And, mindful of thy mother's sin, avoid170
Such monstrous unions. Wouldst in marriage give
Thyself to son and father? Wouldst thou take
In thine incestuous womb a progeny
So basely mixed? Then go the length of sin:
O'erthrow all nature with thy shameful fires.
Why should the monsters cease? Why empty stands
Thy brother's labyrinth? Shall all the world175
Be shocked with prodigies, shall nature's laws
Be scorned, whene'er a Cretan woman loves?