The Theban Dragon

Teeth into Soldiers

 

Apparently bored after defeating fire-spitting bulls, the hero Jason plants dragon’s teeth in the earth.

 

The ground, the teeth with powerful venom ting'd,

Soften'd and swell'd them, and a novel shape

Imparted. Thus within the parent's womb,

An human shape the infant mass receives,

Completed perfect in the dark recess;

Nor till mature, to air external given.

So when the manly forms were perfect made

Within earth's pregnant bowels, up they sprung

Thick in the fruitful field; more wonderous still

Their arms they clash'd when born.