A vivid commentary on the Parthenon frieze is to be found in the third book (chaps, i.-iii.) of the _Aethiopica_ of the novelist Heliodorus. The passage adds the sound, colour, and movement needed for a complete conception of the scene. The writer, however, is describing the procession of a Thessalian embassy at Delphi, and some of the details only partially agree with those of the frieze. "The Hecatomb led the procession, escorted by men initiated in the mysteries. These were somewhat rustic in dress and manner, and had their white tunics closely girded. The right shoulder and breast were bare, and they carried an axe in the right hand. The bulls were followed by a crowd of other victims, each kind being led separately and in order. Meanwhile flute and pipe were playing a melody which was, as it were, an introduction to the sacrifice. The cattle and their escort were followed by maidens with flowing hair. They were in two troops; the first carried baskets of fruits and flowers, the second troop carried flat baskets ([Greek: kana kanêphorousai]) with sweetmeats and incense, and filled the place with sweet smells. They bore their burdens on their heads leaving their hands free, and kept their ranks true both from front to rear and from side to side, that they might march and dance while the first troop gave the time, singing a hymn in honour of Thetis. The troops were so harmonious and the sound of marching was so accurately timed to the song, that hearing seemed better than seeing, and the spectators followed the maidens as they passed as if they were drawn by the melody. But at length the appearance of the youthful cavalry and of its leader proved that a noble sight was better than any music. There were fifty ephebi, in two troops of five-and-twenty, acting as body-guard of the leader of the embassy. Their boots were laced with purple thongs, and tied above the ankle. Their cloaks were white with dark blue borders, and were fastened on their breasts with golden brooches. The horses were all Thessalian, and breathed the freedom of their native plains. They tried to spue out their bits and covered them with foam, as if rebellious, yet submitted to the will of the riders. It seemed as if there had been a rivalry among the masters in adorning their horses with frontlets and phalerae, silver or gilded. But, as a flash of lightning makes all else seem dark, so, when the captain, Theagenes (the hero of the novel), appeared, all eyes were turned to him. He also was mounted, and wore armour, and brandished an ashen spear, tipped with bronze. He had not put on his helmet, but rode bareheaded. He wore a purple cloak, embroidered in gold with a fight of Centaurs and Lapiths; on his brooch was an amber figure of Athenè, wearing the Gorgon's head on her breastplate. A gentle breeze gave him further grace, spreading his hair about his neck, and parting the