Cygnus your foe, and strip his gorgeous arms.

But I will breathe a word within thine ear

In counsel, oh most mighty midst the strong!

Now soon as e’er from Cygnus thou hast reft

The sweets of life, there leave him: on that spot,

Him and his armour: but th’ approach of Mars,

Slayer of mortals, watch with wary eye:

And where thy glance discerns a part exposed,

Defenceless of the well-wrought buckler, strike!

With thy sharp point there wound him, and recede: