The Tragic Story of Phaethon - A Short Latin Translation

Stephen Alexander Beach 

"Phaethon is the son of Phoebus. The friend of Phaethon doubts about the reputation of his divine origin. "He is not god's son. The gift of the gods you do not have. Your story is not true." Great anger moves Phaethon. "I am the son of god! Phoebus, give a sign!" Calls Phaethon. Phoebus listens to the boy and without delay flies from heaven. "O my son, what do you desire? Phoebus asks. Money? Wisdom? Life without cares? Phaethon responds, "I desire to have the reins and to drive the chariot of the sun." O stupid boy! Bad is your plan. You should not desire the office of the gods. Phoebus warns his son, but the boy does not see the great danger. The horses have power; Phaethon does not have power. The chariot without a true teacher errs in the sky. What do we see? Phaethon falls from the sky. O bad fortune!"