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 B s'^75
 
 THE 
 
 ARGONAUTICS 
 
 O F 
 
 APOLLONIUS RHODIUS, 
 
 IN FOUR BOOKS, 
 
 BY FRANCIS FAWKES: 
 
 THE WHOLE 
 
 REVISED, CORRECTED, AND COMPLETED, 
 
 By HIS COADJUTOR AND EDITOR; 
 
 WHO HAS ANNEXED A TRANSLATION OF 
 
 COLUTHUS'S GREEK POEM 
 
 ON THE 
 
 RAPE OF HELEN, 
 
 O R 
 
 THE ORIGIN OF THE TROJAN WAR; 
 
 WITH NOTES. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTBD FOR J. DODSLEY, IN PALL-MAIL. 
 
 M.DCC.LXXX,
 
 PA 
 
 TO THE 
 
 MOST REVEREND FATHER IN X 
 
 FREDERIC, 
 
 LORD ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, 
 
 PRIMATE OF ALL ENGLAND 
 AND METROPOLITAN, 
 
 THE FOLLOWING TRANSLATION OF 
 APOLLONIUS RHODIUS 
 
 IS, BY PERMISSION, 
 
 AND WITH ALL HUMILITY, 
 
 INSCRIBED, 
 BY HIS GRACE'S MOST DUTIFUL, 
 
 AND MOST OBLIGED SERVANT, 
 
 THE EDITOR. 
 
 785714
 
 ii , PREFACE. 
 
 the following lines, to that invidious fpirit which 
 vailed in his fcholar. 
 
 ITT' aura. X9po$ tint*, 
 'Ovx. ayotpau TOV ao&ov, o'j J', offcc ITo'vloj, ati&t. 
 
 Call. Hymn, ad Ap. v. 
 
 For Apollonius, anxious to eftablifh his own re- 
 putation, and jealous of his matter's, had depreciated 
 thofe more numerous, but lighter productions, in 
 which the Mufe of Callimachus excelled ; epigrams* 
 hymns, and elegies. 
 
 It will be no improper introduction to the following 
 poem to trace the fubject of it to its fource : nor can 
 we expect to be guided through its intricacies by a fafer 
 clue, than that which the ancients have afforded us. 
 
 Ino was the wife of Athamas, king of Orchome- 
 nos ; from whom he was loon after divorced, and 
 married Nephele. But me incurring his difpleafure, 
 he reftored the repudiated Ino to his bed. By her he 
 had two children, Learchus and Melicerta ; by Ne- 
 phele he had Phrixus and Helle. Ino beheld the 
 children of her rival with a jealous eye. For they, 
 being the eldeft, had a prior claim to their father's in- 
 heritance. Refolved on their deflruction, me con- 
 certed the following plan, as mod likely to effect it. 
 A grievous famine laying wafte the country, it 
 was judged expedient to confult the oracle about 
 the means of fuppreffing it. Ino having gained 
 
 over
 
 PREFACE. iii 
 
 over -the priefts to her intereft, prevailed on them 
 to return this anfwer ; that the ravages of famine 
 could no otherwife be fupprefied, than by the 
 facrifice of Nephele's children. Phrixus, who was 
 made acquainted with the cruel purpofe of Ino, 
 freighted his veflel with his father's treafures, and 
 embarked with his fitter Helle for Colchis. The 
 voyage proved fatal to her ; and the fea, into which, 
 {he fell, was named from her the Hellefpont. But 
 Phrixus arrived fafe at Colchis ; and was protected 
 from the cruelties of his Hep- mother Ino, at the court 
 of JEetes his kinfman, who beftowed on him his 
 daughter Chalciope in marriage. Upon his arrival he 
 coniecrated his ihip to Mars ; on whofe prow was re- 
 prefented the figure of a ram. This embelliihment, 
 jt is fuppofed by fome of the hiftorians, gave rife to 
 the fiction, of his having fwam to Colchis on the back 
 of that animal, of his having facrificed it to Mars, 
 and hung up its fleece in the temple of that God. It 
 is this imaginary fleece which is celebrated by the 
 poets for having given birth to the expedition of the 
 Argonauts. A variety of whimfical conjectures have 
 been formed concerning it. Some are of opinion, that 
 it was a book of fheep-fkins, containing the myileries 
 of the chymic art. Others have allured us, that it 
 fignified the riches of the country ; with which their 
 rivers, that abounded in gold, fupplied its inhabi- 
 tants : and that, from the fheep-fkins made ufe of in 
 a 2 collecting
 
 iv PREFACE. 
 
 collecting the golden duft, it was called the Gfolderc 
 Fleece. 
 
 For a further illuftration of the fubjecl: of this 
 poem, it will be neceffary to infert the following hif- 
 tory. 
 
 Tyro, the daughter of Salmoneus, had two fons by 
 Neptune, Neleus and Pelias : by Cretheus me had 
 -2Efon, Pheres and Amithaon. The city of lolcos in 
 Thefialy, which Cretheus built, was the capital of his 
 dominions. He left his kingdom at his death to ^Efon 
 his eldeft fon ; but made no provifion for Pelias. Pe- 
 lias, however, growing every day more powerful, at 
 length dethroned JEfon. And hearing that his wife 
 Alcimeda was delivered of a fon, he was refolutely 
 bent on his deftruftion. For he had been forewarned 
 by the oracle, that he muft be dethroned by a prince, 
 defcended from^Eolus, and who mould appear before 
 him with one foot bare, JEfon and Alcimeda being 
 informed of the tyrant's intention, conveyed their fon 
 to mount Pelion, where he was educated by Chi- 
 ron. Having attained to maturity, he confulted the 
 oracle ; who encouraged him to repair to the court of 
 lolcos. Pelias, hearing of the arrival of this ftran- 
 ger, and of the circumftance of his appearance with 
 only one fandal, concluded that this muft be the per- 
 fon, whom the oracle had foretold. Having made 
 himfelf and his fituation known to his uncle, Ja- 
 fon demanded of him the crown, which he had fo 
 
 unjuftly
 
 PREFACE. v 
 
 unjuftly ufurped. Pelias was greatly alarmed at this 
 requisition. But knowing that a thirft for glory is 
 the darling paflion of youth, he contrived to appeafe 
 his nephew's refentment by difclofing to him the 
 means of gratifying his ambition. He allured him, 
 that Phrixns, when he failed from Orchomenos, had 
 carried with him a Fleece of Gold, the poffefiion 
 of which would at the fame time enrich and immor- 
 talize him. The propofal had its defired effect. Ja- 
 fon fignified his acceptance of it, and collected fpee- 
 dily the mod illuftrious princes of Greece, who were 
 eager to embark in a caufe, that was at once advan- 
 tageous and honourable. Who thefe heroes were, the 
 route they took, the dangers with which they encoun- 
 tered, and the fuccefs they met with, are particulars 
 recorded by Apollonius, aad on which he has lavifhed 
 all the graces of poetry. 
 
 Such is the hiftory of the Golden Fleece, as deli- 
 vered down to us by the ancient poets and hiftorians. 
 This celebrated expedition is generally fuppofed to be 
 the firft asra of true hiftory. Sir Ilaac Newton places 
 it about forty-three years after the death of Solomon, 
 and nine hundred and thirty-feven years before the 
 birth of Chrift. He apprehends, that the Greeks, 
 hearing of the diftraftions of Egypt, fent the mod 
 renowned heroes of their country in the fhip Argo, to 
 perfuade the nations on the coaft of the Euxine fea to 
 throw off the Egyptian yoke, as the Lybians, Ethio- 
 pians, and Jews had before done. But Mr. Bryant 
 a 3 ha?
 
 vi PREFACE. 
 
 has given us a far different account of this matter in 
 his very learned fyftem of mythology : whofe fenti- 
 ments on this head I have endeavoured to collect, and 
 have ventured to give them a place in this preface. 
 For the novelty of his hypothefis, and the learning 
 and ingenuity with which it is fupported, cannot fail 
 to entertain and inftrucl us. 
 
 The main plot, fays the learned and ingenious 
 mythologift, as it is tranfmitted to us, is certainly a 
 fable, and replete with ineonfiftencies and contradic- 
 tions. Yet many writers, ancient and modern, have 
 taken the account in grofs ; and without hefitation, 
 or exception to any particular part, have prefumed to 
 fix the time of this tranfaction. And having fatisfied 
 themfelves in this point, they have prefumed to make 
 ufc of it for a flated asra, Mr. Bryant is of opinion, 
 that this hiftory, upon which Sir Ifaac Newton built 
 fo much, did certainly not relate to Greece ; though 
 adopted by the people of that country. He con- 
 tends, that Sir Ifaac's calculation refted upon a weak 
 foundation. That it is doubtful, whether fuch per- 
 fons as Chiron or Mufeus ever exifted ; and ftill 
 more doubtful, whether they formed a fphere for the 
 Argonauts. He produces many arguments to, con- 
 vince us, that the expedition itfelf was not a Grecian 
 operation ; and that this fphere at any rate was not a 
 Grecian work : and if not from Greece, it muft cer.- 
 tainly be the produce of Egypt. -For the aftronomy 
 of Greece confefieclly came from that country : con- 
 $ fecjuentty
 
 PREFACE. vii 
 
 fequently the hiftory to which it alludes, muft have 
 been from the fame quarter. Many of the conftel- 
 lations, fays our author, are of Egyptian original. 
 The zodiac, which Sir Ifaac Newton fuppofed to 
 relate to the Argonautic expedition, was, he aflerts, 
 an affemblage of Egyptian hieroglyphics. 
 
 After having enumerated all the particulars of their 
 voyage, the different routes they are fuppofed to have 
 taken, and the many inconfiflencies with which the 
 whole ftory abounds, Mr. Bryant proceeds to ob- 
 ferve, that the mythology, as well as the rites of 
 Greece, was borrowed from Egypt and that it was 
 founded upon ancient hiftories, which had been 
 tranfmitted in hieroglyphical reprefentations. Thefe, 
 by length of time, became obfcure ; and the fign 
 was taken for the reality, and accordingly explained. 
 Hence arofe the fable about the bull of Europa, 
 and the like. In all thefe is the fame hiftory under 
 a different allegory and emblem. In the wanderings 
 of Rhea, Ifis, Aftarte, lona and Damater, is figured 
 out the feparation of mankind by their families, and 
 their journeying to their places of allotment. At 
 the fame time, the difperfion of one particular race 
 of men, and their flight over the face of the earth, 
 is principally defcribed. Of this family were the 
 perfons, who preferved the chief memorials of the 
 ark in the Gentile world. They reprefented it un- 
 der different emblems, and called it Demater, Pyrrha, 
 Selene, Meen, Argo, Argus, Archas, and Archaius, 
 a 4 or
 
 viii PREFACE.^ 
 
 or Archite. The Grecians, ^proceeds the learned 
 writer, by taking this ftory of the Argo to them- 
 felves, have plunged into numberlefs difficulties. In 
 the account of the Argo, we have undeniably the 
 hiftory of a facred fhip, the firft that was ever con- 
 ftructed. This truth the beft writers among the 
 Grecians confefs, though the merit of the perform- 
 ance they would fain take to themielves. Yet 
 after all their prejudices they continually betray the 
 truth, and mew that the hiftory was derived to them 
 from Egypt. The caufe of all the miftakes in this 
 curious piece of mythology arofe from hence. The 
 Arkites, who came into Greece, fettled in many 
 parts, but efpecially in Argolis and Theflalia j where 
 they introduced their rites and worfhip. In the 
 former of thefe regions, they were commemorated 
 under a notion of the"* arrival of Da-naus, or 
 Danaus, It is fuppofed to have been a per- 
 fon, who fled from his brother JEgyptus, and came 
 over in a facred fhip given him by Minerva. This 
 Ihip, like the Argo, is -faid to have been the firft 
 fhip conftructed ; and he was affifted in the building 
 of it by the fame Deity, Divine Wifdom. Both 
 hiftories relate to the fame event. Danaus, upon 
 his arrival, built a temple, called Argus, to lona, or 
 Juno , of which he made his daughters prieftefles. 
 The people of the place had an obfcure tradition of" 
 a deluge, in which moft perifhed, fome few only 
 efcaping. The principal of thefe was Deucalion, 
 3 who
 
 PREFACE. ir 
 
 who took refuge in the acropolis, or temple. Thofe 
 who fettled in ThefTaly, carried with them the fame 
 memorials concerning Deucalion, and his deliverance; 
 which they appropriated to their own country. They 
 muft have had traditions of this great event ftrongly 
 imprefied upon their minds j as every place, to 
 which they gave name, had fome reference to that 
 hiftory. In procefs of time, thefe impreflions grew 
 more and more faint, and their emblematical wor- 
 Ihip became very obfcure and unintelligible. Hence 
 they at laft confined the hiflory of this event to their 
 own country ; and the Argo was fuppofed to have 
 been built, where it was originally enmrined. As 
 it was reverenced under the fymbol of the Moon, 
 called Man or Mon, the people from this circum- 
 flance name their country Ai-mona, in after times 
 rendered Aimonia. 
 
 This extract from the ingenious and learned my- 
 thologift will enable the reader to form fome idea of 
 his fentiments on this fubje<5t. 
 
 But whatever difguft the grave hiftorian may have 
 conceived at this unfightly mixture -of the marvel- 
 lous and the probable, the poet needs not be offended 
 at it. Fiction is his province. He may be allowed 
 r to expatiate in the regions of fancy without controul, 
 and to introduce his fiery bulls and Qeeplefs dragons 
 without the dread of cenfure. 
 
 The Argonautic expedition has been the admired 
 fubjeftof the Greek and Roman poets from Orpheus, 
 
 or
 
 x P R E F A C E: 
 
 or rather from Onomacritus, who lived in the times 
 of Pififtratus, to thofe of our author's imitators, 
 who lived in the decline of the Roman empire. To 
 weigh the merits of thefe ancient poets in the juft 
 fcale of criticifm, and to appropriate to each his due 
 lhare of praife, is a tafk too arduous and afiuming 
 for an humble editor to engage in. Yet fuch is the 
 partiality of translators and editors to their favourite 
 poets, that they wifli, either to find them feated 
 above their rivals and contemporaries on the fum- 
 rnits of Parnafius, or, if poflible, to fix them there. 
 But vain are thefe wifhes, unlefs the teftimonies of 
 the firft writers of antiquity concur to gratify them. 
 The reputation of Apollonius can neither be im- 
 paired nor enhanced by the ftrictures of Scaliger and 
 Rapin : the judgment of Quintilian and Longinus 
 may, indeed, more materially affect it. They have 
 delivered their opinions on our author in the follow- 
 ing words ; 
 
 xa* awlwTo? o 'AwoXAwno?, o TUV ' Agyovecvrixuv 
 
 ay fji.oi^op,Ji 'ATToAAwvioj i^sAojf ytviffbou J Se&. xxxiii. 
 
 longin* de Sublim. 
 
 Non contemnendum edidit opus sequali quadam mediocritate. 1 
 Quinail. Inft. Orat. L. x. c. I, 
 
 Unfortunately, as it mould feem, for the Rhodian, 
 thefe celebrated ftrictures wear the double face of 
 approbation and cenfure. The praife that is con- 
 veyed under the term ctTrWos, that he no where 
 
 finks,
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 XI 
 
 finks, is loft in the implication, that he is no where 
 elevated. The exprefllon, non contemnendum cpus, ap- 
 parently a flattering meiofis, is limited to its lowed 
 fenfe by the fubfequent obfervation, aquali quadam 
 mediocritate. But we muft not defert our poet even 
 in this extremity ; for if imitation implies efteem and 
 admiration, Apollonius's nobleft eulogy will be 
 found in the writings of Virgil. Thofe applauded 
 paflages in this poet, which are confefledly imitated 
 from our author, may ferve as a counterpoife to the 
 fentence of the critics. Apollonius was Virgil's fa- 
 vourite author. He has incorporated into his TEneid 
 his fimilies and his epifodes ; and has Ihewn the 
 fuperiority of his judgment by his juft application 
 and arrangement of them. 
 
 But it is not the Mantuan poet only, who has 
 fetched from this florehoufe the moft precious ma- 
 terials. Valerius Flaccus, who has made choice of 
 the fame fubject with the Rhodian, has difcovered 
 through every part of his work a fingular predi- 
 lection for him. He is allowed to have imitated the 
 ftyle of Virgil with tolerable fuccefs ; but he is in- 
 debted for the conduct of his poem chiefly to Apol- 
 lonius. It is remarkable, that Quintilian, who has 
 objected mediocrity to our author, has mentioned 
 this his clofeft imitator in terms of the higheft re- 
 fpect. Yet muft it be confefled, that the genius of 
 Flaccus feldom foars fo high, as when it is invigo- 
 rated and enlightened by the Mufe of Apollonius. 
 
 But
 
 xn PREFACE. 
 
 But the admiration, in which this writer has been 
 held by the Roman poets, did not expire with them. 
 The rage of imitation, far from ceafing, has caught 
 congenial fpirits in every fucceeding period ; and the 
 moft approved paffages in this elegant poem have 
 been diffufed through the works of the moft ad- 
 mired moderns. It were needlefs to mention any 
 others than Milton and Camoens. Milton's imita- 
 tions of Apollonius are, many of them, fpecified in 
 the notes inferted in Bifhop Newton's valuable edi- 
 tion of all that writer's poetical works. Camoens, 
 who has hitherto been known to the Englifti reader 
 only through the obfcure and crude verfion of Fan- 
 Ihaw, has appeared of late greatly to advantage, in 
 the very animated tranflation of Mr. Mickle. That 
 the refined tafte of Camoens was formed on the 
 model of the Greek and Roman poets, is evident 
 throughout the Lufiad j which abounds in allufions 
 to the pagan mythology, and is enriched with a pro- 
 fufion of graces derived from the ancient claffics. 
 In the number of thefe it can be no difparagement 
 to his poem to reckon Apollonius Rhodius ; to the 
 merit of whofe work Camoens, if I misjudge not, 
 was no ftranger. The fubjeft of the Portuguefe 
 poem bears a ftriking refemblance to that which our 
 author has chofen. For the heroes both of Portugal 
 and Greece traverfed unknown feas, in purfuit of the 
 wealth with which an unknown country was expecled 
 to fupply them. Camoens not only alludes to Argo 
 
 and
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Xlll 
 
 and her demigods, but feems particularly fond of 
 drawing a comparifon betwixt the heroes of his coun- 
 try and thofe of Theffaly. 
 
 Here view thine Argonauts, in feas unknown, &c. 
 
 B.i. p. 9, 
 
 With fuch bold rage the youth of Mynia glow'd, 
 When the firft keel the Euxine furges plow'd; 
 When bravely venturous for the Golden Fleece, 
 Orac'lous Argo fail'd from wondering Greece. 
 
 B. iv. p. 172. 
 
 And foon after ; 
 
 While each prefaged that great as Argo's fame, 
 Our fleet fhould give feme ftarry band a name. 
 
 1 
 
 4 The folemnity of the night fpent in devotion, 
 the affecting grief of their friends and fellow-citizens, 
 whom they were never more to behold ; and the an- 
 gry exclamations of the venerable old man, give a 
 dignity and interefting pathos to the departure of the 
 fleet of Gama, unborrowed from any of the clajjics" 
 See the concluding note to B. iv. 
 
 Apollonius has admitted into his firft book, on a 
 fimilar occafion, moil of the above-mentioned parti- 
 culars, and many others equally interefting. The 
 prayer of Jafon, and the facrifices previous to their 
 embarkation, are circumflantially related. The la- 
 mentations of Alcimeda at the lofs of her Ion, the 
 filent grief of ^fon his father, and the tears of his 
 
 friends.
 
 xlv PREFACE. 
 
 friends, contribute to make this parting fcene the moft 
 pathetic imaginable. Through the whole of this af- 
 fecting interview Camoens feems not to have loft fight 
 of Apollonius. But, left it mould be faid, that a 
 fimilarity of fituations naturally produces a fimilarity 
 of fentiments ; and that we ought not to interpret a 
 refemblance like this, which might be cafual only, to 
 be the effect of ftudied imitation ; another pafTage 
 may be felected from the Lufiad, which is univerfally 
 admired for its genuine fublimity, and is affirmed to 
 be the happieft effort of unafllfted genius. " The 
 apparition, which in the night hovers athwart the 
 Cape of Good Hope, is the grandeft fiction in human 
 compofition - 9 the invention his own!" See the dijferta- 
 tion prefixed to Mr. Mickle's translation of the 
 Lufiad. 
 
 There is a pafTage in the third book of Apollonius, 
 to which the defcription of the apparition at the 
 Cape bears a ftriking refemblance j I mean, the ap- 
 pearance of the ghoft of Sthenelus, ftanding on his 
 tomb, and furveying the Argonauts as they fail be- 
 fide him. The defcription of Camoens is indeed 
 heightened by many additional circumftances, and 
 enriched with a profufion of the boldeft images. 
 The colouring is his own j but the firft defign and 
 outlines of the piece appear to be taken from our 
 poet. 
 
 But it is time to quit the imitators of Apollonius, 
 and to give fome account of his tranflators. 
 
 Dr.
 
 PREFACE; W 
 
 Dr. Broome, well known in the literary world for 
 the part he took in the tranQation of the Odyfiey, 
 and for his notes annexed to it, has given an elegant 
 verfion of the loves of Jafon and Medea, and of the 
 ftory of Talus; which are published with his original 
 poems. Mr. Weft, who has transfufed into his ver- 
 fi6n of the odes of Pindar much of the fpirit of his 
 fublime original, has prefented us in an Englifh drels 
 with one or two detached pieces from our author. 
 Mr. Ekins has tranflated the third book, and about 
 two hundred lines of the fourth. Had this gentle- 
 man undertaken a verfion of the whole poem, 
 Mr. Fawkes, I am confident, would have defifted 
 from the attempt. The public has long been in 
 poflefiion of feveral tranflations by this latter writer. 
 Thofe of Anacreon and Theocritus are acknowledged 
 to have confiderable merit. The work before us was 
 undertaken at the requeft of Mr. Fawkes's particular 
 friends : and the encreafmg number of his fubfcribers 
 encouraged him to perfevere in his defign ; but the 
 completion of it was prevented by the premature 
 ftroke of fate. What part the editor has taken in this 
 work, is a matter of too fmall importance to need an 
 explanation. But left his motive mould be miftaken, 
 and vanity fhould be fuppofed to have inftigated 
 what friendfhip only fuggefted, he begs leave to add, 
 as the belt apology he can offer for engaging in this 
 work j that with no other ambition than to aflift his 
 
 friend,
 
 XVI 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 friend, did he comply with his folieitations to become 
 his coadjutor ; and with no other motive does he now 
 appear as his editor, than to enable the widow to avail 
 herfelf of thofe generous fubfcriptions, for which fhc 
 takes occafion here to make her thankful acknow- 
 ledgments. 
 
 March zft 
 1780. 
 
 THE
 
 THE 
 
 FIRST BOOK. 
 
 THE
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 . 
 
 Book commences with the lift and character of the Ar- 
 gonauts. Before they embark, two of the chiefs quarrel ; 
 but are pacified by the harmony of Orpheus. They fet fait, 
 and land at Lemnos, an i/land inhabited by female war- 
 riors; who, though they hadjlain their hujbands and turned 
 Amazons, are fo charmed with thefe heroes, that they ad- 
 mit them to their beds, Thence they fail to the country of 
 the Dolions, and are kindly received by their king Cyzicus. 
 Loofing from thence in the night, and being driven back by 
 contrary, winds, they are miftaken for Pelafgians, with 
 whom the Dolions were then at war. A battle en- 
 fues, in which Cyzicus and many of his men arejlain. The 
 morning difcovers the unhappy miftake. Thence they fail 
 to Myfia. Hercules breaks his oar ; and while he is gone 
 into a wood to make a new one, Hylas is ftolen by a nymph, 
 as he is Jtooping for water at a fountain. Hercules and 
 Polyphemus go in fearch of him. Meanwhile the Argo- 
 nauts leave them behind, and fail to Bithynia.
 
 ( 3 ) 
 THE 
 
 ARGONAUTICS 
 
 O F 
 
 APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 
 
 BOOK I. 
 
 TNSPIR'D by thee, O Phcebus, I refoun.d 
 ** The glorious deeds of heroes long renown'd, 
 Whom Pelias urg'd the Golden Fleece to gain, 
 And well-built Argo wafted o'er the main, 
 Through the Cyanean rocks. The voice divine 
 Pronounc'd this fentence from the facred mrine; 
 e Erelong, and dreadful woes, foredoom'd by fate, 
 
 Thro* that man's counfels mall on Pelias wait, 
 * Whom he, before the altar of his God, 
 
 Shall view in public with one fandal Ihod.! 10 
 
 And, lo ! as by this oracle foretold, 
 What time adventurous Jafon, brave and bold, 
 Anaurus paft, high fwoln with winter's flood, 
 He left one fandal rooted in the mud. 
 
 B2 To
 
 4 The ARGONAUTICS ef Book I. 
 
 To Pelias, thus, the hafty prince repair'd, 15 
 
 And the rich banquet at his altar fhar'd. 
 
 The ftately altar, with oblations (lor'd, 
 
 Was to his fire erected, ocean's lord, 
 
 And every Power that in Olympus reigns, 
 
 Save Juno, regent of ThefTalia's plains. 20 
 
 Pelias, whofe looks his latent fears exprefs'd, 
 
 Fir'd with a bold adventure Jafon's bread ; 
 
 That, funk in ocean, or on fome rude Ihore 
 
 Proftrate, he ne'er might view his country more. 
 
 Old bards affirm this warlike mip was made 25 
 
 By fkilful Argus, with Minerva's aid. 
 
 'Tis mine to fing the chiefs, their names and race, 
 
 Their tedious wanderings on the main to trace, 
 
 And all their great achievements to rehearfe : 
 
 Deign, ye propitious Nine, to aid my verfe. 30 
 
 Firft in the lift, to join the princely bands, 
 The tuneful bard, enchanting Orpheus, (lands ; 
 Whom fair Calliope, on Thracia's more, 
 Near Pimpla's mount, to bold CEagrus bore. 
 Hard rocks he foften'd with perfuafive fong, 35 
 
 And footh'd the rivers as they roll'd along. 
 Yon beeches tall, that bloom near Zona, ftill 
 Remain memorials of his vocal (kill : 
 
 His
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUSRHODIUS. 5 
 
 His lays Pieria's liftening trees admire, 
 
 And move in meafures to his melting lyre. 40 
 
 Thus Orpheus charm'd, who o'er the, Biftons reign'd, 
 
 By Chiron's art to Jafon's intereft gain'd. 
 
 Afterion next ; whofe fire rejoic'd to till 
 
 Pirefian valleys by Phylleion's hill, 
 
 Born near Apidanus, who fportive leads 45 
 
 His winding waters thro' the fertile meads ; 
 
 There where, from far, Enipeus, ftream divine, 
 
 And wide Apidanus their currents join. 
 
 The fon of Elatus, of deathlefs fame, 
 
 From fair LarifTa, Polyphemus came. 50 
 
 Long fince, when in the vigour of his might, 
 
 He join'd the hardy Lapithse in fight 
 
 Againft the Centaurs ; now his flrength declin'd 
 
 Thro' age, yet young and martial was his mind. 
 
 Not long at Phylace Iphiclus ftaid, 55 
 
 Great Jafon's uncle *> pleas'd he join'd his aid. 
 
 And march'd to meet th' adventurous band from far, 
 
 Urg'd by affinity and love of war. 
 
 Nor long Admetus, who at Phene reign'd, 
 
 Near high Chalcodon's bleating fields remain'd. 60 
 
 Echion, Erytus, for wiles renown'd, 
 
 Left Alope, with golden harvefts crown'd j 
 
 B The
 
 6 Tbs ARGON AUTICS of Book I, 
 
 The gainful fons of Mercury : with thefe 
 
 Their brother came, the bold vEthalides j 
 
 Whom fair Eupolema, the Phthian, bore 65 
 
 Where fmooth Amphryfos rolls his watery ftore : 
 
 Thofe, Menetus, from thy fair daughter fprung, 
 
 Antianira, beautiful and young. 
 
 Coronus came, from Gyrton's wealthy town, 
 
 Great as his fire in valour and renown, 70 
 
 Casneus his fire , who, as old bards relate, 
 
 Receiv'd from Centaurs his untimely fate. 
 
 Alone, unaided, with tranfcendent might, 
 
 Boldly he fac'd, and put his foes to flight. 
 
 But they, reviving foon, regain'd their ground j 75 
 
 Yet faiPd to vanquim, and they could not wound, 
 
 Unbroke, unmov*d, the chief his breath refigns, 
 
 O'erwhelm'd beneath a monument of pines, 
 
 From Titarefus Mopfus bent his way, 
 
 Infpir'd an augur by the God of day. 8$ 
 
 Eurydamas, to mare fair honour's crown, 
 
 Forfook near Xynias' lake his native town, 
 
 Nam'd Ctimena : Mencetius join'd the band, 
 
 Difmifs'd from Opuns by his fire's command. 
 
 Next came Eurytion, Irus* valiant fon, 85 
 
 And Eribotes, feed of Teleon. 
 
 Qileug
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUSRHODIUS. ^ 
 
 O'ileus join'd thefe heroes, fam'd afar 
 For ftratagetns and fortitude in war ; 
 Well fkill'd the hoftile fquadrons to fubdue, 
 Bold in attack, and ardent to purfue. 90 
 
 Next, by Canethus, fon of Abans, fcnt, 
 Ambitious Canthus from Eubcea went; 
 Doom'd ne'er again to reach his native IhorCj 
 Nor view the towers of proud Cerinthus more. 
 For thus decreed the deftinies fevere, 95 
 
 That he and Mopiiis, venerable feer, 
 After long toils and various wanderings paft, 
 On Afric's dreary coaft mould breathe their laft. 
 How fhort the term affign'd to human woe, 
 Clos'd, as it is, by death's decifive blow ! ice 
 
 On Afric's dreary coaft their graves were made, 
 From Phafis diftant far their bones were laid -, 
 Far as the eaft and weilern limits run, 
 Far as the rifing from the letting fun. 
 Clytius and Iphitus unite their aid, 105 
 
 Who all the country round CEchalia fway'd ; 
 Thefe were the fons of Eurytus the proud, 
 On whom his bow the Gcd of day beftow'd ; 
 But he, devoid of gratitude, defy'd, 
 And challeng'd Phcebus with a rival's pride. j 10 
 
 B 4 The
 
 8 The ARGONAUTICS of Book I, 
 
 The fons of ^acus, intrepid race ! 
 
 Separate advanced, and from a different place. 
 
 For when their brother unawares they flew, 
 
 From fair ^Egina diverfe they withdrew. 
 
 Fair Salamis king Telamon obey'd, j 15 
 
 And valiant Peleus Phthia's fceptre fway'd. 
 
 Next Butes came from fam'd Cecropia far. 
 
 Brave Tenon's fon, a chief renown'd in war. 
 
 To wield the deadly lance Phalerus boafts, 
 
 Who, by his fire commifilon'd, joins the hods : 120 
 
 No fon, fave this, e'er blefs'd the hoary fage, 
 
 And this heaven gave him in declining age ; 
 
 Yet him he ferjt, difdaining abjedt fears, 
 
 To mine confpicuous 'midft his gallant peers, 
 
 Thefeus, far mord than all his race renown'd, 125 
 
 Fall in the cave of Tsenarus was bound 
 
 With adamantine fetters, (dire abade!) 
 
 E'er fince he trod th* irremeable road 
 
 With his belov'd Pirithoiis : had they fail'd, 
 
 Much had their might, their courage much avail'd. I^Q 
 
 Bceotian^Tiphyi came, experienc'd well 
 
 Old ocean's foaming furges to foretell, 
 
 Experienc'd well the ftormy winds to fhun, 
 
 And fteer his veflel by the ftars, or fun. 
 
 Minerva
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUSRHODIUS. 9 
 
 Minerva urg'd him by her high command, 135 
 
 A welcome mate to join the princely band. 
 
 For me the fhip had form'd with heavenly fkill, 
 
 Tho* Argus wrought the dictates of her will. 
 
 Thus plann'd, thus fafhion'd, this fam'd ihip excell'd 
 
 The nobleft fhips by oar or fail impell'd. 140 
 
 From Arathyrea, that near Corinth lay, 
 
 Phlias, the fon of Bacchus, bent his way : 
 
 Blefs'd by his fire, his fplendid manfion ftood 
 
 Faft by the fountains of Afopus* flood. 
 
 From Argos next the fons of Bias came, 145 
 
 Areius, Talaus, candidates for fame, 
 
 With bold Leodocus, whom Pero bore, 
 
 Neleus ? fair daughter, on the Argive more ; 
 
 For whom Melampus various woes fuftain'd, 
 
 In a deep dungeon by Iphicltis chajn'd. 150 
 
 Next Hercules, endued with dauntlefs mind, 
 
 At Jafon's fummons, ftay'd not long behind. 
 
 For warn'd of this adventurous band, when laft 
 
 The chief to Argos from Arcadia paft, 
 
 (What time in chains he brought the living boar, 155 
 
 The dread, the bane of Erymanthia's moor, 
 
 And at the gate of proud Mycenae's town, 
 
 From his broad fhoulders hurl'd the monfter down :) 
 
 Unafk'd
 
 10 The A&dON-AUTics f '. Book I. 
 
 Unafk'd the ftern Mycenian king's confent, 
 
 Inftant to join, the Catlike hoft he went. j6o 
 
 Young Hylas waited with obfequious care, 
 
 The hero's quiver arid his boVv to bear. 
 
 Next came, the lift of demigods to grace, 
 
 He who from Danaiis defiv'd his race, 
 
 Nauplius ; of whom fanVd Pnetus was the fon, 165 
 
 Of Prastus Lernus ; thus the lineage run : 
 
 From Lernus JsTaubolus his being claim'd, 
 
 Whofe valiant fon was Clytoneiis nam'd. 
 
 In navigation's various arts conftfs'd 
 
 Shone Nauplius' ikill, ftiperior to the reft t 170 
 
 Him to the fea's dread lord, in days of yore> 
 
 Danaiis* fair daughter, Amyrnone bore. 
 
 Laft of thofe chiefs who left the Grecian ccmft, 
 
 Prophetic Idmon join'd the gallant hoft ; 
 
 (Full well he knew what cruel fate ordainM ; 1 7^ 
 
 But dreaded more than death his honour ftain'd) 
 
 The fon of Phcebus by fome ftolen embrace, 
 
 And number'd too with bolus's race, 
 
 He learn'd his art prophetic from his fire, 
 
 Omens from birds and prodigies from fire. 18 
 
 Illuftrious Pollux, fam'd for martial force, 
 
 And Caftor, ikill'd to guide the rapid horfe,
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. II 
 
 vEtoiian Leda fent from Sparta's fhore : 
 
 Both at one birth in Tyndarus' houfe me bore. 
 
 No boding fears her generous mind deprefs'd ; 18$ 
 
 She thought like them whom Jove's embrace had blefs'd. 
 
 Lynceus and Idas, from Arene's wall, 
 
 Heard fame's loud fummons, and obey'd her call : 
 
 The fons of Aphareus, of matchlefs might, 
 
 But Lynceus flands renown'd for piercing fight : *<)o 
 
 So keen his beam, that ancient fables tell, 
 
 lie favv, thro' earth, the wondrous depths of hell. 
 
 With thefe bold Periclymenus appears, 
 
 The fon of Neleus, mofb advanc'd in years 
 
 Of all his race ; his fire's unconquer'd pride : 195 
 
 Him with vaft flrength old ocean's lord fupply'd, 
 
 And gave the power, when hard in battle prefs'd, 
 
 To take whatever form might fuit him beft. 
 
 From Tegea's towers, where bore Aphicjas fway, 
 
 Amphidamas and Cepheus took their way, 2po 
 
 The fons of Aleus both , and with them went 
 
 AncjEUS, by his fire Lycurgus fent. 
 
 Of thofe the brother, and by birth the firft, 
 
 Was good Lycurgus ; tenderly he nurs'd 
 
 His fire at home ; but bade his gallant fon 20 ; 
 
 With the bold chiefs the race of glory run. 
 
 On
 
 12 ^be ARGONAUT res of Book I, 
 
 On his broad back a bear's rough fpoils he wore, 
 And in his hand a two-edg'd pole-axe bore, 
 Which, that the youth might in no danger fhare, 
 Were fafe fecreted by his grandfire's care. 1 10 
 
 Augeas too, lord of the Elean coaft, 
 Sail'd, brave affbciate, with the warlike hoft. 
 Rich in pofleflions, of his riches proud, 
 Fame fays his being to the Sun he ow'd. 
 Ardent he wifh'd to fee the Colchian fhore, 215 
 
 And old TEeta who the fceptre bore. 
 Afterius and Amphion, urg'd by fame, 
 The valiant fons of Hyperafius, came 
 From fair Pellene, built in days of yore 
 By Pelle's grandfire on the lofty more. 220 
 
 From Tsenarus, that yawns with gulf profound, 
 Euphemus came, for rapid race renowned. 
 By Neptune forc'd, Europa gave him birth, 
 Daughter to Tityus, hugeft fon of Earth. 
 Whene'er he ficimm'd along the watery plain, 225 
 
 With feet unbath'd he fwept the furging main, 
 Scarce brufti'd the furface of the briny dew, 
 And light along the liquid level flew. 
 Two other fons of Neptune join'd the hoft, 
 ^This from Miletus pn th' Ionian coaft, 230 
 
 Erginus
 
 Book I, APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 13 
 
 Erginus nam'd, but that from Samos came, 
 
 Juno's lov'd ifle, Anoeus was his name ; 
 
 Illuftrious chiefs, and both renown'd afar 
 
 For the joint arts of failing and of war. 
 
 Young Meleager, CEneus' warlike fon, 235 
 
 And fage Laocoon march'd from Calydon. 
 
 From the fame father he and CEneus fprung ; 
 
 But on the breads of different mothers hung. 
 
 Him CEneus purpos'd with his fon to fend, 
 
 A wife companion, and a faithful friend. 240 
 
 Thus to the royal chiefs his name he gave, 
 
 And green in years was number'd with the brave. 
 
 Had he continu'd but one fummer more 
 
 A martial pupil on th' ^Etolian more, 
 
 Firft on the lifts of fame the youth had ihone, 245 
 
 Or own'd fuperior Hercules alone. 
 
 His uncle too, well-fkill'd the dart to throw, 
 
 And in th' embattled plain refift the foe, 
 
 Iphiclus, venerable Theftius* fon, 
 
 Join'd the young chief, and boldly led him on. 250 
 
 The fon of Lernus, Palasmonius, came, 
 
 Olenian Lernus ; but the voice of fame 
 
 Whifpers, that Vulcan was the hero's fire, 
 
 And therefore limps he like the God of fire. 
 
 Of
 
 14 $* A ft. 6 o N A tt T i c s of Book I. 
 
 Of nobler port or valour none could boaft ; 255 
 
 He added grace to Jafon's godlike hoft. 
 
 From Phocis Iphitus with ardour prefs'd 
 
 To join the chiefs ; great Jafon was his gueft, 
 
 When to the Delphic Oracle he went, 
 
 Confulting fate, and anxious for th* event. 260 
 
 Zetes and Calais of royai race, 
 
 Whom Orithyia bore in wintry Thrace 
 
 To bluflering Boreas in his airy hall, 
 
 Heard fame's loud fummons, and obey'd the call. 
 
 Ereftheus, who th* Athenian fceptre fway'd, 265 
 
 Was parent of the violated maid, 
 
 Whom dancing with her mates rude Boreas Hole, 
 
 Where the fam'd waters of IlilTus roll ; 
 
 And to his rock-fenc'd Sarpedonian cave 
 
 Convey'd her, where Erginus pours his wave: 270 
 
 There, circumfus'd in gloom and grateful fhade, 
 
 The god of tempefts woo'd the gentle maid. 
 
 They, when on tip-toe rais'd, in act to fly, 
 
 Like the light-pinion'd vagrants of the fky, 
 
 Wav'd their dark wings, and, wondrous to behold! 275 
 
 Difplay'd each plume diftinfl with drops of gold 5 
 
 While down their backs, of bright cerulean hue, 
 
 Loofe in the winds their wanton trefles flew. 
 
 Not
 
 Book I. A P o L L o N i u 3 R H o D i u s. 15 
 
 Not long with Pelias young Acaftqs ftay'd; 
 He left his fire to lend the Grecians aid. 280 
 
 Argus, whom Pallas with her gifts infpir'd, 
 Follow'd his friend, with equal glory hYd. 
 
 Such^he compeers of Jafon highly fam'd -, 
 And all thefe demigods were Minyans nam'd. 
 The moft illuftrious heroes of the hoft 285 
 
 Their lineage from the feed of Minyas boaft : 
 For Minyas' daughter, Clymena the fair, 
 Alcimeda, great Jafon's mother, bare. 
 
 When all was furnifhM by the bufy band 
 Which veflels deftin'd for the main demand ; 290 
 
 The heroes from lolcos bent their way 
 To the fam'd port, the Pagafean bay, 
 And deep-environ'd with thick-gathering crowds, 
 They fhone like flars-refplendent thro' the clouds. 
 Then thus among the rout, with wondering look, 295 
 Some fwain furvey'd the bright-arm'd chiefs and Tpoke : 
 * Say, what can Pelias, mighty Jove, intend, 
 ' Far, far from Greece fo great a force to fend \ 
 ' Sure, mould Meta fpurn the fons of Greece, 
 ' And to their claims refufe the golden Fleece, 300 
 4 That felf-fame day mall fee his palace, crown'd 
 ! With glictering turrets, levell'd to the ground. 
 
 ! But
 
 i6 . tbe ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 * But endlefs toils purfue them as they go, 
 
 <* And Fate hath mark'd their defperate fteps with woe.* 
 Thus, when he faw the delegated bands, 305 
 
 Spoke the rude fwain with heaven- uplifted hands : 
 The gentler females thus the Gods implore ; 
 " Safe may they reach again their native Ihore :" 
 And thus fome matron mild her mind exprefs'd \ 
 (Tears in her eye, and terrors at her bread) 3 1 
 
 ' Unfortunate Alcimeda, thy fate 
 
 * Now frowns malignant, tho* it frowns fo late ; 
 
 * Nor wills the tenor of thy life to run 
 ' Serene and peaceful, as it firft begun. 
 
 * On ^Efon too attend unnumber'd woes , 315 
 
 * Far, better far, a lingering life to dole, 
 
 * And bury all his forrows in the tomb, 
 
 * Uneonfcious of calamities to come. 
 
 * Oh ! r had both Phrixus and the ram been drown'd, 
 *. When Helle perifh'd in the gulf profound : 320 
 
 * But the dire monfter was with voice endu'd, 
 
 * And human accents from his mouth enfu'd, 
 ' To fad Alcimeda denouncing ftrife, 
 
 * 4-nd wocs to doud the evening of her life.' 
 
 Thus fpoke fome matron as the heroes went* 325 
 
 Around their k>rds the menial train lament : 
 
 ,*' Alcimeda
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 17 
 
 Alcimeda embrac'd her fon with tears, 
 
 Each bread was chill'd with fad prefaging fears. 
 
 Age-drooping ^fon heard the general moan, 329 
 
 Wrapp'd in foft robes, and anfwer'd groan For groan. 
 
 But Jafon fooths their fears, their bofom warms, 
 
 And bids his fervants bring the burnim'd arms. 
 
 They, with a downcaft look and lowly bow, 
 
 Obey their chief with filent fteps and flow. 
 
 The penfive Queen, while tears bedew her face, 335 
 
 Her fon ftill circles with a fond embrace. 
 
 Thus to her nurfe an infant orphan fprings, 
 
 And weeps unceafing as fhe clofely clings j 
 
 Experienc'd infults make her loath to ftay 
 
 Beneath a ftep-dame's proud, oppreffive fway. 340 
 
 Thus in her royal breaft the forrows pent 
 
 Forc'd fighs and tears, and ftruggled for a vent. 
 
 Still in her arms fhe held her favourite fon, 
 
 And comfortlefs with faltering fpeech begun : 
 
 * Oh had I died on that detefted day, 34^ 
 1 And with my forrows figh'd my foul away, 
 
 * When Pelias publifh'd his fevere decree, 
 
 * Severe and fatal to my fon and me ! 
 
 ' Thyfelf had then my aged eyelids clos'd, 
 
 * And thofe dear hands my decent limbs composed -, 350 
 
 C This
 
 I S The ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 6 This boon alone I wifh'd thee to impart, 
 This wifh alone lay dormant at my heart. 
 
 * But now, alas ! tho' firlt of Grecian names, 
 ' Admir'd and envy'd by ThefTalian dames, 
 
 * I, like an hand-maid, now am left behind, 355 
 ' Bereav'd of all tranquillity of mind. 
 
 * By thee rever'd, in dignity I fhone, 
 
 ' And firft and laft for thee unloos'd my zone. 
 
 * For unrelenting hate Lucina bore, 
 
 6 Thee, one lov'd fon, (he gave, but gave no more. 360 
 ' Alas ! not ev'n the vifions of the night 
 ' Foretold fuch fatal woes from Phrixus' flight.' 
 Thus mourn'd Alcimeda ; her handmaids hear, 
 Sigh back her fighs, and anfwer tear with tear. 
 Then Jafon thefe confoling words addrefs'd, 365 
 
 To footh the rifing anguifh of her bread : 
 ** Ceafe, mother, ceafe excefs of grief to mow, 
 " Oh ! ceafe this wild extravagance of woe. 
 " Tears cannot make one dire difafter lefs 5 
 " They cherim grief, and aggravate diftrefs, 370 
 
 " Wifely and juftly have the Gods affign'd 
 " Unthonght-of miferies to all mankind. 
 " The lot they give yon, tho' perchance fevere, 
 " Confiding in Minerva, bravely bear. 
 
 " Minerva
 
 Book I. AP POL'LONI us RHODIUS. 19 
 
 " Minerva firft this bold adventure mov'd, 375 
 
 " Apollo, and the Oracles approv'd, 
 " Thefe calls of heaven our confidence command, 
 " Join'd with the valour of this princely band. 
 " Hafte, royal mother, to your native tow'rs, 
 " Pafs with your handmaids there the peaceful hours. 
 " Forebode not here calamities to come : 381 
 
 * Your female train will re-conduct you home." 
 He fpoke ; and from the palace bent his way, 
 Graceful of port j fo moves the god of day 
 At Delos, from his odour-breathing fanes, 385 
 
 Or Claros fituate on Ionian plains, 
 Or Lycia's ample mores, where Xanthus leads 
 His winding waters thro* irriguous meads. 
 Thus Jafon march'd majeftic thro' the crowd, 
 And Fame aufpicious rais'd her voice aloud : 390 
 
 When lo ! the prieftefs of Diana came, 
 Their guardian Goddefs, Iphias was her name, 
 Bending with age, and kifs'd the chief's right hand j 
 In vain (he wifh'd to fpeak ; the hafty band 
 With fpeedy footfteps from the dame withdrew, 395 
 And Jafon mingled with his valiant crew. 
 Then from the tower-fenc'd town he bent his way, 
 And reach'd ere long the Pagafa?an bay ; 
 
 C 2 There
 
 d The ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 There join'd his comrades waiting on the toaft, 
 
 And there faluted his confederate hoft. 400 
 
 When from Idicos, lo, the wondering train 
 
 Obferve Acaftus haftening o'er the plain, 
 
 And with him Argus, his compeer and friend ; 
 
 Unknown to Pelias, to the fhip they tend. 
 
 Argus around his brawny moulders flung 405 
 
 A bull's black fpoils that to his ancles hung. 
 
 Acaftus wore a mantle rich and gay, 
 
 Wrought by his fitter, lovely Peiopa. 
 
 Thus rob'd, the chiefs approach'd the crowded (hore -, 
 
 Illuftrious Jafon ftay'd not to explore 410 
 
 What caufe fo long detained them, but commands 
 
 To council all the delegated bands. 
 
 On fhrouds and fails that cover'd half the beach, 
 
 And the tall, tapering maft, in order each, 
 
 The heroes fat ; then rifing o'er the reft, 415 
 
 His bold aflbciates Jafon thus addrefs'd : 
 
 * Since now the (lores lie ready on the ftrand, 
 
 * And fmce our chiefs and arms are all at hand, 
 
 * NO longer let us wafte the golden day, 
 
 * But the firft fummons of the breeze obey. 420 
 
 * And, fmce we all with equal ardour burn 
 
 * For Colchian fpoils, and hope a fafe return, 
 
 4 4^ ' Impartial
 
 Book I. APPOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 21 
 
 c Impartial choofe fome hero fam'd afar 
 4 To guide the vefiel, and conduct the war, 
 
 * Let him, your fovereign chief, with foreign foes 425 
 
 * The terms of treaty, and of fight propofe.' 
 He fpoke ; with earneft eyes the youthful band 
 
 Mark bold Alcides for fupreme command ; 
 
 On him with voice unanimous they call, 
 
 Own him their leader, and the lord of all. 430 
 
 In the mid circle fat the godlike man, 
 
 His broad right hand he wav'd, and thus began : 
 
 " Let none to me this arduous tafk affign, 
 " For I the glory with the charge decline, 
 ' Jafon alone mall lead this valiant band, 435 
 
 *' The chief who raised it, let that chief command." 
 
 Thus briefly fpoke th' unconquerable man ; 
 Loud approbation thro* the circle ran : 
 Then Jafon rofe, (complacence fill'd his bread) 
 And thus the pleas'd, attentive throng addrefs*d : 440 
 
 ' Friends and aflfociates, fince your wills decree 
 
 * This great, this honourable truft to me, 
 
 * No longer be our enterprize delay'd : 
 
 ' To Phoebus firft be due oblations paid ; 
 
 * Let then a fiiort repaft our ftrength renew : 445 
 ' And, till my herdfirien to our gallant crew 
 
 C 3 ' With
 
 22 ?be ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 ' With beeves return, the beft my ftalls contain, ' 
 
 * Strive we to launch our veflel in the main. 
 
 * And when clofe flow'd our military ftores, 
 
 * Each take his poft, and ply the nimble oars. 450 
 ' To Phcebus firft, Embafian Phoebus, raife 
 
 ' The fmoaking altar ; let the victims blaze. 
 
 * He promis'd, if due rites to him I pay, 
 
 * -To point thro* ocean's paths our dubious way,' 
 
 He faid, and inftant to the talk he flew ; 455 
 
 Example fir'd his emulative crew. 
 They heap'd their veftments on a rock, that flood 
 Far from the infults of the roaring flood, 
 But, in times paft, when wintry ftorms prevailed, 
 Th' encroaching waves its towering top afTail'd. 460 
 As Argus counfel'd, with ftrong ropes they bound, 
 Compacting clofe, the veflfel round and round ; 
 Then with flout nails the fturdy planks they join'd, 
 To brave the fury of the waves or wind ; 
 Next delv'd with fpades a channel deep and wide, 465 
 Thro' which the fhip might launch into the tide. 
 Near to the water deeper was the way, 
 Where wooden cylinders tranfverfely lay ; 
 On thefe they heav'd the veflel from the plain, 
 To roll her, fmoothly-gliding, to the main. 470 
 
 Then
 
 Book I. APPOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 23 
 
 Then to the benches, tapering oars they fix'd ; 
 
 A cubit's meafure was the fpace betwixt : 
 
 This was the ftation for the labouring bands, 
 
 To tug with bending breafts, and out-ftretch'd hands. 
 
 Firft Tiphys mounted on th' aerial prow 475 
 
 To ifiue orders to the train below, 
 
 That at his word, their ftrength uniting, all 
 
 Might join together, and together haul. 
 
 With eager look th' attentive heroes ftand, 
 
 And wait impatient till he gave command ; 480 
 
 Then all at once, with full exerted fway, 
 
 They move her from the ftation where me lay, 
 
 And pufhing inftant, as the pilot guides, 
 
 On fmooth round rollers Pelian Argo glides ; 
 
 Glibly me glides ; loud fhouts the jovial band; 485 
 
 They haul, they pull, they pufh her from the ftrand. 
 
 Beneath the huge hulk groan the rollers ftrong; 
 
 Black fmoke arifes as me moves along; 
 
 With fwift defcent (he rumes to the main : 
 
 Coercive ropes her rapid race reftrain. 490 
 
 Then, next, their fails they hoifted, fix'd their oars, 
 
 The mail erected, and embark'd the ftores. 
 
 By lots on benches were the heroes plac'd, 
 
 And with two heroes every bench was grac'd, 
 
 C4 On
 
 24 be ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 On great Ale ides, formidable name, 495 
 
 And on Ancasus, who from Tegea came, 
 
 With voice unanimous, the martial hoft 
 
 Beftow'd the centre's honourable pod. 
 
 To watchful Tiphys was the helm afilgn'd, 
 
 To ftem the waves, and catch the favouring wind. 500 
 
 This done, with ftones befide the fhore which lay, 
 
 They rear'd=an altar to the God of day, 
 
 Embafian Phcebus, and the furface round 
 
 With the dry branches of an olive crown'd. 
 
 Meanwhile the herdfmen drove two beeves well fed 
 
 From Jafon's ftalls ; youths to the altar led 506 
 
 The victims ; fome brought water from the lake i 
 
 Some the due offering of the falted cake. 
 
 Jafon, while thefe the facrifke prepare, 
 
 Thus to his parent God prefeiw his pray'r : 510 
 
 ' Patron of Pagafse, thine "ear we claim, 
 ' Guard of the city grac'd with JEfon's name : 
 1 When to confult thine oracle I went, 
 
 * It promis'd to reveal this great event, 
 
 ' The final iffue of our bold emprife: 515 
 
 * On thee, chief author, all our hope relies. 
 
 * Conduct my comrades to the far-fam'd Fleece, 
 
 ! Then fafe reftore them to the realms of Greece. 
 
 * And
 
 Book I. APPOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 25 
 
 * And here I vow, whatever chiefs return, 
 
 * So many bulls {hall on thine altar burn , 520 
 
 * A facrifice at Delphos is decreed, 
 
 * And in Ortygia fhall the victims bleed. 
 
 ' But now thefe humble offerings which we pay, 
 
 ' Gracious .accept, far-darting God of day. 
 
 ' Be thou, O father, our aufpicious guide, 525 
 
 c When hence we fail acrofs the founding tide. 
 
 6 Smooth the rough billows, and let breezes bland 
 
 * Propitious waft us to the Colchian land.' 
 
 Thus pray'd he fuppliant, and prepar'd to make 
 The facred offering of the faked cake. 530 
 
 Alcides, farn'd for manly ftrength and fway, 
 And bold Ancasus rofe the beeves to flay. 
 Alcides' club imprefs'd a deadly wound 
 On the fleer's front, and fell'd him to the ground. 
 Thy axe, Ancaeus, at one fturdy ftroke, 535 
 
 The fleer's fkull fractur'd, and the neck-bone broke, 
 Down fell the* victim, floundering with the blow, 
 Prone on his horns, and ploughed the fand below. 
 The ready train, that round in order flood, 
 Stab the fallen beeves, and fhed the life-warm blood ; 
 Then from the body ftrip the fmoaking hide, 54! 
 
 The beafts they quarter, and the joints divide ; 
 
 The
 
 Tbe ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 The thighs devoted to the Gods they part, 
 On thefe the fat, involv'd in cawls, with art 
 They fpread, and as the lambent flame devours, 545 
 The Grecian chief the pure libation pours. 
 Joy fill'd the breaft of Idmon to behold, 
 How from the thighs the flame relucent roll'd 
 In purple volumes, and propitious fmoke j 
 And thus the feer, infpir'd by Phcebus, fpoke ; 550 
 
 * Tho* various perils your attempt oppofe, 
 t And toils unnumber'd bring unnumber'd woes j 
 ' Yet fhall ye fafe return, ye fons of Greece, 
 ' Adorn'd with conqueft, and the golden Fleece. 
 
 * Me cruel Fate ordains on Afia's fhore 555. 
 ' To die, nor e'er behold my country more. 
 
 * And tho' my defliny long fix'd I knew, 
 
 ' Yet, ftill refolv'd, I join'd the martial crew ; 
 
 * Jnflam'd with glory to the holt I came, 
 
 * Of life regardlefs, emulous of fame.' 560 
 Thus he j the hoft the fate of Idmon mourn, 
 
 But joy tranfports them for their wifh'd return. 
 
 The fun, remitting now his fiercer ray, 
 
 Pours from the weft the faint remains of day : 
 
 Low as he finks, the lofty rocks expand 565 
 
 Their lengthen'd Ihadows o'er the diftant land, 
 
 On
 
 Book I. APPOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 27 
 
 On leafy couches now the warlike train 
 
 Repofe along the beach that fkirts the main. 
 
 Before the chiefs are favoury viancis plac'd, 
 
 And generous wines, delicious to the tafte. 570 
 
 The hours in mutual converfe they employ, 
 
 In feftive fongs and unduTembled joy. 
 
 Thus at the banquet fport the young and gay, 
 
 When Mirth breaks in, and Envy fkulks away. 
 
 But not unmark'd was Jafon's penfive look ; 575 
 
 Idas beheld him, and licentious fpoke : 
 
 c What doubts, what fears do ^Efon's fon perplex? 
 
 * What dangers fright him, and what forrows vex ? 
 ' Proclaim thy thoughts : or is thy dubious mind 
 
 ' Difmay'd with terrours of the daftard kind ? 580 
 
 * NOW by this (tout, unconquer'd lance, I fwear, 
 ' On which in war victorious wreaths I bear, 
 
 * (Scorning from Jove's afliftance to receive 
 
 ' Thofe palms, which this refiftlefs lance ,can give) 
 
 4 No foes mall brave, no wiles of war withftand, 585 
 
 ' Tho' Jove frown adverfe, this impetuous hand. 
 
 * Such Idas is, for prowefs fam'd afar, 
 
 ' Arene's boaft, the thunder-bojt of war.' 
 
 This faid, the boafter feiz'd a goblet, fill'd 
 With racy wine, and to the bottom fwilPd. 590 
 
 O'er
 
 2 8 'The ARGONAUTICS of Book I, 
 
 O'er his black beard and cheeks the liquor flow'd : 
 Th* affembled hoft with indignation glow'd. 
 Then Idmon rofe and boldly thus reply'd i 
 
 " Vain wretch ! to brand our leader and our guide -, 
 " And more irreverent ftill, thus flufh'd with wine, 595 
 44 To dare reproach fuperior powers divine. 
 *' Far different fpeech muft cheer the focial train -, 
 " Thy words are brutifh, and thy boafts are vain. 
 ' Thus, fame reports, the Aloidas ftrove 
 u Long fince to irritate the powers above 6co 
 
 ;< By vile afperfions, infamouily free ; 
 ' Yet they in valour far exceeded thee. 
 " Slain by the (hafts of Phoebus, down they fell, 
 " Tho' high afpiring, to the depths of Hell." 
 
 He faid ; but Idas, with farcaftic fneer, 605 
 
 Laughing, provok'd the venerable feer : 
 ' Declare, wife augur, if the Gods decree, 
 f The fame perdition ihall be hurl*d on me, 
 ' Which fam'd Aloeus' impious fons befell 
 * When flain by Phcebus, and condemn'd to hell. 610 
 c Meantime efcape, or manfully withftand, 
 6 Vain feer, the fury of this vengeful hand.' 
 
 Thus Idas fpoke, impatient of controul, 
 And rifmg rage inflam'd his fiery foul i 
 
 Nor
 
 Book I. APPOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 29 
 
 Nor had they here ceas'd fiercely to conteft, 615 
 
 But Jafon and his friends their wrath reprefs'd. 
 
 'Twas then, the jarring heroes to compofe, 
 
 Th' enchanting bard, Oeagrian Orpheus rofe, 
 
 And thus, attuning to the trembling firings . 
 
 His foothing voice, of harmony he fmg&: 620 
 
 " How at the firft, beneath chaotic fway, 
 
 <c Heaven, earth and fea in wild diforder lay ; 
 
 *' Till nature parted the conflicting foes, 
 
 " And beauteous order from confufion rofe. 
 
 ; * How in yon bright etherial fields above 625 
 
 " The lucid ftars in conitant orbits move ; 
 
 " How the pale queen of night and golden fun, 
 
 *' Thro* months, and years their radiant journeys run : 
 
 " Whence rofe the mountains, clad with waving woods, 
 
 " The cryftal founts, and hoarfe-refounding floods, 630 
 
 <c With all their nymphs ; from what celeftial feed 
 
 " Springs the vail fpecies of the ferpent breed : 
 
 ;t How o'er the new-created world below, 
 
 " On high Olympus' fummits crown'd with fnow, 
 
 1 
 
 Ophion, and, from ocean fprung of old, 635 
 
 " The fair Eurynome reign'd uncontroll'd : 
 " How haughty Saturn, with fuperior fway 
 " Exil'd Ophion from the realms of day ; 
 
 " Eurynome
 
 3 Vh ARGONAUT i cs of Book I. 
 
 cc Eurynome before proud Rhea fled, 
 
 And how both funk in ocean's billowy bed. 640 
 
 rt Long time they rul'd the bleft Titanian Gods, 
 " While infant Jove poffefs'd the dark abodes 
 
 Of Dide's cave ; yet uninform'd his mind 
 * With heavenly wifdom, and his hand confin'd. 
 " Forg'd by earth's giant fons, with livid rays 645 
 
 tc Flam'd not as yet the lightning's piercing blaze ; 
 " Nor roar'd the thunder thro' the realms above, 
 6 The ftrength and glory of almighty Jove." 
 
 Here the fweet bard his tuneful lyre unftrung, 
 And ceas'd the heavenly mufic of his tongue , 650 
 
 But, with the found entranc'd, the liftening ear 
 Still thought him finging, and ftill feem'd to hear : 
 In filent rapture every chief remains, 
 And feels within his heart the thrilling drains. 
 Forthwith the bowl they crown with rofy wine, 655 
 And pay due honours to the powers divine ; 
 Then on the flaming tongues libations pour, 
 And wait falubrious fleep's compofing hour. 
 Soon as the bright-ey'd morning's fplendid ray 
 On Pelion's fummit pour'd the welcome day, 660 
 
 Light fkimm'd the breezes o'er the liquid plain, 
 And gently fwell'd the fluctuating main ; 
 
 Then
 
 Book I. APPOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 31 
 
 Then Tiphys rofe, and, fummon'd by his care, 
 
 Embark the heroes, and their oars prepare. 
 
 Portentous now along the winding fhores 665 
 
 Hoarfe founding Pagafean Neptune roars : 
 
 From Pelian Argo's keel loud murmurs broke, 
 
 Urgent to fail ; the keel of facred oak, 
 
 Endu'd with voice, and marvelloufly wrought, 
 
 Itonian Pallas from Dodona brought. 670 
 
 Now on their deftin'd pofts, arrang'd along, 
 
 In feemly order fat the princely throng ; 
 
 Faft by each chief his glittering armour flames : 
 
 The midmoft ftation bold Anca^us claims, 
 
 With great Alcides, (whofe enormous might 675 
 
 Arm'd with a mafiy club provokes the fight,) 
 
 Clofe plac'd befide him : in the yielding flood 
 
 The keel deep-finking owns the demigod. 
 
 Their haufers now they loofe, and on the brine 
 To Neptune pour the confecrated wine: 680 
 
 Then from his native fhore fad Jafon turns 
 His oft-reverted eye, and filent mourns. 
 As in Ortygia, or the Delphic fane, 
 Or where Ifmenus laves Bceotia's plain, 
 Apollo's altar round, the youthful quire, 685 
 
 The dance according with the founding lyre, 
 
 The
 
 yt, The ARGONAUT ics cf Book I. 
 
 The hallow'd ground with equal cadence beat, 
 And move in meafure their alternate feet ; 
 Together fo ThefTalia's princes fweep 
 With well-tim'd oars the filver-curling deep : 690 
 
 While, faifing high the Thracian harp, prefides 
 Melodious Orpheus, and the movement guides. 
 Dafh'd by their oars the foaming billows broke, 
 And loud remurmur'd to each mighty ftroke. 
 Swift fail'd the fhip, the fun refulgent beam'd, 695 
 
 And bright as flame their glittering armour gleam'd. 
 While to their outftretch'd oars the heroes bow, 
 The parted ocean whitening foams below. 
 So mines the path, along fome grafiy plain, 
 Worn by the footfteps of the village-fwain. 700 
 
 Th* immortal powers that Jove's proud palace crown, 
 All on that memorable day look'd down, 
 The godlike chiefs and Argo to furvey, 
 As thro' the deep they urg'd their daring way. 
 Then too on Pelion's cloud-capt fummit ftood 705 
 
 The Nymphs that wander in that facred wood ; 
 Wondering they view'd below the failing pine, 
 (Itonian Pallas fram'd the work divine) 
 And bold Theflalia's labouring heroes fweep 
 With ftretching oars the navigable deep. 710 
 
 "9 Lo!
 
 Book I. APOLLO \* i us RHODIUS. gj 
 
 L,o ! from the mountain's topmoft cliff defcends 
 
 The Centaur Chiron , to the more he bends 
 
 Jiis hafty footfleps : on the beach he flood, 
 
 And dipp'd his fetlocks in the hoary flood. 
 
 He hail'd the heroes with his big, broad hand, 71^ 
 
 And wifh'd them fofe to gain their native land. 
 
 With Chiron came Chariclo to the fhore-, 
 
 The young Achilles in her arms fhe bore. 
 
 Peleus, his fire, with fecret pleafure fmil'd, 
 
 As high in air fhe rais'd the royal child. 7*0 
 
 And now the winding bay's fafe precincts pad, 
 
 Theflalian Argo plough'd the watery wafte ; 
 
 On Tiphys' care the valiant chiefs rely'dj 
 
 To fleer the veffel o'er the foaming tide, 
 
 The fmooth well-modell'd rudder to command* 7 2 5 
 
 Obfequious to the movement of his hand. v 
 
 And next inferting in the keel below 
 
 The rnafl tall-tapering, to the flern and pcow, 
 
 With ropes that thro* the rolling pulleys glide* 
 
 They rear upright, and firm on every fide. 730 
 
 Then high in air the fwelling fails they raife, 
 
 While on their bofoms buxom Zephyr plays. 
 
 With favouring gales their fleady courfe they keep 
 
 To where Tifeum frowns upon the deep. 
 
 D Meanwhile
 
 34 Tbe ARCONAUTICS ef Book I. 
 
 Meanwhile fweet Orpheus, as they faiPd along, 735 
 
 Rais'd to Diana the melodious fong, 
 
 Who fav'd them, where her guardian power prefides, 
 
 From treacherous rocks that lurk beneath the tides. 
 
 The fifh in fhoals, attentive to his lay, 
 
 Purfu'd the poet o'er the watery way -, 740 
 
 And oft emerging from their liquid fphere, 
 
 Strove more diftinct his heavenly notes to hear. 
 
 As Iheep in flocks thick- pafturing on the plain 
 
 Attend the footfteps of the fhepherd-fwain, 
 
 His well-known call they hear, and fully fed, 745 
 
 Pace flowly on, their leader at their head; 
 
 Who pipes melodious, as he moves along, 
 
 On fprightly reeds his modulated fong : 
 
 Thus charm'd with tuneful founds, the fcaly train 
 
 Purfu'd the flying veflel o'er the main-. 75* 
 
 And now the winds with favouring breezes blew, 
 
 Corn-crown'd ThefTalia lefTen'd to the view, 
 
 The Grecian heroes pafe by Pelion's fteep, 
 
 Whofe rocky fummit nodded o'er the deep. 
 
 Now Sepias' cliffs beneath the waves fubfide y 755 
 
 And fea-girt Sciathos furmounts the tide. 
 
 Next, but far diftant, was Pirefias feen* 
 
 (Built on Magnefia's continent ferene) 
 
 And
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 33 
 
 And Dolops' tomb, for this pacific fhore, 
 
 Blefl with mild evening's foften'd gales, they bore. 
 
 To him with victims was an altar crown'd, 761 
 
 While night prevail'd, and ocean roar'd around. 
 
 Two days they tarried, till propitious gales 
 
 Rofe with the third, and bellied all their fails. 
 
 Afiiduous then, the well-known more they fill* 765 
 
 The more call'd Aphetas of Argo ftill. 
 
 Next Meliboea, on Thefialia's more* 
 
 They pals, where winds and thundering tempefts roar. 
 
 At early dawn, incumbent o'er the deep, 
 
 They view high Omole's afpiring fteep; 770 
 
 Next by the dreams of Amyrus they fleer, 
 
 And where thy vales, Eurymena, appear, 
 
 And OfTa and Olympus' mady brow j 
 
 Loud from deep caverns gum the waves below. 
 
 By night befide Pallene's heights they fail, 775 
 
 And rough Canaftra frowning o'er the vale. 
 
 But when the morn difplay'd her orient light, 
 
 Tall Athos rofe confpicuous to the fight ; 
 
 Which tho* from Lemnos far remov'd it lay* 
 
 As far as mips can fail till noon of day, 780 
 
 Yet the proud mountain's high-exalted head, 
 
 A gloom umbrageous o'er Myrina fpread. 
 
 D 2 All
 
 $6 'T'ht ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 All day till eve the foft, indulgent gales 
 
 Their fuccour lent, and fill'd the fwelling fails. 
 
 But when with eve the breezes ceas'd to blow, 785 
 
 The mariners to Sintian Lemnos row, 
 
 Ill-fated ifland ! where the female train 
 
 Had all the males, the year preceding, (lain. 
 
 For, decp-enamour'd with the nymphs of Thrace, 
 
 The men declin'd the conjugal embrace , 790 
 
 Their wives they flighted, and unwary led 
 
 War's pleafmg fpoils, fair captives, to their bed. 
 
 For angry Venus robb'd of love's delights 
 
 The Lemnian females, for neglected rites. 
 
 Ah'miferable train ! with envy curs'd 795 
 
 And jealoufy, of paflions far the worft ! 
 
 One fatal night this unrelenting crew 
 
 Their mates, and all the lovely captives, flew, 
 
 And every male ; left in the courfe of time 
 
 Should rife fome hero to revenge the crime. 800 
 
 .Hypfipyla alone, illuftrioos maid, 
 
 Spar'd her fire Thoas, who the fceptre fway'd. 
 
 With pious care, in reverence to his age, 
 
 In a capacious ark flie plac'd the fage, 
 
 Confiding in the mercy of the wave 805 
 
 The monarch from the maffacre to fave. 
 
 Some
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 37 
 
 Some faithful rimers, to tlieir mandate juft, 
 Convey'd with care the delegated truft 
 Safe to a neighbouring, fea-furrounded fliore, 
 (Encea nam'd, fo nam'd in days of yore, Sio 
 
 Now Sicinum ; from Sicinus it takes 
 Its title, whom a naiad of the lakes, 
 The nymph GEnoea, beautiful and fair, 
 Comprefs'd by Thoas, to the monarch bare. 
 The widow'd Lemnians, tho' by waves fecur'd, 815 
 Oft fhone in arms, to martial toils inur'd. 
 To feed their cattle was their daily care, 
 Or cleave the furrow with the crooked lhare : 
 Expert at thefe, Minerva's arts they fcorn'd, 
 Which once employ'd them, and which once adorn'd. 
 Oft to the main, opprefs'd with dire alarms, 821 
 They look'd ; for much they fear'd the Thracian arms. 
 And when Theflalian Argo caught their view, 
 Quick from Myrina to the fhore they flew. 
 All clad rn glittering arms they prefs'd the flrand, 
 Impetuous ; (like the Bacchanalian band, 826 
 
 When with raw flefh their horrid feafts they clofe j^ 
 They deem'd the veflel ftor'd with Thracian foes, 
 Hypfipyla advanc'd among the reft, 
 Jn the bright armour of her father drefs'd ; 830 
 
 D 3 Anxious,
 
 3 8 We ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 Anxious, aftonifh'd all the dames appear, 
 
 And by their filence teftified their fear. 
 
 Meanwhile ^thalides the heroes fend ; 
 
 To him their peaceful mandates they commend. 
 
 Inverted with the office of the God, 835 
 
 They grace their herald too with Hermes' rod, \ 
 
 Hermes his fire ; who blefs'd his favourite heir 
 
 With memory nor time, nor place impair. 
 
 In vain around him Acheron's waters roll j 
 
 They pour no dull oblivion o'er his foul. 840 
 
 To him the fates this privilege beftow, 
 
 By turns fo wander with the (hades below , 
 
 By turns with men to view the golden day, 
 
 And feel the fun's invigorating ray. 
 
 But why expatiate on fuch themes as thefe ? . " 845 
 
 Why tell the fame of great ^Ethalides ? 
 
 The herald to Hypfipyla addrefs'd. 
 
 With mild benevolence, this joint requeft ; 
 
 That now, at evening- clofe, the friendly land 
 
 Might hofpitably treat this gallant band, 850 
 
 W T ho fear'd at morn to hoift their fwelling fails, 
 
 For Boreas blew with unpropitious gales. 
 
 The queen had fummon'd to the council-hall 
 J he Letpnian dames, the dames obey'd her call : 
 
 Who
 
 Book I. A P o L L o K i u s R H o D i u s; 39 
 
 Who mildly, with perfuafion in her look, 855 
 
 In order rang'd, the heroines befpoke : 
 
 ' Let us, my mates, and ye my words attend, 
 
 * Commodious prefents to thefe ftrangers fend , 
 
 * Such as their friends to mariners confign, 
 
 * Salubrious viands, and delicious winej $60 
 ' So will they peaceful on our borders flay, 
 
 ' Nor need compel them to the town to ftray. 
 
 * Here will they learn the ftory of our guilt, 
 
 * The vows we broke, the kindred blood we fpilt 5 
 
 * And fure a tale, thus horrid, muft appear 865 
 
 * Cruel and impious to a foreign ear. 
 
 * Thefe are the counfels of your faithful friend, 
 ' Prompt to advife, and fteady to defend. 
 
 * She who can furniih counfel more difcreet, 
 
 ( Now let her offer- for this caufe we meet.' 870 
 Thus fpoke the queen, and prefs'd her father's 
 
 throne, 
 
 A royal feat, compos'd of folid (lone. 
 Then rofe Polyxo, venerable dame, 
 Once the queen's nurfe, opprefs'd with age, and lame; 
 A ftaff fuftain'd her (for her limbs were weak) 87$ 
 Tottering with age, yet vehement to fpeak. 
 Near her four damfels, blooming, frefli and fair, 
 Sat crown'd with ringlets of the whitefl hair. 
 
 P 4 Full
 
 4 v A ?be ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 Full in the midft fhe flood, then rais'd her head, 
 
 Her back was bent with years, and thus fhe faid : 88p 
 
 The queen's advice I greatly muft commend, 
 Commodious prefents to our guefts to fend. 
 c And what more faving counfel mail I give 
 f To thofe my friends who mail hereafter live ; 
 
 * Whene'er the fons of Thrace, or hoflile holts 885 
 
 * From other kingdoms lhall infeft our coafts ; 
 
 * Which well may happen, we muft all allow, 
 
 * As this inyafion that alarms us now ? 
 
 * But mould fome God avert th' impending ill, 
 
 c Yet greater evils may befall, and will. Sgq 
 
 * For when the oldeit die, as die they muft, 
 
 ' And our wife matrons be transform'd to duft, 
 6 And you, now young, opprefs'd at laft with age, 
 
 * Shall unprolific tread life's irkfome ftage : 
 
 4 What wretched mortals ye, who then furvive ! 895 
 4 Who to their labour, then, the fleers fhall drive ? 
 9 Will oxen then their necks fpontaneous bow 
 f Beneath the yoke, and drag the ponderous plough ? 
 
 * Or will they reap the harveft on the plain, 
 
 * And every autumn houfe the golclen grain ? 900 
 f I, tho' preferv'd to this important day, 
 
 ',T(For death from me abhorrent turns a,way,) 
 
 ' Yet,
 
 Book I. APOLLONJUS RHODIUS. 41 
 
 * Yet, ere the fun compleats his annual round, 
 
 c If right I judge, (hall mingle with the ground, 
 
 * Lodg'd in the lap of Earth, at Nature's call, 905 
 
 * And 'fcape the ruin that involves you all. 
 
 c Hear then, young damfels, what my years advife ; 
 
 * Before you now the fair occafion lies : 
 
 ' Commit your city to thefe Grangers' care, 
 4 Let them your manfions and poflfeffions mare.' 910 
 She fpoke, pleas'd murmurs fill'd the fpacious hall ; 
 Polyxo's counfel was approved by all. 
 From her fire's throne Hypfipyla arofe, 
 Thus in few words the conference to clofe : 
 " My mates, fince all this fage advice commend, 915 
 c An inftant meflage to the fliip I fend.'* 
 
 She faid, and to Iphinoa gave command ; 
 f< Hafle, find the leader of yon martial band, 
 ;< Invite him (of our amity a proof) 
 " To lodge beneath my hofpitable roof > 930 
 
 ' There time will furniih. leifure to relate 
 cc The genius and the manners of our ftate. 
 " But let his comrades rove, as pleafure leads, 
 *' And pitch their tents along the fertile meads - t 
 ' Or to the tower- defended town repair, 925 
 
 " AfTur'd of fafety, and our royal care.'*
 
 42 -5T&: ARPQNAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 Th' aflembly rofe, as thus the princefs fpoke, 
 Then to the regal dome her way fhe took. 
 Iphinoa, mindful of the queen's command, 
 Approached the Minyans fcatter'd o'er the ftraad, 930 
 Who throng'd around her, eager to explore 
 Wherefore me : came, and what commands me bore. 
 Then thus me faid ; ' Strangers, to you as friends 
 
 * Hypfipyla, the feed of Thoas, fends 
 
 * Her faithful herald, with this ftricl command 935 
 
 * To find the leader of your martial band - r 
 
 * Him me invites (of amity a proof) 
 
 * To lodge beneath her hofpi table roof: 
 \ There time will furnim leifure to relate 
 
 6 The genius, and the manners of our flate. 940 
 
 f But let his comrades rove, as pleafure leads, 
 ' And pitch their tents along the fertile meads ; 
 
 * Or to the tower-defended town repair, 
 
 * AfTur'd of fafety, and the royal care.' 
 
 ; Thefe words were grateful to the warlike band ; 945 
 From her they learn'd whofe fceptre rul'd the land ; 
 Inftant they urg'd their chief's afient, and all 
 Prepar'd obfequious to accept the call. 
 A mantle doubly lin'd, of purple hue, 
 The Ton of ^Efon o'er his moulders threw. 950 
 
 This
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS.^ 43 
 
 This Pallas gave him, when, with wondrous art ? 
 
 She plann'd his fhip, and meafur'd every part. 
 
 'Twere fafer to furvey the radiant globe 
 
 Of rifmg Phoebns, than this fplendid robe. 
 
 Full in the middle beam'd a crimfon blaze, 955 
 
 The verge furrounding darted purple rays. 
 
 In every part hiftoric fcenes were wrought j 
 
 The moving figures feem'd inform'd with thought. 
 
 Here ? on their work intent, the Cyclops ftrove 
 
 Eager to forge a thunder-bolt for Jove; 9601 
 
 Half- rough, half-form'd the glowing engine lay, 
 
 And only wanted the fire-darting ray ; 
 
 And this they hammer'd out on anvils dire ; 
 
 At each colUfion flam'd the fatal fire. 
 
 Not diftant far, in lively colours plann'd, 965 
 
 Two brothers, Zethus and Amphion ftand, 
 
 Sons of Antiopa : no turrets crown'd 
 
 Thy city, Thebes, but walls were rifmg round. 
 
 A mountain's rocky fummit Zethus bore 
 
 On his broad back, but feem'd to labour fore, 970 
 
 Behind, Amphion tun'd his golden fhell, 
 
 Amphion, deem'd in mufic to excel : 
 
 Rocks, ft ill purfu'd him as he mov'd along, 
 
 Charm'd by the mufic of his magic fong, 
 
 Crown'd
 
 44 5^ ARGON AU TICS of Book T. 
 
 Crown'd with foft trefies, in a fairer field, 975 
 
 Gay Venus toy*d with Mars's fplendid (hield. 
 Down from her moulder her expanded veft 
 Difplay'd the fwelling beauties of her breaft. 
 She in the brazen buckler, glittering bright, 
 Beheld her lovely image with delight. 980 
 
 On a rich plain appear, not diftant far, 
 The Taphians, and Electryon's fons at war ; 
 Fat fleers the prize for which the fwains contend, 
 Tbofe ftrive to plunder, thefe their herds defend ; 
 The meads were moid with blood and rofy dew : 985 
 The powerful many trinmph'd o'er the few. 
 Two chariots next roll'd lightly o'er the plains, 
 This Pelops drove, and fhook the founding reins ; 
 Jiippodamia at his fide he view'd : 
 In the next chariot, Myrtilus purfu'd, 990 
 
 And with him Oenomas ; approaching near, 
 At Pelops' back he aim'd the vengeful fpear; 
 The faithlefs axle, as the wheels whirl'd round, 
 Snapp'd fhort, and left him ftretch'd along the ground. 
 Here young Apollo ftood, in act to throw 995 
 
 The whirring arrow from the twanging bow, 
 At mighty Tityus aim'd, who bafely ftrove 
 To force his mother, erft belav'd by Jove : 
 
 He
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 45 
 
 He from fair Elara deriv'd his birth, 
 Tho' fed and nourifh'd by prolific Earth. 1000 
 
 There Phryxus ftoop'd to liften to the ram, 
 On whofe broad back the Hellefpont he fwam. 
 The bead look'd fpeaking ; earned could you gaze, 
 The lively piece would charmingly amaze. 
 Long might you feaft your eye, and lend an ear, 
 With pleafing hope the conference to hear. 1006 
 
 Such was the prefent of the blue-ey'd maid- 
 In his right hand a mifiile lance he fway'd, 
 Which Atalanta, to reward the brave, 
 Sure pledge of friendfhip, to the hero gave, 1010 
 When on the breezy Masnalus fhe rov'd, , 
 And wifh'd the company of him fhe lov'd j 
 But he, of fuitors' amorous ftrife afraid, 
 Reprefs'd the fond intention of the maid. 
 Thus rob'd, thus arm'd, he to the city went, 1015 
 Bright as a ftar that gilds the firmament, 
 Which maids aflembled view with eager eyes 
 High o'er their roof in orient beauty rife. 
 On the bright fignal, as it darts its rays, 
 Attentive they with filent tranfporf gaze. 1020 
 
 Each, with this omen charm'd, expects, tho' late, 
 Return'd from diftant climes fyer deftin'd mate. 
 
 9 - Thus
 
 46 The ARGONA^-TICS of Book 1, 
 
 Thus Ihone the chief, for high achievements known, 
 
 Majeftic as he mov'd to Lemnos' town. 
 
 The noble heroines his footfteps meet, 1025 
 
 With courteous joy the Grecian gueft to greet, 
 
 Whofe downcaft eye ne'er wander'd, till he came 
 
 To the proud palace of the rcyal dame ; 
 
 Obfequious- damfels at the portal wait, 
 
 And quick unbar the double-folding gate : 10301 
 
 Then thro' the various courts extending wide, 
 
 And (lately roorris^ Iphinoa was his guide ; 
 
 On a bright throne; with rich embroidery grac'd, 
 
 Fronting her fovereign me the hero plac'd. 
 
 Th' embarrafs'd queen, her face with blufties fpread; 
 
 In courteous terms addrefs'd the prince, and faid: 
 
 * Why, gentle ftranger, mould your warlike train 
 
 * At diftance far, without the walls remain ? 
 
 * The men who till* d thefe ample fields before, 
 
 " Now turn rich furrows on the Thracian fhore. 1040 
 
 * But hear, while I our matchlefs woes relate j 
 
 * So mail you know the ftory of our fate. 
 
 ' When o'er this realm my father Thoas reign'd, 
 
 * The Lemnian' youth, to fraud and rapine train'd, 
 c On Thracian borders feiz'd the trembling prey, 
 
 * And brought whole flocks, and lovely maids away. 
 
 ' This
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS.' 47 
 
 * This Venus plann'd, with mifchievous intent, 
 ' And fierce among them fatal difcord fent. 
 
 ' Their wives they loath'd, and vainly impious led 
 
 * War's fpoils, fair captives, to the lawlels bed. 1050 
 ' Long we endur'd, forgiving infults paft, 
 
 ' And hop'd the faithlefs would reform at laft. 
 
 ' In vain ; each day but doubled our difgrace, 
 
 ' Our children yielded to a fpurious race. 
 
 ' The widow'd mother, the difcarded maid, 1055 
 
 * Forlorn, neglected thro' the city ftray'd. 
 
 ' No tender pity touch'd the parent's breaft, 
 
 * To fee his darling child abus'd, opprefs'd 
 
 4 Beneath a ftep- dame's proud, imperious fvvay : a 
 
 * No fons would then maternal duty pay, 1060 
 ' Nor, as before, their mother's caufe defend ; 
 
 * No filter then to fifter prov'd a friend : 
 
 4 But the gay troops of Thracian captives fair 
 
 * Inthrall'd the men, and challeng'd all their care ; 
 
 * At home, abroad, the firft, at pleafure's call, 1065 
 6 To fhare the banquet, and conduct the ball. 
 
 * At length, but ftrange! fome favouring power divine 
 
 * la female minds infpir'd this bold defign, 
 
 * That, when return'd from Thracia's hateful fhore, 
 
 * Our roofs thefe traitors might protect no more ; 
 
 3 ! That,-
 
 48 The ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 That, thus conflrain'd, they might forego their 
 
 crimes, 1071 
 
 * Or with their captives flee to diftant climes. 
 " They fail, return, the few remaining males 
 
 4 Demand, then quit us with aufpicious gales-, 
 
 ' And now the frigid fields of Thrace they plough, 
 
 * And countries whiten'd with Sithonian fnow. 1076 
 c Hade then, conduct your comrades to the town : 
 
 ' Here fix your feat, and Lemnos is your own. 
 ' And if to high dominion you afpire, 
 
 * Reign here, and wield the fceptre of my fire. 1080 
 
 * You muft approve , for not fo fair a coaft, 
 4 Or ifle fo fertile can the .flEgean boaft. 
 
 * Hafte to your friends, and make my pleafure known, 
 
 * Nor let them longer lodge without rhe town.* 
 Artful me fpoke, forbearing to relate 1085- 
 
 How in one night each woman flew her mate. 
 
 Then Jafon thus : " Whate'er your bounty grants, 
 " Stores for our voyage, or our prefent wants, 
 " Pleas'd we accept : I to my valiant bands 
 ** Will fpeed to fignify your kind commands, 1090 
 " Then foon conduct my comrades to the town : 
 " But ftill, O Queen, ftill wear your father's crown. - 
 " Not from difdain I Ihun imperial fway, 
 " But great achievements pall me hence away." 
 
 He
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIL'S. 49 
 
 He fpoke, and gently prefs'd her fair right hand, 
 Then fought his comrades fcatterM o'er the itrand. 
 Unnumber'd damfels round the hero wait, 
 Gazing with joy, and follow to the gate ; 
 Then grateful prefents in fwift cars convey ' / 
 
 To the land's margin, where the warriours lay. nod 
 When Jafon now to his adventurous bands 
 Had fignified Hypfipyla's commands, 
 With eager joy the Minyans hade to mare 
 Her friendly roofs, and hofpi table fare. 
 The Queen of Love Thefialia's chiefs infpires^ 1105 
 For Vulcan's fake, with amorous defires ; 
 That Lemnos, Vulcan's facred ifle, agen 
 May flourim, peopled with a race of men. 
 Great Jafon haftens to the regal walls ; 
 The reft proceed where chance or pleafure calls^ 1 1 16 
 Save great Alcides $ with a chofen train* 
 Ambitious he in Argo to remain. 
 Eager with joy the jolly crowds advance 
 To mare the genial feaft, or lead the dance ; 
 To Venus' and to Vulcan's fane they throng, 1 1 ifjj 
 And crown the day with victims and with fohg. 
 Sunk in foft eafe th' enamour'd heroes lay, 
 (Their voyage dill deferr'd from day to day) 
 
 E And
 
 50 Fbe ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 And longer ftill, and longer had declin'd, 
 
 Full loath to leave the lovely place behind, 1120 
 
 Had not Alcides, the fair dames apart, 
 
 Thus fpoke incens'd the language of his heart : 
 
 ' Miftaken comrades, does our kindred, fay, 
 * From our own country drive us far away ? 
 
 * Or are we fondly thus enamour'd grown 1125 
 
 * Of foreign damfcls, and defpife our own ? 
 
 ' Here mail we ftay to till the Lemnian fields ? 
 4 Small fame to heroes this bale commerce yields. 
 ' No God, propitious to the fons of Greece, 
 c Without pur toil, will grant the golden Fleece. 
 ' Our courfe purfue we-, for the breeze invites; 1131 
 c And let him revel in Love's foft delights, 
 4 Who here but ftays to propagate his kind, 
 
 * And leave a memorable name behind.* 
 
 Alcides thus : none dar'd to lift his eye, 1135 
 To breathe a murmur, or to make reply ; 
 But keenly flung with this farcaftic ftile, 
 They hafte to kave the lov'd Vulcanian ifle. 
 Soon as the damfels their fix'd purpofe knew, 
 Around the chiefs in bufy crowds they flew. 1140 
 As bees from fome deep-cavern'd rock proceed, 
 Buzz o'er the lilies of the laughing mead, 
 
 2 The
 
 Book I. A POLL ON i us R HOD i us. t 
 
 The fweets of all ambrofial herbs devour, 
 
 And fuck the foul of every fragrant flow'r ; 
 
 Thus they in fwarms the parting Greeks addrefs, 1 145 
 
 "With hands falute, with foothing words carefs ; 
 
 Then to the Powers above with fervour pray, 
 
 Safe to their arms the heroes to convey. 
 
 Hypfipyla the hand of Jafon prefs'd, 
 
 And thus with tears the parting chief addrefs'd : 1150 
 
 " Adieu ! and may you with the fons of Greece 
 
 " Return triumphant with the golden Fleece. 
 
 " Here mall you then my father's fceptre fway, 
 
 " And his domains your fovereign will obey. 
 
 " The neighbouring dates will furnifh large fupplies, 1 
 
 " And -a vaft empire by your wifdom rife, 1156 
 
 " But if on nobler plans your thoughts are bent, 
 
 " And vainly I prefage the wim'd event ; 
 
 ,* e Abfent or prefent, to my memory kind, 
 
 " Still let Hypfipyla pofTefs your mind. 1160 
 
 " And if with offspring heaven mould blefs me, fay, 
 
 " How mail I then my Jafon's will obey ?" 
 
 The prince beheld the queen with rapturous look, 
 And thus with mild benevolence befpoke : 
 
 ' May thefe events, foredoom'd by heaven's decree, 
 * Succefsful prove, Hypfipyla, to thee. 1166 
 
 E2 'But
 
 52 T'he ARGONAUTICS of Book!. 
 
 ' But ftill of Jafon nobler thoughts retain : 
 
 * Enough for me o'er my own realms to reign ; 
 
 ' May but the powers of heaven (I alk no more) 
 c Safe reconvey me to my native more. 1170 
 
 ' If that's denied, and you, my fource of joy, 
 ' Bear, the ibft token of our loves, a boy ; 
 
 * Him, when mature, in kindnefs to your friend, 
 ' My parents' folace, to Idlcos fend ; 
 
 ' If then perchance the venerable pair H75 
 
 * Survive their woes, and breathe this vital air. 
 
 * There may he live, from Pelias far remov'd, 
 
 * By Grecians honour'd, who his father lov'd. 
 
 He, fpoke his lad farewell : then firft afcends 
 The fhip, and with him his illuftrious friends. 1180 
 In their due ftations plac'd, each feiz'd an oar, 
 "While Argus loos'd the cable from the more. 
 With active ftrokes the vigorous heroes fweep 
 The founding bofom of the billowy deep. 
 As Orpheus counfel'd, and mild evening near, 118$ 
 To Samothrace, Eledra's ifle, they fleer j 
 That there initiated in rites divine, 
 Safe might they fail the navigable brine. 
 But, Mufe, prefume not of thefe rites to tell : 
 Farewell, dread ifle ! dire deities, farewell ! ugo 
 
 Let
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIITS. 53 
 
 Let not my verfe thefe myfteries explain , 
 
 7"o name is impious, to reveal profane. 
 
 Thence the black main they lafh'd with all their might, 
 
 Thrace on their left, and Imbros on the right ; 
 
 And fafely, with the now-declining fun, 1195 
 
 To far-projecting Cherfonefus run. 
 
 Then ftemm'd they, aided by the fouthern gales, 
 
 The ftormy Hellefpont with fwelling fails, 
 
 Left the high-furging fea with morning light, 
 
 And reach'd Sigasum with approaching night. 1200 
 
 Dardania paft, and high exalted Ide, 
 
 They faw Abydos on the ftormy tide. 
 
 Thence fail'd they by Percote's pafture lands, 
 
 Pityea's meadows, and Abarnis' fands : 
 
 And nightly, favour'd by the friendly blaft, 1205 
 
 The purple-foaming Hellefpont they paft. 
 
 An ancient ifland in Propontis lies, 
 
 That towering lifts its fummit to the fkies ; 
 
 Near Phrygia's corn-abounding coaft it ftands, 
 
 And far-projecting all the main commands ; 1210 
 
 An ifland this, fave where the ifthmus' chain 
 
 Connects both lands, and curbs the boifterous main. 
 
 Round its rough fides the thundering tempefts roar, 
 
 And a fafe bay is form'd on either fhore. 
 
 E 3 ^fepus. J -
 
 54 3lfo ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 /Efepus' waters near this ifthmus fall : 1215 
 
 And bordering tribes the mountain Arcton call. 
 
 On this rough mountain, barbarous, fierce and bold, 
 
 Dwell mighty giants, hideous to behold ; 
 
 And, wonderful to tell ! each monfter ftands 
 
 With fix huge arms, and fix rapacious hands ; 1220 
 
 Two pendent on their fhaggy moulders grow, 
 
 And four deform their horrid fides below. 
 
 The lowland ifthmus, verging to the main, 
 
 The Dolions till'd, and all the fertile plain. 
 
 O'er thefe reign'd Cyzicus the brave, the young, 1225 
 
 Who from the gallant warriour, ^Eneus, fprung. 
 
 The daughter of Euforus, firft in fame, 
 
 Bore Cyzicus, JEneta was her name. 
 
 Secure they liv'd, and free from war's alarms, 
 
 Tho' Earth's huge fons were terrible in arms. 1230 
 
 Sprung from the monarch of the hoary tide, 
 
 On Neptune's aid the Dolian race rely'd. 
 
 To this fair port, with gentle- breathing gales, 
 
 This friendly fhore, Theffalian Argo fails. 
 
 Here the rope-faften'd ftone they heave on fhore, 1235 
 
 Which ferv'd as anchor to the fhip before, 
 
 But now too light, fo Typhis bids, they bring, 
 
 And leave it at the pure Artacian fpring j 
 
 Then
 
 Book I. APOLI. ONIUS RHODIUS. 5.5 
 
 Then choofe another on the rocky bay, 
 
 More ponderous far, the rolling fhip to ftay. 1240 
 
 There the firft ftone unnumber'd years remain'd, . 
 
 Till, as Apollo's oracle ordain'd, 
 
 Th' lonians found, with rites myfterious grac'd, 
 
 And facred to Jafonian Pallas plac'ci. 
 
 Soon as the Dolians, near approaching, knew 1245 
 
 TheiTalian Argo, and the godlike crew, 
 
 Led on by Cyzicus they hafte to meet 
 
 The princely band, and amicably greet ; 
 
 Invite them down the winding bay to fall, 
 
 And fix their cable near the city-wall. 1250 
 
 Thus friendly treated, the Pelafgic train 
 
 Strive with their oars th' interiour port to gain. 
 
 Then firft Ecbafian Phcebus they adore, 
 
 And rear an altar on the founding more. 
 
 To them the king difpatch'd, with heart benign, 1255 
 
 Fat fheep, and ftrong, exhilarating wine. 
 
 For thus the facred oracle foretold, 
 
 4 \^ T hen here arrives a band of heroes bold, 
 
 4 With kind complacence treat the godlike crew, 
 
 4 Meet not in arms, but pay them honours due !' 1 260 
 
 Scarce had the down the monarch's cheeks o'erfpread ^ 
 
 No children yet had bkfs'd the nuptial bed. 
 
 , E 4. Clita,
 
 56 tfhe ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 Clita, his lovely queen, the young, the fair, 
 
 Renown'd for beauty, and her golden hair,/ 
 
 Sprung from Percofian Merops, ftill remains 126$ 
 
 A ftranger to Lucina's cruel pains. 
 
 Late from her fathers court the king convey'd, 
 
 With ample dower enrich'd, the blamelefs maid ; 
 
 Yet he neglects the genial bed, and feafts, 
 
 All fears far baniming, with foreign guefts. 1270 
 
 Oft he enquires of Pelias ? ftern command, 
 
 And why the heroes left their native land. 
 
 As oft they afk'd what cities neighbouring lay, 
 
 And in Propontis which the fafeft bay. 
 
 But fcanty knowledge could the king beftow, 1275 
 
 Tho' it behov'd them much thefe truths to know. 
 
 When morning rofe, the Dindymean fteep 
 
 Some mount, to view the navigable deep, 
 
 And all its winding bays ; the road they came 
 
 They honoured with illuftrious Jafon's name. 128 
 
 The chiefs, who chofe aboard the Ihip to flay, 
 
 Remov'd her from the moorings where me lay. 
 
 Mean while the fons of Earth, a numerous train, 
 
 From their bleak mountains rum into the plain, 
 
 Befiege the pervious bay, and ftrive to block 1285 
 
 Its mouth with m^fiy fragments from the rock ; 
 
 Intending
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIITS. 37 
 
 Intending there Theflalia's pine to keep 
 Hemm'd up, like fome huge monfter of the deep. 
 But Hercules remain'd ; his bow he drew, 
 And heaps of giants with his arrows Qew. 1290 
 
 The reft enrag'd, rough, rocky fragments tore, 
 Hurl'd high in air, and thunder'd from the fhore. 
 (This labour ftill for Hercules remain'd, 
 By Juno, Jove's imperial queen, ordain'd) 
 
 And fiercely now the glowing battle burn'd, 1295 
 
 i 
 
 When lo ! the chiefs from Dindymus return'd, 
 
 Attack'd the defperate giants in the rear, 
 
 And dealt deftrudtion with the dart and ipear-, 
 
 Till Earth's fierce fons, defiPd with wounds and gore, 
 
 Dropp'd dead j their bodies cover'd half the fhore. 1300 
 
 As near the fea's broad brink, with flurdy ftrokes, 
 
 Afiiduous woodmen fell afpiring oaks; 
 
 Then draw them in due order from the flood, 
 
 And thus well drench'd they cleave with eafe the Wood ; 
 
 Thus at the entrance of the hoary bay, *3 O 5 
 
 The frequent corfe of many a giant lay ; 
 
 Some, tumbled headlong, made the fea their grave. 
 
 While their legs rofe above the briny wave ; 
 
 Some o'er the fands their horrid vifage (how, 
 
 Their feet deep- rooted in the mud below, 1310
 
 5$ The ARGONAUTICS of Book I, 
 
 Thus their huge trunks afford abundant fare 
 To Neptune's fifties, and the birds of air. 
 Soon as concluded was the bloody fray, 
 And favouring breezes call'd the chiefs away, 
 They loos'd ; o'er fwelling ocean fouthern gales 1315 
 Breath'd all day long, and fill'd their bellying fails. 
 Night rofe, the favouring gales no longer laft, 
 The fhip drives backward with the ftormy blaft. 
 Again they harbour on the friendly coaftj 
 Where late the Dolians entertain'd the hoft ; 1320 
 And round the rock the fteady cable bind, 
 The rock ev'n now to facred fame confign'd. 
 Here thro' the gloom of night again they came, 
 And knew not that the country was the fame. 
 Nor knew the Dolians, fo dark night prevail'd, 1325 
 That back to Cyzicum the Greeks had fail'd ; 
 But deem'd the chiefs a band of Macrian foes : 
 To arms they call, and force to force cppofe. 
 A gleamy luilre glanc'd along the field, 
 While fpear met fpear, and fhield encounter'd fliield. 
 ' In fun-fcorch'd bufnes thus the bickering blaze 1331 
 Flames forth, and crackling on the branches preys. 
 Dire was the conflict ; on the 
 Their prince, alas ! was number' 
 His queen and bridal bed beheld he ne'er again. 
 
 For 
 
 \Jll tilX* LVl tiiiV-Al^J U/1VTO* 
 
 e fatal plain "7 
 
 nber'd with the (lain, > 
 rheld he ne'er again. J
 
 Book I. A P o L L o N i u s R H o D i u s. 59 
 
 For Jafon fpy'd the prince advancing near, 1336 
 
 And thro' his bofom plung'd the furious fpear ; 
 
 The ribs it broke, and circumfcrib'd his date, 
 
 Wing'd with th' inevitable will of Fate. 
 
 Fate, like a wall, devoted man furrounds, 1340 
 
 And faft confines him in its circling bounds. 
 
 Himfelf he deem'd, in that diforder'd fight, 
 
 Vainly he deem'd ! protected by the night : 
 
 The favouring night, alas ! produced his bane, 
 
 And chiefs unnumber'd with their prince were (lain. 
 
 For Hercules, with his all-conquering bow, 1346 
 
 Difpatch'd Telecles to the (hades below, 
 
 And Megabrontes : by Acaitus' hand 
 
 Pale Sphodris lay extended on the ftrand. 
 
 Peleus to Pluto's dark dominions gave 1350 
 
 Zelys the hardy, and Gephyrus brave. 
 
 Bold Telamon, well-fkill'd the lance to wield, 
 
 Left Balileus expiring on the field. 
 
 Next Idas vanqtiilh'd Promeus by his fide; 
 
 By warlike Clytius Hyacinthus died. 1355- 
 
 Fair Leda's fons, in bloody combat fkill'd, 
 
 Fierce MegalofTacus and Phlogius kill'd. 
 
 And Meleager added two to thefe, 
 
 Jtymoneus and valiant Artaces, 
 
 Thefe
 
 &> tfhc AR.CONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 Thefe all were chiefs in fighting fields approv'd, 1360 
 Deplor'd as heroes, and as brothers lov'd. 
 The reft for fafety on their flight rely ; 
 (As trembling doves before the falcon fly) 
 Then to the city-gates tumultuous prefs, 
 And raife the piercing cry of deep diftrefs ; 1365 
 The city mourn'd : they deem'd, return'd from far, 
 That hoftile Macrians had renewed the war. 
 But when the rofy morn began to wake, j 
 All found their irretrievable miftake. 
 Heart-rending grief opprefs'd the Grecian train, 1370 
 To fee the hpfpitable monarch flain, 
 A clay-cold corfe, extended on the fhore, 
 Deform'd with duft, and all befmear'd with gore. 
 The Greeks and Dolians, funk in deep defpair, 
 Mourn three Idng days, and rend their graceful hair. 
 A tomb they rear upon the rifing ground, 1376 
 
 And clad in brazen arms thrice march around ; 
 Then for the monarch, on Limonia's plain, 
 Of rites obfervant, funeral-games ordain. 
 There ftands the tomb, adorn'd with honours due, 
 Which diftantages will with forrow view. 1381 
 
 When the fad news at Clita's ear arriv'd, 
 Not long the queen her monarch's fate furviv'd j 
 
 But
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS R&ODIUS. 61 
 
 But woe augmenting, round her neck fhe tied 
 
 The noofe difhoneft, and unfeemly died. 1 3$5 
 
 Her mournful dirge the weeping Dryads fung, 
 
 While Dindymus with lamentations rung ; 
 
 And all the tears that from their eye-lids fell, 
 
 The Gods transform'd, in pity, to a well ; 
 
 In cryftal ftreams it murmurs {till, and weeps, 1390 
 
 And (till the name of wretched Clita keeps. 
 
 A day fo difmal, fo replete with woes, 
 
 Till this fad day, to Dolians never rofe. 
 
 Deep, deep immers'd in forrow they remain'd, 
 
 And all from life-fupporting food abftain'd ; 1395 
 
 Save fuch poor pittance as man's needs require, 
 
 Of corn unground, or unprepar'd by fire. 
 
 And annual, on this day, the Dolians ftill 
 
 Sift coarfeit meal, and at the public mill. 
 
 Thenceforth twelve days and nights dire ftorms 
 prevail, 1400 
 
 Nor could the chiefs unfurl the fwelling fail. 
 The following night, by fleep's foft power opprefs'd, 
 Qnce more in Cyzicum the heroes reft ; 
 Mopfus alone and brave Acaftus keep 
 The watch nocturnal, while their comrades fleep ; 
 When, lo ! a Halcyon, of cerulean hue, 1406- 
 
 O'er the fair head of numbering Ja.fon flew, 
 
 In
 
 6z 'The A'RGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 In airy. circles, wondrous to behold, 
 
 And, {creaming loud, the ceafing florm foretold. 
 
 The grateful found attentive Mopfus heard, 1410 
 
 And mark'd the meaning of the fea-bred bird ; 
 
 (Which gently rifing from the deck below, 
 
 Perch'd on the fummit of th' aerial prow) 
 
 Then rous'd he Jafon from his fleecy bed, 
 
 Of Iheeps' foft fkins compos'd, and thus he faid ; 1415 
 
 4 O fon of ^fon, hear ! be this thy care, 
 
 ' Hade, to the fane of Dindymus repair; 
 
 c There Cybele with facrifice implore, 
 
 * So will the winds tempeftuous ceafe to roar. 
 
 * For this proclaim'd the boding Halcyon true, 1420 
 c As round thee, funk in deep rcpofe, fhe flew. 
 
 ' By Cybele's dread power the vaft profound, 
 ' And all the winds in harmony are bound. 
 
 * By her fubfifts prolific earth below, 
 
 * And high Olympus, ever crown'd with fnow. 1425 
 
 * Jove yields, when Ihe afcends the courts of day, 
 
 * And all the powers immortal own her fway.' 
 To Jafon thus the venerable feer ; 
 
 And welcome came the tidings to his ear. 
 Inftant the chief, exulting with a bound, 1430 
 
 Sprung from the bed, and wak'd his comrades round. 
 
 Elare
 
 .Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 63 
 
 Elate with joy his looks, his words unfold 
 The glad prefage which Mopfus had foretold. 
 Then from the ftalls the youths appointed drove 
 Selected oxen to the heights above. 1435 
 
 Some from the rock unloos'd the corded flay, 
 And with fleet oars approach'd the Thracian bay. 
 From thence the top of Dindymus they gain'd ; 
 Few were the heroes that aboard reTnain'd : 
 By thofe the Macrian rocks, and Thracian land 1440 
 Directly oppofite, appear'd at hand ; 
 The Thracian Bofphorus here, invclv'd in made, 
 And Myfia's rifmg mountains were furvey'd ; 
 There, where his waters black .^Efepus pours, 
 Nepea's plain, and Adrafteia's tow'rs. 1445 
 
 A vine's vaft trunk adorn'd with branches flood, 
 - Though old, yet found, and long had grac'd the wood : 
 This trunk they hew'd, and made, by Argus' fkill, 
 An image of the Goddefs of the hill ; 
 Which on the rocky eminence they plac'd, 1450 
 With the thick boughs of circling beeches grac'd. 
 They rear an altar, then, on rifmg ground, 
 Of {tones that readieft lay, and wide around 
 Difpofe the- branches of the facred oak, 
 And Dindymus's deity invoke, 1455 
 
 The
 
 $4- Vto ARGONAUTICS of Book tr 
 
 The guardian power of Phrygia's hills and woods, 
 The venerable mother of the Gods. 
 On Tityas and Cyllenus too they call, 
 . Of all her priefts moft lov'd, and honour'd mod of all: 
 For fldll prophetic they alone are fam'd ; 1460 
 
 Ideah Dadtyli thefe priefts are nam'd ; 
 Both whom Anchiala in Dicte's cave 
 Brought forth, where chill Oaxis rolls his wave. 
 "While on the burning victims Jafon pours 
 Libations due, the Goddefs he implores 146^ 
 
 To fmile propitious on the Grecian train, 
 And ftill the tempefts of the roaring main. 
 Then Orpheus call'd, and youthful chiefs advance* 
 All clad in arms, to lead the martial dance ; 
 With claming fwords they clatter'd on their fhields, 
 And fill'd with feftive founds th* aerial fields. 147* 
 Loft in thefc founds was every doleful ftrain, 
 And their loud wailings for their monarch (lain. 
 The Phrygians ftill their Goddefs' favour win 
 By the revolving wheel and timbrel din. H75 
 
 Of thefe pure rites the mighty mother fhow'd 
 Her mind approving, by thefe figns beftow'd ; 
 Boughs bend with fruit, Earth from her bofom pours 
 Herbs ever green, and voluntary flow'rs.. 
 
 Fierce-
 
 Book I. APOLLO N jus Rn6Ditfs* 6$ 
 
 Fierce foreft-beafts forfake the lonely den, 1480 
 
 Approach with gentlenefs,, and fawn on men. 
 
 A pleafing omen, and more wondrous ftill 
 
 The Goddefs gave : the Dindymean hil! 4 
 
 That ne'er knew water on its airy brow, 
 
 Burfts into ilreams, and founts perennial flow. 1485 
 
 This wonder Hill the Phrygian fhepherds fmg, 
 
 And give the name of Jafon to the fpring. 
 
 Then on the mount the chiefs the feaft prolong. 
 
 And praife the venerable queen in fong. 
 
 But when the morning rofe, they plied their oars, 1490 
 
 And, the wind ceafmg, left the Phrygian fhores. 
 
 Then fair contention fir'd the princely train, ,/ 
 
 Who beft the toil of rowing could fuftain. 
 
 For now the howling ftorm was lull'd to fleep ; 
 
 Etherial mildnefs had composed the deep* *49 
 
 On the calm fea the labouring chiefs rely'd j 
 
 Fleet flew the fhip along the yielding tidej 
 
 Not Neptune's deeds fo fwift, with loofen'd reins, 
 
 Skim the light level of the liquid plains. 
 
 But when with even-tide the bluttering breeze 1500 
 
 Brufh'd the broad bofom of the fwelling feas, 
 
 The wearied chiefs their toilfome courfe reprefs'd, 
 
 And all, fave great Aicides, funk, to reft. 
 
 F Swift
 
 6 The ARGON AUTICS of Book I. 
 
 Swift thro* the waves his arm unaided drew 
 
 The fliip, deep-laden with the drowfy crew. 1505 
 
 Thro* all her planks the well-compacted pine 
 
 Shook, as his oar dispers'd the foamy brine. 
 
 But foon the heroes view'd the Myfian more, 
 
 As by the mouth of Rhyndacus they bore. 
 
 On PhrygiaY fields a wilhful look they caft, 15 IQ 
 
 And huge ^gaeon's promontory pafs'd, 
 
 When great Alcides, at one lucklefs ftroke, 
 
 His oar, hard ftraining, near the middle broke, 
 
 One part was fwallow'd in the whelming main, 
 
 One, though he fell, his grafping hands retain ; 1515 
 
 Backward he fell, but foon his feat regained, 
 
 And, loathing reft, in mute amaze remain'd. 
 
 What time the weary labourer, wanting reft, 
 
 Hies to his cot with pining faft opprefs'd ; 
 
 Ev'n in the entrance of his rural door 1520 
 
 His tottering knees he bends, and moves no more; 
 
 His dufty limbs he views, and callous hands, 
 
 And curfes hunger's iniolent demands : 
 
 Then, nor till then, the chiefs to Chins row, 
 
 Chius, whofe ftreams around Arganthon flow. 15*5 
 
 The friendly Myfians on their peaceful coaft 
 
 Receive with hofpicality the hoft j 
 
 J 9 Abundant
 
 Book I. A p o L L o x i tr s R H o D i u s. -67 
 
 Abundant ftores they fend) with hearts benign, 
 
 Fat fheep, and ftrong exhilarating wine. 
 
 Some bring dry wood, and fome in order fpread 1530 
 
 Soft leaves and herbage for a fpacious bed ; 
 
 Some from the flint elicit living fire; 
 
 Some mix the wines that generous deeds infpire : 
 
 The feaft they crown, and rites to Phcebus pay, 
 
 Ecbafian Phoebus, at the clofe of day. 1535 
 
 But Hercules the genial feaft declin'd, 
 
 And fought the wood, a fitting oar to find. 
 
 Nor long he fought before a fir he found ; 
 
 Few leaves adorn'd it, and few branches crown'd ; 
 
 Yet as the poplar's ftem afpires on high, 1540 
 
 This fir, fo flout and tall, attracts his eye. 
 
 On the green grafs his bow he laid afide, 
 
 His arrowy quiver, and the lion's hide. 
 
 Firft with his club the folid foil he fhook, 
 
 Then in both arms, aflur'd, the fir-tree took; 1545 
 
 Finn on his feet he ftood, with bended knee ; 
 
 His big broad Ihoulder lean'd againft the tree ; 
 
 Then heav'd it up, deep-rooted in the ground, 
 
 Clogg'd with the foil's impediments around. 
 
 As when, beneath Orion's wintry reign, I55<> 
 
 The fudden temped ruihes from the main, 
 
 F 2 Some
 
 68 tfbe ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 Some tall fhip's maft it tears, and every ftay, \ 
 And all the cordage, all the fails away : 
 Thus he the trunk , then took, in hafte to go, 
 The hide, the. club, his arrows and his bow. *555 
 
 Meanwhile, preparing for his friend's return 
 A ready fupper, with his brazen urn 
 Alone rov'd Hylas o'er the fields, to bring 
 The pureft water from the facred fpring. 
 For to fuch tafks Alcides train'd his fquire, 1560 
 Whom firft he took an infant from his fire 
 Theodamas i but him with fword fevere 
 He flew, who churlilh had refus'd a fteer. 
 For when Theodamas, opprefs'd with care, 
 Turn'd the frefh furrow with his fhining fhare, 1565 
 He difobey'd, ah wretch ? the chief's command, 
 Who claim'd the labouring ox that till'd the land. 
 But know, Alcides fought for caufe to bring 
 War on Dryopia's kingdom and the king, 
 For barbarous acts, and rights neglected long. 1570 
 
 But rove not, Mufe, digrefiive from the fong. 
 Soon faithful Hylas to the fountain came, 
 W T hich Myfian fhepherds cryftal Pegac name ; 
 It chanc'd the nymphs, in neighbouring ftreams that 
 
 dwell, 
 
 Then kept a concert at the facred well. 4575 
 
 Jn
 
 Book I. A P o L L o NT i u s R H o D i u s. 6f 
 
 In Dian's praife they rais'd the nightly fong, 
 
 All who to high, aerial hills belong ; 
 
 All who in caverns hide, or devious rove 
 
 The rnountain-foreft, or the fhady grove. 
 
 When from her fpring, unfullied with a (lain, 1580 
 
 Rofe Ephydatia, to attend the train, 
 
 The form of Hylas rufh'd upon her fight, 
 
 In every grace of blulhing beauty bright: 
 
 For the full moon a beamy luftre (bed, 
 
 And heighten'd all the honours of his head. 1585 
 
 Fir'd with love's fudden flame, by Venus rais'd, 
 
 The frantic naiad languim'd as Ihe gaz'd : 
 
 And foon as, {looping to receive the tide, 
 
 He to the ftream his brazen urn apply'd, 
 
 In gufh'd the foaming waves ; the nymph with joy 
 
 Sprung from the deep to kifs the charming boy. 1 591 
 
 Her left arm round his lovely neck me threw, 
 
 And with her right hand to the bottom drew,. 
 
 Firft Polyphemus heard, as wandering nigh > 
 
 This fatal fount, the youth's diftrefsful cry, i95 
 
 (In fearch of Hercules he rov'd the wood) 
 
 And hied with hafty footfleps to the flood. 
 
 As when a lion from his cavern'd rock, 
 
 At diftance hears the bleatings of the flock, 
 
 F 3 To
 
 #o The ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 To feize his prey he fprings, with hunger bold, 16*0 
 
 But faithful ihepherds had fecur'd the fold ; 
 
 Defeated of his prize, he roars amain, 
 
 Rends his hoarfe throat, and terrifies the fwain : 
 
 Thas Polyphemus call'd with voice profound, 
 
 And vainly anxious rov'd the forefl round. 1605 
 
 At length retreating, he the path explor'd 
 
 Thro* which he came, and drew his trufty fword, 
 
 Left favage beafts mould feize him for their prey, 
 
 Or nightly robbers intercept his way. 
 
 And as he brandim'd the bright burnifh'd blade, 1610 
 
 He met Alcides in the gloomy made, 
 
 Unknown at firft, but as he nearer drew, 
 
 His friend returning to the fhip he knew. 
 
 Though his breath falters, and his fpirits fail, 
 
 He thus reveals the melancholy tale : 1615 
 
 * Hard is my lot, and much averfe my will, 
 :' To be the firft fad meffenger of ill ; 
 
 * Young Hylas went to fetch frefli water late, 
 
 * Not yet returned ; I tremble for his fate : 
 
 * By robbers feiz'd or beafts, 'tis hard to guefs ; 1620 
 
 * I heard his cry, the fignal of diftrefs :' 
 Thus he : the fweat from great Alcides fiow'd, 
 And the black blood thro'' all his body glow'd : 
 
 Enrag'd,
 
 Bo;)k I. APOLLO NIUS RHODIUS. 71 
 
 Enrag'd, the fir-tree on the ground he threw, 
 
 And, where his feet or frenzy hurried, flew. 1625 
 
 As when a bull, whom galling gadflies wound, 
 Forfakes the meadows, and the marmy ground, 
 The flowery food, the herd and herdfmen fliuns, 
 Now ftands ftock-ftill, and reftlefs now he runs ; 
 Stung by the breefe, he maddens with the pain, 1630 
 TofTes aloft his head, and roars amain :^ 
 Thus.ran the raging chief with matchlefs force. 
 Then fudden ftopp'd he, wearied with the courfe. 
 Anxious in vain, he rov'd the foreft round, 
 The diftant hills and vales his voice rebound. 1635' 
 Now o'er the lofty mountains rofe in view 
 The morning-ftar, and mildeft breezes blew : 
 That inftant Tiphys bade the heroes fail, 
 Afcend the veffel, and enjoy the gale. 
 The ready crew obey the pilot's word, 1640 
 
 Their anchor weigh, and haul the cords aboard , 
 Then give the ftretching canvafs to the wind, 
 And leave the Pofidean rocks behind. 
 When from the rofy orient, beaming bright, 
 Aurora tipp'd the foot- worn paths with light j 1645 
 And o'er moid meads the glittering dewxirops fhin'd, 
 They raifs'd thole friends their folly left behind. 
 
 F 4 Then
 
 72 The ARGONAUTICS of Book I. 
 
 Then rofe contention keen, and pungent grief, 
 For thus abandoning their braveft chief. 
 In filence Jafon fat, and long fupprefs'd, 1650 
 
 Though griev'd, the labouring anguilh of his brealt. 
 Brave Telamon, with anger kindling, fpoke : 
 
 ' Mute is thy tongue, and unconcern'd thy look : 
 * To leave uncpnquer'd Hercules behind 
 
 * Was a bafe project, and by thee defign'dj. 1655 
 ' Left, when to Greece we fleer the failing pine, 
 
 * His brighter glories Ihould out-dazzle thine, 
 e But word's avail not^-~- 1 renounce the band, 
 
 ?- Whofe felnfh. wiles this ftratagem have plann'd :' 
 
 Thus fpoke JJSacides, infiani'd with ire, 1660 
 
 His eye-balls fparkling like the burning fire; 
 On Tiphys then, by rage impell'd, he flew : 
 And once more Myfia had receiv'd the crew j 
 Again the heroes the fame courfe had fail'd, 
 Though roaring winds and raging waves prevail'd, 
 Had not bold Boreas' fons the chief addrefs'd, 1666 
 And, nobly daring, his rough rage reprefs'd. . 
 (Ill fated youths.! for that heroic deed 
 Doorn'd by the hands of Hercules to bleed. 
 For when returning home their courfe they fped, 1670 
 From funeral games perform'^! for Pelias dead, 
 
 la
 
 Book I. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 73 
 
 In fea-girt Tenos he the brothers flew, 
 And o'er their graves in heapy hillocks threw 
 The crumblingmouldi then with two columns crown'd, 
 Erected high the death-devoted ground ; 1675 
 
 And one ftill moves, how marvellous the tale ! 
 With every motion of the Northern gale- 
 But thefe are facts referv'd for future years) ;C Q 3f | ^ 
 Lo! fudden, Glaucus to their fight appears, 
 Prophet of Nereus, riling from the main, 1680 
 
 Moft IkilPd of all his fate-foretelling train. 
 High o'er the waves he rear'd his ihaggy head, 
 With his ftrong hand the rudder feiz'd, and faid : 
 * Why ftrive ye thus, tho' Jove's high will with- 
 ftands, 
 
 * To bear Alcides to the Colchian lands ? 16$$ 
 
 * He muft at Argos, fo the fates ordain, 
 
 * And fo Euryftheus has decreed, fuftain 
 
 * Twelve mighty labour?, thence be rais'd above, 
 *' To high Olympus, and the court of Jove. 
 
 ' Ceafe for Amphytrion's fon, your murmurs ceafe, 
 
 6 And lull the forrows of your fouls to peace. 1691 
 
 ' In Myfia, where meandering Chius ftrays, 
 
 ' Mud Polyphemus a proud city raife : 
 
 * Then, mid' the Calybes, a defperate clan, 
 
 ' Expires on Scythian plains the gallant man. 1695 
 
 'But
 
 ^4 ffa ARGON AU tics of- Book I. 
 
 * But ftrange is Hylas* fate : his youthful charms 
 4 Enticed a nymph, who clafp'd him in her arms. 
 4 Now the bleft pair the bands of Hymen bind - y 
 Vln fearch of him the chiefs are left behind.* 
 
 This faid, he plung'd into the gulf profound, 1 700 
 The purple ocean foam'd in eddies round. 
 The God defcending with refiftlefs fway, 
 ImpellM the hollow veflel on her way. 
 The chiefs rejoic'd this prodigy to view, 
 And inftarit Telamon to Jafon flew 1705 
 
 In friendly fort, and in his right he took 
 The prince's hand; and thus embracing fpoke : 
 
 * IHuftrious chief, let not thine anger rife. 
 
 * At aught I faid impetuous and unwife. 
 
 * Grief for my friend has made me indifcreet, 1710 
 '% And utter words for Jafon's ear unmeet ; 
 
 , * Thofe to the winds wide- Scattering let us give, 
 ' And, as before, in friendly concord live. 1 
 
 Then Jafon thus -, a Thy cenfures wound my mind, 
 " Which fay, I left the braveft Greek behind. 1715 
 '* Yet though thy words reproachful guilt fuggeil, 
 " Rage dwells not long in Jafon's generous bread , 
 " Since not for flocks or riches we contend, 
 *' But a bold hero, and a faithful friend. 
 
 " And 
 
 -a J >
 
 Book I. AT>O.L LONIUS HHODIUS. 7$ 
 
 * c And thou, I truft, if reafon calls, wilt be 1720 
 " As firm and warm an advocate for me." 
 
 He fpoke ; and now, the hateful conteft o'er, 
 The chiefs refum'd the feats they held before. 
 But forthofe heroes, whom they left behind, 
 By Jove's decree are various cares defign'd. 1725 
 Nam'd from its ftream, the boaft of future days, 
 Muft one on Myfian plains a city raife : 
 One (great Alcides) other toils muft mare, 
 And learn Euriftheus' ftern commands to bear. 
 Long time he threaten'd, for his Hylas loft, 
 Inftant deftrudtion to the Myfian coaft, 
 Unlefs the Myfians to his arms reftor'd, 
 Alive or dead, the partner of his board. 
 Of all their bands the choiceft youths they chofe, 
 And them as pledges of their faith propofe ; 
 Then fwore they all, their fearch mould never end, 
 Till haply they had found the hero's friend. 
 Still to this day the fond Cianians feek 
 (All who at Trachin dwell) the lovely Greek. 
 For beauteous youths, to Trachin's walls convey'd, 
 Were there as pledges to Alcides paid. 1741 
 
 Meanwhile all day and night briflc breezes blew, 
 Fleet o'er the foaming flood the vefTel flew ; 
 
 But
 
 y6 The A R G O.N A u T i c s of, &c. Book I. 
 
 But when the dawn gave promife of the day, 
 
 The winds expiring gently died away. 1745 
 
 A land proje&ing o'er the bay belov/ 
 
 The chiefs difcover'd, and to this they row; 
 
 This peaceful port awhile the Minyans chofe, 
 
 AncJ, as they reach'd it^ grateful morning rofe. 
 
 f zv*;h -jit/art lo ilcod ^h : t t\>.>- 
 
 : ^ffi v ! y3h 6 amitfq iififtv ' 
 t o-^r r : fir/m siioa -rjjjo (zibhl A JJ 
 
 .ir.'Jf N, D ,O:F THE FIRST BOP K. 
 
 t;^I 
 
 .. .;j- '. ;'.: . 
 ' 
 
 .!mx . 
 
 ( 
 
 jtA 'i: 
 
 l.frtofft HiyindYi: 
 
 
 .?*; . vfc.sq esbi: 
 
 .^!)M !<:*n >H
 
 ( 77 ) 
 
 THE 
 
 
 SECOND BOOK. 
 
 

 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 This Book contains the combat between Amyous and Pol- 
 lux ; the former of whom is Jlain. A battle enfues bc~ 
 tween the Argonauts and Bebrycians, in which the 
 Argonauts come off conquerors. They fail to Salmy- 
 dejfus, a city of Thrace, where they confult Phineus, a 
 foothfayer, on the fuccefs of their expedition. He pro- 
 mifes, if they would deliver him from the Harpies, to 
 dire ft them fafely to Cokbos* His requejl is granted, 
 and he gives them inftruttions. The ftory of Par*e- 
 bius, Cyrene and Arift<eus. They fail through the 
 Symplegades, and thence to the ijland Thynia, where 
 they land. Apollo, who here appears to them, is ren- 
 dered propitious by facrifice. The courfe of the river 
 Acheron is defcribed. They land on the coaft of the Ma- 
 riandyni, and are hofpitably entertained by Lycus, the 
 king of that country. Here Idmon is killed by a wild 
 boar, and here Tiphys dies. Anc<eus is appointed pilot 
 in his ftead. They fail by the monument of Stkenelus^ 
 inbofe ghoft is releafed by Prcferpine, and gratified with 
 the Jigbt ' of the Argonauts. At the ijland of Mars 
 tbey meet the fans of Phrims, who had jaft before 
 been Jhipwrecked. They are kindly received by the Ar- 
 gonauts, who take them on board. Sailing by Mount 
 Caucafus they come in Jight of the eagle that preys on 
 tfo entrails, of Prometheus. The end of their voyage. 
 
 4 
 
 THE
 
 ( 79 ) 
 
 MMMMMMMM 
 
 THE 
 
 ARGONAUTICS 
 
 O F 
 
 APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 
 
 BOOK II. 
 
 >T"^ENTS o'er the beach Bebrycia's king had fpread, 
 
 * And ftalls erefted where fat oxen fed. 
 To genial Neptune a Bithynian dame 
 Bore the fierce tyrant, Amycus his name, 
 Proudeft of men ; who this hard law decreed, 5 
 
 That'from his realm no ftranger mould recede, 
 Till firft with him compell'd in fight to wield 
 The dreadful gauntlet in the lifted field. 
 Unnumber'd guefts his matchlefs prowefs flew : 
 Stern he accofts fwifc Argo's valiant crew, 10 
 
 Curious the reafon of their courfe to fcan, 
 Who, whence they were ; and fcornful thus began : 
 
 * Learn what 'tis meet ye knew, ye vagrant hoft j 
 
 * None that e'er touches on Bebrycia's coaft,
 
 76 he ARGON AU TICS of Book II. 
 
 ' Is thence by law permitted to depart, 15 
 
 * Till match'd with me he prove the boxer's art. 
 
 ' Choofe then a chief who can the gauntlet wield, 
 
 * And let him try the fortune of the field : 
 
 * Should ye contemptuous fcorn my fix'd decree, 
 
 * Know, your proud hearts mail yield to fate and me/ 
 Thus fpoke the chief with infolent difdain, 21 
 And rous'd refentment in the martial train ; 
 
 But Pollux moil his vaunting words provoke, 
 
 Who thus, a champion for his fellows, fpoke : 
 
 " Threat not, whoe'er thou art, the bloody fray ; 25 
 
 " Lo, we obfequious thy decrees obey ! 
 
 " Unforc'd, this inftant, to the lifts I go, 
 
 " Thy rival I, thy voluntary foe." 
 
 Stung to the heart with this fevere reply, 
 
 On him he turn'd his fury-flaming eye : 30 
 
 As the grim lion, pierc'd by fome keen wound, 
 
 Whom hunters on the mountain-top furround ; 
 
 Though clofe hemm'd in, his glaring eye-balls glance 
 
 On him alone who threw the pointed lance. 
 
 The Greek ftript off his mantle richly wrought, 35 
 
 Late from the Lemnian territory brought, 
 
 Which fome fair nymph, who had her flame avow'd, 
 
 The pledge of hofpitable love beftow'd : 
 
 His
 
 Book II. AOLLONIUS RnoDitis. 81 
 
 His double cloak, with clafps of fable hue, 
 Bebrycia's ruler on the greenfword threvv, 4Q 
 
 And his rough fheep-hook of wild olive made, 
 Which lately flourifh'd in the woodland fhade. 
 Then fought the heroes for a place at hand 
 Commodious for the fight, and on the ftrand 
 They plac'd their friends, who faw, with wondering 
 eyes, 45 
 
 The chiefs how different, both in make and fize 5 
 For like Typhceus' race the tyrant flood 
 Enormous, or that mifcreated brood 
 Of mighty monfters, which parturient Earth, . 
 Incens'd at Jove, brought forth, a hideous birth. 50 
 But Pollux fhone like that mild ftar on high, 
 Whbfe rifing ray illumes fair Evening's fky. 
 Down fpread his cheek, ripe manhood's early fign, } 
 And in his eye-balls beam'd the glance divine. 
 But like a lion, glorying in his might, 55 
 
 Stood Jove's puiiTant fon, prepar'd for fight. 
 His arms he poiz'd, advancing in the ring, 
 To try if ftill they kept their priftine fpririg ; 
 If pliant ftill, and vigorous as before, 
 Nor rigid grown with labouring at the oar. 6& 
 
 Trial like this the haughty king difdain'd : 
 Aloof and filent Amycus remain'd. 
 
 G Full
 
 82 Vbe ARGONAUT i Cs of Book II. 
 
 Full on his foe his vengeful eyes he turn'd, 
 
 For blood he thirfted, and for conqueft burn'd. 
 
 With that his fquire Lycoreus, full in view, 65 
 
 Two pair of gauntlets- in the circle threw, 
 
 Of barbarous fafhion, harden'd, rough and dry'd. 
 
 Then thus the king, with infolence and pride : 
 
 * Lo, two ftout pair ; the choice I leave to thee -, 
 
 ' (No lot appoints them) choofe, and blame not me. 
 
 * Bind them fecure, and after trial tell, 71 
 c How greatly I in either art excel, 
 
 ' Whether to form the ceftus firm and good, 
 
 c Or flam the cheeks of mighty men with blood.' 
 
 He fpoke : brave Pollux nothing deign'd to fay, .75 
 
 But fmiling chofe the pair which neareft lay. 
 
 To cheer their champion, Caftor, honoured name ! 
 
 And Talaiis, the fon of Bias, came ; 
 
 Firm round his arms the gloves of death they bind, 
 
 And animate the vigour of his mind. 80 
 
 Aratus, and bold Ornytus his friend, 
 
 To Amycus their kind afiiftance lend : 
 
 Fools ! for they knew not, this one conflict o'er, 
 
 Thofe gauntlets never mould be buckled more. 
 
 Accoutred thus each ardent hero (lands, 85 
 
 And raifes-high in air his iron hands -, 
 
 2 With-
 
 Book II. APOLLON^IUS RHODIUS. 83 
 
 With clafhing gauntlets fiercely now they clofe, 
 And mutual meditate death-dealing blows. 
 Firft Amycus a furious onfet gave, 
 Like the rude infult of the battering wave, go 
 
 That, heap'd on high by driving wind and tide, 
 Burfts thundering on fome gallant veflePs fide ; 
 The wary pilot, by fuperior (kill, 
 Forefees the florm, and fhuns the menac'd ill. 
 Thus threatening Amycus on Pollux prefs'd, 95 
 
 Nor fuffer'd his antagonift to reft : 
 But Jove's brave fon obferves each coming blow, 
 Quick leaps afide, and difappoints the foe; 
 And where a weak unguarded part he fpies, 
 There all the thunder of his arms he plies. 100 
 
 As bufy mipwrights ftoutly labouring ftrive 
 Through fturdy planks the piercing fpikes to drive, 
 From head to ftern repeated blows go round, 
 And ceafelefs hammers lend a various found ; 
 Thus from their batter'd cheeks loud echoes fprung, 
 Their dafh'd teeth crackled, and their jaw-bones rung: 
 Nor ceas'd they from the ftrokes that threaten'd death, 
 Till tir'd with toil they faintly gafp'd for breath : 
 Awhile they then remit the bloody fray, 
 And panting wipe the copious fweat away. 1 10 
 
 G 2 But
 
 84 W>e ARGON AU TICS of Book II, 
 
 But adverfe foon they meet, with rage they glow, 
 Like bulls fierce fighting for fome favourite cow. 
 Then Amycus, collecting all his might, 
 Rofe to the ftroke, refolv'd his foe to fmite, 
 And by one blow the dubious war conclude : 115 
 The wary prince, his ruin to elude, 
 Bent back his head ; defeated of its aim, 
 The blow impetuous on his moulder came. 
 Then Pollux with firm fteps approaching near, 
 Vindictive ftruck his adverfary's ear , 1 20 
 
 Th* interior bones his ponderous gauntlet broke ; 
 Flat fell the chief beneath his dreadful ftroke : 
 The Grecians fhouted, with wild rapture fir'd, 
 And, deeply groaning, Amycus expir'd. 
 
 The griev'd Bebrycians faw their monarch (lain, 125 
 And big with vengeance rufh'd into the plain ; 
 With feafon'd clubs and javelins arm'd they ran, 
 And aim'd their fury at the conquering man. 
 Their keen-edg*d fwords the friends of Pollux drew. 
 And to the fuccour of their comrade flew. j 30 
 
 Firft Caftor flaughter'd, with victorious hand, 
 A hero of the bold Bebrycian band, 
 The griding fword at once his head divides, 
 And on his moulders hang the parted fides. 
 
 3 Mimans,
 
 Book II. A P OLLONIUS RHODIUS. 85 
 
 Mimans, Itymoneus of giant- fize, 135 
 
 Each by the arm of conquering Pollux dies. 
 On this his foot imprefs'd a deadly wound 
 Full on his fide, and ftretch'd him on the ground : 
 His right hand dalh'd, with unrefifled fway, 
 Mimans' left eye, and tore the ball away. 140 
 
 Orcides, Amycus's proud compeer, 
 Then launch'd at Talau's his brazen fpear ; 
 Juft near his flank the point he lightly felt, 
 That ras'd the fkin beneath his broider'd belt. 
 Aratus, with his club of harden'd oak, 145 
 
 Aim'd at brave Iphitus a deadly flroke : 
 Vain thought ! too foon, alas ! it is decreed, 
 The hero by his brother's fword muft bleed. 
 Then rufli'd, to fuccour the ThefTalian band, 
 Ancseus, with his pole-axe in his hand ; 150 
 
 O'er his broad back a bear's dark fpoils he threw, 
 And boldly mingled with the hoflile crew. 
 The fons of ^Eacus, renown'd for might, 
 And Jafon join'd them in the fields of fight. 
 As when, what time both dogs and fhepherds keep 155 
 Clofe in warm cots, negleftful of their fheep, 
 Wolves, pinch'd with hunger and bleak winter's cold, 
 o'er the fence, and terrify the fold, 
 
 03 With
 
 86 'the ARGONAUTICS of Book II. 
 
 With ravening eyes the crowded fheep furvey, 
 And doubt where firft to rend the trembling prey; 160 
 Thus the bold Greeks, as near their foes they drew, 
 Intimidate the congregated crew. 
 
 As fwains with fmoke, of honey ftudious, ftrive 
 From fome rock's cleft the fwarming bees to drive ; 
 Alarm'd and trembling, with a murmuring found, 165 
 They crowd to all their waxen rooms around ^ 
 But if the fumes prevail, their wings they ply, 
 And rove uncertain thro' the various Iky : 
 pifperfing thus, the wild Bebrycians fled, 
 And loud proclaim'd that Amycus was dead. 170 
 Ah, haplefs race of men ! they little knew, 
 That, foon, far greater evils muft enfue: 
 Soon muft they fee, their monarch now no more, 
 Their Jands a drear, depopulated more ; 
 Their vineyards fpoil'd, and wafted all their coaft 175 
 By Lycus, and the Mariandine hoft : 
 For 'twas their fate, with fpear and fteely brand, 
 Hard lot ! to battle for an iron land. 
 The Greeks then feiz'd their herds, an eafy prey, 
 And from the fheep-folds drove the flocks away ; 1 80 
 The live provifion to their fhip they fent : 
 Then thus fome failor gave his boafting vent ; 
 
 ! What
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 87 
 
 ' What had thefe mifcreants done, with fears dif- 
 may'd, 
 
 * Had heaven indulg'd us with Alcides* aid ? 
 
 * No fierce contention then, I judge, had been, 185 
 ' No bloody boxing on the lifted green : 
 
 6 The chief's ftout club had tam'd the tyrant's pride, 
 
 * And fet his execrable laws afide. 
 
 ' But now, impell'd by fwelling waves and wind, 
 ' We leave at land the matchlefs chief behind ; i go 
 
 * Whofe lofs diftrefs to every Greek will prove.' 
 
 He faid ; but all things own the will of Jove. 
 AH night the heroes on the coaft remain, 
 To heal the bruifes of the wounded train. 
 Firft to the gods they give the honours due, 195 
 And next, a banquet for the princely crew. 
 Nor can night's fhades the chiefs to fleep incline, 
 Or o'er the facrifice, or o'er the wine ; 
 Mirthful they fit, their brows with laurel crown'd : 
 To a green laurel was the cable bound. 200 
 
 While Orpheus ftrikes the lyre, the hymn they raife, 
 And Jove's fam'd offspring, mighty Pollux, praife : 
 Soft breathes the breeze, the billows ceafe to roar, 
 And feftive joy exhilarates the fhore. 
 But when the fun illum'd the hills and plains, 205 
 Datik with the dew, and rous'd the fhepherd-fwains 
 G 4 They
 
 88 {The ARGONAUTICS of Bcok II. 
 
 They fent abundant flocks and herds aboard, 
 
 And from the laurel-ftem unloosed the cord ; 
 
 And while the favourable winds prevail'd, 
 
 Thro' the rough-rolling Bofphorus they fail'd. 210 
 
 When, lo ! a wave by gathering furges driv'n, 
 
 Swoln big for burfting, is up-heav'd to heav'n 9 
 
 Still rifes higher, and ftill wider fpreads, 
 
 And hangs a watery mountain o'er their heads ; 
 
 Like a black cloud it frowns, prepaid to fall, 215 
 
 And threatens quick deftru&ion to them ajl. 
 
 Yet the jrain'd pilot, by fuperior (kill, 
 
 Well knows to 'fcape. this laft impending ill : 
 
 Safe through the ftorm the veflel Tiphys fteer'd, 
 
 jf^nd fav'd the heroes from the fate they fear'd. 220 
 
 Fronting Bithynia's coaft, next morn, they reach 
 New land, and fix their halfers on the beach. 
 There on the margin of the beating flood 
 The mournful manfion$ of fad Phineus flood, 
 Agenor's fon , whom heaven ordain'd to bear 225 
 The grievous burden of unequall'd care. 
 For, taught by wife Apollo to defcry 
 Unborn events of dark futurity, 
 Vain of his fcience, the prefumptuous feer 
 Dsign'd not Jove's awful fecrets to reveres 250
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. $9 
 
 But wantonly divulg'd to frail mankind 
 The facred purpofe of th' omnifcient mind : 
 Hence Jove indignant gave him length of days, 
 But dimm'd in endlefs night his vifual pays. 
 Nor would the vengeful God indulge his tafle 235 
 With the fweet bleffings of a pure repafl, 
 Tho' (for they learn'd his fate) the country round 
 Their prophet's board with every dainty crown'd. 
 For, lo ! defcending fudden from the fky, 
 Round the pil'd banquet mriekmg Harpies fly, 240 
 "YVhofe beaks rapacious, and whofe talons tear 
 Quick from his famifh'd lips th' untafted fare. 
 Yet would fome (lender pittance oft remain, 
 Life to fupport, and to perpetuate pain. 
 Such odours flill the naufeous fcraps exhal'd, 245 
 That with the flench the loathing ftomach fail'd. 
 Aloof the guefts amaz'd and hungry flood, 
 While their fick hearts abhorr'd the putrid foqd. 
 But now the princely crew approaching near, 
 The welcome found invades the prophet's ear ; 250 
 Taught by almighty Jove, that now .was come 
 The long-wifli'd period of heaven's vengeful doom; 
 When, by thefe heroes' deilin'd aid reftor'd, 
 feace Jhould hereafter blefs his feaflful board. 
 
 .Then
 
 go *The ARGONAUTICS of Book II. 
 
 Then heaves he from the couch his haggard head, 255 
 
 (Like fome pale, lifelefs, vifionary fhade) 
 
 Propp'd on his ftaff his way explores, and crawls 
 
 With lingering ftep along the lonely walls : 
 
 Difeas'd, enfeebled, and by age unbrac'd, 
 
 Thro' every limb he trembled as he pafs'd ; 260 
 
 Shrunk was his form, with want aduft and thin, 
 
 The pointed bones feem'd burfling thro' his fkin : 
 
 But faint and breathlefs as he reach'd the gate, 
 
 Down on the threfhold, tir'd with toil, he fat. 
 
 In dizzy fumes involv'd, his brain runs round, 265 
 
 And fwims beneath his feet the folid ground ; 
 
 No more their functions the frail fenfes keep, 
 
 But fpeechlefs finks he in a death-like fleep. 
 
 This faw the chiefs amaz'd, and gather'd round ; 
 When from his labouring lungs a hollow found 27 
 (His breath and utterance fcarce recover'd) broke, 
 And thus th' enlighten'd feer prophetic fpoke : 
 
 ' Princes of Greece, attend , if ye be they 
 
 * Whom o'er the main ThefTalia's pines convey, 
 
 * And Jafon leads to Colchos' magic land ; 275 
 1 Such is your cruel tyrant's ftern command, 
 
 * Yes, ye are they -, for yet my mental eye 
 
 * Undimm'd, paft, prefent, future can defcry : 
 
 ! Thanks
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 91 
 
 c Thanks to thy fon, Latona, who beftows 
 ' This grace, this only folace of my woes, 280 
 
 4 By Jove, to whom the fuppliant's caufe belongs, 
 ' Who hates the cruel, and avenges wrongs; 
 
 * By Phcebus, and by Juno, from on high 
 
 * "Who marlls your progrefs with companion's eye, 
 
 * Aid me, and, oh ! a fufferer's pangs affuage, 285 
 
 * And bid corrofive famine ceafe to rage : 
 
 ? Leave me not thus, unpitied and unblefs'd ; 
 
 ' But ere you fail, ah ! pity the diftrefs'd. 
 
 e For not thefe orbs alone, depriv'd of fight, 
 
 ' Vindictive Heaven hath veil'd in doleful night; 290 
 
 * But to extreme old age his cruel law 
 
 c Dooms me th* unwafting thread of life to draw. 
 ' Still weightier woes from forrow's lengthen'd chain 
 ' Depend, and pain is ever link'd to pain. 
 
 * From fecret haunts, aerial, unexplor'd, 295 
 4 Flights of devouring Harpies vex my board i 
 
 ' Swift, inftantaneous, fudden they defcend, 
 
 ' And from my mouth the tafteful moriel rend. 
 
 4 Meanwhile my troubled foul, with woe opprefs'd, 
 
 4 No me^ans of aid, no comfort can fuggeft. 300 
 
 * For when the feaft I purpofe to prepare, 
 
 * They fee that purpofe, and prevent my care : 
 
 ! But;
 
 9? The ARGONAUTICS of Book II. 
 
 ' But cloy'4, and glutted with the lufcious fpoil, 
 
 * With noifome ordure parting they defile 
 
 * Whate'er remains, if aught perchance remain, 305 
 
 * That none approaching may the flench fuflain, 
 
 e Tho' his ftrong heart were wrapp'd in plated mail, 
 
 * The filthy fragments fuch dire fleams dxhale. 
 ' Yet me fell hunger's all-fubduing pain 
 
 c Compels reludlant, loathjng to remain ; 310 
 
 * Compels the deadly odours to endure, 
 
 * And gorge my craving maw with food impure, 
 ' From thefe invaders (fo hath Fate decreed) 
 
 * By Boreas' offspring fhall my board be freed. 
 
 * Nor on a flranger to your houfe and blood, 315 
 ' O fons of Boreas, is your aid beftow'd. 
 
 * Phineus behold. Agenor's haplefs fon, 
 
 * Onperfor prophetic fkill and riches known ; 
 
 * Who, while I fway'd the Thracian fceptre, led 
 
 6 Your portion'd fifter to my fpoufal bed.' 320 
 
 Here Phineus ceas'd, ? and touch'd each pitying 
 
 chief: 
 
 But Boreas' fons were pierc'd with double grief; 
 CompafTion kind was kindled in their breafl : 
 Their tears abating, friendly Zetes prefs'd 
 His trembling hand, and thus the feer addrefs'd : 
 
 " Q mofi;
 
 Book II. ApOLL6Nius R HOD i us." 93 
 
 " O mod difaftrous of all human kind, 326 
 
 ' Whence fpring thefe evils that o'erwhelm thy mind? 
 " Haft thou, intrufted with the book of Fate, 
 ** By folly merited celeftial hate ? 
 " Hence falls this indignation on thy head ? 330 
 " Fain would the fons of Boreas grant thee aid ; 
 " Fain would they execute what heaven ordains, 
 " But awful dread their willing hands reftrains. 
 " To frighted mortals well thy fufferings prove 
 " How fierce the vengeance of the Gods above. 335 
 tc Swear, or we dare not, as we wilh, eflay 
 To drive thefe hateful Harpies far away : 
 '* Swear that the fuccours, which our arms intend, 
 " Shall no fuperior deity offend." 
 
 He fpoke , and ftraight to heaven difclofing wide 
 His fightlefs eye-balls, thus the feer reply'd : 341 
 
 * My fon, th' injuftice of thy tongue reftrain, 
 
 * Nor let fuch thoughts thy pious foul profane. 
 ' By Phcebus, heavenly augur, who infpires 
 
 ' My confcious bofom with prophetic fires ; 345 
 
 c By every woe fate deftines me to bear, 
 
 ' And by thefe eyes, involv'd in night, I fwear - y 
 
 * By the fell demons of the realms below, 
 
 * (Whom ever unpropitious may I know, 
 
 * From
 
 94 $be ARGONAUTICS of Book ll. 
 
 ' From their refentment not in death fecure, 350 
 ' If falfly their dread godheads I adjure j) 
 c That, fhould a captive by your arms be freed, 
 * No God vindictive will avenge the deed.' 
 
 Then acquiefcing in the folemn pray'r, 
 To aid the prophet Boreas' fons prepare. 355 
 
 The youthful train a banquet fpread ; the laft 
 Which thofe fell Harpies were decreed to tafte. 
 Nigh ftand the brothers, ardent to oppofe 
 With glittering falchions their invading foes. 
 But fcarce the firft fweet morfel Phineus took, 360 
 When from the clouds with fwift prevention broke, 
 (Swift as the lightning's glance, or ftormy blaft, 
 Whofe rapid fury lays the foreft wafte) 
 Shrill- clamouring for their prey, the birds obfcene ; 
 The watchful heroes fhouting rufh'd between -, 365 
 But they with fpeedieft rage the cates devour'd, 
 And round intolerable odours pour'd ; 
 Then o'er th* ^Egean far away they flew ; 
 The fons of Boreas arm'd with fwords purfue ; 
 Clofe they purfue -, for Jove, that fignal day, 370 
 Their ftrength proportion'd to the defperate fray ; 
 The ftrength he gave had Jove, that day, deny'd, 
 In vain their pinions had the brothers plied. 
 
 For
 
 Book II. A P o L L o N i u s R H b D itr s. 95 
 
 For when to Phineus furious they repair, 
 
 Or quitting Phineus feek the fields of air, 375 
 
 The light-wing'd monfters, fleeter than the wind, 
 
 Leave the careering Zephyrs far behind. 
 
 As when fwift hounds, experienc'd in the chace, 
 
 Through fome wide foreft, o'er the fcented grafs 
 
 The bounding hind, or horned goat pnrfue, 380 
 
 Near, and more near their panting prey they view ; 
 
 And eager ftretching, the fhort fpace to gain, 
 
 They fnap, and grind their gnafhing fangs in vain.: 
 
 Thus ever near, the rapid chiefs purfu'd, 
 The Harpies thus their grafping hands elude. 385 
 But now far off in the Sicilian main, 
 By the wing'd brothers, fons of Boreas, (lain, 
 The Harpy-race, tho' every God withftood, 
 Had ftain'd the Plotian ides with facred blood -, 
 Their fore diftrefs had Iris not furvey'd, 390 
 
 And darting from the fkies the heroes (laid : 
 ' O fons of Boreas, the dread laws above 
 ' Permit you not to wound the dogs of Jove : 
 ' And, lo! my oath I pledge, that never more 
 ' Shall thefe fell dogs approach the Thracian more.' 
 
 This faid, adjuring the tremendous floods, 396 
 Moft fear'd, moft honour'd by immortal Gods j 
 
 By
 
 96 The ARGONAUTICS of Book II. 
 
 By the flow-dripping urn of Styx Ihe fwore ; 
 
 The prophet's peaceful manfions on the Ihore 
 
 For ever from thofe fpoilers mould be free ; 400 
 
 Such was the fatal fifters' fix'd decree. 
 
 The Goddefs fwore, the brothers ftraight obeyj 
 
 And back to Argo wing their airy way : 
 
 The Strophades from thence derive their name, 
 
 The Plotian iflands ftyl'd by ancient fame. 405 
 
 Difparting then, to different regions flew 
 
 The maid celeftial and the monfter-crew. 
 
 Thofe to the grots retir'd, the dark retreat 
 
 Of Dicte's caverns in Minoian Crete ; 
 
 While the gay Goddefs of the watery bow 410 
 
 Soar'd on fleet pinions to Olympus' brow. 
 
 Mean-while the princes, with unwearied pains, 
 Warn from their feer the Harpies' filthy ftains : 
 Next from the fpoils, which on Bebfycia's ihore 
 From vanquifh'd Amycus brave Pollux bore, 415 
 The fleecy victims they felect with care ; 
 And footh the Gods with facrifice and pray'r. 
 Then in the palace each heroic gueft 
 Partakes the pleafures of the fumptuous feaft : 
 "With them fat Phineus, and refrefh'd his foul 420 
 With favoury viands, and the cheering bowl : 
 
 While
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. '# 
 
 While yet he feafts, infatiate ftill he feems, 
 And fhares a bills beyond the blifs of dreams. 
 
 Tho' now the rage of hunger was reprefs'd, 
 And generous wine had open'd every bread; 425 
 Yet ftill the chiefs prolong the banquet late, 
 And for the feather'd fons of Boreas wait. 
 Plac'd in the midft, before the cheerful fire, 
 Thus of their voyage Ipoke the facred fire : 
 
 4 Hear what the Gods permit me to relate ; 430 
 " For 'tis profane to publifh all your fate. 
 ' Unnumber'd woes I felt, and feel them ftill, 
 
 * For erft divulging Jove's almighty will : 
 
 * To man he gives Fate's dark events to fcan 
 
 c In part, but always leaves dependent man. 435 
 
 * When hence your deftin'd voyage ye purfue, 
 
 * Two rocks will rife, tremendous to the view, 
 
 * Juft in the entrance of the watery wafte, 
 ' Which never mortal yet in fafety paft : 
 
 * Not firmly fix'd ; for oft with hideous mock 440 
 Adverfe they meet, and rock encounters rock : 
 
 c The boiling billows dam their airy brow, 
 
 Loud thundering round the ragged fhore below. 
 ' Safe if ye hope to pafs, my counfel hear, 
 
 * Be rul'd by prudence, and the Gods revere ; 445 
 
 H ' Nor
 
 9.8 5F& A R G o N A u T i c s of Book II. 
 
 ' Nor on your unexperiene'd youth depend, 
 4 The want of caution brings you to your end. 
 4 Firft from your mip a nimble dove let fly, 
 
 * And on the fure prognoftic bird rely ; 
 
 4 Safe thro* the rocks if me purfue her way, 450 
 
 ' No longer ye the deitin'd courie delay , 
 
 ' Steer for the flrait, and let the rowers fweep 
 
 ' With ftretching oars the clofe-contracted deep : 
 
 ' For not in prayers alone your fafety (lands ; 
 
 4 But nervous vigour, and the ftrength of hands. 455 
 
 * Ply then your oars, and drain at every ftroke ; 
 
 4 But firft with prayer the Deities invoke. 
 
 
 4 The dove's fad fate Ihould you defponding view, 
 
 * Crufh'd by the clofing fragments as ftie flew, 
 
 * Steer back, left you againft thofe rocks be driv'n, 
 
 4 Steer back ; 'tis fafeft to fubmit to Heay'n. 461 
 ' 'Twere death thro' them to force the foaming keel, 
 ' Tho* heaven-built Argo were compos'd of fteeh 
 
 * O friends, be warn'd by me, nor rafhly dare 
 
 ' To venture farther than my words declare , 465 
 4 Me though ye cteem the righteous Gcds purfue 
 
 * With direful vengeance, threefold more than due i 
 ' Tempt not without the dove this dangerous ftrait, 
 ' For man muft fufFer what's ordain'd by Fate. 
 
 'But
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS.' 99 
 
 * But if with aftive oars ye fafely gain, 470 
 4 Through thefe tremendous rocks, the diftant main j 
 
 4 Clofe to Bithynia let your vefTel run, 
 
 * And on the left the dangerous mallows fliun -, 
 4 Till Rhebas, rapid-rolling ftream, ye reach, 
 
 ' The gloomy more, and Thynia's flickering beach. 
 
 4 Thence o'er the billows fronting Thynia's ftrand, 
 
 4 Soon will ye gain the Mariandine land. 
 
 * Here lies the path to Pluto's dreary cav 7 es, 
 
 * Here Acherufia frowns above the waves, 
 
 4 Whofe fkirts the gulfy Acheron divides, 480 
 
 ' And from deep whirlpools difembogues his tides. 
 4 Thence, not far diftant, with the weftern gale, 
 
 * Near Paphlagonia's towering heights ye fail, 
 4 The hardy fons of which inclement coaft 
 
 * Enetean Pelops for their founder boaft. 485 
 4 Full to the north a promontory fam'd 
 
 * Lifts the high head in air, Carambis nam'd ; 
 4 The northern winds below its fummit fweep, 
 
 * So loftily it rifes o'er the deep. 
 
 4 This point once doubled, a new coaft expands 490 
 
 * Its ample plains, and on the limit (lands 
 
 * A cape far-jutting, from whofe rocky Ihores 
 ! The rapid Halys in old ocean roars,. 
 
 H 2 ! Near
 
 ioo ?be ARGONAUTICS of Book II, 
 
 ' Near him clear Iris draws his humbler train, 
 
 * In filver torrents foaming to the main. 495 
 Beyond projects an headland tall and fleep, 
 
 And forms a peaceful harbour in the deep. 
 
 5 Here o'er extenfive fields Thermodon pours, 
 
 ' Near Themifcyria's heights, his watery ftores. 
 
 * Next lie the fpacious Dcean plains, and near 500 
 
 * Three cities of the Amazons appear: 
 c And next the Chalybes, inur'd to toil, 
 
 ' Work at the forge, and turn the flubborn foil. 
 
 * Near thefe the wealthy Tiberenians till, 
 
 ' Sacred to Jove, the Genetrean hill. 505 
 
 * The MolTyncecians, next, the country round 
 
 6 PofTefs, with mountains and with forefts crown'd. 
 4 In towers they live of folid timber fram'd, 
 
 * Moflynes call'd, and thence the nation nam'd. 
 
 * When thefe are paft, an ifland bleak and bare 510 
 ' Lies full in view, there guide your fhip with care, 
 c And thence with care thofe noxious birds expel, 
 
 * Which on the defert more unnumber'd dwell. 
 4 Here form'd of folid ftone, and feen from far, 
 
 * Stands the rough temple of the God of war. 515 
 Two Amazonian queens, renown'd for arms, 
 
 * Had rais'd the fane, when ftunn'd with war's alarms; 
 
 ! Sccer
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 101 
 
 Steer to this ifland through the ftormy main, 
 
 * And, all that mariners can wifh, ye gain. 
 
 * But why fliould I each circumftance difclofe, 520 
 
 * And make again the powers of heaven my foes ? 
 
 * Beyond that ifle, but on the fronting fliores, 
 
 * The Philyreans feed their fleecy ftores : 
 
 The brave Macronians till the neighbouring coaft ; 
 Next thefe the numerous Bechirian hoft : 525 
 
 * Near them Sapirians and Byzerians dwell, 
 
 ' And next the Colchians, who in arms excel. 
 
 4 But ye, your fteady courfe in Argo keep, 
 
 4 Shun the falfe fhores, and plough fee u re the deep, 
 
 * Till that rich coaft ye reach, where Phafis leads 530 
 
 * From Amarantine hills o'er Colchian meads 
 
 * His liquid ftores, and through fam'd Circe's plain , 
 
 * Then rolls his widening current to the main. 
 
 *' To this fam'd ftream purfue your watery way, 
 
 ' Soon will your eyes beta's towers furvey, 535 
 
 * And Mars's grove, where, wondrous to behold ! 
 ' Hangs on a fpreading oak the fleecy gold. 
 
 ' A hideous dragon of enormous fi?e 
 
 ' Turns all around his circumfpe&ive eyes : 
 
 * O'er the bright fpoil the ftri&eft watch he keeps ; 540 
 4 He never (lumbers, and he never fleeps.' 
 
 H 3 He
 
 iO2 fbe ARGONAUTICS of Book IT. 
 
 He fpoke, and terror curdled all their blood j 
 Deep fix'd in filence long the warriors ftood. 
 At length thus Jafon, though pofTefs'd with fear : 
 " Tell us, O tell us, venerable feer, 545 
 
 " Th' event of all our toils ; the fign explain 
 " How fafely we may pafs into the main 
 " Thro' thofe dire rocks : and, O ! indulgent, fay, 
 ** Shall we once more our native land furvey ? 
 " Unfldll'd am I, unfkill'd our martial train j 550 
 " How fliall I act, how meafure back the main ? 
 " For far as ever flying fails were furPd 
 41 Lies Colchos, on the limits of the world." 
 
 Thus Jafon fpoke , and thus the prophet old : 
 ' Thofe dangerous rocks once pafs'd, my fon, be 
 bold. 555 
 
 * Some God from JE& fliall thro* feas untry'd, 
 
 * Skirted by others coafts, your veflel guidf, 
 
 ' But you, to JEa, failing, on your crew confide. 
 ' But, friends, to Venus be due honours paid ; 
 
 * Still in remembrance keep her fecret aid. 560 
 
 * On all your toils Ihe kindly will beflow 
 
 * A glorious end expect no more to know.' 
 
 Scarce had he fpoke, when fpeeding back repair 
 The fons of Boreas through the fields of air, 
 
 At 
 
 ; j 
 
 \
 
 Book II. A P o L i. o N i L- & R H o D i u s. 103 
 
 At the leer's door with nimble feet they light i 565 
 Up role the chiefs rejoicing at the fight. 
 When Zetes trembling, and with toils oppreis'd, 
 While thick Ihort fobs inceffant heav'd his cheil, 
 Tells how they drove the Harpies far away, 
 How Iris fcreen'd them, and forbad to flay, 570 
 
 And pledg'd her folemn oath : while they retreat 
 To the huge caves of mountain-cover'd Crete. 
 Thefe joyful tidings chccr'd the hearts of all, 
 But moft the prophet's, in the feaftful hall ; 
 Whom Jalbn thus : " Sure from his heavenly ftate 575 
 " Some God look'cl down, and wail'd thy woeful fate, 
 " And fore-decreed from far our bands to fend, 
 ' That Boreas' fons might their aiTiitance lend. 
 " Should the fame God reftore thy long-loft fight, 
 " My pladden'd foul would feel as great delight, 580 
 " As ev'n my native country could beftow." 
 
 Then thus fage Phineus with dejected brow : 
 s My eyes, alas ! ftull ne'er behold the day ; 
 f Shrunk are thele balls, and quench'd the vifual ray : 
 c Heaven round rne foon death's gloomy lhade fhall 
 fpread, 585 
 
 * And every honour will await me dead.' 
 
 With converie thus the fleeting hours they cheer'd, 
 When rofy morning beaming bright appear'd. 
 
 H 4 The
 
 104 5T& ARCONAUTICS <?/ Book II. 
 
 The neighbouring peafants round, with early day, 
 
 Flock to the feer, their due regards to pay ; 590 
 
 This daily cuftom love and reverence taught, 
 
 And fome provifion for the fage they brought. 
 
 All came to learn by his prophetic lore ; 
 
 He to the rich divin'd, and to the poor : 
 
 For numerous votaries he reliev'd from dread, 595 
 
 Who dearly lov'd him, and who daily fed. 
 
 With thefe his Heady friend Parsebius came, 
 
 Who faw with joy thefe gallant fons of fame. 
 
 To him prophetic Phineus had foretold, 
 
 That a young band of Grecians, brave and bold, 600 
 
 Should, in their voyage to the Colchian more, 
 
 In Thynia's bay their well-built vefifel moor, 
 
 A ltd from thefe coafts, thofe ravenous birds of prey, 
 
 The Harpies drive, though fent by Jove, away. 
 
 The feer well pleas'd difmifs'd his friendly train, 605 
 
 But bade Parsebius with the Greeks remain, 
 
 'And fetch him inftant from his numerous {lock 
 
 A fheep, the beft and faireft of the flock. 
 
 The willing fwain obey'd the feer's requeft, 
 
 And Phineus thus the mariners addrefs'd: 610 
 
 * We are not all unciviliz'd and rude, 
 
 * My friends, nor guilty of ingratitude. 
 
 Thar,
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 105 
 
 * That ihepherd to my manfion came of late, . 
 ' To learn from me the colour of his fate ; 
 
 * For the more labours and fatigues he bore, 615 
 e Pale, pining want opprefs'd him ftill the more ; 
 
 6 New woes fucceeded to the woes that paft, 
 
 * And every day was darker than the laft : 
 
 * And yet no crime had poor Parsebius wrought, 
 
 * Alas ! he fuffered for his father's fault : 620 
 
 * Who, when alone, and on the mountain's brow, 
 
 * With cruel axe he laid the foreft low, 
 
 Deaf to a doleful Hamadryad's pray'r, 
 c The nymph neglected, and refus'd to fpare, 
 
 * Though oft fhe urg'd this lamentable plea j 625 
 " Pity, ah ! pity my coeval tree, 
 
 " Where I fo many blifsful ages dwelt !" 
 
 * But his hard heart no foft companion felc ; 
 
 * The tree he fell'd* and for this foul difgrace 
 
 ' The nymph ordain'd him woes, and all- his race. 6^p 
 
 * To me Parsebius came opprefs'd with fear, 
 
 * The caufe I found, a.nd counfell'd him to rear 
 ' An altar to the goddefs of the fliore, 
 
 * And pardon for his father's crimes implore. 
 
 ' Thus was the guilt aton'd ; e'er fmce the man 635 
 
 * Pays all regards that grateful mortal can ; 
 
 'For
 
 io6 Tbt AMGOM AUTIC-S of. Bbbk II. 
 
 * For ever* at my fide he loves to ftay, 
 
 ' And always goes unwillingly away.* ' 
 
 Thus Phineus fpoke, when from his fleecy (lock 
 
 His friend brought two, the faireft of the flock. 640 
 
 Then Jafon rofe, and, urg'd by Phineus blind, 
 
 Rofe the bold offspring of the northern wind j 
 
 Their facred offerings on the flames they lay, 
 
 Inwking Phoebus at the dawn of day. 
 
 The choiceft viands with afiiduous care 645 
 
 The younger heroes for their friends prepare* 
 
 Thus feafted, fome their veflel's cordage prefs'd, 
 
 Some in the prophet's manfion funk to reft. 
 
 Etefian breezes with the morning blow, 
 
 Which, fent by Jove, o'er every region 0ow. 50 
 
 The nymph Gyrene, in old times, 'tis fa id, 
 Her flocks befide Thefialian Peneus fed, 
 Pleas'd with the honours of her virgin-: Trails, 
 Till day's bright God feduc'd the rural dame. 
 Far from Hasmonia he convey'd the fair, 655 
 
 Brought to the nymphs, and trufted to their care, 
 The mountain-nymphs that in parch'd Libya keep 
 Their airy manfions on Myrtofia's fleep. 
 Cyrene there, along the winding more, 
 Thee, Ariftaeus, to Apollo bore - 3 660 
 
 .To
 
 Book II. APQLLONIUS RHODIUS. 107 
 
 To whom rich fwains, who in Thefialia live, 
 
 The names of Agreus, and of Nomius give. 
 
 With length of days the God her love repaid, 
 
 And fix'd her huntrefs of the woodland lhade ; 
 
 But the young boy to Chiron's care he gave, 665 
 
 To reap inftruction in his learned cave. 
 
 To him, when blooming in the prime of life, 
 
 The Mufes gave Autonoe to wife j 
 
 And taught their favourite pupil to excel 
 
 In arts of healing, and divining well. 670 
 
 To him they gave their numerous flocks to feed. 
 
 Which Phthia's Athamantine paftures breed ; 
 
 And thofe that ftray on Othrys' lofty brow, 
 
 Or where Apidanus' fam'd waters flow. 
 
 But when fierce Syrius fcorch'd the Cyclades, 675 
 
 The realms of Minos, in th* ^Egean feas, 
 
 Nought could the burning malady allay ; 
 
 The iflanders implor'd the God of day, 
 
 Who fent young Ariftxus to their aid, 
 
 By whom the fatal peftilence was ft aid. 680 
 
 At his fire's call he left fair Phthia's land, 
 
 Attended by a bold Arcadian band, 
 
 Who from Lycaon their extraction boaft, 
 
 And fail'd to Ceos with his numerous hoft. 
 
 i He
 
 io8 fhe ARGONAUTICS of Book II. 
 
 He there an altar rais'd to fhowery Jove, 685 
 
 And made oblation on the heights above 
 
 To the red ftar that defolates the land, 
 
 And to heaven's king; at whofe fupreme command 
 
 Th' Etefian winds, while forty days they blow, 
 
 Refreih with balmy gales the foil below. 690 
 
 Ev'n now the Cean priefts pay rites divine 
 
 Before the burning ftar begins to Ihine. 
 
 Thus fame reports ; and by thefe winds detain'd, 
 
 With Phineus ftill the Argonauts remain'd. 
 
 The grateful Thynians daily, while they (laid, 695 
 
 To their lov'd feer abundant (tores convey'd. 
 
 Yet, ere they leave this hoipitable land, 
 
 To the twelve Gods erect they on the ftrand 
 
 An altar, and with facrifice and pray'r 
 
 Appeafe the powers of heaven, and to their fliip repair, 
 
 Eager their long-neglected oars to prove ; 701 
 
 Yet not unmindful of the timorous dove : 
 
 Which fafely faften'd by a flender band 
 
 Euphemus carry'd trembling in his hand. 
 
 Quick from the ftay they lopp'd the doubled cord : 705 
 
 Minerva faw the heroes hafte aboard ; 
 
 On a thin cloud fhe lighted from above, 
 
 (The cloud upheld the mighty feed of Jove) 
 
 And
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 109 
 
 And fped her voyage to the Euxine main, 
 
 For much me lov'd the delegated train. 710 
 
 So when fome fhepherd quits his native home, 
 
 (As men adventurous much delight to roam) 
 
 No roads too diftant, or too long appear, 
 
 In thought he fees, and thinks his manfion near ; 
 
 O'er fea, o'er land with keen enquiring eyes 715 
 
 He views all ways, and in idea flies : 
 
 Thus to the Thynian more, from heaven above, 
 
 Swift flew the daughter of imperial Jove. 
 
 When now the heroes through the vaft profound 
 Reach the dire ftraits with rocks encompafs'd round, 
 Though boiling gulphs the failing pine detain'd, 721 
 Still on their way the labouring Grecians gain'd, 
 When the loud-juftling rocks increas'd their fears : 
 The mores refounding thunder'd in their ears. 
 High on the prow Euphemus took his ftand, 725 
 And held the dove that trembled in his hand. 
 The reft with Tiphys on their ftrength rely'd, 
 To mun the rocks, and ftem the roaring tide. 
 Soon, one Iharp angle paft, the joyful train 
 Saw the cleft crags wide opening to the main. 730 
 Euphemus loos'd the dove, the heroes ftood 
 Erect to fee her fkim the foaming flood. 
 
 She
 
 11<J 5"&? AUGONAUTICS of Book II. 
 
 She through the rocks a ready paflage found ; 
 The dire rocks met, and gave a dreadful found. 
 The fak-fea fpray in clouds began to rife; 735 
 
 Old ocean thunder'd ; the cerulean fkies 
 Rebellow'd loudly with the fearful din ; 
 The caves below remurmur'd from within. 
 O'er wave-worn cliffs, the coaft's high margin o'er 
 Boil'd the light foam, and whiten'd all the fhore. 740 
 Round whirl'd the lliip-, the rocks with rapid fway 
 Lopp'd from the dove her (leering tail away ; 
 Yet ftill fecurely through the ftraits (lie flew : 
 Loud joy infpir'd the circumfpeftive crew. 
 But Tiphys .urg'd the chiefs their oars to ply, 745 
 For the rocks yawn'd, tremendous to the eye. 
 Then terror feiz'd them, when with fudden Ihock 
 The refluent billows forc'd them on the rock ; 
 With chilling fears was every nerve unftrung, 
 While o'er their heads impending ruin hung. 750 
 Before, behind they faw the fpacious deep, 
 When inftant, lo ! a billow, vaft and fteep, 
 Still rifes higher, and ftill wider fpreads, 
 And hangs a watery mountain o'er their heads. 
 The heroes ftoop'd, expecting by its fall 755 
 
 That mighty billow would o'erwhelm them all ; 
 
 But
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS.' nx 
 
 But Tiphys' art reliev'd the labouring oars : 
 On Argo's keel the impetuous torrent pours, 
 Which rais'd the fhip above the rocks fo high, 
 She feem'd fublimely failing in the fky. - 720 
 Euphemus haftening urg'd the valiant crew 
 Their courfe-with all their vigour to purfue. 
 Shouting they plied their oars, but plied in vain j 
 For the rough billows beat them back again. 
 And as the heroes unremitting row, 765 
 
 Their labouring oars were bent into a bow. 
 Swift down the mountainous billows Argo glides, 
 Like a huge cylinder along the tides, 
 Entangled with thick, craggy rocks around, 
 Her feams all bunting, and her planks unbound. 770 
 In that nice moment the Tritonian maid 
 To facred Argo lent the timely aid. 
 Her left-hand heav'd her from the craggy deep, 
 Her right difmifs'd her gently to the deep : 
 Then like an arrow from th' elaftic yew, '775 
 
 Swift o'er the foaming waves the veiTei flew. 
 Yet had the clafliing rocks with adverfe fway 
 Torn the tall prow's embelliihments away. 
 When thus the Greeks had fafely reach'd the main, 
 To heaven Minerva wing'd her flight again. 780 
 
 The
 
 til fhe ARGONAUTICS of Book II. 
 
 The parted rocks at once concurrent flood, 
 
 Fix'd on one firm foundation in the flood : 
 
 This had been long determined by the fates, 
 
 If mortal ever paft thofe dangerous ftraits. 
 
 Now freed from fears, the Greeks with eager eyes 785 
 
 View the broad ocean and ferener fkies : 
 
 Their anxious doubts for Argo they difpel, 
 
 And deem her refcued from the jaws of hell. 
 
 Then Tiphys thus : ' Sure to this fhip we owe 
 
 ' That fearleis fafety we experience now. 790 
 
 ' For tho' wife Argus with ingenious art 
 
 4 Form'd the fair fhip compact in every parr, 
 
 ' Vigour divine propitious Pallas gave, 
 
 * And power afllgn'd her o'er the wind and wave. 
 
 ' All now is fafe : fear not thy haughty lord, 795 
 
 * But mark, illuftrious chief, the prophet's word, 
 " The rocks efcap'd, no future fears remain, 
 
 " - Your toils are eafy, and your voyage plain." 
 
 Thus he j and fleering through the fpacious fea, 
 Near fair Bithynia plough'd the liquid way. 800 
 
 Then Jafon mild the pilot thus addrefs'd : 
 " Why, Tiphys, this to me with grief opprefs'd ? 
 " Yes, I have err'd my faults afflicl my fpul : 
 " When Pelias gave command without controul,
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 113 
 
 " 'Twas mine to've fhunn'd this wild- projected plot, 
 
 " Though inftant death had been my certain lot. 806 
 
 " Now fears and cares my tortur'd bofom rend ; . 
 
 " I dread thofe ills that from the deep impend, } 
 
 " I dread the favage coaft, and every place 
 
 " Where dwells the bloody, or the barbarous race. 8 10 
 
 t No peace by day, no fleep at night I take, 
 
 " Since thefe brave chiefs afiembled for my fake. 
 
 ct With cold indifference may'ft thou look down, 
 
 " For no man's fafety anxious but thy own -, 
 
 " But I, the leaft felicitous for mine, 815 
 
 " Feel for this friend's, that comrade's, and for thine. 
 
 " Much (hall I feel for all this martial band, 
 
 " Unlefs they fafe regain their native land.'* 
 
 Thus fpoke the prince, his gallant hoft to try j 
 
 With animating founds they rend the iky. 82Q 
 
 The loud acclaim was grateful to his ears, 
 
 And thus he boldly hails his brave compeers : 
 
 ' Your valour, friends, encourages my foul : 
 " And fince no fears your gallant hearts controul, 
 " Boldly will I each coward-thought repel, 825 
 ' Though doom'd to enter the abyfs of hell. 
 
 For thefe rocks paft, no dangers can difmay, 
 " If we the counfel of the feer obey."
 
 The ARGONAUTICS of Book I k 
 The Greeks applauding what their leader fpoke, 
 Ply their flout oars and bend to every ftroke ; 830 
 And firft by Rhebas, rapid ftream, they fly, 
 And where Colona's rocks invade the fky, 
 And where the black- brow'd promontory low'rs, 
 'And where lov'd Phillis his broad current pours. 
 There Dipfacus receiv'd, in days of yore, 835 
 
 Young Phryxus landing on his friendly ihore, 
 When, exilM from Orchomenos, he fwam 
 On the broad fhoulders of the gold-fleec'd ram. 
 For to that ftream a nymph of rural race 
 Bore Dipfacus, who, fearful of difgrace, 840 
 
 Dwelt with his mother, and along the mead 
 Chofe, near his father's ftream, his fleecy flocks to feed. 
 The chiefs foon pafsM his celebrated fane, 
 The river Calpis, and th' extended plain i 
 And all the night, along the tranquil tide, 845 
 
 And all the day their oars inceflant ply'd. 
 As when laborious (leers, inur'd to toil, 
 With the bright plow-mare turn the ftubborn foil j 
 Sweat from their fides diftils in foamy fmoke ; 
 Their eyes obliquely roll beneath the yoke j 850 
 Their fcorching breath heaves quick with panting 
 found, 
 all day long they tread the weary ground :
 
 Book II. Ai>OLLONius RHODIUS. n 
 
 So toil'd the Greeks ; nor yet the morning-light 
 
 Had pafs'd the doubtful confines of the night, 
 
 But, faintly glimmering on this earthly ball, 855 
 
 Pfoduc'd what mortals morning-twilight call. 
 
 To Thyriia's neighbouring ifle their courfe they bore. 
 
 And fafely landed on the defert fhore 4 
 
 When bright Apollo fliew his radiant face^ 
 
 From Lycia haftening to the Scythian race. 860 
 
 His golden locks, that flow'd with grace divine, 
 
 Hung cluttering like the branches of the vine : 
 
 In his left hand, his bow unbent he bore, 
 
 His quiver pendent at his back he wore : 
 
 The confcious ifland trembled as he trod, 865 
 
 And the big rolling waves confefs'd the God. 
 
 Nor dar'd the heroes, leiz'd with dire difmay, 
 
 The fplendors of his countenance furvey. 
 
 But on the ground iheir downward eyes they cafr: 
 
 Meanwhile Apollo o'er the watery wafte, 870 
 
 And through thin ether on his journey flew. 
 
 Then thus fpoke Orpheus to the martial crew : 
 
 ; ' L-et us, my honour'd chiefs, with joint acclaim 
 
 This ifland facred to bright Phcebus name, 
 1 Who early here to all this hod appear'd j 875 
 " Here let an altar on the more be rear'd, 
 
 ' I 2 " And
 
 ii The ARGON AU TICS df Book II. 
 
 " And paid the rites divine : and if he deign 
 
 That fafe we reach our native land again, 
 e Young horned goats fhall on his altars bleed, 
 fc And the choice thighs to Phcebus be decreed. 880 
 " Now, comrades, due libations let us pay : 
 " Be gracious, O be gracious, God of day !" 
 
 Thus he : and fome the ftony altar raife, 
 And fome explore the foreft's devious maze ; 
 Haply within its lone retreats to find 885 
 
 A kid wild wandering, or a bounding hind : 
 Latona's fon foon led them to the prey ; 
 Then on the altar, blazing bright, they lay 
 The choiceft parts involv'd in facred fmoke, 
 And fair Apollo, early God, invoke. 890 
 
 Around the flame in fprightly dance they fpring, 
 And 16 Paean, 16 Psean fing. 
 Then on the Thracian harp Oeager's fon 
 In foothing ftrains his tuneful tale begun : 
 
 How once beneath Parnafifiis' rocky brow 89$ 
 He lanch'd an arrow from his deadly bow, 
 And the fell ferpent flew , though young and fair 
 And beardlefs yet, but grac'd with golden hair : 
 (O prove propitious, thou whofe radiant head 
 Is deck'd with curls unclip'd, that never fhed, 900 
 
 Worthy
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 117 
 
 Worthy thyfelf ! Latona only knows 
 
 With niceft art thofe ringlets to difpofe) 
 
 Corycian nymphs their joys in rapture fhow'd, 
 
 And 16, 16 Pasan call'd aloud : 
 
 Encomium grateful to the God of day. 905 
 
 Thus having prajs'd him in the folemn lay, 
 
 They fwear devoutly, due libations made, 
 
 To league for ever, and lend mutual aid ; 
 
 Then touch the hallow'd altar with their hands 
 
 Concordant; and ev'n now a temple ftands 910 
 
 Sacred to Concord, by the Grecians rais'd, 
 
 When here that mighty Deity they prais'd. 
 
 Now the third morn began on earth to fmile, 
 When with frefh gales they left the lofty ifle. 
 The foaming Sangar at a diftance feen, 915 
 
 The Mariandine meads for ever green, 
 And Lycus' winding waters they forfake 
 All on the right, and Anthemoifia's lake. 
 So faft before the wind the vefTel went, 
 Crack'd was the cordage, and the canvafs rent : 920 
 But the gale ceafing with the dawning day, 
 Joyful they reach the Acherufian bay, 
 Begirt with rocks fo towering tall and fteep, 
 They frown tremendous on Bithynia's deep j 
 
 I 3 And
 
 iif *fbe ARGONAUTICS of Book IT, 
 
 And yet fo firmly founded in the main, 925 
 
 The raging billows round them roar in vain : 
 
 Above, upon the promontory's brow, 
 
 Umbrageous planes in beauteous order grow. . 
 
 Thence, downward, thro* a deep and dreary dell, 
 
 Defcends the path-way to the cave of hell, 930 
 
 With woods and fhaggy rocks obfcure ; from whence 
 
 Exhaling vapours, chilly, damp and denfe, 
 
 Scatter hoar froft along the whitening way, 
 
 Which melts before the fun's meridian ray. 
 
 On thefe rough cliffs, which many a ftorm molefts, 9135 
 
 The pleafing power of filence never refts. 
 
 From hollow caverns through the leafy boughs, 
 
 Above, the whittling wind for ever blows; 
 
 And while mad billows lam the founding mores, 
 
 Below, the raging main for ever roars. 940 
 
 There, burfting from the promontory's fides, 
 
 Sad Acheron along the valley glides j 
 
 Deep-hollow'd beds his turbid ftreams convey, 
 
 As eaflward to the main he winds his way. 
 
 This fable, flood, in ancient ftory fam'd, 94^ 
 
 The Megarenfians Soonautes nam'd 
 
 In after ages, when their courfe they bore 
 
 Py ocean to the Mariandine more : 
 
 For
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 119 
 
 For when the deep in deathful billows heav'd, 
 
 This peaceful port their fhatter'd fliips receiv'd. 950 
 
 To this the labouring Grecians bent their way, 
 
 Row'd round the cape, and anchor'd in the bay. 
 
 When Lycus and his Mariandine hoft, 
 
 Lycus, the mighty monarch of the coaft, 
 
 Knew thefe brave Greeks who Amycus had (lain, 955 
 
 They welcom'd Jafon and his conquering train : 
 
 But moft on Pollux fix'd their wondering eyes, 
 
 And view'd him as a hero from the fkies : 
 
 For long the fierce Bebrycians* rude alarms 
 
 Had rouz'd the Mariandyni to arms. 96 
 
 That day, the Grecian band with one confent 
 
 To the king's hofpitable palace went : 
 
 Cheerful they there on choiceft dainties din'd, 
 
 And there with converfe fweet regal'd the mind. 
 
 Then Jafon to the king recounts the name, 965 
 
 And race of all thefe chofen fons of fame, 
 
 Who lent their aid at Pelias' dire command ; 
 
 Their ftrange adventures on the Lemnian land ; 
 
 What griefs, what woes at Cyzicus they bore j 
 
 And how they landed on the Myfian fhore, 970 
 
 Where Hercules, diftrefs'd his friend to find,, 
 
 They left at land, unwillingly, behind. 
 
 1 4 What
 
 I2O The ARGON AU TICS if Book II, 
 
 What Glaucus fpoke prophetic from the main, 
 How with his fubjects Amycus was flain, 
 The prince relates : what Phineus poor and old, 975 
 Worn out with fufferings to the chiefs foretold ; 
 How thro' Cyanean rocks they fafely fteer'd, 
 And in what ifle the God of day appear'd. 
 The king rejoic'd his guefts ib well had fped, 
 But griev'd that Hercules was left, and faid : 980 
 ' Think how, my friends, this hero's aid deny'd, 
 
 * Ralhly ye tempt a length of feas untry'd, 
 
 * Full well I knew that valiant fon of fame, 
 
 * When here on foot thro* Lydia's coaft he came 
 
 8 (For here my hofpitable father dwelt) 985 
 
 * To fetch Hippolita's embroider'd belt. 
 
 * The hero found me then a beardlefs fwain, 
 
 ' Mourning my brother by the Myfians flain ; 
 c (The nation dearly lov*d the blooming chief, 
 
 * And ftill lament in elegies of grief) 990 
 ' Then at the funeral games he prov'd his might, 
 
 * And vanquifh'd Titias in the gauntlet- fight ; 
 ' Tho' young and ftout, and eager for the fray, 
 
 * From his bruis'd jaws he d^m'd the teeth away. 
 
 * The Myfian country, and the Phrygian plains 995 
 
 * The conqueror added to my fire's domains ; 
 
 ' And
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. i2i 
 
 * And the rude nations that Bithynia till, 
 c To foaming Rhebas and Colona's hill ; 
 ' And Paphlagonia to its utmoft bounds, 
 
 * Which fable Billis with his waves furrounds. 1000 
 ' But now proud Amyous, and all his hoft, 
 
 * Since Hercules has left the neighbouring coaft, 
 
 ' Have fpoil'd my realms, and fpread their hoftilc 
 
 bands 
 ' Wide as where Hipias* dreams enrich the lands. 
 
 * At length their lawlefs infolence they rue, 1005 
 f And by your hands have fuffer'd vengeance due. 
 
 ' And fure fome God afforded his relief 
 
 ' When Pollux (lew that proud Bebrycian chief. 
 
 ' I for this deed my due regard will mow ; 
 
 * 'Tis what the meaneft to the mighty owe. 1010 
 My fon, your comrade, (hall at my command 
 
 ' Attend o'er diflant feas your gallant band : 
 O'er diftant-feas, with Dafcylus your guide, 
 You ftill with faithful friends (hall be fupply'd, 
 e Far as Thermodon rolls his foaming tide. 1015 
 c Meanwhile on yon bold cape that mates the (kies 
 ' To Leda's fons a facred fane (hall rife, 
 
 * Admir'd by all that crofs the boundlefs main, 
 f For all (hall venerate the facred fane : 
 
 'To 
 
 i
 
 122 The ARGONAUTICS of Book II. 
 
 * To them will I, as to the powers divine, 1020 
 
 * Some fruitful acres near the town affign.' 
 Converfing thus, the genial feaft they fhare, 
 
 'And to the ftiip at early day repair : 
 
 With his brave fon the friendly Lycus went, 
 
 Who ftore of viands to the fhip had fent. 1025 
 
 'Twas here the cruel deftinies decreed 
 That Idmon, fam'd for augury, mould bleed : 
 The fate of others he had oft forefhown, 
 But fail'd, unhappy ! to prevent his own. 
 Here, in a covert near the reedy flood, 1030 
 
 A fell wild boar lay deep immers'd in mud. 
 With horrid tufks fo dreadful he appear'd, 
 The fountain-nymphs the favage monfter fear'd : 
 No living wight in miry marfh or moor 
 E'er faw fo fierce, fo horrible a boar. 1035 
 
 On the lake's verge as lucklefs Idmon flood, 
 From his clofe covert, m the reedy mud, 
 Up fprung the furious beaft with might and main, 
 Tore the chief's thigh, and fnapp'd the bone in twain \ 
 He groans, he falls, and on the bank he lies, 1040 
 His griev'd companions anfwer to his cries ; 
 When Peleus inflantly approaching near, 
 Lanch'd at the boar his unavailing fpear : 
 
 3 But
 
 II. A POLL ONI US R HOD I US. J2J 
 
 But Idas aim'd his pointed dart fo well, 
 
 Low in the marfh the dying monfter fell. $045 
 
 The chiefs with Idmon to the fhip retir'd, 
 
 Who deeply groaning in their arms expir'd. 
 
 Immers'd in grief, they now neglect to fail ; 
 
 For three whole days their comrade they bewail ; 
 
 But on the fourth, with penfive forrow, paid 1050 
 
 The laft fad honours due to Idmon's fhade. 
 
 The king, the people join'd the mournful crew, 
 
 And, loud-lamenting, numerous victims flew : 
 
 They dug the grave, and on the greenfword raife 
 
 A tomb on which pofterity will gaze : *55 
 
 For near the tomb a tall wild olive grows, 
 
 Beneath the cape, and beautifully blows. 
 
 Me would the Nine commiffion to unfold 
 
 This truth, which Phoebus had long fmce foretold, 
 
 This, this is he, the tutelary lord, 1060 
 
 Henceforth to be by mighty ftates ador'd : 
 
 For here Basotians and Megarians join'd, 
 
 Near the wild olive wavering in the wind, 
 
 To build a city ; though due honours they 
 
 To Agameftor, not to Idmon, pay. 1065 
 
 Who fell befide ? for, lo ! the chiefs intend 
 Another tomb for fome lamented friend. 
 
 Ev'n
 
 124 We ARGOJJAUTICS ef Book II. 
 
 Ev'n now two mournful monuments appear : 
 
 Tiphys, Fame fays, was ftretch'd upon the bier. 
 
 Him cruel fate ordain'd no more to roam ; 1070 
 
 He died far diftant from his native home. 
 
 For while to Idmon funeral rites they pay, 
 
 Untimely ficknefs fnatch'd the chief away. 
 
 Thejn heart-felt fadnefs feiz'd the penfive train, 
 
 Who, proftrate on the margin of the main, 1075 
 
 Forgetful of their necefiary food, 
 
 Mourn'4 in fad filence to the roaring flood. 
 
 For they, now fkilful Tiphys is no more, 
 
 Defpair'd returning to their native fhore ; 
 
 And here had ftaid, with bitter grief opprefs'd, icSo 
 
 Had not Saturnia in Ancaeus' breaft 
 
 Breath'd courage : him Aftypahea bore, 
 
 Near winding Imbrafus on Samos* more, 
 
 To ocean's God ; a chief expert to guide 
 
 The flying veffel o'er the foaming tide. 1085 
 
 Then thus to Peleus, Neptune's valiant fon, 
 
 By heaven inipir'd, in cheering terms begun : 
 
 4 111 fuits the brave in foreign climes to ftay, 
 
 * A(nd wafle, O Peleus, precious time away. 
 
 * I left not Samos lefs for failing Ikill'd 1090 
 ! Than fierce contention in the fighting field. 
 
 9 ! For
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 125 
 
 ' For Argo cherifh not one abject fear, 
 
 * Since many fkill'd, befides myfelf, are here. 
 
 * And he, to whom the fteerage we ordain, 
 
 * Will fafely guide the veflel o'er the main. , 1095 
 c J Tis thine to ftimulate the fainting crew 
 
 6 With ready oars their voyage to purfue,' 
 
 He fpoke, and tranfport touch'd the Phthian's bread, 
 
 Inftant he rofe, and thus the hoft addrefs'd : 
 
 " Why are we here by fruitlefs grief detain'd ? 1 100 
 " Two friends are dead, and this the fates ordain'd - r 
 " Yet many pilots in this hoft remain, 
 " To (leer firm Argo o'er the watery plain. 
 6 To forrows unavailing bid adieu ! 
 " Let us, bold peers, our deftin'd courfe purfue." 1 105 
 He faid, and Jafon anxious thus reply'd ; 
 
 * Where are thofe pilots, fay, our courfe to guide? 
 
 * For thofe whom late we boafted as the belt 
 
 ' And ableft chiefs, are moft with grief opprefs'd. 
 " I therefore deem a like fad fate attends 1119 
 
 On us, as on our late departed friends, 
 If neither in beta's ports we moor, 
 
 * Nor thro* thofe rocks regain our native more, 
 ' But here inactive and inglorious (lay, 
 
 ! Years following years, and linger life away.' 1115. 
 
 He
 
 ii6 ?be A R o fc AU T 1 c s of- Book & 
 
 He fpoke ; Ancseus feizM the fteerage, driv'n 
 
 By power inftindlive from the queen of heav'n; 
 
 ^rginus next the glorious charge defir'd ; 
 
 Euphemus, Nauplius to the helm aipir'd.. 
 
 But thefe the congregated chiefs declined, 1 129 
 
 And bold Anoeus to the pdft affign'd. 
 
 With the twelfth rifing morn the heroes fail $ 
 Favonius breath'd a favourable gale 1 ; 
 And foon they leave fad Acheron behind, 
 Then give the fwelling canvafs to the wind : 1 125 
 On the fmooth fea the fhip ferenely rides, 
 And light along the liquid level glides. 
 Ere long with ftretching fails the coaft they gain, 
 Where broad Callichorus augments the main. 
 To Thebes returning from his Indian rights, 1130 
 Here Bacchus folemniz'd myfterrous rites, 
 The dance before the facred cave ordain'd, 
 And here full many a doleful night remarn'd. 
 This name the country to the river gave, 
 Callichorus ; and Aulion to the cave. 1 1^5- 
 
 Still as their courfe the daring Greeks purfuc, 
 The monument of Sthenelus they view. 
 With honours grac'd, obtain'd in realms afar, 
 Returning from the Amazonian war, 
 
 On
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 127 
 
 On the bleak -fhore (Alcides at his fide) 1140 
 
 Pierc'd by a fatal dart the hero died. 
 
 Slow fail'd they on, for, eager to furvey 
 
 His kindred warriours on the watery way, 
 
 At his requeft, from her infernal coaft 
 
 Pluto's grim queen released the penfive ghoft. 1 145 
 
 The penfive ghoft beheld with eager ken 
 
 From the tall monument the fhip and men. 
 
 As arm'd for war the martial phantom feem'd ; 
 
 Four crefts high-towering on his helmet beam*d, 
 
 With purple rays intolerably bright , 1150 
 
 'Then foon it funk beneath the fhades of night. 
 In mute amazement ftood the Grecian hoft , 
 But Mopfus counfel'd to appeafe the ghoft 
 With offerings due ; the chiefs approach the ftrand, 
 And round the tomb of Sthenelus they ftand. 1 155 
 
 'ThsSy pour libations, and the victims flay, 
 And on the fire the deftin'd offerings lay. 
 Apart, to guardian Phcebus next they raife 
 An altar meet, and bid the victims blaze. 
 riere Orpheus plac'd his lyre for mufic fam*dj 1160 
 Apollo's altar hence was Lyra nam'd. 
 
 And now, invited by the favouring gales, 
 They climb the (hip and fpread their fwelling fails -, 
 
 Swift
 
 128 -Vbe ARGON AU TICS of Book II. 
 
 Swift o'er the deep the winged veflel flics, 
 
 Swift as the rapid hawk that cleaves the fkies, 1 1 65 
 
 And lightly thro' the liquid ether fprings, 
 
 Nor moves, felf-poiz'd, his wide-expanded wings. 
 
 Thence by Parthenius faiPd the focial train, 
 
 The gentleft ftream that mingles with the- main. 
 
 Fatigued with traverfmg the mazy grove, 1 1 70 
 
 Here, ere me re-afcends the courts of Jove, 
 
 The chafle Diana, huntrefs of the wood, 
 
 Bathes her fair limbs, and gambols in the flood. 
 
 Then during night by Sefamus they fail, 
 
 And Erythinus rifing o'er the vale; 1 17 g 
 
 By Cromna and Crobrialus, and where 
 
 Thy groves, Cyto p us, ever green appear. 
 
 Thence with the rifing fun they floutly row 
 
 Near where Carambis lifts his rocky brow. 
 
 All day, all night with unremitted oar j i SQ 
 
 They coaft along JEgialus's fhore. 
 
 Then to the Syrian clime the heroes fped, 
 
 Where Jove, by hafty promifes mifled, 
 
 Sinope plac'd, and, all fhe wifh'd to claim, 
 
 Gave her the honours of a virgin's name. 1185 
 
 For, know, the God, by Love's flrong power opprefs'd, 
 
 Promis'd to grant whate'er Ihe might requeft ; 
 
 And
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 129 
 
 And this requeft th' infidious damfel made, 
 
 That her virginity might never fade. 
 
 Hence Phoebus foil'd could no one wifh obtain ; 1 190 
 
 Hence winding Alys wooed the maid in vain. 
 
 No mortal force iuch virtue could o'ercome, 
 
 Defeat Jove's promife, and impair her bloom. 
 
 Here dwelt Deimachus's offspring fam'd, 
 
 Deileon, Autolycus and Phlogius nam'd, XI 95 
 
 What time they ceas'd with Hercules to roam, 
 
 And at Sinope found a fettled home. 
 
 They, when they faw the bold Theffalian band, 
 
 Met them on more and welcom'd them to land ; 
 
 And, loathing longer in thefe climes to flay, 1200 
 
 Join'd the brave crew, and with them fail'd away. 
 
 Blefs'd with the zephyr's breeze that brifkly blew, 
 
 Near Halys' ftream and Ins' fail'd the crew ; 
 
 Near Syria's coaft, and, ere night's fhades abound, 
 
 Near th' Amazonian cape, for many a bay renown'd. 
 
 Where Hercules furpriz'd, in days of yore, 1206 
 
 Bold Menalippe wandering on the more : 
 
 A belt Hippolyta her fitter paid, 
 
 And for this ranfom he reftor'd the maid. 
 
 Here in Thermodon's bay firm Argo moor'd ; 1210 
 
 For lafh'd with tempefts the vex'd ocean roar'd. 
 
 K No
 
 1 30 Fbe ARGONAUTICS of Book II. 
 
 No river like the farn'd Thermodon leads 
 
 Such numerous currents o'er the fertile meads : 
 
 A hundred ftreams to him their waters owe -, 
 
 Yet from one iburce, one only fource they flow. 1215 
 
 On Amazonian hills, that reach the fkies, 
 
 The great Thermodon firft begins to rife ; 
 
 Hence foon emerging many a courfe he takes, 
 
 Sinks but to mount, and various channels makes. 
 
 The different ftreams from different founts diftil, 1220 
 
 In foft meanders wandering down the hill ; 
 
 Some public notice and fair titles claim, 
 
 Some flow obfcurely, and without a name ; 
 
 Rut confluent foon, along the winding plain, 
 
 He rolls his waves, and foams o'er half the main. 1225 
 
 Had the Greeks landed on this hoftile coaft, 
 War would have foon purfu'd the gallant hoft : 
 (For the fierce Amazons regard not right, 
 Strife is their fport, and battles their delight : 
 From Mars and Harmony thefe warlike maids 1230 
 Sprung where Acmonius fpreads its bowery {hades) 
 But favour'd with the foft Favonian wind, 
 *The heroes left the crooked more behind, 
 Where the bold Amazons, perceiv'd from far, 
 Stood fheath'd in arms, prepar'd for fpeedy war. 1235 
 
 Not
 
 Book II. A P L L O N I U S R H D I U S. 1 3 1, 
 
 Not in one city dwelt this martial band, 
 But in three parties fcatter'd o'er the land : 
 The firft tribe at Themifcyra remain'd, 
 O'er this Hippolyta, their emprefs, reign'd; 
 There dwelt the fair Lycaftian dames apart, 1240 
 Here the Chadefians, fkill'd to lance the dart. 
 Th' enfuing day the delegated band 
 Approach'd with oars the rough Chalybian land ; 
 Whofe fons ne'er yoke their oxen to the plough, 
 Nor healing plants, nor fruits delicious know: 1245 
 Nor aught delight they in th' irriguous mead, 
 Retir'd and ftill, their fleecy flocks to feed ; 
 But they dig iron from the mountain's fide, 
 And by this ore are nature's wants fupply'd. 
 Devoid of toil ne'er beam'd Aurora's ray, 125* 
 
 And duft and fmoke obfcur'd the difrnal day* 
 
 From thence they pafs where Tibarenians tillj 
 Sacred to Jove, the Genetrean hill. 
 Here, when the teeming wives are brought to bed, 
 Their groaning hufbands hang the drooping head ; 
 Equal attendance with their wives they claim ; 1256 
 The fame their diet, and their baths the fame* 
 
 Next by the facred hill their oars impel 
 Firm Argo, where the Mofiyncecians dwell. 
 
 K2 la
 
 132 fbe ARGONAUTICS of Book I L 
 
 In towers they live, of folid timber fram*d, 1260 
 
 MofTynes call'd, and thence the nation nam'd : 
 
 Of manners ftrange ; for they with care conceal 
 
 Thofe deeds which others openly reveal , 
 
 And actions, that in fecret mould be done, 
 
 Perform in public and before the fun : 1265 
 
 For, like the monfters of the briftly drove, 
 
 In public they perform the feats of love. 
 
 Exalted in his tower that mates the fky, 
 
 The monarch here difpenfes law from high : 
 
 But if his judgment err, this rigid ftate 1270 
 
 Condemns their chief, and ftarving is his fate. 
 
 Thefe nations paft, with unremitting oar 
 
 They reach, Aretias, thy fea-girt fhore. 
 
 Then funk the breezes with the clofing day, ovsC 
 
 When down the fky defcending they furvey 1275 
 
 A winged monfter of enormous might, 
 
 Whjch toward the Ihip precipitates her flight. 
 
 Her wings me fhook, and from her pinions flung 
 
 A dart-like quill, which on O'ileus hung ; 
 
 Down his left moulder fwift it fell : no more, 1280 
 
 Faint and enfeebled, could he hold his oar. 
 
 In filence long the Grecian heroes gaze, 
 
 And view the feathery javelin with amaze. 
 
 But
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 133 
 
 But Erybotes, foon approaching near, 
 
 Extracted from the chief the winged fpear; 1285 
 
 Then from his fide his pendent belt unbound, 
 
 And wrapp'd that bandage o'er the gaping wound. 
 
 When, lo ! a fecond bird appear'd in view, 
 
 But ready Clytius firft had bent his yew ; 
 
 By his keen fhaft the feather'd monfter (lain 1290 
 
 Faft by the fhip fell headlong in the main. 
 
 Then thus Amphidamas : ' My friends, ye know, 
 
 4 And thefe obfcene voracious fiends forefliow 
 
 * Aretias near : then lift to what I fay, 
 
 Fruitlefs are fhafts to drive thefe pefts away; 129,5 
 
 * But, would you here a fit reception find, 
 
 * Recall th' advice of Phineus to your mind. 
 
 * For when Alcides to Arcadia went 
 
 4 Well arm'd with arrows, on his toils intent, 
 
 4 From the Stymphalian lake he fail'd to fright 1300 
 
 4 Thefe ravenous Harpies (I beheld the fight) 
 
 ' But when he rung a cymbal with his fpear 5 
 
 4 The clanging cymbal fill'd the birds with fear : 
 
 * In wild confufion far away they fly, 
 
 ' And with (hrill clamours pierce the diftant fky. 1 305 
 6 'Tis ours to practife this expulfive art ; 
 
 * But hear ye firft the counfel I impart ; 
 
 K 3 ' Let
 
 134- fbe ARGONAUTICS of Book II. 
 
 6 Let half our crew, In glittering armour drefs'd, 
 
 * Nod, as by turns they row, the high-plum'd creft ; 
 
 * The reft bright fpears and fwords and ihields pro- 
 
 vide, 1310 
 
 'And meet difpofe them round the vcflePs fide. 
 
 * Then all atpnee your voices raife on high, 
 
 ' And with loud pealing fhouts aflail the fky ; 
 ' The deafening clamours, the protended fpears, 
 6 And nodding crefts will fill the birds with fears. 1315 
 ' And when Arenas' barren ifle ye gain, 
 
 * Ring your broad bucklers, and all fhout amain.* 
 He fpoke, the chiefs approv'd the wife defign ; 
 High on their heads the brazen helmets fhine, 
 Whofe purple crefts wav'd dreadful in the wind j 1320 
 To thefe alternate were flout oars afiign'd ; 
 
 The reft with care their vefiel's fide conceal'd 
 
 With glittering fpears, and many a mining fhield. 
 
 As when induftrious builders cover o'er 
 
 With tiles the walls their hands had rais'd beforej 1325 
 
 In chequer'd fquares they decorate the roof, 
 
 And make it fair to view, and tern pefc-p roof : 
 
 Thus they with fhields, difpos'd in order due, 
 
 Shdter'd thqir veffel, and adorn'd it too. 
 
 As when embattled hofts their foes affail, 1330 
 
 Tumultuous (houts, and martial founds prevail ; 
 
 * 9o
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 135 
 
 % 
 So from the flilp loud clamours pierc'd the fky , 
 
 No more the Greeks their feather'd foes defcry : 
 Rattling their bucklers, near the land they drew, 
 And far away the winged furies flew. 1 335 
 
 So when great Jove on clofe-throng'd cities pours 
 From hyperborean clouds his haily fhow'rs ; 
 Within, the dwellers fit in peace profound, 
 Nor heed the rattling ftorms that rage around , 
 In vain the hail defcends, the tempefts roar, 1340 
 
 Their roofs from harm were well fecur'd before : 
 Thus on their fhields the furies ftiot their quills, 
 Then clamouring vanim'd to far diftant hills. 
 
 Say, Mufe, why Phineus counfei'd here to land, 
 On Mars's ifle, this delegated band ? 1345 
 
 And what advantage could the Grecians gain 
 From all the toils and perils of the main ? 
 
 To fam'd Orchomenos, with favouring gale, 
 From JEsCs walls the fons of Phrixus fail, 
 Their grandfire's vaft inheritance to lhare, *35O 
 
 Who dying left this voyage to their care. 
 Near Mars's ifland on this fignal day 
 The fons of Phrixus plongh'd the liquid way. 
 But Jove ordain'd that Boreas' blafls fliould blow, 
 While moift Arfturus foak'd the vales below. 1355 
 K 4 Firft
 
 1 36 5T& AERONAUTICS of Book II, 
 
 Firft on the mountains, riling by degrees, 
 
 All day rough Boreas fhook the trembling trees ; 
 
 Then, night approaching, he with hideous found 
 
 Roll'd the big wave, and heav'd the vaft profound. 
 
 No ftars appear tranflucent thro' the clouds, 136.0 
 
 But gloomy darknefs every objedl fhrouds. 
 
 The fons of Phrixus, toft by whelming Wuves, 
 
 With horror fhudder'd at the watery graves ; 
 
 For the fierce blaft, impell'd with might and main, 
 
 Tore all their canvafs, fplit the fliip in twain 1 365 
 
 And dafh'd to pieces ; but by heaven's kind aid 
 
 On a large fragment of the wreck convey'd, 
 
 The winds and waves the trembling brothers bore 
 
 Aghaft, and half expiring to the fhore. 
 
 Inftant in floods defcended copious rain, 1 370 
 
 Drench'd the whole ifland, and increas'd the main ; 
 
 (Thefe fhores, the neighbouring coaft, and facred hill 
 
 The rude, the barbarous Moflynoecians till) 
 
 Borne on a broken plank, the forceful blaft 
 
 The fons of Phrixus on this ifland caft, 1375 
 
 Who met the Grecians with the rifing fun ; 
 
 Ceas'd was the rain, and Argus thus begun : 
 
 6 Adjur'd by Jove, whofe circumfpe<5tive ken 
 
 ! Surveys the conduct and the cares of men, 
 
 ! Whatc'er
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 137 
 
 * Whate'er your name or race, our tale attend, 1 380 
 
 * And to the wretched your affiflance lend, 
 
 * The raging ftorms that Neptune's empire fweep, 
 
 * Have wreck'd our lucklefs veflel in the deep j 
 ' To you we pray, if pity touch your heart, 
 
 ' Some fcanty raiment for our wants impart; 1385 
 
 ' The fons of mifery for mercy call ; 
 
 ' To one low level forrow finks us all. 
 
 ' They who to proftrate fuppliants lend an ear, 
 
 The laws of hofpitable Jove revere. 
 
 All-prefent he hath liften'd to our pray'r, 1390 
 ' And finking fav'd us with a parent's care.' 
 
 Then ^Efon's fon (fulfilling Phineus' plan) 
 Thus queftion'd mild the miferable man -, 
 " But firft, of truth obfervarit, frankly tell, 
 " In what far region of the world ye dwell ; 1395 
 " What bufmefs call'd you from your native coaft, 
 *' What race ye fprung from, and what names ye 
 
 boaft." 
 Then Argus thus : ' Ye, fure, have heard the fame 
 
 * Of Phrixus, who from Greece to JEa. came. 
 
 ' To great beta's citadel he fwam 1400 
 
 ' Supported on the moulders of the ram, 
 
 ' Whofe fleece now high-fufpended ye behold, 
 
 * By Hermes metamorphos'd into gold.
 
 138 The ARC ONAUT I'cs of Book II. 
 
 ' On the tall oak's high top it hangs in view, 
 
 * The ram to Jove, propitious, Phrixus flew. 1405 
 c The generous king receiv'd him as his gueft, 
 
 * And with undower'd Chalciope he blefs'd. 
 
 " From thefewe fprung-, but Phrixus breathes no more, 
 ' His bones lie buried on the Colchian more. 
 
 * We now to fam'd Orchomenos repair, 1410 
 
 * The wide domains cf Athamas to (hare -, 
 
 ' Such were the laft injun&ions of our fire : 
 
 6 Our bufinefs this if ye our names require, 
 
 ' This Cytiforus y that will Phrontis claim, 
 
 ' He furnam'd Melas, Argus is my name.' 1415 
 
 He fpoke : the Argonauts with ftill amaze, 
 And fecrtt tranfport on the ftrangers gaze. 
 Then Jafon mark'd the much-enduring man, 
 And thus with mild benevolence began : 
 " Friends as ye are, and near relations too, 1420 
 ' To us for fuccour not in vain ye fue. 
 " Cretheus and Athamas their fire the fame ; 
 " And Cretheus was my honour'd grandfire's name : 
 With thefe companions join'd, I fail from Greece 
 To Colchos, famous for the golden fleece - 1425 
 " Some diftant day, at cafe may we relate 
 *; Thefe ftrange events, and all our various fate. 
 
 v Now
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 139 
 
 *' Now lhall warm robes to clothe your limbs be giv'n, 1 
 " We meet conduced by the hand of heav'n." ' 
 
 He faid, and from the fliip rich veftments fent; 1430 
 Then to the facred fane of Mars they went. 
 From fleecy flocks they drain'd the life-warm blood, 
 And all devoutly round the altar flood , 
 This, of fmall ftones compos'd, was plac'd before 
 The lofty temple's double-folding door : 1435 
 
 (Within the fane a ftone of fable hue 
 Stood where the Amazons their victims flew ; 
 Who held it lawlefs, when they fojourn'd here, 
 To flay the meep, or facrifice the fleer ; 
 Inflead of thefe the full-fed, pamper'd fleed 1440 
 Was doom'd, a victim at this fane, to bleed.) 
 Thefe rites difpatch'd, and hunger's rage reprefs'd, 
 Thus Eton's fon the liftening hod addrefs'd : 
 
 " Impartial Jove the race of man regards j 
 " The bad he punimes, the juft rewards: 1445 
 
 *' As from a bloody flepdame's rage of yore 
 44 He fav'd your fire, and bled with ample flore, 
 " So he preferv'd you from the whelming deep, 
 tl And in this veffcl will fecurely keep j 
 " Whether for ^a in our fhip ye fail, 1450 
 
 * Or ito far Phthia court the favouring gale.
 
 140 he ARGON AUTICS of Book If. 
 
 c< For this fam'd fhip of Pelion's pines was made, 
 et And form'd by Argus, with Minerva's aid ; 
 11 But ftorms had lalh'd her, ere, with hideous (hock, 
 !C She reach'd thofe ftraits, where rock encounters 
 rock. 1455 
 
 " Then lend your aid to gau the golden fleece, 
 tc And be our guides to bring it back to Greece. 
 " Jove feems incens'd, and we this voyage take, 
 To footh his anger, and for Phrixus* fake." 
 Ardent he fpoke , but they defpair'd to find, 1460 
 JEeta c?f fo traclable a mind, 
 To yield the fleece: then Argus thus replies, 
 Alarm'd and troubled at their bold emprife 5 
 4 Whate'er our powers can grant, or wifhes gain, 
 c The fons of Greece fhall never afk in vain. 146^ 
 
 * But proud ^Eeta, cruel and fevere, 
 
 * I loath the tyrant, and his power I fear ; 
 
 * The Sun his fire, fo fame relates, he boafts ; 
 
 * Unnumber'd fubjects guard his ample coafts ; 
 
 * For mighty ftrength he ftands renown'd afar, 1470 
 ' And voice terrific as the God of war. 
 
 ' The golden prize a monftrous dragon keeps ; 
 
 * Hard talk to feize it, for he never deeps. 
 
 * Earth on rough Caucafus a being gave 
 
 ! To this fierce beaft near Typhaonia's cave, 1475 
 5 ! Where
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS.' 141 
 
 * Where huge Typhceus, as old (lories prove, 
 
 4 Was ftruck by lightning from almighty Jove, 
 
 ' When fierce in arms againft heaven's king he flood ; 
 
 ' From his head ifiVd warm corrupted blood ; 
 
 * To Nyfa's hills, to Nyfa's plains he flies, 1480 
 c And now beneath Serbonian marfhes lies. 
 
 He faid ; diftrefs'd To fad a tale to hear, 
 On every countenance fat pallid fear; 
 When Peleus thus with confidence reply'd, 
 And gave that courage which their fears deny'd : 1485 
 
 *' Defpair not, friend ; for we difdain to yield, 
 " Nor dread to meet ^Eeta in the field. 
 " We too are fkill'd in war, and draw our line 
 cc From godlike chiefs, and origin divine. 
 " Incens'd fhould he the fleecy gold detain, 1490 
 ** He'll afk, I truft, the Colchians' aid in vain." 
 
 Converfmg thus the chiefs their thoughts exprefs'd, 
 And fated with repair, reclin'd to reft. 
 With rifing morn the gently-breathing gales 
 Play'd round the pine, and fill'd thefwelling fails; 1495 
 The fwelling fails expanded by the wind 
 Soon left Aretias' barren fhore behind ; 
 And fwiftly fkimming o'er the watery vaft, 
 The Philyrean ifle at eve they pad ; 
 
 Where
 
 142 W* ARGONAUTICS of Book II. 
 
 Where Saturn firft fair Philyra furvey'd, 1500 
 
 When on Olympus he the Titans fway'd, 
 
 (Nurs'd by the fierce Curetes, yet a child, 
 
 Young Jove was hid in Cretan caverns wild) 
 
 Unknown to Rhea he the maid comprefs'd ; 
 
 But foon to Rhea was the crime confefs'd ; I 55 
 
 Detected Saturp left his bed with fpeed, 
 
 And fprung all-vigorous as a mane-crown'd fteed. 
 
 Swift fled fair Philyra, abafh'd with ihame, 
 
 And to the hills of Theffaly fhe came : 
 
 Fam'd Chiron fprung from this embrace fo odd, 1510 
 
 Ambiguous, half a horfe, and half a God. 
 
 From thence they fail by long Macronian ftrands, 
 
 And where Bechira's ample coaft expands ; 
 
 Shores where Byzerians wander far and wide, 
 
 And fierce Sapirians, ftigmatiz'd for pride ; 1515 
 
 And favour'd by the foft impelling wind, 
 
 Leave numerous coafts and lands unnam'd behind : 
 
 And, failing fwiftly o'er the waves, furvey, 
 
 Far on the Pontic main, an opening bay , 
 
 Then, Caucafus, thy hills were feen on high, 1520 
 
 That rear their rocky fummits in the fky j 
 
 Fix'd to thefe rocks Prometheus dill remains, 
 
 For ever bound in adamantine chains : 
 
 Ojv
 
 Book II. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 143 
 
 On the rude cliffs a ravenous eagle breeds, 
 
 That on the wretch's entrails ever feeds. *52 : > 
 
 The Grecians faw him, ere th' approach of night, 
 
 Soar high in air, loud hifiing'in his flight : 
 
 Around the fhip he flew in airy rings, 
 
 The fails all fhivering as he fhook his wings : 
 
 Not as a light aerial bird he foars, *53^ 
 
 But moves his pinions like well-polilh'd oars. 
 
 The ravenous bird now ru filing from the fkies, 
 
 Sudden, they heard Prometheus' piercing cries : 
 
 The heavens re-echoed to the doleful found, 
 
 While the fell eagle gnaw'd the recent wound. 1535 
 
 Till gorg'd with flefh the bird of Jove they fpy'd 
 
 Again defcending from the mountain's fide. 
 
 Night now approaching, near the land they drew, 
 And Argus well his native country knew -, 
 For, Phafis, thy'wide-fpreading flood they gain, 1540 
 And the laft limits of the Pontic main. 
 At length arriv'd, fo many dangers paft, 
 They furl the mainfail, and they lower the maft : 
 Their bending oars the mighty ftream divide ; 
 The ftream receives them on his foaming tide. 1545 
 All on the left, in ancient rolls renown'd, 
 Rife /Ea's walls with glittering turrets crown'd ; 
 
 And
 
 i 
 
 144 3^* ARGONAUTICS of Book If. 
 
 And on the right the field, not diftant far, 
 
 And grove, both facred to the God of war -, 
 
 Where on an oak the fleece, fufpende'd high, 1550 
 
 A dragon guards with ever-watchful eye. 
 
 Then Jafon haftes, impatient to confign 
 
 To the pure ftream the unpolluted wine, 
 
 And from a golden vafe fulfils the rite divine, 
 
 Sacred to earth, to Gods that guard the coafts, 1555 
 
 And ancient heroes' long-departed ghofts : 
 
 For their protection he preferr'd his pray'r, 
 
 To keep the fhip with tutelary care. 
 
 Then thus Ancseus : ' Numerous perils paft, 
 
 c Colchos and Phafis we behold at laft; 1560 
 
 c Behoves you now your fage advice to lend, 
 
 ' Whether to treat JEeta as a friend, 
 
 c With fpeech accordant, and compliance bland, 
 
 * Or in rough terms the golden prize demand.' 
 
 Thus he; but Jafon urg'd, at Argus' call, 1565 
 High up the fedgy ftream the mip to haul ; 
 Which, undifturb'd, might there at anchor ride 
 In the calm bofom of the peaceful tide : 
 There fought the chiefs the blefllngs of repofe, 
 And flept fecure till grateful morning rofe. 1570 
 
 END OF THE SECOND BOOK.
 
 THE 
 
 THIRD BOOK,
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 Juno and, Pallas intercede with Venus. 'They requeft 
 that Jhe would perfuade Cupid to infpire Medea with 
 love for Jafon. Venus confents ; and the Jhafts of 
 Cupid, at her fait, have their deftred e/etl. Jafon, 
 Augeas and Telamon proceed to the court of jEeta, 
 where they are hofpitably entertained. But, having 
 beard the occafion of their voyage, Meta is incenfed t 
 and refufes to beftow tbe Golden Fleece on Jafon, unlefs 
 on fuch terms, as he prefumed he dnrft not comply with. 
 *The pajfion of Medea for Jafon is defcribed with great 
 Jjmplicity and delicacy. Medea early in the morning 
 repairs to the temple of Hecate : thither Jafon, at the 
 fuggeftion of Mopfus, follows her. The poet dwells 
 particularly on their interview and conference. Medea 
 inftrufts him how to fubdue the brazen bulls and ar- 
 mies of giants. With Jafon's combat > and the fuccefs 
 cf it, the book concludes. 
 
 THE
 
 ( 147 ) 
 THE 
 
 ARGONAUTICS 
 
 O F 
 
 APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 
 
 BOOK III. 
 
 ^"^OME, heavenly maid, thy timely fuccour bring, 
 ^^ And teach thy poet, Erato, to fmg, 
 How Jafon, favour'd by the Colchian maid, 
 To Grecian realms the golden prize convey'd. 
 Thy fongs the rites of Cyprian blifs proclaim, 
 And in young virgins raife the melting flame j 
 For the foft paffion thy behefls approve, 
 And Erato's the kindred name of love. 
 Conceal'd in fedges as the heroes lie, 
 Juno and Pallas mark'd them from the fky ; 10 
 
 Apart from all the Gods their feats they took 
 In heaven's high hall, and thus Saturnia fpoke : 
 " Daughter of Jove, thy fage advice impart, 
 " By what nice fraud, what well-diflembled art, 
 
 L * _" Thefe
 
 148 tfke ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 4 Thefe venturous chiefs fhall gain the golden fleece, 
 " And fafe convey it to the realms of Greece. 16 
 " Say, fhall they call entreaties to their aid ? 
 " Will foft addrefs the wayward king perfuade, 
 *' So fam'd for fierce barbarity and pride ? 
 " No art, no effort muft be left untry'd." 2 
 
 She faid ; and Pallas thus : ' O Queen, I find 
 ; The fame ideas rifing in my mind : 
 c To lend affiftance to the Grecian train 
 ' My heart is willing, but my counfel vain.' 
 
 This faid, their minds on various projects ran, 25 
 On earth their eyes were fix'd, when Juno thus began: 
 
 " To Venus inftant let us fpeed our way, 
 " (Her foft perfuafions Cupid will obey) 
 " Intreat her that the wily God infpire 
 44 Medea's foul with love's unconquer'd fire, 30 
 ic Love for great ^Efon's fon j applauding Greece 
 " Will by her aid regain the glorious fleece." 
 
 She faid ; Minerva patronis'd the plan, 
 And thus with mild benevolence began : 
 
 c I, who arofe from Jove's immortal brain, 35 
 
 * 'Stranger to love, his pleafure or his pain, 
 
 ' Thy fage propofal from my foul approve ; 
 
 * Do thou explain it to the queen of love.' 
 
 This
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 149 
 
 This faid, with fpeed the two immortals came 
 To the grand manfion of the Cyprian dame, 40 
 
 Which crippled Vulcan rais'd, when firft he led 
 The^Paphian goddefs to his nuptial bed. 
 The gate they pafs, and to the dome retire 
 Where Venus oft regales the God of fire : 
 (He to his forge had gone at early day, 45 
 
 A floating ifle contain'd it on the bay, 
 Here wondrous works by fire's fierce power he wrought, 
 And on his anvil to perfection brought.) 
 Fronting the door, all lovely and alone. 
 Sat Cytherea on a polim'd throne, 50 
 
 Adown the moulders of the heavenly fair, 
 In eafy ringlets flow'd her flaxen hair ; 
 And with a golden comb, in matchlefs grace, 
 She taught each lock its moft becoming place. 
 She faw the deities approach her dome, 55 
 
 And from her hand difmifs'd the golden comb ; 
 Then rofe refpectful, all with beauty grac'd, 
 And on rich thrones the great immortals plac'd i 
 Refum'd her feat, and with a ready hand 
 Bound her loofe ringlets, and thus queftion'd bland : 
 * What caufe, ye vifitants from heaven, relate, 61 
 ! Has brought fuch guefts to Cytherea 's gate ?
 
 150 Me ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 * Ye who excel in high Olympus' fphere, 
 ' Such mighty deities, and ftrangers here ?' 
 Then thus Saturnia : " Wantonly you j eft, 65 
 
 " When preffing grief fits heavy on our breaft. 
 " Now in the Phafis, with his warlike train, 
 " Great Jafon moors, the golden fleece to gain : 
 " For that fam'd chief, and for his martial hoft, 
 "' Dire fears alarm us, but for Jafon moft : 70 
 
 " This potent arm, whate'er our prowefs can, 
 " Shall fnatch from mifery the gallant man, 
 " Tho' far as hell he, rafh adventurer ! go, 
 " To free Ixion, link'd in chains of woe j 
 " Left Pelias proudly heaven's decrees deride, 75 
 " Who on my altars facrifice deny'd. 
 " Nay more, young Jafon claims my love and grace, 
 " Whom late I met returning from the chace, 
 " Returning met, as o'er the world I ftray'd, 
 '* And human kind, and human works furvey'd ; 80 
 " Hard by Araurus I beheld the man, 
 ' Wide o'er its banks whofe rapid currents ran ; 
 14 (From fnow-clad hills, in torrents loud and ftrong, 
 Roar'd the fwoln ftreams the rugged rocks among.) 
 He on his back, though like a crone I flood, 85 
 !* Securely brought me o'er the foaming flood ; 
 
 * " Thi*
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 151 
 
 This won my love, a love for ever true, 
 " Nor will the haughty-minded Pelias rue 
 " His flagrant crimes, till you propitious deign 
 ' To fpeed my Jafon to his Greece again." 90 
 
 She fpoke, and Venus flood amaz'd to find 
 The queen of heaven to humble prayer inclin'd ; 
 Then thus familiar faid : * O wife of Jove, 
 4 Bafeft of beings call the queen of love, 
 
 * Unlefs her every word and work confpire 95 
 ' To give you all the fuccour you require : 
 
 * All that my hand, my feeble hand can do, 
 
 * Shall unrewarded be perform'd for you.' 
 Then Juno thus : " Not difficult the talk ; 
 
 44 No mighty force, no flrength of arm I afk. 100 
 
 " Bid gentle Love the Colcl^ian maid infpire, 
 
 " And for my Jafon fan the rifmg fire ; 
 
 " If kind me prove, he gains the golden fleece, 
 
 " And by her fubtle aid conduces it fafe to Greece." 
 
 Love's queen replied : * Cupid, ye powers divine, 105 
 
 4 Will reverence your injunctions more than mine : 
 
 4 Your looks will awe him, tho', devoid of mame, 
 
 * Of me the urchin makes eternal game, 
 
 * Oft he provokes my fpleen, and then I vow, 
 
 4 Enrag'd, I'll break his arrows and his bow : no 
 L 4 " Reftrain
 
 1556 ttc ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 " Reftrain your ire," exclaims the fneering elf, 
 * e Left you find reafon to upbraid yourfelf." 
 
 At this the Powers with fmiles each other view'd, 
 And Venus thus her woeful tale purfu'd : 
 
 * Others may ridicule the pains I feel, ij 
 
 * Nor boots it all my fuflferings to reveal. 
 c But fince ye jointly importune my aid, 
 
 * Cupid mall yield, and Venus be obey'd.' 
 
 She faid ; and Juno prefs'd her hand and foiil'd, 
 Then anfwered thus, benevolent and mild ; 120 
 
 " O grant this boon-, do inftant as you fay ; 
 46 Chide not the boy, and he will foon obey." 
 
 This faid, both haften'd to the realms above, 
 And left the inanfions of the queen of love : 
 The Cyprian goddefs o'er Olympus flies, 125 
 
 To find her fon in every dale me pries, 
 Through heaven's gay meads the queen purfu'd her 
 
 way, 
 
 And found him there with Ganymede at play. 
 Him Jove tranflated to the bleft abodes, 
 And, fam'd for beauty, plac'd among the Gods. 130 
 With golden dice, like boon compeers they play'd : 
 Love in his hollow hancl fome cubes convey'd, 
 RefolvM to cheat young Ganymede with thofe, 
 While on his cheeks the confcious crimfon rofe. 
 
 The
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS, 153 
 
 The Phrygian boy was vanquifh'd to his coft, 135 
 Two dice alone remain'd, and thofe he loft. 
 Silent he fat in dull dejected ftate, 
 Enrag'd that Cupid fhould deride his fate : 
 His lofs increafmg with protracted play, 
 He went a wretch with empty hands away, 140 
 
 Nor faw he Venus : fhe her Cupid took 
 Faft by the cheek, and thus upbraiding fpoke ; 
 * And can you laugh, you fly, deceitful elf? 
 1 Such tricks will bring a fcandal on yourfelf. 
 ' But hafte, my Cupid, my commands obey, 145 
 4 And a nice plaything ihall your toils repay, 
 
 * What once to Jove dear Adraftasa gave, 
 
 * When Jove was nourifh'd in the Cretan cave, 
 
 * A fweet round ball ; oh ! keep it for my fake, 
 
 * A finer ball not Vulcan's hands can make. 150 
 ' Gold are the circles, beauteous to behold, 
 
 ' And all the finifh'd feams are wrought in gold ; 
 
 ' But all fo clofe they fcarcely can be found : 
 
 * And the pale ivy winds its wreaths around. 
 
 * If high in air you fling this ball afar, 155 
 ' Jt fhines and glimmers like a radiant ftar. 
 
 * This prize I'll give, if you propitious prove, 
 J And lure Medea to the toils of love ; 
 
 * Fire
 
 154 Vfa ARGON AW TICS df Book III. 
 
 * Fire all her foul for Jafon : hafte, away ; 
 
 * The favour is diminifli'd by delay.' 160 
 She faid, and Cupid liftening long'd to hear, 
 
 For her fweet words are mufic to his ear. 
 
 He ceas'd his paftime, and with both his hands 
 
 Hangs on the Goddefs, and the ball demands. 
 
 She kifs'd her boy, and prefs'd him to her cheek, 165 
 
 And fondly fmiling thus fhe anfwer'd meek : 
 
 * By thee, my fon, and by myfelf I fwear, 
 
 * By all that's facred, and by all that's dear, 
 
 * This ball I'll give thee, if thy fatal dart 
 
 * Thou fix unerring in Medea's heart.' 170 
 This faid ; he gather'd all his dice with hafte, 
 
 And in his mother's fplendid lap he plac'd. 
 
 Then fnatch'd his bow and quiver from the ground, 
 
 And to his back with golden girdle bound. 
 
 From Jove's all-fertile plains he fwift withdrew, 175 
 
 And thro' Olympus' golden portals flew. 
 
 Thence the defcent is eafy from the Iky, 
 
 Where the two poles erect their heads on high, 
 
 Where the tall mountains their rough tops difplay, 
 
 And where the fun firft gives the radiant day. 180 
 
 Hence you behold the fertile earth below, 
 
 The winding ftreams^ the cliffs' aerial brow, 
 
 Citie?
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODITTS. 155 
 
 Cities extended on the diftant plain, 
 
 And thro' the vail expanfe the roaring main. 
 
 On the broad Phafis, in a fedgy bay, 185 
 
 Stretch'd on the deck the Grecian heroes lay -, 
 Till call'd to council rofe each godlike man, 
 And Jafon thus the conference began : 
 " To yon, my comrades, be my counfel known, 
 " *Tis yours that counfel with fuccefs to crown. 190 
 " One common caufe our great emprife is made ; 
 " The common caufe demands the common aid. 
 " He who unutter'd can his counfel keep, 
 " Stays our refailing o'er the founding deep. 
 " I to /Eeta's court will fpeed my way, 195 
 
 " The reft well-arm'd (hall in the veflel Hay ; 
 " With me (hall go, the palace to explore, 
 " Phrixus' brave ions, and two afibciates more. 
 " Firft will I prove the power of foft addrefs 
 " To gain the fleece ; complacence wins fuccefs. 200 
 " If in his arms he fternly mould confide, 
 *' And fpurn our claims with infolence and pride, 
 " Confult we whether, when fuch powers opprefs, 
 '* By arms or arts to free us from diftrefs. 
 ** Be force the lad alternative we take, 205 
 
 ** For foothing fpeeches deep imprefiions make ; 
 
 " And
 
 156 bt ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 " And oft, where force and martial prowefs fail, 
 4 The milder powers of eloquence prevail. 
 " Once king ^Eeta kind reception gave 
 
 To blamelefs Phrixus, when efcap'd the wave 210 
 " He fled from Ino's unrelenting hate, 
 " And the dire altars that denounc'd his fate. 
 <c Savage or focial, all alike approve 
 " The facred rites of hofpitable Jove." 
 
 He faid : the Greeks his fage advice rever'd ; 215 
 No voice diflentient thro' the hoft was heard : 
 Augeas then, and Telamon attends, 
 And with them Phrixus' fons, his faithful friends ; 
 Jafon they follow : he thy peaceful wand, 
 All-fapient Hermes, brandifh'd in his hand. 220 
 Soon from the fhip they gain the rifing ground, 
 Mount every fleep, and o'er the marmes bound, 
 Till Circe's plain they reach ; in many a row 
 Here humble fhrubs and lonely willows grow ; 
 On whofe tall branches, wavering o'er the fen, 225 
 Sufpended hang the carcafes of men. 
 At Colchos ftill this barbarous rite prevails : 
 They never burn the bodies of the males, 
 Nor deep in earth their decent limbs compofe, 
 And with fepulchral duft the dead enclofe; 230' 
 
 2 But
 
 Book III. APOLLO NIUS RHODIUS. 157 
 
 But in raw hides they hang them high in air : 
 And yet, that earth may equal portions fliare, 
 Departed females to the grave they doom, 
 (Such are their rites) and clofe them in the tomb. 
 
 The chiefs advance; but friendly Juno fhrouds 235 
 Her favourite heroes in a veil of clouds, 
 That none, too curious, might their fteps delay, 
 While to the regal dome they bent their way : 
 But when unfeen they pafs'd the vulgar crowd, 
 The fame kind deity difiblv'd the cloud. 240 
 
 Full in the court they ftand with fix'd amaze, 
 On the proud gates, ftrong walls and columns gaze, 
 Which, rear'd in rows, erect their heads on high, 
 And lift the brazen cornice to the fky. 
 The portal paft, young branching vines appear, 245 
 And high in air their verdant honours rear : 
 Beneath whofe boughs, by matchlefs Vulcan made, 
 Four copious fountains in four currents play*d ; 
 The firft with milk, with wine the fecond glow'd, 
 Ambrofial oil the third, the fourth with water flow'd ; 
 This, as by turns the Pleiads fet or rofe, 251 
 
 Difiblv'd 'm fummer, and in winter froze. 
 Such were the wonders which the chiefs admire, 
 All highly finished by the God of fire. 
 
 With
 
 158 We ARGONAUT i cs of Book III. 
 
 "With thefe were brafs-hoof'd bulls, of curious frame, 
 
 From brazen noftrils breathing living flame. 256 
 
 And, near, a plough of burnifh'd fteel was laid, 
 
 Which for the God of day great Vulcan made, 
 
 When Phcebus brought him in his friendly car, 
 
 Sore harrafs'd in the fierce Phlegrasan war. 260 
 
 The midmoft court they reach ; on either fide 
 
 Large folding doors the various rooms divide. 
 
 Two painted porticoes falute their eyes, 
 
 And high in air tranfverfe two turrets rife ; 
 
 In this, which far in (lately height excels, 265 
 
 JEeta with his royal confort dwells : 
 
 Abfyrtus that contains, his royal heir, 
 
 Defcended from Aflerode the fair, 
 
 A Scythian nymph, ere yet /Eeta led 
 
 Idya, Ocean's daughter, to his bed. 270 
 
 Him Phaeton the youthful Colchians call, 
 
 For he in beauty far furpafs'd them all. 
 
 The proud apartments that remained contain 
 
 Chalciope, Medea and their train. 
 
 Ordain'd a prieflefs to the Stygian queen, 275 
 
 She at the palace now was feldom feen : 
 
 $ut artful Juno, on this fignal day, 
 
 "Within the regal court decreed her (lay, 
 
 Here
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 159 
 
 Here now, from room to room, the penfive maid, 
 To find Chalciope her fitter, ftray'd. 280 
 
 Soon as me fpied them in the fpacious hall, 
 Aloud me call'd, her fitter heard her call, 
 And with her maidens Tallied from the door ; 
 Their growing webs were fcatter'd on the floor. 
 Well-pleas'd her fons me fees, and raptur'd (lands, 285 
 While high to heaven fhe rears her greeting hands -, 
 With equal joy to her embrace they fly. 
 Then thus Chalciope with plaintive cry : 
 4 Here tho* you left me, heedlefs of my cries, 
 
 See ! fate hath frown'd upon your bold emprife ; 290 
 ' Hath check'd your voyage o'er the diftant main, 
 ' And foon reftor'd you to thefe arms again. 
 ' Wretch that I was, when by your fire's command, 
 
 * Ye fought in evil hour the Grecian land ! 
 
 * Sad was the tafk your dying fire enjoin'd, 295 
 ' Sad and diftrefsful to a mother's mind. 
 
 * Ah ! whence the wim Orchomenos to fee, 
 
 * His city vifit, and abandon me ? 
 
 ' Yes, Athamas's fancied wealth to gain, 
 
 * Ye left me forrowing, and yc fought the main.' 300 
 Rous'd by her cries, at length ^Eeta came, 
 
 And to the hall repair'd his royal dame. * 
 
 With
 
 160 The ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 With bufy crowds the fpacious hall is fill'd ; 
 The fleer is chofen, and the victim kilPd. 
 Some heat the baths, fome cleave the knotty wood, 305 
 And all attentive round their monarch flood. 
 
 Cupid mean time, thro' liquid air ferene, 
 Speeds to the Colchian court his flight unfeen ; 
 Like that large fly, which breefe the fhepherds call, 
 That haftes to fting the heifers in the ftall. 310 
 
 The nimble God, unfeen, the porch afcends, 
 And there his bow behind a pillar bends ; 
 A fatal arrow from his quiver took, 
 And quick advancing with infidious look, 
 Behind great <Efon's fon, conceal'd from fight, 315 
 He fits the arrow, fatal in its flight j 
 Bends the tough bow with all his ftrength and art, 
 And deep he hides it in Medea's heart. 
 A fudden tranfport feiz'd the melting maid : 
 The God, exulting now, no longer ftaid. 32* 
 
 The glowing lhaft the virgin's heart infpires, 
 And in her bofom kindles amorous fires. 
 On Jafon beam'd the fplendor of her eyes j 
 Her fwoln breaft heav'd with unremitting fighs : 
 The frantic maid had all remembrance loft, 325 
 
 And the foft pain her fickening foul engrofs'd. 
 
 As
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 161 
 
 As ibme good houfewife, who, to labour born, 
 
 Frefh to her loom mud rife with early morn \ 
 
 Studious to gain what human wants require, 
 
 In embers heap'd preferves the feeds of fire ; 330 
 
 Renew'd by thefe the brand rekindling burns, 
 
 And all the glowing heap to ames turns : 
 
 Thus, kindling flow, love's fecret flames invade, 
 
 And torture, as they rife, the troubled maid : 
 
 Her changeful cheeks the heart-felt anguilh (how, 335 
 
 Now pale they turn, now like the ruby glow. 
 
 The rich repaft by fenefchals prepar'd, 
 Frefh from their baths return'd, the ilrangers fhar'd j 
 And when the rage of hunger was fupprefs'd, 
 His grandfons thus the Colchian king addrefs'd : 340 
 
 * Sons of my child, and Phrixus, honour'd moft 
 
 * Of all the guefts that reach'd the Colchian coaft, 
 Say, why fo foon return'd ? what lofs conilrains 
 
 * This fpeedy vifit to your native plains ? 
 
 In vain, with terrors for your fafety fraught, 345 
 
 * I urg'd the diftance of the climes ye fought ; 
 
 ' Warn'd, fince of old my fire's bright chariot bore 
 
 * Me and fair Circe to Hefperia's more, 
 
 * Where now o'er Tufcan reaVms my fitter reigns, 
 
 ! A long, long diitance from the Colchian plains. 350 
 M ' But
 
 1 6s The ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 ' But what of this ? come now, the caufe declare 
 * That brought you back, and who thefe heroes are.' 
 
 Then Argus, anxious for the Grecian band, 
 By birthright eldeft, rofe and anfwer'd bland : 
 
 " Our {hip, O king, by nightly tempefts toft, 355 
 *' On Mars's ifle, a dreary coaft, was loft , 
 " We, on the wreck by furious furges driv'n, 
 * c Were fav'd at laft by kind protecting heav'n. 
 *' Nor did thofe birds then defolate the fhore, 
 " Dire Harpies, that infefted it btfore ; 360 
 
 " For thefe brave warriors, the preceding day, 
 " Had driven the curft, infernal fiends away. 
 " Sure to our prayer fome God inclin'd his ear ; 
 ' l For when of Phrixus and your name they hear, 
 *' Food for our wants, and raiment they convey, 365 
 l< And to your dty now they bend their way. 
 <c But would you know, I'll tell their purpos'd plan : 
 " Lo ! fprung from .Solus the godlike man, 
 <c Whom a fierce tyrant's ftern decree conftrains 
 " To quit his country and his rich domains : 370 
 " Nor can he fcape Jove's rage, unlefs the fleece, 
 <c Bafe theft of Phrixus, be reftorM to Greece. 
 <c Their fliip was fafhion'd by Minerva's aid ; 
 " How different are the Colchian veiTcls made ! 
 
 " Ouxs,
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS.' 163 
 
 lt Ours, far the worft that ever rear'd a malt, 375 
 u Split with the tempeft's defolating blafl -, 
 c Theirs, firm-compacted, and of fitted wood, 
 " Defied each ftorrn that heav'd the troubled flood : 
 c With equal fpeed their nimble veffel fails, 
 " Impell'd by oars alone, or favouring gales. 380 
 et In this their chief, with chofen Greeks^ explores 
 ;s Unnumber'd feas, and towns, and wide-extended 
 
 Ihores. 
 
 " And now he fues the golden fleece to gain ; 
 c< But that as beft your princely will ordain 
 " Nor hoftile comes he ; as a friend he brings 385 
 " Large gifts proportion'd to the ftate of kings. 
 " Inform'd the fierce Sarmatians wade your lands, 
 <c He vows deflruclion to their barbarous bands. 
 
 " Their names and lineage mould you wifh to hear, 
 " Lend to my narrative a liftening ear. 390 
 
 ct He, in whofe caufe the Grecian chiefs confpire^ 
 " Is valiant Jafon, TEfon is his fire, 
 6 The fon of Cretheiis : thus are we ally'd 
 " By blood, relations on the father's fide : 
 ' The fons of ^Eolus were Cretheus fam'd, 395 
 " And Athemas, whofe heir was Phrixus nam'd. 
 <c 'Mid yon brave chiefs, Augeas you furvey, 
 '* Illuftrious offspring of the God of day, 
 
 M 2 " And
 
 1 64 The ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 ;t And Telamon, who high his birth can prove, 
 
 " His fire is ^Eacus, his grandfire Jove : 400 
 
 The reft, that vifit your auguft abodes, 
 " Are all the fons or grandfons of the Gods." 
 
 This faid, the King with indignation fwelPd, 
 But chief enrag'd his grandfons he beheld \ 
 Thro' them he deem'd the Greeks to Colchos came : 405 
 His eye-balls redden'd with avenging flame, 
 While thus he fpoke : ' Hence from my fight away, 
 
 * Nor longer, traitors, in my kingdom flay : 
 Back, back to Greece your fpeedy courfe purfue, 
 
 ' Nor idly hope the golden fleece to view. 410 
 
 * Not for that fleece (vain pretext ye muft own) 
 
 * But for my fceptre came ye, and my crown. 
 ' Had ye not firft my feaft partook to-day, 
 
 Your tongues and hands, torn out and lopp'd away, 
 Should for your bold atrocious crimes atone : 415 
 c My juft revenge had fpar'd your feet alone, 
 4 To bear you haftily to Greece again, 
 ' Dreading to vifit more my juft domain, 
 ' And with your perjuries the Gods profane.* 
 
 He faid : bold Telamon with fury burn'd, 429 
 And to the King ftern anfwer had return'd, 
 But Jafon check'd his warmth, and mild reply'd : 
 " Let not ^Eeta falfly thus decide. 
 
 !! Nor
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 165 
 
 < Nor crowns, nor empires come we here to gain , 
 " Who for fuch wealth would meafure half the 
 
 main ? 425 
 
 tc But fate, and Pelias* more fevere command, 
 " Have forc'd the fuppliant on your friendly land. 
 <c Aid us, and Greece your praifes fhall record, 
 " And thank you, fovereign, with their conquering 
 
 fword ; 
 
 " Whether the fierce Sarmatians to inthrall, 430 
 " Or realms more barbarous for your vengeance call." 
 While Jafon thus in gentleft terms reply'd, 
 The tyrant's breaft diftrafling thoughts divide, 
 Whether with vengeance on the foe to fly, 
 Or in the field of Mars his courage try. 43$ 
 
 On this refolv'd, ' What need (he thus begun) 
 ' With tedious tales my harrafs'd ears to ftun ? 
 
 * For whether from immortals ye defcend, 
 
 ' Or match'd in might ye dare with me contend, 
 ' Soon will I prove-, that proof mufl thou difplay ; 440 
 ' Then, if victorious, bear the fleece away ; 
 ' Nor fhall my hand the golden prize withold : 
 
 * Like your proud lord, I envy not the bold. 
 
 ' This nervous arm mail now fuftain the fight, 
 
 * Which calls to fpeedy proof thy boafted might. 44:5 
 
 M ' Two
 
 i66 The ARCONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 6 Two bulls in Mars's field your wonder claim, 
 
 '* Their hoofs of brafs* their noftrils breathing flame. 
 
 * Thefe oft I feize, and to the yoke conftrain 
 
 ' To plough four acres of the ftubborn plain. 
 
 * No feeds I fow, but fcatter o'er the land 450 
 
 * A dragon's teeth; when, lo! an armed band 
 
 * Of chiefs fpring up : but foon as they appear, 
 
 * I flay th* embattled fquadrons with my fpear. 
 ' Each morn I yoke the bulls, at eve refign : 
 
 '* Perform this labour, and the fleece is thine. 455 
 
 * Thefe are the terms ; on thefe the prize I quit : 
 
 * The weaker to the ftronger muft fubmit.' 
 
 He faid ; and Jafon, funk in thought profound, 
 Sat mute, his eyes faft fix'd upon the ground ; 
 Long time he ponder'd o'er the vaft defign, 460 
 
 Nor dar'd with confidence the battle join. 
 So hard the talk, he flood embarrafs'd long, 
 At laft thefe words dropp'd cautious from his tongue : 
 " Cruel thy terms, but juft: my ftrength I'll try 
 " In this dread conflict, though ordain'd to die. 465 
 " For, fay, what law fo rigorous can there be, 
 " As the hard law of fix'd neceflity ? 
 " That law which forc'd me from my native home, 
 " And bad me thus in fearch of dangers roam ?" 
 
 Perplex'd
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 167 
 
 Perplex'd he fpoke: then thus the king in rage, 470 
 
 * Rejoin thy comrades, fmce thou dar'ft engage. 
 4 But if the bulls conftrain thy heart to yield, 
 
 c Or the dread dangers of the martial field, 
 
 * Be mine the toil ; that hence the coward-flave 
 
 . * May dread to combat with the bold and brave.* 475 
 
 Imperious thus the haughty king replies : 
 And from their feats incens'd the heroes rife. 
 To warn his brothers here, at home, to wait, 
 Argus ftopp'd mort awhile: then rufti'd they thro* 
 
 the gate. 
 
 Far o'er the reft, in grace unmatch'd alone, 480 
 And charms fuperior youthful Jafon fhone. 
 Him thro* her veil the love-diftrafled maid 
 With melting eyes, and glance oblique furvey'd : 
 Her mind, as in a dream, bewilder'd ran, 
 And trac'd the footfteps of the godlike man. 485 
 Sorrowing they went : to fliun the monarch's ire, 
 With fond Chalciope her fons retire , 
 Medea follow'd, but with cares opprefs'd ; 
 Such cares as love had rais'd within her bread. 
 His graceful image in her mind me bore, 490 
 
 His gait, his manner, and the robe he wore, 
 His pointed words : thro' earth's remoteft bound 
 No prince (he deem'd with fuch perfections crown'd. 
 M 4 Hw
 
 i68 fhe ARGON AU TICS f Book III. 
 
 His tuneful voice ftill, ftill me feems to hear, 
 
 Still the fweet accents charm her liftening ear. 495 
 
 The bulls and wrathful king excite her dread : 
 
 She mourns his fate, as if already dead. 
 
 From her bright eyes the mower of anguifh breaks, 
 
 And thus, o'erwhelm'd with woe, Medea fpeaks : 
 
 " Why fall the tears of forrow from my eyes, 500 
 " Tho' he the firft or laft of heroes dies ? 
 " Perim the man 1 no, fafely let him fail ; 
 " And may my prayer, kirtd Hecate, prevail ! 
 " Safe fail he home : but, ah ! if doom'd to bleed, 
 " Teach him, that I rejoice not in the deed." 505 
 
 Thus mourn'd the maid : meantime to join their 
 
 train, 
 
 The chiefs purfue their courfe along the plain ; 
 Then Argus thus : * Though, Jafon, you may blame, 
 
 * And fpurn the counfel which I now proclaim ; 
 
 * Yet fure for us, with threatening dangers prefs'd, 
 
 e To try fome fafe expedient muft be beft. 5 1 1 
 
 ' A maid there is whole wondrous art excels, 
 
 * Long taught by Hecate, in magic fpells : 
 
 * Jf fhe propitious to our wimes yield, 
 
 1 Thou com'ft victorious from the martial field : 515 
 
 * But if Chalciope decline her aid, 
 
 * Be mine with tendered motives to perfuade. 
 
 i * Inftant
 
 Book III. APOLLO NIUS RHODIUS. 169 
 
 4 Inftant I'll go, on her for fuccour call ; 
 
 ' For lo ! one general ruin threatens all.* 
 
 Humane he fpoke, and Jafon thus rejoin'd ; 520 
 
 " Much I admire the purpofe of thy mind. 
 
 " Go, friend, to thy Chalciope repair, 
 
 " Sue her with foft entreaty and with pray'r : 
 
 " But, ah ! vain hopes our vacant minds muft fill, 
 
 " Who truft for conqueft to a woman's fkill." 525 
 
 He faid ; and foon they join'd their focial train, 
 Rejoic'd to meet their princely peers again. 
 Then Jafon thus began his mournful tale : 
 " With proud Meta. foft entreaties fail ; 
 u Our purpos'd end unable to attain, 530 
 
 ' Vain are my words, and your enquiries vain. 
 " Two monftrous bulls the tyrant bids me tame; 
 " Their hoofs of brafs, their noftrils breathing flame; 
 " Thefe muft my prowefs to the yoke conftrain, 
 " To plough four acres of the ftubborn plain j 535 
 " My feed a dragon's teeth, to fow the land ; 
 " When lo ! up fprings a formidable band 
 *' Of bright- arm'd giants j foon as they appear, 
 " Poiz'd by this arm, my well-directed fpear 
 " Muft pierce the foe : intrepid I accede 
 " To the hard terms, nor future dangers heed. 
 
 He faid : they dcem'd it all a defperate deed 
 
 Silent 
 
 540") 
 
 '." 
 
 :ed; J
 
 170 'fhe ARGON Atr TICS of Book III. 
 
 Silent they flood, with fad dejected look 
 
 Each gaz'd on other, till bold Peleus fpoke : 
 
 " Time calls for our refolves ; our fafety ftands 545 
 
 * No more in counfel, but in flrength of hands. 
 ' If, Jafon, eager of the honour, thou 
 
 ' Wilt yoke thefe fiery monfters to the plough, 
 
 * Hafte to the charge ; but if thy foul relent, 
 
 * Sunk in fad bodings of the dire event, 550 
 
 * Nor dar'ft thou go ; then go not, nor look round, 
 . * If haply here fome fitter man be found ; 
 
 ' Myfelf will go, and rifk my deareft breath ; 
 ' No greater evil can befall than death.* 
 
 He fpoke ; and Telamon with rage infpir'd 555 
 Starts up, and Idas with like fury fir'd ; 
 Next the twin-race of Tyndarus arifej 
 Laft Oeneus* fon, who with the braveft vies ; 
 Tho' o'er his cheeks fcarce fpreads the callow down, 
 His heart beats high for honour and renown. 560 
 And while the reft in mute attention ftand, 
 Argus befpeaks the emulative band : 
 " Tho' hard the talk, O chiefs, I ftill portend 
 " My parent will afllft, and prove a friend. 
 " Still in your fhip awhile with patience wait ; 565 
 " For rafhnefs will accelerate your fate. 
 
 3 !! Know,
 
 Book III. APOLLO NIUS RHODIUS. 171 
 
 " Know, at ^Beta's court a maiden dwells, 
 
 " Deep Ikill'd by Hecate in magic fpells : 
 
 *' All plants Ihe knows that grow on mountains fteep, 
 
 " On vales, or meads, or in the boundlefs deep ; 570 
 
 " By thefe Ihe quells the fire's relentlefs force, 
 
 " Stops the mad torrent in its headlong courfe, 
 
 !< Retards the planets as they roll on high, 
 
 " And draws the moon reluctant from the fky. 
 
 " As from the palace o'er the plain we came 575 
 
 " We mention'd oft my mother's honour'd name ; 
 
 " If me perchance her fifter could perfuade, 
 
 " And fix our intereft in the magic maid. 
 
 " Back, if you bid, my ready fteps I bend ; 
 
 " Fortune may fmile, and fair fuccefs attend." 580 
 
 He faid ; when, lo ! this fignal of their love, 
 
 Was kindly given them by the Powers above , 
 
 For, by the falcon chas'd, a trembling dove, 
 
 Far from his foe, to Jafon's bofom flies j 
 
 Stunn'd on the deck the felon falcon lies. 585 
 
 Then Mopfus thus divin'd : c The Powers of heav'n, 
 
 ' They, they alone this gracious fign have giv'n. 
 
 ' Be then the maid in mildeft terms addrefs'd ; 
 
 * She'll liften friendly to our joint requeft, 
 
 ' I ween me will ; if Phincus could foreknow 590 
 
 ! That we to Venus muft our fafety owe. 
 
 'For, 
 
 J\S 
 
 \
 
 172 the ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 For, lo ! her bird efcapes : oh ! may we prove 
 
 * With fafety crown'd, like her aufpicious dove. 
 c Entreat we now for Cytherea's aid, 
 
 ' And let th' advice of Argus be obey'd.' 595 
 
 Thus he ; the chiefs approv'd, remembering well 
 What Phineus deign'd prophetic to foretell : 
 Idas alone with indignation burn'd, 
 And with loud voice thus infolent return'd : 
 
 * Gods ! what a crew hath Argo wafted o'er ! 600 
 4 Women, not heroes throng the hoflile more. 
 
 * Women, who ftill to Venus' altars fly, 
 c Nor dare but only on her aid rely. 
 
 * No warlike deeds your daftard fouls inflame : 
 
 To you is Mars an unregarded name. 605 
 
 * As doves or falcons but direct your flight, 
 
 * You flinch at danger, and you dread the fight. 
 
 * Go ; and all manly, martial toils forbear, 
 
 * Sue to weak women, and deceive the fair.' 
 Furious he fpoke ; a general murmur ran 610 
 
 Thro' the whole train ; yet none oppos'd the man : 
 Indignant then he fat. Of dauntlefs bread 
 Thus ^fon's fon the liftening train addrefs'd : 
 4 This inftant Argus to the town I fend, 
 " For thus the general fuffrages intend : 615 
 
 " Meanwhile
 
 Book III. APOLLO NIUS RHODIUS. 173 
 
 " Meanwhile approach we nearer to the land, 
 " And fix, in fight, our halfers to the flrand : 
 " 111 fuits us longer thus to lie conceal'd ; 
 " We neither Ihun, nor dread the fighting field." 
 
 He faid, and Argus went without delay, 620 
 
 'And to the city backward fped his way ; 
 At Jafon's call they ply the labouring oar, 
 And land their beds and couches on the fhore. 
 
 Meantime the king a council call'd, and fat, 
 (So were they wont) without the palace-gate. 625 
 Afiembled there, unceafmg toils they plann'd, 
 And wiles deflructive to the Grecian band. 
 Thus he ordain'd, that when the bulls had (lain 
 And ftretch'd this dauntlefs hero on the plain, 
 Himfelf would lay the lofty foreft low, 630 
 
 And for the funeral-pile prepare the bough : 
 Their boafted fhip fhould be confum'd with fire, 
 And every traitor in the flames expire. 
 No hofpitable rites had Phrixus fhar'd, 
 Though much he wilh'd and merited regard, 635 
 Had not Jove haften'd Hermes from above 
 To win his favour and befpeak his love. 
 Were thefe invaders of his native foil 
 To thrive unpunifhM by rapacious fpoil, 
 
 Soon
 
 174 Sfifo ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 Soon would they make his lowing herds a prey, 640 
 And drive the fhepherds and their flocks away. 
 But Phrixus* fons, who join'd the lawlefs crew, 
 He vow'd with double vengeance to purfue : 
 Bafe plunderers ! come to fpoil him of his crown, 
 So had the Sun, his fapient fire, forefhown : 645 
 Who warn'd him to fufpect his faithlefs race, 
 And dread from them definition and difgrace. 
 Therefore difmifs'd he, by his fire's command, 
 The youths far diftant, ev'n to Grecian land. 
 His daughters gave him no perplexing care, 650 
 Nor young Abfyrtus, his adopted heir; 
 But from Chalciope's detefled race 
 He look'd for injuries, and fear'd difgrace. 
 Thus ftern denouncing, as with rage he fwells, 
 Death on each daring fubjecl: that rebels, 655 
 
 His guards he charg'd, and threaten'd vengeance due^ 
 If either 'fcap'd, the vefiel or the crew. 
 
 Swift to the palace Argus now repairs, 
 And to his pitying mother pours his pray'rs, 
 That me might importune Medea's aid j 660 
 
 Nor had the queen her fon's requeft delay'd, 
 But boding fears her willing mind reftrain, 
 Left all her fond entreaties mould be vain j 
 
 And
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 175 
 
 And Ihould the projefl be difclos'd to view, 
 
 Her father's ire the magic maid muft rue. 665 
 
 As on her couch reclin'd the virgin lay, 
 
 Soft (lumbers chas'd her anxious cares away ; 
 
 But frantic dreams, which love-fick minds infeft, 
 
 Prefent falfe terrors, and difturb her reft. 
 
 Her hero feem'd the tafk to undertake, 670 
 
 But not for honour, or the fleece's fake ; 
 
 For her alone he rifk'd the glorious ftrife, 
 
 To gain her love, and win her for his wife. 
 
 She then in dreams her utmoft fuccour lends, 
 
 And with the bulls herfelf in fight contends. 675 
 
 Her parents fiie, in fancied rage, aver'd 
 
 Falfe and regardlefs of their promis'd word, 
 
 Who Jafon doom'd the brazen bulls to foil, 
 
 But made not her a partner of the toil. 
 
 Then warm difputes and fierce contentions reign 680 
 
 Between ^Eeta and the Grecian traip : 
 
 On her decifion both the parties wait, 
 
 And deem what me determines to be fate. 
 
 In fpite of parents, the fond maid exprefs'd 
 
 Her choice in favour of her godlike gueft. 685 
 
 Rage wrung their fouls, and grief, and dire difrnay, 
 
 Till the loud clamour chas'd her fleep away. 
 
 Trembling
 
 176 The ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 Trembling (he darts ; pale fears confus'd her look j 
 Her foul reviv'd, and thus the virgin fpoke : 
 
 ' Alas ! what frightful dreams alarm my bread 690 
 
 * For thefe fam'd chiefs, but mod the royal gued ? 
 
 * I fear, fome mighty mifchief will enfue 
 
 4 From this bold leader and his gallant crew. 
 4 Yes, let him wed far off fome Grecian dame , 
 4 Be mine my parents' houfe, my virgin's fame. 695' 
 4 If from my headdrong purpofe I refrain, 
 
 * My filter's counfel might relieve my pain : 
 
 4 Oh ! for her fons would me my aid implore, 
 
 * My griefs would ceafe, my forrows be no more !' 
 She faid, and rofe, nor longer deign'd to wait, 700 
 But pad the threfhold of her fider's gate, 
 Barefoot, undred , long time me there remain'd, 
 (For moded fears her paffing dep redrain'd ;) 
 Then back retreats -, new courage foon acquires , 
 Again advances, and again retires : 705 
 Paffions fo various fway'd the virgin's bread, 
 
 That when fierce love impell'd her, fear reprefs'd : 
 Thrice (he effay'd, and thrice retreating fled j 
 Then on the pillow funk her drooping head : 
 
 As fome young damfel, whom her friends had join'd 
 In marriage to the darling of her mind, 711 
 
 Conceal'd
 
 Book III. A'P o L L o N i u $ R H o D i u s7 *77 
 
 Conceal'd in fecret, mourns her blooming mate 
 
 Snatch'd from her arms by fome untimely fate, 
 
 Ere yet kind heaven indulged them to employ 
 
 The golden moments in connubial joy : 715 
 
 In filence fhe, tho* flung with torturing grief, 1 
 
 Seeks on the widow'd bed the wim'd relief; 
 
 Looks eager round, then fheds the trembling tear, 
 
 Screen'd from the female eye, and tongue fevere. 1 
 
 Thus mourn'd Medea, not unfeen ; her pain 720! 
 
 Was mark'd by one, the youngeft of her train ; 
 
 Who told Chalciope Medea's grief; 
 
 And the fad tale exceeded her belief; 
 
 Her fons confulting, fhe with them eflay'd 
 
 To footh the forrows of the love-fick maid. 725 
 
 Inftant fhe rofe, and trembling with difmay 
 
 Came to the chamber where her fitter lay ; 
 
 Torn were her cheeks, the tears her grief corifefs'd ; 
 
 And thus Chalciope the maid addrefs'd : 
 
 ' Say, why thofe tears that thus incefTant fall ? 733 
 4 What mighty ills your feeble mind appal ? 
 ' Say, does fome heaven-fent woe your grief infpire? 
 6 Or in your bofom dwells ^Eeta's ire, 
 * My fons and I the caule ? Oh ! far from home, 
 I On the world's utmoft limits may I roam, 735 
 
 N ! Nor
 
 178 fa ARC o N A u T i c's of febok III. 
 
 * Nor fee my parents, nor my native fhore, 
 
 * Nor hear the hated name of Colchos more !' 
 
 She faid : Medea's cheeks the crimfon ftain'd ; 
 She ftrove to fpeak, but fhame her words reftrain'd. 
 Now on her lips the ready accents hung, 740 
 
 Now ftifled in her bread : her faltering tongue 
 Long time the purpofe of her foul witheld, 
 Artful at length me fpoke, by love impell'd : 
 
 " Dire fears, Chalciope, my foul difmay, 
 " Left with thefe guefts my fire thy children flay, 745 
 * c My frightful dreams fuch horrid fcenes preferit ; 
 <c May fome kind deity thefe woes prevent ! 
 " Left for thy fons the tears eternal flow :" 
 Thus fpoke the maid, inquifitive in woe, 
 If haply, for her children's fate afraid, 750 
 
 Chalciope might firft Iblicit aid. 
 Mix'd grief and terror all the mother fhook, 
 At laft, impafiion'd, thus fhe trembling fpoke : 
 
 ' 'Tis for their fakes I now before thee ftafid ; . 
 * . Lend me, O lend thy falutary hand ! 755 
 
 ' But fwear by earth and heaven what I unfold 
 
 * Refts in thy bofom, never to be told : 
 
 * By the great Gods, and all that's dear I call, 
 c Swear thou wilt never fee my children fall, 
 
 4 Left
 
 Book III. A p o i L o N i u s R H o D j.u s.* 179 
 
 * Left I too perim, and in fell defpight 760 
 
 * Rile a dread fury from the fhades of night.' 
 Earned me fpoke, and tears inceflant flied, 
 
 Then on her filter's bread reclin'd her head. 
 And mix'd their mutual fighs ; groan anfwer'd groan, 
 And the wide palace echo'd to their moan. 765 
 
 Medea thus in mournful terms replies : 
 
 " Alas! what fuccour can my thoughts devife, 
 *' Thus- with thy cruel menaces opprefs'd ? 
 tc Oh, ftill uninjur'd may thine offspring reft ! 
 " By heaven above I fwear, and earth below, 770 
 " Earth, the great mother of the Gods, I vow, 
 * c (If aught my power can do, or words perfuade) 
 " To give thee counfel, and to lend my aid.'* 
 Thus fpoke the maid j and thus Chalciope ; 
 ' Perhaps, in favour of my fons and me, .775 
 
 * Thy mind, to fave the hero, might impart 
 ' Some fecret counfel, fome myfterious art. 
 
 * From Jafon Argus comes, imploring aid ; 
 
 * They reft their fafety on the magic maid.' 
 
 Thus me , with joy exults the virgin's heart, 7 So 
 And rifmg blulhes rofy charms impart-, 
 But foon o'ercaft with grief fhe thus reply'd : 
 ** To ferye-thee, fitter, be no art untry'd. 
 
 N 2 " Ne'er
 
 180 *The ARGONACTICS of Book III. 
 
 H Ne'er may I fee with pleafurable eyes 
 
 " In yon bright orient cheerful morning rife, 785 
 
 " If aught on earth be half fo dear to me 
 
 <c As is the welfare of thy fons and thee. 
 
 " As brethren they my fond regard engage, 
 
 " By blood related, and the fame our age. 
 
 " My filter, moft elteem'd, and ever dear, 790 
 
 " Thee with a daughter's love I ftill revere. 
 
 " For with thy children, nurs'd by thee, I fhar'd 
 
 " (So fame reports) a mother's fond regard. 
 
 * 6 Go then, and from my prying parents hide 
 
 " The means of fuccour which I now provide. 795 
 
 " All-potent fpells will I, at dawn of day, 
 
 " To Hecate's myfterious fhrine convey." 
 
 Pleas'd with the tale, Chalciope departs, 
 
 And with the proffer'd aid tranfports her children's 
 
 hearts. 
 
 Fear mix'd with Ihame now feiz'd the lonely maid, 800 
 Who dare, her fire reluctant, lend her aid. 
 Now rifing fhades a folemn fcene difplay 
 O'er the wide earth, and o'er th' etherial way ; 
 All night the failor marks the northern team, 
 And golden circlet of Orion's beam ; 805 
 
 A deep repofe the weary watchman mares, 
 And the faint wanderer ileeps away his cares ; 
 
 Ev'n
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS." iSi 
 
 Ev'n the fond maid, while yet all breathlefs lies 
 
 Her child of love, in flumber feals her eyes : 
 
 No found of village-dog, no noife invades 810 
 
 The death-like filence of the midnight fhades ; 
 
 Alone Medea wakes : to love a prey, 
 
 Reftlefs me rolls, and groans the night away : 
 
 For lovely Jafon cares on cares fucceed, 
 
 Left vanquim'd by the bulls her hero bleed ; 815 
 
 In fad review dire fcenes of horrors rife, 
 
 Quick beats her heart, from thought to thought flie 
 
 flies: 
 
 As from the ftream-ftor'd vafe with dubious ray 
 The fun-beams dancing from the furface play ; 
 Now here, now there the trembling radiance falls, 820 
 Alternate flafhing round th' illumin'd walls : 
 Thus fluttering bounds the trembling virgin's blood, 
 And from her eyes defcends a pearly flood. 
 Now raving with refiftlefs flames fhe glows, 
 Now fick with love fhe melts with fofter woes : 825 
 The tyrant God, of every thought pofiefs'd, 
 Beats in each pulfe, and flings and racks her breaft: 
 Now fhe refolves the magic to betray- 
 To tame the bulls now yield him up a prey. 
 Again the drugs difdaining to fupply, 830 
 
 She loaths the light, and meditates to die : 
 
 N 3 Anon,
 
 8 2! 'The ARGONAUTICS bf Book III. 
 
 Anon, repelling with a brave drfdain 
 
 The coward thought, fhe nourifhes the pain. 
 
 Then paufing thus : " Ah wretched me ! me cries, 
 
 46 Where'er I turn what varied forrows rife ! 835 
 
 <e Toft in a giddy whirl of flrong defire, 
 
 " I glow, I burn, yet blefs the pleafing fire : 
 
 " Oh ! had this fpirit From its prifon fled, 
 
 *' By Dian fent to wander with the dead, 
 
 " Ere the proud Grecians view'd the Colchian fkies, 
 
 u Ere jafon, lovely Jafon, met thefe eyes ! 841 
 
 <e Hell gave the fhining mifchief to our coaft, 
 
 <e Medea faw him, and Medea's loft 
 
 <c But why thefe forrows ? if the powers on high 
 
 " His death decree,- -die, wretched Jafon, die ! 845 
 
 *' Shall I elude my fire? my art betray ? 
 
 " Ah me ! what words mall purge the guilt away ! 
 
 " But could I yield O whither muft I run 
 
 " To find the chief whom virtue bids me mun ? 
 
 ** Shall I, all loft to fhame, to Jafon fly ? 850 
 
 " And yet I muft if Jafon bleeds I die ! 
 
 " Honour farewell ! : adieu for ever fhame ! 
 
 54 Hail black difgfacel and branded be my fame! 
 
 Live, Jafon, live ! enjoy the vital air ! 
 !? Live thro' my aid ! and fly where winds can bear. 855 
 5 ^ But
 
 Book III. APQLLONI^S RHODIUS. 183 
 
 " But when he flies, cords, poiibns lend your pow'rs ; 
 " That day Medea treads th' infernal fhores ! 
 " Yet what reproach will after death be caft ? 
 
 4 The maids of Colchos will my honour blaft 
 " I hear them cry the falfe Medea's dead, 860 
 
 ' Thro' guilty paflion for a (Iranger's bed j 
 " Medea, carelefs of her virgin fame, 
 " Preferr'd a ftranger to a father's name ! 
 " O may I rather yield this vital breath, 
 " Than bear that bafe dimonour worfe than death !" 
 Thus wail'd the fair, and feiz'd, with horrid joy, 866 
 Drugs foes to life, and potent to deftroy ; 
 A magazine of death ! again fhe pours 
 From her fwoln eye-lids tears in mining Ihow'rs. 
 With grief infatiate, comfortlefs fhe ftands, 870 
 
 And opes the cafket, but with trembling hands. 
 A fudden fear her labouring foul invades, 
 Struck with the horrors of th' infernal fhades : 
 She ftands deep-mufing with a faded brow, 
 Abforb'd in thought, a monument of woe! 875 
 
 While all the comforts that on life attend, 
 The cheerful converfe, and the faithful friend, 
 By thought deep-imag'd in her bofom play, 
 Endearing life, and charm defpair away. 
 
 N 4 Enlivening
 
 184 ?be ARGONAUT i cs of Book III. 
 
 Enlivening funs with fweeter light arife, 880 
 
 And every object brightens to her eyes. 
 Then from her hand the baneful drugs fhe throws, 
 Contents to live, recovered from her woes ; 
 Refolv'd the magic virtue to betray, 
 She waits the dawn, and calls the lazy day : 885 
 Time feems to ftand, or backward drive his wheels ^ 
 The hours me chides, and eyes the eaftern hills : 
 At length the morn difplays her rofy light, 
 And the whole town ftands pictur'd to her fight. 
 Back to the fhip (his brothers left behind 89$ 
 
 To mark the motions of Medea's mind) 
 'Argus returned ; meanwhile her golden hair, 
 That flow'd diffufive in the wanton air, 
 The virgin binds ; then wipes the tears away, 
 And from her eyes bids living lightning play ; 895 
 On every limb refrefhing unguents pours, 
 Unguents, that breathe of heaven, in copious fhow'rs. 
 Her robe me next afiumes ; bright clafps of gold 
 Clofe to the lefTening waift the robe infold : 
 Down from her fwelling loins the reft unbound 900 
 Floats in rich waves redundant o'er the ground : 
 Then takes her veil, and ftately treads the room . 
 .With graceful cafe, regardlefs of her doom. 
 
 Thus
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. i $5 
 
 Thus forward moves the faireft of her kind, 
 Blind to the future, to the prefent blind. 905 
 
 Twelve maids, attendants on her virgin bow'r, 
 Alike unconfcious of the bridal hour, 
 Join to the car her mules ; dire rites to pay, 
 To Hecate's fair fane me bends her way. 
 A juice me bears, whofe magic virtue tames 910 
 (Thro* fell Periephone) the rage of flames j 
 For one whole day it gives the hero might, 
 To ftand fecure of harms in mortal fight} 
 It mocks the fword ; the fword without a wound 
 Leaps as from marble fhiver'd to the ground. 915 
 This plant, which rough Caucafean mountains bore, 
 Sprung from the venom of Prometheus' gore, 
 (While on the wretch the favage eagle ftorm'd) 
 In colour like Corycian crocus form'd : 
 On two tall ftems up-fprings the flowery moot, 920 
 A cubit high ; like red raw flefh its root. 
 From this root's juice, as black as that diftill'd 
 From mountain beeches, the fair maid had fill'd 
 A Cafpian conch j but firft, as beft befeems, 
 Array'd in black feven times in living dreams 925 
 She bath'd j and call'd feven times on Brimo's name, 
 At midnight hour, the ghoft-compelling dame.
 
 i &6 fbe A R c o N A u ri c st of Book III. 
 
 She pluck'd the root, earth murmur'd from below, 
 And fad Prometheus groan'd with agonizing woe. 
 This root the Colchian maid fele&ing plac'd 939 
 In the rich zone that bound her (lender waift : 
 Then ifluing mounts the car, but not alone, 
 On either fide two lovely damfels Ihone : 
 Jier hand with fkill th* embroider'd rein controuls, 
 Back fty the ftreets as fwift the chariot rolls. 935 
 Along the wheeUworn road they fpeed their way, 
 The domes retreat, the finking towers decay : 
 Bare to the knee fuccinclt a damfel-train 
 Clofe throng behind them, haftening to the plain. 
 
 As when her limbs divine, piana laves 940 
 
 In fair Parthenius, or th* Amnefian waves, 
 Sublime in royal ftate the bounding roes 
 Whirl her bright car along the mountain brows : 
 Swift to fome facred feaft the goddefs moves, - 
 The nymphs attend that haunt the fhady groves j 945 
 Th' Amnefian fount, or filver-ftreaming rills, 
 Nymphs of the vales, or Oreads of the hills : 
 The fawning beafts before the goddefs play, 
 Or, trembling, favage adoration pay : 
 
 Thus on her car fublime the nymph appears, 950 
 The croud falls back, and, as ftie moves, reveres : 
 
 Swift
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. itj 
 
 Swift to the fane aloft her courfe fhe bends, 
 The fane (he reaches, and on earth defcends ; 
 
 Then to her train " Ah me ! I fear we ftray, 
 
 " Mifled by folly to this lonely way ! 95$ 
 
 *' Alas ! mould Jafon with his Greeks appear, 
 
 " Where fliould we fly ? I fear, alas, I fear ! 
 
 " No more the Colchian youths, and virgin train, 
 
 " Haunt the cool fhade, or tread in dance the plain. 
 
 ce But fmce alone with fports beguile your hours, 960 
 
 " Collect fweet herbs, and pluck the faireft flow'rs : 
 
 " If due attention to my words ye pay, 
 
 <c With richeft fpoils ye fhall return to-day. 
 
 4 * For Argus and Chalciope require, 
 
 " (But facred keep this fecret from my fire) 965 
 
 a That for large prefents, for my fuccour paid, 
 
 *' To this rafh ftranger I mould lend my aid. 
 
 " I pafs'd my word, and foon without his train 
 
 *' The Grecian will attend me at the fane : 
 
 * c In equal portions we the fpoil will fhare--* 970 
 
 " For him a dofe more fatal I prepare 
 
 * e But when he comes, ye nymphs, retire apart.** 
 
 She fpoke ; the nymphs approv'd the virgin's art; 
 
 When Argus heard the maid with early day 
 To Hecate's fair fane would fpeed her way, 975 
 
 He
 
 i88 *ffa ARGONAUTICS ef Book III. 
 
 He beckon'd Jafon from his bold compeers 
 
 Apart, and Mopfus moft renown'd of feers ; 
 
 For prefcient Mopfus every omen knew 
 
 Qf birds that parting or approaching flew. 
 
 No mortal ever of the firil-born race g8 
 
 Difplay'd like Jafon fuch fuperior grace, 
 
 Whether from demigods he trac'd his line, 
 
 Or Jove himfelf immortal and divine, 
 
 As grac'd by Juno, Jove's imperial queen, 
 
 With foft addrefs, and dignity of mien. 985 
 
 His comrades gaz'd with wonder as he went j 
 
 Mopfus fprcfaw and hail'd the bleft event. 
 
 Hard by the path, and near the temple, (lands 
 
 A poplar tall that wide its arms expands ; 
 
 Here frequent rooks their airy paftime take, 990 
 
 And on the boughs their fpray-form'd manfions make; 
 
 One fhook its pinions, (louder than the reft) 
 
 And croaking, thus Saturnia's mind exprefs'd ; 
 
 * Vain feer ! whofe divinations fail to telj 
 
 * Thofe plain events which children know fo well j 995 
 ' That maids will not, with comrades in the train, 
 
 c Tell the foft love-tale to their favour'd fwain. 
 
 * Falfe prophet, hence! for thee nor love infpires, 
 ' Nor Venus gratifies with foft defires.' 
 
 3 Then
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS.' 189 
 
 Then Mopfus langh'd, as fcoffing thus fhe fpoke, 1000 
 
 To hear the bird her dark predictions croak ; 
 
 And thus : " Hence, Jafon, to the fane, and find 
 
 ** The maiden to thy warmeft wifhes kind ; 
 
 " Venus approves, and fortune will enfbe, 
 
 " If what prophetic Phineus faid prove true. 1005 
 
 " Myfelf and Argus here will wait apart, 
 
 :t Go and unfold the fecrets of thy heart ; 
 
 " Be every mode of foft perfuafion try'd." 
 
 He counfel'd wifely, and the chief comply'd. 
 
 Meanwhile the maid her fecret thoughts enjoy'd, 
 And one dear object all her foul employ'd : ion 
 Her train's gay fports no pleafure can reftore, 
 Vain was the dance, and mufic charm'd no more j 
 She hates each object, every face offends, 
 In every wifh her foul to Jafon fends ; 1015 
 
 With fharpen'd eyes the diftant lawn explores, 
 To find the hero whom her foul adores ; 
 At every whifper of the pafllng air, 
 She ft arts, me turns, and hopes her Jafon there ; 
 Again me fondly looks, nor looks in vain, 1020 
 
 He comes, her Jafon mines along the plain. 
 As when, emerging from the watery way, 
 Refulgent Sirius lifts his golden ray, 
 
 He
 
 190 *fhe A-RGON ANTICS tf Book III. 
 
 "He mines terrific ! for his burning breath 
 Taints the red air with fevers, plagues and death ; 
 Such to the nymph approaching Jafon fhows, 1026 
 Bright author of unutterable woes; 
 Before her -eyes a fwimming darknefs fpread, 
 Her flufh'd cheeks glow'd, her -very heart was dead : 
 No more her knees their wonted office knew, 1030 
 Fix'd, without motion, as to earth they grew. 
 Her train recedes the meeting lovers gaze 
 In filent wonder, and in ftill amaze. 
 As two fair cedars on the mountain's brow, 
 Pride of the groves ! with-roots adjoining grow; 1035 
 Ereft and motionlefs the ftately trees 
 Short time remain, while fleeps each fanning breeze, 
 Till from th* ^Eolian caves a blaft unbound 
 Bends their proud tops, and bids their boughs refound : 
 Thus gazing they ; till by the breath of love, 1040 
 Strongly at laft infpir'd, they fpeak, they move j 
 With fmiles the love-fick virgin he furvey'd, 
 And fondly thus addrefs'd the blooming maid : 
 ' Difmifs, my fair, my love, thy virgin fear; 
 
 * Tis Jafon fpeaks, no enemy is here ! 1045 
 
 * Dread not in me a haughty heart to find, 
 
 ' In Greece I bore no proud inhuman mind. 
 
 ,' Whom
 
 3kok III. A POLL ON i us RKODIUS." 191 
 
 * Whom would'ft thou fly ? ftay, lovely virgin, 'ftay! 
 ' Speak every thought ! far hence be fears a\vay 1 
 
 ' Speak ! and be truth in every accent found ! 1050 
 4 Scorn to deceive ! we tread o'n hallow'd ground, 
 
 * By the ftern power who guards this facred place, 
 ' By the fam'd authors of thy royal race ; 
 
 * By Jove, to whom the Granger's caufe belongs, 
 
 ' To whom the fuppliant, and who feels their wrongs; 
 O guard me, fave me, in the needful hour ! 1056 
 
 * Without thy aid thy Jafon is no more. 
 
 * To thee a fuppliant, in diftrefs I bend, 
 
 * To thee a ftranger, one who wants a friend ! 
 
 * Then, when between us feas and mountains rife, 1060 
 ' Medea's name mall found in diftant fkies ; 
 
 * All Greece to thee (hall owe her heroes' fates, 
 ' And blefs Medea thro' her hundred ftates. 
 
 ' The mother and the wife, who now in vain 
 
 6 Roll their fad eyes faft-flreaming o'er the main, 1065 
 
 * Shalt ftay their tears : the mother, and the wife, 
 ' Shall blefs thee for a fon's or hufband's life I 
 
 * Fair Ariadne, fprung from Minos' bed, 
 
 * Sav'd valiant Thefeus, and with Thefeus fled, 
 
 * Forfook her father, and her native plain, 1070 
 
 * And ftem'd the tumults of the forging main ; 
 
 * Ye
 
 i<)2 fbe A \ G o N A u T i c s of Book IH. 
 
 * Yet the ftern fire relented, and forgave 
 
 * The maid, whofc only crime it was to fave-, 
 
 c Ev'n the juft Gods forgave : and now on high 
 
 * A ftar me mines, and beautifies the fky : 1075 
 
 * What blefTmgs then mail righteous heaven decree 
 ' For all our heroes fav'd, and fav'd by thee ? 
 
 * Heaven gave thee not to kill, fo foft an air ; 
 
 * And cruelty fure never look'd fo fair !' 
 
 He ceas'd, but left fo charming on her ear 1080' 
 His voice, that liftening ftill me feem'd to hear ; 
 Her eyes to earth me bends with modeft grace, 
 And heaven in fmiles is open*d on her face. 
 A look me fteals ; but rofy blufhes fpread 
 O'er her fair cheek, and then me hangs her head. 1085 
 A thoufand words at once to fpeak me tries ; 
 In vain but fpeaks a thoufand with her eyes ; 
 Trembling the mining cafket me expands. 
 Then gives the magic virtue to his hands ; 
 And had the power been granted to convey 1050 
 
 Her heart had given her very heart away. 
 For Jafon beam'd in beauty's charms fo bright, 
 The maid admiring languim'd with delight. 
 Thus, when the rifmg fun appears in view, 
 On the fair rofe diffolves the radiant dew. 1095 
 
 Now
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 193 
 
 Now on the ground both caft their balhful eyes, 
 Both view each other now with wild furprize. 
 The rofy fmiles now dimpling on their cheeks, 
 The fair at length in faltering accents fpeaks : 
 
 " Obfervant thou to my advice attend, uocj 
 
 " And hear what fuccour I propofe to lend. 
 *' Soon as my fire JEeta mail beftow 
 ' The dragon's teeth in Mars's field to fow, 
 " The following night in equal (hares divide ; 
 " Bathe well thy limbs in fome perennial tide; 1105 
 " Then all retir'd, thyfelf in black array, 
 <c Dig the round fofs, and there a viftim flay, 
 " A female lamb ; the carcafe place entire 
 tc Above the fofs, then light the facred pyre, 
 " And Perfeus' daughter, Hecate, appeafe 1116 
 " With honey, fweetefl labour of the bees ; 
 " This done, retreat, nor, while the relicks burn, 
 " Let howling dogs provoke thee to return, 
 " Nor human footfteps , left thou render vain 
 " The charm, and with dimonour join thy train. 1115 
 " Next morn, the whole enchantment to fulfil, 
 *' This magic unguent on thy limbs diftil : 
 " Then thou with eafe wilt ftrong, and graceful move, 
 " Not like a mortal, but the Gods above. 
 
 O !! Forget
 
 *94 7* ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 " Forget not with this unguent to befmear 1 120 
 ' Thy fword, thy buckler, and tremendous fpear : 
 ;< No giant's falchions then can harm thy frame, 
 " Nor the fell rage of bulls expiring flame. 
 '" One day, nor longer, wilt thou keep the field ; 
 " Nor thou to perils, nor to labour yield. 1125 
 
 " But mark my words ; when thou, with ceafelefs toil, 
 " Haft yok'd the bulls and plough'd the ftubborn foil ; 
 tc And feeft up-fpringing on the teeth- fown land 
 " Of giant foes a formidable band, 
 ct Hurl flily 'midft their ranks a rough hard ftone, 
 " And they, like dogs contending for a bone, 1131 
 " Will flay each other : thou with fpeed renew 
 t The glowing fight, and conqueft will enfue. 
 ** Thus fhalt thou bear from yEa's realms to Greece, 
 " If fuch thy fix'd refolve, the Golden Fleece." 1135 
 
 This faid, her eyes were fix'd upon the ground, 
 And her fair cheeks with flreaming forrows drown'd; 
 Defponding anguifli feiz'd her gentle mind, 
 Left he fhould leave her comfortlefs behind. 
 Imbolden'd thus, him by the hand flie prefs'd, 1 140 
 And in the language of her foul addrefs'd ; 
 
 " If fafely hence thou fail'ft, O, think of me ! 
 " As I for ever Ihall remember thee ! 
 
 L' And
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS.' 19$ 
 And freely tell me, to relieve my pain, 
 Where lies thy home beyond the boundlefs main ? 
 
 " Say, is Orchomenos thy native foil ? 1146 
 
 " Or dwell'ft thou nearer on th' jEaean ifle ? 
 
 " Let me that far-fam'd virgin's name inquire, 
 Who boafts the fame high lineage with my fire.'* 
 She faid , her tears his foft companion won, 1 150 
 
 And thus the chief, by Love infpir'd, begun : 
 
 * While on my fancy bright ideas play, 
 
 ' Thy image never from my foul Ihall ftray, 
 ' If fafe I fail, prefer v'd by thee, to Greece, 
 ' Nor heavier labours interrupt my peace. H55 
 
 * But if the diftant country where I dwell 
 
 ' Thy will demands, my ready tongue mail tell; 
 ' A land there is which lofty hills furround, 
 ' For fertile paftures and rich herds renown'd, 
 ' Where from Prometheus good Deucalion came, 
 
 * His royal heir, Hasmonia is the name. 1161 
 ' Deucalion here the firft foundations laid 
 
 ' Of towns, built fanes, and men by empire fway'd j 
 ' There my lolcos Hands, and many more 
 ' Fair ample cities, that adorn the fhore. 1165 
 
 ' What time, as rumour'd by the voice of fame, 
 
 * JEoYian Minyas to that country came, 
 
 02 'He
 
 Ffo ARGONAUT res of Book ITf. 
 
 He built, clofe bordering on the Theban ground, 
 Orchomenos, a city far renown'd. 
 ' But why your wonder fhould I vainly raife ? 1 170 
 
 * My birth-place tell, and Ariadne*s praife ? 
 
 * For this the virgin's name you now inquire, 
 
 * A lovely maid, and Minos is her fire. 
 
 * Oh ! may, like hers, your fire propitious prove, 
 
 * Who honoar'd Thefeus with his daughter's love P 
 
 Complacent thus he footh'd her forrowing foul ; 
 Yet anxious cares within her bofom roll. 
 " Perchance in Greece" (the penfive maid rejoin'd) 
 *' Oaths are rever'd, and folemn compacts bind. 
 " But Minos greatly differs from my fire, 1180 
 
 " Nor I to Ariadne's charms afpire. 
 ** Then mention hofpitality no more ^ 
 " But, fafe conduced to thy native more, 
 " Grant this, 'tis all I a(k, Oh f think of me, 
 lt As I for ever mail remember thee, 1185 
 
 " In my great fire, the Colchian king's defpite : 
 <e But if thy pride my ardent pafllon flight, 
 *' Fame, or fome bird the hateful news will bring ; 
 6 Then will I chace thee on the tempeft's wing, 
 " Brand thy falfe heart, thy curs'd familiar be, 1 190 
 *' And prove thou ow'ft thy life, thy all to me." 
 
 5 Medea,
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. -197 
 
 Medea thus, and tears abundant fhed ; 
 And mildly thus the ion of ^Efon faid : 
 
 * In vain, dear nymph, thy mifiive bird mall foar 
 
 * Thro* air fublime, in vain the tempeft roar. 1195 
 
 * But if towards Greece thou deign'ft thy court to 
 
 bear, 
 ' Immortal honours mall attend thee there ; 
 
 * There hufbands, brothers, ions, fo long deplor'd, 
 
 * Safe to their native land by thee reftor'd, 
 
 * Shall as a Goddefs reverence thy name, 1200 
 
 * And pay thee rites which only Gods can claim. 
 
 * But would'ft thou grace my bed with bridal ftate, 
 f Our love can only be diflblv'd by fate/ 
 
 His words with raptures all her foul fubdue; 
 Yet gloomy objects rife before her view, 1205 
 
 Ordain'd, ere long, Thefialia's realms to fee ; 
 For fuch was Juno's abfolute decree, 
 That foon to Greece the Colchian maid Ihould go, 
 To Pelias fource of unremitting woe. 
 
 Meanwhile apart her anxious handmaids ftay, 1210 
 In filence waiting till the clofe of day : 
 Such pleafing tranfports in her bofom roll, 
 His form, his words fo captivate her foul, 
 On feather'd feet the hours unheeded fled, 
 Which warn*d her home : ' Hence (cautious Jafon faid) 
 O 3 ! Hence
 
 'if 8 The ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 * Hence let us haften unperceiv'd away, 1216 
 
 f And here enraptur'd pafs fome future day.* 
 
 Thus the blcft hours in converfe fweet they fpent, 
 And both unwilling from the temple went ; 
 He to his comrades bordering on the main, 1220 
 The fair Medea to her virgin train. 
 Her train approach'd, but flood unnotic'd by j 
 Her foul fublime expatiates in the fky. 
 Her rapid car fhe mounts -, this hand fuftains 
 ,The polifh'd thong, and that the flowing reins. 1225 
 Fleet o'er the plain the nimble mules convey'd 
 ,To /Ea's walls the love-tranfported maid. 
 
 Meanwhile Chalciope aflonifh'd (lands, 
 And inftant tidings of her fons demands ; 
 In vain : fad cares had clos'd Medea's ears, 123 
 No anfwers gives fhe, and no queflions hears ; 
 But on a footftool low, befide her bed, 
 All bath'd in tears fhe fits; her hand fuftains her head. 
 There fits fhe pondering, in a penfive flate, 
 What dire diftrefles on her counfels wait. 1235 
 
 But Jafon, eager to return, withdrew 
 With his two friends, and join'd his focial crew, 
 Who throng'd impatient round, while he difplay'd 
 The fecret counfels of the Colchian maid, 
 
 i And
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 199 
 
 And fhow'd the potent herbs : Idas apart 1243 
 
 Conceal'd the choler rankling in his heart. 
 
 Meanwhile the reft, when glimmering day-light clos'd, 
 
 Wrapp'd in the mantle of the night repos'd. 
 
 Next morn they fent .ZEthalides the fon 
 
 Of Mercury, and valiant Telamon, 1245 
 
 (For thus in council had the Greeks decreed) 
 
 Of fierce JEeta. to demand the feed, 
 
 The ferpent's teeth, whofe ever-wakeful fight 
 
 Watch'd o'er the fountain of the God of fio-hr. 
 
 o 
 
 This baneful monfter was by Cadmus (lain, 1250 
 
 Seeking Europa o'er the Theban plain ; 
 
 An heifer to his feat of regal fway, 
 
 So will'd prophetic Phoebus, led the way. 
 
 Thefe teeth Minerva from the monfter rent, 
 
 And part to Cadmus and ./Eeta fent : 1255 
 
 Sow'd on Bceotia's ample plains, from thofe 
 
 A hardy race of earth-born giants rofe. 
 
 To Jafon thefe he gave, a precious fpoil ; 
 
 Nor, tho' his matchlefs arm the bulls might foil, 
 
 Deem'd he, that victory would crown his toil. 1260, 
 
 The fun now finking with a feeble ray 
 
 To diftant Ethiopians flop'd his way j 
 
 Night yok'd her fteeds : the Grecian heroes fpread 
 
 Around the halfers and the fails their bed. 
 
 4 The
 
 2OO T'be ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 The northern Bear was funk beneath the hills, 1265 
 
 And all the air a folemn filence fills : 
 
 Jafon to lonely haunts purfu'd his way ; 
 
 (All rites adjufted the preceding day.) 
 
 'Twas Argus' care a lambkin to provide, 
 
 And milk, the reft the ready (hip fupply'd. 1270 
 
 A fweet fequefter'd fpot the hero found, 
 
 Where filence reigns, and welling ftreams abound ; 
 
 And here, obfervant of due rites, he laves, 
 
 His limbs immerging in the cleanfing waves ; 
 
 Then o'er his fhoulders, pledge of favours paft, 1 275 
 
 The gift of fair Hypfipyla he caft, 
 
 'A fable robe : a deep round fofs he made, 
 
 And on the kindling wood the victim laid : 
 
 The mix'd libation pouring o'er the flame, 
 
 Loud he invok'd infernal Brimo's name ; 1280 
 
 Then back retires : his call her ears invades, 
 
 And up me rifes from the land of Ihades : 
 
 Snakes, wreath'd in oaken boughs, curl'd round her 
 
 hair, 
 
 And gleaming torches caft a difmal glare. 
 To guard their queen the hideous dogs of hell 1285 
 Rend the dark welkin with inceffant yell ; 
 The heaving ground beneath her footfteps makes ; 
 Loud fhriek the Naiads of the neighbouring lakes, 
 
 And
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 201 
 
 And all the fountain-nymphs aftonifh'd flood 
 Where Amaranthine Phafis rolls his flood, 1290 
 Fear feiz'd the chief, yet backward he withdrew, 
 Nor, till he join'd his comrades, turn'd his view. 
 
 And now on Caucafus, with fnow o'erfpread, 
 The rifing morn her filver radiance fhed, 
 When proud JEeta, earlier than the reft, 1295 
 
 The fencing corflet buckled to his bread, 
 The fpoils of Mimas of gigantic race, 
 Whom Mars had vanquifh'd on the plains of Thrace : 
 His golden helmet to his head he bound, 
 With four fair crefts of glittering plumage crown'd, 
 Bright as the fun new rifing from the main ; 1301 
 His nervous arms a mighty fpear fuftain : 
 From his broad moulder beams his fevenfold fhield, 
 Which not a chief of all the Greeks could wield, 
 Since great Alcides, of his friend bereft, 1305 
 
 Was (fad mifchance !) on Myfia's borders left. 
 His fon hard by with ready chariot ftands i 
 The king afcends -, the reins adorn his hands ; 
 Fierce to the field he haftes in regal ftate, 
 And crouds of Colchians round their monarch wait. 
 As ocean's god, when drawn by rapid fteeds, 1311 
 To Ifthmian games, or Calaureia fpeeds, 
 
 To
 
 102 The ARGONAUTICS of Book III, 
 
 To Taenarus, or rocky Petra roves, 
 Or where Gerasftus boafts her oaken groves, 
 Oncheftus* woods, or Lerna's limpid fpring ; 1315 
 So to the combat drives the Colchian king. 
 
 Meanwhile, inftructed by the magic maid, 
 The chief his fhield, his fpear and trenchant blade 
 With unguents fmear'd: the Greeks approaching nigh 
 In vain their efforts on his armour try ; 132^ 
 
 But chief the fpear fuch magic charms attend, 
 No force can break it, and no onfet bend. 
 Idas enrag'd deals many a furious wound, 
 But, as hard hammers from an anvil bound, 
 So from the Kpear his fword recoiling fprung : 1325 
 The diftant vales with loud applaufes rung. 
 Next, with the potent charm the chief anoints 
 His well-turn'd limbs, and fupples all his joints. 
 And, lo ! new powers invigorate his hands, 
 And arm'd with ftrength intrepidly he ftands. 1330 
 
 As the proud fleed, exuking in his might, 
 Erects bis ears, impatient for the fight, 
 And pawing fnuffs the battle from afar; 
 So pants the hero for the promi&'d war. 
 Firmly he moves, incapable of fear ; 1335 
 
 One hand his Ihield fuftains, and one the fpear. 
 
 Thus,
 
 Book III. APOL'LONIUS RHODIUS. 203 
 
 Thus, when black clouds obfcure the darkening day, 
 And rains defcend, the living lightnings play. 
 
 And now the fight draws near ; the Grecian train 
 Sail up the Phafis to the martial plain ; 1340 
 
 From which as far the towers of JEa. ftand, 
 As when the chieftains, who the games command 
 For fome dead king, the bounding barriers place 
 For fteeds or men contending in the race. 
 JEeta there they found, of mind elate; *345 
 
 On Phafis' banks his chariot rolls in ftate. 
 On the Caucafian fummits, that command 
 The field of Mars, the crowded Colchians ftand. 
 Now Argo moor'd, the prince invades the field, 
 Arm'd with his magic fpear, and ample fhield ; 1350 
 With ferpents' teeth his brazen helm was ftor'd, 
 And crofs his moulder gleam'd his glittering fword : 
 Like Mars the chief enormous power difplay'd, 
 Or Phoebus brandiming his golden blade. 
 O'er the rough tilth he caft his eyes around, 1355 
 And foon the plough of adamant he found, 
 And yokes of brafs : his helm (approaching near) 
 He plac'd on earth, and upright fix'd his fpear. 
 To find the bulls he farther went afield, 
 And trac'd their fteps, arm'd only with his Ihield. 1360
 
 204 2l><? ARCONAUTICS of Book III; 
 
 In a dark cave which fmoky mills furround, 
 Horrid and huge their fafe retreat he found. 
 With rage impetuous forth the monfters came, 
 And from their noftrils ifTued ftreams of flame. 
 Fear feiz'd the Greeks, but he their fury braves -, 1 365 
 Firm as a rock, defies the roaring waves ; 
 Screen'd by his fliield, intrepidly he fcorns 
 The bulls loud-bellowing, and their butting horns ; 
 Collected firm he wards each threatening blow. 
 'As at the forge where melting metals glow, 13 79 
 While now the bellows heave, now fink by turns, 
 The flame fubfides, or with frefh fury burns ; 
 Stirr'd to the bottom roars the raging fire : 
 So roar the bulls, and living flame refpire, 
 That fierce as lightning round the hero play'd, 1375 
 In vain, now fhelter'd by the magic maid. 
 One bull he feiz'd, that aim'd a deadly ftroke, 
 Seiz'd by his horns, and dragg'd him to the yoke ; 
 Then hurl'd the roaring monfter on the ground j 
 An equal fate his fellow- captive found, 1380 
 
 Loos'd from his arm he flung his fliield afide, 
 And the two monfters manfully he ply'd, 
 Dragg*d on their knees his fiery foes overcame, 
 And Ihifting artfully efcap'd the flame.
 
 Book III. APOLLO NTUS RHODIUS. 205 
 
 ./Beta view'd him with aftonifh'd eyes ; 1285 
 
 When lo ! the Tons of Tyndarus arife, 
 
 As crft it was decreed, and from the land 
 
 Heav'd the ftrong yokes and gave them to his hand : 
 
 Thefe o'er the bulls* low-bended necks he flung; 
 
 The brazen beam by rings fufpended hung. 1390 
 
 The youths retreating from the burning field, 
 
 The chief refum'd his loaded helm, his fhield 
 
 Behind him thrown , then grafp'd his mafiy fpear, 
 
 (Thus arm'd the hinds of Theflaly appear, 
 
 With long fharp goads to prick their bullocks' fides) 
 
 And the firm plough of adamant he guides. 1396 
 
 The reflifF bulls with indignation fir'd, 
 
 From their broad noftrils living flames expir'd, 
 
 Loud as the blafts when wintry winds prevail, 
 
 And trembling failors furl the folding fail. 1400 
 
 Urg'd by his fpear the bulls their talk fulfil, 
 
 Prove their own prowefs, and the ploughman's fkill.' 
 
 As the (harp coulter cleft the clodded ground, 
 
 The roughen'd ridges fent a rattling found. 
 
 Firm oe'r the field undaunted Jafon treads, 1405 
 
 And fcattering wide the ferpent's teeth he fpreads ; ' 
 
 
 Yet oft looks back, fufpecting he fhould find 
 
 A legion rifing up in arms behind : 
 
 Unwearied
 
 io6 The ARGONAUTICS of Book III. 
 
 Unwearied dill the bulls their toil purfue ; 
 
 Their brazen hoofs the flubborn foil fubdue. 1410 
 
 When now three portions of the day were fpent, 
 And weary hinds at evening homeward went, 
 The chief had till'd four acres of the foil , 
 He then releas'd the monflers from their toil. 
 Away they fcamper'd wildly o'er the plain ; 1415 
 
 Himfelf rejoin'd his delegated train, 
 Till on the field his earth-born foes appear : 
 The Greeks their animated hero cheer. 
 He in his helm, repleniih'd at the fprings, 
 To flake his burning thirft frefh water brings. 142 
 His limbs renew'd with forceful vigour play, 
 His heart beats boldly and demands the fray. 
 Thus the fell boar difdains the hunter-bands, 
 Foams, whets his tufks, and in defiance Hands. 
 Now rofe th' embattled fquadron in the field, 1425 
 In glittering helms array'd, with fpear and fhield, 
 Bright o'er the Martial plain the fplendors rife, 
 And dart in ftreams of radiance to the fkies. 
 Thus, when thick fnow the face of nature fhrouds, 
 And nightly winds difpel the wintry clouds, 1430 
 The ftars again their fplendid beams difplay ; 
 So (hone the warriours in the face of day. 
 
 But
 
 Book III. APOLLONIUS RHODIVS. 207 
 
 But Jafon, mindful of the maid's command, 
 
 Seiz'd a vaft rock, and rais'd it from the land : 1434 
 
 Not four ftout youths, for flrength of limbs renown'd, 
 
 Could lift a weight fo ponderous from the ground : 
 
 This 'midft his foes, embattled on the field, 
 
 He hurl'd, and fafe retir'd behind his fhield. 
 
 The Colchians fhout, as when the raging main 
 
 Roars round tremendous rocks, but roars in vain, 1440 
 
 In filence fix'd, ^Eeta (lands aghaft 
 
 To fee the fragment with fuch fury cad. 
 
 The hoft, like dogs contending o'er their prey, 
 
 With curs'd ferocity their comrades flay, 
 
 Then leave on earth their mangled trunks behind, 
 
 Like pines or oaks uprooted by the wind. 1446 
 
 As moots a ftar from heaven's etherial brow, 
 
 Portending vengeance to the world below, 
 
 Who thro' dark clouds defc.ry its radiant light : 
 
 Thus Jafon rufh'd, in glittering armour bright. 1450 
 
 His brandim'd falchion fell'd the rifing foes : 
 
 Succinct in arms, fome half their lengths difclofe, 
 
 Some fcarce their moulders ; other feebly ftand, 
 
 While others, treading firm, the fight demand. 
 
 As on the bounds which feparate hoftile ftates, 1455 
 Eternal fource of battle and debates, 
 
 The
 
 2o8 The AfcooNAUTics of, &c. Book III. 
 
 The cautious hind the cruel fpoiler fears, 
 
 And reaps his wheat with yet unripen'd ears ; 
 
 Ere yet the fpikes their wonted growth attain, 
 
 Ere yet the fun-beams have matur'd the grain : 1460 
 
 So Jafon's arms the rifmg fquadrons mow'd ; 
 
 Their blood profufely in the furrows flow'd. 
 
 Some fidelong fall on earth, and fome fupine, 
 
 Some prone lie groveling and their lives refign, 
 
 Like whales incumbent on the buoyant main : 1465 
 
 Some wounded perilh ere they tread the plain ; 
 
 As late in air they held their heads on high, 
 
 So lowly humbled in the duft they lie. 
 
 Thus tender plants, by copious torrents drown'd, 
 
 Strew their frefh leaves, uprooted from the ground ; 
 
 The tiller views with heart-corroding pain 1471 
 
 His foftering care, and all his labours vain. 
 
 ^Eeta thus with wild vexation burn'd, 
 
 And with his Colchians to the town return'd, 
 
 Some weightier taflc revolving in his mind : 1475 
 
 Thus clos'd the combat, and the day declin'd. 
 
 END OF THE THIRD BOOK.
 
 THE 
 
 FOURTH BOOK.
 
 ( 210 ) 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 Jafon obtains the Golden Fleece by the aj/ijlance of Medea. 
 She embarks with the Argonauts for Greece. Meta 
 purfues them. Having croffed the Euxine fea, they fail 
 up the Ifter ; and by an arm cf that river enter the 
 Adriatic. Abfyrtus is treacheroufly murdered by Jafon. 
 They fail into the Sardinian fea by the way of the Eri- 
 danus and the Rhone. The murder of Abfyrtus is ex- 
 piated by Circe, at whofe ifland they land. Thetis and 
 her nymphs ccnducJ the heroes through the jlr aits ofScylla 
 and Charvbdis. They fail by the ifland infefted with 
 the Syrens, from whofe enchantments Orpheus delivers 
 them. At Corcyra, once called Drepane, they meet with 
 the Cokhians that purfued them through the Symple- 
 gades \ who requeft Alcinous, king of the ifland, to de- 
 liver up Medea. He agrees io fend her back to her 
 father, if unmarried \ but if married to Jafon, he re- 
 fufes to feparate them. Upon this determination her 
 nuptials are immediately celebrated. 'They again put to 
 fea, and are driven upon the quickfands of Africa. The 
 tutelary Deities of the country extricate them from their 
 diftrejfes. They bear Argo on their Jhoulders as far as 
 the lake Tritonis. The Hefperides, who were bewailing 
 the death cf the ferpent, flain the preceding day by 
 Hercules, give feme account of that hero. The death 
 cf Canthus and Mopfus, two of their comrades, is re- 
 lated. Triton, whofe figure is particularly defcribed, 
 gives them directions about their voyage. They fail 
 near Crete. The Jtory of Talus. At Hippuris they 
 facrifice to Pha'bus, who, Jlanding on the top of an hill^ 
 enlightens their way. The clod of earth, given by Tri- 
 ton to Euphemus, becomes an ifland, called Cattifte. They 
 anchor at Aigina-, and loofing from thence, arrive.^ 
 without further interruption at Thcjj'afy. 
 
 T HE
 
 ( 211 ) 
 
 THE 
 
 ARGONAUTICS 
 
 O F 
 
 APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 
 
 BOOK IV. 
 
 f~\ Goddefs, daughter of th' eternal king, 
 ^^ Medea's various cares and counfels fing : 
 Far from my mind the fad fufpenfe remove, 
 Whether to celebrate her lawlefs love, 
 Or whether her bafe flight from Colchis' bay, 5 
 
 Befl claims the tribute of my tuneful lay. 
 In folemn council to his faithful chiefs 
 The vengeful king difclos'd his bofom-griefs : 
 Sore difconcerted at the recent fight, 
 He fpent in long debate the doleful night; 10 
 
 Miftrufting ftill, thefe fchemes, fo deeply laid, 
 Were all conducted by his daughters' aid. 
 Meanwhile th' imperial queen of heaven had {hed 
 O'er the fair virgin's bread defpondent dread. 
 
 P 2 She
 
 2 1 2 7#<? ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 She ftarts, fhe trembles, as, purfu'd by hounds, 15 
 The fawn light flapping o'er the meadow bounds. 
 She fears the fecrets of her foul betray'd, 
 And her. fire's vengeance for her profFer'd aid. 
 Her handmaids, confcious of her crimes, (he fears ; 
 Her eyes fierce flames emit, loud murmurs fill her 
 
 Her death fhe meditates in wild defpair, 
 
 And, fadly fighing, tears her golden hair. 
 
 Now fate imbibing from the poifori'd bowl, 
 
 Soon had me freed her voluntary foul, 
 
 And Juno's projects all been render'd vain, 25 
 
 But, kindly pitying a lover's pain, 
 
 The Goddefs urg'd with Phrixus' fons her flight, 
 
 And eas'd her bofom of its forrow's weight. 
 
 Forth fr6m her cafket every drug fhe pours, 
 
 And to her lap configns the magic ftores. 30 
 
 Then with a parting kifs her bed me prefs'd, 
 
 Clung round each door, and ev'n the walls carefs'd. 
 
 A lock fhe tore of loofely-flowing hair, 
 
 And fafe confign'd it to her mother's care, 
 
 The facred relick of her virgin-fame ; 35 
 
 And, wailing thus, invok'd Idya's name : 
 
 This lock, O mother, at my hand receive, 
 ' Which I, far-diftant roaming, with thee leave. 
 
 ' Farewell,
 
 . Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS, 2 * -> 
 
 c Farewell, Chalciope -, far hence I roam ! 
 
 c And thou farewell, my firft, my deareft home! 40 
 
 Oh ! hadft thou, ftranger, in deep ocean drown'd,- 
 c Perim'd, and never trod on Colchian ground !' ' 
 
 She fpoke, and tears her heart-felt woe betray'd ; 
 Then fled (he inftant. Thus the captive maid, ; > 
 When, from her friends and country banifh'd far, 45 
 She (hares the miferable fate of war, 
 Difus'd to toil beneath a tyrant's fvvay, 
 Flies from oppreffion's rod with fpeed away. 
 With fpeed like her's the weeping fair withdrew : 
 The doors fpontaneous open'd as me flew, 50 
 
 Shook by her magic fong - 3 barefoot me ftrays 
 Thro' winding paths and unfrequented ways. 
 Before her face one hand her vefture holds, 
 And one confines its border's flowing folds. 
 Beyond the city-walls with trembling hafte, 55 
 
 Unfeen of all the centinels, fhe pafs'd, 
 Then by accuftom'd paths explor'd the fane, 
 Where fpeftres rife, and plants diffufe their bane 5 
 (Thus practife magic maids their myftic art) 
 Fears ill portending flutter round her heart. 60 
 
 Her frenzy Cynthia, rifing bright, furvey'd, 
 And this foliloquy in triumph made ;
 
 214 y<&* ARC ONAU TICS of Book IV. 
 
 Yes, with Endymion's heavenly charms o'ercome, 
 
 * I to the cave at Latmos once could roam, 
 
 ' Of love regardful, when your potent lay 65 
 
 ' Had from the ftarry fpheres feduc'd my ray, 
 ' That you, protected by the gloom of night, 
 ' Might celebrate unfeen the myflic rite, 
 
 * Your lov'd employ : now Cupid's mafts fubdue, 
 
 * Not Cynthia only, but, fair forcerefs, you. 70 
 
 * For you his toils the wily god hath wove, 
 
 * And all your heart inflam'd with Jafon's love. 
 
 ' Come then, thofe pangs which love ordains endure, 
 
 * And bear with courage what you cannot cure.* 
 
 She faid : impetuous haftening to the flood, 75 
 Soon on its lofty banks Medea flood. 
 A fire, which midnight's deadly gloom difpell'd, 
 Signal of conqueft gain'd, (he here beheld. 
 Involved in (hade, the folitary dame 
 Rais'd her flirill voice, and calPd onPhrontis' name. 80 
 Known was her voice to Phrixus' fons, who bear 
 The grateful tidings to their leader's ear. 
 The truth diicover'd, the confederate hoft 
 AH filent flood, in wild amazement loft. 
 Loud call'd me thrice - y and with refpon five cries, 85 
 His friends requefting, Phromis thrice replies. 
 
 Quick
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 215 
 
 Quick at her call they ply the bending oar; 
 
 Nor were their halfers faften'd to the fhore, 
 
 When jEfon's fon at one decifive bound 
 
 Leaps from the lofty deck upon the ground ; 90 
 
 Phrontis and Argus haften to her aid, 
 
 Whole knees embracing, thus Medea pray'd : 
 
 ' Oh ! fave me, friends, from my offended fire, 
 ' Oh ! fave yourfelves from dread beta's ire. 
 ' Known are our projects : fail we hence afar, 95 
 ' Ere JEa's monarch mounts his rapid car. 
 ' My magic charms fliall clofe the dragon's eyes, 
 
 * And foon reward you with the golden prize. 
 e But thou, lov'd gueft, continue faithful ftill, 
 
 ' And fwear whate'er thou promis'dft to fulfil : 100 
 ' Ah ! leave me not to infamy a fcorn, 
 
 * By all my friends abandon'd and forlorn.' 
 Plaintive me fpoke : his arms around her waift 
 
 Rapturous he threw, then rais'd her and embrac'd, 
 And folac'd thus in terms of tendered love : 105 
 " By heaven's high king I fwear, Olympian Jove, 
 " By Juno, goddefs of the nuptial rite, 
 " Soon as my native land tranfports my fight, 
 " Thou, lovely virgin, fhalt be duly led, 
 " Adorn'd with honours, to my bridal bed." no 
 P 4 This
 
 216 ^he ARGON AU TICS of Book IV, 
 
 This faid, in her's he clos'd his plighted hand : 
 To Mars's grove Medea gave command, 
 Spite of her fire, the veflel to convey, 
 And bear by night the golden fleece away. 
 Swift at the word they fprung ; the Colchian maid 1 15 
 Embark'd, and inftant was their anchor weigh'd. 
 Their craftiing oars refound : me oft to land 
 Reverts her eye, and waves her trembling hand; 
 But ^Efon's fon his ready aid affords, 
 And fooths her forrows with confoling words. 120 
 
 Wak'd by their hounds, what time the huntfmen 
 
 rife, 
 
 'And {bake the balm of (lumber from their eyes, 
 At twilight, ere Aurora's dreaded ray 
 Efface the tracks, and waft the fcent away : 
 Jafon, then landing with the fair, attains, 125 
 
 With flowers diverfified, the verdant plains, 
 Where firft the ram, with Phrixus' weight opprefs'd, 
 His wearied knee inclin'd, and funk to reft. 
 Hard by, an altar's {lately ftructure {lands, 
 To favouring Jove firft rais'd by Phrixus' hands, 130 
 Where he the golden monfter doom'd to bleed ; 
 So his conductor Hermes had decreed. 
 Here, as by Argus taught, the chiefs withdrew, 
 While their lone courfe the regal pair purftie 
 
 2 Thro 1
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 217 
 
 Thro 5 the thick grove, impatient to behold 135 
 
 The fpreading beech that bears the fleecy gold. 
 Sufpended here, it darts a beamy blaze, 
 Like a cloud tipp'd with Phoebus' orient rays. 
 With high-arch'd neck, in front the dragon lies, 
 And towards the fttangers turns his fleeplefs eyes j 140 
 Aloud he hifTes : the wide woods around, 
 And PhanY banks return the doleful found. 
 Colchians, far diftant from Titanus' more, 
 Heard ev'n to Lycus' ftreams the hideous roar ; 
 Lycus, who, fever'd from Araxis' tides, 145 
 
 A boifterous flood, with gentle Phafis glides : 
 One common courfe their ftreams united keep, 
 And roll united to the Cafpian deep. 
 The mother, ftarting from her bed of reft, 
 Fears for her babe reclining on her bread, 150 
 
 And clofely clafping to her fondling arms, 
 Protects her trembling infant from alarms. 
 
 As from fome wood, involv'cl in raging fires, 
 Clouds following clouds aicend in curling fpires : 
 The fmoky wreaths in long fucceffion climb, 155 
 And from the bottom rife in air fublime ; 
 The dragon thus his fcaly volumes roll'd, 
 Wreath'd his huge length, and gather'd fold in fold. 
 
 Him.
 
 2i8 The ARGOI^AUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 Him, winding flow, beheld the magic dame, 
 
 And Sleep invok'd the monfter's rage to tame. 160 
 
 With potent fong the drowfy God me fway'd 
 
 To fummon all his fuccour to her aid ; 
 
 And Hecate from Pluto's coafls (lie drew, 
 
 To lull the dauntlefs monfter, and fubdue. 
 
 Jafon advanc'd with awe, with awe beheld 165 
 
 The dreaded dragon by her magic quell'd. 
 
 Lifelefs he lay, each languid fold unbound, 
 
 And his vafl fpine extended on the ground. 
 
 Thus, when the boifterous wave forbears to roar, 
 
 It finks recumbent on the peaceful more. 170 
 
 Still ftrove the monfter his huge head to heave, 
 
 And in his deadly jaws his 'foe receive. 
 
 A branch of juniper the maid applies, 
 
 Steep'd in a baneful potion, to his eyes : 
 
 Its odours ftrons; the branch diffusM around, 175 
 
 And funk th' enormous beaft in fleep profound. 
 
 Supine he funk ; his jaws forgot to move, 
 
 And his unnumber'd folds are fpread o'er half the 
 
 grove. 
 
 Then Jafon to the beech his hand applies, 
 And grafps, at her command, the golden prize. iSo 
 Still flie perfifts to ply the potent fpcll, 
 And the laft vigour of the monfter quell, 
 
 Till
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 219 
 
 Till he advis'd her to rejoin the crew ; 
 
 Then from the grove of Mars the maid withdrew. 
 
 As fome fair dame, when Cynthia rifes bright, 185 
 Beholds the beamy fplendors with delight, 
 Which from her veftment ftrong-reflected rife ; 
 Thus gloried Jafon in the glittering prize. 
 The flaming rays, that from its furface flow'd, 
 Beam'd on his cheeks, and on his forehead glow'd. 190 
 Large as the heifer's hide, or as the hind's, 
 Which in Achaia's plains the hunter finds, 
 Shone the thick, ponderous fleece, whofe golden rays 
 Far o'er the land diffus'd a beamy blaze. 
 He on his moulders, now, the fpoil fufpends, 195 
 Low at his feet the flowing train defcends ; 
 Collecting, now, within its ponderous folds, 
 His grafping hand the coftly capture holds/ 
 Fearful he moves, with circumfpect furvey, 
 Left men or gods mould fnatch the prize away. 200 
 
 Now as returning mom illumes the land, 
 The royal pair rejoin the gallant band. 
 The gallant band beheld with wondering eyes, 
 Fierce as Jove's fiery bolt, the radiant prize. 
 Their hands extending as they flock around, 205 
 All wilh to heave the trophy from the ground. 
 
 i But
 
 22p Vie ARGONAUTICS of Book IV, 
 
 But Jafon interdicting fmgly threw 
 O'er the broad fleece a covering rich and new ; 
 Then in the fhip he plac'd the virgin-gueft, 
 And thus the liftening demigods addrefs'd: 2IO 
 
 ' No longer doubt ye, comrades, to regain 
 
 * Far o'er a length of feas your lov'd domain. 
 
 * For fee, the end of all our glorious toil, 
 f-Yf'on.by Medea's aid, this precious fpoil!> bY 
 
 * Her, not reluctant, I to Greece will bear, 215 
 ' And with connubial honours crown her there, 
 
 ' Guard your fair patronefs, ye gallant crew, 
 
 ' Who fav'd your country when me fuccour'd you. 
 
 * Soon will ^Eeta with his Colchian train 
 
 * Preclude, I ween, our paiTage to the main. 220 
 
 * Some with your oars refume your deilin'd feat ; 
 
 . * Some with your fhields fecure your wifh'd retreat j 
 6 This rampire forming, we their darts defy, 
 
 * Nor, home returning, unreveng'd will die. 
 
 * Lo ! on our prowefs all we love depends, 225 
 Our children, parents, country and our friends. 
 
 ' Greece, as we fpeed, thro' future times fliall boaft 
 
 * Her empire fix'd, or wail her glory loft.' 
 
 He faid, and arm'd ; the heroes ihout applaufe : 
 Then from its pendent fheath his fword he draws, 230 
 
 Severs
 
 ,i 
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 221 
 
 Severs the halfer, and, in arms array'd, 
 
 His ftation fixes near the magic maid, 
 
 And where Ancseus' hand the pilot's art difplay'd. 
 
 Keen emulation fir'd the labouring crew, 
 
 As down the ftream of Phafis Argo flew. 235 
 
 Medea's flight now reach'd beta's ear, 
 And all her crimes in all their guilt appear. 
 To council call'd, in arms the Colchian train 
 Rufh thick as billows on the roaring main, 
 Thick as the leaves that flutter from above, 240 
 When blafting autumn ftrips the faded grove ; 
 So thick the mouting Colchians rum to war, 
 Led by JEeta. in his fplendid car, 
 Glorying in Phoebus' gifts, his rapid fleeds, 
 Whofe fwiftnefs far the fpeed of winds exceeds. 245 
 His left a buckler's wide circumference rais'd ; 
 In his extended right a flambeau blaz'd ; 
 His girded belt; a mighty fpear fuftains -, 
 His fon Abfyrtus grafps the flowing reins. 
 Now by tough oars impell'd and profperous tides, 2501 
 The veffel. glibly down the river glides. 
 Th* indignant king invo.k'd the powers above, 
 His parent Phoebus, and almighty Jove, 
 His wrongs to vvimefs : and to fudden fate 
 Doom'd in his fury the devoted ftate. 55 
 
 Who
 
 222 The ARCONAUTICS of Book IV, 
 
 Who dar'd delay the guilty maid to bring, 
 From land or ocean, to their injur'd king, 
 On their rebellious heads his wrath Ihould fall, 
 And vengeance merited o'ertake them all. 
 
 Thus menac'd he; and, lo! the Colchian train 260 
 Launch'd on that day their vefiels in the main ; 
 Swift, on that day, unfurl'd their bellying fails, 
 And all embarking caught the balmy gales. 
 Nor deem ye this a well-train'd naval hoft; 
 Like flocks of birds they fcream around the coaft. 265 
 Juno, propitious to her favourite-crew, 
 Irifpir'd the breezes that ferenely blew, 
 That foon on Grecian land the fair might tread, 
 And pour dcftruction down on Pelias' head. 
 With the third morn, on Paphlagonia's more, 270 
 Where Halys rolls his ftream, the heroes moor. 
 Medea here ordain'd a folemn rite 
 To Hecate, the magic queen of night. 
 But what, or how Ihe form'd the potent fpell, 
 Let none enquire, nor mail my numbers tell : 275 
 Fear holds me filent. Here the pious band 
 Erect a facred temple on the flrand, 
 Sacred to Hecate, night's awful queen -, 
 And ftill befide the beach the holy fane is feen. 
 
 And
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 223 
 
 And now the words of Phineus, old and blind, 280 
 
 Recurr'd to Jafon, and each hero's mind. 
 
 From JEz he advis'd them to purfue 
 
 A different courfe, a courfe no pilot knew, 
 
 Which Argos thus delineates to the crew : 
 
 4 When towards Orchomenos our courfe we bent, 285 
 
 4 We took that route th' inftruclive prophet meant. 
 
 4 For in times paft a different road was known, 
 
 4 And this thy priefts, Egyptian Thebes, have fhewn. 
 
 4 Before the flars adorn'd the faphire-fphere, 
 
 * Or Danaus' race had reach'd th' enquirer's ear; 290 
 4 In Greece the bold Arcadians reign'd alone, 
 
 4 And, ere bright Cynthia deck'd her filver throne, 
 
 4 On acorns liv'd, the food of favage man ; 
 
 4 Before Deucalion's ions their reign began ; 
 
 1 With harvefts, then, was fertile ./Egypt crown'd, 295 
 
 * Mother of mighty chiefs, of old renown'd ; 
 
 4 Then the broad Triton, beauteous to behold, 
 
 * His ftreams prolific o'er the country roll'd. 
 
 4 For Jove defcends not there in bounteous rains, 
 4 But inundations fertilize the plains. 300 
 
 4 Hence role the matchlefs chief (if fame fays true) 
 4 Who conquer'd Europe's realms and Afia's too ; 
 
 * His hardy troops embattled at his fide, 
 
 * He on his valour and thofe troops rely'd, 
 
 ' Who
 
 224 22* ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 ' He built and peopled with fuperior (kill 305 
 
 ' Unnumber'd cities, fome remaining dill. 
 
 * Though many ages now have pafs'd away, 
 
 * Yet JEa Hands, nor haftens to decay j 
 
 4 Peopled at firft by his adventurous train, 
 
 * Whofe long- continued race ev'n now remain. 310 
 6 With care they ilill recording tablets keep 
 
 c Of all the limits of the land and deep, 
 
 *' Wherever rivers flow, or ftorms prevail, 
 
 1 Wherever men can march, or mips can fail. 
 
 c A river, (lately-winding, deep and wide, 315 
 
 c From far, far diftant mountains rolls its tide ; 
 
 ' Where mips of burden fure protection claim : 
 
 ' Long is its courfe and Ifter is its name. 
 
 e Far, o'er Riphsean hills, where Boreas reigns, 
 
 ' He undivided flows thro* various plains ; 320 
 
 * But when thro' Thrace and Scythian climes he 
 
 glides, 
 
 * In two broad flreams his rapid flood divides : 
 
 * This to th' Ionian fea its circuit fweeps, 
 
 * That wider ftretches to Trinacria's deeps, 
 
 " Whofe lofty mores your Grecian coaft command, 
 * If Achelous flow through Grecian land.' 326 
 
 He faid : a favouring fign the Goddefs gave, 
 Which with new courage animates the brave. 
 
 Celeftial
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 225 
 
 Celeftial fires emit a living ray, 
 
 And beams of glory point the certain way. 330 
 
 Here, leaving Lycus* valiant Ton behind, 
 
 They fpread with joy their canvafs to the wind. 
 
 Afar the Paphlagonian hills appear j 
 
 And from Carambis* cape remote they fleer, 
 
 Led by the heavenly light and kindly gales, 395 
 
 Till in broad Ifter's flood the veflel fails. 
 
 Where the Cyanean rocks o*erlook the^nain, 
 Part of the Colchians fteer their courfe in vain ; 
 While they, whofe counfels fage Abfyrtus guides, 
 Cut through the mouth call'd Calon Ifter's tides. 340 
 Outfailing thus yon' tardy fhips, they fweep 
 With fkilful oars the wide Ionian deep. 
 An ifle, which Ifter's branching dreams comprife, 
 Pence, triangular, before them lies : 
 Wide o'er the beach its ample bafe extendst 345 
 And in the flood its pointed angle ends. 
 The two broad ftreams, that round the ifland flow, 
 They by Arecos' name and Calon know. 
 Below this ifle Abfyrtus and his crew 
 Through the wide Calon their fwift courfe purfue : 350 
 Above it failing Jafon's comrades ftray, 
 And through Arecos wind their diftant way. 
 
 Q^ Such
 
 226 <Tbe A R.G o N A u T i c s of Book IV, 
 
 Such naval force difmay'd the neighbouring fvvains ; 
 
 They left their fleecy flocks and verdant plains : 
 
 The (hips in view, with terrour ftruck they flood, 3.55 
 
 And deem'd them monfters rifing from the flood : 
 
 Never beheld they from their native more 
 
 Ships proudly failing on the feas before. 
 
 For the fierce Scythians and Sigynnian race 
 
 Maintain'd no commerce with the fons of Thrace: 360 
 
 Nor Sindians e'er, who roam the defert plain, 
 
 Nor e'er Graucenians crofs'd the fcas for gain. 
 
 When Argo's crew the mount Angurus pafs'd, 
 
 And reach'd the rock Cauliacus at lad, 
 
 (Ifter near which his {lately dream divides 365 
 
 And mingles with the deep his fever'd tides j) 
 
 And diflant left the wide Talaurian plain, 
 
 Then had the Colchians plough'd the Chronian main. 
 
 Here, left the veffel fcape, they cautious flay, 
 
 And drive to intercept her in her way. 379 
 
 At length appears to their expecting view 
 
 On Jfter's flood the enterprifmg crew. 
 
 Two lovely fea-girt ifles their notice claim'd, 
 
 Dear to Diana, and the Brugi nam'd. 
 
 Superb in one a facred temple rofe, 375 
 
 And one fecur'd them from their Colchian foes. 
 
 Her
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 227 
 
 Her power revering whom thefe ifles obey, 
 
 The foe had quitted them without delay. 
 
 Each iQe betide was throng'd with Colchian hoils, 
 
 "Who, guarding every pafs, protect the coafts. 380 
 
 For troops of enemies embattled flood, 
 
 Far ev'n as Neftis and Salango's flood. 
 
 Their numbers few, the Mynian chiefs forbear 
 To wage with numerous foes unequal war* 
 Preventive of debate, this truce was feal'dj 385 
 That, fince the king propos'd the Fleece to yield, 
 Whether by open force, or arts unknown, 
 Conqueft the daring combatant might crown, 
 He, though reluctant, mud refign his right, 
 And the contefted prize the victor's toil requite. 390 
 That, from the crowd with fecrecy convey'd, 
 Diana's fane mould guard the magic maid, 
 Till mid' the fceptred princes one arofe 
 To fix their vague opinions, and propofe, 
 Or to reflore her to her fire's embrace, 395 
 
 Or in Orchomenos's city placej 
 Or freely grant her to embark in peace, 
 And with the Grecian heroes vifit Greece. 
 
 When now, long pondering, the fufpicious maid 
 Had learn'd, and all their fecret counfels weigh'd, 400 
 Q^2 Tormenting
 
 228 The ARCONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 Tormenting cares difturb'd her mind's repofe, 
 And keen reflection added woes to woes. 
 Afide me then, from all th' afTembled crew, 
 "With cautious fecrecy her Jafon drew : 
 Him, thus withdrawn, th' impaffion'd maid addrefs'd, 
 And told the fecret forrows of her breaft : 406 
 
 c Say, what the canfe that hoftile hofls are join'd, 
 And leagues, deftructive of my peace, combin'd ? 
 Say, have thefe charms, with rapture once explor'd* 
 
 * Lull'd to forgetfulnefs rny faithlefs lord? 410 
 
 * Hath time effac'd the promifes he made, 
 
 * When in the needful hour he afk'd mine aid ? 
 
 ' Where now thine oaths, prefer'd to mighty Jove ? 
 
 ' Where now thy tenders of unalter'd love ? 
 
 ' Curs'd oaths ! which bade me all I love difclaim, 415 
 
 * Friends, parents, country, every honour'd name ! 
 ' Forlorn and vex'd left thou mould'ft toil in vain, 
 
 * I with the plaintive halcyon fought the main. 
 ' I follow'd but to fhield thee from alarms, 
 
 ' When bulls breath'd fire, and giants rofe in arms. 420 
 
 * Now is the Fleece, for which ye fail'd, pofTefs'd, 
 
 * And by my foolim fondnefs thou art blefs'd. 
 
 ' Blefs'd thou , but me what fecret forrows vex, 
 
 * Whofe deeds reflect dilhonour on my fex ! 
 
 M
 
 Book IV. APOLLO TCI u s RHODIUS. 229 
 
 Me as thy daughter, fifter, wife they brand, 425 
 Who dare attend thee to a diftant land. 
 But (lay, protect me, eafe my weight of woe, 
 Nor to my royal fire without me go. 
 Oh ! think on juftice, and revere thine oath, 
 Which both confented to, which bound us both : 430 
 ' Or inftant, fhould'ft thou every tie evade, 
 c In this frail bofom plunge the pointed blade. 
 c Thus frantic love its due defert lhall fee, 
 6 And death come grateful to a wretch like me. 
 ' Think, mould the king exert his fovereign fway, 435 
 4 And with my brother deftine me to (lay, 
 c (That king with whom ye both with treacherous aim 
 ' Have form'd a league, fubverfive of my fame-,) 
 ' Oh ! how mall I behold my father's face ? 
 ' With courage I! not (hrinking at difgrace! 440 
 ' No; ftung by confcience, I foreftall my fate, 
 ' And feel the horrours which my crimes create. 
 ' Back o'er the feas, mid' raging tempefts borne, 
 ' Long may'fl thou wander joylefs and forlorn. 
 ' Ne'er may thy beaded patronefs and friend, 445 
 * Juno, to thce her wonted aid extend. 
 ' Stern fate may flill feverer toils ordain, 
 ' And thou, falfe wretch, remember me in vain. 
 
 0.3 * Oh !
 
 230 The ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 ' Oh ! may the Fleece deceive thy ravifh'd fight, 
 
 c And, like a vifion, vanifh into night. 450 
 
 * Rife may my Furies, vengeance to demand, 
 
 * And diflant drive thee from thy native land. 
 
 6 From thee, their guilty fource, my forrows flow : 
 
 * Share now thy part, and fuffer woe for woe. 
 
 c Thine oaths no more a flighted maid mail wrong, 
 ' Nor this perfidious truce protect thee long.* 456 
 
 Stung with defpair, fhe utter'd thus her grief, 
 Thus to her angry fpirit gave relief. 
 To burn the fhip forth rufh'd th' impetuous dame, 
 And wrap its heaven-built fides in fudden flame ; 460 
 Refclv'd in thought, as now the vefifel blaz'd, 
 To perifh dauntlefs in the flame fhe rais'd ; 
 But Jafon thus, with boding fears imprefs'd, 
 Sooth'd the mad tumults of Medea's breaft : 
 
 " Ceafe, heavenly maid, nor wound a lover's ear 465 
 With words unwelcome, and unfit to hear. 
 The common fefety bids us all unite 
 To gain a timely refpite from the fight. 
 " See, fair protectrefs, to reftore thee loft, 
 
 * What clouds of enemies furround the coaft. 470 
 
 * The country arms thy brother's caufe to aid, 
 " And bear thee to thy fire a captive maid. 
 
 jo '* Againft
 
 unite : "J 
 
 I 
 
 my right. "J . 
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 23 * 
 
 :c Againft fuch force fhould we our arms oppofe, 
 ;c Perifh might all our hoft, o'erpower'd by foes : 
 " Then, fad to think ! if, every hero (lain, 475 
 
 ' In long captivity mnft thou remain. 
 Our arts perfidious will this truce conceal, 
 
 4 Whofe baneful influence muft thy brother feel. 
 >c Bereav'd of him, the Colchians* caufe to aid, 
 :t And to recover thee, a captive maid, 480 
 
 '' No more the neighbouring forces will unite : 
 14 Inftant will I renew the defperate fight, 
 " Secure my wifli'd return, and vindicate my right. 
 
 Thus fpoke he mild : the mifchief- brood ing maid 
 Told her dark purpofe, and, * O think,' (he faid, 485 
 ' Think, Jafon, now: oppofc we, as befeems, 
 
 * To their deftructive deeds deftrufbive fchemes. 
 
 * Urg'd firft by Love, in errour's maze I ftray'd, 
 
 * And through that God is every luft obey'd. 
 
 4 Decline the fight, till I the youth betray, 490 
 
 4 And to your hands confign, an eafy prey. 
 "* With prefents be the heecjlefs flripling lur'd : 
 
 * Heralds, of faith approv'd, by me procur'd, 
 4 Ere long a fecret audience fhall obtain, 
 
 ' And to "my purpofes Abfyrtus gain. 495 
 
 4 My plan (I reck not) if it pleafe, purfue : 
 4 Go, flay my brother, and the fight renew.' 
 
 Such
 
 232 The ARC QN AU T ics of Book IV, 
 
 Such were the fnares the treacherous lovers laid ; 
 And by large prefents was the prince betray'd. 
 The heralds with thefe fpecious prefents bore 500 
 The veil Hypfipyle fo lately wore. 
 Each Grace in Naxos' ifle, with art divine, 
 Wrought the rich raiment for the God of wine j 
 He gave it Thoas, his illuftrious heir, 
 And Thoas to Hypfipyle the fair j 505 
 
 She gave it Jafon : wondering you behold, 
 And with new tranfport trace th' embroider'd gold. 
 What time with large neclareous draughts opprefs'd, 
 On the foft vefture Bacchus funk to reft, 
 Clofe by his fide the Cretan maid reclin'd, 510 
 
 At Naxos' ifle whom Thefeus left behind j 
 From that blefs'd hour the robe, with odours fill'd, 
 Ambrofial fragrance wide around diftill'd. 
 
 Her guileful purpofes the magic maid 
 In order thus before the heralds laid : 515 
 
 That, foon as night her fable lhade had fpread, 
 And to the temple was Medea led, 
 Thither Abfyrtus mould repair, and hear 
 A project pleafing to a brother's ear : 
 How me, the Golden Fleece in triumph borne, 520 
 Would to ./Eeta fpeed her wilh'd return ; 
 
 How
 
 Book IV. APOLLO NIUS RHODIUS. 233 
 
 How Phrixus* treacherous fons prolong'd her flay, 
 
 And her to cruel foes confign'd a prey. 
 
 Then far me flung her potent fpells in air, 
 
 Which lur'd the diftant favage from his lair. 535 
 
 Curfe of mankind ! from thee contentions flow, 
 
 Difaftrous Love ! and every heart-felt woe : 
 
 Thy darts the children of thy foes infeft, 
 
 As now they rankle in Medea's breaft. 
 
 How, vanquifh'd by her wiles, Abfyrtus fell, 530 
 
 In leemly order now my Mufe muft tell. 
 
 Medea now fccur'd in Dian's fane, 
 The Colchians haften to their mips again. 
 Jalbn meanwhile lies in clofe ambufh, bent 
 Abfyrtus and his friends to circumvent. 535 
 
 Hjm, yet unpraflis'd in his filter's guile, 
 His ready Ihip had wafted to the ifle : 
 Conceal'd in night they tugg'd their toilfome oars, 
 Till in the bay fee u re the veflel moors. 
 Alone, in confidence, the (tripling came, 54.0 
 
 And at Diana's porch approach'd the dame, 
 (She like a torrent look'd, when fwoln with rain, 
 Which foaming terrifies the village- fwain ;) 
 To learn what fnare her wily art could lay, 
 To drive thefe bold adventurers away, 545 
 
 And
 
 234 be ARGON AU TICS of Book IV. 
 
 And all was plann'd ; when from his ambufcade 
 
 Sprung JEfon's fon, and fhook his lifted blade. 
 
 The confcious fitter, (lung with fecret dread, 
 
 Left her own eyes fhould view Abfyrtus dead, 
 
 Turn'd from the murderous fcene afide diftrefs'd, 550 
 
 .And veil'd her guilty face beneath her veft. 
 
 As falls an ox beneath the ftriker's blow, 
 
 So was Abfyrtus laid by Jafon low. 
 
 Near that bright fane the neighbouring Brugi built, 
 
 He eyes his victim, and completes his guilt. 555 
 
 Here funk he low j and to his bleeding fide, 
 
 Comprefiing both his hands, the hero died. 
 
 Medea's veil receiv'd the purple flood, 
 
 And her fair vefture blufh'd with brother's blood. 
 
 Hell's blackeft Fury the dire fcene furvey'd, 560 
 
 And mark'd with fidelong eye the reeking blade. 
 
 The pious rite for blood in fecret fpilt, 
 
 Jafon fulfils, and expiates his guilt. 
 
 The fkin he rafes from the body flain, 
 
 Thrice licks the blood, thrice fpits it out again. 565 
 
 Then with collected earth the corfe he prefs'd j 
 
 And itill his bones with Abfyrteans reft. 
 
 When in full profped the bright flambeau blaz'd, 
 Which to conduct the chiefs Medea rais'd, 
 
 Elate
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 235 
 
 Elate with hope the radiant guide they view, 5/0 
 And near the Colchian veiTel Argo drew. 
 As lions fierce the timorous flocks difmay, 
 Leap o'er the folds, and drive them far away ; 
 As trembling doves before the kite retreat, 
 So before Argo flies the Colchian fleet. 575 
 
 Furious as flame, on all the hoft they prey'd, 
 And low in death was each affailant laid. 
 Jafon at length, to aid his valiant crew, 
 Who little need his aid, appear'd in view. 
 For not a fear their gallant hearts opprefs'd, 580 
 Save what their Jafon's fafety might fuggeft. 
 The chiefs aflembled with Medea fat, 
 And on their future voyage thus debate ; 
 Peleus began : * Now, ere Aurora rife, 
 ' A fpeedy embarkation I advife: 585 
 
 . * A different courfe with caution let us choofe, 
 ' From that far different which the foe purfues. 
 
 * For (fqch my fanguine hope) when morning-light 
 ' Yon flaughter'd heaps difclofes to their fight, 
 
 * No words will win them to purfue us far, 590 
 ' No tongue entice them to renew the war. 
 
 * Sedition foon, their prince Abfyrtus dead, 
 
 I Will, like a peft, o'er all their navy fpread : 
 
 ' Secure
 
 236 Me ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 Secure and free fnall we recrofs the main, 
 Their forces fcatter'd, and their fovereisn flain.' 595 
 He faid ; the chiefs confented, and with hafte 
 Re-enter'd Argo, and their oars embrac'd. 
 Hard by Eleclris, laft of ifles, they row, 
 Near which, Eridanus, thy waters flow. 
 
 Soon as their leader's fate the Colchians knew, 600 
 They vow'd deftruction to the Grecian crew ; 
 And, eager to o'ertake the Mynian train, 
 Had traversal in their, wrath the boundlefs main, 
 But Juno, as her thunder awful roll'd, 
 Prefag'd her vengeance, and their pride control'd. 605 
 Dreading JEeta's ire, the vanquim'd hoft 
 Far diftant voyag'd from the Colchian coaft. 
 Unnumber'd ports the fcatter'd fleet explor'd : 
 Some to thofe ifles repair'd where Jafon moor'd, 
 Nam'd from Abfyrtus: fome, where (lately flows 610 
 The flood Illyricum, expecl repofe -, 
 Befide whofe bank a lofty tower they rear*d, 
 Where Cadmus' and Harmonia's tomb appear'd ; 
 Here with the natives dwell they. Others roam 
 Till midft Ceraunian rocks they find a home ; 615 
 Cerannian nam'd, fince Jove's red thunder tore 
 Their Ihips that anchor'd on the neighbouring fliore. 
 
 But
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 237 
 
 But towards th* Hyllean port the heroes bear, 
 And, fortune fmiling, fix their halfers there. 
 For many an ifle projected o'er the tide, 620 
 
 Near which no vefiel could with fafety ride. 
 No hoftile arts th' Hylleans now devife : 
 They teach the Mynians where their voyage lies ; 
 And for their friendly intercourfe obtain 
 The largeft tripod from Apollo's fane. 625 
 
 For, doubtful of the Fleece, when Jafon came 
 To hear refponfes from the Pythian dame, 
 Enrich'd, and honour'd from the fhrine he trod 
 With two bright tripods, given by Delphi's God. 
 'Twas doom'd no power Ihould lay the country wafte, 
 Within whofe confines were thefe tripods plac'd. 63? 
 Hid, for this caufe, in earth the fumptuous prize 
 Hard by the fair Hyllean city lies ; 
 Deep, deep it lies, with ponderous earth opprefs'd, 
 That there unieen it might for ever reft. 635 
 
 King Hyllus, whom in fam'd Phceacia's fhore 
 Fair Melite to great Alcides bore, 
 To mortal view was manifeft no more. 
 Naufithou's, to youthful Hyllus kind, 
 The heedlefs ftripling in his courts confin'd ; 640 
 (For, when to Macris' ifle Alcides fled, 
 That far-fam'd ifle, which infant Bacchus fed, 
 
 To
 
 23? ^le ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 To expiate his guilt, and wafh the ftain 
 
 Of blood yet ftreaming from his children (lain, 
 
 Here, as befide his favourite-beach he rov'd, 645 
 
 The naiad Melite he faw and lov'd, 
 
 The daughter of JEgeus, fair and young, 
 
 From whofe carefTes hopeful Hyllus fprung.) 
 
 But he, to manhood ripening, wifh'd to roam 
 
 Far from his fovereign's eye and regal home : 650 
 
 The native iflanders augment his train, 
 
 And with their leader tempt the Chronian main. 
 
 Naufithoiis complied with each demand, 
 
 And Hyllus fettled on th* Illyric ftrand: 
 
 But, as he flrove his fcatter'd herd to fhield, 655 
 
 A boor's rude weapon ftretch'd him on the field. 
 
 How crofs thefe feas, how round th* Aufonian fliorea, 
 And the Ligurian ifles they plied their oars, 
 Ye Mufes, tell : what tokens ftill remain 
 Of Argo's voyage, what her feats, explain : 660 
 Say, to what end, by what impelling gales 
 She o'er remoteft feas nnfurl'd her fails. 
 
 All-feeing Jove their perfidy difcern'd, 
 And for Abfyrtus (lain with anger burn'd. 
 By Circe's myftic rites heaven's fire decreed 66$ 
 The guilt to expiate of fo bafe a deed. 
 
 Ta
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 239 
 
 To fufferings dire, but what no mortal knew, 
 He, ere they fate return'd, foredoom'd the crew. 
 
 Beyond th* Hyllean land their courfe they fleer'd : 
 Remote the vaft Liburnian ifles appear'd, 670 
 
 Late fill'd with Colchians , Pityea fair, 
 And rocky Iffa, are the names they bear. 
 Thefe iflands pad, Cercyra's cliffs they greet, 
 Where dwelt (for here had Neptune chofe her feat) 
 Cercyra : he, by tender paflions fway'd, 675 
 
 From diftant Phliuns fetch'd the black-ey'd maid; 
 Melaine her admiring failors name, 
 As through dark groves they view the fwarthy dame. 
 Fleet as the veffel fails before the wind, 
 Ceroffus, Melite they leave behind. 680 
 
 Soon on Nymphsea, though remote, (he gains, 
 Where Atlas' daughter, queen Calypfo, reigns. 
 The crew conjedur'd, through far diftant fkics 
 They faw the tall Ceraunian mountains rife. 
 And now Jove's purpofes and vengeful rage 685 
 Propitious Juno's anxious thoughts engage. 
 That every toil with glory might be crown'd, 
 And no difaftrous rocks their fhip furround, 
 She wak'd the brifker gales in Argo's aid, 
 Till in Eleftris' iile (he rode embay'd; 690 
 
 Sudden,
 
 240 fke ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 Sudden, the veffel, as flie fail'd along, 
 
 Spoke, wondrous portent ! as with human tongue : 
 
 Her fturdy keel of Dodonean oak, 
 
 By Pallas vocal made, prophetic fpoke. 
 
 This folemn voice ihook every heart with fear : 695 
 
 They deem'd the Thunderer's threaten'd vengeance 
 
 near. 
 
 Expect,' fays Argo, ftorms and wintry Teas, 
 'Till Circe's rites the wrath of Jove appeafe. 
 Ye guardian twins, who aid our great defign, 
 * By humble prayer the heavenly powers incline 700 
 To.fteer me fafe to each Auibnian bay, 
 And to the haunts of Circe point my way.' 
 Thus Argo fpoke, as night her fhades difplay'd : 
 The fons of Leda liften'd and obey'd. 
 Before th' immortal Powers their hands they fpread ; 705 
 All, fave thefe chiefs, were ftruck with filent dread. 
 The canvafs wide-diftended by the gales, 
 Swift down Eridanus the galley fails. 
 Here Jove's dread bolt transfix'd the ftripling's fide, 
 Who greatly dar'd the car of Phoebus guide. 710 
 This flood receiv'd him j and the flaming wound 
 Still fteams, and fpreads offehfive vapours round. 
 The feathery race, as o'er the flood they fly, 
 \Y>app'd in fulphureous exhalations die. 
 
 The
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 241 
 
 The poplar's winding bark around them fpread, 7 1 5 
 
 Apollo's daughters wail their brother dead. 
 
 Down their fair cheeks bright tears of amber run, 
 
 Sink in the fand, and harden by the fun. 
 
 When boifterous winds the troubled waters urge, 
 
 And o'er its bank afcends the fwelling furge, 720 
 
 Thefe amber gems, fwept by the tide away, 
 
 Their pearly tribute to the river pay. 
 
 But, down the ftream, as Celtic legends tell, 
 
 The tears of Phoebus floated as they fell 
 
 In amber dropSj what time from angry Jove 725 
 
 The God withdrew, and left the realms above : 
 
 To the far Hyperborean race he fled, 
 
 Griev'd for his favourite iEfculapius dead. 
 
 From fair Coronis fprung this godlike fon, 
 
 Where Amyros' dreams near Lacerea run. 730 
 
 Strangers to mirth^ the penfive Mynians mufe 
 On their hard lot, and ftrengthening food refufe. 
 Loathing the ftench thefe putrid dreams emit, 
 Sickening and fpiritlefs whole days they fit 3 
 Whole nights they hear the forrowing fillers tell, 735 
 How by the bolts of Jove their brother fell. 
 Their mingled tears, as o'er the ftream they weep, 
 Like drops of oil float down the rapid deep. 
 R
 
 142 fbe A R G o N A u T i c s of Book IV. 
 
 The Rhone's broad channel Argo's keel divides, 
 
 Which mingles with Eridanus its tides : 740 
 
 There, where the confluent floods unite their force, 
 
 Boifterous they foam. The Rhone derives its fource 
 
 From caverns deep, which, far from mortal fight, 
 
 Lead to the portals, and the realms of night. 
 
 One ftream its tribute to th' Ionian pays, 745 
 
 One to the wide Sardinian ocean ftrays ; 
 
 Thro* feven wide mouths it difembogues its tides, 
 
 Where foaming to the fea its ftream divides. 
 
 This winding ftream tranfmits th' adventurous train 
 
 To lakes that delug'd all the Celtic plain. 750 
 
 Pifaftrous fate had here their labour foil'd, 
 
 And of her boafted prowefs Argo fpoil'd, 
 
 (For through a creek to ocean's depths convey'd, 
 
 To fure deftrucYion had the heroes ftray'dj) 
 
 But Juno haften'd from on high, and flood 755 
 
 On a tall rock, and fhouted o'er the flood. 
 
 All heard, and ail with fudden terrour fhook ; 
 
 For loud around them burfts of thunder broke. 
 
 Admonim'd thus, fubmifTive they return, 
 
 And ftecring back their better courfe difcern. 760 
 
 Mid* Celtse and Ligurians long they ftray'd, 
 
 But reach'd the fea-beat Ihore by Juno's aid : 
 
 9 O'er
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 243 
 
 O'er them each day her cloudy veil {he drew, 
 
 And thus from human fight conceal'd the crew; 
 
 Whofe fhip had now the broad, mid channel pafs'd, 765 
 
 And rode amidft the Stcechades at iaft : 
 
 For Jove's twin Tons had pray'd, nor pray'd in vain. 
 
 Hence rear they altars, and due rites ordain 
 
 To thefe kind Powers, whofc influential aid 
 
 Not only Argo's bold adventurers fway'd ; 770 
 
 But later voyagers, by Jove's decree, 
 
 Have own'd their happy influence o'er the fea. 
 
 The Stcechades now leflening from their view, 
 Swift to ^Ethalia's ifle the veffel flew. 
 With chalks, that, as they cover'd, ting'd the fhore, 775 
 The heroes rubb'd their wearied bodies o'er. 
 Here are their quoits and wondrous armour fram'd, 
 Here is their port difplay'd, Argoiis nam'd. 
 Hence failing, they the Tyrrhene fnores furvey, 
 As through Aufonia's deeps they cleave their liquid 
 way. 780 
 
 ^Eea's celebrated port they reach, 
 And faften here their halfers to the beach. 
 Here faw they Circe, as in ocean's bed, 
 Difmay'd with nightly dreams, fhe plung'd her head. 
 For thus the forcerefs dream'd ; that blood and gore 
 Had fmear'd her walls, and flow'd around her floor: 786 
 R i That
 
 244 We ARC ON AU TICS of Book IV 
 
 That all her treafur'd ftores were wrapp'd in flame, 
 With which flie lur'd each paffenger that came : 
 That copious dreams of blood her hand apply'd, 
 And her fears vanifh'd as the flames fubfide. 790 
 For this the magic dame, as morning rofe, 
 Wafh'd in the cleanfing wave her locks and clothes, 
 Monfters, unlike the favage> beftial race, 
 Unlike to humankind in gait or face* 
 Limbs not their own fupport whofe hideous frame, 795 
 As fheep their fhepherd follow, thefe their dame. 
 Such monfters once the pregnant earth difclos'd, 
 Of heterogeneous fhapes and limbs compos'd : 
 No drying winds had then the foil condens'd, 
 No folar rays their genial warmth difpens'd ; 800 
 But time perfection o each creature gave j 
 jyionfters like thefe were fee-n in Circe's cav.e. 
 All, fteclfaft gazing on her form and face, 
 tPronpu,nc'd the Jorcerefs of Beta's race. 
 Thofe terrors vanifh'd, which her dream infpir'd, 805 
 Back to her gloomy celji tlje dan>e retir'd. 
 Clofe in her guileful hand (he grafp'd each gueft, 
 And bade them follow where her footfteps prefs'd. 
 The crowd aloof at Jafon's mandate ftay'd, 
 "While he accompanied the Colchian maid. 810 
 
 Together
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 245 
 
 Together thus they Circe's fteps purfue, 
 Till her enchanting cave arofe in view. 
 
 Their vifit's caufe her troubled mind diftrefs'd ; 
 On downy feats me plac'd each princely gueft. 
 They round her hearth fat motionlefs and mute : 815 
 (With plaintive fuppliants fuch manners fuit) 
 Pier folded hands her blufhing face conceal ; 
 Deep in the ground he fix'd the murderous (leel ; 
 Nor dare they once, in equal forrow drown'd, 
 Lift their dejefted eyelids from the ground. 820 
 
 Circe beheld their guilt : fhe faw they fled 
 From vengeance hanging o'er the murderer's head. 
 The holy rites, approv'd of Jove, fhe pays : 
 (Jove, thus appeas'd, his hafty vengeance flays) 
 Thefe rites from guilty flains the culprits clear, 825 
 Who lowly fuppliant at her cell appear. 
 To expiate their crime in order due, 
 Firfl to her fhrine a fucking pig me drew, 
 Whofe nipples from its birth diftended flood : 
 Its neck (he flruck, and bath'd their hands in blood. 
 Next with libations meet and prayer fhe ply'd 831 
 Jove, who acquits the fuppliant homicide. 
 Without her door a train of Naiads fhnd, 
 Adminiftering whatever her rites demand - t 
 
 R 3 Within,
 
 246 The ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 Within, the flames, that round the hearth arife, 835 
 
 Wafte, as me prays*, the kneaded facrifice : 
 
 That thus the Furies' vengeful wrath might ceafe, 
 
 And Jove appeas'd difmifs them both in peace, 
 
 Whether they came to expiate the guilt 
 
 Of friends' or ftrangers' blood by treachery fpilt. 840 
 
 Circe arofe, her myftic rites complete, 
 'And plac'd the princes on a fplendid feat. 
 Near them (he fat, and urg'd them to explain 
 .Their plan and progrefs o'er the dangerous main : 
 Whence rofe the wilh to vifit Circe's ifle, 845 
 
 'And thus beneath her roof converfe awhile. 
 For ftill on every thought the vifion prefs'd, 
 r And its remembrance ftill difturb'd her reft. 
 Soon as the forcerefs faw Medea raife 
 From earth thofe eyes which mot a beamy blaze, 850 
 Anxious me wifh'd to hear her native tongue, 
 Conjecturing from her features whence fhe fprung. 
 For all Sol's race are beauteous as their fire -, 
 Their radiant eyes emit celeftial fire. 
 The willing maid complied with each -demand, 855 
 'And in the language of her native land 
 Her ftory told j each ftrange event declared, 
 .What countries they had feen, what dangers fhar'd; 
 
 Hep
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 247 
 
 Her fitter's counfels how they fway'd her bread, 
 
 How with the Tons of Phrixus fhe tranfgrefs'd j 860 
 
 How from her father fled, his threats difdain'd : 
 
 But flill untold her brother's fate remain'd. 
 
 His fate th' enchantrefs knew ; no arts could hide 
 
 The murderous deed : fhe pitied and reply 'd : 
 
 y , *, Ah! wretch, dire miichieis thy return await. 865 
 
 ' Hope not to fhun thy father's vengeful hate; 
 
 c Refolv'd on .right, he to the realms of Greece 
 
 Will clofe purfue thee, nor his fury ceafe, 
 4 Till he avenge the murder of his fon : 
 ' For deeds of blacked darknefs haft thou done. 870 
 ' But go, at once my kin and fuppliant, free, 
 6 Nor fear additional diftrefs from me. 
 ' Thy lover hence, far hence thyfelf remove, 
 ' Who fcorn'dft a father's for a vagrant's love. 
 ' Here fupplicate no more : my heart difblaims 875 
 ' Thy guilty wanderings and finifter aims.' 
 
 She fpoke : the maid lamented ; .o'er her head 
 Her veil fhe caft, and many a tear fhe fhed. 
 Her trembling hand the hero rais'd with fpeed, 
 And from the cave of Circe both recede. 880 
 
 By watchful Iris taught, Saturnia knew 
 What time from Circe's cave they both withdrew. 
 
 R4 To
 
 248 The ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 To mark their ileps commifiion'd Iris (laid, 
 On whom thefe frem injunctions Juno laid : 
 * Hafte, Iris, now-, thy pinions wide expand, 885 
 
 * And bear once more Saturnia's dread command. 
 ' Qo, Thetis rouze from ocean's dark retreat \ 
 
 c Her potent aid my projects will complete. 
 ? Spread then towards Vulcan's mores thy fpeedy 
 wing, 
 
 * Where round his anvils ceafelefs hammers ring. 890 
 
 * Bid him no more his boifterous bellows ply, 
 c Till heaven-built Argo fail fecurely by. 
 
 * Then to the Deity, whofe fovereign fway 
 
 ' Controls the winds, whom raging ftorms obey, 
 
 * Hafte ; and requeft that every rifing gale 895 
 
 * Be hufh'd, and filence o'er the feas prevail : 
 
 * That round the waves fereneft zephyrs play, 
 
 * Till Argo anchors in Phceacia-s bay.' 
 She faid : and Iris, poiz'd on airy wings, 
 
 From the bright fummit of Olympus fprings : 900 
 
 Defcends impetuous down th' .fligean deeps, 
 
 Where in his watery caverns Nereus fleeps, 
 
 To Thetis firft repairs the winged maid ; 
 
 Solicits and obtains her potent aid. 
 
 Vulcan Ihe next in humble prayer addrefs'd ; 905 
 
 7'he God of fire complied with her requeft : 
 
 7 His
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 249 
 
 His bellows heave their windy fides no more, 
 
 Nor his fhrill anvils ihake the diftant fhore. 
 
 Her wants to ^lolus fhe next difclos'd : 
 
 And while her wearied limbs fhe here repos'd, gio 
 
 Thetis from all her Naiad- train withdrew, 
 
 And from her Nereus to Olympus flew. 
 
 Juno with tranfport hail'd her fea-born gueft, 
 
 Whom near her throne fhe feated, and addrefs'd : 
 
 ' O, hear my tale, bright Goddefs of the main 1915 
 f Thou know'ft my care for Jafon and his train ; 
 
 * Thou know'ft: how Juno's arm alone upheld, 
 
 ' And through the jutting rocks their fhip impelPd: 
 
 '"Around whofe fides fierce, fiery tempefts rave, 
 
 ' And the huge crag is whiten'd by the wave. 920 
 
 * Now muft they fail near Scylla's awful height, 
 
 * And where the rock Charybdis forms a ftreight. 
 
 * Thee yet an infant in my arms I prefs'd, 
 
 * And more than all thy fifter-nymphs carefs'd. 
 
 4 Revering me, the wife of Ibvereign Jove, 925 
 
 * Thou fcorn-dil the tenders of his lawlefs love. 
 
 * (For him a mortal beauty now inflames, 
 ' And now he revels with celeftial dames.) 
 
 ' And Jove, in vengeance for his flighted bed, 
 f Swore, not a Deity fhould Thetis wed. 933 
 
 ' Nor
 
 250 5T& ARCONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 4 Nor could the fervour of his love abate, 
 
 * Till Themis thus difclos'd the will of fate , 
 
 * That from thy womb in future times mould fpring, 
 ' Superior to his fire, an infant-king. 
 
 c Dreading th' event, left in fome future day 935 
 
 * This infant-Jung mould claim celeftial fway, 
 fc Thee Jove abandon'd to fecure his throne, 
 
 * And reign unrival'd ever and alone. 
 
 * But, lo! I gave, thy bridal bed to grace, 
 
 * A mortal huiband worthy thy embrace i 940 
 ' I made thee mother of a happy line, 
 
 1 And to thy nuptials call'd the Powers divine. 
 
 * Myfelf, in honour to the godlike pair, 
 
 * Deign'd on that day the bridal torch to bear. 
 
 ' Soon as thy fon (believe the truths you hear) 945 
 
 * Shall in Elyfium's blifsful plains appear, 
 
 ' Whom kindly now the foftering Naiads guard 
 ' In Chiron's manfion, of thy milk debarred, 
 ' In Hymen*s filken chains the hero led,, ^air. 
 c Muft mare the hopours of Medea's bed. 950 
 
 * Oh ! be a mother's tendered car? difplay'd, 
 
 * Succour thy Peleus, and thy daughter aid. 
 
 * Hath he tranfgrefs'd ? thy rifmg wrath fubdue ; 
 ' For Ate's dire effects th' immortals rue. 
 
 ! Vulcan,
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 251 
 
 Vulcan, I ween, obfequious to my will, 955 
 
 * His fires will ftifle, and his bellows ftill 5 
 His boifterous waves will ^Eolus reftrain, 
 
 * And zephyrs only fan the curling main, 
 Till Argo anchors in Phaeacia's bay. 
 
 * But (helves and ftormy feas obftrudt her way; 960 
 c Thefe, thefe I dread : but, with thy train expert, 
 
 e Be thine the care thefe mifchiefs to avert. 
 ' Safe from Charybdis' gulf the veflcl guide, 
 c Safe from loud Scylla's all-abforbing tide j 
 
 * Scylla, the terrour of Aufonia's more, 965 
 ' Whom Phorcuns to infernal Hecat bore, 
 
 * Cratasis nam'd. Oh ! fummon all thy pow'r, 
 ' Left her voracious jaws my chiefs devour. 
 
 ' Hope's cheerly dawn if haply thou difcern, 
 
 * Snatch from the watery grave the finking ftern.' 970 
 " If 'tis refolv'd," replies th' aflenting queen, 
 
 " Tempefts to curb, and oceans to ferene, 
 
 " Fear not ; but in my profFer'd aid confide : 
 
 <c This arm fhall convoy Argo o'er the tide. 
 
 " The furge fubfiding mall confels my fway, 975 
 
 " While harmlefs zephyrs round the canvafs play. 
 
 <c Now muft I traverle the wide fields of air, 
 
 " And to my fillers' cryftal grots repair -, 
 
 .!! Rcqueft
 
 252 fbt ARCONAVTICS of Book IV. 
 
 *' Requeft their aid, and haften to the fliores, 
 ft Where anchor'd Argo unmolefled moors : 980 
 " That each brave comrade, at the dawn of day, 
 * With heart elate may cleave the liquid way." 
 
 She fpoke, and through th' aerial regions fped, 
 Then in the pools of ocean plung'd her head. 
 At Thetis' call the filter Nereids came, 985 
 
 And flock'd obedient round their oozy dame. 
 Juno's commands (he bade the fitters heed, 
 And to th' Aufonian deep defcend with fpeed. 
 
 Swifter than lightning, or than Phcebus' beams, 
 The God4efs darted thro' the yielding dreams ; 99 
 Till, gliding fmooth befide the Tyrrhene ftrand, 
 Jier fpeedy footftep prefs'd th' JE&an land. 
 Along the winding beach the Mynians ftray, 
 And while with quoits and darts their hours away. 
 Here Thetis fingled from the gallant band 995 
 
 Feleus her fpoufe, and prefs'd the hero's hand : 
 Unfeen by all the hoft, his hand (he prefs'd 5 
 By all, fave Peleus, whom (he thus addrefs'd : 
 
 * Loiter not here ; but with returning light 
 
 * IJnfurl your fails, nor Juno's counfels flight. 1000 
 4 Safe thro' th' Erratic rocks your (hip to guide, 
 
 * Which frown tremendous o'er the tofilng tide, 
 
 ' For
 
 Book IV. AfOLLONius R HOD i us. 253 
 For this the fea-green fifters join their force, 
 And fmooth through dangerous leas your deftin'd 
 
 courfe. 
 ' My form^ what time we urge the foaming k-eel, 1005 
 
 By you not unobferv'd, to none reveal 5 
 ' Left, as before, your folly I chaftife, 
 And to more defperate heights my vengeance rife," 
 She faid, and vaniih'd to the deeps below. 
 The wondering chief was pierc'd with keeneft woe. 
 For fmce the dame, with indignation fir'd, ion 
 
 Had from her Pdeus' hated bed retir'd, 
 Unfeen till now (he lurk'd : the ftrife begun 
 From this unweeting caufe, her infant-fon, 
 For, foon as night diffus'd its darkeft made, 1015 
 Her young Achilles o'er {fee flame (he laid, 
 And, at return of day, with ceafelefs toil 
 Applied to all his limbs ambrofial oil, 
 That youth might triumph o'er th* attacks of time, 
 "Nor creeping age impair his vigorous prime. 1020 
 The father faw, as from his bed he rofe, 
 Fierce, ambient flames his infant's limbs enclofe ; 
 And, as he gaz'd, his rueful cries confcfs'd 
 The boding farrows of a parent's breaft. 
 Fool ! for his queen, who heard her lord deplore, 1025 
 Dafh'd in a rage her infant on the floor. 
 
 Then
 
 254 ?*& ARC ONAU T res of Book IV. 
 
 Then fleet as air, or like a dream of night, 
 
 She vanifh'd fudden from his odious fight ; 
 
 Plung'd in her fury down the whelming main, 
 
 Nor e'er emerg'd fhe from the waves again. 1030 
 
 For this he forrow'd : but each fage command 
 
 Which Thetis gave, he told his gallant band. 
 
 They heard, and from their fports retir'd in hafte ; 
 
 Then fhar'd, recumbent, in a fhort repaft. 
 
 Sated, they catch the comforts of repofe, 1035 
 
 Till, every toil renewing, morn arofe. 
 
 Soon as her radiant light illumin'd heav'n, 
 And to tjieir wilh were breezy zephyrs giv'n, 
 Quitting the land, they climb with nimble feet 
 The lofty decks, and reaffume their feat. 1040 
 
 Each to his toil returns alert and bold : 
 They tear the griping anchor from its hold ; 
 They hoift the yard, their bracing ropes unbind, 
 And give the flapping canvafs to the wind. 
 Swift fails the fhip : foon to th' expecting crew 1045 
 Anthemoefia's ifle arofe in view. 
 The Syrens here, from Acheloiis fprung, 
 Allure the loitering failors with their tongue, 
 Who, fattening to the beach the corded flay, 
 Neglect their voyage, and attend the lay. 1050 
 
 What
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 255 
 
 What time to AchelouY longing arms 
 
 The Mufe Terpfichore refign'd her charms, 
 
 Their mutual love thefe wily fongfters crown'd ; 
 
 Who lur'd, in times remote, with tempting found 
 
 Ceres' fair daughter, and fallacious fhew 1055 
 
 A virgin-face, while wing'd like fowls they flew. 
 
 On a bright eminence the charmers (land, 
 
 And watch the veffels as they tug to land. 
 
 Full many a mariner their fongs betray, 
 
 Who lifts and lingers till he pines away. 1060 
 
 As Argo fail'd they rais'd their tuneful tongue; 
 
 And here their halfers had the heroes hung, 
 
 But Thracian Orpheus wak'd his wonted fire, 
 
 And fung refponfive to his heavenly lyre ; 
 
 That each refounding chord might pierce their ear, 
 
 And none the mufic of the Syrens hear. 1066 
 
 Yet ftill they fung : ftill brifkly, with the breeze, 
 
 The veflel tilted o'er the curling feas. 
 
 Butes alone became an eafy prey, 
 
 Who all enraptur'd liften'd to their lay. 1070 
 
 Ereft, above the rowing chiefs, he ftood, 
 
 And frantic fprung into the faithlefs flood. 
 
 His helplefs hands he rais'd, the fhip to gain, 
 
 And, but for Venus' aid, had rais'd in vain : 
 
 She,
 
 25$ <?&e ARGONAUTICS of Book i V. 
 
 Shej Eryx* honoured queen-* the wretch defcry'd, 1075 
 
 And fnatch'd him floundering from the foaming tide, 
 
 His kind proteetrefs, as her courfe fhe bends 
 
 Where Lilybceum's ample cape extends* 
 
 This dire mimap difhearten'd all the band, 
 
 Who row with vigour from the traiterous ftrand. 1080 
 
 But other pelts, more fatal to their freight, 
 Threaten their progrefs to that dangerous ftreight, 
 Where Scylla's roek projects its wave-worn fide, 
 And where Charybdis* gulf abforbs the tide. 
 Dafti'd by the driven waves the Planctse roar'd, 1 085 
 From whofe cleft fummits flames fulphureous pour'd. 
 Thick, dufky clouds involve the darken'd Ikies, 
 And hid are Phcebus* fplendours from their eyes. 
 Though Vulcan ceas'd from his afiiduous toils, 
 The fires flafh thick, and fervid ocean boils. 1090 
 Here o'er the failing pine the nymphs prefide, 
 While Thetis' forceful hands the rudder guide. 
 As oft in Ihoals the fportive dolphins throng, 
 Circling the vefiel as fhe fails along, 
 Whofe playful gambols round the prow and ftern 1^95 
 The much-delighted mariners difcern ; 
 Round Argo thus the toiling nymphs attend, 
 And, led by Thetis, their affiftance lend. 
 
 ^O'erhangino;
 
 Book IV. APOLLONJUS R H o D ;i jj s. 257 
 
 O'erhanging black th' rocks' bleak brow they fee, 
 And gird their azure veftures to their knee, i log 
 Now here, now there, as danger warns, they glide, 
 And ftem mid* crufhing crags the troubled tide. 
 Pendent on mountain-waves the veflel hung, 
 That pierc'd her folid planks, and foam'd the rocks 
 
 among. 
 
 Above thefe rocks, here now the Nereids rife) 1105 
 And float on billows hid amidft the fkies i 
 Defcending now to ocean's fecret bed, 
 They in his gulphy deeps conceal their head. 
 
 As when along the beach, fuccinct for play, 
 To tofs the flying ball the Nereids flray, me 
 
 From hand to hand the fphere unerring flies, 
 Nor ever on the ground inglorious lies ; 
 The fillers thus, with coadjutant force, 
 High o*er the furge impel the vefTel's courfe : 
 From fecret ihelves her wave-dafh'd fides they {hove, 
 Tho' fturdy billows ftrong againft them drove. 1116 
 On a tall fragment that o'erlook'd the flood, 
 His fhoulder refting on his hammer, flood 
 The footy God : and from her fVarry .fkies 
 Juno beheld the fcene with ftedfaft eyes. 1120 
 
 Her hand around Minerva's neck fhe threw j 
 For much Saturnia trembled at the view. 
 
 S Long
 
 <he ARGONAUI-ICS of Book IV. 
 
 Long as the vernal funs protract the light, 
 So long in Argo's caufe the nymphs unite. 
 Propitious to their labours fprung the breeze, 1125 
 And the free veflel ftiot acrofs the feas. 
 Trinacria's verdant meads they foon furvey, 
 rWhere graze thy herds, illuftrious God of day. 
 Juno's commands obey'd, the watery train, 
 Like diving mews, explore the deeps again. i igo 
 Coafting along, the bleating flocks they hear, 
 And herds loud bellowing ftrike their liftening ear. 
 Sol's youngeft daughter, Phaethufa, leads 
 The bleating flocks along the dewy meads -, 
 Propp'd on her filver crook the maid reclin'd : 1 135 
 A ftouter ftaff, with brazen ringlets join'd, 
 Lampetie takes ; whofe herds the heroes fee 
 Slunk to the brook, or browfing on the lea. 
 Of fable hue no cattle you behold -, 
 Milkwhite are all, and tipp'd their horns with gold. 
 They pafs'd thefe meads by day; at day's decline 1 141 
 They bruih'd with pliant oars the yielding brine. 
 At length Aurora's all-reviving ray 
 Redden'd the waves, and (hew their certain way. 
 
 A fertile ifle towers o'er th' Ionian tide, 1145 
 
 Ceraunia nam'd ; the land two bays divide. 
 
 Fame
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS R H o D i tf sJ 259 
 
 Fame fays, (forgive me, Mufe, while I unveil, 
 
 Reluctant too, a legendary tale ;) 
 
 A fickle lies conceal'd within this land, 
 
 With which rafh Saturn's mutilating hand 1150 
 
 His father caftrated : for Ceres' aid 
 
 Others affert this rural fickle made. 
 
 For Ceres once* with love of Macris fir'd, 
 
 To this fam'd iflej her favourite feat, retir'd. 
 
 The Titans here me taught her arms to wield, 1155 
 
 And crop the bearded harveft of the field. 
 
 This ifland hence^ nurfe of Pheeacian fwains, 
 
 Th' exprefiive name of Drepane obtains. 
 
 From mangled Uranus's b!ood they trace 
 
 The fource inglorious of Phceacia's race. 1160 
 
 Trinaeria left, and numerous perils paft, 
 Here heaven-protefled Argo moors at laft. 
 The heroes difembark'd Alcinoiis hails, 
 And at their feftive facrifice regales. 
 Mirth unremitted through the city runs, 1165 
 
 As though they welcom'd home their darling fons. 
 The godlike gueils their focial part fuftain, 
 Joyous as though they prefs'd Hsemonia's plain : 
 But ere that diftant plain delights their view, 
 The chiefs muft buckle on their arms anew. 1170 
 S a For,
 
 i6o 'fhe ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 For, lo! thofe Colchians who adventurous ftray'd 
 Through deeps unknown, and enter' d undifmay'd 
 The dire Cyanean rocks, here throng the coaft, 
 And wait tli* arrival of the Grecian hoft. 
 The forfeit maid fhould Argo's crew refufe, 1 175 
 War in each fad, difaftrous fhape enfues. 
 Arm'd and fefolv'd they threaten inftant fight, 
 And future fleets t' afiert their monarch's right. 
 But king Alcinoiis interpos'd his aid, 
 And, ere they rufh'd to fight, their wrath allay'd. n 80 
 Arete's knee the fuppliant virgin prefs'd, 
 And thus th' affociate band and queen addrefs'd : 
 ' O queen,' exclaim'd Hie, ' lend thy timely aid 
 
 * iTo fave from Colchian hands a fuffering maid. 
 
 * With ruffian rage to bear me hence they come, 1 185 
 
 * And to my wrathful fire conduct me home. 
 
 ' Thou know'ft, if one, like me, of humankind, 
 1 How prone to err is man's unftable mind. 
 
 * Deem me no flave to luft's ufurping pow'r ; 
 
 ' Prudence forfook me in the needful hour. J 190 
 
 * Be witnefs, Sun, and thou, whofe every rite 
 ' Is wrapp'd, dire Hecate, in fable night, 
 
 * How I reluctant left my native home, 
 
 t And with rude foreigners abhor'd to roam. 
 
 2 ! Fear
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 261 
 
 Fear wing'd my flight j and, having once tranfgrefs'd, 
 c To flee I judg'd my lafl refource and befl. 1196 
 c Still have I liv'd, as with my father, chafte, 
 
 My fpotlefs zone faft girded to my waift. 
 
 Oh ! may my tale, fair princcfs, claim thy tears ; 
 e Oh! teach thy lord companion as he hears. 1200 
 
 * On thee may all th' immortal Gods bellow 
 
 * Beauty and life, exempt from age and woe ; 
 4 Cities, that need no bold invaders dread, 
 
 ' And a fair progeny to crown thy bed.* 
 
 In tears me fpoke: then to each gallant chief 1205 
 
 Told in thefe plaintive ftrains her tale of grief: 
 e Low at your feet, ye warriours, fuppliant view 
 
 ' A princefs doom'd to wretchednefs for you. 
 
 e Yok'd were the bulls, and, defperate as they rofe, 
 
 * Crum'd by my aid were hofts of giant-foes. 1210 
 ' Yes, foon Hasmonia the rich prize will fee, 
 
 " And boaft of conquefts which me owes to me. 
 
 c My country I, my parents, palace left, 
 
 ' To pine through life, of all its joys bereft ; 
 
 * But gave to you, a bafe, ungrateful train, 1215 
 
 * To fee your country and your friends again. 
 
 * Spoil'd of my beauty's bloom by fate fevere, 
 
 * In endlefs exile muft I languifh here. 
 
 S g ! Revere
 
 262 *The ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 ' Revere your oaths ; Erynnis' vengeance dread, 
 
 ' Who heaps her curfes on the perjur'd head : 1220 
 
 ' Dread heaven's fure wrath, if, to my fire reftor'd, 
 
 * My fhame or ruin wait his.defperate word. 
 " No flickering fhrine, no fortrefs near, I fly 
 
 * To you alone, on your defence rely. 
 
 * Yet why on you ? who, mercilefs and mute, 1225 
 c Have heard my cries, nor feconded my fuit ; 
 
 c Unmov'd have feen me lift my fuppliant hand 
 ' To the kind princefs of this foreign land. 
 ' Elate with hope the Golden Fleece to gain, 
 
 * Colchos oppos'd you, and her king in vain : 1230 
 c But fearful now the battle to renew, 
 
 * Ye dread detachments, nor will fight with few.' 
 
 She faid ; and all, who heard her fuppliant moan, 
 Cheer'd her fad heart, and check'd the rifing groan. 
 Each gallant man his brandifh'd Ipear difplay'd, 1235 
 And vow'd affiftance to the fuffering maid, 
 Shook his drawn fword, a prelude to the fight, 
 Refolv'd on vengeance, and refolv'd on right. 
 
 Night now difpers'd the faint remains of day, 
 And all the {lumbering world confefs'd its fway : 1240 
 Grateful its gloom to men with toils opprefs'd ; 
 Grateful to allj^vit her, with deep unblefs'd. 
 
 She,
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 263 
 
 She, haplefs fair, her painful vigils kept ; 
 Revolving ftill her griefs, me watch'd and wept. 
 
 As at the diftaff toils th' induftrious dame, 1245 
 Whofe frequent tears her orphan children claim. 
 All night fhe toils, while clinging round they ftand, 
 Wail their loft (ire, and his return demand. 
 Swift down her cheek defcends the filent tear: 
 So hard the lot fate deftines her to bear ! 1 250 
 
 Like her's Medea's copious tears defcend, 
 Such agonizing griefs her tortur'd bofom rend. 
 The royal pair retir'd with wonted ftate 
 From the throng'd city to their palace-gate. 
 On their foft couch reclin'd, at evening's clofe, 1255 
 Long conference held they on Medea's woes. 
 Thus to Alcinous the queen exprefs'd 
 The kind fuggeftions of her pitying breaft : 
 
 ' Oh ! may the Minyans, prince, thy favours fhare . 
 ' Oh ! fhield from Colchian foes an injur'd fair, 12,60 
 ' Not diftant far Hasmonia's plains extend, 
 
 * And near our ifland Argos' frontiers end, 
 4 But far remote jEeta reigns ; his name 
 
 1 Unknown to us, or faintly known by fame. 
 
 * She, in whole forrows now I bear a part, 1 265 
 ! Hath, to redrefs them, open'd all my heart, 
 
 S 4 'Let
 
 $64 fbe ARCONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 * Let no rude Colchian bear her hence away, 
 
 * To her fire's vengeance a devoted prey. 
 
 * Her error this : the fiery bulls to quell, 
 
 * Fond and officious fhe prepar'd the fpell. 1270 
 
 * Augmenting then (as oft offenders will) 
 ' Her firft with future errors, ill with ill, 
 
 * Far from her native home, imprefs'd with dread, 
 5 Far from her angry fire the damfel fled. 
 
 * But bound is Jafon by ftrong ties, fays fame, 1275 
 
 * To wed the wanderer, and retrieve from fliamc. 
 
 * Urge him not then, with many an added threat, 
 
 * His faith to violate, his oaths forget ; 
 
 * Nor ftimulate JEeta's wrath to rife : 
 
 * Their daughters parents rigoroufly chaftife. 1280 
 
 * Thus Pycleus, with parental zeal o'ercome, 
 ' Compell'd his child Antiope to roam. 
 
 c Thus Danae, by her wrathful fire fecur'd, 
 
 * Tofs'd in the troubled deep diftrefs endur'd. 
 
 * Nor long fince Echetus, a wretch accurs'd, 1285 
 ' With brazen pins his daughter's eye-balls pierc'd : 
 
 * Pent in a dungeon's awful gloom fhe pin'd, 
 
 ' Doom'd by her favage fire obdurate brafs to grind.* 
 She faid : foft pity touch'd the fovereign's breaft, 
 Who thus his fupplicating queen addrefs'd : 1290 
 
 " In
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 265 
 
 " In me, O queen, thefe heroes fhould defcry, 
 " For the fair fufferer's fake, a firm ally ; 
 " Soon mould my arms the Colchian foes remove, 
 " But I revere the juft decrees of Jove. 
 *' Unfafe I deem JEeta. to deride, 1295 
 
 " Who fways the fceptre with a monarch's pride ; 
 " Able, though diftant, if averfe from peace, 
 " To fcatter difcord through the realms of Greece. 
 " Hear my propofal then j which you, I truft, 
 " And all who hear it, will applaud as juft : 1300 
 " If ftill a virgin's fpotlefs name fhe bear, 
 " Safe to her fire's domains conduct the fair : 
 " But if one bed the wedded pair contain, 
 " 1 will not fever Hymen's filken chain. 
 " Forbid it, heaven ! that I in wrath expofe 1305 
 " Her finlefs offspring to infulting foes." 
 
 He faid, and funk to reft : his fage refolves 
 Anxious and oft the wakeful queen revolves. 
 She rofe : their princefs' footftep heard, arife 
 Her female train, and each her wants fupplies. 1310 
 
 6 Go,' to her page apart Arete faid, 
 ' Bid ^Efon's valiant fon the virgin wed. 
 6 Bid him no more AlcinouY ears aflail 
 With long entreaties and a well-known tale. 
 
 ! Himfclf,
 
 t66 The A RG o N A u 1 1 c s of Book IV. 
 
 " Himfelf, unafk'd, his advocate will go, *B 1 5 
 
 ' And tender thefe conditions to the foe : 
 ' If ftill the fair a fpotlefs maid remain, 
 
 * Soon fhall fhe view her father's courts again ; 
 
 * But, if a matron's honour'd name fhe bear, 
 
 ' He will not feparate the wedded pair.' 1320 
 
 She faid : her herald, eager to convey 
 The royal mefiage, fped without dejay ; 
 To jEfon's fon he told Arete's word, 
 And the kind counfels of her fovereign lord. 
 Hard by their Ihip, ia glittering arms array 'd, 1325 
 Deep in the port of Hyllicus embay'd, 
 He fpies the chiefs, his embafTy repeats, 
 And every gallant heart with tranfport beats. 
 They crown the goblets to the Powers divine, 
 And drag th' accuftom'd victims to the fl^rine : 1330 
 Then for the penfive fair officious fpread 
 In a fequefter'd grot the bridal bed. 
 Hither, in days of yore, fair Macris came, 
 Daughter of Ariftasus, honour'd name ! 
 He taught mankind the virtues and the ufe 1335 
 Of the bee's labours, and the olive's juice. 
 For, know, when Hermes infant-Bacchus bore, 
 Snatch'd from the flames, to fair Eubcea's fhore, 
 
 Macris
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 267 
 
 Macris einbrac'd him with a mother's love, 
 
 And there, awhile, fhe nurs'd the feed of Jove, 1340 
 
 And there with honey fed ; till Juno's fpite 
 
 Far from Eubcea's ifle compell'd her flight. 
 
 At length, of this Phceacian grot pofTefs'd, 
 
 She with vaft opulence the natives blefs'd. 
 
 To deck with honours due the bridal bed, 
 Around it wide the Golden Fleece was fpread. 
 With fweeteft flowers, that deck or dale or hill, 
 Th' affiduous nymphs their fnowy bofoms fill. 
 The Golden Fleece emits fo bright a ray, 
 They fhone all radiant as the ftar of day, 
 Infpiring love : the prize though ftrong defire 
 Prompts them to touch, with reverence they retire. 
 Thefe are the daughters of the ^gean flood, 
 Thofe, Meletaeum, haunt thy lofty wood. 
 From groves, from flreams, at Juno's call they ran, 
 To grace the nuptials of this godlike man. 1356 
 The facred grot, recorded ftill by fame, 
 Bears to this day Medea's honour'd name; 
 For here the nymphs, their veils around them fpread, 
 To nuptial joys the happy lovers led : 1360 
 
 And every chief, to guard the blifsful fpot, 
 Clad in bright armour, flood before the grot, 
 
 3 Left
 
 be ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 Left hoftile troops, with rude tumultuous noife, 
 Should force an entrance, and diftract their joys. 
 Thus ftation'd, they protect the hallow'd ground, 1365 
 Their feftive brows with leafy chaplets crown'd. 
 As Orpheus ftruck his tuneful lyre, they fung, 
 And Hymeneals round the grotto rung. 
 But in AlcinouY court the fair to wed, 
 O'er Jafon's anxious mind difquiet fpread : 1370 
 Full oft he wifh'd lolcos' coaft to gain, 
 And wed the virgin in his fire's domain -, 
 Such too Medea's wifh : but fate fevere 
 Forc'd him to celebrate his nuptials here. 
 For pleafure unalloy'd we look in vain; 1375 
 
 Pleafure to fuffering man is mix'd with pain. 
 "Whether the Colchian foe had fcorn'd or clos'd 
 With the juft terms Phceacia's prince propos'd, 
 Of this they doubted : mid' the mirthful fcene 
 Fears, which thefe doubts fuggefled, intervene. 1580 
 
 Aurora now her orient beams difplay'd, 
 And pierc'd the fullen night's furrounding fhade. 
 The circling fhores and dew-befpangled ground 
 Reflect her rays' : the ftreets with noife refound. 
 The citizens and Colchians, who pofiefs'd 1385 
 
 The diftant cpaft, awake from balmy reft. 
 
 Impatient
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 269 
 
 Impatient now his pnrpofe to difclofe, 
 To plead Medea's caufe the monarch rofe; 
 His hand fuftain'd a fceptre's maffy gold, 
 Which kings, deciding right, were wont to hold. 1390 
 Around their prince, in glittering arms array'd, 
 Phceacia's peers a feemly pomp difplay'd. 
 Eager on each adventurous chief to gaze, 
 A female troop beyond the city flrays. 
 In feftive bands the diftant fwains unite : 1395 
 
 (For Juno had divulg'd the nuptial rite) 
 One from his fold a ram felected brought, 
 An heifer one, to feel the yoke untaught ; 
 Flagons of wine fome for libation bear : 
 The fmoke of victims blacken'd all the air. 1400 
 As women wont, the female train felect 
 Their coftly veils, with gay embroidery deck'd : 
 Such golden toys, fuch trinkets they provide, 
 As on a nuptial day adorn the bride. 
 The comely chiefs their admiration won , H5 
 
 But more than all TEager's tuneful fon, 
 As lightly to the lyre's melodious found 
 Tripp'd the brilk dancer o'er the meafur'd ground. 
 In concert full the virgin-choir prolong 
 The happy day with Hymeneal fong. 1410 
 
 Here
 
 270 72* ARGONAUT i cs of Book IV". 
 
 Here a fair band, collected in a ring, 
 Praifes to thee, aufpicious Juno, fmg< 
 By thee infpir'd, difclos'd the royal dame 
 The friendly terms her prince was pleas'd to name. 
 Nor are the terms Alcinoiis nam'd difown'd : 1415 
 (For now their faithful loves hath Hymen crown'd) 
 True to his oath, he heard with fix'd difdain 
 And deem'd ^Beta's vengeful fury vain. 
 
 Soon as the Colchians faw their purpofe crofs'd, 
 Defeated all their fchemes, their labour loft -, 1420 
 That to the fovereign's terms they muft accede, 
 Or quit his ports, and fail away with fpeed ; 
 Dreading the monarch's wrath, fubmifs they try 
 To win his friendfhip, and commence ally. 
 Settling at laft, long time the Colchian hod 14.25 
 Dwelt with the natives on Phceacia's coaft : 
 Till Bacchus' hated race from Corinth fled, 
 ExiPd thefe Colchians, and the ifle o'erfpread. 
 They fought the neighbouring mores : in times to come 
 Their fons emigrating explor'd a home, H3 Q 
 
 Where far and wide extends th* Jllyric coaft, 
 And the Ceraunian hills in clouds are loft. 
 But thefe events, which now my Mufe engage, 
 Were late fulfill'd in fome fucceeding age. 
 
 Yet
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 27! 
 
 Yet ftill, in Phoebus' fane, uninjur'd ftand 1435 
 
 The altars rais'd by fair Medea's hand : 
 Some to the fates are pil'd with victims due, 
 Some to the nymphs their annual rites renew. 
 Towards the parting train the royal pair 
 Their generous love by coftly gifts declare. 1440 
 
 Twelve fair Phoeacians, at the queen's command, 
 Conduct Medea to the fea-beat ftrand. 
 
 On the feventh morn with gently-breathing gales 
 Propitious Jove expanded Argo's fails ; 
 Argo, decreed frefh dangers to fuftain, 1445 
 
 Ere Greece beholds her gallant fons again. 
 Ambracia's bay had open'd to their view, 
 Befide Curetes' land the galley flew, 
 The cluttering iiles, Echidanes, they pafs'd, 
 And Pelops' diftant realm beheld at laft. 1450 
 
 Nine tedious nights and days the veflel fweeps 
 The troubled furface of the Libyan deeps; 
 Till, driven by rapid tides and ftorms aftray, 
 She near the Syrtes* quickfands plough'd her way : 
 Whirl*d in whofe gulphy pools, their deftin'd grave, 
 Nor fails nor oars the finking galleys fave. 1456 
 
 Burft from its black abyfs, the boiling flood 
 Up-hcaves its fhaggy weeds, involv'd in (helves of mud. 
 
 With
 
 be ARGONAVTICS *f Book IV. 
 
 With the far-fpreading fpray the fands arife ; 
 
 But nought difcern they here that creeps or flies. 1460 
 
 The tide (which now retreats into the main, 
 
 And now returns upon the beach again;) 
 
 Far o'er the fhore, impell'd with fury, mew 
 
 All Argo's flimy keel expos'd to view. 
 
 They difembark, and gaze with aching eyes H^S 
 
 On ridgy mountains loft amid the fkies. 
 
 No grateful ftreams, no beaten paths appear, 
 
 No rural cot difcern they, far or near j 
 
 A death-like filence reign'd around : difmay'd 
 
 His comrade each interrogating faid : 1470 
 
 ' What country this ? on what bleak clime at laft 
 ' Have the rude tempefts heaven-built Argo caft ? 
 c Oh ! had we dar'd, devoid of vulgar fear, 
 * Our courfe undaunted through thofe fragments fleer, 
 c Like heroes then (though Jove fuccels deny'd) 1475 
 ' We in the bold attempt had bravely died. 
 * What qan our fkill devife ? the lead delay 
 ' Is fatal here ; the winds forbid our (lay. 
 ' How bleak and barren is the coaft we tread ! 
 ' And what a defert wafte is wide around us fprcad !"' 
 
 He faid ; and, joining in the loud lament, 1481 
 Ancaeus thus foreboded the event ; 
 
 ! What
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS." 273 
 
 4 What dire mifhaps our gallant hoft befall ! 
 
 * Thus by ftern fate's decree we perifh all ! 
 
 What woes await us, on this defert caft, 1485. 
 
 ' If from the land awakes the furious blaft ! 
 
 * For flimy feas my fight far off commands, 
 
 6 And whitening billows burfling o'er the fands. 
 
 4 And dreadfully had Argo's yawning fides, 
 
 ' Remote from more, receiv'd the gufhing tides, 1490 
 
 4 Had not the furge, which lifted her to heav'n, 
 
 4 Full on the pebbly beach the veffel driv'n. 
 
 4 But now the tide retiring quits the ftrand, 
 
 * And waves unfaithful fkim the levell'd fand. 
 
 * Our projects baffled, and hope's cheerly dawn 1495 
 4 From our expecting fight thus foon withdrawn, 
 
 4 Let other hands the pilot's art difplay, 
 
 1 
 
 c And they who fear not danger fleer the way. 
 
 4 But our joint labours Jove decrees to foil, 
 
 1 Nor will our native home reward our toil.' 1500 
 
 He faid , and all, renown'd for naval fkill, 
 Clofe with his words, and wait th' impending ill. 
 From every heart the vital motion fled, 
 O'er every face a deadly palenefs fpread. 
 
 As when from ftreet to ftreet, in wilddifmay, 1505 
 Affrighted mortals, like pale fpectres, ftray ; 
 
 T Expecting
 
 274 #k ARGON At/Tics of Book IV. 
 
 Expediting wars, or plagues, or burfling rains, 
 That deluge all the harveft of the plains : 
 Or, as when ftatues drops of blood diftil, 
 And fancied bellowings the temples fill; 1510 
 
 The noon-day fun eclips'd involves in night 
 Th* aftonim'c] world, and ftars emit their light: 
 Thus on the beach they ftalk'd, a heartlefs clan ! 
 Like fweating ftatues, or like fpeftres wan. 
 His feeble arm each round his comrade caft, 1515 
 Then funk into the fand to breathe his laft, 
 Refolv'd, as now the ftar of Hefper rofe, 
 To mare the folace of united woes. 
 Some here, fome there felecl their clay-cold bed, 
 And round their Ihivering limbs their garments fpread: 
 Refign'd to death, in midnight's fullen fhade 1521 
 And at mid-day, here languishing they laid. 
 Remote, Medea's fair attendants moan, 
 Cling round their queen, and groan return for groan. 
 As when a neft, furcharg'd with callow young, 1525 
 Falls from the lofty cliff to which it clung, 
 Th' unfeather'd "brood by fhrilleft cries atteft 
 Their far-flown mother, and their ruin'd neft : 
 As on the banks Paclolus' ftreams bedew, 
 Melodious fwans their dying notes renew j 1530
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 
 
 The rivers, gliding the rich vales among, 
 
 Bear on their filver flreams the ibothing fong : 
 
 Thus they, their golden locks befmear'd with gore, 
 
 AH night in plaintive elegies deplore. 
 
 Their toils yet incomplete, the godlike band 1535 
 
 Had now ignobly perim'd on the fand, 
 
 But the bold heroines, who guard the coaft, 
 
 Beheld with pitying eye the drooping hoft : 
 
 Thofe nymphs, who, when in glittering arms array'd, 
 
 Riifh'd from the Thunderer's brain the martial maid, 
 
 In needful hour their kind afiiftance gave, 1541 
 
 And cleans'd her infant-limbs in Triton's wave. 
 
 'Twas noon : o'er Libya's fands the God of day 
 Darted the fplendoufs of his fierceft ray. 
 Full before Jafon ftood the nymphs confefs'd, 1545 
 And gently from his head withdrew the veil. 
 Sudden he itarts, imprefs'd with filent dread, 
 And from his fair protectors turns his head. 
 They in companion's mild addrefs began 
 To free from terrours vain the hopelefs man : 1550 
 
 ' Why griev'ft thou thus ? Oh ! bid thy forrows 
 
 ceafe : 
 
 4 We know thy coming's caufe, the Golden Fleece. 
 * We know the various toils by land you bore ; 
 ' How tofs'd on ocean, how diftrefs'd on more. 
 
 T 2 ' Terreftrial
 
 276 'The ARG.ONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 ' Terreftrial Powers, for acts of friendship known, 1555 
 
 We make the fhepherd's rural cares our own. 
 1 We, Libya's daughters and avengers, boaft 
 
 * Our fway extended o'er the Libyan coaft. 
 
 ' Arife, nor fink beneath thy forrow's weight -, 
 
 * But rouze thy fellows from their drooping ftate. 1 560 
 
 * When Amphitrite with officious fpeed 
 
 " Unreins from Neptune's car the fiery fteed, 
 Thy mother then with duteous care repay, 
 
 " Whofe womb hath borne thee many a toilfome day. 
 
 ' Difcharge this duty, and refail to Greece, 1565 
 
 ' Safe and triumphant with the Golden Fleece.' 
 They fpoke, and vanifh'd : from his fandy bed 
 
 Jafon arofe, and looking round he faid ; 
 
 c Ye godlike Powers, the defert plains who rove, 
 
 ' Ye fair, who tend the flocks, propitious prove. 1570 
 
 1 Thofe dark myfterious truths your tongues foretold, 
 
 * I go, if haply can my friends unfold. 
 
 ' Conven'd, may they fome prudent fcheme dcvife, 
 
 * For in th' advice of numbers fafety lies. 1 
 
 He faid : and, wading thro' the driven fand, 1575 
 Rouz'd with loud voice the fad, defponding band. 
 Thus, while the lion his loft mate explores, 
 The forefts ring, earth trembles as he roars : 
 
 Herdfmen
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 277 
 
 Herdfmen and herds, o'erwhelm'd with equal fear, 
 
 All mute and trembling deem destruction near. 1 580 
 
 But grateful to the hoft was Jafon's call ; 
 
 No fears it cherifh'd, but gave hope to all. 
 
 Yet with dejected looks the heroes meet. 
 
 Befide the female train to each his feat 
 
 He, near the ihore, affign'd ; in order due 1585 
 
 His wondrous tale relates, and cheers the penfive 
 
 crew : 
 ' Attend, my friends : three virgin-forms, who 
 
 claim 
 
 ' From heaven their race, to footh my forrows came. 
 ' Their moulders round were maggy goat-fkins cad, 
 ' Which, low defcending, girt their (lender waift. 1590 
 6 High o'er my head they flood ; with gentle hand 
 
 * My vefture rais'd, and gave this dread command : 
 
 * That I with fpeed my piteous bed forfake, 
 4 And, rifen, hafte my comrades to awake. 
 
 6 That mindful we our mother's cares repay, 1595 
 
 * Whofe womb fuflain'd us many a toilfome day, 
 c When Amphitrite with officious fpeed 
 
 e Unreins from Neptune's car the fiery fteed. 
 ' Long have I fought this wonder to explain, 
 ' And, Hill revolving, I revolve in vain. 1600 
 
 T 3 ! In
 
 278 tte A R o o i* A w T i c s of Book IV. 
 
 c In the bold name of heroines they boaft, 
 ' Daughters and guardians they of Libya's coaft. 
 ' Known to thefe nymphs are all the toils we bore 
 c On the rough ocean, and the faith lefs more. 
 
 * Nor ftaid they long-, but, fudden, from my view 1 605 
 ' Their radiant forms an ambient cloud withdrew.' 
 He faid : on every face fat boding fears ; 
 
 When,, lo ! a portent, greater far, appears. 
 Fierce from the foamy deep, of wondrous fize, 
 Springs an huge horfe ; his mane expanded flies. 1610 
 From his ftrong fides he {hakes th' adherent fpray, 
 Then towards the coaft directs his rapid way. 
 Skill'd in whate'er this prodigy portends, 
 With pleafure Peleus thus confoles his friends ; 
 
 ' Now by his conforms hand releas'd I fee 1615 
 ' The car of Neptune, and his horfes free. 
 
 * A mother's name (or I predict in vain) 
 
 * Argo may boaft ; fhe feels a mother's pain. 
 
 * Her pregnant womb a troop of heroes bears, 
 
 c And endlefs perils for their fafety Ihares. 1620 
 
 * Come, let us now our boafted ftrength difplay, 
 
 * And on our fhoulders bear our fhip away. 
 
 * Steer we through depths of fand our dangerous 
 
 courfe, 
 
 * Led by the fteps of this portentous horfe. 
 
 5 JHi?
 
 Book IV. APOLLO ic jus RHODIUS. 279 
 
 * His fteps reluctant prefs the dufty plain, 1625 
 
 * But rapid bear him to his kindred main ; 
 
 * Thither attend his flight.' Thus fpoke the feer : 
 His pleafing counfels gratified their ear. 
 
 This wondrous tale the tuneful Nine recite, 
 And as the Mufes dictate muft I write. 1630 
 
 This have I heard, and this as truth proclaim, 
 That you, O princely peers, of deathlefs fame, 
 By the joint efforts of united hands, 
 Twelve days and nights, through Libya's burning 
 
 fands, 
 
 High on your moulders rais'd the veflel's weight, 1635 
 All that its womb contain'd, a mighty freight ! 
 What woes o'ertook them, and what toils befell, 
 No verfe can celebrate, no tongue can tell. 
 Such brave exploits proclaim'd their godlike line, 
 For, as their lineage, were their deeds, divine. 1649 
 But when Tritonis' lake the chiefs attain, 
 They eas'd their moulders, and embark'd again. 
 Doom'd to acuter griefs they now are curs'd 
 With all the miferies of burning thirft ; 
 Like dogs they run its fury to afluage, 1645 
 
 And at a fountain's head fupprefs its rage. 
 Nor wander'd they in vain i but foon explor'd 
 Jfye facred fpot with golden apples ftor'cj, 
 T4
 
 280 *he ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 In Atlas' realm : the ferpent's wakeful eyes 
 Watch'd, till but yefterday, the golden prize. 1650 
 The fair Hefperides with kind furvey 
 Tended the ferpent as they tun'd their lay. 
 But, lo ! the monfter, by Alcides (lain, 
 Beneath a branching pear-tree prefs'd the plain. 
 His tail flill vibrates, though his ghaftly head 1655 
 And fpine immenfe lie motionlcfs and dead. 
 Flies in thick fwarms his gory fides furround, 
 Drink his black blood, and dry the dripping wound, 
 Made by the darts, whofe poifon'd tips detain 
 The deadly venom of the. Hydra flain. 1660 
 
 As Ladon's fate the penfive maids deplore, 
 Their hands they wrung, their golden locks they tore ; , 
 But, fudden, as the heroes haften'd near, 
 They to the duft defcend, and difappear. 
 Struck with the prodigy his eyes furvey 'd, 1665 
 
 Thus to the nymphs obfervant Orpheus pray'd : 
 ' Ye Goddeffes, with blooming beauty blefs'd, 
 
 * Look with benevolence on men diftrefs'd. 
 
 * Whether ye grace the fplendid courts of Jove, 
 
 * Or on this humbler earth aufpicious move ; 1670 
 ' Whether to, flowery paftures ye repair, 
 
 ! And the loy'd name of Ihepherdeffes bear ; 
 
 ' Illuftrious
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 2ti 
 
 * Illuftrious nymphs, from Ocean fprung, arife, 
 c Blefs with a recent view our longing eyes. 
 
 Bid from the thirily foil a torrent burft, 1675 
 
 ' Or open fome hard rock to flake our thirft. 
 
 * Should we again our tatter'd fails expand, 
 ' And greet at laft the dear Achaian land, 
 
 * Grateful we then thefe favours will repay, 
 
 And choiceft offerings on your altars lay: 1680 
 6 No Goddefs, who frequents the courts of Jove, 
 ' Shall greater honour Ihare, or greater love.' 
 
 Thus Orpheus pray'd, with feeble voice and low : 
 The liflening nymphs commiferate their woe. 
 Firft tender grafs they bade the foil difclofe; 1685 
 Then high above it verdant branches rofe. 
 Eredl and ftrong, the fpreading boughs difplay'd 
 Wide o'er the barren foil an ample fhade. 
 A poplar's trunk fair Hefpera receives, 
 And in a weeping willow ^gle grieves. 1690 
 
 But Erytheis in an elm remains : 
 Each in her tree her proper lhape retains ; 
 Stupendous fight ! firft JEgle filence broke, 
 And kindly thus the fuppliant band befpoke : 
 
 * Hither fome lawlefs plunderer came 'of late, 1695 
 ' Who will reverfe the colour of your fate. 
 
 ! Yon
 
 2$?2 fix ARSON AUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 * Yoir beaft he (lew, for whom we forrow now, 
 f And tore the golden apples from their bough. 
 
 * But yefterday the defperate giant came ; 
 
 f From his black eye-brows flafh'd the livid flame: 
 ' A lion's fhaggy Ikin, befmear'd with gore, 1701 
 6 Wide o'er his fhoulders fpread, the monfter wore. 
 c On his flout ftaff his fearlefs ftep rely'd, 
 
 * And by his deadly dart the ferpent died. 
 
 c He, like a fturdy traveller, ftalk'd along, 1705 
 
 * Seeking fome fount to cool his fiery tongue. 
 ' With eager hafte he trod the dufty plain, 
 
 ' And ftill for water look'd, but look'd in vain. 
 fc " To this tall rock, hard by Tritonis' lake, 
 
 * Some God conducted him, his thirfl to flake. 1710 
 
 * Struck by his heel, its deep foundations fhook, 
 
 * And from the yawning clefts a torrent broke. 
 
 * Prone on the ground the limpid ftreams he fwills, 
 ! And, groveling like a beaft, his belly fills.* 
 
 Elated with the tale, they fpeed their courfe, 1/15 
 To find, as JEgle told, the fountain's fource. 
 
 As when aflembled ants with joint efiay 
 Strive in fome chink their lifted grain to lay : 
 Or as when flies fome liquid fweet explore, 
 They hang in clufters round the honied ftore; 1720 
 
 Like
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 283 
 
 Like them the Mynians : fuch their numbers feem, 
 And fuch their hafte to gather round the ftream. 
 Conjecturing thus fome grateful hero faid, 
 As from the rill refrelh'd he rais'd his head : 
 
 ' Ye Gods! though abfent, great Alcides gives 1725 
 Thefe limpid ftreams ; by him each hero lives. 
 ' Come, hafte we now the country to explore, 
 * And the loft wanderer to our hoft reftore.' 
 Inftant to council rofe th s aflfociate band, 
 Selecting heroes to explore the land. 1730 
 
 For nightly winds difperfing o'er the plains 
 The light, loofe fands, no ftep imprefs'd remains. 
 Boreas' fleet fons, who wing their airy flight, 
 Sagacious Lynceus blefs'd with keeneft fight, 
 Euphemus fwift of foot, and Cantheus fpeed: 1735 
 Him his brave fpirit urg'd and heaven decreed 
 To afk Alcides, on what fatal coaft 
 He left his comrade, Polyphemus loft. 
 When this bold chief had rear'd on Myfian ground, 1 
 And fenc'd with circling walls a city round, 1740 
 Wide o'er the country, Argo's fate to learn, 
 He rqam'd, with Argo anxious to return. 
 Scarce had his feet Calybian frontiers prefs'd, 
 Ere fate confign'd him to eternal reft. 
 
 Along
 
 284 The ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 Along the beach, with {lately poplars fpread, 1745 
 They rear'd a tomb in honour of the dead. 
 But Lynceus deems, that, o'er the diftant lands 
 His fight the long-loft Hercules commands. 
 Thus fees the clown, or thinks he can defcry 
 The new moon breaking through a cloudy fky. 1750 
 Back to his comrades haftes the joyous chief, 
 Precludes their further-fearch, and gives their mind 
 
 relief. 
 
 Euphemus foon, and Boreas' fons, his friends, 
 Whofe fearch in empty expectation ends, 
 Rejoin'd the hoft : but thee, brave Canthus, flain 1755 
 Stern fate foredoom'd to prefs the Libyan plain. 
 To feaft his comrades with the grateful prey, 
 He forc'd through fcatter'd flocks his defperate way. 
 Sudden, his flock to guard, the fhepherd flew, 
 And with a rock's huge fragment Canthus flew. 1760 
 This fturdy villager, Caphaurus nam'd, 
 His lofty lineage from Apollo claim'd, 
 And Acacallis : confcious of his might, 
 He fear'd no rival, nor declin'd the fight. 
 Minos, her "fire, to Libya's coaft remov'd 1765 
 
 Fair Acacallis, by the God belov'd. 
 To Phoebus here a hopeful fon me gave, 
 Amphithemis or Garamans the brave. 
 
 Thy
 
 Book IV. APOLLO NMUS RHODIUS. 285 
 Thy love, Amphithemis, Tritonis crown'd, 
 And grac'd thy bed with Nafamon renown'd, 1770 
 And bold Caphaurus ; whofe decifive blow 
 Tranfmitted Canthus to the lhades below. 
 The bloody deed divulg'd to all the hoft, 
 Not long his conqueft could Caphaurus boaft. 
 They to its fepulchre the corfe convey, 1775 
 
 Weeping; and make the ihepherd's flocks their prey. 
 
 To Pluto's realms prophetic Mopfus fled, 
 And join'd, on that fad day, the mighty dead. 
 With fate's decrees mufl mortal man comply, 
 And the wife feer, in fpite of prefcience, die. 1780 
 For, melter'd from the fierce meridian ray, 
 Beneath a fandy bank a ferpent lay. 
 Innoxious till incens'd, he ne'er annoy'd, 
 But ftrove th' affrighted traveller to avoid. 
 But all, whome'er the foodful earth contains, 1/85 
 Who feel his darted venom in their veins, 
 Nor long, nor diftant deem the dreary road, 
 That leads direct to Pluto's dark abode. 
 His fangs infix'd when once the wretches feel, 
 In vain would medicine's God attempt to heal. 1790 
 For when brave Perfcus (this her godlike fon 
 His mother oftener nam'd Eurymedon) 
 
 O'er
 
 286 *?he ARGONAUTICS of Book IV". 
 
 O'er Libya flew, the Gorgon's head to bring, 
 Frefh-flain and dripping, to th* expecting king, 
 From every drop, that dyed the foil with blood, 1795 
 A ferpent fprung, and thus encreas'd the brood. 
 The monfter's fpiry tail rafh Mopfus preis'd 
 With his unheeding foot : his tortur'd breaft 
 Upward he turn'd, and writh'd his fpires around, 
 Then with his venom'd fang infix'd a deadly wound; 
 Medea trembled and her female train : 1801 
 
 Fearlefs he bathes the wound, nor heeds the pain. 
 But now, loft wretch ! each fenfe is clos'd and dead, 
 And o'er his finking eyes death's gloomy fhade is 
 
 fpread. 
 
 Prone to the duft he falls : his cold remains 1805 
 Prefs with unwieldy weight the defert plains. 
 His faithful friends, and Jafon with the reft, 
 Weep o'er the corfe, with heart-felt grief imprefs'd. 
 His flefh all putrid from the taint within, 
 And hanging round him loofe his flabby (kin, 18 to 
 The burning fun unable long to bear, 
 His bufy comrades, with officious care* 
 Deep in the foil conceal their delving fpade, 
 And focn a decent fepulchre was made. 
 Men, matrons, all, as round the grave they flock, 1815 
 Lamenting loud feledt the facred lock : 
 
 His
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 287 
 
 His corfe the bright-arm'd heroes thrice furround, 
 And raife in fcemly form the hallow'd mound, 
 Then haften to their fhip : the fouthern breeze 
 Curl'd, as it blew, the furface of the feas. 1820 
 
 In fad fufpenfe, ftill wifhing to forfake, 
 And crofs with favouring gales Tritonis' lake, 
 They loiter long, and wafte the ufeful day 
 In idle conteft and in vain delay. 
 
 A ferpent thus, long fcorch'd with fummer's heat, 
 Winds to fome fecret chink, his cool retreat. 1826 
 Enrag'd he hifle.s, rears his creft on high, 
 And furious darts his fire-emitting eye, 
 Till haply he the wifh'd-for chink pervade, 
 And in its cool recefs fecure a made. 1830 
 
 Uncertain thus, the fhip explor'd in vain 
 The lake's wide mouth that open'd to the main. 
 With pious care, as Orpheus gives command, 
 They place Apollo's tripod on the ftrand ; 
 That thofe a ufpicious Powers the coaft who-guard, 1835 
 Pleas'd with th' oblation, may their toils reward. 
 Clad like a youth, before them ftood confefs'd 
 The mighty Triton : in his hands he prefs'd 
 The gather'd foil j this amicable fign 
 He to the heroes held, and fpokc benign : 1840 
 
 ! The
 
 288 -'The ARGONAUTICS of Book I V. 
 
 c The hofpitable pledge my hand extends, 
 ' The bed I now can give, accept, my friends. 
 
 * Would you o'er ocean's paths your courfe difcernj 
 
 * And learn the tracks, which ftrangers wim to learn, 
 e Hear : from my fire, the monarch of the mainj 1845 
 6 I boaft my fcience ; o'er thefe feas I reign. 
 
 ' Perchance ev'n you, though diftant far you came, 
 
 6 May recognife Eurypylus's name^ 
 
 ' In Libya born.* He faid : Euphemus took 
 
 The proffer'd foil, and thus refponfive fpoke, 1850 
 
 " If fuch thy knowledge, friendly chief, explain 
 " Where Atthis lies, where rolls the Cretan main* 
 " Reluctant fail'd we towards the Libyan coaft, 
 " By angry heaven and adverfe tempefts toft : 
 " By land, with Argo o'er our moulders caft, 1855 
 tc We toil'd, and launched her in this lake at laft, 
 " Nor can we yet our certain courfe devife, 
 !' Where full in profpect Pelops' realms will rife/' 
 
 He faid : his hand out-ftretching, Triton mew 
 The lake's wide mouth, and fea expos'd to view. 1860 
 
 ' Where the lake blackens, and its waters fleep, 
 
 * Expect,' he cries, * a paflage to the deep. 
 
 c Obferve the cliffs high towering on each fide, 
 
 * And through the ilreight they form your veflel 
 
 guide. 
 
 ! There,
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RMODIUS. 289 
 There, above Crete, where, mingling with the Ikies* 
 Yon ocean fpreads, the land of Pelops lies. 1866 
 When to the right th f expanded lake ye leave, 
 And the fafe feas your mighty freight receive, 
 Still cautious coaft along the winding ftrand, 
 Till you the cape's projecting fides command : 1870 
 ' Your courfe, that cape once doubled, fafe purfue, 
 ' Your fhip uninjur'd, and undaunted you. 
 ' Thus gladden'd go , nor let your vigorous arms 
 c Droop with fatigue, and ihake with vain alarms.' 
 
 Heartening he fpoke : the decks they re-afcend, 1875 
 And, rowing brifk, to crofs the lake contend. 
 The proffer'd tripod friendly Triton takes, 
 And hides his head beneath the dimpling lakes. 
 Thus with the coftly prize the God withdrew, 
 Inftant invifible to mortal view. 1880 
 
 Infpir'd with joy, that fome fuperior gueft 
 Had comfort given them, and with counfel blefs'd, 
 The choiceft fheep they bade their leader flay, 
 And to the Power benign due honours pay. 
 He to the galley's poop with fpeed convey'd 188$ 
 The choiceft Iheep, and, as he offer'd, pray'd : 
 
 ' Dread Deity, who late confpicuous flood 
 * On the clear margin of this rolling flood, 
 
 U f Whether
 
 g& fbe ARGOPTAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 ' Whether great Triton's name delight thine ear, 
 ' Triton, whom all the watery Gods revere ; 1890 
 " Or ocean's daughters, as they found thy fame, 
 
 * Thee mighty Nereus, or thee Phorcuns name, 
 
 * Be bounteous ftill : bid ail our labours ceafe, 
 
 * And reinftate us in our native Greece.' 
 
 Thus pray'd the chief, as on the poop he flood, 1895 
 And funk the flaughter'd victim in the flood. 
 His head above the billows Triton rear'd, 
 And in his proper fhape the God appear'd. 
 . As when, intent his fiery deed to train, 
 The horfeman leads him to the dufty plain, 1900 
 His floating mane firm twifted in his hand, 
 He runs, yet holds him fubjecl: to command : 
 Superb lie paces, by his tnafter led, 
 
 '-Curvetting ftill, and toffing high his head. 
 His bits, all white with gather'd foam around, 1905 
 Craunch'd by his reftlefs jaw, aloud refound : 
 Thus Triton's hands the veffel's head fuitain, 
 And fafely guide her to the feas again. 
 
 *His every .limb, down to his fuelling loin, 
 Proclaims 'his Jrlcenefs to the Powers divine. 1910 
 Below his loin his tapering tail extends ; 
 Arch'd like a whale's on either fide it bends. 
 
 ' A Two
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 29 1 
 
 ' 
 Two pointed fins, projecting from his fide, 
 
 Cleave, as he feuds along th' oppofmg tide. 
 
 Acute and tapering, thefe indented thorns 1915 
 
 A femblance bear to Phoebe's budding horns. 
 
 His arm conducts her, till, from danger free, 
 
 She rides imbofom'd in the open fea. 
 
 This prodigy the ihouting warriours faw, 
 
 Imprefs'd at once with gratitude and awe. 1920 
 
 Here fliatter'd fhips Argons' port receives, 
 
 Here tokens of her voyage Argo leaves : 
 
 To Triton here, high-towering o'er the ftrand, 
 
 And here to Neptune ftately altars (land. 
 
 For here they linger'd out one ufelefs day ; 1925 
 
 But with frem breezes fail'd, at morn, away. 
 
 Far to the right they leave the defert land, 
 
 And the ftretch'd canvafs to the winds expand. - 
 
 Gaining mid ocean with returning light, 
 
 The doubled cape diminim'd from their fight. 1930 
 
 The zephyrs ceafmg, rofe the fouthern gale, 
 
 And cheer'd the fhouting heroes as they fail. 
 
 * The evening-ftar now lifts, as day-light fades, 
 * His golden circlet in the deepening fhades j 
 
 ? The Lines thus marked * are Browne's, vs bo has tranflated 
 the ftory of Talus j not without feveral omiffions, which 
 are here fupplied, 
 
 U 2 * Stretch'd
 
 2Q2 72* ARGONAUT i cs of Book IV. 
 
 * Stretch'd at his eafe the weary labourer {hares 1935 
 
 * A fweet forgetfulnefs of human cares : 
 
 * At once in filence fleep the finking gales, 
 
 * The mad they drop, and furl the flagging fails ; 
 
 * All night, all day, they ply their bending oars 
 
 * Towards Carpathus, and reach the rocky mores , 1 940 
 
 * Thence Crete they view, emerging from the main, 
 
 * The queen of ifles ; but Crete they view in vain. 
 
 * There Tagns mountains hurls with all their woods ; 
 
 * Whole feas roll back, and totting fwell in floods. 
 
 * Amaz'd the towering monfter they furvey, 1945 
 
 * And trembling view the interdicted bay. 
 
 * His birth he drew from giants fprung from oak, 
 
 * Or the hard entrails of the flubborn rock : 
 
 * Fierce guard of Crete! who thrice each year explores 
 
 * The trembling iile, and ftrides from mores to fhores, 
 
 * A form of living brafs ! one part beneath 1951 
 
 * Alone he bears, a part to let in death, 
 
 * Where o'er the ankle fwells the turgid vein, 
 
 * Soft to the ftroke, and fenfible of pain.* 
 
 Pining with want, and funk in deep difmay, 1955 
 From Crete far diftant had they fail'd away, 
 But the fair forcerefs their fpeed reprefs'd, 
 
 And thus the cre'W difconfolate addrefs'd: 
 
 i / 
 
 9 ' Attend.
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 293 
 
 ' Attend. This monfter, ribb'd with brafs around, 
 4 My art, I ween, will level to the ground. 1960 
 e Whate'er his naaie, his ftrength however great, 
 ' Still, not immortal, mud he yield to fate. 
 ' But from the far-thrown fragments fafe retreat, 
 ' Till proftrate fall the giant at my feet.' 
 
 She faid : retiring at her fage command, 1965 
 They wait the movement of her magic hand. 
 Wide o'er her face her purple veil (he fpread, 
 And climb'd the lofty decks, by Jafon led. 
 
 * And now her magic arts Medea tries ; 
 
 * Bids the red Furies, dogs of Orcus, rife, 1970 
 
 * That darting dreadful from th' infernal made, 
 
 * Ride heaven in ftorms, and all that breathes invade. 
 
 * Thrice flic applies the power of magic pray'r, 
 
 * Thrice, hellvvard bending, mutters charms in air ; 
 1 Then, turning towards the foe, bids mifchief fly, 
 
 * And looks deftruction, as ftie points her eye. 1976 
 
 * Then fpeclres, rifing from Tartarean bow'rs, 
 
 * Howl round in air, or grin along the fhores.* 
 Father fupreme ! what fears my bread annoy, 
 Since not difeafe alone can life dedroy, 1980 
 Or wounds inflicted fate's decrees fulfil, 
 
 -]But magic's fecret acts have power to kill f 
 
 tJ 3 For>
 
 294 ^he ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 For, by Medea's incantations plied, 
 Enfeebled foon the brazen monfter died. 
 
 * While rending up the earth in wrath he throws 1985 
 
 * Rock after rock againft th* aerial foes, 
 
 * Lo ! frantic as he ftrides, a fudden wound 
 
 * Burfts the life-vein, and blood o'erfpreads the 
 
 ground. 
 
 * As from a furnace, in a burning flood 
 
 * Pours melting lead, fo pours 'in ftreams his blood : 
 
 * And now he ftaggers, as the fpirit flies, 1991 
 
 * He faints, he finks, he tumbles, and he dies. 
 
 * As fome huge cedar on a mountain's brow, 
 
 * Pierc'd by the fteel, expects a final blow, 
 
 * Awhile it totters with alternate fway, *995 
 
 * Till frefhening breezes through the branches play"; 
 
 * Then tumbling downward with a thundering found, 
 
 * Headlong it falls, and fpreads a length of ground : 
 
 * So, as the giant falls, the ocean roars, 
 
 * Outftretch'd he lies, and covers half the mores.* 
 Crete thus deliver'd from this baneful peft, 2001 
 
 The Mynians unmolefted funk to reft. 
 Soon as Aurora's orient beams appear, 
 A temple they to Cretan Pallas rear. 
 
 With
 
 "Book IV. APOLLONIUS- RHODIUS. 295 
 
 With water" ftor'ci, once more the bufy train 200^ 
 Embark, and lam the foamy brine again, 
 Ailiduous all with equal ardour glow 
 Diftant to leave Salmonis' lofty brow. 
 As o'er the Cretan deep the galley flew, 
 Around them night her fable mantle threw; 2010 
 Pernicious night, whofe all-invefting made 
 Nor ftars, nor Phoebe's brighter rays pervade. 
 Thick darknefs, or from heaven, or hell profound, 
 Spread, as it rofe, its rueful fhades around. 
 Uncertain whether, on huge billows toft, 2015 
 
 -Sublime they fail, or fink to Pluto's coaft, 
 Uncertain where the burfting wave may throw, 
 They to the fea commit their weal or woe. 
 Jafon aloud, with lifted hands, addrefs'd 
 The God of day to fuccour the diftrefs'cj. 2020 
 
 The tears faft trickling down his forrowing face, 
 He vow'd with gifts the Delphic fhrine to grace, 
 He vow'd with choiceft gifts, an ample {lore, 
 To load Amyclas, and Ortygia's fhore. 
 Attentive to his tears and meek requeft, 2025 
 
 Phoebus from heaven defcends, and Hands confefs'd, 
 Where, frowning hideous o'er the deeps below, 
 The rocks of Melans lift their Ihaggy brow. 
 
 U 4 Awhile
 
 296" The ARGONAUTICS of Book IV. 
 
 Awhile on one of thefe he takes his ftand, 
 
 His golden bow high lifting in his hand ; 2030 
 
 Afiifted by whofe far-reflefted light, 
 
 An ifle of fmall extent attracts their fight, 
 
 Amid the Sporades j againft it flood 
 
 Hippuris, circled by the rolling flood. 
 
 Their anchors here they drop. Aurora's ray 2035 
 
 Glimmer'd, and funk before the light of day. 
 
 A temple here o'er-arch'd with woods they raife, 
 
 And bid an altar to Apollo bjaze, 
 
 On whom the name ^Eglete they beftow ; 
 
 For here the God difplay'd his beamy bow. 2040 
 
 Here, fmce on Argo's crew all bright he fhone, 
 
 By the name Anaphe the ifle is known. 
 
 The fcanty produce of this barren ifle 
 
 To Phoebus they on humble altars pile. 
 
 Each fair Phaeacian in Medea's train, 2045 
 
 Who oft had feen the fatted oxen flain 
 
 In king AleinouY court, in laughter joins 
 
 At fight of water pour'd on burning pines. 
 
 With well-diflembled wrath the chiefs reprove 
 
 The laughing damlels, and the mirth they love. 2050 
 
 A wordy altercation foon began, 
 
 And pleafant raillery through the circle ran.
 
 Book IV. APOLLONIUS RHODIUS. 297 
 
 Hence, to ^glete, on this feftive day, 
 
 All who in Anaphe due honours pay, 
 
 Maidens and men, a mix'd aflembly, join 2055 
 
 In friendly contefts and debates benign. 
 
 The halfers now were loofen'd from their hold, 
 And unreftrain'd in ocean Argo roll'd, 
 When thus the dream of night, yet uneffac'd, 
 Revering Maia's fon, Euphemus trac'd. 2060 
 
 How, with clofe grafp the facred clod comprefs'd, 
 Stream'd with a milky current at his breafr. 
 And from this clod, though fmall, his wondering eyes 
 Beheld a lovely, female form arife. 
 Charm'd with the beauteous fair, he foon refign'd 2065 
 To nuptial joys his love-devoted mind, 
 Lamenting ftill that he the maid fliould wed, 
 Whom at his foftering breaft with milk he fed. 
 
 " Thy children's nurfe am I," (the fair began, 
 Accofting mild the difconcerted man j) 2070 
 
 tc But not thy daughter : I from Triton came ; 
 " (Triton and Libya my parents' name) 
 " He fix'd near Anaphe my watery cell, 
 *' And bade me here with Kerens' daughters dwell.1 
 *' But now I haften towards the fun's bright ray, 2075 
 " And to thy race the choiceft boon convey." 
 
 This
 
 2gS the A ft. c o N A u T i c s of , Book IV. 
 
 This dream recurring to his mind again, 
 He told the leader of the gallant train, 
 Who, long revolving, thus at length reveal'd 
 Thofe myftic truths the Pythic fhrine conceal'd: 2080 
 
 * Ye Gods ! what glory waits thy valorous deeds, 
 
 * What fame, Euphemus, to thy toil fucceeds ! 
 
 * For, when in ocean's bed this earth you fling, 
 
 * Thence (fo the Gods ordain) an ifle mail fpring ; 
 
 * Here mail thy children's children late repofe. 2085 
 
 * Triton this hofpitable gift beftows : 
 
 . ' He tore from Afric's coaft the treafur'd foil ; 
 ' To him, of all the Gods, afcribe the ifle.' 
 
 Thus fpoke he prefcient, nor in vain divin'd : 
 Euphemus heard him with attentive mind ; 2090 
 Tranfported with the prefage, forth he fprung, 
 And the myfterious clod in ocean flung. 
 Inftant emerging from the refluent tides, 
 
 >)Callifte's ifle difplay'd its wave-wafh'd fides, 
 Nurfe of Euphemus' race : in days of yore, 2095 
 They dwelt on Sintian Lemnos' footy fliore. 
 Exil'd from Lemnos by Etrurian force, 
 To Sparta's friendly walls they bent their courfe : 
 
 ; Ejected thence, Theras, Autefion's heir, 
 Bade him to fam'd Callifte's ifle repair ; 2100 
 
 His
 
 Book IV. APOLLQNIUS RHODIUM a 99 
 His name it took i th j events we now difplay 
 Were unaccomplifh'd in Euphemus* day. 
 
 Vaft tracts of ocean pafs'd, the joyous hoft 
 Steer'd towards, and anchor'd on ^gina's coaft. 
 They here propofe a trial of their fldll j 2105 
 
 What chief can firft the weighty bucket fill, 
 And, ere his fellows intercept his way, 
 Firft to the fhip the watery ftore convey. 
 For parching thirft, and winds that brifldy blew, 
 To the fleet courfe inclin'd the gallant crew. 2110 
 His bucket now, replenifh'd at the fprings, 
 Each flout TheiTalian on his fhoulder brings j 
 Intent the palm of conqueft to obtain, 
 He fcours with fpeedy foot acrofs the plain. 
 
 Hail, happy race of heroes, and repay 2115 
 
 With tributary praife my tuneful lay ! 
 With pleafure ftill may diftant times rehearfe 
 And added years on years exalt my verfe ! 
 For here I fix the period of your woes, 
 And with your glorious toils my numbers clofe. 2120 
 Your galley loofen'd from ^gina's fhore, 
 Waves diicompos'd, and winds detain'd no more. 
 Serene ye fail'd befide th* Achaian ftrand, 
 Where Cecrops' towers the fubject main command, 
 
 Where
 
 ?be A R G o N A u T i c s, &<:. Book IV. 
 
 Where oppofite Eubcea Aulis lies, 2125 
 
 And where the Locrian cities lofty rife, 
 Till Pagafas her friendly port difplay'd, 
 Where rode triumphant Argo fafe embay*d. 
 
 IND OF THE A RGONAU T I CS.
 
 T H B 
 
 RAPE OF HELEN; 
 
 OR, 
 
 The Origin of ihzTrojan War : 
 
 A GREEK POEM, 
 BY COLUTHUS.
 
 M3J: . .A* 
 
 v<?v.: ' ' . 
 
 i o o v a
 
 303 
 
 THE 
 
 RAPE OF HELEN, 
 
 c. 
 
 T/"E nymphs of Troy, for beauty fam'd, who trace 
 * From Xanthus' fertile ftreams your ancient race, 
 Oft on whofe fandy banks your tires are laid, 
 And many a trinket which your hands have made, 
 What time to Ida's hallow'd mount ye throng, 5 
 To join the feftive choir in dance and fong ; 
 No longer on your favourite banks repofe, 
 But come, the judgment of the fwain difclofe. 
 Say from what hills, to tracklefs deeps unknown," 
 Ruih'd with impetuous zeal the daring clown ; JO 
 Say to what end, with future ills replete, 
 O'er diftant oceans fail'd a mighty fleet ; 
 What feas could this adventurous youth embroil, 1 
 Sow difcord's *" eeds ' er what di ^ftrous foil? 
 
 Say
 
 304 2*& RAPE or HELEN, 6fr. 
 
 Say from what fource arofe the dire debate, 15 
 
 Which fwains could end and Goddeffes create. 
 
 What his decifion ? Of the Grecian dame 
 
 Who to the fhepherd's ear convey'd the name ? 
 
 Speak, for ye faw, on Ida's ftill retreat, 
 
 Judicial Paris fill his fhepherd's feat ; 20 
 
 Venus ye faw, the Graces' darling queen, 
 
 As on her judge approv'd (he fmil'd ferene. 
 
 What time Hsemonia's lofty mountains rung 
 With hymeneal fongs for Peleus fung, 
 Officious Ganymede, at Jove's requeft, ' 25 
 
 Supplied with fparkling wine each welcome gueft ; 
 And all the Gods to Thetis' nuptials came, 
 Sifter of Amphitrite, honour'd dame. 
 Earth-making Neptune left his azure main, 
 And Jove fupreme forfook his ftarry plain : 30 
 
 From Helicon, with odorous fhrubs o'erfpread, 
 The Mules" tuneful choir Apollo led. 
 Him Juno follow'd, wife of fovereign Jove : 
 "With Harmony the fmiling queen of Love- 
 Haften'd to join the Gods in Chiron's feftive grove 
 Cupid's full quiver o'er her moulder thrown, 36 
 Perfuafion follow'd with a bridal crown. 
 Minerva, though. to nuptial rites a foe, 
 Came i but no helmet nodded o'er her brow. 
 
 JDiana 
 
 i
 
 Ybe RAPE 6 F HELEN, We. 305 
 
 Diana to the Centaur's grove reforts, 46 
 
 And for one day forgets her rural fports. 
 
 His loofe locks fhaking as the zephyrs playM, 
 
 Not long behind convivial Bacchus ftay'd. 
 
 War's God, as when to Vulcan's dome he fped$ 
 
 No fpear his hand fuftain'd, no cafque his head^ 4^ 
 
 Such now, without his helmet or his larice, 
 
 Smiling he look'd, and led the bridal dance. 
 
 But from thefe blifsful fcenes was Difcord warn'd 5 
 
 Peleus rejected her, and Chiron fcorn'd. 
 
 As by the gadfly ftung, the heifer ftrays 50 
 
 Far from its fields, through every devious maze ; 
 Thus, ftung with envy, Difcord roam'd, nor ceas'd 
 Her baneful arts to interrupt the feaft. 
 Oft from her flinty bed me rum'd amain, 
 Then flood, then funk into her feat again : 55 
 
 With defperate hand me tore her fnaky head, 
 And with a ferpent-fcourge fhe lafh'd her flinty bed. 
 To dart the forky lightning, and command 
 From hell's abyfs the Titans' impious band, 
 Jove from his throne with rebel-arm to wreft, 60. 
 Were projects form'd within the fury's breaft. 
 But, though incens'd, (he dreaded Vulcan's ire, 
 Who forms Jove's bolt, and checks the raging fire. 
 X Her
 
 306 tfbe RAPE o F H E L E N, &c. 
 
 Her purpofe changing, fhe with rattling arms 
 DifTenfion meditates and dire alarms ; 65 
 
 If haply clattering fhiekis can ftrike difmay, 
 And from the nuptials drive the Gods away. 
 But Mars fhe dreaded, oft in arms array'd, 
 And this new project with complacence weigh *d. 
 The burnifh'd apples, rich with golden rind, 70 
 
 Growth of Hefperian gardens, (truck her mind. 
 Refolv'd contention's baneful feeds to fow, 
 She tore the bluming apple from its bough, 
 Grafp'd the dire fource whence future battles fprung, 
 And fnidft the Gods the golden mifchief flung. 75 
 The {lately wife of Jove with wondering eyes 
 Beheld, and wifh'd to grafp the golden prize. 
 Beauty's fair queen to catch the apple drove ; 
 For 'tis the prize of beauty and of love. 
 Jove mark'd the conteft, and, to crufli debate, So 
 Thus counfel'd Hermes, who befide him fat : 
 
 * Paris, perchance, from Priam fprung, you know; 
 c His herds he grazes on mount Ida's brow, 
 c And oft conducts them to the dewy meads, 
 
 * Through which his ftfeams the Phrygian Xanthus 
 
 leads : 85 
 
 * Shew him yori priz"e, and urge him to declare 
 
 * Which of theie GoddefTes he deems moft fair ; 
 
 'In
 
 tte RAPE OF HELEN, &V." 307 
 
 * In whom, of all, his matchlefs fkill can trace 
 
 ' The clofe-arch'd eyebrow and the roundeft face, 
 On fuch a face, where bends the circling bow, 90 
 The golden apple, beauty's prize, beftow.' 
 Thus fpoke the fire : the willing fon obey'd> 
 
 And to their judge the Deities convey'd. 
 
 Each anxious fair her charms to heighten tries, 
 
 And dart new luftre from her fparkling eyes. 95 
 
 Her veil afide infidious Venus flung ; 
 
 Loofe from the clafp her fragrant ringlets hung ; 
 
 She then in golden cauls each curl comprefs-'d, 
 
 Snmmon'd her little Loves, and thus addrefs'd : 
 ' Behold, my fons, the hour of trial near i 100 
 
 * Embrace, my Loves, and bid me banifh fear. 
 ' This day's decifion v/ill enhance my fame, 
 
 ' Crown beauty's queen, or fink in endlefs mame. 
 
 * Doubting I ftand, to whom the fwain may fay, 
 
 ' Bear thou, moft fair, the golden prize away. 105 
 
 * Nurs'd was each Grace by Juno's foflering hand ; 
 
 * And crowns and fceptres Ihift at her command. 
 ' Minerva dictates in th' embattled field , 
 
 * And heroes tremble when fhe makes her fhield. 
 
 c Of all the Goddefles that rule above, uo 
 
 ' Far moft defencelefs is the queen of Love. 
 
 X 2 Without
 
 308 'The RAPE or HELEN, &V. 
 
 ' Without or fpcar or fhield muft Venus live ; 
 And crowns and fceptres fhe has none to give. 
 
 * Yet why defpair? though with no falchion grac'd, 
 
 * Love's filken chain furrounds my (lender waift. 115 
 
 * My bow this Ceftus, this the dart I fling, 
 ' And with this Ceftus I infix my fting. 
 
 . My fting infix'd renews the lover's pain, 
 
 * And virgins languifh, but revive again.' 
 
 Thus to her Loves the rofy-finger'd queen 120 
 
 Told all her fears, and vented all her fpleen : 
 
 To every word they lent a willing ear, ' 
 
 Round their fond mother clung, and ftrove to cheer. 
 
 And now they reach mount Ida's grafiy fteep, 
 Where youthful Paris feeds his father's fheep : 125 
 What time he tends them in the plains below, 
 Through which the waters of Anaurus flow, 
 'Apart he counts his cattle's numerous ftock, 
 Apart he numbers all his fleecy flock. 
 A wild gpat's Ikin, around his moulders caft, 130 
 Loofe fell and flow'd below his girded waift. 
 A paftoral ftaff, which fwains delight to hold, 
 His roving herds protected and controll'd. 
 Accoutred thus, and warbling o'er his fong, 
 He to his pspe melodious pac'd along. 135 
 
 Unnoted
 
 fe R A P'E OF HELEN, fcfc 309 
 
 Unnoted oft, while he renews his lay, 
 His flocks defert him, and his oxen ftray." 
 Swift to his bower retires the tuneful man, 
 To pipe the praife of Hermes and of Pan. 
 Sunk is each animal in dead repofe ; 140 
 
 No dog around him barks, no heifer lows : 
 Echo alone rebounds through Ida's hills, 
 And all the air with founds imperfect fills. 
 The cattle, flunk upon their verdant bed, 
 Clofe by their piping lord repofe their head. 145 
 Beneath the fhades which flickering thickets blend, 
 When Paris' eye approaching Hermes ken'd, 
 Back he retires, with fudden fear imprefs'd, 
 And fhuns the prefence of the heavenly gucft; 
 To the thick fhrubs his tuneful reed conveys, 150 
 And all unfmim'd leaves his warbled lays. 
 Thus winged Hermes to the fliepherd faid, 
 Who mark'd the God's approach with filent dread : 
 * Difmifs thy fears, nor with thy flocks abide; 
 
 * A mighty conteft Paris muft decide. 155 
 ' Hade, judge announc'd ; for whofe decifion wait 
 
 * Three lovely females, of celeftial ftate. 
 
 ' Hafte, and the triumph of that face declare, 
 ' Which fweeteft looks, and faireft midft the fair : 
 
 X 3 '? Let
 
 3 io 7#2 RAPE OF HELEN, &c. 
 
 ' Let her, whofe form thy, critic eye prefers, - j6o 
 
 * Claim beauty's prize, and be this apple hers.' 
 Thus Hermes fpoke ; the ready Twain obey'd, 
 
 And to decide the mighty caufe efiay'd. 
 With keeneft look he mark'd the heavenly dames ; 
 Their eyes, quick flaming as the lightning's flames, T 65 
 Their fnowy necks, their garments fring'd with gold, 
 And rich embroidery wrought in every fold ; 
 Their gait he mark'd, as gracefully they mov'd, 
 And round their feet his eye fagacious rov'd. 
 But, ere the fmiling fwain his thoughts exprefs'd, 170 
 Grafping his hand him Pallas thus addrefs'd : 
 * Regard not, Phrygian youth, the wife of Jove, 
 
 * Nor Venus heed, the queen of wedded love : 
 ' But martial prowefs if thy wifdom prize, 
 
 Know, I poflfefs it; praife me to the fkies, 175 
 
 * Thee, fame reports, puiflant ftates obey, 
 
 * And Troy's proud city owns thy fovereign fway. 
 
 ' Her fuffering fons thy conquering arm fnall fhield, 
 
 * And ftern Bellona mail to Paris yield. 
 
 * Comply; her fuccour will Minerva lend, i8q 
 
 * Teach thee war's fcience, and in fight defend.* 
 Thus Pallas ftrove to influence the fwain, 
 
 Whofe favour Juno thus attempts to gain ; 
 
 ^ Should'ft
 
 The RAPE OF HELEN, &c. 311 
 
 e Should'ft thou wifh beauty's prize my charms 
 reward, 
 
 * All Afia's realms mall own thee for their lord. 185 
 
 * Say, what from battles but contention fprings ? . ' 
 Such contefts fhun ; for what are wars to kings ? 
 
 * But him, whofe hands the rod of empire fway, 
 4 Cowards revere, and conquerors obey. 
 
 4 Minerva's friends are oft Bellona's flaves, 190 
 
 4 And the fiend {laughters whom the Goddefs faves." 
 
 Proffers of boundlefs fway thus Juno made ; 
 And Venus thus, contemptuous fmiling, faid : 
 But firft her floating veil aloft me threw, 
 And all her graces to the fhepherd (hew j 195 
 
 Loofen'd her little Loves' attractive chain, 
 And tried each art to captivate the fwain. 
 
 6 Accept my boon,' (thus fpoke the fmiling dame) 
 4 Battles forget, and dread Bellona's name. 
 6 Beauty's rich meed at Venus' hand receive, 206 
 4 And Afia's wide domain to tyrants leave. 
 
 * The deathful fight, the din of arms I fear ; 
 4 Can Venus' hand direct the martial fpear? 
 
 4 Women with beauty ftouteft hearts aflail, 
 
 * Beauty, their beft defence, their ftrongeft mail, 205 
 
 * Prefer domeftic eafe to martial ftrtfe,- 
 
 * And to exploits of war a pleafing wife. 
 
 X ' To
 
 312 tfbe RAPE OF HELEN, &?<r. : 
 
 * To realms extenfive Helen's bed prefer, 
 
 c And feoff at kingdoms, when oppos'd to her? 
 
 6 Thy prize with envy Sparta mall furvey, 210 
 
 ! And Troy to Paris tune the bridal lay.' 
 
 The fliepherd, who aftonifh'd Hood and mute, 
 Confign'd to Venus the Hefperian fruit, 
 The claim of beauty, and the fource of woes j 
 For dire debates from this decifion rofe. 315 
 
 Uplifting in her hand the glowing prize, 
 She rallied thus the vanquim'd Deities : 
 
 * To me, ye martial dames, the prize refign 5 
 < Beauty I court, and beauty's prize is mine. 
 " Mother of mighty Mars and Vulcan too, 220 
 
 * Fame fays, the choir of Graces fprung from you : 
 e Yet diftant far, this day, your daughters ftray'd, 
 
 * And no one Grace appear'd to lend you aid. 
 ' Mars too declin'd t* affert his mother's right, 
 
 * Though offhis brandifh'd fword decides the fight. 
 ' His boafted flames why could hot Vulcan caft, 226 
 
 And at one blaze his mother's rivals blaft ? 
 6 Vain are thy triumphs, Pallas, vain thy fcorn; 
 6 Thou, not in wedlock, nor of woman born. 
 f Jove's teeming head the monftrous birth contains, 
 ' And the barb'd iron ripp'd thee from his brains. 231 
 9 ! Brac'd
 
 The RAPE OF HELEN, &V. 313 
 
 * Brac'd with th* unyielding plaits of ruthlefs mail, 
 
 * She curfes Cupid and the filken veil. 
 
 * Connubial blifs and concord me abhors, 
 
 * In difcord glories and delights in wars. 235 
 ' Yet know, virago, not in feats of arms 
 
 ' Triumph weak women, but in beauty's charms. 
 
 * Nor men nor women are thofe mungrels bafe, 
 ' Like you, equivocal in form and face.' 
 
 In terms like thefe the laughter-loving queen 40 
 Rallied her rivals, and increas'd their fpleen, 
 As, lifting high, me view'd with fecret joy 
 Her beauty's triumphs and the bane of Troy. 
 Infpir'd with love for her, the fair unknown, 
 By beauty's conquering queen pronounc'd his own, 
 Ill-fated Paris to the foreft's maze 246 
 
 Men vers'd in Pallas' various arts conveys. 
 At Pericles' command they give the blow, 
 And lay the glories of the foreft low. 
 He, artifl fam'd, his frantic prince obey'd, 250 
 
 And burden'd ocean with the fliips he made. 
 From Ida's fummits rum'd the daring fwain, 
 And to its bowery Ihades prefer'd the boifterous main. 
 Th' extended beach with choice oblations ftor'd, 
 And his protectrefs Venus oft impior'd j 25^ 
 
 The
 
 314 $*&* RAPE OF HELEN, 6V. 
 The billowy deep his furrowing keel divides, 
 And in the Hellefpont his veffel rides. 
 But prodigies announce approaching ill, 
 Atjd with prefages fad each bofom fill. 
 Up-heaving waves heaven's ftarry concave fhroud, 260 
 And round each Bear is caft a circling cloud. 
 Clouds and big waves difcharge their watery (lores ; 
 Full on the deck the burfting torrent pours. 
 Their fturdy oars with unabatirig fweep 
 Far whitening agitate the angry deep. 265 
 
 Dardanus pafs'd, and Ilion's fertile plains, 
 The mouth of Ifmarus' lake the adventurer gains. 
 Now, far remote, they view Pangrsea's height ; 
 Now Phillis' rifing tomb attracts their fight, 
 And the dull round fhe nine times trode in vain, 270 
 To view the faithlefs wanderer again. 
 Hasmonia's meads remote, the Trojan fpies 
 Th* Achaian cities unexpected rife : 
 Phthia, with heroes far-renown'd replete ; 
 Mycense, fam'd f9r many a fpacioiis ftreet, 275 
 Befide the meads, where Erymanthus glides, 
 Sparta afpires, that boafts her beauteous brides ; 
 Sparta with joy th* expecting fwain furvey'd, 
 by Eurotas, by Atrides fway'd. 
 
 5 Nor
 
 The. RAPE OF HELEN, &V. 315 
 Nor diiUnt far,, o'erfhaded by a wood, 280 
 
 Beneath a mountain's brow Therapnse flood. 
 Short was their voyage now : the bending oar 
 Was heard to lah the foamy furge no more. 
 The failors, fafe imbofom'd in the bay, 
 Firm to the beach confine the corded (lay. 285 
 
 In purifying waters plung'd the fwain, 
 And, riling thence, pac'd {lowly o'ei the plaint 
 For much he fear'd, left his incautious tread 
 O'er his wafh'd feet the fpatter'd mire mould fpread ; 
 Or left his hair, beneath his cafque confin'd, 290 
 Should, if he ran, be ruffled with the wind. 
 The city's fplendor Paris' eye detains, 
 The citizens' abodes, and gliftering fanes: 
 Here Pallas' form, in mimic gold portray'd, 
 Here Hyacinthus' image he furvey'd. 295 
 
 Him with delight the Amiclaeans view'd* 
 Purfuing Phoebus and by him purfu'd , 
 But, fore difpleas'd at jealous Zephyr's fpite, 
 They urg'd the ftripling to unequal fight; 
 For Phoebus' efforts ineffectual prov'd, 300 
 
 To fave from Zephyr's rage the youth he lov'd. 
 Earth with compaffion heard Apollo's cries, 
 And from her bofom bade a flower arife, 
 
 His
 
 3 1 6" The RAPE OF HELENA fc. 
 
 His favourite's name, imprefs'd upon whofe leaf, 
 Still, as the God contemplates, fooths his grief. 305 
 Now Priam's fon before Atrides* dome 
 Exulting flood in beauty's purple bloom. 
 Not Semele, by Jove's carefies won, 
 On Jove beftow'd fo beautiful a fon : 
 (Forgive me, Bacchus, feed of Jove fupreme) 310 
 Such peerlefs graces round his perfon beam. 
 Touched by fair Helen's hand the bolts recede ; 
 She to the fpacious hall repair'd with fpeed : 
 Her form diftinft th' unfolded portals fhew ; 
 She look'd, fhe ponder'd, and again withdrew. 315 
 Then on a radiant feat fhe bade him reft, 
 And, ftill infatiate, gaz'd upon her gueft. 
 Awhile Jie likens him in graceful mien 
 To. Love, attendant on the Cyprian queen. 
 But 'tis not Love, fhe recollects again ; 330 
 
 Nor bow nor quiver deck this gallant fwain. 
 'Tis Bacchus fure, the God of wine, Ihe faid ; 
 For o'er his cheeks a rofy bloom is fpread. 
 Daring at length her faltering voice to raife, 
 She thus exprefs'd her wonder and her praife: - 325 
 ' Whence art thou, ftranger? whence thy comely 
 
 ' race ? 
 * Thy country tell me, and thy natal place. 
 
 * In
 
 The RAPE OF HELEN, &V. 317 
 
 * In thee I mark the majefty of kings : 
 
 ' But not from Greece thy lofty lineage fprings. 
 c Not fandy Pyle thine origin can mew ; 330 
 
 ' I know not thee, though Neftor's fon I know. 
 Phthia, the nurfe of heroes, train'd not thee ; 
 
 * For known are all th* ^Eacidos to me. 
 Peleus, and Telamon renown'd in fight, 
 
 ' Patroclus' courtefy, Achilles' might/ 335 
 
 Infpir'd by love, thus fpoke the gentle dame ; 
 And he, thus anfwering, fann'd the rifing flame : 
 " If e'er recording fame, illuftrious maid, 
 l< Hath to thine ear great Ilion's name convey'd, 
 :< Ilion, whofe walls on Phrygian frontiers ftand, 340 
 " Rear'd by Apollo's and by Neptune's hand ; 
 " Him if thou know'ft, moft opulent of kings, 
 " Who reigns o'er Ilion, and from Saturn fprings ; 
 <c I to hereditary worth afpire ; 
 ** The wealthy Priam is my honour'd fire. 345 
 
 " My high defcent from Dardanus I prove ; 
 " And ancient Dardanus defcends from Jove. 
 " Th* Immortals thus forfake the realms of light, 
 ** And mix with mortals in the focial rite. 
 " Neptune and Phcebus thus forfook the fphere, 
 " Firm on its bafe my native Troy to rear. 351 
 
 "But
 
 ji 8 The RAPE OF HELEN, &V. 
 
 " But know, on three fair Goddefies, of late, 
 " Sentence I pafs'd, and clos'd the long debate. 
 " On Venus, who with charms fuperior (hone, 
 " I lavifh'd praifes and conferred my boon. 355 
 
 ' The Cyprian Goddefs, pleas'd with my decree, 
 ee Referv'd this recompence, O queen, for me ; 
 " Some faithful fair, pofiefs'd of heavenly charms, 
 " Should, me protefted, blefs my longing arms ; 
 * c Helen her name, to beauty's queen ajly'd j 360 
 " Helen, for thee I ftemm'd the troubled tide. 
 46 Unite we now in Hymen's myftic bands ; 
 
 6 Thus love infpires, and Venus thus commands. 
 ** Scorn not my fuit, nor beauty's queen deipife : 
 <c More need I add to influence the wife ? 365 
 
 " For well thou know'ft, how daftardly and bafe 
 "Is. Menelaus's degenerate race. 
 <e And well I know, that Gracia's ample coaft 
 ** No fair like thce, for beauty fam'd, can boaft." 
 
 He faid ; on earth her fparkling eyes me caft, 370 
 Embarrafs'd paus'd awhile, and fpoke at laft: 
 *'To vifit Ilion, and her towers furvey, 
 
 * Rear'd by the God of ocean and of day, 
 
 * (Stupendous labours by Celeftials wrought) 
 
 * : Hath oft, illuftrious gueft, employ'd my thought. 
 
 " Oft
 
 ?be RAPE OF HELEN, &c. 319 
 
 * Oft have I wifh'd to faunter o'er the vales, 376 
 ' Whofe flowery pafture Phoebus' flocks regales ; 
 
 * Where, beneath Ilion's walls, along the meads, 
 ' The fhepherd-God his lowing oxen feeds. 
 
 ' To Ilion I'll attend thee : hafle, away ; 380 
 
 4 For beauty's queen forbids our long delay. 
 
 * No hufband's threats, no hufband's fearch I dread, 
 ' Though he to Troy fufpeft his Helen fled. 
 
 The Spartan dame, of matchlefs charms pofiefs'd, 
 Proffer'd thefe terms to her confenting gueft. 385 
 
 Night, which relieves our toils, when the bright fun, 
 In ocean funk, his daily courfe has run, 
 Now gives her fofteft (lumbers, ere the ray 
 Of rifmg morn proclaims th' approach of day. 
 Two gates of airy dreams me opens wide ; 390 
 
 Of polim'd horn is this, where truths abide : 
 Voices divine through this myfterious gate 
 Proclaim th' unalterable will of fate. 
 But through the ivory-gate incefTant troop 
 Of vain, delufive dreams a faithlefs group. 395 
 
 Helen, feduc'd from Menelaus' bed, 
 Th' adventurous fhepherd to his navy led ; 
 To Troy with fpeed he bears the fatal freight ; 
 For Venus' proffers confidence create. 
 
 Ac
 
 320 The RAPE OF HELEN, &c. 
 
 At morning's dawn Hermione appears, 400 
 
 With trefies difcompos'd and bath'd in tears. 
 She rous'd her menial train > and thus exprefs'd 
 The boding forrows of her troubled bread : 
 1 Where, fair attendants, is my mother fled, 
 Who left me fleeping in her lonely bed ? 405 
 
 * For yefternight me took her trufty key, 
 
 * Turn'd the ftrong bolt, and flept fecure with me.* 
 Her haplefs fate the penfive train deplore, 
 
 And in thick circles gather round the door j 
 
 Here all contend to moderate her grief, 410 
 
 And by their kind condolence give relief: 
 
 ' Unhappy princefs, check the rifing tear ; 
 c Thy mother, abfent now, will foon appear. 
 
 * Soon as thy forrow's bitter fource me knows, 
 
 * Her fpeedy prefence will difpel thy woes. 415 
 
 * The virgin-cheek, with forrow's weight o'ercome, 
 
 * Sinks languid down and lofes half its bloom* 
 
 * Deep in the head the tearful eye retires, 
 
 4 There fullen fits, nor darts its wonted fires* 
 
 ' Eager, perchance, the band of nymphs to meet, 420 
 
 * She faunters devious from her favourite- feat, 
 
 * And, of fome flowery mead at length poflefs'd, 
 ' Sinks on the dew-befpangled lawn to reft. 
 
 ' Or
 
 
 fbe RAPE OF HELEN, &c. 321. 
 
 * Or to fome kindred flream perchance fhe flrays, 
 
 ' Bathes in Eurotas' ftreams, and round its margin 
 plays.' 425 
 
 ' Why talk ye thus ?' (the penfive maid replies, 
 The tears of anguifh trickling from her eyes) 
 ' She knows each rofeate bower, each vale and hill, 
 
 * She knows the courfe of every winding rill. 
 
 * The ftars are fet ; on rugged rocks fhe lies : 430 
 ' The ftars are up ; nor does my mother rife. 
 
 ' What hills, what dales thy devious fleps detain ? 
 
 * Hath fome relentlefs beaft my mother flain ? 
 
 * But beafts, which lawlefs round the foreft rove, 
 
 ' Revere the facred progeny of Jove. 435 : 
 
 ' Or art thou fallen from fome fleep mountain's brow 
 ' Thy corfe conceal'd in dreary dells below ? 
 
 * But through the groves, with thicken: foliage 
 
 crown'd, 
 ' Beneath each fhrivel'd leaf that ftrews the ground, 
 
 * Affiduous have I fought thy corfe in vain : 440 
 ' Why fhould we then the guiltlefs grove arraign ? 
 
 * But have Eurotas' flreams, which rapid flow, 
 
 * O'erwhelm'd thee bathing in its deeps below ? 
 ' Yet in the deeps below the Naiads live, 
 
 * jVnd they to womankind protection give.* 445 
 
 Y Thus
 
 OF PTELEN, &. 
 
 Thus fpoke fhe forrowing, and reclin'd her head 5 
 
 fleeping feem'd to mingle with the dead; 
 For fieep his elder brother's afpeft wears -, 
 Lies' mute like him, and undifturb'd by cares. 
 Hence the fwoln eyes of females, deep diftrefs'd, 450 
 Oft, when the tear is trickling, fink to reft. 
 In this deluflve dream the fleeping maid 
 Her mother faw, or thought me faw, portray'd. 
 Aloud fhe (Kriek'd, diftracled and amaz'd, 
 And'utter'd thus her anguifli as me gaz'd : 455 
 
 e Laft' night, far diftant from your daughter fled, 
 c You left me {lumbering in my father's bed. 
 
 * What dangerous fteeps have not I ftrove to gain ? 
 
 * And ftroll'd o'er hills and dales for thee in vain ?' 
 <c Condemn me not ; (replied the wandering dame) 
 
 <{ Pity my fufferings, nor augment my fhame. 461 
 
 " Me yefterday a lawlefs gueft beguil'd, 
 
 *' And diftant tore me from my darling child. 
 
 "' At Cytherea's high command I rove ; 
 
 *' And' once more revel in the walks of love.'* 465 
 
 She Hiid : her voice the. fleeping maid alarms ; 
 She fprings to clafp her mother in her arms. 
 In vain : no mother meets her willful eyes ; 
 And now her tears redouble and her cries ; 
 
 5 ! Ys
 
 The RAPE or HELEN, &c. 323 
 
 c Ye feathery race, inhabitants of light, 470 
 
 To Crete's fam'd ifle direct your rapid flight. 
 ' There to my fire th' unwelcome truth proclaim, 
 ' How yeflerday a defperate vagrant came, 
 * Tore all he dotes on from his bridal bed, 
 ' And with his beauteous queen abruptly fled.' 475 
 
 The reftlefs fair, her mother to regain, 
 Thus to the winds bewail'd and wept in vain. 
 The Thracian town diminifh'd from their view, 
 And fleet o'er Helle's flrait the veflel flew. 
 The bridegroom now his natal coaft defcry'd, 480 
 And to the Trojan port conducts his bride. 
 Caflandra from her tower beheld them fail, 
 And tore her locks, and rent her golden veil. 
 But hofpitable Troy unbars her gate, 
 Receives her citizen and feals her fate. 485 
 
 THE END. 
 
 Y 2 NOTES
 
 
 ,nu 
 .-. 
 
 . 
 
 JiBl.rrn 
 JiavrwLV 
 
 KS&-W: t v
 
 ( 3*5 ) 
 
 NOTES 
 
 TO THE 
 
 ARGONAUTICS* 
 
 BOOK I. 
 
 V. i. TNfptr'd by thee, ] Thus begins Homer's 
 Batrachomyachia, the lyth Id. of Theocri- 
 tus, and Aratus's poem. 
 
 See alfo on thefe words the Gr. Schol. and Hoelz- 
 linus's note. 
 
 .3. WhomPeliasl For Pelias; ^fon, &c. See 
 the preface. 
 
 Colchos, now called Mengrelia, is bounded on the 
 north by part of Sarmatia, on the weft by fo much of 
 the Euxine fea, as extends from the river Gorax to 
 the mouth of the river Phafis, on the fbuth by part 
 of Cappadocia, and on the eaft by Iberia. 
 
 V. 5. Thro* the Cyanean rocks.] 
 
 Through Bofphorus betwixt the jaftling rocks. 
 
 Milton's Par. Loft, B. ii. 1017. 
 
 Two rocks at the entrance of the Euxine fea, called 
 fymplegades by the Grecians, by Juvenal concurrentia 
 faxa ; becaufe they were fo near, that, as a (hip varied 
 its courfe, they teemed to open and (hut j or, as Mil- 
 Y 3 ton
 
 326 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 
 
 ton exprefies it, to juftk one another. They were alfo 
 called cyanean, from their dark colour. 
 
 V. i 3 >. Anaurus paft, ] A river in ThefTaly, ac- 
 cording to Apollonius, Callimachus, and others. But 
 fome.are of opinion, that Anaurus, as its etymology 
 implies, is thelgeneral name of any torrent. Vale- 
 rius Flaccus, relating the fame itory, mentions the 
 river Enipeus. 
 
 V. 33. Whom fair Calliope, on Thr aria's Jbore] The 
 Pseonians of Thrace lived upon the Hebrusj and all 
 the people of that region were at one time great in 
 fcience. The Grecians acknowledged they were great- 
 ly indebted to them , and the Mufes were laid to have 
 come from thofe parts. The Pierians were as famed 
 for poetry and mufic, as the Pseonians were for phy- 
 fic. Thamyras, Eumolpus, Linus, Thymsetes and 
 Mufasus, were fcppofed to have been of this country. 
 Orpheus alfo is afcribed to Thrace; who is laid to 
 have foothed the favage rage, and to .have animated 
 the very rocks to harmony. Bryant's Myth. 
 
 Y->~35* Hdrdrccks, &c. ] Mulcentem tigres & 
 agentem carmine quercus. Firg. Gear. iv. 510. 
 
 42. -By Cbir-oifs art to Jaforfs inter eft gaind.] 
 eus, in the Argonautic poem afcribed to him, 
 the fame account of himiclf. 
 
 i/e*a, 
 
 TO fAihTTitiv Ef'Q'Xfu fAEAiyvj^uv aoior/t, 
 ^' TS Sijga; l^ y IfTTSTo, x.ou VutTirivii, Orph. Arg. 71. 
 
 V. 71. Cceneus - ] It is fabled that this perion was 
 a TheiTalian virgin, the daughter of Elarus, one of 
 the-Lapithas , who, having been violated by Neptune, 
 obtained of him, as the reward of her proftitution, 
 that fhe might be transformed into a man, and ren- 
 dered invulnerable. Thus changing her lex, fhe chan- 
 ged her name into Cceneus, being before called Cce- 
 iiic. See Ovid's Met. zrd Virg. ^En. vi. 44$.
 
 NOTES to the A R GON AU T ics. 327 
 
 V. 79. From Titarefus ] Mopfus was furnamed 
 the Titarefian, from Titarefus,' the name of a place 
 and river in Theffaly. Thus Hefiod in Scut. Here. 
 L. 181. 
 
 Moif/oT ' Ap.TTV)ilor,]i TtTKg^inoy 
 
 V. 125. The/ens ] Thefeus, by the help of his' 
 friend Pirithoiis, had ilolen Helen from the temple of 
 Diana, and carried her off: in return for this lervice, 
 he aflifted Pirithoiis in the rape of Proferpine. In 
 order to accomplish this dcfign, they went down to 
 the infernal regions together : but Pluto, having dif- 
 covered their intentions, expofecl Pirithous to the dog 
 Cerberus, who devoured him, and chained Thefeus 
 to the mountain Tasnarus. Plutarch's life of 'Thefeus. 
 
 V. 138. ybo' Argus wrought ] Apollonius calls 
 him "Apyos dgefogi&iSi the fon of Areftor. But Banier 
 remarks that we ought to read (as Meziriac has re- 
 commended) tiXsKiaptfyt) the fon of Aleftor. For Ar- 
 gus, the fon of Areftor, preceded the time of the 
 Argonauts eight or nine generations : but moft of the 
 ancients agree, that the fhip Argo was built by Argus, 
 the fon of Aleclor, who lived in the time of the Ar- 
 gonauts. Banier 's Myth. vol. iv. 
 
 V. 147. Pero ---] Iphiclus had feized upon the 
 oxen of Tyro, the mother of Neleus. Thefe Neleus 
 demands, but is denied by Iphiclus. Pero, the daugh- 
 ter of Neleus, was promised in marriage to him who 
 recovered thefe oxen from Iphiclus. Melampus un- 
 dertakes the recovery ; but being vanquiihed is 
 thrown into prifon.- See Homer's Od. B. xi. 290. 
 
 V. 174. Prophetic Idmon ] He is mentioned in the 
 fame manner by Orpheus and Valerius Flaccus : 
 
 Tov 
 
 'A|W. 
 T 
 
 Orph. Arg. iSr. 
 y 4 . Phcbcitti
 
 NOTES to ths ARGONAUTICS," 
 
 Phebeius Idmon, 
 
 Cui genitor tribuit monita prxnofcere Divum 
 Omina, feu flammas, feu lubrica cominus exta, 
 Scu plenum certis interroget aera pennis. 
 
 y a L Flac. B. I. 22?. 
 
 . V. 1 80. Omens from birds, end prodigies from fire.~\ 
 There were two grand divifions of the religious cere- 
 monies of the ancients, viz. into tfs.Trupa. and ajpiyat, 
 i. e. thofe where fire was heaped upon the altar, and 
 thofe which were not accompanied with fire. The 
 c-tytara f[*.7rupa. were obfervations made from the 
 victims at the time they were burning ; which was the 
 province of the Harufpices : the crij/uara a-Trvpct refer- 
 red to the flight of birds, and fuch obfervations as the 
 augurs collected from them. Thus Euripides m 
 Bacchas, v. 257. 
 
 V. 197. And gave the power ] Thus Ovid : 
 
 . cui pofTe figuras 
 
 Suraere quas vellet, rurfufque reponere fumpta3 > 
 Neptunus dederat, Nelei fanguinis au&or. Met. xii. 555. 
 
 .And Seneca: 
 
 Sumere innumeras folitum figuras. Mtd. 635. 
 
 V. 222. Euphemus ] The text has Polyphemus -, 
 which is undoubtedly a falfe reading, as Valerius Flac- 
 cus and Paufanias feem to confirm. The annotator ro 
 'Mr. Pope's Odyfley, not fufpecling this, was led into 
 -ii pleafant miftake. ' If Polyphemus (fays he, 
 Od. ix. 569.) had really this quality of running upon 
 the waves, he might have deitroyed Ulyffes without 
 - throwing this mountain : but Apollonius is undoubt- 
 edly guilty of an abfurdity, and one might rather be- 
 lieve that he would fink the earth at every flep, than run 
 upon, the waters with fuch lightnefs as not to wet his 
 feet." As this defcription of the fwiftnefs of Euphe- 
 is originally taken from Homer's accaunt of the 
 9. mares
 
 NOTES to tie ARGONAUTICS. 
 
 329 
 
 mares of Eri&honius, fo Virgil's defcription of Ca- 
 milla's fwiftnefs feems copied from thefe beautiful lines 
 of Apollonius. See Pope's II. B. xx. 270. 
 
 Thefe lightly fkimtning, when they fwept the plain, 
 Nor ply'd the grafs, nor bent the tender grain : 
 And when along the level feas they flew, 
 Scarce on the furface curl'd the briny dew. 
 
 Ilia vel intadia: fegetis per fumma volaret 
 Gramina, nee teneres curfu IsefifTet ariftas : 
 Vel mare per medium, fluflu fufpenfa tumenti, 
 Ferret iter, celeres nee tingeret squore plantas. 
 
 V. 251. - Paltemonius ] Our poet in his ac- 
 count of this hero follows Orpheus very clofely: 
 Valerius Flaccus makes no mention of him. 
 
 V. 273. T<?}', when on tip-toe ] Milton's defcrip- 
 tion of Raphael is fimilar to this : 
 
 < - like Maia's fon he flood, 
 
 And fhook his plumes, that heavenly fragrance fill'd 
 The circuit wide; &c. Par. L. B. v. 285. 
 
 Apollonius in this beautiful defcription has far ex- 
 ceeded his venerable matter ; who fays only, 
 
 xi KaAaVf, ^i/xaj ti'xfAoj aSavaTflJC-**'. Orph. Arg. 219. 
 
 V. 287. Minyas* daughter ] The Argonauts 
 were diftinguimed by the appellation of Minyos : a 
 title which they took as being defcended from the 
 daughters of Minyas, a Bceotian prince, the fon of 
 Orchomenus, who built a city of that name in Bee- 
 otia. 
 
 V. 291. lokbos ] A city of Tbeflaly, and 
 the birth-place of Jafon. It was allb called I^arifTa 
 (as Pomponius Mela afierts) ; hence Larifikus Achil- 
 les. Virg. 
 
 V. 292. the Pagafean bay.'] Pagafaj is a town 
 and promontory of Theflaly. Here Argo wai built -, 
 
 and
 
 33 .N*o T E s ./* the A R c o N A ti T i c s. 
 
 .and from that circumftance, stVorKS yauTnj^/as, the bay 
 is fuppofed to have derived its name. 
 
 V. 319. Pbrixus ] For an account of Phrixus 
 fee the preface. 
 
 V. 327. Aldmeda embrafdher fon with tears,"] This 
 affecting fcene is extremely natural, and drawn by 
 our poet in a manner the .moft maflerly He is no 
 where happier than in. the execution of thefe pathetic 
 pieces. This parting ;inteuvievv, the epiibde of Hyp- 
 iipyla, and the loves of Medea and Jafon have been 
 admired and imitated by the poets of ancient and mo- 
 dern times. 
 
 V. 379. Hafte, royal mother, ] Thus Telema- 
 chus addreffes his mother in Homer, and Turnus in 
 Vicgil. 
 
 Tears and apprehenfions of danger were deemed 
 bad prefages, ,when the people were going to war. 
 Ne, quaefo, ne me lacrymis, neve omine tanto 
 Profeq.uere, in duri certamina martis euntem. 
 
 Firg. jn. xii. 72. 
 
 - O royal mother, ceafe your fears, 
 Nor fend me to the fight with boding tears. Pitt. 
 
 V. 384. So moves the God of day] Virgil has 
 manifeftly "borrowed this companion, and applied it 
 to ^Eneas. B. iv. 143. 
 
 As when from Lycia, bound in wintry froft, 
 Where Xanthus' ftreams enrich the fmiling coaft, 
 The beauteous Phosbus in high pomp retires, 
 And hears in Delos, &c. Pitt. 
 
 V. 447. With beeves return, the bejt ] It was requi- 
 fite to referve the belt of the flocks and herds for the 
 altar : they mud be found and perfect in all their 
 limbs, or they would be deemed a very unfit offering 
 for the Gods. Thus Achilles in Homer offers up to 
 Apollo ' a'p&j:' K'Jtcranv ziyavTe Tthenw. TOU 3*JW$ <i)5 
 a, fays Euitathius on this 
 pafiage.
 
 NOTES to tbe A R q o N A u T i c s. .391 
 
 pafiage. It is the precept of Virgil, that the catde 
 which are defigned for the plough, for breeding and 
 facrifices, mould be diftinguimed by particular marks, 
 and feparated from the reft. 
 
 Continuoque notas, & nomina gentis Inurunt. 
 
 Georg. iii. 158. 
 
 V. 456. Example fird ] The poet through this 
 whole defcription is agreeably circumftantial. He 
 paints the bufy fcene before ,us in the livelieft co- 
 lours. We are prefent to all the labours of his he- 
 roes. We fee them conftructing, launching and man- 
 ning their fhip, choofing their feats, erecting their 
 altar, and offering facrifice. W T e feel ourfelves al- 
 ready interefted, and cannot help joining with Jafon in 
 his prayer, that fuccefs may crown their enterprize. 
 
 V. 509. Embafian Phcebus^ ---] &mbafian and Ec- 
 bafian are epithets which they applied to their tutelar 
 God at the inftant of their embarkation, and when 
 they were about to land. 
 
 V. 551. fbo* various toils ] This fpeech of Id- 
 mon is calculated to excite our admiration and pity. 
 We cannot but admire the courage and calmnefs of 
 the hero, when. he diiclofes to his comrades the pur- 
 pofeof Apollo. He tells them, in a prophetic ftrain, 
 that they would be expofed to dangers, but fuccefsful 
 at laft , that, as to himfclf, he knew his doom, whicii 
 was, that he muft die in a diftant country long before 
 their return. Homer reprdents his hero weeping at 
 his fate, tc n a/5 ipw cPctxcv%iMv: our poet relerves the 
 tears of forrow for them, from whom they fall with a 
 better grace , 
 
 thtkoft the fate of Idmon mourn. 
 
 V. 581. Now by this lance ] This circbmftance 
 feems to be borrowed from that noble one of Achilles 
 ("wearing by his fceptre in Homer j which paffage 
 
 both
 
 33 No T E s to tie ARGONAUTICS." 
 
 both Virgil and Valerius Flaccus have clofely imi- 
 tated. 
 
 V. 599. the Alo'id<e -J Iphimedia, the daugh- 
 ter of Triopas and wife of Aloeus, fell in love with 
 Neptune, by whom me had two ions, Ephialtes and 
 Onus. Presuming on their gigantic ftrength, they 
 attempted to dethrone Jupiter-, but were flain (as 
 Homer and Pindar relate, and after them Apollonius) 
 by Apollo at Naxus, and thrown into Tartarus by 
 Pluto. 
 
 V. 617. '<Tivas then, '] The following lines, to 
 v. 720. are taken from Mr. Weil's tranilation of the 
 fong of Orpheus, and the fetting out of the Argo- 
 nauts -, but many paflages are much altered. 
 
 V. 621. How at the firjl, ] 
 
 Namque canebat, uti magnum per inane coafta 
 Semina terrarumque animaeque marifque fuiflent, &c. 
 
 Virg. EC, 
 
 For a full illuftration of the propriety and beauty of 
 this fong, which Scaliger condemns, I beg leave to 
 fubjoin Mr. Wharton's judicious criticifm, in his 
 Observations on Spenfer's Fairy Queen. " Scaliger finds 
 great fault with the fubjecl of this fong, and prefers 
 to it the fubje<5t of Orpheus's fong in Valerius Flac- 
 cus. By this piece cf criticifm he has betrayed his 
 ignorance of the nature of ancient poefy, and of the 
 character of Orpheus. But the propriety of the fub- 
 jeft of this fong is eafilyno be defended without con- 
 ildering the character of Orpheus. The occafion of 
 it was a quarrel among the Argonauts, whom Or- 
 pheus endeavours to pacify with the united powers 
 of mufic and verfe. To this it may be added, that a 
 fong whofe fubject is religious, and which aflerts the 
 right of Jupiter to the pofieffion of Olympus, was 
 even expedient, as one of the chiefs had but juft be- 
 fore
 
 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 333 
 
 fore fpoken blafphemy againft him. Nor were the 
 auditors of fo mean a rank as Scaliger would repre- 
 fent them : he terms them Viri Militares; but it fhould 
 be confidered, that they were Princes and Demi-Gods. 
 There is one circumftance belonging to the fong of 
 Orpheus in Apollonius, which gives it a manifeft fu- 
 periority to that of Orpheus in Valerius Flaccus, I 
 mean the defign of it, which was, to exprefs the ve- 
 hemence of the pafiions, at once fo agreeable to the 
 well-known character of Orpheus, and fo exprefiive 
 of the irrefiftible influence of mufic. In the Latin 
 poet, Orpheus fings upon no occafion, and to no end, 
 unlefs to make the night pafs away more pleafantly.'* 
 
 V. 636. Ophion, ] Milton has undoubtedly co- 
 pied this paffage, Par. L. B. x. 580. 
 
 . how the ferpent whom they call'd 
 
 Ophion with Eurynome, the wide 
 
 Encroaching Eve perhaps, had firft the rule 
 
 Of high Olympus, Sec. 
 
 Apollonius, as well, as Milton, has hinted that Ophion 
 
 was of the ferpent- race. the vaft fpecies of 
 
 the ferpent-breed. 
 
 The upper part of Eurynome was a perfect figure 
 of a woman ; the lower part, from the thighs down- 
 ward, terminated in the tail of a fim. Lutian. 
 
 V. 649. Here the fweet bard] The effect, which 
 the harp and voice of Orpheus had upon the Argo- 
 nauts, is here elegantly defcribed. When the poet 
 had ended his fong, they, intent and bending towards 
 him, ftill liftened, and imagined him flill fmging. 
 Milton follows Apollonius very clofe : 
 The angel ended, and in Adam's ear 
 So charming left his voice, that he awhile 
 Thought him 'ftill fpeaking, ftill flood fix'd to hear. 
 
 Par.L. B. viii. I. 
 
 V. 57. Tben on the faming tongues ] It was the 
 
 cuftom
 
 N OTIF'S? jffs. tiht ". A R >Q Nfefl. U T I C 5. 
 
 of the' andents at theirfolemn feftivals, be- 
 fore they went to reft, to facrifice the tongues of the 
 victims to Mercury, the God of 'eloquence, pouring 
 on them a- .libation of -.wine.- This was done, either 
 with a' dcfign to make an expiation for any indecent 
 language that had been fpoken (as Was the cafe about 
 fifty- lines above) or to fignify, that what had been 
 tkereo. fpoken, ought not to be divulged or remem- 
 bered i after ward. : 
 
 V. 669.- Endttd with voice^ ] Tlie ancient writ- 
 fe wdl hiftariansras-: poets, are full'of thefe won- 
 cFhe fpeech of AchiHes's horfe to his mafter is 
 known. Among-the many prodigies, which are 
 feid ^rvhave appeared- at the death of Julius Cas'far, 
 this, Virgil informs ,U5 > . was ofle, pecudefqus locuta. 
 Appianf-eOipreftly-fayB that an ox-fpoke with an hu- 
 man voice. Livy has f 'given us the ipeech of otte of 
 thefe animals c^Vcerf^oecafioh : 
 
 Qgod maxime terrebat Confulem Ch. 'Doinitiufti, bovcm 
 Ibe^tum, " Roma tibi cave." Lib. xxxv. 
 
 ^fm'S Hiip was-indecd'built out of fome facred tim- 
 ber fxom the grove of Dodona, which was facred to 
 Jupiter Tomarias': and on this account it was faid to 
 have been oracular, and to have given verbal re- 
 fponfes. 
 
 V. 670. Itorr.an --] Minerva was fo called from 
 Itonis, a city of ThefTaly, where me was wormipped. 
 
 V. 698. The parted ocean whitening - ] The poets 
 are fond of exprefiing the aftivity of the rowers, and 
 the velocity of the (hip, by theeffed: which the ftroke 
 of their oars, and the track of the keel produce on 
 the waters. 
 
 ' XJKO v}p -|rf? fra.Ty<rir. Od. /*'. 172. 
 
 .1 .i-'.Totaqae rdmigio fpumis incanuit unda. Catull. 
 t freta cancfcunt, fulcam ducente carina. Manil.
 
 NOTES to the ARGQNAUTICS. 335 
 
 V. 701. Tb* immortal Powers ] Apollonius, 
 anxious to imprefs on his readers a juft idea of the 
 importance of his fubject, has, in the true fpirit of 
 Homer, reprefented all the Gods looking down upon 
 Argo, as if interefted in the fuccefs of her voyage. 
 
 V. 717. With Chiron came ] Achilles was edu- 
 cated under Chiron. The circumftance of Chariclo's 
 raifing up young Achilles in her arms, to (hew him 
 his father Peleus, is exceedingly beautiful and fink- 
 ing. From this action we may alfo fairly conjecture, 
 that this famous expedition preceded the fiege of 
 Troy, probably, about thirty years ; viz. from the in- 
 fancy of Achilles to his arrival at perfect manhood. 
 
 V. 752. Corn-crown 1 d Tbeffalia ] On the epithet 
 rtf/fl, which the poet here applies to Thefialy, and 
 which feems to have perplexed the commentators, 
 Mr. Bryant makes the following ingenious remark : 
 " The Pelafgi fettled very early in ThefTaly, to which 
 they gave the name Aeria. This was the ancient 
 name of Egypt, from whence this people came. They 
 likewife called the fame country Ai Monah, Regio 
 Lunaris ; which the poets changed to Hsemonia." 
 
 V. 759. And Dolops* tomb ; ] The fcholiaft tells 
 us, this Dolops was the ion of Hermes, and (lain at 
 Magnefia ; where they erected a monument, near the 
 iliore, to his memory. 
 
 V. 766. Aphette ] The place from which 
 they fet fail was named from that event Apheta. It 
 is a town and port of Magnefia in Theflaly. 
 
 .778. Tall Atbos J Plutarch and Pliny affert, 
 that this mountain is fo high, as to project its (hade, 
 when the fun is in the fumcner-folftice, on the mar- 
 ket-place of the city Myrina. Univ. Hlft. 
 ingenti tellurcm proximus umbra 
 
 Veftit Athos, nemorumque obfcurat imagine pontum.; 
 
 Stat. 
 
 793-
 
 336-. NOTES iff the A R c o N A u r i c s. 
 
 V. 793. Fcr angry Venus ] ' The defcripticm 
 of Venus, enraged againft the men of Lemnos for 
 neglecting her temple, reprelcnts her (fays Mr. Spence 
 in his Polymetis) rather as the Goddeis of Jealoufy, 
 than of Love. There is no figure of her under this 
 character, nor any defcription in any of the Roman 
 poets before the third age.'" Had the learned author 
 confuhed Apollonius, he would have feen to whom 
 Valerius was indebted for this defcription of Venus, 
 as the Goddeis of Jealoufy. The pafTage is indifpu- 
 tably borrowed from our poet. So true is it, what 
 Mr. Gray has obferved of this writer, that had he 
 confulted -the Greek. authors, they would have afforded 
 him more inftrudtion on the very heads he profeffes 
 to treat,! than all the other writers put together. See 
 Gray's fth letter to Mr. Walpole. 
 
 V. 826. - like the Bacchanalian band,'} The Lem- 
 nian .women are here reprefented as favage as the 
 Thyades, who delighted in bloody banquets. Upon 
 this the fcholiaft obferves, that the Maenades and Bac- 
 chse.ufed to devour the raw limbs of animals which 
 they had cut or torn afunder. In the ifland of Chios 
 it was a religious cuitom to tear a man limb from 
 limb by way of facrifice to Dionufus : the fame in 
 Tenedos. Hence we may learn one fad truth, that 
 there is fcarce any thing fo impious and unnatural, as 
 not at times to have prevailed. Bryant's Myth. vol. ii. 
 p. 13. 
 
 V. 852. For Boreas ] There is a judicious note 
 on this pafTage, inferted jn an elegant edition of our 
 poet, lately published at Oxford ; which I mail ven- 
 ture to give the reader : " Licet ventus Boreas Ar-. 
 gonautis ad curfum continuandum fecundus eilet, non 
 tamen folverunt." Mihi perfpedtum eft nihil veri his 
 ineffe. Non enim ventus Aquilo fecundus eft ten- 
 dentibus -m Pontum, fed adverfum tenet. Hoc ergo 
 
 Apollonius
 
 NOTES to the A&GONAUTICS. 337 
 
 Apollonius indicat, Minyas non folvifle illb mane, ex 
 infula Lemno, quod Aquilo, qui ipfis in Pontum por- 
 reduris adverfus erat, flaret. Weffeling. Obferv. p. 130. 
 
 This obfervation appears to be juit. Yet; is it no 
 unufual thing with the poets to put one wind for 
 another. The mod judicious and accurate of the 
 Roman poets is not exempt from errors of this kind* 
 
 The defcription of the departure of JEneas from 
 Carthage is not. only inconfiflent with truth and pro- 
 bability, in this refpecl:, but contradictory to itlelf* 
 He fails in the morning with a weft wind, which is 
 very improperly called favourable , but before he is 
 out of fight of Carthage, we find him purfuing his 
 courfe with a north wind, which is (till more contrary 
 to his intended courfe." See an EJJay on the original 
 Genius and Writings of Homer. 
 
 .913. Hypftpyla arofe,] Dido is the Hypfi- 
 pyla of Virgil. The latter, as Hoelzlinus fpeaks, is 
 the archetype of the former. 
 
 V. 949. A mantle ] This mantle, which Pallas 
 gave to Jafon, and the fimile of the ftar, to which he 
 is compared, are beautiful fpecimens of our poet's ta- 
 lent for defcription. We (hall find him, in the more 
 defcriptive parts of his poem^ rifing greatly above 
 that equal mediocrity which fome critics have afcribed 
 to him. 
 
 V. 971. Behind, Amphicn ] The fable of Thebes 
 being built by the power of mufic is not in Homer, 
 and therefore may be fuppofed to be of later inven- 
 tion. See Pope's Od. B. xi. 320. 
 
 V. 982. The fapbiansi ] The Teleboans, or Ta- 
 phians (fo called from the ifland Taphos which they 
 inhabited) coming to Argos, ftole the oxen of Elcc- 
 tryon, the father of Alcmena : a battle enfued, in 
 which himfelf and fons were (lain. 
 
 V. 988. Tbis Pclops drove, ] Hippodamia was 
 Z the
 
 338 NOTES to the AR CON AU TICS. 
 
 the daughter of GEnomaus, king of Elis and Pifa. 
 She was a princefs of great beauty, and had many ad- 
 mirers. CEnomaus having been informed by the ora- 
 cle, that he mould be flain by his fon-in-law, endea- 
 voured to deter the fuitors from paying their addreffes 
 to his daughter, by propofing a chariot-race. The 
 terms were ; that he who conquered him in the race 
 mould obtain his daughter, but that he who proved 
 unfuccefsful ilibuld be put to death. Pelops, whom 
 Hippodamia was moft attached to, accepted the dan- 
 gerous conditions, and contended with CEnomaus. 
 The plan which his daughter had concerted with 
 Myrtilus, the charioteer, of loofening the pin of the 
 wheel, fucceeded to her wilh. The pin flew out, the 
 chariot was overthrown, and victorious Pelops claimed 
 the lady as his prize. 
 
 .997. At mighty Tityus aim* d, ] Elara being 
 pregnant by Jupit?er, he, to avoid the jealoufy of 
 Juno, concealed her in a cavern of the earth, where 
 Tttyus was born : who, from his being immerfed in 
 worldly cares, and from his centering all his affections 
 on the earth, as if he had fprung from it, is fabled to 
 be the fon of the earth. 
 
 V. 1132. And let him revel ] This is an oblique, 
 but very fevere farcafm, on Jafon. 
 
 V. 1161. And if with offspring ] That there 
 was offspring appears from Homer's II. B. vii. 
 
 And now the fleet, arriv'd from Lemnos' fands, 
 
 With Bacchus' bleflings cheer'd the generous bands. 
 
 Of fragrant wines, the rich Eunasus fent 
 
 A thoufand meafures to the royal tent; 
 
 Eunaeus, whom Hypfipyle of yore 
 
 To Jafon, fhepherq of his people, bore. 
 
 Thefe verfes, fays Mr. Pope, afford us the knowledge 
 of fome points of hiftory and antiquity : as that Ja- 
 fon had a fon by Hypfipyle ; who fucceeded his mo- 
 ther
 
 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 
 
 339 
 
 ther in the kingdom of Lemnos : that Samos waa 
 anciently famous for its wines ; and that coined mo- 
 ney was not in ufe at the time of the Trojan war; but 
 the trade of the countries carried on by exchange in 
 brafs, oxen, (laves, &c. as appears by two lines far- 
 ther : 
 
 Each, in exchange, proportion'd treasures gave, 
 Some brafs, or iron, fome an ox, or flave. 
 
 V. 1187. That there initiated ] All that were 
 initiated into the Cabiritic myfteries were thought ef- 
 fectually fecured from ftorms at fea, and all other 
 dangers : and the influence of the Cabirian priefts was 
 particularly implored by mariners for fuccefs-in their 
 voyages. Potter. Bryant. 
 
 V. 1193. Thence the black main ] So named from 
 a bay, which lies weft of the Thracian Cherfonefus -, 
 called Melas from a river of that name. 
 
 V. 1207. An ancient ifland ] Cyzicus, or Cyzi- 
 cum according to Strabo, is an ifland in the Propon- 
 tis, joined by two bridges to the continent. The 
 ftrait, over which thefe bridges were thrown, being in 
 a courfe of years filled up, an ifthmus was formed, 
 and the ifland became a peninfula: to this ifthmus the 
 poet alludes. Strabo. Hoelz. 
 
 V. 1235. Here the r ope -f aft erf d ft one ] It is ob- 
 fervable that the name of an anchor does no where 
 occur in Homer. The (hips of which he fpeaks had 
 only a rudder and ballaft. Neither was there any me- 
 tal employed in the conftruclion of them i the tim- 
 bers were fattened together with pegs. 
 
 We muft not therefore wonder at the rude expe- 
 dient, to- which the Argonauts had recourfe^ in thefe 
 ftill earlier times. 
 
 Z 2 V, 1299,'
 
 340 NOTES to the AR co N AU TI cs. 
 
 V. 1299. As mar J 
 
 Ac veluti magna juvenum cum denfa fecuri 
 Silva labat ; cuneifque gemit grave robur adaftis ; 
 Jamque abies, piceaeque fuunt : fie dura fub iftu 
 Offa virum malasque fonant, fparfufque cerebro 
 Albet ager. Fal. Flac. L. iii. 163. 
 
 V. 1380. There ftands the tomb, ] The moft an- 
 cient tombs were very fimple: they were nothing 
 more than hillocks of earth heaped up over the grave. 
 This the Romans called Tumulus- Sometimes we find 
 an oar, or pillar erected over it in honour of the de- 
 ceafed. Thus we read in Homer ; 
 
 See Bp. Lowttfs note on Ijaiab liii. 9. 
 
 V. 1384. round her neck /he tied] Some nicer 
 critics may be offended that Clita mould die in fa 
 vulgar a manner : but this objection is owing to a 
 want of confidering the notions and manners of dif- 
 ferent ages and countries. Amata, the mother of 
 Turnus, in the i2th book of the ./Eneid, hangs her- 
 felf. In the nth book of the Odyfley Jocafta dies in 
 like manner, and likewife in theQEdipus of Sophocles. 
 
 V. 1399. Sift coarfeft meal, c:id at the public mill.\ 
 It was cuftomary for families to grind their own corn. 
 For this purpofe they made ufe of hand-mills. Wind 
 and water-mills were a later invention. They em- 
 ployed their flaves at this work: and fometimes it was 
 inflicted on them as the heavieft punifhment. 
 
 Molendum in piftrind, vapulandum, habendae compedes. 
 
 Ter. Phorm. 
 See Bp. LovjtJii Ifaiab, page 217. 
 
 Here we find, not a fingle family, but a whole peo- 
 ple, annually, in token of ;mortification and forrow, 
 
 labouring
 
 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 
 
 341 
 
 labouring together at one common mill, and partak- 
 ing of the bread of affliction, which is of the coarfer 
 .kind, and unbaked. 
 
 V. 1406. A beauteous Halcyon, ---] Ceyx, king of 
 Thrace, married Alcyone, the daughter of ^Eolus. 
 On a voyage to confult the Delphic oracle, he was 
 fhipwrecked. His corpfe was thrown afhore in fight 
 of his wife, who, in the Agonies of love? and defpair, 
 threw herfelf into the fea. The Gods, in pity to her 
 fidelity, changed her and her huiband into the birds 
 which bear her name. The halcyons very feldom ap- 
 pear, but in the fined weather : whence they are fa- 
 bled to build their nefts on the waves. The female is 
 no lefs remarkable than the turtle for her conjugal af- 
 fection. When the halcyons are furprized by a tem- 
 peft, they fly about as in the utmoft terrors, and with 
 the mod lamentable cries. 
 
 V. 1418. There Cybek --] The worfhip of Cybele 
 was famous in Phrygia. Her priefts, founding their 
 tabrets and ftriking their bucklers with fpears, danced 
 and diftorted their whole bodies. To thefe dances 
 and diftortions they add fhrieks and howjings; whence 
 they were called Corybantes. Thus it was that they 
 deplored the lofs of their Goddefs's favourite Atys ; 
 thus they drowned the cries of Jupiter, concealed 
 among the Curetes in Crete; and thus they {lifted the 
 grief of thefe Dolians for their flaughrer'd monarch. 
 See Banter's Myth. 
 
 V. 1422. by Cybek the vaft profound, ] Orpheus, 
 In his hymn to this Goddefs, has aicribed to her the 
 fame unlimited dominion : 
 
 'Ex <rS 
 
 Orph. Hymn. xj. 
 
 V, 1448. This tru&k thy bew'd, ] It fometimcs 
 Z 3 happens,
 
 342 NOTES to the A R c'o N A u T i c s. 
 
 happens, that the roots and branches of aged trees 
 bear a faint likenefs to the human fabric. The an- 
 cients feem to have taken advantage of this fancied 
 fimilitude, which they improved by a little art ; and 
 their firfl efforts towards imagery were from thefe rude 
 and rotten materials. Bryant's Myth. vol. i. 
 
 V. 1461. Jdean Daftyli ] The Daclyli were the 
 priefts of Cybele : they firft inhabited mount Ida in 
 Phrygia; hence they were ftiled Idxi. They were 
 originally five in number, as their name, derived from 
 the fingers of the hand, imports. 
 
 V. 1463. Oaxis rolls Ms wave."] There is a river 
 of this name, not only in Mefopotamia, but in 
 Crete. 
 
 Thus Virg. Eel. i. 
 
 Et rapidum Cretae veniemus Oaxem. 
 
 V. 1469. martial dance ;J Called alfo the Pyr- 
 rhic dance^ from fire, with which it was accompanied, 
 It was efteemed a martial exercife, and was performed 
 by perfons in armour, who gave it the name of Be- 
 rarmus, from the temple of the Deity, where it was 
 probably firft pra6tifed , or from the regularity of 
 their movements in dancing. SchoL Bryant. 
 
 V. 1478, Boughs bend with fruit^ ] It was the 
 general opinion of the ancients, that when they had 
 appeafed their Deities by facrifice and prayer, the to-* 
 kens of reconciliation would appear by an uncommon 
 fertility of the foil, ' 
 
 The poets have not failed to avail themfelves of this 
 popular opinion. It is cuftomary with them to re- 
 prefent fruits and flowers of every kind, as fpringing 
 up and coming to perfection in a manner, that feemed 
 to indicate the immediate agency of fome propitious 
 Deity. 
 
 Befides , Cybele was taken for the Earth; on which 
 
 account fhe was called the mother of the Gods ; for 
 
 9 the
 
 NOTES to the A R G o N A u T i c s. 
 
 343 
 
 the earth gives birth to all things. Hence her wor- 
 fliip was blended with r-veral circumftances which 
 bore a relation to the earth. Its fertility therefore, at 
 the inftanc of the celebration of her feftival, is fome- 
 thing more than a poetical embellifhment. 
 
 V, 1509. Ryndacus ] A river of Myfia, 
 which empties itlelf into the Propontis. Near its 
 banks, as fome affert, flood the tomb of /Egxus or 
 Briareus. 
 
 V. 1525. Argantkon ] A mountain near Cios. 
 Cios is the name of a river, and of a city in Myfia. 
 
 V. 1530. Some bring dry wood, ---] Thus Theo- 
 critus, fpeaking of the employments of the Argo- 
 nauts, when they landed in the country of the Be- 
 brycians, fays, 
 
 'Evi>a$ T' trfytotvti x. T. X. Id. 22* 
 
 On the dry beach they rais'd the leafy bed, 
 The fires they kindled, and the tables fpread. 
 
 \*. 1556. Meanwhile^ preparing-] This (lory is 
 told with great fimplicity and elegance by our poet's 
 rival and contemporary Theocritus; Id. 13. Nor 
 has his faithful imitator, Valerius Flaccus, neglected 
 to embellifh his poem with the fame (lory. The 
 learned editor of Theocritus, publifhed in 2 vol. at 
 Oxford, portions. out to each poet his (hare of merit 
 in the following words : Egregie quidem Valerius 
 Flaccus Herculis vehementcm &; repentinam pertur- 
 bationem depingit : qui, veiperi reverfus, Hylam ad 
 fociorum menfas, in littore conftruclas, non deprehen- 
 dit. Nihil nifi didionem Virgilianam, caflam, tere- 
 tem, fimplicem, pro turgidula ilia, &c duriufcula, de- 
 fidero. Conferatur & Hercules Apollonii Rhodii : 
 quern credibile eft omnes intendifle nervos, ut in fimili 
 materia poetam coasvum fuperaret. Pulchrum pro- 
 fe6to illud Herculis, a manu abietem abjicientis. At 
 Z 4 fortaffis,
 
 344 NOTES to the .A R G o N A u T i c s. 
 
 fortafiis, ad fummum, fimpliciora Theocriti & lucu- 
 lentiora fateberc, & minus frequentata circumilantiis 
 & elaborata. Not. adV. lv. Id. 13. 
 
 V. 1568. But know, Alcides 1 Hercules, arriving 
 at the country of the Dryopians, a people of Epirus, 
 applied to their prince Theodamas for refrefhment. 
 Upon his refufal, he unyoked one of the oxen with 
 which he was plowing, and facrificed it. Theoda- 
 mas, attempting to redrefs this grievance by force of 
 arms, was killed, and his fon Hylas was carried off 
 by the conqueror. Some attribute this exploit to the 
 rapacity of Hercules, others to his defire of civilizing 
 an inhofpitable people. Callimachus, fpeaking of the 
 rapacity of Hercules, fays, 
 
 Ov y&p sy $>{vy'w 'crsp viro ogi\' yvta, -ytuQil^ 
 Tlavffcn' ^)^fltyi)$* irl o md^a. n^vi; ixi'mi) 
 Tn 'WoT agorgwuAt ffvwtrno G>eitoa.p<x,vlt. Jn Dian, 159* 
 
 V. 1576. In Diarfs praife ] Thus Callimachus, 
 in his hymn to Diana, celebrates her as encircled with 
 a choir of nymphs : 
 
 ul *ii/j.$cu ct xppy s'n xt'JC?ii'o-o>T 
 
 'Ay^oOi iwyciuv. In Bian. 170. 
 
 V. 1598. As when a lion ] Virgil has clofely 
 imitated this fimile in the following lines, where, 
 fpeaking of the impetuofity of Turnus, he thus com- 
 pares him , 
 
 Ac veluti pleno lupus infidiatus ovili, 
 
 Cum fremit ad caulas, ventos perpeffus & imbres, 
 
 Nofte fuper media ; tHti fub matribus agni^ 
 
 Balatum exercent : ille afper & improhus ira, 
 
 Saevit in abfentes : collefta fatigat edendi 
 
 Ex longo Babies, & ficca? fanguine fauces. 
 
 JEn. B. ix. 59, 
 
 V f 1626. 4s ivfyn a buH> wkcm galling gadflies wound^"] 
 
 Apollqnius,
 
 NOTES to tie A & G o N A u T i c s. 345 
 
 Apollonius, within the compafs of a very few lines, 
 makes ufe of two different words to exprefs the fame 
 animal, /mvca^ and o<V/w. The former, he tells us, is 
 the more general appellation : cv [o/V^ov] /t*uWa jSowx 
 xAe/W< ropmft. B. iii. 276. 
 
 The correfpondent names in Latin are afilus and ta- 
 banus : afilus vulgo tabanus vocatitr, fays Servius. 
 
 . cui nomen afilo 
 
 Roman um eft, aeftron Grasci vertere vocantes. 
 
 Arcebis gravido pecori. Pirg. Georg. vl. 
 
 Homer alfo fpeaks of this fly as being very perni- 
 cious to cattle : 
 
 O d iOtotvlo xcttct, jAiyxgoVf @otj in; uy&a.l'ot, 
 
 Taj jU.VT'H3Xoj olrgoj tyo^rfitli; tiorntrtv. Od. XXU. 255. 
 
 Confus'd, diftrafted thro* the rooms they fling, 
 Like oxen maddcn'd by the breeze's iling. 
 
 This fimile is common to the poets : Virgil, Cola- 
 thus, and Tryphiodorus have made ufe of it. 
 
 V. 1676. And one ftill moves i ] It was ufual with 
 the ancients to place one^vail ftone upon another for 
 a religious memorial. The (tones thus placed they 
 poized fo equally, that they were affected with the 
 lead external force: a breath of wind would fome- 
 times make them vibrate. Thefe were called rock- 
 ing (tones. Of fuch an one Apollonius is here fpeak- 
 ing, as being moved by the wind, and the admiration 
 of fpectators. Bryant. 
 
 V. 1746. A land projecting ] The coaft of Be- 
 brycia; the ancient name of Bithynia, a country of 
 Afia Mi.nor, near Troas, bounded on the north by the 
 liuxine fea. 
 
 Orpheus has given us, at the beginning of his 
 poem, a catalogue of the heroes that accompanied Ja- 
 
 fon
 
 346 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 
 
 fon to Colchis. Apollonius has followed his example. 
 And he has fhewn himfelf a judicious imitator of 
 Homer, by diverfifying and enlivening his narration 
 with an account of the family, character, and birth- 
 place of his Argonauts. He conltantly inferts ibme 
 little hiftory or anecdote, which may ferve to impreis 
 their names on ouf memory, and to intereft us in their 
 future fortunes. Pie has contrived to throw the ut- 
 moft variety into the voyage, by defcribing particu- 
 larly the fituation of the coafts, and the cuitoms and 
 manners of the inhabitants. The launching of Argo, 
 the epifode of Hypfipyla, the night-adventure of the 
 Dolians, the ftory of Hylas, the Sacrifices and fimiles, 
 are federally pofleffed of fuch diftinguimed merit, as 
 cannot fail to' give the reader a favourable idea of our 
 poet's tafte and genius. 
 
 NOTES TO BOOK II. 
 
 V. 16. ^ILL matctfdivitb me ] This encounter 
 between Amycus and Pollux is defcribed 
 likewife by Theocritus, who, in the opinion of Caiau- 
 bon, far furpafles Apollonius ; but Scaliger gives the 
 preference to our author, who has certainly furnifhed 
 Virgil with many circumftances in his defcription 
 of the conteft between Dares and Entellus. See 
 Mn, B. v. 
 
 Neither Apollonius nor Theocritus have loft fight 
 of Homer's defcription of the combat of the csftus, 
 II. xxiii. 6^3, 
 
 Mr.
 
 N O T E S tO fbe A R G O N A U T I C S. 347 
 
 Mr. Warton, in his valuable edition of Theocritus 
 delivers his opinion of the defcription of this combat 
 by the three poets, Apollonius, Theocritus, and Va- 
 lerius, in the following words : " Apollonio fane, 
 auctore fuo, Flaccum inferiorem cenfeo; quippe quod 
 Flaccus minus fimplex fit, & omnia, fublimitatis af- 
 fe&ato ftudio, magnificentius efferat & inflatius. 
 Utroque praeftantior Theocritus, quod utroque fim- 
 plicior. Tantum illi cedit Apollonius, quantum 
 Flaccus Apollonio." 
 
 V. 112. Like -bulls ] This fimile is borrowed by 
 Virgil, JEn. xii. 715. 
 
 With frowning front two mighty bulls engage, 
 A dreadful war the bellowing rivals wage, cffc. 
 
 Pin. 
 
 V. 163. As fwains with fmoke, ] Virgil has alfo 
 taken this fimile from Apollonius ; a poet, as Catrou 
 obferves, very rich in beautiful comparifons. See 
 I J jtt's Virg. JEn. xii. 832. 
 
 So when the fwain invades with ftifling fmoke 
 The bees, clofe-clufter'd in a cavern'd rock, 
 They rife; &c. 
 
 It was the cuftom of the ancients to force bees out 
 of their hives by fumigation. To this practice the 
 poets frequently allude. Thus Ovid de rem. amor. 
 L. i. 185. 
 
 Quid, cum fuppofitos fugiunt examina fumos, 
 Ut relerent dempti vimina curva f'agi ? 
 
 i T?2>5 arflMy tu wrtva. Ariftoph. in vefp. 
 
 V. 17^. an iron-land.} The land of the Cha- 
 lybes, which bordered upon that of theMariandyni. 
 
 V. 199. tbeir brews with laurel crowrfd.} Crowns 
 and garlands were thought fo neccflary to recommend 
 to the Gods, and were io anciently ufcd, that 
 
 fome
 
 348 NOTES t9 Use A R fe o M A u T i c s. 
 
 fome have derived the cuftom of putting them on at 
 feafts^froni the primitive entertainments, at which the 
 Gods were thought to be prefent. Potter. 
 
 V. 22 1. Fronting Rithynia's coaft,'] The dorm drove 
 them to Salmydeflus, a city on the coaft of Thrace 
 oppofite to Bithynia. 
 
 The Scholiaft fpeaks of more than one Bithynia. 
 There is a country of that name, he tells us, both on 
 the coaft of Europe and of Afia. The ftorm drove 
 the Argonauts to Salmydeflus, which is oppofite to 
 the Afiatic Bithynia. 
 
 V. 224. fad Phineus ] Phineus was a king 
 of Thrace, or, as fome fay, of Arcadia. He ordered 
 the eyes of his two fons to be torn out, to fatisfy their 
 mother-in-law. The Gods punifhed his cruelty : 
 they ftruck him with blindnefs, and fent the Harpies 
 to him, who took the meat from his mouth ; fo that 
 foe would have perifhed with hunger, if Zetes and 
 Calais had not delivered him from them, and purfued 
 them to the Strophades, where they gave over the 
 chace. Thefe Harpies were called out of hell, and 
 leem to be of the number of the furies. A permif- 
 fion was given them to dwell upon earth to puniih the 
 wicked : by which the poets would reprefertt to us the 
 remorfe of a bad confcience. Catrou. 
 
 V. 237. For, to! def c ending ~\ Apollonius has 
 furniOied Virgil with many hints on this fubjeft of 
 the Harpies.. See JEn. B. iii. 225. 
 
 At fubitae horrifo lapfu de montibus adfimt 
 Harpyiae ; WV . 
 
 When from the mountains, terrible to riew, 
 
 On founding wings the monfter-harpies flew. Pitt. 
 
 The Harpies were a kind of birds which had the 
 faces of women, and foul, long claws. When the 
 table was fqrnUhed for Phineus, they flew in, and 
 
 either
 
 NOTES to the A R c o N A u T i c s. 349 
 
 cither devoured or carried away the greater part of 
 his repaft, or polluted what they left. Raleigh. 
 
 V. 256. Like fome pale ^ lifelefs^ vijtonary Jhade.1 The 
 perfon and diftrefTes of this old man are reprefented 
 to us in a manner the mofl ftriking and pathetic. 
 Virgil had this defcription in view, when, fpeaking of 
 Achemenides, he fays, 
 
 Cum fubito e filvis, macie confela fuprema, 
 
 Ignoti nova forma viri, miferandaque cultu 
 
 Procedit, fupplexque manus ad Htora tendit, 
 
 Refpicimus : dira illuvies, immiflque barba, 
 
 Confertum tegmen fpinis jEn, iii. 590. 
 
 V. 346, 347. By every woe And by thefe eyes ] 
 Thus Telemachus fwears, not only by Jupiter, but 
 by the forrows of his father. 
 
 By great Ulvfles, and his woes I fwear. 
 
 See Pope's Odyjf. xx. 406. 
 
 Adjurations of this fort are frequently to be met 
 with in the Greek Tragedians. 
 
 V. 377. As when fwift bounds, ] Virgil has 
 clofely copied the conclufion of this comparifon : the 
 eager hound, fays he, 
 
 Hseret hians, jam jamque tenet, fimilifque tenenti 
 Jncrepuit mails, morfuque elufus inani eft. sEn. xii. 754. 
 
 They fnap, and grind their gnafhing teeth in vain. 
 
 V. 393. the dogs of Jove : ] The ancient 
 name of a prieft was Cahc.i, rendered miftakenly 
 xyv, and cams. Hence the Harpies, who were priefts 
 of Ur, are ftiled by Apollonius tke-dqgj of Jove. Iris, 
 accofting Calais and Zetes, tells them, it would be a 
 profanation to offer any injury to thole perfonages. 
 The Sirens and Harpies were of the fame vocation. 
 Bryant's Myth, vol, ii. 
 
 V, 404-
 
 35 .NOTES to tfo A R c o N A u T i c s. 
 
 V, 404. 'The Strophades ] The word Stropbades 
 is derived from a Greek verb that fignifies to turn. 
 Thefe iflands therefore were named Strophades,. be- 
 caufe near them the fons of Boreas left off purfuing 
 the Harpies, and turned back to the houfe of Phineus. 
 
 V. 437. 'Two rocks ] This is very fimilar to a 
 pafiage in the Odyffey, B. xii. v. 71. 
 
 High o'er the main two rocks exalt their brow, 
 The boiling billows thundering roll below ; 
 Thro' the vaft waves the dreadful wonders move, 
 
 Hence nam'd erratic by the Gods above. 
 
 Scarce the fam'd Argo pafs'd thefe rapid floods, 
 
 The facred Argo, fill'd with demigods ! 
 
 Ev'n flie had funk, but Joire's imperial bride 
 
 Wing'd her fleet fail, and 'pufh'd her o'er the tide. Pope. 
 
 It is obferved in the note on this patfage, " that 
 Homer, to render his poety more marvellous; joins 
 what has been related of the Symplegades to the de- 
 fcription of Scylla and Charybdis. The ftory of the 
 dove being reported of the Symplegades might give 
 him the hint of applying the cruihing of the doves 
 to Scylla and Charybdis." But we muft remember 
 that Argo paffed, in her return, through Scylla and 
 Charybdis, and that Apollonius, as well as Homer, has 
 mentioned thefe rocks by the name s7Aa>xTa), erratic, 
 which is fappofed to be more ftrixflly applicable to 
 the Symplegades. If the Cyaiican; rocks were called 
 Symplegades from their juftling together, and that ap- 
 pearance was occafioned by the different views in which 
 they v/ere feen, fometimes in a direct line, and fome- 
 tirnes obliquely, why might not Scylla and Charyb- 
 dis, for the fame reafon, be faid to juftle together, and 
 
 confequently without impropriety be called zzrAa^xcJ 
 
 or erratic ? Minerva, according to Apollonius, 
 
 guided Argo through the Symplegades; but her 
 courfe through Scylla and Charybdis was directed by 
 
 Thetis
 
 NOTES to the ARGO'N AUTIC s. 351 
 
 Thetis, at tfhe interceffion of Juno, agreeable to what 
 Homer here mentions. 
 
 V. 448. a nimble dove let fly ,\ The dove which 
 returned to Noah with a leaf of olive, and brought 
 the firft tidings that the waters of the deep were al- 
 fuaged, was held in many nations as particularly fa- 
 cred : it was looked upon as a peculiar mefienger of 
 the Deity, an emblem of peace and good fortune. 
 Among mariners it was thought to be particularly 
 auipicious ; who as they failed ufed to let a dove fly 
 from their fhips, to judge of the fuccefs of their 
 voyage. The moil favourable feafon for fetting fail 
 was at the Heliacal rifing of the feven (tars, near the 
 head of Taurus ; and they are, in confequence of it, 
 called Pleiades. It was at their appearance that the 
 Argonauts fat out upon their expedition. "Aw.cs 
 fuvreteovlt trstelttfK. Theoc. Id. xiii. 25. When 
 firil the pleafing Pleiades appear. And this was 
 thought a fortunate time for navigation in general. 
 The Argonauts, in a time of difficulty and danger, 
 made the experiment of letting a dove fly, and form- 
 ed from it a fortunate prefage. Bwanfs Myth. 
 vol. ii. 285. 
 
 It is indeed the opinion of many learned men, that 
 the fcience of augury, or of predicting future events 
 by the flight of birds, arofe from the difmifiion of the 
 raven and the dove from Noah's ark at the time of 
 the deluge. This fpecies of divination is undoubt- 
 edly very ancient : it is mentiond in many places of 
 the Old Teftament, and made a confidcrable part of 
 the religion of the heathen world. 
 
 V. 479. Acberufia j Is a cave, through 
 which, according to the fable, is a pafiage to the re- 
 gions below. Hercules is fa id to have defcended 
 through it to bring up Cerberus. Tokens of which 
 exploit they fhew, fays Xenophon, even to this day. 
 
 Near
 
 352 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 
 
 Near this fpot ftands the principal city of the Ma- 
 riandyni, named from Hercules, Heraclea. Here, as 
 our poet informs us, runs the river Acheron, fo called 
 from the abovementioned lake. 
 
 V. 493. Halys ] This river, which rifes in 
 Cappadocia, and empties itfelf into the Euxine, took 
 its name from the beds of fait through which it 
 runs. Strabo. Tornefort fays, this .country is fo 
 full of fofiil-falt, that it is to be found in the 4iigh 
 roads and plowed lands. 
 
 V. 498. tfhermodon ] This river, fays Strabo, 
 after having received many others, runs through The- 
 mifcyra, formerly inhabited by the Amazons, and 
 then falls into the Euxine fea. 
 
 V. 502. the Chalybes ] It is commonly be- 
 lieved, that the ancient Chalybes were the defcendents 
 of Tub.al ; for they are celebrated by the ancients for 
 their extraordinaty fkill in working of iron, and mak- 
 ing of fteel-armour ; whence they are faid to have 
 had their name. Univ. Hift. 
 
 Strabo is of opinion, that they are the fame whom 
 Homer mentions by the name of oAu. For he 
 joins them with the^Paphlegonians, and characterizes 
 them thus, oftev fefirtgft *ri yevifan. 
 
 Chalybes nudi ferrum - Pirg. Georg. 
 
 V. 505. --- the Genevan hill.] A promontory, fo 
 named from Genetes, a neighbouring river, which 
 ran through the country of the Chalybes. A temple 
 was creeled here to Jupiter the hofpitable. 
 
 V. 530. Phafts ] Pliny informs us, that the 
 bird called the Pheafant, derives its name from this 
 river, whofe banks they frequented in great abun- 
 dance j and that they were firft brought over into 
 Greece by the Argonauts. 
 
 Argiva
 
 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS^' 
 
 Argiva primum futit trdnfpbrtata carina ; 
 
 Ante mihi notum nil nifi nomen erat. Mart. 
 
 353 
 
 V. 535. A hideous dragon ^] Tarchon, which, ac- 
 cording to the learned and ingenious Mr. Bryant, fig- 
 nifies a hill with a tower, or temple on it, was in later 
 times rendered Trachon ; from whence the region Tra- 
 chonitis received its name. This word, it feemSj was 
 ftill further fophifticated by the Greeks, and exprefled 
 A^axwj', Dragon : from whence in a great meafure 
 arofe the notion of treafurc^ being guarded by Dra- 
 gons. The Gardens of the Hefperides, and the Gol- 
 den Fleece at Colchis were entrufted to a fleeplefs 
 fet^ v/ The dragons are reprefented as fleeplefs ; 
 becaufe in towers there were commonly lamps burn- 
 ing, and a watch maintained. The eyes of the dra- 
 gon were windows in the uppermoft part of the build- 
 ing, through which the fire appeared. Bryant's 
 Myth. 
 
 V. 553. Lies Colcbos, ] All the countries which 
 lie on the north and north-cad parts of the Euxine, 
 the region of Colchos, and the country at the foot of 
 Caucafus, were of old efteemed Scythia, and thefe 
 the Greeks looked upon to be the boundaries, north- 
 ward, of the habitable world. 
 
 V. 556. ALa ] The region termed A/a, 
 above Colchis, was a name peculiarly given by the 
 Amonians to the places where they refided. Among 
 the Greeks the word grew general ; and Aid was 
 made to fignify any land. But among the Egyptians, 
 as well as among thofe of Colchis Pontica, it was ufed 
 for a proper name of their country. 
 
 It was owing to this, that the name given to the 
 chief pcrfon of the country was dates. Bryant's 
 Myth. 
 
 V. 626. coeval tree, ] It was the common 
 A a opinion
 
 354 NOTES to iht ARGON AUTICS* 
 
 opinion of the -ancients, that the Hamadryads lived 
 and died together with their trees, and therefore were 
 extremely grateful to thofe, who at any time preferv- 
 ed them. The Scholiaft tells a remarkable ftory to 
 this purpofe : A perfon called Rhoecus, obferving a 
 beautiful oak ready to fall, ordered it to be fet up- 
 right and fupported. The nymph of the tree appeared 
 to him, and bade him, in return, afk whatever he 
 pleafed. She being exceedingly handfome, Rhsscus 
 defired he might be entertained as her lover : which 
 fhe promifed, and accordingly fent a bee to fummon 
 him. But the young man, happening to be playing at 
 dice when the bee came, was fo offended with its bnz^ 
 zing, that he drove it from him. The nymph, . .0- 
 voked at this uncivil treatment of her embaffkdor, HI 
 revenge deprived Rhcecus of the ufe of his limbs. 
 He alfo fpeaks of another nymph, who was grateful 
 to the man that preferved her oak. 
 
 11 ' rofs S^t's? wxot tvnQa.it 
 
 Call. Hymn, in Del. v. 83^ 
 
 V. 662. The names of Agrew and of Nonius] Thus, 
 Callimachus : 
 
 *E|oT* ITT 
 
 'HVOt's iiir* efUTi KOMVfjt.fi>o$ ' 
 
 Hymn, ad Ap. 47, 
 
 'Aypeui and NqAo5 were undoubtedly the names of 
 Apollo i but they were alfo beftowed on his fon Arif- 
 taeus, on account of his fondnefs for a country-life^. 
 and his many ufeful difcoveries. 
 
 oveiotot pfau* t 
 *Ay(>ict xat Nofnov 
 
 Pynd. Pyth. ix. 115 
 
 V. 671. fo him they gave their numerous flocks to 
 feed,] Almoft all the principal perfons, whole names 
 
 occur
 
 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS" 355 
 
 occur in the mythology of Greece and Italy, are re- 
 prefented as fhepherds. It is reported of the Mufes, 
 that they were of fnepherd-extraction, and tended 
 flocks, which they entrufted to their favourite Arif- 
 tasus ; the fame whom Virgil ftiles Paftor Ariftseus. 
 Bryant. 
 
 V. 685. Jhowery Jove,] Jupiter is frequently 
 reprefented under the character of pluvius, or the dif- 
 penfer of rain, both by poets, painters, and ftatuaries. 
 For it was his province, as chief ruler of the air, to 
 direct not only the thunders and lightnings, but the 
 rain. Virgil has given us a noble defcription of th^ 
 Jupiter pluvius in the following defcription : 
 
 cum Jupiter, horridus auftris, 
 
 Torquet aquofam hiamem, & caelo cava nubila rumpit. 
 jn. ix. 670. Sfeace's Polym* 
 
 V. 693. and by thefe winds detained,] For thele 
 Etefian winds, the hiftory of which the poet has juft 
 given us, blew north-call, and confequently in a di- 
 rection the mod unfavourable for them who were 
 failing up the Euxine. 
 
 V. 735- Old ocean thunder* d {] This ftorm feems 
 to have been copied by Virgil, ./En. i. by Lucan, 
 Ovid, and Valerius Flaccus. 
 
 V. 813. With cold indifference ] The great out- 
 lines of Jafon's character are piety, humanity, and 
 valour. The fentiment before us is replete with 
 philanthropy, and prejudices us highly in favour of 
 the hero of the poem. 
 
 V. 86 1. His golden locks 9 ] Milton thus der 
 fcribes Adam's hair : 
 
 hyacinthine locks 
 
 Round from his parted forelock manly hung 
 C/uJTring. B. iv, 303. 
 
 A a $ The
 
 356 NOTES ts the A R o o K A u T i c s. 
 
 . The circumftance of the hair hanging like bunches 
 of grapes has been juftly admired. But it is literally 
 tranflated from the defcription of Apollo's hair in the 
 Greek poet. 
 
 l BOTPYO'ENTES ivsu 
 
 The word ^orgAAs could hardly be rendered into 
 Englilh by any other word than by duftering. War- 
 fan's Obferv. 
 
 V. 867. Nor dar'd the heroes, ] Thus Hefiod in 
 Scuto, fpeaking of Hercules, 
 
 W& Tf V TOW .__ J _ 
 
 x lju> & an y . 
 
 There was probably, in the old pictures of Apollo, 
 a certain brightnefs beaming from his eyes, and per- 
 haps diffufed all over his face ; in the fame manner, 
 as the body of the principal figure is all luminous 
 and refplendent in the famous nativity of Correggio, 
 of the Transfiguration by Raphael. What made me 
 then-fufpecl: this, was the ancient poets fpeaking fo 
 often of the brightneis of Apollo's face, and the 
 beaming fplendours of his eyes. Virgil does not 
 only compare his ./Eneas (under whom is generally 
 fuppofed to be meant Auguftus) to Apollo for beau- 
 ty ; but, in another place, he feems to call Auguftus 
 himlelf (who was really very beautiful) by the name 
 of this God. Spends Polym. 
 
 V. 771. fben like an arrow ] Virgil has adopted 
 this cdmparifon, where he reprefents Cloanthus's fhip 
 as moved forward by Portunus : 
 
 . - - Et pater ipfe manu Portunus euntem 
 Impulit : ilia noto citius volucrique fagitta 
 Ad terrain fiigit, & portu fe condidit alto. JEn. v. 241. 
 
 V. 900.
 
 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 357 
 
 V. 900. with curls unclipfd^ Nothing was 
 deemed by the ancients more efTential to the beauty of 
 a young perfon (and Apollo was always reprefented 
 a youth) than fine, long hair. Hence the epithets 
 crinitus and intonfus are ib often given to Apollo. 
 
 . i.ji- ' . crinitus Apollo, 
 Nube fedens. Virg. jn. ix. 63 ?. 
 
 fic tibi fmt intonfi, Phcebe, capilli. Yibull. 
 
 V. 946. The Megarenfians Soonautes nam'd] They 
 are called by our poet in this place, and by Theocri- 
 tus, Id. xii. 27. N/tra?o/ MeyoLpnes , from Niia, which, 
 as the Scholiaft informs us, was the name of their 
 dock. It was fo named frorrj Nifus, Ion of Pandion, 
 and king of this people. 
 
 The Megarenfians, going out to plant a colony in 
 Heraclea, were driven by difbrefs of weather into the 
 river Acheron, which, from the protection it afforded 
 them, they called Soonautes. 
 
 V. 1028. But fail' tf, unhappy! ] 
 Sed non augurio potuit depellare peftem. sn. ix. 328. 
 
 The fate of others he had oft forefliewn, 
 
 But fail'd, unhappy ! to prevent his own. Pitt. 
 
 V. 1029. Here, in a covert ] This defcription of 
 a boar hid among the ru flies, and the terror of the 
 neighbourhood, reminds us of the following beauti- 
 ful lines of Ovid, who is defcribing the Caledonian 
 boar: 
 
 Concava vallis erat, quo fe dimittere rivi 
 Affuerant pluvialis aquas : tenet ima lacun<e 
 Lenta falix, ulvaeque leves, juncique paluftres, 
 Viminaque, & longae parva fub arunaine cannx : 
 Hinc aper excitus, medios violentus in hoftes 
 r, ut excuifis elifus nubibus i'gnis. 
 
 Ov, Met, L. viii. 
 A a 3 V. 1167.
 
 358 NOTES to tie ARGONAUTICS.' 
 
 V. 1167. -^- Partbeniw ] This river rifes in 
 Paphlagonia, and derives its name from the cheerful 
 meadows through which it flows. Strabo. 
 
 V* 1176. 2% groves, Cy torus, ] 
 Thy groves of box, Cytorus, ever green. Pope's II. B. ii. 
 
 Hence thirigs made of box were called Cytoriaca. 
 Saepe Cjfdriaco dedudt peftine crines. 
 
 V. 1204. I'be Amazonian cape ] The Greeks, 
 who would fain deduce every thing from their own 
 language, imagined, that by the term Amazon was 
 fignified a perfon without a breaft. From this wrong 
 etymology proceed all the abfurdities with which the 
 hiftory of this extraordinary people abounds. They 
 were in general Cuthite colonies from Egypt and 
 Syria ; and as they worfhipped the Sun, they were 
 called Azones, Amazones, Alazones ; which are 
 names of the fame import. The moft noted were 
 thofe, who fettled near the river Thermodon, in the 
 region of Pontus. 
 
 Quales Thei'ciae, cum flumina Thermodontis 
 
 Pulfant, & piftis bellantur Amazones armis. JEn, xi. 658. 
 
 V. I22Q. From Mars and Harmony } The Ama- 
 2ons worfhipped the Deity from whom they received 
 their name ; viz. Azon and Amazon, the fame as 
 Ares, the Sun. They worfhipped alfo Harmon, the 
 Moon ; which the Grecians changed to a feminine, 
 Harmonia. So that by y&w "hgtu %ai 'Apftoviift is 
 meant the children, of the Sun and' Moon. Bryant's 
 Myth. 
 
 V. 1251. tfibarenians ] It is remarked of 
 this people, that they are uncommonly addicted to 
 laughter and buffoonery. Some have accounted for 
 
 the
 
 NOTES to tie A R G o N A u T i c s. 359 
 
 the abfurd cuftom, here alluded to, from this caufe. 
 But it is difficult to afilgn a reafon for the many ab- 
 furd cuftoms which different nations have adopted. 
 It has been recorded by grave hiftorians, that the an- 
 cient Spaniards and the Americans follow the prac* 
 tice of the Tibareneans. 
 
 V. 1260. MoJJynes cafl'd, ] Xenophon gives us 
 the moil authentic account of this people in the fifth 
 book of his Anabafis. He tells us, that they do 
 thofe things in private, which others do in public : 
 that they talk to themielves, laugh by themfelves, and 
 dance alone, as if they were (hewing their fkill in 
 public. Savage and indecent as the cuftom, alluded 
 co by our poet, may feem, Strabo afcribes the fame 
 barbarities to the Iri(h, and Csefar makes the fame 
 obfervations on the ancient Britons. 
 
 V. 1269. Rut if his judgment err, ] Thus Pom- 
 ponius Mela, L. i, c, 19. Reges fuffragio deligunt, 
 vinculifque & arctiffima cuftodia tenent ; atque ubi 
 culpam prave quid imperando meruere, inedia totius 
 diei afficiunt, 
 
 V. 1301. But when he rung a cymbal ---] This 
 cymbal, or crotalum, was made, the Scholiaft tells 
 us, by Vulcan ; Hercules received it from Pallas. 
 The defcription of this inftrument is differently given 
 by different authors. Our poet tells us it was made 
 of hrafs ; others reprefent it as formed of a rod or 
 reed cut in two ; both parts of which, when ftruck 
 together, emitted a found after the manner of cafta- 
 nets. This latter defcription agrees with the opinion 
 of Suidas, and the Scholiaft of Ariftophanes, 
 
 V. 1386. We laws of hofpitabk Jove revere.] Thus 
 Virgil, ^En. i. 784. 
 
 Jupiter (hofpitibus nam te dare jura loquuntur) 
 
 A a 4 Almighty
 
 360 N o T E s to the A R c o N A u T i cs. 
 
 Almighty. Jove ! who pleads the ftranger's eaufe j 
 
 Great guardian God of hofpitable laws. /*>/; 
 
 And Homer, in the words of Mr. Pope; Od. B. ix. 
 
 The poor and ftranger are Jove's conftant care ; 
 To Jove their caufe and their revenge belongs, 
 He wanders with them, and he fgels their wrongs. 
 
 V. 1430. round the altar flood;'] The tombs, 
 of which frequent mention is made by the ancient 
 writers, were in reality high altars or pillars, and not, 
 as has been fuppofed, monuments erected in honour 
 of the dead. Such an one the Argonauts are laid to 
 have found in the terrtple of Mars, when they landed 
 upon the coaft of Pontus. This was the exprefs ob- 
 ject to which the Amazonians paid their adoration , 
 as they lived in an age when ftatues were not known. 
 Bryant's Myth* 
 
 V. 1472. Typhaoma's cave,"] Apollonius men- 
 tions an ancient Typhonian Petra in the hollows of 
 the mountain. It was an Ophite temple, where the 
 Deity was probably worfhipped under the figure of 
 a ferpent. Hence the poet fuppofes the ferpent, with 
 which Jafon engages, to have been produced in thofe 
 parts. Bryant's Myth. 
 
 V. 1497. Where Saturn firjl fair Philyra ] Sa- 
 turn, to avoid being discovered by his wife Ops, 
 while he was engaged with Philyra his miflrefs, turned 
 himfelf into a beautiful horfe. 
 
 Chiron, the famous Centaur, was the fon of this 
 nymph Philyra. 
 
 V. 1547. Where on an oak ] The Greek here, 
 and y. v. 1399, is fyuos; but at v. 534 the word is 
 ynyoio, a beech : both which trees bearing maft, they 
 may perhaps be indifcriminately ufed. 
 
 NOTES
 
 NOTES to the ARCONAUTICS. 
 
 NOTES TO BOOK III. 
 
 V. 2. dND teach thy poet, Erato, ] Apollonius 
 with great propriety invokes Erato, the 
 Mufe who prefided over love-affairs. For this book 
 contains the loves of Medea and Jafon, and abounds 
 with the moft beautiful fentiments defcriptive of the 
 tender paffion. Virgil's invocation of Erato, Nunc 
 age, c[ui reges, Erato, &c. is a tranfcript of Apollonius, 
 Ei ave yw, 'Eparw, &c. Virgil feems to have co- 
 pied our poet in this inftance, at the expence of his 
 judgment: for it is difficult to affign a reafon for his 
 invocation of this Mufe, when he was about to fing, 
 as he informs us, reges & tempora rerum. 
 
 The fourth book of Virgil, Servius tells us, Is 
 borrowed from this of Apollonius Rhodius. Virgil's 
 /Eneid, fays Hoelzlinus, would not have been en- 
 riched with the epifode of Dido, had not the amours 
 of Hypfipyla and Medea been worked up ready to 
 his hand by Apollonius. 
 
 V. 10. Juno and Pallas ] Having conducted his 
 heroes to the banks of the Phafis, our poet fhifts the 
 fcene, and takes occafion to introduce the two God- 
 defles, Juno and Pallas, confulting for the fafety of 
 Jafpn. There is a neceffity for fuch machinery, in 
 order to preferve the dignity of Epic poetry. And 
 the propriety of its introduction in this place will be 
 acknowledged, if we recoiled, that on the fuccefsful 
 application of thefe Goddefies to Venus the future 
 fortunes of Jafon depend. There needs no greater 
 proof of the beauty of this paflage, than that it has 
 been imitated by Virgil in that part of his firft book, 
 where Cupid is commifiioned by his mother to kindle 
 in Dido's breaft a paffion for
 
 S to tht ARGONAUTICS. 
 
 V. 46.^ floating i/le ] The Greek is 
 sS Homer has a fimilar expreffion, 
 OdyfT. x. 3. 
 A floating ifle ! high-rais'd by toil divine. Pope. 
 
 V.,50. Sat Cytberea on a p&lijtfd throne.'] This 
 whole paflage is imitated by Claudian, who, fpeaking 
 of Venus, fays, 
 
 Caefariem tune fort* Venus fubnixa corufco 
 ittViYiFingebat folis : dextra laevaque forores 
 
 Stabant Idalias : largos hec neflaris imbres 
 Irrigat ; haec mori'u numerofi dentis eburno 
 Multifidum difcrimen arat; fed tertia retro 
 Dat varios nexus, & jufto dividit orbes 
 Ordine, negleftam pattern ftudiofa relinquens. 
 
 ' V. 74. To fn& Ixion* ] He, for making love to 
 J$no, and boaft ing afterwards that he had dishonoured 
 J qpiter, was hurled headlong by him into Tartarus, 
 and bound to a wheel, which he was doomed to turn 
 without intermifllon. 
 
 V. 79. as o'er ibt world I Jlray'd,'] It was the 
 opinion of the ancients, that the Gods frequently af- 
 fumed the human Jhape. Thus Homer, Odyff. xvii. 
 v. 485. 
 
 They (curious oft of mortal aftions) deign 
 
 ] forms like thefe to round the earth and main, 
 
 Juft and unjuft recording in their mind, 
 
 And with fure eyes infpedting all mankind. Pofe. 
 
 fummo delabor Olympo, 
 
 Et Deus hnmana luftro fub imagine terras. 
 
 0<v. Met. L. i. 
 
 V. 131. With golden dice^ ] The Greek is cej-^a- 
 i. Homer has the fame expreffion, II. xxiii. 88. 
 but it i omitted in Pope's tranflation. 
 
 V. 141. Adraftja gave,] She was nurfe to Jove 
 when an infant. Thus Cailimachus j
 
 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 363 
 
 %v<7-/a>. Hymn, ad Jov. v. 47. 
 
 V. 149. A fwcet round ball; ] It is partly from 
 the wanton and playful character of thefe little Cu- 
 pids, that they are almoft always given us under the 
 figures of children. 
 
 Thus Ovid ; 
 
 Et puer es, nee te quicquam nifi ludere oportet : 
 Lude, decent annos mollia regna tuos. O<v. Rent Am* 
 
 In conformity to this puerile character, Venus pro- 
 mifes to reward her favourite boy with playthings. 
 
 V. 210. blamelefs Phrixus. ] See the Preface. 
 
 227. At Colcbos ftill this barbarous rite prevails :] 
 Thefe extraordinary rites of the Colchians are men- 
 tioned by ./Elian, in his fourth book. The earth and 
 air are faid to be the principal objects of their Wor- 
 fh ip . Hoe Iz . and SchoL 
 
 V. 235. but friendly Juno Jhrouds") Thus 
 Pallas fpreads a veil of air around Ulyfles, and ren- 
 ders him invifible : 
 
 Propitious Pallas, to fecure her care, 
 Around him threw a veil of thicken'd air. 
 
 Homer's Ody/. B. vif. 
 
 Thus Venus conceals tineas and his companions : 
 
 At Venus obfcuro gradicntes acre fepfit. 
 
 Vtrg. u. L. J. 
 
 V. 251. the Pleiads fct or rofe,~\ The Pleiades are 
 faid to be the daughters of Atlas by the nymph 
 Pleione. They were feven in number. Their name 
 is derived, either from their mother, or their num- 
 ber, or, more probably, from the Greek word, which 
 
 fignifies
 
 364 NOTES to the A R G o N A u T i c s." 
 
 fignifies to fail. They are called in Latin Vergili?e, 
 from the vernal feafon when they rife. They rife 
 about the vernal equinox, and fet in autpmfl. See a 
 further account of them in the Note on v. 448, 
 B. ii. 
 
 V. 260, Phlegr^an war.'] The battle between 
 the gods and giants is fuppofed to have been fought 
 at Phlegra^ near Pallene, in Theflaly. 
 
 V, .3.99". Almas' s fancied wealth to gain ^ Thefe 
 ions of Phrixus and Chalciope had failed from Colchis. 
 to Orchomenos, a city of Bceotia, to receive the in- 
 heritance of their grandfather Athamas. 
 
 V. 327. As fane good ho-iifewife^ ] Virgil fee/ns 
 to have copied this limile from Apollonius. SEn. viii, 
 V. 408. 
 
 What time the poor, laborious, frugal dame, 
 
 igthens out their tafks with half the night ; 
 Thus to her children me divides the bread, 
 And guards the honours of her homely bed. Pitt, 
 
 V. 356. On Mart's t/le, ] One of thofe iflands. 
 called the Strophades, in the Ionian fea. 
 
 .387. the fierce Sarmatians] The Sarma- 
 tians, er Sauromatas, were Scythians, who dwelt in 
 the country that lies between the river Tanais an4 
 the Boryfthenes. 
 
 V. 413. Had ye not firft my feaft pwtogk ] 
 The ta.ble wa5 looked upon by the ancients as a 
 facred thing ; and a violation of the laws of hofpita- 
 lity was efteemed the higheft profanation imagin,T 
 able. 
 
 V. 562. a maiden dwells, ] Virgil's defcrip* 
 tion of the Maflylian prieitefs is taken from this 
 paflage : 
 
 Hzq
 
 NOTES to the A R c o N A u T i c s. 365 
 
 Hzc le carrninibus promittit-^ 
 
 Siftere aquam fluviis, vertere fidera retro ; 
 
 No&urnofque ciet manes : mugire videbis 
 
 Sub pedibus terrain, & defcendere montibus ornos. 
 
 JSn. L. iv. 4.87. 
 
 V. 705. - 'whom her ffk'nds bad jw?d 
 
 In marriage J The chief power of dif- 
 pofing of their daughters in marriage, even among the 
 heathens, was in their parents, without 'whole conlenc 
 it was not held lawful. Thus Herraione in Euri- 
 pides : 
 
 Miftpvav ej-ii, y' x tpov XJIVP? Taos. 
 
 V. 797. Now rifmg Jhades J Here Dr. Broome's 
 tranflation begins, and continues to v. 1087 ; but not 
 without confiderable- omifllorrs which are fuppiied. 
 Virgil has copied this cxquifite defcription from 
 our author. Both the poets defcribe minutely the 
 profound calm and ftillnels of the night, in order 
 to render the agonies of the reftlefs heroines more af- 
 fecting by fuch a contraft. It is impoflible to give 
 us a more lively idea of their reftlefs fituation, than 
 by reprefenting it in oppofition : to that general tran- 
 quillity which prevails through the whole creation. 
 The filence of the night, which difpofes others to 
 reft, ferves but to encreafe their anguim, and to fweU 
 die tumult of their pafTion. 
 
 'Twas night ; and weary with the toils of day, 
 
 In foft repofe the whole creation lay. 
 
 The murmurs of the groves and furges die, 
 
 The ftars roll folemn thro' the glowing fky ; 
 
 Wide o'er the fields a brooding filence reigns, 
 
 The flocks lie ftretch'd along the flowery plains ; 
 
 The furious favages that haunt the woods, 
 
 The painted birds, the fifties of the floods ; 
 
 All, all, beneath the general darknefs (hare 
 
 In fleep a fweet forgetfulnefs of care ; 
 
 All but the haplefs queen. Pitt, 
 
 That
 
 3^6 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 
 
 That fudden and beautiful transition at the clofe of 
 the defcription, At non infelix animi Phxniffa, is copied 
 with the utmoft exadnefs from the correspondent line 
 in our poet, 
 
 V. 8 13. As from the Jlream-ftor'd vafe ] Virgil 
 has imitated this fimile, Mn. viii. 22. 
 
 Sicut aqus tremulum, &c. 
 
 So from a brazen vafe die trembling ftream 
 
 Refleds the lunar, or the folar beam : 
 
 Swift and elufive of the dazzled eyes, 
 
 From wall to wall the dancing glory flies : 
 
 Thence to the cieling Ihoot the dancing rays, 
 
 And o'er the roof the quivering fplendor plays. Pitt. 
 
 V. 911. ( fbis plant i which rough Caucafean mountains 
 lore.] Caucafus is called by Propertius, B. i. El. 12. 
 the Promethean mountain ; becaufe the magic 
 herbs, for which it was famous, were faid to have 
 fprung out of the blood of Prometheus. 
 
 . i i ---- An qu 
 
 Left a Prometheis dividet herba jugis. fetter. 
 
 V. 935. As when her limbs divine ] We meet 
 with this fimile in the fixth book of Homer's Odyffey, 
 who applies it to Naufieaa fporting with her fair 
 attendants in the meads. Virgil applies the fame 
 fimile to Dido, walking in the midft of the city, 
 with the Tyrian princes. See Pope's note on v. 117. 
 Od. vi. Some of the critics have thought that no 
 paflage has been more unhappily copied by Virgil 
 from Homer, than this comparifon. But, it fhould 
 feem from fome circumftances in his fimile, that the 
 Roman poet rather imitated this paflage of Apollo- 
 nius, than that of Homer. 
 
 V. 936.
 
 NOTES to the ARGONAVTICS. 367 
 
 .936. the Ammfian waves J or, rather, Ana- 
 nifian, according to Callimachus : 
 
 They were fo named from Amnifus, a city and river 
 of Crete. 
 
 V. 988. And croaking, thus Saturnisms mind exprefid.] 
 Some birds were of ufe in divination by the manner 
 and direction of their flight ; others by the founds 
 they uttered - r thefe were called ofeines, of which kind 
 were crows. 
 
 Ofcinem corvum prece fufcitabo 
 
 Soils ab ortu. Her. Od. xxvii. 1. 3. 
 
 V. 1005. Meanwhile the maid ] No poet has 
 fucceeded better in any defcription than Apollonius 
 has in the following. The anxiety with which Me- 
 dea expects the arrival of Jafon, exprefied by her in- 
 attention and averfion to every other object, by her 
 directing her eyes every way in fearch of him, ami 
 by her trembling at every breeze, are admirable 
 ftrokes of nature. The appearance of Jafon, flufhed 
 with all the bloom of youth, advancing haftily to- 
 wards her, like the ftar, to which he is compared, 
 rifmg from the ocean -, the embarraffmcnt which his 
 prefence occafions, the filent admiration in which they 
 ftand gazing at each other, like two tall trees in a 
 calm, are particulars which none but the imagination 
 of a real poet could have put together, and can never 
 be fufficiently admired. 
 
 V. 1099. The following night in equal Jhares divide \] 
 We have here a curious account of the ceremonies 
 made ufe of in their facrifkes to the infernal Deities. 
 Hecate, the fame with the Moon or Diana, was fo 
 called, either from .her being appeafed by hecatombs, 
 or from the power me poffefled of obliging thofe who 
 
 were
 
 No? E>s to tfa A K G o tf A tr T i c s, 7 
 
 were unburied to wandef ain hundred years. Virgil 
 applies to her the epithet of ier geminam^ and Horace 
 that of triformis. She was called in heaven Luna, or 
 the Moon, on earth Diana, and in hell Proferpina, 
 Hecate, and Brimo from her terrifying appearance. 
 
 It feems extraordinary that Diana, who is the 
 goddefs of chaftity, fhould be reprefented as difpenf- 
 ing hef favourable influence in illicit amours. But 
 the mythologifts inform us, that Diana and Venus 
 are but one and the fame divinity. The Sc hoi i aft on 
 Theocritus, Id. ii. fays, that it was cuftomary, among 
 the ancients, for the men to implore the fun, and 
 women the moon in their amours. Gicero, fpeaking 
 of three Dianas, obferves, that the firft was thought 
 to be the mother of winged Cupid. De Nat. Dear. 
 L. 3 . 
 
 V. 1095. With honey , fweeteft labour of the bees.~\ Ho- 
 ney was a favourite ingredient with the ancients in 
 their oblations to the gods, whether of heaven or 
 hell. Homer, in his hymn to Mercury, calls it 
 
 1 i jtuv yoei&v towoijr. 
 
 Bees and honey are fubje&s which the Greek poets 
 are particularly fond of introducing; and their 
 country was plentifully fupplied with thefe commo- 
 dities. 
 
 V. 1 155. WTyere from Prometheus good Deucalion came,] 
 Apollonius Rhodius, according to the common opi- 
 nion, fuppofes Deucalion to have been a native of 
 Greece, the fon of Prometheus, the fon of Japetus ; 
 but in thefe ancient mythological accounts all ge- 
 nealogy muft be entirely difregarded. He reprefents 
 him as the firft of men, through whom religious 
 rites were renewed, cities built, and civil polity 
 eftablifhed in the world ; none of which circum- 
 5 ftances
 
 N b T E 3 to the A R c o \ Y A u T i c s." 369 
 
 ftances are applicable to any king of Greece. We 
 are allured by Philo, that Deucalion was Noah. 
 Bryant* 
 
 V. 1245. ?his baneful monjler was by Cadmus Jlain^ 
 Upon the report of the rape of Europa, her father, 
 Agenor, fent every where in fearch of her, and or- 
 dered his ion Cadmus not to return home till he had 
 found her. Cadmus having traverfed a part of 
 Greece without gaining any information of her, fettled 
 in Bceotia,. where he built the city Thebes. Having 
 fent his afibciates into a grove, confecrated to Mars, 
 to fetch water, a fcrpent, which guarded the place, 
 devoured them. Cadmus, to revenge their death, 
 flew the monfter ; from whole teeth, which he had 
 fown, a body of armed men fprung up. This is the 
 fabulous account to which Apollonius alludes. 
 
 No colony, fays Mr. Bryant, could fettle any 
 where, ' and build an Orphite or ferpent temple, but 
 there was fuppofed to have been a contention betwixt 
 a hero and a dragon. Cadmus was defcribed in con- 
 flict with fuch an one at Thebes. 
 
 V. 1247. An heifer to his feat ] ^O^TTCUC^ re- 
 lates properly to divine influence, and wop.Tr'n is an 
 oracle. An ox or cow was by the Amonians efteemed 
 very facred and oracular. Cadmus was accordingly 
 faid to be directed sro^w.Tr*? 00=. Bryant. 
 
 V. 1285. Amaranthine Pbajis ] This river is 
 fuppofed to have derived its fouvce from a nation of 
 that name. The poet, in describing the effects of this 
 infernal evocation, has heaped together with great 
 judgment, and in the true fpint of poetry, every cir- 
 cumftance that is capable of exciting terror and 
 aftonifhmcnt. 
 
 V. 1288. And now on Caucafus, ] Apollonius 
 
 introduces his heroes on the plains of Mars with the 
 
 B b utmoft
 
 370 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS.' 
 
 utmoft pomp and magnificence, thus artfully prepar- 
 ing us for the folemnities of the enfuing combat, on 
 which the fate of Jafon depends. 
 
 NOTES TO BOOK IV. 
 
 V. i. Q Goddcfi,'] The firft and fecond books 
 contain, as we have feen, the voyage 
 of the Argonauts to Colchis. In the book we are 
 now entering upon, the poet has given us an account 
 of the route they took on their return. And, in 
 order to throw the utmoft variety into his poem, he 
 has conducted them to Greece by a way altogether 
 new and unknown. He makes them fail up the 
 Ifter, and by an arm of that river, to the Eridanus, 
 and from thence to the Rhone. Apollonius's geo- 
 graphy is, in many inftances, very exceptionable. 
 The licence which poets are allowed, quidlibet au- 
 dendi^ is his beft excufe for inaccuracies of this 
 kind. Scaliger, who feldom fpares our author, does 
 not fcruple to aflert, that, ' quod attinet ad fituin 
 
 * orbis terrarum, fane imperitus regionum fuit Apol- 
 
 * lonius. De Iftro, dii boni ! quas nugas.' But let 
 it be remembered, that not only poets have trifled 
 in their defcriptions of this river, but that hifto- 
 rians and geographers, who have attempted to ex- 
 plain its courfe, have given very different and incon- 
 fiftent accounts of it. Many curious traditions, and 
 entertaining pieces of ancient Greek hiftory are in- 
 
 terfperfed
 
 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS.' 371 
 
 terfperfcd throughout this book. The fpeeches of 
 Medea can never be enough admired. Her fenti- 
 ments are admirably fuited to her condition ; they 
 are fimple, unaffected, and calculated to raife our 
 pity. Our poet has difplayed a luxuriant fancy 
 in his defcription of the nuptials of Jafon and 
 Medea ; and he has painted the diftreffes of his Ar- 
 gonauts, on the coaft of Africa, in the moft glow- 
 ing colours. This book appears indeed, in every 
 view of it, equal, if not fuperior to any of the fore- 
 going. We meet with fome obfcurities. The tranf- 
 lator confeffes his inability to afcertain the true fenfe 
 of every intricate paffage. Let it, however, be 
 fome alleviation of his errors, that his guides have 
 been but few, and they not always the moft intelli- 
 gent ; and that no part of this book, except only the 
 ilory of Talus, has appeared in an Englifb, drefs, 
 before the prefent verfion was publimed. 
 
 V. 32. Clung round each door, ] The cuftcm of 
 kifling beds, columns, and doors, before they were 
 obliged to quit them, occurs frequently in the Greek 
 tragedians. 
 
 V. 33. A lock Jbe fore ] It was cuftomary for 
 young women, before the nuptial ceremony was per- 
 formed, to prefent their hair to fome deity, to whom 
 they had particular obligations. Medea, therefore, 
 previous to her departure and marriage with Jafon, 
 prefents a lock of hair to her mother, to be depo- 
 fited by her in the temple of fome deity to whom 
 it was confecrated. 
 
 V. 64. I to the cave atLatmos'} Latmos was a 
 mountain in Caria, in whole cave the moon was faid 
 by the poets to vifit Endymion. Thus, in Valerius 
 Flaccus, who feems to have had this paflage in his 
 eye, we read \ 
 
 B b 3 % JUtmius
 
 372 NOTES to the ARGON 
 
 Latmius seftiva refidet venator in umbra, 
 
 Dignus amore deae : velatis cornibus et jam 
 
 Luna venit. Lib. viii. 29. 
 
 V. 92. Whofe knees embracing,'] Several parts of 
 the body were confidered by the ancients as the ' feats 
 of virtues and vices, of good and bad qualities. 
 Modefty was afligned to the eyes, fagacity and derifion 
 to the nofe, pride and difdain to the eye-brows, and 
 pity to the knees ; which, it was cuftomary for fup- 
 pliants, when they made their requefts, to touch and 
 embrace with reverence. 
 
 : ' ; V/i23. & twilight, ere I Xenophon, de Vena- 
 tionc, makes the fame obfervation, l^von -/r^/!', exire 
 diluculo. The fame remark is made by Oppian and 
 others. 
 
 V. 143. Colcbians^ far diftant ] This noble hy- 
 perbole has been copied by Virgil, Book vii. v. 515, 
 .where, fpeaking of Alec~bo, he fays, 
 
 3"!t\"With her full force a mighty horn ihe winds ; 
 Th' infernal ftrain alarms the gathering hinds. 
 The dreadful fummons the deep foreft took j 
 The woods all thunder'd, and the mountains fhook. 
 The lake of Trivia heard the note profound j 
 
 -t^C The Veline fountains trembled at the found : 
 The thick fulphureous floods of hoary Nar 
 Shook at the blaft that blew the flames of war : 
 Pale at the piercing call, the mothers preft 
 With fhrieks their ftarting infants to the breaft. Pitt, 
 
 This circumftance of the mothers clafping their 
 infants to their breafts, is a very tender and affecting 
 one. The poets feem particularly fond of it. We 
 meet with it in the Troades of Euripides ; and 
 Camoens, in his imitation of thefe linking paffages 
 in Apollonius and Virgil, was too fenfible of its 
 beauty to omit it :
 
 NOTES to the ARGON AUTICS. 373 
 
 Such was the tempeft of the dread alarms, 
 
 The babes that prattled in their nurfes' arms 
 
 Shriek'd at the found: with fudden cold impreft, 
 
 The mothers ftrain'd their infants to the breaft, 
 
 And fhook with horror. The Lujiad, B. iv. p. 124, 
 
 V. 203. The gtillant land beheld with wondering eyesi] 
 Mr. Warton is of opinion, that Virgil had this beau- 
 tiful paffage in his eye in the following lines : 
 
 Expleri nequit, atque oculos per fingula voluit, 
 Miraturque, interque manus et brachia ve'rfat... 
 
 JEn. viii. v. 618. 
 
 And thus Spenfer, in his Fairy Queen : 
 
 But Triflram then defpoiling that dead knight 
 Of all thofe goodly ornaments of praife, 
 Long fed his greedy eyes with the fair light 
 Of the bright metal, fhining like fun-rays ; 
 Handling and turning them a thoufand ways. 
 
 B. vi. c. 2. ft. 39. 
 
 V. 292. And, ere bright Cynthia ] By Selene, 
 and Selenaia, is meant the ark, of which the moon 
 was only an emblem .; and from thence the Arcades, 
 or Arkites, had the appellation of Selenitas. When 
 therefore it is faid, that the Arcades were prior to 
 the moon, it means only, that they were coniticuted 
 into a nation before the worfhip of the ark prevail- 
 ed, and before the firft war upon earth commenced. 
 Bryant. This boaft of the Arcadians, that they were 
 a nation before the moon gave light to the world', 
 is alfo thus accounted for by fome ingenious writers: 
 the Greeks generally ordered their affairs according 
 to the appearances of the moon, efpecially thofe two 
 of the new and full moon. The Spartans held it 
 criminal to begin any great defign till after they had 
 confidered the moon, as me appeared when new and 
 at the full. The Arcadians, contrary to this general^ 
 cuftom of the Greeks, tranfafted all their bufmefs of 
 B b 3 importance
 
 374 NOTES to the ARGON AUTICS! 
 
 importance before the appearance of the new moon, 
 or that of the full ; and were therefore called in de- 
 rifion, 'sr/)oo-gAvot, for their neglect of this religious 
 ceremony. Which term of reproach the Arcadians 
 applied to their commendation, and fhrewuly affirm- 
 ed, that they were entitled to this epithet, becaufe 
 their nation was more ancient than the moon. 
 
 V. 301. Hence rofe the matchlefs chief ] Seibftris 
 not only overran the countries which Alexan- 
 der afterward invaded , but crofled both the Indus 
 and the Ganges ; and thence penetrated into the 
 eaftern ocean. He then turned to the north, and 
 attacked the nations. of Scythia; till he at laft arrived 
 at the Tanais, which divides Europe and Afia. 
 Here he founded a colony , leaving behind him fome 
 of his people, as he had juft before done at Colchis. 
 He fubdued Afia Minor, and all the regions of 
 Europe -, where he creeled pillars with hieroglyphical 
 infcriptions, denoting, that thefe parts of the world 
 had been fubdued by the great Sefoftris or Sefoofis. 
 Diodorus Sic. L. i. p. 49. Apollonius Rhodius, who 
 is thought to have been a native of Egypt, fpeaks 
 of the exploits of this prince, but mentions no 
 name ; not knowing, perhaps, by which properly to 
 diftinguifh him, as he was reprefented under fo many. 
 He reprefents him as conquering all Afia and Eu- 
 rope ; and this in times fo remote, that many of the 
 cities which he built, were in ruins before the sera 
 of the Argonauts. Bryant. 
 
 V. 31 1. recording tablets keep] The Colchians, 
 fays the Scholiaft, ftill retain the laws and cuftoms 
 of their forefathers ; and they have pillars of ftone, 
 upon which are engraved maps of the continent and 
 of the ocean. The poet calls thefe pillars x.vpeis : 
 which, we are told, were of a fquare figure, like 
 obelifks, Thefe delineations had been made of old, 
 
 and
 
 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 375 
 
 and tranfmitted to the Colchians by their forefathers ; 
 which forefathers were from Egypt. The Egyp- 
 tians were very famous for geometrical knowledge. 
 All the flat part of this country being overflowed, 
 it is reafonable to fuppofe, that they made ufe of 
 this fcience to determine their lands, and to make 
 out their feveral claims, at the retreat of the 
 waters. Bryant. 
 
 V. 451. Rife may my Furies, ] Thus Dido, in 
 a fit of defpondency and rage, threatens 
 
 Et cum frigida more anima feduxerit artus, 
 
 Omnibus umbra locis adero. JEn. iv. 385. 
 
 V. 526. Curfe of mankind! ] Our poet, when- 
 ever he introduces moral fentences, which is but 
 feldom, takes care to do it with the utmoft propriety ; 
 at a time when the occafion warrants the ufe of 
 them, and gives additional force and luflre to the 
 truths which they convey. Virgil has adopted this 
 fentiment of Apollonius on a fimilar occafion : 
 
 Improbe amor, quid non mortalia pectora cogis ! 
 
 J5n. iv. 412. 
 
 V. 412. From the Greek word Epws, in the ori- 
 ginal, Mr. Bryant has taken occafion to give us the 
 following curious account of Cupid and his emblems: 
 Iris, the Rainbow, feems to have been expreficd 
 Eiras by the Egyptians. Out of Eiras the Greeks 
 formed Eros, a God of Love ; whom they annexed 
 to Venus, and made her fon. And finding that the 
 bow was his fymbol, inftead of the Iris, they gave 
 him a material bow, with the addition of a quiver 
 and arrows. Being furnimed with theie implements 
 of mifchicf, he was fuppofed to be the bane of the 
 world. 
 
 B b 4 V. 550.
 
 NOTES, .to the ARGONAUTICS; 
 
 . V.'55O. I'urn'-d frvm the murderous fcene } The 
 remorfe and concern of Medea are very ftrongly ex- 
 prefled by this fimple action, of turning afide and 
 concealing her face from, the fcene of barbarity. 
 Signs are fometimes more fignifican.t than words, 
 however eloquent and pathetic , and filence is often 
 the fureft indication of heart-felt forrow. 
 
 V. 613. Wiser e Cadmus' 1 and Harmonics tomb ] 
 Cadmus fettling in Bceotia, married Harmonia, or 
 Hermione, the daughter of Venus by Mars. A con- 
 fpiracy being formed againft him, he was obliged to 
 quit Bceotia, and retire with his wife into Illyricum. 
 The-y are faid by the poets to have been transformed 
 into ferpents. Of this transformation, and of the 
 tomb, which the people of Illyricum creeled to their 
 memory, Dionyfius thus fpeaks : 
 
 "GTTTTOT' a,it 'lapwov Xi7rov ^v 
 
 V. 644. Of blood yet ftr earning from his children 
 Jlain,] By Megara, the daughter of Creon king 
 of Thebes, Hercules had leveral fons, whom he flew 
 in a, fit of madnefs. Soon after this {laughter he left 
 Thebes, and received expiation for the murder at 
 Athens, according to fome ; but according to our 
 poet, at Macris. 
 
 V. 689. WaKd the brisker gales in Argons aid.] In the 
 original, 
 
 *Amx. 5 ~v- 
 
 Juno, anxious for the fafety of her crew, and 
 knowing they muft vint Circe's ifle, Tailed a ftorm 
 for that purpofe ; which drove them back, up the 
 Chronian fea, as far as the ifland Ele6lris. By thus 
 
 changing
 
 NOTES to the A R c o N A u T i c s. 377 
 
 changing their direction, fhe ftiortened their voyage, 
 and haftened their approach to the ifland of Circe. 
 
 V. 727. 'To the far Hyperborean race ---] There are 
 fo many inconfiftent fables among the ancients, re- 
 fpecting the country and fituation of the Hyperbo- 
 reans, that modern geographers have not been able 
 to reconcile them. See Gefner de Navigaticnibus extra 
 tolumnas Herculis, Pr^eL 2. 
 
 Callimachus, in his hymn to Delos, fpeaks of them 
 as a people of high antiquity. Pindar places them near 
 the ides of the Bleft, which were fuppofed to have 
 been oppofite to Mauritania, and celebrates their 
 rites. See Olymp. Od. iii. and Pytb. x. 
 
 V. 728. Grieved for his favourite ALfculapius] Ju- 
 piter, incenfed that ./Efculapius had reftored Hippo- 
 litus to life, deftroyed him with his thunder. Apollo, 
 willing to revenge the death of his fon, directed his 
 darts againft the Cyclops, by whofe hands the thun- 
 der of Jupiter was formed. The god, for this of- 
 fence, banilhed him from heaven.- See Virg* ./En. vii. 
 v. 764. 
 
 V. 775. With chalks ] In the original, 
 
 The firft line is obfcure ; for it may either mean, 
 that they made ufe of the -^rityoi as ^X^yyia^ccrcL^ 
 or ftrigiles, for rubbing ; or that, in rubbing, the 
 fweat dropped on the ftones, fytqfiaiv^ and difcoloured 
 them. If this fenfe be the true one, the following 
 lines may, perhaps, be fomewhat lefs exceptionable 
 than thofe already given : 
 
 To cleanfe their fides from copious fweat they toil, 
 Which, trickling down, diltain'd (he chalky foil. 
 
 This
 
 378 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 
 
 This paffa^e will receive fome illuftration from' 
 Ariftotle, Tzregi Sra.vfjLa.cri(t)v aVar / wcjT&)y ; who afierts, 
 that among other monuments of the Argonautic ex- 
 pedition this was one, TO ITTI ruv ^fy 
 TOP atytcthov tyqious q,y.c\v g'i' 
 
 ot 'EAA#i>e 5 01 TW VTKTQV e/xfcWes, 
 v Aag;t> aVo TWV q'^.eLff.y.Tur ojv 
 
 V, 783. Here faw they Circe, ] We have the 
 fulleft defcription of Circe and her habitation in the 
 joth Odyff. of Homer: from which book fucceeding 
 poets have been fupplied with ample materials, to 
 afiift them in drefiing out this entertaining fiction. 
 
 It is entertaining to obferve, how different poets 
 have written on the fame or fimilar fubjefts. And 
 according as they have acquitted themfelves in work- 
 ing them up, we may form a judgment of their tafte 
 and genius. 
 
 V. 932. Till Themis thus ] Others afcribe this 
 difcovery to Prometheus, for which Jupiter promiied 
 to releaie him from his chains. 
 
 V. 946. Shall in Elyfiunis blifsful plains ] Theftory, 
 here alluded to, is mentioned by leveral of the ancient 
 mythologifts. Medea, when in Elyfium, or the For- 
 tunate iflands, gained the affections of Achilles, who 
 then dwelt in thofe regions, and married her. The 
 ancients are by no means confiflent in their accounts 
 of thefe Elyfian fields. Some affirm them to be in 
 the moon, others in the milky way. But it is more 
 generally fuppofed, that they are fituated in fome 
 fertile and pleafant region on earth. See Homers 
 Odyff, B. iv. and the note to v. 765 of Pope's Tranf. and 
 Gefner de Infulis beat. Pr<el. 2. 
 
 V. 1016. Her young Achilles o'er the flame ] Thus 
 Ceres, when fhe undertook to bring up Triptolemus, 
 in order to render him immortal, fed him all day with 
 
 celeftial
 
 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS. 
 
 379 
 
 celeftial food, and covered him all night with burn- 
 ing embers. His father Eleufmus, obferving this, 
 expreffed his fears for his child. Ceres, difpleafed 
 with this behaviour, (truck him dead, but conferred 
 immortality on his fon. 
 
 V. 1047. The Syrens were Cuthite and Canaanitifh 
 priefts, who had founded temples, which were ren- 
 dered more than ordinary famous on account of the 
 women, who officiated. With their mufic they en- 
 ticed ftrangers into the purlieus of their temples, and 
 then put them to death. The female part of their 
 choirs were maintained for a twofold purpofe ; both 
 on account of their voices and their beauty. They 
 were faid to be the children of the Mufe Terpfichore ; 
 by which is meant only, that they were the daughters 
 of harmony. Bryant. 
 
 Orpheus, in the Argonautics afcribed to him, has 
 not only mentioned thefe Syrens, but given us the 
 fong, alluded to by Apollonius, which was fo effica- 
 cious as to prevent the ill effects of the Syrens' mufic. 
 We have the moft particular defcription of thefe en- 
 chantrefles in the 12th book of Homer's OdyfTey. 
 
 V. 1054. Who lur'd^ in times remote^ ] Among 
 others, whom Ceres lent in fearch of her daughter 
 Proferpine, were the Syrens. She is faid to have 
 given them wings, to enable them to explore the coun- 
 try with greater cafe and expedition. 
 
 V. 1086. From whofe cleft fummits fames ] Thefe 
 flaming billows muft have been very alarming to the 
 jailors, who were ignorant of the caufe of them. 
 The poet has therefore, in his defeription of Scylla 
 and Charibdis, with great judgment lelecled thefe re- 
 markable appearances, which could not fail to excite 
 terror and aitonilhment. 
 
 V, 1091. Here o'er the failing pine the nymphs pre-
 
 380 NOTES to the ARGON AU TICS. 
 
 Virgil, in his ift lEn. has made ufe of the af- 
 iiftance of the fea-nymphs on a fimilar occafion. 
 
 Cymothoe fimul & Triton adnixus, acuto 
 Detrudunt naves fcopulo. 
 
 And Camoens,. who feems to have Been particu- 
 larly pleafed with this defcription, has, in imitation of 
 it, fummoned together a vaft number of fea-nymphs 
 to refcue the navy from deftruction. See B. ii. 
 p. 48. 
 
 V. -1151. His father caftrated : ---] One would 
 not expect to find in fo grave a writer as Hefiod any 
 thing like that low kind of wit, which the double 
 ienie of words gives rife to. The tafte of the ancients, 
 it has been faid, was too good for thefe fooleries. Yet 
 his learned annotatof is of opinion, that Hefiod has 
 availed himfelf of the ambiguity of the word ftttcf os. 
 He thus difcufles this curious fubje6t in a note on 
 y r; j8o in Theog. 
 
 Omnino exiftimo Hefiodum,. &'qui eum hac in 
 re antecelferuntj aut fequuti funt, lufiffe in ambiguo. 
 Vox jurkfof duo fignificabat, pudenda & con/ilium^ 
 cumque audiflent Saturnum patri aVoTEfcsw ju.vj/c?, 
 data opera ita rem acceperunt, quafi narraretur ei 
 pudenda refecuiffe, ut Ts-^aToAo^/a^, quas hac de re 
 habent, locus daretur -, quamvis probe fcirent confi- 
 lium feu confiliarios intelligi, quorum ftiafu ThefTalia 
 cxcedere coacl:us fuerat Saturnus. Hofce confiliarios 
 fugavit, & navibus in Afiam redire coegit. 
 
 V. 1281. tfbus PySeus, ] (Note, it ought to 
 be //ycteus.) Antiope, the daughter of Nycleus, 
 was deflowered by Jupiter in the form of a 
 fatyr. To avoid the anger of her father, fhe fled 
 to Sicyon, a city in Peloponnefus : where me was 
 protected by Epops. Nycteus at his death requefted 
 his brother Lycus to lay fiege to Sicyon, but to fhew 
 
 no
 
 NOTES to tie ARGONAUTICS. 381 
 
 no compaflion to Antiope. He, willing to comply 
 with the requeft of Nycteus, befieged the city, killed 
 Epops, and took Antiope prifoner. 
 
 V. 1283. Tb us Dtwae\ ] Danae was the daugh- 
 ter of Acrifius. Having been informed by the oracle, 
 that his grandfon mould bereave him of his life and 
 crown, he (hut her up in a tower of brafs. But Ju- 
 piter, according to the fable, made his way through 
 the roof in a fhowev of gold. The meaning of which 
 fable is , Prsetus, who was furnametf Jupiter, bitbcd 
 the keepers, and having thus gained accels to the pri- 
 foner, made her the mother of Perfeus. Acrifius 
 being apprized of this illicit commerce, and the fruits 
 of itj ordered the mother and her fon to be locked up 
 in a chcft, and thrown into the fea. 
 
 V. 1338. Snatch* d from the flams, -'--! Jupiter 
 being in love with Semele, Juno concerted the follow- 
 ing fcherne for the deftruction of her rival. She ap- 
 peared to Semele in the fhape of Beroe, a nurfe, and 
 infmuated to her, that if her lover were really Ju- 
 piter, he would not difguife himfelf like a mortal : 
 and that the certainty of his divinity could no Other- 
 wife be alcertained, than by his appearing before her 
 with the fame majefty, which he allumed when he vi- 
 fited Juno. Semele followed her advice \ and Jupiter 
 having fworn by Styx to grant her whatevef me 
 might afk, approached her in the full blaze of his 
 glory, and Semele was confumed by his lightning. 
 Jupiter being defirous to prefcrve the infant Bacchus, 
 of whom Semele had been for fome time pregnant, 
 commiffioned Mercury to deliver him from the flames, 
 by taking him out of her womb, and conveying him 
 to Eubcea. Here he was committed to the cattlw 
 Macris. But Juno's refentment being not yet fub- 
 fided, me forbade her favourite ifland Eubcea to give 
 protection to the nurfe of Bacchus j who now fled for 
 refuse to Phseada, 
 
 V. 1505.
 
 582 NOTES to the ARGONAUTICS; 
 
 V. 1505. As when ] ' The principal image 
 (fays Pope, II. xiv. in a note on v. 457.) is more 
 ftrongly impreffed on the mind by a multitude of 
 fimiles, which are the natural product of an imagina- 
 tion labouring to exprefs fomething very vaft : but 
 finding no fingle idea fufficient to anfwer its concep- 
 tions, it endeavours by redoubling the comparifons to 
 fupply this defect." Since then the heaping together 
 of fimiles, when the occafion requires, is considered 
 as a proof of true poetical enthufiafm, it muft be 
 allowed that our poet, in this inftance, as well as in 
 many others, has fhewn himfelf capable of rifing 
 above that uniform mediocrity, which has, perhaps 
 too haftily, been afcribed to him. For we have here 
 an accumulation of comparifons the moft elegant and 
 appofite. The defpondent heroes are likened to 
 fpectres and ftatues diftilling drops of blood. Me- 
 dea's fair attendants, lamenting their misfortunes, are 
 compared to fwallows, bereaved of their nefts and 
 fcreaming for their mother-, and, immediately after, 
 to the plaintive notes of dying fwans. 
 
 This fimile of the fwallow is copied by Virgil, 
 /En. xii. 473. 
 
 V. 1649. In Atlas' realm : ] In Africa, where, 
 according to Virgil, Atlas reigns : 
 
 Ultimus ^thiopum locus eft, ubi maximus Atlas 
 
 V. 1651. The fair Hefperides ] They were the 
 daughters of Hefperus, the brother of Atlas, and 
 fhepherdeffes. Hercules carried off their fheep 
 (which, for their exquifite beauty, were called golden) 
 and flew the fhepherd, whofe name was Draco. The 
 Greek word ftflAa, which fignifies apples as well 
 as fheep, is fuppofed to have given rife to the 
 fiction. 
 
 Some are of opinion, that the fable of the ferpent, 
 who guarded the golden apples, and was faid to have 
 
 been
 
 NOTES to tie ARGON AUTICSJ 383 
 
 been flain by Hercules, derives its origin from the 
 Mofaic account of the fall. 
 
 V. 1749. 'Thus fees the down, ---] Tranflated by 
 Virgil, ^En. vi. 453. 
 
 qualem primo qui furgere menfc 
 
 Aut videt aut vidifle putat per nubila lunaiUt 
 
 V. 1791. For when brave P erf eus ] It has been 
 already remarked, that Danae was inclofed in a cheft 
 by the command of her father Acrifius, and thrown 
 into the fea. This cheft was caft upon the iiland 
 Seriphus, one of the Cyclades in the ^Egsean fea. It 
 was found by a fifherman, who brought it to Poly- 
 dectes, king of the iiland. He received the mother 
 and child with great tendernefs : but falling in love 
 with Danae, and fearing the refentment of Perfeus, 
 now grown to manhood, he planned the following 
 icheme for his deftrucTtion. Having invited the 
 neighbouring princes to an entertainment, he defired 
 each of them to bring with him fome rarities for the 
 feaft. Perfeus was required to bring on this occa- 
 fion the head of Medufa, one of the Gorgons : an 
 enterprize which the king imagined would prove fatal 
 to him ; but by the affiitance of Minerva, he cut 
 off the Gorgon's head , which, when he carried it 
 to the iiland, turned its inhabitants into (tone, and 
 among the reft, their king, Polydectes, who had lent 
 him out on the expedition. See Pindar's Pytb. 
 Od. xii. 
 
 V. 1817. His corfe the bright-arm 1 d heroes thrice 
 furround^] Virgil takes occafion to mention the farhe 
 cuftom in the following words : 
 
 Ter circum accenfos cinfti fulgentibus armls 
 Decurrere rogos : ter m^ftiim funeris ignem 
 Luftravare in equis, ululatuquc ore dederunt. j*. xi. 
 
 1870. Tour courfe, that cape once doubled,'] It 
 
 would
 
 384 -NOTES to tie ARGON AUTics7 
 
 would contribute towards clearing this obfcure paf- 
 fage, if inftead of /3w, we read V7r?p. This con- 
 jecture may the more readily be admitted, as we meet 
 with the fame expreffion, dyxwvos u-ntp is-^^pvros 9 
 at v. 1626. 
 
 V. 194,3. There Talus ] The following is 
 Broome's note, prefixed to his tranflation of the ftory 
 of Talus. 
 
 The following verfes from Apollonius will appear 
 very extravagant, unlefs we have recourfe to their 
 allegorical meaning. Plato in his Minos writes thus : 
 
 Talus and Rhadatnanthus were the affiftants of 
 Minos in the execution of his laws. It was the 
 office of Talus to vific all parts of Crete thrice 
 every year, to enforce them with the utmoft feverity. 
 The poet alludes to this cuftom in thefe words : 
 
 Fierce guard of Crete ! who thrice each year explores 
 The trembling ifle, and ftrides from fhores to fhores. 
 
 . 
 
 Talus is fabled to be formed of brafs, becaufe 
 the laws, which he carried with him in his circuit, 
 were engraven upon brazen tables. It is not im- 
 probable, but the fable of the burfting the vein above 
 the ankle of Talus, by which he died, arofe from the 
 manner of punifhment practifed by him ; which was, 
 by the opening of a vein above the ankles of cri- 
 minals, by which they bled to death. 
 
 V. 2093. Inftant emerging ] See on this fubje<ft 
 Pindar's Pyth. Od. iv. towards the beginning. 
 
 V. 2096. Sintian Lemnos ] The Sintians 
 were orginally Thracians ; but fettled afterwards at 
 Lemnos. 
 
 V. 2 1 1 8. And added years to years exalt my verfe.] It 
 was cuftomary with the Greeks, not only to fing 
 hymns, but to recite heroic poems in honour of the 
 gods and heroes at their feftive meetings. 
 
 2 NOTES
 
 ( 385 
 
 NOTES 
 
 TO THE 
 
 RAPE OF HELEN. 
 
 COLUTHUS LYCOPOLITES, aTheban poet; 
 flourifhed in the reign of the emperor Anaftafius, 
 about five hundred years after Chrift. He is faid to 
 have been the author of feveral poems ; none of 
 which have come down to us except this, which in 
 many paffages is corrupt and mutilated. There is 
 an excellent edition of this poem by Lennep. There 
 is alfo an old tranflation of it by Sir Edward Sber- . 
 burrie , to whom I acknowledge myfelf indebted for 
 ibme of his ufefui annotations. 
 
 Did the infertion of this little poem ftand in need 
 of an apology, it might be made by obferving, that 
 the fubjects of the two poems are not wholly difiimi- 
 lar. In the one is celebrated the rape of Aledea, in the 
 other the rape of Helen ; two events of equal celebrity 
 in ancient ftory. 
 
 On the title of this goem Sir Edward Sherburne 
 
 makes the following not unpleaiunt remark : " The 
 
 C c word
 
 386 NOTES to tie R AP E OF HE LEU. 
 
 word rape muft not be taken in the common accepta- 
 tion of the expreffion. For Paris was more courtly 
 than to offer, and Helen more kind-hearted than to 
 fuffer fuch a violence. It muft be tafcen rather for a 
 tranfporting of her with her confent from her own 
 country to Troy : which Virgil feems to infmuate in 
 the firft book of his JEneid, where, fpeaking of 
 Helen, he fays, 
 
 Pergama cum peteret t 
 
 The word peteret implies that the quitting of her 
 country, and going along with Paris, was an act (lie 
 defired, as well as confented to , and thus much the 
 cnfuing poem makes good." 
 
 V. 2. From Xanthu? fertile Jlreams ] The moft 
 celebrated river in Troas : it derived its fource from 
 mount Ida. 
 
 V. 10. down.] The ancients efteemed the art 
 of hufbandry to be of all others the moft honour- 
 able. The hands of princes fuftained at the fame time 
 the crook and the fceptre. Paris, the fon of Priam, 
 king of Troy, is reprefented in this poem under the 
 character of a fhepherd. In our times the care of 
 flocks and herds is committed to the loweft orders of 
 the people. Shepherd and clown are terms with us 
 nearly fynonymous. But we muft endeavour to iepa- 
 rate from them the ideas of churlifhnefs and ill- 
 breeding, when applied, as the ancients applied them, 
 to heroes and kings. 
 
 V. 24. With hymeneal fongs for P *ekus fung^\ It was a 
 fiction of the poets, that Peleus, the ion of Abacus, 
 and pupil of Chiron, married Thetis the daughter of 
 Nereus ; and that all the Gods attended at their nup- 
 tials on mount Pelion, except Eris or Difcord, in 
 whofe prefence agreement and harmony could not 
 
 Jong
 
 NOTES to the RAPE OF HELEN. 387 
 
 long fubfift. See on this fubject Catullus de Nttpt. 
 Pel. &f Thet- and Valerius Flaccus^ L. i. v. 129. 
 
 V. 42. His loofe locks ] The correfpondent lines 
 in the original ought to be placed after v. 33. as Len- 
 nep rightly obferves : to that place (immediately after 
 the poet's mention of Diana) the tranflator has re- 
 ft c red them. 
 
 .56. With defperate band ] The conjectural 
 reading of Voffws is here preferred ; as it feems to 
 contain more fenfe and more poetry than any other. 
 He reads, 
 
 V. 79. For 'tis the prize of beauty and of love.'] Ap- 
 ples were efteemed the fymbol of love, and dedicated 
 to Venus. They were alfo confidered as allurements 
 of love, and were diftributed as prefents among lo- 
 vers. Hence the expreffions furXfeo^ir, and malo pe- 
 tere, in Theocritus and Virgil. 
 
 V. 89. The dofe-arcFd eyebrow, ] The ancients 
 looked upon fuch eyebrows, which our poet calls 
 /SAg^apwf cwo^v-) as efiential to form a beautiful 
 face. See Anacr torts defcription of his miftrefs, and 
 Theccr. Id. viii. 72. 
 
 V. 99. Summoned her little Loves, ] They were 
 fnppofed to be very numerous : 
 
 i. .. - volucrumque exercitus omnis amorum. 
 
 Val. Flac. vi. 457. 
 
 V. 1 16. My bow this Cejtus, ] The Ceflus of 
 
 Venus, of which Horner makes particular menrion, 
 
 II. xiv. 216. derives its name CCTTO TW luvrm. To 
 
 C c 2 which
 
 388 NOTES to the RAPE OF HELEN. 
 
 which ftimulating quality our poet alludes in the fol- 
 lowing line, 
 
 And with this Ceftus I infix my fling. 
 
 V. 205. Beauty , their beft defence ', their ftrongeft mail.} 
 
 *AT J lyyiuv aTracTwv. Anacr. Od. xi. 
 
 V. 267 and 268. Ifmarus Pangr<ea--\ Moun- 
 tains in Thrace. The former is alfo the name of a 
 lake. 
 
 V. 269. Now Phillis* rifing tomb ] Demophoon, 
 fon of Thefeus, on his return from Troy patted 
 through Thrace, where he was hofpitably received by 
 Phillis, its queen, who fell in love with and married 
 him. He having expreffed his defire to vifit Athens, 
 his native country, Phillis confented to his departure, 
 upon condition that he would return on a certain 
 day which me mould appoint. Demophoon promifed 
 to be with her on the appointed day. When the day 
 came, Phillis, tortured with the pangs of an impatient 
 lover, ran nine times to the more, which from this 
 circumftance was called in Greek Enmados : but un- 
 able any longer to fupport his abfence, fhe in a fit of 
 defpair hanged herfelf. See Ovid's Epift. ii. Phillis to 
 
 V. 274. Phthia ] A province and city of 
 Thefialy ; the birth-place of Achilles. But, for a 
 more particular account of Coluthus's geography, the 
 reader may confult Lennep's note on v. 215. where he 
 Ihews, (to make ufe of his own words) qiiam fuerit in 
 Geographicis hofpes Culuthus. 
 
 . V. 296. Him with delight ] Hyacinthus was a 
 
 young prince of the city Amyclce in Laconia. He 
 
 7 had
 
 NOTES to the RAPE OF HELEN. 389 
 
 had made fo extraordinary a progrefs in literature, 
 that he was confidered as a favourite of Apollo. As 
 he was playing with his fellows, he was unfortunately 
 ftruck on the head by a quoit, and died of the blow. 
 The poets have enlarged on this fimple ftory in the 
 following manner. 
 
 The wind which blew the quoit afide, and gave it 
 the fatal direction, they have called Zephyrus; whom 
 they have reprefented as the rival of Apollo. Ze- 
 phyrus, having received for his kindnefles to Hyacin- 
 thus the moft ungrateful returns, was refolved to pu- 
 rrifh him for his infolence : and having challenged him 
 one day to a game of quoits, he ftruck the unfortu- 
 nate youth a blow on the temples. 
 
 The inhabitants of Amyclas, fays the poet. 
 
 were difpleafed with the conteft propofed by Zephyr 
 rus, and withdrew Hyacinthus from the fight -, or, 
 perhaps (-ft ill better to connect this with the follow- 
 ing fentence) they brought him out, and fpirited him 
 on to the fight, prefuming that his favourite God 
 would enable him to come off" victorious ; Wap 
 'ATroAAa^, &c. 
 
 This is Lennep's conjectural reading ; which, whe- 
 ther the true one or not, muft be allowed to affix a 
 tolerable meaning to a paffage that was before very 
 unintelligible. 
 
 V. 302. Earth with compajjlon ] From the blood 
 that was fpilt on the ground Apollo produced a flower, 
 called after the name of his favourite youth. See 
 Ovid. Met am. L. x. 
 
 V. 331. Neftor's fon --") Antilochus, men- 
 tioned frequently in Horn. II. 
 
 7 V. m .
 
 390 NOTES .to the RAPE o r -H E L E K. 
 
 V. 333- MaciA* ] The defcendants of jEa- 
 cus. He was the Ton of Jupiter and JEgina : his 
 offspring were Phocus, Peleus, Teucer, and Te- 
 larnon. 
 
 :V. 390. 'Two gates of airy dreams /he opens wide;'] 
 The ficlion to which our author in this place, and 
 Virgil in ^Encid vi. allude, is borrowed from 
 B. xix. of Horn. Odyff! It is imagined, that this 
 ftor.y of the gates of fleep may have had a real foun- 
 dation, and have been built upon the c.uftoms of the 
 ./Egyptians. See the note on v. 656. B. xix. of Pope's 
 OdyiT. 'Our poet has reprefented thefe fanciful gates 
 as opened by Night , and with great propriety. 
 
 " The ancients, fays Sir Edward Sherbtirve, painted 
 Sleep like a man heavy with (lumber, his under gar- 
 ment white, his upper- black, thereby expreffing day 
 and night-, holding in his hand a horn, fometimes 
 really fuch, fometimes of ivory in the likenefs of one ; 
 through which they feigned that he conveyed dreams: 
 true when the Tame was of horn, falfe when of ivory/' 
 Some have afiigned.as a reafon, why true dreams pafs 
 through the gate of horn, and falfe ones through the 
 gate of ivory ; that horn is a fit emblem of truth, as 
 being transparent, -and Ivory of falfehood, as being 
 impenetrable. > 
 
 ,V. 448. For Jleep his elder brother's afyett wears,] 
 yifgij, i^Kn. .vi. 278. calls Sleep confanguineus lethi. 
 
 y. 450. Hence the fwoln eyes of females, ---] Hence, 
 i. e. by reafon of the likenefs there is betwixt thefe 
 two affections. 
 
 .,464. At Cytherea's ] The line in the original 
 is qbfgure, and ufually mifplaced. It is given to Her- 
 mione, but without the leaft reafon. It is here re- 
 ftored to its proper place ; and is an obfervation 
 which comes naturally .enough from the mouth of 
 Helen. See Lcnmfs note on the pafTage. 
 
 V. 482.
 
 N O T E S tO tie R A P E O F H E L E N. 39 I 
 
 V. 482. Caffandm from her tower ] CafTandra 
 was the daughter of Priam, and prieftefs of Apollo. 
 Apollo gave her the gift of prophecy ; but, on her 
 refuting to comply with the conditions on which it 
 was given her, he rendered it ineffectual, by ordaining 
 that her predictions fhouldnever be believed. Hence 
 it was, that, when Paris let fail for Greece in purfuit 
 of Helen, her prophecy, that he Ihould bring home a 
 flame, which mould confume his country, was not re- 
 garded. Her appearance therefore on the prelent 
 occafion is quite in character , and our poet has (hewn 
 his judgment by the representation he has given of 
 hen 
 
 END OF THE NOTES,
 
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