From upper earth rolls copious through the wood.

[226]

Libation pours

And is forsworn.]

It was customary to pour a libation, while taking a solemn oath. Thus in the third Iliad:

Then pouring from the beaker to the cups

They fill’d them.

All-glorious Jove, and ye, the powers of heaven!

Whoso shall violate this contract first,

So be their blood, their children’s and their own,