But them, as issuing from the sacred womb

They touch’d the mother’s knees, did Saturn huge

Devour: revolving in his troubled thought

Lest other one of beings heavenly-born

Usurp the kingly honours. For from earth

And starry heaven the rumour met his ear,

That it was doom’d by Fate, strong though he were,

[199]To his own son he should bow down his strength.

Jove’s wisdom this fulfill’d. No blind design

He therefore cherish’d, and in crooked craft