The Cretan fleet was still within eye’s reach
of those who lingered on Aegina’s walls,
when to the friendly port an Attic ship—
full sail—rode in with Cephalus, who brought
a message from his land to Aeacus.
Although much time had passed since they had last
seen Cephalus, the sons of Aeacus
were quick to recognize him; and they clasped
his hand and led him to their father’s palace.
The hero, still a formidable man,
retained the signs of one who’d been most handsome;
he entered with an olive branch in hand;
and at his side—he was the senior presence—
Latin [475–99]
there came, one to the right, one to the left,
young Clytus and young Butes, sons of Pallas.
When they’d exchanged the greetings that precede
such meetings, Cephalus conveyed the plea
that he had brought from Athens: he beseeched
the aid of the Aeginians, invoking
the treaty of alliance signed long since
by their forefathers. And he added this:
King Minos was a threat to all of Greece.
He made his case with eloquence and grace.
And even as his left hand leaned upon
the pommel of his scepter, Aeacus
replied: “There’s no need to entreat; we’re allies.
Take help at once; whatever fighting force
this island has, is yours; we do not lack
resources: I can count on ample ranks
for our defense—and our attacks. I thank
the gods: these are good times:, I can’t deny
what you Athenians have asked of us.”
“I hope this happy state of things may last,
and may your isle grow still more populous!”
said Cephalus. “Indeed, on coming here,
I was most pleased to see young men so fair,
so matched in years. Yet I was struck by this:
many of those I’d seen on my last visit
are missing now.”