Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 1) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/82

10 The Clamours of this vile degenerate Age, The Cries of Orphans, and th' Oppressor's Rage Had reach'd the Stars: I will descend, said I, In hope to prove this loud Complaint a Lye. Disguis'd in Humane Shape, I travell'd round The World, and more than what I heard, I found. O'er Mænalus I took my steepy Way, By Caverns infamous for Beasts of Prey: Then cross'd Cyllené, and the piny Shade More infamous, by curst Lycaon made. Dark Night had cover'd Heav'n, and Earth, before I enter'd his unhospitable Door. Just at my entrance, I display'd the Sign That something was approaching of Divine. The prostrate People pray; the Tyrant grins; And, adding Prophanation to his Sins, I'll try, said he, and if a God appear, To prove his Deity shall cost him dear. 'Twas late; the graceless Wretch my Death prepares, When I shou'd soundly sleep, opprest with Cares: This dire Experiment he chose, to prove If I were Mortal, or undoubted Jove: But first he had resolv'd to taste my Pow'r; Not long before, but in a luckless Hour Some Legates, sent from the Molossian State Were on a peaceful Errand come to treat: Of these he murders one, he boils the Flesh; And lays the mangled Morsels in a Dish: Some part he roasts; then serves it up, so drest, And bids me welcome to this humane Feast. Mov'd with disdain, the Table I o'er-turn'd; And with avenging Flames, the Palace burn'd. The Tyrant in a Fright, for Shelter gains The neighb'ring Fields, and scours along the Plains. Howling he fled, and fain he wou'd have spoke; But humane Voice his brutal Tongue forsook. About