Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 2) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/28

20 Now learn the Diff'rence, at your proper Cost, Betwixt true Valour, and an empty Boast. At this advanc'd, and sudden as the Word, In proud Plexippus' Bosom plung'd the Sword: Toxeus amaz'd, and with Amazement slow, Or to revenge, or ward the coming Blow, Stood doubting; and while doubting thus he stood, Receiv'd the Steel bath'd in his Brother's Blood. Pleas'd with the first, unknown the second News; Althæa to the Temples pays their Dues For her Son's Conquest; when at length appear Her grisly Brethren stretch'd upon the Bier: Pale at the sudden Sight, she chang'd her Cheer, And with her Cheer her Robes; but hearing tell The Cause, the Manner, and by whom they fell, 'Twas Grief no more, or Grief and Rage were one Within her Soul; at last 'twas Rage alone; Which burning upwards in Succession, dries The Tears, that stood considering in her Eyes. There lay a Log unlighted on the Hearth, When she was lab'ring in the Throws of Birth For th' unborn Chief; the fatal Sisters came, And rais'd it up, and toss'd it on the Flame: Then on the Rock a scanty Measure place Of vital Flax, and turn'd the Wheel apace; And turning sung, To this red Brand and thee, O new-born Babe, we give an equal Destiny: So vanish'd out of view. The frighted Dame Sprung hasty from her Bed, and quench'd the Flame: The Log, in secret lock'd, she kept with Care, And that, while thus preserv'd, preserv'd her Heir. This Brand she now produc'd; and first she strows The Hearth with Heaps of Chips, and after blows; Thrice heav'd her Hand, and heav'd, she thrice repress'd: The Sister, and the Mother long contest, Two doubtful Titles, in one tender Breast: And