The Argonautica

there it divides in two: one branch pours its water

toward the eastern sea, while the other sends it behind

through a deep, broad gulf branching from Trinacrian sea,

which lies alongside your own land--assuming truth

that river Achelous flows out from your native country.

So Argus spoke; the goddess placed in their hands a portent

auspicious; all the heroes hailed the sight, a sign

to set out on this path; ahead, a guiding trail

of heavenly radiance formed, showing the way they could pass.

Joyfully, leaving the son of Lycus there behind them,

they sailed over the sea beneath their outspread canvas,

watching the Paphlagonian mountains; they did not bend round

Carambis, for both the winds and the heavenly fire's bright gleam

remained until they entered the mighty stream of Ister.

Some of the Colchians, searching to no purpose, had passed

out of Pontus through the pass of the Cyanean Rocks;

others pursued the river; Prince Apsyrtus commanded them,

and, turning aside, he pierced through the channel called Fair Mouth.

Thus Apsyrtus outran them, crossing the country's neck,

into the furthest gulf of all the Ionian Sea.

For an island named Peuce lies enclosed by the Ister,

triangular, spreading its broad seaward reach along shore,

but narrowing to an elbow toward the stream; around it two

outflows divide. One of the mouths they call the Narex;