Upon that classic bank did Mutius stand,
And in the midst of his astonish'd foes
Upon the altar there he placed his hand
Unshrinking, round it whilst the flames arose,
To show th' invader of his native land
How he could scorn the torture's fiercest throes,
And that no tyrant's power could be secure
Against a patriot's purpose, firm and pure.
All these were high and noble in their daring,
In distant ages were their deeds achieved,