Thither his sorrowing footsteps bent.
Since with an equal weight on all
Calamities domestic fall,
How soon soe'er from foreign grief80
The heart uninjured finds relief. 84
By admiration's power subdued,
Though mingled with concern, he stood;
When his son's fearless pride he saw,
Exceeding moderation's law.85
But as declared the immortal train,
The messenger's report was vain.
Then, straight he call'd Tiresias near,
Jove's truest, most illustrious seer;
Who to the chief of all the host90
Show'd by what adverse fortunes cross'd,
How many ravening monsters slain
By land or on the trackless main;
And him that with unhallow'd pride [1]
Should turn from virtue's path aside,95
Alcides by a hateful doom,
He said, should hurry to the tomb. 99
And when the gods on Phlegra's plain
Wage combat with the giant train,
These monsters of terrestrial birth100
Would soil their splendid locks with earth;
While he, his mighty labours past,
Quiet and peace should gain at last;
Enjoying in the mansions bless'd
A long eternity of rest;105
Receiving to his godlike side
Hebe, his ever-blooming bride;
And seated near Saturnian Jove,
The nuptials o'er, his dome approve. 112
- ↑ Antæus or Busiris, who for their arrogance and violent disposition were both punished with death by Hercules.
