Stasimon 1
[Choral 1]
Achelous, from Oeniadae. The other came from Thebes, home of Bacchus, brandishing his resilient bow, his spears and club; he was the son of Zeus. These two then met in a mass, lusting to win a bride,
510
Chorus
and the Cyprian goddess of nuptial joy was there with them, acting as sole umpire.
515
[Choral]
There was clatter of fists and clang of bow and crash of a bull’s horns mixed together;
Chorus
then there were close-locked grapplings and deadly blows from foreheads and loud deep cries from both. Meanwhile the delicate beauty sat on the side of a hill that could be seen from afar,
520
awaiting the husband that would be hers.
So the battle rages, as I narrate. But the face of the bride which is the prize of the strife awaits the end in piteous anguish. And suddenly she has left her mother,
525
like an orphaned calf.
530
