The Argonautica

Those allotted high peaks or deep mountain ravines,

came marching as woodland guardians from far away,

but one water-nymph rose newly from the fair-flowing spring,

the spring's own spirit; she saw Hylas standing close,

flushed with beauty and the bright glow of honey-sweet graces.

For the full month-dividing moon shone down from heaven

and struck him with bright moonlight; her startled heart fluttered,

for Cypris shook her; dazed, she barely gathered her spirit.

But when Hylas' bronze pitcher first touched the stream,

as he leaned aside, the water thundered round without measure,

streaming against echoing bronze; the nymph sprang forward,

and laid her left arm high across Hylas' neck,

longing to kiss his tender mouth; her right hand

wrenched Hylas' elbow, hurling him into the central eddy.

Hylas cried out; alone among comrades Polyphemus heard him,

Eilatus' son pressed farther onward on the pathway,

awaiting gigantic Heracles whenever he came back.

He rushed close to Pegae, like some savage prowling beast

hearing the distant bleat of sheep from far-off pasture;

burning with hunger, it follows the sound, finds no flock,

shepherds penned them beforehand, safe inside the folds;

it groans and roars long, measureless, until strength fails;

so Eilatus' son groaned loud, circling the place,

roaming and calling; his voice proved utterly fruitless.