XXXIX.
“Nor Juno, nor Eurystheus, in such chase[8]
“Ever renowned Alcides vext so sore,
“In Erymanth, Nemæa, Lerna, Thrace,
“Ætolia, Africa, by Tyber’s shore,
“By Ebro’s sunny bank, or other place,
“As (hiding murderous hate, while I implore)
“I exercise my lover still in strife,
“With the same fell design upon his life.
XL.
“Unable to achieve my first intent,
“I on a scheme of no less mischief fall:
“Through me, all deemed his friends by him are shent,
“Who thus bring down on him the hate of all.
“The Thracian leader never more content
“Than to obey, whatever be the call,
“Is at my bidding ever prompt to smite,
“Without regarding who or what the wight.
XLI.
“When I perceive that, through the warrior’s mean,
“Extinguished is my father’s every foe;
“And, conquered by himself, that knight is seen
“—Friendless, through us—I now the masque forego;
“What I, from him, beneath a flattering mien,
“Had hitherto concealed, I plainly show;
“—What deep and deadly hate my bosom fired,
“And that I but to work his death desired.
