Sciron

However, some say that Phaia was a female robber, a woman of murderous and unbridled spirit, who dwelt in Crommyon, was called sow because of her life and manners, and was afterwards slain by Theseus.

He also slew Sciron on the borders of Megara by hurling him down the cliffs.

Sciron robbed the passers-by, according to the prevalent tradition, but as some say, he would insolently and wantonly thrust out his feet to strangers and bid them wash them, and then while they were washing them, kick them off into the sea.

Megarian writers, however, taking issue with current report, and as Simonides expresses it, quote, waging war with antiquity, unquote, say that Sciron was neither a violent man nor a robber, but a chastiser of robbers and a kinsman and friend of good and just men.

For Aeacus, they say, is regarded as the most righteous of Hellenes, and Sicrius the Salaminian has divine honors at Athens, and the virtues of Peleus and Telamon are known to all men.

Well, then, Sciron was the son-in-law of Sicrius, father-in-law of Aeacus, and the grandfather of Peleus and Telamon, who were the sons of Endius, daughter of Sciron and Chariclo.

It is not likely, then, they say, that the best of men made family alliances with the basest, receiving and giving the greatest and most valuable pledges.

It was not, they say, when Theseus first journeyed to Athens, but afterwards, that he captured Eleusis from the Megarians, having circumvented Diocles its ruler, and slew Sciron.

However, some say that Phaia was a female robber, a woman of murderous and unbridled spirit who dwelt in Crommyon, was called sow because of her life and manners, and was afterwards slain by Theseus.

He also slew Sciron on the borders of Megara by hurling him down the cliffs.

Sciron robbed the passers-by, according to the prevalent tradition; but as some say, he would insolently and wantonly thrust out his feet to strangers and bid them wash them, and then while they were washing them kick them off into the sea.

Megarian writers, however, taking issue with current report, and, as Simonides expresses it, "waging war with antiquity," say that Sciron was neither a violent man nor a robber, but a chastiser of robbers and a kinsman and friend of good and just men.

For Aeacus, they say, is regarded as the most righteous of Hellenes, and Ceyx the Salaminian has divine honours at Athens, and the virtues of Peleus and Telamon are known to all men.

Well, then, Sciron was a son-in-law of Ceyx, father-in-law of Aeacus, and the grandfather of Peleus and Telamon, who were the sons of Endeis, daughter of Sciron and Chariclo.

It is not likely then, they say, that the best of men made family alliances with the basest, receiving and giving the greatest and most valuable pledges.

It was not, they say, when Theseus first journeyed to Athens, but afterwards, that he captured Eleusis from the Megarians, having circumvented Diocles its ruler, and slew Sciron.

Come never more To God-built Athens, not to the utmost shore Of any realm where Theseus' arm is strong.

What, shall I bow my head beneath this wrong, And cower to thee? Not Isthmian Sinis So will bear men witness that I laid him low, Nor Sciron's rocks, that share the salt sea's prey, Grant that my hand hath wait vile things to slay.

Alas, whom shall I call of mortal men happy? The highest are cast down again.

Father, the hot strained fury of thy heart Is terrible.

And wonder came on all men, and a fright whence rose that awful voice.

And swift our sight turned seaward down the salt and roaring sand.

And there, above the horizon, seemed to stand a wave unearthly, crested in the sky, till Sciron's cape first vanished from mine eye, then sank the Isthmus hidden, then the rock of Epidaurus.

Then it broke.