THE APOLLIAD Book I.1-35

Now, let all creation resound with the news
Of the greatest of contests,
And the victory of the Son of God.
Yea, sing of him, and his power,
Bear witness to his shining glory-- (5)

Yes, I tell of Smintheus Apollo,
Apollo, beloved son of Zeus.
As for you who sing of heroes--
You, Muses, who hold the halls of Olympus,
I ask now that you remain silent, (10)

And hold your peace.
I sing to the One seated on the Throne of Heaven.
So then, Muses, where shall I begin?
Would you have me start with Athena,
Born of Zeus alone, all from the male, (15)

Whose wisdom is beyond compare?
I must not neglect the spirit of love,
That blessed Aphrodite, who leads men's hearts astray.
Or perhaps I should start with the Queen of Brides,
Ox-eyed Hera of the white arms, (20)

Daughter of Kronos, wife of Zeus
The Father of Gods and Men;
He is both Kronos's son and jailer.
I could also begin with an older Being,
Prometheus who dared the gods, (25)

And against the will of Zeus of the aegis
Delved into the hidden things of great Hephaestus,
Teaching men the secrets of knowledge
Which previously belonged to gods alone--
What of Him that bears the world on his shoulders, (30)

Atlas, that mighty Titan?
Might I begin with him?
Atlas!--that wicked Titan
Who now dwells in the halls of
Poseidon, son of Kronos. (35)