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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. 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