But when the tenth day’s ruddy morn appear’d, He asked him then his errand, and to see Those written tablets from his son-in-law. The letters seen, he bade him, first, destroy215 Chimæra, deem’d invincible, divine In nature, alien from the race of man, Lion in front, but dragon all behind, And in the midst a she-goat breathing forth Profuse the violence of flaming fire.220 Her, confident in signs from heaven, he slew. Next, with the men of Solymæ[14] he fought, Brave warriors far renown’d, with whom he waged, In his account, the fiercest of his wars. And lastly, when in battle he had slain225 The man-resisting Amazons, the king Another stratagem at his return Devised against him, placing close-conceal’d An ambush for him from the bravest chosen In Lycia; but they saw their homes no more;230 Bellerophon the valiant slew them all. The monarch hence collecting, at the last, His heavenly origin, him there detain’d, And gave him his own daughter, with the half Of all his royal dignity and power.235 The Lycians also, for his proper use, Large lot assigned him of their richest soil,[15] Commodious for the vine, or for the plow. And now his consort fair three children bore To bold Bellerophon; Isandrus one,240 And one, Hippolochus; his youngest born Laodamia was for beauty such That she became a concubine of Jove. She bore Sarpedon of heroic note. But when Bellerophon, at last, himself245 Had anger’d all the Gods, feeding on grief He roam’d alone the Aleian field, exiled, By choice, from every cheerful haunt of man. Mars, thirsty still for blood, his son destroy’d Isandrus, warring with the host renown’d250 Of Solymæ; and in her wrath divine Diana from her chariot golden-rein’d Laodamia slew. Myself I boast Sprung from Hippolochus; he sent me forth To fight for Troy, charging me much and oft255 That I should outstrip always all mankind In worth and valor, nor the house disgrace Of my forefathers, heroes without peer In Ephyra, and in Lycia’s wide domain. Such is my lineage; such the blood I boast.260 He ceased. Then valiant Diomede rejoiced. He pitch’d his spear, and to the Lycian Prince In terms of peace and amity replied. Thou art my own hereditary friend, Whose noble grandsire was the guest of mine.[16]265 For Oeneus, on a time, full twenty days Regaled Bellerophon, and pledges fair Of hospitality they interchanged. Oeneus a belt radiant with purple gave To brave Bellerophon, who in return270 Gave him a golden goblet. Coming forth I left the kind memorial safe at home. A child was I when Tydeus went to Thebes, Where the Achaians perish’d, and of him Hold no remembrance; but henceforth, my friend,275 Thine host am I in Argos, and thou mine In Lycia, should I chance to sojourn there. We will not clash. Trojans or aids of Troy No few the Gods shall furnish to my spear, Whom I may slaughter; and no want of Greeks280 On whom to prove thy prowess, thou shalt find. But it were well that an exchange ensued Between us; take mine armor, give me thine,