Go with good omens, and expect success.”

The Senate appointed an embassy to carry out the order:—

“Who sail to Epidaurus’ neighbouring land.”

To it the god (Æsculapius) is represented as saying:—

“I come and leave my shrine.

This serpent view, that with ambitious play

My staff encircles, mark him every way;

His form, though larger, nobler, I’ll assume,

And, changed as gods should be, bring aid to Rome.”