Sappho — The Boast Of Ares

Ares said he would drag         Hephestus by force From Poseidon's palace         Deep down in the sea;         Where he had fashioned The cunning throne         With the secret chains. He presented the throne,         Forsooth, as a gift To the queen of heaven;         But Hera soon found         For revenge on her Who had him cast         From the home of Gods. For secure in its clasp         Of adamant gold She was held imprisoned,         The prey of his guile;         And Hephestus knew By him alone         Could the queen be freed. But the great God of war         Made boast of his strength; He would bring the forger         Of metals and tricks         On high to release Hera, and end         Her enraged despair. Ares said he would drag         Hephestus by force, But was made to waver         And flee when assailed         With a blazing brand By the dark God         Of the underworld.