Such, converse while they held, to Vulcan’s house, Immortal, starlike bright, among the Gods Unrivall’d, all of brass, by Vulcan’s self Constructed, sped the silver-footed Queen. Him swelt’ring at his forge she found, intent On forming twenty tripods, which should stand The wall surrounding of his well-built house; With golden wheels beneath he furnish’d each, And to th’ assembly of the Gods endued With pow’r to move spontaneous, and return, A marvel to behold! thus far his work He had completed; but not yet had fix’d The rich-wrought handles; these his labour now Engag’d, to fit them, and to rivet fast. While thus he exercis’d his practis’d skill, The silver-footed Queen approach’d the house. Charis, the skilful artist’s wedded wife, Beheld her coming, and advanc’d to meet; And, as her hand she clasp’d, address’d her thus: “Say, Thetis of the flowing robe, belov’d And honour’d, whence this visit to our house, An unaccustom’d guest? but come thou in, That I may welcome thee with honour due.” Thus, as she spoke, the Goddess led her in, And on a seat with silver studs adorn’d, Fair, richly wrought, a footstool at her feet, She bade her sit; then thus to Vulcan call’d: “Haste hither, Vulcan; Thetis asks thine aid.” Whom answer’d thus the skill’d artificer: “An honour’d and a venerated guest Our house contains; who sav’d me once from woe, When by my mother’s act from Heav’n I fell, Who, for that I was crippled in my feet, Deem’d it not shame to hide me: hard had then My fortune been, had not Eurynome And Thetis in their bosoms shelter’d me; Eurynome, from old Oceanus Who drew her birth, the ever-circling flood. Nine years with them I dwelt, and many a work I fashion’d there of metal, clasps, and chains Of spiral coil, rich cups, and collars fair, Hid in a cave profound; where th’ ocean stream With ceaseless murmur foam’d and moan’d around; Unknown to God or man, but to those two Who sav’d me, Thetis and Eurynome. Now to my house hath fair-hair’d Thetis come; To her, my life preserv’d its tribute owes: Then thou the hospitable rites perform. While I my bellows and my tools lay by.” He said, and from the anvil rear’d upright His massive strength; and as he limp’d along, His tottering knees were bow’d beneath his weight. The bellows from the fire he next withdrew, And in a silver casket plac’d his tools; Then with a sponge his brows and lusty arms He wip’d, and sturdy neck and hairy chest. He donn’d his robe, and took his weighty staff; Then through the door with halting step he pass’d; There waited on their King the attendant maids; In form as living maids, but wrought in gold; Instinct with consciousness, with voice endued, And strength, and skill from heav’nly teachers drawn. These waited, duteous, at the Monarch’s side, His steps supporting; he, with halting gait, Pass’d to a gorgeous chair by Thetis’ side, And, as her hand he clasp’d, address’d her thus: