Humbly implored a hospitable rest:
If bold exploits thy admiration fire,
(He said), I fancy, mine thou wilt admire:
Or if the glory of a race can move,
Not mean my glory, for I spring from Jove."
Ovid.
He went to his palace, expecting to meet with an hospitable reception from Atlas, by announcing himself the son of Jupiter, but he found himself grievously deceived. It occurred to the recollection of Atlas, that an ancient tradition had announced that his gardens were to be plundered of their fruits by one of the sons of the King of Heaven; and not only did he rudely refuse to shelter him, but offered violence to his person, and attempted to slay him.
Finding himself unable to contend with so powerful a foe, Perseus was obliged to have recourse to the head of Medusa, and Atlas was instantly changed into a large mountain, which bore the same name in the deserts of Africa.
"At this confession Atlas ghastly stared,
Mindful of what an oracle declared,