print previewback NONNUS OF PANOPOLIS
translation from Homeric Greek by Denise Low
IV
Hermes Tells the Story (Within
a Story) of Phaëthon
“Phaëthon’s story explains the omen,” says Hermes,
“and I will continue the tale, the romance, for you,
how Sun’s fires flamed for the beautiful Clymenê,
daughter of Oceanus. This virgin swam mornings
in ruddy-tinted waves, nude and lovely.
When hot-rayed Sun saw her, he burned with lust.
Their love child was Phaëthon, a boy marked
by Sun’s round face and curling yellow flares,
also loved by his grandfather Oceanus.”
Contributor’s notes: Nonnus Of Panopolis
Contributor’s notes: Denise Low