stretches her bow, sending forth deadly shafts o'er the shadowy mountains and wind-swept summits. And the heads of lofty mountains tremble, and the shady wood re-echoes dreadfully from the noise of beasts,[1] and the earth and fishy sea are stricken with terror. But she, having a valiant heart, turns in all directions, destroying the offspring of wild beasts. But when the arrow-rejoicing watcher of wild beasts has rejoiced herself, and is gladdened in mind, relaxing her well-bent bow, she comes into the mighty dwelling of her dear brother, Phœbus Apollo, into the rich abode of Delphi, having equipped the beauteous quire of muses and graces. Here having hung up her bending bow and arrows, she takes the lead, having beauteous ornaments about her form, leading the dance. But they, emitting an ambrosial voice,[2] hymn fair-ancled Latona, how she brought forth children among the immortals, far the best both in counsel and in deeds. Hail! children of Jove, and fair-haired Latona. But I will be mindful of you and of another song.
XXVI. TO MINERVA.
I begin to sing Pallas Minerva, a renowned goddess, dark-eyed, of much counsel, possessing an unsoftened heart, a hallowed virgin, guardian of cities, valiant, Tritogenia, whom counselling Jove himself begat from his reverend head, possessing warlike arms of gold, all-gleaming. And reverence seized all the immortals as they beheld; but she hastily leaped forth[3] from the immortal head of Ægis-bearing Jove, brandishing a sharp spear. And mighty Olympus trembled fearfully under the dread dark-eyed [maid], and the earth around shrieked fearfully, and the sea was stirred, troubled with its purple waves. But the brine stood still forthwith, and the glorious son of Hyperon stopped his fleet-footed steeds a long time till the virgin, Pallas Minerva, had taken off her godlike arms from her immortal shoulders; and counselling Jove re-
