The Idylliums of Theocritus :: :: University of Virginia Library

Castor and Pollux had carried off Phœbe and Talaira, the daughters of Leucippus, brother of deceased Aphareus, who were betrothed to Lynceus and Idas, the sons of Aphareus; the husbands pursued the ravishers, and claimed their wives, on this a battle ensued, in which Castor kills Lynceus, and Idas is slain by lightening. Ovid relates the event of this combat very differently; see the note.

Pollux, thy name has dignify'd my song:
To Castor now the lofty lays belong;
Fam'd for bright armour on th'embattled plain,
And forming steeds obedient to the rein.

The bold twin-sons of Jove by stealth had led
Leucippus' daughters to their lawless bed.

210

Lynceus and Idas, much for strength renown'd,
Long since by promise to the damsels bound,
Aphareus' sons, the foul dishonour view'd,
And fir'd with wrath the ravishers pursued.
But when they reach'd deceas'd Aphareus' tomb,
Encompass'd round with venerable gloom,
Each heroe leap'd impetuous from his car,
All arm'd, and well appointed for the war.
Lynceus aloud beneath his helmet spoke:

‘Why will ye frantic thus the fight provoke?
‘Of others wives why make unjust demands?
‘Why gleam the naked falchions in your hands?

211

‘To us Leucippus has betroth'd them both
‘Long since, and seal'd the contract with an oath:
‘'Tis base to make of others wives your prey,
‘And bear their riches, mules and lowing herds away,
‘To threat the sire with force, or bribe with wealth,
‘And seize on others properties by stealth.
‘Oft, though ungrac'd with eloquence and art,
‘Thus have I spoke the language of my heart:’
“Princes, my friends, should not on any score
“Solicit maids that are espous'd before:
“Sparta for virgins, Elis for swift steeds
“Are fam'd, large flocks and herds Arcadia breeds;
“Messene, Argos numerous natives boast,
“And fair looks Corinth on the sea-beat coast:
“There nymphs unnumber'd bloom, a lovely race,
“Acknowledg'd beauties both of mind and face:
“There ye may gain the dames your fancies chuse;
“No parents will the rich and brave refuse.
“For you the love of noble deeds inspires;
“Ye are the sons of honourable sires.
“Let us our nuptials undisturb'd pursue,
“And we'll unite to find fit brides for you.”

212

‘My words ne'er mov'd your unrelenting minds,
‘The waves receiv'd them from the driving winds.
‘Yet now, ev'n now your deeds let justice guide;
‘We both are cousins by the father's side.
‘But if mad rage impels you not to yield,
‘And arms must fix the fortune of the field;
‘Let Idas and brave Pollux both refrain
‘From the fell combat on the listed plain:
‘And only I and Castor prove our might,
‘By birth the youngest, in decisive fight.
‘Why should we give our parents cause to grieve,
‘And their fond arms of all their sons bereave?
‘Let some survive our drooping friends to cheer,
‘And mate the virgins whom they hold so dear.
‘The wise with prudence their dissentions state,
‘And lesser ills conclude the great debate.’

Thus he, nor thus in vain; for on the ground
Pollux and Idas plac'd their arms around.

213

Lynceus first march'd undaunted to the field,
And shook his spear beneath his ample shield.
Castor to war his brandish'd lance addrest;
And on each helmet wav'd the nodding crest.
First with their spears began the dreadful strife,
Each chief explor'd the avenues of life.
But thus unhurt the battle they maintain'd,
Broke in their shields the spears sharp points remain'd:
Then from their sheaths their shining swords they drew,
And fierce to fight the raging heroes flew:
On Lynceus' buckler Castor boldly prest,
And his bright helmet with the treple crest;
Lynceus, sharp-sighted, kept his foe at bay,
And struck his helmet's purple plume away;

214

Who quick retreating all his art display'd,
And lopt the hand that held the glittering blade:
Down dropt the sword; to his sire's tomb he flew,
Where Idas sat the fatal fight to view;
Close follow'd Castor, all his force apply'd,
And furious drove the falchion in his side,
Out gush'd his bowels through the gaping wound,
And vanquish'd Lynceus prest the gory ground;
In dim, dark mists the shades of death arise,
And in eternal slumber seal his eyes.
Nor was brave Idas by his mother led,
Laocöossa, to the nuptial bed:

215

For he, vindictive of fall'n Lynceus' doom,
Tore up a column from Aphareus' tomb,
Aiming at Castor, dreadfully he stood,
The bold avenger of his brother's blood;
Jove interpos'd, and with the forked brand
Quick struck the polish'd marble from his hand;
He wreath'd convulsive, scorch'd on every side,
And in a peal of rattling thunder dy'd.

Thus shall the Brothers be with conquest crown'd,
Brave of themselves, and sprung from chiefs renown'd.
Hail, Leda's valiant sons! my muse inspire,
And still preserve the honour of my lyre.
Ye, and fair Helen, to all bards are dear,
With joy the names of those bold chiefs they hear,
Who in the cause of Menelaus drew
Their conquering swords, proud Ilium to subdue.
Your praise, O kings, the Chian muse recites,
Troy's famous city, and the Phrygian fights,

216

He sings the Grecian fleet renown'd afar,
And great Achilles, bulwark of the war.
I bring the tribute of a feebler lyre,
Sweet warbling what the rapturous Nine inspire,
The best I may; verse to the gods belongs;
The gods delight in honorary songs.