The Mares of Diomedes or the Eighth Labour of Heracles

Eurystheus told Heracles to bring
The mares of Diomedes, who was king
Of the Bistones, and also Ares’ son.
He gave command that this deed should be done,
So Heracles at once to Thrace sailed,
And over they who kept the mares prevailed.
The grooms of Diomedes had no hope
Against him, and he vanquished that whole troop.
But, when he led the mares down to the sea,
Without a fight, they would not let him flee,
For the Bistones raised up an alarm,
And came with haste and thought to do him harm.
Heracles to the son of Hermes, gave
The mares, but they brought Abderos to the grave.
Those horses tore him limb from limb and spilled
His blood upon the ground, so he was killed.
But, Heracles put all that host to flight,
And slew King Diomedes in the fight.
He raised Abdera where Abderos died,
And after it was founded, he supplied
The horses to Eurystheus, who let
Them go upon Olympos, but beasts set
Upon them there, and all of them were killed.
Thus, Heracles his eighth labour fulfilled.