His spell prepared, in form an ancient dame,
A fiend in spirit, to the cot he came;
There gain'd admittance, and the infant press'd
(Muttering his wicked magic) to his breast;
And thus he said: — "Of all the powers, who wait
" On Jove's decrees, and do the work of fate,
"Was I, alone, despised or worthless, found,
" Weak to protect, or impotent to wound?
"See then thy foe, regret the friendship lost,
" And learn my skill, but learn it at your cost.