For he the shallows of the stream had tried,
'Swim thou, Alcides, all thy strength prepare,
On yonder bank I'll lodge thy nuptial care.'
Th' Aonian chief to Nessus trusts his wife.
All pale, and trembling for her hero's life:
Clothed as he stood in the fierce lion's hide,
The laden quiver o'er his shoulder tied.
Far cross the stream his bow and club were cast,
Swift he plunged in, 'these billows shall be past,'
He said, nor sought where smoother waters glide