Of the Jove-born Amphion. By his spear

He swears, his spear more dear to him than gods,

Or light of day, that he will sack the city

In Jove’s despite: thus speaks half-man, half-boy,

The fair-faced scion of a mountain mother.

The manly down, luxuriant, bushy, sprouts

Full from his blooming cheek: no virgin he

In aspect, though most virgin-like his name.[f15]

Keen are his looks, and fierce his soul; he too

Comes not without a boast against the gates;