The Transformation of Lychas into a Rock



9:257 The hero said; and with the torture stung,
9:258 Furious o'er Oete's lofty hills he sprung.
9:259 Stuck with the shaft, thus scours the tyger round,
9:260 And seeks the flying author of his wound.
9:261 Now might you see him trembling, now he vents
9:262 His anguish'd soul in groans, and loud laments;
9:263 He strives to tear the clinging vest in vain,
9:264 And with up-rooted forests strows the plain;
9:265 Now kindling into rage, his hands he rears,
9:266 And to his kindred Gods directs his pray'rs.
9:267 When Lychas, lo, he spies; who trembling flew,
9:268 And in a hollow rock conceal'd from view,
9:269 Had shun'd his wrath. Now grief renew'd his pain,
9:270 His madness chaf'd, and thus he raves again.

9:271 Lychas, to thee alone my fate I owe,
9:272 Who bore the gift, the cause of all my woe.
9:273 The youth all pale, with shiv'ring fear was stung,
9:274 And vain excuses falter'd on his tongue.
9:275 Alcides snatch'd him, as with suppliant face
9:276 He strove to clasp his knees, and beg for grace:
9:277 He toss'd him o'er his head with airy course,
9:278 And hurl'd with more than with an engine's force;
9:279 Far o'er th' Eubaean main aloof he flies,
9:280 And hardens by degrees amid the skies.
9:281 So showry drops, when chilly tempests blow,
9:282 Thicken at first, then whiten into snow,
9:283 In balls congeal'd the rolling fleeces bound,
9:284 In solid hail result upon the ground.
9:285 Thus, whirl'd with nervous force thro' distant air,
9:286 The purple tide forsook his veins, with fear;
9:287 All moisture left his limbs. Transform'd to stone,
9:288 In ancient days the craggy flint was known;
9:289 Still in the Eubaean waves his front he rears,
9:290 Still the small rock in human form appears,
9:291 And still the name of hapless Lychas bears.