Metamorphoses (Books I-XIV)
The Story of Perseus continu'd
5:1 While Perseus entertain'd with this report
5:2 His father Cepheus, and the list'ning
court,
5:3 Within the palace walls was heard
aloud
5:4 The roaring noise of some unruly
crowd;
5:5 Not like the songs which chearful
friends prepare
5:6 For nuptial days, but sounds that
threaten'd war;
5:7 And all the pleasures of this happy
feast,
5:8 To tumult turn'd, in wild disorder
ceas'd:
5:9 So, when the sea is calm, we often
find
5:10 A storm rais'd sudden by some furious
wind.
5:11 Chief in the riot Phineus first
appear'd,
5:12 The rash ringleader of this boist'rous
herd,
5:13 And brandishing his brazen-pointed
lance,
5:14 Behold, he said, an injur'd man
advance,
5:15 Stung with resentment for his ravish'd
wife,
5:16 Nor shall thy wings, o Perseus,
save thy life;
5:17 Nor Jove himself; tho' we've been
often told
5:18 Who got thee in the form of tempting
gold.
5:19 His lance was aim'd, when Cepheus
ran, and said,
5:20 Hold, brother, hold; what brutal
rage has made
5:21 Your frantick mind so black a crime
conceive?
5:22 Are these the thanks that you to
Perseus give?
5:23 This the reward that to his worth
you pay,
5:24 Whose timely valour sav'd Andromeda?
5:25 Nor was it he, if you would reason
right,
5:26 That forc'd her from you, but the
jealous spight
5:27 Of envious Nereids, and Jove's
high decree;
5:28 And that devouring monster of the
sea,
5:29 That ready with his jaws wide gaping
stood
5:30 To eat my child, the fairest of
my blood.
5:31 You lost her then, when she seem'd
past relief,
5:32 And wish'd perhaps her death, to
ease your grief
5:33 With my afflictions: not content
to view
5:34 Andromeda in chains, unhelp'd by
you,
5:35 Her spouse, and uncle; will you
grieve that he
5:36 Expos'd his life the dying maid
to free?
5:37 And shall you claim his merit?
Had you thought
5:38 Her charms so great, you shou'd
have bravely sought
5:39 That blessing on the rocks, where
fix'd she lay:
5:40 But now let Perseus bear his prize
away,
5:41 By service gain'd, by promis'd
faith possess'd;
5:42 To him I owe it, that my age is
bless'd
5:43 Still with a child: Nor think that
I prefer
5:44 Perseus to thee, but to the loss
of her.
5:45 Phineus on him, and Perseus, roul'd about
5:46 His eyes in silent rage, and seem'd
to doubt
5:47 Which to destroy; 'till, resolute
at length,
5:48 He threw his spear with the redoubled
strength
5:49 His fury gave him, and at Perseus
struck;
5:50 But missing Perseus, in his seat
it stuck.
5:51 Who, springing nimbly up, return'd
the dart,
5:52 And almost plung'd it in his rival's
heart;
5:53 But he for safety to the altar
ran,
5:54 Unfit protection for so vile a
man;
5:55 Yet was the stroke not vain, as
Rhaetus found,
5:56 Who in his brow receiv'd a mortal
wound;
5:57 Headlong he tumbled, when his skull
was broke,
5:58 From which his friends the fatal
weapon took,
5:59 While he lay trembling, and his
gushing blood
5:60 In crimson streams around the table
flow'd.
5:61 But this provok'd th' unruly rabble worse,
5:62 They flung their darts, and some
in loud discourse
5:63 To death young Perseus, and the
monarch doom;
5:64 But Cepheus left before the guilty
room,
5:65 With grief appealing to the Gods
above,
5:66 Who laws of hospitality approve,
5:67 Who faith protect, and succour
injur'd right,
5:68 That he was guiltless of this barb'rous
fight.
5:69 Pallas her brother Perseus close attends,
5:70 And with her ample shield from
harm defends,
5:71 Raising a sprightly courage in
his heart:
5:72 But Indian Athis took the weaker
part,
5:73 Born in the chrystal grottoes of
the sea,
5:74 Limnate's son, a fenny nymph, and
she
5:75 Daughter of Ganges; graceful was
his mein,
5:76 His person lovely, and his age
sixteen.
5:77 His habit made his native beauty
more;
5:78 A purple mantle fring'd with gold
he wore;
5:79 His neck well-turn'd with golden
chains was grac'd,
5:80 His hair with myrrh perfum'd, was
nicely dress'd.
5:81 Tho' with just aim he cou'd the
javelin throw,
5:82 Yet with more skill he drew the
bending bow;
5:83 And now was drawing it with artful
hand,
5:84 When Perseus snatching up a flaming
brand,
5:85 Whirl'd sudden at his face the
burning wood,
5:86 Crush'd his eyes in, and quench'd
the fire with blood;
5:87 Thro' the soft skin the splinter'd
bones appear,
5:88 And spoil'd the face that lately
was so fair.
5:89 When Lycabas his Athis thus beheld,
5:90 How was his heart with friendly
horror fill'd!
5:91 A youth so noble, to his soul so
dear,
5:92 To see his shapeless look, his
dying groans to hear!
5:93 He snatch'd the bow the boy was
us'd to bend,
5:94 And cry'd, With me, false traytor,
dare contend;
5:95 Boast not a conquest o'er a child,
but try
5:96 Thy strength with me, who all thy
pow'rs defy;
5:97 Nor think so mean an act a victory.
5:98 While yet he spoke he flung the
whizzing dart,
5:99 Which pierc'd the plaited robe,
but miss'd his heart:
5:100 Perseus defy'd, upon him fiercely
press'd
5:101 With sword, unsheath'd, and plung'd
it in his breast;
5:102 His eyes o'erwhelm'd with night,
he stumbling falls,
5:103 And with his latest breath on
Athis calls;
5:104 Pleas'd that so near the lovely
youth he lies,
5:105 He sinks his head upon his friend,
and dies.
5:106 Next eager Phorbas, old Methion's son,
5:107 Came rushing forward with Amphimedon;
5:108 When the smooth pavement, slippery
made with gore,
5:109 Trip'd up their feet, and flung
'em on the floor;
5:110 The sword of Perseus, who by
chance was nigh,
5:111 Prevents their rise, and where
they fall, they lye:
5:112 Full in his ribs Amphimedon he
smote,
5:113 And then stuck fiery Phorbas
in the throat.
5:114 Eurythus lifting up his ax, the blow
5:115 Was thus prevented by his nimble
foe;
5:116 A golden cup he seizes, high
embost,
5:117 And at his head the massy goblet
tost:
5:118 It hits, and from his forehead
bruis'd rebounds,
5:119 And blood, and brains he vomits
from his wounds;
5:120 With his slain fellows on the
floor he lies,
5:121 And death for ever shuts his
swimming eyes.
5:122 Then Polydaemon fell, a Goddess-born;
5:123 Phlegias, and Elycen with locks
unshorn
5:124 Next follow'd; next, the stroke
of death he gave
5:125 To Clytus, Abanis, and Lycetus
brave;
5:126 While o'er unnumber'd heaps of
ghastly dead,
5:127 The Argive heroe's feet triumphant
tread.
5:128 But Phineus stands aloof, and dreads to feel
5:129 His rival's force, and flies
his pointed steel:
5:130 Yet threw a dart from far; by
chance it lights
5:131 On Idas, who for neither party
fights;
5:132 But wounded, sternly thus to
Phineus said,
5:133 Since of a neuter thou a foe
hast made,
5:134 This I return thee, drawing from
his side
5:135 The dart; which, as he strove
to fling, he dy'd.
5:136 Odites fell by Clymenus's sword,
5:137 The Cephen court had not a greater
lord.
5:138 Hypseus his blade does in Protenor
sheath,
5:139 But brave Lyncides soon reveng'd
his death.
5:140 Here too was old Emathion, one
that fear'd
5:141 The Gods, and in the cause of
Heav'n appear'd,
5:142 Who only wishing the success
of right,
5:143 And, by his age, exempted from
the fight,
5:144 Both sides alike condemns: This
impious war
5:145 Cease, cease, he cries; these
bloody broils forbear.
5:146 This scarce the sage with high
concern had said,
5:147 When Chromis at a blow struck
off his head,
5:148 Which dropping, on the royal
altar roul'd,
5:149 Still staring on the crowd with
aspect bold;
5:150 And still it seem'd their horrid
strife to blame,
5:151 In life and death, his pious
zeal the same;
5:152 While clinging to the horns,
the trunk expires,
5:153 The sever'd head consumes amidst
the fires.
5:154 Then Phineus, who from far his javelin threw,
5:155 Broteas and Ammon, twins and
brothers, slew;
5:156 For knotted gauntlets matchless
in the field;
5:157 But gauntlets must to swords
and javelins yield.
5:158 Ampycus next, with hallow'd fillets
bound,
5:159 As Ceres' priest, and with a
mitre crown'd,
5:160 His spear transfix'd, and struck
him to the ground.
5:161 O Iapetides, with pain I tell
5:162 How you, sweet lyrist, in the
riot fell;
5:163 What worse than brutal rage his
breast could fill,
5:164 Who did thy blood, o bard celestial!
spill?
5:165 Kindly you press'd amid the princely
throng,
5:166 To crown the feast, and give
the nuptial song:
5:167 Discord abhorr'd the musick of
thy lyre,
5:168 Whose notes did gentle peace
so well inspire;
5:169 Thee, when fierce Pettalus far
off espy'd,
5:170 Defenceless with thy harp, he
scoffing cry'd,
5:171 Go; to the ghosts thy soothing
lessons play;
5:172 We loath thy lyre, and scorn
thy peaceful lay:
5:173 And, as again he fiercely bid
him go,
5:174 He pierc'd his temples with a
mortal blow.
5:175 His harp he held, tho' sinking
on the ground,
5:176 Whose strings in death his trembling
fingers found
5:177 By chance, and tun'd by chance
a dying sound.
5:178 With grief Lycormas saw him fall, from far,
5:179 And, wresting from the door a
massy bar,
5:180 Full in his poll lays on a load
of knocks,
5:181 Which stun him, and he falls
like a devoted ox.
5:182 Another bar Pelates would have
snach'd,
5:183 But Corynthus his motions slily
watch'd;
5:184 He darts his weapon from a private
stand,
5:185 And rivets to the post his veiny
hand:
5:186 When strait a missive spear transfix'd
his side,
5:187 By Abas thrown, and as he hung,
he dy'd.
5:188 Melaneus on the prince's side was slain;
5:189 And Dorylas, who own'd a fertile
plain,
5:190 Of Nasamonia's fields the wealthy
lord,
5:191 Whose crowded barns, could scarce
contain their board.
5:192 A whizzing spear obliquely gave
a blow,
5:193 Stuck in his groin, and pierc'd
the nerves below;
5:194 His foe behld his eyes convulsive
roul,
5:195 His ebbing veins, and his departing
soul;
5:196 Then taunting said, Of all thy
spacious plain,
5:197 This spot thy only property remains.
5:198 He left him thus; but had no
sooner left,
5:199 Than Perseus in revenge his nostrils
cleft;
5:200 From his friend's breast the
murd'ring dart he drew,
5:201 And the same weapon at the murderer
threw;
5:202 His head in halves the darted
javelin cut,
5:203 And on each side the brain came
issuing out.
5:204 Fortune his friend, in deaths around he deals,
5:205 And this his lance, and that
his faulchion feels:
5:206 Now Clytius dies; and by a diff'rent
wound,
5:207 The twin, his brother Clanis,
bites the ground.
5:208 In his rent jaw the bearded weapon
sticks,
5:209 And the steel'd dart does Clytius'
thigh transfix.
5:210 With these Mendesian Celadon
he slew:
5:211 And Astreus next, whose mother
was a Jew,
5:212 His sire uncertain: then by Perseus
fell
5:213 Aethion, who cou'd things to
come foretell;
5:214 But now he knows not whence the
javelin flies
5:215 That wounds his breast, nor by
whose arm he dies.
5:216 The squire to Phineus next his valour try'd,
5:217 And fierce Agyrtes stain'd with
paricide.
5:218 As these are slain, fresh numbers still appear,
5:219 And wage with Perseus an unequal
war;
5:220 To rob him of his right, the
maid he won,
5:221 By honour, promise, and desert
his own.
5:222 With him, the father of the beauteous
bride,
5:223 The mother, and the frighted
virgin side;
5:224 With shrieks, and doleful cries
they rend the air:
5:225 Their shrieks confounded with
the din of war,
5:226 With dashing arms, and groanings
of the slain,
5:227 They grieve unpitied, and unheard
complain.
5:228 The floor with ruddy streams
Bellona stains,
5:229 And Phineus a new war with double
rage maintains.
5:230 Perseus begirt, from all around they pour
5:231 Their lances on him, a tempestuous
show'r,
5:232 Aim'd all at him; a cloud of
darts, and spears,
5:233 Or blind his eyes, or whistle
round his ears.
5:234 Their numbers to resist, against
the wall
5:235 He guards his back secure, and
dares them all.
5:236 Here from the left Molpeus renews
the fight,
5:237 And bold Ethemon presses on the
right:
5:238 As when a hungry tyger near him
hears
5:239 Two lowing herds, a-while he
both forbears;
5:240 Nor can his hopes of this, or
that renounce,
5:241 So strong he lusts to prey on
both at once;
5:242 Thus Perseus now with that, or
this is loth
5:243 To war distinct:, but fain would
fall on both.
5:244 And first Chaonian Molpeus felt
his blow,
5:245 And fled, and never after fac'd
his foe;
5:246 Then fierce Ethemon, as he turn'd
his back,
5:247 Hurried with fury, aiming at
his neck,
5:248 His brandish'd sword against
the marble struck
5:249 With all his might; the brittle
weapon broke,
5:250 And in his throat the point rebounding
stuck.
5:251 Too slight the wound for life
to issue thence,
5:252 And yet too great for battel,
or defence;
5:253 His arms extended in this piteous
state,
5:254 For mercy he wou'd sue, but sues
too late;
5:255 Perseus has in his bosom plung'd
the sword,
5:256 And, ere he speaks, the wound
prevents the word.
5:257 The crowds encreasing, and his friends distress'd,
5:258 Himself by warring multitudes
oppress'd:
5:259 Since thus unequally you fight,
'tis time,
5:260 He cry'd, to punish your presumptuous
crime;
5:261 Beware, my friends; his friends
were soon prepar'd,
5:262 Their sight averting, high the
head he rear'd,
5:263 And Gorgon on his foes severely
star'd.
5:264 Vain shift! says Thescelus, with
aspect bold,
5:265 Thee, and thy bugbear monster,
I behold
5:266 With scorn; he lifts his arm,
but ere he threw
5:267 The dart, the heroe to a statue
grew.
5:268 In the same posture still the
marble stands,
5:269 And holds the warrior's weapons
in its hands.
5:270 Amphyx, whom yet this wonder
can't alarm,
5:271 Heaves at Lyncides' breast his
impious arm;
5:272 But, while thus daringly he presses
on,
5:273 His weapon and his arm are turn'd
to stone.
5:274 Next Nileus, he who vainly said
he ow'd
5:275 His origin to Nile's prolifick
flood;
5:276 Who on his shield seven silver
rivers bore,
5:277 His birth to witness by the arms
he wore;
5:278 Full of his sev'n-fold father,
thus express'd
5:279 His boast to Perseus, and his
pride confess'd:
5:280 See whence we sprung; let this
thy comfort be
5:281 In thy sure death, that thou
didst die by me.
5:282 While yet he spoke, the dying
accents hung
5:283 In sounds imperfect on his marble
tongue;
5:284 Tho' chang'd to stone, his lips
he seem'd to stretch,
5:285 And thro' th' insensate rock
wou'd force a speech.
5:286 This Eryx saw, but seeing wou'd not own;
5:287 The mischief by your selves,
he cries, is done,
5:288 'Tis your cold courage turns
your hearts to stone.
5:289 Come, follow me; fall on the
stripling boy,
5:290 Kill him, and you his magick
arms destroy.
5:291 Then rushing on, his arm to strike
he rear'd,
5:292 And marbled o'er his varied frame
appear'd.
5:293 These for affronting Pallas were chastis'd,
5:294 And justly met the death they
had despis'd.
5:295 But brave Aconteus, Perseus'
friend, by chance
5:296 Look'd back, and met the Gorgon's
fatal glance:
5:297 A statue now become, he ghastly
stares,
5:298 And still the foe to mortal combat
dares.
5:299 Astyages the living likeness
knew,
5:300 On the dead stone with vengeful
fury flew;
5:301 But impotent his rage, the jarring
blade
5:302 No print upon the solid marble
made:
5:303 Again, as with redoubled might
he struck,
5:304 Himself astonish'd in the quarry
stuck.
5:305 The vulgar deaths 'twere tedious to rehearse,
5:306 And fates below the dignity of
verse;
5:307 Their safety in their flight
two hundred found,
5:308 Two hundred, by Medusa's head
were ston'd.
5:309 Fierce Phineus now repents the wrongful fight,
5:310 And views his varied friends,
a dreadful sight;
5:311 He knows their faces, for their
help he sues,
5:312 And thinks, not hearing him,
that they refuse:
5:313 By name he begs their succour,
one by one,
5:314 Then doubts their life, and feels
the friendly stone.
5:315 Struck with remorse, and conscious
of his pride,
5:316 Convict of sin, he turn'd his
eyes aside;
5:317 With suppliant mein to Perseus
thus he prays,
5:318 Hence with the head, as far as
winds and seas
5:319 Can bear thee; hence, o quit
the Cephen shore,
5:320 And never curse us with Medusa
more,
5:321 That horrid head, which stiffens
into stone
5:322 Those impious men who, daring
death, look on.
5:323 I warr'd not with thee out of
hate or strife,
5:324 My honest cause was to defend
my wife,
5:325 First pledg'd to me; what crime
cou'd I suppose,
5:326 To arm my friends, and vindicate
my spouse?
5:327 But vain, too late I see, was
our design;
5:328 Mine was the title, but the merit
thine.
5:329 Contending made me guilty, I
confess;
5:330 But penitence shou'd make that
guilt the less:
5:331 'Twas thine to conquer by Minerva's
pow'r;
5:332 Favour'd of Heav'n, thy mercy
I implore;
5:333 For life I sue; the rest to thee
I yield;
5:334 In pity, from my sight remove
the shield.
5:335 He suing said; nor durst revert his eyes
5:336 On the grim head: and Perseus
thus replies:
5:337 Coward, what is in me to grant,
I will,
5:338 Nor blood, unworthy of my valour
spill:
5:339 Fear not to perish by my vengeful
sword,
5:340 From that secure; 'tis all the
Fates afford.
5:341 Where I now see thee, thou shalt
still be seen,
5:342 A lasting monument to please
our queen;
5:343 There still shall thy betroth'd
behold her spouse,
5:344 And find his image in her father's
house.
5:345 This said; where Phineus turn'd
to shun the shield
5:346 Full in his face the staring
head he held;
5:347 As here and there he strove to
turn aside,
5:348 The wonder wrought, the man was
petrify'd:
5:349 All marble was his frame, his
humid eyes
5:350 Drop'd tears, which hung upon
the stone like ice.
5:351 In suppliant posture, with uplifted
hands,
5:352 And fearful look, the guilty
statue stands.
5:353 Hence Perseus to his native city hies,
5:354 Victorious, and rewarded with
his prize.
5:355 Conquest, o'er Praetus the usurper,
won,
5:356 He re-instates his grandsire
in the throne.
5:357 Praetus, his brother dispossess'd
by might,
5:358 His realm enjoy'd, and still
detain'd his right:
5:359 But Perseus pull'd the haughty
tyrant down,
5:360 And to the rightful king restor'd
the throne.
5:361 Weak was th' usurper, as his
cause was wrong;
5:362 Where Gorgon's head appears,
what arms are strong?
5:363 When Perseus to his host the
monster held,
5:364 They soon were statues, and their
king expell'd.
5:365 Thence, to Seriphus with the head he sails,
5:366 Whose prince his story treats
as idle tales:
5:367 Lord of a little isle, he scorns
to seem
5:368 Too credulous, but laughs at
that, and him.
5:369 Yet did he not so much suspect
the truth,
5:370 As out of pride, or envy, hate
the youth.
5:371 The Argive prince, at his contempt
enrag'd,
5:372 To force his faith by fatal proof
engag'd.
5:373 Friends, shut your eyes, he cries;
his shield he takes,
5:374 And to the king expos'd Medusa's
snakes.
5:375 The monarch felt the pow'r he
wou'd not own,
5:376 And stood convict of folly in
the stone.
Metamorphoses (Books I-XIV)
The Story of Perseus continu'd
5:1 While Perseus entertain'd with this report
5:2 His father Cepheus, and the list'ning
court,
5:3 Within the palace walls was heard
aloud
5:4 The roaring noise of some unruly
crowd;
5:5 Not like the songs which chearful
friends prepare
5:6 For nuptial days, but sounds that
threaten'd war;
5:7 And all the pleasures of this happy
feast,
5:8 To tumult turn'd, in wild disorder
ceas'd:
5:9 So, when the sea is calm, we often
find
5:10 A storm rais'd sudden by some furious
wind.
5:11 Chief in the riot Phineus first
appear'd,
5:12 The rash ringleader of this boist'rous
herd,
5:13 And brandishing his brazen-pointed
lance,
5:14 Behold, he said, an injur'd man
advance,
5:15 Stung with resentment for his ravish'd
wife,
5:16 Nor shall thy wings, o Perseus,
save thy life;
5:17 Nor Jove himself; tho' we've been
often told
5:18 Who got thee in the form of tempting
gold.
5:19 His lance was aim'd, when Cepheus
ran, and said,
5:20 Hold, brother, hold; what brutal
rage has made
5:21 Your frantick mind so black a crime
conceive?
5:22 Are these the thanks that you to
Perseus give?
5:23 This the reward that to his worth
you pay,
5:24 Whose timely valour sav'd Andromeda?
5:25 Nor was it he, if you would reason
right,
5:26 That forc'd her from you, but the
jealous spight
5:27 Of envious Nereids, and Jove's
high decree;
5:28 And that devouring monster of the
sea,
5:29 That ready with his jaws wide gaping
stood
5:30 To eat my child, the fairest of
my blood.
5:31 You lost her then, when she seem'd
past relief,
5:32 And wish'd perhaps her death, to
ease your grief
5:33 With my afflictions: not content
to view
5:34 Andromeda in chains, unhelp'd by
you,
5:35 Her spouse, and uncle; will you
grieve that he
5:36 Expos'd his life the dying maid
to free?
5:37 And shall you claim his merit?
Had you thought
5:38 Her charms so great, you shou'd
have bravely sought
5:39 That blessing on the rocks, where
fix'd she lay:
5:40 But now let Perseus bear his prize
away,
5:41 By service gain'd, by promis'd
faith possess'd;
5:42 To him I owe it, that my age is
bless'd
5:43 Still with a child: Nor think that
I prefer
5:44 Perseus to thee, but to the loss
of her.
5:45 Phineus on him, and Perseus, roul'd about
5:46 His eyes in silent rage, and seem'd
to doubt
5:47 Which to destroy; 'till, resolute
at length,
5:48 He threw his spear with the redoubled
strength
5:49 His fury gave him, and at Perseus
struck;
5:50 But missing Perseus, in his seat
it stuck.
5:51 Who, springing nimbly up, return'd
the dart,
5:52 And almost plung'd it in his rival's
heart;
5:53 But he for safety to the altar
ran,
5:54 Unfit protection for so vile a
man;
5:55 Yet was the stroke not vain, as
Rhaetus found,
5:56 Who in his brow receiv'd a mortal
wound;
5:57 Headlong he tumbled, when his skull
was broke,
5:58 From which his friends the fatal
weapon took,
5:59 While he lay trembling, and his
gushing blood
5:60 In crimson streams around the table
flow'd.
5:61 But this provok'd th' unruly rabble worse,
5:62 They flung their darts, and some
in loud discourse
5:63 To death young Perseus, and the
monarch doom;
5:64 But Cepheus left before the guilty
room,
5:65 With grief appealing to the Gods
above,
5:66 Who laws of hospitality approve,
5:67 Who faith protect, and succour
injur'd right,
5:68 That he was guiltless of this barb'rous
fight.
5:69 Pallas her brother Perseus close attends,
5:70 And with her ample shield from
harm defends,
5:71 Raising a sprightly courage in
his heart:
5:72 But Indian Athis took the weaker
part,
5:73 Born in the chrystal grottoes of
the sea,
5:74 Limnate's son, a fenny nymph, and
she
5:75 Daughter of Ganges; graceful was
his mein,
5:76 His person lovely, and his age
sixteen.
5:77 His habit made his native beauty
more;
5:78 A purple mantle fring'd with gold
he wore;
5:79 His neck well-turn'd with golden
chains was grac'd,
5:80 His hair with myrrh perfum'd, was
nicely dress'd.
5:81 Tho' with just aim he cou'd the
javelin throw,
5:82 Yet with more skill he drew the
bending bow;
5:83 And now was drawing it with artful
hand,
5:84 When Perseus snatching up a flaming
brand,
5:85 Whirl'd sudden at his face the
burning wood,
5:86 Crush'd his eyes in, and quench'd
the fire with blood;
5:87 Thro' the soft skin the splinter'd
bones appear,
5:88 And spoil'd the face that lately
was so fair.
5:89 When Lycabas his Athis thus beheld,
5:90 How was his heart with friendly
horror fill'd!
5:91 A youth so noble, to his soul so
dear,
5:92 To see his shapeless look, his
dying groans to hear!
5:93 He snatch'd the bow the boy was
us'd to bend,
5:94 And cry'd, With me, false traytor,
dare contend;
5:95 Boast not a conquest o'er a child,
but try
5:96 Thy strength with me, who all thy
pow'rs defy;
5:97 Nor think so mean an act a victory.
5:98 While yet he spoke he flung the
whizzing dart,
5:99 Which pierc'd the plaited robe,
but miss'd his heart:
5:100 Perseus defy'd, upon him fiercely
press'd
5:101 With sword, unsheath'd, and plung'd
it in his breast;
5:102 His eyes o'erwhelm'd with night,
he stumbling falls,
5:103 And with his latest breath on
Athis calls;
5:104 Pleas'd that so near the lovely
youth he lies,
5:105 He sinks his head upon his friend,
and dies.
5:106 Next eager Phorbas, old Methion's son,
5:107 Came rushing forward with Amphimedon;
5:108 When the smooth pavement, slippery
made with gore,
5:109 Trip'd up their feet, and flung
'em on the floor;
5:110 The sword of Perseus, who by
chance was nigh,
5:111 Prevents their rise, and where
they fall, they lye:
5:112 Full in his ribs Amphimedon he
smote,
5:113 And then stuck fiery Phorbas
in the throat.
5:114 Eurythus lifting up his ax, the blow
5:115 Was thus prevented by his nimble
foe;
5:116 A golden cup he seizes, high
embost,
5:117 And at his head the massy goblet
tost:
5:118 It hits, and from his forehead
bruis'd rebounds,
5:119 And blood, and brains he vomits
from his wounds;
5:120 With his slain fellows on the
floor he lies,
5:121 And death for ever shuts his
swimming eyes.
5:122 Then Polydaemon fell, a Goddess-born;
5:123 Phlegias, and Elycen with locks
unshorn
5:124 Next follow'd; next, the stroke
of death he gave
5:125 To Clytus, Abanis, and Lycetus
brave;
5:126 While o'er unnumber'd heaps of
ghastly dead,
5:127 The Argive heroe's feet triumphant
tread.
5:128 But Phineus stands aloof, and dreads to feel
5:129 His rival's force, and flies
his pointed steel:
5:130 Yet threw a dart from far; by
chance it lights
5:131 On Idas, who for neither party
fights;
5:132 But wounded, sternly thus to
Phineus said,
5:133 Since of a neuter thou a foe
hast made,
5:134 This I return thee, drawing from
his side
5:135 The dart; which, as he strove
to fling, he dy'd.
5:136 Odites fell by Clymenus's sword,
5:137 The Cephen court had not a greater
lord.
5:138 Hypseus his blade does in Protenor
sheath,
5:139 But brave Lyncides soon reveng'd
his death.
5:140 Here too was old Emathion, one
that fear'd
5:141 The Gods, and in the cause of
Heav'n appear'd,
5:142 Who only wishing the success
of right,
5:143 And, by his age, exempted from
the fight,
5:144 Both sides alike condemns: This
impious war
5:145 Cease, cease, he cries; these
bloody broils forbear.
5:146 This scarce the sage with high
concern had said,
5:147 When Chromis at a blow struck
off his head,
5:148 Which dropping, on the royal
altar roul'd,
5:149 Still staring on the crowd with
aspect bold;
5:150 And still it seem'd their horrid
strife to blame,
5:151 In life and death, his pious
zeal the same;
5:152 While clinging to the horns,
the trunk expires,
5:153 The sever'd head consumes amidst
the fires.
5:154 Then Phineus, who from far his javelin threw,
5:155 Broteas and Ammon, twins and
brothers, slew;
5:156 For knotted gauntlets matchless
in the field;
5:157 But gauntlets must to swords
and javelins yield.
5:158 Ampycus next, with hallow'd fillets
bound,
5:159 As Ceres' priest, and with a
mitre crown'd,
5:160 His spear transfix'd, and struck
him to the ground.
5:161 O Iapetides, with pain I tell
5:162 How you, sweet lyrist, in the
riot fell;
5:163 What worse than brutal rage his
breast could fill,
5:164 Who did thy blood, o bard celestial!
spill?
5:165 Kindly you press'd amid the princely
throng,
5:166 To crown the feast, and give
the nuptial song:
5:167 Discord abhorr'd the musick of
thy lyre,
5:168 Whose notes did gentle peace
so well inspire;
5:169 Thee, when fierce Pettalus far
off espy'd,
5:170 Defenceless with thy harp, he
scoffing cry'd,
5:171 Go; to the ghosts thy soothing
lessons play;
5:172 We loath thy lyre, and scorn
thy peaceful lay:
5:173 And, as again he fiercely bid
him go,
5:174 He pierc'd his temples with a
mortal blow.
5:175 His harp he held, tho' sinking
on the ground,
5:176 Whose strings in death his trembling
fingers found
5:177 By chance, and tun'd by chance
a dying sound.
5:178 With grief Lycormas saw him fall, from far,
5:179 And, wresting from the door a
massy bar,
5:180 Full in his poll lays on a load
of knocks,
5:181 Which stun him, and he falls
like a devoted ox.
5:182 Another bar Pelates would have
snach'd,
5:183 But Corynthus his motions slily
watch'd;
5:184 He darts his weapon from a private
stand,
5:185 And rivets to the post his veiny
hand:
5:186 When strait a missive spear transfix'd
his side,
5:187 By Abas thrown, and as he hung,
he dy'd.
5:188 Melaneus on the prince's side was slain;
5:189 And Dorylas, who own'd a fertile
plain,
5:190 Of Nasamonia's fields the wealthy
lord,
5:191 Whose crowded barns, could scarce
contain their board.
5:192 A whizzing spear obliquely gave
a blow,
5:193 Stuck in his groin, and pierc'd
the nerves below;
5:194 His foe behld his eyes convulsive
roul,
5:195 His ebbing veins, and his departing
soul;
5:196 Then taunting said, Of all thy
spacious plain,
5:197 This spot thy only property remains.
5:198 He left him thus; but had no
sooner left,
5:199 Than Perseus in revenge his nostrils
cleft;
5:200 From his friend's breast the
murd'ring dart he drew,
5:201 And the same weapon at the murderer
threw;
5:202 His head in halves the darted
javelin cut,
5:203 And on each side the brain came
issuing out.
5:204 Fortune his friend, in deaths around he deals,
5:205 And this his lance, and that
his faulchion feels:
5:206 Now Clytius dies; and by a diff'rent
wound,
5:207 The twin, his brother Clanis,
bites the ground.
5:208 In his rent jaw the bearded weapon
sticks,
5:209 And the steel'd dart does Clytius'
thigh transfix.
5:210 With these Mendesian Celadon
he slew:
5:211 And Astreus next, whose mother
was a Jew,
5:212 His sire uncertain: then by Perseus
fell
5:213 Aethion, who cou'd things to
come foretell;
5:214 But now he knows not whence the
javelin flies
5:215 That wounds his breast, nor by
whose arm he dies.
5:216 The squire to Phineus next his valour try'd,
5:217 And fierce Agyrtes stain'd with
paricide.
5:218 As these are slain, fresh numbers still appear,
5:219 And wage with Perseus an unequal
war;
5:220 To rob him of his right, the
maid he won,
5:221 By honour, promise, and desert
his own.
5:222 With him, the father of the beauteous
bride,
5:223 The mother, and the frighted
virgin side;
5:224 With shrieks, and doleful cries
they rend the air:
5:225 Their shrieks confounded with
the din of war,
5:226 With dashing arms, and groanings
of the slain,
5:227 They grieve unpitied, and unheard
complain.
5:228 The floor with ruddy streams
Bellona stains,
5:229 And Phineus a new war with double
rage maintains.
5:230 Perseus begirt, from all around they pour
5:231 Their lances on him, a tempestuous
show'r,
5:232 Aim'd all at him; a cloud of
darts, and spears,
5:233 Or blind his eyes, or whistle
round his ears.
5:234 Their numbers to resist, against
the wall
5:235 He guards his back secure, and
dares them all.
5:236 Here from the left Molpeus renews
the fight,
5:237 And bold Ethemon presses on the
right:
5:238 As when a hungry tyger near him
hears
5:239 Two lowing herds, a-while he
both forbears;
5:240 Nor can his hopes of this, or
that renounce,
5:241 So strong he lusts to prey on
both at once;
5:242 Thus Perseus now with that, or
this is loth
5:243 To war distinct:, but fain would
fall on both.
5:244 And first Chaonian Molpeus felt
his blow,
5:245 And fled, and never after fac'd
his foe;
5:246 Then fierce Ethemon, as he turn'd
his back,
5:247 Hurried with fury, aiming at
his neck,
5:248 His brandish'd sword against
the marble struck
5:249 With all his might; the brittle
weapon broke,
5:250 And in his throat the point rebounding
stuck.
5:251 Too slight the wound for life
to issue thence,
5:252 And yet too great for battel,
or defence;
5:253 His arms extended in this piteous
state,
5:254 For mercy he wou'd sue, but sues
too late;
5:255 Perseus has in his bosom plung'd
the sword,
5:256 And, ere he speaks, the wound
prevents the word.
5:257 The crowds encreasing, and his friends distress'd,
5:258 Himself by warring multitudes
oppress'd:
5:259 Since thus unequally you fight,
'tis time,
5:260 He cry'd, to punish your presumptuous
crime;
5:261 Beware, my friends; his friends
were soon prepar'd,
5:262 Their sight averting, high the
head he rear'd,
5:263 And Gorgon on his foes severely
star'd.
5:264 Vain shift! says Thescelus, with
aspect bold,
5:265 Thee, and thy bugbear monster,
I behold
5:266 With scorn; he lifts his arm,
but ere he threw
5:267 The dart, the heroe to a statue
grew.
5:268 In the same posture still the
marble stands,
5:269 And holds the warrior's weapons
in its hands.
5:270 Amphyx, whom yet this wonder
can't alarm,
5:271 Heaves at Lyncides' breast his
impious arm;
5:272 But, while thus daringly he presses
on,
5:273 His weapon and his arm are turn'd
to stone.
5:274 Next Nileus, he who vainly said
he ow'd
5:275 His origin to Nile's prolifick
flood;
5:276 Who on his shield seven silver
rivers bore,
5:277 His birth to witness by the arms
he wore;
5:278 Full of his sev'n-fold father,
thus express'd
5:279 His boast to Perseus, and his
pride confess'd:
5:280 See whence we sprung; let this
thy comfort be
5:281 In thy sure death, that thou
didst die by me.
5:282 While yet he spoke, the dying
accents hung
5:283 In sounds imperfect on his marble
tongue;
5:284 Tho' chang'd to stone, his lips
he seem'd to stretch,
5:285 And thro' th' insensate rock
wou'd force a speech.
5:286 This Eryx saw, but seeing wou'd not own;
5:287 The mischief by your selves,
he cries, is done,
5:288 'Tis your cold courage turns
your hearts to stone.
5:289 Come, follow me; fall on the
stripling boy,
5:290 Kill him, and you his magick
arms destroy.
5:291 Then rushing on, his arm to strike
he rear'd,
5:292 And marbled o'er his varied frame
appear'd.
5:293 These for affronting Pallas were chastis'd,
5:294 And justly met the death they
had despis'd.
5:295 But brave Aconteus, Perseus'
friend, by chance
5:296 Look'd back, and met the Gorgon's
fatal glance:
5:297 A statue now become, he ghastly
stares,
5:298 And still the foe to mortal combat
dares.
5:299 Astyages the living likeness
knew,
5:300 On the dead stone with vengeful
fury flew;
5:301 But impotent his rage, the jarring
blade
5:302 No print upon the solid marble
made:
5:303 Again, as with redoubled might
he struck,
5:304 Himself astonish'd in the quarry
stuck.
5:305 The vulgar deaths 'twere tedious to rehearse,
5:306 And fates below the dignity of
verse;
5:307 Their safety in their flight
two hundred found,
5:308 Two hundred, by Medusa's head
were ston'd.
5:309 Fierce Phineus now repents the wrongful fight,
5:310 And views his varied friends,
a dreadful sight;
5:311 He knows their faces, for their
help he sues,
5:312 And thinks, not hearing him,
that they refuse:
5:313 By name he begs their succour,
one by one,
5:314 Then doubts their life, and feels
the friendly stone.
5:315 Struck with remorse, and conscious
of his pride,
5:316 Convict of sin, he turn'd his
eyes aside;
5:317 With suppliant mein to Perseus
thus he prays,
5:318 Hence with the head, as far as
winds and seas
5:319 Can bear thee; hence, o quit
the Cephen shore,
5:320 And never curse us with Medusa
more,
5:321 That horrid head, which stiffens
into stone
5:322 Those impious men who, daring
death, look on.
5:323 I warr'd not with thee out of
hate or strife,
5:324 My honest cause was to defend
my wife,
5:325 First pledg'd to me; what crime
cou'd I suppose,
5:326 To arm my friends, and vindicate
my spouse?
5:327 But vain, too late I see, was
our design;
5:328 Mine was the title, but the merit
thine.
5:329 Contending made me guilty, I
confess;
5:330 But penitence shou'd make that
guilt the less:
5:331 'Twas thine to conquer by Minerva's
pow'r;
5:332 Favour'd of Heav'n, thy mercy
I implore;
5:333 For life I sue; the rest to thee
I yield;
5:334 In pity, from my sight remove
the shield.
5:335 He suing said; nor durst revert his eyes
5:336 On the grim head: and Perseus
thus replies:
5:337 Coward, what is in me to grant,
I will,
5:338 Nor blood, unworthy of my valour
spill:
5:339 Fear not to perish by my vengeful
sword,
5:340 From that secure; 'tis all the
Fates afford.
5:341 Where I now see thee, thou shalt
still be seen,
5:342 A lasting monument to please
our queen;
5:343 There still shall thy betroth'd
behold her spouse,
5:344 And find his image in her father's
house.
5:345 This said; where Phineus turn'd
to shun the shield
5:346 Full in his face the staring
head he held;
5:347 As here and there he strove to
turn aside,
5:348 The wonder wrought, the man was
petrify'd:
5:349 All marble was his frame, his
humid eyes
5:350 Drop'd tears, which hung upon
the stone like ice.
5:351 In suppliant posture, with uplifted
hands,
5:352 And fearful look, the guilty
statue stands.
5:353 Hence Perseus to his native city hies,
5:354 Victorious, and rewarded with
his prize.
5:355 Conquest, o'er Praetus the usurper,
won,
5:356 He re-instates his grandsire
in the throne.
5:357 Praetus, his brother dispossess'd
by might,
5:358 His realm enjoy'd, and still
detain'd his right:
5:359 But Perseus pull'd the haughty
tyrant down,
5:360 And to the rightful king restor'd
the throne.
5:361 Weak was th' usurper, as his
cause was wrong;
5:362 Where Gorgon's head appears,
what arms are strong?
5:363 When Perseus to his host the
monster held,
5:364 They soon were statues, and their
king expell'd.
5:365 Thence, to Seriphus with the head he sails,
5:366 Whose prince his story treats
as idle tales:
5:367 Lord of a little isle, he scorns
to seem
5:368 Too credulous, but laughs at
that, and him.
5:369 Yet did he not so much suspect
the truth,
5:370 As out of pride, or envy, hate
the youth.
5:371 The Argive prince, at his contempt
enrag'd,
5:372 To force his faith by fatal proof
engag'd.
5:373 Friends, shut your eyes, he cries;
his shield he takes,
5:374 And to the king expos'd Medusa's
snakes.
5:375 The monarch felt the pow'r he
wou'd not own,
5:376 And stood convict of folly in
the stone.