Page:Ovid's Metamorphoses (Vol. 1) - tr Garth, Dryden, et. al. (1727).djvu/82

The Clamours of this vile degenerate Age,
The Cries of Orphans, and th' Oppressor's Rage
Had reach'd the Stars: I will descend, said I,
In hope to prove this loud Complaint a Lye.
Disguis'd in Humane Shape, I travell'd round
The World, and more than what I heard, I found.
O'er Mænalus I took my steepy Way,
By Caverns infamous for Beasts of Prey:
Then cross'd Cyllené, and the piny Shade
More infamous, by curst Lycaon made.
Dark Night had cover'd Heav'n, and Earth, before
I enter'd his unhospitable Door.
Just at my entrance, I display'd the Sign
That something was approaching of Divine.
The prostrate People pray; the Tyrant grins;
And, adding Prophanation to his Sins,
I'll try, said he, and if a God appear,
To prove his Deity shall cost him dear.
'Twas late; the graceless Wretch my Death prepares,
When I shou'd soundly sleep, opprest with Cares:
This dire Experiment he chose, to prove
If I were Mortal, or undoubted Jove:
But first he had resolv'd to taste my Pow'r;
Not long before, but in a luckless Hour
Some Legates, sent from the Molossian State
Were on a peaceful Errand come to treat:
Of these he murders one, he boils the Flesh;
And lays the mangled Morsels in a Dish:
Some part he roasts; then serves it up, so drest,
And bids me welcome to this humane Feast.
Mov'd with disdain, the Table I o'er-turn'd;
And with avenging Flames, the Palace burn'd.
The Tyrant in a Fright, for Shelter gains
The neighb'ring Fields, and scours along the Plains.
Howling he fled, and fain he wou'd have spoke;
But humane Voice his brutal Tongue forsook.

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