Page:Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller.djvu/222

204 Here does that massive monster whet himself And kindle hot his wrath; then, when he felt His courage strong within his breast, and when His power to attempt the strife he had rehearsed, He charged Hippolytus with headlong course, The ground scarce touching with his bounding feet; And, fearful, stopped before the trembling steeds. But this thy son, with savage countenance, Stood steadfast, threatening, before the foe. His features changed not, while he thundered loud: "This empty terror cannot daunt my soul, For 'twas my father's task to vanquish bulls." But straightway, disobedient to the reins, The horses hurried off the car. And now, The highway leaving, maddened by their fear, They plunged along where'er their terror led, And took their way among the rocky fields. But he, their driver, as some captain strong Holds straight his bark upon the boisterous sea, Lest she oppose her side against the waves, And by his art escapes the yawning floods; Not otherwise he guides the whirling car. For now with tight-drawn reins he curbs his steeds, And now upon their backs he plies the lash. But doggedly that monster kept along, Now running by their side, now leaping straight Upon them as they came, from every hand Great fear inspiring. Soon all further flight Was checked; for that dread, hornéd, ocean beast With lowering front charged full against their course. Then, truly, did the horses, wild with fear, Break loose from all control; and from the yoke They madly struggled to withdraw their necks, Their master hurling to their stamping feet. Headlong among the lossened reins he fell, His form all tangled in their clinging strands. The more he struggled to release himself The tighter those relentless fetters bound. The steeds perceived what they had done, and now,