And that curst Ithacan, expert in crime,
Dared desecrate the goddess’ sacred fane,
Dared drag her mystic image forth, and kill
Her faithful guard, and on her virgin locks
Lay bloody, lustful hands unconsecrate:
From then their hopes kept ebbing back and back,
Their powers were shattered and their goddess’ aid
Denied. And she with no uncertain signs
Revealed at once her outraged deity.
Scarce had the sacred image reached the camp,