Bellerophon Is Welcomed by King Iobates
Good fortune shines and honor comes, as doors are opened and paths lead on.
Yet in the midst of praise and welcome, hidden snares may already be set.
Trust not appearances, however bright; guard your heart and keep your counsel.
When harm approaches with friendly hands, stand firm, endure, and do not rush.
The humble and the patient will prevail in time; what is lost in darkness can be regained in light.
Fortune rises and falls like the tide; endure the storm, and the calm will come.
The Welcome That Concealed a Death Sentence
In Greek myth, Bellerophon arrived at the court of King Iobates carrying a sealed letter from Proetus. The message secretly asked Iobates to kill its bearer. Bound by the sacred duty of hospitality, the king first welcomed and feasted Bellerophon, then sent him on deadly tasks—above all the slaying of the Chimera—hoping danger would accomplish what he would not do openly. Bellerophon survived through courage and divine aid. The tale warns that ceremony and kindness may conceal hostile instructions, and that patience is essential when motives remain hidden.
Meaning of This Lot
This lot expresses its lesson through Bellerophon Is Welcomed by King Iobates. Good fortune shines and honor comes, as doors are opened and paths lead on. Yet in the midst of praise and welcome, hidden snares may already be set.
Its practical counsel is therefore specific: career: Progress is slow; obstacles and rivals hinder.; wealth: Gains are small; do not expect abundance.; love: Affection is distant, and devotion is hard to find.; health: Weak vitality; be cautious and rest.; relationships: Trust is broken, friends may turn away.; travel: Journeys bring danger; do not set out. The overall judgment is great misfortune, so act in proportion to that sign—welcome openings where they are offered, but respect every warning contained in the verses.