His godlike offspring's latest line
With might from him reflected shine,
Who erst, their skill and prudence to display,
Appeased the brazen din of the celestial fray. 55
This on the memory dwells impress'd56
Of the assemblies of the bless'd.
What time for lovely Thetis Jove
And the illustrious Neptune strove;
Each wishing the fair nymph to gain,60
Bound in the hymeneal chain;
For mighty love their souls possess'd.
But to complete their nuptial state
The counsels of th' immortal kind,
Soon as they heard the will of fate,65
And prudent Themis' voice, declined; 67
Who to the circle of the skies
Pronounced the destinies' decree,
That soon a sovereign progeny
From the sea goddess would arise,70
Superior to his potent sire,
Whose hand should wield a dart of fire,
Fiercer than lightning's rapid flame,
Or trident which no force can tame.
Such is the fruit of Jove's embrace,75
Or brother's, of immortal race.[1]
Then cease your strife—in battle slain
She who could but a mortal couch obtain
Is doom'd her offspring to behold,
With hands that rivall'd Mars in deed,80
And feet which mock'd the lightning's speed.
Should I my mind's intent unfold,
Let the fair prize decreed by heaven
To Peleus, sprung from Æacus, be given;
That pious hero, bred upon Iolcos' plain. 8785
- ↑ I. e., Neptune's.
