See there Yon nodding crag; behold the rocks below, Tost in huge ruin, and the lonely lair, Scooped from the mountain's side, how wild the waste and bare! XXVI.

"There yawned the cavern, in the rock's dark womb, Wherein the monster Cacus dwelt of yore, Half-human.

Never sunlight pierced the gloom; But day by day the rank earth reeked with gore, And human faces, nailed above the door, Hung, foul and ghastly.

From the loins he came Of Vulcan, and his huge mouth evermore Spewed forth a torrent of Vulcanian flame; Proudly he stalked the earth, and shook the world's fair frame.
XXVII.

"But time, in answer to our prayers, one day Brought aid,--a God to help us in our need.
Flushed with the death of Geryon, came this way Alcides, glorying in the victor's meed, And hither drove his mighty bulls to feed.
These, pasturing in the valley, from his lair Fierce Cacus saw, and, scorning in his greed To leave undone what crime or craft could dare, Four beauteous heifers stole, four oxen sleek and fair.
XXVIII.