So in the Libyan fable it is told That once an eagle, stricken with a dart, Said, when he saw the fashion of the shaft, With our own feathers, not by others hands, Are we now smitten.6
Of all the gods, Death only craves not gifts: Nor sacrifice, nor yet drink-offering poured Avails; no altars hath he, nor is soothed By hymns of praise. From him alone of all The powers of heaven Persuasion holds aloof.
Note 2. The three great laws ascribed to Triptolemus are referred to,namely, to honour parents; to worship the gods with the fruits of the earth; to hurt no living creature. The first two laws are also ascribed to the centaur Cheiron. [back]
Note 3. Apt words have power to suage The tumours of a troubld mind. John Milton: Samson Agonistes. [back]
Note 4. God is not a man that he should lie; hath he said, and shall he not do it?Numbers xxiii. 19. [back]