From battle, but with double ardour flew 365
To the destruction of the Frogs, whom Jove
From the Olympian heights snow-crown'd again
Viewing, compassionated their distress,
And sent them aids. Sudden they came. Broad-back'd
They were, and smooth like anvils, sickle-claw'd, 370
Sideling in gait, their mouths with pincers arm'd,
Shell-clad, crook-knee'd, protruding far before
Long hands and horns, with eye-balls in the breast,
Legs in quaternion ranged on either side,
And Crabs their name. They, seizing by his leg, 375
His arm, his tail a Mouse, cropp’d it, and snapp'd
His polish’d spear. Appall’d at such a foe
The miserable Mice stood not, but fled
Heartless, discomfited.—And now, the sun
Descending, closed this warfare of a day. 380
THE END
