TEE THEOGONY. 83

The Titan phalanx closed : then hands of strength Joined prowess, and displayed the works of war. Tremendous then the immeasurable sea Eoared : earth resounded : the wide heaven throughout Groaned shattering: from its base Olympus vast Reeled to the violence of the gods : the shock Of deep concussion rocked the dark abyss Remote of Tartarus : the shrilling din Of hollow tramplings and strong battle-strokes, And measureless uproar of wild pursuit. So they reciprocal their weapons hurled Groan-scattering, and the shout of either host Burst in exhorting ardour to the stars Of heaven : with mighty war-cries either host Encountering closed." E. 883-908. A pause at this point may be excused, seeing that it affords the opportunity of noting the contrast be- tween the heathen and the Christian conceptions of divine strength. In Milton the Messiah has a super- abundance of might : " Yet half his strength he put not forth, but checked His thunder in mid volley, for he meant Not to destroy, but root them out of heaven." Par. Lost, vi. 853-855. In the conflict with the Titans, Zeus has to exert all his might to insure victory : " Nor longer then did Zeus Curb his full power, but instant in his soul There grew dilated strength, and it was filled With his omnipotence. At once he loosed His whole of might, and put forth all the god.