But tell, and tell me truly, —I behold
The soul of my dead mother ; there she sits
In silence by the blood, and will not deign
To look upon her son nor speak to him. τς
Instruct me, mighty prophet, by what means
To make my mother know me for her son.’

“T spake, and instantly the seer replied : —
‘Easily that is told ; I give it thee
To bear in mind. Whoever of the dead 180
Thou sufferest to approach and drink the blood
Will speak the truth ; those whom thou dost forbid
To taste the blood will silently withdraw.’

“The soul of King Tiresias, saying this,
Passed to the abode of Pluto ; he had given 1%


Book XI. 231


The oracle I asked. I waited still

Until my mother, drawing near again,

Drank the dark blood ; she knew me suddenly,

And said in piteous tones these winged words :—
“« How didst thou come, my child, a living man,

Into this place of darkness? Difficult co

It is for those who breathe the breath of life

To visit these abodes, through which are rolled

Great rivers, fearful floods, — the first of these

Océanus, whose waters none can cross 95

On foot, or save on board a trusty bark.
