And a fierce dragon the strait pass secured: For this, all strangers he forbade to land, And drove them from the inhospitable strand. To Perseus then: “Fly, quickly fly, this coast, Nor falsely dare thy acts and race to boast.” In vain the hero for one night entreats, Threat’ning he storms, and next adds force to threats. By strength not Perseus could himself defend; For who in strength with Atlas could contend? “But since short rest to me thou wilt not give, A gift of endless rest from me receive.” He said, and backward turn’d, no more conceal’d The present, and Medusa’s head reveal’d. Soon the high Atlas a high mountain stood; His locks and beard became a leafy wood; His hands and shoulders into ridges went; The summit-head still crown’d the steep ascent; His bones a solid, rocky hardness gain’d, He, thus immensely grown (as Fate ordain’d), The stars, the heavens, and all the gods, sustain’d.