3–1
AMYMONE
Why do you say Poseidon? Why this force, fellow? Why are you dragging me into the sea? Oh, dear me, I’ll drown if I go under.
POSEIDON
Don’t worry, you’re in no danger. I’ll give the rock a tap with my trident near the beach, and start a fountain that will have your name. You’ll be happy, and, unlike any of your sisters, you won’t have to carry water after death.
5
IRIS
That wandering island, Pindar, Fr. 58 (followed by Callimachus, Hymns, IV, 35 ff.) tells how the island of Delos floated in the sea, till the time when it was moored by pillars to the sea-bed to enable Leto to bear Apollo and Artemis. The story may have originated from a doubtful interpretation of the Homeric Hymn to Delian Apollo, 1. 73. Poseidon, which was broken off from Sicily, and is still propelling itself about under water—Zeus says you are to make it stop now, and bring it into view. You are to fix it quite securely, and make it stand firm, clearly visible For the etymology cf. Callimachus, Hymns, IV, 53. from now on in the middle of the Aegean. He wants it for something.
POSEIDON
It will be done, Iris. But what use will it be to him by coming to light and ceasing its seafaring?
IRIS
Leto must be delivered upon it. She’s already in distress from her birth pangs.
POSEIDON
What of it? Hasn’t heaven room enough for bearing children? If not heaven, couldn’t all the earth accommodate her for the birth?
