Herakles, the Greatest Greek Hero, Outshone His Junior, Jason (a Bright Star), in All Majestic Ways
John Keats perverts the “bright star” image. First
An ancient poet wrote that Jason shone,
“A bright star,” such as one that brides would thirst
For, brides-to-be, enough to make them moan
For what heroic maleness does inside
A woman, thrusting. Lemnos women stank.
Young heroes slogged together—had to slide
Their meat with noses held. The sluts were rank.
Perhaps that Jason had to fill his nose
With wax to do the dirty, smelly deed,
But Herakles preferred his pretty beaux.
The glowing Hylas took his gusting seed.
Both Herakles and Hylas stayed on board . . .
While Jason and the Argonauts all whored.