The proffered bed of Jove; but hie thee straight

To Lerne’s bosomed mead,[n42] where are the sheep-folds

And ox-stalls of thy sire, that so the eye

Of Jove, being filled with thee, may cease from craving.

Such nightly dreams my restless couch possessed

Till I, all tears, did force me to unfold

The portent to my father. He to Pytho[f13]

Sent frequent messengers, and to Dodona,

Searching the pleasure of the gods; but they

With various-woven phrase came back, and answers