Perseus and Medusa

Perseus transfixed him with his glittering blade, Chylenian. When he saw his strength was yielding to the multitude, he said, since you have forced disaster on yourselves, why should I hesitate to save myself? And he raised Medusa's head. The flying fragment pierced its owner's neck, but not with mortal wound. In vain he pled for mercy, stretching forth his helpless arms. But nearby there was one acontius, who defending Perseus saw Medusa as he fought and at the site the soldier hardened to an upright stone. Assured he was alive, Astighees now struck him with his long sword, but the blade was sounded with a ringing