in his hands two spear shafts, with heads of broad iron.

He had reached the middle of the wood, when his way

was crossed by his mother, wearing a maiden’s mien and 10

dress, and a maiden’s armour, Spartan, or even as Harpalyce

of Thrace, tires steed after steed, and heads the swift

waters of her own Hebrus as she flies along. For she had

a shapely bow duly slung from her shoulders in true huntress

fashion, and her hair streaming in the wind, her knee 15

bare, and her flowing scarf gathered round her in a knot.

Soon as she sees them, “Ho![82] youths,” cries she, “if you