And back with hurrying rage they turn’d to seek

The throng of battle. And hard by there stood

Clotho and Lachesis; and Atropos,

Somewhat in years inferior: nor was she

A mighty goddess: yet those other Fates

Transcending, and in birth the elder far.

And all around one man in cruel strife

Were join’d: and on each other turn’d in wrath

Their glowing eyes: and mingling desperate hands

And talons mutual strove. [262]And near to them