What other outcome can be expected when mere physical or brute force joins issue with the enlightened and embattled hosts of heaven? […] The force of the disease was first spent on the lower animals, — dogs, cattle, sheep, and birds. […] Then Mars sought to bring Vulcan to Heaven by force that he might undo his trickery; but before the flames of the fire-god, the impetuous warrior speedily retreated. […] These monsters, the reputed sons of Aloeus, represent, perhaps, the unregulated forces of vegetation; they were renowned for their strength, stature, and courage. […] —The fiery force of the Far-darter was not felt by the monsters of darkness alone.