The Argonautica

building the pyre well at the very edge of the pit.

Now propitiate Hecate, the Only-born daughter of Perses,

pouring out from a cup the bees' work stored in the hive.

There, heedfully remember and win the goddess's favor;

draw back again from the pyre; let no pounding sound

of footsteps make you turn your head and look behind,

nor baying dogs, lest you should ruin the whole rite

and fail to reach your comrades again in due order.

At dawn, once thoroughly moistened, spread the charm as ointment:

strip naked, and make your body shine; within it valor

will dwell without measure, with mighty force; you would not think

yourself the equal of men, but of the deathless gods.

Along with the spear, let shield and sword alike be sprinkled;

then no earthborn weapon-point shall pierce your living body,

nor will resistless fire leap out in furious assault

from the deadly bulls. Yet such strength will not last for long:

only that single day; nevertheless never shrink from the contest.

Besides, I shall give one more piece of saving counsel.

As soon as you have yoked the mighty bulls, and swiftly all the

stubborn fallow with your hands and valor have ploughed through,

and Giants begin to spring thick as grain along the furrows,

as the serpent's teeth are sown upon the dark clods of earth,

if ever you spy the great host stirring up from the fallow,

secretly hurl a stone with force; they will close round it,