pollutumque solum toto cum crimine mergas.

unam pro mundo Furiis concedimus urbem. 39

Utque semel patuit monstris iter, omnia tempus

nacta suum properant: nasci tum decolor imber

infantumque novi vultus et dissona partu

semina, tum lapidum fletus armentaque vulgo

ausa loqui mediisque ferae se credere muris;

tum vates sine more rapi lymphataque passim 45

[187]

fountain-head of the evil may be dried up. Nay, even limbs are amputated to assure the healthy life of the rest of the body. Think you the Court fitly cleansed by Eutropius’ exile in Cyprus? The world avenged by the banishment of a eunuch? Can any ocean wash away that stain? any age bring forgetfulness of so great a crime?