Note 3002 — FRAGMENTS OF THE EPIC CYCLE
Hugh G. (Hugh Gerard) Evelyn-White translation
(return) [ While the Greeks were sacrificing at Aulis, a serpent appeared and devoured eight young birds from their nest and lastly the mother of the brood. This was interpreted by Calchas to mean that the war would swallow up nine full years. Cp. Iliad ii, 299 ff.]