Batrachomuomachia: or, the Battle of the Frogs and Mice/Batrachomuomachia
For other English-language translations of this work, see Batrachomyomachia.
| Names Of the FROGS. |
Names Of the MICE. |
| Borborocætes. Calaminthius. Crambophagus. Craugasides. Hydrocharis. Hydromedusa. Hypsiboas. Limnisius. Limnocharis. Peleus. Pelion. Pelobates. Pelusius. Prassæus. Physignathus. Polyphonus. Prassophagus. Sentlæus. |
Artepibulus. Artophagus. Cnissodioctes. Embasichytros. Lichenor. Lichopinax. Lichomyle. Meridarpax. Pternotroctes. Pternoglyphus. Pternophagus. Psicharpax. Sitophagus. Troxartes. Tyroglyphus. Troglodytes. |
May the Nine from Helicon inspire
My kindling Breast with their celestial Fire;
While to the World I write of War, and sing
What endless Labours from Contention spring;
What mov'd the Mice (undaunted as the Pow'rs
That seal'd the Heav'ns, and shook their lofty Tow'rs)
To fill the frighted Fields with loud Alarms,
And dare the croaking Race to Deeds of Arms.
BATRACHOMUOMACHIA;
OR, THE
Battle of the Frogs and Mice.
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May the Nine from Helicon inspireMy kindling Breast with their celestial Fire;
While to the World I write of War, and sing
What endless Labours from Contention spring;
What mov'd the Mice (undaunted as the Pow'rs
That seal'd the Heav'ns, and shook their lofty Tow'rs)
To fill the frighted Fields with loud Alarms,
And dare the croaking Race to Deeds of Arms.
It chanc'd a Mouse, whom Puss had close pursu'd,
Near the green Margin of a River stood,
And careless now of ev'ry Danger, sought
To cool his Thirst with a refreshing Draught;
When fam'd Physignathus the Wand'rer spy'd,
And to him sudden from the Waters cry'd:
Near the green Margin of a River stood,
And careless now of ev'ry Danger, sought
To cool his Thirst with a refreshing Draught;
When fam'd Physignathus the Wand'rer spy'd,
And to him sudden from the Waters cry'd:
Say, Who art thou? What Business brought thee here?
Tell whence thou cam'st, nor be controul'd by Fear.
Who is it boasts himself the Sire of thee?
Declare the Truth, and nought but Truth to me.
If thou to Friendship's holy Ties art bent,
Soon will I bring thee to our Royal Tent;
Soon shall our honorary Presents tell
How much I rev'rence those who merit well.
I am Physignathus, whose boundless Sway
All those that breath within this Lake obey;
And where Eridanus extends his Shore;
Hydromedusa me to Peleus bore.
Thou too, methinks, art of a Kingly Mien;
Fair is thy Form, and beauteous to be seen:
Dauntless at Danger in the Field of Death;
Speak, tell me then from whom thou drew'st thy Breath.
Tell whence thou cam'st, nor be controul'd by Fear.
Who is it boasts himself the Sire of thee?
Declare the Truth, and nought but Truth to me.
If thou to Friendship's holy Ties art bent,
Soon will I bring thee to our Royal Tent;
Soon shall our honorary Presents tell
How much I rev'rence those who merit well.
I am Physignathus, whose boundless Sway
All those that breath within this Lake obey;
And where Eridanus extends his Shore;
Hydromedusa me to Peleus bore.
Thou too, methinks, art of a Kingly Mien;
Fair is thy Form, and beauteous to be seen:
Dauntless at Danger in the Field of Death;
Speak, tell me then from whom thou drew'st thy Breath.
He ceas'd; and scornful thus the Mouse begun:
Hast thou ne'er seen the Prince that calls me Son?
Sure not a few of those who dwell below,
As well as Gods above my Parents know.
From great Troxartes' gen'rous Loins I came;
Troxartes bade Psicharpax be my Name:
But fair Lichomyle, my Mother, springs
From Pternotroctes, once a King of Kings.
Nought for their Best-belov'd they deem'd too good;
Figs, Nuts, and Sweet-meats were my daily Food.
But since thy Nature differs so from mine,
How can I ever be a Friend of thine?
Thou in the Waters, I on Earth must live,
And share with Men what they refuse to give.
Mine is their finest Bread, their Tarts are mine,
I eat their Cheeses, and I drink their Wine;
In vain from me, conceal'd, their Bacon lies;
In vain their butter'd Buns and sugar'd Pies;
In vain their whitest Tripe and honey'd Cake,
And ev'ry luscious Bit the skilful Cook can make.
Nor am I startled, at its dire Alarms,
When Batttle bids me sheath my Limbs in Arms;
But forth I rush, unconscious then of Fear,
And with the foremost, flames my shining Spear;
Puss and the Hawk my Soul alike abhors;
Against our Kind they wage eternal Wars.
With equal Care I fly the faithless Gin,
That harbours Ruin and Deceit within.
But more than all the rav'nous Cat I shun;
For she pursues me wheresoe'er I run.
Besides, the various Roots that nourish you
Who haunt the Stream, can never feed me too.
Hast thou ne'er seen the Prince that calls me Son?
Sure not a few of those who dwell below,
As well as Gods above my Parents know.
From great Troxartes' gen'rous Loins I came;
Troxartes bade Psicharpax be my Name:
But fair Lichomyle, my Mother, springs
From Pternotroctes, once a King of Kings.
Nought for their Best-belov'd they deem'd too good;
Figs, Nuts, and Sweet-meats were my daily Food.
But since thy Nature differs so from mine,
How can I ever be a Friend of thine?
Thou in the Waters, I on Earth must live,
And share with Men what they refuse to give.
Mine is their finest Bread, their Tarts are mine,
I eat their Cheeses, and I drink their Wine;
In vain from me, conceal'd, their Bacon lies;
In vain their butter'd Buns and sugar'd Pies;
In vain their whitest Tripe and honey'd Cake,
And ev'ry luscious Bit the skilful Cook can make.
Nor am I startled, at its dire Alarms,
When Batttle bids me sheath my Limbs in Arms;
But forth I rush, unconscious then of Fear,
And with the foremost, flames my shining Spear;
Puss and the Hawk my Soul alike abhors;
Against our Kind they wage eternal Wars.
With equal Care I fly the faithless Gin,
That harbours Ruin and Deceit within.
But more than all the rav'nous Cat I shun;
For she pursues me wheresoe'er I run.
Besides, the various Roots that nourish you
Who haunt the Stream, can never feed me too.
Then with a Smile Physignathus reply'd;
Forbear to boast with such an Air of Pride:
We too our Dainties from the Land may take
To feast a Friend, as well as from the Lake.
This happy Choice our Race receiv'd from Jove,
To dwell in Water, or on Earth to rove.
But if thy Fancy lead thee to behold,
And know the Truth of what thou hast been told;
Seize with a firm Embrace my proffer'd Sides,
Lest thou shouldst perish in the whelming Tides:
While on these Shoulders I thy Weight support,
And bear thee through the Stream in Safety to my Court.
Forbear to boast with such an Air of Pride:
We too our Dainties from the Land may take
To feast a Friend, as well as from the Lake.
This happy Choice our Race receiv'd from Jove,
To dwell in Water, or on Earth to rove.
But if thy Fancy lead thee to behold,
And know the Truth of what thou hast been told;
Seize with a firm Embrace my proffer'd Sides,
Lest thou shouldst perish in the whelming Tides:
While on these Shoulders I thy Weight support,
And bear thee through the Stream in Safety to my Court.
He ceas'd; and strait Psicharpax with a Bound
Leaps on his Back, and throws his Arms around.
At first with Joy the Neighbouring Banks he view'd,
And how Physignathus his Way pursu'd:
But when he felt the Waves with secret Dread
To roar, and foam, and thunder o'er his Head,
He rent his Hair, and curst his hapless Fate;
He blam'd his Folly, but alas! too late.
Close were his Feet contracted to his Breast;
Grief and Despair his lab'ring Thoughts opprest:
He strove to see the Shore, but strove in vain;
Deeply he sigh'd; his Sighing told his Pain;
Help he had none, but what his Tail supply'd,
To stem the Fury of the raging Tide;
That was his Oar, and That he hop'd would save
His rescu'd Body from the liquid Grave.
Nor did he cease to call on Heav'n for Aid;
Till interrupted by the Flood he said:
Not thus the Bull in former Ages bore
His beauteous [1]Mistress to the Cretan Shore;
As this dissembling, hateful Frog conveys
My wretched Weight through the resounding Seas.
Leaps on his Back, and throws his Arms around.
At first with Joy the Neighbouring Banks he view'd,
And how Physignathus his Way pursu'd:
But when he felt the Waves with secret Dread
To roar, and foam, and thunder o'er his Head,
He rent his Hair, and curst his hapless Fate;
He blam'd his Folly, but alas! too late.
Close were his Feet contracted to his Breast;
Grief and Despair his lab'ring Thoughts opprest:
He strove to see the Shore, but strove in vain;
Deeply he sigh'd; his Sighing told his Pain;
Help he had none, but what his Tail supply'd,
To stem the Fury of the raging Tide;
That was his Oar, and That he hop'd would save
His rescu'd Body from the liquid Grave.
Nor did he cease to call on Heav'n for Aid;
Till interrupted by the Flood he said:
Not thus the Bull in former Ages bore
His beauteous [1]Mistress to the Cretan Shore;
As this dissembling, hateful Frog conveys
My wretched Weight through the resounding Seas.
Scarce had he spoke; a frightful Snake appear'd,
And o'er the Waves his tow'ring Crest was rear'd.
Soon as Physignathus the Monster spy'd,
Swift down he sunk beneath the tumbling Tide;
Escap'd the Death he well deserv'd to find,
And unregarded left his Friend behind;
And o'er the Waves his tow'ring Crest was rear'd.
Soon as Physignathus the Monster spy'd,
Swift down he sunk beneath the tumbling Tide;
Escap'd the Death he well deserv'd to find,
And unregarded left his Friend behind;
Meantime the helpless Mouse, deserted, lay
Tost by the Billows on the Watry Way.
His shiv'ring Limbs proclaim his mighty Fear,
To see the Fate, he wish'd to shun, so near.
Now lies he buried in the liquid Graves,
Now floats he struggling on the topmost Waves.
At length with various Scenes of Sorrow prest,
And much incumber'd by his Hairy Vest,
He yields, reluctant, to the Stroke of Death,
And in these Words consumes his latest Breath.
Tost by the Billows on the Watry Way.
His shiv'ring Limbs proclaim his mighty Fear,
To see the Fate, he wish'd to shun, so near.
Now lies he buried in the liquid Graves,
Now floats he struggling on the topmost Waves.
At length with various Scenes of Sorrow prest,
And much incumber'd by his Hairy Vest,
He yields, reluctant, to the Stroke of Death,
And in these Words consumes his latest Breath.
Think not this impious Deed shall always lie
Conceal'd from righteous Heav'n's beholding Eye:
The Gods, Physignathus! the Gods will shed
Their direful Vengeance on thy perjur'd Head.
An equal Match by Land I was for thee,
Tho' thou art more accustom'd to the Sea.
But know, perfidious Prince! with like Disdain
My gallant Friends shall stretch thee on the Plain;
Shall doom thy trembling, guilty Shade to dwell
With those whose Punishment is deepest Hell.
Conceal'd from righteous Heav'n's beholding Eye:
The Gods, Physignathus! the Gods will shed
Their direful Vengeance on thy perjur'd Head.
An equal Match by Land I was for thee,
Tho' thou art more accustom'd to the Sea.
But know, perfidious Prince! with like Disdain
My gallant Friends shall stretch thee on the Plain;
Shall doom thy trembling, guilty Shade to dwell
With those whose Punishment is deepest Hell.
Thus having spoke, amidst the Waves he dies,
An endless Slumber seals his darken'd Eyes.
It chanc'd as near the flow'ry Banks he stood,
Lichopinax th' expiring Hero view'd.
With hideous Howling swift he ran to tell
How lost Psicharpax in the Waters fell.
Soon as the Mice the dreadful News receiv'd,
For lost Psicharpax ev'ry one was griev'd.
Strait were the Heralds order'd to proclaim,
That when the Day should first o'er Ocean flame,
The banded Legions, hastning, must resort
To the sad [2]Monarch's melancholy Court;
Whose Son, far distant from the River's Side,
Lay floating, breathless, on the driving Tide.
An endless Slumber seals his darken'd Eyes.
It chanc'd as near the flow'ry Banks he stood,
Lichopinax th' expiring Hero view'd.
With hideous Howling swift he ran to tell
How lost Psicharpax in the Waters fell.
Soon as the Mice the dreadful News receiv'd,
For lost Psicharpax ev'ry one was griev'd.
Strait were the Heralds order'd to proclaim,
That when the Day should first o'er Ocean flame,
The banded Legions, hastning, must resort
To the sad [2]Monarch's melancholy Court;
Whose Son, far distant from the River's Side,
Lay floating, breathless, on the driving Tide.
Now soon as Morn appear'd, the Troops obey,
And to the Place appointed speed their Way;
When thus Troxartes, rising o'er the rest,
With gloomy Looks the listning Chiefs addrest.
And to the Place appointed speed their Way;
When thus Troxartes, rising o'er the rest,
With gloomy Looks the listning Chiefs addrest.
Altho' the Frogs have injur'd me of late,
Yet all are subject to be crush'd by Fate.
But such a Loss what Father ever bore?
Three Sons I had, and now they are no more!
One by the Cat's superior Strength was kill'd;
Another's Blood by Men unpitying spill'd,
As in the treach'rous Trap ensnar'd he lay,
And to the curst Invention fell a Prey.
Psicharpax last (by me distinguish'd more
Than all the Children e'er I had before,
And by his Mother through the World renown'd)
In the wild Deep Physignathus hath drown'd.
Come then, my Friends, the hostile Race invade,
And let your Limbs in Armor be array'd,
Yet all are subject to be crush'd by Fate.
But such a Loss what Father ever bore?
Three Sons I had, and now they are no more!
One by the Cat's superior Strength was kill'd;
Another's Blood by Men unpitying spill'd,
As in the treach'rous Trap ensnar'd he lay,
And to the curst Invention fell a Prey.
Psicharpax last (by me distinguish'd more
Than all the Children e'er I had before,
And by his Mother through the World renown'd)
In the wild Deep Physignathus hath drown'd.
Come then, my Friends, the hostile Race invade,
And let your Limbs in Armor be array'd,
Thus he: His Speech each gen'rous Breast alarm'd,
And Mars himself the hardy Warriors arm'd.
First round their Legs the circling Greaves were clos'd,
Which the thin Rind of foodful Beans compos'd.
A Cat's-Skin next, with curious Labour drest,
And stuck with Feathers, serv'd to guard the Breast,
Bright polish'd Bucklers, form'd of lucid Horn,
The little Soldiers loaded Hands adorn.
A brazen Needle ev'ry Hero bore,
And ev'ry head a hollow Nut-shell wore,
Such were the Mice! So on the Plain thy stood
Breathing Revenge and Slaughter, War and Blood!
And Mars himself the hardy Warriors arm'd.
First round their Legs the circling Greaves were clos'd,
Which the thin Rind of foodful Beans compos'd.
A Cat's-Skin next, with curious Labour drest,
And stuck with Feathers, serv'd to guard the Breast,
Bright polish'd Bucklers, form'd of lucid Horn,
The little Soldiers loaded Hands adorn.
A brazen Needle ev'ry Hero bore,
And ev'ry head a hollow Nut-shell wore,
Such were the Mice! So on the Plain thy stood
Breathing Revenge and Slaughter, War and Blood!
Now when to the proud Frogs these Tidings came,
They all with eager Haste forsook the Stream;
And to one Place retiring sought to know
How they might best prevent th' impending Blow.
They all with eager Haste forsook the Stream;
And to one Place retiring sought to know
How they might best prevent th' impending Blow.
But while they sate, attentive with Surprize,
And wondring whence this Tumult should arise,
Full in their View Embasichytros stands;
The glitt'ring Scepter grac'd his holy Hands)
And thus the Chief, secure from hostile Harms,
Invites 'em forth to prove their Strength in Arms.
And wondring whence this Tumult should arise,
Full in their View Embasichytros stands;
The glitt'ring Scepter grac'd his holy Hands)
And thus the Chief, secure from hostile Harms,
Invites 'em forth to prove their Strength in Arms.
To what the Mice propose, ye Frogs! attend
And hear the Message which by me they send:
They, to revenge Psicharpax, whom your Lord
Drown'd in the Deep, regardless of his Word,
Defy th' assembled Forces you can boast,
And dare the noblest of your armed Host.
And hear the Message which by me they send:
They, to revenge Psicharpax, whom your Lord
Drown'd in the Deep, regardless of his Word,
Defy th' assembled Forces you can boast,
And dare the noblest of your armed Host.
He ceas'd; and frowning from the Place retir'd:
His threatning Speech the listning Audience fir'd:
At length, with Words like these the [3]Monarch rose
To hush their Murmurs, and their Wrath compose.
His threatning Speech the listning Audience fir'd:
At length, with Words like these the [3]Monarch rose
To hush their Murmurs, and their Wrath compose.
Friends! not to me Psicharpax ows his Death,
Nor did I see him lab'ring out his Breath.
Like us to pass the Stream the Hero try'd,
And for his Boldness in the Stream he dy'd.
Yet these aloud for Vengeance call, and bring
Their impious Arms against your blameless King,
Route then, ye Warriors! all your Thoughts employ,
To combat, conquer, and the Race destroy.
But first to what I counsel lend an Ear;
Let all our Legions on the Banks appear
Arm'd for the Fight, that when their Troops prepare
With eager Fury to commence the War,
Each Chief, secure, may seize his nearest Foe,
And hurl him backwards to the Lake below.
So shall their treach'rous Armies soon be slain,
Unskill'd by swimming how the Shore to gain;
While we victorious raise our Trophies on the Plain.
Nor did I see him lab'ring out his Breath.
Like us to pass the Stream the Hero try'd,
And for his Boldness in the Stream he dy'd.
Yet these aloud for Vengeance call, and bring
Their impious Arms against your blameless King,
Route then, ye Warriors! all your Thoughts employ,
To combat, conquer, and the Race destroy.
But first to what I counsel lend an Ear;
Let all our Legions on the Banks appear
Arm'd for the Fight, that when their Troops prepare
With eager Fury to commence the War,
Each Chief, secure, may seize his nearest Foe,
And hurl him backwards to the Lake below.
So shall their treach'rous Armies soon be slain,
Unskill'd by swimming how the Shore to gain;
While we victorious raise our Trophies on the Plain.
He said———In Arms their Limbs the Chiefs infold,
And the broad Mallows on their Legs are roll'd:
Wide verdant Beets a fenceful Breast-plate yield,
And Leafs of Colworts form their easy Shield:
A pointed Bulrush ev'ry Hero bears,
And ev'ry Head a shelly Helmet wears.
Thus on the Banks the fearless Squadrons stand,
Their Javelins brandish, and the Fight demand.
And the broad Mallows on their Legs are roll'd:
Wide verdant Beets a fenceful Breast-plate yield,
And Leafs of Colworts form their easy Shield:
A pointed Bulrush ev'ry Hero bears,
And ev'ry Head a shelly Helmet wears.
Thus on the Banks the fearless Squadrons stand,
Their Javelins brandish, and the Fight demand.
Now thundring Jove bids ev'ry Pow'r resort
To the bright Mansions of his starry Court:
From thence they view'd with Pleasure mix'd with Pain
The shining Hosts advancing o'er the Plain:
In dreadful Pomp each Warrior march'd along,
Fierce as the Centaurs, as the Giants strong,
Whose daring Sons, by wild Ambition driv'n,
Rent up the Hills, and lifted Earth to Heav'n.
At length, the Sov'reign Father smiling said,
To whom, ye Gods! will you vouchsafe yur Aid?
Then thus to Pallas, wise above the rest,
The gracious Being these few Words addrest.
To the bright Mansions of his starry Court:
From thence they view'd with Pleasure mix'd with Pain
The shining Hosts advancing o'er the Plain:
In dreadful Pomp each Warrior march'd along,
Fierce as the Centaurs, as the Giants strong,
Whose daring Sons, by wild Ambition driv'n,
Rent up the Hills, and lifted Earth to Heav'n.
At length, the Sov'reign Father smiling said,
To whom, ye Gods! will you vouchsafe yur Aid?
Then thus to Pallas, wise above the rest,
The gracious Being these few Words addrest.
Daughter! to help the Mice dost thou design,
Since they for ever haunt thy holy Shrine,
Pleas'd with the grateful Scents that constant rife
From thy frequented Altar to the Skies?
Since they for ever haunt thy holy Shrine,
Pleas'd with the grateful Scents that constant rife
From thy frequented Altar to the Skies?
He ceas'd; and this Reply the Goddess gave:
Never shall Pallas lift her Arm to save
Th' injurious Race that impudently dare
To vex my Quiet, and augment my Care;
That still to spoil my Flow'ry Chaplets strive,
And of their Oil the sacred Lamps deprive.
Gnaw'd is my Veil (and this afflicts me more
Than all I suffer'd from the Thieves before)
That Veil, wrought by myself! which seem'd to shine
With matchless Skill, and speak the Hand divine.
Nor shall the Frogs by me be rais'd to Fame,
Since they, when from the Field of Blood I came,
Spent by long Labours, by long Toils opprest,
(Fools as they were!) presum'd to break my Rest.
With aking Head and sleepless Eyes I lay,
Till the loud Cock proclaim'd the dawning Day.
Cease then, ye Gods! to aid the warring Bands,
Lest ye should feel the Force of mortal Hands.
Be Heav'n the Seat of our Abode To-day,
Pleas'd to look down from hence, and view the horrid Fray.
Never shall Pallas lift her Arm to save
Th' injurious Race that impudently dare
To vex my Quiet, and augment my Care;
That still to spoil my Flow'ry Chaplets strive,
And of their Oil the sacred Lamps deprive.
Gnaw'd is my Veil (and this afflicts me more
Than all I suffer'd from the Thieves before)
That Veil, wrought by myself! which seem'd to shine
With matchless Skill, and speak the Hand divine.
Nor shall the Frogs by me be rais'd to Fame,
Since they, when from the Field of Blood I came,
Spent by long Labours, by long Toils opprest,
(Fools as they were!) presum'd to break my Rest.
With aking Head and sleepless Eyes I lay,
Till the loud Cock proclaim'd the dawning Day.
Cease then, ye Gods! to aid the warring Bands,
Lest ye should feel the Force of mortal Hands.
Be Heav'n the Seat of our Abode To-day,
Pleas'd to look down from hence, and view the horrid Fray.
So spake the Goddess: All the Pow'rs approv'd,
And to one Place with one Consent they mov'd:
While the loud Hornets, issuing forth in Sight,
To either Host proclaim'd th' approaching Fight;
Their breathing Trumpets rattled through the Sky,
And Jove in Thunder told the War was nigh.
And to one Place with one Consent they mov'd:
While the loud Hornets, issuing forth in Sight,
To either Host proclaim'd th' approaching Fight;
Their breathing Trumpets rattled through the Sky,
And Jove in Thunder told the War was nigh.
By brave Hypsiboas first Lichenor dies;
The pointed Javelin through his Navel flies:
Prone sinks the breathless Body on the Plain,
And Dust and Gore the beauteous Hairs distain.
Great Pelion next, as o'er the Field he rag'd,
Troglodytes, victorious Chief! engag'd:
Deep in the Frog his Spear a Passage found,
And the warm Soul came rushing through the Wound:
Pierc'd in the Heart Embasichitros lies
By bold Seutlaeus. Poliphonus dies;
To stern Artophagus his Death he owes;
The Warrior falls, away the Spirit goes.
Limnocharis, who heard his Friend's last Groan,
Hurl'd at Troglodytes a weighty Stone;
Full on the Middle of his Neck it rung,
And sudden Darkness o'er his Eye balls hung.
At him his Javelin strong Lichenor sent;
Th' unerring Weapon through his Liver went.
Crambophagus, astonish'd, leaves the Plain,
And to the River flies, but flies in vain;
Ev'n there the Chief pursu'd him, there he dy'd;
The sanguine C(illegible text)nt stain'd the Silver Tide:
His mangled Carcass, dawb'd with filthy Gore,
And his hot Entrails smoke upon the Shore.
Next him to Fate Tyroglyphus succeeds;
The hoary Hero by Limnisius bleeds.
But Calaminthius, smit with secret Dread,
From proud Psernoglyphus ignobly fled;
His unavailing Buckler thrown aside,
And trembling div'd beneath the friendly Tide.
Hydrocharis a rocky Fragment flung,
That on Psernophagus's Forehead rung;
Forth from his Nostrils flow'd the gushing Brains;
The red Effusion sprinkled all the Plains.
Next on the Banks Borborocætes dies;
Lichopinax in Slumber seals his Eyes.
Prassophagus Cnissodioctes takes
First by the Foot, and drowns him in the Lakes.
Meantime Psicharpax, touch'd with gen'rous Woe,
Reveng'd his lost Companions on the Foe,
And in Pelusius' Belly lodg'd his Dart,
That rent the Liver, and transfix'd the Heart;
Before his Feet the wounded Warrior fell;
His airy Shadow sought the Realms of Hell.
Pelobates ran hastning to the Flood,
And furious fill'd his daring Hand with Mud;
Swift at the Mouse the slimy Vengeance flies
(illegible text) just, it almost plaisters up his Eyes.
Down stoops the Chief to Earth, and from below
Lifts a large Stone, and drives it at the Foe;
The pondrous Ruin, faithful to its Trust,
Broke his Right-leg, and stretch'd him in the Dust.
The Victor now Craugasides defies;
And lo! beneath his Arm the Victor dies;
His inmost Belly feels the fatal Wound;
His rushing Bowels tumble to the Ground.
Sitophagus confounded at the Sight,
Receded limping from the glorious Fight;
Opprest with Grief, and wrapt in deep Despair,
He sought the secret Ditch, and trembled there.
The pointed Javelin through his Navel flies:
Prone sinks the breathless Body on the Plain,
And Dust and Gore the beauteous Hairs distain.
Great Pelion next, as o'er the Field he rag'd,
Troglodytes, victorious Chief! engag'd:
Deep in the Frog his Spear a Passage found,
And the warm Soul came rushing through the Wound:
Pierc'd in the Heart Embasichitros lies
By bold Seutlaeus. Poliphonus dies;
To stern Artophagus his Death he owes;
The Warrior falls, away the Spirit goes.
Limnocharis, who heard his Friend's last Groan,
Hurl'd at Troglodytes a weighty Stone;
Full on the Middle of his Neck it rung,
And sudden Darkness o'er his Eye balls hung.
At him his Javelin strong Lichenor sent;
Th' unerring Weapon through his Liver went.
Crambophagus, astonish'd, leaves the Plain,
And to the River flies, but flies in vain;
Ev'n there the Chief pursu'd him, there he dy'd;
The sanguine C(illegible text)nt stain'd the Silver Tide:
His mangled Carcass, dawb'd with filthy Gore,
And his hot Entrails smoke upon the Shore.
Next him to Fate Tyroglyphus succeeds;
The hoary Hero by Limnisius bleeds.
But Calaminthius, smit with secret Dread,
From proud Psernoglyphus ignobly fled;
His unavailing Buckler thrown aside,
And trembling div'd beneath the friendly Tide.
Hydrocharis a rocky Fragment flung,
That on Psernophagus's Forehead rung;
Forth from his Nostrils flow'd the gushing Brains;
The red Effusion sprinkled all the Plains.
Next on the Banks Borborocætes dies;
Lichopinax in Slumber seals his Eyes.
Prassophagus Cnissodioctes takes
First by the Foot, and drowns him in the Lakes.
Meantime Psicharpax, touch'd with gen'rous Woe,
Reveng'd his lost Companions on the Foe,
And in Pelusius' Belly lodg'd his Dart,
That rent the Liver, and transfix'd the Heart;
Before his Feet the wounded Warrior fell;
His airy Shadow sought the Realms of Hell.
Pelobates ran hastning to the Flood,
And furious fill'd his daring Hand with Mud;
Swift at the Mouse the slimy Vengeance flies
(illegible text) just, it almost plaisters up his Eyes.
Down stoops the Chief to Earth, and from below
Lifts a large Stone, and drives it at the Foe;
The pondrous Ruin, faithful to its Trust,
Broke his Right-leg, and stretch'd him in the Dust.
The Victor now Craugasides defies;
And lo! beneath his Arm the Victor dies;
His inmost Belly feels the fatal Wound;
His rushing Bowels tumble to the Ground.
Sitophagus confounded at the Sight,
Receded limping from the glorious Fight;
Opprest with Grief, and wrapt in deep Despair,
He sought the secret Ditch, and trembled there.
But now the great Physignathus appear'd;
Back struck the Mice, and own'd how much they fear'd
Troxartes only stood the doubtful Chance,
And eager at his Foe dismiss'd the vengeful Lance.
Pain'd with the Stroke the vig'rous Hero gave,
Sudden the Frog descends into the Wave.
Troxartes still pursu'd him through the Flood,
Wild with Revenge impatient for his Blood;
But hasty to his Aid Prassæus sprung,
And his sharp Bulrush at the Warrior flung:
The harmless Weapon hiss'd along the Field,
Nor touch'd the Chief, nor pierc'd his fenceful Shield.
Back struck the Mice, and own'd how much they fear'd
Troxartes only stood the doubtful Chance,
And eager at his Foe dismiss'd the vengeful Lance.
Pain'd with the Stroke the vig'rous Hero gave,
Sudden the Frog descends into the Wave.
Troxartes still pursu'd him through the Flood,
Wild with Revenge impatient for his Blood;
But hasty to his Aid Prassæus sprung,
And his sharp Bulrush at the Warrior flung:
The harmless Weapon hiss'd along the Field,
Nor touch'd the Chief, nor pierc'd his fenceful Shield.
Among the Mice a Youth there was renown'd
Beyond the rest, with Strength and Valour crown'd:
From good Artepibulus' Loins he came,
And Meridarpax was the Hero's Name.
Tow'ring in Arms this sprightly Warrior shone,
Proud of his Might, exulting, and alone
Where the red Stream with Blood was seen to flow,
And threaten'd singly to destroy the Foe.
Now had he finish'd all his Rage design'd;
(For great his Strength, unconquer'd was his Mind)
But partial Jove with pitying Eyes survey'd
The croaking Race, and to th' Immortals said.
Beyond the rest, with Strength and Valour crown'd:
From good Artepibulus' Loins he came,
And Meridarpax was the Hero's Name.
Tow'ring in Arms this sprightly Warrior shone,
Proud of his Might, exulting, and alone
Where the red Stream with Blood was seen to flow,
And threaten'd singly to destroy the Foe.
Now had he finish'd all his Rage design'd;
(For great his Strength, unconquer'd was his Mind)
But partial Jove with pitying Eyes survey'd
The croaking Race, and to th' Immortals said.
Surely, ye Gods! of all yon dauntless Host
Great Meridarpax moves our Wonder most:
With matchless Might he vows to range the Field,
And ev'ry Foe to matchless Might must yield;
Let therefore Pallas join'd with Mars descend
To check his Fury, and the Frogs defend.
So spake the Pow'r who shakes the boundless Skies;
And the stern God of Battle thus replies:
Great Meridarpax moves our Wonder most:
With matchless Might he vows to range the Field,
And ev'ry Foe to matchless Might must yield;
Let therefore Pallas join'd with Mars descend
To check his Fury, and the Frogs defend.
So spake the Pow'r who shakes the boundless Skies;
And the stern God of Battle thus replies:
Vain will be Pallas', and our Arm as vain
To save the Frogs, and drive him from the Plain.
Let all go down his Vengeance to controul,
Or bid thy Thunders crush his daring Soul;
Those Thunders whose resistless Rage o'erthrew
Enceladus and all his ghastly Crew.
To save the Frogs, and drive him from the Plain.
Let all go down his Vengeance to controul,
Or bid thy Thunders crush his daring Soul;
Those Thunders whose resistless Rage o'erthrew
Enceladus and all his ghastly Crew.
He ceas'd; and strait th' Eternal from on high
Darts the bright Terrors through the burning Sky;
Leap the red Bolts, impetuous, from his Hand;
Olympus shakes, both Armies trembling stand.
Yet still the Mice their Enemies pursu'd,
And doom'd to certain Death the croaking Brood:
But fav'ring Jove, their Ruin to prevent,
A frightful Troop to their Assistance sent.
Darts the bright Terrors through the burning Sky;
Leap the red Bolts, impetuous, from his Hand;
Olympus shakes, both Armies trembling stand.
Yet still the Mice their Enemies pursu'd,
And doom'd to certain Death the croaking Brood:
But fav'ring Jove, their Ruin to prevent,
A frightful Troop to their Assistance sent.
'Pour'd from the neighb'ring Strand, deform'd to View,
'They march, a sudden unexpected Crew!
'Strong Suits of Armor round the Bodies close,
'Which like thick Anvils, blunt the Force of Blows;
'In wheeling Marches turn'd oblique they go;
'With Harpy-claws their Limbs divide below:
'Fell Sheers the Passage to their Mouth command;
'From out the Flesh their Bones by Nature stand;
'Broad spread their Backs, their shining Shoulders rise;
'Unnumber'd Joints distort their lengthen'd Thighs:
'With nervous Cords their Hands are firmly brac'd;
'Their round black Eye-balls in their Bosom plac'd;
'On eight long Feet the wondrous Warriors tread;
'And either End alike supplies a Head.
'To call these Crabs the Wits of Earth agree;
'The Gods have other Names for Things than we.'[4]
'They march, a sudden unexpected Crew!
'Strong Suits of Armor round the Bodies close,
'Which like thick Anvils, blunt the Force of Blows;
'In wheeling Marches turn'd oblique they go;
'With Harpy-claws their Limbs divide below:
'Fell Sheers the Passage to their Mouth command;
'From out the Flesh their Bones by Nature stand;
'Broad spread their Backs, their shining Shoulders rise;
'Unnumber'd Joints distort their lengthen'd Thighs:
'With nervous Cords their Hands are firmly brac'd;
'Their round black Eye-balls in their Bosom plac'd;
'On eight long Feet the wondrous Warriors tread;
'And either End alike supplies a Head.
'To call these Crabs the Wits of Earth agree;
'The Gods have other Names for Things than we.'[4]
Now tow'rds the Mice th' approaching Bands advance,
And bend or break th' unprofitable Lance.
Next on their Hands the Monsters seize, nor fail
From the torn Body to divide the Tail.
At length, unequal to sustain the Fight,
They sought for Safety by inglorious Flight.
Mean Time the Sun departed from our View,
And the War ended as his Rays withdrew.
And bend or break th' unprofitable Lance.
Next on their Hands the Monsters seize, nor fail
From the torn Body to divide the Tail.
At length, unequal to sustain the Fight,
They sought for Safety by inglorious Flight.
Mean Time the Sun departed from our View,
And the War ended as his Rays withdrew.