Meanwhile the restless horses neigh’d aloud, Breathing out fire, and pawing where they stood. Tethys, not knowing what had pass’d, gave way, And all the waste of heaven before them lay. They spring together out, and swiftly bear The flying youth through clouds and yielding air; With wingy speed outstrip the eastern wind, And leave the breezes of the morn behind. The youth was light, nor could he fill the seat, Or poise the chariot with its wonted weight: But as at sea the unballasted vessel rides, Cast to and fro, the sport of winds and tides, So in the bounding chariot, toss’d on high, The youth is hurried headlong through the sky. Soon as the steeds perceive it, they forsake Their stated course, and leave the beaten track. The youth was in a maze, nor did he know Which way to turn the reins, or where to go: Nor would the horses, had he known, obey. Then the seven stars first felt Apollo’s ray, And wish’d to dip in the forbidden sea. The folded serpent, next the frozen pole, Stiff and benumb’d before, began to roll, And raged with inward heat, and threaten’d war,