Hath seized his father's scepter and his bed.635

An impious son (but far more impious,

The mother who in most unhallowed womb

Bore children once again), he forced his way

Back to his source of life, and there begot

Upon his mother offspring horrible,

Got brothers to himself, a custom base,

Whence e'en the very beasts of prey are free.640

Oh, base entanglement, more monstrous far

Than that fell Sphinx which he himself hath slain.