this tedious journey? Am I lov'd
+  "Most dearly farthest absent? Yet by land
+  "Was all thy journey, then I should but grieve,
+  "Not tremble: sighs would then of fears take place.
+  "The sea, the dread appearance of the main,
+  "Me terrifies. But lately I beheld
+  "Torn planks bestrew the shore: and oft I've read
+  "On empty tombs, the names of dead inscrib'd.
+  "Let not fallacious confidence thy mind
+  "Mislead, that AEoelus I call my sire;
+  "Who binds the furious winds in caves, and smoothes
+  "At will the ocean. No! when issu'd once,
+  "They sweep the main, no power of his can rule:
+  "And uncontroll'd they ravage all the land:
+  "Nor checks them aught on ocean. Clouds of heaven,
+  "They clash; and ruddy lightnings hurl along
+  "In fierce encounter. More their force I know,
+  "(For well I knew, and oft have mark'd their power,
+  "While yet an infant at my sire's abode,)
+  "The more I deem them such as should be fear'd.
+  "Yet dearest spouse, if thy firm-fixt resolve
+  "No prayers can change, and obstinate thou stand'st
+  "For sailing, let me also with thee go:
+  "Together then the buffeting we'll bear.
+  "Then shall I fear but what I suffer; then
+  "Whate'er we suffer we'll together feel:
+  "Together sailing o'er the boundless main."
+
+    Her words and tears the star-born husband mov'd;
+  For less of love he felt not. Yet his scheme
+  To voyage o'er the deep he could not change;
+  Nor yet consent Alcyoene should share
+  His peril: and with soothing soft replies,
+  He try'd to calm her timid breast. Nor yet
+  Himself approv'd the arguments he try'd,
+  His consort to persuade consent to yield
+  To his departure. This at length he adds
+  As solace, which alone her bosom mov'd.
+  "All absence tedious seems; but by the fires
+  "My father bears, I swear, if fates permit,
+  "Returning, thou shalt see me, ere the moon
+  "Shall twice have fill'd her orb." Hope in her breast
+  Thus rais'd by promise of a quick return,
+  Instant the vessel, from the dock drawn forth,
+  He bids them launch in ocean, and complete
+  In all her stores and tackling. This beheld
+  Alcyoene; and, presaging again
+  Woes of the future, trembled, and a flood
+  Of tears again gush'd forth; again she clasp'd
+  His neck; at length, as, wretched wife, she cry'd,--
+  "Farewell" she, swooning, lifeless sunk to earth.
+
+    The rowers now, while Ceyx sought delays,
+  To their strong breasts the double-ranking oars
+  Drew back, and cleft with equal stroke the surge.
+  Her humid eyes she rais'd, and first beheld
+  Her husband standing on the crooked poop,
+  Waving his hand as signal; she his sign
+  Return'd. When farther from the land they shot,
+  Her straining eyes no more indulg'd to know
+  His features; still, while yet they could, her eyes
+  Pursu'd the flying vessel. This at length
+  Increasing distance her forbade to see;
+  Still she perceiv'd the floating sails, which spread
+  From the mast's loftiest summit. Sails at length
+  Were also lost in distance: then she sought
+  Anxious her widow'd chamber; and her limbs
+  Threw on the couch. The bed, the vacant space,
+  Renew'd her tears, reminding of her loss.
+
+    Now far from port they'd sail'd, when the strong ropes
+  The breeze began to strain; the rowers turn
+  Their oars, and lash them to the vessel's side;
+  Hoist to the mast's extremest height their yards;
+  And loose their sails to catch the coming breeze.
+  Scarce half, not more than half, the sea's extent
+  The vessel now had plough'd; and either land
+  Was distant far; when, as dim night approach'd,
+  The sea seem'd foaming white with rising waves;
+  And the strong East more furious 'gan to blow.
+  Long had the master cry'd,--"Lower down your yards,
+  "And close furl every sail!"--he bids; the storm
+  Adverse, impedes the sound; the roaring waves
+  Drown every voice in noise. Yet some, untold,
+  Haste to secure the oars; part bind the sails;
+  Part fortify the sides: this water laves,
+  Ejecting seas on seas; that lowers the yards.
+  While thus they toil unguided, rough the storm
+  Increases; from each quarter furious winds
+  Wage warfare, and with mounting billows join.
+  Trembles the ruler of the bark, and owns
+  His state; he knows not what he should command,
+  Nor what forbid; so swift the sudden storm;
+  So much more strong the tempest than his skill.
+  Men clamorous shout; cords rattle; mighty waves
+  Roar, on waves rushing; thunders roll through air;
+  In billows mounts the ocean, and appears
+  To meet the sky, and o'er the hanging clouds
+  Sprinkles its foam. Now from the lowest depths,
+  As yellow sands they turn, the billows shine;
+  Now blacker seem they than the Stygian waves;
+  Now flatten'd, all with spumy froth is spread.
+  The ship Trachinian too, each rapid change
+  In agitation heaves; now rais'd sublime
+  The deepen'd vale she views as from a ridge
+  So lofty: down to Acheron's low depths,
+  Now in the hollow of the wave she falls,
+  And views th' o'erhanging heaven from hell's deep gulf.
+  Oft bursting on her side with loud report
+  The billows sound; nor with less fury beat
+  Than the balista, or huge battering ram,
+  Driv'n on the tottering fort: or lions fierce,
+  Whose strength and rage increasing with their speed,
+  Rush on the armour'd breast and outstretch'd spear.
+  So rush'd the waves with wind-propelling power
+  High o'er the decks; and 'bove the rigging rose.
+
+    Now shook the wedges; open rents appear'd,
+  The pitchy covering gone, and wide-display'd,
+  A passage opens to the deadly flood.
+  Then from the breaking clouds fell torrent showers;
+  All heaven seem'd sweeping down to swell the main;
+  And the swol'n main, ascending to invade
+  Celestial regions, soak'd with floods each sail:
+  And ocean's briny waters mix'd with rain.
+  No light the firmament possess'd, and night
+  Frown'd blacker through the tempest. Lightning oft
+  Reft the thick gloom, and gave a brilliant blaze;
+  And while the lightnings flame the waters burn.
+
+    Now o'er the vessel's cover'd deck the waves
+  High tower; and as a soldier, braver far
+  Than all his fellows, urg'd by thirst of fame,
+  (The well-defended walls to scale oft try'd,)
+  At length his hope obtains, and singly keeps
+  His post, by foes on every side assail'd:
+  So when the furious billows raging beat
+  The lofty side, the tenth impetuous rears
+  Above the rest, and forceful rushes on;
+  The battery ceasing not on the spent bark,
+  Till o'er the wall, as of a captur'd town,
+  Downward it rushes. Part without invade,
+  And part are lodg'd within. In terror all
+  In trembling panic stand: not more the crowd
+  Which fill a city's walls, when foes without
+  Mine their foundations; while an entrance gain'd
+  Within, part rage already. Art no more
+  Can aid; all courage droops; as many deaths
+  Seem rapid rushing as the billows break.
+  This wails in tears his fate; that stupid stands;
+  This calls those blest whom funeral rites await:
+  One to his deity rich offerings vows,
+  And vainly stretching forth to heaven his arms,
+  The heaven he sees not, begs for aid: his friends,
+  Brethren and parents, fill of this the mind;
+  Of that his children, or whate'er he leaves.
+
+    Alcyoene, alone in Ceyx' soul
+  Found place; and but Alcyoene, his lips
+  Nought utter'd. Her alone he wish'd to see;
+  Yet joy'd she far was absent. Much he long'd
+  To view once more his dear paternal shores;
+  And turn his last looks tow'rd his regal dome:
+  But where to turn he knows not; in a whirl
+  So boils the sea; and all the heaven is hid
+  In shade, by more than pitchy clouds produc'd:
+  Night doubly darken'd. Now the whirlwind's force
+  Shivers the mast, and tears the helm away:
+  And like a victor, proud to view his spoils,
+  Mounts an high wave, and scornfully beholds
+  The lower billows; thundering down it sweeps,
+  Impell'd by force that Athos might o'erturn,
+  Or Pindus, from their roots; and plunge in sea.
+  Down in the lowest depths, the weight and blow
+  Bury'd the vessel; with her most the crew
+  Sunk in the raging gulf: some met their fate,
+  Ne'er to return to air: some floated still;
+  To splinter'd fragments of the bark they clung.
+  Ceyx himself, grasp'd only in that hand
+  A shatter'd plank, which once a sceptre held;
+  And AEoelus and Phosphor' call'd in vain:
+  But chiefly from his lips was, as he swam,
+  Alcyoene resounded; that lov'd name
+  Remember'd constant, and repeated most.
+  He prays the billows may his body bear
+  To meet her eyes; and prays her friendly hands
+  His burial may perform. While thus he swims,
+  Alcyoene he names, whene'er the waves
+  To gasp for breath permit him; and beneath
+  The billows, tries Alcyoene to sound.
+  Lo! a black towering arch of waters broke
+  Midst of the surges; in the boiling foam
+  Involv'd, o'erwhelm'd he sunk. That mournful night
+  Was Phosphor' dark, impalpable to view:
+  And since stern fate to heaven his post fast bound,
+  He veil'd in densest clouds his grieving face.
+
+    Meantime Alcyoene her height of woe
+  Unknown, counts each sad night, and now with haste
+  The garments he should wear prepares; and now
+  Those to adorn herself when him she meets;
+  Cherishing emptiest hopes of his return.
+  Devoutest offerings to the heavenly powers
+  She bore; but incense far before the rest
+  On Juno's altar burn'd; and oft she pray'd
+  For him who was not. For his safety pray'd;
+  For his return; and that his love might still
+  Without a rival hers remain: the last
+  Of all her ardent prayers indulgence found.
+  But longer bore the goddess not to hear
+  Such vain petitions for the dead; these hands
+  Polluted, from her altars to remove,
+  To Iris thus she spoke:--"O, faithful maid!
+  "Most trusty messenger, with speed repair
+  "To Somnus' drowsy hall; him bid to send
+  "A vision form'd in lifeless Ceyx' shape
+  "To tell Alcyoene her woes' extent."
+  She ended: in her various-teinted robe
+  Attir'd, and spreading o'er the spacious heaven
+  Her sweeping arch, Iris the dwelling sought
+  The goddess order'd. Hid beneath a steep
+  Near the Cimmerians, in a deep dug cave,
+  Form'd in a hollow mountain, stands the hall
+  And secret dwelling of inactive sleep;
+  Where Phoebus rising, or in mid-day height,
+  Or setting-radiance, ne'er can dart his beams.
+  Clouds with dim darkness mingled, from the ground
+  Exhale, and twilight makes a doubtful day.
+  The watchful bird, with crested head, ne'er calls
+  Aurora with his song; no wakeful dog,
+  Nor goose more wakeful, e'er the silence breaks;
+  No savage beasts, no pastur'd flocks, no boughs
+  Shook by the breeze; no brawl of human voice
+  There sounds: but death-like silence reigns around.
+  Yet from the rock's foundation, gently flows
+  A stream of Lethe's water, whose dull waves
+  In gentle murmuring o'er the pebbles purl,
+  Tempting to slumber. At the cavern door
+  The fruitful poppy, and ten thousand plants,
+  From which moist night the drowsy juices drains,
+  Then scatters o'er the shady earth, grew thick.
+  Round all the house no gate was seen, which, turn'd
+  On the dry hinge should creak; no centry strict
+  The threshold to protect. But in the midst
+  The lofty bed of ebon form'd, was plac'd.
+  Black were the feathers; all the coverings black,
+  And stretch'd at length the god was seen; his limbs
+  With lassitude relax'd. Around him throng'd
+  In every part, vain dreams, in various forms,
+  In number more than what the harvest bears
+  Of bearded grains; the woods of verdant leaves;
+  Or shore of yellow sands. Here came the nymph;
+  Th' opposing dreams push'd sideways with her hands,
+  And through the sacred mansion from her robe
+  Scatter'd refulgent light. With pain the god,
+  His eyelids weigh'd with slothful torpor, rais'd;
+  But at each effort down they sunk again:
+  And on his breast his nodding chin still smote.
+  At length he rous'd him from his drowsy state;
+  And, on his elbow resting, ask'd the nymph,
+  For well he knew her, why she thither came.
+  Then she--"O Somnus! peaceful rest of all!
+  "Somnus! most placid of immortal powers;
+  "Calm of the soul; whom care for ever flies;
+  "Who soothest bosoms, with diurnal toil
+  "Fatigu'd; and renovat'st for toil again;
+  "Dispatch a vision to Trachinia's town,
+  "(By great Alcides founded,) in the form
+  "Its hapless monarch bore: let it display
+  "The lively image of her husband's wreck,
+  "To sad Alcyoene. This Juno bids."--
+  Iris, her message thus deliver'd, turn'd:
+  For more the soporific mist, which rose
+  Around, she bore not; soon as sleep she felt
+  Stealing upon her limbs, abrupt she fled,
+  Mounting the bow by which she glided down.
+
+    The drowsy sire, from 'midst a thousand sons,
+  Calls Morpheus forth, an artful god, who well
+  All shapes can feign. None copies else so close
+  The bidden gait, the features, and the mode
+  Of converse; vesture too the same he wears,
+  And language such as most they wont to speak.
+  Mankind alone he imitates. To seem
+  Fierce beasts, and birds, and long-extended snakes
+  Another claims: this Icelos the gods
+  Have nam'd; by mortals as Photebor known.
+  A third is Phantasus of different skill;
+  His change is happiest when he earth becomes,
+  Or rocks, or waves, or trees, or substance aught
+  That animation lacks. These shew their forms
+  By night to mighty heroes and to kings;
+  The rest before th' ignobler crowd perform.
+  All these the ancient Somnus pass'd, and chose
+  Morpheus alone from all his brethren crowd,
+  The deed Thaumantian Iris bade, to do;
+  Then, weigh'd with slumber, dropp'd again his head,
+  And shrunk once more within the sable couch.
+
+    He flies through darkness on unrustling wings,
+  And short the space, ere in Trachinia's town
+  He lights; and from his shoulders lays aside
+  His pinions; when he Ceyx' form assumes.
+  In Ceyx' ghastly shape pallid he stood,
+  Despoil'd of garments, at the widow'd bed
+  Of the sad queen: soak'd was his beard, and streams
+  Seem'd from his heavy dripping locks to flow.
+  Then leaning o'er the couch, while gushing tears
+  O'erspread his cheeks, he thus his wife bespoke;--
+  "Know'st thou thy Ceyx, wretched, wretched wife?
+  "Or are my features chang'd by death? Again
+  "View me, and here behold thy husband's shade,
+  "Instead of husband: all thy pious prayers
+  "For me, Alcyoene, were vain. I'm lost!
+  "No more false hopes encourage, me to see.
+  "The showery southwind, on th' AEgean main,
+  "Seiz'd on our vessel, and with mighty blast
+  "Shiver'd it wide in fragments; and the waves
+  "Rush'd in my throat as loud thy name I call'd;
+  "But call'd in vain. No doubtful author brings
+  "To thee these tidings; no vague rumor this,
+  "In person I relate it. Shipwreck'd I,
+  "My fate to thee detail. Rise, and assist!
+  "Pour forth thy tears; in sable garments clothe;
+  "Nor send my ghost to wander undeplor'd,
+  "In shady Tartarus." Thus Morpheus spoke;
+  And in such accents, that the queen, deceiv'd,
+  Believ'd her husband spoke. Adown his cheeks
+  Seem'd real tears to flow; and even his hand
+  With Ceyx' motion mov'd. Deeply she groan'd,
+  Ev'n in her sleep, and rais'd her longing arms
+  To clasp his body; empty air she clasp'd:
+  Exclaiming;--"stay; O whither dost thou fly?
+  "Together let us hence!"--Rous'd with the noise,
+  And spectre of her spouse; sleep fled her eyes,
+  And round she cast her gaze for that to seek
+  Which she but now beheld. Wak'd by her voice,
+  Her slaves approach'd with lights; but when in vain
+  She search'd for what she lack'd, her face she struck;
+  Rent from her breasts her garments; beat her breasts
+  Themselves: nor stay'd her twisted hair to loose,
+  But tore the bands away; then to her nurse
+  Anxious the subject of her grief to learn--
+  "Alcyoene,"--she cries--"is now no more!
+  "She with her Ceyx in one moment fell.
+  "Hence with your soothing words; shipwreck'd he dy'd.
+  "I saw; I knew him; as he fled me, stretch'd
+  "My arms to hold the fugitive.--Ah! no!
+  "The shadow fled, 'twas but his ghost; but shade
+  "My husband mere resembling ne'er was form'd.
+  "Yet had he not his wonted looks, nor shone
+  "In former brightness his beloved face.
+  "I saw him, hapless stand with pallid cheek,
+  "Naked, with tresses dropping still. Lo! here
+  "Wretched he stood, just on the spot I point:"--
+  Then anxious try'd his footmarks there to trace.--
+  "This did my mind foreboding fear; I pray'd
+  "When me thou fled'st, the winds thou would'st not trust:
+  "But since to sure destruction forth thou went'st,
+  "Would that by me companion'd thou had'st gone.
+  "With thee my bliss had been;--with thee to go.
+  "Unwasted then one moment of the space
+  "For life allow'd; not ev'n in death disjoin'd.
+  "But now I perish, and upon the waves,
+  "Though absent, float; the main me overwhelms,
+  "Though from the main far distant. Mental storms
+  "To me more cruel were than ocean's waves,
+  "Should I but longer seek to spin out life,
+  "And combat such deep grief? I will not strive
+  "Nor wretched thee desert; but now, though late,
+  "Now will I join thee; and the funeral verse
+  "Shall us unite; not in the self-same urn,
+  "Yet in the self-same tomb; bones join'd with bones,
+  "Allow'd not, yet shall name with name be seen."--
+  The rest by grief was chok'd, and sounding blows
+  Each sentence interrupted; while deep groans
+  Burst from her raving bosom. Morning shone,
+  And forth she issu'd to the shore, and sought
+  In grief the spot, where last his face she view'd
+  Departing. "Here,"--she said,--"as slow he went,
+  "As slow he loos'd his cables; on this beach
+  "The parting kiss he gave." While her mind's eye
+  Retraces every circumstance, she looks,
+  And something sees far floating on the waves,
+  Not much unlike a man: dubious at first
+  What it may be, she views it: nearer now
+  The billows drive it; and though distant still,
+  Plain to the eye a body was descry'd.
+  Whose body, witless, still a shipwreck'd wretch
+  With boding omen mov'd her; and in tears
+  She wail'd him as a stranger in these plaints.--
+  "Unhappy wretch! whoe'er thou art; and she
+  "Thy wife, if wife thou had'st"--but now the surge
+  More near the body bore. The more she views
+  Nearer the corps; the more her senses fly.
+  And now close driven to shore it floats, and now
+  Well she discern'd it was, it was--her spouse!
+  "'Tis he!"--she loudly shriek'd, and tore her face,
+  Her hair, her garments. Then her trembling arms
+  To Ceyx stretching; "Dearest husband!"--cry'd.
+  "Art thou restor'd thus to my wretched breast?"
+
+    High-rais'd by art, adjoining to the beach
+  A mole was form'd, which broke the primal strength
+  Of ocean's fury, and the fierce waves tir'd.
+  Hither she sprung, and, wond'rous that she could!
+  She flew; the light air winnowing with her wings
+  New-sprung; a mournful bird she skimm'd along
+  The water's surface. As she flies, her beak
+  Slender and small, a creaking noise sends forth,
+  Of mournful sound, and full of sad complaint.
+  Soon as the silent bloodless corse she reach'd,
+  Around his dear-lov'd limbs her wings she clasp'd,
+  And gave cold kisses with her horny bill.
+  If Ceyx felt them, or his head was rais'd
+  To meet her by the waves, th' unlearned doubt.
+  But sure he felt them. Both at length, the gods
+  Commisserating, chang'd to feather'd birds.
+  The same their love remains, and subject still
+  To the same fates; and in the plumag'd pair
+  The nuptial bond is sacred; join'd in one
+  Parents they soon become; and Halcyon sits
+  Sev'n peaceful days 'mid winter's keenest rule
+  Upon her floating nest. Safe then the main:
+  For AEoelus with watchful care the winds
+  Guards, and prevents their egress; and the seas
+  Smooths for the offspring, with a grandsire's care.
+
+    These, as they skimm'd the surface of the main,
+  An ancient sire beheld, and prais'd their love:
+  Constant in death: his neighbour or himself
+  Also repeats;--the bird which there you see,
+  Brushing the ocean with his slender legs,
+  (And shews a corm'rant with his spacious maw)
+  A monarch's offspring was; would you descend
+  Through the long series, 'till to him you reach;
+  Ilus; Assaracus; and Ganymede,
+  Borne up to heaven by Jove, supply'd the stock
+  From whence he sprung; Laoemedon the old;
+  And Priam doom'd to end his days with Troy.
+  Hector his brother; but in spring of youth
+  He felt this strange adventure, he perchance
+  As Hector's might have left a towering name:
+  Though from old Dymas' daughter Hector sprung.
+  Fair Alixirrhoe, so fame reports,
+  Daughter of two-horn'd Granicus, brought forth,
+  By stealth, AEsacus 'neath thick Ida's shade.
+  Wall'd cities he detested; and remote
+  From glittering palaces, secluded hills
+  Inhabited, and unambitious plains;
+  And scarce at Troy's assemblies e'er was seen.
+  Yet had he not a clownish heart, nor breast
+  To love impregnable. By chance he saw
+  Cebrenus' daughter, fair Hesperie--oft
+  By him through every shady wood pursu'd--
+  As on her father's banks her tresses, spread
+  Adown her back, in Phoebus' rays she dry'd.
+  The nymph, discover'd, fled. So rapid flies
+  Th' affrighted stag to 'scape the tawny Wolf;
+  Or duck, stream-loving, from the hawk, when caught,
+  Far from her wonted lakes. The Trojan youth
+  Quick follows, swift through hope; she swift through fear.
+  Lo! in the herbage hid, her flying foot
+  With crooked fang a serpent bit, and pour'd
+  O'er all her limbs the poison: with her flight
+  Her life was stopp'd. Frantic, he clasps her form
+  Now lifeless, and exclaims--"how grieve I now,
+  "That e'er I thee pursu'd; not this I fear'd!
+  "How mean my conquest, bought at such a price!
+  "Both, hapless nymph! in thy destruction join'd:
+  "I gave the cause, the serpent but the wound.
+  "I guiltier far than he, unless my death
+  "Shall thine avenge."--He said, and in the main,
+  From an high rock, by hoarsely-roaring waves
+  Deep-worn beneath, prepar'd to plunge. Receiv'd
+  By pitying Tethys softly in his fall,
+  She clothes him, as he swims the main, with wings;
+  And death, so much desir'd, denies him still.
+  The lover, furious at th' unwelcome gift
+  Of life upon him forc'd, and his pent soul,
+  Bent on escaping from its hated seat
+  Confin'd, soon as the new-shot plumes he felt
+  Spring from his shoulders, up he flew, and plunged
+  Again his body in the depths below:
+  His feathers broke his fall. AEsacus rav'd,
+  And deeply div'd; with headlong fury still,
+  And endless perseverance death he sought.
+  Love keeps him meagre still; from joint to joint
+  His legs still longer grow; his outstretch'd neck
+  Is long; and distant far his head is plac'd.
+  He loves the ocean, and the name he bears,
+  From constant diving, seems correctly giv'n.
+
+
+
+
+*The Twelfth Book.*
+
+
+    Rape of Helen. Expedition of the Greeks against Troy. House of
+    Fame. The Trojan war. Combat of Achilles and Cygnus. The latter
+    slain and transformed to a swan. Story of Caeneus. Fight of the
+    Lapithae and Centaurs. Change of Caeneus to a bird. Contest of
+    Hercules with Periclymenos. Death of Achilles. Dispute for his
+    arms.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Twelfth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Priam the sire, much mourn'd, to him unknown
+  That still his son, on pinions borne, surviv'd:
+  While Hector and his brethren round the tomb,
+  A name alone possessing, empty rites
+  Perform'd. Save Paris, from the solemn scene
+  None absent were; he with the ravish'd wife
+  Brought to his shores a long protracted war.
+  Quick was he follow'd by confederate ships
+  Ten hundred, and the whole Pelasgian race.
+  Nor had their vengeance borne so long delay,
+  But adverse raging tempests made the main
+  Impassable; and on Boeotia's shores,
+  In Aulis' port th' impatient vessels bound.
+
+    Here, while the Greeks the rites of Jove prepare,
+  Their country's custom, as the altar blaz'd,
+  They saw an azure serpent writhe around
+  A plane, which near the altar rear'd its boughs.
+  Its lofty summit held a nest; within
+  Eight callow birds were lodg'd; on these he seiz'd,
+  And seiz'd the mother, who, with trembling wings,
+  Hover'd around her loss, all burying deep
+  Within his greedy maw. All stare with dread.
+  But Thestor's son, prophetic truths who still
+  Beheld, exclaim'd--"Rejoice! O Greeks, rejoice!
+  "Conquest is ours, and lofty Troy must fall.
+  "But great our toil, and tedious our delay."
+  Then shew'd the birds a nine years' war foretold.
+  The snake, entwining 'mid the virid boughs,
+  Hard stone becomes, but keeps his serpent's form.
+
+    But still th' Aoenian waves in violent swell
+  Were lash'd by Neptune, nor their vessels bore;
+  And many deem'd that Troy he wish'd to spare,
+  Whose walls his labor rais'd. Not so the son
+  Of Thestor thought: neither he knew hot so,
+  Nor what he knew conceal'd:--a victim dire
+  The virgin-goddess claim'd; a virgin's blood!
+  When o'er affection public weal prevail'd,
+  The king o'ercame the father; and before
+  The altar Iphigenia stood, prepar'd
+  Her spotless blood to shed, as tears gush'd forth
+  Even from the sacrificial 'tendants. Then
+  "Was Dian' mov'd, and threw before their sight
+  A cloud opaque, and (so tradition tells)
+  The maid Thycenian to an hind was chang'd,
+  Amid the priests, the pious crowd and all
+  Who deprecating heard her doom. This done,
+  Dian' by such a sacrifice appeas'd
+  As Dian' best became; and sooth'd her ire,
+  The angry aspect of the seas was smooth'd;
+  And all the thousand vessels felt the breeze
+  Abaft, and bore the long impatient crowd
+  To Phrygia's shores. A spot there lies, whose seat
+  Midst of created space, 'twixt earth, and sea,
+  And heavenly regions, on the confines rests
+  Of the three-sever'd world; whence are beheld
+  All objects and all actions though remote,
+  And every sound by tending ears is heard.
+  Here Fame resides; and in the loftiest towers
+  Her dwelling chuses; and some thousand ways,
+  And thousand portals to the dwelling makes:
+  No portal clos'd with gates. By day, by night,
+  Open they stand; of sounding brass all form'd;
+  All echoing sound; all back the voice rebound:
+  And all reit'rate every word they hear.
+  No rest within, no silence there is found,
+  Yet clamor is not, but a murmur low;
+  Such as the billows wont to make when heard
+  From far, or such as distant thunder sends,
+  When Jove the dark clouds rends and drives aloof.
+  Crowds fill the halls: the trifling vulgar come
+  And issue forth. Ten thousand rumors vague
+  With truth commingled to and fro are heard.
+  Words in confusion fly. Amid the throng
+  These preach their words to vacant air, and those
+  To others tales narrate; the measure still
+  Of every fiction in narration grows;
+  And every author adds to what he hears.
+  Here lives credulity; and here abides
+  Rash error; transports vain; astonied fear;
+  Sedition sudden; and, uncertain whence,
+  Dark whisperings. Fame herself sits high aloft,
+  And views what deeds in heaven, and earth, and sea
+  Are done, and searches all creation round.
+  The news she spreads, that now the Grecian barks
+  Approach with valiant force; nor did the foe
+  Unlook'd-for threat the realm. All Troy impedes
+  Their landing, and the shores defends. Thou first,
+  Protesilaues! by great Hector's spear
+  Unluckily wast slain. The war begun,
+  Their valiant souls, ere yet they Hector knew,
+  Dear cost the Greeks. Nor small the blood which flow'd
+  From Phrygia's sons, by Grecia's valor spill'd.
+
+    Now blush'd Sigaeum's shores with spouting blood,
+  Where Cygnus, Neptune's offspring, gave to death
+  Whole crowds. Achilles in his chariot stood,
+  And with his forceful Pelian spear o'erthrew
+  Thick ranks of Trojans; and as through the fights
+  Cygnus or Hector to engage he sought,
+  Cygnus he met: delay'd was Hector's fate
+  To the tenth year. Then to his white-neck'd steeds,
+  Press'd by the yoke, with cheering shouts he spoke;
+  And full against the foe his chariot drove.
+  His quivering lance well-pois'd he shook, and call'd,
+  "Whoe'er thou art, O youth! this comfort learn
+  "In death, that by Achilles' arm thou dy'st."
+  Thus far Pelides; and his massive spear
+  Close follow'd on his words. With truth it fled;
+  Yet did the steely point, unerring hurl'd,
+  Fall harmless: with a deaden'd point his breast
+  Was struck. Then he;--"O goddess-born! (for fame
+  "Thy race to me has long before made known)
+  "Why wonder'st thou that I unwounded stand?"
+  (For wondering stood Pelides.) "Not this helm,
+  "Which thou behold'st, gay with the courser's mane.
+  "Nor the curv'd buckler by my arm sustain'd,
+  "For aid are worn. For comely grace alone
+  "They deck me. Thus is Mars himself adorn'd.
+  "Thrown every guard far from my limbs, my limbs
+  "Unwounded would remain. Sure I may boast!
+  "Sprung not from Nereus' daughter, but from him
+  "Who rules o'er Nereus; o'er his daughter rules;
+  "And all th' extent of ocean." Cygnus spoke:
+  And at Pelides launch'd his spear to pierce
+  His orbed shield; its brazen front it pierc'd,
+  And nine bull-hides beneath; stay'd at the tenth,
+  The warrior shook it forth; with strenuous arm
+  The quivering weapon hostile back return'd:
+  Cygnus again unwounded felt the blow.
+  Nor felt his naked bosom, to the force
+  Of the third weapon vauntingly expos'd,
+  Aught harm'd. Less fiercely in the Circus wide
+  Rages the bull not, when the scarlet vests
+  To urge his fury fixt, with furious horn
+  To gore attempting, finds elusion still,
+  The unhurt limbs invading. Seeks he now
+  If fall'n the metal from his weapon's point:
+  Fast to the wood the metal still appears;
+  And cries he;--"Weak is then my hand? and spent
+  "On one, is all the strength I once could boast?
+  "For surely strength that arm could boast, which erst
+  "Lyrnessus' wall o'erthrew, and when with gore
+  "It Tenedos, and Thebes made stream; or when
+  "Caycus purple flow'd, stain'd with their blood
+  "Who on its banks had dwelt; and when twice prov'd
+  "By Telephus, the virtue of my spear.
+  "This nervous arm has here too shewn its force
+  "In hills of slain by me up-heap'd; these shores
+  "Attest it." Speaking so, his spear he sent
+  Against Menoetes 'mid the Lycian crowd,
+  As doubting faintly deeds perform'd before:
+  And pierc'd at once his corslet and his breast.
+  From the hot smoking wound as forth he drew
+  The dart,--as with his dying head was struck
+  The solid ground, he spoke:--"This is the hand,
+  "And this the spear which conquest knew before:
+  "This will I 'gainst him use. May it, when sent,
+  "The same success attend."--Ere ceas'd his words
+  Cygnus again with aim he sought, nor swerv'd
+  His ashen weapon whence he aim'd, but rung,
+  Unshrunk from, on the shoulder: thence repell'd,
+  As from a wall or rugged rock it fell:
+  Yet where the blow was felt, did Cygnus seem
+  With blood distain'd. Achilles' joy was vain,
+  For wound was not. Menoetes' blood was there.
+  Then furious from his lofty car he sprung,
+  And close at hand his braving foe assail'd
+  With glittering falchion; by the falchion broke,
+  The helm and shield he saw, but the keen edge
+  His stubborn body blunted. More the son
+  Of Peleus bore not, but the warrior's face
+  With furious buffets from his shield, unclaspt
+  First from his arm, he smote, and with his hilt
+  Heavy his temples; and with headstrong rage
+  Bore on him: nor to his astounded soul
+  Respite allow'd. Dread through his bosom spread;
+  Before his eyes swam darkness: when amidst
+  The plain, a stone his retrogressive feet
+  Oppos'd. Pelides, with his mightiest strength,
+  Struck Cygnus against it, and to earth
+  Hard forc'd him, thrown supine. Pent with his shield,
+  And nervous knees upon his bosom prest
+  Tight, he the lacing of the helmet drew,
+  Which 'neath his chin was ty'd; close press'd his throat,
+  His breathing passage and his life at once
+  Destroy'd he. When his conquer'd foe to spoil
+  Of all his arms he went, the arms he found
+  Vacant. The ocean-god had to a bird
+  Of snowy plumage chang'd his offspring's form:
+  A bird which still the name of Cygnus bears.
+
+    Here stay'd the toil, here did the battle gain
+  Of numerous days a respite, either power
+  Resting on arms unhostile. Then, while guards,
+  Watchful, the Trojan walls protective kept;
+  And sentries equal wakeful o'er the trench
+  Form'd by the Argives watch'd, a feast was held,
+  Where Cygnus' victor, stout Achilles, gave
+  An heifer ribbon-bound to Athen's maid.
+  The sever'd flesh was on the altar plac'd,
+  Whose smoking fragrance, grateful to the gods,
+  High to th' ethereal regions mounted. Part,
+  Their due, th' official sacrificers took;
+  To swell the feast the rest was given. Outstretch'd
+  On couches, laid the noble guests, and fill'd
+  With the drest meat their hunger; and with wine
+  At once their thirst and all their cares assuag'd.
+  No lyre them sooth'd; no sound of vocal song;
+  Nor long extended boxen pipe with holes
+  Multiferous pierc'd: but all night long, discourse
+  Protracted; valiant deeds alone the theme.
+  Alike the valiant acts their foes perform'd,
+  And those their own they speak. Much they enjoy
+  To tell by turns what hazards they o'ercame;
+  And what they oft successless try'd. What else
+  Could e'er Achilles' speech employ? What else
+  By great Achilles could with joy be heard?
+  Chief in the converse, was the conquest late
+  O'er Cygnus gain'd, the topic. Strange to all
+  Seem'd it; the youth, from every weapon safe
+  By wound unconquerable, and with skin
+  Blunting the keenest steel. Wonder the Greeks,
+  And wonders ev'n Pelides: when in words
+  Like these, old Nestor hail'd them. "Cygnus, proof
+  "'Gainst steel,--unpierceable by furious blows
+  "Your age alone has known. These eyes have seen
+  "Perrhaebian Caeneus bear ten thousand strokes
+  "Unhurt. He, fam'd for warlike actions, dwelt
+  "On Othrys, and more strange those warlike deeds,
+  "Since female was he born." The wondering crowd,
+  Mov'd with the novel prodigy, beseech
+  (Their spokesman was Achilles) that the tale
+  Nestor would give them. "Eloquent old man!
+  "Of all our age most prudent, tell, for all
+  "The same desire prevails o'er, who was he,
+  "This Caeneus? why was chang'd his sex? what wars
+  "Of fierce encounter made him known to thee?
+  "And if by any conquer'd, tell the name."
+
+    Then thus the senior: "Though decrepid age
+  "Weighs heavy on me, and the deeds beheld
+  "In prime of youth, in numbers 'scape my mind;
+  "Yet than those facts, 'mid all of peace and war,
+  "Nought on my bosom made a deeper print.
+  "Yet may extended age of all beheld
+  "Part of the numerous acts and objects seen
+  "Relate,--I twice one hundred years have pass'd;
+  "Now in the third I breathe. Caenis, a nymph
+  "Sprung from Elateus, fam'd was all around
+  "For brightest beauty; fairest of the maids
+  "Who Thessaly adorn; theme of vain hopes
+  "To crowds of wooers through the neighbouring towns;
+  "And ev'n through thine, Achilles; for the land
+  "Thou claim'st produc'd her. Nay, her nuptial couch,
+  "Peleus perchance had sought, save that the rites
+  "Already with thy mother were compleat,
+  "Or were in promise ready. Nuptial couch
+  "She never press'd, for on the lonely shore
+  "Strolling, so fame declares, the vigorous clasp
+  "Of Ocean's god she felt. The charms possest
+  "Of his new object, Neptune said--whate'er
+  "Thou wishest, chuse, secure of no repulse.--
+  "This too does fame report, that Caenis cry'd--
+  "Wrongs such as mine no trivial gift deserve,
+  "That ne'er such shame again I suffer, grant
+  "I woman be no longer; that will all
+  "Favors comprize.--Her closing words betray'd
+  "A graver sound; manly appear'd her voice:
+  "And masculine it was. Deep ocean's god
+  "Acceded to her wish, and granted, more,
+  "That wounds should never harm her, nor by steel
+  "Should she e'er fall. Joy'd at the gift, the god
+  "Atracia's hero leaves--employs his age
+  "In studies warlike; and among the fields,
+  "Where fertilizing Peneus wanders, roams.
+
+    "Now bold Ixion's son had gain'd the hand
+  "Of Hippodamia; and the fierce-soul'd crowd
+  "Cloud-born, had bidden to attend the boards,
+  "In order rang'd within a cavern's mouth,
+  "By trees thick-shaded. All the princes round
+  "Of Thessaly attended: I, myself
+  "Amongst them went. Loud rung the regal feast
+  "With the mixt concourse; all most joyful sung
+  "O Hymen! Ioe Hymen! and each hall
+  "Blaz'd bright with fires. The virgin then approach'd
+  "Pre-excellent in fairness, with a band
+  "Of matrons and unwedded nymphs begirt.
+  "Most blest, we all exclaim'd, in such a spouse
+  "Must be Pirithoues--but such boding hopes
+  "Well nigh deceiv'd us. For when drunken lust
+  "O'er thee, Eurytus! govern'd, of the blood
+  "Of savage Centaurs, far most savage, fir'd
+  "Whether by wine, or by the virgin's charms
+  "Thou saw'st, thy breast. Instant, the board o'erturn'd,
+  "Routed the guests convivial, and the bride
+  "Caught by her locks, was forceful dragg'd away.
+  "Eurytus Hippodamia seiz'd; the rest
+  "Grasp'd such as pleas'd them, or whoe'er they met.
+  "It show'd the image of a captur'd town.
+
+    "With female shrieks the place resounded; swift
+  "We start, and Theseus foremost thus exclaims:--
+  "What frenzy, O Eurytus! thee impels
+  "Pirithoues thus to wrong me still in life!
+  "Ign'rant that two thou wound'st in one?--Nor vain
+  "The chief magnanimous his threat'nings spoke:
+  "Th' aggressors back repell'd; and, while they rag'd,
+  "The ravish'd bride recover'd. Nought he said,
+  "Nor could such acts defence by words allow;
+  "But with rude inconsiderate hands he press'd
+  "Full on her champion's face; his valiant breast
+  "Assaulting. Near by chance a cup there stood,
+  "Of mould antique, and rough with rising forms:
+  "Mighty it was, but Theseus, mightier still,
+  "Seiz'd it, and full against his hostile face
+  "It dash'd; he vomits forth, with clots of gore,
+  "His brains, and wine; these issuing from the wound;
+  "That from his mouth; and on the soaking sand
+  "Supine he sprawls. With rage the two-form'd race
+  "Burn for their brother's slaughter; all with voice
+  "United, eager call--to arms! to arms!
+  "Wine gave them courage, and the primal fight
+  "Was goblets, fragile casks, and hollow jars,
+  "Dash'd on: once instruments to feasts alone
+  "Pertaining; now for slaughter us'd and blood.
+
+    "First Amycus, of Ophion son, not fear'd
+  "To rob the sacred chambers of their spoils;
+  "And from its cord suspensive, tore away,
+  "As from the roof it hung, a glittering lamp;
+  "And hurl'd it, lofty-pois'd, full in the front
+  "Of Lapithaean Celadon. So falls
+  "On the white neck the victim bull presents,
+  "The sacrificial axe, and all his bones
+  "Were shatter'd left; one all confounded wound.
+  "His eyes sprang forth; his palate bones displac'd,
+  "His nose driv'n back within his palate falls.
+  "Him Belates Pellaean with a foot
+  "Torn from a maple table, on the ground
+  "Stretch'd prone; his chin forc'd downward on his breast;
+  "And sputtering teeth, with blackest gore commixt,
+  "Sent by a second blow to Stygia's shades.
+
+    "As next he stood, and with tremendous brow
+  "The flaming altar view'd, Gryneus exclaim'd--
+  "Why use we this not? and the ponderous load
+  "With all its fires he seiz'd, and 'mid the crowd
+  "Of Lapithaeans flung: two low it press'd;
+  "Broteas and bold Orion. From her sphere
+  "Orion's mother Mycale, by charms
+  "The moon to drag to earth has oft been known.
+
+    "Loud cry'd Exodius:--Were but weapons found
+  "That death impunity would boast not. Horns
+  "An ancient stag once brandish'd, on a pine
+  "Hung lofty, serv'd for arms; the forky branch
+  "Hurl'd in his face deep dug out either eye.
+  "Part to the horns adhere; part flowing down
+  "His beard, thence hang in ropes of clotted gore.
+  "Lo! Rhaetus snatches from the altar's height
+  "A burning torch of size immense, and through
+  "Charaxus' dexter temple, with bright hair
+  "Shaded, he drives it. Like the arid corn
+  "Caught by the rapid flame, the tresses burn;
+  "And the scorch'd blood the wound sent forth, a sound
+  "Of horrid crackling gave. Oft whizzes steel
+  "So, drawn forth glowing from the fire, with tongs
+  "Bent, and in cooling waters frequent plung'd;
+  "And crackling sounds, immers'd in tepid waves.
+  "The wounded hero from his tresses shook
+  "The greedy flames, and in his arms upheav'd,
+  "Tom from the earth, a mighty threshold stone,
+  "A waggon's burthen; but the ponderous load
+  "Forbade his strength to hurl it on the foe:
+  "And on Cometes, who beside him stood,
+  "Dropp'd the huge bulk. Nor Rhaetus then his joy
+  "Disguis'd, exclaiming:--Such may be the aid
+  "That all your friends receive!--Then with his brand
+  "Half burnt, his blows redoubling, burst the skull
+  "With the strong force; and on the pulpy brain
+  "By frequent strokes the bones beat down. From thence
+  "Victor, Evagrus, Corythus, he met
+  "And Dryas. Corythus o'erthrown, whose cheeks
+  "The first down shaded; loud Evagrus cry'd:--
+  "What glory thine, thus a weak boy to slay?--
+  "No more to utter Rhaetus gave, but fierce
+  "Plung'd the red-flaming weapon in his mouth,
+  "Thus speaking; and deep forc'd it down his throat.
+  "Thee also, furious Dryas! with the brand,
+  "Whirl'd round and round his head, he next assails.
+  "But thee the same sad fortune not befel:
+  "Him, proud triumphing from increas'd success
+  "In blood, thou piercest with an harden'd stake,
+  "Where the neck meets the shoulder. Rhaetus groan'd:
+  "And from the hard bone scarce the wood could draw;
+  "As drench'd in blood his own, by flight he scap'd.
+  "With him fled Lycabas; and Orneus fled;
+  "Thaumas; Pisenor; Medon, who was struck
+  "'Neath the right shoulder; Mermeros, who late
+  "In rapid race all else surpass'd, but now
+  "Mov'd halting with his wound; Abas, of boars
+  "The spoiler; Pholus, and Melaneus too;
+  "With Astylos the seer, who from the war
+  "Dissuaded, but in vain, his brethren crowd.
+  "Nay more, to Nessus, fearing wounds, he cry'd--
+  "Fly not!--thou'lt for Alcides' bow be sav'd.
+
+    "Euronymus, nor Lycidas, their fate,
+  "Areos, nor Imbreos fled; whom face to face
+  "Confronting, Dryas' hand smote down. Thou too,
+  "Crenaeus! felt thy death in front, though turn'd
+  "For flight thy feet; for looking back thou caught'st
+  "Betwixt thine eyes the massy steel; where joins
+  "The nose's basement to the forehead bones.
+
+    "With endless draughts of stupefactive wine
+  "Aphidas lay, 'mid all the raging noise
+  "Unrous'd; and grasping in his languid hand
+  "A ready-mingled bowl: stretch'd was he seen,
+  "On a rough bear-skin, brought from Ossa's hill.
+  "Him from afar, as Phorbas saw, no arms
+  "Dreading, he fix'd his fingers in the thongs,
+  "And said--with Stygian waters mixt, thy wine
+  "Now drink;--and instant round his javelin twin'd
+  "The youth: for as supinely stietch'd he lay
+  "The ash-form'd javelin through his throat was driv'n.
+  "No sense of death he felt; his dark brown gore
+  "Flow'd in full stream upon the couch, and flow'd
+  "In his grasp'd goblet. I, Petraeus saw,
+  "An acorn-loaded oak from earth to rend
+  "Endeavoring; which while compass'd with both arms
+  "He strains, now this way, now the other, shook
+  "Appear'd the tottering tree. Pirithous' dart
+  "Driv'n through the ribs, Petraeus' straining breast
+  "Nail'd to the rigid wood. Pirithous' arm
+  "Lycus o'erthrew; and 'neath Pirithous' force
+  "Fell Chromis,--so they tell. But less of fame
+  "The conqueror gain'd from these, than from the death
+  "Of Helops, and of Dictys. Helops felt
+  "The dart through both his temples; swift it whizz'd
+  "His right ear enter'd, shewing at his left.
+  "But Dictys, from a dangerous mountain's brow
+  "As flying, trembling from Ixion's son
+  "Close following, he descended, headlong down
+  "He tumbled; with his ponderous fall he broke
+  "A mighty ash; within his riven side
+  "The stumps his bowels tore. Aphareus fierce,
+  "Came on for vengeance; and a massive rock,
+  "Torn from the hill, upheav'd to throw--to throw
+  "Attempted. Theseus with an oaken club
+  "Prevented, and his mighty elbow broke:
+  "Nor now his leisure suits, nor cares he now
+  "A foe disabled to dispatch to hell:
+  "But on Biamor's lofty back he springs,
+  "Unwont to bear, except himself, before:
+  "Press'd with his knees his ribs, and grasping firm,
+  "With his left hand his locks, he bruis'd his face,
+  "His frowning forehead, and his harden'd skull,
+  "With the rough club. With the same club he lays
+  "Nidymnus prostrate; and Lycotas, skill'd
+  "To fling the javelin; Hippasus, whose beard
+  "Immense, his breast o'ershaded; Ripheus sprung
+  "From lofty woods; and Tereus wont to drag
+  "Home furious bears still living, on the hills
+  "Thessalian, caught. Nor longer in the fight
+  "Raging with such success, Demoleon bore
+  "Theseus to see, but from a crowded wood,
+  "With giant efforts strove a pine to rend,
+  "Of ancient growth, up by the roots, but foil'd
+  "He flung the broken fragment 'mid the foe.
+  "Warn'd by Minerva, from the flying wood
+  "Theseus withdrew; so would he we believe.
+  "Yet harmless fell the tree not; from the breast
+  "And shoulder of great Crantor, was the neck
+  "Sever'd. The faithful follower of thy sire
+  "Was he, Achilles. Him, Amyntor, king
+  "Of all Dolopia, in the warlike strife
+  "O'ercome, as pledge of peace and faithful words
+  "Gave to AEaecides. Him mangled so
+  "With cruel wound, Peleus far distant saw;
+  "And thus exclaim'd,--O, Crantor! dearest youth!
+  "Thy funeral obsequies behold.--He said,
+  "And hurl'd his ashen spear with vigorous arm,
+  "And with a spirit not less vigorous, forth,
+  "Full on Demoleon: tearing through the fence
+  "Of his strong chest, it quiver'd in the bones.
+  "The pointless wood his hand dragg'd out; the wood
+  "With difficulty dragg'd he: in his lungs
+  "Deep was the steel retain'd. To his fierce soul
+  "Fresh vigor gave the smart. Hurt as he was
+  "He rear'd against the foe, and with his hoofs
+  "Trampled thy sire. He, with his helm and shield,
+  "Wards off the sounding blows; his shoulders guards;
+  "Holds his protended steel, and his foe's chest
+  "Full 'twixt the shoulders; one strong blow transpierc'd.
+  "Yet had he slain by distant darts before
+  "Both Hylis and Phlegraeus; and in fight
+  "More close, had Clanis and Hipponous fall'n.
+  "To these must Dorilas be added, he
+  "A wolf skin round his forehead wore; and, bent,
+  "A double wound presenting, o'er his brows
+  "He bore the weapons of a savage bull;
+  "With streaming gore deep blushing. Loud I cry'd,
+  "While courage gave me strength--see how my steel
+  "Thy horns surpasses--and my dart I flung.
+  "My dart to 'scape unable, o'er his brow
+  "To ward the blow, his hand he held; his hand
+  "Was to his forehead nail'd. Loud shouts were heard,
+  "And Peleus at him, wounded thus, rush'd on,
+  "(He nearer stood) and with a furious blow
+  "Mid belly plac'd, dispatch'd him. High he sprung
+  "On earth his entrails dragging;--as they dragg'd
+  "Madly he trampled;--what he trampled tore:
+  "These round his legs entwining, down he falls;
+  "And with an empty'd body sinks to death.
+
+    "Nor could thy beauty, Cyllarus, avail
+  "Aught in the contest! if to forms like thine
+  "Beauty we grant. His beard to sprout began,
+  "His beard of golden hue; golden the locks
+  "That down his neck, and o'er his shoulders flow'd.
+  "Cheerful his face; his shoulders, neck, and arms,
+  "Approach'd the models which the artists praise.
+  "Thus all that man resembled. Nor fell short
+  "The horse's portion: beauteous for a beast.
+  "A neck and head supply'd, a steed were form'd,
+  "Of Castor worthy: so was for the seat
+  "Fitted his back; so full outstood his chest:
+  "His coat all blacker than the darkest pitch;
+  "Save his white legs, and ample flowing tail.
+  "Crowds of his race him lov'd; but one alone,
+  "Hylonome, could charm him; fairest nymph
+  "Of all the two-form'd race that roam'd the groves.
+  "She sole enraptur'd Cyllarus, with words
+  "Of blandishment; beloved, and her love
+  "For him confessing. Grace in all her limbs
+  "And dress, for him was studied; smooth her hair
+  "For him was comb'd; with rosemary now bound;
+  "Now with the violet; with fresh roses now;
+  "And oft the snow-white lily wore she; twice
+  "Daily she bath'd her features in the stream,
+  "That from Pagasis' woody summit falls;
+  "Twice daily in the current lav'd her limbs.
+  "Nor cloth'd she e'er her shoulders, or her side,
+  "Save with the chosen spoils of beasts which best
+  "Her form became. Most equal was their love:
+  "As one they o'er the mountains stray'd; as one
+  "The caves they sought; and both together then
+  "The Lapithaean roof had enter'd; both
+  "Now wag'd the furious war. By whom unknown,
+  "From the left side a javelin came, and pierc'd
+  "Thee deep, O Cyllarus! 'neath where thy chest
+  "Joins to thy neck. Drawn from the small-form'd wound,
+  "The weapon,--with the mangled heart, the limbs
+  "Grew rigid all. Hylonome supports
+  "His dying body, and her aiding hand
+  "Presses against the wound; leans face to face,
+  "And tries his fleeting life awhile to stay.
+  "When fled she saw it, with laments which noise
+  "Drown'd ere my ears they reach'd, full on the dart
+  "Which through him stuck she fell; and clasp'd in death
+  "Her dear-lov'd husband's form. Before my eyes
+  "Still stands Phaeoecomes, whom, closely-join'd,
+  "Six lions' hides protected; man and horse
+  "Equal the covering shar'd. Phonoleus' son
+  "Fierce on the skull he smote, with stump immense,
+  "Huge as four oxen might with labor move.
+  "Crush'd was the rounding broadness of the head;
+  "And the soft brain gush'd forth at both his ears;
+  "His mouth, his hollow nostrils, and his eyes.
+  "So through the straining oaken twigs appears,
+  "Coagulated milk: so liquid flows
+  "Through the fine sieve, by supercumbent weights
+  "Prest down, the thick curd at the small-form'd holes.
+  "Deep in his lowest flank the foe I pierc'd,
+  "As from our fallen friend the arms to strip
+  "Prepar'd, he stoop'd. Thy father saw the deed.
+  "Chthonius too fell beneath my sword, and fell
+  "Teleboas. Chthonius bore a forky bough;
+  "A javelin arm'd the other; with its steel
+  "He pierc'd me. Lo! the mark the wound has left:--
+  "Still the old scar appears. Then was the time
+  "They should have sent me to the siege of Troy:
+  "Then had I power great Hector's arm to stay;
+  "To check, if not to conquer. Hector then
+  "Was born not, or a boy. Now age me robs
+  "Of all my force. Why should I say how fell
+  "Two-form'd Pyretus, by the strength o'erthrown
+  "Of Periphantes? Why of Amphyx tell,
+  "Who in Oeclus' hostile front deep sunk,
+  "(Oeclus centaur-born) a pointless spear?
+  "Macareus, Erigdupus, (near the hill
+  "Of Pelethronus born, against his chest
+  "Full-bearing,) prostrate laid. Nor should I pass,
+  "How I the spear beheld, by Nessus' hands
+  "Launch'd forth, and bury'd in Cymelus' groin.
+  "Nor think you Mopsus, Amphyx' son, excell'd
+  "Alone to teach the future. By the dart
+  "Of Mopsus, fell Odites double-form'd.
+  "To speak in vain he strove, for tongue to chin,
+  "And chin to throat were by the javelin nail'd.
+
+    "Caeneus ere this had five to death dispatch'd
+  "Bromius, Antimachus with hatchet arm'd;
+  "Pyracmon, Stiphelus, and Helimus.
+  "What wounds them slew I know not; well their names,
+  "And numbers I remember. Latreus big
+  "In body and in limbs, sprung forth adorn'd
+  "In the gay arms Halesus once had own'd;
+  "Halesus of Thessalia by him slain:
+  "'Twixt strong virility and age his years,
+  "Still strong virility his arm could boast;
+  "Gray hairs his temples sprinkled. Lofty seen
+  "In helm and shield, and Macedonian spear,
+  "Proudly between the adverse ranks he rode;
+  "And clash'd his arms, and circling scower'd along.
+  "These boasting words to the resounding air
+  "Brave issuing--Caenis, shall I bear thee so?
+  "Still will I think thee Caenis;--female still
+  "By me thou'lt be consider'd. 'Bates it nought
+  "Thy valor, when thy origin thy soul
+  "Reflects on? When thy mind allows to own
+  "What deed the grant obtained? What price was paid
+  "To gain the false resemblance of a man?
+  "What thou was born, remember: mark as well
+  "Who has embrac'd thee. Go, the distaff take,
+  "And carding basket. With thy fingers twirl
+  "The flax, and martial contests leave to men.
+  "The spear which Caeneus hurl'd, deep in his side
+  "Bare as he cours'd, expos'd the blow to meet,
+  "Pierc'd him when boasting thus, just where the man
+  "Join'd the four-footed form. With smart he rag'd,
+  "And to the Phyllian warrior's face his spear
+  "Presented. Back the spear rebounded: so
+  "Bound the hard hailstones from the roof; so leap
+  "The paltry pebbles on the hollow drum.
+  "Now hand to hand he rushes to engage,
+  "And in his harden'd sides attempts to plunge
+  "His weapon deep. Pervious his weapon finds
+  "No spot. Then cry'd he,--still thou shalt not 'scape:
+  "Though blunted is my point my edge shall slay;--
+  "And aim'd a blow oblique, to ope his side,
+  "While round his flank was grasp'd his forceful arm.
+  "Sounded the stroke as marble struck would sound;
+  "The shiver'd steel rebounding from his neck.
+  "His limbs unwounded, to the wondering foe
+  "Thus long expos'd, loud Caeneus call'd;--Now try
+  "Our arms thy limbs to pierce!--Up to the hilt
+  "His deadly weapon 'twixt his shoulders plung'd;
+  "Then thrust and dug with blows unseeing 'mid
+  "His entrails deep; thus forming wounds on wounds.
+
+    "Now all the furious crowd of double forms
+  "Rush raging round him; all their weapons hurl;
+  "And all assail with blows this single foe.
+  "Blunted their weapons fall, and Caeneus stands
+  "Unpierc'd, unbleeding, from ten thousand strokes:
+  "Astonish'd at the miracle they gaze;
+  "But Monychus exclaims;--What blasting shame
+  "A race o'erthrown by one; that one a man,
+  "But dubious. Grant him man, our coward deeds
+  "Prove us but what he has been. What avail
+  "Our giant limbs? What boots our double strength;
+  "Strength of created forms the mightiest two,
+  "In us conjoin'd? A goddess-mother we
+  "Assur'dly should not boast; nor boast for sire
+  "Ixion, whose great daring soul him mov'd
+  "To clasp the lofty Juno in his arms.
+  "Now vanquish'd by a foe half-male. Him whelm
+  "With trees, with rocks: whole mountains heap'd on high,
+  "Whole falling forests, let that stubborn soul
+  "Crush out. The woods upon his throat shall press,
+  "And weight for wounds shall serve.--The centaur spoke,
+  "Seizing a tree which lay by chance uptorn
+  "By raging Auster; on his valiant foe
+  "The bulk he hurl'd. All in like efforts join'd:
+  "And quickly Othrys of his woods was stript:
+  "Nor Pelion shade retain'd. Caeneus opprest
+  "Beneath the pile immense--the woody load,--
+  "Hot pants, and with his forceful shoulders bears,
+  "To heave th' unwieldy weight: but soon the heap
+  "Reaches his face, and then o'ertops his head:
+  "Nor breath is left his spirit can inhale.
+  "Now faint he sinks, and struggles now in vain
+  "To lift his head to air, and from him heave
+  "The heap'd-up forests: then the pile but shakes,
+  "As shakes the lofty Ida you behold,
+  "When by an earthquake stirr'd. Doubtful his end.
+  "His body, by the sylvan load down prest,
+  "Some thought that shadowy Tartarus receiv'd.
+  "But Mopsus this deny'd, who spy'd a bird
+  "From 'mid the pile ascend, and mount the skies
+  "On yellow pinions. I the bird beheld,
+  "Then first, then last. As wide on buoyant wing
+  "Our force surveying, Mopsus saw him fly,
+  "And rustling round with mighty noise, his eyes
+  "And soul close mark'd him, and he loud exclaim'd,--
+  "Hail, Caeneus! of the Lapithaean race
+  "The glory! once of men the first, and now
+  "Bird of thy kind unique!--The seer's belief
+  "Made credible the fact. Grief spurr'd our rage.
+  "Nor bore we calmly that a single youth
+  "By hosts of foes should fall. Nor ceas'd our swords
+  "In gore to rage 'till most to death were given:
+  "The rest by favoring darkness say'd in flight."
+
+    While thus the Pylian sage, the wars narrates
+  Wag'd by the Lapithaean race, and foe
+  Centaurs half-human; his splenetic ire
+  Tlepolemus could hide not, when he found
+  Alcides' deeds past o'er; but angry spoke.--
+  "Old sire, astonish'd, I perceive the praise
+  "The deeds of Hercules demand, has 'scap'd
+  "Your mind. My father has been wont to tell
+  "Whom, he of cloud-begotten race o'erthrew:
+  "Oft have I heard him." Nestor sad reply'd;
+  "Why force me thus my miseries to recal
+  "To recollection; freshening up the woes
+  "Long years have blunted; and confess the hate
+  "I bear thy sire for injuries receiv'd.
+  "He, (O, ye gods!) has deeds atchiev'd which far
+  "All faith surpass; and has the wide world fill'd
+  "With his high fame. Would I could this deny!
+  "For praise we e'er Deiphobus? or praise
+  "Give we Polydamas, or Hector's self?
+  "Who can a foe applaud? This sire of thine
+  "Messenia's walls laid prostrate, and destroy'd
+  "Elis and Pylos, unoffending towns;
+  "Rushing with fire and sword in our abode.
+  "To pass the rest who 'neath his fury fell,--
+  "Twice six of Neleus' sons were we beheld;
+  "Twice six save me beneath Alcides' arm,
+  "There dy'd. With ease were conquer'd all but one;
+  "Strange was of Periclymenos the death;
+  "Whom Neptune, founder of our line, had given,
+  "What form he will'd to take; that form thrown off.
+  "His own again resume. When vainly chang'd
+  "To multifarious shapes; he to the bird
+  "Most dear to heaven's high sovereign, whose curv'd claws
+  "The thunders bear, himself transform'd; the strength
+  "That bird possesses, using, with bow'd wings,
+  "His crooked beak and talons pounc'd his face.
+  "'Gainst him Tyrinthius his unerring bow
+  "Bent, and as high amid the clouds he tower'd,
+  "And poising hung, pierc'd where his side and wing
+  "Just met: nor deep the hurt; the sinew torn
+  "Still him disabled, and deny'd the power
+  "To move his wing, or strength to urge his flight.
+  "To earth he fell; his pinions unendow'd
+  "With power to gather air: and the light dart
+  "Fixt superficial in the wing, his fall
+  "Deep in his body pierc'd; out his left side,
+  "Close by his throat the pointed mischief stood.
+
+    "Now, valiant leader of the Rhodian fleet,
+  "Judge what from me the great Alcides' deeds
+  "Of blazonry can claim? Yet the revenge
+  "I give my brethren, is on his brave acts
+  "Silent to rest: to thee still firm ally'd
+  "In friendship." Thus his eloquent discourse
+  The son of Neleus ended, and the gift
+  Of Bacchus, oft repeated, circled round
+  To the old senior's words; then from the board
+  They rose, and night's remainder gave to sleep.
+
+    But now the deity, whose trident rules
+  The ocean waters, with a father's grief
+  Mourns for his offspring to a bird transform'd.
+  Savage 'gainst fierce Achilles, he pursues
+  His well-remember'd ire with hostile rage.
+  And now the war near twice ten years had seen,
+  When long-hair'd Phoebus, thus the god address'd;
+  "O power! to me most dear, of all the sons
+  "My brother boasts! whose hands with mine uprear'd
+  "In vain the walls of Troy! griev'st thou not now
+  "Those towers beholding as they ruin'd fall?
+  "Griev'st thou not now such thousands to behold
+  "Slain, those high towers attempting to defend?
+  "Griev'st thou not (more I need not speak) to think
+  "Of Hector's body round his own Troy dragg'd,
+  "When still the fierce Achilles, ev'n than war
+  "More ruthless, of our works destroyer, lives?
+  "Would it to me were given--my trident's power,
+  "Well know I, he should prove; but since deny'd
+  "To rush, and hand to hand this foe engage,
+  "Slay him with unsuspected secret dart."
+  The Delian god consented, and at once
+  His uncle's vengeance and his own indulg'd.
+  Veil'd in a cloud amid the Ilian host
+  He darts, and 'mid a slaughter'd crowd beholds
+  Where Paris, on plebeian foes his shafts
+  Unerring hurls: to him confess'd, the god
+  Exclaims;--"Why wast'st thou in ignoble blood
+  "Thy weapons? If thy friends employ thy care,
+  "Turn on Pelides every dart, revenge
+  "Thy murder'd brothers."--Phoebus spoke, and shew'd
+  Where with his steel Achilles ranks on ranks
+  Of Troy o'erthrew. On him the bow he turns;
+  To him he guides the sure, the deadly dart.
+
+    Now may old Priam joy for Hector slain;
+  For thou, Achilles, victor o'er such hosts,
+  Fall'st by the coward's hand, who stole from Greece
+  The ravish'd wife. O! if foredoom'd thy lot
+  By woman-warrior to be slain, to fall
+  By Amazonian weapon had'st thou chos'n.
+  Now burns AEaecides, the Phrygians' dread;
+  The pride, the guardian of the Grecian name;
+  The chief in war unconquer'd: and the god
+  Who arm'd him once, consumes him. Ashes now;
+  Nought of the great Pelides can be found,
+  Save what with ease a little urn contains.
+  But still his glory lives, and fills all earth:
+  Such bounds alone the hero suit; his fame
+  Equals himself, nor sinks he to the shades.
+
+    His shield itself, as conscious whose the shield,
+  Fomented wars; and quarrels for his arms
+  Arose. Tydides fear'd to urge his claim;
+  Ajax, Oileus' son; Atrides' each,
+  Him youngest, and the monarch who surpass'd
+  In age and warlike skill; and all the crowd.
+  Laertes' son, and Telamon's alone
+  Try'd the bold glorious contest. From himself
+  All blame invidious Agamemnon mov'd:
+  The Grecian chiefs amid the camp he plac'd,
+  And bade the host around the cause decide.
+
+
+
+
+*The Thirteenth Book.*
+
+
+    Contest of Ajax and Ulysses for the arms of Achilles. Success of
+    Ulysses and death of Ajax. Sack of Troy. Sacrifice of Polyxena to
+    the ghost of Achilles. Lamentation of Hecuba. She tears out the
+    eyes of Polymnestor, and is changed into a bitch. Birds arise
+    from the funeral pile of Memnon, and kill each other. Escape of
+    AEneas from Troy, and voyage to Delos. The daughters of Anius
+    transformed to doves. Voyage to Crete and Italy. Story of Acis
+    and Galatea. Love of Glaucus for Scylla.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Thirteenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    The princes sate; the common troops in crowds
+  Circled them round; when Ajax in the midst,
+  Lord of the seven-fold shield, arose, with rage
+  Uncurb'd. Sigaeum's shores he fiercely view'd;
+  And ship-clad beach, while with extended arms,
+  "O, Jupiter!" he cry'd, "before this fleet
+  "Must then our cause be try'd? With me contends
+  "Ulysses? He who yielded all a prey
+  "To Hector's fires; whom I alone repell'd?
+  "Fires which I from that fleet drove far? More safe
+  "'Tis sure with artful language to contend,
+  "Than battle hand to hand. Hard 'tis for me
+  "To speak; for him 'tis no less hard to fight.
+  "And much as I in keen-urg'd blows excel,
+  "And arduous contest, such in words is he.
+  "My deeds, O Grecians! to rehearse what need?
+  "Have you not seen them? Let Ulysses tell
+  "His actions, feats without a witness done;
+  "Night only privy. Mighty is the prize,
+  "I own; but Ajax' glory suffers much,
+  "Striving with such a rival. Granted, great
+  "Its value; where the boast to have obtain'd
+  "What this Ulysses hop'd for? He ev'n now
+  "Enjoys th' advantage of the contest. Foil'd,
+  "His pride will be to boast with me he strove.
+  "But I, if doubtful is my valor deem'd,
+  "Have claims most potent in my noble race:
+  "Sprung from great Telamon, who Troy's proud town,
+  "'Neath brave Alcides captur'd; and explor'd
+  "The shores of Colchis in th' Haemonian bark.
+  "His sire was AEaecus, who equal law
+  "Dispenses 'mid the silent shades; where toils
+  "AEoelian Sisyphus beneath his stone.
+  "Well mighty Jove knows AEaecus, and owns
+  "Him son. Thus Ajax ranks but third from Jove.
+  "Nor yet, O, Greeks! should this descent my cause
+  "Assist, save that Achilles claim'd the same.
+  "Of brothers born, a kinsman's right I ask.
+  "Why should one sprung of Sisyphaean blood,
+  "Like his progenitor in theft and fraud,
+  "Ingraft an alien name upon the stock
+  "Of AEaecus? Am I the arms refus'd
+  "That first I join'd the warriors? join'd your host
+  "Betray'd not by informers? Worthier he,
+  "That last his arms he took? with madness feign'd
+  "Shunning the warfare; till more crafty came
+  "Naupliades, though luckless for himself;--
+  "Who shew'd his coward soul's devices plain;
+  "And hither dragg'd him to the hated wars?
+  "Now let him arms most glorious take, who arms
+  "To wear refus'd. Let me unhonor'd go,
+  "Robb'd of my kindred right, who first arriv'd
+  "To face the perils. Would, ye gods! that true,
+  "Or thought so, his insanity had been.
+  "Then, counsellor of cruel deeds, he ne'er
+  "Had join'd our camp before the Phrygian walls.
+  "Then thou, O Paeaen's son! had Lemnos ne'er
+  "Known--to our shame abandon'd on the shore.
+  "Thou now, so fame reports, in woody caves
+  "Shelter'd, ev'n rocks mov'st with thy rending groans;
+  "Pray'st that Laertes' son his justest meeds
+  "May gain. Ye gods! ye gods! grant ye his prayers
+  "A favoring ear! Now he, by oath combin'd
+  "With us in war;--O, heavens! a leader too!
+  "Heir to employ Alcides' faithful darts,
+  "Sinks both by famine and disease opprest:
+  "By birds sustain'd, and cloth'd by birds, he spends
+  "Upon his feather'd prey, the darts design'd
+  "To end the fate of Troy. Yet still he lives:
+  "For here he never with Ulysses came.
+  "Content had hapless Palamedes been
+  "Deserted so. Life might he have enjoy'd
+  "Perchance; and blameless sure to death had sunk.
+  "He whom this wretch, too mindful of the time
+  "His counterfeited madness was expos'd,
+  "Feign'd had betray'd the Greeks; and prov'd the crime
+  "By forg'd assistance: shewing forth the gold
+  "First bury'd by himself. Thus he destroys
+  "The strength of Greece, by exile or by death.
+  "Thus fights Ulysses; thus must he be fear'd
+  "Who, though old faithful Nestor he surpass'd
+  "In eloquence, not all would e'er avail,
+  "To prove deserting Nestor was no shame:
+  "Who press'd with age, and with a wounded horse
+  "Delay'd, Ulysses' aid besought: behind
+  "His coward comrade left him. Well, this deed
+  "Tydides can declare, by me not feign'd,
+  "Who oft him reprimanded by his name,
+  "And curs'd the flying of his trembling friend.
+  "Gods with just eyes all mortal actions view.
+  "Lo! he who aid would give not, aid requires!
+  "Who Nestor left, deserted was himself:
+  "Himself prescrib'd the treatment which he found.
+  "Loud call'd he to his friends. I come, I see,
+  "Pale trembling, where he lies, with dread to view
+  "Impending death. My mighty shield I fling;
+  "Beneath it shade him, and his coward breast
+  "(My smallest claim to glory) I protect.
+  "If still persisting, thou the strife wilt urge,
+  "Thither again return. Recal the foe;
+  "Thy wound; thy wonted terror; and lie hid
+  "Beneath my shield. 'Neath that with me contend.
+  "Lo! him I snatch'd from death, whose wounds refus'd
+  "Ev'n power to stand; retarded not by wounds,
+  "In agile flight sped on. Now Hector comes,
+  "Whom in the fight the deities attend.
+  "Where'er he swept, not thou Ulysses sole
+  "Wast struck with dread; the bravest of our host
+  "Shrunk, such the terror which then fill'd the field.
+  "When hand to hand engag'd, him prone I laid,
+  "Proud of his slaughter, on th' ensanguin'd plain,
+  "With a huge stone. I singly him oppos'd,
+  "All single challeng'd; all the Greeks to me
+  "Pray'd for the lot: nor vain your prayers were found.
+  "Enquire ye, what the fortune of the fight?
+  "I stood, by him unconquer'd, when all Troy
+  "Rush'd on the fleet of Greece, with fire, with sword,
+  "And aiding Jove: Where was Ulysses then?
+  "The eloquent Ulysses? I alone,
+  "A thousand ships, the hopes of your return,
+  "Defended with my breast: this crowd of ships
+  "Deserves those arms. Nay, if with truth to speak
+  "You grant, those arms more glory gain from me
+  "Than I from them; our honor is conjoin'd.
+  "Ajax the arms demand, not Ajax arms.
+  "Let Ithacus compare his Rhaesus slain;
+  "And slain unwarlike Dolon; and trepann'd
+  "Helenus, Priam's son; and Pallas' form.
+  "In open day nought done, and nought perform'd,
+  "Save Diomed' assisted. Grant for once,
+  "Such paltry service could the armour claim;
+  "Divide the prize, and lo! the largest share
+  "Tydides must demand. But why this prize
+  "Seeks Ithacus? who all his deeds performs
+  "In private; traversing unarm'd; the foe,
+  "While unsuspecting, conquering by deceit.
+  "This helmet's radiance from the glittering gold
+  "Darting, would shew his plots, and open lay
+  "The latent spy. But his Dulichian head,
+  "Cas'd in Achilles' casque, the weight would 'whelm,
+  "And for his languid arms, the Pelian spear
+  "Too weighty would be found. That shield engrav'd,
+  "With all earth's various scenes, but ill would grace
+  "His arm, for stealthy deeds alone design'd.
+  "Presumptuous fool! to seek a prize, which gain'd
+  "Would only mar thy power. By erring votes
+  "Of Grecians giv'n to thee, cause would it be
+  "The foe would strip thee; not thy prowess fear.
+  "And flight, in which, O trembler! erst alone
+  "Thou all surpass'd, slow would'st thou then pursue;
+  "Such ponderous armor dragging. Those, thy shield
+  "Which bears so rare the brunt of battle, shines
+  "Yet whole: a new successor mine demands,
+  "Which gash'd by weapons, shews a thousand rents.
+  "To end, what need of words? let actions shew
+  "Each one's deserts. Amid the foe be thrown
+  "The valiant warrior's arms. Thence bid us bring
+  "The prize;--who brings it, let him wear the spoil."
+
+    So spake the Telamonian warrior; round
+  A murmur follow'd from the circling crowd.
+  Till up the chief of Ithaca arose;
+  His eyes (awhile cast down) rais'd from the earth;
+  The chiefs with anxious look'd-for sounds address'd:
+  Nor grace was wanting to persuasive words.
+  "O Grecians! had your prayers and mine been heard,
+  "Owner of what such cause of strife affords
+  "Were now not dubious: thou, Pelides, still
+  "These arms possessing, we possessing thee.
+  "But since unpitying fate, to you, to me,
+  "Denies him"--(here as weeping, o'er his eyes
+  His hand he draws)--"who with so just a right
+  "Can great Achilles now succeed, as he
+  "Who great Achilles brought the Greeks to join?
+  "Let it not aid his cause, that fool he seems,
+  "Or stupid is indeed; nor aught let harm
+  "The ingenuity I claim, to mine:
+  "Which, O, ye Argives! still has aided you.
+  "Let not my eloquence, if such I boast,
+  "And words, whose 'vantage often you have prov'd,
+  "Now for their author, move invidious thoughts:
+  "Nor what each claims his proper gift, refuse.
+  "Scarce can we call our ancestry, our race,
+  "Or deeds by them perform'd, merits our own:
+  "Yet since of grandsire Jove this Ajax boasts,
+  "I too, can boast him author of my line:
+  "Nor more degrees remov'd. My sire was nam'd
+  "Laertes; his Arcesius; and from Jove
+  "Arcesius came direct: nor in this line,
+  "E'er any exil'd or condemn'd appear'd.
+  "Cyllenius too, his noble lineage adds
+  "Through my maternal stock. Each parent boasts
+  "A god-descended race. Yet claim I not
+  "The arms contested, merely that I spring
+  "Maternally more noble; nor them claim
+  "That from a brother's blood my sire is free:
+  "By merits solely you the cause adjudge.
+  "These only none to Ajax, that his sire,
+  "And Peleus brethren were, e'er grant. The prize
+  "Desert, and not propinquity of blood,
+  "Should gain. If kindred, then the hero's heir
+  "Demands it: Peleus still survives, his sire;
+  "And Pyrrhus is his son. Where Ajax' right?
+  "To Phthia, or to Scyros be it borne.
+  "Nor less is Teucer cousin than himself;
+  "Yet does he ask, or does he hope the arms?
+  "But since the obvious contest is by deeds
+  "Perform'd, though mine outnumber far what words
+  "Can easy compass; yet will I relate
+  "In order some:--
+
+                "The Nereid mother knew
+  "His future fate; her offspring's dress disguis'd;
+  "And all, ev'n Ajax, the fallacious robes
+  "Deceiv'd. With female wares I mingled arms,
+  "Which stir the martial soul. Nor had the youth
+  "Disrob'd him of his virgin dress, when grasp'd
+  "As in his hand the shield and lance he held,
+  "I cry'd'--O, goddess-born! reserv'd for thee
+  "Is Ilium's fate. The mighty Trojan walls
+  "Why to o'erthrow demur'st thou?--Him I seiz'd.
+  "Sent the brave youth, brave actions to atchieve:
+  "And all his actions as my own I claim.
+  "My spear then conquer'd Telephus in fight;
+  "And after heal'd the suppliant vanquish'd foe.
+  "Thebes low by me was laid. I, you must own,
+  "Lesbos, and Tenedos, and Scyros took;
+  "Chrysa, and Cylla, bright Apollo's towns.
+  "My arm Lyrnessus' walls shook, and laid low.
+  "But other deeds I well may pass: since I
+  "Gave to the host what dreadful Hector slew;
+  "By me renowned Hector fell. Those arms
+  "I claim, who gave those arms, which to the Greeks
+  "Achilles found. Living, those arms I gave;
+  "Him dead, those arms I gave, again demand.
+
+    "The wrongs of one through every Grecian breast
+  "Spread wide; a thousand ships th' Euboean port
+  "Of Aulis fill'd. The long-expected gales
+  "Or came not, or blew adverse to the fleet.
+  "The rigid oracle Atrides bade
+  "His guiltless daughter sacrifice to calm
+  "Ruthless Diana. Stern the sire deny'd,
+  "And rag'd against the gods: the sovereign all
+  "Lost in the father. I with soothing words
+  "The parent's bosom mollify'd, and turn'd
+  "To thoughts of public good. Still, I confess,
+  "(And such confession will the king excuse;)
+  "An arduous cause I pleaded, where my judge
+  "Was by affection warp'd. The people's weal,
+  "His brother, and the lofty rank he held
+  "Mov'd him at length; and glory with his blood
+  "He bought. Then to the mother was I sent,
+  "Where reasoning had no force, but subtle craft.
+  "There had you sent the son of Telamon,
+  "Still had jour sails the needful breezes lack'd.
+  "Sent was I also to the Ilian towers,
+  "A daring envoy. Troy's fam'd court I saw;
+  "Troy's court I enter'd, then with heroes fill'd.
+  "There undismay'd, I pleaded all that Greece
+  "Bade for their common cause; Paris accus'd;
+  "Helen demanded, and the stolen spoil;
+  "And Priam and Antenor both convinc'd.
+  "But Paris, Paris' brethren, and the crowd
+  "Who aided in the rape, their impious hands
+  "Could scarce withhold. (Thou, Menelaues, know'st,
+  "Who then with me the dawning of the war
+  "Didst prove in danger.) Long the tale, to speak
+  "Of all my deeds have done, the public cause
+  "To aid; since first the lengthen'd war began:
+  "By counsel or by valor. Wag'd the first
+  "Rough skirmish, long our foes within their walls
+  "Protected lay; no scope for open war:
+  "But in the tenth year now we fight again.
+  "In all that period what hast thou, who know'st
+  "But fighting, done? Where was thy service then?
+  "I, if my deeds thou seek'st, the foe betray'd
+  "By subtilty; girt us with trenches round;
+  "Inspirited our soldiers; made them bear,
+  "With mind unmurmuring, all the tedious war;
+  "Taught where to find the means to gain supplies
+  "Of food and arms; wherever need me call'd,
+  "There always was I sent. Lo! when the king,
+  "From Jove's deceptive dream, gave word to quit
+  "Th' unfinish'd war, he might the deed defend
+  "Through him who bade. But Ajax disapproves
+  "The flight; insists Troy shall in ruins lie,
+  "Asserts our power may do it! No! our troops
+  "Embarking, he not stay'd. Why seiz'd he not
+  "His arms? Why somewhat to the wavering crowd
+  "Said not, to fix? no weighty task to him
+  "Who ne'er harangues, except on mighty themes.
+  "Why? but that Ajax fled himself! I saw,
+  "But blush'd to see thee, when thy back thou turn'dst
+  "Hasting, thy coward sails to hoist; I spoke
+  "Instant--O fellow soldiers! whither now?
+  "What voice insane now urges you to leave
+  "Already-captur'd Troy? What will you bear
+  "Homeward, a lengthen'd ten years' shame besides?--
+  "With words like these back from the flying fleet
+  "I brought them; eloquence had sorrow's aid.
+
+    "Atrides call'd the council, all with dread
+  "Trembling were dumb; nor there dar'd Ajax gape:
+  "But there Thersites durst with galling words
+  "The king provoke; vengeance he met from me.
+  "I rose, our panic-stricken friends, once more
+  "Rous'd 'gainst the foe: I, by my words recall'd
+  "Departed valor. Hence, whoever boasts
+  "Since then of valiant deeds, those deeds are mine,
+  "Who back recall'd him, as he turn'd for flight.
+  "Last, tell me which of all the Greeks applauds,
+  "Or as a comrade seeks thee. All his acts
+  "With me Tydides shares, allows me praise:
+  "Ulysses still his confidential friend.
+  "Sure from such thousands of the Argive ranks
+  "By Diomed' selected, I may boast.
+  "Nor lot me bade to go, when void of fear,
+  "Through double danger of the foe and night,
+  "I went; and Phrygian Dolon slew, who dar'd
+  "On our adventure come; but slew him not
+  "Till made to utter all; the wiles betray
+  "Perfidious Troy intended. All I learnt;
+  "Nor ought for further search remain'd. Now I,
+  "The camp with fame sufficient might have gain'd;
+  "But not content, for Rhesus' tents I push;
+  "Him, and his guard surrounding, in his camp
+  "I slay. Victorious so, possess'd of all
+  "My hopes design'd, the car I mount, and proud
+  "A glad triumpher ride. Now me deny
+  "The arms of him, whose steeds the spy had hop'd
+  "Meed of his bold excursion. Ajax say
+  "More worthy. Why Sarpedon's Lycian troop
+  "Vanquish'd, should I with boastful tongue relate?
+  "I vanquish'd Ceranos, Iphitus' son;
+  "Alastor, Chromius, and Alcander stout;
+  "Halius, Noemon, Prytanis, with crowds
+  "Slaughter'd beside. Thooen to hell I sent,
+  "Chersidamas, and Charops; and to fates
+  "Unpitying, Ennomus dispatch'd: with these
+  "Beneath yon' walls whole heaps of meaner rank
+  "This hand has slain. And, fellow soldiers, lo!
+  "My wounds are honorable all in place:
+  "Believe not empty words, yourselves behold."--
+  Then stript his robe, exclaiming--"Here the breast
+  "Still for your good employ'd. No drop of blood
+  "Has Ajax shed since first our host he join'd:
+  "In all these years, his body still remains
+  "Unwounded. Yet on this why should I dwell,
+  "If he must boast, that for the Argive fleet
+  "He fought alone 'gainst Jupiter and Troy?
+  "He fought, I grant it; no malignant spite
+  "Shall move detraction from his valiant deeds.
+  "But let him not the common rites of more
+  "Monopolize; let him to each allow
+  "The honor which they claim. Patroclus, fear'd
+  "In great Pelides' semblance, backward drove
+  "All Troy and Troy's protector from the ships,
+  "Then burning. Next his vanity would boast
+  "He only in the field of Mars durst strive
+  "With Hector; of the king, the chiefs, and me
+  "Forgetful; in the list the ninth alone,
+  "Solely by lot preferr'd. Yet, warrior brave,
+  "What was the issue of this daring fight?
+  "Hector unwounded left you. Mournful theme!
+  "With what deep sorrow I the time recal,
+  "When, bulwark of the Greeks, Achilles fell!
+  "Nor tears, vain lamentations, nor pale fear
+  "Me check'd; the prostrate body from the ground
+  "I rais'd. Upon those shoulders--yes, I swear,
+  "These very shoulders, I Pelides bore,
+  "With all his arms. The arms I now require.
+  "Strength I must have to bear with such a load:
+  "As sure your votes will meet a grateful mind.
+  "Was it because the bright celestial gift
+  "Might clothe the limbs of one without a soul,
+  "Stupidly dull, that all her anxious care
+  "The green-hair'd mother on her son employ'd;
+  "Arms wrought with art so great? Knows he the least
+  "The shield's engravings? Ocean, or the land:
+  "The lofty sky; the planets; Pleiaeds bright;
+  "Hyaeds; the bear, ne'er plung'd beneath the main;
+  "Orion's glittering sword, or various towns?
+  "Arms he demands he cannot understand.
+  "But how asserts he I the toils of war
+  "Evaded; joining late the fighting host,
+  "Nor sees he scandalizes too the fame
+  "Of great Pelides? If indeed a crime
+  "Dissembling must be call'd,--dissembled both.
+  "If faulty all delay, the first I came.
+  "A tender wife me kept; a tender tie,
+  "A mother, kept Achilles. Our life's spring
+  "To them was given, the rest reserv'd for you.
+  "Nor should I fear, even were this crime, I share
+  "With such a man, of all defence deny'd.
+  "Yet his disguise Ulysses' cunning found:
+  "Ajax ne'er found Ulysses. Needs surprize
+  "To hear th' abusing of his booby tongue,
+  "When with like guilt he stigmatizes you?
+  "Shames most that I this Palamedes brought,
+  "Falsely accus'd your sentence to receive,
+  "Or that you doom'd him so accus'd to die?
+  "But Nauplius' son not ev'n defence could urge,
+  "So plain his crime appear'd; nor did you trust
+  "The accusation heard: obvious you saw
+  "The bribe for which you doom'd him. Nor of blame
+  "Deserve I ought, that Philoctetes stays
+  "In Vulcan's Lemnos. You the deed excuse:
+  "All to the deed assented. Yet my voice,
+  "Persuasive, will I not deny, I us'd;
+  "That spar'd from travel, and from war's fatigue,
+  "In rest he might his cruel pains assuage:
+  "He lik'd my words, and lives. My counsel here
+  "Not merely faithful (though our faith the whole
+  "Our promise can insure) but happy prov'd.
+  "His presence since the seers prophetic ask
+  "T' atchieve the fall of Troy, dispatch not me;
+  "Ajax will better go, will better soothe
+  "With eloquence of tongue, a man who burns
+  "With raging choler, and with smarting pains:
+  "Or with some stratagem him thence allure.
+  "But Simois' stream shall sooner backward flow;
+  "Ida unwooded stand: Achaia aid
+  "The Trojan power, than Ajax' stupid soul
+  "Shall help the Greeks, when first my anxious mind
+  "Striving to aid you, has been found to fail.
+  "O, stubborn Philoctetes! though enrag'd
+  "Against thy comrades, 'gainst the king, and me;
+  "Though thou may'st curse me, and my head devote
+  "Through endless days; though in thy grief thou ask'st
+  "To meet me, and to glut thee with my blood,
+  "Still will I try thee, and if fortune smiles,
+  "So will I gain thy arrows, as I gain'd
+  "The Trojan prophet, whom I captive made;
+  "As I the oracles of heaven laid ope;
+  "And all the fate of Troy: as from its room
+  "Close-hidden, I the form of Pallas brought,
+  "The charm of Troy, through ranks of hostile foes.
+  "Mates Ajax here with me? Fate had deny'd
+  "Of Troy the capture till that prize obtain'd.
+  "Where then the mighty Ajax? Where the boasts
+  "Of this brave hero? Why this risk evade?
+  "Why dar'd Ulysses through the watchful guards
+  "Steal 'mid the darkling night? and find his way,
+  "Not merely past the Trojan walls, but high
+  "Through raging swords their loftiest turrets scale;
+  "Bear off the goddess from her sacred fane,
+  "And with the prize again repass the foe?
+  "This deed not done, Ajax had bore in vain
+  "On his huge arm the sevenfold oxen hide.
+  "From that night's deeds I Ilium's conquest share.
+  "Then Troy I conquer'd, when the fact was done,
+  "Which made Troy vincible. Cease thou to mark
+  "With looks and mutterings Diomed' my friend;
+  "His share in all was glorious. Nor wast thou
+  "Single, when with thy buckler thou didst guard
+  "The general fleet; crowds aided, I was one.
+  "He, but he knows too well that less esteem
+  "Valor demands than wisdom; that the prize,
+  "A mere unconquer'd arm not justly claims,
+  "Had also sought: thy milder namesake too;
+  "Or fierce Eurypilus; or Thoas, son
+  "Of bold Andraemon. Equal right to hope,
+  "Idomeneus, Meriones, might boast,
+  "Each Cretan born; and who the sovereign king
+  "His brother claims; but all their valorous breasts
+  "(Nor does their martial prowess stoop to thine)
+  "Yield to my wisdom. In the fight thy arm
+  "Is mighty; prudence boast I, which that arm
+  "Directs. To thee a force immense is given,
+  "Without a brain; foresight is given to me.
+  "Well, thou canst wage the war; the time that war
+  "To wage, Atrides oft with me resolves.
+  "Thou aidest with thy body, I with mind:
+  "And as the guider of the ship transcends
+  "Him who but plies the oar: as soars above
+  "The soldier, he who leads him, so must I
+  "Thee far surpass; for far the mental powers
+  "In me surpass the merits of my arm:
+  "In mind my vigor lies. Ye nobles, speak;
+  "Give to your watchful guardian this reward,
+  "For the long annual care with anxious mind
+  "He gave you. This reward at length bestow,
+  "To his deserts but due: his labor done.
+  "Th' obstructing destinies by me remov'd,
+  "High Troy by me is captur'd; since by me
+  "The means high Troy to overthrow are given.
+  "Now beg I by our hopes conjoin'd; the walls
+  "Of Troy already tottering; by the gods
+  "Gain'd from the foe so lately; by what more
+  "Through wisdom may be done, if aught remains;
+  "Or aught of boldness, which through peril sought,
+  "Wanting, you still may deem to fill Troy's fate.
+  "If mindful of my merits you would rest,
+  "The arms award to this, if not to me:"
+  And pointed to Minerva's fateful form.
+
+    Mov'd were the band of nobles. Plainly shewn
+  What eloquence could do:--persuasion gain'd
+  The valiant warrior's arms. Then he who stood
+  'Gainst steel, and fire, and the whole force of Jove,
+  So oft, his own vexation now o'ercame:
+  Grief conquer'd his unconquerable soul.
+  He seiz'd his sword,--"And surely this"--he cry'd--
+  "Still is my own! or claims Ulysses this?
+  "Against myself this steel must now be us'd:
+  "This stain'd so oft with Phrygian blood, be stain'd
+  "With his who owns it; lest another hand
+  "Than Ajax' own should Ajax overcome."--
+  No more; but where his breast unguarded lay,
+  Pervious at length to wounds, his deadly blade
+  He plung'd, nor could his hand the blade withdraw;
+  The gushing blood expell'd it. Straight there sprung
+  Through the green turf, form'd by the blood-soak'd earth,
+  A purple flower, like that which sprung before
+  From Hyaecinthus' wound. Amid the leaves
+  Of each the self-same letters are inscrib'd;
+  The boy's complainings, and the hero's name.
+
+    Victorious Ithacus his sails unfurls,
+  To seek the land Hypsipyle once rul'd,
+  And Thoaes fam'd. An isle of old disgrac'd
+  By slaughter of its males, to bring the darts,
+  The weapons of Tyrinthius. These obtain'd
+  To Greece, and with their owner brought, at length
+  The furious war was finish'd. Priam falls
+  With Troy; and Priam's more unhappy spouse,
+  To crown her losses, loses human shape;
+  With new-heard barkings shaking foreign climes.
+  Where the long Hellespont's contracted bounds
+  Are seen, Troy blaz'd: nor yet the fires were quench'd.
+  The scanty drops of blood Jove's altar soak'd,
+  Which flow'd from aged Priam. By her locks
+  Dragg'd on, Apollo's priestess vainly stretch'd
+  To lofty heaven her arms. The victor Greeks
+  Tear off the Trojan mothers as they clasp
+  Their country's imag'd gods; and as they cling
+  To flaming temples--an invidious prey.
+  Astyaenax is from those turrets flung,
+  Whence erst he wont to view his sire, whose arm
+  Him guarding, and his ancestorial realm
+  In fight, his mother shew'd. And Boreas now
+  Departure urg'd. Swol'n by a favoring breeze
+  The rattling canvas warn'd the sailor crew.
+  "O, Troy! farewel!"--The Trojan matrons cry--
+  "Hence are we borne."--They kiss their natal soil;
+  And leave the smoking ruins of their domes.
+  Last--mournful object! Hecuba, descry'd
+  Amid her children's graves, the bark ascends.
+  Ulysses' hand her dragg'd, as close she grasp'd
+  Their tombs, and kiss'd their bones which still remain'd.
+  Yet snatch'd she hastily, and bore away
+  Of Hector's ashes some, and in her breast
+  Hugg'd them; and on the top of Hector's tomb
+  Left her grey hairs; her hairs, and flowing tears.
+  Oblation fruitless to his last remains.
+
+    Oppos'd to Phrygia, where Troy once was seen,
+  A country stands, where live Bistonia's race:
+  Where Polymnestor, wealthy monarch, rul'd,
+  To whom, O, Polydore! thy cautious sire
+  Thee sent; from Iliuem's battles far remov'd,
+  For safe protection. Wisdom sway'd the king;
+  Save that he sent him store of treasure too,
+  Reward of wickedness; and tempting much
+  His greedy soul. Soon as Troy's fortune sank,
+  Impious the Thracian monarch plung'd his sword
+  In his young charge's throat: as if his crime
+  And body from his sight at once 'twere given
+  To move, he flung him in the dashing main.
+
+    Now on the Thracian coast, Atrides moor'd
+  His fleet, till placid were the waves again,
+  And favoring more, the winds. Achilles here,
+  Out from the earth, by sudden rupture rent,
+  Appear'd in 'semblance of his living form:
+  Threatening his brow appear'd, as when so fierce
+  He Agamemnon with rebellious sword
+  Sought to assail.--"Depart ye then, O, Greeks!"
+  He cry'd--"of me unmindful? Is the fame
+  "Of all my yaliant acts with me interr'd?
+  "Treat me not thus. That honors due my tomb
+  "May want not, let Polyxena be given
+  "In sacrifice to soothe Achilles' ghost."
+  He said; his fellows with the ruthless shade
+  Complying, from the mother's bosom tore
+  Her whom she sole had left to cherish. Brave
+  Than female more, the hapless maid was led
+  To the dire tomb in sacrificial pomp.
+  She, of her state still mindful, when before
+  The cruel altar brought; when all prepar'd
+  The savage-urg'd oblation of herself
+  She saw; and Neoptolemus beheld
+  There stand, the steel there grasping; on his face
+  Her eyes firm-fixing, spoke.--"My noble blood
+  "This instant spill. Delay not--plunge thy blade
+  "Or in my throat, or bosom;"--and her throat
+  And bosom, as she spoke she bar'd--"for ne'er
+  "Polyxena, a slavish life had borne.
+  "Yet grateful is this victim to no god!
+  "My only wish, that from my mother dear
+  "May be my death conceal'd: my mother clogs
+  "My final passage; damps the joys of death.
+  "Yet should she wail my death not, but my life.
+  "But distant stand ye all, that to the shades
+  "Inviolate I sink; if what I ask
+  "Be just, let every hand of man avoid
+  "A virgin's touch. Whoe'er your steel prepares
+  "To move propitiatory with my blood,
+  "A victim quite untainted best must please.
+  "And should the final accents that I speak,
+  "(King Priam's daughter, not a captive sues)
+  "My corse unransom'd to my mother give.
+  "Let her not buy the sad sepulchral rites
+  "With gold, but tears. Yet time has been, with gold
+  "I might have been redeem'd."--The princess ceas'd,
+  And save her own no cheek unwet was seen.
+  And ev'n the priest reluctant, and in tears,
+  Op'd by a sudden plunge the offer'd breast.
+  She, to earth sinking, 'neath her tottering limbs,
+  Wore to the last a face unmov'd; ev'n then
+  Her final care was in her fall to veil
+  Limbs that a veil demanded, as she sank;
+  And decent pride of modesty preserve.
+
+    The Trojan dames receive her, and recount
+  The woes of Priam's house, the streams of blood
+  That single stock has spent. Thee too, O, maid!
+  They weep; and thee, a royal spouse so late,
+  And royal parent stil'd; pride of the realm
+  Of glorious Asia; now a mournful lot
+  Amid the spoil; whom Ithacus would scorn
+  To own, great Hector hadst thou not brought forth:
+  The name of Hector scarce a master finds,
+  To claim his mother. She, the lifeless trunk
+  Embracing, which had held a soul so brave,
+  Tears pour'd; tears often had she pour'd before,
+  For country, husband, children--now for her
+  Those tears gush'd in the wound; lips press'd to lips;
+  And beat that breast which oft with grievous blows
+  Was punish'd. Sweeping 'mid the clotted blood
+  Her silver'd tresses; all these plaints, and more
+  She utter'd, as she still her bosom rent.
+
+    "My child, thy mother's last afflicting grief
+  "(For who is spar'd me?) low, my child, thou ly'st;
+  "And in thy wound, I all my wounds behold.
+  "Yes, lest a single remnant of my race
+  "Unslaughter'd should expire, thou too must bleed.
+  "A female, thee, safe from the sword I thought:
+  "A female, thee the sword has stretch'd in death.
+  "The same Achilles, ruiner of Troy,
+  "Bereaver of my offspring, all destroy'd,--
+  "Yes, all thy brethren, he, now murders thee!
+  "Yet when by Paris' and Apollo's darts
+  "He fell,--now, surely,--said I,--now no more
+  "Pelides need be dreaded! Yet ev'n now,
+  "Dreadful to me he proves. Inurned, rage
+  "His ashes 'gainst our hapless race; we feel
+  "Ev'n in his grave the anger of this foe.
+  "I fruitful only for Pelides prov'd.
+  "Low lies proud Iliuem, and the public woe,
+  "The heavy ruin ends: if ended yet:
+  "For Troy to me still stands; my sufferings still
+  "Roll endless on. I, late in power so high,
+  "Great in my children, in my husband great,
+  "Am now dragg'd forth in poverty; exil'd
+  "From all my children's tombs; a gift to please
+  "Penelope; who, while my daily task
+  "She gives to Ithaca's proud dames, will taunt,
+  "And cry;--of Hector, the fam'd mother see!
+  "Lo! Priam's spouse!--And thou who sole wast spar'd
+  "To soothe maternal pangs, so many lost,
+  "Now bleed'st, atonement to an hostile shade:
+  "And funeral victims has my womb produc'd
+  "T' appease a foe. Why holds this stubborn heart?
+  "Why still delay I? What to me avails
+  "This loath'd, this long-protracted life? Why spin,
+  "O, cruel deities! the lengthen'd thread
+  "Of an old wretch, save that she yet may see
+  "More deaths? Who e'er could Priam happy deem,
+  "Iliuem o'erthrown? Yet happy was his death,
+  "Thy sacrifice, my daughter! not to see;
+  "At once of life and realm bereft. Yet sure
+  "O, royal maid! funereal rites await
+  "Thy last remains; thy corse will be inhum'd
+  "In ancestorial sepulchres. Ah, no!
+  "Such fortune smiles not on our house; the tears
+  "A mother can bestow, are all thy gifts;
+  "Sprinkled with foreign dust. All have I lost.
+  "Of the whole stock I could as parent boast,
+  "To tempt me now still longer to sustain
+  "This life, my Polydore alone is left;
+  "Once least of all my manly sons, erst given
+  "To Thracia's monarch's care, upon these shores.
+  "But why delay to cleanse that ghastly wound
+  "With water, and that face, with spouting blood
+  "Besmear'd."--She ceas'd, and bent her tottering steps,
+  With torn and scatter'd locks down to the shore.
+  And as the hapless wretch--"O, Trojans!"--cry'd,
+  "An urn supply to draw the liquid waves;"--
+  The corse of Polydore, flung on the beach
+  She saw, pierc'd deep with wounds of Thracian steel.
+  Loud shriek'd the Trojan matrons; she by grief
+  Dumb-stricken stood. Affliction keen suppress'd
+  Her rising moans, and ready-springing tears:
+  Stupid, and like a rigid stone she stood.
+  Now on the earth her eyes are fixt; and now
+  To heaven her furious countenance she lifts:
+  Now dwells she on his face, now on the wounds
+  Her son receiv'd, and on the wounds the most:
+  And now her bosom with collected rage
+  Furiously burning, all on vengeance fierce
+  Her soul is bent, as still in power a queen.
+  As storms a lioness robb'd of her cub,
+  The track pursuing of her flying foe,
+  Whom yet she sees not: rage and grief were mixt
+  Just so in Hecuba; of her old years
+  Regardless, mindful of her ire alone.
+  She Polymnestor seeks, of the dire deed
+  The perpetrator, and his ear demands--
+  That more of gold, intended for her boy,
+  Her wish was to disclose. The Thracian king
+  Heard credulous; lur'd by his wonted love
+  Of gain, with her withdrew, and wily thus;
+  With coaxing words;--"quick, Hecuba!"--exclaim'd,
+  "Give for thy son the treasure. By the gods!
+  "I swear, all shall be his; what more thou giv'st,
+  "And what thou gav'st before."--Him, speaking so,
+  And falsely swearing, savagely she view'd,
+  And her fierce bosom swell'd with double rage.
+  Then instant on him, by the captive dames
+  Fast held, she flies; in his perfidious face
+  Digs deep; her fingers (rage all strength supply'd)
+  Tear from their orbs his eyes; bury'd her hands,
+  Streaming with blood, where once the eyes had been;
+  Widening the wounds, for eyes no more remain'd.
+
+    Fir'd at their monarch's fate the Thracian crowd
+  With stones and darts t'attack the queen began.
+  The queen with harsher voice, as they pursue,
+  Bites at th' assailing stones, and, trying words,
+  Barkings her jaws produce. The place remains
+  Nam'd from the change. She, of her ancient woes
+  Long mindful, grieving still, Sithonia's fields
+  With howlings fill'd. Her fate with pity mov'd
+  Her fellow Trojans; and the hostile Greeks;
+  Nay, all the gods above; and all deny,
+  (Ev'n she, the sister-wife of mighty Jove)
+  That Hecuba so harsh a lot deserv'd.
+
+    Nor leisure now Aurora had to mourn
+  (Though strong their cause she favor'd) the sad fall,
+  And mournful fate of Hecuba, and Troy.
+  A nearer case, a more domestic woe,
+  The loss of Memnon, wrung the goddess' breast:
+  Whom on the Phrygian plains the mother saw
+  Beneath the weapon of Achilles sink.
+  She saw--that color which the blushing morn
+  Displays, grew pale, and heaven with clouds was hid.
+  Still could the parent not support the sight,
+  Plac'd on the funeral pyre his limbs, but straight
+  With locks dishevell'd, not disdain'd to sue
+  Prostrate before the knees of mighty Jove.
+  These words her tears assisting.--"Meanest I,
+  "Of those the golden heaven supports; to me
+  "The fewest temples through earth's space are rais'd:
+  "Yet still a goddess sues. Not to demand
+  "Temples, nor festal days, nor altars warm'd
+  "With blazing fires; yet if you but behold
+  "What I, a female, for you all atchieve,
+  "Bounding night's confines with new-springing light,
+  "Such boons you might consider but my due.
+  "But these are not my care. Aurora's mind
+  "Not now e'en honors merited demands.
+  "I come, my Memnon lost, who bravely fought,
+  "But vainly, in his uncle Priam's cause:
+  "And in his prime of youth (so will'd your fates)
+  "Fell by the stout Achilles. Lord supreme!
+  "Of all the deities, grant, I beseech
+  "To him some honor, solace of his death;
+  "Allay the smarting of a mother's wounds."
+
+    Jove nodded, round the lofty funeral pile
+  Of Memnon, rose th' aspiring flames; black clouds
+  Of smoke the day obscur'd. So streams exhale
+  The rising mists which Phoebus' rays conceal.
+  Mount the black ashes, and conglob'd in one
+  They thicken in a body, and a shape
+  That body takes, and heat and light receives
+  From the bright flames. Its lightness gave it wings:
+  Much like a bird at first, and soon indeed
+  A bird, its pinions sounded. And a crowd
+  Of sister birds, their pinions sounded too;
+  Their origin the same. Thrice they surround
+  The pile, and thrice with noisy clang the air
+  Resounds; the fourth time all the troop divide:
+  Then two and two, they furious wage the war
+  On either side; fierce with their crooked claws
+  And beaks, they pounce their adversary's breast,
+  And tire his wings. Each kindred body falls
+  An offering to the ashes of the dead,
+  And prove their offspring from a valiant man.
+  These birds of sudden origin receive
+  Their name, Memnonides, from him whose limbs
+  Produc'd them. Oft as Sol through all his signs
+  Has run, the battle they renew again,
+  To perish at their parent-warrior's tomb.
+  Thus, while all others Dymas' daughter weep
+  In howling shape, Aurora still on griefs
+  Her own sad brooding, her maternal tears
+  Sprinkles in dew o'er all th' extent of earth.
+
+    Yet fate doom'd not with Iliuem's towers the fall
+  Of Iliuem's hopes. The Cythereaen prince
+  Bore off his gods; and on his shoulders bore
+  A no less sacred, venerable load,
+  His sire. Of all his riches these preferr'd.
+  The pious hero, with his youthful son
+  Ascanius, from Antandros, o'er the main
+  Borne in the flying fleet, leaves far the shore
+  Of savage Thrace, still moisten'd with the blood
+  Of Polydore, and enters Phoebus' port;
+  Aided by currents, and by gentle gales,
+  With all his social crew. Anius receives
+  The exile, in his temple,--in his dome;
+  Where o'er the land he monarch rul'd; and where,
+  As Phoebus' priest, he tended due his rites:
+  The city, and the votive temples shew'd,
+  And shew'd two trees, once by Latona grasp'd
+  In bearing throes. The incense in the flames
+  Distributed, wine o'er the incense thrown,
+  The entrails of the offer'd bulls consum'd
+  As wont; the regal roof approach they all;
+  And high on tapestry reclin'd, partake
+  Of Ceres' gift, and Bacchus' flowing boon.
+  Then good Anchises, thus--"O chosen priest
+  "Of Phoebus! was I then deceiv'd? methought,
+  "As far as memory aids me to recal,
+  "When first mine eyes these lofty walls beheld,
+  "That twice two daughters, and a son were thine."
+  Old Anius shook his head, begirt around
+  With snowy fillets, as in grief, he said:--
+  "No, mighty hero! not deceiv'd art thou,
+  "Me hast thou seen of five the parent; now
+  "Thou well-nigh childless see'st me: (such to man
+  "The varying change of sublunary things)
+  "For, ah! what can an absent son bestow
+  "To aid me, who, in Andros' isle now dwells,
+  "Where for his sire the realm and state he holds?
+  "Delius on him prophetic art bestow'd;
+  "And Bacchus, to my female offspring, gave
+  "A boon beyond all credit, and their hopes.
+  "For all whate'er, which felt my daughters' touch
+  "To corn, and wine, and olives, was transformed:
+  "A mighty treasure in themselves they held.
+  "But Agamemnon, Troy's destroyer learn'd
+  "This gift (think not but that your overthrow
+  "In some respect we shar'd,) by ruthless force,
+  "Tore them unwilling from their parent's arms;
+  "And stern commanded that the heavenly gift
+  "Should feed the Grecian fleet. Each as she can
+  "Escapes. Euboeae two attain, and two
+  "Fraternal Andros seek. The troops pursue
+  "And threaten warfare, if withheld the maids.
+  "Fraternal love was vanquish'd in his breast
+  "By fear, (that thou this terror mayst excuse,
+  "Reflect, AEneaes was not there, nor there
+  "Was Hector, Andros to defend, whose arms
+  "To the tenth year made Iliuem stand.) And now
+  "Chains were prepar'd their captive arms to bind.
+  "While yet unchain'd, those arms to heaven they rais'd,
+  "O father Bacchus!--crying--grant thy aid.--
+  "And aid the author of the gift bestow'd:
+  "If them to lose by an unheard-of mode
+  "Be aid bestowing. Then could I not know,
+  "Nor now relate the order of the change
+  "Which lost their shapes; the summit of my grief
+  "I know; with plumage were they cloth'd; transform'd
+  "To snowy doves, thy spouse's favor'd bird."
+
+    With these, and tales like these, the feast was clos'd:
+  The board remov'd, all sought repose. With day
+  Arising, all Apollo's shrine attend;
+  Who bids that they their ancient mother seek,
+  And kindred shores. The king attends them, gives
+  His presents as they go. Anchises holds
+  A sceptre, while a quiver and a robe
+  Ascanius boasts; AEneaes holds a cup,
+  Erst from Boeoetia's shores to Anius sent,
+  By Theban Therses. Therses sent the gift;
+  Sicilian Alcon form'd it, and engrav'd
+  A copious tale around. A town was there,
+  And seven wide gates appear'd: for name were these,
+  What town it was displaying. All without
+  Its walls were funeral trains, and tombs beheld;
+  And fires; and piles; and matrons, whose bare breasts,
+  And locks dishevell'd, shew'd their mournful woe.
+  Weeping the nymphs appear'd, and seem'd to wail
+  Their arid streams; the leafless trees were hard;
+  The goats were browsing on the naked rocks:
+  And, lo! amid the Theban town was seen
+  Orion's daughters: this her naked throat
+  Offering, with more than female courage; that
+  On the sharp weapon's point forth leaning, dy'd,
+  To save the people: round the town are borne
+  Their pompous funerals, they in splendor burn.
+  Then, lest the race should perish, spring two youths
+  From out their virgin ashes; which by fame
+  Are call'd Coronae, and the pomp attend,
+  When their maternal ashes are interr'd.
+
+    Thus far the images on ancient brass
+  Were grav'n; the bordering summit of the cup
+  In gold acanthus rough appear'd. Nor gave
+  The Trojans gifts less worthy than they took.
+  To hold his incense, they a vase present
+  The royal priest; a goblet, and a crown,
+  Shining with gold, and bright with sparkling gems.
+
+    Thence, mindful that the Trojan race first sprung
+  From Teucer's blood, tow'rd Crete their course they bend:
+  But long Jove's native clime they could not bear.
+  The hundred-city'd isle now left behind,
+  Ausonia's port they hope to gain. Rough swell
+  The wintry storms, and toss them on the main;
+  And in the port of faithless Strophades
+  Receiv'd, the wing'd Aello scares them far.
+  Now had they sail'd beyond Dulichium's bay;
+  Samos; and Ithaca, Neritus' soil;
+  The realms Ulysses, so perfidious, sway'd:
+  And saw Ambracia, for the strife of gods
+  Renown'd, and stone to which the judge was chang'd;
+  Now as Apollo's Actium far more fam'd:
+  And saw Dodona's land with vocal groves;
+  And deep Chaonia's bay, where vain-urg'd flames
+  Molossus' sons, on new-sprung pinions 'scap'd.
+  Phaeaecia's neighbouring country, planted thick
+  With grateful apples, now they reach; from thence
+  Epirus and Buthrotus, by the seer
+  Of Iliuem govern'd, image true of Troy.
+  Thence of the future certain, full of faith,
+  In all that Helenus of fate them told,
+  Sicilia's isle they enter, which extends
+  Midst of the waves its promontories three.
+  Pachymos, tow'rd the showery south is plac'd;
+  And Zephyr soft on Lilybaeum blows:
+  But 'gainst the Arctic bear that shuns the sea,
+  And Boreas' rugged storms, Pelorus looks.
+  By this the Trojans steer; urg'd by their oars,
+  And favoring tide, by night on Zancle's beach
+  The fleet is moor'd. Here Scylla on the right;
+  Charybdis, restless, on the left alarms.
+  This sucks the destin'd ships beneath the waves,
+  And whirls them up again: fierce dogs surround
+  The other's sable belly, while she bears
+  A virgin's face; and, if what poets tell
+  Be feign'd not all, she had a virgin been.
+
+    Her many wooers sought; these all repuls'd,
+  She join'd the ocean nymphs; by ocean's nymphs
+  Much favor'd was the maid; and told the loves
+  Of all the baffled youths. Her, while she gave
+  Her locks to comb, thus Galatea fair,
+  Bespoke, but first suppress'd a rising sigh.
+  "'Tis true, O maid! a gentle race thee seeks,
+  "Whom safely, as thou dost, thou may'st deny:
+  "But I, whose sire is Nereus; who was born
+  "Of blue-hair'd Doris; who am potent too
+  "In crowds of sisters, refuge only found
+  "From the fierce Cyclops' love, in my own waves."
+  Tears chok'd her utterance here; which when the maid
+  Had wip'd with marble fingers, and had sooth'd
+  The goddess.--"Dearest Galatea! speak;
+  "Nor from thy friend this cause of grief conceal:
+  "Faithful am I to thee." The goddess yields,
+  And to Crataeis' daughter, thus replies.
+
+    "From Faunus and the nymph Symethis sprung
+  "Acis, his sire's delight, his mother's pride;
+  "But far to me more dear. For me the youth,
+  "And me alone, lov'd warmly; twice eight years
+  "Had o'er him pass'd; when on his tender cheek
+  "A doubtful down appear'd. Him I desir'd,
+  "As ceaseless as the Cyclops sought for me.
+  "Nor should you ask, if in my bosom dwelt
+  "For him most hate, or most for Acis love,
+  "Could I inform you: equal both in force.
+  "O, gentle Venus! with what mighty power
+  "Thou sway'st; lo! he, the merciless, the dread
+  "Of his own woods; whom hapless guest ne'er saw
+  "With safety; spurner of the power of Jove,
+  "And all the host of heaven, what love is, feels!
+  "Seiz'd with desire of me he flames, forgets
+  "His flocks, and caverns. All thy anxious care
+  "Thy beauty, Polyphemus! to improve,
+  "And all thy anxious care is now to please.
+  "And now with rakes thou comb'st thy rugged hair;
+  "Now with a scythe thou mow'st thy bushy beard:
+  "Thy features to behold in the clear brook,
+  "And calm their fire employs thee. All his love
+  "Of slaughter; all his fierceness; all his thirst
+  "Cruel of blood, him leaves; and on the coast,
+  "Ships safely moor, and safe again depart.
+  "Meantime at Etna Telemus arriv'd,
+  "Of Eurymus the son, whom never bird
+  "Deceiv'd; he to dread Polyphemus came,
+  "And spoke:--Thee, of the single light thou bear'st
+  "Mid front, Ulysses will deprive.--Loud laugh'd
+  "The monster, saying;--Stupidest of seers,
+  "How much thou err'st!--already is it gone.--
+  "So spurns the truth the prophet told in vain.
+  "Then moving on along the shore, he sinks
+  "The sand with heavy steps, or tir'd returns
+  "To his dark caves. Far stretching in the main
+  "A wedge-like promontory rears its ridge
+  "Aloft; on either side the surging waves
+  "Foam on it. To its loftiest height ascends
+  "The Cyclops fierce; his station in the midst
+  "Assumes; his woolly flocks his steps pursue
+  "Unshepherded. He when the pine immense,
+  "Which serv'd him for a staff, though fit to serve
+  "For sailyard, low beneath his feet had thrown;
+  "And grasp'd the pipe, an hundred 'pacted reeds
+  "Compos'd; the pastoral whistling all around
+  "The hills confess'd, and all the waters nigh.
+  "I, hid beneath a rock, my head reclin'd
+  "On my dear Acis' bosom, heard these words--,
+  "And still the words are noted in my breast.--
+
+    "O, Galatea! brighter than the leaves
+  "Of snow-white lilies; fresher than the meads;
+  "More lofty far than towering alder trees;
+  "Than chrystal clearer; than the wanton kid
+  "More gay; than shells, by ocean's constant waves
+  "Smooth polish'd, smoother; dearer than the shade
+  "In summer's heat; than winter's sun more dear;
+  "More than the apple bright; and fairer far
+  "Than lofty planetrees; clearer than the frost;
+  "More beauteous than the ripen'd grape; more soft
+  "Than the swan's plumage; or the new-prest milk:
+  "And, but thou fly'st, more than the garden fine
+  "With water'd streamlets. Yet the same art thou,
+  "Wild Galatea, than the untam'd steer
+  "More fierce; more stubborn than the ancient oak;
+  "Than water more deceitful; slippery more
+  "Than bending willows, or the greenest vines;
+  "More stubborn than these rocks; than seas more rough;
+  "Than the prais'd peacock prouder; sharper far
+  "Than fire; and piercing more than thistles keen.
+  "More savage than a nursing bear; more deaf
+  "Than raging billows; than the trodden snake
+  "More pitiless; and, what I more than all
+  "Would wish thou wast not, fleeter than the deer,
+  "Chas'd by shrill hunters; fleeter than wing'd air,
+  "Or winds. If well thou knew'st me, much thou'dst grieve
+  "That e'er thou fled'st; thou'dst blame thy dull delay,
+  "And sue and labor to retain my love.
+  "Caverns I have, scoop'd in the living rock
+  "Beneath the mountain's side, where never sun
+  "In mid-day heat, nor winter's cold can come.
+  "My apples bend the branches; grapes are mine
+  "On the long vine-trees clustering; some like gold;
+  "Some of a purple teint; and these and those
+  "Will I preserve for thee. Thy own fair hands
+  "Shall gather strawberries soft, beneath the shade;
+  "Autumnal cornels; and the purple plumb,
+  "Dark with its juice, and that still nobler kind
+  "Like new-made wax in hue. Nor shalt thou lack
+  "The chesnut; nor the red arbutus' fruit:
+  "Be but my spouse. All trees shall thee supply.
+  "Mine are these flocks, and thousands more besides
+  "Which roam the vallies; thousands like the woods;
+  "And thousands shelter in the shady caves:
+  "Nor could I, should'st thou ask, their numbers tell.
+  "Poor he who counts his store. Believe not me
+  "When these I praise; before thine eyes behold
+  "How scarce their legs the swelling udder bear.
+  "Mine are the tender lambs, in the warm fold
+  "Secure; and mine are kids of equal age
+  "In folds apart. The whitest milk have I;
+  "But still for drink shall serve, and thicken'd, part
+  "Shall harden into cheese. Nor wilt thou find
+  "But cheap delights, and common vulgar gifts:
+  "For deer, and hares, and goats, thou shalt possess;
+  "Pigeons in pairs, and nests from mountains gain'd.
+  "Upon the hills, a shaggy bear's twin cubs
+  "I found; so like, no difference could be seen,
+  "With thee to play I found them: these, I said,
+  "These will I force my mistress to obey.
+  "O Galatea! raise thy lovely head
+  "Above the azure deep; come! only come;
+  "Nor scorn my gifts. Right well myself I know:
+  "I view'd me lately in the liquid stream;
+  "And much my image satisfy'd my view.
+  "Behold, how vast my bulk! Jove, in his heaven,
+  "(For of some Jove ye oft are wont to tell
+  "Who rules there) towers not in a mightier size.
+  "Thick bushy locks o'er my stern forehead hang,
+  "And like a forest down my shoulders spread.
+  "Nor deem my body, with hard bristles rough,
+  "Unseemly; most unsightly is the tree,
+  "Without a leaf; unsightly is the steed,
+  "Save on his neck the flowing mane is spread:
+  "Plumes clothe the feather'd race; and their own wool
+  "Becomes the sheep; so beards become mankind,
+  "And bushy bristles, o'er their limbs bespread.
+  "True in my forehead but one light is plac'd;
+  "But huge that light, and like a mighty shield
+  "In size. Yet does not Sol from heaven's high round
+  "All view? and Sol possesses lights no more.
+  "Remember too, my father o'er your realm
+  "Rules sovereign; I in him a sire-in-law
+  "Would give thee. Only pity me, I pray,
+  "And hear my suppliant vows. To thee alone
+  "I bend: and while I scorn your mighty Jove,
+  "His heaven, and piercing thunder, thee, O nymph!
+  "I fear: than fiercest lightnings dreading more
+  "Thy anger. Far more patient should I rest
+  "With this contempt, all didst thou thus contemn.
+  "But how, the Cyclops first repuls'd, dar'st thou
+  "This Acis love? this Acis dare prefer
+  "To my embraces? Yet may he himself
+  "Delight; nay let him Galatea please,
+  "If so it must be, though what most I'd spurn:
+  "Let but the scope be given, soon should he prove
+  "My strength is equal to my mighty bulk.
+  "Living his entrails would I tear, and spread
+  "His mangled members o'er the fields, and o'er
+  "Thy waters: let him mingle with thee so.
+  "For oh! I burn; more fierce my injur'd love
+  "Now rages: in ray breast I seem to bear
+  "All Etna and its fires. But all my pains
+  "Can nought, O Galatea! thee affect.--
+
+    "Thus with vain 'plainings (for the whole I saw)
+  "He rises, raging like a furious bull
+  "Robb'd of his heifer; paces restless round,
+  "And bounds along the forests and the coasts.
+  "When me and Acis, heedless of such fate,
+  "And unsuspecting, he beheld, and roar'd:--
+  "I see ye! but the period of your love
+  "Will I accomplish.--Loud his threats were heard,
+  "As all the Cyclops' power of voice could raise.
+  "All Etna trembled at the sound. In fright
+  "I plung'd for safety in the neighbouring waves;
+  "While fair Symethis' son for flight prepar'd;
+  "And--help me, Galatea!--he exclaim'd--
+  "Help me, O help! and ye, my parents, aid;
+  "And, perishing, receive me in your realm.--
+  "Close at his heels the Cyclops comes, and hurls
+  "A mighty fragment from a mountain rent;
+  "A corner only of the mighty rock
+  "Him reach'd: that corner Acis all o'erwhelm'd.
+  "But I, what fate alone would grant, perform'd,
+  "That Acis still his ancestorial race
+  "Should join: his purple gore flow'd from the rock;
+  "And soon the redness pal'd; it seem'd a stream
+  "Disturb'd by drenching showers; and soon this stream
+  "Was clear'd to limpid purity. The rock
+  "Gap'd wide, and living reeds sprung up erect,
+  "On either brink. Loud roars the pressing flood
+  "In the rock's hollow womb, and (wond'rous sight!)
+  "A youth, his new-form'd horns with reeds begirt,
+  "Sudden appear'd, 'mid waist above the waves;
+  "Who but in stature larger, and his skin
+  "Of azure teint, might Acis well be deem'd.
+  "Acis indeed it was, Acis transform'd
+  "To a clear stream which still his name retains."
+
+    Here Galatea ceas'd, the listening choir
+  Dividing, all depart. The Nereid train
+  Swim o'er the placid waves. Scylla returns;
+  Fearful to venture 'mid the boundless main,
+  And vestless roams along the soaking sand;
+  Or weary'd; finding some sequester'd pool,
+  Cools in the shelter'd waters her fair limbs.
+  Lo! Glaucus, lately of the mighty deep
+  An 'habitant receiv'd, his shape transform'd
+  Upon Boeoetia's shores, cleaves through the waves;
+  And feels desire as he the nymph beholds.
+  All he can urge to stay her flight he tries;
+  Yet still she flies him, swifter from her fear.
+  She gains a mountain's summit, which the shore
+  O'erhung. High to the main the lofty ridge
+  An undivided sbrubless top presents,
+  Down shelving to the sea. In safety here
+  She stood; and, dubious monster he, or god,
+  Admir'd his color, and the locks which spread
+  Adown his shoulders, and his back below:
+  And that a wreathing fish's form should end
+  His figure from his groin. He saw her gaze;
+  And on a neighbouring rock his elbow lean'd,
+  As thus he spoke.--"No monstrous thing am I,
+  "Fair virgin! nor a savage of the sea;
+  "A watery god I am; nor on the main
+  "Has Proteus; Triton; or Palaemon, son
+  "Of Athamas, more power. Yet time has been
+  "When I was mortal, yet even then attach'd
+  "To the deep water, on the ocean I,
+  "Still joy'd to labor. Now the following shoal
+  "Of fishes in my net I dragg'd; and now,
+  "Plac'd on a rock, I with my flexile rod
+  "Guided the line. Bordering a verdant mead
+  "A bank there lies, the waves its circuit bound
+  "In part; in part the virid grass surrounds;
+  "A mead which ne'er the horned herd had cropp'd:
+  "Where ne'er the placid flock, nor hairy goats
+  "Had brows'd; nor bees industrious cull'd the flowers
+  "For sweets: no genial chaplets there were pluck'd
+  "To grace the head; nor had the mower's arm
+  "E'er spoil'd the crop. The first of mortals, I
+  "On the turf rested. As my nets I dry'd;
+  "And as my captur'd scaly prey to count,
+  "Upon the grass I spread,--whatever the net
+  "Escape prevented, and the hook had snar'd
+  "Through their own folly. (Like a fiction sounds
+  "The fact, but what avails to me to feign?)
+  "Soon as the grass they touch, my captiv'd prey
+  "Begin to move, and on their sides to turn;
+  "And ply their fins on earth as in the main.
+  "Then, while with wonder struck I pause, all fly
+  "The shore in heaps, and their new master quit,
+  "Their native waves regaining. I, surpriz'd,
+  "Long doubtful stand to guess the wond'rous cause.
+  "Whether some god, or but the grasses' juice
+  "Accomplish'd this. What herb--at last, I said--
+  "Can power like this possess?--and with my hand
+  "Pluck'd up, and with my teeth the herbage chew'd.
+  "Scarce had my throat th' untasted juice first try'd,
+  "When all my entrails sudden tremblings shook,
+  "And with a love of something yet unknown
+  "My breast was mov'd; nor could I longer keep
+  "My place.--O earth! where I shall ne'er return--
+  "Farewel! I cry'd,--and plung'd below the waves.
+  "Worthy the ocean deities me deem'd
+  "To join their social troop, and anxious pray'd
+  "To Tethys, and old Ocean, Tethys' spouse,
+  "To purge whate'er of mortal I retain'd.
+  "By them lustrated, and the potent song
+  "Nine times repeated, earthly taints to cleanse,
+  "They bade me 'neath an hundred gushing streams
+  "To place my bosom. No delay I seek;
+  "The floods from numerous fountains pour'd, the main
+  "O'erwhelm'd my head. Thus far what deeds were done
+  "My memory helps me to relate; thus far
+  "Alone can I remember; all the rest
+  "Dark to my memory seems. My sense restor'd,
+  "I found my body chang'd in every part;
+  "Nor was my mind the same. Then first I saw
+  "This beard of dingy green, and these long locks
+  "Which through the seas I sweep; these shoulders huge;
+  "Those azure arms and thighs in fish-like form
+  "Furnish'd with fins. But what avails this shape?
+  "What that by all the deities marine
+  "I dear am held? a deity myself?
+  "If all these honors cannot touch thy breast."
+  These words he spoke, and more to speak prepar'd,
+  When Scylla left the god. Repuls'd, he griev'd
+  And sought Titanian Circe's monstrous court.
+
+
+
+
+*The Fourteenth Book.*
+
+
+    Scylla transformed to a monster by Circe through jealousy; and
+    ultimately to a rock. Continuation of AEneas' voyage. Dido.
+    Cercopians changed to apes. Descent of AEneas to hell. The Cumaean
+    Sybil. Adventures of Achaemenides with Polyphemus: and of Macareus
+    amongst the Lestrigonians. Enchantments of Circe. Story of the
+    transformation of Picus to a woodpecker; and of the nymph Canens
+    to air. The Latian wars. Misfortunes of Diomede. Agmon and others
+    changed to herons. Appulus to a wild olive. The Trojan ships
+    changed to sea-nymphs. The city Ardea to a bird. Deification of
+    AEneas. Latin kings. Vertumnus and Pomona. Story of Iphis and
+    Anaxarete. Wars with the Sabines. Apotheoesis of Romulus; and of
+    his wife Hersilia.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fourteenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Now had Euboean Glaucus, who could cleave
+  The surging sea, left Etna, o'er the breasts
+  Of giants thrown, and left the Cyclops' fields,
+  Unconscious of the plough's or harrow's use;
+  And unindebted to the oxen yok'd.
+  Zancle he left, and its opposing shore
+  Where Rhegium's turrets tower; and the strait sea
+  For shipwreck fam'd, which by incroaching shores
+  Press'd narrow, forms the separating bound
+  Betwixt Ausonia's and Sicilia's land.
+  Thence glides he swift along the Tyrrhene coast,
+  By powerful arms impell'd, and gains the dome,
+  And herbag'd hills of Circe Phoebus sprung:
+  (The dome with forms of wildest beasts full cramm'd)
+  Whom, soon as greeting salutations pass'd,
+  He thus address'd:--"O powerful goddess! grant
+  "Thy pity to a god; and thou alone,
+  "If worth that aid thou deem'st me, canst afford
+  "Aid to my love. For, O Titanian maid!
+  "To none the power of plants is better known
+  "Than me, who by the power of plants was chang'd.
+  "But lest the object of my lore, to thee
+  "Unknown, be hid; I Scylla late beheld
+  "Upon th' Italian shore: Messenia's walls
+  "Opposing. Shame me hinders to relate
+  "What promises, what prayers, what coaxing words
+  "I us'd: my words all heard with proud contempt.
+  "Do thou with magic lips thy charms repeat,
+  "If power in charms abides: or if in herbs
+  "More force is found, then use the well-try'd strength
+  "Of herbs of power. I wish thee not to soothe
+  "My heart; I wish thee not these wounds to cure;
+  "Still may they last, let her such flames but feel."
+
+    Then Circe spoke, (and she a mind possess'd
+  Most apt to flame with love, or in her frame
+  The stimulus was plac'd; or Venus, irk'd
+  At what her sire discover'd, caus'd the heat.)
+  "O, better far the willing nymph pursue
+  "Who would in wishes meet thee; wh'o is seiz'd
+  "With equal love: well worthy of the maid
+  "Thou wast; nay shouldst have been the first besought;
+  "And if but hope thou wilt afford, believe
+  "My words, thou shalt spontaneously be lov'd.
+  "Fear not, but on thy beauteous form depend;
+  "Lo! I, a goddess! of the splendid sun
+  "A daughter, who with powerful spells so much
+  "And herbs can do, to be thy consort sue.
+  "Spurn her who spurns thee; her who thee desires
+  "Desiring meet; and both at once avenge."
+  But to her tempting speeches Glaucus thus
+  Reply'd--"The trees shall sooner in the waves
+  "Spring up, and sea-weed on the mountain's top,
+  "Than I, while Scylla lives, my love transfer."
+  The goddess swol'n with anger, since his form
+  To harm 'twas given her not, and love deny'd,
+  Turn'd on her happier rival all her rage.
+  Irk'd at her slighted passion, straight she grinds
+  Herbs infamous, to gain their horrid juice;
+  And mixes all with Hecatean spells.
+  Then clothes her in a sable robe, and forth
+  Through crouds of fawning savage beasts she goes,
+  From her gay palace. Rhegium's coast she seeks
+  O'erlooking Zancle's rocks; and on the waves
+  With fury boiling, steps; o'er them she walks
+  As on a solid shore, and skims along
+  The ridgy billows with unwetted feet.
+
+    A little pool, bent in a gentle curve,
+  With peaceful surface oft did Scylla tempt;
+  And often thither she herself betook
+  To 'scape from ocean's, and from Phoebus' heat,
+  When high in noon-tide fierceness short the shade
+  Was from the head describ'd. Before she came
+  The goddess poison'd all the pool; she pour'd
+  Her potent juice, of monster-breeding power,
+  Prest from pernicious roots, within the waves;
+  And mutter'd thrice nine times with magic lips,
+  In sounds scarce audible, her well-known spells.
+  Here Scylla came, and waded to the waist;
+  And straight, with barking monsters she espies
+  Her womb deform'd: at first, of her own limbs
+  Not dreaming they are part, she from them flies;
+  And chides them thence, and fears their savage mouths.
+  But what she flies she with her drags; she looks
+  To find her thighs, and find her legs, and feet;
+  But for those limbs Cerberean jaws are found.
+  Furious the dogs still howl; on their fierce backs
+  Her shorten'd groin, and swelling belly rest.
+
+    The amorous Glaucus griev'd, and spurn'd the love
+  Of Circe, who so rancorously had us'd
+  The power of plants. Her station Scylla kept;
+  And soon as scope for vengeance she perceiv'd,
+  In hate to Circe, of his comrade crew
+  Depriv'd Ulysses. Next the Trojan fleet
+  Had she o'erwhelm'd; but ere they pass'd, transform'd
+  To stone, she tower'd aloft a flinty rock,
+  And still do mariners that rock avoid.
+
+    The Phrygian ships that danger 'scap'd, and 'scap'd
+  Charybdis fell, by oars propell'd; but now
+  Ausonia's shore well nigh attain'd, were driv'n
+  By adverse tempests to the Libyan coast.
+  AEneaes then the queen Sidonian took
+  Most welcome to her bosom, and her dome;
+  Nor bore her Phrygian spouse's sudden flight,
+  With calm indifference: on a lofty pile
+  Rear'd for pretended sacred rites, she stood,
+  And on the sword's point fell; herself deceiv'd,
+  She all around outwitted. Flying far
+  The new-rais'd city of the sandy plains
+  To Eryx' country was he borne; where liv'd
+  Acestes faithful: here he sacrific'd,
+  And gave due honors to his father's tomb.
+  Then loos'd his ships for sea, well nigh in flames
+  By Juno's Iris: all th' AEoliaen realm;
+  The islands blazing with sulphuric fire;
+  And rocks of Acheloues' siren nymphs,
+  He left. The vessel now, of him who rul'd
+  The helm, bereft, along AEnaria's shore;
+  And Prochytas; and Pithecusa, plac'd
+  Upon a sterile hill, its name deriv'd
+  From those who dwelt there, coasted. Erst the sire
+  Of gods, detesting perjuries and fraud,
+  Which that deceitful race so much employ'd,
+  Chang'd to an animal deform'd their shapes;
+  Where still a likeness and unlikeness seems
+  To man. Their every limb contracted small;
+  Their turn'd-up noses flatten'd from the brow;
+  And ancient furrows plough'd adown their cheeks.
+  Then sent them, all their bodies cover'd o'er
+  With yellow hairs, this district to possess.
+  Yet sent them not till of the power of speech
+  Depriv'd; and tongue for direst falsehoods us'd:
+  But left their chattering jaws the power to 'plain.
+  These past, and left Parthenope's high towers
+  To right; and musical Misenus' tomb,
+  And Cuma's shores to left; spots cover'd thick
+  With marshy reeds, he enters in the cave
+  Where dwelt the ancient Sybil; and in treats
+  That through Avernus' darkness he may pass,
+  His father's shade to seek. Then she, her eyes,
+  Long firmly fixt on earth, uprais'd; and next,
+  Fill'd with the god, in furious raving spoke.
+
+    "Much dost thou ask, O man of mighty deeds!
+  "Whose valor by the sword is amply prov'd,
+  "And piety through flames. Yet, Trojan chief,
+  "Fear not; thou shalt what thou desir'st attain:
+  "By me conducted, thou th' Elysian field,
+  "The lowest portion of the tri-form realm,
+  "And thy beloved parent's shade shalt see:
+  "No path to genuine virtue e'er is clos'd."
+  She spoke, and pointed to th' Avernian grove,
+  Sacred to Proserpine; and shew'd a bough
+  With gold refulgent; this she bade him tear
+  From off its trunk. AEneaes her obeys,
+  And sees the treasures of hell's awful king;
+  His ancestors', and great Anchises' shades:
+  Is taught the laws and customs of the dead;
+  And what deep perils he in future wars
+  Must face. As then the backward path he trode
+  With weary'd step; the labor he beguil'd
+  By grateful speech with his Cumaean guide.
+  And, while through darkling twilight he pursu'd
+  His fearful way, he thus:--"Or, goddess, thou,
+  "Or of the gods high-favor'd, unto me
+  "Still shalt thou as a deity appear.
+  "My life I own thy gift, who hast me given
+  "To view the realms of death: who hast me brought,
+  "The realms of death beheld, to life again.
+  "For these high favors, when to air restor'd
+  "Statues to thee I'll raise, and incense burn."
+  Backward the prophetess, to him her eyes
+  Directs, and heaves a sigh; as thus she speaks:
+  "No goddess I; deem not my mortal frame
+  "The sacred incense' honors can deserve:
+  "Err not through ignorance. Eternal youth
+  "Had I possess'd, if on Apollo's love
+  "My virgin purity had been bestow'd.
+  "This while he hop'd, and while he strove to tempt
+  "With gifts,--O, chuse--he said,--Cumaean maid!
+  "Whate'er thou would'st--whate'er thou would'st is thine.
+  "I, pointing to an heap of gather'd dust,
+  "With thoughtless mind, besought so many years
+  "I might exist, as grains of sand were there:
+  "Mindless to ask for years of constant youth.
+  "The years he granted, and had granted too
+  "Eternal youth, had I his passion quench'd.
+  "A virgin I remain; Apollo's gift
+  "Despis'd: but now the age of joy is fled;
+  "Decrepitude with trembling steps has come,
+  "Which long I must endure. Seven ages now
+  "I have existed; ere the number'd grains
+  "Are equall'd, thrice an hundred harvests I,
+  "And thrice an hundred vintages must see.
+  "The time will come, my body, shrunk with age,
+  "And wither'd limbs, shall to small substance waste;
+  "Nor shall it seem that e'er an amorous god
+  "With me was smitten. Phoebus then himself
+  "Or me will know not, or deny that e'er
+  "He sought my love. Till quite complete my change,
+  "To all invisible, by words alone
+  "I shall be known. Fate still my voice will leave."
+
+    On the steep journey thus the Sybil spoke:
+  And from the Stygian shades AEneaes rose,
+  At Cuma's town; there sacrific'd as wont,
+  And to the shores proceeded, which as yet
+  His nurse's name not bore. Here rested too,
+  After long toil, Macareus, the constant friend
+  Of wise Ulysses: Achaemenides,
+  Erst left amid Etnaean rocks, he knows:
+  Astonish'd there, his former friend to find,
+  In life unhop'd, he cry'd; "What chance? What god
+  "O Achaemenides! has thee preserv'd?
+  "How does a Greek a foreign vessel bear?
+  "And to what shores is now this vessel bound?"
+
+  Then Achaemenides, not ragged now,
+  In robes with thorns united, but all free,
+  Thus answer'd his enquiries. "May I view
+  "Once more that Polyphemus, and those jaws
+  "With human gore o'erflowing; if I deem
+  "This ship to me than Ithaca less dear;
+  "And less AEneaes than my sire esteem.
+  "For how too grateful can I be to him,
+  "Though all to him I give? Can I e'er be
+  "Unthankful or forgetful? That I speak,
+  "And breathe, and view the heavens and glorious sun
+  "He gave: that in the Cyclops' jaws my life
+  "Was clos'd not; that when now the vital spark
+  "Me quits, I may be properly intomb'd,
+  "Not in the monster's entrails. Heavens! what thoughts
+  "Possess'd my mind, (unless by pallid dread
+  "Of sense and thought bereft) when, left behind,
+  "I saw you push to sea. Loud had I call'd,
+  "But fear'd my cries would guide to me the foe.
+  "Ulysses' clamor near your ship destroy'd.
+  "I saw the monster, when a mighty rock,
+  "Torn from a mountain's summit, in the waves
+  "He flung: I saw him when with giant arm
+  "Huge stones he hurl'd, with such impetuous force,
+  "As though an engine sent them. Fear'd I long,
+  "Lest or the stones or waves the bark would sink;
+  "Forgetful then that not on board was I.
+  "But when you 'scap'd from cruel death, by flight,
+  "Then did he madly rave indeed; and roam'd
+  "All Etna o'er; and grop'd amid the woods;
+  "Depriv'd of sight he stumbles on the rocks;
+  "And stretching to the sea his horrid arms,
+  "Blacken'd with gore, he execrates the Greeks;
+  "And thus exclaims;--O! would some lucky chance
+  "Restore Ulysses to me, or restore
+  "One of his comrades, who might glut my rage;
+  "Whose entrails I might gorge; whose living limbs
+  "My hand might rend; whose blood might sluice my throat;
+  "And mangled members tremble in my teeth.
+  "O! then how light, and next to none the curse
+  "Of sight bereft.--Raging, he this and more
+  "Fierce utter'd. I, with pallid dread o'ercome,
+  "Beheld his face still flowing down with blood;
+  "The orb of light depriv'd; his ruthless hands;
+  "His giant members; and his shaggy beard,
+  "Clotted with human gore. Death to my eyes
+  "Was obvious, yet was death my smallest dread.
+  "Now seiz'd I thought me; thought him now prepar'd
+  "T'inclose my mangled bowels in his own:
+  "And to my mind recurr'd the time I saw
+  "Two of my comrades' bodies furious dash'd
+  "Repeated on the earth: he, o'er them stretcht
+  "Prone, like a shaggy lion, in his maw
+  "Their flesh, their entrails, their yet-quivering limbs,
+  "Their marrow, and cranch'd bones, greedy ingulf'd.
+  "Horror me seiz'd. Bloodless and sad I stood,
+  "To see him champ, and from his mouth disgorge
+  "The bloody banquet; morsels mixt with wine
+  "Forth vomiting: and such a fate appear'd
+  "For wretched me prepar'd. Some tedious days
+  "Skulk'd I, and shudder'd at the smallest sound:
+  "Fearful of death, yet praying much to die;
+  "Repelling hunger by green herbs, and leaves,
+  "With acorns mixt; a solitary wretch,
+  "Poor, and to sufferings and to death decreed.
+  "Long was the time, ere I, not distant far,
+  "A ship beheld; I by my gestures shew'd
+  "My wish for flight, and hasten'd to the shore.
+  "Their hearts were mov'd, and thus a Trojan bark
+  "Receiv'd a Greek.--And now, my friend most dear,
+  "Tell thy adventures, and the chief's, and crew's,
+  "Who with thee launch'd upon th' extended main."
+
+    He tells how AEoelus his kingdom holds
+  On the deep Tuscan main, who curbs the winds
+  In cavern'd prisons; which, a noble boon!
+  Close pent within an ox's stubborn hide,
+  Dulichium's chief, from AEoelus receiv'd.
+  How for nine days with prosperous breeze they sail'd;
+  And saw the long-sought land. How on the tenth,
+  Aurora rising bright, his comrades, urg'd
+  By envy, and by thirst of glittering spoil,
+  Gold deeming there inclos'd, the winds unloos'd.
+  How, driven by them, the ship was backward sped
+  Through the same waves she had so lately plough'd;
+  And reach'd the port of AEoelus again.
+  "Thence,"--he continued--"to the ancient town
+  "Of Lestrygonian Lamus we arrive,
+  "Where rules Antiphates; to him dispatch'd
+  "I go, by two attended. I with one
+  "Scarce find in flight our safety: with his gore
+  "The hapless third, the Lestrigonians' jaws
+  "Besmears: our flying footsteps they pursue,
+  "While fierce Antiphates speeds on the crowd.
+  "Around they press, and unremitting hurl
+  "Huge rocks, and trunks of trees; our men o'erwhelm,
+  "And sink our fleet; one ship alone escapes,
+  "Which great Ulysses and myself contains.
+  "Most of our band thus lost, and angry much,
+  "Lamenting more, we floated to these isles,
+  "Which hence, though distant far, you may descry.
+  "Those isles, by me too near beheld, do thou
+  "At distance only view! O, goddess-born!
+  "Most righteous of all Troy, (for now no more,
+  "AEneaes, must thou enemy be stil'd
+  "To us, war ended) fly, I warn thee, fly
+  "The shore of Circe. We, our vessel moor'd
+  "Fast to that beach, not mindless of the deeds
+  "Antiphates perform'd, nor Cyclops, wretch
+  "Inhuman, now to tempt this unknown land
+  "Refuse. The choice by lot is fix'd. The lot
+  "Me sends, and with me sends Polites true;
+  "Eurylochus; and poor Elphenor, fond
+  "Too much of wine; with twice nine comrades mote,
+  "To seek the dome Circean. Thither come;
+  "We at the entrance stand: a thousand wolves,
+  "And bears, and lionesses, with wolves mixt,
+  "Meet us, and terror in our bosoms strike.
+  "But ground for terror none: of all the crew
+  "None try our limbs to wound, but friendly wave
+  "Their arching tails, and fawningly attend
+  "Our steps; till by the menial train receiv'd,
+  "Through marbled halls to where their mistress sate,
+  "Our troop is led. She, in a bright recess,
+  "Upon a lofty throne of state, was plac'd,
+  "Cloth'd in a splendid robe; a golden veil
+  "Around her head, and o'er her shoulders thrown.
+  "Nereids, and nymphs around (whose fingers quick
+  "The wool ne'er drew, nor form'd the following thread)
+  "Were plants arranging, and selecting flowers,
+  "And various teinted herbs, confus'dly mixt
+  "In baskets. She compleats the work they do;
+  "And well she knows the latent power each leaf
+  "Possesses; well their force combin'd she knows:
+  "And all the nice-weigh'd herbs inspects with care.
+  "When us she spy'd, and salutations pass'd
+  "Mutual; her forehead brighten'd, and she gave
+  "Our every wish. Nor waited more, but bade
+  "The beverage of the roasted grain be mix'd;
+  "And added honey, all the strength of wine,
+  "And curdy milk, and juices, which beneath
+  "Such powerful sweetness undetected lay.
+  "The cup from her accursed hand, I take,
+  "And, soon as thirsty I, with parch'd mouth drink,
+  "And the dire goddess with her wand had strok'd
+  "My head (I blush while I the rest relate)
+  "Roughen'd with bristles, I begin to grow;
+  "Nor now can speak; hoarse grunting comes for words;
+  "And all my face bends downwards to the ground;
+  "Callous I feel my mouth become, in form
+  "A crooked snout; and feel my brawny neck
+  "Swell o'er my chest; and what but now the cup
+  "Had grasp'd, that part does marks of feet imprint;
+  "With all my fellows treated thus, so great
+  "The medicine's potency, close was I shut
+  "Within a sty: there I, Eurylochus
+  "Alone unalter'd to a hog, beheld!
+  "He only had the offer'd cup refus'd.
+  "Which had he not avoided, he as one
+  "The bristly herd had join'd; nor had our chief,
+  "The great Ulysses, by his tale inform'd
+  "To Circe come, avenger of our woe.
+  "To him Cyllenius, messenger of peace
+  "A milk-white flower presented; by the gods
+  "Call'd Moly: from a sable root it-springs.
+  "Safe in the gift, and in th' advice of heaven,
+  "He enters Circe's dome; and her repels,
+  "Coaxing to taste th' invidious cup; his head
+  "To stroke attempting with her potent wand;
+  "And awes her trembling with his unsheath'd steel.
+  "Then, faith exchang'd, hands join'd, he to her bed
+  "Receiv'd, he makes the dowry of himself
+  "That all his comrades' bodies be restor'd.
+
+    "Now are we sprinkled with innocuous juice
+  "Of better herbs; with the inverted wand
+  "Our heads are touch'd; the charms, already spoke,
+  "Strong charms of import opposite destroy.
+  "The more she sings her incantations, we
+  "Rise more from earth erect; the bristles fall;
+  "And the wide fissure leaves our cloven feet;
+  "Our shoulders form again; and arms beneath
+  "Are shap'd. Him, weeping too, weeping we clasp,
+  "And round our leader's neck embracing hang.
+  "No words at first to utter have we power,
+  "But such as testify our grateful joy.
+
+    "A year's delay there kept us. There, mine eyes
+  "In that long period much beheld; mine ears
+  "Much heard. This with the rest, in private told
+  "To me, by one of four most-favor'd nymphs
+  "Who aided in her spells: while Circe toy'd
+  "In private with our leader, she me shew'd
+  "A youthful statue carv'd in whitest stone,
+  "Bearing a feather'd pecker upon his head;
+  "Plac'd in a sacred shrine, with numerous wreaths
+  "Encircled. Unto my enquiring words,
+  "And wish to know who this could be, and why
+  "There worshipp'd in the shrine, and why that bird
+  "He bore,--then, Macareus,--she said--receive
+  "Thy wish; and also learn what mighty power
+  "My mistress boasts; attentive hear my words.
+
+    "Saturnian Picus in Ausonia's climes
+  "Was king; delighted still was he to train
+  "Steeds for the fight. The beauty you behold
+  "As man was his. So strong the 'semblance strikes,
+  "His real form in the feign'd stone appears.
+  "His mind his beauty equall'd. Nor as yet,
+  "The games quinquennial Grecian Elis gives,
+  "Four times could he have seen. He, by his face
+  "The Dryad nymphs who on the Latian hills
+  "Were born, attracted. Naiaeds, river-nymphs,
+  "Him sought, whom Albula, and Anio bear;
+  "Almo's short course; the rapid stream of Nar;
+  "And Numicus; and Farfar's lovely shades;
+  "With all that Scythian Dian's woody realm
+  "Traverse; and all who haunt the sedgy lakes.
+  "But he, all these despis'd, lov'd one fair nymph,
+  "Whom erst Venilia, fame reports, brought forth
+  "To Janus on Palatiura's mount. When reach'd
+  "The nuptial age, preferr'd before the rest,
+  "Laurentian Picus gain'd the lovely maid.
+  "Wond'rous was she for beauty, wond'rous more
+  "Her art in song, and hence was Canens nam'd.
+  "Wont was her voice forests and rocks to move;
+  "Soothe savage beasts; arrest the course of streams;
+  "And stay the flying birds. While warbling thus
+  "With voice mature her song, Picus went forth
+  "To pierce amid Laurentium's fields the boars,
+  "Their native dwelling; on a fiery steed
+  "He rode; two quivering spears his left hand bore;
+  "His purple vestment golden clasps confin'd.
+  "In the same woods Apollo's daughter came,
+  "And from the fertile hills as herbs she cull'd,
+  "She left the fields, from her Circaean nam'd.
+  "When, veil'd by twigs herself, the youth she saw,
+  "Amaz'd she stood. Down from her bosom dropp'd
+  "The gather'd plants, and quickly through her frame
+  "The fire was felt to shoot. Soon as her mind
+  "Collected strength to curb the furious flame,
+  "She would have told him instant what she wish'd,
+  "But his impetuous steed, and circling crowd
+  "Of followers, kept her far.--Yet shalt thou not,
+  "If I but know my power, me fly; not should
+  "The winds thee bear away; else is the force
+  "Of plants all vanished, and my spells deceive.
+  "She said; and form'd an incorporeal shape
+  "Like to a boar; and bade it glance across
+  "The monarch's sight; and seem itself to hide
+  "In the dense thicket, where the trees grew thick:
+  "A spot impervious to the courser's foot.
+  "'Tis done; unwitting Picus eager seeks
+  "His shadowy prey; leaps from his smoking steed;
+  "And, vain-hop'd spoil pursuing, wanders deep
+  "In the thick woods. She baneful words repeats,
+  "And cursing charms collects. With new-fram'd verse
+  "Invokes strange deities: verse which erst while
+  "Has dull'd the splendid circle of the moon;
+  "And hid with rain-charg'd clouds her father's face.
+  "This verse repeated, instant heaven grew dark,
+  "And mists from earth arose: his comrades roam
+  "Through the dark paths; the king without a guard
+  "Is left. This spot, and time so suiting gain'd,
+  "Thus Circe cry'd--O fairest thou of forms!
+  "By those bright eyes which me enslav'd, by all
+  "Thy beauteous charms which make a goddess sue,
+  "Indulge my flame; accept th' all-seeing sun,
+  "My sire, for thine; nor, rigidly austere,
+  "Titanian Circe spurn.--She ceas'd; he stern
+  "Repuls'd the goddess, and her praying suit;
+  "Exclaiming,--be thou whom thou may'st, yet thine
+  "I am not; captive me another holds;
+  "And fervently, I pray, to lengthen'd years
+  "She still may hold me. Never will I wrong
+  "The nuptial bond with stranger's lawless love,
+  "While Janus' daughter, my lov'd Canens lives.--
+  "Sol's daughter then (re-iterated prayers
+  "In vain oft try'd) exclaim'd:--Nor shalt thou boast
+  "Impunity; nor e'er returning see
+  "Thy Canens; but learn well what may be done
+  "By slighted, loving woman: Circe loves,
+  "Is woman, and is slighted.--To the west
+  "She turn'd her twice, and turn'd her twice to east;
+  "Thrice with her wand she struck the youth, and thrice
+  "Her charm-fraught song repeated. Swift he fled,
+  "And wondering that more swift he ran than wont,
+  "Plumes on his limbs beheld. Constrain'd to add
+  "A new-form'd 'habitant to Latium's groves,
+  "Angry he wounds the spreading boughs, and digs
+  "The stubborn oak-tree with his rigid beak.
+  "A purple tinge his feathers take, the hue
+  "His garment shew'd; the gold, a buckle once,
+  "Which clasp'd his robe, to feathers too is chang'd;
+  "The shining gold circles his neck around:
+  "Nor aught remains of Picus save the name.
+
+    "Meantime his comrades vainly Picus call,
+  "Through all the groves; but Picus no where find.
+  "Circe they meet, for now the air was clear'd,
+  "The clouds dispers'd, or by the winds or sun;
+  "Charge her with crimes committed, and demand
+  "Their king; force threaten, and prepare to lift
+  "Their savage spears. The goddess sprinkles round
+  "Her noxious poisons and envenom'd juice;
+  "Invokes old night, and the nocturnal gods,
+  "Chaos, and Erebus; and Hecat's help,
+  "With magic howlings, prays. Woods (wond'rous sight!)
+  "Leap from their seats; earth groans; the neighbouring trees
+  "Grow pale; the grass with sprinkled blood is wet;
+  "Stones hoarsely seem to roar, and dogs to howl;
+  "Earth with black serpents swarms; unmatter'd forms
+  "Of bodies long defunct, flit through the air.
+  "Tremble the crowd, struck with th' appalling scene:
+  "Appall'd, and trembling, on their heads she strikes
+  "Th' envenom'd rod. From the rod's potent touch,
+  "For men a various crowd of furious beasts
+  "Appear'd: his form no single youth retain'd.
+
+    "Descending Phoebus had Hesperia's shores
+  "Now touch'd; and Canens with her heart and looks
+  "Sought for her spouse in vain: her servants all,
+  "And all the people roam through every wood,
+  "Bearing bright torches. Not content the nymph
+  "To weep, to tear her tresses, and to beat
+  "Her bosom, though not one of these was spar'd,
+  "She sally'd forth herself; and frantic stray'd
+  "Through Latium's plains. Six times the night beheld,
+  "And six returning suns, her, wandering o'er
+  "The mountain tops, or through the vallies deep,
+  "As chance directed: foodless, sleepless, still.
+  "Tiber at length beheld her; with her toil,
+  "And woe, worn out, upon his chilling banks
+  "Her limbs extending. There her very griefs,
+  "Pour'd with her tears, still musically sound.
+  "Mourning, her words in a soft dying tone
+  "Are heard, as when of old th' expiring swan
+  "Sung his own elegy. Wasted at length
+  "Her finest marrow, fast she pin'd away;
+  "And vanish'd quite to unsubstantial air.
+  "Yet still tradition marks the spot, the muse
+  "Of ancient days, still Canens call'd the place,
+  "In honor of the nymph, and justly too.
+
+    "Many the tales like these I heard; and much
+  "Like this I saw in that long tedious year.
+  "Sluggish and indolent for lack of toil,
+  "Thence are we bid to plough the deep again;
+  "Again to hoist the sail. But Circe told
+  "So much of doubtful ways, of voyage vast,
+  "And all the perils of the raging deep
+  "We must encounter; that my soul I own
+  "Trembled. I gain'd this shore, and here remain'd."
+
+    Here Macareus finish'd; to AEneaes' nurse
+  Inurn'd in marble, this short verse was given:
+  "Cajeta here, sav'd from the flames of Greece,
+  "Her foster-son, for piety renown'd,
+  "With fires more fitting burn'd." Loos'd are the ropes
+  That bound them to the grassy beach, and far
+  They leave the dwelling of the guileful power;
+  And seek the groves, beneath whose cloudy shade
+  The yellow-sanded Tiber in the main
+  Fierce rushes. Here AEneaes gains the realm,
+  And daughter of Latinus, Faunus' son:
+  But not without a war. Battles ensue
+  With the fierce people. For his promis'd bride
+  Turnus loud rages. All the Tuscans join
+  With Latium, and with doubtful warfare long
+  Is sought the conquest. Either side augment
+  With foreign aid their strength. Rutilians crowds
+  Defend, and crowds the Trojan trenches guard.
+
+    Not bootless, suppliant to Evander's roof
+  AEneaes went; though Venulus in vain,
+  To exil'd Diomed's great town was sent.
+  A mighty city Diomed' had rear'd
+  Beneath Apulian Daunus, and possess'd
+  His lands by marriage dower. But when made known
+  By Venulus, the message Turnus sent,
+  Beseeching aid, th' Etolian hero aid
+  Deny'd. For neither was his wish to send
+  His father's troops to fight, nor of his own
+  Had he, which might the strenuous warfare wage.--
+  "Lest this but feign'd you think," he said, "though grief
+  "The sad relation will once more renew,
+  "Yet will I now th'afflicting tale repeat.
+
+    "When lofty Ilium was consum'd,--the towers
+  "Of Pergamus a prey to Grecian flames,
+  "The Locrian Ajax, for the ravish'd maid,
+  "Drew vengeance on us all; which he alone
+  "Deserv'd from angry Pallas. Scatter'd wide,
+  "And swept by tempests through the foaming deep,
+  "The Grecians, thunders, rains, and darkness bore,
+  "All heaven's and ocean's rage; and all to crown,
+  "On the Capharean rocks the fleet was dash'd.
+  "But not to tire you with each mournful scene
+  "In order; Greece might then the tears have drawn
+  "Ev'n from old Priam. Yet Minerva's care
+  "Snatch'd me in safety from the surge. Again
+  "From Argos, my paternal land, I'm driven;
+  "Bright Venus bearing still in mind the wound
+  "Of former days. Upon th'expanded deep
+  "Such toils I bore excessive; on the land
+  "So in stern combat strove, that oft those seem'd
+  "To me most blest, who in the common wreck,
+  "Caphareus sunk beneath the boisterous waves;
+  "A fate I anxious wish'd I'd with them shar'd.
+  "Now all my comrades, of the toilsome main,
+  "And constant warfare weary; respite crav'd
+  "From their long wanderings. Not was Agmon so,
+  "Fierce still his bosom burn'd; and now he rag'd
+  "From his misfortunes fiercer, as he cry'd--
+  "What, fellows! can remain which now to bear
+  "Your patience should refuse? What, though she would,
+  "Possesses Cythereae to inflict?
+  "When worse is to be dreaded, is the time
+  "For prayers: but when our state the worst has seen
+  "Fear should be spurn'd at; in our depth of woe
+  "Secure. Let she herself hear all my words;
+  "And let her hate, as hate she does, each man
+  "Who follows Diomed'! Yet will we all
+  "Her hatred mock, and stand against her power
+  "So mighty, with a no less mighty breast.--
+  "With words like these Etolian Agmon goads
+  "Th' already raging goddess, and revives
+  "Her ancient hate. Few with his boldness pleas'd;
+  "Far most my friends his daring speech condemn.
+  "Aiming at words respondent, straight his voice
+  "And throat are narrow'd; into plumes his hair
+  "Is alter'd; plumes o'er his new neck are spread;
+  "And o'er his chest, and back; his arms receive
+  "Long pinions, bending into light-form'd wings;
+  "Most of his feet is cleft in claws; his mouth
+  "Hardens to horn, and in a sharp beak ends.
+  "Lycus, Rhetenor, Nycteus, Abas, stare
+  With wonder, and while wondering there they stand
+  "The same appearance take; and far the most
+  "Of all my troop on wings up fly: and round
+  "The ship the air resounds with clapping wings.
+  "If what new shape those birds so sudden form'd
+  "Distinguish'd, you would know: swans not to be,
+  "Nought could the snowy swan resemble more.
+  "Son now to Daunus, my diminish'd host
+  "Scarce guards this kingdom, and those barren fields."
+
+    Thus far Diomedes; and Venulus
+  Th' Apulian kingdom left, Calabria's gulf
+  Pass'd, and Messapia's plains, where he beheld
+  Caverns with woods deep shaded, with light rills
+  Cool water'd: here the goatish Pan now dwelt;
+  Once tenanted by wood-nymphs. From the spot
+  Them, Appulus, a shepherd drove to flight;
+  Alarm'd at first by sudden dread, but soon,
+  Resum'd their courage, his pursuit despis'd,
+  They to the measur'd notes their agile feet
+  Mov'd in the dance. The clown insults them more,
+  Mimics their motions in his boorish steps,
+  To coarse abusing adding speech obscene:
+  Nor ceas'd his tongue 'till bury'd in a tree.
+  Well may his manner from the fruit be known;
+  For the wild olive marks his tongue's reproach,
+  In berries most austere: to them transferr'd
+  The rough ungrateful sharpness of his words.
+
+    Return'd the legates, and the message told,
+  Th' Etolians' aid deny'd; without their help
+  Wage the Rutilians now the ready war:
+  And streams of blood from either army flow.
+  Lo! Turnus comes, and greedy torches brings
+  To fire the cover'd ships; the flames they fear
+  Whom tempests spar'd. And now the fire consum'd
+  The pitch, the wax, with all that flame could feed;
+  Then, mounting up the lofty mast, assail'd
+  The canvas; and the rowers' benches smok'd.
+  This saw the sacred mother of the gods,
+  And mindful that from Ida's lofty top
+  The pines were hew'd, with clash of tinkling brass,
+  And sounds of hollow box, fill'd all the air.
+  Then borne through ether by her lions tam'd,
+  She said; "Those flames with sacrilegious hand
+  "Thou hurl'st in vain: I will them snatch away.
+  "Ne'er will I calmly view the greedy fire
+  "Aught of the forests, which are mine consume."
+  Loud thunders rattled as the goddess spoke;
+  And showery floods with hard rebounding hail,
+  The thunder follow'd. In the troubled air
+  The blustering brethren rag'd, and swell'd the main:
+  The billows furious clash'd. The mother us'd
+  One blast's exerted force; the cables burst,
+  Which bound the Phrygian vessels to the shore;
+  Them swiftly swept along, and in the deep
+  Low plung'd them. Straight the rigid wood grows soft
+  The timber turns to flesh; the crooked prows
+  To heads are chang'd: the oars to floating legs,
+  And toes; while what were ribs, as ribs remain;
+  The keels, deep in the vessels sunk, become
+  The spinal bones; in soft long tresses flows
+  The cordage; into arms the sailyards change:
+  The hue of all cerulean as before.
+  And now the Naiaeds of the ocean sport
+  With girlish play, amid those very waves
+  Ere while so dreaded: sprung from rugged hills
+  They love the gentle main; nor aught their birth
+  Their bosoms irks. Yet mindful still what risks
+  Themselves encounter'd on the raging main,
+  Oft with assisting hand the high-tost bark
+  They aid; save Greeks the hapless bark contains.
+  Mindful of Iliuem's fall, they still detest
+  The Argives; and with joyful looks behold
+  The shatter'd fragments of Ulysses' ship:
+  With joy behold the bark Alcinous gave
+  Harden to rock, stone growing from the wood.
+
+    'Twas hop'd, the fleet transform'd to nymphs marine,
+  The fierce Rutilians, struck with awe, might cease
+  The war; but stubborn either side persists.
+  Each have their gods, and each have godlike souls.
+  Nor seek they now, so much the kingdom dower,
+  Latinus' sceptre, or Lavinia! thee,
+  As conquest: waging war through shame to cease.
+  Venus at last beholds, brave Turnus slain,
+  Her son's victorious arms; and Ardea falls,
+  A mighty town when Turnus yet was safe:
+  It cruel flames destroy'd; and every roof
+  The smoking embers hid; up from the heap
+  Of ruins, sprung a bird unknown before,
+  And beat the ashes with its sounding wings:
+  Its voice, its leanness, pallid hue, and all,
+  Suit well a captur'd city; and the name
+  Retaining still, with beating wings it wails.
+
+    Now had AEneaes' virtues, all the gods,
+  Ev'n Juno, forc'd to cease their ancient hate.
+  The young Iuelus' growing empire fixt
+  On firm foundations, ripe was then for heaven
+  The Cytherean prince. Venus besought
+  That favor of the gods; round her sire's neck
+  Her arms she clasp'd--"O, father!"--she exclaim'd--
+  "Indulgent still, be more than ever kind:
+  "Grant that a deity, though e'er so low,
+  "AEneaes may become! who through my blood
+  "Claims thee as grandsire; something let him gain.
+  "Let it suffice, that he has once beheld
+  "The dreary realm; and once already past
+  "The Stygian stream."--The deities consent:
+  Nor does the heavenly queen, her forehead stern
+  Retain, consenting with a cheerful mien.
+  Then spoke the sire. "Both, daughter, merit well
+  "The boon celestial: what thou ask'st receive,
+  "Since thou desir'st it, and since he deserves."
+  He ceas'd. O'erjoy'd, she grateful thanks returns;
+  And by yok'd turtles borne through yielding air,
+  She seeks Laurentum's shore, where gently creep
+  Numicius' waters 'midst a reedy shade
+  Into the neighbouring main. She bids him cleanse
+  All of AEneaes that to death was given;
+  And bear him silent floating to the sea.
+  The horned god, what Venus bade perform'd:
+  All that AEneaes had of mortal mould
+  He purg'd away, and wash'd him with his waves.
+  His better part remain'd. Odours divine,
+  O'er his lustrated limbs, the mother pour'd;
+  And with ambrosia and sweet nectar touch'd
+  His lips, and perfect is the new-made god:
+  Whom Indiges, the Roman people call,
+  Worship with altars, and in temples place.
+
+    Alba, and Latium then beneath the rule
+  Of young Iuelus, call'd Ascanius, came.
+  Him Sylvius follow'd. Then Latinus held
+  The ancient sceptre, with his grandsire's name.
+  Alba to fam'd Latinus was the next.
+  Then Epitus; Capetus; Capys reign'd:
+  Capys before Capetus. After these
+  The realm was sway'd by Tiberinus; sunk
+  Beneath the billows of the Tuscan stream,
+  The waters took his name. His sons were two,
+  Fierce Remulus, and Acrota; the first
+  Pre-eminent in years, the thunder mock'd;
+  And by the thunder dy'd. Of meeker mind
+  His brother, to brave Aventinus left
+  The throne; who bury'd 'neath the self-same hill
+  Where once he reign'd, gave to the hill a name;
+  And Procas now the Latian people rul'd.
+
+    Beneath this monarch fair Pomona liv'd,
+  Than whom amongst the Hamadryad train
+  None tended closer to her garden's care;
+  None o'er the trees' young fruit more anxious watch'd;
+  And thence her name. In rivers, she, and woods,
+  Delighted not, for fields were all her joy;
+  And branches bending with delicious loads.
+  Nor grasps her hand a javelin, but a hook,
+  With which she now luxurious boughs restrains,
+  And prunes the stragglers, when too wide they spread:
+  Now she divides the rind, and in the cleft
+  Inserts a scion, and supporting juice
+  Affords th' adopted stranger. Ne'er she bears
+  That drought they feel, but oft with flowing streams
+  Waters the crooked fibres of their roots:
+  This all her love, this all her care, for man
+  She heeded not. Yet of the lawless force
+  Of rustics fearful, she her orchard round
+  Well fenc'd, and every part from access barr'd,
+  And fled from all mankind. What was there left
+  Untry'd, by satyrs, by the wanton fawns,
+  Or pine-crown'd Pan; Sylvanus, ever youth;
+  Or him whose sickle frights nocturnal thieves
+  To gain her? These Vertumnus all excell'd
+  In passion; but not happier he than they.
+  How oft a basket of ripe grain he bore,
+  Clad like a hardy reaper, and in form
+  A real reaper seem'd! Oft with new hay
+  His temples bound, who turns the fresh cut grass
+  He might be thought. Oft in his horny hand
+  He bears a goad; then might you swear, that now
+  The weary oxen he had just unyok'd.
+  Arm'd with a pruning hook, he one appears
+  Who lops the vines. When he the ladder lifts,
+  Apples about to pluck he seems. His sword
+  Shews him a soldier; and his trembling reed
+  An angler. Thus a thousand shapes he tries,
+  T' enjoy the pleasure of her beauteous sight.
+  Now leaning on a staff, his temples clad
+  In painted bonnet, he an ancient dame,
+  With silver locks thin scatter'd o'er her head,
+  Would seem; and in the well-trimm'd orchard walks;
+  Admires the fruit--"But, O! how far beyond
+  "Are these;"--he said, and kiss'd the lips he prais'd:
+  No ancient dame such kisses e'er bestow'd.
+  Then rested on the swelling turf, and view'd
+  The branches bending with th' autumnal load.
+
+    An elm there stood right opposite, full spread
+  With swelling grapes, which, with its social vine,
+  He prais'd;--"Yet should that trunk there single stand"--
+  Said he,--"without its vine, nought but the leaves
+  "Desirable would seem. As well the vine
+  "Which rests now safe upon its wedded elm,
+  "If not so join'd, were prostrate on the ground.
+  "Yet does the tree's example move not thee.
+  "Thou fly'st from marriage; fly'st from nuptial joys;
+  "Would they could charm thy soul. Not Helen e'er
+  "Such crowds of wooers sought; not her who mov'd
+  "The Lapithaean war; nor the bright queen
+  "Of Ithacus, still 'gainst the coward brave,
+  "As would pursue thee. Now, though all thou fly'st,
+  "Thy suitors scorning, thousands seek thy hand,
+  "Both demi-gods and gods, whoever dwell
+  "Of deities on Alba's lofty hills.
+  "Yet wisely would'st thou act, and happy wed,
+  "Attend my aged counsel (thee I love
+  "More than all these, and more than thou'dst believe)
+  "Reject such vulgar offers, and select
+  "Vertumnus for the consort of thy bed:
+  "And for his worth accept of me as pledge.
+  "For to himself not better is he known
+  "Than me. No truant through the earth he roves;
+  "These spots he dwells in, and in these alone,
+  "Nor loves he, like thy wooer's greatest share,
+  "Instant whate'er he sees. Thou his first flame
+  "Shalt be, and be his last. He will devote
+  "His every year to thee, and thee alone.
+  "Add too his youth, and nature's bounteous gifts
+  "Which decorate him; and that changed with ease,
+  "He every form can take, and those the best
+  "That thou may'st like, for all thou may'st command.
+  "Are not your pleasures both the same? the fruits
+  "Thou gatherest first, are they not given to him?
+  "Who takes thy offerings with a grateful hand.
+  "But now he seeks not fruits pluck'd from thy trees,
+  "Nor herbs thy garden feeds with mellow juice,
+  "Nor aught, save thee. Have pity on his flame:
+  "Think 'tis himself that sues; think that he prays
+  "Through me. O fear the vengeance of the gods!
+  "Affronted Venus' unrelenting rage;
+  "And fear Rhamnusia's still vindictive mind.
+  "That these you more may dread, I will relate
+  "(For age has much to me made known) a fact
+  "Notorious through all Cyprus which may urge
+  "Your soul more quickly to relent and love.
+
+    "Iphis of humble origin beheld
+  "The noble Anaxarete--the blood
+  "Of ancient Teucer: he beheld, and felt
+  "Love burn through all his frame; he struggled long
+  "By reason to o'ercome the flame, in vain.
+  "He came a humble suppliant to her gate.
+  "To her old nurse, he now his hapless love
+  "Confess'd, and pray'd her by her nurseling's hopes,
+  "She would not be severe. Now he assails
+  "All her attendants with his flattering speech,
+  "And anxious begs of each to intercede.
+  "Oft, grav'n on tablets, were his amorous words
+  "Borne to her. Oft against her door he hung
+  "Garlands, wet dropping with the dew of tears.
+  "Plac'd on the threshold hard his tender side,
+  "Venting reproaches on the cruel bar.
+  "But she more deaf than surges which arise
+  "With setting stars; and harder than the steel
+  "Numician fires have temper'd; or the rock
+  "Still living in its bed, spurn'd him, and laugh'd:
+  "And cruel, added lofty words to deeds
+  "Unmerciful, and robb'd him ev'n of hope.
+  "Impatient Iphis, now no longer bore
+  "The pangs of endless grief, but at her gate
+  "Thus utter'd his last 'plaints--Thou hast o'ercome
+  "O Anaxarete! for never more
+  "Will I molest thy quiet. Now prepare
+  "Glad triumphs; Paean call; and bind thy brows
+  "With laurel bright, for thou victorious art,
+  "And joyfully I die. O heart of steel!
+  "Enjoy thy bliss. Now will I force thy praise
+  "In something;--somehow find a way to please,
+  "And thee constrain to grant I have desert.
+  "Yet still remember, that my love for thee
+  "Leaves me not but with life! at once I lose
+  "A double light. But fame shall not announce
+  "To thee my death, for I myself will come.
+  "Lest thou should'st doubt, thou shalt thyself behold
+  "My death, and on my lifeless body glut
+  "Thy cruel eyes. But, O ye gods above!
+  "If mortal deeds ye view, remember me:
+  "No more my tongue can dare to ask, than this,
+  "That distant ages may my fortune know;
+  "Grant fame to him, whom ye of life deprive.--
+  "He spoke, and to the porch so oft adorn'd
+  "With flowing chaplets, rais'd his humid eyes,
+  "And stretch'd his pallid arms; then to the post,
+  "The cord with noose well-fitted, fastening, cry'd:--
+  "Nymph, pitiless and cruel! pleas'd the best
+  "With garlands such as these!--Then in the cord,
+  "His head inserted; tow'rd the maid still turn'd,
+  "As, hapless load! with strangled throat he hung.
+  "Struck by his dangling feet, the portals seem'd
+  "A sound to give, which mighty seem'd to mourn;
+  "And open thrown, the horrid deed display'd:
+  "Loudly the servants shriek, and vainly bear
+  "His breathless body to his mother's dome.
+  "(Defunct his sire) She clasp'd him to her breast,
+  "Embrac'd his clay-cold limbs; and all she said
+  "That wretched parents say; and all she did
+  "That hapless mothers do: then through the town
+  "The melancholy funeral pomp she led,
+  "The lurid members following, on a bier
+  "For burning. In the road the dwelling stood
+  "Through which the sad procession took its way,
+  "And sound of lamentation struck the ears
+  "Of Anaxarete, whom now the power
+  "Of vengeance follow'd. Mov'd, she now exclaim'd--
+  "I will this melancholy prospect view.--
+  "And to the open casement mounted high.
+  "Scarce had she Iphis on the bier beheld,
+  "When harden'd grew her eyes; a pallid hue
+  "O'erspread her body as the warm blood fled.
+  "Her feet to move for flight she try'd, her feet
+  "Stuck fast; her face she try'd to turn away;
+  "She could not turn it; and by small degrees
+  "The stony hardness of her breast was spread
+  "O'er all her limbs. Believe not that I feign,
+  "For Salamis the figure of the nymph
+  "Still keeps; and there a temple is high rear'd
+  "Where Venus, the beholder, they adore.
+  "Mindful of this, O dearest nymph! lay by
+  "That cold disdain, and join thee to a spouse.
+  "So may no vernal frosts thy budding fruits
+  "Destroy, nor sweeping storms despoil thy flowers."
+  When this the god, to various shapes in vain
+  Transform'd, had utter'd; he assum'd again
+  The youth, and flung the garb of age aside:
+  And so appear'd, as seems the radiant sun,
+  Freed from opposing clouds, and darting bright
+  His glory round. Force he prepar'd, but force
+  He needed not. The nymph his beauty mov'd,
+  And straight her bosom felt a mutual flame.
+
+    Th' Ausonian realm Amulius' force unjust
+  Commanded next; and ancient Numitor
+  By his young grandsons the lost realm regain'd.
+  The city's walls on Pales' feast were laid.
+  Now Tatius and the Sabine sires wage war
+  Against it; and the fortress' gate unclos'd,
+  Tarpeia, well-deserving of her fate,
+  Breathes out her soul beneath a pile of shields.
+  Thence Cures' sons, each sound of voice repress'd,
+  Silent as wolves, steal on them drown'd in sleep,
+  And gain the gates, which Ilia's son had clos'd
+  With massive bars. But Juno one threw ope,
+  Nor creak'd the portal on its turning hinge.
+  Venus alone the fastening of the gate
+  Withdrawn, perceiv'd, and had it clos'd again,
+  Save that the acts a deity performs,
+  No deity can e'er undo. A spot
+  Near Janus' temple, cool with flowing streams,
+  Ausonia's Naiaeds own'd; and aid from these
+  She sought. Nor could the nymphs deny a boon
+  So just; and instant all their rills and floods
+  Burst forth. But still to Janus' open gate
+  The way was passable, nor could the waves
+  Oppose their way. They to the fruitful springs
+  Apply blue sulphur, and the hollow caves
+  Fire with bitumen; to the lowest depth
+  They forceful penetrate, both this, and that.
+  And streams that late might vie with Alpine cold,
+  To flames themselves, not now in heat would yield.
+  The porches of the deity two-fac'd
+  Smok'd with the fiery sprinkling; and the gate,
+  Op'd to the hardy Sabine troops in vain,
+  Was by the new-sprung fountain guarded, 'till
+  The sons of Mars had girt them in their arms.
+  Soon Romulus attack'd them, and Rome's soil
+  Was strew'd with Sabine bodies and her own:
+  And impious weapons mingled blood of sires
+  With blood of sons-in-law; yet so it pleas'd,
+  War settled into peace, nor rag'd the steel
+  To ultimate destruction; in the realm
+  Tatius as equal sovereign was receiv'd.
+
+    Tatius deceas'd, thou, Romulus, dispens'd,
+  To the joint nations, equitable laws.
+  When Mars, his helmet thrown aside, the sire
+  Of gods and men, in words like these, address'd.--
+  "O parent! (since the Roman realm has gain'd
+  "A strong and wide foundation, nor should look
+  "To one protector only) lo! the time
+  "To grant the favor, promis'd me so long,
+  "To thy deserving grandson. Snatch'd from earth
+  "Let him in heaven he plac'd. Time was, long since,
+  "In a full council of the gods thou said'st,
+  "Well I remember, well my mindful breast
+  "The tender words remark'd; a son of mine
+  "By thee should in the azure sky be plac'd:
+  "Now be the fulness of thy words complete."
+  Th' Omnipotent consented; with black clouds
+  Darken'd the air; and frighten'd all the town
+  With flaming thunders. When the martial god
+  Perceiv'd this fiat of the promis'd change,
+  Propp'd on his spear he fearless mounts the steeds,
+  Press'd by the bloody yoke; loud sounds the lash,
+  And prone the air he cleaves, lights on the top
+  Of shady Palatine. There Ilia's son
+  Delivering regal laws to Romans round,
+  He saw, and swept him thence: his mortal limbs
+  Waste in the empty air, as balls of lead
+  Hurl'd from a sling, melt in the midmost sky:
+  More fair his face appears, and worthy more
+  Of the high shrines: such now appears the form
+  Of great Quirinus, clad in purple robe.
+
+    His spouse him wept as lost, when heaven's high queen
+  Bade Iris on her sweeping bow descend,
+  And thus her orders to Hersilia speak:--
+  "O matron! glory of the Latian land;
+  "Pride of the Sabine race; most worthy spouse
+  "Of such an hero once; spouse worthy now
+  "Of god Quirinus, cease thy tears: if wish
+  "To see thy husband warms thee, led by me,
+  "To yonder grove upon Quirinus' hill
+  "Which flourishes, and overshades the fane
+  "Of Rome's great monarch, haste."--Iris obeys;
+  Upon her painted bow to earth slides down,
+  And hails Hersilia in the bidden words.
+  Her eyes scarce lifting, she with blushing face
+  Replies--"O goddess! whom thou art, to me
+  "Unknown; that thou a goddess art is plain.
+  "Lead me, O lead! shew me my spouse's face:
+  "Which if fate grant I may once more behold,
+  "Heaven I'll allow I've seen." Nor waits she more,
+  But with Thaumantian Iris, to the hill
+  Of Romulus proceeds. There, shot from heaven,
+  A star tow'rd earth descended; from its rays
+  Bright flam'd Hersilia's hair, and with the star
+  Mounted aloft. Rome's founder's well-known arms
+  Receive her. Now her former name is chang'd,
+  As chang'd her body: known as Ora, now,
+  A goddess, with her great Quirinus join'd.
+
+
+
+
+*The Fifteenth Book.*
+
+
+    Numa's journey to Crotona. The Pythagorean philosophy of
+    transmigration of the soul, and relation of various
+    transformations. Death of Numa, and grief of Egeria. Story of
+    Hippolytus. Change of Egeria to a fountain. Cippus. Visit of
+    Esculapius to Rome, in the form of a snake. Assassination and
+    apotheoesis of Julius Caesar. Praise of Augustus. Prophetic
+    conclusion.
+
+
+
+
+THE *Fifteenth Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.
+
+
+    Meantime they seek who may the mighty load
+  Sustain; who may succeed so great a king.
+  Fame, harbinger of truth, the realm decreed
+  To noble Numa. Not content to know
+  The laws and customs of the Sabine race,
+  His mind capacious grasp'd a larger field.
+  He sought for nature's laws. Fir'd by this wish,
+  His country left, he journey'd to the town
+  Of him, who erst was great Alcides' host:
+  And as he sought to learn what founder first
+  These Grecian walls rear'd on Italia's shore,
+  Thus an old 'habitant, well vers'd in tales
+  Of yore, reply'd.--"Jove's son, rich in the herds
+  "Iberia bred, his prosperous journey bent
+  "By ocean unto fair Lacinia's shores:
+  "Enter'd himself the hospitable roof
+  "Of mighty Croto, while his cattle' stray'd
+  "Amid the tender grass; and his long toil
+  "Reliev'd by rest. Departing, thus he spoke--
+  "Here in thy grandson's age a town shall rise.--
+  "And true the promis'd words; for Myscelos,
+  "Argive Alemon's son, dear to the gods,
+  "Beyond all mortals of that time, now liv'd.
+  "The club-arm'd god, as press'd with heavy sleep,
+  "He lay, hung o'er him, and directed thus.--
+  "Haste leave thy native land;--where distant flows
+  "The rocky stream of AEsaris, go seek.--
+  "And threaten'd much if disobedient found:
+  "Then disappear'd the god and sleep at once.
+  "Alemon's son arose; with silent care
+  "Revolv'd the new-seen vision in his soul,
+  "And undetermin'd waver'd long his mind.
+  "The god commands,--the laws forbid to go:
+  "Death is the punishment to him decreed
+  "Who would his country quit. Now glorious Sol
+  "Had in the ocean hid his glittering face,
+  "And densest night shew'd her star-studded head;
+  "Again the god was seen to come; again
+  "Admonish, and with threats more stern demand
+  "Obedience. Terror-struck he now prepar'd
+  "His property and household gods to move
+  "To this new seat. Quick through the city flies
+  "The rumor; as a slighter of the laws
+  "Is he denounc'd. The trial ends at once;
+  "Th' acknowledg'd crime without a witness prov'd.
+  "The wretched culprit lifts his eyes and hands
+  "To heaven, exclaiming;--Thou whose toils twice six
+  "Have given thee claim to glory, lend thy aid;
+  "Thou art the cause that I offence have given.--
+  "Sentence in old, by stones of white and black
+  "Was shewn: by these th' accus'd was clear'd, by those
+  "Condemn'd. Thus is the heavy doom now pass'd,
+  "And in the fatal urn each flings a stone
+  "Of sable hue. Inverted then to count
+  "The pebbles, lo! their color all is chang'd
+  "From black to white; and thus, the doom revers'd,
+  "Alemon's son by Hercules is freed.
+  "Thanks to Alcmena's son, his kinsman, given,
+  "He o'er th' Ionian sea with favoring winds
+  "Sail'd, and Tarentum, Sparta's city, pass'd,
+  "And Sybaris, Neaethus Salentine,
+  "The gulph of Thurium, and Japygia's fields,
+  "With Temeses; which shores at distance seen
+  "By him, were scarcely pass'd, when he beheld
+  "The mouth of AEsaris, the destin'd flood:
+  "And thence not far a lofty heap of earth,
+  "Where Croto's hallow'd bones were safe inhum'd.
+  "There he as bidden rais'd the walls, which took
+  "From the high sepulchre their lasting name.
+  "Plain then the city's origin appears
+  "By fame, thus built upon Italia's shores."
+
+    Here dwelt a sage whom Samos claim'd by birth,
+  But Samos and its masters he had fled;
+  A willing exile from tyrannic rule.
+  Though from celestial regions far remov'd
+  His mind to heaven could soar; with mental eyes
+  He things explor'd which to the human ken
+  Nature deny'd. When all with watchful care
+  Was learnt in secret, to the listening crowd
+  He public spoke. Told to their wondering ears
+  The primal origin of this great world;
+  The cause of things; what nature is; what god;
+  Whence snow; and whence tremendous thunder springs,--
+  From Jove, or from the rattling of rent clouds;
+  What shakes earth's pillars; by what law the stars
+  Wander; and what besides lies hid from man.
+  And first that animals should heap the board
+  For food, he strict forbade; and first in words
+  Thus eloquent, but unbeliev'd he spoke.
+
+    "Cease, mortals, cease your bodies to pollute
+  "With food unhallow'd: plentiful is grain;
+  "The apples bend the branches with their load;
+  "The vines bear swelling heaps of clustering grapes;
+  "Bland herbs you have; and such as heat require
+  "To mollify for use. Nor do you lack
+  "The milky fluid, or the honey sweet,
+  "Fragrant of thyme. The lavish earth supplies
+  "Mild aliments, her riches and affords
+  "Dainties, with nought of slaughter or of blood.
+  "Their hunger beasts alone with flesh allay,
+  "And beasts not all; the generous steed, the flock,
+  "The herd, on grass subsist. But lions grim,
+  "Armenian tigers, bears, and wolves, delight
+  "In bloody feasts. How impious to behold
+  "Bowels in bowels bury'd! greedy limbs
+  "Fatten on limbs digested, and prolong'd
+  "One's animation by another's death.
+  "In vain the earth, benignant mother, gives
+  "Her copious stores, if nought can thee delight,
+  "Save with a savage tooth this living food
+  "To chew, and Cyclopean feasts renew.
+  "Can'st thou not cloy the appetite's keen rage,
+  "Deprav'd desire! unless another die?
+  "That early age, to which we give the name
+  "Of golden, happy was in mellow fruits,
+  "And plants, by earth produc'd; nor e'er did gore
+  "The mouth defile. In safety through the air
+  "Fowls way'd their feathers: fearless through the fields
+  "Wander'd the hare: nor, on the barb'd hook hung
+  "By his credulity, was snar'd the fish.
+  "Fraud was not, none suspicious of deceit;
+  "And all was fill'd with harmony and peace.
+  "But soon some wretch (whatever wretch was he)
+  "Such food disliking, in his greedy maw
+  "Bury'd what animation once possess'd.
+  "He led the way to wickedness. And first
+  "The weapon smok'd with blood of ravenous beasts:
+  "And there it should have stay'd. Just is the plea
+  "To take their lives that follow us for prey;
+  "But not devour them when destroy'd. From thence
+  "Wide spread the horrid practice, and the sow,
+  "Doom'd the first victim, is decreed to die,
+  "For digging up with crooked snout the seed;
+  "And blasting all the prospect of the year.
+  "The goat had gnaw'd the vine;--the culprit bled
+  "On Bacchus' altars to appease his ire.
+  "These two their fate deserv'd. But how, O sheep!
+  "Ye harmless flocks, have ye this merited,
+  "Form'd to receive protection from mankind?
+  "Who in your swelling dugs bland liquors bear,
+  "Who give your fleecy coverings, garments soft
+  "For us to form; and more in life than death
+  "Assist our wants. What has the ox deserved?
+  "A simple harmless beast, and born for toil,
+  "Of guile and fraud devoid? Forgetful man!
+  "And undeserving of the harvest's boon,
+  "Who could, the crooked joke just from his neck
+  "Remov'd, his faithful tiller sacrifice;
+  "Smite with the axe that neck with labor worn,
+  "With which so oft he had the soil renew'd;
+  "Which had so many crops on him bestow'd.
+  "Nor is this all, the savage deed perform'd,
+  "They implicate the heavenly gods themselves,
+  "Pretend th' almighty deities delight
+  "To see the slaughter of laborious steers.
+  "Spotless must be the victim; in his form
+  "Perfection: (fatal thus too much to please!)
+  "With gold and fillets gay, the beast is led
+  "Before the altar, hears the unknown prayers,
+  "And sees the meal, the product of his toil,
+  "Betwixt his horns full in his forehead flung:
+  "Then struck, he stains the weapon with his blood,
+  "The weapon in reflecting waves beneath
+  "Haply beheld before. Next they inspect
+  "His torn-out living entrails, and from thence
+  "Learn what the bosoms of the gods intend.
+  "Whence, man, such passion for forbidden food?
+  "How dar'st thou, mortal man! in flesh indulge?
+  "O! I conjure you, do it not; my words
+  "Deep in your minds revolve, when to your mouth
+  "The mangled members of the ox you raise,
+  "Know, and reflect, your laborer you devour.
+
+    "And now the god inspires my tongue, my tongue
+  "Shall follow what th' inspiring god directs,
+  "My truths I will disclose, display all heaven,
+  "And oracles of mind divine reveal.
+  "I sing of mighty things, by none before
+  "Investigated; what has long lain hid.
+  "It glads me through the lofty heavens to go;
+  "To sail amid the clouds, the sluggish earth
+  "Left far below; and on the shoulders mount
+  "Of mighty Atlas; thence from far look down,
+  "On wandering souls of reasoning aid depriv'd,
+  "Shivering and trembling at the thoughts of death.
+  "I thus exhort, and scenes of fate unfold.
+
+    "O race! whom terror of cold death affrights,
+  "Why fear ye Styx? why darkness? why vain names,
+  "The dreams of poets? why in fancy'd worlds
+  "Severe atonements? Whether slow disease,
+  "Or on the pile the body flames consume,
+  "Think not that any suffering it can feel.
+  "The soul from death is free, and one seat left,
+  "Another habitation finds and lives.
+  "Well I remember I was Pantheus' son,
+  "Euphorbus, in the fatal war of Troy,
+  "Whose breast the young Atrides' massive spear
+  "Transpierc'd in fight. I lately knew the shield
+  "My left arm bore, in Juno's temple hung,
+  "In Abantean Argos. All is chang'd,
+  "But nothing dies. The spirit roams about
+  "From that to this, from this to that again;
+  "And enters vacant bodies at its will.
+  "Now from a beast's to human frame it goes,
+  "Now from the man it passes to a beast;
+  "And never perishes. As yielding wax
+  "Is with new figures printed, nor remains
+  "Long in one form, nor holds its pristine shape;
+  "And yet is still the same: so do I teach,
+  "The soul the same, though vary'd are its seats.
+  "Hence, lest thy belly's keen desire o'ercome
+  "All piety, (and prophet-like I speak)
+  "Forbear by impious slaughter to disturb
+  "The souls of kindred friends; and let not blood
+  "With blood be fed. Now on the boundless sea
+  "Since I am borne, and to the breeze have loos'd
+  "My swelling sail, this more:--Nought that the world
+  "Contains, is in appearance still the same
+  "All moving alters; changeable is form'd
+  "Each image. And with constant motion flows
+  "Ev'n time itself, just like a passing stream;
+  "For nor the river, nor the flying hour
+  "Can be detain'd. As wave by wave impell'd,
+  "The foremost prest by that behind; itself
+  "Urging its predecessor; so time flies,
+  "And so is follow'd, ever seeming new.
+  "For what has been, is lost; what is, no more
+  "Shall be, and every moment is renew'd.
+  "You see the night emerge to glorious day,
+  "And the bright sun in shady darkness sink.
+  "Nor shews the sky one hue when nature all
+  "Worn out, in midnight quiet rests; and when
+  "Bright Lucifer dismounts his snowy steed:
+  "Varying again when fair Aurora comes
+  "Of light fore-runner, and the world, to Sol
+  "About to yield, dyes deep. The orbed god,
+  "When from earth's margin rising, in the morn
+  "Blushing appears, and blushing seems at eve
+  "Descending to the main, but at heaven's height
+  "Shines in white splendor; there th' ethereal air
+  "Is purest, earth's contagion distant far.
+  "Nor can nocturnal Phoebe always shew
+  "Her form the same, nor equal: less to-day,
+  "If waxing, than to-morrow she'll appear;
+  "If waning, greater. Note you not the year
+  "In four succeeding seasons passing on?
+  "A lively image of our mortal life.
+  "Tender and milky, like young infancy
+  "Is the new spring: then gaily shine the plants,
+  "Tumid with juice, but helpless; and delight
+  "With hope the planter: blooming all appears,
+  "And smiles in varied flowers the feeding earth;
+  "But delicate and pow'rless are the leaves.
+  "Robuster now the year, to spring succeeds
+  "The summer, and a sturdy youth becomes:
+  "No age is stronger, none more fertile yields
+  "Its stores, and none with heat more fervid glows.
+  "Next autumn follows, all the fire of youth
+  "Allay'd, mature in mildness, just between
+  "Old age and youth a medium temper holds;
+  "Some silvery tresses o'er his temples strew'd.
+  "Then aged winter, frightful object! comes
+  "With tottering step, and bald appears his head;
+  "Or snowy white the few remaining hairs.
+  "Our bodies too themselves submit to change
+  "Without remission. Nor what we have been,
+  "Nor what we are, to-morrow shall we be.
+  "The day has been when we were but as seed,
+  "And in his mother's womb the future man
+  "Dwelt. Nature with her aiding power appear'd,
+  "Bade that the embryo bury'd deep within
+  "The pregnant mother, should not rack her more:
+  "And from its dwelling to the free drawn air
+  "Produc'd it. To the day the infant brought,
+  "Lies sinewless; then quadruped he crawls
+  "In beast-like guise; then trembling, by degrees
+  "He stands erect, but with a leg unfirm,
+  "His knees assisting with some strong support.
+  "Now is he strong and swift, and youth's brisk stage
+  "Quick passes; then, the flower of years o'ergone,
+  "He slides down gradual to descending age:
+  "This undermines, demolishes the strength
+  "Of former years. And ancient Milo weeps,
+  "When he beholds those aged feeble arms
+  "Hang dangling by his side, once like the limbs
+  "Of Hercules; so muscular, so large.
+  "And Helen weeps when in her glass she views
+  "Her aged wrinkles, wondering to herself
+  "Why she was ravish'd twice. Consuming time!
+  "And envious age! all substance ye destroy;
+  "All things your teeth decay; and you consume
+  "By gradual progress, but by certain death.
+  "These also, which the elements we call,
+  "Their varying changes know: lo! I explain
+  "Their regular vicissitudes,--attend.
+
+    "Four elements th' eternal world contains;
+  "Two, earth and water, which their ponderous weight
+  "Sinks low; and two, the air and purer fire,
+  "Void of dense gravity, soar up on high,
+  "Free, unconfin'd. Though distant far in space,
+  "Yet from these four are all things form'd, and all
+  "To them resolve again. The earth dissolv'd
+  "Melts into liquid dew; more subtile grown
+  "It passes to the breezes and the air;
+  "And air again, when in its thinest form,
+  "Depriv'd of weight, springs to the fires on high.
+  "Thence retrogade they come, inverting all
+  "This order: fire is thicken'd to dense air;
+  "Air into water; water to hard earth;
+  "Nor aught retains its form. Nature, of things
+  "Renewer, figures from old figures makes.
+  "Nought that the world contains (doubt not my truth)
+  "E'er perishes, but changes; and receives
+  "An alter'd shape. What to be born we call,
+  "Is to begin in different guise to seem
+  "Than what we were; and what we call to die,
+  "Is but to cease to wear our wonted form.
+  "Though haply some part hither may be mov'd,
+  "Some thither, still the aggregate's the same.
+  "Nor can I think that aught can long endure
+  "Unalter'd. Soon the primal ages came
+  "From gold to iron. Quite transform'd is oft
+  "The state of places. I have seen what once
+  "Was earth most solid, chang'd to fluid waves.
+  "Land have I seen from ocean form'd; and shells
+  "Marine, lie scatter'd distant from all shore:
+  "Old anchors bury'd in the mountain tops.
+  "The rush of waters hollow vallies forms
+  "Where once were plains; and level lie the hills
+  "Beneath the deluge: dry the marshy ground
+  "With barren sand becomes; and what was parch'd
+  "Is soak'd, a marshy fen. Here nature opes
+  "New fountains; there she closes up the old.
+  "Rivers have bursted forth, when earthquakes shook
+  "The globe; some chok'd have disappear'd below.
+  "Thus Lycus, swallow'd by the yawning earth,
+  "Bursts far from thence again, another stream:
+  "The mighty Erasinus, now absorb'd,
+  "Now flows, to Argive fields again restor'd.
+  "And Myssus, they relate, who both his stream
+  "And banks disliking, as Caicus now
+  "'Twixt others flows. With Amenane who rolls
+  "O'er sands Sicilian, flowing oft, and oft
+  "With clos'd-up fountains dry. Anigros, once
+  "Sweet to the thirsty, now his waters pours
+  "Untouch'd by lips, since (save we must deny
+  "To poets faith) the double-body'd race
+  "There bath'd the wounds Alcides' arrows gave.
+  "And is not Hypanis, the flood that springs
+  "From Scythia's hills, once sweet, with bitter salts
+  "Now tainted? By the waves begirt were once
+  "Antissa, Pharos, and Phoenician Tyre;
+  "And not a spot an island now remains.
+  "The ancient clowns, Leucadia to the land
+  "Saw join'd; now surges beat around its base;
+  "And Zancle, they relate, was once conjoin'd
+  "To Italy, 'till ocean burst his bounds,
+  "And rent the land, and girt it with his waves.
+  "For Helice or Buris should you seek,
+  "Achaian towns, o'erwhelm'd beneath the waves
+  "You'll find them: boatmen oft are wont to shew
+  "The tottering cities, and their walls immers'd.
+  "Near Pitthean Troezen is a lofty hill
+  "By trees unshaded; now indeed an hill
+  "But once a level plain. Wond'rous to tell
+  "The wind's resistless force, in caverns deep
+  "Inclos'd, for exit somewhere as it strain'd,
+  "And struggled long in vain, a freer range
+  "Of air to sweep; when all the prison round
+  "Was found no fissure pervious to the blast,
+  "It swell'd the high-rais'd ground: just so the breath
+  "Puffs out the bladder, or the horn'd goat's skin.
+  "The tumor still remains, and now appears,
+  "Grown hard by lapse of time, a lofty hill.
+  "Though numbers to my mind occur, or seen
+  "Or heard, but few beside I will relate.
+  "Do not streams too receive and lose new powers?
+  "Thy fountain, horned Ammon, at mid-day
+  "Is icy cold, but hot at morn and eve.
+  "The waters of Athamanis, are said,
+  "Sprinkled on wood, when Luna's lessening orb
+  "Shines in the heavens, to warm it into flame.
+  "A river have the Cicones, which turns
+  "To marble what it touches: whoso drinks
+  "Instant his inwards harden into stone.
+  "Cathis and Sybaris, which border near
+  "Our pastures, make the hair resemble gold.
+  "More wond'rous still, waters there are, with power
+  "The mind to change as well as change the limbs.
+  "Who has not heard of Salmacis obscene?
+  "And Ethiopa's lake, which whoso drinks
+  "Or furious raves, or sinks in sleep profound?
+  "Whoe'er his thirst at the Clitorian fount
+  "Quenches, he loathes all wine: abstemious, joys
+  "To drink pure water: whether power the waves
+  "Possess to thwart the heating vinous juice,
+  "Or, as the natives tell, with herbs and charms
+  "When the mad Praetides Melampus cur'd,
+  "He in the stream the mental medicine flung;
+  "And hate of wine the fountain still retains.
+  "Lyncestius' river flows with different power;
+  "Of this who swallows but the smallest draught
+  "Staggers, as charg'd with plenteous cups of wine.
+  "A dangerous place Arcadia holds (of yore
+  "Call'd Pheneos) for its waters' two-fold force:
+  "Dreaded by night: for drank by night they harm,
+  "But guiltless of all mischief drank by day.
+  "Thus lakes and rivers now these powers possess;
+  "Now those. Time was Ortygia on the waves
+  "Floated, now firm she rests. Argo, first ship
+  "Dreaded the isles Cyanean scatter'd round
+  "And clashing oft amid the roaring waves;
+  "Which rest unmov'd now, and the winds despise.
+  "Nor Etna whose sulphureous furnace flames
+  "Will always burn; time was it burn'd not yet:
+  "For let earth be an animated mass,
+  "Which lives, and breathing holes in various parts
+  "Exhaling flame, possesses, she may change,
+  "Each time she moves, those passages of air;
+  "These caverns close, and others open throw.
+  "Or whether wind, confin'd in those deep caves,
+  "Hurls rocks on rocks, and what the seeds of fire
+  "Contain; and flames from the concussion burst;
+  "The winds appeas'd, cold will the caves be left.
+  "Or if the flame be by bitumen caught,
+  "Or by pale sulphur, fiercely will it burn
+  "To the last particle; but when the earth
+  "Fuel and oily nutriment no more
+  "The flame shall give; a tedious length of years
+  "Its force exhausting, and its nutriment
+  "By nature's tooth consum'd, the famish'd flames
+  "Will this desert, deserted by their food.
+  "Fame says, the men who in Pallene live,
+  "A northern clime, when nine times in the lake
+  "Tritonian plung'd, in plumage light are clad.
+  "This scarce can I believe. They also tell
+  "That Scythia's females, sprinkling on their limbs
+  "Rank poisons, such like transformation gain.
+  "Yet when well-try'd experience us instructs,
+  "Faith may be given. Do we not bodies see
+  "Decaying slow with moisture and with heat,
+  "To animalcules chang'd? Nay, go, inter
+  "A chosen slaughter'd steer, (well known the fact,
+  "And much in use;) lo! from the putrid paunch
+  "Swarms of the flower-collecting bee will rise,
+  "Which rove the meadows as their parent rov'd:
+  "And urge their toil and labor still in hope.
+  "The warlike courser, prostrate on the ground,
+  "Becomes the source whence angry hornets rise.
+  "Cut from the sea-shore crab his crooked claws,
+  "And place the rest in earth, a scorpion thence,
+  "Will come, and threaten with his hooked tail.
+  "The meadow worms too, which with silky threads
+  "(Well noted is the fact,) are wont to weave
+  "The foliage, change the figures which they wear,
+  "Like the gay butterfly of funeral fame.
+  "The life-producing seeds of grass-green frogs
+  "Mud holds; and forms them first devoid of feet,
+  "Then gives them legs for swimming well contriv'd;
+  "And, apt that they for lengthen'd leaps may suit,
+  "Behind these far surpass the first in length.
+  "The cub the bear brings forth, at its first birth
+  "Is but a lump of barely living flesh:
+  "Licking, the mother forms the limbs, and gives
+  "As much of shape as she herself enjoys.
+  "See we the young not of the honey'd bee,
+  "Clos'd in the wax hexagonally shap'd,
+  "First form'd a body limbless, gaining late
+  "Their feet and wings? And who could e'er suppose,
+  "Except the fact he knew, that Juno's bird
+  "Which bears the starry tail; that Venus' doves;
+  "The thunder-bearer of almighty Jove;
+  "And all the race of birds, their being owe
+  "To a small egg's still smaller central part?
+  "There are, who think the human marrow chang'd,
+  "A snake becomes, when putrid turns the spine
+  "In a close sepulchre. These, each and all,
+  "Their origin from other things derive.
+  "One bird there is, which from herself alone
+  "Springs, and regenerates without foreign aid:
+  "Assyrians call her Phoenix. Not on grain,
+  "Nor herbs she lives, but on strong frankincense,
+  "And rich amomums' juice: when she has pass'd
+  "Five ages of her life, with her broad bill
+  "And talons, she upon the ilex' boughs,
+  "Or on the summit of the trembling palm,
+  "A nest constructs: on this she cassia strews,
+  "Spikes of sweet-smelling nard, the dark brown myrrh,
+  "And cinnamon well bruis'd: then lays herself
+  "Above, and on the odorous pile expires.
+  "Then, they report, an infant Phoenix springs
+  "From the parental corse, to which is given
+  "Five ages too, to live. When years afford
+  "Due strength to lift, and bear the ponderous load,
+  "She lightens of the weighty nest the boughs;
+  "With pious duty her own cradle takes,
+  "And parent's sepulchre; then, having gain'd
+  "Hyperion's city through the yielding air,
+  "Before the sacred portal lays it down.
+  "If of stupendous wonder aught ye find
+  "In this, hyaenas must your wonder move;
+  "Alternate changing, females now they bear;
+  "And annual alter unto males again:
+  "That reptile too, which feeds on wind and air;
+  "And what it touches, straight its hue assumes.
+  "India by cluster-bearing Bacchus gain'd,
+  "Lynxes upon the conquering god bestow'd:
+  "And, (so they tell) whate'er their bladders void,
+  "Concretes to gems, and hardens in the air.
+  "Thus too, the coral hardens to a stone;
+  "A plant so flexible beneath the waves.
+  "Day would desert us; Phoebus' panting steeds
+  "Would in the mighty deep be plung'd, ere I
+  "Could finish, should I every substance tell
+  "Chang'd to new form. This we perceive, that time
+  "All turns. These nations mighty strength attain:
+  "Those sink in power. Thus Troy in wealth and strength
+  "Was mighty; and for ten long years could shed
+  "Her blood in torrents. Low she lies, and shews
+  "Her ancient ruins, and her numerous tombs
+  "For all her riches. Sparta once was great;
+  "And fam'd Mycene once in power was strong;
+  "With Athens; and the town Amphion rais'd.
+  "Now a mean spot is Sparta; low now lies
+  "Lofty Mycene; what of Thebes remains,
+  "The town of OEdipus, except his tale?
+  "What of Pandion's Athens, but the name?
+  "And now begins the fame of Dardan Rome
+  "To rise; the waves of Tiber from the hills
+  "Of Appenine descending, bathe her walls:
+  "Plac'd on a huge foundation shall she fix
+  "Her empire's base. By increase shall she change;
+  "And shall hereafter of the mighty world
+  "Be head. This prophets, they assert, have said,
+  "And fate-predicting oracles. Myself
+  "Remember Helenus, old Priam's son,
+  "Address'd AEneas, when the Trojan towers
+  "Were tottering, weeping,--and of future fate
+  "Doubtful, in words like these--O goddess born!
+  "If the prognostics of my soul I read
+  "Rightly, Troy ne'er, while thou art safe, will fall.
+  "Flames and the sword shall ope to thee a path
+  "Thou shalt depart, and with thyself convey
+  "An Iliuem, till a foreign land thou find'st;
+  "A land more friendly both to thee and Troy.
+  "Now, to the Phrygians' offspring due, I see
+  "A city rais'd; such former ages ne'er
+  "Beheld; such is not; such will never be.
+  "Thousands of worthies in a length of years,
+  "Its power shall spread; but lord of all the globe
+  "Shall he, descended of Iuelus, reign;
+  "Who, when by earth awhile enjoy'd, shall gain--
+  "A seat celestial; and the heavens shall be
+  "The bound of his career.--Well does my mind
+  "Retain, that Helenus in such like words
+  "Address'd the chief who bore his country's gods.
+  "Joy'd I behold my kindred walls increase;
+  "And Grecia's conquest happy prove for Troy.
+  "But lest too wide I wander, and my steeds
+  "Forget the goal; know, heaven, and all beneath;
+  "Earth, and all earth's contents their shapes must change.
+  "Let us then, members of the world (not form'd
+  "Of body only, but with winged souls
+  "Which to the bodies of wild beasts may pass,
+  "Or dwell within the breasts of grazing herds)
+  "Permit those forms which may the souls contain
+  "Of parents, brethren, or of those once join'd
+  "To us by other bonds, certain of men,
+  "To rest secure and safe from savage wounds;
+  "Nor load our bowels at Thyestes' board.
+  "Soon, by ill custom warp'd, does he prepare
+  "To bathe his impious hands in human gore,
+  "Who severs with his knife the lowing throat
+  "Of the young calf, and turns a deafen'd ear
+  "To all its cries: or who the kid can slay,
+  "Moaning in plaintive tone like children's cries:
+  "Or who the fowl he fed before, can eat.
+  "What more is wanting, that may now complete
+  "The measure of iniquity? From thence
+  "Where the next step? Then let thine oxen plough,
+  "And let their death be due alone to age.
+  "Let from dread Boreas' piercing cold the sheep
+  "Defend thee with her wool. Let the full goat
+  "Present her udder to thy hand to press.
+  "Throw far thy nets, thy nooses, and thy snares,
+  "And all thy treacherous skill; nor with lim'd twig
+  "Deceive the bird; nor with strong toils the deer;
+  "Nor hide the barbed hook with treacherous bait.
+  "If animals annoy ye, them destroy:
+  "But slay them only. From the taste of flesh
+  "Free be your mouths, while food more fit ye eat."
+
+    His breast with these, and such like doctrines fill'd,
+  Numa, 'tis said, back to his country came;
+  And held, unsought for, the supreme command
+  O'er Latium's realm. Blest with the nymph his spouse,
+  And by the muses guided, all the rites
+  Of sacrifice he taught: the people train'd,
+  Fond of fierce war, to arts of gentle peace.
+  When late he finish'd reign at once, and life,
+  The Latian females, nobles, commons, all
+  In streaming tears, bewail'd their Numa dead.
+  His consort Rome deserted, and lay hid
+  In the deep forests of Aricia's vale;
+  And with her wailings and her mournful sighs,
+  The rites impeded in Diana's fane.
+  How oft the nymphs who dwelt in lakes and groves,
+  Kind admonitions gave her not to mourn,
+  And sooth'd her with consolatory words!
+  How oft the son of Theseus weeping, said;
+  "Cease thus to grieve, nor think your fate alone
+  "Is hard. Look round awhile on others' woes;
+  "More mild your own you'll bear. Would that not mine
+  "Were such as might assuage your woe; but mine,
+  "When heard, to calm your grief may something yield.
+
+    "Haply report has sounded in your ears
+  "Of one Hippolytus the fate, destroy'd
+  "Through his most impious step-dame's treacherous fraud,
+  "And sire's credulity. With much surprize
+  "You'll hear,--nay scarcely will you trust my words,
+  "But he am I! Pasiphae's daughter me
+  "Accus'd, that I with vain endeavour try'd
+  "To violate my parent's nuptial couch:
+  "Me feigning guilty of the crime she wish'd;
+  "On me th' offence retorting, or through fear
+  "I might accuse, or rage at her repulse.
+  "My sire, me guiltless from the city drove,
+  "And curs'd me going with most hostile prayers.
+  "To Pitthean Traezen I my exil'd flight
+  "Directed: and now drove along the shore
+  "Of Corinth's sea; when ocean sudden heav'd;
+  "A mighty heap of waters bent appear'd,
+  "Like an huge hill, and increase seem'd to gain;
+  "Then roaring loud was at its summit cleft.
+  "Thence, from the bursting waves a horned bull
+  "Rush'd forth, breast-high uprearing in the air;
+  "Spouting the waves through his capacious mouth
+  "And nostrils. Terror seiz'd my comrades' breasts:
+  "Fill'd with the thoughts of exile, mine alone
+  "Unmov'd remain'd. While my impatient steeds,
+  "Turn'd to the main their heads; with ears erect
+  "Affrighted stood; then by the beast appall'd,
+  "Rush'd rapid with the car o'er lofty rocks.
+  "With a vain hand I strive to gird the curb,
+  "Besmear'd with foaming whiteness; bending back
+  "With all my might I pull the pliant reins.
+  "Nor had my horses' furious madness mock'd
+  "My strength, save that the fast-revolving wheel
+  "A tree opposing struck, and shatter'd: wide
+  "The fragments flew. I from the car was thrown,
+  "Entangled in the harness: plain to view
+  "Were seen my living bowels dragg'd along;
+  "My sinews twisted round the stump; my limbs
+  "Part swept away, and part entangled left:
+  "Loud crash'd my fractur'd bones; my weary'd soul
+  "At length exhal'd; my body nought retain'd
+  "That could be known, one all-continued wound.
+  "Can you, O nymph! or dare you, now compare
+  "Your woe with mine? Since then I have beheld
+  "The realm of darkness, and my mangled limbs
+  "Bath'd in the waves of Phlegethon. Nor life
+  "Had been restor'd, but through the forceful help,
+  "Of medicine that Apollo's offspring gave.
+  "From him Paeonian aid when I had gain'd
+  "By plants of power, though much in Pluto's spite,
+  "Cynthia me cover'd with her densest clouds:
+  "And lest my sight their hatred should increase,
+  "That safe I might remain, and without risk
+  "Be seen, she gave to my appearance age,
+  "Nor left me features to be known again:
+  "And long deliberated, whether Crete
+  "Or Delos, for my dwelling she would chuse.
+  "But, Crete and Delos both abandon'd, here
+  "She plac'd me, and my name she bade renounce
+  "Which still reminded me of my wild steeds;
+  "Saying--O thou, Hippolytus who wast!
+  "Be Virbius now! Thenceforth within these groves
+  "I dwell,--a minor deity, I tend
+  "My heavenly mistress, and increase her train."
+
+    But foreign griefs possess'd not power to chase
+  Egeria's woe; who at a mountain's foot
+  Thrown prostrate, melted in a flood of tears;
+  'Till Phoebus' sister by her sorrow mov'd,
+  Transform'd her body to a cooling fount;
+  And her limbs melted to still-during streams.
+
+    The miracle the wondering nymphs beheld;
+  Nor stood the son of Amazonia's queen
+  With less surprize than on the bosom seiz'd
+  Of the Tyrrhenian ploughman, when he view'd
+  The fate-foretelling clod, amidst the fields.
+  At first spontaneous and untouch'd it mov'd;
+  Then took a human figure; shook off earth,
+  And op'd its new-form'd prophesying mouth:
+  Tages the natives call'd him, who first taught
+  Th' Etruscan race the future to explain:
+  Or Romulus, when he his spear beheld
+  Stuck on Palatium's hill, and sudden sprout:
+  By a new root, not by its steely point,
+  Fixt fast: no more a weapon, but a tree,
+  With pliant branches, which afford a shade
+  Unlook'd for to the wondering people round:
+  Or Cippus, when he in the flowing stream
+  Beheld his new-form'd horns (for them he saw)
+  But thought th' appearance false; and what he view'd,
+  Oft rais'd his fingers to his head to touch:
+  No more his eyes distrusting, then he stood,
+  (As victor from a conquer'd foe he came,)
+  And raising up to heaven his hands and eyes,
+  "Ye gods!" he said, "whatever this portends,
+  "If happy, to my country, to the state,
+  "Be it;--if ominous of ill, to me."
+  And then with odorous fires the gods ador'd,
+  On grassy altars of the green sward form'd;
+  And from the goblets pour'd the wine; and search'd,
+  The panting entrails of the slaughter'd sheep,
+  For what was meant. Th' Etruscan seer beheld
+  That mighty revolutions they foretold;
+  But yet obscurely: till his piercing eye
+  He from the entrails turn'd to Cippus' horns.
+  Then cry'd;--"Save thee, O king! for lo! the place
+  "For thee, O Cippus! and thy horns, the towers
+  "Of Latium will obey. Thou only haste;
+  "Delay not, but within the open gates
+  "Enter; so fate commands. In them receiv'd
+  "King wilt thou be; in safety wilt enjoy
+  "An ever-during kingdom." Back he drew
+  His feet, and from the city's walls he turn'd
+  Sternly his looks; exclaiming; "far, ye gods!
+  "O, far avert these omens! Better I
+  "An exile roam for life, than monarch rule
+  "The Capitol." Then he assembled straight
+  The reverend senate, and the people round:
+  But first with peaceful laurel veil'd his horns:
+  Then on a mound, there by the soldiers rais'd,
+  He stood; and pray'd in ancient mode to heaven.
+  "Lo! here," he cry'd, "is one, whom save ye drive
+  "Far from your city, will your monarch be;
+  "By marks, but not by name I him describe:
+  "Two horns his forehead bears. He is the man,
+  "Once in the town receiv'd, the augur tells,
+  "With servile laws will rule ye. Nay, he might
+  "Your open gates have enter'd, but myself
+  "Oppos'd him; though more near to me is none.
+  "Expel him, Romans! from your city far;
+  "Or, if he merit them, with massive chains
+  "Load him: or rid yourself at once of fear
+  "By the proud tyrant's death." Such murmurs sound
+  'Mid lofty pines, when Eurus whistles fierce;
+  Such is the roaring of the ocean waves
+  Rolling far distant, as the crowd sent forth:
+  Till from amidst the all-confounding noise
+  One spoke more loud, and--"which is he?" exclaim'd.
+  Then all the brows they search'd, the horns to find.
+  Cippus again address'd them. "What you seek
+  "Behold!" and from his head the garland tore,
+  Spite of their efforts, and his forehead shew'd,
+  With double horns distinguish'd. All their eyes
+  Depress'd, and sighs from every bosom burst:
+  Unwillingly, (incredible!) they view
+  That head so bright with merit. Then, no more
+  Bearing that honors due he should not gain,
+  They bind his temples with a festal crown.
+  Thee, Cippus! since within the walls forbid
+  To enter, now the senators present
+  A grateful gift; a tract of land so large
+  As with a plough, by two yok'd oxen drawn,
+  Thou canst from morn till close of day surround.
+  The horns, the type of this stupendous fact,
+  Long shall remain on brazen pillars grav'd.
+
+    Ye muses, patrons of the poet's song,
+  Explain (for all complete your knowledge, age
+  Most distant ne'er deceives you) why the isle
+  In Tiber's bosom, by his billows wash'd,
+  The rites of Esculapius introduc'd
+  Into the town of Romulus! A plague
+  Of direst form infected Latium's air,
+  And the pale bloodless bodies wasted thin
+  Squalid in poison. When the numerous deaths
+  Prov'd every effort of mankind was vain,
+  And vain the art of medicine, they beseech
+  Celestial aid, and unto Delphos go,
+  Apollo's oracle, 'mid place of earth;
+  Pray him to help their miserable state
+  With health-affording words; and end at once
+  The dreadful pest which scourg'd their mighty town.
+  The fane, the laurel, and the quiver, slung
+  Upon his shoulder, shook; and this reply
+  The tripod from its secret depth return'd;
+  Thrilling their fear-struck bosoms: "What you seek,
+  "O Romans! here, you should have nearer sought:
+  "And nearer now ev'n seek it. Phoebus' aid
+  "Your woe can lessen not; but Phoebus' son
+  "Can help ye: therefore with good omens go,
+  "And call my offspring to afford relief."
+  Soon as the prudent senators receiv'd
+  The god's commands, with diligence they seek
+  What city's walls Apollo's son contain;
+  Depute a band, whom favoring breezes waft
+  To Epidaurus' shores. Soon as their keels
+  Touch'd on the strand, they to th' assembled crowd
+  Of Grecian elders haste; and earnest beg
+  To grant their deity, to check the rage
+  Of death amongst the hapless Latian race,
+  By his mere presence. So unerring fate
+  Had said. Divided is the council's voice:
+  Some would the aid besought, be granted; some,
+  And many, these oppose; refuse to send
+  To foreign lands their patron, and their god.
+  While dubious they deliberated, eve
+  Chas'd the remains of light, and the earth's shade
+  Threw darkness round; when, lo! the helping god
+  Appear'd in sleep before the Roman's bed
+  To stand, in form like what his temples grace.
+  His left hand bore a rugged staff; his right
+  Strok'd down the hairs of his expanded beard;
+  As thus with words of import mild he spoke;
+  "Fear not, for I will come; my temple leave.
+  "View but this snake which with his circling folds
+  "My staff entwines; remark him, that again
+  "You well may know him; chang'd to such a form
+  "Will I be; but more huge I will appear;
+  "Mighty in bulk as heavenly beings ought."
+  The vision ceas'd, and vanish'd with the words:
+  And with the god fled sleep; and cheerful light
+  Follow'd the flight of Somnus. Now the morn
+  Had chas'd the starry fires; the Grecian chiefs,
+  Still dubious, in the splendid temple meet
+  Of the intreated deity, and pray
+  That some celestial sign he should display,
+  To prove which country for his seat he chose.
+  Scarce had they ended, when the shining god
+  Fore-running hisses sent; and as a snake
+  With lofty crest appear'd: at his approach
+  His statue, altars, portals, gilded roofs,
+  And marble pavement shook. He rear'd his chest
+  Sublime amid the temple; and around
+  Darted his eyes, which shone with living fire.
+  Trembled the fear-struck crowd. The sacred priest,
+  His hair encircled with a snowy band,
+  Straight knew him; and, "the God! the God!" exclaim'd:
+  "All present, him with hearts and tongues adore!
+  "O glorious deity! may thou, thus seen,
+  "Propitious be; thy worshippers protect,
+  "Who keep thy rites." All present to the god
+  Adoring bend, and all his words repeat;
+  And Rome's embassadors with fervor join
+  In mind and voice. To these the god consents,
+  And his crest moving, certain signs affords:
+  Thrice hissing, thrice he shakes his forked tongue,
+  Then down the shining steps he glides, his head
+  Retorted; as he thence departs he views
+  His ancient altars, and a last salute,
+  His wonted seat, his long-own'd temple, gives.
+  Thence rolls he huge along the ground bestrew'd
+  With scatter'd flowers, in curving folds entwin'd;
+  And through the city's centre takes his way,
+  To where the bending mole the port defends.
+  Here rested he; and to dismiss appear'd
+  His followers, and the kind attending crowd,
+  With gracious looks; then in th' Ausonian ship
+  He plac'd his length. A deity's huge weight
+  The ship confess'd; the keel beneath the load
+  Bent. Glad AEneaes' offspring felt, and loos'd
+  (A bull first sacrific'd upon the shore,)
+  The cables which their crowded galley bound.
+  Light airs impell'd the vessel. High aloft
+  The god appear'd; upon the curving poop
+  Rested his neck, and view'd the azure waves.
+  By zephyrs wafted o'er th' Ioenian sea,
+  They reach'd Italia when the sixth time rose
+  Aurora. Pass'd Scylacea, and the fane
+  Of Juno, on Lacinia's noted shore;
+  Japygia left, and shunn'd Amphissia's rocks
+  With larboard oars; and, coasting on the right,
+  Ceraunia, and Romechium pass'd, and pass'd
+  Narycia and Caulonia; they, (the risks
+  Of sea, and of Pelorus' narrow straits
+  Surmounted) pass th' AEolian monarch's isles;
+  Metallic Themesis; Leucasia's land;
+  And warm and rosy Paestus. Thence they coast
+  Along Capraea; and Minerva's cape;
+  And pass Surrentum, rich in generous wine,
+  The town of Hercules; Parthenope,
+  Built for soft ease; with Stabia; and from thence
+  Pass the Cumaean Sybil's sacred dome.
+  Hence by Linternum, with the mastich rich;
+  And boiling fountains are they borne; and past
+  Vulturnus sucking sand within the gulf;
+  And Sinuessa, fill'd with milk-white doves:
+  Marshy Minturnae; with Cajeta, rais'd
+  By him she nurs'd; Antiphates' abode;
+  Trachas, by fens encompass'd; Circe's land;
+  And Antium's solid shore. Here when the crew
+  Had with toe flying vessel reach'd, (for now
+  Rough was the main) the god his folds untwines,
+  Glides on in frequent coils, and spires immense;
+  Entering a temple of his sire that stood
+  Close by the yellow beach. The ocean calm'd,
+  The Epidaurian god his father's fane
+  Now leaves; a deity to him close join'd
+  Thus hospitable found: the sandy shore
+  Ploughs in a furrow with his rattling scales:
+  Then, in the steersman confident, he rests
+  On the high poop his head, till they approach
+  Lavinium's city, and her sacred seat,
+  And Tiber's mouth. The people rush in heaps,
+  And crowds of matrons and of fathers rush,
+  Confus'dly hither; even the vestal maids
+  Who guard the sacred fire: and all salute
+  The god with joyful clamor. Then where'er
+  The rapid vessel cleaves th' opposing stream,
+  The incense crackles on the banks, and rais'd
+  Are lines of altars, thick on either shore;
+  The smoke perfumes the air; the victims bleed
+  In heaps, and warm the sacrificial knife.
+  The Roman city now, the world's great head,
+  They enter'd, up erect the serpent rose;
+  From the mast's loftiest summit tower'd his neck,
+  And round he look'd to chuse a fit abode.
+  The waves circumfluent in two equal streams
+  Divide; the isle has thence its name, the arms
+  On either side are stretch'd, land in the midst.
+  Hither the AEsculapian snake himself
+  Betook, departing from the Latian ship;
+  Resum'd his form celestial, and their griefs
+  Dispersing, came health-bearer to the land.
+
+    A foreign power he in our temples stands,
+  But Caesar, in his native town a god
+  Is worshipp'd. In the forum, and the field
+  Fam'd equal: yet not his well-finish'd wars,
+  His triumphs, nor the deeds in peace perform'd
+  So justly chang'd him to an heavenly shape,
+  A blazing star, as did the son he left.
+  For no atchievement Caesar e'er perform'd
+  Can with the boast to be Augustus' sire
+  Compare. Far greater this than to subdue
+  The sea-girt Britons:--his victorious fleets
+  To seven-mouth'd Nile to lead;--to bring the realms
+  Cinyphian Juba rul'd, 'neath Rome's control,
+  Rebel Numidia; and, puff'd high in pride
+  With Mithridates' glory, Pontus' land;
+  Rich triumphs to have gain'd, and triumphs more
+  To merit, as a man so great produce;
+  To whose presiding care, O bounteous gods!
+  Mankind ye gave, and them completely blest.
+  And lest he seem from mortal seed to spring
+  His sire must mount to heaven, in form a god.
+  This the bright mother of AEneaes saw,
+  And for the priest beheld a mournful fate
+  Prepar'd, and moving saw the arms conspir'd.
+  She trembled, and to every god she met
+  Address'd her: "Lo! what deep and potent plots
+  "Against me they prepare. See, with what art
+  "His life is sought, who sole to me is left
+  "Of my Iuelus. Why must I alone
+  "Be harrass'd still with never-ceasing cares?
+  "Whom now Tydides' Calydonian spear
+  "Wounds; now the walls of ill-protected Troy
+  "Lie prostrate. Who my darling son behold
+  "Driv'n to long wanderings; on the ocean toss'd;
+  "Entering the silent mansions of the dead;
+  "Waging fierce war with Turnus; or, if truth
+  "I speak, with Juno rather. Yet why now
+  "Record I former sufferings in my sons?
+  "Terror prevents all memory of the past;
+  "See, where at me their impious swords they point!
+  "O, I conjure you! stay them; and prevent
+  "The horrid deed; lest, spilt the high-priest's blood,
+  "The fires of Vesta be for ever dark."
+  With words like these did troubled Venus move
+  Each power of heaven, in vain; yet all were touch'd,
+  And, though the stern decrees of rigid fate
+  To break unable, tokens plain they gave,
+  That some immense calamity was nigh.
+  They tell, that clashing arms 'mid the black clouds,
+  And dreadful horns and trumpets in the heavens
+  Sounded, to warn us of the impious deed.
+  Full of solicitude the earth beheld
+  The pale wan image of sad Phoebus' face.
+  Torches were often seen 'mid heaven to glare;
+  And from the clouds oft gory drops were shed.
+  Blue Lucifer a dusky hue o'ercast;
+  And Luna's car was sprinkled o'er with blood.
+  Th' infernal owl in numerous places shriek'd,
+  A direful omen! In a thousand fanes
+  The ivory statues wept; the sacred groves
+  Re-echo'd all with songs and threatening sounds.
+  No victim seem'd appeasing; tumults vast
+  Approaching shew'd the entrails; and appear'd
+  The liver always with a wounded head.
+  Around the domes, and temples of the gods
+  Loud howl'd the midnight dogs; the silent shades
+  Flitted along; and tremblings shook the town.
+  Yet could not these forebodings of the heavens
+  Crush the conspiracy, or ward his fate;
+  And in the temple were the weapons drawn:
+  For, but the senate-house, no spot could please
+  The vile assassins for the bloody deed.
+  Then Cytherea smote her lovely breast
+  In anguish; and beneath an heavenly cloud
+  Sought to conceal him: such a cloud as once
+  From furious Menelaues Paris sav'd;
+  And snatch'd AEneaes from Tydides' sword.
+  Then thus her sire: "O daughter! hast thou power
+  "Th' immutable decrees of fate to change?
+  "To thee 'tis granted to inspect the dome
+  "Of the three sisters; there thou wilt behold
+  "Th' eternal tablets of events engrav'd
+  "On steel and brass, a work of mighty toil.
+  "Safe, they nor fear the clashing of the sky,
+  "Nor rage of thunder, nor of ruin aught.
+  "There wilt thou written find thy offspring's fate
+  "On ever-during adamant. Myself
+  "Have read it, and record it in my mind;
+  "And lest thou should'st be to the future blind,
+  "I will relate it. He for whom thou toil'st,
+  "O Cytherea! has his time fulfill'd;
+  "The sum of years which to the earth he ow'd.
+  "That he a deity in heaven may rise,
+  "And be in temples worshipp'd is thy care,
+  "And his successor's; who his name will take,
+  "And on his shoulders bear the wide world's rule;
+  "On him impos'd. He, of his murder'd sire
+  "Valiant avenger, shall in all his wars
+  "Our favoring influence feel. Mutina's walls,
+  "By him besieg'd, in conquest shall confess
+  "His power, and sue for peace. Pharsalia, him
+  "Shall feel; and, drench'd in Macedonian blood
+  "Again, Philippi. On Sicilia's seas
+  "His mighty name shall conquer. Egypt's queen,
+  "Falsely relying on the nuptial bond
+  "With Rome's triumvir, falls: all vain her threats,
+  "That Tiber should subservient bend to Nile.
+  "Why should I speak to thee of barbarous hordes,
+  "Nations which dwell at either seas' extreme?
+  "Whatever habitable earth contains
+  "Will to his empire bend. Ocean will own
+  "His sway. Peace on th'extended earth bestow'd,
+  "To civil studies will his breast be turn'd;
+  "And laws most equitable will he frame.
+  "By his example curb licentious souls;
+  "And, stretching forward to a future age
+  "His anxious care, which their sons' sons may feel,
+  "His offspring, nurtur'd in a pious womb,
+  "At once his name and station will assume.
+  "Nor shall he touch th' ethereal seats, nor join
+  "His kindred stars till full like him in years.
+  "Meantime his soul, snatch'd from the mangled corse,
+  "Form to a brilliant star, a god divine:
+  "That Julius from his lofty seat may still
+  "Our forum, and our Capitol behold."
+  Scarcely the sire had ceas'd, when Venus, bright,
+  But unperceiv'd by all, stood in the midst
+  Of Rome's assembled senate; from the breast
+  Of her lov'd Caesar took the recent soul,
+  Nor let it waste in air. Up to the stars
+  She bore it. Rapid as she swept along,
+  She saw it shine with light, she saw it burn;
+  Then from her bosom spring above the moon:
+  Lofty it flies, it shines a glittering star,
+  Dragging a flaming tail's stupendous length.
+  Viewing the glorious actions of his son,
+  Candid he grants them mightier than his own,
+  And thus surpast rejoices. Let him frown,
+  If to his parent's deeds we his prefer;
+  Yet fame quite free will such commands despise,
+  Give him unwish'd-for precedence; and here,
+  And here alone he'll disobedience find.
+  So Atreus yielded to the mighty fame
+  Of Agamemnon; Theseus so surpass'd
+  AEgeus; and Achilles Peleus so.
+  Nay more, examples nearer to themselves
+  If I should use, Saturn submits to Jove.
+  Jove rules th' ethereal sky, the triform world;
+  And all the earth beneath Augustus lies:
+  Each is the sire and ruler of his realm.
+
+    O, I implore, ye gods! who did attend
+  AEneaes,--who made fire and sword retreat!
+  Ye native deities of Latium's soil!
+  Quirinus, founder of the walls of Rome!
+  Mars, of Quirinus never-conquer'd, sire!
+  Vesta, held sacred midst the Caesars' gods!
+  Domestic Phoebus, with chaste Vesta plac'd!
+  And Jove, who guards the high Tarpeiaen walls!
+  With all whom pious poets may invoke;
+  Slow may that day arrive, and older far
+  Than what our age may see, when to the clouds
+  His glorious head shall mount, quitting this globe
+  He rules so well, and our beseeching prayers
+  Bending with condescending ear to grant.
+
+    Now is my work complete, which not Jove's ire,
+  Nor flame, nor steel, nor gnawing tooth of age,
+  Shall e'er destroy. Come when it will, that day
+  Which nothing, save my mortal frame, can touch.
+  Which ends the being of a dubious life,
+  My better part unperishing shall mount
+  Above the loftiest stars. Eternal still
+  Shall be my name. Where'er Rome's power extends
+  O'er conquer'd earth, my verses shall be read;
+  And, if the presages by poets given
+  Be true, to endless years my fame shall live.
+
+  FINIS.
+
+Hayden, Printer, Brydges Street, Covent Garden.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus
+Naso in English blank verse Vols. I & II, by Ovid
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK METAMORPHOSES ***
+
+***** This file should be named 28621.txt or 28621.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/6/2/28621/
+
+Produced by Michael Roe, Ted Garvin and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
diff --git a/28621.zip b/28621.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..12fbca1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/28621.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6fae284
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #28621 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28621)