Page:Miscellanies - With a biographical sketch by Ralph Waldo Emerson and a general index to the writings. -- by Thoreau, Henry David.djvu/359

Rh Rhodes was not yet apparent in the deep sea;

But in salt depths the island was hid.

And, Helios being absent, no one claimed for him his lot;

So they left him without any region for his share,

The pure god. And Zeus was about to make a second drawing of lots

For him warned. But he did not permit him;

For he said that within the white sea he had seen a certain land

springing up from the bottom,

Capable of feeding many men, and suitable for flocks.

And straightway he commanded golden-filleted Lachesis

To stretch forth her hands, and not contradict

The great oath of the gods, but with the son of Kronos

Assent that, to the bright air being sent by his nod,

It should hereafter be his prize. And his words were fully performed,

Meeting with truth. The island sprang from the watery

Sea; and the genial Father of penetrating beams,

Ruler of fire-breathing horses, has it.