A heifer, too, upon whose tender neck300
The curvéd yoke of toil hath never pressed.
And thou, my child, who guid'st my darkened steps,
Describe the omens which Apollo sends.
[The victims are stationed before the altar as directed.]
Manto: A perfect victim at the altar stands.
Tiresias: With prayer invoke the presence of the gods,
And heap the altar high with frankincense.305
Manto: Lo, on the sacred fire the spice is heaped.
Tiresias: What of the flame? Did it with vigor seize