Protinus idem ultro iaculo parmaque Menoeten proterrebat agens trepidis vestigia retro passibus urguentem, donec defecit iniqua lapsus humo, pariterque manus distractus in ambas orat et a iugulo nitentem sustinet hastam: parce per has stellis interlabentibus umbras, per superos noctemque tuam; sine tristia Thebis nuntius acta feram vulgique per ora paventis contempto te rege canam: sic irrita nobis tela cadant, nullique tuum penetrabile ferro pectus, et optanti victor reveharis amico dixerat.
Forthwith the warrior drove a terrified Menoetes before him with spear and shield as he hurried backward his panic steps till he tripped on the rough ground and collapsed. Both hands spread wide in entreaty, he stays the thrusting weapon from his throat: Have mercy I pray by these shades and the stars that glide among them, by the High Ones and this your night. Suffer me to bear sad tidings to Thebes, to sing your praises before the trembling folk in scorn of the king. So may our weapons fall idle nor any steel avail to pierce your breast, so may you return victorious to the prayer of your friend.
final_alignments\Statius_Thebaid_Book2.json