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And first-born Titans[1] had almost prevail'd:
645 Such Light'ning keen, as erst Typhæus vast
Sorely dismay'd, and wounded forc'd retire,
When Flames so thick the mighty Thund'rer cast,
That scarcely from the wreck of horrid Fire,
Olympus summited with Snow was sav'd,
650 Scarce the superior Heav'n, Abode of Gods, brass-pav'd!
645 Such Light'ning keen, as erst Typhæus vast
Sorely dismay'd, and wounded forc'd retire,
When Flames so thick the mighty Thund'rer cast,
That scarcely from the wreck of horrid Fire,
Olympus summited with Snow was sav'd,
650 Scarce the superior Heav'n, Abode of Gods, brass-pav'd!
LXVI.
Him Pallas answ'ring, spake. Let all remain
Here in their Heav'nly Seats reclin'd secure.
Without partaking, view the Wounds and Pain
Which mortal Frogs from mortal Mice endure.
655 But if our Sov'reign's all-commanding Will,
Is fixt to save them from triumphant Mice,
Lanch he his Thunder from yon neighbour Hill,
Him Pallas answ'ring, spake. Let all remain
Here in their Heav'nly Seats reclin'd secure.
Without partaking, view the Wounds and Pain
Which mortal Frogs from mortal Mice endure.
655 But if our Sov'reign's all-commanding Will,
Is fixt to save them from triumphant Mice,
Lanch he his Thunder from yon neighbour Hill,
- ↑ v. 644. First born Titans.] If Homer held Birth-right to be Divine, 'tis plain it was on Earth only. The Titans were Rebels because they were conquer'd; but had they gain'd the Victory, they would have had at least as much Right to the Sov'reignty of Heaven as ever Jupiter was possess'd of. The Poet was no Friend to Passive-Obedience; and the Patrons of Resistance may prove their Point most irrefragably out of his Poem.
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