From the sea-monster’s jaws thy arm did free,
And from her chains, the fair Hesione.
And when Alcestis, who her lord to save,
Her life instead a sacrifice she gave,
Then wast thou near with heart that never quailed,
And o’er Death’s fearful form thy might prevailed.
II.
Because thou chosest virtue, when for thee
Vice her alluring charms around thee spread,
The gods, approving, smiled from overhead,