Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 1) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/215

Book 5. Still with a Child: Nor think that I prefer Perseus to thee, but to the Loss of her. Phineus on him, and Perseus roul'd about His Eyes in silent Rage, and seem'd to doubt Which to destroy; till, resolute at length, He threw his Spear with the redoubled Strength His Fury gave him, and at Perseus struck; But missing Perseus, in his Seat it stuck. Who, springing nimbly up, return'd the Dart, And almost plung'd it in his Rival's Heart; But he, for Safety, to the Altar ran, Unfit Protection for so vile a Man; Yet was the Stroke not vain, as Rhætus found, Who in His Brow receiv'd a mortal Wound; Headlong he tumbled, when his Skull was broke, From which his Friends the fatal Weapon took, While he lay trembling, and his gushing Blood In crimson Streams around the Table flow'd. But this provok'd th' unruly Rabble worse, They flung their Darts, and some in loud Discourse. To Death young Perseus, and the Monarch doom; But Cepheus left before the guilty Room, With Grief appealing to the Gods above, Who laws of Hospitality approve, Who Faith protect, and succour injur'd Right, That he was guiltless of this barb'rous Fight. Pallas her Brother Perseus close attends, And with her ample Shield from Harm defends, Raising a sprightly Courage in his Heart: But Indian Athis took the weaker Part, Born in the chrystal Grottoes of the Sea, Limnate's Son, a Fenny Nymph, and she Daughter of Ganges; Graceful was his Mein, His Person lovely, and his Age Sixteen. His Habit made his native Beauty more; A purple Mantle fring'd with Gold he wore; His