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THE
BATTLE
OF THE
FROGS AND MICE.
Descend all Helicon into my breast!
Oh ev'ry virgin of the tuneful choir
Breathe on my song which I have newly traced
In tables open’d on my knees, a song
Of bloodiest note—terrible deeds of Mars 5
Well worthy of the ears of all mankind,
Whom I desire to teach, how, erst, the Mice
Assail'd the Frogs, mimicking in exploit
The prowess of the giant race earth-born.
The rumour once was frequent in the mouths 10
Of mortal men, and thus the strife began.
A thirsty Mouse (thirsty with fear and flight
From a cat’s claws) sought out the nearest lake,
Where, dipping in the flood his downy chin,
He drank delighted. Him the frog far-famed 15
[1]Limnocharis espied, and thus he spake.
- ↑ The beauty of the lake.
Who
