But queen did seek to save her face
In front of all the Lydian race.
So spoke she harsh to godling man
I'm front of throne where hero stands.
"Beware my fury halfling god
In Lydias realm your feet now trod!
In court of queen for year you'll serve
To finish labor give by Tyrne.
If after time to queen your give
You've served me well then hero lives.
But pleasing queens not easy chore
For Lydias Omphale's quickly bored.
So gather wits and get to work
And let not queen behold you shirk!"
So Omphale set the man to task
In striving labor queen did bask.
But labor demi-god has known
In past when families ground he'd sown.
And quickly gains the praise of folk
As hero's hardy hands they note.
And soon the Lydian people see
How hero's presence softens queen.
And spy her casting longing gaze
Towards the man the peasants praise.
And often queen demands the hide
The Nemean fur that's hero's pride.
Amongst the people garment wears
To show she hero's labor bears.
For commanding son of Zeus's her role
And wearing hide this fact does show.
At least this tale did Omphale tell
When queen in cloak the folk beheld.
And many months the hero strives
Improving folk of Lydias lives.
But hardship came from runners mouth
Who brought them news of troubles south.
"The kingdoms south with army march
To realm of queen the Lydian heart.
To conquer fief with killing stroke
For peaceful treaty traitors broke."