And o'er his shoulders Lerna's poison cast,
At first the fire with frankincense he strews,
And utters to the gods his holy vows;
And on the marble altar's polished frame
Pours forth the grapy stream; the rising flame
Sudden dissolves the subtle poisoning juice
Which taints his blood, and all his nerves bedews.
With wonted fortitude he bore the smart,
And not a groan confessed his burning heart,
At length his patience was subdued by pain