Ἀλλ' εἴ τις ὑμῶν ἐν Σαμοθρᾴκῃ μεμυημένος ἐστι
but if there is someone among you initiated in Samothrace, now is a fine time to pray that both feet of the pursuer be put out of joint
Translated by Jennifer Benedict7 May 2000Vetting: high5 revisions
Translation
In Samothrace1 there were certain initiation-rites, which they supposed efficacious as a charm against certain dangers. In that place were also the mysteries of the Corybantes and those of Hecate and the Zerinthan cave, where they sacrificed dogs.2 The initiates supposed that these things save [them] from terrors and from storms.3 The bone-socket of the pursuer to be "be put out of joint" means to "be distorted and dislocated". The way forward becomes an obstacle to him, so that he can no longer turn back.