Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/581

Rh The clear wave dash'd him. Much he shriek'd, and much He clamour'd, and, at length, thus, sorrowing, said. Oh desp'rate navigation strange! not thus Europa floated to the shores of Crete On the broad back of her enamour'd bull. And now, dread spectacle to both, behold An Hydra! on the lake with crest erect He rode, and right toward them. At that sight Down went Physignathus, heedless, alas! Through fear, how great a Prince he should destroy. Himself, at bottom of the pool escaped The dreadful death; but, at his first descent Dislodg'd, Psycharpax fell into the flood. There, stretch'd supine, he clench'd his hands, he shriek'd, Plunged oft, and, lashing out his heels afar, Oft rose again, but no deliv'rance found. At length, oppress'd by his drench'd coat, and soon To sink for ever, thus he prophecied. Thou hast releas'd thy shoulders at my cost, Physignathus!, unfeeling as the rock, But not unnoticed by the Gods above. Ah worst of traytors! on dry land, I ween, Thou hadst not soil'd me, whether in the race Or wrestling-match, or at whatever game. Thou hast by fraud prevail'd, casting me off Into the waters; but an eye divine Sees all. Nor hope thou to escape the host Of Mice, who shall, ere long, avenge the deed.