Io, the daughter of Inachus, King of Argos, was beloved of Zeus. But
Hera was jealous of that love, and by her ill will was Io given over to
frenzy, and her body took the semblance of a heifer: and Argus, a
many-eyed herdsman, was set by Hera to watch Io whithersoever she
strayed. Yet, in despite of Argus, did Zeus draw nigh unto her in the
shape of a bull. And by the will of Zeus and the craft of Hermes was
Argus slain. Then Io was driven over far lands and seas by her madness,
and came at length to the land of Egypt. There was she restored to
herself by a touch of the hand of Zeus, and bare a child called
Epaphus. And from Epaphus sprang Libya, and from Libya, Belus; and from
Belus, Aegyptus and Danaus. And the sons of Aegyptus willed to take the
daughters of Danaus in marriage. But the maidens held such wedlock in
horror, and fled with their father over the sea to Argos; and the king
and citizens of Argos gave them shelter and protection from their
pursuers.