Of the gadfly—‘the breese’ do the herders of oxen name the thing.

In the forecourt beneath the lintel swiftly his bow did he string:

From his quiver took he a shaft sigh-laden, unshot before:

With swift feet all unmarked hath he passed the threshold o’er, {280}

Keen-glancing around: he hath glided close by Aison’s son:

He hath grasped the string in the midst, and the arrow-notch laid thereon.

Straightway he strained it with both hands sundered wide apart,

And he shot at Medea; and speechless amazement filled her heart.

And the God himself from the high-roofed hall forth-flashing returned

Laughing aloud. Deep down in the maiden’s bosom burned