Son of Agesidamus! thee
To crown both might and skill agree.
A hidden and superfluous store
Of wealth I wish not to possess;
But while they sing my praises o'er,45
With ready hand my friends to bless; 47
Since men to arduous deeds who soar
Hope the same glory and success.
When valour's lofty arts are sung,
Alcides prompts my willing tongue,50
Rehearsing ancient fame.
The hero whom in radiance bright
Maternal throes sent forth to light,
With his twin brother came.
Him Juno on her golden throne survey'd,55
In swaddling clothes of saffron hue array'd. 58
Then quickly raging at the view,
The gods' bright queen her dragons sent;
And they, the open portals through,
Deep in the spacious chamber went;60
Eager the infants to compress
Within their rapid jaws' caress.
But he, with head in proud array
Stretch'd forth, began the deadly fray;
Daring the double snake to clasp65
In his inevitable grasp;
And soon compress'd, the spirit flies
Their members of gigantic size.
Struck with intolerable dread,
The women trembled round Alcmena's bed:70
While she with naked foot arose,
Prompt to repel the rage of her tremendous foes. 76
The chiefs of the Cadmæan band
In brazen arms tumultuous went,
And bold Amphitryon in his hand75
