Would kill the prince who late had slain his love.
O promise vain! it otherwise fell out.
Men purpose, but high gods dispose above;
For underneath his sword this boaster died,
Whom there he scorned and threatened in his pride.”
In Homer, again, how grieves Achilles, and, impetuous, vents to all his myrmidons his loud laments?
“By what vain promise, gods! did I engage,
When, to console Menætius’ feeble age,
I vowed his much-loved offspring to restore;
Charged with rich spoils to fair Opuntia’s shore.