The clear wave dash'd him. Much he shriek'd, and much
He clamour'd, and, at length, thus, sorrowing, said.
Oh desp'rate navigation strange! not thus 100
Europa floated to the shores of Crete
On the broad back of her enamour'd bull.
And now, dread spectacle to both, behold
An Hydra! on the lake with crest erect
He rode, and right toward them. At that sight 105
Down went Physignathus, heedless, alas!
Through fear, how great a Prince he should destroy.
Himself, at bottom of the pool escaped
The dreadful death; but, at his first descent
Dislodg'd, Psycharpax fell into the flood. 110
There, stretch'd supine, he clench'd his hands, he shriek'd,
Plunged oft, and, lashing out his heels afar,
Oft rose again, but no deliv'rance found.
At length, oppress'd by his drench'd coat, and soon
To sink for ever, thus he prophecied. 115
Thou hast releas'd thy shoulders at my cost,
Physignathus!, unfeeling as the rock,
But not unnoticed by the Gods above.
Ah worst of traytors! on dry land, I ween,
Thou hadst not soil'd me, whether in the race 120
Or wrestling-match, or at whatever game.
Thou hast by fraud prevail'd, casting me off
Into the waters; but an eye divine
Sees all. Nor hope thou to escape the host
Of Mice, who shall, ere long, avenge the deed. 125
So
