Are gather'd in a golden net,
To fix with her extended hand
The oath that binds the powers above, 120
And stamp with fate the nod of Jove,
Which the bright isle emerging from the wave,
To Phœbus and his latest offspring gave. 124
Hence o'er the land extends his sway
Who darts the piercing beams of day; 125
The charioteer whose guiding rein
Wide over the celestial plain
His fire-exhaling steeds obey. 130
With Rhodos there in amorous embrace
Conjoin'd, the god begat a valiant race; 130
Seven noble sons,[1] with wisdom's gifts endow'd
By their great sire above the vulgar crowd.
Cameirus from this root with Lindus came,
And Ialysus, venerable name:
Three chiefs who over the divided land 135
In equal portions held supreme command.
Apart they reign'd, and bade each city bear
The monarch's name who sway'd the sceptre there.
In that bless'd isle secure at last
'Twas thine, Tlepolemus, to meet 140
For each afflictive trial past
A recompense and respite sweet.
Chief of Tirynthian hosts, to thee
As to a present deity,
The fumes of slaughter'd sheep arise 145
In all the pomp of sacrifice:
Awarded by thy just decree
The victor gains his verdant prize.
