Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 2) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/33

Book 8. To Athens' lofty Tow'rs his March ordain'd, By Pallas lov'd, and where Erectheus reign'd. But Acheloüs stop'd him on the Way, By Rains a Deluge, and constrain'd his Stay. O fam'd for glorious Deeds, and great by Blood, Rest here, says he, nor trust the rapid Flood; It solid Oaks has from its Margin tore, And rocky Fragments down its current bore, The Murmur hoarse, and terrible the Roar. Oft have I seen Herds with their shelt'ring Fold Forc'd from the Banks, and in the Torrent roul'd; Nor Strength the bulky Steer from Ruin freed, Nor matchless Swiftness sav'd the racing Steed. In Cataracts when the dissolving Snow Falls from the Hills, and floods the Plains below; Toss'd by the Eddies with a giddy Round, Strong Youths are in the sucking Whirlpools drown'd. 'Tis best with me in safety to abide, Till usual Bounds restrain the ebbing Tide, And the low Waters in their Channel glide. Theseus perswaded, in Compliance bow'd; So kind an Offer, and Advice so good, O Achelous, cannot be refus'd; I'll use them both, said he; and both he us'd. The Grot he enter'd, Pumice built the Hall, And Tophi made the Rustick of the Wall; The Floor, soft Moss, an humid Carpet spread, And various Shells the chequer'd Roof inlaid. 'Twas now the Hour when the declining Sun Two Thirds had of his daily Journey run; At the spread Table Theseus took his Place, Next his Companions in the daring Chace; Perithous here, there elder Lelex lay, His Locks betraying Age with sprinkled Grey. Achar-