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Rh But still, these mighty dangers pass'd

He hoped the youth would fail at last.

For in an ambush'd wood 'twas laid,

Kept by a greedy dragon's care,

With whose dire bulk, at large display'd,

No lengthen'd vessel might compare,

Though urged by fifty oars, by strokes of iron made.

Still could I speed my chariot's way,

But time forbids the long delay.

A shorter path I know full well,

In wisdom who the rest excel.

The varied snake of azure hue

He soon, Arcesilaus, slew;

And with it bore Medea home,

Author of murder'd Pelias' doom.

Then mingling in the ocean deep,

The Erythræan sea they sweep;

Thence mid the Lemnian race, who gave

Their youthful husbands to the grave,

A test of corporal strength they made—

(Aside the cumbering garments laid)

And shared their couch of sweet repose.

Thus in a foreign region bright

By day or in the peaceful night

Your beams of happiness arose.

For planted there, Euphemus' race

Illustrious shines with endless grace.