THE SHIELD OF
HERACLES
(480 lines)
(ll.
(ll.
Hesiod
361: 'But the water stood
all round him, bowed into the semblance of a mountain. ' This verse he
has taken over from Hesiod's "Catalogue of Women".
Fragment #95--Scholiast on Homer, Iliad ii. 469: 'Or like her (Antiope)
whom Boeotian Hyria nurtured as a maid. '
Fragment #96--Palaephatus [1761], c. 42: Of Zethus and Amphion. Hesiod
and some others relate that they built the walls of Thebes by playing on
the lyre.
Fragment #97--Scholiast on Soph. Trach. , 1167: (ll. 1-11) 'There is a
land Ellopia with much glebe and rich meadows, and rich in flocks and
shambling kine. There dwell men who have many sheep and many oxen, and
they are in number past telling, tribes of mortal men. And there
upon its border is built a city, Dodona [1762]; and Zeus loved it and
(appointed) it to be his oracle, reverenced by men. . . . . . . . And they (the
doves) lived in the hollow of an oak. From them men of earth carry away
all kinds of prophecy,--whosoever fares to that spot and questions the
deathless god, and comes bringing gifts with good omens. '
Fragment #98--Berlin Papyri, No. 9777: [1763] (ll. 1-22) '. . . . strife. . . .
Of mortals who would have dared to fight him with the spear and charge
against him, save only Heracles, the great-hearted offspring of Alcaeus?
Such an one was (? ) strong Meleager loved of Ares, the golden-haired,
dear son of Oeneus and Althaea. From his fierce eyes there shone forth
portentous fire: and once in high Calydon he slew the destroying beast,
the fierce wild boar with gleaming tusks. In war and in dread strife no
man of the heroes dared to face him and to approach and fight with him
when he appeared in the forefront. But he was slain by the hands and
arrows of Apollo [1764], while he was fighting with the Curetes for
pleasant Calydon. And these others (Althaea) bare to Oeneus, Porthaon's
son; horse-taming Pheres, and Agelaus surpassing all others, Toxeus and
Clymenus and godlike Periphas, and rich-haired Gorga and wise Deianeira,
who was subject in love to mighty Heracles and bare him Hyllus and
Glenus and Ctesippus and Odites. These she bare and in ignorance she did
a fearful thing: when (she had received). . . . the poisoned robe that held
black doom. . . . '
Fragment #99A--Scholiast on Homer, Iliad. xxiii. 679: And yet Hesiod
says that after he had died in Thebes, Argeia the daughter of Adrastus
together with others (cp. frag. 99) came to the lamentation over
Oedipus.
Fragment #99--[1765] Papyri greci e latine, No. 131 (2nd-3rd century):
[1766] (ll. 1-10) 'And (Eriphyle) bare in the palace Alcmaon [1767],
shepherd of the people, to Amphiaraus. Him (Amphiaraus) did the Cadmean
(Theban) women with trailing robes admire when they saw face to face
his eyes and well-grown frame, as he was busied about the burying of
Oedipus, the man of many woes. . . . . Once the Danai, servants of Ares,
followed him to Thebes, to win renown. . . . . . . . for Polynices. But,
though well he knew from Zeus all things ordained, the earth yawned
and swallowed him up with his horses and jointed chariot, far from
deep-eddying Alpheus.
(ll. 11-20) But Electyron married the all-beauteous daughter of Pelops
and, going up into one bed with her, the son of Perses begat. . . . . . . . and
Phylonomus and Celaeneus and Amphimachus and. . . . . . . . and Eurybius and
famous. . . . All these the Taphians, famous shipmen, slew in fight for
oxen with shambling hoofs,. . . . . . . . in ships across the sea's wide back.
So Alcmena alone was left to delight her parents. . . . . . . . and the daughter
of Electryon. . . .
((LACUNA))
(l. 21). . . . who was subject in love to the dark-clouded son of Cronos and
bare (famous Heracles). '
Fragment #100--Argument to the Shield of Heracles, i: The beginning
of the "Shield" as far as the 56th verse is current in the fourth
"Catalogue".
Fragment #101 (UNCERTAIN POSITION)--Oxyrhynchus Papyri 1359 fr. 1 (early
3rd cent. A. D. ): ((LACUNA--Slight remains of 3 lines))
(ll. 4-17) '. . . if indeed he (Teuthras) delayed, and if he feared to obey
the word of the immortals who then appeared plainly to them. But her
(Auge) he received and brought up well, and cherished in the palace,
honouring her even as his own daughters.
And Auge bare Telephus of the stock of Areas, king of the Mysians, being
joined in love with the mighty Heracles when he was journeying in quest
of the horses of proud Laomedon--horses the fleetest of foot that
the Asian land nourished,--and destroyed in battle the tribe of the
dauntless Amazons and drove them forth from all that land. But Telephus
routed the spearmen of the bronze-clad Achaeans and made them embark
upon their black ships. Yet when he had brought down many to the ground
which nourishes men, his own might and deadliness were brought low. . . . '
Fragment #102 (UNCERTAIN POSITION)--Oxyrhynchus Papyri 1359 fr. 2 (early
3rd cent. A. D. ): ((LACUNA--Remains of 4 lines))
(ll. 5-16) '. . . . Electra. . . . was subject to the dark-clouded Son of
Cronos and bare Dardanus. . . . and Eetion. . . . who once greatly loved
rich-haired Demeter. And cloud-gathering Zeus was wroth and smote him,
Eetion, and laid him low with a flaming thunderbolt, because he sought
to lay hands upon rich-haired Demeter. But Dardanus came to the coast of
the mainland--from him Erichthonius and thereafter Tros were sprung,
and Ilus, and Assaracus, and godlike Ganymede,--when he had left holy
Samothrace in his many-benched ship.
((LACUNA))
Oxyrhynchus Papyri 1359 fr. 3 (early 3rd cent. A. D. ): (ll. 17-24)
[1768]. . . . Cleopatra . . . . the daughter of. . . . . . . . But an eagle caught
up Ganymede for Zeus because he vied with the immortals in
beauty. . . . . . . . rich-tressed Diomede; and she bare Hyacinthus, the
blameless one and strong. . . . . . . . whom, on a time Phoebus himself slew
unwittingly with a ruthless disk. . . .
THE SHIELD OF HERACLES (480 lines)
(ll. 1-27) Or like her who left home and country and came to Thebes,
following warlike Amphitryon,--even Alcmena, the daughter of Electyron,
gatherer of the people. She surpassed the tribe of womankind in beauty
and in height; and in wisdom none vied with her of those whom mortal
women bare of union with mortal men. Her face and her dark eyes wafted
such charm as comes from golden Aphrodite. And she so honoured her
husband in her heart as none of womankind did before her. Verily he had
slain her noble father violently when he was angry about oxen; so
he left his own country and came to Thebes and was suppliant to the
shield-carrying men of Cadmus. There he dwelt with his modest wife
without the joys of love, nor might he go in unto the neat-ankled
daughter of Electyron until he had avenged the death of his wife's
great-hearted brothers and utterly burned with blazing fire the villages
of the heroes, the Taphians and Teleboans; for this thing was laid upon
him, and the gods were witnesses to it. And he feared their anger, and
hastened to perform the great task to which Zeus had bound him. With him
went the horse-driving Boeotians, breathing above their shields, and the
Locrians who fight hand to hand, and the gallant Phocians eager for
war and battle. And the noble son of Alcaeus led them, rejoicing in his
host.
(ll. 27-55) But the father of men and gods was forming another scheme in
his heart, to beget one to defend against destruction gods and men who
eat bread. So he arose from Olympus by night pondering guile in the deep
of his heart, and yearned for the love of the well-girded woman. Quickly
he came to Typhaonium, and from there again wise Zeus went on and trod
the highest peak of Phicium [1801]: there he sat and planned marvellous
things in his heart. So in one night Zeus shared the bed and love of the
neat-ankled daughter of Electyron and fulfilled his desire; and in the
same night Amphitryon, gatherer of the people, the glorious hero, came
to his house when he had ended his great task. He hastened not to go to
his bondmen and shepherds afield, but first went in unto his wife: such
desire took hold on the shepherd of the people. And as a man who has
escaped joyfully from misery, whether of sore disease or cruel bondage,
so then did Amphitryon, when he had wound up all his heavy task, come
glad and welcome to his home. And all night long he lay with his modest
wife, delighting in the gifts of golden Aphrodite. And she, being
subject in love to a god and to a man exceeding goodly, brought forth
twin sons in seven-gated Thebe. Though they were brothers, these were
not of one spirit; for one was weaker but the other a far better man,
one terrible and strong, the mighty Heracles. Him she bare through
the embrace of the son of Cronos lord of dark clouds and the other,
Iphiclus, of Amphitryon the spear-wielder--offspring distinct, this one
of union with a mortal man, but that other of union with Zeus, leader of
all the gods.
(ll. 57-77) And he slew Cycnus, the gallant son of Ares. For he found
him in the close of far-shooting Apollo, him and his father Ares, never
sated with war. Their armour shone like a flame of blazing fire as they
two stood in their car: their swift horses struck the earth and pawed
it with their hoofs, and the dust rose like smoke about them, pounded
by the chariot wheels and the horses' hoofs, while the well-made chariot
and its rails rattled around them as the horses plunged. And blameless
Cycnus was glad, for he looked to slay the warlike son of Zeus and his
charioteer with the sword, and to strip off their splendid armour.
But Phoebus Apollo would not listen to his vaunts, for he himself had
stirred up mighty Heracles against him. And all the grove and altar
of Pagasaean Apollo flamed because of the dread god and because of his
arms; for his eyes flashed as with fire. What mortal men would have
dared to meet him face to face save Heracles and glorious Iolaus? For
great was their strength and unconquerable were the arms which grew
from their shoulders on their strong limbs. Then Heracles spake to his
charioteer strong Iolaus:
(ll. 78-94) 'O hero Iolaus, best beloved of all men, truly Amphitryon
sinned deeply against the blessed gods who dwell on Olympus when he came
to sweet-crowned Thebe and left Tiryns, the well-built citadel, because
he slew Electryon for the sake of his wide-browned oxen. Then he came to
Creon and long-robed Eniocha, who received him kindly and gave him
all fitting things, as is due to suppliants, and honoured him in their
hearts even more. And he lived joyfully with his wife the neat-ankled
daughter of Electyron: and presently, while the years rolled on, we were
born, unlike in body as in mind, even your father and I. From him Zeus
took away sense, so that he left his home and his parents and went to
do honour to the wicked Eurystheus--unhappy man! Deeply indeed did he
grieve afterwards in bearing the burden of his own mad folly; but that
cannot be taken back. But on me fate laid heavy tasks.
(ll. 95-101) 'Yet, come, friend, quickly take the red-dyed reins of the
swift horses and raise high courage in your heart and guide the swift
chariot and strong fleet-footed horses straight on. Have no secret fear
at the noise of man-slaying Ares who now rages shouting about the holy
grove of Phoebus Apollo, the lord who shoots form afar. Surely, strong
though he be, he shall have enough of war. '
(ll. 102-114) And blameless Iolaus answered him again: 'Good friend,
truly the father of men and gods greatly honours your head and the
bull-like Earth-Shaker also, who keeps Thebe's veil of walls and guards
the city,--so great and strong is this fellow they bring into your hands
that you may win great glory. But come, put on your arms of war that
with all speed we may bring the car of Ares and our own together and
fight; for he shall not frighten the dauntless son of Zeus, nor yet the
son of Iphiclus: rather, I think he will flee before the two sons of
blameless Alcides who are near him and eager to raise the war cry for
battle; for this they love better than a feast. '
(ll. 115-117) So he said. And mighty Heracles was glad in heart and
smiled, for the other's words pleased him well, and he answered him with
winged words:
(ll. 118-121) 'O hero Iolaus, heaven-sprung, now is rough battle hard
at hand. But, as you have shown your skill at other-times, so now also
wheel the great black-maned horse Arion about every way, and help me as
you may be able. '
(ll. 122-138) So he said, and put upon his legs greaves of shining
bronze, the splendid gift of Hephaestus. Next he fastened about his
breast a fine golden breast-plate, curiously wrought, which Pallas
Athene the daughter of Zeus had given him when first he was about to set
out upon his grievous labours. Over his shoulders the fierce warrior
put the steel that saves men from doom, and across his breast he slung
behind him a hollow quiver. Within it were many chilling arrows, dealers
of death which makes speech forgotten: in front they had death, and
trickled with tears; their shafts were smooth and very long; and their
butts were covered with feathers of a brown eagle. And he took his
strong spear, pointed with shining bronze, and on his valiant head set
a well-made helm of adamant, cunningly wrought, which fitted closely on
the temples; and that guarded the head of god-like Heracles.
(ll. 139-153) In his hands he took his shield, all glittering: no one
ever broke it with a blow or crushed it. And a wonder it was to see; for
its whole orb was a-shimmer with enamel and white ivory and electrum,
and it glowed with shining gold; and there were zones of cyanus [1802]
drawn upon it. In the centre was Fear worked in adamant, unspeakable,
staring backwards with eyes that glowed with fire. His mouth was full
of teeth in a white row, fearful and daunting, and upon his grim brow
hovered frightful Strife who arrays the throng of men: pitiless she, for
she took away the mind and senses of poor wretches who made war against
the son of Zeus. Their souls passed beneath the earth and went down into
the house of Hades; but their bones, when the skin is rotted about them,
crumble away on the dark earth under parching Sirius.
(ll. 154-160) Upon the shield Pursuit and Flight were wrought, and
Tumult, and Panic, and Slaughter. Strife also, and Uproar were hurrying
about, and deadly Fate was there holding one man newly wounded, and
another unwounded; and one, who was dead, she was dragging by the feet
through the tumult. She had on her shoulders a garment red with the
blood of men, and terribly she glared and gnashed her teeth.
(ll. 160-167) And there were heads of snakes unspeakably frightful,
twelve of them; and they used to frighten the tribes of men on earth
whosoever made war against the son of Zeus; for they would clash their
teeth when Amphitryon's son was fighting: and brightly shone these
wonderful works. And it was as though there were spots upon the
frightful snakes: and their backs were dark blue and their jaws were
black.
(ll. 168-177) Also there were upon the shield droves of boars and lions
who glared at each other, being furious and eager: the rows of them
moved on together, and neither side trembled but both bristled up their
manes. For already a great lion lay between them and two boars, one on
either side, bereft of life, and their dark blood was dripping down
upon the ground; they lay dead with necks outstretched beneath the grim
lions. And both sides were roused still more to fight because they were
angry, the fierce boars and the bright-eyed lions.
(ll. 178-190) And there was the strife of the Lapith spearmen gathered
round the prince Caeneus and Dryas and Peirithous, with Hopleus,
Exadius, Phalereus, and Prolochus, Mopsus the son of Ampyce of
Titaresia, a scion of Ares, and Theseus, the son of Aegeus, like unto
the deathless gods. These were of silver, and had armour of gold upon
their bodies. And the Centaurs were gathered against them on the other
side with Petraeus and Asbolus the diviner, Arctus, and Ureus, and
black-haired Mimas, and the two sons of silver, and they had pinetrees
of gold in their hands, and they were rushing together as though they
were alive and striking at one another hand to hand with spears and with
pines.
(ll. 191-196) And on the shield stood the fleet-footed horses of grim
Ares made gold, and deadly Ares the spoil-winner himself. He held a
spear in his hands and was urging on the footmen: he was red with blood
as if he were slaying living men, and he stood in his chariot. Beside
him stood Fear and Flight, eager to plunge amidst the fighting men.
(ll. 197-200) There, too, was the daughter of Zeus, Tritogeneia who
drives the spoil [1803]. She was like as if she would array a battle,
with a spear in her hand, and a golden helmet, and the aegis about her
shoulders. And she was going towards the awful strife.
(ll. 201-206) And there was the holy company of the deathless gods: and
in the midst the son of Zeus and Leto played sweetly on a golden lyre.
There also was the abode of the gods, pure Olympus, and their assembly,
and infinite riches were spread around in the gathering, the Muses of
Pieria were beginning a song like clear-voiced singers.
(ll. 207-215) And on the shield was a harbour with a safe haven from the
irresistible sea, made of refined tin wrought in a circle, and it seemed
to heave with waves. In the middle of it were many dolphins rushing this
way and that, fishing: and they seemed to be swimming. Two dolphins of
silver were spouting and devouring the mute fishes. And beneath them
fishes of bronze were trembling. And on the shore sat a fisherman
watching: in his hands he held a casting net for fish, and seemed as if
about to cast it forth.
(ll. 216-237) There, too, was the son of rich-haired Danae, the horseman
Perseus: his feet did not touch the shield and yet were not far from
it--very marvellous to remark, since he was not supported anywhere; for
so did the famous Lame One fashion him of gold with his hands. On his
feet he had winged sandals, and his black-sheathed sword was slung
across his shoulders by a cross-belt of bronze. He was flying swift as
thought. The head of a dreadful monster, the Gorgon, covered the broad
of his back, and a bag of silver--a marvel to see--contained it: and
from the bag bright tassels of gold hung down. Upon the head of the hero
lay the dread cap [1804] of Hades which had the awful gloom of night.
Perseus himself, the son of Danae, was at full stretch, like one who
hurries and shudders with horror. And after him rushed the Gorgons,
unapproachable and unspeakable, longing to seize him: as they trod upon
the pale adamant, the shield rang sharp and clear with a loud clanging.
Two serpents hung down at their girdles with heads curved forward: their
tongues were flickering, and their teeth gnashing with fury, and their
eyes glaring fiercely. And upon the awful heads of the Gorgons great
Fear was quaking.
(ll. 237-270) And beyond these there were men fighting in warlike
harness, some defending their own town and parents from destruction,
and others eager to sack it; many lay dead, but the greater number still
strove and fought. The women on well-built towers of bronze were crying
shrilly and tearing their cheeks like living beings--the work of famous
Hephaestus. And the men who were elders and on whom age had laid hold
were all together outside the gates, and were holding up their hands
to the blessed gods, fearing for their own sons. But these again were
engaged in battle: and behind them the dusky Fates, gnashing their white
fangs, lowering, grim, bloody, and unapproachable, struggled for those
who were falling, for they all were longing to drink dark blood. So soon
as they caught a man overthrown or falling newly wounded, one of them
would clasp her great claws about him, and his soul would go down to
Hades to chilly Tartarus. And when they had satisfied their souls with
human blood, they would cast that one behind them, and rush back again
into the tumult and the fray. Clotho and Lachesis were over them and
Atropos less tall than they, a goddess of no great frame, yet superior
to the others and the eldest of them. And they all made a fierce fight
over one poor wretch, glaring evilly at one another with furious eyes
and fighting equally with claws and hands. By them stood Darkness of
Death, mournful and fearful, pale, shrivelled, shrunk with hunger,
swollen-kneed. Long nails tipped her hands, and she dribbled at the
nose, and from her cheeks blood dripped down to the ground. She
stood leering hideously, and much dust sodden with tears lay upon her
shoulders.
(ll. 270-285) Next, there was a city of men with goodly towers; and
seven gates of gold, fitted to the lintels, guarded it. The men were
making merry with festivities and dances; some were bringing home
a bride to her husband on a well-wheeled car, while the bridal-song
swelled high, and the glow of blazing torches held by handmaidens
rolled in waves afar. And these maidens went before, delighting in the
festival; and after them came frolicsome choirs, the youths singing
soft-mouthed to the sound of shrill pipes, while the echo was shivered
around them, and the girls led on the lovely dance to the sound of
lyres. Then again on the other side was a rout of young men revelling,
with flutes playing; some frolicking with dance and song, and others
were going forward in time with a flute player and laughing. The whole
town was filled with mirth and dance and festivity.
(ll. 285-304) Others again were mounted on horseback and galloping
before the town. And there were ploughmen breaking up the good soil,
clothed in tunics girt up. Also there was a wide cornland and some men
were reaping with sharp hooks the stalks which bended with the weight of
the cars--as if they were reaping Demeter's grain: others were binding
the sheaves with bands and were spreading the threshing floor. And some
held reaping hooks and were gathering the vintage, while others were
taking from the reapers into baskets white and black clusters from the
long rows of vines which were heavy with leaves and tendrils of silver.
Others again were gathering them into baskets. Beside them was a row of
vines in gold, the splendid work of cunning Hephaestus: it had shivering
leaves and stakes of silver and was laden with grapes which turned black
[1805]. And there were men treading out the grapes and others drawing
off liquor. Also there were men boxing and wrestling, and huntsmen
chasing swift hares with a leash of sharp-toothed dogs before them, they
eager to catch the hares, and the hares eager to escape.
(ll 305-313) Next to them were horsemen hard set, and they contended and
laboured for a prize. The charioteers standing on their well-woven cars,
urged on their swift horses with loose rein; the jointed cars flew along
clattering and the naves of the wheels shrieked loudly. So they were
engaged in an unending toil, and the end with victory came never to
them, and the contest was ever unwon. And there was set out for them
within the course a great tripod of gold, the splendid work of cunning
Hephaestus.
(ll. 314-317) And round the rim Ocean was flowing, with a full stream
as it seemed, and enclosed all the cunning work of the shield. Over it
swans were soaring and calling loudly, and many others were swimming
upon the surface of the water; and near them were shoals of fish.
(ll. 318-326) A wonderful thing the great strong shield was to see--even
for Zeus the loud-thunderer, by whose will Hephaestus made it and fitted
it with his hands. This shield the valiant son of Zeus wielded masterly,
and leaped upon his horse-chariot like the lightning of his father Zeus
who holds the aegis, moving lithely. And his charioteer, strong Iolaus,
standing upon the car, guided the curved chariot.
(ll. 327-337) Then the goddess grey-eyed Athene came near them and spoke
winged words, encouraging them: 'Hail, offspring of far-famed Lynceus!
Even now Zeus who reigns over the blessed gods gives you power to
slay Cycnus and to strip off his splendid armour. Yet I will tell you
something besides, mightiest of the people. When you have robbed
Cycnus of sweet life, then leave him there and his armour also, and you
yourself watch man-slaying Ares narrowly as he attacks, and wherever you
shall see him uncovered below his cunningly-wrought shield, there wound
him with your sharp spear. Then draw back; for it is not ordained that
you should take his horses or his splendid armour. '
(ll. 338-349) So said the bright-eyed goddess and swiftly got up into
the car with victory and renown in her hands. Then heaven-nurtured
Iolaus called terribly to the horses, and at his cry they swiftly
whirled the fleet chariot along, raising dust from the plain; for the
goddess bright-eyed Athene put mettle into them by shaking her aegis.
And the earth groaned all round them.
And they, horse-taming Cycnus and Ares, insatiable in war, came on
together like fire or whirlwind. Then their horses neighed shrilly, face
to face; and the echo was shivered all round them. And mighty Heracles
spoke first and said to that other:
(ll. 350-367) 'Cycnus, good sir! Why, pray, do you set your swift horses
at us, men who are tried in labour and pain? Nay, guide your fleet car
aside and yield and go out of the path. It is to Trachis I am driving
on, to Ceyx the king, who is the first in Trachis for power and for
honour, and that you yourself know well, for you have his daughter
dark-eyed Themistinoe to wife. Fool! For Ares shall not deliver you from
the end of death, if we two meet together in battle. Another time ere
this I declare he has made trial of my spear, when he defended sandy
Pylos and stood against me, fiercely longing for fight. Thrice was he
stricken by my spear and dashed to earth, and his shield was pierced;
but the fourth time I struck his thigh, laying on with all my strength,
and tare deep into his flesh. And he fell headlong in the dust upon the
ground through the force of my spear-thrust; then truly he would have
been disgraced among the deathless gods, if by my hands he had left
behind his bloody spoils. '
(ll. 368-385) So said he. But Cycnus the stout spearman cared not to
obey him and to pull up the horses that drew his chariot. Then it was
that from their well-woven cars they both leaped straight to the ground,
the son of Zeus and the son of the Lord of War. The charioteers drove
near by their horses with beautiful manes, and the wide earth rang with
the beat of their hoofs as they rushed along. As when rocks leap forth
from the high peak of a great mountain, and fall on one another, and
many towering oaks and pines and long-rooted poplars are broken by them
as they whirl swiftly down until they reach the plain; so did they fall
on one another with a great shout: and all the town of the Myrmidons,
and famous Iolcus, and Arne, and Helice, and grassy Anthea echoed loudly
at the voice of the two. With an awful cry they closed: and wise Zeus
thundered loudly and rained down drops of blood, giving the signal for
battle to his dauntless son.
(ll. 386-401) As a tusked boar, that is fearful for a man to see before
him in the glens of a mountain, resolves to fight with the huntsmen and
white tusks, turning sideways, while foam flows all round his mouth as
he gnashes, and his eyes are like glowing fire, and he bristles the hair
on his mane and around his neck--like him the son of Zeus leaped from
his horse-chariot. And when the dark-winged whirring grasshopper,
perched on a green shoot, begins to sing of summer to men--his food
and drink is the dainty dew--and all day long from dawn pours forth his
voice in the deadliest heat, when Sirius scorches the flesh (then the
beard grows upon the millet which men sow in summer), when the crude
grapes which Dionysus gave to men--a joy and a sorrow both--begin to
colour, in that season they fought and loud rose the clamour.
(ll. 402-412) As two lions [1806] on either side of a slain deer spring
at one another in fury, and there is a fearful snarling and a clashing
also of teeth--like vultures with crooked talons and hooked beak that
fight and scream aloud on a high rock over a mountain goat or fat
wild-deer which some active man has shot with an arrow from the string,
and himself has wandered away elsewhere, not knowing the place; but they
quickly mark it and vehemently do keen battle about it--like these they
two rushed upon one another with a shout.
(ll. 413-423) Then Cycnus, eager to kill the son of almighty Zeus,
struck upon his shield with a brazen spear, but did not break
the bronze; and the gift of the god saved his foe. But the son of
Amphitryon, mighty Heracles, with his long spear struck Cycnus violently
in the neck beneath the chin, where it was unguarded between helm and
shield. And the deadly spear cut through the two sinews; for the hero's
full strength lighted on his foe. And Cycnus fell as an oak falls or a
lofty pine that is stricken by the lurid thunderbolt of Zeus; even so he
fell, and his armour adorned with bronze clashed about him.
(ll. 424-442) Then the stout hearted son of Zeus let him be, and himself
watched for the onset of manslaying Ares: fiercely he stared, like a
lion who has come upon a body and full eagerly rips the hide with his
strong claws and takes away the sweet life with all speed: his dark
heart is filled with rage and his eyes glare fiercely, while he tears
up the earth with his paws and lashes his flanks and shoulders with his
tail so that no one dares to face him and go near to give battle. Even
so, the son of Amphitryon, unsated of battle, stood eagerly face to face
with Ares, nursing courage in his heart. And Ares drew near him with
grief in his heart; and they both sprang at one another with a cry. As
it is when a rock shoots out from a great cliff and whirls down with
long bounds, careering eagerly with a roar, and a high crag clashes with
it and keeps it there where they strike together; with no less clamour
did deadly Ares, the chariot-borne, rush shouting at Heracles. And he
quickly received the attack.
(ll. 443-449) But Athene the daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus came to meet
Ares, wearing the dark aegis, and she looked at him with an angry
frown and spoke winged words to him. 'Ares, check your fierce anger and
matchless hands; for it is not ordained that you should kill Heracles,
the bold-hearted son of Zeus, and strip off his rich armour. Come, then,
cease fighting and do not withstand me. '
(ll. 450-466) So said she, but did not move the courageous spirit of
Ares. But he uttered a great shout and waving his spears like fire, he
rushed headlong at strong Heracles, longing to kill him, and hurled a
brazen spear upon the great shield, for he was furiously angry because
of his dead son; but bright-eyed Athene reached out from the car and
turned aside the force of the spear.
Then bitter grief seized Ares and he drew his keen sword and leaped upon
bold-hearted Heracles. But as he came on, the son of Amphitryon, unsated
of fierce battle, shrewdly wounded his thigh where it was exposed
under his richly-wrought shield, and tare deep into his flesh with the
spear-thrust and cast him flat upon the ground. And Panic and Dread
quickly drove his smooth-wheeled chariot and horses near him and lifted
him from the wide-pathed earth into his richly-wrought car, and then
straight lashed the horses and came to high Olympus.
(ll. 467-471) But the son of Alcmena and glorious Iolaus stripped the
fine armour off Cycnus' shoulders and went, and their swift horses
carried them straight to the city of Trachis. And bright-eyed Athene
went thence to great Olympus and her father's house.
(ll. 472-480) As for Cycnus, Ceyx buried him and the countless people
who lived near the city of the glorious king, in Anthe and the city of
the Myrmidons, and famous Iolcus, and Arne, and Helice: and much people
were gathered doing honour to Ceyx, the friend of the blessed gods.
all round him, bowed into the semblance of a mountain. ' This verse he
has taken over from Hesiod's "Catalogue of Women".
Fragment #95--Scholiast on Homer, Iliad ii. 469: 'Or like her (Antiope)
whom Boeotian Hyria nurtured as a maid. '
Fragment #96--Palaephatus [1761], c. 42: Of Zethus and Amphion. Hesiod
and some others relate that they built the walls of Thebes by playing on
the lyre.
Fragment #97--Scholiast on Soph. Trach. , 1167: (ll. 1-11) 'There is a
land Ellopia with much glebe and rich meadows, and rich in flocks and
shambling kine. There dwell men who have many sheep and many oxen, and
they are in number past telling, tribes of mortal men. And there
upon its border is built a city, Dodona [1762]; and Zeus loved it and
(appointed) it to be his oracle, reverenced by men. . . . . . . . And they (the
doves) lived in the hollow of an oak. From them men of earth carry away
all kinds of prophecy,--whosoever fares to that spot and questions the
deathless god, and comes bringing gifts with good omens. '
Fragment #98--Berlin Papyri, No. 9777: [1763] (ll. 1-22) '. . . . strife. . . .
Of mortals who would have dared to fight him with the spear and charge
against him, save only Heracles, the great-hearted offspring of Alcaeus?
Such an one was (? ) strong Meleager loved of Ares, the golden-haired,
dear son of Oeneus and Althaea. From his fierce eyes there shone forth
portentous fire: and once in high Calydon he slew the destroying beast,
the fierce wild boar with gleaming tusks. In war and in dread strife no
man of the heroes dared to face him and to approach and fight with him
when he appeared in the forefront. But he was slain by the hands and
arrows of Apollo [1764], while he was fighting with the Curetes for
pleasant Calydon. And these others (Althaea) bare to Oeneus, Porthaon's
son; horse-taming Pheres, and Agelaus surpassing all others, Toxeus and
Clymenus and godlike Periphas, and rich-haired Gorga and wise Deianeira,
who was subject in love to mighty Heracles and bare him Hyllus and
Glenus and Ctesippus and Odites. These she bare and in ignorance she did
a fearful thing: when (she had received). . . . the poisoned robe that held
black doom. . . . '
Fragment #99A--Scholiast on Homer, Iliad. xxiii. 679: And yet Hesiod
says that after he had died in Thebes, Argeia the daughter of Adrastus
together with others (cp. frag. 99) came to the lamentation over
Oedipus.
Fragment #99--[1765] Papyri greci e latine, No. 131 (2nd-3rd century):
[1766] (ll. 1-10) 'And (Eriphyle) bare in the palace Alcmaon [1767],
shepherd of the people, to Amphiaraus. Him (Amphiaraus) did the Cadmean
(Theban) women with trailing robes admire when they saw face to face
his eyes and well-grown frame, as he was busied about the burying of
Oedipus, the man of many woes. . . . . Once the Danai, servants of Ares,
followed him to Thebes, to win renown. . . . . . . . for Polynices. But,
though well he knew from Zeus all things ordained, the earth yawned
and swallowed him up with his horses and jointed chariot, far from
deep-eddying Alpheus.
(ll. 11-20) But Electyron married the all-beauteous daughter of Pelops
and, going up into one bed with her, the son of Perses begat. . . . . . . . and
Phylonomus and Celaeneus and Amphimachus and. . . . . . . . and Eurybius and
famous. . . . All these the Taphians, famous shipmen, slew in fight for
oxen with shambling hoofs,. . . . . . . . in ships across the sea's wide back.
So Alcmena alone was left to delight her parents. . . . . . . . and the daughter
of Electryon. . . .
((LACUNA))
(l. 21). . . . who was subject in love to the dark-clouded son of Cronos and
bare (famous Heracles). '
Fragment #100--Argument to the Shield of Heracles, i: The beginning
of the "Shield" as far as the 56th verse is current in the fourth
"Catalogue".
Fragment #101 (UNCERTAIN POSITION)--Oxyrhynchus Papyri 1359 fr. 1 (early
3rd cent. A. D. ): ((LACUNA--Slight remains of 3 lines))
(ll. 4-17) '. . . if indeed he (Teuthras) delayed, and if he feared to obey
the word of the immortals who then appeared plainly to them. But her
(Auge) he received and brought up well, and cherished in the palace,
honouring her even as his own daughters.
And Auge bare Telephus of the stock of Areas, king of the Mysians, being
joined in love with the mighty Heracles when he was journeying in quest
of the horses of proud Laomedon--horses the fleetest of foot that
the Asian land nourished,--and destroyed in battle the tribe of the
dauntless Amazons and drove them forth from all that land. But Telephus
routed the spearmen of the bronze-clad Achaeans and made them embark
upon their black ships. Yet when he had brought down many to the ground
which nourishes men, his own might and deadliness were brought low. . . . '
Fragment #102 (UNCERTAIN POSITION)--Oxyrhynchus Papyri 1359 fr. 2 (early
3rd cent. A. D. ): ((LACUNA--Remains of 4 lines))
(ll. 5-16) '. . . . Electra. . . . was subject to the dark-clouded Son of
Cronos and bare Dardanus. . . . and Eetion. . . . who once greatly loved
rich-haired Demeter. And cloud-gathering Zeus was wroth and smote him,
Eetion, and laid him low with a flaming thunderbolt, because he sought
to lay hands upon rich-haired Demeter. But Dardanus came to the coast of
the mainland--from him Erichthonius and thereafter Tros were sprung,
and Ilus, and Assaracus, and godlike Ganymede,--when he had left holy
Samothrace in his many-benched ship.
((LACUNA))
Oxyrhynchus Papyri 1359 fr. 3 (early 3rd cent. A. D. ): (ll. 17-24)
[1768]. . . . Cleopatra . . . . the daughter of. . . . . . . . But an eagle caught
up Ganymede for Zeus because he vied with the immortals in
beauty. . . . . . . . rich-tressed Diomede; and she bare Hyacinthus, the
blameless one and strong. . . . . . . . whom, on a time Phoebus himself slew
unwittingly with a ruthless disk. . . .
THE SHIELD OF HERACLES (480 lines)
(ll. 1-27) Or like her who left home and country and came to Thebes,
following warlike Amphitryon,--even Alcmena, the daughter of Electyron,
gatherer of the people. She surpassed the tribe of womankind in beauty
and in height; and in wisdom none vied with her of those whom mortal
women bare of union with mortal men. Her face and her dark eyes wafted
such charm as comes from golden Aphrodite. And she so honoured her
husband in her heart as none of womankind did before her. Verily he had
slain her noble father violently when he was angry about oxen; so
he left his own country and came to Thebes and was suppliant to the
shield-carrying men of Cadmus. There he dwelt with his modest wife
without the joys of love, nor might he go in unto the neat-ankled
daughter of Electyron until he had avenged the death of his wife's
great-hearted brothers and utterly burned with blazing fire the villages
of the heroes, the Taphians and Teleboans; for this thing was laid upon
him, and the gods were witnesses to it. And he feared their anger, and
hastened to perform the great task to which Zeus had bound him. With him
went the horse-driving Boeotians, breathing above their shields, and the
Locrians who fight hand to hand, and the gallant Phocians eager for
war and battle. And the noble son of Alcaeus led them, rejoicing in his
host.
(ll. 27-55) But the father of men and gods was forming another scheme in
his heart, to beget one to defend against destruction gods and men who
eat bread. So he arose from Olympus by night pondering guile in the deep
of his heart, and yearned for the love of the well-girded woman. Quickly
he came to Typhaonium, and from there again wise Zeus went on and trod
the highest peak of Phicium [1801]: there he sat and planned marvellous
things in his heart. So in one night Zeus shared the bed and love of the
neat-ankled daughter of Electyron and fulfilled his desire; and in the
same night Amphitryon, gatherer of the people, the glorious hero, came
to his house when he had ended his great task. He hastened not to go to
his bondmen and shepherds afield, but first went in unto his wife: such
desire took hold on the shepherd of the people. And as a man who has
escaped joyfully from misery, whether of sore disease or cruel bondage,
so then did Amphitryon, when he had wound up all his heavy task, come
glad and welcome to his home. And all night long he lay with his modest
wife, delighting in the gifts of golden Aphrodite. And she, being
subject in love to a god and to a man exceeding goodly, brought forth
twin sons in seven-gated Thebe. Though they were brothers, these were
not of one spirit; for one was weaker but the other a far better man,
one terrible and strong, the mighty Heracles. Him she bare through
the embrace of the son of Cronos lord of dark clouds and the other,
Iphiclus, of Amphitryon the spear-wielder--offspring distinct, this one
of union with a mortal man, but that other of union with Zeus, leader of
all the gods.
(ll. 57-77) And he slew Cycnus, the gallant son of Ares. For he found
him in the close of far-shooting Apollo, him and his father Ares, never
sated with war. Their armour shone like a flame of blazing fire as they
two stood in their car: their swift horses struck the earth and pawed
it with their hoofs, and the dust rose like smoke about them, pounded
by the chariot wheels and the horses' hoofs, while the well-made chariot
and its rails rattled around them as the horses plunged. And blameless
Cycnus was glad, for he looked to slay the warlike son of Zeus and his
charioteer with the sword, and to strip off their splendid armour.
But Phoebus Apollo would not listen to his vaunts, for he himself had
stirred up mighty Heracles against him. And all the grove and altar
of Pagasaean Apollo flamed because of the dread god and because of his
arms; for his eyes flashed as with fire. What mortal men would have
dared to meet him face to face save Heracles and glorious Iolaus? For
great was their strength and unconquerable were the arms which grew
from their shoulders on their strong limbs. Then Heracles spake to his
charioteer strong Iolaus:
(ll. 78-94) 'O hero Iolaus, best beloved of all men, truly Amphitryon
sinned deeply against the blessed gods who dwell on Olympus when he came
to sweet-crowned Thebe and left Tiryns, the well-built citadel, because
he slew Electryon for the sake of his wide-browned oxen. Then he came to
Creon and long-robed Eniocha, who received him kindly and gave him
all fitting things, as is due to suppliants, and honoured him in their
hearts even more. And he lived joyfully with his wife the neat-ankled
daughter of Electyron: and presently, while the years rolled on, we were
born, unlike in body as in mind, even your father and I. From him Zeus
took away sense, so that he left his home and his parents and went to
do honour to the wicked Eurystheus--unhappy man! Deeply indeed did he
grieve afterwards in bearing the burden of his own mad folly; but that
cannot be taken back. But on me fate laid heavy tasks.
(ll. 95-101) 'Yet, come, friend, quickly take the red-dyed reins of the
swift horses and raise high courage in your heart and guide the swift
chariot and strong fleet-footed horses straight on. Have no secret fear
at the noise of man-slaying Ares who now rages shouting about the holy
grove of Phoebus Apollo, the lord who shoots form afar. Surely, strong
though he be, he shall have enough of war. '
(ll. 102-114) And blameless Iolaus answered him again: 'Good friend,
truly the father of men and gods greatly honours your head and the
bull-like Earth-Shaker also, who keeps Thebe's veil of walls and guards
the city,--so great and strong is this fellow they bring into your hands
that you may win great glory. But come, put on your arms of war that
with all speed we may bring the car of Ares and our own together and
fight; for he shall not frighten the dauntless son of Zeus, nor yet the
son of Iphiclus: rather, I think he will flee before the two sons of
blameless Alcides who are near him and eager to raise the war cry for
battle; for this they love better than a feast. '
(ll. 115-117) So he said. And mighty Heracles was glad in heart and
smiled, for the other's words pleased him well, and he answered him with
winged words:
(ll. 118-121) 'O hero Iolaus, heaven-sprung, now is rough battle hard
at hand. But, as you have shown your skill at other-times, so now also
wheel the great black-maned horse Arion about every way, and help me as
you may be able. '
(ll. 122-138) So he said, and put upon his legs greaves of shining
bronze, the splendid gift of Hephaestus. Next he fastened about his
breast a fine golden breast-plate, curiously wrought, which Pallas
Athene the daughter of Zeus had given him when first he was about to set
out upon his grievous labours. Over his shoulders the fierce warrior
put the steel that saves men from doom, and across his breast he slung
behind him a hollow quiver. Within it were many chilling arrows, dealers
of death which makes speech forgotten: in front they had death, and
trickled with tears; their shafts were smooth and very long; and their
butts were covered with feathers of a brown eagle. And he took his
strong spear, pointed with shining bronze, and on his valiant head set
a well-made helm of adamant, cunningly wrought, which fitted closely on
the temples; and that guarded the head of god-like Heracles.
(ll. 139-153) In his hands he took his shield, all glittering: no one
ever broke it with a blow or crushed it. And a wonder it was to see; for
its whole orb was a-shimmer with enamel and white ivory and electrum,
and it glowed with shining gold; and there were zones of cyanus [1802]
drawn upon it. In the centre was Fear worked in adamant, unspeakable,
staring backwards with eyes that glowed with fire. His mouth was full
of teeth in a white row, fearful and daunting, and upon his grim brow
hovered frightful Strife who arrays the throng of men: pitiless she, for
she took away the mind and senses of poor wretches who made war against
the son of Zeus. Their souls passed beneath the earth and went down into
the house of Hades; but their bones, when the skin is rotted about them,
crumble away on the dark earth under parching Sirius.
(ll. 154-160) Upon the shield Pursuit and Flight were wrought, and
Tumult, and Panic, and Slaughter. Strife also, and Uproar were hurrying
about, and deadly Fate was there holding one man newly wounded, and
another unwounded; and one, who was dead, she was dragging by the feet
through the tumult. She had on her shoulders a garment red with the
blood of men, and terribly she glared and gnashed her teeth.
(ll. 160-167) And there were heads of snakes unspeakably frightful,
twelve of them; and they used to frighten the tribes of men on earth
whosoever made war against the son of Zeus; for they would clash their
teeth when Amphitryon's son was fighting: and brightly shone these
wonderful works. And it was as though there were spots upon the
frightful snakes: and their backs were dark blue and their jaws were
black.
(ll. 168-177) Also there were upon the shield droves of boars and lions
who glared at each other, being furious and eager: the rows of them
moved on together, and neither side trembled but both bristled up their
manes. For already a great lion lay between them and two boars, one on
either side, bereft of life, and their dark blood was dripping down
upon the ground; they lay dead with necks outstretched beneath the grim
lions. And both sides were roused still more to fight because they were
angry, the fierce boars and the bright-eyed lions.
(ll. 178-190) And there was the strife of the Lapith spearmen gathered
round the prince Caeneus and Dryas and Peirithous, with Hopleus,
Exadius, Phalereus, and Prolochus, Mopsus the son of Ampyce of
Titaresia, a scion of Ares, and Theseus, the son of Aegeus, like unto
the deathless gods. These were of silver, and had armour of gold upon
their bodies. And the Centaurs were gathered against them on the other
side with Petraeus and Asbolus the diviner, Arctus, and Ureus, and
black-haired Mimas, and the two sons of silver, and they had pinetrees
of gold in their hands, and they were rushing together as though they
were alive and striking at one another hand to hand with spears and with
pines.
(ll. 191-196) And on the shield stood the fleet-footed horses of grim
Ares made gold, and deadly Ares the spoil-winner himself. He held a
spear in his hands and was urging on the footmen: he was red with blood
as if he were slaying living men, and he stood in his chariot. Beside
him stood Fear and Flight, eager to plunge amidst the fighting men.
(ll. 197-200) There, too, was the daughter of Zeus, Tritogeneia who
drives the spoil [1803]. She was like as if she would array a battle,
with a spear in her hand, and a golden helmet, and the aegis about her
shoulders. And she was going towards the awful strife.
(ll. 201-206) And there was the holy company of the deathless gods: and
in the midst the son of Zeus and Leto played sweetly on a golden lyre.
There also was the abode of the gods, pure Olympus, and their assembly,
and infinite riches were spread around in the gathering, the Muses of
Pieria were beginning a song like clear-voiced singers.
(ll. 207-215) And on the shield was a harbour with a safe haven from the
irresistible sea, made of refined tin wrought in a circle, and it seemed
to heave with waves. In the middle of it were many dolphins rushing this
way and that, fishing: and they seemed to be swimming. Two dolphins of
silver were spouting and devouring the mute fishes. And beneath them
fishes of bronze were trembling. And on the shore sat a fisherman
watching: in his hands he held a casting net for fish, and seemed as if
about to cast it forth.
(ll. 216-237) There, too, was the son of rich-haired Danae, the horseman
Perseus: his feet did not touch the shield and yet were not far from
it--very marvellous to remark, since he was not supported anywhere; for
so did the famous Lame One fashion him of gold with his hands. On his
feet he had winged sandals, and his black-sheathed sword was slung
across his shoulders by a cross-belt of bronze. He was flying swift as
thought. The head of a dreadful monster, the Gorgon, covered the broad
of his back, and a bag of silver--a marvel to see--contained it: and
from the bag bright tassels of gold hung down. Upon the head of the hero
lay the dread cap [1804] of Hades which had the awful gloom of night.
Perseus himself, the son of Danae, was at full stretch, like one who
hurries and shudders with horror. And after him rushed the Gorgons,
unapproachable and unspeakable, longing to seize him: as they trod upon
the pale adamant, the shield rang sharp and clear with a loud clanging.
Two serpents hung down at their girdles with heads curved forward: their
tongues were flickering, and their teeth gnashing with fury, and their
eyes glaring fiercely. And upon the awful heads of the Gorgons great
Fear was quaking.
(ll. 237-270) And beyond these there were men fighting in warlike
harness, some defending their own town and parents from destruction,
and others eager to sack it; many lay dead, but the greater number still
strove and fought. The women on well-built towers of bronze were crying
shrilly and tearing their cheeks like living beings--the work of famous
Hephaestus. And the men who were elders and on whom age had laid hold
were all together outside the gates, and were holding up their hands
to the blessed gods, fearing for their own sons. But these again were
engaged in battle: and behind them the dusky Fates, gnashing their white
fangs, lowering, grim, bloody, and unapproachable, struggled for those
who were falling, for they all were longing to drink dark blood. So soon
as they caught a man overthrown or falling newly wounded, one of them
would clasp her great claws about him, and his soul would go down to
Hades to chilly Tartarus. And when they had satisfied their souls with
human blood, they would cast that one behind them, and rush back again
into the tumult and the fray. Clotho and Lachesis were over them and
Atropos less tall than they, a goddess of no great frame, yet superior
to the others and the eldest of them. And they all made a fierce fight
over one poor wretch, glaring evilly at one another with furious eyes
and fighting equally with claws and hands. By them stood Darkness of
Death, mournful and fearful, pale, shrivelled, shrunk with hunger,
swollen-kneed. Long nails tipped her hands, and she dribbled at the
nose, and from her cheeks blood dripped down to the ground. She
stood leering hideously, and much dust sodden with tears lay upon her
shoulders.
(ll. 270-285) Next, there was a city of men with goodly towers; and
seven gates of gold, fitted to the lintels, guarded it. The men were
making merry with festivities and dances; some were bringing home
a bride to her husband on a well-wheeled car, while the bridal-song
swelled high, and the glow of blazing torches held by handmaidens
rolled in waves afar. And these maidens went before, delighting in the
festival; and after them came frolicsome choirs, the youths singing
soft-mouthed to the sound of shrill pipes, while the echo was shivered
around them, and the girls led on the lovely dance to the sound of
lyres. Then again on the other side was a rout of young men revelling,
with flutes playing; some frolicking with dance and song, and others
were going forward in time with a flute player and laughing. The whole
town was filled with mirth and dance and festivity.
(ll. 285-304) Others again were mounted on horseback and galloping
before the town. And there were ploughmen breaking up the good soil,
clothed in tunics girt up. Also there was a wide cornland and some men
were reaping with sharp hooks the stalks which bended with the weight of
the cars--as if they were reaping Demeter's grain: others were binding
the sheaves with bands and were spreading the threshing floor. And some
held reaping hooks and were gathering the vintage, while others were
taking from the reapers into baskets white and black clusters from the
long rows of vines which were heavy with leaves and tendrils of silver.
Others again were gathering them into baskets. Beside them was a row of
vines in gold, the splendid work of cunning Hephaestus: it had shivering
leaves and stakes of silver and was laden with grapes which turned black
[1805]. And there were men treading out the grapes and others drawing
off liquor. Also there were men boxing and wrestling, and huntsmen
chasing swift hares with a leash of sharp-toothed dogs before them, they
eager to catch the hares, and the hares eager to escape.
(ll 305-313) Next to them were horsemen hard set, and they contended and
laboured for a prize. The charioteers standing on their well-woven cars,
urged on their swift horses with loose rein; the jointed cars flew along
clattering and the naves of the wheels shrieked loudly. So they were
engaged in an unending toil, and the end with victory came never to
them, and the contest was ever unwon. And there was set out for them
within the course a great tripod of gold, the splendid work of cunning
Hephaestus.
(ll. 314-317) And round the rim Ocean was flowing, with a full stream
as it seemed, and enclosed all the cunning work of the shield. Over it
swans were soaring and calling loudly, and many others were swimming
upon the surface of the water; and near them were shoals of fish.
(ll. 318-326) A wonderful thing the great strong shield was to see--even
for Zeus the loud-thunderer, by whose will Hephaestus made it and fitted
it with his hands. This shield the valiant son of Zeus wielded masterly,
and leaped upon his horse-chariot like the lightning of his father Zeus
who holds the aegis, moving lithely. And his charioteer, strong Iolaus,
standing upon the car, guided the curved chariot.
(ll. 327-337) Then the goddess grey-eyed Athene came near them and spoke
winged words, encouraging them: 'Hail, offspring of far-famed Lynceus!
Even now Zeus who reigns over the blessed gods gives you power to
slay Cycnus and to strip off his splendid armour. Yet I will tell you
something besides, mightiest of the people. When you have robbed
Cycnus of sweet life, then leave him there and his armour also, and you
yourself watch man-slaying Ares narrowly as he attacks, and wherever you
shall see him uncovered below his cunningly-wrought shield, there wound
him with your sharp spear. Then draw back; for it is not ordained that
you should take his horses or his splendid armour. '
(ll. 338-349) So said the bright-eyed goddess and swiftly got up into
the car with victory and renown in her hands. Then heaven-nurtured
Iolaus called terribly to the horses, and at his cry they swiftly
whirled the fleet chariot along, raising dust from the plain; for the
goddess bright-eyed Athene put mettle into them by shaking her aegis.
And the earth groaned all round them.
And they, horse-taming Cycnus and Ares, insatiable in war, came on
together like fire or whirlwind. Then their horses neighed shrilly, face
to face; and the echo was shivered all round them. And mighty Heracles
spoke first and said to that other:
(ll. 350-367) 'Cycnus, good sir! Why, pray, do you set your swift horses
at us, men who are tried in labour and pain? Nay, guide your fleet car
aside and yield and go out of the path. It is to Trachis I am driving
on, to Ceyx the king, who is the first in Trachis for power and for
honour, and that you yourself know well, for you have his daughter
dark-eyed Themistinoe to wife. Fool! For Ares shall not deliver you from
the end of death, if we two meet together in battle. Another time ere
this I declare he has made trial of my spear, when he defended sandy
Pylos and stood against me, fiercely longing for fight. Thrice was he
stricken by my spear and dashed to earth, and his shield was pierced;
but the fourth time I struck his thigh, laying on with all my strength,
and tare deep into his flesh. And he fell headlong in the dust upon the
ground through the force of my spear-thrust; then truly he would have
been disgraced among the deathless gods, if by my hands he had left
behind his bloody spoils. '
(ll. 368-385) So said he. But Cycnus the stout spearman cared not to
obey him and to pull up the horses that drew his chariot. Then it was
that from their well-woven cars they both leaped straight to the ground,
the son of Zeus and the son of the Lord of War. The charioteers drove
near by their horses with beautiful manes, and the wide earth rang with
the beat of their hoofs as they rushed along. As when rocks leap forth
from the high peak of a great mountain, and fall on one another, and
many towering oaks and pines and long-rooted poplars are broken by them
as they whirl swiftly down until they reach the plain; so did they fall
on one another with a great shout: and all the town of the Myrmidons,
and famous Iolcus, and Arne, and Helice, and grassy Anthea echoed loudly
at the voice of the two. With an awful cry they closed: and wise Zeus
thundered loudly and rained down drops of blood, giving the signal for
battle to his dauntless son.
(ll. 386-401) As a tusked boar, that is fearful for a man to see before
him in the glens of a mountain, resolves to fight with the huntsmen and
white tusks, turning sideways, while foam flows all round his mouth as
he gnashes, and his eyes are like glowing fire, and he bristles the hair
on his mane and around his neck--like him the son of Zeus leaped from
his horse-chariot. And when the dark-winged whirring grasshopper,
perched on a green shoot, begins to sing of summer to men--his food
and drink is the dainty dew--and all day long from dawn pours forth his
voice in the deadliest heat, when Sirius scorches the flesh (then the
beard grows upon the millet which men sow in summer), when the crude
grapes which Dionysus gave to men--a joy and a sorrow both--begin to
colour, in that season they fought and loud rose the clamour.
(ll. 402-412) As two lions [1806] on either side of a slain deer spring
at one another in fury, and there is a fearful snarling and a clashing
also of teeth--like vultures with crooked talons and hooked beak that
fight and scream aloud on a high rock over a mountain goat or fat
wild-deer which some active man has shot with an arrow from the string,
and himself has wandered away elsewhere, not knowing the place; but they
quickly mark it and vehemently do keen battle about it--like these they
two rushed upon one another with a shout.
(ll. 413-423) Then Cycnus, eager to kill the son of almighty Zeus,
struck upon his shield with a brazen spear, but did not break
the bronze; and the gift of the god saved his foe. But the son of
Amphitryon, mighty Heracles, with his long spear struck Cycnus violently
in the neck beneath the chin, where it was unguarded between helm and
shield. And the deadly spear cut through the two sinews; for the hero's
full strength lighted on his foe. And Cycnus fell as an oak falls or a
lofty pine that is stricken by the lurid thunderbolt of Zeus; even so he
fell, and his armour adorned with bronze clashed about him.
(ll. 424-442) Then the stout hearted son of Zeus let him be, and himself
watched for the onset of manslaying Ares: fiercely he stared, like a
lion who has come upon a body and full eagerly rips the hide with his
strong claws and takes away the sweet life with all speed: his dark
heart is filled with rage and his eyes glare fiercely, while he tears
up the earth with his paws and lashes his flanks and shoulders with his
tail so that no one dares to face him and go near to give battle. Even
so, the son of Amphitryon, unsated of battle, stood eagerly face to face
with Ares, nursing courage in his heart. And Ares drew near him with
grief in his heart; and they both sprang at one another with a cry. As
it is when a rock shoots out from a great cliff and whirls down with
long bounds, careering eagerly with a roar, and a high crag clashes with
it and keeps it there where they strike together; with no less clamour
did deadly Ares, the chariot-borne, rush shouting at Heracles. And he
quickly received the attack.
(ll. 443-449) But Athene the daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus came to meet
Ares, wearing the dark aegis, and she looked at him with an angry
frown and spoke winged words to him. 'Ares, check your fierce anger and
matchless hands; for it is not ordained that you should kill Heracles,
the bold-hearted son of Zeus, and strip off his rich armour. Come, then,
cease fighting and do not withstand me. '
(ll. 450-466) So said she, but did not move the courageous spirit of
Ares. But he uttered a great shout and waving his spears like fire, he
rushed headlong at strong Heracles, longing to kill him, and hurled a
brazen spear upon the great shield, for he was furiously angry because
of his dead son; but bright-eyed Athene reached out from the car and
turned aside the force of the spear.
Then bitter grief seized Ares and he drew his keen sword and leaped upon
bold-hearted Heracles. But as he came on, the son of Amphitryon, unsated
of fierce battle, shrewdly wounded his thigh where it was exposed
under his richly-wrought shield, and tare deep into his flesh with the
spear-thrust and cast him flat upon the ground. And Panic and Dread
quickly drove his smooth-wheeled chariot and horses near him and lifted
him from the wide-pathed earth into his richly-wrought car, and then
straight lashed the horses and came to high Olympus.
(ll. 467-471) But the son of Alcmena and glorious Iolaus stripped the
fine armour off Cycnus' shoulders and went, and their swift horses
carried them straight to the city of Trachis. And bright-eyed Athene
went thence to great Olympus and her father's house.
(ll. 472-480) As for Cycnus, Ceyx buried him and the countless people
who lived near the city of the glorious king, in Anthe and the city of
the Myrmidons, and famous Iolcus, and Arne, and Helice: and much people
were gathered doing honour to Ceyx, the friend of the blessed gods.
