With suppliant mien to Perseus thus he prays,

'Hence with the head, as far as winds and seas

Can bear thee: Hence; oh! quit the Cephan shore

And never curse it with Medusa more;

That horrid head which stiffens into stone,

Those impious men who daring death, look on:

I warred not with thee out of hate or strife,

My honest cause was to defend my wife,

First pledged to me; what crime could I suppose

To arm my friends, and vindicate my spouse?