Returning from a fight weary and faint
I needed rest, and would have slept, no sleep
Found I, those ceaseless croakers of the lake
Noisy, perverse, forbidding me a wink.
Sleepless, and with an aching head I lay 240
Therefore, until the crowing of the cock.
By my advice, then, O ye Gods, move not
Nor interfere, favouring either side,
Lest ye be wounded; for both hosts alike
Are valiant, nor would scruple to assail 245
Even ourselves. Suffice it, therefore, hence
To view the battle, safe, and at our ease.
She ceas'd, and all complied. Meantime, the hosts
Drew nearer, and in front of each was seen
An herald, gonfalon in hand; huge gnats 250
Through clarions of unwieldy length sang forth
The dreadful note of onset fierce, and Jove
Doubled the signal, thund'ring from above.
First, with his spear [1]Hypsiboas assail'd
[2]Lichenor. Deep into his body rush'd 255
The point, and pierced his liver. Prone he fell,
And all his glossy down with dust defiled.
Then, [3]Troglodytes hurl'd his massy spear
At [4]Pelion, which he planted in his chest.
Down dropp'd the Frog, night whelm'd him, and he died.
Seutlæus
