Now they near the mark; Sergestus, leading, takes the inside place.
Yet not a length divides them, for the Shark Shoots up halfway and overlaps his bark.
Mnestheus, amidships pacing, cheers his crew; "Now, now lean to, and let each arm be stark; Row, mighty Hector's followers, whom I drew From Troy, in Troy's last hour, my comrades tried and true! XXVI.

"Now for the strength and hardihood that braved Gaetulian shoals, and the Ionian main, And billows following billows, as they raved Against steep Malea.

Not mine to gain The prize: I strive not to be first--'tis vain.
Sweet were the thought--but Neptune rules the race; Let them the palm, whom he has willed, retain.
But oh, for shame! to take the hindmost place Win this--to ward that doom, and ban the dire disgrace." XXVII.

Straining each nerve, they bend them to the oar.
The bronze poop reels, so lustily they row, And from beneath them slips the watery floor.
The parched lips quiver, as they pant and blow, Sweat pours in rivers from their limbs; when now Chance brings the wished-for honour.

Blindly rash, Close to the rocks Sergestus drives his prow.
Too close he steals; on jutting crags they dash; The straining oars snap short, the bows with sudden crash XXVIII.