XIII. Kal. Iun. 20th
But I put up a far better prayer. Unfold to me, I beseech thee, at what time Phoebus passes into the sign of the Twins. “When thou shalt see,” he answered, “that as many days of the month remain over as are the labours of Hercules.” “Tell me,” I replied, “the cause of this constellation.” The god in answer explained the cause in eloquent speech. The brother Tyndarids, the one a horseman, the other a boxer, had ravished and carried away Phoebe and Phoebe’s sister. Idas and his brother prepare for war and demand the restitution of their brides; for both of them had covenanted with Leucippus to be his sons-in-law. Love prompts the one pair to demand the restitution, the other to refuse it; each pair is spurred on to fight by the like motive. The Oebalids might have escaped their pursuers by superior speed; but it seemed base to win by rapid flight. There is a place free from trees, a suitable ground for a fight: they took their stand there: the name of the place is Aphidna. Pierced through the breast by the sword of Lynceus—a wound he had not looked for—Castor fell to the ground. Pollux comes up to avenge him, and runs Lynceus through with his spear at the point where the neck joins on to and presses upon the shoulders. Idas attacked him, and scarcely was repulsed by the fire of Jupiter; yet they say that his weapon was not wrested from his right hand by the thunderbolt. And already the lofty heaven opened its door for thee, Pollux, when thou saidst, “Hear my words, O Father. The heaven that thou dost give to me alone, O
share between us two; one-half the gift will be greater than the whole.” He spoke, and redeemed his brother from death by changing places with him alternately. Both stars are helpful to the storm-tossed bark.
XII. Kal. 21st
He who would learn what the Agonia are, may turn back to January, though they have a place in the calendar at this season also.
XI. Kal. 22nd
In the night that follows the day the dog of Erigone rises: I have given the explanation of this constellation in another place.
X. Kal. 23rd
The next day belongs to Vulcan; they call it Tubilustria. The trumpets which he makes are then cleansed and purified.
IX. Kal. 24th
The next place is marked by four letters, which, read in order, signify either the custom of the sacred rites or the Flight of the King.
VIII. Kal. 25th
Nor will I pass thee over, thou Public Fortune of the powerful people, to whom a temple was dedicated next day. When that day shall have sunk into Amphitrite’s wealth of waters, thou wilt see the beak of the tawny bird, dear to Jupiter.
VII. Kal. 26th
The coming morn will remove Bootes from thy sight, and next day the constellation of Hyas will be visible.
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