The impiety of Alcithoe and her sisters is punished by their transformation into the shape of bats by the power of Bacchus.
But Mineus’ daughters still their task pursue, To wickedness most obstinately true; At Bacchus still they laugh, when all around, Unseen, the timbrels hoarse were heard to sound. Saffron and myrrh their fragrant odours shed, And now the present deity they dread. Strange to relate! here ivy first was seen, Along the distaff crept the wondrous green; Then sudden, springing vines began to bloom, And the soft tendrils curl’d around the loom; While purple clusters, dangling from on high, Tinged the wrought purple with a second die.