I asked, while Hercules remained alive;
For what could his devotion not bestow?
What god in heaven could e'er deny me aught?1845
In my own hands was answer of my prayer;
For what great Jove denied, Alcides gave.
What mortal mother e'er bore such a son?
A mother once with grief was turned to stone,
When, 'midst her brood of fourteen children slain,
She stood, one mother, and bewailed them all.1850
To many families like hers my son