Now when they reached the narrow strait of the winding passage, hemmed
in on both sides by rugged cliffs, while an eddying current from below
was washing against the ship as she moved on, they went forward sorely
in dread; and now the thud of the crashing rocks ceaselessly struck
their ears, and the sea-washed shores resounded, and then Euphemus
grasped the dove in his hand and started to mount the prow; and they, at
the bidding of Tiphys, son of Hagnias, rowed with good will to drive
Argo between the rocks, trusting to their strength. And as they rounded
a bend they saw the rocks opening for the last time of all. Their spirit
melted within them; and Euphemus sent forth the dove to dart forward in
flight; and they all together raised their heads to look; but she flew
between them, and the rocks again rushed together and crashed as they
met face to face. And the foam leapt up in a mass like a cloud; awful
was the thunder of the sea; and all round them the mighty welkin roared.

The hollow caves beneath the rugged cliffs rumbled as the sea came
surging in; and the white foam of the dashing wave spurted high above
the cliff. Next the current whirled the ship round. And the rocks shore
away the end of the dove's tail-feathers; but away she flew unscathed.
And the rowers gave a loud cry; and Tiphys himself called to them to row
with might and main. For the rocks were again parting asunder. But as
they rowed they trembled, until the tide returning drove them back
within the rocks. Then most awful fear seized upon all; for over their
head was destruction without escape. And now to right and left broad
Pontus was seen, when suddenly a huge wave rose up before them, arched,
like a steep rock; and at the sight they bowed with bended heads. For it
seemed about to leap down upon the ship's whole length and to overwhelm
them. But Tiphys was quick to ease the ship as she laboured with the
oars; and in all its mass the wave rolled away beneath the keel, and at