Crouched on the altar-steps, a grisly band Of women slumbers — not like women they, But Gorgons rather; nay, that word is weak, Nor may I match the G… - Aeschylus

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Crouched on the altar-steps, a grisly band
Of women slumbers — not like women they,
But Gorgons rather; nay, that word is weak,
Nor may I match the Gorgons’ shape with theirs!
Such have I seen in painted semblance erst — Winged Harpies, snatching food from Phineus’ board, — But these are wingless, black, and all their shape
The eye’s abomination to behold.
Fell is the breath — let none draw nigh to it — Wherewith they snort in slumber; from their eyes
Exude the damnèd drops of poisonous ire:
And such their garb as none should dare to bring
To statues of the gods or homes of men.