982-1013) Fronting the Ionian gulf there lies an island in the Ceraunian sea, rich in soil, with a harbour on both sides, beneath which lies the sickle, as legend saith--grant me grace, O Muses, not willingly do I tell this tale of olden days--wherewith Cronos pitilessly mutilated his father; but others call it the reaping-hook of Demeter, goddess of the nether world.

For Demeter once dwelt in that island, and taught the Titans to reap the ears of corn, all for the love of Macris.

Whence it is called Drepane, [1409] the sacred nurse of the Phaeacians; and thus the Phaeacians themselves are by birth of the blood of Uranus.

To them came Argo, held fast by many toils, borne by the breezes from the Thrinacian sea; and Alcinous and his people with kindly sacrifice gladly welcomed their coming; and over them all the city made merry; thou wouldst say they were rejoicing over their own sons.

And the heroes themselves strode in gladness through the throng, even as though they had set foot in the heart of Haemonia; but soon were they to arm and raise the battle-cry; so near to them appeared a boundless host of Colchians, who had passed through the mouth of Pontus and between the Cyanean rocks in search of the chieftains.