Classic Poem

Now from her Lips a solemn Oath had past,
That Iolaus this Gift alone shou'd taste,
Had not just Themis thus maturely said,
(Which check'd her Vow, and aw'd the blooming Maid)
Thebes is embroil'd in War. Capaneus stands
Invincible, but by the Thund'rer's Hands.
Ambition shall the guilty Brothers fire,
Both rush to mutual Wounds, and both expire.
The reeling Earth shall ope her gloomy Womb,
Where the yet breathing Bard shall find his Tomb.
The Son shall bathe his Hands in Parent's Blood,
And in one Act be both unjust and good.
Of Home and Sense depriv'd, where-e'er he flies,
The Furies and his Mother's Ghost he spies.
His Wife the fatal Bracelet shall implore,
And Phegeus stain his Sword in Kindred Gore.
Callirhoe shall then with suppliant Pray'r
Prevail on Jupiter 's relenting Ear.
Jove shall with Youth her Infant Sons inspire,
And bid their Bosoms glow with manly Fire.