Ritchie's Fabulae Faciles: RITCHIE'S FABULAE FACILES A FIRST LATIN READER

PERSEUS Acrisius, an ancient king of Argos, had been warned by an oracle that he should perish by the hand of his grandson. On discovering, therefore, that his daughter Danae had given birth to a son, Acrisius endeavored to escape his fate by setting both mother and child adrift on the sea. They were saved, however, by the help of Jupiter; and Perseus, the child, grew up at the court of Polydectes, king of Seriphos, an island in the Aegean Sea.

On reaching manhood, Perseus was sent by Polydectes to fetch the head of Medusa, one of the Gorgons. This dangerous task he accomplished with the help of Apollo and Minerva, and on his way home he rescued Andromeda, daughter of Cepheus, from a sea-monster. Perseus then married Andromeda, and lived some time in the country of Cepheus.

At length he returned to Seriphos, and turned Polydectes to stone by showing him the Gorgon's head; he then went to the court of Acrisius, who fled in terror at the news of his grandson's return. The oracle was duly fulfilled, for Acrisius was accidentally killed by a quoit thrown by Perseus.

1.THE ARK

Haec narrantur a poetis de Perseo. Perseus filius erat Iovis, maximi deorum; avus eius Acrisius appellabatur. Acrisius volebat Perseum nepotem suum necare; nam propter oraculum puerum timebat.

These things are told by the poets about Perseus. Perseus was the son of Jove, the greatest of the gods; his grandfather was called Acrisius. Acrisius wanted to kill Perseus, his grandson; for on account of an oracle he feared the boy.

Comprehendit igitur Perseum adhuc infantem, et cum matre in arca lignea inclusit. Tum arcam ipsam in mare coniecit. Danae, Persei mater, magnopere territa est; tempestas enim magna mare turbabat.

Therefore he apprehended Perseus, still an infant, and enclosed him with his mother in a wooden ark. Then he cast the ark itself into the sea. Danae, the mother of Perseus, was greatly terrified; for a great tempest was agitating the sea.

Perseus autem in sinu matris dormiebat.

Perseus, however, was sleeping in his mother’s lap.

2.JUPITER SAVES HIS SON

Iuppiter tamen haec omnia vidit, et filium suum servare constituit. Tranquillum igitur fecit mare, et arcam ad insulam Seriphum perduxit. Huius insulae Polydectes tum rex erat.

Jupiter, however, saw all these things, and determined to preserve his son. Therefore he made the sea tranquil, and conducted the ark to the island Seriphos. Of this island Polydectes was then king.

Postquam arca ad litus appulsa est, Danae in harena quietem capiebat. Post breve tempus a piscatore quodam reperta est, et ad domum regis Polydectis adducta est. Ille matrem et puerum benigne excepit, et iis sedem tutam in finibus suis dedit.

After the chest had been driven to the shore, Danae was taking rest on the sand. After a brief time she was found by a certain fisherman, and was conducted to the house of King Polydectes. He benignly received the mother and the boy, and gave them a secure residence within his borders.

Danae hoc donum libenter accepit, et pro tanto beneficio regi gratias egit.

Danae gladly accepted this gift, and for so great a benefaction she gave thanks to the king.

3.PERSEUS IS SENT ON HIS TRAVELS

Perseus igitur multos annos ibi habitabat, et cum matre sua vitam beatam agebat. At Polydectes Danaen magnopere amabat, atque eam in matrimonium ducere volebat. Hoc tamen consilium Perseo minime gratum erat.

Therefore Perseus for many years was dwelling there, and with his mother he was leading a blessed life. But Polydectes greatly loved Danae, and wished to lead her into matrimony. However, this plan was by no means pleasing to Perseus.

Polydectes igitur Perseum dimittere constituit. Tum iuvenem ad se vocavit et haec dixit: "Turpe est hanc ignavam vitam agere; iam dudum tu adulescens es. Quo usque hic manebis? Tempus est arma capere et virtutem praestare.

Therefore Polydectes resolved to send Perseus away. Then he called the youth to him and said these things: "It is disgraceful to lead this idle life; for a long time now you are a young man. How long will you remain here? It is time to take up arms and to display virtue."

Hinc abi, et caput Medusae mihi refer."

Begone hence, and bring back to me the head of Medusa."

4.PERSEUS GETS HIS OUTFIT

Perseus ubi haec audivit, ex insula discessit, et postquam ad continentem venit, Medusam quaesivit. Diu frustra quaerebat; namque naturam loci ignorabat. Tandem Apollo et Minerva viam demonstraverunt.

Perseus, when he heard these things, departed from the island, and after he came to the continent, he sought Medusa. For a long time he was seeking in vain; for indeed he was ignorant of the nature of the place. At last Apollo and Minerva pointed out the way.

Primum ad Graeas, sorores Medusae, pervenit. Ab his talaria et galeam magicam accepit. Apollo autem et Minerva falcem et speculum dederunt.

First he came to the Graeae, the sisters of Medusa. From them he received the talaria (winged sandals) and a magic helmet. But Apollo and Minerva gave a falx (sickle) and a speculum (mirror).

Tum postquam talaria pedibus induit, in aera ascendit. Diu per aera volabat; tandem tamen ad eum locum venit ubi Medusa cum ceteris Gorgonibus habitabat. Gorgones autem monstra erant specie horribili; capita enim earum anguibus omnino contecta erant.

Then after he had put the talaria (winged sandals) on his feet, he ascended into the air. For a long time he was flying through the air; at last, however, he came to the place where Medusa was dwelling with the other Gorgons. The Gorgons, moreover, were monsters of horrible aspect; for their heads were wholly covered with serpents.

Manus etiam ex aere factae erant.

The hands also had been made of bronze.

5.THE GORGON'S HEAD

Res difficillima erat caput Gorgonis abscidere; eius enim conspectu homines in saxum vertebantur. Propter hanc causam Minerva speculum Perseo dederat. Ille igitur tergum vertit, et in speculum inspiciebat; hoc modo ad locum venit ubi Medusa dormiebat.

It was a most difficult thing to cut off the Gorgon’s head; for at her sight men were turned into stone. For this cause Minerva had given a mirror to Perseus. Therefore he turned his back, and looked into the mirror; in this way he came to the place where Medusa was sleeping.

Tum falce sua caput eius uno ictu abscidit. Ceterae Gorgones statim e somno excitatae sunt, et ubi rem viderunt, ira commotae sunt. Arma rapuerunt, et Perseum occidere volebant.

Then with his own sickle he cut off her head with a single blow. The other Gorgons were immediately aroused from sleep, and when they saw the thing, they were moved with anger. They snatched up arms, and wished to kill Perseus.

Ille autem dum fugit, galeam magicam induit; et ubi hoc fecit, statim e conspectu earum evasit.

But he, while fleeing, donned the magic helmet; and when he had done this, he immediately escaped out of their sight.

6.THE SEA-SERPENT

Post haec Perseus in finis Aethiopum venit. Ibi Cepheus quidam illo tempore regnabat. Hic Neptunum, maris deum, olim offenderat; Neptunus autem monstrum saevissimum miserat.

After these things Perseus came into the borders of the Ethiopians. There a certain Cepheus was reigning at that time. This man had once offended Neptune, the god of the sea; but Neptune had sent a most savage monster.

Hoc cottidie e mari veniebat et homines devorabat. Ob hanc causam pavor animos omnium occupaverat. Cepheus igitur oraculum dei Hammonis consuluit, atque a deo iussus est filiam monstro tradere.

This came every day out of the sea and devoured people. On account of this cause, fear had occupied the minds of all. Cepheus therefore consulted the oracle of the god Hammon, and by the god was ordered to hand over his daughter to the monster.

Eius autem filia, nomine Andromeda, virgo formosissima erat. Cepheus ubi haec audivit, magnum dolorem percepit. Volebat tamen civis suos e tanto periculo extrahere, atque ob eam causam imperata Hammonis facere constituit.

His daughter, by name Andromeda, was a most beautiful virgin. When Cepheus heard these things, he perceived great grief. Nevertheless he wished to extract his citizens from so great a peril, and for that cause he resolved to carry out Hammon’s commands.

7.A HUMAN SACRIFICE

Tum rex diem certam dixit et omnia paravit. Ubi ea dies venit, Andromeda ad litus deducta est, et in conspectu omnium ad rupem adligata est. Omnes fatum eius deplorabant, nec lacrimas tenebant.

Then the king appointed a fixed day and prepared everything. When that day came, Andromeda was led down to the shore, and in the sight of all she was fastened to the rock. All were deploring her fate, nor were they holding back their tears.

At subito, dum monstrum exspectant, Perseus accurrit; et ubi lacrimas vidit, causam doloris quaerit. Illi rem totam exponunt et puellam demonstrant. Dum haec geruntur, fremitus terribilis auditur; simul monstrum horribili specie procul conspicitur.

But suddenly, while they are expecting the monster, Perseus runs up; and when he saw the tears, he asks the cause of the grief. They set forth the whole matter and point out the girl. While these things are being carried on, a terrible roar is heard; at the same time the monster, of horrible aspect, is seen from afar.

Eius conspectus timorem maximum omnibus iniecit. Monstrum magna celeritate ad litus contendit, iamque ad locum appropinquabat ubi puella stabat.

Its sight instilled the greatest fear into everyone. The monster with great celerity hastened to the shore, and now it was approaching the place where the girl stood.

8.THE RESCUE

At Perseus ubi haec vidit, gladium suum eduxit, et postquam talaria induit, in aera sublatus est. Tum desuper in monstrum impetum subito fecit, et gladio suo collum eius graviter vulneravit. Monstrum ubi sensit vulnus, fremitum horribilem edidit, et sine mora totum corpus in aquam mersit.

But when Perseus saw these things, he drew his sword, and after he put on the talaria, he was borne aloft into the air. Then from above he suddenly made an attack upon the monster, and with his sword grievously wounded its neck. When the monster felt the wound, it emitted a horrible roar, and without delay plunged its whole body into the water.

Perseus dum circum litus volat, reditum eius exspectabat. Mare autem interea undique sanguine inficitur. Post breve tempus belua rursus caput sustulit; mox tamen a Perseo ictu graviore vulnerata est.

While Perseus flies around the shore, he was awaiting its return. Meanwhile the sea is everywhere stained with blood. After a short time the beast again raised its head; soon, however, it was wounded by Perseus with a heavier blow.

Tum iterum se in undas mersit, neque postea visa est.

Then again it plunged into the waves, and was not seen thereafter.

9.THE REWARD OF VALOR

Perseus postquam ad litus descendit, primum talaria exuit; tum ad rupem venit ubi Andromeda vincta erat. Ea autem omnem spem salutis deposuerat, et ubi Perseus adiit, terrore paene exanimata erat. Ille vincula statim solvit, et puellam patri reddidit.

Perseus, after he descended to the shore, first doffed his talaria; then he came to the rock where Andromeda was bound. She, however, had laid aside all hope of salvation, and when Perseus approached, she was almost exanimate with terror. He immediately loosed the bonds, and gave the girl back to her father.

Cepheus ob hanc rem maximo gaudio adfectus est. Meritam gratiam pro tanto beneficio Perseo rettulit; praeterea Andromedam ipsam ei in matrimonium dedit. Ille libenter hoc donum accepit et puellam duxit.

Cepheus, on account of this matter, was affected with very great joy. He rendered the merited gratitude to Perseus for so great a benefaction; moreover, he gave Andromeda herself to him in marriage. He gladly accepted this gift and married the girl.

Paucos annos cum uxore sua in ea regione habitabat, et in magno honore erat apud omnis Aethiopes. Magnopere tamen matrem suam rursus videre cupiebat. Tandem igitur cum uxore sua e regno Cephei discessit.

For a few years he lived with his wife in that region, and he was in great honor among all the Ethiopians. Greatly, however, he desired to see his mother again. At length, therefore, he departed with his wife from the kingdom of Cepheus.

10.POLYDECTES IS TURNED TO STONE

Postquam Perseus ad insulam navem appulit, se ad locum contulit ubi mater olim habitaverat, sed domum invenit vacuam et omnino desertam. Tris dies per totam insulam matrem quaerebat; tandem quarto die ad templum Dianae pervenit. Huc Danae refugerat, quod Polydectem timebat.

After Perseus brought the ship to land at the island, he betook himself to the place where his mother had once lived, but he found the house empty and altogether deserted. For three days he was seeking his mother through the whole island; at last on the fourth day he arrived at the temple of Diana. Hither Danae had fled for refuge, because she was afraid of Polydectes.

Perseus ubi haec cognovit, ira magna commotus est; ad regiam Polydectis sine mora contendit, et ubi eo venit, statim in atrium inrupit. Polydectes magno timore adfectus est et fugere volebat. Dum tamen ille fugit, Perseus caput Medusae monstravit; ille autem simul atque hoc vidit, in saxum versus est.

When Perseus learned these things, he was moved with great anger; he hastened without delay to the palace of Polydectes, and when he came there, at once burst into the atrium. Polydectes was affected with great fear and wanted to flee. While, however, he was fleeing, Perseus showed the head of Medusa; but he, as soon as he saw this, was turned into stone.

II.THE ORACLE FULFILLED

2.THE ORACLE FULFILLED

Post haec Perseus cum uxore sua ad urbem Acrisi rediit. Ille autem ubi Perseum vidit, magno terrore adfectus est; nam propter oraculum istud nepotem suum adhuc timebat. In Thessaliam igitur ad urbem Larisam statim refugit, frustra tamen; neque enim fatum suum vitavit.

After these things Perseus returned with his wife to the city of Acrisius. But he, when he saw Perseus, was affected with great terror; for on account of that oracle he still feared his grandson. Therefore into Thessaly, to the city Larisa, he immediately fled for refuge, in vain, however; for he did not avoid his fate.

Post paucos annos rex Larisae ludos magnos fecit; nuntios in omnis partis dimiserat et diem edixerat. Multi ex omnibus urbibus Graeciae ad ludos convenerunt. Ipse Perseus inter alios certamen discorum iniit.

After a few years the king of Larisa held great games; he had sent messengers into all parts and had proclaimed the day. Many from all the cities of Greece convened for the games. Perseus himself, among others, entered the contest of the discus.

At dum discum conicit, avum suum casu occidit; Acrisius enim inter spectatores eius certaminis forte stabat.

But while he was hurling the discus, he accidentally killed his grandfather; for Acrisius happened to be standing among the spectators of his contest.

HERCULES Hercules, a Greek hero celebrated for his great strength, was pursued throughout his life by the hatred of Juno. While yet an infant, he strangled some serpents sent by the goddess to destroy him. During his boyhood and youth he performed various marvelous feats of strength, and on reaching manhood succeeded in delivering the Thebans from the oppression of the Minyae.

In a fit of madness sent upon him by Juno, he slew his own children; and on consulting the Delphic oracle as to how he should cleanse himself from this crime, he was ordered to submit himself for twelve years to Eurystheus, king of Tiryns, and to perform whatever tasks were appointed him. Hercules obeyed the oracle, and during the twelve years of his servitude accomplished twelve extraordinary feats known as the Labors of Hercules. His death was caused unintentionally by his wife Dejanira.

Hercules had shot with his poisoned arrows a centaur named Nessus, who had insulted Dejanira. Nessus, before he died, gave some of his blood to Dejanira, and told her it would act as a charm to secure her husband's love. Some time after, Dejanira wishing to try the charm soaked one of her husband's garments in the blood, not knowing that it was poisoned.

Hercules had shot a centaur named Nessus with his poisoned arrows, because he had insulted Dejanira. Before he died, Nessus gave some of his blood to Dejanira and told her it would act as a charm to secure her husband’s love. Some time after, wishing to test the charm, Dejanira soaked one of her husband’s garments in the blood, not knowing that it was poisoned.

Hercules put on the robe, and after suffering terrible torments died, or was carried off by his father Jupiter.

Hercules put on the robe, and after suffering terrible torments he died, or was carried off by his father Jupiter.

12.THE HATRED OF JUNO

Hercules, Alcmenae filius, olim in Graecia habitabat. Hic omnium hominum validissimus fuisse dicitur. At Iuno, regina deorum, Alcmenam oderat et Herculem adhuc infantem necare voluit.

Hercules, son of Alcmena, once inhabited Greece. He is said to have been the most powerful of all men. But Juno, queen of the gods, hated Alcmena and wished to slay Hercules while he was still an infant.

Misit igitur duas serpentis saevissimas; hae media nocte in cubiculum Alcmenae venerunt, ubi Hercules cum fratre suo dormiebat. Nec tamen in cunis, sed in scuto magno cubabant. Serpentes iam appropinquaverant et scutum movebant; itaque pueri e somno excitati sunt.

Therefore she sent two very savage serpents; these came in the middle of the night into Alcmene’s bedchamber, where Hercules was sleeping with his brother. Not, however, in cradles, but they were lying in a great shield. The serpents had now drawn near and were moving the shield; and so the boys were roused out of sleep.

13.HERCULES AND THE SERPENTS

Iphicles, frater Herculis, magna voce exclamavit; sed Hercules ipse, fortissimus puer, haudquaquam territus est. Parvis manibus serpentis statim prehendit, et colla earum magna vi compressit. Tali modo serpentes a puero interfectae sunt.

Iphicles, the brother of Hercules, exclaimed with a loud voice; but Hercules himself, a very brave boy, was not at all terrified. With his small hands he immediately seized the serpents, and compressed their necks with great force. In such a manner the serpents were killed by the boy.

Alcmena autem, mater puerorum, clamorem audiverat, et maritum suum e somno excitaverat. Ille lumen accendit et gladium suum rapuit; tum ad pueros properabat, sed ubi ad locum venit, rem miram vidit, Hercules enim ridebat et serpentis mortuas monstrabat.

But Alcmene, the mother of the boys, had heard the clamor, and had roused her husband from sleep. He kindled a light and seized his sword; then he was hastening to the boys, but when he came to the place, he saw a marvelous thing, for Hercules was laughing and pointing out the dead serpents.

14.THE MUSIC-LESSON

Hercules a puero corpus suum diligenter exercebat; magnam partem diei in palaestra consumebat; didicit etiam arcum intendere et tela conicere. His exercitationibus vires eius confirmatae sunt. In musica etiam a Lino centauro erudiebatur (centauri autem equi erant sed caput hominis habebant); huic tamen arti minus diligenter studebat.

Hercules from boyhood exercised his body diligently; he spent a great part of the day in the palestra; he also learned to stretch the bow and to hurl missiles. By these exercises his strength was confirmed. In music too he was being instructed by Linus the centaur (the centaurs, moreover, were horses but had the head of a man); yet he studied this art less diligently.

Hic Linus Herculem olim obiurgabat, quod non studiosus erat; tum puer iratus citharam subito rapuit, et omnibus viribus caput magistri infelicis percussit. Ille ictu prostratus est, et paulo post e vita excessit, neque quisquam postea id officium suscipere voluit.

Here Linus once was objurgating Hercules, because he was not studious; then the angry boy suddenly snatched up the cithara (lyre), and with all his strength struck the head of the unlucky teacher. He was prostrated by the blow, and a little later departed from life, nor did anyone afterwards wish to undertake that office.

15.HERCULES ESCAPES SACRIFICE

De Hercule haec etiam inter alia narrantur. Olim dum iter facit, in finis Aegyptiorum venit. Ibi rex quidam, nomine Busiris, illo tempore regnabat; hic autem vir crudelissimus homines immolare consueverat.

About Hercules these things also, among other things, are told. Once, while he was making a journey, he came into the borders of the Egyptians. There a certain king, by the name Busiris, was reigning at that time; however, this most cruel man had been accustomed to immolate human beings.

Herculem igitur corripuit et in vincula coniecit. Tum nuntios dimisit et diem sacrificio edixit. Mox ea dies appetebat, et omnia rite parata sunt.

Therefore he seized Hercules and cast him into chains. Then he sent out messengers and appointed a day for the sacrifice. Soon that day was approaching, and everything was duly prepared.

Manus Herculis catenis ferreis vinctae sunt, et mola salsa in caput eius inspersa est. Mos enim erat apud antiquos salem et far capitibus victimarum imponere. Iam victima ad aram stabat; iam sacerdos cultrum sumpserat.

The hands of Hercules were bound with iron chains, and salted meal was sprinkled upon his head. For the custom among the ancients was to place salt and spelt upon the heads of the victims. Already the victim was standing at the altar; already the priest had taken up the knife.

Subito tamen Hercules magno conatu vincula perrupit; tum ictu sacerdotem prostravit; altero regem ipsum occidit.

Suddenly, however, Hercules, with great effort, broke through the chains; then with one blow he prostrated the priest; with another he killed the king himself.

16.A CRUEL DEED

Hercules iam adulescens Thebis habitabat. Rex Thebarum, vir ignavus, Creon appellabatur. Minyae, gens bellicosissima, Thebanis finitimi erant.

Hercules, now an adolescent, was living at Thebes. The king of Thebes, a cowardly man, was called Creon. The Minyae, a most bellicose people, were neighbors to the Thebans.

Legati autem a Minyis ad Thebanos quotannis mittebantur; hi Thebas veniebant et centum boves postulabant. Thebani enim olim a Minyis superati erant; tributa igitur regi Minyarum quotannis pendebant. At Hercules civis suos hoc stipendio liberare constituit; legatos igitur comprehendit, atque auris eorum abscidit.

Moreover legates from the Minyans were sent to the Thebans every year; these came to Thebes and demanded a hundred oxen. For the Thebans had once been overcome by the Minyans; therefore they paid tributes annually to the king of the Minyans. But Hercules resolved to free his fellow citizens from this tribute; therefore he apprehended the legates and cut off their ears.

Legati autem apud omnis gentis sancti habentur.

But envoys are held sacred among all peoples.

17.THE DEFEAT OF THE MINYAE

Erginus, rex Minyarum, ob haec vehementer iratus statim cum omnibus copiis in finis Thebanorum contendit. Creon adventum eius per exploratores cognovit. Ipse tamen pugnare noluit, nam magno timore adfectus erat; Thebani igitur Herculem imperatorem creaverunt.

Erginus, king of the Minyae, on account of these things, vehemently enraged, immediately with all his forces pressed into the borders of the Thebans. Creon learned of his arrival through explorers. He himself, however, did not wish to fight, for he was affected by great fear; therefore the Thebans created Hercules commander.

Ille nuntios in omnis partis dimisit, et copias coegit; tum proximo die cum magno exercitu profectus est. Locum idoneum delegit et aciem instruxit. Tum Thebani e superiore loco impetum in hostis fecerunt.

He sent messengers into all parts, and collected the forces; then on the next day he set out with a great army. He selected a suitable place and arrayed the line of battle. Then the Thebans from higher ground made an attack upon the enemy.

Illi autem impetum sustinere non potuerunt; itaque acies hostium pulsa est atque in fugam conversa.

But they, however, were not able to sustain the attack; and so the enemy battle-line was driven back and turned to flight.

18.MADNESS AND MURDER

Post hoc proelium Hercules copias suas ad urbem reduxit. Omnes Thebani propter victoriam maxime gaudebant; Creon autem magnis honoribus Herculem decoravit, atque filiam suam ei in matrimonium dedit. Hercules cum uxore sua beatam vitam agebat; sed post paucos annos subito in furorem incidit, atque liberos suos ipse sua manu occidit.

After this battle Hercules led his forces back to the city. All the Thebans rejoiced greatly on account of the victory; but Creon adorned Hercules with great honors, and gave his daughter to him in matrimony. Hercules, with his wife, was living a blessed life; but after a few years he suddenly fell into madness, and killed his children with his own hand.

Post breve tempus ad sanitatem reductus est, et propter hoc facinus magno dolore adfectus est; mox ex urbe effugit et in silvas se recepit. Nolebant enim cives sermonem cum eo habere.

After a brief time he was restored to sanity, and on account of this deed he was affected with great grief; soon he fled out of the city and withdrew himself into the forests. For the citizens did not wish to have conversation with him.

19.HERCULES CONSULTS THE ORACLE

Hercules tantum scelus expiare magnopere cupiebat. Constituit igitur ad oraculum Delphicum ire; hoc enim oraculum erat omnium celeberrimum. Ibi templum erat Apollinis plurimis donis ornatum.

Hercules greatly desired to expiate so great a crime. Therefore he decided to go to the Delphic oracle; for this oracle was the most celebrated of all. There was a temple of Apollo adorned with very many gifts.

Hoc in templo sedebat femina quaedam, nomine Pythia et consilium dabat iis qui ad oraculum veniebant. Haec autem femina ab ipso Apolline docebatur, et voluntatem dei hominibus enuntiabat. Hercules igitur, qui Apollinem praecipue colebat, huc venit.

In this temple there sat a certain woman, by name the Pythia, and she gave counsel to those who came to the oracle. Moreover, this woman was taught by Apollo himself, and announced the will of the god to human beings. Therefore Hercules, who especially cultivated the worship of Apollo, came hither.

Tum rem totam exposuit, neque scelus celavit.

Then he exposed the whole matter, nor did he conceal the crime.

20.THE ORACLE'S REPLY

Ubi Hercules finem fecit, Pythia primo tacebat; tandem tamen iussit eum ad urbem Tiryntha ire, et Eurysthei regis omnia imperata facere. Hercules ubi haec audivit, ad urbem illam contendit, et Eurystheo regi se in servitutem tradidit. Duodecim annos crudelissimo Eurystheo serviebat, et duodecim labores, quos ille imperaverat, confecit; hoc enim uno modo tantum scelus expiari potuit.

When Hercules had made an end, the Pythia at first was silent; at length, however, she ordered him to go to the city Tiryns, and to perform all the commands of King Eurystheus. When Hercules heard these things, he hastened to that city, and delivered himself into servitude to King Eurystheus. For 12 years he served the most cruel Eurystheus, and he accomplished the 12 labors which that man had commanded; for in this one way alone could so great a crime be expiated.

De his laboribus plurima a poetis scripta sunt. Multa tamen quae poetae narrant vix credibilia sunt.

About these labors, very many things have been written by poets. Many things, however, which the poets narrate are scarcely credible.

21.FIRST LABOR: THE NEMEAN LION

Primum ab Eurystheo iussus est Hercules leonem occidere qui illo tempore vallem Nemeaeam reddebat infestam. In silvas igitur in quibus leo habitabat statim se contulit. Mox feram vidit, et arcum, quem secum attulerat, intendit; eius tamen pellem, quae densissima erat, traicere non potuit.

First Hercules was ordered by Eurystheus to kill a lion which at that time was making the Nemean valley unsafe. Therefore he at once betook himself into the forests in which the lion dwelt. Soon he saw the wild beast, and he bent the bow which he had brought with him; yet he could not pierce its hide, which was very thick.

Tum clava magna quam semper gerebat leonem percussit, frustra tamen; neque enim hoc modo eum occidere potuit. Tum demum collum monstri bracchiis suis complexus est et faucis eius omnibus viribus compressit. Hoc modo leo brevi tempore exanimatus est; nulla enim respirandi facultas ei dabatur.

Then he struck the lion with the great club which he always bore, in vain however; for he could not kill him in this way. Then at last, having enfolded the monster’s neck with his arms, he compressed its jaws with all his strength. In this manner the lion was exanimated in a short time; for no faculty of breathing was afforded to it.

Tum Hercules cadaver ad oppidum in umeris rettulit; et pellem, quam detraxerat, postea pro veste gerebat. Omnes autem qui eam regionem incolebant, ubi famam de morte leonis acceperunt, vehementer gaudebant et Herculem magno honore habebant.

Then Hercules carried the cadaver back to the town on his shoulders; and the pelt, which he had stripped off, he afterwards wore as a garment. But all who inhabited that region, when they received the report of the lion’s death, rejoiced greatly and held Hercules in great honor.

22.SECOND LABOR: THE LERNEAN HYDRA

Paulo post iussus est ab Eurystheo Hydram necare. Hoc autem monstrum erat cui novem erant capita. Hercules igitur cum amico Iolao profectus est ad paludem Lernaeam, in qua Hydra habitabat.

A little later he was ordered by Eurystheus to kill the Hydra. This monster, moreover, had nine heads. Hercules therefore set out with his friend Iolaus to the Lernaean marsh, in which the Hydra dwelt.

Mox monstrum invenit, et quamquam res erat magni periculi, collum eius sinistra prehendit. Tum dextra capita novem abscidere coepit; quotiens tamen hoc fecerat, nova capita exoriebantur. Diu frustra laborabat; tandem hoc conatu destitit.

Soon he found the monster, and although the matter was of great peril, he seized its neck with his left hand. Then with his right he began to cut off the nine heads; however, as often as he had done this, new heads arose. For a long time he labored in vain; at last he desisted from this endeavor.

Deinde arbores succidere et ignem accendere constituit. Hoc celeriter fecit, et postquam ligna ignem comprehenderunt, face ardente colla adussit, unde capita exoriebantur. Nec tamen sine magno labore haec fecit; venit enim auxilio Hydrae cancer ingens, qui, dum Hercules capita abscidit, crura eius mordebat.

Then he resolved to fell trees and to kindle a fire. This he did swiftly, and after the wood had caught fire, with an ardent torch he seared the necks from which the heads were arising. Yet he did not do these things without great labor; for to the Hydra’s aid there came a huge crab which, while Hercules was cutting off the heads, was biting his legs.

Postquam monstrum tali modo interfecit, sagittas suas sanguine eius imbuit, itaque mortiferas reddidit.

After he killed the monster in such a manner, he imbued his arrows with its blood, and thus rendered them mortiferous.

23.THIRD LABOR: THE CERYNEAN STAG

Postquam Eurystheo caedes Hydrae nuntiata est, magnus timor animum eius occupavit. Iussit igitur Herculem cervum quendam ad se referre; noluit enim virum tantae audaciae in urbe retinere. Hic autem cervus, cuius cornua aurea fuisse traduntur, incredibili fuit celeritate.

After the slaughter of the Hydra was announced to Eurystheus, great fear seized his mind. Therefore he ordered Hercules to bring back to him a certain stag; for he did not wish to retain in the city a man of such great audacity. This stag, however, whose horns are handed down to have been golden, was of incredible celerity.

Hercules igitur primo vestigiis eum in silva persequebatur; deinde ubi cervum ipsum vidit, omnibus viribus currere coepit. Usque ad vesperum currebat, �neque nocturnum tempus sibi ad quietem relinquebat, frustra tamen; nullo enim modo cervum consequi poterat. Tandem postquam totum annum cucurrerat (ita traditur), cervum cursu exanimatum cepit, et vivum ad Eurystheum rettulit.

Hercules, therefore, at first was pursuing him by the footprints in the forest; then, when he saw the stag itself, he began to run with all his strength. He ran until evening, nor did he leave the nocturnal time to himself for rest, yet in vain; for in no way could he overtake the stag. At last, after he had run a whole year (so it is handed down), he seized the stag, exhausted by running, and brought it back alive to Eurystheus.

24.FOURTH LABOR: THE ERYMANTHIAN BOAR

Tum vero iussus est Hercules aprum quendam capere qui illo tempore agros Erymanthios vastabat et incolas huius regionis magnopere terrebat. Hercules rem suscepit et in Arcadiam profectus est. Postquam in silvam paulum progressus est, apro occurrit.

Then indeed Hercules was ordered to capture a certain boar which at that time was ravaging the Erymanthian fields and greatly terrifying the inhabitants of this region. Hercules undertook the matter and set out into Arcadia. After he had advanced a little into the forest, he met the boar.

Ille autem simul atque Herculem vidit, statim refugit; et timore perterritus in altam fossam se proiecit. Hercules igitur laqueum quem attulerat iniecit, et summa cum difficultate aprum e fossa extraxit. Ille etsi fortiter repugnabat, nullo modo se liberare potuit; et ab Hercule ad Eurystheum vivus relatus est.

He, however, as soon as he saw Hercules, immediately fled back; and, panic-struck with fear, hurled himself into a deep ditch. Hercules therefore cast the noose which he had brought, and with the greatest difficulty dragged the boar out of the ditch. Although he was fighting back bravely, he could by no means free himself; and he was brought alive by Hercules to Eurystheus.

25.HERCULES AT THE CENTAUR'S CAVE

De quarto labore, quem supra narravimus, haec etiam traduntur. Hercules dum iter in Arcadiam facit, ad eam regionem venit quam centauri incolebant. Cum nox iam appeteret, ad speluncam devertit in qua centaurus quidam, nomine Pholus, habitabat.

Concerning the fourth labor, which we narrated above, these things also are handed down. Hercules, while making a journey into Arcadia, came to that region which the Centaurs inhabited. When night was now approaching, he turned aside to a cave in which a certain Centaur, by the name Pholus, was dwelling.

Ille Herculem benigne excepit et cenam paravit. At Hercules postquam cenavit, vinum a Pholo postulavit. Erat autem in spelunca magna amphora vino optimo repleta, quam centauri ibi deposuerant.

He kindly received Hercules and prepared dinner. But Hercules, after he had dined, asked Pholus for wine. Now there was in the cave a large amphora replete with excellent wine, which the centaurs had deposited there.

Pholus igitur hoc vinum dare nolebat, quod reliquos centauros timebat; nullum tamen vinum praeter hoc in spelunca habebat. "Hoc vinum," inquit, "mihi commissum est. Si igitur hoc dabo, centauri me interficient." Hercules tamen eum inrisit, et ipse poculum vini de amphora hausit.

Pholus therefore was unwilling to give this wine, because he feared the other centaurs; yet he had no wine in the cave except this. “This wine,” he said, “has been entrusted to me. If therefore I give this, the centaurs will kill me.” Nevertheless Hercules mocked him, and he himself quaffed a cup of wine from the amphora.

26.THE FIGHT WITH THE CENTAURS

Simul atque amphora aperta est, odor iucundissimus undique diffusus est; vinum enim suavissimum erat. Centauri notum odorem senserunt et omnes ad locum convenerunt.

As soon as the amphora was opened, a most pleasant odor was diffused on all sides; for the wine was most sweet. The Centaurs sensed the known odor and all gathered at the place.

Ubi ad speluncam pervenerunt, magnopere irati erant quod Herculem bibentem viderunt. Tum arma rapuerunt et Pholum interficere volebant. Hercules tamen in aditu speluncae constitit et impetum eorum fortissime sustinebat.

When they came to the cave, they were greatly enraged because they saw Hercules drinking. Then they seized arms and wanted to kill Pholus. Hercules, however, stood at the adit of the cave and most bravely sustained their assault.

Faces ardentis in eos coniecit; multos etiam sagittis suis vulneravit. Hae autem sagittae eaedem erant quae sanguine Hydrae olim imbutae erant. Omnes igitur quos ille sagittis vulneraverat veneno statim absumpti sunt; reliqui autem ubi hoc viderunt, terga verterunt et fuga salutem petierunt.

He cast ardent torches at them; he also wounded many with his own arrows. Now these arrows were the very same that had once been imbued with the blood of the Hydra. Therefore all whom he had wounded with the arrows were immediately consumed by the venom; but the rest, when they saw this, turned their backs and sought safety in flight.

27.THE FATE OF PHOLUS

Postquam reliqui fugerunt, Pholus ex spelunca egressus est, et corpora spectabat eorum qui sagittis interfecti erant. Magnopere autem miratus est quod tam levi vulnere exanimati erant, et causam eius rei quaerebat. Adiit igitur locum ubi cadaver cuiusdam centauri iacebat, et sagittam e vulnere traxit.

After the rest had fled, Pholus came forth from the cave, and was looking at the corpses of those who had been slain by arrows. He marveled greatly, moreover, that they had been rendered lifeless by so slight a wound, and he was inquiring into the cause of this matter. Therefore he went to the place where the corpse of a certain centaur was lying, and drew the arrow from the wound.

Haec tamen sive casu sive consilio deorum e manibus eius lapsa est, et pedem leviter vulneravit. Ille extemplo dolorem gravem per omnia membra sensit, et post breve tempus vi veneni exanimatus est. Mox Hercules, qui reliquos centauros secutus erat, ad speluncam rediit, et magno cum dolore Pholum mortuum vidit.

This, however, whether by chance or by the counsel of the gods, slipped from his hands and lightly wounded his foot. He immediately felt grievous pain through all his limbs, and after a short time was rendered lifeless by the force of the venom. Soon Hercules, who had followed the remaining centaurs, returned to the cave, and with great sorrow saw Pholus dead.

Multis cum lacrimis corpus amici ad sepulturam dedit; tum, postquam alterum poculum vini exhausit, somno se dedit.

With many tears he gave the body of his friend to burial; then, after he drained another cup of wine, he gave himself to sleep.

28.FIFTH LABOR: THE AUGEAN STABLES

Deinde Eurystheus Herculi hunc laborem graviorem imposuit. Augeas quidam, qui illo tempore regnum in Elide obtinebat, tria milia boum habebat. Hi in stabulo ingentis magnitudinis includebantur.

Then Eurystheus imposed upon Hercules this more grievous labor. A certain Augeas, who at that time was holding the kingdom in Elis, had three thousand cattle. These were enclosed in a stable of enormous magnitude.

Stabulum autem inluvie ac squalore erat obsitum, neque enim ad hoc tempus umquam purgatum erat. Hoc Hercules intra spatium unius diei purgare iussus est. Ille, etsi res erat multae operae, negotium suscepit.

The stable, moreover, was covered with filth and squalor, for up to this time it had never been cleaned. Hercules was ordered to cleanse this within the space of one day. He, although the matter was of much labor, undertook the business.

Primum magno labore fossam duodeviginti pedum duxit, per quam fluminis aquam de montibus ad murum stabuli perduxit. Tum postquam murum perrupit, aquam in stabulum immisit et tali modo contra opinionem omnium opus confecit.

First, with great labor, he dug a trench of eighteen feet, through which he conducted the river’s water from the mountains to the wall of the stable. Then, after he broke through the wall, he let the water into the stable, and in such a manner, contrary to the expectation of all, he completed the work.

29.SIXTH LABOR: THE STYMPHALIAN BIRDS

Post paucos dies Hercules ad oppidum Stymphalum iter fecit; imperaverat enim ei Eurystheus ut avis Stymphalides necaret. Hae aves rostra aenea habebant et carne hominum vescebantur. Ille postquam ad locum pervenit, lacum vidit; in hoc autem lacu, qui non procul erat ab oppido, aves habitabant.

After a few days Hercules made a journey to the town of Stymphalus; for Eurystheus had commanded him to slay the Stymphalian birds. These birds had bronze beaks and fed on the flesh of human beings. He, after he arrived at the place, saw a lake; and in this lake, which was not far from the town, the birds were dwelling.

Nulla tamen dabatur appropinquandi facultas; lacus enim non ex aqua sed e limo constitit. Hercules igitur neque pedibus neque lintre progredi potuit.

No means of approaching was given, however; for the lake consisted not of water but of mud. Therefore Hercules could proceed neither on foot nor by skiff.

Ille cum magnam partem diei frustra consumpsisset, hoc conatu destitit et ad Volcanum se contulit, ut auxilium ab eo peteret. Volcanus (qui ab fabris maxime colebatur) crepundia quae ipse ex aere fabricatus erat Herculi dedit. His Hercules tam acrem crepitum fecit ut aves perterritae avolarent.

He, when he had consumed a great part of the day in vain, desisted from this attempt and betook himself to Vulcan, to seek help from him. Vulcan (who was especially worshiped by smiths) gave to Hercules rattles which he himself had fabricated out of bronze. With these Hercules made so sharp a rattling that the birds, thoroughly frightened, flew away.

Ille autem, dum avolant, magnum numerum earum sagittis transfixit.

He, however, while they were flying off, transfixed a great number of them with arrows.

30.SEVENTH LABOR: THE CRETAN BULL

Tum Eurystheus Herculi imperavit ut taurum quendam ferocissimum ex insula Creta vivum referret. Ille igitur navem conscendit, et cum ventus idoneus esset, statim solvit. Cum tamen insulae iam appropinquaret, tanta tempestas subito coorta est ut navis cursum tenere non posset.

Then Eurystheus commanded Hercules to bring back alive a certain most ferocious bull from the island of Crete. He therefore boarded a ship, and since the wind was suitable, he straightway set sail. However, when he was now approaching the island, so great a tempest suddenly arose that the ship could not hold its course.

Tantus autem timor animos nautarum occupavit ut paene omnem spem salutis deponerent. Hercules tamen, etsi navigandi imperitus erat, haudquaquam territus est.

So great a fear seized the mariners’ minds that they almost laid aside all hope of safety. Hercules, however, although he was unskilled in navigation, was by no means terrified.

Post breve tempus summa tranquillitas consecuta est, et nautae, qui se ex timore iam receperant, navem incolumem ad terram appulerunt. Hercules e navi egressus est, et cum ad regem Cretae venisset, causam veniendi docuit. Deinde, postquam omnia parata sunt, ad eam regionem contendit quam taurus vastabat.

After a brief time the utmost tranquility followed, and the sailors, who had now recovered themselves from fear, brought the ship safe to land. Hercules disembarked from the ship, and when he had come to the king of Crete, he explained the cause of his coming. Then, after everything was prepared, he hastened to the region which the bull was devastating.

Mox taurum vidit, et quamquam res erat magni periculi, cornua eius prehendit. Tum, cum ingenti labore monstrum ad navem traxisset, cum praeda in Graeciam rediit.

Soon he saw the bull, and although the affair was of great peril, he seized its horns. Then, when with immense labor he had dragged the monster to the ship, he returned to Greece with the prey.

31.EIGHTH LABOR: THE MAN-EATING HORSES OF DIOMEDE

Postquam ex insula Creta rediit, Hercules ab Eurystheo in Thraciam missus est, ut equos Diomedis reduceret. Hi equi carne hominum vescebantur; Diomedes autem, vir crudelissimus, illis obiciebat peregrinos omnis qui in eam regionem venerant. Hercules igitur magna celeritate in Thraciam contendit et ab Diomede postulavit ut equi sibi traderentur.

After he returned from the island of Crete, Hercules was sent by Eurystheus into Thrace, to bring back the horses of Diomedes. These horses fed on the flesh of men; but Diomedes, a most cruel man, used to cast before them all foreigners who had come into that region. Therefore Hercules with great celerity hastened into Thrace and demanded from Diomedes that the horses be handed over to himself.

Cum tamen ille hoc facere nollet, Hercules ira commotus regem interfecit et cadaver eius equis obici iussit.

Although he was unwilling to do this, Hercules, moved by ire, killed the king and ordered his cadaver to be cast before the horses.

Ita mira rerum commutatio facta est; is enim qui antea multos cum cruciatu necaverat ipse eodem supplicio necatus est. Cum haec nuntiata essent, omnes qui eam regionem incolebant maxima laetitia adfecti sunt et Herculi meritam gratiam referebant. Non modo maximis honoribus et praemiis eum decoraverunt sed orabant etiam ut regnum ipse susciperet.

Thus a wondrous change of affairs was brought about; for he who previously had killed many with torture was himself killed by the same punishment. When these things had been announced, all who inhabited that region were affected with the greatest joy and rendered to Hercules the gratitude he had merited. They not only adorned him with the greatest honors and rewards, but were also begging that he himself take up the kingship.

Ille tamen hoc facere nolebat, et cum ad mare rediisset, navem occupavit. Ubi omnia ad navigandum parata sunt, equos in navi conlocavit; deinde, cum idoneam tempestatem nactus esset, sine mora e portu solvit, et paulo post equos in litus Argolicum exposuit.

He, however, was unwilling to do this, and when he had returned to the sea, he seized a ship. When everything for navigation was prepared, he placed the horses on the ship; then, having found a suitable tempest, without delay he loosed from the port, and a little later he set the horses ashore on the Argolic coast.

32.NINTH LABOR: THE GIRDLE OF HIPPOLYTE

Gens Amazonum dicitur omnino ex mulieribus constitisse. Hae summam scientiam rei militaris habebant, et tantam virtutem adhibebant ut cum viris proelium committere auderent. Hippolyte, Amazonum regina, balteum habuit celeberrimum quem Mars ei dederat.

The nation of the Amazons is said to have consisted entirely of women. These possessed the highest science of the military art, and they exercised such valor that they dared to join battle with men. Hippolyte, queen of the Amazons, had a most celebrated girdle, which Mars had given to her.

Admeta autem, Eurysthei filia, famam de hoc balteo acceperat et eum possidere vehementer cupiebat. Eurystheus igitur Herculi mandavit ut copias cogeret et bellum Amazonibus inferret. Ille nuntios in omnis partis dimisit, et cum magna multitudo convenisset, eos delegit qui maximum usum in re militari habebant.

Admeta, however, the daughter of Eurystheus, had received a report about this girdle and was vehemently desiring to possess it. Therefore Eurystheus mandated to Hercules that he should muster forces and bring war upon the Amazons. He dispatched messengers into all quarters, and when a great multitude had convened, he selected those who had the greatest experience in the military art.

33.THE GIRDLE IS REFUSED

His viris Hercules persuasit, postquam causam itineris exposuit, ut secum iter facerent. Tum cum iis quibus persuaserat navem conscendit, et cum ventus idoneus esset, post paucos dies ad ostium fluminis Thermodontis appulit. Postquam in finis Amazonum venit, nuntium ad Hippolytam misit, qui causam veniendi doceret et balteum posceret.

Hercules persuaded these men, after he had set forth the cause of the journey, to make the journey with him. Then, with those whom he had persuaded, he boarded a ship, and, since the wind was suitable, after a few days he put in at the mouth of the river Thermodon. After he came into the territory of the Amazons, he sent a messenger to Hippolyta, to explain the reason for his coming and to demand the girdle.

Ipsa Hippolyte balteum tradere volebat, quod de Herculis virtute famam acceperat; reliquae tamen Amazones ei persuaserunt ut negaret. At Hercules, cum haec nuntiata essent, belli fortunam temptare constituit.

Hippolyta herself wished to hand over the girdle, because she had received report of Hercules’s virtue (prowess); nevertheless the rest of the Amazons persuaded her to refuse. But Hercules, when these things had been announced, resolved to try the fortune of war.

Proximo igitur die cum copias eduxisset, locum idoneum delegit et hostis ad pugnam evocavit. Amazones quoque copias suas ex castris eduxerunt et non magno intervallo ab Hercule aciem instruxerunt.

Therefore on the next day, when he had led forth his forces, he chose a suitable place and summoned the enemy to battle. The Amazons also led forth their forces from the camp, and at no great interval from Hercules they drew up their line of battle.

34.THE BATTLE

Palus erat non magna inter duo exercitus; neutri tamen initium transeundi facere volebant. Tandem Hercules signum dedit, et ubi paludem transiit, proelium commisit.

There was a not great marsh between the two armies; neither, however, wished to make a beginning of crossing. At length Hercules gave the signal, and when he crossed the marsh, he committed the battle.

Amazones impetum virorum fortissime sustinuerunt, et contra opinionem omnium tantam virtutem praestiterunt ut multos eorum occiderint, multos etiam in fugam coniecerint. Viri enim novo genere pugnae perturbabantur nec magnam virtutem praestabant. Hercules autem cum haec videret, de suis fortunis desperare coepit.

The Amazons most bravely sustained the attack of the men, and contrary to the opinion of all they exhibited such virtue (prowess) that they slew many of them and even drove many into flight. For the men were disturbed by the new kind of combat and did not display great virtue. But Hercules, when he saw these things, began to despair of his fortunes.

Milites igitur vehementer cohortatus est ut pristinae virtutis memoriam retinerent neu tantum dedecus admitterent, hostiumque impetum fortiter sustinerent; quibus verbis animos omnium ita erexit ut multi etiam qui vulneribus confecti essent proelium sine mora redintegrarent.

Therefore he vehemently exhorted the soldiers to retain the memory of their pristine virtue and not admit so great a disgrace, and to withstand the enemies’ assault bravely; by which words he so raised the spirits of all that many, even who had been worn out by wounds, renewed the battle without delay.

35.THE DEFEAT OF THE AMAZONS

Diu et acriter pugnatum est; tandem tamen ad solis occasum tanta commutatio rerum facta est ut mulieres terga verterent et fuga salutem peterent. Multae autem vulneribus defessae dum fugiunt captae sunt, in quo numero ipsa erat Hippolyte. Hercules summam clementiam praestitit, et postquam balteum accepit, libertatem omnibus captivis dedit.

For a long time and fiercely it was fought; at last, however, toward sunset so great a change of affairs took place that the women turned their backs and sought safety in flight. Many, however, exhausted by wounds, were captured as they fled, among whom was Hippolyte herself. Hercules displayed the highest clemency, and after he received the belt, he granted freedom to all the captives.

Tum vero socios ad mare reduxit, et quod non multum aestatis supererat, in Graeciam proficisci maturavit. Navem igitur conscendit, et tempestatem idoneam nactus statim solvit; antequam tamen in Graeciam pervenit, ad urbem Troiam navem appellere constituit, frumentum enim quod secum habebat iam deficere coeperat.

Then indeed he led his comrades back to the sea, and because not much of summer remained, he hastened to set out for Greece. Therefore he boarded the ship, and, having found favorable weather, he immediately set sail; before, however, he reached Greece, he decided to put in at the city of Troy, for the grain which he had with him had already begun to fail.

36.LAOMEDON AND THE SEA-MONSTER

Laomedon quidam illo tempore regnum Troiae obtinebat. Ad hunc Neptunus et Apollo anno superiore venerant, et cum Troia nondum moenia haberet, ad hoc opus auxilium obtulerant. Postquam tamen horum auxilio moenia confecta sunt, nolebat Laomedon praemium quod proposuerat persolvere.

Laomedon, a certain man, at that time held the kingdom of Troy. To him Neptune and Apollo had come in the previous year, and, since Troy did not yet have walls, they had offered help for this work. After, however, the walls were completed by the aid of these, Laomedon was unwilling to pay the reward which he had proposed.

Neptunus igitur et Apollo ob hanc causam irati monstrum quoddam miserunt specie horribili, quod cottidie e mari veniebat et homines pecudesque vorabat. Troiani autem timore perterriti in urbe continebantur, et pecora omnia ex agris intra muros compulerant. Laomedon his rebus commotus oraculum consuluit, ac deus ei praecepit ut filiam Hesionem monstro obiceret.

Neptune therefore and Apollo, angered for this cause, sent a certain monster of horrible appearance, which came daily from the sea and devoured men and livestock. But the Trojans, panic-stricken with fear, were kept within the city, and they had driven all the herds from the fields inside the walls. Laomedon, moved by these circumstances, consulted an oracle, and the god commanded him to expose his daughter Hesione to the monster.

37.THE RESCUE OF HESIONE

Laomedon, cum hoc responsum renuntiatum esset, magnum dolorem percepit; sed tamen, ut civis suos tanto periculo liberaret, oraculo parere constituit et diem sacrificio dixit. Sed sive casu sive consilio deorum Hercules tempore opportunissimo Troiam attigit; ipso enim temporis puncto quo puella catenis vincta ad litus deducebatur ille navem appulit. Hercules e navi egressus de rebus quae gerebantur certior factus est; tum ira commotus ad regem se contulit et auxilium suum obtulit.

Laomedon, when this response had been reported, felt great grief; but nevertheless, in order to free his citizens from so great a peril, he resolved to obey the oracle and appointed a day for the sacrifice. But whether by chance or by the counsel of the gods, Hercules reached Troy at the most opportune time; for at that very point of time when the girl, bound with chains, was being led down to the shore, he brought his ship to land. Hercules, having gone out from the ship, was informed about the things that were going on; then, moved by anger, he betook himself to the king and offered his aid.

Cum rex libenter ei concessisset ut, si posset, puellam liberaret, Hercules monstrum interfecit; et puellam, quae iam omnem spem salutis deposuerat, incolumem ad patrem reduxit. Laomedon magno cum gaudio filiam suam accepit, et Herculi pro tanto beneficio meritam gratiam rettulit.

When the king had willingly conceded to him that, if he could, he should free the girl, Hercules slew the monster; and the girl, who had already laid aside all hope of safety, he led back unharmed to her father. Laomedon received his daughter with great joy, and rendered to Hercules merited gratitude for so great a benefice.

38.TENTH LABOR: THE OXEN OF GERYON

Tum vero missus est Hercules ad insulam Erythiam, ut boves Geryonis arcesseret. Res erat summae difficultatis, quod boves a quodam Eurytione et a cane bicipite custodiebantur. Ipse autem Geryon speciem horribilem praebebat; tria enim corpora inter se coniuncta habebat.

Then indeed Hercules was sent to the island Erythia, to summon the oxen of Geryon. The matter was of the highest difficulty, because the oxen were guarded by a certain Eurytion and by a two-headed dog. Geryon himself presented a horrible appearance; for he had three bodies joined together.

Hercules tamen etsi intellegebat quantum periculum esset, negotium suscepit; ac postquam per multas terras iter fecit, ad eam partem Libyae pervenit quae Europae proxima est. Ibi in utroque litore freti quod Europam a Libya dividit columnas constituit, quae postea Herculis Columnae appellabantur.

Hercules, nevertheless, although he understood how great the peril was, undertook the undertaking; and after he had made a journey through many lands, he arrived at that part of Libya which is nearest to Europe. There on each shore of the strait which divides Europe from Libya he set up columns, which afterward were called the Columns of Hercules.

39.THE GOLDEN SHIP

Dum hic moratur, Hercules magnum incommodum ex calore solis accipiebat; tandem igitur ira commotus arcum suum intendit et solem sagittis petiit. Sol tamen audaciam viri tantum admiratus est ut lintrem auream ei dederit. Hercules hoc donum libentissime accepit, nullam enim navem in his regionibus invenire potuerat.

While he was lingering here, Hercules was receiving great inconvenience from the heat of the Sun; therefore at last, moved by ire, he drew his bow and assailed the Sun with arrows. The Sun, however, so admired the man’s audacity that he gave him a golden skiff. Hercules accepted this gift most gladly, for he had been able to find no ship in these regions.

Tum lintrem deduxit, et ventum nactus idoneum post breve tempus ad insulam pervenit. Ubi ex incolis cognovit quo in loco boves essent, in eam partem statim profectus est et a rege Geryone postulavit ut boves sibi traderentur. Cum tamen ille hoc facere nollet, Hercules et regem ipsum et Eurytionem, qui erat ingenti magnitudine corporis, interfecit.

Then he launched the skiff, and, having found a suitable wind, after a short time he arrived at the island. There, when he learned from the inhabitants in what place the cattle were, he set out at once in that direction and demanded of King Geryon that the cattle be handed over to him. Since, however, he was unwilling to do this, Hercules slew both the king himself and Eurytion, who was of enormous magnitude of body.

40.A MIRACULOUS HAIL-STORM

Tum Hercules boves per Hispaniam et Liguriam compellere constituit; postquam igitur omnia parata sunt, boves ex insula ad continentem transportavit. Ligures autem, gens bellicosissima, dum ille per finis eorum iter facit, magnas copias coegerunt atque eum longius progredi prohibebant. Hercules magnam difficultatem habebat, barbari enim in locis superioribus constiterant et saxa telaque in eum coniciebant.

Then Hercules determined to drive the cattle through Hispania and Liguria; after, therefore, all things had been prepared, he transported the cattle from the island to the continent. But the Ligures, a most bellicose nation, while he was making a journey through their borders, gathered great forces and were preventing him from advancing farther. Hercules was having great difficulty, for the barbarians had taken their stand in higher positions and were hurling rocks and missiles at him.

Ille quidem paene omnem spem salutis deposuerat, sed tempore opportunissimo Iuppiter imbrem lapidum ingentium e caelo demisit. Hi tanta vi ceciderunt ut magnum numerum Ligurum occiderint; ipse tamen Hercules (ut in talibus rebus accidere consuevit) nihil incommodi cepit.

He indeed had almost laid aside all hope of safety, but at the most opportune time Jupiter sent down from heaven a shower of huge stones. These fell with such force that they killed a great number of the Ligurians; Hercules himself, however (as is accustomed to happen in such matters), suffered no inconvenience.

41.THE PASSAGE OF THE ALPS

Postquam Ligures hoc modo superati sunt, Hercules quam celerrime progressus est et post paucos dies ad Alpis pervenit. Necesse erat has transire, ut in Italiam boves ageret; res tamen summae erat difficultatis. Hi enim montes, qui ulteriorem a citeriore Gallia dividunt, nive perenni sunt tecti; quam ob causam neque frumentum neque pabulum in his regionibus inveniri potest.

After the Ligurians had been overcome in this way, Hercules advanced as swiftly as possible and after a few days reached the Alps. It was necessary to cross these, in order to drive the cattle into Italy; the matter, however, was of the greatest difficulty. For these mountains, which divide Further from Hither Gaul, are covered with perennial snow; for which cause neither grain nor fodder can be found in these regions.

Hercules igitur antequam ascendere coepit, magnam copiam frumenti et pabuli comparavit et hoc commeatu boves oneravit. Postquam in his rebus tris dies consumpserat, quarto die profectus est, et contra omnium opinionem boves incolumis in Italiam traduxit.

Therefore Hercules, before he began to ascend, procured a great supply of grain and fodder and with this provision he loaded the cattle. After he had spent three days on these matters, on the fourth day he set out, and contrary to everyone’s expectation he led the cattle safe into Italy.

42.CACUS STEALS THE OXEN

Brevi tempore ad flumen Tiberim venit. Tum tamen nulla erat urbs in eo loco, Roma enim nondum condita erat. Hercules itinere fessus constituit ibi paucos dies morari, ut se ex laboribus recrearet.

In a short time he came to the river Tiber. Then, however, there was no city in that place, for Rome had not yet been founded. Hercules, weary from the journey, decided to tarry there for a few days, so that he might refresh himself from his labors.

Haud procul a valle ubi boves pascebantur spelunca erat, in qua Cacus, horribile monstrum, tum habitabat. Hic speciem terribilem praebebat, non modo quod ingenti magnitudine corporis erat, sed quod ignem ex ore exspirabat. Cacus autem de adventu Herculis famam acceperat; noctu igitur venit, et dum Hercules dormit, quattuor pulcherrimorum boum abripuit.

Not far from the valley where the oxen were being pastured there was a cave, in which Cacus, a horrible monster, was then dwelling. He presented a terrible appearance, not only because he was of enormous magnitude of body, but because he exhaled fire from his mouth. Moreover, Cacus had received report of the advent of Hercules; by night therefore he came, and while Hercules slept, he carried off four of the most beautiful oxen.

Hos caudis in speluncam traxit, ne Hercules e vestigiis cognoscere posset quo in loco celati essent.

He dragged them by the tails into the cave, so that Hercules could not recognize from the tracks in what place they had been hidden.

43.HERCULES DISCOVERS THE THEFT

Postero die simul atque e somno excitatus est, Hercules furtum animadvertit et boves amissos omnibus locis quaerebat. Hos tamen nusquam reperire poterat, non modo quod loci naturam ignorabat, sed quod vestigiis falsis deceptus est. Tandem cum magnam partem diei frustra consumpsisset, cum reliquis bobus progredi constituit.

On the next day, as soon as he was awakened from sleep, Hercules perceived the theft and was searching everywhere for the lost oxen. These, however, he could find nowhere, not only because he did not know the nature of the place, but because he was deceived by false tracks. At length, when he had consumed a great part of the day in vain, he resolved to proceed with the remaining oxen.

At dum proficisci parat, unus e bobus quos secum habuit mugire coepit. Subito ii qui in spelunca inclusi erant mugitum reddiderunt, et hoc modo Herculem certiorem fecerunt quo in loco celati essent. Ille vehementer iratus ad speluncam quam celerrime se contulit, ut praedam reciperet.

But while he was preparing to set out, one of the cattle which he had with him began to low. Suddenly those who were shut up in the cave returned the lowing, and in this way made Hercules more certain in what place they were hidden. He, violently angered, betook himself to the cave as swiftly as possible, in order to recover the booty.

At Cacus saxum ingens ita deiecerat ut aditus speluncae omnino obstrueretur.

But Cacus had cast down a huge stone in such a way that the entrance of the cave was altogether obstructed.

44.HERCULES AND CACUS

Hercules cum nullum alium introitum reperire posset, hoc saxum amovere conatus est, sed propter eius magnitudinem res erat difficillima. Diu frustra laborabat neque quicquam efficere poterat; tandem tamen magno conatu saxum amovit et speluncam patefecit. Ibi amissos boves magno cum gaudio conspexit; sed Cacum ipsum vix cernere potuit, quod spelunca repleta erat fumo quem ille more suo evomebat.

Hercules, since he could find no other entrance, tried to remove this rock, but on account of its magnitude the matter was very difficult. For a long time he toiled in vain and was able to accomplish nothing; at length, however, with a great effort he removed the rock and laid the cave open. There he beheld the lost oxen with great joy; but he could scarcely discern Cacus himself, because the cave was replete with smoke which he, in his accustomed manner, was vomiting forth.

Hercules inusitata specie turbatus breve tempus haesitabat; mox tamen in speluncam inrupit et collum monstri bracchiis complexus est. Ille etsi multum repugnavit, nullo modo se liberare potuit, et cum nulla facultas respirandi daretur, mox exanimatus est.

Hercules, disturbed by the unusual appearance, hesitated for a short time; soon, however, he irrupted into the cave and clasped the monster’s neck with his arms. He, although he struggled greatly, was in no way able to free himself, and, since no faculty for respiration was afforded, soon was rendered lifeless.

45.ELEVENTH LABOR: THE GOLDEN APPLES OF THE HESPERIDES

Eurystheus postquam boves Geryonis accepit, laborem undecimum Herculi imposuit, graviorem quam quos supra narravimus. Mandavit enim ei ut aurea poma ex horto Hesperidum auferret. Hesperides autem nymphae erant quaedam forma praestantissima, quae in terra longinqua habitabant, et quibus aurea quaedam poma a Iunone commissa erant.

Eurystheus, after he received the cattle of Geryon, imposed the eleventh labor upon Hercules, more grievous than those which we have narrated above. For he commanded him to carry off the golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides. The Hesperides, moreover, were certain nymphs of most preeminent beauty, who dwelt in a far-off land, and to whom certain golden apples had been committed by Juno.

Multi homines auri cupiditate inducti haec poma auferre iam antea conati erant. Res tamen difficillima erat, namque hortus in quo poma erant muro ingenti undique circumdatus erat; praeterea draco quidam cui centum erant capita portam horti diligenter custodiebat. Opus igitur quod Eurystheus Herculi imperaverat erat summae difficultatis, non modo ob causas quas memoravimus, sed etiam quod Hercules omnino ignorabat quo in loco hortus ille situs esset.

Many men, induced by cupidity for gold, had already previously attempted to carry off these apples. Nevertheless the matter was most difficult, for the garden in which the apples were was surrounded on all sides by a huge wall; moreover, a certain dragon, who had a hundred heads, was diligently guarding the gate of the garden. Therefore the task which Eurystheus had laid upon Hercules was of the highest difficulty, not only on account of the causes which we have mentioned, but also because Hercules entirely did not know in what place that garden was situated.

46.HERCULES ASKS AID OF ATLAS

Hercules quamquam quietem vehementer cupiebat, tamen Eurystheo parere constituit, et simul ac iussa eius accepit, proficisci maturavit. A multis mercatoribus quaesiverat quo in loco Hesperides habitarent, nihil tamen certum reperire potuerat. Frustra per multas terras iter fecit et multa pericula subiit; tandem, cum in his itineribus totum annum consumpsisset, ad extremam partem orbis terrarum, quae proxima est Oceano, pervenit.

Hercules, although he was vehemently desiring quiet, nevertheless resolved to obey Eurystheus, and as soon as he received his orders, he hastened to set out. From many merchants he had inquired in what place the Hesperides dwelt, yet he had been able to discover nothing certain. In vain he made a journey through many lands and underwent many perils; at last, when in these journeys he had consumed a whole year, he came to the farthest part of the orb of lands, which is nearest to the Ocean.

Hic stabat vir quidam, nomine Atlas, ingenti magnitudine corporis, qui caelum (ita traditum est) umeris suis sustinebat, ne in terram decideret. Hercules tantas viris magnopere miratus statim in conloquium cum Atlante venit, et cum causam itineris docuisset, auxilium ab eo petiit.

Here stood a certain man, named Atlas, of immense magnitude of body, who sustained the sky (so it has been handed down) upon his shoulders, lest it fall down onto the earth. Hercules, having greatly marveled at such great strength, immediately came into colloquy with Atlas, and, when he had explained the cause of his journey, sought aid from him.

47.HERCULES BEARS UP THE HEAVENS

Atlas autem Herculi maxime prodesse potuit; ille enim cum ipse esset pater Hesperidum, certo scivit quo in loco esset hortus. Postquam igitur audivit quam ob causam Hercules venisset, "Ipse," inquit, "ad hortum ibo et filiabus meis persuadebo ut poma sua sponte tradant." Hercules cum haec audiret, magnopere gavisus est; vim enim adhibere noluit, si res aliter fieri posset. Constituit igitur oblatum auxilium accipere.

Atlas, moreover, was able to be of the greatest use to Hercules; for since he himself was the father of the Hesperides, he knew for certain in what place the garden was. Therefore after he heard for what cause Hercules had come, "I myself," he said, "will go to the garden and will persuade my daughters to hand over the apples of their own accord." When Hercules heard these things, he rejoiced greatly; for he did not wish to apply force, if the matter could be done otherwise. Therefore he decided to accept the assistance offered.

Atlas tamen postulavit ut, dum ipse abesset, Hercules caelum umeris sustineret. Hoc autem negotium Hercules libenter suscepit, et quamquam res erat summi laboris, totum pondus caeli continuos compluris dies solus sustinebat.

Atlas, however, requested that, while he himself was absent, Hercules sustain the heavens upon his shoulders. This task Hercules gladly undertook, and although the matter was of supreme toil, he alone sustained the whole weight of the heavens for several continuous days.

48.THE RETURN OF ATLAS

Atlas interea abierat et ad hortum Hesperidum, qui pauca milia passuum aberat, se quam celerrime contulerat. Eo cum venisset, causam veniendi exposuit et filias suas vehementer hortatus est ut poma traderent. Illae diu haerebant; nolebant enim hoc facere, quod ab ipsa Iunone (ita ut ante dictum est) hoc munus accepissent.

Meanwhile Atlas had departed and had betaken himself as swiftly as possible to the garden of the Hesperides, which was a few miles away. When he had come there, he set forth the cause of his coming and vehemently exhorted his daughters to hand over the apples. They hesitated for a long time; for they were unwilling to do this, because they had received this gift from Juno herself (as was said before).

Atlas tamen aliquando iis persuasit ut sibi parerent, et poma ad Herculem rettulit. Hercules interea cum pluris dies exspectavisset neque ullam famam de reditu Atlantis accepisset, hac mora graviter commotus est. Tandem quinto die Atlantem vidit redeuntem, et mox magno cum gaudio poma accepit; tum, postquam gratias pro tanto beneficio egit, ad Graeciam proficisci maturavit.

Atlas, however, at length persuaded them to obey him, and brought the apples back to Hercules. Hercules meanwhile, when he had waited for several days and had received no report of Atlas’s return, was gravely moved by this delay. At last, on the fifth day, he saw Atlas returning, and soon with great joy he received the apples; then, after he gave thanks for so great a benefaction, he hastened to set out for Greece.

49.TWELFTH LABOR: CERBERUS THE THREE-HEADED DOG

Postquam aurea poma ad Eurystheum relata sunt, unus modo relinquebatur e duodecim laboribus quos Pythia Herculi praeceperat. Eurystheus autem cum Herculem magnopere timeret, eum in aliquem locum mittere volebat unde numquam redire posset. Negotium igitur ei dedit ut canem Cerberum ex Orco in lucem traheret.

After the golden apples were brought back to Eurystheus, only one remained of the twelve labors which the Pythia had prescribed to Hercules. Now since Eurystheus greatly feared Hercules, he wished to send him into some place whence he could never return. Therefore he assigned him the task to drag the dog Cerberus from Orcus into the light.

Hoc opus omnium difficillimum erat, nemo enim umquam ex Orco redierat. Praeterea Cerberus iste monstrum erat horribili specie, cui tria erant capita serpentibus saevis cincta. Antequam tamen de hoc labore narramus, non alienum videtur, quoniam de Orco mentionem fecimus, pauca de ea regione proponere.

This work was the most difficult of all, for no one had ever returned from Orcus. Moreover, this Cerberus was a monster of horrible aspect, whose three heads were girded with savage serpents. Before, however, we narrate about this labor, it does not seem out of place, since we have made mention of Orcus, to set forth a few things about that region.

50.CHARON'S FERRY

De Orco, qui idem Hades appellabatur, haec traduntur. Ut quisque de vita decesserat, manes eius ad Orcum, sedem mortuorum, a deo Mercurio deducebantur. Huius regionis, quae sub terra fuisse dicitur, rex erat Pluto, cui uxor erat Proserpina, Iovis et Cereris filia.

Of Orcus, who likewise was called Hades, these things are handed down. As each person had departed from life, his manes (shades) were led down to Orcus, the seat of the dead, by the god Mercury. The king of this region, which is said to have been beneath the earth, was Pluto, whose wife was Proserpina, daughter of Jove and Ceres.

Manes igitur a Mercurio deducti primum ad ripam veniebant Stygis fluminis, quo regnum Plutonis continetur. Hoc transire necesse erat antequam in Orcum venire possent. Cum tamen in hoc flumine nullus pons factus esset, manes transvehebantur a Charonte quodam, qui cum parva scapha ad ripam exspectabat.

Therefore the Shades, conducted by Mercury, first came to the bank of the river Styx, by which the realm of Pluto is contained. It was necessary to cross this before they could come into Orcus. Since, however, no bridge had been made over this river, the Shades were ferried across by a certain Charon, who, with a small skiff, was waiting at the bank.

Charon pro hoc officio mercedem postulabat, neque quemquam, nisi hoc praemium prius dedisset, transvehere volebat. Quam ob causam mos erat apud antiquos nummum in ore mortui ponere eo consilio, ut cum ad Stygem venisset, pretium traiectus solvere posset. Ii autem qui post mortem in terra non sepulti erant Stygem transire non potuerunt, sed in ripa per centum annos errare coacti sunt; tum demum Orcum intrare licuit.

Charon for this office demanded a fee, nor was he willing to ferry anyone across unless he had first given this premium. For this cause it was the custom among the ancients to place a coin in the mouth of the dead man, with the intention that, when he had come to the Styx, he might be able to pay the price of the crossing. Those, however, who after death had not been buried in the earth were not able to cross the Styx, but were compelled to wander on the bank for 100 years; then at last it was permitted to enter Orcus.

51.THE REALM OF PLUTO

Ut autem manes Stygem hoc modo transierant, ad alterum veniebant flumen, quod Lethe appellabatur. Ex hoc flumine aquam bibere cogebantur; quod cum fecissent, res omnis in vita gestas e memoria deponebant. Denique ad sedem ipsius Plutonis veniebant, cuius introitus a cane Cerbero custodiebatur.

But when the shades had in this way crossed the Styx, they came to another river, which was called Lethe. From this river they were compelled to drink water; and when they had done this, they laid aside from memory all the things done in life. Finally, they came to the seat of Pluto himself, whose entrance was guarded by the dog Cerberus.

Ibi Pluto nigro vestitu indutus cum uxore Proserpina in solio sedebat. Stabant etiam non procul ab eo loco tria alia solia, in quibus sedebant Minos, Rhadamanthus, Aeacusque, iudices apud inferos. Hi mortuis ius dicebant et praemia poenasque constituebant.

There Pluto, clad in black raiment, sat upon a throne with his wife Proserpina. Not far from that place there also stood three other thrones, on which sat Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus, judges in the Underworld. These pronounced judgment for the dead and apportioned rewards and punishments.

Boni enim in Campos Elysios, sedem beatorum, veniebant; improbi autem in Tartarum mittebantur ac multis et variis suppliciis ibi excruciabantur.

For the good came to the Elysian Fields, the seat of the blessed; but the wicked were sent into Tartarus and there were excruciated with many and various torments.

52.HERCULES CROSSES THE STYX

Hercules postquam imperia Eurysthei accepit, in Laconiam ad Taenarum statim se contulit; ibi enim spelunca erat ingenti magnitudine, per quam, ut tradebatur, homines ad Orcum descendebant. Eo cum venisset, ex incolis quaesivit quo in loco spelunca illa sita esset; quod cum cognovisset, sine mora descendere constituit. Nec tamen solus hoc iter faciebat, Mercurius enim et Minerva se ei socios adiunxerant.

Hercules, after he had received the commands of Eurystheus, immediately betook himself into Laconia to Taenarum; for there there was a cavern of enormous magnitude, through which, as it was handed down, men descended to Orcus. When he had come thither, he asked from the inhabitants in what place that cavern was situated; and when he had learned this, he determined to descend without delay. Nor, however, was he making this journey alone, for Mercury and Minerva had joined themselves to him as companions.

Ubi ad ripam Stygis venit, Hercules scapham Charontis conscendit, ut ad ulteriorem ripam transiret. Cum tamen Hercules vir esset ingenti magnitudine corporis, Charon solvere nolebat; magnopere enim verebatur ne scapha sua tanto pondere onerata in medio flumine mergeretur. Tandem tamen minis Herculis territus Charon scapham solvit, et eum incolumem ad ulteriorem ripam perduxit.

When he came to the bank of the Styx, Hercules boarded Charon’s skiff, in order to cross to the farther bank. However, since Hercules was a man of immense bodily magnitude, Charon was unwilling to put out; for he greatly feared that his skiff, loaded with so great a weight, would be submerged in midstream. At last, however, terrified by the menaces of Hercules, Charon cast off the skiff and conveyed him safe and sound to the farther bank.

53.THE LAST LABOR IS ACCOMPLISHED

Postquam flumen Stygem hoc modo transiit, Hercules in sedem ipsius Plutonis venit; et postquam causam veniendi docuit, ab eo petivit ut Cerberum auferre sibi liceret. Pluto, qui de Hercule famam acceperat, eum benigne excepit, et facultatem quam ille petebat libenter dedit. Postulavit tamen ut Hercules ipse, cum imperata Eurysthei fecisset, Cerberum in Orcum rursus reduceret.

After he crossed the Stygian river in this way, Hercules came to the seat of Pluto himself; and after he explained the cause of his coming, he asked of him that it be permitted to carry off Cerberus. Pluto, who had received the fame of Hercules, welcomed him benignly, and gladly gave the faculty which he asked. He required, however, that Hercules himself, when he had done the things commanded by Eurystheus, should lead Cerberus back into Orcus again.

Hercules hoc pollicitus est, et Cerberum, quem non sine magno periculo manibus prehenderat, summo cum labore ex Orco in lucem et ad urbem Eurysthei traxit. Eo cum venisset, tantus timor animum Eurysthei occupavit ut ex atrio statim refugerit; cum autem paulum se ex timore recepisset, multis cum lacrimis obsecravit Herculem ut monstrum sine mora in Orcum reduceret. Sic contra omnium opinionem duodecim illi labores quos Pythia praeceperat intra duodecim annos confecti sunt; quae cum ita essent, Hercules servitute tandem liberatus magno cum gaudio Thebas rediit.

Hercules promised this, and Cerberus, whom he had seized with his hands not without great danger, he dragged with the utmost labor out of Orcus into the light and to the city of Eurystheus. When he had come there, so great a fear seized the mind of Eurystheus that he immediately fled back from the atrium; but when he had somewhat recovered himself from fear, with many tears he besought Hercules to lead the monster back into Orcus without delay. Thus, against everyone’s expectation, those twelve labors which the Pythia had prescribed were completed within twelve years; and since these things were so, Hercules, at last freed from servitude, returned with great joy to Thebes.

54.THE CENTAUR NESSUS

Postea Hercules multa alia praeclara perfecit, quae nunc perscribere longum est. Tandem iam aetate provectus Deianiram, Oenei filiam, in matrimonium duxit; post tamen tris annos accidit ut puerum quendam, cui nomen erat Eunomus, casu occiderit. Cum autem mos esset ut si quis hominem casu occidisset, in exsilium iret, Hercules cum uxore sua e finibus eius civitatis exire maturavit.

Afterwards Hercules accomplished many other very illustrious deeds, which it would now be long to write out in full. At length, now advanced in age, he led Deianira, the daughter of Oeneus, into marriage; but after three years it happened that he accidentally killed a certain boy, whose name was Eunomus. And since it was the custom that if someone had killed a person by accident he should go into exile, Hercules hastened to go out from the borders of that city with his wife.

Dum tamen iter faciunt, ad flumen quoddam pervenerunt in quo nullus pons erat; et dum quaerunt quonam modo flumen transeant, accurrit centaurus Nessus, qui viatoribus auxilium obtulit. Hercules igitur uxorem suam in tergum Nessi imposuit; tum ipse flumen tranavit. Nessus autem paulum in aquam progressus ad ripam subito revertebatur et Deianiram auferre conabatur.

While, however, they are making the journey, they come to a certain river at which there was no bridge; and while they are seeking by what manner they might cross the river, the centaur Nessus runs up, who offers aid to travelers. Therefore Hercules set his wife upon the back of Nessus; then he himself swam across the river. But Nessus, having advanced a little into the water, was suddenly turning back to the bank and was trying to carry off Deianira.

Quod cum animadvertisset Hercules, ira graviter commotus arcum intendit et pectus Nessi sagitta transfixit.

When Hercules had noticed this, gravely moved with ire, he drew his bow and transfixed the chest of Nessus with an arrow.

55.THE POISONED ROBE

Nessus igitur sagitta Herculis transfixus moriens humi iacebat; at ne occasionem sui ulciscendi dimitteret, ita locutus est: "Tu, Deianira, verba morientis audi. Si amorem mariti tui conservare vis, hunc sanguinem qui nunc e pectore meo effunditur sume ac repone; tum, si umquam in suspicionem tibi venerit, vestem mariti hoc sanguine inficies." Haec locutus Nessus animam efflavit; Deianira autem nihil mali suspicata imperata fecit. Paulo post Hercules bellum contra Eurytum, regem Oechaliae, suscepit; et cum regem ipsum cum filiis interfecisset, Iolen eius filiam captivam secum reduxit.

Nessus therefore, pierced by Hercules’ arrow, lay dying on the ground; but lest he let slip the occasion of avenging himself, he spoke thus: "You, Deianira, hear the words of a dying man. If you wish to conserve the love of your husband, take this blood which now is being poured out from my breast and store it away; then, if ever he shall come into suspicion for you, you will dye your husband’s garment with this blood." Having spoken these things, Nessus breathed out his spirit; but Deianira, suspecting nothing evil, did what was commanded. A little after, Hercules undertook war against Eurytus, king of Oechalia; and when he had slain the king himself with his sons, he brought back with him Iole, his daughter, as a captive.

Antequam tamen domum venit, navem ad Cenaeum promunturium appulit, et in terram egressus aram constituit, ut Iovi sacrificaret. Dum tamen sacrificium parat, Licham comitem suum domum misit, qui vestem albam referret; mos enim erat apud antiquos, dum sacrificia facerent, albam vestem gerere. At Deianira verita ne Hercules amorem erga Iolen haberet, vestem priusquam Lichae dedit, sanguine Nessi infecit.

Before, however, he came home, he brought the ship to land at the promontory of Cenaeum, and, having gone ashore, he set up an altar, in order to sacrifice to Jove. While, however, he prepares the sacrifice, he sent Lichas, his companion, home, to bring back a white garment; for it was the custom among the ancients, while they performed sacrifices, to wear a white garment. But Deianira, fearing lest Hercules might have love toward Iole, stained the garment with the blood of Nessus before she gave it to Lichas.

56.THE DEATH OF HERCULES

Hercules nihil mali suspicans vestem quam Lichas attulerat statim induit; paulo post tamen dolorem per omnia membra sensit, et quae causa esset eius rei magnopere mirabatur. Dolore paene exanimatus vestem detrahere conatus est; illa tamen in corpore haesit, neque ullo modo abscindi potuit. Tum demum Hercules quasi furore impulsus in montem Octam se contulit, et in rogum, quem summa celeritate exstruxit, se imposuit.

Hercules, suspecting nothing bad, immediately put on the garment which Lichas had brought; a little after, however, he felt pain through all his limbs, and he marveled greatly what the cause of this thing might be. Almost lifeless with pain, he tried to tear off the garment; yet it clung to his body, nor could it by any means be cut away. Then at last Hercules, as if driven by fury, betook himself to Mount Oeta, and upon a pyre, which he constructed with the greatest speed, he placed himself.

Hoc cum fecisset, eos qui circumstabant oravit ut rogum quam celerrime succenderent. Omnes diu recusabant; tandem tamen pastor quidam ad misericordiam inductus ignem subdidit. Tum, dum omnia fumo obscurantur, Hercules densa nube velatus a Iove in Olympum abreptus est.

After he had done this, he begged those who were standing around to kindle the pyre as swiftly as possible. All refused for a long time; at last, however, a certain shepherd, moved to pity, set fire beneath it. Then, while everything was being obscured by smoke, Hercules, veiled in a dense cloud, was snatched away by Jove into Olympus.

THE ARGONAUTS The celebrated voyage of the Argonauts was brought about in this way. Pelias had expelled his brother Aeson from his kingdom in Thessaly, and had determined to take the life of Jason, the son of Aeson. Jason, however, escaped and grew up to manhood in another country.

At last he returned to Thessaly; and Pelias, fearing that he might attempt to recover the kingdom, sent him to fetch the Golden Fleece from Colchis, supposing this to be an impossible feat. Jason with a band of heroes set sail in the ship Argo (called after Argus, its builder), and after many adventures reached Colchis. Here Aeetes, king of Colchis, who was unwilling to give up the Fleece, set Jason to perform what seemed an impossible task, namely to plough a field with certain fire-breathing oxen, and then to sow it with dragon's teeth.

Medea, however, the daughter of the king, assisted Jason by her skill in magic, first to perform the task appointed, and then to procure the Fleece. She then fled with Jason, and to delay the pursuit of her father, sacrificed her brother Absyrtus. After reaching Thessaly, Medea caused the death of Pelias and was expelled from the country with her husband.

Medea, however, the king’s daughter, assisted Jason by her skill in magic, first to accomplish the appointed task, and then to obtain the Fleece. She then fled with Jason, and, to delay her father’s pursuit, sacrificed her brother Absyrtus. After reaching Thessaly, Medea brought about the death of Pelias and was expelled from the country with her husband.

They removed to Corinth, and here Medea becoming jealous of Glauce, daughter of Creon, caused her death by means of a poisoned robe. She was afterward carried off in a chariot sent by the sun-god, and a little later Jason was accidentally killed.

They removed to Corinth, and here Medea, becoming jealous of Glauce, daughter of Creon, caused her death by means of a poisoned robe. She was afterward carried off in a chariot sent by the sun-god, and a little later Jason was accidentally killed.

57.THE WICKED UNCLE

Erant olim in Thessalia duo fratres, quorum alter Aeson, Pelias alter appellabatur. Aeson primo regnum obtinuerat; at post paucos annos Pelias regni cupiditate adductus non modo fratrem suum expulit, sed etiam in animo habebat Iasonem, Aesonis filium, interficere. Quidam tamen ex amicis Aesonis, ubi sententiam Peliae cognoverunt, puerum e tanto periculo eripere constituerunt.

There were once in Thessaly two brothers, of whom the one was called Aeson, the other Pelias. Aeson at first had held the kingdom; but after a few years Pelias, led on by cupidity for the kingdom, not only expelled his own brother, but even had in mind to kill Jason, the son of Aeson. Certain, however, of Aeson’s friends, when they learned Pelias’s intention, resolved to snatch the boy from so great a peril.

Noctu igitur Iasonem ex urbe abstulerunt, et cum postero die ad regem rediissent, ei renuntiaverunt puerum mortuum esse. Pelias cum hoc audivisset, etsi re vera magnum gaudium percipiebat, speciem tamen doloris praebuit et quae causa esset mortis quaesivit. Illi autem cum bene intellegerent dolorem eius falsum esse, nescio quam fabulam de morte pueri finxerunt.

By night, therefore, they carried Jason away from the city; and when on the next day they had returned to the king, they announced to him that the boy was dead. When Pelias had heard this, although in truth he was perceiving great joy, nevertheless he presented the semblance of grief and asked what the cause of death was. But they, since they well understood that his grief was false, concocted I-know-not-what fable about the boy’s death.

58.A FATEFUL ACCIDENT

Post breve tempus Pelias, veritus ne regnum suum tanta vi et fraude occupatum amitteret, amicum quendam Delphos misit, qui oraculum consuleret. Ille igitur quam celerrime Delphos se contulit et quam ob causam venisset demonstravit. Respondit oraculum nullum esse in praesentia periculum; monuit tamen Peliam ut si quis unum calceum gerens veniret, eum caveret.

After a short time, Pelias, fearing lest he might lose his kingdom, occupied by so great force and fraud, sent a certain friend to Delphi to consult the oracle. He therefore betook himself to Delphi as swiftly as possible and showed for what cause he had come. The oracle replied that there was no danger at present; nevertheless it warned Pelias that, if anyone should come wearing one shoe, he should beware of him.

Post paucis annis accidit ut Pelias magnum sacrificium facturus esset; nuntios in omnis partis dimiserat et certam diem conveniendi dixerat. Die constituta magnus hominum numerus undique ex agris convenit; in his autem venit etiam Iason, qui a pueritia apud centaurum quendam habitaverat. Dum tamen iter facit, unum e calceis in transeundo nescio quo flumine amisit.

After a few years it befell that Pelias was going to perform a great sacrifice; he had sent messengers into all parts and had declared a fixed day for assembling. On the appointed day a great number of men gathered from all sides out of the fields; among these there came also Jason, who from boyhood had lived with a certain Centaur. Yet as he was making the journey, he lost one of his shoes in crossing some river.

59.THE GOLDEN FLEECE

Iason igitur cum calceum amissum nullo modo recipere posset, uno pede nudo in regiam pervenit. Quem cum Pelias vidisset, subito timore adfectus est; intellexit enim hunc esse hominem quem oraculum demonstravisset. Hoc igitur consilium iniit.

Jason therefore, since he could by no means recover the lost shoe, arrived at the royal palace with one foot bare. When Pelias had seen him, he was suddenly affected by fear; for he understood that this was the man whom the oracle had pointed out. Therefore he formed this plan.

Rex erat quidam Aeetes, qui regnum Colchidis illo tempore obtinebat. Huic commissum erat vellus illud aureum quod Phrixus olim ibi reliquerat. Constituit igitur Pelias Iasoni negotium dare ut hoc vellere potiretur; cum enim res esset magni periculi, eum in itinere periturum esse sperabat.

There was a certain king, Aeetes, who at that time held the kingdom of Colchis. To him had been entrusted that Golden Fleece which Phrixus had once left there. Therefore Pelias resolved to give Jason the commission, that he might gain possession of this fleece; for since the matter was of great peril, he hoped that he would perish on the journey.

Iasonem igitur ad se arcessivit, et eum cohortatus quid fieri vellet docuit. Ille etsi intellegebat rem esse difficillimam, negotium libenter suscepit.

Therefore he summoned Jason to himself, and, having exhorted him, explained what he wished to be done. He, although he understood the matter to be most difficult, undertook the business gladly.

60.THE BUILDING OF THE GOOD SHIP ARGO

Cum tamen Colchis multorum dierum iter ab eo loco abesset, solus Iason proficisci noluit. Dimisit igitur nuntios in omnis partis, qui causam itineris docerent et diem certam conveniendi dicerent. Interea, postquam omnia quae sunt usui ad armandas navis comportari iussit, negotium dedit Argo cuidam, qui summam scientiam nauticarum rerum habebat, ut navem aedificaret.

Since, however, Colchis was a journey of many days distant from that place, Jason did not wish to set out alone. Therefore he sent messengers into all quarters, to explain the cause of the journey and to name a fixed day for convening. Meanwhile, after he had ordered all things which are of use for arming the ships to be brought together, he gave the task to a certain Argus, who possessed the highest knowledge of nautical matters, to build a ship.

In his rebus circiter decem dies consumpti sunt; Argus enim, qui operi praeerat, tantam diligentiam adhibebat ut ne nocturnum quidem tempus ad laborem intermitteret. Ad multitudinem hominum transportandam navis paulo erat latior quam quibus in nostro mari uti consuevimus, et ad vim tempestatum perferendam tota e robore facta est.

In these affairs about ten days were consumed; for Argus, who presided over the work, applied such diligence that he did not intermit even the nocturnal time for labor. For transporting a multitude of men, the ship was a little broader than those which we are accustomed to use on our sea, and for bearing the force of storms it was made wholly out of oak.

61.THE ANCHOR IS WEIGHED

Interea is dies appetebat quem Iason per nuntios edixerat, et ex omnibus regionibus Graeciae multi, quos aut rei novitas aut spes gloriae movebat, undique conveniebant. Traditum est autem in hoc numero fuisse Herculem, de quo supra multa perscripsimus, Orpheum, citharoedum praeclarissimum, Theseum, Castorem, multosque alios quorum nomina sunt notissima. Ex his Iason quos arbitratus est ad omnia pericula subeunda paratissimos esse, eos ad numerum quinquaginta delegit et socios sibi adiunxit; tum paucos dies commoratus, ut ad omnis casus subsidia compararet, navem deduxit, et tempestatem ad navigandum idoneam nactus magno cum plausu omnium solvit.

Meanwhile the day was approaching which Jason had proclaimed through messengers, and from all the regions of Greece many, whom either the novelty of the affair or the hope of glory moved, were gathering from every side. It is handed down that in this number were Hercules—of whom we have written much above—Orpheus, a most renowned citharode (lyre-player), Theseus, Castor, and many others whose names are most well-known. Of these Jason chose, to the number of fifty, those whom he judged most ready to undergo every danger, and joined them to himself as comrades; then, having lingered a few days to prepare supplies for every contingency, he launched the ship, and, having found weather fit for sailing, he put out with the great applause of all.

62.A FATAL MISTAKE

Haud multo post Argonautae (ita enim appellabantur qui in ista navi vehebantur) insulam quandam, nomine Cyzicum, attigerunt; et e navi egressi a rege illius regionis hospitio excepti sunt. Paucas horas ibi commorati ad solis occasum rursus solverunt; sed postquam pauca milia passuum progressi sunt, tanta tempestas subito coorta est ut cursum tenere non possent, et in eandem partem insulae unde nuper profecti erant magno cum periculo deicerentur. Incolae tamen, cum nox esset obscura, Argonautas non agnoscebant, et navem inimicam venisse arbitrati arma rapuerunt et eos egredi prohibebant.

Not long after the Argonauts (for so were they called who were conveyed in that ship) touched at a certain island named Cyzicus; and having disembarked from the ship they were received with hospitality by the king of that region. Having tarried there for a few hours, at sunset they set sail again; but after they had advanced a few miles, so great a tempest suddenly arose that they could not hold their course, and they were driven down with great peril into the same part of the island whence they had lately set out. The inhabitants, however, since the night was dark, did not recognize the Argonauts, and, thinking that a hostile ship had come, they seized arms and were preventing them from disembarking.

Acriter in litore pugnatum est, et rex ipse, qui cum aliis decucurrerat, ab Argonautis occisus est. Mox tamen, cum iam dilucesceret, senserunt incolae se errare et arma abiecerunt; Argonautae autem cum regem occisum esse viderent, magnum dolorem perceperunt.

On the shore the fighting was fierce, and the king himself, who had run down with the others, was slain by the Argonauts. Soon, however, as it was already growing light, the inhabitants perceived that they were in error and threw down their arms; but the Argonauts, when they saw that the king had been slain, felt great grief.

63.THE LOSS OF HYLAS

Postridie eius diei Iason tempestatem satis idoneam esse arbitratus (summa enim tranquillitas iam consecuta erat), ancoras sustulit, et pauca milia passuum progressus ante noctem Mysiam attigit. Ibi paucas horas in ancoris exspectavit; a nautis enim cognoverat aquae copiam quam secum haberent iam deficere, quam ob causam quidam ex Argonautis in terram egressi aquam quaerebant. Horum in numero erat Hylas quidam, puer forma praestantissima.

On the following day Jason, having judged the weather to be quite suitable (for the highest tranquility had now ensued), weighed anchor, and having advanced a few miles, reached Mysia before night. There he waited at anchor for a few hours; for he had learned from the sailors that the supply of water which they had with them was now failing, for which cause certain of the Argonauts, having gone ashore, were seeking water. Among these was a certain Hylas, a boy of most outstanding beauty.

Qui dum fontem quaerit, a comitibus paulum secesserat. Nymphae autem quae fontem colebant, cum iuvenem vidissent, ei persuadere conatae sunt ut secum maneret; et cum ille negaret se hoc facturum esse, puerum vi abstulerunt.

While he was seeking the fountain, he had withdrawn a little from his companions. However, the nymphs who worshiped the fountain, when they had seen the young man, tried to persuade him to remain with them; and when he said that he would not do this, they carried off the boy by force.

Comites eius postquam Hylam amissum esse senserunt, magno dolore adfecti diu frustra quaerebant. Hercules autem et Polyphemus, qui vestigia pueri longius secuti erant, ubi tandem ad litus redierunt, Iasonem solvisse cognoverunt.

His companions, after they perceived that Hylas had been lost, affected with great grief, searched in vain for a long time. Hercules, however, and Polyphemus, who had followed the boy’s vestiges farther, when at last they returned to the shore, learned that Jason had set sail.

64.DIFFICULT DINING

Post haec Argonautae ad Thraciam cursum tenuerunt, et postquam ad oppidum Salmydessum navem appulerunt, in terram egressi sunt. Ibi cum ab incolis quaesissent quis regnum eius regionis obtineret, certiores facti sunt Phineum quendam tum regem esse. Cognoverunt etiam hunc caecum esse et diro quodam supplicio adfici, quod olim se crudelissimum in filios suos praebuisset.

After these things the Argonauts held their course to Thrace, and after they had brought the ship to the town of Salmydessus, they disembarked. There, when they had asked from the inhabitants who held the rule of that region, they were informed that a certain Phineus was then king. They learned also that he was blind and afflicted with a certain dire punishment, because once he had shown himself most cruel toward his own sons.

Cuius supplici hoc erat genus. Missa erant a Iove monstra quaedam specie horribili, quae capita virginum, corpora volucrum habebant. Hae volucres, quae Harpyiae appellabantur, Phineo summam molestiam adferebant; quotiens enim ille accubuerat, veniebant et cibum appositum statim auferebant.

This was the kind of his punishment. Certain monsters had been sent by Jove, of horrible appearance, which had the heads of maidens and the bodies of birds. These birds, which were called Harpies, brought the greatest vexation to Phineus; for whenever he had reclined to dine, they came and immediately carried off the food that had been set before him.

Quo factum est ut haud multum abesset quin Phineus fame moreretur.

Thus it came about that Phineus was not far from dying of starvation.

65.THE DELIVERANCE OF PHINEUS

Res igitur male se habebat cum Argonautae navem appulerunt. Phineus autem simul atque audivit eos in suos finis egressos esse, magnopere gavisus est. Sciebat enim quantam opinionem virtutis Argonautae haberent, nec dubitabat quin sibi auxilium ferrent.

Therefore the situation was in a bad way when the Argonauts brought the ship to land. But Phineus, as soon as he heard that they had gone into his borders, rejoiced greatly. For he knew how great a repute of virtue the Argonauts possessed, nor did he doubt that they would bring aid to him.

Nuntium igitur ad navem misit, qui Iasonem sociosque ad regiam vocaret. Eo cum venissent, Phineus demonstravit quanto in periculo suae res essent, et promisit se magna praemia daturum esse, si illi remedium repperissent. Argonautae negotium libenter susceperunt, et ubi hora venit, cum rege accubuerunt; at simul ac cena apposita est, Harpyiae cenaculum intraverunt et cibum auferre conabantur.

Therefore he sent a messenger to the ship to summon Jason and his companions to the royal palace. When they had come there, Phineus showed how great a peril his affairs were in, and promised that he would give great rewards if they should discover a remedy. The Argonauts gladly undertook the business, and when the hour came, they reclined with the king; but as soon as the dinner was set, the Harpies entered the dining-room and tried to carry off the food.

Argonautae primum gladiis volucres petierunt; cum tamen viderent hoc nihil prodesse, Zetes et Calais, qui alis erant instructi, in aera se sublevaverunt, ut desuper impetum facerent. Quod cum sensissent Harpyiae, rei novitate perterritae statim aufugerunt, neque postea umquam redierunt.

The Argonauts at first sought the winged creatures with swords; however, when they saw that this profited nothing, Zetes and Calais, who were equipped with wings, lifted themselves into the air, in order to make an attack from above. When the Harpies sensed this, thoroughly frightened by the novelty of the affair, they immediately fled away, and afterward they never returned.

66.THE SYMPLEGADES

Hoc facto Phineus, ut pro tanto beneficio meritam gratiam referret, Iasoni demonstravit qua ratione Symplegades vitare posset. Symplegades autem duae erant rupes ingenti magnitudine, quae a Iove positae erant eo consilio, ne quis ad Colchida perveniret. Hae parvo intervallo in mari natabant, et si quid in medium spatium venerat, incredibili celeritate concurrebant.

With this done, Phineus, that he might render deserved gratitude for so great a benefaction, demonstrated to Jason by what method he could avoid the Symplegades. The Symplegades, moreover, were two cliffs of enormous magnitude, which had been set by Jove with this design: that no one should reach Colchis. These floated in the sea at a small interval, and if anything came into the middle space, they converged with incredible celerity.

Postquam igitur a Phineo doctus est quid faciendum esset, Iason sublatis ancoris navem solvit, et leni vento provectus mox ad Symplegades appropinquavit. Tum in prora stans columbam quam in manu tenebat emisit. Illa recta via per medium spatium volavit, et priusquam rupes conflixerunt, incolumis evasit cauda tantum amissa.

Therefore, after he had been taught by Phineus what ought to be done, Jason, the anchors having been lifted, loosed the ship, and, borne forward by a gentle wind, soon approached the Symplegades. Then, standing in the prow, he released the dove which he was holding in his hand. She flew straight through the middle space, and before the cliffs clashed she escaped unharmed, with only the tail lost.

Tum rupes utrimque discesserunt; antequam tamen rursus concurrerent, Argonautae, bene intellegentes omnem spem salutis in celeritate positam esse, summa vi remis contenderunt et navem incolumem perduxerunt. Hoc facto dis gratias maximas egerunt, quorum auxilio e tanto periculo erepti essent; omnes enim sciebant non sine auxilio deorum rem tam feliciter evenisse.

Then the cliffs on both sides drew apart; before, however, they ran together again, the Argonauts, well understanding that every hope of safety was placed in celerity, strained at the oars with the utmost force and brought the ship through unscathed. This done, they rendered the greatest thanks to the gods, by whose aid they had been rescued from so great a peril; for everyone knew that not without the aid of the gods had the matter turned out so felicitously.

67.A HEAVY TASK

Brevi intermisso spatio Argonautae ad flumen Phasim venerunt, quod in finibus Colchorum erat. Ibi cum navem appulissent et in terram egressi essent, statim ad regem Aeetem se contulerunt et ab eo postulaverunt ut vellus aureum sibi traderetur. Ille cum audivisset quam ob causam Argonautae venissent, ira commotus est et diu negabat se vellus traditurum esse.

After a brief interval interposed, the Argonauts came to the river Phasis, which was within the borders of the Colchians. There, when they had brought the ship to shore and had gone onto land, they immediately made their way to King Aeetes and asked of him that the Golden Fleece be handed over to them. He, when he had heard for what cause the Argonauts had come, was stirred with anger and for a long time kept denying that he would hand over the Fleece.

Tandem tamen, quod sciebat Iasonem non sine auxilio deorum hoc negotium suscepisse, mutata sententia promisit se vellus traditurum, si Iason labores duos difficillimos prius perfecisset; et cum Iason dixisset se ad omnia pericula subeunda paratum esse, quid fieri vellet ostendit. Primum iungendi erant duo tauri specie horribili, qui flammas ex ore edebant; tum his iunctis ager quidam arandus erat et dentes draconis serendi. His auditis Iason etsi rem esse summi periculi intellegebat, tamen, ne hanc occasionem rei bene gerendae amitteret, negotium suscepit.

At last, however, because he knew that Jason had undertaken this business not without the help of the gods, with his mind changed he promised that he would hand over the fleece, if Jason should first complete two most difficult labors; and when Jason had said that he was prepared to undergo all perils, he showed what he wished to be done. First, two bulls of horrible aspect had to be yoked, which were emitting flames from their mouths; then, these yoked, a certain field had to be plowed and the teeth of a dragon had to be sown. On hearing these things Jason, although he understood the matter to be of the highest peril, nevertheless, lest he lose this occasion of managing the affair well, undertook the business.

68.THE MAGIC OINTMENT

Medea, regis filia, Iasonem adamavit, et ubi audivit eum tantum periculum subiturum esse, rem aegre ferebat. Intellegebat enim patrem suum hunc laborem proposuisse eo ipso consilio, ut Iason moreretur. Quae cum ita essent, Medea, quae summam scientiam medicinae habebat, hoc consilium iniit.

Medea, the king’s daughter, fell in love with Jason, and when she heard that he was about to undergo so great a peril, she bore the matter with difficulty. For she understood that her father had proposed this labor with that very design, in order that Jason might die. Since these things were so, Medea, who possessed the highest knowledge of medicine, entered upon this plan.

Media nocte insciente patre ex urbe evasit, et postquam in montis finitimos venit, herbas quasdam carpsit; tum suco expresso unguentum paravit quod vi sua corpus aleret nervosque confirmaret. Hoc facto Iasoni unguentum dedit; praecepit autem ut eo die quo isti labores conficiendi essent corpus suum et arma mane oblineret. Iason etsi paene omnibus hominibus magnitudine et viribus corporis antecellebat (vita enim omnis in venationibus atque in studio rei militaris consumebatur), tamen hoc consilium non neglegendum esse censebat.

At midnight, with her father unaware, she escaped from the city, and after she came into the neighboring mountains, she plucked certain herbs; then, the juice having been expressed, she prepared an unguent which by its own virtue would nourish the body and strengthen the sinews. This done, she gave the unguent to Jason; moreover, she instructed that on the day on which those labors were to be completed he should in the morning anoint his body and his weapons with it. Jason, although he excelled almost all men in stature and in bodily strength (for his whole life was being consumed in hunts and in the study of the military art), nevertheless judged that this plan was not to be neglected.

69.THE SOWING OF THE DRAGON'S TEETH

Ubi is dies venit quem rex ad arandum agrum edixerat, Iason orta luce cum sociis ad locum constitutum se contulit. Ibi stabulum ingens repperit, in quo tauri erant inclusi; tum portis apertis tauros in lucem traxit, et summa cum difficultate iugum imposuit. At Aeetes cum videret tauros nihil contra Iasonem valere, magnopere miratus est; nesciebat enim filiam suam auxilium ei dedisse.

When that day came which the king had appointed for plowing the field, Jason at daybreak, with his companions, betook himself to the appointed place. There he found a huge stable, in which bulls were enclosed; then, the gates having been opened, he dragged the bulls into the light, and with the utmost difficulty imposed the yoke. But when Aeetes saw that the bulls had no power against Jason, he marveled greatly; for he did not know that his daughter had given aid to him.

Tum Iason omnibus aspicientibus agrum arare coepit, qua in re tantam diligentiam praebuit ut ante meridiem totum opus confecerit. Hoc facto ad locum ubi rex sedebat adiit et dentis draconis postulavit; quos ubi accepit, in agrum quem araverat magna cum diligentia sparsit. Horum autem dentium natura erat talis ut in eo loco ubi sementes factae essent viri armati miro quodam modo gignerentur.

Then Jason, with all looking on, began to plough the field, and in this task he displayed such diligence that before midday he had completed the whole work. This having been done, he went to the place where the king was sitting and demanded the dragon’s teeth; and when he had received them, he scattered them with great diligence over the field which he had ploughed. Moreover, the nature of these teeth was such that in the very place where the sowings had been made armed men were engendered in a certain wondrous manner.

70.A STRANGE CROP

Nondum tamen Iason totum opus confecerat; imperaverat enim ei Aeetes ut armatos viros qui e dentibus gignerentur solus interficeret. Postquam igitur omnis dentis in agrum sparsit, Iason lassitudine exanimatus quieti se tradidit, dum viri isti gignerentur. Paucas horas dormiebat, sub vesperum tamen e somno subito excitatus rem ita evenisse ut praedictum esset cognovit; nam in omnibus agri partibus viri ingenti magnitudine corporis gladiis galeisque armati mirum in modum e terra oriebantur.

Not yet, however, had Jason completed the whole work; for Aeetes had commanded him to slay by himself the armed men who would be generated from the teeth. Therefore, after he had scattered all the teeth into the field, Jason, exanimated from lassitude, gave himself over to rest, while those men were being generated. He was sleeping for a few hours; toward evening, however, suddenly roused from sleep, he learned that the matter had turned out just as it had been foretold; for in all parts of the field men of enormous magnitude of body, armed with swords and helmets, were in a wondrous manner arising out of the earth.

Hoc cognito Iason consilium quod dedisset Medea non omittendum esse putabat. Saxum igitur ingens (ita enim Medea praeceperat) in medios viros coniecit. Illi undique ad locum concurrerunt, et cum quisque sibi id saxum nescio cur habere vellet, magna controversia orta est.

On learning this, Jason thought the counsel which Medea had given ought not to be omitted. Therefore he hurled a huge stone (for so Medea had prescribed) into the midst of the men. They ran together from all sides to the place, and since each one wanted to have that stone for himself, I-know-not-why, a great controversy arose.

Mox strictis gladiis inter se pugnare coeperunt, et cum hoc modo plurimi occisi essent, reliqui vulneribus confecti a Iasone nullo negotio interfecti sunt.

Soon, with swords drawn, they began to fight among themselves; and when in this way very many had been slain, the rest, overcome by wounds, were killed by Jason with no trouble.

71.THE FLIGHT OF MEDEA

Rex Aeetes ubi Iasonem laborem propositum confecisse cognovit, ira graviter commotus est; id enim per dolum factum esse intellegebat; nec dubitabat quin Medea ei auxilium tulisset. Medea autem cum intellegeret se in magno fore periculo si in regia maneret, fuga salutem petere constituit. Omnibus rebus igitur ad fugam paratis media nocte insciente patre cum fratre Absyrto evasit, et quam celerrime ad locum ubi Argo subducta erat se contulit.

When King Aeetes learned that Jason had completed the proposed labor, he was gravely roused to wrath; for he understood that it had been done through deceit, nor did he doubt that Medea had brought him assistance. But Medea, when she understood that she would be in great danger if she remained in the royal palace, resolved to seek safety by flight. Therefore, with everything prepared for flight, in the middle of the night, her father being unaware, she escaped with her brother Absyrtus, and as swiftly as possible betook herself to the place where the Argo had been drawn up.

Eo cum venisset, ad pedes Iasonis se proiecit, et multis cum lacrimis eum obsecravit ne in tanto discrimine mulierem desereret quae ei tantum profuisset. Ille quod memoria tenebat se per eius auxilium e magno periculo evasisse, libenter eam excepit, et postquam causam veniendi audivit, hortatus est ne patris iram timeret. Promisit autem se quam primum eam in navi sua avecturum.

When she had come there, she threw herself at Jason’s feet, and with many tears besought him not to desert in so great a crisis the woman who had so greatly benefited him. He, since he kept in memory that through her aid he had escaped from great danger, gladly received her; and after he heard the cause of her coming, he urged her not to fear her father’s wrath. He promised moreover that he would as soon as possible carry her away in his ship.

72.THE SEIZURE OF THE FLEECE

Postridie eius diei Iason cum sociis suis orta luce navem deduxit, et tempestatem idoneam nacti ad eum locum remis contenderunt, quo in loco Medea vellus celatum esse demonstrabat. Cum eo venissent, Iason in terram egressus est, et sociis ad mare relictis, qui praesidio navi essent, ipse cum Medea in silvas se contulit. Pauca milia passuum per silvam progressus vellus quod quaerebat ex arbore suspensum vidit.

The next day, with light arisen, Jason with his companions launched the ship, and having found weather suitable they strove with oars to that place where Medea was indicating the fleece had been concealed. When they had come there, Jason went ashore, and, his companions left by the sea to be a guard for the ship, he himself with Medea betook himself into the woods. Having progressed a few miles through the forest, he saw the fleece which he was seeking hanging from a tree.

Id tamen auferre erat summae difficultatis; non modo enim locus ipse egregie et natura et arte erat munitus, sed etiam draco quidam specie terribili arborem custodiebat. Tum Medea, quae, ut supra demonstravimus, medicinae summam scientiam habuit, ramum quem de arbore proxima deripuerat veneno infecit. Hoc facto ad locum appropinquavit, et draconem, qui faucibus apertis eius adventum exspectabat, veneno sparsit; deinde, dum draco somno oppressus dormit, Iason vellus aureum de arbore deripuit et cum Medea quam celerrime pedem rettulit.

Yet to carry it off was of the highest difficulty; for not only was the place itself excellently fortified both by nature and by art, but also a certain dragon of terrible aspect was guarding the tree. Then Medea, who, as we have shown above, possessed the highest knowledge of medicine, infected with poison a branch which she had torn from a neighboring tree. This done, she approached the place and sprinkled the dragon—who, with jaws open, was awaiting her advent—with the poison; then, while the dragon, overborne by sleep, slept, Jason tore the Golden Fleece from the tree and, with Medea, withdrew as swiftly as possible.

73.THE RETURN TO THE ARGO

Dum autem ea geruntur, Argonautae, qui ad mare relicti erant, anxio animo reditum Iasonis exspectabant; id enim negotium summi esse periculi intellegebant. Postquam igitur ad occasum solis frustra exspectaverunt, de eius salute desperare coeperunt, nec dubitabant quin aliqui casus accidisset. Quae cum ita essent, maturandum sibi censuerunt, ut duci auxilium ferrent; sed dum proficisci parant, lumen quoddam subito conspiciunt mirum in modum intra silvas refulgens, et magnopere mirati quae causa esset eius rei ad locum concurrunt.

While, however, these things are being carried on, the Argonauts, who had been left at the sea, were awaiting with anxious mind the return of Jason; for they understood that that business was of the highest peril. Therefore after they had waited in vain until sunset, they began to despair of his safety, nor did they doubt that some mishap had occurred. Since these things were so, they judged that they must make haste, in order to bring aid to their leader; but while they prepare to set out, they suddenly behold a certain light, shining back in a wondrous manner within the woods, and, greatly marveling what the cause of this matter was, they run together to the place.

Quo cum venissent, Iasoni et Medeae advenientibus occurrerunt, et vellus aureum luminis eius causam esse cognoverunt. Omni timore sublato magno cum gaudio ducem suum exceperunt, et dis gratias maximas egerunt quod res tam feliciter evenisset.

When they had come there, they met Jason and Medea as they were arriving, and recognized that the Golden Fleece was the cause of that light. With all fear removed, they received their leader with great joy, and rendered the greatest thanks to the gods because the affair had turned out so happily.

74.THE PURSUIT

His rebus gestis omnes sine mora navem rursus conscenderunt, et sublatis ancoris prima vigilia solverunt; neque enim satis tutum esse arbitrati sunt in eo loco manere. At rex Aeetes, qui iam ante inimico in eos fuerat animo, ubi cognovit filiam suam non modo ad Argonautas se recepisse sed etiam ad vellus auferendum auxilium tulisse, hoc dolore gravius exarsit. Navem longam quam celerrime deduci iussit, et militibus impositis fugientis insecutus est.

With these things accomplished, all without delay boarded the ship again, and with the anchors raised they set sail at the first watch; for they judged it not sufficiently safe to remain in that place. But King Aeetes, who already before had been of a hostile mind toward them, when he learned that his daughter had not only betaken herself to the Argonauts but had also brought aid for the carrying-off of the fleece, burned the more fiercely with this grief. He ordered a long ship to be launched as swiftly as possible, and, with soldiers put on board, he pursued the fugitives.

Argonautae, qui rem in discrimine esse bene sciebant, omnibus viribus remis contendebant; cum tamen navis qua vehebantur ingenti esset magnitudine, non eadem celeritate qua Colchi progredi poterant. Quo factum est ut minimum abesset quin a Colchis sequentibus caperentur, neque enim longius intererat quam quo telum adici posset. At Medea cum vidisset quo in loco res essent, paene omni spe deposita infandum hoc consilium cepit.

The Argonauts, who knew well that the matter was in crisis, were straining at the oars with all their strength; yet since the ship in which they were conveyed was of immense magnitude, they could not advance with the same celerity as the Colchians. Wherefore it came about that they were within a little of being captured by the Colchians pursuing them, for the interval between was no farther than a missile could be cast. But Medea, when she saw in what position matters stood, with almost all hope laid aside, conceived this unspeakable plan.

75.A FEARFUL EXPEDIENT

Erat in navi Argonautarum filius quidam regis Aeetae, nomine Absyrtus, quem, ut supra demonstravimus, Medea ex urbe fugiens secum abduxerat. Hunc puerum Medea interficere constituit eo consilio, ut membris eius in mare coniectis cursum Colchorum impediret; certo enim sciebat Aeetem, cum membra fili vidisset, non longius prosecuturum esse. Neque opinio Medeam fefellit, omnia enim ita evenerunt ut speraverat.

There was in the ship of the Argonauts a certain son of King Aeetes, by name Absyrtus, whom, as we have demonstrated above, Medea, fleeing from the city, had carried off with her. This boy Medea resolved to put to death with this counsel: that, his members having been cast into the sea, she might impede the course of the Colchians; for she knew for certain that Aeetes, when he had seen the limbs of his son, would not pursue further. Nor did Medea’s expectation deceive her, for all things eventuated just as she had hoped.

Aeetes ubi primum membra vidit, ad ea conligenda navem teneri iussit. Dum tamen ea geruntur, Argonautae non intermisso remigandi labore mox e conspectu hostium auferebantur, neque prius fugere destiterunt quam ad flumen Eridanum pervenerunt. Aeetes nihil sibi profuturum esse arbitratus si longius progressus esset, animo demisso domum revertit, ut fili corpus ad sepulturam daret.

Aeetes, as soon as he saw the limbs, ordered the ship to be held fast for gathering them. While, however, these things were being transacted, the Argonauts, with the labor of rowing not intermitted, were soon being borne away out of the enemies’ sight, nor did they cease fleeing before they reached the river Eridanus. Aeetes, judging that nothing would be of profit to him if he had advanced farther, with spirit cast down returned home, to give his son’s body to sepulture.

76.THE BARGAIN WITH PELIAS

Tandem post multa pericula Iason in eundem locum pervenit unde profectus erat. Tum e navi egressus ad regem Peliam, qui regnum adhuc obtinebat, statim se contulit, et vellere aureo monstrato ab eo postulavit ut regnum sibi traderetur; Pelias enim pollicitus erat, si Iason vellus rettulisset, se regnum ei traditurum. Postquam Iason quid fieri vellet ostendit, Pelias primo nihil respondit, sed diu in eadem tristitia tacitus permansit; tandem ita locutus est: "Vides me aetate iam esse confectum, neque dubium est quin dies supremus mihi appropinquet.

At length after many perils Jason arrived at the same place from which he had set out. Then, having gone out from the ship, he betook himself straightway to King Pelias, who was still holding the kingdom, and, the Golden Fleece having been shown, he demanded from him that the kingdom be handed over to himself; for Pelias had promised that, if Jason had brought back the fleece, he would hand over the kingdom to him. After Jason showed what he wished to be done, Pelias at first answered nothing, but for a long time remained silent in the same sadness; at length he spoke thus: "You see me now to be worn out by age, nor is it doubtful that my final day is approaching.

Liceat igitur mihi, dum vivam, hoc regnum obtinere; cum autem tandem decessero, tu mihi succedes." Hac oratione adductus Iason respondit se id facturum quod ille rogasset.

Therefore let it be permitted to me, while I live, to hold this kingdom; but when at last I have departed, you shall succeed me." Led by this oration, Jason responded that he would do that which he had asked.

77.MAGIC ARTS

His rebus cognitis Medea rem aegre tulit, et regni cupiditate adducta mortem regi per dolum inferre constituit. Hoc constituto ad filias regis venit atque ita locuta est: "Videtis patrem vestrum aetate iam esse confectum neque ad laborem regnandi perferendum satis valere. Vultisne eum rursus iuvenem fieri?" Tum filiae regis ita responderunt: "Num hoc fieri potest?

With these things known, Medea took the matter grievously, and, driven by cupidity for the kingdom, resolved to bring death upon the king by deceit. This resolved, she came to the king’s daughters and spoke thus: "You see that your father is now worn out with age and is not strong enough to endure the labor of ruling. Do you wish him to become young again?" Then the king’s daughters answered thus: "Can this be done?"

Quis enim umquam e sene iuvenis factus est?" At Medea respondit: "Me medicinae summam habere scientiam scitis. Nunc igitur vobis demonstrabo quo modo haec res fieri possit." Postquam finem loquendi fecit, arietem aetate iam confectum interfecit et membra eius in vase aeneo posuit, atque igni supposito in aquam herbas quasdam infudit. Tum, dum aqua effervesceret, carmen magicum cantabat.

"For who ever has been made a young man from an old man?" But Medea replied: "You know that I have the highest science of medicine. Now therefore I will demonstrate to you by what method this thing can be done." After she made an end of speaking, she killed a ram now worn out with age and placed its limbs in a bronze vessel, and, fire set beneath, infused into the water certain herbs. Then, while the water effervesced, she was chanting a magic charm.

Mox aries e vase exsiluit et viribus refectis per agros currebat.

Soon the ram leapt out of the vase and, his strength restored, was running through the fields.

78.A DANGEROUS EXPERIMENT

Dum filiae regis hoc miraculum stupentes intuentur, Medea ita locuta est: "Videtis quantum valeat medicina. Vos igitur, si vultis patrem vestrum in adulescentiam reducere, id quod feci ipsae facietis. Vos patris membra in vas conicite; ego herbas magicas praebebo." Quod ubi auditum est, filiae regis consilium quod dedisset Medea non omittendum putaverunt.

While the king’s daughters, astonished, were gazing upon this miracle, Medea spoke thus: "You see how powerful medicine is. You, therefore, if you wish to lead your father back into adolescence, you yourselves will do that which I have done. Cast your father’s limbs into a vessel; I will provide the magical herbs." When this was heard, the king’s daughters thought that the counsel which Medea had given was not to be omitted.

Patrem igitur Peliam necaverunt et membra eius in vas aeneum coniecerunt; nihil autem dubitabant quin hoc maxime ei profuturum esset. At res omnino aliter evenit ac speraverant, Medea enim non easdem herbas dedit quibus ipsa usa erat. Itaque postquam diu frustra exspectaverunt, patrem suum re vera mortuum esse intellexerunt.

Therefore they slew their father Pelias and cast his limbs into a bronze vessel; nor did they doubt at all but that this would be most beneficial to him. But the affair turned out altogether otherwise than they had hoped, for Medea did not give the same herbs which she herself had used. And so, after they had long waited in vain, they understood that their father was in truth dead.

His rebus gestis Medea se cum coniuge suo regnum accepturam esse sperabat; sed cives cum intellegerent quo modo Pelias periisset, tantum scelus aegre tulerunt. Itaque Iasone et Medea e regno expulsis Acastum regem creaverunt.

With these things done, Medea was hoping that she, together with her consort, would receive the kingdom; but when the citizens understood in what manner Pelias had perished, they bore such a crime with difficulty. Therefore, with Jason and Medea expelled from the kingdom, they created Acastus king.

79.A FATAL GIFT

Iason et Medea e Thessalia expulsi ad urbem Corinthum venerunt, cuius urbis Creon quidam regnum tum obtinebat. Erat autem Creonti filia una, nomine Glauce. Quam cum vidisset, Iason constituit Medeae uxori suae nuntium mittere eo consilio, ut Glaucen in matrimonium duceret.

Jason and Medea, expelled from Thessaly, came to the city of Corinth, of which city a certain Creon was then obtaining the kingdom. Moreover, Creon had a single daughter, by name Glauce. When he had seen her, Jason determined to send a message to his own wife Medea with this design: to take Glauce in matrimony.

At Medea ubi intellexit quae ille in animo haberet, ira graviter commota iure iurando confirmavit se tantam iniuriam ulturam. Hoc igitur consilium cepit. Vestem paravit summa arte textam et variis coloribus infectam; hanc mortifero quodam veneno tinxit, cuius vis talis erat ut si quis eam vestem induisset, corpus eius quasi igni ureretur.

But when Medea understood what he had in mind, gravely moved by anger she confirmed by oath that she would avenge so great an injury. Therefore she adopted this plan. She prepared a garment woven with the highest art and dyed in various colors; this she steeped with a certain mortal poison, whose force was such that, if anyone should put on that garment, his body would burn as if by fire.

Hoc facto vestem ad Glaucen misit; illa autem nihil mali suspicans donum libenter accepit, et vestem novam more feminarum statim induit.

With this done, she sent the garment to Glauce; but she, suspecting nothing evil, gladly accepted the gift, and, in the manner of women, immediately put on the new garment.

80.MEDEA KILLS HER SONS

Vix vestem induerat Glauce cum dolorem gravem per omnia membra sensit, et paulo post crudeli cruciatu adfecta e vita excessit. His rebus gestis Medea furore atque amentia impulsa filios suos necavit; tum magnum sibi fore periculum arbitrata si in Thessalia maneret, ex ea regione fugere constituit. Hoc constituto solem oravit ut in tanto periculo auxilium sibi praeberet.

Scarcely had Glauce put on the garment when she felt a grave pain through all her limbs, and a little after, afflicted with excruciating torment, she departed from life. With these things done, Medea, driven by furor and insanity, killed her sons; then, thinking that great peril would be for herself if she remained in Thessaly, she decided to flee from that region. This determined, she prayed the Sun to provide aid to her in so great a peril.

Sol autem his precibus commotus currum misit cui erant iuncti dracones alis instructi. Medea non omittendam tantam occasionem arbitrata currum ascendit, itaque per aera vecta incolumis ad urbem Athenas pervenit. Iason ipse brevi tempore miro modo occisus est.

But the Sun, moved by these prayers, sent a chariot to which dragons, equipped with wings, were yoked. Medea, judging that so great an occasion was not to be omitted, mounted the chariot, and thus, borne through the air, arrived unharmed at the city of Athens. Jason himself, in a short time, was slain in a strange manner.

Accidit sive casu sive consilio deorum ut sub umbra navis suae, quae in litus subducta erat, dormiret. Mox navis, quae adhuc erecta steterat, in eam partem ubi Iason iacebat subito delapsa virum infelicem oppressit.

It happened, whether by chance or by the counsel of the gods, that he slept under the shadow of his ship, which had been drawn up onto the shore. Soon the ship, which had until then stood erect, suddenly slipped down into the part where Jason was lying and crushed the unlucky man.

ULYSSES Ulysses, a famous Greek hero, took a prominent part in the long siege of Troy. After the fall of the city, he set out with his followers on his homeward voyage to Ithaca, an island of which he was king; but being driven out of his course by northerly winds, he was compelled to touch at the country of the Lotus-eaters, who are supposed to have lived on the north coast of Africa. Some of his comrades were so delighted with the lotus fruit that they wished to remain in the country, but Ulysses compelled them to embark again and continued his voyage.

He next came to the island of Sicily, and fell into the hands of the giant Polyphemus, one of the Cyclopes. After several of his comrades had been killed by this monster, Ulysses made his escape by stratagem and reached the country of the winds. Here he received the help of Aeolus, king of the winds, and having set sail again, arrived within sight of Ithaca; but owing to the folly of his companions, the winds became suddenly adverse and he was again driven back.

He then touched at an island which was the home of Circe, a powerful enchantress, who exercised her charms on his companions and turned them into swine. By the help of the god Mercury, Ulysses not only escaped this fate himself, but also forced Circe to restore her victims to human shape. After staying a year with Circe, he again set out and eventually reached his home.

He then put in at an island that was the home of Circe, a powerful enchantress, who plied her spells upon his companions and turned them into swine. With the help of the god Mercury, Ulysses not only escaped this fate himself, but also compelled Circe to restore her victims to human shape. After staying a year with Circe, he set out again and at length reached his home.

81.HOMEWARD BOUND

Urbem Troiam a Graecis decem annos obsessam esse satis constat; de hoc enim bello Homerus, maximus poetarum Graecorum, Iliadem opus notissimum scripsit. Troia tandem per insidias capta, Graeci longo bello fessi domum redire maturaverunt. Omnibus rebus igitur ad profectionem paratis navis deduxerunt, et tempestatem idoneam nacti magno cum gaudio solverunt.

It is well agreed that the city of Troy was besieged by the Greeks for ten years; for about this war Homer, the greatest of the poets of the Greeks, wrote the Iliad, a most well-known work. Troy at length taken by stratagem, the Greeks, wearied by the long war, hastened to return home. Therefore, with all things prepared for departure, they launched their ships, and, having found suitable weather, they set sail with great joy.

Erat inter primos Graecorum Ulixes quidam, vir summae virtutis ac prudentiae, quem dicunt nonnulli dolum istum excogitasse quo Troiam captam esse constat. Hic regnum insulae Ithacae obtinuerat, et paulo antequam cum reliquis Graecis ad bellum profectus est, puellam formosissimam, nomine Penelopen, in matrimonium duxerat. Nunc igitur cum iam decem annos quasi in exsilio consumpsisset, magna cupiditate patriae et uxoris videndae ardebat.

Among the foremost of the Greeks was a certain Ulysses, a man of the highest virtue and prudence, whom some say devised that trick by which it is agreed that Troy was taken. This man had held the kingship of the island of Ithaca, and a little before he set out to war with the rest of the Greeks, he had taken to wife a most beautiful maiden, by name Penelope. Now therefore, when he had already spent ten years as if in exile, he burned with a great desire of seeing his fatherland and his wife.

82.THE LOTUS-EATERS

Postquam tamen pauca milia passuum a litore Troiae progressi sunt, tanta tempestas subito coorta est ut nulla navium cursum tenere posset, sed aliae alias in partis disicerentur. Navis autem qua ipse Ulixes vehebatur vi tempestatis ad meridiem delata decimo die ad litus Libyae appulsa est. Ancoris iactis Ulixes constituit nonnullos e sociis in terram exponere, qui aquam ad navem referrent et qualis esset natura eius regionis cognoscerent.

After they had advanced a few miles from the shore of Troy, so great a tempest suddenly arose that none of the ships could keep their course, but they were scattered, one this way, another that. The ship, however, in which Ulysses himself was being carried, driven by the force of the tempest to the south, on the tenth day made land on the coast of Libya. With the anchors cast, Ulysses resolved to put ashore some of his comrades, to bring water back to the ship and to learn what the nature of that region was.

Hi igitur e navi egressi imperata facere parabant. Dum tamen fontem quaerunt, quibusdam ex incolis obviam facti ab iis hospitio accepti sunt. Accidit autem ut maior pars victus eorum hominum in miro quodam fructu quem lotum appellabant consisteret.

These men therefore, having gone out from the ship, were preparing to do what had been commanded. However, while they were seeking a spring, having met some of the inhabitants, they were received by them with hospitality. Moreover, it happened that the greater part of the sustenance of those people consisted in a certain wondrous fruit which they called the lotus.

Quam cum Graeci gustassent, patriae et sociorum statim obliti confirmaverunt se semper in ea terra mansuros, ut dulci illo cibo in perpetuum vescerentur.

When the Greeks had tasted it, immediately forgetful of their fatherland and of their comrades, they affirmed that they would always remain in that land, so that they might in perpetuity feed on that sweet food.

83.THE RESCUE

Ulixes cum ab hora septima ad vesperum exspectasset, veritus ne socii sui in periculo versarentur, nonnullos e reliquis misit, ut quae causa esset morae cognoscerent. Hi igitur in terram expositi ad vicum qui non longe aberat se contulerunt; quo cum venissent, socios suos quasi vino ebrios reppererunt. Tum ubi causam veniendi docuerunt, iis persuadere conabantur ut secum ad navem redirent.

Ulysses, when he had waited from the seventh hour to evening, fearing lest his comrades were involved in danger, sent some of the rest to learn what the cause of the delay was. These, therefore, put ashore, betook themselves to a village which was not far off; and when they had come there, they found their comrades as if drunk with wine. Then, when they explained the reason of their coming, they tried to persuade them to return with them to the ship.

Illi tamen resistere ac manu se defendere coeperunt, saepe clamitantes se numquam ex eo loco abituros. Quae cum ita essent, nuntii re infecta ad Ulixem redierunt. His rebus cognitis ipse cum omnibus qui in navi relicti erant ad locum venit; et socios suos frustra hortatus ut sua sponte redirent, manibus eorum post terga vinctis invitos ad navem reportavit.

They, however, began to resist and to defend themselves with their hands, often shouting that they would never depart from that place. Since these things were so, the messengers, the matter unaccomplished, returned to Ulysses. These things learned, he himself came to the place with all who had been left on the ship; and, having in vain exhorted his comrades to return of their own accord, with their hands bound behind their backs he brought them back unwilling to the ship.

Tum ancoris sublatis quam celerrime e portu solvit.

Then, the anchors having been lifted, he set sail from the port as swiftly as possible.

84.THE ONE-EYED GIANT

Postquam ea tota nocte remis contenderunt, postridie ad terram ignotam navem appulerunt. Tum, quod naturam eius regionis ignorabat, ipse Ulixes cum duodecim e sociis in terram egressus loca explorare constituit. Paulum a litore progressi ad speluncam ingentem pervenerunt, quam habitari senserunt; eius enim introitum et natura loci et manu munitum esse animadverterunt.

After they had strained at the oars the whole night, on the following day they brought the ship to an unknown land. Then, because he did not know the nature of that region, Ulysses himself, having gone ashore with twelve of his comrades, decided to explore the places. Having advanced a little from the shore, they came to an immense cavern, which they perceived to be inhabited; for they noticed that its entrance was fortified both by the nature of the place and by hand.

Mox, etsi intellegebant se non sine periculo id facturos, speluncam intraverunt; quod cum fecissent, magnam copiam lactis in vasis ingentibus conditam invenerunt. Dum tamen mirantur quis in ea sede habitaret, sonitum terribilem audiverunt, et oculis ad portam tortis monstrum horribile viderunt, humana quidem specie et figura, sed ingenti magnitudine corporis. Cum autem animadvertissent monstrum unum oculum tantum habere in media fronte positum, intellexerunt hunc esse unum e Cyclopibus, de quibus famam iam acceperant.

Soon, although they understood that they would do this not without danger, they entered the cave; and when they had done so, they found a great supply of milk stored in huge vessels. While, however, they marvelled who might dwell in that seat, they heard a terrible sound, and, with their eyes turned toward the door, they saw a horrible monster, of human species and figure indeed, but of vast magnitude of body. But when they noticed that the monster had only one eye set in the middle of its forehead, they understood that this was one of the Cyclopes, about whom they had already received report.

85.THE GIANT'S SUPPER

Cyclopes autem pastores erant quidam qui insulam Siciliam et praecipue montem Aetnam incolebant; ibi enim Volcanus, praeses fabrorum et ignis repertor, cuius servi Cyclopes erant, officinam suam habebat.

The Cyclopes, moreover, were certain shepherds who inhabited the island of Sicily and especially Mount Aetna; for there Vulcan, the praeses of smiths and the discoverer of fire, whose servants the Cyclopes were, had his workshop.

Graeci igitur simul ac monstrum viderunt, terrore paene exanimati in interiorem partem speluncae refugerunt et se ibi abdere conabantur. Polyphemus autem (sic enim Cyclops appellabatur) pecus suum in speluncam compulit; deinde, cum saxo ingenti portam obstruxisset, ignem in media spelunca fecit. Hoc facto, oculo omnia perlustrabat, et cum sensisset homines in interiore parte speluncae esse abditos, magna voce exclamavit: "Qui homines estis?

Therefore the Greeks, as soon as they saw the monster, almost exanimate with terror fled back into the inner part of the cave and tried to hide themselves there. But Polyphemus (for thus the Cyclops was called) drove his flock into the cave; then, when he had blocked the portal with a huge stone, he made a fire in the middle of the cave. With this done, he surveyed everything with his eye, and when he had sensed that men were hidden in the inner part of the cave, he exclaimed with a great voice: "What men are you?

Mercatores an latrones?" Tum Ulixes respondit se neque mercatores esse neque praedandi causa venisse; sed a Troia redeuntis vi tempestatum a recto cursu depulsos esse. Oravit etiam ut sibi sine iniuria abire liceret. Tum Polyphemus quaesivit ubi esset navis qua vecti essent; sed Ulixes cum sibi maxime praecavendum esse bene intellegeret, respondit navem suam in rupis coniectam omnino fractam esse.

“Merchants or robbers?” Then Odysseus replied that they were neither merchants nor had they come for the sake of predation; but that, returning from Troy, they had been driven by the force of storms from their straight course. He also begged that it be permitted him to depart without injury. Then Polyphemus asked where the ship was by which they had been conveyed; but Odysseus, since he very well understood that he must be most on his guard, answered that his ship, hurled onto the rocks, had been utterly broken.

Polyphemus autem nullo responso dato duo e sociis manu corripuit, et membris eorum divulsis carnem devorare coepit.

Polyphemus, however, with no reply given, seized two of the companions with his hand, and, their members torn apart, began to devour the flesh.

86.A DESPERATE SITUATION

Dum haec geruntur, Graecorum animos tantus terror occupavit ut ne vocem quidem edere possent, sed omni spe salutis deposita mortem praesentem exspectarent. Polyphemus, postquam fames hac tam horribili cena depulsa est, humi prostratus somno se dedit. Quod cum vidisset Ulixes, tantam occasionem rei gerendae non omittendam arbitratus, in eo erat ut pectus monstri gladio transfigeret.

While these things were being done, so great a terror seized the spirits of the Greeks that they could not utter even a voice, but, with all hope of salvation laid aside, they awaited present death. Polyphemus, after his hunger had been driven off by this so horrible a dinner, prostrate on the ground gave himself to sleep. When Ulysses saw this, judging that so great an occasion for the affair to be carried through ought not to be omitted, he was on the point of transfixing the monster’s breast with his sword.

Cum tamen nihil temere agendum existimaret, constituit explorare, antequam hoc faceret, qua ratione ex spelunca evadere possent. At cum saxum animadvertisset quo introitus obstructus erat, nihil sibi profuturum intellexit si Polyphemum interfecisset. Tanta enim erat eius saxi magnitudo ut ne a decem quidem hominibus amoveri posset.

However, since he judged that nothing ought to be done rashly, he resolved to explore, before he did this, by what method they might escape from the cavern. But when he had noticed the rock by which the entrance was obstructed, he understood that nothing would be of profit to him even if he had slain Polyphemus. For so great was the magnitude of that stone that not even by ten men could it be removed.

Quae cum ita essent, Ulixes hoc conatu destitit et ad socios rediit; qui cum intellexissent quo in loco res essent, nulla spe salutis oblata de fortunis suis desperare coeperunt. Ille tamen ne animos demitterent vehementer hortatus est; demonstravit se iam antea e multis et magnis periculis evasisse, neque dubium esse quin in tanto discrimine di auxilium laturi essent.

Since these things were so, Ulysses desisted from this attempt and returned to his companions; who, when they had understood in what situation things stood, with no hope of safety offered began to despair of their fortunes. He, however, exhorted them vehemently not to let their spirits sink; he showed that he had already before escaped from many and great dangers, nor was there any doubt that in so great a crisis the gods would bring help.

87.A PLAN FOR VENGEANCE

Orta luce Polyphemus iam e somno excitatus idem quod hesterno die fecit; correptis enim duobus e reliquis viris carnem eorum sine mora devoravit. Tum, cum saxum amovisset, ipse cum pecore suo ex spelunca progressus est; quod cum Graeci viderent, magnam in spem se post paulum evasuros venerunt. Mox tamen ab hac spe repulsi sunt; nam Polyphemus, postquam omnes oves exierunt, saxum in locum restituit.

With the light arisen, Polyphemus, now awakened from sleep, did the same thing which he had done on the previous day; for, having seized two of the remaining men, he devoured their flesh without delay. Then, when he had removed the rock, he himself, with his herd, progressed out of the cave; when the Greeks saw this, they came into great hope that after a little they would escape. Soon, however, they were repulsed from this hope; for Polyphemus, after all the sheep had gone out, restored the rock to its place.

Reliqui omni spe salutis deposita lamentis lacrimisque se dediderunt; Ulixes vero, qui, ut supra demonstravimus, vir magni fuit consili, etsi intellegebat rem in discrimine esse, nondum omnino desperabat. Tandem, postquam diu haec toto animo cogitavit, hoc consilium cepit. E lignis quae in spelunca reposita erant palum magnum delegit.

The rest, with all hope of salvation set aside, surrendered themselves to lamentations and tears; but Ulysses, who, as we have shown above, was a man of great counsel, although he understood the affair to be in a crisis, did not yet utterly despair. At last, after he had long considered these things with his whole spirit, he adopted this plan. From the timbers which had been reposed in the cave he selected a great stake.

Hunc summa cum diligentia praeacutum fecit; tum, postquam sociis quid fieri vellet ostendit, reditum Polyphemi exspectabat.

This he made very sharp with the greatest diligence; then, after he showed to his companions what he wished to be done, he awaited the return of Polyphemus.

88.A GLASS TOO MUCH

Sub vesperum Polyphemus ad speluncam rediit, et eodem modo quo antea cenavit. Tum Ulixes utrem vini prompsit, quem forte (id quod ei erat saluti) secum attulerat; et postquam magnum poculum vino complevit, monstrum ad bibendum provocavit. Polyphemus, qui numquam antea vinum gustaverat, totum poculum statim exhausit; quod cum fecisset, tantam voluptatem percepit ut iterum et tertium poculum repleri iusserit.

Toward evening Polyphemus returned to the cave, and dined in the same way as before. Then Ulysses produced a wineskin, which by chance (that which proved his salvation) he had brought with him; and after he filled a large cup with wine, he challenged the monster to drink. Polyphemus, who had never before tasted wine, drained the entire cup at once; and when he had done this, he perceived such pleasure that he ordered the cup to be refilled a second and a third time.

Tum, cum quaesivisset quo nomine Ulixes appellaretur, ille respondit se Neminem appellari; quod cum audivisset, Polyphemus ita locutus est: "Hanc, tibi gratiam pro tanto beneficio referam; te postremum omnium devorabo." Hoc cum dixisset, cibo vinoque gravis recubuit et brevi tempore somno oppressus est. Tum Ulixes sociis convocatis, "Habemus," inquit, "quam petiimus facultatem; ne igitur tantam occasionem rei gerendae omittamus."

Then, when he had asked by what name Ulysses was called, he replied that he was called Nobody; and when he had heard this, Polyphemus spoke thus: "This favor I will repay to you for so great a benefit; I will devour you last of all." When he had said this, heavy with food and wine he reclined and in a short time was overpowered by sleep. Then Ulysses, his companions having been called together, said, "We have the opportunity which we sought; therefore let us not omit so great an occasion for getting the deed done."

89.THE BLINDING OF POLYPHEMUS

Hac oratione habita, postquam extremum palum igni calefecit, oculum Polyphemi dormientis ferventi ligno perfodit; quo facto omnes in diversas speluncae partis se abdiderunt. At ille subito illo dolore oculi e somno excitatus clamorem terribilem sustulit, et dum per speluncam errat, Ulixem manu prehendere conabatur; cum tamen iam omnino caecus esset, nullo modo hoc efficere potuit. Interea reliqui Cyclopes clamore audito undique ad speluncam convenerunt, et ad introitum adstantes quid Polyphemus ageret quaesiverunt, et quam ob causam tantum clamorem sustulisset.

After this oration had been delivered, after he had heated the tip of the stake in the fire, he pierced the eye of the sleeping Polyphemus with the searing wood; this done, they all hid themselves in different parts of the cave. But he, suddenly awakened from sleep by that pain of the eye, raised a terrible clamor, and while he wandered through the cave, he tried to seize Ulysses with his hand; yet since he was now altogether blind, he could in no way accomplish this. Meanwhile the remaining Cyclopes, the clamor having been heard, gathered from all sides to the cave, and standing at the entrance they asked what Polyphemus was doing, and for what cause he had raised such a great clamor.

Ille respondit se graviter vulneratum esse et magno dolore adfici. Cum tamen postea quaesivissent quis ei vim intulisset, respondit ille Neminem id fecisse; quibus rebus auditis unus e Cyclopibus: "At si nemo," inquit, "te vulneravit, haud dubium est quin consilio deorum, quibus resistere nec possumus nec volumus, hoc supplicio adficiaris." Hoc cum dixisset, abierunt Cyclopes eum in insaniam incidisse arbitrati.

He replied that he had been gravely wounded and was afflicted with great pain. When, however, afterwards they asked who had inflicted violence upon him, he replied that Nobody had done this; and when these things had been heard, one of the Cyclopes said: "But if no one has wounded you, there is no doubt that by the counsel of the gods, whom we neither can nor wish to resist, you are afflicted with this punishment." When he had said this, the Cyclopes went away, thinking that he had fallen into insanity.

90.THE ESCAPE

Polyphemus ubi socios suos abiisse sensit, furore atque amentia impulsus Ulixem iterum quaerere coepit; tandem cum portam invenisset, saxum quo obstructa erat amovit, ut pecus in agros exiret. Tum ipse in introitu consedit, et ut quaeque ovis ad hunc locum venerat, eius tergum manibus tractabat, ne viri inter ovis exire possent. Quod cum animadvertisset Ulixes, intellexit omnem spem salutis in dolo magis quam in virtute poni.

When Polyphemus perceived that his companions had departed, driven by fury and madness he began to seek Ulysses again; at length, when he had found the doorway, he removed the rock with which it had been obstructed, so that the flock might go out into the fields. Then he himself sat down in the entrance, and as each sheep came to that place, he was handling its back with his hands, lest the men be able to go out among the sheep. When Ulysses had noticed this, he understood that all hope of salvation was placed in stratagem rather than in virtue.

Itaque hoc consilium iniit. Primum tris quas vidit pinguissimas ex ovibus delegit, quas cum inter se viminibus coniunxisset, unum ex sociis suis ventribus earum ita subiecit ut omnino lateret; deinde ovis hominem secum ferentis ad portam egit. Id accidit quod fore suspicatus erat.

Therefore he entered upon this counsel. First he selected three of the sheep which he saw fattest, and when he had conjoined them to one another with withes, he placed one of his comrades beneath their bellies in such a way that he was entirely hidden; then he drove to the gate the sheep carrying the man with them. That befell which he had suspected would be.

Polyphemus enim postquam terga ovium manibus tractavit, eas praeterire passus est. Ulixes ubi rem tam feliciter evenisse vidit, omnis socios suos ex ordine eodem modo emisit; quo facto ipse novissimus evasit.

For Polyphemus, after he had handled the backs of the sheep with his hands, allowed them to pass by. When Ulysses saw that the affair had turned out so felicitously, he sent out all his companions in order in the same way; which done, he himself escaped last.

91.OUT OF DANGER

Iis rebus ita confectis, Ulixes veritus ne Polyphemus fraudem sentiret, cum sociis quam celerrime ad litus contendit; quo cum venissent, ab iis qui navi praesidio relicti erant magna cum laetitia excepti sunt. Hi enim cum anxiis animis iam tris dies continuos reditum eorum exspectavissent, eos in aliquod periculum magnum incidisse (id quidem quod erat) suspicati, ipsi auxiliandi causa egredi parabant. Tum Ulixes non satis tutum arbitratus in eo loco manere, quam celerrime profisisci constituit.

With these things thus completed, Ulysses, fearing lest Polyphemus should perceive the fraud, hastened with his comrades to the shore as most swiftly as possible; when they had come there, they were received with great joy by those who had been left as a guard for the ship. For these, having with anxious minds awaited their return for three continuous days, suspecting that they had fallen into some great danger (indeed which was the case), were themselves preparing to go out for the sake of giving aid. Then Ulysses, having judged it not sufficiently safe to remain in that place, decided to set out as most swiftly as possible.

Iussit igitur omnis navem conscendere, et ancoris sublatis paulum a litore in altum provectus est. Tum magna voce exclamavit: "Tu, Polypheme, qui iura hospiti spernis, iustam et debitam poenam immanitatis tuae solvisti." Hac voce audita Polyphemus ira vehementer commotus ad mare se contulit, et ubi navem paulum a litore remotam esse intellexit, saxum ingens manu correptum in eam partem coniecit unde vocem venire sensit. Graeci autem, etsi non multum afuit quin submergerentur, nullo damno accepto cursum tenuerunt.

He therefore ordered all to board the ship, and, the anchors lifted, he put out a little from the shore into the deep. Then he shouted with a great voice: “You, Polyphemus, who spurn the laws of hospitality, have paid the just and due penalty of your savagery.” With this voice heard, Polyphemus, vehemently moved with wrath, made his way to the sea; and when he realized that the ship had been moved a little from the shore, he, having seized an enormous rock in his hand, hurled it into the quarter from which he sensed the voice to be coming. The Greeks, however, although it was not far from happening that they were submerged, held their course with no damage received.

92.THE COUNTRY OF THE WINDS

Pauca milia passuum ab eo loco progressus Ulixes ad insulam Aeoliam navem appulit. Haec patria erat ventorum, "Hic vasto rex Aeolus antro luctantis ventos tempestatesque sonoras imperio premit ac vinclis et carcere frenat."

Having gone forward a few miles from that place, Ulysses brought his ship to the Aeolian island. This was the fatherland of the winds: "Here in a vast cavern King Aeolus presses down the struggling winds and the sonorous tempests by his command, and he restrains them with bonds and a prison."

Ibi rex ipse Graecos hospitio excepit, atque iis persuasit ut ad recuperandas viris paucos dies in ea regione commorarentur. Septimo die cum socii e laboribus se recepissent, Ulixes, ne anni tempore a navigatione excluderetur, sibi sine mora proficiscendum statuit. Tum Aeolus, qui sciebat Ulixem cupidissimum esse patriae videndae, ei iam profecturo magnum saccum e corio confectum dedit, in quo ventos omnis praeter unum incluserat.

There the king himself received the Greeks with hospitality, and persuaded them to tarry for a few days in that region to recover their strength. On the seventh day, when the companions had recovered from their labors, Ulysses, lest by the season of the year he be excluded from navigation, decided that he must set out without delay. Then Aeolus, who knew that Ulysses was most desirous of seeing his fatherland, to him now about to depart gave a great sack made of hide, in which he had enclosed all the winds except one.

Zephyrum tantum solverat, quod ille ventus ab insula Aeolia ad Ithacam naviganti est secundus. Ulixes hoc donum libenter accepit, et gratiis pro tanto beneficio actis saccum ad malum adligavit. Tum omnibus rebus ad profectionem paratis meridiano fere tempore e portu solvit.

He had released only the Zephyr, because that wind is favorable to one sailing from the Aeolian island to Ithaca. Ulysses gladly accepted this gift, and, thanks having been given for so great a benefaction, fastened the sack to the mast. Then, with all things for departure prepared, at about the meridian time he set sail from the harbor.

93.THE WIND-BAG

Novem dies secundissimo vento cursum tenuerunt, iamque in conspectum patriae suae venerant, cum Ulixes lassitudine confectus (ipse enim gubernabat) ad quietem capiendam recubuit. At socii, qui iam dudum mirabantur quid in illo sacco inclusum esset, cum ducem somno oppressum viderent, tantam occasionem non omittendam arbitrati sunt; credebant enim aurum et argentum ibi esse celata. Itaque spe lucri adducti saccum sine mora solverunt, quo facto venti "velut agmine facto qua data porta ruunt, et terras turbine perflant."

For nine days they held their course with a most favorable wind, and now they had come into the sight of their fatherland, when Ulysses, worn out with weariness (for he himself was steering), reclined to take a rest. But the companions, who for a long time had been wondering what was enclosed in that bag, when they saw their leader overcome by sleep, judged that such an opportunity was not to be missed; for they believed that gold and silver were hidden there. And so, led by the hope of profit, they without delay loosed the sack; which done, the winds “as if, a battle-line having been formed, where a gate is given they rush, and they sweep through the lands with a whirlwind.”

Hic tanta tempestas subito coorta est ut illi cursum tenere non possent sed in eandem partem unde erant profecti referrentur. Ulixes e somno excitatus quo in loco res esset statim intellexit; saccum solutum, Ithacam post tergum relictam vidit. Tum vero ira vehementer exarsit sociosque obiurgabat quod cupiditate pecuniae adducti spem patriae videndae proiecissent.

Here so great a tempest suddenly arose that they could not hold their course but were carried back into the same direction whence they had set out. Ulysses, roused from sleep, immediately understood in what state the affair was; he saw the bag undone, and Ithaca left behind his back. Then indeed his anger blazed vehemently, and he kept chiding his comrades because, led by cupidity for money, they had cast away the hope of seeing their fatherland.

94.A DRAWING OF LOTS

Brevi spatio intermisso Graeci insulae cuidam appropinquaverunt in qua Circe, filia Solis, habitabat. Quo cum navem appulisset, Ulixes in terram frumentandi causa egrediendum esse statuit; nam cognoverat frumentum quod in navi haberent iam deficere. Sociis igitur ad se convocatis quo in loco res esset et quid fieri vellet ostendit.

After a short interval intermitted, the Greeks approached a certain island on which Circe, daughter of the Sun, was dwelling. When the ship had been brought to land there, Ulysses decided that it was necessary to go ashore for the sake of getting grain; for he had learned that the grain which they had on the ship was now failing. Therefore, with the comrades summoned to him, he showed in what state the matter was and what he wished to be done.

Cum tamen omnes memoria tenerent quam crudeli morte necati essent ii qui nuper e navi egressi essent, nemo repertus est qui hoc negotium suscipere vellet. Quae cum ita essent, res ad controversiam deducta est. Tandem Ulixes consensu omnium socios in duas partis divisit, quarum alteri Eurylochus, vir summae virtutis, alteri ipse praeesse.

However, since all kept in memory how by a cruel death those who had recently disembarked from the ship had been slain, no one was found who was willing to undertake this business. Since these things were thus, the matter was brought to a controversy. At last Ulysses, by the consensus of all, divided the comrades into two parts, over one of which Eurylochus, a man of the highest virtue, was to preside, and over the other he himself.

Tum hi inter se sortiti sunt uter in terram egrederetur. Hoc facto, Eurylocho sorte evenit ut cum duobus et viginti sociis rem susciperet.

Then they cast lots among themselves as to which would go forth onto the land. This having been done, it fell out by lot to Eurylochus to take up the affair with twenty-two comrades.

95.THE HOUSE OF THE ENCHANTRESS

His rebus ita constitutis ii qui sortiti erant in interiorem partem insulae profecti sunt. Tantus tamen timor animos eorum occupaverat ut nihil dubitarent quin morti obviam irent. Vix quidem poterant ii qui in navi relicti erant lacrimas tenere; credebant enim se socios suos numquam post hoc tempus visuros.

With these matters thus constituted, those who had drawn lots set out into the interior part of the island. So great, however, a fear had occupied their spirits that they did not hesitate at all that they were going to meet death. Scarcely indeed could those who had been left in the ship hold back tears; for they believed that they would never see their comrades after this time.

Illi autem aliquantum itineris progressi ad villam quandam pervenerunt summa magnificentia aedificatam, cuius ad ostium cum adiissent, cantum dulcissimum audiverunt. Tanta autem fuit eius vocis dulcedo ut nullo modo retineri possent quin ianuam pulsarent. Hoc facto ipsa Circe foras exiit, et summa cum benignitate omnis in hospitium invitavit.

They, however, after advancing some distance on the way, came to a certain villa built with the highest magnificence, and when they had approached its doorway, they heard a most sweet song. The sweetness of that voice was so great that they could in no way be restrained from knocking at the door. This done, Circe herself came outside, and with the utmost benignity invited them all into hospitality.

Eurylochus insidias sibi comparari suspicatus foris exspectare constituit, sed reliqui rei novitate adducti intraverunt. Cenam magnificam omnibus rebus instructam invenerunt et iussu dominae libentissime accubuerunt. At Circe vinum quod servi apposuerunt medicamento quodam miscuerat; quod cum Graeci bibissent, gravi somno subito oppressi sunt.

Eurylochus, suspecting that ambushes were being prepared for himself, decided to wait outside, but the rest, drawn on by the novelty of the affair, entered. They found a magnificent dinner furnished with everything, and at the mistress’s order they most gladly reclined. But Circe had mixed the wine, which the servants set out, with a certain medicament; and when the Greeks had drunk it, they were suddenly oppressed by heavy sleep.

96.THE CHARM

Tum Circe, quae artis magicae summam scientiam habebat, baculo aureo quod gerebat capita eorum tetigit; quo facto omnes in porcos subito conversi sunt. Interea Eurylochus ignarus quid in aedibus ageretur ad ostium sedebat; postquam tamen ad solis occasum anxio animo et sollicito exspectavit, solus ad navem regredi constituit. Eo cum venisset, sollicitudine ac timore tam perturbatus fuit ut quae vidisset vix dilucide narrare posset.

Then Circe, who had the highest science of the magical art, with the golden staff which she was bearing touched their heads; this having been done, all were suddenly converted into pigs. Meanwhile Eurylochus, ignorant of what was being done in the house, was sitting at the doorway; after, however, he waited until the sun’s setting with an anxious and solicitous mind, he resolved to return to the ship alone. When he had come there, he was so perturbed by worry and fear that he could scarcely narrate lucidly the things he had seen.

Ulixes autem satis intellexit socios suos in periculo versari, et gladio correpto Eurylocho imperavit ut sine mora viam ad istam domum demonstraret. Ille tamen multis cum lacrimis Ulixem complexus obsecrare coepit ne in tantum periculum se committeret; si quid gravius ei accidisset, omnium salutem in summo discrimine futuram. Ulixes autem respondit se neminem invitum secum adducturum; ei licere, si mallet, in navi manere; se ipsum sine ullo praesidio rem suscepturum.

But Ulysses clearly understood that his companions were in danger, and, snatching up his sword, he ordered Eurylochus to show the way to that house without delay. He, however, embracing Ulysses with many tears, began to beseech him not to commit himself into so great a peril; if anything more serious were to befall him, the safety of all would be in utmost crisis. But Ulysses replied that he would lead no one unwilling with him; that it was permitted to him, if he preferred, to remain on the ship; that he himself would undertake the affair without any protection.

Hoc cum magna voce dixisset, e navi desiluit et nullo sequente solus in viam se dedit.

When he had said this with a loud voice, he leapt down from the ship and, with no one following, set out alone on the way.

97.THE COUNTERCHARM

Aliquantum itineris progressus ad villam magnificam pervenit, quam cum oculis perlustrasset, statim intrare statuit; intellexit enim hanc esse eandem domum de qua Eurylochus mentionem fecisset. At cum in eo esset ut limen intraret, subito ei obviam stetit adulescens forma pulcherrima aureum baculum gerens. Hic Ulixem iam domum intrantem manu corripuit et, "Quo ruis?" inquit.

Having advanced somewhat on the journey, he came to a magnificent villa, which, after he had perused with his eyes, he immediately decided to enter; for he understood that this was the same house of which Eurylochus had made mention. But when he was on the point of entering the threshold, suddenly there stood in his way a youth of most beautiful form, bearing a golden staff. This one seized Ulysses by the hand as he was already entering the house and said, "Whither are you rushing?"

"Nonne scis hanc esse Circes domum? Hic inclusi sunt amici tui ex humana specie in porcos conversi. Num vis ipse in eandem calamitatem venire?" Ulixes simul ac vocem audivit, deum Mercurium agnovit; nullis tamen precibus ab instituto consilio deterreri potuit.

“Do you not know this is Circe’s house? Here your friends are shut in, converted from human form into pigs. Do you wish yourself to come into the same calamity?” Ulysses, as soon as he heard the voice, recognized the god Mercury; yet by no prayers could he be deterred from his established plan.

Quod cum Mercurius sensisset, herbam quandam ei dedit, quam contra carmina multum valere dicebat. "Hanc cape," inquit, "et ubi Circe te baculo tetigerit, tu stricto gladio impetum in eam vide ut facias." Mercurius postquam finem loquendi fecit, "mortalis visus medio sermone reliquit, et procul in tenuem ex oculis evanuit auram."

When Mercury had perceived this, he gave him a certain herb, which he said was very powerful against incantations. "Take this," he said, "and when Circe touches you with her staff, see that you, with sword drawn, make an attack upon her." After Mercury had made an end of speaking, "he left mortal sight in mid-speech, and far away into thin air he vanished from their eyes."

98.THE ENCHANTRESS IS FOILED

Brevi intermisso spatio Ulixes ad omnia pericula subeunda paratus ianuam pulsavit, et foribus patefactis ab ipsa Circe benigne exceptus est. Omnia eodem modo atque antea facta sunt. Cenam magnifice instructam vidit et accumbere iussus est.

After a brief interval, Ulysses, prepared to undergo every peril, knocked at the door, and, the doors thrown open, was kindly received by Circe herself. Everything was done in the same way as before. He saw a dinner magnificently arrayed and was ordered to recline.

Mox, ubi fames cibo depulsa est, Circe poculum aureum vino repletum Ulixi dedit. Ille etsi suspicatus est venenum sibi paratum esse, poculum exhausit; quo facto Circe postquam caput eius baculo tetigit, ea verba locuta est quibus socios eius antea in porcos converterat. Res tamen omnino aliter evenit atque illa speraverat.

Soon, when hunger had been driven off by food, Circe gave to Ulysses a golden cup filled with wine. He, although he suspected that a poison had been prepared for him, drained the cup; which having been done, after Circe touched his head with her staff, she spoke those words by which she had earlier converted his companions into pigs. The matter, however, turned out altogether otherwise than she had hoped.

Tanta enim vis erat eius herbae quam Ulixi Mercurius dederat ut neque venenum neque verba quicquam efficere possent. Ulixes autem, ut ei praeceptum erat, gladio stricto impetum in eam fecit et mortem minitabatur. Circe cum artem suam nihil valere sensisset, multis cum lacrimis eum obsecrare coepit ne sibi vitam adimeret.

For so great was the force of that herb which Mercury had given to Ulysses that neither venom nor words could effect anything. Ulysses, however, as it had been prescribed to him, with sword drawn made an attack upon her and was threatening death. When Circe sensed that her art availed nothing, with many tears she began to beseech him not to take away her life.

99.MEN ONCE MORE

Ulixes autem ubi sensit eam timore perterritam esse, postulavit ut socios suos sine mora in humanam speciem reduceret (certior enim factus erat a deo Mercurio eos in porcos conversos esse); nisi id factum esset, se debitas poenas sumpturum ostendit. Circe his rebus graviter commota ei ad pedes se proiecit, et multis cum lacrimis iure iurando confirmavit se quae ille imperasset omnia facturam. Tum porcos in atrium immitti iussit.

Ulysses, however, when he perceived that she was panic‑stricken with fear, demanded that she restore his companions without delay into human form (for he had been made more certain by the god Mercury that they had been converted into pigs); unless that were done, he showed that he would exact the due penalties. Circe, deeply moved by these things, threw herself at his feet, and with many tears confirmed by sworn oath that she would do all that he had commanded. Then she ordered the pigs to be admitted into the atrium.

Illi dato signo inruerunt, et cum ducem suum agnovissent, magno dolore adfecti sunt quod nullo modo eum de rebus suis certiorem facere poterant. Circe tamen unguento quodam corpora eorum unxit; quo facto sunt omnes statim in humanam speciem reducti. Magno cum gaudio Ulixes suos amicos agnovit, et nuntium ad litus misit, qui reliquis Graecis socios receptos esse diceret.

At the given signal they rushed in, and when they had recognized their leader, they were afflicted with great grief because they could by no means apprise him of their affairs. Circe, however, anointed their bodies with a certain unguent; which done, they were all immediately reduced to human form. With great joy Ulysses recognized his friends, and he sent a messenger to the shore to tell the remaining Greeks that their comrades had been recovered.

Illi autem his rebus cognitis statim ad domum Circaeam se contulerunt; quo cum venissent, universi laetitiae se dediderunt.

They, however, once these matters were learned, immediately betook themselves to Circe’s house; and when they had come there, they all surrendered themselves to rejoicing.

100.AFLOAT AGAIN

Postridie eius diei Ulixes ex hac insula quam celerrime discedere in animo habebat. Circe tamen cum haec cognovisset, ex odio ad amorem conversa omnibus precibus eum orare et obtestari coepit ut paucos dies apud se moraretur; qua re tandem impetrata tanta beneficia in eum contulit ut facile ei persuasum sit ut diutius maneret. Postquam tamen totum annum apud Circen consumpserat, Ulixes magno desiderio patriae suae motus est.

On the following day Ulysses had in mind to depart from this island as swiftly as possible. Circe, however, when she had learned these things, turned from hatred to love and began to entreat and adjure him with every prayer to stay a few days with her; and, this request at last obtained, she bestowed such great benefactions upon him that he was easily persuaded to remain longer. After, however, he had spent an entire year with Circe, Ulysses was moved by a great desire for his fatherland.

Sociis igitur ad se convocatis quid in animo haberet ostendit. Ubi tamen ad litus descendit, navem suam tempestatibus tam adflictam invenit ut ad navigandum paene inutilis esset. Hac re cognita omnia quae ad navis reficiendas usui essent comparari iussit, qua in re tantam diligentiam omnes adhibebant ut ante tertium diem opus perfecerint.

Therefore, having convoked his comrades to himself, he showed what he had in mind. When, however, he descended to the shore, he found his ship so afflicted by tempests that it was almost useless for navigation. This matter learned, he ordered everything which would be of use for repairing the ship to be procured; in which matter all applied such diligence that they finished the work before the third day.

At Circe ubi omnia ad profectionem parata esse vidit, rem aegre ferebat et Ulixem vehementer obsecrabat ut eo consilio desisteret. Ille tamen, ne anni tempore a navigatione excluderetur, maturandum sibi existimavit, et tempestatem idoneam nactus navem solvit. Multa quidem pericula Ulixi subeunda erant antequam in patriam suam perveniret, quae tamen hoc loco longum est perscribere.

But when Circe saw that everything was prepared for departure, she took it ill and earnestly besought Ulysses to desist from that plan. He, however, lest by the season of the year he be excluded from navigation, judged that he must make haste; and, having found a suitable weather, he set sail. Many indeed were the dangers that had to be undergone by Ulysses before he reached his fatherland; which, however, it would be long to write out in full here.