IRIS That wandering island, Pindar, Fr. 58 (followed by Callimachus, Hymns , IV, 35 ff.) tells how the island of Delos floated in the sea, till the time when it was moored by pillars to the sea-bed to enable Leto to bear Apollo and Artemis. The story may have originated from a doubtful interpretation of the Homeric Hymn to Delian Apollo , 1. 73. Poseidon, which was broken off from Sicily, and is still propelling itself about under water—Zeus says you are to make it stop now, and bring it into view. You are to fix it quite securely, and make it stand firm, clearly visible For the etymology cf. Callimachus, Hymns , IV, 53. from now on in the middle of the Aegean. He wants it for something. POSEIDON It will be done, Iris. But what use will it be to him by coming to light and ceasing its seafaring? IRIS Leto must be delivered upon it. She’s already in distress from her birth pangs. POSEIDON What of it? Hasn’t heaven room enough for bearing children? If not heaven, couldn’t all the earth accommodate her for the birth? IRIS No, Poseidon. Hera has laid the earth under strict oath not to give Leto anywhere for her travail; thus this island is not bound by the oath, for it was not visible.