The reply he received was, that if he crossed a certain river he would destroy a great empire. […] Theseus would not forsake his friend, and together they entered the gloomy realm. […] He promised to give them ample directions if they would deliver him from the Harpies. […] Calchas predicted from this incident that the siege would last ten years. […] It would, therefore, seem to signify those who speak of or for God.