But soon the impatient prince his falchion drew, And cried, “Ye robbers of another’s due, Now learn the difference, at your proper cost, Betwixt true valour and an empty boast.” At this advanced, and, sudden as the word, In proud Plexippus’ bosom plunged the sword; Toxeus amazed, and with amazement slow, Or to revenge, or ward the coming blow, Stood doubting, and, while doubting thus he stood, Received the steel bathed in his brother’s blood.

Pleased with the first, unknown the second, news, Althaea to the temples pays their dues, For her son’s conquest, when, at length, appear Her grisly brethren stretch’d upon the bier: Pale at the sudden sight, she changed her cheer, And with her cheer her robes; but hearing tell The cause, the manner, and by whom they fell, ’Twas grief no more, or grief and rage were one Within her soul; at last ’twas rage alone; Which, burning upwards in succession, dries The tears, that stood considering in her eyes.