Then thou the hospitable rites perform,

While I my bellows and my tools lay by.’

He said, and from the anvil rear’d upright

His massive strength; and as he limp’d along,

His tott’ring knees were bow’d beneath his weight.

The bellows from the fire he next withdrew,

And in a silver casket plac’d his tools;

Then with a sponge his brows and lusty arms

He wip’d, and sturdy neck and hairy chest.

He donn’d his robe, and took his weighty staff;