Acheloüs then relates his own transformations, when he was contending
with Hercules for the hand of Deïanira. Hercules wins her, and Nessus
attempts to carry her off: on which Hercules pierces him with one of his
arrows that has been dipped in the blood of the Hydra. In revenge,
Nessus, as he is dying, gives to Deïanira his garment stained with his
blood. She, distrusting her husband’s affection, sends him the garment;
he puts it on, and his vitals are consumed by the venom. As he is dying,
he hurls his attendant Lychas into the sea, where he becomes a rock.
Hercules is conveyed to heaven, and is enrolled in the number of the
Deities. Alcmena, his mother, goes to her daughter-in-law Iole, and
tells her how Galanthis was changed into a weasel; while she, in her
turn, tells the story of the transformation of her sister Dryope into
the lotus. In the meantime Iolaüs comes, whose youth has been restored
by Hebe. Jupiter shows, by the example of his sons Æacus and Minos, that
all are not so blessed. Miletus, flying from Minos, arrives in Asia, and
becomes the father of Byblis and Caunus. Byblis falls in love with her
brother, and is transformed into a fountain. This would have appeared
more surprising to all, if Iphis had not a short time before, on the day
of her nuptials, been changed into a man.