But Theseus, being arrived at the port of Phalerum, paid
there the sacrifices which he had vowed to the gods at his setting
out to sea, and sent a herald to the city to carry the news of his
safe return. At his entrance, the herald found the people for the
most part full of grief for the loss of their king, others, as may
well be believed, as full of joy for the tidings that he brought,
and eager to welcome him and crown him with garlands for his good
news, which he indeed accepted of, but hung them upon his herald's
staff; and thus returning to the seaside before Theseus had
finished his libation to the gods, he stayed apart for fear of
disturbing the holy rites, but, as soon as the libation was ended,
went up and related the king's death, upon the hearing of which,
with great lamentations and a confused tumult of grief, they ran
with all haste to the city. And from hence, they say, it comes
that at this day, in the feast of Oschoporia, the herald is not
crowned, but his staff, and all who are present at the libation
cry out "eleleu, iou, iou," the first of which confused sounds is
commonly used by men in haste, or at a triumph, the other is
proper to people in consternation or disorder of mind.
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