Minos rejoins: “Your league shall dearly cost;” Yet (mindful how much safer ’twas to boast, Than there to waste his forces and his fame, Before in field with his grand foe he came) Parts without blows; nor long had left the shore, Ere into port another navy bore, With Cephalus, and all his jolly crew: The Aeacides their old acquaintance knew. The princes bid him welcome, and in state Conduct the hero to their palace gate, Who, ent’ring, seem’d the charming mien to wear As when in youth he paid his visit there. In his right hand an olive-branch he holds, And, salutation pass’d, the chief unfolds His embassy from the Athenian state, Their mutual friendship, leagues of ancient date, Their common danger; ev’ry thing could wake Concern, and his address successful make; Strength’ning his plea with all the charms of sense, And those, with all the charms of eloquence.