Of Dirce and Ismenus’ sacred stream,[n20]
That blood of lambs and bulls shall wash their altars,
And spear-pierced trophies, Argive harnesses,
Bedeck their holy halls. Such be your prayers;
Not sighs and sobs, and frantic screams, that shake
The hearts of men, but not the will of gods.
Meanwhile, with six choice men, myself the seventh,
I’ll gallantly oppose these boastful chiefs
That block our outlets. Timely thus I’ll gag
The swift-winged rush of various-bruited news,