The Argonautica

that desolate island. There a temple built for Ares

of stone was founded there by two queens of the Amazons,

queens Otrere and Antiope, marching out to war.

For there welcome aid shall come from the bitter sea,

aid still unnamed; in friendship I reveal this counsel:

halt. But why must need compel me yet again,

in prophecy, recounting every detail through to the end?

Beyond both the island and the mainland lying opposite,

the Philyres dwell; above them on the higher ground live

Macrones; farther on spread the vast tribes of Becheiri.

Next in succession Sapeires inhabit lands above them;

the Byzeres border those upon adjoining fields, and past

them dwell warlike Colchians. But keep fast aboard Argo,

cleave on, until you touch the sea's innermost recess.

There on Cytaean mainland, the river Phasis flows

from far Amarantian mountain heights and Circaean plain,

and casts its broad, eddying stream out to sea.

Drive your ship onward toward that river's outflowing mouth,

Your eyes shall see the high towers of Cytaean Aeetes,

and Ares' shadowed grove; there high upon an oak

the Fleece lies spread; a dragon, dreadful sight,

keeps watch around it, vigilant; neither in daylight

nor darkness can sweet sleep subdue its ruthless eyes.”

So Phineus spoke, and sudden fear seized those who heard.