Liv Reads Statius: The Thebaid (Part 2)
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I say yet another. It's actually been a while since I've been doing these regularly, and I'm excited to really get back in. I love a reading episode. I absolutely just, I really, I love reading this stuff aloud. I love getting to discover these epics like with you guys. Like this is one that I haven't read on my own, but it's so fun so far. And we're only getting into book two. So we are returning today to Statius's Thebiad.

Now, the Thebiad, as I mentioned last time, was written during the Roman period by this Roman guy named Statius. It was written in Latin, but it was written about historically Greek myths and stories generally. Like, so it's a very Greek story told by a Latin guy.

Now, this epic, while it tells the story of these two brothers who are about to have an incredibly epic battle, it also just involves so much conflict.

else so much mythological depth but also just so much more than we typically get with myths and that's why i'm so excited to read it so last week we were reminded of the story of oedipus and how his sons were sort of left with the mess behind it was like the ghost of oedipus or oedipus in the underworld who was watching all of this happen at the

the ancestors themselves. Like in this book too, we're going to visit the underworld and meet Laius, the father of Oedipus, grandfather of these two sons of Thebes who are estranged, to put it nicely. And of course, Ateocles is there still in Thebes, having exiled his brother, Polyneices. Polyneices went down to Argos, where he met with

the king, Adrastus, and also Tydeus, who you might remember from the Trojan War, but in this case, who is also there as an exile. They kind of fight. Everything seems kind of okay at the end. And Adrastus is like, you can actually marry my daughters. So we're really just laying down some groundwork of what's to come.

But it's just a really interesting take on all of these things. Still, a reminder that this was written by a Roman in Latin, and so we are often using the Latin names. Now, I don't want to say that these are the same gods. You know, the Romans did have their own deities. I don't like anymore to give this idea that they just copied the Greeks. They really didn't. But in this case...

This is a Roman writing about a Greek myth. And so in this case, they are really the Roman names, but for the Greek gods. It's very confusing. I don't say that as if that's always the case because their gods are often very different. But if they're telling stories from Greece, then they are just using the Roman names for the Greek gods because it's a Greek story.

This is The Thebiad by Statius, translated by J. H. Mosley, book two. Meanwhile, the winged son of Maya returns from the cold shades, fulfilling the errand of great Jove. On every side, sluggish clouds hinder his way and misty air enfolds him.

no zephyrs wafted his course but the foul vapours of the silent world on this side styx encircling its nine regions on that a barrier of fiery torrents encloses his path

Behind him follows old Laius's trembling shade, still halting from his wound, for deeper than the hilts had his kinsman's impious sword-thrust pierced into his life and sped the first blow of avenging wrath.

yet on he goes strengthening his steps with the healing wand then barren woods and spirit haunting fields and groves of lurid hue stand in a maze and earth herself marvels that the backward road lies open nor even to the dead and those already bereft of light was lacking the livid blight of envy

One there perversely eager beyond the rest ever to revile the gods, thus indeed had he come by a grievous doom, and to repine at happiness, cries, Good speed, you lucky one, on what behest so ever summoned, whether by Jove's command or whether an overmastering fury drive you to meet the day, or frenzied witch of Thessaly bid you come forth from your secret sepulchre.

Alas, you will see the pleasant sky and the sunlight you did leave behind, and the green earth and the pure river springs, yet more sadly will return again to this darkness.

Cerberus lying on the murky threshold perceived them and reared up with all his mouths wide agape fierce even to entering folk but now his black neck swelled up all threatening now had he torn and scattered their bones upon the ground had not the god with branch lithion soothed his bristling frame and quelled with threefold slumber the steely glare

There is a place named Tynaron by the Anakian folk, where foaming Malia's dreaded headland raises into the air, nor suffers any vision to reach its summit. Sublime stands the peak and looks down serene on winds and rain, and only to weary stars affords a resting place.

There tired winds find repose, and there the lightnings have their path. Hollow clouds hold the mountain's midmost flanks, and never beat of soaring wing comes nigh the topmost ranges, nor the hoarse clap of thunder. But when the day inclines towards its setting, a vast shadow casts its fringes wide over the level waters, and floats upon mid-sea.

Around an inner bay Tynaros curves his broken shoreline, not bold to breast the outer waves.

There Neptune brings home to haven his coursers, wearied by the Aegean flood. In front their hooves paw the sand, behind they end in fishy tails beneath the water. In this region, so it is said, a hidden path conducts the pallid ghosts and dowers with many a dead the spacious halls of swarthy Jove.

If Arcadian husbandsmen speak truth, shrieks are heard there and the moaning of the damned, and the land is all astir with hurrying, grisly forms. Often the cries and blows of the furies have resounded till midday, and the baying of death's tri-formed warder has scared the rustics from the fields.

By this way then did the nimble god, all wrapped about with dusky shadow, leap forth to the upper world, and shake from his face the vapours of the nether region, and make serene his countenance with draughts of living air. Thence by Arcturus and the moon's mid-silences over fields and cities he wends his way.

Sleep, driving night's coursers, met him and rose abashed to salute his godhead, turning aside from his celestial path. Beneath the god flies the shade and knows again his lost stars and the land that bore him, and now he looks down on Kira's heights and focus that his own corpse polluted.

Now they were to come to Thebes, and hard by his own son's threshold, Laius groaned, tarrying to enter the well-known house. But when he saw his own yoke hanging on the lofty pillars and the chariot still stained with blood, almost had he in wild fear turned back and fled. Nor could the thunderer's high command restrain him, nor the waving of the Arcadian wand.

that too chanced to be the day marked by the well-known falling of the thunderer's brand when your birth's untimely hastening o infant ueus caused your father to take you to himself

therein had the tyrian settlers found cause to pass the night in sleepless rivalry of sport scattered far and wide through house and field amid garlands and mixing bowls drained dry they panted forth the wine-god under the light of day then many a boxwood pipe resounded and cymbals louder than the beat of the bull-hide drum

"'Citheron himself, exultant, had set prudent matrons flocking "'in a nobler frenzy through his pathless groves. "'Even as the Bestonians in wild concourse hold their revels upon Rhodope "'or in the depths of Ossa's vales, "'for them one of the flock snatched half alive from the lion's jaw is a feast, "'and to abate their fury with new milk is luxury.'

But when the fierce fragrance of Ogagian inachis breathes upon them, then how glorious to fling stones and goblets, and with the shedding of guiltless comrades' blood, to begin the day anew and appoint once more the festal banquet.

such was the night when the swift caelinian glided down on the silent air to the couch of the achaeonian prince wherein huge bulk he had flung his limbs on a bed piled high with assyrian coverlets

alas for mortal hearts that know not their destiny he feasts and he slumbers then the old man performs what he is bidden and lest he seem but a false phantom of the night puts on the darkened visage of the ancient seer tiresias and his voice and well-known woollen bands

his own long hair and hoary beard combed downward from the chin remain and his own pallid hue but through his locks there runs the feigned circlet and the sacred fillets entwined with the grey olive are plain to view then he seemed to touch his breast with the olive-bough and give utterance to these fateful words

There is no time of sleep for you, you sluggard, who lies careless of your brother in the depth of night. Long time have great deeds summoned you, slothful one, and weighty preparings for what shall be. But you, even as if some ship's captain, while the south winds are already raising the billows on the Ionian main, should lie idle beneath a black storm-cloud, forgetful,

of his tackling and of the rudder that sway the waters you tarry and he even now so fame can tell waxes proud of his new wedlock and gets to himself might whereby to seize the realm and refuse you your part and appoints himself an old age in your halls

adrastus foretold by omen to be the father of his bride and the argive dowry raise his spirits yes and tydeus stained by a brother's blood has he graciously received into a lifelong bond

"'Hence swelling pride and a promise to your brother of long exile for you. "'The father of gods himself in pity sends me down to you from on high. "'Hold fast to Thebes and drive away your kinsman who is blind with lust of rule "'and will dare as much against yourself, nor suffer him all agape for a brother's death, "'to thrust any more in the treachery he devises, nor to bring Mycenae to queen it,

over Cadmus. He spoke, and departing, for already the son's horses were driving en route, the pale stars tore from his head the chaplet and woolen bands, and revealed himself for his grandfather. Then leaning over his dread grandson's couch, bared his throat's open wound, and flooded his sleep with streaming blood."

the other startled from his slumber springs up and leaps from the couch full of horror and shaking from him the phantom blood shrinks appalled from his grandfather and seeks out his brother

"'Just as when a tigress, hearing the noise of hunters, "'has grimly faced the nets and shaken off lazy sleep, "'it is war she yearns for, and she loosens her jaws and trims her talons, "'and soon she rushes amid the companies "'and carries off in her mouth a man still breathing "'to feed her savage whelps, even so stirred by rage "'the chieftain dreams of war against his absent brother.'

And now, Aurora rising from her Megdonian resting place had scattered the cold shadows from the high heaven and shaking the dewdrops from her hair blushed deep in the sun's pursuing beams. Toward her through the clouds the rosy morning star turns his late fires and with slow steed leaves an alien world.

until the fiery father's orb be full replenished and he forbid his sister to usurp his rays then did the aged son of talius and with no long delay the heroes too of dirce and acollus rise swiftly from their couches

upon them wearied by blows and endurance of the storm had sleep poured all his horn's bounty but scant repose visited the breast of the anacian monarch while in his thoughts he broods upon heaven's will and the new ties of friendship and wonders what destinies he is admitting to his house in his new-found sons-in-law

they meet in the mid chambers of the palace and draw night and grasp each other's hand in turn then seat themselves where they may best make interchange of secret counsel and the others hesitating adrastus thus begins

peerless youths whom a propitious night has brought heaven prompted to my realm whose steps my own apollo has guided even to my palace in spite of rain and lightning flash and the thunderer's unseasonable sky

i cannot deem it unknown to you and the pelasgian folk how zealous a crowd of suitors seeks alliance with my house for my two daughters joyful pledge of grandchildren are reaching equal years of full-grown maidenhood

how great their beauty and their modesty trust not a father's word no you could judge at yesterday's banquet many a one with throne and wide extending sway to boast of ah desires them

It were long to tell the tale of Pharaean and Ebalian princes, and mothers also throughout the towns of Achaea, for hope of posterity. Nor did Aeneas, your own father, despite more proffered unions, nor the father of Pisa's bride with his terrible chariot reigns. But none of Spartan birth nor of them that hails from Elis may I choose for my daughter's consorts.

to you does ancient destiny pledge my blood and the guardianship of my halls the gods are gracious in that you come to me so high in birth and spirit that i rejoice in their oracles this is the prize that the night's sufferings have won this is your reward for the blows you bore

They heard him and for a while held their eyes fixed in mutual gaze, seeming to yield each other place of speech. But Tydeus in every deed more daring begins, "'Oh, how sparingly does your sage mind impel you to proclaim your own renown, and how greatly by worth do you outdo all fortune's favor!'

to whom should adrastus yield in power who knows not thou when driven from your ancestral sicyon's throne did give law to turbulent argos and would that were willing o just jupiter to entrust to these hands the races the dorian isthmus contains with the interior lands and those which it removes beneath its other bound

the interrupted light would not have fled from dire mycenae nor would the veils of elis have groaned at the fierce contests nor divers furies afflicted divers kings nor happened all that you o theban can best bewail we verily are willing and our hearts are open to you

so spoke he and the other added would any one refuse to welcome such a father of his bride though venus smile not yet upon us exiles banished from our land nevertheless all sorrows of our hearts are calmed and the grief is gone that held fast upon our minds

no less joyfully do we take unto this solace than a ship rent by the tearing gales beholds the friendly shore we delight to enter upon a reign of happy omen and to pass under your destiny what remains of our allotted lives and labours

without more ado they rise and the anacian's father adds weight of eager words to every promise and vows that he will succour them and bring them back to their father's realms

the argives therefore as the report spreads through the city that husbands for his daughters have come to the king's court and that illustrious argia and dipili famed no less for beauty are giving in wedlock their lusty maidenhood eagerly prepare for great rejoicing

Fame flies through the kindred cities and is carried from lip to lip in the neighboring lands, even as far as the Lycaean and beyond Parthenian glades and the Iphirian countryside. Nor less does the same tumultuous goddess descend upon Ogygian thieves. With wings full stretch, she broods over those walls, bringing terror that accords with the past night to the Labdachian chiefs.

the welcome and the marriage does she relate and the royal covenant and the union of houses what mad license in the devilish monster's tongue and at last she tells of war

the long expected day had spread the argives all abroad the royal halls are filled with joyous gathering here may they look face to face upon their forefathers and see bronzes that vie with the living countenance so much has skill dared and wrought

Father Anakis himself, twin-horned, leans leftward upon his titled urn. Old Iasius supports him in calm Pheronius and warrior Abbas, and Acrisius, angry with the thunderer, and Coribus bearing a head upon his naked sword, and the grim likeness of Danius, already meditating murder, and many a prince thereafter.

Then the common folk in clamorous flood are given entrance at the proud portals, while the whole company of chiefs and all who in degree stand knight the monarch's majesty take first place of rank. Within the palace is all aglow with sacrificial fires and loud with female tumult. A

a chaste band of argive women surrounds the mother queen others thronging about the maidens reconcile them to the new bonds and reassure their timorous hearts

they moved in splendour and majesty of look and dress with eyes cast down and modest blushing suffusing all their fairness that last regretful love of maidenhood steals silently into their hearts and the first shame of guilt overwhelms their countenances then a generous rain bedews their cheeks and tears bring joy to their tender-hearted parents

just so might pallas and phoebus's sterner sister glide down together from high heaven terrible alike in armour and in looks and with golden hair braided on their heads bringing their maiden company from cynthus she and she from arachnthus

They would never learn by long gazing, even had your eyes leave to gaze, which had the greater beauty, which the greater charm, or which had more of Jove. And were they but pleased to take each other's dress, Pallas would beseem the quiver and Delia the crested helm.

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The sons of Anakis contend in rivalry of joy and weary the gods with vows, as each had household gear and power of offering. These make supplication with entrails in the victim's life, those with bare turf. Others heard no less if their heart would be accepted, would feign win merit of the gods by incense and shade their portals with the spoil of the woodlands.

but lo a sudden fear so cruel lachesis commanded strikes on their hearts and robs the father of his rejoicing and turns the day to gloom

on her threshold they were drawing nigh to pallas the unwedded who among cities prefers not the michaean hills to argive larissa here by ancestral right the daughters of iasis so soon as their chaste years grew ripe for wedlock were wont to make offerings of virgin tresses and pray pardon for the first marriage bed

As they climbed the steps and approached the lofty pile, there fell from the temple's highest summit a brazen shield, the spoil of Arcadian Eupis, and overwhelmed the heralding torches, the festal light of the marriage train, and while they dare not yet to make sure advance, a mighty trumpet blare, heard from the shrines in most recesses, filled them with terror.

all at the first shock of panic turned toward the king then denied they had heard aught yet are all troubled by the event's dire omen and they increase their fear by various talk nor was it wonderful for you were wearing argia the ill-starred ornament of your husband's giving the dread necklace of harmonia

Far back the story runs, but I will pursue the well-known tale of woes, whence came it that a new gift had such terrible power.

The Lemnians, so they of old believed, long time distressed at Marr's deceit, and seeing that no punishment gave hindrance to the disclosed love, and the avenging chains removed not the offence, wrought this for Harmonia, on her bridal day to be the glory of her dower.

Thereat, through taut, mightier tasks, the Cyclops' labour and the Telkini's famed for their handiwork helped in friendly rivalry of skill, but for himself the sweat of toil was heaviest.

There forms he a circlet of emeralds glowing with a hidden fire, and adamant stamped with figures of ill omen, and gorgon eyes, and embers left on the Sicilian anvil from the last shaping of a thunderbolt, and the crests that shine on the heads of green serpents, then the dolorous fruit of the Hesperides, and the dread gold of Phrixus's fleece,

then divers plagues does he intertwine and the king added snatched from tiffany's grisly locks and the wicked power that commends the girdle all these he cunningly anoints about the lunar foam and pours over them the poison of delight

Not Pasithea, eldest of the gracious sisters, nor charm nor the Idalian youth did mould it but grief, and all the passions and anguish and discord with all the craft of her right hand. The work first proved its worth when Harmonia's complaints turned to dreadful hissing and she bore company to grovelling Cadmus, and with long trailing breast drew furrows in the Illyrian fields.

Next, scarce had shameless Semele put the hurtful gift about her neck when lying Juno crossed her threshold. You too, unhappy Jocasta, did, as they say, possess the beauteous baleful thing, and did deck your countenance with its praise. On what a couch, alas, to find favour, and many more beside!'

Last, Argea shines in the splendor of the gift, and in pride of ornament and accursed gold surpassed her sister's mean attiring.

The wife of the doomed prophet had beheld it, and at every shrine and banquet in secret cherished fierce jealousy. If only it might ever be granted her to possess the terrible jewel. Not profited, alas, by omens near at hand, what bitter tears she does desire. To what ruin tend her impious wishes? Worthy is she, indeed, but what has her hapless consort deserved and his deluded arms?

And what, the guiltless frenzy of her son? When twice six days had ended the regal banqueting and the rejoicing of the people, the Ismenian hero turned his gaze toward Thebes, and would fain now be seeking his kingdom.

For he recalls that day when by the hazard that favored his brother, he stood in Echeon's palace stripped of power and saw his cause deserted by the gods and his friends all slunk away in hurry and alarm, himself defenseless on every side and all his fortune fled.

for but one sister had dared to escort the exile on his sad path from her even had he parted his journey scarce begun and in deep anger repressed his tearful grief

Then nightly and day by day does he recount in order those whose joy he marked as he went forth, those who were foremost in flattery of the unjust prince, and whom he had himself seen to bewail his exile. Anguish devours his mind, and furious wrath and hope, that which the heart can bear no heavier burden when it is long deferred.

brooding thus in his mind upon a cloud of care he makes ready to set out for dirke and the cadmian home denied him even as a chieftain bull banished from his loved valley whom a conqueror has driven from his wonted meadow and bidden low far parted from his stolen love

yet anon in exile takes pleasure in his mighty thews and his neck fresh-blooded waxes strong again and he bethinks him of the oaks that he has shattered and eager for battle demands back the pastures and the captive herds already in speed of foot and power of horn has he the mastery his conqueror himself is dismayed at his return and the astonished herdsman scarce now for the same

not otherwise does the tumesian youth sharpen his wrath in brooding silence but his faithful wife had marked his secret yearning to be gone and lying on the couch in the first pale light of dawn her arms about her lord

what thoughts of flight she said are these you ponder naught escapes a lover's eye i know your wakeful complainings and your bitter sighs your ever troubled slumber how often touching you with my hand do i find this face all wet with tears and your breast loud groaning with your weight of cares

it is not the sundering of our marriage bond that moves me nor a widowed youth although our love is still fresh nor has our couch yet since the bridal lost her first glow of passion tis your own safety oh beloved i hasten to confess it that wrings my heart will you seek your realm unarmed unfriended and be able to quit your own thebes should he refuse it

Yes, report that it is ever cunning to catch the mind of princes. Tells that he is proud and arrogant in his stolen power and ill-disposed to hear you. Nor had he yet reigned a full year. Terrified too I am now by soothsayers, now by entrails. They speak of threatening gods by flight or birds, but by disturbing visions of the night. And ah, never do I call to mind that Juno came falsely to me in my dreams."

where does your journey lead you except it be a secretly cherished passion that draws you to thebes in union with a nobler house then at last the achaeonian youth brief laughing consoled his wife's tender grief and set timely kisses on her sorrowful cheeks and stayed her tears

Free your mind of fear, prudent counsels believe me, when peaceful days, cares beyond your years, become you not. But should one day this Saturnian father take knowledge of my fate and justice, if she think at all to glance down from heaven and defend the right on earth, then perchance that day shall dawn for you, when you shall see your husband's walls and go in queenly pomp through two cities.

so saying he hurried forth from the chamber that he loved and sadly accosts tydeus already the partner of his enterprise already sharing his troubles with faithful heart so strong the bond of love that united them after their quarrel

and a drastis father of his spouse long time do they hold council when after pondering many a scheme one planned at last finds preference withal to make trial of his brother's constancy and seek by humble request a safe return to the realm

bold tydeus volunteers the mission yes and you too bravest of the aetolian race would dipyle fain stay by many a tear but her father's command and the assurance of any envoy's safe return and her sister's just entreaties make her yield

And now he had accomplished the full measure of a journey made rough by forests and seashore, where lay the marsh of Lerna, and the burnt Hydra's heat makes warm the depth of those unrighteous waters, and where through the length of Nemea scarce is heard too scanty song of the yet timid shepherds.

where ephiri's eastern side slopes to the winds of orient and the sisyphean havens lie and the wave that vents its wrath upon the land lies in the curved retreat of lachium sacred to pelymon thence passes he by nisus leaving you kindly eleusis on his left hand and at last treads the tumesian fields and enters the agenorian towers

there he beholds the cruel eteocles high upon a throne and girt round with bristling spears the appointed season of his reign already past he was holding the folk under savage governance in his brother's stead prepared for every crime he sits and complains of so late a claiming of his promise

standing in the midst the branch of olive proclaims him ambassador when asked his name he declared it and the purpose of his coming then rude of speech as ever and quick to anger and with mixture of harsh words although his plea was just he thus began

had you simple honesty left you regard for a sworn bond it were more right that envoys should go hence to your brother now your year is finished and that you in due course should put off your state and contentedly leave your throne so that he after long wanderings and unseemly hardships in many a strange city should at length succeed to the promised kingdom

but since your darling passion is to reign and power exerts its flattering charm we summon you already has the swift circle brought round the starry globe and the mountains have regained the shadows that they lost

since your brother has suffered the unhappy lot of poverty and exile in unknown cities now is it time you did spend your days under jove's open sky and let earth's coldness freeze your limbs and pay submissive court at the hearths of strangers

set a term to your prosperity long enough in rich pomp of gold and purple have you mocked at your brother's year of mean poverty i warn you unlearn of your own will by the joys of ruling and in patient exile merit your return

he ended but the other's fiery heart rages beneath his silent breast as when a serpent angered by a flung stone darts up close at hand whose limbs long thirst has racked down in its hollow lair and gathered all the venom to its throat and scaly neck had they been doubtful signs that forewarned me of my brother's quarrel did not his secret hate shine clear as day to me that bold assurance alone would suffice

whereby you in mind his very pattern thus prelude his fury as though already a new train of sappers were breaching our fenced walls and the trumpets were kindling the hostile bands to fierceness

even if you had been speaking to the bestonians face to face in their midst or to pale galoni on whom the sun shines not you would have been more sparing of your eloquence and more observant of what is fair and just in opening your cause nor would i accuse you of this madness you speak but at command

Now therefore, since all your words are threats, and you demand the sceptre with warrant neither of trust nor peace, and your hands are ever on the sword-hilt, carry back in turn this message of mine, far short of yours, as yet to the argolic prince. The fortune that is my right, the sceptre that due privilege of years has assigned me, I hold, and will hold long.

keep you your royal dower the gift of your inachian consort pile up your danaean treasure for why should i envy you those nobler deeds rule argos and lerna under happy auspices

Be it mine to hold the rough pastures of Dirce and the shores narrowed by the Euboean waves, nor think it shame to call unhappy Oedipus my father. Let ancestral splendor be your boast, scion of Pelops and Tantalus, and by a nearer channel of descent unite Jove's blood with yours.

will your queen accustomed to her father's luxury endure this simple home rightly would my sisters perform their anxious tasks for her my mother unsightly from long mourning and that accursed dotard heard clamouring perchance from his dark seclusion would give her offence

the people's minds are already accustomed to my yoke i am ashamed alas for the folk and elders alike lest they should suffer so oft the uncertainty of fortune and the distressful change of rulers and unwillingly obey a doubtful throne

unsparing to a people is short reign turn and behold the dismay and horror of my citizens at my danger shall i abandon these whom under the sway sure punishment awaits tis an anger o kinsman that you come or suppose me willing the fathers themselves will not suffer me to render up the crown if i but know their love and there is gratitude for all my bounty

"'No more he endured, but even in mid-speech flung at him this retort. "'You shall restore!' he cries. "'And again, you shall restore! "'Nay, should an iron rampart fence you, "'or Amphion, with the strains of another song, "'draw apart you a triple wall! "'In no wise shall fire or sword defend you "'from paying for your bold deed, "'and ere you die, beating your captive diadem "'on the ground beneath our arms!'

such a fate will you deserve those do i pity whose cheap lives you do seize and hurl to death in horrid butchery worthy king and their wives and babes and you ismeness roll down upon your blood-stained waters

This, then, is loyalty, and this your trusted word. Nor marvel I at the crimes of your race. Such was the first author of your blood, such your incestuous father. But there is a flaw in your parentage. You are only the son of Oedipus, and this, O man of violence, shall be the reward for your sin and crime. We claim our year.

but I waste words. Boldly thus he shouted back while still in the doorway, then dashed out headlong through their disordered ranks. Even so the famous champion of Aenean Diana, with bristles stiff and a lightning stroke of tusked jaw, hard pressed though he be by the Argive band that rolls down stones upon him and boughs of trees uprooted from Achilles' banks.

get leaves now telamon now ixion prostrate on the ground and attacks you meleager there at last was he stayed upon the spear thrust and relaxed the weapon's force in the fierce struggling shoulder such was the caledonian hero as he left the yet timorous council with savage threats as you it were he who denied the kingdom he hastes away hurling from him the branch of olive

the mothers in amazement watch him from their threshold's edge and utter curses on the fierce son of neas and withal in their secret hearts upon the king

But the monarch is not slothful, nor lacks cunning resource of crime and fraud unspeakable. A faithful company of chosen warriors he urges now by bribes, now by ardor of persuasive words, and fiercely plots a nocturnal affray, and would fain attack the ambassador, a name reverenced by people through the ages by treachery and the silent lurking sword.

what is there that kings hold not vile what cunning words would he devise were it his brother you did place in his power oh fortune oh blind and guilty counsels oh ever timorous crime a sworn band of soldiery go out against one single life as though they made ready to storm a camp or level a city's lofty side with the ram's battering blows

fifty thus form close array and march in order through the tall gates heaven favour now your courage who are deemed worthy of so numerous a foe a nearer road leads them through copses whereby a hidden path they make the better speed and travel by a cut through the dense woods

It was a choice spot for Stratagem. At a distance from the city, two hills bear close upon each other with a grudging gulf between. The shadow of a mountain above and leafy ridges of curving woodland shut them in. Nature has implanted treachery in the place and the means of hidden ambush. Through the middle of the rocks threads a rough and narrow track, below which lies a plain and a broad expanse of sloping fields.

Over against it a threatening cliff rises high, the home of the winged monster of Oedipus. Here aforetime she stood, fierce, uplifting, her pallid cheeks, her eyes tainted with corruption, and her plumes all clotted with hideous gore, grasping human remains and clutching to her breast half-eaten bones, she scanned the plains with awful gaze.

should any stranger dare to join in the strife of riddling words or any traveller confront her and parley her with terrible tongue then without more ado sharpening forthwith the unsheathed talons of her livid hands and her teeth bared for wounding she rose with dreadful beating of wings around the faces of the strangers

nor did any guess her riddle till caught by a hero that proved her match with failing wings ah horror from the bloody cliff she dashed her insatiate paunch in despair upon the rocks beneath the wood gives reminder of the dread story the cattle abhor the neighbouring pastures and the flock though greedy will not touch the fateful herbage

nor no dryad choirs take delight in the shade it ill beseems the sacred rites of fauns even birds obscene fly far from the abomination of the grove speeding hither with silent steps comes the doomed band leaning on their spears and with grounded arms held ready they await their haughty foe and set strong guard around the wood

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Night had begun to shroud the sunlight in her dewy pall, and had cast over the earth her dark shadow. The hero drew nigh the woods, and from a lofty mound seized the red gleam of warriors' shields and plumed helmets, where the forest boughs leave an open space, and through the opposing shade the flickering moonlight plays upon the brazen armor.

appalled at the sight he yet went onward but he draws to him his spiky darts and the sword sheathed to the hilt then first he makes question in no base terror whence are you men what mean you lurking thus armed no voice may answer the suspicious silence holds no sure pledge of peace

Lo, a spear hurled by the mighty arm of Chthonius, the leader of the band, flies through the dusky air. But heaven and fortune let no aid to his venture. Yet through the covering of a Lenian boar and the black bristly hide it sped, over his shoulder, near drawing blood, and widowed of its point strikes harmless on his throat.

with hair erect and blood frozen about his heart he looks this way and that fiercely alert and pale with rage nor deems so large a troop to be equipped against him come forth against me with you into the open why such timorous daring such errant cowardice alone i challenge you alone

Nor waited they, but when he saw them, more than he thought, swarming up from countless lurking places, some issuing from the ridges, others an ever-growing number, coming from the valley depths, nor few upon the plain, as when the first cry drives the encircled quarry into the open and the road all lit by gleams of armour, he makes for the heights of the dire sphinx, the only path of safety in his bewilderment,

And tearing his nails upon the sheer cliff, he scales the dreadful steep and gains mastery of the rock.

where he has security behind and a clear downward range of harm. Then he tears away from the rocks a huge boulder that groaning bullocks scarce with full strength could move from the ground and drag up to the wall. Then heaving with all his force he raises and strives to poise the deadly mass, even as great-hearted Folas lifted the empty mixing bowl against his lapith foes.

right in death's path aghast they view him high aloft the mountain falls hurtling and whelms them at once human limbs and faces weapons and armor lie in mingled ruin

"'Four men in all grown mangled beneath that one rock. "'Straightway the host flees, panic-stricken, dashed from their enterprise, "'for no cowards were they who lay there dead. "'Dorilus of the lightning stroke, in glowing valour a match for princes, "'and Theron of the seed of Mars, proudly confident in earth-born ancestors.'

Halas seconded none in swaying at his will his reigned steed, but fallen on those fields in dismounted flight. And Pheidemus, who drew his birth from Pentheus, and found you, Bacchus, still his foe. But when he saw the band in terror and disordered rout from the sudden fate of these, he hurls two javelins. These alone did he carry, and had lent them against the mountain, and sends them after the fugitives.

Soon, lest darts should fall on his exposed breath, of his own will he leapt down swiftly to the level plain, and seized the shield when he saw had rolled away from when Theron was crushed down, and with his wonted covering of back and head and breast defended by his enemy's shield he stood his ground. Then gathering again into one dense body the Ogygians advance.

Instantly Tydeus draws his Bostonian blade, great Aeneas' warlike gift, and attacking every quarter alike confronts now these, now those, and with his sword strikes down their glittering weapons. Their numbers hinder them, and their arms impede each other. No strength is in their efforts, but their blows go astray on their own fellows, and falling they are entangled in their own disorder.

he awaits their onset a narrow mark for javelins and resists them firm and unshakable not otherwise if gedic phlegora be worthy credence stood briareus vast in bulk against embattled heaven contemning on his hand phoebus quiver on that the serpents of stern pallas

Here Mars's pelothronian pine-wood shaft with point of iron, and yonder the thunderbolt often changed for new by weary Purachmon, and yet complaining, though combated in vain by all Olympus, that so many hands were idle, no fainter was he in ardour, with shield outheld, now this way, now that, himself retiring, doubling round in ever and anon, darting on their irresolute lines, and yet complaining, though combated in vain by all Olympus,

and pressing his vantage while he pulls forth the many javelins that are stuck quivering all about his shield. An armory for the hero, and many a bitter wound he suffers, yet none gains entrance to life's secret courses, nor may hope to be deadly.

a whirling stroke deals he at raging delicus and bids phigeas who threatens attack with axe upraised go join him beneath the shades dyrkian gyas too and lycophontes in achaeonian stock and now losing heart they seek each other and count their numbers nor feel the same zest for blood but grieve that so large a band is growing few

lo chromis of tyrian cadmus's seed him once phnician dryope was carrying in her weighted womb when revelling bands swept her along forgetful of her burden and while she was dragging a bull unto you o euan grasping its horns the babe fell forth by stress of undue striving

"'Chromis at that time, in bold confidence of spears and hide of captured lion, "'brandished a stout club of knotted pinewood, and taunting, cried, "'Is one man, you warriors, one man, to go to Argos, boasting of so many slain? "'Scarce will he gain credence of his own return. "'Come, friends, are there none strong in arm or weapon any more?'

"'Was this our promise to the king, O Cydon? "'Was it this, O Lampus?' "'While he shouts, the Tumesian cornel shaft enters his open mouth, "'nor does his throat stay it. "'His voice is choked, and the sundered tongue floats in the rush of blood. "'Awhile he stood, till death poured through his limbs, "'and he fell, and falling was silent, "'while his teeth bit upon the spear.'

You too, O thespians, why should I deny you and withhold from honourable renown? Perifest, none of brighter parts than he, or truer devotion, was raising from the ground his brother's dying frame, his left hand supporting the languid neck and his right arm about his side, his breast beneath the cuirass is drained by choking sobs of grief.

nor can the fastenings restrain the welling tears that flow from his helm when amid his deep groans a heavy spear shatters his curved ribs from behind him issuing from him it pierces his brother also and with one weapon unites the kindred breasts the other steadies his swimming eyes where light still lingered but beholding his kinsmen done to death closes them in darkness

but he to whom life remains in strength as yet despite his wound cries such an embrace such kisses may your sons give you so fell they alike in doom their vow performed alas in death and their eyes closed each by the other's hands

but tydeus straightway attacking drove menetes with shield and spear before him terrified in hurried and backward retreat till stumbling on the uneven ground he lost his footing then prays he with both hands spread wide in supplication and pushes away the spear that presses at his throat

Spare me, I beseech you, by these star-inwoven shades, by the gods above, and by this night that favors you. Suffer me to bear to Thebes the sad tidings of your deeds, and in our kings despite laud thee before our trembling folk. So may our darts fall fruitless, and no steel pierce your breast, and you return triumphant to your friend's desire.

He finished, but the other with countenance, unchanged. Vain tears you waste, and you, if I mistake not, did promise my head to the cruel prince. Surrender now your arms and the light of day. Why seek the gaining of your craven life? It is wars are waiting. While he speaks, the spear point returns, thick, clotted with blood. Thereupon, with bitter words, he pursues the vanquished.

No triennial night or solemn festival are you keeping now, no orgies of Cadmus do you behold, no mothers eager to profane Bacchus. Did you think you were carrying fawnskins and brittle wands to your unwarlike music, or were joining the fray that true men know not of the sound of Killeen Eye's boxwood pipe?

far other carnage is this far other madness to death with you cowards and too few so thunders he but nevertheless his limbs deny him and the tired blood beasts heavy on his heart

his arm is raised but falls in idle blows his steps are slow nor can his elbow bear the weight of the buckler changed by the spoils it bears the cold sweat pours down his panting breast and his hair and burning visage stream with gory dew and the foul bespattering of dying bodies

even as a lion who had driven the shepherd far from the meadows and taken his fill of massilian sheep when his hunger is sated in abundance of blood and his neck and mane are congealed and heavy with corruption stands faint in the midst of the slaughter his mouth agape

fordone with gorging gone is his savage fury he only snaps in the air his empty jaws and with hanging tongue licks them clean of the soft wool

rich in spoils and bloodshed he would even have gone to thebes and vaunted his triumph before astonished prince and people had not you tritonian maid deemed worthy of your counsel the hero still ardent and all dazed by his deeds

scion of proud neas to whom just now though far away we granted victory over thebes set now a limit and strain no more the gods undue favour seek only credence for these toils depart having subdued your fortune to the full

There yet remained an unwilling survivor of his comrade's slaughter, Mion, the son of Hymon. All this he had foreseen, taught of omens from the air, nor deceived by any bird, nor had he feared to deter his chieftain, but the fates deprived his warnings of belief. His doom is to be pitied as a useless life. In terror he receives Tydeus's stern behest.

whosoever of the ionians you are whom saved by my bounty from uttermost darkness to-morrow's dawn shall yet behold this message i command you to carry to your prince

Raise a mound about your gates, renew your weapons, see to your old and moldering walls. Mind above all to marshal your men in close array and press troop on troop. Look now at this field, everywhere smoking from my sword, even so do we make war.

So speaking, he prepares for you, O palace, of your deserving a fair garden from the gory rout, and in joy collects the booty lying there and surveys all his mighty deeds. Upon a hillock in mid-plain there was an oak tree, long time forgetful of its tender youth, with curving boughs and rude strength of trunk and thick encompassing bark.

to this he brings and fastens smooth helmets and armour pierced by many a stroke to this he binds swords that his blows have broken short and spears pulled out from limbs yet breathing standing then on the heap of arms and bodies he thus begins while night and the long ridges make echo to his prayer

Stern goddess glory and wisdom of your mighty father, powerful in war, you on whose cheeks the terrible splendor of your grim casque and blood-besprinkled gorgon glow fierce with rage. Nor did ever Mavors or Bologna with her battle spear inspire more furious trumpet blasts.

look favourably on this offering when you come from pandion's hill to be present at my night of triumph or whether you do turn aside from your glad dances in aeone and etone or has washed and combed your hair again in libyan triton's waters

Whither the fleet axle of your inviolate mares does speed you shouting loud upon your two-horsed chariot, now do we dedicate to you the shattered spoils and shapeless armor of heroes.

But should I come to my native Parthonian fields and Martian Pleron throw wide her gates for my returning, then in the midst of the city's hills will I consecrate to you a golden temple where it may be your pleasure to look down upon Ionian storms and where turbulent Achilles with yellow head tossed high disturbs the deep and leaves the barrier of the Echinades behind.

here will i carve ancestral wars and the awful visages of great-hearted kings and arms will i hang in the proud shrines arms that i myself bore home and gained at my own blood's cost

and those that you Tritonian maid shall give when Thebes is taken. A hundred Caledonian maidens there, votaries of your virgin altars, shall duly twine you, your attic torches, and weave from your chased olive tree purple fillet

set off with snow-white wool, an aged priestess shall tend a never-failing fire upon the hearths, and hold in continual reverence your mystic sanctities. You as of old shall win in war and in peace rich first fruits of my labours, nor shall Diana be offended. So prayed he, and set out again for pleasant Argos.

Oh, nerds. Thank you so much for listening. I just recorded two in a row. So we're just wrapping right up because my voice is going. Let's Talk About Miss Baby is written and produced by me, Liv Albert, except for this, which was obviously written by the ancient Latin guy, Statius.

Michaela Pango wishes the Hermes to my Olympians, my incredible producer. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Sign up to learn what the hell is going on because social media isn't reliable anymore. For my newsletter at mythsbaby.com slash newsletter. I don't know. Lots going on. Stay tuned. Thank you all so goddamn much. This is so much fun. I'll be back with more soon. I am Liv and I love this shit.

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