But when the social board was spread,
Æacides to join their fleet he led. 52
Him standing on the lion's hide,
The nectar'd draught he bade to pour, 60
Amphitryo's warlike son adore,
And at the sacred rites preside.
To him then Telamon the brave,
With gold enchased, a goblet gave;
His hands extending to the skies, 65
Invincible Alcides cries—
"From thee, oh father Jove! if e'er
With willing mind thou heardst my pray'r,
E'en now this hero's offspring bold,
Our guest, by fate's decree foretold, 70
Of Eribœa sprung, my supplications crave. 67
That frame's insuperable might,
(As the huge monster's skin is bound
In ample folds my limbs around,
Whom erst I slew in Nemea's soil, 75
Achieving there my earliest toil)
With an intrepid mind unite."
Thus, while he spoke, Jove bade from high
The king of birds, his eagle, fly.
Sweet pleasure o'er his soul was shed, 80
When thus with prophet voice he said—
"Thine shall hereafter be the son
Whom thou entreat'st, oh Telamon!
And name him Ajax, since in might
The bird that hither wing'd his flight 85
To him will just resemblance yield,
Tremendous in the martial field."
This said, he paused, and rested straight;
But all their virtues to relate,
From me a lengthen'd tale would claim. 90
Dispenser of the sacred feast,
Muse, to Phylacides a guest,
To Pytheas and Euthymenes I came.
