Aratus of Soli: Phenomena and Weather Signs

IV.

A. P. vs. 24.

And the furthest vertex from the double pivot
Is said to be the Pole —

V.

A. P. vs. 36.
37.

Around this, two Bears are carried that never set;
Of these, one is called Cynosura among the Greeks;
The other is said to be Helice; —

whose most brilliant stars we indeed see through whole nights,
Which our people are accustomed to call the Seven Plow-oxen [Septem Triones].

VI.

A. P. vs.
39-43.

And with equal stars, similarly arranged, small Cynosura traverses the same vertex of the sky.
The Phoenicians on the deep trust in this as their guide at night.
But that former one shines more brightly with its stars,
And is seen far and wide immediately at the first hour of night.
This one, indeed, is small; but there is use in it for sailors;
For it turns with a shorter, interior course in a small orbit.

VII.

A. P. vs.
45. 46.

And whereby the aspect of those stars becomes more admirable,
Between them, just as a river in a rapid whirlpool,
The grim Dragon creeps, winding itself
Beneath and above, and creating curved folds from its body.

VIII.

A. P. vs.
55-59.

Since its entire appearance is illustrious, the figure of the head and the burning of its eyes is especially to be looked upon.