The Argonautica

and most of all the two sons born to Boreas.

They wiped away a tear and came close; then spoke

Zetes, taking the grieving old man's hand in his hand:

“Ah, wretched man, I think no other lives more wretched

than you. Why have so many griefs been fastened upon you?

Did reckless, ruinous folly make you wrong the gods,

though versed in prophecy? Is that why their anger burns?

Yet deep within, our spirit trembles though we long

to help, if some god set this honor before us two.

For mortals plainly know rebukes from deathless gods.

No power could hold those creatures back when they came,

the Harpies; strongest will proves useless till you swear

that for this deed we shall not fall from the gods' favor.”

He spoke; the old man lifted straight toward him his empty

eyes, opening them wide, and Phineus gave this answer:

“Be silent. Do not cast such thoughts into my mind, child.

Let Leto's son bear witness, who freely taught me

prophecy; let the ill-named fate that seized me witness,

and this blind cloud upon my eyes, and gods beneath us;

let them show no favor when I lie dead, if thus

I swear falsely: no heavenly wrath shall come for your aid.”

Then, trusting his oaths, the two were eager to drive them back.

Swiftly the younger heroes worked hard to prepare

a feast for the old man, the Harpies' final prey;