Liv Reads Statius: The Thebaid (Part 2)

Liv reads Statius' Thebaid, book 2, translated by JH Mozley. The ghost of Laius travels from the Underworld; Polynices and Tydeus return to Thebes and threaten the king Eteocles. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions http://mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby http://patreon.com/mythsbaby This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they generally refer to in the Greek, visit:mythsbaby.com/names http://mythsbaby.com/names Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here:mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions http://mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Learn more about Liv's next group trips https://travelbugxlivalbert.my.canva.site/ to GREECE! Application deadline is November 30 (Subject to change due to demand). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Speaker names marked ? are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.

• 0:00Liv Albert?

  Hey nerds, really quick note from me. I want to tell you that we now have the applications open for the next set of listener group trips. This is us going back to the original, the trips that we have held in the past that have been so much fun, so successful, and pretty affordable in terms of wandering around Greece with a bunch of nerds. So check out the details and get your applications in at mythsbaby.com grouptrip.

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• 2:10Liv Albert?

  Hello, this is Let's Talk About Myths, baby, and I am your host Liv, here to regale you with yet another reading episode. I say yet another, it's actually been a while since I've been doing these regularly, and I'm excited to really get back in. I love a reading episode. I absolutely just, I really, I love reading this stuff aloud. I love getting to discover these epics like with you guys. Like, this is one that I haven't read on my own. Um, but it's so fun so far, and we're only getting into book two. So, we are returning today to Statius's Thebaid. Now, the Thebaid, as I mentioned last time, was written during the Roman period by this

• 2:53Liv Albert?

  Roman guy named Statius. It was written in Latin, but it was written about historically Greeks myths and stories generally. Like, so it's a very Greek story told by a Latin guy. Now, this epic, while it tells the story of these two brothers who are about to have an incredibly epic battle, it also just involves so much else, so much mythological depth, but also just so much more than we typically get with myths, and that's why I'm so excited to read it. So, last week, we were reminded of the story of Oedipus and how his sons

• 3:35Liv Albert?

  were sort of left with the mess behind. It was like the ghost of Oedipus, or Oedipus in the underworld, who was watching all of this happen at the beginning. And so, we get a lot of stories of the ancestors themselves. Like, in this book too, we're going to visit the underworld and meet Lias, the father of Oedipus, grandfather of these two sons of Thebes, who are estranged, to put it nicely. And of course, Eteocles is there, still in Thebes. Having exiled his brother Polynices, Polynices went down to Argos where he met with the king Adrastus and also Tydeus, who you might remember from the Trojan War, but in this case,

• 4:20Liv Albert?

  who is also there as an exile. They kind of fight. Everything seems kind of okay at the end. And Adrastus is like, "You can actually marry my daughters." So we're really just laying down some groundwork of what's to come. But it's just a really interesting take on all of these things. Still, a reminder that this was written by a Roman in Latin, and so we are often using the Latin names. Now, I don't want to say that these are the same gods. You know, the Romans did have their own deities. I don't like anymore to to give this idea that they just copied the Greeks. They really didn't. But in this case, this is a Roman writing about a Greek myth. And so in this case, they are really

• 5:04Liv Albert?

  the Roman names, but for the Greek gods. It's very confusing. I don't say that as if that's always the case, because their gods are often very different. But if they're telling stories from Greece, then they are just using the Roman names for the Greek gods, because it's a Greek story.

• 5:47Liv Albert?

  This is "The Thebaid" by Statius, translated by J. H. Mosley, Book Two.

• 5:57Liv Albert?

  Meanwhile, the winged son of Maya returns from the cold shades, fulfilling the errand of great Jove. On every side, sluggish clouds hinder his way, and misty air enfolds him. No zephyrs wafted his course, but the foul vapors of the silent world. On this side, Styx, encircling its nine regions, on that, a barrier of fiery torrents incloses his path. Behind him follows old Lyas's trembling shade, still halting from his wound, for deeper than the hilt had his kinsman's impious sword thrust pierced into his life

• 6:39Liv Albert?

  and sped the first blow of avenging wrath. Yet on he goes, strengthening his steps with the healing wand. Then barren woods and spirit-haunting fields and groves of lurid hue stand in a maze, and earth herself marvels that the backward road lies open, nor even to the dead and those already bereft of light was lacking the livid blight of envy. One there perversely eager beyond the rest ever to revile the gods, thus indeed had he come by a grievous doom, and to repine at happiness cries, "Good speed, you lucky one, on what behest soever summoned,

• 7:24Liv Albert?

  whether by Jove's command or whether an overmastering fury drive you to meet the day, or frenzied witch of Thessaly bid you come forth from your secret sepulchre. Alas, you will see the pleasant sky and the sunlight you did leave behind, and the green earth and the pure river springs, yet more sadly will return again to this darkness."

• 7:53Liv Albert?

  Cerberus, lying on the murky threshold, perceived them, and reared up with all his mouths wide a gape, fierce even to entering folk, but now his black neck swelled up all threatening, now had he torn and scattered their bones upon the ground, had not the god with branch lithion soothed his bristling frame and quelled with threefold slumber the steely glare. There is a place, named Tyneuron by the Anacian folk, where foaming Malleus dreaded headland raises into the air, nor suffers any vision to reach its summit.

• 8:35Liv Albert?

  Sublime stands the peak and looks down serene on winds and rain, and only to weary stars affords a resting place. There tired winds find repose, and there the lightnings have their path. Hollow clouds hold the mountain's midmost flanks, and never beat of soaring wing comes nigh the topmost ranges, nor the hoarse clap of thunder. But when the day inclines towards its setting, a vast shadow casts its fringes wide over the level waters, and floats upon midsea. Around an inner bay Tynerus curves his broken shoreline,

• 9:18Liv Albert?

  not bold to breast the outer waves. There Neptune brings home to haven his coursers, wearied by the Aegean flood. In front their hoofs paw the sand, behind they end in fishy tails beneath the water. In this region, so it is said, a hidden path conducts the pallid ghosts, and dowers with many a dead the spacious halls of swarthy Jove. If Arcadian husbands' men speak truth, shrieks are heard there and the moaning of the damned, and the land is all astir with hurrying grisly forms. Often the cries and blows of the furies have resounded till midday,

• 10:02Liv Albert?

  and the baying of death's triformed warder has scared the rustics from the fields. By this way then did the nimble god, all wrapped about with dusky shadow, leap forth to the upper world, and shake from his face the vapors of the nether region, and make serene his countenance with draughts of living air. Thence by Arcturus and the moon's mid-silences over fields and cities he wends his way. Sleep, driving night's coursers, met him, and rose abashed to salute his godhead, turning aside from his celestial path.

• 10:43Liv Albert?

  Beneath the god flies the shade, and knows again his lost stars and the land that bore him; and now he looks down on Kira's heights and Phocis, that his own corpse polluted. Now they were to come to Thebes, and hard by his own son's threshold, Lias groaned, tarrying to enter the well-known house. But when he saw his own yoke hanging on the lofty pillars, and the chariot still stained with blood, almost had he in wild fear turned back and fled; nor could the thunderer's high command restrain him, nor the waving of the Arcadian wand.

• 11:25Liv Albert?

  That too chanced to be the day marked by the well-known falling of the thunderer's brand, when your birth's untimely hastening, oh infant Euius, caused your father to take you to himself. Therein had the Tyrian settlers found cause to pass the night in sleepless rivalry of sport. Scattered far and wide through house and field, amid garlands and mixing-bowls drained dry, they panted forth the wine-god under the light of day; then many a boxwood pipe resounded, and cymbals louder than the beat of the bullhide drum. Cithaeron himself, exultant, had set prudent matrons flocking, in a nobler frenzy through

• 12:10Liv Albert?

  his pathless groves. Even as the Bistonians, in wild concourse, hold their revels upon Rhodope, or in the depths of Asa's veils, for them one of the flocks snatched half-alive from the lion's jaw is a feast, and to abate their fury with new milk is luxury. But when the fierce fragrance of Ogagian and Akas breathes upon them, then how glorious to fling stones and goblets, and with the shedding of guiltless comrades' blood, to begin the day anew, and appoint once more the festal banquet! Such was the night when the swift Kylenian glided down on the silent air to the couch

• 12:55Liv Albert?

  of the Acheonian prince wherein huge bulk he had flung his limbs on a bed piled high with Assyrian coverlets. Alas, for mortal hearts that know not their destiny, he feasts and he slumbers; then the old man performs what he is bidden, and lest he seem but a false phantom of the night, puts on the darkened visage of the ancient seer Tyresius and his voice and well-known woolen bands. His own long hair and hoary beard combed downward from the chin remain, and his own pallid hue; but through his locks there runs the feigned circlet, and the sacred fillets

• 13:37Liv Albert?

  entwined with the gray olive are plain to view. Then he seemed to touch his breast with the olive bough and give utterance to these fateful words: "There is no time of sleep for you, you sluggard, who lies careless of your brother in the depth of night; long time have great deeds summoned you, slothful one, and weighty preparings for what shall be. But you, even as if some ship's captain, while the south winds are already raising the billows on the Ionian main, should lie idle beneath a black storm-cloud, forgetful of his tackling and of the rudder that sway the waters, you tarry; and he, even now,

• 14:20Liv Albert?

  so fame can tell, waxes proud of his new wedlock, and gets to himself might whereby to seize the realm and refuse you your part, and appoints himself an old age in your halls." A drastis foretold by omen to be the father of his bride, and the argive dowry raise his spirits, yes, and Tydeus, stained by a brother's blood, has he graciously received into a lifelong bond. Hence swelling pride and a promise to your brother of long exile for you. The father of gods himself in pity sends me down to you from on high, hold fast to Thebes

• 15:01Liv Albert?

  and drive away your kinsman who is blind with lust of rule and will dare as much against yourself, nor suffer him all agape for a brother's death, to thrust any more in the treachery he devises, nor to bring Mycenae to queen it over Cadmus. He spoke, and departing for already the sun's horses were driving in route, the pale stars tore from his head the chaplet and woolen bands, and revealed himself for his grandfather; then leaning over his dread grandson's couch bared his throat's open wound, and flooded his sleep with streaming blood. The other, startled from his slumber springs, up in leaps from the couch, full of horror,

• 15:46Liv Albert?

  and shaking from him the phantom blood, shrinks appalled from his grandfather and seeks out his brother. Just as when a tigress, hearing the noise of hunters, has grimly faced the nets and shaken off lazy sleep, it is war she yearns for, and she loosens her jaws and trims her talons, and soon she rushes amid the companies, and carries off in her mouth a man still breathing, to feed her savage whelps, even so stirred by rage the chieftain dreams of war against his absent brother.

• 16:21Liv Albert?

  And now, a roar arising from a Hermegdonian resting place, had scattered the cold shadows from the high heaven, and shaking the dewdrops from her hair blushed deep in the sun's pursuing beams. Toward her through the clouds the rosy morning star turns his late fires, and with slow steed leaves an alien world, until the fiery father's orb be full replenished, and he forbid his sister to usurp his rays.

• 16:52Liv Albert?

  Then did the aged son of Thalius, and with no long delay the heroes too of Dirke and Akalus rise swiftly from their couches. Upon them, wearied by blows and endurance of the storm had sleep poured all his horns bounty, but scant repose visited the breast of the Anakian monarch, while in his thoughts he broods upon heaven's will and the new ties of friendship, and wonders what destinies he is admitting to his house in his new-found sons-in-law. They meet in the mid-chambers of the palace and draw night and grasp each other's hand

• 17:31Liv Albert?

  in turn, then seat themselves where they may best make interchange of secret counsel, and, the others hesitating, a drastis thus begins: "Pearless youths, whom a propitious knight has brought heaven prompted to my realm, whose steps my own Apollo has guided even to my palace in spite of rain and lightning flash and the thunderer's unseasonable sky! I cannot deem it unknown to you and the Pelasgian folk how zealous a crowd of suitors seeks alliance with my house; for my two daughters, joyful pledge of grandchildren, are reaching equal years of full-grown maidenhood! How great their beauty and their modesty!

• 18:15Liv Albert?

  Trust not a father's word, no, you could judge at yesterday's banquet! Many a one with throne and wide-extending sway to boast of, ah, desires them! It were long to tell the tale of Pherrian and Ibalian princes, and mothers also throughout the towns of Achaia, for hope of posterity! Nor did Aeneas, your own father, despite more proffered unions, nor the father of Pisa's bride with his terrible chariot reins! But none of Spartan birth nor of them that hails from Ellis may I choose for my daughters' consorts. To you does ancient destiny pledge my blood and the guardianship of my halls.

• 18:59Liv Albert?

  The gods are gracious in that you come to me so high in birth and spirit that I rejoice in their oracles. This is the prize that the knight's sufferings have won; this is your reward for the blows you bore." They heard him, and for a while held their eyes fixed in mutual gaze, seeming to yield each other place of speech. But Tydeus, in every deed, more daring, begins: "O, how sparingly does your sage mind impel you to proclaim your own renown, and how greatly by worth do you outdo all fortune's favor? To whom should Adrastus yield in power? Who knows not thou,

• 19:41Liv Albert?

  when, driven from your ancestral Sician's throne, did give law to turbulent Argos? And would that were willing, oh, just Jupiter, to entrust to these hands the races that Dorian Ithmus contains with the interior lands, and those which it removes beneath its other bound? The interrupted light would not have fled from dire Mycenae, nor would the veils of Ellis have groaned at the fierce contests, nor divers furies afflicted divers kings, nor happened all that you, oh, Theban, can best bewail. We verily are willing, and our hearts are open to you." So spoke he, and the other added:

• 20:24Liv Albert?

  "Would anyone refuse to welcome such a father of his bride? Though Venus, smile not yet upon us, exiles banished from our land, nevertheless all sorrows of our hearts are calmed, and the grief is gone that held fast upon our minds. No less joyfully do we take unto this solace than a ship rent by the tearing gales beholds the friendly shore. We delight to enter upon a reign of happy omen, and to pass, under your destiny, what remains of our allotted lives and labors." Without more ado, they rise, and the Anakian's father adds weight of eager words to every promise, and vows that he will succor them, and bring them back to their father's realms.

• 21:10Liv Albert?

  The Argives, therefore, as the report spreads through the city, that husbands for his daughters have come to the king's court, and that illustrious argia and depirly famed no less for beauty are giving in wedlock their lusty maidenhood, eagerly prepare for great rejoicing. Fame flies through the kindred cities and is carried from lip to lip in the neighboring lands, even as far as the Lycaean and beyond Parthenian glades and the Ephyrian countryside; nor less does the same tumultuous goddess descend upon Ogaigian thebes. With wings full stretch she broods over those walls, bringing terror that accords with the past night

• 21:55Liv Albert?

  to the Labdakian chief. The welcome and the marriage does she relate, and the royal covenant and the union of houses, what mad license, in the devilish monster's tongue! And at last she tells of war.

• 22:11Liv Albert?

  The long expected day had spread the Argives all abroad; the royal halls are filled with joyous gathering. Here may they look face to face upon their forefathers and see bronzes that vie with the living countenance. So much has skill dared and wrought; father Inachus himself, twin-horned, leans leftward upon his titled urn; old Iasius supports him in calm Pheronius and warrior Abbas, and Acrisius, angry with the thunderer, and Caribus, bearing a head upon his naked sword, and the grim likeness of Danius, already meditating murder, and many a prince thereafter.

• 22:54Liv Albert?

  Then the common folk in clamorous flood are given entrance at the proud portals, while the whole company of chiefs and all who in degree stand knight the monarch's majesty take first place of rank. Within the palace is all aglow with sacrificial fires and loud with female tumult; a chaste band of Argive women surrounds the mother-queen, others thronging about; the maidens reconcile them to the new bonds and reassure their timorous hearts.

• 23:27Liv Albert?

  They moved in splendor and majesty of look and dress with eyes cast down and modest blushing suffusing all their fairness. That last regretful love of maidenhood steals silently into their hearts and the first shame of guilt overwhelms their countenances. Then a generous rain bedews their cheeks and tears bring joy to their tender-hearted parents. Just so might Pallas and Phoebus's stern or sister glide down together from high heaven, terrible alike in armor and in looks and with golden hair braided on their heads, bringing

• 24:09Liv Albert?

  their maiden company from Chymthus, she and she from Erychymthus. They would never learn by long gazing, even had your eyes leave to gaze, which had the greater beauty, which the greater charm, or which had more of jove. And were they but pleased to take each other's dress? Pallas would beseem the quiver and Delia the crested helm.

• 24:47Liv Albert?

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• 25:29Liv Albert?

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• 26:08Liv Albert?

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• 27:20Liv Albert?

  The sons of Anakis contend in rivalry of joy and weary the gods with vows, as each had household gear and power of offering. These make supplication with entrails in the victim's life, those with bare turf, others heard no less if their heart would be accepted, would fain win merit of the gods by incense and shade their portals with the spoil of the woodlands. But lo, a sudden fear so cruel, Laquisus commanded, strikes on their hearts and robs the father of his rejoicing and turns the day to gloom. On her threshold they were drawing nigh to pallas, the unwedded,

• 28:01Liv Albert?

  who among cities prefers not the michian hills to argive larissa. Here by ancestral right the daughters of eassus, so soon as their chaste years grew ripe for wedlock, were wont to make offerings of virgin tresses and pray pardon for the first marriage bed. As they climbed the steps and approached the lofty pile, there fell from the temple's highest summit a brazen shield, the spoil of arcadian euipis, and overwhelmed the heralding torches the festal light of the marriage train, and while they dare not yet to make sure advance, a mighty trumpet blare, heard from the shrines in most recesses, filled them with terror.

• 28:46Liv Albert?

  All at the first shock of panic turned toward the king, then denied they had heard aught, yet are all troubled by the event's dire omen and the increase their fear by various talk. Nor was it wonderful, for you were wearing argia, the ill-starred ornament of your husband's giving, the dread necklace of harmonia. Far back the story runs, but I will pursue the well-known tale of woes, whence came it that a new gift had such terrible power. The lemnians, so they have old believed, long time distressed at mars deceit, and seeing that no punishment gave hindrance to this closed love,

• 29:31Liv Albert?

  and the avenging chains removed not the offence, wrought this for harmonia, on her bridal day to be the glory of her dower. Thereat, through taut mightier tasks the cyclops labor and the talcinis famed for their handiwork, helped in friendly rivalry of skill, but for himself the sweat of toil was heaviest. There forms he a circlet of emeralds glowing with a hidden fire, and adamant stamped with figures of ill omen, and gorgon eyes and embers left on the Sicilian anvil from the last shaping of a thunderbolt, and the crests that shine on the heads of green serpents,

• 30:14Liv Albert?

  then the dolorous fruit of the hisparides and the dread gold of Phrixus's fleece. Then diverse plagues does he intertwine, and the king added snatched from Tiffany's grisly locks, and the wicked power that commends the girdle. All these he cunningly anoints about the lunar foam, and pours over them the poison of delight. Not Pasithea, eldest of the gracious sisters, nor Charm, nor the Italian youth did mould it, but grief and all the passions and anguish and discord with all the craft of her right hand. The work first proved its worth

• 30:56Liv Albert?

  when Harmonia's complaints turned to dreadful hissing, and she bore company to grovelling Cadmus, and with long trailing breast drew furrows in the Illyrian fields. Next, scarce had shameless Semele put the hurtful gift about her neck when lying Juno crossed her threshold. You two unhappy jocasta did, as they say, possess the beauteous baleful thing, and did deck your countenance with its praise. On what a couch, alas, to find favour and many more beside! Last, Argia shines in the splendour of the gift, and in pride of ornament and accursed gold

• 31:39Liv Albert?

  surpassed her sisters' mean attiring. The wife of the doomed prophet had beheld it, and at every shrine and banquet in secret cherished fierce jealousy, if only it might ever be granted her to possess the terrible jewel. Not profited, alas, by omens near at hand, what bitter tears she does desire! To what ruin tend her impious wishes! Worthy is she, indeed, but what has her hapless consort deserved, and his deluded arms? And what, the guiltless frenzy of her son?

• 32:17Liv Albert?

  When twice six days had ended the regal banqueting and the rejoicing of the people, the Asmenian hero turned his gades toward Thebes, and would fain now be seeking his kingdom? For he recalls that day, when by the hazard that favored his brother, he stood in Ekion's palace, stripped of power, and saw his cause deserted by the gods, and his friends all slunk away in hurry and alarm, himself defenceless on every side, and all his fortune fled. For but one sister had dared to escort the exile on his sad path; from her even had

• 32:57Liv Albert?

  he parted, his journey scarce begun, and in deep anger repressed his tearful grief. Then nightly and day by day does he recount in order those whose joy he marked as he went forth, those who were foremost in flattery of the unjust prince, and whom he had himself seen to bewail his exile. Anguish devours his mind in furious wrath and hope, that which the heart can bear no heavier burden when it is long deferred. Brooding thus in his mind upon a cloud of care, he makes ready to set out for Dirke, and the Cadmian home denied him.

• 33:38Liv Albert?

  Even as a chieftain bull banished from his loved valley, whom a conqueror has driven from his wonted meadow, and bid in low, far parted from his stolen love. Yet anon in exile takes pleasure in his mighty thews, and his neck, fresh-blooded, waxes strong again, and he bethinks him of the oaks that he has shattered. And eager for battle, demands back the pastures and the captive herds, already in speed of foot and power of horn has he the mastery. His conqueror himself is dismayed at his return, and the astonished herdsman scarce now for the same. Not otherwise does the Tumessian youth sharpen his wrath in brooding silence.

• 34:23Liv Albert?

  But his faithful wife had marked his secret yearning to be gone, and lying on the couch in the first pale light of dawn, her arms about her lord, "What thoughts of flight, she said, are these, you ponder? Nod escapes a lover's eye; I know your wakeful complainings and your bitter sighs, your ever troubled slumber. How often touching you with my hand do I find this face all wet with tears, and your breast loud groaning with your weight of cares? It is not the sundering of our marriage bond that moves me, nor a widowed youth, although our love is still fresh; nor has our couch yet since the bridal lost her first glow of passion.

• 35:06Liv Albert?

  'Tis your own safety, oh, beloved, I hasten to confess it, that rings my heart. Will you seek your realm unarmed, unfriended, and be able to quit your own Thebes, should he refuse it? Yes, report that it is ever cunning to catch the mind of princes; tells that he is proud and arrogant in his stolen power, and ill-disposed to hear you; nor had he yet reigned a full year. Terrified too I am now by soothsayers, now by entrails; they speak of threatening gods by flight or birds, but of by disturbing visions of the night, and, ah, never do I call to mind that Juno came falsely to me in my dreams. Where does your journey lead you, except it be a secretly cherished passion

• 35:50Liv Albert?

  that draws you to Thebes and union with a nobler house? Then at last, the Echionian youth brief laughing, consoled his wife's tender grief, and set timely kisses on her sorrowful cheeks, and staid her tears. Free your mind of fear; prudent counsels, believe me, win peaceful days; cares beyond your years become you not. But should one day the Saturnian father take knowledge of my fate and justice, if she think at all to glance down from heaven and defend the right on earth, then perchance that day shall dawn for you, when you shall see your husband's walls and go in queenly pomp through two cities.

• 36:36Liv Albert?

  So saying he hurried forth from the chamber that he loved, and sadly accosts Tydeus, already the partner of his enterprise, already sharing his troubles with faithful heart, so strong the bond of love that united them after their quarrel. And address's father of his spouse, long time do they hold counsel, when after pondering many a scheme, one planned at last finds preference with all, to make trial of his brother's constancy, and seek by humble request a safe return to the realm. Bold Tydeus volunteers the mission, yes, and you two bravest of the Etonian race, would die purely feign, stay by many a tear, but her father's command,

• 37:19Liv Albert?

  and the assurance of any envoy's safe return, and her sister's just entreaties, make her yield. And now he had accomplished the full measure of a journey made rough by forests and seashore, where lay the marsh of Lerna, and the burnt Hydra's heat makes warm the depth of those unrighteous waters, and where through the length of Nymia scarce is heard to scanty song of the yet timid shepherds, where Ephyro's eastern side slopes to the winds of Orient, and the Sisyphean havens lie, and the wave that vents its wrath upon the land lies, in the curved retreat of Lachium, sacred to Pelaimon.

• 38:04Liv Albert?

  Thence passes he by Nissus, leaving you kindly Eleusis on his left hand, and at last treads the two Messian fields, and enters the Agonorian towers. There he beholds the cruel Etiochles, high upon a throne, and girt round with bristling spears. The appointed season of his reign already passed, he was holding the folk under savage governance in his brother's stead. Prepared for every crime, he sits and complains of so late a claiming of his promise.

• 38:40Liv Albert?

  Standing in the midst, the branch of olive proclaims him ambassador. When asked his name, he declared it, and the purpose of his coming. Then, rude of speech, as ever, and quick to anger, and with mixture of harsh words, although his plea was just, he thus began: "Had you simple honesty, left you regard for a sworn bond, it were more right that envoys should go hence to your brother. Now your year is finished, and that you, in due course, should put off your state, and contentedly leave your throne, so that he, after long wanderings and unseemly hardships in many estranged city, should at length succeed to the promised kingdom.

• 39:21Liv Albert?

  But since your darling passion is to reign, and power exerts its flattering charm, we summon you. Already has the swift circle brought round the starry globe, and the mountains have regained the shadows that they lost. Since your brother has suffered the unhappy lot of poverty, and exile in unknown cities, now is it time you did spend your days under Jove's open sky, and let earth's coldness freeze your limbs, and pay submissive court at the hearths of strangers. Set a term to your prosperity, long enough in rich pomp of gold and purple have you mocked at your brother's year of mean poverty. I warn you, unlearn of your own will by the joys of ruling,

• 40:04Liv Albert?

  and impatient exile merit your return." He ended, but the other's fiery heart rages beneath his silent breast, as when a serpent, angered by a flung stone, darts up close at hand, whose limbs long thirst has racked, down in its hollow lair, and gathered all the venom to its throat and scaly neck. Had they been doubtful signs that forewarned me of my brother's quarrel? Did not his secret hate shine clear as day to me that bold assurance alone would suffice? Whereby you in mind his very pattern thus prelude his fury, as though already a new train of sappers were breaching our fenced walls, and the trumpets were kindling the hostile bands to fierceness?

• 40:50Liv Albert?

  Even if you had been speaking to the Bistonians face to face in their midst, or to pale Galoni, on whom the sun shines not, you would have been more sparing of your eloquence, and more observant of what is fair and just in opening your cause. Nor would I accuse you of this madness, you speak but at command. Now therefore, since all your words are threats, and you demand the scepter with warrant neither of trust nor peace, and your hands are ever on the sword-hilt, carry back and turn this message of mine, far short of yours as yet, to the argolic prince. The fortune that is my right, the scepter that due privilege of years has assigned me, I hold and will hold long.

• 41:35Liv Albert?

  Keep you your royal dower, the gift of your Inachian consort, pile up your Danian treasure, for why should I envy you those nobler deeds? Rule Argos and Lerna under happy auspices. Be it mine to hold the rough pastures of Dirke and the shores narrowed by the Eubean waves, nor think it shame to call unhappy Oedipus my father. Let ancestral splendor be your boast, scion of Pelops and Tantalus, and by a nearer channel of descent unite Jove's blood with yours. Will your queen, accustomed to her father's luxury, endure this simple home? Rightly would my sisters perform their anxious tasks for her,

• 42:19Liv Albert?

  my mother, unsightly from long mourning and that accursed dotard, heard clamoring perchance from his dark seclusion, would give her offence. The people's minds are already accustomed to my yoke. I am ashamed, alas, for the folk and elders alike, lest they should suffer so oft the uncertainty of fortune and the distressful change of rulers, and unwillingly obey a doubtful throne. Un sparing to a people is short reign. Turn and behold the dismay and horror of my citizens at my danger. Shall I abandon these, whom under the sway sure punishment awaits? 'Tis in anger, o kinsman, that you come,

• 43:01Liv Albert?

  or suppose me willing, the fathers themselves will not suffer me to render up the crown, if I but know their love and there is gratitude for all my bounty. No more he endured, but even in mid-speech flung at him this retort: "You shall restore, he cries, and again, you shall restore; nay should an iron rampart fence you, or amphion with the strains of another song draw apart you, a triple wall; in no wise shall fire or sword defend you from paying for your bold deed, and ere you die, beating your captive diadem on the ground beneath our arms. Such a fate will you deserve, those do I pity whose cheap lives you do seize,

• 43:44Liv Albert?

  and hurl to death in horrid butchery, worthy king, and their wives and babes, and you, Ismenus, roll down upon your blood-stained waters." This, then, is loyalty, and this your trusted word; nor marvel I at the crimes of your race; such was the first author of your blood, such your incestuous father; but there is a flaw in your parentage; you are only the son of Oedipus, and this, oh man of violence, shall be the reward for your sin and crime, we claim our year. But I waste words. Boldly thus he shouted back while still in the doorway, then dashed out headlong through their disordered ranks. Even so the famous champion of Aeneas and Diana,

• 44:28Liv Albert?

  with bristles stiff and a lightning-stroke of tusked jaw, hard-pressed though he be by the argive band, that rolls down stones upon him, and boughs of trees uprooted from Achilus's banks. Get leaves now, Telemon, now Ixion, prostrate on the ground, and attacks you, Meliager! There at last was he stayed upon the spear-thrust, and relaxed the weapon's force in the fierce struggling shoulder. Such was the Caledonian hero, as he left the yet timorous council with savage threats, as you it were he who denied the kingdom; he hastes away, hurling from him the branch of olive. The mothers in amazement watch him from their threshold's edge,

• 45:13Liv Albert?

  and utter curses on the fierce son of Aeneas, and withal in their secret hearts upon the king. But the monarch is not slothful, nor lacks cunning resource of crime and fraud unspeakable. A faithful company of chosen warriors, he urges now by bribes, now by ardor of persuasive words, and fiercely plots a nocturnal affray, and would fain attack the ambassador, a name reverenced by peoples through the ages, by treachery and the silent lurking sword. What is there that kings hold not vile? What cunning words would he devise, were it his brother you did place in his power? O fortune, o blind and guilty counsels, o ever-timerous crime!

• 45:59Liv Albert?

  A sworn band of soldiery go out against one single life, as though they made ready to storm a camp or level a city's lofty side with the ram's battering blows. Fifty thus form close array and march in order through the tall gates. Heaven favor now your courage, who are deemed worthy of so numerous a foe. A nearer road leads them through copse's, whereby a hidden path they make the better speed, and travel by a cut through the dense woods. It was a choice spot for stratagem, at a distance from the city, two hills bear close upon each other, with a grudging gulf between.

• 46:40Liv Albert?

  The shadow of a mountain above, and leafy ridges of curving woodland shut them in. Nature has implanted treachery in the place and the means of hidden ambush. Through the middle of the rocks threads a rough and narrow track, below which lies a plain and a broad expanse of sloping fields. Over against it a threatening cliff rises high, the home of the winged monster of Oedipus. Here aforetime she stood, fierce uplifting her pallid cheeks, her eyes tainted with corruption, and her plumes all clotted with hideous gore, grasping human remains and clutching to her breast half-eaten bones, she scanned the plains with awful gaze.

• 47:25Liv Albert?

  Should any stranger dare to join in the strife of riddling words, or any traveller confront her and parlay her with terrible tongue? Then, without more ado, sharpening forthwith the unsheathed talons of her livid hands, and her teeth bared for wounding, she rose with dreadful beating of wings around the faces of the strangers.

• 47:48Liv Albert?

  Nor did any guess her riddle, till caught by a hero that proved her match. With failing wings, ah, horror! From the bloody cliff she dashed her insatiate paunch in despair upon the rocks beneath. The wood gives reminder of the dread story. The cattle abhor the neighboring pastures, and the flock, though greedy, will not touch the fateful herbage. Nor no drear'd choirs take delight in the shade; it ill beseeves the sacred rites of fauns. Even birds obscene fly far from the abomination of the grove. Speeding hither with silent steps comes the doomed band. Leaning on their spears and with grounded arms held ready, they await their haughty foe

• 48:33Liv Albert?

  and set strong guard around the wood.

• 48:54Speaker 01

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• 49:00Speaker 02

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• 49:01Speaker 01

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• 49:05Speaker 02

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• 49:09Speaker 01

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• 49:12Speaker 02

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• 49:16Speaker 01

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• 49:18Speaker 03

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• 49:23Speaker 04

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• 50:11Liv Albert?

  Night had begun to shroud the sunlight in her dewy pall, and had cast over the earth her dark shadow. The hero drew nigh the woods, and from a lofty mound sees the red gleam of warriors' shields and plumed helmets, where the forest boughs leave an open space, and through the opposing shade the flickering moonlight plays upon the brazen armour. Appalled at the sight, he yet went onward, but he draws to him his spiky darts and the sword sheathed to the hilt. Then first he makes question, in no base terror: "Whence are you, men? What mean you lurking thus armed?"

• 50:52Liv Albert?

  No voice made answer; the suspicious silence holds no sure pledge of peace. Lo, a spear hurled by the mighty arm of Cthonius, the leader of the band, flies through the dusky air. But heaven and fortune let no aid to his venture. Yet through the covering of a lennean boar and the black bristly hide it sped over his shoulder, near drawing blood, and widowed of its point strikes harmless on his throat. With hair erect and blood frozen about his heart he looks this way and that, fiercely alert and pale with rage, nor deemed so large a troop to be equipped against him. "Come forth against me, with you into the open!

• 51:34Liv Albert?

  Why such timorous daring, such errant cowardice! Alone I challenge you, alone!" Nor waited they, but when he saw them, more than he thought, swarming up from countless lurking places, some issuing from the ridges, others in ever-growing number, coming from the valley depths, nor few upon the plain, as when the first cry drives the encircled quarry into the open, and the road all lit by gleams of armour, he makes for the heights of the dire sphinx, the only path of safety in his bewilderment, and, tearing his nails upon the sheer cliff, he scales the dreadful steep and gains mastery of the rock, where he has security behind and a clear downward range of harm.

• 52:19Liv Albert?

  Then he tears away from the rocks a huge boulder, that groaning bullocks scarce with full strength could move from the ground and drag up to the wall. Then heaving with all his force he raises and strives to poise the deadly mass, even as great-hearted Pholus lifted the empty mixing-bowl against his lappeth foes. Right in death's path, aghast they view him high aloft, the mountain falls hurdling, and welms them. At once, human limbs and faces, weapons and armour, lie in mingled ruin. Four men in all groan mangled beneath that one rock. Straightway the host flees, panic-stricken, dashed from their enterprise, for no cowards were they who lay there dead.

• 53:04Liv Albert?

  Doralus of the lightning-stroke, in glowing valor a match for princes, and Theron of the seed of Mars, proudly confident in earth-born ancestors. Halus, second to none in swaying at his will his reined steed, but fallen on those fields in dismounted flight, and Phidymus, who drew his birth from Pentheus, and found you, Bacchus, still his foe. But when he saw the band in terror and disordered rout from the sudden fate of these, he hurls two javelins. These alone did he carry, and had lent them against the mountain, and sends them after the fugitives.

• 53:44Liv Albert?

  Soon, lest darts should fall on his exposed breath, of his own will he leapt down swiftly to the level plain, and seized the shield when he saw had rolled away from when Theron was crushed down, and with his wonted covering of back and head and breast defended by his enemies' shields he stood his ground. Then gathering again into one dense body the Ogai-gians advance. Instantly Tydeus draws his Bistonian blade, great Aeneas's warlike gift, and attacks, attacking every quarter alike, confronts now these, now those, and with his sword strikes down their glittering weapons. Their numbers hinder them, and their arms impede each other.

• 54:28Liv Albert?

  No strength is in their efforts, but their blows go astray on their own fellows, and falling, they are entangled in their own disorder. He awaits their onset, a narrow mark for javelins, and resists them, firm and unshakable.

• 54:44Liv Albert?

  Not otherwise, if Gedeck Phlegraubbe worthy credence, stood Bior Priarius vast in bulk against embattled heaven, contemning on his hand Phoebus's quiver, on that the serpents of stern palace; here Mars's Pelithronian pine-wood shaft with point of iron, and yonder the thunderbolt often changed for new by weary Pyrrachmon. And yet complaining, though combated in vain by all Olympus, that so many hands were idle, no fainter was he in ardor, with shield upheld, now this way, now that, himself retiring, doubling round in ever and anon, darting on their irresolute lines, and pressing his vantage,

• 55:28Liv Albert?

  while he pulls forth the many javelins that are stuck quivering all about his shield. An armoury for the hero, and many a bitter wound he suffers, yet none gains entrance to life's secret courses, nor may hope to be deadly. A whirling stroke deals he at raging Delicus, and bids Figius, who threatens attack with axe upraised, go join him beneath the shades, Durkian Gias, two and Licophontes, and Acheonian Stock. And now, losing heart, they seek each other and count their numbers, nor feel the same zest for blood, but grieve that so large a band is growing few.

• 56:12Liv Albert?

  Lo, Chromus of Tirion Cadmus's seed, him once Phoenician Dreopie was carrying in her weighted womb, when reveling bands swept her along, forgetful of her burden; and while she was dragging a bull unto you, oh, Euen, grasping its horns, the babe fell forth by stress of undue striving. Chromus at that time, in bold confidence of spears and hide of captured lion, brandished a stout club of knotted pine-wood, and taunting, cried, "Is one man, you warriors, one man, to go to Argos boasting of so many slain? Scarcely he gain credence of his own return, come!" Friends, are there none strong in arm or weapon anymore?

• 56:57Liv Albert?

  Was this our promise to the king, O Chidon? Was it this, O Lampus? While he shouts, the too messy and cornal shaft enters his open mouth, nor does his throat stay it. His voice is choked, and the sundered tongue floats in the rush of blood. A while he stood, till death poured through his limbs, and he fell, and falling was silent, while his teeth bit upon the spear. You two, O thespians, why should I deny you and withhold from honorable renown? Paraphest none of brighter parts than he, or truer devotion, was raising from the ground his brother's dying frame,

• 57:42Liv Albert?

  his left hand supporting the languid neck, and his right arm about his side. His breast beneath the queer ass is drained by choking sobs of grief. Nor can the fastenings restrain the welling tears that flow from his helm, when amid his deep groans, a heavy spear shatters his curved ribs from behind him. Issuing from him, it pierces his brother also, and with one weapon unites the kindred breasts. The other steadies his swimming eyes, where light still lingered, but beholding his kinsmen done to death, closes them in darkness. But he, to whom life remains in strength as yet, despite his wound cries,

• 58:25Liv Albert?

  "Such an embrace, such kisses may your sons give you." So fell they, alike in doom, their vow'd perform'd alas! In death, and their eyes closed each by the other's hands. But Tideus, straightway attacking, drove Manetes with shield and spear, before him terrified, in hurried and backward retreat, till stumbling on the uneven ground, he lost his footing, then prays he with both hands, spread wide in supplication, and pushes away the spear that presses at his throat. Spare me, I beseech you, by these star- ...in woven shades, by the gods above, and by this knight that favors you.

• 59:10Liv Albert?

  Suffer me to bear to Thebes the sad tidings of your deeds, and in our kings' despite laud thee before our trembling folk. So may our darts fall fruitless, and no steel pierce your breast, and you return triumphant to your friend's desire. He finished, but the other with countenance unchanged. Vain tears you waste, and you, if I mistake not, did promise my head to the cruel prince. Surrender now your arms and the light of day; why seek the gaining of your craven life? It is wars are waiting. While he speaks, the spear-point returns, thick, clotted with blood.

• 59:53Liv Albert?

  Thereupon with bitter words he pursues the vanquished. No triennial night or solemn festival are you keeping now? No orgies of Cadmus do you behold? No mothers eager to profane bacchus? Did you think you were carrying fawn-skins and brittle wands to your unwarlike music? Or were joining the fray that true men know not of the sound of clean eyes' boxwood pipe? Far other carnage is this, far other madness, to death with you cowards and to few! So thunders he, but nevertheless his limbs deny him, and the tired blood beast heavy on his heart.

• 1:00:36Liv Albert?

  His arm is raised but falls in idle blows; his steps are slow, nor can his elbow bear the weight of the buckler changed by the spoils it bears. The cold sweat pours down his panting breath, breast, and his hair and burning visage stream with gory dew and the foul, the spattering of dying bodies. Even as a lion, who had driven the shepherd far from the meadows and taken his fill of massilian sheep, when his hunger is sated, in abundance of blood, and his neck and mane are congealed and heavy with corruption, stands faint in the midst of the slaughter, his mouth agape, foredone with gorging.

• 1:01:19Liv Albert?

  Gone is his savage fury; he only snaps in the air his empty jaws, and with hanging tongue licks them clean of the soft wool.

• 1:01:30Liv Albert?

  Rich in spoils and bloodshed, he would even have gone to Thebes and vaunted his triumph before astonished prince and people. Had not you, Tritonian maid, deemed worthy of your counsel the hero, still ardent and all dazed by his deeds?

• 1:01:50Liv Albert?

  Scion of proud Aeneas, to whom just now, though far away, we granted victory over Thebes, set now a limit, and strain no more the gods undue favor. Seek only credence for these toils. Depart, having subdued your fortune to the full. There yet remained an unwilling survivor of his comrade's slaughter, Mion, the son of Hymon. All this he had foreseen taught of omens from the air, nor deceived by any bird, nor had he feared to deter his chieftain, but the fates deprived his warnings of belief. His doom is to be pitied, as a useless life. In terror he receives Tydeus's stern behest.

• 1:02:35Liv Albert?

  Whosoever of the Ionians you are, whom saved by my bounty from uttermost darkness, to-morrow's dawn shall he appehold? This message I command you to carry to your prince. Raise a mound about your gates, renew your weapons, see to your old and moldering walls; mind above all to marshal your men in close array, and press troop on troop. Look now at this field, everywhere smoking from my sword, even so do we make war. So speaking, he prepares for you, O palace, of your deserving a fair gauden from the gory rout, and in joy collects the booty lying there,

• 1:03:20Liv Albert?

  and surveys all his mighty deeds. Upon a hillock, in mid-plane, there was an oak-tree, long-time forgetful of its tender youth, with curving boughs and rude strength of trunk and thick encompassing bark. To this he brings and fastens smooth helmets and armor, pierced by many a stroke; to this he binds swords that his blows have broken short, and spears pulled out from limbs yet breathing. Standing then, on the heap of arms and bodies, he thus begins, while night and the long ridges make echo to his prayer.

• 1:03:58Liv Albert?

  Stern goddess glory and wisdom of your mighty father, powerful in war, you on whose cheeks the terrible splendor of your grim cask and blood besprinkled gorgon glow fierce with rage, nor did ever Mavors or Belona with her battle spear inspire more furious trumpet blasts. Look favorably on this offering when you come from Pandion's hill to be present at my night of triumph, or whether you do turn aside from your glad dances in Aonian etony, or has washed and combed your hair again in Libyan Triton's waters.

• 1:04:39Liv Albert?

  Whither the fleet axle of your inviolent mares does speed you shouting loud upon your two-horse chariot, now do we dedicate to you the shattered spoils and shapeless armor of heroes. But should I come to my native Parthonian fields and Martian Pluron throw wide her gates for my returning, then in the midst of the city's hills will I consecrate to you a golden temple, where it may be your pleasure to look down upon Ionian storms, and where turbulent achilles with yellow head tossed high disturbs the deep and leaves the barrier of the Ekanades behind.

• 1:05:20Liv Albert?

  Here will I carve ancestral wars and the awful visages of great-hearted kings, and arms will I hang in the proud shrines, arms that I myself bore home and gained at my own blood's cost, and those that you Tritonian maids shall give when Thebes is taken. A hundred Caledonian maidens there, votaries of your virgin altars shall duly twine you, your attic torches, and weave from your chaste olive tree purple fillets set off with snow-white wool. An aged priestess shall tend a never-failing fire upon the hearths and hold in continual reverence your mystic sanctities.

• 1:06:05Liv Albert?

  You as of old shall win in war and in peace rich first fruits of my labors, nor shall Diana be offended.

• 1:06:14Liv Albert?

  So prayed he and set out again for pleasant Argos.

• 1:06:36Liv Albert?

  Oh nerds, thank you so much for listening. I just recorded two in a row, so we're just wrapping right up because my, my voice is going. Let's talk about Miss Baby is written and produced by me, Liv Albert, except for this, which was obviously written by the ancient Latin guy, Statius. Michaela Pango wishes the Hermes to my Olympians, my incredible producer. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Sign up to learn what the hell is going on because social media isn't reliable anymore. For my newsletter at missbaby.com/newsletter. I don't know, lots going on. Stay tuned. Thank you all so goddamn much. This is so much fun. I'll be back with more soon. I am Liv and I love this shit.

• 1:08:08Speaker 04

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• 1:08:40Speaker 05

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