The Argonautica

and reached the Melantian Rocks that stand within the sea;

then leapt above one peak of those two rising crags;

you raised your golden bow high in your right hand;

the bow flashed beams of dazzling light on every side.

A little isle among the Sporades now came in view

lying opposite the little island named Hippouris;

there they cast anchor and stayed; at once the Dawn

rose and gave light; for Apollo they fashioned a glorious

precinct within a shady grove and a shaded altar,

calling Phoebus the Gleamer for that bright, far-seen gleam;

They named the smooth isle Anaphe; Phoebus the god

had shown it forth while dread bewilderment gripped the crew.

They offered all the rites men offer on desolate

shores, duly prepared; when, on the brightly blazing firebrands,

they watched the heroes pour out water in libation,

Medea's Phaeacian maids no longer had the strength

to hold back laughter in their breasts: so many times

they had often seen oxen slaughtered in Alcinous' halls.

The heroes mocked the women with unseemly words in return,

delighted in the jest; sweet mockery caught fire

with words hurled in strife. From that very lively sport

of heroes; even now this custom lives upon the island:

women contend with men whenever the rites begin,

with gifts they propitiate Apollo, Gleamer, Anaphe's guardian.