From these first onsets, the Sigaean shore Was strew’d with carcasses, and stain’d with gore. Neptunian Cycnus troops of Greeks had slain; Achilles in his car had scoured the plain, And clear’d the Trojan ranks; where’er he fought, Cycnus, or Hector, through the fields he sought. Cycnus he found; on him his force essay’d; For Hector was to the tenth year delay’d. His white maned steeds, that bow’d beneath the yoke, He cheer’d to courage, with a gentle stroke, Then urged his fiery chariot on the foe, And rising shook his lance, in act to throw. But first, he cried, “Oh youth, be proud to bear Thy death, ennobled by Pelides’ spear.” The lance pursued the voice without delay, Nor did the whizzing weapon miss the way, But pierced his cuirass, with such fury sent, And sign’d his bosom with a purple dint. At this the seed of Neptune: “Goddess born, For ornament, not use, these arms are worn; This helm, and heavy buckler, I can spare, As only decorations of the war; So Mars is arm’d for glory, not for need. ’Tis somewhat more from Neptune to proceed,