ture and launching of Argo:
sacrifice to Apollo: prediction of Idmon (306-447).--The festival,
insolence of Idas, song of Orpheus and departure (448-558).--Voyage
along the coast of Thessaly and across to Lemnos (559-608).--Recent
history of Lemnos and stay of the Argonauts there: farewell of
Jason and Hypsipyle (609-909).--Voyage from Lemnos by Samothrace to
the Propontis: reception by the Doliones of Cyzicus
(910-988).--Fight against the Giants: departure and return of the
Argonauts to Cyzicus: sacrifice to Rhea on Mt. Dindymum
(989-1152).--Arrival among the Mysians: rape of Hylas, which is
announced to Heracles (1153-1260).--While Heracles and Polyphemus
search for Hylas they are left behind (1261-1328).--The fate of
Heracles and Polyphemus: arrival of Argo among the Bebrycians
(1329-1362).

APOLLONIUS RHODIUS THE ARGONAUTICA

BOOK I

Beginning with thee, O Phoebus, I will recount the famous deeds of men
of old, who, at the behest of King Pelias, down through the mouth of
Pontus and between the Cyanean rocks, sped well-benched Argo in quest of
the golden fleece.

Such was the oracle that Pelias heard, that a hateful doom awaited
him--to be slain at the prompting of the man whom he should see coming
forth from the people with but one sandal. And no long time after, in
accordance with that true report, Jason crossed the stream of wintry
Anaurus on foot, and saved one sandal from the mire, but the other he
left in the depths held back by the flood. And straightway he came to
Pelias to share the banquet which the king was offering to his father
Poseidon and the rest of the gods, though he paid no honour to Pelasgian
Hera. Quickly the king saw him and pondered, and devised for him the
toil of a troublous voyage, in order that on the sea or among strangers
he might lose his home-return.

The ship, as former bards relate, Argus wrought by the guidance of
Athena. But now I will tell the lineage and the names of the heroes, and
of the long sea-paths and the deeds they wrought in their wanderings;
may the Muses be the inspirers of my song!

First then let us name Orpheus whom once Calliope bare, it is said,
wedded to Thracian Oeagrus, near the Pimpleian height. Men say that he
by the music of his songs charmed the stubborn rocks upon the mountains
and the course of rivers. And the wild oak-trees to this day, tokens of
that magic strain, that grow at