Note (return) — BOOK THE EIGHTEENTH.

First of all he formed a shield, 596 both large and solid, decorating it all over, and around it he threw a shining border, triple and glittering, and from it [there hung] a silver belt. Of the shield itself, there were five folds; but on it he formed many curious works, with cunning skill. On it he wrought the earth, and the heaven, and the sea, the unwearied sun, and the full moon. On it also [he represented] all the constellations with which the heaven is crowned, the Pleiades, the Hyades, and the strength of Orion, and the Bear, 597 which they also call by the appellation of the Wain, which there revolves, and watches Orion; 598 but it alone is free 599 from the baths of the ocean.