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Instant the King of Frogs Pelides[1] flies
With utmost Swiftness from his injur'd Sight.
545 With equal Steps the Mouse pursued the Chase;
Swift as Latona's Seed their Arrows shoot.
Still stood the wond'ring Hosts to view the Race,
For either Chief was known so light of Foot,
The Frog was oft[2] by Waves unyielding born;
550 The Mouse by slender Ears of ripe unbending Corn.
With utmost Swiftness from his injur'd Sight.
545 With equal Steps the Mouse pursued the Chase;
Swift as Latona's Seed their Arrows shoot.
Still stood the wond'ring Hosts to view the Race,
For either Chief was known so light of Foot,
The Frog was oft[2] by Waves unyielding born;
550 The Mouse by slender Ears of ripe unbending Corn.
LVI.
Sitophagus[3] but late had trembling fled
The Frog's terrific Voice, and mighty Arm,
Casting his Shield behind, his dastard Head
Shrowding in Reeds; no longer fearing Harm,
Sitophagus[3] but late had trembling fled
The Frog's terrific Voice, and mighty Arm,
Casting his Shield behind, his dastard Head
Shrowding in Reeds; no longer fearing Harm,
- ↑ v. 543. Pelides.] This Name alludes not only to Pelos, Mud, but to Achilles also, the Son of Thetis so call'd. It is no Disgrace for a Hero to fly, especially having Guilt upon his Spirits.
- ↑ v. 549. The Frog was oft.] The Greek Poet illustrates the Swiftness of Ericthonius's Mares, by describing them as running over the standing Corn and Surface of Waters, without making any Impression. And the Latin one says the same of Camilla; which is a certain Sign of Homer's Excellency. Now a Frog is as likely to be born upon the Waters, as a Heroine; and a Mouse is not altogether so heavy as a Mare.
- ↑ v. 551. Sitophagus.] An Eater of Wheat.
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