For her, my arms, I willingly employ,
If I may beauties, which I save, enjoy."
Ovid.
Cepheus consented to bestow his daughter upon Perseus, and immediately the hero raised himself in the air, flew towards the monster, as it advanced to devour Andromeda, and plunging his dagger in his right shoulder, destroyed it. This happy event was attended with great rejoicings, and the nuptials of Andromeda with Perseus, soon followed.
The universal joy, was, however, quickly interrupted: for Phineus, dissatisfied with thus losing his promised bride, entered the palace with a number of armed men, and attempted to carry her off. In vain did the father and mother of Andromeda interfere.
"Chief in the riot, Phineus first appeared,
The rash ringleader of this boisterous herd,
And brandishing his brazen pointed lance,
'Behold,' he said, 'an injured man advance,'
Stung with resentment for his ravished wife,