III. The combat: and the burial of Cygnus.

THE SHIELD OF HERCULES.

Or as Alcmena, from Electryon born,

The guardian of his people, her lov’d home

And natal soil abandoning, to Thebes

Came with Amphitryon: with the brave in war.

She all the gentle race of womankind

[252]In height surpass’d and beauty: nor with her

Might one in prudence vie, of all who sprang