Page:The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer (IA iliadodysseyofho02home).pdf/582

574 So saying, he sank and died, whom, while he sat Reposing on the lake's soft verge, the Mouse Lichopinax observed; aloud he wail'd, And flew with those sad tidings to his friends. Grief, at the sound, immeasurable seized On all, and, by command, at dawn of day The heralds call'd a council at the house Of brave Troxartes, father of the Prince Now lost, a carcase now, nor nigh to land Welt'ring, but distant in the middle pool. The multitude in haste convened, uprose Troxartes for his son incensed, and said, Ah friends! although my damage from the Frogs Sustain'd be greatest, yet is yours not small. Three children I have lost, wretch that I am, All sons. A merciless and hungry cat Finding mine eldest son abroad, surprized And flew him. Lured into a wooden snare, (New machination of unfeeling man For slaughter of our race, and named a trap) My second died. And now, as ye have heard, My third, his mothers' and my darling, him Physignathus hath drown'd in yon abyss. Haste therefore, and in gallant armour bright Attired, march forth, ye Mice, now seek the foe. So saying, he roused them to the fight, and Mars Attendant arm'd them. Splitting, first, the pods