print previewback NONNUS OF PANOPOLIS
translation from Homeric Greek by Denise Low
V
Phaëthon (the Boy)
Tangles in Moira’s Net
Too soon the baby’s grim fate appeared
to Grandfather Oceanus as he tossed the child
high over swells, tumbling him in play.
An omen: Phaëthon plummeted into riptides,
rehearsing his final plunge and drowning—saved
now by Oceanus from being swept under.
Grasping, the grandsire protected Phaëthon
from gravity’s law, although he grieved to see
foreshadowing of Phaëthon’s prophesized death.
Phaëthon’s mother watched the boy’s splashes,
happy with his exuberance, not knowing
a knife too soon would pierce her heart in grief.
The willful boy explored his mother’s household.
When still a child he traveled to Sicily
to visit vineyards and cattle of his sun god father.
There the boy made a horsewhip of willows,
crafted a garland star, and carved a toy chariot.
He fastened torches to his head in play.
When barely a man he pined for a man’s power.
He handled his father’s horses and the whip.
He begged his sun god father, cajoled, and wept.
Contributor’s notes: Nonnus Of Panopolis
Contributor’s notes: Denise Low