Page:Batrachomyomachia, or, the Battle of the Frogs and Mice.djvu/20

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