The Transformation of Galanthis
9:342 Atlas perceiv'd the load of Heav'n's new guest.
9:343 Revenge still rancour'd in Eurystheus' breast
9:344 Against Alcides' race. Alcmena goes
9:345 To Iole, to vent maternal woes;
9:346 Here she pours forth her grief, recounts the spoils
9:347 Her son had bravely reap'd in glorious toils.
9:348 This Iole, by Hercules' commands,
9:349 Hyllus had lov'd, and joyn'd in nuptial bands.
9:350 Her swelling womb the teeming birth confess'd,
9:351 To whom Alcmena thus her speech address'd.
9:352 O, may the Gods protect thee, in that hour,
9:353 When, 'midst thy throws, thou call'st th' Ilithyan Pow'r!
9:354 May no delays prolong thy racking pain,
9:355 As when I su'd for Juno's aid in vain.
9:356 When now Alcides' mighty birth drew nigh,
9:357 And the tenth sign roll'd forward on the sky,
9:358 My womb extends with such a mighty load,
9:359 As Jove the parent of the burthen show'd.
9:360 I could no more th' encreasing smart sustain,
9:361 My horror kindles to recount the pain;
9:362 Cold chills my limbs while I the tale pursue,
9:363 And now methinks I feel my pangs anew.
9:364 Seven days and nights amidst incessant throws,
9:365 Fatigu'd with ills I lay, nor knew repose;
9:366 When lifting high my hands, in shrieks I pray'd,
9:367 Implor'd the Gods, and call'd Lucina's aid.
9:368 She came, but prejudic'd, to give my Fate
9:369 A sacrifice to vengeful Juno's hate.
9:370 She hears the groaning anguish of my fits,
9:371 And on the altar at my door she sits.
9:372 O'er her left knee her crossing leg she cast,
9:373 Then knits her fingers close, and wrings them fast:
9:374 This stay'd the birth; in mutt'ring verse she pray'd,
9:375 The mutt'ring verse th' unfinish'd birth delay'd.
9:376 Now with fierce struggles, raging with my pain,
9:377 At Jove's ingratitude I rave in vain.
9:378 How did I wish for death! such groans I sent,
9:379 As might have made the flinty heart relent.
9:380 Now the Cadmeian matrons round me press,
9:381 Offer their vows, and seek to bring redress;
9:382 Among the Theban dames Galanthis stands,
9:383 Strong limb'd, red hair'd, and just to my commands:
9:384 She first perceiv'd that all these racking woes
9:385 From the persisting hate of Juno rose.
9:386 As here and there she pass'd, by chance she sees
9:387 The seated Goddess; on her close-press'd knees
9:388 Her fast-knit hands she leans; with chearful voice
9:389 Galanthis cries, Whoe'er thou art, rejoyce,
9:390 Congratulate the dame, she lies at rest,
9:391 At length the Gods Alcmena's womb have blest.
9:392 Swift from her seat the startled Goddess springs,
9:393 No more conceal'd, her hands abroad she flings;
9:394 The charm unloos'd, the birth my pangs reliev'd;
9:395 Galanthis' laughter vex'd the Pow'r deceiv'd.
9:396 Fame says, the Goddess dragg'd the laughing maid
9:397 Fast by the hair; in vain her force essay'd
9:398 Her grov'ling body from the ground to rear;
9:399 Chang'd to fore-feet her shrinking arms appear:
9:400 Her hairy back her former hue retains,
9:401 The form alone is lost; her strength remains;
9:402 Who, since the lye did from her mouth proceed,
9:403 Shall from her pregnant mouth bring forth her breed;
9:404 Nor shall she quit her long-frequented home,
9:405 But haunt those houses where she lov'd to roam.