Of monster have I come myself to be.

How many evils have I overcome,

Though all unarmed! Whatever monstrous thing

Opposed, these empty hands have overthrown;

Nor did there ever live a savage beast

Which I as boy or infant feared to meet.

My bidden labors have seemed always light,

And no day ever dawned that brought to me60

No strenuous toil. How many monstrous tasks

Have I fulfilled which no king set to me!