Epeisodion 1
King
Foreign maidens, your tale is beyond my belief—how your race can be from Argos. For you are more similar to the
women of Libya and in no way similar to those native to our land. The Nile, too, might foster such a stock, and like yours is the Cyprian impress stamped upon female images by male craftsmen. And of such aspect, I have heard, are nomad women, who
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ride on camels for steeds, having padded saddles, and dwell in a land neighboring the Aethiopians. And had you been armed with the bow, certainly I would have guessed you to be the unwed, flesh-devouring Amazons. But inform me, and I will better comprehend
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how it is that you trace your race and lineage from Argos.
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Chorus
Is there a report that once in this land of Argos Io was ward of Hera’s house?
King
Certainly she was; the tradition prevails far and wide.
Chorus
And is there some story, too, that Zeus was joined in love with a mortal?
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King
This entanglement was not secret from Hera.
Chorus
What then was the result of this royal strife?
King
The goddess of Argos transformed the woman into a cow.
Chorus
And while she was a horned cow, did not Zeus approach her?
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King
So they say, making his form that of a bull lusting for a mate.
Chorus
What answer then did Zeus’ stubborn consort give?
King
She placed the all-seeing one to stand watch over the cow.
Chorus
What manner of all-seeing herdsman with a single duty do you mean?
King
Argus, a son of Earth, whom Hermes slew.
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Chorus
What else did she contrive against the unfortunate cow?
King
A sting, torment of cattle, constantly driving her on.
Chorus
They call it a gadfly, those who dwell by the Nile.
King
Well then, it drove her by a long course out of the land.
