Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/577



all Helicon into my breast! Oh ev'ry virgin of the tuneful choir Breathe on my song which I have newly traced In tables open’d on my knees, a song Of bloodiest note—terrible deeds of Mars Well worthy of the ears of all mankind, Whom I desire to teach, how, erst, the Mice Assail'd the Frogs, mimicking in exploit The prowess of the giant race earth-born. The rumour once was frequent in the mouths Of mortal men, and thus the strife began. A thirsty Mouse (thirsty with fear and flight From a cat’s claws) sought out the nearest lake, Where, dipping in the flood his downy chin, He drank delighted. Him the frog far-famed Limnocharis espied, and thus he spake.