So saying, he sank and died, whom, while he sat
Reposing on the lake's soft verge, the Mouse
[1]Lichopinax observed; aloud he wail'd,
And flew with those sad tidings to his friends.
Grief, at the sound, immeasurable seized 130
On all, and, by command, at dawn of day
The heralds call'd a council at the house
Of brave Troxartes, father of the Prince
Now lost, a carcase now, nor nigh to land
Welt'ring, but distant in the middle pool. 135
The multitude in haste convened, uprose
Troxartes for his son incensed, and said,
Ah friends! although my damage from the Frogs
Sustain'd be greatest, yet is yours not small.
Three children I have lost, wretch that I am, 140
All sons. A merciless and hungry cat
Finding mine eldest son abroad, surprized
And flew him. Lured into a wooden snare,
(New machination of unfeeling man
For slaughter of our race, and named a trap) 145
My second died. And now, as ye have heard,
My third, his mothers' and my darling, him
Physignathus hath drown'd in yon abyss.
Haste therefore, and in gallant armour bright
Attired, march forth, ye Mice, now seek the foe. 150
So saying, he roused them to the fight, and Mars
Attendant arm'd them. Splitting, first, the pods
- ↑ The dish-licker.
Of
