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Thither his sorrowing footsteps bent.

Since with an equal weight on all

Calamities domestic fall,

How soon soe'er from foreign grief

The heart uninjured finds relief.

By admiration's power subdued,

Though mingled with concern, he stood;

When his son's fearless pride he saw,

Exceeding moderation's law.

But as declared the immortal train,

The messenger's report was vain.

Then, straight he call'd Tiresias near,

Jove's truest, most illustrious seer;

Who to the chief of all the host

Show'd by what adverse fortunes cross'd,

How many ravening monsters slain

By land or on the trackless main;

And him that with unhallow'd pride

Should turn from virtue's path aside,

Alcides by a hateful doom,

He said, should hurry to the tomb.

And when the gods on Phlegra's plain

Wage combat with the giant train,

These monsters of terrestrial birth

Would soil their splendid locks with earth;

While he, his mighty labours past,

Quiet and peace should gain at last;

Enjoying in the mansions bless'd

A long eternity of rest;

Receiving to his godlike side

Hebe, his ever-blooming bride;

And seated near Saturnian Jove,

The nuptials o'er, his dome approve.