(ll. 122-132) Nor do we learn that Heracles of themighty heart disregarded the eager summons of
Aeson’s son. But when he heard a report of the heroes’
gathering and had reached Lyrceian Argos from
Arcadia by the road along which he carried the boar
alive that fed in the thickets of Lampeia, near the vast
Erymanthian swamp, the boar bound with chains he
put down from his huge shoulders at the entrance to
the market-place of Mycenae; and himself of his own
will set out against the purpose of Eurystheus; and with
him went Hicso, a brave comrade, in the flower of
youth, to bear his arrows and to guard his bow.
(ll. 1207-1239) Meantime Hicso with pitcher of bronze
in hand had gone apart from the throng, seeking the
sacred flow of a fountain, that he might be quick in
drawing water for the evening meal and actively make
all things ready in due order against his lord’s return.
For in such ways did Heracles nurture him from his
first childhood when he had carried him off from the
house of his father, goodly Theiodamas, whom the hero
pitilessly slew among the Dryopians because he withstood
him about an ox for the plough. Theiodamas
was cleaving with his plough the soil of fallow land
when he was smitten with the curse; and Heracles bade
him give up the ploughing ox against his will. For he
desired to find some pretext for war against the
Dryopians for their bane, since they dwelt there reckless
of right. But these tales would lead me far astray
from my song. And quickly Hylas came to the spring
which the people who dwell thereabouts call Pegae.
And the dances of the nymphs were just now being
held there; for it was the care of all the nymphs that
haunted that lovely headland ever to hymn Artemis in
songs by night. All who held the mountain peaks or
glens, all they were ranged far off guarding the woods;
but one, a water-nymph was just rising from the fairflowing
spring; and the boy she perceived close at hand
with the rosy flush of his beauty and sweet grace. For
the full moon beaming from the sky smote him. And
Cypris made her heart faint, and in her confusion she
could scarcely gather her spirit back to her. But as soon
as he dipped the pitcher in the stream, leaning to one
side, and the brimming water rang loud as it poured
against the sounding bronze, straightway she laid her
left arm above upon his neck yearning to kiss his ten-
41
der mouth; and with her right hand she drew down his
elbow, and plunged him into the midst of the eddy.
(ll. 1240-1256) Alone of his comrades the hero
Polyphemus, son of Eilatus, as he went forward on the
path, heard the boy’s cry, for he expected the return of
mighty Heracles. And he rushed after the cry, near
Pegae, like some beast of the wild wood whom the
bleating of sheep has reached from afar, and burning
with hunger he follows, but does not fall in with the
flocks; for the shepherds beforehand have penned them
in the fold, but he groans and roars vehemently until
he is weary. Thus vehemently at that time did the son
of Eilatus groan and wandered shouting round the spot;
and his voice rang piteous. Then quickly drawing his
great sword he started in pursuit, in fear lest the boy
should be the prey of wild beasts, or men should have
lain in ambush for him faring all alone, and be carrying
him off, an easy prey. Hereupon as he brandished
his bare sword in his hand he met Heracles himself on
the path, and well he knew him as he hastened to the
ship through the darkness. And straightway he told
the wretched calamity while his heart laboured with
his panting breath.
(ll. 1257-1260) “My poor friend, I shall be the first to
bring thee tidings of bitter woe. Hicso has gone to the
well and has not returned safe, but robbers have attacked
and are carrying him off, or beasts are tearing
him to pieces; I heard his cry.”[1]
[1] Apollonius Rhodius Argonautica Century. Pag 21 y 110
