Key to Easy Latin Stories for beginners

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KEY TO

EASY LATIN STORIES FOR BEGINNERS

KEY

Part I

KEY TO

EASY LATIN STORIES FOR BEGINNERS.

PART 1.

I.—THE STORY OF ARION.

I.1THE STORY OF ARION.

Arion, after travelling abroad, hires a vessel to take him home.

1.1Arion was a celebrated harper. He had lived for a long time at the court of Penander, king of the Corinthians. Then he wished to sail to Italy and Sicily. Having obtained great wealth there, he desired to return to Corinth, Therefore he set out from Tarentum, a city of Italy; there he had had hired a vessel belonging to (lit. of) some Corinthians.

The sailors farm a plan to rob and murder him.

2.1But the latter resolved to throw him into the sea; for they were desirous to get possession of his money. Then, indeed, Arion understood their plan. He sadly (lit sad) had recourse (lit. fled) to prayers. Having offered all his money to the sailors, he begged his life. But the sailors not being moved by the man's prayer threatened him at once with death (lit death to him).

Arion sings a beautiful song, and leaps overboard.

3.1Arion reduced to these extremities, stood on the stem, dressed in all his ornaments. Then he began to sing one of his songs. The sailors charmed by the sweet song retired to the middle of the ship from the stem. He, clad in all his orna

, took his lyre and finished the song. When the song was finished, he threw himself into the sea. Then the sailors sailed to Corinth.

He is miraculously saved by a dolphin.

4.1But Arion, having been taken up by a dolphin on its back, was brought (to land) at Taenarum. Having landed, he proceeded to Corinth in the same dress. There he related the deeds of the sailors. But Periander was unwilling to believe him. Arion was therefore kept by him under a guard.

The wicked sailors are detected and punished, and Arion is rewarded.

5.1Meanwhile the sailors came to Corinth. They were questioned by Periander about Arion. All lied most disgracefully. Suddenly Arion appeared with the same dress (on). The astonished sailors confessed their crime. They were all slain by King Periander, and much money was given to Arion.

II.—THE HABITS OF THE MASSAGETAE.

II.1THE HABITS OF THE MASSAGETAE.

6.1The Massagetae use both a dress and a way of living like those of the Scythians. They fight on horseback; they use the bow and spears. They use gold or copper for everything. For spears and for the points of their arrows they use copper; for head ornaments and belts round the loins, gold. Silver and iron are not found in their country ; but there is an immense quantity of copper and gold. Their relations kill the old men and beasts with them ; then having cooked their flesh, they feast. But they bury in the earth those that have died of disease. They sow no crops (lit. make no sowing): their food consists of cattle, fish, and milk. Alone of the gods they worship the Sun: to him they sacrifice horses.

III.—BEASTS IN EGYPT AND LIBYA.

III.1BEASTS IN EGYPT AND LIBYA.

7.1In Egypt there are found few animals. Therefore all are held sacred. Dogs and cats are worshipped. When a cat has

died in any house, all the inhabitants of that house shave their eyebrows only: when a dog has died, they shave the whole of the body and head. Dead cats are buried in sacred tombs in the town of Bubastis. They bury dead dogs, each one in his own city. They also worship mice, spiders, hawks, ibises, (and) ichneumons.

The hippopotamus.

8.1Hippopotami are held sacred by some Egyptians, but not sacred by the rest. Their nature and appearance is as follows. (It is) a four-footed animal, with cloven foot, the hoof of an ox, snub nose, the mane of a horse, projecting teeth, the tail and voice of a horse : in size they resemble bulls.

The phoenix.

9.1There is also a sacred bird, by name the phoenix. It visits Egypt very rarely, after an interval of five hundred years. Now it arrives on the death of its father. It is of the following size and description (lit. so great and such); the colour of the feathers, in some, is golden, in others, red; in look and size it closely resembles an eagle. The phoenix leaving Arabia, carries his father covered with myrrh to the temple of the Sun, and buries him in the temple of the Sun.

The winged serpents and the ibis.

10.1At the commencement of spring winged serpents fly to Egypt. But the ibis birds meeting them, prevent them from approaching, and kill the serpents. For this reason they are highly valued by the Egyptians. Now the appearance of the ibis is as follows; it is a bird of a black colour, with the claws of a crane, and a curved bill. The shape of the snakes resembles the shape of water snakes. They have wings, not feathered, but resembling the wings of a bat.

Wonderful animals in Libya.

11.1There are in Libya serpents of huge size ; there are in the same place lions, and elephants, and bears, and aspides, and homed asses. There are also human beings having the heads of dogs. There are others without heads, haying eyes in the breast, and wild men. There are also two-legged mice, and small serpents (provided) with one horn (a-piece). In a word, a great number of strange animals is found in these regions.

The crocodile.

12.1Now the nature of the crocodile is as follows. During the five months of winter it takes no food. It is a quadruped, inhabiting land and water alike: for it lays and hatches its eggs on land, and lives on dry ground the greater part of the day, but by night in the river: for by night the water is wanner than the earth when sprinkled with dew. But of all animals this one, from being very small, becomes the greatest. For its eggs are not much larger than the eggs of a goose; but it reaches to the length of seventeen cubits. Now it has the eyes of a pig, but large teetL Alone of all animals it has not a tongue, nor does it move its lower jaw. Moreover, it has strong claws, and a scaly skin. In the water, indeed, it is blind; it sees well in the air. It has its mouth full of leeches within. Now other birds indeed and beasts fly from it, but it is at peace with the wagtail. The latter does it a useful service: for creeping into its mouth it devours the leeches.

Strange pets.

13.1Now crocodiles are sacred to some Egyptians; not to others also, but the latter pursue them as foes. All the inhabitants around Thebes and the lake of Moeris consider them sacred. All of these rear one crocodile in particular, well trained to be handled. In their ears they insert earrings, and adorn their fore feet with golden armlets. They feed this same one; and bury it when dead in a sacred sepuldire.

IV.— AN AFRICAN REGIMENT.

IV.— AN AFRICAN REGIMENT.

14.1The Aethiopians, clad in the skins of leopards and lions, have very long bows, but short arrows; these are tipped with (lit. to these are fastened) sharp stones instead of iron. They have also spears; these are tipped with stag's horns: they

have also clubs with knots. When going to battle they have half the body whitened with chalk, half painted with vermilion. Others have the head covered with horsehide, taken from the head of a horse, with the ears and mane. Instead of shields they cover their bodies with the skins of cranes.

V.—THE EQUIPMENT OF PERSIAN SOLDIERS.

VI.— THE STORY OF ATYS.

Croesus has a bad dream about his son Atys.

16.1Croesus, king of Lydia, had a son by name Atys. Croesus, in a dream, saw him pierced with an iron weapon, and sprinkled with blood. On awaking, he keeps his son at home; next he hides the javelins and spears in a chest

He purifies a man who comes to him stained with crime.

17.1Meanwhile there arrived at Sardis a man involved in guilt. Croesus purified him, and received him kindly. Then he questions him in these words: ‘Who art thou? What man hast thou slain?’

The stranger tells his story — Croesus receives him as a friend.

18.1The stranger replied as follows: ‘O king, I am the son of Gordias; moreover, my name Is Adrastus. I killed my brother by accident (lit against my will). Here I am, expelled

by my father, deprived of all my property.’ Then said Croesos: “Thou art descended from friends, and hast come to friends.’ So he used to live in the palace of Croesus.

A huge toild boar ravages the country.

19.1About the same time there appeared in Mount Olympus a wild boar of wonderful size. It began to ravage the territories of the Mysians.

The people beg Croesus to send his son to kill it.

20.1The ambassadors of the Mysians came to Croesus saying these words: ‘O king! a boar of huge size has appeared in our district. He is destroying all the works of the husbandmen. Send your son and chosen youths and hounds, for we wish to remove the brute from our country.’

Croesus refuses.

21.1To them making this prayer, Croesus, remembering his dream, replied as follows: ‘Of my son, indeed, make mention no more. For I cannot send him out with you. But I shall send a chosen band of Lydians and hounds.’

Atys implores his father to let him go.

22.1Hearing the prayers of the Mysians, Atys comes in. He tries to move his father with these words: ‘Formerly, my father, this seemed to me most noble and glorious, (namely) to win honour in war and the chase. Therefore, do not keep me at home. What, pray, shall I seem to the citizens to be1 What kind of man shall I seem to my wife!’

Croesus gives his reasons for refusing.

23.1Therefore, Croesus answered as follows: ‘My son, in a dream lately, I saw thee slain by an iron weapon. On this account, I am guarding thee at home.’

Atys urges him to let him go, and gives an explanation of the dream.

24.1Again the young man spoke as follows: ‘You saw me pierced with an iron weapon. But what hands has a boar, pray, or what iron weapon? Nothing was said of an injury received from teeth. Wherefore, allow me to depart, my father.’

Oroesus at length gives way.

25.1Then said Croesus, ‘My son, you overcome me, explaining the meaning of the dream. Therefore, I give you permission to go hunting.’

And gives him in charge to Adrastus.

26.1After saying this, (he) summoned Adrastus, (and) addressed him as follows: ‘Adrastus, I purified thee when involved in guilt, and received thee into my house. Now, therefore, for thou oughtest to deserve well of me, be the guardian of my son (who is) going out to hunt.’ Admstus replied: ‘I am ready to perform your order. Thy son, king, with me for a guardian, will return safe.’

Adrastus kills Atys by accident, and fulfils the dream.

27.1So they set out with chosen youths and hounds. Having found the beast, they attack it with javelins. By accident, Adrastus strikes the son of Croesus. Therefore, the latter, being struck by a weapon, fulfils the warning of the dream.

Croesus pardons him, but he commits suicide.

28.1Croesus was horror-stricken when the death of his son was announced. Adrastus gave himself up to Croesus. ‘Slay me,’ said he, ‘over the dead body of thy son.’ To him (said) Croesus: ‘I pardon thee, Adrastus. You did it by accident (lit. unwillingly). Thou art not the originator of this evil, but some one of the gods. A dream told this to me long ago.' Adrastus, however, slew himself with his own hand (lit himself) over the tomb. But Croesus, bereaved of his son, remained in great grief for two years.

V.—THE EQUIPMENT OF PERSIAN SOLDIERS.

V.1THE EQUIPMENT OF PERSIAN SOLDIERS.

15.1The Persians are equipped in this manner. On the head they wear caps ; these they call tiaras : about the body, tunics of various colours, with sleeves, and cuirasses with iron scales in the likeness of fishes: breeches on their legs: but for shields (they carry) hurdles of osier. They have quivers hung from the back; their spears are short, but their bows long; their arrows are (made) of reeds ; moreover, by the right thigh a dagger is suspended from the belt.

VII.—A CROCODILE HUNT.

VII.1A CROCODILE HUNT.

29.1Crocodile hunting is practiced in many (and) different ways. The huntsman lowers into the middle of the liver a pigskin, fastened on a hook for a bait. He himself on the river bank whips a young pig. The crocodile, hearing its screams, runs towards the noise. But falling in with the pigskin, he swallows it, and is soon hauled to land. The huntsman plasters with mud the eyes of the crocodile (when) drawn on land. It is then very easily killed.

VIII.—ARTAYCTES.

VIII.1ARTAYCTES.

Deceit and sacrilege.

30.1Artayctes, a Persian, once was in command of Sestos. He had deceived Xerxes when starting for Athens, having secretly carried off the treasures of Protesilaus from Elaeus. Now he had deceived Xerxes (by) using these words:1‘O king, a certain Greek used to live here. He was slain a long while ago (when) making an expedition against thy kingdom. Give me now, I pray, his riches; for thus all men will never afterwards dare to make an expedition against thee.’ Therefore Xerxes (was) deceived (and) gave the house of Protesilaus to Artayctes. But the latter (having) taken everything from Elaeus brought them with him to Sestos.

Vengeance overtakes him.

31.1But afterwards the Athenians having attacked Artayctes unawares, besieged Sestos for a long time. The Persians at length within the walls being reduced to extremity, were compelled to eat the ropes of their hammocks. When these were consumed, Artayctes, with his son, betook himself to flight by night. Being, however, soon taken by the Athenians, he was brought again to Sestos in chains.

A strange story.

32.1The following miracle is said to have happened to one of the guards (while) cooking fish pickled in salt. The fish (while) lying on the fire, began to jump, as if (they had been) very lately caught. All men were astomshed: but Artayctes seeing the miracle, said to the man, ‘Athenian stranger, fear not this miracle, for it has not been exhibited for thee. This has reference to me. Protesilaus himself is in these fishes: he has also said to me, “I am able to punish thee, O Artayctes, on account of the wealth (that thou hast) taken away.” Now therefore I am willing to restore to him his wealth. I shall give a hundred talents in return for the money stolen from the temple of Protesilaus; for myself and my sons I shall pay two hundred talents to the Athenians.’

The fate of Artayctes.

33.1Not even in this way was he able to persuade Xanthippus, the general of the Athenians; for the men of Elaeus kept urging him, saying, ‘Thou must slay Artayctes’; and Xanthippus himself desired to kill him. And so (they) lashed (him) to a cross (and) lifted him up on high; and his son perished before his eyes, overwhelmed with stones. In such a manner as this the avenging curses of Protesilaus punished Artayctes.

IX.—ANECDOTES.

IX.1ANECDOTES.

Contempt of pain.

34.1Spartan boys do not groan when torn with whips. At Sparta youths fight with their fists, feet, nails, even with their teeth, and prefer being killed to being conquered. A Spartan boy is even said to have hidden a fox in the bosom of his garment, and to have been killed by the teeth of the beast, without uttering (lit. neither to have uttered) a murmur: for to steal anything without being caught (lit secretly) was held to be glorious among the Spartans; but to be caught (was held) most disgraceful.

The trial of Sophocles.

35.1Sophocles wrote tragedies up to extreme old age: but he seemed to be neglecting his affairs through his application to study. Therefore he was summoned before the court by his sons. These implored the judges in these words: ‘Remove our foolish father from (the care of) his property.’ Then the old man is said to have recited that splendid tragedy, the ‘Oedipus Coloneus,’ to the judges, and to have asked, ‘Does this poem seem (the work) of a fool?’ When this had been recited, he was set at liberty by the sentences of the judges.

Respect paid to age.

36.1Lysander the Lacedaemonian is said to have said this: ‘Old men can live best at Lacedaemon.’ For nowhere is so much (respect) paid to age, nowhere is old age more honoured. Once upon a time at Athens, at the beginning of the public games, a certain old man came into the theatre, nor was a place given to him by his own citizens; then he approached the Lacedaemonian ambassadors; but all these rose together and made room for the old man. When the Athenians began to applaud this act, one of the ambassadors remarked, ‘The Athenians indeed know (how) to do (what is) right, but they are not willing to do it.’

Diogenes.

37.1Diogenes (when) dying, said: ‘Abandon me, do not place me in a tomb.’ Then (said) his friends, ‘To birds and wild beasts?’ ‘Not at all,’ remarked he, ‘but you must put a weapon by me: with this I shall drive the wild beasts from me.’ ‘How will you be able (to do so)?’ replied they; ‘for you will not perceive them.’ ‘What harm, then, will the teeth of wild beasts and the beaks of birds do to me if I perceive (lit. perceiving) nothing)?’

Anaxagoras.

38.1That was a glorious answer of Anaxagoras the philosopher. For he, when dying at Lampsacus, said to his friends askng, ‘Do you wish to be carried to your own country)?’ ‘Not at all: for the way to the gods below is the same from all places.’

Lysander at Sardis.

39.1Cyrus the younger, a prince of the Persians, excelling in talent and in the renown of his rule, once received with hospitality at Sardis, Lysander the Lacedaemonian, a man of the greatest virtue. He showed him a certain field, carefully cultivated. Now to Lysander, wondering at the trees, and the cultivated ground, and the well-arranged rows, Cyrus replied: ‘I arranged all these things: the rows are my own: many also of these trees were sown by my hand.’ Then Lysander, seeing his dress splendid with much gold, ‘Rightly, indeed, do they call thee happy, Cyrus, for to thy virtue riches have been added.’

Contempt of death.

40.1Of how great a mind was Theramenes! For once upon a time (when he had) been thrown into prison by order of the thirty tyrants, he drank the poison, and threw what remained from the cup into a vessel. But when a sound was re-echoed, he said with a smile, ‘This (is) for handsome Critias.’ Now Critias had been most cruel to him. For the Greeks at their feasts, when about to hand the cup to any one, are wont to call him by name.

Socrates.

41.1A few years after Socrates went to the same prison through the same (kind of) wickedness of his judges. What then is his speech before the judges? ‘Willingly,’ said he, ‘shall I go to meet death; for one thing of two will happen: either death will altogether remove all feelings, or we shall go to some other (place) from these (places). So we shall either enjoy sleep, or shall be able to converse and live with all the best citizens.’

The Spartans.

42.1With like courage fell the Lacedaemonians at Thermopylae. What says their leader, Leonidas? ‘Fight on with bold resolution, Lacedaemonians: to-day we shall sup with the gods below.’ Was not also the Lacedaemonian woman equally brave? For she, when the death of her son was announced, said, ‘I bore him for this end.’

Theodorus.

43.1Shall we not admire Theodonis of Cyrene, (that) celebrated philosopher? To King Lysimachos (when) threatening (him with) the gallows, he remarked, ‘Threaten these cruelties to those nobles of yours: these things do not concern Theodorus: to rot on the ground or in the air is the same thing.’

Peace or war.

44.1The Romans sent ambassadors to Carthage. One of these, showing the fold of his dress, said as follows: ‘I have in this fold peace and war: do you prefer peace or war?’ The Carthaginians replied: ‘We will accept whichever you please.’Then said the Roman, ‘I give you war.’ In reply, the Carthaginians (said), ‘We accept war willingly.’

The best fortifications.

45.1Some one once said to a Spartan, ‘Why has not Sparta walls?’ In reply, the Spartan said, ‘Do not lie, my good friend; our city has the best of walls1(namely) the courage of its inhabitants.’

Phocion..

46.1Phocion the Athenian was a poor man. Once when a hundred talents had been sent to him by Alexander, king of the Macedonians, he said, ‘Why dost thou wish to give me so much money?’ The ambassador replied, ‘Alexander thinks you the only good man of all the Athenians.’ Then Phocion remarked, ‘Take away the money; I prefer to be good.’

The power of filial love.

47.1Croesus, king of Lydea, had a son of remarkable beauty and excellent understanding; but he was unable to speak. The physicians had used every contrivance, yet were not able to effect anything. When Sardis was taken by Cyrus, a certain soldier rushed at Croesus with drawn sword. Then the boy, moved by love, endeavoured with all his might to speak. At length he exclaimed, with a loud voice, ‘Do not kill my father Croesus.’

A retort.

48.1Once upon a time a certain man came to Aristippus, the philosopher, and said to him: ‘Art thou willing to teach my son your sciences?’ Aristippus replied, ‘I will do so on receiving two talents.’ But the father, terrified at the price, said, ‘Why, I can buy a slave for less.’ Aristippus (said) in reply, ‘Do so; thus you will have two slaves.’

An affectionate fish.

49.1Once upon a time a dolphin is said to have formed a friendship with a certain boy. Now it being called by the boy daily used to receive crumbs of bread. It used to come to the top of the water, and, having received the crumbs, used to take the boy on its back. When the boy died, the dolphin is said to have died of grief.

Practical philosophy.

50.1A certain youth had lived for a long time at the house of the philosopher Zeno. At length he returned home. Then his father questions him in these words1‘What hast thou learnt, my son?’ The son (said) in reply, ‘I shall show you this by my conduct, father.’ The father, taking this reply very ill, laidied him with whips. The son remarked, ‘I have learned (how) to bear a father’s anger.’

Philoctetes.

51.1The poets tell many (stories) of Philoctetes. He is said to have been the armour-bearer of Hercules, and to have received from him the arrows (which had been) dipped in the poisonous blood of the Hydra. Now, his foot was woimded by a falling arrow or the tooth of a serpent. From this wound arose a very unpleasant smell, so the Greeks drove him from them, and left him in the island of Lemnos. Here for a long time he lived alone in a cave. But the Greeks were not able to take Troy without his arrows. Then, indeed, Ulysses and Diomedes (were) sent to Lemnos, (and) tried to bring Philoctetes with them to Troy. He resisted for a long time: at length, overcome by their prayers, he went to Troy. Not long after Troy was taken with the help of his arrows, having been attacked in vain for ten years.

The best sauce.

52.1The tyrant Dionysius, (when) supping with the Lacedaemonians, said, ‘I, for my part, am not at all pleased with this black soup.’ For at the public tables at Sparta they eat black soup, bread, (and) fruit; milk and water are drunk. Then the cook replied: ‘It is not at all surprising, for the sauces are wanting. Now these sauces are toil, running, hunger, (and) thirst. Without these no one can be pleased with this soup.’

A noble foe.

53.1Once upon a time, after the Persians had been utterly defeated in a naval engagement, Themistocles said before the Assembly at Athens: ‘I have a plan in my mind; this will be useful to the republic, yet it must be kept secret. I wish to communicate it to one of our chief men.’ Aristides was chosen for this office. Themistocles said to him: ‘The fleet of the Lacedaemonians is at anchor in harbour. We shall be able to set it on fire secretly. Thus their naval power will be destroyed.’ On hearing this, Aristides having returned to the Council, spoke as follows: ‘The counsel of Themistocles is both useful, and also not at all honourable.’ Therefore, the Athenians rejected the plan without even hearing it.

Zeuxis and Parrhasius.

54.1Zeuxis and Parrhasius were very celebrated painters. Zeuxis, first painted grapes. The birds kept flying to the picture, wishing to eat the grapes. Then Parrhasius painted a cloth. But Zeuxis, not understanding a trick of this sort, said to Parrhasius, ‘Take away the cloth ; I want to see the picture.’ Soon on understanding his mistake, he said: ‘I have been conquered by thee: for I have deceived birds, thou hast (deceived) Zeuxis himself.’

X.—THE LABOURS OF HERCULES.

X.1THE LABOURS OF HERCULES.

The Nemean lion.

55.1Li the Valley of Nemea there lived a huge lion, and it used to kill cattle and human beings daily. Eurystheus, king of Tiryus, called Hercules to him and said to him, ‘Let it be thy care to kill this lion as quickly as possible.’ Hercules at once sets out. After using his club and arrows in vain, having made a rush, he killed the lion with his hands. Then he returned to Eurystheus, carrying the dead lion placed on his shoulders.

The Lernean Hydra.

56.1Once there lived in a swamp a water snake. It had nine heads. Hercules, indeed, cut off eight heads, but he was unable to wound the ninth, for it was immortal. Each head having been cut off, two (others) at once grew up (in its stead). These at length having been destroyed by fire, Hercules buried the immortal head under a huge stone. The beast having been thus utterly conquered, he dipped his arrows in its poisonous blood.

The Erymanthian boar.

57.1There appeared on Mount Erymanthus a boar of wondrous size. Having been ordered to catch it, Hercules at once set out. Having for a long time followed the boar through the snows, he was at length able to catch it (when) entangled in a snare, and brought it to Eurystheus.

The Arcadian stag.

58.1There was in Arcadia a stag with golden antlers, but with brazen feet. Hercules had been ordered by Eurystheus to follow it. He followed the stag in vain throughout a whole year; at length he wounded (it) with an arrow (and) took it.

The stables of Augeas.

59.1Augeas, king of Elis, had three thousand oxen. Their stalls had not been washed for thirty years. Hercules approached

Augeas and said to him: ‘Within one day I will wash these stalls. Are you willing to give me the tenth part of the oxen when this is done?’ Augeas replied, ‘I will give them willingly.’ Then Hercules, having turned a river through the stalls, accomplished the work very easily in one day.

The Stymphalian birds.

60.1Formerly there lived in a lake near Stymphalus, in Arcadia, birds with feet, beak, and feathers of brass: now, they used their feathers for arrows, and lived on the flesh of human beings. Hercules, having attacked the birds, frightened them thoroughly with a brazen rattle, (and) then slew them with arrows (while) trying to escape.

The Cretan bull.

61.1Poseidon sent forth from the sea a bull of wonderful size and remarkable beauty. Minos, king of Crete, had been ordered to sacrifice it; but, being charmed by the beauty of the bull, he sacrificed another in its stead. But Poseidon, being angry, drove the bull to madness. Then the bull began to cause a great slaughter of men throughout the whole island, and to destroy agricultural works. Hercules at length caught (it and) brought it to Eurystheus.

The mares of Diomedes.

62.1Diomedes, king of the Bistones, used to feed his mares with human flesh. But Hercules carried off the mares by stealth, and led them to the sea. But here the Bistones attacked him. They fought for a long time. The Bistones having been at length completely defeated, Hercules slew their king, and gave his body to the mares. Then he returned in safety, bringing the mares with him. Now they became tame (after being) fed on the flesh of their owner.

The girdle of Hippolyte.

63.1Hippolyte, queen of the Amazons, had a very beautiful girdle. Now Admete, the daughter of Euiystheuft, wished to get possession of this; so Hercules was ordered to fetch it. At length he reached the country of the Amazons. There at first Hippolyte received him kindly, and promised (him) the girdle, but a quarrel having arisen, the Amazons fought against Hercules. These having been conquered and Hippolyte slain, Hercules got possession of the girdle.

The oxen of Geryones.

64.1Geryones, a giant with a threefold body, used to live in the island of Erythia; the same had many oxen, guarded by the giant Eurytion and a dog with two heads. Hercules wished to get possession of these, so he set out for Libya and Spain. There he set up columns on each side of the sea; to these, therefore, was given the name of the Columns of Hercules. Being annoyed by the heat of the sun he hurled darts at Helios; but the latter, wondering at his boldness, presented him with a golden boat; so he was able to get to Erythia. After killing Geryones, with Eurytion and the dog, he returned with the oxen.