Kitap 14
1
Zeus says you’re not to go out driving today, Mr. Sun-god, or tomorrow or the next day. You’ve to stay at home, and all that time’s to be one long night; so the Hours The goddesses of the seasons and doorkeepers of heaven (Iliad, 5, 749 and 8, 393; Zeus Rants 33, On Sacrifices 8. Cf. also Ovid, Met. 2, 118). can unyoke your horses, and you can put out your fire and have a nice long rest.
1
A strange message you’ve brought, Hermes. Why, I’ve never heard the like of it! He doesn’t think I’ve been going off my course and breaking bounds, does he? He’s not annoyed with me, that he’s decided to make the night three times as long as the day?
1
Not a bit of it. This won’t go on for ever; but for this once, it’s his personal wish that he should get a longer night at this time.
1
Where is he? Where were you sent from with this message?
1
From Boeotia, Mr. Sun, from Amphitryon’s wife. Alcmena, mother of Heracles. He’s been keeping company with her. He’s in love with her.
1
Isn’t one night enough, then?
1
Not at all. From this romance must come one who is mighty and fit for many labours; so they can’t do justice to him in a single night.
