Short time he in Molossia reign'd
Whose sceptre still his race retain'd;
And bearing from the conquer'd soil
The first fruits of the Trojan spoil, 70
Approach'd the god—but fell in deadly strife, [1]
Himself a victim to the hostile knife. 62
The Delphians mourn'd with heavy wo;
But fate in vengeance urged the blow,
By whose decree a king should come 75
Of Æacus' high line, to rest
Within the grove's time-hallow'd breast,
Near Phœbus' wall-encircled dome;
Where his presiding eye might still survey
Chiefs with heroic pomp the sacrifice display. 80
Three potent reasons will avail
To justify the murderous tale.
No fraudful witness he who claims
Dominion o'er the sacred games.
The race that springs from thee and Jove 85
Will by their virtues' shining beam,
Ægina, my bold speech approve,
And hallow the domestic theme. 76
But sweet the moment of repose
That brings each labour to its close; 90
Since e'en excess of honey cloys,
And flow'r of Aphrodisian joys.
By nature various lots are thrown,
But perfect happiness to none.
- ↑ According to the scholiast, it is related of Neoptolemus that while sacrificing at Delphi, and endeavouring to prevent the people from snatching away the offerings, according to their custom, he was slain by them in a tumult of indignation. Virgil (Æn., iii., 330) relates that Neoptolemus was slain by Orestes, in revenge for the loss of his kingdom and affianced bride Hermione.
