r
PVBLI OVIDI NASONIS
POEMATA QVAEDAM EXCERPTA
SELECTIONS
FROM THE
Poem s of Ovid
CHIEFLY THE METAMORPHOSES
EDITED BY
J. H. and W. F. ALLEN and J. B. GREENOUGH
BOSTON GINN BROTHERS
1876
/^ 1U^~^ _VP
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, hJ
J. H. ALLEN AND J. B. GREENOUGH,
in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
Cambridge : Press of John Wilson and Son.
A
'76
NOTE.
This Selection follows generally the text of Merkel (1866), the reading of Siebelis being preferred in one or two instances. We have endeavored to exhibit as far as possible within our limits the variety of Ovid's style and genius, and especially to preserve the more interesting biographical hints of the Amores and the Tristia. The greater portion of the book is however made up, necessarily, from the Metamorphoses, of which we have taken about a third. By help of the Argument, which is given in full, we aim not merely to show the connection of the tales and the ingenuity of the transi- tions,— necessary to comprehend the poem as a whole, — but to put before the reader something like a complete picture of the Greek mythology; at least of those narratives which have held their permanent place in the modern mind and have entered more or less into every modern literature.
The grammatical references are to Allen and Greenough's and Gildersleeve's Latin Grammars.
Cambridge, January 15, 187s-
*j&a(>A <in
THE LIFE OF OVID.
Publius Ovidius Naso was a fashionable poet at Rome in the reign of the Emperor Augustus, perhaps the most fashionable after the death of Virgil (b. c. 19) and Horace (b. c. 8).
All that is worth knowing about his life is told by himself in a pleasing poem (Trist. iv. 10), which is given the last in- the present collection. Like most of the literary men of Rome, he was not a native of that city,* being born at Sulmo, in the country of the Peligni, about 90 miles from Rome. The year of his birth, b. c. 43, was that of Cicero's death. His father, a man of respectable fortune, removed to Rome to give his two boys a city education. Here the young poet was trained in the usual course of rhetoric and oratory, which he practised with fair success, going so far as to hold some subordinate political offices. His father was quite earnest to check his desire for a literary career. But the death of his elder brother left him with fortune enough for independence, and following his own strong bent Ovid became soon one of the favorite court poets of the brilliant era of Augustus. After a career of great prosperity, he was suddenly, at the age of 51, banished to Tomi, a town on the shore of the Black Sea, in the present Bulgaria. The cause of his banish- ment can only be guessed from his allusions to the anger of
* Virgil was a native of Mantua, Horace of Venusia, Catullus of Verona, Propertius of Urabria, Ovid of Sulmo, Cicero of Arpinum, Sallust of Amitermim, Livy of Pata- vium. Of eminent writers of this age, only Caesar, Lucretius, and Tibullus were born in Rome. But then Rome, socially as well as politically, comprised the whole of Italy.
vi The Life of Ovid.
the emperor at some weakness, folly, or fault, which he says he is not free to tell. Some have thought he was indiscreet enough to make love to Julia, the brilliant, witty, and erratic daughter of the emperor, wife of the grave Agrippa ; others that he unfortunately knew too much of some court scandal, probably connected with Julia or her ill-famed and ill-fated daughter ; others that Augustus, as public patron of morals, took offence at the somewhat cynical indecorum of certain of his poems. At any rate, the emperor was hardened against all his flatteries and prayers, and after an exile of about ten years he died at Tomi, a. d. 18.
Besides the poems represented in this volume, Ovid was the author of the Ars Amatoria and the Remedium Amoris (to which reference has just been made), and of numerous " Elegies," including four books of letters written in exile {Ex Ponto Libri iv.). As a poet, his fame is far below that of Virgil and Horace, — deservedly, since his loose and easy verse bears no comparison with the elaborate finish of theirs. For fancy and fine poetic feeling, however, many of the Elegies — both in the Tristia and the Amores — show a vein of as good quality as either of his rivals ; while in absolute ease of handling the artificial structure of Latin verse it may be doubted whether he has ever had an equal. His chief merit, however, is as an excellent story-teller, — smooth, facile, fluent, sometimes, it must be confessed, inordinately diffuse. As the most celebrated existing collection of the most famous fables of the ancient world, the Metamorphoses, in particular, makes the best of introductions to the nobler and more difficult verse of Virgil.
Writings of Ovid. vii
WRITINGS OF OVID.
1. Heroides : a collection of twenty-one elegies,* being letters chiefly from leading M heroines " of the Homeric age.
2. Amores : forty-nine elegies, in three books ; miscellaneous, but chiefly amatory or personal in their topics.
3. Ars Amatoria: three books, on the means of winning and retaining the affections of a mistress ; and
4. Remedium Amoris : a poem prescribing the means by which a foolish passion may be subdued. These two poems contain the passages supposed to have excited the anger of Augustus.
5. Metamorphoseon Libri xv. The Metamorphoses was still unfinished when Ovid went into exile, and he committed it to the flames, apparently, with his own hand (Trist. i. 7. 1 1, seq.) ; but copies had been preserved by his friends.
6. Fastorum Libri vi. : a poetic Calendar of the Roman months, from January to June, designed to be continued to the end of the year ; a storehouse of Roman custom and Italian legend.
7. Tristium Libri v. ; and
8. Epistolarum ex Ponto Libri iv. : elegies written in exile. Many of the letters implore the intercession of friends at Rome, to obtain favor from Augustus.
9. Ibis, a poem of 646 verses written in exile : a bitter invective against some personal enemy.
10. Halieuticon Liber: 132 hexameter verses, a fragmentary natural history of Fishes.
11. Medicamina Faciei : a fragment of 100 elegiac verses, on the use of Cosmetics.
The following are included in some collections of Ovid's poems, but are probably not genuine : —
Consolatio ad Liviam Augustam : an elegy of 474 verses addressed to the Emperor's wife on the death of her son Drusus.
Nux (" the Nut-Tree ") : lamentation of a Walnut-tree by the roadside, at the cruelties inflicted by wayfarers, and the vices of the age in general.
* The word Elegies, in this connection, describes not the topic or style of treatment, but only the versification, — hexameter verse alternating with pentameter making the " elegiac stanza."
INDEX OF SELECTIONS.
METAMORPHOSES.
PACK
1. The Creation and the Flood (I. 1-415) 5
2. The Adventure of Phaethon (II. 1-400) 18
3. The Rape of Europa (II. 833-875) 31
4. The Search of Cadmus (III. 1-137) 33
5. Pyramus and Thisbe (IV. 55-166) 38
6. Perseus and Andromeda (IV. 613-803) 42
7. The Wandering of Ceres (V. 341-661) 49
8. The Pride and the Grief of Niobe (VI 165-312) ... 60
9. The Enchantments of Medea (VII. 1-293) 65
10. The Flight of Daedalus (VIII. 152-259) 75
11. The Calydonian Hunt (VIII. 260-525) 79
12. Philemon and Baucis (VIII. 620-724) 88
13. The Death of Hercules (IX. 134-272) 92
14. Orpheus and Eurydice (X. 1-77) 97
15. The Song of Orpheus (X. 86-219) 100
16. The Death of Orpheus (XI. 1-84) 104
17. The Story of Midas (XI. 85-193) 107
18. The Chiefs at Troy (XII. 1-145) in
19. Rivalry of Ajax and Ulysses (XIII. 1-398) 117
20. The Tale of Galatea (XIII. 750-897) 130
21. The Wisdom of King Numa (XVI. 1-487) 136
22. The Worship of jEsculapius (XV. 622-744) '45
23. The Apotheosis of Caesar (XV. 745-889) 149
PAGE
Index of Selections,
SHORTER POEMS. i. The Fasti.
a. The Festival of Pales (IV. 721-808) . . . . . 155
b. The Founding of Rome (IV. 809-862) . . . . . 158
c. Ritual to avert Blight (IV. 901-942) 160
2. Heroides : Penelope to Ulysses 162
3. Amores.
a. The Poet of Idleness (I. 15) 166
b. Elegy on a Parrot (II. 6) 167
c. Farewell to the Loves (III. 15) 169
4. Tristia.
a. Banished from Rome (I. 3) 171
b. The Exile's Sick Chamber (III. 3) 174
c. Winter Scenes in Thrace (III. 10) 177
d. The Poet's Autobiography (IV. 10) 179
INTRODUCTION
TO
THE "METAMORPHOSES" OF OVID.
The Mythology of the Greeks, adopted by the Romans, consists mainly of two distinct parts. The first is what is techni- cally called Theogony, " the generation of the gods," and was put in the shape best known to us by Hesiod, some time before 500 B.C. It began, there is no reason to doubt, with rude personi- fications of the objects and forces of nature, such as would be natural to a people of active intelligence, lively imagination, and childlike ignorance on all matters of science. The Sun, the Dawn, the Winds, the Floods, are easily conceived as superhuman persons. Some of the earlier fables are hardly any thing more than metaphors, or poetic images, put in the form of narrative. That the Sun is figured as a shepherd, and the fleecy clouds his flock, which are scattered by the wind and gathered again by his beams, — a very old bit of Eastern poetry, — easily gives rise to the stories of Apollo as the shepherd of Admetus, and that which tells the stealing of his catde by the rogue Hermes. That the maiden Artemis gazes with love, on the sleeping prince Endymion, is hardly more than a poetical way of describing the beautiful spectacle of a full moon rising opposite the sun at his going down. A season of blasting drought and heat may have been described by saying that the chariot of the Sun was driven from its course by the unskilful, self-confident boy, whose fate is told in the wild tale of Phaethon. And so on.
But few fables can be explained in this simple way.. By a very natural. process, a group of divine or ideal Persons was. conceived,
2 Introduction to the
whose family history or personal adventures became the subject of tales absolutely devoid of any symbolical meaning. In the system found in the Greek and Roman poets, nature is full of mythological beings, grouped — as subjects in a monarchy — about the one celestial or royal family, which has its abode on Mount Olympus. The King of Heaven, Zeus (Jupiter), with his sister- queen Here (Juno), is the child of Kronos (Saturn) or Time, who again is the son of Ouranos and Gaia (Heaven and Earth), beyond which imagination did not seek to go. His brothers are Poseidon (Neptune) and Hades (Pluto), kings of the Waters and of the Lower World. His sisters are Demeter (Ceres) and Hestia (Vesta), queens of the Harvest and of the Home. His sons are Apollo, god of Light, Ares (Mars) of Strife, and Hermes (Mercury) the Herald. His daughters are Athene (Minerva), Aphrodite (Venus), and Artemis (Diana), goddesses of Wis- dom, of Love, and of the Chase. These are the twelve great divinities (dii majores). And about them, in nearer or remoter kindred, are grouped the inferior deities, the heroes or demigods, their children by half-mortal parentage, and the innumerable progeny of fabulous beings inhabiting the kingdoms of sky, water, or earth.
The other department of mythology is that with which this poem chiefly deals. It consists of the miracles and adventures ascribed to these superhuman persons, — a vast field, in which ancient fancy rioted as freely as the modern fancy in novels and fairy-tales. Some of them may possibly be explained as a picturesque way of recounting natural phenomena, or as exaggerated tales of real events. But in general they seem purely fictions of the imagina- tion. In a very large proportion they take the form of metamor- phoses, that is, transformations of men or other creatures into various shapes ; and this feature gives the subject and the title of the present poem (see the first lines of Book I.). It professes simply to tell those stories which have in them this element of the marvellous, — the transformations, particularly, of men into plants or animals. But as nearly all myths introduce some such feature, first or last, it manages to include nearly all the important ones with more or less fulness. They are told in a rambling discursive way, one story leading to another by the slightest possible link
Metamorphoses of Ovid. 3
of association, — sometimes by what seems merely the poet's artifice, aiming to make a coherent tale out of the vast miscellany at his command.*
With the primitive (fetichistic) notion of a separate life in every object, and tne human soul differing in no essential regard from the life that dwells in things, it was easy to imagine the spirit of man, beast, or plant as passing from one dwelling to another, for a longer or shorter stay. Such a transmigration was, in fact, taught as a creed by the school of Pythagoras (see Metam. xv. 1-487). But, as against the Hindoo doctrine of transmigration into the very life of other animals, the Greeks held to the identity and continuity of the human soul, which after death had its abode assigned in the Lower World. The metamorphosis, therefore, is only an occasional miracle, not a real metempsychosis yf it did not alter essentially the ordinary course of human life, but only marked the intimate connection between that and the life of external nature ; or, in a certain wild, pictorial way, showed the workings of human fancy, to account for the first creation of plants and animals, or other striking phenomena of the natural world, — a clear water-spring in a little island (Arethusa), a mountain rid^e of peculiar shape {Atlas), a bird of plaintive note {Philomela), or a rock weeping with perpetual springs (ATio6e).
To give something like system, order, and development to this world of fable seems to have been a favorite aim of poetical com- position with the ancients. This aim is partly religious, and partly scientific, — if that can be called scientific which only fills with fancies a void that no science yet exists to fill. Thus the " Theo- gony" of Hesiod groups together the myths relating to the birth of gods and heroes — making a sort of pagan "Genesis" — in a form partly chronological, partly picturesque and poetical. This
* The connecting links between the several narratives contained in the present Selection are given, bracketed, in the headings, thus presenting the entire argument of the Metamorphoses as a connected whole.
t Thus the princess Io is changed into a heifer (Met i. 611). She retains her human consciousness, deplores the change, and writes her own name on the sand, to inform her father of it. This is metamorphosis, or change of form. According to the oriental doctrine taught by Pythagoras (Met. xv. 459), the heifer in your stall was doubtless or.ce a human being, perhaps your own mother or sister: it would be wicked to kill her, and impious to eat her flesh. But she has only a brute consciousness ; and simply shares :he universal life of man and brute. This is metempsychosis, or change of soul.
4 Introduction .
is apparently the first attempt of human thought to deal systemati- cally with the phenomena of nature — so as, in a manner, to account for things — before men were sufficiently free from super- stition to reject the early fables. The titles of several Greek works of the same kind are known ; and Virgil, in the Sixth Eclogue, puts a similar song into the mouth of Silenus.
Any thing like a real belief in these fables had passed away long before the time of Ovid. He was the popular poet of a sensual and artificial age, who found in these creations of ancient fancy a group of subjects suited to his graceful, ornate, and marvellously facile style of narrative, and who did not hesitate to alter or dress them up to suit his purpose. The " Metamorphoses " — Libri xv. Metamotphoseon (a Greek genitive) — is the most abundant and rich collection of these fables that exists. They are told in a diffuse, sentimental, often debased way, which contrasts strongly with the serious meaning that originally belonged to these myths ; but are wonderfully fluent, easy, and melodious in their language, and show a skill of versification which seems never to halt or weary. The poem begins with the first origin of things from chaos, the four ages of gold, silver, brass, and iron, the deluge, followed by the graceful and picturesque version of the tales of gods and heroes, through a long narrative, — about 12,000 verses in all, — ending with the apotheosis of Caesar, as the sequel of the tale of Troy. The series purports to be chronological ; but the order is often arbitrary and the connection forced or affected, as would naturally be the case with an author res diversissimas in speciem unius corporis colligentem (Quint, iv. 1, 77).
The mythology of Ovid and the other Roman poets was Greek mythology dressed up in Roman names. It is not necessary to remind the reader that the stories here told related to Zeus, Athene, Artemis, and the other members of the Greek Olympus, and could never have been attributed to the sober abstractions of the Roman Pantheon. Nevertheless, in commenting upon Ovid, it is impossible to avoid making use of the names in the same sense that he did, — the names long familiar in modern litera- ture, which took them from the Romans and not the Greeks.
METAMORPHOSES.
I. The Creation and the Flood.
[Book I. — 1-415.]
Proem (1-4). Description of Chaos (5-20). The Creator assigns the elements to their places, and divides the land from the waters : the zones and climates (26-58). The heavens are clear, and living things come forth upon the earth : lastly man, fashioned by Prome- theus in the image of the immortals (69-88). The Four Ages : description of the Golden Age (89-1 12). The Age of Silver, Brass, and Iron : Astraea quits the earth ; the Giants, and men of violence that sprang from their blood (1 13-162). Jupiter recounts the crimes of Lycaon, and his transformation to a Wolf (163-243). He re- solves to drown the world with a Flood rather than destroy it by Fire : description of the Deluge (244-312) The righteous Deuca- lion with his wife Pyrrha : when the waters are abated, they behold the earth desolate, and beseech aid at the shrine of Themis (313-380). Instructed by the oracle, they cast stones above their heads, which are miraculously converted into human beings, and thus repeople the earth (381-415).
TN nova fert animus mutatas dicere formas
■*■ corpora. Di, coeptis (nam vos mutastis et illas)
adspirate meis, primaque ab origine mundi
ad mea perpetuum deducite tempora carmen.
Ante mare et terras et (quod tegit omnia) caelum, unus erat toto naturae vultus in orbe, quern dixere Chaos : rudis indigestaque moles, nee quicquam nisi pondus iners, congestaque eodem non bene junctarum discordia semina rerum. nullus adhuc mundo praebebat lumina Titan, 10
nee nova crescendo reparabat cornua Phoebe,
6 I. The Creation and the Flood. [Metam.
nee circumfuso pendebat in aere Tellus
ponderibus librata suis, nee brachia longo
margine terrarum porrexerat Amphitrite ;
qua que fuit tellus, illic et pontus et aer. 15
Sic erat instabilis tellus, innabilis unda, lucis egens aer : nulli sua forma manebat, obstabatque aliis aliud, quia corpore in uno frigida pugnabant calidis, humentia siccis, mollia cum duris, sine pondere habentia pondus. 20
Hanc deus et melior litem natura diremit. nam caelo terras et terris abscidit undas, et liquidum spisso secrevit ab aere caelum, quae postquam evolvit caecoque exemit acervo, dissociata locis concordi pace ligavit. 25
Ignea convexi vis et sine pondere caeli emicuit, summaque locum sibi fecit in arce. proximus est aer illi levitate locoque ; densior his tellus, elementaque grandia traxit et pressa est gravitate sua ; circumfluus humor 30
ultima possedit, solidumque coercuit orbem.
Sic ubi dispositam, quisquis fuit ille deorum, congeriem secuit, sectamque in membra redegit, principio terram, ne non aequalis ab omni parte foret, magni speciem glomeravit in orbis. 35
turn freta diffudit, rapidisque tumescere ventis jussit, et ambitae circumdare litora terrae. addidit et fontes et stagna immensa lacusque, fluminaque obliquis cinxit declivia ripis, quae, diversa locis, partim sorbentur ab ipsa, 40
in mare perveniunt partim, campoque recepta liberioris aquae pro ripis litora pulsant. jussit et extendi campos, subsidere valles, fronde tegi silvas, lapidosos surgere montes.
Utque duae dextra caelum totidemque sinistra 45
I. 79.] The Heavens: Creation of Man. 7
parte secant zonae, quinta est ardentior illis : sic onus inclusum numero distinxit eodem cura dei, totidemque plagae tellure premuntur. quarum quae media est, non est habitabilis aestu ; nix tegit alta duas ; totidem inter utramque locavit, 50 temperiemquededit, mixta cum frigore flamma.
Imminet his aer: qui, quanto est pondere terrae pondus aquae levius, tanto est onerosior igni. illic et nebulas, illic consistere nubes jussit, et humanas motura tonitrua mentes, 55
et cum fulminibus facientes frigora ventos. his quoque non passim mundi fabricator habendum aera permisit : vix nunc obsistitur illis, cum sua quisque regant diverso flamina tractu, quin lanient mundum ; tanta est discordia fratrum. 60 Eurus ad auroram Nabataeaque regna recessit, Persidaque et radiis juga subdita matutinis ; Vesper et occiduo quae litora sole tepescunt, proxima sunt Zephyro ; Scythiam septemque trionem horrifer invasit Boreas ; contraria tellus 65
nubibus assiduis pluvioque madescit ab Austro. haec super imposuit liquidum et gravitate carentem aethera, nee quicquam terrenae faecis habentem.
Vix ita limitibus dissaepserat omnia certis, cum quae pressa diu massa latuere sub ilia, 70
sidera coeperunt toto effervescere caelo : neu regio foret ulla suis animantibus orba, astra tenent caeleste solum formaeque deorum ; cesserunt nitidis habitandae piscibus undae ; terra feras cepit, volucres agitabilis aer. 75
Sanctius his animal mentisque capacius altae deerat adhuc, et quod dominari in cetera posset, natus homo est: sive hunc divino semine fecit ille opifex rerum, mundi melioris origo,
8 i. The Creation and the Flood. [Metam.
sive recens tellus,seductaque nuper ab alto 80
aethere,cognati retinebat semina caeli,
quam satus Iapeto, mixtam fluvialibus undis,
finxit in effigiem moderantum cuncta deorum.
pronaque cum spectent animalia cetera terram,
os homini sublime dedit, caelumque tueri 85
jussit, et erectos ad sidera tollere vultus.
sic, modo quae fuerat rudis et sine imagine, tellus
induit ignotas hominum conversa figuras.
Aurea prima sata est aetas, quae vindice nullo, sponte sua, sine lege fidem rectumque colebat. 90
poena metusque aberant, nee verba minacia fixo aere legebantur, nee supplex turba timebat judicis ora sui, sed erant sine judice tuti. nondum caesa suis, peregrinum ut viseret orbem, montibus in liquidas pinus descenderat undas, 95
nullaque mortales praeter sua litora norant. nondum praecipites cingebant oppida fossae : non tuba directi, non aeris cornua flexi, non galeae, non ensis erant; sine militis usu mollia securae peragebant otia gentes. 100
ipsa quoque imraunis rastroque intacta, nee ullis saucia vomeribus, per se dabat omnia tellus : contentique cibis nullo cogente creatis, arbuteos fetus montanaque fraga legebant, cornaque et in duris haerentia mora rubetis, 105
et quae deciderant patula Jovis arbore glandes. ver erat aeternum, placidique tepentibus auris mulcebant zephyri natos sine semine flores. mox etiam fruges tellus inarata ferebat, nee renovatus ager gravidis canebat aristis : no
flumina jam lactis, jam flumina nectaris ibant, flavaque de viridi stillabant ilice mella.
Postquam Saturno tenebrosa in Tartara misso
I. 147.] The Four Ages. 9
sub Jove mundus erat, subiit argentca proles,
auro deterior, fulvo pretiosior aere. 115
Juppiter antiqui contraxit tempora veris,
perque hiemes aestusque et inaequales autumnos
et breve ver spatiis exegit quattuor annum.
turn primum siccis aer fervoribus ustus
canduit, et ventis glacies adstricta pependit. 120
turn primum subiere domus : domus antra fuerunt
et densi frutices et vinctae cortice virgae.
semina turn primum longis Cerealia sulcis
obruta sunt, pressique jugo gemuere juvenci.
Tertia post illas successit a'enca proles, 125
saevior ingeniis, et ad horrida promptior arma, non scelerata tamen. — De duro est ultima ferro. protinus inrupit venae pejoris in aevum omne nefas : fugere pudor verumque fidesque : in quorum subiere locum fraudesque dolique 130
insidiaeque et vis et amor sceleratus habendi. vela dabant ventis, — nee adhuc bene noverat illos navita, — quaeque diu steterant in montibus altis, fluctibus ignotis insultavere carinae. communemque prius, ceu lumina solis et auras, 135 cautus humum longo signavit limite mensor. nee tantum segetes alimentaque debita dives poscebatur humus, sed itum est in viscera terrae ; quasque recondiderat Stygiisque admoverat umbris, effodiuntur opes, inritamenta malorum. 140
Jamque nocens ferrum, ferroque nocentius aurum prodierat; prodit Bellum, quod pugnat utroque, sanguineaque manu crepitantia concutit arma. vivitur ex rapto : non hospes ab hospite tutus, non socer a genero ; fratrum quoque gratia rara est. imminet exitio vir conjugis, ilia mariti ; lurida terribiles miscent aconita novercae ;
io i. The Creation and the Flood, [Metam.
Alius ante diem patrios inquirit in annos.
victa jacet pietas ; et virgo caede madentes,
ultima caelestum, terras Astraea reliquit. 15c
neve foret terris securior arduus aether,
affectasse ferunt regnum caeleste Gigantas,
altaque congestos struxisse ad sidera montes.
Turn pater omnipotens misso perfregit Olympum fulmine, et excussit subjecto Pelion Ossae. 155
obruta mole sua cum corpora dira jacerent, perfusam multo natorum sanguine Terram inmaduisse ferunt calidumque animasse cruorem, et, ne nulla suae stirpis monumenta manerent, in faciem vertisse hominum ; sed et ilia propago 160 contemptrix superum saevaeque avidissima caedis et violenta fuit: scires e sanguine natos.
Quae pater ut summa vidit Saturnius arce, ingemit ; et, facto nondum vulgata recenti, foeda Lycaoniae referens convivia mensae, 165
ingentes animo et dignas Jove concipit iras, conciliumque vocat ; tenuit mora nulla vocatos. est via sublimis, caelo manifesta sereno : Lactea nomen habet, candore notabilis ipso, hac iter est superis ad magni tecta Tonantis 17a
regalemque domum ; dextra laevaque deorum atria nobilium valvis celebrantur apertis. plebs habitat diversa locis ; a fronte potentes caelicolae clarique suos posuere penates. hie locus est, quern, si verbis audacia detur, 175
haud timeam magni dixisse Palatia caeli.
Ergo ubi marmoreo superi sedere recessu, celsior ipse loco sceptroque innixus eburno terrificam capitis concussit terque quaterque caesariem, cum qua terram, mare, sidera movit. 180 talibus inde modis ora indignantia solvit :
I. 215.] The Guilt of Lycaon. 11
* Non ego pro mundi regno magis anxius ilia tempestate fui, qua centum quisque parabat inicere anguipedum captivo brachia caelo.
nam quamquam ferus hostis erat, tamen illud ab uno
corpore et ex una pendebat origine bellum.
nunc mihi qua totum Nereus circumsonat orbem,
perdendum est mortale genus. Per flumina juro
infera sub terras Stygio labentia luco,
cuncta prius temptata ; sed inmedicabile vulnus 190
ense recidendum est, ne pars sincera trahatur.
sunt mihi semidei, sunt rustica numina, nymphae,
faunique satyrique et monticolae Silvani.
quos quoniam caeli nondum dignamur honore,
quas dedimus, certe terras habitare sinamus. 195
an satis, O superi, tutos fore creditis illos,
cum mihi, qui fulmen, qui vos habeoque regoque,
struxerit insidias notus feritate Lycaon ? •
Contremuere omnes, studiisque ardentibus ausum talia deposcunt. Sic, cum manus impia saevit 200 sanguine Caesareo Romanum exstinguere nomen, attonitum tanto subitae terrore ruinae humanum genus est totusque perhorruit orbis. nee tibi grata minus pietas, Auguste, tuorum est, quam fuit ilia Jovi. Qui postquam voce manuque 205 murmura compressit, tenuere silentia cuncti. substitit ut clamor, pressus gravitate regentis, Juppiter hoc iterum sermone silentia rupit :
* Ille quidem poenas (curam hanc dimittite) solvit : quod tamen admissum, quae sit vindicta, docebo. 210 contigerat nostras infamia temporis aures :
quam cupiens falsam, summo delabor Olympo,
et deus humana lustro sub imagine terras.
longa mora est, quantum noxae sit ubique repertum,
enumerare; minor fuit ipsa infamia vero. 215
12 i. The Creation and the Flood. [Metam.
Maenala transieram, latebris horrenda ferarum,
et cum Cyllene gelidi pineta Lycaei.
Arcados hinc sedes et inhospita tecta tyranni
ingredior, traherent cum sera crepuscula noctem.
signa dedi venisse deum, vulgusque precari 220
coeperat ; irridet primo pia vota Lycaon ;
mox ait : Exfieriar, deus hie, discrimine afierto,
an sit m or talis; nee erit dubitabile verum.
nocte gravem somno necopina perdere morte
me parat ; haec illi placet experientia veri. 225
' Nee contentus eo, missi de gente Molossa obsidis unius jugulum mucrone resolvit : atque ita semineces partim ferventibus artus mollit aquis, partim subjecto torruit igni. quos simul imposuit mensis, ego vindice flamma 230 in dominum dignosque everti tecta Penates, territus ipse fugit, nactusque silentia ruris exululat, frustraque loqui conatur ; ab ipso colligit os rabiem, solitaeque cupidine caedis vertitur in pecudes, et nunc quoque sanguine gaudet. in villos abeunt vestes, in crura lacerti : fit lupus, et veteris servat vestigia formae. canities eadem est, eadem violentia vultus, idem oculi lucent, eadem feritatis imago.
1 Occidit una domus ; sed non domus una perire 240 digna fuit; qua terra patet, fera regnat Erinys, in facinus jurasse putes. Dent ocius omnes quas meruere pati, sic stat sententia, poenas.'
Dicta Jovis pars voce probant stimulosque frementi adiciunt, alii partes assensibus implent. 245
est tamen humani generis jactura dolori omnibus, et, quae sit terrae mortalibus orbae forma futura, rogant ; quis sit laturus in aras tura? ferisne paret populandas tradere terras?
I. 283.] Gathering of the Waters, 13
talia quaerentes, sibi enim fore cetera curae, 250
rex superum trepidare vetat, subolemque priori dissimilem populo promittit origine mira.
Jamque erat in totas sparsurus fulmina terras : sed timuit, ne forte sacer tot ab ignibus aether conciperet flammas, longusque ardesceret axis. 255 esse quoque in fatis reminiscitur, adfore tempus, quo mare, quo tellus, correptaque regia caeli ardeat, et mundi moles operosa laboret. tela reponuntur manibus fabricata Cyclopum.
Poena placet diversa, genus mortale sub undis 260 perdere, et ex omni nimbos demittere caelo. protinus Aeoliis aquilonem claudit in antris, et quaecumque fugant inductas flamina nubes, emittitque Notum. Madidis Notus evolat alis, terribilem picea tectus caligine vultum : 265
barba gravis nimbis, canis fluit unda capillis, fronte sedent nebulae, rorant pennaeque sinusque. utque manu late pendentia nubila pressit, fit fragor, inclusi funduntur ab aethere nimbi, nuntia Junonis varios induta colores 270
concipit Iris aquas, alimentaque nubibus adfert. sternuntur segetes et deplorata colonis vota jacent, longique perit labor irritus anni.
Nee caelo contenta suo est Jovis ira, sed ilium caeruleus frater juvat auxiliaribus undis. 275
convocat hie amnes ; qui postquam tecta tyranni intravere sui, * Non est hortamine longo nunc* ait * utendum ; vires effundite vestras, sic opus est ; aperite domos, ac mole remota fluminibus vestris totas inmittite habenas.' 280
Jusserat ; hi redeunt, ac fontibus ora relaxant, et defrenato volvuntur in aequora cursu. ipse tridente suo terram percussit ; at ilia
14 i« The Creation and the Flood, [Metam.
intremuit motuque vias patefecit aquarum.
expatiata ruunt per apertos flumina campos, 285
cumque satis arbusta simul pecudesque virosque
tectaque, cumque suis rapiunt penetralia sacris.
siqua domus mansit, potuitque resistere tanto
indejecta malo, culmen tamen altior hujus
unda tegit, pressaeque latent sub gurgite turres. 290
Jamque mare et tellus nullum discrimen habebant : omnia pontus erat ; deerant quoque litora ponto. occupat hie collem ; cymba sedet alter adunca, et ducit remos illic, ubi nuper ararat ; ille super segetes aut mersae culmina villae 295
navigat ; hie summa piscem deprendit in ulmo. figitur in viridi, si fors tulit, anchora prato, aut subjecta terunt curvae vineta carinae. et, modo qua graciles gramen carpsere capellae, nunc ibi deformes ponunt sua corpora phocae. 300
mirantur sub aqua lucos urbesque domosque Nereides ; silvasque tenent delphines, et altis incursant ramis, agitataque robora pulsant. nat lupus inter oves, fulvos vehit unda leones, unda vehit tigres ; nee vires fulminis apro, 305
crura nee ablato prosunt velocia cervo. quaesitisque diu terris, ubi sistere detur, in mare lassatis volucris vaga decidit alis. obruerat tumulos immensa licentia ponti, pulsabantque novi montana cacumina fluctus. 310
maxima pars unda rapitur ; quibus unda pepercit, illos longa domant inopi jejunia victu.
Separat Aonios Oetaeis Phocis ab arvis, terra ferax, dum terra fuit : sed tempore in illo pars maris et latus subitarum campus aquarum. 315 mons ibi verticibus petit arduus astra duobus, nomine Parnasus, superantque cacumina nubes.
'• 35 1-] ^* Waters arc recalled. 15
hie ubi Deucalion — nam cetera texerat aequor — cum consorte tori parva rate vectus adhaesit, Corycidas nymphas et numina montis adorant, 320
fatidicamque Themin, quae tunc oracla tenebat. non illo melior quisquam nee amantior aequi vir fuit, aut ilia metuentior ulla deorum.
Juppiter ut liquidis stagnare paludibus orbem, et superesse virum de tot modo milibus unum, 325
et superesse videt de tot modo milibus unam, innocuos ambos, cultores numinis ambos, nubila disjecit, nimbisque aquilone remotis et caelo terras ostendit, et aethera terris. nee maris ira manet, positoque tricuspide telo 330
mulcet aquas rector pelagi, supraque profundum exstantem atque humeros innato murice tectum caeruleum Tritona vocat, conchaeque sonanti inspirare jubet, fluctusque et fiumina signo jam revocare dato. Cava bucina sumitur illi 335
tortilis, in latum quae turbine crescit ab imo, — bucina, quae medio concepit ubi aera ponto, litora voce replet sub utroque jacentia Phoebo. tunc quoque, ut ora dei madida rorantia barba contigit, et cecinit jussos inflata receptus, 340
omnibus audita est telluris et aequoris undis et quibus est undis audita, coercuit omnes. flumina subsidunt, coliesque exire videntur : jam mare litus habet ; plenos capit alveus amnes ; surgit humus ; crescunt loca decrescentibus undis ; 345 postque diem longam nudata cacumina silvae ostendunt, limumque tenent in fronde relictum.
Redditus orbis erat : quern postquam vidit inanem et desolatas agere alta silentia terras, Deucalion lacrimis ita Pyrrham aftatur obortis : 350 1 O soror, o conjunx, o femina sola superstes,
1 6 i. The Creation and the Flood, [Metam.
quam commune mihi genus et patruelis origo, deinde torus junxit, nunc ipsa pericula jungunt: terrarum, quascumque vident occasus et ortus, nos duo turba sumus ; possedit cetera pontus. 355
haec quoque adhuc vitae non est fiducia nostrae certa satis ; terrent etiam nunc nubila mentem. quid tibi, si sine me fatis erepta fuisses, nunc animi, miseranda, foret? quo sola timorem ferre modo posses? quo consolante doleres? 360
namque ego, crede mihi, si te quoque pontus haberet, te sequerer, conjunx, et me quoque pontus haberet. O utinam possim populos reparare paternis artibus, atque animas formatae infundere terrae ! nunc genus in nobis restat mortale duobus : 365
sic visum superis ; hominumque exempla manemus.'
Dixerat, et flebant ; placuit caeleste precari numen, et auxilium per sacras quaerere sortes. nulla mora est ; adeunt pariter Cephisidas undas, ut nondum liquidas, sic jam vada nota secantes. 370 inde ubi libatos inroravere liquores vestibus et capiti, flectunt vestigia sanctae ad delubra deae, quorum fastigia turpi pallebant musco, stabantque sine ignibus arae. ut templi tetigere gradus, procumbit uterque 375
pronus humi, gelidoque pavens dedit oscula saxo. atque ita : ' Si precibus ' dixerunt * numina justis victa remollescunt, si flectitur ira deorum, die, Themi, qua generis damnum reparabile nostri arte sit, et mersis fer opem, mitissima, rebus.' 380
Mota dea est, sortemque dedit : ' Discedite templo, et velate caput, cinctasque resolvite vestes, ossaque post tergum magnae jactate parentis.' obstupuere diu, rumpitque silentia voce Pyrrha prior, jussisque deae parere recusat, 385
I. 415.] Deucalion and Pyrrha. 17
detque sibi veniam, pavido rogat ore, pavetque
laedere jactatis maternas ossibus umbras.
interea repetunt caecis obscura latebris
verba datae sortis secum, inter seque volutant.
inde Promethiades placidis Epimethida dictis 390
mulcet, et * Aut fallax ' ait * est sollertia nobis,
aut pia sunt, nullumque nefas oracula suadent.
magna parens Terra est: lapides in corpore terrae
ossa reor dici : jacere hos post terga jubemur.'
Conjugis augurio quamquam Titania mota est, 395 spes tamen in dubio est ; adeo caelestibus ambo diffidunt monitis : — sed quid temptare nocebit? descendunt, velantque caput, tunicasque recingunt, et jussos lapides sua post vestigia mittunt. saxa — quis hoc credat, nisi sit pro teste vetustas? — ponere duritiem coepere suumque rigorem, mollirique mora, mollitaque ducere formam. mox, ubi creverunt, naturaque mitior illis contigit, ut quaedam, sic non manifesta, videri forma potest hominis, sed uti de marmore coepto, 405 non exacta satis, rudibusque simillima signis. quae tamen ex illis aliquo pars humida suco et terrena fuit, versa est in corporis usum : quod solidum est fiectique nequit, mutatur in ossa ; quae modo vena fuit, sub eodem nomine mansit ; 410 inque brevi spatio superorum numine saxa missa viri manibus faciem traxere virorum, et de femineo reparata est femina jactu. inde genus durum sumus experiensque laborum, et documenta damus, qua simus origine nati. 415
18 ii. The Adventure of Phaethon, [Metam.
II. The Adventure of Phaethon.
[Among the creatures generated from the soil of the earth after the Deluge, had been the serpent Python, slain by Apollo, who thereon instituted the Pythian games : the prize of victory, first the oak-leaf, was afterwards the laurel, sacred to Apollo, being the nymph Daphne, loved by him, and changed to that form to escape his pursuit. — Io, daughter of the river-god Inachus, beloved by Jupiter, is changed into a heifer by him, to escape the jealousy of Juno ; but is put by her in charge of Argus of the hundred eyes, who being soothed to sleep by Mercury — who sings the story of Syrinx converted to a water-reed to avoid the pursuit of Pan — is slain by him, and his hundred eyes are set in the peacock's tail. Io, fleeing to Egypt, becomes the goddess I sis, and the mother of Epaphus ; who denies against Phaethon his boast to be son of the Sun-god, as avouched by his mother Clymene (I. 416-779)-]
The palace of the Sun described (II. 1-18). Phcebus, the god of Day, receives Phaethon with affection, and owns him as his son, promising by oath to give him whatever boon he should desire (19-46). Phaethon demands the charge of the chariot and horses of the Sun for a single day, persisting in spite of his father's warning and appeal (47-102). He mounts, and attempts the celestial way : dread forms of the Zodiac : the steeds dash wildly from the path (103-205). Terror and devastation caused by the fiery chariot: blasting of mountains and rivers, and alarm of Neptune himself; Earth appeals to Jupiter, who blasts Phaethon with a thunderbolt (206-324). His sisters are converted to poplars, and their tears to amber (325-366) ; while his kinsman Cygnus, bewailing the calamity, becomes a Swan (367-380). The Sun, in grief and wrath, hides his head from the earth ; but, entreated by the gods and commanded by Jupiter, collects again his scattered steeds, to resume their wonted course (381-400).
T3 EGIA Solis erat sublimibus alta columnis,
J-^- clara micante auro flammasque imitante pyropo,
cujus ebur nitidum fastigia summa tegebat ;
argenti bifores radiabant lumine valvae.
materiam superabat opus ; nam Mulciber illic 5
aequora caelarat medias cingentia terras,
II. 4o.] Palace of the Sun. 19
terrarumque orbem, caelumque, quod imminet orbi. caeruleos habet unda deos, Tritona canorum, Proteaque ambiguum, balaenarumque prementem Aegaeona suis immania terga lacertis, 10
Doridaque et natas ; quarum pars nare videtur, pars in mole sedens virides siccare capillos, pisce vehi quaedam : fades non omnibus una, nee diversa tamen, qualem decet esse sororum. terra viros urbesque gerit, silvasque ferasque, 15
fluminaque et nymphas et cetera numina ruris. haec super imposita est caeli fulgentis imago, signaque sex foribus dextris, totidemque sinistris.
Quo simul acclivo Clymeneia limite proles venit, et intravit dubitati tecta parentis, 20
protinus ad patrios sua fert vestigia vultus, consistitque procul : neque enim propiora ferebat lumina. Purpurea velatus veste sedebat in solio Phoebus Claris lucente smaragdis. a dextra laevaque Dies et Mensis et Annus 2*
Saeculaque et positae spatiis aequalibus Horae, Verque novum stabat cinctum florente corona ; stabat nuda Aestas et spicea serta gerebat ; stabat et Auctumnus, calcatis sordidus uvis ; et glacialis Hiemps, canos hirsuta capillos. 30
Tnde loco medius, rerum novitate paventem Sol oculis juvenem, quibus aspicit omnia, vidit : 1 Quae ' que * viae tibi causa? quid hac ' ait ' arce petisti, progenies, Phaethon, haud infitianda parenti?' ille refert : ' O lux inmensi publica mundi, 35
Phoebe pater, si das hujus mihi nominis usum, nee falsa Clymene culpam sub imagine celat : pignora da, genitor, per quae tua vera propago credar, et hunc animis errorem detrahe nostris.'
Dixerat. At genitor circum caput omne micantes
20 ii. The Adventure of Phaethon. [Metam.
deposuit radios, propiusque accedere jussit, amplexuque dato, \ Nee tu meus esse negari dignus es, et Clymene veros' ait * edidit ortus. quoque minus dubites, quodvis pete munus, ut illud me tribuente feras : promissi testis adesto 45
dis juranda palus, oculis incognita nostris.'
Vix bene desierat, currus rogat ille paternos, inque diem alipedum jus et moderamen equorum. paenituit jurasse patrem ; qui terque quaterque concutiens illustre caput, \ Temeraria ' dixit 50
* vox mea facta tua est ; utinam promissa liceret non dare ! confiteor, solum hoc tibi, nate, negarem : dissuadere licet. Non est tua tuta voluntas : magna petis, Phaethon, et quae nee viribus istis munera conveniant, nee tarn puerilibus annis. 55
sors tua mortalis ; non est mortale, quod optas. plus etiam, quam quod superis contingere fas est, nescius affectas. Placeat sibi quisque licebit : non tamen ignifero quisquam consistere in axe me valet excepto. Vasti quoque rector Olympi, 60 qui fera terribili jaculatur fulmina dextra, non agat hos currus : et quid Jove majus habemus?
* Ardua prima via est, et qua vix mane recentes enituntur equi : medio est altissima caelo, unde mare et terras ipsi mihi saepe videre 65
fit timor, et pavida trepidat formidine pectus : ultima prona via est, et eget moderamine certo : tunc etiam quae me subjectis excipit undis, ne ferar in praeceps, Tethys solet ipsa vereri. adde quod assidua rapitur vertigine caelum, 70
sideraque alta trahit, celerique volumine torquet. nitor in adversum, nee me qui cetera, vincit impetus, et rapido contrarius evehor orbi.
' Finge datos currus : quid ages ? poterisne rotatis
II. 108.] Perils of the Celestial Road, 21
obvius ire polis, ne te citus auferat axis? 75
forsitan et lucos illic urbesque deorum
concipias animo, delubraque ditia donis
esse? per insidias iter est formasque ferarum.
utque viam teneas, nulloque errore traharis,
per tamen adversi gradieris cornua Tauri, 80
Haemoniosque arcus, violentique ora Leonis,
saevaque circuitu curvantem brachia longo
Scorpion, atque aliter curvantem brachia Cancrum.
nee tibi quadrupedes animosos ignibus illis,
quos in pectore habent, quos ore et naribus efflant, 85
in promptu regere est : vix me patiuntur, ubi acres
incaluere animi, cervixque repugnat habenis.
' At tu, funesti ne sim tibi muneris auctor, nate, cave, dum resque sinit, tua corrige vota. scilicet ut nostro genitum te sanguine credas, 90
pignora certa petis : do pignora certa timendo, et patrio pater esse metu probor. Aspice vultus ecce meos : utinamque oculos in pectora posses inserere, et patrias intus deprendere curas ! denique quicquid habet dives (circumspice) mundus, eque tot ac tantis caeli terraeque marisque posce bonis aliquid : nullam patiere repulsam. deprecor hoc unum, quod vero nomine poena, non honor est: poenam, Phaethon, pro munere poscis. quid mea colla tenes blandis, ignare, lacertis? too
ne dubita, dabitur — Stygias juravimus undas! — quodcumque optaris : sed tu sapientius opta.'
Finierat monitus \ dictis tamen ille repugnat, propositumque premit, flagratque cupidine currus. ergo qua licuit, genitor cunctatus, ad altos 105
deducit juvenem, Vulcania munera, currus. aureus axis erat, temo aureus, aurea" summae curvatura rotae, radiorum argenteus ordo.
22 ii. The Adventure of Phaethon. [Met am.
per juga chrysolithi positaeque ex ordine gemmae clara repercusso reddebant lumina phoebo. no
dumque ea magnanimus Phaethon miratur, opusque perspicit, ecce vigil rutilo patefecit ab ortu purpureas Aurora fores et plena rosarum atria ; diffugiunt stellae, quarum agmina cogit Lucifer, et caeli statione novissimus exit. 115
Quae petere ut terras, mundumque rubescere vidit, cornuaque extremae velut evanescere lunae, jungere equos Titan velocibus imperat Horis. jussa deae celeres peragunt, ignemque vomentes, ambrosiae suco saturos, praesepibus altis 120
quadrupedes ducunt, adduntque sonantia frena. turn pater ora sui sacro medicamine'nati contigit, et rapidae fecit patientia flammae, imposuitque comae radios, praesagaque luctus pectore sollicito repetens suspiria dixit : 125
* Si potes his saltern monitis parere paternis, parce, puer, stimulis, et fortius utere loris. sponte sua properant ; labor est inhibere volentes. nee tibi directos placeat via quinque per arcus. sectus in obliquum est lato curvamine limes, 130
zonarumque trium contentus fine, polumque effugit australem, junctamque aquilonibus Arcton. hac sit iter : manifesta rotae vestigia cernes. utque ferant aequos et caelum et terra calores, nee preme, nee summum molire per aethera currum. altius egressus caelestia tecta cremabis, inferius terras : medio tutissimus ibis. neu te dexterior tortum declinet ad Anguem, neve sinisterior pressam rota ducat ad Aram : inter utrumque tene. Fortunae cetera mando, 140
quae juvet et melius quam tu tibi, consulat opto. dum loquor, Hesperio positas in litore metas
II. 176.] The Steeds dash forward on the Course, 23
humida nox tetigit ; non est mora libera nobis.
poscimur : effulget tenebris aurora fugatis.
corripe lora manu ; vel, si mutabile pectus 145
est tibi, consiliis, non curribus utere nostris,
dum potes, et solidis etiam nunc sedibus adstas,
dumque male optatos nondum premis inscius axes.
quae tutus spectes, sine me dare lumina terris.,
Occupat ille levem juvenili corpore currum, 150
statque super, manibusque datas contingere habenas gaudet, et invito grates agit inde parenti. interea volucres Pyrois Eoiis et Aethon, solis equi, quartusque Phlegon, hinnitibus auras flammiferis implent, pedibusque repagula pulsant. 155 quae postquam Tethys, fatorum ignara nepotis, reppulit, et facta est immensi copia mundi, corripuere viam, pedibusque per aera motis obstantes scindunt nebulas, pennisque levati praetereunt ortos isdem de partibus Euros. 160
Sed leve pondus erat, nee quod cognoscere possent Solis equi, solitaque jugum gravitate carebat. utque labant curvae justo sine pondere naves, perque mare instabiles nimia levitate feruntur, sic onere assueto vacuus dat in aere saltus, 165
succutiturque alte, similisque est currus inani. quod simul ac sensere, ruunt, tritumque relinquunt quadrijugi spatium, nee quo prius, ordine currunt. ipse pavet ; nee qua commissas flectat habenas, nee scit qua sit iter, nee, si sciat, imperet illis. 170
Turn primum radiis gelidi caluere triones, et vetito frustra temptarunt aequore tingui, quaeque polo posita est glaciali proxima Serpens, frigore pigra prius, nee formidabilis ulli, incaluit sumpsitque novas fervoribus iras. 175
te quoque turbatum memorant fugisse, Boote,
24 it. The Adventure of Pha'ethon. [Metam.
quamvis tardus eras, et te tua plaustra tenebant.
Ut vero summo despexit ab aethere terras infelix Phaethon, penitus penitusque jacentes, palluit, et subito genua intremuere timore, 180
suntque oculis tenebrae per tantum lumen obortae. et jam mallet equos numquam tetigisse paternos ; jam cognosse genus piget, et valuisse rogando : jam Meropis dici cupiens, ita fertur, ut acta praecipiti pinus borea, cui victa remisit 185
frena suus rector, quam dis votisque reliquit.
Quid faciat? multum caeli post terga relictum, ante oculos plus est : animo metitur utrumque. et modo quos i Hi fatum contingere non est, prospicit occasus, interdum respicit ortus. 190
quidque agat, ignarus stupet, et nee frena remittit, nee retinere valet, nee nomina novit equorum. sparsa quoque in vario passim miracula caelo vastarumque videt trepidus simulacra ferarum.
Est locus, in geminos ubi brachia concavat arcus Scorpios, et cauda flexisque utrimque lacertis porrigit in spatium signorum membra duorum. hunc puer ut nigri madidum sudore veneni vulnera curvata minitantem cuspide vidit, mentis inops gelida formidine lora remisit. 200
quae postquam summo tetigere jacentia tergo, exspatiantur equi, nulloque inhibente per auras ignotae regionis eunt, quaque impetus egit, hac sine lege ruunt ; altoque sub aethere fixis incursant stellis, rapiuntque per ftvia currum. 205
et modo summa petunt, modo per declive viasque praecipites spatio terrae propiore feruntur. inferiusque suis fraternos currere Luna admiratur equos, ambustaque nubila fumant.
Corripitur flammis ut quaeque altissima, tellus, 210
II. 244-] Conflagration of the Earth, 25
fissaque agit rimas, et sucis aret ademptis. pabula canescunt ; cum frondibus uritur arbor, materiamque suo praebet seges arida damno. parva queror : magnae pereunt cum moenibus urbes, cumque suis totas populis incendia gentes 215
in cinerem vertunt. Silvae cum montibus ardent : ardet Athos, Taurusque Cilix, et Tmolus et Oete, et turn sicca, prius celeberrima fontibus, Ida, virgineusque Helicon, et nondum Oeagrius Haemos. ardet in immensum geminatis ignibus Aetne, 220
Parnasusque biceps, et Eryx et Cynthus et Othrys, et tandem nivibus Rhodope caritura, Mimasque Dindymaque et Mycale natusque ad sacra Cithaeron. nee prosunt Scythiae sua frigora : Caucasus ardet, Ossaque cum Pindo, majorque ambobus Olympus, 225 aeriaeque Alpes, et nubifer Appenninus.
Turn vero Phaethon cunctis e partibus orbem aspicit accensum, nee tantos sustinet aestus, ferventesque auras velut e fornace profunda ore trahit, currusque suos candescere sentit. 230
et neque jam cineres ejectatamque favillam ferre potest, calidoque involvitur undique fumo. quoque eat, aut ubi sit, picea caligine tectus nescit, et arbitrio volucrum raptatur equorum.
Sanguine tunc credunt in corpora summa vocato 235 Aethiopum populos nigrum traxisse colorem ; • turn facta est Libye raptis humoribus aestu arida ; turn nymphae passis fontesque lacusque deflevere comis ; quaerit Boeotia Dircen, Argos Amymonen, Ephyre Pirenidas undas ; 240
nee sortita loco distantes flumina ripas tuta manent : mediis Tanais fumavit in undis, Peneosque senex, Teuthranteusque Caicus, et celer Ismenos cum Phegiaco Erymantho,
26 ii. The Adventure of Phaetkon. [Metam.
arsurusque iterum Xanthus, flavusque Lycormas, 245 quique recurvatis ludit Maeandros in undis, Mygdoniusque Melas et Taenarius Eurolas.
Arsit et Euphrates Babylonius, arsit Orontes, Thermodonque citus, Gangesque, et Phasis, et Hister. aestuat Alpheos ; ripae Spercheides ardent ; 250
quodque suo Tagus amne vehit, fluit ignibus, aurum ; et quae Maeonias celebrarant carmine ripas flumineae volucres, medio caluere Caystro. Nilus in extremum fugit perterritus orbem, occuluitque caput, quod adhuc latet : ostia septem 255 pulverulenta vacant, septem sine flumine valles. fors eadem Ismarios Hebrum cum Strymone siccat, Hesperiosque amnes, Rhenum Rhodanumque Pa-
dumque, cuique fuit rerum promissa potentia, Thybrin.
Dissilit omne solum, penetratque in Tartara rimis lumen, et infernum terret cum conjuge regem ; et mare contrahitur, siccaeque est campus arenae quod modo pontus erat, quosque altum texerat aequor* exsistunt montes et sparsas Cycladas augent. ima petunt pisces, nee se super aequora curvi 265
tollere consuetas audent delphines in auras, corpora phocarum summo resupina profundo exanimata natant : ipsum quoque Nerea fama est Doridaque et natas tepidis latuisse sub antris. ter Neptunus aquis cum torvo bracchia vultu 270
exserere ausus erat; ter non tulit aeris ignes.
Alma tamen Tellus, ut erat circumdata ponto, inter aquas pelagi, contractos undique fontes, qui se condiderant in opacae viscera matris, sustulit oppressos collo tenus arida vultus : 275
opposuitque manum fronti, magnoque tremore omnia concutiens paulum subsedit, et infra
II. 3io.] Appeal of the Earth to Jupiter, 27
quam solet esse, fuit, sacraque ita voce locuta est : ' Si placet hoc, meruique, quid O tua fulmina cessant, summe deum? liceat periturae viribus ignis 280
igne perire tuo, clademque auctore levare. vix equidem fauces haec ipsa in verba resolvo • — presserat ora vapor — * tostos en aspice crines, inque oculis tantum, tantum super ora favillae. hosne mihi fructus, hunc fertilitatis honorem 285
officiique refers, quod adunci vulnera aratri rastrorumque fero, totoque exerceor anno, quod pecori frondes alimentaque mitia fruges humano generi, vobis quoque tura ministro? sed tamen exitium fac me meruisse, quid undae ; 290 quid meruit frater? cur illi tradita sorte aequora decrescunt et ab aethere longius absunt? quod si nee fratris, nee te mea gratia tangit, at caeli miserere tui ! circumspice utrumque : fumat uterque polus ; quos si vitiaverit ignis, 295
atria vestra ruent. Atlas en ipse laborat, vixque suis humeris candentem sustinet axem. si freta, si terrae pereunt, si regia caeli, in chaos antiquum confundimur. Eripe flammis, siquid adhuc superest, et rerum consule summae.' 300
Dixerat haec Tellus : neque enim tolerare vaporem ulterius potuit, nee dicere plura ; suumque rettulit os in se propioraque Manibus antra.
At pater omnipotens, superos testatus et ipsum qui dederat currus, nisi opem ferat, omnia fato 305
interitura gravi, summam petit arduus arcem, unde solet latis nubes inducere terris, unde movet tonitrus, vibrataque fulmina jactat. sed neque, quas posset terris inducere, nubes tunc habuit, nee quos caelo dimitteret, imbres. 310
28 ii. The Adventure of Pha'ethon, [Metam.
intonat, et dextra libratum fulmen ab aure misit in aurigam, pariterque animaque rotisque expulit, et saevis compescuit ignibus ignes. consternantur equi, et saltu in contraria facto colla jugo eripiunt, abruptaque lora relinquunt. 315 illic frena jacent, illic temone revulsus axis, in hac radii fractarum parte rotarum, sparsaque sunt late laceri vestigia currus.
At Phaethon, rutilos flamma populante capillos, volvitur in praeceps, longoque per aera tractu 320
fertur, ut interdum de caelo Stella sereno etsi non cecidit, potuit cecidisse videri. quern procul a patria diverso maximus orbe excipit Eridanus, fumantiaque abluit ora. Naides Hesperiae trifida fumantia flamma 325
corpora dant tumulo, signant quoque carmine saxum :
HIC SITVS EST PHAETHON CVRRVS AVRIGA PATERNI QVEM SI NON TENVIT MAGNIS TAMEN EXCIDIT AVS1S.
Nam pater obductos, luctu miserabilis aegro, condiderat vultus ; et si modo credimus, unum 330
isse diem sine sole ferunt ; incendia lumen praebebant, aliquisque malo fuit usus in illo.
At Clymene, postquam dixit quaecumque fuerunt in tantis dicenda malis, lugubris et amens et laniata sinus totum percensuit orbem : 335
exanimesque artus primo, mox ossa requirens, repperit ossa tamen peregrina condita ripa, incubuitque loco ; nomenque in marmore lectum perfudit lacrimis et aperto pectore fovit.
Nee minus Heliades fletus et — inania morti 340
munera — dant lacrimas, et caesae pectora palmis non auditurum miseras Phaethonta querellas nocte dieque vocant, adsternunturque sepulcro. luna quater junctis implerat cornibus orbem :
n. 377.] The Heliades: Cycnus. 29
illae more suo, nam morem fecerat usus, 345
plangorem dederant : e quis Phaethusa, sororum
maxima, cum vellet terra procumbere, questa est
deriguisse pedes ; ad quam conata venire
Candida Lampetie, subita radice retenta est;
tertia, cum crinem manibus laniare pararet, 350
avellit frondes ; haec stipite crura teneri,
ilia dolet fieri longos sua bracchia ramos.
dumque ea mirantur, complectitur inguina cortex,
perque gradus uterum, pectusque, humerosque, ma-
nusque ambit, et exstabant tantum ora vocantia matrem. 355
Quid faciat mater? nisi, quo trahat impetus illam hue eat, atque illuc? et, dum licet, oscula jungat? non satis est ; truncis avellere corpora temptat, et teneros manibus ramos abrumpit : at inde sanguineae manant, tamquam de vulnere, guttae. 360 * Parce, precor, mater/ quaecumque est saucia clamat, ' parce, precor ! nostrum laceratur in arbore corpus, jamque vale ' — cortex in verba novissima venit. inde fluunt lacrimae, stillataque sole rigescunt de ramis electra novis, quae lucidus amnis 365
excipit et nuribus mittit gestanda Latinis.
Adfuit huic monstro proles Sthenelei'a Cycnus, qui tibi materno quamvis a sanguine junctus, mente tamen, Phaethon, propior fuit ; ille relicto — nam Ligurum populos et magnas rexerat urbes — 370 imperio, ripas virides amnemque querellis Eridanum implerat, silvamque sororibus auctam : cum vox est tenuata viro, canaeque capillos dissimulant plumae, collumque a pectore longe porrigitur, digitosque ligat junctura rubentes, 375
penna latus vestit, tenet os sine acumine rostrum, fit nova Cycnus avis ; nee se caeloque Jovique
30 ii. The Adventure of Phaethon. [Metam.
credit, ut injuste missi memor ignis ab illo : stagna petit patulosque lacus, ignemque perosus, quae colat, elegit contraria flumina fiammis. 380
Squalidus interea genitor Phaethontis, et expers ipse sui decoris, qualis cum deficit orbem esse solet, lucemque odit seque ipse diemque, datque animum in luctus, et luctibus adicit iram, oiiiciumque negat mundo. ' Satis' inquit ' ab aevi 385 sors mea principiis fuit inrequieta, pigetque actorum sine fine mihi, sine honore laborum. quilibet alter agat portantes lumina currus : si nemo est, omnesque dei non posse fatentur, ipse agat; ut saltern, dum nostras temptat habenas, orbatura patres aliquando fulmina ponat. turn sciet, ignipedum vires expertus equorum, non meruisse necem, qui non bene rexerit illos.'
Talia dicentem circumstant omnia Solem numina, neve velit tenebras inducere rebus, 395
supplice voce rogant ; missos quoque Juppiter ignes excusat, precibusque minas regaliter addit. colligit amentes et adhuc terrore paventes Phoebus equos, stimuloque domans et verbere caedit : saevit enim, natumque objectat et imputat illis. 400
II. 849.] The Ra$e of Eur of a. 31
III. The Rape of Europa. [Book 1 1. — 833-875.]
[Callisto, beloved by Jupiter, is transformed by Juno's jealousy into a bear, and set as a constellation in the heavens (401-530). Coronis is transformed into a raven ; Nyctimene into a night-owl, and the prophetic Ocyroe into a mare (531-675). Apollo serving Admetus as herdsman, his cattle are stolen by Mer- cury, who changes Battus to a stone, finding him ready to betray his secret (676-707). Aglauros, daughter of Cecrops, is harassed by envy of her sister Herse, beloved by Mercury, and is changed into a stone (708-832).]
Europa, daughter of Agenor, king of Phoenicia, being beloved by Jupiter, he sends Mercury to drive Agenor's cattle to the shore, meanwhile transforming himself to a snow-white bull ; whom Europa mounts, and so is borne away upon the sea, to the island of Crete.
T TAS ubi verborum poenas mentisque profanae A A cepit Atlantiades, dictas a Pallade terras linquit, et ingreditur jactatis aethera pennis. 835
sevocat hunc genitor ; nee causam fassus amoris, ' Fide minister ' ait ' jussorum, nate, meorum, pelle moram, solitoque celer delabere cursu : quaque tuam matrem tellus a parte sinistra suspicit, indigenae Sidonida nomine dicunt, 840
hanc pete ; quodque procul montano gramine pasci armentum regale vides, ad litora verte.'
Dixit ; et expulsi jamdudum monte juvenci litora jussa petunt, ubi magni filia regis ludere virginibus Tyriis comitata solebat. 845
non bene conveniunt, nee in una sede morantur majestas et amor. Sceptri gravitate relicta, ille pater rectorque deum, cui dextra trisulcis ignibus armata est, qui nutu concutit orbem,
32 in. The Ra$e of Eurofa. [Metam.
induitur faciem tauri ; mixtusque juvencis 850
mugit, et in teneris formosus obambulat herbis. quippe color nivis est, quam nee vestigia duri calcavere pedis, nee solvit aquaticus auster; colla toris extant ; armis palearia pendent ; cornua parva quidem, sed quae contendere possis 855 facta manu, puraque magis perlucida gemma, nullae in fronte minae, nee formidabile lumen : pacem vultus habet. Miratur Agenore nata, quod tarn formosus, quod proelia nulla minetur. sed quamvis mitem, metuit contingere primo : 860
mox adit, et flores ad Candida porrigit ora.
Nunc latus in fulvis niveum deponit arenis : 865
paulatimque metu dempto, modo pectora praebet virginea palpanda manu, modo cornua sertis impedienda novis. Ausa est quoque regia virgo, nescia quern premeret, tergo considere tauri : cum deus a terra siccoque a litore sensim 870
falsa pedum primis vestigia ponit in undis, inde abit ulterius, mediique per aequora ponti fert praedam. Pavet haec, litusque ablata relictum respicit, et dextra cornum tenet, altera dorso imposita est : tremulae sinuantur flamine vestes. 875
III. 20-1 The Search of Cadmus. 33
IV. The Search of Cadmus.
[Book III. — 1-137.]
Cadmus, brother of Europa, being sent by his father in search of her, by guidance of an oracle follows a heifer ; and when she lies down to rest, prepares for sacrifice (1-25). But meanwhile his companions, sent to a fountain of Mars for water, are devoured by a dragon (26-49). Seeking them, Cadmus encounters and slays the dragon (50-94). At the command of Pallas, he sows his teeth, which spring up armed men. These are all, excepting five, slain in mutual strife ; and, by help of the survivors, Cadmus founds the city Thebes, in Bceotia, which being interpreted is the land of kiiie (95-130).
TAMQUE deus, posita fallacis imagine tauri, ** se confessus erat, Dictaeaque rura tenebat : cum pater ignarus Cadmo perquirere raptam imperat, et poenam, si non invenerit, addit exsilium : facto pius et sceleratus eodem. 5
Orbe pererrato — quis enim deprendere possit furta Jovis? — profugus patriamque iramque parentis vitat Agenorides, Phoebique oracula supplex consulit, et quae sit tellus habitanda requirit. 1 Bos tibi ' Phoebus ait * solis occurret in arvis, 10
nullum passa jugum, curvique immunis aratri. hac duce, carpe vias ; et qua requieverit herba, moenia fac condas, Boeotiaque ilia vocato.'
Vix bene Castalio Cadmus descenderat antro, incustoditam lente videt ire juvencam 15
nullum servitii signum cervice gerentem. subsequitur, pressoque legit vestigia gressu, auctoremque viae Phoebum taciturnus adorat. jam vada Cephisi, Panopesque evaserat arva : bos stetit, et tollens speciosam cornibus altis 20
.1
34 The Search of Cadmus, [Metam.
ad caelum frontem, mugitibus impulit auras, atque ita respiciens comites sua terga sequentes, procubuit, teneraque latus summisit in herba.
Cadmus agit grates, peregrinaeque oscula terrae figit, et ignotos montes agrosque salutat. 25
sacra Jovi facturus erat : jubet ire ministros, et petere e vivis libandas fontibus undas. silva vetus stabat nulla violata securi, et specus in medio, virgis ac vimine densus, efficiens humilem lapidum compagibus arcum, 30
uberibus fecundus aquis, ubi conditus antro Martius anguis erat, cristis praesignis et auro : igne micant oculi, corpus tumet omne veneno, tresque vibrant linguae, triplici stant ordine dentes.
Quern postquam Tyria lucum de gente profecti 35 infausto tetigere gradu, demissaque in undas urna dedit sonitum, longo caput extulit antro caeruleus serpens, horrendaque sibila misit. effluxere urnae manibus, sanguisque relinquit corpus, et attonitos subitus tremor occupat artus. 40 ille volubilibus squamosos nexibus orbes torquet, et immensos saltu sinuatur in arcus : ac media plus parte leves erectus in auras despicit omne nemus, tantoque est corpore, quanto si totum spectes, geminas qui separat Arctos. 45
nee mora, Phoenicas, sive illi tela parabant, sive fugam, sive ipse timor prohibebat utrumque, occupat : hos morsu, longis amplexibus illos, hos necat afflati funesta tabe veneni.
Fecerat exiguas jam sol altissimus umbras : 50
quae mora sit sociis, miratur Agenore natus, vestigatque viros : tegumen direpta leonis pellis erat, telum splendenti lancea ferro et jaculum, teloque animus praestantior omni.
III. 88.] Fight with the Dragon, 35
ut nemus intravit, letataque corpora vidit, 55
victoremque supra spatiosi corporis hostem
tristia sanguinea lambentem vulnera lingua,
* Aut ultor vestrae, fidissima corpora, mortis,
aut comes ' inquit ! ero.' Dixit, dextraque molarem
sustulit, et magnum magno conamine misit. 60
illius impulsu cum turribus ardua celsis
moenia mota forent : serpens sine vulnere mansit,
loricaeque modo squamis defensus, et atrae
duritia pellis, validos cute reppulit ictus.
At non duritia jaculum quoque vicit eadem, 65
quod medio lentae spinae curvamine fixum constitit, et totum descendit in ilia ferrum. ille, dolore ferox, caput in sua terga retorsit, vulneraque aspexit, fixumque hastile momordit, idque ubi vi multa partem labefecit in omnem, 70
vix tergo eripuit ; ferrum tamen ossibus haesit. turn vero postquam solitas accessit ad iras causa recens, plenis tumuerunt guttura venis, spumaque pestiferos circumfluit albida rictus, terraque rasa sonat squamis, quique halitus exit 75 ore niger Stygio, vitiatas inficit auras, ipse modo immensum spiris facientibus orbem cingitur, interdum longa trabe rectior exstat ; impete nunc vasto ceu concitus imbribus amnis fertur, et obstantes proturbat pectore silvas. 80
Cedit Agenorides paulum, spolioque leonis sustinet incursus, instantiaque ora retardat cuspide praetenta : furit ille, et inania duro vulnera dat ferro, figitque in acumine dentes ; jamque venenifero sanguis manare palato 85
coeperat, et virides aspergine tinxerat herbas : sed leve vulnus erat, quia se retrahebat ab ictu, laesaque colla dabat retro, plagamque sedere
36 The Search of Cadmus. [Metam.
cedendo arcebat, nee longius ire sinebat :
donee Agenorides conjectum in gutture ferrum 90
usque sequens pressit, dum retro quercus eunti
obstitit, et fixa est pariter cum robore cervix.
pondere serpentis curvata est arbor, et imae
parte flagellari gemuit sua robora caudae.
Dum spatium victor victi considerat hostis, 95
vox subito audita est ; neque erat cognoscere promptum unde, sed audita est : * Quid, Agenore nate, peremptum serpentem spectas? et tu spectabere serpens.' ille diu pavidus pariter cum mente colorem perdiderat, gelidoque comae terrore rigebant. 100
ecce viri fautrix, superas delapsa per auras Pallas adest, motaeque jubet subponere terrae vipereos dentes, populi incrementa futuri. paret, et ut presso sulcum patefecit aratro, spargit humi jussos, mortalia semina, dentes. 105
inde — fide majus — glebae coepere moveri, primaque de sulcis acies apparuit hastae ; tegmina mox capitum picto nutantia cono ; mox humeri pectusque onerataque bracchia telis exsistunt, crescitque seges clipeata virorum. no
sic ubi tolluntur festis aulaea theatris, surgere signa solent, primumque ostendere vultus, cetera paulatim ; placidoque educta tenore tota patent, imoque pedes in margine ponunt.
Territus hoste novo Cadmus capere arma parabat : * Ne cape ' de populo quern terra creaverat unus exclamat, * nee te civilibus insere bellis.' atque ita terrigenis rigido de fratribus unum cominus ense ferit : jaculo cadit eminus ipse, hunc quoque qui leto dederat, non longius illo 120
vivit, et exspirat modo quas acceperat, auras, exemploque pari furit omnis turba, suoque
III. 130.] Founding of the City Thebes. 37
marte cadunt subiti per mutua vulnera fratres. jamque brevis vitae spatium sortita juventus sanguineo tepidam plangebat pectore matrem, 125
quinque superstitibus, quorum fuit unus Echion. is sua jecit humo monitu Tritonidis arma, fraternaeque fidem pads petiitque deditque. hos operis comites habuit Sidonius hospes, cum posuit jussam Phoebeis sortibus urbem. 130
Jam stabant Thebae : poteras jam, Cadme, videri exsilio felix. Soceri tibi Marsque Venusque contigerant ; hue adde genus de conjuge tanta, tot natos natasque, et pignora cara, nepotes : hos quoque jam juvenes. Sed scilicet ultima semper expectanda dies homini, dicique beatus ante obitum nemo supremaque funera debet.
38 Pyramus and Thisbe. [Metam.
V. PYRAMUS AND TlIISBE. [Book IV. — 55-166.]
[Of the family of Cadmus, Actaeon, having beheld Diana as she was bathing with her nymphs, was changed by her into a stag, and torn in pieces by his own hounds (III. 138-252). Semele became the mother of Bacchus, but was destroyed by the presence of Jupiter, whom she desired to see clothed with flames and thunder (253~3I5)- Tiresias, the Theban seer, is made blind, but endowed with prophecy (316-338). The nymph Echo, pining with love of Narcissus, becomes a rock, her voice alone surviving (339-401) ; while Narcissus, gazing on his image in a fountain, perishes, and by the -water-nymphs is converted to a flower (402-510). Pen- theus, having denied the god Bacchus, and forbidden his solem- nities, and caused him to be seized, is torn in pieces by Bacchanals, his mother and sisters aiding : Bacchus meanwhile (in the form of Acastes) relates the miracle wrought by himself upon a Tyrrhenian crew, whose ship's tackle he had converted to serpents, and them- selves to dolphins (511-733). Three Theban sisters (Minyeides) likewise refrain from the rites of Bacchus : of whom one relates the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe (IV. 1-54)].
These young lovers, dwelling in Babylon, had appointed a meeting at the tomb of king Ninus (55-92). Thisbe, coming first, is terrified by a lion and so escapes. Pyramus, soon arriving, finds tracks of the beast and the torn mantle of Thisbe ; and con- ceiving that she is slain, stabs himself with his sword, his blood reddening the fruit of the mulberry, at whose foot he lies (93-127). Thisbe, soon returning, finds him dying, and slays herself with the sword yet warm (128-166).
TT)YRAMUS et Thisbe, juvenum pulcherrimus alter, x altera, quas Oriens habuit, praelata puellis, contiguas tenuere domos, ubi dicitur altam coctilibus muris cinxisse Semiramis urbem. notitiam primosque gradus vicinia fecit : tempore crevit amor ; taedae quoque jure co'issent, 60 sed vetuere patres. Quod non potuere vetare,
IV. 95-] Meeting assigned at JVtnus9 Tomb, 39
ex aequo captis ardebant mentibus ambo : conscius omnis abest ; nutu signisque loquuntur.
Quoque magis tegitur, tectus magis aestuat ignis, fissus erat tenui rima, quam duxerat olim 65
cum fieret, paries domui communis utrique. id vitium nulli per saecula longa notatum — quid non sentit amor? — primi vidistis, amantes, et vocis fecistis iter ; tutaeque per illud murmure blanditiae minimo transire solebant. 70
saepe, ubi constiterant, hinc Thisbe, Pyramus illinc, inque vices fuerat captatus anhelitus oris, * Invide' dicebant * paries, quid amantibus obstas? quantum erat, ut sineres toto nos corpore jungi, aut hoc si nimium, vel ad oscula danda pateres ! 75 nee sumus ingrati ; tibi nos debere fatemur, quod datus est verbis ad arnicas transitus aures.' talia diversa nequiquam sede locuti, sub noctem dixere vale, partique dedere oscula quisque suae non pervenientia contra. 80
Postera nocturnos aurora removerat ignes, solque pruinosas radiis siccaverat herbas : ad solitum co'iere locum. Turn murmure parvo multa prius questi, statuunt ut nocte silenti fallere custodes foribusque excedere temptent, 85
cumque domo exierint, urbis quoque tecta relinquant ; neve sit errandum lato spatiantibus arvo, conveniant ad busta Nini, lateantque sub umbra arboris : arbor ibi niveis uberrima pomis ardua morus erat, gelido contermina fonti. 90
Pacta placent; et lux, tarde discedere visa, praecipitatur aquis, et aquis nox surgit ab isdem. callida per tenebras versato cardine Thisbe egreditur fallitque suos, adopertaque vultum pervenit ad tumulum, dictaque sub arbore sedit. 95
40 Pyramus and Thisbe. [Metam.
audacem faciebat amor. Venit ecce recenti
caede leaena bourn spumantes oblita rictus,
depositura sitim vicini fontis in unda.
quam procul ad lunae radios Babylonia Thisbe
vidit, et obscurum trepido pede fugit in antrum, ioo
dumque fugit, tergo velamina lapsa reliquit.
ut lea saeva sitim multa compescuit unda,
dum redit in silvas, inventos forte sine ipsa
ore cruentato tenues laniavit amictus.
Serius egressus, vestigia vidit in alto 105
pulvere certa ferae, totoque expalluit ore Pyramus. Ut vero vestem quoque sanguine tinctam repperit, * Una duos ' inquit ■ nox perdet amantes : e quibus ilia fuit longa dignissima vita, nostra nocens anima est : ego te, miseranda, peremi, in loca plena metus qui jussi nocte venires, nee prior hue veni. Nostrum divellite corpus, et scelerata fero consumite viscera morsu,
0 quicumque sub hac habitatis rupe, leones.
sed timidi est optare necem.' — Velamina Thisbes 115 tollit, et ad pactae secum fert arboris umbram. utque dedit notae lacrimas, dedit oscula vesti,
1 Accipe nunc' inquit ' nostri quoque sanguinis haustus V quoque erat accinctus, demisit in ilia ferrum ;
nee mora, ferventi moriens e vulnere traxit. 120
Ut jacuit resupinus humo, cruor emicat alte : non aliter, quam cum vitiato fistula plumbo scinditur, et tenui stridente foramine longas ejaculatur aquas, atque ictibus aera rumpit. arborei fetus aspergine caedis in atram 125
vertuntur faciem, madefactaque sanguine radix puniceo tinguit pendentia mora colore.
Ecce metu nondum posito, ne fallat amantem, ilia redit, juvenemque oculis animoque requirit,
IV. 163.] Death of both the Lovers, 41
quantaque vitarit narrare pericula gestit. 130
ntque locum, et visa cognoscit in arbore for mam, sic facit incertam pomi color : haeret, an haec sit. dum dubitat, tremebunda videt pulsare cruentum membra solum, retroque pedem tulit, oraque buxo pallidiora gerens, exhorruit aequoris instar, 135
quod tremit, exigua cum summum stringitur aura.
Sed postquam remorata suos cognovit amores, percutit indignos claro plangore lacertos, et laniata comas, amplexaque corpus amatum, vulnera supplevit lacrimis, fletumque cruori 140
miscuit, et gelidis in vultibus oscula flgens, 1 Pyrame ! ■ clamavit * quis te mihi casus ademit? Pyrame, responde : tua te carissima Thisbe nominat : exaudi, vultusque attolle jacentes ! '
Ad nomen Thisbes oculos jam morte gravatos 145 Pyramus erexit, visaque recondidit ilia ; quae postquam vestemque suam cognovit, et ense vidit ebur vacuum, * Tua te manus ' inquit * amorque perdidit, infelix. Est et mihi fortis in unum hoc manus, est et amor ; dabit hie in vulnera vires, persequar exstinctum, letique miserrima dicar causa comesque tui ; quique a me morte revelli heu sola poteras, poteris nee morte revelli. hoc tamen amborum verbis estote rogati, O multum miseri, mens illiusque parentes, 155
ut quos certus amor, quos hora novissima junxit, componi tumulo non invideatis eodem. at tu, quae ramis arbor miserabile corpus nunc tegis unius, mox es tectura duorum, signa tene caedis, pullosque et luctibus aptos 160
semper habe fetus, gemini monumenta cmoris.'
Dixit, et aptato pectus mucrone sub imum incubuit ferro, quod adhuc a caede tepebat.
42 Perseus and Andromeda, [Met am.
vota tamen tetigere deos, tetigere parentes :
nam color in pomo est, ubi permaturuit, ater ; ^5
quodque rogis superest, una requiescit in urna.
VI. Perseus and Andromeda.
[Book IV. — 615-803.]
[A second sister tells of Leucothoe, an eastern princess, beloved by the sun-god, who is by him changed after her burial into the herb frankincense ; and of Clytie, who, pining with hopeless love of the same divinity, becomes a sun-flower (IV. 167-270). The third sister, Leuconoe, tells the fable of the fountain-nymph Salmacis, to whose waters was given the power to unman whosoever might bathe in them (271-388). But the three sisters, who had despised the rites of Bacchus, are themselves converted into bats (389- 415). Ino also, daughter of Cadmus and nurse of Bacchus, having affronted Juno, is with her husband Athamas maddened by a Fury, despatched from Tartarus ; so that, while he slays their eldest son, taking him for a wild beast, Ino casts herself with Melicerta into the sea, becoming the sea divinity Leucothea, and her companions are changed to stones and birds (416-562). Cadmus and his wife Hermione, in great age, having witnessed these sorrows of their house, are at length converted into serpents, consoled only by the glories of their grandson Bacchus (563-614)0
Perseus, returning from the slaying of Medusa, is refused hos- pitality by the Titan Atlas, whom by the Gorgon's head he converts into a mountain (615-662). Flying over Ethiopia, he discovers the princess Andromeda, daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia, fastened to a cliff to be devoured by a sea-monster, which he attacks and slays, and so wins Andromeda for his bride (663-739). The marvellous effect of Medusa's head, which changes leaves and twigs to coral ; and the tale told at Perseus' wedding feast, of Medusa, daughter of Phorcus, whose golden locks were by the wrath of Minerva changed to serpents.
IV. 648.] The Giant Atlas. 43
"\ 77PEREI referens spolium memorabile monstri
' aera carpebat tenerum stridentibus alis ; cumque super Libycas victor penderet arenas, Gorgonei capitis guttae cecidere cruentae, quas humus exceptas varios animavit in angues : unde frequens ilia est infestaque terra colubris. 620
Inde per immensum ventis discordibus actus nunc hue, nunc illuc, exemplo nubis aquosae fertur, et ex alto seductas aethere longe despectat terras, totumque supervolat orbem. ter gelidas Arctos, ter Cancri bracchia vidit : 625
saepe sub occasus, saepe est ablatus in ortus. jamque cadente die, veritus se credere nocti, constitit Hesperio, regnis Atlantis, in orbe ; exiguamque petit requiem, dum Lucifer ignes evocet Aurorae, currus Aurora diurnos. 630
Hie hominum cunctos ingenti corpore praestans Iapetionides Atlas fuit. Ultima tellus rege sub hoc et pontus erat, qui Solis anhelis aequora subdit equis, et fessos excipit axes, mille greges illi, totidemque armenta per herbas 635 errabant ; et humum vicinia nulla premebant. arboreae frondes auro radiante virentes, ex auro ramos, ex auro poma tegebant.
' Hospes,' ait Perseus illi, * seu gloria tangit te generis magni, generis mihi Juppiter auctor ; 640 sive es mirator rerum, mirabere nostras : hospitium requiemque peto.' Memor ille vetustae sortis erat ; Themis hanc dederat Parnasia sortem : * Tempus, Atla, veniet, tua quo spoliabitur auro arbor, et hunc praedae titulum Jove natus habebit.' id metuens, solidis pomaria clauserat Atlas moenibus, et vasto dederat servanda draconi, arcebatque suis externos finibus omnes.
44 Perseus and Andromeda. [Metam.
huic quoque ' Vade procul, ne longe gloria rerum, quam mentiris,' ait ' longe tibi Juppiter absit ; ' 650
vimque minis addit, manibusque expellere temptat cunctantem, et placidis miscentem fortia dictis.
Viribus inferior — quis enim par esset Atlanti viribus ? — 'At quoniam parvi tibi gratia nostra est, accipe munus,' ait ; laevaque a parte Medusae 655 ipse retroversus squalentia prodidit ora. quantus erat, mons factus Atlas : nam barba comaeque in silvas abeunt, juga sunt humerique manusque ; quod caput ante fuit, summo est in monte cacumen ; ossa lapis fiunt. Turn partes auctus in omnes 660
crevit in immensum — sic di statuistis — et omne cum tot sideribus caelum requievit in illo.
Clauserat Hippotades aeterno carcere ventos, admonitorque operum caelo clarissimus alto Lucifer ortus erat. Pennis ligat ille resumptis 665 parte ab utraque pedes, teloque accingitur unco, et liquidum motis talaribus aera findit. gentibus innumeris circumque infraque relictis, Aethiopum populos Cepheaque conspicit arva. illic immeritam maternae pendere linguae 670
Andromedan poenas immitis jusserat Ammon.
Quam simul ad duras religatam bracchia cautes vidit Abantiades, — nisi quod levis aura capillos moverat, et tepido manabant lumina fletu, marmoreum ratus esset opus — trahit inscius ignes, et stupet, et visae correptus imagine formae, paene suas quatere est oblitus in aere pennas. ut stetit, fO' dixit fnon istis digna catenis, sed quibus inter se cupidi junguntur amantes, pande requirenti nomen terraeque tuumque, 680
et cur vincla geras.' Primo silet ilia, nee audet appellare virum virgo ; manibusque modestos
IV. 715] Approach of the Sea-monster. 45
celasset vultus, si non religata fuisset. lumina, quod potuit, lacrimis implevit obortis.
Saepius instanti, sua ne delicta fateri 685
nolle videretur, nomen terraeque suumque, quantaque maternae fuerit fiducia formae, indicat. Et nondum memoratis omnibus unda insonuit, veniensque immenso belua ponto imminet, et latum sub pectore possidet aequor. 690
Conclamat virgo ; genitor lugubris et una mater adest, ambo miseri, sed justius ilia, nee secum auxilium, sed dignos tempore fletus plangoremque ferunt, vinctoque in corpore adhaerent ; cum sic hospes ait : * Lacrimarum longa manere 695 tempora vos poterunt; ad opem brevis hora feren-
dam est. hanc ego si peterem Perseus Jove natus et ilia, quam clausam implevit foecundo Juppiter auro, Gorgonis anguicomae Perseus superator, et alis aetherias ausus jactatis ire per auras, 700
praeferrer cunctis certe gener. Addere tantis dotibus et meritum, faveant modo numina, tempto : ut mea sit servata mea virtute, paciscor.' accipiunt legem — quis enim dubitaret? — et orant, prornittuntque super regnum dotale parentes. 705
Ecce velut navis praefixo concita rostro sulcat aquas, juvenum sudantibus acta lacertis, sic fera dimotis impulsu pectoris undis tantum aberat scopulis, quantum Balearica torto funda potest plumbo medii transmittere caeli : 710
cum subito juvenis, pedibus tellure repulsa, arduus in nubes abiit. Ut in aequore summo umbra viri visa est, visam fera saevit in umbram. utque Jovis praepes, vacuo cum vidit in arvo praebentem Phoebo liventia terga draconem, 715
46 Perseus and Andromeda. [Met am.
occupat aversum, neu saeva retorqueat ora, squamigeris avidos figit cervicibus ungues : sic celer immisso praeceps per inane volatu terga ferae pressit, dextroque frementis in armo Inachides ferrum curvo tenus abdidit hamo. 720
vulnere laesa gravi, modo se sublimis in auras attollit, modo subdit aquis, modo more ferocis versat apri, quern turba canum circumsona terret. ille avidos morsus velocibus effugit alis ; quaque patent, nunc terga cavis super obsita conchis, nunc laterum costas, nunc qua tenuissima cauda desinit in piscem, falcato verberat ense. belua puniceo mixtos cum sanguine fluctus ore vomit : maduere graves aspergine pennae.
Nee bibulis ultra Perseus talaribus ausus 730
credere, conspexit scopulum, qui vertice summo stantibus exstat aquis, operitur ab aequore moto. nixus eo, rupisque tenens juga prima, sinistra ter quater exegit repetita per ilia ferrum. litora cum plausu clamor superasque deorum 735
implevere domos. Gaudent, generumque salutant, auxiliumque domus servatoremque fatentur Cassiope Cepheusque pater. Resoluta catenis incedit virgo, pretiumque et causa laboris.
Ipse manus hausta victrices abluit unda : 740
anguiferumque caput dura ne laedat arena, mollit humum foliis, natasque sub aequore virgas sternit, et imponit Phorcynidos ora Medusae, virga recens bibulaque etiamnum viva medulla vim rapuit monstri, tactuque induruit hujus, 745
percepitque novum ramis et fronde rigorem. at pelagi nymphae factum mirabile temptant pluribus in virgis, et idem contingere gaudent, seminaque ex illis iterant jactata per undas.
IV. 784] The Marriage Festival. 47
nunc quoque curaliis eadem natura remansit, 750
duritiam tacto capiant ut ab aere, quodque vimen in aequore erat, fiat super aequora saxum.
Dis tribus ille focos totidem de cespite ponit, laevum Mercurio, dextrum tibi, bellica Virgo; ara Jovis media est : mactatur vacca Minervae, 755 alipedi vitulus, taurus tibi, summe deorum. protinus Andromedan et tanti praemia facti indotata rapit. Taedas Hymenaeus Amorque praecutiunt ; largis satiantur odoribus ignes, sertaque dependent tectis, et ubique lyraeque 760
tibiaque et cantus, animi felicia laeti argumenta, sonant. Reseratis aurea valvis atria tota patent, pulchroque instructa paratu Cepheni proceres ineunt convivia regis.
Postquam epulis functi generosi munere Bacchi 765 diffudere animos, cultusque genusque locorum quaerit Lyncides, moresque animumque virorum ; qui simul edocuit, * Nunc, O fortissime,' dixit 1 fare precor, Perseu, quanta virtute, quibusque 770 artibus abstuleris crinita draconibus ora.' narrat Agenorides gelido sub Atlante jacentem esse locum solidae tutum munimine molis, cujus in introitu geminas habitasse sorores Phorcidas, unius partitas luminis usum : 775
id se sollerti furtim, dum traditur, astu subposita cepisse manu ; perque abdita longe deviaque et silvis horrentia saxa fragosis Gorgoneas tetigisse domos ; passimque per agros perque vias vidisse hominum simulacra ferarumque in silicem ex ipsis visa conversa Medusa : se tamen horrendae clipei, quod laeva gerebat, aere repercusso, formam aspexisse Medusae ; dumque gravis somnus colubrasque ipsamque tenebat,
48 Perseus and Andromeda. [Metam.
eripuisse caput collo ; pennisque fugacem 785
Pegason et fratrem, matris de sanguine natos. addidit et longi non falsa pericula cursus : quae freta, quas terras sub se vidisset ab alto, et quae jactatis tetigisset sidera pennis. ante exspectatum tacuit tamen. Excipit unus 790
ex numero procerum, quaerens, cur sola sororum gesserit alternis inmixtos crinibus angues.
Hospes ait, • Quoniam scitaris digna relatu, accipe quaesiti causam. Clarissima forma multorumque fuit spes invidiosa procorum 795
ilia ; nee in tota conspectior ulla capillis pars fuit. Inveni, qui se vidisse referret. hanc pelagi rector templo vitiasse Minervae dicitur. Aversa est et castos aegide vultus nata Jovis texit ; neve hoc impune fuisset, 800
Gorgoneum crinem turpes mutavit in hydros, nunc quoque, ut attonitos formidine terreat hostes, pectore in adverso quos fecit, sustinet angues.'
V.] Tke Wandering of Ceres, 49
VII. The Wandering of Ceres. [Book V. — 341-661.]
[At the marriage feast of Perseus and Andromeda, her uncle Phineus, to whom she had been betrothed, out of jealousy caused a quarrel among the guests ; and a violent quarrel arising thence, with bloodshed on both sides, Perseus, by showing the Gorgon's head, suddenly turned into stone Phineus himself, with two hundred of his companions (V. 1-235). And by the same means, after his return to Argos, his enemies Prcetus and Polydectes were likewise converted into stone (236-249). Minerva (who had attended Per- seus thus far), coming to Helicon and inquiring of the Muses, is told the following : that having taken refuge from a tempest with Pyreneus of Daulia, in Phocis, and he offering them violence, they were changed to birds ; and he, attempting flight after them, was dashed in pieces (250-293). The Pierides, daughters of king Pierus, of Macedonia, having challenged them to a trial of skill, begin with the tale of the giant sons of Earth, who attempted to scale Olympus ; the terror of the gods before Typhoeus, and the various shapes they assumed in their flight ; to which the Muses respond by relating the Wandering of Ceres in her search for her daughter Proserpine (294-340).]
When the monster Typhoeus had been buried beneath Mount yEtna, Pluto, god of the world below, alarmed at the convulsions caused by his agony, came forth to view. Now Venus had been jealous at the virginity of Proserpine, Ceres' daughter ; and at her bidding Cupid shot the king of Shadows with his dart. He then, beholding Proserpine, as she sported with her maidens in the vale of Enna, seized her, and bore her away in his chariot, driving his way through the fount of Cyane, who thereon was herself con- verted into water (341-437). Seeking her daughter in vain, by the light of torches kindled from ^Etna, Ceres turned into a spotted lizard (stelUd) the boy Stelles, who had mocked her eager thirst ; and into a horned owl Ascalaphus, who testified to having seen Proserpine in Hades eat seven pomegranate-seeds, whereby she was compelled to remain in her new abode. Meanwhile, the virgin-companions of Proserpine became winged Sirens. And, by favor of Jupiter, Proserpine was permitted to pass half the year with her mother, and half with her wedded lord (438-567).
50 The Wandering of Ceres. [Metam.
Ceres, comforted that her daughter is thus partially restored to her, asks of the nymph Arethusa of her flight and transformation ; who relates that, being pursued by the river-god Alpheus, in Elis of Greece, Diana, whose attendant nymph she was, provided for her escape by a passage beneath the sea, whereby she came to the isle of Ortygia, sacred to Diana, on the coast of Sicily (569-641).
Ceres then, proceeding to Athens, gave her chariot to Tripto- lemus, that he might instruct mankind in the sowing and gathering of corn ; and Lyncus, seeking to kill him out of envy, is converted to a lynx (642-661).
[So ends the tale sung by the Muses. And the Pierides, being adjudged defeated in their rivalry, are transformed to chattering magpies (662-678).]
"DRIMA Ceres unco glebam dimovit aratro,
-*- prima dedit fruges alimentaque mitia terris,
prima dedit leges : Cereris sunt omnia munus.
ilia canenda mihi est. Utinam modo dicere possem
carmina digna dea : certe dea carmine digna est. 345
Vasta giganteis ingesta est insula membris Trinacris, et magnis subjectum molibus urguet aetherias ausum sperare Typhoea sedes. nititur ille quidem, pugnatque resurgere saepe ; dextra sed Ausonio manus est subjecta Peloro, 350
laeva, Pachyne, tibi ; Lilybaeo crura premuntur ; degravat Aetna caput, sub qua resupinus arenas ejectat, flammamque fero vomit ore Typhoeus. saepe remoliri luctatur pondera terrae, oppidaque et magnos devolvere corpore montes. 355 inde tremit tellus ; et rex pavet ipse silentum, ne pateat, latoque solum retegatur hiatu, immissusque dies trepidantes terreat umbras.
Hanc metuens cladem, tenebrosa sede tyrannus exierat, curruque atrorum vectus equorum 360
ambibat Siculae cautus fundamina terrae. postquam exploratum satis est, loca nulla labare,
V. 396-] Proserpine is stolen by Pluto. 51
depositique metus, videt hunc Erycina vagantem
monte suo residens, natumque amplexa volucrem
1 Arma manusque meae, mea, nate, potentia,' dixit
* ilia, quibus superas omnes, cape tela, Cupido,
inque dei pectus celeres molire sagittas,
cui triplicis cessit fortuna novissima regni.
tu superos ipsumque Jovem, tu numina ponti
victa domas, ipsumque regit qui numina ponti. 370
Tartara quid cessant? cur non matrisque tuumque
imperium profers? agitur pars tertia mundi.
et tamen in caelo, quae jam patientia nostra est,
spernimur, ac mecum vires minuuntur Amoris.
Pallada nonne vides jaculatricemque Dianam 375
abscessisse mihi? Cereris quoque filia virgo,
si patiemur, erit ; nam spes adfectat easdem.
at tu, pro socio (siqua est ea gratia) regno,
junge deam patruo.' Dixit Venus ; ille pharetram
solvit, et,arbitrio matris, de mille sagittis 380
unam seposuit, sed qua nee acutior ulla,
nee minus incerta est, nee quae magis audiat arcus.
oppositoque genu curvavit flexile cornu :
inque cor hamata percussit arundine Ditem.
Haud procul Hennaeis lacus est a moenibus altae, nomine Pergus, aquae. Non illo plura Caystros carmina eyenorum labentibus audit in undis. silva coronat aquas cingens latus omne, suisque frondibus ut velo Phoebeos submovet ignes. frigora dant rami, Tyrios humus humida flores : 390 perpetuum ver est. Quo dum Proserpina luco ludit, et aut violas aut Candida lilia carpit, dumque puellari studio calathosque sinumque implet, et aequales certat superare legendo, paene simul visa est dilectaque raptaque Diti : 395
usque adeo est properatus amor. Dea territa maesto
52 The Wandering of Ceres, [Met am.
et matrem et comites, sed matrem saepius, ore clamat; et ut summa vestem laniarat ab ora, collecti flores tunicis cecidere remissis. tantaque simplicitas puerilibus adfuit annis, 400
haec quoque virgineum movit jactura dolorem.
Raptor agit currus, et nomine quemque vocatos exhortatur equos, quorum per colla jubasque excutit obscura tinctas ferrugine habenas. perque lacus altos et olentia sulfure fertur 405
stagna Palicorum, rupta ferventia terra; et qua Bacchiadae, bimari gens orta Corintho, inter inaequales posuerunt moenia portus.
Est medium Cyanes et Pisaeae Arethusae, quod coit angustis inclusum cornibus aequor. 410
hie fuit, a cujus stagnum quoque nomine dictum est, inter Sicelidas Cyane celeberrima nymphas. gurgite quae medio summa tenus exstitit alvo, agnovitque deam : f Nee longius ibitis* inquit ; • non potes invitae Cereris gener esse : roganda, 415 non rapienda fuit. Quod si componere magnis parva mihi fas est, et me dilexit Anapis : exorata tamen, nee, ut haec, exterrita nupsi.' dixit, et in partes diversas bracchia tendens ohstitit. Haud ultra tenuit Saturnius iram, 420
terribilesque hortatus equos in gurgitis ima contortum valido sceptrum regale lacerto condidit. Icta viam tellus in Tartara fecit, et pronos currus medio cratere recepit.
At Cyane raptamque deam contemptaque fontis 425 jura sui maerens, inconsolabile vulnus mente gerit tacita, lacrimisque absumitur omnis ; et quarum fuerat magnum modo numen, in illas extenuatur aquas. Molliri membra videres, ossa pati flexus, ungues posuisse rigorem : 430
V. 464.] Her Weary Search. 53
primaque de tota tenuissima quaeque liquescunt,
caerulei crines, digitique et crura pedesque :
nam brevis in gelidas membris exilibus undas
transitus est ; post haec humeri tergusque latusque
pectoraque in tenues abeunt evanida rivos. 435
denique pro vivo vitiatas sanguine venas
lympha subit ; restatque nihil, quod prendere possis.
Interea pavidae nequiquam filia matri omnibus est terris, omni quaesita profundo. illam non udis veniens Aurora capillis 440
cessantem vidit, non Hesperus : ilia duabus flammiferas pinus manibus succendit ab Aetna, perque pruinosas tulit inrequieta tenebras. rursus ubi alma dies hebetarat sidera, natam solis ab occasu solis quaerebat ad ortus. 445
fessa labore sitim collegerat, oraque nulli colluerant fontes ; cum tectam stramine vidit forte casam, parvasque fores pulsavit : at inde prodit anus, divamque videt, lymphamque roganti dulce dedit, tosta quod texerat ante polenta. 450
dum bibit ilia datum, duri puer oris et audax constitit ante deam, risitque, avidamque vocavit. offensa est ; neque adhuc epota parte loquentem cum liquido mixta perfudit diva polenta, combibit os maculas, et quae modo bracchia gessit, 455 crura gerit ; cauda est mutatis addita membris : inque brevem formam, ne sit vis magna nocendi, contrahitur, parvaque minor mensura lacerta est. mirantem flentemque et tangere monstra parantem fugit anum, latebramque petit; aptumque colori 460 nomen habet, variis stellatus corpora guttis.
Quas dea per terras et quas erraverit undas, dicere longa mora est. Quaerenti defuit orbis : Sicaniam repetit ; dumque omnia lustrat eundo,
54 The Wandering of Ceres. [Metam.
venit et ad Cyanen. Ea ni mutata fuisset, 465
omnia narrasset ; sed et os et lingua volenti dicere non aderant, nee quo loqueretur, habebat. signa tamen manifesta dedit, notamque parenti, illo forte loco delapsam in gurgite sacro, Persephones zonam summis ostendit in undis. 470
quam simul agnovit, tamquam tunc denique raptam scisset, inornatos laniavit diva capillos, et repetita suis percussit pectora palmis. nescit adhuc ubi sit ; terras tamen increpat omnes, ingratasque vocat, nee frugum munere dignas : 475 Trinacriam ante alias, in qua vestigia damni repperit. Ergo illic saeva vertentia glebas fregit aratra manu, parilique irata colonos ruricolasque boves leto dedit, arvaque jussit fallere depositum, vitiataque semina fecit. 480
fertilitas terrae latum vulgata per orbem falsa jacet ; primis segetes moriuntur in herbis, et modo sol nimius, nimius modo corripit imber ; sideraque ventique nocent, avidaeque volucres semina jacta legunt ; lolium tribulique fatigant 485
triticeas messes, et inexpugnabile gramen. Turn caput Eleis Alpheias extulit undis, rorantesque comas a fronte removit ad aures, atque ait : ' O toto quaesitae virginis orbe et frugum genitrix, immensos siste labores, 490
neve tibi fidae violenta irascere terrae : terra nihil meruit, patuitque invita rapinae. nee sum pro patria supplex ; hue hospita veni : Pisa mihi patria est, et ab Elide ducimus ortus. Sicaniam peregrina colo, sed gratior omni 495
haec mihi terra solo est. Hos nunc Arethusa penates, hanc habeo sedem ; quam tu, mitissima, serva. mota loco cur sim, tantique per aequoris undas
V. S32-] She discovers Proserpine's Abode. 55
advehar Ortygiam, veniet narratibus hora
tempestiva meis, cum tu curaque levata 500
et vultus melioris eris. Mihi pervia tellus
praebet iter, subterque imas ablata cavernas,
hie caput attollo, desuetaque sidera cerno.
ergo dum Stygio sub terris gurgite labor,
visa tua est oculis illic Proserpina nostris : 505
ilia quidem tristis, neque adhuc interrita vultu,
sed regina tamen, sed opaci maxima mundi,
sed tamen inferni pollens matrona tyranni.'
Mater ad auditas stupuit ceu saxea voces, attonitaeque diu similis fuit. Utque dolore 510
pulsa gravi gravis est amentia, curribus auras exit in aetherias : ibi toto nubila vultu ante Jovem passis stetit invidiosa capillis : ■ Proque meo veni supplex tibi, Juppiter,' inquit, 1 sanguine, proque tuo. Si nulla est gratia matris, 515 nata patrem moveat ; neu sit tibi cura, precamur, vilior illius, quod nostro est edita partu. en quaesita diu tandem mihi nata reperta est : si reperire vocas amittere certius, aut si scire, ubi sit, reperire vocas. Quod rapta, feremus, dummodo reddat earn : neque enim praedone marito filia digna tua est — si jam mea filia non est.'
Juppiter excepit, * Commune est pignus onusque nata mihi tecum ; sed si modo nomina rebus addere vera placet, non hoc injuria factum, 525
verum amor est. Neque erit nobis gener ille pudori, tu modo, diva, velis. Ut desint cetera, quantum est esse Jovis fratrem ! Quid quod nee cetera desunt, nee cedit nisi sorte mihi. Sed tanta cupido si tibi discidii est, repetet Proserpina caelum, 530
lege tamen certa, si nullos contigit illic ore cibos : nam sic Parcarum foedere cautum est.'
56 The Wandering of Ceres. [Metam.
Dixerat ; at Cereri certum est educere natam : non ita fata sinunt, quoniam jejunia virgo solverat, et cultis dum simplex errat in hortis, 535
poeniceum curva decerpserat arbore pomum, sumptaque pallenti septem de cortice grana presserat ore suo. Solusque ex omnibus illud Ascalaphus vidit, quern quondam dicitur Orphne, inter Avernales haud ignotissima nymphas, 540
ex Acheronte suo silvis peperisse sub atris : vidit, et indicio reditum crudelis ademit. ingemuit regina Erebi, testemque profanam fecit avem, sparsumque caput Phlegethontide lympha ' in rostrum et plumas et grandia lumina vertit. 545
ille sibi ablatus fulvis amicitur ab alis, inque caput crescit, longosque reflectitur ungues, vixque movet natas per inertia bracchia pennas : foedaque fit volucris, venturi nuntia luctus, ignavus bubo, dirum mortalibus omen. 550
Hie tamen indicio poenam linguaque videri commeruisse potest. Vobis, Acheloides, unde pluma pedesque avium, cum virginis ora geratis? an quia, cum legeret vernos Proserpina flores, in comitum numero, doctae Sirenes, eratis? 555
quam postquam toto frustra quaesistis in orbe, protinus ut vestram sentirent aequora curam, posse super fluctus alarum insistere remis optastis, facilesque deos habuistis, et artus vidistis vestros subitis flavescere pennis. 560
ne tamen ille canor mulcendas natus ad aures tantaque dos oris linguae deperderet usum, virginei vultus et vox humana remansit.
At medius fratrisque sui maestaeque sororis Juppiter ex aequo volventem dividit annum. 565
nunc dea, regnorum numen commune duorum,
V. 6oo.] The Tale of Arethusa. 57
cum matre est totidem, totidem cum conjuge menses, vertitur extemplo facies et mentis et oris : nam modo quae poterat Diti quoque maesta videri, laeta deae frons est; ut sol, qui tectus aquosis 570
nubibus ante fuit, victis e nubibus exit.
Exigit alma Ceres, nata secura recepta, quae tibi causa fugae, cur sis, Arethusa, sacer fons? conticuere undae : quarum dea sustulit alto fonte caput, viridesque manu siccata capillos 575
fluminis Elei veteres narravit amores : 1 Pars ego nympharum, quae sunt in Achaide,' dixit, * una fui ; nee me studiosius altera saltus legit, nee posuit studiosius altera casses. sed quamvis formae numquam mihi fama petita est, quamvis fortis eram, formosae nomen habebam. nee mea me facies nimium laudata juvabat : quaque aliae gaudere solent, ego rustica dote corporis erubui, crimenque placere putavi.
1 Lassa revertebar, memini, Stymphalide silva : 585 aestus erat, magnumque labor geminaverat aestum. invenio sine vertice aquas, sine murmure euntes, perspicuas ad humum, per quas numerabilis alte calculus ornnis erat, quas tu vix ire putares. cana salicta dabant nutritaque populus unda 590
sponte sua natas ripis declivibus umbras, accessi, primumque pedis vestigia tinxi, poplite deinde tenus ; neque eo contenta, recingor, molliaque impono salici velamina curvae, nudaque mergor aquis ; quas dum ferioque trahoque mille modis labens, excussaque bracchia jacto, nescio quod medio sensi sub gurgite murmur, territaque insisto propioris margine ripae. Jgtw firoflcras, Arethusa P suis Alpheus ab undis, £>uo $r operas? iterum rauco mihi dixerat ore. 600
5$ The Tale of Arethusa, [Met am.
si cut eram, fugio sine vestibus : altera vestes
ripa meas habuit : tanto magis instat, et ardet.
sic ego currebam, sic me ferus ille premebat,
ut fugere accipitrem penna trepidante columbae, 605
ut solet accipiter trepidas urguere columbas.
usque sub Orchomenon, Psophidaque, Cyllenenque,
Maenaliosque sinus, gelidumque Erymanthon, et Elin
currere sustinui ; nee me velocior ille.
' Sed tolerare diu cursus ego, viribus impar, 610
non poteram : longi patiens erat ille laboris. per tamen et campos, per opertos arbore montes, saxa quoque et rupes et qua via nulla, cucurri. sol erat a tergo : vidi praecedere longam ante pedes umbram — nisi si timor ilia videbat — 615 sed certe sonitusque pedum terrebat, et ingens crinales vittas adflabat anhelitus oris, fessa labore fugae, Fer ofiem, defirendimur, inquam, armigerae, Dictynna, tuae, cut saefie dedisti ferre tuos arcus inclusaque tela -pharetra. 620
' Mota dea est, spissisque ferens e nubibus unam me super injecit. Lustrat caligine tectam amnis, et ignarus circum cava nubila quaerit; bisque locum, quo me dea texerat, inscius ambit, et bis Io Arethusa! Io Arethusa! vocavit. 625
quid mihi tunc animi miserae fuit? anne quod agnae
est, siqua lupos audit circum stabula alta frementes? aut lepori, qui vepre latens hostilia cernit ora canum, nullosque audet dare corpore motus?
* Non tamen abscedit ; neque enim vestigia cernit longius ulla pedum : servat nubemque locumque. occupat obsessos sudor mihi frigidus artus, caeruleaeque cadunt toto de corpore guttae. quaque pedem movi, manat lacus, eque capillis
V. 66i.] Triptolemus and Lyncus. 59
ros cadit ; et citius quam nunc tibi facta renarro, 635 in latices mutor. Sed enim cognoscit amatas aninis aquas, positoque viri quod sumpserat ore, vertitur in proprias, ut se mihi misceat, undas. Delia rupit humum, caecisque ego mersa cavernis advehor Ortygiam, quae me cognomine divae 640
grata meae superas eduxit prima sub auras.'
Hac Arethusa terms. Geminos dea fertilis angues curribus admovit, frenisque coercuit ora, et medium caeli terraeque per aera vecta est, atque levem currum Tritonida misit in urbem 645
Triptolemo ; partimque rudi data semina jussit spargere humo, partim post tempora longa recultae. jam super Europen sublimis et Asida terram vectus erat juvenis ; Scythicas advertitur oras. rex ibi Lyncus erat. Regis subit ille penates ; 650 qua veniat, causamque viae nomenque rogatus et patriam, * Patria est clarae mihi ' dixit ' Athenae ; Triptolemus nomen. Veni nee puppe per undas, nee pede per terras : patuit mihi pervius aether, dona fero Cereris, latos quae sparsa per agros 655
frugiferas messes alimentaque mitia reddant.' barbarus invidit ; tantique ut muneris auctor ipse sit, hospitio recipit, somnoque gravatum adgreditur ferro. Conantem figere pectus lynca Ceres fecit, rursusque per aera jussit 660
Mopsopium juvenem sacros agitare jugales.
60 The Pride of Niobe, [Metam.
VIII. The Pride and the Grief of Niobe. [Book VI. — 165-312.]
[Minerva, having heard the tale of the Pierides, bethinks herself of a fit penalty for Arachne, a Lydian maid, who had boastfully challenged her to a trial of skill in embroidery. Visiting her in the guise of an old woman, and finding her still of the same mind, she assumes her proper shape, and works in her web the tale of sundry divine judgments, while Arachne weaves the story of numerous transformations of gods, impelled thereto by love. To punish her impiety and insolence, Minerva strikes her on the forehead ; and when Arachne in despair hangs herself, converts her to a spider, condemned to spin and to hang for evermore (VI. 1-145).]
But her fate does not warn Niobe, daughter of Tantalus, who, as the mother of seven sons and seven daughters, boasts herself above Latona. In wrath, therefore, and to avenge their mother, Apollo in one day smites all the sons of Niobe, and Diana all her daughters ; and so, being suddenly made childless, she is turned into marble, and her tears continue to flow for ever (165-312).
"PCCE venit comitum Niobe celeberrima turba, 165
-L/ vestibus intexto Phrygiis spectabilis auro,
et, quantum ira sink, formosa ; movensque decoro
cum capite inmissos humerum per utrumque capillos.
constitit ; utque oculos circumtulit alta superbos,
• Quis furor, auditos' inquit * praeponere visis 170
caelestes? aut cur colitur Latona per aras,
numen adhuc sine ture meum est? Mihi Tantalus
auctor, cui licuit soli superorum tangere mensas. Plei'adum soror est genitrix mea ; maximus Atlas est avus, aetherium qui fert cervicibus axem ; 175
Juppiter alter avus, socero quoque glorior illo.
1 Me gentes metuunt Phrygiae, me regia Cadmi sub domina est, fidibusque mei commissa mariti moenia cum populis a meque viroque reguntur.
VI. 2i3.] She boasts herself above Latona. 61
in quamcumque domus adverti lumina partem, 180
immensae spectantur opes. Accedit eodem
digna dea facies. Hue natas adice septem
et totidem juvenes, et mox generosque nurusque.
quaerite nunc, habeat quam nostra superbia causam !
nescio quoque audete satam Titanida Coeo 185
Latonam praeferre mihi, cui maxima quondam
exiguam sedem pariturae terra negavit.
nee caelo, nee humo, nee aquis dea vestra recepta est;
exsul erat mundi, donee miserata vagantem,
Hosfita tu tern's erras, ego (dixit) in undis; 190
instabilemque locum Delos dedit. Ilia duorum
facta parens : uteri pars haec est septima nostri.
1 Sum felix : quis enim neget hoc? felixque manebo : hoc quoque quis dubitet? tutam me copia fecit, major sum, quam cui possit Fortuna nocere : 195
multaque ut eripiat, multo mihi plura relinquet. excessere metum mea jam bona. Fingite demi huic aliquid populo natorum posse meorum : non tamen ad numerum redigar spoliata duorum, Latonae turbam : quae quantum distat ab orba? 200 ite, satisque superque sacri, laurumque capillis ponite.' Deponunt, infectaque sacra relinquunt, quodque licet, tacito venerantur murmure numen.
Indignata dea est ; summoque in vertice Cynthi talibus est dictis gemina cum prole locuta : 205
1 En ego vestra parens, vobis animosa creatis, et, nisi Junoni, nulli cessura dearum, an dea sim, dubitor ; perque omnia saecula cultis arceor, O nati, nisi vos succurritis, aris. nee dolor hie solus: diro convicia facto 210
Tantalis adjecit, vosque est postponere natis ausa suis, et me, quod in ipsam recidat, orbam dixit, et exhibuit linguam scelerata paternam.'
62 The Sons of Niobe are slain. [Metam.
Adjectura preces erat his Latona relatis : Desine Phoebus ait ; -poenae mora longa querella est, dixit idem Phoebe ; celerique per aera lapsu contigerant tecti Cadmeida nubibus arcem. planus erat lateque patens prope moenia campus, adsiduis pulsatus equis, ubi turba rotarum duraque mollierat subjectas ungula glebas. 220
Pars ibi de septem genitis Amphione fortes conscendunt in equos, Tyrioque rubentia suco terga premunt, auroque graves moderantur habenas : e qui.bus Ismenos, qui matri sarcina quondam prima suae fuerat, dum certum flectit in orbem 225
quadrupedis cursus, spumantiaque ora coercet, Ei mihi! conclamat, medioque in pectore fixa tela gerit, frenisque manu moriente remissis, in latus a dextro paulatim defluit armo.
Proximus, audito sonitu per inane pharetrae, 230 frena dabat Sipylus : veluti cum praescius imbris nube fugit visa, pendentiaque undique rector carbasa deducit, ne qua levis effluat aura, frena dabat : dantem non evitabile telum consequitur ; summaque tremens cervice sagitta 235 haesit, et exstabat nudum de gutture ferrum. ille, ut erat pronus, per crura admissa jubasque volvitur, et calido tellurem sanguine foedat.
Phaedimus infelix et aviti nominis heres Tantalus, ut solito finem imposuere labori, 240
transierant ad opus nitidae juvenile palaestrae : et jam contulerant arto luctantia nexu pectora pectoribus ; cum tento concita nervo, sicut erant juncti, trajecit utrumque sagitta. ingemuere simul ; simul incurvata dolore 245
membra solo posuere ; simul suprema jacentes lumina versarunt : animam simul exhalarunt.
VI. 231.] The Grief of Niobe. 63
Adspicit Alphenor, laniataque pectora plangens advolat, ut gelidos complexibus allevet artus ; inque pio cadit officio, nam Delius illi 250
intima fatifero rupit praecordia ferro. quod simul eductum, pars est pulmonis in hamis eruta, cumque anima cruor est effusus in auras.
At non intonsum simplex Damasichthona vulnus adficit. Ictus erat, qua crus esse incipit, et qua 255 mollia nervosus facit internodia poples. dumque manu temptat trahere exitiabile telum, altera per jugulum pennis tenus acta sagitta est. expulit hanc sanguis, seque ejaculatus in altum emicat, et longe terebrata prosilit aura. 260
Ultimus Ilioneus non profectura precando bracchia sustulerat, Di que O communiter omnes ^ dixerat, ignarus non omnes esse rogandos, far cite! Motus erat, cum jam revocabile telum non fuit, Arcitenens ; minimo tamen occidit ille 265 vulnere, non alte percusso corde sagitta.
Fama mali populique dolor lacrimaeque suorum tarn subitae matrem certam fecere ruinae mirantem potuisse, irascentemque, quod ausi hoc essent superi, quod tantum juris haberent. 270
nam pater Amphion, ferro per pectus adacto, flnierat moriens pariter cum luce dolorem.
Heu quantum haec Niobe Niobe distabat ab ilia, quae modo Lato'is populum summoverat aris, et mediam tulerat gressus resupina per urbem, 275
invidiosa suis ! at nunc miseranda vel hosti. corporibus gelidis incumbit, et ordine nullo oscula dispensat natos suprema per omnes. a quibus ad caelum liventia bracchia tollens, * Pascere, crudelis, nostro, Latona, dolore : 280
pascere ' ait, « satiaque meo tua pectora luctu :
64 The Grief of Niobe. [Metam.
corque ferum satia ' dixit ; ' per funera septem efferor: exsulta, victrixque inimica triumpha. cur autem victrix? miserae mihi plura supersunt, quam tibi felici. Post tot quoque funera vinco.' 285
Dixerat, et sonuit contento nervus ab arcu : qui praeter Nioben unam conterruit omnes. ilia malo est audax. Stabant cum vestibus atris ante toros fratrum demisso crine sorores ; e quibus una, trahens haerentia viscere tela 290
imposito fratri, moribunda relanguit ore ; altera, solari miseram conata parentem, conticuit subito, duplicataque vulnere caeco est, oraque compressit, nisi postquam spiritus ibat ; haec frustra fugiens collabitur ; ilia sorori 295
inmoritur ; latet haec ; illam trepidare videres.
Sexque datis leto diversaque vulnera passis, ultima restabat ; quam toto corpore mater, tota veste tegens, ' Unam minimamque relinque ! de multis minimam posco' clamavit f et unam.' 300
dumque rogat, pro qua rogat, occidit. Orba resedit exanimes inter natos natasque virumque, diriguitque malis. Nullos movet aura capillos, in vultu color est sine sanguine, lumina maestis stant immota genis, nihil est in imagine vivum. 305 ipsa quoque interius cum duro lingua palato congelat, et venae desistunt posse moveri. nee flecti cervix, nee bracchia reddere motus, nee pes ire potest, intra quoque viscera saxum est: flet tamen, et validi circumdata turbine venti 310
in patriam rapta est. Ibi lixa cacumine montis liquitur, et lacrimas etiam nunc marmora manant.
VII. 4«] The Enchantments of Medea, 65
IX. The Enchantments of Medea.
[Book VII.— 1-293.]
[The doom of Niobe reminds one hearer of the vengeance inflicted on certain people of Lycia, who, having refused to Latona a draught of water from the lake in her extreme thirst, were by Jupiter turned into frogs (VI. 313-381) ; and another of the satyr Marsyas, who was conquered in music and flayed by Apollo ; and another of the crime of Tantalus, Niobe's father, who caused his son Pelops to be served up at meat to the gods (382-411). Pan- dion of Athens, attacked for refusing the friendship of Pelops, is helped by Tereus, king of Thrace, to whom he gives his daughter Progne to wife. But Tereus, having committed incest with Progne's sister Philomel, is dreadfully revenged by the two, who serve to him in a banquet the body of his son Itys ; and, pursuing them for vengeance, all are transformed to birds — Tereus becom- ing a hoopoe, Progne a swallow, Philomel a nightingale, and Itys a pheasant ; while Pandion, dying of grief, is succeeded by Erec- theus (412-676), whose daughter Orithyia is borne away by Boreas (the North Wind) to Thrace. Here she becomes mother of the winged heroes Zethes and Calais, who accompany Jason and the Argonauts in their voyage for the Golden Fleece (677-721).]
Arrived at Colchis, Jason is met by the enchantress Medea, daughter of king Aetes ; who, moved by love, secures him by her enchantments from the Dragon guarding the fleece, and from the fire-breathing bulls, with which he ploughs the appointed field, sowing it with serpents' teeth (VII. 1-122). From these spring up armed men, who prepare to attack Jason ; but he, instructed by Medea, casts a stone among them, whereat they perish in mutual slaughter (123-143). Returning to Iolchos with Medea, he en- treats her to restore to youth his aged father. The magic is described at length, by which she prepares the juices of miraculous herbs ; and, these proving efficacious, yEson is converted to the fresh vigor of forty years before (144-293).
TAMQUE fretum Minyae Pagasaea puppe secabant : ^ perpetuaque trahens inopem sub nocte senectam Phineus visus erat, juvenesque Aquilone creati virgineas volucres miseri senis ore fugarant;
66 The Enchantments of Medea, [Metam.
multaque perpessi claro sub Iasone tandem 5
contigerant rapidas limosi Phasidos undas.
Dumque adeunt regem, Phrixeaque vellera poscunt, voxque datur numeris magnorum horrenda laborum, concipit interea validos Aeetias ignes ; et luctata diu, postquam ratione furorem 10
vincere non poterat, * Frustra, Medea, repugnas : nescio quis deus obstat' ait, < mirumque, nisi hoc est, aut aliquid certe simile huic, quod amare vocatur. nam cur jussa patris nimium mihi dura videntur? sunt quoque dura nimis. Cur, quern modo denique
vidi, I5
ne pereat, timeo? quae tanti causa timoris? excute virgineo conceptas pectore flammas, si potes, infelix. Si possem, sanior essem : sed gravat invitam nova vis ; aliudque cupido, mens aliud suadet. Video meliora, proboque : 20
deteriora sequor. Quid in hospite, regia virgo, ureris, et thalamos alieni concipis orbis? haec quoque terra potest, quod ames, dare. Vivat,
an ille occidat, in dis est. Vivat tamen : idque precari vel sine amore licet. Quid enim commisit Iason? 25 quern, nisi crudelem, non tangat Iasonis aetas et genus et virtus? quern non, ut cetera desint, ore movere potest? certe mea pectora movit.
* At nisi opem tulero, taurorum adflabitur ore, concurretque suae segetis tellure creatis 30
hostibus, aut avido dabitur fera praeda draconi. hoc ego si patiar, turn me de tigride natam, turn ferrum et scopulos gestare in corde fatebor. cur non et specto pereuntem, oculosque videndo conscelero? cur non tauros exhortor in ilium, ^5
terrigenasque feros, insopitumque draconem ?
VII. 7o-] She discourses with herself. 67
* Di meliora velint : quamquam non ista precanda, sed facienda mihi. Prodamne ego regna parentis, atque ope nescio quis servabitur advena nostra,
ut per me sospes sine me det lintea ventis, 40
virque sit alterius, poenae Medea relinquar? si facere hoc, aliamve potest praeponere nobis, occidat ingratus. Sed non is vultus in illo, non ea nobilitas animo est, ea gratia formae, ut timeam fraudem meritique oblivia nostri. 45
et dabit ante fidem ; cogamque in foedera testes esse deos. Quin tuta times ! accingere, et omnem pelle moram : tibi se semper debebit Iason, te face sollemni junget sibi, perque Pelasgas servatrix urbes matrum celebrabere turba. 50
6 Ergo ego germanam fratremque patremque deosque et natale solum, ventis ablata, relinquam? nempe pater saevus, nempe est mea barbara tellus, frater adhuc infans : stant mecum vota sororis ; maximus intra me deus est. Non magna relinquam ; magna sequar : titulum servatae pubis Achivae, notitiamque loci melioris, et oppida, quorum hie quoque fama viget, cultusque artesque locorum ; quemque ego cum rebus, quas totus possidet orbis, Aesoniden mutasse velim, quo conjuge felix 60
et dis cara ferar, et vertice sidera tangam.
* Quid, quod nescio qui mediis incurrere in undis dicuntur montes, ratibusque inimica Charybdis nunc sorbere fretum, nunc reddere, cinctaque saevis Scylla rapax canibus Siculo latrare profundo? 65 nempe tenensquod amo, gremioque in Iasonis haerens, per freta longa ferar. Nihil ilium amplexa verebor ; aut, si quid metuam, metuam de conjuge solo, conjugiumne vocas, speciosaque nomina culpae imponis, Medea, tuae? quin aspice, quantum 70
68 . The Enchantments of Medea, [Metam.
aggrediare nefas, et dum licet, effuge crimen.' dixit ; et ante oculos rectum pietasque pudorque constiterant, et victa dabat jam terga Cupido.
Ibat ad antiquas Hecates Perseidos aras, quas nemus umbrosum secretaque silva tegebat. 75 et jam fortis erat, pulsusque recesserat ardor; cum videt Aesoniden, exsttnetaque flamma revixit. erubuere genae, totoque recanduit ore, utque solet ventis alimenta assumere, quaeque parva sub inducta latuit scintilla favilla, 80
crescere, et in veteres agitata resurgere vires, sic jam lentus amor, jam quern languere putares, ut vidit juvenem, specie praesentis inarsit.
Et casu solito formosior Aesone natus ilia luce fuit : posses ignoscere amanti. 85
spectat, et in vultu veluti turn denique viso lumina fixa tenet, nee se mortalia demens ora videre putat, nee se declinat ab illo. . ut vero coepitque loqui, dextramque prehendit hospes, et auxilium summissa voce rogavit, 90
promisitque torum, lacrimis ait ilia profusis : 4 Quid faciam video ; nee me ignorantia veri decipiet, sed amor. Servabere munere nostro : servatus promissa dato.' Per sacra triformis ille deae, lucoque foret quod numen in illo, 95
perque patrem soceri cernentem cuncta futuri, eventusque suos et tanta pericula jurat, creditus accepit cantatas protinus herbas, edidicitque usum, laetusque in tesca recessit.
Postera depulerat Stellas aurora micantes : 100
conveniunt populi sacrum Mavortis in arvum, consistuntque jugis. Medio rex ipse resedit agmine, purpureus sceptroque insignis eburno. ecce adamanteis volcanum naribus efflant
VII. 1 44-] Jason fulfils his Task, 69
aeripedes tauri, tactaeque vaporibus herbae 105
ardent. Utque solent pleni resonare camini, aut ubi terrena silices fornace soluti concipiunt ignem liquidarum aspargine aquarum : pectora sic intus clausas volventia flammas gutturaque usta sonant. Tamen illis Aesone natus obvius it : vertere truces venientis ad ora terribiles vultus praefixaque cornua ferro, pulvereumque solum pede pulsavere bisulco, fumificisque locum mugitibus impleverunt.
Deriguere metu Minyae. Subit ille, nee ignes 115 sentit anhelatos, — tantum medicamina possunt, — 1 pendulaque audaci mulcet palearia dextra, subpositosque jugo pondus grave cogit aratri ducere, et insuetum ferro proscindere campum. mirantur Colchi : Minyae clamoribus augent, 120
adiciuntque animos. Galea turn sumit aena vipereos dentes, et aratos spargit in agros. semina mollit humus valido praetincta veneno, et crescunt, fiuntque sati nova corpora dentes.
Quos ubi viderunt praeacutae cuspidis hastas 13! in caput Haemonii juvenis torquere parantes, demisere metu vultumque animumque Pelasgi. ipsa quoque extimuit, quae tutum fecerat ilium : utque peti vidit juvenem tot ab hostibus unum, 135
palluit, et subito sine sanguine frigida sedit ; neve parum valeant a se data gramina, carmen auxiliare canit, secretasque advocat artes. ille, gravem medios silicem jaculatus in hostes, a se depulsum Martem convertit in ipsos. 140
terrigenae pereunt per mutua vulnera fratres, civilique cadunt acie. Gratantur Achivi, victoremque tenent, avidisque amplexibus haerent.
Tu quoque victorem complecti, barbara, velles :
70 The Enchantments of Medea. [Metam.
obstitit incepto pudor ; at complexa fuisses, 145
sed te, ne faceres, tenuit reverentia famae. quod licet, adfectu tacito laetaris, agisque carminibus grates et dis auctoribus horum.
Pervigilem superest herbis sopire draconem, qui crista linguisque tribus praesignis et uncis 150
dentibus horrendus custos erat arietis aurei. hunc postquam sparsit Lethaei gramine suci, verbaque ter dixit placidos facientia somnos, quae mare turbatum, quae concita flumina sistunt: somnus in ignotos oculos sibi venit, et auro 155
heros Aesonius potitur ; spolioque superbus, muneris auctorem secum, spolia altera, portans, victor Iolciacos tetigit cum conjuge portus.
Haemoniae matres pro gnatis dona receptis grandaevique ferunt patres, congestaque flamma 160 tura liquefaciunt, inductaque cornibus aurum victima vota cadit. Sed abest gratantibus Aeson, jam propior leto, fessusque senilibus annis. cum sic Aesonides : ■ O cui debere salutem confiteor, conjunx, quamquam mihi cuncta dedisti, 165 excessitque fidem meritorum summa tuorum : si tamen hoc possunt (quid enim non carmina possint?) deme meis annis, et demptos adde parenti : ■ nee tenuit lacrimas. Mota est pietate rogantis, dissimilemque animum subiit Aeeta relictus. 170
Nee tamen affectus tales confessa, ' Quod ' inquit * excidit ore pio, conjunx, scelus? ergo ego cuiquam posse tuae videor spatium transcribere vitae? nee sinat hoc Hecate, nee tu petis aequa. Sed isto, quod petis, experiar majus dare munus, Iason. 175
arte mea soceri longum temptabimus aevum, non annis revocare tuis : modo diva triformis adjuvet, et praesens intentibus adnuat ausis \
VII. 2i2.] Her Moonlight Incantations. 71
Tres aberant noctes, ut cornua tota coirent efficerentque orbem. Postquam plenissima fulsit, 180 ac solida terras spectavit imagine luna, egreditur tectis vestes induta recinctas, nuda pedem, nudos humeris infusa capillos, fertque vagos mediae per muta silentia noctis incomitata gradus. Homines volucresque ferasque solverat alta quies ; nullo cum murmure sepes ; immotaeque silent frondes ; silet humidus aer ; sidera sola micant. Ad quae sua bracchia tendens ter se convertit, ter sumptis flumine crinem inroravit aquis, ternisque ululatibus ora 190
solvit ; et in dura summisso poplite terra : —
1 Nox' ait * arcanis fidissima, quaeque diurnis aurea cum luna succeditis ignibus, astra, tuque triceps Hecate, quae coeptis conscia nostris adjutrixque venis, cantusque artesque magorum 195 quaeque magos, Tellus, pollentibus instruis herbis, auraeque et venti montesque amnesque lacusque, dique omnes nemorum, dique omnes noctis adeste, quorum ope, cum volui, ripis mirantibus amnes in fontes rediere suos, concussaque sisto, 200
stantia concutio cantu freta, nubila pello, nubilaque induco, ventos abigoque vocoque, vipereas rumpo verbis et carmine fauces, vivaque saxa, sua convulsaque robora terra et silvas moveo, jubeoque tremescere montes 205
et mugire solum, manesque exire sepulchris ;
* Te quoque, Luna, traho, quamvis Temesaea labores aera tuos minuant, currus quoque carmine nostro pallet avi, pallet nostris Aurora venenis : — vos mihi taurorum flammas hebetastis, et unco 210
impatiens oneris collum pressistis aratro. vos serpentigenis in se fera bella dedistis ;
72 The Enchantments of Medea, [Metam.
custodemque rudem somni sopistis, et aurum vindice decepto Graias misistis in urbes.
1 Nunc opus est sucis, per quos renovata senectus 215 in florem redeat, primosque recolligat annos. et dabitis ; neque enim micuerunt sidera frustra, nee frustra volucrum tractus cervice draconum currus adest.' Aderat demissus ab aethere currus.
Quo simul ascendit, frenataque colla draconum 220 permulsit, manibusque leves agitavit habenas : sublimis rapitur, subjectaque Thessala Tempe despicit, et Threces regionibus applicat angues ; et quas Ossa tulit, quas altum Pelion herbas, Othrys quas Pindusque et Pindo major Olympus, 225 perspicit, et placitas partim radice revellit, partim succidit curvamine falcis aenae. multa quoque Apidani placuerunt gramina ripis, multa quoque Amphrysi : neque eras immunis, Enipeu ; nee non Peneus, nee non Spercheides undae 230
contribuere aliquid, juncosaque litora Boebes. carpsit et Eubo'ica vivax Anthedone gramen, nondum mutato vulgatum corpore Glauci.
Et jam nona dies curru pennisque draconum, nonaque nox omnes lustrantem viderat agros, 235
cum rediit : neque erant tacti, nisi odore, dracones, et tamen annosae pellem posuere senectae. constitit adveniens citra limenque foresque, et tantum caelo tegitur, refugitque viriles contactus ; statuitque aras e cespite binas, 240
dexteriore Hecates, ast laeva parte Juventae.
Has ubi verbenis silvaque incinxit agresti, baud procul egesta scrobibus tellure duabus sacra facit, cultrosque in guttura velleris atri conicit, et patulas perfundit sanguine fossas. 245
turn super invergens liquidi carchesia bacchi,
VII. 280.] The Magic Cauldron. 73
aeneaque invergens tepidi carchesia lactis,
verba simul fudit, terrenaque numina civit,
umbrarumque rogat rapta cum conjuge regem,
ne properent artus anima fraudare senili. 250
Quos ubi placavit, precibusque et murmure longo, Aesonis effoetum proferri corpus ad auras jussit, et in plenos resolutum carmine somnos, exanimi similem stratis porrexit in herbis. hinc procul Aesoniden, procul hinc jubet ire ministros, et monet arcanis oculos removere profanos. diffugiunt jussi ; passis Medea capillis, bacchantum ritu, flagrantes circuit aras : multifidasque faces in fossa sanguinis atra tinguit, et intinctas geminis accendit in aris ; 260
terque senem flamma, ter aqua, ter sulfure lustrat.
Interea validum posito medicamen aeno fervet, et exsultat spumisque tumentibus albet. illic Haemonia radices valle resectas seminaque floresque et sucos incoquit acres. 265
adicit extremo lapides Oriente petitos, et quas Oceani refluum mare lavit arenas, addit et exceptas luna pernocte pruinas, et strigis infames ipsis cum carnibus alas, inque virum soliti vultus mutare ferinos 270
ambigui prosecta lupi ; nee defuit illic squamea Cinyphii tenuis membrana chelydri, vivacisque jecur cervi, quibus insuper addit ora caputque novem cornicis saecula passae.
His et mille aliis postquam sine nomine rebus 275 propositum instruxit remorari Tartara munus, arenti ramo jampridem mitis olivae omnia confudit, summisque immiscuit ima. ecce vetus calido versatus stipes aeno fit viridis primo, nee longo tempore frondes 280
74 The Enchantments of Medea. [Metam.
induit, et subito gravidis oneratur olivis. at quacumque cavo spumas ejecit aeno ignis, et in terram guttae cecidere calentes, vernat humus, floresque et mollia pabula surgunt.
Quae simul ac vidit, stricto Medea recludit 285
ense senis jugulum, veteremque exire cruorem passa, replet sucis. Quos postquam conbibit Aeson, aut ore acceptos aut vulnere, barba comaeque canitie posita nigrum rapuere colorem ; pulsa fugit macies, abeunt pallorque situsque, 290
adjectoque cavae supplentur corpore rugae, membraque luxuriant. Aeson miratur, et olim ante quater denos hunc se reminiscitur annos.
VIII. 156.3 The Flight of Dcedalns. 75
X. The Flight of Daedalus. [Book VIII. — 152-259.]
[Deceiving the daughters of Pelias, Jason's enemy, by a similar miracle wrought upon an aged ram, Medea brings about their father's death (VII. 297-349). Escaping by means of winged dragons, and passing over the scene of many transformations, Medea comes to Athens ; whence (her attempted poisoning of Theseus being foiled by the recognition of his father ^Egeus) she suddenly vanishes (350-424). A feast is celebrated in honor of Theseus' exploits ; and hostility ensuing with Minos (Europa's son) of Crete, Cephalus is sent as envoy to ^Egina ; to whom the aged yEacus relates the marvellous transformation of ants to men (called Myrmidons), after his realm had been ravaged by pestilence (425- 660). Now Cephalus had received from his wife Procris a hound and a dart that never missed its aim ; and, as he delighted greatly in hunting, Procris being jealous watched him from a thicket ; and he, taking it for the movement of some wild creature, shot her with that dart which was her own gift (661-865). Minos, making war on Athens to avenge the slaying of his son Androgeos, comes first to Megara ; where Scylla, daughter of the king Nisus, out of love for Minos cuts the purple lock on which her father's kingdom and life depend. Disdained by Minos, she is changed to a sea-mew, and Nisus to an osprey (VIII. 1-151).]
Theseus, in his escape from the Cretan labyrinth, had borne away Ariadne, daughter of Minos ; who, forsaken by him, is com- forted by Bacchus, who sets her coronet among the stars (152-1S2). Daedalus, builder of the labyrinth, being imprisoned, escapes with his son Icarus by means of wings fastened with wax ; but Icarus, soaring too near the sun, and the wax melting, falls into the sea named for him (183-234). His fall is gladly seen by Perdix, once sister's son to Daedalus, and slain by him out of envy, but changed by Minerva to a partridge (235-259).
T 7DTA Jovi Minos taurorum corpora centum
* solvit, ut, egressus ratibus, Curetida terram contigit, et spoliis decorata est regia fixis. creverat opprobrium generis, foedumque patebat 155 matris adulterium monstri novitate biformis.
76 The Flight of Dcedalns. [Metam.
destinat hunc Minos thalamis removere pudorem, multiplicique domo caecisque includere tectis.
Daedalus ingenio fabrae celeberrimus artis ponit opus, turbatque notas, et lumina flexum 160
ducit in errorem variarum ambage viarum. non secus ac liquidus Phrygiis Maendros in arvis ludit, et ambiguo lapsu refluitque fluitque, occurrensque sibi venturas aspicit undas, et nunc ad fontes, nunc ad mare versus apertum 165 incertas exercet aquas : ita Daedalus implet innumeras errore vias ; vixque ipse reverti ad limen potuit, tanta est fallacia tecti.
Quo postquam geminam tauri juvenisque figuram clausit, et Actaeo bis pastum sanguine monstrum 170 tertia sors annis domuit repetita novenis; utque ope virginea nullis iterata priorum janua difficilis filo est inventa relecto, protinus Aegides rapta Mino'ide Diam vela dedit, comitemque suam crudelis in illo 175
litore destituit. Desertae et multa querenti amplexus et opem Liber tulit, utque perenni sidere clara foret, sumptam de fronte coronam immisit caelo. Tenues volat ilia per auras ; dumque volat, gemmae nitidos vertuntur in ignes, 180 consistuntque loco, specie remanente coronae, qui medius Nixique genu est, Anguemque tenentis.
Daedalus interea Creten longumque perosus exsilium, tactusque loci natalis amore, clausus erat pelago. ' Terras licet' inquit * et undas obstruat, at caelum certe patet : ibimus iliac, omnia possideat, non possidet aera Minos.' dixit ; et ignotas animum dimittit in artes, naturamque novat : nam ponit in ordine pennas, a minima coeptas, longam breviore sequenti, 190
VIII. 224.] His Warning to Icarus. 77
ut clivo crevisse putes. Sic rustica quondam
fistula disparibus paulatim surgit avenis.
turn lino medias et ceris adligat imas,
atque ita compositas parvo curvamine flectit,
ut veras imitetur aves. Puer Icarus una 195
stabat, et, ignarus sua se tractare pericla,
ore renidenti modo quas vaga moverat aura,
captabat plumas, flavam modo pollice ceram
mollibat, lusuque suo mirabile patris
impediebat opus. Postquam manus ultima coeptis 200
imposita est, geminas opifex libravit in alas
ipse suum corpus, motaque pependit in aura.
Instruit et natum, * Medio' que ' ut limite curras, Icare,' ait |i moneo, ne, si demissior ibis, unda gravet pennas, si celsior, ignis adurat : 205
inter utrumque vola. Nee te spectare Booten aut Helicen jubeo, strictumque Ononis ensem : me duce carpe viam.' Pariter praecepta volandi tradit, et ignotas humeris adcommodat alas : inter opus monitusque genae maduere seniles, 210
et patriae tremuere manus. Dedit oscula nato non iterum repetenda suo ; pennisque levatus ante volat, comitique timet, velut ales, ab alto quae teneram prolem produxit in aera nido ; hortaturque sequi, damnosasque erudit artes, 215
et movet ipse suas et nati respicit alas.
Hos aliquis tremula dum captat arundine pisces, aut pastor baculo, stivave innixus arator, vidit, et obstupuit, quique aethera carpere possent, credidit esse deos. Et jam Junonia laeva 220
parte Samos fuerat, Delosque Parosque relictae, dextra Lebinthos erat, fecundaque melle Calymne, cum puer audaci coepit gaudere volatu, deseruitque ducem, caelique cupidine tractus
78 The Flight of Dcedalns. [Metam.
altius egit iter. Rapidi vicinia solis 225
mollit odoratas, pennarum vincula, ceras.
tabuerant cerae : nudos quatit ille lacertos,
remigioque carens non ullas percipit auras.
oraque caerulea patrium clamantia nomen
excipiuntur aqua, quae nomen traxit ab illo. 230
at pater infelix, nee jam pater, * Icare,' dixit,
4 Icare,' dixit * ubi es? qua te regione requiram?'
* Icare ' dicebat, pennas aspexit in undis :
devovitque suas artes, corpusque sepulchro
condidit, et tellus a nomine dicta sepulti. 235
Hunc miseri tumulo ponentem corpora nati garrula limoso prospexit ab elice perdix, et plausit pennis, testataque gaudia cantu est : unica tunc volucris, nee visa prioribus annis, factaque nuper avis, longum tibi, Daedale, crimen. 240 namque huic tradiderat, fatorum ignara, docendam progeniem germana suam, natalibus actis bis puerum senis, animi ad praecepta capacis. ille etiam medio spinas in pisce notatas traxit in exemplum, ferroque incidit acuto 245
perpetuos dentes, et serrae repperit usum ; primus et ex uno duo ferrea bracchia nodo vinxit, ut aequali spatio distantibus illis altera pars staret, pars altera duceret orbem. Daedalus invidit, sacraque ex arce Minervae 250
praecipitem misit, lapsum mentitus ; at ilium quae favet ingeniis, excepit Pallas, avemque reddidit, et medio velavit in aere pennis. sed vigor ingenii quondam velocis in alas inque pedes abiit ; nomen quod et ante, remansit. 255 non tamen haec alte volucris sua corpora tollit, nee facit in ramis altoque cacumine nidos : propter humum volitat, ponitque in sepibus ova, antiquique memor metuit sublirnia casus.
VIII. 278.] The Calydonian Hunt, 79
XL The Calydonian Hunt. [Book VIII. — 260-545.]
Diana, angry with king (Eneus, because her sacrifice had been neglected, sent a fierce boar to ravage the country of Calydon (260-298). Meleager, son of (Eneus, summons the bravest youth of Greece to hunt the monster ; and among them comes Atalanta of Arcadia, whom Meleager beholds with love (299-328). After a difficult chase, Atalanta is first to wound the boar, which is finally killed by Meleager (329-439). He bestows the boar's head, as the prize of victory, on Atalanta ; which being resented by the brothers of his mother Althaea, they are slain by him in the quarrel, and Althaea, incensed at their death, after long debate with herself, plunges into the flames the fatal brand on which the life of her son depends, so that he perishes miserably (440-525).
TAMQUE fatigatum tellus Aetnaea tenebat •^ Daedalon, et sumptis pro supplice Cocalus armis mitis habebatur. Jam lamentabile Athenae pendere desierant Thesea laude tributum ; templa coronantur, bellatricemque Minervam cum Jove disque vocant aliis, quos sanguine voto 265 muneribusque datis et acerris turis adorant ; sparserat Argolicas nomen vaga fama per urbes Theseos, et populi, quos dives Achaia cepit, hujus opem magnis imploravere periclis.
Hujus opem Calydon, quamvis Meleagron haberet, sollicita supplex petiit prece. Causa petendi sus erat, infestae famulus vindexque Dianae. Oenea namque ferunt pleni successibus anni primitias frugum Cereri, sua vina Lyaeo, Palladios flavae latices libasse Minervae ; 275
coeptus ab agricolis superos pervenit ad omnes ambitiosus honor : solas sine ture relictas praeteritae cessasse ferunt Latoidos aras.
80 The Calydonian Hunt. [Metam.
Tangit et ira deos : ' At non impune feremus, quaeque inhonoratae, non et dicemur inuhae' 280
inquit ; et Oeneos ultorem spreta per agros misit aprum, quanto majores herbida tauros non habet Epiros, sed habent Sicula arva minores. sanguine et igne micant oculi, riget ardua cervix, et setae similes rigidis hastilibus horrent ; 285
fervida cum rauco latos stridore per armos spuma fluit; dentes aequantur dentibus Indis ; fulmen ab ore venit ; frondes adflatibus ardent.
Is modo crescentes segetes proculcat in herba, 290 nunc matura metit fleturi vota coloni, et Cererem in spicis intercipit. Area frustra, et frustra expectant promissas horrea messes, sternuntur gravidi longo cum palmite fetus, bacaque cum ramis semper frondentis olivae. 295
saevit et in pecudes : non has pastorve canesve, non armenta truces possunt defendere tauri.
Diffugiunt populi, nee se nisi moenibus urbis esse putant tutos : donee Meleagros et una lecta manus juvenum co'iere cupidine laudis : — 300 Tyndaridae gemini, spectatus caestibus alter, alter equo ; primaeque ratis molitor Iason ; et cum Pirithoo, felix Concordia, Theseus ; et duo Thestiadae ; proles Aphareia, Lynceus et velox Idas ; et jam non femina Caeneus ; 305
Leucippusque ferox, jaculoque insignis Acastus ; Hippothousque,Dryasque, etcretus Amy ntore Phoenix ; Actoridaeque pares, et missus ab Elide Phyleus ; nee Telamon aberat, magnique creator Achillis ; cumque Pheretiade et Hyanteo Iolao 310
impiger Eurytion, et cursu invictus Echion ; Naryciusque Lelex, Panopeusque, Hyleusque, feroxque Hippasus, et primis etiamnum Nestor in annis ;
VIII. 347-] Scene of the Chase, 81
et quos Hippocoon antiquis misit Amyclis ; Penelopesque socer cum Parrhasio Ancaeo ; 315
Ampycidesque sagax, et adhuc a conjuge tutus Oeclides, nemorisque decus Tegeaea Lycaei.
Rasilis huic summam mordebat fibula vestem ; crinis erat simplex, nodum collectus in unum ; ex humero pendens resonabat eburnea laevo 320
telorum custos ; arcum quoque laeva tenebat : talis erat cultu ; facies, quam dicere vere virgineam in puero, puerilem in virgine possis.
Hanc pariter vidit, pariter Calydonius heros optavit, renuente deo, flammasque latentes 325
hausit, et • O felix, si quern dignabitur ' inquit 1 ista virum ! \ Nee plura sinit tempusque pudorque dicere : majus opus magni certaminis urguet.
Silva frequens trabibus, quam nulla ceciderat aetas, incipit a piano, devexaque prospicit arva : 330
quo postquam venere viri, pars retia tendunt, vincula pars adimunt canibus, pars pressa sequuntur signa pedum, cupiuntque suum reperire periclum. concava vallis erat, quo se demittere rivi adsuerant pluvialis aquae : tenet ima lacunae 335
lenta salix ulvaeque leves juncique palustres, viminaque et longa parvae sub arundine cannae.
Hinc aper excitus medios violentus in hostes fertur, ut excussis elisi nubibus ignes. sternitur incursu nemus, et propulsa fragorem 340
silva dat. Exclamant juvenes, praetentaque forti tela tenent dextra lato vibrantia ferro. ille ruit spargitque canes, ut quisque furenti obstat, et obliquo latrantes dissipat ictu. cuspis Echionio primum contorta lacerto 345
vana fuit, truncoque dedit leve vulnus acerno. proxima, si nimiis mittentis viribus usa
6
82 The Calydonian Hunt. [Metam.
non foret, in tergo visa est haesura petito —
longius it : auctor teli Pagasaeus Iason.
* Phoebe,' ait Ampycides ' si te coluique coloque, 350
da mini quod petitur certo contingere telo ! '
qua potuit, precious deus annuit. Ictus ab illo est,
sed sine vulnere, aper : ferrum Diana volanti
abstulerat jaculo ; lignum sine acumine venit.
Ira feri mota est, nee fulmine lenius arsit : 355
emicat ex oculis, spirat quoque pectore flamma. utque volat moles adducto concita nervo, cum petit aut muros, aut plenas milite turres, in juvenes certo sic impete vulnificus sus fertur, et Eupalamon Pelagonaque, dextra tuentes 360 cornua, prosternit. Socii rapuere jacentes ; at non letiferos efTugit Enaesimus ictus Hippocoonte satus : trepidantem et terga parantem vertere succiso liquerunt poplite nervi. forsitan et Pylius citra Trojana perisset 365
tempora : sed sumpto posita conamine ab hasta arboris insiluit, quae stabat proxima, ramis, despexitque, loco tutus, quern fugerat hostem.
Dentibus ille ferox in querno stipite tritis imminet exitio, fidensque recentibus armis 370
Ornytidae magni rostro femur hausit adunco. at gemini, nondum caelestia sidera, fratres, ambo conspicui, nive candidioribus ambo vectabantur equis, ambo vibrata per auras hastarum tremulo quatiebant spicula motu. 375
vulnera fecissent, nisi saetiger inter opacas nee jaculis isset nee equo loca pervia, silvas.
Persequitur Telamon, studioque incautus eundi pronus ab arborea cecidit radice retentus. dum levat hunc Peleus, celerem Tegeaea sagittam 380 imposuit nervo, sinuatoque expulit arcu.
VIII. 4isO The Wild Boar at Bay. 83
fixa sub aure feri summum destringit arundo
corpus, et exiguo rubefecit sanguine saetas.
nee tamen ilia sui successu laetior ictus,
quam Meleagros erat. Primus vidisse putatur, 385
et primus sociis visum ostendisse cruorem,
et * Meritum ' dixisse * feres virtutis honorem.'
erubuere viri, seque exhortantur, et addunt
cum clamore animos, jaciuntque sine ordine tela :
turba nocet jactis, et quos petit, impedit ictus. 390
Ecce furens contra sua fata bipennifer Areas 1 Discite, femineis quid tela virilia praestent,
0 juvenes, operique meo concedite ' dixit ;
1 ipsa suis licet hunc Latonia protegat armis,
invita tamen hunc perimet mea dextra Diana.' 395
talia magniloquo tumidus memoraverat ore, ancipitemque manu tollens utraque securim institerat digitis, primos suspensus in artus. occupat audentem, quaque est via proxima leto, summa ferus geminos direxit ad inguina dentes. 400 concidit Ancaeus, glomerataque sanguine multo viscera lapsa fluunt, madefactaque terra cruore est,
Ibat in adversum proles Ixionis hostem Pirithoiis, valida quatiens venabula dextra. cui procul Aegides ■ O me mihi carior ' inquit 405
* pars animae consiste meae ! licet eminus esse fortibus : Ancaeo nocuit temeraria virtus.' dixit, et aerata torsit grave cuspide cornum : cui bene librato votique potente futuro obstitit aesculea frondosus ab arbore ramus. 410
misit et Aesonides jaculum, quod casus ab illo vertit in immeriti fatum latrantis, et inter ilia conjectum tellure per ilia flxum est.
At manus Oenidae variat ; missisque duabus hasta prior terra, medio stetit altera tergo. 415
84 The Calydonian Hunt. [Metam.
nee mora : dum saevit, dum corpora versat in orbem, stridentemque novo spumam cum sanguine fundit, vulneris auctor adest, hostemque irritat ad iram, splendidaque adversos venabula condit in armos. gaudia testantur socii clamore secundo, 420
victricemque petunt dextrae conjungere dextram. immanemque ferum multa tellure jacentem mirantes spectant ; neque adhuc contingere tutum esse putant, sed tela tamen sua quisque cruentat. ipse pede imposito caput exitiabile pressit, 425
atque ita : ' Sume mei spolium, Nonacria, juris' dixit ' et in partem veniat mea gloria tecum.' protinus exuvias, rigidis horrentia saetis terga dat, et magnis insignia dentibus ora.
Illi laetitiae est cum munere muneris auctor; 430 invidere alii, totoque erat agmine murmur. e quibus ingenti tendentes bracchia voce * Pone age, nee titulos intercipe, femina, nostras* Thestiadae clamant, l nee te fiducia formae decipiat, ne sit longe tibi captus amore 435
auctor': et huic adimunt munus, jus muneris illi. non tulit, et tumida frendens Mavortius ira, 1 Discite, raptores alieni ' dixit * honoris, facta minis quantum distent ; ' hausitque nefando pectora Plexippi, nil tale timentia, ferro. 440
Toxea, quid faciat dubium, pariterque volentem ulcisci fratrem fraternaque fata timentem, haud patitur dubitare diu, calidumque priori caede recalfecit consorti sanguine telum.
Dona deum templis, nato victore, ferebat, 445
cum videt exstinctos fratres Althaea referri. quae plangore dato maestis clamoribus urbem implet, et auratis mutavit vestibus atras. at simul est auctor necis editus, excidit omnis
VIII. 483] The Fatal Brand. 85
luctus, et a lacrimis in poenae versus amorem est. 450
Stipes erat, quern, cum partus enixa jaceret Thestias, in flammam triplices posuere sorores ; staminaque impresso fatalia pollice nentes
* Tempora' dixerunt * eadem lignoque tibique,
O modo nate, damus.' Quo postquam carmine dicto
excessere deae, flagrantem mater ab igne
eripuit torrem, sparsitque liquentibus undis.
ille diu fuerat penetralibus abditus imis,
servatusque tuos, juvenis, servaverat annos.
protulit hunc genitrix, taedasque et fragmina poni 460
imperat, et positis inimicos admovet ignes.
Turn conata quater flammis imponere ramum, coepta quater tenuit. Pugnant materque sororque, et diversa trahunt unum duo nomina pectus, saepe metu sceleris pallebant ora futuri ; 465
saepe suum fervens oculis dabat ira ruborem. et modo nescio quid similis crudele minanti vultus erat, modo quern misereri credere posses ; cumque ferus lacrimas animi siccaverat ardor, inveniebantur lacrimae tamen. Utque carina, 470
quam ventus, ventoque rapit contrarius aestus, vim geminam sentit, paretque incerta duobus — Thestias hand aliter dubiis aflfectibus errat, inque vices ponit, positamque resuscitat iram.
Incipit esse tamen melior germana parente, 475
et consanguineas ut sanguine leniat umbras, impietate pia est : nam postquam pestifer ignis convaluit, * Rogus iste cremet mea viscera ' dixit; utque manu dira lignum fatale tenebat, ante sepulcrales infelix adstitit aras, 480
* Poenarum' que ' deae triplices, furialibus,' inquit
* Eumenides, sacris vultus advertite vestros. ulciscor, facioque nefas : mors morte pianda est.
86 The Calydonian Hunt, [Metam.
in scelus addendum scelus est, in funera funus ;
per coacervatos pereat domus impia luctus. 485
an felix Oeneus nato victore fruetur,
Thestius orbus erit? Melius lugebitis ambo.
vos modo, fraterni manes, animaeque recentes,
officium sentite meum, magnoque paratas
accipite inferias, uteri mala pignora nostri. 490
* Ei mihi ! quo rapior? fratres ignoscite matri ! deficiunt ad coepta manus. Meruisse fatemur ilium, cur pereat: mortis mihi displicet auctor. ergo impune feret, vivusque et victor et ipso successu tumidus regnum Calydonis habebit? 495
vos cinis exiguus gelidaeque jacebitis umbrae? haud equidem patiar. Pereat sceleratus, et ille spemque patris regnique trahat patriaeque ruinam. mens ubi materna est? ubi sunt pia jura parentum? et quos sustinui bis mensum quinque labores? 500
O utinam primis arsisses ignibus infans, idque ego passa forem ! Vixisti munere nostro : nunc merito moriere tuo. Cape praemia facti, bisque datam, primum partu, mox stipite rapto, redde animam, vel me fraternis adde sepulcris. 505
' Et cupio, et nequeo ; quid agam? modo vulnera fratrum ante oculos mihi sunt, et tantae caedis imago : nunc animum pietas maternaque nomina frangunt. me miseram ! male vincetis, sed vincite, fratres : dummodo quae dedero vobis solacia, vosque 510
ipsa sequar.' Dixit, dextraque aversa trementi funereum torrem medios conjecit in ignes. aut dedit, aut visus gemitus est ille dedisse stipes, ut invitis correptus ab ignibus arsit.
Inscius atque absens flamma Meleagros ab ilia 515 uritur, et caecis torreri viscera sentijt
VIII. 545-] Death of Me I eager. 87
ignibus, ac magnos superat virtute dolores. quod tamen ignavo cadat et sine sanguine leto, maeret, et Ancaei felicia vulnera dicit ; grandaevumque patrem fratresque piasque sorores 520 cum gemitu, sociamque tori vocat ore supremo ; forsitan et matrem. Crescunt ignisque dolorque, languescuntque iterum : simul est exstinctus uterque, inque leves abiit paulatim spiritus auras paulatim cana prunam velante favilla. 525
Alta jacet Calydon : lugent juvenesque senesque, vulgusque proceresque gemunt, scissaeque capillos planguntur matres Calydonides Eueninae. pulvere canitiem genitor vultusque seniles foedat humi fusus, spatiosumque increpat aevum. nam de matre manus diri sibi conscia facti 530
exegit poenas, acto per viscera ferro. non mihi si centum deus ora sonantia linguis, ingeniumque capax, totumque Helicona dedisset, tristia persequerer miserarum dicta sororum. inmemores decoris liventia pectora tundunt ; 535
dumque manet corpus, corpus refoventque foventque ; oscula dant ipsi, posito dant oscula lecto ; post cinerem cineres haustos ad pectora pressant ; adfusaeque jacent tumulo, signataque saxo nomina complexae lacrimas in nomina fundunt. 540 quas Parthaoniae tandem Latonia clade exsatiata domus, praeter Gorgenque nurumque nobilis Alcmenae, natis in corpore pennis allevat, et longas per bracchia porrigit alas, corneaque ora facit, versasque per aera mittit. 545
88 Philemon and Baucis. [Metam.
XII. Philemon and Baucis. [Book VIII. — 620-724.]
[Hercules, returning from the Calydonian Hunt, is entertained with his friends by the river-god Achelous, who recounts the fate of certain nymphs, turned into rocks and islands. These prodigies are mocked by Pirithous, son of Ixion, who is among them. To silence his cavil, Lelex relates the following tale (589-619).]
Jupiter and Mercury, journeying once in Phrygia, were refused hospitality by all the inhabitants of a certain place, except two pious rustics, Philemon and his wife Baucis, who provide such entertainment as they are able (620-688). While the inhospitable town was drowned in a marsh, the poor hut of Philemon became a temple, of which he and his wife were made attendants ; until in a good old age they were both transformed to trees, he to an oak and she to a linden (689-724).
r I ^ILIAE contermina quercus "*■ collibus est Phrygiis, modico circumdata muro. haud procul huic stagnum est, tellus habitabilis olim, nunc celebres mergis fulicisque palustribus undae. 625 Juppiter hue specie mortali, cumque parente venit Atlantiades, positis caducifer alis. mille domos adiere, locum requiemque petentes : mille domos clausere serae. Tamen una recepit, parva quidem, stipulis et canna tecta palustri : 630
sed pia Baucis anus parilique aetate Philemon ilia sunt annis juncti juvenilibus, ilia consenuere casa ; paupertatemque fatendo effecere levem, nee iniqua mente ferendo. nee refert, dominos illic, famulosne requiras : 635
tota domus duo sunt, idem parentque jubentque.
Ergo ubi caelicolae parvos tetigere penates, summissoque humiles intrarunt vertice postes, membra senex posito jussit relevare sedili,
VIII. 676.] Their Humble Hospitality. 89
quo superinjecit textum rude sedula Baucis, 640
inde foco tepidum cinerem dimovit, et ignes
suscitat hesternos, foliisque et cortice sicco
nutrit, et ad flammas anima producit anili,
multifidasque faces ramaliaque arida tecto
detulit, et minuit, parvoque admovit aeno. 645
quodque suus conjunx riguo collegerat horto,
truncat olus foliis. Furca levat ille bicorni
sordida terga suis nigro pendentia tigno ;
servatoque diu resecat de tergore partem
exiguam, sectamque domat ferventibus undis. 650
Interea medias fallunt sermonibus horas, concutiuntque torum de molli fluminis ulva 655
impositum lecto, sponda pedibusque salignis. vestibus hunc velant, quas non nisi tempore festo sternere consuerant ; sed et haec vilisque vetusque vestis erat, lecto non indignanda saligno.
Accubuere dei. Mensam succincta tremensque 660 ponit anus : mensae sed erat pes tertius impar : testa parem fecit. Quae postquam subdita clivum sustulit, aequatam mentae tersere virentes. ponitur hie bicolor sincerae baca Minervae ; conditaque in liquida corna autumnalia faece ; 665
intibaque, et radix, et lactis massa coacti, ovaque non acri leviter versata favilla, — omnia fictilibus. Post haec caelatus eodem sistitur argento crater, fabricataque fago pocula, qua cava sunt, flaventibus illita ceris. 670
Parva mora est, epulasque foci misere calentes, nee longae rursus referuntur vina senectae, dantque locum mensis paulum seducta secundis. hie nux, hie mixta est rugosis carica palmis, pruriaque, et in patulis redolentia mala canistris, 675 et de purpureis collectae vitibus uvae.
90 Philemon and Baucis. [Metam.
candidus in medio favus est. Super omnia vultus accessere boni, nee iners pauperque voluntas.
Interea totiens haustum cratera repleri sponte sua, per seque vident succrescere vina. 680
attoniti novitate pavent, manibusque supinis concipiunt Baucisque preces timidusque Philemon, et veniam dapibus nullisque paratibus orant.
Unicus anser erat, minimae custodia villae, quern dis hospitibus domini mactare parabant. 685
ille celer penna tardos aetate fatigat, eluditque diu, tandemque est visus ad ipsos confugisse deos. Superi vetuere necari : ' Di ' que * sumus, meritasque luet vicinia poenas impia ' dixerunt ; ■ vobis immunibus hujus 690
esse mali dabitur : modo vestra relinquite tecta, ac nostros comitate gradus, et in ardua montis ite simul.' Parent ambo, baculisque levati nituntur longo vestigia ponere clivo.
Tantum aberant summo, quantum semel ire sagitta missa potest : flexere oculos, et mersa palude cetera prospiciunt, tantum sua tecta manere. dumque ea mirantur, dum deflent fata suorum, ilia vetus, dominis etiam casa parva duobus vertitur in templum ; furcas subiere columnae ; 700
stramina flavescunt, aurataque tecta videntur, caelataeque fores, adopertaque marmore tellus.
Talia turn placido Saturnius edidit ore : * Dicite, juste senex, et femina conjuge justo digna, quid optetis.' Cum Baucide pauca locutus, judicium superis aperit commune Philemon : 1 Esse sacerdotes, delubraque vestra tueri poscimus ; et quoniam Concordes egimus annos, auferat hora duos eadem, nee conjugis umquam busta meae videam, neu sim tumulandus ab ilia.' 710
VIII. 724-] They are transformed to Trees, 91
Vota fides sequitur : templi tutela fuere, donee vita data est. Annis aevoque soluti, ante gradus sacros cum starent forte, locique inciperent casus, frondere Philemona Baucis, Baucida conspexit senior frondere Philemon. 715
jamque super geminos crescente cacumine vultus mutua, dum licuit, reddebant dicta, Vale que O conjunx dixere simul, simul abdita texit ora frutex. Ostendit adhuc Thineius illic incola de gemino vicinos corpore truncos. 720
haec mihi non vani — neque erat cur fallere vellent — narravere senes : equidem pendentia vidi serta super ramos ; ponensque recentia, dixi : Cura fii dis sunt, et qui coluere coluntur.
92 The Death of Hercules. [Metam.
XIII. The Death of Hercules.
[Book IX. — 134-272.]
[Achelous, continuing the discourse, tells of the transforma- tions of Proteus; and of Metra, daughter of Eresichthon, who (receiving this power from Neptune) long, by cheats and wiles, sustained her father cursed with extreme rage of hunger for the violation of a grove of Ceres (VIII. 725-884). And as Theseus inquires the cause of his broken horn, Achelous replies that con- tending once with Hercules for the possession of Dejanira, sister of Meleager, that horn had been wrested ofi^ and, being filled by the Naiads with autumn fruits, became the horn of Plenty (IX. 1-100). In defence of the same Dejanira, Hercules had once slain the centaur Nessus ; who, dying, gave her a tunic stained with his blood, mixed with venom of the Lernaean hydra, which (he said) would recall her husband's love if ever it should wander or cool (101-133).]
Afterward, Hercules being about to wed Iole, daughter of Eury- tus, Dejanira sent to him this tunic as a marriage gift. But when it took heat from the altar flames as he was about to sacrifice, Her- cules, being in extreme torment, and unable to tear it off, cast into the sea the bearer of the gift, Lichas, who was converted into a rock, retaining his human form (134-227). Then Hercules, build- ing a great funeral pile upon Mount (Eta of Thessaly, burned him- self thereon; and, his mortal parts being purged away, was received into the company of the gods (228-272).
ONGA fuit medii mora temporis, actaque magni ■*-' Herculis implerant terras, odiumque novercae. victor ab Oechalia Cenaeo sacra parabat vota Jovi, cum fama loquax praecessit ad aures, De'ianira, tuas, quae veris addere falsa gaudet, et e minimo sua per mendacia crescit, Amphitryoniaden Ioles ardore teneri. 140
Credit amans, venerisque novae perterrita fama indulsit primo lacrimis, flendoque dolorem diffudit miseranda suum. Mox deinde, * Quid autem
IX. 176.] The Poisoned Shirt of JVessus. 93
flemus?' ait: * pellex lacrimis laetabitur istis. quae quoniam adveniet, properandum, aliquidque no- vandum est, 145
dum licet, et nondum thalamos tenet altera nostros. conquerar, an sileam? repetam Calydona, morerne? excedam tectis? an, si nihil amplius, obstem? quid si me, Meleagre, tuam memor esse sororem forte paro facinus, quantumque injuria possit 150
femineusque dolor, jugulata pellice testor?'
Incursus animus varios habet : omnibus illis praetulit imbutam Nesseo sanguine vestem mittere, quae vires defecto reddat amori. ignaroque Lichae, quid tradat nescia, luctus 155
ipsa suos tradit, blandisque miserrima verbis, dona det ilia viro, mandat. Capit inscius heros, induiturque humeris Lernaeae virus echidnae.
Tura dabat primis et verba precantia flammis, vinaque marmoreas patera fundebat in aras : 160
incaluit vis ilia mali, resolutaque flammis Herculeos abiit late diffusa per artus. dum potuit, solita gemitum virtute repressit ; victa malis postquam est patientia, reppulit aras, implevitque suis nemorosum vocibus Oeten. 165
nee mora, letiferam conatur scindere vestem : qua trahitur, trahit ilia cutem, foedumque relatu, aut haeret membris frustra temptata revelli, aut laceros artus et grandia detegit ossa. ipse cruor, gelido ceu quondam lamina candens 170 tincta lacu, stridit, coquiturque ardente veneno.
Nee modus est : sorbent avidae praecordia flammae, caeruleusque fluit toto de corpore sudor, ambustique sonant nervi, caecaque medullis tabe liquefactis tendens ad sidera palmas, 175
' Cladibus ' exclamat, « Saturnia, pascere nostris :
94 2Tfctf Death of Hercules. [Metam.
pascere, et hanc pestem specta, crudelis, ab alto, corque ferum satia. Vel si miserandus et hosti hoc aestu tibi sum, diris cruciatibus aegram invisamque animam natamque laboribus aufer. 180
mors mihi munus erit : decet haec dare dona novercam. ergo ego foedantem peregrino templa cruore Busirin domui? saevoque alimenta parentis Antaeo eripui ? nee me pastoris Hiberi forma triplex, nee forma triplex tua, Cerbere, movit? vosne, manus, validi pressistis cornua tauri? vestrum opus Elis habet, vestrum Stymphalides undae, Partheniumque nemus? vestra virtute relatus Thermodontiaco caelatus balteus auro, pomaque ab insomni concustodita dracone? 190
nee mihi Centauri potuere resistere, nee mi Arcadiae vastator aper? nee profuit hydrae crescere per damnum, geminasque resumere vires? quid, cum Thracis equos humano sanguine pingues plenaque corporibus laceris praesepia vidi, 195
visaque dejeci, dominumque ipsosque peremi? his elisa jacet moles Nemeaea lacertis ; hac caelum cervice tuli. Defessa jubendo est saeva Jovis conjunx : ego sum indefessus agendo, sed nova pestis adest, cui nee virtute resisti, 200
nee telis armisque potest. Pulmonibus errat ignis edax imis, perque omnes pascitur artus. at valet Eurystheus ! Et sunt, qui credere possint esse deos?' Dixit, perque altum saucius Oeten haud aliter graditur, quam si venabula taurus 205
corpore fixa gerat, factique refugerit auctor. saepe ilium gemitus edentem, saepe frementem, saepe retemptantem totas refringere vestes, sternentemque trabes, irascentemque videres montibus, aut patrio tendentem bracchia caelo. 210
IX. 243-] The Funeral File, 95
Ecce Lichan trepidum latitantem rupe cavata aspicit; utque dolor rabiem collegerat omnem, «Tune, Licha,' dixit * feralia dona dedisti? tune meae necis auctor ens?' Tremit ille, pavetque pallidus, et timide verba excusantia dicit. 215
dicentem genibusque manus adhibere parantem corripit Alcides, et terque quaterque rotatum mittit in Eubo'icas tormento fortius undas. ille per aerias pendens induruit auras ; utque ferunt imbres gelidis concrescere ventis, 220
inde nives fieri, nivibus quoque molle rotatis astringi, et spissa glomerari grandine corpus : sic ilium validis actum per inane lacertis exsanguemque metu nee quicquam humoris habentem, in rigidos versum silices prior edidit aetas. 225
nunc quoque in Euboico scopulus brevis emicat alto gurgite, et humanae servat vestigia formae, quern, quasi sensurum, nautae calcare verentur, appellantque Lichan.
At tu, Jovis inclita proles, arboribus caesis, quas ardua gesserat Oete, 230
inque pyram structis, arcum pharetramque capacem regnaque visuras iterum Trojana sagittas ferre jubes Poeante satum, quo flamma ministro subdita ; dumque avidis comprenditur ignibus agger, congeriem silvae Nemeaeo vellere summam 235
sternis, et imposita clavae cervice recumbis, haud alio vultu, quam si conviva jaceres inter plena meri redimitus pocula sertis.
Jamque valens et in omne latus diffusa sonabat, securosque artus contemptoremque petebat 240
flamma suum. Timuere dei pro vindice terrae : quos ita, sensit enira, laeto Saturnius ore Juppiter adloquitur : ' Nostra est timor iste voluptas,
96 1 he Death of Hercules, [Metam.
O superi ; totoque libens mihi pectore grator,
quod memoris populi dicor rectorque paterque, 245
et mea progenies vestro quoque tuta favore est.
nam quamquam ipsius datur hoc immanibus actis,
obligor ipse tamen. Sed enim, ne pectora vano
fida metu paveant, Oetaeas spernite flammas.
omnia qui vicit, vincet, quos cernitis, ignes ; 250
nee nisi materna vulcanum parte potentem
sentiet. Aeternum est a me quod traxit, et expers
atque immune necis, nullaque domabile flamma :
idque ego defunctum terra caelestibus oris
accipiam, cunctisque meum laetabile factum 255
dis fore confido. Siquis tamen Hercule, siquis
forte deo doliturus erit, data praemia nolet :
sed meruisse dari sciet, invitusque probabit.'
Assensere dei ; conjunx quoque regia visa est cetera non duro, duro tamen ultima vultu 260
dicta tulisse Jovis, seque indoluisse notatam.
Interea quodcumque fuit populabile flammae, Mulciber abstulerat ; nee cognoscenda remansit Herculis effigies, nee quicquam ab imagine ductum matris habet, tantumque Jovis vestigia servat. 265
utque novus serpens posita cum pelle senecta luxuriare solet, squamaque virere recenti : sic ubi mortales Tirynthius exuit artus, parte sui meliore viget, majorque videri coepit, et augusta fieri gravitate verendus. 270
quern pater omnipotens inter cava nubila raptum quadrijugo curru radiantibus intulit astris.
X. 7-] Orpheus and Eurydice. 97
XIV. Orpheus and Eurydice. [Book X. — 1-77.]
[Alcmene, mother of Hercules, to entertain Iole (who had married his son Hyllus), relates the tale of Hercules' birth, which was long delayed, but at last brought about by the artifice of Galan- this, a waiting maid ; who, for the falsehood she told, was turned into a weasel by Ilithyia, whom she had deceived (IX. 273-323). Iole relates in turn of her sister Dryope, changed to a lotus (324-339). The restoring of Iolaus to youth, and the miraculous manhood bestowed on the children of Callirhoe, having moved the displeasure of some of the gods, Jupiter reminds them of the pain- ful old age of his own son Minos (400-442). The tale is told of Byblis, daughter of Miletus (who had migrated from Crete to Asia) : she, filled with a guilty love for her brother Cannus, became a foun- tain in Caria (443-665). Iphis; daughter of Ligdus of Crete, having been brought up as a youth to avoid her father's displeasure that a daughter was born to him, was at length changed to a young man by Isis, and so became the husband of Ianthe (666-797).]
Hymen, proceeding to Thrace, after the marriage of Iphis, unites Orpheus to Eurydice, but not happily, for she died from the bite of a serpent. To recover her, Orpheus penetrated the shadows of the Lower World, where even the Furies are moved to tears at his song, the pains of hell are stayed, and Proserpine is won to yield him back his wife, only on condition that he shall not look behind him till again in the upper world. Turning about too soon, in his eagerness to see her, he loses her again, and is not suffered a second time to enter Hades (X. 1-77).
TNDE per immensum croceo velatus amictu
■*■ aethera digreditur, Ciconumque Hymenaeus ad
oras tendit, et Orphea nequiquam voce vocatur. adfuit ille quidem ; sed nee sollemnia verba, nee laetos vultus, nee felix attulit omen. 5
fax quoque, quam tenuit, lacrimoso stridula fumo usque fuit, nullosque invenit motibus ignes.
I
98 Orpheus and Eurydice. [Metam.
exitus auspicio gravior ; nam nupta, per herbas
dum nova nai'adum turba comitata vagatur,
occidit, in talum serpentis dente recepto. 10
Quam satis ad superas postquam Rhodopeius auras deflevit vates, ne non temptaret et umbras, ad Styga Taenaria est ausus descendere porta ; perque leves populos simulacraque functa sepulcro Persephonen adiit, inamoenaque regna tenentem 15 umbrarum dominum. Pulsisque ad carmina nervis sic ait : * O positi sub terra numina mundi, in quern recidimus, quicquid mortale creamur; si licet, et falsi positis ambagibus oris vera loqui sinitis, non hue, ut opaca viderem 20
Tartara, descendi, nee uti villosa colubris terna Medusaei vincirem guttura monstri. causa viae conjunx, in quam calcata venenum vipera diffudit, crescentesque abstulit annos. posse pati volui, nee me temptasse negabo : 25
vicit Amor. Supera deus hie bene notus in ora est : an sit et hie, dubito, sed et hie tamen auguror esse, famaque si veteris non est mentita rapinae, vos quoque junxit Amor. Per ego haec loca plena
timoris, per Chaos hoc ingens, vastique silentia regni, 30
Eurydices, oro, properata retexite fata, omnia debemur vobis, paulumque morati serius aut citius sedem properamus ad unam. tendimus hue omnes, haec est domus ultima ; vosque humani generis longissima regna tenetis. 35
haec quoque, cum justos matura peregerit annos, juris erit vestri. Pro munere poscimus usum. quod si fata negant veniam pro conjuge, certum est nolle redire mihi : leto gaudete duorum.'
Talia dicentem nervosque ad verba moventem 40
X. 74-] Half -won, but lost again. 99
exsangues flebant animae ; nee Tantalus undam
captavit refugam, stupuitque Ixionis orbis,
nee carpsere jecur volucres, urnisque vacarunt
Belides, inque tuo sedisti, Sisyphe, saxo.
tunc primum lacrimis victarum carmine fama est 45
Eumenidum maduisse genas. Nee regia conjunx
sustinet oranti, nee qui regit ima, negare :
Eurydicenque vocant. Umbras erat ilia recentes
inter, et incessit passu de vulnere tardo.
hanc simul et legem Rhodopei'us accipit heros, 50
ne flectat retro sua lumina, donee Avernas
exierit valles, aut irrita dona futura.
Carpitur acclivis per muta silentia trames, arduus, obscurus, caligine densus opaca. nee procul afuerunt telluris margine summae : 55
hie, ne deficeret metuens, avidusque videndi, flexit amans oculos ; et protinus ilia relapsa est, bracchiaque intendens prendique et prendere captans nil nisi cedentes infelix arripit auras, jamque iterum moriens non est de conjuge quicquam questa suo : quid enim nisi se quereretur amatam? supremumque Vale 1 quod jam vix auribus ille acciperet, dixit, revolutaque rursus eodem est.
Non aliter stupuit gemina nece conjugis Orpheus, quam tria qui timidus, medio portante catenas, 65
colla canis vidit ; quern non pavor ante reliquit, quam natura prior, saxo per corpus oborto : quique in se crimen traxit voluitque videri Olenos esse nocens, tuque O confisa figurae, infelix Lethaea, tuae, junctissima quondam 70
pectora, nunc lapides, quos humida sustinet Ide.
Orantem frustraque iterum transire volentem portitor arcuerat. Septem tamen ille diebus squalidus in ripa Cereris sine munere sedit ;
ioo The Song of Orpheus, [Metam.
cura dolorque animi lacrimaeque alimenta fuere. 75
esse deos Erebi crudeles questus, in altam
se recipit Rhodopen pulsumque aquilonibus Haemum.
XV. The Song of Orpheus. [Book X. — 86-219.]
Withdrawn apart from the love of women, and having gathered by his song a grove of forest trees [among them the pine which was once the youth Attis, and Cyparissus changed by Apollo into a Cypress], Orpheus sings of the loves of the gods for mortal men. And first of Ganymede of Troy, borne to heaven by Jupiter in the form of an eagle (143-161) ; and of Hyacinthus, a beautiful youth of Sparta, beloved by Apollo, but accidentally killed by him with a discus (or quoit) that he had hurled into the air; from whose blood sprang the flower that bears his name (162-219).
[He further sings of certain people of Cyprus, cruel to strangers, who by Venus were changed to oxen (220-237) ; of the statue wrought by Pygmalion, which became a living maiden, and his bride (243-297) ; of Myrrha, who because of her incestuous love of her father became a tree weeping fragrant gum (298-502) ; of her child Adonis, loved by Venus (503-559) ; of Atalanta, fleet of foot, who was won in the race by craft of Hippomenes with three golden apples, but both were afterwards changed into lions (560-707) ; and of the death of Adonis, slain by a wild boar, and by Venus converted into the flower Anemone, as Menthe had aforetime been by Proserpine into the herb Mint (708-739).]
/^OLLIS erat, collemque super planissima campi
^-^ area, quam viridem faciebant graminis herbae.
umbra loco deerat : qua postquam parte resedit
dis genitus vates, et fila sonantia movit,
umbra loco venit. Non Chaonis afuit arbor, 90
non nemus Heliadum, non frondibus aesculus altis,
X. i62.] The Rafe of Gctnymcde. 101
nee tiliae molles, nee fagus et innuba laurus,
nee coryli fragiles, et fraxinus utilis hastis,
enodisque abies, curvataque glandibus ilex,
et platanus genialis, acerque coloribus impar, 95
amnicolaeque simul salices et aquatica lotos,
perpetuoque virens buxum, tenuesque myricae,
et bicolor myrtus, et bacis caerula tinus.
vos quoque, flexipedes hederae, venistis, et una
pampineae vites et amictae vitibus ulmi ; 100
ornique et piceae,pomoque onerata rubenti
arbutus, et lentae (victoris praemia) palmae,
et succincta comas hirsutaque vertice pinus,
grata deum matri : siquidem Cybeleius Attis
exuit hac hominem, truncoque induruit illo. 105
Tale nemus vates attraxerat ; inque ferarum concilio medius turba volucrumque sedebat. ut satis impulsas temptavit pollice chordas, 145
et sensit varios, quamvis diversa sonarent, concordare modos, hoc vocem carmine movit :
* Ab Jove, Musa parens (cedunt Jovis omnia regno) carmina nostra move : Jovis est mihi saepe potestas dicta prius. Cecini plectro graviore Gigantas, 150 sparsaque Phlegraeis victricia fulmina campis ; nunc opus est leviore lyra, puerosque canamus dilectos superis, inconcessisque puellas ignibus attonitas meruisse libidine poenam.
'Rex superum Phrygii quondam Ganymedis amore arsit, et inventum est aliquid, quod Juppiter esse, quam quod erat, mallet. Nulla tamen alite verti dignatur, nisi quae posset sua fulmina ferre. nee mora : percusso mendacibus aere pennis abripit Iliaden, qui nunc quoque pocula miscet, 160 invitaque Jovi nectar Junone ministrat.
' Te quoque, Amyclide, posuisset in aethere Phoebus,
io?< The Song of Orfheus, [Metam.
tristia si spatium ponendi fata dedissent.
qua licet, aeternus tamen es ; quotiensque repellit
ver hiemem, Piscique Aries succedit aquoso, 165
tu totiens oreris, viridique in cespite flores.
te meus ante omnes genitor dilexit, et orbe
in medio positi caruerunt praeside Delphi,
dum deus Eurotan immunitamque frequentat
Sparten : nee citharae, nee sunt in honore sagittae. 170
inmemor ipse sui non retia ferre recusat,
non tenuisse canes, non per juga montis iniqui
isse comes ; longaque alit assuetudine flammas.
* Jamque fere medius Titan venientis et actae noctis erat, spatioque pari distabat utrimque : 175 corpora veste levant, et suco pinguis olivi splendescunt, latique ineunt certamina disci.
* Quem prius aerias libratum Phoebus in auras misit, et oppositas disjecit pondere nubes.
recidit in solidam longo post tempore terram 180
pondus, et exhibuit junctam cum viribus artem. protinus imprudens actusque cupidine ludi tollere Taenarides orbem properabat ; at ilium dura repercussum subjecit in aera tellus in vultus, Hyacinthe, tuos. Expalluit aeque 185
quam puer ipse deus ; collapsosque excipit artus, et modo te refovet, modo tristia vulnera siccat, nunc animam admotis fugientem sustinet herbis.
* Nil prosunt artes : erat immedicabile vulnus.
ut si quis violas riguove papaver in horto, 190
liliaque infringat fulvis haerentia virgis, marcida demittant subito caput ilia gravatum, nee se sustineant, spectentque cacumine terram : sic vultus moriens jacet, et defecta vigore ipsa sibi est oneri cervix humerpque recumbit. 195
' * Laberis, Oebalide, prima fraudate juventa,
X. 219] Death of Hyacinthus. 103
Phoebus ait, videoque tuum, mea crimina, vulnus, tu dolor es, facinusque meum : mea dextera leto inscribenda tuo est ; ego sum tibi funeris auctor. quae mea culpa tamen? nisi si lusisse vocari 200
culpa potest, nisi culpa potest et amasse vocari. atque utinam pro te vitam, tecumve liceret reddere ! Quod quoniam fatali lege tenemur, semper eris mecum, memorique haerebis in ore. te lyra pulsa manu, te carmina nostra sonabunt; 205 flosque novus scripto gemitus imitabere nostros : tempus et illud erit, quo se fortissimus heros addat in hunc florem, folioque legatur eodem." 4 Talia dum vero memorantur Apollinis ore, ecce cruor, qui fusus humo signaverat herbam, 210 desinit esse cruor, Tyrioque nitentior ostro flos oritur, formamque capit quam lilia, si non purpureus color his, argenteus esset in illis. non satis hoc Phoebo est (is enim fuit auctor honoris) : ipse suos gemitus foliis inscribit, et ai ai 215
flos habet inscriptum, funestaque littera ducta est. nee genuisse pudet Sparten Hyacinthon, honorque durat in hoc aevi ; celebrandaque more priorum annua praelata redeunt Hyacinthia pompa.'
104 The Death of Orpheus. [Met am.
XVT. The Death of Orpheus.
[Book XL — 1-84.]
Still lamenting in solitude for his lost Eurydice, Orpheus is assailed in a frenzy by the women of Thrace, who tear him in pieces ; so that while his body is borne upon the Hebrus, and to the isle of Lesbos, his shade securely joins that of his wife in the Elysian Fields (XL 1-66) ; the women who had caused his death being by Bacchus changed to trees (67-84) .
/^ARMINE dum tali silvas ani mosque ferarum
^^ Threicius vates et saxa sequentia ducit,
ecce nurus Ciconum, tectae lymphata ferinis
pectora velleribus, tumuli de vertice cernunt
Orphea, percussis sociantem carmina nervis. 5
e quibus una, levem jactato crine per auram,
* En,' ait * en hie est nostri contemptor \h et hastam
vatis Apollinei vocalia misit in ora :
quae foliis praesuta notam sine vulnere fecit.
Alterius telum lapis est, qui missus, in ipso 10
aere concentu victus vocisque lyraeque est, ac veluti supplex pro tarn furialibus ausis ante pedes jacuit. Sed enim temeraria crescunt bella, modusque abiit, insanaque regnat Erinys.
Cunctaque tela forent cantu mollita ; sed ingens 15 clamor et infracto Berecyntia tibia cornu, tympanaque et plausus et Bacchei ululatus obstrepuere sono citharae. Turn denique saxa non exauditi rubuerunt sanguine vatis. ac primum attonitas etiamnum voce canentis 20
innumeras volucres, anguesque agmenque ferarum, Maenades Orphei titulum rapuere triumphi.
Inde cruentatis vertuntur in Orphea dextris, et coeunt ut aves, si quando luce vagantem
XI. 53.] TMe Thracian Mcenadcs. 105
noctis avem cernunt ; structoque utrimque theatro 25
ceu matutina cervus periturus arena
praeda canum est, vatemque petunt, et fronde virentes
coniciunt thyrsos, non haec in munera factos.
hae glebas, illae direptos arbore ramos,
pars torquent silices. Neu desint tela furori, 30
forte boves presso subigebant vomere terram ;
nee procul hinc, multo fructum sudore parantes,
dura lacertosi fodiebant arva coloni.
agmine qui viso fugiunt, operisque relinquunt
arma sui ; vacuosque jacent dispersa per agros 35
sarculaque rastrique graves longique ligones.
quae postquam rapuere ferae, cornuque minaces
divellere boves, ad vatis fata recurrunt,
tendentemque manus atque illo tempore primum
irrita dicentem, nee quicquam voce moventem, 40
sacrilegae perimunt ; perque os, pro Juppiter ! illud,
auditum saxis intellectumque ferarum
sensibus, in ventos anima exhalata recessit.
Te maestae volucres, Orpheu, te turba ferarum, te rigidi silices, te carmina saepe secutae 45
fleverunt silvae ; positis te frondibus arbos tonsa comam luxit ; lacrimis quoque flumina dicunt increvisse suis, obstrusaque carbasa pullo naides et dryades passosque habuere capillos. membra jacent diversa locis : caput, Hebre, lyramque excipis ; et, mirum ! medio dum labitur amne, flebile nescio quid queritur lyra, flebile lingua murmurat exanimis, respondent flebile ripae. jamque mare invectae flumen populare relinquunt, et Methymnaeae potiuntur litore Lesbi. 55
hie ferus expositum peregrinis anguis arenis os petit et sparsos stillanti rore capillos. tandem Phoebus adest, morsusque inferre parantem
106 The Death of Orpheus, [Metam.
arcet, et in lapidem rictus serpentis apertos
congelat, et patulos, ut erant, indurat hiatus. 60
Umbra subit terras, et quae loca viderat ante, cuncta recognoscit ; quaerensque per arva piorum invenit Eurydicen, cupidisque amplectitur ulnis. hie modo conjunctis spatiantur passibus ambo, nunc praecedentem sequitur, nunc praevius anteit, 65 Eurydicenque suam jam tuto respicit Orpheus.
Non impune tamen scelus hoc sinit esse Lyaeus : amissoque dolens sacrorum vate suorum, protinus in silvis matres Edonidas omnes, quae videre nefas, torta radice ligavit. 70
quippe pedum digitos, in quantum quaeque secuta est, traxit, et in solidam detrusit acumine terram ; utque suum laqueis, quos callidus abdidit auceps, crus ubi commisit volucris, sensitque teneri, plangitur, ac trepidans astringit vincula motu : 75
sic, ut quaeque solo defixa cohaeserat harum, exsternata fugam frustra temptabat ; at illam lenta tenet radix, exsultantemque coercet. dumque ubi sint digiti, dum pes ubi, quaerit, et ungues, aspicit in teretes lignum succedere suras ; 80
et conata femur maerenti plangere dextra, robora percussit. Pectus quoque robora fiunt ; robora sunt humeri ; porrectaque bracchia veros esse putes ramos, et non fallare putando.
XI. ioi.] Bacchus in Phrygia. 107
XVII. The Story of Midas.
[Book XI. — 85-193.]
Proceeding from Thrace into Phrygia, Bacchus is deserted by Silenus, whom king Midas restores to him, and so receives from Bacchus whatever boon he should desire. Choosing that whatever he touched might become gold, Midas presently finds his gift a curse ; but by help of the god is freed from it on bathing in the river Pactolus, whose sands thenceforth become gold (85-145). Afterwards, frequenting woods and lonely places, he became witness of a contest for the palm of music between Pan and Apollo. By Tmolus, the mountain-god, Apollo is judged victor; and Midas pronouncing for Pan, his ears are by Apollo lengthened into ass's ears (146-179) ; the secret of which being by his servant whispered to the earth, there sprang up reeds, which in their rustling told the shame of Midas (180-193).
TVTEC satis hoc Baccho est : ipsos quoque deserit ■*" ^ agros,
cumque choro meliore sui vineta Timoli Pactolonque petit — quamvis non aureus illo tempore, nee caris erat invidiosus arenis. hunc assueta cohors satyri bacchaeque frequentant, at Silenus abest. Titubantem annisque meroque 90 ruricolae cepere Phryges, vinctumque coronis ad regem duxere Midan, cui Thracius Orpheus orgia tradiderat cum Cecropio Eumolpo. qui simul agnovit socium comitemque sacrorum, hospitis adventu festum genialiter egit 95
per bis quinque dies et junctas ordine noctes. Et jam stellarum sublime coegerat agmen Lucifer undecimus, Lydos cum laetus in agros rex venit, et juveni Silenum reddit alumno. huic deus optandi gratum, sed inutile, fecit I00
muneris arbitrium, gaudens altore recepto.
108 The Story of Midas, [Metam.
ille, male usurus donis, ait ' Effice, quicquid corpore contigero, fulvum vertatur in aurum.' adnuit optatis, nocituraque munera solvit Liber, et indoluit, quod non meliora petisset. 105
Laetus abit, gaudetque malo Berecyntius heros : pollicitique fidem tarigendo singula temptat. vixque sibi credens, non alta fronde virenti ilice detraxit virgam : virga aurea facta est ; tollit humo saxum : saxum quoque palluit auro ; no contigit et glebam : contactu gleba potenti massa fit; arentis Cereris decerpsit aristas : aurea messis erat ; demptum tenet arbore pomum : Hesperidas donasse putes. Si postibus altis admovit digitos, postes radiare videntur ; 115
ille etiam liqu'idis palmas ubi laverat undis, unda fluens palmis Danaen eludere posset.
Vix spes ipse suas animo capit, aurea fingens omnia. Gaudenti mensas posuere ministri exstructas dapibus, nee tostae frugis egentes : 120
turn vero, sive ille sua Cerealia dextra munera contigerat, Cerealia dona rigebant ; sive dapes avido convellere dente parabat, lamina fulva dapes, admoto dente, premebat; miscuerat puris auctorem muneris undis : 125
fusile per rictus aurum fluitare videres.
Attonitus novitate mali, divesque miserque, effugere optat opes, et quae modo voverat, odit. copia nulla famem relevat : sitis arida guttur urit, et inviso meritus torquetur ab auro. 130
ad caelumque manus et splendida bracchia tollens, ' Da veniam, Lenaee pater ! peccavimus,' inquit, ' sed miserere, precor, speciosoque eripe damno.' , Mite deum numen, Bacchus peccasse fatentem restituit, factique fide data munera solvit. 135
XI. 169.] Contest of Pan and Apollo. 109
« Neve male optato maneas circumlitus auro, vade' ait * ad magnis vicinum Sardibus amnem, perque jugum montis labentibus obvius undis carpe viam, donee venias ad fluminis ortus ; spumigeroque tuum fonti, quo plurimus exit, 140
subde caput, corpusque simul, simul elue crimen. ' rex jussae succedit aquae. Vis aurea tinxit flumen, et humano de corpore cessit in amnem. nunc quoque jam veteris percepto semine venae arva rigent auro madidis pallentia glebis. 145
Ille, perosus opes, silvas et rura colebat, Panaque montanis habitantem semper in antris. pingue sed ingenium mansit ; nocituraque, ut ante, rursus erant domino stolidae praecordia mentis, nam freta prospiciens late riget arduus alto 150
Tmolus in ascensu, clivoque extensus utroque Sardibus hinc, illinc parvis finitur Hypaepis. Pan ibi dum teneris jactat sua carmina nymphis, et leve cerata modulatur arundine carmen, ausus Apollineos prae se contemnere cantus, 155
judice sub Tmolo certamen venit ad impar.
Monte suo senior judex consedit, et aures liberat arboribus : quercu coma caerula tantum cingitur, et pendent circum cava tempora glandes. isque deum pecoris spectans, ' In judice' dixit 160
* nulla- mora est.' Calamis agrestibus insonat ille : barbaricoque Midan — aderat nam forte canenti — carmine delenit. Post hunc sacer ora retorsit Tmolus ad os Phoebi : vultum sua silva secuta est.
Ille, caput flavum lauro Parnaside vinctus, 165
verrit humum Tyrio saturata murice palla ; instrictamque fidem gemmis et dentibus Indis sustinet a laeva, tenuit manus altera plectrum : artificis status ipse fuit. Turn stamina docto
HO The Story of Midas. [Metam.
pollice sollicitat, quorum dulcedine captus 170
Pana jubet Tmolus citharae summittere cannas.
Judicium sanctique placet sententia montis omnibus. Arguitur tamen, atque injusta vocatur unius sermone Midae. Nee Delius aures humanam stolidas patitur retinere figuram ; 175
sed trahit in spatium, villisque albentibus implet, instabilesque imas facit, et dat posse moveri. cetera sunt hominis : partem damnatur in unam, induiturque aures lente gradientis aselli.
Ille quidem celat, turpique onerata pudore 180
tempora purpureis temptat velare tiaris ; sed solitus longos ferro resecare capillos viderat hoc famulus. Qui, cum nee prodere visum dedecus auderet, cupiens efferre sub auras, nee posset reticere tamen, secedit, humumque 185
effodit, et, domini quales aspexerit aures, voce refert parva, terraeque inmurmurat haustae ; indiciumque suae vocis tellure regesta obruit, et scrobibus tacitus discedit opertis. creber arundinibus tremulis ibi surgere lucus 190
coepit, et, ut primum pleno maturuit anno, prodidit agricolam. Leni nam motus ab austro obruta verba refert, dominique coarguit aures.
XII. 5-] T%e Chiefs at Troy. ill
XVIII. The Chiefs at Troy. [Book XII. — 1-145.]
[Departing from Tmolus, Apollo, with Neptune, serves king Laomedon in building the walls of Troy, whom they punish for his perfidy (XI. 194-220). The transformations of Thetis, who is given as bride to Peleus and becomes mother of Achilles (221-265). But Peleus, having slain his brother Phocus, flees to Ceyx of Tra- chin, whose brother Dasdalion (grieving for the loss of his daughter Chio) had cast himself from Parnassus and been turned by Apollo into a hawk (266-345). Meanwhile the cattle brought by Peleus are destroyed by a wolf, through anger of the Nereid mother of Phocus, the wolf being afterwards turned to stone (346-409). Ceyx, against the entreaty of his wife Alcyone, goes to consult the oracle of Apollo at Claros upon these prodigies ; but being shipwrecked, and so not returning at the appointed time, Alcyone entreats Juno for him in her prayers, until she is shown in vision that he is dead, and discovers his floating body near the shore ; and by pity of the gods they are both transformed to kingfishers, in whose breeding season the waters are ever still and calm (410-748). An old man, beholding them as they circle in their flight, points out a sea-gull, which (he says) is the altered form of >£sacus, son of Priam, who had plunged into the sea through grief at the loss of the nymph Hesperia (749-795).]
At the mourning for jEsacus, Paris is absent, whose guilt in the rape of Helen brought the chiefs of Greece to war against Troy. Detained at Aulis by contrary winds, Agamemnon is commanded to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia ; who, however, is borne away by Diana, a hind being put in her place (XII. 1-36). The Palace of Fame, who reports the Grecian armament (37-65). In the fight at their landing, the invulnerable Cygnus is strangled by Achilles, and changed by his father Neptune to a Swan (65-145).
1VTESCIUS adsumptis Priamus pater Aesacon alis ^ vivere, lugebat ; tumulo quoque nomen habenti inferias dederat cum fratribus Hector inanes. defuit officio Paridis praesentia tristi, postmodo qui rapta longum cum conjuge bellum 5
H2 The Chiefs at Troy, [Metam.
attulit in patriam, conjurataeque sequuntur
mille rates, gentisque simul commune Pelasgae.
nee dilata foret vindicta, nisi aequora saevi
invia fecissent venti, Boeotaque tellus
Aulide piscosa puppes tenuisset ituras. 10
Hie patrio de more Jovi cum sacra parassent, ut vetus accensis incanduit ignibus ara, serpere caeruleum Danai videre draconem in platanum, coeptis quae stabat proxima sacris. nidus erat volucrum bis quattuor arbore summa, 15 quas simul et matrem circum sua damna volantem corripuit serpens, avidaque abscondidit alvo. obstupuere omnes. At veri providus augur Thestorides ' Vincemus' ait, ' gaudete, Pelasgi : Troja cadet ; sed erit nostri mora longa laboris ; ' 20 atque novem volucres in belli digerit annos. ille, ut erat, virides amplexus in arbore ramos fit lapis, et superat serpentis imagine saxum.
Permanet Aoniis Nereus violentus in undis, bellaque non transfert ; et sunt, qui parcere Trojae 25 Neptunum credant, quia moenia fecerat urbi. at non Thestorides : nee enim nescitve tacetve, sanguine virgineo placandam virginis iram esse deae. Postquam pietatem publica causa, rexque patrem vicit, castumque datura cruorem 30
flentibus ante aram stetit Iphigenia ministris, victa dea est, nubemque oculis objecit, et inter officium turbamque sacri vocesque precantum subposita fertur mutasse Mycenida cerva. ergo ubi, qua decuit, lenita est caede Diana, y
et pariter Phoebes, pariter maris ira recessit ; accipiunt ventos a tergo mille carinae, multaque perpessae Phrygia potiuntur arena.
Orbe locus medio est inter terrasque fretumque
XII. 73-] Tke House of Fame. 113
caelestesque plagas, triplicis confinia mundi : 40
unde quod est usquam, quamvis regionibus absit,
inspicitur, penetratque cavas vox omnis ad aures.
Fama tenet, summaque domum sibi legit in arce ;
innumerosque aditus ac mille foramina tectis
addidit, et nullis inclusit limina portis. 45
nocte dieque patet : tota est ex aere sonanti ;
tota fremit, vocesque refert, iteratque quod audit ;
nulla quies intus, nullaque silentia parte.
nee tamen est clamor, sed parvae murmura vocis :
qualia de pelagi, si quis procul audiat, undis 50
esse solent; qualemve sonum, cum Juppiter atras
increpuit nubes, extrema tonitrua reddunt.
atria turba tenet : veniunt leve vulgus, euntque ;
mixtaque cum veris passim commenta vagantur
milia rumorum, confusaque verba volutant. 55
e quibus hi vacuas implent sermonibus aures,
hi narrata ferunt alio, mensuraque ficti
crescit, et auditis aliquid novus adicit auctor.
illic Credulitas, illic temerarius Error,
vanaque Laetitia est, consternatique Timores, 60
Seditioque recens, dubioque auctore Susurri.
ipsa quid in caelo rerum pelagoque geratur
et tellure, videt, totumque inquirit in orbem.
Fecerat haec notum, Graias cum milite forti adventare rates ; neque inexspectatus in armis 65
hostis adest. Prohibent aditus, litusque tuentur Troes ; et Hectorea primus fataliter hasta, Protesilae, cadis, commissaque proelia magno stant Danais, fortisque animae nece cognitus Hector, nee Phryges exiguo, quid Achaica dextera posset, 70 sanguine senserunt. Et jam Sigea rubebant litora ; jam leto proles Neptunia, Cygnus mille viros dederat ; jam curru instabat Achilles,
8
114 The Chiefs at Troy. [Met am.
totaque Peliacae sternebat cuspidis ictu agmina,perque aeies autCygnum autHectoraquaerens.
Congreditur Cygno : decimum dilatus in annum Hector erat. Turn colla jugo candentia pressos exhortatus equos, currum direxit in hostem, concutiensque suis vibrantia tela lacertis, 1 Quisquis es, O juvenis,' dixit ' solamen habeto 80
mortis, ab Haemonio quod sis jugulatus Achille.' hactenus Aeacides : vocem gravis hasta secuta est. sed quamquam certa nullus fuit error in hasta, nil tamen emissi profecit acumine ferri, utque hebeti pectus tantummodo contudit ictu. 85
* Nate dea, nam te fama praenovimus,' inquit ille, * quid a nobis vulnus miraris abesse? ' — mirabantur enim — ' Non haec, quam cernis, equinis fulva jubis cassis, neque onus cava parma sinistrae auxilio mihi sunt : decor est quaesitus ab istis ; 90
Mars quoque ob hoc capere arma solet. Removebitur
hujus tegminis officium : tamen indestrictus abibo. est aliquid, non esse satum Nere'ide, sed qui Nereaque et natas et totum temperet aequor.'
Dixit, et haesurum clipei curvamine telum 95
misit in Aeaciden, quod et aes et proxima rupit terga novena bourn, decimo tamen orbe moratum est. excutit hoc heros, rursusque trementia forti tela manu torsit : rursus sine vulnere corpus sincerumque fuit ; nee tertia cuspis apertum 100
et se praebentem valuit destringere Cygnum. haud secus exarsit, quam circo taurus aperto, cum sua terribili petit irritamina cornu, poeniceas vestes, elusaque vulnera sensit.
Num tamen exciderit ferrum, considerat, hastae : haerebat ligno. * Manus est mea debilis ergo,
XII. I39-] Death of Cygnus. 115
quasque ' ait ' ante habuit vires, effudit in uno? nam certe valui, vel cum Lyrnesia primus moenia dejeci, vel cum Tenedonque suoque Eetioneas implevi sanguine Thebas ; no
vel cum purpureus populari caede Caycus fluxit, opusque meae bis sensit Telephus hastae. hie quoque tot caesis, quorum per litus acervos et feci, et video, valuit mea dextra valetque.'
Dixit, et, ante actis veluti male crederet, hastam 115 misit in adversum Lycia de plebe Menoeten, loricamque simul subjectaque pectora rupit. quo plangente gravem moribundo vertice terram, extrahit illud idem calido de vulnere telum, atque ait : * Haec manus est, haec, qua modo vicimus, hasta ; 120
utar in hoc isdem : sit in hoc precor exitus idem.' sic fatur, Cygnumque petit ; nee fraxinus errat, inque humero sonuit non evitata sinistro : inde velut muro solidaque a caute repulsa est. qua tamen ictus erat, signatum sanguine Cygnum 125 viderat, et frustra fuerat gavisus Achilles, vulnus erat nullum : sanguis erat ille Menoetae.
Turn vero praeceps curru fremebundus ab alto desilit, et nitido securum cominus hostem ense petens, parmam gladio galeamque cavari 130
cernit, at in duro laedi quoque corpore ferrum. haud tulit ulterius, clipeoque adversa retecto ter quater ora viri et capulo cava tempora pulsat ; cedentique sequens instat, turbatque, ruitque, attonitoque negat requiem. Pavor occupat ilium : 135 ante oculosque natant tenebrae, retroque ferenti aversos passus medio lapis obstitit arvo. quern super impulsum resupino pectore Cygnum vi multa vertit, terraeque adflixit Achilles.
n6 The Chiefs at Troy, [Metam.
turn clipeo genibusque premens praecordia duris, 140 vincla trahit galeae, quae presso subdita mento elidunt fauces, et respiramen iterque eripiunt animae. Victum spoliare parabat : arma relicta videt ; corpus deus aequoris albam contulit in volucrem, cujus modo nomen habebat. 145
XIII. 7»] Rivalry of Ajax and Ulysses. 117
XIX. Rivalry of Ajax and Ulysses.
[Book XIII.— 1-398.]
[As the chiefs marvel at this prodigy, Nestor relates of Caeneus, once a maiden (Casnis), but made into an invulnerable man, who was present when the nuptial feast of Pirithous and Hippodamia was disturbed by the battle of the Lapithae and the Centaurs. For the Centaurs, monsters of vast strength and fury, half-man, half- horse, had attempted to steal away the bride. And Caeneus, remaining unhurt through the fight, was at length overwhelmed with vast piles of trees, and transformed by Neptune to an eagle (XII. 146-535). The son of Hercules, Tlepolemus, tells also of Periclymenus, slain by Hercules as he flew against him in the form of an eagle (536-579). At the request of Neptune, whose son Cygnus had been slain, Apollo guides the arrow of Paris to the vulnerable heel of Achilles ; so that he dies, and a strife arises among the other chiefs who shall receive his armor, the rival claimants being Ajax and Ulysses (580-628).]
Ajax maintains his claim, before the assembled chiefs, first as of nobler descent, and then by his martial exploits, chiefly the defence of the Grecian fleet ; at the same time scorning the strategy of Ulysses, and asserting that himself alone has might to wield the immortal armour (1-122). To which Ulysses replies, that his own counsel had been most effective in the siege, and his own acts most essential, especially in the night attack of the tents of Rhesus, and the carrying away of the Palladium (123-381). To him the victory is judged ; and Ajax, in ungovernable wrath, slays himself with his own sword, — the flower hyacinth springing from his blood (382-398).
/^ONSEDERE duces, et vulgi stante corona ^■^ surgit ad hos clipei dominus septemplicis Ajax. utque erat impatiens irae, Sigeia torvo litora respexit, classemque in litore vultu, intendensque manus, i Agimus, pro Juppiter ! ' inquit 5 * ante rates causam, et mecum confertur Ulixes ! at non Hectoreis dubitavit cedere flammis,
n8 Rivalry of Ajaoc and Ulysses. [Metam.
quas ego sustinui, quas hac a classe fugavi.
tutius est igitur fictis contendere verbis,
quam pugnare manu. Sed nee mihi dicere promptum,
nee facere est isti ; quantumque ego marte feroci
inque acie valeo, tantum valet iste loquendo.
1 Nee memoranda tamen vobis mea facta, Pelasgi, esse reor, vidistis enim : sua narret Ulixes, quae sine teste gerit, quorum nox conscia sola est. 15 praemia magna peti fateor, sed demit honorem aemulus : Ajaci non est tenuisse superbum, sit licet hoc ingens, quicquid speravit Ulixes. iste tulit pretium jam nunc certaminis hujus : quo cum victus erit, mecum certasse feretur. 20
1 Atque ego, si virtus in me dubitabilis esset, nobilitate potens essem, Telamone creatus, moenia qui forti Trojana sub Hercule cepit, litoraque intravit Pagasaea Colcha carina. Aeacus huic pater est, qui jura silentibus illic 25
reddit, ubi Aeoliden saxum grave Sisyphon urguet. Aeacon agnoscit summus, prolemque fatetur Juppiter esse suam. Sic ab Jove tertius Ajax. nee tamen haec series in causam prosit, Achivi, si mihi cum magno non est communis Achille. 30
frater erat : fraterna peto. Quid sanguine cretus Sisyphio, furtisque et fraude simillimus illi, inserit Aeacidis alienae nomina gentis?
'An quod in arma prior, nulloque sub indice veni, arma neganda mihi? potiorque videbitur ille, 35
ultima qui cepit, detrectavitque furore militiam ficto, donee sollertior isto, sed sibi inutilior, timidi commenta retexit Naupliades animi, vitataque traxit in arma? optima num sumat, quia sumere noluit ulla? 40
nos inhonorati et donis patruelibus orbi,
XIII. 7^.] Claim of Ajax. 119
obtulimus quia nos ad prima pericula, simus?
* Atque utinam aut verus furor ille, aut creditus esset, nee comes hie Phrygias umquam venisset ad arces hortator scelerum ! non te, Poeantia proles, 45 expositum Lemnos nostro cum crimine haberet :
qui nunc, ut memorant, silvestribus abditus antris,
saxa moves gemitu, Laertiadaeque precaris
quae meruit, quae, si di sunt, non vana precaris.
et nunc ille eadem nobis juratus in arma, 50
heu ! pars una ducum, quo successore sagittae
Herculis utuntur, fractus morboque fameque
velaturque aliturque avibus, volucresque petendo
debita Trojanis exercet spicula fatis,
ille tamen vivit, quia non comitavit Ulixen. 55
* Mallet et infelix Palamedes esse relictus : quern male convicti nimium memor iste furoris prodere rem Danaam finxit, fictumque probavit crimen, et ostendit, quod jam praefoderat, aurum. 60
* Ergo aut exsilio vires subduxit Achivis,
aut nece : sic pugnat, sic est metuendus Ulixes. qui licet eloquio fidum quoque Nestora vincat, haud tamen efficiet, desertum ut Nestora crimen esse rear nullum : qui cum imploraret Ulixen 65
vulnere tardus equi, fessusque senilibus annis, proditus a socio est. Non haec mihi crimina fingi scit bene Tydides, qui nomine saepe vocatum corripuit, trepidoque fugam exprobravit amico. aspiciunt oculis superi mortalia justis : 70
en eget auxilio, qui non tulit ; utque reliquit, sic linquendus erat : legem sibi dixerat ipse.
' Conclamat socios. Adsum ; videoque trementem pallentemque metu et trepidantem morte futura. opposui molem clipei, texique jacentem, 75
servavique animam (minimum est hoc laudis) inertem.
120 Rivalry of Ajax and Ulysses, [Met am.
si perstas certare, locum redeamus in ilium :
redde hostem, vulnusque tuum, solitumque timorem,
post clipeumque late, et mecum contende sub illo.
at postquam eripui, cui standi vulnera vires 80
non dederant, nullo tardatus vulnere fugit.
* Hector adest, secumque deos in proelia ducit : quaque ruit, non tu tantum terreris, Ulixe,
sed fortes etiam, tantum trahit ille timoris.
hunc ego sanguineae successu caedis ovantem 85
cominus ingenti resupinum pondere fudi ;
hunc ego poscentem, cum quo concurreret, unus
sustinui, sortemque meam vovistis, Achivi,
et vestrae valuere preces. Si quaeritis hujus
fortunam pugnae, non sum superatus ab illo. 90
ecce ferunt Troes ferrumque ignemque Jovemque
in Danaas classes: ubi nunc facundus Ulixes?
nempe ego mille meo protexi pectore puppes,
spem vestri reditus. Date tot pro navibus arma.
* Quod si vera licet mihi dicere, quaeritur istis, 95 quam mihi, major honos, conjunctaque gloria nostra
est: atque Ajax armis, non Ajaci arma petuntur. conferat his Ithacus Rhesum, imbellemque Dolona, Priamidenque Helenum rapta cum Pallade captum. luce nihil gestum, nihil est Diomede remoto. 100
si semel ista datis meritis tarn vilibus arma, dividite, et pars sit major Diomedis in illis. quo tamen haec Ithaco? qui clam, qui semper inermis rem gerit, et furtis incautum decipit hostem? ipse nitor galeae claro radiantis ab auro 105
insidias prodet, manifestabitque latentem.
* Sed neque Dulichius sub Achillis casside vertex pondera tanta feret, nee non onerosa gravisque Pelias hasta potest imbellibus esse lacertis,
XIII. i43] Refly of Ulysses, 121
nee clipeus, vasti caelatus imagine mundi, no
conveniet timidae nataeque ad furta sinistrae.
debilitaturum quid te petis, improbe, munus?
quod tibi si populi donaverit error Achivi,
cur spolieris erit, non cur metuaris ab hoste :
et fuga, qua sola cunctos, timidissime, vincis, 115
tarda futura tibi est gestamina tanta trahenti.
* Adde quod iste tuus, tarn raro proelia passus, integer est clipeus : nostro, qui tela ferendo mille patet plagis, novus est successor habendus. denique, quid verbis opus est? Spectemur agendo! arma viri fortis medios mittantur in hostes :
hide jubete peti, et referentem ornate relatis.' Finierat Telamone satus, vulgique secutum ultima murmur erat ; donee Laertius heros astitit, atque oculos paulum teliure moratos 125
sustulit ad proceres, expectatoque resolvit ora sono ; neque abest facundis gratia dictis.
* Si mea cum vestris valuissent vota, Pelasgi, non foret ambiguus tanti certaminis heres,
tuque tuis armis, nos te poteremur, Achille. 130
quern quoniam non aequa mihi vobisque negarunt fata,' manuque simul veluti lacrimantia tersit lumina * quis magno melius succedat Achilli, quam per quern magnus Danais successit Achilles? huic modo ne prosit, quod, uti est, hebes esse videtur : neve mihi noceat, quod vobis semper, Achivi, profuit ingenium ; meaque haec facundia, siqua est, quae nunc pro domino, pro vobis saepe locuta est, invidia careat ; bona nee sua quisque recuset.
1 Nam genus et proavos et quae non fecimus ipsi, vix ea nostra voco. Sed enim, quia rettulit Ajax esse Jovis pronepos, nostri quoque sanguinis auctor Juppiter est, totidemque gradus distamus ab illo.
122 Rivalry of AJax and Ulysses, [Metam.
nam mihi Laertes pater est, Arcesius illi, Juppiter huic; neque in his quisquam damnatus et exsul. 145
est quoque per matrem Cyllenius addita nobis altera nobilitas : deus est in utroque parente.
* Sed neque materno quod sum generosior ortu, nee mihi quod pater est fraterni sanguinis insons, proposita arma peto : meritis expendite causam. 150 dummodo quod fratres Telamon Peleusque fuerunt Ajacis meritum non sit, nee sanguinis ordo,
sed virtutis honor spoliis quaeratur in istis.
aut — si proximitas primusque requiritur heres —
est genitor Peleus, est Pyrrhus Alius illi. 155
quis locus Ajaci? Phthiam haec Scyronve ferantur.
nee minus est isto Teucer patruelis Achilli :
num petit ille tamen? num,sipetat, auferat ilia?
ergo operum quoniam nudum certamen habetur,
plura quidem feci quam quae comprendere dictis 160
in promptu mihi sit ; rerum tamen ordine ducar.
* Praescia venturi genitrix Nere'ia leti dissimulat cultu natum : deceperat omnes, in quibus Ajacem, sumptae fallacia vestis.
arma ego femineis, animum motura virilem, 165
mercibus inserui. Neque adhuc projecerat heros virgineos habitus, cum parmam hastamque tenenti Nate dea (dixi) tibi se -peritura reservant Pcrgama. £>uid dubitas ingentem evertcre Trojam f injecique manum, fortemque ad fortia misi. 170
ergo opera illius mea sunt. Ego Telephon hasta pugnantem domui ; victum orantemque refeci. quod Thebae cecidere, meum est. Me credite Lesbon, me Tenedon, Chrysenque, et Cillan, Apollinis urbes, et Scyron cepisse. Mea concussa putate 175
procubuisse solo Lyrnesia moenia dextra.
XIII. 2io.] The Embassy to Troy, 123
utque alios taceam, qui saevum perdere posset Hectora, nempe dedi : per me jacet inclitus Hector. illis haec armis, quibus est inventus Achilles, arma peto : vivo dederam, post fata reposco. i3o
1 Ut dolor unius Danaos pervenit ad omnes, Aulidaque Euboicam complerunt mille carinae, exspectata diu, nulla aut contraria classi flamina sunt, duraeque jubent Agamemnona sortes immeritam saevae natam mactare Dianae. 185
denegat hoc genitor, divisque irascitur ipsis, atque in rege tamen pater est. Ego mite parentis ingenium verbis ad publica commoda verti. nunc equidem fateor, fassoque ignoscat Atrides : difficilem tenui sub iniquo judice causam. 190
hunc tamen utilitas populi fraterque datique summa movet sceptri, laudem ut cum sanguine penset mittor et ad matrem, quae non hortanda, sed astu decipienda fuit. Quo si Telamonius isset, orba suis essent etiam nunc lintea ventis. 195
1 Mittor et Iliacas audax orator ad arces, visaque et intrata est altae mihi curia Trojae : plenaque adhuc erat ilia viris. Interritus egi quam mihi mandarat communis Graecia causam, accusoque Parin, praedamque Helenamque reposco, et moveo Priamum Priamoque Antenora junctum. at Paris et fratres et qui rapuere sub illo, vix tenuere manus — scis hoc, Menelae ! — nefandas ; primaque lux nostri tecum fuit ilia pericli.
* Longa referre mora est, quae consilioque manuque utiliter feci spatiosi tempore belli, post acies primas urbis se moenibus hostes continuere diu, nee aperti copia martis ulla fuit : decimo demum pugnavimus anno, quid facis interea, qui nil, nisi proelia, nosti? 210
124 Rivalry of Ajax and Ulysses. [Metam.
quis tuus usus erat? Nam si mea facta requiris,
hostibus insidior, fossas munimine cingo,
consolor socios, ut longi taedia belli
mente ferant placida ; doceo, quo simus alendi
armandique modo ; mittor, quo postulat usus. 215
* Ecce Jovis monitu, deceptus imagine somni, rex jubet incoepti curam dimittere belli :
ille potest auctore suam defendere vocem. non sinat hoc Ajax, delendaque Pergama poscat, quodque potest, pugnet I Cur non remoratur ituros? cur non arma capit, dat, quod vaga turba sequatur? non erat hoc nimium numquam nisi magna loquenti. quid quod et ipse fugit? Vidi, puduitque videre, cum tu terga dares, inhonestaque vela parares. nee mora : Quid facitis ? quae vos dementia (dixi) concitat, O socii, captam dimittere Trojam f quidve domttm fertis decimo, nisi dedecus, anno f talibus atque aliis, in quae dolor ipse disertum fecerat, aversos profuga de classe reduxi.
* Convocat Atrides socios terrore paventes ; 230 nee Telamoniades etiam nunc hiscere quicquam audet. At ausus erat reges incessere dictis Thersites, etiam per me haud impune9 protervis. erigor, et trepidos cives exhortor in hostem, amissamque mea virtutem voce reposco. 235 tempore ab hoc, quodcumque potest fecisse videri fortiter iste, meum est, qui dantem terga retraxi. denique de Danais quis te laudatve petitve?
< At sua Tydides mecum communicat acta, me probat, et socio semper confidit Ulixe. 240
est aliquid, de tot Graiorum milibus unum a Diomede legi. Nee me sors ire jubebat : sic tamen, et spreto noctisque hostisque periclo, ausum eadem, quae nos, Phrygia de gente Dolona
XIII. 278.] Battles before Troy. 125
interimo ; non ante tamen, quam cuncta coegi 245
prodere, et edidici, quid perfida Troja pararet.
omnia cognoram, nee quod specularer habebam ;
et jam promissa poteram cum laude reverti :
haud contentus eo, petii tentoria Rhesi,
inque suis ipsum castris comitesque peremi : 250
atque ita captivo victor votisque potitus
ingredior curru laetos imitante triumphos.
cujus equos pretium pro nocte poposcerat hostis,
arma negate mihi, fueritque benignior Ajax !
* Quid Lycii referam Sarpedonis agmina ferro 255 devastata meo? cum multo sanguine fudi Coeranon Iphitiden et Alastoraque Chromiumque Alcandrumque Haliumque Noemonaque Prytaninque, exitioque dedi cum Chersidamante Thoona, et Charopem, fatisque immitibus Ennomon actum, 260 quique minus celebres nostra sub moenibus urbis procubuere manu. Sunt et mihi vulnera, cives, ipso pulchra loco : nee vanis credite verbis, aspicite en ! ' vestemque manu diduxit ; et * Haec sunt pectora semper ! ait ' vestris exercita rebus. 265
at nil impendit per tot Telamonius annos sanguinis in socios, et habet sine vulnere corpus.
4 Quid tamen ho^refert, si se pro classe Pelasga arma tulisse refert contra Troasque Jovemque ? confiteorque, tulit : neque enim benefacta maligne 270 detractare meum est ; sed ne communia solus occupet, atque aliquem vobis quoque reddat honorem ; reppulit Actorides sub imagine tutus Achillis Troas ab arsuris cum defensore carinis. ausum etiam Hectoreo solum concurrere marti 275
se putat, oblitus regisque ducumque meique, nonus in officio, et praelatus munere sortis. sed tamen eventus vestrae, fortissime, pugnae
126 Rivalry of Ajax and Ulysses. [Metam.
quis fuit? est Hector violatus vulnere nullo.
' Me miserum ! quanto cogor meminisse dolore 280 temporis illius, quo Graium mums, Achilles procubuit ! nee me lacrimae luctusve timorve tardarunt, quin corpus humo sublime referrem. his humeris, his, inquam, humeris ego corpus Achillis, et simul arma tuli, quae nunc quoque ferre laboro. 285
* Sunt mihi, quae valeant in talia pondera, vires ; est animus certe vestros sensurus honores. scilicet idcirco pro gnato caerula mater ambitiosa suo fuit, ut caelestia dona,
artis opus tantae, rudis et sine pectore miles 290
indueret? neque enim clipei caelamina norit, Oceanum et terras, cumque alto sidera caelo, Pleiadasque, Hyadasque, immunemque aequoris
Arcton , diversasque urbes, nitidumque Ononis ensem. postulat ut capiat quae non intellegit arma. 295
1 Quid quod me, duri fugientem munera belli, arguit incoepto serum accessisse labori, nee se maomanimo maledicere sentit Achilli? si simulasse vocas crimen, simulavimus ambo ; si mora pro culpa est, ego sum maturior illo. 300
me pia detinuit conjunx, pia mat^Achillem ; primaque sunt illis data tempora, cetera vobis. haud timeo, si jam nequeo defendere crimen cum tanto commune viro. Deprensus Ulixis ingenio tamen ille, at non Ajacis Ulixes. 305
* Neve in me stolidae convicia fundere linguae admiremur eum, vobis quoque digna pudore obicit. An falso Palameden crimine turpe accusasse mihi, vobis damnasse decorum est?
sed neque Naupliades facinus defendere tantum 310 tamque patens valuit, nee vos audistis in illo
XIII. 345] Philoctetes. 127
crimina : vidistis, pretioque objecta patebant.
Nee Poeantiaden quod habet Vulcania Lemnos, esse reus merui : factum defendite vestrum ; consensistis enim. Nee me suasisse negabo, 315
ut se subtraheret bellique viaeque labori, temptaretque feros requie lenire dolores : paruit, et vivit. Non haec sententia tantum fida, sed et felix ; cum sit satis, esse fidelem. quern quoniam vates delenda ad Pergama poscunt, 320 ne mandate mihi : melius Telamonius ibit, eloquioque virum morbis iraque furentem molliet, aut aliqua producet callidus arte, ante retro Simois fluet, et sine frondibus Ide stabit, et auxilium promittet Achaia Trojae, 325
quam, cessante meo pro vestris pectore rebus, Ajacis stolidi Danais sollertia prosit, sis licet infestus sociis, regique, mihique, dure Philoctete : licet exsecrere, meumque devoveas sine fine caput, cupiasque dolenti 330
me tibi forte dari, nostrumque haurire cruorem; utque tui mihi, sic fiat tibi copia nostri : te tamen aggrediar, mecumque reducere nitar ; tamque tuis potiar, faveat Fortuna, sagittis, quam sum Dardanio, quern cepi, vate potitus ; 335
quam responsa deum Trojanaque fata retexi ; quam rapui Phrygiae signum penetrale Minervae hostibus e mediis. Et se mihi comparat Ajax? nempe capi Trojam prohibebant fata sine illis.
1 Fortis ubi est Ajax? ubi sunt ingentia magni 340 verba viri? cur hie metuis? cur audet Ulixes ire per excubias, et se committere nocti? perque feros enses non tantum moenia Troum, verum etiam summas arces intrare, suaque eripere aede deam, raptamque adferre per hostes? 345
128 Rivalry of A/ax and Ulysses. [Met am.
quae nisi fecissem, frustra Telamone creatus gestasset laeva taurorum tergora septem. ilia nocte mihi Trojae victoria parta est : Pergama tunc vici, cum vinci posse coegi.
* Desine Tydiden vultuque et murmure nobis 350 ostentare meum : pars est sua laudis in illo.
nee tu, cum socia clipeum pro classe tenebas,
solus eras : tibi turba comes, mihi contigit unus ;
qui nisi pugnacem sciret sapiente minorem
esse, nee indomitae deberi praemia dextrae, 355
ipse quoque haec peteret ; peteret moderatior Ajax,
Eurypylusque ferox, claroque Andraemone natus ;
nee minus Idomeneus, patriaque creatus eadem
Meriones ; peteret majoris frater Atridae :
quippe manu fortes, nee sunt mihi marte secundi, 360
consiliis cessere meis. Tibi dextera bello
utilis : ingenium est, quod eget moderamine nostro.
tu vires sine mente geris : mihi cura futuri.
tu pugnare potes : pugnandi tempora mecum
eligit Atrides. Tu tantum corpore prodes : 365
nos animo. Quantoque ratem qui temperat, anteit
remigis officium, quanto dux milite major,
tantum ego te supero. Nee non in corpore nostro
pectora sunt potiora manu : vigor omnis in illis.
* At vos, O proceres, vigili date praemia vestro : 370 proque tot annorum cura, quibus anxius egi,
nunc titulum meritis pensandum reddite nostris.
jam labor in fine est : obstantia fata removi,
altaque posse capi faciendo Pergama, cepi.
per spes nunc socias, casuraque moenia Troum, 375
perque deos oro, quos hosti nuper ademi,
per siquid superest, quod sit sapienter agendum, —
si quid adhuc audax, ex praecipitique petendum est,
si Trojae fatis aliquid restare putatis, —
XIII. 398.] Ajax slays himself in Wrath* 129
este mei memores ! aut si mihi non datis arma, 380 huic date ! ' — et ostendit signum fatale Minervae.
Mota manus procerum est, et quid facundia posset, re patuit ; fortisque viri tulit arma disertus. Hectora qui solus, qui ferrum, ignesque, Jovemque sustinuit totiens, unam non sustinet iram : 385
invictumque virum vincit dolor. Arripit ensem, et * Meus hie certe est. An et hunc sibi poscit Ulixes ? hoc ' ait ' utendum est in me mihi ; quique cruore saepe Phrygum maduit, domini nunc caede madebit, ne quisquam Ajacem possit superare, nisi Ajax.' 390 dixit, et in pectus turn demum vulnera passum qua patuit ferrum, letalem condidit ensem. nee valuere manus infixum educere telum : expulit ipse cruor ; rubefactaque sanguine tellus purpureum viridi genuit de cespite florem, 395
qui prius Oebalio fuerat de vulnere natus. littera communis mediis pueroque viroque inscripta est foliis : haec nominis, ilia querellae.
130 The Tale of Galatea, [Metam.
XX. The Tale of Galatea.
[Book XIII. — 750-897.]
[During the return of the chiefs from Troy, Hecuba, having plucked out the eyes of Polymestor, king of Thrace, who had murdered her son Polydorus, is changed to a dog (XIII. 399-575). Aurora, mourning for her son Memnon, slain by Achilles, obtains that his ashes shall become birds, while her tears are changed to dew (576-622). >Eneas at Delphi is told by Anius, priest of Apollo, of his daughters' transformation into doves while fleeing from the power of Agamemnon (623-674) ; and at his departing receives from him a bowl engraved with the self-devotion of Orion's daughters, sacrificed for Thebes, out of whose ashes sprang the youths Coro?icB (675-699). Thence sailing to Crete and Italy, he passes at Actium the stone image of the judge Ambracus, and Dodona where the sons of Molossus took the form of birds (700-718). On the coast of Sicily he nears the rock of the monster Scylla, once the beautiful daughter of Phorcus, who hears from her attendant nymph Galatea (daughter of Nereus and Doris) the following tale (719-749).]
Acis, son of Faunus and the nymph Symaethis, the most beau- tiful youth of Sicily, loved and was loved by Galatea. But the giant Polyphemus had likewise conceived a wild passion for her, which he utters in song (750-869) ; and seeing them as they are seated together in a wood, he is filled with jealousy, and casts a rock from ^Etna upon them, by which Acis is crushed, and his blood, oozing beneath the rock, becomes a river (870-897).
[Thereafter, as Scylla paces the shore, she is seen and pursued by Glaucus, who relates to her the story of his own transformation from a mortal to a sea-divinity (898-968). Going then to Circe, a mistress of enchantments, he entreats her to aid his suit of Scylla ; but she in jealousy, because she herself loved Glaucus, so en- chanted the waters Scylla used to bathe, that she was converted to a foul monster, girt about the loins with wild dogs, and afterwards (lest she might harm ^Eneas' fleet) to a rock (XIV. i-74)-]
A CIS erat Fauno nymphaque Symaethide cretus, •*-*- magna quidem patrisque sui matrisque voluptas, nostra tamen major, nam me sibi junxerat uni.
XIII. 785-] The Cyclops Polyphemus, 131
pulcher et octonis iterum natalibus actis,
signarat dubia teneras lanugine malas.
hunc ego, me Cyclops nulla cum fine petebat; 755
nee, si quaesieris, odium Cyclopis, amorne
Acidis in nobis fuerit praesentior, edam :
par utrumque fuit. Pro ! quanta potentia regni
est, Venus alma, tui ! nempe ille immitis et ipsis
horrendus silvis, et visus ab hospite nullo 760
impune, et magni cum dis contemptor Olympi,
quid sit amor sentit, nostrique cupidine captus
uritur, oblitus pecorum antrorumque suorum.
Jamque tibi formae, jamque est tibi cura placendi, jam rigidos pectis rastris, Polypheme, capillos ; 765 jam libet hirsutam tibi falce recidere barbam, et spectare feros in aqua, et componere vultus. caedis amor feritasque sitisque immensa cruoris cessant, et tutae veniuntque abeuntque carinae. Telemus interea Siculam delatus ad Aetnen, 770
Telemus Eurymides, quern nulla fefellerat ales, terribilem Polyphemon adit ; ' Lumen ' que, f quod
unum fronte geris media, rapiet tibi ' dixit f Ulixes.' risit, et f O vatum stolidissime, falleris ' inquit : f altera jam rapuit.' Sic frustra vera monentem 775 spernit, et aut gradiens ingenti litora passu degravat, aut fessus sub opaca revertitur antra.
Prominet in pontum cuneatus acumine longo collis : utrumque latus circumfluit aequoris unda : hue ferus ascendit Cyclops, mediusque resedit ; 780 lanigerae pecudes, nullo ducente, secutae. cui postquam pinus, baculi quae praebuit usum, ante pedes posita est, antemnis apta ferendis, sumptaque arundinibus compacta est fistula centum, senserunt toti pastoria sibila montes, 7S5
132 The Tale of Galatea, [Metam.
senserunt undae. Latitans ego rupe, meique Acidis in gremio residens, procul auribus hausi talia dicta meis, auditaque mente notavi :
* Candidior folio nivei, Galatea, ligustri, floridior pratis, longa procerior alno, 790
splendidior vitro, tenero lascivior haedo, levior adsiduo detritis aequore conchis, solibus hibernis, aestiva gratior umbra, nobilior pomis, platano conspectior alta, lucidior glacie, matura dulcior uva, 795
mollior et cygni plumis et lacte coacto, et, si non fugias, riguo formosior horto : — saevior indomitis eadem Galatea juvencis, durior annosa quercu, fallacior undis, lentior et salicis virgis et vitibus albis, 800
his immobilior scopulis, violentior amne, laudato pavone superbior, acrior igni, asperior tribulis, foeta truculentior ursa, surdior aequoribus, calcato immitior hydro, et (quod praecipue vellem tibi demere possem) 805 non tantum cervo Claris latratibus acto, verum etiam ventis volucrique fugacior aura !
1 At, bene si noris, pigeat fugisse ; morasque ipsa tuas damnes, et me retinere labores. sunt mihi, pars montis, vivo pendentia saxo 810
antra, quibus nee sol medio sentitur in aestu, nee sentitur hiemps ; sunt poma gravantia ramos ; sunt auro similes longis in vitibus uvae ; sunt et purpureae : tibi et has servamus, et illas. ipsa tuis manibus silvestri nata sub umbra 815
mollia fraga leges, ipsa autumnalia corna, prunaque, non solum nigro liventia suco, verum etiam generosa novasque imitantia ceras. nee tibi castaneae me conjuge, nee tibi deerunt
XIII. 853] S°ng °f Polyphemus. 133
arbutei fetus : omnis tibi serviet arbos. 820
' Hoc pecus omne meum est : multae quoque valli- bus errant, multas silva tegit, multae stabulantur in antris ; nee, si forte roges, possim tibi dicere quot sint : pauperis est numerare pecus. De laudibus harum nil mihi credideris : praesens potes ipsa videre, 825 ut vix circumeant distentum cruribus uber. sunt, fetura minor, tepidis in ovilibus agni ; sunt quoque, par aetas, aliis in ovilibus haedi. lac mihi semper adest niveum : pars inde bibenda servatur, partem liquefacta coagula durant. 830
• Nee tibi deliciae faciles, vulgataque tantum munera contingent, dammae, leporesque, caperque, parve columbarum, demptusve cacumine nidus, inveni geminos, qui tecum ludere possint, inter se similes, vix ut dignoscere possis, 835
villosae catulos in summis montibus ursae ; inveni, et dixi Dominae servabimus istos. jam modo caeruleo nitidum caput exsere ponto, jam, Galatea, veni, nee munera despice nostra.
f Certe ego me novi, liquidaeque in imagine vidi 840 nuper aquae: placuitque mihi mea forma videnti. aspice, sim quantus : non est hoc corpore major Juppiter in caelo — nam vos narrare soletis nescio quern regnare Jovem. Coma plurima torvos prominet in vultus, humerosque, ut lucus, obumbrat. nee mihi quod rigidis horrent densissima saetis corpora, turpe puta. Turpis sine frondibus arbor ; turpis equus, nisi colla jubae flaventia velent ; barba viros hirtaeque decent in corpore saetae. 850 unum est in media lumen mihi fronte, sed instar ingentis clipei. Quid? non haec omnia magno sol videt e caelo? soli tamen unicus orbis.
134* The Tale of Galatea. [Metam.
adde, quod in vestro genitor meus aequore regnat: hunc tibi do socerum. Tantum miserere, precesque supplicis exaudi, tibi enim succumbimus uni. quique Jovem et caelum sperno et penetrabile fulmen, Nerei, te vereor : tua fulmine saevior ira est.
* Atque ego contemptus essem patientior hujus, si fugeres omnes. Sed cur Cyclope repulso 860
Acin amas? praefersque meis amplexibus Acin? ille tamen placeatque sibi, placeatque licebit, quod nollem, Galatea, tibi. Modo copia detur ! sentiet esse mihi tanto pro corpore vires : viscera viva traham, divulsaque membra per agros, perque tuas spargam — sic se tibi misceat ! — undas. uror enim, laesusque exaestuat acrius ignis ; cumque suis videor translatam viribus Aetnam pectore ferre meo : nee tu, Galatea, moveris.'
Talia nequiquam questus — nam cuncta videbam — surgit, et ut taurus vacca furibundus adempta, stare nequit, silvaque et notis saltibus errat : cum ferus ignaros, nee quicquam tale timentes, me videt atque Acin ; * Video ' que exclamat ' et ista ultima sit, faciam, veneris concordia vestrae.' 875
tantaque vox, quantam Cyclops iratus habere debuit, ilia fuit. Clamore perhorruit Aetne, ast ego vicino pavefacta sub aequore mergor.
Terga fugae dederat conversa Symaethius heros, et « Fer opem, Galatea, precor, mihi ! ferte parentes,' dixerat, * et vestris periturum admittite regnis ! ' insequitur Cyclops, partemque e monte revulsam mittit; et extremus quamvis pervenit ad ilium angulus is montis, totum tamen obruit Acin.
At nos, quod solum fieri per fata licebat, 885
fecimus, ut vires assumeret Acis avitas. puniceus de mole cruor manabat, et intra
XIII. 897-] Death of Acts. 135
temporis exiguum rubor evanescere coepit : fitque color primo turbati flu minis imbre, purgaturque mora. Turn moles fracta dehiscit, 8qo vivaque per rimas proceraque surgit arundo, osque cavum saxi sonat exsultantibus undis ; miraque res, subito media tenus exstitit alvo incinctus juvenis flexis nova cornua cannis, qui, nisi quod major, quod toto caerulus ore, 895
Acis erat. Sed sic quoque erat tamen Acis, in amnem versus, et antiquum tenuerunt flumina nomen.
136 The Wisdom of King Numa. [Metam.
XXL The Wisdom of King Numa. [Book XV. — 1-487.]
[>Eneas had passed, on the coast of Italy, the isle of the Cer- copes, turned by Jupiter into apes (XIV. 75-100), and coming to Cumae, finds the Sibyl Amalthea, daughter of Scylla, who relates that, being loved by Apollo, he had granted her wish to live so many years as the grains of sand in her hand (101-153). Arriving at Cajetas, he meets Macareus, an old companion of Ulysses, who relates the adventure of the Cyclops and the enchantments of Circe, at whose palace they had remained a full year (154-312). During this time, Circe tells of Picus, son of Saturn, whom, not returning her love, she had converted to a woodpecker, and his companions to various beasts, while his wife Canens wasted into air (313-440). In the wars which followed yEneas' arrival in Latium, Diomed refuses aid to Turnus, but his companions, desir- ing to grant it, are changed to white hinds (441-5 11). Various transformations follow : of the shepherd Apulus to a wild olive ; of Eneas' ships to water-nymphs ; of the ashes of the city Ardea to a heron ; and at length of jEneas himself to one of the gods Indigetes; of Tiberinus to a river ; of Vertumnus to sundry shapes, with the tales by which he at length won the love of Pomona ; lastly of Romulus, who at his death became the god Quirinus, and his wife Hersilia the goddess Ora (512-851).]
Guided by an ancient sage, Numa seeks wisdom among the Greeks of Southern Italy ; [whereby violating the Sabine law, he is accused, but acquitted, the black lots being changed by miracle to white in the urn (XV. 1-59)]. At Heraclea Pythagoras, exiled from Samos, instructs him in the doctrine of metempsychosis, and the law which forbids all shedding of blood. This was unknown in the golden age, but began with the slaughter of animals for food (75-142). Pythagoras — recalling his own former existence as Euphorbas (slain by Menelaus before Troy) — teaches that all life incessantly passes from one to another form ; all tilings are in flux and change — the heavenly bodies, the seasons types of human life, the elements with their transmutations, the vast changes on the face of the earth (237-277). [These changes detailed: waters that disappear, or overflow regions once dry ; islands formed from mainland, and plains uplifted into hills ; springs alternately
XV. 7i.] Doctrine of Pythagoras. 137
hot and cold, or strangely affecting those who drink of them; Delos and the Symplegades ; yEtna, which did not always flame. Earth herself lives and breathes, and suffers all these changes ; life springs from decay, and shows strange metamorphoses, as of worms to butterflies, tadpoles to frogs, and shapeless cubs to bears ; fable of the Phoenix, hyaena, and chameleon, and the growth of coral ; States change and pass away, — Sparta, Mycenae, Thebes, — while new Rome is rising from ancient Troy (278-453).] The lesson of mercy is reinforced ; and, fortified with this doc- trine, Numa rules peacefully the state of Rome until his death (454-457).
[Egeria, grieving at his loss, listens to the tale of Hippolytus, son of Theseus (banished by the false accusations of Phaedra, and dashed to pieces on the shores of Corinth), but changed to the Italian Virbius, and is changed by Diana to a fountain (488-551). Tale of the Etruscan Tages, who sprang from a clod ; and of Cipus, on whose brow grew horns, and who refused the sovereignty of his city portended thereby (532-621).]
F^VESTINAT imperio clarum praenuntia veri
■*-^ Fama Numam. Non ille satis cognosse Sabinae
gentis habet ritus : animo majora capaci 5
concipit, et quae sit rerum natura requirit.
hujus amor curae, patria Curibusque relictis,
fecit, ut Herculei penetraret ad hospitis urbem.
Vir fuit hie, ortu Samius, sed fugerat una 60
et Samon et dominos, odioque tyrannidis exsul sponte erat; isque, licet caeli regione remotos, mente deos adiit, et quae natura negabat visibus humanis, oculis ea pectoris hausit. cumque animo et vigili perspexerat omnia cura, 65 in medium discenda dabat ; coetusque silentum dictaque mirantum magni primordia mundi et rerum causas et quid natura, docebat : quid deus, unde nives, quae fulminis esset origo ; Juppiter an venti discussa nube tonarent ; 70
quid quateret terras, qua sidera lege mearent,
138 The Wisdom of King JVuma. [Metam.
et quodcumque latet ; primusque animalia mensis arguit imponi. Primus quoque talibus ora docta quidem solvit, sed non et credita, verbis :
* Parcite, mortales, dapibus temerare nefandis 75 corpora ! Sunt fruges, sunt deducentia ramos pondere poma suo, tumidaeque in vitibus uvae ;
sunt herbae dulces, sunt quae mitescere flamma
mollirique queant ; nee vobis lacteus humor
eripitur, nee mella thymi redolentia flore. 80
prodiga divitias alimentaque mitia tellus
suggerit, atque epulas sine caede et sanguine praebet.
came ferae sedant jejunia, nee tamen omnes :
quippe equus et pecudes armentaque gramine vivunt ;
at quibus ingenium est inmansuetumque ferumque, 85
Armeniaeque tigres iracundique leones,
cumque lupis ursi, dapibus cum sanguine gaudent.
' Heu quantum scelus est in viscera viscera condi, congestoque avidum pinguescere corpore corpus, alteriusque animantem animantis vivere leto ! 90
' Scilicet in tantis opibus, quas optima matrum Terra parit, nil te nisi tristia mandere saevo vulnera dente juvat, rictusque referre Cyclopum? nee, nisi perdideris alium, placare voracis et male morati poteris jejunia ventris? 95
* At vetus ilia aetas, cui fecimus aurea nomen, fetibus arboreis et quas humus educat herbis fortunata fuit, neC polluit ora cruore.
tunc et aves tutae movere per aera pennas, et lepus inpavidus mediis erravit in herbis, 100
nee sua credulitas piscem suspenderat hamo ; cuncta sine insidiis nullamque timentia fraudem plenaque pacis erant. Postquam non utilis auctor victibus invidit, quisquis fuit ille, priorum, corporeasque dapes avidam demersit in alvum, 105
XV. 1 39.] The Guilt and Cruelty of Bloodshed. 139
fecit iter sceleri. Primaque e caede ferarum incaluisse putem maculatum sanguine ferrum. idque satis fuerat : nostrumque petentia letum corpora missa neci salva pietate fatemur ; sed quam danda neci, tarn non epulanda fuerunt. . no
4 Longius inde nefas abiit, et prima putatur hostia sus meruisse mori, quia semina pando eruerit rostro, spemque interceperit anni. vite caper morsa Bacchi mactandus ad aras ducitur ultoris : nocuit sua culpa duobus. 115
quid meruistis, oves, placidum pecus, inque tuendos natum homines, pleno quae fertis in ubere nectar, mollia quae nobis vestras velamina lanas praebetis, vitaque magis, quam morte juvatis? quid meruere boves, animal sine fraude dolisque, 120 innocuum, simplex, natum tolerare labores? immemor est demum, nee frugum munere dignus, qui potuit curvi dempto modo pondere aratri ruricolam mactare suum, qui trita labore ilia, quibus totiens durum renovaverat arvum, 125
condiderat messes, percussit colla securi.
1 Nee satis est, quod tale nefas committitur : ipsos inscripsere deos sceleri, numenque supernum caede laboriferi credunt gaudere juvenci. victima labe carens et praestantissima forma — 130 nam placuisse nocet — vittis praesignis et auro sistitur ante aras, auditque ignara precantem, imponique suae videt inter cornua fronti quas coluit, fruges, percussaque sanguine cultros inficit in liquida praevisos forsitan unda. 135
protinus ereptas viventi pectore fibras inspiciunt, mentesque deum scrutantur in illis. unde fames homini vetitorum tanta ciborum est? audetis vesci, genus O mortale? quod (oro)
140 The Wisdom of King Numa. [Met am.
ne facite, et monitis animos advertite nostris : 140
cumque bourn dabitis caesorum membra palato, mandere vos vestros scite et sentite colonos.
* Et, quoniam deus ora movet, sequar ora moventem rite deum, Delphosque meos ipsumque recludam aethera et augustae reserabo oracula mentis. 145
magna, nee ingeniis evestigata priorum, quaeque diu latuere, canam. Juvat ire per alta astra ; juvat terris et inerti sede relicta nube vehi, validique humeris insistere Atlantis ; palantesque homines passim ac rationis egentes 150 despectare procul, trepidosque obitumque timentes sic exhortari, seriemque evolvere fati.
f O genus attonitum gelidae formidine mortis ! quid Styga, quid tenebras et nomina vana timetis, materiem vatum, falsique pericula mundi? 155
corpora sive rogus flamma, seu tabe vetustas abstulerit, mala posse pati non ulla putetis. morte carent animae, semperque, priore relicta sede, novis domibus vivunt habitantque receptae. ipse ego — nam memini — Trojani tempore belli 160 Pantho'ides Euphorbus eram, cui pectore quondam haesit in adverso gravis hasta minoris Atridae. cognovi clipeum, laevae gestamina nostrae, nuper Abanteis templo Junonis in Argis.
■ Omnia mutantur : nihil interit. Errat, et illinc 165 hue venit, hinc illuc, et quoslibet occupat artus spiritus, eque feris humana in corpora transit, inque feras noster, nee tempore deperit ullo. utque novis facilis signatur cera figuris, nee manet ut fuerat, nee formas servat easdem, 17a sed tamen ipsa eadem est, animam sic semper eandem esse, sed in varias doceo migrare figuras. ergo — nee pietas sit victa cupidine ventris —
XV. 207-] The Changing Seasons. 141
parcite, vaticinor, cognatas caede nefanda
exturbare animas, nee sanguine sanguis alatur. 175
* Et quoniam magno feror aequore, plenaque venlis vela dedi : Nihil est, toto quod perstet in orbe. cuncta fluunt, omnisque vagans formatur imago, ipsa quoque assiduo labuntur tempora motu,
non secus ac flumen. Neque enim consistere flumen, nee levis hora potest ; sed ut unda impellitur unda, urgueturque eadem veniens urguetque priorem — tempora sic fugiunt pariter, pariterque sequuntur, et nova sunt semper ; nam quod fuit ante, relictum est, fitque, quod haud fuerat, momentaque cuncta novantur.
* Cernis et emensas in lucem tendere noctes, et jubar hoc nitidum nigrae succedere nocti ; nee color est idem caelo, cum lassa quiete cuncta jacent media, cumque albo Lucifer exit clarus equo ; rursusque alius, cum praevia lucis 190 tradendum Phoebo Pallantias inrlcit orbem.
ipse dei clipeus terra cum tollitur ima
mane rubet, terraque rubet cum conditur ima ;
candidus in summo est, melior natura quod illic
aetheris est, terraeque procul contagia fugit. 195
nee par aut eadem nocturnae forma Dianae
esse potest umquam ; semperque hodierna sequente,
si crescit, minor est, major, si contrahit orbem.
* Quid? non in species succedere quattuor annum aspicis, aetatis peragentem imitamina nostrae? 200 nam tener et lactens puerique simillimus aevo
Vere novo est ; tunc herba recens et roboris expers turget, et insolida est, et spe delectat agrestes. omnia tunc florent, florumque coloribus almus ludit ager, neque adhuc virtus in frondibus ulla est. transit in Aestatem post ver robustior annus fitque valens juvenis ; neque enim robustior aetas
144 The Wisdom of King JVuma. [Metam.
aut hominum certe, tuta esse et honesta sinamus, neve Thyesteis cumulemus viscera mensis.
* Quam male consuescit, quam se parat ille cruori impius humano, vituli qui guttura ferro rumpit, et inmotas praebet mugitibus aures ! 465
aut qui vagitus similes puerilibus haedum edentem jugulare potest, aut alite vesci, cui dedit ipse cibos ! Quantum est, quod desit in istis ad plenum facinus? quo transitus inde paratur? bos aret, aut mortem senioribus imputet annis ; 470 horriferum contra Borean ovis arma ministret ; ubera dent saturae manibus pressanda capellae. retia cum pedicis, laqueos, artesque dolosas tollite ; nee volucrem viscata fallite virga ; nee formidatis cervos illudite pennis ; 475
nee celate cibis uncos fallacibus hamos. perdite siqua nocent, verum haec quoque perdite
tantum : ora vacent epulis, alimentaque mitia carpant.'
Talibus atque aliis instructo pectore dictis in patriam remeasse ferunt, ultroque petitum 480
accepisse Numam populi Latiaris habenas : conjuge qui felix nympha ducibusque Camenis sacriiicos docuit ritus, gentemque feroci assuetam bello pacis traduxit ad artes. qui postquam senior regnumque aevumque peregit, exstinctum Latiaeque nurus populusque Patresque deflevere Numam.
XV. 644-] The Worship of jEsadafius. 145
XXII. The Worship of ^Esculapius.
[Book XV. — 622-744.]
The people of Rome, being in terror of a pestilence, seek counsel of Apollo, who bids them invite his son (jEsculapius) to their city. Proceeding to Epidaurus, the messengers summon his help (622-652) ; who, giving them favorable answer in a dream, takes the shape of a serpent, and goes aboard their ship (653-693) ; and arriving at Rome, makes his dwelling in an island of the Tiber (694-744).— B.C. 293.
"DANDITE nunc, Musae, praesentia numina vatum, ■*■ (scitis enim, nee vos fallit spatiosa vetustas) unde Coroniden circumflua Thybridis alti insula Romuleae sacris asciverit urbis. 625
Dira lues quondam Latias vitiaverat auras, pallidaque exsangui squalebant corpora tabo. funeribus fessi postquam mortalia cernunt temptamenta nihil, nihil artes posse medentum, auxilium caeleste petunt ; mediamque tenentes 630
orbis humum Delphos adeunt, oracula Phoebi, utque salutifera miseris succurrere rebus sorte velit, tantaeque urbis mala finiat, orant. et locus et laurus et, quas habet ipse, pharetrae intremuere simul ; cortinaque reddidit imo 635
hanc adyto vocem, pavefactaque pectora movit: 4 Quod petis hinc, propiore loco, Romane, petisses : et pete nunc propiore loco ; nee Apolline vobis, qui minuat luctus, opus est, sed Apolline nato : ite bonis avibus, prolemque accersite nostram.' 640
Jussa dei prudens postquam accepere Senatus, quam colat, explorant, juvenis Phoebeius urbem, quique petant ventis Epidauria litora, mittunt. quae postquam curva missi tetigere carina,
10
144 The Wisdom of King Numa. [Metam.
aut hominum certe, tuta esse et honesta sinamus, neve Thyesteis cumulemus viscera mensis.
' Quam male consuescit, quam se parat ille cruori impius humano, vituli qui guttura ferro rumpit, et inmotas praebet mugitibus aures ! 465
aut qui vagitus similes puerilibus haedum edentem jugulare potest, aut alite vesci, cui dedit ipse cibos ! Quantum est, quod desit in istis ad plenum facinus? quo transitus inde paratur? bos aret, aut mortem senioribus imputet annis ; 470 horriferum contra Borean ovis arma ministret ; ubera dent saturae manibus pressanda capellae. retia cum pedicis, laqueos, artesque dolosas tollite ; nee volucrem viscata fallite virga ; nee formidatis cervos illudite pennis ; 475
nee celate cibis uncos fallacibus hamos. perdite siqua nocent, verum haec quoque perdite
tantum : ora vacent epulis, alimentaque mitia carpant.'
Talibus atque aliis instructo pectore dictis in patriam remeasse ferunt, ultroque petitum 480
accepisse Numam populi Latiaris habenas : conjuge qui felix nympha ducibusque Camenis sacriilcos docuit ritus, gentemque feroci assuetam bello pacis traduxit ad artes. qui postquam senior regnumque aevumque peregit, exstinctum Latiaeque nurus populusque Patresque deflevere Numam.
XV. 644-] The Worship of sEsculafius. 145
XXII. The Worship of ^Esculapius.
[Book XV. — 622-744.]
The people of Rome, being in terror of a pestilence, seek counsel of Apollo, who bids them invite his son (.dEsculapius) to their city. Proceeding to Epidaurus, the messengers summon his help (622-652) ; who, giving them favorable answer in a dream, takes the shape of a serpent, and goes aboard their ship (653-693) ; and arriving at Rome, makes his dwelling in an island of the Tiber (694-744).— b. c. 293.
TT)ANDITE nunc, Musae, praesentia numina vatum, ■*■ (scitis enim, nee vos fallit spatiosa vetustas) unde Coroniden circumflua Thybridis alti insula Romuleae sacris asciverit urbis. 625
Dira lues quondam Latias vitiaverat auras, pallidaque exsangui squalebant corpora tabo. funeribus fessi postquam mortalia cernunt temptamenta nihil, nihil artes posse medentum, auxilium caeleste petunt ; mediamque tenentes 630
orbis humum Delphos adeunt, oracula Phoebi, utque salutifera miseris succurrere rebus sorte velit, tantaeque urbis mala finiat, orant. et locus et laurus et, quas habet ipse, pharetrae intremuere simul ; cortinaque reddidit imo 635
hanc adyto vocem, pavefactaque pectora movit: 4 Quod petis hinc, propiore loco, Romane, petisses : et pete nunc propiore loco ; nee Apolline vobis, qui minuat luctus, opus est, sed Apolline nato : ite bonis avibus, prolemque accersite nostram.' 640
Jussa dei prudens postquam accepere Senatus, quam colat, explorant, juvenis Phoebei'us urbem, quique petant ventis Epidauria litora, mittunt. quae postquam curva missi tetigere carina,
146 The Worship of JEsculaftus. [Metam.
concilium Graiosque patres adiere, darentque, 645
oravere, deum, qui praesens funera gentis finiat Ausoniae : certas ita dicere sortes.
Dissidet et variat sententia ; parsque negandum non putat auxilium ; multi retinere, suamque non emittere opem, nee numina tradere suadent. 650 dum dubitant, seram pepulere crepuscula lucem, umbraque telluris tenebras induxerat orbi : cum deus in somnis opifer consistere visus ante tuum, Romane, torum, sed qualis in aede esse solet, baculumque tenens agreste sinistra, 655
caesariem longae dextra deducere barbae, et placido tales emittere pectore voces :
1 Pone metus ; veniam, simulacraque nostra relin- quam : hunc modo serpentem, baculum qui nexibus ambit, perspice, et usque nota visu, ut cognoscere possis: 660 vertar in hunc ; sed major ero, tantusque videbor, in quantum debent caelestia corpora verti.' extemplo cum voce deus, cum voce deoque somnus abit, somnique fugam lux alma secuta est.
Postera sidereos Aurora fugaverat ignes ; 665
incerti quid agant, proceres ad templa petiti conveniunt operosa dei, quaque ipse morari sede velit, signis caelestibus indicet, orant. vix bene desierant, cum cristis aureus altis in serpente deus praenuntia sibila misit, 670
adventuque suo signumque arasque foresque marmoreumque solum fastigiaque aurea movit, pectoribusque tenus media sublimis in aede constitit, atque oculos circumtulit igne micantes.
Territa turba pavet : cognovit numina castos 675 evinctus vitta crines albente sacerdos, et * Deus en ! deus en ! animis linguisque favete,
XV. 7ii.] Arrival in Italy. 147
quisquis ades ! ' dixit * Sis, O pulcherrime, visus utiliter, populosque juves tua sacra colentes.' quisquis adest, jussum veneratur numen, et omnes 63o verba sacerdotis referunt geminata, piumque Aeneadae praestant et mente et voce favorem. adnuit his, motisque deus rata pignora cristis et repetita dedit vibrata sibila lingua, turn gradibus nitidis delabitur, oraque retro 685
flectit, et antiquas abiturus respicit aras, assuetasque domos habitataque templa salutat ; inde per injectis adopertam fioribus ingens serpit humum, flectitque sinus, mediamque per urbem tendit ad incurvo munitos aggere portus ; 690
restitit hie, agmenque suum turbaeque sequentis officium placido visus dimittere vultu corpus in Ausonia posuit rate. Numinis ilia sensit onus, pressa estque dei gravitate carina.
Aeneadae gaudent, caesoque in litore tauro 695
torta coronatae solvunt retinacula classis. impulerat levis aura ratem. Deus eminet alte, impositaque premens puppim cervice recurvam caeruleas despectat aquas, modicisque per aequor Ionium zephyris sexto Pallantidos ortu 700
Italiam tenuit, praeterque Lacinia templo nobilitata deae, Scylaceaque litora fertur. linquit Iapygiam, laevisque Amphrisia remis saxa fugit, dextra praerupta Celennia parte, Romethiumque legit, Caulonaque, Naryciamque, 705 evincitque fretum Siculique angusta Pelori, Hippotadaeque domos regis, Temesesque metalla, Leucosiamque petit, tepidique rosaria Paesti. inde legit Capreas, promontoriumque Minervae, et Surrentino generosos palmite colles, 710
Herculeamque urbem, Stabiasque, et in otia natam
148 The Worship of ^Lsculafius. [Metam.
Parthenopen, et ab hac Cumaeae templa Sibyllae. hinc calidi fontes lentisciferumque tenetur Linternum, multamque trahens sub gurgite arenam Volturnus, niveisque frequens Sinuessa columbis, 715 Minturnaeque graves, et quam tumulavit alumnus, Antiphataeque domus, Trachasque obsessa palude, et tellus Circaea, et spissi litoris Antium.
Hue ubi veliferam nautae advertere carinam — asper enim jam pontus erat — deus explicat orbes, 720 perque sinus crebros et magna volumina labens, templa parentis init flavum tangentia litus. aequore pacato patrias Epidaurius aras linquit, et hospitio juncti sibi numinis usus litoream tractu squamae crepitants arenam 725
sulcat, et innixus moderamine navis in alta puppe caput posuit, donee Castrumque sacrasque Lavini sedes Tiberinaque ad ostia venit.
Hue omnes populi passim, matrumque patrumque obvia turba ruit, quaeque ignes, Troica, servant, 730 Vesta, tuos, laetoque deum clamore salutant ; quaque per adversas navis cita ducitur undas, tura super ripas aris ex ordine factis parte ab utraque sonant, et odorant aera fumis : ictaque conjectos incalfacit hostia cultros. 735
Jamque caput rerum, Romanam intraverat urbem. erigitur serpens, summoque acclinia malo colla movet, sedesque sibi circumspicit aptas. scinditur in geminas partes circumfluus amnis : insula nomen habet ; laterumque e parte duorum 740 porrigit aequales media tellure lacertos. hue se de Latia pinu Phoebeius anguis contulit, et finem specie caeleste resumpta luctibus imposuit, venitque salutifer Urbi.
XV. 766.] The Apotheosis of Ccesar. 149
XXIII. The Apotheosis of CLesar. [Book XV. — 745-879.]
After the triumphs ot Caesar, and his death by treachery of his friends, Venus obtained from Jupiter that he should be received into the number of the Immortals, —a native deity, while ^Escula- pius was of foreign origin (745-844). She takes therefore his spirit as he falls, and bears it above, his path being shown by a miraculous star which appeared in the heavens at his death (845-880).
Conclusion, 881-889.
T TIC tamen accessit delubris advena nostris :
•*■ Caesar in Urbe sua deus est, quern marte togaque
praecipuum non bella magis finita triumphis,
resque domi gestae properataque gloria rerum,
in sidus vertere novum stellamque comantem,
quam sua progenies. Neque enim de Caesaris actis
ullum majus opus, quam quod pater exstitit hujus.
scilicet aequoreos plus est domuisse Britannos,
perque papyriferi semptemflua flumina Nili
victrices egisse rates, Numidasque rebelles
Cinyphiumque Jubam, Mithridateisque tumentem 755
nominibus Pontum populo adjecisse Quirini,
et multos meruisse, aliquos egisse triumphos,
quam tantum genuisse virum? Quo praeside rerum
humano generi, Superi, favistis abunde.
Ne foret hie igitur mortali semine cretus, 760
ille deus faciendus erat. Quod ut aurea vidit Aeneae genitrix, vidit quoque triste parari pontifici letum et conjurata arma moveri, palluit; et cunctis, ut cuique erat obvia, divis * Aspice,' dicebat * quanta mihi mole parentur 765
insidiae, quantaque caput cum fraude petatur,
150 The Afotheosis of Ccesar. [Metam.
quod de Dardanio solum mihi restat Iiilo. solane semper ero justis exercita curis? quam modo Tydidae Calydonia vulneret hasta, nunc male defensae confundant moenia Trojae ; 770 quae videam natum longis erroribus actum jactarique freto sedesque intrare silentum, bellaque cum Turno gerere, aut, si vera fatemur, cum Junone magis? Quid nunc antiqua recordor damna mei generis? Timor hie meminisse priorum non sinit : in me acui sceleratos cernitis enses. quos prohibete* precor, facinusque repellite ! neve caede sacerdotis flammas exstinguite Vestae.'
Talia nequiquam toto Venus anxia caelo verba jacit, superosque movet ; qui rumpere quamquam ferrea non possunt veterum decreta sororum, signa tamen luctus dant baud incerta futuri. arma ferunt inter nigras crepitantia nubes terribilesque tubas, auditaque cornua caelo praemonuisse nefas. Solis quoque tristis imago 785 lurida sollicitis praebebat lumina terris. saepe faces visae mediis ardere sub astris ; saepe inter nimbos guttae cecidere cruentae. caerulus et vultum ferrugine Lucifer atra sparsus erat, sparsi lunares sanguine currus. 790
tristia mille locis Stygius dedit omina bubo ; mille locis lacrimavit ebur, cantusque feruntur auditi Sanctis et verba minantia lucis. victima nulla litat, magnosque instare tumultus fibra monet, caesumque caput reperitur in extis ; 795 inque foro circumque domos et templa deorum nocturnos ululasse canes, umbrasque silentum erravisse ferunt, motamque tremoribus urbem.
Non tamen insidias venturaque vincere fata praemonitus potuere deum ; strictique feruntur 800
XV. 834] Juf iter foretells his Glory. 151
in templum gladii ; neque enim locus ullus in Urbe
ad facinus diramque placet, nisi curia, caedem.
turn vero Cytherea manu percussit utraque
pectus, et aetheria molitur condere nube,
qua prius infesto Paris est ereptus Atridae, 805
et Diomedeos Aeneas fugerat enses.
Talibus hanc genitor : ' Sola insuperabile fatum, nata, movere paras? intres licet ipsa sororum tecta trium ! cernes illic molimine vasto ex aere et solido rerum tabularia ferro, 810
quae neque concursum caeli, neque fulminis iram, nee metuunt ullas tuta atque aetarna ruinas. invenies illic incisa adamante perenni fata tui generis : legi ipse animoque notavi, et referam, ne sis etiamnum ignara futuri. 815
1 Hie sua complevit, pro quo, Cytherea, laboras, tempora perfectis quos terrae debuit annis. ut deus accedat caelo templisque locetur, tu facies natusque suus, qui nominis haeres impositum feret unus onus, caedisque parentis 820
nos in bella suos fortissimus ultor habebit. illius auspiciis obsessae moenia pacem victa petunt Mutinae ; Pharsalia sentiet ilium ; Emathiaque iterum madefient caede Philippi ; et magnum Siculis nomen superabitur undis ; 825
Romanique ducis conjunx Aegyptia taedae non bene fisa cadet : frustraque erit ilia minata, servitura suo Capitolia nostra Canopo.
1 Quid tibi barbariem, gentes ab utroque jacentes Oceano numerem? Quodcumque habitabile tellus 830 sustinet, hujus erit ; pontus quoque serviet illi. pace data terris, animum ad civilia vertet jura suiim, legesque feret justissimus auctor : exemploque suo mores reget, inque futuri
152 The Apotheosis of Ccssar. [Metam.
temporis aetatem venturorumque nepotum 835
prospiciens, prolem sancta de conjuge natam ferre simul nomenque suum curasque jubebit : nee, nisi cum senior Pylios aequaverit annos, aetherias sedes cognataque sidera tanget. hanc animam interea caeso de corpore raptam 840
fac jubar, ut semper Capitolia nostra forumque divus ab excelsa prospectet Julius aede.'
Vix ea fatus erat, media cum sede senatus constitit alma Venus, nulli cernenda, suique Caesaris eripuit membris, nee in aera solvi 845
passa recentem animam caelestibus intulit astris. dumque tulit, lumen capere atque ignescere sensit, emisitque sinu. Luna volat altius ilia, flammiferumque trahens spatioso limite crinem stella micat, natique videns benefacta fatetur 850
esse suis majora, et vinci gaudet ab illo. hie sua praeferri quamquam vetat acta paternis, libera fama tamen nullisque obnoxia jussis invitum praefert, unaque in parte repugnat. sic magni cedit titulis Agamemnonis Atreus ; 855
Aegea sic Theseus, sic Pelea vincit Achilles, denique, ut exemplis ipsos aequantibus utar, sic et Saturnus minor est Jove. Juppiter arces temperat aetherias et mundi regna triformis ; terra sub Augusto : pater est et rector uterque. 860
Di, precor, Aeneae comites, quibus ensis et ignis cesserunt, dique Indigetes, genitorque Quirine Urbis, et invicti genitor Gradive Quirini, Vestaque Caesareos inter sacrata penates, et cum Caesarea tu, Phoebe domestice, Vesta, 865
quique tenes altus Tarpeias Juppiter arces, quosque alios vati fas appellare piumque est : tarda sit ilia dies et nostro serior aevo,
XV. 879-] The Poet's Immortality. 153
qua caput Augustum, quern temperat, orbe relicto accedat caelo, faveatque precantibus absens. 870
Jamque opus exegi, — quod nee Jovis ira nee ignis nee poterit ferrum nee edax abolere vetustas. cum volet, ilia dies, quae nil nisi corporis hujus jus habet, incerti spatium mihi finiat aevi : parte tamen meliore mei super alta perennis 875
astra ferar, nomenque erit indelebile nostrum, quaque patet domitis Romana potentia terris, ore legar populi, perque omnia saecula fama, si quid habent veri vatum praesagia, vivam.
SHORTER POEMS.
I. The Fasti.
The word fasti, properly applied to those days of the year on which it was permitted {fas) to transact public business, came to be applied to the Roman Calendar, or systematic arrangement and classification of the days of each month. Ovid's purpose in this poem was to cast this calendar into a poetic form, describ- ing whatever was peculiar and characteristic in the Roman usages, — as festivals and rites, — and working into it whatever traditions and myths were current among the people. The Roman religion was so meagre in the elements of fable, that its mythology, as pre- sented in this work, is hardly more than a clumsy adaptation and vamping over of Grecian myths. It was, however, as rich in form and ceremonial as it was poor in story ; and the most valu- able and original portions of the Fasti are those which describe fragments of these primitive rites, which had managed to survive the inroad of the more fashionable Greek and Oriental forms of worship, and still lingered in the community. Some of them, indeed, held their own for centuries longer, and some were transformed and adopted into the Christian calendar.
Only six books of the Fasti, containing the months from Jan- uary to June inclusive, are extant. It is a much disputed question whether the other six books have been lost, or were never written. It is probable that they were written in the rough, but unfinished at the time of the poet's exile, and never published. At any rate, there are no citations in ancient authors from any but the first six books.
The following extracts from the fourth book (April) contain a description of two very ancient festivals, with the traditional account of the founding of Rome, introduced in the usual manner of the poet.
i. The Festival of Pales (April 21).
"T^TOX abiit, oriturque Aurora. Par ilia poscor : x ^ Non poscor frustra, si fa vet alma Pales.
i$6 Shorter Poems. [Fasti
Alma Pales, faveas pastoria sacra canenti,
Prosequor officio si tua festa pio. Certe ego de vitulo cinerem stipulasque fabalis 725
Saepe tuli plena (februa casta) manu. Certe ego transilui positas ter in ordine flammas,
Udaque roratas laurea misit aquas. Mota dea est, operique favet : navalibus exi,
Puppis ! habent ventos jam mea vela suos. 730
I, pete virginea, populus, suffimen ab ara :
Vesta dabit; Vestae munere purus eris. Sanguis equi suffimen erit, vitulique favilla,
Tertia res durae culmen inane fabae. Pastor, oves saturas ad prima crepuscula lustra : 735
- Unda prius spargat, virgaque verrat humum. Frondibus et fixis decorentur ovilia ramis,
Et tegat ornatas longa corona fores. Caerulei fiant vivo de sulphure fumi,
Tactaque fumanti sulphure balet ovis. 740
Ure mares oleas, taedamque, herbasque Sabinas,
Et crepet in mediis laurus adusta focis. Libaque de milio milii fiscella sequetur :
Rustica praecipue est hoc dea laeta cibo. Adde dapes mulctramque suas, dapibusque resectis 745
Silvicolam tepido lacte precare Palen. Consule (die) pecori far iter pecorisque magi sir is:
Effngiat stabulis noxa repulsa meis. Sive sacro pavi, sedive sub arbore sacra,
Pabulaque e bustis inscia carpsit ovis; 750
Si nemus intravi vetitum, nostrisve fugatae
Sunt oculis nymphae, semicapervc deus; Simcafalx ramo lucum spoliavit opaco,
Unde data est aegrae jiscina frondis ovi; Da veniam culpae, nee, dum degrandinat, obsit 755
Agresti fano supposuisse pecus.
IV. 792-3 The Fasti. i$7
Nee noceat turbasse lacus : ig??oscite, nymphae,
Mota quod obscuras ungula fecit aquas. Tu, dea, pro nobis fontes fontanaque placa
Numina; tu spar so s -per ncmus otnne deos. 760
Nee dryadas, nee nos vidcamus labra Dianae,
Nee Faumim, medio cum premit arva die. Pelle procul morbos : valeant hominesque gregesque,
Ft valeant vigiles, provida turba, canes. Neve minus multos redigam quam mancfucrunt, 765
Neve gemam refer ens vellera rapt a lupo. Absit ini qua fames : herbae frondesque supersint,
£>uacque lavent artus, quaeque bibantur, aquae. Ubera plena premam : refer at mihi caseus aera>
Dentque viam liquido vimina rara sero. 770
Lanaque proveniat nullas lacsura puellas,
Mollis et ad teneras quamlibct apta manus. £>iiae precor, eveniant; et nosfaciamus ad annum 775
Pastorum dominae grandia liba Pali. His dea placanda est ; haec tu conversus ad ortus
Die quater, et vivo perlue rore manus. Turn licet adposita, veluti cratere, camella,
Lac niveum potes purpureamque sapam ; 780
Moxque per ardentes stipulae crepitantes acervos
Traicias celeri strenua membra pede. Exposttus mos est : moris mihi restat origo.
Turba facit dubium, coeptaque nostra tenet. Omnia purgat edax ignis, vitiumque metallis 785
Excoquit : idcirco cum duce purgat ovis? An, quia cunctarum contraria semina rerum
Sunt duo discordes, ignis et unda, dei, Junxerunt elementa patres, aptumque putarunt
Ignibus et sparsa tangere corpus aqua? 790
An, quod in his vitae causa est, haec perdidit exsul,
His nova fit conjunx, haec duo magna putant?
158 Shorter Poems. [Fasti
Vix equidem credo : sunt qui Phaethonta referri
Credant, et nimias Deucalionis aquas. Pars quoque, cum saxis pastores saxa feribant, 795
Scintillam subito prosiluisse ferunt : Prima quidem periit, stipulis excepta secunda est.
Hoc argumentum flamma Parilis habet? An magis hunc morem pietas Aeneia fecit,
Innocuum victo cui dedit ignis iter? 800
Num tamen est vero propius, cum condita Roma est,
Transferri jussos in nova tecta Lares, Mutantesque domum tectis agrestibus ignem,
Et cessaturae supposuisse casae, Per flammas saluisse pecus, saluisse colonos? 805
Quod fit natali nunc quoque, Roma, tuo. Ipse locus causas vati facit. Urbis origo
Venit : ades factis, magne Quirine, tuis !
2. The Founding of Rome.
TAM luerat poenas frater Numitoris, et omne •^ Pastorum gemino sub duce volgus erat. 810
Contrahere agrestes et moenia ponere utrique
Convenit : ambigitur, moenia ponat uter. % Nil opus est \ dixit * certamine ' Romulus * ullo :
Magna fides avium est ; experiamur aves.' Res placet : alter adit nemorosi saxa Palati ; 815
Alter Aventinum mane cacumen init. Sex Remus, hie volucres bis sex videt ordine ; pacto
Statur, et arbitrium Romulus urbis habet. Apta dies legitur, qua moenia signet aratro.
Sacra Palis suberant ; inde movetur opus : 820
Fossa fit ad solidum ; fruges jaciuntur in ima,
Et de vicino terra petita solo.
IV. 856.] The Founding of Rome. 159
Fossa repletur humo, plenaeque imponitur ara,
Et novus accenso fungitur igne focus. Inde premens stivam designat moenia sulco : 825
Alba jugum niveo cum bove vacca tulit. Vox fuit haec regis : Condenti, Juppiter , urbem
JEt genitor Mavors Vestaque mater , adesl £>uosquc pium est adhibere dcos, advertite cuncti!
Auspicibus vobis hoc mihi surgat opus. 830
Longa sit huic aetas dominacque potentia terrae,
Sit que sub hac oriens occiduusque dies. Ille precabatur : tonitru dedit omina laevo
Juppiter, et laevo fulmina missa polo. Augurio laeti jaciunt fundamina cives, 835
Et novus exiguo tempore murus erat. Hoc Celer urget opus, quern Romulus ipse vocarat,
* Sint'que, ( Celer, curae' dixerat * ista tuae : Neve quis aut muros, aut factam vomere fossam
Transeat, audentem talia dede neci.' 840
Quod Remus ignorans humiles contemnere muros
Coepit, et * His populus ' dicere ' tutus erit?' Nee mora, transiluit : rutro Celer occupat ausum ;
Ille premit duram sanguinulentus humum. Haec ubi rex didicit, lacrimas introrsus obortas 845
Devorat, et clausum pectore volnus habet ; Flere palam non volt, exemplaque fortia servat,
Sic que meos muros transeat hostis ait. Dat tamen exsequias ; nee jam suspendere fletum
Sustinet, et pietas dissimulata patet. 850
Osculaque adplicuit posito suprema feretro,
Atque ait, Invito f rater adempte, vale! Arsurosque artus unxit. Fecere, quod ille,
Faustulus et maestas Acca soluta comas ; Turn juvenem nondum facti flevere Quirites ; ^55
Ultima plorato subdita flamma rogo est.
160 Shorter Poems. [Fasti
Urbs oritur — quis tunc hoc ulli credere posset? —
Victorem terris impositura pedem. Cuncta regas, et sis magno sub Caesare semper :
Saepe etiam pluris nominis hujus habe ; 860
Et quotiens steteris domito sublimis in orbe,
Omnia sint humeris inferiora tuis.
2. Ritual to avert Blight (April 25).
QEX ubi, quae restant, luces Aprilis habebit,
^ In medio cursu tempora veris erunt,
Et frustra pecudem quaeres Athamantidos Helles,
Signaque dant imbres, exoriturque Canis. Hac mihi Nomento Romam cum luce redirem, 905
Obstitit in media Candida turba via ; Flamen in antiquae lucum Robiginis ibat,
Exta canis flammis, exta daturus ovis. Protinus accessi, ritus ne nescius essem ;
Edidit haec Flamen verba, Quirine, tuus : 910
Aspera Robigo , parcas Cerialibus her bis,
Et tremat in summa leve cacumen humo. Tu sata sideribus caeli nutrita secundi
Crescere, dum jiant falcibus apta, sinas. Vis tua non levis est: quae tu frumenta notasti, 915
Maestus in amissis ilia colonus habet. Nee venti tantum Cereri nocuere, nee imbres,
Nee sic marmoreo -pallet adusta gelu, Quantum, si culmos Titan incalfacit udos :
Tunc locus est irae, diva timenda, tuae. 920
Parce, precor, scabrasque manus a messibus aufer,
Neve noce cultis : posse nocere sat est. Nee ten eras segetes, sed durum ample et ere ferrum,
£>uodque potest alios perdere, perde prior.
IV. 942.] Ritual to avert Blight. 161
Utilius gladios et tela nocentia carpes : 925
Nil opus est Hits; otia mundus agit. Sarcula nunc durusque bidens et vomer aduncus,
Ruris opes, niteant: inquinet arma situs. Conatusque aliquis vagina ducereferrumy
Adstrictum longa sentiat esse mora. 930
At tu ne viola Cerereml semper que colonus
Absenti possit solvere vota tibi. Dixerat; a dextra villis mantele solutis,
Cumque meri patera turis acerra fuit ; Tura focis vinumque dedit, fibrasque bidentis, 935
Turpiaque obscenae (vidimus) exta canis. Turn mihi ' Cur detur sacris nova victima, quaeris? ' —
Quaesieram — * Causam percipe ' flamen ait. * Est canis, Icarium dicunt, quo sidere moto
Tosta sitit tellus, praecipiturque seges. 940
Pro cane sidereo canis hie imponitur arae,
Et quare pereat, nil nisi nomen habet.'
162 Shorter Poems* [Heroides
II. Heroides.
The Heroides (" Heroines ") are a series of about twenty letters addressed from various mythical and legendary persons, — chiefly from lonely wives and forsaken brides to husband or lover. The example here given is the first and perhaps best of the series.
Penelope to Ulysses,
TTANC tua Penelope lento tibi mittit, Ulixe : ■** ■*■ Nil mihi rescribas, at tamen ipse veni. Troja jacet certe, Danais invisa puellis ;
Vix Priamus tanti totaque Troja fuit. O utinam turn, cum Lacedaemona classe petebat, 5
Obrutus insanis esset adulter aquis ! Non ego deserto jacuissem frigida lecto,
Non quererer tardos ire relicta dies ; Nee mihi quaerenti spatiosam fallere noctem
Lassasset viduas pendula tela manus. 10
Quando ego non timui graviora pericula veris?
Res est solliciti plena timoris amor. In te fingebam violentos Troas ituros ;
Nomine in Hectoreo pallida semper eram. Sive quis Antilochum narrabat ab Hectore victum, 15
Antilochus nostri causa timoris erat ; Sive, Menoetiaden falsis cecidisse sub armis,
Flebam successu posse carere dolos ; Sanguine Tlepolemus Lyciam tepefecerat hastam,
Tlepolemi leto cura novata mea est ; 20
Denique, quisquis erat castris jugulatus Achivis
Frigidius glacie pectus amantis erat. Sed bene consuluit casto deus aequus amori :
Versa est in cineres sospite Troja viro.
I. i, 58.J Penelope to Ulysses. 163
Argolici rediere duces : altaria fumant ; 25
Ponitur ad patrios barbara praeda deos ; Grata ferunt nymphae pro salvis dona maritis ;
Illi victa suis Tro'ica fata canunt. Mirantur justique senes trepidaeque puellae :
Narrantis conjunx pendet ab ore viri. 30
Atque aliquis posita monstrat fera proelia mensa,
Pingit et exiguo Pergama tota mero : ' Hac ibat Simois, hac est Sigeia tellus,
Hie steterat Priami regia celsa senis ; Ulic Aeacides, illic tendebat Ulixes ; 35
Hie alacer missos terruit Hector equos.' Omnia namque tuo senior, te quaerere misso,
Retulerat gnato Nestor, at ille mihi. Retulit et ferro Rhesumque Dolonaque caesos,
Utque sit hie somno proditus, ille dolo. 40
Ausus es, O nimium nimiumque oblite tuorum,
Thracia nocturno tangere castra dolo, Totque simul mactare viros, adjutus ab uno !
At bene cautus eras et memor ante mei? Usque metu micuere sinus, dum victor amicum 45
Dictus es Ismariis isse per agmen equis. Sed mihi quid prodest vestris disjecta lacertis
Ilios et murus quod fuit, esse solum, Si maneo qualis Troja durante manebam,
Virque mihi dempto fine carendus abest? 50
Diruta sunt aliis, uni mihi Pergama restant,
Incola captivo quae bove victor arat. Jam seges est, ubi Troja fuit, resecandaque fake
Luxuriat Phrygio sanguine pinguis humus ; Semisepulta virum curvis feriuntur aratris 55
Ossa ; ruinosas occulit herba domos. Victor abes : nee scire mihi, quae causa morandi,
Aut in quo lateas ferreus orbe, licet.
164 Shorter Poems. [Heroides
Qiiisquis ad haec vertit peregrinam littora puppim,
Ille mihi de te multa rogatus abit : 60
Quamque tibi reddat, si te modo viderit usquam,
Traditur huic digitis charta novata meis. Nos Pylon, antiqui Neleia Nestoris arva,
Misimus : incerta est fama remissa Pylo. Misimus et Sparten : Sparte quoque nescia veri. 65
Quas habitas terras, aut ubi lentus abes? Utilius starent etiam nunc moenia Phoebi.
Irascor votis heu levis ipsa meis ! Scirem ubi pugnares, et tantum bella timerem,
Et mea cum multis juncta querela foret. y0
Quid timeam, ignoro ; timeo tamen omnia demens,
Et patet in curas area lata meas. Quaecumque aequor habet, quaecumque pericula tellus,
Tarn longae causas suspicor esse morae. Haec ego dum stulte metuo, quae vestra libido est, 75
Esse peregrino captus amore potes. Forsitan et narres, quam sit tibi rustica conjunx,
Quae tantum lanas non sinat esse rudes. Fallar, et hoc crimen tenues vanescat in auras,
Neve, revertendi liber, abesse velis ! 80
Me pater Icarius viduo discedere lecto
Cogit, et immensas increpat usque moras. Increpet usque licet: tua sum, tua dicar oportet;
Penelope conjunx semper Ulixis ero. Ille tamen pietate mea precibusque pudicis 85
Frangitur, et vires temperat ipse suas. Dulichii Samiique et quos tulit alta Zacynthos,
Turba ruunt in me luxuriosa proci ; Inque tua regnant, nullis prohibentibus, aula :
Viscera nostra, tuae dilacerantur opes. 90
Quid tibi Pisandrum Polybumque Medontaque dirum
Eurymachique avidas Antinoique manus
I. i, n6.] Penelofe to Ulysses. 165
Atque alios referam, quos omnes turpiter absens
Ipse tuo partis sanguine rebus alis? Irus egens pecorisque Melanthius actor edendi 95
Ultimus accedunt in tua damna pudor. Tres sumus inbelles numero, sine viribus uxor,
Laertesque senex, Telemachusque puer. Ille per insidias paene est mihi nuper ademptus,
Dum parat invitis omnibus ire Pylon. 100
Di, precor, hoc jubeant, ut euntibus ordine fatis
Ille meos oculos comprimat, ille tuos. Hinc faciunt custosque bourn longaevaque nutrix,
Tertius immundae cura fidelis harae. Sed neque Laertes, ut qui sit inutilis armis, 105
Hostibus in mediis regna tenere potest. Telemacho veniet, vivat modo, fortior aetas :
Nunc erat auxiliis ilia tuenda patris. Nee mihi sunt vires inimicos pellere tectis :
Tu citius venias, portus et aura tuis. no
Est tibi, sitque, precor, gnatus, qui mollibus annis
In patrias artes erudiendus erat. Respice Laerten, ut jam sua lumina condas,
Extremum fati sustinet ille diem. Certe ego, quae fueram te discedente puella, 115
Protinus ut venias, facta videbor anus.
1 66 Shorter Poems, [Amores
III. Amores.
The Amores consist of three books of short poems, very miscel- laneous in their subjects, sentimental, voluptuous, complimentary, or personal. Those here given have a special interest, as illus- trating the poet's earlier aspiration, and the more playful aspect of his verse.
i. The Poet of Idleness (i. 15).
QUID mihi, Livor edax, ignavos obicis annos, Ingeniique vocas carmen inertis opus? Non me more patrum, dum strenua sustinet aetas
Praemia militiae pulverulenta sequi, Nee me verbosas leges ediscere, nee me 5
Ingrato vocem prostituisse foro. Mortale est, quod quaeris, opus : mihi fama perennis
Quaeritur, in toto semper ut orbe canar. Vivet Maeonides, Tenedos dum stabit et Ide,
Dum rapidas Simois in mare volvet aquas. 10
Vivet et Ascraeus, dum mustis uva tumebit,
Dum cadet incurva falce resecta Ceres. Battiades semper toto cantabitur orbe :
Quamvis ingenio non valet, arte valet. Nulla Sophocleo veniet jactura cothurno ; 15
Cum sole et luna semper Aratus erit. Dum fallax servus, durus pater, improba lena
Vivent et meretrix blanda, Menandros erit. Ennius arte carens animosique Accius oris
Casurum nullo tempore nomen habent. 20
Varronem primamque ratem quae nesciet aetas,
Aureaque Aesonio terga petita duci? Carmina sublimis tunc sunt peritura Lucreti,
Exitio terras cum dabit una dies.
II. 6, i2.] Elegy on a Parrot. 167
Tityrus et fruges Aenei'aque arma legentur, 25
Roma triumphati dum caput orbis erit. Donee erunt ignes arcusque Cupidinis arma,
Discentur numeri, culte Tibulle, tui. Gallus et Hesperiis et Gallus notus Eois,
Et sua cum Gallo nota Lycoris erit. 30
Ergo cum silices, cum dens patientis aratri
Depereant aevo, carmina morte carent. Cedant carminibus reges regumque triumphi,
Cedat et auriferi ripa benigna Tagi. Vilia miretur vulgus : mihi flavus Apollo 35
Pocula Castalia plena ministret aqua, Sustineamque coma metuentem frigora myrtum :
Atque fta sollicito multus amante legar. Pascitur in vivis Livor ; post fata quiescit,
Cum suus ex merito quemque tuetur honos. 40
Ergo etiam cum me supremus adederit ignis,
Vivam, parsque mei multa superstes erit.
2. Elegy on a Parrot (ii. 6).
TpSITTACUS, eois imitatrix ales ab Indis, A Occidit ! exsequias ite frequenter, aves. Ite, piae volucres, et plangite pectora pinnis,
Et rigido teneras ungue notate genas. Horrida pro maestis lanietur pluma capillis, 5
Pro longa resonent carmina vestra tuba. Quod scelus Ismarii quereris, Philomela, tyranni,
Expleta est annis ista querella suis. Alitis in rarae miserum devertere funus :
Magna sed antiqui causa doloris Itys. 10
Omnes, quae liquido libratis in aere cursus,
Tu tamen ante alios, turtur amice, dole.
1 68 Shorter Poems, [Amores
Plena fuit vobis omni concordia vita,
Et stetit ad finem longa tenaxque fides. Quod fuit Argolico juvenis Phoceus Orestae, 15
Hoc tibi, dum licuit, psittace, turtur erat. Quid tamen ista fides, quid rari forma coloris,
Quid vox mutandis ingeniosa sonis, Quid juvat, ut datus es, nostrae placuisse puellae?
Infelix avium gloria, nempe jaces. 20
Tu poteras fragiles pinnis hebetare zmaragdos,
Tincta gerens rubro Punica rostra croco. Non fuit in terris vocum simulantior ales :
Reddebas blaeso tarn bene verba sono. Raptus es invidia : non tu fera bella movebas ; 25
Garrulus et placidae pacis amator eras. Ecce, coturnices inter sua proelia vivunt,
Forsitan et riant inde frequenter anus. Plenus eras minimo : nee prae sermonis amore
In multos poteras ora vacare cibos. 30
Nux erat esca tibi, causaeque papavera somni,
Pellebatque sitim simplicis umor aquae. Vivet edax vultur, ducensque per aera gyros
Miluus, et pluviae graculus auctor aquae ; Vivet et armiferae cornix invisa Minervae, 35
Ilia quidem saeclis vix moritura novem. Occidit ille loquax, humanae vocis imago,
Psittacus, extremo munus ab orbe datum. Optima prima fere manibus rapiuntur avaris ;
Implentur numeris deteriora suis. 40
Tristia Phylacidae Thersites funera vidit :
Jamque cinis, vivis fratribus, Hector erat. Quid referam timidae pro te pia vota puellae,
Vota procelloso per mare rapta noto? Septima lux aderat, non exhibitura sequentem, 45
Et stabat vacuo jam tibi Parca colo ;
III. 15, 14.] Farewell to the Loves. 169
Nee tamen ignavo stupuerunt verba palato :
Clamavit moriens lingua Corinna, vale! Colle sub Elysio nigra nemus ilice frondet,
Udaque perpetuo gramine terra viret. 50
Siqua fides dubiis, volucrum locus ille piarum
Dicitur, obscenae quo prohibentur aves : Illic innocui late pascuntur olores,
Et vivax phoenix, unica semper avis ; Explicat ipsa suas ales Junonia pinnas, 55
Oscula dat cupido blanda columba mari. Psittacus has inter nemorali sede receptus
Convertit volucres in sua verba pias. Ossa tegit tumulus, tumulus pro corpore magnus,
Quo lapis exiguus par sibi carmen habet : 60
Colligor ex ipso dominae placuisse sepulchro :
Orafuere mihi -plus ave docta loqui.
3. Farewell to the Loves (iii. 15).
QUAERE novum vatem,tenerorum mater Amorum ! Raditur hie elegis ultima meta meis : Quos ego composui, Peligni ruris alumnus;
Nee me deliciae dedecuere meae. Siquid id est, usque a proavis vetus ordinis heres, 5
Non modo militiae turbine factus eques. Mantua Vergilio gaudet ; Verona Catullo :
Pelignae dicar gloria gentis ego, Quam sua libertas ad honesta coegerat arma,
Cum timuit socias anxia Roma manus. 10
Atque aliquis spectans hospes Sulmonis aquosi
Moenia, quae campi jugera pauca tenent, * Quae tantum' dicet * potuistis ferre poetam,
Quantulacumque estis, vos ego magna voco.'
170 Shorter Poems, [Amores
Culte puer, puerique parens Amathusia culti, 15
Aurea de campo vellite signa meo. Corniger increpuit thyrso graviore Lyaeus :
Pulsanda est magnis area major equis. Imbelles Elegi, genialis Musa, valete,
Post mea mansurum fata superstes opus ! 20
I. 3,24.] Banished from Rome, 171
IV. Tristia.
The Tristia (" Complaints ") are five books of poems written during Ovid's long banishment. Some of them tiave much bio- graphical interest, and all are full of personal feeling ; sometimes monotonous, abject, and unmanly, more often a genuine and most pathetic expression of the sorrows of exile. (Respecting the causes and circumstances of Ovid's banishment, see the Life.)
i. Banished from Rome (i. 3).
piJM subit illius Iristissima noctis imago, ^■^ Qua mihi supremum tempus in Urbe fuit, Cum repeto noctem, qua tot mihi cara reliqui,
Labitur ex oculis nunc quoque gutta meis. Jam prope lux aderat, qua me discedere Caesar 5
Finibus extremae jusserat Ausoniae. Nee spatium fuerat, nee mens satis apta parandi :
Torpuerant longa pectora nostra mora. Non mihi servorum, comitis non cura legendi,
Non aptae profugo vestis opisve fuit. 10
Non aliter stupui, quam qui Jovis ignibus ictus
Vivit, et est vitae nescius ipse suae. Ut tamen hanc animi nubem dolor ipse removit,
Et tandem sensus convaluere mei ; Adloquor extremum maestos abiturus amicos, 15
Qui modo de multis unus et alter erant. Uxor amans flentem flens acrius ipsa tenebat,
Imbre per indignas usque cadente genas ; Nata procul Libycis aberat diversa sub oris,
Nee poterat fati certior esse mei. 20
Quocumque aspiceres, luctus gemitusque sonabant,
Formaque non taciti funeris intus erat. Femina virque meo, pueri quoque funere maerent ;
Inque domo lacrimas angulus omnis habet :
172 Shorter Poems, [Tristia
Si licet exemplis in parvo grandibus uti, 25
Haec facies Trojae, cum caperetur, erat. Jamque quiescebant voces hominumque canumque,
Lunaque nocturnos alta regebat equos. Hanc ego suspiciens et ab hac Capitolia cernens,
Quae nostro frustra juncta fuere lari, 30
* Numina vicinis habitantia sedibus,' inquam,
* Jamque oculis numquam templa videnda meis, Dique relinquendi, quos urbs tenet alta Quirini,
Este salutati tempus in omne mihi ! Et quamquam sero clipeum post vulnera sumo, 35
Attamen hanc odiis exonerate fugam, Caelestique viro, quis me deceperit error,
Dicite : pro culpa ne scelus esse putet. Ut quod vos scitis, poenae quoque sentiat auctor,
Placato possum non miser esse deo.' 40
Hac prece adoravi superos ego : pluribus uxor,
Singultu medios impediente sonos. Ilia etiam, ante Lares passis prostrata capillis,
Contigit exstinctos ore tremente focos, Multaque in adversos effudit verba Penates 45
Pro deplorato non valitura viro. Jamque morae spatium nox praecipitata negabat,
Versaque ab axe suo Parrhasis arctos erat. Quid facerem? blando patriae retinebar amore ;
Ultima sed jussae nox erat ilia fugae. 50
Ah ! quotiens aliquo dixi properante * Quid urgues ?
Vel quo festines ire, vel unde, vide ! ' Ah ! quotiens certam me sum mentitus habere
Horam, propositae quae foret apta viae. Ter limen tetigi, ter sum revocatus, et ipse 55
Indulgens animo pes mihi tardus erat ; Saepe Vrale dicto rursus sum multa locutus,
Et quasi discedens oscula summa dedi ;
I. 3, 92.] Banished from Rome, 173
Saepe eadem mandata dedi, meque ipse fefelli,
Respiciens oculis pignora cara meis. 60
Denique 'Quid propero? Scythia est, quo mittimur,' inquam ; * Roma relinquenda est : utraque justa mora est.
Uxor in aeternum vivo mihi viva negatur, Et domus et fidae dulcia membra domus,
Quosque ego fraterno dilexi more sodales, 65
0 mihi Thesea pectora juncta fide !
Dum licet, amplectar : numquam fortasse licebit
Amplius : in lucro est quae datur hora mihi.' Nee mora, sermonis verba inperfecta relinquo,
Complectens animo proxima quaeque meo. 70
Dum loquor et flemus, caelo nitidissimus alto,
Stella gravis nobis, Lucifer ortus erat : Dividor haud aliter, quam si mea membra relinquam,
Et pars abrumpi corpore visa suo est. Sic doluit Mettus tunc, cum in contraria versos 75
Ultores habuit proditionis equos. Turn vero exoritur clamor gemitusque meorum,
Et feriunt maestae pectora nuda manus. Turn vero conjunx, humeris abeuntis inhaerens,
Miscuit haec lacrimis tristia dicta suis : 80
1 Non potes avelli : simul, ah ! simul ibimus' inquit ;
1 Te sequar et conjunx exsulis exsul ero.
Et mihi facta via est, et me capit ultima tellus :
Accedam profugae sarcina parva rati. Te jubet a patria discedere Caesaris ira, 85
Me pietas : pietas haec mihi Caesar erit.' Talia temptabat, sicut temptaverat ante,
Vixque dedit victas utilitate manus. Egredior, — sive illud erat sine funere ferri,
Squalidus inmissis hirta per ora comis. 90
Ilia dolore amens tenebris narratur obortis
Semianimis media procubuisse domo ; ,
174 Shorter Poems, [Tristia
Utque resurrexit, foedatis pulvere turpi
Crinibus, et gelida membra levavit humo, Se modo, desertos modo complorasse Penates, 95
Nomen et erepti saepe vocasse viri ; Nee gemuisse minus, quam si nataeve meumve
Vidisset structos corpus habere rogos, Et voluisse mori, moriendo ponere sensus —
Respectuque tamen non voluisse mei. 100
Vivat ! et absentem — quoniam sic fata tulerunt —
Vivat ut auxilio sublevet usque suo.
2. The Exile *s Sick Chamber (iii. 3).
TTAEC mea, si casu miraris, epistola quare -1- ■*■ Alterius digitis scripta sit, aeger eram. Aeger in extremis ignoti partibus orbis,
Incertusque meae paene salutis eram. Quid mihi nunc animi dira regione jacenti 5
Inter Sauromatas esse Getasque putes? Nee caelum patior, nee aquis adsuevimus istis,
Terraque nescio quo non placet ipsa modo. Non domus apta satis, non hie cibus utilis aegro ;
Nullus, Apollinea qui levet arte malum ; 10
Non qui soletur, non qui labentia tarde
Tempora narrando fallat, amicus adest. Lassus in extremis jaceo populisque locisque,
Et subit adfecto nunc mihi, quicquid abest. Omnia cum subeant, vincis tamen omnia, conjunx, 15
Et plus in nostro pectore parte tenes. Te loquor absentem, te vox mea nominat unam ;
Nulla venit sine te nox mihi, nulla dies. Quin etiam sic me dicunt aliena locutum,
Ut foret amenti nomen in ore tuum. 20
Ill- 3» 54-] T%e Exiles Sick Chamber, 175
Si jam deficiam, subpressaque lingua palato
Vix instillato restituenda mero, Nuntiet hue aliquis dominam venisse, resurgam,
Spesque tui nobis causa vigoris erit. Ergo ego sum dubius vitae, tu forsitan istic 25
Jucundum nostri nescia tempus agis? Non agis, adfirmo : liquet hoc, carissima, nobis,
Tempus agi sine me non nisi triste tibi. Si tamen implevit mea sors, quos debuit, annos,
Et mihi vivendi tarn cito finis adest : 30
Quantum erat, O magni, morituro parcere, Divi,
Ut saltern patria contumularer humo? Vel poena in tempus mortis dilata fuisset,
Vel praecepisset mors properata fugam. Integer hanc potui nuper bene reddere lucem : 35
Exsul ut occiderem, nunc mihi vita data est. Tarn procul ignotis igitur moriemur in oris,
Et fient ipso tristia fata loco ? Nee mea consueto languescent corpora lecto?
Depositum nee me qui fleat, ullus erit? 40
Nee dominae lacrimis in nostra cadentibus ora
Accedent animae tempora parva meae ? Nee mandata dabo, nee cum clamore supremo
Labentes oculos condet arnica manus? Sed sine funeribus caput hoc, sine honore sepulcri 45
Indeploratum barbara terra teget? Ecquid, ut audieris, tota turbabere mente,
Et feries pavida pectora fida manu? Ecquid, in has frustra tendens tua bracchia partes,
Clamabis miseri nomen inane viri? 50
Parce tamen lacerare genas, nee scinde capillos :
Non tibi nunc primum, lux mea, raptus ero. Cum patriam amisi, tunc me periisse putato ;
Et prior et gravior mors fuit ilia mihi.
176 Shorter Poems. [Tristia
Nunc, si forte potes (sed non potes, optima conjunx) ,
Finitis gaude tot mihi morte malis. Quod potes, extenua forti mala corde ferendo,
Ad quae jampridem non rude pectus habes. Atque utinam pereant animae cum corpore nostrae,
Effugiatque avidos pars mihi nulla rogos ! 60
Nam si morte carens vacua volat altus in aura
Spiritus, et Samii sunt rata dicta senis, Inter Sarmaticas Romana vagabitur umbras,
Perque feros manes hospita semper erit. Ossa tamen facito parva referantur in urna s 65
Sic ego non etiam mortuus exsul ero. Non vetat hoc quisquam : fratrem Thebana peremptum
Subposuit tumuio rege vetante soror. Atque ea cum foliis et amomi pulvere misce,
Inque suburbano condita pone solo. 70
Quosque legat versus oculo properante viator,
Grandibus in tituli marmore caede notis :
HIC EGO qui JACEO TENERORUM LUSOR AMORUM
INGENIO PERU NASO POETA MEO : AT TIBI QUI TRANSIS NE SIT GRAVE QUISQUIS AMASTI
DICERE NASQNIS MOLLITER OSSA CUBENT.
Hoc satis in titulo est ; etenim majora libelli
Et diuturna magis sunt monimenta mihi, Quos ego confido, quamvis nocuere, daturos
Nomen et auctori tempora longa suo. 80
Tu tamen exstincto feralia munera semper
Deque tuis lacrimis humida serta dato : Quamvis in cineres corpus mutaverit ignis,
Sentiet officium maesta favilla pium. Scribere plura libet, sed vox mihi fessa loquendo 85
Dictandi vires siccaque lingua negat. Accipe supremo dictum mihi forsitan ore,
Quod, tibi qui mittit, non habet ipse, vale !
III. 10, 32.] Winter Scenes in Thrace, 177
3. Winter Scenes in Thrace (iii. 10).
OIQpiS adhuc istic meminit Nasonis adempti, h^ Et superest sine me nomen in Urbe meum, Suppositum stellis numquam tangentibus aequor
Me sciat in media vivere barbaric Sauromatae cingunt, fera gens, Bessique Getaeque, 5
Quam non ingenio nomina digna meo ! Dum tamen aura tepet, medio defendimur Histro :
Ille suis liquidus bella repellit aquis. At cum tristis hiemps squalentia protulit ora,
Terraque marmoreo Candida facta gelu est, 10
Dum vetat et Boreas et nix habitare sub Arcto,
Turn liquet, has gentes axe tremente premi. Nix jacet, et glaciem nee sol pluviaeve resolvunt,
Indurat Boreas perpetuamque facit ; Ergo ubi delicuit nondum prior, altera venit, 15
Et solet in multis bima manere locis. Tantaque commoti vis est Aquilonis, ut altas
Aequet humo turres tectaque rapta ferat. Pellibus et sutis arcent mala frigora braccis,
Oraque de toto corpore sola patent. 20
Saepe sonant moti glacie pendente capilli,
Et nitet inducto Candida barba gelu. Nudaque consistunt, formarri servanda testae,
Vina, nee hausta meri, sed data frusta bibunt. Quid loquar, ut vincti concrescant frigore rivi, 25
Deque lacu fragiles effodiantur aquae? Ipse, papyrifero qui non angustior amne
Miscetur vasto multa per ora freto, Caeruleos ventis latices durantibus, Hister
Congelat, et tectis in mare serpit aquis. 30
Quaque rates ierant, pedibus nunc itur, et undas
Frigore concretas ungula pulsat equi ;
ij8 Shorter Poems, [Tristia.
Perque novos pontes subter labentibus undis
Ducunt Sarmatici barbara plaustra boves. Vix equidem credar : sed cum sint praemia falsi 35
Nulla, ratam debet testis habere fidem. Vidimus ingentem glacie consistere pontum,
Lubricaque inmotas testa premebat aquas. Nee vidisse sat est : durum calcavimus aequor,
Undaque non udo sub pede summa fuit. 40
Si tibi tale fretum quondam, Leandre, fuisset,
Non foret angustae mors tua crimen aquae. Turn neque se pandi possunt delphines in auras
Tollere : conantes dura coercet hiems. Et quamvis Boreas jactatis insonet alis, 45
Fluctus in obsesso gurgite nullus erit ; Inclusaeque gelu stabunt, ut marmore, puppes,
Nee poterit rigidas findere remus aquas. Vidimus in glacie pisces haerere ligatos,
Sed pars ex illis tunc quoque viva fuit. 50
Sive igitur nimii Boreae vis saeva marinas,
Sive redundatas flumine cogit aquas, Protinus, aequato siccis aquilonibus Histro,
Invehitur celeri barbarus hostis equo : Hostis equo pollens longeque volante sagitta 55
Vicinam late depopulatur humum. Diffugiunt alii, nullisque tuentibus agros
Incustoditae diripiuntur opes ; Ruris opes parvae, pecus et stridentia plaustra,
Et quas divitias incola pauper habet. 60
Pars agitur vinctis post tergum capta lacertis,
Respiciens frustra rura laremque suum ; Pars cadit hamatis misere confixa sagittis ;
Nam volucri ferro tinctile virus inest. Quae nequeunt secum ferre aut abducere, perdunt, 6$
Et cremat insontes hostica flamma casas.
IV. io, 1 8.] The Poet's Autobiography. 179
Tunc quoque, cum pax est, trepidant formidine belli,
Nee quisquam presso vomere sulcat humum. Aut videt, aut metuit locus hie, quern non videt, hostem ,
Cessat iners rigido terra relicta situ. 70
Non hie pampinea dulcis latet uva sub umbra,
Nee cumulant altos fervida musta lacus. Poma negat regio ; nee haberet Acontius, in quo
Scriberet hie dominae verba legenda suae. Aspiceres nudos sine fronde, sine arbore, campos : y$
Heu loca felici non adeunda viro ! Ergo tarn late pateat cum maximus orbis,
Haec est in poenam terra reperta meam?
4. The Poet's Autobiography (iv. 10).
TLLE ego qui fuerim, tenerorum lusor amorum, *■ Quern legis, ut noris, accipe posteritas. Sulmo mihi patria est, gelidis uberrimus undis,
Milia qui novies distat ab Urbe decern. Editus hinc ego sum, nee non ut tempora noris, 5
Cum cecidit fato consul uterque pari : Si quid id est, usque a proavis vetus ordinis heres,
Non modo fortunae munere factus eques. Nee stirps prima fui : genito sum fratre creatus,
Qui tribus ante quater mensibus ortus erat. 10
Lucifer amborum natalibus adfuit idem :
Una celebrata est per duo liba dies. Haec est armiferae festis de quinque Minervae,
Quae fieri pugna prima cruenta solet. Protinus excolimur teneri, curaque parentis 15
Imus ad insignes Urbis ab arte viros. Frater ad eloquium viridi tendebat ab aevo,
Fortia verbosi natus ad arma fori ;
180 Shorter Poems, [Tristia.
At mihi jam puero caelestia sacra placebant,
Inque suum furtim Musa trahebat opus. 2o
Saepe pater dixit * Studium quid inutile temptas?
Maeonides nullas ipse reliquit opes.* Motus eram dictis, totoque Helicone relicto
Scribere conabar verba soluta modis. Sponte sua carmen numeros veniebat ad aptos, 25
Et quod temptabam dicere, versus erat. Interea tacito passu labentibus annis
Liberior fratri sumpta mihique toga est, Induiturque humeris cum lato purpura clavo,
Et studium nobis quod fuit ante, manet. 30
Jamque decern vitae frater geminaverat annos,
Cum perit, et coepi parte carere mei. Cepimus et tenerae primos aetatis honores,
Deque viris quondam pars tribus una fui. Curia restabat ; clavi mensura coacta est : 35
Majus erat nostris viribus illud onus. Nee patiens corpus, nee mens fuit apta labori,
Sollicitaeque fugax ambitionis eram. Et petere Aoniae suadebant tuta sorores
Otia, judicio semper amata meo. 40
Temporis illius colui fovique poetas,
Quotque aderant vates, rebar adesse deos. Saepe suas Volucreslegit mihi grandior aevo,
Quaeque necet serpens, quae juvet herba, Macer. Saepe suos solitus recitare Propertius ignes, 45
Jure sodalicio qui mihi junctus erat. Ponticus heroo, Bassus quoque clarus iambis
Dulcia convictus membra fuere mei. Et tenuit nostras numerosus Horatius aures,
Dum ferit Ausonia carmina culta lyra. 50
Vergilium vidi tantum ; nee amara Tibullo
Tempus amicitiae fata dedere meae.
IV. io, 86.] The Pocfs Autobiography. 181
Successor fuit hie tibi, Galle ; Propertius illi ;
Quartus ab his serie temporis ipse fui. Utque ego majores, sic me coluere minores, 55
Notaque non tarde facta Thalia mea est. Carmina cum primum populo juvenilia legi,
Barba resecta mihi bisve semelve fuit. Moverat ingenium totam cantata per Urbem
Nomine non vero dicta Corinna mihi. 60
Multa quidem scripsi ; sed quae vitiosa putavi,
Emendaturis ignibus ipse dedi. [cremavi,
Tunc quoque, cum fugerem, quaedam placitura
Iratus studio carminibusque meis. Molle Cupidineis nee inexpugnabile telis 65
Cor mihi, quodque levis causa moveret, erat. Cum tamen hie essem, minimoque accenderer igne,
Nomine sub nostro fabula nulla fuit. Paene mihi puero nee digna nee utilis uxor
Est data, quae tempus per breve nupta fuit. 70
Illi successit, quamvis sine crimine conjunx,
Non tamen in nostro firma futura toro. Ultima, quae mecum seros permansit in annos,
Sustinuit conjunx exsulis esse viri. Filia me mea bis prima fecunda juventa, 75
Sed non ex uno conjuge, fecit avum ; Et jam complerat genitor sua fata, novemque
Addiderat lustris altera lustra novem. Non aliter flevi, quam me fleturus ademptum
Ille fuit. Matri proxima justa tuli. 80
Felices ambo tempestiveque sepulti,
Ante diem poenae quod periere meae ! Me quoque felicem, quod non viventibus illis
Sum miser, et de me quod doluere nihil. Si tamen exstinctis aliquid nisi nomina restat, 85
Et gracilis structos effugit umbra rogos ;
182 Shorter Poems. [Tristia.
Faraa, parentales, si vos mea contigit, umbrae
Et sunt in Stygio crimina nostra foro, Scite, precor, causam — nee vos mihi fallere fas est —
Errorem jussae, non scelus, esse'fugae. 90
Manibus hoc satis est: ad vos, studiosa, revertor,
Pectora, qui vitae quaeritis acta meae. Jam mihi canities pulsis melioribus annis
Venerat, antiquas miscueratque comas, Postque meos ortus Pisaea vinctus oliva 95
Abstulerat decies praemia victor equus, Cum maris Euxini positos ad laeva Tomitas
Quaerere me laesi principis ira jubet. Causa meae cunctis nimium quoque nota ruinae
Indicio non est testiflcanda meo. 100
Quid referam comitumque nefas famulosque nocentes?
Ipsa multa tuli non leviora fuga. Indignata malis mens est succumbere, seque
Praestitit invictam viribus usa suis. Oblitusque mei ductaeque per otia vitae, 105
Insolita cepi temporis arma manu. Totque tuli casus pelagoque terraque, quot inter
Occultum stellae conspicuumque polum. Tacta mihi tandem longis erroribus acto
Juncta pharetratis Sarmatis ora Getis. no
Hie ego finitimis quamvis circumsoner armis,
Tristia, quo possum, carmine fata levo. Quod quamvis nemo est, cujus referatur ad aures,
Sic tamen absumo decipioque diem. Ergo quod vivo, durisque laboribus obsto, 115
Nee me sollicitae taedia lucis habent, Gratia, Musa, tibi ; nam tu solacia praebes,
Tu curae requies, tu medicina venis ; Tu dux et comes es ; tu nos abducis ab Histro,
In medioque mihi das Helicone locum. 120
IV. io, 132.] The Poet's Autobiography, 183
Tu mihi, quod rarum est, vivo sublime dedisti
Nomen, ab exsequiis quod dare fama solet. Nee qui detrectat praesentia, Livor iniquo
Ullum de nostris dente momordit opus. Nam tulerint magnos cum saecula nostra poetas, 125
Non fuit ingenio fama maligna meo. Cumque ego praeponam multos mihi, non minor illis
Dicor et in toto plurimus orbe legor. Si quid habent igitur vatum praesagia veri,
Protinus ut moriar, non ero, terra, tuus. 130
Sive favore tuli, sive hanc ego carmine famam
Jure, tibi grates, candide lector, ago.
NOTES.
It is supposed that most classes who read Ovid at all, will read Ovid before any other Latin poet; and as it is desirable that a poetical composition should always be read as verse, — that is, with a knowledge of its rhythmical structure, — a few directions will here be given for scanning at sight, or by ear ; which, with a little practice, will be found an easy, almost mechanical process.
It is necessary, first, for the learner to understand the nature of the verse, as depending on precisely the same principles as the rhythmical divisions of a piece of music (§ 77) ; also, to be familiar with the general rules of Quantity and Accent (§§ 3, 4).* Besides this, the teacher should explain and illustrate, so far as may be necessary, the structure of the hexameter (§ 82, a), reading from the text of the poem itself, until its peculiar movement has become familiar to the learner's ear. It will now be observed —
1. That the difficulties in scanning lie almost entirely in the first half of the verse. With very rare exceptions, the last two feet, and generally the last three, are accented in verse exactly as they would be in prose : that is, the Arsis (first syllable) of the foot corresponds with the natural or prose accent of the word.
2. That in hexameter verse the third foot (rarely the fourth instead) regularly begins with the last syllable of a word. Thus, while the last half of a verse is almost always accented as in prose, the first half very seldom is. The slight pause interrupting the foot at the end of the word is called a casural pause (§ 79, 5) ; and is the most important point that distinguishes the movement of verse from that of prose. The pause in the third foot (less commonly the fourth) usually corresponds with a pause in the sense, and is called the principal caesura.
3. That whenever a short syllable occurs in the verse, there must be a dactyl. This becomes a most convenient rule, as soon as the pronunciation of even the commonest words is known, in
* To these it may be well to add the quantity of final syllables (§ 78, 2). The learner should also be habituated to an accurate pronunciation of words according to their prose accent
1 86 Notes: Ovid. [Met am.
all cases where there are words of more than two syllables ; for thus a short syllable will often serve as a key to the entire structure of the verse.
For examples, we will take the first four lines of the poem.
1. I?i novafert dniinus mutdtas die ere for mas.
Here the last three words are scanned exactly as they read : mu,tatas | dlcere | fdrmas. Of the others, dnimus shows by its accent that the i of the penult is short ; and, as its last syllable must belong to the following foot, nothing more is needed to show that the verse will scan as follows : —
In nova | fert anilmus || mu|tatas | dlcere | formas ; and the quantity of the other syllables is shown at once by their position in the verse.
2. Corpora : Di, cceptis — nam vos ?nutastis et Mas —
The first word corpora, being a dactyl, at once gives a correct start to
the verse. The second foot, Di ccep is equally plain, as a spondee ;
and after this beginning, the rest of the verse scans of itself: — Corpora : j Di, coepjtis || — nam | vos multastTs et | illas.
3. Adspirdte meisy ftrimague ab origine mundi.
The first word, adspirdte, is nearly as clear, as, when we remember either the pronunciatien of adspiro or the quantity of the a of the first conjugation, we see that it contains three long syllables, a spondee and the beginning of a dactyl. The last three feet are pronounced exactly as in prose (observing the elision) : — Adspikate me I Is ; || priimaqu' ab 6|riglne | mundi.
4. Ad mea perpetuum deducite tempora carmen.
Here the three last words form a perfect metrical series ; and the only difficulty in the verse is caused by the ictus coming on the first syllable of perpetuum, while the accent is on the second. Ad mea | perpetulum || delducite | tempora | carmen. These directions would be sufficient for all or nearly all cases,* if it were not for the frequent elision of the last syllable of words : viz., in general, whenever a word ending in a vowel or in ni is followed by a word beginning with a vowel or with h. This makes the commonest and most annoying of the obstacles to be met, and requires the beginner to be constantly on the watch. If he will now carefully compare the following lines, as metrically divided, with the rules which have been given above, it is hoped that he will have little difficulty hereafter.
* It will be observed that, of the first twenty verses of the poem, only the 8th and 13th lack the caesura in the third foot ; while hi the 16th, iSth, and 19th the principal pause is in the fourth foot instead of the third.
I. 1-14.] 1. The Creation and the Flood. 1S7
Ante ma|r' et terlras || et | quod tegit | omnia | caelum, p.
Unus elrat tolto || na|turae | vultus in | orbe,
Quern dixlere Cha|os : || rudis | indi|gestaque | moles,
Nee quiclquam nisi | pondus in|ers, || con|gestaqu' ejodem
Non bene | junctakum || dis|cordia | semina | rerum.
Nullus adlhuc munldo || pras|bebat J lumina | Titan, 10
Nee nova | crescenldo || repa|rabat | cornua | Phoebe,
Nee cincumfulso || penidebat in | aere | Tellus
Ponderilbus lilbrata sulis, || nee | brachia | longo
Margine | terralrum || por|rexerat | Amphii trite ;
Quaque fulit telllus, || ill lie et | pontus et | aer. 15
Sic erat | instabillis telilus, || in|nabilis | unda,
Lucis elgens aler; || nuljli sua | forma mainebat,
Obstalbatqu' ali,is alilud, || quia | corpor' in | uno
Frigida | pugnalbant calildis, || hulmentia | siccis,
Mollia I cum dulris, || sine | ponder1 ha|bentia | pondus. 20
I. The Creation and the Flood.
v. 1. In nova . . . corpora. At first sight it would seem that it ought to be corpora mutata in novas formas. But formas and corpora mean nearly the same thing : the forms are changed and so the bodies are new. — animus, the soul; hence often the inclina- tion. — fert, impels [me] (a standing expression). — dicere, depends on fert animus, as an expression of wishing (§ 57, 8, d; G. 424).
2. cceptis, efforts: lit. things begun. — et, too, belonging with vos : You too have changed (your forms).
3. mundi, the universe, or system of things ; a word having the original sense (like the Greek Koo-fxoi) of order or beauty.
4. perpetuum carmen, uninterrupted song, implying the intro- duction of the later (Italian) myths, along with the Greek.
6. orbe, sphere of space : more strictly, orbis is a flat disk, which was the ancient poetic notion of the " circle " of being.
7. chaos : this word is from the same root as the Greek gat'ito, yawn = the yawning void. — moles, heap, as of elements, or materials, chance-piled together. — nee quicquam, and nothings the negative and connective being combined as usual.
8. iners, i. e., lacking the skill (ars) to combine them. — eodem, into the same place (§ 41, \,f, and 2, a).
10-14. Titan, Phoebe, Tellus, Amphitrite = Sun, Moon, Earth, Sea. As the last of the old nature-divinities (Titans), the Sun sometimes retains this name in poetry :
Didst thou never see Titan kiss a dish of butter ?
1 88 Notes: Ovid. [Met am.
The variety of names of the ancient divinities comes from the fact that new sets of gods springing up or introduced from abroad were identified with the old ones.
ii. Phoebe ((f)olfiri), the bright one, feminine form of Phoebus {Apollo), later identified with Diana {Artemis), goddess of the chase. — crescendo, in her waxing. — reparabat : re- means in place of the old.
12. circumfuso aere: later philosophers taught that the Earth is a sphere or globe, surrounded by air, in which it hangs balanced by its own weight — fionderibus librata suis. — Tellus, the Earth as contrasted with the heavens : terra (connected with torreo) is the " dry " land, as contrasted with the sea.
13. longo margine, about the long outline (§ 55, 4 ; G. 387).
14. Amphitrite : Atnphitrite, "she that enfolds," the wife of Neptune, is poetically the Sea — here confounded with the Ocean, which (in Homer) embraces the whole earth like a vast river. Observe that this is a spondaic verse : Amphitrite.
16. sic, so, i. e. in this condition of things. — instabilis, inna- bilis = " the earth that could not be trod, the wave that could not be swum," the opposite of their most striking properties.
17. nulli, sc. eorum. — manebat, was fixed.
1 8 . obstabat aliis aliud = every thing hindered every thing else.
19. calidis, dat. (§ 51, 2, g; G. 344, R3).
20. sine pondere (understand "with those ") =levibus. — habentia pondus = gravia, in the same construction with frigida, humentia, mollia.
21. hanc litem, this strife, of which a case at court seemed the most natural image to a Roman: etymologically, strife = stlit-(lis).
23. spisso aere, the grosser air.
24. quae relates to the elements ; terras, undas, caelum, aer : when he had unfolded these.
25. locis : each element is supposed to have its own place, or natural level. — vis, nature. — at connects ignem and sine pondere.
26. convexi, bending, as if considering it from the outside. Observe the four elements in the order of their gravity : iguca vis, aer, tellus, humor. — sine pondere = levis, agreeing with cceli.
27. emicuit, leaped forth, as if its nature ; perhaps also as if it took the supremacy and occupied the citadel. — summa arce, the zenith (topmost height).
29. grandia, coarser.
32. ubi secuit, when he had parted : the subject is quisquis. dispositam, i. e. so that it was arranged.
I. 11-64.] 1. The Creation and the Flood. 189
34. principio, in the beginning, qualifying glomeravit
35. speciem . . . in = in speciem. — orbis, see note to v. 6.
36. rapidis, not merely swift, but (with active force) dragging the waters, which swell under them.
39. obliquis, sloping; declivia, down-flowing (clivus) .
40. ipsa, sc. terra (v. 37). The ab shows that the Earth is here represented as a living agent (§ 56, 4 ; G. 403).
42. aquae, construed with campo, expanse (the sea). — ripis, litora: notice the contrast, one word meaning banks, the other shores.
45. ut, as. — dextra, sinistra, right and left in reference to the celestial equator. The division into five zones was first made by Eudoxus, a pupil of Aristotle.
46. quinta est, there is a fifth (in the middle).
47. onus inclusum, i. e. the earth. — numero, sc. zonarum.
48. premuntnr, lie below. This word often loses its passive force, and means merely to lie, with the idea of lowness added. — tellure, on earth (loc. abl.).
50. totidem, sc. zonas. — locavit: the subject is cura dei 52. his, i. e. the terrestrial zones. — quanto, etc. = is as much
heavier than flame as water is lighter than earth (§ 54, 6, e; G.
400).
54. illic, here, in this. — nebulas, vapors j nubes, clouds.
55. motura, destined to excite.
56. cum . . . ventos, winds which cause cold along with light- nings. The ancients thought that lightning was caused by the friction of wind upon the clouds (see Book XV. 70).
57. his, i. e. the winds. — passim, at random (an adverbial form from pando, spread}. — fabricator, framer. — quoque, these too, as well as the elements, were set each in his place.
58. vix obsistitur Wis = scarce can they be withstood (imper- sonal, § 51, i,f; G. 208). — nunc, as it is, when they are separated, giving the reason of separating them by implying the consequence of their being together.
"59. cum . . . regant, while they direct each his own blast (subj. of characteristic). — tractu, region.
60. quin, following vix obsistitur, from rending, lit. so but that, Or*c.
61. Nabataea regna, in Arabia Petrasa.
63. juga, mountain ranges. Notice how Ovid varies the de- scription in the four cases.
64. Scythiam : this term was applied to the vast steppes of
190 Notes: Ovid, [Metam.
Independent Tartary and south-eastern Russia. It was therefore north-east rather than north. — septemtrionem, a compound (also used in the plural), separated by tmesis by the enclitic -que. The meaning of the word is the " seven ox-team," i. e. the constel- lation of the Bear (north).
66. madescit, is moistened.
68. nee quicquam habentem, and having nought. — terrenee feeds, dregs of earth. — liquidum, having no consistency. — aethera, identical with the element of fire.
70. quse, the antecedent is sidera. — pressa, hidden. 72. neu (neve), and /est, the regular connective with ne. — foret, § 58, 10, h; G. 519, R.
74. cesserunt, fell to the lot of.
yS- agitabilis, beaten with the wing (compare v. 16), poetical for yielding.
76. animal, a being. — mentis, following capacius (§ 50, 3, & ; G. 374).
77. deerat, two syllables. — quod posset, which might : clause of purpose, § 64; G. 544.
79 origo, source.
80. sive, sive, i. e. whether it was an act of creation or a manu- facture from materials already endowed with life.
82. quara, which (i.e. earth). — satus Iapeto (§ 54, 2, a; G. 395), son of Iapetus, Prometheus.
83. in effigiem, etc. : compare " Let us make man in our image," Genesis, i. 26. — moderantum = qui moderantur, which would be used in prose.
84. cum, while, whereas (§ 62, 2, e; G. 587, r).
85. sublime, erect.
88. modo qua3, which but now.
89. aurea : compare the description of the Golden Age in Virgil, Eel. iv. — vindice nullo (abl. abs.), when there was no avenger [of guilt], i. e. by no constraint.
91. fixo Eere, posted up in brass, like the tablets of the Roman law. — poena metusque —fear of punishment.
94. Ccesa, agreeing with pinus ; suis with montibus : the pine felled on its native hills, and wrought into ships.
95. norant (§ 30, 6, a), knew, lit. had learned (§ 58, 5, r; G. 227, r2).
98. directi, flexi, both agreeing with aeris (gen. of material, § 50, 1, ej G. 367, r). The tuba was a long straight brazen horn *, the cornu was curved.
I. 66-135.] 1. The Creation and the Flood. 191
100. securae, free from care. Notice the interlocked order, a very common one in Latin.
101. immunis tellus, the earth unburdened. Strictly, without any duties to perform, not called on by man for tribute.
103. nullo cogente = with no co?npulsion, qualifying creatis.
104. legebant, [men] gathered (§ 49, 2, bj G. 199, R3).
105. mora, blackberries.
106. Jovis arbore, the oak, sacred to Jupiter.
108. mulcebant, fanned, caressed,
109. mox, soon (after flowering). — tellus: a feminine ending, see § 11, iv. 2, n. — fruges, grain, not fruit in the modern sense.
1 1 o. nee renovatus = needing no renewal. — canebat, whitened.
112. mella : i.e. in the Golden Age honey dropped sponta- neously from the leaves ; while that gathered by bees is spurious and inferior.
113. postquam . . . misso, when, after Saturn was banished. &c. (the relative clause ends with erat). Saturnus was an old Italian god of the crops (satus, sero), but was identified by the later Romans with the Greek /Cronos, father of Zeus, who was de- throned and sent to Tartarus by his son.
1 14. sub Jove : the reign of stern law, under Jupiter, follows that of peace and innocence. — subiit : contrary to rule, the last i is long, which seems to be a relic of an earlier usage (see § 83, 5 ; cf. JEn. viii. 362, x. 67).
1 16. contraxit, shortened (compare v. 7) : the changing seasons are the first sign of nature's loss.
117. inaequales, changeable; or, perhaps, injurious from the sickly autumn heats.
118. exegit, led forth .
122. cortice, improperly used for liber, the fibrous inner bark.
123. semina cerealia, seeds of grain. 126. ingeniis, in temper.
128. venae . . . aevum, upon an age of worse vein or (quality).
131. amor . . . habendi, the guilty love of gain.
132. vela, etc., notice that foreign commerce, now regarded as the source of civilization, was anciently held in disesteem by the poets.
133. diu steterant, see v. 94.
134. ignotis = hitherto unknown. — insultavere : the meaning is double. They danced upon the waves, and with contempt of the danger.
135. communem humum, the soil, before common (free to all), like sunlight and air.
192 Notes: Ovid, [Metam.
136. limite : the limes was the boundary-path described by the agrimensor in laying out the public lands.
137. segetes poscebatur humus = crops were demanded of the earth (§ 52, 2, c, R ; G. 333, R2).
138. itum est = men penetrated (§ 39, cj G. 199, R1).
139. recondiderat, she [the earth] had hidden. — admoverat, had brought near to. — Stygiis umbris (dat), the shades of Styx : the realms of the dead, conceived to be under the earth.
141. ferrum, aurum : these were a part of the opes.
142. prodit, stalks, as a monster springing from the bowels of the earth. — utroque, with both (abl. of instrument): gold, as well as iron, is one of the ** sinews of war."
144. kospSs (for the quantity, see § 78, 2, h, e), friend. There is here indicated a peculiar relation between persons of different countries who were bound to furnish hospitality to each other.
146. imminet, broods over. — conjugis, mariti, both limiting exitio.
147. novercae, step-mothers. The evil practice of divorce among the Romans, and the domestic misery that came from it, made this name a proverb of cruelty. — lurida, dark. The asso- ciation of poison with dark mixtures is old and general. Blue and poison are associated in Sanskrit and Greek. — aconita, the plural on account of repeated cases.
148. inquirit, questions (of fortune-tellers ; he is impatient for his inheritance).
149. virgo Astraea, the maid Astraa, goddess of justice ; madentea terras, the earth reeking.
153. struxisse montes, piled the mountains.
154. misso fulmine, hurling the thunderbolt.
156. corpora, i.e. of the giants.
157. natorum, her sons. 160. ilia, i. e. as well as men.
162. scires, you might have known (§ 60, 2, a; G. 252. For tense see § 59, 3, c; G. 599, r1).
163. quae, see §48, 4; G. 612, R1.
164. facto recenti (abl. abs.), since the deed was recent. — vulgata (belonging to convivia), made known.
165. Lycaonia, of Lycaofi, see v. 210 and the following. — referens, revolving.
166. dignas, deserved.
167. concilium, sc. deorum.
I. 136-190.] 1. The Creation and the Flood. 193
169. Lactea, nominative in form, as being the simple name, a mere word, in no grammatical relation. This word, however, is in apposition with nomen.
170. hac, hereby (§ 55, 4; G. 387). — superis (dat.), for the gods.
172. celebrantur, are thronged. The figure is taken from the custom of Roman nobles, whose halls {atria) were visited every morning by the throng of their clients and dependants. — dextra, i. e. of the street, with houses on both sides.
173. plebs, i e. the lower gods {Di minorum gentium) ; poten- tes caelicolae, heavenly potentates ; the twelve great gods of Olympus {Di majorum gentium). Notice that the whole is modelled on the Roman polity. — diveraa, i.e. only the great live here. — a fronte, in front, as one goes up the street.
174. penates = households.
176. Palatia : this word had not yet acquired its modern mean- ing of palace, but meant the dwelling of Augustus, on the Palatine hill. Augustus is thus, by a daring flattery (audacia), compared with the king of gods. — durisse, the perfect does not differ from the present in sense. It seems to be an imitation, common in the poets, of the Greek aorist.
177. recessu, an interior apartment, for " secret session."
178. ipse, by a common usage the king or chief^ as in ipse dixit.
181. ora . . . solvit, opened his angry lips.
182. ilia tempestate, at that crisis.
184. inicere, the proper spelling of injicere. The compounds of jacio, which change a into i, lose the j before the i. — anguipe- dum, limiting quisque. The Giants were represented with bodies terminating in serpents: they are here confounded with the " hundred-handed " {centum brachia) Cottus, Briareus, and Gyas who were brothers of the Titans, but aided Jupiter against the rebellious deities (see Iliad, i. 399-406). — caelo, dative following inicere : to cast their hundred hands upon the captive sky.
185. ab uno corpore, from a single class (of divinities), con- trasted with the present rebellion of the whole human race.
187. qua, wherever. — Nereus, an ancient sea divinity, especi- ally associated with the calm depths : here put for the sea.
189. Stygio luco Hoc. abl.), in the grove of Styx (** Gloom "), the river which bounds the entrance to the world below. The oath by the Styx was the most awful and binding that could be taken by the gods.
190. cuncta = all other means.
13
194 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
191. ne . . . trahatur, lest the sound (lit. clean) part be drawn [into the same disease].
193. faunique : the enclitic -que is here made long in imitation of Homer, who makes the Greek re long. It is probably made so by the pause at the end of the word, or, as it is sometimes called, by ccBsura. This occurs generally in the second foot of the verse, and only when a second -que follows. The Fauni and Silvani — Italian nature divinities — are here joined with the Greek Satyrs. These were fabulous creatures, types of the wild life of the forest. They are represented with horns, goats' legs and feet, and pointed hairy ears. The Greek name is an old word for goat.
194. dignamur, deem worthy. — honore, governed by digna- mur, which like its primitive dignus takes the ablative.
195. certe, at least. — sinamus, hortatory subjunctive.
196. an, very commonly used in argumentative questions, as here, where the thing asked is obviously absurd. — illos, opposed to mihi.
197. niihi, against me, following struxerit (§ 51, 2, gj G. 344, R3). — qui habes, § 48, 1 ; G. 616. — struxerit, (§ 62, 2, e; G. 587).
199. ausum . . . deposcunt, they demand (for vengeance) him who has dared such things. A regular meaning of deposco. The use of the participle for a relative clause is forced and poetic.
200. seevit, for sseviit. Notice the indicative with cum, denoting absolute time, i. e. a time independent of the main clause, not relative to it.
201. Ceesareo, § 47, 5; G. 360, Rl. — exstinguere means here not merely destroy, but with the figure of extinguishing a fire with blood.
202. attonitum est, was thunderstruck.
204. tuorum, thine own. By a pleasant fiction, the subjects of Augustus's empire are spoken of as his kindred or friends. — pietas, filial affection.
205. postquam compressit, when he had hushed.
207. regentis. The use of the participle in the singular as a noun is poetic, though the language is very capricious in its use of participles as nouns. — quidem (concessive), it is true, i. e. there is no need of your being alarmed to be sure, but I will tell the story to gratify your curiosity.
210. admissum, thing done, i. e. crime.
2 1 r . infamia, evil report.
212. falsam, predicative.
213. deus (appos.), /, a god. Notice how it is purposely set
I. 191-233.] 1. The Creation and the Flood. 195
next to humana for contrast — lustro, survey. The word is primarily used of a priest who "lustrates " or purifies by ceremo- nial the company of worshippers ; then of an officer who surveys or reviews the ranks of his troops.
214. est, would be (§ 60, 2, cj G. 246, R1).
215. vero, than the truth. — ipsa, even (i. e. bad as it was).
216. Maenala, a mountain in Southern Arcadia, fabled as the dwelling-place of nymphs and satyrs.
218. ArcadSs, gen. agreeing with tyranni (Greek form as shown by the short 6, requiring the nom. Areas). As Latin poetry is imitated and translated from Greek, such forms, especially of proper names, are common.
222. deus ... an mortalis, [whether] god or mortal (§ 71, 2, a; G. 460). — discrimine aperto, by a plain test.
225. haec illi, spoken with scorn, as if he said, " That's his idea of a test of truth."
227. unius, here simply a. The Latin not uncommonly used unus, as well as guidam, as an indefinite article, of which the want is often felt. In the same way the demonstrative pronouns are used for the definite article.
228. ita, i. e. just as he was, with his throat cut. — partim, not Partly, but a part of, &>c.
230. simul (= simul ac), as soon as. — vindice flamma, avenging fame, i. e. the thunderbolt.
231. dignos, i. e. because they did not prevent the crime.
232. territus fugit, etc. : this transformation to a wolf is sug- gested perhaps by the name Lycaon (Greek \vkos). It corresponds with the wild superstition of the were-wolf, which makes the sub- ject of many old popular tales. The name lycanthropy is given to a particular form of madness connected with this superstition. " In 1600, multitudes were attacked with the disease in the Jura, emulated the destructive habits of the wolf, murdered and devoured children, howled, walked on all-fours, so that the palms of the hands became hard and horny ; and admitted that they congregated in the mountains for a sort of cannibal or devil's Sabbath. Six hundred persons were executed on their own confession." — Cham- bers^ Encyclopedia. Many notices of this superstition are found in ancient writers of many nations, especially in connection with Arcadia, a pastoral and forest country, where the inhabitants suffered greatly from wolves.
233. ab ipso, i. e. from his natural character, needing no trans- formation. The allusion is to foam at the mouth.
196 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
236. abeunt, pass.
239. idem = iidem.
240. perire : what construction would be usual in prose ?
241. Erinys, properly the Greek name of the divinity that inflicts vengeance for violated law, but here signifying the instigator of crime (Virg. JEn. vii. 324).
242. putes, you might suppose (§ 60, 2, a; G. 252). — jurasse, sc. homines. — dent = let them pay (§ 57, 3; G. 256). — ocius, § 17, 5, a.
243. stat, is fixed.
244. frementi, sc. ei.
245. partes, their part, as members of the council. — adiciunt, i. e. they spur him already excited. — assensibus, opposed to voce, the first part made speeches, the second only assented (assentior), as was the custom in the Roman Senate.
246. jactura, destruction: the image is from the casting of goods overboard in a storm at sea. — dolori (§ 51, 5 ; G. 350), a cause of grief .
247. mortalibus (abl. of separation) orbae, bereft of tnen.
249. populandas, § 72, 5, cj G. 431.
250. quaerentes, sc. eos, object of vetat. — enim : he forbids them to tremble, for the rest [he says] shall be his care. — sibi, emphatic.
254. sacer, i.e. as the abode of the gods.
256. adfore tempus, etc., subj. of esse, following reminiscitur. — in fatis : the Destinies were above the gods themselves.
257. correpta, sc. flammis.
258. mundi moles operosa, the fabric of the world wrought with toil. — laboret, be endangered. The doctrine, perhaps borrowed from the East, belongs to the stories of periodic con- flagrations of the world.
259. manibus with fabricata.
262. JEoliis antris, the caves of sEolus (compare Virgil, ALn. ii. 52-63). — Aquilonem : the north-west wind, bringing (in Italy) cold and dry weather.
265. tectus vultum, wrapping his face (§ 52, 3, r ; G. 332, R9).
267. sinus, folds, or rounded outline of the clouds, which represent his garments.
268. nubila, mists ; nimbi, storm-clouds. — ut . . . pressit : the ancients thought that thunder was caused by the clashing of the clouds.
270. colores, § 52, 3, R ; G. 332, r8.
I. 236-321.] 1. The Creation and the Flood, 197
271. alimenta nubibus adfert : as if the rainbow were a path- way for the waters. Compare " the sun drawing water."
273. vota, i. e. the crops, object of their vows.
274. cselo suo : the heavens were the especial realm of Jupiter.
275. ceeruleus frater, Neptune.
279. domos, i. e. the hollows and clefts which are the home of the waters. — mole, dike.
281. ora relaxant, i.e. take from their mouth the pressure of the curb. The figure of horses is kept through the three lines.
284. vias aquarum : compare the expression, "The fountains of the great deep were broken up." — iutremuit, quaked. — motu, i. e. motus terrce, earthquake.
286. satis (part, of sero), the crops.
287. sacris, i. e. the altar, statues, &c, belonging to the pene- tralia. — suis, refers to penetralia.
289. hujus, limiting culmen.
290. pressae, submerged.
292. deerant, dissyllable.
293. hie, alter, one, another. — cymba, loc. ablative.
294. illic ubi, on the very spot where.
295. villae, farmhouse.
303. agitata, i. e. so as to make them shake.
305. fulminis : the tusks of the wild boar are often compared to the thunderbolt for speed, power, and gleaming.
306. ablato, swept away.
310. novi, strange to them.
311. quibus: the antecedent is illos.
312. inopi victu, with lack of food.
313. Aonios, Bosoiian. Phocis lay between Bceotia and the mountain range of (Eta, which separates it from Thessaly.
316. verticibus duobus : this is not correct. Parnassus has only one chief peak ; but there are two spurs renowned in the wor- ship of Dionysus (Bacchus), and having the Castalian fount between them. This has occasioned the error.
318. Deucalion, son of Prometheus, and father of Hellen, the eponym of the Hellenes (Greeks). — hie ubi adhaesit, while he clung to this.
320. Corycidas : Corycus was a grotto sacred to the nymphs, on the slopes of Parnassus. The numina montis are the Muses.
321. Themin (§ 11. iv. 4): Themis, goddess of justice, was daughter of Uranus. She presided over the oracle of Delphi, which afterwards belonged to Apollo.
198 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
323. metuentior deorum, more reverent to the gods.
324. ut videt, when he sees.
325. modo, but just now, qualifying tot.
328. disjecit, rent asunder. — aquilone, compare v. 262.
330. tricuspide telo, trident.
331. supra profundum, sc. mare, construed with eacstantem, which agrees with Tritona. Compare Virgil, JEn. i. 144.
332. innato murice : Triton here appears, like Glaucus, over- grown with shell-fish and seaweed. He was a sea-god, son of Neptune, and is represented as blowing on a conch-shell.
334. bucina tortilis, " the winding horn? a spiral shell. — illi, dat. of agency (§ 51, 4, c; G. 352, r).
336. crescit, broadens. — turbine, mouthpiece (shaped like a top).
337. aera, his breath.
338. sub utroque Fkcebo, the rising and the setting sun.
339. dei, Triton.
340. contigit, sc. bucina.
346. diem = moram. — nudata, bared (of waves).
349. agere, keep.
352. patruelis origo : Deucalion was son of Prometheus; Pyrrha, daughter of Epimetheus and Pandora. Prometheus and Epimetheus were brothers, sons of Iapetus.
354. terrarum turba, the whole throng of earth. — occasus et ortus, the setting and the rising sun.
356. haec fiducia, i. e. such confidence as we have now.
359. aninii, feelings, limiting quid, above. — miseranda, voca- tive.
360. quo consolante (abl. abs.) = who would console thee in grief?
362. paternis artibus : i. e. by the skill of Prometheus, who fashioned man of clay, and bestowed upon him fire stolen from the sky.
365. genus restat mortale, the human race survives.
366. exempla, i.e. the only specimens. — sortes, lots; here put for any mode of consulting the divine will.
369. Cephisidas : the Cephisus was a river of Bceotia. It means they went to Delphi by crossing the Cephisus.
370. ut . . . sic, though . . . yet. The deluge had not so far subsided as to let them flow quietly as a stream, but yet enough for them to recognize their old channels. — nondum liquidas, not yet clear.
I. 323-414.] 1. The Creation and the Flood. 199
371. inde, from this, i. e. the river. — libatoa, tasted, and so taken up. It was necessary for them to purify themselves with water before consulting the oracle. — inroravere, had sprinkled.
373. turpi, ill-looking.
374. pallebant : describing the dulness of mould and moss, rather than their color.
377. precibus justis, at the prayers of the just.
380. mersia rebus = our ?nisf or tunes from the flood.
381. aortem, strictly an Italian oracle written on a wooden tablet, but put for any response.
383. magnae parentis, of your great mother.
387. leedere, to offend.
388. repetunt secum, they revolve apart.
389. inter se volutant, discuss together.
390. Promethiades : this patronymic recalls the prophetic gift of his father Prometheus (-ades and -is are the masculine and feminine patronymic forms).
391. fallax, etc. = my skill fails me.
392. pia agrees with oracula.
394. ossa reor dici, / think that stones, &*c, are meant by bones.
395. augurio, i. e. interpretation. — Titania : Epimetheus and his brother were Titans ; i. e. of the elder race of naturc-diviuitics.
399. juaaoa, as commanded.
400. vetuataa, i. e. old tradition.
401. ponere = deponere.
402. mora, by lapse of time.
404. quasdam forma, something {it is true) of the form of man, yet, &*c.
405. ccepto, sc. fingL
406. rudibua aignia, statues in the rough.
412. traxere, put on.
413. femina, womankind.
414. experiena, doomed to endure.
200 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
II. The Adventure of Phaethon.
1 . Regia, sc. domus, palace.
2. pyropo, " fire-face," a mixture of gold and copper.
3. cujus limits fastigia.
4. valvae, double doors, opening to each side.
5. Mulciber, a name of Vulcan, from the softening by fire (mulcendo) of the metal which he wrought.
6. medias cingentia, embracing.
8. caeruleos : the sea-gods are dark blue, the color of the waters. — canoruni: the horn of Triton, representing the roaring of the blast.
9. ambiguum : Proteus had the power of changing his form at will. See Virg. G. iv. 441, 2 : —
Omnia transformat sese in miracula rerum, Ignemque horribilemque feram fluviumque liquentem.
10. lacertis : ./Egaeon (Briareus) was represented with a hun- dred arms. The notion was possibly derived from the monster cuttle-fish described by sailors in hot latitudes.
11. Dorida: Doris is the wife of Nereus and mother of the Nereids, or ocean-nymphs.
12. in mole, upon a massy rock.
14. qualem, sc. sed talis.
15. terra, i. e. as carved in relief on the palace-walls.
18. signa, the signs of the Zodiac.
19. quo, whither. — acclivo limite, up the steep pathway.
20. dubitati, because his descent from the sun-god had been denied by Epaphus (see Introd.).
22. neque ferebat, could not bear.
24. Phoebus (see i. 1 1), a name of Apollo, here used for the Sun.
26. Horae, usually in mythology the Seasons, but here in the usual prose sense of Hours.
28. mida, because the flowers have withered.
29. calcatis, trampled 'in the wine-vat.
30. capillos, Greek accusative (§ 52, 3, c; G. 332).
31. paventem: this word refers to the outward signs of fear, — paleness, trembling, &c.
33. -que connects ait with the preceding.
34. progenies, voc. — haud infitianda = worthy to be acknowl- edged.
II. 1-73 ] n- The Adventure of Phaethon. 201
35. publica, common to all.
36. usurn, enjoyment.
39. credar ; negari (v. 42), see § 70, 2, b; G. 528, R.
42. nee, on the one hand not.
43. dignus es, used in Latin both of good and bad things ; here, deserve. — ortus, the plural is constantly used in poetry for the singular.
44. quo . . . dubites, § 64, 1, a; G. 545, 2.
45. promissi, of my promise (lit. of the thing promised').
46. palus, the Styx, by which the gods swore their most awful oaths. Being beneath the earth, it could never be beheld by the sun. It is called palus from its sluggish flow.
47. desierat (desino), had ceased. — rogat, sc. eum.
48. in diem, for a day. — alipedum agrees with equorum (obj. gen.).
49. jurasse, subject of poenituit (§ 57, 8, b ; G. 535).
50. illustre, alluding to his brightness.
51. tua, sc. voce.
53. tuta, predicate.
54. istis, those (of yours).
55. quae nee conveniant, such as befit not (§ 65, 2 ; G. 633).
56. mortale = suited to a mortal.
57. superis, those on high, i. e. the heavenly gods. — fas, what is permitted by divine law.
58. placeat, sc. ut (§ 70, 3, c, R ; G. 608) : i. e. though each of the gods may have his will, &c.
59. consistere, to keep his foothold.
60. axe, i.e. chariot: the part for the whole, by the figure called synecdoche.
62. non agat, may not drive (potential subjunctive : § 60, 2, a; G. 602).
63. prima via, § 47, 8 ; G. 287, R. — qua, § 55, 4 ; G. 387. 65. videre, subj. of fit
67. moderamine certo, a steady check.
68. quae, referring to Tethys.
69. Tethys : wife of Oceanus, and mother of Clymene.
70. assidua vertigine, in a constant whirl (the daily apparent revolution of the heavens).
71. torquet, spins.
72,. rapido . . . orbi: i.e. as the sun's apparent path among the stars is towards the east, he is supposed in his daily course to make headway against the revolution of the celestial sphere.
202 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
75. obvius ire polis, same idea as in v. 73.
78. insidias, i.e. concealed perils. — formas ferarum, shapes of beasts, i. e. the Lion, Bull, &c, the signs of the Zodiac.
79. Tit, though (concessive, § 57, 5 ; G. 610).
80. adversi, turned towards you, i. e. right in your face. — Tauri, etc., see the sun's path as traced on a celestial map or globe.
81. Haemonios, Thessalian : the Archer (Sagittarius) is repre- sented as a Centaur, of which fabulous monster the home is Thessaly (see the story of the Centaurs and Lapithae, Metam. xii. 146-535).
83. aliter, the other way.
84. ignibus, qualifying animosos.
86. in promptu, an easy thing (lit. ready to your hand) .
90. sanguine, abl. of source ( § 54, 2, a; G. 295).
91. timendo, by my fear [for you].
92. probor, I prove myself Notice the collocation of patrio and pater, a favorite order.
97. bonis, governed by e.
98. vero, agreeing with nomine.
101. ne dubita, § 57, 7, bj G. 267. — undas, apparently direct object of juravimus by a Greek construction ; in Latin it would regularly take per.
103. ille, the other, a very common use of the pronoun.
104. premit, urges.
105. qua licuit = while he could.
106. Vulcania, § 47, 5 ; G. 360, R.
107. summae rotas, of the wheel's rim.
109. chrysolithi, topaz, a nearly transparent precious stone, often of a bright golden color : the word is Greek, and signifies gold-stone. — gemmae, i. e. the other gems, subj. of reddebant.
in. magnanimus, exulting (lit. high-spirited) .
1 14. agmina cogit, brings up the rear (lit. gathers in the troops').
115. caeli statione, his post in the sky. — novissimus, last: the morning star is often seen just before and after sunrise.
1 16. quae ... vidit, when he saw them [the stars]_/&v to earth. Their disappearance is imagined as a sudden setting.
117. extremae, i.e. near the end of her monthly course. — velut evanescere, as she seems to sink and disappear in the sky.
120. ambrosias, lit. immortal food, i. e. food of the immortals.
123. patientia, a&le to endure (agreeing with ora). — rapidae, = devouring, cf. rapax from same root.
124. comae, dat., upon his head. — luctus, obj. gen.
129. directos . . . arcus, the road right across the five zones.
II. j$-\'j2.'] ii. The Adventure of Phaethon. 203
130. sectus limes, the Ecliptic, " bounded by the limit of three zones " (see next line), i. e. the torrid and the two temperate, as represented on a celestial globe.
135. preme, bear down. — molire, ply : this verb implies the effort made in climbing the celestial heights. (Construe summum with aethera.)
136. egressus, i. e. if you quit the way (§ 60, 1, a; G. 594). 13S. dexterior, sc. rota.
139. pressam, lying low : the Altar lies south of the Sun's winter path, barely appearing in Greece ; the Serpent fAQphiuchui is on the equator, just north of the Ecliptic.
141. quae juvet opto, who I wish may aid you (see note, v. 58).
142. Hesperio, western. Hesperus is the Greek form of the word which in Latin is Vesper. The name Hesperia, "Land of the West," was by the Greeks poetically applied to Italy, and by the Romans to Spain (Virg. Mn. i. 530 ; Hor. Od. iii. 6).
143. noz, i. e. the Night advances towards the west like the Day.
144. poscimur, we are wanted : it is getting late.
146. nostris, agrees with consiliis as well as curribus. 149. quae, referring to lumina. — dare, depending on sine (from sino). — spectes, subj. of purpose.
151. contingere . poetic, as depending upon gaudet. — super, erect.
152. grates agit, renders thanks.
153. Pyrois, etc. : the names of the steeds signify fiery, of the dawn, blazing, fla?ning.
155. repagula, barriers (of a race-course).
156. nepotis, see note, v. 69. — quae, i. e. repugula.
157. copia = access to.
161. quod possent, such as, &*c. (subj. of characteristic). 163. pondere, ballast. — justo, regular (a common meaning). — levitate, abl. of cause.
165. onere, following vacuus (§ 54, 1 ; G. 389).
166. inani, an empty one. 168. or dine, direction.
170. si sciat (§ 59, 4, b ; G. 598) ; the present subj. of future condition, where our idiom seems to require the imperfect contrary to fact.
171. triones, the North (see note, i. 64).
172. vetito aequore : the Northern Bear in these latitudes never goes below the horizon.
204 Notes: Ovid, [Metam.
173. Serpens, the constellation called Draco {the Dragon), near the north pole, at the feet of Hercules.
176. Boote : Bootes is represented as a wagoner : the constella- tion includes the bright star Arcturus.
179. penitus penitusque, far, far below.
181. tenebrae, i. e. from dizziness.
182. mallet, i. e. if it were possible ; hence the imperfect.
183. valuisse, to have prevailed.
184. Meropis : Merops was the husband of Clymene. — ut, as.
185. pinus, ship. — remisit frena, cast loose the rein, i. e. let go the helm.
196. flexis utrumque, bending both ways (agreeing with both Cauda and lacertis).
197. signorum duorum: the Scorpion is represented as at first occupying the space of two " signs " of the Zodiac, until Libra was inserted where the claws had been.
198. madidum : moist, as the venom oozes out on account of the heat. — ut, when.
199. curvata cuspide, the curved sting (" spear-head") of the scorpion's tail.
202. exspatiantur, wander fro?n the track (ex-spatium) . 204. hac, correl. to qua, sc. via.
206. summa, the height.
207. terrae, dative.
208. inferius suis (abl.), lower than her own. — Luna, sister of the sun : poetically, Diana, sister of Apollo.
210. ut quaeque altissima, each in the order of its height, as he comes nearer and nearer.
213. materiam, fuel.
214. parva, small calamities.
217-225. Athos, etc. This catalogue of mountains, ranging the whole field of mythical geography, may be verified in any good dictionary or Atlas.
230. ore trahit, breathes in.
235. summa, the surface.
238. passis (pando), dishevelled, as in mourning.
239. deflevere, wept as lost.
240. Ephyre, the old name of Corinth.
241. sortita, having obtained by lot, here simply possessing; it governs ripas. — loco distantes, remote hi space.
243. senex : the river gods are represented as old men (see note on mountains).
II. 173-313] n- T%e Adventure of Pha'cihon. 20j
245. arsunis iterum, i. e. when set on fire by Vulcan, to stay the attack of Achilles (see Iliad, Book xxi. 342-389).
253. volucres : the melodious swans of the Cayster in Lydia (Maeonia) are famous in ancient poetry.
255. quod adhuc latet : the problem of the source of the Nile was not solved until our own day.
260. Tartara, Tartarus, the ancient Hell. The king and queen are Pluto and Proserpine. — dissilit, yawns apart.
263. quos relates to montes.
264. Cycladas, a Greek ending, as Delphines, v. 266. — augent, i. e. by rising above the water and so becoming islands. The Cyclades are the islands grouped about Delos in the iEgean Sea.
267. lesnpina., floating on the back.
273. fontes (in appos. with aquas), mere water springs.
274. matris, mother earth.
277. infra quam solet, lower than her wont, i. e. crouching in distress.
279. quid, why t
280. periturae, sc. mini, i. e. if I must perish.
281. auctore levare : it would be a relief to perish by the thunderbolt of Jupiter.
283. tostos, scorched. — crines : i. e. the withered foliage of the forest.
285. fructus, etc., objective genitive.
288. alimenta, in apposition to fruges.
289. vobis, i. e. to the gods.
290. fa.c, grant, suppose.
291. frater tuus, i.e. Neptune.
293. fratris, obj. gen. limiting gratia. — mea gratia, regard for me.
300. rerum summae, for the universe itself The regular ex- pression for the fate of the state or the army, or whatever highest interest is staked on an engagement.
301. neque enim, [she spoke no more] for, Ssr'c.
303. Manibus, the shades, spirits of the dead: the infernal regions.
304. ipsum, Apollo.
311. ab aure, the picture is of one throwing a javelin.
312. anima . . . expulit, i. e. deprived (privavit would here be the right word) of breath and cast from the chariot.
313. expulit, sc. euro.
206 Notes: Ovid, [Metam.
323. diverso orbe, a remote region of earth, i. e. towards the west.
324. Eridanus, a mythical river, the source of amber. It was often identified with the Po, sometimes with the Rhone (v. 372).
325. Hesperiee, see v. 142 and note. — trifida, thrice-cleft, an epithet of the "jagged lightning," supposed to be most fatal.
327. currus limits auriga, which is in appos. with Phaethon ; quern relates to currus.
329. nam, i.e. it would be the father's place naturally, but he had withdrawn. — pater, the Sun.
331. isse ferunt, they say that one day passed.
333. quaecumque diceuda, the conventional words of mourning.
335. lauiata sinus, tearing her breast.
336. mox, when the limbs had decayed from lapse of time.
337. tamen, i. e. though she sought long, yet she did at last find them.
340. Heliades, daughters of the Sun, sisters of Phaethon. — morti = to the dead.
343. adsternuntur, prostrate themselves.
344. junctis cornibus, filing out her horns.
346. Fhaethusa, bright; Lampetie (below), flaming*
347. maxima, eldest.
349. subita, i. e. suddenly growing.
352. fieri, are turning into.
356. quid faciat, § 57, 6 ; G. 258. — impetus, excitement.
364. sole, abl. of cause, with rigescunt.
365. electra, a?nber ; in truth a fossil exudation from trees.
366. gestanda : amber was a favorite material for ornaments among the Roman ladies, who carried balls of it in their hands for coolness. — nuribus Latinis, daughters-in-law of Roman nobles ; a term used for young matrons.
367. monstro, prodigy. — Stheneleia proles, son of Sthenelus. — Cycnus : compare the story in XII. 65-145.
369. propior, still nearer.
370. Ligurum, of the coast region near Genoa, Piedtnont.
371. querellis, laments.
372. sororibus, sisters (of Phaethon), now added to the forest.
373. viro, dat. of reference. — canaeque . . . collumque, an infrequent form of the correlative.
375. junctura, a joining-7ne7>ibrane.
377. caeloque Jovique = to the sky of fove.
378. ut memor, as rememberi?ig (the motive for not trusting the sky). — ignis, thunderbolt.
II. 323-843] n« The Adventure of Pha'ethon. 207
380. quae, the antecedent is flumina.
381. expers (ex-pars), devoid. — squalidus, in mourning.
382. cum deficit orbem, when he unmakes his disc, i. c. in an eclipse.
385. aevi limits principiis.
387. actorum mini, things done by me.
388. quilibet, whoever will.
390. ipse, Jupiter.
391. ponat, lay aside.
392. expertus, when he has tried.
393. meruisse, sc. eum, antecedent of qui. 397. excusat, alleges the cause.
400. objectat, throws at them as a reproach ; imputat, bears resentment against them as offenders. — natum = his son's death.
This interesting myth requires no explanation beyond the simplest and most obvious analogies of natural phenomena, — an intensely hot summer, trees bearing a vague resemblance to slender maidens (Lombardy poplars), drops of amber shaped like tears, — all combined with the familiar lesson of M vaulting ambition that o'erleaps itself." It is probably the best told and most popular of all the stories in the Metamorphoses.
III. The Rape of Europa.
833. has, referring to the punishment of Aglauros (see heading).
834. ce^it = had inflicted: the pa>na is, in its original sense, a fine or forfeit. — Atlantiades : the mother of Mercury was Maia, daughter of Atlas. — dictas a Pallade : Pallas, " the brandisher," is an epithet of Athena {Minerva), tutelary divinity of Athens.
835. pennis : Mercury is represented with a winged cap (petasus), and winged sandals (talaria).
836. genitor : Jupiter. — causam amoris = love as his motive.
838. solito cursu, i.e. the air, his accustomed path.
839. tuam matrem suspicit, looks up to thy mother. Maia is one of the stars in the group of Pleiades. — a parte sinistra: on the left, &*c, i. e. towards the East. Jupiter is looking from Mt. Olympus.
840. Sidonida, i. e. Phoenicia, "the land of Sidon."
843. jamdudum : expresses the promptness of Mercury's obedience. So, among some very courteous populations, if you ask for any favor, the answer will be, " It is done already."
208 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
844. filia : Europa, " the broad brow," daughter of the Eastern king, is one of the numerous names given to the Dawn in the Greek mythology. The "dawn" of civilization rises upon the western world from Asia. For the signification of this fable, see introductory note to the next section.
846. non bene conveniunt, are not very consistent. — moran- tur, reside.
848. cui, dat. of reference (§ 51, 7, a; G. 343, r2).
849. nutu : so Zeus " nodded with his black brows and shook great Olympus" (II. i. 528-30).
854. toris, with the swell of muscles.
855. contendere possis, you might maintain*
858. Agenore : see heading.
859. formosus, sc. sit. 871. falsa, i. e. not his own.
874. dextra tenet : the picture as here given was familiar to the poet on gems, &c.
IV. The Search of Cadmus.
2. Dictsea : Dicte is a mountain in the eastern part of Crete. The Phoenicians, in very ancient times, were colonists and traders among the Grecian islands. Several of the divinities worshipped by the Greeks were probably introduced by them. The fable of Europa may perhaps point to such a settlement in Crete, with the introduction of cattle from Asia. The heifer which guides Cadmus would thus have the same signification in the story with the bull which bears away Europa.
3. perquirere, to search everywhere.
5. pius et sceleratus, "tender" towards his daughter, and " guilty " towards his son.
7. furta, deceptions.
8. Phcebi oracula, i. e. at Delphi, near Bceotia.
10. solis in arvis, in solitary pastures.
11. passa: cows as well as oxen were trained to the yoke, as on the continent of Europe now.
12. herba, on the grass.
13. fac condas, § 70, $,f, R ; G. 546, R3. — Boeotia, connected with ftovs, Lat. bos.
14. Castalio : the oracle of Apollo was in a cave of Mt. Par- nassus, whence flowed the Castalian fount.
II. 844- — HI. 98.] iv. The Search of Cadmus, 209
15. videt, sc. cum.
17. presso, sustained. — legit, traces : lit. picks up, apparently the original meaning of the word.
19. Panopes, an old town on the Cephisus.
27. libandas =for the libation, which consisted in pouring water or wine upon the earth in honor of some divinity.
30. humilem arcum, a low arch.
32. Martius, sacred to Mars.
35. quern . . . gradu, when the men descended from Tyrian race had reached this grove with hapless step. Tyre was a colony of Sidon, but became far more famous and powerful than its mother city.
38. cseruleus, livid.
41. nexibus, folds / orbes, coils.
43. media plus parte, more than half his length.
45. geminas . . . Arctos : the great constellation of the Dragon.
46. nee mora = without delay. 48. hos, sc. necat.
50. sol altissimus, the sun at noon. 54. praestantior, more prompt.
56. supra, adverb. — spatiosi corporis, descriptive genitive. 59. molarem, sc. lapidem, a stone as big as a millstone. 62. mota forent, might have been shaken. 64. loricae modo, like a coat-of-mail.
66. lentse, pliant. — medio curvamine, in the middle of the coil.
70. id, the shaft.
72. accessit, was added.
76. Stygio, i. e. fearful as the Styx.
77. modo . . . interdum, now . . . now.
78. cingitur, knots hi?nself; exstat, erects himself
79. impete, an old form of the ablative (3d declension) : the regular form would be impetu (4th declension). — concitus im- bribus, swollen by rains.
83. praetenta, held before him.
84. ferro, dative.
88. plagam . . . arcebat, kept the blonu from striking deep. 91. usque aecpiens, following up. — eunti, sc. serpenti.
94. gemuit, etc., groaned (like a living thing) that its trunk was lashed by the e?id of his tail.
95. spatium, the bulk.
98. tu spectabere serpens, see Book iv. 563-614 (argument).
210 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
ioi. fautrix : Pallas is regularly represented as the protectress and guide of heroes in their exploits. She was the goddess of invention and mental energy.
102. motas terrae (dat.), beneath the broken earth.
106. fide majus, an incredible thing !
1 08. pic to, decorated.
in. festis, on a holiday.
112. signa, figures, painted on the curtain. The closing of the curtain is referred to, which was done from the bottom, not from the top as with us.
113. placido tenore, with quiet (or easy) motion.
119. eminus (construe with jaculo), thrown from a distance.
122. suo marte, in mutual strife.
1 24. sortita, having enjoyed,
125. matrem, i. e. the Earth.
127. Tritonis : Tritonis is an epithet of Minerva, probably from a brook in Bceotia.
128. fraternae pacis, peace among the (surviving) brothers.
131. jam, at length.
132. soceri : Hermione (or Harmonia), daughter of Mars and Venus, was wife of Cadmus.
135. sed . . , debet : " Call no man happy till he dies," a favorite maxim of ancient wisdom. — juvenes, youths, i.e. grown up, not pueri.
In the myth of Cadmus we may recognize a genuine tradition of the trading settlements and factories established by Phoeni- cians in very early times, along the coast of Greece. From them the rude Greeks received the first beginnings of civilization, especially the knowledge of the alphabet. Many religious rites were likewise borrowed from them, especially the worship of Herakles {Hercules, the Phoenician Melkarf) and Aphrodite {Astarte) or Venus.
V. Pyramus and Thisbe.
The reader will remember this story as presented in "Mid- summer-Night's Dream."
v. 56. piselata., preferred before : most excellent among.
58. Semiramis, wife of Ninus, and founder of Babylon. — coc- tilibus, of burnt brick.
59. nctitiam . . . gxaaxia = lhe first steps of intimacy.
III. ioi. — IV. 158.] Pyramus and Thisbe. 211
60. taedae, gen. with jure = in lawful marriage. A torchlight procession was a regular part of the nuptial ceremony.
61. quod relates to v. 62.
62. ex aequo captis, equally enslaved.
63. conscius, witness.
65. fissus erat paries, the party -wall was cloven. — duxerat, had got, i. e. the chink had been left in it.
67. id vitium, this defect. — nulli notatum, remarked by no one. 69. fecistis iter, made it a passage.
74. erat = esset (§ 60, 2 cj G. 246, r2). — toto corpore, in bodily presence.
75. pateres, open far enough.
77. quod, etc., obj. of debere. — arnicas, beloved.
78. diversa sede, i. e. parted as they were.
79. parti suae, his own side.
80. contra, to the other.
87. neve sit errandum, and that there be no mistake.
88. lateant, conceal themselves. 91. lux, the daylight.
96. recenti . . . rictus, a lioness, whose foaming jaw is smeared (obllta) with fresh blood of cattle (rictus, ace. of specification).
105. serius, too late for his appointment.
no. nocens, the guilty one.
in. jussi venires, bade you come. The prose construction would be infinitive.
113. scelerata viscera, guilty flesh.
117. notae, agreeing with vesti.
119. quo: the antecedent is ferrum.
121. resupinus, fallen back. — humo, loc. abl. for the more usual locative form humi.
122. fistula, a water-pipe. — vitiato plumbo, i. e. from a flaw in the lead.
128. fallat, disappoint. 130. gestit, is eager.
132. facit incertam, makes her doubtful.— pomi, fruit.
133. tremebunda, quivering. 135. exhorruit, shivered. 136. summum, its surface.
142. mihi,from me (§ 51, 2, e; G. 346).
146. visa ilia, having looked upon her.
148. ebur, ivory scabbard.
151. persequar, sc. te. 153. nee, not even.
154. hoc, secondary object: § 52, 2, R ; G. 333, R*.
158. componi invideatis, forbid to be laid.
212 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
VI. Perseus and Andromeda.
Acrisius, king of Argos, had been warned that he should be dethroned and slain by the child of his daughter Danae, whom therefore, to elude the oracle, he confined in a dungeon with brazen walls. But Jupiter gained admission in the form of a shower of gold, and Danae became the mother of Perseus. Being shut with the child — then four years of age — in a chest, or coffer, and cast into the sea, she drifted to the island of Seriphus, where the boy grew up, and was sent craftily by the tyrant of the island for the head of the Gorgon Medusa. In this enterprise he was helped and delivered by the friendly care of the divinities Mercury and Minerva, who armed him for his task, gave him the power of flight, and made him invulnerable and invincible. (See, for an admirable narrative of the adventure, Kingsley's "Heroes," and "Andro- meda.")
IV. 615. viperei monstri, the Gorgon Medusa, whose beautiful locks of hair had been changed to serpents by the wrath of Minerva (yv. 801-803).
616. stridentibus alis : Perseus had been equipped for his aerial journey by the aegis of Minerva, the winged cap and sandals furnished by the Graiae, the cap of Pluto making its wearer invisi- ble, and the curved sword {harpe) of Mercury, with its two points, one straight and the other curved. (See the interpretation of the fable of the Gorgons in " Modern Painters," vol. v. p. 150.)
617. Libycas, African : Libya was the earlier general name of Africa, the home of the Gorgons.
622. exemplo, in the manner.
623. longe, from afar, qualifying despectat
625. Cancri: used for the tropical region, as Arctos for the polar.
628. Hesperio = far western. The gardens of the Hesperides, daughters of Atlas, were placed somewhere in the west of Africa.
630. Auroras, sc. currus. — diurnos, of the day.
632. Atlas, "the unwearied," one of the Titans, condemned after their rebellion to bear the weight of heaven upon his shoulders.
634. subdit, see ii. 68.
637. arboreae frondes, etc., a description of the garden of the Hesperides. Some report of oranges — a fruit unknown to the ancients — may have helped in shaping the story of the golden apples.
IV. 615-685] vi. Perseus and Andromeda. 213
639. seu, if on the one hand; sive, or if.
641. rerum, heroic deeds.
643. Themis, see note, i. 321.
645. Jove natus : the son of Jupiter, who stole the golden apples of the Hesperides, was Hercules, himself a remote descend- ant of Perseus.
649. ne longe . . , absit, lest the glory, &>c, be far from help- ing thee.
650. mentiris, falsely boast.
654. parvi, of little worth.
655. Medusae ora: the horror of the countenance of Medusa, with its snaky locks, chilled the beholder into stone. Perseus himself had approached the monster averted — ipse retroversus — gazing at her reflection in the polished shield ; and had borne the bleeding head in an enchanted sack, given him by the sea-nymphs.
657. quantus erat, sc. tantus — ■ of just his size.
658. abeunt, pass, or are converted. 661. di, vocative.
663. Hippotades, i^olus, son of Hippotas, god of the winds.
664. admonitor operum, summoner to toil.
665. ille, Perseus.
669. Cephea (adj.), of Cepheus, king of Ethiopia, brother of ^gyptus and Danaus.
670. maternae linguae : Cassiopeia, mother of Andromeda, was
" That starred Ethiop queen that strove To set her beauty's praise above The sea-nymphs, and their powers offended." Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Andromeda, and Perseus are among the most striking constellations in the northern heavens.
671. Ammon : the chief divinity of Egypt, identified with the Greek Zeus (Jupiter) ; represented with the head of a ram. He had an oracle in the Libyan desert.
672. bracchia, ace. of specification.
673. Abantiades: Abas, king of Argos, descended from Danaus, was father of Acrisius.
675. ignes, the flames of love.
679. quibus, sc. eis catenis. 680. requirenti, sc. mini.
683. religata, i. e. her hands bound behind.
684. quod potuit, i. e. the only thing she could : its antecedent is the sentence lumina, etc.
685. instanti, to him urgent. — sua, emphatic: she would not seem to confess guilt.
214 Notes: Ovid, [Met am.
688. nondum . . . omnibus, before all was told. 692. ilia : the mother had more reason for grief, by reason of her offence, which incurred this penalty.
695. lacrimarum limits tempora ; manere governs vo9. 697. peterem, seek in marriage. — Perseus, in appos. with ego.
702. meritum : i. e. that the boon should be my own earning. — dotibus, endowments.
703. mea, predicate.
704. legem, condition.
705. super = insuper. — do tale, a bridal gift. In Ovid's time the wife brought a dowry to the husband. This usage he has transferred to the heroic times, when the husband purchased the wife from her parents.
706. rostro, construe with sulcat.
709. Balearica : the people of these islands were famous slingers.
710. caeli, space : partitive genitive with quantum. — plumbo, i. e. the leaden slug thrown by the sling.
714. Jovis praepes, the eagle.
715. praebentem Phcebo, turning to the Sun. 718. inane, the void (i. e. air).
720. Inachides : Inachos, son of Oceanus, was the first king of Argos.
720. hamo, see note, v. 616.
725. qua patent, where they are exposed.
729. graves, ?nade heavy.
730. bibulis, soaked whh blood. 732. stantibus, ouiet.
734. exegit, thrust through; repetita, attacked repeatedly \
735. implevere: the plural subject is cum plausu clamor (§ 49, 1; G. 281, R2).
742. mollit, carpels.
744. bibula medulla, with porous pith.
745. rapuit, caught.
749. iterant j aetata, toss repeatedly.
750. curaliis, coral.
751. duritiam capiant : as if the coral were a sea-plant, which turns to stone by contact with the air. — tacto ab aere, from con- tact with the air.
756. alipedi, Mercury.
757. praemia indotata, i. e. herself the price of the exploit, without other dowry.
IV. 688-79I-] vl- Perseus and Andromeda, 215
758. Hymenaeus, the god of marriage.
759. praecutiunt, brandish in front in the bridal procession.
762. reseratis, thrown back.
763. instructa, prepared.
764. Cepheni, people of Cepheus.
765. functi, etc., having discharged the service of high-born Bacchus.
766. diffudere, relaxed,
767. Lyncides : Lynceus was a fabled ancestor of Perseus. 769. qui relates to Cepheus.
771. crinita draconibus = with snaky locks.
772. Agenorides, Perseus, descended from a brother of Agenor.
773. unius luminis usum : the sisters Graiae, daughters of Phorcys, had but one eye between them, which Perseus — made invisible by the cap of Pluto — caught as it was passing from one to the other. Thus made helpless, they were constrained to tell him the secrets on which the fate of the Gorgon depended.
775. partitas, sharing.
780. ferarumque : observe that the syllable -que is elided before the vowel at the beginning of the next verse {synapheid).
781. ex ipsis —from their proper shape.
783. sere repercusso, i. e. by the image reflected from the polished brass ; limited by clipei, above (see note, v. 655).
785. pennis fugacem Pegason : the winged horse Pegasus, sacred to the Muses, and the giant Chrysaor, wielding a golden sword, sprang from the blood of the slain Gorgon.
791. sola sororum, Medusa was the only one of the three sisters who was mortal. All, however, had the power of convert- ing the beholder into stone. — 798. vitiasse, dishonored.
The tale of Perseus (like that of Hercules and many other heroes) represents the daily course of the sun, in conflict with the powers of darkness and storm. The harpe is his gleaming ray ; the Graiae are the twilight ; the Gorgons are the storm-cloud, which rests upon the bosom of the sea- wave, and is cloven by the "golden sword " of the lightning. The jagged edges of the cloud, and the crimson stream which pours from it in the glow of sunset, help out the features qf the image.
216 Notes: Ovid. [Met am.
VII. The Wandering of Ceres.
Ceres, in the Greek myth, is the Earth-Mother (A^rr/p), type of the productive power of the soil, who seeks her child Proser- pina (Persephone, called also Koprj, the maiden), stolen from her sight by the king of the lower world, and only restored to her by Jupiter for six months of each year. By this parable the ancients understood the annual sowing of the grain-harvest, by which the corn is hidden in the ground through the winter months, but re- stored in spring to sunlight, and ripening to the harvest, in which the yearly festival of Ceres is celebrated with religious rites.
V. 341. unco aratro : the ancient plough, still sometimes seen in Italy, was a rude wooden instrument which broke the soil with its hooked extremity.
343. dedit leges : because agriculture first led men to an orderly life, she was called Ceres legifera (A^r^p Qea-pocpopos).
346. membris (dat. after ingesta), heaped on the giant limbs (Typhoeus, see Introd.). Typhoeus was not reckoned one of the giants, but represented the violent powers of nature, especially in the earthquake : hence he is placed for punishment under the volcano Etna.
347. Trinacris, " the three headlands," is the ancient name describing the triangular form of Sicily, which, on a rude map, might suggest the notion of a buried giant. — subjectum and ausuni agree with Typhoea ; molibus depends on subjectum, and sperare on ausum ; sedes is object of sperare.
350. Feloro, etc., Pelorus is the headland nearest Italy ; Pachynus, the S. E. extremity of the island ; Libybatum, the western. — Ausonio, Italian (an old name of Southern Italy).
352. resupinus,^:/ on his back.
354. remoliri, to cast off (with effort).
356. rex silentum, king of the silent realms, Pluto.
361. ambibat, surveyed, going his rounds, like a watchman.
363. Erycina, Venus, who had a famous temple on Mt. Eryx, in the western part of Sicily, apparently of Phoenician origin. Eryx was fabled to be her son, killed by Hercules in a boxing- match, and buried on this mountain (see Virgil, JEn. v. 392-420).
364. natum volucrem, her winged son, Cupido ( ="Epcos ) or Desire, son of Venus : the modern Cupid, whose attributes of bow and arrows, with wings, have come down from ancient works of art.
V. 34 1-407 •] vn* The Wandering of Ceres. 217
365. arma, etc., vocative.
366. ilia tela, those shafts, pointed with gold or lead, according as they were to stir love or hate.
368. triplicis . . . regni, the last lot fell of the threefold realm : Jupiter having taken by lot the empire of the heavens and Neptune that of the waters.
370. regit qui = qui regit — ipsum, Neptune.
371. Tar tar a, etc., why does Tartarus hold aloof t yj2.. agitur, is at stake.
373- quae . . . est, such is our endurance.
375. Pallada, etc. : Pallas (Minerva) and Artemis (Diana) were virgins, and patrons of chastity.
376. filia, Proserpine. — virgo, predicate.
378. pro socio regno, for a united realm.
379. patruo : the patruus is the father's brother ; the avunculus the mother's. Proserpine was daughter of Jupiter and Ceres.
382. magis audiat, is more obedient.
383. opposito genu (abl. abs.), bracing his knee against it.
384. hamata, barbed. — arundine, reed, of which the arrow was made.
385. altae aquae, of deep water.
386. illo, than he [does] ; a construction rare in Latin, but common in Greek. — Caystros, see ii. 258. The Cayster was famous for its swans, which the ancients made a melodious bird.
389. ut velo, as by a veil (referring to the awning which sheltered the Roman amphitheatre from the sun).
390. Tyrios, purple.
391. quo luco (loc. abl.), in this grove. Proserpina (pro-serpo) was the name of a native Italian goddess who presided over the growth of plants, identified with the Greek Ilepo-ecpovT).
394. sequales, comrades.
395. simul, at one moment.
396. usque adeo, to such a degree. 398. summa ab ora, at its upper edge.
406. ferventia, agreeing with stagna : boiling up through the broken earth. Palicorura : these were two brothers, who presided over some bubbling sulphurous springs near Palike, in Sicily.
407. qua . . . portus, i. e. the site of Syracuse, between the outer (lesser) and inner (greater) harbors. — bimari, a common epithet of Corinth, on the isthmus "between two seas." — Bacchia- dae, the leading family of Corinth, claiming descent from Hercules. Syracuse was a Corinthian colony.
218 Notes: Ovid, [Metam.
409. medium . . . aequor, a sea between Cyane and Arethusa. The fountain Arethusa, on the peninsula (Ortygia) which made the old city of Syracuse, offered the strange phenomenon of fresh water springing up, apparently, from the midst of salt. Hence the fable related below (vv. 577-641). Cyane was a spring whose waters flowed into the Great Harbor.
410. angustis cornibus, narrow points of land. The "sea" (aequor) is the Great Harbor.
413. summa tenus alvo = as far as the waist. 420. Saturnius, son of Saturn.
425. fontis jura : fountains were held to have a sacred character, on which Cyane had presumed too far. 428. modo, but now.
43 1 . tenuissima quasque, all the slenderest parts. 436. vitiatas, impaired.
438. matri, dat. of agent, with quaesita est
439. profimdo, deep = sea. 443. inrequieta, never resting.
450. dulce, a sweet drink which she had first strewn with Parched barley. The plural dulcia is often used for sweetmeats.
453. neque : the negative qualifies epota.
458. parva lacerta : the stellio, or spotted lizard, is one of the smallest species.
463. defuit orbis, the world did not suffice (no part of it was left unsearched).
464. Sicaniam, Sicily. 467. quo, with which.
471. simul [atque], as soon as. — raptam, sc. earn esse.
473. repetita, again struck.
474. sit, i.e. Proserpine.
475. nec = et non.
477. saeva manu, with cruel hand.
478. parili agrees with leto.
480. depositum, sc. semen.
481. vulgato, famed: Sicily was in old times "the granary of Rome."
482. falsa, disappointed. — primis in herbis, in the young blade. 484. sideraque : the -que is made long by caesura. — que . . .
que, both . . . and: the constellations were thought to have an influence upon the crops.
487. Eleis, daughter of Elis (a district of Greece) ; Alpheias, loved by Alpheus.
V. 4°£-552-] VII« The Wandering of Ceres, 219
493. nee sum, etc., i. e. it is not affection for my native land, &c.
495. penates, household gods = home.
500. curaque . . . et vultus melioris, relieved from care, and of more cheerful aspect.
502. cavernas, i. e. of the sea.
503. desueta, i. e. from the long dark journey.
504. labor, I glide.
509. ceu saxea, as if turned to marble.
510. ut . . . amentia, when her grievous frenzy was dispelled by grievous pain.
511. pulsa, banished.
513. invidiosa =full of bitter thoughts.
515. matris, objective gen.
516. cura vilior, a less precious charge.
517. illius, i. e. Proserpine.
519. scire . . . vocas, if you call it finding, to know where she is.
520. quod rapta [est], that she is stolen.
525. injuria, amor, predicate.
526. pudori, dat of service.
527. tu modo velis, if only thou consent. — ut desint (con- cessive), though, Qr'c. ; § 61, 2 ; G. 606.
528. quid, quod, etc., what [do you say to this] that, &*c. — cetera, other grounds.
529. nisi sorte, except by lot.
531. lege, condition.
532. cautum est, it was provided.
533. certum est, her mind is made up.
537. de cortice : the seeds of the pomegranate are wrapped each in its separate pulpy sheath. This fruit is often used as a symbol of the lower world.
540. Avernales : the name Avernus was applied to the sul- phurous waters whose fumes were thought to kill the birds that flew over.
541. buo, her kindred.
543. profanam, of evil omen.
546. sibi ablatus, deprived of himself (his own identity).
547. in caput crescit = his head enlarges. — ungues, bends back long claws, i. e. receives long hooked claws.
548. natas, which had grown.
552. Acheloide3, daughters of Achelous (a river of central Greece). — unde, sc. sunt.
220 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
555. doctee, skilled (in singing). The Sirens had the faces of maidens and bodies of birds, and were endowed with the gift of song.
557. ut, etc., that the waters as well as the land might experi- ence, &c.
559. faciles, good-natured.
564. medius, Between.
571. victis, i. e. after conquering them.
576. fluminis Elei, i. e. the Alpheus.
578. saltus legit, scoured the glades (in the chase). — Achaide, Greece.
583. rustica, choosing the field.
585. Stymphalide : Stymphalus was a district of Arcadia.
587. sine vertice, without an eddy.
590. nutrita unda, fed by the wave.
607. Cyllenenque : a spondaic verse. Orchomenos and Psophis are cities, Cyllene, Maenalus, and Erymanthus are mountains, of Arcadia. The course here described is an almost impossible one ; nor, for the matter of that, does the Alpheus flow near Stymphalos.
609. me, ablative.
615. umbram, i e. of Alpheus.
619. Dictynna, a name of Diana, from a mountain in Crete.
622. tectam, sc. me.
625. Io : the final vowel of interjections is not elided.
633. caeruleae, i. e. the color proper to water deities : she was already turning to a fountain.
634. lacus, pool.
636. sed enim: the ellipsis is something as follows, — but [I was not yet safe]/<?r, &*c.
637. posito, laying aside. — ore, countenance.
639. Delia, an epithet of Diana from the island of Delos, which was sacred to her.
640. cognomine meae, welcome by the name of ?ny protecting divinity : Ortygia (named from oprvg, a quail) was sacred to Diana, and is one of her titles.
642. angues, dragons, or winged serpents. — fertilis — of fertility. The chariot of Ceres was drawn by serpents.
645. Tritonida in urbem, into the city of Pallas (Athens).
646. rudi humo, virgin soil. — Triptolemo : Triptolemus was a son of Celeus, king of Eleusis, with whom Ceres had found shelter during her wanderings. She undertook to make the boy immortal by laying him in the hot ashes ; and when this was pre-
V. 555 — VI. i87-] vm- Pride and Grief of Niobe. 2 21
vented by the fears of his mother, taught him the arts of husbandry. Triptolemus was a principal figure in the Eleusinian worship of Demeter, being regarded as the medium through whom agriculture was taught to mankind.
647. post . . . recultae = which had long lam fallow (agreeing with humo).
650. subit penates, arrives at the dwelling.
651. qua veniat, indir. question with rogatus ; in the same construction with the accusatives nomen and patriam.
661. sacros jugales, the sacred yoke-beasts : i. e. dragons. — Mopsonium:an ancient name of Attica was Mopsonia.
VIII. The Pride and the Grief of Niobe.
VI. 165. turba, ablative.
168. inmissos, flowing.
170. auditos, i.e. who have been only heard of, not seen. — visis, sc. caelestibus.
172. Tantalus : a king of Phrygia, honored with the society of the gods. He is said to have desired, as a boon from them, that he might be immersed to the lips in sensual delights ; and was pun- ished for his crimes by the torment of eternal hunger and thirst, standing in a lake whose waters would never rise above his lips, while branches laden with rich fruit swung back whenever he tried to touch them, — a penalty which has made his name immortal in the word tantalize.
174. Pleiadum soror : Dione, mother of Niobe, and daughter of Atlas.
176. Jupiter : father of Tantalus , as well as of Niobe's husband, Amphion.
177. regia Cadmi : i. e. Thebes, over which Amphion ruled. — me, ablative, in appos. with domina.
178. fidibus, strings. The huge blocks of stone, of which the walls of Thebes were built, moved of themselves to their place, at the sound of Amphion's lyre.
180. accedit eodem = add to this.
185. nescio quo, i. e. nobody knows who. — Cceo satam, child of Cosos, father of Latona, and a Titan.
187. negavit : the jealousy of Juno prevented Latona from finding rest upon any spot of earth ; but at last she found a refuge
222 Notes: Ovid. [Met am.
in the island of Delos, where her children, Apollo and Artemis, were born. This island had before floated upon the sea, but was now fixed in its place.
189. miserata (agreeing with Delos), having compassion.
190. hospita, a stranger without a home.
195. possit, § 65, 2, cj G. 313.
196. ut, although.
197. fingite, suppose.
198. huic populo (§ 51, 2, e; G. 346): her children almost made a nation by themselves. The children of Latona are derisively called a moo, turba.
201. sacri, vocative, addressed to her children. Haupt's read- ing is perhaps better :
Ite sacris, propere He sacris, laurum, etc.
202. deponunt, i. e. the people lay aside their wreaths in honor of Latona, and worship her only in silence. .
204. Cynthi, a mountain of Delos.
206. animosa, proud.
208. cultis, worshipped (agreeing with aris).
210. facto, i. e. the exclusion from the altars. She adds insult to injury.
212. recidat: the first syllable is made long by the require- ments of metre.
215. poenae limits mora; querella, ground of cotnpiaint.
216. Phoebe = Diana : if it were the vocative of Phoebus, the e would be short.
217. Cadmeida = of Thebes.
220. -mollierat, beaten into dust.
221. Amphione, § 54, 2, a; G. 395.
222. Tyrio suco, the famous purple dye obtained from a species of shell-fish.
229. in latus, sideways.
230. inane, void.
231. frena dabat, i.e. in order to flee. — imbris, objective genitive with preescius.
233« Qua» sc. parte. — effhiat, escape.
2.yj. admissa, at full speed.
241. nitidae : because the wrestlers anointed their bodies with oil.
245. incurvata, writhing.
246. suprema.yfrr the last time. 249. allevet,free, untwine.
VI. 189— VII. 3] IX» The Enchantments of Medea. 223
254. non belongs with simplex. — intonaum : the Grecian boys did not cut their hair until they arrived at manhood. 261. profectura (from proficio), fated to avail.
264. motus, affected. — jam non, no longer.
265. Arcitenens, the archer, Apollo.
269. potuisse, sc. superos hoc (see below) following mirantem. 271. nam : this explains why only Niobe is mentioned.
275. resupina, with head erect, i. e. tossed so far back as almost to have the face turned upwards.
276. invidiosa, an object of envy.
280. pascere, imperative passive in reflexive sense =glut thy wrath.
283. efferor : the term regularly used for carrying the body forth to burial.
286. contento, tight-strung.
289. toros, biers.
291. imposito, sc. toro (dat.), laid on his bier {or abl. with ore).
293. duplicata est, befit double.
296. trepidare, rush about (to find shelter).
304. color, complexion.
310. circumdata, wrapped.
311. in patriam, i.e. Phrygia ; these events had taken place in Thebes. There was in ancient times a colossal statue of a weeping woman on Mt. Sipylus, in Lydia (originally a part of Phrygia) : this was identified with Niobe, and was probably a freak of nature with some touches of the human hand. Some modern explorers have thought that they have discovered this.
IX. The Enchantments of Medea.
VII. 1. Minyae : a mythical race of Greece with whom the Argonauts appear to have been connected, and whose name they often bear. — Pagasaea : the ship Argo, in which Jason and his companions sailed, was built in Pagasae, a city of Thessaly.
3. Phineus, a blind king of Thrace; he had been tormented by the harpies, — filthy birds with faces of maidens, — but was freed from them by Zethus and Calais (two of the Argonauts), sons of Boreas (Aouilo), who drove them away and pursued them through the air as far as the islands of the Strophades, where they were afterwards found by ^neas.
224 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
7. regem : ^Eetes, king of Colchis, in whose possession was found the golden fleece. This had been carried by Phryxos to Colchis, and there offered to Zeus (Jupiter), and placed in his temple.
8. vox, answer j numeris is abl. of cause with horrenda = dreadful on account of the number of toils imposed. In reality there were but three of these, — to plough with the fire-breathing oxen ; to sow the dragon's teeth, and fight with the armed men who sprang from the soil ; after which he was to get the fleece, guarded by a sleepless dragon.
9. 2Eetias, a feminine patronymic : the daughter of iEetes was the famous enchantress Medea.
13. quod relates to hoc and huic.
14. jussa, i. e. the tasks imposed upon Jason.
15. modo denique, only ju st now, 20. mens, reason.
22. alieni orbis (poss. gen.), in another world.
23. quod ames (§ 64; G. 544), something to love, — vivat ille, whether he live, &*c.
24. in dis est, depends upon the gods, 26. tangat, § 57, 6 ; G. 258.
28. ore, beauty of countenance.
30. suae segetis, of his own planting, limiting hostibus (dat.).
31. praeda, predicate.
37. precanda, facienda, emphatic.
38. prodani : it had been foretold that the power of >Eetes should last as long as he kept the golden fleece in his possession.
39. nescio quis advena : Jason might be a mere worthless adventurer. — ope nostra, by my aid.
40. per me, construed with sospes.
43. non in sense qualifies timeam : such are his features, &v., that I have no cause to fear.
46. ante, beforehand.
47. quin, why not? she is deriding her own fears.
49. Pelasgas, Grecian.
50. servatrix, i. e. of Jason. — matrum, i. e. of the Argonauts : it limits turba.
56. magna, explained by the following words. — servatee pubis, of having saved the youth.
58. cultus : Colchis appears then, as now, to have been an uncivilized region.
60. JSEteoniden, Jason, son of uEson : this is in sense the ante-
VII. 7-i i6.] ix. The Enchantments of Medea. 225
cedent of quem, attracted into the relative clause. Observe the different idiom of English . we should say ; ' for whom I would exchange,15 &c.
62. nescio qui montes, the Symplcgades, the cliffs between which vessels must pass, but which closed upon and crushed them. The Argo, by watching its opportunity, had passed through with only the loss of its rudder, after which the rocks had become immovable. — incurrere, run against the voyager.
63. Char'ybdis, Scylla : these were placed between Sicily and Italy. There is even now a cliff {Scylla) on the Italian side, and a succession of eddies within the opposite point, which may have been more formidable in ancient times. Jason passed between them on his long and circuitous homeward voyage.
72. pietas,f Hal love.
7 3. dabat, was on the point of turning.
74. Hecates : Hecate, daughter of Perse, was the goddess of magic, and was identified with Artemis as goddess of the under world.
76. fortis, i. e. against her passion.
79. solet agrees with scintilla; -que connects assumere and crescere : the quantity of the final a in pai va and inducta shows their agreement.
83. specie, beauty.
84. solito follows formosior. 86. turn denique, not until then. 91 torum, marriage.
94. promissa dato = keep your promises. — triformis : Hecate was represented as composed of three bodies, standing back to back.
95. quod, whatever.
96. patrem soceri : the father of ^Eetes was Helios, the sun-god.
97. eventus, fate.
98. cantatas, enchanted (having been the subject of magic incantations).
99. tesca, waste places.
10 1. Mavortis, Mayors, an ancient form of Mars.
102. jugis, on the lines of hills. 104. adamanteis, unsubdued.
107. silices, limestone. — soluti, crumbled.
1 1 1. vertere, perfect.
116. medicamiua, the herbs given him by Medea.
15
226 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
118. subpositos, sc. tauros.
123. preetincta agrees with semina.
132. Haemonii, Thessalian.
138. auxiliare, in aid of her former incantations.
140. a se depulsum, tnrned away from himself.
142. Achivi, another ancient name for the Greeks.
144. barbara, i. e. Medea.
147. adfectu, transport.
148. horum, i. e. the incantations.
152. Lethaei, possessing the property of the water of Lethe, — to cause forgetfulness.
154. concita, raging.
155. sibi relates to somnus = (j'w that were unacquainted with it.
157. spolia, in apposition with auctorem (Medea).
158. Iolciacos : Iolcos was a sea-coast upon the Pagasa^an Gulf, from which the Argo had sailed.
161. cornibus, dat. following iuducta = with gilded horns. — aurum, § 52, 3, R ; G. 332, r2.
162. JEIson, father of Jason.
168. deme, sc. annos. — meis, fated to me.
170. dissimilem [her mind], unlike his. — iEeta • relictus, the image of the deserted AZeta [yEetes] ; see § 72, aj G. 687, R2.
171. affectus, emotions.
173. transcribere, a term used by money-dealers, to describe the written bill or draft by which money was transferred.
174. aequa, a reasonable request. — isto (sc. munere) follows ma jus.
177. annis tuis, abl. of means.
179. ut, i.e. until the time that: it was three nights from full moon, when magic rites could be best practised. — tota, wholly. 183. nudos, tmbound. 191. solvit, opened. 193. aurea, predicate, agreeing with astra.
195. magorum : the magi were a priestly class among the Medes, whose religion consisted in the worship of the evil principle, embodied in the serpent Afrasiab ; it is represented by that of the Devil-worshippers of the present day. As was natural, their worship was associated with necromantic arts, and the word 7nagic is derived from their name. — cantusque artesque (ace), governed by instruis : another object (of the person) is magos.
196. herbis, ablative of means.
VII. 118-261.] ix. The Enchantments of Medea, 227
200. concussa agrees with freta, being contrasted with stantia; sisto and concutio are also contrasted : she checks them when in motion, and excites them when at rest.
204. sua convulsa terra, torn up from the earth in which they grew.
207. traho : it was believed that eclipses were caused by magic arts. — Temessea, an epithet probably derived from Tamassus, in Cyprus, where were copper mines. On the occasion of an eclipse of the moon, they beat brazen vessels, in order to dispel the magic by the noise. — labores, eclipse.
209. avi, i. e. the Sun-god, father of jEetes.
210. vos refers to the objects addressed, vv. 192-196.
213. rudem, unacquainted witht construed with somni. — aurum, i. e. the golden fleece.
214. vindice, its guardian, the dragon.
219. aderat, i. e. sent by her grandfather, the Sun.
223. Threces : under this name was comprised, in early times, Macedonia, lying north of Thessaly.
226. placitas, sc. herbas, those that she selects. The mountains and rivers here mentioned are all in Thessaly.
231. Boebea : Bcebe and Anthedon were cities of Bceotia ; the latter lying on the Euripus, opposite Euboea.
233. Glauci: Glaucus was a fisherman who, by tasting these herbs, was impelled to leap into the water, where he was changed into a sea-god (see xiii. 917).
237. posuere : that the serpents, from the mere odor of the herbs had sloughed their skins and become young, was an indica- tion of their magic power.
242. verbenia, sprigs of various plants, used in sacred rites.
243. scrobibus, sc. e, construed with egesta.
244. velleris atri = a black-fleeced sheep. 2.46. bacchi, wine.
249. conjuge, i. e. Proserpine.
250. ne properent, i. e. during the performance of the magic rites.
253. plenos, sound.
258. bacchantum : in the rites of Bacchus {Dionysus'), cele- brated by women, the votaries unbound their hair and were possessed for a time with a religious frenzy.
259. multifidas faces, light-wood split fine.
261. lustrat : this word here describes the circling about the old man, as well as the purifying rites.
228 Notes: Ovid, [Metam.
265. acres, rank.
267. refluura describes the motion of the tides, which did not occur in the Mediterranean = the tides of the Ocean.
268. pemocte, full, when it shines through the night.
269. strigis : the strix is a bird often mentioned in magic, but, says Pliny, quce sit avium constare non arbitror. It is usually identified with the screech-owl.
271. prosecta, the parts set off for an offering. — lupi : the vuere-wolf, here described, was rather a man who could assume the form of a wolf, than a wolf who could turn into a man.
272. Ciny phii = Libyan .
273. vivacis, long-lived: the stag, as well as the crow, was believed to live to a great age.
274. passae, that had passed or lived.
276. munus (the magic gift) is subject, and Tartara {death) object of remorari.
277. jampridem qualifies arenti. — mitis, the quality of the fruit transferred to the tree.
290. situs, long tarrying in one place, and so the rust and dirt resulting from such tarrying ; here, the decay of age.
293. hunc, sc. fuisse, of this aspect.
In the story of Jason, a national hero of Thessaly, and Medea, " the wise one," we have the simple creation of the Grecian mind complicated with the unholy magical rites of the East. This is a myth, therefore, which records not only the early converse with far Asia, but the far more important mental intercourse which helped burden the Greek theology with superstition and fanaticism.
X. The Flight. of Daedalus.
VIII. 152. vota, votive offerings, i. e. for his victory over Athens and Megara : it is in apposition with corpora.
153. ut, as soon as. — Curetida : the Curetes were priests of Zeus in Crete ; they celebrated his worship with strange, wild rites, dancing, and beating their spears upon their shields.
155. opprobrium: the Minotaur, half man and half bull, the offspring of Pasiphae, daughter of the Sun, and wife of Minos.
138. multiplici domo, the labyrinth.
159. ingenio fabrse artis, talent in the art of building.
VIII. 2o8.] The Flight of Dcedalus. 229
160. opus, i.e. multiplex domus. — n6tas, marks, by which the passages could be remembered. — lumina, eyes. — flexum agrees with errorem.
162. Maeandros : this river was famed for its winding course, and its name has passed into the English language with this signification — meander.
166. incertas, undecided.
169. quo = in quem.
170. A.ctseo== Attic: the Athenians were obliged, by the con- ditions of peace, to send every nine years seven boys and seven girls to be devoured by the Minotaur : these were selected by lot.
171. sora, i. e. those who composed the third lot, and especially its voluntary leader, Theseus, son of king ./Egeus.
172. iterata, reached again. — nullis (dat.), by none of those before.
173. filo, thread. Ariadne, daughter of Minos, gave Theseus a clew of thread, by the aid of which he traced his way back through the labyrinth.
174. Diam, an ancient name of the island Naxos. This island was sacred to Dionysus {Bacchus), who found Ariadne here after her abandonment by Theseus ; henceforth she is associated with his worship.
177. amplexus, ace. plural. — Liber, a Roman god, identified with the Greek Dionysus.
178. de fironte, i. e. Ariadne's.
179. ilia, i. e. corona.
182. niari (nitor) genu, the kneeler ; Anguem tenentia, the snake-holder ; two constellations. See, on a celestial map or globe, the position of this beautiful constellation, " the Northern Crown."
184. loci natalis, Athens.
186. obstruat, i.e. Minos.
189. novat, sc. sibi, makes for himself a new nature.
191. clivo, i. e. the tops of trees growing on a slope overlap one another.
192. fistula, an instrument consisting of a row of pipes, like a child's harmonicon : these pipes were of different lengths, so as to give different tones.
205. ignis, sc. so lis.
206. Booten, the constellation Arctophylax, near Helice (the Great Bear).
208. pariter, at the same time.
230 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
212. non repetenda, destined never to be repeated. 217. arundiue, fishing-rod.
219. -que connects obstupuit and credidit.
220. Junonia : Samos was sacred to Hera (Juno).
221. relictse : they had flown north, over the Cyclades (Delos, etc.), and then easterly, leaving Samos upon the north.
225. rapidi (rapio), burning.
226. odoratas, i. e. from the melting.
230. nomen : the waters west and south of Samos were called the Icarian sea.
231. nee jam, ?io longer. — 237. elice trench. 235. tellus, the island Icaria, west of Samos. 239. unica, only one of its kind.
242. germana, i. e. of Daedalus.
243. bis senis, § 18, 2, c. — puerum, in appos. with proge- niem. — animi, genitive of quality.
245. traxit in exemplum, took as a model.
246. perpetuos, a row of.
248. aequali spatio, at an equal distance. — illis, abl. absolute.
249. duceret orbem, drew a circle.
250. arce Minervae, the Acropolis of Athens.
251. lapsum, sc. esse eum. 253. reddidit, turned him into. 259. antiqui, agrees with casus.
XI. The Calydonian Hunt.
VIII. 260. tellus .ffitnaea : Sicily, where Daedalus found a refuge with king Cocalus ; his native land, Athens, not being safe for him.
265. sanguine, i. e. of victims.
267. Argolicas, Achaia : both names are used as equivalent to the whole land of Greece.
268. Thesebs, genitive. 272. infestae, offended.
274. Lyaeo, an epithet of Bacchus.
275. Palladios latices, olive oil, sacred to Pallas (Minerva). 278. Latoidos, the daughter of Lato (Latona).
280. quaeque, etc.= et nos, guce inhonoratcs dicimur, non, etc. : the person speaking is Latona, who speaks of herself in the plural by a common license.
VII.2I2 — VIII. 33o-] XI* The Calydonian Hunt, 231
281. CEneos, adj. ; the genitive form is CEn£6s.
282. quanto, sc. tantum.
2S3. Epiros : both Epirus and Sicily were famed for cattle, but it seems that those of Epirus were the finest.
285. horrent, stand erect.
287. dentibus Indis, elephants' tusks.
292. Cererem, corn, as Bacchus is put for wine.
294. fetus, produce (of the vine).
297. non armenta, not even, &>c. ; armenta are herds of large cattle, as distinguished from the pecudes, sheep and goats, which were gathered in flocks, pecora.
299. una, with him.
300. lecta, chosen, not from that country alone, but from all Greece. The hunt of the Calydonian boar is represented as about a generation earlier than the Trojan war, several of whose heroes were sons of those who took part in this ; as Achilles (son of Peleus) and Ajax (son of Telamon).
301. Tyndaridae : these were the Dioscuri, or twin brothers, Castor and Pollux, children of Leda, wife of Tyndarus. Castor was famed for horsemanship and Pollux for skill in boxing.
302. Iason : see the story of the Argonautic expedition, which is represented as the beginning of seafaring.
303. concordia, in apposition with Theseus cum Pirithoo : their friendship was proverbial, like that of Damon and Pythias.
304. Thestiadae : Toxeus and Plexippus, sons of king Thestius of ^tolia, and brother of Althaea, mother of Meleager. Lynceus and Idas were sons of Aphareus, king of Messenia.
305. Caeneus : he had been a woman, but was changed to a man. Most of the names that follow are nothing but names ; all of any importance will be found in the Index of Proper Names.
315. socer : Penelope was wife of Ulysses, whose father (her father in law) was Laertes.
316. Amphycides : this was Mopsus, a soothsayer of the Lapithae.
317. CEclides, Amphiaraus, an Argive soothsayer. — Tegeaea, Atalanta of Tegea, famed for her skill in hunting and her speed in running.
318. mordebat, hooked. 321. telorum custos = pharetra. 325. renuente deo, without the approbation 0/ the gods; an
ill-omened love.
330. devexaque, etc. : i. e. it rose from the plain, so as to look down upon the cultivated fields.
232 Notes: Ovid, [Metam.
333. pedum, i. e. apri.
335. ima, bottom (ace).
343. lit quisque, whichever of them.
346. mittentis : i. e. if the sender had not, &c.
350. Phoebe (voc.) : the soothsayer Mopsus calls upon Phoebus, the god of prophecy.
352. qua, as far as.
357. moles, the block of stone hurled by a balista or catapult against a wall or a wooden tower. These were constructed on the principle of a bow, with cords (nervi).
361. cornua, wings, as in an army ; the hunters moved upon the boar in a crescent-shaped line.
365. citra, before : Nestor of Pylos was one of the chief leaders against Troy.
366. sumpto conamine, giving himself a start. — posita ab hasta, by bracing his spear.
369. dentibus tritis, whetting his tusks.
370. recentibus armis, these fresh weapons.
371. hausit = tore.
372. nondum : Castor and Pollux became the constellation Gemini; they were always represented as mounted on white horses.
376. ssetiger, the bristle-bearer, i. e. boar.
377. jaculis, equo, dative after pervia ; loca, in apposition with silvas.
380. Tegeaea, Atalanta.
390. jactis, sc. telis. — ictus, the hits.
391. Areas, an Arcadian; his name, Ancaeus, is given in v. 401.
392. quid prsestent, how far they excel.
393. concedite, make way.
395. invita Diana, in spite of Diana.
398. institerat digitis, rose upon his toes. — primos, etc., resting upon the extreme of the limb.
405. iEgides : Theseus, son of ^Egeus.
406. licet, sc. nobis, § 57, 8, e, R1 ; G. 535, R3.
409. voti limits potente. — futuro, upon the point of accom- plishing his wish (potente is an old dat. ; some eds. have quo). 411. .ffisonides, Jason, son of ^son. 412. latrantis, a dog.
413. tellure, etc., pinned to the earth.
414. CEnidae, Meleager, son of QEneus. — variat, varies in its work.
VIII. 333-478.] xi. The Calydonian Hunt. 233
416. in orbem, around.
420. secundo, of applause.
421. victricem, of the conqueror.
422. multa tellure, over a great space.
423. neque cruentat : so the Greeks at once dread and mangle the slain body of Hector (II. xxii. 368-371).
426. Nonacria, Atalanta, who was from the mountain Nonacris. — mei juris, which belongs to me.
427. in partem veniat tecum, be shared with thee.
430. illi, Atalanta. — laetitiae, a source of pleasure. — cum munere, as well as the gift.
433. titulos, honors.
434. Thestiadae, the uncle of Meleager ; see v. 304.
435. sit longe, i. e. from helping thee. — captus amore, lovesick.
436. auctor, sc. muneris= Meleager. — huic, Atalanta. — jus, rigl it of disposing.
437. Mavortius : Meleager was thought to be a son of Mars. 439. facta, deeds.
441. dubium agrees with Toxea — pariter, at the same time. 445. nato victore, on account of her son's victory. 450. poenae amorem, thirst for vengeance.
452. Thestias: Althaea, daughter of Thestius. — triplices sorores, the three Fates.
453. stamina, the thread of Meleager's life; object of nentes. The Fates were Clotho, who span the thread of each man's life ; Lachesis, who drew it forth ; and Atropos, who cut it off.
455. modo nate (voc), new-born.
462. conata : it cost her so much effort, because maternal and sisterly love were in conflict. " According to the rules of vengeance which then prevailed, she holds herself in duty bound to offer the murderer as an expiation for her murdered brothers. Without such vengeance they believed that the soul of the murdered man would not obtain rest." — Siebelis.
467. nescio quid crudele, obj. of minanti, which is dative after similis.
471. vento, dat. after contrarius.
475. germana, as a sister.
477. impietate, towards her son ; pia, towards her brothers.
478. rogus : the fire before which she stood was likened to a funeral pile ; also {v. 480) to the altar erected by a tomb {sepulcrales aroj) to receive offerings to the deceased. — mea viscera, my own flesh, i. e. child.
234 Notes: Ovid, [Metam.
481. pcenarum dese, the furies. — furialibus sacris (dat.), the vengeance-offering.
483. nefas is object to both ulciscor and facio.
489. magno, at great price.
491. ei mini ! here her determination fails her.
493. auctor, i. e. as his mother.
496. cinis exiguus, a handful of dust.
510. solacia, i. e. her son.
525. paulatim, etc., as little by little the white ash covered the brand.
526. jacet, is overwhelmed.
528. Eueninae : the Euenus was the chief river of >Etolia.
529. fusus, stretched, in grief. — spatiosum, weary, from its length.
530. manus, i. e. her own.
533. Helicona : Mt. Helicon, between Bceotia and Phocis, the home of the Muses.
535. liventia, i. e. ita ut liveant, a proleptic use. 538. haustos, collected.
541. quas (the sisters), obj. of allevat. — Parthaoniae : Par- thaon was father of (Eneus and grandfather of Meleager.
542. nurum Alcmenae : Dejanira, who married Hercules, son of Alcmene ; all but these two were metamorphosed into guinea- hens.
The wild boar, according to the mythologists, is a type of winter, and Meleager a hero of the forces of spring (somewhat like Perseus and Hercules), himself carrying with him, in the fatal torch, the seeds of his own death.
XII. Philemon and Baucis.
VIII. 626. specie mortali, iti mortal form. 627. Atlantiades : Hermes, whose mother Maia was daughter of Atlas ; his herald's staff was called caduceus.
632. ilia, sc. casa.
633. fatendo nee . . . ferendo : i. e. neither concealing nor complaining.
636. tota, etc., these two are the whole household, — neither masters nor slaves.
640. quo = in quern. — textum rude, apiece of coarse cloth.
VIII. 481-723] XI1' Philemon and Baucis. 235
643. anili, weak with old age.
644. tecto, garret.
645. minuit, cut up.
647. tnincat foliis, strips.
648. sordida, nigro, i. e. with smoke. — suis, from sus. 650. domat, softens.
654. medias horas, the interval.
656. salignis agrees with both nouns (ablative absolute).
660. accubuere : the Greeks and Romans reclined upon couches at their meals, and this custom is here described as if it had existed in the heroic times. It appears from Homer, however, that in early times they sat instead of reclining. — succincta : waiters at table girded up their garments, in order not to be impeded by them.
661. tertius, i.e. the table had but three legs, — a mark of poverty.
662. clivum, the sloping surface. 664. baca Minervse, the olive.
667. non acri, not glowing.
668. fictilibus, i. e. in common earthenware. — eodem argento (in joke), the same sort of plate.
670. qua cava sunt, the inside.
672. nee longae senectae, gen. of quality, of no great age. — referuntur, are carried off.
673. seducta agrees with vina.
674. rugosis palmis, wrinkled (dried) dates. — carica, dried figs (from Caria).
677. vultus boni, kindly faces.
678. voluntas, their good will, contrasted with their means.
683. nullis paratibus, want of preparation.
684. villae, farm-house.
690. immunibus, predicate dative following esse (§ 57, 8, e, R'; G. 535, R2)-
699. etiam qualifies dominis. — vetus and parva agree with casa.
700. furcas subiere, took the place of the crotched poles. 711. fides, fulfilment.
714. inciperent, i. e. to relate.
721. non vani, trustworthy.
723. ponens, i. e. as was often done by passers-by.
236 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
XIII. The Death of Hercules.
IX. 135. novercae, Juno. Hercules was the son of Jupiter, but not of his queen, Juno, who, through jealousy, imposed upon him the famous Twelve Labors.
136. CEchalia : this was the city of Eubcea, of which Eurytus was king : after capturing CEchalia and putting Eurytus to death, Hercules proceeded with Iole, daughter of Eurytus, to the Cenaean promontory, to offer sacrifices to Jove.
140. Amphitryoniaden : Hercules' mother, Alcmene, was wife of Amphitryon.
143. diffudit, gave vent.
145. aliquid novandum est, some new counsel must be taken.
147. Calydona : Dejanira was daughter of CEneus, king of Calydon.
149. me esse, etc., depends on memor. The reference is to Meleager killing his uncles.
150. injuria, sense of wrong. 152. incursus, suggestions.
157. det, sc. ut, following mandat.
159. -primis, just kindled.
163. -virtute, fortitude.
165. CEten : after feeling the effects of the poison, he crossed over from Euboea to Mt. (Eta in Thessaly.
173. ceeruleus, livid (steel-blue).
174. caeca, invisible.
176. Saturnia, i. e. Juno, his old enemy. — pascere, glut thyself.
1 79 . hoc aestu, on account of this flame. — cruciatibus qualifies aegram.
180. laboribus, dat. after natam (§ 51, 6 ; G. 356).
182. peregrino = peregrinorum : Busiris (a king of Egypt) had caused Hercules to be dragged to the altar for sacrifice ; but here he burst his bonds, and slew the impious king, together with his son and herald. The fettered Hercules is said to represent the sun in winter, and his victory the sun's reviving power in spring.
184. Antaeo : Antaeus (a giant of Libya), whenever he touched the earth, his mother, derived new strength from her. Hercules overcame him by lifting him from the ground and strangling him. — pastoris : Geryon, a three-headed giant, whose cattle Hercules drove away. With this commences the commemorating of the Twelve Labors.
IX. 135-235] xm- The Death of Hercules. 237
185. Cerberus, the three-headed dog who guarded the lower world : Hercules dragged him up upon the earth.
186. tauri : the Cretan bull, which he must bind and bring to Eurystheus.
187. Elis : here he cleansed the stables of king Augeas in one day, by turning the river Alpheus through them. — Stymphalides : he freed the Stymphalian vale of numberless man-eating birds.
188. Parthenium : a mountain between Arcadia and Argolis, where he wounded and captured the brazen-footed hind of Artemis.
189. balteus : the belt of Hippolyte, queen of the Amazons, who dwelt on the river Thermodon, in Asia Minor : he slew her and carried off her girdle.
190. poma : the apples of the Hesperides, daughters of Atlas ; see iv. 637.
191. Centauri: the fight with the Centaurs was one of his exploits, but not one of the Twelve Labors.
192. aper : the Erymanthian boar, which ravaged Arcadia. — hydrae, the Lernaean hydra : whenever he cut off one of its nine heads, two sprang up in its place.
194. Thracis : king Diomedes of Thrace, whose horses were fed on human flesh.
197. Nemeaea moles : the Nemean lion, the first and chief of the labors ; he always afterwards wore its hide.
198. hac cervice : he took the place of Atlas, in supporting the earth, while Atlas was gathering for him the three golden apples of the Hesperides.
203. valet, prospers.
210. patrio, i.e. as son of Jupiter.
212. collegerat, had passed into.
213. feralia, deathly : the feralia were a Roman festival to the dead, celebrated February 21.
216. genibus, i.e. of Hercules.
218. tormento (torqueo), abl. of comparison : it is an engine for hurling weights, — catapult or balista.
221. molle agrees with corpus, subj. of astringi and glomerari.
225. prior edidit setas, antiquity gave out or declared.
229. tu, Hercules.
232. iterum : Hercules had captured Troy, when ruled by king Laomedon ; his bow and arrows were carried by Philoctetes (the son of Pceas) to the great siege of Troy.
235. vellere : this word properly means the fleece of a sheep j here it is transferred to the lion's hide.
238 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
236. clavee (dat.) : a knotty club was a regular attribute of Hercules.
238. redimitus sertis : guests at a banquet wore garlands.
239. in omne latus, over his whole body.
240. securos, indifferent.
241. vindice, i. e. because he had freed the earth from so many- plagues.
243. iste, that which you feel.
245. memoris, grateful. 247. hoc, i. e. your favor.
251. materna parte: his mother, Alcmena, being a mortal, whatever he derived from her was mortal. — vulcanum = ignem.
254. id, that part of him. — terra, governed by defunctum. — ceelestibus oris (from ora), within the bounds of heaven.
257. deo, as a god, in apposition with Hercule. — nolet (fut.), he may disapprove.
260. ultima, his last words.
261. notatam, marked for censure.
268. Tirynthius : Hercules was born at Tiryns in Argolis. 272. astris, dat. after intulit.
XIV. OltPHEUS AND EURYDICE.
X. 1. inde, i. e. from Crete.
2. Cicbnum : the Cicones were a people of Thrace.
3. Orphea, an adjective ; the noun would be Orphea. — nequi- quam : because the marriage had an unfortunate end.
4. quidem, to be sure : he was present, but brought no luck with him.
6. fax : the torch was the attribute of Hymen.
7. motibus, by swinging.
11. Rhodopeius : Rhodope was a mountain of Thrace, the home of Orpheus. — ad superas auras = towards the sky : i. e. to the gods, in order to gain their favor.
13. Taenaria : Tasnarum was a promontory south of Greece, where it was believed was an entrance to the infernal regions.
14. leves, i.e. because mere shadows. — functa sepulcro, which have passed the tomb.
16. nervis, i. e. of his lyre.
18. quicquid relates to the subject of recidimus, whatever of us. &*c.
IX. 236 — X. 73 •] XIV- Orfheus and Eurydice. 239
19. positis, laid aside, —oris from os.
22. Medusaei : the mother of Cerberus was Echidna, a daughter of Medusa.
25. pati, i. e. the loss.
31. properata fata, premature death. — retearite, spin back- ward, referring to the Fates, who spin the thread of life.
32. omnia, all we earthly objects.
36. justos, allotted, i. e. to which she had a right (jus).
37. usum : the right to the temporary enjoyment of property belonging to another was called usus.
38. certum est mini, my mind is resolved.
41. Tantalus : his punishment was to be placed up to his chin in water, which retreated from him as soon as he stooped to drink.
42. Ixionis : he was bound to a revolving fiery wheel.
43. jecur, the liver of Tityus, fed upon by vultures, and grow- ing again as fast as consumed.
44. BelidS3 (a Greek plural), grand-daughters of Belus (daughters of Danaus, hence usually called Danaides) : their punishment was to carry water in a vase with holes in the bottom. — Sisyphe : the punishment of Sisyphus is thus described : —
" With many a weary step, and many a groan, Up the high hill he heaves a huge round stone ; The huge round stone, resulting with a bound, Thunders impetuous down, and smokes along the ground."
Pope's Odyssey, Book xi. 46. Eumenidum : the Furies, to whom this name — as well as that of "venerable," "revered" — was given, in order to soothe them and deprecate their anger.
50. legem, in appos. with ne flectat, etc. 55. afueruut : e short by systole. — summee, the surface, 58. cap tans, eagerly reaching.
61. quid, as well as se amatam [esse], governed by quereretur. 65. tria : the story went, that when Hercules dragged the three- headed Cerberus from the lower world, a person meeting them was turned into stone from fear.
67. natura prior, his former nature, sc. reliquit.
68. traarit : the story here referred to is not known any further : it would seem that Lethaea drew upon herself the anger of the gods by pride in her beauty ; that her husband Olenos assumed the blame to himself, and that both were turned into stone. — Siebelis.
71. pectora, lapides, in apposition with Olenos and Lethaea. 73. portitor, Charon, the ferry-man over the Styx.
240 Notes: Ovid. [Met am.
74. squalidus, in mourning. — Cereris munere, food, yj. Rhodopen : the mountain boundary of Thrace ; Heemum, a Thracian river (See xi. 50).
XV. The Song of Orpheus.
X. 89. dis genitu3 : Orpheus was the son of Apollo and the muse Calliope.
90. loco, dat. by poetic use (§51, 1, b; G. 344, R1). — Chaonis arbor : the oak, sacred to Jove, whose chief sanctuary was at Dodona, where the Chaonians had once lived.
91. nemus Heiiadum, poplars : see ii. 340.
92. innuba, because Daphne had been metamorphosed into a laurel, in order to escape Apollo's suit.
95. genialis : the shadow of the plane was a favorite resort for pleasure and mirth. — impar, varied (the autumn colors of the maple).
98. tinus, a plant similar to the viburnum.
100. ulmi : the elms were used for vines to run upon.
103. pinus : the stone pine of Italy spreads out at the top to a broad head, on a very high trunk.
104. Cybeleius, loved by Cybe/e, mother of the gods.
105. hac, sc. pinu : abl. of means.
144. -que connects concilio and turba. 147. modos, tones.
151. Phlegraeis campis : near Olympus, where the battle with the giants took place.
155. Ganymedis, son of Tros, king of Troy.
156. aliquid, i.e. some form.
158. quae posset, etc., i. e. the eagle, the bird of Jove.
159. mendacibus, as being not really his own.
160. Iliaden : this patronymic describes the country (f/ium), not the parentage of Ganymede ; king Ilus was his brother.
162. Amyclide, Hyacinthus, great-grandson of Amyclas, king of Amyclae, near Sparta. — posuisset in aethere — received into heaven.
164. qua, so far as.
165. Aries: this is the first constellation of Spring, and the idea symbolized by the myth of Hyacinthus is that of the destroy-
X. 74— XI. is] XVI- The Death of Orpheus. 241
ing power of the hot sun. The festival Hyacinthia at Sparta was in commemoration of this ; at first sad, afterwards joyful, to rejoice in his restoration to life.
167. genitor, Phoebus Apollo.
168. Delphi, the place of the oracle of Apollo ; this was con- sidered the middle of the earth, and a stone was preserved here in the sanctuary, called the omphalos, or navel of the earth.
169. Eurotan, the river which flows past Sparta. — immumtam, Sparta had no walls, its citizens believing that its best defence was in the valor of its citizens. In fact, no enemy ever came within sight of the city until the invasion of Epaminondas, b. c. 370.
170. citharae, sagittee : the lyre and the bow were the two chief attributes of Apollo.
171. sui, i. e. of his dignity.
174. Titan, the sun. — medius, half-way between.
176. olivi : those who took part in these contests rubbed themselves over with oil, to render themselves supple.
183. Taenarides, from Tamarum, a promontory of Laconia = the Lacedcemonian.
196. CEbalide : Hyacinthus was son of CEbalus, king of Sparta.
203. reddere, give up. — quod (§ 52, 3, by G. 331, R2), but.
206. scripto, inscription; see v. 215.
207. heros, Ajax, which name in Greek was Aiay. This same flower was supposed to have sprung from his blood, when he killed himself (see xiii. 398).
212. lilia, sc. capiunt : the flower here described is supposed to be the Turk's cap lily (see Virgil, " Index of Plants ").
216. funesta litera: the Greek cry of mourning was at ax.
218. praelata pompa, with exhibition of festal parade : the festival came in July.
XVI. The Death of Orpheus.
XI. 3. minis (plur.), often used for ladies of rank. — Ciconum, a Thracian tribe. — lymphata, frenzied.
5. percussis . . . nervis, accompanying his song with striking the strings.
8. n5tam, bruise. 13. pedes, i. e. of Orpheus. 15. mollita, i. e. like this stone.
16
242 Notes: Ovid, [Metam.
16. infracto, curved. The Phrygian pipe — called Berecyntian, from Berecyntus, the chief seat of the worship of Cybele — was curved at the end into the shape of a horn.
1 7 plausus, clapping of hands : these various sounds were connected with the orgiastic worship of Bacchus.
18. obstrepuere, drowned.
22. Maeuadgs, the name of the female worshippers of Bacchus, from ixaiveaBai, to rave. — rapuere, tore in pieces.
24. luce, by day-light.
25. structo utrimque theatro, amphitheatre : the Greek term was not yet introduced into Latin. The space in the middle was spread with sand, hence the term arena.
28. thyrsos, a rod crowned with a pine-cone or with ivy, carried by Bacchus and his votaries. — munera, service.
yj. ferae, the wild women.
48. carbasa, light garments. — obstrusa pullo, obscured with black.
52. flebile nescio quid queritur, utters some tearful C07nftlaint.
54. populare, of their native land.
55. Methymnaei, so called from the city Methymna. Lesbos was afterwards celebrated for its lyric poets, particularly Alcasus and Sappho.
58. tandem : implying that Phoebus should have protected him before.
62. arva piorum, the Elysian fields, the abode of the blessed. 64. modo, now, corresponding to nunc . . . nunc.
67. Lyaeus, an epithet of Bacchus : Bacchus as well as Apollo was a patron of poets.
68. sacrorum suorum: Orpheus had introduced these into Thrace.
69. Edonidas = Thracian.
70. videre : the infinitive would be vldere : it means here participated in.
71. in quantum = on the spot to which. — secuta est, sc. Orphea.
72. traxit, sc. in terram.
73. suum agrees with crua.
75. astringit, tightens.
76. harum limits quaeque.
XI. i6-i45-] xvn- The Story of Midas, 243
XVII. The Story of Midas.
XI. 86. Timoli, Timolus (or Tmolus), a mountain in Lydia, from which the river Pactolus flows.
87. aureus : this will be explained by the story now to be related.
89. satyri : a woodland race, half men and half goats, who followed in the train of Bacchus. — Bacchae : the female wor- shippers of Bacchus, also called Mcenades.
90. Silenus, the foster-father of Bacchus : he too was of the nature of the satyrs.
91. coronis : the ancients, when carousing, wore garlands of flowers.
92. Midan, a mythical king of Lydia, a country which possessed great power in the sixth and seventh centuries B. C, its territory comprising the whole western half of Asia Minor. It was con- quered by the Persian Cyrus, b. c. 546.
93. Eumolpo, a Thracian singer, who found a home in Attica (called Cecropia, from a very ancient mythical king of Athens, Cecrops) .
98. undecimus, the tenth : the ancients, in counting a series, reckoned the one from which the series began, as being the first from itself.
106. Berecyntius : Midas was son of Cybele.
107. polliciti, the promise.
108. non qualifies alta, which agrees with ilice.
1 1 7. eludere, deceive.
118. animo capit, comprehends or realizes. — fingens, fancying. 120. tostae : in early times the corn was parched before being
ground.
124. premebat, spread over, agrees with lamina.
131. splendida : even his skin was tinged with gold.
132. Lensee, an epithet of Bacchus.
134. mite, sc. est.
135. facti fide, in testimony of the act.
137. Sardibus : Sardes was capital of Lydia ; it was north of Tmolus,
138. undis follows obvius.
140. plurimus, in full stream,
141. corpus, obj. of elue.
1 45 . madidis, steeped with .
244 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
147. Pana, Pan, a god of nature, represented with the legs, ears, and tail of a goat.
148. pingue, dull; as shown by the absurdity of his request.
149. praecordia mentis = mens.
152. Hypaepis, Hypcepa, a little town, south of Mt. Tmolus.
154. arundine, the syrinx, or Pan's pipe, was made of reeds joined together with wax.
156. Tmolo, here the god of the mountain ; in apposition with judice.
158. liberat arboribus : the head of the god is quaintly con- ceived as covered with trees, so as to obstruct his hearing. — quercu, an oak-wreath.
160. deum pecoris : Pan, the nature god, was guardian of flocks.
162. barbarico, i. e. as being in Phrygian style.
164. sua, i. e. which crowned it.
166. palla, a poetical form for pallium, the outer garment worn by Greeks ; it was rectangular, while the Roman toga was rounded at the ends.
167. dentibus Indis, ivory.
168. plectrum, the instrument with which the strings of the lyre were touched in playing.
169. artificis, artist. — status, his very posture. 171. summittere, i. e. in token of inferiority. 174. unius, alone.
176. in spatium, lengthwise.
181. tiaris : a high cap, bound under the chin, worn by oriental monarchs. 187. haustae = effosae.
192. agricolam : so called because he had, so to speak, planted the secret in the earth.
XVIII. The Chiefs at Troy.
XII. 2. nomen [not corpus] : it was called a ccenotaph (empty tomb).
3. inferias, offerings to the dead: they are called inanes, because ^Esacus was still living, although they did not know it.
4. Paridis: Paris was absent on his visit to Lacedaemon, whence he brought back Helen, — the cause of the Grecian expe- dition against Troy (the conjuratcz rates).
XI. i47 — XII. 89.] xvm- T7ie Chiefs at Troy. 245
7. commune, union or combined power..
10. Aulide : Aulis, in Bceotia, was the rendezvous of the fleet, and here they were detained for several weeks by adverse winds.
16. damna, loss, i. e. her young.
19. Thestorides, Calchas, son of Thestor, the chief soothsayer of the Grecian host.
21. digerit, divide off, i. e. by way of interpretation.
23. superat, remains.
24. Aoniis, Boeotian.
25. bella, i. e. the host, by metonymy.
28. virgini.3 deae, Diana. Agamemnon had killed a hind con- secrated to her, and so his daughter Iphigenia must be sacrificed by way of atonement.
29. pietatem, fatherly love.
32. victa est: according to the original form of the story, the maiden was actually sacrificed : but it was afterwards modified in this way, in order to satisfy the popular sympathies.
33. sacri, the sacred rite.
34. Mycenida : Iphigenia's home was Mycence. 36. Phcebes, as well as maris, limits ira.
40. triplicis mundi, the three worlds, of heaven, earth, and hades.
41. quamvis regionibus, by however wide spaces.
46. tota, sc. domus.
47. fremit, murmurs. — refert, re-echoes.
52. extrema, the last peals.
53. leve vulgus, i. e. milia rumorum. 56. quibus relates to rumorum.
62 rerum limits quid.
68. Protesilae: Protesilaus, a Thessalian, the first of the Greeks who fell at Troy : this had been foretold by an oracle. — magno stant, cost dear.
69. fortis animae, genitive limiting nece, by the death of Protes- ilaus, that valiant soul.
72. Cygnus, king of Colonae, near Troy : he was invulnerable, as being a son of Neptune.
74. Peliacse : its shaft was taken from the forests of Mt. Pelion, in Thessaly, near the home of Achilles (See II. xix. 390).
77. Hector, i. e. his death.
81. Haemonio, Thessalian.
87. ille, Cygnus ; Achilles was son of the sea-goddess Thetis.
89. parma, a small round buckler.
246 Notes: Ovid, [Metam.
90. decor, i. e. nothing but ornament.
93. qui, sc. eo, i. e. Neptune.
97. novena, used here for the cardinal number : his shield was composed of ten thicknesses of hide.
100. apertum, exposed.
102. circo, i. e. the arena of the amphitheatre.
104. elusa . . . sensit, perceived that his blow had missed; i.e. the red cloth, held out to excite the bull, gave way when he plunged against it.
106. manus, i.e. not the weapon.
108. Lyrnesia, he had captured the city Lyrnesos in Mysia.
109. Tenedon, Tenedos, a small island off the coast of Troy. no. Thebas, a city of Mysia, ruled by king Eetion, father of
Andromache.
in. Caycus, a river of Mysia, where he wounded Telephus, son of Hercules, and afterwards healed him by the application of rust from his spear.
112. opus, efficacy : once in the wound, and once in the healing.
115. ante actis, what he had done before.
121. in hoc, in respect to this one, i. e. Cygnus.
127. sanguis : final is in this word was originally long.
130. cavari, indented.
131. laedi, blunted.
132. retecto, pulling off, i.e. the shield of Cygnus.
137. aversos, turned away, i. e. from the direction in which he was going = as he went backwards .
138. quern relates to lapis.
140. prsecordia = pectus.
141. vincla, bands. — subdita, bound beneath.
XIX. Rivalry of Ajax axd Ulysses.
XIII. 1. vulgi corona, a ring of the common soldiers. 3. impatiens, unable to control. — Sigeia, from Sigeum, the north-western promontory of Asia Minor, east of which were the Grecian camp and fleet. 5. agimus, plead.
7. Hectoreis flammis : when Hector attempted to burn the Grecian fleet, Ajax almost alone withstood him. 10. promptum, easy.
XII. 90 — XIII. 98.] xix. Rivalry of Aj ax & Ulysses. 247
15. nox, i. e. such exploits as carrying off the Palladium from the citadel of Troy.
16. demit honorem, i. e. because of the inferiority of his rival.
17. superbum, a matter of boasting : however great the prize, that one like Ulysses could aspire to it lowers its value.
20. feretur, he will have the reputation. 22. nobilitate, high birth.
24. litora Colcha : he was one of the Argonauts.
25. huic, Telamon : ^Eacus, king of ^gina, was one of the judges of the infernal regions, with Minos and Rhadamanthus.
26. iEoliden : Sisyphus was son of ^olus. He is mentioned here because many believed Ulysses to be his son. Like Ulysses, he was notorious for his trickery.
31. frater, equivalent here to cousin.
33. inserit, etc. : foists upon the family of i^acus names of another race.
34. indice : this is explained by what follows. 36. ultima, i. e. at the very last moment.
39. Naupliades : Palamedes, son of Nauplius, who detected Ulysses' pretence of insanity, by laying the latter's infant son, Telemachus, in front of the plough which he was holding ; upon which he turned the plough aside, thus confessing his sanity.
45. Pceantia proles, Philoctetes, who was wounded with an arrow while on the way to Troy, and by advice of Ulysses left behind on the island of Lemnos.
48. precaris, with dative, imprecate upon.
50. nobis, with us, following eadem (§ 51, 6 ; G. 356).
51. sagittae Herculis, see IX. 233.
54. debita, etc., the oracle had declared that Troy could not be taken except with the aid of the arrows of Hercules.
58. male, unfortunately : Palamedes was put to death by the Greeks on a false charge of treason brought by Ulysses out of revenge.
64. desertum : this was once when the Greeks were fleeing before Hector.
69. corripuit, upbraided.
79. late, from lateo (the adverb is late).
86. resupinum fudi, threw down on his back.
91. Jovemque, i. e. the favor of Jove.
94. reditus, genitive. — tot agrees with navibus.
98. Rhesum : Rhesus and Dolon were killed by Ulysses and Diomedes upon the nightly expedition in which they captured
248 Notes: Ovid, [Metam.
the soothsayer Helenus, and the Palladium, or ancient image of Pallas.
100. Diomede : Diomedes was the bravest of the Greeks next to Achilles and Ajax ; he accompanied Ulysses upon his nocturnal expedition.
103. quo ; etc., to what purpose bestow these on Ulysses t
107. Dulichius : the island Dulichius belonged to Ulysses. — vertex = caput.
109. Pelias, see note XII. 74; the final as shows that it is a feminine patronymic.
114. erit, sc. causa. — 130. potior is here 3d conj.
131. non gequa, envious.
134. per quem, see v. 162 and following.
135. huic, Ajax : he was not renowned for intellect. 139. horn., good qualities or advantages.
145. damnatus : Telamon, father of Ajax, had killed his brother, and was banished for the crime.
146. Cyllenius : an epithet of Mercury, from his birthplace, Mt. Cyllene ; it is in apposition with nobilitas. Ulysses' mother Anticlea was granddaughter of Mercury.
151. Peleus was father of Achilles.
156. Phthia was the home of Peleus, Scyros of Pyrrhus.
157. isto, i. e. Ajax. 159- nudum, ?nerely.
162. genetrix Nereia : Thetis, mother of Achilles, was daugh- ter of Nereus.
163. cultu : he wore female dress.
165. mercibus, wares; he was disguised as a peddler. 169. Pergama: this was the citadel of Troy. 173. Lesbon, etc., places captured by Achilles.
1 79. illis armis, in recompense for those arms.
180. dederam : of course not these special arms, = 7" had armed him living.
181. unius, i. e. Menelaus, at the loss of his wife. 187. in rege, while still a king.
190. tenui causam, gained my case. — iniquo, prejudiced.
192. summa sceptri = summa imperii.
193. matrem : Clytaemnestra, wife of Agamemnon : she after- wards murdered him, in revenge for the sacrifice of her daughter. — astu : Ulysses pretended that Iphigenia was to be married to Achilles.
195. lintea = vela, sails.
196. orator, ambassador.
XIII. 100-273] XIX* -Rivalry of Ajax and Ulysses, 249
198. adhuc, i.e. it was at the beginning of the siege. — egi, pleaded.
199. communis Greecia, the Greek confederacy.
200. praedam : Paris had carried off treasures besides the bride.
201. junctum : he had married a sister of Hecuba, wife of Priam.
203. nefandas : because the person of an ambassador was sacred in antiquity, as now.
204. prima lux, predicate. — nostri tecum, ours and thine = our common.
207. acies primas, the first engagements.
217. rex, Agamemnon ; ille refers to the same.
218. auctore = Jove.
219. sinat, ironical ; Ajax, I suppose, &c.
220. ituros, i.e. as they start to return to Greece.
221. dat, i. e. some example or command.
222. nimium, i. e. to undertake. — magna loquenti, a boaster. 226. captam, i. e. as good as captured.
230. Atrides, Agamemnon, son of Atreus.
233. Thersites, a snarling, misshapen fellow in the Grecian host, who was fond of wrangling with the leaders. — etiam, etc., that it did not go unpunished was due to me likewise.
lyj. dantem terga, turning his back.
238. petit, i.e. in friendship.
242. sors : this refers to the nocturnal expedition of Ulysses and Diomedes ; see v. 98.
243. sic tamen, even under these circumstances. 247. quod specularer, any object to act the spy.
251. votis, my wish; obj. of potitus.
252. imitante, like. — triumphos : the Roman triumphal pro- cession was a type of splendid pomp.
253« cujus, sc. ejus, limiting arma ; Dolon had demanded the horses of Achilles as a reward, in case of success.
254. benignior, refers to the offer of Ajax, v. 102.
255. Sarpedonis : Sarpedon had been wounded and repulsed, and then Ulysses slew his comrades. — 257. -que, scan as long,
263. ipso loco, i. e. the breast
267. sanguinis limits nil.
268. refert, not from refero.
271. meum, my way. — communia, the credit of all.
273. Actorides, notice the position ; it was Actorides that, &»c.
250 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
274. cum defensore : i. e. their defender (Ajax) was destined to be burned with them.
275. marti = prcelio.
277. nonus, with eight others; not after eight others, but indicating that he was but one of the nine. — munere, favor : he was selected not for his valor, but by lot (II. vii. 182).
288. caerula: referring to Thetis being a sea-nymph. She brought to her son arms wrought by Hephaestus (Vulcan).
290. pectore, taste: Ajax was merely a rude soldier.
291. norit, understand.
293. immunem, who never touches.
298. Achilli : he, too, had stayed away from the war until forced to go.
307. digna pudore : i. e. that you should be ashamed of.
311. in illo, in his case.
312. objecta, sc. crimina, laid to hi?n. — pretio, abl. of means, with patebant.
313. Vulcania: Lemnos was a volcanic island, sacred to Vulcan.
326. pectore, ititellect.
332. mini, sc. fuit : as I have had power over thee.
334. faveat, sc. dummodo.
335. Dardanio vate, i. e. Helenus, see v. 99.
336. responsa, i. e. those given by Helenus.
337. signum, the Palladium.
339. illis, i. e. Helenus and the Palladium. 341. hie, on such occasions as these. 348. Trojae, over Troy.
350. desine : Ajax has pointed to Diomedes (son of Tydeus), to indicate that all the credit of the achievement belongs to him.
351. est sua, delongs to him.
356. moderatior = modestior : Ajax the less was son of Oileus.
357. Eurypylus : he and Thoas (son of Andrasmon) were two Grecian leaders. Idomeneus of Crete was a famous chief, also Meriones, and Menelaus, son of Atreus.
368. nostro, i. e. the human.
370. vigili, watchman.
372. titulum, mark of honor.
373. labor, i. e. of the siege.
376. ademi, this again refers to the Palladium. 379. fatis, dest?'uction. — restare, still remains.
XIII. 274-38o.] xx. The Tale of Galatea. 251
383. re, by the event.
384. qui solus, etc., see v. 91.
391. turn demum, see v. 266.
392. ferrum = lorica.
396. GEIbalio de vulnere, see x. 207.
XX. The Tale of Galatea.
XIII. 753. octonis iterum, twice eight.
755. Cyclops : a misshapen race, sons of Poseidon ; they had but one eye, which was in the middle of the forehead. This one was named Polyphemus. ,
759. ille, the Cyclops.
760. silvis, dative.
769. tutae, etc. : see the story of the adventures of Ulysses and of yEneas with the Cyclops, in the third book of Virgil's /Eneid.
771. nulla, etc.: he was a soothsayer, who interpreted the flight of birds.
775. altera, i. e. Galatea.
783. apta, i. e. as the mast of a ship.
785. senserunt, /<?//, i. e. trembled with.
806. Claris latratibus, at loud barking.
808. noris, sc. me.
821. multae, sc. oves.
827. fetura minor, a younger generation.
829. inde = ejus.
830. liquefacta coagula, steeped rennet: the English would prefer here a passive construction, part is curdled with rennet.
833. par-ve : the adverb from parvus (if there were one) would be parve.
840. liquidee aquae, in clear (or calm) water.
844. nescio quern : Polyphemus is represented as so rude as not even to recognize the existence of the gods.
852. heec omnia, all nature.
858. Nerel, Greek vocative.
863. quod nollem relates to placeat tibi — copia, opportunity.
867. laesus, stirred up.
875. veneris, love. — ista . . . vestrae, is object of faciam.
879. Symaethius : the mother of Acis was the nymph Symaethis.
880 parentes, vocative.
252 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
883. extremus, only the extremity.
885. per fata, with the permission of the fates.
886. avitas, of his grandsire, the river god Symaethus.
894. cornua : horns were the regular attributes of river gods : they were symbols of strength.
XXI. The Wisdom of King Numa.
XV. 3. veri, the truth. 5. habet, holds = considers.
8. urbem, i. e. Croton, which was named from a certain Croton, a guest-friend of Hercules.
60. vir, Pythagoras, born at Samos, about b. c. 580.
61. dominos : Samos was ruled by the cruel tyrant Polycrates ; Pythagoras therefore left his native land, and passed the rest of his life in Magna Graecia, principally at Croton : he died at Metapon- tum, about B. c. 504.
66. in medium dabat, made public, 73. arguit, censured. 89. congesto, swallowed. 93. referre, repeat.
95. morati, verbal from mores, character. 99. movere, perfect : the infinitive would be mSvere. 104. invidit, took a distaste to. 109. salva pietate, without violation of duty. no. quam . . . tam = ut . . . sic {although . . . yet). 116. tuendos, i. e. with wool and milk. 122. immemor, ungrateful, relates to qui, etc. 124. ruricolam, sc. bovem. — trita agrees with ilia and colla. 128. inscripsere : it was customary on indictments to write the name of the accused by the side of the crime.
134. fruges, subj. of imponi ; it refers to the mola salsa, parched barley meal mixed with salt, which was sprinkled on the head of the victim.
135. in unda : the bucket of water, in which the officiating priest washed his hands to purify them, before the sacrifice.
137. inspiciunt : this inspection of the entrails, to learn the wish of the gods, was usually performed by the haruspices.
142. colonos, citizens [inhabitants, from colo] : this word is perhaps chosen because the address was delivered in the Greek
XV. I-470-] xxi. The Wisdom of King Numa. 253
colony of Croton. The assertion here made belongs to the doc- trine of metempsychosis.
143. movet, i. e. to eloquence.
144. Delphos, as being the treasure-house of oracles. 149. Atlantis : because heaven rested upon his shoulders. 155. materiem vatum = //*<? material of fables, sung by poets. 157. posse has for subj. ea understood, referring to corpora. —
pute tis, you should believe.
162. minoris Atridse, Menelaus.
164. Abanteis : Abas was one of the mythical heroes of Argos.
173. pietas, i. e. because these animals are of kin to us.
176. magno aequore, referring to the immensity of his topic.
191. Pallantias, Aurora, descendant of Pallas.
192. dei clipeus, the disc of the sun. 200. eetatis, life.
205. virtus, vigor.
222. ritu, after the manner of.
229. Milon, a celebrated athlete of Croton.
230. illos agrees with lacertos.
233> Tyndaris, Helen : she was carried away not only by Paris, but before that by Theseus.
239. genitalia, producing, i. e. elementary.
245. resoluta, when dissolved.
258. summa, in their essence, or on the whole.
260. ad ferrum, etc. : referring to the succession of Ages, — Golden, Silver, Bronze, Iron.
261. fortuna, lot or condition. 272. excaecata, becoming unseen.
[For the verses omitted, see Argument of this Book.] 453. tendere depends on oblitis.
459. corpora, object of sinamus and subject of esse (v. 46).
460. aliquo foedere, construed with junctorum.
461. certe, at any rate.
462. Thyesteis : Thyestes feasted unwittingly upon the body of his own son, placed before him by his brother Atreus : hence any unnatural and horrible feast was called a Thyestean banquet.
463. male consuescit, accustoms himself to ill = hardens himself.
467. edentem, uttering (from edo ; gdo, to eat has short S) .
468. istis, i. e. those of the Golden Age.
469. paratur, is brought about.
470. imputet, charge against, i.e. these alone.
254 Notes: Ovid* [Met am.
474. viscata virga, limed twig: small birds were caught by smearing the twigs on which they perched with a sort of vegetable glue (viscum).
475. formidatis pennis : bright feathers were attached to cords put about the space in which the deer were, and the deer were afraid to pass them.
480. ultro, i. e. without presenting himself as a candidate.
482. conjuge : his wife was the nymph Egeria, from whom he was thought to receive maxims of wisdom : she was one of the Camence, nymphs of prophetic song, identified with the Grecian Muses.
XXII. The Worship of ^Esculapius.
XV. 622. praesentia, helpful.
624. Coroniden : ^Esculapius was son of Apollo and the nymph Coronis.
625. insula : the island of the Tiber was the seat of the wor- ship of iEsculapius (see v. 739). — aacris asciverit, enrolled among the sacred rites.
629. nihil posse, have no power.
630. mediam orbis humum : the oracle at Delphi was held to be the middle point {omphalos) of the earth.
634. et locus, etc. : the usual description of the circumstances attending the utterance of oracles.
637. propiore loco : Epidaurus, the chief seat of the worship of ^Esculapius, was nearer by sea to Rome than was Delphi.
640. avibus, auspices, because the chief auspices were by the flight or song of birds.
642. colat, inhabits.
645. concilium, etc., hendiadys = M* council of the Grecian fathers. — darent (sc. ut) follows oravere.
647. Ausoniae, an ancient name of Italy.
652. telluris limits orbi.
654. sed qualis, etc., i. e. in contrast to his assumption of a snake's form the next day. ^Esculapius is represented in art as an old man with a staff about which a serpent is twined (see v. 659).
660. n5ta, imperative.
667. operosa, constructed with labor (see i. 258).
V. 474-727-] xxii. The Worship of ^Esculafius. 255
669. cristis altis limits aureus.
670. in serpente deus, the god incarnate in the serpent.
677. animis, etc., a common formula for commanding a reve- rential silence.
681. referunt geminata, repeat.
682. iEneadae : the two syllables ea are contracted into one in scanning.
683. rata, authenticating.
691. suum, of his attendants. 692. officium, reverent service. 696. coronatae : ships were festooned with flowers on sailing.
700. Pallantidos, Aurora.
701. Lacinia: the Lacinian promontory, where was a temple of Juno : Scylaceum was a little further south-west.
703. Iapygiam ; this was the south-eastern promontory of Italy, which came in due course before Lacinium : the three names that follow cannot be identified.
705. Caulona, a city of Bruttium. — Naryciam : this name was given to Locri Epizephyrii, as being a colony of the Locrian Narycus.
706. fretum angustaque = fretum angustum.
707. Hippotadce, /Eolus, son of Hippotes, king of the Winds : his home is the ^Eolian islands. — Temeses : Tempsa, famed for copper mines.
708. Leucosiam, a promontory, south of Paestum, — a place now, as then, famed for its roses.
709. Minervse, the promontory opposite the island of Capri ; then come Surrentum, Herculaneum, Stabiae, Neapolis (whose ancient name was Parthenope), and Cumae, the abode of the Sibyl.
713. calidi fontes, Baiae, a fashionable watering-place in Ovid's time. Liternum lay between here and the mouth of the Volturnus. The other names are of well-known towns.
716. graves, unhealthy, by reason of the swamps. — quam, etc., Cajeta, where ^Eneas built a sepulchre to his nurse Cajeta.
717. Antiphatae domus : Formiae, where Antiphates was king. — Trachae was another name for Tarracina, situated near the Pomptine Marshes.
718. tellus Circaea, Circeii. — spissi, with deep sand.
721. per sinus, etc., i. e. making, &*c.
722. parentis, Apollo.
725. moderamine, the rudder.
727. Castrum, sc. Inui, a town midway between Antium and the mouth of the Tiber ; the ancient town of Lavinium was near by.
256 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
730. Troica agrees with Vesta : the worship of Vesta and the
Penates was fabled to have been brought by ^Eneas from Troy.
732. per adversas undas, up the stream.
734. sonant, crackle.
jtf. malo, mast (malus, bad, has short a).
740. laterura e parte duorum, on the two sides.
743. ceeleste, a poetic form of the ablative.
XXIII. The Apotheosis of Caesar.
XV. 745. hie, jEsculapius.
746. marte togaque, war and peace, the toga being the distinc- tive garb of peace.
747. magis, construed with quam, v. 750.
748. properata, speedily now. — rerum, deeds.
749. sidus, see v. 850.
750. progenies, the emperor Augustus, his adopted son.
752. domuisse : Tacitus, more modestly, says : potest videri oslendisse posteris, non tradidisse. — Agr. 13.
753. septemflua : there were seven principal mouths of the Nile.
755. Jubam : Juba, king of Numidia, fought against Caesar at Thapsus (b. c. 46).
756. Pontum : Caesar overthrew Pharnaces, son of king Mithridates, b. c. 47. — Quirini : Quirinus, an ancient god of the Romans, was identified by them with their eponymous hero, Romulus.
757. egisse : the word regularly used for triumphal processions.
758. quo, etc., in his administering affairs.
762. genetrix, Venus.
763. pontifici : Caesar held the office of pontifex maximus, the head of the state religion. The word is used here, in order to fasten upon his murder the character of sacrilege.
767. Iulo : lulus, son of ^Eneas, was the alleged ancestor of the Julian gens.
768. justis curis, well-grounded fears.
769. Calydonia: Diomedes, son of Tydeus, of Calydon, had wounded Venus at the siege of Troy, when she was interfering in behalf of the Trojans. — vulneret, and the following subjunctives (§ 65, 2, e), seeing that, &*c. : the relatives refer to the subject of ero, v. 768.
XV. 73°-S23-] xxiii. The Afotheosts of Ccesar. 257
770. male defensae mcenia, the unsuccessful defence of the walls. — confundant, overwhelm.
771. natum, ^Eneas : his wanderings, his descent into the infernal regions, and his war with Turnus (who was supported by Juno) are enumerated.
778. sacerdotis Vest* : the worship of Vesta was under the special oversight of the pontifex maximus, who resided in the Regia, adjoining her temple.
781. veterum sororum, the Fates.
783. ferunt, they declare. — arma, tubas, cornua are subjects of prasmonuisse, depending upon ferunt. All these signs are said to have preceded Caesar's death.
789. caerulus, livid.
792. ebur, the ivory images of the gods : this was a common portent. — cantus and verba are prophetic voices and incanta- tions, heard in the air.
795. caput, a projecting portion of the liver : it was a very bad sign if any portion of the viscera was cut by the slaughterer's knife.
800. praemonitus, premonitions.
801. in templum : the place of the assassination was the Curia (senate-house) Pompeii, which was a templum, in the Roman sense, as being a place formally consecrated by auguries. This was necessary for assemblies of the Senate, or of the people ; while, on the other hand, every cedes, or abode of a god, was not necessarily a templum.
803. Cytherea, an epithet of Venus, from the island Cythera. 805. condere, sc. Caesarem : in this manner Venus had rescued both Paris and /Eneas.
810. rerum tabularia, the archives of fate. 812. metuunt : Fate was even above the gods.
818. deus (pred.), as a god.
819. natus suus, Augustus, his adopted son.
821. nos, i. e. the Fates. — suos, sc. socios.
822. illius auspiciis : the auspices could be taken only by the commander, who had been formally vested with the imperium. — obsessae : Mutina was besieged by Antony, b. c. 43, and relieved by Octavius and others, acting then in the interests of the Senate.
823. Pharsalia : because Philippi, where Octavius and Antony defeated Brutus and Cassius (b. c. 42), might be poetically regarded as in the same country as Pharsalia in Thessaly : Emathia is a district of Macedonia.
17
258 Notes: Ovid. [Metam.
825. Siculis undis : it was in the neighborhood of Messana, in Sicily, that Agrippa, the admiral of Octavius, defeated Sex. Pompeius, b. c. 36.
826. conjunx, Cleopatra, who married Antony.
827. non bene, unfortunately.
828. servitura, sc. esse, etc., depends on minata erit.
833. jura : Octavius, as Augustus, reorganized the civil institu- tions of Rome.
836. prolem : Tiberius and Drusus, sons of Livia (wife of Augustus) by a former marriage. They were adopted by their step-father, and Tiberius succeeded him as Emperor.
838. Pylios annos, i. e. the years of Nestor.
842. sede, the temple of Divus Julius fronted on the Forum.
843. sede, i. e. the curia; this act followed immediately upon "the murder.
845. eripuit governs animam.
853. obnoxia, subject to.
854. una in parte, in this one point, i. e. his superiority to his father.
857. ipsos eequantibus, i. e. because they were both divine. 859. triformis, i. e. consisting of earth, sea, and sky.
861. iEneae comites, the Penates, or household gods, brought by iEneas — through fire and sword — from Troy, and established in Lavinium.
862. di Indigetes : these are generally reckoned as deified heroes ; among them was ^Eneas himself. Romulus (Quirinus) again was son of Mars, one of whose chief titles was Gradivus} " the strider."
865. Phoebe* : Apollo was the tutelary deity of Augustus.
866. Tarpeias, the original name of the Capitoline Mount: afterwards confined to a part of the hill.
869. Augustum, an adjective. — quern relates to orbe. 873. corporis, objective genitive with jus.
Fasti, IV.] Shorter Poems. 259
SHORTER POEMS.
For the metre of this, and all the following extracts {elegiac), see § 82, 1, b. The Pentameter is most conveniently scanned by dividing it into two half-verses (hemistichs), consisting each of two feet with an added half-foot
I. Fasti.
1. The Festival of Pales.
IV. 721. Parilia, § 52, 2, c, r. The form Partita seems to have been in common use, by an interchange of 1 and r frequent among primitive nations, and also among young children. — poscor : this is the word regularly used of a person formally called upon to sing or speak.
722. Pales : an Italian goddess of pasturage (possibly of the same root as pa-scor). It is sometimes masculine.
725. certe : this gives the reason why he deserves her favor. — de vitulo cinerem : the ashes were preserved from the sacrifice of the fordicidia (Apr. 15), and used for the lustrating rites of the palilia. They were mixed with bean-straw (beans being regarded by the ancients as having a peculiar purifying efficacy), and the curdled blood of the October horse, sacrificed October 15 (see
V. 733).
726. februa : from this is derived the name of February, the month of purification, — the last in the old Roman year.
727. transilui : the chief ceremonial of the palilia was leaping through heaps of blazing hay and stubble ; the herds also were driven through them. This, too, is a cleansing rite.
728. uda laurea : a bough of laurel was used to sprinkle puri- fying water.
731. virginea: the suffimen (fumigation) was prepared by the Vestal Virgin, by whom the blood of the October horse had been preserved.
732. Vestae : she was the special guardian of chastity. 736. virga, a brush-broom, usually of laurel.
738. longa corona, festoon.
739. vivo, crude.
260 Notes: Ovid, [Fasti
741. mares: it is hard to see why this epithet should be applied to the olive, except from their tonic bitterness. — taedam, pitch-pine. — herbaa Sabinas, juniper : the name is still preserved in the word savin.
742. crepet, crackle : this was an especially favorable sign.
745. suas, appropriate to her : no blood could be shed on her festival. — reseotis : this is explained as referring to the cutting up of the food to be shared among the worshippers.
746. silvicolam : the pastures were openings in the forest, or themselves covered with a light growth of wood.
749. sacro, sc. loco. " The list of innocent sins which follows curiously illustrates both the superstitious fears and the trifling observances of a primitive pastoral life. There is moreover a touching simplicity throughout the whole petition, which affords a strong contrast to the frightful depravity of civilized Rome, as described in the pages of Juvenal and Martial." — Paley. As illus- trated, too, we may add, in many of the writings of Ovid himself.
750. bustis : the bus turn was a mound heaped up upon the spot where the body was burned.
752. semicaper deus : the rural god Faunus was identified with the Greek Pan, who was represented with goat's legs.
753. opaco, shady.
754. fiscina frondia : "In countries where grass is less plenti- ful than with us, sheep, goats, and cattle are still fed in great measure on the foliage and succulent twigs of trees : see Virg. G. i. 226, ii. 435 ; Eel. x. 30." — Paley.
759. fontana numina, etc. : " Nothing is more pleasing in ancient mythology than the fanciful doctrine which peopled all earth and sea with multitudes of fair female spirits. Every hill and dale, every grot and crystal spring, every lake and brook and river, every azure plain and coral cave of ocean, was animated and hallowed by the presence and protection of the Nymphs." — Ramsay.
761. labra Dianse, referring to the story of Actaeon, who saw Diana in her bath : the goddess, as a punishment, turned him into a stag, and he was torn in pieces by his own dogs.
762. Faunum : this well-meaning god (from faveo) was angry if discovered asleep on the ground.
765. redigam, gather in, i.e. at night.
766. vellera, i. e. the carcass having been devoured.
770. vimina rara, ivickerwork, through which the curd was allowed to drain ; they were CdMz&jiscella.
IV. 74i-8I5-3 The Founding of Rome. 261
772. quamlibet qualifies teneras.
775. ad annum = quotannis.
777. ad ortus : the proper position for the worshipper.
780. sapam, new wine (mustum) boiled down to a third.
781. per, etc., the ceremony alluded to in v. 727.
784. tnrba, i. e. of interpretations : it is Ovid's custom, on occasion, to introduce a multitude of these, as here.
786. duce, i. e. the shepherd.
787. semina is predicate : that fire and water are called dei, illustrates the ancient custom of deifying all objects and powers of nature.
791. exsul : the formula of exile was aqud et igni interdicere; the bride also was welcomed to her new home with these elements.
793. Phaethonta, i. e. his memory ; see Met. ii. 1 ; i. 253.
799. pietas JEneia, i. e. in carrying his father Anchises through the flames of burning Troy : dattt tela locum flammceque recedunt (/En. ii. 633).
801. condita est : Rome was said to have been founded on the day of the Palilia.
802. Lares, the household gods : in practice there was very little difference made between the Lares and Penates, but in their origin they were quite different. The Lares were deified ancestors, the Penates were associated with Vesta, and worshipped on the hearth, the name being connected with penus, penetralia, and other words referring to something in the interior.
803. mutantes agrees with incolas understood, subject of supposuisse.
804. et connects tectis and casas.
2. The Founding of Rome.
809. frater Numitoris : Amulius, who had stolen the kingdom from his brother. Romulus and Remus, grandsons of Numitor, restored his authority to him, and put the usurper to death.
812. ponat uter : not to be understood of the mere act of building the city, which was to be done in common, but as to which should enjoy the dignity of founder.
814. fides, reliance on: the word auspice is derived from avis (auis) and -specie
815. Palati: this was the original seat of the city: the Aven- tine, south of it, lay for a long time outside the limits of the city.
262 Notes: Ovid. [Fasti
819. aratro : the founder of the city marked out the walls by ploughing about the space, the sods being turned inward : the sod represented the walls, the furrow the moat.
821. fossa : this was not the moat, but a pit dug in the centre of the city ; in Rome it was in front of the Temple of Apollo, on the Palatine. It was called mundus, and in it were placed the ob- jects here enumerated. It bore thus a certain analogy to the corner-stone of modern buildings. — ad solidum, to fir?n earth. — fruges, i. e. boni ominis causa.
822. vicino, i. e. not the neighborhood, but the vicus from which each of the settlers had come.
825. fungitur, gets through with or does its duty by.
826. vacca : the bull was harnessed outside, at the right of the cow.
828. Mavors, an old form of Mars. — mater : this word is not here used to imply relationship (as genitor or genitrix) ; but, like pater ; is often applied to the deities in reverence, as in Jupiter, Marspiter, Liber pater.
831. huic is to be taken with dominse terrae, — dominse being used proleptically, that is, in the way of anticipation.
832. dies = soL
833. laevo : thunder on the left was a favorable sign ; because, as the person taking the auspices faced south, the east, the place of the sun's rising, was at his left.
837. Celer, a mythical companion of Romulus, the eponym of the Celeres, or Roman Knights. — vocarat, i. e. by this name, Swift.
843. Celer : the usual story was that the blow was given by Romulus himself.
851. adplicuit, sc. fratri.
854. Faustulus and Acca, the shepherd and his wife, who had reared Romulus and Remus.
855. nondum facti Quirites: this term was, in historical times, applied to all the Roman citizens, in their character of citizens. Its origin is uncertain, but it was usually supposed to have been the name of a Sabine settlement upon the Quirinal, which was after- wards incorporated with the Palatine Rome.
856. ultima, as the last act.
857. hoc, § 51, 2, c.
860. nominis hujus (i. e. Caesar), limits pluris (ace. plural). 862. humeris, i. e. by head and shoulders, implying a great disparity.
IV. 8 1 9-933.] Ritual to avert Blight. 263
3. Ritual to avert Blight.
902. in medio cursu: a division of the season which is not easy to account for, and is inconsistent with other authors.
903. pecudem Helles, the golden-fleeced ram, which carried away Phrixus and Helle, children of Athamas, and gave its name to the constellation Aries. It really sets March 25, while Cam's does not rise, but sets (i.e. ceases to appear in the west after sunset) in April.
904. signa dant imbres. " The showers give indications of the seasons." — Ramsay.
905. Nomento: Nomentum was a town about twelve miles north-east of Rome, on the Via Salaria; the grove of Robigo was five miles from Rome on the Via Clodia, which was westerly of this. Probably therefore Ovid got upon the Via Clodia by a cross road.
907. flamen : the fiamen was a special sacrificing priest, either attached to the worship of a special god, or to a special corporation. There were three of chief rank, called flamines majores, the Dialis (of Jupiter), Afartialis, and Quirinalis; the other twelve were de- voted to the worship of inferior deities, some of them utterly passed into oblivion. The Flamen of Quirinus had charge of the worship of Robigo (see v. 910).
911. aspera : this word, as well as scabras (v. 621), describes the roughened surface of the blighted plant.
913. sideribus, construed with nutrita : it is well known how strong is the belief in most primitive communities of an influence of the stars upon the crops.
915. notasti : perhaps an allusion to the nota censoria, or rank of infamy, stamped by the censors upon those whom they degraded politically.
916. habet, reckons.
918. pallet, loses color.
919. incalfacit udos : this was their explanation of blight. 923. ferrum : robigo means rust as well as blight.
926. otia agit, is at peace : in the reign of Augustus, the temple of Janus was closed, for the first time for two hundred years. 928. situs, see note, Met. vii. 290.
932. absenti, in gratitude for thy absence.
933. villis solutis, with long nap: linen, among the ancients, was woven with a nap, as wool is now : the mantele (maniple), patera, and acerra were regular implements of sacrifice. " Acerra
264 JVotes: Ovid. [Heroides.
ought to be translated incense-box [not censer]. The frankincense in ancient sacrifices was generally consumed on the altar, not in a vessel constructed for the purpose, as in the ceremonies of the Jewish religion and the Roman Catholic church." — Ramsay.
936. obscenae : " as early as the time of Homer, the dog was taken as the symbol of shamelessness and impudence." — Peter.
937. nova, unusual.
939. Icarium : the dog-star, Canicula, was metamorphosed from the dog of Erigone (the Virgin), daughter of Icarius. It rose (i. e. reappeared in the east just before sunrise) July 26.
940. prsecipitur, ripens too fast.
Heroides. Penelope to Ulysses.
1. lento: after the ten years' siege of Troy, Ulysses was de- layed by ten years of wandering and adventures before returning to Ithaca, as related in the Odyssey.
2. vSni, imperative.
3. jacet certe, has doubtless fallen.
4. tanti fuit, was worth what it cost. 9. fallere, to while away.
10. tela : she spent her time in weaving an embroidered mar- riage-veil, what she wove by day being unravelled at night, to foil the importunity of her suitors {v. 88).
17. Mencetiaden. Patroclus, son of Menoetius, dearest friend of Achilles : he was killed by Hector, while wearing Achilles' armor.
28. suis, sc. fatis.
35. .ffiacides : both Peleus, father of Achilles, and Telamon, father of Ajax, were sons of ^Eacus. Here Achilles is meant.
36. missos, let go = at full speed.
38. gnato : the wanderings of Telemachus, son of Ulysses (see Odyssey, Books i.-iv.), were almost as noted as those of his father.
39. Rhesum, etc., see Met. xiii. 98. 43. uno, i. e. Diomed.
46. Ismariis, of Is?narus, a mountain of Thrace.
47. vestris, of you and your comrades.
5 1 . aliis, for other wives.
52. incola, etc. ; the conquerors often colonized a captured city, the land, cattle, &c, passing to the new settlers.
Amores, i.] The Poet of Idleness. 265
62. charta = epistola.
63. Pylon : Pylos was reigned over by Nestor, son of Neleus.
67. moenia Phoebi : the walls of Troy were built by Apollo and Neptune.
68. votis, i. e. for a speedy end of the war. 80. revertendi liber, free to return.
82. cogit, attempts to compel.
87. Dulichium, an island at the mouth of the Achelous ; Samos, an island off the coast of Asia Minor ; Zacynthos, now Zante, one of the group near Ithaca.
91. Pisandrum, etc.; names of suitors.
94. tuo sanguine qualifies partis (from pario).
95. edendi limits ultimus pudor, a most shameful eater.
103. nine faciunt, besides these are counted.
104. cura = curator. 108. ilia, sc. aetas. 116. ut, although.
Amores. 1. The Poet of Idleness.
I. 15. 1. Livor : properly, a livid color ; figuratively, malice.
3. non me : these accusatives with infinitive are dependent upon obicis. The only honorable careers for a Roman youth of good family were war and law, or statesmanship.
6. foro, the courts of justice as well as some of the public as- semblies (those of the tribes) were held on the Forum. — ingrato, unremunerative.
9. Maeonides, Homer ; Tenedos, an island ; Ide, a mountain, and Simois, a river near Troy.
II. Ascraeus, Hesiod of Ascra, whose "Works and Days" treat of the operations of agriculture.
13. Battiades, Callimachus (about 250 B. a), a native of Cy- rene, a city ruled by a dynasty of Battiadae. Ovid's judgment of this poet in the next verse is probably sound.
15. cothurno, buskin, a high shoe worn in tragedy, put there- fore for tragic poetry.
16. Aratus (about 250 b. c.) wrote on Astronomy.
17. fallax servus, etc., characters of the new Attic comedy, the chief writer of which was Menander {d. 291 B. c.)
266 Notes: Ovid. [Amores
19. Ennius, a Roman poet (d. 169 B.C.): Accius, a Roman tragic poet (d. about ioob.c).
21. Varronem : not the celebrated antiquary, but Varro Atacinus (b. 82 b. a), who translated the Argonautica of Apollonius Rhodius.
23. Lucretius, a sublime poet upon philosophy : De Rerum Naturd (d. about b. c. 52).
25. Tityrus, a character in Virgil's first Eclogue. — fruges, the subject of the Georgics.
28. Tibullus, a favorite poet of love, of Ovid's own time. Ovid laments his death, Am iii. 9.
29.- Gallus, another elegiac poet, contemporary of Ovid, also re- nowned as a soldier, in east and west : Lycoris was the name of his mistress.
34. Tagi : a river of Spain, then famed for its gold mines.
36. Castalia, a fountain at Delphi, sacred to Apollo.
37. myrtum : this plant was sacred to Venus.
2. Elegy on a Parrot.
II. 6. 2. exsequias, funeral procession.
7. quod scelus ista querella, that lamentation for the crime which, &r»c. — Ismarii, Thracian : this was Tereus, king of Thrace. — Philomela, the nightingale. 9. devertere, imperative.
10. Itys, son of Tereus, served up to him by his wife Progne, and her sister Philomela, in revenge for an atrocious crime.
15. juvenis Phoceus, Pylades, son of king Strophius of Phocis, and friend of Orestes.
21. hebetare, make dull.
22. Punica, of Tyrian dye, a deep purple. — croco, saffron, of a reddish yellow, or orange.
28. fiant anus, i.e. grow old.
29. miiiimo, abl. of means, not of fulness. — prae sermonis amore, by reason of your love of talking.
30. ora, synecdochical accusative.
34. auctor, prophet.
35. invisa Minervse : the crow had lost the favor of Minerva by prating (see Met. II. 551).
36. vix moritura : the longevity of the crow has always been proverbial.
38. extrenio ab oihe, from the ends of the earth.
II. 6; III. 15.] Farewell to the Loves. 267
40. suis, i. e. of their years.
41. Phylacidae, Protesilaus, the first slain of the Greeks at the siege of Troy ; for Thersites, see note on Met. XIII. 233.
44. per mare rapta, swept to nought.
45. septima lux, i. e. of his illness.
46. vacuo colo : the thread of his life had been spun out. The Parcce, or Fates, were represented as spinning out the thread of life.
48. Corinna, the name of the young lady (puella, v. 43).
54. unica, the only one of his kind. The belief of the ancients was that there was but one phcenix at a time, and upon his death a young one sprang from his ashes.
55. ales Junonia, the peacock.
61. colligor, etc., it is inferred from my very tomb that I, <SrV. (§ 70, 2, b; G. 528, R).
82. ora fuere mini, etc., / had a mouth taught to speak more than {would be expected of) a bird.
3. Farewell to the Loves.
III. 15. I. mater Amorum, Venus.
2. meta : a conical pillar, or goal, at the end of the Circus, about which the chariots turned in the race, of course often graz- ing it.
3. quos relates to elegis (Amores). — Peligni, see Life.
5. ordinis, sc. equestria ; this was an aristocracy of wealth in Rome ; here it appears to indicate a class of country gentlemen.
6. militiae turbine : referring to the parvenu aristocracy which had sprung from the civil wars.
7. Catullo, a lyric poet of great merit, who lived about a generation before Ovid (b. c. 87).
9. coegerat ad arma, in the Social or Italian War, B.C. 90. This was a revolt of the Italian allies, to force from Rome an equality of political rights.
15. Amathusia, an epithet of Venus, from Amathus, a city of Cyprus.
16. aurea signa, golden ears of grain.
17. corniger : Bacchus was sometimes represented with horns, as a symbol of the powers of nature ; it was chiefly in his mystic worship (see Tib. ii. I, 3).
18. area major : this refers to his undertaking greater works, — the Metamorphoses and the Fasti.
268 Notes: Ovid. [Tristia
Tristia.
i. Banished from Rome.
I. 3. 6. Ausoniae, Italy. 20. certior, informed.
30. lari, abode. 32. jam, again.
36. odiis, abl. of deprivation. 37. caslesti viro, Augustus.
48. Parrhasis, Arcadian : the Great Bear was originally an Arcadian maiden, a companion of Diana, named Callisto.
50. fugae, exile. 57. vale die to, ablative absolute.
62. utraque, i. e. for either reason.
66. Thesea, i. e. with the love of Theseus for Pirithous.
75. Mettus Pufetius, king of Alba, who was thus punished for treachery by Tullus Hostilius (Liv. i. 28). 83. ultima, far distant.
88. utilitate, i. e. that this was best.
89. ferri, the technical term for carrying upon the bier. 92. Bem(i)5nXmi8, § 78, 1. d, R.
100. mei limits respectu.
2. The Exile's Sick Chamber.
III. 3. 2. eram, epistolary imperfect (§ 58, 8; G. 244). 6. inter, among, not between; for both these tribes were north of Tomi : the Sauromatae (Sarmalcz) inhabited Southern Russia, the Getae the modern Moldavia and Wallachia.
10. Apollinea : yEsculapius, god of healing, was son of Apollo.
16. parte, sc. tua., for thy share.
19. sic qualifies aliena locutum — been delirious.
23. restituenda, sc sit.
58. rude, inexperienced.
62. Samii senis, Pythagoras. — rata, authentic.
67. fratrem, Polynices; who was killed in the war of "the Seven against Thebes," and buried by his sister Antigone, contrary to the command of the tyrant Creon.
70. suburbano : the Roman tombs were along the sides of the roads which led from the city.
72. tituli, inscription, limits notis (§ 50, i,f; G. 359).
77. majora monimenta, predicate.
81. feralia munera : gifts carried to the grave of the departed ; there was a special festival styled Feralia, celebrated Feb. 21.
88. vale, i. e. good health.
1.3; III. 3, io.] Winter Scenes in Thrace. 269
3. Winter Scenes in Thrace.
III. 10. 3. suppositum agrees with me, and governs stellis.
5. Bessi, a native of Thrace : for the others, see III. 3, 6.
6. quam qualifies non digna.
7. medio, intervening, i.e. between us and the savages.
12. axe tremente, the pole, poetically represented as quivering with the earth's weight.
19. braccis : trousers were unknown to Greeks and Romans until they came in contact with Gauls and Sarmatians.
20. ora, face.
23. nuda, bare, i. e. without the jar.
27. papyrifero amne, the Nile.
28. multa ora, seven according to Ovid (Trist. ii. 189); accord- ing to Tacitus (Germ. 1), there were six : septimum os paludibus hauritur. The Danube was known to the ancients in its lower course by the name Hister, and afterwards in its upper waters as the Danubius. — vasto freto, the Black Sea.
34. plaustra : the Sarmatians, a nomadic race, dwelt in carts drawn by oxen.
41. Leandre : the youth Leander swam across the Hellespont from Abydos to Sestos, to visit his mistress Hero.
45. alia : the winds were personified as winged creatures, and are so represented in art.
52. redundatas, brimming.
55. equo pollens, like the Cossacks of the present day.
64. tbnotXL&,/rom being dipped.
73. Acontiua, who wrote upon an apple the words Per Dianam juro me Acontii futuram conjugem, and laid it where his mistress Cydippe should pick it up. As soon as she had read off the words, she was held bound by the solemn vow.
4. The Poefs Autobiography.
IV. 10. 2. ut noris, depends on accipe.
3. gelidis undis : it was in the mountain region of the Peligni.
6. cecidit, etc.: B.C. 43, when both consuls, Hirtius and Pansa, were killed in the civil war, before Mutina.
7. usque a proavis : see note, Am. iii. 15. 5.
12. liba: the cakes offered to the genius or inborn spirit on the birthday. These were made of flour, cheese, and eggs, and honey was usually poured over them.
270 Notes: Ovid. [Tristia
13. festis quinque : the Quinquatria, or five days' festival of Minerva, began March 19, and the gladiatorial shows began on the second day.
16. ab arte, from their professional skill.
22. Maeonides, Homer.
24. soluta modis, devoid of ' rhythm, i. e. prose.
25. numeros, measures.
28. liberior toga, the toga virilis, the ordinary dress of a Roman gentleman, was assumed at about the age of sixteen, on the festival of the Liberalia, March 17. Before this age boys wore the toga fircetexta, bordered with purple.
29. lato clavo : this was a broad purple stripe running up and down the front of the tunic or body-garment : it was the mark of senatorial dignity, and was also given by Augustus to a special body of the equites, — the illustres, — who were thus marked as being destined to the Senate and a political career.
30. studium, taste.
33. primos honores, the first steps of honor : no person could aspire to the higher offices until he had held certain lower positions. The first grade was usually the vigintiviratus, or occupancy of one of the group of twenty magistracies ; this was a step to the quaestor- ship, but did not entitle him to a seat in the Senate. The office held by Ovid was probably that of triwnvir cafiitalis, police com- missioner.
35. curia, the Senate-house : as Ovid did not care to pursue a political career, he exchanged the broad senatorial stripe for the narrow equestrian.
41. poetas, i. e. those enumerated below.
44. Macer : he wrote a poem on birds, herbs, &c, not a line of which is extant.
45. Propertius, an elegiac poet of great merit.
46. sodalicio : they were members of the same sodalitas.
47. Ponticus, who wrote a Thebaid: there were more than one poet of the name of Bassus.
50. Ausonia : Horace himself claims
Principes Aeolium carmen ad Italos Deduxisse modos. — Od. iii. 30. 23. 53. Galle: see note, Am. i. 15. 29.
60. Corinna : see note, Am. ii. 6. 48 : it has been conjectured that she was Julia, daughter of Augustus, and that this intrigue may have been the cause of Ovid's banishment. 67. hie, i. e. in Rome.
IV. io.] The Poets Autobiography. 271
68. fabula, scandal.
78. lustris : as the lustrum is generally reckoned at five years, this would make his father ninety at the time of his death (but see below, note to v. 95).
80. justa, due (funeral) rites.
85. aliquid nisi, something besides.
88. in Stygio foro, in the court of Pluto.
95. ortus, birth. — Pisasa oliva : the reward to the victor in the Olympic games (held in the territory of Pisa) was a crown of wild olive. As these games came once in four years, decies victor would naturally mean forty years ; he was, however, fifty at the time of his banishment, and we can account for the discrepancy only by supposing that he reckoned the Olympiad at five years, an almost inconceivable blunder. Mommsen explains it, however {Rom. Chrofi. p. 170), by calling attention to the confusion of the ancients themselves in regard to the expression quinto quoque anno, for the period in the Julian calendar : u the poet," he says, " rightly sup- posed that the Olympiad and the Julian lustra [decern lustris perac- tis, Ibis. 1], were of equal length, and very wrongly supposed the latter to be five years."
97. ad laeva, i. e. as one sails out from the Propontis (Mar- mora).
106. temporis anna; i. e. of the exigency, or the new life into which he was thrown.
no. Sarmatis (patrial adj. fern.) agrees with ora,
1 14. sic, even thus.
122. ab exsequiis, after the funeral .
1 26. maligna, grudging.
129. veri limits quid.
130. protinus ut moriar, although I should die at once. 132. jure, deservedly, qualifies carmine tuli.
Index of Proper Names. 273
INDEX OF PROPER NAMES,
Achelous, a river of Epirus (ix. 63), one of whose horns, being
wrested away, became the Horn of Plenty. Acheron {joyless), a river of Hades (named from a river of Epirus,
which disappears in the earth). Achilles, son of Peleus and Thetis, champion of the Greeks at
Troy; slain by Paris (xii. 580-628). Acis, son of Faunus, loved by Galatea, slain in jealousy by Poly- phemus (xiii. 884). Action, son of Cadmus, changed to a stag by Diana, and torn by
his own hounds (iii. 138-252). Adonis, son of Myrrha, dear to Venus; killed in the chase by a
wild boar (x. 708-739). ,/Eacus, son of Jupiter and ^Egina, prince of the island of ^Egina;
father of Peleus and Telamon (viii. 425-660) ; judge in the
infernal regions (xiii. 25). ^Eetes, son of the Sun and Persa, king of Colchis, father of Medea,
who killed the ram of the golden fleece. «<Eg.eon (or Briareus), a hundred-handed giant, son of Uranos and
Gaia. ^Egeus, a king of Athens, 6on of Pandion, and father of Theseus :
who cast himself into the sea in grief at the supposed death of
his son. ^Eneas, son of Anchises and Venus, a prince of Troy; he settled
Italy and became one of the gods Indigetes (xiv. 608). ^Eolus, god of the Winds, having his dwelling in the yEolian Isles. ^Esculapius, son of Apollo and Coronis, god of Healing (xv. 622-
744)- yEsoN, king of Iolchos, father of Jason, miraculously restored to
youth by Medea (vii. 287-293). Agamemnon (Atrides), son of Atreus, chief of the Greeks at Troy,
slain at his return by ^Egisthus, son of Thyestes. Agenor, king of Phoenicia, father of Cadmus and Europa. Ajax, son of Telamon, a chief at Troy, who slew himself in
jealousy at failing to receive Achilles' armour (xiii. 391). Alcmene, wife of Amphitryon and mother of Hercules. Alpheus, a river of Elis (see Arethusa).
274 Ovid.
Althaea, wife of CEneus, king of Calydon, mother of Meleager
(viii. 446). Amphion, son of Jupiter and Antiope, husband of Niobe, who by
the power of music built the walls of Thebes. Amphitrite, daughter of Nereus, wife of Neptune. Amphitryon, prince of Thebes, husband of Alcmene. Androgeos, son of Minos, slain by the Marathonian bull at
Athens. Andromeda, daughter of Cepheus, exposed to perish by a sea- monster, and rescued by Perseus (iv. 683-739). Apollo, son of Jupiter and Latona, god of music, archery, and
prophecy. Under the name Phoebus, god of the sun. Arachne, a maid of Lydia, who challenged Minerva to a trial of
skill in embroidery, and was by her changed to a spider
(vi. 1-145). Arethusa, a fountain nymph of Elis, pursued by Alpheus, from
whom she took refuge beneath the sea, reappearing in the isle
of Ortygia (v. 597-641). Argo, the ship which bore the Argonauts, under Jason, to Colchis,
in quest of the Golden Fleece. Ariadne, daughter of Minos, who rescued Theseus from the laby- rinth, and afterwards, being deserted by him, became the bride
of Bacchus (viii. 172-182). Ascalaphus, son of Acheron, changed by Proserpine into an owl
(v. 533-550). Astr^ea. goddess of Justice, who forsook the earth in the iron age
(i. 150), and became the constellation Virgo. Atalanta, daughter of Iasos, beloved by Meleager (viii. 324), and
afterwards won by Hippomenes, and changed to a lioness
(x. 560-707). Athamas, son of /Eolus, king of Thebes, father of Phrixus and
Hello (see Ino). Atlas, son of Iapetos and Clymene, converted by the head of
Medusa into a mountain, still bearing the heavens on its
summit (iv. 631-662). Atrides (son of Atreus), a name of Agamemnon and Menelaus. Aurora (dawn), daughter of Hyperion and Theia, mother of
Boreas, Zephyrus, and Notus, also (by Tithonus) of Memnon. Avernus, a small deep lake in Campania, near Naples, the entrance
to the infernal regions.
Bacchus {Dionysus), son of Jupiter and Semele (daughter of Cadmus, iii. 253-315), god of wine and revelry.
Index of Profer Names, 275
Baucis, wife of Philemon, changed to a linden (viii. 620-721). Berecyntus, a mountain in Phrygia sacred to Cybele. Boreas (North wind), son of Astraeus and Aurora. Busiris, king of Egypt, who sacrificed strangers on the altar of Jupiter, and was slain by Hercules.
Cadmus, son of Agenor, sent in search of Europa; founder of
Thebes (iii. 1-137). C^eneus, one of the Lapithae, originally a maiden (Caenis), crushed
in battle with the Centaurs, and changed to an eagle (xii.
514-526). Calais, winged son of Boreas and Orithyia. Calydon, a district of yEtolia, ravaged by the wild boar slain in
the Calydonian Hunt (viii. 260-525). Cassiopeia, queen of Ethiopia, wife of Cepheus, and mother of
Andromeda. Castalia, a spring of Mount Parnassus (iii. 14). Caystrus, a river of Asia Minor, forming the Asian marsh, near
Ephesus. Centauri, a fierce race of Thessaly, — horses with human head
and breast, — offspring of Ixion, routed in battle with the
Lapithae (xii. 210-525). Cephalus, prince of Athens, grandson of ^Eolus, who killed unwit- tingly his wife Procris (vii. 661-865). Cepheus, king of Ethiopia, father of Andromeda. Cephisus, a stream of Boeotia (iii. 19).
Cerberus, the three-headed watch-dog of the infernal regions, off- spring of Typhon and Echidna. Ceres (Demeter), goddess of harvests, daughters of Saturn, and
mother of Proserpina (v. 341-661). Charybdis, a whirlpool of the Sicilian strait, opposite Scylla. Circe, an enchantress, daughter of the Sun, sister of yEetes, who
bewitched the companions of Ulysses. Clymene, mother of Phaethon (i. 756). Clytie, a nymph who in hopeless love of the sun-god is changed to
a sunflower (iv. 232-270). Colchis, a district east of the Black Sea, sought by the Argonauts
for the Golden Fleece. Cupido (Eros), god of Love, son of Mars and Venus. Cyane, a nymph of Sicily, converted by Pluto to a fountain
(v. 409-437). Cybele, " mother of the gods," daughter of Uranos and Gaia,
worshipped in Phrygia with frantic rites.
276 Ovid,
Cyclopes, monsters with a single eye (see Polyphemus). Cycnus, a Ligurian prince, kinsman of Phaethon (ii. 367-380) ; a
son of Neptune, overcome in battle by Achilles and converted
to a swan (xii. 72-148). Cyllene, a mountain of Arcadia, birthplace of Mercury.
Daedalus, a skilful artist of Athens, builder of the Cretan labyrinth
(viii. 152-259). Deianira, sister of Meleager and wife of Hercules, to whom she
sent the poisoned shirt of Nessus (ix. 130-158). Delos, a small island of the vEgean sea, birthplace of Apollo and
Diana. Deucalion, son of Prometheus, prince of Thessaly; he and his
wife Pyrrha are sole survivors of the deluge (i. 313-415). Diana (Artemis), daughter of Jupiter and Latona, twin-sister of
Apollo, goddess of the chase. Dicte, a mountain of Crete. Dictynna, a mountain nymph of Crete. Diomedes (Tydides), son of Tydeus, a Greek chief at Troy
(xiv. 441).
Echion, one of the offspring of the dragon's teeth sown by Cad- mus (iii. 126).
Egeria, a fountain nymph, wife and counsellor of Numa (488-551.).
Erebus, offspring of Chaos, divinity of the lower world.
Erinyes, a name of the Furies.
Eumenides (merciful), the same.
Europa, daughter of Agenor, king of Sidon, borne to Crete by Jupiter in the form of a bull : mother of Minos (ii. 833-875).
Eurus, the South-east wind.
Eurydice, wife of Orpheus, who in search of her visits the infernal regions (x. 177).
Eurystheus, grandson of Pelops, king of Argos, who imposes the twelve labors on Hercules.
Faunus, a rural deity of the Latins.
Galatea, a sea-nymph of Sicily, loved by Polyphemus (see Acis :
xiii. 750-897). Ganymedes, son of Tros, borne to Olympus by Jupiter in form of
an eagle (x. 143-161).
Index of Proper Names. 277
Gig antes {Giants), sons of Uranos and Gaia, who made war upon
the gods (i. 152-162). Gorgones, Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, daughters of Phorcys
and Ceto, monsters with serpent-hair, converting all who saw
them into stone (see Medusa).
Hades, the dwelling-place of departed souls, beneath the earth,
ruled by Pluto. ELemus, a mountain range making the northern boundary of
Thrace. Hecate, goddess of night and enchantments : the Diana of the
lower world. Hector, eldest son of Priam, and champion of Troy, — slain by
Achilles. Helen, daughter of Jupiter and Leda, wife of Menelaus, stolen by
Paris, and so the cause of the siege of Troy. Heliades, daughters of the Sun, sisters of Phaethon, changed after
his death to poplars (ii. 325-366). Helicon, a mountain of Boeotia, sacred to Apollo and the Muses. Helle, daughter of Athamas and Nephele, who fled from Ino with
the Golden Ram, and was drowned in the Hellespont, to which
she gave her name. Hercules {Heracles), son of Jupiter and Alcmene, received among
the gods after performing the twelve labors imposed by Eury-
stheus (ix. 134-272). Hermione (Harmonia), daughter of Mars and Venus, and wife of
Cadmus : changed to a serpent (iv. 576-603). Hesperus, son of Iapetus and Asia: the Evening Star. Hyacinthus, a beautiful youth of Laconia, loved by Apollo, acci- dentally killed by him, and converted to the flower hyacinth
(x. 162-219). Hymen^eus, god of marriage.
Iapetus, a Titan, son of Uranos and Gaia, father of Atlas and Pro- metheus.
Icarus, son of Daedalus, who fled with him from Crete, on wings fastened with wax, and was drowned in the Icarian Sea (viii. 152-259).
Idomeneus, a king of Crete, who fought at the siege of Troy.
Inachus, son of Oceanus, king of Argos, father of Io.
Ino, daughter of Cadmus, wife of Athamas, converted into the sea- divinity Leucothea (iv. 416-542.
278 Ovid.
Io, daughter of Inachus, changed to a heifer to avoid the jealousy of
Juno; afterwards made the Egyptian goddess Isis (i. 5S4-747). Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon, offered in sacrifice to Diana
{Artemis) at Aulis (xii. 27-35). Itys, son of Tereus, slain by his mother Progne and served at meat
to his father (vi. 620-651). Ixion, father of the Centaurs, chained for his crimes to a fiery wheel
in Tartarus.
Jason, son of ^Eson, king of Thessaly, leader of the Argonauts (vii.
1-122). Juno (Here), daughter of Saturn (Kronos), queen of the gods, sister
and wife of Jupiter. Jupiter (Zeus), son of Saturn (Kronos), king of the gods.
Laertes, king of Ithaca, father of Ulysses.
Latona (Leto), daughter of Cceus and Phoebe, mother of Apollo
and Diana. Lichas, the messenger who gave the poisoned shirt to Hercules
(ix. 24-227). Lucifer (light-bearer), the Morning Star. Lyceus, a mountain of Arcadia, sacred to Jupiter and to Pan. Lycaon, king of Thrace, changed to a wolf by Jupiter (i. 163-243). Lyncus, a Scythian king, changed to a lynx by Ceres (v. 620-660).
M^enades (frenzied), female worshippers of Bacchus. Mars (Ares or Mavors), son of Jupiter and Juno, god of War. Marsyas, a satyr, who defied Apollo in music, and was flayed by
him (vi. 383-400). Medea, daughter of ./Eetes, king of Colchis, an enchantress, who
delivered Jason from his perils and fled with him (vii. 1-424). Medusa, the Gorgon, slain by Perseus, and her head set in the
aegis of Minerva (iv. 793-803). Meleager, son of CEneus and Althaea, hero of the Calydonian
Hunt, who perished by burning of the fatal brand (viii. 260-525). Merops, husband of Clymene, mother of Phaethon. Midas, king of Phrygia, whose touch, by gift of Bacchus, turned
all things into gold (xi. 85-193). Minos, son of Jupiter and Europa, king of Crete : makes war on
Athens, and builds the Labyrinth (viii. 1-151). Minotaurus, a monster, half-man and half-bull, born of Pasiphae,
in Crete.
Index of Profer Names. 279
Miny^e, a people of Thessaly, companions of Jason. Mulciber, a name of Vulcan.
Nereus, god of the sea depths, son of Pontus and Gaia. Nestor, king of Pylus, eldest and wisest of the Greek chiefs at Troy, present at the fight of the Centaurs and Lapithse (xii.
I48-535)-
Ninus, founder and king of Nineveh, husband of Semiramis.
Niobe, daughter of Tantalus, wife of Amphion, all of whose chil- dren were slain by Apollo and Diana in punishment of her pride (vi. 165-312).
Nisus, kign of Megara, betrayed to Minos by his daughter Scylla (viii. 17-XSI).
Numa Pompilius, second king of Rome, taught by Pythagoras (xv. 1-487).
CEneus, king of ^Etolia, father of Meleager.
Orion, a giant son of Neptune, loved by Diana, and unwittingly
killed by her. Orpheus, son of Apollo and Calliope, a bard of Thrace, who
moved wild beasts and trees by his music (x. 1 — xi. 84). Ortygia, an isle on the coast of Sicily, the site of Syracuse.
Palamedes, son of Nauplius, one of the chiefs against Troy, put
to death by the wiles of Ulysses (xiii. 35-60). Pales, Italian goddess of cattle and pastures. Pallas (brandisker), a name of Minerva.
Parcve, the Fates or Destinies, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atrofos. Paris, son of Priam, who abducts Helen, and so brings on the
siege of Troy; slayer of Achilles (xii. 580-628). Pasiphae, daughter of the Sun, wife of Minos. Peleus, son of ^Eacus, king of Thessaly, father of Achilles. Penelope, daughter of Icarius and wife of Ulysses (Her. i. 1). Persephone, Greek name of Proserpina. Perseus, son of Jupiter and Danae, who slays Medusa and delivers
Andromeda (iv. 615-803). Phaethon, son of Clymene and Phoebus, who drives his father's
chariot for a day (ii. 1-400). Philemon, a pious rustic of Phrygia (viii. 620-724). Philoctetes, one of the Grecian chiefs at Troy, who held the
poisoned arrows of Hercules, without which Troy could not be
280 Ovid.
taken, and lay at Lesbos, wounded by them (xiii. 45-55,
3I3-339).
Philomela, sister of Progne, wife of Tereus ; changed to a night- ingale.
Phcebe, name of Diana, or the Moon.
Phoebus, name of Apollo, or the Sun.
Phrixus, son of Athamas, borne from Thessaly by the ram with golden fleece (see Helle).
Pirithous, son of Ixion, friend of Theseus, at whose marriage with Hippodamia befell the fight of the Centaurs and Lapithae.
Pleiades, daughters of Atlas, pursued by Orion, and changed to a group of stars.
Polyphemus, a Cyclops, son of Neptune, enamoured of Galatea (viii. 750-869).
Priamus, son of Laomedon, king of Troy.
Procris, wife of Cephalus, shot by him unwittingly with an arrow.
Progne, daughter of Pandion, wife of Tereus, who avenged her- self on him by killing his child Itys, and was changed to a swallow (see Itys).
Prometheus, son of Iapetos, who%fashioned men from clay, and bestowed on them fire stolen from heaven : chained by Jupiter to a rock of Caucasus, where his liver was torn by vultures.
Proserpina (Perse/>/ione), daughter of Jupiter and Ceres, who being stolen by Pluto, became queen of the Lower World.
Protesilaus, the first of the Greeks slain at the landing at Troy.
Proteus, a sea-divinity, son of Oceanus, having the power of con- verting himself into any form.
Pylus, a city in the west of the Peloponnesus, the kingdom of Nestor.
Pyrrha, daughter of Epimetheus, wife of Deucalion.
Pythagoras, a sage of Samos, about b. c. 550.
Romulus, first king of Rome, made a deity under the name Quiri- anus.
Saturnus (name of the old Italian god of husbandry) : in mytho- logy the same with Kronos, son of Uranus and Gaia, youngest of the Titans, father of Jupiter, by whom he is dethroned and banished.
Scylla : 1. daughter of Nisus of Megara, who betrayed her father to Minos, and was changed to a sea-mew {ciris) ; 2. a nymph, daughter of Phorcus, changed by Circe to a sea-monster in the waters of Sicily (xiv. 1-74).
Index of Prosper Names. 281
Semele, daughter of Cadmus, mother of Bacchus, blasted by the
lightnings of Jupiter (iii. 253-315). Silenus, an attendant of Bacchus (vi. 90-99). Sipylus, a mountain of Lydia, home of Tantalus and Niobe. Sirens, sea-maidens, who by their song enchanted mariners to
perish. Sisyphus, son of yEolus, famous for craft, condemned in Tartarus
to roll a stone for ever to a hill-top, from which it immediately
falls back. Sthenelus, king of Mycenae, son of Perseus, father of Eurystheus. Styx, a river of Hades, by which the gods swore their most
inviolable oath.
Tantalus, king of Lydia, son of Jupiter, father of Pelops and
Niobe (vi. 382-411 ; see note to vi. 172). Tartarus, the place of torment in the Lower World. Telamon, son of ^Eacus, king of Salamis, father of Ajax and
Teucer; a hero of the Calydonian Hunt and of the Argonautic
Expedition. Telemachus, son of Ulysses and Penelope. Tereus, king of Thrace, husband of Progne, changed to a hoopoe
(vi. 412-676). Tethys, wife of Oceanus, mother of the ocean-nymphs. Thalia, the Muse of Comedy.
Themis, goddess of justice, whose oracle was at Delphi (i. 379). Thersites, a deformed and malignant Greek at the siege of Troy
(xiii. 233). Theseus, son of ^Egeus, king of Athens, who slays the Minotaur,
and escapes from Crete by aid of Ariadne : a hero of the Caly- donian Hunt and Argonautic Expedition, who delivered the
land from many monsters. Thetis, a sea-nymph, mother of Achilles. Thyestes, brother of Atreus, by whom his two sons were killed
and served to him in a banquet. Titan, name of the eldest progeny of Heaven and Earth, and
poetically of the Sun. Tmolus, a mountain of Phrygia (xi. 151-171). Triptolemus, prince of Eleusis, instructed in agriculture by Ceres
(v. 645-661). Triton, son and attendant of Neptune : his form part human and
part that of a fish. Tritonis, an appellation of Minerva. Tydides (son of Tydeus), a name of Diomed.
282 Ovid.
Tyndarus, king of Sparta, father of Helen and Clytemnestra. Typhoeus, a monster, who warred against the gods and was buried by Jupiter beneath Mt. ./Etna.
Ulysses (Ulixes), son of Laertes, king of Ithaca, most crafty of the Grecian chiefs at Troy (xiii. 1-381 ; Her. i. 1).
Venus {Aphrodite), daughter of Jupiter and Dione, goddess of love and beauty.
Vertumnus, Italian god of the Seasons.
Vesper {Hesperus), the Evening Star.
Vesta {Hestia), daughter of Saturn, goddess of the hearth and the sacred fire.
Vulcanus (Hephaistos), or Mulciber, god of fire: his forge in ./Etna, and the Cyclopes his workmen, who forged the thunder- bolts of Jupiter.
Zephyrus, the west wind, son of Astraeus and Aurora. Zetes, one of the winged sons of Boreas and Orithyia, who accompanied the Argonauts (see Calais).
g,nnouiutmcnts.
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