Illustrious Neptune answered with disdain:⁠— “In truth an arrogant speech; he seeks by force To bar me from my purpose, who can claim Rights equal to his own, though great his power. We are three brothers⁠—Rhea brought us forth⁠— The sons of Saturn⁠—Jupiter, and I, And Pluto, regent of the realm below. Three parts were made of all existing things, And each of us received his heritage. The lots were shaken; and to me it fell To dwell forever in the hoary deep, And Pluto took the gloomy realm of night, And, lastly, Jupiter the ample heaven And air and clouds. Yet doth the earth remain, With high Olympus, common to us all. Therefore I yield me not to do his will, Great as he is; and let him be content With his third part. He cannot frighten me With gestures of his arm. Let him insult With menaces the daughters and the sons Of his own loves, and give them law, since they Perforce must hear, and patiently submit.”