The Argonautica

but standing far away; so foully feast-remnants reeked.

At once he heard the voices and heavy tramp of the band,

and knew these very men were passing, whose arrival

an oracle from Zeus said would let him enjoy his food.

He rose from bed, like a lifeless shape seen in dreaming,

leaning upon his staff, and on shriveled feet went doorward,

groping along the walls; in motion all his limbs trembled

from weakness and age; his skin was caked in squalid filth,

dried hard; nothing but skin held all his bones together.

Out from the hall he came and sat, his knees weighed heavy

upon the courtyard threshold; dark dizziness closed round him,

and all the earth seemed wheeling round beneath his feet,

while feeble stupor held his frame, prostrate and speechless.

The heroes saw him, then came crowding all around

and marveled. Only with great pain, from the depth of his breast,

He drew deep breath, then spoke prophetic words among them:

“Hear me, you foremost men of all the Hellenes, if truly

you are the men whom now, at a grim king's command,

Jason leads aboard Argo in quest of the Fleece.

You are those men indeed. Still my mind knows each thing

through prophecy. I owe this favor now, O lord Leto's

son; bitter sufferings close round and bind me fast.

By Zeus of Suppliants, most dread to sinful mortals,

by great Phoebus also, and Hera herself, I beseech you,