The Argonautica

and gave the god a clear, direct, outspoken answer:

Hero, if you know the Apian land and Minoan waters,

tell the whole truth in answer to our urgent question.

For we came here unwilling; fierce and heavy storms

drove us close against this country's furthest frontier;

we carried Argo high toward this lake's waters,

across the mainland, bent beneath her heavy weight;

We know not where the sailing-passage reaches Pelops' land.

He spoke; the god stretched out his hand and pointed afar,

showing the sea and the deep mouth of the lake, and said:

That passage seaward darkens at the greatest depth,

where water lies unmoving; on both sides the white

bright breakers bristle; but between the two lines of surf

a narrow path allows you to row into the open sea.

Beyond it the misted sea stretches toward the sacred land

of Pelops, past Crete; but keep toward your right hand

once from the lake you enter the swell of the open sea;

until then steer confined close along the coastline

as long as it reaches north; when the shore curves round

and bends the other way, your voyage will lie unharmed

straight from the jutting headland as your ship travels onward.

Go joyfully, and let no pain of labor arise

because strong limbs, glorious in youth, are called to labor.

He spoke in kindness; straightway they went aboard the ship,