print previewback NONNUS OF PANOPOLIS
translation from Homeric Greek by Denise Low
IX
The (Tragic) Story
Unfolds
Helios said nothing. His face hardened
to stone as he handed a webwork of reins
to Phaëthon—guides of the chariot.
Helios trembled as Phaëthon grabbed the whip
while Clymenê, his water nymph mother,
splashed in the blue ocean, proud and unaware.
Morning Star blazed eastward. So it began.
A long moment, Phaëthon surveyed his range:
Earth, Moon, orbiting planets, and comets.
As he gazed at his new domain, horses trod
through the Zodiac’s arc, as was their habit.
Phaëthon’s sight finally settled on distant stars.
Contributor’s notes: Nonnus Of Panopolis
Contributor’s notes: Denise Low