Argonauts (Greek mythology); Jason -- (Mythological character); Medea, consort of Aegeus, King of Athens (Mythological character)
Now when divine light has not yet come nor is it utter darkness, but a
faint glimmer has spread over the night, the time when men wake and call
it twilight, at that hour they ran into the harbour of the desert island
Thynias and, spent by weary toil, mounted the shore. And to them the son
of Leto, as he passed from Lycia far away to the countless folk of the
Hyperboreans, appeared; and about his cheeks on both sides his golden
locks flowed in clusters as he moved; in his left hand he held a silver
bow, and on his back was slung a quiver hanging from his shoulders; and
beneath his feet all the island quaked, and the waves surged high on the
beach. Helpless amazement seized them as they looked; and no one dared
to gaze face to face into the fair eyes of the god. And they stood with
heads bowed to the ground; but he, far off, passed on to the sea through
the air; and at length Orpheus spake as follows, addressing the chiefs:
"Come, let us call this island the sacred isle of Apollo of the Dawn
since he has appeared to all, passing by at dawn; and we will offer such
sacrifices as we can, building an altar on the shore; and if hereafter
he shall grant us a safe return to the Haemonian land, then will we lay
on his altar the thighs of horned goats. And now I bid you propitiate
him with the steam of sacrifice and libations. Be gracious, O king, be
gracious in thy appearing."
Thus he spake, and they straightway built up an altar with shingle; and
over the island they wandered, seeking if haply they could get a glimpse
of a fawn or a wild goat, that often seek their pasture in the deep
wood. And for them Leto's son provided a quarry; and with pious rites
they wrapped in fat the thigh bones of them all and burnt them on the
sacred altar, celebrating Apollo, Lord of Dawn. And round the burning
sacrifice they set up a broad dancing-ring, singing, "All hail, fair god
of healing, Phoebus, all hail," and with them Oeagrus' goodly son began
a clear lay on his Bistonian lyre; how once beneath the rocky ridge of
Parnassus he slew with his bow the monster Delphyne, he, still young and
beardless, still rejoicing in his long tresses. Mayst thou be gracious!
Ever, O king, be thy locks unshorn, ever unravaged; for so is it right.
And none but Leto, daughter of Coeus, strokes them with her dear hands.
And often the Corycian nymphs, daughters of Pleistus, took up the
cheering strain crying "Healer"; hence arose this lovely refrain of the
hymn to Phoebus.
Now when they had celebrated him with dance and song they took an oath
with holy libations, that they would ever help each other with concord
of heart, touching the sacrifice as they swore; and even now there
stands there a temple to gracious Concord, which the heroes themselves
reared, paying honour at that time to the glorious goddess.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account