Juno, entrapped by cunning, when within The massive walls of Thebes Alcmena lay In childbed, and the mighty Hercules Was near his birth. For Jupiter had said Boastfully to the immortals: ‘Hear, ye gods And goddesses, what I am moved to speak: This day shall Ilithyia, who presides At births, bring into light a prince whose rule The neighboring tribes shall own; he shall be one Who bears the blood of my illustrious race.’