THE SHIELD OF HERCULES.

Or as Alcmena, from Electryon born, The guardian of his people, her lov’d home And natal soil abandoning, to Thebes Came with Amphitryon: with the brave in war. She all the gentle race of womankind [252]In height surpass’d and beauty: nor with her Might one in prudence vie, of all who sprang From mortal fair-ones, blending in embrace With mortal men. Both from her tressed head, And [253]from the darkening lashes of her eyes, She breathed enamouring odour like the breath Of balmy Venus: passing fair she was, Yet not the less her consort with heart-love Revered she; so had never woman loved. Though he her noble sire by violent strength Had slain, amid [254]those herds, the cause of strife, Madden’d to sudden rage: his native soil He left, and thence to the Cadmean state, Shield-bearing tribe, came supplicant: and there Dwelt with his modest spouse; yet from the joys Of love estranged: for he might not ascend The couch of her, the beautiful of feet, Till for the slaughter of her brethren brave, His arm had wreak’d revenge; and burn’d with fire The guilty cities of those warlike men Taphians and Teloboans. This the task Assign’d: the gods on high that solemn vow Had witness’d: of their anger visitant In fear he stood; and speeded in all haste T’ achieve the mighty feat, imposed by Heaven. Him the Bœotians, gorers of the steed, Who coveting the war-shout and the shock Of battle o’er the buckler breathe aloft Their open valour: him the Locrian race Close-combating; and of undaunted soul, The Phocians follow’d: towering in the van Amphitryon gallant shone: and in his host Gloried. But other counsel secret wove Within his breast the sire of gods and men: That both to gods and to th’ inventive race Of man a great deliverer might arise Sprung from his loins, of plague-repelling fame. Deep-framing in his inmost soul deceit, He through the nightly darkness took his way From high Olympus, glowing with the love Of her, the fair-one of the graceful zone. Swift to the Typhaonian mount he pass’d: Thence drew nigh Phycium’s lofty ridge: sublime There sitting, the wise counsellor of heaven Revolved a work divine. That self-same night He sought the couch of her, who stately treads With long-paced step; and melting in her arms Took there his fill of love. That self-same night The host-arousing chief, the mighty deed Perform’d, in glory to his home returned: Nor to the vassals and the shepherd hinds His footstep bent, before he climb’d the couch Of his Alcmena: such inflaming love Seiz’d in the deep recesses of his heart The chief of thousands. And as he, that scarce Escapes, and yet escapes, from grievous plague Or the hard-fettering chain, flies free away Joyful,—so struggling through that arduous toil With pain accomplish’d, wishful, eager, traced The prince his homeward way. The live-long night He with the modest partner of his bed Embracing lay, and revell’d in delight The bounteous bliss of love’s all-charming queen. Thus by a god and by the first of men Alike subdued to love, Alcmena gave Twin-brethren birth, within the seven-fold gates Of Thebes: yet brethren though they were, unlike Their natures: this of weaker strain; but that Far more of man; valorous and stern and strong. Him, Hercules, conceived she from th’ embrace Of the cloud-darkener: to th’ Alcæan chief, Shaker of spears, gave Iphiclus: a race Distinct: nor wonder: this of mortal man, That of imperial Jove. The same who slew The lofty-minded Cygnus, child of Mars. For in the grove of the far-darting god He found him: and insatiable of war His father Mars beside. Both bright in arms, Bright as the sheen of burning flame, they stood On their high chariot; and the horses fleet Trampled the ground with rending hoofs: around In parted circle smoked the cloudy dust, Up-dash’d beneath the trampling hoofs, and cars Of complicated frame. The well-framed cars Rattled aloud: loud clash’d the wheels: while rapt In their full speed the horses flew. Rejoiced The noble Cygnus; for the hope was his, Jove’s warlike offspring and his charioteer To slay, and strip them of their gorgeous mail. But to his vows the Prophet-god of day Turn’d a deaf ear: for he himself set on Th’ assault of Hercules. Now all the grove, And Phœbus’ altar, flash’d with glimmering arms Of that tremendous god: himself blazed light, And darted radiance from his eye-balls glared As it were flame. But who of mortal mould Had e’er endured in daring opposite To rush before him, save but Hercules, And Ioläus, an illustrious name? For mighty strength was theirs: and arms that stretch’d From their broad shoulders unapproachable In valorous force, above their nervous frames: He therefore thus bespoke his charioteer: “Oh hero Ioläus! dearest far To me of all the race of mortal men; I deem it sure that ’gainst the blest of Heaven Amphitryon sinn’d, when to the fair-wall’d Thebes He came, forsaking Tirynth’s well-built walls, Electryon midst the strife of wide-brow’d herds Slain by his hand: to Creon suppliant came, And her of flowing robe, Henioche: Who straight embraced, and all of needful aid Lent hospitable, as to suppliant due: And more for this, e’en from the heart they gave All honour and observance. So he lived, Exulting in his graceful-ankled spouse Alcmena. When the rapid year roll’d round, We, far unlike in stature and in soul, Were born, thy sire and I: him Jove bereaved Of wisdom; who from his parental home Went forth, and to the fell Eurystheus bore His homage. Wretch! for he most sure bewail’d In after-time that grievous fault, a deed Irrevocable. On myself has Fate Laid heavy labours. But, oh friend! oh now Quick snatch the purple reins of these my steeds Rapid of hoof: the manly courage rouse Within thee: now with strong unerring grasp Guide the swift chariot’s whirl, and wind the steeds Rapid of hoof: fear nought the dismal yell Of mortal-slayer Mars, whilst to and fro He ranges fierce Apollo’s hallow’d grove With frenzying shout: for, be he as he may War-mighty, he of war shall take his fill.” Then answer’d Ioläus: “Oh revered! Doubtless the father of the gods and men Thy head delights to honour; and the god Who keeps [255]the wall of Thebes and guards her towers, [256]Bull-visaged Neptune: so be sure they give Unto thy hand this mortal huge and strong, That from the conflict thou mayst bear away High glory. But now haste—in warlike mail Dress now thy limbs, that, rapidly as thought Mingling the shock of cars, we may be join’d In battle. He th’ undaunted son of Jove Shall strike not with his terrors, nor yet me Iphiclides: but swiftly, as I deem, Shall he to flight betake him, from the race Of brave Alcæus: who now pressing nigh Gain on their foes and languish for the shout Of closing combat; to their eager ear More grateful than the banquet’s revelry.” He said: and Hercules smiled stern his joy Elate of thought: for he had spoken words Most welcome. Then with winged accents thus: “Jove-foster’d hero! it is e’en at hand, The battle’s rough encounter: thou, as erst, In martial prudence firm, aright, aleft, With vantage of the fray, unerring guide Arion huge, the sable-maned, and me Aid in the doubtful contest, as thou mayst.” Thus having said, he sheathed his legs in greaves Of mountain brass, resplendent-white: famed gift Of Vulcan: o’er his breast he fitted close The corselet, variegated, beautiful, Of shining gold; this Jove-born Pallas gave, When first he rush’d to meet the mingling groans Of battle. Then the mighty man athwart His shoulder slung the sword, whose edge repels Th’ approach of mortal harms: and clasp’d around His bosom, and reclining o’er his back, He cast the hollow quiver. Lurk’d therein Full many arrows: shuddering horror they Inflicted, and the agony of death Sudden, that chokes the suffocated voice: The points were barb’d with death, and bitter steep’d In human tears: burnish’d the lengthening shafts: And they were feather’d from the tawny plume Of eagles. Now he grasp’d the solid spear Sharpen’d with brass: and on his brows of strength Placed the forged helm, high-wrought in adamant, That cased the temples round, and fenced the head Of Hercules: the man of heavenly birth. Then with his hands he raised The Shield, of disk Diversified: might none with missile aim Pierce, nor th’ impenetrable substance rive Shattering: a wondrous frame: since all throughout Bright with enamel, and with ivory, And [257]mingled metal; and with ruddy gold Refulgent, and with azure plates inlaid. The scaly terror of a dragon coil’d Full in the central field; unspeakable; With eyes oblique retorted, that aslant Shot gleaming flame: his hollow jaw was fill’d Dispersedly with jagged fangs of white, Grim, unapproachable. And next above The dragon’s forehead fell, stern Strife in air Hung hovering, and array’d the war of men: Haggard; whose aspect from all mortals reft All mind and soul; whoe’er in brunt of arms Should match their strength, and face the son of Jove. Below this earth their spirits to th’ abyss Descend: and through the flesh that wastes away Beneath the parching sun, their whitening bones Start forth, and moulder in the sable dust. [258]Pursuit was there, and fiercely rallying Flight, Tumult and Terror: burning Carnage glow’d: Wild Discord madden’d there, and frantic Rout Ranged to and fro. A deathful Destiny There grasp’d a living man, that bled afresh From recent wound: another, yet unharm’d, Dragg’d furious; and a third, already dead, Trail’d by the feet amid the throng of war: And o’er her shoulders was a garment thrown Dabbled in human blood: and in her look Was horror: and a deep funereal cry Broke from her lips. There indescribable Twelve serpent heads rose dreadful: and with fear Froze all, who drew on earth the breath of life, Whoe’er should match their strength in brunt of arms, And face the son of Jove: and oft as he Moved to the battle, from their clashing fangs A sound was heard. Such miracles display’d The buckler’s field, with living blazonry Resplendent: and those fearful snakes were streak’d O’er their cærulean backs with streaks of jet: And their jaws blacken’d with a jetty dye. Wild from the forest, [259]herds of boars were there, And lions, mutual-glaring; and in wrath Leap’d on each other; and by troops they drove Their onset: nor yet these nor those recoil’d, Nor quaked in fear. Of both the backs uprose Bristling with anger: for a lion huge Lay stretched amidst them, and two boars beside Lifeless: the sable blood down-dropping ooz’d Into the ground. So these with bowed backs Lay dead beneath the terrible lions: they, For this the more incensed, both savage boars And tawny lions, chafing sprang to war. There too [260]the battle of the Lapithæ Was wrought; the spear-arm’d warriors: Cæneus king, Hopleus, Phalérus, and Pirithous, And Dryas, and Exadius: Prolochus, Mopsus of Titaressa, Ampyx’ son, A branch of Mars, and Theseus like a god: Son of Ægéus: silver were their limbs, Their armour golden: and to them opposed The Centaur band stood thronging: Asbolus, Prophet of birds; Petræus huge of height; Arctus, and Urius, and of raven locks Mimas; the two Peucidæ, Dryalus, And Perimedes: all of silver frame, And grasping golden pine-trees in their hands. At once they onset made: in very life They rush’d, and hand to hand tumultuous closed With pines and clashing spears. There fleet of hoof The steeds were standing of stern-visaged Mars In gold: and he himself, tearer of spoils, Life-waster, purpled all with dropping blood, As one who slew the living and despoil’d, Loud-shouting to the warrior-infantry There vaulted on his chariot. Him beside Stood Fear and Consternation: high their hearts Panted, all eager for the war of men. There too Minerva rose, leader of hosts, Resembling Pallas when she would array The marshall’d battle. In her grasp the spear, And on her brows a golden helm: athwart Her shoulders thrown her ægis. Went she forth In this array to meet the dreadful shout Of war. And there a tuneful choir appear’d Of heaven’s immortals: in the midst the son Of Jove and of Latona sweetly rang Upon his golden harp. Th’ Olympian mount, Dwelling of gods, thrill’d back the broken sound. And there were seen th’ assembly of the gods Listening, encircled with their blaze of glory: And in sweet contest with Apollo there The virgins of Pieria raised the strain Preluding; and they seem’d as though they sang With clear sonorous voice. And there appear’d A sheltering haven from the untamed rage Of ocean. It was wrought of tin refined, And rounded by the chisel: and it seem’d Like to the dashing wave: and in the midst Full many dolphins chased the fry, and show’d As though they swam the waters, to and fro Darting tumultuous. Two of silver scale, Panting above the wave, the fishes mute Gorged, that beneath them shook their quivering fins In brass: but on the crag a fisher sate Observant: in his grasp he held a net, Like one that, poising, rises to the throw. There was the horseman, fair-hair’d Danaë’s son, Perseus: nor yet the buckler with his feet Touch’d, nor yet distant hover’d: strange to think: For nowhere on the surface of the shield He rested: so the crippled artist-god Illustrious framed him with his hands in gold. Bound to his feet were sandals wing’d: a sword Of brass with hilt of sable ebony Hung round him from the shoulders by a thong: Swift e’en as thought he flew. The visage grim Of monstrous Gorgon all his back o’erspread: And wrought in silver, wondrous to behold, A veil was drawn around it, whence in gold Hung glittering fringes: and the dreadful helm Of Pluto clasp’d the temples of the prince, Shedding a night of darkness. Thus outstretch’d In air, he seem’d like one to trembling flight Betaken. Close behind the Gorgons twain Of nameless terror unapproachable Came rushing: eagerly they stretch’d their arms To seize him: from the pallid adamant, Audibly as they rush’d, the clattering shield Clank’d with a sharp shrill sound. Two grisly snakes Hung from their girdles, and with forking tongues Lick’d their inflected jaws; and violent gnash’d Their fangs fell glaring: from around their heads Those Gorgons grim a flickering horror cast Through the wide air. Above them warrior men Waged battle, grasping weapons in their hands. [261]Some from their city and their sires repell’d Destruction: others hasten’d to destroy: And many press’d the plain, but more still held The combat. On the strong-constructed towers Stood women, shrieking shrill, and rent their cheeks In very life, by Vulcan’s glorious craft. The elders hoar with age assembled stood Without the gates, and to the blessed gods Their hands uplifted, for their fighting sons Fear-stricken. These again the combat held. Behind them stood the Fates, of aspect black, Grim, slaughter-breathing, stern, insatiable, Gnashing their white fangs; and fierce conflict held For those who fell. Each eager-thirsting sought To quaff the sable blood. Whom first they snatch’d Prostrate, or staggering with the fresh-made wound, On him they struck their talons huge: the soul Fled down th’ abyss, the horror-freezing gulf Of Tartarus. They, glutted to the heart With human gore, behind them cast the corse: And back with hurrying rage they turn’d to seek The throng of battle. And hard by there stood Clotho and Lachesis; and Atropos, Somewhat in years inferior: nor was she A mighty goddess: yet those other Fates Transcending, and in birth the elder far. And all around one man in cruel strife Were join’d: and on each other turn’d in wrath Their glowing eyes: and mingling desperate hands And talons mutual strove. [262]And near to them Stood Misery: wan, ghastly, worn with woe: Arid, and swoln of knees; with hunger’s pains Faint-falling: from her lean hands long the nails Out-grew: an ichor from her nostrils flow’d: Blood from her cheeks distill’d to earth: with teeth All wide disclosed in grinning agony She stood: a cloud of dust her shoulders spread, And her eyes ran with tears. But next arose [263]A well-tower’d city, by seven golden gates Enclosed, that fitted to their lintels hung: There men in dances and in festive joys Held revelry. Some on the smooth-wheel’d car A virgin bride conducted: then burst forth Aloud the marriage-song: and far and wide Long splendours flash’d from many a quivering torch Borne in the hands of slaves. Gay-blooming girls Preceded, and the dancers follow’d blithe: These with shrill pipe indenting the soft lip Breathed melody, while broken echoes thrill’d Around them: to the lyre with flying touch Those led the love-enkindling dance. A group Of youths was elsewhere imaged to the flute Disporting: some in dances and in song, In laughter others. To the minstrel’s flute So pass’d they on; and the whole city seem’d As fill’d with pomps, with dances, and with feasts. Others again, without the city walls, [264]Vaulted on steeds and madden’d for the goal. [265]Others as husbandmen appear’d, and broke With coulter the rich glebe, and gather’d up Their tunics neatly girded. Next arose A field thick-set with depth of corn: where some With sickle reap’d the stalks, their speary heads Bent, as weigh’d down with pods of swelling grain, The fruits of Ceres. Others into bands Gather’d, and threw upon the threshing-floor The sheaves. And some again hard by were seen Holding the vine-sickle, who clusters cut From the ripe vines; which from the vintagers Others in frails received, or bore away, [266]In baskets thus up-piled, the cluster’d grapes, Or black or pearly-white, cut from deep ranks Of spreading vines, whose tendrils curling twined In silver, heavy-foliaged: near them rose The ranks of vines, by Vulcan’s curious craft Figured in gold. The vines leaf-shaking curl’d Round silver props. They therefore on their way Pass’d jocund to one minstrel’s flageolet, Burthen’d with grapes that blacken’d in the sun. Some also trod the wine-press, and some quaff’d The foaming must. But in another part Were men who wrestled, or in gymnic fight Wielded the cæstus. Elsewhere men of chase Were taking the fleet hares. Two keen-tooth’d dogs Bounded beside: these ardent in pursuit, Those with like ardour doubling on their flight. Next them were horsemen, who sore effort made To win the prize of contest and hard toil. High o’er the well-compacted chariots [267]hung The charioteers: the rapid horses loosed At their full stretch, and shook the floating reins. Rebounding from the ground with many a shock Flew clattering the firm cars, and creak’d aloud The naves of the round wheels. They therefore toil’d Endless: nor conquest yet at any time Achiev’d they, but a doubtful strife maintain’d. In the mid-course the prize, a tripod huge, Was placed in open sight; and it was carved In gold: the skilful Vulcan’s glorious craft. Rounding the uttermost verge [268]the ocean flow’d As in full swell of waters: and the shield All-variegated with whole circle bound. Swans of high-hovering wing there clamour’d shrill, And many skimm’d the breasted surge: and nigh Fishes were tossing in tumultuous leaps. Sight marvellous e’en to thundering Jove: whose will Bade Vulcan frame the buckler; vast and strong. This fitting to his grasp the strong-nerved son Of Jupiter now shook with ease: and swift As from his father’s ægis-wielding arm The bolted lightning darts, he vaulted sheer Above the harness’d chariot at a bound Into the seat: the hardy charioteer Stood o’er the steeds from high, and guided strong The crooked car. Now near to them approach’d Pallas, the blue-eyed goddess, and address’d These winged words in animating voice: [269]“Race of the far-famed Lyngeus! both all-hail! Now verily the ruler of the Blest, E’en Jove, doth give you strength to spoil of life Cygnus your foe, and strip his gorgeous arms. But I will breathe a word within thine ear In counsel, oh most mighty midst the strong! Now soon as e’er from Cygnus thou hast reft The sweets of life, there leave him: on that spot, Him and his armour: but th’ approach of Mars, Slayer of mortals, watch with wary eye: And where thy glance discerns a part exposed, Defenceless of the well-wrought buckler, strike! With thy sharp point there wound him, and recede: For know, thou art not fated to despoil “The steeds and glorious armour of a god.” Thus having said, the goddess all-divine, Aye holding in her everlasting hands Conquest and glory, rose into the car Impetuous: to the war-steeds shouted fierce The noble Ioläus: from the shout They starting snatch’d the flying car, and hid With dusty cloud the plain: for she herself, The goddess azure-eyed, sent into them Wild courage, clashing on her brandish’d shield: Earth groan’d around. That moment with like pace E’en as a flame or tempest came they on, Cygnus the tamer of the steed, and Mars Unsated with the roar of war. And now The coursers mid-way met, and face to face Neigh’d shrill: the broken echoes rang around. Then him the first stern Hercules bespake. “Oh soft of nature! why dost thou obstruct The rapid steeds of men, who toils have proved And hardships? Outward turn thy burnish’d car: Pass outward from the track and yield the way: For I to Trachys ride, of obstacle Impatient: to the royal Ceyx: he O’er Trachys rules in venerable power, As needs not thee be told, who hast to wife His blue-eyed daughter Themisthonöe: Soft-one! for not from thee shall Mars himself Inhibit death, if truly hand to hand We wage the battle: and e’en this I say That elsewhere, heretofore, himself has proved My mighty spear: when on the sandy beach Of Pylos ardour irrepressible Of combat seized him, and to me opposed He stood: but thrice, when stricken by my lance, Earth propp’d his fall, and thrice his targe was cleft: The fourth time urging on my utmost force His ample shield I shattering rived, his thigh Transpierced, and headlong in the dust he fell Beneath my rushing spear: so there the weight Of shame upon him fell midst those of heaven, His gory trophies leaving to these hands.” So said he: but in no wise to obey Enter’d the thought of Cygnus the spear-skill’d: Nor rein’d he back the chariot-whirling steeds. Then truly from their close-compacted cars Instant as thought they leap’d to earth: the son Of kingly Mars, the son of mighty Jove. Aside, though not remote, the charioteers The coursers drove of flowing manes: but then Beneath the trampling sound of rushing feet The broad earth sounded hollow: and [270]as rocks From some high mountain-top precipitate Leap with a bound, and o’er each other whirl’d Shock in the dizzying fall: and many an oak Of lofty branch, pine-tree and poplar deep Of root are crash’d beneath them, as their course Rapidly rolls, till now they touch the plain; So met these foes encountering, and so burst Their mighty clamour. Echoing loud throughout The city of the Myrmidons gave back Their lifted voices, and Iolchos famed, And Arne, and Anthea’s grass-girt walls, And Helice. Thus with amazing shout They join’d in battle: all-considering Jove Then greatly thunder’d: from the clouds of heaven [271]He cast forth dews of blood, and signal thus Of onset gave to his high-daring son. [272]As in the mountain thickets the wild boar, Grim to behold, and arm’d with jutting fangs, Now with his hunters meditates in wrath The conflict, whetting his white tusks aslant: Foam drops around his churning jaws; his eyes Show like to glimmering fires, and o’er his neck And roughen’d back he raises up erect The starting bristles, from the chariot whirl’d By steeds of war such leap’d the son of Jove. ’Twas in that season when, on some green bough High-perch’d, the dusky-wing’d cicada first Shrill chants to man a summer note; his drink, His balmy food, the vegetative dew: The livelong day from early dawn he pours His voice, what time the sun’s exhaustive heat Fierce dries the frame: ’twas in that season when The bristly ears of millet spring with grain Which they in summer sow: when the crude grape Faint reddens on the vine, which Bacchus gave The joy or anguish of the race of men;— E’en in that season join’d the war; and vast The battle’s tumult rose into the heaven. [273]As two grim lions for a roebuck slain Wroth in contention rush, and them betwixt The sound of roaring and of clashing teeth Ariseth; or [274]as vultures, curved of beak, Crooked of talon, on a steepy rock Contest loud-screaming; if perchance below Some mountain-pastur’d goat or forest-stag Sleek press the plain; whom far the hunter youth Pierced with fleet arrow from the bow-string shrill Dismiss’d, and elsewhere wander’d, of the spot Unknowing: they with keenest heed the prize Mark, and in swooping rage each other tear With bitterest conflict: so vociferous rush’d The warriors on each other. Cygnus, then, Aiming to slay the son of Jupiter Unmatch’d in strength, against the buckler struck His brazen lance, but through the metal plate Broke not; the present of a god preserved. On th’ other side he of Amphitryon named, Strong Hercules, between the helm and shield Drove his long spear; and underneath the chin Through the bare neck smote violent and swift. The murderous ashen beam at once the nerves Twain of the neck cut sheer; for all the man Drop’d, and his force went from him: down he fell Headlong: [275]as falls a thunder-blasted oak, Or sky-capt rock, riven by the lightning shaft Of Jove, in smouldering smoke is hurl’d from high, So fell he: and his brass-emblazon’d mail Clatter’d around him. Jove’s firm-hearted son Then left the corse, abandon’d where it lay: But wary watch’d the mortal-slayer god Approach, and view’d him o’er with terrible eyes Stern-lowering. [276]As a lion, who has fall’n Perchance on some stray beast, with griping claws Intent, strips down the lacerated hide; Drains instantaneous the sweet life, and gluts E’en to the fill his gloomy heart with blood; Green-eyed he glares in fierceness; with his tail Lashes his shoulders and his swelling sides, And with his feet tears up the ground; not one Might dare to look upon him, nor advance Nigh, with desire of conflict: such in truth The war-insatiate Hercules to Mars Stood in array, and gather’d in his soul Prompt courage. But the other near approach’d, Anguish’d at heart; and both encountering rush’d With cries of battle. As when from high ridge Of some hill-top abrupt, tumbles a crag Precipitous, and sheer, a giddy space, Bounds in a whirl and rolls impetuous down: Shrill rings the vehement crash, till some steep clift Obstructs: to this the mass is borne along; This wedges it immoveable: e’en so Destroyer Mars, bowing the chariot, rush’d, Yelling vociferous with a shout: e’en so, As utterance prompt, met Hercules the shock And firm sustain’d. But Jove-born Pallas came With darkening shield uplifted, and to Mars Stood interposed: and scowling with her eyes Tremendous, thus address’d her winged words: “Mars! hold thy furious valour: stay those hands In prowess inaccessible: for know It is not lawful for thee to divest Slain Hercules of these his gorgeous arms, Bold-hearted son of Jove: but come; rest thou From battle, nor oppose thyself to me.” She said: nor yet persuaded aught the soul Of Mars, the mighty of heart. With a great shout He, brandishing his weapon like a flame, Sprang rapid upon Hercules, in haste To slay; and, for his slaughter’d son incensed, With violent effort hurl’d his brazen spear ’Gainst the capacious targe. The blue-eyed maid [277]Stoop’d from the chariot, and the javelin’s force Turn’d wide. Sore torment seiz’d the breast of Mars: He bared his keen-edged falchion, and at once Rush’d on the dauntless Hercules: but he, The war-insatiate, as the God approach’d, Beneath the well-wrought shield the thigh exposed Wounded with all his strength, and thrusting rived The shield’s large disk, and cleft it with his lance, And in the middle-way threw him to earth Prostrate. But Fear and Consternation swift Urged nigh his well-wheel’d chariot: from the face Of broad-track’d earth they raised him on the car Variously framed: thence lash’d with scourge the steeds, And bounding up the vast Olympus flew. But now Alcmena’s son and his compeer, The glorious Ioläus, having stripp’d From Cygnus’ shoulders the fair armour’s spoil, Retraced their way direct, and instant reach’d The city Trachys with their fleet-hoof’d steeds: While pass’d the goddess of the azure eyes To great Olympus, and her father’s towers. But Ceyx o’er the corse of Cygnus raised A tomb. Innumerable people graced His obsequies: both they who dwelt hard by The city of the illustrious king, and they Of Anthe, of Iolchos wide-renown’d, Of Arne, of the Myrmidonian towers, And Helice. So gather’d there around A numerous people: honouring duteous thus Ceyx, beloved of the blessed gods. But [278]the huge mount and monumental stone Anaurus, foaming high with wintry rains, Swept from the sight away: Apollo this Commanded: for that Cygnus ambush’d spoil’d In violence the Delphic hecatombs.