That for this we shall lose not the high Gods’ favour, as men accurst.’
So spake he: the stricken in years uplifted and opened wide
His sightless eyes straightway, and with swift words Phineus replied:
‘Hush!—thrust not such thoughts, my son, on a spirit affliction-filled!
Be witness Latona’s son, who taught to me gracious-willed
Prophecy-lore; and be witness this mine ill-starred doom,
And this dark cloud on mine eyes, and the Gods of the Underworld Gloom,—
May their curse, if I die with a lie on my tongue, be upon me for aye!— {260}
That on you no wrath of the Gods shall descend for your help this day.’
Then by the oath were they kindled to help him, and fled their fears.