From hence the surface of the ground, with mud And slime besmear’d (the feces of the flood), Received the rays of heaven, and sucking in The seeds of heat, new creatures did begin: Some were of several sorts produced before; But of new monsters earth created more. Unwillingly, but yet she brought to light Thee, Python too, the wond’ring world to fright, And the new nations, with so dire a sight: So monstrous was his bulk, so large a space Did his vast body and long train embrace; Whom Phoebus, basking on a bank, espied: Ere now the god his arrows had not tried, But on the trembling deer, or mountain goat: At this new quarry he prepares to shoot. Though every shaft took place, he spent the store Of his full quiver; and ’twas long before The expiring serpent wallow’d in his gore. Then, to preserve the fame of such a deed, For Python slain, he Pythian games decreed; Where noble youths for mastership should strive To quoit, to run, and steeds and chariots drive. The prize was fame: in witness of renown An oaken garland did the victor crown.