The Argonautica

Had they delayed there, they would have joined fierce Amazon battle,

their fierce contention would not have passed without blood--

for Amazons are hardly gentle, nor revere rightful customs,

Doeantian Plain held their scattered dwelling places,

but grievous violence and the works of Ares are all their care.

For their lineage descended from mighty Ares and nymph Harmonia,

the nymph bore Ares fierce and war-loving daughters,

she bedded deep in sheltered folds of Acmonian Grove--

but Argestes' winds came sweeping back again from Zeus;

then borne on that wind, they left the curving shoreline,

where Themiscyrian Amazon warriors girded armor on.

For Amazons never assembled all in one city,

but lived across the country, three divisions by tribe.

The Themiscyrians dwelt apart, ruled then by Hippolyte;

apart the Lycastians occupied their own broad country,

Dart-throwing Chadesians lived apart. The next day,

as night came on, the heroes reached Chalybian country.

These people care neither for oxen plowing the earth,

nor plant and tend the trees that bear honey-sweet fruit;

nor shepherd flocks where dewy pasture grasses glisten.

Instead they cut the stubborn earth for iron ore,

and trade their iron, earning wages that sustain life.

Never does dawn rise for Chalybes free from labor, but in

black soot and smoke they endure their ponderous labor.