And threatening snakes along his shoulders hiss. The clamor of his dreadful voice, sent forth 795 Three-throated, even happy shades dismayed. Then did the hero from his left arm loose The lion's skin with head and grinning jaws, And 'neath this mighty shield opposed the dog. Then in his right all conquering, he raised 800 His mighty club, and with a rain of blows, Now here, now there, he drove the frightened beast. The conquered dog at last gave o'er his threats, And, spent with fighting, lowered all his heads, And left the entrance free. Then did the king And queen of hell sit trembling on their thrones, 805 And bade the dog be led away. Me, too, Did Dis at Hercules' request release, A royal gift. Then with his soothing hand Alcides stroked the monster's massive necks, And bound him with an adamantine chain. The watchful guardian of the dusky world Forgot his wonted fierceness, and his ears Drooped timidly. He let himself be led, 810 Confessed his master, and, with muzzle low, Submissively he went, his snaky tail Beating his sides the while. But when he came To Taenarus, and in his eyes there smote The gleam of unknown light, though strongly bound, 815 His courage he regained and madly shook His mighty chains. Even his conqueror Was backward borne and forced to yield his stand. Then even my aid did the hero seek; And with united strength we dragged the dog, Still mad with rage, attempting fruitless war, 820 Into the upper world. But when he saw The gleaming spaces of the shining sky, The light of day, thick darkness blinded him; He turned his gaze to earth, and closed his eyes, Expelled the hated light, looked backward, sought 825 With all his necks the sheltering earth; and last, He hid his head within Alcides' shade. But see, a mighty throng with shouts of joy Comes yonder, wearing laurel on their brows, Who chant the well-earned praise of Hercules. * * * * *