The sister to the wondering goddess said, “These, foil’d by us, by us were thus repaid: These did Evippe of Paeonia bring, With nine hard labour-pangs, to Pella’s king. The foolish virgins, of their number proud, And puff’d with praises of the senseless crowd, Through all Achaia and the Aemonian plains, Defied us thus, to match their artless strains: ‘No more, ye Thespian girls, your notes repeat, Nor with false harmony the vulgar cheat; In voice or skill if you with us will vie, As many we in voice or skill will try: Surrender you to us, if we excel, Famed Aganippe, and Medusa’s well: The conquest yours, your prize from us shall be The Aemathian plains to snowy Paeone: The nymphs our judges.’ To dispute the field We thought a shame; but greater shame to yield. On seats of living stone the sisters sit, And by the rivers swear to judge aright.”