[The Argonautica by Apollonius Rhodius]@TWC D-Link book
The Argonautica

BOOK I
24/78

And above, on both sides, reversing the oars, they fastened them round the thole-pins, so as to project a cubit's space.
And the heroes themselves stood on both sides at the oars in a row, and pushed forward with chest and hand at once.

And then Tiphys leapt on board to urge the youths to push at the right moment; and calling on them he shouted loudly; and they at once, leaning with all their strength, with one push started the ship from her place, and strained with their feet, forcing her onward; and Pelian Argo followed swiftly; and they on each side shouted as they rushed on.

And then the rollers groaned under the sturdy keel as they were chafed, and round them rose up a dark smoke owing to the weight, and she glided into the sea; but the heroes stood there and kept dragging her back as she sped onward.
And round the thole-pins they fitted the oars, and in the ship they placed the mast and the well-made sails and the stores.
(ll.

394-401) Now when they had carefully paid heed to everything, first they distributed the benches by lot, two men occupying one seat; but the middle bench they chose for Heracles and Ancaeus apart from the other heroes, Ancaeus who dwelt in Tegea.

For them alone they left the middle bench just as it was and not by lot; and with one consent they entrusted Tiphys with guarding the helm of the well-stemmed ship.
(ll.


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