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For the fashion thereof in the midst was fiery crimson glow,

And the top was of purple throughout; and above on the marge and below

Picture by picture did many a broidered marvel show.

For therein were the Cyclopes bowed o’er their work that perisheth not,{730}

Forging the levin of Zeus the King, and so far was it wrought

In its fiery splendour, that yet of its flashes there lacked but one:

And the giant smiths with their sledges of iron were smiting thereon;

While forth of it spurts as of flaming breath ever leapt and anon.

And there were the sons of Asôpus’ daughter Antiopê set,

Amphion and Zethus: and Thêbê, with towers ungirded as yet,

Stood nigh them; and lo, the foundations thereof were they laying but now

In fierce haste. Zethus had heaved a craggy mountain’s brow

On his shoulders: as one hard straining in toil did the image appear.

And Amphion the while to his golden lyre sang loud and clear,{740}

On-pacing; and twice so great was the rock that followed anear.

And next Kythereia with tresses heavily drooping was shown;