And lifeless; hell received his monstrous ghost.

Then with myself I counselled how to strip

From off the dead beast's limbs his shaggy hide,

A task full onerous, since I found it proof

Against all blows of steel or stone or wood.

Some god at last inspired me with the thought,

With his own claws to rend the lion's skin.

With these I flayed him soon, and sheathed and armed

My limbs against the shocks of murderous war.

Thus, sir, the Nemean lion met his end,