me to the Pillars of Herculesand the
Mediterranean Sea. And thence they sailed on through the deeps of
Sardiniaand past the Ausonian islandsand the capes of the Tyrrhenian
shoretill they came to a flowery islandupon a still bright summer's eve.
And as they neared itslowly and wearilythey heard sweet songs upon
the shore. But when Medeia heard itshe startedand cried'Beware
all heroesfor these are the rocks of the Sirens. You must pass close by
themfor there is no other channel; but those who listen to that song are
lost.'
Then Orpheus spokethe king of all minstrels'Let them match their
song against mine. I have charmed stonesand treesand dragonshow
much more the hearts of men
mbt kiatu!' So he caught up his lyreand stood
upon the poopand began his magic song.
The Heroes
78
And now they could see the Sirens on Anthemousathe flowery isle;
three fair maidens sitting on the beachbeneath a red rock in the setting
sunamong beds of crimson poppies and golden asphodel. Slowly they
sung and sleepilywith silver voicesmild and clearwhich stole over the
golden watersand into the hearts of all the heroesin spite of Orpheus'
song.
And all things syilai:
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