18–19
[Aegeus]
The herald says that only two men accompany him, and that he has a sword slung over his bright shoulders and two polished javelins in his hands,
and a well-made Laconian hat on his head with its fire-red hair. A purple tunic covers his chest, and a woolen Thessalian cloak.
50
Bright red Lemnian fire flashes from his eyes. He is a boy in the prime of youth, intent on the playthings of Ares: war and battles of clashing bronze.
55
He is on his way to splendor-loving Athens.
60
Ode 19 (Dithyramb 5) Io: for the Athenians
There are countless paths of divine song for one who has received gifts from the Pierian Muses,
and upon whose songs the violet-eyed maidens, the garland-bearing Graces, cast honor. Now, much-praised Cean ingenuity, weave something new, in lovely,
5
prosperous Athens . It is fitting for you to travel the greatest road, since you have received an outstanding honor from Calliope.
10
when the golden heifer, the rose-fingered daughter of Inachus, left Argos, land of horses, by the counsels of widely powerful, greatest Zeus?
15
who could see all around with untiring eyes, was bidden by golden-robed Hera, the greatest queen, to guard the lovely-horned heifer, unresting and unsleeping;
20
and the son of Maia could not evade him, neither by shining day nor by sacred night. Did it then happen that
25
the swift-footed messenger [of Zeus] then killed [the son of Earth] with mighty offspring Argus? Or was it that unutterable cares?
30
Or did the Pierian Muses bring about rest from troubles ?
35