Page:The Argonautics of Apollonius Rhodius.djvu/32

 To Pelias, thus, the hasty prince repair'd, And the rich banquet at his altar shar'd. The stately altar, with oblations stor'd, Was to his sire erected, ocean's lord, And every Power that in Olympus reigns, Save Juno, regent of Thessalia's plains. Pelias, whose looks his latent fears express'd, Fir'd with a bold adventure Jason's breast; That, sunk in ocean, or on some rude shore Prostrate, he ne'er might view his country more. Old bards affirm this warlike ship was made By skilful Argus, with Minerva's aid. 'Tis mine to sing the chiefs, their names and race, Their tedious wanderings on the main to trace, And all their great achievements to rehearse: Deign, ye propitious Nine, to aid my verse. First in the list, to join the princely bands, The tuneful bard, enchanting Orpheus, stands; Whom fair Calliope, on Thracia's shore, Near Pimpla's mount, to bold Œägrus bore. Hard rocks he soften'd with persuasive song, And sooth'd the rivers as they roll'd along. Yon beeches tall, that bloom near Zona, still Remain memorials of his vocal skill: His