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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Argonautica, by Apollonius Rhodius
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: The Argonautica
+
+Author: Apollonius Rhodius
+
+Release Date: July 21, 2008 [EBook #830]
+Last updated: January 9, 2020
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ARGONAUTICA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Douglas B. Killings, and David Widger
+
+[Illustration] 
+
+
+
+
+The Argonautica
+
+by Apollonius Rhodius
+
+
+Originally written in Ancient Greek sometime in the 3rd Century B.C. by the
+Alexandrian poet Apollonius Rhodius (“Apollonius the Rhodian”).
+Translation by R.C. Seaton, 1912.
+
+SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY: ORIGINAL TEXT—
+
+Seaton, R.C. (Ed. & Trans.): “Apollonius Rhodius: Argonautica”
+(Harvard University Press, Cambridge MA, 1912). Original Greek text with
+side-by-side English translation.
+
+OTHER TRANSLATIONS—
+
+Rieu, E.V. (Trans.): “Apollonius of Rhodes: The Voyage of the Argo”
+(Penguin Classics, London, 1959, 1971).
+
+RECOMMENDED READING—
+
+Euripides: “Medea”, “Hecabe”, “Electra”,
+and “Heracles”, translated by Philip Vellacott (Penguin Classics,
+London, 1963). Contains four plays by Euripides, two of which concern
+characters from “The Argonautica”.
+
+Contents
+
+ INTRODUCTION
+ THE ARGONAUTICA
+ BOOK I
+ BOOK II
+ BOOK III
+ BOOK IV
+ ENDNOTES
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+Much has been written about the chronology of Alexandrian literature
+and the famous Library, founded by Ptolemy Soter, but the dates of the
+chief writers are still matters of conjecture. The birth of Apollonius
+Rhodius is placed by scholars at various times between 296 and 260
+B.C., while the year of his death is equally uncertain. In fact, we
+have very little information on the subject. There are two “lives” of
+Apollonius in the Scholia, both derived from an earlier one which is
+lost. From these we learn that he was of Alexandria by birth,[1] that
+he lived in the time of the Ptolemies, and was a pupil of Callimachus;
+that while still a youth he composed and recited in public his
+_Argonautica_, and that the poem was condemned, in consequence of which
+he retired to Rhodes; that there he revised his poem, recited it with
+great applause, and hence called himself a Rhodian. The second “life”
+adds: “Some say that he returned to Alexandria and again recited his
+poem with the utmost success, so that he was honoured with the
+libraries of the Museum and was buried with Callimachus.” The last
+sentence may be interpreted by the notice of Suidas, who informs us
+that Apollonius was a contemporary of Eratosthenes, Euphorion and
+Timarchus, in the time of Ptolemy Euergetes, and that he succeeded
+Eratosthenes in the headship of the Alexandrian Library. Suidas also
+informs us elsewhere that Aristophanes at the age of sixty-two
+succeeded Apollonius in this office. Many modern scholars deny the
+“bibliothecariate” of Apollonius for chronological reasons, and there
+is considerable difficulty about it. The date of Callimachus’ _Hymn to
+Apollo_, which closes with some lines (105-113) that are admittedly an
+allusion to Apollonius, may be put with much probability at 248 or 247
+B.C. Apollonius must at that date have been at least twenty years old.
+Eratosthenes died 196-193 B.C. This would make Apollonius seventy-two
+to seventy-five when he succeeded Eratosthenes. This is not impossible,
+it is true, but it is difficult. But the difficulty is taken away if we
+assume with Ritschl that Eratosthenes resigned his office some years
+before his death, which allows us to put the birth of Apollonius at
+about 280, and would solve other difficulties. For instance, if the
+Librarians were buried within the precincts, it would account for the
+burial of Apollonius next to Callimachus—Eratosthenes being still
+alive. However that may be, it is rather arbitrary to take away the
+“bibliothecariate” of Apollonius, which is clearly asserted by Suidas,
+on account of chronological calculations which are themselves
+uncertain. Moreover, it is more probable that the words following “some
+say” in the second “life” are a remnant of the original life than a
+conjectural addition, because the first “life” is evidently incomplete,
+nothing being said about the end of Apollonius’ career.
+
+The principal event in his life, so far as we know, was the quarrel
+with his master Callimachus, which was most probably the cause of his
+condemnation at Alexandria and departure to Rhodes. This quarrel
+appears to have arisen from differences of literary aims and taste,
+but, as literary differences often do, degenerated into the bitterest
+personal strife. There are references to the quarrel in the writings of
+both. Callimachus attacks Apollonius in the passage at the end of the
+_Hymn to Apollo_, already mentioned, also probably in some epigrams,
+but most of all in his _Ibis_, of which we have an imitation, or
+perhaps nearly a translation, in Ovid’s poem of the same name. On the
+part of Apollonius there is a passage in the third book of the
+_Argonautica_ (ll. 927-947) which is of a polemical nature and stands
+out from the context, and the well-known savage epigram upon
+Callimachus.[2] Various combinations have been attempted by scholars,
+notably by Couat, in his _Poésie Alexandrine_, to give a connected
+account of the quarrel, but we have not _data_ sufficient to determine
+the order of the attacks, and replies, and counter-attacks. The _Ibis_
+has been thought to mark the termination of the feud on the curious
+ground that it was impossible for abuse to go further. It was an age
+when literary men were more inclined to comment on writings of the past
+than to produce original work. Literature was engaged in taking stock
+of itself. Homer was, of course, professedly admired by all, but more
+admired than imitated. Epic poetry was out of fashion and we find many
+epigrams of this period—some by Callimachus—directed against the
+“cyclic” poets, by whom were meant at that time those who were always
+dragging in conventional and commonplace epithets and phrases peculiar
+to epic poetry. Callimachus was in accordance with the spirit of the
+age when he proclaimed “a great book” to be “a great evil”, and sought
+to confine poetical activity within the narrowest limits both of
+subject and space. Theocritus agreed with him, both in principle and
+practice. The chief characteristics of Alexandrianism are well
+summarized by Professor Robinson Ellis as follows: “Precision in form
+and metre, refinement in diction, a learning often degenerating into
+pedantry and obscurity, a resolute avoidance of everything commonplace
+in subject, sentiment or allusion.” These traits are more prominent in
+Callimachus than in Apollonius, but they are certainly to be seen in
+the latter. He seems to have written the _Argonautica_ out of bravado,
+to show that he _could_ write an epic poem. But the influence of the
+age was too strong. Instead of the unity of an Epic we have merely a
+series of episodes, and it is the great beauty and power of one of
+these episodes that gives the poem its permanent value—the episode of
+the love of Jason and Medea. This occupies the greater part of the
+third book. The first and second books are taken up with the history of
+the voyage to Colchis, while the fourth book describes the return
+voyage. These portions constitute a metrical guide book, filled no
+doubt with many pleasing episodes, such as the rape of Hylas, the
+boxing match between Pollux and Amyeus, the account of Cyzicus, the
+account of the Amazons, the legend of Talos, but there is no unity
+running through the poem beyond that of the voyage itself.
+
+The Tale of the Argonauts had been told often before in verse and
+prose, and many authors’ names are given in the Scholia to Apollonius,
+but their works have perished. The best known earlier account that we
+have is that in Pindar’s fourth Pythian ode, from which Apollonius has
+taken many details. The subject was one for an epic poem, for its unity
+might have been found in the working out of the expiation due for the
+crime of Athamas; but this motive is barely mentioned by our author.
+
+As we have it, the motive of the voyage is the command of Pelias to
+bring back the golden fleece, and this command is based on Pelias’
+desire to destroy Jason, while the divine aid given to Jason results
+from the intention of Hera to punish Pelias for his neglect of the
+honour due to her. The learning of Apollonius is not deep but it is
+curious; his general sentiments are not according to the Alexandrian
+standard, for they are simple and obvious. In the mass of material from
+which he had to choose the difficulty was to know what to omit, and
+much skill is shown in fusing into a tolerably harmonious whole
+conflicting mythological and historical details. He interweaves with
+his narrative local legends and the founding of cities, accounts of
+strange customs, descriptions of works of art, such as that of Ganymede
+and Eros playing with knucklebones,[3] but prosaically calls himself
+back to the point from these pleasing digressions by such an expression
+as “but this would take me too far from my song.” His business is the
+straightforward tale and nothing else. The astonishing geography of the
+fourth book reminds us of the interest of the age in that subject,
+stimulated no doubt by the researches of Eratosthenes and others.
+
+The language is that of the conventional epic. Apollonius seems to have
+carefully studied Homeric glosses, and gives many examples of isolated
+uses, but his choice of words is by no means limited to Homer. He
+freely avails himself of Alexandrian words and late uses of Homeric
+words. Among his contemporaries Apollonius suffers from a comparison
+with Theocritus, who was a little his senior, but he was much admired
+by Roman writers who derived inspiration from the great classical
+writers of Greece by way of Alexandria. In fact Alexandria was a useful
+bridge between Athens and Rome. The _Argonautica_ was translated by
+Varro Atacinus, copied by Ovid and Virgil, and minutely studied by
+Valerius Flaccus in his poem of the same name. Some of his finest
+passages have been appropriated and improved upon by Virgil by the
+divine right of superior genius.[4] The subject of love had been
+treated in the romantic spirit before the time of Apollonius in
+writings that have perished, for instance, in those of Antimachus of
+Colophon, but the _Argonautica_ is perhaps the first poem still extant
+in which the expression of this spirit is developed with elaboration.
+The Medea of Apollonius is the direct precursor of the Dido of Virgil,
+and it is the pathos and passion of the fourth book of the “Aeneid”
+that keep alive many a passage of Apollonius.
+
+
+
+
+THE ARGONAUTICA
+
+BOOK I
+
+
+Beginning with thee, O Phoebus, I will recount the famous deeds of men
+of old, who, at the behest of King Pelias, down through the mouth of
+Pontus and between the Cyanean rocks, sped well-benched Argo in quest
+of the golden fleece.
+
+Such was the oracle that Pelias heard, that a hateful doom awaited him
+to be slain at the prompting of the man whom he should see coming forth
+from the people with but one sandal. And no long time after, in
+accordance with that true report, Jason crossed the stream of wintry
+Anaurus on foot, and saved one sandal from the mire, but the other he
+left in the depths held back by the flood. And straightway he came to
+Pelias to share the banquet which the king was offering to his father
+Poseidon and the rest of the gods, though he paid no honour to
+Pelasgian Hera. Quickly the king saw him and pondered, and devised for
+him the toil of a troublous voyage, in order that on the sea or among
+strangers he might lose his home-return.
+
+The ship, as former bards relate, Argus wrought by the guidance of
+Athena. But now I will tell the lineage and the names of the heroes,
+and of the long sea-paths and the deeds they wrought in their
+wanderings; may the Muses be the inspirers of my song!
+
+First then let us name Orpheus whom once Calliope bare, it is said,
+wedded to Thracian Oeagrus, near the Pimpleian height. Men say that he
+by the music of his songs charmed the stubborn rocks upon the mountains
+and the course of rivers. And the wild oak-trees to this day, tokens of
+that magic strain, that grow at Zone on the Thracian shore, stand in
+ordered ranks close together, the same which under the charm of his
+lyre he led down from Pieria. Such then was Orpheus whom Aeson’s son
+welcomed to share his toils, in obedience to the behest of Cheiron,
+Orpheus ruler of Bistonian Pieria.
+
+Straightway came Asterion, whom Cometes begat by the waters of eddying
+Apidanus; he dwelt at Peiresiae near the Phylleian mount, where mighty
+Apidanus and bright Enipeus join their streams, coming together from
+afar.
+
+Next to them from Larisa came Polyphemus, son of Eilatus, who aforetime
+among the mighty Lapithae, when they were arming themselves against the
+Centaurs, fought in his younger days; now his limbs were grown heavy
+with age, but his martial spirit still remained, even as of old.
+
+Nor was Iphiclus long left behind in Phylace, the uncle of Aeson’s son;
+for Aeson had wedded his sister Alcimede, daughter of Phylacus: his
+kinship with her bade him be numbered in the host.
+
+Nor did Admetus, the lord of Pherae rich in sheep, stay behind beneath
+the peak of the Chalcodonian mount.
+
+Nor at Alope stayed the sons of Hermes, rich in corn-land, well skilled
+in craftiness, Erytus and Echion, and with them on their departure
+their kinsman Aethalides went as the third; him near the streams of
+Amphrysus Eupolemeia bare, the daughter of Myrmidon, from Phthia; the
+two others were sprung from Antianeira, daughter of Menetes.
+
+From rich Gyrton came Coronus, son of Caeneus, brave, but not braver
+than his father. For bards relate that Caeneus though still living
+perished at the hands of the Centaurs, when apart from other chiefs he
+routed them; and they, rallying against him, could neither bend nor
+slay him; but unconquered and unflinching he passed beneath the earth,
+overwhelmed by the downrush of massy pines.
+
+There came too Titaresian Mopsus, whom above all men the son of Leto
+taught the augury of birds; and Eurydamas the son of Ctimenus; he dwelt
+at Dolopian Ctimene near the Xynian lake.
+
+Moreover Actor sent his son Menoetius from Opus that he might accompany
+the chiefs.
+
+Eurytion followed and strong Eribotes, one the son of Teleon, the other
+of Irus, Actor’s son; the son of Teleon renowned Eribotes, and of Irus
+Eurytion. A third with them was Oileus, peerless in courage and well
+skilled to attack the flying foe, when they break their ranks.
+
+Now from Euboea came Canthus eager for the quest, whom Canethus son of
+Abas sent; but he was not destined to return to Cerinthus. For fate had
+ordained that he and Mopsus, skilled in the seer’s art, should wander
+and perish in the furthest ends of Libya. For no ill is too remote for
+mortals to incur, seeing that they buried them in Libya, as far from
+the Colchians as is the space that is seen between the setting and the
+rising of the sun.
+
+To him Clytius and Iphitus joined themselves, the warders of Oechalia,
+sons of Eurytus the ruthless, Eurytus, to whom the Far-shooting god
+gave his bow; but he had no joy of the gift; for of his own choice he
+strove even with the giver.
+
+After them came the sons of Aeacus, not both together, nor from the
+same spot; for they settled far from Aegina in exile, when in their
+folly they had slain their brother Phoeus. Telamon dwelt in the Attic
+island; but Peleus departed and made his home in Phthia.
+
+After them from Cecropia came warlike Butes, son of brave Teleon, and
+Phalerus of the ashen spear. Alcon his father sent him forth; yet no
+other sons had he to care for his old age and livelihood. But him, his
+well-beloved and only son, he sent forth that amid bold heroes he might
+shine conspicuous. But Theseus, who surpassed all the sons of
+Erechtheus, an unseen bond kept beneath the land of Taenarus, for he
+had followed that path with Peirithous; assuredly both would have
+lightened for all the fulfilment of their toil.
+
+Tiphys, son of Hagnias, left the Siphaean people of the Thespians, well
+skilled to foretell the rising wave on the broad sea, and well skilled
+to infer from sun and star the stormy winds and the time for sailing.
+Tritonian Athena herself urged him to join the band of chiefs, and he
+came among them a welcome comrade. She herself too fashioned the swift
+ship; and with her Argus, son of Arestor, wrought it by her counsels.
+Wherefore it proved the most excellent of all ships that have made
+trial of the sea with oars.
+
+After them came Phlias from Araethyrea, where he dwelt in affluence by
+the favour of his father Dionysus, in his home by the springs of
+Asopus.
+
+From Argos came Talaus and Areius, sons of Bias, and mighty Leodocus,
+all of whom Pero daughter of Neleus bare; on her account the Aeolid
+Melampus endured sore affliction in the steading of Iphiclus.
+
+Nor do we learn that Heracles of the mighty heart disregarded the eager
+summons of Aeson’s son. But when he heard a report of the heroes’
+gathering and had reached Lyrceian Argos from Arcadia by the road along
+which he carried the boar alive that fed in the thickets of Lampeia,
+near the vast Erymanthian swamp, the boar bound with chains he put down
+from his huge shoulders at the entrance to the market-place of Mycenae;
+and himself of his own will set out against the purpose of Eurystheus;
+and with him went Hylas, a brave comrade, in the flower of youth, to
+bear his arrows and to guard his bow.
+
+Next to him came a scion of the race of divine Danaus, Nauplius. He was
+the son of Clytonaeus son of Naubolus; Naubolus was son of Lernus;
+Lernus we know was the son of Proetus son of Nauplius; and once Amymone
+daughter of Danaus, wedded to Poseidon, bare Nauplius, who surpassed
+all men in naval skill.
+
+Idmon came last of all them that dwelt at Argos, for though he had
+learnt his own fate by augury, he came, that the people might not
+grudge him fair renown. He was not in truth the son of Abas, but Leto’s
+son himself begat him to be numbered among the illustrious Aeolids; and
+himself taught him the art of prophecy—to pay heed to birds and to
+observe the signs of the burning sacrifice.
+
+Moreover Aetolian Leda sent from Sparta strong Polydeuces and Castor,
+skilled to guide swift-footed steeds; these her dearly-loved sons she
+bare at one birth in the house of Tyndareus; nor did she forbid their
+departure; for she had thoughts worthy of the bride of Zeus.
+
+The sons of Aphareus, Lynceus and proud Idas, came from Arene, both
+exulting in their great strength; and Lynceus too excelled in keenest
+sight, if the report is true that that hero could easily direct his
+sight even beneath the earth.
+
+And with them Neleian Periclymenus set out to come, eldest of all the
+sons of godlike Neleus who were born at Pylos; Poseidon had given him
+boundless strength and granted him that whatever shape he should crave
+during the fight, that he should take in the stress of battle.
+
+Moreover from Arcadia came Amphidamas and Cepheus, who inhabited Tegea
+and the allotment of Apheidas, two sons of Aldus; and Ancaeus followed
+them as the third, whom his father Lycurgus sent, the brother older
+than both. But he was left in the city to care for Aleus now growing
+old, while he gave his son to join his brothers. Antaeus went clad in
+the skin of a Maenalian bear, and wielding in his right hand a huge
+two-edged battleaxe. For his armour his grandsire had hidden in the
+house’s innermost recess, to see if he might by some means still stay
+his departure.
+
+There came also Augeias, whom fame declared to be the son of Helios; he
+reigned over the Eleans, glorying in his wealth; and greatly he desired
+to behold the Colchian land and Aeetes himself the ruler of the
+Colchians.
+
+Asterius and Amphion, sons of Hyperasius, came from Achaean Pellene,
+which once Pelles their grandsire founded on the brows of Aegialus.
+
+After them from Taenarus came Euphemus whom, most swift-footed of men,
+Europe, daughter of mighty Tityos, bare to Poseidon. He was wont to
+skim the swell of the grey sea, and wetted not his swift feet, but just
+dipping the tips of his toes was borne on the watery path.
+
+Yea, and two other sons of Poseidon came; one Erginus, who left the
+citadel of glorious Miletus, the other proud Ancaeus, who left
+Parthenia, the seat of Imbrasion Hera; both boasted their skill in
+seacraft and in war.
+
+After them from Calydon came the son of Oeneus, strong Meleagrus, and
+Laocoon—Laocoon the brother of Oeneus, though not by the same mother,
+for a serving-woman bare him; him, now growing old, Oeneus sent to
+guard his son: thus Meleagrus, still a youth, entered the bold band of
+heroes. No other had come superior to him, I ween, except Heracles, if
+for one year more he had tarried and been nurtured among the Aetolians.
+Yea, and his uncle, well skilled to fight whether with the javelin or
+hand to hand, Iphiclus son of Thestius, bare him company on his way.
+
+With him came Palaemonius, son of Olenian Lernus, of Lernus by repute,
+but his birth was from Hephaestus; and so he was crippled in his feet,
+but his bodily frame and his valour no one would dare to scorn.
+Wherefore he was numbered among all the chiefs, winning fame for Jason.
+
+From the Phocians came Iphitus sprung from Naubolus son of Ornytus;
+once he had been his host when Jason went to Pytho to ask for a
+response concerning his voyage; for there he welcomed him in his own
+hails.
+
+Next came Zetes and Calais, sons of Boreas, whom once Oreithyia,
+daughter of Erechtheus, bare to Boreas on the verge of wintry Thrace;
+thither it was that Thracian Boreas snatched her away from Cecropia as
+she was whirling in the dance, hard by Hissus’ stream. And, carrying
+her far off, to the spot that men called the rock of Sarpedon, near the
+river Erginus, he wrapped her in dark clouds and forced her to his
+will. There they were making their dusky wings quiver upon their ankles
+on both sides as they rose, a great wonder to behold, wings that
+gleamed with golden scales: and round their backs from the top of the
+head and neck, hither and thither, their dark tresses were being shaken
+by the wind.
+
+No, nor had Acastus son of mighty Pelias himself any will to stay
+behind in the palace of his brave sire, nor Argus, helper of the
+goddess Athena; but they too were ready to be numbered in the host.
+
+So many then were the helpers who assembled to join the son of Aeson.
+All the chiefs the dwellers thereabout called Minyae, for the most and
+the bravest avowed that they were sprung from the blood of the
+daughters of Minyas; thus Jason himself was the son of Alcimede who was
+born of Clymene the daughter of Minyas.
+
+Now when all things had been made ready by the thralls, all things that
+fully-equipped ships are furnished withal when men’s business leads
+them to voyage across the sea, then the heroes took their way through
+the city to the ship where it lay on the strand that men call Magnesian
+Pagasae; and a crowd of people hastening rushed together; but the
+heroes shone like gleaming stars among the clouds; and each man as he
+saw them speeding along with their armour would say:
+
+“King Zeus, what is the purpose of Pelias? Whither is he driving forth
+from the Panachaean land so great a host of heroes? On one day they
+would waste the palace of Aeetes with baleful fire, should he not yield
+them the fleece of his own goodwill. But the path is not to be shunned,
+the toil is hard for those who venture.”
+
+Thus they spake here and there throughout the city; but the women often
+raised their hands to the sky in prayer to the immortals to grant a
+return, their hearts’ desire. And one with tears thus lamented to her
+fellow:
+
+“Wretched Alcimede, evil has come to thee at last though late, thou
+hast not ended with splendour of life. Aeson too, ill-fated man! Surely
+better had it been for him, if he were lying beneath the earth,
+enveloped in his shroud, still unconscious of bitter toils. Would that
+the dark wave, when the maiden Helle perished, had overwhelmed Phrixus
+too with the ram; but the dire portent even sent forth a human voice,
+that it might cause to Alcimede sorrows and countless pains hereafter.”
+
+Thus the women spake at the departure of the heroes. And now many
+thralls, men and women, were gathered together, and his mother, smitten
+with grief for Jason. And a bitter pang seized every woman’s heart; and
+with them groaned the father in baleful old age, lying on his bed,
+closely wrapped round. But the hero straightway soothed their pain,
+encouraging them, and bade the thralls take up his weapons for war; and
+they in silence with downcast looks took them up. And even as the
+mother had thrown her arms about her son, so she clung, weeping without
+stint, as a maiden all alone weeps, falling fondly on the neck of her
+hoary nurse, a maid who has now no others to care for her, but she
+drags on a weary life under a stepmother, who maltreats her continually
+with ever fresh insults, and as she weeps, her heart within her is
+bound fast with misery, nor can she sob forth all the groans that
+struggle for utterance; so without stint wept Alcimede straining her
+son in her arms, and in her yearning grief spake as follows:
+
+“Would that on that day when, wretched woman that I am, I heard King
+Pelias proclaim his evil behest, I had straightway given up my life and
+forgotten my cares, so that thou thyself, my son, with thine own hands,
+mightest have buried me; for that was the only wish left me still to be
+fulfilled by time, all the other rewards for thy nurture have I long
+enjoyed. Now I, once so admired among Achaean women, shall be left
+behind like a bondwoman in my empty halls, pining away, ill-fated one,
+for love of thee, thee on whose account I had aforetime so much
+splendour and renown, my only son for whom I loosed my virgin zone
+first and last. For to me beyond others the goddess Eileithyia grudged
+abundant offspring. Alas for my folly! Not once, not even in nay dreams
+did I forebode this, that the flight of Phrixus would bring me woe.”
+
+Thus with moaning she wept, and her handmaidens, standing by, lamented;
+but Jason spake gently to her with comforting words:
+
+“Do not, I pray thee, mother, store up bitter sorrows overmuch, for
+thou wilt not redeem me from evil by tears, but wilt still add grief to
+grief. For unseen are the woes that the gods mete out to mortals; be
+strong to endure thy share of them though with grief in thy heart; take
+courage from the promises of Athena, and from the answers of the gods
+(for very favourable oracles has Phoebus given), and then from the help
+of the chieftains. But do thou remain here, quiet among thy handmaids,
+and be not a bird of ill omen to the ship; and thither my clansmen and
+thralls will follow me.”
+
+He spake, and started forth to leave the house. And as Apollo goes
+forth from some fragrant shrine to divine Delos or Claros or Pytho or
+to broad Lyeia near the stream of Xanthus, in such beauty moved Jason
+through the throng of people; and a cry arose as they shouted together.
+And there met him aged Iphias, priestess of Artemis guardian of the
+city, and kissed his right hand, but she had not strength to say a
+word, for all her eagerness, as the crowd rushed on, but she was left
+there by the wayside, as the old are left by the young, and he passed
+on and was gone afar.
+
+Now when he had left the well-built streets of the city, he came to the
+beach of Pagasae, where his comrades greeted him as they stayed
+together near the ship Argo. And he stood at the entering in, and they
+were gathered to meet him. And they perceived Aeastus and Argus coming
+from the city, and they marvelled when they saw them hasting with all
+speed, despite the will of Pelias. The one, Argus, son of Arestor, had
+cast round his shoulders the hide of a bull reaching to his feet, with
+the black hair upon it, the other, a fair mantle of double fold, which
+his sister Pelopeia had given him. Still Jason forebore from asking
+them about each point but bade all be seated for an assembly. And
+there, upon the folded sails and the mast as it lay on the ground, they
+all took their seats in order. And among them with goodwill spake
+Aeson’s son:
+
+“All the equipment that a ship needs for all is in due order—lies ready
+for our departure. Therefore we will make no long delay in our sailing
+for these things’ sake, when the breezes but blow fair. But,
+friends,—for common to all is our return to Hellas hereafter, and
+common to all is our path to the land of Aeetes—now therefore with
+ungrudging heart choose the bravest to be our leader, who shall be
+careful for everything, to take upon him our quarrels and covenants
+with strangers.”
+
+Thus he spake; and the young heroes turned their eyes towards bold
+Heracles sitting in their midst, and with one shout they all enjoined
+upon him to be their leader; but he, from the place where he sat,
+stretched forth his right hand and said:
+
+“Let no one offer this honour to me. For I will not consent, and I will
+forbid any other to stand up. Let the hero who brought us together,
+himself be the leader of the host.”
+
+Thus he spake with high thoughts, and they assented, as Heracles bade;
+and warlike Jason himself rose up, glad at heart, and thus addressed
+the eager throng:
+
+“If ye entrust your glory to my care, no longer as before let our path
+be hindered. Now at last let us propitiate Phoebus with sacrifice and
+straightway prepare a feast. And until my thralls come, the overseers
+of my steading, whose care it is to choose out oxen from the herd and
+drive them hither, we will drag down the ship to the sea, and do ye
+place all the tackling within, and draw lots for the benches for
+rowing. Meantime let us build upon the beach an altar to Apollo
+Embasius[5] who by an oracle promised to point out and show me the
+paths of the sea, if by sacrifice to him I should begin my venture for
+King Pelias.”
+
+He spake, and was the first to turn to the work, and they stood up in
+obedience to him; and they heaped their garments, one upon the other,
+on a smooth stone, which the sea did not strike with its waves, but the
+stormy surge had cleansed it long before. First of all, by the command
+of Argus, they strongly girded the ship with a rope well twisted
+within,[6] stretching it tight on each side, in order that the planks
+might be well compacted by the bolts and might withstand the opposing
+force of the surge. And they quickly dug a trench as wide as the space
+the ship covered, and at the prow as far into the sea as it would run
+when drawn down by their hands. And they ever dug deeper in front of
+the stem, and in the furrow laid polished rollers; and inclined the
+ship down upon the first rollers, that so she might glide and be borne
+on by them. And above, on both sides, reversing the oars, they fastened
+them round the thole-pins, so as to project a cubit’s space. And the
+heroes themselves stood on both sides at the oars in a row, and pushed
+forward with chest and hand at once. And then Tiphys leapt on board to
+urge the youths to push at the right moment; and calling on them he
+shouted loudly; and they at once, leaning with all their strength, with
+one push started the ship from her place, and strained with their feet,
+forcing her onward; and Pelian Argo followed swiftly; and they on each
+side shouted as they rushed on. And then the rollers groaned under the
+sturdy keel as they were chafed, and round them rose up a dark smoke
+owing to the weight, and she glided into the sea; but the heroes stood
+there and kept dragging her back as she sped onward. And round the
+thole-pins they fitted the oars, and in the ship they placed the mast
+and the well-made sails and the stores.
+
+Now when they had carefully paid heed to everything, first they
+distributed the benches by lot, two men occupying one seat; but the
+middle bench they chose for Heracles and Ancaeus apart from the other
+heroes, Ancaeus who dwelt in Tegea. For them alone they left the middle
+bench just as it was and not by lot; and with one consent they
+entrusted Tiphys with guarding the helm of the well-stemmed ship.
+
+Next, piling up shingle near the sea, they raised there an altar on the
+shore to Apollo, under the name of Actius[7] and Embasius, and quickly
+spread above it logs of dried olive-wood. Meantime the herdsmen of
+Aeson’s son had driven before them from the herd two steers. These the
+younger comrades dragged near the altars, and the others brought
+lustral water and barley meal, and Jason prayed, calling on Apollo the
+god of his fathers:
+
+“Hear, O King, that dwellest in Pagasae and the city Aesonis, the city
+called by my father’s name, thou who didst promise me, when I sought
+thy oracle at Pytho, to show the fulfilment and goal of my journey, for
+thou thyself hast been the cause of my venture; now do thou thyself
+guide the ship with my comrades safe and sound, thither and back again
+to Hellas. Then in thy honour hereafter we will lay again on thy altar
+the bright offerings of bulls—all of us who return; and other gifts in
+countless numbers I will bring to Pytho and Ortygia. And now, come,
+Far-darter, accept this sacrifice at our hands, which first of all we
+have offered thee for this ship on our embarcation; and grant, O King,
+that with a prosperous wind I may loose the hawsers, relying on thy
+counsel, and may the breeze blow softly with which we shall sail over
+the sea in fair weather.”
+
+He spake, and with his prayer cast the barley meal. And they two girded
+themselves to slay the steers, proud Ancaeus and Heracles. The latter
+with his club smote one steer mid-head on the brow, and falling in a
+heap on the spot, it sank to the ground; and Ancaeus struck the broad
+neck of the other with his axe of bronze, and shore through the mighty
+sinews; and it fell prone on both its horns. Their comrades quickly
+severed the victims’ throats, and flayed the hides: they sundered the
+joints and carved the flesh, then cut out the sacred thigh bones, and
+covering them all together closely with fat burnt them upon cloven
+wood. And Aeson’s son poured out pure libations, and Idmon rejoiced
+beholding the flame as it gleamed on every side from the sacrifice, and
+the smoke of it mounting up with good omen in dark spiral columns; and
+quickly he spake outright the will of Leto’s son:
+
+“For you it is the will of heaven and destiny that ye shall return here
+with the fleece; but meanwhile both going and returning, countless
+trials await you. But it is my lot, by the hateful decree of a god, to
+die somewhere afar off on the mainland of Asia. Thus, though I learnt
+my fate from evil omens even before now, I have left my fatherland to
+embark on the ship, that so after my embarking fair fame may be left me
+in my house.”
+
+Thus he spake; and the youths hearing the divine utterance rejoiced at
+their return, but grief seized them for the fate of Idmon. Now at the
+hour when the sun passes his noon-tide halt and the ploughlands are
+just being shadowed by the rocks, as the sun slopes towards the evening
+dusk, at that hour all the heroes spread leaves thickly upon the sand
+and lay down in rows in front of the hoary surf-line; and near them
+were spread vast stores of viands and sweet wine, which the cupbearers
+had drawn off in pitchers; afterwards they told tales one to another in
+turn, such as youths often tell when at the feast and the bowl they
+take delightful pastime, and insatiable insolence is far away. But here
+the son of Aeson, all helpless, was brooding over each event in his
+mind, like one oppressed with thought. And Idas noted him and assailed
+him with loud voice:
+
+“Son of Aeson, what is this plan thou art turning over in mind. Speak
+out thy thought in the midst. Does fear come on and master thee, fear,
+that confounds cowards? Be witness now my impetuous spear, wherewith in
+wars I win renown beyond all others (nor does Zeus aid me so much as my
+own spear), that no woe will be fatal, no venture will be unachieved,
+while Idas follows, even though a god should oppose thee. Such a
+helpmeet am I that thou bringest from Arene.”
+
+He spake, and holding a brimming goblet in both hands drank off the
+unmixed sweet wine; and his lips and dark cheeks were drenched with it;
+and all the heroes clamoured together and Idmon spoke out openly:
+
+“Vain wretch, thou art devising destruction for thyself before the
+time. Does the pure wine cause thy bold heart to swell in thy breast to
+thy ruin, and has it set thee on to dishonour the gods? Other words of
+comfort there are with which a man might encourage his comrade; but
+thou hast spoken with utter recklessness. Such taunts, the tale goes,
+did the sons of Aloeus once blurt out against the blessed gods, and
+thou dost no wise equal them in valour; nevertheless they were both
+slain by the swift arrows of Leto’s son, mighty though they were.”
+
+Thus he spake, and Aphareian Iclas laughed out, loud and long, and
+eyeing him askance replied with biting words:
+
+“Come now, tell me this by thy prophetic art, whether for me too the
+gods will bring to pass such doom as thy father promised for the sons
+of Aloeus. And bethink thee how thou wilt escape from my hands alive,
+if thou art caught making a prophecy vain as the idle wind.”
+
+Thus in wrath Idas reviled him, and the strife would have gone further
+had not their comrades and Aeson’s son himself with indignant cry
+restrained the contending chiefs; and Orpheus lifted his lyre in his
+left hand and made essay to sing.
+
+He sang how the earth, the heaven and the sea, once mingled together in
+one form, after deadly strife were separated each from other; and how
+the stars and the moon and the paths of the sun ever keep their fixed
+place in the sky; and how the mountains rose, and how the resounding
+rivers with their nymphs came into being and all creeping things. And
+he sang how first of all Ophion and Eurynome, daughter of Ocean, held
+the sway of snowy Olympus, and how through strength of arm one yielded
+his prerogative to Cronos and the other to Rhea, and how they fell into
+the waves of Ocean; but the other two meanwhile ruled over the blessed
+Titan-gods, while Zeus, still a child and with the thoughts of a child,
+dwelt in the Dictaean cave; and the earthborn Cyclopes had not yet
+armed him with the bolt, with thunder and lightning; for these things
+give renown to Zeus.
+
+He ended, and stayed his lyre and divine voice. But though he had
+ceased they still bent forward with eagerness all hushed to quiet, with
+ears intent on the enchanting strain; such a charm of song had he left
+behind in their hearts. Not long after they mixed libations in honour
+of Zeus, with pious rites as is customary, and poured them upon the
+burning tongues, and bethought them of sleep in the darkness.
+
+Now when gleaming dawn with bright eyes beheld the lofty peaks of
+Pelion, and the calm headlands were being drenched as the sea was
+ruffled by the winds, then Tiphys awoke from sleep; and at once he
+roused his comrades to go on board and make ready the oars. And a
+strange cry did the harbour of Pagasae utter, yea and Pelian Argo
+herself, urging them to set forth. For in her a beam divine had been
+laid which Athena had brought from an oak of Dodona and fitted in the
+middle of the stem. And the heroes went to the benches one after the
+other, as they had previously assigned for each to row in his place,
+and took their seats in due order near their fighting gear. In the
+middle sat Antaeus and mighty Heracles, and near him he laid his club,
+and beneath his tread the ship’s keel sank deep. And now the hawsers
+were being slipped and they poured wine on the sea. But Jason with
+tears held his eyes away from his fatherland. And just as youths set up
+a dance in honour of Phoebus either in Pytho or haply in Ortygia, or by
+the waters of Ismenus, and to the sound of the lyre round his altar all
+together in time beat the earth with swiftly-moving feet; so they to
+the sound of Orpheus’ lyre smote with their oars the rushing sea-water,
+and the surge broke over the blades; and on this side and on that the
+dark brine seethed with foam, boiling terribly through the might of the
+sturdy heroes. And their arms shone in the sun like flame as the ship
+sped on; and ever their wake gleamed white far behind, like a path seen
+over a green plain. On that day all the gods looked down from heaven
+upon the ship and the might of the heroes, half-divine, the bravest of
+men then sailing the sea; and on the topmost heights the nymphs of
+Pelion wondered as they beheld the work of Itonian Athena, and the
+heroes themselves wielding the oars. And there came down from the
+mountain-top to the sea Chiron, son of Philyra, and where the white
+surf broke he dipped his feet, and, often waving with his broad hand,
+cried out to them at their departure, “Good speed and a sorrowless
+home-return!” And with him his wife, bearing Peleus’ son Achilles on
+her arm, showed the child to his dear father.
+
+Now when they had left the curving shore of the harbour through the
+cunning and counsel of prudent Tiphys son of Hagnias, who skilfully
+handled the well-polished helm that he might guide them steadfastly,
+then at length they set up the tall mast in the mastbox, and secured it
+with forestays, drawing them taut on each side, and from it they let
+down the sail when they had hauled it to the top-mast. And a breeze
+came down piping shrilly; and upon the deck they fastened the ropes
+separately round the well-polished pins, and ran quietly past the long
+Tisaean headland. And for them the son of Oeagrus touched his lyre and
+sang in rhythmical song of Artemis, saviour of ships, child of a
+glorious sire, who hath in her keeping those peaks by the sea, and the
+land of Iolcos; and the fishes came darting through the deep sea, great
+mixed with small, and followed gambolling along the watery paths. And
+as when in the track of the shepherd, their master, countless sheep
+follow to the fold that have fed to the full of grass, and he goes
+before gaily piping a shepherd’s strain on Iris shrill reed; so these
+fishes followed; and a chasing breeze ever bore the ship onward.
+
+And straightway the misty land of the Pelasgians, rich in cornfields,
+sank out of sight, and ever speeding onward they passed the rugged
+sides of Pelion; and the Sepian headland sank away, and Sciathus
+appeared in the sea, and far off appeared Piresiae and the calm shore
+of Magnesia on the mainland and the tomb of Dolops; here then in the
+evening, as the wind blew against them, they put to land, and paying
+honour to him at nightfall burnt sheep as victims, while the sea was
+tossed by the swell: and for two days they lingered on the shore, but
+on the third day they put forth the ship, spreading on high the broad
+sail. And even now men call that beach Aphetae[8] of Argo.
+
+Thence going forward they ran past Meliboea, escaping a stormy beach
+and surf-line. And in the morning they saw Homole close at hand leaning
+on the sea, and skirted it, and not long after they were about to pass
+by the outfall of the river Amyrus. From there they beheld Eurymenae
+and the seawashed ravines of Ossa and Olympus; next they reached the
+slopes of Pallene, beyond the headland of Canastra, running all night
+with the wind. And at dawn before them as they journeyed rose Athos,
+the Thracian mountain, which with its topmost peak overshadows Lemnos,
+even as far as Myrine, though it lies as far off as the space that a
+well-trimmed merchantship would traverse up to mid-day. For them on
+that day, till darkness fell, the breeze blew exceedingly fresh, and
+the sails of the ship strained to it. But with the setting of the sun
+the wind left them, and it was by the oars that they reached Lemnos,
+the Sintian isle.
+
+Here the whole of the men of the people together had been ruthlessly
+slain through the transgressions of the women in the year gone by. For
+the men had rejected their lawful wives, loathing them, and had
+conceived a fierce passion for captive maids whom they themselves
+brought across the sea from their forays in Thrace; for the terrible
+wrath of Cypris came upon them, because for a long time they had
+grudged her the honours due. O hapless women, and insatiate in jealousy
+to their own ruin! Not their husbands alone with the captives did they
+slay on account of the marriage-bed, but all the males at the same
+time, that they might thereafter pay no retribution for the grim
+murder. And of all the women, Hypsipyle alone spared her aged father
+Thoas, who was king over the people; and she sent him in a hollow
+chest, to drift over the sea, if haply he should escape. And fishermen
+dragged him to shore at the island of Oenoe, formerly Oenoe, but
+afterwards called Sicinus from Sicinus, whom the water-nymph Oenoe bore
+to Thoas. Now for all the women to tend kine, to don armour of bronze,
+and to cleave with the plough-share the wheat-bearing fields, was
+easier than the works of Athena, with which they were busied aforetime.
+Yet for all that did they often gaze over the broad sea, in grievous
+fear against the Thracians’ coming. So when they saw Argo being rowed
+near the island, straightway crowding in multitude from the gates of
+Myrine and clad in their harness of war, they poured forth to the beach
+like ravening Thyiades: for they deemed that the Thracians were come;
+and with them Hypsipyle, daughter of Thoas, donned her father’s
+harness. And they streamed down speechless with dismay; such fear was
+wafted about them.
+
+Meantime from the ship the chiefs had sent Aethalides the swift herald,
+to whose care they entrusted their messages and the wand of Hermes, his
+sire, who had granted him a memory of all things, that never grew dim;
+and not even now, though he has entered the unspeakable whirlpools of
+Acheron, has forgetfulness swept over his soul, but its fixed doom is
+to be ever changing its abode; at one time to be numbered among the
+dwellers beneath the earth, at another to be in the light of the sun
+among living men. But why need I tell at length tales of Aethalides? He
+at that time persuaded Hypsipyle to receive the new-comers as the day
+was waning into darkness; nor yet at dawn did they loose the ship’s
+hawsers to the breath of the north wind.
+
+Now the Lemnian women fared through the city and sat down to the
+assembly, for Hypsipyle herself had so bidden. And when they were all
+gathered together in one great throng straightway she spake among them
+with stirring words:
+
+“O friends, come let us grant these men gifts to their hearts’ desire,
+such as it is fitting that they should take on ship-board, food and
+sweet wine, in order that they may steadfastly remain outside our
+towers, and may not, passing among us for need’s sake, get to know us
+all too well, and so an evil report be widely spread; for we have
+wrought a terrible deed and in nowise will it be to their liking,
+should they learn it. Such is our counsel now, but if any of you can
+devise a better plan let her rise, for it was on this account that I
+summoned you hither.”
+
+Thus she spake and sat upon her father’s seat of stone, and then rose
+up her dear nurse Polyxo, for very age halting upon her withered feet,
+bowed over a staff, and she was eager to address them. Near her were
+seated four virgins, unwedded, crowned with white hair. And she stood
+in the midst of the assembly and from her bent back she feebly raised
+her neck and spake thus:
+
+“Gifts, as Hypsipyle herself wishes, let us send to the strangers, for
+it is better to give them. But for you what device have ye to get
+profit of your life if the Thracian host fall upon us, or some other
+foe, as often happens among men, even as now this company is come
+unforeseen? But if one of the blessed gods should turn this aside yet
+countless other woes, worse than battle, remain behind, when the aged
+women die off and ye younger ones, without children, reach hateful old
+age. How then will ye live, hapless ones? Will your oxen of their own
+accord yoke themselves for the deep plough-lands and draw the
+earth-cleaving share through the fallow, and forthwith, as the year
+comes round, reap the harvest? Assuredly, though the fates till now
+have shunned me in horror, I deem that in the coming year I shall put
+on the garment of earth, when I have received my meed of burial even so
+as is right, before the evil days draw near. But I bid you who are
+younger give good heed to this. For now at your feet a way of escape
+lies open, if ye trust to the strangers the care of your homes and all
+your stock and your glorious city.”
+
+Thus she spake, and the assembly was filled with clamour. For the word
+pleased them. And after her straightway Hypsipyle rose up again, and
+thus spake in reply.
+
+“If this purpose please you all, now will I even send a messenger to
+the ship.”
+
+She spake and addressed Iphinoe close at hand: “Go, Iphinoe, and beg
+yonder man, whoever it is that leads this array, to come to our land
+that I may tell him a word that pleases the heart of my people, and bid
+the men themselves, if they wish, boldly enter the land and the city
+with friendly intent.”
+
+She spake, and dismissed the assembly, and thereafter started to return
+home. And so Iphinoe came to the Minyae; and they asked with what
+intent she had come among them. And quickly she addressed her
+questioners with all speed in these words:
+
+“The maiden Hypsipyle daughter of Thoas, sent me on my way here to you,
+to summon the captain of your ship, whoever he be, that she may tell
+him a word that pleases the heart of the people, and she bids
+yourselves, if ye wish it, straightway enter the land and the city with
+friendly intent.”
+
+Thus she spake and the speech of good omen pleased all. And they deemed
+that Thoas was dead and that his beloved daughter Hypsipyle was queen,
+and quickly they sent Jason on his way and themselves made ready to go.
+
+Now he had buckled round his shoulders a purple mantle of double fold,
+the work of the Tritonian goddess, which Pallas had given him when she
+first laid the keel-props of the ship Argo and taught him how to
+measure timbers with the rule. More easily wouldst thou cast thy eyes
+upon the sun at its rising than behold that blazing splendour. For
+indeed in the middle the fashion thereof was red, but at the ends it
+was all purple, and on each margin many separate devices had been
+skilfully inwoven.
+
+In it were the Cyclops seated at their imperishable work, forging a
+thunderbolt for King Zeus; by now it was almost finished in its
+brightness and still it wanted but one ray, which they were beating out
+with their iron hammers as it spurted forth a breath of raging flame.
+
+In it too were the twin sons of Antiope, daughter of Asopus, Amphion
+and Zethus, and Thebe still ungirt with towers was lying near, whose
+foundations they were just then laying in eager haste. Zethus on his
+shoulders was lifting the peak of a steep mountain, like a man toiling
+hard, and Amphion after him, singing loud and clear on his golden lyre,
+moved on, and a rock twice as large followed his footsteps.
+
+Next in order had been wrought Cytherea with drooping tresses, wielding
+the swift shield of Ares; and from her shoulder to her left arm the
+fastening of her tunic was loosed beneath her breast; and opposite in
+the shield of bronze her image appeared clear to view as she stood.
+
+And in it there was a well-wooded pasturage of oxen; and about the oxen
+the Teleboae and the sons of Eleetryon were fighting; the one party
+defending themselves, the others, the Taphian raiders, longing to rob
+them; and the dewy meadow was drenched with their blood, and the many
+were overmastering the few herdsmen.
+
+And therein were fashioned two chariots, racing, and the one in front
+Pelops was guiding, as he shook the reins, and with him was Hippodameia
+at his side, and in pursuit Myrtilus urged his steeds, and with him
+Oenomaus had grasped his couched spear, but fell as the axle swerved
+and broke in the nave, while he was eager to pierce the back of Pelops.
+
+And in it was wrought Phoebus Apollo, a stripling not yet grown up, in
+the act of shooting at mighty Tityos who was boldly dragging his mother
+by her veil, Tityos whom glorious Elate bare, but Earth nursed him and
+gave him second birth.
+
+And in it was Phrixus the Minyan as though he were in very deed
+listening to the ram, while it was like one speaking. Beholding them
+thou wouldst be silent and wouldst cheat thy soul with the hope of
+hearing some wise speech from them, and long wouldst thou gaze with
+that hope.
+
+Such then were the gifts of the Tritonian goddess Athena. And in his
+right hand Jason held a fardarting spear, which Atalanta gave him once
+as a gift of hospitality in Maenalus as she met him gladly; for she
+eagerly desired to follow on that quest; but he himself of his own
+accord prevented the maid, for he feared bitter strife on account of
+her love.
+
+And he went on his way to the city like to a bright star, which
+maidens, pent up in new-built chambers, behold as it rises above their
+homes, and through the dark air it charms their eyes with its fair red
+gleam and the maid rejoices, love-sick for the youth who is far away
+amid strangers, for whom her parents are keeping her to be his bride;
+like to that star the hero trod the way to the city. And when they had
+passed within the gates and the city, the women of the people surged
+behind them, delighting in the stranger, but he with his eyes fixed on
+the ground fared straight on, till he reached the glorious palace of
+Hypsipyle; and when he appeared the maids opened the folding doors,
+fitted with well-fashioned panels. Here Iphinoe leading him quickly
+through a fair porch set him upon a shining seat opposite her mistress,
+but Hypsipyle turned her eyes aside and a blush covered her maiden
+cheeks, yet for all her modesty she addressed him with crafty words:
+
+“Stranger, why stay ye so long outside our towers? for the city is not
+inhabited by the men, but they, as sojourners, plough the wheat-bearing
+fields of the Thracian mainland. And I will tell out truly all our evil
+plight, that ye yourselves too may know it well. When my father Thoas
+reigned over the citizens, then our folk starting from their homes used
+to plunder from their ships the dwellings of the Thracians who live
+opposite, and they brought back hither measureless booty and maidens
+too. But the counsel of the baneful goddess Cypris was working out its
+accomplishment, who brought upon them soul destroying infatuation. For
+they hated their lawful wives, and, yielding to their own mad folly,
+drove them from their homes; and they took to their beds the captives
+of their spear, cruel ones. Long in truth we endured it, if haply
+again, though late, they might change their purpose, but ever the
+bitter woe grew, twofold. And the lawful children were being
+dishonoured in their halls, and a bastard race was rising. And thus
+unmarried maidens and widowed mothers too wandered uncared for through
+the city; no father heeded his daughter ever so little even though he
+should see her done to death before his eyes at the hands of an
+insolent step-dame, nor did sons, as before, defend their mother
+against unseemly outrage; nor did brothers care at heart for their
+sister. But in their homes, in the dance, in the assembly and the
+banquet all their thought was only for their captive maidens; until
+some god put desperate courage in our hearts no more to receive our
+lords on their return from Thrace within our towers so that they might
+either heed the right or might depart and begone elsewhither, they and
+their captives. So they begged of us all the male children that were
+left in the city and went back to where even now they dwell on the
+snowy tilths of Thrace. Do ye therefore stay and settle with us; and
+shouldst thou desire to dwell here, and this finds favour with thee,
+assuredly thou shalt have the prerogative of my father Thoas; and I
+deem that thou wilt not scorn our land at all; for it is deepsoiled
+beyond all other islands that lie in the Aegaean sea. But come now,
+return to the ship and relate my words to thy comrades, and stay not
+outside our city.”
+
+She spoke, glozing over the murder that had been wrought upon the men;
+and Jason addressed her in answer:
+
+“Hypsipyle, very dear to our hearts is the help we shall meet with,
+which thou grantest to us who need thee. And I will return again to the
+city when I have told everything in order due. But let the sovereignty
+of the island be thine; it is not in scorn I yield it up, but grievous
+trials urge me on.”
+
+He spake, and touched her right hand; and quickly he turned to go back:
+and round him the young maids on every side danced in countless numbers
+in their joy till he passed through the gates. And then they came to
+the shore in smooth-running wains, bearing with them many gifts, when
+now he had related from beginning to end the speech which Hypsipyle had
+spoken when she summoned them; and the maids readily led the men back
+to their homes for entertainment. For Cypris stirred in them a sweet
+desire, for the sake of Hephaestus of many counsels, in order that
+Lemnos might be again inhabited by men and not be ruined.
+
+Thereupon Aeson’s son started to go to the royal home of Hypsipyle; and
+the rest went each his way as chance took them, all but Heracles; for
+he of his own will was left behind by the ship and a few chosen
+comrades with him. And straightway the city rejoiced with dances and
+banquets, being filled with the steam of sacrifice; and above all the
+immortals they propitiated with songs and sacrifices the illustrious
+son of Hera and Cypris herself. And the sailing was ever delayed from
+one day to another; and long would they have lingered there, had not
+Heracles, gathering together his comrades apart from the women, thus
+addressed them with reproachful words:
+
+“Wretched men, does the murder of kindred keep us from our native land?
+Or is it in want of marriage that we have come hither from thence, in
+scorn of our countrywomen? Does it please us to dwell here and plough
+the rich soil of Lemnos? No fair renown shall we win by thus tarrying
+so long with stranger women; nor will some god seize and give us at our
+prayer a fleece that moves of itself. Let us then return each to his
+own; but him leave ye to rest all day long in the embrace of Hypsipyle
+until he has peopled Lemnos with men-children, and so there come to him
+great glory.”
+
+Thus did he chide the band; but no one dared to meet his eye or to
+utter a word in answer. But just as they were in the assembly they made
+ready their departure in all haste, and the women came running towards
+them, when they knew their intent. And as when bees hum round fair
+lilies pouring forth from their hive in the rock, and all around the
+dewy meadow rejoices, and they gather the sweet fruit, flitting from
+one to another; even so the women eagerly poured forth clustering round
+the men with loud lament, and greeted each one with hands and voice,
+praying the blessed gods to grant him a safe return. And so Hypsipyle
+too prayed, seizing the hands of Aeson’s son, and her tears flowed for
+the loss of her lover:
+
+“Go, and may heaven bring thee back again with thy comrades unharmed,
+bearing to the king the golden fleece, even as thou wilt and thy heart
+desireth; and this island and my father’s sceptre will be awaiting
+thee, if on thy return hereafter thou shouldst choose to come hither
+again; and easily couldst thou gather a countless host of men from
+other cities. But thou wilt not have this desire, nor do I myself
+forbode that so it will be. Still remember Hypsipyle when thou art far
+away and when thou hast returned; and leave me some word of bidding,
+which I will gladly accomplish, if haply heaven shall grant me to be a
+mother.”
+
+And Aeson’s son in admiration thus replied: “Hypsipyle, so may all
+these things prove propitious by the favour of the blessed gods. But do
+thou hold a nobler thought of me, since by the grace of Pelias it is
+enough for me to dwell in my native land; may the gods only release me
+from my toils. But if it is not my destiny to sail afar and return to
+the land of Hellas, and if thou shouldst bear a male child, send him
+when grown up to Pelasgian Iolcus, to heal the grief of my father and
+mother if so be that he find them still living, in order that, far away
+from the king, they may be cared for by their own hearth in their
+home.”
+
+He spake, and mounted the ship first of all; and so the rest of the
+chiefs followed, and, sitting in order, seized the oars; and Argus
+loosed for them the hawsers from under the sea-beaten rock. Whereupon
+they mightily smote the water with their long oars, and in the evening
+by the injunctions of Orpheus they touched at the island of Electra,[9]
+daughter of Atlas, in order that by gentle initiation they might learn
+the rites that may not be uttered, and so with greater safety sail over
+the chilling sea. Of these I will make no further mention; but I bid
+farewell to the island itself and the indwelling deities, to whom
+belong those mysteries, which it is not lawful for me to sing.
+
+Thence did they row with eagerness over the depths of the black Sea,
+having on the one side the land of the Thracians, on the other Imbros
+on the south; and as the sun was just setting they reached the foreland
+of the Chersonesus. There a strong south wind blew for them; and
+raising the sails to the breeze they entered the swift stream of the
+maiden daughter of Athamas; and at dawn the sea to the north was left
+behind and at night they were coasting inside the Rhoeteian shore, with
+the land of Ida on their right. And leaving Dardania they directed
+their course to Abydus, and after it they sailed past Percote and the
+sandy beach of Abarnis and divine Pityeia. And in that night, as the
+ship sped on by sail and oar, they passed right through the Hellespont
+dark-gleaming with eddies.
+
+There is a lofty island inside the Propontis, a short distance from the
+Phrygian mainland with its rich cornfields, sloping to the sea, where
+an isthmus in front of the mainland is flooded by the waves, so low
+does it lie. And the isthmus has double shores, and they lie beyond the
+river Aesepus, and the inhabitants round about call the island the
+Mount of Bears. And insolent and fierce men dwell there, Earthborn, a
+great marvel to the neighbours to behold; for each one has six mighty
+hands to lift up, two from his sturdy shoulders, and four below,
+fitting close to his terrible sides. And about the isthmus and the
+plain the Doliones had their dwelling, and over them Cyzicus son of
+Aeneus was king, whom Aenete the daughter of goodly Eusorus bare. But
+these men the Earthborn monsters, fearful though they were, in nowise
+harried, owing to the protection of Poseidon; for from him had the
+Doliones first sprung. Thither Argo pressed on, driven by the winds of
+Thrace, and the Fair haven received her as she sped. There they cast
+away their small anchorstone by the advice of Tiphys and left it
+beneath a fountain, the fountain of Artaeie; and they took another meet
+for their purpose, a heavy one; but the first, according to the oracle
+of the Far-Darter, the Ionians, sons of Neleus, in after days laid to
+be a sacred stone, as was right, in the temple of Jasonian Athena.
+
+Now the Doliones and Cyzicus himself all came together to meet them
+with friendliness, and when they knew of the quest and their lineage
+welcomed them with hospitality, and persuaded them to row further and
+to fasten their ship’s hawsers at the city harbour. Here they built an
+altar to Ecbasian Apollo[10] and set it up on the beach, and gave heed
+to sacrifices. And the king of his own bounty gave them sweet wine and
+sheep in their need; for he had heard a report that whenever a godlike
+band of heroes should come, straightway he should meet it with gentle
+words and should have no thought of war. As with Jason, the soft down
+was just blooming on his chin, nor yet had it been his lot to rejoice
+in children, but still in his palace his wife was untouched by the
+pangs of child-birth, the daughter of Percosian Merops, fair-haired
+Cleite, whom lately by priceless gifts he had brought from her father’s
+home from the mainland opposite. But even so he left his chamber and
+bridal bed and prepared a banquet among the strangers, casting all
+fears from his heart. And they questioned one another in turn. Of them
+would he learn the end of their voyage and the injunctions of Pelias;
+while they enquired about the cities of the people round and all the
+gulf of the wide Propontis; but further he could not tell them for all
+their desire to learn. In the morning they climbed mighty Dindymum that
+they might themselves behold the various paths of that sea; and they
+brought their ship from its former anchorage to the harbour, Chytus;
+and the path they trod is named the path of Jason.
+
+But the Earthborn men on the other side rushed down from the mountain
+and with crags below blocked up the mouth of vast Chytus towards the
+sea, like men lying in wait for a wild beast within. But there Heracles
+had been left behind with the younger heroes and he quickly bent his
+back-springing bow against the monsters and brought them to earth one
+after another; and they in their turn raised huge ragged rocks and
+hurled them. For these dread monsters too, I ween, the goddess Hera,
+bride of Zeus, had nurtured to be a trial for Heracles. And therewithal
+came the rest of the martial heroes returning to meet the foe before
+they reached the height of outlook, and they fell to the slaughter of
+the Earthborn, receiving them with arrows and spears until they slew
+them all as they rushed fiercely to battle. And as when woodcutters
+cast in rows upon the beach long trees just hewn down by their axes, in
+order that, once sodden with brine, they may receive the strong bolts;
+so these monsters at the entrance of the foam-fringed harbour lay
+stretched one after another, some in heaps bending their heads and
+breasts into the salt waves with their limbs spread out above on the
+land; others again were resting their heads on the sand of the shore
+and their feet in the deep water, both alike a prey to birds and fishes
+at once.
+
+But the heroes, when the contest was ended without fear, loosed the
+ship’s hawsers to the breath of the wind and pressed on through the
+sea-swell. And the ship sped on under sail all day; but when night came
+the rushing wind did not hold steadfast, but contrary blasts caught
+them and held them back till they again approached the hospitable
+Doliones. And they stepped ashore that same night; and the rock is
+still called the Sacred Rock round which they threw the ship’s hawsers
+in their haste. Nor did anyone note with care that it was the same
+island; nor in the night did the Doliones clearly perceive that the
+heroes were returning; but they deemed that Pelasgian war-men of the
+Macrians had landed. Therefore they donned their armour and raised
+their hands against them. And with clashing of ashen spears and shields
+they fell on each other, like the swift rush of fire which falls on dry
+brushwood and rears its crest; and the din of battle, terrible and
+furious, fell upon the people of the Doliones. Nor was the king to
+escape his fate and return home from battle to his bridal chamber and
+bed. But Aeson’s son leapt upon him as he turned to face him, and smote
+him in the middle of the breast, and the bone was shattered round the
+spear; he rolled forward in the sand and filled up the measure of his
+fate. For that no mortal may escape; but on every side a wide snare
+encompasses us. And so, when he thought that he had escaped bitter
+death from the chiefs, fate entangled him that very night in her toils
+while battling with them; and many champions withal were slain;
+Heracles killed Telecles and Megabrontes, and Acastus slew Sphodris;
+and Peleus slew Zelus and Gephyrus swift in war. Telamon of the strong
+spear slew Basileus. And Idas slew Promeus, and Clytius Hyacinthus, and
+the two sons of Tyndareus slew Megalossaces and Phlogius. And after
+them the son of Oeneus slew bold Itomeneus, and Artaceus, leader of
+men; all of whom the inhabitants still honour with the worship due to
+heroes. And the rest gave way and fled in terror just as doves fly in
+terror before swift-winged hawks. And with a din they rustled in a body
+to the gates; and quickly the city was filled with loud cries at the
+turning of the dolorous fight. But at dawn both sides perceived the
+fatal and cureless error; and bitter grief seized the Minyan heroes
+when they saw before them Cyzicus son of Aeneus fallen in the midst of
+dust and blood. And for three whole days they lamented and rent their
+hair, they and the Dollones. Then three times round his tomb they paced
+in armour of bronze and performed funeral rites and celebrated games,
+as was meet, upon the meadow-plain, where even now rises the mound of
+his grave to be seen by men of a later day. No, nor was his bride
+Cleite left behind her dead husband, but to crown the ill she wrought
+an ill yet more awful, when she clasped a noose round her neck. Her
+death even the nymphs of the grove bewailed; and of all the tears for
+her that they shed to earth from their eyes the goddesses made a
+fountain, which they call Cleite,[11] the illustrious name of the
+hapless maid. Most terrible came that day from Zeus upon the Doliones,
+women and men; for no one of them dared even to taste food, nor for a
+long time by reason of grief did they take thought for the toil of the
+cornmill, but they dragged on their lives eating their food as it was,
+untouched by fire. Here even now, when the Ionians that dwell in
+Cyzicus pour their yearly libations for the dead, they ever grind the
+meal for the sacrificial cakes at the common mill.[12]
+
+After this, fierce tempests arose for twelve days and nights together
+and kept them there from sailing. But in the next night the rest of the
+chieftains, overcome by sleep, were resting during the latest period of
+the night, while Acastus and Mopsus the son of Ampyeus kept guard over
+their deep slumbers. And above the golden head of Aeson’s son there
+hovered a halcyon prophesying with shrill voice the ceasing of the
+stormy winds; and Mopsus heard and understood the cry of the bird of
+the shore, fraught with good omen. And some god made it turn aside, and
+flying aloft it settled upon the stern-ornament of the ship. And the
+seer touched Jason as he lay wrapped in soft sheepskins and woke him at
+once, and thus spake:
+
+“Son of Aeson, thou must climb to this temple on rugged Dindymum and
+propitiate the mother[13] of all the blessed gods on her fair throne,
+and the stormy blasts shall cease. For such was the voice I heard but
+now from the halcyon, bird of the sea, which, as it flew above thee in
+thy slumber, told me all. For by her power the winds and the sea and
+all the earth below and the snowy seat of Olympus are complete; and to
+her, when from the mountains she ascends the mighty heaven, Zeus
+himself, the son of Cronos, gives place. In like manner the rest of the
+immortal blessed ones reverence the dread goddess.”
+
+Thus he spake, and his words were welcome to Jason’s ear. And he arose
+from his bed with joy and woke all his comrades hurriedly and told them
+the prophecy of Mopsus the son of Ampycus. And quickly the younger men
+drove oxen from their stalls and began to lead them to the mountain’s
+lofty summit. And they loosed the hawsers from the sacred rock and
+rowed to the Thracian harbour; and the heroes climbed the mountain,
+leaving a few of their comrades in the ship. And to them the Macrian
+heights and all the coast of Thrace opposite appeared to view close at
+hand. And there appeared the misty mouth of Bosporus and the Mysian
+hills; and on the other side the stream of the river Aesepus and the
+city and Nepeian plain of Adrasteia. Now there was a sturdy stump of
+vine that grew in the forest, a tree exceeding old; this they cut down,
+to be the sacred image of the mountain goddess; and Argus smoothed it
+skilfully, and they set it upon that rugged hill beneath a canopy of
+lofty oaks, which of all trees have their roots deepest. And near it
+they heaped an altar of small stones, and wreathed their brows with oak
+leaves and paid heed to sacrifice, invoking the mother of Dindymum,
+most venerable, dweller in Phrygia, and Titias and Cyllenus, who alone
+of many are called dispensers of doom and assessors of the Idaean
+mother,—the Idaean Dactyls of Crete, whom once the nymph Anchiale, as
+she grasped with both hands the land of Oaxus, bare in the Dictaean
+cave. And with many prayers did Aeson’s son beseech the goddess to turn
+aside the stormy blasts as he poured libations on the blazing
+sacrifice; and at the same time by command of Orpheus the youths trod a
+measure dancing in full armour, and clashed with their swords on their
+shields, so that the ill-omened cry might be lost in the air the wail
+which the people were still sending up in grief for their king. Hence
+from that time forward the Phrygians propitiate Rhea with the wheel and
+the drum. And the gracious goddess, I ween, inclined her heart to pious
+sacrifices; and favourable signs appeared. The trees shed abundant
+fruit, and round their feet the earth of its own accord put forth
+flowers from the tender grass. And the beasts of the wild wood left
+their lairs and thickets and came up fawning on them with their tails.
+And she caused yet another marvel; for hitherto there was no flow of
+water on Dindymum, but then for them an unceasing stream gushed forth
+from the thirsty peak just as it was, and the dwellers around in after
+times called that stream, the spring of Jason. And then they made a
+feast in honour of the goddess on the Mount of Bears, singing the
+praises of Rhea most venerable; but at dawn the winds had ceased and
+they rowed away from the island.
+
+Thereupon a spirit of contention stirred each chieftain, who should be
+the last to leave his oar. For all around the windless air smoothed the
+swirling waves and lulled the sea to rest. And they, trusting in the
+calm, mightily drove the ship forward; and as she sped through the salt
+sea, not even the storm-footed steeds of Poseidon would have overtaken
+her. Nevertheless when the sea was stirred by violent blasts which were
+just rising from the rivers about evening, forspent with toil, they
+ceased. But Heracles by the might of his arms pulled the weary rowers
+along all together, and made the strong-knit timbers of the ship to
+quiver. But when, eager to reach the Mysian mainland, they passed along
+in sight of the mouth of Rhyndaeus and the great cairn of Aegaeon, a
+little way from Phrygia, then Heracles, as he ploughed up the furrows
+of the roughened surge, broke his oar in the middle. And one half he
+held in both his hands as he fell sideways, the other the sea swept
+away with its receding wave. And he sat up in silence glaring round;
+for his hands were unaccustomed to be idle.
+
+Now at the hour when from the field some delver or ploughman goes
+gladly home to his hut, longing for his evening meal, and there on the
+threshold, all squalid with dust, bows his wearied knees, and,
+beholding his hands worn with toil, with many a curse reviles his
+belly; at that hour the heroes reached the homes of the Cianian land
+near the Arganthonian mount and the outfall of Cius. Them as they came
+in friendliness, the Mysians, inhabitants of that land, hospitably
+welcomed, and gave them in their need provisions and sheep and abundant
+wine. Hereupon some brought dried wood, others from the meadows leaves
+for beds which they gathered in abundance for strewing, whilst others
+were twirling sticks to get fire; others again were mixing wine in the
+bowl and making ready the feast, after sacrificing at nightfall to
+Apollo Ecbasius.
+
+But the son of Zeus having duly enjoined on his comrades to prepare the
+feast took his way into a wood, that he might first fashion for himself
+an oar to fit his hand. Wandering about he found a pine not burdened
+with many branches, nor too full of leaves, but like to the shaft of a
+tall poplar; so great was it both in length and thickness to look at.
+And quickly he laid on the ground his arrow-holding quiver together
+with his bow, and took off his lion’s skin. And he loosened the pine
+from the ground with his bronze-tipped club and grasped the trunk with
+both hands at the bottom, relying on his strength; and he pressed it
+against his broad shoulder with legs wide apart; and clinging close he
+raised it from the ground deep-rooted though it was, together with
+clods of earth. And as when unexpectedly, just at the time of the
+stormy setting of baleful Orion, a swift gust of wind strikes down from
+above, and wrenches a ship’s mast from its stays, wedges and all; so
+did Heracles lift the pine. And at the same time he took up his bow and
+arrows, his lion skin and club, and started on his return.
+
+Meantime Hylas with pitcher of bronze in hand had gone apart from the
+throng, seeking the sacred flow of a fountain, that he might be quick
+in drawing water for the evening meal and actively make all things
+ready in due order against his lord’s return. For in such ways did
+Heracles nurture him from his first childhood when he had carried him
+off from the house of his father, goodly Theiodamas, whom the hero
+pitilessly slew among the Dryopians because he withstood him about an
+ox for the plough. Theiodamas was cleaving with his plough the soil of
+fallow land when he was smitten with the curse; and Heracles bade him
+give up the ploughing ox against his will. For he desired to find some
+pretext for war against the Dryopians for their bane, since they dwelt
+there reckless of right. But these tales would lead me far astray from
+my song. And quickly Hylas came to the spring which the people who
+dwell thereabouts call Pegae. And the dances of the nymphs were just
+now being held there; for it was the care of all the nymphs that
+haunted that lovely headland ever to hymn Artemis in songs by night.
+All who held the mountain peaks or glens, all they were ranged far off
+guarding the woods; but one, a water-nymph was just rising from the
+fair-flowing spring; and the boy she perceived close at hand with the
+rosy flush of his beauty and sweet grace. For the full moon beaming
+from the sky smote him. And Cypris made her heart faint, and in her
+confusion she could scarcely gather her spirit back to her. But as soon
+as he dipped the pitcher in the stream, leaning to one side, and the
+brimming water rang loud as it poured against the sounding bronze,
+straightway she laid her left arm above upon his neck yearning to kiss
+his tender mouth; and with her right hand she drew down his elbow, and
+plunged him into the midst of the eddy.
+
+Alone of his comrades the hero Polyphemus, son of Eilatus, as he went
+forward on the path, heard the boy’s cry, for he expected the return of
+mighty Heracles. And he rushed after the cry, near Pegae, like some
+beast of the wild wood whom the bleating of sheep has reached from
+afar, and burning with hunger he follows, but does not fall in with the
+flocks; for the shepherds beforehand have penned them in the fold, but
+he groans and roars vehemently until he is weary. Thus vehemently at
+that time did the son of Eilatus groan and wandered shouting round the
+spot; and his voice rang piteous. Then quickly drawing his great sword
+he started in pursuit, in fear lest the boy should be the prey of wild
+beasts, or men should have lain in ambush for him faring all alone, and
+be carrying him off, an easy prey. Hereupon as he brandished his bare
+sword in his hand he met Heracles himself on the path, and well he knew
+him as he hastened to the ship through the darkness. And straightway he
+told the wretched calamity while his heart laboured with his panting
+breath.
+
+“My poor friend, I shall be the first to bring thee tidings of bitter
+woe. Hylas has gone to the well and has not returned safe, but robbers
+have attacked and are carrying him off, or beasts are tearing him to
+pieces; I heard his cry.”
+
+Thus he spake; and when Heracles heard his words, sweat in abundance
+poured down from his temples and the black blood boiled beneath his
+heart. And in wrath he hurled the pine to the ground and hurried along
+the path whither his feet bore on his impetuous soul. And as when a
+bull stung by a gadfly tears along, leaving the meadows and the marsh
+land, and recks not of herdsmen or herd, but presses on, now without
+cheek, now standing still, and raising his broad neck he bellows
+loudly, stung by the maddening fly; so he in his frenzy now would ply
+his swift knees unresting, now again would cease from toil and shout
+afar with loud pealing cry.
+
+But straightway the morning star rose above the topmost peaks and the
+breeze swept down; and quickly did Tiphys urge them to go aboard and
+avail themselves of the wind. And they embarked eagerly forthwith; and
+they drew up the ship’s anchors and hauled the ropes astern. And the
+sails were bellied out by the wind, and far from the coast were they
+joyfully borne past the Posideian headland. But at the hour when
+gladsome dawn shines from heaven, rising from the east, and the paths
+stand out clearly, and the dewy plains shine with a bright gleam, then
+at length they were aware that unwittingly they had abandoned those
+men. And a fierce quarrel fell upon them, and violent tumult, for that
+they had sailed and left behind the bravest of their comrades. And
+Aeson’s son, bewildered by their hapless plight, said never a word,
+good or bad; but sat with his heavy load of grief, eating out his
+heart. And wrath seized Telamon, and thus he spake:
+
+“Sit there at thy ease, for it was fitting for thee to leave Heracles
+behind; from thee the project arose, so that his glory throughout
+Hellas should not overshadow thee, if so be that heaven grants us a
+return home. But what pleasure is there in words? For I will go, I
+only, with none of thy comrades, who have helped thee to plan this
+treachery.”
+
+He spake, and rushed upon Tiphys son of Hagnias; and his eyes sparkled
+like flashes of ravening flame. And they would quickly have turned back
+to the land of the Mysians, forcing their way through the deep sea and
+the unceasing blasts of the wind, had not the two sons of Thracian
+Boreas held back the son of Aeacus with harsh words. Hapless ones,
+assuredly a bitter vengeance came upon them thereafter at the hands of
+Heracles, because they stayed the search for him. For when they were
+returning from the games over Pelias dead he slew them in sea-girt
+Tenos and heaped the earth round them, and placed two columns above,
+one of which, a great marvel for men to see, moves at the breath of the
+blustering north wind. These things were thus to be accomplished in
+after times. But to them appeared Glaucus from the depths of the sea,
+the wise interpreter of divine Nereus, and raising aloft his shaggy
+head and chest from his waist below, with sturdy hand he seized the
+ship’s keel, and then cried to the eager crew:
+
+“Why against the counsel of mighty Zeus do ye purpose to lead bold
+Heracles to the city of Aeetes? At Argos it is his fate to labour for
+insolent Eurystheus and to accomplish full twelve toils and dwell with
+the immortals, if so be that he bring to fulfilment a few more yet;
+wherefore let there be no vain regret for him. Likewise it is destined
+for Polyphemus to found a glorious city at the mouth of Cius among the
+Mysians and to fill up the measure of his fate in the vast land of the
+Chalybes. But a goddess-nymph through love has made Hylas her husband,
+on whose account those two wandered and were left behind.”
+
+He spake, and with a plunge wrapped him about with the restless wave;
+and round him the dark water foamed in seething eddies and dashed
+against the hollow ship as it moved through the sea. And the heroes
+rejoiced, and Telamon son of Aeacus came in haste to Jason, and
+grasping his hand in his own embraced him with these words:
+
+“Son of Aeson, be not wroth with me, if in my folly I have erred, for
+grief wrought upon me to utter a word arrogant and intolerable. But let
+me give my fault to the winds and let our hearts be joined as before.”
+
+Him the son of Aeson with prudence addressed: “Good friend, assuredly
+with an evil word didst thou revile me, saying before them all that I
+was the wronger of a kindly man. But not for long will I nurse bitter
+wrath, though indeed before I was grieved. For it was not for flocks of
+sheep, no, nor for possessions that thou wast angered to fury, but for
+a man, thy comrade. And I were fain thou wouldst even champion me
+against another man if a like thing should ever befall me.”
+
+He spake, and they sat down, united as of old. But of those two, by the
+counsel of Zeus, one, Polyphemus son of Eilatus, was destined to found
+and build a city among the Mysians bearing the river’s name, and the
+other, Heracles, to return and toil at the labours of Eurystheus. And
+he threatened to lay waste the Mysian land at once, should they not
+discover for him the doom of Hylas, whether living or dead. And for him
+they gave pledges choosing out the noblest sons of the people and took
+an oath that they would never cease from their labour of search.
+Therefore to this day the people of Cius enquire for Hylas the son of
+Theiodamas, and take thought for the well-built Trachis. For there did
+Heracles settle the youths whom they sent from Cius as pledges.
+
+And all day long and all night the wind bore the ship on, blowing fresh
+and strong; but when dawn rose there was not even a breath of air. And
+they marked a beach jutting forth from a bend of the coast, very broad
+to behold, and by dint of rowing came to land at sunrise.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK II
+
+
+Here were the oxstalls and farm of Amycus, the haughty king of the
+Bebrycians, whom once a nymph, Bithynian Melie, united to Poseidon
+Genethlius, bare the most arrogant of men; for even for strangers he
+laid down an insulting ordinance, that none should depart till they had
+made trial of him in boxing; and he had slain many of the neighbours.
+And at that time too he went down to the ship and in his insolence
+scorned to ask them the occasion of their voyage, and who they were,
+but at once spake out among them all:
+
+“Listen, ye wanderers by sea, to what it befits you to know. It is the
+rule that no stranger who comes to the Bebrycians should depart till he
+has raised his hands in battle against mine. Wherefore select your
+bravest warrior from the host and set him here on the spot to contend
+with me in boxing. But if ye pay no heed and trample my decrees under
+foot, assuredly to your sorrow will stern necessity come upon you.”
+
+Thus he spake in his pride, but fierce anger seized them when they
+heard it, and the challenge smote Polydeuces most of all. And quickly
+he stood forth his comrades’ champion, and cried:
+
+“Hold now, and display not to us thy brutal violence, whoever thou art;
+for we will obey thy rules, as thou sayest. Willingly now do I myself
+undertake to meet thee.”
+
+Thus he spake outright; but the other with rolling eyes glared on him,
+like to a lion struck by a javelin when hunters in the mountains are
+hemming him round, and, though pressed by the throng, he reeks no more
+of them, but keeps his eyes fixed, singling out that man only who
+struck him first and slew him not. Hereupon the son of Tyndareus laid
+aside his mantle, closely-woven, delicately-wrought, which one of the
+Lemnian maidens had given him as a pledge of hospitality; and the king
+threw down his dark cloak of double fold with its clasps and the
+knotted crook of mountain olive which he carried. Then straightway they
+looked and chose close by a spot that pleased them and bade their
+comrades sit upon the sand in two lines; nor were they alike to behold
+in form or in stature. The one seemed to be a monstrous son of baleful
+Typhoeus or of Earth herself, such as she brought forth aforetime, in
+her wrath against Zeus; but the other, the son of Tyndareus, was like a
+star of heaven, whose beams are fairest as it shines through the
+nightly sky at eventide. Such was the son of Zeus, the bloom of the
+first down still on his cheeks, still with the look of gladness in his
+eyes. But his might and fury waxed like a wild beast’s; and he poised
+his hands to see if they were pliant as before and were not altogether
+numbed by toil and rowing. But Amycus on his side made no trial; but
+standing apart in silence he kept his eyes upon his foe, and his spirit
+surged within him all eager to dash the life-blood from his breast. And
+between them Lyeoreus, the henchman of Amycus, placed at their feet on
+each side two pairs of gauntlets made of raw hide, dry, exceeding
+tough. And the king addressed the hero with arrogant words:
+
+“Whichever of these thou wilt, without casting lots, I grant thee
+freely, that thou mayst not blame me hereafter. Bind them about thy
+hands; thou shalt learn and tell another how skilled I am to carve the
+dry oxhides and to spatter men’s cheeks with blood.”
+
+Thus he spake; but the other gave back no taunt in answer, but with a
+light smile readily took up the gauntlets that lay at his feet; and to
+him came Castor and mighty Talaus, son of Bias, and they quickly bound
+the gauntlets about his hands, often bidding him be of good courage.
+And to Amycus came Aretus and Ornytus, but little they knew, poor
+fools, that they had bound them for the last time on their champion, a
+victim of evil fate.
+
+Now when they stood apart and were ready with their gauntlets,
+straightway in front of their faces they raised their heavy hands and
+matched their might in deadly strife. Hereupon the Bebrycian king even
+as a fierce wave of the sea rises in a crest against a swift ship, but
+she by the skill of the crafty pilot just escapes the shock when the
+billow is eager to break over the bulwark—so he followed up the son of
+Tyndareus, trying to daunt him, and gave him no respite. But the hero,
+ever unwounded, by his skill baffled the rush of his foe, and he
+quickly noted the brutal play of his fists to see where he was
+invincible in strength, and where inferior, and stood unceasingly and
+returned blow for blow. And as when shipwrights with their hammers
+smite ships’ timbers to meet the sharp clamps, fixing layer upon layer;
+and the blows resound one after another; so cheeks and jaws crashed on
+both sides, and a huge clattering of teeth arose, nor did they cease
+ever from striking their blows until laboured gasping overcame both.
+And standing a little apart they wiped from their foreheads sweat in
+abundance, wearily panting for breath. Then back they rushed together
+again, as two bulls fight in furious rivalry for a grazing heifer. Next
+Amycus rising on tiptoe, like one who slays an ox, sprung to his full
+height and swung his heavy hand down upon his rival; but the hero
+swerved aside from the rush, turning his head, and just received the
+arm on his shoulder; and coming near and slipping his knee past the
+king’s, with a rush he struck him above the ear, and broke the bones
+inside, and the king in agony fell upon his knees; and the Minyan
+heroes shouted for joy; and his life was poured forth all at once.
+
+Nor were the Bebrycians reckless of their king; but all together took
+up rough clubs and spears and rushed straight on Polydeuces. But in
+front of him stood his comrades, their keen swords drawn from the
+sheath. First Castor struck upon the head a man as he rushed at him:
+and it was cleft in twain and fell on each side upon his shoulders. And
+Polydeuces slew huge Itymoneus and Mimas. The one, with a sudden leap,
+he smote beneath the breast with his swift foot and threw him in the
+dust; and as the other drew near he struck him with his right hand
+above the left eyebrow, and tore away his eyelid and the eyeball was
+left bare. But Oreides, insolent henchman of Amycus, wounded Talaus son
+of Bias in the side, but did not slay him, but only grazing the skin
+the bronze sped under his belt and touched not the flesh. Likewise
+Aretus with well-seasoned club smote Iphitus, the steadfast son of
+Eurytus, not yet destined to an evil death; assuredly soon was he
+himself to be slain by the sword of Clytius. Then Ancaeus, the
+dauntless son of Lycurgus, quickly seized his huge axe, and in his left
+hand holding a bear’s dark hide, plunged into the midst of the
+Bebrycians with furious onset; and with him charged the sons of Aeacus,
+and with them started warlike Jason. And as when amid the folds grey
+wolves rush down on a winter’s day and scare countless sheep, unmarked
+by the keen-scented dogs and the shepherds too, and they seek what
+first to attack and carry off; often glaring around, but the sheep are
+just huddled together and trample on one another; so the heroes
+grievously scared the arrogant Bebrycians. And as shepherds or
+beekeepers smoke out a huge swarm of bees in a rock, and they
+meanwhile, pent up in their hive, murmur with droning hum, till,
+stupefied by the murky smoke, they fly forth far from the rock; so they
+stayed steadfast no longer, but scattered themselves inland through
+Bebrycia, proclaiming the death of Amycus; fools, not to perceive that
+another woe all unforeseen was hard upon them. For at that hour their
+vineyards and villages were being ravaged by the hostile spear of Lycus
+and the Mariandyni, now that their king was gone. For they were ever at
+strife about the ironbearing land. And now the foe was destroying their
+steadings and farms, and now the heroes from all sides were driving off
+their countless sheep, and one spake among his fellows thus:
+
+“Bethink ye what they would have done in their cowardice if haply some
+god had brought Heracles hither. Assuredly, if he had been here, no
+trial would there have been of fists, I ween, but when the king drew
+near to proclaim his rules, the club would have made him forget his
+pride and the rules to boot. Yea, we left him uncared for on the strand
+and we sailed oversea; and full well each one of us shall know our
+baneful folly, now that he is far away.”
+
+Thus he spake, but all these things had been wrought by the counsels of
+Zeus. Then they remained there through the night and tended the hurts
+of the wounded men, and offered sacrifice to the immortals, and made
+ready a mighty meal; and sleep fell upon no man beside the bowl and the
+blazing sacrifice. They wreathed their fair brows with the bay that
+grew by the shore, whereto their hawsers were bound, and chanted a song
+to the lyre of Orpheus in sweet harmony; and the windless shore was
+charmed by their song; and they celebrated the Therapnaean son of
+Zeus.[14]
+
+But when the sun rising from far lands lighted up the dewy hills and
+wakened the shepherds, then they loosed their hawsers from the stem of
+the baytree and put on board all the spoil they had need to take; and
+with a favouring wind they steered through the eddying Bosporus.
+Hereupon a wave like a steep mountain rose aloft in front as though
+rushing upon them, ever upheaved above the clouds; nor would you say
+that they could escape grim death, for in its fury it hangs over the
+middle of the ship, like a cloud, yet it sinks away into calm if it
+meets with a skilful helmsman. So they by the steering-craft of Tiphys
+escaped, unhurt but sore dismayed. And on the next day they fastened
+the hawsers to the coast opposite the Bithynian land.
+
+There Phineus, son of Agenor, had his home by the sea, Phineus who
+above all men endured most bitter woes because of the gift of prophecy
+which Leto’s son had granted him aforetime. And he reverenced not a
+whit even Zeus himself, for he foretold unerringly to men his sacred
+will. Wherefore Zeus sent upon him a lingering old age, and took from
+his eyes the pleasant light, and suffered him not to have joy of the
+dainties untold that the dwellers around ever brought to his house,
+when they came to enquire the will of heaven. But on a sudden, swooping
+through the clouds, the Harpies with their crooked beaks incessantly
+snatched the food away from his mouth and hands. And at times not a
+morsel of food was left, at others but a little, in order that he might
+live and be tormented. And they poured forth over all a loathsome
+stench; and no one dared not merely to carry food to his mouth but even
+to stand at a distance; so foully reeked the remnants of the meal. But
+straightway when he heard the voice and the tramp of the band he knew
+that they were the men passing by, at whose coming Zeus’ oracle had
+declared to him that he should have joy of his food. And he rose from
+his couch, like a lifeless dream, bowed over his staff, and crept to
+the door on his withered feet, feeling the walls; and as he moved, his
+limbs trembled for weakness and age; and his parched skin was caked
+with dirt, and naught but the skill held his bones together. And he
+came forth from the hall with wearied knees and sat on the threshold of
+the courtyard; and a dark stupor covered him, and it seemed that the
+earth reeled round beneath his feet, and he lay in a strengthless
+trance, speechless. But when they saw him they gathered round and
+marvelled. And he at last drew laboured breath from the depths of his
+chest and spoke among them with prophetic utterance:
+
+“Listen, bravest of all the Hellenes, if it be truly ye, whom by a
+king’s ruthless command Jason is leading on the ship Argo in quest of
+the fleece. It is ye truly. Even yet my soul by its divination knows
+everything. Thanks I render to thee, O king, son of Leto, plunged in
+bitter affliction though I be. I beseech you by Zeus the god of
+suppliants, the sternest foe to sinful men, and for the sake of Phoebus
+and Hera herself, under whose especial care ye have come hither, help
+me, save an ill-fated man from misery, and depart not uncaring and
+leaving me thus as ye see. For not only has the Fury set her foot on my
+eyes and I drag on to the end a weary old age; but besides my other
+woes a woe hangs over me the bitterest of all. The Harpies, swooping
+down from some unseen den of destruction, ever snatch the food from my
+mouth. And I have no device to aid me. But it were easier, when I long
+for a meal, to escape my own thoughts than them, so swiftly do they fly
+through the air. But if haply they do leave me a morsel of food it
+reeks of decay and the stench is unendurable, nor could any mortal bear
+to draw near even for a moment, no, not if his heart were wrought of
+adamant. But necessity, bitter and insatiate, compels me to abide and
+abiding to put food in my cursed belly. These pests, the oracle
+declares, the sons of Boreas shall restrain. And no strangers are they
+that shall ward them off if indeed I am Phineus who was once renowned
+among men for wealth and the gift of prophecy, and if I am the son of
+my father Agenor; and, when I ruled among the Thracians, by my bridal
+gifts I brought home their sister Cleopatra to be my wife.”
+
+So spake Agenor’s son; and deep sorrow seized each of the heroes, and
+especially the two sons of Boreas. And brushing away a tear they drew
+nigh, and Zetes spake as follows, taking in his own the hand of the
+grief-worn sire:
+
+“Unhappy one, none other of men is more wretched than thou, methinks.
+Why upon thee is laid the burden of so many sorrows? Hast thou with
+baneful folly sinned against the gods through thy skill in prophecy?
+For this are they greatly wroth with thee? Yet our spirit is dismayed
+within us for all our desire to aid thee, if indeed the god has granted
+this privilege to us two. For plain to discern to men of earth are the
+reproofs of the immortals. And we will never check the Harpies when
+they come, for all our desire, until thou hast sworn that for this we
+shall not lose the favour of heaven.”
+
+Thus he spake; and towards him the aged sire opened his sightless eyes,
+and lifted them up and replied with these words:
+
+“Be silent, store not up such thoughts in thy heart, my child. Let the
+son of Leto be my witness, he who of his gracious will taught me the
+lore of prophecy, and be witness the ill-starred doom which possesses
+me and this dark cloud upon my eyes, and the gods of the underworld—and
+may their curse be upon me if I die perjured thus—no wrath from heaven
+will fall upon you two for your help to me.”
+
+Then were those two eager to help him because of the oath. And quickly
+the younger heroes prepared a feast for the aged man, a last prey for
+the Harpies; and both stood near him, to smite with the sword those
+pests when they swooped down. Scarcely had the aged man touched the
+food when they forthwith, like bitter blasts or flashes of lightning,
+suddenly darted from the clouds, and swooped down with a yell, fiercely
+craving for food; and the heroes beheld them and shouted in the midst
+of their onrush; but they at the cry devoured everything and sped away
+over the sea after; and an intolerable stench remained. And behind them
+the two sons of Boreas raising their swords rushed in pursuit. For Zeus
+imparted to them tireless strength; but without Zeus they could not
+have followed, for the Harpies used ever to outstrip the blasts of the
+west wind when they came to Phineus and when they left him. And as
+when, upon the mountain-side, hounds, cunning in the chase, run in the
+track of horned goats or deer, and as they strain a little behind gnash
+their teeth upon the edge of their jaws in vain; so Zetes and Calais
+rushing very near just grazed the Harpies in vain with their
+finger-tips. And assuredly they would have torn them to pieces, despite
+heaven’s will, when they had overtaken them far off at the Floating
+Islands, had not swift Iris seen them and leapt down from the sky from
+heaven above, and cheeked them with these words:
+
+“It is not lawful, O sons of Boreas, to strike with your swords the
+Harpies, the hounds of mighty Zeus; but I myself will give you a
+pledge, that hereafter they shall not draw near to Phineus.”
+
+With these words she took an oath by the waters of Styx, which to all
+the gods is most dread and most awful, that the Harpies would never
+thereafter again approach the home of Phineus, son of Agenor, for so it
+was fated. And the heroes yielding to the oath, turned back their
+flight to the ship. And on account of this men call them the Islands of
+Turning though aforetime they called them the Floating Islands. And the
+Harpies and Iris parted. They entered their den in Minoan Crete; but
+she sped up to Olympus, soaring aloft on her swift wings.
+
+Meanwhile the chiefs carefully cleansed the old man’s squalid skin and
+with due selection sacrificed sheep which they had borne away from the
+spoil of Amycus. And when they had laid a huge supper in the hall, they
+sat down and feasted, and with them feasted Phineus ravenously,
+delighting his soul, as in a dream. And there, when they had taken
+their fill of food and drink, they kept awake all night waiting for the
+sons of Boreas. And the aged sire himself sat in the midst, near the
+hearth, telling of the end of their voyage and the completion of their
+journey:
+
+“Listen then. Not everything is it lawful for you to know clearly; but
+whatever is heaven’s will, I will not hide. I was infatuated aforetime,
+when in my folly I declared the will of Zeus in order and to the end.
+For he himself wishes to deliver to men the utterances of the prophetic
+art incomplete, in order that they may still have some need to know the
+will of heaven.”
+
+“First of all, after leaving me, ye will see the twin Cyanean rocks
+where the two seas meet. No one, I ween, has won his escape between
+them. For they are not firmly fixed with roots beneath, but constantly
+clash against one another to one point, and above a huge mass of salt
+water rises in a crest, boiling up, and loudly dashes upon the hard
+beach. Wherefore now obey my counsel, if indeed with prudent mind and
+reverencing the blessed gods ye pursue your way; and perish not
+foolishly by a self-sought death, or rush on following the guidance of
+youth. First entrust the attempt to a dove when ye have sent her forth
+from the ship. And if she escapes safe with her wings between the rocks
+to the open sea, then no more do ye refrain from the path, but grip
+your oars well in your hands and cleave the sea’s narrow strait, for
+the light of safety will be not so much in prayer as in strength of
+hands. Wherefore let all else go and labour boldly with might and main,
+but ere then implore the gods as ye will, I forbid you not. But if she
+flies onward and perishes midway, then do ye turn back; for it is
+better to yield to the immortals. For ye could not escape an evil doom
+from the rocks, not even if Argo were of iron.”
+
+“O hapless ones, dare not to transgress my divine warning, even though
+ye think that I am thrice as much hated by the sons of heaven as I am,
+and even more than thrice; dare not to sail further with your ship in
+despite of the omen. And as these things will fall, so shall they fall.
+But if ye shun the clashing rocks and come scatheless inside Pontus,
+straightway keep the land of the Bithynians on your right and sail on,
+and beware of the breakers, until ye round the swift river Rhebas and
+the black beach, and reach the harbour of the Isle of Thynias. Thence
+ye must turn back a little space through the sea and beach your ship on
+the land of the Mariandyni lying opposite. Here is a downward path to
+the abode of Hades, and the headland of Acherusia stretches aloft, and
+eddying Acheron cleaves its way at the bottom, even through the
+headland, and sends its waters forth from a huge ravine. And near it ye
+will sail past many hills of the Paphlagonians, over whom at the first
+Eneteian Pelops reigned, and of his blood they boast themselves to be.”
+
+“Now there is a headland opposite Helice the Bear, steep on all sides,
+and they call it Carambis, about whose crests the blasts of the north
+wind are sundered. So high in the air does it rise turned towards the
+sea. And when ye have rounded it broad Aegialus stretches before you;
+and at the end of broad Aegialus, at a jutting point of coast, the
+waters of the river Halys pour forth with a terrible roar; and after it
+his flowing near, but smaller in stream, rolls into the sea with white
+eddies. Onward from thence the bend of a huge and towering cape reaches
+out from the land, next Thermodon at its mouth flows into a quiet bay
+at the Themiscyreian headland, after wandering through a broad
+continent. And here is the plain of Doeas, and near are the three
+cities of the Amazons, and after them the Chalybes, most wretched of
+men, possess a soil rugged and unyielding sons of toil, they busy
+themselves with working iron. And near them dwell the Tibareni, rich in
+sheep, beyond the Genetaean headland of Zeus, lord of hospitality. And
+bordering on it the Mossynoeci next in order inhabit the well-wooded
+mainland and the parts beneath the mountains, who have built in towers
+made from trees their wooden homes and well-fitted chambers, which they
+call Mossynes, and the people themselves take their name from them.
+After passing them ye must beach your ship upon a smooth island, when
+ye have driven away with all manner of skill the ravening birds, which
+in countless numbers haunt the desert island. In it the Queens of the
+Amazons, Otrere and Antiope, built a stone temple of Ares what time
+they went forth to war. Now here an unspeakable help will come to you
+from the bitter sea; wherefore with kindly intent I bid you stay. But
+what need is there that I should sin yet again declaring everything to
+the end by my prophetic art? And beyond the island and opposite
+mainland dwell the Philyres: and above the Philyres are the Macrones,
+and after them the vast tribes of the Becheiri. And next in order to
+them dwell the Sapeires, and the Byzeres have the lands adjoining to
+them, and beyond them at last live the warlike Colchians themselves.
+But speed on in your ship, till ye touch the inmost bourne of the sea.
+And here at the Cytaean mainland and from the Amarantine mountains far
+away and the Circaean plain, eddying Phasis rolls his broad stream to
+the sea. Guide your ship to the mouth of that river and ye shall behold
+the towers of Cytaean Aeetes and the shady grove of Ares, where a
+dragon, a monster terrible to behold, ever glares around, keeping watch
+over the fleece that is spread upon the top of an oak; neither by day
+nor by night does sweet sleep subdue his restless eyes.”
+
+Thus he spake, and straightway fear seized them as they heard. And for
+a long while they were struck with silence; till at last the hero, son
+of Aeson, spake, sore dismayed at their evil plight:
+
+“O aged sire, now hast thou come to the end of the toils of our
+sea-journeying and hast told us the token, trusting to which we shall
+make our way to Pontus through the hateful rocks; but whether, when we
+have escaped them, we shall have a return back again to Hellas, this
+too would we gladly learn from thee. What shall I do, how shall I go
+over again such a long path through the sea, unskilled as I am, with
+unskilled comrades? And Colchian Aea lies at the edge of Pontus and of
+the world.”
+
+Thus he spake, and him the aged sire addressed in reply: “O son, when
+once thou hast escaped through the deadly rocks, fear not; for a deity
+will be the guide from Aea by another track; and to Aea there will be
+guides enough. But, my friends, take thought of the artful aid of the
+Cyprian goddess. For on her depends the glorious issue of your venture.
+And further than this ask me not.”
+
+Thus spake Agenor’s son, and close at hand the twin sons of Thracian
+Boreas came darting from the sky and set their swift feet upon the
+threshold; and the heroes rose up from their seats when they saw them
+present. And Zetes, still drawing hard breath after his toil, spake
+among the eager listeners, telling them how far they had driven the
+Harpies and how his prevented their slaying them, and how the goddess
+of her grace gave them pledges, and how those others in fear plunged
+into the vast cave of the Dictaean cliff. Then in the mansion all their
+comrades were joyful at the tidings and so was Phineus himself. And
+quickly Aeson’s son, with good will exceeding, addressed him:
+
+“Assuredly there was then, Phineus, some god who cared for thy bitter
+woe, and brought us hither from afar, that the sons of Boreas might aid
+thee; and if too he should bring sight to thine eyes, verily I should
+rejoice, methinks, as much as if I were on my homeward way.”
+
+Thus he spake, but Phineus replied to him with downcast look: “Son of
+Aeson, that is past recall, nor is there any remedy hereafter, for
+blasted are my sightless eyes. But instead of that, may the god grant
+me death at once, and after death I shall take my share in perfect
+bliss.”
+
+Then they two returned answering speech, each to other, and soon in the
+midst of their converse early dawn appeared; and round Phineus were
+gathered the neighbours who used to come thither aforetime day by day
+and constantly bring a portion of their food. To all alike, however
+poor he was that came, the aged man gave his oracles with good will,
+and freed many from their woes by his prophetic art; wherefore they
+visited and tended him. And with them came Paraebius, who was dearest
+to him, and gladly did he perceive these strangers in the house. For
+long ere now the seer himself had said that a band of chieftains,
+faring from Hellas to the city of Aceres, would make fast their hawsers
+to the Thynian land, and by Zeus’ will would check the approach of the
+Harpies. The rest the old man pleased with words of wisdom and let them
+go; Paraebius only he bade remain there with the chiefs; and
+straightway he sent him and bade him bring back the choicest of his
+sheep. And when he had left the hall Phineus spake gently amid the
+throng of oarsmen:
+
+“O my friends, not all men are arrogant, it seems, nor unmindful of
+benefits. Even as this man, loyal as he is, came hither to learn his
+fate. For when he laboured the most and toiled the most, then the needs
+of life, ever growing more and more, would waste him, and day after day
+ever dawned more wretched, nor was there any respite to his toil. But
+he was paying the sad penalty of his father’s sin. For he when alone on
+the mountains, felling trees, once slighted the prayers of a Hamadryad,
+who wept and sought to soften him with plaintive words, not to cut down
+the stump of an oak tree coeval with herself, wherein for a long time
+she had lived continually; but he in the arrogance of youth recklessly
+cut it down. So to him the nymph thereafter made her death a curse, to
+him and to his children. I indeed knew of the sin when he came; and I
+bid him build an altar to the Thynian nymph, and offer on it an atoning
+sacrifice, with prayer to escape his father’s fate. Here, ever since he
+escaped the god-sent doom, never has he forgotten or neglected me; but
+sorely and against his will do I send him from my doors, so eager is he
+to remain with me in my affliction.”
+
+Thus spake Agenor’s son; and his friend straightway came near leading
+two sheep from the flock. And up rose Jason and up rose the sons of
+Boreas at the bidding of the aged sire. And quickly they called upon
+Apollo, lord of prophecy, and offered sacrifice upon the health as the
+day was just sinking. And the younger comrades made ready a feast to
+their hearts’ desire. Thereupon having well feasted they turned
+themselves to rest, some near the ship’s hawsers, others in groups
+throughout the mansion. And at dawn the Etesian winds blew strongly,
+which by the command of Zeus blow over every land equally.
+
+Cyrene, the tale goes, once tended sheep along the marsh-meadow of
+Peneus among men of old time; for dear to her were maidenhood and a
+couch unstained. But, as she guarded her flock by the river, Apollo
+carried her off far from Haemonia and placed her among the nymphs of
+the land, who dwelt in Libya near the Myrtosian height. And here to
+Phoebus she bore Aristaeus whom the Haemonians, rich in corn-land, call
+“Hunter” and “Shepherd”. Her, of his love, the god made a nymph there,
+of long life and a huntress, and his son he brought while still an
+infant to be nurtured in the cave of Cheiron. And to him when he grew
+to manhood the Muses gave a bride, and taught him the arts of healing
+and of prophecy; and they made him the keeper of their sheep, of all
+that grazed on the Athamantian plain of Phthia and round steep Othrys
+and the sacred stream of the river Apidanus. But when from heaven
+Sirius scorched the Minoan Isles, and for long there was no respite for
+the inhabitants, then by the injunction of the Far-Darter they summoned
+Aristaeus to ward off the pestilence. And by his father’s command he
+left Phthia and made his home in Ceos, and gathered together the
+Parrhasian people who are of the lineage of Lycaon, and he built a
+great altar to Zeus Icmaeus, and duly offered sacrifices upon the
+mountains to that star Sirius, and to Zeus son of Cronos himself. And
+on this account it is that Etesian winds from Zeus cool the land for
+forty days, and in Ceos even now the priests offer sacrifices before
+the rising of the Dog-star.
+
+So the tale is told, but the chieftains stayed there by constraint, and
+every day the Thynians, doing pleasure to Phineus, sent them gifts
+beyond measure. And afterwards they raised an altar to the blessed
+twelve on the sea-beach opposite and laid offerings thereon and then
+entered their swift ship to row, nor did they forget to bear with them
+a trembling dove; but Euphemus seized her and brought her all quivering
+with fear, and they loosed the twin hawsers from the land.
+
+Nor did they start unmarked by Athena, but straightway swiftly she set
+her feel on a light cloud, which would waft her on, mighty though she
+was, and she swept on to the sea with friendly thoughts to the oarsmen.
+And as when one roveth far from his native land, as we men often wander
+with enduring heart, nor is any land too distant but all ways are clear
+to his view, and he sees in mind his own home, and at once the way over
+sea and land seems slain, and swiftly thinking, now this way, now that,
+he strains with eager eyes; so swiftly the daughter of Zeus darted down
+and set her foot on the cheerless shore of Thynia.
+
+Now when they reached the narrow strait of the winding passage, hemmed
+in on both sides by rugged cliffs, while an eddying current from below
+was washing against the ship as she moved on, they went forward sorely
+in dread; and now the thud of the crashing rocks ceaselessly struck
+their ears, and the sea-washed shores resounded, and then Euphemus
+grasped the dove in his hand and started to mount the prow; and they,
+at the bidding of Tiphys, son of Hagnias, rowed with good will to drive
+Argo between the rocks, trusting to their strength. And as they rounded
+a bend they saw the rocks opening for the last time of all. Their
+spirit melted within them; and Euphemus sent forth the dove to dart
+forward in flight; and they all together raised their heads to look;
+but she flew between them, and the rocks again rushed together and
+crashed as they met face to face. And the foam leapt up in a mass like
+a cloud; awful was the thunder of the sea; and all round them the
+mighty welkin roared.
+
+The hollow caves beneath the rugged cliffs rumbled as the sea came
+surging in; and the white foam of the dashing wave spurted high above
+the cliff. Next the current whirled the ship round. And the rocks shore
+away the end of the dove’s tail-feathers; but away she flew unscathed.
+And the rowers gave a loud cry; and Tiphys himself called to them to
+row with might and main. For the rocks were again parting asunder. But
+as they rowed they trembled, until the tide returning drove them back
+within the rocks. Then most awful fear seized upon all; for over their
+head was destruction without escape. And now to right and left broad
+Pontus was seen, when suddenly a huge wave rose up before them, arched,
+like a steep rock; and at the sight they bowed with bended heads. For
+it seemed about to leap down upon the ship’s whole length and to
+overwhelm them. But Tiphys was quick to ease the ship as she laboured
+with the oars; and in all its mass the wave rolled away beneath the
+keel, and at the stern it raised Argo herself and drew her far away
+from the rocks; and high in air was she borne. But Euphemus strode
+among all his comrades and cried to them to bend to their oars with all
+their might; and they with a shout smote the water. And as far as the
+ship yielded to the rowers, twice as far did she leap back, and the
+oar, were bent like curved bows as the heroes used their strength.
+
+Then a vaulted billow rushed upon them, and the ship like a cylinder
+ran on the furious wave plunging through the hollow sea. And the
+eddying current held her between the clashing rocks; and on each side
+they shook and thundered; and the ship’s timbers were held fast. Then
+Athena with her left hand thrust back one mighty rock and with her
+right pushed the ship through; and she, like a winged arrow, sped
+through the air. Nevertheless the rocks, ceaselessly clashing, shore
+off as she passed the extreme end of the stern-ornament. But Athena
+soared up to Olympus, when they had escaped unscathed. And the rocks in
+one spot at that moment were rooted fast for ever to each other, which
+thing had been destined by the blessed gods, when a man in his ship
+should have passed between them alive. And the heroes breathed again
+after their chilling fear, beholding at the same time the sky and the
+expanse of sea spreading far and wide. For they deemed that they were
+saved from Hades; and Tiphys first of all began to speak:
+
+“It is my hope that we have safely escaped this peril—we, and the ship;
+and none other is the cause so much as Athena, who breathed into Argo
+divine strength when Argus knitted her together with bolts; and she may
+not be caught. Son of Aeson, no longer fear thou so much the hest of
+thy king, since a god hath granted us escape between the rocks; for
+Phineus, Agenor’s son, said that our toils hereafter would be lightly
+accomplished.”
+
+He spake, and at once he sped the ship onward through the midst of the
+sea past the Bithynian coast. But Jason with gentle words addressed him
+in reply: “Tiphys, why dost thou comfort thus my grieving heart? I have
+erred and am distraught in wretched and helpless ruin. For I ought,
+when Pelias gave the command, to have straightway refused this quest to
+his face, yea, though I were doomed to die pitilessly, torn limb from
+limb, but now I am wrapped in excessive fear and cares unbearable,
+dreading to sail through the chilling paths of the sea, and dreading
+when we shall set foot on the mainland. For on every side are unkindly
+men. And ever when day is done I pass a night of groans from the time
+when ye first gathered together for my sake, while I take thought for
+all things; but thou talkest at thine ease, eating only for thine own
+life; while for myself I am dismayed not a whit; but I fear for this
+man and for that equally, and for thee, and for my other comrades, if I
+shall not bring you back safe to the land of Hellas.”
+
+Thus he spake, making trial of the chiefs; but they shouted loud with
+cheerful words. And his heart was warmed within him at their cry and
+again he spake outright among them:
+
+“My friends, in your valour my courage is quickened. Wherefore now,
+even though I should take my way through the gulfs of Hades, no more
+shall I let fear seize upon me, since ye are steadfast amid cruel
+terrors. But now that we have sailed out from the striking rocks, I
+trow that never hereafter will there be another such fearful thing, if
+indeed we go on our way following the counsel of Phineus.”
+
+Thus he spake, and straightway they ceased from such words and gave
+unwearying labour to the oar; and quickly they passed by the swiftly
+flowing river Rhebas and the peak of Colone, and soon thereafter the
+black headland, and near it the mouth of the river Phyllis, where
+aforetime Dipsaeus received in his home the son of Athamas, when with
+his ram he was flying from the city of Orchomenus; and Dipsacus was the
+son of a meadow-nymph, nor was insolence his delight, but contented by
+his father’s stream he dwelt with his mother, pasturing his flocks by
+the shore. And quickly they sighted and sailed past his shrine and the
+broad banks of the river and the plain, and deep-flowing Calpe, and all
+the windless night and the day they bent to their tireless oars. And
+even as ploughing oxen toil as they cleave the moist earth, and sweat
+streams in abundance from flank and neck; and from beneath the yoke
+their eyes roll askance, while the breath ever rushes from their mouths
+in hot gasps; and all day long they toil, planting their hoofs deep in
+the ground; like them the heroes kept dragging their oars through the
+sea.
+
+Now when divine light has not yet come nor is it utter darkness, but a
+faint glimmer has spread over the night, the time when men wake and
+call it twilight, at that hour they ran into the harbour of the desert
+island Thynias and, spent by weary toil, mounted the shore. And to them
+the son of Leto, as he passed from Lycia far away to the countless folk
+of the Hyperboreans, appeared; and about his cheeks on both sides his
+golden locks flowed in clusters as he moved; in his left hand he held a
+silver bow, and on his back was slung a quiver hanging from his
+shoulders; and beneath his feet all the island quaked, and the waves
+surged high on the beach. Helpless amazement seized them as they
+looked; and no one dared to gaze face to face into the fair eyes of the
+god. And they stood with heads bowed to the ground; but he, far off,
+passed on to the sea through the air; and at length Orpheus spake as
+follows, addressing the chiefs:
+
+“Come, let us call this island the sacred isle of Apollo of the Dawn
+since he has appeared to all, passing by at dawn; and we will offer
+such sacrifices as we can, building an altar on the shore; and if
+hereafter he shall grant us a safe return to the Haemonian land, then
+will we lay on his altar the thighs of horned goats. And now I bid you
+propitiate him with the steam of sacrifice and libations. Be gracious,
+O king, be gracious in thy appearing.”
+
+Thus he spake, and they straightway built up an altar with shingle; and
+over the island they wandered, seeking if haply they could get a
+glimpse of a fawn or a wild goat, that often seek their pasture in the
+deep wood. And for them Leto’s son provided a quarry; and with pious
+rites they wrapped in fat the thigh bones of them all and burnt them on
+the sacred altar, celebrating Apollo, Lord of Dawn. And round the
+burning sacrifice they set up a broad dancing-ring, singing, “All hail
+fair god of healing, Phoebus, all hail,” and with them Oeagrus’ goodly
+son began a clear lay on his Bistonian lyre; how once beneath the rocky
+ridge of Parnassus he slew with his bow the monster Delphyne, he, still
+young and beardless, still rejoicing in his long tresses. Mayst thou be
+gracious! Ever, O king, be thy locks unshorn, ever unravaged; for so is
+it right. And none but Leto, daughter of Coeus, strokes them with her
+dear hands. And often the Corycian nymphs, daughters of Pleistus, took
+up the cheering strain crying “Healer”; hence arose this lovely refrain
+of the hymn to Phoebus.
+
+Now when they had celebrated him with dance and song they took an oath
+with holy libations, that they would ever help each other with concord
+of heart, touching the sacrifice as they swore; and even now there
+stands there a temple to gracious Concord, which the heroes themselves
+reared, paying honour at that time to the glorious goddess.
+
+Now when the third morning came, with a fresh west wind they left the
+lofty island. Next, on the opposite side they saw and passed the mouth
+of the river Sangarius and the fertile land of the Mariandyni, and the
+stream of Lycus and the Anthemoeisian lake; and beneath the breeze the
+ropes and all the tackling quivered as they sped onward. During the
+night the wind ceased and at dawn they gladly reached the haven of the
+Acherusian headland. It rises aloft with steep cliffs, looking towards
+the Bithynian sea; and beneath it smooth rocks, ever washed by the sea,
+stand rooted firm; and round them the wave rolls and thunders loud, but
+above, wide-spreading plane trees grow on the topmost point. And from
+it towards the land a hollow glen slopes gradually away, where there is
+a cave of Hades overarched by wood and rocks. From here an icy breath,
+unceasingly issuing from the chill recess, ever forms a glistening rime
+which melts again beneath the midday sun. And never does silence hold
+that grim headland, but there is a continual murmur from the sounding
+sea and the leaves that quiver in the winds from the cave. And here is
+the outfall of the river Acheron which bursts its way through the
+headland and falls into the Eastern sea, and a hollow ravine brings it
+down from above. In after times the Nisaean Megarians named it
+Soonautes[15] when they were about to settle in the land of the
+Mariandyni. For indeed the river saved them with their ships when they
+were caught in a violent tempest. By this way the heroes took the ship
+through[16] the Acherusian headland and came to land over against it as
+the wind had just ceased.
+
+Not long had they come unmarked by Lycus, the lord of that land, and
+the Mariandyni—they, the slayers of Amycus, according to the report
+which the people heard before; but for that very deed they even made a
+league with the heroes. And Polydeuces himself they welcomed as a god,
+flocking from every side, since for a long time had they been warring
+against the arrogant Bebrycians. And so they went up all together into
+the city, and all that day with friendly feelings made ready a feast
+within the palace of Lycus and gladdened their souls with converse.
+Aeson’s son told him the lineage and name of each of his comrades and
+the behests of Pelias, and how they were welcomed by the Lemnian women,
+and all that they did at Dolionian Cyzieus; and how they reached the
+Mysian land and Cius, where, sore against their will, they left behind
+the hero Heracles, and he told the saying of Glaucus, and how they slew
+the Bebrycians and Amycus, and he told of the prophecies and affliction
+of Phineus, and how they escaped the Cyanean rocks, and how they met
+with Leto’s son at the island. And as he told all, Lycus was charmed in
+soul with listening; and he grieved for Heracles left behind, and spake
+as follows among them all:
+
+“O friends, what a man he was from whose help ye have fallen away, as
+ye cleave your long path to Aeetes; for well do I know that I saw him
+here in the halls of Dascylus my father, when he came hither on foot
+through the land of Asia bringing the girdle of warlike Hippolyte; and
+me he found with the down just growing on my cheeks. And here, when my
+brother Priolas was slain by the Mysians—my brother, whom ever since
+the people lament with most piteous dirges—he entered the lists with
+Titias in boxing and slew him, mighty Titias, who surpassed all the
+youths in beauty and strength; and he dashed his teeth to the ground.
+Together with the Mysians he subdued beneath my father’s sway the
+Phrygians also, who inhabit the lands next to us, and he made his own
+the tribes of the Bithynians and their land, as far as the mouth of
+Rhebas and the peak of Colone; and besides them the Paphlagonians of
+Pelops yielded just as they were, even all those round whom the dark
+water of Billaeus breaks. But now the Bebrycians and the insolence of
+Amycus have robbed me, since Heracles dwells far away, for they have
+long been cutting off huge pieces of my land until they have set their
+bounds at the meadows of deep-flowing Hypius. Nevertheless, by your
+hands have they paid the penalty; and it was not without the will of
+heaven, I trow, that he brought war on the Bebrycians this day—he, the
+son of Tyndareus, when he slew that champion. Wherefore whatever
+requital I am now able to pay, gladly will I pay it, for that is the
+rule for weaker men when the stronger begin to help them. So with you
+all, and in your company, I bid Dascylus my son follow; and if he goes,
+you will find all men friendly that ye meet on your way through the sea
+even to the mouth of the river Thermodon. And besides that, to the sons
+of Tyndareus will I raise a lofty temple on the Acherusian height,
+which all sailors shall mark far across the sea and shall reverence;
+and hereafter for them will I set apart outside the city, as for gods,
+some fertile fields of the well-tilled plain.”
+
+Thus all day long they revelled at the banquet. But at dawn they hied
+down to the ship in haste; and with them went Lycus himself, when he
+had given them countless gifts to bear away; and with them he sent
+forth his son from his home.
+
+And here his destined fate smote Idmon, son of Abas, skilled in
+soothsaying; but not at all did his soothsaying save him, for necessity
+drew him on to death. For in the mead of the reedy river there lay,
+cooling his flanks and huge belly in the mud, a white-tusked boar, a
+deadly monster, whom even the nymphs of the marsh dreaded, and no man
+knew it; but all alone he was feeding in the wide fell. But the son of
+Abas was passing along the raised banks of the muddy river, and the
+boar from some unseen lair leapt out of the reed-bed, and charging
+gashed his thigh and severed in twain the sinews and the bone. And with
+a sharp cry the hero fell to the ground; and as he was struck his
+comrades flocked together with answering cry. And quickly Peleus with
+his hunting spear aimed at the murderous boar as he fled back into the
+fen; and again he turned and charged; but Idas wounded him, and with a
+roar he fell impaled upon the sharp spear. And the boar they left on
+the ground just as he had fallen there; but Idmon, now at the last
+gasp, his comrades bore to the ship in sorrow of heart, and he died in
+his comrades’ arms.
+
+And here they stayed from taking thought for their voyaging and abode
+in grief for the burial of their dead friend. And for three whole days
+they lamented; and on the next they buried him with full honours, and
+the people and King Lycus himself took part in the funeral rites; and,
+as is the due of the departed, they slaughtered countless sheep at his
+tomb. And so a barrow to this hero was raised in that land, and there
+stands a token for men of later days to see, the trunk of a wild olive
+tree, such as ships are built of; and it flourishes with its green
+leaves a little below the Acherusian headland. And if at the bidding of
+the Muses I must tell this tale outright, Phoebus strictly commanded
+the Boeotians and Nisaeans to worship him as guardian of their city,
+and to build their city round the trunk of the ancient wild olive; but
+they, instead of the god-fearing Aeolid Idmon, at this day honour
+Agamestor.
+
+Who was the next that died? For then a second time the heroes heaped up
+a barrow for a comrade dead. For still are to be seen two monuments of
+those heroes. The tale goes that Tiphys son of Hagnias died; nor was it
+his destiny thereafter to sail any further. But him there on the spot a
+short sickness laid to rest far from his native land, when the company
+had paid due honours to the dead son of Abas. And at the cruel woe they
+were seized with unbearable grief. For when with due honours they had
+buried him also hard by the seer, they cast themselves down in
+helplessness on the sea-shore silently, closely wrapped up, and took no
+thought for meat or drink; and their spirit drooped in grief, for all
+hope of return was gone. And in their sorrow they would have stayed
+from going further had not Hera kindled exceeding courage in Ancaeus,
+whom near the waters of Imbrasus Astypalaea bore to Poseidon; for
+especially was he skilled in steering and eagerly did he address
+Peleus:
+
+“Son of Aeacus, is it well for us to give up our toils and linger on in
+a strange land? Not so much for my prowess in war did Jason take me
+with him in quest of the fleece, far from Parthenia, as for my
+knowledge of ships. Wherefore, I pray, let there be no fear for the
+ship. And so there are here other men of skill, of whom none will harm
+our voyaging, whomsoever we set at the helm. But quickly tell forth all
+this and boldly urge them to call to mind their task.”
+
+Thus he spake; and Peleus’ soul was stirred with gladness, and
+straightway he spake in the midst of all: “My friends, why do we thus
+cherish a bootless grief like this? For those two have perished by the
+fate they have met with; but among our host are steersmen yet, and many
+a one. Wherefore let us not delay our attempt, but rouse yourselves to
+the work and cast away your griefs.”
+
+And him in reply Aeson’s son addressed with helpless words: “Son of
+Aeacus, where are these steersmen of thine? For those whom we once
+deemed to be men of skill, they even more than I are bowed with
+vexation of heart. Wherefore I forebode an evil doom for us even as for
+the dead, if it shall be our lot neither to reach the city of fell
+Aeetes, nor ever again to pass beyond the rocks to the land of Hellas,
+but a wretched fate will enshroud us here ingloriously till we grow old
+for naught.”
+
+Thus he spake, but Ancaeus quickly undertook to guide the swift ship;
+for he was stirred by the impulse of the goddess. And after him Erginus
+and Nauplius and Euphemus started up, eager to steer. But the others
+held them back, and many of his comrades granted it to Ancaeus.
+
+So on the twelfth day they went aboard at dawn, for a strong breeze of
+westerly wind was blowing. And quickly with the oars they passed out
+through the river Acheron and, trusting to the wind, shook out their
+sails, and with canvas spread far and wide they were cleaving their
+passage through the waves in fair weather. And soon they passed the
+outfall of the river Callichorus, where, as the tale goes, the Nysean
+son of Zeus, when he had left the tribes of the Indians and came to
+dwell at Thebes, held revels and arrayed dances in front of a cave,
+wherein he passed unsmiling sacred nights, from which time the
+neighbours call the river by the name of Callichorus[17] and the cave
+Aulion.[18]
+
+Next they beheld the barrow of Sthenelus, Actor’s son, who on his way
+back from the valorous war against the Amazons—for he had been the
+comrade of Heracles—was struck by an arrow and died there upon the
+sea-beach. And for a time they went no further, for Persephone herself
+sent forth the spirit of Actor’s son which craved with many tears to
+behold men like himself, even for a moment. And mounting on the edge of
+the barrow he gazed upon the ship, such as he was when he went to war;
+and round his head a fair helm with four peaks gleamed with its
+blood-red crest. And again he entered the vast gloom; and they looked
+and marvelled; and Mopsus, son of Ampycus, with word of prophecy urged
+them to land and propitiate him with libations. Quickly they drew in
+sail and threw out hawsers, and on the strand paid honour to the tomb
+of Sthenelus, and poured out drink offerings to him and sacrificed
+sheep as victims. And besides the drink offerings they built an altar
+to Apollo, saviour of ships, and burnt thigh bones; and Orpheus
+dedicated his lyre; whence the place has the name of Lyra.
+
+And straightway they went aboard as the wind blew strong; and they drew
+the sail down, and made it taut to both sheets; then Argo was borne
+over the sea swiftly, even as a hawk soaring high through the air
+commits to the breeze its outspread wings and is borne on swiftly, nor
+swerves in its flight, poising in the clear sky with quiet pinions. And
+lo, they passed by the stream of Parthenius as it flows into the sea, a
+most gentle river, where the maid, daughter of Leto, when she mounts to
+heaven after the chase, cools her limbs in its much-desired waters.
+Then they sped onward in the night without ceasing, and passed Sesamus
+and lofty Erythini, Crobialus, Cromna and woody Cytorus. Next they
+swept round Carambis at the rising of the sun, and plied the oars past
+long Aegialus, all day and on through the night.
+
+And straightway they landed on the Assyrian shore where Zeus himself
+gave a home to Sinope, daughter of Asopus, and granted her virginity,
+beguiled by his own promises. For he longed for her love, and he
+promised to grant her whatever her hearts desire might be. And she in
+her craftiness asked of him virginity. And in like manner she deceived
+Apollo too who longed to wed her, and besides them the river Halys, and
+no man ever subdued her in love’s embrace. And there the sons of noble
+Deimachus of Tricca were still dwelling, Deileon, Autolycus and
+Phlogius, since the day when they wandered far away from Heracles; and
+they, when they marked the array of chieftains, went to meet them and
+declared in truth who they were; and they wished to remain there no
+longer, but as soon as Argestes[19] blew went on ship-board. And so
+with them, borne along by the swift breeze, the heroes left behind the
+river Halys, and left behind his that flows hard by, and the delta-land
+of Assyria; and on the same day they rounded the distant headland of
+the Amazons that guards their harbour.
+
+Here once when Melanippe, daughter of Ares, had, gone forth, the hero
+Heracles caught her by ambuscade and Hippolyte gave him her glistening
+girdle as her sister’s ransom, and he sent away his captive unharmed.
+In the bay of this headland, at the outfall of Thermodon, they ran
+ashore, for the sea was rough for their voyage. No river is like this,
+and none sends forth from itself such mighty streams over the land. If
+a man should count every one he would lack but four of a hundred, but
+the real spring is only one. This flows down to the plain from lofty
+mountains, which, men say, are called the Amazonian mountains. Thence
+it spreads inland over a hilly country straight forward; wherefrom its
+streams go winding on, and they roll on, this way and that ever more,
+wherever best they can reach the lower ground, one at a distance and
+another near at hand; and many streams are swallowed up in the sand and
+are without a name; but, mingled with a few, the main stream openly
+bursts with its arching crest of foam into the inhospitable Pontus. And
+they would have tarried there and have closed in battle with the
+Amazons, and would have fought not without bloodshed for the Amazons
+were not gentle foes and regarded not justice, those dwellers on the
+Doeantian plain; but grievous insolence and the works of Ares were all
+their care; for by race they were the daughters of Ares and the nymph
+Harmonia, who bare to Ares war-loving maids, wedded to him in the glens
+of the Acmonian wood had not the breezes of Argestes come again from
+Zeus; and with the wind they left the rounded beach, where the
+Themiscyreian Amazons were arming for war. For they dwelt not gathered
+together in one city, but scattered over the land, parted into three
+tribes. In one part dwelt the Themiscyreians, over whom at that time
+Hippolyte reigned, in another the Lycastians, and in another the
+dart-throwing Chadesians. And the next day they sped on and at
+nightfall they reached the land of the Chalybes.
+
+That folk have no care for ploughing with oxen or for any planting of
+honey-sweet fruit; nor yet do they pasture flocks in the dewy meadow.
+But they cleave the hard iron-bearing land and exchange their wages for
+daily sustenance; never does the morn rise for them without toil, but
+amid bleak sooty flames and smoke they endure heavy labour.
+
+And straightway thereafter they rounded the headland of Genetaean Zeus
+and sped safely past the land of the Tibareni. Here when wives bring
+forth children to their husbands, the men lie in bed and groan with
+their heads close bound; but the women tend them with food, and prepare
+child-birth baths for them.
+
+Next they reached the sacred mount and the land where the Mossynoeci
+dwell amid high mountains in wooden huts,[20] from which that people
+take their name. And strange are their customs and laws. Whatever it is
+right to do openly before the people or in the market place, all this
+they do in their homes, but whatever acts we perform at home, these
+they perform out of doors in the midst of the streets, without blame.
+And among them is no reverence for the marriage-bed, but, like swine
+that feed in herds, no whit abashed in others’ presence, on the earth
+they lie with the women. Their king sits in the loftiest hut and
+dispenses upright judgments to the multitude, poor wretch! For if haply
+he err at all in his decrees, for that day they keep him shut up in
+starvation.
+
+They passed them by and cleft their way with oars over against the
+island of Ares all day long; for at dusk the light breeze left them. At
+last they spied above them, hurtling through the air, one of the birds
+of Ares which haunt that isle. It shook its wings down over the ship as
+she sped on and sent against her a keen feather, and it fell on the
+left shoulder of goodly Oileus, and he dropped his oar from his hands
+at the sudden blow, and his comrades marvelled at the sight of the
+winged bolt. And Eribotes from his seat hard by drew out the feather,
+and bound up the wound when he had loosed the strap hanging from his
+own sword-sheath; and besides the first, another bird appeared swooping
+down; but the hero Clytius, son of Eurytus—for he bent his curved bow,
+and sped a swift arrow against the bird—struck it, and it whirled round
+and fell close to the ship. And to them spake Amphidamas, son of Aleus:
+
+“The island of Ares is near us; you know it yourselves now that ye have
+seen these birds. But little will arrows avail us, I trow, for landing.
+But let us contrive some other device to help us, if ye intend to land,
+bearing in mind the injunction of Phineus. For not even could Heracles,
+when he came to Arcadia, drive away with bow and arrow the birds that
+swam on the Stymphalian lake. I saw it myself. But he shook in his hand
+a rattle of bronze and made a loud clatter as he stood upon a lofty
+peak, and the birds fled far off, screeching in bewildered fear.
+Wherefore now too let us contrive some such device, and I myself will
+speak, having pondered the matter beforehand. Set on your heads your
+helmets of lofty crest, then half row by turns, and half fence the ship
+about with polished spears and shields. Then all together raise a
+mighty shout so that the birds may be scared by the unwonted din, the
+nodding crests, and the uplifted spears on high. And if we reach the
+island itself, then make mighty noise with the clashing of shields.”
+
+Thus he spake, and the helpful device pleased all. And on their heads
+they placed helmets of bronze, gleaming terribly, and the blood-red
+crests were tossing. And half of them rowed in turn, and the rest
+covered the ship with spears and shields. And as when a man roofs over
+a house with tiles, to be an ornament of his home and a defence against
+rain, and one the fits firmly into another, each after each; so they
+roofed over the ship with their shields, locking them together. And as
+a din arises from a warrior-host of men sweeping on, when lines of
+battle meet, such a shout rose upward from the ship into the air. Now
+they saw none of the birds yet, but when they touched the island and
+clashed upon their shields, then the birds in countless numbers rose in
+flight hither and thither. And as when the son of Cronos sends from the
+clouds a dense hailstorm on city and houses, and the people who dwell
+beneath hear the din above the roof and sit quietly, since the stormy
+season has not come upon them unawares, but they have first made strong
+their roofs; so the birds sent against the heroes a thick shower of
+feather-shafts as they darted over the sea to the mountains of the land
+opposite.
+
+What then was the purpose of Phineus in bidding the divine band of
+heroes land there? Or what kind of help was about to meet their desire?
+
+The sons of Phrixus were faring towards the city of Orchomenus from
+Aea, coming from Cytaean Aeetes, on board a Colchian ship, to win the
+boundless wealth of their father; for he, when dying, had enjoined this
+journey upon them. And lo, on that day they were very near that island.
+But Zeus had impelled the north wind’s might to blow, marking by rain
+the moist path of Arcturus; and all day long he was stirring the leaves
+upon the mountains, breathing gently upon the topmost sprays; but at
+night he rushed upon the sea with monstrous force, and with his
+shrieking blasts uplifted the surge; and a dark mist covered the
+heavens, nor did the bright stars anywhere appear from among the
+clouds, but a murky gloom brooded all around. And so the sons of
+Phrixus, drenched and trembling in fear of a horrible doom, were borne
+along by the waves helplessly. And the force of the wind had snatched
+away their sails and shattered in twain the hull, tossed as it was by
+the breakers. And hereupon by heaven’s prompting those four clutched a
+huge beam, one of many that were scattered about, held together by
+sharp bolts, when the ship broke to pieces. And on to the island the
+waves and the blasts of wind bore the men in their distress, within a
+little of death. And straightway a mighty rain burst forth, and rained
+upon the sea and the island, and all the country opposite the island,
+where the arrogant Mossynoeci dwelt. And the sweep of the waves hurled
+the sons of Phrixus, together with their massy beam, upon the beach of
+the island, in the murky night; and the floods of rain from Zeus ceased
+at sunrise, and soon the two bands drew near and met each other, and
+Argus spoke first:
+
+“We beseech you, by Zeus the Beholder, whoever ye are, to be kindly and
+to help us in our need. For fierce tempests, falling on the sea, have
+shattered all the timbers of the crazy ship in which we were cleaving
+our path on business bent. Wherefore we entreat you, if haply ye will
+listen, to grant us just a covering for our bodies, and to pity and
+succour men in misfortune, your equals in age. Oh, reverence suppliants
+and strangers for Zeus’ sake, the god of strangers and suppliants. To
+Zeus belong both suppliants and strangers; and his eye, methinks,
+beholdeth even us.”
+
+And in reply the son of Aeson prudently questioned him, deeming that
+the prophecies of Phineus were being fulfilled: “All these things will
+we straightway grant you with right good will. But come tell me truly
+in what country ye dwell and what business bids you sail across the
+sea, and tell me your own glorious names and lineage.”
+
+And him Argus, helpless in his evil plight, addressed: “That one
+Phrixus an Aeolid reached Aea from Hellas you yourselves have clearly
+heard ere this, I trow; Phrixus, who came to the city of Aeetes,
+bestriding a ram, which Hermes had made all gold; and the fleece ye may
+see even now. The ram, at its own prompting, he then sacrificed to
+Zeus, son of Cronos, above all, the god of fugitives. And him did
+Aeetes receive in his palace, and with gladness of heart gave him his
+daughter Chalciope in marriage without gifts of wooing. [21] From those
+two are we sprung. But Phrixus died at last, an aged man, in the home
+of Aeetes; and we, giving heed to our father’s behests, are journeying
+to Orehomenus to take the possessions of Athamas. And if thou dost
+desire to learn our names, this is Cytissorus, this Phrontis, and this
+Melas, and me ye may call Argus.”
+
+Thus he spake, and the chieftains rejoiced at the meeting, and tended
+them, much marvelling. And Jason again in turn replied, as was fitting,
+with these words:
+
+“Surely ye are our kinsmen on my father’s side, and ye pray that with
+kindly hearts we succour your evil plight. For Cretheus and Athamas
+were brothers. I am the grandson of Cretheus, and with these comrades
+here I am journeying from that same Hellas to the city of Aeetes. But
+of these things we will converse hereafter. And do ye first put
+clothing upon you. By heaven’s devising, I ween, have ye come to my
+hands in your sore need.”
+
+He spake, and out of the ship gave them raiment to put on. Then all
+together they went to the temple of Ares to offer sacrifice of sheep;
+and in haste they stood round the altar, which was outside the roofless
+temple, an altar built of pebbles; within a black stone stood fixed, a
+sacred thing, to which of yore the Amazons all used to pray. Nor was it
+lawful for them, when they came from the opposite coast, to burn on
+this altar offerings of sheep and oxen, but they used to slay horses
+which they kept in great herds. Now when they had sacrificed and eaten
+the feast prepared, then Aeson’s son spake among them and thus began:
+
+“Zeus’ self, I ween, beholds everything; nor do we men escape his eye,
+we that be god-fearing and just, for as he rescued your father from the
+hands of a murderous step-dame and gave him measureless wealth besides;
+even so hath he saved you harmless from the baleful storm. And on board
+this ship ye may sail hither and thither, where ye will, whether to Aea
+or to the wealthy city of divine Orthomenus. For our ship Athena built
+and with axe of bronze cut her timbers near the crest of Pelion, and
+with the goddess wrought Argus. But yours the fierce surge hath
+shattered, before ye came nigh to the rocks which all day long clash
+together in the straits of the sea. But come, be yourselves our
+helpers, for we are eager to bring to Hellas the golden fleece, and
+guide us on our voyage, for I go to atone for the intended sacrifice of
+Phrixus, the cause of Zeus’ wrath against the sons of Aeolus.”
+
+He spake with soothing words; but horror seized them when they heard.
+For they deemed that they would not find Aeetes friendly if they
+desired to take away the ram’s fleece. And Argus spake as follows,
+vexed that they should busy themselves with such a quest:
+
+“My friends, our strength, so far as it avails, shall never cease to
+help you, not one whit, when need shall come. But Aeetes is terribly
+armed with deadly ruthlessness; wherefore exceedingly do I dread this
+voyage. And he boasts himself to be the son of Helios; and all round
+dwell countless tribes of Colchians; and he might match himself with
+Ares in his dread war-cry and giant strength. Nay, to seize the fleece
+in spite of Aeetes is no easy task; so huge a serpent keeps guard round
+and about it, deathless and sleepless, which Earth herself brought
+forth on the sides of Caucasus, by the rock of Typhaon, where Typhaon,
+they say, smitten by the bolt of Zeus, son of Cronos, when he lifted
+against the god his sturdy hands, dropped from his head hot gore; and
+in such plight he reached the mountains and plain of Nysa, where to
+this day he lies whelmed beneath the waters of the Serbonian lake.”
+
+Thus he spake, and straightway many a cheek grew pale when they heard
+of so mighty an adventure. But quickly Peleus answered with cheering
+words, and thus spake:
+
+“Be not so fearful in spirit, my good friend. For we are not so lacking
+in prowess as to be no match for Aeetes to try his strength with arms;
+but I deem that we too are cunning in war, we that go thither, near
+akin to the blood of the blessed gods. Wherefore if he will not grant
+us the fleece of gold for friendship’s sake, the tribes of the
+Colchians will not avail him, I ween.”
+
+Thus they addressed each other in turn, until again, satisfied with
+their feast, they turned to rest. And when they rose at dawn a gentle
+breeze was blowing; and they raised the sails, which strained to the
+rush of the wind, and quickly they left behind the island of Ares.
+
+And at nightfall they came to the island of Philyra, where Cronos, son
+of Uranus, what time in Olympus he reigned over the Titans, and Zeus
+was yet being nurtured in a Cretan cave by the Curetes of Ida, lay
+beside Philyra, when he had deceived Rhea; and the goddess found them
+in the midst of their dalliance; and Cronos leapt up from the couch
+with a rush in the form of a steed with flowing mane, but Ocean’s
+daughter, Philyra, in shame left the spot and those haunts, and came to
+the long Pelasgian ridges, where by her union with the transfigured
+deity she brought forth huge Cheiron, half like a horse, half like a
+god.
+
+Thence they sailed on, past the Macrones and the far-stretching land of
+the Becheiri and the overweening Sapeires, and after them the Byzeres;
+for ever forward they clave their way, quickly borne by the gentle
+breeze. And lo, as they sped on, a deep gulf of the sea was opened, and
+lo, the steep crags of the Caucasian mountains rose up, where, with his
+limbs bound upon the hard rocks by galling fetters of bronze,
+Prometheus fed with his liver an eagle that ever rushed back to its
+prey. High above the ship at even they saw it flying with a loud whirr,
+near the clouds; and yet it shook all the sails with the fanning of
+those huge wings. For it had not the form of a bird of the air but kept
+poising its long wing-feathers like polished oars. And not long after
+they heard the bitter cry of Prometheus as his liver was being torn
+away; and the air rang with his screams until they marked the ravening
+eagle rushing back from the mountain on the self-same track. And at
+night, by the skill of Argus, they reached broad-flowing Phasis, and
+the utmost bourne of the sea.
+
+And straightway they let down the sails and the yard-arm and stowed
+them inside the hollow mast-crutch, and at once they lowered the mast
+itself till it lay along; and quickly with oars they entered the mighty
+stream of the river; and round the prow the water surged as it gave
+them way. And on their left hand they had lofty Caucasus and the
+Cytaean city of Aea, and on the other side the plain of Ares and the
+sacred grove of that god, where the serpent was keeping watch and ward
+over the fleece as it hung on the leafy branches of an oak. And Aeson’s
+son himself from a golden goblet poured into the river libations of
+honey and pure wine to Earth and to the gods of the country, and to the
+souls of dead heroes; and he besought them of their grace to give
+kindly aid, and to welcome their ship’s hawsers with favourable omen.
+And straightway Ancaeus spake these words:
+
+“We have reached the Colchian land and the stream of Phasis; and it is
+time for us to take counsel whether we shall make trial of Aeetes with
+soft words, or an attempt of another kind shall be fitting.”
+
+Thus he spake, and by the advice of Argus Jason bade them enter a
+shaded backwater and let the ship ride at anchor off shore; and it was
+near at hand in their course and there they passed the night. And soon
+the dawn appeared to their expectant eyes.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK III
+
+
+Come now, Erato, stand by my side, and say next how Jason brought back
+the fleece to Iolcus aided by the love of Medea. For thou sharest the
+power of Cypris, and by thy love-cares dost charm unwedded maidens;
+wherefore to thee too is attached a name that tells of love.
+
+Thus the heroes, unobserved, were waiting in ambush amid the thick
+reed-beds; but Hera and Athena took note of them, and, apart from Zeus
+and the other immortals, entered a chamber and took counsel together;
+and Hera first made trial of Athena:
+
+“Do thou now first, daughter of Zeus, give advice. What must be done?
+Wilt thou devise some scheme whereby they may seize the golden fleece
+of Aeetes and bear it to Hellas, or can they deceive the king with soft
+words and so work persuasion? Of a truth he is terribly overweening.
+Still it is right to shrink from no endeavour.”
+
+Thus she spake, and at once Athena addressed her: “I too was pondering
+such thoughts in my heart, Hera, when thou didst ask me outright. But
+not yet do I think that I have conceived a scheme to aid the courage of
+the heroes, though I have balanced many plans.”
+
+She ended, and the goddesses fixed their eyes on the ground at their
+feet, brooding apart; and straightway Hera was the first to speak her
+thought: “Come, let us go to Cypris; let both of us accost her and urge
+her to bid her son (if only he will obey) speed his shaft at the
+daughter of Aeetes, the enchantress, and charm her with love for Jason.
+And I deem that by her device he will bring back the fleece to Hellas.”
+
+Thus she spake, and the prudent plan pleased Athena, and she addressed
+her in reply with gentle words:
+
+“Hera, my father begat me to be a stranger to the darts of love, nor do
+I know any charm to work desire. But if the word pleases thee, surely I
+will follow; but thou must speak when we meet her.”
+
+So she said, and starting forth they came to the mighty palace of
+Cypris, which her husband, the halt-footed god, had built for her when
+first he brought her from Zeus to be his wife. And entering the court
+they stood beneath the gallery of the chamber where the goddess
+prepared the couch of Hephaestus. But he had gone early to his forge
+and anvils to a broad cavern in a floating island where with the blast
+of flame he wrought all manner of curious work; and she all alone was
+sitting within, on an inlaid seat facing the door. And her white
+shoulders on each side were covered with the mantle of her hair and she
+was parting it with a golden comb and about to braid up the long
+tresses; but when she saw the goddesses before her, she stayed and
+called them within, and rose from her seat and placed them on couches.
+Then she herself sat down, and with her hands gathered up the locks
+still uncombed. And smiling she addressed them with crafty words:
+
+“Good friends, what intent, what occasion brings you here after so
+long? Why have ye come, not too frequent visitors before, chief among
+goddesses that ye are?”
+
+And to her Hera replied: “Thou dost mock us, but our hearts are stirred
+with calamity. For already on the river Phasis the son of Aeson moors
+his ship, he and his comrades in quest of the fleece. For all their
+sakes we fear terribly (for the task is nigh at hand) but most for
+Aeson’s son. Him will I deliver, though he sail even to Hades to free
+Ixion below from his brazen chains, as far as strength lies in my
+limbs, so that Pelias may not mock at having escaped an evil
+doom—Pelias who left me unhonoured with sacrifice. Moreover Jason was
+greatly loved by me before, ever since at the mouth of Anaurus in
+flood, as I was making trial of men’s righteousness, he met me on his
+return from the chase; and all the mountains and long ridged peaks were
+sprinkled with snow, and from them the torrents rolling down were
+rushing with a roar. And he took pity on me in the likeness of an old
+crone, and raising me on his shoulders himself bore me through the
+headlong tide. So he is honoured by me unceasingly; nor will Pelias pay
+the penalty of his outrage, unless thou wilt grant Jason his return.”
+
+Thus she spake, and speechlessness seized Cypris. And beholding Hera
+supplicating her she felt awe, and then addressed her with friendly
+words: “Dread goddess, may no viler thing than Cypris ever be found, if
+I disregard thy eager desire in word or deed, whatever my weak arms can
+effect; and let there be no favour in return.”
+
+She spake, and Hera again addressed her with prudence: “It is not in
+need of might or of strength that we have come. But just quietly bid
+thy boy charm Aeetes’ daughter with love for Jason. For if she will aid
+him with her kindly counsel, easily do I think he will win the fleece
+of gold and return to Iolcus, for she is full of wiles.”
+
+Thus she spake, and Cypris addressed them both: “Hera and Athena, he
+will obey you rather than me. For unabashed though he is, there will be
+some slight shame in his eyes before you; but he has no respect for me,
+but ever slights me in contentious mood. And, overborne by his
+naughtiness, I purpose to break his ill-sounding arrows and his bow in
+his very sight. For in his anger he has threatened that if I shall not
+keep my hands off him while he still masters his temper, I shall have
+cause to blame myself thereafter.”
+
+So she spake, and the goddesses smiled and looked at each other. But
+Cypris again spoke, vexed at heart: “To others my sorrows are a jest;
+nor ought I to tell them to all; I know them too well myself. But now,
+since this pleases you both, I will make the attempt and coax him, and
+he will not say me nay.”
+
+Thus she spake, and Hera took her slender hand and gently smiling,
+replied: “Perform this task, Cytherea, straightway, as thou sayest; and
+be not angry or contend with thy boy; he will cease hereafter to vex
+thee.”
+
+She spake, and left her seat, and Athena accompanied her and they went
+forth both hastening back. And Cypris went on her way through the glens
+of Olympus to find her boy. And she found him apart, in the blooming
+orchard of Zeus, not alone, but with him Ganymedes, whom once Zeus had
+set to dwell among the immortal gods, being enamoured of his beauty.
+And they were playing for golden dice, as boys in one house are wont to
+do. And already greedy Eros was holding the palm of his left hand quite
+full of them under his breast, standing upright; and on the bloom of
+his cheeks a sweet blush was glowing. But the other sat crouching hard
+by, silent and downcast, and he had two dice left which he threw one
+after the other, and was angered by the loud laughter of Eros. And lo,
+losing them straightway with the former, he went off empty handed,
+helpless, and noticed not the approach of Cypris. And she stood before
+her boy, and laying her hand on his lips, addressed him:
+
+“Why dost thou smile in triumph, unutterable rogue? Hast thou cheated
+him thus, and unjustly overcome the innocent child? Come, be ready to
+perform for me the task I will tell thee of, and I will give thee Zeus’
+all-beauteous plaything—the one which his dear nurse Adrasteia made for
+him, while he still lived a child, with childish ways, in the Idaean
+cave—a well-rounded ball; no better toy wilt thou get from the hands of
+Hephaestus. All of gold are its zones, and round each double seams run
+in a circle; but the stitches are hidden, and a dark blue spiral
+overlays them all. But if thou shouldst cast it with thy hands, lo,
+like a star, it sends a flaming track through the sky. This I will give
+thee; and do thou strike with thy shaft and charm the daughter of
+Aeetes with love for Jason; and let there be no loitering. For then my
+thanks would be the slighter.”
+
+Thus she spake, and welcome were her words to the listening boy. And he
+threw down all his toys, and eagerly seizing her robe on this side and
+on that, clung to the goddess. And he implored her to bestow the gift
+at once; but she, facing him with kindly words, touched his cheeks,
+kissed him and drew him to her, and replied with a smile:
+
+“Be witness now thy dear head and mine, that surely I will give thee
+the gift and deceive thee not, if thou wilt strike with thy shaft
+Aeetes’ daughter.”
+
+She spoke, and he gathered up his dice, and having well counted them
+all threw them into his mother’s gleaming lap. And straightway with
+golden baldric he slung round him his quiver from where it leant
+against a tree-trunk, and took up his curved bow. And he fared forth
+through the fruitful orchard of the palace of Zeus. Then he passed
+through the gates of Olympus high in air; hence is a downward path from
+heaven; and the twin poles rear aloft steep mountain tops the highest
+crests of earth, where the risen sun grows ruddy with his first beams.
+And beneath him there appeared now the life-giving earth and cities of
+men and sacred streams of rivers, and now in turn mountain peaks and
+the ocean all around, as he swept through the vast expanse of air.
+
+Now the heroes apart in ambush, in a back-water of the river, were met
+in council, sitting on the benches of their ship. And Aeson’s son
+himself was speaking among them; and they were listening silently in
+their places sitting row upon row: “My friends, what pleases myself
+that will I say out; it is for you to bring about its fulfilment. For
+in common is our task, and common to all alike is the right of speech;
+and he who in silence withholds his thought and his counsel, let him
+know that it is he alone that bereaves this band of its home-return. Do
+ye others rest here in the ship quietly with your arms; but I will go
+to the palace of Aeetes, taking with me the sons of Phrixus and two
+comrades as well. And when I meet him I will first make trial with
+words to see if he will be willing to give up the golden fleece for
+friendship’s sake or not, but trusting to his might will set at nought
+our quest. For so, learning his frowardness first from himself, we will
+consider whether we shall meet him in battle, or some other plan shall
+avail us, if we refrain from the war-cry. And let us not merely by
+force, before putting words to the test, deprive him of his own
+possession. But first it is better to go to him and win his favour by
+speech. Oftentimes, I ween, does speech accomplish at need what prowess
+could hardly catty through, smoothing the path in manner befitting. And
+he once welcomed noble Phrixus, a fugitive from his stepmother’s wiles
+and the sacrifice prepared by his father. For all men everywhere, even
+the most shameless, reverence the ordinance of Zeus, god of strangers,
+and regard it.”
+
+Thus he spake, and the youths approved the words of Aeson’s son with
+one accord, nor was there one to counsel otherwise. And then he
+summoned to go with him the sons of Phrixus, and Telamon and Augeias;
+and himself took Hermes’ wand; and at once they passed forth from the
+ship beyond the reeds and the water to dry land, towards the rising
+ground of the plain. The plain, I wis, is called Circe’s; and here in
+line grow many willows and osiers, on whose topmost branches hang
+corpses bound with cords. For even now it is an abomination with the
+Colchians to burn dead men with fire; nor is it lawful to place them in
+the earth and raise a mound above, but to wrap them in untanned oxhides
+and suspend them from trees far from the city. And so earth has an
+equal portion with air, seeing that they bury the women; for that is
+the custom of their land.
+
+And as they went Hera with friendly thought spread a thick mist through
+the city, that they might fare to the palace of Aeetes unseen by the
+countless hosts of the Colchians. But soon when from the plain they
+came to the city and Aeetes’ palace, then again Hera dispersed the
+mist. And they stood at the entrance, marvelling at the king’s courts
+and the wide gates and columns which rose in ordered lines round the
+walls; and high up on the palace a coping of stone rested on brazen
+triglyphs. And silently they crossed the threshold. And close by garden
+vines covered with green foliage were in full bloom, lifted high in
+air. And beneath them ran four fountains, ever-flowing, which
+Hephaestus had delved out. One was gushing with milk, one with wine,
+while the third flowed with fragrant oil; and the fourth ran with
+water, which grew warm at the setting of the Pleiads, and in turn at
+their rising bubbled forth from the hollow rock, cold as crystal. Such
+then were the wondrous works that the craftsman-god Hephaestus had
+fashioned in the palace of Cytaean Aeetes. And he wrought for him bulls
+with feet of bronze, and their mouths were of bronze, and from them
+they breathed out a terrible flame of fire; moreover he forged a plough
+of unbending adamant, all in one piece, in payment of thanks to Helios,
+who had taken the god up in his chariot when faint from the Phlegraean
+fight.[22] And here an inner-court was built, and round it were many
+well-fitted doors and chambers here and there, and all along on each
+side was a richly-wrought gallery. And on both sides loftier buildings
+stood obliquely. In one, which was the loftiest, lordly Aeetes dwelt
+with his queen; and in another dwelt Apsyrtus, son of Aeetes, whom a
+Caucasian nymph, Asterodeia, bare before he made Eidyia his wedded
+wife, the youngest daughter of Tethys and Oceanus. And the sons of the
+Colchians called him by the new name of Phaethon,[23] because he
+outshone all the youths. The other buildings the handmaidens had, and
+the two daughters of Aeetes, Chalciope and Medea. Medea then [they
+found] going from chamber to chamber in search of her sister, for Hera
+detained her within that day; but beforetime she was not wont to haunt
+the palace, but all day long was busied in Hecate’s temple, since she
+herself was the priestess of the goddess. And when she saw them she
+cried aloud, and quickly Chalciope caught the sound; and her maids,
+throwing down at their feet their yarn and their thread, rushed forth
+all in a throng. And she, beholding her sons among them, raised her
+hands aloft through joy; and so they likewise greeted their mother, and
+when they saw her embraced her in their gladness; and she with many
+sobs spoke thus:
+
+“After all then, ye were not destined to leave me in your heedlessness
+and to wander far; but fate has turned you back. Poor wretch that I am!
+What a yearning for Hellas from some woeful madness seized you at the
+behest of your father Phrixus. Bitter sorrows for my heart did he
+ordain when dying. And why should ye go to the city of Orchomenus,
+whoever this Orchomenus is, for the sake of Athamas’ wealth, leaving
+your mother alone to bear her grief?”
+
+Such were her words; and Aeetes came forth last of all and Eidyia
+herself came, the queen of Aeetes, on hearing the voice of Chalciope;
+and straightway all the court was filled with a throng. Some of the
+thralls were busied with a mighty bull, others with the axe were
+cleaving dry billets, and others heating with fire water for the baths;
+nor was there one who relaxed his toil, serving the king.
+
+Meantime Eros passed unseen through the grey mist, causing confusion,
+as when against grazing heifers rises the gadfly, which oxherds call
+the breese. And quickly beneath the lintel in the porch he strung his
+bow and took from the quiver an arrow unshot before, messenger of pain.
+And with swift feet unmarked he passed the threshold and keenly glanced
+around; and gliding close by Aeson’s son he laid the arrow-notch on the
+cord in the centre, and drawing wide apart with both hands he shot at
+Medea; and speechless amazement seized her soul. But the god himself
+flashed back again from the high-roofed hall, laughing loud; and the
+bolt burnt deep down in the maiden’s heart like a flame; and ever she
+kept darting bright glances straight up at Aeson’s son, and within her
+breast her heart panted fast through anguish, all remembrance left her,
+and her soul melted with the sweet pain. And as a poor woman heaps dry
+twigs round a blazing brand—a daughter of toil, whose task is the
+spinning of wool, that she may kindle a blaze at night beneath her
+roof, when she has waked very early—and the flame waxing wondrous great
+from the small brand consumes all the twigs together; so, coiling round
+her heart, burnt secretly Love the destroyer; and the hue of her soft
+cheeks went and came, now pale, now red, in her soul’s distraction.
+
+Now when the thralls had laid a banquet ready before them, and they had
+refreshed themselves with warm baths, gladly did they please their
+souls with meat and drink. And thereafter Aeetes questioned the sons of
+his daughter, addressing them with these words:
+
+“Sons of my daughter and of Phrixus, whom beyond all strangers I
+honoured in my halls, how have ye come returning back to Aea? Did some
+calamity cut short your escape in the midst? Ye did not listen when I
+set before you the boundless length of the way. For I marked it once,
+whirled along in the chariot of my father Helios, when he was bringing
+my sister Circe to the western land and we came to the shore of the
+Tyrrhenian mainland, where even now she abides, exceeding far from
+Colchis. But what pleasure is there in words? Do ye tell me plainly
+what has been your fortune, and who these men are, your companions, and
+where from your hollow ship ye came ashore.”
+
+Such were his questions, and Argus, before all his brethren, being
+fearful for the mission of Aeson’s son, gently replied, for he was the
+elder-born:
+
+“Aeetes, that ship forthwith stormy blasts tore asunder, and ourselves,
+crouching on the beams, a wave drove on to the beach of the isle of
+Enyalius [24] in the murky night; and some god preserved us. For even
+the birds of Ares that haunted the desert isle beforetime, not even
+them did we find. But these men had driven them off, having landed from
+their ship on the day before; and the will of Zeus taking pity on us,
+or some fate, detained them there, since they straightway gave us both
+food and clothing in abundance, when they heard the illustrious name of
+Phrixus and thine own; for to thy city are they faring. And if thou
+dost wish to know their errand, I will not hide it from time. A certain
+king, vehemently longing to drive this man far from his fatherland and
+possessions, because in might he outshone all the sons of Aeolus, sends
+him to voyage hither on a bootless venture; and asserts that the stock
+of Aeolus will not escape the heart-grieving wrath and rage of
+implacable Zeus, nor the unbearable curse and vengeance due for
+Phrixus, until the fleece comes back to Hellas. And their ship was
+fashioned by Pallas Athena, not such a one as are the ships among the
+Colchians, on the vilest of which we chanced. For the fierce waves and
+wind broke her utterly to pieces; but the other holds firm with her
+bolts, even though all the blasts should buffet her. And with equal
+swiftness she speedeth before the wind and when the crew ply the oar
+with unresting hands. And he hath gathered in her the mightiest heroes
+of all Achaea, and hath come to thy city from wandering far through
+cities and gulfs of the dread ocean, in the hope that thou wilt grant
+him the fleece. But as thou dost please, so shall it be, for he cometh
+not to use force, but is eager to pay thee a recompense for the gift.
+He has heard from me of thy bitter foes the Sauromatae, and he will
+subdue them to thy sway. And if thou desirest to know their names and
+lineage I will tell thee all. This man on whose account the rest were
+gathered from Hellas, they call Jason, son of Aeson, whom Cretheus
+begat. And if in truth he is of the stock of Cretheus himself, thus he
+would be our kinsman on the father’s side. For Cretheus and Athamas
+were both sons of Aeolus; and Phrixus was the son of Athamas, son of
+Aeolus. And here, if thou hast heard at all of the seed of Helios, thou
+dost behold Augeias; and this is Telamon sprung from famous Aeacus; and
+Zeus himself begat Aeacus. And so all the rest, all the comrades that
+follow him, are the sons or grandsons of the immortals.”
+
+Such was the tale of Argus; but the king at his words was filled with
+rage as he heard; and his heart was lifted high in wrath. And he spake
+in heavy displeasure; and was angered most of all with the son of
+Chalciope; for he deemed that on their account the strangers had come;
+and in his fury his eyes flashed forth beneath his brows:
+
+“Begone from my sight, felons, straightway, ye and your tricks, from
+the land, ere someone see a fleece and a Phrixus to his sorrow. Banded
+together with your friends from Hellas, not for the fleece, but to
+seize my sceptre and royal power have ye come hither. Had ye not first
+tasted of my table, surely would I have cut out your tongues and hewn
+off both hands and sent you forth with your feet alone, so that ye
+might be stayed from starting hereafter. And what lies have ye uttered
+against the blessed gods!”
+
+Thus he spake in his wrath; and mightily from its depths swelled the
+heart of Aeacus’ son, and his soul within longed to speak a deadly word
+in defiance, but Aeson’s son checked him, for he himself first made
+gentle answer:
+
+“Aeetes, bear with this armed band, I pray. For not in the way thou
+deemest have we come to thy city and palace, no, nor yet with such
+desires. For who would of his own will dare to cross so wide a sea for
+the goods of a stranger? But fate and the ruthless command of a
+presumptuous king urged me. Grant a favour to thy suppliants, and to
+all Hellas will I publish a glorious fame of thee; yea, we are ready
+now to pay thee a swift recompense in war, whether it be the Sauromatae
+or some other people that thou art eager to subdue to thy sway.”
+
+He spake, flattering him with gentle utterance; but the king’s soul
+brooded a twofold purpose within him, whether he should attack and slay
+them on the spot or should make trial of their might. And this, as he
+pondered, seemed the better way, and he addressed Jason in answer:
+
+“Stranger, why needest thou go through thy tale to the end? For if ye
+are in truth of heavenly race, or have come in no wise inferior to me,
+to win the goods of strangers, I will give thee the fleece to bear
+away, if thou dost wish, when I have tried thee. For against brave men
+I bear no grudge, such as ye yourselves tell me of him who bears sway
+in Hellas. And the trial of your courage and might shall be a contest
+which I myself can compass with my hands, deadly though it be. Two
+bulls with feet of bronze I have that pasture on the plain of Ares,
+breathing forth flame from their jaws; them do I yoke and drive over
+the stubborn field of Ares, four plough-gates; and quickly cleaving it
+with the share up to the headland, I cast into the furrows the seed,
+not the corn of Demeter, but the teeth of a dread serpent that grow up
+into the fashion of armed men; them I slay at once, cutting them down
+beneath my spear as they rise against me on all sides. In the morning
+do I yoke the oxen, and at eventide I cease from the harvesting. And
+thou, if thou wilt accomplish such deeds as these, on that very day
+shalt carry off the fleece to the king’s palace; ere that time comes I
+will not give it, expect it not. For indeed it is unseemly that a brave
+man should yield to a coward.”
+
+Thus he spake; and Jason, fixing his eyes on the ground, sat just as he
+was, speechless, helpless in his evil plight. For a long time he turned
+the matter this way and that, and could in no way take on him the task
+with courage, for a mighty task it seemed; and at last he made reply
+with crafty words:
+
+“With thy plea of right, Aeetes, thou dost shut me in overmuch.
+Wherefore also I will dare that contest, monstrous as it is, though it
+be my doom to die. For nothing will fall upon men more dread than dire
+necessity, which indeed constrained me to come hither at a king’s
+command.”
+
+Thus he spake, smitten by his helpless plight; and the king with grim
+words addressed him, sore troubled as he was: “Go forth now to the
+gathering, since thou art eager for the toil; but if thou shouldst fear
+to lift the yoke upon the oxen or shrink from the deadly harvesting,
+then all this shall be my care, so that another too may shudder to come
+to a man that is better than he.”
+
+He spake outright; and Jason rose from his seat, and Augeias and
+Telamon at once; and Argus followed alone, for he signed to his
+brothers to stay there on the spot meantime; and so they went forth
+from the hall. And wonderfully among them all shone the son of Aeson
+for beauty and grace; and the maiden looked at him with stealthy
+glance, holding her bright veil aside, her heart smouldering with pain;
+and her soul creeping like a dream flitted in his track as he went. So
+they passed forth from the palace sorely troubled. And Chalciope,
+shielding herself from the wrath of Aeetes, had gone quickly to her
+chamber with her sons. And Medea likewise followed, and much she
+brooded in her soul all the cares that the Loves awaken. And before her
+eyes the vision still appeared—himself what like he was, with what
+vesture he was clad, what things he spake, how he sat on his seat, how
+he moved forth to the door—and as she pondered she deemed there never
+was such another man; and ever in her ears rung his voice and the
+honey-sweet words which he uttered. And she feared for him, lest the
+oxen or Aeetes with his own hand should slay him; and she mourned him
+as though already slain outright, and in her affliction a round tear
+through very grievous pity coursed down her cheek; and gently weeping
+she lifted up her voice aloud:
+
+“Why does this grief come upon me, poor wretch? Whether he be the best
+of heroes now about to perish, or the worst, let him go to his doom.
+Yet I would that he had escaped unharmed; yea, may this be so, revered
+goddess, daughter of Perses, may he avoid death and return home; but if
+it be his lot to be o’ermastered by the oxen, may he first learn this,
+that I at least do not rejoice in his cruel calamity.”
+
+Thus then was the maiden’s heart racked by love-cares. But when the
+others had gone forth from the people and the city, along the path by
+which at the first they had come from the plain, then Argus addressed
+Jason with these words:
+
+“Son of Aeson, thou wilt despise the counsel which I will tell thee,
+but, though in evil plight, it is not fitting to forbear from the
+trial. Ere now thou hast heard me tell of a maiden that uses sorcery
+under the guidance of Hecate, Perses’ daughter. If we could win her aid
+there will be no dread, methinks, of thy defeat in the contest; but
+terribly do I fear that my mother will not take this task upon her.
+Nevertheless I will go back again to entreat her, for a common
+destruction overhangs us all.”
+
+He spake with goodwill, and Jason answered with these words: “Good
+friend, if this is good in thy sight, I say not nay. Go and move thy
+mother, beseeching her aid with prudent words; pitiful indeed is our
+hope when we have put our return in the keeping of women.” So he spake,
+and quickly they reached the back-water. And their comrades joyfully
+questioned them, when they saw them close at hand; and to them spoke
+Aeson’s son grieved at heart:
+
+“My friends, the heart of ruthless Aeetes is utterly filled with wrath
+against us, for not at all can the goal be reached either by me or by
+you who question me. He said that two bulls with feet of bronze pasture
+on the plain of Ares, breathing forth flame from their jaws. And with
+these he bade me plough the field, four plough-gates; and said that he
+would give me from a serpent’s jaws seed which will raise up earthborn
+men in armour of bronze; and on the same day I must slay them. This
+task—for there was nothing better to devise—I took on myself outright.”
+
+Thus he spake; and to all the contest seemed one that none could
+accomplish, and long, quiet and silent, they looked at one another,
+bowed down with the calamity and their despair; but at last Peleus
+spake with courageous words among all the chiefs: “It is time to be
+counselling what we shall do. Yet there is not so much profit, I trow,
+in counsel as in the might of our hands. If thou then, hero son of
+Aeson, art minded to yoke Aeetes’ oxen, and art eager for the toil,
+surely thou wilt keep thy promise and make thyself ready. But if thy
+soul trusts not her prowess utterly, then neither bestir thyself nor
+sit still and look round for some one else of these men. For it is not
+I who will flinch, since the bitterest pain will be but death.”
+
+So spake the son of Aeacus; and Telamon’s soul was stirred, and quickly
+he started up in eagerness; and Idas rose up the third in his pride;
+and the twin sons of Tyndareus; and with them Oeneus’ son who was
+numbered among strong men, though even the soft down on his cheek
+showed not yet; with such courage was his soul uplifted. But the others
+gave way to these in silence. And straightway Argus spake these words
+to those that longed for the contest:
+
+“My friends, this indeed is left us at the last. But I deem that there
+will come to you some timely aid from my mother. Wherefore, eager
+though ye be, refrain and abide in your ship a little longer as before,
+for it is better to forbear than recklessly to choose an evil fate.
+There is a maiden, nurtured in the halls of Aeetes, whom the goddess
+Hecate taught to handle magic herbs with exceeding skill all that the
+land and flowing waters produce. With them is quenched the blast of
+unwearied flame, and at once she stays the course of rivers as they
+rush roaring on, and checks the stars and the paths of the sacred moon.
+Of her we bethought us as we came hither along the path from the
+palace, if haply my mother, her own sister, might persuade her to aid
+us in the venture. And if this is pleasing to you as well, surely on
+this very day will I return to the palace of Aeetes to make trial; and
+perchance with some god’s help shall I make the trial.”
+
+Thus he spake, and the gods in their goodwill gave them a sign. A
+trembling dove in her flight from a mighty hawk fell from on high,
+terrified, into the lap of Aeson’s son, and the hawk fell impaled on
+the stern-ornament. And quickly Mopsus with prophetic words spake among
+them all:
+
+“For you, friends, this sign has been wrought by the will of heaven; in
+no other way is it possible to interpret its meaning better, than to
+seek out the maiden and entreat her with manifold skill. And I think
+she will not reject our prayer, if in truth Phineus said that our
+return should be with the help of the Cyprian goddess. It was her
+gentle bird that escaped death; and as my heart within me foresees
+according to this omen, so may it prove! But, my friends, let us call
+on Cytherea to aid us, and now at once obey the counsels of Argus.”
+
+He spake, and the warriors approved, remembering the injunctions of
+Phineus; but all alone leapt up Apharcian Idas and shouted loudly in
+terrible wrath: “Shame on us, have we come here fellow voyagers with
+women, calling on Cypris for help and not on the mighty strength of
+Enyalius? And do ye look to doves and hawks to save yourselves from
+contests? Away with you, take thought not for deeds of war, but by
+supplication to beguile weakling girls.”
+
+Such were his eager words; and of his comrades many murmured low, but
+none uttered a word of answer back. And he sat down in wrath; and at
+once Jason roused them and uttered his own thought: “Let Argus set
+forth from the ship, since this pleases all; but we will now move from
+the river and openly fasten our hawsers to the shore. For surely it is
+not fitting for us to hide any longer cowering from the battle-cry.”
+
+So he spake, and straightway sent Argus to return in haste to the city;
+and they drew the anchors on board at the command of Aeson’s son, and
+rowed the ship close to the shore, a little away from the back-water.
+
+But straightway Aeetes held an assembly of the Colchians far aloof from
+his palace at a spot where they sat in times before, to devise against
+the Minyae grim treachery and troubles. And he threatened that when
+first the oxen should have torn in pieces the man who had taken upon
+him to perform the heavy task, he would hew down the oak grove above
+the wooded hill, and burn the ship and her crew, that so they might
+vent forth in ruin their grievous insolence, for all their haughty
+schemes. For never would he have welcomed the Aeolid Phrixus as a guest
+in his halls, in spite of his sore need, Phrixus, who surpassed all
+strangers in gentleness and fear of the gods, had not Zeus himself sent
+Hermes his messenger down from heaven, so that he might meet with a
+friendly host; much less would pirates coming to his land be let go
+scatheless for long, men whose care it was to lift their hands and
+seize the goods of others, and to weave secret webs of guile, and harry
+the steadings of herdsmen with ill-sounding forays. And he said that
+besides all that the sons of Phrixus should pay a fitting penalty to
+himself for returning in consort with evildoers, that they might
+recklessly drive him from his honour and his throne; for once he had
+heard a baleful prophecy from his father Helios, that he must avoid the
+secret treachery and schemes of his own offspring and their crafty
+mischief. Wherefore he was sending them, as they desired, to the
+Achaean land at the bidding of their father—a long journey. Nor had he
+ever so slight a fear of his daughters, that they would form some
+hateful scheme, nor of his son Apsyrtus; but this curse was being
+fulfilled in the children of Chalciope. And he proclaimed terrible
+things in his rage against the strangers, and loudly threatened to keep
+watch over the ship and its crew, so that no one might escape calamity.
+
+Meantime Argus, going to Aeetes’ palace, with manifold pleading
+besought his mother to pray Medea’s aid; and Chalciope herself already
+had the same thoughts, but fear checked her soul lest haply either fate
+should withstand and she should entreat her in vain, all distraught as
+she would be at her father’s deadly wrath, or, if Medea yielded to her
+prayers, her deeds should be laid bare and open to view.
+
+Now a deep slumber had relieved the maiden from her love-pains as she
+lay upon her couch. But straightway fearful dreams, deceitful, such as
+trouble one in grief, assailed her. And she thought that the stranger
+had taken on him the contest, not because he longed to win the ram’s
+fleece, and that he had not come on that account to Aeetes’ city, but
+to lead her away, his wedded wife, to his own home; and she dreamed
+that herself contended with the oxen and wrought the task with
+exceeding ease; and that her own parents set at naught their promise,
+for it was not the maiden they had challenged to yoke the oxen but the
+stranger himself; from that arose a contention of doubtful issue
+between her father and the strangers; and both laid the decision upon
+her, to be as she should direct in her mind. But she suddenly,
+neglecting her parents, chose the stranger. And measureless anguish
+seized them and they shouted out in their wrath; and with the cry sleep
+released its hold upon her. Quivering with fear she started up, and
+stared round the walls of her chamber, and with difficulty did she
+gather her spirit within her as before, and lifted her voice aloud:
+
+“Poor wretch, how have gloomy dreams affrighted me! I fear that this
+voyage of the heroes will bring some great evil. My heart is trembling
+for the stranger. Let him woo some Achaean girl far away among his own
+folk; let maidenhood be mine and the home of my parents. Yet, taking to
+myself a reckless heart, I will no more keep aloof but will make trial
+of my sister to see if she will entreat me to aid in the contest,
+through grief for her own sons; this would quench the bitter pain in my
+heart.”
+
+She spake, and rising from her bed opened the door of her chamber,
+bare-footed, clad in one robe; and verily she desired to go to her
+sister, and crossed the threshold. And for long she stayed there at the
+entrance of her chamber, held back by shame; and she turned back once
+more; and again she came forth from within, and again stole back; and
+idly did her feet bear her this way and that; yea, as oft as she went
+straight on, shame held her within the chamber, and though held back by
+shame, bold desire kept urging her on. Thrice she made the attempt and
+thrice she checked herself, the fourth time she fell on her bed face
+downward, writhing in pain. And as when a bride in her chamber bewails
+her youthful husband, to whom her brothers and parents have given her,
+nor yet does she hold converse with all her attendants for shame and
+for thinking of him; but she sits apart in her grief; and some doom has
+destroyed him, before they have had pleasure of each other’s charms;
+and she with heart on fire silently weeps, beholding her widowed couch,
+in fear lest the women should mock and revile her; like to her did
+Medea lament. And suddenly as she was in the midst of her tears, one of
+the handmaids came forth and noticed her, one who was her youthful
+attendant; and straightway she told Chalciope, who sat in the midst of
+her sons devising how to win over her sister. And when Chalciope heard
+the strange tale from the handmaid, not even so did she disregard it.
+And she rushed in dismay from her chamber right on to the chamber where
+the maiden lay in her anguish, having torn her cheeks on each side; and
+when Chalciope saw her eyes all dimmed with tears, she thus addressed
+her:
+
+“Ah me, Medea, why dost thou weep so? What hath befallen thee? What
+terrible grief has entered thy heart? Has some heaven-sent disease
+enwrapt thy frame, or hast thou heard from our father some deadly
+threat concerning me and my sons? Would that I did not behold this home
+of my parents, or the city, but dwelt at the ends of the earth, where
+not even the name of Colchians is known!”
+
+Thus she spake, and her sister’s cheeks flushed; and though she was
+eager to reply, long did maiden shame restrain her. At one moment the
+word rose on the end of her tongue, at another it fluttered back deep
+within her breast. And often through her lovely lips it strove for
+utterance; but no sound came forth; till at last she spoke with
+guileful words; for the bold Loves were pressing her hard:
+
+“Chalciope, my heart is all trembling for thy sons, lest my father
+forthwith destroy them together with the strangers. Slumbering just now
+in a short-lived sleep such a ghastly dream did I see—may some god
+forbid its fulfilment and never mayst thou win for thyself bitter care
+on thy sons’ account.”
+
+She spake, making trial of her sister to see if she first would entreat
+help for her sons. And utterly unbearable grief surged over Chalciope’s
+soul for fear at what she heard; and then she replied: “Yea, I myself
+too have come to thee in eager furtherance of this purpose, if thou
+wouldst haply devise with me and prepare some help. But swear by Earth
+and Heaven that thou wilt keep secret in thy heart what I shall tell
+thee, and be fellow-worker with me. I implore thee by the blessed gods,
+by thyself and by thy parents, not to see them destroyed by an evil
+doom piteously; or else may I die with my dear sons and come back
+hereafter from Hades an avenging Fury to haunt thee.”
+
+Thus she spake, and straightway a torrent of tears gushed forth and low
+down she clasped her sister’s knees with both hands and let her head
+sink on to her breast. Then they both made piteous lamentation over
+each other, and through the halls rose the faint sound of women weeping
+in anguish. Medea, sore troubled, first addressed her sister:
+
+“God help thee, what healing can I bring thee for what thou speakest
+of, horrible curses and Furies? Would that it were firmly in my power
+to save thy sons! Be witness that mighty oath of the Colchians by which
+thou urgest me to swear, the great Heaven, and Earth beneath, mother of
+the gods, that as far as strength lies in me, never shalt thou fail of
+help, if only thy prayers can be accomplished.”
+
+She spake, and Chalciope thus replied: “Couldst thou not then, for the
+stranger—who himself craves thy aid—devise some trick or some wise
+thought to win the contest, for the sake of my sons? And from him has
+come Argus urging me to try to win thy help; I left him in the palace
+meantime while I came hither.”
+
+Thus she spake, and Medea’s heart bounded with joy within her, and at
+once her fair cheeks flushed, and a mist swam before her melting eyes,
+and she spake as follows: “Chalciope, as is dear and delightful to thee
+and thy sons, even so will I do. Never may the dawn appear again to my
+eyes, never mayst thou see me living any longer, if I should take
+thought for anything before thy life or thy sons’ lives, for they are
+my brothers, my dear kinsmen and youthful companions. So do I declare
+myself to be thy sister, and thy daughter too, for thou didst lift me
+to thy breast when an infant equally with them, as I ever heard from my
+mother in past days. But go, bury my kindness in silence, so that I may
+carry out my promise unknown to my parents; and at dawn I will bring to
+Hecate’s temple charms to cast a spell upon the bulls.”
+
+Thus Chalciope went back from the chamber, and made known to her sons
+the help given by her sister. And again did shame and hateful fear
+seize Medea thus left alone, that she should devise such deeds for a
+man in her father’s despite.
+
+Then did night draw darkness over the earth; and on the sea sailors
+from their ships looked towards the Bear and the stars of Orion; and
+now the wayfarer and the warder longed for sleep, and the pall of
+slumber wrapped round the mother whose children were dead; nor was
+there any more the barking of dogs through the city, nor sound of men’s
+voices; but silence held the blackening gloom. But not indeed upon
+Medea came sweet sleep. For in her love for Aeson’s son many cares kept
+her wakeful, and she dreaded the mighty strength of the bulls, beneath
+whose fury he was like to perish by an unseemly fate in the field of
+Ares. And fast did her heart throb within her breast, as a sunbeam
+quivers upon the walls of a house when flung up from water, which is
+just poured forth in a caldron or a pail may be; and hither and thither
+on the swift eddy does it dart and dance along; even so the maiden’s
+heart quivered in her breast. And the tear of pity flowed from her
+eyes, and ever within anguish tortured her, a smouldering fire through
+her frame, and about her fine nerves and deep down beneath the nape of
+the neck where the pain enters keenest, whenever the unwearied Loves
+direct against the heart their shafts of agony. And she thought now
+that she would give him the charms to cast a spell on the bulls, now
+that she would not, and that she herself would perish; and again that
+she would not perish and would not give the charms, but just as she was
+would endure her fate in silence. Then sitting down she wavered in mind
+and said:
+
+“Poor wretch, must I toss hither and thither in woe? On every side my
+heart is in despair; nor is there any help for my pain; but it burneth
+ever thus. Would that I had been slain by the swift shafts of Artemis
+before I had set eyes on him, before Chalciope’s sons reached the
+Achaean land. Some god or some Fury brought them hither for our grief,
+a cause of many tears. Let him perish in the contest if it be his lot
+to die in the field. For how could I prepare the charms without my
+parents’ knowledge? What story call I tell them? What trick, what
+cunning device for aid can I find? If I see him alone, apart from his
+comrades, shall I greet him? Ill-starred that I am! I cannot hope that
+I should rest from my sorrows even though he perished; then will evil
+come to me when he is bereft of life. Perish all shame, perish all
+glow; may he, saved by my effort, go scatheless wherever his heart
+desires. But as for me, on the day when he bides the contest in
+triumph, may I die either straining my neck in the noose from the
+roof-tree or tasting drugs destructive of life. But even so, when I am
+dead, they will fling out taunts against me; and every city far away
+will ring with my doom, and the Colchian women, tossing my name on
+their lips hither and thither, will revile me with unseemly mocking—the
+maid who cared so much for a stranger that she died, the maid who
+disgraced her home and her parents, yielding to a mad passion. And what
+disgrace will not be mine? Alas for my infatuation! Far better would it
+be for me to forsake life this very night in my chamber by some
+mysterious fate, escaping all slanderous reproach, before I complete
+such nameless dishonour.”
+
+She spake, and brought a casket wherein lay many drugs, some for
+healing, others for killing, and placing it upon her knees she wept.
+And she drenched her bosom with ceaseless tears, which flowed in
+torrents as she sat, bitterly bewailing her own fate. And she longed to
+choose a murderous drug to taste it, and now she was loosening the
+bands of the casket eager to take it forth, unhappy maid! But suddenly
+a deadly fear of hateful Hades came upon her heart. And long she held
+back in speechless horror, and all around her thronged visions of the
+pleasing cares of life. She thought of all the delightful things that
+are among the living, she thought of her joyous playmates, as a maiden
+will; and the sun grew sweeter than ever to behold, seeing that in
+truth her soul yearned for all. And she put the casket again from off
+her knees, all changed by the prompting of Hera, and no more did she
+waver in purpose; but longed for the rising dawn to appear quickly,
+that she might give him the charms to work the spell as she had
+promised, and meet him face to face. And often did she loosen the bolts
+of her door, to watch for the faint gleam: and welcome to her did the
+dayspring shed its light, and folk began to stir throughout the city.
+
+Then Argus bade his brothers remain there to learn the maiden’s mind
+and plans, but himself turned back and went to the ship.
+
+Now soon as ever the maiden saw the light of dawn, with her hands she
+gathered up her golden tresses which were floating round her shoulders
+in careless disarray, and bathed her tear-stained cheeks, and made her
+skin shine with ointment sweet as nectar; and she donned a beautiful
+robe, fitted with well-bent clasps, and above on her head, divinely
+fair, she threw a veil gleaming like silver. And there, moving to and
+fro in the palace, she trod the ground forgetful of the heaven-sent
+woes thronging round her and of others that were destined to follow.
+And she called to her maids. Twelve they were, who lay during the night
+in the vestibule of her fragrant chamber, young as herself, not yet
+sharing the bridal couch, and she bade them hastily yoke the mules to
+the chariot to bear her to the beauteous shrine of Hecate. Thereupon
+the handmaids were making ready the chariot; and Medea meanwhile took
+from the hollow casket a charm which men say is called the charm of
+Prometheus. If a man should anoint his body therewithal, having first
+appeased the Maiden, the only-begotten, with sacrifice by night, surely
+that man could not be wounded by the stroke of bronze nor would he
+flinch from blazing fire; but for that day he would prove superior both
+in prowess and in might. It shot up first-born when the ravening eagle
+on the rugged flanks of Caucasus let drip to the earth the blood-like
+ichor[25] of tortured Prometheus. And its flower appeared a cubit above
+ground in colour like the Corycian crocus, rising on twin stalks; but
+in the earth the root was like newly-cut flesh. The dark juice of it,
+like the sap of a mountain-oak, she had gathered in a Caspian shell to
+make the charm withal, when she had first bathed in seven ever-flowing
+streams, and had called seven times on Brimo, nurse of youth,
+night-wandering Brimo, of the underworld, queen among the dead,—in the
+gloom of night, clad in dusky garments. And beneath, the dark earth
+shook and bellowed when the Titanian root was cut; and the son of
+Iapetus himself groaned, his soul distraught with pain. And she brought
+the charm forth and placed it in the fragrant band which engirdled her,
+just beneath her bosom, divinely fair. And going forth she mounted the
+swift chariot, and with her went two handmaidens on each side. And she
+herself took the reins and in her right hand the well-fashioned whip,
+and drove through the city; and the rest, the handmaids, laid their
+hands on the chariot behind and ran along the broad highway; and they
+kilted up their light robes above their white knees. And even as by the
+mild waters of Parthenius, or after bathing in the river Amnisus,
+Leto’s daughter stands upon her golden chariot and courses over the
+hills with her swift-footed roes, to greet from afar some
+richly-steaming hecatomb; and with her come the nymphs in attendance,
+gathering, some at the spring of Amnisus itself, others by the glens
+and many-fountained peaks; and round her whine and fawn the beasts
+cowering as she moves along: thus they sped through the city; and on
+both sides the people gave way, shunning the eyes of the royal maiden.
+But when she had left the city’s well paved streets, and was
+approaching the shrine as she drove over the plains, then she alighted
+eagerly from the smooth-running chariot and spake as follows among her
+maidens:
+
+“Friends, verily have I sinned greatly and took no heed not to go among
+the stranger-folk[26] who roam over our land. The whole city is smitten
+with dismay; wherefore no one of the women who formerly gathered here
+day by day has now come hither. But since we have come and no one else
+draws near, come, let us satisfy our souls without stint with soothing
+song, and when we have plucked the fair flowers amid the tender grass,
+that very hour will we return. And with many a gift shall ye reach home
+this very day, if ye will gladden me with this desire of mine. For
+Argus pleads with me, also Chalciope herself; but this that ye hear
+from me keep silently in your hearts, lest the tale reach my father’s
+ears. As for yon stranger who took on him the task with the oxen, they
+bid me receive his gifts and rescue him from the deadly contest. And I
+approved their counsel, and I have summoned him to come to my presence
+apart from his comrades, so that we may divide the gifts among
+ourselves if he bring them in his hands, and in return may give him a
+baleful charm. But when he comes, do ye stand aloof.”
+
+So she spake, and the crafty counsel pleased them all. And straightway
+Argus drew Aeson’s son apart from his comrades as soon as he heard from
+his brothers that Medea had gone at daybreak to the holy shrine of
+Hecate, and led him over the plain; and with them went Mopsus, son of
+Ampycus, skilled to utter oracles from the appearance of birds, and
+skilled to give good counsel to those who set out on a journey.
+
+Never yet had there been such a man in the days of old, neither of all
+the heroes of the lineage of Zeus himself, nor of those who sprung from
+the blood of the other gods, as on that day the bride of Zeus made
+Jason, both to look upon and to hold converse with. Even his comrades
+wondered as they gazed upon him, radiant with manifold graces; and the
+son of Ampycus rejoiced in their journey, already foreboding how all
+would end.
+
+Now by the path along the plain there stands near the shrine a poplar
+with its crown of countless leaves, whereon often chattering crows
+would roost. One of them meantime as she clapped her wings aloft in the
+branches uttered the counsels of Hera:
+
+“What a pitiful seer is this, that has not the wit to conceive even
+what children know, how that no maiden will say a word of sweetness or
+love to a youth when strangers be near. Begone, sorry prophet, witless
+one; on thee neither Cypris nor the gentle Loves breathe in their
+kindness.”
+
+She spake chiding, and Mopsus smiled to hear the god-sent voice of the
+bird, and thus addressed them: “Do thou, son of Aeson, pass on to the
+temple, where thou wilt find the maiden; and very kind will her
+greeting be to thee through the prompting of Cypris, who will be thy
+helpmate in the contest, even as Phineus, Agenor’s son, foretold. But
+we two, Argus and I, will await thy return, apart in this very spot; do
+thou all alone be a suppliant and win her over with prudent words.”
+
+He spake wisely, and both at once gave approval. Nor was Medea’s heart
+turned to other thoughts, for all her singing, and never a song that
+she essayed pleased her long in her sport. But in confusion she ever
+faltered, nor did she keep her eyes resting quietly upon the throng of
+her handmaids; but to the paths far off she strained her gaze, turning
+her face aside. Oft did her heart sink fainting within her bosom
+whenever she fancied she heard passing by the sound of a footfall or of
+the wind. But soon he appeared to her longing eyes, striding along
+loftily, like Sirius coming from ocean, which rises fair and clear to
+see, but brings unspeakable mischief to flocks; thus then did Aeson’s
+son come to her, fair to see, but the sight of him brought love-sick
+care. Her heart fell from out her bosom, and a dark mist came over her
+eyes, and a hot blush covered her cheeks. And she had no strength to
+lift her knees backwards or forwards, but her feet beneath were rooted
+to the ground; and meantime all her handmaidens had drawn aside. So
+they two stood face to face without a word, without a sound, like oaks
+or lofty pines, which stand quietly side by side on the mountains when
+the wind is still; then again, when stirred by the breath of the wind,
+they murmur ceaselessly; so they two were destined to tell out all
+their tale, stirred by the breath of Love. And Aeson’s son saw that she
+had fallen into some heaven-sent calamity, and with soothing words thus
+addressed her:
+
+“Why, pray, maiden, dost thou fear me so much, all alone as I am? Never
+was I one of these idle boasters such as other men are—not even
+aforetime, when I dwelt in my own country. Wherefore, maiden, be not
+too much abashed before me, either to enquire whatever thou wilt or to
+speak thy mind. But since we have met one another with friendly hearts,
+in a hallowed spot, where it is wrong to sin, speak openly and ask
+questions, and beguile me not with pleasing words, for at the first
+thou didst promise thy sister to give me the charms my heart desires. I
+implore thee by Hecate herself, by thy parents, and by Zeus who holds
+his guardian hand over strangers and suppliants; I come here to thee
+both a suppliant and a stranger, bending the knee in my sore need. For
+without thee and thy sister never shall I prevail in the grievous
+contest. And to thee will I render thanks hereafter for thy aid, as is
+right and fitting for men who dwell far oft, making glorious thy name
+and fame; and the rest of the heroes, returning to Hellas, will spread
+thy renown and so will the heroes’ wives and mothers, who now perhaps
+are sitting on the shore and making moan for us; their painful
+affliction thou mightest scatter to the winds. In days past the maiden
+Ariadne, daughter of Minos, with kindly intent rescued Theseus from
+grim contests—the maiden whom Pasiphae daughter of Helios bare. But
+she, when Minos had lulled his wrath to rest, went aboard the ship with
+him and left her fatherland; and her even the immortal gods loved, and,
+as a sign in mid-sky, a crown of stars, which men call Ariadne’s crown,
+rolls along all night among the heavenly constellations. So to thee too
+shall be thanks from the gods, if thou wilt save so mighty an array of
+chieftains. For surely from thy lovely form thou art like to excel in
+gentle courtest.”
+
+Thus he spake, honouring her; and she cast her eyes down with a smile
+divinely sweet; and her soul melted within her, uplifted by his praise,
+and she gazed upon him face to face; nor did she know what word to
+utter first, but was eager to pour out everything at once. And forth
+from her fragrant girdle ungrudgingly she brought out the charm; and he
+at once received it in his hands with joy. And she would even have
+drawn out all her soul from her breast and given it to him, exulting in
+his desire; so wonderfully did love flash forth a sweet flame from the
+golden head of Aeson’s son; and he captivated her gleaming eyes; and
+her heart within grew warm, melting away as the dew melts away round
+roses when warmed by the morning’s light. And now both were fixing
+their eyes on the ground abashed, and again were throwing glances at
+each other, smiling with the light of love beneath their radiant brows.
+And at last and scarcely then did the maiden greet him:
+
+“Take heed now, that I may devise help for thee. When at thy coming my
+father has given thee the deadly teeth from the dragon’s jaws for
+sowing, then watch for the time when the night is parted in twain, then
+bathe in the stream of the tireless river, and alone, apart from
+others, clad in dusky raiment, dig a rounded pit; and therein slay a
+ewe, and sacrifice it whole, heaping high the pyre on the very edge of
+the pit. And propitiate only-begotten Hecate, daughter of Perses,
+pouring from a goblet the hive-stored labour of bees. And then, when
+thou hast heedfully sought the grace of the goddess, retreat from the
+pyre; and let neither the sound of feet drive thee to turn back, nor
+the baying of hounds, lest haply thou shouldst maim all the rites and
+thyself fail to return duly to thy comrades. And at dawn steep this
+charm in water, strip, and anoint thy body therewith as with oil; and
+in it there will be boundless prowess and mighty strength, and thou
+wilt deem thyself a match not for men but for the immortal gods. And
+besides, let thy spear and shield and sword be sprinkled. Thereupon the
+spear-heads of the earthborn men shall not pierce thee, nor the flame
+of the deadly bulls as it rushes forth resistless. But such thou shalt
+be not for long, but for that one day; still never flinch from the
+contest. And I will tell thee besides of yet another help. As soon as
+thou hast yoked the strong oxen, and with thy might and thy prowess
+hast ploughed all the stubborn fallow, and now along the furrows the
+Giants are springing up, when the serpent’s teeth are sown on the dusky
+clods, if thou markest them uprising in throngs from the fallow, cast
+unseen among them a massy stone; and they over it, like ravening hounds
+over their food, will slay one another; and do thou thyself hasten to
+rush to the battle-strife, and the fleece thereupon thou shalt bear far
+away from Aea; nevertheless, depart wherever thou wilt, or thy pleasure
+takes thee, when thou hast gone hence.”
+
+Thus she spake, and cast her eyes to her feet in silence, and her
+cheek, divinely fair, was wet with warm tears as she sorrowed for that
+he was about to wander far from her side over the wide sea: and once
+again she addressed him face to face with mournful words, and took his
+right hand; for now shame had left her eyes:
+
+“Remember, if haply thou returnest to thy home, Medea’s name; and so
+will I remember thine, though thou be far away. And of thy kindness
+tell me this, where is thy home, whither wilt thou sail hence in thy
+ship over the sea; wilt thou come near wealthy Orchomenus, or near the
+Aeaean isle? And tell me of the maiden, whosoever she be that thou hast
+named, the far-renowned daughter of Pasiphae, who is kinswoman to my
+father.”
+
+Thus she spake; and over him too, at the tears of the maiden, stole
+Love the destroyer, and he thus answered her:
+
+“All too surely do I deem that never by night and never by day will I
+forget thee if I escape death and indeed make my way in safety to the
+Achaean land, and Aeetes set not before us some other contest worse
+than this. And if it pleases thee to know about my fatherland, I will
+tell it out; for indeed my own heart bids me do that. There is a land
+encircled by lofty mountains, rich in sheep and in pasture, where
+Prometheus, son of Iapetus, begat goodly Deucalion, who first founded
+cities and reared temples to the immortal gods, and first ruled over
+men. This land the neighbours who dwell around call Haemonia. And in it
+stands Ioleus, my city, and in it many others, where they have not so
+much as heard the name of the Aeaean isle; yet there is a story that
+Minyas starting thence, Minyas son of Aeolus, built long ago the city
+of Orchomenus that borders on the Cadmeians. But why do I tell thee all
+this vain talk, of our home and of Minos’ daughter, far-famed Ariadne,
+by which glorious name they called that lovely maiden of whom thou
+askest me? Would that, as Minos then was well inclined to Theseus for
+her sake, so may thy father be joined to us in friendship!”
+
+Thus he spake, soothing her with gentle converse. But pangs most bitter
+stirred her heart and in grief did she address him with vehement words:
+
+“In Hellas, I ween, this is fair to pay heed to covenants; but Aeetes
+is not such a man among men as thou sayest was Pasiphae’s husband,
+Minos; nor can I liken myself to Ariadne; wherefore speak not of
+guest-love. But only do thou, when thou hast reached Iolcus, remember
+me, and thee even in my parents’ despite, will I remember. And from far
+off may a rumour come to me or some messenger-bird, when thou
+forgettest me; or me, even me, may swift blasts catch up and bear over
+the sea hence to Iolcus, that so I may cast reproaches in thy face and
+remind thee that it was by my good will thou didst escape. May I then
+be seated in thy halls, an unexpected guest!”
+
+Thus she spake with piteous tears falling down her cheeks, and to her
+Jason replied: “Let the empty blasts wander at will, lady, and the
+messenger-bird, for vain is thy talk. But if thou comest to those
+abodes and to the land of Hellas, honoured and reverenced shalt thou be
+by women and men; and they shall worship thee even as a goddess, for
+that by thy counsel their sons came home again, their brothers and
+kinsmen and stalwart husbands were saved from calamity. And in our
+bridal chamber shalt thou prepare our couch; and nothing shall come
+between our love till the doom of death fold us round.”
+
+Thus he spake; and her soul melted within her to hear his words;
+nevertheless she shuddered to behold the deeds of destruction to come.
+Poor wretch! Not long was she destined to refuse a home in Hellas. For
+thus Hera devised it, that Aeaean Medea might come to Ioleus for a bane
+to Pelias, forsaking her native land.
+
+And now her handmaids, glancing at them from a distance, were grieving
+in silence; and the time of day required that the maiden should return
+home to her mother’s side. But she thought not yet of departing, for
+her soul delighted both in his beauty and in his winsome words, but
+Aeson’s son took heed, and spake at last, though late: “It is time to
+depart, lest the sunlight sink before we know it, and some stranger
+notice all; but again will we come and meet here.”
+
+So did they two make trial of one another thus far with gentle words;
+and thereafter parted. Jason hastened to return in joyous mood to his
+comrades and the ship, she to her handmaids; and they all together came
+near to meet her, but she marked them not at all as they thronged
+around. For her soul had soared aloft amid the clouds. And her feet of
+their own accord mounted the swift chariot, and with one hand she took
+the reins, and with the other the whip of cunning workmanship, to drive
+the mules; and they rushed hasting to the city and the palace. And when
+she was come Chalciope in grief for her sons questioned her; but Medea,
+distraught by swiftly-changing thoughts, neither heard her words nor
+was eager to speak in answer to her questions. But she sat upon a low
+stool at the foot of her couch, bending down, her cheek leaning on her
+left hand, and her eyes were wet with tears as she pondered what an
+evil deed she had taken part in by her counsels.
+
+Now when Aeson’s son had joined his comrades again in the spot where he
+had left them when he departed, he set out to go with them, telling
+them all the story, to the gathering of the heroes; and together they
+approached the ship. And when they saw Jason they embraced him and
+questioned him. And he told to all the counsels of the maiden and
+showed the dread charm; but Idas alone of his comrades sat apart biting
+down his wrath; and the rest joyous in heart, at the hour when the
+darkness of night stayed them, peacefully took thought for themselves.
+But at daybreak they sent two men to go to Aeetes and ask for the seed,
+first Telamon himself, dear to Ares, and with him Aethalides, Hermes’
+famous son. So they went and made no vain journey; but when they came,
+lordly Aeetes gave them for the contest the fell teeth of the Aonian
+dragon which Cadmus found in Ogygian Thebes when he came seeking for
+Europa and there slew the—warder of the spring of Ares. There he
+settled by the guidance of the heifer whom Apollo by his prophetic word
+granted him to lead him on his way. But the teeth the Tritonian goddess
+tore away from the dragon’s jaws and bestowed as a gift upon Aeetes and
+the slayer. And Agenor’s son, Cadmus, sowed them on the Aonian plains
+and founded an earthborn people of all who were left from the spear
+when Ares did the reaping; and the teeth Aeetes then readily gave to be
+borne to the ship, for he deemed not that Jason would bring the contest
+to an end, even though he should cast the yoke upon the oxen.
+
+Far away in the west the sun was sailing beneath the dark earth, beyond
+the furthest hills of the Aethiopians; and Night was laying the yoke
+upon her steeds; and the heroes were preparing their beds by the
+hawsers. But Jason, as soon as the stars of Heliee, the bright-gleaming
+bear, had set, and the air had all grown still under heaven, went to a
+desert spot, like some stealthy thief, with all that was needful; for
+beforehand in the daytime had he taken thought for everything; and
+Argus came bringing a ewe and milk from the flock; and them he took
+from the ship. But when the hero saw a place which was far away from
+the tread of men, in a clear meadow beneath the open sky, there first
+of all he bathed his tender body reverently in the sacred river; and
+round him he placed a dark robe, which Hypsipyle of Lemnos had given
+him aforetime, a memorial of many a loving embrace. Then he dug a pit
+in the ground of a cubit’s depth and heaped up billets of wood, and
+over it he cut the throat of the sheep, and duly placed the carcase
+above; and he kindled the logs placing fire beneath, and poured over
+them mingled libations, calling on Hecate Brimo to aid him in the
+contests. And when he had called on her he drew back; and she heard
+him, the dread goddess, from the uttermost depths and came to the
+sacrifice of Aeson’s son; and round her horrible serpents twined
+themselves among the oak boughs; and there was a gleam of countless
+torches; and sharply howled around her the hounds of hell. All the
+meadows trembled at her step; and the nymphs that haunt the marsh and
+the river shrieked, all who dance round that mead of Amarantian Phasis.
+And fear seized Aeson’s son, but not even so did he turn round as his
+feet bore him forth, till he came back to his comrades; and now early
+dawn arose and shed her light above snowy Caucasus.
+
+Then Aeetes arrayed his breast in the stiff corslet which Ares gave him
+when he had slain Phlegraean Mimas with his own hands; and upon his
+head he placed a golden helmet with four plumes, gleaming like the
+sun’s round light when he first rises from Ocean. And he wielded his
+shield of many hides, and his spear, terrible, resistless; none of the
+heroes could have withstood its shock now that they had left behind
+Heracles far away, who alone could have met it in battle. For the king
+his well-fashioned chariot of swift steeds was held near at hand by
+Phaethon, for him to mount; and he mounted, and held the reins in his
+hands. Then from the city he drove along the broad highway, that he
+might be present at the contest; and with him a countless multitude
+rushed forth. And as Poseidon rides, mounted in his chariot, to the
+Isthmian contest or to Taenarus, or to Lerna’s water, or through the
+grove of Hyantian Onchestus, and thereafter passes even to Calaureia
+with his steeds, and the Haemonian rock, or well-wooded Geraestus; even
+so was Aeetes, lord of the Colchians, to behold.
+
+Meanwhile, prompted by Medea, Jason steeped the charm in water and
+sprinkled with it his shield and sturdy spear, and sword; and his
+comrades round him made proof of his weapons with might and main, but
+could not bend that spear even a little, but it remained firm in their
+stalwart hands unbroken as before. But in furious rage with them Idas,
+Aphareus’ son, with his great sword hewed at the spear near the butt,
+and the edge leapt back repelled by the shock, like a hammer from the
+anvil; and the heroes shouted with joy for their hope in the contest.
+And then he sprinkled his body, and terrible prowess entered into him,
+unspeakable, dauntless; and his hands on both sides thrilled vigorously
+as they swelled with strength. And as when a warlike steed eager for
+the fight neighs and beats the ground with his hoof, while rejoicing he
+lifts his neck on high with ears erect; in such wise did Aeson’s son
+rejoice in the strength of his limbs. And often hither and thither did
+he leap high in air tossing in his hands his shield of bronze and ashen
+spear. Thou wouldst say that wintry lightning flashing from the gloomy
+sky kept on darting forth from the clouds what time they bring with
+them their blackest rainstorm. Not long after that were the heroes to
+hold back from the contests; but sitting in rows on their benches they
+sped swiftly on to the plain of Ares. And it lay in front of them on
+the opposite side of the city, as far off as is the turning-post that a
+chariot must reach from the starting-point, when the kinsmen of a dead
+king appoint funeral games for footmen and horsemen. And they found
+Aeetes and the tribes of the Colchians; these were stationed on the
+Caucasian heights, but the king by the winding brink of the river.
+
+Now Aeson’s son, as soon as his comrades had made the hawsers fast,
+leapt from the ship, and with spear and shield came forth to the
+contest; and at the same time he took the gleaming helmet of bronze
+filled with sharp teeth, and his sword girt round his shoulders, his
+body stripped, in somewise resembling Ares and in somewise Apollo of
+the golden sword. And gazing over the field he saw the bulls’ yoke of
+bronze and near it the plough, all of one piece, of stubborn adamant.
+Then he came near, and fixed his sturdy spear upright on its butt, and
+taking his helmet, off leant it against the spear. And he went forward
+with shield alone to examine the countless tracks of the bulls, and
+they from some unseen lair beneath the earth, where was their strong
+steading, wrapt in murky smoke, both rushed out together, breathing
+forth flaming fire. And sore afraid were the heroes at the sight. But
+Jason, setting wide his feet, withstood their onset, as in the sea a
+rocky reef withstands the waves tossed by the countless blasts. Then in
+front of him he held his shield; and both the bulls with loud bellowing
+attacked him with their mighty horns; nor did they stir him a jot by
+their onset. And as when through the holes of the furnace the
+armourers’ bellows anon gleam brightly, kindling the ravening flame,
+and anon cease from blowing, and a terrible roar rises from the fire
+when it darts up from below; so the bulls roared, breathing forth swift
+flame from their mouths, while the consuming heat played round him,
+smiting like lightning; but the maiden’s charms protected him. Then
+grasping the tip of the horn of the right-hand bull, he dragged it
+mightily with all his strength to bring it near the yoke of bronze, and
+forced it down on to its knees, suddenly striking with his foot the
+foot of bronze. So also he threw the other bull on to its knees as it
+rushed upon him, and smote it down with one blow. And throwing to the
+ground his broad shield, he held them both down where they had fallen
+on their fore-knees, as he strode from side to side, now here, now
+there, and rushed swiftly through the flame. But Aeetes marvelled at
+the hero’s might. And meantime the sons of Tyndareus for long since had
+it been thus ordained for them—near at hand gave him the yoke from the
+ground to cast round them. Then tightly did he bind their necks; and
+lifting the pole of bronze between them, he fastened it to the yoke by
+its golden tip. So the twin heroes started back from the fire to the
+ship. But Jason took up again his shield and cast it on his back behind
+him, and grasped the strong helmet filled with sharp teeth, and his
+resistless spear, wherewith, like some ploughman with a Pelasgian goad,
+he pricked the bulls beneath, striking their flanks; and very firmly
+did he guide the well fitted plough handle, fashioned of adamant.
+
+The bulls meantime raged exceedingly, breathing forth furious flame of
+fire; and their breath rose up like the roar of blustering winds, in
+fear of which above all seafaring men furl their large sail. But not
+long after that they moved on at the bidding of the spear; and behind
+them the rugged fallow was broken up, cloven by the might of the bulls
+and the sturdy ploughman. Then terribly groaned the clods withal along
+the furrows of the plough as they were rent, each a man’s burden; and
+Jason followed, pressing down the cornfield with firm foot; and far
+from him he ever sowed the teeth along the clods as each was ploughed,
+turning his head back for fear lest the deadly crop of earthborn men
+should rise against him first; and the bulls toiled onwards treading
+with their hoofs of bronze.
+
+But when the third part of the day was still left as it wanes from
+dawn, and wearied labourers call for the sweet hour of unyoking to come
+to them straightway, then the fallow was ploughed by the tireless
+ploughman, four plough-gates though it was; and he loosed the plough
+from the oxen. Them he scared in flight towards the plain; but he went
+back again to the ship, while he still saw the furrows free of the
+earthborn men. And all round his comrades heartened him with their
+shouts. And in the helmet he drew from the river’s stream and quenched
+his thirst with the water. Then he bent his knees till they grew
+supple, and filled his mighty heart with courage, raging like a boar,
+when it sharpens its teeth against the hunters, while from its wrathful
+mouth plenteous foam drips to the ground. By now the earthborn men were
+springing up over all the field; and the plot of Ares, the
+death-dealer, bristled with sturdy shields and double-pointed spears
+and shining helmets; and the gleam reached Olympus from beneath,
+flashing through the air. And as when abundant snow has fallen on the
+earth and the storm blasts have dispersed the wintry clouds under the
+murky night, and all the hosts of the stars appear shining through the
+gloom; so did those warriors shine springing up above the earth. But
+Jason bethought him of the counsels of Medea full of craft, and seized
+from the plain a huge round boulder, a terrible quoit of Ares Enyalius;
+four stalwart youths could not have raised it from the ground even a
+little. Taking it in his hands he threw it with a rush far away into
+their midst; and himself crouched unseen behind his shield, with full
+confidence. And the Colchians gave a loud cry, like the roar of the sea
+when it beats upon sharp crags; and speechless amazement seized Aeetes
+at the rush of the sturdy quoit. And the Earthborn, like fleet-footed
+hounds, leaped upon one another and slew with loud yells; and on earth
+their mother they fell beneath their own spears, likes pines or oaks,
+which storms of wind beat down. And even as a fiery star leaps from
+heaven, trailing a furrow of light, a portent to men, whoever see it
+darting with a gleam through the dusky sky; in such wise did Aeson’s
+son rush upon the earthborn men, and he drew from the sheath his bare
+sword, and smote here and there, mowing them down, many on the belly
+and side, half risen to the air—and some that had risen as far as the
+shoulders—and some just standing upright, and others even now rushing
+to battle. And as when a fight is stirred up concerning boundaries, and
+a husbandman, in fear lest they should ravage his fields, seizes in his
+hand a curved sickle, newly sharpened, and hastily cuts the unripe
+crop, and waits not for it to be parched in due season by the beams of
+the sun; so at that time did Jason cut down the crop of the Earthborn;
+and the furrows were filled with blood, as the channels of a spring
+with water. And they fell, some on their faces biting the rough clod of
+earth with their teeth, some on their backs, and others on their hands
+and sides, like to sea-monsters to behold. And many, smitten before
+raising their feet from the earth, bowed down as far to the ground as
+they had risen to the air, and rested there with the damp of death on
+their brows. Even so, I ween, when Zeus has sent a measureless rain,
+new planted orchard-shoots droop to the ground, cut off by the root the
+toil of gardening men; but heaviness of heart and deadly anguish come
+to the owner of the farm, who planted them; so at that time did bitter
+grief come upon the heart of King Aeetes. And he went back to the city
+among the Colchians, pondering how he might most quickly oppose the
+heroes. And the day died, and Jason’s contest was ended.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IV
+
+
+Now do thou thyself, goddess Muse, daughter of Zeus, tell of the labour
+and wiles of the Colchian maiden. Surely my soul within me wavers with
+speechless amazement as I ponder whether I should call it the lovesick
+grief of mad passion or a panic flight, through which she left the
+Colchian folk.
+
+Aeetes all night long with the bravest captains of his people was
+devising in his halls sheer treachery against the heroes, with fierce
+wrath in his heart at the issue of the hateful contest; nor did he deem
+at all that these things were being accomplished without the knowledge
+of his daughters.
+
+But into Medea’s heart Hera cast most grievous fear; and she trembled
+like a nimble fawn whom the baying of hounds hath terrified amid the
+thicket of a deep copse. For at once she truly forboded that the aid
+she had given was not hidden from her father, and that quickly she
+would fill up the cup of woe. And she dreaded the guilty knowledge of
+her handmaids; her eyes were filled with fire and her ears rung with a
+terrible cry. Often did she clutch at her throat, and often did she
+drag out her hair by the roots and groan in wretched despair. There on
+that very day the maiden would have tasted the drugs and perished and
+so have made void the purposes of Hera, had not the goddess driven her,
+all bewildered, to flee with the sons of Phrixus; and her fluttering
+soul within her was comforted; and then she poured from her bosom all
+the drugs back again into the casket. Then she kissed her bed, and the
+folding-doors on both sides, and stroked the walls, and tearing away in
+her hands a long tress of hair, she left it in the chamber for her
+mother, a memorial of her maidenhood, and thus lamented with passionate
+voice:
+
+“I go, leaving this long tress here in my stead, O mother mine; take
+this farewell from me as I go far hence; farewell Chalciope, and all my
+home. Would that the sea, stranger, had dashed thee to pieces, ere thou
+camest to the Colchian land!”
+
+Thus she spake, and from her eyes shed copious tears. And as a bondmaid
+steals away from a wealthy house, whom fate has lately severed from her
+native land, nor yet has she made trial of grievous toil, but still
+unschooled to misery and shrinking in terror from slavish tasks, goes
+about beneath the cruel hands of a mistress; even so the lovely maiden
+rushed forth from her home. But to her the bolts of the doors gave way
+self-moved, leaping backwards at the swift strains of her magic song.
+And with bare feet she sped along the narrow paths, with her left hand
+holding her robe over her brow to veil her face and fair cheeks, and
+with her right lifting up the hem of her tunic. Quickly along the dark
+track, outside the towers of the spacious city, did she come in fear;
+nor did any of the warders note her, but she sped on unseen by them.
+Thence she was minded to go to the temple; for well she knew the way,
+having often aforetime wandered there in quest of corpses and noxious
+roots of the earth, as a sorceress is wont to do; and her soul
+fluttered with quivering fear. And the Titanian goddess, the moon,
+rising from a far land, beheld her as she fled distraught, and fiercely
+exulted over her, and thus spake to her own heart:
+
+“Not I alone then stray to the Latinian cave, nor do I alone burn with
+love for fair Endymion; oft times with thoughts of love have I been
+driven away by thy crafty spells, in order that in the darkness of
+night thou mightest work thy sorcery at ease, even the deeds dear to
+thee. And now thou thyself too hast part in a like mad passion; and
+some god of affection has given thee Jason to be thy grievous woe.
+Well, go on, and steel thy heart, wise though thou be, to take up thy
+burden of pain, fraught with many sighs.”
+
+Thus spake the goddess; but swiftly the maiden’s feet bore her, hasting
+on. And gladly did she gain the high-bank of the river and beheld on
+the opposite side the gleam of fire, which all night long the heroes
+were kindling in joy at the contest’s issue. Then through the gloom,
+with clear-pealing voice from across the stream, she called on
+Phrontis, the youngest of Phrixus’ sons, and he with his brothers and
+Aeson’s son recognised the maiden’s voice; and in silence his comrades
+wondered when they knew that it was so in truth. Thrice she called, and
+thrice at the bidding of the company Phrontis called out in reply; and
+meantime the heroes were rowing with swift-moving oars in search of
+her. Not yet were they casting the ship’s hawsers upon the opposite
+bank, when Jason with light feet leapt to land from the deck above, and
+after him Phrontis and Argus, sons of Phrixus, leapt to the ground; and
+she, clasping their knees with both hands, thus addressed them:
+
+“Save me, the hapless one, my friends, from Aeetes, and yourselves too,
+for all is brought to light, nor doth any remedy come. But let us flee
+upon the ship, before the king mounts his swift chariot. And I will
+lull to sleep the guardian serpent and give you the fleece of gold; but
+do thou, stranger, amid thy comrades make the gods witness of the vows
+thou hast taken on thyself for my sake; and now that I have fled far
+from my country, make me not a mark for blame and dishonour for want of
+kinsmen.”
+
+She spake in anguish; but greatly did the heart of Aeson’s son rejoice,
+and at once, as she fell at his knees, he raised her gently and
+embraced her, and spake words of comfort: “Lady, let Zeus of Olympus
+himself be witness to my oath, and Hera, queen of marriage, bride of
+Zeus, that I will set thee in my halls my own wedded wife, when we have
+reached the land of Hellas on our return.”
+
+Thus he spake, and straightway clasped her right hand in his; and she
+bade them row the swift ship to the sacred grove near at hand, in order
+that, while it was still night, they might seize and carry off the
+fleece against the will of Aeetes. Word and deed were one to the eager
+crew. For they took her on board, and straightway thrust the ship from
+shore; and loud was the din as the chieftains strained at their oars,
+but she, starting back, held out her hands in despair towards the
+shore. But Jason spoke cheering words and restrained her grief.
+
+Now at the hour when men have cast sleep from their eyes~huntsmen, who,
+trusting to their bounds, never slumber away the end of night, but
+avoid the light of dawn lest, smiting with its white beams, it efface
+the track and scent of the quarry—then did Aeson’s son and the maiden
+step forth from the ship over a grassy spot, the “Ram’s couch” as men
+call it, where it first bent its wearied knees in rest, bearing on its
+back the Minyan son of Athamas. And close by, all smirched with soot,
+was the base of the altar, which the Aeolid Phrixus once set up to
+Zeus, the alder of fugitives, when he sacrificed the golden wonder at
+the bidding of Hermes who graciously met him on the way. There by the
+counsels of Argus the chieftains put them ashore.
+
+And they two by the pathway came to the sacred grove, seeking the huge
+oak tree on which was hung the fleece, like to a cloud that blushes red
+with the fiery beams of the rising sun. But right in front the serpent
+with his keen sleepless eyes saw them coming, and stretched out his
+long neck and hissed in awful wise; and all round the long banks of the
+river echoed and the boundless grove. Those heard it who dwelt in the
+Colchian land very far from Titanian Aea, near the outfall of Lycus,
+the river which parts from loud-roaring Araxes and blends his sacred
+stream with Phasis, and they twain flow on together in one and pour
+their waters into the Caucasian Sea. And through fear young mothers
+awoke, and round their new-born babes, who were sleeping in their arms,
+threw their hands in agony, for the small limbs started at that hiss.
+And as when above a pile of smouldering wood countless eddies of smoke
+roll up mingled with soot, and one ever springs up quickly after
+another, rising aloft from beneath in wavering wreaths; so at that time
+did that monster roll his countless coils covered with hard dry scales.
+And as he writhed, the maiden came before his eyes, with sweet voice
+calling to her aid sleep, highest of gods, to charm the monster; and
+she cried to the queen of the underworld, the night-wanderer, to be
+propitious to her enterprise. And Aeson’s son followed in fear, but the
+serpent, already charmed by her song, was relaxing the long ridge of
+his giant spine, and lengthening out his myriad coils, like a dark
+wave, dumb and noiseless, rolling over a sluggish sea; but still he
+raised aloft his grisly head, eager to enclose them both in his
+murderous jaws. But she with a newly cut spray of juniper, dipping and
+drawing untempered charms from her mystic brew, sprinkled his eyes,
+while she chanted her song; and all around the potent scent of the
+charm cast sleep; and on the very spot he let his jaw sink down; and
+far behind through the wood with its many trees were those countless
+coils stretched out.
+
+Hereupon Jason snatched the golden fleece from the oak, at the maiden
+bidding; and she, standing firm, smeared with the charm the monster’s
+head, till Jason himself bade her turn back towards their ship, and she
+left the grove of Ares, dusky with shade. And as a maiden catches on
+her finely wrought robe the gleam of the moon at the full, as it rises
+above her high-roofed chamber; and her heart rejoices as she beholds
+the fair ray; so at that time did Jason uplift the mighty fleece in his
+hands; and from the shimmering of the flocks of wool there settled on
+his fair cheeks and brow a red flush like a flame. And great as is the
+hide of a yearling ox or stag, which huntsmen call a brocket, so great
+in extent was the fleece all golden above. Heavy it was, thickly
+clustered with flocks; and as he moved along, even beneath his feet the
+sheen rose up from the earth. And he strode on now with the fleece
+covering his left shoulder from the height of his neck to his feet, and
+now again he gathered it up in his hands; for he feared exceedingly,
+lest some god or man should meet him and deprive him thereof.
+
+Dawn was spreading over the earth when they reached the throng of
+heroes; and the youths marvelled to behold the mighty fleece, which
+gleamed like the lightning of Zeus. And each one started up eager to
+touch it and clasp it in his hands. But the son of Aeson restrained
+them all, and threw over it a mantle newly-woven; and he led the maiden
+to the stern and seated her there, and spake to them all as follows:
+
+“No longer now, my friends, forbear to return to your fatherland. For
+now the task for which we dared this grievous voyage, toiling with
+bitter sorrow of heart, has been lightly fulfilled by the maiden’s
+counsels. Her—for such is her will—I will bring home to be my wedded
+wife; do ye preserve her, the glorious saviour of all Achaea and of
+yourselves. For of a surety, I ween, will Aeetes come with his host to
+bar our passage from the river into the sea. But do some of you toil at
+the oars in turn, sitting man by man; and half of you raise your
+shields of oxhide, a ready defence against the darts of the enemy, and
+guard our return. And now in our hands we hold the fate of our children
+and dear country and of our aged parents; and on our venture all Hellas
+depends, to reap either the shame of failure or great renown.”
+
+Thus he spake, and donned his armour of war; and they cried aloud,
+wondrously eager. And he drew his sword from the sheath and cut the
+hawsers at the stern. And near the maiden he took his stand ready armed
+by the steersman Aneaeus, and with their rowing the ship sped on as
+they strained desperately to drive her clear of the river.
+
+By this time Medea’s love and deeds had become known to haughty Aeetes
+and to all the Colchians. And they thronged to the assembly in arms;
+and countless as the waves of the stormy sea when they rise crested by
+the wind, or as the leaves that fall to the ground from the wood with
+its myriad branches in the month when the leaves fall—who could reckon
+their tale?—so they in countless number poured along the banks of the
+river shouting in frenzy; and in his shapely chariot Aeetes shone forth
+above all with his steeds, the gift of Helios, swift as the blasts of
+the wind. In his left hand he raised his curved shield, and in his
+right a huge pine-torch, and near him in front stood up his mighty
+spear. And Apsyrtus held in his hands the reins of the steeds. But
+already the ship was cleaving the sea before her, urged on by stalwart
+oarsmen, and the stream of the mighty river rushing down. But the king
+in grievous anguish lifted his hands and called on Helios and Zeus to
+bear witness to their evil deeds; and terrible threats he uttered
+against all his people, that unless they should with their own hands
+seize the maiden, either on the land or still finding the ship on the
+swell of the open sea, and bring her back, that so he might satisfy his
+eager soul with vengeance for all those deeds, at the cost of their own
+lives they should learn and abide all his rage and revenge.
+
+Thus spake Aeetes; and on that same day the Colchians launched their
+ships and cast the tackle on board, and on that same day sailed forth
+on the sea; thou wouldst not say so mighty a host was a fleet of ships,
+but that a countless flight of birds, swarm on swarm, was clamouring
+over the sea.
+
+Swiftly the wind blew, as the goddess Hera planned, so that most
+quickly Aeaean Medea might reach the Pelasgian land, a bane to the
+house of Pelias, and on the third morn they bound the ship’s stern
+cables to the shores of the Paphlagonians, at the mouth of the river
+Halys. For Medea bade them land and propitiate Hecate with sacrifice.
+Now all that the maiden prepared for offering the sacrifice may no man
+know, and may my soul not urge me to sing thereof. Awe restrains my
+lips, yet from that time the altar which the heroes raised on the beach
+to the goddess remains till now, a sight to men of a later day.
+
+And straightway Aeson’s son and the rest of the heroes bethought them
+of Phineus, how that he had said that their course from Aea should be
+different, but to all alike his meaning was dim. Then Argus spake, and
+they eagerly hearkened:
+
+“We go to Orchomenus, whither that unerring seer, whom ye met
+aforetime, foretold your voyage. For there is another course, signified
+by those priests of the immortal gods, who have sprung from Tritonian
+Thebes. As yet all the stars that wheel in the heaven were not, nor
+yet, though one should inquire, could aught be heard of the sacred race
+of the Danai. Apidanean Arcadians alone existed, Arcadians who lived
+even before the moon, it is said, eating acorns on the hills; nor at
+that time was the Pelasgian land ruled by the glorious sons of
+Deucalion, in the days when Egypt, mother of men of an older time, was
+called the fertile Morning-land, and the river fair-flowing Triton, by
+which all the Morning-land is watered; and never does the rain from
+Zeus moisten the earth; but from the flooding of the river abundant
+crops spring up. From this land, it is said, a king[27] made his way
+all round through the whole of Europe and Asia, trusting in the might
+and strength and courage of his people; and countless cities did he
+found wherever he came, whereof some are still inhabited and some not;
+many an age hath passed since then. But Aea abides unshaken even now
+and the sons of those men whom that king settled to dwell in Aea. They
+preserve the writings of their fathers, graven on pillars, whereon are
+marked all the ways and the limits of sea and land as ye journey on all
+sides round. There is a river, the uttermost horn of Ocean, broad and
+exceeding deep, that a merchant ship may traverse; they call it Ister
+and have marked it far off; and for a while it cleaves the boundless
+tilth alone in one stream; for beyond the blasts of the north wind, far
+off in the Rhipaean mountains, its springs burst forth with a roar. But
+when it enters the boundaries of the Thracians and Scythians, here,
+dividing its stream into two, it sends its waters partly into the
+Ionian sea,[28] and partly to the south into a deep gulf that bends
+upwards from the Trinaerian sea, that sea which lies along your land,
+if indeed Achelous flows forth from your land.”
+
+Thus he spake, and to them the goddess granted a happy portent, and all
+at the sight shouted approval, that this was their appointed path. For
+before them appeared a trail of heavenly light, a sign where they might
+pass. And gladly they left behind there the son of Lyeus and with
+canvas outspread sailed over the sea, with their eyes on the
+Paphlagonian mountains. But they did not round Carambis, for the winds
+and the gleam of the heavenly fire stayed with them till they reached
+Ister’s mighty stream.
+
+Now some of the Colchians, in a vain search, passed out from Pontus
+through the Cyanean rocks; but the rest went to the river, and them
+Apsyrtus led, and, turning aside, he entered the mouth called Fair.
+Wherefore he outstripped the heroes by crossing a neck of land into the
+furthest gulf of the Ionian sea. For a certain island is enclosed by
+Ister, by name Peuee, three-cornered, its base stretching along the
+coast, and with a sharp angle towards the river; and round it the
+outfall is cleft in two. One mouth they call the mouth of Narex, and
+the other, at the lower end, the Fair mouth. And through this Apsyrtus
+and his Colchians rushed with all speed; but the heroes went upwards
+far away towards the highest part of the island. And in the meadows the
+country shepherds left their countless flocks for dread of the ships,
+for they deemed that they were beasts coming forth from the
+monster-teeming sea. For never yet before had they seen seafaring
+ships, neither the Scythians mingled with the Thracians, nor the
+Sigynni, nor yet the Graucenii, nor the Sindi that now inhabit the vast
+desert plain of Laurium. But when they had passed near the mount
+Angurum, and the cliff of Cauliacus, far from the mount Angurum, round
+which Ister, dividing his stream, falls into the sea on this side and
+on that, and the Laurian plain, then indeed the Colchians went forth
+into the Cronian sea and cut off all the ways, to prevent their foes’
+escape. And the heroes came down the river behind and reached the two
+Brygean isles of Artemis near at hand. Now in one of them was a sacred
+temple; and on the other they landed, avoiding the host of Apsyrtus;
+for the Colchians had left these islands out of many within the river,
+just as they were, through reverence for the daughter of Zeus; but the
+rest, thronged by the Colchians, barred the ways to the sea. And so on
+other islands too, close by, Apsyrtus left his host as far as the river
+Salangon and the Nestian land.
+
+There the Minyae would at that time have yielded in grim fight, a few
+to many; but ere then they made a covenant, shunning a dire quarrel; as
+to the golden fleece, that since Aeetes himself had so promised them if
+they should fulfill the contests, they should keep it as justly won,
+whether they carried it off by craft or even openly in the king’s
+despite; but as to Medea—for that was the cause of strife—that they
+should give her in ward to Leto’s daughter apart from the throng, until
+some one of the kings that dispense justice should utter his doom,
+whether she must return to her father’s home or follow the chieftains
+to the land of Hellas.
+
+Now when the maiden had mused upon all this, sharp anguish shook her
+heart unceasingly; and quickly she called forth Jason alone apart from
+his comrades, and led him aside until they were far away, and before
+his face uttered her speech all broken with sobs:
+
+“What is this purpose that ye are now devising about me, O son of
+Aeson? Has thy triumph utterly cast forgetfulness upon thee, and
+reekest thou nothing of all that thou spakest when held fast by
+necessity? Whither are fled the oaths by Zeus the suppliants’ god,
+whither are fled thy honied promises? For which in no seemly wise, with
+shameless will, I have left my country, the glories of my home and even
+my parents—things that were dearest to me; and far away all alone I am
+borne over the sea with the plaintive kingfishers because of thy
+trouble, in order that I might save thy life in fulfilling the contests
+with the oxen and the earthborn men. Last of all the fleece—when the
+matter became known, it was by my folly thou didst win it; and a foul
+reproach have I poured on womankind. Wherefore I say that as thy child,
+thy bride and thy sister, I follow thee to the land of Hellas. Be ready
+to stand by me to the end, abandon me not left forlorn of thee when
+thou dost visit the kings. But only save me; let justice and right, to
+which we have both agreed, stand firm; or else do thou at once shear
+through this neck with the sword, that I may gain the guerdon due to my
+mad passion. Poor wretch! if the king, to whom you both commit your
+cruel covenant, doom me to belong to my brother. How shall I come to my
+father’s sight? Will it be with a good name? What revenge, what heavy
+calamity shall I not endure in agony for the terrible deeds I have
+done? And wilt thou win the return that thy heart desires? Never may
+Zeus’ bride, the queen of all, in whom thou dost glory, bring that to
+pass. Mayst thou some time remember me when thou art racked with
+anguish; may the fleece like a dream vanish into the nether darkness on
+the wings of the wind! And may my avenging Furies forthwith drive thee
+from thy country, for all that I have suffered through thy cruelty!
+These curses will not be allowed to fall unaccomplished to the ground.
+A mighty oath hast thou transgressed, ruthless one; but not long shalt
+thou and thy comrades sit at ease casting eyes of mockery upon me, for
+all your covenants.”
+
+Thus she spake, seething with fierce wrath; and she longed to set fire
+to the ship and to hew it utterly in pieces, and herself to fall into
+the raging flame. But Jason, half afraid, thus addressed her with
+gentle words:
+
+“Forbear, lady; me too this pleases not. But we seek some respite from
+battle, for such a cloud of hostile men, like to a fire, surrounds us,
+on thy account. For all that inhabit this land are eager to aid
+Apsyrtus, that they may lead thee back home to thy father, like some
+captured maid. And all of us would perish in hateful destruction, if we
+closed with them in fight; and bitterer still will be the pain, if we
+are slain and leave thee to be their prey. But this covenant will weave
+a web of guile to lead him to ruin. Nor will the people of the land for
+thy sake oppose us, to favour the Colchians, when their prince is no
+longer with them, who is thy champion and thy brother; nor will I
+shrink from matching myself in fight with the Colchians, if they bar my
+way homeward.”
+
+Thus he spake soothing her; and she uttered a deadly speech: “Take heed
+now. For when sorry deeds are done we must needs devise sorry counsel,
+since at first I was distraught by my error, and by heaven’s will it
+was I wrought the accomplishment of evil desires. Do thou in the
+turmoil shield me from the Colchians’ spears; and I will beguile
+Apsyrtus to come into thy hands—do thou greet him with splendid
+gifts—if only I could persuade the heralds on their departure to bring
+him alone to hearken to my words. Thereupon if this deed pleases thee,
+slay him and raise a conflict with the Colchians, I care not.”
+
+So they two agreed and prepared a great web of guile for Apsyrtus, and
+provided many gifts such as are due to guests, and among them gave a
+sacred robe of Hypsipyle, of crimson hue. The Graces with their own
+hands had wrought it for Dionysus in sea-girt Dia, and he gave it to
+his son Thoas thereafter, and Thoas left it to Hypsipyle, and she gave
+that fair-wrought guest-gift with many another marvel to Aeson’s son to
+wear. Never couldst thou satisfy thy sweet desire by touching it or
+gazing on it. And from it a divine fragrance breathed from the time
+when the king of Nysa himself lay to rest thereon, flushed with wine
+and nectar as he clasped the beauteous breast of the maiden-daughter of
+Minos, whom once Theseus forsook in the island of Dia, when she had
+followed him from Cnossus. And when she had worked upon the heralds to
+induce her brother to come, as soon as she reached the temple of the
+goddess, according to the agreement, and the darkness of night
+surrounded them, that so she might devise with him a cunning plan for
+her to take the mighty fleece of gold and return to the home of Aeetes,
+for, she said, the sons of Phrixus had given her by force to the
+strangers to carry off; with such beguiling words she scattered to the
+air and the breezes her witching charms, which even from afar would
+have drawn down the savage beast from the steep mountain-height.
+
+Ruthless Love, great bane, great curse to mankind, from thee come
+deadly strifes and lamentations and groans, and countless pains as well
+have their stormy birth from thee. Arise, thou god, and arm thyself
+against the sons of our foes in such guise as when thou didst fill
+Medea’s heart with accursed madness. How then by evil doom did she slay
+Apsyrtus when he came to meet her? For that must our song tell next.
+
+When the heroes had left the maiden on the island of Artemis, according
+to the covenant, both sides ran their ships to land separately. And
+Jason went to the ambush to lie in wait for Apsyrtus and then for his
+comrades. But he, beguiled by these dire promises, swiftly crossed the
+swell of the sea in his ship, and in dark night set foot on the sacred
+island; and faring all alone to meet her he made trial in speech of his
+sister, as a tender child tries a wintry torrent which not even strong
+men can pass through, to see if she would devise some guile against the
+strangers. And so they two agreed together on everything; and
+straightway Aeson’s son leapt forth from the thick ambush, lifting his
+bare sword in his hand; and quickly the maiden turned her eyes aside
+and covered them with her veil that she might not see the blood of her
+brother when he was smitten. And Jason marked him and struck him down,
+as a butcher strikes down a mighty strong-horned bull, hard by the
+temple which the Brygi on the mainland opposite had once built for
+Artemis. In its vestibule he fell on his knees; and at last the hero
+breathing out his life caught up in both hands the dark blood as it
+welled from the wound; and he dyed with red his sister’s silvery veil
+and robe as she shrank away. And with swift side-glance the
+irresistible pitiless Fury beheld the deadly deed they had done. And
+the hero, Aeson’s son, cut off the extremities of the dead man, and
+thrice licked up some blood and thrice spat the pollution from his
+teeth, as it is right for the slayer to do, to atone for a treacherous
+murder. And the clammy corpse he hid in the ground where even now those
+bones lie among the Apsyrtians.
+
+Now as soon as the heroes saw the blaze of a torch, which the maiden
+raised for them as a sign to pursue, they laid their own ship near the
+Colchian ship, and they slaughtered the Colchian host, as kites slay
+the tribes of wood-pigeons, or as lions of the wold, when they have
+leapt amid the steading, drive a great flock of sheep huddled together.
+Nor did one of them escape death, but the heroes rushed upon the whole
+crew, destroying them like a flame; and at last Jason met them, and was
+eager to give aid where none was needed; but already they were taking
+thought for him too. Thereupon they sat to devise some prudent counsel
+for their voyage, and the maiden came upon them as they pondered, but
+Peleus spake his word first:
+
+“I now bid you embark while it is still night, and take with your oars
+the passage opposite to that which the enemy guards, for at dawn when
+they see their plight I deem that no word urging to further pursuit of
+us will prevail with them; but as people bereft of their king, they
+will be scattered in grievous dissension. And easy, when the people are
+scattered, will this path be for us on our return.”
+
+Thus he spake; and the youths assented to the words of Aeacus’ son. And
+quickly they entered the ship, and toiled at their oars unceasingly
+until they reached the sacred isle of Electra, the highest of them all,
+near the river Eridanus.
+
+But when the Colchians learnt the death of their prince, verily they
+were eager to pursue Argo and the Minyans through all the Cronian sea.
+But Hera restrained them by terrible lightnings from the sky. And at
+last they loathed their own homes in the Cytaean land, quailing before
+Aeetes’ fierce wrath; so they landed and made abiding homes there,
+scattered far and wide. Some set foot on those very islands where the
+heroes had stayed, and they still dwell there, bearing a name derived
+from Apsyrtus; and others built a fenced city by the dark deep Illyrian
+river, where is the tomb of Harmonia and Cadmus, dwelling among the
+Encheleans; and others live amid the mountains which are called the
+Thunderers, from the day when the thunders of Zeus, son of Cronos,
+prevented them from crossing over to the island opposite.
+
+Now the heroes, when their return seemed safe for them, fared onward
+and made their hawsers fast to the land of the Hylleans. For the
+islands lay thick in the river and made the path dangerous for those
+who sailed thereby. Nor, as aforetime, did the Hylleans devise their
+hurt, but of their own accord furthered their passage, winning as
+guerdon a mighty tripod of Apollo. For tripods twain had Phoebus given
+to Aeson’s son to carry afar in the voyage he had to make, at the time
+when he went to sacred Pytho to enquire about this very voyage; and it
+was ordained by fate that in whatever land they should be placed, that
+land should never be ravaged by the attacks of foemen. Therefore even
+now this tripod is hidden in that land near the pleasant city of
+Hyllus, far beneath the earth, that it may ever be unseen by mortals.
+Yet they found not King Hyllus still alive in the land, whom fair
+Melite bare to Heracles in the land of the Phaeacians. For he came to
+the abode of Nausithous and to Macris, the nurse of Dionysus, to
+cleanse himself from the deadly murder of his children; here he loved
+and overcame the water nymph Melite, the daughter of the river Aegaeus,
+and she bare mighty Hyllus. But when he had grown up he desired not to
+dwell in that island under the rule of Nausithous the king; but he
+collected a host of native Phaeacians and came to the Cronian sea; for
+the hero King Nausithous aided his journey, and there he settled, and
+the Mentores slew him as he was fighting for the oxen of his field.
+
+Now, goddesses, say how it is that beyond this sea, near the land of
+Ausonia and the Ligystian isles, which are called Stoechades, the
+mighty tracks of the ship Argo are clearly sung of? What great
+constraint and need brought the heroes so far? What breezes wafted
+them?
+
+When Apsyrtus had fallen in mighty overthrow Zeus himself, king of
+gods, was seized with wrath at what they had done. And he ordained that
+by the counsels of Aeaean Circe they should cleanse themselves from the
+terrible stain of blood and suffer countless woes before their return.
+Yet none of the chieftains knew this; but far onward they sped starting
+from the Hyllean land, and they left behind all the islands that were
+beforetime thronged by the Colchians—the Liburnian isles, isle after
+isle, Issa, Dysceladus, and lovely Pityeia. Next after them they came
+to Corcyra, where Poseidon settled the daughter of Asopus, fair-haired
+Corcyra, far from the land of Phlius, whence he had carried her off
+through love; and sailors beholding it from the sea, all black with its
+sombre woods, call it Corcyra the Black. And next they passed Melite,
+rejoicing in the soft-blowing breeze, and steep Cerossus, and Nymphaea
+at a distance, where lady Calypso, daughter of Atlas, dwelt; and they
+deemed they saw the misty mountains of Thunder. And then Hera bethought
+her of the counsels and wrath of Zeus concerning them. And she devised
+an ending of their voyage and stirred up storm-winds before them, by
+which they were caught and borne back to the rocky isle of Electra. And
+straightway on a sudden there called to them in the midst of their
+course, speaking with a human voice, the beam of the hollow ship, which
+Athena had set in the centre of the stem, made of Dodonian oak. And
+deadly fear seized them as they heard the voice that told of the
+grievous wrath of Zeus. For it proclaimed that they should not escape
+the paths of an endless sea nor grievous tempests, unless Circe should
+purge away the guilt of the ruthless murder of Apsyrtus; and it bade
+Polydeuces and Castor pray to the immortal gods first to grant a path
+through the Ausonian sea where they should find Circe, daughter of
+Perse and Helios.
+
+Thus Argo cried through the darkness; and the sons of Tyndareus uprose,
+and lifted their hands to the immortals praying for each boon: but
+dejection held the rest of the Minyan heroes. And far on sped Argo
+under sail, and entered deep into the stream of Eridanus; where once,
+smitten on the breast by the blazing bolt, Phaethon half-consumed fell
+from the chariot of Helios into the opening of that deep lake; and even
+now it belcheth up heavy steam clouds from the smouldering wound. And
+no bird spreading its light wings can cross that water; but in
+mid-course it plunges into the flame, fluttering. And all around the
+maidens, the daughters of Helios, enclosed in tall poplars, wretchedly
+wail a piteous plaint; and from their eyes they shed on the ground
+bright drops of amber. These are dried by the sun upon the sand; but
+whenever the waters of the dark lake flow over the strand before the
+blast of the wailing wind, then they roll on in a mass into Eridanus
+with swelling tide. But the Celts have attached this story to them,
+that these are the tears of Leto’s son, Apollo, that are borne along by
+the eddies, the countless tears that he shed aforetime when he came to
+the sacred race of the Hyperboreans and left shining heaven at the
+chiding of his father, being in wrath concerning his son whom divine
+Coronis bare in bright Lacereia at the mouth of Amyrus. And such is the
+story told among these men. But no desire for food or drink seized the
+heroes nor were their thoughts turned to joy. But they were sorely
+afflicted all day, heavy and faint at heart, with the noisome stench,
+hard to endure, which the streams of Eridanus sent forth from Phaethon
+still burning; and at night they heard the piercing lament of the
+daughters of Helios, wailing with shrill voice; and, as they lamented,
+their tears were borne on the water like drops of oil.
+
+Thence they entered the deep stream of Rhodanus which flows into
+Eridanus; and where they meet there is a roar of mingling waters. Now
+that river, rising from the ends of the earth, where are the portals
+and mansions of Night, on one side bursts forth upon the beach of
+Ocean, at another pours into the Ionian sea, and on the third through
+seven mouths sends its stream to the Sardinian sea and its limitless
+bay.[29] And from Rhodanus they entered stormy lakes, which spread
+throughout the Celtic mainland of wondrous size; and there they would
+have met with an inglorious calamity; for a certain branch of the river
+was bearing them towards a gulf of Ocean which in ignorance they were
+about to enter, and never would they have returned from there in
+safety. But Hera leaping forth from heaven pealed her cry from the
+Hercynian rock; and all together were shaken with fear of her cry; for
+terribly crashed the mighty firmament. And backward they turned by
+reason of the goddess, and noted the path by which their return was
+ordained. And after a long while they came to the beach of the surging
+sea by the devising of Hera, passing unharmed through countless tribes
+of the Celts and Ligyans. For round them the goddess poured a dread
+mist day by day as they fared on. And so, sailing through the midmost
+mouth, they reached the Stoechades islands in safety by the aid of the
+sons of Zeus; wherefore altars and sacred rites are established in
+their honour for ever; and not that sea-faring alone did they attend to
+succour; but Zeus granted to them the ships of future sailors too. Then
+leaving the Stoechades they passed on to the island Aethalia, where
+after their toil they wiped away with pebbles sweat in abundance; and
+pebbles like skin in colour are strewn on the beach;[30] and there are
+their quoits and their wondrous armour; and there is the Argoan harbour
+called after them.
+
+And quickly from there they passed through the sea, beholding the
+Tyrrhenian shores of Ausonia; and they came to the famous harbour of
+Aeaea, and from the ship they cast hawsers to the shore near at hand.
+And here they found Circe bathing her head in the salt sea-spray, for
+sorely had she been scared by visions of the night. With blood her
+chambers and all the walls of her palace seemed to be running, and
+flame was devouring all the magic herbs with which she used to bewitch
+strangers whoever came; and she herself with murderous blood quenched
+the glowing flame, drawing it up in her hands; and she ceased from
+deadly fear. Wherefore when morning came she rose, and with sea-spray
+was bathing her hair and her garments. And beasts, not resembling the
+beasts of the wild, nor yet like men in body, but with a medley of
+limbs, went in a throng, as sheep from the fold in multitudes follow
+the shepherd. Such creatures, compacted of various limbs, did each
+herself produce from the primeval slime when she had not yet grown
+solid beneath a rainless sky nor yet had received a drop of moisture
+from the rays of the scorching sun; but time combined these forms and
+marshalled them in their ranks; in such wise these monsters shapeless
+of form followed her. And exceeding wonder seized the heroes, and at
+once, as each gazed on the form and face of Circe, they readily guessed
+that she was the sister of Aeetes.
+
+Now when she had dismissed the fears of her nightly visions,
+straightway she fared backwards, and in her subtlety she bade the
+heroes follow, charming them on with her hand. Thereupon the host
+remained stedfast at the bidding of Aeson’s son, but Jason drew with
+him the Colchian maid. And both followed the selfsame path till they
+reached the hall of Circe, and she in amaze at their coming bade them
+sit on brightly burnished seats. And they, quiet and silent, sped to
+the hearth and sat there, as is the wont of wretched suppliants. Medea
+hid her face in both her hands, but Jason fixed in the ground the
+mighty hilted sword with which he had slain Aeetes’ son; nor did they
+raise their eyes to meet her look. And straightway Circe became aware
+of the doom of a suppliant and the guilt of murder. Wherefore in
+reverence for the ordinance of Zeus, the god of suppliants, who is a
+god of wrath yet mightily aids slayers of men, she began to offer the
+sacrifice with which ruthless suppliants are cleansed from guilt when
+they approach the altar. First, to atone for the murder still
+unexpiated, she held above their heads the young of a sow whose dugs
+yet swelled from the fruit of the womb, and, severing its neck,
+sprinkled their hands with the blood; and again she made propitiation
+with other drink offerings, calling on Zeus the Cleanser, the protector
+of murder-stained suppliants. And all the defilements in a mass her
+attendants bore forth from the palace—the Naiad nymphs who ministered
+all things to her. And within, Circe, standing by the hearth, kept
+burning atonement-cakes without wine, praying the while that she might
+stay from their wrath the terrible Furies, and that Zeus himself might
+be propitious and gentle to them both, whether with hands stained by
+the blood of a stranger or, as kinsfolk, by the blood of a kinsman,
+they should implore his grace.
+
+But when she had wrought all her task, then she raised them up and
+seated them on well polished seats, and herself sat near, face to face
+with them. And at once she asked them clearly of their business and
+their voyaging, and whence they had come to her land and palace, and
+had thus seated themselves as suppliants at her hearth. For in truth
+the hideous remembrance of her dreams entered her mind as she pondered;
+and she longed to hear the voice of the maiden, her kinswoman, as soon
+as she saw that she had raised her eyes from the ground. For all those
+of the race of Helios were plain to discern, since by the far flashing
+of their eyes they shot in front of them a gleam as of gold. So Medea
+told her all she asked—the daughter of Aeetes of the gloomy heart,
+speaking gently in the Colchian tongue, both of the quest and the
+journeyings of the heroes, and of their toils in the swift contests,
+and how she had sinned through the counsels of her much-sorrowing
+sister, and how with the sons of Phrixus she had fled afar from the
+tyrannous horrors of her father; but she shrank from telling of the
+murder of Apsyrtus. Yet she escaped not Circe’s ken; nevertheless, in
+spite of all, she pitied the weeping maiden, and spake thus:
+
+“Poor wretch, an evil and shameful return hast thou planned. Not for
+long, I ween, wilt thou escape the heavy wrath of Aeetes; but soon will
+he go even to the dwellings of Hellas to avenge the blood of his son,
+for intolerable are the deeds thou hast done. But since thou art my
+suppliant and my kinswoman, no further ill shall I devise against thee
+at thy coming; but begone from my halls, companioning the stranger,
+whosoever he be, this unknown one that thou hast taken in thy father’s
+despite; and kneel not to me at my hearth, for never will I approve thy
+counsels and thy shameful flight.”
+
+Thus she spake, and measureless anguish seized the maid; and over her
+eyes she cast her robe and poured forth a lamentation, until the hero
+took her by the hand and led her forth from the hall quivering with
+fear. So they left the home of Circe.
+
+But they were not unmarked by the spouse of Zeus, son of Cronos; but
+Iris told her when she saw them faring from the hall. For Hera had
+bidden her watch what time they should come to the ship; so again she
+urged her and spake:
+
+“Dear Iris, now come, if ever thou hast fulfilled my bidding, hie thee
+away on light pinions, and bid Thetis arise from the sea and come
+hither. For need of her is come upon me. Then go to the sea-beaches
+where the bronze anvils of Hephaestus are smitten by sturdy hammers,
+and tell him to still the blasts of fire until Argo pass by them. Then
+go to Aeolus too, Aeolus who rules the winds, children of the clear
+sky; and to him also tell my purpose so that he may make all winds
+cease under heaven and no breeze may ruffle the sea; yet let the breath
+of the west wind blow until the heroes have reached the Phaeacian isle
+of Alcinous.”
+
+So she spake, and straightway Iris leapt down from Olympus and cleft
+her way, with light wings outspread. And she plunged into the Aegean
+Sea, where is the dwelling of Nereus. And she came to Thetis first and,
+by the promptings of Hera, told her tale and roused her to go to the
+goddess. Next she came to Hephaestus, and quickly made him cease from
+the clang of his iron hammers; and the smoke-grimed bellows were stayed
+from their blast. And thirdly she came to Aeolus, the famous son of
+Hippotas. And when she had given her message to him also and rested her
+swift knees from her course, then Thetis leaving Nereus and her sisters
+had come from the sea to Olympus to the goddess Hera; and the goddess
+made her sit by her side and uttered her word:
+
+“Hearken now, lady Thetis, to what I am eager to tell thee. Thou
+knowest how honoured in my heart is the hero, Aeson’s son, and the
+others that have helped him in the contest, and how I saved them when
+they passed between the Wandering rocks,[31] where roar terrible storms
+of fire and the waves foam round the rugged reefs. And now past the
+mighty rock of Scylla and Charybdis horribly belching, a course awaits
+them. But thee indeed from thy infancy did I tend with my own hands and
+love beyond all others that dwell in the salt sea because thou didst
+refuse to share the couch of Zeus, for all his desire. For to him such
+deeds are ever dear, to embrace either goddesses or mortal women. But
+in reverence for me and with fear in thy heart thou didst shrink from
+his love; and he then swore a mighty oath that thou shouldst never be
+called the bride of an immortal god. Yet he ceased not from spying thee
+against thy will, until reverend Themis declared to him the whole
+truth, how that it was thy fate to bear a son mightier than his sire;
+wherefore he gave thee up, for all his desire, fearing lest another
+should be his match and rule the immortals, and in order that he might
+ever hold his own dominion. But I gave thee the best of the sons of
+earth to be thy husband, that thou mightest find a marriage dear to thy
+heart and bear children; and I summoned to the feast the gods, one and
+all. And with my own hand I raised the bridal torch, in return for the
+kindly honour thou didst pay me. But come, let me tell a tale that
+erreth not. When thy son shall come to the Elysian plain, he whom now
+in the home of Cheiron the Centaur water-nymphs are tending, though he
+still craves thy mother milk, it is fated that he be the husband of
+Medea, Aeetes’ daughter; do thou aid thy daughter-in-law as a
+mother-in-law should, and aid Peleus himself. Why is thy wrath so
+steadfast? He was blinded by folly. For blindness comes even upon the
+gods. Surely at my behest I deem that Hephaestus will cease from
+kindling the fury of his flame, and that Aeolus, son of Hippotas, will
+check his swift rushing winds, all but the steady west wind, until they
+reach the havens of the Phaeacians; do thou devise a return without
+bane. The rocks and the tyrannous waves are my fear, they alone, and
+them thou canst foil with thy sisters’ aid. And let them not fall in
+their helplessness into Charybdis lest she swallow them at one gulp, or
+approach the hideous lair of Scylla, Ausonian Scylla the deadly, whom
+night-wandering Hecate, who is called Crataeis,[32] bare to Phoreys,
+lest swooping upon them with her horrible jaws she destroy the chiefest
+of the heroes. But guide their ship in the course where there shall be
+still a hair’s breadth escape from destruction.”
+
+Thus she spake, and Thetis answered with these words: “If the fury of
+the ravening flame and the stormy winds cease in very deed, surely will
+I promise boldly to save the ship, even though the waves bar the way,
+if only the west wind blows fresh and clear. But it is time to fare on
+a long and measureless path, in quest of my sisters who will aid me,
+and to the spot where the ship’s hawsers are fastened, that at early
+dawn the heroes may take thought to win their home-return.”
+
+She spake, and darting down from the sky fell amid the eddies of the
+dark blue sea; and she called to aid her the rest of the Nereids, her
+own sisters; and they heard her and gathered together; and Thetis
+declared to them Hera’s behests, and quickly sped them all on their way
+to the Ausonian sea. And herself, swifter than the flash of an eye or
+the shafts of the sun, when it rises upwards from a far-distant land,
+hastened swiftly through the sea, until she reached the Aeaean beach of
+the Tyrrhenian mainland. And the heroes she found by the ship taking
+their pastime with quoits and shooting of arrows; and she drew near and
+just touched the hand of Aeaeus’ son Peleus, for he was her husband;
+nor could anyone see her clearly, but she appeared to his eyes alone,
+and thus addressed him:
+
+“No longer now must ye stay sitting on the Tyrrhenian beach, but at
+dawn loosen the hawsers of your swift ship, in obedience to Hera, your
+helper. For at her behest the maiden daughters of Nereus have met
+together to draw your ship through the midst of the rocks which are
+called Planctae, [33] for that is your destined path. But do thou show
+my person to no one, when thou seest us come to meet time, but keep it
+secret in thy mind, lest thou anger me still more than thou didst anger
+me before so recklessly.”
+
+She spake, and vanished into the depths of the sea; but sharp pain
+smote Peleus, for never before had he seen her come, since first she
+left her bridal chamber and bed in anger, on account of noble Achilles,
+then a babe. For she ever encompassed the child’s mortal flesh in the
+night with the flame of fire; and day by day she anointed with ambrosia
+his tender frame, so that he might become immortal and that she might
+keep off from his body loathsome old age. But Peleus leapt up from his
+bed and saw his dear son gasping in the flame; and at the sight he
+uttered a terrible cry, fool that he was; and she heard it, and
+catching up the child threw him screaming to the ground, and herself
+like a breath of wind passed swiftly from the hall as a dream and leapt
+into the sea, exceeding wroth, and thereafter returned not again.
+Wherefore blank amazement fettered his soul; nevertheless he declared
+to his comrades all the bidding of Thetis. And they broke off in the
+midst and hurriedly ceased their contests, and prepared their meal and
+earth-strewn beds, whereon after supper they slept through the night as
+aforetime.
+
+Now when dawn the light-bringer was touching the edge of heaven, then
+at the coming of the swift west wind they went to their thwarts from
+the land; and gladly did they draw up the anchors from the deep and
+made the tackling ready in due order; and above spread the sail,
+stretching it taut with the sheets from the yard-arm. And a fresh
+breeze wafted the ship on. And soon they saw a fair island,
+Anthemoessa, where the clear-voiced Sirens, daughters of Achelous, used
+to beguile with their sweet songs whoever cast anchor there, and then
+destroy him. Them lovely Terpsichore, one of the Muses, bare, united
+with Achelous; and once they tended Demeter’s noble daughter still
+unwed, and sang to her in chorus; and at that time they were fashioned
+in part like birds and in part like maidens to behold. And ever on the
+watch from their place of prospect with its fair haven, often from many
+had they taken away their sweet return, consuming them with wasting
+desire; and suddenly to the heroes, too, they sent forth from their
+lips a lily-like voice. And they were already about to cast from the
+ship the hawsers to the shore, had not Thracian Orpheus, son of
+Oeagrus, stringing in his hands his Bistonian lyre, rung forth the
+hasty snatch of a rippling melody so that their ears might be filled
+with the sound of his twanging; and the lyre overcame the maidens’
+voice. And the west wind and the sounding wave rushing astern bore the
+ship on; and the Sirens kept uttering their ceaseless song. But even so
+the goodly son of Teleon alone of the comrades leapt before them all
+from the polished bench into the sea, even Butes, his soul melted by
+the clear ringing voice of the Sirens; and he swam through the dark
+surge to mount the beach, poor wretch. Quickly would they have robbed
+him of his return then and there, but the goddess that rules Eryx,
+Cypris, in pity snatched him away, while yet in the eddies, and
+graciously meeting him saved him to dwell on the Lilybean height. And
+the heroes, seized by anguish, left the Sirens, but other perils still
+worse, destructive to ships, awaited them in the meeting-place of the
+seas.
+
+For on one side appeared the smooth rock of Scylla; on the other
+Charybdis ceaselessly spouted and roared; in another part the Wandering
+rocks were booming beneath the mighty surge, where before the burning
+flame spurted forth from the top of the crags, above the rock glowing
+with fire, and the air was misty with smoke, nor could you have seen
+the sun’s light. Then, though Hephaestus had ceased from his toils, the
+sea was still sending up a warm vapour. Hereupon on this side and on
+that the daughters of Nereus met them; and behind, lady Thetis set her
+hand to the rudder-blade, to guide them amid the Wandering rocks. And
+as when in fair weather herds of dolphins come up from the depths and
+sport in circles round a ship as it speeds along, now seen in front,
+now behind, now again at the side and delight comes to the sailors; so
+the Nereids darted upward and circled in their ranks round the ship
+Argo, while Thetis guided its course. And when they were about to touch
+the Wandering rocks, straightway they raised the edge of their garments
+over their snow-white knees, and aloft, on the very rocks and where the
+waves broke, they hurried along on this side and on that apart from one
+another. And the ship was raised aloft as the current smote her, and
+all around the furious wave mounting up broke over the rocks, which at
+one time touched the sky like towering crags, at another, down in the
+depths, were fixed fast at the bottom of the sea and the fierce waves
+poured over them in floods. And the Nereids, even as maidens near some
+sandy beach roll their garments up to their waists out of their way and
+sport with a shapely-rounded ball; then they catch it one from another
+and send it high into the air; and it never touches the ground; so they
+in turn one from another sent the ship through the air over the waves,
+as it sped on ever away from the rocks; and round them the water
+spouted and foamed. And lord Hephaestus himself standing on the summit
+of a smooth rock and resting his massy shoulder on the handle of his
+hammer, beheld them, and the spouse of Zeus beheld them as she stood
+above the gleaming heaven; and she threw her arms round Athena, such
+fear seized her as she gazed. And as long as the space of a day is
+lengthened out in springtime, so long a time did they toil, heaving the
+ship between the loud-echoing rocks; then again the heroes caught the
+wind and sped onward; and swiftly they passed the mead of Thrinacia,
+where the kine of Helios fed. There the nymphs, like sea-mews, plunged
+beneath the depths, when they had fulfilled the behests of the spouse
+of Zeus. And at the same time the bleating of sheep came to the heroes
+through the mist and the lowing of kine, near at hand, smote their
+ears. And over the dewy leas Phaethusa, the youngest of the daughters
+of Helios, tended the sheep, bearing in her hand a silver crook; while
+Lampetia, herding the kine, wielded a staff of glowing orichalcum[34]
+as she followed. These kine the heroes saw feeding by the river’s
+stream, over the plain and the water-meadow; not one of them was dark
+in hue but all were white as milk and glorying in their horns of gold.
+So they passed them by in the day-time, and when night came on they
+were cleaving a great sea-gulf, rejoicing, until again early rising
+dawn threw light upon their course.
+
+Fronting the Ionian gulf there lies an island in the Ceraunian sea,
+rich in soil, with a harbour on both sides, beneath which lies the
+sickle, as legend saith—grant me grace, O Muses, not willingly do I
+tell this tale of olden days—wherewith Cronos pitilessly mutilated his
+father; but others call it the reaping-hook of Demeter, goddess of the
+nether world. For Demeter once dwelt in that island, and taught the
+Titans to reap the ears of corn, all for the love of Macris. Whence it
+is called Drepane,[35] the sacred nurse of the Phaeacians; and thus the
+Phaeacians themselves are by birth of the blood of Uranus. To them came
+Argo, held fast by many toils, borne by the breezes from the Thrinacian
+sea; and Alcinous and his people with kindly sacrifice gladly welcomed
+their coming; and over them all the city made merry; thou wouldst say
+they were rejoicing over their own sons. And the heroes themselves
+strode in gladness through the throng, even as though they had set foot
+in the heart of Haemonia; but soon were they to arm and raise the
+battle-cry; so near to them appeared a boundless host of Colchians, who
+had passed through the mouth of Pontus and between the Cyanean rocks in
+search of the chieftains. They desired forthwith to carry off Medea to
+her father’s house apart from the rest, or else they threatened with
+fierce cruelty to raise the dread war-cry both then and thereafter on
+the coming of Aeetes. But lordly Alcinous checked them amid their
+eagerness for war. For he longed to allay the lawless strife between
+both sides without the clash of battle. And the maiden in deadly fear
+often implored the comrades of Aeson’s son, and often with her hands
+touched the knees of Arete, the bride of Aleinous:
+
+“I beseech thee, O queen, be gracious and deliver me not to the
+Colchians to be borne to my father, if thou thyself too art one of the
+race of mortals, whose heart rushes swiftly to ruin from light
+transgressions. For my firm sense forsook me—it was not for wantonness.
+Be witness the sacred light of Helios, be witness the rites of the
+maiden that wanders by night, daughter of Perses. Not willingly did I
+haste from my home with men of an alien race; but a horrible fear
+wrought on me to bethink me of flight when I sinned; other device was
+there none. Still my maiden’s girdle remains, as in the halls of my
+father, unstained, untouched. Pity me, lady, and turn thy lord to
+mercy; and may the immortals grant thee a perfect life, and joy, and
+children, and the glory of a city unravaged!”
+
+Thus did she implore Arete, shedding tears, and thus each of the
+chieftains in turn:
+
+“On your account, ye men of peerless might, and on account of my toils
+in your ventures am I sorely afflicted; even I, by whose help ye yoked
+the bulls, and reaped the deadly harvest of the earthborn men; even I,
+through whom on your homeward path ye shall bear to Haemonia the golden
+fleece. Lo, here am I, who have lost my country and my parents, who
+have lost my home and all the delights of life; to you have I restored
+your country and your homes; with eyes of gladness ye will see again
+your parents; but from me a heavy-handed god has raft all joy; and with
+strangers I wander, an accursed thing. Fear your covenant and your
+oaths, fear the Fury that avenges suppliants and the retribution of
+heaven, if I fall into Aeetes’ hands and am slain with grievous
+outrage. To no shrines, no tower of defence, no other refuge do I pay
+heed, but only to you. Hard and pitiless in your cruelty! No reverence
+have ye for me in your heart though ye see me helpless, stretching my
+hands towards the knees of a stranger queen; yet, when ye longed to
+seize the fleece, ye would have met all the Colchians face to thee and
+haughty Aeetes himself; but now ye have forgotten your courage, now
+that they are all alone and cut off.”
+
+Thus she spake, beseeching; and to whomsoever she bowed in prayer, that
+man tried to give her heart and to check her anguish. And in their
+hands they shook their sharp pointed spears, and drew the swords from
+their sheaths; and they swore they would not hold back from giving
+succour, if she should meet with an unrighteous judgement. And the host
+were all wearied and Night came on them, Night that puts to rest the
+works of men, and lulled all the earth to sleep; but to the maid no
+sleep brought rest, but in her bosom her heart was wrung with anguish.
+Even as when a toiling woman turns her spindle through the night, and
+round her moan her orphan children, for she is a widow, and down her
+cheeks fall the tears, as she bethinks her how dreary a lot hath seized
+her; so Medea’s cheeks were wet; and her heart within her was in agony,
+pierced with sharp pain.
+
+Now within the palace in the city, as aforetime, lay lordly Alcinous
+and Arete, the revered wife of Alcinous, and on their couch through the
+night they were devising plans about the maiden; and him, as her wedded
+husband, the wife addressed with loving words:
+
+“Yea, my friend, come, save the woe-stricken maid from the Colchians
+and show grace to the Minyae. Argos is near our isle and the men of
+Haemonia; but Aeetes dwells not near, nor do we know of Aeetes one
+whit: we hear but his name; but this maiden of dread suffering hath
+broken my heart by her prayers. O king, give her not up to the
+Colchians to be borne back to her father’s home. She was distraught
+when first she gave him the drugs to charm the oxen; and next, to cure
+one ill by another, as in our sinning we do often, she fled from her
+haughty sire’s heavy wrath. But Jason, as I hear, is bound to her by
+mighty oaths that he will make her his wedded wife within his halls.
+Wherefore, my friend, make not, of thy will, Aeson’s son to be
+forsworn, nor let the father, if thou canst help, work with angry heart
+some intolerable mischief on his child. For fathers are all too jealous
+against their children; what wrong did Nycteus devise against Antiope,
+fair of face! What woes did Danae endure on the wide sea through her
+sire’s mad rage! Of late, and not far away, Echetus in wanton cruelty
+thrust spikes of bronze in his daughter’s eyes; and by a grievous fate
+is she wasting away, grinding grains of bronze in a dungeon’s gloom.”
+
+Thus she spake, beseeching; and by his wife’s words his heart was
+softened, and thus he spake:
+
+“Arete, with arms I could drive forth the Colchians, showing grace to
+the heroes for the maiden’s sake. But I fear to set at nought the
+righteous judgment of Zeus. Nor is it well to take no thought of
+Aeetes, as thou sayest: for none is more lordly than Aeetes. And, if he
+willed, he might bring war upon Hellas, though he dwell afar. Wherefore
+it is right for me to deliver the judgement that in all men’s eyes
+shall be best; and I will not hide it from thee. If she be yet a maid I
+decree that they carry her back to her father; but if she shares a
+husband’s bed, I will not separate her from her lord; nor, if she bear
+a child beneath her breast, will I give it up to an enemy.”
+
+Thus he spake, and at once sleep laid him to rest. And she stored up in
+her heart the word of wisdom, and straightway rose from her couch and
+went through the palace; and her handmaids came hasting together,
+eagerly tending their mistress. But quietly she summoned her herald and
+addressed him, in her prudence urging Aeson’s son to wed the maiden,
+and not to implore Alcinous; for he himself, she said, will decree to
+the Colchians that if she is still a maid he will deliver her up to be
+borne to her father’s house, but that if she shares a husband’s bed he
+will not sever her from wedded love.
+
+Thus she spake, and quickly from the hall his feet bore him, that he
+might declare to Jason the fair-omened speech of Arete and the counsel
+of godfearing Alcinous. And he found the heroes watching in full armour
+in the haven of Hyllus, near the city; and out he spake the whole
+message; and each hero’s heart rejoiced; for the word that he spake was
+welcome.
+
+And straightway they mingled a bowl to the blessed ones, as is right,
+and reverently led sheep to the altar, and for that very night prepared
+for the maiden the bridal couch in the sacred cave, where once dwelt
+Macris, the daughter of Aristaeus, lord of honey, who discovered the
+works of bees and the fatness of the olive, the fruit of labour. She it
+was that first received in her bosom the Nysean son of Zeus in Abantian
+Euboea, and with honey moistened his parched lips when Hermes bore him
+out of the flame. And Hera beheld it, and in wrath drove her from the
+whole island. And she accordingly came to dwell far off, in the sacred
+cave of the Phaeacians, and granted boundless wealth to the
+inhabitants. There at that time did they spread a mighty couch; and
+thereon they laid the glittering fleece of gold, that so the marriage
+might be made honoured and the theme of song. And for them nymphs
+gathered flowers of varied hue and bore them thither in their white
+bosoms; and a splendour as of flame played round them all, such a light
+gleamed from the golden tufts. And in their eyes it kindled a sweet
+longing; yet for all her desire, awe withheld each one from laying her
+hand thereon. Some were called daughters of the river Aegaeus; others
+dwelt round the crests of the Meliteian mount; and others were woodland
+nymphs from the plains. For Hera herself, the spouse of Zeus, had sent
+them to do honour to Jason. That cave is to this day called the sacred
+cave of Medea, where they spread the fine and fragrant linen and
+brought these two together. And the heroes in their hands wielded their
+spears for war, lest first a host of foes should burst upon them for
+battle unawares, and, their heads enwreathed with leafy sprays, all in
+harmony, while Orpheus’ harp rang clear, sang the marriage song at the
+entrance to the bridal chamber. Yet not in the house of Alcinous was
+the hero, Aeson’s son, minded to complete his marriage, but in his
+father’s hall when he had returned home to Ioleus; and such was the
+mind of Medea herself; but necessity led them to wed at this time. For
+never in truth do we tribes of woe-stricken mortals tread the path of
+delight with sure foot; but still some bitter affliction keeps pace
+with our joy. Wherefore they too, though their souls were melted with
+sweet love, were held by fear, whether the sentence of Alcinous would
+be fulfilled.
+
+Now dawn returning with her beams divine scattered the gloomy night
+through the sky; and the island beaches laughed out and the paths over
+the plains far off, drenched with dew, and there was a din in the
+streets; the people were astir throughout the city, and far away the
+Colchians were astir at the bounds of the isle of Macris. And
+straightway to them went Alcinous, by reason of his covenant, to
+declare his purpose concerning the maiden, and in his hand he held a
+golden staff, his staff of justice, whereby the people had righteous
+judgments meted out to them throughout the city. And with him in order
+due and arrayed in their harness of war went marching, band by band,
+the chiefs of the Phaeacians. And from the towers came forth the women
+in crowds to gaze upon the heroes; and the country folk came to meet
+them when they heard the news, for Hera had sent forth a true report.
+And one led the chosen ram of his flock, and another a heifer that had
+never toiled; and others set hard by jars of wine for mixing; and the
+smoke of sacrifice leapt up far away. And women bore fine linen, the
+fruit of much toil, as women will, and gifts of gold and varied
+ornaments as well, such as are brought to newly-wedded brides; and they
+marvelled when they saw the shapely forms and beauty of the gallant
+heroes, and among them the son of Oeagrus, oft beating the ground with
+gleaming sandal, to the time of his loud-ringing lyre and song. And all
+the nymphs together, whenever he recalled the marriage, uplifted the
+lovely bridal-chant; and at times again they sang alone as they circled
+in the dance, Hera, in thy honour; for it was thou that didst put it
+into the heart of Arete to proclaim the wise word of Alcinous. And as
+soon as he had uttered the decree of his righteous judgement, and the
+completion of the marriage had been proclaimed, he took care that thus
+it should abide fixed; and no deadly fear touched him nor Aeetes’
+grievous wrath, but he kept his judgement fast bound by unbroken oaths.
+So when the Colchians learnt that they were beseeching in vain and he
+bade them either observe his judgements or hold their ships away from
+his harbours and land, then they began to dread the threats of their
+own king and besought Alcinous to receive them as comrades; and there
+in the island long time they dwelt with the Phaeacians, until in the
+course of years, the Bacchiadae, a race sprung from Ephyra,[36] settled
+among them; and the Colchians passed to an island opposite; and thence
+they were destined to reach the Ceraunian hills of the Abantes, and the
+Nestaeans and Oricum; but all this was fulfilled after long ages had
+passed. And still the altars which Medea built on the spot sacred to
+Apollo, god of shepherds, receive yearly sacrifices in honour of the
+Fates and the Nymphs. And when the Minyae departed many gifts of
+friendship did Alcinous bestow, and many Arete; moreover she gave Medea
+twelve Phaeacian handmaids from the palace, to bear her company. And on
+the seventh day they left Drepane; and at dawn came a fresh breeze from
+Zeus. And onward they sped borne along by the wind’s breath. Howbeit
+not yet was it ordained for the heroes to set foot on Achaea, until
+they had toiled even in the furthest bounds of Libya.
+
+Now had they left behind the gulf named after the Ambracians, now with
+sails wide spread the land of the Curetes, and next in order the narrow
+islands with the Echinades, and the land of Pelops was just descried;
+even then a baleful blast of the north wind seized them in mid-course
+and swept them towards the Libyan sea nine nights and as many days,
+until they came far within Syrtis, wherefrom is no return for ships,
+when they are once forced into that gulf. For on every hand are shoals,
+on every hand masses of seaweed from the depths; and over them the
+light foam of the wave washes without noise; and there is a stretch of
+sand to the dim horizon; and there moveth nothing that creeps or flies.
+Here accordingly the flood-tide—for this tide often retreats from the
+land and bursts back again over the beach coming on with a rush and
+roar—thrust them suddenly on to the innermost shore, and but little of
+the keel was left in the water. And they leapt forth from the ship, and
+sorrow seized them when they gazed on the mist and the levels of vast
+land stretching far like a mist and continuous into the distance; no
+spot for water, no path, no steading of herdsmen did they descry afar
+off, but all the scene was possessed by a dead calm. And thus did one
+hero, vexed in spirit, ask another:
+
+“What land is this? Whither has the tempest hurled us? Would that,
+reckless of deadly fear, we had dared to rush on by that same path
+between the clashing rocks! Better were it to have overleapt the will
+of Zeus and perished in venturing some mighty deed. But now what should
+we do, held back by the winds to stay here, if ever so short a time?
+How desolate looms before us the edge of the limitless land!”
+
+Thus one spake; and among them Ancaeus the helmsman, in despair at
+their evil case, spoke with grieving heart: “Verily we are undone by a
+terrible doom; there is no escape from ruin; we must suffer the
+cruellest woes, having fallen on this desolation, even though breezes
+should blow from the land; for, as I gaze far around, on every side do
+I behold a sea of shoals, and masses of water, fretted line upon line,
+run over the hoary sand. And miserably long ago would our sacred ship
+have been shattered far from the shore; but the tide itself bore her
+high on to the land from the deep sea. But now the tide rushes back to
+the sea, and only the foam, whereon no ship can sail, rolls round us,
+just covering the land. Wherefore I deem that all hope of our voyage
+and of our return is cut off. Let someone else show his skill; let him
+sit at the helm the man that is eager for our deliverance. But Zeus has
+no will to fulfil our day of return after all our toils.”
+
+Thus he spake with tears, and all of them that had knowledge of ships
+agreed thereto; but the hearts of all grew numb, and pallor overspread
+their cheeks. And as, like lifeless spectres, men roam through a city
+awaiting the issue of war or of pestilence, or some mighty storm which
+overwhelms the countless labours of oxen, when the images of their own
+accord sweat and run down with blood, and bellowings are heard in
+temples, or when at mid-day the sun draws on night from heaven, and the
+stars shine clear through the mist; so at that time along the endless
+strand the chieftains wandered, groping their way. Then straightway
+dark evening came upon them; and piteously did they embrace each other
+and say farewell with tears, that they might, each one apart from his
+fellow, fall on the sand and die. And this way and that they went
+further to choose a resting-place; and they wrapped their heads in
+their cloaks and, fasting and unfed, lay down all that night and the
+day, awaiting a piteous death. But apart the maidens huddled together
+lamented beside the daughter of Aeetes. And as when, forsaken by their
+mother, unfledged birds that have fallen from a cleft in the rock chirp
+shrilly; or when by the banks of fair-flowing Pactolus, swans raise
+their song, and all around the dewy meadow echoes and the river’s fair
+stream; so these maidens, laying in the dust their golden hair, all
+through the night wailed their piteous lament. And there all would have
+parted from life without a name and unknown to mortal men, those
+bravest of heroes, with their task unfulfilled; but as they pined in
+despair, the heroine-nymphs, warders of Libya, had pity on them, they
+who once found Athena, what time she leapt in gleaming armour from her
+father’s head, and bathed her by Trito’s waters. It was noon-tide and
+the fiercest rays of the sun were scorching Libya; they stood near
+Aeson’s son, and lightly drew the cloak from his head. And the hero
+cast down his eyes and looked aside, in reverence for the goddesses,
+and as he lay bewildered all alone they addressed him openly with
+gentle words:
+
+“Ill-starred one, why art thou so smitten with despair? We know how ye
+went in quest of the golden fleece; we know each toil of yours, all the
+mighty deeds ye wrought in your wanderings over land and sea. We are
+the solitary ones, goddesses of the land, speaking with human voice,
+the heroines, Libya’s warders and daughters. Up then; be not thus
+afflicted in thy misery, and rouse thy comrades. And when Amphitrite
+has straightway loosed Poseidon’s swift-wheeled car, then do ye pay to
+your mother a recompense for all her travail when she bare you so long
+in her womb; and so ye may return to the divine land of Achaea.”
+
+Thus they spake, and with the voice vanished at once, where they stood.
+But Jason sat upon the earth as he gazed around, and thus cried:
+
+“Be gracious, noble goddesses of the desert, yet the saying about our
+return I understand not clearly. Surely I will gather together my
+comrades and tell them, if haply we can find some token of our escape,
+for the counsel of many is better.”
+
+He spake, and leapt to his feet, and shouted afar to his comrades, all
+squalid with dust, like a lion when he roars through the woodland
+seeking his mate; and far off in the mountains the glens tremble at the
+thunder of his voice; and the oxen of the field and the herdsmen
+shudder with fear; yet to them Jason’s voice was no whit terrible the
+voice of a comrade calling to his friends. And with looks downcast they
+gathered near, and hard by where the ship lay he made them sit down in
+their grief and the women with them, and addressed them and told them
+everything:
+
+“Listen, friends; as I lay in my grief, three goddesses girded with
+goat-skins from the neck downwards round the back and waist, like
+maidens, stood over my head nigh at hand; and they uncovered me,
+drawing my cloak away with light hand, and they bade me rise up myself
+and go and rouse you, and pay to our mother a bounteous recompense for
+all her travail when she bare us so long in her womb, when Amphitrite
+shall have loosed Poseidon’s swift-wheeled car. But I cannot fully
+understand concerning this divine message. They said indeed that they
+were heroines, Libya’s warders and daughters; and all the toils that we
+endured aforetime by land and sea, all these they declared that they
+knew full well. Then I saw them no more in their place, but a mist or
+cloud came between and hid them from my sight.”
+
+Thus he spake, and all marvelled as they heard. Then was wrought for
+the Minyae the strangest of portents. From the sea to the land leapt
+forth a monstrous horse, of vast size, with golden mane tossing round
+his neck; and quickly from his limbs he shook off abundant spray and
+started on his course, with feet like the wind. And at once Peleus
+rejoiced and spake among the throng of his comrades:
+
+“I deem that Poseidon’s ear has even now been loosed by the hands of
+his dear wife, and I divine that our mother is none else than our ship
+herself; for surely she bare us in her womb and groans unceasingly with
+grievous travailing. But with unshaken strength and untiring shoulders
+will we lift her up and bear her within this country of sandy wastes,
+where yon swift-footed steed has sped before. For he will not plunge
+beneath the earth; and his hoof-prints, I ween, will point us to some
+bay above the sea.”
+
+Thus he spake, and the fit counsel pleased all. This is the tale the
+Muses told; and I sing obedient to the Pierides, and this report have I
+heard most truly; that ye, O mightiest far of the sons of kings, by
+your might and your valour over the desert sands of Libya raised high
+aloft on your shoulders the ship and all that ye brought therein, and
+bare her twelve days and nights alike. Yet who could tell the pain and
+grief which they endured in that toil? Surely they were of the blood of
+the immortals, such a task did they take on them, constrained by
+necessity. How forward and how far they bore her gladly to the waters
+of the Tritonian lake! How they strode in and set her down from their
+stalwart shoulders!
+
+Then, like raging hounds, they rushed to search for a spring; for
+besides their suffering and anguish, a parching thirst lay upon them,
+and not in vain did they wander; but they came to the sacred plain
+where Ladon, the serpent of the land, till yesterday kept watch over
+the golden apples in the garden of Atlas; and all around the nymphs,
+the Hesperides, were busied, chanting their lovely song. But at that
+time, stricken by Heracles, he lay fallen by the trunk of the
+apple-tree; only the tip of his tail was still writhing; but from his
+head down his dark spine he lay lifeless; and where the arrows had left
+in his blood the bitter gall of the Lernaean hydra, flies withered and
+died over the festering wounds. And close at hand the Hesperides, their
+white arms flung over their golden heads, lamented shrilly; and the
+heroes drew near suddenly; but the maidens, at their quick approach, at
+once became dust and earth where they stood. Orpheus marked the divine
+portent, and for his comrades addressed them in prayer: “O divine ones,
+fair and kind, be gracious, O queens, whether ye be numbered among the
+heavenly goddesses, or those beneath the earth, or be called the
+Solitary nymphs; come, O nymphs, sacred race of Oceanus, appear
+manifest to our longing eyes and show us some spring of water from the
+rock or some sacred flow gushing from the earth, goddesses, wherewith
+we may quench the thirst that burns us unceasingly. And if ever again
+we return in our voyaging to the Achaean land, then to you among the
+first of goddesses with willing hearts will we bring countless gifts,
+libations and banquets.”
+
+So he spake, beseeching them with plaintive voice; and they from their
+station near pitied their pain; and lo! First of all they caused grass
+to spring from the earth; and above the grass rose up tall shoots, and
+then flourishing saplings grew standing upright far above the earth.
+Hespere became a poplar and Eretheis an elm, and Aegle a willow’s
+sacred trunk. And forth from these trees their forms looked out, as
+clear as they were before, a marvel exceeding great, and Aegle spake
+with gentle words answering their longing looks:
+
+“Surely there has come hither a mighty succour to your toils, that most
+accursed man, who robbed our guardian serpent of life and plucked the
+golden apples of the goddesses and is gone; and has left bitter grief
+for us. For yesterday came a man most fell in wanton violence, most
+grim in form; and his eyes flashed beneath his scowling brow; a
+ruthless wretch; and he was clad in the skin of a monstrous lion of raw
+hide, untanned; and he bare a sturdy bow of olive, and a bow, wherewith
+he shot and killed this monster here. So he too came, as one traversing
+the land on foot, parched with thirst; and he rushed wildly through
+this spot, searching for water, but nowhere was he like to see it. Now
+here stood a rock near the Tritonian lake; and of his own device, or by
+the prompting of some god, he smote it below with his foot; and the
+water gushed out in full flow. And he, leaning both his hands and chest
+upon the ground, drank a huge draught from the rifted rock, until,
+stooping like a beast of the field, he had satisfied his mighty maw.”
+
+Thus she spake; and they gladly with joyful steps ran to the spot where
+Aegle had pointed out to them the spring, until they reached it. And as
+when earth-burrowing ants gather in swarms round a narrow cleft, or
+when flies lighting upon a tiny drop of sweet honey cluster round with
+insatiate eagerness; so at that time, huddled together, the Minyae
+thronged about the spring from the rock. And thus with wet lips one
+cried to another in his delight:
+
+“Strange! In very truth Heracles, though far away, has saved his
+comrades, fordone with thirst. Would that we might find him on his way
+as we pass through the mainland!”
+
+So they spake, and those who were ready for this work answered, and
+they separated this way and that, each starting to search. For by the
+night winds the footsteps had been effaced where the sand was stirred.
+The two sons of Boreas started up, trusting in their wings; and
+Euphemus, relying on his swift feet, and Lynceus to cast far his
+piercing eyes; and with them darted off Canthus, the fifth. He was
+urged on by the doom of the gods and his own courage, that he might
+learn for certain from Heracles where he had left Polyphemus, son of
+Eilatus; for he was minded to question him on every point concerning
+his comrade. But that hero had founded a glorious city among the
+Mysians, and, yearning for his home-return, had passed far over the
+mainland in search of Argo; and in time he reached the land of the
+Chalybes, who dwell near the sea; there it was that his fate subdued
+him. And to him a monument stands under a tall poplar, just facing the
+sea. But that day Lynceus thought he saw Heracles all alone, far off,
+over measureless land, as a man at the month’s beginning sees, or
+thinks he sees, the moon through a bank of cloud. And he returned and
+told his comrades that no other searcher would find Heracles on his
+way, and they also came back, and swift-footed Euphemus and the twin
+sons of Thracian Boreas, after a vain toil.
+
+But thee, Canthus, the fates of death seized in Libya. On pasturing
+flocks didst thou light; and there followed a shepherd who, in defence
+of his own sheep, while thou weft leading them off[37] to thy comrades
+in their need, slew thee by the cast of a stone; for he was no
+weakling, Caphaurus, the grandson of Lycoreian Phoebus and the chaste
+maiden Acacallis, whom once Minos drove from home to dwell in Libya,
+his own daughter, when she was bearing the gods’ heavy load; and she
+bare to Phoebus a glorious son, whom they call Amphithemis and Garamas.
+And Amphithemis wedded a Tritonian nymph; and she bare to him Nasamon
+and strong Caphaurus, who on that day in defending his sheep slew
+Canthus. But he escaped not the chieftains’ avenging hands, when they
+learned the deed he had done. And the Minyae, when they knew it,
+afterwards took up the corpse and buried it in the earth, mourning; and
+the sheep they took with them.
+
+Thereupon on the same day a pitiless fate seized Mopsus too, son of
+Ampycus; and he escaped not a bitter doom by his prophesying; for there
+is no averting of death. Now there lay in the sand, avoiding the midday
+heat, a dread serpent, too sluggish of his own will to strike at an
+unwilling foe, nor yet would he dart full face at one that would shrink
+back. But into whatever of all living beings that life-giving earth
+sustains that serpent once injects his black venom, his path to Hades
+becomes not so much as a cubit’s length, not even if Paeeon, if it is
+right for me to say this openly, should tend him, when its teeth have
+only grazed the skin. For when over Libya flew godlike Perseus
+Eurymedon for by that name his mother called him—bearing to the king
+the Gorgon’s head newly severed, all the drops of dark blood that fell
+to the earth, produced a brood of those serpents. Now Mopsus stepped on
+the end of its spine, setting thereon the sole of his left foot; and it
+writhed round in pain and bit and tore the flesh between the shin and
+the muscles. And Medea and her handmaids fled in terror; but Canthus
+bravely felt the bleeding wound; for no excessive pain harassed him.
+Poor wretch! Already a numbness that loosed his limbs was stealing
+beneath his skin, and a thick mist was spreading over his eyes.
+Straightway his heavy limbs sank helplessly to the ground and he grew
+cold; and his comrades and the hero, Aeson’s son, gathered round,
+marvelling at the close-coming doom. Nor yet though dead might he lie
+beneath the sun even for a little space. For at once the poison began
+to rot his flesh within, and the hair decayed and fell from the skin.
+And quickly and in haste they dug a deep grave with mattocks of bronze;
+and they tore their hair, the heroes and the maidens, bewailing the
+dead man’s piteous suffering; and when he had received due burial
+rites, thrice they marched round the tomb in full armour, and heaped
+above him a mound of earth.
+
+But when they had gone aboard, as the south wind blew over the sea, and
+they were searching for a passage to go forth from the Tritonian lake,
+for long they had no device, but all the day were borne on aimlessly.
+And as a serpent goes writhing along his crooked path when the sun’s
+fiercest rays scorch him; and with a hiss he turns his head to this
+side and that, and in his fury his eyes glow like sparks of fire, until
+he creeps to his lair through a cleft in the rock; so Argo seeking an
+outlet from the lake, a fairway for ships, wandered for a long time.
+Then straightway Orpheus bade them bring forth from the ship Apollo’s
+massy tripod and offer it to the gods of the land as propitiation for
+their return. So they went forth and set Apollo’s gift on the shore;
+then before them stood, in the form of a youth, farswaying Triton, and
+he lifted a clod from the earth and offered it as a stranger’s gift,
+and thus spake:
+
+“Take it, friends, for no stranger’s gift of great worth have I here by
+me now to place in the hands of those who beseech me. But if ye are
+searching for a passage through this sea, as often is the need of men
+passing through a strange land, I will declare it. For my sire Poseidon
+has made me to be well versed in this sea. And I rule the shore if
+haply in your distant land you have ever heard of Eurypylus, born in
+Libya, the home of wild beasts.”
+
+Thus he spake, and readily Euphemus held out his hands towards the
+clod, and thus addressed him in reply:
+
+“If haply, hero, thou knowest aught of Apis[38] and the sea of Minos,
+tell us truly, who ask it of you. For not of our will have we come
+hither, but by the stress of heavy storms have we touched the borders
+of this land, and have borne our ship aloft on our shoulders to the
+waters of this lake over the mainland, grievously burdened; and we know
+not where a passage shows itself for our course to the land of Pelops.”
+
+So he spake; and Triton stretched out his hand and showed afar the sea
+and the lake’s deep mouth, and then addressed them: “That is the outlet
+to the sea, where the deep water lies unmoved and dark; on each side
+roll white breakers with shining crests; and the way between for your
+passage out is narrow. And that sea stretches away in mist to the
+divine land of Pelops beyond Crete; but hold to the right, when ye have
+entered the swell of the sea from the lake, and steer your course
+hugging the land, as long as it trends to the north; but when the coast
+bends, falling away in the other direction, then your course is safely
+laid for you if ye go straight forward from the projecting cape. But go
+in joy, and as for labour let there be no grieving that limbs in
+youthful vigour should still toil.”
+
+He spake with kindly counsel; and they at once went aboard, intent to
+come forth from the lake by the use of oars. And eagerly they sped on;
+meanwhile Triton took up the mighty tripod, and they saw him enter the
+lake; but thereafter did no one mark how he vanished so near them along
+with the tripod. But their hearts were cheered, for that one of the
+blessed had met them in friendly guise. And they bade Aeson’s son offer
+to him the choicest of the sheep and when he had slain it chant the
+hymn of praise. And straightway he chose in haste and raising the
+victim slew it over the stern, and prayed with these words:
+
+“Thou god, who hast manifested thyself on the borders of this land,
+whether the daughters born of the sea call thee Triton, the great
+sea-marvel, or Phoreys, or Nereus, be gracious, and grant the return
+home dear to our hearts.”
+
+He spake, and cut the victim’s throat over the water and cast it from
+the stern. And the god rose up from the depths in form such as he
+really was. And as when a man trains a swift steed for the broad
+race-course, and runs along, grasping the bushy mane, while the steed
+follows obeying his master, and rears his neck aloft in his pride, and
+the gleaming bit rings loud as he champs it in his jaws from side to
+side; so the god, seizing hollow Argo’s keel, guided her onward to the
+sea. And his body, from the crown of his head, round his back and waist
+as far as the belly, was wondrously like that of the blessed ones in
+form; but below his sides the tail of a sea monster lengthened far,
+forking to this side and that; and he smote the surface of the waves
+with the spines, which below parted into curving fins, like the horns
+of the new moon. And he guided Argo on until he sped her into the sea
+on her course; and quickly he plunged into the vast abyss; and the
+heroes shouted when they gazed with their eyes on that dread portent.
+There is the harbour of Argo and there are the signs of her stay, and
+altars to Poseidon and Triton; for during that day they tarried. But at
+dawn with sails outspread they sped on before the breath of the west
+wind, keeping the desert land on their right. And on the next morn they
+saw the headland and the recess of the sea, bending inward beyond the
+jutting headland. And straightway the west wind ceased, and there came
+the breeze of the clear south wind; and their hearts rejoiced at the
+sound it made. But when the sun sank and the star returned that bids
+the shepherd fold, which brings rest to wearied ploughmen, at that time
+the wind died down in the dark night; so they furled the sails and
+lowered the tall mast and vigorously plied their polished oars all
+night and through the day, and again when the next night came on. And
+rugged Carpathus far away welcomed them; and thence they were to cross
+to Crete, which rises in the sea above other islands.
+
+And Talos, the man of bronze, as he broke off rocks from the hard
+cliff, stayed them from fastening hawsers to the shore, when they came
+to the roadstead of Dicte’s haven. He was of the stock of bronze, of
+the men sprung from ash-trees, the last left among the sons of the
+gods; and the son of Cronos gave him to Europa to be the warder of
+Crete and to stride round the island thrice a day with his feet of
+bronze. Now in all the rest of his body and limbs was he fashioned of
+bronze and invulnerable; but beneath the sinew by his ankle was a
+blood-red vein; and this, with its issues of life and death, was
+covered by a thin skin. So the heroes, though outworn with toil,
+quickly backed their ship from the land in sore dismay. And now far
+from Crete would they have been borne in wretched plight, distressed
+both by thirst and pain, had not Medea addressed them as they turned
+away:
+
+“Hearken to me. For I deem that I alone can subdue for you that man,
+whoever he be, even though his frame be of bronze throughout, unless
+his life too is everlasting. But be ready to keep your ship here beyond
+the cast of his stones, till he yield the victory to me.”
+
+Thus she spake; and they drew the ship out of range, resting on their
+oars, waiting to see what plan unlooked for she would bring to pass;
+and she, holding the fold of her purple robe over her cheeks on each
+side, mounted on the deck; and Aeson’s son took her hand in his and
+guided her way along the thwarts. And with songs did she propitiate and
+invoke the Death-spirits, devourers of life, the swift hounds of Hades,
+who, hovering through all the air, swoop down on the living. Kneeling
+in supplication, thrice she called on them with songs, and thrice with
+prayers; and, shaping her soul to mischief, with her hostile glance she
+bewitched the eyes of Talos, the man of bronze; and her teeth gnashed
+bitter wrath against him, and she sent forth baneful phantoms in the
+frenzy of her rage.
+
+Father Zeus, surely great wonder rises in my mind, seeing that dire
+destruction meets us not from disease and wounds alone, but lo! even
+from afar, may be, it tortures us! So Talos, for all his frame of
+bronze, yielded the victory to the might of Medea the sorceress. And as
+he was heaving massy rocks to stay them from reaching the haven, he
+grazed his ankle on a pointed crag; and the ichor gushed forth like
+melted lead; and not long thereafter did he stand towering on the
+jutting cliff. But even as some huge pine, high up on the mountains,
+which woodmen have left half hewn through by their sharp axes when they
+returned from the forest—at first it shivers in the wind by night, then
+at last snaps at the stump and crashes down; so Talos for a while stood
+on his tireless feet, swaying to and fro, when at last, all
+strengthless, fell with a mighty thud. For that night there in Crete
+the heroes lay; then, just as dawn was growing bright, they built a
+shrine to Minoan Athena, and drew water and went aboard, so that first
+of all they might by rowing pass beyond Salmone’s height.
+
+But straightway as they sped over the wide Cretan sea night scared
+them, that night which they name the Pall of Darkness; the stars
+pierced not that fatal night nor the beams of the moon, but black chaos
+descended from heaven, or haply some other darkness came, rising from
+the nethermost depths. And the heroes, whether they drifted in Hades or
+on the waters, knew not one whit; but they committed their return to
+the sea in helpless doubt whither it was bearing them. But Jason raised
+his hands and cried to Phoebus with mighty voice, calling on him to
+save them; and the tears ran down in his distress; and often did he
+promise to bring countless offerings to Pytho, to Amyclae, and to
+Ortygia. And quickly, O son of Leto, swift to hear, didst thou come
+down from heaven to the Melantian rocks, which lie there in the sea.
+Then darting upon one of the twin peaks, thou raisedst aloft in thy
+right hand thy golden bow; and the bow flashed a dazzling gleam all
+round. And to their sight appeared a small island of the Sporades, over
+against the tiny isle Hippuris, and there they cast anchor and stayed;
+and straightway dawn arose and gave them light; and they made for
+Apollo a glorious abode in a shady wood, and a shady altar, calling on
+Phoebus the “Gleamer”, because of the gleam far-seen; and that bare
+island they called Anaphe,[39] for that Phoebus had revealed it to men
+sore bewildered. And they sacrificed all that men could provide for
+sacrifice on a desolate strand; wherefore when Medea’s Phaeacian
+handmaids saw them pouring water for libations on the burning brands,
+they could no longer restrain laughter within their bosoms, for that
+ever they had seen oxen in plenty slain in the halls of Alcinous. And
+the heroes delighted in the jest and attacked them with taunting words;
+and merry railing and contention flung to and fro were kindled among
+them. And from that sport of the heroes such scoffs do the women fling
+at the men in that island whenever they propitiate with sacrifices
+Apollo the gleaming god, the warder of Anaphe.
+
+But when they had loosed the hawsers thence in fair weather, then
+Euphemus bethought him of a dream of the night, reverencing the
+glorious son of Maia. For it seemed to him that the god-given clod of
+earth held in his palm close to his breast was being suckled by white
+streams of milk, and that from it, little though it was, grew a woman
+like a virgin; and he, overcome by strong desire, lay with her in
+love’s embrace; and united with her he pitied her, as though she were a
+maiden whom he was feeding with his own milk; but she comforted him
+with gentle words:
+
+“Daughter of Triton am I, dear friend, and nurse of thy children, no
+maiden; Triton and Libya are my parents. But restore me to the
+daughters of Nereus to dwell in the sea near Anaphe; I shall return
+again to the light of the sun, to prepare a home for thy descendants.”
+
+Of this he stored in his heart the memory, and declared it to Aeson’s
+son; and Jason pondered a prophecy of the Far-Darter and lifted up his
+voice and said:
+
+“My friend, great and glorious renown has fallen to thy lot. For of
+this clod when thou hast cast it into the sea, the gods will make an
+island, where thy children’s children shall dwell; for Triton gave this
+to thee as a stranger’s gift from the Libyan mainland. None other of
+the immortals it was than he that gave thee this when he met thee.”
+
+Thus he spake; and Euphemus made not vain the answer of Aeson’s son;
+but, cheered by the prophecy, he cast the clod into the depths.
+Therefrom rose up an island, Calliste, sacred nurse of the sons of
+Euphemus, who in former days dwelt in Sintian Lemnos, and from Lemnos
+were driven forth by Tyrrhenians and came to Sparta as suppliants; and
+when they left Sparta, Theras, the goodly son of Autesion, brought them
+to the island Calliste, and from himself he gave it the name of Thera.
+But this befell after the days of Euphemus.
+
+And thence they steadily left behind long leagues of sea and stayed on
+the beach of Aegina; and at once they contended in innocent strife
+about the fetching of water, who first should draw it and reach the
+ship. For both their need and the ceaseless breeze urged them on. There
+even to this day do the youths of the Myrmidons take up on their
+shoulders full-brimming jars, and with swift feet strive for victory in
+the race.
+
+Be gracious, race of blessed chieftains! And may these songs year after
+year be sweeter to sing among men. For now have I come to the glorious
+end of your toils; for no adventure befell you as ye came home from
+Aegina, and no tempest of winds opposed you; but quietly did ye skirt
+the Cecropian land and Aulis inside of Euboea and the Opuntian cities
+of the Locrians, and gladly did ye step forth upon the beach of
+Pagasae.
+
+
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+
+
+1 “Or of Naucratis”, according to Aelian and Athenaeus.
+
+2 Anth. Pal. xl. 275.
+
+3 iii. 117-124.
+
+4 _e.g._ compare _Aen._ iv. 305 foll. with Ap. Rh. iv. 355 foll.;
+_Aen._ iv. 327-330 with Ap. Rh. I. 897, 898; _Aen._ iv. 522 foll., with
+Ap. Rh. iii. 744 foll.
+
+5 _i.e._ God of embarcation.
+
+6 Or, reading ἔκτοθεν, “they strongly girded the ship outside with a
+well-twisted rope.” In either case there is probably no allusion to
+ὐποζώματα (ropes for undergirding) which were carried loose and only
+used in stormy weather.
+
+7 _i.e._ God of the shore.
+
+8 _i.e._ The Starting.
+
+9 Samothrace.
+
+10 _i.e._ god of disembarcation.
+
+11 Cleite means illustrious.
+
+12 _i.e._ to avoid grinding it at home.
+
+13 Rhea.
+
+14 _i.e._ Polydeuces.
+
+15 _i.e._ Saviour of Sailors.
+
+16 _i.e._ through the ravine that divides the headland.
+
+17 _i.e._ river of fair dances.
+
+18 _i.e._ the bedchamber.
+
+19 The north-west wind.
+
+20 Called “Mossynes”.
+
+21 _i.e._ without exacting gifts from the bridegroom. So in the “Iliad”
+ix. 146: Agamemnon offers Achilles any of his three daughters ἀνάεδνος.
+
+22 _i.e._ the fight between the gods and the giants.
+
+23 _i.e._ the Shining One.
+
+24 A name of Ares.
+
+25 _i.e._ the liquid that flows in the veins of gods.
+
+26 Or, reading μήνιμ’, “took no heed of the cause of wrath with the
+stranger-folk.”
+
+27 The allusion is to Sesotris. See Herodotus ii. 102 foll.
+
+28 Or, reading ἠμετέρην, “into our sea”. The Euxine is meant in any
+case and the word Ionian is therefore wrong.
+
+29 Apollonius seems to have thought that the Po, the Rhone, and the
+Rhine are all connected together.
+
+30 _i.e._ like the scrapings from skin, ἀποστλεγγίσματα; see Strabo p.
+224 for this adventure.
+
+31 The _Symplegades_ are referred to, where help was given by Athena,
+not by Hera. It is strange that no mention is made of the _Planctae_,
+properly so called, past which they are soon to be helped. Perhaps some
+lines have fallen out.
+
+32 _i.e._ the Mighty One.
+
+33 _i.e._ the Wanderers.
+
+34 A fabulous metal, resembling gold in appearance.
+
+35 _i.e._ the Sickle-island.
+
+36 The old name of Corinth.
+
+37 This seems to be the only possible translation, but the optative is
+quite anomalous. We should expect ἐκόμιζες.
+
+38 An old name of the Peloponnesus.
+
+39 _i.e._ the isle of Revealing. 
+
+
+
+
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Argonautica, by Apollonius Rhodius
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+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
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+Title: The Argonautica
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+<div class="fig" style="width:60%;">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="cover " /><br/><br/>
+</div>
+
+<h1>The Argonautica</h1>
+
+<h2>by Apollonius Rhodius</h2>
+
+<p class="p2">
+Originally written in Ancient Greek sometime in the 3rd Century B.C. by the
+Alexandrian poet Apollonius Rhodius (&ldquo;Apollonius the Rhodian&rdquo;).
+Translation by R.C. Seaton, 1912.
+</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p>
+SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY: ORIGINAL TEXT&mdash;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Seaton, R.C. (Ed. &amp; Trans.): &ldquo;Apollonius Rhodius: Argonautica&rdquo;
+(Harvard University Press, Cambridge MA, 1912). Original Greek text with
+side-by-side English translation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+OTHER TRANSLATIONS&mdash;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Rieu, E.V. (Trans.): &ldquo;Apollonius of Rhodes: The Voyage of the Argo&rdquo;
+(Penguin Classics, London, 1959, 1971).
+</p>
+
+<p>
+RECOMMENDED READING&mdash;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Euripides: &ldquo;Medea&rdquo;, &ldquo;Hecabe&rdquo;, &ldquo;Electra&rdquo;,
+and &ldquo;Heracles&rdquo;, translated by Philip Vellacott (Penguin Classics,
+London, 1963). Contains four plays by Euripides, two of which concern
+characters from &ldquo;The Argonautica&rdquo;.
+</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>Contents</h2>
+
+<table summary="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap01">INTRODUCTION</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap02">THE ARGONAUTICA</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap03">BOOK I</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap04">BOOK II</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap05">BOOK III</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap06">BOOK IV</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap07">ENDNOTES</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap01"></a>INTRODUCTION</h2>
+
+<p>
+Much has been written about the chronology of Alexandrian literature and the
+famous Library, founded by Ptolemy Soter, but the dates of the chief writers
+are still matters of conjecture. The birth of Apollonius Rhodius is placed by
+scholars at various times between 296 and 260 B.C., while the year of his death
+is equally uncertain. In fact, we have very little information on the subject.
+There are two &ldquo;lives&rdquo; of Apollonius in the Scholia, both derived
+from an earlier one which is lost. From these we learn that he was of
+Alexandria by birth,<a href="#linknote-1" name="linknoteref-1"
+id="linknoteref-1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> that he lived in the time of the
+Ptolemies, and was a pupil of Callimachus; that while still a youth he composed
+and recited in public his <i>Argonautica</i>, and that the poem was
+condemned, in consequence of which he retired to Rhodes; that there he revised
+his poem, recited it with great applause, and hence called himself a Rhodian.
+The second &ldquo;life&rdquo; adds: &ldquo;Some say that he returned to
+Alexandria and again recited his poem with the utmost success, so that he was
+honoured with the libraries of the Museum and was buried with
+Callimachus.&rdquo; The last sentence may be interpreted by the notice of
+Suidas, who informs us that Apollonius was a contemporary of Eratosthenes,
+Euphorion and Timarchus, in the time of Ptolemy Euergetes, and that he
+succeeded Eratosthenes in the headship of the Alexandrian Library. Suidas also
+informs us elsewhere that Aristophanes at the age of sixty-two succeeded
+Apollonius in this office. Many modern scholars deny the
+&ldquo;bibliothecariate&rdquo; of Apollonius for chronological reasons, and
+there is considerable difficulty about it. The date of Callimachus&rsquo;
+<i>Hymn to Apollo</i>, which closes with some lines (105-113) that are
+admittedly an allusion to Apollonius, may be put with much probability at 248
+or 247 B.C. Apollonius must at that date have been at least twenty years old.
+Eratosthenes died 196-193 B.C. This would make Apollonius seventy-two to
+seventy-five when he succeeded Eratosthenes. This is not impossible, it is
+true, but it is difficult. But the difficulty is taken away if we assume with
+Ritschl that Eratosthenes resigned his office some years before his death,
+which allows us to put the birth of Apollonius at about 280, and would solve
+other difficulties. For instance, if the Librarians were buried within the
+precincts, it would account for the burial of Apollonius next to
+Callimachus&mdash;Eratosthenes being still alive. However that may be, it is
+rather arbitrary to take away the &ldquo;bibliothecariate&rdquo; of Apollonius,
+which is clearly asserted by Suidas, on account of chronological calculations
+which are themselves uncertain. Moreover, it is more probable that the words
+following &ldquo;some say&rdquo; in the second &ldquo;life&rdquo; are a remnant
+of the original life than a conjectural addition, because the first
+&ldquo;life&rdquo; is evidently incomplete, nothing being said about the end of
+Apollonius&rsquo; career.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The principal event in his life, so far as we know, was the quarrel with his
+master Callimachus, which was most probably the cause of his condemnation at
+Alexandria and departure to Rhodes. This quarrel appears to have arisen from
+differences of literary aims and taste, but, as literary differences often do,
+degenerated into the bitterest personal strife. There are references to the
+quarrel in the writings of both. Callimachus attacks Apollonius in the passage
+at the end of the <i>Hymn to Apollo</i>, already mentioned, also
+probably in some epigrams, but most of all in his <i>Ibis</i>, of which
+we have an imitation, or perhaps nearly a translation, in Ovid&rsquo;s poem of
+the same name. On the part of Apollonius there is a passage in the third book
+of the <i>Argonautica</i> (ll. 927-947) which is of a polemical nature
+and stands out from the context, and the well-known savage epigram upon
+Callimachus.<a href="#linknote-2" name="linknoteref-2"
+id="linknoteref-2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> Various combinations have been
+attempted by scholars, notably by Couat, in his <i>Poésie
+Alexandrine</i>, to give a connected account of the quarrel, but we have not
+<i>data</i> sufficient to determine the order of the attacks, and replies, and
+counter-attacks. The <i>Ibis</i> has been thought to mark the
+termination of the feud on the curious ground that it was impossible for abuse
+to go further. It was an age when literary men were more inclined to comment on
+writings of the past than to produce original work. Literature was engaged in
+taking stock of itself. Homer was, of course, professedly admired by all, but
+more admired than imitated. Epic poetry was out of fashion and we find many
+epigrams of this period&mdash;some by Callimachus&mdash;directed against the
+&ldquo;cyclic&rdquo; poets, by whom were meant at that time those who were
+always dragging in conventional and commonplace epithets and phrases peculiar
+to epic poetry. Callimachus was in accordance with the spirit of the age when
+he proclaimed &ldquo;a great book&rdquo; to be &ldquo;a great evil&rdquo;, and
+sought to confine poetical activity within the narrowest limits both of subject
+and space. Theocritus agreed with him, both in principle and practice. The
+chief characteristics of Alexandrianism are well summarized by Professor
+Robinson Ellis as follows: &ldquo;Precision in form and metre, refinement in
+diction, a learning often degenerating into pedantry and obscurity, a resolute
+avoidance of everything commonplace in subject, sentiment or allusion.&rdquo;
+These traits are more prominent in Callimachus than in Apollonius, but they are
+certainly to be seen in the latter. He seems to have written the
+<i>Argonautica</i> out of bravado, to show that he <i>could</i> write an epic
+poem. But the influence of the age was too strong. Instead of the unity of an
+Epic we have merely a series of episodes, and it is the great beauty and power
+of one of these episodes that gives the poem its permanent value&mdash;the
+episode of the love of Jason and Medea. This occupies the greater part of the
+third book. The first and second books are taken up with the history of the
+voyage to Colchis, while the fourth book describes the return voyage. These
+portions constitute a metrical guide book, filled no doubt with many pleasing
+episodes, such as the rape of Hylas, the boxing match between Pollux and
+Amyeus, the account of Cyzicus, the account of the Amazons, the legend of
+Talos, but there is no unity running through the poem beyond that of the voyage
+itself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Tale of the Argonauts had been told often before in verse and prose, and
+many authors&rsquo; names are given in the Scholia to Apollonius, but their
+works have perished. The best known earlier account that we have is that in
+Pindar&rsquo;s fourth Pythian ode, from which Apollonius has taken many
+details. The subject was one for an epic poem, for its unity might have been
+found in the working out of the expiation due for the crime of Athamas; but
+this motive is barely mentioned by our author.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As we have it, the motive of the voyage is the command of Pelias to bring back
+the golden fleece, and this command is based on Pelias&rsquo; desire to destroy
+Jason, while the divine aid given to Jason results from the intention of Hera
+to punish Pelias for his neglect of the honour due to her. The learning of
+Apollonius is not deep but it is curious; his general sentiments are not
+according to the Alexandrian standard, for they are simple and obvious. In the
+mass of material from which he had to choose the difficulty was to know what to
+omit, and much skill is shown in fusing into a tolerably harmonious whole
+conflicting mythological and historical details. He interweaves with his
+narrative local legends and the founding of cities, accounts of strange
+customs, descriptions of works of art, such as that of Ganymede and Eros
+playing with knucklebones,<a href="#linknote-3" name="linknoteref-3"
+id="linknoteref-3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> but prosaically calls himself
+back to the point from these pleasing digressions by such an expression as
+&ldquo;but this would take me too far from my song.&rdquo; His business is the
+straightforward tale and nothing else. The astonishing geography of the fourth
+book reminds us of the interest of the age in that subject, stimulated no doubt
+by the researches of Eratosthenes and others.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The language is that of the conventional epic. Apollonius seems to have
+carefully studied Homeric glosses, and gives many examples of isolated uses,
+but his choice of words is by no means limited to Homer. He freely avails
+himself of Alexandrian words and late uses of Homeric words. Among his
+contemporaries Apollonius suffers from a comparison with Theocritus, who was a
+little his senior, but he was much admired by Roman writers who derived
+inspiration from the great classical writers of Greece by way of Alexandria. In
+fact Alexandria was a useful bridge between Athens and Rome. The
+<i>Argonautica</i> was translated by Varro Atacinus, copied by Ovid and
+Virgil, and minutely studied by Valerius Flaccus in his poem of the same name.
+Some of his finest passages have been appropriated and improved upon by Virgil
+by the divine right of superior genius.<a href="#linknote-4"
+name="linknoteref-4" id="linknoteref-4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> The
+subject of love had been treated in the romantic spirit before the time of
+Apollonius in writings that have perished, for instance, in those of Antimachus
+of Colophon, but the <i>Argonautica</i> is perhaps the first poem still
+extant in which the expression of this spirit is developed with elaboration.
+The Medea of Apollonius is the direct precursor of the Dido of Virgil, and it
+is the pathos and passion of the fourth book of the &ldquo;Aeneid&rdquo; that
+keep alive many a passage of Apollonius.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap02"></a>THE ARGONAUTICA</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap03"></a>BOOK I</h2>
+
+<p>
+Beginning with thee, O Phoebus, I will recount the famous deeds of men of old,
+who, at the behest of King Pelias, down through the mouth of Pontus and between
+the Cyanean rocks, sped well-benched Argo in quest of the golden fleece.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such was the oracle that Pelias heard, that a hateful doom awaited him to be
+slain at the prompting of the man whom he should see coming forth from the
+people with but one sandal. And no long time after, in accordance with that
+true report, Jason crossed the stream of wintry Anaurus on foot, and saved one
+sandal from the mire, but the other he left in the depths held back by the
+flood. And straightway he came to Pelias to share the banquet which the king
+was offering to his father Poseidon and the rest of the gods, though he paid no
+honour to Pelasgian Hera. Quickly the king saw him and pondered, and devised
+for him the toil of a troublous voyage, in order that on the sea or among
+strangers he might lose his home-return.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The ship, as former bards relate, Argus wrought by the guidance of Athena. But
+now I will tell the lineage and the names of the heroes, and of the long
+sea-paths and the deeds they wrought in their wanderings; may the Muses be the
+inspirers of my song!
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First then let us name Orpheus whom once Calliope bare, it is said, wedded to
+Thracian Oeagrus, near the Pimpleian height. Men say that he by the music of
+his songs charmed the stubborn rocks upon the mountains and the course of
+rivers. And the wild oak-trees to this day, tokens of that magic strain, that
+grow at Zone on the Thracian shore, stand in ordered ranks close together, the
+same which under the charm of his lyre he led down from Pieria. Such then was
+Orpheus whom Aeson&rsquo;s son welcomed to share his toils, in obedience to the
+behest of Cheiron, Orpheus ruler of Bistonian Pieria.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Straightway came Asterion, whom Cometes begat by the waters of eddying
+Apidanus; he dwelt at Peiresiae near the Phylleian mount, where mighty Apidanus
+and bright Enipeus join their streams, coming together from afar.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next to them from Larisa came Polyphemus, son of Eilatus, who aforetime among
+the mighty Lapithae, when they were arming themselves against the Centaurs,
+fought in his younger days; now his limbs were grown heavy with age, but his
+martial spirit still remained, even as of old.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nor was Iphiclus long left behind in Phylace, the uncle of Aeson&rsquo;s son;
+for Aeson had wedded his sister Alcimede, daughter of Phylacus: his kinship
+with her bade him be numbered in the host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nor did Admetus, the lord of Pherae rich in sheep, stay behind beneath the peak
+of the Chalcodonian mount.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nor at Alope stayed the sons of Hermes, rich in corn-land, well skilled in
+craftiness, Erytus and Echion, and with them on their departure their kinsman
+Aethalides went as the third; him near the streams of Amphrysus Eupolemeia
+bare, the daughter of Myrmidon, from Phthia; the two others were sprung from
+Antianeira, daughter of Menetes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+From rich Gyrton came Coronus, son of Caeneus, brave, but not braver than his
+father. For bards relate that Caeneus though still living perished at the hands
+of the Centaurs, when apart from other chiefs he routed them; and they,
+rallying against him, could neither bend nor slay him; but unconquered and
+unflinching he passed beneath the earth, overwhelmed by the downrush of massy
+pines.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There came too Titaresian Mopsus, whom above all men the son of Leto taught the
+augury of birds; and Eurydamas the son of Ctimenus; he dwelt at Dolopian
+Ctimene near the Xynian lake.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Moreover Actor sent his son Menoetius from Opus that he might accompany the
+chiefs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Eurytion followed and strong Eribotes, one the son of Teleon, the other of
+Irus, Actor&rsquo;s son; the son of Teleon renowned Eribotes, and of Irus
+Eurytion. A third with them was Oileus, peerless in courage and well skilled to
+attack the flying foe, when they break their ranks.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now from Euboea came Canthus eager for the quest, whom Canethus son of Abas
+sent; but he was not destined to return to Cerinthus. For fate had ordained
+that he and Mopsus, skilled in the seer&rsquo;s art, should wander and perish
+in the furthest ends of Libya. For no ill is too remote for mortals to incur,
+seeing that they buried them in Libya, as far from the Colchians as is the
+space that is seen between the setting and the rising of the sun.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To him Clytius and Iphitus joined themselves, the warders of Oechalia, sons of
+Eurytus the ruthless, Eurytus, to whom the Far-shooting god gave his bow; but
+he had no joy of the gift; for of his own choice he strove even with the giver.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After them came the sons of Aeacus, not both together, nor from the same spot;
+for they settled far from Aegina in exile, when in their folly they had slain
+their brother Phoeus. Telamon dwelt in the Attic island; but Peleus departed
+and made his home in Phthia.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After them from Cecropia came warlike Butes, son of brave Teleon, and Phalerus
+of the ashen spear. Alcon his father sent him forth; yet no other sons had he
+to care for his old age and livelihood. But him, his well-beloved and only son,
+he sent forth that amid bold heroes he might shine conspicuous. But Theseus,
+who surpassed all the sons of Erechtheus, an unseen bond kept beneath the land
+of Taenarus, for he had followed that path with Peirithous; assuredly both
+would have lightened for all the fulfilment of their toil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tiphys, son of Hagnias, left the Siphaean people of the Thespians, well skilled
+to foretell the rising wave on the broad sea, and well skilled to infer from
+sun and star the stormy winds and the time for sailing. Tritonian Athena
+herself urged him to join the band of chiefs, and he came among them a welcome
+comrade. She herself too fashioned the swift ship; and with her Argus, son of
+Arestor, wrought it by her counsels. Wherefore it proved the most excellent of
+all ships that have made trial of the sea with oars.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After them came Phlias from Araethyrea, where he dwelt in affluence by the
+favour of his father Dionysus, in his home by the springs of Asopus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+From Argos came Talaus and Areius, sons of Bias, and mighty Leodocus, all of
+whom Pero daughter of Neleus bare; on her account the Aeolid Melampus endured
+sore affliction in the steading of Iphiclus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nor do we learn that Heracles of the mighty heart disregarded the eager summons
+of Aeson&rsquo;s son. But when he heard a report of the heroes&rsquo; gathering
+and had reached Lyrceian Argos from Arcadia by the road along which he carried
+the boar alive that fed in the thickets of Lampeia, near the vast Erymanthian
+swamp, the boar bound with chains he put down from his huge shoulders at the
+entrance to the market-place of Mycenae; and himself of his own will set out
+against the purpose of Eurystheus; and with him went Hylas, a brave comrade, in
+the flower of youth, to bear his arrows and to guard his bow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next to him came a scion of the race of divine Danaus, Nauplius. He was the son
+of Clytonaeus son of Naubolus; Naubolus was son of Lernus; Lernus we know was
+the son of Proetus son of Nauplius; and once Amymone daughter of Danaus, wedded
+to Poseidon, bare Nauplius, who surpassed all men in naval skill.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Idmon came last of all them that dwelt at Argos, for though he had learnt his
+own fate by augury, he came, that the people might not grudge him fair renown.
+He was not in truth the son of Abas, but Leto&rsquo;s son himself begat him to
+be numbered among the illustrious Aeolids; and himself taught him the art of
+prophecy&mdash;to pay heed to birds and to observe the signs of the burning
+sacrifice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Moreover Aetolian Leda sent from Sparta strong Polydeuces and Castor, skilled
+to guide swift-footed steeds; these her dearly-loved sons she bare at one birth
+in the house of Tyndareus; nor did she forbid their departure; for she had
+thoughts worthy of the bride of Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The sons of Aphareus, Lynceus and proud Idas, came from Arene, both exulting in
+their great strength; and Lynceus too excelled in keenest sight, if the report
+is true that that hero could easily direct his sight even beneath the earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And with them Neleian Periclymenus set out to come, eldest of all the sons of
+godlike Neleus who were born at Pylos; Poseidon had given him boundless
+strength and granted him that whatever shape he should crave during the fight,
+that he should take in the stress of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Moreover from Arcadia came Amphidamas and Cepheus, who inhabited Tegea and the
+allotment of Apheidas, two sons of Aldus; and Ancaeus followed them as the
+third, whom his father Lycurgus sent, the brother older than both. But he was
+left in the city to care for Aleus now growing old, while he gave his son to
+join his brothers. Antaeus went clad in the skin of a Maenalian bear, and
+wielding in his right hand a huge two-edged battleaxe. For his armour his
+grandsire had hidden in the house&rsquo;s innermost recess, to see if he might
+by some means still stay his departure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There came also Augeias, whom fame declared to be the son of Helios; he reigned
+over the Eleans, glorying in his wealth; and greatly he desired to behold the
+Colchian land and Aeetes himself the ruler of the Colchians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Asterius and Amphion, sons of Hyperasius, came from Achaean Pellene, which once
+Pelles their grandsire founded on the brows of Aegialus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After them from Taenarus came Euphemus whom, most swift-footed of men, Europe,
+daughter of mighty Tityos, bare to Poseidon. He was wont to skim the swell of
+the grey sea, and wetted not his swift feet, but just dipping the tips of his
+toes was borne on the watery path.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yea, and two other sons of Poseidon came; one Erginus, who left the citadel of
+glorious Miletus, the other proud Ancaeus, who left Parthenia, the seat of
+Imbrasion Hera; both boasted their skill in seacraft and in war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After them from Calydon came the son of Oeneus, strong Meleagrus, and
+Laocoon&mdash;Laocoon the brother of Oeneus, though not by the same mother, for
+a serving-woman bare him; him, now growing old, Oeneus sent to guard his son:
+thus Meleagrus, still a youth, entered the bold band of heroes. No other had
+come superior to him, I ween, except Heracles, if for one year more he had
+tarried and been nurtured among the Aetolians. Yea, and his uncle, well skilled
+to fight whether with the javelin or hand to hand, Iphiclus son of Thestius,
+bare him company on his way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With him came Palaemonius, son of Olenian Lernus, of Lernus by repute, but his
+birth was from Hephaestus; and so he was crippled in his feet, but his bodily
+frame and his valour no one would dare to scorn. Wherefore he was numbered
+among all the chiefs, winning fame for Jason.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+From the Phocians came Iphitus sprung from Naubolus son of Ornytus; once he had
+been his host when Jason went to Pytho to ask for a response concerning his
+voyage; for there he welcomed him in his own hails.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next came Zetes and Calais, sons of Boreas, whom once Oreithyia, daughter of
+Erechtheus, bare to Boreas on the verge of wintry Thrace; thither it was that
+Thracian Boreas snatched her away from Cecropia as she was whirling in the
+dance, hard by Hissus&rsquo; stream. And, carrying her far off, to the spot
+that men called the rock of Sarpedon, near the river Erginus, he wrapped her in
+dark clouds and forced her to his will. There they were making their dusky
+wings quiver upon their ankles on both sides as they rose, a great wonder to
+behold, wings that gleamed with golden scales: and round their backs from the
+top of the head and neck, hither and thither, their dark tresses were being
+shaken by the wind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+No, nor had Acastus son of mighty Pelias himself any will to stay behind in the
+palace of his brave sire, nor Argus, helper of the goddess Athena; but they too
+were ready to be numbered in the host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So many then were the helpers who assembled to join the son of Aeson. All the
+chiefs the dwellers thereabout called Minyae, for the most and the bravest
+avowed that they were sprung from the blood of the daughters of Minyas; thus
+Jason himself was the son of Alcimede who was born of Clymene the daughter of
+Minyas.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when all things had been made ready by the thralls, all things that
+fully-equipped ships are furnished withal when men&rsquo;s business leads them
+to voyage across the sea, then the heroes took their way through the city to
+the ship where it lay on the strand that men call Magnesian Pagasae; and a
+crowd of people hastening rushed together; but the heroes shone like gleaming
+stars among the clouds; and each man as he saw them speeding along with their
+armour would say:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;King Zeus, what is the purpose of Pelias? Whither is he driving forth
+from the Panachaean land so great a host of heroes? On one day they would waste
+the palace of Aeetes with baleful fire, should he not yield them the fleece of
+his own goodwill. But the path is not to be shunned, the toil is hard for those
+who venture.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they spake here and there throughout the city; but the women often raised
+their hands to the sky in prayer to the immortals to grant a return, their
+hearts&rsquo; desire. And one with tears thus lamented to her fellow:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Wretched Alcimede, evil has come to thee at last though late, thou hast
+not ended with splendour of life. Aeson too, ill-fated man! Surely better had
+it been for him, if he were lying beneath the earth, enveloped in his shroud,
+still unconscious of bitter toils. Would that the dark wave, when the maiden
+Helle perished, had overwhelmed Phrixus too with the ram; but the dire portent
+even sent forth a human voice, that it might cause to Alcimede sorrows and
+countless pains hereafter.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus the women spake at the departure of the heroes. And now many thralls, men
+and women, were gathered together, and his mother, smitten with grief for
+Jason. And a bitter pang seized every woman&rsquo;s heart; and with them
+groaned the father in baleful old age, lying on his bed, closely wrapped round.
+But the hero straightway soothed their pain, encouraging them, and bade the
+thralls take up his weapons for war; and they in silence with downcast looks
+took them up. And even as the mother had thrown her arms about her son, so she
+clung, weeping without stint, as a maiden all alone weeps, falling fondly on
+the neck of her hoary nurse, a maid who has now no others to care for her, but
+she drags on a weary life under a stepmother, who maltreats her continually
+with ever fresh insults, and as she weeps, her heart within her is bound fast
+with misery, nor can she sob forth all the groans that struggle for utterance;
+so without stint wept Alcimede straining her son in her arms, and in her
+yearning grief spake as follows:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Would that on that day when, wretched woman that I am, I heard King
+Pelias proclaim his evil behest, I had straightway given up my life and
+forgotten my cares, so that thou thyself, my son, with thine own hands,
+mightest have buried me; for that was the only wish left me still to be
+fulfilled by time, all the other rewards for thy nurture have I long enjoyed.
+Now I, once so admired among Achaean women, shall be left behind like a
+bondwoman in my empty halls, pining away, ill-fated one, for love of thee, thee
+on whose account I had aforetime so much splendour and renown, my only son for
+whom I loosed my virgin zone first and last. For to me beyond others the
+goddess Eileithyia grudged abundant offspring. Alas for my folly! Not once, not
+even in nay dreams did I forebode this, that the flight of Phrixus would bring
+me woe.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus with moaning she wept, and her handmaidens, standing by, lamented; but
+Jason spake gently to her with comforting words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Do not, I pray thee, mother, store up bitter sorrows overmuch, for thou
+wilt not redeem me from evil by tears, but wilt still add grief to grief. For
+unseen are the woes that the gods mete out to mortals; be strong to endure thy
+share of them though with grief in thy heart; take courage from the promises of
+Athena, and from the answers of the gods (for very favourable oracles has
+Phoebus given), and then from the help of the chieftains. But do thou remain
+here, quiet among thy handmaids, and be not a bird of ill omen to the ship; and
+thither my clansmen and thralls will follow me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and started forth to leave the house. And as Apollo goes forth from
+some fragrant shrine to divine Delos or Claros or Pytho or to broad Lyeia near
+the stream of Xanthus, in such beauty moved Jason through the throng of people;
+and a cry arose as they shouted together. And there met him aged Iphias,
+priestess of Artemis guardian of the city, and kissed his right hand, but she
+had not strength to say a word, for all her eagerness, as the crowd rushed on,
+but she was left there by the wayside, as the old are left by the young, and he
+passed on and was gone afar.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when he had left the well-built streets of the city, he came to the beach
+of Pagasae, where his comrades greeted him as they stayed together near the
+ship Argo. And he stood at the entering in, and they were gathered to meet him.
+And they perceived Aeastus and Argus coming from the city, and they marvelled
+when they saw them hasting with all speed, despite the will of Pelias. The one,
+Argus, son of Arestor, had cast round his shoulders the hide of a bull reaching
+to his feet, with the black hair upon it, the other, a fair mantle of double
+fold, which his sister Pelopeia had given him. Still Jason forebore from asking
+them about each point but bade all be seated for an assembly. And there, upon
+the folded sails and the mast as it lay on the ground, they all took their
+seats in order. And among them with goodwill spake Aeson&rsquo;s son:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;All the equipment that a ship needs for all is in due order&mdash;lies
+ready for our departure. Therefore we will make no long delay in our sailing
+for these things&rsquo; sake, when the breezes but blow fair. But,
+friends,&mdash;for common to all is our return to Hellas hereafter, and common
+to all is our path to the land of Aeetes&mdash;now therefore with ungrudging
+heart choose the bravest to be our leader, who shall be careful for everything,
+to take upon him our quarrels and covenants with strangers.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake; and the young heroes turned their eyes towards bold Heracles
+sitting in their midst, and with one shout they all enjoined upon him to be
+their leader; but he, from the place where he sat, stretched forth his right
+hand and said:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Let no one offer this honour to me. For I will not consent, and I will
+forbid any other to stand up. Let the hero who brought us together, himself be
+the leader of the host.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake with high thoughts, and they assented, as Heracles bade; and
+warlike Jason himself rose up, glad at heart, and thus addressed the eager
+throng:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;If ye entrust your glory to my care, no longer as before let our path be
+hindered. Now at last let us propitiate Phoebus with sacrifice and straightway
+prepare a feast. And until my thralls come, the overseers of my steading, whose
+care it is to choose out oxen from the herd and drive them hither, we will drag
+down the ship to the sea, and do ye place all the tackling within, and draw
+lots for the benches for rowing. Meantime let us build upon the beach an altar
+to Apollo Embasius<a href="#linknote-5" name="linknoteref-5"
+id="linknoteref-5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> who by an oracle promised to
+point out and show me the paths of the sea, if by sacrifice to him I should
+begin my venture for King Pelias.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and was the first to turn to the work, and they stood up in obedience
+to him; and they heaped their garments, one upon the other, on a smooth stone,
+which the sea did not strike with its waves, but the stormy surge had cleansed
+it long before. First of all, by the command of Argus, they strongly girded the
+ship with a rope well twisted within,<a href="#linknote-6"
+name="linknoteref-6" id="linknoteref-6"><sup>[6]</sup></a>
+stretching it tight on each side, in order that the planks might be well
+compacted by the bolts and might withstand the opposing force of the surge. And
+they quickly dug a trench as wide as the space the ship covered, and at the
+prow as far into the sea as it would run when drawn down by their hands. And
+they ever dug deeper in front of the stem, and in the furrow laid polished
+rollers; and inclined the ship down upon the first rollers, that so she might
+glide and be borne on by them. And above, on both sides, reversing the oars,
+they fastened them round the thole-pins, so as to project a cubit&rsquo;s
+space. And the heroes themselves stood on both sides at the oars in a row, and
+pushed forward with chest and hand at once. And then Tiphys leapt on board to
+urge the youths to push at the right moment; and calling on them he shouted
+loudly; and they at once, leaning with all their strength, with one push
+started the ship from her place, and strained with their feet, forcing her
+onward; and Pelian Argo followed swiftly; and they on each side shouted as they
+rushed on. And then the rollers groaned under the sturdy keel as they were
+chafed, and round them rose up a dark smoke owing to the weight, and she glided
+into the sea; but the heroes stood there and kept dragging her back as she sped
+onward. And round the thole-pins they fitted the oars, and in the ship they
+placed the mast and the well-made sails and the stores.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had carefully paid heed to everything, first they distributed the
+benches by lot, two men occupying one seat; but the middle bench they chose for
+Heracles and Ancaeus apart from the other heroes, Ancaeus who dwelt in Tegea.
+For them alone they left the middle bench just as it was and not by lot; and
+with one consent they entrusted Tiphys with guarding the helm of the
+well-stemmed ship.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next, piling up shingle near the sea, they raised there an altar on the shore
+to Apollo, under the name of Actius<a href="#linknote-7"
+name="linknoteref-7" id="linknoteref-7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> and
+Embasius, and quickly spread above it logs of dried olive-wood. Meantime the
+herdsmen of Aeson&rsquo;s son had driven before them from the herd two steers.
+These the younger comrades dragged near the altars, and the others brought
+lustral water and barley meal, and Jason prayed, calling on Apollo the god of
+his fathers:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Hear, O King, that dwellest in Pagasae and the city Aesonis, the city
+called by my father&rsquo;s name, thou who didst promise me, when I sought thy
+oracle at Pytho, to show the fulfilment and goal of my journey, for thou
+thyself hast been the cause of my venture; now do thou thyself guide the ship
+with my comrades safe and sound, thither and back again to Hellas. Then in thy
+honour hereafter we will lay again on thy altar the bright offerings of
+bulls&mdash;all of us who return; and other gifts in countless numbers I will
+bring to Pytho and Ortygia. And now, come, Far-darter, accept this sacrifice at
+our hands, which first of all we have offered thee for this ship on our
+embarcation; and grant, O King, that with a prosperous wind I may loose the
+hawsers, relying on thy counsel, and may the breeze blow softly with which we
+shall sail over the sea in fair weather.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and with his prayer cast the barley meal. And they two girded
+themselves to slay the steers, proud Ancaeus and Heracles. The latter with his
+club smote one steer mid-head on the brow, and falling in a heap on the spot,
+it sank to the ground; and Ancaeus struck the broad neck of the other with his
+axe of bronze, and shore through the mighty sinews; and it fell prone on both
+its horns. Their comrades quickly severed the victims&rsquo; throats, and
+flayed the hides: they sundered the joints and carved the flesh, then cut out
+the sacred thigh bones, and covering them all together closely with fat burnt
+them upon cloven wood. And Aeson&rsquo;s son poured out pure libations, and
+Idmon rejoiced beholding the flame as it gleamed on every side from the
+sacrifice, and the smoke of it mounting up with good omen in dark spiral
+columns; and quickly he spake outright the will of Leto&rsquo;s son:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;For you it is the will of heaven and destiny that ye shall return here
+with the fleece; but meanwhile both going and returning, countless trials await
+you. But it is my lot, by the hateful decree of a god, to die somewhere afar
+off on the mainland of Asia. Thus, though I learnt my fate from evil omens even
+before now, I have left my fatherland to embark on the ship, that so after my
+embarking fair fame may be left me in my house.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake; and the youths hearing the divine utterance rejoiced at their
+return, but grief seized them for the fate of Idmon. Now at the hour when the
+sun passes his noon-tide halt and the ploughlands are just being shadowed by
+the rocks, as the sun slopes towards the evening dusk, at that hour all the
+heroes spread leaves thickly upon the sand and lay down in rows in front of the
+hoary surf-line; and near them were spread vast stores of viands and sweet
+wine, which the cupbearers had drawn off in pitchers; afterwards they told
+tales one to another in turn, such as youths often tell when at the feast and
+the bowl they take delightful pastime, and insatiable insolence is far away.
+But here the son of Aeson, all helpless, was brooding over each event in his
+mind, like one oppressed with thought. And Idas noted him and assailed him with
+loud voice:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Son of Aeson, what is this plan thou art turning over in mind. Speak out
+thy thought in the midst. Does fear come on and master thee, fear, that
+confounds cowards? Be witness now my impetuous spear, wherewith in wars I win
+renown beyond all others (nor does Zeus aid me so much as my own spear), that
+no woe will be fatal, no venture will be unachieved, while Idas follows, even
+though a god should oppose thee. Such a helpmeet am I that thou bringest from
+Arene.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and holding a brimming goblet in both hands drank off the unmixed
+sweet wine; and his lips and dark cheeks were drenched with it; and all the
+heroes clamoured together and Idmon spoke out openly:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Vain wretch, thou art devising destruction for thyself before the time.
+Does the pure wine cause thy bold heart to swell in thy breast to thy ruin, and
+has it set thee on to dishonour the gods? Other words of comfort there are with
+which a man might encourage his comrade; but thou hast spoken with utter
+recklessness. Such taunts, the tale goes, did the sons of Aloeus once blurt out
+against the blessed gods, and thou dost no wise equal them in valour;
+nevertheless they were both slain by the swift arrows of Leto&rsquo;s son,
+mighty though they were.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and Aphareian Iclas laughed out, loud and long, and eyeing him
+askance replied with biting words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Come now, tell me this by thy prophetic art, whether for me too the gods
+will bring to pass such doom as thy father promised for the sons of Aloeus. And
+bethink thee how thou wilt escape from my hands alive, if thou art caught
+making a prophecy vain as the idle wind.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus in wrath Idas reviled him, and the strife would have gone further had not
+their comrades and Aeson&rsquo;s son himself with indignant cry restrained the
+contending chiefs; and Orpheus lifted his lyre in his left hand and made essay
+to sing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He sang how the earth, the heaven and the sea, once mingled together in one
+form, after deadly strife were separated each from other; and how the stars and
+the moon and the paths of the sun ever keep their fixed place in the sky; and
+how the mountains rose, and how the resounding rivers with their nymphs came
+into being and all creeping things. And he sang how first of all Ophion and
+Eurynome, daughter of Ocean, held the sway of snowy Olympus, and how through
+strength of arm one yielded his prerogative to Cronos and the other to Rhea,
+and how they fell into the waves of Ocean; but the other two meanwhile ruled
+over the blessed Titan-gods, while Zeus, still a child and with the thoughts of
+a child, dwelt in the Dictaean cave; and the earthborn Cyclopes had not yet
+armed him with the bolt, with thunder and lightning; for these things give
+renown to Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He ended, and stayed his lyre and divine voice. But though he had ceased they
+still bent forward with eagerness all hushed to quiet, with ears intent on the
+enchanting strain; such a charm of song had he left behind in their hearts. Not
+long after they mixed libations in honour of Zeus, with pious rites as is
+customary, and poured them upon the burning tongues, and bethought them of
+sleep in the darkness.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when gleaming dawn with bright eyes beheld the lofty peaks of Pelion, and
+the calm headlands were being drenched as the sea was ruffled by the winds,
+then Tiphys awoke from sleep; and at once he roused his comrades to go on board
+and make ready the oars. And a strange cry did the harbour of Pagasae utter,
+yea and Pelian Argo herself, urging them to set forth. For in her a beam divine
+had been laid which Athena had brought from an oak of Dodona and fitted in the
+middle of the stem. And the heroes went to the benches one after the other, as
+they had previously assigned for each to row in his place, and took their seats
+in due order near their fighting gear. In the middle sat Antaeus and mighty
+Heracles, and near him he laid his club, and beneath his tread the ship&rsquo;s
+keel sank deep. And now the hawsers were being slipped and they poured wine on
+the sea. But Jason with tears held his eyes away from his fatherland. And just
+as youths set up a dance in honour of Phoebus either in Pytho or haply in
+Ortygia, or by the waters of Ismenus, and to the sound of the lyre round his
+altar all together in time beat the earth with swiftly-moving feet; so they to
+the sound of Orpheus&rsquo; lyre smote with their oars the rushing sea-water,
+and the surge broke over the blades; and on this side and on that the dark
+brine seethed with foam, boiling terribly through the might of the sturdy
+heroes. And their arms shone in the sun like flame as the ship sped on; and
+ever their wake gleamed white far behind, like a path seen over a green plain.
+On that day all the gods looked down from heaven upon the ship and the might of
+the heroes, half-divine, the bravest of men then sailing the sea; and on the
+topmost heights the nymphs of Pelion wondered as they beheld the work of
+Itonian Athena, and the heroes themselves wielding the oars. And there came
+down from the mountain-top to the sea Chiron, son of Philyra, and where the
+white surf broke he dipped his feet, and, often waving with his broad hand,
+cried out to them at their departure, &ldquo;Good speed and a sorrowless
+home-return!&rdquo; And with him his wife, bearing Peleus&rsquo; son Achilles
+on her arm, showed the child to his dear father.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had left the curving shore of the harbour through the cunning and
+counsel of prudent Tiphys son of Hagnias, who skilfully handled the
+well-polished helm that he might guide them steadfastly, then at length they
+set up the tall mast in the mastbox, and secured it with forestays, drawing
+them taut on each side, and from it they let down the sail when they had hauled
+it to the top-mast. And a breeze came down piping shrilly; and upon the deck
+they fastened the ropes separately round the well-polished pins, and ran
+quietly past the long Tisaean headland. And for them the son of Oeagrus touched
+his lyre and sang in rhythmical song of Artemis, saviour of ships, child of a
+glorious sire, who hath in her keeping those peaks by the sea, and the land of
+Iolcos; and the fishes came darting through the deep sea, great mixed with
+small, and followed gambolling along the watery paths. And as when in the track
+of the shepherd, their master, countless sheep follow to the fold that have fed
+to the full of grass, and he goes before gaily piping a shepherd&rsquo;s strain
+on Iris shrill reed; so these fishes followed; and a chasing breeze ever bore
+the ship onward.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway the misty land of the Pelasgians, rich in cornfields, sank out
+of sight, and ever speeding onward they passed the rugged sides of Pelion; and
+the Sepian headland sank away, and Sciathus appeared in the sea, and far off
+appeared Piresiae and the calm shore of Magnesia on the mainland and the tomb
+of Dolops; here then in the evening, as the wind blew against them, they put to
+land, and paying honour to him at nightfall burnt sheep as victims, while the
+sea was tossed by the swell: and for two days they lingered on the shore, but
+on the third day they put forth the ship, spreading on high the broad sail. And
+even now men call that beach Aphetae<a href="#linknote-8"
+name="linknoteref-8" id="linknoteref-8"><sup>[8]</sup></a> of Argo.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thence going forward they ran past Meliboea, escaping a stormy beach and
+surf-line. And in the morning they saw Homole close at hand leaning on the sea,
+and skirted it, and not long after they were about to pass by the outfall of
+the river Amyrus. From there they beheld Eurymenae and the seawashed ravines of
+Ossa and Olympus; next they reached the slopes of Pallene, beyond the headland
+of Canastra, running all night with the wind. And at dawn before them as they
+journeyed rose Athos, the Thracian mountain, which with its topmost peak
+overshadows Lemnos, even as far as Myrine, though it lies as far off as the
+space that a well-trimmed merchantship would traverse up to mid-day. For them
+on that day, till darkness fell, the breeze blew exceedingly fresh, and the
+sails of the ship strained to it. But with the setting of the sun the wind left
+them, and it was by the oars that they reached Lemnos, the Sintian isle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Here the whole of the men of the people together had been ruthlessly slain
+through the transgressions of the women in the year gone by. For the men had
+rejected their lawful wives, loathing them, and had conceived a fierce passion
+for captive maids whom they themselves brought across the sea from their forays
+in Thrace; for the terrible wrath of Cypris came upon them, because for a long
+time they had grudged her the honours due. O hapless women, and insatiate in
+jealousy to their own ruin! Not their husbands alone with the captives did they
+slay on account of the marriage-bed, but all the males at the same time, that
+they might thereafter pay no retribution for the grim murder. And of all the
+women, Hypsipyle alone spared her aged father Thoas, who was king over the
+people; and she sent him in a hollow chest, to drift over the sea, if haply he
+should escape. And fishermen dragged him to shore at the island of Oenoe,
+formerly Oenoe, but afterwards called Sicinus from Sicinus, whom the
+water-nymph Oenoe bore to Thoas. Now for all the women to tend kine, to don
+armour of bronze, and to cleave with the plough-share the wheat-bearing fields,
+was easier than the works of Athena, with which they were busied aforetime. Yet
+for all that did they often gaze over the broad sea, in grievous fear against
+the Thracians&rsquo; coming. So when they saw Argo being rowed near the island,
+straightway crowding in multitude from the gates of Myrine and clad in their
+harness of war, they poured forth to the beach like ravening Thyiades: for they
+deemed that the Thracians were come; and with them Hypsipyle, daughter of
+Thoas, donned her father&rsquo;s harness. And they streamed down speechless
+with dismay; such fear was wafted about them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meantime from the ship the chiefs had sent Aethalides the swift herald, to
+whose care they entrusted their messages and the wand of Hermes, his sire, who
+had granted him a memory of all things, that never grew dim; and not even now,
+though he has entered the unspeakable whirlpools of Acheron, has forgetfulness
+swept over his soul, but its fixed doom is to be ever changing its abode; at
+one time to be numbered among the dwellers beneath the earth, at another to be
+in the light of the sun among living men. But why need I tell at length tales
+of Aethalides? He at that time persuaded Hypsipyle to receive the new-comers as
+the day was waning into darkness; nor yet at dawn did they loose the
+ship&rsquo;s hawsers to the breath of the north wind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Lemnian women fared through the city and sat down to the assembly, for
+Hypsipyle herself had so bidden. And when they were all gathered together in
+one great throng straightway she spake among them with stirring words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;O friends, come let us grant these men gifts to their hearts&rsquo;
+desire, such as it is fitting that they should take on ship-board, food and
+sweet wine, in order that they may steadfastly remain outside our towers, and
+may not, passing among us for need&rsquo;s sake, get to know us all too well,
+and so an evil report be widely spread; for we have wrought a terrible deed and
+in nowise will it be to their liking, should they learn it. Such is our counsel
+now, but if any of you can devise a better plan let her rise, for it was on
+this account that I summoned you hither.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake and sat upon her father&rsquo;s seat of stone, and then rose up
+her dear nurse Polyxo, for very age halting upon her withered feet, bowed over
+a staff, and she was eager to address them. Near her were seated four virgins,
+unwedded, crowned with white hair. And she stood in the midst of the assembly
+and from her bent back she feebly raised her neck and spake thus:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Gifts, as Hypsipyle herself wishes, let us send to the strangers, for it
+is better to give them. But for you what device have ye to get profit of your
+life if the Thracian host fall upon us, or some other foe, as often happens
+among men, even as now this company is come unforeseen? But if one of the
+blessed gods should turn this aside yet countless other woes, worse than
+battle, remain behind, when the aged women die off and ye younger ones, without
+children, reach hateful old age. How then will ye live, hapless ones? Will your
+oxen of their own accord yoke themselves for the deep plough-lands and draw the
+earth-cleaving share through the fallow, and forthwith, as the year comes
+round, reap the harvest? Assuredly, though the fates till now have shunned me
+in horror, I deem that in the coming year I shall put on the garment of earth,
+when I have received my meed of burial even so as is right, before the evil
+days draw near. But I bid you who are younger give good heed to this. For now
+at your feet a way of escape lies open, if ye trust to the strangers the care
+of your homes and all your stock and your glorious city.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and the assembly was filled with clamour. For the word pleased
+them. And after her straightway Hypsipyle rose up again, and thus spake in
+reply.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;If this purpose please you all, now will I even send a messenger to the
+ship.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake and addressed Iphinoe close at hand: &ldquo;Go, Iphinoe, and beg
+yonder man, whoever it is that leads this array, to come to our land that I may
+tell him a word that pleases the heart of my people, and bid the men
+themselves, if they wish, boldly enter the land and the city with friendly
+intent.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake, and dismissed the assembly, and thereafter started to return home.
+And so Iphinoe came to the Minyae; and they asked with what intent she had come
+among them. And quickly she addressed her questioners with all speed in these
+words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;The maiden Hypsipyle daughter of Thoas, sent me on my way here to you,
+to summon the captain of your ship, whoever he be, that she may tell him a word
+that pleases the heart of the people, and she bids yourselves, if ye wish it,
+straightway enter the land and the city with friendly intent.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake and the speech of good omen pleased all. And they deemed that
+Thoas was dead and that his beloved daughter Hypsipyle was queen, and quickly
+they sent Jason on his way and themselves made ready to go.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now he had buckled round his shoulders a purple mantle of double fold, the work
+of the Tritonian goddess, which Pallas had given him when she first laid the
+keel-props of the ship Argo and taught him how to measure timbers with the
+rule. More easily wouldst thou cast thy eyes upon the sun at its rising than
+behold that blazing splendour. For indeed in the middle the fashion thereof was
+red, but at the ends it was all purple, and on each margin many separate
+devices had been skilfully inwoven.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In it were the Cyclops seated at their imperishable work, forging a thunderbolt
+for King Zeus; by now it was almost finished in its brightness and still it
+wanted but one ray, which they were beating out with their iron hammers as it
+spurted forth a breath of raging flame.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In it too were the twin sons of Antiope, daughter of Asopus, Amphion and
+Zethus, and Thebe still ungirt with towers was lying near, whose foundations
+they were just then laying in eager haste. Zethus on his shoulders was lifting
+the peak of a steep mountain, like a man toiling hard, and Amphion after him,
+singing loud and clear on his golden lyre, moved on, and a rock twice as large
+followed his footsteps.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next in order had been wrought Cytherea with drooping tresses, wielding the
+swift shield of Ares; and from her shoulder to her left arm the fastening of
+her tunic was loosed beneath her breast; and opposite in the shield of bronze
+her image appeared clear to view as she stood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And in it there was a well-wooded pasturage of oxen; and about the oxen the
+Teleboae and the sons of Eleetryon were fighting; the one party defending
+themselves, the others, the Taphian raiders, longing to rob them; and the dewy
+meadow was drenched with their blood, and the many were overmastering the few
+herdsmen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And therein were fashioned two chariots, racing, and the one in front Pelops
+was guiding, as he shook the reins, and with him was Hippodameia at his side,
+and in pursuit Myrtilus urged his steeds, and with him Oenomaus had grasped his
+couched spear, but fell as the axle swerved and broke in the nave, while he was
+eager to pierce the back of Pelops.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And in it was wrought Phoebus Apollo, a stripling not yet grown up, in the act
+of shooting at mighty Tityos who was boldly dragging his mother by her veil,
+Tityos whom glorious Elate bare, but Earth nursed him and gave him second
+birth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And in it was Phrixus the Minyan as though he were in very deed listening to
+the ram, while it was like one speaking. Beholding them thou wouldst be silent
+and wouldst cheat thy soul with the hope of hearing some wise speech from them,
+and long wouldst thou gaze with that hope.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such then were the gifts of the Tritonian goddess Athena. And in his right hand
+Jason held a fardarting spear, which Atalanta gave him once as a gift of
+hospitality in Maenalus as she met him gladly; for she eagerly desired to
+follow on that quest; but he himself of his own accord prevented the maid, for
+he feared bitter strife on account of her love.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And he went on his way to the city like to a bright star, which maidens, pent
+up in new-built chambers, behold as it rises above their homes, and through the
+dark air it charms their eyes with its fair red gleam and the maid rejoices,
+love-sick for the youth who is far away amid strangers, for whom her parents
+are keeping her to be his bride; like to that star the hero trod the way to the
+city. And when they had passed within the gates and the city, the women of the
+people surged behind them, delighting in the stranger, but he with his eyes
+fixed on the ground fared straight on, till he reached the glorious palace of
+Hypsipyle; and when he appeared the maids opened the folding doors, fitted with
+well-fashioned panels. Here Iphinoe leading him quickly through a fair porch
+set him upon a shining seat opposite her mistress, but Hypsipyle turned her
+eyes aside and a blush covered her maiden cheeks, yet for all her modesty she
+addressed him with crafty words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Stranger, why stay ye so long outside our towers? for the city is not
+inhabited by the men, but they, as sojourners, plough the wheat-bearing fields
+of the Thracian mainland. And I will tell out truly all our evil plight, that
+ye yourselves too may know it well. When my father Thoas reigned over the
+citizens, then our folk starting from their homes used to plunder from their
+ships the dwellings of the Thracians who live opposite, and they brought back
+hither measureless booty and maidens too. But the counsel of the baneful
+goddess Cypris was working out its accomplishment, who brought upon them soul
+destroying infatuation. For they hated their lawful wives, and, yielding to
+their own mad folly, drove them from their homes; and they took to their beds
+the captives of their spear, cruel ones. Long in truth we endured it, if haply
+again, though late, they might change their purpose, but ever the bitter woe
+grew, twofold. And the lawful children were being dishonoured in their halls,
+and a bastard race was rising. And thus unmarried maidens and widowed mothers
+too wandered uncared for through the city; no father heeded his daughter ever
+so little even though he should see her done to death before his eyes at the
+hands of an insolent step-dame, nor did sons, as before, defend their mother
+against unseemly outrage; nor did brothers care at heart for their sister. But
+in their homes, in the dance, in the assembly and the banquet all their thought
+was only for their captive maidens; until some god put desperate courage in our
+hearts no more to receive our lords on their return from Thrace within our
+towers so that they might either heed the right or might depart and begone
+elsewhither, they and their captives. So they begged of us all the male
+children that were left in the city and went back to where even now they dwell
+on the snowy tilths of Thrace. Do ye therefore stay and settle with us; and
+shouldst thou desire to dwell here, and this finds favour with thee, assuredly
+thou shalt have the prerogative of my father Thoas; and I deem that thou wilt
+not scorn our land at all; for it is deepsoiled beyond all other islands that
+lie in the Aegaean sea. But come now, return to the ship and relate my words to
+thy comrades, and stay not outside our city.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spoke, glozing over the murder that had been wrought upon the men; and
+Jason addressed her in answer:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Hypsipyle, very dear to our hearts is the help we shall meet with, which
+thou grantest to us who need thee. And I will return again to the city when I
+have told everything in order due. But let the sovereignty of the island be
+thine; it is not in scorn I yield it up, but grievous trials urge me on.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and touched her right hand; and quickly he turned to go back: and
+round him the young maids on every side danced in countless numbers in their
+joy till he passed through the gates. And then they came to the shore in
+smooth-running wains, bearing with them many gifts, when now he had related
+from beginning to end the speech which Hypsipyle had spoken when she summoned
+them; and the maids readily led the men back to their homes for entertainment.
+For Cypris stirred in them a sweet desire, for the sake of Hephaestus of many
+counsels, in order that Lemnos might be again inhabited by men and not be
+ruined.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thereupon Aeson&rsquo;s son started to go to the royal home of Hypsipyle; and
+the rest went each his way as chance took them, all but Heracles; for he of his
+own will was left behind by the ship and a few chosen comrades with him. And
+straightway the city rejoiced with dances and banquets, being filled with the
+steam of sacrifice; and above all the immortals they propitiated with songs and
+sacrifices the illustrious son of Hera and Cypris herself. And the sailing was
+ever delayed from one day to another; and long would they have lingered there,
+had not Heracles, gathering together his comrades apart from the women, thus
+addressed them with reproachful words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Wretched men, does the murder of kindred keep us from our native land?
+Or is it in want of marriage that we have come hither from thence, in scorn of
+our countrywomen? Does it please us to dwell here and plough the rich soil of
+Lemnos? No fair renown shall we win by thus tarrying so long with stranger
+women; nor will some god seize and give us at our prayer a fleece that moves of
+itself. Let us then return each to his own; but him leave ye to rest all day
+long in the embrace of Hypsipyle until he has peopled Lemnos with men-children,
+and so there come to him great glory.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus did he chide the band; but no one dared to meet his eye or to utter a word
+in answer. But just as they were in the assembly they made ready their
+departure in all haste, and the women came running towards them, when they knew
+their intent. And as when bees hum round fair lilies pouring forth from their
+hive in the rock, and all around the dewy meadow rejoices, and they gather the
+sweet fruit, flitting from one to another; even so the women eagerly poured
+forth clustering round the men with loud lament, and greeted each one with
+hands and voice, praying the blessed gods to grant him a safe return. And so
+Hypsipyle too prayed, seizing the hands of Aeson&rsquo;s son, and her tears
+flowed for the loss of her lover:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Go, and may heaven bring thee back again with thy comrades unharmed,
+bearing to the king the golden fleece, even as thou wilt and thy heart
+desireth; and this island and my father&rsquo;s sceptre will be awaiting thee,
+if on thy return hereafter thou shouldst choose to come hither again; and
+easily couldst thou gather a countless host of men from other cities. But thou
+wilt not have this desire, nor do I myself forbode that so it will be. Still
+remember Hypsipyle when thou art far away and when thou hast returned; and
+leave me some word of bidding, which I will gladly accomplish, if haply heaven
+shall grant me to be a mother.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Aeson&rsquo;s son in admiration thus replied: &ldquo;Hypsipyle, so may all
+these things prove propitious by the favour of the blessed gods. But do thou
+hold a nobler thought of me, since by the grace of Pelias it is enough for me
+to dwell in my native land; may the gods only release me from my toils. But if
+it is not my destiny to sail afar and return to the land of Hellas, and if thou
+shouldst bear a male child, send him when grown up to Pelasgian Iolcus, to heal
+the grief of my father and mother if so be that he find them still living, in
+order that, far away from the king, they may be cared for by their own hearth
+in their home.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and mounted the ship first of all; and so the rest of the chiefs
+followed, and, sitting in order, seized the oars; and Argus loosed for them the
+hawsers from under the sea-beaten rock. Whereupon they mightily smote the water
+with their long oars, and in the evening by the injunctions of Orpheus they
+touched at the island of Electra,<a href="#linknote-9"
+name="linknoteref-9" id="linknoteref-9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> daughter
+of Atlas, in order that by gentle initiation they might learn the rites that
+may not be uttered, and so with greater safety sail over the chilling sea. Of
+these I will make no further mention; but I bid farewell to the island itself
+and the indwelling deities, to whom belong those mysteries, which it is not
+lawful for me to sing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thence did they row with eagerness over the depths of the black Sea, having on
+the one side the land of the Thracians, on the other Imbros on the south; and
+as the sun was just setting they reached the foreland of the Chersonesus. There
+a strong south wind blew for them; and raising the sails to the breeze they
+entered the swift stream of the maiden daughter of Athamas; and at dawn the sea
+to the north was left behind and at night they were coasting inside the
+Rhoeteian shore, with the land of Ida on their right. And leaving Dardania they
+directed their course to Abydus, and after it they sailed past Percote and the
+sandy beach of Abarnis and divine Pityeia. And in that night, as the ship sped
+on by sail and oar, they passed right through the Hellespont dark-gleaming with
+eddies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There is a lofty island inside the Propontis, a short distance from the
+Phrygian mainland with its rich cornfields, sloping to the sea, where an
+isthmus in front of the mainland is flooded by the waves, so low does it lie.
+And the isthmus has double shores, and they lie beyond the river Aesepus, and
+the inhabitants round about call the island the Mount of Bears. And insolent
+and fierce men dwell there, Earthborn, a great marvel to the neighbours to
+behold; for each one has six mighty hands to lift up, two from his sturdy
+shoulders, and four below, fitting close to his terrible sides. And about the
+isthmus and the plain the Doliones had their dwelling, and over them Cyzicus
+son of Aeneus was king, whom Aenete the daughter of goodly Eusorus bare. But
+these men the Earthborn monsters, fearful though they were, in nowise harried,
+owing to the protection of Poseidon; for from him had the Doliones first
+sprung. Thither Argo pressed on, driven by the winds of Thrace, and the Fair
+haven received her as she sped. There they cast away their small anchorstone by
+the advice of Tiphys and left it beneath a fountain, the fountain of Artaeie;
+and they took another meet for their purpose, a heavy one; but the first,
+according to the oracle of the Far-Darter, the Ionians, sons of Neleus, in
+after days laid to be a sacred stone, as was right, in the temple of Jasonian
+Athena.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Doliones and Cyzicus himself all came together to meet them with
+friendliness, and when they knew of the quest and their lineage welcomed them
+with hospitality, and persuaded them to row further and to fasten their
+ship&rsquo;s hawsers at the city harbour. Here they built an altar to Ecbasian
+Apollo<a href="#linknote-10" name="linknoteref-10"
+id="linknoteref-10"><sup>[10]</sup></a> and set it up on the beach, and
+gave heed to sacrifices. And the king of his own bounty gave them sweet wine
+and sheep in their need; for he had heard a report that whenever a godlike band
+of heroes should come, straightway he should meet it with gentle words and
+should have no thought of war. As with Jason, the soft down was just blooming
+on his chin, nor yet had it been his lot to rejoice in children, but still in
+his palace his wife was untouched by the pangs of child-birth, the daughter of
+Percosian Merops, fair-haired Cleite, whom lately by priceless gifts he had
+brought from her father&rsquo;s home from the mainland opposite. But even so he
+left his chamber and bridal bed and prepared a banquet among the strangers,
+casting all fears from his heart. And they questioned one another in turn. Of
+them would he learn the end of their voyage and the injunctions of Pelias;
+while they enquired about the cities of the people round and all the gulf of
+the wide Propontis; but further he could not tell them for all their desire to
+learn. In the morning they climbed mighty Dindymum that they might themselves
+behold the various paths of that sea; and they brought their ship from its
+former anchorage to the harbour, Chytus; and the path they trod is named the
+path of Jason.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Earthborn men on the other side rushed down from the mountain and with
+crags below blocked up the mouth of vast Chytus towards the sea, like men lying
+in wait for a wild beast within. But there Heracles had been left behind with
+the younger heroes and he quickly bent his back-springing bow against the
+monsters and brought them to earth one after another; and they in their turn
+raised huge ragged rocks and hurled them. For these dread monsters too, I ween,
+the goddess Hera, bride of Zeus, had nurtured to be a trial for Heracles. And
+therewithal came the rest of the martial heroes returning to meet the foe
+before they reached the height of outlook, and they fell to the slaughter of
+the Earthborn, receiving them with arrows and spears until they slew them all
+as they rushed fiercely to battle. And as when woodcutters cast in rows upon
+the beach long trees just hewn down by their axes, in order that, once sodden
+with brine, they may receive the strong bolts; so these monsters at the
+entrance of the foam-fringed harbour lay stretched one after another, some in
+heaps bending their heads and breasts into the salt waves with their limbs
+spread out above on the land; others again were resting their heads on the sand
+of the shore and their feet in the deep water, both alike a prey to birds and
+fishes at once.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the heroes, when the contest was ended without fear, loosed the
+ship&rsquo;s hawsers to the breath of the wind and pressed on through the
+sea-swell. And the ship sped on under sail all day; but when night came the
+rushing wind did not hold steadfast, but contrary blasts caught them and held
+them back till they again approached the hospitable Doliones. And they stepped
+ashore that same night; and the rock is still called the Sacred Rock round
+which they threw the ship&rsquo;s hawsers in their haste. Nor did anyone note
+with care that it was the same island; nor in the night did the Doliones
+clearly perceive that the heroes were returning; but they deemed that Pelasgian
+war-men of the Macrians had landed. Therefore they donned their armour and
+raised their hands against them. And with clashing of ashen spears and shields
+they fell on each other, like the swift rush of fire which falls on dry
+brushwood and rears its crest; and the din of battle, terrible and furious,
+fell upon the people of the Doliones. Nor was the king to escape his fate and
+return home from battle to his bridal chamber and bed. But Aeson&rsquo;s son
+leapt upon him as he turned to face him, and smote him in the middle of the
+breast, and the bone was shattered round the spear; he rolled forward in the
+sand and filled up the measure of his fate. For that no mortal may escape; but
+on every side a wide snare encompasses us. And so, when he thought that he had
+escaped bitter death from the chiefs, fate entangled him that very night in her
+toils while battling with them; and many champions withal were slain; Heracles
+killed Telecles and Megabrontes, and Acastus slew Sphodris; and Peleus slew
+Zelus and Gephyrus swift in war. Telamon of the strong spear slew Basileus. And
+Idas slew Promeus, and Clytius Hyacinthus, and the two sons of Tyndareus slew
+Megalossaces and Phlogius. And after them the son of Oeneus slew bold
+Itomeneus, and Artaceus, leader of men; all of whom the inhabitants still
+honour with the worship due to heroes. And the rest gave way and fled in terror
+just as doves fly in terror before swift-winged hawks. And with a din they
+rustled in a body to the gates; and quickly the city was filled with loud cries
+at the turning of the dolorous fight. But at dawn both sides perceived the
+fatal and cureless error; and bitter grief seized the Minyan heroes when they
+saw before them Cyzicus son of Aeneus fallen in the midst of dust and blood.
+And for three whole days they lamented and rent their hair, they and the
+Dollones. Then three times round his tomb they paced in armour of bronze and
+performed funeral rites and celebrated games, as was meet, upon the
+meadow-plain, where even now rises the mound of his grave to be seen by men of
+a later day. No, nor was his bride Cleite left behind her dead husband, but to
+crown the ill she wrought an ill yet more awful, when she clasped a noose round
+her neck. Her death even the nymphs of the grove bewailed; and of all the tears
+for her that they shed to earth from their eyes the goddesses made a fountain,
+which they call Cleite,<a href="#linknote-11" name="linknoteref-11"
+id="linknoteref-11"><sup>[11]</sup></a> the illustrious name of the
+hapless maid. Most terrible came that day from Zeus upon the Doliones, women
+and men; for no one of them dared even to taste food, nor for a long time by
+reason of grief did they take thought for the toil of the cornmill, but they
+dragged on their lives eating their food as it was, untouched by fire. Here
+even now, when the Ionians that dwell in Cyzicus pour their yearly libations
+for the dead, they ever grind the meal for the sacrificial cakes at the common
+mill.<a href="#linknote-12" name="linknoteref-12"
+id="linknoteref-12"><sup>[12]</sup></a>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+After this, fierce tempests arose for twelve days and nights together and kept
+them there from sailing. But in the next night the rest of the chieftains,
+overcome by sleep, were resting during the latest period of the night, while
+Acastus and Mopsus the son of Ampyeus kept guard over their deep slumbers. And
+above the golden head of Aeson&rsquo;s son there hovered a halcyon prophesying
+with shrill voice the ceasing of the stormy winds; and Mopsus heard and
+understood the cry of the bird of the shore, fraught with good omen. And some
+god made it turn aside, and flying aloft it settled upon the stern-ornament of
+the ship. And the seer touched Jason as he lay wrapped in soft sheepskins and
+woke him at once, and thus spake:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Son of Aeson, thou must climb to this temple on rugged Dindymum and
+propitiate the mother<a href="#linknote-13" name="linknoteref-13"
+id="linknoteref-13"><sup>[13]</sup></a> of all the blessed gods on her
+fair throne, and the stormy blasts shall cease. For such was the voice I heard
+but now from the halcyon, bird of the sea, which, as it flew above thee in thy
+slumber, told me all. For by her power the winds and the sea and all the earth
+below and the snowy seat of Olympus are complete; and to her, when from the
+mountains she ascends the mighty heaven, Zeus himself, the son of Cronos, gives
+place. In like manner the rest of the immortal blessed ones reverence the dread
+goddess.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and his words were welcome to Jason&rsquo;s ear. And he arose
+from his bed with joy and woke all his comrades hurriedly and told them the
+prophecy of Mopsus the son of Ampycus. And quickly the younger men drove oxen
+from their stalls and began to lead them to the mountain&rsquo;s lofty summit.
+And they loosed the hawsers from the sacred rock and rowed to the Thracian
+harbour; and the heroes climbed the mountain, leaving a few of their comrades
+in the ship. And to them the Macrian heights and all the coast of Thrace
+opposite appeared to view close at hand. And there appeared the misty mouth of
+Bosporus and the Mysian hills; and on the other side the stream of the river
+Aesepus and the city and Nepeian plain of Adrasteia. Now there was a sturdy
+stump of vine that grew in the forest, a tree exceeding old; this they cut
+down, to be the sacred image of the mountain goddess; and Argus smoothed it
+skilfully, and they set it upon that rugged hill beneath a canopy of lofty
+oaks, which of all trees have their roots deepest. And near it they heaped an
+altar of small stones, and wreathed their brows with oak leaves and paid heed
+to sacrifice, invoking the mother of Dindymum, most venerable, dweller in
+Phrygia, and Titias and Cyllenus, who alone of many are called dispensers of
+doom and assessors of the Idaean mother,&mdash;the Idaean Dactyls of Crete,
+whom once the nymph Anchiale, as she grasped with both hands the land of Oaxus,
+bare in the Dictaean cave. And with many prayers did Aeson&rsquo;s son beseech
+the goddess to turn aside the stormy blasts as he poured libations on the
+blazing sacrifice; and at the same time by command of Orpheus the youths trod a
+measure dancing in full armour, and clashed with their swords on their shields,
+so that the ill-omened cry might be lost in the air the wail which the people
+were still sending up in grief for their king. Hence from that time forward the
+Phrygians propitiate Rhea with the wheel and the drum. And the gracious
+goddess, I ween, inclined her heart to pious sacrifices; and favourable signs
+appeared. The trees shed abundant fruit, and round their feet the earth of its
+own accord put forth flowers from the tender grass. And the beasts of the wild
+wood left their lairs and thickets and came up fawning on them with their
+tails. And she caused yet another marvel; for hitherto there was no flow of
+water on Dindymum, but then for them an unceasing stream gushed forth from the
+thirsty peak just as it was, and the dwellers around in after times called that
+stream, the spring of Jason. And then they made a feast in honour of the
+goddess on the Mount of Bears, singing the praises of Rhea most venerable; but
+at dawn the winds had ceased and they rowed away from the island.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thereupon a spirit of contention stirred each chieftain, who should be the last
+to leave his oar. For all around the windless air smoothed the swirling waves
+and lulled the sea to rest. And they, trusting in the calm, mightily drove the
+ship forward; and as she sped through the salt sea, not even the storm-footed
+steeds of Poseidon would have overtaken her. Nevertheless when the sea was
+stirred by violent blasts which were just rising from the rivers about evening,
+forspent with toil, they ceased. But Heracles by the might of his arms pulled
+the weary rowers along all together, and made the strong-knit timbers of the
+ship to quiver. But when, eager to reach the Mysian mainland, they passed along
+in sight of the mouth of Rhyndaeus and the great cairn of Aegaeon, a little way
+from Phrygia, then Heracles, as he ploughed up the furrows of the roughened
+surge, broke his oar in the middle. And one half he held in both his hands as
+he fell sideways, the other the sea swept away with its receding wave. And he
+sat up in silence glaring round; for his hands were unaccustomed to be idle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now at the hour when from the field some delver or ploughman goes gladly home
+to his hut, longing for his evening meal, and there on the threshold, all
+squalid with dust, bows his wearied knees, and, beholding his hands worn with
+toil, with many a curse reviles his belly; at that hour the heroes reached the
+homes of the Cianian land near the Arganthonian mount and the outfall of Cius.
+Them as they came in friendliness, the Mysians, inhabitants of that land,
+hospitably welcomed, and gave them in their need provisions and sheep and
+abundant wine. Hereupon some brought dried wood, others from the meadows leaves
+for beds which they gathered in abundance for strewing, whilst others were
+twirling sticks to get fire; others again were mixing wine in the bowl and
+making ready the feast, after sacrificing at nightfall to Apollo Ecbasius.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the son of Zeus having duly enjoined on his comrades to prepare the feast
+took his way into a wood, that he might first fashion for himself an oar to fit
+his hand. Wandering about he found a pine not burdened with many branches, nor
+too full of leaves, but like to the shaft of a tall poplar; so great was it
+both in length and thickness to look at. And quickly he laid on the ground his
+arrow-holding quiver together with his bow, and took off his lion&rsquo;s skin.
+And he loosened the pine from the ground with his bronze-tipped club and
+grasped the trunk with both hands at the bottom, relying on his strength; and
+he pressed it against his broad shoulder with legs wide apart; and clinging
+close he raised it from the ground deep-rooted though it was, together with
+clods of earth. And as when unexpectedly, just at the time of the stormy
+setting of baleful Orion, a swift gust of wind strikes down from above, and
+wrenches a ship&rsquo;s mast from its stays, wedges and all; so did Heracles
+lift the pine. And at the same time he took up his bow and arrows, his lion
+skin and club, and started on his return.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meantime Hylas with pitcher of bronze in hand had gone apart from the throng,
+seeking the sacred flow of a fountain, that he might be quick in drawing water
+for the evening meal and actively make all things ready in due order against
+his lord&rsquo;s return. For in such ways did Heracles nurture him from his
+first childhood when he had carried him off from the house of his father,
+goodly Theiodamas, whom the hero pitilessly slew among the Dryopians because he
+withstood him about an ox for the plough. Theiodamas was cleaving with his
+plough the soil of fallow land when he was smitten with the curse; and Heracles
+bade him give up the ploughing ox against his will. For he desired to find some
+pretext for war against the Dryopians for their bane, since they dwelt there
+reckless of right. But these tales would lead me far astray from my song. And
+quickly Hylas came to the spring which the people who dwell thereabouts call
+Pegae. And the dances of the nymphs were just now being held there; for it was
+the care of all the nymphs that haunted that lovely headland ever to hymn
+Artemis in songs by night. All who held the mountain peaks or glens, all they
+were ranged far off guarding the woods; but one, a water-nymph was just rising
+from the fair-flowing spring; and the boy she perceived close at hand with the
+rosy flush of his beauty and sweet grace. For the full moon beaming from the
+sky smote him. And Cypris made her heart faint, and in her confusion she could
+scarcely gather her spirit back to her. But as soon as he dipped the pitcher in
+the stream, leaning to one side, and the brimming water rang loud as it poured
+against the sounding bronze, straightway she laid her left arm above upon his
+neck yearning to kiss his tender mouth; and with her right hand she drew down
+his elbow, and plunged him into the midst of the eddy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Alone of his comrades the hero Polyphemus, son of Eilatus, as he went forward
+on the path, heard the boy&rsquo;s cry, for he expected the return of mighty
+Heracles. And he rushed after the cry, near Pegae, like some beast of the wild
+wood whom the bleating of sheep has reached from afar, and burning with hunger
+he follows, but does not fall in with the flocks; for the shepherds beforehand
+have penned them in the fold, but he groans and roars vehemently until he is
+weary. Thus vehemently at that time did the son of Eilatus groan and wandered
+shouting round the spot; and his voice rang piteous. Then quickly drawing his
+great sword he started in pursuit, in fear lest the boy should be the prey of
+wild beasts, or men should have lain in ambush for him faring all alone, and be
+carrying him off, an easy prey. Hereupon as he brandished his bare sword in his
+hand he met Heracles himself on the path, and well he knew him as he hastened
+to the ship through the darkness. And straightway he told the wretched calamity
+while his heart laboured with his panting breath.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;My poor friend, I shall be the first to bring thee tidings of bitter
+woe. Hylas has gone to the well and has not returned safe, but robbers have
+attacked and are carrying him off, or beasts are tearing him to pieces; I heard
+his cry.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake; and when Heracles heard his words, sweat in abundance poured
+down from his temples and the black blood boiled beneath his heart. And in
+wrath he hurled the pine to the ground and hurried along the path whither his
+feet bore on his impetuous soul. And as when a bull stung by a gadfly tears
+along, leaving the meadows and the marsh land, and recks not of herdsmen or
+herd, but presses on, now without cheek, now standing still, and raising his
+broad neck he bellows loudly, stung by the maddening fly; so he in his frenzy
+now would ply his swift knees unresting, now again would cease from toil and
+shout afar with loud pealing cry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But straightway the morning star rose above the topmost peaks and the breeze
+swept down; and quickly did Tiphys urge them to go aboard and avail themselves
+of the wind. And they embarked eagerly forthwith; and they drew up the
+ship&rsquo;s anchors and hauled the ropes astern. And the sails were bellied
+out by the wind, and far from the coast were they joyfully borne past the
+Posideian headland. But at the hour when gladsome dawn shines from heaven,
+rising from the east, and the paths stand out clearly, and the dewy plains
+shine with a bright gleam, then at length they were aware that unwittingly they
+had abandoned those men. And a fierce quarrel fell upon them, and violent
+tumult, for that they had sailed and left behind the bravest of their comrades.
+And Aeson&rsquo;s son, bewildered by their hapless plight, said never a word,
+good or bad; but sat with his heavy load of grief, eating out his heart. And
+wrath seized Telamon, and thus he spake:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Sit there at thy ease, for it was fitting for thee to leave Heracles
+behind; from thee the project arose, so that his glory throughout Hellas should
+not overshadow thee, if so be that heaven grants us a return home. But what
+pleasure is there in words? For I will go, I only, with none of thy comrades,
+who have helped thee to plan this treachery.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and rushed upon Tiphys son of Hagnias; and his eyes sparkled like
+flashes of ravening flame. And they would quickly have turned back to the land
+of the Mysians, forcing their way through the deep sea and the unceasing blasts
+of the wind, had not the two sons of Thracian Boreas held back the son of
+Aeacus with harsh words. Hapless ones, assuredly a bitter vengeance came upon
+them thereafter at the hands of Heracles, because they stayed the search for
+him. For when they were returning from the games over Pelias dead he slew them
+in sea-girt Tenos and heaped the earth round them, and placed two columns
+above, one of which, a great marvel for men to see, moves at the breath of the
+blustering north wind. These things were thus to be accomplished in after
+times. But to them appeared Glaucus from the depths of the sea, the wise
+interpreter of divine Nereus, and raising aloft his shaggy head and chest from
+his waist below, with sturdy hand he seized the ship&rsquo;s keel, and then
+cried to the eager crew:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Why against the counsel of mighty Zeus do ye purpose to lead bold
+Heracles to the city of Aeetes? At Argos it is his fate to labour for insolent
+Eurystheus and to accomplish full twelve toils and dwell with the immortals, if
+so be that he bring to fulfilment a few more yet; wherefore let there be no
+vain regret for him. Likewise it is destined for Polyphemus to found a glorious
+city at the mouth of Cius among the Mysians and to fill up the measure of his
+fate in the vast land of the Chalybes. But a goddess-nymph through love has
+made Hylas her husband, on whose account those two wandered and were left
+behind.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and with a plunge wrapped him about with the restless wave; and round
+him the dark water foamed in seething eddies and dashed against the hollow ship
+as it moved through the sea. And the heroes rejoiced, and Telamon son of Aeacus
+came in haste to Jason, and grasping his hand in his own embraced him with
+these words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Son of Aeson, be not wroth with me, if in my folly I have erred, for
+grief wrought upon me to utter a word arrogant and intolerable. But let me give
+my fault to the winds and let our hearts be joined as before.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Him the son of Aeson with prudence addressed: &ldquo;Good friend, assuredly
+with an evil word didst thou revile me, saying before them all that I was the
+wronger of a kindly man. But not for long will I nurse bitter wrath, though
+indeed before I was grieved. For it was not for flocks of sheep, no, nor for
+possessions that thou wast angered to fury, but for a man, thy comrade. And I
+were fain thou wouldst even champion me against another man if a like thing
+should ever befall me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and they sat down, united as of old. But of those two, by the counsel
+of Zeus, one, Polyphemus son of Eilatus, was destined to found and build a city
+among the Mysians bearing the river&rsquo;s name, and the other, Heracles, to
+return and toil at the labours of Eurystheus. And he threatened to lay waste
+the Mysian land at once, should they not discover for him the doom of Hylas,
+whether living or dead. And for him they gave pledges choosing out the noblest
+sons of the people and took an oath that they would never cease from their
+labour of search. Therefore to this day the people of Cius enquire for Hylas
+the son of Theiodamas, and take thought for the well-built Trachis. For there
+did Heracles settle the youths whom they sent from Cius as pledges.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And all day long and all night the wind bore the ship on, blowing fresh and
+strong; but when dawn rose there was not even a breath of air. And they marked
+a beach jutting forth from a bend of the coast, very broad to behold, and by
+dint of rowing came to land at sunrise.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap04"></a>BOOK II</h2>
+
+<p>
+Here were the oxstalls and farm of Amycus, the haughty king of the Bebrycians,
+whom once a nymph, Bithynian Melie, united to Poseidon Genethlius, bare the
+most arrogant of men; for even for strangers he laid down an insulting
+ordinance, that none should depart till they had made trial of him in boxing;
+and he had slain many of the neighbours. And at that time too he went down to
+the ship and in his insolence scorned to ask them the occasion of their voyage,
+and who they were, but at once spake out among them all:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Listen, ye wanderers by sea, to what it befits you to know. It is the
+rule that no stranger who comes to the Bebrycians should depart till he has
+raised his hands in battle against mine. Wherefore select your bravest warrior
+from the host and set him here on the spot to contend with me in boxing. But if
+ye pay no heed and trample my decrees under foot, assuredly to your sorrow will
+stern necessity come upon you.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake in his pride, but fierce anger seized them when they heard it,
+and the challenge smote Polydeuces most of all. And quickly he stood forth his
+comrades&rsquo; champion, and cried:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Hold now, and display not to us thy brutal violence, whoever thou art;
+for we will obey thy rules, as thou sayest. Willingly now do I myself undertake
+to meet thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake outright; but the other with rolling eyes glared on him, like to
+a lion struck by a javelin when hunters in the mountains are hemming him round,
+and, though pressed by the throng, he reeks no more of them, but keeps his eyes
+fixed, singling out that man only who struck him first and slew him not.
+Hereupon the son of Tyndareus laid aside his mantle, closely-woven,
+delicately-wrought, which one of the Lemnian maidens had given him as a pledge
+of hospitality; and the king threw down his dark cloak of double fold with its
+clasps and the knotted crook of mountain olive which he carried. Then
+straightway they looked and chose close by a spot that pleased them and bade
+their comrades sit upon the sand in two lines; nor were they alike to behold in
+form or in stature. The one seemed to be a monstrous son of baleful Typhoeus or
+of Earth herself, such as she brought forth aforetime, in her wrath against
+Zeus; but the other, the son of Tyndareus, was like a star of heaven, whose
+beams are fairest as it shines through the nightly sky at eventide. Such was
+the son of Zeus, the bloom of the first down still on his cheeks, still with
+the look of gladness in his eyes. But his might and fury waxed like a wild
+beast&rsquo;s; and he poised his hands to see if they were pliant as before and
+were not altogether numbed by toil and rowing. But Amycus on his side made no
+trial; but standing apart in silence he kept his eyes upon his foe, and his
+spirit surged within him all eager to dash the life-blood from his breast. And
+between them Lyeoreus, the henchman of Amycus, placed at their feet on each
+side two pairs of gauntlets made of raw hide, dry, exceeding tough. And the
+king addressed the hero with arrogant words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Whichever of these thou wilt, without casting lots, I grant thee freely,
+that thou mayst not blame me hereafter. Bind them about thy hands; thou shalt
+learn and tell another how skilled I am to carve the dry oxhides and to spatter
+men&rsquo;s cheeks with blood.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake; but the other gave back no taunt in answer, but with a light
+smile readily took up the gauntlets that lay at his feet; and to him came
+Castor and mighty Talaus, son of Bias, and they quickly bound the gauntlets
+about his hands, often bidding him be of good courage. And to Amycus came
+Aretus and Ornytus, but little they knew, poor fools, that they had bound them
+for the last time on their champion, a victim of evil fate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they stood apart and were ready with their gauntlets, straightway in
+front of their faces they raised their heavy hands and matched their might in
+deadly strife. Hereupon the Bebrycian king even as a fierce wave of the sea
+rises in a crest against a swift ship, but she by the skill of the crafty pilot
+just escapes the shock when the billow is eager to break over the
+bulwark&mdash;so he followed up the son of Tyndareus, trying to daunt him, and
+gave him no respite. But the hero, ever unwounded, by his skill baffled the
+rush of his foe, and he quickly noted the brutal play of his fists to see where
+he was invincible in strength, and where inferior, and stood unceasingly and
+returned blow for blow. And as when shipwrights with their hammers smite
+ships&rsquo; timbers to meet the sharp clamps, fixing layer upon layer; and the
+blows resound one after another; so cheeks and jaws crashed on both sides, and
+a huge clattering of teeth arose, nor did they cease ever from striking their
+blows until laboured gasping overcame both. And standing a little apart they
+wiped from their foreheads sweat in abundance, wearily panting for breath. Then
+back they rushed together again, as two bulls fight in furious rivalry for a
+grazing heifer. Next Amycus rising on tiptoe, like one who slays an ox, sprung
+to his full height and swung his heavy hand down upon his rival; but the hero
+swerved aside from the rush, turning his head, and just received the arm on his
+shoulder; and coming near and slipping his knee past the king&rsquo;s, with a
+rush he struck him above the ear, and broke the bones inside, and the king in
+agony fell upon his knees; and the Minyan heroes shouted for joy; and his life
+was poured forth all at once.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nor were the Bebrycians reckless of their king; but all together took up rough
+clubs and spears and rushed straight on Polydeuces. But in front of him stood
+his comrades, their keen swords drawn from the sheath. First Castor struck upon
+the head a man as he rushed at him: and it was cleft in twain and fell on each
+side upon his shoulders. And Polydeuces slew huge Itymoneus and Mimas. The one,
+with a sudden leap, he smote beneath the breast with his swift foot and threw
+him in the dust; and as the other drew near he struck him with his right hand
+above the left eyebrow, and tore away his eyelid and the eyeball was left bare.
+But Oreides, insolent henchman of Amycus, wounded Talaus son of Bias in the
+side, but did not slay him, but only grazing the skin the bronze sped under his
+belt and touched not the flesh. Likewise Aretus with well-seasoned club smote
+Iphitus, the steadfast son of Eurytus, not yet destined to an evil death;
+assuredly soon was he himself to be slain by the sword of Clytius. Then
+Ancaeus, the dauntless son of Lycurgus, quickly seized his huge axe, and in his
+left hand holding a bear&rsquo;s dark hide, plunged into the midst of the
+Bebrycians with furious onset; and with him charged the sons of Aeacus, and
+with them started warlike Jason. And as when amid the folds grey wolves rush
+down on a winter&rsquo;s day and scare countless sheep, unmarked by the
+keen-scented dogs and the shepherds too, and they seek what first to attack and
+carry off; often glaring around, but the sheep are just huddled together and
+trample on one another; so the heroes grievously scared the arrogant
+Bebrycians. And as shepherds or beekeepers smoke out a huge swarm of bees in a
+rock, and they meanwhile, pent up in their hive, murmur with droning hum, till,
+stupefied by the murky smoke, they fly forth far from the rock; so they stayed
+steadfast no longer, but scattered themselves inland through Bebrycia,
+proclaiming the death of Amycus; fools, not to perceive that another woe all
+unforeseen was hard upon them. For at that hour their vineyards and villages
+were being ravaged by the hostile spear of Lycus and the Mariandyni, now that
+their king was gone. For they were ever at strife about the ironbearing land.
+And now the foe was destroying their steadings and farms, and now the heroes
+from all sides were driving off their countless sheep, and one spake among his
+fellows thus:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Bethink ye what they would have done in their cowardice if haply some
+god had brought Heracles hither. Assuredly, if he had been here, no trial would
+there have been of fists, I ween, but when the king drew near to proclaim his
+rules, the club would have made him forget his pride and the rules to boot.
+Yea, we left him uncared for on the strand and we sailed oversea; and full well
+each one of us shall know our baneful folly, now that he is far away.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, but all these things had been wrought by the counsels of Zeus.
+Then they remained there through the night and tended the hurts of the wounded
+men, and offered sacrifice to the immortals, and made ready a mighty meal; and
+sleep fell upon no man beside the bowl and the blazing sacrifice. They wreathed
+their fair brows with the bay that grew by the shore, whereto their hawsers
+were bound, and chanted a song to the lyre of Orpheus in sweet harmony; and the
+windless shore was charmed by their song; and they celebrated the Therapnaean
+son of Zeus.<a href="#linknote-14" name="linknoteref-14"
+id="linknoteref-14"><sup>[14]</sup></a>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the sun rising from far lands lighted up the dewy hills and wakened
+the shepherds, then they loosed their hawsers from the stem of the baytree and
+put on board all the spoil they had need to take; and with a favouring wind
+they steered through the eddying Bosporus. Hereupon a wave like a steep
+mountain rose aloft in front as though rushing upon them, ever upheaved above
+the clouds; nor would you say that they could escape grim death, for in its
+fury it hangs over the middle of the ship, like a cloud, yet it sinks away into
+calm if it meets with a skilful helmsman. So they by the steering-craft of
+Tiphys escaped, unhurt but sore dismayed. And on the next day they fastened the
+hawsers to the coast opposite the Bithynian land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There Phineus, son of Agenor, had his home by the sea, Phineus who above all
+men endured most bitter woes because of the gift of prophecy which Leto&rsquo;s
+son had granted him aforetime. And he reverenced not a whit even Zeus himself,
+for he foretold unerringly to men his sacred will. Wherefore Zeus sent upon him
+a lingering old age, and took from his eyes the pleasant light, and suffered
+him not to have joy of the dainties untold that the dwellers around ever
+brought to his house, when they came to enquire the will of heaven. But on a
+sudden, swooping through the clouds, the Harpies with their crooked beaks
+incessantly snatched the food away from his mouth and hands. And at times not a
+morsel of food was left, at others but a little, in order that he might live
+and be tormented. And they poured forth over all a loathsome stench; and no one
+dared not merely to carry food to his mouth but even to stand at a distance; so
+foully reeked the remnants of the meal. But straightway when he heard the voice
+and the tramp of the band he knew that they were the men passing by, at whose
+coming Zeus&rsquo; oracle had declared to him that he should have joy of his
+food. And he rose from his couch, like a lifeless dream, bowed over his staff,
+and crept to the door on his withered feet, feeling the walls; and as he moved,
+his limbs trembled for weakness and age; and his parched skin was caked with
+dirt, and naught but the skill held his bones together. And he came forth from
+the hall with wearied knees and sat on the threshold of the courtyard; and a
+dark stupor covered him, and it seemed that the earth reeled round beneath his
+feet, and he lay in a strengthless trance, speechless. But when they saw him
+they gathered round and marvelled. And he at last drew laboured breath from the
+depths of his chest and spoke among them with prophetic utterance:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Listen, bravest of all the Hellenes, if it be truly ye, whom by a
+king&rsquo;s ruthless command Jason is leading on the ship Argo in quest of the
+fleece. It is ye truly. Even yet my soul by its divination knows everything.
+Thanks I render to thee, O king, son of Leto, plunged in bitter affliction
+though I be. I beseech you by Zeus the god of suppliants, the sternest foe to
+sinful men, and for the sake of Phoebus and Hera herself, under whose especial
+care ye have come hither, help me, save an ill-fated man from misery, and
+depart not uncaring and leaving me thus as ye see. For not only has the Fury
+set her foot on my eyes and I drag on to the end a weary old age; but besides
+my other woes a woe hangs over me the bitterest of all. The Harpies, swooping
+down from some unseen den of destruction, ever snatch the food from my mouth.
+And I have no device to aid me. But it were easier, when I long for a meal, to
+escape my own thoughts than them, so swiftly do they fly through the air. But
+if haply they do leave me a morsel of food it reeks of decay and the stench is
+unendurable, nor could any mortal bear to draw near even for a moment, no, not
+if his heart were wrought of adamant. But necessity, bitter and insatiate,
+compels me to abide and abiding to put food in my cursed belly. These pests,
+the oracle declares, the sons of Boreas shall restrain. And no strangers are
+they that shall ward them off if indeed I am Phineus who was once renowned
+among men for wealth and the gift of prophecy, and if I am the son of my father
+Agenor; and, when I ruled among the Thracians, by my bridal gifts I brought
+home their sister Cleopatra to be my wife.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Agenor&rsquo;s son; and deep sorrow seized each of the heroes, and
+especially the two sons of Boreas. And brushing away a tear they drew nigh, and
+Zetes spake as follows, taking in his own the hand of the grief-worn sire:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Unhappy one, none other of men is more wretched than thou, methinks. Why
+upon thee is laid the burden of so many sorrows? Hast thou with baneful folly
+sinned against the gods through thy skill in prophecy? For this are they
+greatly wroth with thee? Yet our spirit is dismayed within us for all our
+desire to aid thee, if indeed the god has granted this privilege to us two. For
+plain to discern to men of earth are the reproofs of the immortals. And we will
+never check the Harpies when they come, for all our desire, until thou hast
+sworn that for this we shall not lose the favour of heaven.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake; and towards him the aged sire opened his sightless eyes, and
+lifted them up and replied with these words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Be silent, store not up such thoughts in thy heart, my child. Let the
+son of Leto be my witness, he who of his gracious will taught me the lore of
+prophecy, and be witness the ill-starred doom which possesses me and this dark
+cloud upon my eyes, and the gods of the underworld&mdash;and may their curse be
+upon me if I die perjured thus&mdash;no wrath from heaven will fall upon you
+two for your help to me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then were those two eager to help him because of the oath. And quickly the
+younger heroes prepared a feast for the aged man, a last prey for the Harpies;
+and both stood near him, to smite with the sword those pests when they swooped
+down. Scarcely had the aged man touched the food when they forthwith, like
+bitter blasts or flashes of lightning, suddenly darted from the clouds, and
+swooped down with a yell, fiercely craving for food; and the heroes beheld them
+and shouted in the midst of their onrush; but they at the cry devoured
+everything and sped away over the sea after; and an intolerable stench
+remained. And behind them the two sons of Boreas raising their swords rushed in
+pursuit. For Zeus imparted to them tireless strength; but without Zeus they
+could not have followed, for the Harpies used ever to outstrip the blasts of
+the west wind when they came to Phineus and when they left him. And as when,
+upon the mountain-side, hounds, cunning in the chase, run in the track of
+horned goats or deer, and as they strain a little behind gnash their teeth upon
+the edge of their jaws in vain; so Zetes and Calais rushing very near just
+grazed the Harpies in vain with their finger-tips. And assuredly they would
+have torn them to pieces, despite heaven&rsquo;s will, when they had overtaken
+them far off at the Floating Islands, had not swift Iris seen them and leapt
+down from the sky from heaven above, and cheeked them with these words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;It is not lawful, O sons of Boreas, to strike with your swords the
+Harpies, the hounds of mighty Zeus; but I myself will give you a pledge, that
+hereafter they shall not draw near to Phineus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With these words she took an oath by the waters of Styx, which to all the gods
+is most dread and most awful, that the Harpies would never thereafter again
+approach the home of Phineus, son of Agenor, for so it was fated. And the
+heroes yielding to the oath, turned back their flight to the ship. And on
+account of this men call them the Islands of Turning though aforetime they
+called them the Floating Islands. And the Harpies and Iris parted. They entered
+their den in Minoan Crete; but she sped up to Olympus, soaring aloft on her
+swift wings.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile the chiefs carefully cleansed the old man&rsquo;s squalid skin and
+with due selection sacrificed sheep which they had borne away from the spoil of
+Amycus. And when they had laid a huge supper in the hall, they sat down and
+feasted, and with them feasted Phineus ravenously, delighting his soul, as in a
+dream. And there, when they had taken their fill of food and drink, they kept
+awake all night waiting for the sons of Boreas. And the aged sire himself sat
+in the midst, near the hearth, telling of the end of their voyage and the
+completion of their journey:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Listen then. Not everything is it lawful for you to know clearly; but
+whatever is heaven&rsquo;s will, I will not hide. I was infatuated aforetime,
+when in my folly I declared the will of Zeus in order and to the end. For he
+himself wishes to deliver to men the utterances of the prophetic art
+incomplete, in order that they may still have some need to know the will of
+heaven.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;First of all, after leaving me, ye will see the twin Cyanean rocks where
+the two seas meet. No one, I ween, has won his escape between them. For they
+are not firmly fixed with roots beneath, but constantly clash against one
+another to one point, and above a huge mass of salt water rises in a crest,
+boiling up, and loudly dashes upon the hard beach. Wherefore now obey my
+counsel, if indeed with prudent mind and reverencing the blessed gods ye pursue
+your way; and perish not foolishly by a self-sought death, or rush on following
+the guidance of youth. First entrust the attempt to a dove when ye have sent
+her forth from the ship. And if she escapes safe with her wings between the
+rocks to the open sea, then no more do ye refrain from the path, but grip your
+oars well in your hands and cleave the sea&rsquo;s narrow strait, for the light
+of safety will be not so much in prayer as in strength of hands. Wherefore let
+all else go and labour boldly with might and main, but ere then implore the
+gods as ye will, I forbid you not. But if she flies onward and perishes midway,
+then do ye turn back; for it is better to yield to the immortals. For ye could
+not escape an evil doom from the rocks, not even if Argo were of iron.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;O hapless ones, dare not to transgress my divine warning, even though ye
+think that I am thrice as much hated by the sons of heaven as I am, and even
+more than thrice; dare not to sail further with your ship in despite of the
+omen. And as these things will fall, so shall they fall. But if ye shun the
+clashing rocks and come scatheless inside Pontus, straightway keep the land of
+the Bithynians on your right and sail on, and beware of the breakers, until ye
+round the swift river Rhebas and the black beach, and reach the harbour of the
+Isle of Thynias. Thence ye must turn back a little space through the sea and
+beach your ship on the land of the Mariandyni lying opposite. Here is a
+downward path to the abode of Hades, and the headland of Acherusia stretches
+aloft, and eddying Acheron cleaves its way at the bottom, even through the
+headland, and sends its waters forth from a huge ravine. And near it ye will
+sail past many hills of the Paphlagonians, over whom at the first Eneteian
+Pelops reigned, and of his blood they boast themselves to be.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Now there is a headland opposite Helice the Bear, steep on all sides,
+and they call it Carambis, about whose crests the blasts of the north wind are
+sundered. So high in the air does it rise turned towards the sea. And when ye
+have rounded it broad Aegialus stretches before you; and at the end of broad
+Aegialus, at a jutting point of coast, the waters of the river Halys pour forth
+with a terrible roar; and after it his flowing near, but smaller in stream,
+rolls into the sea with white eddies. Onward from thence the bend of a huge and
+towering cape reaches out from the land, next Thermodon at its mouth flows into
+a quiet bay at the Themiscyreian headland, after wandering through a broad
+continent. And here is the plain of Doeas, and near are the three cities of the
+Amazons, and after them the Chalybes, most wretched of men, possess a soil
+rugged and unyielding sons of toil, they busy themselves with working iron. And
+near them dwell the Tibareni, rich in sheep, beyond the Genetaean headland of
+Zeus, lord of hospitality. And bordering on it the Mossynoeci next in order
+inhabit the well-wooded mainland and the parts beneath the mountains, who have
+built in towers made from trees their wooden homes and well-fitted chambers,
+which they call Mossynes, and the people themselves take their name from them.
+After passing them ye must beach your ship upon a smooth island, when ye have
+driven away with all manner of skill the ravening birds, which in countless
+numbers haunt the desert island. In it the Queens of the Amazons, Otrere and
+Antiope, built a stone temple of Ares what time they went forth to war. Now
+here an unspeakable help will come to you from the bitter sea; wherefore with
+kindly intent I bid you stay. But what need is there that I should sin yet
+again declaring everything to the end by my prophetic art? And beyond the
+island and opposite mainland dwell the Philyres: and above the Philyres are the
+Macrones, and after them the vast tribes of the Becheiri. And next in order to
+them dwell the Sapeires, and the Byzeres have the lands adjoining to them, and
+beyond them at last live the warlike Colchians themselves. But speed on in your
+ship, till ye touch the inmost bourne of the sea. And here at the Cytaean
+mainland and from the Amarantine mountains far away and the Circaean plain,
+eddying Phasis rolls his broad stream to the sea. Guide your ship to the mouth
+of that river and ye shall behold the towers of Cytaean Aeetes and the shady
+grove of Ares, where a dragon, a monster terrible to behold, ever glares
+around, keeping watch over the fleece that is spread upon the top of an oak;
+neither by day nor by night does sweet sleep subdue his restless eyes.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and straightway fear seized them as they heard. And for a long
+while they were struck with silence; till at last the hero, son of Aeson,
+spake, sore dismayed at their evil plight:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;O aged sire, now hast thou come to the end of the toils of our
+sea-journeying and hast told us the token, trusting to which we shall make our
+way to Pontus through the hateful rocks; but whether, when we have escaped
+them, we shall have a return back again to Hellas, this too would we gladly
+learn from thee. What shall I do, how shall I go over again such a long path
+through the sea, unskilled as I am, with unskilled comrades? And Colchian Aea
+lies at the edge of Pontus and of the world.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and him the aged sire addressed in reply: &ldquo;O son, when
+once thou hast escaped through the deadly rocks, fear not; for a deity will be
+the guide from Aea by another track; and to Aea there will be guides enough.
+But, my friends, take thought of the artful aid of the Cyprian goddess. For on
+her depends the glorious issue of your venture. And further than this ask me
+not.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Agenor&rsquo;s son, and close at hand the twin sons of Thracian
+Boreas came darting from the sky and set their swift feet upon the threshold;
+and the heroes rose up from their seats when they saw them present. And Zetes,
+still drawing hard breath after his toil, spake among the eager listeners,
+telling them how far they had driven the Harpies and how his prevented their
+slaying them, and how the goddess of her grace gave them pledges, and how those
+others in fear plunged into the vast cave of the Dictaean cliff. Then in the
+mansion all their comrades were joyful at the tidings and so was Phineus
+himself. And quickly Aeson&rsquo;s son, with good will exceeding, addressed
+him:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Assuredly there was then, Phineus, some god who cared for thy bitter
+woe, and brought us hither from afar, that the sons of Boreas might aid thee;
+and if too he should bring sight to thine eyes, verily I should rejoice,
+methinks, as much as if I were on my homeward way.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, but Phineus replied to him with downcast look: &ldquo;Son of
+Aeson, that is past recall, nor is there any remedy hereafter, for blasted are
+my sightless eyes. But instead of that, may the god grant me death at once, and
+after death I shall take my share in perfect bliss.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they two returned answering speech, each to other, and soon in the midst
+of their converse early dawn appeared; and round Phineus were gathered the
+neighbours who used to come thither aforetime day by day and constantly bring a
+portion of their food. To all alike, however poor he was that came, the aged
+man gave his oracles with good will, and freed many from their woes by his
+prophetic art; wherefore they visited and tended him. And with them came
+Paraebius, who was dearest to him, and gladly did he perceive these strangers
+in the house. For long ere now the seer himself had said that a band of
+chieftains, faring from Hellas to the city of Aceres, would make fast their
+hawsers to the Thynian land, and by Zeus&rsquo; will would check the approach
+of the Harpies. The rest the old man pleased with words of wisdom and let them
+go; Paraebius only he bade remain there with the chiefs; and straightway he
+sent him and bade him bring back the choicest of his sheep. And when he had
+left the hall Phineus spake gently amid the throng of oarsmen:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;O my friends, not all men are arrogant, it seems, nor unmindful of
+benefits. Even as this man, loyal as he is, came hither to learn his fate. For
+when he laboured the most and toiled the most, then the needs of life, ever
+growing more and more, would waste him, and day after day ever dawned more
+wretched, nor was there any respite to his toil. But he was paying the sad
+penalty of his father&rsquo;s sin. For he when alone on the mountains, felling
+trees, once slighted the prayers of a Hamadryad, who wept and sought to soften
+him with plaintive words, not to cut down the stump of an oak tree coeval with
+herself, wherein for a long time she had lived continually; but he in the
+arrogance of youth recklessly cut it down. So to him the nymph thereafter made
+her death a curse, to him and to his children. I indeed knew of the sin when he
+came; and I bid him build an altar to the Thynian nymph, and offer on it an
+atoning sacrifice, with prayer to escape his father&rsquo;s fate. Here, ever
+since he escaped the god-sent doom, never has he forgotten or neglected me; but
+sorely and against his will do I send him from my doors, so eager is he to
+remain with me in my affliction.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Agenor&rsquo;s son; and his friend straightway came near leading two
+sheep from the flock. And up rose Jason and up rose the sons of Boreas at the
+bidding of the aged sire. And quickly they called upon Apollo, lord of
+prophecy, and offered sacrifice upon the health as the day was just sinking.
+And the younger comrades made ready a feast to their hearts&rsquo; desire.
+Thereupon having well feasted they turned themselves to rest, some near the
+ship&rsquo;s hawsers, others in groups throughout the mansion. And at dawn the
+Etesian winds blew strongly, which by the command of Zeus blow over every land
+equally.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Cyrene, the tale goes, once tended sheep along the marsh-meadow of Peneus among
+men of old time; for dear to her were maidenhood and a couch unstained. But, as
+she guarded her flock by the river, Apollo carried her off far from Haemonia
+and placed her among the nymphs of the land, who dwelt in Libya near the
+Myrtosian height. And here to Phoebus she bore Aristaeus whom the Haemonians,
+rich in corn-land, call &ldquo;Hunter&rdquo; and &ldquo;Shepherd&rdquo;. Her,
+of his love, the god made a nymph there, of long life and a huntress, and his
+son he brought while still an infant to be nurtured in the cave of Cheiron. And
+to him when he grew to manhood the Muses gave a bride, and taught him the arts
+of healing and of prophecy; and they made him the keeper of their sheep, of all
+that grazed on the Athamantian plain of Phthia and round steep Othrys and the
+sacred stream of the river Apidanus. But when from heaven Sirius scorched the
+Minoan Isles, and for long there was no respite for the inhabitants, then by
+the injunction of the Far-Darter they summoned Aristaeus to ward off the
+pestilence. And by his father&rsquo;s command he left Phthia and made his home
+in Ceos, and gathered together the Parrhasian people who are of the lineage of
+Lycaon, and he built a great altar to Zeus Icmaeus, and duly offered sacrifices
+upon the mountains to that star Sirius, and to Zeus son of Cronos himself. And
+on this account it is that Etesian winds from Zeus cool the land for forty
+days, and in Ceos even now the priests offer sacrifices before the rising of
+the Dog-star.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the tale is told, but the chieftains stayed there by constraint, and every
+day the Thynians, doing pleasure to Phineus, sent them gifts beyond measure.
+And afterwards they raised an altar to the blessed twelve on the sea-beach
+opposite and laid offerings thereon and then entered their swift ship to row,
+nor did they forget to bear with them a trembling dove; but Euphemus seized her
+and brought her all quivering with fear, and they loosed the twin hawsers from
+the land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nor did they start unmarked by Athena, but straightway swiftly she set her feel
+on a light cloud, which would waft her on, mighty though she was, and she swept
+on to the sea with friendly thoughts to the oarsmen. And as when one roveth far
+from his native land, as we men often wander with enduring heart, nor is any
+land too distant but all ways are clear to his view, and he sees in mind his
+own home, and at once the way over sea and land seems slain, and swiftly
+thinking, now this way, now that, he strains with eager eyes; so swiftly the
+daughter of Zeus darted down and set her foot on the cheerless shore of Thynia.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they reached the narrow strait of the winding passage, hemmed in on
+both sides by rugged cliffs, while an eddying current from below was washing
+against the ship as she moved on, they went forward sorely in dread; and now
+the thud of the crashing rocks ceaselessly struck their ears, and the
+sea-washed shores resounded, and then Euphemus grasped the dove in his hand and
+started to mount the prow; and they, at the bidding of Tiphys, son of Hagnias,
+rowed with good will to drive Argo between the rocks, trusting to their
+strength. And as they rounded a bend they saw the rocks opening for the last
+time of all. Their spirit melted within them; and Euphemus sent forth the dove
+to dart forward in flight; and they all together raised their heads to look;
+but she flew between them, and the rocks again rushed together and crashed as
+they met face to face. And the foam leapt up in a mass like a cloud; awful was
+the thunder of the sea; and all round them the mighty welkin roared.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The hollow caves beneath the rugged cliffs rumbled as the sea came surging in;
+and the white foam of the dashing wave spurted high above the cliff. Next the
+current whirled the ship round. And the rocks shore away the end of the
+dove&rsquo;s tail-feathers; but away she flew unscathed. And the rowers gave a
+loud cry; and Tiphys himself called to them to row with might and main. For the
+rocks were again parting asunder. But as they rowed they trembled, until the
+tide returning drove them back within the rocks. Then most awful fear seized
+upon all; for over their head was destruction without escape. And now to right
+and left broad Pontus was seen, when suddenly a huge wave rose up before them,
+arched, like a steep rock; and at the sight they bowed with bended heads. For
+it seemed about to leap down upon the ship&rsquo;s whole length and to
+overwhelm them. But Tiphys was quick to ease the ship as she laboured with the
+oars; and in all its mass the wave rolled away beneath the keel, and at the
+stern it raised Argo herself and drew her far away from the rocks; and high in
+air was she borne. But Euphemus strode among all his comrades and cried to them
+to bend to their oars with all their might; and they with a shout smote the
+water. And as far as the ship yielded to the rowers, twice as far did she leap
+back, and the oar, were bent like curved bows as the heroes used their
+strength.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then a vaulted billow rushed upon them, and the ship like a cylinder ran on the
+furious wave plunging through the hollow sea. And the eddying current held her
+between the clashing rocks; and on each side they shook and thundered; and the
+ship&rsquo;s timbers were held fast. Then Athena with her left hand thrust back
+one mighty rock and with her right pushed the ship through; and she, like a
+winged arrow, sped through the air. Nevertheless the rocks, ceaselessly
+clashing, shore off as she passed the extreme end of the stern-ornament. But
+Athena soared up to Olympus, when they had escaped unscathed. And the rocks in
+one spot at that moment were rooted fast for ever to each other, which thing
+had been destined by the blessed gods, when a man in his ship should have
+passed between them alive. And the heroes breathed again after their chilling
+fear, beholding at the same time the sky and the expanse of sea spreading far
+and wide. For they deemed that they were saved from Hades; and Tiphys first of
+all began to speak:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;It is my hope that we have safely escaped this peril&mdash;we, and the
+ship; and none other is the cause so much as Athena, who breathed into Argo
+divine strength when Argus knitted her together with bolts; and she may not be
+caught. Son of Aeson, no longer fear thou so much the hest of thy king, since a
+god hath granted us escape between the rocks; for Phineus, Agenor&rsquo;s son,
+said that our toils hereafter would be lightly accomplished.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and at once he sped the ship onward through the midst of the sea past
+the Bithynian coast. But Jason with gentle words addressed him in reply:
+&ldquo;Tiphys, why dost thou comfort thus my grieving heart? I have erred and
+am distraught in wretched and helpless ruin. For I ought, when Pelias gave the
+command, to have straightway refused this quest to his face, yea, though I were
+doomed to die pitilessly, torn limb from limb, but now I am wrapped in
+excessive fear and cares unbearable, dreading to sail through the chilling
+paths of the sea, and dreading when we shall set foot on the mainland. For on
+every side are unkindly men. And ever when day is done I pass a night of groans
+from the time when ye first gathered together for my sake, while I take thought
+for all things; but thou talkest at thine ease, eating only for thine own life;
+while for myself I am dismayed not a whit; but I fear for this man and for that
+equally, and for thee, and for my other comrades, if I shall not bring you back
+safe to the land of Hellas.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, making trial of the chiefs; but they shouted loud with cheerful
+words. And his heart was warmed within him at their cry and again he spake
+outright among them:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;My friends, in your valour my courage is quickened. Wherefore now, even
+though I should take my way through the gulfs of Hades, no more shall I let
+fear seize upon me, since ye are steadfast amid cruel terrors. But now that we
+have sailed out from the striking rocks, I trow that never hereafter will there
+be another such fearful thing, if indeed we go on our way following the counsel
+of Phineus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and straightway they ceased from such words and gave unwearying
+labour to the oar; and quickly they passed by the swiftly flowing river Rhebas
+and the peak of Colone, and soon thereafter the black headland, and near it the
+mouth of the river Phyllis, where aforetime Dipsaeus received in his home the
+son of Athamas, when with his ram he was flying from the city of Orchomenus;
+and Dipsacus was the son of a meadow-nymph, nor was insolence his delight, but
+contented by his father&rsquo;s stream he dwelt with his mother, pasturing his
+flocks by the shore. And quickly they sighted and sailed past his shrine and
+the broad banks of the river and the plain, and deep-flowing Calpe, and all the
+windless night and the day they bent to their tireless oars. And even as
+ploughing oxen toil as they cleave the moist earth, and sweat streams in
+abundance from flank and neck; and from beneath the yoke their eyes roll
+askance, while the breath ever rushes from their mouths in hot gasps; and all
+day long they toil, planting their hoofs deep in the ground; like them the
+heroes kept dragging their oars through the sea.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when divine light has not yet come nor is it utter darkness, but a faint
+glimmer has spread over the night, the time when men wake and call it twilight,
+at that hour they ran into the harbour of the desert island Thynias and, spent
+by weary toil, mounted the shore. And to them the son of Leto, as he passed
+from Lycia far away to the countless folk of the Hyperboreans, appeared; and
+about his cheeks on both sides his golden locks flowed in clusters as he moved;
+in his left hand he held a silver bow, and on his back was slung a quiver
+hanging from his shoulders; and beneath his feet all the island quaked, and the
+waves surged high on the beach. Helpless amazement seized them as they looked;
+and no one dared to gaze face to face into the fair eyes of the god. And they
+stood with heads bowed to the ground; but he, far off, passed on to the sea
+through the air; and at length Orpheus spake as follows, addressing the chiefs:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Come, let us call this island the sacred isle of Apollo of the Dawn
+since he has appeared to all, passing by at dawn; and we will offer such
+sacrifices as we can, building an altar on the shore; and if hereafter he shall
+grant us a safe return to the Haemonian land, then will we lay on his altar the
+thighs of horned goats. And now I bid you propitiate him with the steam of
+sacrifice and libations. Be gracious, O king, be gracious in thy
+appearing.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and they straightway built up an altar with shingle; and over
+the island they wandered, seeking if haply they could get a glimpse of a fawn
+or a wild goat, that often seek their pasture in the deep wood. And for them
+Leto&rsquo;s son provided a quarry; and with pious rites they wrapped in fat
+the thigh bones of them all and burnt them on the sacred altar, celebrating
+Apollo, Lord of Dawn. And round the burning sacrifice they set up a broad
+dancing-ring, singing, &ldquo;All hail fair god of healing, Phoebus, all
+hail,&rdquo; and with them Oeagrus&rsquo; goodly son began a clear lay on his
+Bistonian lyre; how once beneath the rocky ridge of Parnassus he slew with his
+bow the monster Delphyne, he, still young and beardless, still rejoicing in his
+long tresses. Mayst thou be gracious! Ever, O king, be thy locks unshorn, ever
+unravaged; for so is it right. And none but Leto, daughter of Coeus, strokes
+them with her dear hands. And often the Corycian nymphs, daughters of Pleistus,
+took up the cheering strain crying &ldquo;Healer&rdquo;; hence arose this
+lovely refrain of the hymn to Phoebus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had celebrated him with dance and song they took an oath with
+holy libations, that they would ever help each other with concord of heart,
+touching the sacrifice as they swore; and even now there stands there a temple
+to gracious Concord, which the heroes themselves reared, paying honour at that
+time to the glorious goddess.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the third morning came, with a fresh west wind they left the lofty
+island. Next, on the opposite side they saw and passed the mouth of the river
+Sangarius and the fertile land of the Mariandyni, and the stream of Lycus and
+the Anthemoeisian lake; and beneath the breeze the ropes and all the tackling
+quivered as they sped onward. During the night the wind ceased and at dawn they
+gladly reached the haven of the Acherusian headland. It rises aloft with steep
+cliffs, looking towards the Bithynian sea; and beneath it smooth rocks, ever
+washed by the sea, stand rooted firm; and round them the wave rolls and
+thunders loud, but above, wide-spreading plane trees grow on the topmost point.
+And from it towards the land a hollow glen slopes gradually away, where there
+is a cave of Hades overarched by wood and rocks. From here an icy breath,
+unceasingly issuing from the chill recess, ever forms a glistening rime which
+melts again beneath the midday sun. And never does silence hold that grim
+headland, but there is a continual murmur from the sounding sea and the leaves
+that quiver in the winds from the cave. And here is the outfall of the river
+Acheron which bursts its way through the headland and falls into the Eastern
+sea, and a hollow ravine brings it down from above. In after times the Nisaean
+Megarians named it Soonautes<a href="#linknote-15" name="linknoteref-15"
+id="linknoteref-15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> when they were about to settle in
+the land of the Mariandyni. For indeed the river saved them with their ships
+when they were caught in a violent tempest. By this way the heroes took the
+ship through<a href="#linknote-16" name="linknoteref-16"
+id="linknoteref-16"><sup>[16]</sup></a> the Acherusian headland and came
+to land over against it as the wind had just ceased.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Not long had they come unmarked by Lycus, the lord of that land, and the
+Mariandyni&mdash;they, the slayers of Amycus, according to the report which the
+people heard before; but for that very deed they even made a league with the
+heroes. And Polydeuces himself they welcomed as a god, flocking from every
+side, since for a long time had they been warring against the arrogant
+Bebrycians. And so they went up all together into the city, and all that day
+with friendly feelings made ready a feast within the palace of Lycus and
+gladdened their souls with converse. Aeson&rsquo;s son told him the lineage and
+name of each of his comrades and the behests of Pelias, and how they were
+welcomed by the Lemnian women, and all that they did at Dolionian Cyzieus; and
+how they reached the Mysian land and Cius, where, sore against their will, they
+left behind the hero Heracles, and he told the saying of Glaucus, and how they
+slew the Bebrycians and Amycus, and he told of the prophecies and affliction of
+Phineus, and how they escaped the Cyanean rocks, and how they met with
+Leto&rsquo;s son at the island. And as he told all, Lycus was charmed in soul
+with listening; and he grieved for Heracles left behind, and spake as follows
+among them all:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;O friends, what a man he was from whose help ye have fallen away, as ye
+cleave your long path to Aeetes; for well do I know that I saw him here in the
+halls of Dascylus my father, when he came hither on foot through the land of
+Asia bringing the girdle of warlike Hippolyte; and me he found with the down
+just growing on my cheeks. And here, when my brother Priolas was slain by the
+Mysians&mdash;my brother, whom ever since the people lament with most piteous
+dirges&mdash;he entered the lists with Titias in boxing and slew him, mighty
+Titias, who surpassed all the youths in beauty and strength; and he dashed his
+teeth to the ground. Together with the Mysians he subdued beneath my
+father&rsquo;s sway the Phrygians also, who inhabit the lands next to us, and
+he made his own the tribes of the Bithynians and their land, as far as the
+mouth of Rhebas and the peak of Colone; and besides them the Paphlagonians of
+Pelops yielded just as they were, even all those round whom the dark water of
+Billaeus breaks. But now the Bebrycians and the insolence of Amycus have robbed
+me, since Heracles dwells far away, for they have long been cutting off huge
+pieces of my land until they have set their bounds at the meadows of
+deep-flowing Hypius. Nevertheless, by your hands have they paid the penalty;
+and it was not without the will of heaven, I trow, that he brought war on the
+Bebrycians this day&mdash;he, the son of Tyndareus, when he slew that champion.
+Wherefore whatever requital I am now able to pay, gladly will I pay it, for
+that is the rule for weaker men when the stronger begin to help them. So with
+you all, and in your company, I bid Dascylus my son follow; and if he goes, you
+will find all men friendly that ye meet on your way through the sea even to the
+mouth of the river Thermodon. And besides that, to the sons of Tyndareus will I
+raise a lofty temple on the Acherusian height, which all sailors shall mark far
+across the sea and shall reverence; and hereafter for them will I set apart
+outside the city, as for gods, some fertile fields of the well-tilled
+plain.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus all day long they revelled at the banquet. But at dawn they hied down to
+the ship in haste; and with them went Lycus himself, when he had given them
+countless gifts to bear away; and with them he sent forth his son from his
+home.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And here his destined fate smote Idmon, son of Abas, skilled in soothsaying;
+but not at all did his soothsaying save him, for necessity drew him on to
+death. For in the mead of the reedy river there lay, cooling his flanks and
+huge belly in the mud, a white-tusked boar, a deadly monster, whom even the
+nymphs of the marsh dreaded, and no man knew it; but all alone he was feeding
+in the wide fell. But the son of Abas was passing along the raised banks of the
+muddy river, and the boar from some unseen lair leapt out of the reed-bed, and
+charging gashed his thigh and severed in twain the sinews and the bone. And
+with a sharp cry the hero fell to the ground; and as he was struck his comrades
+flocked together with answering cry. And quickly Peleus with his hunting spear
+aimed at the murderous boar as he fled back into the fen; and again he turned
+and charged; but Idas wounded him, and with a roar he fell impaled upon the
+sharp spear. And the boar they left on the ground just as he had fallen there;
+but Idmon, now at the last gasp, his comrades bore to the ship in sorrow of
+heart, and he died in his comrades&rsquo; arms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And here they stayed from taking thought for their voyaging and abode in grief
+for the burial of their dead friend. And for three whole days they lamented;
+and on the next they buried him with full honours, and the people and King
+Lycus himself took part in the funeral rites; and, as is the due of the
+departed, they slaughtered countless sheep at his tomb. And so a barrow to this
+hero was raised in that land, and there stands a token for men of later days to
+see, the trunk of a wild olive tree, such as ships are built of; and it
+flourishes with its green leaves a little below the Acherusian headland. And if
+at the bidding of the Muses I must tell this tale outright, Phoebus strictly
+commanded the Boeotians and Nisaeans to worship him as guardian of their city,
+and to build their city round the trunk of the ancient wild olive; but they,
+instead of the god-fearing Aeolid Idmon, at this day honour Agamestor.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Who was the next that died? For then a second time the heroes heaped up a
+barrow for a comrade dead. For still are to be seen two monuments of those
+heroes. The tale goes that Tiphys son of Hagnias died; nor was it his destiny
+thereafter to sail any further. But him there on the spot a short sickness laid
+to rest far from his native land, when the company had paid due honours to the
+dead son of Abas. And at the cruel woe they were seized with unbearable grief.
+For when with due honours they had buried him also hard by the seer, they cast
+themselves down in helplessness on the sea-shore silently, closely wrapped up,
+and took no thought for meat or drink; and their spirit drooped in grief, for
+all hope of return was gone. And in their sorrow they would have stayed from
+going further had not Hera kindled exceeding courage in Ancaeus, whom near the
+waters of Imbrasus Astypalaea bore to Poseidon; for especially was he skilled
+in steering and eagerly did he address Peleus:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Son of Aeacus, is it well for us to give up our toils and linger on in a
+strange land? Not so much for my prowess in war did Jason take me with him in
+quest of the fleece, far from Parthenia, as for my knowledge of ships.
+Wherefore, I pray, let there be no fear for the ship. And so there are here
+other men of skill, of whom none will harm our voyaging, whomsoever we set at
+the helm. But quickly tell forth all this and boldly urge them to call to mind
+their task.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake; and Peleus&rsquo; soul was stirred with gladness, and
+straightway he spake in the midst of all: &ldquo;My friends, why do we thus
+cherish a bootless grief like this? For those two have perished by the fate
+they have met with; but among our host are steersmen yet, and many a one.
+Wherefore let us not delay our attempt, but rouse yourselves to the work and
+cast away your griefs.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him in reply Aeson&rsquo;s son addressed with helpless words: &ldquo;Son of
+Aeacus, where are these steersmen of thine? For those whom we once deemed to be
+men of skill, they even more than I are bowed with vexation of heart. Wherefore
+I forebode an evil doom for us even as for the dead, if it shall be our lot
+neither to reach the city of fell Aeetes, nor ever again to pass beyond the
+rocks to the land of Hellas, but a wretched fate will enshroud us here
+ingloriously till we grow old for naught.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, but Ancaeus quickly undertook to guide the swift ship; for he
+was stirred by the impulse of the goddess. And after him Erginus and Nauplius
+and Euphemus started up, eager to steer. But the others held them back, and
+many of his comrades granted it to Ancaeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So on the twelfth day they went aboard at dawn, for a strong breeze of westerly
+wind was blowing. And quickly with the oars they passed out through the river
+Acheron and, trusting to the wind, shook out their sails, and with canvas
+spread far and wide they were cleaving their passage through the waves in fair
+weather. And soon they passed the outfall of the river Callichorus, where, as
+the tale goes, the Nysean son of Zeus, when he had left the tribes of the
+Indians and came to dwell at Thebes, held revels and arrayed dances in front of
+a cave, wherein he passed unsmiling sacred nights, from which time the
+neighbours call the river by the name of Callichorus<a href="#linknote-17"
+name="linknoteref-17" id="linknoteref-17"><sup>[17]</sup></a> and the
+cave Aulion.<a href="#linknote-18" name="linknoteref-18"
+id="linknoteref-18"><sup>[18]</sup></a>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next they beheld the barrow of Sthenelus, Actor&rsquo;s son, who on his way
+back from the valorous war against the Amazons&mdash;for he had been the
+comrade of Heracles&mdash;was struck by an arrow and died there upon the
+sea-beach. And for a time they went no further, for Persephone herself sent
+forth the spirit of Actor&rsquo;s son which craved with many tears to behold
+men like himself, even for a moment. And mounting on the edge of the barrow he
+gazed upon the ship, such as he was when he went to war; and round his head a
+fair helm with four peaks gleamed with its blood-red crest. And again he
+entered the vast gloom; and they looked and marvelled; and Mopsus, son of
+Ampycus, with word of prophecy urged them to land and propitiate him with
+libations. Quickly they drew in sail and threw out hawsers, and on the strand
+paid honour to the tomb of Sthenelus, and poured out drink offerings to him and
+sacrificed sheep as victims. And besides the drink offerings they built an
+altar to Apollo, saviour of ships, and burnt thigh bones; and Orpheus dedicated
+his lyre; whence the place has the name of Lyra.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway they went aboard as the wind blew strong; and they drew the
+sail down, and made it taut to both sheets; then Argo was borne over the sea
+swiftly, even as a hawk soaring high through the air commits to the breeze its
+outspread wings and is borne on swiftly, nor swerves in its flight, poising in
+the clear sky with quiet pinions. And lo, they passed by the stream of
+Parthenius as it flows into the sea, a most gentle river, where the maid,
+daughter of Leto, when she mounts to heaven after the chase, cools her limbs in
+its much-desired waters. Then they sped onward in the night without ceasing,
+and passed Sesamus and lofty Erythini, Crobialus, Cromna and woody Cytorus.
+Next they swept round Carambis at the rising of the sun, and plied the oars
+past long Aegialus, all day and on through the night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway they landed on the Assyrian shore where Zeus himself gave a
+home to Sinope, daughter of Asopus, and granted her virginity, beguiled by his
+own promises. For he longed for her love, and he promised to grant her whatever
+her hearts desire might be. And she in her craftiness asked of him virginity.
+And in like manner she deceived Apollo too who longed to wed her, and besides
+them the river Halys, and no man ever subdued her in love&rsquo;s embrace. And
+there the sons of noble Deimachus of Tricca were still dwelling, Deileon,
+Autolycus and Phlogius, since the day when they wandered far away from
+Heracles; and they, when they marked the array of chieftains, went to meet them
+and declared in truth who they were; and they wished to remain there no longer,
+but as soon as Argestes<a href="#linknote-19" name="linknoteref-19"
+id="linknoteref-19"><sup>[19]</sup></a> blew went on ship-board. And so
+with them, borne along by the swift breeze, the heroes left behind the river
+Halys, and left behind his that flows hard by, and the delta-land of Assyria;
+and on the same day they rounded the distant headland of the Amazons that
+guards their harbour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Here once when Melanippe, daughter of Ares, had, gone forth, the hero Heracles
+caught her by ambuscade and Hippolyte gave him her glistening girdle as her
+sister&rsquo;s ransom, and he sent away his captive unharmed. In the bay of
+this headland, at the outfall of Thermodon, they ran ashore, for the sea was
+rough for their voyage. No river is like this, and none sends forth from itself
+such mighty streams over the land. If a man should count every one he would
+lack but four of a hundred, but the real spring is only one. This flows down to
+the plain from lofty mountains, which, men say, are called the Amazonian
+mountains. Thence it spreads inland over a hilly country straight forward;
+wherefrom its streams go winding on, and they roll on, this way and that ever
+more, wherever best they can reach the lower ground, one at a distance and
+another near at hand; and many streams are swallowed up in the sand and are
+without a name; but, mingled with a few, the main stream openly bursts with its
+arching crest of foam into the inhospitable Pontus. And they would have tarried
+there and have closed in battle with the Amazons, and would have fought not
+without bloodshed for the Amazons were not gentle foes and regarded not
+justice, those dwellers on the Doeantian plain; but grievous insolence and the
+works of Ares were all their care; for by race they were the daughters of Ares
+and the nymph Harmonia, who bare to Ares war-loving maids, wedded to him in the
+glens of the Acmonian wood had not the breezes of Argestes come again from
+Zeus; and with the wind they left the rounded beach, where the Themiscyreian
+Amazons were arming for war. For they dwelt not gathered together in one city,
+but scattered over the land, parted into three tribes. In one part dwelt the
+Themiscyreians, over whom at that time Hippolyte reigned, in another the
+Lycastians, and in another the dart-throwing Chadesians. And the next day they
+sped on and at nightfall they reached the land of the Chalybes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+That folk have no care for ploughing with oxen or for any planting of
+honey-sweet fruit; nor yet do they pasture flocks in the dewy meadow. But they
+cleave the hard iron-bearing land and exchange their wages for daily
+sustenance; never does the morn rise for them without toil, but amid bleak
+sooty flames and smoke they endure heavy labour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway thereafter they rounded the headland of Genetaean Zeus and sped
+safely past the land of the Tibareni. Here when wives bring forth children to
+their husbands, the men lie in bed and groan with their heads close bound; but
+the women tend them with food, and prepare child-birth baths for them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next they reached the sacred mount and the land where the Mossynoeci dwell amid
+high mountains in wooden huts,<a href="#linknote-20" name="linknoteref-20"
+id="linknoteref-20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> from which that people take their
+name. And strange are their customs and laws. Whatever it is right to do openly
+before the people or in the market place, all this they do in their homes, but
+whatever acts we perform at home, these they perform out of doors in the midst
+of the streets, without blame. And among them is no reverence for the
+marriage-bed, but, like swine that feed in herds, no whit abashed in
+others&rsquo; presence, on the earth they lie with the women. Their king sits
+in the loftiest hut and dispenses upright judgments to the multitude, poor
+wretch! For if haply he err at all in his decrees, for that day they keep him
+shut up in starvation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They passed them by and cleft their way with oars over against the island of
+Ares all day long; for at dusk the light breeze left them. At last they spied
+above them, hurtling through the air, one of the birds of Ares which haunt that
+isle. It shook its wings down over the ship as she sped on and sent against her
+a keen feather, and it fell on the left shoulder of goodly Oileus, and he
+dropped his oar from his hands at the sudden blow, and his comrades marvelled
+at the sight of the winged bolt. And Eribotes from his seat hard by drew out
+the feather, and bound up the wound when he had loosed the strap hanging from
+his own sword-sheath; and besides the first, another bird appeared swooping
+down; but the hero Clytius, son of Eurytus&mdash;for he bent his curved bow,
+and sped a swift arrow against the bird&mdash;struck it, and it whirled round
+and fell close to the ship. And to them spake Amphidamas, son of Aleus:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;The island of Ares is near us; you know it yourselves now that ye have
+seen these birds. But little will arrows avail us, I trow, for landing. But let
+us contrive some other device to help us, if ye intend to land, bearing in mind
+the injunction of Phineus. For not even could Heracles, when he came to
+Arcadia, drive away with bow and arrow the birds that swam on the Stymphalian
+lake. I saw it myself. But he shook in his hand a rattle of bronze and made a
+loud clatter as he stood upon a lofty peak, and the birds fled far off,
+screeching in bewildered fear. Wherefore now too let us contrive some such
+device, and I myself will speak, having pondered the matter beforehand. Set on
+your heads your helmets of lofty crest, then half row by turns, and half fence
+the ship about with polished spears and shields. Then all together raise a
+mighty shout so that the birds may be scared by the unwonted din, the nodding
+crests, and the uplifted spears on high. And if we reach the island itself,
+then make mighty noise with the clashing of shields.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and the helpful device pleased all. And on their heads they
+placed helmets of bronze, gleaming terribly, and the blood-red crests were
+tossing. And half of them rowed in turn, and the rest covered the ship with
+spears and shields. And as when a man roofs over a house with tiles, to be an
+ornament of his home and a defence against rain, and one the fits firmly into
+another, each after each; so they roofed over the ship with their shields,
+locking them together. And as a din arises from a warrior-host of men sweeping
+on, when lines of battle meet, such a shout rose upward from the ship into the
+air. Now they saw none of the birds yet, but when they touched the island and
+clashed upon their shields, then the birds in countless numbers rose in flight
+hither and thither. And as when the son of Cronos sends from the clouds a dense
+hailstorm on city and houses, and the people who dwell beneath hear the din
+above the roof and sit quietly, since the stormy season has not come upon them
+unawares, but they have first made strong their roofs; so the birds sent
+against the heroes a thick shower of feather-shafts as they darted over the sea
+to the mountains of the land opposite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+What then was the purpose of Phineus in bidding the divine band of heroes land
+there? Or what kind of help was about to meet their desire?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The sons of Phrixus were faring towards the city of Orchomenus from Aea, coming
+from Cytaean Aeetes, on board a Colchian ship, to win the boundless wealth of
+their father; for he, when dying, had enjoined this journey upon them. And lo,
+on that day they were very near that island. But Zeus had impelled the north
+wind&rsquo;s might to blow, marking by rain the moist path of Arcturus; and all
+day long he was stirring the leaves upon the mountains, breathing gently upon
+the topmost sprays; but at night he rushed upon the sea with monstrous force,
+and with his shrieking blasts uplifted the surge; and a dark mist covered the
+heavens, nor did the bright stars anywhere appear from among the clouds, but a
+murky gloom brooded all around. And so the sons of Phrixus, drenched and
+trembling in fear of a horrible doom, were borne along by the waves helplessly.
+And the force of the wind had snatched away their sails and shattered in twain
+the hull, tossed as it was by the breakers. And hereupon by heaven&rsquo;s
+prompting those four clutched a huge beam, one of many that were scattered
+about, held together by sharp bolts, when the ship broke to pieces. And on to
+the island the waves and the blasts of wind bore the men in their distress,
+within a little of death. And straightway a mighty rain burst forth, and rained
+upon the sea and the island, and all the country opposite the island, where the
+arrogant Mossynoeci dwelt. And the sweep of the waves hurled the sons of
+Phrixus, together with their massy beam, upon the beach of the island, in the
+murky night; and the floods of rain from Zeus ceased at sunrise, and soon the
+two bands drew near and met each other, and Argus spoke first:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;We beseech you, by Zeus the Beholder, whoever ye are, to be kindly and
+to help us in our need. For fierce tempests, falling on the sea, have shattered
+all the timbers of the crazy ship in which we were cleaving our path on
+business bent. Wherefore we entreat you, if haply ye will listen, to grant us
+just a covering for our bodies, and to pity and succour men in misfortune, your
+equals in age. Oh, reverence suppliants and strangers for Zeus&rsquo; sake, the
+god of strangers and suppliants. To Zeus belong both suppliants and strangers;
+and his eye, methinks, beholdeth even us.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And in reply the son of Aeson prudently questioned him, deeming that the
+prophecies of Phineus were being fulfilled: &ldquo;All these things will we
+straightway grant you with right good will. But come tell me truly in what
+country ye dwell and what business bids you sail across the sea, and tell me
+your own glorious names and lineage.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him Argus, helpless in his evil plight, addressed: &ldquo;That one Phrixus
+an Aeolid reached Aea from Hellas you yourselves have clearly heard ere this, I
+trow; Phrixus, who came to the city of Aeetes, bestriding a ram, which Hermes
+had made all gold; and the fleece ye may see even now. The ram, at its own
+prompting, he then sacrificed to Zeus, son of Cronos, above all, the god of
+fugitives. And him did Aeetes receive in his palace, and with gladness of heart
+gave him his daughter Chalciope in marriage without gifts of wooing. <a
+href="#linknote-21" name="linknoteref-21"
+id="linknoteref-21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> From those two are we sprung. But
+Phrixus died at last, an aged man, in the home of Aeetes; and we, giving heed
+to our father&rsquo;s behests, are journeying to Orehomenus to take the
+possessions of Athamas. And if thou dost desire to learn our names, this is
+Cytissorus, this Phrontis, and this Melas, and me ye may call Argus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and the chieftains rejoiced at the meeting, and tended them,
+much marvelling. And Jason again in turn replied, as was fitting, with these
+words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Surely ye are our kinsmen on my father&rsquo;s side, and ye pray that
+with kindly hearts we succour your evil plight. For Cretheus and Athamas were
+brothers. I am the grandson of Cretheus, and with these comrades here I am
+journeying from that same Hellas to the city of Aeetes. But of these things we
+will converse hereafter. And do ye first put clothing upon you. By
+heaven&rsquo;s devising, I ween, have ye come to my hands in your sore
+need.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and out of the ship gave them raiment to put on. Then all together
+they went to the temple of Ares to offer sacrifice of sheep; and in haste they
+stood round the altar, which was outside the roofless temple, an altar built of
+pebbles; within a black stone stood fixed, a sacred thing, to which of yore the
+Amazons all used to pray. Nor was it lawful for them, when they came from the
+opposite coast, to burn on this altar offerings of sheep and oxen, but they
+used to slay horses which they kept in great herds. Now when they had
+sacrificed and eaten the feast prepared, then Aeson&rsquo;s son spake among
+them and thus began:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Zeus&rsquo; self, I ween, beholds everything; nor do we men escape his
+eye, we that be god-fearing and just, for as he rescued your father from the
+hands of a murderous step-dame and gave him measureless wealth besides; even so
+hath he saved you harmless from the baleful storm. And on board this ship ye
+may sail hither and thither, where ye will, whether to Aea or to the wealthy
+city of divine Orthomenus. For our ship Athena built and with axe of bronze cut
+her timbers near the crest of Pelion, and with the goddess wrought Argus. But
+yours the fierce surge hath shattered, before ye came nigh to the rocks which
+all day long clash together in the straits of the sea. But come, be yourselves
+our helpers, for we are eager to bring to Hellas the golden fleece, and guide
+us on our voyage, for I go to atone for the intended sacrifice of Phrixus, the
+cause of Zeus&rsquo; wrath against the sons of Aeolus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake with soothing words; but horror seized them when they heard. For they
+deemed that they would not find Aeetes friendly if they desired to take away
+the ram&rsquo;s fleece. And Argus spake as follows, vexed that they should busy
+themselves with such a quest:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;My friends, our strength, so far as it avails, shall never cease to help
+you, not one whit, when need shall come. But Aeetes is terribly armed with
+deadly ruthlessness; wherefore exceedingly do I dread this voyage. And he
+boasts himself to be the son of Helios; and all round dwell countless tribes of
+Colchians; and he might match himself with Ares in his dread war-cry and giant
+strength. Nay, to seize the fleece in spite of Aeetes is no easy task; so huge
+a serpent keeps guard round and about it, deathless and sleepless, which Earth
+herself brought forth on the sides of Caucasus, by the rock of Typhaon, where
+Typhaon, they say, smitten by the bolt of Zeus, son of Cronos, when he lifted
+against the god his sturdy hands, dropped from his head hot gore; and in such
+plight he reached the mountains and plain of Nysa, where to this day he lies
+whelmed beneath the waters of the Serbonian lake.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and straightway many a cheek grew pale when they heard of so
+mighty an adventure. But quickly Peleus answered with cheering words, and thus
+spake:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Be not so fearful in spirit, my good friend. For we are not so lacking
+in prowess as to be no match for Aeetes to try his strength with arms; but I
+deem that we too are cunning in war, we that go thither, near akin to the blood
+of the blessed gods. Wherefore if he will not grant us the fleece of gold for
+friendship&rsquo;s sake, the tribes of the Colchians will not avail him, I
+ween.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they addressed each other in turn, until again, satisfied with their
+feast, they turned to rest. And when they rose at dawn a gentle breeze was
+blowing; and they raised the sails, which strained to the rush of the wind, and
+quickly they left behind the island of Ares.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And at nightfall they came to the island of Philyra, where Cronos, son of
+Uranus, what time in Olympus he reigned over the Titans, and Zeus was yet being
+nurtured in a Cretan cave by the Curetes of Ida, lay beside Philyra, when he
+had deceived Rhea; and the goddess found them in the midst of their dalliance;
+and Cronos leapt up from the couch with a rush in the form of a steed with
+flowing mane, but Ocean&rsquo;s daughter, Philyra, in shame left the spot and
+those haunts, and came to the long Pelasgian ridges, where by her union with
+the transfigured deity she brought forth huge Cheiron, half like a horse, half
+like a god.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thence they sailed on, past the Macrones and the far-stretching land of the
+Becheiri and the overweening Sapeires, and after them the Byzeres; for ever
+forward they clave their way, quickly borne by the gentle breeze. And lo, as
+they sped on, a deep gulf of the sea was opened, and lo, the steep crags of the
+Caucasian mountains rose up, where, with his limbs bound upon the hard rocks by
+galling fetters of bronze, Prometheus fed with his liver an eagle that ever
+rushed back to its prey. High above the ship at even they saw it flying with a
+loud whirr, near the clouds; and yet it shook all the sails with the fanning of
+those huge wings. For it had not the form of a bird of the air but kept poising
+its long wing-feathers like polished oars. And not long after they heard the
+bitter cry of Prometheus as his liver was being torn away; and the air rang
+with his screams until they marked the ravening eagle rushing back from the
+mountain on the self-same track. And at night, by the skill of Argus, they
+reached broad-flowing Phasis, and the utmost bourne of the sea.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway they let down the sails and the yard-arm and stowed them inside
+the hollow mast-crutch, and at once they lowered the mast itself till it lay
+along; and quickly with oars they entered the mighty stream of the river; and
+round the prow the water surged as it gave them way. And on their left hand
+they had lofty Caucasus and the Cytaean city of Aea, and on the other side the
+plain of Ares and the sacred grove of that god, where the serpent was keeping
+watch and ward over the fleece as it hung on the leafy branches of an oak. And
+Aeson&rsquo;s son himself from a golden goblet poured into the river libations
+of honey and pure wine to Earth and to the gods of the country, and to the
+souls of dead heroes; and he besought them of their grace to give kindly aid,
+and to welcome their ship&rsquo;s hawsers with favourable omen. And straightway
+Ancaeus spake these words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;We have reached the Colchian land and the stream of Phasis; and it is
+time for us to take counsel whether we shall make trial of Aeetes with soft
+words, or an attempt of another kind shall be fitting.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and by the advice of Argus Jason bade them enter a shaded
+backwater and let the ship ride at anchor off shore; and it was near at hand in
+their course and there they passed the night. And soon the dawn appeared to
+their expectant eyes.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap05"></a>BOOK III</h2>
+
+<p>
+Come now, Erato, stand by my side, and say next how Jason brought back the
+fleece to Iolcus aided by the love of Medea. For thou sharest the power of
+Cypris, and by thy love-cares dost charm unwedded maidens; wherefore to thee
+too is attached a name that tells of love.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus the heroes, unobserved, were waiting in ambush amid the thick reed-beds;
+but Hera and Athena took note of them, and, apart from Zeus and the other
+immortals, entered a chamber and took counsel together; and Hera first made
+trial of Athena:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Do thou now first, daughter of Zeus, give advice. What must be done?
+Wilt thou devise some scheme whereby they may seize the golden fleece of Aeetes
+and bear it to Hellas, or can they deceive the king with soft words and so work
+persuasion? Of a truth he is terribly overweening. Still it is right to shrink
+from no endeavour.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and at once Athena addressed her: &ldquo;I too was pondering
+such thoughts in my heart, Hera, when thou didst ask me outright. But not yet
+do I think that I have conceived a scheme to aid the courage of the heroes,
+though I have balanced many plans.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She ended, and the goddesses fixed their eyes on the ground at their feet,
+brooding apart; and straightway Hera was the first to speak her thought:
+&ldquo;Come, let us go to Cypris; let both of us accost her and urge her to bid
+her son (if only he will obey) speed his shaft at the daughter of Aeetes, the
+enchantress, and charm her with love for Jason. And I deem that by her device
+he will bring back the fleece to Hellas.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and the prudent plan pleased Athena, and she addressed her in
+reply with gentle words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Hera, my father begat me to be a stranger to the darts of love, nor do I
+know any charm to work desire. But if the word pleases thee, surely I will
+follow; but thou must speak when we meet her.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So she said, and starting forth they came to the mighty palace of Cypris, which
+her husband, the halt-footed god, had built for her when first he brought her
+from Zeus to be his wife. And entering the court they stood beneath the gallery
+of the chamber where the goddess prepared the couch of Hephaestus. But he had
+gone early to his forge and anvils to a broad cavern in a floating island where
+with the blast of flame he wrought all manner of curious work; and she all
+alone was sitting within, on an inlaid seat facing the door. And her white
+shoulders on each side were covered with the mantle of her hair and she was
+parting it with a golden comb and about to braid up the long tresses; but when
+she saw the goddesses before her, she stayed and called them within, and rose
+from her seat and placed them on couches. Then she herself sat down, and with
+her hands gathered up the locks still uncombed. And smiling she addressed them
+with crafty words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Good friends, what intent, what occasion brings you here after so long?
+Why have ye come, not too frequent visitors before, chief among goddesses that
+ye are?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to her Hera replied: &ldquo;Thou dost mock us, but our hearts are stirred
+with calamity. For already on the river Phasis the son of Aeson moors his ship,
+he and his comrades in quest of the fleece. For all their sakes we fear
+terribly (for the task is nigh at hand) but most for Aeson&rsquo;s son. Him
+will I deliver, though he sail even to Hades to free Ixion below from his
+brazen chains, as far as strength lies in my limbs, so that Pelias may not mock
+at having escaped an evil doom&mdash;Pelias who left me unhonoured with
+sacrifice. Moreover Jason was greatly loved by me before, ever since at the
+mouth of Anaurus in flood, as I was making trial of men&rsquo;s righteousness,
+he met me on his return from the chase; and all the mountains and long ridged
+peaks were sprinkled with snow, and from them the torrents rolling down were
+rushing with a roar. And he took pity on me in the likeness of an old crone,
+and raising me on his shoulders himself bore me through the headlong tide. So
+he is honoured by me unceasingly; nor will Pelias pay the penalty of his
+outrage, unless thou wilt grant Jason his return.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and speechlessness seized Cypris. And beholding Hera
+supplicating her she felt awe, and then addressed her with friendly words:
+&ldquo;Dread goddess, may no viler thing than Cypris ever be found, if I
+disregard thy eager desire in word or deed, whatever my weak arms can effect;
+and let there be no favour in return.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake, and Hera again addressed her with prudence: &ldquo;It is not in need
+of might or of strength that we have come. But just quietly bid thy boy charm
+Aeetes&rsquo; daughter with love for Jason. For if she will aid him with her
+kindly counsel, easily do I think he will win the fleece of gold and return to
+Iolcus, for she is full of wiles.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and Cypris addressed them both: &ldquo;Hera and Athena, he will
+obey you rather than me. For unabashed though he is, there will be some slight
+shame in his eyes before you; but he has no respect for me, but ever slights me
+in contentious mood. And, overborne by his naughtiness, I purpose to break his
+ill-sounding arrows and his bow in his very sight. For in his anger he has
+threatened that if I shall not keep my hands off him while he still masters his
+temper, I shall have cause to blame myself thereafter.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So she spake, and the goddesses smiled and looked at each other. But Cypris
+again spoke, vexed at heart: &ldquo;To others my sorrows are a jest; nor ought
+I to tell them to all; I know them too well myself. But now, since this pleases
+you both, I will make the attempt and coax him, and he will not say me
+nay.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and Hera took her slender hand and gently smiling, replied:
+&ldquo;Perform this task, Cytherea, straightway, as thou sayest; and be not
+angry or contend with thy boy; he will cease hereafter to vex thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake, and left her seat, and Athena accompanied her and they went forth
+both hastening back. And Cypris went on her way through the glens of Olympus to
+find her boy. And she found him apart, in the blooming orchard of Zeus, not
+alone, but with him Ganymedes, whom once Zeus had set to dwell among the
+immortal gods, being enamoured of his beauty. And they were playing for golden
+dice, as boys in one house are wont to do. And already greedy Eros was holding
+the palm of his left hand quite full of them under his breast, standing
+upright; and on the bloom of his cheeks a sweet blush was glowing. But the
+other sat crouching hard by, silent and downcast, and he had two dice left
+which he threw one after the other, and was angered by the loud laughter of
+Eros. And lo, losing them straightway with the former, he went off empty
+handed, helpless, and noticed not the approach of Cypris. And she stood before
+her boy, and laying her hand on his lips, addressed him:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Why dost thou smile in triumph, unutterable rogue? Hast thou cheated him
+thus, and unjustly overcome the innocent child? Come, be ready to perform for
+me the task I will tell thee of, and I will give thee Zeus&rsquo; all-beauteous
+plaything&mdash;the one which his dear nurse Adrasteia made for him, while he
+still lived a child, with childish ways, in the Idaean cave&mdash;a
+well-rounded ball; no better toy wilt thou get from the hands of Hephaestus.
+All of gold are its zones, and round each double seams run in a circle; but the
+stitches are hidden, and a dark blue spiral overlays them all. But if thou
+shouldst cast it with thy hands, lo, like a star, it sends a flaming track
+through the sky. This I will give thee; and do thou strike with thy shaft and
+charm the daughter of Aeetes with love for Jason; and let there be no
+loitering. For then my thanks would be the slighter.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and welcome were her words to the listening boy. And he threw
+down all his toys, and eagerly seizing her robe on this side and on that, clung
+to the goddess. And he implored her to bestow the gift at once; but she, facing
+him with kindly words, touched his cheeks, kissed him and drew him to her, and
+replied with a smile:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Be witness now thy dear head and mine, that surely I will give thee the
+gift and deceive thee not, if thou wilt strike with thy shaft Aeetes&rsquo;
+daughter.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spoke, and he gathered up his dice, and having well counted them all threw
+them into his mother&rsquo;s gleaming lap. And straightway with golden baldric
+he slung round him his quiver from where it leant against a tree-trunk, and
+took up his curved bow. And he fared forth through the fruitful orchard of the
+palace of Zeus. Then he passed through the gates of Olympus high in air; hence
+is a downward path from heaven; and the twin poles rear aloft steep mountain
+tops the highest crests of earth, where the risen sun grows ruddy with his
+first beams. And beneath him there appeared now the life-giving earth and
+cities of men and sacred streams of rivers, and now in turn mountain peaks and
+the ocean all around, as he swept through the vast expanse of air.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the heroes apart in ambush, in a back-water of the river, were met in
+council, sitting on the benches of their ship. And Aeson&rsquo;s son himself
+was speaking among them; and they were listening silently in their places
+sitting row upon row: &ldquo;My friends, what pleases myself that will I say
+out; it is for you to bring about its fulfilment. For in common is our task,
+and common to all alike is the right of speech; and he who in silence withholds
+his thought and his counsel, let him know that it is he alone that bereaves
+this band of its home-return. Do ye others rest here in the ship quietly with
+your arms; but I will go to the palace of Aeetes, taking with me the sons of
+Phrixus and two comrades as well. And when I meet him I will first make trial
+with words to see if he will be willing to give up the golden fleece for
+friendship&rsquo;s sake or not, but trusting to his might will set at nought
+our quest. For so, learning his frowardness first from himself, we will
+consider whether we shall meet him in battle, or some other plan shall avail
+us, if we refrain from the war-cry. And let us not merely by force, before
+putting words to the test, deprive him of his own possession. But first it is
+better to go to him and win his favour by speech. Oftentimes, I ween, does
+speech accomplish at need what prowess could hardly catty through, smoothing
+the path in manner befitting. And he once welcomed noble Phrixus, a fugitive
+from his stepmother&rsquo;s wiles and the sacrifice prepared by his father. For
+all men everywhere, even the most shameless, reverence the ordinance of Zeus,
+god of strangers, and regard it.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and the youths approved the words of Aeson&rsquo;s son with one
+accord, nor was there one to counsel otherwise. And then he summoned to go with
+him the sons of Phrixus, and Telamon and Augeias; and himself took
+Hermes&rsquo; wand; and at once they passed forth from the ship beyond the
+reeds and the water to dry land, towards the rising ground of the plain. The
+plain, I wis, is called Circe&rsquo;s; and here in line grow many willows and
+osiers, on whose topmost branches hang corpses bound with cords. For even now
+it is an abomination with the Colchians to burn dead men with fire; nor is it
+lawful to place them in the earth and raise a mound above, but to wrap them in
+untanned oxhides and suspend them from trees far from the city. And so earth
+has an equal portion with air, seeing that they bury the women; for that is the
+custom of their land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as they went Hera with friendly thought spread a thick mist through the
+city, that they might fare to the palace of Aeetes unseen by the countless
+hosts of the Colchians. But soon when from the plain they came to the city and
+Aeetes&rsquo; palace, then again Hera dispersed the mist. And they stood at the
+entrance, marvelling at the king&rsquo;s courts and the wide gates and columns
+which rose in ordered lines round the walls; and high up on the palace a coping
+of stone rested on brazen triglyphs. And silently they crossed the threshold.
+And close by garden vines covered with green foliage were in full bloom, lifted
+high in air. And beneath them ran four fountains, ever-flowing, which
+Hephaestus had delved out. One was gushing with milk, one with wine, while the
+third flowed with fragrant oil; and the fourth ran with water, which grew warm
+at the setting of the Pleiads, and in turn at their rising bubbled forth from
+the hollow rock, cold as crystal. Such then were the wondrous works that the
+craftsman-god Hephaestus had fashioned in the palace of Cytaean Aeetes. And he
+wrought for him bulls with feet of bronze, and their mouths were of bronze, and
+from them they breathed out a terrible flame of fire; moreover he forged a
+plough of unbending adamant, all in one piece, in payment of thanks to Helios,
+who had taken the god up in his chariot when faint from the Phlegraean fight.<a
+href="#linknote-22" name="linknoteref-22"
+id="linknoteref-22"><sup>[22]</sup></a> And here an inner-court was built, and
+round it were many well-fitted doors and chambers here and there, and all along
+on each side was a richly-wrought gallery. And on both sides loftier buildings
+stood obliquely. In one, which was the loftiest, lordly Aeetes dwelt with his
+queen; and in another dwelt Apsyrtus, son of Aeetes, whom a Caucasian nymph,
+Asterodeia, bare before he made Eidyia his wedded wife, the youngest daughter
+of Tethys and Oceanus. And the sons of the Colchians called him by the new name
+of Phaethon,<a href="#linknote-23" name="linknoteref-23"
+id="linknoteref-23"><sup>[23]</sup></a> because he outshone all the youths. The
+other buildings the handmaidens had, and the two daughters of Aeetes, Chalciope
+and Medea. Medea then [they found] going from chamber to chamber in search of
+her sister, for Hera detained her within that day; but beforetime she was not
+wont to haunt the palace, but all day long was busied in Hecate&rsquo;s temple,
+since she herself was the priestess of the goddess. And when she saw them she
+cried aloud, and quickly Chalciope caught the sound; and her maids, throwing
+down at their feet their yarn and their thread, rushed forth all in a throng.
+And she, beholding her sons among them, raised her hands aloft through joy; and
+so they likewise greeted their mother, and when they saw her embraced her in
+their gladness; and she with many sobs spoke thus:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;After all then, ye were not destined to leave me in your heedlessness
+and to wander far; but fate has turned you back. Poor wretch that I am! What a
+yearning for Hellas from some woeful madness seized you at the behest of your
+father Phrixus. Bitter sorrows for my heart did he ordain when dying. And why
+should ye go to the city of Orchomenus, whoever this Orchomenus is, for the
+sake of Athamas&rsquo; wealth, leaving your mother alone to bear her
+grief?&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such were her words; and Aeetes came forth last of all and Eidyia herself came,
+the queen of Aeetes, on hearing the voice of Chalciope; and straightway all the
+court was filled with a throng. Some of the thralls were busied with a mighty
+bull, others with the axe were cleaving dry billets, and others heating with
+fire water for the baths; nor was there one who relaxed his toil, serving the
+king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meantime Eros passed unseen through the grey mist, causing confusion, as when
+against grazing heifers rises the gadfly, which oxherds call the breese. And
+quickly beneath the lintel in the porch he strung his bow and took from the
+quiver an arrow unshot before, messenger of pain. And with swift feet unmarked
+he passed the threshold and keenly glanced around; and gliding close by
+Aeson&rsquo;s son he laid the arrow-notch on the cord in the centre, and
+drawing wide apart with both hands he shot at Medea; and speechless amazement
+seized her soul. But the god himself flashed back again from the high-roofed
+hall, laughing loud; and the bolt burnt deep down in the maiden&rsquo;s heart
+like a flame; and ever she kept darting bright glances straight up at
+Aeson&rsquo;s son, and within her breast her heart panted fast through anguish,
+all remembrance left her, and her soul melted with the sweet pain. And as a
+poor woman heaps dry twigs round a blazing brand&mdash;a daughter of toil,
+whose task is the spinning of wool, that she may kindle a blaze at night
+beneath her roof, when she has waked very early&mdash;and the flame waxing
+wondrous great from the small brand consumes all the twigs together; so,
+coiling round her heart, burnt secretly Love the destroyer; and the hue of her
+soft cheeks went and came, now pale, now red, in her soul&rsquo;s distraction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the thralls had laid a banquet ready before them, and they had
+refreshed themselves with warm baths, gladly did they please their souls with
+meat and drink. And thereafter Aeetes questioned the sons of his daughter,
+addressing them with these words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Sons of my daughter and of Phrixus, whom beyond all strangers I honoured
+in my halls, how have ye come returning back to Aea? Did some calamity cut
+short your escape in the midst? Ye did not listen when I set before you the
+boundless length of the way. For I marked it once, whirled along in the chariot
+of my father Helios, when he was bringing my sister Circe to the western land
+and we came to the shore of the Tyrrhenian mainland, where even now she abides,
+exceeding far from Colchis. But what pleasure is there in words? Do ye tell me
+plainly what has been your fortune, and who these men are, your companions, and
+where from your hollow ship ye came ashore.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such were his questions, and Argus, before all his brethren, being fearful for
+the mission of Aeson&rsquo;s son, gently replied, for he was the elder-born:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Aeetes, that ship forthwith stormy blasts tore asunder, and ourselves,
+crouching on the beams, a wave drove on to the beach of the isle of Enyalius <a
+href="#linknote-24" name="linknoteref-24"
+id="linknoteref-24"><sup>[24]</sup></a> in the murky night; and some god
+preserved us. For even the birds of Ares that haunted the desert isle
+beforetime, not even them did we find. But these men had driven them off,
+having landed from their ship on the day before; and the will of Zeus taking
+pity on us, or some fate, detained them there, since they straightway gave us
+both food and clothing in abundance, when they heard the illustrious name of
+Phrixus and thine own; for to thy city are they faring. And if thou dost wish
+to know their errand, I will not hide it from time. A certain king, vehemently
+longing to drive this man far from his fatherland and possessions, because in
+might he outshone all the sons of Aeolus, sends him to voyage hither on a
+bootless venture; and asserts that the stock of Aeolus will not escape the
+heart-grieving wrath and rage of implacable Zeus, nor the unbearable curse and
+vengeance due for Phrixus, until the fleece comes back to Hellas. And their
+ship was fashioned by Pallas Athena, not such a one as are the ships among the
+Colchians, on the vilest of which we chanced. For the fierce waves and wind
+broke her utterly to pieces; but the other holds firm with her bolts, even
+though all the blasts should buffet her. And with equal swiftness she speedeth
+before the wind and when the crew ply the oar with unresting hands. And he hath
+gathered in her the mightiest heroes of all Achaea, and hath come to thy city
+from wandering far through cities and gulfs of the dread ocean, in the hope
+that thou wilt grant him the fleece. But as thou dost please, so shall it be,
+for he cometh not to use force, but is eager to pay thee a recompense for the
+gift. He has heard from me of thy bitter foes the Sauromatae, and he will
+subdue them to thy sway. And if thou desirest to know their names and lineage I
+will tell thee all. This man on whose account the rest were gathered from
+Hellas, they call Jason, son of Aeson, whom Cretheus begat. And if in truth he
+is of the stock of Cretheus himself, thus he would be our kinsman on the
+father&rsquo;s side. For Cretheus and Athamas were both sons of Aeolus; and
+Phrixus was the son of Athamas, son of Aeolus. And here, if thou hast heard at
+all of the seed of Helios, thou dost behold Augeias; and this is Telamon sprung
+from famous Aeacus; and Zeus himself begat Aeacus. And so all the rest, all the
+comrades that follow him, are the sons or grandsons of the immortals.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such was the tale of Argus; but the king at his words was filled with rage as
+he heard; and his heart was lifted high in wrath. And he spake in heavy
+displeasure; and was angered most of all with the son of Chalciope; for he
+deemed that on their account the strangers had come; and in his fury his eyes
+flashed forth beneath his brows:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Begone from my sight, felons, straightway, ye and your tricks, from the
+land, ere someone see a fleece and a Phrixus to his sorrow. Banded together
+with your friends from Hellas, not for the fleece, but to seize my sceptre and
+royal power have ye come hither. Had ye not first tasted of my table, surely
+would I have cut out your tongues and hewn off both hands and sent you forth
+with your feet alone, so that ye might be stayed from starting hereafter. And
+what lies have ye uttered against the blessed gods!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake in his wrath; and mightily from its depths swelled the heart of
+Aeacus&rsquo; son, and his soul within longed to speak a deadly word in
+defiance, but Aeson&rsquo;s son checked him, for he himself first made gentle
+answer:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Aeetes, bear with this armed band, I pray. For not in the way thou
+deemest have we come to thy city and palace, no, nor yet with such desires. For
+who would of his own will dare to cross so wide a sea for the goods of a
+stranger? But fate and the ruthless command of a presumptuous king urged me.
+Grant a favour to thy suppliants, and to all Hellas will I publish a glorious
+fame of thee; yea, we are ready now to pay thee a swift recompense in war,
+whether it be the Sauromatae or some other people that thou art eager to subdue
+to thy sway.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, flattering him with gentle utterance; but the king&rsquo;s soul
+brooded a twofold purpose within him, whether he should attack and slay them on
+the spot or should make trial of their might. And this, as he pondered, seemed
+the better way, and he addressed Jason in answer:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Stranger, why needest thou go through thy tale to the end? For if ye are
+in truth of heavenly race, or have come in no wise inferior to me, to win the
+goods of strangers, I will give thee the fleece to bear away, if thou dost
+wish, when I have tried thee. For against brave men I bear no grudge, such as
+ye yourselves tell me of him who bears sway in Hellas. And the trial of your
+courage and might shall be a contest which I myself can compass with my hands,
+deadly though it be. Two bulls with feet of bronze I have that pasture on the
+plain of Ares, breathing forth flame from their jaws; them do I yoke and drive
+over the stubborn field of Ares, four plough-gates; and quickly cleaving it
+with the share up to the headland, I cast into the furrows the seed, not the
+corn of Demeter, but the teeth of a dread serpent that grow up into the fashion
+of armed men; them I slay at once, cutting them down beneath my spear as they
+rise against me on all sides. In the morning do I yoke the oxen, and at
+eventide I cease from the harvesting. And thou, if thou wilt accomplish such
+deeds as these, on that very day shalt carry off the fleece to the king&rsquo;s
+palace; ere that time comes I will not give it, expect it not. For indeed it is
+unseemly that a brave man should yield to a coward.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake; and Jason, fixing his eyes on the ground, sat just as he was,
+speechless, helpless in his evil plight. For a long time he turned the matter
+this way and that, and could in no way take on him the task with courage, for a
+mighty task it seemed; and at last he made reply with crafty words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;With thy plea of right, Aeetes, thou dost shut me in overmuch. Wherefore
+also I will dare that contest, monstrous as it is, though it be my doom to die.
+For nothing will fall upon men more dread than dire necessity, which indeed
+constrained me to come hither at a king&rsquo;s command.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, smitten by his helpless plight; and the king with grim words
+addressed him, sore troubled as he was: &ldquo;Go forth now to the gathering,
+since thou art eager for the toil; but if thou shouldst fear to lift the yoke
+upon the oxen or shrink from the deadly harvesting, then all this shall be my
+care, so that another too may shudder to come to a man that is better than
+he.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake outright; and Jason rose from his seat, and Augeias and Telamon at
+once; and Argus followed alone, for he signed to his brothers to stay there on
+the spot meantime; and so they went forth from the hall. And wonderfully among
+them all shone the son of Aeson for beauty and grace; and the maiden looked at
+him with stealthy glance, holding her bright veil aside, her heart smouldering
+with pain; and her soul creeping like a dream flitted in his track as he went.
+So they passed forth from the palace sorely troubled. And Chalciope, shielding
+herself from the wrath of Aeetes, had gone quickly to her chamber with her
+sons. And Medea likewise followed, and much she brooded in her soul all the
+cares that the Loves awaken. And before her eyes the vision still
+appeared&mdash;himself what like he was, with what vesture he was clad, what
+things he spake, how he sat on his seat, how he moved forth to the
+door&mdash;and as she pondered she deemed there never was such another man; and
+ever in her ears rung his voice and the honey-sweet words which he uttered. And
+she feared for him, lest the oxen or Aeetes with his own hand should slay him;
+and she mourned him as though already slain outright, and in her affliction a
+round tear through very grievous pity coursed down her cheek; and gently
+weeping she lifted up her voice aloud:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Why does this grief come upon me, poor wretch? Whether he be the best of
+heroes now about to perish, or the worst, let him go to his doom. Yet I would
+that he had escaped unharmed; yea, may this be so, revered goddess, daughter of
+Perses, may he avoid death and return home; but if it be his lot to be
+o&rsquo;ermastered by the oxen, may he first learn this, that I at least do not
+rejoice in his cruel calamity.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus then was the maiden&rsquo;s heart racked by love-cares. But when the
+others had gone forth from the people and the city, along the path by which at
+the first they had come from the plain, then Argus addressed Jason with these
+words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Son of Aeson, thou wilt despise the counsel which I will tell thee, but,
+though in evil plight, it is not fitting to forbear from the trial. Ere now
+thou hast heard me tell of a maiden that uses sorcery under the guidance of
+Hecate, Perses&rsquo; daughter. If we could win her aid there will be no dread,
+methinks, of thy defeat in the contest; but terribly do I fear that my mother
+will not take this task upon her. Nevertheless I will go back again to entreat
+her, for a common destruction overhangs us all.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake with goodwill, and Jason answered with these words: &ldquo;Good
+friend, if this is good in thy sight, I say not nay. Go and move thy mother,
+beseeching her aid with prudent words; pitiful indeed is our hope when we have
+put our return in the keeping of women.&rdquo; So he spake, and quickly they
+reached the back-water. And their comrades joyfully questioned them, when they
+saw them close at hand; and to them spoke Aeson&rsquo;s son grieved at heart:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;My friends, the heart of ruthless Aeetes is utterly filled with wrath
+against us, for not at all can the goal be reached either by me or by you who
+question me. He said that two bulls with feet of bronze pasture on the plain of
+Ares, breathing forth flame from their jaws. And with these he bade me plough
+the field, four plough-gates; and said that he would give me from a
+serpent&rsquo;s jaws seed which will raise up earthborn men in armour of
+bronze; and on the same day I must slay them. This task&mdash;for there was
+nothing better to devise&mdash;I took on myself outright.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake; and to all the contest seemed one that none could accomplish,
+and long, quiet and silent, they looked at one another, bowed down with the
+calamity and their despair; but at last Peleus spake with courageous words
+among all the chiefs: &ldquo;It is time to be counselling what we shall do. Yet
+there is not so much profit, I trow, in counsel as in the might of our hands.
+If thou then, hero son of Aeson, art minded to yoke Aeetes&rsquo; oxen, and art
+eager for the toil, surely thou wilt keep thy promise and make thyself ready.
+But if thy soul trusts not her prowess utterly, then neither bestir thyself nor
+sit still and look round for some one else of these men. For it is not I who
+will flinch, since the bitterest pain will be but death.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the son of Aeacus; and Telamon&rsquo;s soul was stirred, and quickly
+he started up in eagerness; and Idas rose up the third in his pride; and the
+twin sons of Tyndareus; and with them Oeneus&rsquo; son who was numbered among
+strong men, though even the soft down on his cheek showed not yet; with such
+courage was his soul uplifted. But the others gave way to these in silence. And
+straightway Argus spake these words to those that longed for the contest:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;My friends, this indeed is left us at the last. But I deem that there
+will come to you some timely aid from my mother. Wherefore, eager though ye be,
+refrain and abide in your ship a little longer as before, for it is better to
+forbear than recklessly to choose an evil fate. There is a maiden, nurtured in
+the halls of Aeetes, whom the goddess Hecate taught to handle magic herbs with
+exceeding skill all that the land and flowing waters produce. With them is
+quenched the blast of unwearied flame, and at once she stays the course of
+rivers as they rush roaring on, and checks the stars and the paths of the
+sacred moon. Of her we bethought us as we came hither along the path from the
+palace, if haply my mother, her own sister, might persuade her to aid us in the
+venture. And if this is pleasing to you as well, surely on this very day will I
+return to the palace of Aeetes to make trial; and perchance with some
+god&rsquo;s help shall I make the trial.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and the gods in their goodwill gave them a sign. A trembling
+dove in her flight from a mighty hawk fell from on high, terrified, into the
+lap of Aeson&rsquo;s son, and the hawk fell impaled on the stern-ornament. And
+quickly Mopsus with prophetic words spake among them all:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;For you, friends, this sign has been wrought by the will of heaven; in
+no other way is it possible to interpret its meaning better, than to seek out
+the maiden and entreat her with manifold skill. And I think she will not reject
+our prayer, if in truth Phineus said that our return should be with the help of
+the Cyprian goddess. It was her gentle bird that escaped death; and as my heart
+within me foresees according to this omen, so may it prove! But, my friends,
+let us call on Cytherea to aid us, and now at once obey the counsels of
+Argus.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the warriors approved, remembering the injunctions of Phineus;
+but all alone leapt up Apharcian Idas and shouted loudly in terrible wrath:
+&ldquo;Shame on us, have we come here fellow voyagers with women, calling on
+Cypris for help and not on the mighty strength of Enyalius? And do ye look to
+doves and hawks to save yourselves from contests? Away with you, take thought
+not for deeds of war, but by supplication to beguile weakling girls.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such were his eager words; and of his comrades many murmured low, but none
+uttered a word of answer back. And he sat down in wrath; and at once Jason
+roused them and uttered his own thought: &ldquo;Let Argus set forth from the
+ship, since this pleases all; but we will now move from the river and openly
+fasten our hawsers to the shore. For surely it is not fitting for us to hide
+any longer cowering from the battle-cry.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and straightway sent Argus to return in haste to the city; and
+they drew the anchors on board at the command of Aeson&rsquo;s son, and rowed
+the ship close to the shore, a little away from the back-water.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But straightway Aeetes held an assembly of the Colchians far aloof from his
+palace at a spot where they sat in times before, to devise against the Minyae
+grim treachery and troubles. And he threatened that when first the oxen should
+have torn in pieces the man who had taken upon him to perform the heavy task,
+he would hew down the oak grove above the wooded hill, and burn the ship and
+her crew, that so they might vent forth in ruin their grievous insolence, for
+all their haughty schemes. For never would he have welcomed the Aeolid Phrixus
+as a guest in his halls, in spite of his sore need, Phrixus, who surpassed all
+strangers in gentleness and fear of the gods, had not Zeus himself sent Hermes
+his messenger down from heaven, so that he might meet with a friendly host;
+much less would pirates coming to his land be let go scatheless for long, men
+whose care it was to lift their hands and seize the goods of others, and to
+weave secret webs of guile, and harry the steadings of herdsmen with
+ill-sounding forays. And he said that besides all that the sons of Phrixus
+should pay a fitting penalty to himself for returning in consort with
+evildoers, that they might recklessly drive him from his honour and his throne;
+for once he had heard a baleful prophecy from his father Helios, that he must
+avoid the secret treachery and schemes of his own offspring and their crafty
+mischief. Wherefore he was sending them, as they desired, to the Achaean land
+at the bidding of their father&mdash;a long journey. Nor had he ever so slight
+a fear of his daughters, that they would form some hateful scheme, nor of his
+son Apsyrtus; but this curse was being fulfilled in the children of Chalciope.
+And he proclaimed terrible things in his rage against the strangers, and loudly
+threatened to keep watch over the ship and its crew, so that no one might
+escape calamity.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meantime Argus, going to Aeetes&rsquo; palace, with manifold pleading besought
+his mother to pray Medea&rsquo;s aid; and Chalciope herself already had the
+same thoughts, but fear checked her soul lest haply either fate should
+withstand and she should entreat her in vain, all distraught as she would be at
+her father&rsquo;s deadly wrath, or, if Medea yielded to her prayers, her deeds
+should be laid bare and open to view.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now a deep slumber had relieved the maiden from her love-pains as she lay upon
+her couch. But straightway fearful dreams, deceitful, such as trouble one in
+grief, assailed her. And she thought that the stranger had taken on him the
+contest, not because he longed to win the ram&rsquo;s fleece, and that he had
+not come on that account to Aeetes&rsquo; city, but to lead her away, his
+wedded wife, to his own home; and she dreamed that herself contended with the
+oxen and wrought the task with exceeding ease; and that her own parents set at
+naught their promise, for it was not the maiden they had challenged to yoke the
+oxen but the stranger himself; from that arose a contention of doubtful issue
+between her father and the strangers; and both laid the decision upon her, to
+be as she should direct in her mind. But she suddenly, neglecting her parents,
+chose the stranger. And measureless anguish seized them and they shouted out in
+their wrath; and with the cry sleep released its hold upon her. Quivering with
+fear she started up, and stared round the walls of her chamber, and with
+difficulty did she gather her spirit within her as before, and lifted her voice
+aloud:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Poor wretch, how have gloomy dreams affrighted me! I fear that this
+voyage of the heroes will bring some great evil. My heart is trembling for the
+stranger. Let him woo some Achaean girl far away among his own folk; let
+maidenhood be mine and the home of my parents. Yet, taking to myself a reckless
+heart, I will no more keep aloof but will make trial of my sister to see if she
+will entreat me to aid in the contest, through grief for her own sons; this
+would quench the bitter pain in my heart.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake, and rising from her bed opened the door of her chamber, bare-footed,
+clad in one robe; and verily she desired to go to her sister, and crossed the
+threshold. And for long she stayed there at the entrance of her chamber, held
+back by shame; and she turned back once more; and again she came forth from
+within, and again stole back; and idly did her feet bear her this way and that;
+yea, as oft as she went straight on, shame held her within the chamber, and
+though held back by shame, bold desire kept urging her on. Thrice she made the
+attempt and thrice she checked herself, the fourth time she fell on her bed
+face downward, writhing in pain. And as when a bride in her chamber bewails her
+youthful husband, to whom her brothers and parents have given her, nor yet does
+she hold converse with all her attendants for shame and for thinking of him;
+but she sits apart in her grief; and some doom has destroyed him, before they
+have had pleasure of each other&rsquo;s charms; and she with heart on fire
+silently weeps, beholding her widowed couch, in fear lest the women should mock
+and revile her; like to her did Medea lament. And suddenly as she was in the
+midst of her tears, one of the handmaids came forth and noticed her, one who
+was her youthful attendant; and straightway she told Chalciope, who sat in the
+midst of her sons devising how to win over her sister. And when Chalciope heard
+the strange tale from the handmaid, not even so did she disregard it. And she
+rushed in dismay from her chamber right on to the chamber where the maiden lay
+in her anguish, having torn her cheeks on each side; and when Chalciope saw her
+eyes all dimmed with tears, she thus addressed her:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Ah me, Medea, why dost thou weep so? What hath befallen thee? What
+terrible grief has entered thy heart? Has some heaven-sent disease enwrapt thy
+frame, or hast thou heard from our father some deadly threat concerning me and
+my sons? Would that I did not behold this home of my parents, or the city, but
+dwelt at the ends of the earth, where not even the name of Colchians is
+known!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and her sister&rsquo;s cheeks flushed; and though she was eager
+to reply, long did maiden shame restrain her. At one moment the word rose on
+the end of her tongue, at another it fluttered back deep within her breast. And
+often through her lovely lips it strove for utterance; but no sound came forth;
+till at last she spoke with guileful words; for the bold Loves were pressing
+her hard:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Chalciope, my heart is all trembling for thy sons, lest my father
+forthwith destroy them together with the strangers. Slumbering just now in a
+short-lived sleep such a ghastly dream did I see&mdash;may some god forbid its
+fulfilment and never mayst thou win for thyself bitter care on thy sons&rsquo;
+account.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake, making trial of her sister to see if she first would entreat help
+for her sons. And utterly unbearable grief surged over Chalciope&rsquo;s soul
+for fear at what she heard; and then she replied: &ldquo;Yea, I myself too have
+come to thee in eager furtherance of this purpose, if thou wouldst haply devise
+with me and prepare some help. But swear by Earth and Heaven that thou wilt
+keep secret in thy heart what I shall tell thee, and be fellow-worker with me.
+I implore thee by the blessed gods, by thyself and by thy parents, not to see
+them destroyed by an evil doom piteously; or else may I die with my dear sons
+and come back hereafter from Hades an avenging Fury to haunt thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and straightway a torrent of tears gushed forth and low down
+she clasped her sister&rsquo;s knees with both hands and let her head sink on
+to her breast. Then they both made piteous lamentation over each other, and
+through the halls rose the faint sound of women weeping in anguish. Medea, sore
+troubled, first addressed her sister:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;God help thee, what healing can I bring thee for what thou speakest of,
+horrible curses and Furies? Would that it were firmly in my power to save thy
+sons! Be witness that mighty oath of the Colchians by which thou urgest me to
+swear, the great Heaven, and Earth beneath, mother of the gods, that as far as
+strength lies in me, never shalt thou fail of help, if only thy prayers can be
+accomplished.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake, and Chalciope thus replied: &ldquo;Couldst thou not then, for the
+stranger&mdash;who himself craves thy aid&mdash;devise some trick or some wise
+thought to win the contest, for the sake of my sons? And from him has come
+Argus urging me to try to win thy help; I left him in the palace meantime while
+I came hither.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and Medea&rsquo;s heart bounded with joy within her, and at
+once her fair cheeks flushed, and a mist swam before her melting eyes, and she
+spake as follows: &ldquo;Chalciope, as is dear and delightful to thee and thy
+sons, even so will I do. Never may the dawn appear again to my eyes, never
+mayst thou see me living any longer, if I should take thought for anything
+before thy life or thy sons&rsquo; lives, for they are my brothers, my dear
+kinsmen and youthful companions. So do I declare myself to be thy sister, and
+thy daughter too, for thou didst lift me to thy breast when an infant equally
+with them, as I ever heard from my mother in past days. But go, bury my
+kindness in silence, so that I may carry out my promise unknown to my parents;
+and at dawn I will bring to Hecate&rsquo;s temple charms to cast a spell upon
+the bulls.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Chalciope went back from the chamber, and made known to her sons the help
+given by her sister. And again did shame and hateful fear seize Medea thus left
+alone, that she should devise such deeds for a man in her father&rsquo;s
+despite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then did night draw darkness over the earth; and on the sea sailors from their
+ships looked towards the Bear and the stars of Orion; and now the wayfarer and
+the warder longed for sleep, and the pall of slumber wrapped round the mother
+whose children were dead; nor was there any more the barking of dogs through
+the city, nor sound of men&rsquo;s voices; but silence held the blackening
+gloom. But not indeed upon Medea came sweet sleep. For in her love for
+Aeson&rsquo;s son many cares kept her wakeful, and she dreaded the mighty
+strength of the bulls, beneath whose fury he was like to perish by an unseemly
+fate in the field of Ares. And fast did her heart throb within her breast, as a
+sunbeam quivers upon the walls of a house when flung up from water, which is
+just poured forth in a caldron or a pail may be; and hither and thither on the
+swift eddy does it dart and dance along; even so the maiden&rsquo;s heart
+quivered in her breast. And the tear of pity flowed from her eyes, and ever
+within anguish tortured her, a smouldering fire through her frame, and about
+her fine nerves and deep down beneath the nape of the neck where the pain
+enters keenest, whenever the unwearied Loves direct against the heart their
+shafts of agony. And she thought now that she would give him the charms to cast
+a spell on the bulls, now that she would not, and that she herself would
+perish; and again that she would not perish and would not give the charms, but
+just as she was would endure her fate in silence. Then sitting down she wavered
+in mind and said:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Poor wretch, must I toss hither and thither in woe? On every side my
+heart is in despair; nor is there any help for my pain; but it burneth ever
+thus. Would that I had been slain by the swift shafts of Artemis before I had
+set eyes on him, before Chalciope&rsquo;s sons reached the Achaean land. Some
+god or some Fury brought them hither for our grief, a cause of many tears. Let
+him perish in the contest if it be his lot to die in the field. For how could I
+prepare the charms without my parents&rsquo; knowledge? What story call I tell
+them? What trick, what cunning device for aid can I find? If I see him alone,
+apart from his comrades, shall I greet him? Ill-starred that I am! I cannot
+hope that I should rest from my sorrows even though he perished; then will evil
+come to me when he is bereft of life. Perish all shame, perish all glow; may
+he, saved by my effort, go scatheless wherever his heart desires. But as for
+me, on the day when he bides the contest in triumph, may I die either straining
+my neck in the noose from the roof-tree or tasting drugs destructive of life.
+But even so, when I am dead, they will fling out taunts against me; and every
+city far away will ring with my doom, and the Colchian women, tossing my name
+on their lips hither and thither, will revile me with unseemly
+mocking&mdash;the maid who cared so much for a stranger that she died, the maid
+who disgraced her home and her parents, yielding to a mad passion. And what
+disgrace will not be mine? Alas for my infatuation! Far better would it be for
+me to forsake life this very night in my chamber by some mysterious fate,
+escaping all slanderous reproach, before I complete such nameless
+dishonour.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake, and brought a casket wherein lay many drugs, some for healing,
+others for killing, and placing it upon her knees she wept. And she drenched
+her bosom with ceaseless tears, which flowed in torrents as she sat, bitterly
+bewailing her own fate. And she longed to choose a murderous drug to taste it,
+and now she was loosening the bands of the casket eager to take it forth,
+unhappy maid! But suddenly a deadly fear of hateful Hades came upon her heart.
+And long she held back in speechless horror, and all around her thronged
+visions of the pleasing cares of life. She thought of all the delightful things
+that are among the living, she thought of her joyous playmates, as a maiden
+will; and the sun grew sweeter than ever to behold, seeing that in truth her
+soul yearned for all. And she put the casket again from off her knees, all
+changed by the prompting of Hera, and no more did she waver in purpose; but
+longed for the rising dawn to appear quickly, that she might give him the
+charms to work the spell as she had promised, and meet him face to face. And
+often did she loosen the bolts of her door, to watch for the faint gleam: and
+welcome to her did the dayspring shed its light, and folk began to stir
+throughout the city.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Argus bade his brothers remain there to learn the maiden&rsquo;s mind and
+plans, but himself turned back and went to the ship.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now soon as ever the maiden saw the light of dawn, with her hands she gathered
+up her golden tresses which were floating round her shoulders in careless
+disarray, and bathed her tear-stained cheeks, and made her skin shine with
+ointment sweet as nectar; and she donned a beautiful robe, fitted with
+well-bent clasps, and above on her head, divinely fair, she threw a veil
+gleaming like silver. And there, moving to and fro in the palace, she trod the
+ground forgetful of the heaven-sent woes thronging round her and of others that
+were destined to follow. And she called to her maids. Twelve they were, who lay
+during the night in the vestibule of her fragrant chamber, young as herself,
+not yet sharing the bridal couch, and she bade them hastily yoke the mules to
+the chariot to bear her to the beauteous shrine of Hecate. Thereupon the
+handmaids were making ready the chariot; and Medea meanwhile took from the
+hollow casket a charm which men say is called the charm of Prometheus. If a man
+should anoint his body therewithal, having first appeased the Maiden, the
+only-begotten, with sacrifice by night, surely that man could not be wounded by
+the stroke of bronze nor would he flinch from blazing fire; but for that day he
+would prove superior both in prowess and in might. It shot up first-born when
+the ravening eagle on the rugged flanks of Caucasus let drip to the earth the
+blood-like ichor<a href="#linknote-25" name="linknoteref-25"
+id="linknoteref-25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> of tortured Prometheus. And its
+flower appeared a cubit above ground in colour like the Corycian crocus, rising
+on twin stalks; but in the earth the root was like newly-cut flesh. The dark
+juice of it, like the sap of a mountain-oak, she had gathered in a Caspian
+shell to make the charm withal, when she had first bathed in seven ever-flowing
+streams, and had called seven times on Brimo, nurse of youth, night-wandering
+Brimo, of the underworld, queen among the dead,&mdash;in the gloom of night,
+clad in dusky garments. And beneath, the dark earth shook and bellowed when the
+Titanian root was cut; and the son of Iapetus himself groaned, his soul
+distraught with pain. And she brought the charm forth and placed it in the
+fragrant band which engirdled her, just beneath her bosom, divinely fair. And
+going forth she mounted the swift chariot, and with her went two handmaidens on
+each side. And she herself took the reins and in her right hand the
+well-fashioned whip, and drove through the city; and the rest, the handmaids,
+laid their hands on the chariot behind and ran along the broad highway; and
+they kilted up their light robes above their white knees. And even as by the
+mild waters of Parthenius, or after bathing in the river Amnisus, Leto&rsquo;s
+daughter stands upon her golden chariot and courses over the hills with her
+swift-footed roes, to greet from afar some richly-steaming hecatomb; and with
+her come the nymphs in attendance, gathering, some at the spring of Amnisus
+itself, others by the glens and many-fountained peaks; and round her whine and
+fawn the beasts cowering as she moves along: thus they sped through the city;
+and on both sides the people gave way, shunning the eyes of the royal maiden.
+But when she had left the city&rsquo;s well paved streets, and was approaching
+the shrine as she drove over the plains, then she alighted eagerly from the
+smooth-running chariot and spake as follows among her maidens:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Friends, verily have I sinned greatly and took no heed not to go among
+the stranger-folk<a href="#linknote-26" name="linknoteref-26"
+id="linknoteref-26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> who roam over our land. The whole
+city is smitten with dismay; wherefore no one of the women who formerly
+gathered here day by day has now come hither. But since we have come and no one
+else draws near, come, let us satisfy our souls without stint with soothing
+song, and when we have plucked the fair flowers amid the tender grass, that
+very hour will we return. And with many a gift shall ye reach home this very
+day, if ye will gladden me with this desire of mine. For Argus pleads with me,
+also Chalciope herself; but this that ye hear from me keep silently in your
+hearts, lest the tale reach my father&rsquo;s ears. As for yon stranger who
+took on him the task with the oxen, they bid me receive his gifts and rescue
+him from the deadly contest. And I approved their counsel, and I have summoned
+him to come to my presence apart from his comrades, so that we may divide the
+gifts among ourselves if he bring them in his hands, and in return may give him
+a baleful charm. But when he comes, do ye stand aloof.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So she spake, and the crafty counsel pleased them all. And straightway Argus
+drew Aeson&rsquo;s son apart from his comrades as soon as he heard from his
+brothers that Medea had gone at daybreak to the holy shrine of Hecate, and led
+him over the plain; and with them went Mopsus, son of Ampycus, skilled to utter
+oracles from the appearance of birds, and skilled to give good counsel to those
+who set out on a journey.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Never yet had there been such a man in the days of old, neither of all the
+heroes of the lineage of Zeus himself, nor of those who sprung from the blood
+of the other gods, as on that day the bride of Zeus made Jason, both to look
+upon and to hold converse with. Even his comrades wondered as they gazed upon
+him, radiant with manifold graces; and the son of Ampycus rejoiced in their
+journey, already foreboding how all would end.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now by the path along the plain there stands near the shrine a poplar with its
+crown of countless leaves, whereon often chattering crows would roost. One of
+them meantime as she clapped her wings aloft in the branches uttered the
+counsels of Hera:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;What a pitiful seer is this, that has not the wit to conceive even what
+children know, how that no maiden will say a word of sweetness or love to a
+youth when strangers be near. Begone, sorry prophet, witless one; on thee
+neither Cypris nor the gentle Loves breathe in their kindness.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake chiding, and Mopsus smiled to hear the god-sent voice of the bird,
+and thus addressed them: &ldquo;Do thou, son of Aeson, pass on to the temple,
+where thou wilt find the maiden; and very kind will her greeting be to thee
+through the prompting of Cypris, who will be thy helpmate in the contest, even
+as Phineus, Agenor&rsquo;s son, foretold. But we two, Argus and I, will await
+thy return, apart in this very spot; do thou all alone be a suppliant and win
+her over with prudent words.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake wisely, and both at once gave approval. Nor was Medea&rsquo;s heart
+turned to other thoughts, for all her singing, and never a song that she
+essayed pleased her long in her sport. But in confusion she ever faltered, nor
+did she keep her eyes resting quietly upon the throng of her handmaids; but to
+the paths far off she strained her gaze, turning her face aside. Oft did her
+heart sink fainting within her bosom whenever she fancied she heard passing by
+the sound of a footfall or of the wind. But soon he appeared to her longing
+eyes, striding along loftily, like Sirius coming from ocean, which rises fair
+and clear to see, but brings unspeakable mischief to flocks; thus then did
+Aeson&rsquo;s son come to her, fair to see, but the sight of him brought
+love-sick care. Her heart fell from out her bosom, and a dark mist came over
+her eyes, and a hot blush covered her cheeks. And she had no strength to lift
+her knees backwards or forwards, but her feet beneath were rooted to the
+ground; and meantime all her handmaidens had drawn aside. So they two stood
+face to face without a word, without a sound, like oaks or lofty pines, which
+stand quietly side by side on the mountains when the wind is still; then again,
+when stirred by the breath of the wind, they murmur ceaselessly; so they two
+were destined to tell out all their tale, stirred by the breath of Love. And
+Aeson&rsquo;s son saw that she had fallen into some heaven-sent calamity, and
+with soothing words thus addressed her:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Why, pray, maiden, dost thou fear me so much, all alone as I am? Never
+was I one of these idle boasters such as other men are&mdash;not even
+aforetime, when I dwelt in my own country. Wherefore, maiden, be not too much
+abashed before me, either to enquire whatever thou wilt or to speak thy mind.
+But since we have met one another with friendly hearts, in a hallowed spot,
+where it is wrong to sin, speak openly and ask questions, and beguile me not
+with pleasing words, for at the first thou didst promise thy sister to give me
+the charms my heart desires. I implore thee by Hecate herself, by thy parents,
+and by Zeus who holds his guardian hand over strangers and suppliants; I come
+here to thee both a suppliant and a stranger, bending the knee in my sore need.
+For without thee and thy sister never shall I prevail in the grievous contest.
+And to thee will I render thanks hereafter for thy aid, as is right and fitting
+for men who dwell far oft, making glorious thy name and fame; and the rest of
+the heroes, returning to Hellas, will spread thy renown and so will the
+heroes&rsquo; wives and mothers, who now perhaps are sitting on the shore and
+making moan for us; their painful affliction thou mightest scatter to the
+winds. In days past the maiden Ariadne, daughter of Minos, with kindly intent
+rescued Theseus from grim contests&mdash;the maiden whom Pasiphae daughter of
+Helios bare. But she, when Minos had lulled his wrath to rest, went aboard the
+ship with him and left her fatherland; and her even the immortal gods loved,
+and, as a sign in mid-sky, a crown of stars, which men call Ariadne&rsquo;s
+crown, rolls along all night among the heavenly constellations. So to thee too
+shall be thanks from the gods, if thou wilt save so mighty an array of
+chieftains. For surely from thy lovely form thou art like to excel in gentle
+courtest.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, honouring her; and she cast her eyes down with a smile divinely
+sweet; and her soul melted within her, uplifted by his praise, and she gazed
+upon him face to face; nor did she know what word to utter first, but was eager
+to pour out everything at once. And forth from her fragrant girdle ungrudgingly
+she brought out the charm; and he at once received it in his hands with joy.
+And she would even have drawn out all her soul from her breast and given it to
+him, exulting in his desire; so wonderfully did love flash forth a sweet flame
+from the golden head of Aeson&rsquo;s son; and he captivated her gleaming eyes;
+and her heart within grew warm, melting away as the dew melts away round roses
+when warmed by the morning&rsquo;s light. And now both were fixing their eyes
+on the ground abashed, and again were throwing glances at each other, smiling
+with the light of love beneath their radiant brows. And at last and scarcely
+then did the maiden greet him:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Take heed now, that I may devise help for thee. When at thy coming my
+father has given thee the deadly teeth from the dragon&rsquo;s jaws for sowing,
+then watch for the time when the night is parted in twain, then bathe in the
+stream of the tireless river, and alone, apart from others, clad in dusky
+raiment, dig a rounded pit; and therein slay a ewe, and sacrifice it whole,
+heaping high the pyre on the very edge of the pit. And propitiate only-begotten
+Hecate, daughter of Perses, pouring from a goblet the hive-stored labour of
+bees. And then, when thou hast heedfully sought the grace of the goddess,
+retreat from the pyre; and let neither the sound of feet drive thee to turn
+back, nor the baying of hounds, lest haply thou shouldst maim all the rites and
+thyself fail to return duly to thy comrades. And at dawn steep this charm in
+water, strip, and anoint thy body therewith as with oil; and in it there will
+be boundless prowess and mighty strength, and thou wilt deem thyself a match
+not for men but for the immortal gods. And besides, let thy spear and shield
+and sword be sprinkled. Thereupon the spear-heads of the earthborn men shall
+not pierce thee, nor the flame of the deadly bulls as it rushes forth
+resistless. But such thou shalt be not for long, but for that one day; still
+never flinch from the contest. And I will tell thee besides of yet another
+help. As soon as thou hast yoked the strong oxen, and with thy might and thy
+prowess hast ploughed all the stubborn fallow, and now along the furrows the
+Giants are springing up, when the serpent&rsquo;s teeth are sown on the dusky
+clods, if thou markest them uprising in throngs from the fallow, cast unseen
+among them a massy stone; and they over it, like ravening hounds over their
+food, will slay one another; and do thou thyself hasten to rush to the
+battle-strife, and the fleece thereupon thou shalt bear far away from Aea;
+nevertheless, depart wherever thou wilt, or thy pleasure takes thee, when thou
+hast gone hence.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and cast her eyes to her feet in silence, and her cheek,
+divinely fair, was wet with warm tears as she sorrowed for that he was about to
+wander far from her side over the wide sea: and once again she addressed him
+face to face with mournful words, and took his right hand; for now shame had
+left her eyes:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Remember, if haply thou returnest to thy home, Medea&rsquo;s name; and
+so will I remember thine, though thou be far away. And of thy kindness tell me
+this, where is thy home, whither wilt thou sail hence in thy ship over the sea;
+wilt thou come near wealthy Orchomenus, or near the Aeaean isle? And tell me of
+the maiden, whosoever she be that thou hast named, the far-renowned daughter of
+Pasiphae, who is kinswoman to my father.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake; and over him too, at the tears of the maiden, stole Love the
+destroyer, and he thus answered her:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;All too surely do I deem that never by night and never by day will I
+forget thee if I escape death and indeed make my way in safety to the Achaean
+land, and Aeetes set not before us some other contest worse than this. And if
+it pleases thee to know about my fatherland, I will tell it out; for indeed my
+own heart bids me do that. There is a land encircled by lofty mountains, rich
+in sheep and in pasture, where Prometheus, son of Iapetus, begat goodly
+Deucalion, who first founded cities and reared temples to the immortal gods,
+and first ruled over men. This land the neighbours who dwell around call
+Haemonia. And in it stands Ioleus, my city, and in it many others, where they
+have not so much as heard the name of the Aeaean isle; yet there is a story
+that Minyas starting thence, Minyas son of Aeolus, built long ago the city of
+Orchomenus that borders on the Cadmeians. But why do I tell thee all this vain
+talk, of our home and of Minos&rsquo; daughter, far-famed Ariadne, by which
+glorious name they called that lovely maiden of whom thou askest me? Would
+that, as Minos then was well inclined to Theseus for her sake, so may thy
+father be joined to us in friendship!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, soothing her with gentle converse. But pangs most bitter stirred
+her heart and in grief did she address him with vehement words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;In Hellas, I ween, this is fair to pay heed to covenants; but Aeetes is
+not such a man among men as thou sayest was Pasiphae&rsquo;s husband, Minos;
+nor can I liken myself to Ariadne; wherefore speak not of guest-love. But only
+do thou, when thou hast reached Iolcus, remember me, and thee even in my
+parents&rsquo; despite, will I remember. And from far off may a rumour come to
+me or some messenger-bird, when thou forgettest me; or me, even me, may swift
+blasts catch up and bear over the sea hence to Iolcus, that so I may cast
+reproaches in thy face and remind thee that it was by my good will thou didst
+escape. May I then be seated in thy halls, an unexpected guest!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake with piteous tears falling down her cheeks, and to her Jason
+replied: &ldquo;Let the empty blasts wander at will, lady, and the
+messenger-bird, for vain is thy talk. But if thou comest to those abodes and to
+the land of Hellas, honoured and reverenced shalt thou be by women and men; and
+they shall worship thee even as a goddess, for that by thy counsel their sons
+came home again, their brothers and kinsmen and stalwart husbands were saved
+from calamity. And in our bridal chamber shalt thou prepare our couch; and
+nothing shall come between our love till the doom of death fold us
+round.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake; and her soul melted within her to hear his words; nevertheless
+she shuddered to behold the deeds of destruction to come. Poor wretch! Not long
+was she destined to refuse a home in Hellas. For thus Hera devised it, that
+Aeaean Medea might come to Ioleus for a bane to Pelias, forsaking her native
+land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And now her handmaids, glancing at them from a distance, were grieving in
+silence; and the time of day required that the maiden should return home to her
+mother&rsquo;s side. But she thought not yet of departing, for her soul
+delighted both in his beauty and in his winsome words, but Aeson&rsquo;s son
+took heed, and spake at last, though late: &ldquo;It is time to depart, lest
+the sunlight sink before we know it, and some stranger notice all; but again
+will we come and meet here.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So did they two make trial of one another thus far with gentle words; and
+thereafter parted. Jason hastened to return in joyous mood to his comrades and
+the ship, she to her handmaids; and they all together came near to meet her,
+but she marked them not at all as they thronged around. For her soul had soared
+aloft amid the clouds. And her feet of their own accord mounted the swift
+chariot, and with one hand she took the reins, and with the other the whip of
+cunning workmanship, to drive the mules; and they rushed hasting to the city
+and the palace. And when she was come Chalciope in grief for her sons
+questioned her; but Medea, distraught by swiftly-changing thoughts, neither
+heard her words nor was eager to speak in answer to her questions. But she sat
+upon a low stool at the foot of her couch, bending down, her cheek leaning on
+her left hand, and her eyes were wet with tears as she pondered what an evil
+deed she had taken part in by her counsels.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Aeson&rsquo;s son had joined his comrades again in the spot where he
+had left them when he departed, he set out to go with them, telling them all
+the story, to the gathering of the heroes; and together they approached the
+ship. And when they saw Jason they embraced him and questioned him. And he told
+to all the counsels of the maiden and showed the dread charm; but Idas alone of
+his comrades sat apart biting down his wrath; and the rest joyous in heart, at
+the hour when the darkness of night stayed them, peacefully took thought for
+themselves. But at daybreak they sent two men to go to Aeetes and ask for the
+seed, first Telamon himself, dear to Ares, and with him Aethalides,
+Hermes&rsquo; famous son. So they went and made no vain journey; but when they
+came, lordly Aeetes gave them for the contest the fell teeth of the Aonian
+dragon which Cadmus found in Ogygian Thebes when he came seeking for Europa and
+there slew the&mdash;warder of the spring of Ares. There he settled by the
+guidance of the heifer whom Apollo by his prophetic word granted him to lead
+him on his way. But the teeth the Tritonian goddess tore away from the
+dragon&rsquo;s jaws and bestowed as a gift upon Aeetes and the slayer. And
+Agenor&rsquo;s son, Cadmus, sowed them on the Aonian plains and founded an
+earthborn people of all who were left from the spear when Ares did the reaping;
+and the teeth Aeetes then readily gave to be borne to the ship, for he deemed
+not that Jason would bring the contest to an end, even though he should cast
+the yoke upon the oxen.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Far away in the west the sun was sailing beneath the dark earth, beyond the
+furthest hills of the Aethiopians; and Night was laying the yoke upon her
+steeds; and the heroes were preparing their beds by the hawsers. But Jason, as
+soon as the stars of Heliee, the bright-gleaming bear, had set, and the air had
+all grown still under heaven, went to a desert spot, like some stealthy thief,
+with all that was needful; for beforehand in the daytime had he taken thought
+for everything; and Argus came bringing a ewe and milk from the flock; and them
+he took from the ship. But when the hero saw a place which was far away from
+the tread of men, in a clear meadow beneath the open sky, there first of all he
+bathed his tender body reverently in the sacred river; and round him he placed
+a dark robe, which Hypsipyle of Lemnos had given him aforetime, a memorial of
+many a loving embrace. Then he dug a pit in the ground of a cubit&rsquo;s depth
+and heaped up billets of wood, and over it he cut the throat of the sheep, and
+duly placed the carcase above; and he kindled the logs placing fire beneath,
+and poured over them mingled libations, calling on Hecate Brimo to aid him in
+the contests. And when he had called on her he drew back; and she heard him,
+the dread goddess, from the uttermost depths and came to the sacrifice of
+Aeson&rsquo;s son; and round her horrible serpents twined themselves among the
+oak boughs; and there was a gleam of countless torches; and sharply howled
+around her the hounds of hell. All the meadows trembled at her step; and the
+nymphs that haunt the marsh and the river shrieked, all who dance round that
+mead of Amarantian Phasis. And fear seized Aeson&rsquo;s son, but not even so
+did he turn round as his feet bore him forth, till he came back to his
+comrades; and now early dawn arose and shed her light above snowy Caucasus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aeetes arrayed his breast in the stiff corslet which Ares gave him when he
+had slain Phlegraean Mimas with his own hands; and upon his head he placed a
+golden helmet with four plumes, gleaming like the sun&rsquo;s round light when
+he first rises from Ocean. And he wielded his shield of many hides, and his
+spear, terrible, resistless; none of the heroes could have withstood its shock
+now that they had left behind Heracles far away, who alone could have met it in
+battle. For the king his well-fashioned chariot of swift steeds was held near
+at hand by Phaethon, for him to mount; and he mounted, and held the reins in
+his hands. Then from the city he drove along the broad highway, that he might
+be present at the contest; and with him a countless multitude rushed forth. And
+as Poseidon rides, mounted in his chariot, to the Isthmian contest or to
+Taenarus, or to Lerna&rsquo;s water, or through the grove of Hyantian
+Onchestus, and thereafter passes even to Calaureia with his steeds, and the
+Haemonian rock, or well-wooded Geraestus; even so was Aeetes, lord of the
+Colchians, to behold.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile, prompted by Medea, Jason steeped the charm in water and sprinkled
+with it his shield and sturdy spear, and sword; and his comrades round him made
+proof of his weapons with might and main, but could not bend that spear even a
+little, but it remained firm in their stalwart hands unbroken as before. But in
+furious rage with them Idas, Aphareus&rsquo; son, with his great sword hewed at
+the spear near the butt, and the edge leapt back repelled by the shock, like a
+hammer from the anvil; and the heroes shouted with joy for their hope in the
+contest. And then he sprinkled his body, and terrible prowess entered into him,
+unspeakable, dauntless; and his hands on both sides thrilled vigorously as they
+swelled with strength. And as when a warlike steed eager for the fight neighs
+and beats the ground with his hoof, while rejoicing he lifts his neck on high
+with ears erect; in such wise did Aeson&rsquo;s son rejoice in the strength of
+his limbs. And often hither and thither did he leap high in air tossing in his
+hands his shield of bronze and ashen spear. Thou wouldst say that wintry
+lightning flashing from the gloomy sky kept on darting forth from the clouds
+what time they bring with them their blackest rainstorm. Not long after that
+were the heroes to hold back from the contests; but sitting in rows on their
+benches they sped swiftly on to the plain of Ares. And it lay in front of them
+on the opposite side of the city, as far off as is the turning-post that a
+chariot must reach from the starting-point, when the kinsmen of a dead king
+appoint funeral games for footmen and horsemen. And they found Aeetes and the
+tribes of the Colchians; these were stationed on the Caucasian heights, but the
+king by the winding brink of the river.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Aeson&rsquo;s son, as soon as his comrades had made the hawsers fast, leapt
+from the ship, and with spear and shield came forth to the contest; and at the
+same time he took the gleaming helmet of bronze filled with sharp teeth, and
+his sword girt round his shoulders, his body stripped, in somewise resembling
+Ares and in somewise Apollo of the golden sword. And gazing over the field he
+saw the bulls&rsquo; yoke of bronze and near it the plough, all of one piece,
+of stubborn adamant. Then he came near, and fixed his sturdy spear upright on
+its butt, and taking his helmet, off leant it against the spear. And he went
+forward with shield alone to examine the countless tracks of the bulls, and
+they from some unseen lair beneath the earth, where was their strong steading,
+wrapt in murky smoke, both rushed out together, breathing forth flaming fire.
+And sore afraid were the heroes at the sight. But Jason, setting wide his feet,
+withstood their onset, as in the sea a rocky reef withstands the waves tossed
+by the countless blasts. Then in front of him he held his shield; and both the
+bulls with loud bellowing attacked him with their mighty horns; nor did they
+stir him a jot by their onset. And as when through the holes of the furnace the
+armourers&rsquo; bellows anon gleam brightly, kindling the ravening flame, and
+anon cease from blowing, and a terrible roar rises from the fire when it darts
+up from below; so the bulls roared, breathing forth swift flame from their
+mouths, while the consuming heat played round him, smiting like lightning; but
+the maiden&rsquo;s charms protected him. Then grasping the tip of the horn of
+the right-hand bull, he dragged it mightily with all his strength to bring it
+near the yoke of bronze, and forced it down on to its knees, suddenly striking
+with his foot the foot of bronze. So also he threw the other bull on to its
+knees as it rushed upon him, and smote it down with one blow. And throwing to
+the ground his broad shield, he held them both down where they had fallen on
+their fore-knees, as he strode from side to side, now here, now there, and
+rushed swiftly through the flame. But Aeetes marvelled at the hero&rsquo;s
+might. And meantime the sons of Tyndareus for long since had it been thus
+ordained for them&mdash;near at hand gave him the yoke from the ground to cast
+round them. Then tightly did he bind their necks; and lifting the pole of
+bronze between them, he fastened it to the yoke by its golden tip. So the twin
+heroes started back from the fire to the ship. But Jason took up again his
+shield and cast it on his back behind him, and grasped the strong helmet filled
+with sharp teeth, and his resistless spear, wherewith, like some ploughman with
+a Pelasgian goad, he pricked the bulls beneath, striking their flanks; and very
+firmly did he guide the well fitted plough handle, fashioned of adamant.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The bulls meantime raged exceedingly, breathing forth furious flame of fire;
+and their breath rose up like the roar of blustering winds, in fear of which
+above all seafaring men furl their large sail. But not long after that they
+moved on at the bidding of the spear; and behind them the rugged fallow was
+broken up, cloven by the might of the bulls and the sturdy ploughman. Then
+terribly groaned the clods withal along the furrows of the plough as they were
+rent, each a man&rsquo;s burden; and Jason followed, pressing down the
+cornfield with firm foot; and far from him he ever sowed the teeth along the
+clods as each was ploughed, turning his head back for fear lest the deadly crop
+of earthborn men should rise against him first; and the bulls toiled onwards
+treading with their hoofs of bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the third part of the day was still left as it wanes from dawn, and
+wearied labourers call for the sweet hour of unyoking to come to them
+straightway, then the fallow was ploughed by the tireless ploughman, four
+plough-gates though it was; and he loosed the plough from the oxen. Them he
+scared in flight towards the plain; but he went back again to the ship, while
+he still saw the furrows free of the earthborn men. And all round his comrades
+heartened him with their shouts. And in the helmet he drew from the
+river&rsquo;s stream and quenched his thirst with the water. Then he bent his
+knees till they grew supple, and filled his mighty heart with courage, raging
+like a boar, when it sharpens its teeth against the hunters, while from its
+wrathful mouth plenteous foam drips to the ground. By now the earthborn men
+were springing up over all the field; and the plot of Ares, the death-dealer,
+bristled with sturdy shields and double-pointed spears and shining helmets; and
+the gleam reached Olympus from beneath, flashing through the air. And as when
+abundant snow has fallen on the earth and the storm blasts have dispersed the
+wintry clouds under the murky night, and all the hosts of the stars appear
+shining through the gloom; so did those warriors shine springing up above the
+earth. But Jason bethought him of the counsels of Medea full of craft, and
+seized from the plain a huge round boulder, a terrible quoit of Ares Enyalius;
+four stalwart youths could not have raised it from the ground even a little.
+Taking it in his hands he threw it with a rush far away into their midst; and
+himself crouched unseen behind his shield, with full confidence. And the
+Colchians gave a loud cry, like the roar of the sea when it beats upon sharp
+crags; and speechless amazement seized Aeetes at the rush of the sturdy quoit.
+And the Earthborn, like fleet-footed hounds, leaped upon one another and slew
+with loud yells; and on earth their mother they fell beneath their own spears,
+likes pines or oaks, which storms of wind beat down. And even as a fiery star
+leaps from heaven, trailing a furrow of light, a portent to men, whoever see it
+darting with a gleam through the dusky sky; in such wise did Aeson&rsquo;s son
+rush upon the earthborn men, and he drew from the sheath his bare sword, and
+smote here and there, mowing them down, many on the belly and side, half risen
+to the air&mdash;and some that had risen as far as the shoulders&mdash;and some
+just standing upright, and others even now rushing to battle. And as when a
+fight is stirred up concerning boundaries, and a husbandman, in fear lest they
+should ravage his fields, seizes in his hand a curved sickle, newly sharpened,
+and hastily cuts the unripe crop, and waits not for it to be parched in due
+season by the beams of the sun; so at that time did Jason cut down the crop of
+the Earthborn; and the furrows were filled with blood, as the channels of a
+spring with water. And they fell, some on their faces biting the rough clod of
+earth with their teeth, some on their backs, and others on their hands and
+sides, like to sea-monsters to behold. And many, smitten before raising their
+feet from the earth, bowed down as far to the ground as they had risen to the
+air, and rested there with the damp of death on their brows. Even so, I ween,
+when Zeus has sent a measureless rain, new planted orchard-shoots droop to the
+ground, cut off by the root the toil of gardening men; but heaviness of heart
+and deadly anguish come to the owner of the farm, who planted them; so at that
+time did bitter grief come upon the heart of King Aeetes. And he went back to
+the city among the Colchians, pondering how he might most quickly oppose the
+heroes. And the day died, and Jason&rsquo;s contest was ended.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap06"></a>BOOK IV</h2>
+
+<p>
+Now do thou thyself, goddess Muse, daughter of Zeus, tell of the labour and
+wiles of the Colchian maiden. Surely my soul within me wavers with speechless
+amazement as I ponder whether I should call it the lovesick grief of mad
+passion or a panic flight, through which she left the Colchian folk.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Aeetes all night long with the bravest captains of his people was devising in
+his halls sheer treachery against the heroes, with fierce wrath in his heart at
+the issue of the hateful contest; nor did he deem at all that these things were
+being accomplished without the knowledge of his daughters.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But into Medea&rsquo;s heart Hera cast most grievous fear; and she trembled
+like a nimble fawn whom the baying of hounds hath terrified amid the thicket of
+a deep copse. For at once she truly forboded that the aid she had given was not
+hidden from her father, and that quickly she would fill up the cup of woe. And
+she dreaded the guilty knowledge of her handmaids; her eyes were filled with
+fire and her ears rung with a terrible cry. Often did she clutch at her throat,
+and often did she drag out her hair by the roots and groan in wretched despair.
+There on that very day the maiden would have tasted the drugs and perished and
+so have made void the purposes of Hera, had not the goddess driven her, all
+bewildered, to flee with the sons of Phrixus; and her fluttering soul within
+her was comforted; and then she poured from her bosom all the drugs back again
+into the casket. Then she kissed her bed, and the folding-doors on both sides,
+and stroked the walls, and tearing away in her hands a long tress of hair, she
+left it in the chamber for her mother, a memorial of her maidenhood, and thus
+lamented with passionate voice:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;I go, leaving this long tress here in my stead, O mother mine; take this
+farewell from me as I go far hence; farewell Chalciope, and all my home. Would
+that the sea, stranger, had dashed thee to pieces, ere thou camest to the
+Colchian land!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and from her eyes shed copious tears. And as a bondmaid steals
+away from a wealthy house, whom fate has lately severed from her native land,
+nor yet has she made trial of grievous toil, but still unschooled to misery and
+shrinking in terror from slavish tasks, goes about beneath the cruel hands of a
+mistress; even so the lovely maiden rushed forth from her home. But to her the
+bolts of the doors gave way self-moved, leaping backwards at the swift strains
+of her magic song. And with bare feet she sped along the narrow paths, with her
+left hand holding her robe over her brow to veil her face and fair cheeks, and
+with her right lifting up the hem of her tunic. Quickly along the dark track,
+outside the towers of the spacious city, did she come in fear; nor did any of
+the warders note her, but she sped on unseen by them. Thence she was minded to
+go to the temple; for well she knew the way, having often aforetime wandered
+there in quest of corpses and noxious roots of the earth, as a sorceress is
+wont to do; and her soul fluttered with quivering fear. And the Titanian
+goddess, the moon, rising from a far land, beheld her as she fled distraught,
+and fiercely exulted over her, and thus spake to her own heart:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Not I alone then stray to the Latinian cave, nor do I alone burn with
+love for fair Endymion; oft times with thoughts of love have I been driven away
+by thy crafty spells, in order that in the darkness of night thou mightest work
+thy sorcery at ease, even the deeds dear to thee. And now thou thyself too hast
+part in a like mad passion; and some god of affection has given thee Jason to
+be thy grievous woe. Well, go on, and steel thy heart, wise though thou be, to
+take up thy burden of pain, fraught with many sighs.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the goddess; but swiftly the maiden&rsquo;s feet bore her, hasting
+on. And gladly did she gain the high-bank of the river and beheld on the
+opposite side the gleam of fire, which all night long the heroes were kindling
+in joy at the contest&rsquo;s issue. Then through the gloom, with clear-pealing
+voice from across the stream, she called on Phrontis, the youngest of
+Phrixus&rsquo; sons, and he with his brothers and Aeson&rsquo;s son recognised
+the maiden&rsquo;s voice; and in silence his comrades wondered when they knew
+that it was so in truth. Thrice she called, and thrice at the bidding of the
+company Phrontis called out in reply; and meantime the heroes were rowing with
+swift-moving oars in search of her. Not yet were they casting the ship&rsquo;s
+hawsers upon the opposite bank, when Jason with light feet leapt to land from
+the deck above, and after him Phrontis and Argus, sons of Phrixus, leapt to the
+ground; and she, clasping their knees with both hands, thus addressed them:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Save me, the hapless one, my friends, from Aeetes, and yourselves too,
+for all is brought to light, nor doth any remedy come. But let us flee upon the
+ship, before the king mounts his swift chariot. And I will lull to sleep the
+guardian serpent and give you the fleece of gold; but do thou, stranger, amid
+thy comrades make the gods witness of the vows thou hast taken on thyself for
+my sake; and now that I have fled far from my country, make me not a mark for
+blame and dishonour for want of kinsmen.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake in anguish; but greatly did the heart of Aeson&rsquo;s son rejoice,
+and at once, as she fell at his knees, he raised her gently and embraced her,
+and spake words of comfort: &ldquo;Lady, let Zeus of Olympus himself be witness
+to my oath, and Hera, queen of marriage, bride of Zeus, that I will set thee in
+my halls my own wedded wife, when we have reached the land of Hellas on our
+return.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and straightway clasped her right hand in his; and she bade them
+row the swift ship to the sacred grove near at hand, in order that, while it
+was still night, they might seize and carry off the fleece against the will of
+Aeetes. Word and deed were one to the eager crew. For they took her on board,
+and straightway thrust the ship from shore; and loud was the din as the
+chieftains strained at their oars, but she, starting back, held out her hands
+in despair towards the shore. But Jason spoke cheering words and restrained her
+grief.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now at the hour when men have cast sleep from their eyes~huntsmen, who,
+trusting to their bounds, never slumber away the end of night, but avoid the
+light of dawn lest, smiting with its white beams, it efface the track and scent
+of the quarry&mdash;then did Aeson&rsquo;s son and the maiden step forth from
+the ship over a grassy spot, the &ldquo;Ram&rsquo;s couch&rdquo; as men call
+it, where it first bent its wearied knees in rest, bearing on its back the
+Minyan son of Athamas. And close by, all smirched with soot, was the base of
+the altar, which the Aeolid Phrixus once set up to Zeus, the alder of
+fugitives, when he sacrificed the golden wonder at the bidding of Hermes who
+graciously met him on the way. There by the counsels of Argus the chieftains
+put them ashore.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they two by the pathway came to the sacred grove, seeking the huge oak tree
+on which was hung the fleece, like to a cloud that blushes red with the fiery
+beams of the rising sun. But right in front the serpent with his keen sleepless
+eyes saw them coming, and stretched out his long neck and hissed in awful wise;
+and all round the long banks of the river echoed and the boundless grove. Those
+heard it who dwelt in the Colchian land very far from Titanian Aea, near the
+outfall of Lycus, the river which parts from loud-roaring Araxes and blends his
+sacred stream with Phasis, and they twain flow on together in one and pour
+their waters into the Caucasian Sea. And through fear young mothers awoke, and
+round their new-born babes, who were sleeping in their arms, threw their hands
+in agony, for the small limbs started at that hiss. And as when above a pile of
+smouldering wood countless eddies of smoke roll up mingled with soot, and one
+ever springs up quickly after another, rising aloft from beneath in wavering
+wreaths; so at that time did that monster roll his countless coils covered with
+hard dry scales. And as he writhed, the maiden came before his eyes, with sweet
+voice calling to her aid sleep, highest of gods, to charm the monster; and she
+cried to the queen of the underworld, the night-wanderer, to be propitious to
+her enterprise. And Aeson&rsquo;s son followed in fear, but the serpent,
+already charmed by her song, was relaxing the long ridge of his giant spine,
+and lengthening out his myriad coils, like a dark wave, dumb and noiseless,
+rolling over a sluggish sea; but still he raised aloft his grisly head, eager
+to enclose them both in his murderous jaws. But she with a newly cut spray of
+juniper, dipping and drawing untempered charms from her mystic brew, sprinkled
+his eyes, while she chanted her song; and all around the potent scent of the
+charm cast sleep; and on the very spot he let his jaw sink down; and far behind
+through the wood with its many trees were those countless coils stretched out.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Hereupon Jason snatched the golden fleece from the oak, at the maiden bidding;
+and she, standing firm, smeared with the charm the monster&rsquo;s head, till
+Jason himself bade her turn back towards their ship, and she left the grove of
+Ares, dusky with shade. And as a maiden catches on her finely wrought robe the
+gleam of the moon at the full, as it rises above her high-roofed chamber; and
+her heart rejoices as she beholds the fair ray; so at that time did Jason
+uplift the mighty fleece in his hands; and from the shimmering of the flocks of
+wool there settled on his fair cheeks and brow a red flush like a flame. And
+great as is the hide of a yearling ox or stag, which huntsmen call a brocket,
+so great in extent was the fleece all golden above. Heavy it was, thickly
+clustered with flocks; and as he moved along, even beneath his feet the sheen
+rose up from the earth. And he strode on now with the fleece covering his left
+shoulder from the height of his neck to his feet, and now again he gathered it
+up in his hands; for he feared exceedingly, lest some god or man should meet
+him and deprive him thereof.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Dawn was spreading over the earth when they reached the throng of heroes; and
+the youths marvelled to behold the mighty fleece, which gleamed like the
+lightning of Zeus. And each one started up eager to touch it and clasp it in
+his hands. But the son of Aeson restrained them all, and threw over it a mantle
+newly-woven; and he led the maiden to the stern and seated her there, and spake
+to them all as follows:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;No longer now, my friends, forbear to return to your fatherland. For now
+the task for which we dared this grievous voyage, toiling with bitter sorrow of
+heart, has been lightly fulfilled by the maiden&rsquo;s counsels. Her&mdash;for
+such is her will&mdash;I will bring home to be my wedded wife; do ye preserve
+her, the glorious saviour of all Achaea and of yourselves. For of a surety, I
+ween, will Aeetes come with his host to bar our passage from the river into the
+sea. But do some of you toil at the oars in turn, sitting man by man; and half
+of you raise your shields of oxhide, a ready defence against the darts of the
+enemy, and guard our return. And now in our hands we hold the fate of our
+children and dear country and of our aged parents; and on our venture all
+Hellas depends, to reap either the shame of failure or great renown.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and donned his armour of war; and they cried aloud, wondrously
+eager. And he drew his sword from the sheath and cut the hawsers at the stern.
+And near the maiden he took his stand ready armed by the steersman Aneaeus, and
+with their rowing the ship sped on as they strained desperately to drive her
+clear of the river.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+By this time Medea&rsquo;s love and deeds had become known to haughty Aeetes
+and to all the Colchians. And they thronged to the assembly in arms; and
+countless as the waves of the stormy sea when they rise crested by the wind, or
+as the leaves that fall to the ground from the wood with its myriad branches in
+the month when the leaves fall&mdash;who could reckon their tale?&mdash;so they
+in countless number poured along the banks of the river shouting in frenzy; and
+in his shapely chariot Aeetes shone forth above all with his steeds, the gift
+of Helios, swift as the blasts of the wind. In his left hand he raised his
+curved shield, and in his right a huge pine-torch, and near him in front stood
+up his mighty spear. And Apsyrtus held in his hands the reins of the steeds.
+But already the ship was cleaving the sea before her, urged on by stalwart
+oarsmen, and the stream of the mighty river rushing down. But the king in
+grievous anguish lifted his hands and called on Helios and Zeus to bear witness
+to their evil deeds; and terrible threats he uttered against all his people,
+that unless they should with their own hands seize the maiden, either on the
+land or still finding the ship on the swell of the open sea, and bring her
+back, that so he might satisfy his eager soul with vengeance for all those
+deeds, at the cost of their own lives they should learn and abide all his rage
+and revenge.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Aeetes; and on that same day the Colchians launched their ships and
+cast the tackle on board, and on that same day sailed forth on the sea; thou
+wouldst not say so mighty a host was a fleet of ships, but that a countless
+flight of birds, swarm on swarm, was clamouring over the sea.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Swiftly the wind blew, as the goddess Hera planned, so that most quickly Aeaean
+Medea might reach the Pelasgian land, a bane to the house of Pelias, and on the
+third morn they bound the ship&rsquo;s stern cables to the shores of the
+Paphlagonians, at the mouth of the river Halys. For Medea bade them land and
+propitiate Hecate with sacrifice. Now all that the maiden prepared for offering
+the sacrifice may no man know, and may my soul not urge me to sing thereof. Awe
+restrains my lips, yet from that time the altar which the heroes raised on the
+beach to the goddess remains till now, a sight to men of a later day.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway Aeson&rsquo;s son and the rest of the heroes bethought them of
+Phineus, how that he had said that their course from Aea should be different,
+but to all alike his meaning was dim. Then Argus spake, and they eagerly
+hearkened:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;We go to Orchomenus, whither that unerring seer, whom ye met aforetime,
+foretold your voyage. For there is another course, signified by those priests
+of the immortal gods, who have sprung from Tritonian Thebes. As yet all the
+stars that wheel in the heaven were not, nor yet, though one should inquire,
+could aught be heard of the sacred race of the Danai. Apidanean Arcadians alone
+existed, Arcadians who lived even before the moon, it is said, eating acorns on
+the hills; nor at that time was the Pelasgian land ruled by the glorious sons
+of Deucalion, in the days when Egypt, mother of men of an older time, was
+called the fertile Morning-land, and the river fair-flowing Triton, by which
+all the Morning-land is watered; and never does the rain from Zeus moisten the
+earth; but from the flooding of the river abundant crops spring up. From this
+land, it is said, a king<a href="#linknote-27" name="linknoteref-27"
+id="linknoteref-27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> made his way all round through
+the whole of Europe and Asia, trusting in the might and strength and courage of
+his people; and countless cities did he found wherever he came, whereof some
+are still inhabited and some not; many an age hath passed since then. But Aea
+abides unshaken even now and the sons of those men whom that king settled to
+dwell in Aea. They preserve the writings of their fathers, graven on pillars,
+whereon are marked all the ways and the limits of sea and land as ye journey on
+all sides round. There is a river, the uttermost horn of Ocean, broad and
+exceeding deep, that a merchant ship may traverse; they call it Ister and have
+marked it far off; and for a while it cleaves the boundless tilth alone in one
+stream; for beyond the blasts of the north wind, far off in the Rhipaean
+mountains, its springs burst forth with a roar. But when it enters the
+boundaries of the Thracians and Scythians, here, dividing its stream into two,
+it sends its waters partly into the Ionian sea,<a href="#linknote-28"
+name="linknoteref-28" id="linknoteref-28"><sup>[28]</sup></a> and
+partly to the south into a deep gulf that bends upwards from the Trinaerian
+sea, that sea which lies along your land, if indeed Achelous flows forth from
+your land.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and to them the goddess granted a happy portent, and all at the
+sight shouted approval, that this was their appointed path. For before them
+appeared a trail of heavenly light, a sign where they might pass. And gladly
+they left behind there the son of Lyeus and with canvas outspread sailed over
+the sea, with their eyes on the Paphlagonian mountains. But they did not round
+Carambis, for the winds and the gleam of the heavenly fire stayed with them
+till they reached Ister&rsquo;s mighty stream.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now some of the Colchians, in a vain search, passed out from Pontus through the
+Cyanean rocks; but the rest went to the river, and them Apsyrtus led, and,
+turning aside, he entered the mouth called Fair. Wherefore he outstripped the
+heroes by crossing a neck of land into the furthest gulf of the Ionian sea. For
+a certain island is enclosed by Ister, by name Peuee, three-cornered, its base
+stretching along the coast, and with a sharp angle towards the river; and round
+it the outfall is cleft in two. One mouth they call the mouth of Narex, and the
+other, at the lower end, the Fair mouth. And through this Apsyrtus and his
+Colchians rushed with all speed; but the heroes went upwards far away towards
+the highest part of the island. And in the meadows the country shepherds left
+their countless flocks for dread of the ships, for they deemed that they were
+beasts coming forth from the monster-teeming sea. For never yet before had they
+seen seafaring ships, neither the Scythians mingled with the Thracians, nor the
+Sigynni, nor yet the Graucenii, nor the Sindi that now inhabit the vast desert
+plain of Laurium. But when they had passed near the mount Angurum, and the
+cliff of Cauliacus, far from the mount Angurum, round which Ister, dividing his
+stream, falls into the sea on this side and on that, and the Laurian plain,
+then indeed the Colchians went forth into the Cronian sea and cut off all the
+ways, to prevent their foes&rsquo; escape. And the heroes came down the river
+behind and reached the two Brygean isles of Artemis near at hand. Now in one of
+them was a sacred temple; and on the other they landed, avoiding the host of
+Apsyrtus; for the Colchians had left these islands out of many within the
+river, just as they were, through reverence for the daughter of Zeus; but the
+rest, thronged by the Colchians, barred the ways to the sea. And so on other
+islands too, close by, Apsyrtus left his host as far as the river Salangon and
+the Nestian land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There the Minyae would at that time have yielded in grim fight, a few to many;
+but ere then they made a covenant, shunning a dire quarrel; as to the golden
+fleece, that since Aeetes himself had so promised them if they should fulfill
+the contests, they should keep it as justly won, whether they carried it off by
+craft or even openly in the king&rsquo;s despite; but as to Medea&mdash;for
+that was the cause of strife&mdash;that they should give her in ward to
+Leto&rsquo;s daughter apart from the throng, until some one of the kings that
+dispense justice should utter his doom, whether she must return to her
+father&rsquo;s home or follow the chieftains to the land of Hellas.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the maiden had mused upon all this, sharp anguish shook her heart
+unceasingly; and quickly she called forth Jason alone apart from his comrades,
+and led him aside until they were far away, and before his face uttered her
+speech all broken with sobs:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;What is this purpose that ye are now devising about me, O son of Aeson?
+Has thy triumph utterly cast forgetfulness upon thee, and reekest thou nothing
+of all that thou spakest when held fast by necessity? Whither are fled the
+oaths by Zeus the suppliants&rsquo; god, whither are fled thy honied promises?
+For which in no seemly wise, with shameless will, I have left my country, the
+glories of my home and even my parents&mdash;things that were dearest to me;
+and far away all alone I am borne over the sea with the plaintive kingfishers
+because of thy trouble, in order that I might save thy life in fulfilling the
+contests with the oxen and the earthborn men. Last of all the fleece&mdash;when
+the matter became known, it was by my folly thou didst win it; and a foul
+reproach have I poured on womankind. Wherefore I say that as thy child, thy
+bride and thy sister, I follow thee to the land of Hellas. Be ready to stand by
+me to the end, abandon me not left forlorn of thee when thou dost visit the
+kings. But only save me; let justice and right, to which we have both agreed,
+stand firm; or else do thou at once shear through this neck with the sword,
+that I may gain the guerdon due to my mad passion. Poor wretch! if the king, to
+whom you both commit your cruel covenant, doom me to belong to my brother. How
+shall I come to my father&rsquo;s sight? Will it be with a good name? What
+revenge, what heavy calamity shall I not endure in agony for the terrible deeds
+I have done? And wilt thou win the return that thy heart desires? Never may
+Zeus&rsquo; bride, the queen of all, in whom thou dost glory, bring that to
+pass. Mayst thou some time remember me when thou art racked with anguish; may
+the fleece like a dream vanish into the nether darkness on the wings of the
+wind! And may my avenging Furies forthwith drive thee from thy country, for all
+that I have suffered through thy cruelty! These curses will not be allowed to
+fall unaccomplished to the ground. A mighty oath hast thou transgressed,
+ruthless one; but not long shalt thou and thy comrades sit at ease casting eyes
+of mockery upon me, for all your covenants.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, seething with fierce wrath; and she longed to set fire to the
+ship and to hew it utterly in pieces, and herself to fall into the raging
+flame. But Jason, half afraid, thus addressed her with gentle words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Forbear, lady; me too this pleases not. But we seek some respite from
+battle, for such a cloud of hostile men, like to a fire, surrounds us, on thy
+account. For all that inhabit this land are eager to aid Apsyrtus, that they
+may lead thee back home to thy father, like some captured maid. And all of us
+would perish in hateful destruction, if we closed with them in fight; and
+bitterer still will be the pain, if we are slain and leave thee to be their
+prey. But this covenant will weave a web of guile to lead him to ruin. Nor will
+the people of the land for thy sake oppose us, to favour the Colchians, when
+their prince is no longer with them, who is thy champion and thy brother; nor
+will I shrink from matching myself in fight with the Colchians, if they bar my
+way homeward.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake soothing her; and she uttered a deadly speech: &ldquo;Take heed
+now. For when sorry deeds are done we must needs devise sorry counsel, since at
+first I was distraught by my error, and by heaven&rsquo;s will it was I wrought
+the accomplishment of evil desires. Do thou in the turmoil shield me from the
+Colchians&rsquo; spears; and I will beguile Apsyrtus to come into thy
+hands&mdash;do thou greet him with splendid gifts&mdash;if only I could
+persuade the heralds on their departure to bring him alone to hearken to my
+words. Thereupon if this deed pleases thee, slay him and raise a conflict with
+the Colchians, I care not.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they two agreed and prepared a great web of guile for Apsyrtus, and provided
+many gifts such as are due to guests, and among them gave a sacred robe of
+Hypsipyle, of crimson hue. The Graces with their own hands had wrought it for
+Dionysus in sea-girt Dia, and he gave it to his son Thoas thereafter, and Thoas
+left it to Hypsipyle, and she gave that fair-wrought guest-gift with many
+another marvel to Aeson&rsquo;s son to wear. Never couldst thou satisfy thy
+sweet desire by touching it or gazing on it. And from it a divine fragrance
+breathed from the time when the king of Nysa himself lay to rest thereon,
+flushed with wine and nectar as he clasped the beauteous breast of the
+maiden-daughter of Minos, whom once Theseus forsook in the island of Dia, when
+she had followed him from Cnossus. And when she had worked upon the heralds to
+induce her brother to come, as soon as she reached the temple of the goddess,
+according to the agreement, and the darkness of night surrounded them, that so
+she might devise with him a cunning plan for her to take the mighty fleece of
+gold and return to the home of Aeetes, for, she said, the sons of Phrixus had
+given her by force to the strangers to carry off; with such beguiling words she
+scattered to the air and the breezes her witching charms, which even from afar
+would have drawn down the savage beast from the steep mountain-height.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Ruthless Love, great bane, great curse to mankind, from thee come deadly
+strifes and lamentations and groans, and countless pains as well have their
+stormy birth from thee. Arise, thou god, and arm thyself against the sons of
+our foes in such guise as when thou didst fill Medea&rsquo;s heart with
+accursed madness. How then by evil doom did she slay Apsyrtus when he came to
+meet her? For that must our song tell next.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When the heroes had left the maiden on the island of Artemis, according to the
+covenant, both sides ran their ships to land separately. And Jason went to the
+ambush to lie in wait for Apsyrtus and then for his comrades. But he, beguiled
+by these dire promises, swiftly crossed the swell of the sea in his ship, and
+in dark night set foot on the sacred island; and faring all alone to meet her
+he made trial in speech of his sister, as a tender child tries a wintry torrent
+which not even strong men can pass through, to see if she would devise some
+guile against the strangers. And so they two agreed together on everything; and
+straightway Aeson&rsquo;s son leapt forth from the thick ambush, lifting his
+bare sword in his hand; and quickly the maiden turned her eyes aside and
+covered them with her veil that she might not see the blood of her brother when
+he was smitten. And Jason marked him and struck him down, as a butcher strikes
+down a mighty strong-horned bull, hard by the temple which the Brygi on the
+mainland opposite had once built for Artemis. In its vestibule he fell on his
+knees; and at last the hero breathing out his life caught up in both hands the
+dark blood as it welled from the wound; and he dyed with red his sister&rsquo;s
+silvery veil and robe as she shrank away. And with swift side-glance the
+irresistible pitiless Fury beheld the deadly deed they had done. And the hero,
+Aeson&rsquo;s son, cut off the extremities of the dead man, and thrice licked
+up some blood and thrice spat the pollution from his teeth, as it is right for
+the slayer to do, to atone for a treacherous murder. And the clammy corpse he
+hid in the ground where even now those bones lie among the Apsyrtians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now as soon as the heroes saw the blaze of a torch, which the maiden raised for
+them as a sign to pursue, they laid their own ship near the Colchian ship, and
+they slaughtered the Colchian host, as kites slay the tribes of wood-pigeons,
+or as lions of the wold, when they have leapt amid the steading, drive a great
+flock of sheep huddled together. Nor did one of them escape death, but the
+heroes rushed upon the whole crew, destroying them like a flame; and at last
+Jason met them, and was eager to give aid where none was needed; but already
+they were taking thought for him too. Thereupon they sat to devise some prudent
+counsel for their voyage, and the maiden came upon them as they pondered, but
+Peleus spake his word first:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;I now bid you embark while it is still night, and take with your oars
+the passage opposite to that which the enemy guards, for at dawn when they see
+their plight I deem that no word urging to further pursuit of us will prevail
+with them; but as people bereft of their king, they will be scattered in
+grievous dissension. And easy, when the people are scattered, will this path be
+for us on our return.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake; and the youths assented to the words of Aeacus&rsquo; son. And
+quickly they entered the ship, and toiled at their oars unceasingly until they
+reached the sacred isle of Electra, the highest of them all, near the river
+Eridanus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the Colchians learnt the death of their prince, verily they were eager
+to pursue Argo and the Minyans through all the Cronian sea. But Hera restrained
+them by terrible lightnings from the sky. And at last they loathed their own
+homes in the Cytaean land, quailing before Aeetes&rsquo; fierce wrath; so they
+landed and made abiding homes there, scattered far and wide. Some set foot on
+those very islands where the heroes had stayed, and they still dwell there,
+bearing a name derived from Apsyrtus; and others built a fenced city by the
+dark deep Illyrian river, where is the tomb of Harmonia and Cadmus, dwelling
+among the Encheleans; and others live amid the mountains which are called the
+Thunderers, from the day when the thunders of Zeus, son of Cronos, prevented
+them from crossing over to the island opposite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the heroes, when their return seemed safe for them, fared onward and made
+their hawsers fast to the land of the Hylleans. For the islands lay thick in
+the river and made the path dangerous for those who sailed thereby. Nor, as
+aforetime, did the Hylleans devise their hurt, but of their own accord
+furthered their passage, winning as guerdon a mighty tripod of Apollo. For
+tripods twain had Phoebus given to Aeson&rsquo;s son to carry afar in the
+voyage he had to make, at the time when he went to sacred Pytho to enquire
+about this very voyage; and it was ordained by fate that in whatever land they
+should be placed, that land should never be ravaged by the attacks of foemen.
+Therefore even now this tripod is hidden in that land near the pleasant city of
+Hyllus, far beneath the earth, that it may ever be unseen by mortals. Yet they
+found not King Hyllus still alive in the land, whom fair Melite bare to
+Heracles in the land of the Phaeacians. For he came to the abode of Nausithous
+and to Macris, the nurse of Dionysus, to cleanse himself from the deadly murder
+of his children; here he loved and overcame the water nymph Melite, the
+daughter of the river Aegaeus, and she bare mighty Hyllus. But when he had
+grown up he desired not to dwell in that island under the rule of Nausithous
+the king; but he collected a host of native Phaeacians and came to the Cronian
+sea; for the hero King Nausithous aided his journey, and there he settled, and
+the Mentores slew him as he was fighting for the oxen of his field.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now, goddesses, say how it is that beyond this sea, near the land of Ausonia
+and the Ligystian isles, which are called Stoechades, the mighty tracks of the
+ship Argo are clearly sung of? What great constraint and need brought the
+heroes so far? What breezes wafted them?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+When Apsyrtus had fallen in mighty overthrow Zeus himself, king of gods, was
+seized with wrath at what they had done. And he ordained that by the counsels
+of Aeaean Circe they should cleanse themselves from the terrible stain of blood
+and suffer countless woes before their return. Yet none of the chieftains knew
+this; but far onward they sped starting from the Hyllean land, and they left
+behind all the islands that were beforetime thronged by the Colchians&mdash;the
+Liburnian isles, isle after isle, Issa, Dysceladus, and lovely Pityeia. Next
+after them they came to Corcyra, where Poseidon settled the daughter of Asopus,
+fair-haired Corcyra, far from the land of Phlius, whence he had carried her off
+through love; and sailors beholding it from the sea, all black with its sombre
+woods, call it Corcyra the Black. And next they passed Melite, rejoicing in the
+soft-blowing breeze, and steep Cerossus, and Nymphaea at a distance, where lady
+Calypso, daughter of Atlas, dwelt; and they deemed they saw the misty mountains
+of Thunder. And then Hera bethought her of the counsels and wrath of Zeus
+concerning them. And she devised an ending of their voyage and stirred up
+storm-winds before them, by which they were caught and borne back to the rocky
+isle of Electra. And straightway on a sudden there called to them in the midst
+of their course, speaking with a human voice, the beam of the hollow ship,
+which Athena had set in the centre of the stem, made of Dodonian oak. And
+deadly fear seized them as they heard the voice that told of the grievous wrath
+of Zeus. For it proclaimed that they should not escape the paths of an endless
+sea nor grievous tempests, unless Circe should purge away the guilt of the
+ruthless murder of Apsyrtus; and it bade Polydeuces and Castor pray to the
+immortal gods first to grant a path through the Ausonian sea where they should
+find Circe, daughter of Perse and Helios.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Argo cried through the darkness; and the sons of Tyndareus uprose, and
+lifted their hands to the immortals praying for each boon: but dejection held
+the rest of the Minyan heroes. And far on sped Argo under sail, and entered
+deep into the stream of Eridanus; where once, smitten on the breast by the
+blazing bolt, Phaethon half-consumed fell from the chariot of Helios into the
+opening of that deep lake; and even now it belcheth up heavy steam clouds from
+the smouldering wound. And no bird spreading its light wings can cross that
+water; but in mid-course it plunges into the flame, fluttering. And all around
+the maidens, the daughters of Helios, enclosed in tall poplars, wretchedly wail
+a piteous plaint; and from their eyes they shed on the ground bright drops of
+amber. These are dried by the sun upon the sand; but whenever the waters of the
+dark lake flow over the strand before the blast of the wailing wind, then they
+roll on in a mass into Eridanus with swelling tide. But the Celts have attached
+this story to them, that these are the tears of Leto&rsquo;s son, Apollo, that
+are borne along by the eddies, the countless tears that he shed aforetime when
+he came to the sacred race of the Hyperboreans and left shining heaven at the
+chiding of his father, being in wrath concerning his son whom divine Coronis
+bare in bright Lacereia at the mouth of Amyrus. And such is the story told
+among these men. But no desire for food or drink seized the heroes nor were
+their thoughts turned to joy. But they were sorely afflicted all day, heavy and
+faint at heart, with the noisome stench, hard to endure, which the streams of
+Eridanus sent forth from Phaethon still burning; and at night they heard the
+piercing lament of the daughters of Helios, wailing with shrill voice; and, as
+they lamented, their tears were borne on the water like drops of oil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thence they entered the deep stream of Rhodanus which flows into Eridanus; and
+where they meet there is a roar of mingling waters. Now that river, rising from
+the ends of the earth, where are the portals and mansions of Night, on one side
+bursts forth upon the beach of Ocean, at another pours into the Ionian sea, and
+on the third through seven mouths sends its stream to the Sardinian sea and its
+limitless bay.<a href="#linknote-29" name="linknoteref-29"
+id="linknoteref-29"><sup>[29]</sup></a> And from Rhodanus they entered
+stormy lakes, which spread throughout the Celtic mainland of wondrous size; and
+there they would have met with an inglorious calamity; for a certain branch of
+the river was bearing them towards a gulf of Ocean which in ignorance they were
+about to enter, and never would they have returned from there in safety. But
+Hera leaping forth from heaven pealed her cry from the Hercynian rock; and all
+together were shaken with fear of her cry; for terribly crashed the mighty
+firmament. And backward they turned by reason of the goddess, and noted the
+path by which their return was ordained. And after a long while they came to
+the beach of the surging sea by the devising of Hera, passing unharmed through
+countless tribes of the Celts and Ligyans. For round them the goddess poured a
+dread mist day by day as they fared on. And so, sailing through the midmost
+mouth, they reached the Stoechades islands in safety by the aid of the sons of
+Zeus; wherefore altars and sacred rites are established in their honour for
+ever; and not that sea-faring alone did they attend to succour; but Zeus
+granted to them the ships of future sailors too. Then leaving the Stoechades
+they passed on to the island Aethalia, where after their toil they wiped away
+with pebbles sweat in abundance; and pebbles like skin in colour are strewn on
+the beach;<a href="#linknote-30" name="linknoteref-30"
+id="linknoteref-30"><sup>[30]</sup></a> and there are their quoits and
+their wondrous armour; and there is the Argoan harbour called after them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And quickly from there they passed through the sea, beholding the Tyrrhenian
+shores of Ausonia; and they came to the famous harbour of Aeaea, and from the
+ship they cast hawsers to the shore near at hand. And here they found Circe
+bathing her head in the salt sea-spray, for sorely had she been scared by
+visions of the night. With blood her chambers and all the walls of her palace
+seemed to be running, and flame was devouring all the magic herbs with which
+she used to bewitch strangers whoever came; and she herself with murderous
+blood quenched the glowing flame, drawing it up in her hands; and she ceased
+from deadly fear. Wherefore when morning came she rose, and with sea-spray was
+bathing her hair and her garments. And beasts, not resembling the beasts of the
+wild, nor yet like men in body, but with a medley of limbs, went in a throng,
+as sheep from the fold in multitudes follow the shepherd. Such creatures,
+compacted of various limbs, did each herself produce from the primeval slime
+when she had not yet grown solid beneath a rainless sky nor yet had received a
+drop of moisture from the rays of the scorching sun; but time combined these
+forms and marshalled them in their ranks; in such wise these monsters shapeless
+of form followed her. And exceeding wonder seized the heroes, and at once, as
+each gazed on the form and face of Circe, they readily guessed that she was the
+sister of Aeetes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when she had dismissed the fears of her nightly visions, straightway she
+fared backwards, and in her subtlety she bade the heroes follow, charming them
+on with her hand. Thereupon the host remained stedfast at the bidding of
+Aeson&rsquo;s son, but Jason drew with him the Colchian maid. And both followed
+the selfsame path till they reached the hall of Circe, and she in amaze at
+their coming bade them sit on brightly burnished seats. And they, quiet and
+silent, sped to the hearth and sat there, as is the wont of wretched
+suppliants. Medea hid her face in both her hands, but Jason fixed in the ground
+the mighty hilted sword with which he had slain Aeetes&rsquo; son; nor did they
+raise their eyes to meet her look. And straightway Circe became aware of the
+doom of a suppliant and the guilt of murder. Wherefore in reverence for the
+ordinance of Zeus, the god of suppliants, who is a god of wrath yet mightily
+aids slayers of men, she began to offer the sacrifice with which ruthless
+suppliants are cleansed from guilt when they approach the altar. First, to
+atone for the murder still unexpiated, she held above their heads the young of
+a sow whose dugs yet swelled from the fruit of the womb, and, severing its
+neck, sprinkled their hands with the blood; and again she made propitiation
+with other drink offerings, calling on Zeus the Cleanser, the protector of
+murder-stained suppliants. And all the defilements in a mass her attendants
+bore forth from the palace&mdash;the Naiad nymphs who ministered all things to
+her. And within, Circe, standing by the hearth, kept burning atonement-cakes
+without wine, praying the while that she might stay from their wrath the
+terrible Furies, and that Zeus himself might be propitious and gentle to them
+both, whether with hands stained by the blood of a stranger or, as kinsfolk, by
+the blood of a kinsman, they should implore his grace.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when she had wrought all her task, then she raised them up and seated them
+on well polished seats, and herself sat near, face to face with them. And at
+once she asked them clearly of their business and their voyaging, and whence
+they had come to her land and palace, and had thus seated themselves as
+suppliants at her hearth. For in truth the hideous remembrance of her dreams
+entered her mind as she pondered; and she longed to hear the voice of the
+maiden, her kinswoman, as soon as she saw that she had raised her eyes from the
+ground. For all those of the race of Helios were plain to discern, since by the
+far flashing of their eyes they shot in front of them a gleam as of gold. So
+Medea told her all she asked&mdash;the daughter of Aeetes of the gloomy heart,
+speaking gently in the Colchian tongue, both of the quest and the journeyings
+of the heroes, and of their toils in the swift contests, and how she had sinned
+through the counsels of her much-sorrowing sister, and how with the sons of
+Phrixus she had fled afar from the tyrannous horrors of her father; but she
+shrank from telling of the murder of Apsyrtus. Yet she escaped not
+Circe&rsquo;s ken; nevertheless, in spite of all, she pitied the weeping
+maiden, and spake thus:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Poor wretch, an evil and shameful return hast thou planned. Not for
+long, I ween, wilt thou escape the heavy wrath of Aeetes; but soon will he go
+even to the dwellings of Hellas to avenge the blood of his son, for intolerable
+are the deeds thou hast done. But since thou art my suppliant and my kinswoman,
+no further ill shall I devise against thee at thy coming; but begone from my
+halls, companioning the stranger, whosoever he be, this unknown one that thou
+hast taken in thy father&rsquo;s despite; and kneel not to me at my hearth, for
+never will I approve thy counsels and thy shameful flight.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and measureless anguish seized the maid; and over her eyes she
+cast her robe and poured forth a lamentation, until the hero took her by the
+hand and led her forth from the hall quivering with fear. So they left the home
+of Circe.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But they were not unmarked by the spouse of Zeus, son of Cronos; but Iris told
+her when she saw them faring from the hall. For Hera had bidden her watch what
+time they should come to the ship; so again she urged her and spake:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Dear Iris, now come, if ever thou hast fulfilled my bidding, hie thee
+away on light pinions, and bid Thetis arise from the sea and come hither. For
+need of her is come upon me. Then go to the sea-beaches where the bronze anvils
+of Hephaestus are smitten by sturdy hammers, and tell him to still the blasts
+of fire until Argo pass by them. Then go to Aeolus too, Aeolus who rules the
+winds, children of the clear sky; and to him also tell my purpose so that he
+may make all winds cease under heaven and no breeze may ruffle the sea; yet let
+the breath of the west wind blow until the heroes have reached the Phaeacian
+isle of Alcinous.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So she spake, and straightway Iris leapt down from Olympus and cleft her way,
+with light wings outspread. And she plunged into the Aegean Sea, where is the
+dwelling of Nereus. And she came to Thetis first and, by the promptings of
+Hera, told her tale and roused her to go to the goddess. Next she came to
+Hephaestus, and quickly made him cease from the clang of his iron hammers; and
+the smoke-grimed bellows were stayed from their blast. And thirdly she came to
+Aeolus, the famous son of Hippotas. And when she had given her message to him
+also and rested her swift knees from her course, then Thetis leaving Nereus and
+her sisters had come from the sea to Olympus to the goddess Hera; and the
+goddess made her sit by her side and uttered her word:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Hearken now, lady Thetis, to what I am eager to tell thee. Thou knowest
+how honoured in my heart is the hero, Aeson&rsquo;s son, and the others that
+have helped him in the contest, and how I saved them when they passed between
+the Wandering rocks,<a href="#linknote-31" name="linknoteref-31"
+id="linknoteref-31"><sup>[31]</sup></a> where roar terrible storms of
+fire and the waves foam round the rugged reefs. And now past the mighty rock of
+Scylla and Charybdis horribly belching, a course awaits them. But thee indeed
+from thy infancy did I tend with my own hands and love beyond all others that
+dwell in the salt sea because thou didst refuse to share the couch of Zeus, for
+all his desire. For to him such deeds are ever dear, to embrace either
+goddesses or mortal women. But in reverence for me and with fear in thy heart
+thou didst shrink from his love; and he then swore a mighty oath that thou
+shouldst never be called the bride of an immortal god. Yet he ceased not from
+spying thee against thy will, until reverend Themis declared to him the whole
+truth, how that it was thy fate to bear a son mightier than his sire; wherefore
+he gave thee up, for all his desire, fearing lest another should be his match
+and rule the immortals, and in order that he might ever hold his own dominion.
+But I gave thee the best of the sons of earth to be thy husband, that thou
+mightest find a marriage dear to thy heart and bear children; and I summoned to
+the feast the gods, one and all. And with my own hand I raised the bridal
+torch, in return for the kindly honour thou didst pay me. But come, let me tell
+a tale that erreth not. When thy son shall come to the Elysian plain, he whom
+now in the home of Cheiron the Centaur water-nymphs are tending, though he
+still craves thy mother milk, it is fated that he be the husband of Medea,
+Aeetes&rsquo; daughter; do thou aid thy daughter-in-law as a mother-in-law
+should, and aid Peleus himself. Why is thy wrath so steadfast? He was blinded
+by folly. For blindness comes even upon the gods. Surely at my behest I deem
+that Hephaestus will cease from kindling the fury of his flame, and that
+Aeolus, son of Hippotas, will check his swift rushing winds, all but the steady
+west wind, until they reach the havens of the Phaeacians; do thou devise a
+return without bane. The rocks and the tyrannous waves are my fear, they alone,
+and them thou canst foil with thy sisters&rsquo; aid. And let them not fall in
+their helplessness into Charybdis lest she swallow them at one gulp, or
+approach the hideous lair of Scylla, Ausonian Scylla the deadly, whom
+night-wandering Hecate, who is called Crataeis,<a href="#linknote-32"
+name="linknoteref-32" id="linknoteref-32"><sup>[32]</sup></a> bare to
+Phoreys, lest swooping upon them with her horrible jaws she destroy the
+chiefest of the heroes. But guide their ship in the course where there shall be
+still a hair&rsquo;s breadth escape from destruction.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and Thetis answered with these words: &ldquo;If the fury of the
+ravening flame and the stormy winds cease in very deed, surely will I promise
+boldly to save the ship, even though the waves bar the way, if only the west
+wind blows fresh and clear. But it is time to fare on a long and measureless
+path, in quest of my sisters who will aid me, and to the spot where the
+ship&rsquo;s hawsers are fastened, that at early dawn the heroes may take
+thought to win their home-return.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake, and darting down from the sky fell amid the eddies of the dark blue
+sea; and she called to aid her the rest of the Nereids, her own sisters; and
+they heard her and gathered together; and Thetis declared to them Hera&rsquo;s
+behests, and quickly sped them all on their way to the Ausonian sea. And
+herself, swifter than the flash of an eye or the shafts of the sun, when it
+rises upwards from a far-distant land, hastened swiftly through the sea, until
+she reached the Aeaean beach of the Tyrrhenian mainland. And the heroes she
+found by the ship taking their pastime with quoits and shooting of arrows; and
+she drew near and just touched the hand of Aeaeus&rsquo; son Peleus, for he was
+her husband; nor could anyone see her clearly, but she appeared to his eyes
+alone, and thus addressed him:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;No longer now must ye stay sitting on the Tyrrhenian beach, but at dawn
+loosen the hawsers of your swift ship, in obedience to Hera, your helper. For
+at her behest the maiden daughters of Nereus have met together to draw your
+ship through the midst of the rocks which are called Planctae, <a
+href="#linknote-33" name="linknoteref-33"
+id="linknoteref-33"><sup>[33]</sup></a> for that is your destined path.
+But do thou show my person to no one, when thou seest us come to meet time, but
+keep it secret in thy mind, lest thou anger me still more than thou didst anger
+me before so recklessly.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She spake, and vanished into the depths of the sea; but sharp pain smote
+Peleus, for never before had he seen her come, since first she left her bridal
+chamber and bed in anger, on account of noble Achilles, then a babe. For she
+ever encompassed the child&rsquo;s mortal flesh in the night with the flame of
+fire; and day by day she anointed with ambrosia his tender frame, so that he
+might become immortal and that she might keep off from his body loathsome old
+age. But Peleus leapt up from his bed and saw his dear son gasping in the
+flame; and at the sight he uttered a terrible cry, fool that he was; and she
+heard it, and catching up the child threw him screaming to the ground, and
+herself like a breath of wind passed swiftly from the hall as a dream and leapt
+into the sea, exceeding wroth, and thereafter returned not again. Wherefore
+blank amazement fettered his soul; nevertheless he declared to his comrades all
+the bidding of Thetis. And they broke off in the midst and hurriedly ceased
+their contests, and prepared their meal and earth-strewn beds, whereon after
+supper they slept through the night as aforetime.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when dawn the light-bringer was touching the edge of heaven, then at the
+coming of the swift west wind they went to their thwarts from the land; and
+gladly did they draw up the anchors from the deep and made the tackling ready
+in due order; and above spread the sail, stretching it taut with the sheets
+from the yard-arm. And a fresh breeze wafted the ship on. And soon they saw a
+fair island, Anthemoessa, where the clear-voiced Sirens, daughters of Achelous,
+used to beguile with their sweet songs whoever cast anchor there, and then
+destroy him. Them lovely Terpsichore, one of the Muses, bare, united with
+Achelous; and once they tended Demeter&rsquo;s noble daughter still unwed, and
+sang to her in chorus; and at that time they were fashioned in part like birds
+and in part like maidens to behold. And ever on the watch from their place of
+prospect with its fair haven, often from many had they taken away their sweet
+return, consuming them with wasting desire; and suddenly to the heroes, too,
+they sent forth from their lips a lily-like voice. And they were already about
+to cast from the ship the hawsers to the shore, had not Thracian Orpheus, son
+of Oeagrus, stringing in his hands his Bistonian lyre, rung forth the hasty
+snatch of a rippling melody so that their ears might be filled with the sound
+of his twanging; and the lyre overcame the maidens&rsquo; voice. And the west
+wind and the sounding wave rushing astern bore the ship on; and the Sirens kept
+uttering their ceaseless song. But even so the goodly son of Teleon alone of
+the comrades leapt before them all from the polished bench into the sea, even
+Butes, his soul melted by the clear ringing voice of the Sirens; and he swam
+through the dark surge to mount the beach, poor wretch. Quickly would they have
+robbed him of his return then and there, but the goddess that rules Eryx,
+Cypris, in pity snatched him away, while yet in the eddies, and graciously
+meeting him saved him to dwell on the Lilybean height. And the heroes, seized
+by anguish, left the Sirens, but other perils still worse, destructive to
+ships, awaited them in the meeting-place of the seas.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For on one side appeared the smooth rock of Scylla; on the other Charybdis
+ceaselessly spouted and roared; in another part the Wandering rocks were
+booming beneath the mighty surge, where before the burning flame spurted forth
+from the top of the crags, above the rock glowing with fire, and the air was
+misty with smoke, nor could you have seen the sun&rsquo;s light. Then, though
+Hephaestus had ceased from his toils, the sea was still sending up a warm
+vapour. Hereupon on this side and on that the daughters of Nereus met them; and
+behind, lady Thetis set her hand to the rudder-blade, to guide them amid the
+Wandering rocks. And as when in fair weather herds of dolphins come up from the
+depths and sport in circles round a ship as it speeds along, now seen in front,
+now behind, now again at the side and delight comes to the sailors; so the
+Nereids darted upward and circled in their ranks round the ship Argo, while
+Thetis guided its course. And when they were about to touch the Wandering
+rocks, straightway they raised the edge of their garments over their snow-white
+knees, and aloft, on the very rocks and where the waves broke, they hurried
+along on this side and on that apart from one another. And the ship was raised
+aloft as the current smote her, and all around the furious wave mounting up
+broke over the rocks, which at one time touched the sky like towering crags, at
+another, down in the depths, were fixed fast at the bottom of the sea and the
+fierce waves poured over them in floods. And the Nereids, even as maidens near
+some sandy beach roll their garments up to their waists out of their way and
+sport with a shapely-rounded ball; then they catch it one from another and send
+it high into the air; and it never touches the ground; so they in turn one from
+another sent the ship through the air over the waves, as it sped on ever away
+from the rocks; and round them the water spouted and foamed. And lord
+Hephaestus himself standing on the summit of a smooth rock and resting his
+massy shoulder on the handle of his hammer, beheld them, and the spouse of Zeus
+beheld them as she stood above the gleaming heaven; and she threw her arms
+round Athena, such fear seized her as she gazed. And as long as the space of a
+day is lengthened out in springtime, so long a time did they toil, heaving the
+ship between the loud-echoing rocks; then again the heroes caught the wind and
+sped onward; and swiftly they passed the mead of Thrinacia, where the kine of
+Helios fed. There the nymphs, like sea-mews, plunged beneath the depths, when
+they had fulfilled the behests of the spouse of Zeus. And at the same time the
+bleating of sheep came to the heroes through the mist and the lowing of kine,
+near at hand, smote their ears. And over the dewy leas Phaethusa, the youngest
+of the daughters of Helios, tended the sheep, bearing in her hand a silver
+crook; while Lampetia, herding the kine, wielded a staff of glowing
+orichalcum<a href="#linknote-34" name="linknoteref-34"
+id="linknoteref-34"><sup>[34]</sup></a> as she followed. These kine the heroes
+saw feeding by the river&rsquo;s stream, over the plain and the water-meadow;
+not one of them was dark in hue but all were white as milk and glorying in
+their horns of gold. So they passed them by in the day-time, and when night
+came on they were cleaving a great sea-gulf, rejoicing, until again early
+rising dawn threw light upon their course.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Fronting the Ionian gulf there lies an island in the Ceraunian sea, rich in
+soil, with a harbour on both sides, beneath which lies the sickle, as legend
+saith&mdash;grant me grace, O Muses, not willingly do I tell this tale of olden
+days&mdash;wherewith Cronos pitilessly mutilated his father; but others call it
+the reaping-hook of Demeter, goddess of the nether world. For Demeter once
+dwelt in that island, and taught the Titans to reap the ears of corn, all for
+the love of Macris. Whence it is called Drepane,<a href="#linknote-35"
+name="linknoteref-35" id="linknoteref-35"><sup>[35]</sup></a> the
+sacred nurse of the Phaeacians; and thus the Phaeacians themselves are by birth
+of the blood of Uranus. To them came Argo, held fast by many toils, borne by
+the breezes from the Thrinacian sea; and Alcinous and his people with kindly
+sacrifice gladly welcomed their coming; and over them all the city made merry;
+thou wouldst say they were rejoicing over their own sons. And the heroes
+themselves strode in gladness through the throng, even as though they had set
+foot in the heart of Haemonia; but soon were they to arm and raise the
+battle-cry; so near to them appeared a boundless host of Colchians, who had
+passed through the mouth of Pontus and between the Cyanean rocks in search of
+the chieftains. They desired forthwith to carry off Medea to her father&rsquo;s
+house apart from the rest, or else they threatened with fierce cruelty to raise
+the dread war-cry both then and thereafter on the coming of Aeetes. But lordly
+Alcinous checked them amid their eagerness for war. For he longed to allay the
+lawless strife between both sides without the clash of battle. And the maiden
+in deadly fear often implored the comrades of Aeson&rsquo;s son, and often with
+her hands touched the knees of Arete, the bride of Aleinous:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;I beseech thee, O queen, be gracious and deliver me not to the Colchians
+to be borne to my father, if thou thyself too art one of the race of mortals,
+whose heart rushes swiftly to ruin from light transgressions. For my firm sense
+forsook me&mdash;it was not for wantonness. Be witness the sacred light of
+Helios, be witness the rites of the maiden that wanders by night, daughter of
+Perses. Not willingly did I haste from my home with men of an alien race; but a
+horrible fear wrought on me to bethink me of flight when I sinned; other device
+was there none. Still my maiden&rsquo;s girdle remains, as in the halls of my
+father, unstained, untouched. Pity me, lady, and turn thy lord to mercy; and
+may the immortals grant thee a perfect life, and joy, and children, and the
+glory of a city unravaged!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus did she implore Arete, shedding tears, and thus each of the chieftains in
+turn:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;On your account, ye men of peerless might, and on account of my toils in
+your ventures am I sorely afflicted; even I, by whose help ye yoked the bulls,
+and reaped the deadly harvest of the earthborn men; even I, through whom on
+your homeward path ye shall bear to Haemonia the golden fleece. Lo, here am I,
+who have lost my country and my parents, who have lost my home and all the
+delights of life; to you have I restored your country and your homes; with eyes
+of gladness ye will see again your parents; but from me a heavy-handed god has
+raft all joy; and with strangers I wander, an accursed thing. Fear your
+covenant and your oaths, fear the Fury that avenges suppliants and the
+retribution of heaven, if I fall into Aeetes&rsquo; hands and am slain with
+grievous outrage. To no shrines, no tower of defence, no other refuge do I pay
+heed, but only to you. Hard and pitiless in your cruelty! No reverence have ye
+for me in your heart though ye see me helpless, stretching my hands towards the
+knees of a stranger queen; yet, when ye longed to seize the fleece, ye would
+have met all the Colchians face to thee and haughty Aeetes himself; but now ye
+have forgotten your courage, now that they are all alone and cut off.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, beseeching; and to whomsoever she bowed in prayer, that man
+tried to give her heart and to check her anguish. And in their hands they shook
+their sharp pointed spears, and drew the swords from their sheaths; and they
+swore they would not hold back from giving succour, if she should meet with an
+unrighteous judgement. And the host were all wearied and Night came on them,
+Night that puts to rest the works of men, and lulled all the earth to sleep;
+but to the maid no sleep brought rest, but in her bosom her heart was wrung
+with anguish. Even as when a toiling woman turns her spindle through the night,
+and round her moan her orphan children, for she is a widow, and down her cheeks
+fall the tears, as she bethinks her how dreary a lot hath seized her; so
+Medea&rsquo;s cheeks were wet; and her heart within her was in agony, pierced
+with sharp pain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now within the palace in the city, as aforetime, lay lordly Alcinous and Arete,
+the revered wife of Alcinous, and on their couch through the night they were
+devising plans about the maiden; and him, as her wedded husband, the wife
+addressed with loving words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Yea, my friend, come, save the woe-stricken maid from the Colchians and
+show grace to the Minyae. Argos is near our isle and the men of Haemonia; but
+Aeetes dwells not near, nor do we know of Aeetes one whit: we hear but his
+name; but this maiden of dread suffering hath broken my heart by her prayers. O
+king, give her not up to the Colchians to be borne back to her father&rsquo;s
+home. She was distraught when first she gave him the drugs to charm the oxen;
+and next, to cure one ill by another, as in our sinning we do often, she fled
+from her haughty sire&rsquo;s heavy wrath. But Jason, as I hear, is bound to
+her by mighty oaths that he will make her his wedded wife within his halls.
+Wherefore, my friend, make not, of thy will, Aeson&rsquo;s son to be forsworn,
+nor let the father, if thou canst help, work with angry heart some intolerable
+mischief on his child. For fathers are all too jealous against their children;
+what wrong did Nycteus devise against Antiope, fair of face! What woes did
+Danae endure on the wide sea through her sire&rsquo;s mad rage! Of late, and
+not far away, Echetus in wanton cruelty thrust spikes of bronze in his
+daughter&rsquo;s eyes; and by a grievous fate is she wasting away, grinding
+grains of bronze in a dungeon&rsquo;s gloom.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, beseeching; and by his wife&rsquo;s words his heart was
+softened, and thus he spake:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Arete, with arms I could drive forth the Colchians, showing grace to the
+heroes for the maiden&rsquo;s sake. But I fear to set at nought the righteous
+judgment of Zeus. Nor is it well to take no thought of Aeetes, as thou sayest:
+for none is more lordly than Aeetes. And, if he willed, he might bring war upon
+Hellas, though he dwell afar. Wherefore it is right for me to deliver the
+judgement that in all men&rsquo;s eyes shall be best; and I will not hide it
+from thee. If she be yet a maid I decree that they carry her back to her
+father; but if she shares a husband&rsquo;s bed, I will not separate her from
+her lord; nor, if she bear a child beneath her breast, will I give it up to an
+enemy.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and at once sleep laid him to rest. And she stored up in her
+heart the word of wisdom, and straightway rose from her couch and went through
+the palace; and her handmaids came hasting together, eagerly tending their
+mistress. But quietly she summoned her herald and addressed him, in her
+prudence urging Aeson&rsquo;s son to wed the maiden, and not to implore
+Alcinous; for he himself, she said, will decree to the Colchians that if she is
+still a maid he will deliver her up to be borne to her father&rsquo;s house,
+but that if she shares a husband&rsquo;s bed he will not sever her from wedded
+love.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake, and quickly from the hall his feet bore him, that he might
+declare to Jason the fair-omened speech of Arete and the counsel of godfearing
+Alcinous. And he found the heroes watching in full armour in the haven of
+Hyllus, near the city; and out he spake the whole message; and each
+hero&rsquo;s heart rejoiced; for the word that he spake was welcome.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway they mingled a bowl to the blessed ones, as is right, and
+reverently led sheep to the altar, and for that very night prepared for the
+maiden the bridal couch in the sacred cave, where once dwelt Macris, the
+daughter of Aristaeus, lord of honey, who discovered the works of bees and the
+fatness of the olive, the fruit of labour. She it was that first received in
+her bosom the Nysean son of Zeus in Abantian Euboea, and with honey moistened
+his parched lips when Hermes bore him out of the flame. And Hera beheld it, and
+in wrath drove her from the whole island. And she accordingly came to dwell far
+off, in the sacred cave of the Phaeacians, and granted boundless wealth to the
+inhabitants. There at that time did they spread a mighty couch; and thereon
+they laid the glittering fleece of gold, that so the marriage might be made
+honoured and the theme of song. And for them nymphs gathered flowers of varied
+hue and bore them thither in their white bosoms; and a splendour as of flame
+played round them all, such a light gleamed from the golden tufts. And in their
+eyes it kindled a sweet longing; yet for all her desire, awe withheld each one
+from laying her hand thereon. Some were called daughters of the river Aegaeus;
+others dwelt round the crests of the Meliteian mount; and others were woodland
+nymphs from the plains. For Hera herself, the spouse of Zeus, had sent them to
+do honour to Jason. That cave is to this day called the sacred cave of Medea,
+where they spread the fine and fragrant linen and brought these two together.
+And the heroes in their hands wielded their spears for war, lest first a host
+of foes should burst upon them for battle unawares, and, their heads enwreathed
+with leafy sprays, all in harmony, while Orpheus&rsquo; harp rang clear, sang
+the marriage song at the entrance to the bridal chamber. Yet not in the house
+of Alcinous was the hero, Aeson&rsquo;s son, minded to complete his marriage,
+but in his father&rsquo;s hall when he had returned home to Ioleus; and such
+was the mind of Medea herself; but necessity led them to wed at this time. For
+never in truth do we tribes of woe-stricken mortals tread the path of delight
+with sure foot; but still some bitter affliction keeps pace with our joy.
+Wherefore they too, though their souls were melted with sweet love, were held
+by fear, whether the sentence of Alcinous would be fulfilled.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now dawn returning with her beams divine scattered the gloomy night through the
+sky; and the island beaches laughed out and the paths over the plains far off,
+drenched with dew, and there was a din in the streets; the people were astir
+throughout the city, and far away the Colchians were astir at the bounds of the
+isle of Macris. And straightway to them went Alcinous, by reason of his
+covenant, to declare his purpose concerning the maiden, and in his hand he held
+a golden staff, his staff of justice, whereby the people had righteous
+judgments meted out to them throughout the city. And with him in order due and
+arrayed in their harness of war went marching, band by band, the chiefs of the
+Phaeacians. And from the towers came forth the women in crowds to gaze upon the
+heroes; and the country folk came to meet them when they heard the news, for
+Hera had sent forth a true report. And one led the chosen ram of his flock, and
+another a heifer that had never toiled; and others set hard by jars of wine for
+mixing; and the smoke of sacrifice leapt up far away. And women bore fine
+linen, the fruit of much toil, as women will, and gifts of gold and varied
+ornaments as well, such as are brought to newly-wedded brides; and they
+marvelled when they saw the shapely forms and beauty of the gallant heroes, and
+among them the son of Oeagrus, oft beating the ground with gleaming sandal, to
+the time of his loud-ringing lyre and song. And all the nymphs together,
+whenever he recalled the marriage, uplifted the lovely bridal-chant; and at
+times again they sang alone as they circled in the dance, Hera, in thy honour;
+for it was thou that didst put it into the heart of Arete to proclaim the wise
+word of Alcinous. And as soon as he had uttered the decree of his righteous
+judgement, and the completion of the marriage had been proclaimed, he took care
+that thus it should abide fixed; and no deadly fear touched him nor
+Aeetes&rsquo; grievous wrath, but he kept his judgement fast bound by unbroken
+oaths. So when the Colchians learnt that they were beseeching in vain and he
+bade them either observe his judgements or hold their ships away from his
+harbours and land, then they began to dread the threats of their own king and
+besought Alcinous to receive them as comrades; and there in the island long
+time they dwelt with the Phaeacians, until in the course of years, the
+Bacchiadae, a race sprung from Ephyra,<a href="#linknote-36"
+name="linknoteref-36" id="linknoteref-36"><sup>[36]</sup></a> settled
+among them; and the Colchians passed to an island opposite; and thence they
+were destined to reach the Ceraunian hills of the Abantes, and the Nestaeans
+and Oricum; but all this was fulfilled after long ages had passed. And still
+the altars which Medea built on the spot sacred to Apollo, god of shepherds,
+receive yearly sacrifices in honour of the Fates and the Nymphs. And when the
+Minyae departed many gifts of friendship did Alcinous bestow, and many Arete;
+moreover she gave Medea twelve Phaeacian handmaids from the palace, to bear her
+company. And on the seventh day they left Drepane; and at dawn came a fresh
+breeze from Zeus. And onward they sped borne along by the wind&rsquo;s breath.
+Howbeit not yet was it ordained for the heroes to set foot on Achaea, until
+they had toiled even in the furthest bounds of Libya.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now had they left behind the gulf named after the Ambracians, now with sails
+wide spread the land of the Curetes, and next in order the narrow islands with
+the Echinades, and the land of Pelops was just descried; even then a baleful
+blast of the north wind seized them in mid-course and swept them towards the
+Libyan sea nine nights and as many days, until they came far within Syrtis,
+wherefrom is no return for ships, when they are once forced into that gulf. For
+on every hand are shoals, on every hand masses of seaweed from the depths; and
+over them the light foam of the wave washes without noise; and there is a
+stretch of sand to the dim horizon; and there moveth nothing that creeps or
+flies. Here accordingly the flood-tide&mdash;for this tide often retreats from
+the land and bursts back again over the beach coming on with a rush and
+roar&mdash;thrust them suddenly on to the innermost shore, and but little of
+the keel was left in the water. And they leapt forth from the ship, and sorrow
+seized them when they gazed on the mist and the levels of vast land stretching
+far like a mist and continuous into the distance; no spot for water, no path,
+no steading of herdsmen did they descry afar off, but all the scene was
+possessed by a dead calm. And thus did one hero, vexed in spirit, ask another:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;What land is this? Whither has the tempest hurled us? Would that,
+reckless of deadly fear, we had dared to rush on by that same path between the
+clashing rocks! Better were it to have overleapt the will of Zeus and perished
+in venturing some mighty deed. But now what should we do, held back by the
+winds to stay here, if ever so short a time? How desolate looms before us the
+edge of the limitless land!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus one spake; and among them Ancaeus the helmsman, in despair at their evil
+case, spoke with grieving heart: &ldquo;Verily we are undone by a terrible
+doom; there is no escape from ruin; we must suffer the cruellest woes, having
+fallen on this desolation, even though breezes should blow from the land; for,
+as I gaze far around, on every side do I behold a sea of shoals, and masses of
+water, fretted line upon line, run over the hoary sand. And miserably long ago
+would our sacred ship have been shattered far from the shore; but the tide
+itself bore her high on to the land from the deep sea. But now the tide rushes
+back to the sea, and only the foam, whereon no ship can sail, rolls round us,
+just covering the land. Wherefore I deem that all hope of our voyage and of our
+return is cut off. Let someone else show his skill; let him sit at the helm the
+man that is eager for our deliverance. But Zeus has no will to fulfil our day
+of return after all our toils.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake with tears, and all of them that had knowledge of ships agreed
+thereto; but the hearts of all grew numb, and pallor overspread their cheeks.
+And as, like lifeless spectres, men roam through a city awaiting the issue of
+war or of pestilence, or some mighty storm which overwhelms the countless
+labours of oxen, when the images of their own accord sweat and run down with
+blood, and bellowings are heard in temples, or when at mid-day the sun draws on
+night from heaven, and the stars shine clear through the mist; so at that time
+along the endless strand the chieftains wandered, groping their way. Then
+straightway dark evening came upon them; and piteously did they embrace each
+other and say farewell with tears, that they might, each one apart from his
+fellow, fall on the sand and die. And this way and that they went further to
+choose a resting-place; and they wrapped their heads in their cloaks and,
+fasting and unfed, lay down all that night and the day, awaiting a piteous
+death. But apart the maidens huddled together lamented beside the daughter of
+Aeetes. And as when, forsaken by their mother, unfledged birds that have fallen
+from a cleft in the rock chirp shrilly; or when by the banks of fair-flowing
+Pactolus, swans raise their song, and all around the dewy meadow echoes and the
+river&rsquo;s fair stream; so these maidens, laying in the dust their golden
+hair, all through the night wailed their piteous lament. And there all would
+have parted from life without a name and unknown to mortal men, those bravest
+of heroes, with their task unfulfilled; but as they pined in despair, the
+heroine-nymphs, warders of Libya, had pity on them, they who once found Athena,
+what time she leapt in gleaming armour from her father&rsquo;s head, and bathed
+her by Trito&rsquo;s waters. It was noon-tide and the fiercest rays of the sun
+were scorching Libya; they stood near Aeson&rsquo;s son, and lightly drew the
+cloak from his head. And the hero cast down his eyes and looked aside, in
+reverence for the goddesses, and as he lay bewildered all alone they addressed
+him openly with gentle words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Ill-starred one, why art thou so smitten with despair? We know how ye
+went in quest of the golden fleece; we know each toil of yours, all the mighty
+deeds ye wrought in your wanderings over land and sea. We are the solitary
+ones, goddesses of the land, speaking with human voice, the heroines,
+Libya&rsquo;s warders and daughters. Up then; be not thus afflicted in thy
+misery, and rouse thy comrades. And when Amphitrite has straightway loosed
+Poseidon&rsquo;s swift-wheeled car, then do ye pay to your mother a recompense
+for all her travail when she bare you so long in her womb; and so ye may return
+to the divine land of Achaea.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they spake, and with the voice vanished at once, where they stood. But
+Jason sat upon the earth as he gazed around, and thus cried:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Be gracious, noble goddesses of the desert, yet the saying about our
+return I understand not clearly. Surely I will gather together my comrades and
+tell them, if haply we can find some token of our escape, for the counsel of
+many is better.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and leapt to his feet, and shouted afar to his comrades, all squalid
+with dust, like a lion when he roars through the woodland seeking his mate; and
+far off in the mountains the glens tremble at the thunder of his voice; and the
+oxen of the field and the herdsmen shudder with fear; yet to them Jason&rsquo;s
+voice was no whit terrible the voice of a comrade calling to his friends. And
+with looks downcast they gathered near, and hard by where the ship lay he made
+them sit down in their grief and the women with them, and addressed them and
+told them everything:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Listen, friends; as I lay in my grief, three goddesses girded with
+goat-skins from the neck downwards round the back and waist, like maidens,
+stood over my head nigh at hand; and they uncovered me, drawing my cloak away
+with light hand, and they bade me rise up myself and go and rouse you, and pay
+to our mother a bounteous recompense for all her travail when she bare us so
+long in her womb, when Amphitrite shall have loosed Poseidon&rsquo;s
+swift-wheeled car. But I cannot fully understand concerning this divine
+message. They said indeed that they were heroines, Libya&rsquo;s warders and
+daughters; and all the toils that we endured aforetime by land and sea, all
+these they declared that they knew full well. Then I saw them no more in their
+place, but a mist or cloud came between and hid them from my sight.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and all marvelled as they heard. Then was wrought for the Minyae
+the strangest of portents. From the sea to the land leapt forth a monstrous
+horse, of vast size, with golden mane tossing round his neck; and quickly from
+his limbs he shook off abundant spray and started on his course, with feet like
+the wind. And at once Peleus rejoiced and spake among the throng of his
+comrades:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;I deem that Poseidon&rsquo;s ear has even now been loosed by the hands
+of his dear wife, and I divine that our mother is none else than our ship
+herself; for surely she bare us in her womb and groans unceasingly with
+grievous travailing. But with unshaken strength and untiring shoulders will we
+lift her up and bear her within this country of sandy wastes, where yon
+swift-footed steed has sped before. For he will not plunge beneath the earth;
+and his hoof-prints, I ween, will point us to some bay above the sea.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and the fit counsel pleased all. This is the tale the Muses
+told; and I sing obedient to the Pierides, and this report have I heard most
+truly; that ye, O mightiest far of the sons of kings, by your might and your
+valour over the desert sands of Libya raised high aloft on your shoulders the
+ship and all that ye brought therein, and bare her twelve days and nights
+alike. Yet who could tell the pain and grief which they endured in that toil?
+Surely they were of the blood of the immortals, such a task did they take on
+them, constrained by necessity. How forward and how far they bore her gladly to
+the waters of the Tritonian lake! How they strode in and set her down from
+their stalwart shoulders!
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, like raging hounds, they rushed to search for a spring; for besides their
+suffering and anguish, a parching thirst lay upon them, and not in vain did
+they wander; but they came to the sacred plain where Ladon, the serpent of the
+land, till yesterday kept watch over the golden apples in the garden of Atlas;
+and all around the nymphs, the Hesperides, were busied, chanting their lovely
+song. But at that time, stricken by Heracles, he lay fallen by the trunk of the
+apple-tree; only the tip of his tail was still writhing; but from his head down
+his dark spine he lay lifeless; and where the arrows had left in his blood the
+bitter gall of the Lernaean hydra, flies withered and died over the festering
+wounds. And close at hand the Hesperides, their white arms flung over their
+golden heads, lamented shrilly; and the heroes drew near suddenly; but the
+maidens, at their quick approach, at once became dust and earth where they
+stood. Orpheus marked the divine portent, and for his comrades addressed them
+in prayer: &ldquo;O divine ones, fair and kind, be gracious, O queens, whether
+ye be numbered among the heavenly goddesses, or those beneath the earth, or be
+called the Solitary nymphs; come, O nymphs, sacred race of Oceanus, appear
+manifest to our longing eyes and show us some spring of water from the rock or
+some sacred flow gushing from the earth, goddesses, wherewith we may quench the
+thirst that burns us unceasingly. And if ever again we return in our voyaging
+to the Achaean land, then to you among the first of goddesses with willing
+hearts will we bring countless gifts, libations and banquets.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, beseeching them with plaintive voice; and they from their station
+near pitied their pain; and lo! First of all they caused grass to spring from
+the earth; and above the grass rose up tall shoots, and then flourishing
+saplings grew standing upright far above the earth. Hespere became a poplar and
+Eretheis an elm, and Aegle a willow&rsquo;s sacred trunk. And forth from these
+trees their forms looked out, as clear as they were before, a marvel exceeding
+great, and Aegle spake with gentle words answering their longing looks:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Surely there has come hither a mighty succour to your toils, that most
+accursed man, who robbed our guardian serpent of life and plucked the golden
+apples of the goddesses and is gone; and has left bitter grief for us. For
+yesterday came a man most fell in wanton violence, most grim in form; and his
+eyes flashed beneath his scowling brow; a ruthless wretch; and he was clad in
+the skin of a monstrous lion of raw hide, untanned; and he bare a sturdy bow of
+olive, and a bow, wherewith he shot and killed this monster here. So he too
+came, as one traversing the land on foot, parched with thirst; and he rushed
+wildly through this spot, searching for water, but nowhere was he like to see
+it. Now here stood a rock near the Tritonian lake; and of his own device, or by
+the prompting of some god, he smote it below with his foot; and the water
+gushed out in full flow. And he, leaning both his hands and chest upon the
+ground, drank a huge draught from the rifted rock, until, stooping like a beast
+of the field, he had satisfied his mighty maw.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake; and they gladly with joyful steps ran to the spot where Aegle
+had pointed out to them the spring, until they reached it. And as when
+earth-burrowing ants gather in swarms round a narrow cleft, or when flies
+lighting upon a tiny drop of sweet honey cluster round with insatiate
+eagerness; so at that time, huddled together, the Minyae thronged about the
+spring from the rock. And thus with wet lips one cried to another in his
+delight:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Strange! In very truth Heracles, though far away, has saved his
+comrades, fordone with thirst. Would that we might find him on his way as we
+pass through the mainland!&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they spake, and those who were ready for this work answered, and they
+separated this way and that, each starting to search. For by the night winds
+the footsteps had been effaced where the sand was stirred. The two sons of
+Boreas started up, trusting in their wings; and Euphemus, relying on his swift
+feet, and Lynceus to cast far his piercing eyes; and with them darted off
+Canthus, the fifth. He was urged on by the doom of the gods and his own
+courage, that he might learn for certain from Heracles where he had left
+Polyphemus, son of Eilatus; for he was minded to question him on every point
+concerning his comrade. But that hero had founded a glorious city among the
+Mysians, and, yearning for his home-return, had passed far over the mainland in
+search of Argo; and in time he reached the land of the Chalybes, who dwell near
+the sea; there it was that his fate subdued him. And to him a monument stands
+under a tall poplar, just facing the sea. But that day Lynceus thought he saw
+Heracles all alone, far off, over measureless land, as a man at the
+month&rsquo;s beginning sees, or thinks he sees, the moon through a bank of
+cloud. And he returned and told his comrades that no other searcher would find
+Heracles on his way, and they also came back, and swift-footed Euphemus and the
+twin sons of Thracian Boreas, after a vain toil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But thee, Canthus, the fates of death seized in Libya. On pasturing flocks
+didst thou light; and there followed a shepherd who, in defence of his own
+sheep, while thou weft leading them off<a href="#linknote-37"
+name="linknoteref-37" id="linknoteref-37"><sup>[37]</sup></a> to thy
+comrades in their need, slew thee by the cast of a stone; for he was no
+weakling, Caphaurus, the grandson of Lycoreian Phoebus and the chaste maiden
+Acacallis, whom once Minos drove from home to dwell in Libya, his own daughter,
+when she was bearing the gods&rsquo; heavy load; and she bare to Phoebus a
+glorious son, whom they call Amphithemis and Garamas. And Amphithemis wedded a
+Tritonian nymph; and she bare to him Nasamon and strong Caphaurus, who on that
+day in defending his sheep slew Canthus. But he escaped not the
+chieftains&rsquo; avenging hands, when they learned the deed he had done. And
+the Minyae, when they knew it, afterwards took up the corpse and buried it in
+the earth, mourning; and the sheep they took with them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thereupon on the same day a pitiless fate seized Mopsus too, son of Ampycus;
+and he escaped not a bitter doom by his prophesying; for there is no averting
+of death. Now there lay in the sand, avoiding the midday heat, a dread serpent,
+too sluggish of his own will to strike at an unwilling foe, nor yet would he
+dart full face at one that would shrink back. But into whatever of all living
+beings that life-giving earth sustains that serpent once injects his black
+venom, his path to Hades becomes not so much as a cubit&rsquo;s length, not
+even if Paeeon, if it is right for me to say this openly, should tend him, when
+its teeth have only grazed the skin. For when over Libya flew godlike Perseus
+Eurymedon for by that name his mother called him&mdash;bearing to the king the
+Gorgon&rsquo;s head newly severed, all the drops of dark blood that fell to the
+earth, produced a brood of those serpents. Now Mopsus stepped on the end of its
+spine, setting thereon the sole of his left foot; and it writhed round in pain
+and bit and tore the flesh between the shin and the muscles. And Medea and her
+handmaids fled in terror; but Canthus bravely felt the bleeding wound; for no
+excessive pain harassed him. Poor wretch! Already a numbness that loosed his
+limbs was stealing beneath his skin, and a thick mist was spreading over his
+eyes. Straightway his heavy limbs sank helplessly to the ground and he grew
+cold; and his comrades and the hero, Aeson&rsquo;s son, gathered round,
+marvelling at the close-coming doom. Nor yet though dead might he lie beneath
+the sun even for a little space. For at once the poison began to rot his flesh
+within, and the hair decayed and fell from the skin. And quickly and in haste
+they dug a deep grave with mattocks of bronze; and they tore their hair, the
+heroes and the maidens, bewailing the dead man&rsquo;s piteous suffering; and
+when he had received due burial rites, thrice they marched round the tomb in
+full armour, and heaped above him a mound of earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when they had gone aboard, as the south wind blew over the sea, and they
+were searching for a passage to go forth from the Tritonian lake, for long they
+had no device, but all the day were borne on aimlessly. And as a serpent goes
+writhing along his crooked path when the sun&rsquo;s fiercest rays scorch him;
+and with a hiss he turns his head to this side and that, and in his fury his
+eyes glow like sparks of fire, until he creeps to his lair through a cleft in
+the rock; so Argo seeking an outlet from the lake, a fairway for ships,
+wandered for a long time. Then straightway Orpheus bade them bring forth from
+the ship Apollo&rsquo;s massy tripod and offer it to the gods of the land as
+propitiation for their return. So they went forth and set Apollo&rsquo;s gift
+on the shore; then before them stood, in the form of a youth, farswaying
+Triton, and he lifted a clod from the earth and offered it as a
+stranger&rsquo;s gift, and thus spake:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Take it, friends, for no stranger&rsquo;s gift of great worth have I
+here by me now to place in the hands of those who beseech me. But if ye are
+searching for a passage through this sea, as often is the need of men passing
+through a strange land, I will declare it. For my sire Poseidon has made me to
+be well versed in this sea. And I rule the shore if haply in your distant land
+you have ever heard of Eurypylus, born in Libya, the home of wild
+beasts.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and readily Euphemus held out his hands towards the clod, and
+thus addressed him in reply:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;If haply, hero, thou knowest aught of Apis<a href="#linknote-38"
+name="linknoteref-38" id="linknoteref-38"><sup>[38]</sup></a> and the
+sea of Minos, tell us truly, who ask it of you. For not of our will have we
+come hither, but by the stress of heavy storms have we touched the borders of
+this land, and have borne our ship aloft on our shoulders to the waters of this
+lake over the mainland, grievously burdened; and we know not where a passage
+shows itself for our course to the land of Pelops.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake; and Triton stretched out his hand and showed afar the sea and the
+lake&rsquo;s deep mouth, and then addressed them: &ldquo;That is the outlet to
+the sea, where the deep water lies unmoved and dark; on each side roll white
+breakers with shining crests; and the way between for your passage out is
+narrow. And that sea stretches away in mist to the divine land of Pelops beyond
+Crete; but hold to the right, when ye have entered the swell of the sea from
+the lake, and steer your course hugging the land, as long as it trends to the
+north; but when the coast bends, falling away in the other direction, then your
+course is safely laid for you if ye go straight forward from the projecting
+cape. But go in joy, and as for labour let there be no grieving that limbs in
+youthful vigour should still toil.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake with kindly counsel; and they at once went aboard, intent to come
+forth from the lake by the use of oars. And eagerly they sped on; meanwhile
+Triton took up the mighty tripod, and they saw him enter the lake; but
+thereafter did no one mark how he vanished so near them along with the tripod.
+But their hearts were cheered, for that one of the blessed had met them in
+friendly guise. And they bade Aeson&rsquo;s son offer to him the choicest of
+the sheep and when he had slain it chant the hymn of praise. And straightway he
+chose in haste and raising the victim slew it over the stern, and prayed with
+these words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Thou god, who hast manifested thyself on the borders of this land,
+whether the daughters born of the sea call thee Triton, the great sea-marvel,
+or Phoreys, or Nereus, be gracious, and grant the return home dear to our
+hearts.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and cut the victim&rsquo;s throat over the water and cast it from the
+stern. And the god rose up from the depths in form such as he really was. And
+as when a man trains a swift steed for the broad race-course, and runs along,
+grasping the bushy mane, while the steed follows obeying his master, and rears
+his neck aloft in his pride, and the gleaming bit rings loud as he champs it in
+his jaws from side to side; so the god, seizing hollow Argo&rsquo;s keel,
+guided her onward to the sea. And his body, from the crown of his head, round
+his back and waist as far as the belly, was wondrously like that of the blessed
+ones in form; but below his sides the tail of a sea monster lengthened far,
+forking to this side and that; and he smote the surface of the waves with the
+spines, which below parted into curving fins, like the horns of the new moon.
+And he guided Argo on until he sped her into the sea on her course; and quickly
+he plunged into the vast abyss; and the heroes shouted when they gazed with
+their eyes on that dread portent. There is the harbour of Argo and there are
+the signs of her stay, and altars to Poseidon and Triton; for during that day
+they tarried. But at dawn with sails outspread they sped on before the breath
+of the west wind, keeping the desert land on their right. And on the next morn
+they saw the headland and the recess of the sea, bending inward beyond the
+jutting headland. And straightway the west wind ceased, and there came the
+breeze of the clear south wind; and their hearts rejoiced at the sound it made.
+But when the sun sank and the star returned that bids the shepherd fold, which
+brings rest to wearied ploughmen, at that time the wind died down in the dark
+night; so they furled the sails and lowered the tall mast and vigorously plied
+their polished oars all night and through the day, and again when the next
+night came on. And rugged Carpathus far away welcomed them; and thence they
+were to cross to Crete, which rises in the sea above other islands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Talos, the man of bronze, as he broke off rocks from the hard cliff, stayed
+them from fastening hawsers to the shore, when they came to the roadstead of
+Dicte&rsquo;s haven. He was of the stock of bronze, of the men sprung from
+ash-trees, the last left among the sons of the gods; and the son of Cronos gave
+him to Europa to be the warder of Crete and to stride round the island thrice a
+day with his feet of bronze. Now in all the rest of his body and limbs was he
+fashioned of bronze and invulnerable; but beneath the sinew by his ankle was a
+blood-red vein; and this, with its issues of life and death, was covered by a
+thin skin. So the heroes, though outworn with toil, quickly backed their ship
+from the land in sore dismay. And now far from Crete would they have been borne
+in wretched plight, distressed both by thirst and pain, had not Medea addressed
+them as they turned away:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Hearken to me. For I deem that I alone can subdue for you that man,
+whoever he be, even though his frame be of bronze throughout, unless his life
+too is everlasting. But be ready to keep your ship here beyond the cast of his
+stones, till he yield the victory to me.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus she spake; and they drew the ship out of range, resting on their oars,
+waiting to see what plan unlooked for she would bring to pass; and she, holding
+the fold of her purple robe over her cheeks on each side, mounted on the deck;
+and Aeson&rsquo;s son took her hand in his and guided her way along the
+thwarts. And with songs did she propitiate and invoke the Death-spirits,
+devourers of life, the swift hounds of Hades, who, hovering through all the
+air, swoop down on the living. Kneeling in supplication, thrice she called on
+them with songs, and thrice with prayers; and, shaping her soul to mischief,
+with her hostile glance she bewitched the eyes of Talos, the man of bronze; and
+her teeth gnashed bitter wrath against him, and she sent forth baneful phantoms
+in the frenzy of her rage.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Father Zeus, surely great wonder rises in my mind, seeing that dire destruction
+meets us not from disease and wounds alone, but lo! even from afar, may be, it
+tortures us! So Talos, for all his frame of bronze, yielded the victory to the
+might of Medea the sorceress. And as he was heaving massy rocks to stay them
+from reaching the haven, he grazed his ankle on a pointed crag; and the ichor
+gushed forth like melted lead; and not long thereafter did he stand towering on
+the jutting cliff. But even as some huge pine, high up on the mountains, which
+woodmen have left half hewn through by their sharp axes when they returned from
+the forest&mdash;at first it shivers in the wind by night, then at last snaps
+at the stump and crashes down; so Talos for a while stood on his tireless feet,
+swaying to and fro, when at last, all strengthless, fell with a mighty thud.
+For that night there in Crete the heroes lay; then, just as dawn was growing
+bright, they built a shrine to Minoan Athena, and drew water and went aboard,
+so that first of all they might by rowing pass beyond Salmone&rsquo;s height.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But straightway as they sped over the wide Cretan sea night scared them, that
+night which they name the Pall of Darkness; the stars pierced not that fatal
+night nor the beams of the moon, but black chaos descended from heaven, or
+haply some other darkness came, rising from the nethermost depths. And the
+heroes, whether they drifted in Hades or on the waters, knew not one whit; but
+they committed their return to the sea in helpless doubt whither it was bearing
+them. But Jason raised his hands and cried to Phoebus with mighty voice,
+calling on him to save them; and the tears ran down in his distress; and often
+did he promise to bring countless offerings to Pytho, to Amyclae, and to
+Ortygia. And quickly, O son of Leto, swift to hear, didst thou come down from
+heaven to the Melantian rocks, which lie there in the sea. Then darting upon
+one of the twin peaks, thou raisedst aloft in thy right hand thy golden bow;
+and the bow flashed a dazzling gleam all round. And to their sight appeared a
+small island of the Sporades, over against the tiny isle Hippuris, and there
+they cast anchor and stayed; and straightway dawn arose and gave them light;
+and they made for Apollo a glorious abode in a shady wood, and a shady altar,
+calling on Phoebus the &ldquo;Gleamer&rdquo;, because of the gleam far-seen;
+and that bare island they called Anaphe,<a href="#linknote-39"
+name="linknoteref-39" id="linknoteref-39"><sup>[39]</sup></a> for that
+Phoebus had revealed it to men sore bewildered. And they sacrificed all that
+men could provide for sacrifice on a desolate strand; wherefore when
+Medea&rsquo;s Phaeacian handmaids saw them pouring water for libations on the
+burning brands, they could no longer restrain laughter within their bosoms, for
+that ever they had seen oxen in plenty slain in the halls of Alcinous. And the
+heroes delighted in the jest and attacked them with taunting words; and merry
+railing and contention flung to and fro were kindled among them. And from that
+sport of the heroes such scoffs do the women fling at the men in that island
+whenever they propitiate with sacrifices Apollo the gleaming god, the warder of
+Anaphe.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when they had loosed the hawsers thence in fair weather, then Euphemus
+bethought him of a dream of the night, reverencing the glorious son of Maia.
+For it seemed to him that the god-given clod of earth held in his palm close to
+his breast was being suckled by white streams of milk, and that from it, little
+though it was, grew a woman like a virgin; and he, overcome by strong desire,
+lay with her in love&rsquo;s embrace; and united with her he pitied her, as
+though she were a maiden whom he was feeding with his own milk; but she
+comforted him with gentle words:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;Daughter of Triton am I, dear friend, and nurse of thy children, no
+maiden; Triton and Libya are my parents. But restore me to the daughters of
+Nereus to dwell in the sea near Anaphe; I shall return again to the light of
+the sun, to prepare a home for thy descendants.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Of this he stored in his heart the memory, and declared it to Aeson&rsquo;s
+son; and Jason pondered a prophecy of the Far-Darter and lifted up his voice
+and said:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+&ldquo;My friend, great and glorious renown has fallen to thy lot. For of this
+clod when thou hast cast it into the sea, the gods will make an island, where
+thy children&rsquo;s children shall dwell; for Triton gave this to thee as a
+stranger&rsquo;s gift from the Libyan mainland. None other of the immortals it
+was than he that gave thee this when he met thee.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake; and Euphemus made not vain the answer of Aeson&rsquo;s son; but,
+cheered by the prophecy, he cast the clod into the depths. Therefrom rose up an
+island, Calliste, sacred nurse of the sons of Euphemus, who in former days
+dwelt in Sintian Lemnos, and from Lemnos were driven forth by Tyrrhenians and
+came to Sparta as suppliants; and when they left Sparta, Theras, the goodly son
+of Autesion, brought them to the island Calliste, and from himself he gave it
+the name of Thera. But this befell after the days of Euphemus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And thence they steadily left behind long leagues of sea and stayed on the
+beach of Aegina; and at once they contended in innocent strife about the
+fetching of water, who first should draw it and reach the ship. For both their
+need and the ceaseless breeze urged them on. There even to this day do the
+youths of the Myrmidons take up on their shoulders full-brimming jars, and with
+swift feet strive for victory in the race.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Be gracious, race of blessed chieftains! And may these songs year after year be
+sweeter to sing among men. For now have I come to the glorious end of your
+toils; for no adventure befell you as ye came home from Aegina, and no tempest
+of winds opposed you; but quietly did ye skirt the Cecropian land and Aulis
+inside of Euboea and the Opuntian cities of the Locrians, and gladly did ye
+step forth upon the beach of Pagasae.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap07"></a>ENDNOTES:</h2>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-1" id="linknote-1">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-1">1</a><br /> &ldquo;Or of Naucratis&rdquo;, according
+to Aelian and Athenaeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-2" id="linknote-2">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-2">2</a><br /> Anth. Pal. xl. 275.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-3" id="linknote-3">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-3">3</a><br /> iii. 117-124.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-4" id="linknote-4">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-4">4</a><br /> <i>e.g.</i> compare <i>Aen.</i> iv. 305
+foll. with Ap. Rh. iv. 355 foll.; <i>Aen.</i> iv. 327-330 with Ap. Rh. I. 897,
+898; <i>Aen.</i> iv. 522 foll., with Ap. Rh. iii. 744 foll.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-5" id="linknote-5">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-5">5</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> God of embarcation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-6" id="linknote-6">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-6">6</a><br /> Or, reading
+&#7956;&#954;&#964;&#959;&#952;&#949;&#957;, &ldquo;they strongly girded the
+ship outside with a well-twisted rope.&rdquo; In either case there is probably
+no allusion to
+&#8016;&#960;&#959;&#950;&#8061;&#956;&#945;&#964;&#945; (ropes for
+undergirding) which were carried loose and only used in stormy weather.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-7" id="linknote-7">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-7">7</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> God of the shore.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-8" id="linknote-8">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-8">8</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> The Starting.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-9" id="linknote-9">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-9">9</a><br /> Samothrace.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-10" id="linknote-10">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-10">10</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> god of disembarcation.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-11" id="linknote-11">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-11">11</a><br /> Cleite means illustrious.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-12" id="linknote-12">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-12">12</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> to avoid grinding it at
+home.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-13" id="linknote-13">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-13">13</a><br /> Rhea.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-14" id="linknote-14">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-14">14</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> Polydeuces.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-15" id="linknote-15">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-15">15</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> Saviour of Sailors.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-16" id="linknote-16">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-16">16</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> through the ravine that
+divides the headland.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-17" id="linknote-17">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-17">17</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> river of fair dances.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-18" id="linknote-18">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-18">18</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> the bedchamber.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-19" id="linknote-19">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-19">19</a><br /> The north-west wind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-20" id="linknote-20">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-20">20</a><br /> Called &ldquo;Mossynes&rdquo;.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-21" id="linknote-21">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-21">21</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> without exacting gifts from
+the bridegroom. So in the &ldquo;Iliad&rdquo; ix. 146: Agamemnon offers
+Achilles any of his three daughters
+&#7936;&#957;&#8049;&#949;&#948;&#957;&#959;&#962;.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-22" id="linknote-22">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-22">22</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> the fight between the gods
+and the giants.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-23" id="linknote-23">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-23">23</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> the Shining One.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-24" id="linknote-24">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-24">24</a><br /> A name of Ares.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-25" id="linknote-25">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-25">25</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> the liquid that flows in the
+veins of gods.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-26" id="linknote-26">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-26">26</a><br /> Or, reading
+&#956;&#8053;&#957;&#953;&#956;&rsquo;,
+&ldquo;took no heed of the cause of wrath with the stranger-folk.&rdquo;
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-27" id="linknote-27">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-27">27</a><br /> The allusion is to Sesotris. See
+Herodotus ii. 102 foll.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-28" id="linknote-28">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-28">28</a><br /> Or, reading
+&#7968;&#956;&#949;&#964;&#8051;&#961;&#951;&#957;,
+&ldquo;into our sea&rdquo;. The Euxine is meant in any case and the word Ionian
+is therefore wrong.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-29" id="linknote-29">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-29">29</a><br /> Apollonius seems to have thought that
+the Po, the Rhone, and the Rhine are all connected together.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-30" id="linknote-30">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-30">30</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> like the scrapings from
+skin,
+&#7936;&#960;&#959;&#963;&#964;&#955;&#949;&#947;&#947;&#8055;&#963;&#956;&#945;&#964;&#945;;
+see Strabo p. 224 for this adventure.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-31" id="linknote-31">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-31">31</a><br /> The <i>Symplegades</i> are referred to,
+where help was given by Athena, not by Hera. It is strange that no mention is
+made of the <i>Planctae</i>, properly so called, past which they are soon to be
+helped. Perhaps some lines have fallen out.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-32" id="linknote-32">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-32">32</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> the Mighty One.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-33" id="linknote-33">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-33">33</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> the Wanderers.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-34" id="linknote-34">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-34">34</a><br /> A fabulous metal, resembling gold in
+appearance.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-35" id="linknote-35">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-35">35</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> the Sickle-island.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-36" id="linknote-36">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-36">36</a><br /> The old name of Corinth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-37" id="linknote-37">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-37">37</a><br /> This seems to be the only possible
+translation, but the optative is quite anomalous. We should expect
+&#7952;&#954;&#8057;&#956;&#953;&#950;&#949;&#962;.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-38" id="linknote-38">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-38">38</a><br /> An old name of the Peloponnesus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<a name="linknote-39" id="linknote-39">
+<!-- Note --></a>
+</p>
+<p class="footnote">
+<a href="#linknoteref-39">39</a><br /> <i>i.e.</i> the isle of Revealing. </p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Argonautica, by Apollonius Rhodius
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Argonautica
+
+Author: Apollonius Rhodius
+
+Posting Date: July 21, 2008 [EBook #830]
+Release Date: February, 1997
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ARGONAUTICA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Douglas B. Killings
+
+
+
+
+
+THE ARGONAUTICA
+
+by Apollonius Rhodius
+
+(fl. 3rd Century B.C.)
+
+
+Originally written in Ancient Greek sometime in the 3rd Century B.C.
+by the Alexandrian poet Apollonius Rhodius ("Apollonius the Rhodian").
+Translation by R.C. Seaton, 1912.
+
+
+PREPARER'S NOTE: Words in CAPITALS are Greek words transliterated into
+modern characters.
+
+
+*****
+
+
+SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
+
+ORIGINAL TEXT--
+
+Seaton, R.C. (Ed. & Trans.): "Apollonius Rhodius: Argonautica" (Harvard
+University Press, Cambridge MA, 1912). Original Greek text with
+side-by-side English translation.
+
+
+OTHER TRANSLATIONS--
+
+Rieu, E.V. (Trans.): "Apollonius of Rhodes: The Voyage of the Argo"
+(Penguin Classics, London, 1959, 1971).
+
+
+RECOMMENDED READING--
+
+Euripides: "Medea", "Hecabe", "Electra", and "Heracles", translated by
+Philip Vellacott (Penguin Classics, London, 1963). Contains four plays
+by Euripides, two of which concern characters from "The Argonautica".
+
+
+*****
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+Much has been written about the chronology of Alexandrian literature and
+the famous Library, founded by Ptolemy Soter, but the dates of the chief
+writers are still matters of conjecture. The birth of Apollonius Rhodius
+is placed by scholars at various times between 296 and 260 B.C., while
+the year of his death is equally uncertain. In fact, we have very little
+information on the subject. There are two "lives" of Apollonius in the
+Scholia, both derived from an earlier one which is lost. From these we
+learn that he was of Alexandria by birth, [1001] that he lived in the
+time of the Ptolemies, and was a pupil of Callimachus; that while still
+a youth he composed and recited in public his "Argonautica", and that
+the poem was condemned, in consequence of which he retired to Rhodes;
+that there he revised his poem, recited it with great applause, and
+hence called himself a Rhodian. The second "life" adds: "Some say that
+he returned to Alexandria and again recited his poem with the utmost
+success, so that he was honoured with the libraries of the Museum and
+was buried with Callimachus." The last sentence may be interpreted by
+the notice of Suidas, who informs us that Apollonius was a contemporary
+of Eratosthenes, Euphorion and Timarchus, in the time of Ptolemy
+Euergetes, and that he succeeded Eratosthenes in the headship of the
+Alexandrian Library. Suidas also informs us elsewhere that Aristophanes
+at the age of sixty-two succeeded Apollonius in this office. Many modern
+scholars deny the "bibliothecariate" of Apollonius for chronological
+reasons, and there is considerable difficulty about it. The date of
+Callimachus' "Hymn to Apollo", which closes with some lines (105-113)
+that are admittedly an allusion to Apollonius, may be put with much
+probability at 248 or 247 B.C. Apollonius must at that date have been at
+least twenty years old. Eratosthenes died 196-193 B.C. This would make
+Apollonius seventy-two to seventy-five when he succeeded Eratosthenes.
+This is not impossible, it is true, but it is difficult. But the
+difficulty is taken away if we assume with Ritschl that Eratosthenes
+resigned his office some years before his death, which allows us to
+put the birth of Apollonius at about 280, and would solve other
+difficulties. For instance, if the Librarians were buried within
+the precincts, it would account for the burial of Apollonius next to
+Callimachus--Eratosthenes being still alive. However that may be, it
+is rather arbitrary to take away the "bibliothecariate" of Apollonius,
+which is clearly asserted by Suidas, on account of chronological
+calculations which are themselves uncertain. Moreover, it is more
+probable that the words following "some say" in the second "life" are
+a remnant of the original life than a conjectural addition, because the
+first "life" is evidently incomplete, nothing being said about the end
+of Apollonius' career.
+
+The principal event in his life, so far as we know, was the quarrel
+with his master Callimachus, which was most probably the cause of his
+condemnation at Alexandria and departure to Rhodes. This quarrel appears
+to have arisen from differences of literary aims and taste, but, as
+literary differences often do, degenerated into the bitterest personal
+strife. There are references to the quarrel in the writings of both.
+Callimachus attacks Apollonius in the passage at the end of the "Hymn to
+Apollo", already mentioned, also probably in some epigrams, but most of
+all in his "Ibis", of which we have an imitation, or perhaps nearly a
+translation, in Ovid's poem of the same name. On the part of Apollonius
+there is a passage in the third book of the "Argonautica" (11. 927-947)
+which is of a polemical nature and stands out from the context, and the
+well-known savage epigram upon Callimachus. [1002] Various combinations
+have been attempted by scholars, notably by Couat, in his "Poesie
+Alexandrine", to give a connected account of the quarrel, but we have
+not data sufficient to determine the order of the attacks, and replies,
+and counter-attacks. The "Ibis" has been thought to mark the termination
+of the feud on the curious ground that it was impossible for abuse to go
+further. It was an age when literary men were more inclined to comment
+on writings of the past than to produce original work. Literature was
+engaged in taking stock of itself. Homer was, of course, professedly
+admired by all, but more admired than imitated. Epic poetry was out
+of fashion and we find many epigrams of this period--some by
+Callimachus--directed against the "cyclic" poets, by whom were meant at
+that time those who were always dragging in conventional and commonplace
+epithets and phrases peculiar to epic poetry. Callimachus was in
+accordance with the spirit of the age when he proclaimed "a great book"
+to be "a great evil", and sought to confine poetical activity within the
+narrowest limits both of subject and space. Theocritus agreed with
+him, both in principle and practice. The chief characteristics of
+Alexandrianism are well summarized by Professor Robinson Ellis as
+follows: "Precision in form and metre, refinement in diction, a learning
+often degenerating into pedantry and obscurity, a resolute avoidance of
+everything commonplace in subject, sentiment or allusion." These traits
+are more prominent in Callimachus than in Apollonius, but they are
+certainly to be seen in the latter. He seems to have written the
+"Argonautica" out of bravado, to show that he could write an epic poem.
+But the influence of the age was too strong. Instead of the unity of an
+Epic we have merely a series of episodes, and it is the great beauty
+and power of one of these episodes that gives the poem its permanent
+value--the episode of the love of Jason and Medea. This occupies the
+greater part of the third book. The first and second books are taken
+up with the history of the voyage to Colchis, while the fourth book
+describes the return voyage. These portions constitute a metrical guide
+book, filled no doubt with many pleasing episodes, such as the rape
+of Hylas, the boxing match between Pollux and Amyeus, the account of
+Cyzicus, the account of the Amazons, the legend of Talos, but there is
+no unity running through the poem beyond that of the voyage itself.
+
+The Tale of the Argonauts had been told often before in verse and prose,
+and many authors' names are given in the Scholia to Apollonius, but
+their works have perished. The best known earlier account that we have
+is that in Pindar's fourth Pythian ode, from which Apollonius has taken
+many details. The subject was one for an epic poem, for its unity might
+have been found in the working out of the expiation due for the crime of
+Athamas; but this motive is barely mentioned by our author.
+
+As we have it, the motive of the voyage is the command of Pelias to
+bring back the golden fleece, and this command is based on Pelias'
+desire to destroy Jason, while the divine aid given to Jason results
+from the intention of Hera to punish Pelias for his neglect of the
+honour due to her. The learning of Apollonius is not deep but it is
+curious; his general sentiments are not according to the Alexandrian
+standard, for they are simple and obvious. In the mass of material from
+which he had to choose the difficulty was to know what to omit, and much
+skill is shown in fusing into a tolerably harmonious whole conflicting
+mythological and historical details. He interweaves with his narrative
+local legends and the founding of cities, accounts of strange customs,
+descriptions of works of art, such as that of Ganymede and Eros playing
+with knucklebones, [1003] but prosaically calls himself back to the
+point from these pleasing digressions by such an expression as "but this
+would take me too far from my song." His business is the straightforward
+tale and nothing else. The astonishing geography of the fourth book
+reminds us of the interest of the age in that subject, stimulated no
+doubt by the researches of Eratosthenes and others.
+
+The language is that of the conventional epic. Apollonius seems to have
+carefully studied Homeric glosses, and gives many examples of isolated
+uses, but his choice of words is by no means limited to Homer. He freely
+avails himself of Alexandrian words and late uses of Homeric words.
+Among his contemporaries Apollonius suffers from a comparison with
+Theocritus, who was a little his senior, but he was much admired by
+Roman writers who derived inspiration from the great classical writers
+of Greece by way of Alexandria. In fact Alexandria was a useful bridge
+between Athens and Rome. The "Argonautica" was translated by Varro
+Atacinus, copied by Ovid and Virgil, and minutely studied by Valerius
+Flaccus in his poem of the same name. Some of his finest passages have
+been appropriated and improved upon by Virgil by the divine right of
+superior genius. [1004] The subject of love had been treated in the
+romantic spirit before the time of Apollonius in writings that have
+perished, for instance, in those of Antimachus of Colophon, but the
+"Argonautica" is perhaps the first poem still extant in which the
+expression of this spirit is developed with elaboration. The Medea of
+Apollonius is the direct precursor of the Dido of Virgil, and it is the
+pathos and passion of the fourth book of the "Aeneid" that keep alive
+many a passage of Apollonius.
+
+
+
+
+THE ARGONAUTICA
+
+
+
+
+BOOK I
+
+(ll. 1-4) Beginning with thee, O Phoebus, I will recount the famous
+deeds of men of old, who, at the behest of King Pelias, down through the
+mouth of Pontus and between the Cyanean rocks, sped well-benched Argo in
+quest of the golden fleece.
+
+(ll. 5-17) Such was the oracle that Pelias heard, that a hateful doom
+awaited him to be slain at the prompting of the man whom he should
+see coming forth from the people with but one sandal. And no long time
+after, in accordance with that true report, Jason crossed the stream
+of wintry Anaurus on foot, and saved one sandal from the mire, but the
+other he left in the depths held back by the flood. And straightway he
+came to Pelias to share the banquet which the king was offering to his
+father Poseidon and the rest of the gods, though he paid no honour to
+Pelasgian Hera. Quickly the king saw him and pondered, and devised for
+him the toil of a troublous voyage, in order that on the sea or among
+strangers he might lose his home-return.
+
+(ll. 18-22) The ship, as former bards relate, Argus wrought by the
+guidance of Athena. But now I will tell the lineage and the names of the
+heroes, and of the long sea-paths and the deeds they wrought in their
+wanderings; may the Muses be the inspirers of my song!
+
+(ll. 23-34) First then let us name Orpheus whom once Calliope bare, it
+is said, wedded to Thracian Oeagrus, near the Pimpleian height. Men say
+that he by the music of his songs charmed the stubborn rocks upon the
+mountains and the course of rivers. And the wild oak-trees to this day,
+tokens of that magic strain, that grow at Zone on the Thracian shore,
+stand in ordered ranks close together, the same which under the charm of
+his lyre he led down from Pieria. Such then was Orpheus whom Aeson's
+son welcomed to share his toils, in obedience to the behest of Cheiron,
+Orpheus ruler of Bistonian Pieria.
+
+(ll. 35-39) Straightway came Asterion, whom Cometes begat by the waters
+of eddying Apidanus; he dwelt at Peiresiae near the Phylleian mount,
+where mighty Apidanus and bright Enipeus join their streams, coming
+together from afar.
+
+(ll. 40-44) Next to them from Larisa came Polyphemus, son of Eilatus,
+who aforetime among the mighty Lapithae, when they were arming
+themselves against the Centaurs, fought in his younger days; now his
+limbs were grown heavy with age, but his martial spirit still remained,
+even as of old.
+
+(ll. 45-48) Nor was Iphiclus long left behind in Phylace, the uncle
+of Aeson's son; for Aeson had wedded his sister Alcimede, daughter of
+Phylacus: his kinship with her bade him be numbered in the host.
+
+(ll. 49-50) Nor did Admetus, the lord of Pherae rich in sheep, stay
+behind beneath the peak of the Chalcodonian mount.
+
+(ll. 51-56) Nor at Alope stayed the sons of Hermes, rich in corn-land,
+well skilled in craftiness, Erytus and Echion, and with them on their
+departure their kinsman Aethalides went as the third; him near the
+streams of Amphrysus Eupolemeia bare, the daughter of Myrmidon, from
+Phthia; the two others were sprung from Antianeira, daughter of Menetes.
+
+(ll. 57-64) From rich Gyrton came Coronus, son of Caeneus, brave, but
+not braver than his father. For bards relate that Caeneus though still
+living perished at the hands of the Centaurs, when apart from other
+chiefs he routed them; and they, rallying against him, could neither
+bend nor slay him; but unconquered and unflinching he passed beneath the
+earth, overwhelmed by the downrush of massy pines.
+
+(ll. 65-68) There came too Titaresian Mopsus, whom above all men the son
+of Leto taught the augury of birds; and Eurydamas the son of Ctimenus;
+he dwelt at Dolopian Ctimene near the Xynian lake.
+
+(ll. 69-70) Moreover Actor sent his son Menoetius from Opus that he
+might accompany the chiefs.
+
+(ll. 71-76) Eurytion followed and strong Eribotes, one the son of
+Teleon, the other of Irus, Actor's son; the son of Teleon renowned
+Eribotes, and of Irus Eurytion. A third with them was Oileus, peerless
+in courage and well skilled to attack the flying foe, when they break
+their ranks.
+
+(ll. 77-85) Now from Euboea came Canthus eager for the quest, whom
+Canethus son of Abas sent; but he was not destined to return to
+Cerinthus. For fate had ordained that he and Mopsus, skilled in the
+seer's art, should wander and perish in the furthest ends of Libya. For
+no ill is too remote for mortals to incur, seeing that they buried them
+in Libya, as far from the Colchians as is the space that is seen between
+the setting and the rising of the sun.
+
+(ll. 86-89) To him Clytius and Iphitus joined themselves, the warders
+of Oechalia, sons of Eurytus the ruthless, Eurytus, to whom the
+Far-shooting god gave his bow; but he had no joy of the gift; for of his
+own choice he strove even with the giver.
+
+(ll. 90-94) After them came the sons of Aeacus, not both together, nor
+from the same spot; for they settled far from Aegina in exile, when in
+their folly they had slain their brother Phoeus. Telamon dwelt in the
+Attic island; but Peleus departed and made his home in Phthia.
+
+(ll. 95-104) After them from Cecropia came warlike Butes, son of brave
+Teleon, and Phalerus of the ashen spear. Alcon his father sent him
+forth; yet no other sons had he to care for his old age and livelihood.
+But him, his well-beloved and only son, he sent forth that amid bold
+heroes he might shine conspicuous. But Theseus, who surpassed all the
+sons of Erechtheus, an unseen bond kept beneath the land of Taenarus,
+for he had followed that path with Peirithous; assuredly both would have
+lightened for all the fulfilment of their toil.
+
+(ll. 105-114) Tiphys, son of Hagnias, left the Siphaean people of the
+Thespians, well skilled to foretell the rising wave on the broad sea,
+and well skilled to infer from sun and star the stormy winds and the
+time for sailing. Tritonian Athena herself urged him to join the band
+of chiefs, and he came among them a welcome comrade. She herself too
+fashioned the swift ship; and with her Argus, son of Arestor, wrought
+it by her counsels. Wherefore it proved the most excellent of all ships
+that have made trial of the sea with oars.
+
+(ll. 115-117) After them came Phlias from Araethyrea, where he dwelt
+in affluence by the favour of his father Dionysus, in his home by the
+springs of Asopus.
+
+(ll. 118-121) From Argos came Talaus and Areius, sons of Bias, and
+mighty Leodocus, all of whom Pero daughter of Neleus bare; on her
+account the Aeolid Melampus endured sore affliction in the steading of
+Iphiclus.
+
+(ll. 122-132) Nor do we learn that Heracles of the mighty heart
+disregarded the eager summons of Aeson's son. But when he heard a report
+of the heroes' gathering and had reached Lyrceian Argos from Arcadia by
+the road along which he carried the boar alive that fed in the thickets
+of Lampeia, near the vast Erymanthian swamp, the boar bound with chains
+he put down from his huge shoulders at the entrance to the market-place
+of Mycenae; and himself of his own will set out against the purpose of
+Eurystheus; and with him went Hylas, a brave comrade, in the flower of
+youth, to bear his arrows and to guard his bow.
+
+(ll. 133-138) Next to him came a scion of the race of divine Danaus,
+Nauplius. He was the son of Clytonaeus son of Naubolus; Naubolus was son
+of Lernus; Lernus we know was the son of Proetus son of Nauplius; and
+once Amymone daughter of Danaus, wedded to Poseidon, bare Nauplius, who
+surpassed all men in naval skill.
+
+(ll. 139-145) Idmon came last of all them that dwelt at Argos, for
+though he had learnt his own fate by augury, he came, that the people
+might not grudge him fair renown. He was not in truth the son of Abas,
+but Leto's son himself begat him to be numbered among the illustrious
+Aeolids; and himself taught him the art of prophecy--to pay heed to
+birds and to observe the signs of the burning sacrifice.
+
+(ll. 146-150) Moreover Aetolian Leda sent from Sparta strong Polydeuces
+and Castor, skilled to guide swift-footed steeds; these her dearly-loved
+sons she bare at one birth in the house of Tyndareus; nor did she forbid
+their departure; for she had thoughts worthy of the bride of Zeus.
+
+(ll. 151-155) The sons of Aphareus, Lynceus and proud Idas, came from
+Arene, both exulting in their great strength; and Lynceus too excelled
+in keenest sight, if the report is true that that hero could easily
+direct his sight even beneath the earth.
+
+(ll. 156-160) And with them Neleian Periclymenus set out to come, eldest
+of all the sons of godlike Neleus who were born at Pylos; Poseidon had
+given him boundless strength and granted him that whatever shape he
+should crave during the fight, that he should take in the stress of
+battle.
+
+(ll. 161-171) Moreover from Arcadia came Amphidamas and Cepheus, who
+inhabited Tegea and the allotment of Apheidas, two sons of Aldus; and
+Ancaeus followed them as the third, whom his father Lycurgus sent, the
+brother older than both. But he was left in the city to care for Aleus
+now growing old, while he gave his son to join his brothers. Antaeus
+went clad in the skin of a Maenalian bear, and wielding in his right
+hand a huge two-edged battleaxe. For his armour his grandsire had hidden
+in the house's innermost recess, to see if he might by some means still
+stay his departure.
+
+(ll. 172-175) There came also Augeias, whom fame declared to be the
+son of Helios; he reigned over the Eleans, glorying in his wealth; and
+greatly he desired to behold the Colchian land and Aeetes himself the
+ruler of the Colchians.
+
+(ll. 176-178) Asterius and Amphion, sons of Hyperasius, came from
+Achaean Pellene, which once Pelles their grandsire founded on the brows
+of Aegialus.
+
+(ll. 179-184) After them from Taenarus came Euphemus whom, most
+swift-footed of men, Europe, daughter of mighty Tityos, bare to
+Poseidon. He was wont to skim the swell of the grey sea, and wetted not
+his swift feet, but just dipping the tips of his toes was borne on the
+watery path.
+
+(ll. 185-189) Yea, and two other sons of Poseidon came; one Erginus, who
+left the citadel of glorious Miletus, the other proud Ancaeus, who
+left Parthenia, the seat of Imbrasion Hera; both boasted their skill in
+seacraft and in war.
+
+(ll. 190-201) After them from Calydon came the son of Oeneus, strong
+Meleagrus, and Laocoon--Laocoon the brother of Oeneus, though not by the
+same mother, for a serving-woman bare him; him, now growing old, Oeneus
+sent to guard his son: thus Meleagrus, still a youth, entered the
+bold band of heroes. No other had come superior to him, I ween, except
+Heracles, if for one year more he had tarried and been nurtured among
+the Aetolians. Yea, and his uncle, well skilled to fight whether with
+the javelin or hand to hand, Iphiclus son of Thestius, bare him company
+on his way.
+
+(ll. 202-206) With him came Palaemonius, son of Olenian Lernus, of
+Lernus by repute, but his birth was from Hephaestus; and so he was
+crippled in his feet, but his bodily frame and his valour no one would
+dare to scorn. Wherefore he was numbered among all the chiefs, winning
+fame for Jason.
+
+(ll. 207-210) From the Phocians came Iphitus sprung from Naubolus son of
+Ornytus; once he had been his host when Jason went to Pytho to ask for
+a response concerning his voyage; for there he welcomed him in his own
+hails.
+
+(ll. 211-223) Next came Zetes and Calais, sons of Boreas, whom once
+Oreithyia, daughter of Erechtheus, bare to Boreas on the verge of wintry
+Thrace; thither it was that Thracian Boreas snatched her away from
+Cecropia as she was whirling in the dance, hard by Hissus' stream. And,
+carrying her far off, to the spot that men called the rock of Sarpedon,
+near the river Erginus, he wrapped her in dark clouds and forced her
+to his will. There they were making their dusky wings quiver upon their
+ankles on both sides as they rose, a great wonder to behold, wings that
+gleamed with golden scales: and round their backs from the top of the
+head and neck, hither and thither, their dark tresses were being shaken
+by the wind.
+
+(ll. 224-227) No, nor had Acastus son of mighty Pelias himself any will
+to stay behind in the palace of his brave sire, nor Argus, helper of the
+goddess Athena; but they too were ready to be numbered in the host.
+
+(ll. 228-233) So many then were the helpers who assembled to join the
+son of Aeson. All the chiefs the dwellers thereabout called Minyae, for
+the most and the bravest avowed that they were sprung from the blood of
+the daughters of Minyas; thus Jason himself was the son of Alcimede who
+was born of Clymene the daughter of Minyas.
+
+(ll. 234-241) Now when all things had been made ready by the thralls,
+all things that fully-equipped ships are furnished withal when men's
+business leads them to voyage across the sea, then the heroes took their
+way through the city to the ship where it lay on the strand that men
+call Magnesian Pagasae; and a crowd of people hastening rushed together;
+but the heroes shone like gleaming stars among the clouds; and each man
+as he saw them speeding along with their armour would say:
+
+(ll. 242-246) "King Zeus, what is the purpose of Pelias? Whither is he
+driving forth from the Panachaean land so great a host of heroes? On one
+day they would waste the palace of Aeetes with baleful fire, should he
+not yield them the fleece of his own goodwill. But the path is not to be
+shunned, the toil is hard for those who venture."
+
+(ll. 247-250) Thus they spake here and there throughout the city; but
+the women often raised their hands to the sky in prayer to the immortals
+to grant a return, their hearts' desire. And one with tears thus
+lamented to her fellow:
+
+(ll. 251-260) "Wretched Alcimede, evil has come to thee at last though
+late, thou hast not ended with splendour of life. Aeson too, ill-fated
+man! Surely better had it been for him, if he were lying beneath the
+earth, enveloped in his shroud, still unconscious of bitter toils. Would
+that the dark wave, when the maiden Helle perished, had overwhelmed
+Phrixus too with the ram; but the dire portent even sent forth a human
+voice, that it might cause to Alcimede sorrows and countless pains
+hereafter."
+
+(ll. 261-277) Thus the women spake at the departure of the heroes. And
+now many thralls, men and women, were gathered together, and his mother,
+smitten with grief for Jason. And a bitter pang seized every woman's
+heart; and with them groaned the father in baleful old age, lying on his
+bed, closely wrapped round. But the hero straightway soothed their pain,
+encouraging them, and bade the thralls take up his weapons for war; and
+they in silence with downcast looks took them up. And even as the mother
+had thrown her arms about her son, so she clung, weeping without stint,
+as a maiden all alone weeps, falling fondly on the neck of her hoary
+nurse, a maid who has now no others to care for her, but she drags on a
+weary life under a stepmother, who maltreats her continually with ever
+fresh insults, and as she weeps, her heart within her is bound fast
+with misery, nor can she sob forth all the groans that struggle for
+utterance; so without stint wept Alcimede straining her son in her arms,
+and in her yearning grief spake as follows:
+
+(ll. 278-291) "Would that on that day when, wretched woman that I am, I
+heard King Pelias proclaim his evil behest, I had straightway given up
+my life and forgotten my cares, so that thou thyself, my son, with thine
+own hands, mightest have buried me; for that was the only wish left me
+still to be fulfilled by time, all the other rewards for thy nurture
+have I long enjoyed. Now I, once so admired among Achaean women,
+shall be left behind like a bondwoman in my empty halls, pining away,
+ill-fated one, for love of thee, thee on whose account I had aforetime
+so much splendour and renown, my only son for whom I loosed my virgin
+zone first and last. For to me beyond others the goddess Eileithyia
+grudged abundant offspring. Alas for my folly! Not once, not even in nay
+dreams did I forebode this, that the flight of Phrixus would bring me
+woe."
+
+(ll. 292-294) Thus with moaning she wept, and her handmaidens, standing
+by, lamented; but Jason spake gently to her with comforting words:
+
+(ll. 295-305) "Do not, I pray thee, mother, store up bitter sorrows
+overmuch, for thou wilt not redeem me from evil by tears, but wilt still
+add grief to grief. For unseen are the woes that the gods mete out to
+mortals; be strong to endure thy share of them though with grief in thy
+heart; take courage from the promises of Athena, and from the answers of
+the gods (for very favourable oracles has Phoebus given), and then from
+the help of the chieftains. But do thou remain here, quiet among thy
+handmaids, and be not a bird of ill omen to the ship; and thither my
+clansmen and thralls will follow me."
+
+(ll. 306-316) He spake, and started forth to leave the house. And as
+Apollo goes forth from some fragrant shrine to divine Delos or Claros or
+Pytho or to broad Lyeia near the stream of Xanthus, in such beauty moved
+Jason through the throng of people; and a cry arose as they shouted
+together. And there met him aged Iphias, priestess of Artemis guardian
+of the city, and kissed his right hand, but she had not strength to say
+a word, for all her eagerness, as the crowd rushed on, but she was left
+there by the wayside, as the old are left by the young, and he passed on
+and was gone afar.
+
+(ll. 317-331) Now when he had left the well-built streets of the city,
+he came to the beach of Pagasae, where his comrades greeted him as they
+stayed together near the ship Argo. And he stood at the entering in,
+and they were gathered to meet him. And they perceived Aeastus and Argus
+coming from the city, and they marvelled when they saw them hasting with
+all speed, despite the will of Pelias. The one, Argus, son of Arestor,
+had cast round his shoulders the hide of a bull reaching to his feet,
+with the black hair upon it, the other, a fair mantle of double fold,
+which his sister Pelopeia had given him. Still Jason forebore from
+asking them about each point but bade all be seated for an assembly. And
+there, upon the folded sails and the mast as it lay on the ground,
+they all took their seats in order. And among them with goodwill spake
+Aeson's son:
+
+(ll. 332-340) "All the equipment that a ship needs for all is in due
+order--lies ready for our departure. Therefore we will make no long
+delay in our sailing for these things' sake, when the breezes but
+blow fair. But, friends,--for common to all is our return to Hellas
+hereafter, and common to all is our path to the land of Aeetes--now
+therefore with ungrudging heart choose the bravest to be our leader,
+who shall be careful for everything, to take upon him our quarrels and
+covenants with strangers."
+
+(ll. 341-344) Thus he spake; and the young heroes turned their eyes
+towards bold Heracles sitting in their midst, and with one shout they
+all enjoined upon him to be their leader; but he, from the place where
+he sat, stretched forth his right hand and said:
+
+(ll. 345-347) "Let no one offer this honour to me. For I will not
+consent, and I will forbid any other to stand up. Let the hero who
+brought us together, himself be the leader of the host."
+
+(ll. 348-350) Thus he spake with high thoughts, and they assented, as
+Heracles bade; and warlike Jason himself rose up, glad at heart, and
+thus addressed the eager throng:
+
+(ll. 351-362) "If ye entrust your glory to my care, no longer as before
+let our path be hindered. Now at last let us propitiate Phoebus with
+sacrifice and straightway prepare a feast. And until my thralls come,
+the overseers of my steading, whose care it is to choose out oxen from
+the herd and drive them hither, we will drag down the ship to the sea,
+and do ye place all the tackling within, and draw lots for the benches
+for rowing. Meantime let us build upon the beach an altar to Apollo
+Embasius [1101] who by an oracle promised to point out and show me the
+paths of the sea, if by sacrifice to him I should begin my venture for
+King Pelias."
+
+(ll. 363-393) He spake, and was the first to turn to the work, and they
+stood up in obedience to him; and they heaped their garments, one upon
+the other, on a smooth stone, which the sea did not strike with its
+waves, but the stormy surge had cleansed it long before. First of all,
+by the command of Argus, they strongly girded the ship with a rope well
+twisted within, [1102] stretching it tight on each side, in order that
+the planks might be well compacted by the bolts and might withstand the
+opposing force of the surge. And they quickly dug a trench as wide as
+the space the ship covered, and at the prow as far into the sea as it
+would run when drawn down by their hands. And they ever dug deeper in
+front of the stem, and in the furrow laid polished rollers; and inclined
+the ship down upon the first rollers, that so she might glide and be
+borne on by them. And above, on both sides, reversing the oars, they
+fastened them round the thole-pins, so as to project a cubit's space.
+And the heroes themselves stood on both sides at the oars in a row, and
+pushed forward with chest and hand at once. And then Tiphys leapt on
+board to urge the youths to push at the right moment; and calling
+on them he shouted loudly; and they at once, leaning with all their
+strength, with one push started the ship from her place, and strained
+with their feet, forcing her onward; and Pelian Argo followed swiftly;
+and they on each side shouted as they rushed on. And then the rollers
+groaned under the sturdy keel as they were chafed, and round them rose
+up a dark smoke owing to the weight, and she glided into the sea; but
+the heroes stood there and kept dragging her back as she sped onward.
+And round the thole-pins they fitted the oars, and in the ship they
+placed the mast and the well-made sails and the stores.
+
+(ll. 394-401) Now when they had carefully paid heed to everything, first
+they distributed the benches by lot, two men occupying one seat; but the
+middle bench they chose for Heracles and Ancaeus apart from the other
+heroes, Ancaeus who dwelt in Tegea. For them alone they left the middle
+bench just as it was and not by lot; and with one consent they entrusted
+Tiphys with guarding the helm of the well-stemmed ship.
+
+(ll. 402-410) Next, piling up shingle near the sea, they raised there
+an altar on the shore to Apollo, under the name of Actius [1103] and
+Embasius, and quickly spread above it logs of dried olive-wood. Meantime
+the herdsmen of Aeson's son had driven before them from the herd two
+steers. These the younger comrades dragged near the altars, and the
+others brought lustral water and barley meal, and Jason prayed, calling
+on Apollo the god of his fathers:
+
+(ll. 411-424) "Hear, O King, that dwellest in Pagasae and the city
+Aesonis, the city called by my father's name, thou who didst promise me,
+when I sought thy oracle at Pytho, to show the fulfilment and goal of my
+journey, for thou thyself hast been the cause of my venture; now do thou
+thyself guide the ship with my comrades safe and sound, thither and back
+again to Hellas. Then in thy honour hereafter we will lay again on thy
+altar the bright offerings of bulls--all of us who return; and other
+gifts in countless numbers I will bring to Pytho and Ortygia. And now,
+come, Far-darter, accept this sacrifice at our hands, which first of
+all we have offered thee for this ship on our embarcation; and grant, O
+King, that with a prosperous wind I may loose the hawsers, relying on
+thy counsel, and may the breeze blow softly with which we shall sail
+over the sea in fair weather."
+
+(ll. 425-439) He spake, and with his prayer cast the barley meal.
+And they two girded themselves to slay the steers, proud Ancaeus and
+Heracles. The latter with his club smote one steer mid-head on the brow,
+and falling in a heap on the spot, it sank to the ground; and Ancaeus
+struck the broad neck of the other with his axe of bronze, and shore
+through the mighty sinews; and it fell prone on both its horns. Their
+comrades quickly severed the victims' throats, and flayed the hides:
+they sundered the joints and carved the flesh, then cut out the sacred
+thigh bones, and covering them all together closely with fat burnt them
+upon cloven wood. And Aeson's son poured out pure libations, and Idmon
+rejoiced beholding the flame as it gleamed on every side from the
+sacrifice, and the smoke of it mounting up with good omen in dark spiral
+columns; and quickly he spake outright the will of Leto's son:
+
+(ll. 440-447) "For you it is the will of heaven and destiny that
+ye shall return here with the fleece; but meanwhile both going and
+returning, countless trials await you. But it is my lot, by the hateful
+decree of a god, to die somewhere afar off on the mainland of Asia.
+Thus, though I learnt my fate from evil omens even before now, I have
+left my fatherland to embark on the ship, that so after my embarking
+fair fame may be left me in my house."
+
+(ll. 448-462) Thus he spake; and the youths hearing the divine utterance
+rejoiced at their return, but grief seized them for the fate of
+Idmon. Now at the hour when the sun passes his noon-tide halt and the
+ploughlands are just being shadowed by the rocks, as the sun slopes
+towards the evening dusk, at that hour all the heroes spread leaves
+thickly upon the sand and lay down in rows in front of the hoary
+surf-line; and near them were spread vast stores of viands and sweet
+wine, which the cupbearers had drawn off in pitchers; afterwards they
+told tales one to another in turn, such as youths often tell when at
+the feast and the bowl they take delightful pastime, and insatiable
+insolence is far away. But here the son of Aeson, all helpless, was
+brooding over each event in his mind, like one oppressed with thought.
+And Idas noted him and assailed him with loud voice:
+
+(ll. 463-471) "Son of Aeson, what is this plan thou art turning over in
+mind. Speak out thy thought in the midst. Does fear come on and master
+thee, fear, that confounds cowards? Be witness now my impetuous spear,
+wherewith in wars I win renown beyond all others (nor does Zeus aid me
+so much as my own spear), that no woe will be fatal, no venture will be
+unachieved, while Idas follows, even though a god should oppose thee.
+Such a helpmeet am I that thou bringest from Arene."
+
+(ll. 472-475) He spake, and holding a brimming goblet in both hands
+drank off the unmixed sweet wine; and his lips and dark cheeks were
+drenched with it; and all the heroes clamoured together and Idmon spoke
+out openly:
+
+(ll. 480-484) "Vain wretch, thou art devising destruction for thyself
+before the time. Does the pure wine cause thy bold heart to swell in thy
+breast to thy ruin, and has it set thee on to dishonour the gods? Other
+words of comfort there are with which a man might encourage his comrade;
+but thou hast spoken with utter recklessness. Such taunts, the tale
+goes, did the sons of Aloeus once blurt out against the blessed gods,
+and thou dost no wise equal them in valour; nevertheless they were both
+slain by the swift arrows of Leto's son, mighty though they were."
+
+(ll. 485-486) Thus he spake, and Aphareian Iclas laughed out, loud and
+long, and eyeing him askance replied with biting words:
+
+(ll. 487-491) "Come now, tell me this by thy prophetic art, whether for
+me too the gods will bring to pass such doom as thy father promised for
+the sons of Aloeus. And bethink thee how thou wilt escape from my hands
+alive, if thou art caught making a prophecy vain as the idle wind."
+
+(ll. 492-495) Thus in wrath Idas reviled him, and the strife would
+have gone further had not their comrades and Aeson's son himself with
+indignant cry restrained the contending chiefs; and Orpheus lifted his
+lyre in his left hand and made essay to sing.
+
+(ll. 496-511) He sang how the earth, the heaven and the sea, once
+mingled together in one form, after deadly strife were separated each
+from other; and how the stars and the moon and the paths of the sun ever
+keep their fixed place in the sky; and how the mountains rose, and how
+the resounding rivers with their nymphs came into being and all creeping
+things. And he sang how first of all Ophion and Eurynome, daughter of
+Ocean, held the sway of snowy Olympus, and how through strength of arm
+one yielded his prerogative to Cronos and the other to Rhea, and how
+they fell into the waves of Ocean; but the other two meanwhile ruled
+over the blessed Titan-gods, while Zeus, still a child and with the
+thoughts of a child, dwelt in the Dictaean cave; and the earthborn
+Cyclopes had not yet armed him with the bolt, with thunder and
+lightning; for these things give renown to Zeus.
+
+(ll. 512-518) He ended, and stayed his lyre and divine voice. But though
+he had ceased they still bent forward with eagerness all hushed to
+quiet, with ears intent on the enchanting strain; such a charm of song
+had he left behind in their hearts. Not long after they mixed libations
+in honour of Zeus, with pious rites as is customary, and poured them
+upon the burning tongues, and bethought them of sleep in the darkness.
+
+(ll. 519-558) Now when gleaming dawn with bright eyes beheld the lofty
+peaks of Pelion, and the calm headlands were being drenched as the sea
+was ruffled by the winds, then Tiphys awoke from sleep; and at once
+he roused his comrades to go on board and make ready the oars. And
+a strange cry did the harbour of Pagasae utter, yea and Pelian Argo
+herself, urging them to set forth. For in her a beam divine had been
+laid which Athena had brought from an oak of Dodona and fitted in the
+middle of the stem. And the heroes went to the benches one after the
+other, as they had previously assigned for each to row in his place, and
+took their seats in due order near their fighting gear. In the middle
+sat Antaeus and mighty Heracles, and near him he laid his club, and
+beneath his tread the ship's keel sank deep. And now the hawsers were
+being slipped and they poured wine on the sea. But Jason with tears held
+his eyes away from his fatherland. And just as youths set up a dance in
+honour of Phoebus either in Pytho or haply in Ortygia, or by the waters
+of Ismenus, and to the sound of the lyre round his altar all together
+in time beat the earth with swiftly-moving feet; so they to the sound of
+Orpheus' lyre smote with their oars the rushing sea-water, and the
+surge broke over the blades; and on this side and on that the dark brine
+seethed with foam, boiling terribly through the might of the sturdy
+heroes. And their arms shone in the sun like flame as the ship sped on;
+and ever their wake gleamed white far behind, like a path seen over a
+green plain. On that day all the gods looked down from heaven upon the
+ship and the might of the heroes, half-divine, the bravest of men
+then sailing the sea; and on the topmost heights the nymphs of Pelion
+wondered as they beheld the work of Itonian Athena, and the heroes
+themselves wielding the oars. And there came down from the mountain-top
+to the sea Chiron, son of Philyra, and where the white surf broke he
+dipped his feet, and, often waving with his broad hand, cried out to
+them at their departure, "Good speed and a sorrowless home-return!" And
+with him his wife, bearing Peleus' son Achilles on her arm, showed the
+child to his dear father.
+
+(ll. 559-579) Now when they had left the curving shore of the harbour
+through the cunning and counsel of prudent Tiphys son of Hagnias,
+who skilfully handled the well-polished helm that he might guide them
+steadfastly, then at length they set up the tall mast in the mastbox,
+and secured it with forestays, drawing them taut on each side, and from
+it they let down the sail when they had hauled it to the top-mast. And
+a breeze came down piping shrilly; and upon the deck they fastened the
+ropes separately round the well-polished pins, and ran quietly past the
+long Tisaean headland. And for them the son of Oeagrus touched his lyre
+and sang in rhythmical song of Artemis, saviour of ships, child of a
+glorious sire, who hath in her keeping those peaks by the sea, and the
+land of Iolcos; and the fishes came darting through the deep sea, great
+mixed with small, and followed gambolling along the watery paths. And as
+when in the track of the shepherd, their master, countless sheep follow
+to the fold that have fed to the full of grass, and he goes before
+gaily piping a shepherd's strain on Iris shrill reed; so these fishes
+followed; and a chasing breeze ever bore the ship onward.
+
+(ll. 580-591) And straightway the misty land of the Pelasgians, rich in
+cornfields, sank out of sight, and ever speeding onward they passed the
+rugged sides of Pelion; and the Sepian headland sank away, and Sciathus
+appeared in the sea, and far off appeared Piresiae and the calm shore
+of Magnesia on the mainland and the tomb of Dolops; here then in the
+evening, as the wind blew against them, they put to land, and paying
+honour to him at nightfall burnt sheep as victims, while the sea was
+tossed by the swell: and for two days they lingered on the shore, but on
+the third day they put forth the ship, spreading on high the broad sail.
+And even now men call that beach Aphetae [1104] of Argo.
+
+(ll. 592-608) Thence going forward they ran past Meliboea, escaping a
+stormy beach and surf-line. And in the morning they saw Homole close at
+hand leaning on the sea, and skirted it, and not long after they were
+about to pass by the outfall of the river Amyrus. From there they beheld
+Eurymenae and the seawashed ravines of Ossa and Olympus; next they
+reached the slopes of Pallene, beyond the headland of Canastra, running
+all night with the wind. And at dawn before them as they journeyed rose
+Athos, the Thracian mountain, which with its topmost peak overshadows
+Lemnos, even as far as Myrine, though it lies as far off as the space
+that a well-trimmed merchantship would traverse up to mid-day. For them
+on that day, till darkness fell, the breeze blew exceedingly fresh, and
+the sails of the ship strained to it. But with the setting of the sun
+the wind left them, and it was by the oars that they reached Lemnos, the
+Sintian isle.
+
+(ll. 609-639) Here the whole of the men of the people together had been
+ruthlessly slain through the transgressions of the women in the year
+gone by. For the men had rejected their lawful wives, loathing them, and
+had conceived a fierce passion for captive maids whom they themselves
+brought across the sea from their forays in Thrace; for the terrible
+wrath of Cypris came upon them, because for a long time they had grudged
+her the honours due. O hapless women, and insatiate in jealousy to their
+own ruin! Not their husbands alone with the captives did they slay on
+account of the marriage-bed, but all the males at the same time, that
+they might thereafter pay no retribution for the grim murder. And of all
+the women, Hypsipyle alone spared her aged father Thoas, who was king
+over the people; and she sent him in a hollow chest, to drift over the
+sea, if haply he should escape. And fishermen dragged him to shore at
+the island of Oenoe, formerly Oenoe, but afterwards called Sicinus from
+Sicinus, whom the water-nymph Oenoe bore to Thoas. Now for all the
+women to tend kine, to don armour of bronze, and to cleave with the
+plough-share the wheat-bearing fields, was easier than the works of
+Athena, with which they were busied aforetime. Yet for all that did they
+often gaze over the broad sea, in grievous fear against the Thracians'
+coming. So when they saw Argo being rowed near the island, straightway
+crowding in multitude from the gates of Myrine and clad in their harness
+of war, they poured forth to the beach like ravening Thyiades: for they
+deemed that the Thracians were come; and with them Hypsipyle, daughter
+of Thoas, donned her father's harness. And they streamed down speechless
+with dismay; such fear was wafted about them.
+
+(ll. 640-652) Meantime from the ship the chiefs had sent Aethalides the
+swift herald, to whose care they entrusted their messages and the wand
+of Hermes, his sire, who had granted him a memory of all things, that
+never grew dim; and not even now, though he has entered the unspeakable
+whirlpools of Acheron, has forgetfulness swept over his soul, but its
+fixed doom is to be ever changing its abode; at one time to be numbered
+among the dwellers beneath the earth, at another to be in the light
+of the sun among living men. But why need I tell at length tales
+of Aethalides? He at that time persuaded Hypsipyle to receive the
+new-comers as the day was waning into darkness; nor yet at dawn did they
+loose the ship's hawsers to the breath of the north wind.
+
+(ll. 653-656) Now the Lemnian women fared through the city and sat down
+to the assembly, for Hypsipyle herself had so bidden. And when they were
+all gathered together in one great throng straightway she spake among
+them with stirring words:
+
+(ll. 657-666) "O friends, come let us grant these men gifts to
+their hearts' desire, such as it is fitting that they should take on
+ship-board, food and sweet wine, in order that they may steadfastly
+remain outside our towers, and may not, passing among us for need's
+sake, get to know us all too well, and so an evil report be widely
+spread; for we have wrought a terrible deed and in nowise will it be to
+their liking, should they learn it. Such is our counsel now, but if any
+of you can devise a better plan let her rise, for it was on this account
+that I summoned you hither."
+
+(ll. 667-674) Thus she spake and sat upon her father's seat of stone,
+and then rose up her dear nurse Polyxo, for very age halting upon her
+withered feet, bowed over a staff, and she was eager to address them.
+Near her were seated four virgins, unwedded, crowned with white hair.
+And she stood in the midst of the assembly and from her bent back she
+feebly raised her neck and spake thus:
+
+(ll. 675-696) "Gifts, as Hypsipyle herself wishes, let us send to the
+strangers, for it is better to give them. But for you what device have
+ye to get profit of your life if the Thracian host fall upon us, or some
+other foe, as often happens among men, even as now this company is come
+unforeseen? But if one of the blessed gods should turn this aside yet
+countless other woes, worse than battle, remain behind, when the aged
+women die off and ye younger ones, without children, reach hateful old
+age. How then will ye live, hapless ones? Will your oxen of their
+own accord yoke themselves for the deep plough-lands and draw the
+earth-cleaving share through the fallow, and forthwith, as the year
+comes round, reap the harvest? Assuredly, though the fates till now have
+shunned me in horror, I deem that in the coming year I shall put on the
+garment of earth, when I have received my meed of burial even so as is
+right, before the evil days draw near. But I bid you who are younger
+give good heed to this. For now at your feet a way of escape lies open,
+if ye trust to the strangers the care of your homes and all your stock
+and your glorious city."
+
+(ll. 697-699) Thus she spake, and the assembly was filled with clamour.
+For the word pleased them. And after her straightway Hypsipyle rose up
+again, and thus spake in reply.
+
+(ll. 700-701) "If this purpose please you all, now will I even send a
+messenger to the ship."
+
+(ll. 702-707) She spake and addressed Iphinoe close at hand: "Go,
+Iphinoe, and beg yonder man, whoever it is that leads this array, to
+come to our land that I may tell him a word that pleases the heart of my
+people, and bid the men themselves, if they wish, boldly enter the land
+and the city with friendly intent."
+
+(ll. 708-711) She spake, and dismissed the assembly, and thereafter
+started to return home. And so Iphinoe came to the Minyae; and they
+asked with what intent she had come among them. And quickly she
+addressed her questioners with all speed in these words:
+
+(ll. 712-716) "The maiden Hypsipyle daughter of Thoas, sent me on my way
+here to you, to summon the captain of your ship, whoever he be, that she
+may tell him a word that pleases the heart of the people, and she bids
+yourselves, if ye wish it, straightway enter the land and the city with
+friendly intent."
+
+(ll. 717-720) Thus she spake and the speech of good omen pleased all.
+And they deemed that Thoas was dead and that his beloved daughter
+Hypsipyle was queen, and quickly they sent Jason on his way and
+themselves made ready to go.
+
+(ll. 721-729) Now he had buckled round his shoulders a purple mantle of
+double fold, the work of the Tritonian goddess, which Pallas had given
+him when she first laid the keel-props of the ship Argo and taught him
+how to measure timbers with the rule. More easily wouldst thou cast thy
+eyes upon the sun at its rising than behold that blazing splendour. For
+indeed in the middle the fashion thereof was red, but at the ends it was
+all purple, and on each margin many separate devices had been skilfully
+inwoven.
+
+(ll. 730-734) In it were the Cyclops seated at their imperishable work,
+forging a thunderbolt for King Zeus; by now it was almost finished in
+its brightness and still it wanted but one ray, which they were beating
+out with their iron hammers as it spurted forth a breath of raging
+flame.
+
+(ll. 735-741) In it too were the twin sons of Antiope, daughter of
+Asopus, Amphion and Zethus, and Thebe still ungirt with towers was
+lying near, whose foundations they were just then laying in eager haste.
+Zethus on his shoulders was lifting the peak of a steep mountain, like
+a man toiling hard, and Amphion after him, singing loud and clear on his
+golden lyre, moved on, and a rock twice as large followed his footsteps.
+
+(ll. 742-746) Next in order had been wrought Cytherea with drooping
+tresses, wielding the swift shield of Ares; and from her shoulder to her
+left arm the fastening of her tunic was loosed beneath her breast; and
+opposite in the shield of bronze her image appeared clear to view as she
+stood.
+
+(ll. 747-751) And in it there was a well-wooded pasturage of oxen; and
+about the oxen the Teleboae and the sons of Eleetryon were fighting; the
+one party defending themselves, the others, the Taphian raiders, longing
+to rob them; and the dewy meadow was drenched with their blood, and the
+many were overmastering the few herdsmen.
+
+(ll. 752-758) And therein were fashioned two chariots, racing, and the
+one in front Pelops was guiding, as he shook the reins, and with him was
+Hippodameia at his side, and in pursuit Myrtilus urged his steeds, and
+with him Oenomaus had grasped his couched spear, but fell as the axle
+swerved and broke in the nave, while he was eager to pierce the back of
+Pelops.
+
+(ll. 759-762) And in it was wrought Phoebus Apollo, a stripling not
+yet grown up, in the act of shooting at mighty Tityos who was boldly
+dragging his mother by her veil, Tityos whom glorious Elate bare, but
+Earth nursed him and gave him second birth.
+
+(ll. 763-767) And in it was Phrixus the Minyan as though he were in very
+deed listening to the ram, while it was like one speaking. Beholding
+them thou wouldst be silent and wouldst cheat thy soul with the hope of
+hearing some wise speech from them, and long wouldst thou gaze with that
+hope.
+
+(ll. 768-773) Such then were the gifts of the Tritonian goddess Athena.
+And in his right hand Jason held a fardarting spear, which Atalanta gave
+him once as a gift of hospitality in Maenalus as she met him gladly; for
+she eagerly desired to follow on that quest; but he himself of his own
+accord prevented the maid, for he feared bitter strife on account of her
+love.
+
+(ll. 774-792) And he went on his way to the city like to a bright star,
+which maidens, pent up in new-built chambers, behold as it rises above
+their homes, and through the dark air it charms their eyes with its fair
+red gleam and the maid rejoices, love-sick for the youth who is far away
+amid strangers, for whom her parents are keeping her to be his bride;
+like to that star the hero trod the way to the city. And when they had
+passed within the gates and the city, the women of the people surged
+behind them, delighting in the stranger, but he with his eyes fixed on
+the ground fared straight on, till he reached the glorious palace of
+Hypsipyle; and when he appeared the maids opened the folding doors,
+fitted with well-fashioned panels. Here Iphinoe leading him quickly
+through a fair porch set him upon a shining seat opposite her mistress,
+but Hypsipyle turned her eyes aside and a blush covered her maiden
+cheeks, yet for all her modesty she addressed him with crafty words:
+
+(ll. 793-833) "Stranger, why stay ye so long outside our towers? for the
+city is not inhabited by the men, but they, as sojourners, plough the
+wheat-bearing fields of the Thracian mainland. And I will tell out truly
+all our evil plight, that ye yourselves too may know it well. When my
+father Thoas reigned over the citizens, then our folk starting from
+their homes used to plunder from their ships the dwellings of the
+Thracians who live opposite, and they brought back hither measureless
+booty and maidens too. But the counsel of the baneful goddess Cypris was
+working out its accomplishment, who brought upon them soul destroying
+infatuation. For they hated their lawful wives, and, yielding to their
+own mad folly, drove them from their homes; and they took to their beds
+the captives of their spear, cruel ones. Long in truth we endured it, if
+haply again, though late, they might change their purpose, but ever the
+bitter woe grew, twofold. And the lawful children were being dishonoured
+in their halls, and a bastard race was rising. And thus unmarried
+maidens and widowed mothers too wandered uncared for through the city;
+no father heeded his daughter ever so little even though he should see
+her done to death before his eyes at the hands of an insolent step-dame,
+nor did sons, as before, defend their mother against unseemly outrage;
+nor did brothers care at heart for their sister. But in their homes, in
+the dance, in the assembly and the banquet all their thought was only
+for their captive maidens; until some god put desperate courage in our
+hearts no more to receive our lords on their return from Thrace within
+our towers so that they might either heed the right or might depart and
+begone elsewhither, they and their captives. So they begged of us all
+the male children that were left in the city and went back to where even
+now they dwell on the snowy tilths of Thrace. Do ye therefore stay and
+settle with us; and shouldst thou desire to dwell here, and this finds
+favour with thee, assuredly thou shalt have the prerogative of my father
+Thoas; and I deem that thou wilt not scorn our land at all; for it is
+deepsoiled beyond all other islands that lie in the Aegaean sea. But
+come now, return to the ship and relate my words to thy comrades, and
+stay not outside our city."
+
+(ll. 834-835) She spoke, glozing over the murder that had been wrought
+upon the men; and Jason addressed her in answer:
+
+(ll. 836-841) "Hypsipyle, very dear to our hearts is the help we shall
+meet with, which thou grantest to us who need thee. And I will return
+again to the city when I have told everything in order due. But let the
+sovereignty of the island be thine; it is not in scorn I yield it up,
+but grievous trials urge me on."
+
+(ll. 842-852) He spake, and touched her right hand; and quickly he
+turned to go back: and round him the young maids on every side danced
+in countless numbers in their joy till he passed through the gates. And
+then they came to the shore in smooth-running wains, bearing with them
+many gifts, when now he had related from beginning to end the speech
+which Hypsipyle had spoken when she summoned them; and the maids readily
+led the men back to their homes for entertainment. For Cypris stirred
+in them a sweet desire, for the sake of Hephaestus of many counsels, in
+order that Lemnos might be again inhabited by men and not be ruined.
+
+(ll. 853-864) Thereupon Aeson's son started to go to the royal home of
+Hypsipyle; and the rest went each his way as chance took them, all but
+Heracles; for he of his own will was left behind by the ship and a few
+chosen comrades with him. And straightway the city rejoiced with dances
+and banquets, being filled with the steam of sacrifice; and above all
+the immortals they propitiated with songs and sacrifices the illustrious
+son of Hera and Cypris herself. And the sailing was ever delayed from
+one day to another; and long would they have lingered there, had not
+Heracles, gathering together his comrades apart from the women, thus
+addressed them with reproachful words:
+
+(ll. 865-874) "Wretched men, does the murder of kindred keep us from our
+native land? Or is it in want of marriage that we have come hither from
+thence, in scorn of our countrywomen? Does it please us to dwell here
+and plough the rich soil of Lemnos? No fair renown shall we win by thus
+tarrying so long with stranger women; nor will some god seize and give
+us at our prayer a fleece that moves of itself. Let us then return each
+to his own; but him leave ye to rest all day long in the embrace of
+Hypsipyle until he has peopled Lemnos with men-children, and so there
+come to him great glory."
+
+(ll. 875-887) Thus did he chide the band; but no one dared to meet his
+eye or to utter a word in answer. But just as they were in the assembly
+they made ready their departure in all haste, and the women came running
+towards them, when they knew their intent. And as when bees hum round
+fair lilies pouring forth from their hive in the rock, and all around
+the dewy meadow rejoices, and they gather the sweet fruit, flitting from
+one to another; even so the women eagerly poured forth clustering round
+the men with loud lament, and greeted each one with hands and voice,
+praying the blessed gods to grant him a safe return. And so Hypsipyle
+too prayed, seizing the hands of Aeson's son, and her tears flowed for
+the loss of her lover:
+
+(ll. 888-898) "Go, and may heaven bring thee back again with thy
+comrades unharmed, bearing to the king the golden fleece, even as thou
+wilt and thy heart desireth; and this island and my father's sceptre
+will be awaiting thee, if on thy return hereafter thou shouldst choose
+to come hither again; and easily couldst thou gather a countless host
+of men from other cities. But thou wilt not have this desire, nor do I
+myself forbode that so it will be. Still remember Hypsipyle when thou
+art far away and when thou hast returned; and leave me some word of
+bidding, which I will gladly accomplish, if haply heaven shall grant me
+to be a mother."
+
+(ll. 899-909) And Aeson's son in admiration thus replied: "Hypsipyle, so
+may all these things prove propitious by the favour of the blessed gods.
+But do thou hold a nobler thought of me, since by the grace of Pelias it
+is enough for me to dwell in my native land; may the gods only release
+me from my toils. But if it is not my destiny to sail afar and return
+to the land of Hellas, and if thou shouldst bear a male child, send him
+when grown up to Pelasgian Iolcus, to heal the grief of my father and
+mother if so be that he find them still living, in order that, far away
+from the king, they may be cared for by their own hearth in their home."
+
+(ll. 910-921) He spake, and mounted the ship first of all; and so the
+rest of the chiefs followed, and, sitting in order, seized the oars;
+and Argus loosed for them the hawsers from under the sea-beaten rock.
+Whereupon they mightily smote the water with their long oars, and in
+the evening by the injunctions of Orpheus they touched at the island of
+Electra, [1105] daughter of Atlas, in order that by gentle initiation
+they might learn the rites that may not be uttered, and so with greater
+safety sail over the chilling sea. Of these I will make no further
+mention; but I bid farewell to the island itself and the indwelling
+deities, to whom belong those mysteries, which it is not lawful for me
+to sing.
+
+(ll. 922-935) Thence did they row with eagerness over the depths of
+the black Sea, having on the one side the land of the Thracians, on the
+other Imbros on the south; and as the sun was just setting they reached
+the foreland of the Chersonesus. There a strong south wind blew for
+them; and raising the sails to the breeze they entered the swift stream
+of the maiden daughter of Athamas; and at dawn the sea to the north was
+left behind and at night they were coasting inside the Rhoeteian shore,
+with the land of Ida on their right. And leaving Dardania they directed
+their course to Abydus, and after it they sailed past Percote and the
+sandy beach of Abarnis and divine Pityeia. And in that night, as the
+ship sped on by sail and oar, they passed right through the Hellespont
+dark-gleaming with eddies.
+
+(ll. 936-960) There is a lofty island inside the Propontis, a short
+distance from the Phrygian mainland with its rich cornfields, sloping
+to the sea, where an isthmus in front of the mainland is flooded by the
+waves, so low does it lie. And the isthmus has double shores, and they
+lie beyond the river Aesepus, and the inhabitants round about call the
+island the Mount of Bears. And insolent and fierce men dwell there,
+Earthborn, a great marvel to the neighbours to behold; for each one has
+six mighty hands to lift up, two from his sturdy shoulders, and four
+below, fitting close to his terrible sides. And about the isthmus and
+the plain the Doliones had their dwelling, and over them Cyzicus son of
+Aeneus was king, whom Aenete the daughter of goodly Eusorus bare. But
+these men the Earthborn monsters, fearful though they were, in nowise
+harried, owing to the protection of Poseidon; for from him had the
+Doliones first sprung. Thither Argo pressed on, driven by the winds of
+Thrace, and the Fair haven received her as she sped. There they cast
+away their small anchorstone by the advice of Tiphys and left it beneath
+a fountain, the fountain of Artaeie; and they took another meet for
+their purpose, a heavy one; but the first, according to the oracle of
+the Far-Darter, the Ionians, sons of Neleus, in after days laid to be a
+sacred stone, as was right, in the temple of Jasonian Athena.
+
+(ll. 961-988) Now the Doliones and Cyzicus himself all came together to
+meet them with friendliness, and when they knew of the quest and their
+lineage welcomed them with hospitality, and persuaded them to row
+further and to fasten their ship's hawsers at the city harbour. Here
+they built an altar to Ecbasian Apollo [1106] and set it up on the
+beach, and gave heed to sacrifices. And the king of his own bounty gave
+them sweet wine and sheep in their need; for he had heard a report that
+whenever a godlike band of heroes should come, straightway he should
+meet it with gentle words and should have no thought of war. As with
+Jason, the soft down was just blooming on his chin, nor yet had it been
+his lot to rejoice in children, but still in his palace his wife was
+untouched by the pangs of child-birth, the daughter of Percosian Merops,
+fair-haired Cleite, whom lately by priceless gifts he had brought from
+her father's home from the mainland opposite. But even so he left his
+chamber and bridal bed and prepared a banquet among the strangers,
+casting all fears from his heart. And they questioned one another in
+turn. Of them would he learn the end of their voyage and the injunctions
+of Pelias; while they enquired about the cities of the people round and
+all the gulf of the wide Propontis; but further he could not tell
+them for all their desire to learn. In the morning they climbed mighty
+Dindymum that they might themselves behold the various paths of that
+sea; and they brought their ship from its former anchorage to the
+harbour, Chytus; and the path they trod is named the path of Jason.
+
+(ll. 989-1011) But the Earthborn men on the other side rushed down from
+the mountain and with crags below blocked up the mouth of vast Chytus
+towards the sea, like men lying in wait for a wild beast within. But
+there Heracles had been left behind with the younger heroes and he
+quickly bent his back-springing bow against the monsters and brought
+them to earth one after another; and they in their turn raised huge
+ragged rocks and hurled them. For these dread monsters too, I ween, the
+goddess Hera, bride of Zeus, had nurtured to be a trial for Heracles.
+And therewithal came the rest of the martial heroes returning to meet
+the foe before they reached the height of outlook, and they fell to the
+slaughter of the Earthborn, receiving them with arrows and spears
+until they slew them all as they rushed fiercely to battle. And as when
+woodcutters cast in rows upon the beach long trees just hewn down by
+their axes, in order that, once sodden with brine, they may receive
+the strong bolts; so these monsters at the entrance of the foam-fringed
+harbour lay stretched one after another, some in heaps bending their
+heads and breasts into the salt waves with their limbs spread out above
+on the land; others again were resting their heads on the sand of the
+shore and their feet in the deep water, both alike a prey to birds and
+fishes at once.
+
+(ll. 1012-1076) But the heroes, when the contest was ended without
+fear, loosed the ship's hawsers to the breath of the wind and pressed on
+through the sea-swell. And the ship sped on under sail all day; but when
+night came the rushing wind did not hold steadfast, but contrary blasts
+caught them and held them back till they again approached the hospitable
+Doliones. And they stepped ashore that same night; and the rock is still
+called the Sacred Rock round which they threw the ship's hawsers in
+their haste. Nor did anyone note with care that it was the same island;
+nor in the night did the Doliones clearly perceive that the heroes were
+returning; but they deemed that Pelasgian war-men of the Macrians
+had landed. Therefore they donned their armour and raised their hands
+against them. And with clashing of ashen spears and shields they fell on
+each other, like the swift rush of fire which falls on dry brushwood and
+rears its crest; and the din of battle, terrible and furious, fell upon
+the people of the Doliones. Nor was the king to escape his fate and
+return home from battle to his bridal chamber and bed. But Aeson's son
+leapt upon him as he turned to face him, and smote him in the middle
+of the breast, and the bone was shattered round the spear; he rolled
+forward in the sand and filled up the measure of his fate. For that no
+mortal may escape; but on every side a wide snare encompasses us. And
+so, when he thought that he had escaped bitter death from the chiefs,
+fate entangled him that very night in her toils while battling with
+them; and many champions withal were slain; Heracles killed Telecles
+and Megabrontes, and Acastus slew Sphodris; and Peleus slew Zelus and
+Gephyrus swift in war. Telamon of the strong spear slew Basileus. And
+Idas slew Promeus, and Clytius Hyacinthus, and the two sons of Tyndareus
+slew Megalossaces and Phlogius. And after them the son of Oeneus slew
+bold Itomeneus, and Artaceus, leader of men; all of whom the inhabitants
+still honour with the worship due to heroes. And the rest gave way and
+fled in terror just as doves fly in terror before swift-winged hawks.
+And with a din they rustled in a body to the gates; and quickly the city
+was filled with loud cries at the turning of the dolorous fight. But at
+dawn both sides perceived the fatal and cureless error; and bitter grief
+seized the Minyan heroes when they saw before them Cyzicus son of Aeneus
+fallen in the midst of dust and blood. And for three whole days they
+lamented and rent their hair, they and the Dollones. Then three times
+round his tomb they paced in armour of bronze and performed funeral
+rites and celebrated games, as was meet, upon the meadow-plain, where
+even now rises the mound of his grave to be seen by men of a later day.
+No, nor was his bride Cleite left behind her dead husband, but to crown
+the ill she wrought an ill yet more awful, when she clasped a noose
+round her neck. Her death even the nymphs of the grove bewailed; and
+of all the tears for her that they shed to earth from their eyes
+the goddesses made a fountain, which they call Cleite, [1107] the
+illustrious name of the hapless maid. Most terrible came that day from
+Zeus upon the Doliones, women and men; for no one of them dared even to
+taste food, nor for a long time by reason of grief did they take thought
+for the toil of the cornmill, but they dragged on their lives eating
+their food as it was, untouched by fire. Here even now, when the Ionians
+that dwell in Cyzicus pour their yearly libations for the dead, they
+ever grind the meal for the sacrificial cakes at the common mill. [1108]
+
+(ll. 1079-1091) After this, fierce tempests arose for twelve days and
+nights together and kept them there from sailing. But in the next night
+the rest of the chieftains, overcome by sleep, were resting during the
+latest period of the night, while Acastus and Mopsus the son of Ampyeus
+kept guard over their deep slumbers. And above the golden head of
+Aeson's son there hovered a halcyon prophesying with shrill voice the
+ceasing of the stormy winds; and Mopsus heard and understood the cry of
+the bird of the shore, fraught with good omen. And some god made it turn
+aside, and flying aloft it settled upon the stern-ornament of the ship.
+And the seer touched Jason as he lay wrapped in soft sheepskins and woke
+him at once, and thus spake:
+
+(ll. 1092-1102) "Son of Aeson, thou must climb to this temple on rugged
+Dindymum and propitiate the mother [1109] of all the blessed gods on her
+fair throne, and the stormy blasts shall cease. For such was the voice I
+heard but now from the halcyon, bird of the sea, which, as it flew above
+thee in thy slumber, told me all. For by her power the winds and the sea
+and all the earth below and the snowy seat of Olympus are complete;
+and to her, when from the mountains she ascends the mighty heaven, Zeus
+himself, the son of Cronos, gives place. In like manner the rest of the
+immortal blessed ones reverence the dread goddess."
+
+(ll. 1103-1152) Thus he spake, and his words were welcome to Jason's
+ear. And he arose from his bed with joy and woke all his comrades
+hurriedly and told them the prophecy of Mopsus the son of Ampycus. And
+quickly the younger men drove oxen from their stalls and began to lead
+them to the mountain's lofty summit. And they loosed the hawsers from
+the sacred rock and rowed to the Thracian harbour; and the heroes
+climbed the mountain, leaving a few of their comrades in the ship.
+And to them the Macrian heights and all the coast of Thrace opposite
+appeared to view close at hand. And there appeared the misty mouth of
+Bosporus and the Mysian hills; and on the other side the stream of the
+river Aesepus and the city and Nepeian plain of Adrasteia. Now there was
+a sturdy stump of vine that grew in the forest, a tree exceeding old;
+this they cut down, to be the sacred image of the mountain goddess;
+and Argus smoothed it skilfully, and they set it upon that rugged hill
+beneath a canopy of lofty oaks, which of all trees have their roots
+deepest. And near it they heaped an altar of small stones, and wreathed
+their brows with oak leaves and paid heed to sacrifice, invoking the
+mother of Dindymum, most venerable, dweller in Phrygia, and Titias and
+Cyllenus, who alone of many are called dispensers of doom and assessors
+of the Idaean mother,--the Idaean Dactyls of Crete, whom once the nymph
+Anchiale, as she grasped with both hands the land of Oaxus, bare in the
+Dictaean cave. And with many prayers did Aeson's son beseech the goddess
+to turn aside the stormy blasts as he poured libations on the blazing
+sacrifice; and at the same time by command of Orpheus the youths trod a
+measure dancing in full armour, and clashed with their swords on their
+shields, so that the ill-omened cry might be lost in the air the wail
+which the people were still sending up in grief for their king. Hence
+from that time forward the Phrygians propitiate Rhea with the wheel and
+the drum. And the gracious goddess, I ween, inclined her heart to pious
+sacrifices; and favourable signs appeared. The trees shed abundant
+fruit, and round their feet the earth of its own accord put forth
+flowers from the tender grass. And the beasts of the wild wood left
+their lairs and thickets and came up fawning on them with their tails.
+And she caused yet another marvel; for hitherto there was no flow of
+water on Dindymum, but then for them an unceasing stream gushed forth
+from the thirsty peak just as it was, and the dwellers around in after
+times called that stream, the spring of Jason. And then they made
+a feast in honour of the goddess on the Mount of Bears, singing the
+praises of Rhea most venerable; but at dawn the winds had ceased and
+they rowed away from the island.
+
+(ll. 1153-1171) Thereupon a spirit of contention stirred each chieftain,
+who should be the last to leave his oar. For all around the windless
+air smoothed the swirling waves and lulled the sea to rest. And they,
+trusting in the calm, mightily drove the ship forward; and as she sped
+through the salt sea, not even the storm-footed steeds of Poseidon would
+have overtaken her. Nevertheless when the sea was stirred by violent
+blasts which were just rising from the rivers about evening, forspent
+with toil, they ceased. But Heracles by the might of his arms pulled the
+weary rowers along all together, and made the strong-knit timbers of
+the ship to quiver. But when, eager to reach the Mysian mainland, they
+passed along in sight of the mouth of Rhyndaeus and the great cairn of
+Aegaeon, a little way from Phrygia, then Heracles, as he ploughed up
+the furrows of the roughened surge, broke his oar in the middle. And one
+half he held in both his hands as he fell sideways, the other the sea
+swept away with its receding wave. And he sat up in silence glaring
+round; for his hands were unaccustomed to be idle.
+
+(ll. 1172-1186) Now at the hour when from the field some delver or
+ploughman goes gladly home to his hut, longing for his evening meal, and
+there on the threshold, all squalid with dust, bows his wearied knees,
+and, beholding his hands worn with toil, with many a curse reviles his
+belly; at that hour the heroes reached the homes of the Cianian land
+near the Arganthonian mount and the outfall of Cius. Them as they came
+in friendliness, the Mysians, inhabitants of that land, hospitably
+welcomed, and gave them in their need provisions and sheep and abundant
+wine. Hereupon some brought dried wood, others from the meadows leaves
+for beds which they gathered in abundance for strewing, whilst others
+were twirling sticks to get fire; others again were mixing wine in
+the bowl and making ready the feast, after sacrificing at nightfall to
+Apollo Ecbasius.
+
+(ll. 1187-1206) But the son of Zeus having duly enjoined on his comrades
+to prepare the feast took his way into a wood, that he might first
+fashion for himself an oar to fit his hand. Wandering about he found a
+pine not burdened with many branches, nor too full of leaves, but
+like to the shaft of a tall poplar; so great was it both in length
+and thickness to look at. And quickly he laid on the ground his
+arrow-holding quiver together with his bow, and took off his lion's
+skin. And he loosened the pine from the ground with his bronze-tipped
+club and grasped the trunk with both hands at the bottom, relying on his
+strength; and he pressed it against his broad shoulder with legs wide
+apart; and clinging close he raised it from the ground deep-rooted
+though it was, together with clods of earth. And as when unexpectedly,
+just at the time of the stormy setting of baleful Orion, a swift gust of
+wind strikes down from above, and wrenches a ship's mast from its stays,
+wedges and all; so did Heracles lift the pine. And at the same time he
+took up his bow and arrows, his lion skin and club, and started on his
+return.
+
+(ll. 1207-1239) Meantime Hylas with pitcher of bronze in hand had gone
+apart from the throng, seeking the sacred flow of a fountain, that he
+might be quick in drawing water for the evening meal and actively make
+all things ready in due order against his lord's return. For in such
+ways did Heracles nurture him from his first childhood when he had
+carried him off from the house of his father, goodly Theiodamas, whom
+the hero pitilessly slew among the Dryopians because he withstood him
+about an ox for the plough. Theiodamas was cleaving with his plough the
+soil of fallow land when he was smitten with the curse; and Heracles
+bade him give up the ploughing ox against his will. For he desired to
+find some pretext for war against the Dryopians for their bane, since
+they dwelt there reckless of right. But these tales would lead me far
+astray from my song. And quickly Hylas came to the spring which the
+people who dwell thereabouts call Pegae. And the dances of the nymphs
+were just now being held there; for it was the care of all the nymphs
+that haunted that lovely headland ever to hymn Artemis in songs by
+night. All who held the mountain peaks or glens, all they were ranged
+far off guarding the woods; but one, a water-nymph was just rising from
+the fair-flowing spring; and the boy she perceived close at hand with
+the rosy flush of his beauty and sweet grace. For the full moon beaming
+from the sky smote him. And Cypris made her heart faint, and in her
+confusion she could scarcely gather her spirit back to her. But as soon
+as he dipped the pitcher in the stream, leaning to one side, and the
+brimming water rang loud as it poured against the sounding bronze,
+straightway she laid her left arm above upon his neck yearning to kiss
+his tender mouth; and with her right hand she drew down his elbow, and
+plunged him into the midst of the eddy.
+
+(ll. 1240-1256) Alone of his comrades the hero Polyphemus, son of
+Eilatus, as he went forward on the path, heard the boy's cry, for he
+expected the return of mighty Heracles. And he rushed after the cry,
+near Pegae, like some beast of the wild wood whom the bleating of sheep
+has reached from afar, and burning with hunger he follows, but does not
+fall in with the flocks; for the shepherds beforehand have penned them
+in the fold, but he groans and roars vehemently until he is weary.
+Thus vehemently at that time did the son of Eilatus groan and wandered
+shouting round the spot; and his voice rang piteous. Then quickly
+drawing his great sword he started in pursuit, in fear lest the boy
+should be the prey of wild beasts, or men should have lain in ambush for
+him faring all alone, and be carrying him off, an easy prey. Hereupon as
+he brandished his bare sword in his hand he met Heracles himself on
+the path, and well he knew him as he hastened to the ship through the
+darkness. And straightway he told the wretched calamity while his heart
+laboured with his panting breath.
+
+(ll. 1257-1260) "My poor friend, I shall be the first to bring thee
+tidings of bitter woe. Hylas has gone to the well and has not returned
+safe, but robbers have attacked and are carrying him off, or beasts are
+tearing him to pieces; I heard his cry."
+
+(ll. 1261-1272) Thus he spake; and when Heracles heard his words, sweat
+in abundance poured down from his temples and the black blood boiled
+beneath his heart. And in wrath he hurled the pine to the ground and
+hurried along the path whither his feet bore on his impetuous soul. And
+as when a bull stung by a gadfly tears along, leaving the meadows and
+the marsh land, and recks not of herdsmen or herd, but presses on, now
+without cheek, now standing still, and raising his broad neck he bellows
+loudly, stung by the maddening fly; so he in his frenzy now would ply
+his swift knees unresting, now again would cease from toil and shout
+afar with loud pealing cry.
+
+(ll. 1273-1289) But straightway the morning star rose above the topmost
+peaks and the breeze swept down; and quickly did Tiphys urge them to
+go aboard and avail themselves of the wind. And they embarked eagerly
+forthwith; and they drew up the ship's anchors and hauled the ropes
+astern. And the sails were bellied out by the wind, and far from the
+coast were they joyfully borne past the Posideian headland. But at the
+hour when gladsome dawn shines from heaven, rising from the east, and
+the paths stand out clearly, and the dewy plains shine with a bright
+gleam, then at length they were aware that unwittingly they had
+abandoned those men. And a fierce quarrel fell upon them, and violent
+tumult, for that they had sailed and left behind the bravest of their
+comrades. And Aeson's son, bewildered by their hapless plight, said
+never a word, good or bad; but sat with his heavy load of grief, eating
+out his heart. And wrath seized Telamon, and thus he spake:
+
+(ll. 1290-1295) "Sit there at thy ease, for it was fitting for thee to
+leave Heracles behind; from thee the project arose, so that his glory
+throughout Hellas should not overshadow thee, if so be that heaven
+grants us a return home. But what pleasure is there in words? For I will
+go, I only, with none of thy comrades, who have helped thee to plan this
+treachery."
+
+(ll. 1296-1314) He spake, and rushed upon Tiphys son of Hagnias; and
+his eyes sparkled like flashes of ravening flame. And they would quickly
+have turned back to the land of the Mysians, forcing their way through
+the deep sea and the unceasing blasts of the wind, had not the two sons
+of Thracian Boreas held back the son of Aeacus with harsh words. Hapless
+ones, assuredly a bitter vengeance came upon them thereafter at the
+hands of Heracles, because they stayed the search for him. For when they
+were returning from the games over Pelias dead he slew them in sea-girt
+Tenos and heaped the earth round them, and placed two columns above,
+one of which, a great marvel for men to see, moves at the breath of
+the blustering north wind. These things were thus to be accomplished in
+after times. But to them appeared Glaucus from the depths of the sea,
+the wise interpreter of divine Nereus, and raising aloft his shaggy head
+and chest from his waist below, with sturdy hand he seized the ship's
+keel, and then cried to the eager crew:
+
+(ll. 1315-1325) "Why against the counsel of mighty Zeus do ye purpose
+to lead bold Heracles to the city of Aeetes? At Argos it is his fate to
+labour for insolent Eurystheus and to accomplish full twelve toils and
+dwell with the immortals, if so be that he bring to fulfilment a few
+more yet; wherefore let there be no vain regret for him. Likewise it is
+destined for Polyphemus to found a glorious city at the mouth of Cius
+among the Mysians and to fill up the measure of his fate in the vast
+land of the Chalybes. But a goddess-nymph through love has made Hylas
+her husband, on whose account those two wandered and were left behind."
+
+(ll. 1326-1331) He spake, and with a plunge wrapped him about with the
+restless wave; and round him the dark water foamed in seething eddies
+and dashed against the hollow ship as it moved through the sea. And the
+heroes rejoiced, and Telamon son of Aeacus came in haste to Jason, and
+grasping his hand in his own embraced him with these words:
+
+(ll. 1332-1335) "Son of Aeson, be not wroth with me, if in my folly
+I have erred, for grief wrought upon me to utter a word arrogant and
+intolerable. But let me give my fault to the winds and let our hearts be
+joined as before."
+
+(ll. 1336-1343) Him the son of Aeson with prudence addressed: "Good
+friend, assuredly with an evil word didst thou revile me, saying before
+them all that I was the wronger of a kindly man. But not for long will
+I nurse bitter wrath, though indeed before I was grieved. For it was not
+for flocks of sheep, no, nor for possessions that thou wast angered
+to fury, but for a man, thy comrade. And I were fain thou wouldst even
+champion me against another man if a like thing should ever befall me."
+
+(ll. 1344-1357) He spake, and they sat down, united as of old. But of
+those two, by the counsel of Zeus, one, Polyphemus son of Eilatus, was
+destined to found and build a city among the Mysians bearing the river's
+name, and the other, Heracles, to return and toil at the labours of
+Eurystheus. And he threatened to lay waste the Mysian land at once,
+should they not discover for him the doom of Hylas, whether living or
+dead. And for him they gave pledges choosing out the noblest sons of the
+people and took an oath that they would never cease from their labour of
+search. Therefore to this day the people of Cius enquire for Hylas the
+son of Theiodamas, and take thought for the well-built Trachis. For
+there did Heracles settle the youths whom they sent from Cius as
+pledges.
+
+(ll. 1358-1362) And all day long and all night the wind bore the ship
+on, blowing fresh and strong; but when dawn rose there was not even a
+breath of air. And they marked a beach jutting forth from a bend of
+the coast, very broad to behold, and by dint of rowing came to land at
+sunrise.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK II
+
+(ll. 1-10) Here were the oxstalls and farm of Amycus, the haughty
+king of the Bebrycians, whom once a nymph, Bithynian Melie, united
+to Poseidon Genethlius, bare the most arrogant of men; for even for
+strangers he laid down an insulting ordinance, that none should depart
+till they had made trial of him in boxing; and he had slain many of the
+neighbours. And at that time too he went down to the ship and in his
+insolence scorned to ask them the occasion of their voyage, and who they
+were, but at once spake out among them all:
+
+(ll. 11-18) "Listen, ye wanderers by sea, to what it befits you to
+know. It is the rule that no stranger who comes to the Bebrycians should
+depart till he has raised his hands in battle against mine. Wherefore
+select your bravest warrior from the host and set him here on the spot
+to contend with me in boxing. But if ye pay no heed and trample my
+decrees under foot, assuredly to your sorrow will stern necessity come
+upon you."
+
+(ll. 19-21) Thus he spake in his pride, but fierce anger seized them
+when they heard it, and the challenge smote Polydeuces most of all. And
+quickly he stood forth his comrades' champion, and cried:
+
+(ll. 22-24) "Hold now, and display not to us thy brutal violence,
+whoever thou art; for we will obey thy rules, as thou sayest. Willingly
+now do I myself undertake to meet thee."
+
+(ll. 25-54) Thus he spake outright; but the other with rolling eyes
+glared on him, like to a lion struck by a javelin when hunters in the
+mountains are hemming him round, and, though pressed by the throng, he
+reeks no more of them, but keeps his eyes fixed, singling out that
+man only who struck him first and slew him not. Hereupon the son of
+Tyndareus laid aside his mantle, closely-woven, delicately-wrought,
+which one of the Lemnian maidens had given him as a pledge of
+hospitality; and the king threw down his dark cloak of double fold with
+its clasps and the knotted crook of mountain olive which he carried.
+Then straightway they looked and chose close by a spot that pleased them
+and bade their comrades sit upon the sand in two lines; nor were they
+alike to behold in form or in stature. The one seemed to be a monstrous
+son of baleful Typhoeus or of Earth herself, such as she brought
+forth aforetime, in her wrath against Zeus; but the other, the son of
+Tyndareus, was like a star of heaven, whose beams are fairest as it
+shines through the nightly sky at eventide. Such was the son of Zeus,
+the bloom of the first down still on his cheeks, still with the look of
+gladness in his eyes. But his might and fury waxed like a wild beast's;
+and he poised his hands to see if they were pliant as before and were
+not altogether numbed by toil and rowing. But Amycus on his side made no
+trial; but standing apart in silence he kept his eyes upon his foe, and
+his spirit surged within him all eager to dash the life-blood from his
+breast. And between them Lyeoreus, the henchman of Amycus, placed at
+their feet on each side two pairs of gauntlets made of raw hide, dry,
+exceeding tough. And the king addressed the hero with arrogant words:
+
+(ll. 55-59) "Whichever of these thou wilt, without casting lots, I grant
+thee freely, that thou mayst not blame me hereafter. Bind them about thy
+hands; thou shalt learn and tell another how skilled I am to carve the
+dry oxhides and to spatter men's cheeks with blood."
+
+(ll. 60-66) Thus he spake; but the other gave back no taunt in answer,
+but with a light smile readily took up the gauntlets that lay at his
+feet; and to him came Castor and mighty Talaus, son of Bias, and they
+quickly bound the gauntlets about his hands, often bidding him be of
+good courage. And to Amycus came Aretus and Ornytus, but little they
+knew, poor fools, that they had bound them for the last time on their
+champion, a victim of evil fate.
+
+(ll. 67-97) Now when they stood apart and were ready with their
+gauntlets, straightway in front of their faces they raised their heavy
+hands and matched their might in deadly strife. Hereupon the Bebrycian
+king even as a fierce wave of the sea rises in a crest against a swift
+ship, but she by the skill of the crafty pilot just escapes the shock
+when the billow is eager to break over the bulwark--so he followed up
+the son of Tyndareus, trying to daunt him, and gave him no respite. But
+the hero, ever unwounded, by his skill baffled the rush of his foe,
+and he quickly noted the brutal play of his fists to see where he was
+invincible in strength, and where inferior, and stood unceasingly and
+returned blow for blow. And as when shipwrights with their hammers smite
+ships' timbers to meet the sharp clamps, fixing layer upon layer; and
+the blows resound one after another; so cheeks and jaws crashed on both
+sides, and a huge clattering of teeth arose, nor did they cease ever
+from striking their blows until laboured gasping overcame both. And
+standing a little apart they wiped from their foreheads sweat in
+abundance, wearily panting for breath. Then back they rushed together
+again, as two bulls fight in furious rivalry for a grazing heifer. Next
+Amycus rising on tiptoe, like one who slays an ox, sprung to his full
+height and swung his heavy hand down upon his rival; but the hero
+swerved aside from the rush, turning his head, and just received the arm
+on his shoulder; and coming near and slipping his knee past the king's,
+with a rush he struck him above the ear, and broke the bones inside, and
+the king in agony fell upon his knees; and the Minyan heroes shouted for
+joy; and his life was poured forth all at once.
+
+(ll. 98-144) Nor were the Bebrycians reckless of their king; but
+all together took up rough clubs and spears and rushed straight on
+Polydeuces. But in front of him stood his comrades, their keen swords
+drawn from the sheath. First Castor struck upon the head a man as he
+rushed at him: and it was cleft in twain and fell on each side upon his
+shoulders. And Polydeuces slew huge Itymoneus and Mimas. The one, with
+a sudden leap, he smote beneath the breast with his swift foot and threw
+him in the dust; and as the other drew near he struck him with his right
+hand above the left eyebrow, and tore away his eyelid and the eyeball
+was left bare. But Oreides, insolent henchman of Amycus, wounded Talaus
+son of Bias in the side, but did not slay him, but only grazing the
+skin the bronze sped under his belt and touched not the flesh. Likewise
+Aretus with well-seasoned club smote Iphitus, the steadfast son of
+Eurytus, not yet destined to an evil death; assuredly soon was he
+himself to be slain by the sword of Clytius. Then Ancaeus, the dauntless
+son of Lycurgus, quickly seized his huge axe, and in his left hand
+holding a bear's dark hide, plunged into the midst of the Bebrycians
+with furious onset; and with him charged the sons of Aeacus, and with
+them started warlike Jason. And as when amid the folds grey wolves
+rush down on a winter's day and scare countless sheep, unmarked by the
+keen-scented dogs and the shepherds too, and they seek what first to
+attack and carry off; often glaring around, but the sheep are just
+huddled together and trample on one another; so the heroes grievously
+scared the arrogant Bebrycians. And as shepherds or beekeepers smoke
+out a huge swarm of bees in a rock, and they meanwhile, pent up in their
+hive, murmur with droning hum, till, stupefied by the murky smoke, they
+fly forth far from the rock; so they stayed steadfast no longer, but
+scattered themselves inland through Bebrycia, proclaiming the death of
+Amycus; fools, not to perceive that another woe all unforeseen was hard
+upon them. For at that hour their vineyards and villages were being
+ravaged by the hostile spear of Lycus and the Mariandyni, now that their
+king was gone. For they were ever at strife about the ironbearing land.
+And now the foe was destroying their steadings and farms, and now the
+heroes from all sides were driving off their countless sheep, and one
+spake among his fellows thus:
+
+(ll. 145-153) "Bethink ye what they would have done in their cowardice
+if haply some god had brought Heracles hither. Assuredly, if he had been
+here, no trial would there have been of fists, I ween, but when the king
+drew near to proclaim his rules, the club would have made him forget his
+pride and the rules to boot. Yea, we left him uncared for on the strand
+and we sailed oversea; and full well each one of us shall know our
+baneful folly, now that he is far away."
+
+(ll. 154-163) Thus he spake, but all these things had been wrought by
+the counsels of Zeus. Then they remained there through the night and
+tended the hurts of the wounded men, and offered sacrifice to the
+immortals, and made ready a mighty meal; and sleep fell upon no man
+beside the bowl and the blazing sacrifice. They wreathed their fair
+brows with the bay that grew by the shore, whereto their hawsers were
+bound, and chanted a song to the lyre of Orpheus in sweet harmony; and
+the windless shore was charmed by their song; and they celebrated the
+Therapnaean son of Zeus. [1201]
+
+(ll. 164-177) But when the sun rising from far lands lighted up the dewy
+hills and wakened the shepherds, then they loosed their hawsers from
+the stem of the baytree and put on board all the spoil they had need
+to take; and with a favouring wind they steered through the eddying
+Bosporus. Hereupon a wave like a steep mountain rose aloft in front as
+though rushing upon them, ever upheaved above the clouds; nor would you
+say that they could escape grim death, for in its fury it hangs over
+the middle of the ship, like a cloud, yet it sinks away into calm if it
+meets with a skilful helmsman. So they by the steering-craft of Tiphys
+escaped, unhurt but sore dismayed. And on the next day they fastened the
+hawsers to the coast opposite the Bithynian land.
+
+(ll. 178-208) There Phineus, son of Agenor, had his home by the sea,
+Phineus who above all men endured most bitter woes because of the
+gift of prophecy which Leto's son had granted him aforetime. And he
+reverenced not a whit even Zeus himself, for he foretold unerringly to
+men his sacred will. Wherefore Zeus sent upon him a lingering old age,
+and took from his eyes the pleasant light, and suffered him not to have
+joy of the dainties untold that the dwellers around ever brought to his
+house, when they came to enquire the will of heaven. But on a sudden,
+swooping through the clouds, the Harpies with their crooked beaks
+incessantly snatched the food away from his mouth and hands. And at
+times not a morsel of food was left, at others but a little, in order
+that he might live and be tormented. And they poured forth over all a
+loathsome stench; and no one dared not merely to carry food to his mouth
+but even to stand at a distance; so foully reeked the remnants of the
+meal. But straightway when he heard the voice and the tramp of the band
+he knew that they were the men passing by, at whose coming Zeus' oracle
+had declared to him that he should have joy of his food. And he rose
+from his couch, like a lifeless dream, bowed over his staff, and crept
+to the door on his withered feet, feeling the walls; and as he moved,
+his limbs trembled for weakness and age; and his parched skin was caked
+with dirt, and naught but the skill held his bones together. And he came
+forth from the hall with wearied knees and sat on the threshold of the
+courtyard; and a dark stupor covered him, and it seemed that the earth
+reeled round beneath his feet, and he lay in a strengthless trance,
+speechless. But when they saw him they gathered round and marvelled. And
+he at last drew laboured breath from the depths of his chest and spoke
+among them with prophetic utterance:
+
+(ll. 209-239) "Listen, bravest of all the Hellenes, if it be truly ye,
+whom by a king's ruthless command Jason is leading on the ship Argo in
+quest of the fleece. It is ye truly. Even yet my soul by its divination
+knows everything. Thanks I render to thee, O king, son of Leto, plunged
+in bitter affliction though I be. I beseech you by Zeus the god of
+suppliants, the sternest foe to sinful men, and for the sake of Phoebus
+and Hera herself, under whose especial care ye have come hither, help
+me, save an ill-fated man from misery, and depart not uncaring and
+leaving me thus as ye see. For not only has the Fury set her foot on my
+eyes and I drag on to the end a weary old age; but besides my other woes
+a woe hangs over me the bitterest of all. The Harpies, swooping down
+from some unseen den of destruction, ever snatch the food from my mouth.
+And I have no device to aid me. But it were easier, when I long for
+a meal, to escape my own thoughts than them, so swiftly do they fly
+through the air. But if haply they do leave me a morsel of food it reeks
+of decay and the stench is unendurable, nor could any mortal bear
+to draw near even for a moment, no, not if his heart were wrought of
+adamant. But necessity, bitter and insatiate, compels me to abide
+and abiding to put food in my cursed belly. These pests, the oracle
+declares, the sons of Boreas shall restrain. And no strangers are they
+that shall ward them off if indeed I am Phineus who was once renowned
+among men for wealth and the gift of prophecy, and if I am the son of my
+father Agenor; and, when I ruled among the Thracians, by my bridal gifts
+I brought home their sister Cleopatra to be my wife."
+
+(ll. 240-243) So spake Agenor's son; and deep sorrow seized each of the
+heroes, and especially the two sons of Boreas. And brushing away a tear
+they drew nigh, and Zetes spake as follows, taking in his own the hand
+of the grief-worn sire:
+
+(ll. 244-253) "Unhappy one, none other of men is more wretched than
+thou, methinks. Why upon thee is laid the burden of so many sorrows?
+Hast thou with baneful folly sinned against the gods through thy skill
+in prophecy? For this are they greatly wroth with thee? Yet our spirit
+is dismayed within us for all our desire to aid thee, if indeed the god
+has granted this privilege to us two. For plain to discern to men of
+earth are the reproofs of the immortals. And we will never check the
+Harpies when they come, for all our desire, until thou hast sworn that
+for this we shall not lose the favour of heaven."
+
+(ll. 254-255) Thus he spake; and towards him the aged sire opened his
+sightless eyes, and lifted them up and replied with these words:
+
+(ll. 256-261) "Be silent, store not up such thoughts in thy heart, my
+child. Let the son of Leto be my witness, he who of his gracious will
+taught me the lore of prophecy, and be witness the ill-starred doom
+which possesses me and this dark cloud upon my eyes, and the gods of the
+underworld--and may their curse be upon me if I die perjured thus--no
+wrath from heaven will fall upon you two for your help to me."
+
+(ll. 262-287) Then were those two eager to help him because of the oath.
+And quickly the younger heroes prepared a feast for the aged man, a last
+prey for the Harpies; and both stood near him, to smite with the sword
+those pests when they swooped down. Scarcely had the aged man touched
+the food when they forthwith, like bitter blasts or flashes of
+lightning, suddenly darted from the clouds, and swooped down with a
+yell, fiercely craving for food; and the heroes beheld them and shouted
+in the midst of their onrush; but they at the cry devoured everything
+and sped away over the sea after; and an intolerable stench remained.
+And behind them the two sons of Boreas raising their swords rushed in
+pursuit. For Zeus imparted to them tireless strength; but without Zeus
+they could not have followed, for the Harpies used ever to outstrip the
+blasts of the west wind when they came to Phineus and when they left
+him. And as when, upon the mountain-side, hounds, cunning in the chase,
+run in the track of horned goats or deer, and as they strain a little
+behind gnash their teeth upon the edge of their jaws in vain; so Zetes
+and Calais rushing very near just grazed the Harpies in vain with their
+finger-tips. And assuredly they would have torn them to pieces, despite
+heaven's will, when they had overtaken them far off at the Floating
+Islands, had not swift Iris seen them and leapt down from the sky from
+heaven above, and cheeked them with these words:
+
+(ll. 288-290) "It is not lawful, O sons of Boreas, to strike with your
+swords the Harpies, the hounds of mighty Zeus; but I myself will give
+you a pledge, that hereafter they shall not draw near to Phineus."
+
+(ll. 291-300) With these words she took an oath by the waters of Styx,
+which to all the gods is most dread and most awful, that the Harpies
+would never thereafter again approach the home of Phineus, son of
+Agenor, for so it was fated. And the heroes yielding to the oath, turned
+back their flight to the ship. And on account of this men call them
+the Islands of Turning though aforetime they called them the Floating
+Islands. And the Harpies and Iris parted. They entered their den in
+Minoan Crete; but she sped up to Olympus, soaring aloft on her swift
+wings.
+
+(ll. 301-310) Meanwhile the chiefs carefully cleansed the old man's
+squalid skin and with due selection sacrificed sheep which they had
+borne away from the spoil of Amycus. And when they had laid a huge
+supper in the hall, they sat down and feasted, and with them feasted
+Phineus ravenously, delighting his soul, as in a dream. And there, when
+they had taken their fill of food and drink, they kept awake all night
+waiting for the sons of Boreas. And the aged sire himself sat in the
+midst, near the hearth, telling of the end of their voyage and the
+completion of their journey:
+
+(ll. 311-315) "Listen then. Not everything is it lawful for you to
+know clearly; but whatever is heaven's will, I will not hide. I was
+infatuated aforetime, when in my folly I declared the will of Zeus
+in order and to the end. For he himself wishes to deliver to men the
+utterances of the prophetic art incomplete, in order that they may still
+have some need to know the will of heaven."
+
+(ll. 316-340) "First of all, after leaving me, ye will see the twin
+Cyanean rocks where the two seas meet. No one, I ween, has won his
+escape between them. For they are not firmly fixed with roots beneath,
+but constantly clash against one another to one point, and above a huge
+mass of salt water rises in a crest, boiling up, and loudly dashes upon
+the hard beach. Wherefore now obey my counsel, if indeed with prudent
+mind and reverencing the blessed gods ye pursue your way; and perish not
+foolishly by a self-sought death, or rush on following the guidance of
+youth. First entrust the attempt to a dove when ye have sent her forth
+from the ship. And if she escapes safe with her wings between the rocks
+to the open sea, then no more do ye refrain from the path, but grip
+your oars well in your hands and cleave the sea's narrow strait, for the
+light of safety will be not so much in prayer as in strength of hands.
+Wherefore let all else go and labour boldly with might and main, but
+ere then implore the gods as ye will, I forbid you not. But if she flies
+onward and perishes midway, then do ye turn back; for it is better to
+yield to the immortals. For ye could not escape an evil doom from the
+rocks, not even if Argo were of iron."
+
+(ll. 341-359) "O hapless ones, dare not to transgress my divine warning,
+even though ye think that I am thrice as much hated by the sons of
+heaven as I am, and even more than thrice; dare not to sail further
+with your ship in despite of the omen. And as these things will fall, so
+shall they fall. But if ye shun the clashing rocks and come scatheless
+inside Pontus, straightway keep the land of the Bithynians on your right
+and sail on, and beware of the breakers, until ye round the swift
+river Rhebas and the black beach, and reach the harbour of the Isle of
+Thynias. Thence ye must turn back a little space through the sea and
+beach your ship on the land of the Mariandyni lying opposite. Here is
+a downward path to the abode of Hades, and the headland of Acherusia
+stretches aloft, and eddying Acheron cleaves its way at the bottom, even
+through the headland, and sends its waters forth from a huge ravine. And
+near it ye will sail past many hills of the Paphlagonians, over whom
+at the first Eneteian Pelops reigned, and of his blood they boast
+themselves to be."
+
+(ll. 360-406) "Now there is a headland opposite Helice the Bear, steep
+on all sides, and they call it Carambis, about whose crests the blasts
+of the north wind are sundered. So high in the air does it rise turned
+towards the sea. And when ye have rounded it broad Aegialus stretches
+before you; and at the end of broad Aegialus, at a jutting point of
+coast, the waters of the river Halys pour forth with a terrible roar;
+and after it his flowing near, but smaller in stream, rolls into the sea
+with white eddies. Onward from thence the bend of a huge and towering
+cape reaches out from the land, next Thermodon at its mouth flows into a
+quiet bay at the Themiscyreian headland, after wandering through a broad
+continent. And here is the plain of Doeas, and near are the three cities
+of the Amazons, and after them the Chalybes, most wretched of men,
+possess a soil rugged and unyielding sons of toil, they busy themselves
+with working iron. And near them dwell the Tibareni, rich in sheep,
+beyond the Genetaean headland of Zeus, lord of hospitality. And
+bordering on it the Mossynoeci next in order inhabit the well-wooded
+mainland and the parts beneath the mountains, who have built in towers
+made from trees their wooden homes and well-fitted chambers, which they
+call Mossynes, and the people themselves take their name from them.
+After passing them ye must beach your ship upon a smooth island, when ye
+have driven away with all manner of skill the ravening birds, which
+in countless numbers haunt the desert island. In it the Queens of the
+Amazons, Otrere and Antiope, built a stone temple of Ares what time they
+went forth to war. Now here an unspeakable help will come to you from
+the bitter sea; wherefore with kindly intent I bid you stay. But what
+need is there that I should sin yet again declaring everything to the
+end by my prophetic art? And beyond the island and opposite mainland
+dwell the Philyres: and above the Philyres are the Macrones, and after
+them the vast tribes of the Becheiri. And next in order to them dwell
+the Sapeires, and the Byzeres have the lands adjoining to them, and
+beyond them at last live the warlike Colchians themselves. But speed on
+in your ship, till ye touch the inmost bourne of the sea. And here at
+the Cytaean mainland and from the Amarantine mountains far away and the
+Circaean plain, eddying Phasis rolls his broad stream to the sea. Guide
+your ship to the mouth of that river and ye shall behold the towers of
+Cytaean Aeetes and the shady grove of Ares, where a dragon, a monster
+terrible to behold, ever glares around, keeping watch over the fleece
+that is spread upon the top of an oak; neither by day nor by night does
+sweet sleep subdue his restless eyes."
+
+(ll. 408-410) Thus he spake, and straightway fear seized them as they
+heard. And for a long while they were struck with silence; till at last
+the hero, son of Aeson, spake, sore dismayed at their evil plight:
+
+(ll. 411-418) "O aged sire, now hast thou come to the end of the toils
+of our sea-journeying and hast told us the token, trusting to which we
+shall make our way to Pontus through the hateful rocks; but whether,
+when we have escaped them, we shall have a return back again to Hellas,
+this too would we gladly learn from thee. What shall I do, how shall I
+go over again such a long path through the sea, unskilled as I am, with
+unskilled comrades? And Colchian Aea lies at the edge of Pontus and of
+the world."
+
+(ll. 419-425) Thus he spake, and him the aged sire addressed in reply:
+"O son, when once thou hast escaped through the deadly rocks, fear not;
+for a deity will be the guide from Aea by another track; and to Aea
+there will be guides enough. But, my friends, take thought of the artful
+aid of the Cyprian goddess. For on her depends the glorious issue of
+your venture. And further than this ask me not."
+
+(ll. 426-437) Thus spake Agenor's son, and close at hand the twin sons
+of Thracian Boreas came darting from the sky and set their swift feet
+upon the threshold; and the heroes rose up from their seats when they
+saw them present. And Zetes, still drawing hard breath after his toil,
+spake among the eager listeners, telling them how far they had driven
+the Harpies and how his prevented their slaying them, and how the
+goddess of her grace gave them pledges, and how those others in fear
+plunged into the vast cave of the Dictaean cliff. Then in the mansion
+all their comrades were joyful at the tidings and so was Phineus
+himself. And quickly Aeson's son, with good will exceeding, addressed
+him:
+
+(ll. 438-442) "Assuredly there was then, Phineus, some god who cared for
+thy bitter woe, and brought us hither from afar, that the sons of Boreas
+might aid thee; and if too he should bring sight to thine eyes, verily I
+should rejoice, methinks, as much as if I were on my homeward way."
+
+(ll. 443-447) Thus he spake, but Phineus replied to him with downcast
+look: "Son of Aeson, that is past recall, nor is there any remedy
+hereafter, for blasted are my sightless eyes. But instead of that, may
+the god grant me death at once, and after death I shall take my share in
+perfect bliss."
+
+(ll. 448-467) Then they two returned answering speech, each to other,
+and soon in the midst of their converse early dawn appeared; and round
+Phineus were gathered the neighbours who used to come thither aforetime
+day by day and constantly bring a portion of their food. To all alike,
+however poor he was that came, the aged man gave his oracles with good
+will, and freed many from their woes by his prophetic art; wherefore
+they visited and tended him. And with them came Paraebius, who was
+dearest to him, and gladly did he perceive these strangers in the house.
+For long ere now the seer himself had said that a band of chieftains,
+faring from Hellas to the city of Aceres, would make fast their hawsers
+to the Thynian land, and by Zeus' will would check the approach of the
+Harpies. The rest the old man pleased with words of wisdom and let them
+go; Paraebius only he bade remain there with the chiefs; and straightway
+he sent him and bade him bring back the choicest of his sheep. And when
+he had left the hall Phineus spake gently amid the throng of oarsmen:
+
+(ll. 468-489) "O my friends, not all men are arrogant, it seems, nor
+unmindful of benefits. Even as this man, loyal as he is, came hither to
+learn his fate. For when he laboured the most and toiled the most, then
+the needs of life, ever growing more and more, would waste him, and day
+after day ever dawned more wretched, nor was there any respite to his
+toil. But he was paying the sad penalty of his father's sin. For he when
+alone on the mountains, felling trees, once slighted the prayers of a
+Hamadryad, who wept and sought to soften him with plaintive words, not
+to cut down the stump of an oak tree coeval with herself, wherein for
+a long time she had lived continually; but he in the arrogance of youth
+recklessly cut it down. So to him the nymph thereafter made her death
+a curse, to him and to his children. I indeed knew of the sin when he
+came; and I bid him build an altar to the Thynian nymph, and offer on
+it an atoning sacrifice, with prayer to escape his father's fate. Here,
+ever since he escaped the god-sent doom, never has he forgotten or
+neglected me; but sorely and against his will do I send him from my
+doors, so eager is he to remain with me in my affliction."
+
+(ll. 490-499) Thus spake Agenor's son; and his friend straightway came
+near leading two sheep from the flock. And up rose Jason and up rose the
+sons of Boreas at the bidding of the aged sire. And quickly they called
+upon Apollo, lord of prophecy, and offered sacrifice upon the health as
+the day was just sinking. And the younger comrades made ready a feast
+to their hearts' desire. Thereupon having well feasted they turned
+themselves to rest, some near the ship's hawsers, others in groups
+throughout the mansion. And at dawn the Etesian winds blew strongly,
+which by the command of Zeus blow over every land equally.
+
+(ll. 500-527) Cyrene, the tale goes, once tended sheep along the
+marsh-meadow of Peneus among men of old time; for dear to her were
+maidenhood and a couch unstained. But, as she guarded her flock by the
+river, Apollo carried her off far from Haemonia and placed her among the
+nymphs of the land, who dwelt in Libya near the Myrtosian height.
+And here to Phoebus she bore Aristaeus whom the Haemonians, rich in
+corn-land, call "Hunter" and "Shepherd". Her, of his love, the god made
+a nymph there, of long life and a huntress, and his son he brought while
+still an infant to be nurtured in the cave of Cheiron. And to him when
+he grew to manhood the Muses gave a bride, and taught him the arts of
+healing and of prophecy; and they made him the keeper of their sheep,
+of all that grazed on the Athamantian plain of Phthia and round steep
+Othrys and the sacred stream of the river Apidanus. But when from heaven
+Sirius scorched the Minoan Isles, and for long there was no respite for
+the inhabitants, then by the injunction of the Far-Darter they summoned
+Aristaeus to ward off the pestilence. And by his father's command
+he left Phthia and made his home in Ceos, and gathered together the
+Parrhasian people who are of the lineage of Lycaon, and he built a great
+altar to Zeus Icmaeus, and duly offered sacrifices upon the mountains to
+that star Sirius, and to Zeus son of Cronos himself. And on this account
+it is that Etesian winds from Zeus cool the land for forty days, and
+in Ceos even now the priests offer sacrifices before the rising of the
+Dog-star.
+
+(ll. 528-536) So the tale is told, but the chieftains stayed there by
+constraint, and every day the Thynians, doing pleasure to Phineus, sent
+them gifts beyond measure. And afterwards they raised an altar to the
+blessed twelve on the sea-beach opposite and laid offerings thereon and
+then entered their swift ship to row, nor did they forget to bear with
+them a trembling dove; but Euphemus seized her and brought her all
+quivering with fear, and they loosed the twin hawsers from the land.
+
+(ll. 537-548) Nor did they start unmarked by Athena, but straightway
+swiftly she set her feel on a light cloud, which would waft her on,
+mighty though she was, and she swept on to the sea with friendly
+thoughts to the oarsmen. And as when one roveth far from his native
+land, as we men often wander with enduring heart, nor is any land too
+distant but all ways are clear to his view, and he sees in mind his own
+home, and at once the way over sea and land seems slain, and swiftly
+thinking, now this way, now that, he strains with eager eyes; so swiftly
+the daughter of Zeus darted down and set her foot on the cheerless shore
+of Thynia.
+
+(ll. 549-567) Now when they reached the narrow strait of the winding
+passage, hemmed in on both sides by rugged cliffs, while an eddying
+current from below was washing against the ship as she moved on, they
+went forward sorely in dread; and now the thud of the crashing rocks
+ceaselessly struck their ears, and the sea-washed shores resounded,
+and then Euphemus grasped the dove in his hand and started to mount the
+prow; and they, at the bidding of Tiphys, son of Hagnias, rowed with
+good will to drive Argo between the rocks, trusting to their strength.
+And as they rounded a bend they saw the rocks opening for the last time
+of all. Their spirit melted within them; and Euphemus sent forth the
+dove to dart forward in flight; and they all together raised their heads
+to look; but she flew between them, and the rocks again rushed together
+and crashed as they met face to face. And the foam leapt up in a mass
+like a cloud; awful was the thunder of the sea; and all round them the
+mighty welkin roared.
+
+(ll. 568-592) The hollow caves beneath the rugged cliffs rumbled as the
+sea came surging in; and the white foam of the dashing wave spurted high
+above the cliff. Next the current whirled the ship round. And the
+rocks shore away the end of the dove's tail-feathers; but away she flew
+unscathed. And the rowers gave a loud cry; and Tiphys himself called
+to them to row with might and main. For the rocks were again parting
+asunder. But as they rowed they trembled, until the tide returning drove
+them back within the rocks. Then most awful fear seized upon all; for
+over their head was destruction without escape. And now to right and
+left broad Pontus was seen, when suddenly a huge wave rose up before
+them, arched, like a steep rock; and at the sight they bowed with bended
+heads. For it seemed about to leap down upon the ship's whole length and
+to overwhelm them. But Tiphys was quick to ease the ship as she laboured
+with the oars; and in all its mass the wave rolled away beneath the
+keel, and at the stern it raised Argo herself and drew her far away from
+the rocks; and high in air was she borne. But Euphemus strode among
+all his comrades and cried to them to bend to their oars with all their
+might; and they with a shout smote the water. And as far as the ship
+yielded to the rowers, twice as far did she leap back, and the oar, were
+bent like curved bows as the heroes used their strength.
+
+(ll. 593-610) Then a vaulted billow rushed upon them, and the ship like
+a cylinder ran on the furious wave plunging through the hollow sea. And
+the eddying current held her between the clashing rocks; and on each
+side they shook and thundered; and the ship's timbers were held fast.
+Then Athena with her left hand thrust back one mighty rock and with
+her right pushed the ship through; and she, like a winged arrow, sped
+through the air. Nevertheless the rocks, ceaselessly clashing, shore off
+as she passed the extreme end of the stern-ornament. But Athena soared
+up to Olympus, when they had escaped unscathed. And the rocks in one
+spot at that moment were rooted fast for ever to each other, which thing
+had been destined by the blessed gods, when a man in his ship should
+have passed between them alive. And the heroes breathed again after
+their chilling fear, beholding at the same time the sky and the expanse
+of sea spreading far and wide. For they deemed that they were saved from
+Hades; and Tiphys first of all began to speak:
+
+(ll. 611-618) "It is my hope that we have safely escaped this peril--we,
+and the ship; and none other is the cause so much as Athena, who
+breathed into Argo divine strength when Argus knitted her together with
+bolts; and she may not be caught. Son of Aeson, no longer fear thou so
+much the hest of thy king, since a god hath granted us escape between
+the rocks; for Phineus, Agenor's son, said that our toils hereafter
+would be lightly accomplished."
+
+(ll. 619-637) He spake, and at once he sped the ship onward through the
+midst of the sea past the Bithynian coast. But Jason with gentle words
+addressed him in reply: "Tiphys, why dost thou comfort thus my grieving
+heart? I have erred and am distraught in wretched and helpless ruin. For
+I ought, when Pelias gave the command, to have straightway refused this
+quest to his face, yea, though I were doomed to die pitilessly, torn
+limb from limb, but now I am wrapped in excessive fear and cares
+unbearable, dreading to sail through the chilling paths of the sea, and
+dreading when we shall set foot on the mainland. For on every side are
+unkindly men. And ever when day is done I pass a night of groans from
+the time when ye first gathered together for my sake, while I take
+thought for all things; but thou talkest at thine ease, eating only for
+thine own life; while for myself I am dismayed not a whit; but I fear
+for this man and for that equally, and for thee, and for my other
+comrades, if I shall not bring you back safe to the land of Hellas."
+
+(ll. 638-640) Thus he spake, making trial of the chiefs; but they
+shouted loud with cheerful words. And his heart was warmed within him at
+their cry and again he spake outright among them:
+
+(ll. 641-647) "My friends, in your valour my courage is quickened.
+Wherefore now, even though I should take my way through the gulfs of
+Hades, no more shall I let fear seize upon me, since ye are steadfast
+amid cruel terrors. But now that we have sailed out from the striking
+rocks, I trow that never hereafter will there be another such fearful
+thing, if indeed we go on our way following the counsel of Phineus."
+
+(ll. 648-668) Thus he spake, and straightway they ceased from such words
+and gave unwearying labour to the oar; and quickly they passed by the
+swiftly flowing river Rhebas and the peak of Colone, and soon thereafter
+the black headland, and near it the mouth of the river Phyllis, where
+aforetime Dipsaeus received in his home the son of Athamas, when with
+his ram he was flying from the city of Orchomenus; and Dipsacus was the
+son of a meadow-nymph, nor was insolence his delight, but contented by
+his father's stream he dwelt with his mother, pasturing his flocks by
+the shore. And quickly they sighted and sailed past his shrine and the
+broad banks of the river and the plain, and deep-flowing Calpe, and all
+the windless night and the day they bent to their tireless oars. And
+even as ploughing oxen toil as they cleave the moist earth, and sweat
+streams in abundance from flank and neck; and from beneath the yoke
+their eyes roll askance, while the breath ever rushes from their mouths
+in hot gasps; and all day long they toil, planting their hoofs deep in
+the ground; like them the heroes kept dragging their oars through the
+sea.
+
+(ll. 669-685) Now when divine light has not yet come nor is it utter
+darkness, but a faint glimmer has spread over the night, the time when
+men wake and call it twilight, at that hour they ran into the harbour of
+the desert island Thynias and, spent by weary toil, mounted the shore.
+And to them the son of Leto, as he passed from Lycia far away to the
+countless folk of the Hyperboreans, appeared; and about his cheeks on
+both sides his golden locks flowed in clusters as he moved; in his left
+hand he held a silver bow, and on his back was slung a quiver hanging
+from his shoulders; and beneath his feet all the island quaked, and the
+waves surged high on the beach. Helpless amazement seized them as they
+looked; and no one dared to gaze face to face into the fair eyes of the
+god. And they stood with heads bowed to the ground; but he, far off,
+passed on to the sea through the air; and at length Orpheus spake as
+follows, addressing the chiefs:
+
+(ll. 686-693) "Come, let us call this island the sacred isle of Apollo
+of the Dawn since he has appeared to all, passing by at dawn; and we
+will offer such sacrifices as we can, building an altar on the shore;
+and if hereafter he shall grant us a safe return to the Haemonian land,
+then will we lay on his altar the thighs of horned goats. And now I
+bid you propitiate him with the steam of sacrifice and libations. Be
+gracious, O king, be gracious in thy appearing."
+
+(ll. 694-713) Thus he spake, and they straightway built up an altar with
+shingle; and over the island they wandered, seeking if haply they could
+get a glimpse of a fawn or a wild goat, that often seek their pasture in
+the deep wood. And for them Leto's son provided a quarry; and with pious
+rites they wrapped in fat the thigh bones of them all and burnt them
+on the sacred altar, celebrating Apollo, Lord of Dawn. And round the
+burning sacrifice they set up a broad dancing-ring, singing, "All hail
+fair god of healing, Phoebus, all hail," and with them Oeagrus' goodly
+son began a clear lay on his Bistonian lyre; how once beneath the rocky
+ridge of Parnassus he slew with his bow the monster Delphyne, he, still
+young and beardless, still rejoicing in his long tresses. Mayst thou be
+gracious! Ever, O king, be thy locks unshorn, ever unravaged; for so is
+it right. And none but Leto, daughter of Coeus, strokes them with her
+dear hands. And often the Corycian nymphs, daughters of Pleistus, took
+up the cheering strain crying "Healer"; hence arose this lovely refrain
+of the hymn to Phoebus.
+
+(ll. 714-719) Now when they had celebrated him with dance and song they
+took an oath with holy libations, that they would ever help each other
+with concord of heart, touching the sacrifice as they swore; and even
+now there stands there a temple to gracious Concord, which the heroes
+themselves reared, paying honour at that time to the glorious goddess.
+
+(ll. 720-751) Now when the third morning came, with a fresh west wind
+they left the lofty island. Next, on the opposite side they saw and
+passed the mouth of the river Sangarius and the fertile land of the
+Mariandyni, and the stream of Lycus and the Anthemoeisian lake; and
+beneath the breeze the ropes and all the tackling quivered as they sped
+onward. During the night the wind ceased and at dawn they gladly reached
+the haven of the Acherusian headland. It rises aloft with steep cliffs,
+looking towards the Bithynian sea; and beneath it smooth rocks, ever
+washed by the sea, stand rooted firm; and round them the wave rolls and
+thunders loud, but above, wide-spreading plane trees grow on the topmost
+point. And from it towards the land a hollow glen slopes gradually away,
+where there is a cave of Hades overarched by wood and rocks. From here
+an icy breath, unceasingly issuing from the chill recess, ever forms a
+glistening rime which melts again beneath the midday sun. And never does
+silence hold that grim headland, but there is a continual murmur from
+the sounding sea and the leaves that quiver in the winds from the
+cave. And here is the outfall of the river Acheron which bursts its way
+through the headland and falls into the Eastern sea, and a hollow ravine
+brings it down from above. In after times the Nisaean Megarians named
+it Soonautes [1202] when they were about to settle in the land of the
+Mariandyni. For indeed the river saved them with their ships when they
+were caught in a violent tempest. By this way the heroes took the ship
+through [1203] the Acherusian headland and came to land over against it
+as the wind had just ceased.
+
+(ll. 752-773) Not long had they come unmarked by Lycus, the lord of that
+land, and the Mariandyni--they, the slayers of Amycus, according to the
+report which the people heard before; but for that very deed they even
+made a league with the heroes. And Polydeuces himself they welcomed as
+a god, flocking from every side, since for a long time had they been
+warring against the arrogant Bebrycians. And so they went up all
+together into the city, and all that day with friendly feelings made
+ready a feast within the palace of Lycus and gladdened their souls
+with converse. Aeson's son told him the lineage and name of each of his
+comrades and the behests of Pelias, and how they were welcomed by the
+Lemnian women, and all that they did at Dolionian Cyzieus; and how they
+reached the Mysian land and Cius, where, sore against their will, they
+left behind the hero Heracles, and he told the saying of Glaucus, and
+how they slew the Bebrycians and Amycus, and he told of the prophecies
+and affliction of Phineus, and how they escaped the Cyanean rocks, and
+how they met with Leto's son at the island. And as he told all, Lycus
+was charmed in soul with listening; and he grieved for Heracles left
+behind, and spake as follows among them all:
+
+(ll. 774-810) "O friends, what a man he was from whose help ye have
+fallen away, as ye cleave your long path to Aeetes; for well do I know
+that I saw him here in the halls of Dascylus my father, when he came
+hither on foot through the land of Asia bringing the girdle of warlike
+Hippolyte; and me he found with the down just growing on my cheeks. And
+here, when my brother Priolas was slain by the Mysians--my brother, whom
+ever since the people lament with most piteous dirges--he entered the
+lists with Titias in boxing and slew him, mighty Titias, who surpassed
+all the youths in beauty and strength; and he dashed his teeth to the
+ground. Together with the Mysians he subdued beneath my father's sway
+the Phrygians also, who inhabit the lands next to us, and he made his
+own the tribes of the Bithynians and their land, as far as the mouth
+of Rhebas and the peak of Colone; and besides them the Paphlagonians
+of Pelops yielded just as they were, even all those round whom the dark
+water of Billaeus breaks. But now the Bebrycians and the insolence of
+Amycus have robbed me, since Heracles dwells far away, for they have
+long been cutting off huge pieces of my land until they have set their
+bounds at the meadows of deep-flowing Hypius. Nevertheless, by your
+hands have they paid the penalty; and it was not without the will of
+heaven, I trow, that he brought war on the Bebrycians this day--he,
+the son of Tyndareus, when he slew that champion. Wherefore whatever
+requital I am now able to pay, gladly will I pay it, for that is the
+rule for weaker men when the stronger begin to help them. So with you
+all, and in your company, I bid Dascylus my son follow; and if he goes,
+you will find all men friendly that ye meet on your way through the sea
+even to the mouth of the river Thermodon. And besides that, to the sons
+of Tyndareus will I raise a lofty temple on the Acherusian height,
+which all sailors shall mark far across the sea and shall reverence; and
+hereafter for them will I set apart outside the city, as for gods, some
+fertile fields of the well-tilled plain."
+
+(ll. 811-814) Thus all day long they revelled at the banquet. But at
+dawn they hied down to the ship in haste; and with them went Lycus
+himself, when he had given them countless gifts to bear away; and with
+them he sent forth his son from his home.
+
+(ll. 815-834) And here his destined fate smote Idmon, son of Abas,
+skilled in soothsaying; but not at all did his soothsaying save him, for
+necessity drew him on to death. For in the mead of the reedy river there
+lay, cooling his flanks and huge belly in the mud, a white-tusked boar,
+a deadly monster, whom even the nymphs of the marsh dreaded, and no man
+knew it; but all alone he was feeding in the wide fell. But the son of
+Abas was passing along the raised banks of the muddy river, and the boar
+from some unseen lair leapt out of the reed-bed, and charging gashed his
+thigh and severed in twain the sinews and the bone. And with a sharp cry
+the hero fell to the ground; and as he was struck his comrades flocked
+together with answering cry. And quickly Peleus with his hunting spear
+aimed at the murderous boar as he fled back into the fen; and again
+he turned and charged; but Idas wounded him, and with a roar he fell
+impaled upon the sharp spear. And the boar they left on the ground just
+as he had fallen there; but Idmon, now at the last gasp, his comrades
+bore to the ship in sorrow of heart, and he died in his comrades' arms.
+
+(ll. 835-850) And here they stayed from taking thought for their
+voyaging and abode in grief for the burial of their dead friend. And
+for three whole days they lamented; and on the next they buried him with
+full honours, and the people and King Lycus himself took part in the
+funeral rites; and, as is the due of the departed, they slaughtered
+countless sheep at his tomb. And so a barrow to this hero was raised in
+that land, and there stands a token for men of later days to see,
+the trunk of a wild olive tree, such as ships are built of; and it
+flourishes with its green leaves a little below the Acherusian headland.
+And if at the bidding of the Muses I must tell this tale outright,
+Phoebus strictly commanded the Boeotians and Nisaeans to worship him as
+guardian of their city, and to build their city round the trunk of the
+ancient wild olive; but they, instead of the god-fearing Aeolid Idmon,
+at this day honour Agamestor.
+
+(ll. 851-868) Who was the next that died? For then a second time the
+heroes heaped up a barrow for a comrade dead. For still are to be seen
+two monuments of those heroes. The tale goes that Tiphys son of Hagnias
+died; nor was it his destiny thereafter to sail any further. But him
+there on the spot a short sickness laid to rest far from his native
+land, when the company had paid due honours to the dead son of Abas. And
+at the cruel woe they were seized with unbearable grief. For when
+with due honours they had buried him also hard by the seer, they cast
+themselves down in helplessness on the sea-shore silently, closely
+wrapped up, and took no thought for meat or drink; and their spirit
+drooped in grief, for all hope of return was gone. And in their sorrow
+they would have stayed from going further had not Hera kindled exceeding
+courage in Ancaeus, whom near the waters of Imbrasus Astypalaea bore to
+Poseidon; for especially was he skilled in steering and eagerly did he
+address Peleus:
+
+(ll. 869-877) "Son of Aeacus, is it well for us to give up our toils and
+linger on in a strange land? Not so much for my prowess in war did Jason
+take me with him in quest of the fleece, far from Parthenia, as for
+my knowledge of ships. Wherefore, I pray, let there be no fear for the
+ship. And so there are here other men of skill, of whom none will harm
+our voyaging, whomsoever we set at the helm. But quickly tell forth all
+this and boldly urge them to call to mind their task."
+
+(ll. 878-884) Thus he spake; and Peleus' soul was stirred with gladness,
+and straightway he spake in the midst of all: "My friends, why do we
+thus cherish a bootless grief like this? For those two have perished by
+the fate they have met with; but among our host are steersmen yet, and
+many a one. Wherefore let us not delay our attempt, but rouse yourselves
+to the work and cast away your griefs."
+
+(ll. 885-893) And him in reply Aeson's son addressed with helpless
+words: "Son of Aeacus, where are these steersmen of thine? For those
+whom we once deemed to be men of skill, they even more than I are bowed
+with vexation of heart. Wherefore I forebode an evil doom for us even as
+for the dead, if it shall be our lot neither to reach the city of fell
+Aeetes, nor ever again to pass beyond the rocks to the land of Hellas,
+but a wretched fate will enshroud us here ingloriously till we grow old
+for naught."
+
+(ll. 894-898) Thus he spake, but Ancaeus quickly undertook to guide the
+swift ship; for he was stirred by the impulse of the goddess. And after
+him Erginus and Nauplius and Euphemus started up, eager to steer.
+But the others held them back, and many of his comrades granted it to
+Ancaeus.
+
+(ll. 899-910) So on the twelfth day they went aboard at dawn, for a
+strong breeze of westerly wind was blowing. And quickly with the oars
+they passed out through the river Acheron and, trusting to the wind,
+shook out their sails, and with canvas spread far and wide they were
+cleaving their passage through the waves in fair weather. And soon they
+passed the outfall of the river Callichorus, where, as the tale goes,
+the Nysean son of Zeus, when he had left the tribes of the Indians and
+came to dwell at Thebes, held revels and arrayed dances in front of a
+cave, wherein he passed unsmiling sacred nights, from which time the
+neighbours call the river by the name of Callichorus [1204] and the cave
+Aulion.[1205]
+
+(ll. 911-929) Next they beheld the barrow of Sthenelus, Actor's son, who
+on his way back from the valorous war against the Amazons--for he had
+been the comrade of Heracles--was struck by an arrow and died there
+upon the sea-beach. And for a time they went no further, for Persephone
+herself sent forth the spirit of Actor's son which craved with many
+tears to behold men like himself, even for a moment. And mounting on the
+edge of the barrow he gazed upon the ship, such as he was when he went
+to war; and round his head a fair helm with four peaks gleamed with its
+blood-red crest. And again he entered the vast gloom; and they looked
+and marvelled; and Mopsus, son of Ampycus, with word of prophecy urged
+them to land and propitiate him with libations. Quickly they drew in
+sail and threw out hawsers, and on the strand paid honour to the tomb of
+Sthenelus, and poured out drink offerings to him and sacrificed sheep as
+victims. And besides the drink offerings they built an altar to Apollo,
+saviour of ships, and burnt thigh bones; and Orpheus dedicated his lyre;
+whence the place has the name of Lyra.
+
+(ll. 930-945) And straightway they went aboard as the wind blew strong;
+and they drew the sail down, and made it taut to both sheets; then Argo
+was borne over the sea swiftly, even as a hawk soaring high through the
+air commits to the breeze its outspread wings and is borne on swiftly,
+nor swerves in its flight, poising in the clear sky with quiet pinions.
+And lo, they passed by the stream of Parthenius as it flows into the
+sea, a most gentle river, where the maid, daughter of Leto, when she
+mounts to heaven after the chase, cools her limbs in its much-desired
+waters. Then they sped onward in the night without ceasing, and passed
+Sesamus and lofty Erythini, Crobialus, Cromna and woody Cytorus. Next
+they swept round Carambis at the rising of the sun, and plied the oars
+past long Aegialus, all day and on through the night.
+
+(ll. 946-965) And straightway they landed on the Assyrian shore where
+Zeus himself gave a home to Sinope, daughter of Asopus, and granted her
+virginity, beguiled by his own promises. For he longed for her love, and
+he promised to grant her whatever her hearts desire might be. And she in
+her craftiness asked of him virginity. And in like manner she deceived
+Apollo too who longed to wed her, and besides them the river Halys, and
+no man ever subdued her in love's embrace. And there the sons of
+noble Deimachus of Tricca were still dwelling, Deileon, Autolycus and
+Phlogius, since the day when they wandered far away from Heracles; and
+they, when they marked the array of chieftains, went to meet them and
+declared in truth who they were; and they wished to remain there no
+longer, but as soon as Argestes [1206] blew went on ship-board. And so
+with them, borne along by the swift breeze, the heroes left behind the
+river Halys, and left behind his that flows hard by, and the delta-land
+of Assyria; and on the same day they rounded the distant headland of the
+Amazons that guards their harbour.
+
+(ll. 966-1001) Here once when Melanippe, daughter of Ares, had, gone
+forth, the hero Heracles caught her by ambuscade and Hippolyte gave
+him her glistening girdle as her sister's ransom, and he sent away
+his captive unharmed. In the bay of this headland, at the outfall of
+Thermodon, they ran ashore, for the sea was rough for their voyage. No
+river is like this, and none sends forth from itself such mighty streams
+over the land. If a man should count every one he would lack but four of
+a hundred, but the real spring is only one. This flows down to the
+plain from lofty mountains, which, men say, are called the Amazonian
+mountains. Thence it spreads inland over a hilly country straight
+forward; wherefrom its streams go winding on, and they roll on, this way
+and that ever more, wherever best they can reach the lower ground, one
+at a distance and another near at hand; and many streams are swallowed
+up in the sand and are without a name; but, mingled with a few, the
+main stream openly bursts with its arching crest of foam into the
+inhospitable Pontus. And they would have tarried there and have closed
+in battle with the Amazons, and would have fought not without bloodshed
+for the Amazons were not gentle foes and regarded not justice, those
+dwellers on the Doeantian plain; but grievous insolence and the works
+of Ares were all their care; for by race they were the daughters of Ares
+and the nymph Harmonia, who bare to Ares war-loving maids, wedded to him
+in the glens of the Acmonian wood had not the breezes of Argestes come
+again from Zeus; and with the wind they left the rounded beach, where
+the Themiscyreian Amazons were arming for war. For they dwelt not
+gathered together in one city, but scattered over the land, parted into
+three tribes. In one part dwelt the Themiscyreians, over whom at that
+time Hippolyte reigned, in another the Lycastians, and in another the
+dart-throwing Chadesians. And the next day they sped on and at nightfall
+they reached the land of the Chalybes.
+
+(ll. 1002-1008) That folk have no care for ploughing with oxen or for
+any planting of honey-sweet fruit; nor yet do they pasture flocks in
+the dewy meadow. But they cleave the hard iron-bearing land and exchange
+their wages for daily sustenance; never does the morn rise for them
+without toil, but amid bleak sooty flames and smoke they endure heavy
+labour.
+
+(ll. 1009-1014) And straightway thereafter they rounded the headland of
+Genetaean Zeus and sped safely past the land of the Tibareni. Here when
+wives bring forth children to their husbands, the men lie in bed and
+groan with their heads close bound; but the women tend them with food,
+and prepare child-birth baths for them.
+
+(ll. 1015-1029) Next they reached the sacred mount and the land where
+the Mossynoeci dwell amid high mountains in wooden huts, [1207] from
+which that people take their name. And strange are their customs and
+laws. Whatever it is right to do openly before the people or in the
+market place, all this they do in their homes, but whatever acts we
+perform at home, these they perform out of doors in the midst of
+the streets, without blame. And among them is no reverence for the
+marriage-bed, but, like swine that feed in herds, no whit abashed in
+others' presence, on the earth they lie with the women. Their king sits
+in the loftiest hut and dispenses upright judgments to the multitude,
+poor wretch! For if haply he err at all in his decrees, for that day
+they keep him shut up in starvation.
+
+(ll. 1030-1046) They passed them by and cleft their way with oars over
+against the island of Ares all day long; for at dusk the light breeze
+left them. At last they spied above them, hurtling through the air, one
+of the birds of Ares which haunt that isle. It shook its wings down over
+the ship as she sped on and sent against her a keen feather, and it fell
+on the left shoulder of goodly Oileus, and he dropped his oar from his
+hands at the sudden blow, and his comrades marvelled at the sight of the
+winged bolt. And Eribotes from his seat hard by drew out the feather,
+and bound up the wound when he had loosed the strap hanging from his
+own sword-sheath; and besides the first, another bird appeared swooping
+down; but the hero Clytius, son of Eurytus--for he bent his curved bow,
+and sped a swift arrow against the bird--struck it, and it whirled round
+and fell close to the ship. And to them spake Amphidamas, son of Aleus:
+
+(ll. 1047-1067) "The island of Ares is near us; you know it yourselves
+now that ye have seen these birds. But little will arrows avail us, I
+trow, for landing. But let us contrive some other device to help us, if
+ye intend to land, bearing in mind the injunction of Phineus. For not
+even could Heracles, when he came to Arcadia, drive away with bow and
+arrow the birds that swam on the Stymphalian lake. I saw it myself. But
+he shook in his hand a rattle of bronze and made a loud clatter as
+he stood upon a lofty peak, and the birds fled far off, screeching in
+bewildered fear. Wherefore now too let us contrive some such device, and
+I myself will speak, having pondered the matter beforehand. Set on your
+heads your helmets of lofty crest, then half row by turns, and half
+fence the ship about with polished spears and shields. Then all together
+raise a mighty shout so that the birds may be scared by the unwonted
+din, the nodding crests, and the uplifted spears on high. And if we
+reach the island itself, then make mighty noise with the clashing of
+shields."
+
+(ll. 1068-1089) Thus he spake, and the helpful device pleased all. And
+on their heads they placed helmets of bronze, gleaming terribly, and the
+blood-red crests were tossing. And half of them rowed in turn, and the
+rest covered the ship with spears and shields. And as when a man roofs
+over a house with tiles, to be an ornament of his home and a defence
+against rain, and one the fits firmly into another, each after each; so
+they roofed over the ship with their shields, locking them together. And
+as a din arises from a warrior-host of men sweeping on, when lines of
+battle meet, such a shout rose upward from the ship into the air. Now
+they saw none of the birds yet, but when they touched the island and
+clashed upon their shields, then the birds in countless numbers rose in
+flight hither and thither. And as when the son of Cronos sends from the
+clouds a dense hailstorm on city and houses, and the people who dwell
+beneath hear the din above the roof and sit quietly, since the stormy
+season has not come upon them unawares, but they have first made strong
+their roofs; so the birds sent against the heroes a thick shower of
+feather-shafts as they darted over the sea to the mountains of the land
+opposite.
+
+(ll. 1090-1092) What then was the purpose of Phineus in bidding the
+divine band of heroes land there? Or what kind of help was about to meet
+their desire?
+
+(ll. 1093-1122) The sons of Phrixus were faring towards the city of
+Orchomenus from Aea, coming from Cytaean Aeetes, on board a Colchian
+ship, to win the boundless wealth of their father; for he, when dying,
+had enjoined this journey upon them. And lo, on that day they were very
+near that island. But Zeus had impelled the north wind's might to blow,
+marking by rain the moist path of Arcturus; and all day long he was
+stirring the leaves upon the mountains, breathing gently upon the
+topmost sprays; but at night he rushed upon the sea with monstrous
+force, and with his shrieking blasts uplifted the surge; and a dark mist
+covered the heavens, nor did the bright stars anywhere appear from among
+the clouds, but a murky gloom brooded all around. And so the sons of
+Phrixus, drenched and trembling in fear of a horrible doom, were borne
+along by the waves helplessly. And the force of the wind had snatched
+away their sails and shattered in twain the hull, tossed as it was by
+the breakers. And hereupon by heaven's prompting those four clutched a
+huge beam, one of many that were scattered about, held together by sharp
+bolts, when the ship broke to pieces. And on to the island the waves and
+the blasts of wind bore the men in their distress, within a little of
+death. And straightway a mighty rain burst forth, and rained upon the
+sea and the island, and all the country opposite the island, where the
+arrogant Mossynoeci dwelt. And the sweep of the waves hurled the sons of
+Phrixus, together with their massy beam, upon the beach of the island,
+in the murky night; and the floods of rain from Zeus ceased at sunrise,
+and soon the two bands drew near and met each other, and Argus spoke
+first:
+
+(ll. 1123-1133) "We beseech you, by Zeus the Beholder, whoever ye are,
+to be kindly and to help us in our need. For fierce tempests, falling
+on the sea, have shattered all the timbers of the crazy ship in which
+we were cleaving our path on business bent. Wherefore we entreat you, if
+haply ye will listen, to grant us just a covering for our bodies, and
+to pity and succour men in misfortune, your equals in age. Oh, reverence
+suppliants and strangers for Zeus' sake, the god of strangers and
+suppliants. To Zeus belong both suppliants and strangers; and his eye,
+methinks, beholdeth even us."
+
+(ll. 1134-1139) And in reply the son of Aeson prudently questioned him,
+deeming that the prophecies of Phineus were being fulfilled: "All these
+things will we straightway grant you with right good will. But come tell
+me truly in what country ye dwell and what business bids you sail across
+the sea, and tell me your own glorious names and lineage."
+
+(ll. 1140-1156) And him Argus, helpless in his evil plight, addressed:
+"That one Phrixus an Aeolid reached Aea from Hellas you yourselves have
+clearly heard ere this, I trow; Phrixus, who came to the city of Aeetes,
+bestriding a ram, which Hermes had made all gold; and the fleece ye may
+see even now. The ram, at its own prompting, he then sacrificed to
+Zeus, son of Cronos, above all, the god of fugitives. And him did Aeetes
+receive in his palace, and with gladness of heart gave him his daughter
+Chalciope in marriage without gifts of wooing. [1208] From those two are
+we sprung. But Phrixus died at last, an aged man, in the home of
+Aeetes; and we, giving heed to our father's behests, are journeying to
+Orehomenus to take the possessions of Athamas. And if thou dost desire
+to learn our names, this is Cytissorus, this Phrontis, and this Melas,
+and me ye may call Argus."
+
+(ll. 1157-1159) Thus he spake, and the chieftains rejoiced at the
+meeting, and tended them, much marvelling. And Jason again in turn
+replied, as was fitting, with these words:
+
+(ll. 1160-1178) "Surely ye are our kinsmen on my father's side, and ye
+pray that with kindly hearts we succour your evil plight. For Cretheus
+and Athamas were brothers. I am the grandson of Cretheus, and with
+these comrades here I am journeying from that same Hellas to the city of
+Aeetes. But of these things we will converse hereafter. And do ye first
+put clothing upon you. By heaven's devising, I ween, have ye come to my
+hands in your sore need."
+
+(ll. 1168-1178) He spake, and out of the ship gave them raiment to put
+on. Then all together they went to the temple of Ares to offer sacrifice
+of sheep; and in haste they stood round the altar, which was outside the
+roofless temple, an altar built of pebbles; within a black stone stood
+fixed, a sacred thing, to which of yore the Amazons all used to pray.
+Nor was it lawful for them, when they came from the opposite coast, to
+burn on this altar offerings of sheep and oxen, but they used to slay
+horses which they kept in great herds. Now when they had sacrificed and
+eaten the feast prepared, then Aeson's son spake among them and thus
+began:
+
+(ll. 1179-1195) "Zeus' self, I ween, beholds everything; nor do we men
+escape his eye, we that be god-fearing and just, for as he rescued your
+father from the hands of a murderous step-dame and gave him measureless
+wealth besides; even so hath he saved you harmless from the baleful
+storm. And on board this ship ye may sail hither and thither, where ye
+will, whether to Aea or to the wealthy city of divine Orthomenus. For
+our ship Athena built and with axe of bronze cut her timbers near the
+crest of Pelion, and with the goddess wrought Argus. But yours the
+fierce surge hath shattered, before ye came nigh to the rocks which
+all day long clash together in the straits of the sea. But come, be
+yourselves our helpers, for we are eager to bring to Hellas the golden
+fleece, and guide us on our voyage, for I go to atone for the intended
+sacrifice of Phrixus, the cause of Zeus' wrath against the sons of
+Aeolus."
+
+(ll. 1196-1199) He spake with soothing words; but horror seized them
+when they heard. For they deemed that they would not find Aeetes
+friendly if they desired to take away the ram's fleece. And Argus spake
+as follows, vexed that they should busy themselves with such a quest:
+
+(ll. 1200-1215) "My friends, our strength, so far as it avails, shall
+never cease to help you, not one whit, when need shall come. But Aeetes
+is terribly armed with deadly ruthlessness; wherefore exceedingly do I
+dread this voyage. And he boasts himself to be the son of Helios;
+and all round dwell countless tribes of Colchians; and he might match
+himself with Ares in his dread war-cry and giant strength. Nay, to seize
+the fleece in spite of Aeetes is no easy task; so huge a serpent keeps
+guard round and about it, deathless and sleepless, which Earth herself
+brought forth on the sides of Caucasus, by the rock of Typhaon, where
+Typhaon, they say, smitten by the bolt of Zeus, son of Cronos, when he
+lifted against the god his sturdy hands, dropped from his head hot gore;
+and in such plight he reached the mountains and plain of Nysa, where to
+this day he lies whelmed beneath the waters of the Serbonian lake."
+
+(ll. 1216-1218) Thus he spake, and straightway many a cheek grew pale
+when they heard of so mighty an adventure. But quickly Peleus answered
+with cheering words, and thus spake:
+
+(ll. 1219-1225) "Be not so fearful in spirit, my good friend. For we
+are not so lacking in prowess as to be no match for Aeetes to try his
+strength with arms; but I deem that we too are cunning in war, we that
+go thither, near akin to the blood of the blessed gods. Wherefore if he
+will not grant us the fleece of gold for friendship's sake, the tribes
+of the Colchians will not avail him, I ween."
+
+(ll. 1226-1230) Thus they addressed each other in turn, until again,
+satisfied with their feast, they turned to rest. And when they rose
+at dawn a gentle breeze was blowing; and they raised the sails, which
+strained to the rush of the wind, and quickly they left behind the
+island of Ares.
+
+(ll. 1231-1241) And at nightfall they came to the island of Philyra,
+where Cronos, son of Uranus, what time in Olympus he reigned over the
+Titans, and Zeus was yet being nurtured in a Cretan cave by the Curetes
+of Ida, lay beside Philyra, when he had deceived Rhea; and the goddess
+found them in the midst of their dalliance; and Cronos leapt up from the
+couch with a rush in the form of a steed with flowing mane, but Ocean's
+daughter, Philyra, in shame left the spot and those haunts, and came
+to the long Pelasgian ridges, where by her union with the transfigured
+deity she brought forth huge Cheiron, half like a horse, half like a
+god.
+
+(ll. 1242-1261) Thence they sailed on, past the Macrones and the
+far-stretching land of the Becheiri and the overweening Sapeires, and
+after them the Byzeres; for ever forward they clave their way, quickly
+borne by the gentle breeze. And lo, as they sped on, a deep gulf of the
+sea was opened, and lo, the steep crags of the Caucasian mountains rose
+up, where, with his limbs bound upon the hard rocks by galling fetters
+of bronze, Prometheus fed with his liver an eagle that ever rushed back
+to its prey. High above the ship at even they saw it flying with a loud
+whirr, near the clouds; and yet it shook all the sails with the fanning
+of those huge wings. For it had not the form of a bird of the air but
+kept poising its long wing-feathers like polished oars. And not long
+after they heard the bitter cry of Prometheus as his liver was being
+torn away; and the air rang with his screams until they marked the
+ravening eagle rushing back from the mountain on the self-same track.
+And at night, by the skill of Argus, they reached broad-flowing Phasis,
+and the utmost bourne of the sea.
+
+(ll. 1262-1276) And straightway they let down the sails and the yard-arm
+and stowed them inside the hollow mast-crutch, and at once they lowered
+the mast itself till it lay along; and quickly with oars they entered
+the mighty stream of the river; and round the prow the water surged as
+it gave them way. And on their left hand they had lofty Caucasus and
+the Cytaean city of Aea, and on the other side the plain of Ares and the
+sacred grove of that god, where the serpent was keeping watch and ward
+over the fleece as it hung on the leafy branches of an oak. And Aeson's
+son himself from a golden goblet poured into the river libations of
+honey and pure wine to Earth and to the gods of the country, and to the
+souls of dead heroes; and he besought them of their grace to give kindly
+aid, and to welcome their ship's hawsers with favourable omen. And
+straightway Ancaeus spake these words:
+
+(ll. 1277-1280) "We have reached the Colchian land and the stream of
+Phasis; and it is time for us to take counsel whether we shall make
+trial of Aeetes with soft words, or an attempt of another kind shall be
+fitting."
+
+(ll. 1281-1285) Thus he spake, and by the advice of Argus Jason bade
+them enter a shaded backwater and let the ship ride at anchor off shore;
+and it was near at hand in their course and there they passed the night.
+And soon the dawn appeared to their expectant eyes.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK III
+
+(ll. 1-5) Come now, Erato, stand by my side, and say next how Jason
+brought back the fleece to Iolcus aided by the love of Medea. For thou
+sharest the power of Cypris, and by thy love-cares dost charm unwedded
+maidens; wherefore to thee too is attached a name that tells of love.
+
+(ll. 6-10) Thus the heroes, unobserved, were waiting in ambush amid the
+thick reed-beds; but Hera and Athena took note of them, and, apart
+from Zeus and the other immortals, entered a chamber and took counsel
+together; and Hera first made trial of Athena:
+
+(ll. 11-16) "Do thou now first, daughter of Zeus, give advice. What must
+be done? Wilt thou devise some scheme whereby they may seize the golden
+fleece of Aeetes and bear it to Hellas, or can they deceive the king
+with soft words and so work persuasion? Of a truth he is terribly
+overweening. Still it is right to shrink from no endeavour."
+
+(ll. 17-21) Thus she spake, and at once Athena addressed her: "I too
+was pondering such thoughts in my heart, Hera, when thou didst ask me
+outright. But not yet do I think that I have conceived a scheme to aid
+the courage of the heroes, though I have balanced many plans."
+
+(ll. 22-29) She ended, and the goddesses fixed their eyes on the ground
+at their feet, brooding apart; and straightway Hera was the first to
+speak her thought: "Come, let us go to Cypris; let both of us accost her
+and urge her to bid her son (if only he will obey) speed his shaft at
+the daughter of Aeetes, the enchantress, and charm her with love for
+Jason. And I deem that by her device he will bring back the fleece to
+Hellas."
+
+(ll. 30-31) Thus she spake, and the prudent plan pleased Athena, and she
+addressed her in reply with gentle words:
+
+(ll. 32-35) "Hera, my father begat me to be a stranger to the darts of
+love, nor do I know any charm to work desire. But if the word pleases
+thee, surely I will follow; but thou must speak when we meet her."
+
+(ll. 36-51) So she said, and starting forth they came to the mighty
+palace of Cypris, which her husband, the halt-footed god, had built for
+her when first he brought her from Zeus to be his wife. And entering the
+court they stood beneath the gallery of the chamber where the goddess
+prepared the couch of Hephaestus. But he had gone early to his forge and
+anvils to a broad cavern in a floating island where with the blast
+of flame he wrought all manner of curious work; and she all alone
+was sitting within, on an inlaid seat facing the door. And her white
+shoulders on each side were covered with the mantle of her hair and
+she was parting it with a golden comb and about to braid up the long
+tresses; but when she saw the goddesses before her, she stayed and
+called them within, and rose from her seat and placed them on couches.
+Then she herself sat down, and with her hands gathered up the locks
+still uncombed. And smiling she addressed them with crafty words:
+
+(ll. 52-54) "Good friends, what intent, what occasion brings you here
+after so long? Why have ye come, not too frequent visitors before, chief
+among goddesses that ye are?"
+
+(ll. 55-75) And to her Hera replied: "Thou dost mock us, but our hearts
+are stirred with calamity. For already on the river Phasis the son of
+Aeson moors his ship, he and his comrades in quest of the fleece. For
+all their sakes we fear terribly (for the task is nigh at hand) but most
+for Aeson's son. Him will I deliver, though he sail even to Hades to
+free Ixion below from his brazen chains, as far as strength lies in
+my limbs, so that Pelias may not mock at having escaped an evil
+doom--Pelias who left me unhonoured with sacrifice. Moreover Jason was
+greatly loved by me before, ever since at the mouth of Anaurus in flood,
+as I was making trial of men's righteousness, he met me on his return
+from the chase; and all the mountains and long ridged peaks were
+sprinkled with snow, and from them the torrents rolling down were
+rushing with a roar. And he took pity on me in the likeness of an old
+crone, and raising me on his shoulders himself bore me through the
+headlong tide. So he is honoured by me unceasingly; nor will Pelias pay
+the penalty of his outrage, unless thou wilt grant Jason his return."
+
+(ll. 76-82) Thus she spake, and speechlessness seized Cypris. And
+beholding Hera supplicating her she felt awe, and then addressed her
+with friendly words: "Dread goddess, may no viler thing than Cypris ever
+be found, if I disregard thy eager desire in word or deed, whatever my
+weak arms can effect; and let there be no favour in return."
+
+(ll. 83-89) She spake, and Hera again addressed her with prudence:
+"It is not in need of might or of strength that we have come. But just
+quietly bid thy boy charm Aeetes' daughter with love for Jason. For if
+she will aid him with her kindly counsel, easily do I think he will win
+the fleece of gold and return to Iolcus, for she is full of wiles."
+
+(ll. 90-99) Thus she spake, and Cypris addressed them both: "Hera and
+Athena, he will obey you rather than me. For unabashed though he is,
+there will be some slight shame in his eyes before you; but he has no
+respect for me, but ever slights me in contentious mood. And, overborne
+by his naughtiness, I purpose to break his ill-sounding arrows and his
+bow in his very sight. For in his anger he has threatened that if I
+shall not keep my hands off him while he still masters his temper, I
+shall have cause to blame myself thereafter."
+
+(ll. 100-105) So she spake, and the goddesses smiled and looked at each
+other. But Cypris again spoke, vexed at heart: "To others my sorrows are
+a jest; nor ought I to tell them to all; I know them too well myself.
+But now, since this pleases you both, I will make the attempt and coax
+him, and he will not say me nay."
+
+(ll. 106-110) Thus she spake, and Hera took her slender hand and gently
+smiling, replied: "Perform this task, Cytherea, straightway, as
+thou sayest; and be not angry or contend with thy boy; he will cease
+hereafter to vex thee."
+
+(ll. 111-128) She spake, and left her seat, and Athena accompanied her
+and they went forth both hastening back. And Cypris went on her way
+through the glens of Olympus to find her boy. And she found him apart,
+in the blooming orchard of Zeus, not alone, but with him Ganymedes, whom
+once Zeus had set to dwell among the immortal gods, being enamoured of
+his beauty. And they were playing for golden dice, as boys in one house
+are wont to do. And already greedy Eros was holding the palm of his left
+hand quite full of them under his breast, standing upright; and on
+the bloom of his cheeks a sweet blush was glowing. But the other sat
+crouching hard by, silent and downcast, and he had two dice left which
+he threw one after the other, and was angered by the loud laughter of
+Eros. And lo, losing them straightway with the former, he went off empty
+handed, helpless, and noticed not the approach of Cypris. And she stood
+before her boy, and laying her hand on his lips, addressed him:
+
+(ll. 129-144) "Why dost thou smile in triumph, unutterable rogue? Hast
+thou cheated him thus, and unjustly overcome the innocent child? Come,
+be ready to perform for me the task I will tell thee of, and I will
+give thee Zeus' all-beauteous plaything--the one which his dear nurse
+Adrasteia made for him, while he still lived a child, with childish
+ways, in the Idaean cave--a well-rounded ball; no better toy wilt thou
+get from the hands of Hephaestus. All of gold are its zones, and round
+each double seams run in a circle; but the stitches are hidden, and a
+dark blue spiral overlays them all. But if thou shouldst cast it with
+thy hands, lo, like a star, it sends a flaming track through the sky.
+This I will give thee; and do thou strike with thy shaft and charm the
+daughter of Aeetes with love for Jason; and let there be no loitering.
+For then my thanks would be the slighter."
+
+(ll. 145-150) Thus she spake, and welcome were her words to the
+listening boy. And he threw down all his toys, and eagerly seizing her
+robe on this side and on that, clung to the goddess. And he implored
+her to bestow the gift at once; but she, facing him with kindly words,
+touched his cheeks, kissed him and drew him to her, and replied with a
+smile:
+
+(ll. 151-153) "Be witness now thy dear head and mine, that surely I will
+give thee the gift and deceive thee not, if thou wilt strike with thy
+shaft Aeetes' daughter."
+
+(ll. 154-166) She spoke, and he gathered up his dice, and having
+well counted them all threw them into his mother's gleaming lap. And
+straightway with golden baldric he slung round him his quiver from where
+it leant against a tree-trunk, and took up his curved bow. And he fared
+forth through the fruitful orchard of the palace of Zeus. Then he passed
+through the gates of Olympus high in air; hence is a downward path from
+heaven; and the twin poles rear aloft steep mountain tops the highest
+crests of earth, where the risen sun grows ruddy with his first beams.
+And beneath him there appeared now the life-giving earth and cities of
+men and sacred streams of rivers, and now in turn mountain peaks and the
+ocean all around, as he swept through the vast expanse of air.
+
+(ll. 167-193) Now the heroes apart in ambush, in a back-water of the
+river, were met in council, sitting on the benches of their ship. And
+Aeson's son himself was speaking among them; and they were listening
+silently in their places sitting row upon row: "My friends, what pleases
+myself that will I say out; it is for you to bring about its fulfilment.
+For in common is our task, and common to all alike is the right of
+speech; and he who in silence withholds his thought and his counsel, let
+him know that it is he alone that bereaves this band of its home-return.
+Do ye others rest here in the ship quietly with your arms; but I will
+go to the palace of Aeetes, taking with me the sons of Phrixus and two
+comrades as well. And when I meet him I will first make trial with
+words to see if he will be willing to give up the golden fleece for
+friendship's sake or not, but trusting to his might will set at nought
+our quest. For so, learning his frowardness first from himself, we will
+consider whether we shall meet him in battle, or some other plan shall
+avail us, if we refrain from the war-cry. And let us not merely
+by force, before putting words to the test, deprive him of his own
+possession. But first it is better to go to him and win his favour by
+speech. Oftentimes, I ween, does speech accomplish at need what prowess
+could hardly catty through, smoothing the path in manner befitting. And
+he once welcomed noble Phrixus, a fugitive from his stepmother's wiles
+and the sacrifice prepared by his father. For all men everywhere, even
+the most shameless, reverence the ordinance of Zeus, god of strangers,
+and regard it."
+
+(ll. 194-209) Thus he spake, and the youths approved the words of
+Aeson's son with one accord, nor was there one to counsel otherwise.
+And then he summoned to go with him the sons of Phrixus, and Telamon and
+Augeias; and himself took Hermes' wand; and at once they passed forth
+from the ship beyond the reeds and the water to dry land, towards the
+rising ground of the plain. The plain, I wis, is called Circe's; and
+here in line grow many willows and osiers, on whose topmost branches
+hang corpses bound with cords. For even now it is an abomination with
+the Colchians to burn dead men with fire; nor is it lawful to place
+them in the earth and raise a mound above, but to wrap them in untanned
+oxhides and suspend them from trees far from the city. And so earth has
+an equal portion with air, seeing that they bury the women; for that is
+the custom of their land.
+
+(ll. 210-259) And as they went Hera with friendly thought spread a thick
+mist through the city, that they might fare to the palace of Aeetes
+unseen by the countless hosts of the Colchians. But soon when from
+the plain they came to the city and Aeetes' palace, then again Hera
+dispersed the mist. And they stood at the entrance, marvelling at the
+king's courts and the wide gates and columns which rose in ordered lines
+round the walls; and high up on the palace a coping of stone rested on
+brazen triglyphs. And silently they crossed the threshold. And close by
+garden vines covered with green foliage were in full bloom, lifted
+high in air. And beneath them ran four fountains, ever-flowing, which
+Hephaestus had delved out. One was gushing with milk, one with wine,
+while the third flowed with fragrant oil; and the fourth ran with water,
+which grew warm at the setting of the Pleiads, and in turn at their
+rising bubbled forth from the hollow rock, cold as crystal. Such then
+were the wondrous works that the craftsman-god Hephaestus had fashioned
+in the palace of Cytaean Aeetes. And he wrought for him bulls with feet
+of bronze, and their mouths were of bronze, and from them they breathed
+out a terrible flame of fire; moreover he forged a plough of unbending
+adamant, all in one piece, in payment of thanks to Helios, who had taken
+the god up in his chariot when faint from the Phlegraean fight. [1301]
+And here an inner-court was built, and round it were many well-fitted
+doors and chambers here and there, and all along on each side was
+a richly-wrought gallery. And on both sides loftier buildings stood
+obliquely. In one, which was the loftiest, lordly Aeetes dwelt with his
+queen; and in another dwelt Apsyrtus, son of Aeetes, whom a Caucasian
+nymph, Asterodeia, bare before he made Eidyia his wedded wife, the
+youngest daughter of Tethys and Oceanus. And the sons of the Colchians
+called him by the new name of Phaethon, [1302] because he outshone
+all the youths. The other buildings the handmaidens had, and the two
+daughters of Aeetes, Chalciope and Medea. Medea then [they found] going
+from chamber to chamber in search of her sister, for Hera detained her
+within that day; but beforetime she was not wont to haunt the palace,
+but all day long was busied in Hecate's temple, since she herself was
+the priestess of the goddess. And when she saw them she cried aloud,
+and quickly Chalciope caught the sound; and her maids, throwing down at
+their feet their yarn and their thread, rushed forth all in a throng.
+And she, beholding her sons among them, raised her hands aloft through
+joy; and so they likewise greeted their mother, and when they saw her
+embraced her in their gladness; and she with many sobs spoke thus:
+
+(ll. 260-267) "After all then, ye were not destined to leave me in
+your heedlessness and to wander far; but fate has turned you back. Poor
+wretch that I am! What a yearning for Hellas from some woeful madness
+seized you at the behest of your father Phrixus. Bitter sorrows for
+my heart did he ordain when dying. And why should ye go to the city of
+Orchomenus, whoever this Orchomenus is, for the sake of Athamas' wealth,
+leaving your mother alone to bear her grief?"
+
+(ll. 268-274) Such were her words; and Aeetes came forth last of all
+and Eidyia herself came, the queen of Aeetes, on hearing the voice of
+Chalciope; and straightway all the court was filled with a throng. Some
+of the thralls were busied with a mighty bull, others with the axe were
+cleaving dry billets, and others heating with fire water for the baths;
+nor was there one who relaxed his toil, serving the king.
+
+(ll. 275-298) Meantime Eros passed unseen through the grey mist, causing
+confusion, as when against grazing heifers rises the gadfly, which
+oxherds call the breese. And quickly beneath the lintel in the porch
+he strung his bow and took from the quiver an arrow unshot before,
+messenger of pain. And with swift feet unmarked he passed the threshold
+and keenly glanced around; and gliding close by Aeson's son he laid the
+arrow-notch on the cord in the centre, and drawing wide apart with both
+hands he shot at Medea; and speechless amazement seized her soul. But
+the god himself flashed back again from the high-roofed hall, laughing
+loud; and the bolt burnt deep down in the maiden's heart like a flame;
+and ever she kept darting bright glances straight up at Aeson's son, and
+within her breast her heart panted fast through anguish, all remembrance
+left her, and her soul melted with the sweet pain. And as a poor woman
+heaps dry twigs round a blazing brand--a daughter of toil, whose task is
+the spinning of wool, that she may kindle a blaze at night beneath her
+roof, when she has waked very early--and the flame waxing wondrous great
+from the small brand consumes all the twigs together; so, coiling round
+her heart, burnt secretly Love the destroyer; and the hue of her soft
+cheeks went and came, now pale, now red, in her soul's distraction.
+
+(ll. 299-303) Now when the thralls had laid a banquet ready before
+them, and they had refreshed themselves with warm baths, gladly did they
+please their souls with meat and drink. And thereafter Aeetes questioned
+the sons of his daughter, addressing them with these words:
+
+(ll. 304-316) "Sons of my daughter and of Phrixus, whom beyond all
+strangers I honoured in my halls, how have ye come returning back to
+Aea? Did some calamity cut short your escape in the midst? Ye did not
+listen when I set before you the boundless length of the way. For I
+marked it once, whirled along in the chariot of my father Helios, when
+he was bringing my sister Circe to the western land and we came to the
+shore of the Tyrrhenian mainland, where even now she abides, exceeding
+far from Colchis. But what pleasure is there in words? Do ye tell
+me plainly what has been your fortune, and who these men are, your
+companions, and where from your hollow ship ye came ashore."
+
+(ll. 317-319) Such were his questions, and Argus, before all his
+brethren, being fearful for the mission of Aeson's son, gently replied,
+for he was the elder-born:
+
+(ll. 320-366) "Aeetes, that ship forthwith stormy blasts tore asunder,
+and ourselves, crouching on the beams, a wave drove on to the beach of
+the isle of Enyalius [1303] in the murky night; and some god preserved
+us. For even the birds of Ares that haunted the desert isle beforetime,
+not even them did we find. But these men had driven them off, having
+landed from their ship on the day before; and the will of Zeus taking
+pity on us, or some fate, detained them there, since they straightway
+gave us both food and clothing in abundance, when they heard the
+illustrious name of Phrixus and thine own; for to thy city are they
+faring. And if thou dost wish to know their errand, I will not hide it
+from time. A certain king, vehemently longing to drive this man far from
+his fatherland and possessions, because in might he outshone all the
+sons of Aeolus, sends him to voyage hither on a bootless venture; and
+asserts that the stock of Aeolus will not escape the heart-grieving
+wrath and rage of implacable Zeus, nor the unbearable curse and
+vengeance due for Phrixus, until the fleece comes back to Hellas. And
+their ship was fashioned by Pallas Athena, not such a one as are the
+ships among the Colchians, on the vilest of which we chanced. For the
+fierce waves and wind broke her utterly to pieces; but the other holds
+firm with her bolts, even though all the blasts should buffet her. And
+with equal swiftness she speedeth before the wind and when the crew ply
+the oar with unresting hands. And he hath gathered in her the mightiest
+heroes of all Achaea, and hath come to thy city from wandering far
+through cities and gulfs of the dread ocean, in the hope that thou wilt
+grant him the fleece. But as thou dost please, so shall it be, for he
+cometh not to use force, but is eager to pay thee a recompense for the
+gift. He has heard from me of thy bitter foes the Sauromatae, and he
+will subdue them to thy sway. And if thou desirest to know their names
+and lineage I will tell thee all. This man on whose account the rest
+were gathered from Hellas, they call Jason, son of Aeson, whom Cretheus
+begat. And if in truth he is of the stock of Cretheus himself, thus he
+would be our kinsman on the father's side. For Cretheus and Athamas were
+both sons of Aeolus; and Phrixus was the son of Athamas, son of Aeolus.
+And here, if thou hast heard at all of the seed of Helios, thou dost
+behold Augeias; and this is Telamon sprung from famous Aeacus; and Zeus
+himself begat Aeacus. And so all the rest, all the comrades that follow
+him, are the sons or grandsons of the immortals."
+
+(ll. 367-371) Such was the tale of Argus; but the king at his words was
+filled with rage as he heard; and his heart was lifted high in wrath.
+And he spake in heavy displeasure; and was angered most of all with the
+son of Chalciope; for he deemed that on their account the strangers had
+come; and in his fury his eyes flashed forth beneath his brows:
+
+(ll. 372-381) "Begone from my sight, felons, straightway, ye and your
+tricks, from the land, ere someone see a fleece and a Phrixus to his
+sorrow. Banded together with your friends from Hellas, not for the
+fleece, but to seize my sceptre and royal power have ye come hither.
+Had ye not first tasted of my table, surely would I have cut out your
+tongues and hewn off both hands and sent you forth with your feet alone,
+so that ye might be stayed from starting hereafter. And what lies have
+ye uttered against the blessed gods!"
+
+(ll. 382-385) Thus he spake in his wrath; and mightily from its depths
+swelled the heart of Aeacus' son, and his soul within longed to speak
+a deadly word in defiance, but Aeson's son checked him, for he himself
+first made gentle answer:
+
+(ll. 386-395) "Aeetes, bear with this armed band, I pray. For not in the
+way thou deemest have we come to thy city and palace, no, nor yet with
+such desires. For who would of his own will dare to cross so wide a
+sea for the goods of a stranger? But fate and the ruthless command of a
+presumptuous king urged me. Grant a favour to thy suppliants, and to all
+Hellas will I publish a glorious fame of thee; yea, we are ready now to
+pay thee a swift recompense in war, whether it be the Sauromatae or some
+other people that thou art eager to subdue to thy sway."
+
+(ll. 396-400) He spake, flattering him with gentle utterance; but the
+king's soul brooded a twofold purpose within him, whether he should
+attack and slay them on the spot or should make trial of their might.
+And this, as he pondered, seemed the better way, and he addressed Jason
+in answer:
+
+(ll. 401-421) "Stranger, why needest thou go through thy tale to the
+end? For if ye are in truth of heavenly race, or have come in no wise
+inferior to me, to win the goods of strangers, I will give thee the
+fleece to bear away, if thou dost wish, when I have tried thee. For
+against brave men I bear no grudge, such as ye yourselves tell me of him
+who bears sway in Hellas. And the trial of your courage and might shall
+be a contest which I myself can compass with my hands, deadly though it
+be. Two bulls with feet of bronze I have that pasture on the plain of
+Ares, breathing forth flame from their jaws; them do I yoke and drive
+over the stubborn field of Ares, four plough-gates; and quickly cleaving
+it with the share up to the headland, I cast into the furrows the seed,
+not the corn of Demeter, but the teeth of a dread serpent that grow up
+into the fashion of armed men; them I slay at once, cutting them down
+beneath my spear as they rise against me on all sides. In the morning do
+I yoke the oxen, and at eventide I cease from the harvesting. And thou,
+if thou wilt accomplish such deeds as these, on that very day shalt
+carry off the fleece to the king's palace; ere that time comes I will
+not give it, expect it not. For indeed it is unseemly that a brave man
+should yield to a coward."
+
+(ll. 422-426) Thus he spake; and Jason, fixing his eyes on the ground,
+sat just as he was, speechless, helpless in his evil plight. For a long
+time he turned the matter this way and that, and could in no way take on
+him the task with courage, for a mighty task it seemed; and at last he
+made reply with crafty words:
+
+(ll. 427-431) "With thy plea of right, Aeetes, thou dost shut me in
+overmuch. Wherefore also I will dare that contest, monstrous as it is,
+though it be my doom to die. For nothing will fall upon men more dread
+than dire necessity, which indeed constrained me to come hither at a
+king's command."
+
+(ll. 432-438) Thus he spake, smitten by his helpless plight; and the
+king with grim words addressed him, sore troubled as he was: "Go forth
+now to the gathering, since thou art eager for the toil; but if thou
+shouldst fear to lift the yoke upon the oxen or shrink from the deadly
+harvesting, then all this shall be my care, so that another too may
+shudder to come to a man that is better than he."
+
+(ll. 439-463) He spake outright; and Jason rose from his seat, and
+Augeias and Telamon at once; and Argus followed alone, for he signed to
+his brothers to stay there on the spot meantime; and so they went forth
+from the hall. And wonderfully among them all shone the son of Aeson
+for beauty and grace; and the maiden looked at him with stealthy glance,
+holding her bright veil aside, her heart smouldering with pain; and
+her soul creeping like a dream flitted in his track as he went. So they
+passed forth from the palace sorely troubled. And Chalciope, shielding
+herself from the wrath of Aeetes, had gone quickly to her chamber with
+her sons. And Medea likewise followed, and much she brooded in her soul
+all the cares that the Loves awaken. And before her eyes the vision
+still appeared--himself what like he was, with what vesture he was clad,
+what things he spake, how he sat on his seat, how he moved forth to the
+door--and as she pondered she deemed there never was such another man;
+and ever in her ears rung his voice and the honey-sweet words which he
+uttered. And she feared for him, lest the oxen or Aeetes with his
+own hand should slay him; and she mourned him as though already slain
+outright, and in her affliction a round tear through very grievous
+pity coursed down her cheek; and gently weeping she lifted up her voice
+aloud:
+
+(ll. 464-470) "Why does this grief come upon me, poor wretch? Whether he
+be the best of heroes now about to perish, or the worst, let him go to
+his doom. Yet I would that he had escaped unharmed; yea, may this be so,
+revered goddess, daughter of Perses, may he avoid death and return home;
+but if it be his lot to be o'ermastered by the oxen, may he first learn
+this, that I at least do not rejoice in his cruel calamity."
+
+(ll. 471-474) Thus then was the maiden's heart racked by love-cares. But
+when the others had gone forth from the people and the city, along the
+path by which at the first they had come from the plain, then Argus
+addressed Jason with these words:
+
+(ll. 475-483) "Son of Aeson, thou wilt despise the counsel which I will
+tell thee, but, though in evil plight, it is not fitting to forbear from
+the trial. Ere now thou hast heard me tell of a maiden that uses sorcery
+under the guidance of Hecate, Perses' daughter. If we could win her
+aid there will be no dread, methinks, of thy defeat in the contest;
+but terribly do I fear that my mother will not take this task upon
+her. Nevertheless I will go back again to entreat her, for a common
+destruction overhangs us all."
+
+(ll. 383-491) He spake with goodwill, and Jason answered with these
+words: "Good friend, if this is good in thy sight, I say not nay. Go and
+move thy mother, beseeching her aid with prudent words; pitiful indeed
+is our hope when we have put our return in the keeping of women." So
+he spake, and quickly they reached the back-water. And their comrades
+joyfully questioned them, when they saw them close at hand; and to them
+spoke Aeson's son grieved at heart:
+
+(ll. 492-501) "My friends, the heart of ruthless Aeetes is utterly
+filled with wrath against us, for not at all can the goal be reached
+either by me or by you who question me. He said that two bulls with feet
+of bronze pasture on the plain of Ares, breathing forth flame from their
+jaws. And with these he bade me plough the field, four plough-gates; and
+said that he would give me from a serpent's jaws seed which will raise
+up earthborn men in armour of bronze; and on the same day I must slay
+them. This task--for there was nothing better to devise--I took on
+myself outright."
+
+(ll. 502-514) Thus he spake; and to all the contest seemed one that
+none could accomplish, and long, quiet and silent, they looked at one
+another, bowed down with the calamity and their despair; but at last
+Peleus spake with courageous words among all the chiefs: "It is time
+to be counselling what we shall do. Yet there is not so much profit, I
+trow, in counsel as in the might of our hands. If thou then, hero son
+of Aeson, art minded to yoke Aeetes' oxen, and art eager for the toil,
+surely thou wilt keep thy promise and make thyself ready. But if thy
+soul trusts not her prowess utterly, then neither bestir thyself nor sit
+still and look round for some one else of these men. For it is not I who
+will flinch, since the bitterest pain will be but death."
+
+(ll. 515-522) So spake the son of Aeacus; and Telamon's soul was
+stirred, and quickly he started up in eagerness; and Idas rose up
+the third in his pride; and the twin sons of Tyndareus; and with them
+Oeneus' son who was numbered among strong men, though even the soft down
+on his cheek showed not yet; with such courage was his soul uplifted.
+But the others gave way to these in silence. And straightway Argus spake
+these words to those that longed for the contest:
+
+(ll. 523-539) "My friends, this indeed is left us at the last. But
+I deem that there will come to you some timely aid from my mother.
+Wherefore, eager though ye be, refrain and abide in your ship a little
+longer as before, for it is better to forbear than recklessly to choose
+an evil fate. There is a maiden, nurtured in the halls of Aeetes, whom
+the goddess Hecate taught to handle magic herbs with exceeding skill
+all that the land and flowing waters produce. With them is quenched the
+blast of unwearied flame, and at once she stays the course of rivers as
+they rush roaring on, and checks the stars and the paths of the sacred
+moon. Of her we bethought us as we came hither along the path from the
+palace, if haply my mother, her own sister, might persuade her to aid us
+in the venture. And if this is pleasing to you as well, surely on
+this very day will I return to the palace of Aeetes to make trial; and
+perchance with some god's help shall I make the trial."
+
+(ll. 540-544) Thus he spake, and the gods in their goodwill gave them
+a sign. A trembling dove in her flight from a mighty hawk fell from on
+high, terrified, into the lap of Aeson's son, and the hawk fell impaled
+on the stern-ornament. And quickly Mopsus with prophetic words spake
+among them all:
+
+(ll. 545-554) "For you, friends, this sign has been wrought by the
+will of heaven; in no other way is it possible to interpret its meaning
+better, than to seek out the maiden and entreat her with manifold skill.
+And I think she will not reject our prayer, if in truth Phineus said
+that our return should be with the help of the Cyprian goddess. It was
+her gentle bird that escaped death; and as my heart within me foresees
+according to this omen, so may it prove! But, my friends, let us call on
+Cytherea to aid us, and now at once obey the counsels of Argus."
+
+(ll. 555-563) He spake, and the warriors approved, remembering the
+injunctions of Phineus; but all alone leapt up Apharcian Idas and
+shouted loudly in terrible wrath: "Shame on us, have we come here fellow
+voyagers with women, calling on Cypris for help and not on the mighty
+strength of Enyalius? And do ye look to doves and hawks to save
+yourselves from contests? Away with you, take thought not for deeds of
+war, but by supplication to beguile weakling girls."
+
+(ll. 564-571) Such were his eager words; and of his comrades many
+murmured low, but none uttered a word of answer back. And he sat down in
+wrath; and at once Jason roused them and uttered his own thought: "Let
+Argus set forth from the ship, since this pleases all; but we will now
+move from the river and openly fasten our hawsers to the shore. For
+surely it is not fitting for us to hide any longer cowering from the
+battle-cry."
+
+(ll. 572-575) So he spake, and straightway sent Argus to return in
+haste to the city; and they drew the anchors on board at the command of
+Aeson's son, and rowed the ship close to the shore, a little away from
+the back-water.
+
+(ll. 576-608) But straightway Aeetes held an assembly of the Colchians
+far aloof from his palace at a spot where they sat in times before, to
+devise against the Minyae grim treachery and troubles. And he threatened
+that when first the oxen should have torn in pieces the man who had
+taken upon him to perform the heavy task, he would hew down the oak
+grove above the wooded hill, and burn the ship and her crew, that so
+they might vent forth in ruin their grievous insolence, for all their
+haughty schemes. For never would he have welcomed the Aeolid Phrixus as
+a guest in his halls, in spite of his sore need, Phrixus, who surpassed
+all strangers in gentleness and fear of the gods, had not Zeus himself
+sent Hermes his messenger down from heaven, so that he might meet with
+a friendly host; much less would pirates coming to his land be let go
+scatheless for long, men whose care it was to lift their hands and seize
+the goods of others, and to weave secret webs of guile, and harry the
+steadings of herdsmen with ill-sounding forays. And he said that besides
+all that the sons of Phrixus should pay a fitting penalty to himself for
+returning in consort with evildoers, that they might recklessly drive
+him from his honour and his throne; for once he had heard a baleful
+prophecy from his father Helios, that he must avoid the secret treachery
+and schemes of his own offspring and their crafty mischief. Wherefore he
+was sending them, as they desired, to the Achaean land at the bidding
+of their father--a long journey. Nor had he ever so slight a fear of
+his daughters, that they would form some hateful scheme, nor of his
+son Apsyrtus; but this curse was being fulfilled in the children of
+Chalciope. And he proclaimed terrible things in his rage against the
+strangers, and loudly threatened to keep watch over the ship and its
+crew, so that no one might escape calamity.
+
+(ll. 609-615) Meantime Argus, going to Aeetes' palace, with manifold
+pleading besought his mother to pray Medea's aid; and Chalciope herself
+already had the same thoughts, but fear checked her soul lest haply
+either fate should withstand and she should entreat her in vain, all
+distraught as she would be at her father's deadly wrath, or, if Medea
+yielded to her prayers, her deeds should be laid bare and open to view.
+
+(ll. 616-635) Now a deep slumber had relieved the maiden from her
+love-pains as she lay upon her couch. But straightway fearful dreams,
+deceitful, such as trouble one in grief, assailed her. And she thought
+that the stranger had taken on him the contest, not because he longed
+to win the ram's fleece, and that he had not come on that account to
+Aeetes' city, but to lead her away, his wedded wife, to his own home;
+and she dreamed that herself contended with the oxen and wrought the
+task with exceeding ease; and that her own parents set at naught their
+promise, for it was not the maiden they had challenged to yoke the oxen
+but the stranger himself; from that arose a contention of doubtful issue
+between her father and the strangers; and both laid the decision
+upon her, to be as she should direct in her mind. But she suddenly,
+neglecting her parents, chose the stranger. And measureless anguish
+seized them and they shouted out in their wrath; and with the cry sleep
+released its hold upon her. Quivering with fear she started up, and
+stared round the walls of her chamber, and with difficulty did she
+gather her spirit within her as before, and lifted her voice aloud:
+
+(ll. 636-644) "Poor wretch, how have gloomy dreams affrighted me! I fear
+that this voyage of the heroes will bring some great evil. My heart is
+trembling for the stranger. Let him woo some Achaean girl far away among
+his own folk; let maidenhood be mine and the home of my parents. Yet,
+taking to myself a reckless heart, I will no more keep aloof but will
+make trial of my sister to see if she will entreat me to aid in the
+contest, through grief for her own sons; this would quench the bitter
+pain in my heart."
+
+(ll. 645-673) She spake, and rising from her bed opened the door of her
+chamber, bare-footed, clad in one robe; and verily she desired to go to
+her sister, and crossed the threshold. And for long she stayed there
+at the entrance of her chamber, held back by shame; and she turned back
+once more; and again she came forth from within, and again stole back;
+and idly did her feet bear her this way and that; yea, as oft as she
+went straight on, shame held her within the chamber, and though held
+back by shame, bold desire kept urging her on. Thrice she made the
+attempt and thrice she checked herself, the fourth time she fell on her
+bed face downward, writhing in pain. And as when a bride in her chamber
+bewails her youthful husband, to whom her brothers and parents have
+given her, nor yet does she hold converse with all her attendants for
+shame and for thinking of him; but she sits apart in her grief; and some
+doom has destroyed him, before they have had pleasure of each other's
+charms; and she with heart on fire silently weeps, beholding her widowed
+couch, in fear lest the women should mock and revile her; like to her
+did Medea lament. And suddenly as she was in the midst of her tears, one
+of the handmaids came forth and noticed her, one who was her youthful
+attendant; and straightway she told Chalciope, who sat in the midst of
+her sons devising how to win over her sister. And when Chalciope heard
+the strange tale from the handmaid, not even so did she disregard it.
+And she rushed in dismay from her chamber right on to the chamber where
+the maiden lay in her anguish, having torn her cheeks on each side; and
+when Chalciope saw her eyes all dimmed with tears, she thus addressed
+her:
+
+(ll. 674-680) "Ah me, Medea, why dost thou weep so? What hath befallen
+thee? What terrible grief has entered thy heart? Has some heaven-sent
+disease enwrapt thy frame, or hast thou heard from our father some
+deadly threat concerning me and my sons? Would that I did not behold
+this home of my parents, or the city, but dwelt at the ends of the
+earth, where not even the name of Colchians is known!"
+
+(ll. 681-687) Thus she spake, and her sister's cheeks flushed; and
+though she was eager to reply, long did maiden shame restrain her.
+At one moment the word rose on the end of her tongue, at another it
+fluttered back deep within her breast. And often through her lovely lips
+it strove for utterance; but no sound came forth; till at last she spoke
+with guileful words; for the bold Loves were pressing her hard:
+
+(ll. 688-692) "Chalciope, my heart is all trembling for thy sons, lest
+my father forthwith destroy them together with the strangers. Slumbering
+just now in a short-lived sleep such a ghastly dream did I see--may some
+god forbid its fulfilment and never mayst thou win for thyself bitter
+care on thy sons' account."
+
+(ll. 693-704) She spake, making trial of her sister to see if she first
+would entreat help for her sons. And utterly unbearable grief surged
+over Chalciope's soul for fear at what she heard; and then she replied:
+"Yea, I myself too have come to thee in eager furtherance of this
+purpose, if thou wouldst haply devise with me and prepare some help. But
+swear by Earth and Heaven that thou wilt keep secret in thy heart what
+I shall tell thee, and be fellow-worker with me. I implore thee by the
+blessed gods, by thyself and by thy parents, not to see them destroyed
+by an evil doom piteously; or else may I die with my dear sons and come
+back hereafter from Hades an avenging Fury to haunt thee."
+
+(ll. 705-710) Thus she spake, and straightway a torrent of tears gushed
+forth and low down she clasped her sister's knees with both hands
+and let her head sink on to her breast. Then they both made piteous
+lamentation over each other, and through the halls rose the faint sound
+of women weeping in anguish. Medea, sore troubled, first addressed her
+sister:
+
+(ll. 711-717) "God help thee, what healing can I bring thee for what
+thou speakest of, horrible curses and Furies? Would that it were
+firmly in my power to save thy sons! Be witness that mighty oath of the
+Colchians by which thou urgest me to swear, the great Heaven, and Earth
+beneath, mother of the gods, that as far as strength lies in me, never
+shalt thou fail of help, if only thy prayers can be accomplished."
+
+(ll. 718-723) She spake, and Chalciope thus replied: "Couldst thou not
+then, for the stranger--who himself craves thy aid--devise some trick or
+some wise thought to win the contest, for the sake of my sons? And from
+him has come Argus urging me to try to win thy help; I left him in the
+palace meantime while I came hither."
+
+(ll. 724-739) Thus she spake, and Medea's heart bounded with joy within
+her, and at once her fair cheeks flushed, and a mist swam before her
+melting eyes, and she spake as follows: "Chalciope, as is dear and
+delightful to thee and thy sons, even so will I do. Never may the dawn
+appear again to my eyes, never mayst thou see me living any longer, if I
+should take thought for anything before thy life or thy sons' lives, for
+they are my brothers, my dear kinsmen and youthful companions. So do I
+declare myself to be thy sister, and thy daughter too, for thou didst
+lift me to thy breast when an infant equally with them, as I ever heard
+from my mother in past days. But go, bury my kindness in silence, so
+that I may carry out my promise unknown to my parents; and at dawn I
+will bring to Hecate's temple charms to cast a spell upon the bulls."
+
+(ll. 740-743) Thus Chalciope went back from the chamber, and made
+known to her sons the help given by her sister. And again did shame and
+hateful fear seize Medea thus left alone, that she should devise such
+deeds for a man in her father's despite.
+
+(ll. 744-771) Then did night draw darkness over the earth; and on the
+sea sailors from their ships looked towards the Bear and the stars of
+Orion; and now the wayfarer and the warder longed for sleep, and the
+pall of slumber wrapped round the mother whose children were dead; nor
+was there any more the barking of dogs through the city, nor sound of
+men's voices; but silence held the blackening gloom. But not indeed upon
+Medea came sweet sleep. For in her love for Aeson's son many cares kept
+her wakeful, and she dreaded the mighty strength of the bulls, beneath
+whose fury he was like to perish by an unseemly fate in the field of
+Ares. And fast did her heart throb within her breast, as a sunbeam
+quivers upon the walls of a house when flung up from water, which is
+just poured forth in a caldron or a pail may be; and hither and thither
+on the swift eddy does it dart and dance along; even so the maiden's
+heart quivered in her breast. And the tear of pity flowed from her eyes,
+and ever within anguish tortured her, a smouldering fire through her
+frame, and about her fine nerves and deep down beneath the nape of the
+neck where the pain enters keenest, whenever the unwearied Loves direct
+against the heart their shafts of agony. And she thought now that she
+would give him the charms to cast a spell on the bulls, now that she
+would not, and that she herself would perish; and again that she would
+not perish and would not give the charms, but just as she was would
+endure her fate in silence. Then sitting down she wavered in mind and
+said:
+
+(ll. 772-801) "Poor wretch, must I toss hither and thither in woe? On
+every side my heart is in despair; nor is there any help for my pain;
+but it burneth ever thus. Would that I had been slain by the swift
+shafts of Artemis before I had set eyes on him, before Chalciope's sons
+reached the Achaean land. Some god or some Fury brought them hither for
+our grief, a cause of many tears. Let him perish in the contest if it be
+his lot to die in the field. For how could I prepare the charms without
+my parents' knowledge? What story call I tell them? What trick, what
+cunning device for aid can I find? If I see him alone, apart from his
+comrades, shall I greet him? Ill-starred that I am! I cannot hope that I
+should rest from my sorrows even though he perished; then will evil come
+to me when he is bereft of life. Perish all shame, perish all glow; may
+he, saved by my effort, go scatheless wherever his heart desires. But
+as for me, on the day when he bides the contest in triumph, may I die
+either straining my neck in the noose from the roof-tree or tasting
+drugs destructive of life. But even so, when I am dead, they will fling
+out taunts against me; and every city far away will ring with my
+doom, and the Colchian women, tossing my name on their lips hither and
+thither, will revile me with unseemly mocking--the maid who cared so
+much for a stranger that she died, the maid who disgraced her home and
+her parents, yielding to a mad passion. And what disgrace will not be
+mine? Alas for my infatuation! Far better would it be for me to forsake
+life this very night in my chamber by some mysterious fate, escaping all
+slanderous reproach, before I complete such nameless dishonour."
+
+(ll. 802-824) She spake, and brought a casket wherein lay many drugs,
+some for healing, others for killing, and placing it upon her knees she
+wept. And she drenched her bosom with ceaseless tears, which flowed in
+torrents as she sat, bitterly bewailing her own fate. And she longed to
+choose a murderous drug to taste it, and now she was loosening the
+bands of the casket eager to take it forth, unhappy maid! But suddenly a
+deadly fear of hateful Hades came upon her heart. And long she held
+back in speechless horror, and all around her thronged visions of the
+pleasing cares of life. She thought of all the delightful things that
+are among the living, she thought of her joyous playmates, as a maiden
+will; and the sun grew sweeter than ever to behold, seeing that in truth
+her soul yearned for all. And she put the casket again from off her
+knees, all changed by the prompting of Hera, and no more did she waver
+in purpose; but longed for the rising dawn to appear quickly, that she
+might give him the charms to work the spell as she had promised, and
+meet him face to face. And often did she loosen the bolts of her door,
+to watch for the faint gleam: and welcome to her did the dayspring shed
+its light, and folk began to stir throughout the city.
+
+(ll. 825-827) Then Argus bade his brothers remain there to learn the
+maiden's mind and plans, but himself turned back and went to the ship.
+
+(ll. 828-890) Now soon as ever the maiden saw the light of dawn, with
+her hands she gathered up her golden tresses which were floating round
+her shoulders in careless disarray, and bathed her tear-stained cheeks,
+and made her skin shine with ointment sweet as nectar; and she donned
+a beautiful robe, fitted with well-bent clasps, and above on her head,
+divinely fair, she threw a veil gleaming like silver. And there,
+moving to and fro in the palace, she trod the ground forgetful of the
+heaven-sent woes thronging round her and of others that were destined
+to follow. And she called to her maids. Twelve they were, who lay during
+the night in the vestibule of her fragrant chamber, young as herself,
+not yet sharing the bridal couch, and she bade them hastily yoke the
+mules to the chariot to bear her to the beauteous shrine of Hecate.
+Thereupon the handmaids were making ready the chariot; and Medea
+meanwhile took from the hollow casket a charm which men say is called
+the charm of Prometheus. If a man should anoint his body therewithal,
+having first appeased the Maiden, the only-begotten, with sacrifice by
+night, surely that man could not be wounded by the stroke of bronze
+nor would he flinch from blazing fire; but for that day he would prove
+superior both in prowess and in might. It shot up first-born when the
+ravening eagle on the rugged flanks of Caucasus let drip to the earth
+the blood-like ichor of tortured Prometheus. And its flower appeared a
+cubit above ground in colour like the Corycian crocus, rising on twin
+stalks; but in the earth the root was like newly-cut flesh. The dark
+juice of it, like the sap of a mountain-oak, she had gathered in a
+Caspian shell to make the charm withal, when she had first bathed in
+seven ever-flowing streams, and had called seven times on Brimo, nurse
+of youth, night-wandering Brimo, of the underworld, queen among the
+dead,--in the gloom of night, clad in dusky garments. And beneath, the
+dark earth shook and bellowed when the Titanian root was cut; and the
+son of Iapetus himself groaned, his soul distraught with pain. And
+she brought the charm forth and placed it in the fragrant band which
+engirdled her, just beneath her bosom, divinely fair. And going forth
+she mounted the swift chariot, and with her went two handmaidens on
+each side. And she herself took the reins and in her right hand the
+well-fashioned whip, and drove through the city; and the rest, the
+handmaids, laid their hands on the chariot behind and ran along the
+broad highway; and they kilted up their light robes above their white
+knees. And even as by the mild waters of Parthenius, or after bathing
+in the river Amnisus, Leto's daughter stands upon her golden chariot and
+courses over the hills with her swift-footed roes, to greet from
+afar some richly-steaming hecatomb; and with her come the nymphs in
+attendance, gathering, some at the spring of Amnisus itself, others by
+the glens and many-fountained peaks; and round her whine and fawn the
+beasts cowering as she moves along: thus they sped through the city;
+and on both sides the people gave way, shunning the eyes of the royal
+maiden. But when she had left the city's well paved streets, and was
+approaching the shrine as she drove over the plains, then she alighted
+eagerly from the smooth-running chariot and spake as follows among her
+maidens:
+
+(ll. 891-911) "Friends, verily have I sinned greatly and took no heed
+not to go among the stranger-folk 1 who roam over our land. The whole
+city is smitten with dismay; wherefore no one of the women who formerly
+gathered here day by day has now come hither. But since we have come
+and no one else draws near, come, let us satisfy our souls without stint
+with soothing song, and when we have plucked the fair flowers amid the
+tender grass, that very hour will we return. And with many a gift shall
+ye reach home this very day, if ye will gladden me with this desire of
+mine. For Argus pleads with me, also Chalciope herself; but this that
+ye hear from me keep silently in your hearts, lest the tale reach my
+father's ears. As for yon stranger who took on him the task with the
+oxen, they bid me receive his gifts and rescue him from the deadly
+contest. And I approved their counsel, and I have summoned him to come
+to my presence apart from his comrades, so that we may divide the gifts
+among ourselves if he bring them in his hands, and in return may give
+him a baleful charm. But when he comes, do ye stand aloof."
+
+(ll. 912-918) So she spake, and the crafty counsel pleased them all. And
+straightway Argus drew Aeson's son apart from his comrades as soon as
+he heard from his brothers that Medea had gone at daybreak to the holy
+shrine of Hecate, and led him over the plain; and with them went Mopsus,
+son of Ampycus, skilled to utter oracles from the appearance of birds,
+and skilled to give good counsel to those who set out on a journey.
+
+(ll. 919-926) Never yet had there been such a man in the days of old,
+neither of all the heroes of the lineage of Zeus himself, nor of those
+who sprung from the blood of the other gods, as on that day the bride of
+Zeus made Jason, both to look upon and to hold converse with. Even his
+comrades wondered as they gazed upon him, radiant with manifold graces;
+and the son of Ampycus rejoiced in their journey, already foreboding how
+all would end.
+
+(ll. 927-931) Now by the path along the plain there stands near the
+shrine a poplar with its crown of countless leaves, whereon often
+chattering crows would roost. One of them meantime as she clapped her
+wings aloft in the branches uttered the counsels of Hera:
+
+(ll. 932-937) "What a pitiful seer is this, that has not the wit to
+conceive even what children know, how that no maiden will say a word
+of sweetness or love to a youth when strangers be near. Begone, sorry
+prophet, witless one; on thee neither Cypris nor the gentle Loves
+breathe in their kindness."
+
+(ll. 938-946) She spake chiding, and Mopsus smiled to hear the god-sent
+voice of the bird, and thus addressed them: "Do thou, son of Aeson, pass
+on to the temple, where thou wilt find the maiden; and very kind will
+her greeting be to thee through the prompting of Cypris, who will be thy
+helpmate in the contest, even as Phineus, Agenor's son, foretold. But
+we two, Argus and I, will await thy return, apart in this very spot; do
+thou all alone be a suppliant and win her over with prudent words."
+
+(ll. 947-974) He spake wisely, and both at once gave approval. Nor was
+Medea's heart turned to other thoughts, for all her singing, and never
+a song that she essayed pleased her long in her sport. But in confusion
+she ever faltered, nor did she keep her eyes resting quietly upon the
+throng of her handmaids; but to the paths far off she strained her gaze,
+turning her face aside. Oft did her heart sink fainting within her bosom
+whenever she fancied she heard passing by the sound of a footfall or
+of the wind. But soon he appeared to her longing eyes, striding along
+loftily, like Sirius coming from ocean, which rises fair and clear to
+see, but brings unspeakable mischief to flocks; thus then did Aeson's
+son come to her, fair to see, but the sight of him brought love-sick
+care. Her heart fell from out her bosom, and a dark mist came over her
+eyes, and a hot blush covered her cheeks. And she had no strength to
+lift her knees backwards or forwards, but her feet beneath were rooted
+to the ground; and meantime all her handmaidens had drawn aside. So they
+two stood face to face without a word, without a sound, like oaks or
+lofty pines, which stand quietly side by side on the mountains when the
+wind is still; then again, when stirred by the breath of the wind, they
+murmur ceaselessly; so they two were destined to tell out all their
+tale, stirred by the breath of Love. And Aeson's son saw that she had
+fallen into some heaven-sent calamity, and with soothing words thus
+addressed her:
+
+(ll. 975-1007) "Why, pray, maiden, dost thou fear me so much, all
+alone as I am? Never was I one of these idle boasters such as other
+men are--not even aforetime, when I dwelt in my own country. Wherefore,
+maiden, be not too much abashed before me, either to enquire whatever
+thou wilt or to speak thy mind. But since we have met one another with
+friendly hearts, in a hallowed spot, where it is wrong to sin, speak
+openly and ask questions, and beguile me not with pleasing words, for at
+the first thou didst promise thy sister to give me the charms my heart
+desires. I implore thee by Hecate herself, by thy parents, and by Zeus
+who holds his guardian hand over strangers and suppliants; I come here
+to thee both a suppliant and a stranger, bending the knee in my sore
+need. For without thee and thy sister never shall I prevail in the
+grievous contest. And to thee will I render thanks hereafter for thy
+aid, as is right and fitting for men who dwell far oft, making glorious
+thy name and fame; and the rest of the heroes, returning to Hellas, will
+spread thy renown and so will the heroes' wives and mothers, who now
+perhaps are sitting on the shore and making moan for us; their painful
+affliction thou mightest scatter to the winds. In days past the maiden
+Ariadne, daughter of Minos, with kindly intent rescued Theseus from grim
+contests--the maiden whom Pasiphae daughter of Helios bare. But she,
+when Minos had lulled his wrath to rest, went aboard the ship with him
+and left her fatherland; and her even the immortal gods loved, and, as a
+sign in mid-sky, a crown of stars, which men call Ariadne's crown, rolls
+along all night among the heavenly constellations. So to thee too
+shall be thanks from the gods, if thou wilt save so mighty an array of
+chieftains. For surely from thy lovely form thou art like to excel in
+gentle courtest."
+
+(ll. 1008-1025) Thus he spake, honouring her; and she cast her eyes down
+with a smile divinely sweet; and her soul melted within her, uplifted by
+his praise, and she gazed upon him face to face; nor did she know what
+word to utter first, but was eager to pour out everything at once. And
+forth from her fragrant girdle ungrudgingly she brought out the charm;
+and he at once received it in his hands with joy. And she would even
+have drawn out all her soul from her breast and given it to him,
+exulting in his desire; so wonderfully did love flash forth a sweet
+flame from the golden head of Aeson's son; and he captivated her
+gleaming eyes; and her heart within grew warm, melting away as the dew
+melts away round roses when warmed by the morning's light. And now both
+were fixing their eyes on the ground abashed, and again were throwing
+glances at each other, smiling with the light of love beneath their
+radiant brows. And at last and scarcely then did the maiden greet him:
+
+(ll. 1026-1062) "Take heed now, that I may devise help for thee. When at
+thy coming my father has given thee the deadly teeth from the dragon's
+jaws for sowing, then watch for the time when the night is parted in
+twain, then bathe in the stream of the tireless river, and alone, apart
+from others, clad in dusky raiment, dig a rounded pit; and therein slay
+a ewe, and sacrifice it whole, heaping high the pyre on the very edge
+of the pit. And propitiate only-begotten Hecate, daughter of Perses,
+pouring from a goblet the hive-stored labour of bees. And then, when
+thou hast heedfully sought the grace of the goddess, retreat from the
+pyre; and let neither the sound of feet drive thee to turn back, nor
+the baying of hounds, lest haply thou shouldst maim all the rites and
+thyself fail to return duly to thy comrades. And at dawn steep this
+charm in water, strip, and anoint thy body therewith as with oil; and
+in it there will be boundless prowess and mighty strength, and thou wilt
+deem thyself a match not for men but for the immortal gods. And
+besides, let thy spear and shield and sword be sprinkled. Thereupon the
+spear-heads of the earthborn men shall not pierce thee, nor the flame of
+the deadly bulls as it rushes forth resistless. But such thou shalt be
+not for long, but for that one day; still never flinch from the contest.
+And I will tell thee besides of yet another help. As soon as thou hast
+yoked the strong oxen, and with thy might and thy prowess hast ploughed
+all the stubborn fallow, and now along the furrows the Giants are
+springing up, when the serpent's teeth are sown on the dusky clods, if
+thou markest them uprising in throngs from the fallow, cast unseen among
+them a massy stone; and they over it, like ravening hounds over their
+food, will slay one another; and do thou thyself hasten to rush to the
+battle-strife, and the fleece thereupon thou shalt bear far away from
+Aea; nevertheless, depart wherever thou wilt, or thy pleasure takes
+thee, when thou hast gone hence."
+
+(ll. 1063-1068) Thus she spake, and cast her eyes to her feet in
+silence, and her cheek, divinely fair, was wet with warm tears as she
+sorrowed for that he was about to wander far from her side over the wide
+sea: and once again she addressed him face to face with mournful words,
+and took his right hand; for now shame had left her eyes:
+
+(ll. 1069-1076) "Remember, if haply thou returnest to thy home, Medea's
+name; and so will I remember thine, though thou be far away. And of thy
+kindness tell me this, where is thy home, whither wilt thou sail hence
+in thy ship over the sea; wilt thou come near wealthy Orchomenus, or
+near the Aeaean isle? And tell me of the maiden, whosoever she be that
+thou hast named, the far-renowned daughter of Pasiphae, who is kinswoman
+to my father."
+
+(ll. 1077-1078) Thus she spake; and over him too, at the tears of the
+maiden, stole Love the destroyer, and he thus answered her:
+
+(ll. 1079-1101) "All too surely do I deem that never by night and never
+by day will I forget thee if I escape death and indeed make my way in
+safety to the Achaean land, and Aeetes set not before us some other
+contest worse than this. And if it pleases thee to know about my
+fatherland, I will tell it out; for indeed my own heart bids me do
+that. There is a land encircled by lofty mountains, rich in sheep and in
+pasture, where Prometheus, son of Iapetus, begat goodly Deucalion, who
+first founded cities and reared temples to the immortal gods, and first
+ruled over men. This land the neighbours who dwell around call Haemonia.
+And in it stands Ioleus, my city, and in it many others, where they have
+not so much as heard the name of the Aeaean isle; yet there is a story
+that Minyas starting thence, Minyas son of Aeolus, built long ago the
+city of Orchomenus that borders on the Cadmeians. But why do I tell
+thee all this vain talk, of our home and of Minos' daughter, far-famed
+Ariadne, by which glorious name they called that lovely maiden of whom
+thou askest me? Would that, as Minos then was well inclined to Theseus
+for her sake, so may thy father be joined to us in friendship!"
+
+(ll. 1102-1104) Thus he spake, soothing her with gentle converse. But
+pangs most bitter stirred her heart and in grief did she address him
+with vehement words:
+
+(ll. 1105-1117) "In Hellas, I ween, this is fair to pay heed to
+covenants; but Aeetes is not such a man among men as thou sayest was
+Pasiphae's husband, Minos; nor can I liken myself to Ariadne; wherefore
+speak not of guest-love. But only do thou, when thou hast reached
+Iolcus, remember me, and thee even in my parents' despite, will
+I remember. And from far off may a rumour come to me or some
+messenger-bird, when thou forgettest me; or me, even me, may swift
+blasts catch up and bear over the sea hence to Iolcus, that so I may
+cast reproaches in thy face and remind thee that it was by my good will
+thou didst escape. May I then be seated in thy halls, an unexpected
+guest!"
+
+(ll. 1118-1130) Thus she spake with piteous tears falling down her
+cheeks, and to her Jason replied: "Let the empty blasts wander at will,
+lady, and the messenger-bird, for vain is thy talk. But if thou comest
+to those abodes and to the land of Hellas, honoured and reverenced shalt
+thou be by women and men; and they shall worship thee even as a goddess,
+for that by thy counsel their sons came home again, their brothers
+and kinsmen and stalwart husbands were saved from calamity. And in our
+bridal chamber shalt thou prepare our couch; and nothing shall come
+between our love till the doom of death fold us round."
+
+(ll. 1131-1136) Thus he spake; and her soul melted within her to hear
+his words; nevertheless she shuddered to behold the deeds of destruction
+to come. Poor wretch! Not long was she destined to refuse a home in
+Hellas. For thus Hera devised it, that Aeaean Medea might come to Ioleus
+for a bane to Pelias, forsaking her native land.
+
+(ll. 1137-1145) And now her handmaids, glancing at them from a distance,
+were grieving in silence; and the time of day required that the maiden
+should return home to her mother's side. But she thought not yet of
+departing, for her soul delighted both in his beauty and in his winsome
+words, but Aeson's son took heed, and spake at last, though late: "It
+is time to depart, lest the sunlight sink before we know it, and some
+stranger notice all; but again will we come and meet here."
+
+(ll. 1146-1162) So did they two make trial of one another thus far with
+gentle words; and thereafter parted. Jason hastened to return in joyous
+mood to his comrades and the ship, she to her handmaids; and they all
+together came near to meet her, but she marked them not at all as they
+thronged around. For her soul had soared aloft amid the clouds. And her
+feet of their own accord mounted the swift chariot, and with one hand
+she took the reins, and with the other the whip of cunning workmanship,
+to drive the mules; and they rushed hasting to the city and the palace.
+And when she was come Chalciope in grief for her sons questioned her;
+but Medea, distraught by swiftly-changing thoughts, neither heard her
+words nor was eager to speak in answer to her questions. But she sat
+upon a low stool at the foot of her couch, bending down, her cheek
+leaning on her left hand, and her eyes were wet with tears as she
+pondered what an evil deed she had taken part in by her counsels.
+
+(ll. 1163-1190) Now when Aeson's son had joined his comrades again in
+the spot where he had left them when he departed, he set out to go with
+them, telling them all the story, to the gathering of the heroes; and
+together they approached the ship. And when they saw Jason they embraced
+him and questioned him. And he told to all the counsels of the maiden
+and showed the dread charm; but Idas alone of his comrades sat apart
+biting down his wrath; and the rest joyous in heart, at the hour
+when the darkness of night stayed them, peacefully took thought for
+themselves. But at daybreak they sent two men to go to Aeetes and
+ask for the seed, first Telamon himself, dear to Ares, and with him
+Aethalides, Hermes' famous son. So they went and made no vain journey;
+but when they came, lordly Aeetes gave them for the contest the fell
+teeth of the Aonian dragon which Cadmus found in Ogygian Thebes when
+he came seeking for Europa and there slew the--warder of the spring of
+Ares. There he settled by the guidance of the heifer whom Apollo by his
+prophetic word granted him to lead him on his way. But the teeth the
+Tritonian goddess tore away from the dragon's jaws and bestowed as a
+gift upon Aeetes and the slayer. And Agenor's son, Cadmus, sowed them on
+the Aonian plains and founded an earthborn people of all who were left
+from the spear when Ares did the reaping; and the teeth Aeetes then
+readily gave to be borne to the ship, for he deemed not that Jason would
+bring the contest to an end, even though he should cast the yoke upon
+the oxen.
+
+(ll. 1191-1224) Far away in the west the sun was sailing beneath the
+dark earth, beyond the furthest hills of the Aethiopians; and Night was
+laying the yoke upon her steeds; and the heroes were preparing their
+beds by the hawsers. But Jason, as soon as the stars of Heliee, the
+bright-gleaming bear, had set, and the air had all grown still under
+heaven, went to a desert spot, like some stealthy thief, with all that
+was needful; for beforehand in the daytime had he taken thought for
+everything; and Argus came bringing a ewe and milk from the flock; and
+them he took from the ship. But when the hero saw a place which was
+far away from the tread of men, in a clear meadow beneath the open sky,
+there first of all he bathed his tender body reverently in the sacred
+river; and round him he placed a dark robe, which Hypsipyle of Lemnos
+had given him aforetime, a memorial of many a loving embrace. Then he
+dug a pit in the ground of a cubit's depth and heaped up billets of
+wood, and over it he cut the throat of the sheep, and duly placed the
+carcase above; and he kindled the logs placing fire beneath, and poured
+over them mingled libations, calling on Hecate Brimo to aid him in the
+contests. And when he had called on her he drew back; and she heard him,
+the dread goddess, from the uttermost depths and came to the sacrifice
+of Aeson's son; and round her horrible serpents twined themselves among
+the oak boughs; and there was a gleam of countless torches; and sharply
+howled around her the hounds of hell. All the meadows trembled at her
+step; and the nymphs that haunt the marsh and the river shrieked, all
+who dance round that mead of Amarantian Phasis. And fear seized Aeson's
+son, but not even so did he turn round as his feet bore him forth, till
+he came back to his comrades; and now early dawn arose and shed her
+light above snowy Caucasus.
+
+(ll. 1225-1245) Then Aeetes arrayed his breast in the stiff corslet
+which Ares gave him when he had slain Phlegraean Mimas with his own
+hands; and upon his head he placed a golden helmet with four plumes,
+gleaming like the sun's round light when he first rises from Ocean.
+And he wielded his shield of many hides, and his spear, terrible,
+resistless; none of the heroes could have withstood its shock now that
+they had left behind Heracles far away, who alone could have met it in
+battle. For the king his well-fashioned chariot of swift steeds was held
+near at hand by Phaethon, for him to mount; and he mounted, and held the
+reins in his hands. Then from the city he drove along the broad highway,
+that he might be present at the contest; and with him a countless
+multitude rushed forth. And as Poseidon rides, mounted in his chariot,
+to the Isthmian contest or to Taenarus, or to Lerna's water, or through
+the grove of Hyantian Onchestus, and thereafter passes even to Calaureia
+with his steeds, and the Haemonian rock, or well-wooded Geraestus; even
+so was Aeetes, lord of the Colchians, to behold.
+
+(ll. 1246-1277) Meanwhile, prompted by Medea, Jason steeped the charm in
+water and sprinkled with it his shield and sturdy spear, and sword; and
+his comrades round him made proof of his weapons with might and main,
+but could not bend that spear even a little, but it remained firm in
+their stalwart hands unbroken as before. But in furious rage with them
+Idas, Aphareus' son, with his great sword hewed at the spear near the
+butt, and the edge leapt back repelled by the shock, like a hammer
+from the anvil; and the heroes shouted with joy for their hope in the
+contest. And then he sprinkled his body, and terrible prowess entered
+into him, unspeakable, dauntless; and his hands on both sides thrilled
+vigorously as they swelled with strength. And as when a warlike steed
+eager for the fight neighs and beats the ground with his hoof, while
+rejoicing he lifts his neck on high with ears erect; in such wise did
+Aeson's son rejoice in the strength of his limbs. And often hither
+and thither did he leap high in air tossing in his hands his shield of
+bronze and ashen spear. Thou wouldst say that wintry lightning flashing
+from the gloomy sky kept on darting forth from the clouds what time they
+bring with them their blackest rainstorm. Not long after that were the
+heroes to hold back from the contests; but sitting in rows on their
+benches they sped swiftly on to the plain of Ares. And it lay in
+front of them on the opposite side of the city, as far off as is the
+turning-post that a chariot must reach from the starting-point, when the
+kinsmen of a dead king appoint funeral games for footmen and horsemen.
+And they found Aeetes and the tribes of the Colchians; these were
+stationed on the Caucasian heights, but the king by the winding brink of
+the river.
+
+(ll. 1278-1325) Now Aeson's son, as soon as his comrades had made the
+hawsers fast, leapt from the ship, and with spear and shield came forth
+to the contest; and at the same time he took the gleaming helmet of
+bronze filled with sharp teeth, and his sword girt round his shoulders,
+his body stripped, in somewise resembling Ares and in somewise Apollo
+of the golden sword. And gazing over the field he saw the bulls' yoke
+of bronze and near it the plough, all of one piece, of stubborn adamant.
+Then he came near, and fixed his sturdy spear upright on its butt, and
+taking his helmet, off leant it against the spear. And he went forward
+with shield alone to examine the countless tracks of the bulls, and
+they from some unseen lair beneath the earth, where was their strong
+steading, wrapt in murky smoke, both rushed out together, breathing
+forth flaming fire. And sore afraid were the heroes at the sight. But
+Jason, setting wide his feet, withstood their onset, as in the sea a
+rocky reef withstands the waves tossed by the countless blasts. Then in
+front of him he held his shield; and both the bulls with loud bellowing
+attacked him with their mighty horns; nor did they stir him a jot by
+their onset. And as when through the holes of the furnace the armourers'
+bellows anon gleam brightly, kindling the ravening flame, and anon cease
+from blowing, and a terrible roar rises from the fire when it darts up
+from below; so the bulls roared, breathing forth swift flame from
+their mouths, while the consuming heat played round him, smiting like
+lightning; but the maiden's charms protected him. Then grasping the tip
+of the horn of the right-hand bull, he dragged it mightily with all his
+strength to bring it near the yoke of bronze, and forced it down on to
+its knees, suddenly striking with his foot the foot of bronze. So also
+he threw the other bull on to its knees as it rushed upon him, and smote
+it down with one blow. And throwing to the ground his broad shield, he
+held them both down where they had fallen on their fore-knees, as
+he strode from side to side, now here, now there, and rushed swiftly
+through the flame. But Aeetes marvelled at the hero's might. And
+meantime the sons of Tyndareus for long since had it been thus ordained
+for them--near at hand gave him the yoke from the ground to cast round
+them. Then tightly did he bind their necks; and lifting the pole of
+bronze between them, he fastened it to the yoke by its golden tip. So
+the twin heroes started back from the fire to the ship. But Jason took
+up again his shield and cast it on his back behind him, and grasped
+the strong helmet filled with sharp teeth, and his resistless spear,
+wherewith, like some ploughman with a Pelasgian goad, he pricked the
+bulls beneath, striking their flanks; and very firmly did he guide the
+well fitted plough handle, fashioned of adamant.
+
+(ll. 1326-1339) The bulls meantime raged exceedingly, breathing forth
+furious flame of fire; and their breath rose up like the roar of
+blustering winds, in fear of which above all seafaring men furl their
+large sail. But not long after that they moved on at the bidding of the
+spear; and behind them the rugged fallow was broken up, cloven by the
+might of the bulls and the sturdy ploughman. Then terribly groaned the
+clods withal along the furrows of the plough as they were rent, each a
+man's burden; and Jason followed, pressing down the cornfield with firm
+foot; and far from him he ever sowed the teeth along the clods as each
+was ploughed, turning his head back for fear lest the deadly crop
+of earthborn men should rise against him first; and the bulls toiled
+onwards treading with their hoofs of bronze.
+
+(ll. 1340-1407) But when the third part of the day was still left as
+it wanes from dawn, and wearied labourers call for the sweet hour of
+unyoking to come to them straightway, then the fallow was ploughed by
+the tireless ploughman, four plough-gates though it was; and he loosed
+the plough from the oxen. Them he scared in flight towards the plain;
+but he went back again to the ship, while he still saw the furrows free
+of the earthborn men. And all round his comrades heartened him with
+their shouts. And in the helmet he drew from the river's stream and
+quenched his thirst with the water. Then he bent his knees till they
+grew supple, and filled his mighty heart with courage, raging like a
+boar, when it sharpens its teeth against the hunters, while from its
+wrathful mouth plenteous foam drips to the ground. By now the earthborn
+men were springing up over all the field; and the plot of Ares, the
+death-dealer, bristled with sturdy shields and double-pointed spears and
+shining helmets; and the gleam reached Olympus from beneath, flashing
+through the air. And as when abundant snow has fallen on the earth and
+the storm blasts have dispersed the wintry clouds under the murky night,
+and all the hosts of the stars appear shining through the gloom; so did
+those warriors shine springing up above the earth. But Jason bethought
+him of the counsels of Medea full of craft, and seized from the plain
+a huge round boulder, a terrible quoit of Ares Enyalius; four stalwart
+youths could not have raised it from the ground even a little. Taking
+it in his hands he threw it with a rush far away into their midst; and
+himself crouched unseen behind his shield, with full confidence. And the
+Colchians gave a loud cry, like the roar of the sea when it beats upon
+sharp crags; and speechless amazement seized Aeetes at the rush of the
+sturdy quoit. And the Earthborn, like fleet-footed hounds, leaped upon
+one another and slew with loud yells; and on earth their mother they
+fell beneath their own spears, likes pines or oaks, which storms of wind
+beat down. And even as a fiery star leaps from heaven, trailing a furrow
+of light, a portent to men, whoever see it darting with a gleam through
+the dusky sky; in such wise did Aeson's son rush upon the earthborn men,
+and he drew from the sheath his bare sword, and smote here and there,
+mowing them down, many on the belly and side, half risen to the air--and
+some that had risen as far as the shoulders--and some just standing
+upright, and others even now rushing to battle. And as when a fight is
+stirred up concerning boundaries, and a husbandman, in fear lest they
+should ravage his fields, seizes in his hand a curved sickle, newly
+sharpened, and hastily cuts the unripe crop, and waits not for it to be
+parched in due season by the beams of the sun; so at that time did Jason
+cut down the crop of the Earthborn; and the furrows were filled with
+blood, as the channels of a spring with water. And they fell, some on
+their faces biting the rough clod of earth with their teeth, some on
+their backs, and others on their hands and sides, like to sea-monsters
+to behold. And many, smitten before raising their feet from the earth,
+bowed down as far to the ground as they had risen to the air, and rested
+there with the damp of death on their brows. Even so, I ween, when Zeus
+has sent a measureless rain, new planted orchard-shoots droop to the
+ground, cut off by the root the toil of gardening men; but heaviness
+of heart and deadly anguish come to the owner of the farm, who planted
+them; so at that time did bitter grief come upon the heart of King
+Aeetes. And he went back to the city among the Colchians, pondering how
+he might most quickly oppose the heroes. And the day died, and Jason's
+contest was ended.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IV
+
+(ll. 1-5) Now do thou thyself, goddess Muse, daughter of Zeus, tell of
+the labour and wiles of the Colchian maiden. Surely my soul within me
+wavers with speechless amazement as I ponder whether I should call it
+the lovesick grief of mad passion or a panic flight, through which she
+left the Colchian folk.
+
+(ll. 6-10) Aeetes all night long with the bravest captains of his people
+was devising in his halls sheer treachery against the heroes, with
+fierce wrath in his heart at the issue of the hateful contest; nor did
+he deem at all that these things were being accomplished without the
+knowledge of his daughters.
+
+(ll. 11-29) But into Medea's heart Hera cast most grievous fear; and
+she trembled like a nimble fawn whom the baying of hounds hath terrified
+amid the thicket of a deep copse. For at once she truly forboded that
+the aid she had given was not hidden from her father, and that quickly
+she would fill up the cup of woe. And she dreaded the guilty knowledge
+of her handmaids; her eyes were filled with fire and her ears rung with
+a terrible cry. Often did she clutch at her throat, and often did she
+drag out her hair by the roots and groan in wretched despair. There on
+that very day the maiden would have tasted the drugs and perished and so
+have made void the purposes of Hera, had not the goddess driven her, all
+bewildered, to flee with the sons of Phrixus; and her fluttering soul
+within her was comforted; and then she poured from her bosom all the
+drugs back again into the casket. Then she kissed her bed, and the
+folding-doors on both sides, and stroked the walls, and tearing away
+in her hands a long tress of hair, she left it in the chamber for her
+mother, a memorial of her maidenhood, and thus lamented with passionate
+voice:
+
+(ll. 30-33) "I go, leaving this long tress here in my stead, O mother
+mine; take this farewell from me as I go far hence; farewell Chalciope,
+and all my home. Would that the sea, stranger, had dashed thee to
+pieces, ere thou camest to the Colchian land!"
+
+(ll. 34-56) Thus she spake, and from her eyes shed copious tears. And
+as a bondmaid steals away from a wealthy house, whom fate has lately
+severed from her native land, nor yet has she made trial of grievous
+toil, but still unschooled to misery and shrinking in terror from
+slavish tasks, goes about beneath the cruel hands of a mistress; even
+so the lovely maiden rushed forth from her home. But to her the bolts of
+the doors gave way self-moved, leaping backwards at the swift strains of
+her magic song. And with bare feet she sped along the narrow paths, with
+her left hand holding her robe over her brow to veil her face and fair
+cheeks, and with her right lifting up the hem of her tunic. Quickly
+along the dark track, outside the towers of the spacious city, did
+she come in fear; nor did any of the warders note her, but she sped on
+unseen by them. Thence she was minded to go to the temple; for well she
+knew the way, having often aforetime wandered there in quest of corpses
+and noxious roots of the earth, as a sorceress is wont to do; and her
+soul fluttered with quivering fear. And the Titanian goddess, the moon,
+rising from a far land, beheld her as she fled distraught, and fiercely
+exulted over her, and thus spake to her own heart:
+
+(ll. 57-65) "Not I alone then stray to the Latinian cave, nor do I alone
+burn with love for fair Endymion; oft times with thoughts of love have I
+been driven away by thy crafty spells, in order that in the darkness
+of night thou mightest work thy sorcery at ease, even the deeds dear to
+thee. And now thou thyself too hast part in a like mad passion; and some
+god of affection has given thee Jason to be thy grievous woe. Well, go
+on, and steel thy heart, wise though thou be, to take up thy burden of
+pain, fraught with many sighs."
+
+(ll. 66-82) Thus spake the goddess; but swiftly the maiden's feet bore
+her, hasting on. And gladly did she gain the high-bank of the river and
+beheld on the opposite side the gleam of fire, which all night long the
+heroes were kindling in joy at the contest's issue. Then through the
+gloom, with clear-pealing voice from across the stream, she called on
+Phrontis, the youngest of Phrixus' sons, and he with his brothers and
+Aeson's son recognised the maiden's voice; and in silence his comrades
+wondered when they knew that it was so in truth. Thrice she called, and
+thrice at the bidding of the company Phrontis called out in reply; and
+meantime the heroes were rowing with swift-moving oars in search of her.
+Not yet were they casting the ship's hawsers upon the opposite bank,
+when Jason with light feet leapt to land from the deck above, and after
+him Phrontis and Argus, sons of Phrixus, leapt to the ground; and she,
+clasping their knees with both hands, thus addressed them:
+
+(ll. 83-91) "Save me, the hapless one, my friends, from Aeetes, and
+yourselves too, for all is brought to light, nor doth any remedy come.
+But let us flee upon the ship, before the king mounts his swift chariot.
+And I will lull to sleep the guardian serpent and give you the fleece of
+gold; but do thou, stranger, amid thy comrades make the gods witness
+of the vows thou hast taken on thyself for my sake; and now that I have
+fled far from my country, make me not a mark for blame and dishonour for
+want of kinsmen."
+
+(ll. 92-98) She spake in anguish; but greatly did the heart of Aeson's
+son rejoice, and at once, as she fell at his knees, he raised her gently
+and embraced her, and spake words of comfort: "Lady, let Zeus of Olympus
+himself be witness to my oath, and Hera, queen of marriage, bride of
+Zeus, that I will set thee in my halls my own wedded wife, when we have
+reached the land of Hellas on our return."
+
+(ll. 99-108) Thus he spake, and straightway clasped her right hand in
+his; and she bade them row the swift ship to the sacred grove near at
+hand, in order that, while it was still night, they might seize and
+carry off the fleece against the will of Aeetes. Word and deed were one
+to the eager crew. For they took her on board, and straightway thrust
+the ship from shore; and loud was the din as the chieftains strained
+at their oars, but she, starting back, held out her hands in despair
+towards the shore. But Jason spoke cheering words and restrained her
+grief.
+
+(ll. 109-122) Now at the hour when men have cast sleep from their
+eyes~huntsmen, who, trusting to their bounds, never slumber away the
+end of night, but avoid the light of dawn lest, smiting with its white
+beams, it efface the track and scent of the quarry--then did Aeson's son
+and the maiden step forth from the ship over a grassy spot, the "Ram's
+couch" as men call it, where it first bent its wearied knees in rest,
+bearing on its back the Minyan son of Athamas. And close by, all
+smirched with soot, was the base of the altar, which the Aeolid Phrixus
+once set up to Zeus, the alder of fugitives, when he sacrificed the
+golden wonder at the bidding of Hermes who graciously met him on the
+way. There by the counsels of Argus the chieftains put them ashore.
+
+(ll. 123-161) And they two by the pathway came to the sacred grove,
+seeking the huge oak tree on which was hung the fleece, like to a cloud
+that blushes red with the fiery beams of the rising sun. But right in
+front the serpent with his keen sleepless eyes saw them coming, and
+stretched out his long neck and hissed in awful wise; and all round the
+long banks of the river echoed and the boundless grove. Those heard
+it who dwelt in the Colchian land very far from Titanian Aea, near the
+outfall of Lycus, the river which parts from loud-roaring Araxes and
+blends his sacred stream with Phasis, and they twain flow on together in
+one and pour their waters into the Caucasian Sea. And through fear young
+mothers awoke, and round their new-born babes, who were sleeping in
+their arms, threw their hands in agony, for the small limbs started at
+that hiss. And as when above a pile of smouldering wood countless eddies
+of smoke roll up mingled with soot, and one ever springs up quickly
+after another, rising aloft from beneath in wavering wreaths; so at that
+time did that monster roll his countless coils covered with hard dry
+scales. And as he writhed, the maiden came before his eyes, with sweet
+voice calling to her aid sleep, highest of gods, to charm the monster;
+and she cried to the queen of the underworld, the night-wanderer, to be
+propitious to her enterprise. And Aeson's son followed in fear, but the
+serpent, already charmed by her song, was relaxing the long ridge of
+his giant spine, and lengthening out his myriad coils, like a dark wave,
+dumb and noiseless, rolling over a sluggish sea; but still he raised
+aloft his grisly head, eager to enclose them both in his murderous
+jaws. But she with a newly cut spray of juniper, dipping and drawing
+untempered charms from her mystic brew, sprinkled his eyes, while she
+chanted her song; and all around the potent scent of the charm cast
+sleep; and on the very spot he let his jaw sink down; and far behind
+through the wood with its many trees were those countless coils
+stretched out.
+
+Hereupon Jason snatched the golden fleece from the oak, at the maiden
+bidding; and she, standing firm, smeared with the charm the monster's
+head, till Jason himself bade her turn back towards their ship, and she
+left the grove of Ares, dusky with shade. And as a maiden catches on her
+finely wrought robe the gleam of the moon at the full, as it rises above
+her high-roofed chamber; and her heart rejoices as she beholds the fair
+ray; so at that time did Jason uplift the mighty fleece in his hands;
+and from the shimmering of the flocks of wool there settled on his fair
+cheeks and brow a red flush like a flame. And great as is the hide of a
+yearling ox or stag, which huntsmen call a brocket, so great in extent
+was the fleece all golden above. Heavy it was, thickly clustered with
+flocks; and as he moved along, even beneath his feet the sheen rose up
+from the earth. And he strode on now with the fleece covering his left
+shoulder from the height of his neck to his feet, and now again he
+gathered it up in his hands; for he feared exceedingly, lest some god or
+man should meet him and deprive him thereof.
+
+(ll. 183-189) Dawn was spreading over the earth when they reached the
+throng of heroes; and the youths marvelled to behold the mighty fleece,
+which gleamed like the lightning of Zeus. And each one started up eager
+to touch it and clasp it in his hands. But the son of Aeson restrained
+them all, and threw over it a mantle newly-woven; and he led the maiden
+to the stern and seated her there, and spake to them all as follows:
+
+(ll. 190-205) "No longer now, my friends, forbear to return to your
+fatherland. For now the task for which we dared this grievous voyage,
+toiling with bitter sorrow of heart, has been lightly fulfilled by the
+maiden's counsels. Her--for such is her will--I will bring home to be my
+wedded wife; do ye preserve her, the glorious saviour of all Achaea and
+of yourselves. For of a surety, I ween, will Aeetes come with his host
+to bar our passage from the river into the sea. But do some of you toil
+at the oars in turn, sitting man by man; and half of you raise your
+shields of oxhide, a ready defence against the darts of the enemy, and
+guard our return. And now in our hands we hold the fate of our children
+and dear country and of our aged parents; and on our venture all Hellas
+depends, to reap either the shame of failure or great renown."
+
+(ll. 206-211) Thus he spake, and donned his armour of war; and they
+cried aloud, wondrously eager. And he drew his sword from the sheath
+and cut the hawsers at the stern. And near the maiden he took his stand
+ready armed by the steersman Aneaeus, and with their rowing the ship
+sped on as they strained desperately to drive her clear of the river.
+
+(ll. 212-235) By this time Medea's love and deeds had become known
+to haughty Aeetes and to all the Colchians. And they thronged to the
+assembly in arms; and countless as the waves of the stormy sea when they
+rise crested by the wind, or as the leaves that fall to the ground from
+the wood with its myriad branches in the month when the leaves fall--who
+could reckon their tale?--so they in countless number poured along the
+banks of the river shouting in frenzy; and in his shapely chariot Aeetes
+shone forth above all with his steeds, the gift of Helios, swift as the
+blasts of the wind. In his left hand he raised his curved shield, and in
+his right a huge pine-torch, and near him in front stood up his mighty
+spear. And Apsyrtus held in his hands the reins of the steeds. But
+already the ship was cleaving the sea before her, urged on by stalwart
+oarsmen, and the stream of the mighty river rushing down. But the king
+in grievous anguish lifted his hands and called on Helios and Zeus
+to bear witness to their evil deeds; and terrible threats he uttered
+against all his people, that unless they should with their own hands
+seize the maiden, either on the land or still finding the ship on the
+swell of the open sea, and bring her back, that so he might satisfy his
+eager soul with vengeance for all those deeds, at the cost of their own
+lives they should learn and abide all his rage and revenge.
+
+(ll. 236-240) Thus spake Aeetes; and on that same day the Colchians
+launched their ships and cast the tackle on board, and on that same day
+sailed forth on the sea; thou wouldst not say so mighty a host was a
+fleet of ships, but that a countless flight of birds, swarm on swarm,
+was clamouring over the sea.
+
+(ll. 241-252) Swiftly the wind blew, as the goddess Hera planned, so
+that most quickly Aeaean Medea might reach the Pelasgian land, a bane to
+the house of Pelias, and on the third morn they bound the ship's stern
+cables to the shores of the Paphlagonians, at the mouth of the river
+Halys. For Medea bade them land and propitiate Hecate with sacrifice.
+Now all that the maiden prepared for offering the sacrifice may no man
+know, and may my soul not urge me to sing thereof. Awe restrains my
+lips, yet from that time the altar which the heroes raised on the beach
+to the goddess remains till now, a sight to men of a later day.
+
+(ll. 253-256) And straightway Aeson's son and the rest of the heroes
+bethought them of Phineus, how that he had said that their course from
+Aea should be different, but to all alike his meaning was dim. Then
+Argus spake, and they eagerly hearkened:
+
+(ll. 257-293) "We go to Orchomenus, whither that unerring seer, whom
+ye met aforetime, foretold your voyage. For there is another course,
+signified by those priests of the immortal gods, who have sprung from
+Tritonian Thebes. As yet all the stars that wheel in the heaven were
+not, nor yet, though one should inquire, could aught be heard of the
+sacred race of the Danai. Apidanean Arcadians alone existed, Arcadians
+who lived even before the moon, it is said, eating acorns on the hills;
+nor at that time was the Pelasgian land ruled by the glorious sons of
+Deucalion, in the days when Egypt, mother of men of an older time, was
+called the fertile Morning-land, and the river fair-flowing Triton, by
+which all the Morning-land is watered; and never does the rain from Zeus
+moisten the earth; but from the flooding of the river abundant crops
+spring up. From this land, it is said, a king [1401] made his way all
+round through the whole of Europe and Asia, trusting in the might and
+strength and courage of his people; and countless cities did he found
+wherever he came, whereof some are still inhabited and some not; many
+an age hath passed since then. But Aea abides unshaken even now and the
+sons of those men whom that king settled to dwell in Aea. They preserve
+the writings of their fathers, graven on pillars, whereon are marked
+all the ways and the limits of sea and land as ye journey on all
+sides round. There is a river, the uttermost horn of Ocean, broad and
+exceeding deep, that a merchant ship may traverse; they call it Ister
+and have marked it far off; and for a while it cleaves the boundless
+tilth alone in one stream; for beyond the blasts of the north wind, far
+off in the Rhipaean mountains, its springs burst forth with a roar.
+But when it enters the boundaries of the Thracians and Scythians, here,
+dividing its stream into two, it sends its waters partly into the Ionian
+sea, [1402] and partly to the south into a deep gulf that bends upwards
+from the Trinaerian sea, that sea which lies along your land, if indeed
+Achelous flows forth from your land."
+
+(ll. 204-302) Thus he spake, and to them the goddess granted a happy
+portent, and all at the sight shouted approval, that this was their
+appointed path. For before them appeared a trail of heavenly light, a
+sign where they might pass. And gladly they left behind there the son of
+Lyeus and with canvas outspread sailed over the sea, with their eyes
+on the Paphlagonian mountains. But they did not round Carambis, for
+the winds and the gleam of the heavenly fire stayed with them till they
+reached Ister's mighty stream.
+
+(ll. 303-337) Now some of the Colchians, in a vain search, passed out
+from Pontus through the Cyanean rocks; but the rest went to the river,
+and them Apsyrtus led, and, turning aside, he entered the mouth called
+Fair. Wherefore he outstripped the heroes by crossing a neck of land
+into the furthest gulf of the Ionian sea. For a certain island is
+enclosed by Ister, by name Peuee, three-cornered, its base stretching
+along the coast, and with a sharp angle towards the river; and round it
+the outfall is cleft in two. One mouth they call the mouth of Narex, and
+the other, at the lower end, the Fair mouth. And through this Apsyrtus
+and his Colchians rushed with all speed; but the heroes went upwards
+far away towards the highest part of the island. And in the meadows the
+country shepherds left their countless flocks for dread of the
+ships, for they deemed that they were beasts coming forth from the
+monster-teeming sea. For never yet before had they seen seafaring ships,
+neither the Scythians mingled with the Thracians, nor the Sigynni, nor
+yet the Graucenii, nor the Sindi that now inhabit the vast desert plain
+of Laurium. But when they had passed near the mount Angurum, and the
+cliff of Cauliacus, far from the mount Angurum, round which Ister,
+dividing his stream, falls into the sea on this side and on that, and
+the Laurian plain, then indeed the Colchians went forth into the Cronian
+sea and cut off all the ways, to prevent their foes' escape. And the
+heroes came down the river behind and reached the two Brygean isles of
+Artemis near at hand. Now in one of them was a sacred temple; and on the
+other they landed, avoiding the host of Apsyrtus; for the Colchians
+had left these islands out of many within the river, just as they were,
+through reverence for the daughter of Zeus; but the rest, thronged by
+the Colchians, barred the ways to the sea. And so on other islands too,
+close by, Apsyrtus left his host as far as the river Salangon and the
+Nestian land.
+
+(ll. 338-349) There the Minyae would at that time have yielded in grim
+fight, a few to many; but ere then they made a covenant, shunning a
+dire quarrel; as to the golden fleece, that since Aeetes himself had so
+promised them if they should fulfill the contests, they should keep it
+as justly won, whether they carried it off by craft or even openly
+in the king's despite; but as to Medea--for that was the cause of
+strife--that they should give her in ward to Leto's daughter apart from
+the throng, until some one of the kings that dispense justice should
+utter his doom, whether she must return to her father's home or follow
+the chieftains to the land of Hellas.
+
+(ll. 350-354) Now when the maiden had mused upon all this, sharp anguish
+shook her heart unceasingly; and quickly she called forth Jason alone
+apart from his comrades, and led him aside until they were far away, and
+before his face uttered her speech all broken with sobs:
+
+(ll. 355-390) "What is this purpose that ye are now devising about me, O
+son of Aeson? Has thy triumph utterly cast forgetfulness upon thee,
+and reekest thou nothing of all that thou spakest when held fast by
+necessity? Whither are fled the oaths by Zeus the suppliants' god,
+whither are fled thy honied promises? For which in no seemly wise, with
+shameless will, I have left my country, the glories of my home and even
+my parents--things that were dearest to me; and far away all alone I
+am borne over the sea with the plaintive kingfishers because of thy
+trouble, in order that I might save thy life in fulfilling the contests
+with the oxen and the earthborn men. Last of all the fleece--when the
+matter became known, it was by my folly thou didst win it; and a foul
+reproach have I poured on womankind. Wherefore I say that as thy child,
+thy bride and thy sister, I follow thee to the land of Hellas. Be ready
+to stand by me to the end, abandon me not left forlorn of thee when thou
+dost visit the kings. But only save me; let justice and right, to which
+we have both agreed, stand firm; or else do thou at once shear through
+this neck with the sword, that I may gain the guerdon due to my mad
+passion. Poor wretch! if the king, to whom you both commit your cruel
+covenant, doom me to belong to my brother. How shall I come to my
+father's sight? Will it be with a good name? What revenge, what heavy
+calamity shall I not endure in agony for the terrible deeds I have done?
+And wilt thou win the return that thy heart desires? Never may Zeus'
+bride, the queen of all, in whom thou dost glory, bring that to pass.
+Mayst thou some time remember me when thou art racked with anguish; may
+the fleece like a dream vanish into the nether darkness on the wings
+of the wind! And may my avenging Furies forthwith drive thee from thy
+country, for all that I have suffered through thy cruelty! These curses
+will not be allowed to fall unaccomplished to the ground. A mighty oath
+hast thou transgressed, ruthless one; but not long shalt thou and thy
+comrades sit at ease casting eyes of mockery upon me, for all your
+covenants."
+
+(ll. 391-394) Thus she spake, seething with fierce wrath; and she longed
+to set fire to the ship and to hew it utterly in pieces, and herself to
+fall into the raging flame. But Jason, half afraid, thus addressed her
+with gentle words:
+
+(ll. 395-409) "Forbear, lady; me too this pleases not. But we seek some
+respite from battle, for such a cloud of hostile men, like to a fire,
+surrounds us, on thy account. For all that inhabit this land are eager
+to aid Apsyrtus, that they may lead thee back home to thy father, like
+some captured maid. And all of us would perish in hateful destruction,
+if we closed with them in fight; and bitterer still will be the pain,
+if we are slain and leave thee to be their prey. But this covenant will
+weave a web of guile to lead him to ruin. Nor will the people of the
+land for thy sake oppose us, to favour the Colchians, when their prince
+is no longer with them, who is thy champion and thy brother; nor will I
+shrink from matching myself in fight with the Colchians, if they bar my
+way homeward."
+
+(ll. 410-420) Thus he spake soothing her; and she uttered a deadly
+speech: "Take heed now. For when sorry deeds are done we must needs
+devise sorry counsel, since at first I was distraught by my error, and
+by heaven's will it was I wrought the accomplishment of evil desires.
+Do thou in the turmoil shield me from the Colchians' spears; and I will
+beguile Apsyrtus to come into thy hands--do thou greet him with splendid
+gifts--if only I could persuade the heralds on their departure to bring
+him alone to hearken to my words. Thereupon if this deed pleases thee,
+slay him and raise a conflict with the Colchians, I care not."
+
+(ll. 421-422) So they two agreed and prepared a great web of guile for
+Apsyrtus, and provided many gifts such as are due to guests, and among
+them gave a sacred robe of Hypsipyle, of crimson hue. The Graces with
+their own hands had wrought it for Dionysus in sea-girt Dia, and he gave
+it to his son Thoas thereafter, and Thoas left it to Hypsipyle, and she
+gave that fair-wrought guest-gift with many another marvel to Aeson's
+son to wear. Never couldst thou satisfy thy sweet desire by touching it
+or gazing on it. And from it a divine fragrance breathed from the time
+when the king of Nysa himself lay to rest thereon, flushed with wine
+and nectar as he clasped the beauteous breast of the maiden-daughter
+of Minos, whom once Theseus forsook in the island of Dia, when she had
+followed him from Cnossus. And when she had worked upon the heralds to
+induce her brother to come, as soon as she reached the temple of
+the goddess, according to the agreement, and the darkness of night
+surrounded them, that so she might devise with him a cunning plan for
+her to take the mighty fleece of gold and return to the home of Aeetes,
+for, she said, the sons of Phrixus had given her by force to the
+strangers to carry off; with such beguiling words she scattered to the
+air and the breezes her witching charms, which even from afar would have
+drawn down the savage beast from the steep mountain-height.
+
+(ll. 445-451) Ruthless Love, great bane, great curse to mankind, from
+thee come deadly strifes and lamentations and groans, and countless
+pains as well have their stormy birth from thee. Arise, thou god, and
+arm thyself against the sons of our foes in such guise as when thou
+didst fill Medea's heart with accursed madness. How then by evil doom
+did she slay Apsyrtus when he came to meet her? For that must our song
+tell next.
+
+(ll. 452-481) When the heroes had left the maiden on the island of
+Artemis, according to the covenant, both sides ran their ships to land
+separately. And Jason went to the ambush to lie in wait for Apsyrtus and
+then for his comrades. But he, beguiled by these dire promises, swiftly
+crossed the swell of the sea in his ship, and in dark night set foot
+on the sacred island; and faring all alone to meet her he made trial in
+speech of his sister, as a tender child tries a wintry torrent which not
+even strong men can pass through, to see if she would devise some guile
+against the strangers. And so they two agreed together on everything;
+and straightway Aeson's son leapt forth from the thick ambush, lifting
+his bare sword in his hand; and quickly the maiden turned her eyes aside
+and covered them with her veil that she might not see the blood of her
+brother when he was smitten. And Jason marked him and struck him down,
+as a butcher strikes down a mighty strong-horned bull, hard by the
+temple which the Brygi on the mainland opposite had once built for
+Artemis. In its vestibule he fell on his knees; and at last the hero
+breathing out his life caught up in both hands the dark blood as it
+welled from the wound; and he dyed with red his sister's silvery veil
+and robe as she shrank away. And with swift side-glance the irresistible
+pitiless Fury beheld the deadly deed they had done. And the hero,
+Aeson's son, cut off the extremities of the dead man, and thrice licked
+up some blood and thrice spat the pollution from his teeth, as it is
+right for the slayer to do, to atone for a treacherous murder. And the
+clammy corpse he hid in the ground where even now those bones lie among
+the Apsyrtians.
+
+(ll. 481-494) Now as soon as the heroes saw the blaze of a torch, which
+the maiden raised for them as a sign to pursue, they laid their own ship
+near the Colchian ship, and they slaughtered the Colchian host, as kites
+slay the tribes of wood-pigeons, or as lions of the wold, when they have
+leapt amid the steading, drive a great flock of sheep huddled together.
+Nor did one of them escape death, but the heroes rushed upon the whole
+crew, destroying them like a flame; and at last Jason met them, and was
+eager to give aid where none was needed; but already they were taking
+thought for him too. Thereupon they sat to devise some prudent counsel
+for their voyage, and the maiden came upon them as they pondered, but
+Peleus spake his word first:
+
+(ll. 495-502) "I now bid you embark while it is still night, and take
+with your oars the passage opposite to that which the enemy guards, for
+at dawn when they see their plight I deem that no word urging to further
+pursuit of us will prevail with them; but as people bereft of their
+king, they will be scattered in grievous dissension. And easy, when the
+people are scattered, will this path be for us on our return."
+
+(ll. 503-506) Thus he spake; and the youths assented to the words of
+Aeacus' son. And quickly they entered the ship, and toiled at their oars
+unceasingly until they reached the sacred isle of Electra, the highest
+of them all, near the river Eridanus.
+
+(ll. 507-521) But when the Colchians learnt the death of their prince,
+verily they were eager to pursue Argo and the Minyans through all the
+Cronian sea. But Hera restrained them by terrible lightnings from the
+sky. And at last they loathed their own homes in the Cytaean land,
+quailing before Aeetes' fierce wrath; so they landed and made abiding
+homes there, scattered far and wide. Some set foot on those very islands
+where the heroes had stayed, and they still dwell there, bearing a name
+derived from Apsyrtus; and others built a fenced city by the dark deep
+Illyrian river, where is the tomb of Harmonia and Cadmus, dwelling among
+the Encheleans; and others live amid the mountains which are called
+the Thunderers, from the day when the thunders of Zeus, son of Cronos,
+prevented them from crossing over to the island opposite.
+
+(ll. 522-551) Now the heroes, when their return seemed safe for them,
+fared onward and made their hawsers fast to the land of the Hylleans.
+For the islands lay thick in the river and made the path dangerous for
+those who sailed thereby. Nor, as aforetime, did the Hylleans devise
+their hurt, but of their own accord furthered their passage, winning as
+guerdon a mighty tripod of Apollo. For tripods twain had Phoebus given
+to Aeson's son to carry afar in the voyage he had to make, at the time
+when he went to sacred Pytho to enquire about this very voyage; and it
+was ordained by fate that in whatever land they should be placed, that
+land should never be ravaged by the attacks of foemen. Therefore even
+now this tripod is hidden in that land near the pleasant city of Hyllus,
+far beneath the earth, that it may ever be unseen by mortals. Yet they
+found not King Hyllus still alive in the land, whom fair Melite bare
+to Heracles in the land of the Phaeacians. For he came to the abode of
+Nausithous and to Macris, the nurse of Dionysus, to cleanse himself from
+the deadly murder of his children; here he loved and overcame the water
+nymph Melite, the daughter of the river Aegaeus, and she bare mighty
+Hyllus. But when he had grown up he desired not to dwell in that island
+under the rule of Nausithous the king; but he collected a host of native
+Phaeacians and came to the Cronian sea; for the hero King Nausithous
+aided his journey, and there he settled, and the Mentores slew him as he
+was fighting for the oxen of his field.
+
+(ll. 552-556) Now, goddesses, say how it is that beyond this sea,
+near the land of Ausonia and the Ligystian isles, which are called
+Stoechades, the mighty tracks of the ship Argo are clearly sung of? What
+great constraint and need brought the heroes so far? What breezes wafted
+them?
+
+(ll. 557-591) When Apsyrtus had fallen in mighty overthrow Zeus himself,
+king of gods, was seized with wrath at what they had done. And he
+ordained that by the counsels of Aeaean Circe they should cleanse
+themselves from the terrible stain of blood and suffer countless woes
+before their return. Yet none of the chieftains knew this; but far
+onward they sped starting from the Hyllean land, and they left behind
+all the islands that were beforetime thronged by the Colchians--the
+Liburnian isles, isle after isle, Issa, Dysceladus, and lovely Pityeia.
+Next after them they came to Corcyra, where Poseidon settled the
+daughter of Asopus, fair-haired Corcyra, far from the land of Phlius,
+whence he had carried her off through love; and sailors beholding it
+from the sea, all black with its sombre woods, call it Corcyra the
+Black. And next they passed Melite, rejoicing in the soft-blowing
+breeze, and steep Cerossus, and Nymphaea at a distance, where lady
+Calypso, daughter of Atlas, dwelt; and they deemed they saw the misty
+mountains of Thunder. And then Hera bethought her of the counsels and
+wrath of Zeus concerning them. And she devised an ending of their voyage
+and stirred up storm-winds before them, by which they were caught and
+borne back to the rocky isle of Electra. And straightway on a sudden
+there called to them in the midst of their course, speaking with a human
+voice, the beam of the hollow ship, which Athena had set in the centre
+of the stem, made of Dodonian oak. And deadly fear seized them as
+they heard the voice that told of the grievous wrath of Zeus. For it
+proclaimed that they should not escape the paths of an endless sea
+nor grievous tempests, unless Circe should purge away the guilt of the
+ruthless murder of Apsyrtus; and it bade Polydeuces and Castor pray to
+the immortal gods first to grant a path through the Ausonian sea where
+they should find Circe, daughter of Perse and Helios.
+
+(ll. 592-626) Thus Argo cried through the darkness; and the sons of
+Tyndareus uprose, and lifted their hands to the immortals praying for
+each boon: but dejection held the rest of the Minyan heroes. And far
+on sped Argo under sail, and entered deep into the stream of Eridanus;
+where once, smitten on the breast by the blazing bolt, Phaethon
+half-consumed fell from the chariot of Helios into the opening of that
+deep lake; and even now it belcheth up heavy steam clouds from the
+smouldering wound. And no bird spreading its light wings can cross that
+water; but in mid-course it plunges into the flame, fluttering. And all
+around the maidens, the daughters of Helios, enclosed in tall poplars,
+wretchedly wail a piteous plaint; and from their eyes they shed on the
+ground bright drops of amber. These are dried by the sun upon the sand;
+but whenever the waters of the dark lake flow over the strand before
+the blast of the wailing wind, then they roll on in a mass into Eridanus
+with swelling tide. But the Celts have attached this story to them, that
+these are the tears of Leto's son, Apollo, that are borne along by the
+eddies, the countless tears that he shed aforetime when he came to the
+sacred race of the Hyperboreans and left shining heaven at the chiding
+of his father, being in wrath concerning his son whom divine Coronis
+bare in bright Lacereia at the mouth of Amyrus. And such is the story
+told among these men. But no desire for food or drink seized the heroes
+nor were their thoughts turned to joy. But they were sorely afflicted
+all day, heavy and faint at heart, with the noisome stench, hard to
+endure, which the streams of Eridanus sent forth from Phaethon still
+burning; and at night they heard the piercing lament of the daughters
+of Helios, wailing with shrill voice; and, as they lamented, their tears
+were borne on the water like drops of oil.
+
+(ll. 627-658) Thence they entered the deep stream of Rhodanus which
+flows into Eridanus; and where they meet there is a roar of mingling
+waters. Now that river, rising from the ends of the earth, where are the
+portals and mansions of Night, on one side bursts forth upon the beach
+of Ocean, at another pours into the Ionian sea, and on the third through
+seven mouths sends its stream to the Sardinian sea and its limitless
+bay. [1403] And from Rhodanus they entered stormy lakes, which spread
+throughout the Celtic mainland of wondrous size; and there they would
+have met with an inglorious calamity; for a certain branch of the river
+was bearing them towards a gulf of Ocean which in ignorance they were
+about to enter, and never would they have returned from there in safety.
+But Hera leaping forth from heaven pealed her cry from the Hercynian
+rock; and all together were shaken with fear of her cry; for terribly
+crashed the mighty firmament. And backward they turned by reason of
+the goddess, and noted the path by which their return was ordained.
+And after a long while they came to the beach of the surging sea by the
+devising of Hera, passing unharmed through countless tribes of the Celts
+and Ligyans. For round them the goddess poured a dread mist day by
+day as they fared on. And so, sailing through the midmost mouth, they
+reached the Stoechades islands in safety by the aid of the sons of Zeus;
+wherefore altars and sacred rites are established in their honour for
+ever; and not that sea-faring alone did they attend to succour; but
+Zeus granted to them the ships of future sailors too. Then leaving the
+Stoechades they passed on to the island Aethalia, where after their toil
+they wiped away with pebbles sweat in abundance; and pebbles like skin
+in colour are strewn on the beach; [1404] and there are their quoits
+and their wondrous armour; and there is the Argoan harbour called after
+them.
+
+(ll. 659-684) And quickly from there they passed through the sea,
+beholding the Tyrrhenian shores of Ausonia; and they came to the famous
+harbour of Aeaea, and from the ship they cast hawsers to the shore
+near at hand. And here they found Circe bathing her head in the salt
+sea-spray, for sorely had she been scared by visions of the night. With
+blood her chambers and all the walls of her palace seemed to be running,
+and flame was devouring all the magic herbs with which she used to
+bewitch strangers whoever came; and she herself with murderous blood
+quenched the glowing flame, drawing it up in her hands; and she ceased
+from deadly fear. Wherefore when morning came she rose, and with
+sea-spray was bathing her hair and her garments. And beasts, not
+resembling the beasts of the wild, nor yet like men in body, but with a
+medley of limbs, went in a throng, as sheep from the fold in multitudes
+follow the shepherd. Such creatures, compacted of various limbs, did
+each herself produce from the primeval slime when she had not yet grown
+solid beneath a rainless sky nor yet had received a drop of moisture
+from the rays of the scorching sun; but time combined these forms and
+marshalled them in their ranks; in such wise these monsters shapeless of
+form followed her. And exceeding wonder seized the heroes, and at once,
+as each gazed on the form and face of Circe, they readily guessed that
+she was the sister of Aeetes.
+
+(ll. 685-717) Now when she had dismissed the fears of her nightly
+visions, straightway she fared backwards, and in her subtlety she bade
+the heroes follow, charming them on with her hand. Thereupon the host
+remained stedfast at the bidding of Aeson's son, but Jason drew with him
+the Colchian maid. And both followed the selfsame path till they reached
+the hall of Circe, and she in amaze at their coming bade them sit on
+brightly burnished seats. And they, quiet and silent, sped to the hearth
+and sat there, as is the wont of wretched suppliants. Medea hid her face
+in both her hands, but Jason fixed in the ground the mighty hilted sword
+with which he had slain Aeetes' son; nor did they raise their eyes
+to meet her look. And straightway Circe became aware of the doom of
+a suppliant and the guilt of murder. Wherefore in reverence for the
+ordinance of Zeus, the god of suppliants, who is a god of wrath yet
+mightily aids slayers of men, she began to offer the sacrifice with
+which ruthless suppliants are cleansed from guilt when they approach the
+altar. First, to atone for the murder still unexpiated, she held above
+their heads the young of a sow whose dugs yet swelled from the fruit of
+the womb, and, severing its neck, sprinkled their hands with the blood;
+and again she made propitiation with other drink offerings, calling on
+Zeus the Cleanser, the protector of murder-stained suppliants. And all
+the defilements in a mass her attendants bore forth from the palace--the
+Naiad nymphs who ministered all things to her. And within, Circe,
+standing by the hearth, kept burning atonement-cakes without wine,
+praying the while that she might stay from their wrath the terrible
+Furies, and that Zeus himself might be propitious and gentle to them
+both, whether with hands stained by the blood of a stranger or, as
+kinsfolk, by the blood of a kinsman, they should implore his grace.
+
+(ll. 718-738) But when she had wrought all her task, then she raised
+them up and seated them on well polished seats, and herself sat near,
+face to face with them. And at once she asked them clearly of their
+business and their voyaging, and whence they had come to her land and
+palace, and had thus seated themselves as suppliants at her hearth. For
+in truth the hideous remembrance of her dreams entered her mind as she
+pondered; and she longed to hear the voice of the maiden, her kinswoman,
+as soon as she saw that she had raised her eyes from the ground. For
+all those of the race of Helios were plain to discern, since by the far
+flashing of their eyes they shot in front of them a gleam as of gold.
+So Medea told her all she asked--the daughter of Aeetes of the gloomy
+heart, speaking gently in the Colchian tongue, both of the quest and the
+journeyings of the heroes, and of their toils in the swift contests, and
+how she had sinned through the counsels of her much-sorrowing sister,
+and how with the sons of Phrixus she had fled afar from the tyrannous
+horrors of her father; but she shrank from telling of the murder of
+Apsyrtus. Yet she escaped not Circe's ken; nevertheless, in spite of
+all, she pitied the weeping maiden, and spake thus:
+
+(ll. 739-748) "Poor wretch, an evil and shameful return hast thou
+planned. Not for long, I ween, wilt thou escape the heavy wrath of
+Aeetes; but soon will he go even to the dwellings of Hellas to avenge
+the blood of his son, for intolerable are the deeds thou hast done. But
+since thou art my suppliant and my kinswoman, no further ill shall
+I devise against thee at thy coming; but begone from my halls,
+companioning the stranger, whosoever he be, this unknown one that thou
+hast taken in thy father's despite; and kneel not to me at my hearth,
+for never will I approve thy counsels and thy shameful flight."
+
+(ll. 749-752) Thus she spake, and measureless anguish seized the maid;
+and over her eyes she cast her robe and poured forth a lamentation,
+until the hero took her by the hand and led her forth from the hall
+quivering with fear. So they left the home of Circe.
+
+(ll. 753-756) But they were not unmarked by the spouse of Zeus, son of
+Cronos; but Iris told her when she saw them faring from the hall. For
+Hera had bidden her watch what time they should come to the ship; so
+again she urged her and spake:
+
+(ll. 757-769) "Dear Iris, now come, if ever thou hast fulfilled my
+bidding, hie thee away on light pinions, and bid Thetis arise from the
+sea and come hither. For need of her is come upon me. Then go to the
+sea-beaches where the bronze anvils of Hephaestus are smitten by sturdy
+hammers, and tell him to still the blasts of fire until Argo pass by
+them. Then go to Aeolus too, Aeolus who rules the winds, children of the
+clear sky; and to him also tell my purpose so that he may make all winds
+cease under heaven and no breeze may ruffle the sea; yet let the breath
+of the west wind blow until the heroes have reached the Phaeacian isle
+of Alcinous."
+
+(ll. 770-782) So she spake, and straightway Iris leapt down from Olympus
+and cleft her way, with light wings outspread. And she plunged into
+the Aegean Sea, where is the dwelling of Nereus. And she came to Thetis
+first and, by the promptings of Hera, told her tale and roused her to go
+to the goddess. Next she came to Hephaestus, and quickly made him cease
+from the clang of his iron hammers; and the smoke-grimed bellows were
+stayed from their blast. And thirdly she came to Aeolus, the famous son
+of Hippotas. And when she had given her message to him also and rested
+her swift knees from her course, then Thetis leaving Nereus and her
+sisters had come from the sea to Olympus to the goddess Hera; and the
+goddess made her sit by her side and uttered her word:
+
+(ll. 783-832) "Hearken now, lady Thetis, to what I am eager to tell
+thee. Thou knowest how honoured in my heart is the hero, Aeson's son,
+and the others that have helped him in the contest, and how I saved them
+when they passed between the Wandering rocks, [1405] where roar terrible
+storms of fire and the waves foam round the rugged reefs. And now past
+the mighty rock of Scylla and Charybdis horribly belching, a course
+awaits them. But thee indeed from thy infancy did I tend with my own
+hands and love beyond all others that dwell in the salt sea because thou
+didst refuse to share the couch of Zeus, for all his desire. For to him
+such deeds are ever dear, to embrace either goddesses or mortal women.
+But in reverence for me and with fear in thy heart thou didst shrink
+from his love; and he then swore a mighty oath that thou shouldst never
+be called the bride of an immortal god. Yet he ceased not from spying
+thee against thy will, until reverend Themis declared to him the whole
+truth, how that it was thy fate to bear a son mightier than his sire;
+wherefore he gave thee up, for all his desire, fearing lest another
+should be his match and rule the immortals, and in order that he might
+ever hold his own dominion. But I gave thee the best of the sons of
+earth to be thy husband, that thou mightest find a marriage dear to thy
+heart and bear children; and I summoned to the feast the gods, one and
+all. And with my own hand I raised the bridal torch, in return for
+the kindly honour thou didst pay me. But come, let me tell a tale that
+erreth not. When thy son shall come to the Elysian plain, he whom now
+in the home of Cheiron the Centaur water-nymphs are tending, though
+he still craves thy mother milk, it is fated that he be the husband
+of Medea, Aeetes' daughter; do thou aid thy daughter-in-law as a
+mother-in-law should, and aid Peleus himself. Why is thy wrath so
+steadfast? He was blinded by folly. For blindness comes even upon
+the gods. Surely at my behest I deem that Hephaestus will cease from
+kindling the fury of his flame, and that Aeolus, son of Hippotas, will
+check his swift rushing winds, all but the steady west wind, until they
+reach the havens of the Phaeacians; do thou devise a return without
+bane. The rocks and the tyrannous waves are my fear, they alone, and
+them thou canst foil with thy sisters' aid. And let them not fall in
+their helplessness into Charybdis lest she swallow them at one gulp, or
+approach the hideous lair of Scylla, Ausonian Scylla the deadly, whom
+night-wandering Hecate, who is called Crataeis, [1406] bare to Phoreys,
+lest swooping upon them with her horrible jaws she destroy the chiefest
+of the heroes. But guide their ship in the course where there shall be
+still a hair's breadth escape from destruction."
+
+(ll. 833-841) Thus she spake, and Thetis answered with these words: "If
+the fury of the ravening flame and the stormy winds cease in very deed,
+surely will I promise boldly to save the ship, even though the waves bar
+the way, if only the west wind blows fresh and clear. But it is time to
+fare on a long and measureless path, in quest of my sisters who will aid
+me, and to the spot where the ship's hawsers are fastened, that at early
+dawn the heroes may take thought to win their home-return."
+
+(ll. 842-855) She spake, and darting down from the sky fell amid the
+eddies of the dark blue sea; and she called to aid her the rest of the
+Nereids, her own sisters; and they heard her and gathered together; and
+Thetis declared to them Hera's behests, and quickly sped them all on
+their way to the Ausonian sea. And herself, swifter than the flash of an
+eye or the shafts of the sun, when it rises upwards from a far-distant
+land, hastened swiftly through the sea, until she reached the Aeaean
+beach of the Tyrrhenian mainland. And the heroes she found by the ship
+taking their pastime with quoits and shooting of arrows; and she drew
+near and just touched the hand of Aeaeus' son Peleus, for he was her
+husband; nor could anyone see her clearly, but she appeared to his eyes
+alone, and thus addressed him:
+
+(ll. 856-864) "No longer now must ye stay sitting on the Tyrrhenian
+beach, but at dawn loosen the hawsers of your swift ship, in obedience
+to Hera, your helper. For at her behest the maiden daughters of Nereus
+have met together to draw your ship through the midst of the rocks which
+are called Planctae, [1407] for that is your destined path. But do thou
+show my person to no one, when thou seest us come to meet time, but keep
+it secret in thy mind, lest thou anger me still more than thou didst
+anger me before so recklessly."
+
+(ll. 865-884) She spake, and vanished into the depths of the sea; but
+sharp pain smote Peleus, for never before had he seen her come, since
+first she left her bridal chamber and bed in anger, on account of noble
+Achilles, then a babe. For she ever encompassed the child's mortal flesh
+in the night with the flame of fire; and day by day she anointed with
+ambrosia his tender frame, so that he might become immortal and that she
+might keep off from his body loathsome old age. But Peleus leapt up from
+his bed and saw his dear son gasping in the flame; and at the sight he
+uttered a terrible cry, fool that he was; and she heard it, and catching
+up the child threw him screaming to the ground, and herself like a
+breath of wind passed swiftly from the hall as a dream and leapt into
+the sea, exceeding wroth, and thereafter returned not again. Wherefore
+blank amazement fettered his soul; nevertheless he declared to his
+comrades all the bidding of Thetis. And they broke off in the midst
+and hurriedly ceased their contests, and prepared their meal and
+earth-strewn beds, whereon after supper they slept through the night as
+aforetime.
+
+(ll. 885-921) Now when dawn the light-bringer was touching the edge of
+heaven, then at the coming of the swift west wind they went to their
+thwarts from the land; and gladly did they draw up the anchors from
+the deep and made the tackling ready in due order; and above spread the
+sail, stretching it taut with the sheets from the yard-arm. And a fresh
+breeze wafted the ship on. And soon they saw a fair island, Anthemoessa,
+where the clear-voiced Sirens, daughters of Achelous, used to beguile
+with their sweet songs whoever cast anchor there, and then destroy him.
+Them lovely Terpsichore, one of the Muses, bare, united with Achelous;
+and once they tended Demeter's noble daughter still unwed, and sang to
+her in chorus; and at that time they were fashioned in part like birds
+and in part like maidens to behold. And ever on the watch from their
+place of prospect with its fair haven, often from many had they taken
+away their sweet return, consuming them with wasting desire; and
+suddenly to the heroes, too, they sent forth from their lips a lily-like
+voice. And they were already about to cast from the ship the hawsers to
+the shore, had not Thracian Orpheus, son of Oeagrus, stringing in his
+hands his Bistonian lyre, rung forth the hasty snatch of a rippling
+melody so that their ears might be filled with the sound of his
+twanging; and the lyre overcame the maidens' voice. And the west wind
+and the sounding wave rushing astern bore the ship on; and the Sirens
+kept uttering their ceaseless song. But even so the goodly son of Teleon
+alone of the comrades leapt before them all from the polished bench into
+the sea, even Butes, his soul melted by the clear ringing voice of the
+Sirens; and he swam through the dark surge to mount the beach, poor
+wretch. Quickly would they have robbed him of his return then and there,
+but the goddess that rules Eryx, Cypris, in pity snatched him away,
+while yet in the eddies, and graciously meeting him saved him to dwell
+on the Lilybean height. And the heroes, seized by anguish, left the
+Sirens, but other perils still worse, destructive to ships, awaited them
+in the meeting-place of the seas.
+
+(ll. 922-981) For on one side appeared the smooth rock of Scylla; on
+the other Charybdis ceaselessly spouted and roared; in another part the
+Wandering rocks were booming beneath the mighty surge, where before the
+burning flame spurted forth from the top of the crags, above the rock
+glowing with fire, and the air was misty with smoke, nor could you have
+seen the sun's light. Then, though Hephaestus had ceased from his toils,
+the sea was still sending up a warm vapour. Hereupon on this side and on
+that the daughters of Nereus met them; and behind, lady Thetis set her
+hand to the rudder-blade, to guide them amid the Wandering rocks. And as
+when in fair weather herds of dolphins come up from the depths and
+sport in circles round a ship as it speeds along, now seen in front, now
+behind, now again at the side and delight comes to the sailors; so the
+Nereids darted upward and circled in their ranks round the ship Argo,
+while Thetis guided its course. And when they were about to touch the
+Wandering rocks, straightway they raised the edge of their garments over
+their snow-white knees, and aloft, on the very rocks and where the
+waves broke, they hurried along on this side and on that apart from one
+another. And the ship was raised aloft as the current smote her, and all
+around the furious wave mounting up broke over the rocks, which at
+one time touched the sky like towering crags, at another, down in the
+depths, were fixed fast at the bottom of the sea and the fierce waves
+poured over them in floods. And the Nereids, even as maidens near some
+sandy beach roll their garments up to their waists out of their way and
+sport with a shapely-rounded ball; then they catch it one from another
+and send it high into the air; and it never touches the ground; so they
+in turn one from another sent the ship through the air over the waves,
+as it sped on ever away from the rocks; and round them the water spouted
+and foamed. And lord Hephaestus himself standing on the summit of a
+smooth rock and resting his massy shoulder on the handle of his hammer,
+beheld them, and the spouse of Zeus beheld them as she stood above the
+gleaming heaven; and she threw her arms round Athena, such fear seized
+her as she gazed. And as long as the space of a day is lengthened out in
+springtime, so long a time did they toil, heaving the ship between
+the loud-echoing rocks; then again the heroes caught the wind and sped
+onward; and swiftly they passed the mead of Thrinacia, where the kine of
+Helios fed. There the nymphs, like sea-mews, plunged beneath the depths,
+when they had fulfilled the behests of the spouse of Zeus. And at the
+same time the bleating of sheep came to the heroes through the mist and
+the lowing of kine, near at hand, smote their ears. And over the dewy
+leas Phaethusa, the youngest of the daughters of Helios, tended the
+sheep, bearing in her hand a silver crook; while Lampetia, herding the
+kine, wielded a staff of glowing orichalcum [1408] as she followed.
+These kine the heroes saw feeding by the river's stream, over the plain
+and the water-meadow; not one of them was dark in hue but all were white
+as milk and glorying in their horns of gold. So they passed them by
+in the day-time, and when night came on they were cleaving a great
+sea-gulf, rejoicing, until again early rising dawn threw light upon
+their course.
+
+(ll. 982-1013) Fronting the Ionian gulf there lies an island in the
+Ceraunian sea, rich in soil, with a harbour on both sides, beneath which
+lies the sickle, as legend saith--grant me grace, O Muses, not willingly
+do I tell this tale of olden days--wherewith Cronos pitilessly mutilated
+his father; but others call it the reaping-hook of Demeter, goddess of
+the nether world. For Demeter once dwelt in that island, and taught the
+Titans to reap the ears of corn, all for the love of Macris. Whence it
+is called Drepane, [1409] the sacred nurse of the Phaeacians; and thus
+the Phaeacians themselves are by birth of the blood of Uranus. To
+them came Argo, held fast by many toils, borne by the breezes from the
+Thrinacian sea; and Alcinous and his people with kindly sacrifice gladly
+welcomed their coming; and over them all the city made merry; thou
+wouldst say they were rejoicing over their own sons. And the heroes
+themselves strode in gladness through the throng, even as though they
+had set foot in the heart of Haemonia; but soon were they to arm and
+raise the battle-cry; so near to them appeared a boundless host of
+Colchians, who had passed through the mouth of Pontus and between the
+Cyanean rocks in search of the chieftains. They desired forthwith to
+carry off Medea to her father's house apart from the rest, or else they
+threatened with fierce cruelty to raise the dread war-cry both then and
+thereafter on the coming of Aeetes. But lordly Alcinous checked them
+amid their eagerness for war. For he longed to allay the lawless strife
+between both sides without the clash of battle. And the maiden in deadly
+fear often implored the comrades of Aeson's son, and often with her
+hands touched the knees of Arete, the bride of Aleinous:
+
+(ll. 1014-1028) "I beseech thee, O queen, be gracious and deliver me not
+to the Colchians to be borne to my father, if thou thyself too art one
+of the race of mortals, whose heart rushes swiftly to ruin from light
+transgressions. For my firm sense forsook me--it was not for wantonness.
+Be witness the sacred light of Helios, be witness the rites of the
+maiden that wanders by night, daughter of Perses. Not willingly did
+I haste from my home with men of an alien race; but a horrible fear
+wrought on me to bethink me of flight when I sinned; other device was
+there none. Still my maiden's girdle remains, as in the halls of my
+father, unstained, untouched. Pity me, lady, and turn thy lord to mercy;
+and may the immortals grant thee a perfect life, and joy, and children,
+and the glory of a city unravaged!"
+
+(ll. 1029-1030) Thus did she implore Arete, shedding tears, and thus
+each of the chieftains in turn:
+
+(ll. 1031-1052) "On your account, ye men of peerless might, and on
+account of my toils in your ventures am I sorely afflicted; even I,
+by whose help ye yoked the bulls, and reaped the deadly harvest of the
+earthborn men; even I, through whom on your homeward path ye shall bear
+to Haemonia the golden fleece. Lo, here am I, who have lost my country
+and my parents, who have lost my home and all the delights of life; to
+you have I restored your country and your homes; with eyes of gladness
+ye will see again your parents; but from me a heavy-handed god has
+raft all joy; and with strangers I wander, an accursed thing. Fear your
+covenant and your oaths, fear the Fury that avenges suppliants and the
+retribution of heaven, if I fall into Aeetes' hands and am slain with
+grievous outrage. To no shrines, no tower of defence, no other refuge
+do I pay heed, but only to you. Hard and pitiless in your cruelty!
+No reverence have ye for me in your heart though ye see me helpless,
+stretching my hands towards the knees of a stranger queen; yet, when ye
+longed to seize the fleece, ye would have met all the Colchians face to
+thee and haughty Aeetes himself; but now ye have forgotten your courage,
+now that they are all alone and cut off."
+
+(ll. 1053-1067) Thus she spake, beseeching; and to whomsoever she bowed
+in prayer, that man tried to give her heart and to check her anguish.
+And in their hands they shook their sharp pointed spears, and drew the
+swords from their sheaths; and they swore they would not hold back from
+giving succour, if she should meet with an unrighteous judgement. And
+the host were all wearied and Night came on them, Night that puts to
+rest the works of men, and lulled all the earth to sleep; but to the
+maid no sleep brought rest, but in her bosom her heart was wrung with
+anguish. Even as when a toiling woman turns her spindle through the
+night, and round her moan her orphan children, for she is a widow, and
+down her cheeks fall the tears, as she bethinks her how dreary a lot
+hath seized her; so Medea's cheeks were wet; and her heart within her
+was in agony, pierced with sharp pain.
+
+(ll. 1068-1072) Now within the palace in the city, as aforetime, lay
+lordly Alcinous and Arete, the revered wife of Alcinous, and on their
+couch through the night they were devising plans about the maiden; and
+him, as her wedded husband, the wife addressed with loving words:
+
+(ll. 1073-1095) "Yea, my friend, come, save the woe-stricken maid from
+the Colchians and show grace to the Minyae. Argos is near our isle
+and the men of Haemonia; but Aeetes dwells not near, nor do we know
+of Aeetes one whit: we hear but his name; but this maiden of dread
+suffering hath broken my heart by her prayers. O king, give her not
+up to the Colchians to be borne back to her father's home. She was
+distraught when first she gave him the drugs to charm the oxen; and
+next, to cure one ill by another, as in our sinning we do often, she
+fled from her haughty sire's heavy wrath. But Jason, as I hear, is bound
+to her by mighty oaths that he will make her his wedded wife within his
+halls. Wherefore, my friend, make not, of thy will, Aeson's son to be
+forsworn, nor let the father, if thou canst help, work with angry heart
+some intolerable mischief on his child. For fathers are all too jealous
+against their children; what wrong did Nycteus devise against Antiope,
+fair of face! What woes did Danae endure on the wide sea through her
+sire's mad rage! Of late, and not far away, Echetus in wanton cruelty
+thrust spikes of bronze in his daughter's eyes; and by a grievous fate
+is she wasting away, grinding grains of bronze in a dungeon's gloom."
+
+(ll. 1096-1097) Thus she spake, beseeching; and by his wife's words his
+heart was softened, and thus he spake:
+
+(ll. 1098-1109) "Arete, with arms I could drive forth the Colchians,
+showing grace to the heroes for the maiden's sake. But I fear to set at
+nought the righteous judgment of Zeus. Nor is it well to take no thought
+of Aeetes, as thou sayest: for none is more lordly than Aeetes. And,
+if he willed, he might bring war upon Hellas, though he dwell afar.
+Wherefore it is right for me to deliver the judgement that in all men's
+eyes shall be best; and I will not hide it from thee. If she be yet a
+maid I decree that they carry her back to her father; but if she shares
+a husband's bed, I will not separate her from her lord; nor, if she bear
+a child beneath her breast, will I give it up to an enemy."
+
+(ll. 1110-1120) Thus he spake, and at once sleep laid him to rest. And
+she stored up in her heart the word of wisdom, and straightway rose from
+her couch and went through the palace; and her handmaids came hasting
+together, eagerly tending their mistress. But quietly she summoned her
+herald and addressed him, in her prudence urging Aeson's son to wed
+the maiden, and not to implore Alcinous; for he himself, she said, will
+decree to the Colchians that if she is still a maid he will deliver her
+up to be borne to her father's house, but that if she shares a husband's
+bed he will not sever her from wedded love.
+
+(ll. 1121-1127) Thus she spake, and quickly from the hall his feet bore
+him, that he might declare to Jason the fair-omened speech of Arete and
+the counsel of godfearing Alcinous. And he found the heroes watching in
+full armour in the haven of Hyllus, near the city; and out he spake
+the whole message; and each hero's heart rejoiced; for the word that he
+spake was welcome.
+
+(ll. 1128-1169) And straightway they mingled a bowl to the blessed ones,
+as is right, and reverently led sheep to the altar, and for that very
+night prepared for the maiden the bridal couch in the sacred cave,
+where once dwelt Macris, the daughter of Aristaeus, lord of honey, who
+discovered the works of bees and the fatness of the olive, the fruit of
+labour. She it was that first received in her bosom the Nysean son of
+Zeus in Abantian Euboea, and with honey moistened his parched lips when
+Hermes bore him out of the flame. And Hera beheld it, and in wrath drove
+her from the whole island. And she accordingly came to dwell far off, in
+the sacred cave of the Phaeacians, and granted boundless wealth to the
+inhabitants. There at that time did they spread a mighty couch; and
+thereon they laid the glittering fleece of gold, that so the marriage
+might be made honoured and the theme of song. And for them nymphs
+gathered flowers of varied hue and bore them thither in their white
+bosoms; and a splendour as of flame played round them all, such a light
+gleamed from the golden tufts. And in their eyes it kindled a sweet
+longing; yet for all her desire, awe withheld each one from laying her
+hand thereon. Some were called daughters of the river Aegaeus; others
+dwelt round the crests of the Meliteian mount; and others were woodland
+nymphs from the plains. For Hera herself, the spouse of Zeus, had sent
+them to do honour to Jason. That cave is to this day called the sacred
+cave of Medea, where they spread the fine and fragrant linen and brought
+these two together. And the heroes in their hands wielded their spears
+for war, lest first a host of foes should burst upon them for battle
+unawares, and, their heads enwreathed with leafy sprays, all in harmony,
+while Orpheus' harp rang clear, sang the marriage song at the entrance
+to the bridal chamber. Yet not in the house of Alcinous was the hero,
+Aeson's son, minded to complete his marriage, but in his father's hall
+when he had returned home to Ioleus; and such was the mind of Medea
+herself; but necessity led them to wed at this time. For never in truth
+do we tribes of woe-stricken mortals tread the path of delight with
+sure foot; but still some bitter affliction keeps pace with our joy.
+Wherefore they too, though their souls were melted with sweet love, were
+held by fear, whether the sentence of Alcinous would be fulfilled.
+
+(ll. 1170-1227) Now dawn returning with her beams divine scattered the
+gloomy night through the sky; and the island beaches laughed out and the
+paths over the plains far off, drenched with dew, and there was a din in
+the streets; the people were astir throughout the city, and far away
+the Colchians were astir at the bounds of the isle of Macris. And
+straightway to them went Alcinous, by reason of his covenant, to declare
+his purpose concerning the maiden, and in his hand he held a golden
+staff, his staff of justice, whereby the people had righteous judgments
+meted out to them throughout the city. And with him in order due and
+arrayed in their harness of war went marching, band by band, the chiefs
+of the Phaeacians. And from the towers came forth the women in crowds to
+gaze upon the heroes; and the country folk came to meet them when they
+heard the news, for Hera had sent forth a true report. And one led the
+chosen ram of his flock, and another a heifer that had never toiled; and
+others set hard by jars of wine for mixing; and the smoke of sacrifice
+leapt up far away. And women bore fine linen, the fruit of much toil, as
+women will, and gifts of gold and varied ornaments as well, such as are
+brought to newly-wedded brides; and they marvelled when they saw the
+shapely forms and beauty of the gallant heroes, and among them the son
+of Oeagrus, oft beating the ground with gleaming sandal, to the time of
+his loud-ringing lyre and song. And all the nymphs together, whenever
+he recalled the marriage, uplifted the lovely bridal-chant; and at times
+again they sang alone as they circled in the dance, Hera, in thy honour;
+for it was thou that didst put it into the heart of Arete to proclaim
+the wise word of Alcinous. And as soon as he had uttered the decree of
+his righteous judgement, and the completion of the marriage had been
+proclaimed, he took care that thus it should abide fixed; and no deadly
+fear touched him nor Aeetes' grievous wrath, but he kept his judgement
+fast bound by unbroken oaths. So when the Colchians learnt that they
+were beseeching in vain and he bade them either observe his judgements
+or hold their ships away from his harbours and land, then they began
+to dread the threats of their own king and besought Alcinous to receive
+them as comrades; and there in the island long time they dwelt with the
+Phaeacians, until in the course of years, the Bacchiadae, a race sprung
+from Ephyra, [1410] settled among them; and the Colchians passed to an
+island opposite; and thence they were destined to reach the Ceraunian
+hills of the Abantes, and the Nestaeans and Oricum; but all this was
+fulfilled after long ages had passed. And still the altars which Medea
+built on the spot sacred to Apollo, god of shepherds, receive yearly
+sacrifices in honour of the Fates and the Nymphs. And when the Minyae
+departed many gifts of friendship did Alcinous bestow, and many Arete;
+moreover she gave Medea twelve Phaeacian handmaids from the palace, to
+bear her company. And on the seventh day they left Drepane; and at dawn
+came a fresh breeze from Zeus. And onward they sped borne along by the
+wind's breath. Howbeit not yet was it ordained for the heroes to set
+foot on Achaea, until they had toiled even in the furthest bounds of
+Libya.
+
+(ll. 1228-1250) Now had they left behind the gulf named after the
+Ambracians, now with sails wide spread the land of the Curetes, and next
+in order the narrow islands with the Echinades, and the land of Pelops
+was just descried; even then a baleful blast of the north wind seized
+them in mid-course and swept them towards the Libyan sea nine nights and
+as many days, until they came far within Syrtis, wherefrom is no return
+for ships, when they are once forced into that gulf. For on every hand
+are shoals, on every hand masses of seaweed from the depths; and over
+them the light foam of the wave washes without noise; and there is a
+stretch of sand to the dim horizon; and there moveth nothing that creeps
+or flies. Here accordingly the flood-tide--for this tide often retreats
+from the land and bursts back again over the beach coming on with a rush
+and roar--thrust them suddenly on to the innermost shore, and but little
+of the keel was left in the water. And they leapt forth from the ship,
+and sorrow seized them when they gazed on the mist and the levels of
+vast land stretching far like a mist and continuous into the distance;
+no spot for water, no path, no steading of herdsmen did they descry afar
+off, but all the scene was possessed by a dead calm. And thus did one
+hero, vexed in spirit, ask another:
+
+(ll. 1251-1258) "What land is this? Whither has the tempest hurled us?
+Would that, reckless of deadly fear, we had dared to rush on by that
+same path between the clashing rocks! Better were it to have overleapt
+the will of Zeus and perished in venturing some mighty deed. But now
+what should we do, held back by the winds to stay here, if ever so short
+a time? How desolate looms before us the edge of the limitless land!"
+
+(ll. 1259-1276) Thus one spake; and among them Ancaeus the helmsman, in
+despair at their evil case, spoke with grieving heart: "Verily we are
+undone by a terrible doom; there is no escape from ruin; we must suffer
+the cruellest woes, having fallen on this desolation, even though
+breezes should blow from the land; for, as I gaze far around, on every
+side do I behold a sea of shoals, and masses of water, fretted line upon
+line, run over the hoary sand. And miserably long ago would our sacred
+ship have been shattered far from the shore; but the tide itself bore
+her high on to the land from the deep sea. But now the tide rushes back
+to the sea, and only the foam, whereon no ship can sail, rolls round us,
+just covering the land. Wherefore I deem that all hope of our voyage and
+of our return is cut off. Let someone else show his skill; let him sit
+at the helm the man that is eager for our deliverance. But Zeus has no
+will to fulfil our day of return after all our toils."
+
+(ll. 1277-1317) Thus he spake with tears, and all of them that had
+knowledge of ships agreed thereto; but the hearts of all grew numb, and
+pallor overspread their cheeks. And as, like lifeless spectres, men
+roam through a city awaiting the issue of war or of pestilence, or some
+mighty storm which overwhelms the countless labours of oxen, when the
+images of their own accord sweat and run down with blood, and bellowings
+are heard in temples, or when at mid-day the sun draws on night from
+heaven, and the stars shine clear through the mist; so at that time
+along the endless strand the chieftains wandered, groping their way.
+Then straightway dark evening came upon them; and piteously did they
+embrace each other and say farewell with tears, that they might, each
+one apart from his fellow, fall on the sand and die. And this way and
+that they went further to choose a resting-place; and they wrapped their
+heads in their cloaks and, fasting and unfed, lay down all that night
+and the day, awaiting a piteous death. But apart the maidens huddled
+together lamented beside the daughter of Aeetes. And as when, forsaken
+by their mother, unfledged birds that have fallen from a cleft in the
+rock chirp shrilly; or when by the banks of fair-flowing Pactolus, swans
+raise their song, and all around the dewy meadow echoes and the river's
+fair stream; so these maidens, laying in the dust their golden hair, all
+through the night wailed their piteous lament. And there all would have
+parted from life without a name and unknown to mortal men, those bravest
+of heroes, with their task unfulfilled; but as they pined in despair,
+the heroine-nymphs, warders of Libya, had pity on them, they who once
+found Athena, what time she leapt in gleaming armour from her father's
+head, and bathed her by Trito's waters. It was noon-tide and the
+fiercest rays of the sun were scorching Libya; they stood near Aeson's
+son, and lightly drew the cloak from his head. And the hero cast down
+his eyes and looked aside, in reverence for the goddesses, and as he lay
+bewildered all alone they addressed him openly with gentle words:
+
+(ll. 1318-1329) "Ill-starred one, why art thou so smitten with despair?
+We know how ye went in quest of the golden fleece; we know each toil of
+yours, all the mighty deeds ye wrought in your wanderings over land
+and sea. We are the solitary ones, goddesses of the land, speaking with
+human voice, the heroines, Libya's warders and daughters. Up then;
+be not thus afflicted in thy misery, and rouse thy comrades. And when
+Amphitrite has straightway loosed Poseidon's swift-wheeled car, then do
+ye pay to your mother a recompense for all her travail when she bare you
+so long in her womb; and so ye may return to the divine land of Achaea."
+
+(ll. 1330-1332) Thus they spake, and with the voice vanished at once,
+where they stood. But Jason sat upon the earth as he gazed around, and
+thus cried:
+
+(ll. 1333-1336) "Be gracious, noble goddesses of the desert, yet the
+saying about our return I understand not clearly. Surely I will gather
+together my comrades and tell them, if haply we can find some token of
+our escape, for the counsel of many is better."
+
+(ll. 1337-1346) He spake, and leapt to his feet, and shouted afar to his
+comrades, all squalid with dust, like a lion when he roars through
+the woodland seeking his mate; and far off in the mountains the glens
+tremble at the thunder of his voice; and the oxen of the field and
+the herdsmen shudder with fear; yet to them Jason's voice was no whit
+terrible the voice of a comrade calling to his friends. And with looks
+downcast they gathered near, and hard by where the ship lay he made them
+sit down in their grief and the women with them, and addressed them and
+told them everything:
+
+(ll. 1347-1362) "Listen, friends; as I lay in my grief, three goddesses
+girded with goat-skins from the neck downwards round the back and waist,
+like maidens, stood over my head nigh at hand; and they uncovered me,
+drawing my cloak away with light hand, and they bade me rise up myself
+and go and rouse you, and pay to our mother a bounteous recompense for
+all her travail when she bare us so long in her womb, when Amphitrite
+shall have loosed Poseidon's swift-wheeled car. But I cannot fully
+understand concerning this divine message. They said indeed that they
+were heroines, Libya's warders and daughters; and all the toils that
+we endured aforetime by land and sea, all these they declared that they
+knew full well. Then I saw them no more in their place, but a mist or
+cloud came between and hid them from my sight."
+
+(ll. 1363-1369) Thus he spake, and all marvelled as they heard. Then was
+wrought for the Minyae the strangest of portents. From the sea to the
+land leapt forth a monstrous horse, of vast size, with golden mane
+tossing round his neck; and quickly from his limbs he shook off abundant
+spray and started on his course, with feet like the wind. And at once
+Peleus rejoiced and spake among the throng of his comrades:
+
+(ll. 1370-1379) "I deem that Poseidon's ear has even now been loosed by
+the hands of his dear wife, and I divine that our mother is none else
+than our ship herself; for surely she bare us in her womb and groans
+unceasingly with grievous travailing. But with unshaken strength and
+untiring shoulders will we lift her up and bear her within this country
+of sandy wastes, where yon swift-footed steed has sped before. For he
+will not plunge beneath the earth; and his hoof-prints, I ween, will
+point us to some bay above the sea."
+
+(ll. 1380-1392) Thus he spake, and the fit counsel pleased all. This is
+the tale the Muses told; and I sing obedient to the Pierides, and this
+report have I heard most truly; that ye, O mightiest far of the sons
+of kings, by your might and your valour over the desert sands of Libya
+raised high aloft on your shoulders the ship and all that ye brought
+therein, and bare her twelve days and nights alike. Yet who could tell
+the pain and grief which they endured in that toil? Surely they were
+of the blood of the immortals, such a task did they take on them,
+constrained by necessity. How forward and how far they bore her gladly
+to the waters of the Tritonian lake! How they strode in and set her down
+from their stalwart shoulders!
+
+(ll. 1393-1421) Then, like raging hounds, they rushed to search for a
+spring; for besides their suffering and anguish, a parching thirst lay
+upon them, and not in vain did they wander; but they came to the sacred
+plain where Ladon, the serpent of the land, till yesterday kept watch
+over the golden apples in the garden of Atlas; and all around the
+nymphs, the Hesperides, were busied, chanting their lovely song. But
+at that time, stricken by Heracles, he lay fallen by the trunk of the
+apple-tree; only the tip of his tail was still writhing; but from his
+head down his dark spine he lay lifeless; and where the arrows had left
+in his blood the bitter gall of the Lernaean hydra, flies withered and
+died over the festering wounds. And close at hand the Hesperides, their
+white arms flung over their golden heads, lamented shrilly; and the
+heroes drew near suddenly; but the maidens, at their quick approach, at
+once became dust and earth where they stood. Orpheus marked the divine
+portent, and for his comrades addressed them in prayer: "O divine ones,
+fair and kind, be gracious, O queens, whether ye be numbered among
+the heavenly goddesses, or those beneath the earth, or be called the
+Solitary nymphs; come, O nymphs, sacred race of Oceanus, appear manifest
+to our longing eyes and show us some spring of water from the rock or
+some sacred flow gushing from the earth, goddesses, wherewith we may
+quench the thirst that burns us unceasingly. And if ever again we return
+in our voyaging to the Achaean land, then to you among the first of
+goddesses with willing hearts will we bring countless gifts, libations
+and banquets."
+
+(ll. 1422-1431) So he spake, beseeching them with plaintive voice; and
+they from their station near pitied their pain; and lo! First of all
+they caused grass to spring from the earth; and above the grass rose
+up tall shoots, and then flourishing saplings grew standing upright far
+above the earth. Hespere became a poplar and Eretheis an elm, and Aegle
+a willow's sacred trunk. And forth from these trees their forms looked
+out, as clear as they were before, a marvel exceeding great, and Aegle
+spake with gentle words answering their longing looks:
+
+(ll. 1432-1449) "Surely there has come hither a mighty succour to your
+toils, that most accursed man, who robbed our guardian serpent of life
+and plucked the golden apples of the goddesses and is gone; and has
+left bitter grief for us. For yesterday came a man most fell in wanton
+violence, most grim in form; and his eyes flashed beneath his scowling
+brow; a ruthless wretch; and he was clad in the skin of a monstrous lion
+of raw hide, untanned; and he bare a sturdy bow of olive, and a bow,
+wherewith he shot and killed this monster here. So he too came, as one
+traversing the land on foot, parched with thirst; and he rushed wildly
+through this spot, searching for water, but nowhere was he like to
+see it. Now here stood a rock near the Tritonian lake; and of his own
+device, or by the prompting of some god, he smote it below with his
+foot; and the water gushed out in full flow. And he, leaning both his
+hands and chest upon the ground, drank a huge draught from the rifted
+rock, until, stooping like a beast of the field, he had satisfied his
+mighty maw."
+
+(ll. 1450-1457) Thus she spake; and they gladly with joyful steps ran
+to the spot where Aegle had pointed out to them the spring, until they
+reached it. And as when earth-burrowing ants gather in swarms round a
+narrow cleft, or when flies lighting upon a tiny drop of sweet honey
+cluster round with insatiate eagerness; so at that time, huddled
+together, the Minyae thronged about the spring from the rock. And thus
+with wet lips one cried to another in his delight:
+
+(ll. 1458-1460) "Strange! In very truth Heracles, though far away, has
+saved his comrades, fordone with thirst. Would that we might find him on
+his way as we pass through the mainland!"
+
+(ll. 1461-1484) So they spake, and those who were ready for this work
+answered, and they separated this way and that, each starting to search.
+For by the night winds the footsteps had been effaced where the sand was
+stirred. The two sons of Boreas started up, trusting in their wings;
+and Euphemus, relying on his swift feet, and Lynceus to cast far his
+piercing eyes; and with them darted off Canthus, the fifth. He was urged
+on by the doom of the gods and his own courage, that he might learn for
+certain from Heracles where he had left Polyphemus, son of Eilatus; for
+he was minded to question him on every point concerning his comrade. But
+that hero had founded a glorious city among the Mysians, and, yearning
+for his home-return, had passed far over the mainland in search of Argo;
+and in time he reached the land of the Chalybes, who dwell near the sea;
+there it was that his fate subdued him. And to him a monument stands
+under a tall poplar, just facing the sea. But that day Lynceus thought
+he saw Heracles all alone, far off, over measureless land, as a man at
+the month's beginning sees, or thinks he sees, the moon through a bank
+of cloud. And he returned and told his comrades that no other
+searcher would find Heracles on his way, and they also came back, and
+swift-footed Euphemus and the twin sons of Thracian Boreas, after a vain
+toil.
+
+(ll. 1485-1501) But thee, Canthus, the fates of death seized in Libya.
+On pasturing flocks didst thou light; and there followed a shepherd who,
+in defence of his own sheep, while thou weft leading them off [1411] to
+thy comrades in their need, slew thee by the cast of a stone; for he was
+no weakling, Caphaurus, the grandson of Lycoreian Phoebus and the chaste
+maiden Acacallis, whom once Minos drove from home to dwell in Libya, his
+own daughter, when she was bearing the gods' heavy load; and she bare
+to Phoebus a glorious son, whom they call Amphithemis and Garamas. And
+Amphithemis wedded a Tritonian nymph; and she bare to him Nasamon and
+strong Caphaurus, who on that day in defending his sheep slew Canthus.
+But he escaped not the chieftains' avenging hands, when they learned the
+deed he had done. And the Minyae, when they knew it, afterwards took up
+the corpse and buried it in the earth, mourning; and the sheep they took
+with them.
+
+(ll. 1502-1536) Thereupon on the same day a pitiless fate seized
+Mopsus too, son of Ampycus; and he escaped not a bitter doom by his
+prophesying; for there is no averting of death. Now there lay in the
+sand, avoiding the midday heat, a dread serpent, too sluggish of his own
+will to strike at an unwilling foe, nor yet would he dart full face at
+one that would shrink back. But into whatever of all living beings that
+life-giving earth sustains that serpent once injects his black venom,
+his path to Hades becomes not so much as a cubit's length, not even if
+Paeeon, if it is right for me to say this openly, should tend him, when
+its teeth have only grazed the skin. For when over Libya flew godlike
+Perseus Eurymedon for by that name his mother called him--bearing to the
+king the Gorgon's head newly severed, all the drops of dark blood
+that fell to the earth, produced a brood of those serpents. Now Mopsus
+stepped on the end of its spine, setting thereon the sole of his left
+foot; and it writhed round in pain and bit and tore the flesh between
+the shin and the muscles. And Medea and her handmaids fled in terror;
+but Canthus bravely felt the bleeding wound; for no excessive pain
+harassed him. Poor wretch! Already a numbness that loosed his limbs was
+stealing beneath his skin, and a thick mist was spreading over his eyes.
+Straightway his heavy limbs sank helplessly to the ground and he grew
+cold; and his comrades and the hero, Aeson's son, gathered round,
+marvelling at the close-coming doom. Nor yet though dead might he lie
+beneath the sun even for a little space. For at once the poison began to
+rot his flesh within, and the hair decayed and fell from the skin. And
+quickly and in haste they dug a deep grave with mattocks of bronze; and
+they tore their hair, the heroes and the maidens, bewailing the dead
+man's piteous suffering; and when he had received due burial rites,
+thrice they marched round the tomb in full armour, and heaped above him
+a mound of earth.
+
+(ll. 1537-1553) But when they had gone aboard, as the south wind blew
+over the sea, and they were searching for a passage to go forth from the
+Tritonian lake, for long they had no device, but all the day were borne
+on aimlessly. And as a serpent goes writhing along his crooked path when
+the sun's fiercest rays scorch him; and with a hiss he turns his head to
+this side and that, and in his fury his eyes glow like sparks of fire,
+until he creeps to his lair through a cleft in the rock; so Argo seeking
+an outlet from the lake, a fairway for ships, wandered for a long time.
+Then straightway Orpheus bade them bring forth from the ship Apollo's
+massy tripod and offer it to the gods of the land as propitiation for
+their return. So they went forth and set Apollo's gift on the shore;
+then before them stood, in the form of a youth, farswaying Triton, and
+he lifted a clod from the earth and offered it as a stranger's gift, and
+thus spake:
+
+(ll. 1554-1561) "Take it, friends, for no stranger's gift of great worth
+have I here by me now to place in the hands of those who beseech me. But
+if ye are searching for a passage through this sea, as often is the need
+of men passing through a strange land, I will declare it. For my sire
+Poseidon has made me to be well versed in this sea. And I rule the shore
+if haply in your distant land you have ever heard of Eurypylus, born in
+Libya, the home of wild beasts."
+
+(ll. 1562-1563) Thus he spake, and readily Euphemus held out his hands
+towards the clod, and thus addressed him in reply:
+
+(ll. 1564-1570) "If haply, hero, thou knowest aught of Apis [1412] and
+the sea of Minos, tell us truly, who ask it of you. For not of our will
+have we come hither, but by the stress of heavy storms have we touched
+the borders of this land, and have borne our ship aloft on our shoulders
+to the waters of this lake over the mainland, grievously burdened; and
+we know not where a passage shows itself for our course to the land of
+Pelops."
+
+(ll. 1571-1585) So he spake; and Triton stretched out his hand and
+showed afar the sea and the lake's deep mouth, and then addressed them:
+"That is the outlet to the sea, where the deep water lies unmoved and
+dark; on each side roll white breakers with shining crests; and the way
+between for your passage out is narrow. And that sea stretches away in
+mist to the divine land of Pelops beyond Crete; but hold to the right,
+when ye have entered the swell of the sea from the lake, and steer your
+course hugging the land, as long as it trends to the north; but when the
+coast bends, falling away in the other direction, then your course is
+safely laid for you if ye go straight forward from the projecting cape.
+But go in joy, and as for labour let there be no grieving that limbs in
+youthful vigour should still toil."
+
+(ll. 1586-1596) He spake with kindly counsel; and they at once went
+aboard, intent to come forth from the lake by the use of oars. And
+eagerly they sped on; meanwhile Triton took up the mighty tripod, and
+they saw him enter the lake; but thereafter did no one mark how he
+vanished so near them along with the tripod. But their hearts were
+cheered, for that one of the blessed had met them in friendly guise. And
+they bade Aeson's son offer to him the choicest of the sheep and when he
+had slain it chant the hymn of praise. And straightway he chose in haste
+and raising the victim slew it over the stern, and prayed with these
+words:
+
+(ll. 1597-1600) "Thou god, who hast manifested thyself on the borders of
+this land, whether the daughters born of the sea call thee Triton, the
+great sea-marvel, or Phoreys, or Nereus, be gracious, and grant the
+return home dear to our hearts."
+
+(ll. 1601-1637) He spake, and cut the victim's throat over the water and
+cast it from the stern. And the god rose up from the depths in form such
+as he really was. And as when a man trains a swift steed for the broad
+race-course, and runs along, grasping the bushy mane, while the steed
+follows obeying his master, and rears his neck aloft in his pride, and
+the gleaming bit rings loud as he champs it in his jaws from side to
+side; so the god, seizing hollow Argo's keel, guided her onward to the
+sea. And his body, from the crown of his head, round his back and waist
+as far as the belly, was wondrously like that of the blessed ones in
+form; but below his sides the tail of a sea monster lengthened far,
+forking to this side and that; and he smote the surface of the waves
+with the spines, which below parted into curving fins, like the horns
+of the new moon. And he guided Argo on until he sped her into the sea on
+her course; and quickly he plunged into the vast abyss; and the heroes
+shouted when they gazed with their eyes on that dread portent. There is
+the harbour of Argo and there are the signs of her stay, and altars to
+Poseidon and Triton; for during that day they tarried. But at dawn with
+sails outspread they sped on before the breath of the west wind, keeping
+the desert land on their right. And on the next morn they saw the
+headland and the recess of the sea, bending inward beyond the jutting
+headland. And straightway the west wind ceased, and there came the
+breeze of the clear south wind; and their hearts rejoiced at the sound
+it made. But when the sun sank and the star returned that bids the
+shepherd fold, which brings rest to wearied ploughmen, at that time the
+wind died down in the dark night; so they furled the sails and lowered
+the tall mast and vigorously plied their polished oars all night and
+through the day, and again when the next night came on. And rugged
+Carpathus far away welcomed them; and thence they were to cross to
+Crete, which rises in the sea above other islands.
+
+(ll. 1638-1653) And Talos, the man of bronze, as he broke off rocks from
+the hard cliff, stayed them from fastening hawsers to the shore, when
+they came to the roadstead of Dicte's haven. He was of the stock of
+bronze, of the men sprung from ash-trees, the last left among the sons
+of the gods; and the son of Cronos gave him to Europa to be the warder
+of Crete and to stride round the island thrice a day with his feet of
+bronze. Now in all the rest of his body and limbs was he fashioned
+of bronze and invulnerable; but beneath the sinew by his ankle was a
+blood-red vein; and this, with its issues of life and death, was covered
+by a thin skin. So the heroes, though outworn with toil, quickly backed
+their ship from the land in sore dismay. And now far from Crete would
+they have been borne in wretched plight, distressed both by thirst and
+pain, had not Medea addressed them as they turned away:
+
+(ll. 1654-1658) "Hearken to me. For I deem that I alone can subdue
+for you that man, whoever he be, even though his frame be of bronze
+throughout, unless his life too is everlasting. But be ready to keep
+your ship here beyond the cast of his stones, till he yield the victory
+to me."
+
+(ll. 1659-1672) Thus she spake; and they drew the ship out of range,
+resting on their oars, waiting to see what plan unlooked for she would
+bring to pass; and she, holding the fold of her purple robe over her
+cheeks on each side, mounted on the deck; and Aeson's son took her hand
+in his and guided her way along the thwarts. And with songs did she
+propitiate and invoke the Death-spirits, devourers of life, the swift
+hounds of Hades, who, hovering through all the air, swoop down on the
+living. Kneeling in supplication, thrice she called on them with songs,
+and thrice with prayers; and, shaping her soul to mischief, with her
+hostile glance she bewitched the eyes of Talos, the man of bronze; and
+her teeth gnashed bitter wrath against him, and she sent forth baneful
+phantoms in the frenzy of her rage.
+
+(ll. 1673-1693) Father Zeus, surely great wonder rises in my mind,
+seeing that dire destruction meets us not from disease and wounds alone,
+but lo! even from afar, may be, it tortures us! So Talos, for all
+his frame of bronze, yielded the victory to the might of Medea the
+sorceress. And as he was heaving massy rocks to stay them from reaching
+the haven, he grazed his ankle on a pointed crag; and the ichor gushed
+forth like melted lead; and not long thereafter did he stand towering on
+the jutting cliff. But even as some huge pine, high up on the mountains,
+which woodmen have left half hewn through by their sharp axes when they
+returned from the forest--at first it shivers in the wind by night, then
+at last snaps at the stump and crashes down; so Talos for a while
+stood on his tireless feet, swaying to and fro, when at last, all
+strengthless, fell with a mighty thud. For that night there in Crete the
+heroes lay; then, just as dawn was growing bright, they built a shrine
+to Minoan Athena, and drew water and went aboard, so that first of all
+they might by rowing pass beyond Salmone's height.
+
+(ll. 1694-1730) But straightway as they sped over the wide Cretan sea
+night scared them, that night which they name the Pall of Darkness; the
+stars pierced not that fatal night nor the beams of the moon, but black
+chaos descended from heaven, or haply some other darkness came, rising
+from the nethermost depths. And the heroes, whether they drifted in
+Hades or on the waters, knew not one whit; but they committed their
+return to the sea in helpless doubt whither it was bearing them. But
+Jason raised his hands and cried to Phoebus with mighty voice, calling
+on him to save them; and the tears ran down in his distress; and often
+did he promise to bring countless offerings to Pytho, to Amyclae, and to
+Ortygia. And quickly, O son of Leto, swift to hear, didst thou come down
+from heaven to the Melantian rocks, which lie there in the sea. Then
+darting upon one of the twin peaks, thou raisedst aloft in thy right
+hand thy golden bow; and the bow flashed a dazzling gleam all round. And
+to their sight appeared a small island of the Sporades, over against
+the tiny isle Hippuris, and there they cast anchor and stayed; and
+straightway dawn arose and gave them light; and they made for Apollo a
+glorious abode in a shady wood, and a shady altar, calling on Phoebus
+the "Gleamer", because of the gleam far-seen; and that bare island
+they called Anaphe, [1413] for that Phoebus had revealed it to men sore
+bewildered. And they sacrificed all that men could provide for sacrifice
+on a desolate strand; wherefore when Medea's Phaeacian handmaids saw
+them pouring water for libations on the burning brands, they could no
+longer restrain laughter within their bosoms, for that ever they had
+seen oxen in plenty slain in the halls of Alcinous. And the heroes
+delighted in the jest and attacked them with taunting words; and merry
+railing and contention flung to and fro were kindled among them. And
+from that sport of the heroes such scoffs do the women fling at the
+men in that island whenever they propitiate with sacrifices Apollo the
+gleaming god, the warder of Anaphe.
+
+(ll. 1731-1740) But when they had loosed the hawsers thence in
+fair weather, then Euphemus bethought him of a dream of the night,
+reverencing the glorious son of Maia. For it seemed to him that the
+god-given clod of earth held in his palm close to his breast was being
+suckled by white streams of milk, and that from it, little though it
+was, grew a woman like a virgin; and he, overcome by strong desire, lay
+with her in love's embrace; and united with her he pitied her, as
+though she were a maiden whom he was feeding with his own milk; but she
+comforted him with gentle words:
+
+(ll. 1741-1745) "Daughter of Triton am I, dear friend, and nurse of thy
+children, no maiden; Triton and Libya are my parents. But restore me to
+the daughters of Nereus to dwell in the sea near Anaphe; I shall return
+again to the light of the sun, to prepare a home for thy descendants."
+
+(ll. 1746-1748) Of this he stored in his heart the memory, and declared
+it to Aeson's son; and Jason pondered a prophecy of the Far-Darter and
+lifted up his voice and said:
+
+(ll. 1749-1754) "My friend, great and glorious renown has fallen to thy
+lot. For of this clod when thou hast cast it into the sea, the gods will
+make an island, where thy children's children shall dwell; for Triton
+gave this to thee as a stranger's gift from the Libyan mainland. None
+other of the immortals it was than he that gave thee this when he met
+thee."
+
+(ll. 1755-1764) Thus he spake; and Euphemus made not vain the answer
+of Aeson's son; but, cheered by the prophecy, he cast the clod into the
+depths. Therefrom rose up an island, Calliste, sacred nurse of the sons
+of Euphemus, who in former days dwelt in Sintian Lemnos, and from Lemnos
+were driven forth by Tyrrhenians and came to Sparta as suppliants; and
+when they left Sparta, Theras, the goodly son of Autesion, brought them
+to the island Calliste, and from himself he gave it the name of Thera.
+But this befell after the days of Euphemus.
+
+(ll. 1765-1772) And thence they steadily left behind long leagues of
+sea and stayed on the beach of Aegina; and at once they contended in
+innocent strife about the fetching of water, who first should draw it
+and reach the ship. For both their need and the ceaseless breeze urged
+them on. There even to this day do the youths of the Myrmidons take up
+on their shoulders full-brimming jars, and with swift feet strive for
+victory in the race.
+
+(ll. 1773-1781) Be gracious, race of blessed chieftains! And may these
+songs year after year be sweeter to sing among men. For now have I come
+to the glorious end of your toils; for no adventure befell you as ye
+came home from Aegina, and no tempest of winds opposed you; but quietly
+did ye skirt the Cecropian land and Aulis inside of Euboea and the
+Opuntian cities of the Locrians, and gladly did ye step forth upon the
+beach of Pagasae.
+
+
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+[Footnote 1001: "Or of Naucratis", according to Aelian and Athenaeus.]
+
+[Footnote 1002: Anth. Pal. xl. 275.]
+
+[Footnote 1003: iii. 117-124.]
+
+[Footnote 1004: e.g. compare "Aen." iv. 305 foll. with Ap. Rh. iv.
+355 foll.; "Aen." iv. 327-330 with Ap. Rh. I. 897, 898; "Aen." iv. 522
+foll., with Ap. Rh. iii. 744 foll.]
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+[Footnote 1101: i.e. God of embarcation.]
+
+[Footnote 1102: Or, reading EKTOTHEN, "they strongly girded the ship
+outside with a well-twisted rope." In either case there is probably no
+allusion to YPOZOMATA (ropes for undergirding) which were carried loose
+and only used in stormy weather.]
+
+[Footnote 1103: i.e. God of the shore.]
+
+[Footnote 1104: i.e. The Starting.]
+
+[Footnote 1105: Samothrace.]
+
+[Footnote 1106: i.e. god of disembarcation.]
+
+[Footnote 1107: Cleite means illustrious.]
+
+[Footnote 1108: i.e. to avoid grinding it at home.]
+
+[Footnote 1109: Rhea.]
+
+
+BOOK II.
+
+[Footnote 1201: i.e. Polydeuces.]
+
+[Footnote 1202: i.e. Saviour of Sailors.]
+
+[Footnote 1203: i.e. through the ravine that divides the headland.]
+
+[Footnote 1204: i.e. river of fair dances.]
+
+[Footnote 1205: i.e. the bedchamber.]
+
+[Footnote 1206: The north-west wind.]
+
+[Footnote 1207: Called "Mossynes".]
+
+[Footnote 1208: i.e. without exacting gifts from the bridegroom. So
+in the "Iliad" ix. 146: Agamemnon offers Achilles any of his three
+daughters ANAEONOS.]
+
+
+BOOK III.
+
+[Footnote 1301: i.e. the fight between the gods and the giants.]
+
+[Footnote 1302: i.e. the Shining One.]
+
+[Footnote 1303: A name of Ares.]
+
+Note 1304: i.e. the liquid that flows in the veins of gods.
+(missing anchor)
+
+Note 1305: Or, reading MENIM, "took no heed of the cause of wrath
+with the stranger-folk. (missing anchor)
+
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+[Footnote 1401: The allusion is to Sesotris. See Herodotus ii. 102
+foll.]
+
+[Footnote 1402: Or, reading EMETEREN, "into our sea". The Euxine is
+meant in any case and the word Ionian is therefore wrong.]
+
+[Footnote 1403: Apollonius seems to have thought that the Po, the Rhone,
+and the Rhine are all connected together.]
+
+[Footnote 1404: i.e. like the scrapings from skin, APOSTLEGGISMATA; see
+Strabo p. 224 for this adventure.]
+
+[Footnote 1405: The "Symplegades" are referred to, where help was given
+by Athena, not by Hera. It is strange that no mention is made of the
+"Planctae", properly so called, past which they are soon to be helped.
+Perhaps some lines have fallen out.]
+
+[Footnote 1406: i.e. the Mighty One.]
+
+[Footnote 1407: i.e. the Wanderers.]
+
+[Footnote 1408: A fabulous metal, resembling gold in appearance.]
+
+[Footnote 1409: i.e. the Sickle-island.]
+
+[Footnote 1410: The old name of Corinth.]
+
+[Footnote 1411: This seems to be the only possible translation, but the
+optative is quite anomalous. We should expect EKOMIZES.]
+
+[Footnote 1412: An old name of the Peloponnesus.]
+
+[Footnote 1413: i.e. the isle of Revealing.]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Argonautica, by Apollonius Rhodius
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+
+The Argonautica by Apollonius Rhodius (fl. 3rd Century B.C.)
+
+Originally written in Ancient Greek sometime in the 3rd Century
+B.C. by the Alexandrian poet Apollonius Rhodius ("Apollonius the
+Rhodian").  Translation by R.C. Seaton, 1912.
+
+
+This electronic edition was edited, proofed, and prepared by
+Douglas B. Killings (DeTroyes@EnterAct.COM), January 1997.
+
+PREPARER'S NOTE:
+Words in CAPITALS are Greek words transliterated into modern
+characters.
+
+*****************************************************************
+SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
+
+ORIGINAL TEXT --
+
+Seaton, R.C. (Ed. & Trans.): "Apollonius Rhodius: Argonautica"
+(Harvard University Press, Cambridge MA, 1912).  Original Greek
+text with side-by-side English translation.
+
+
+OTHER TRANSLATIONS --
+
+Rieu, E.V. (Trans.): "Apollonius of Rhodes: The Voyage of the
+Argo" (Penguin Classics, London, 1959, 1971).
+
+
+RECOMMENDED READING --
+
+Euripides: "Medea", "Hecabe", "Electra", and "Heracles",
+translated
+by Philip Vellacott (Penguin Classics, London, 1963).  Contains
+four plays by Euripides, two of which concern characters from
+"The Argonautica".
+
+*****************************************************************
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+Much has been written about the chronology of Alexandrian
+literature and the famous Library, founded by Ptolemy Soter, but
+the dates of the chief writers are still matters of conjecture.
+The birth of Apollonius Rhodius is placed by scholars at
+various times between 296 and 260 B.C., while the year of his
+death is equally uncertain.  In fact, we have very little
+information on the subject.  There are two "lives" of Apollonius
+in the Scholia, both derived from an earlier one which is lost.
+From these we learn that he was of Alexandria by birth, (1) that
+he lived in the time of the Ptolemies, and was a pupil of
+Callimachus; that while still a youth he composed and recited in
+public his "Argonautica", and that the poem was condemned, in
+consequence of which he retired to Rhodes; that there he revised
+his poem, recited it with great applause, and hence called
+himself a Rhodian.  The second "life" adds: "Some say that he
+returned to Alexandria and again recited his poem with the utmost
+success, so that he was honoured with the libraries of the Museum
+and was buried with Callimachus."  The last sentence may be
+interpreted by the notice of Suidas, who informs us that
+Apollonius was a contemporary of Eratosthenes, Euphorion and
+Timarchus, in the time of Ptolemy Euergetes, and that he
+succeeded Eratosthenes in the headship of the Alexandrian
+Library.  Suidas also informs us elsewhere that Aristophanes at
+the age of sixty-two succeeded Apollonius in this office.  Many
+modern scholars deny the "bibliothecariate" of Apollonius for
+chronological reasons, and there is considerable difficulty about
+it.  The date of Callimachus' "Hymn to Apollo", which closes with
+some lines (105-113) that are admittedly an allusion to
+Apollonius, may be put with much probability at 248 or 247 B.C.
+Apollonius must at that date have been at least twenty years old.
+Eratosthenes died 196-193 B.C.  This would make Apollonius
+seventy-two to seventy-five when he succeeded Eratosthenes.  This
+is not impossible, it is true, but it is difficult.  But the
+difficulty is taken away if we assume with Ritschl that
+Eratosthenes resigned his office some years before his death,
+which allows us to put the birth of Apollonius at about 280, and
+would solve other difficulties.  For instance, if the Librarians
+were buried within the precincts, it would account for the burial
+of Apollonius next to Callimachus--Eratosthenes being still
+alive.  However that may be, it is rather arbitrary to take away
+the "bibliothecariate" of Apollonius, which is clearly asserted
+by Suidas, on account of chronological calculations which are
+themselves uncertain.  Moreover, it is more probable that the
+words following "some say" in the second "life" are a remnant of
+the original life than a conjectural addition, because the first
+"life" is evidently incomplete, nothing being said about the end
+of Apollonius' career.
+
+The principal event in his life, so far as we know, was the
+quarrel with his master Callimachus, which was most probably the
+cause of his condemnation at Alexandria and departure to Rhodes.
+This quarrel appears to have arisen from differences of literary
+aims and taste, but, as literary differences often do,
+degenerated into the bitterest personal strife.  There are
+references to the quarrel in the writings of both.  Callimachus
+attacks Apollonius in the passage at the end of the "Hymn to
+Apollo", already mentioned, also probably in some epigrams, but
+most of all in his "Ibis", of which we have an imitation, or
+perhaps nearly a translation, in Ovid's poem of the same name. 
+On the part of Apollonius there is a passage in the third book of
+the "Argonautica" (11. 927-947) which is of a polemical nature
+and stands out from the context, and the well-known savage
+epigram upon Callimachus. (2)  Various combinations have been
+attempted by scholars, notably by Couat, in his "Poesie
+Alexandrine", to give a connected account of the quarrel, but we
+have not data sufficient to determine the order of the attacks,
+and replies, and counter-attacks.  The "Ibis" has been thought to
+mark the termination of the feud on the curious ground that it
+was impossible for abuse to go further.  It was an age when
+literary men were more inclined to comment on writings of the
+past than to produce original work.  Literature was engaged in
+taking stock of itself.  Homer was, of course, professedly
+admired by all, but more admired than imitated.  Epic poetry was
+out of fashion and we find many epigrams of this period--some
+by Callimachus--directed against the "cyclic" poets, by whom
+were meant at that time those who were always dragging in
+conventional and commonplace epithets and phrases peculiar to
+epic poetry.  Callimachus was in accordance with the spirit of
+the age when he proclaimed "a great book" to be "a great evil",
+and sought to confine poetical activity within the narrowest
+limits both of subject and space.  Theocritus agreed with him,
+both in principle and practice.  The chief characteristics of
+Alexandrianism are well summarized by Professor Robinson Ellis as
+follows: "Precision in form and metre, refinement in diction, a
+learning often degenerating into pedantry and obscurity, a
+resolute avoidance of everything commonplace in subject,
+sentiment or allusion."  These traits are more prominent in
+Callimachus than in Apollonius, but they are certainly to be seen
+in the latter.  He seems to have written the "Argonautica" out of
+bravado, to show that he could write an epic poem.  But the
+influence of the age was too strong.  Instead of the unity of an
+Epic we have merely a series of episodes, and it is the great
+beauty and power of one of these episodes that gives the poem its
+permanent value--the episode of the love of Jason and Medea.
+This occupies the greater part of the third book.  The first and
+second books are taken up with the history of the voyage to
+Colchis, while the fourth book describes the return voyage. 
+These portions constitute a metrical guide book, filled no doubt
+with many pleasing episodes, such as the rape of Hylas, the
+boxing match between Pollux and Amyeus, the account of Cyzicus,
+the account of the Amazons, the legend of Talos, but there is no
+unity running through the poem beyond that of the voyage itself.
+
+The Tale of the Argonauts had been told often before in verse and
+prose, and many authors' names are given in the Scholia to
+Apollonius, but their works have perished.  The best known
+earlier account that we have is that in Pindar's fourth Pythian
+ode, from which Apollonius has taken many details.  The subject
+was one for an epic poem, for its unity might have been found in
+the working out of the expiation due for the crime of Athamas;
+but this motive is barely mentioned by our author.
+
+As we have it, the motive of the voyage is the command of Pelias
+to bring back the golden fleece, and this command is based on
+Pelias' desire to destroy Jason, while the divine aid given to
+Jason results from the intention of Hera to punish Pelias for his
+neglect of the honour due to her.  The learning of Apollonius is
+not deep but it is curious; his general sentiments are not
+according to the Alexandrian standard, for they are simple and
+obvious.  In the mass of material from which he had to choose the
+difficulty was to know what to omit, and much skill is shown in
+fusing into a tolerably harmonious whole conflicting mythological
+and historical details.  He interweaves with his narrative local
+legends and the founding of cities, accounts of strange customs,
+descriptions of works of art, such as that of Ganymede and Eros
+playing with knucklebones, (3) but prosaically calls himself back
+to the point from these pleasing digressions by such an
+expression as "but this would take me too far from my song."  His
+business is the straightforward tale and nothing else.  The
+astonishing geography of the fourth book reminds us of the
+interest of the age in that subject, stimulated no doubt by the
+researches of Eratosthenes and others.
+
+The language is that of the conventional epic.  Apollonius seems
+to have carefully studied Homeric glosses, and gives many
+examples of isolated uses, but his choice of words is by no means
+limited to Homer.  He freely avails himself of Alexandrian words
+and late uses of Homeric words.  Among his contemporaries
+Apollonius suffers from a comparison with Theocritus, who was a
+little his senior, but he was much admired by Roman writers who
+derived inspiration from the great classical writers of Greece by
+way of Alexandria.  In fact Alexandria was a useful bridge
+between Athens and Rome.  The "Argonautica" was translated by
+Varro Atacinus, copied by Ovid and Virgil, and minutely studied
+by Valerius Flaccus in his poem of the same name.  Some of his
+finest passages have been appropriated and improved upon by
+Virgil by the divine right of superior genius. (4)  The subject
+of love had been treated in the romantic spirit before the time
+of Apollonius in writings that have perished, for instance, in
+those of Antimachus of Colophon, but the "Argonautica" is perhaps
+the first poem still extant in which the expression of this
+spirit is developed with elaboration.  The Medea of Apollonius is
+the direct precursor of the Dido of Virgil, and it is the pathos
+and passion of the fourth book of the "Aeneid" that keep alive
+many a passage of Apollonius.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  "Or of Naucratis", according to Aelian and Athenaeus.
+(2)  Anth. Pal. xl. 275.
+(3)  iii. 117-124.
+(4)  e.g. compare "Aen." iv. 305 foll. with Ap. Rh. iv. 355
+     foll.; "Aen." iv. 327-330 with Ap. Rh. I. 897, 898; "Aen."
+     iv. 522 foll., with Ap. Rh. iii. 744 foll.
+
+
+
+THE ARGONAUTICA
+
+BOOK I
+
+(ll. 1-4)  Beginning with thee, O Phoebus, I will recount the
+famous deeds of men of old, who, at the behest of King Pelias,
+down through the mouth of Pontus and between the Cyanean rocks,
+sped well-benched Argo in quest of the golden fleece.
+
+(ll. 5-17)  Such was the oracle that Pelias heard, that a hateful
+doom awaited him to be slain at the prompting of the man whom he
+should see coming forth from the people with but one sandal.  And
+no long time after, in accordance with that true report, Jason
+crossed the stream of wintry Anaurus on foot, and saved one
+sandal from the mire, but the other he left in the depths held
+back by the flood.  And straightway he came to Pelias to share
+the banquet which the king was offering to his father Poseidon
+and the rest of the gods, though he paid no honour to Pelasgian
+Hera.  Quickly the king saw him and pondered, and devised for him
+the toil of a troublous voyage, in order that on the sea or among
+strangers he might lose his home-return.
+
+(ll. 18-22)  The ship, as former bards relate, Argus wrought by
+the guidance of Athena.  But now I will tell the lineage and the
+names of the heroes, and of the long sea-paths and the deeds they
+wrought in their wanderings; may the Muses be the inspirers of my
+song!
+
+(ll. 23-34)  First then let us name Orpheus whom once Calliope
+bare, it is said, wedded to Thracian Oeagrus, near the Pimpleian
+height.  Men say that he by the music of his songs charmed the
+stubborn rocks upon the mountains and the course of rivers.  And
+the wild oak-trees to this day, tokens of that magic strain, that
+grow at Zone on the Thracian shore, stand in ordered ranks close
+together, the same which under the charm of his lyre he led down
+from Pieria.  Such then was Orpheus whom Aeson's son welcomed to
+share his toils, in obedience to the behest of Cheiron, Orpheus
+ruler of Bistonian Pieria.
+
+(ll. 35-39)  Straightway came Asterion, whom Cometes begat by the
+waters of eddying Apidanus; he dwelt at Peiresiae near the
+Phylleian mount, where mighty Apidanus and bright Enipeus join
+their streams, coming together from afar.
+
+(ll. 40-44)  Next to them from Larisa came Polyphemus, son of
+Eilatus, who aforetime among the mighty Lapithae, when they were
+arming themselves against the Centaurs, fought in his younger
+days; now his limbs were grown heavy with age, but his martial
+spirit still remained, even as of old.
+
+(ll. 45-48)  Nor was Iphiclus long left behind in Phylace, the
+uncle of Aeson's son; for Aeson had wedded his sister Alcimede,
+daughter of Phylacus: his kinship with her bade him be numbered
+in the host.
+
+(ll. 49-50)  Nor did Admetus, the lord of Pherae rich in sheep,
+stay behind beneath the peak of the Chalcodonian mount.
+
+(ll. 51-56)  Nor at Alope stayed the sons of Hermes, rich in
+corn-land, well skilled in craftiness, Erytus and Echion, and
+with them on their departure their kinsman Aethalides went as the
+third; him near the streams of Amphrysus Eupolemeia bare, the
+daughter of Myrmidon, from Phthia; the two others were sprung
+from Antianeira, daughter of Menetes.
+
+(ll. 57-64)  From rich Gyrton came Coronus, son of Caeneus,
+brave, but not braver than his father.  For bards relate that
+Caeneus though still living perished at the hands of the
+Centaurs, when apart from other chiefs he routed them; and they,
+rallying against him, could neither bend nor slay him; but
+unconquered and unflinching he passed beneath the earth,
+overwhelmed by the downrush of massy pines.
+
+(ll. 65-68)  There came too Titaresian Mopsus, whom above all men
+the son of Leto taught the augury of birds; and Eurydamas the son
+of Ctimenus; he dwelt at Dolopian Ctimene near the Xynian lake.
+
+(ll. 69-70)  Moreover Actor sent his son Menoetius from Opus that
+he might accompany the chiefs.
+
+(ll. 71-76)  Eurytion followed and strong Eribotes, one the son
+of Teleon, the other of Irus, Actor's son; the son of Teleon
+renowned Eribotes, and of Irus Eurytion.  A third with them was
+Oileus, peerless in courage and well skilled to attack the flying
+foe, when they break their ranks.
+
+(ll. 77-85)  Now from Euboea came Canthus eager for the quest,
+whom Canethus son of Abas sent; but he was not destined to return
+to Cerinthus.  For fate had ordained that he and Mopsus, skilled
+in the seer's art, should wander and perish in the furthest ends
+of Libya.  For no ill is too remote for mortals to incur, seeing
+that they buried them in Libya, as far from the Colchians as is
+the space that is seen between the setting and the rising of the
+sun.
+
+(ll. 86-89)  To him Clytius and Iphitus joined themselves, the
+warders of Oechalia, sons of Eurytus the ruthless, Eurytus, to
+whom the Far-shooting god gave his bow; but he had no joy of the
+gift; for of his own choice he strove even with the giver.
+
+(ll. 90-94)  After them came the sons of Aeacus, not both
+together, nor from the same spot; for they settled far from
+Aegina in exile, when in their folly they had slain their brother
+Phoeus.  Telamon dwelt in the Attic island; but Peleus departed
+and made his home in Phthia.
+
+(ll. 95-104)  After them from Cecropia came warlike Butes, son of
+brave Teleon, and Phalerus of the ashen spear.  Alcon his father
+sent him forth; yet no other sons had he to care for his old age
+and livelihood.  But him, his well-beloved and only son, he sent
+forth that amid bold heroes he might shine conspicuous.  But
+Theseus, who surpassed all the sons of Erechtheus, an unseen bond
+kept beneath the land of Taenarus, for he had followed that path
+with Peirithous; assuredly both would have lightened for all the
+fulfilment of their toil.
+
+(ll. 105-114)  Tiphys, son of Hagnias, left the Siphaean people
+of the Thespians, well skilled to foretell the rising wave on the
+broad sea, and well skilled to infer from sun and star the stormy
+winds and the time for sailing.  Tritonian Athena herself urged
+him to join the band of chiefs, and he came among them a welcome
+comrade.  She herself too fashioned the swift ship; and with her
+Argus, son of Arestor, wrought it by her counsels.  Wherefore it
+proved the most excellent of all ships that have made trial of
+the sea with oars.
+
+(ll. 115-117)  After them came Phlias from Araethyrea, where he
+dwelt in affluence by the favour of his father Dionysus, in his
+home by the springs of Asopus.
+
+(ll. 118-121)  From Argos came Talaus and Areius, sons of Bias,
+and mighty Leodocus, all of whom Pero daughter of Neleus bare; on
+her account the Aeolid Melampus endured sore affliction in the
+steading of Iphiclus.
+
+(ll. 122-132)  Nor do we learn that Heracles of the mighty heart
+disregarded the eager summons of Aeson's son.  But when he heard
+a report of the heroes' gathering and had reached Lyrceian Argos
+from Arcadia by the road along which he carried the boar alive
+that fed in the thickets of Lampeia, near the vast Erymanthian
+swamp, the boar bound with chains he put down from his huge
+shoulders at the entrance to the market-place of Mycenae; and
+himself of his own will set out against the purpose of
+Eurystheus; and with him went Hylas, a brave comrade, in the
+flower of youth, to bear his arrows and to guard his bow.
+
+(ll. 133-138)  Next to him came a scion of the race of divine
+Danaus, Nauplius.  He was the son of Clytonaeus son of Naubolus;
+Naubolus was son of Lernus; Lernus we know was the son of Proetus
+son of Nauplius; and once Amymone daughter of Danaus, wedded to
+Poseidon, bare Nauplius, who surpassed all men in naval skill.
+
+(ll. 139-145)  Idmon came last of all them that dwelt at Argos,
+for though he had learnt his own fate by augury, he came, that
+the people might not grudge him fair renown.  He was not in truth
+the son of Abas, but Leto's son himself begat him to be numbered
+among the illustrious Aeolids; and himself taught him the art of
+prophecy--to pay heed to birds and to observe the signs of the
+burning sacrifice.
+
+(ll. 146-150)  Moreover Aetolian Leda sent from Sparta strong
+Polydeuces and Castor, skilled to guide swift-footed steeds;
+these her dearly-loved sons she bare at one birth in the house of
+Tyndareus; nor did she forbid their departure; for she had
+thoughts worthy of the bride of Zeus.
+
+(ll. 151-155)  The sons of Aphareus, Lynceus and proud Idas, came
+from Arene, both exulting in their great strength; and Lynceus
+too excelled in keenest sight, if the report is true that that
+hero could easily direct his sight even beneath the earth.
+
+(ll. 156-160)  And with them Neleian Periclymenus set out to
+come, eldest of all the sons of godlike Neleus who were born at
+Pylos; Poseidon had given him boundless strength and granted him
+that whatever shape he should crave during the fight, that he
+should take in the stress of battle.
+
+(ll. 161-171)  Moreover from Arcadia came Amphidamas and Cepheus,
+who inhabited Tegea and the allotment of Apheidas, two sons of
+Aldus; and Ancaeus followed them as the third, whom his father
+Lycurgus sent, the brother older than both.  But he was left in
+the city to care for Aleus now growing old, while he gave his son
+to join his brothers.  Antaeus went clad in the skin of a
+Maenalian bear, and wielding in his right hand a huge two-edged
+battleaxe.  For his armour his grandsire had hidden in the
+house's innermost recess, to see if he might by some means still
+stay his departure.
+
+(ll. 172-175)  There came also Augeias, whom fame declared to be
+the son of Helios; he reigned over the Eleans, glorying in his
+wealth; and greatly he desired to behold the Colchian land and
+Aeetes himself the ruler of the Colchians.
+
+(ll. 176-178)  Asterius and Amphion, sons of Hyperasius, came
+from Achaean Pellene, which once Pelles their grandsire founded
+on the brows of Aegialus.
+
+(ll. 179-184)  After them from Taenarus came Euphemus whom, most
+swift-footed of men, Europe, daughter of mighty Tityos, bare to
+Poseidon.  He was wont to skim the swell of the grey sea, and
+wetted not his swift feet, but just dipping the tips of his toes
+was borne on the watery path.
+
+(ll. 185-189)  Yea, and two other sons of Poseidon came; one
+Erginus, who left the citadel of glorious Miletus, the other
+proud Ancaeus, who left Parthenia, the seat of Imbrasion Hera;
+both boasted their skill in seacraft and in war.
+
+(ll. 190-201)  After them from Calydon came the son of Oeneus,
+strong Meleagrus, and Laocoon--Laocoon the brother of Oeneus,
+though not by the same mother, for a serving-woman bare him; him,
+now growing old, Oeneus sent to guard his son: thus Meleagrus,
+still a youth, entered the bold band of heroes.  No other had
+come superior to him, I ween, except Heracles, if for one year
+more he had tarried and been nurtured among the Aetolians.  Yea,
+and his uncle, well skilled to fight whether with the javelin or
+hand to hand, Iphiclus son of Thestius, bare him company on his
+way.
+
+(ll. 202-206)  With him came Palaemonius, son of Olenian Lernus,
+of Lernus by repute, but his birth was from Hephaestus; and so he
+was crippled in his feet, but his bodily frame and his valour no
+one would dare to scorn.  Wherefore he was numbered among all the
+chiefs, winning fame for Jason.
+
+(ll. 207-210)  From the Phocians came Iphitus sprung from
+Naubolus son of Ornytus; once he had been his host when Jason
+went to Pytho to ask for a response concerning his voyage; for
+there he welcomed him in his own hails.
+
+(ll. 211-223)  Next came Zetes and Calais, sons of Boreas, whom
+once Oreithyia, daughter of Erechtheus, bare to Boreas on the
+verge of wintry Thrace; thither it was that Thracian Boreas
+snatched her away from Cecropia as she was whirling in the dance,
+hard by Hissus' stream.  And, carrying her far off, to the spot
+that men called the rock of Sarpedon, near the river Erginus, he
+wrapped her in dark clouds and forced her to his will.  There
+they were making their dusky wings quiver upon their ankles on
+both sides as they rose, a great wonder to behold, wings that
+gleamed with golden scales: and round their backs from the top of
+the head and neck, hither and thither, their dark tresses were
+being shaken by the wind.
+
+(ll. 224-227)  No, nor had Acastus son of mighty Pelias himself
+any will to stay behind in the palace of his brave sire, nor
+Argus, helper of the goddess Athena; but they too were ready to
+be numbered in the host.
+
+(ll. 228-233)  So many then were the helpers who assembled to
+join the son of Aeson.  All the chiefs the dwellers thereabout
+called Minyae, for the most and the bravest avowed that they were
+sprung from the blood of the daughters of Minyas; thus Jason
+himself was the son of Alcimede who was born of Clymene the
+daughter of Minyas.
+
+(ll. 234-241)  Now when all things had been made ready by the
+thralls, all things that fully-equipped ships are furnished
+withal when men's business leads them to voyage across the sea,
+then the heroes took their way through the city to the ship where
+it lay on the strand that men call Magnesian Pagasae; and a crowd
+of people hastening rushed together; but the heroes shone like
+gleaming stars among the clouds; and each man as he saw them
+speeding along with their armour would say:
+
+(ll. 242-246)  "King Zeus, what is the purpose of Pelias? 
+Whither is he driving forth from the Panachaean land so great a
+host of heroes?  On one day they would waste the palace of Aeetes
+with baleful fire, should he not yield them the fleece of his own
+goodwill.  But the path is not to be shunned, the toil is hard
+for those who venture."
+
+(ll. 247-250)  Thus they spake here and there throughout the
+city; but the women often raised their hands to the sky in prayer
+to the immortals to grant a return, their hearts' desire.  And
+one with tears thus lamented to her fellow:
+
+(ll. 251-260)  "Wretched Alcimede, evil has come to thee at last
+though late, thou hast not ended with splendour of life.  Aeson
+too, ill-fated man!  Surely better had it been for him, if he
+were lying beneath the earth, enveloped in his shroud, still
+unconscious of bitter toils.  Would that the dark wave, when the
+maiden Helle perished, had overwhelmed Phrixus too with the ram;
+but the dire portent even sent forth a human voice, that it might
+cause to Alcimede sorrows and countless pains hereafter."
+
+(ll. 261-277)  Thus the women spake at the departure of the
+heroes.  And now many thralls, men and women, were gathered
+together, and his mother, smitten with grief for Jason.  And a
+bitter pang seized every woman's heart; and with them groaned the
+father in baleful old age, lying on his bed, closely wrapped
+round.  But the hero straightway soothed their pain, encouraging
+them, and bade the thralls take up his weapons for war; and they
+in silence with downcast looks took them up.  And even as the
+mother had thrown her arms about her son, so she clung, weeping
+without stint, as a maiden all alone weeps, falling fondly on the
+neck of her hoary nurse, a maid who has now no others to care for
+her, but she drags on a weary life under a stepmother, who
+maltreats her continually with ever fresh insults, and as she
+weeps, her heart within her is bound fast with misery, nor can
+she sob forth all the groans that struggle for utterance; so
+without stint wept Alcimede straining her son in her arms, and in
+her yearning grief spake as follows:
+
+(ll. 278-291)  "Would that on that day when, wretched woman that
+I am, I heard King Pelias proclaim his evil behest, I had
+straightway given up my life and forgotten my cares, so that thou
+thyself, my son, with thine own hands, mightest have buried me;
+for that was the only wish left me still to be fulfilled by time,
+all the other rewards for thy nurture have I long enjoyed.  Now
+I, once so admired among Achaean women, shall be left behind like
+a bondwoman in my empty halls, pining away, ill-fated one, for
+love of thee, thee on whose account I had aforetime so much
+splendour and renown, my only son for whom I loosed my virgin
+zone first and last.  For to me beyond others the goddess
+Eileithyia grudged abundant offspring.  Alas for my folly!  Not
+once, not even in nay dreams did I forebode this, that the flight
+of Phrixus would bring me woe."
+
+(ll. 292-294)  Thus with moaning she wept, and her handmaidens,
+standing by, lamented; but Jason spake gently to her with
+comforting words:
+
+(ll. 295-305)  "Do not, I pray thee, mother, store up bitter
+sorrows overmuch, for thou wilt not redeem me from evil by tears,
+but wilt still add grief to grief.  For unseen are the woes that
+the gods mete out to mortals; be strong to endure thy share of
+them though with grief in thy heart; take courage from the
+promises of Athena, and from the answers of the gods (for very
+favourable oracles has Phoebus given), and then from the help of
+the chieftains.  But do thou remain here, quiet among thy
+handmaids, and be not a bird of ill omen to the ship; and thither
+my clansmen and thralls will follow me."
+
+(ll. 306-316)  He spake, and started forth to leave the house.
+And as Apollo goes forth from some fragrant shrine to divine
+Delos or Claros or Pytho or to broad Lyeia near the stream of
+Xanthus, in such beauty moved Jason through the throng of people;
+and a cry arose as they shouted together.  And there met him aged
+Iphias, priestess of Artemis guardian of the city, and kissed his
+right hand, but she had not strength to say a word, for all her
+eagerness, as the crowd rushed on, but she was left there by the
+wayside, as the old are left by the young, and he passed on and
+was gone afar.
+
+(ll. 317-331)  Now when he had left the well-built streets of the
+city, he came to the beach of Pagasae, where his comrades greeted
+him as they stayed together near the ship Argo.  And he stood at
+the entering in, and they were gathered to meet him.  And they
+perceived Aeastus and Argus coming from the city, and they
+marvelled when they saw them hasting with all speed, despite the
+will of Pelias.  The one, Argus, son of Arestor, had cast round
+his shoulders the hide of a bull reaching to his feet, with the
+black hair upon it, the other, a fair mantle of double fold,
+which his sister Pelopeia had given him.  Still Jason forebore
+from asking them about each point but bade all be seated for an
+assembly.  And there, upon the folded sails and the mast as it
+lay on the ground, they all took their seats in order.  And among
+them with goodwill spake Aeson's son:
+
+(ll. 332-340)  "All the equipment that a ship needs for all is in
+due order--lies ready for our departure.  Therefore we will
+make no long delay in our sailing for these things' sake, when
+the breezes but blow fair.  But, friends,--for common to all is
+our return to Hellas hereafter, and common to all is our path to
+the land of Aeetes--now therefore with ungrudging heart choose
+the bravest to be our leader, who shall be careful for
+everything, to take upon him our quarrels and covenants with
+strangers."
+
+(ll. 341-344)  Thus he spake; and the young heroes turned their
+eyes towards bold Heracles sitting in their midst, and with one
+shout they all enjoined upon him to be their leader; but he, from
+the place where he sat, stretched forth his right hand and said:
+
+(ll. 345-347)  "Let no one offer this honour to me.  For I will
+not consent, and I will forbid any other to stand up.  Let the
+hero who brought us together, himself be the leader of the host."
+
+(ll. 348-350)  Thus he spake with high thoughts, and they
+assented, as Heracles bade; and warlike Jason himself rose up,
+glad at heart, and thus addressed the eager throng:
+
+(ll. 351-362)  "If ye entrust your glory to my care, no longer as
+before let our path be hindered.  Now at last let us propitiate
+Phoebus with sacrifice and straightway prepare a feast.  And
+until my thralls come, the overseers of my steading, whose care
+it is to choose out oxen from the herd and drive them hither, we
+will drag down the ship to the sea, and do ye place all the
+tackling within, and draw lots for the benches for rowing.
+Meantime let us build upon the beach an altar to Apollo Embasius
+(1) who by an oracle promised to point out and show me the paths
+of the sea, if by sacrifice to him I should begin my venture for
+King Pelias."
+
+(ll. 363-393)  He spake, and was the first to turn to the work,
+and they stood up in obedience to him; and they heaped their
+garments, one upon the other, on a smooth stone, which the sea
+did not strike with its waves, but the stormy surge had cleansed
+it long before.  First of all, by the command of Argus, they
+strongly girded the ship with a rope well twisted within, (2)
+stretching it tight on each side, in order that the planks might
+be well compacted by the bolts and might withstand the opposing
+force of the surge.  And they quickly dug a trench as wide as the
+space the ship covered, and at the prow as far into the sea as it
+would run when drawn down by their hands.  And they ever dug
+deeper in front of the stem, and in the furrow laid polished
+rollers; and inclined the ship down upon the first rollers, that
+so she might glide and be borne on by them.  And above, on both
+sides, reversing the oars, they fastened them round the thole-
+pins, so as to project a cubit's space.  And the heroes
+themselves stood on both sides at the oars in a row, and pushed
+forward with chest and hand at once.  And then Tiphys leapt on
+board to urge the youths to push at the right moment; and calling
+on them he shouted loudly; and they at once, leaning with all
+their strength, with one push started the ship from her place,
+and strained with their feet, forcing her onward; and Pelian Argo
+followed swiftly; and they on each side shouted as they rushed
+on.  And then the rollers groaned under the sturdy keel as they
+were chafed, and round them rose up a dark smoke owing to the
+weight, and she glided into the sea; but the heroes stood there
+and kept dragging her back as she sped onward.  And round the
+thole-pins they fitted the oars, and in the ship they placed the
+mast and the well-made sails and the stores.
+
+(ll. 394-401)  Now when they had carefully paid heed to
+everything, first they distributed the benches by lot, two men
+occupying one seat; but the middle bench they chose for Heracles
+and Ancaeus apart from the other heroes, Ancaeus who dwelt in
+Tegea.  For them alone they left the middle bench just as it was
+and not by lot; and with one consent they entrusted Tiphys with
+guarding the helm of the well-stemmed ship.
+
+(ll. 402-410)  Next, piling up shingle near the sea, they raised
+there an altar on the shore to Apollo, under the name of Actius
+(3) and Embasius, and quickly spread above it logs of dried
+olive-wood.  Meantime the herdsmen of Aeson's son had driven
+before them from the herd two steers.  These the younger comrades
+dragged near the altars, and the others brought lustral water and
+barley meal, and Jason prayed, calling on Apollo the god of his
+fathers:
+
+(ll. 411-424)  "Hear, O King, that dwellest in Pagasae and the
+city Aesonis, the city called by my father's name, thou who didst
+promise me, when I sought thy oracle at Pytho, to show the
+fulfilment and goal of my journey, for thou thyself hast been the
+cause of my venture; now do thou thyself guide the ship with my
+comrades safe and sound, thither and back again to Hellas.  Then
+in thy honour hereafter we will lay again on thy altar the bright
+offerings of bulls--all of us who return; and other gifts in
+countless numbers I will bring to Pytho and Ortygia.  And now,
+come, Far-darter, accept this sacrifice at our hands, which first
+of all we have offered thee for this ship on our embarcation; and
+grant, O King, that with a prosperous weird I may loose the
+hawsers, relying on thy counsel, and may the breeze blow softly
+with which we shall sail over the sea in fair weather."
+
+(ll. 425-439)  He spake, and with his prayer cast the barley
+meal.  And they two girded themselves to slay the steers, proud
+Ancaeus and Heracles.  The latter with his club smote one steer
+mid-head on the brow, and falling in a heap on the spot, it sank
+to the ground; and Ancaeus struck the broad neck of the other
+with his axe of bronze, and shore through the mighty sinews; and
+it fell prone on both its horns.  Their comrades quickly severed
+the victims' throats, and flayed the hides: they sundered the
+joints and carved the flesh, then cut out the sacred thigh bones,
+and covering them all together closely with fat burnt them upon
+cloven wood.  And Aeson's son poured out pure libations, and
+Idmon rejoiced beholding the flame as it gleamed on every side
+from the sacrifice, and the smoke of it mounting up with good
+omen in dark spiral columns; and quickly he spake outright the
+will of Leto's son:
+
+(ll. 440-447)  "For you it is the will of heaven and destiny that
+ye shall return here with the fleece; but meanwhile both going
+and returning, countless trials await you.  But it is my lot, by
+the hateful decree of a god, to die somewhere afar off on the
+mainland of Asia.  Thus, though I learnt my fate from evil omens
+even before now, I have left my fatherland to embark on the ship,
+that so after my embarking fair fame may be left me in my house."
+
+(ll. 448-462)  Thus he spake; and the youths hearing the divine
+utterance rejoiced at their return, but grief seized them for the
+fate of Idmon.  Now at the hour when the sun passes his noon-tide
+halt and the ploughlands are just being shadowed by the rocks, as
+the sun slopes towards the evening dusk, at that hour all the
+heroes spread leaves thickly upon the sand and lay down in rows
+in front of the hoary surf-line; and near them were spread vast
+stores of viands and sweet wine, which the cupbearers had drawn
+off in pitchers; afterwards they told tales one to another in
+turn, such as youths often tell when at the feast and the bowl
+they take delightful pastime, and insatiable insolence is far
+away.  But here the son of Aeson, all helpless, was brooding over
+each event in his mind, like one oppressed with thought.  And
+Idas noted him and assailed him with loud voice:
+
+(ll. 463-471)  "Son of Aeson, what is this plan thou art turning
+over in mind.  Speak out thy thought in the midst.  Does fear
+come on and master thee, fear, that confounds cowards?  Be
+witness now my impetuous spear, wherewith in wars I win renown
+beyond all others (nor does Zeus aid me so much as my own spear),
+that no woe will be fatal, no venture will be unachieved, while
+Idas follows, even though a god should oppose thee.  Such a
+helpmeet am I that thou bringest from Arene."
+
+(ll. 472-475)  He spake, and holding a brimming goblet in both
+hands drank off the unmixed sweet wine; and his lips and dark
+cheeks were drenched with it; and all the heroes clamoured
+together and Idmon spoke out openly:
+
+(ll. 480-484)  "Vain wretch, thou art devising destruction for
+thyself before the time.  Does the pure wine cause thy bold heart
+to swell in thy breast to thy ruin, and has it set thee on to
+dishonour the gods?  Other words of comfort there are with which
+a man might encourage his comrade; but thou hast spoken with
+utter recklessness.  Such taunts, the tale goes, did the sons of
+Aloeus once blurt out against the blessed gods, and thou dost no
+wise equal them in valour; nevertheless they were both slain by
+the swift arrows of Leto's son, mighty though they were."
+
+(ll. 485-486)  Thus he spake, and Aphareian Iclas laughed out,
+loud and long, and eyeing him askance replied with biting words:
+
+(ll. 487-491)  "Come now, tell me this by thy prophetic art,
+whether for me too the gods will bring to pass such doom as thy
+father promised for the sons of Aloeus.  And bethink thee how
+thou wilt escape from my hands alive, if thou art caught making a
+prophecy vain as the idle wind."
+
+(ll. 492-495)  Thus in wrath Idas reviled him, and the strife
+would have gone further had not their comrades and Aeson's son
+himself with indignant cry restrained the contending chiefs; and
+Orpheus lifted his lyre in his left hand and made essay to sing.
+
+(ll. 496-511)  He sang how the earth, the heaven and the sea,
+once mingled together in one form, after deadly strife were
+separated each from other; and how the stars and the moon and the
+paths of the sun ever keep their fixed place in the sky; and how
+the mountains rose, and how the resounding rivers with their
+nymphs came into being and all creeping things.  And he sang how
+first of all Ophion and Eurynome, daughter of Ocean, held the
+sway of snowy Olympus, and how through strength of arm one
+yielded his prerogative to Cronos and the other to Rhea, and how
+they fell into the waves of Ocean; but the other two meanwhile
+ruled over the blessed Titan-gods, while Zeus, still a child and
+with the thoughts of a child, dwelt in the Dictaean cave; and the
+earthborn Cyclopes had not yet armed him with the bolt, with
+thunder and lightning; for these things give renown to Zeus.
+
+(ll. 512-518)  He ended, and stayed his lyre and divine voice.
+But though he had ceased they still bent forward with eagerness
+all hushed to quiet, with ears intent on the enchanting strain;
+such a charm of song had he left behind in their hearts.  Not
+long after they mixed libations in honour of Zeus, with pious
+rites as is customary, and poured them upon the burning tongues,
+and bethought them of sleep in the darkness.
+
+(ll. 519-558)  Now when gleaming dawn with bright eyes beheld the
+lofty peaks of Pelion, and the calm headlands were being drenched
+as the sea was ruffled by the winds, then Tiphys awoke from
+sleep; and at once he roused his comrades to go on board and make
+ready the oars.  And a strange cry did the harbour of Pagasae
+utter, yea and Pelian Argo herself, urging them to set forth. 
+For in her a beam divine had been laid which Athena had brought
+from an oak of Dodona and fitted in the middle of the stem.  And
+the heroes went to the benches one after the other, as they had
+previously assigned for each to row in his place, and took their
+seats in due order near their fighting gear.  In the middle sat
+Antaeus and mighty Heracles, and near him he laid his club, and
+beneath his tread the ship's keel sank deep.  And now the hawsers
+were being slipped and they poured wine on the sea.  But Jason
+with tears held his eyes away from his fatherland.  And just as
+youths set up a dance in honour of Phoebus either in Pytho or
+haply in Ortygia, or by the waters of Ismenus, and to the sound
+of the lyre round his altar all together in time beat the earth
+with swiftly-moving feet; so they to the sound of Orpheus' lyre
+smote with their oars the rushing sea-water, and the surge broke
+over the blades; and on this side and on that the dark brine
+seethed with foam, boiling terribly through the might of the
+sturdy heroes.  And their arms shone in the sun like flame as the
+ship sped on; and ever their wake gleamed white far behind, like
+a path seen over a green plain.  On that day all the gods looked
+down from heaven upon the ship and the might of the heroes, half-
+divine, the bravest of men then sailing the sea; and on the
+topmost heights the nymphs of Pelion wondered as they beheld the
+work of Itonian Athena, and the heroes themselves wielding the
+oars.  And there came down from the mountain-top to the sea
+Chiron, son of Philyra, and where the white surf broke he dipped
+his feet, and, often waving with his broad hand, cried out to
+them at their departure, "Good speed and a sorrowless home-
+return!"  And with him his wife, bearing Peleus' son Achilles on
+her arm, showed the child to his dear father.
+
+(ll. 559-579)  Now when they had left the curving shore of the
+harbour through the cunning and counsel of prudent Tiphys son of
+Hagnias, who skilfully handled the well-polished helm that he
+might guide them steadfastly, then at length they set up the tall
+mast in the mastbox, and secured it with forestays, drawing them
+taut on each side, and from it they let down the sail when they
+had hauled it to the top-mast.  And a breeze came down piping
+shrilly; and upon the deck they fastened the ropes separately
+round the well-polished pins, and ran quietly past the long
+Tisaean headland.  And for them the son of Oeagrus touched his
+lyre and sang in rhythmical song of Artemis, saviour of ships,
+child of a glorious sire, who hath in her keeping those peaks by
+the sea, and the land of Iolcos; and the fishes came darting
+through the deep sea, great mixed with small, and followed
+gambolling along the watery paths.  And as when in the track of
+the shepherd, their master, countless sheep follow to the fold
+that have fed to the full of grass, and he goes before gaily
+piping a shepherd's strain on Iris shrill reed; so these fishes
+followed; and a chasing breeze ever bore the ship onward.
+
+(ll. 580-591)  And straightway the misty land of the Pelasgians,
+rich in cornfields, sank out of sight, and ever speeding onward
+they passed the rugged sides of Pelion; and the Sepian headland
+sank away, and Sciathus appeared in the sea, and far off appeared
+Piresiae and the calm shore of Magnesia on the mainland and the
+tomb of Dolops; here then in the evening, as the wind blew
+against them, they put to land, and paying honour to him at
+nightfall burnt sheep as victims, while the sea was tossed by
+the swell: and for two days they lingered on the shore, but on
+the third day they put forth the ship, spreading on high the
+broad sail.  And even now men call that beach Aphetae (4) of
+Argo.
+
+(ll. 592-608)  Thence going forward they ran past Meliboea,
+escaping a stormy beach and surf-line.  And in the morning they
+saw Homole close at hand leaning on the sea, and skirted it, and
+not long after they were about to pass by the outfall of the
+river Amyrus.  From there they beheld Eurymenae and the seawashed
+ravines of Ossa and Olympus; next they reached the slopes of
+Pallene, beyond the headland of Canastra, running all night with
+the wind.  And at dawn before them as they journeyed rose Athos,
+the Thracian mountain, which with its topmost peak overshadows
+Lemnos, even as far as Myrine, though it lies as far off as the
+space that a well-trimmed merchantship would traverse up to
+mid-day.  For them on that day, till darkness fell, the breeze
+blew exceedingly fresh, and the sails of the ship strained to it.
+But with the setting of the sun the wind left them, and it was by
+the oars that they reached Lemnos, the Sintian isle.
+
+(ll. 609-639)  Here the whole of the men of the people together
+had been ruthlessly slain through the transgressions of the women
+in the year gone by.  For the men had rejected their lawful
+wives, loathing them, and had conceived a fierce passion for
+captive maids whom they themselves brought across the sea from
+their forays in Thrace; for the terrible wrath of Cypris came
+upon them, because for a long time they had grudged her the
+honours due.  O hapless women, and insatiate in jealousy to their
+own ruin!  Not their husbands alone with the captives did they
+slay on account of the marriage-bed, but all the males at the
+same time, that they might thereafter pay no retribution for the
+grim murder.  And of all the women, Hypsipyle alone spared her
+aged father Thoas, who was king over the people; and she sent him
+in a hollow chest, to drift over the sea, if haply he should
+escape.  And fishermen dragged him to shore at the island of
+Oenoe, formerly Oenoe, but afterwards called Sicinus from
+Sicinus, whom the water-nymph Oenoe bore to Thoas.  Now for all
+the women to tend kine, to don armour of bronze, and to cleave
+with the plough-share the wheat-bearing fields, was easier than
+the works of Athena, with which they were busied aforetime.  Yet
+for all that did they often gaze over the broad sea, in grievous
+fear against the Thracians' coming.  So when they saw Argo being
+rowed near the island, straightway crowding in multitude from the
+gates of Myrine and clad in their harness of war, they poured
+forth to the beach like ravening Thyiades: for they deemed that
+the Thracians were come; and with them Hypsipyle, daughter of
+Thoas, donned her father's harness.  And they streamed down
+speechless with dismay; such fear was wafted about them.
+
+(ll. 640-652)  Meantime from the ship the chiefs had sent
+Aethalides the swift herald, to whose care they entrusted their
+messages and the wand of Hermes, his sire, who had granted him a
+memory of all things, that never grew dim; and not even now,
+though he has entered the unspeakable whirlpools of Acheron, has
+forgetfulness swept over his soul, but its fixed doom is to be
+ever changing its abode; at one time to be numbered among the
+dwellers beneath the earth, at another to be in the light of the
+sun among living men.  But why need I tell at length tales of
+Aethalides?  He at that time persuaded Hypsipyle to receive the
+new-comers as the day was waning into darkness; nor yet at dawn
+did they loose the ship's hawsers to the breath of the north
+wind.
+
+(ll. 653-656)  Now the Lemnian women fared through the city and
+sat down to the assembly, for Hypsipyle herself had so bidden.
+And when they were all gathered together in one great throng
+straightway she spake among them with stirring words:
+
+(ll. 657-666)  "O friends, come let us grant these men gifts to
+their hearts' desire, such as it is fitting that they should take
+on ship-board, food and sweet wine, in order that they may
+steadfastly remain outside our towers, and may not, passing among
+us for need's sake, get to know us all too well, and so an evil
+report be widely spread; for we have wrought a terrible deed and
+in nowise will it be to their liking, should they learn it.  Such
+is our counsel now, but if any of you can devise a better plan
+let her rise, for it was on this account that I summoned you
+hither."
+
+(ll. 667-674)  Thus she spake and sat upon her father's seat of
+stone, and then rose up her dear nurse Polyxo, for very age
+halting upon her withered feet, bowed over a staff, and she was
+eager to address them.  Near her were seated four virgins,
+unwedded, crowned with white hair.  And she stood in the midst of
+the assembly and from her bent back she feebly raised her neck
+and spake thus:
+
+(ll. 675-696)  "Gifts, as Hypsipyle herself wishes, let us send
+to the strangers, for it is better to give them.  But for you
+what device have ye to get profit of your life if the Thracian
+host fall upon us, or some other foe, as often happens among men,
+even as now this company is come unforeseen?  But if one of the
+blessed gods should turn this aside yet countless other woes,
+worse than battle, remain behind, when the aged women die off and
+ye younger ones, without children, reach hateful old age.  How
+then will ye live, hapless ones?  Will your oxen of their own
+accord yoke themselves for the deep plough-lands and draw the
+earth-cleaving share through the fallow, and forthwith, as the
+year comes round, reap the harvest?  Assuredly, though the fates
+till now have shunned me in horror, I deem that in the coming
+year I shall put on the garment of earth, when I have received my
+meed of burial even so as is right, before the evil days draw
+near.  But I bid you who are younger give good heed to this.  For
+now at your feet a way of escape lies open, if ye trust to the
+strangers the care of your homes and all your stock and your
+glorious city."
+
+(ll. 697-699) Thus she spake, and the assembly was filled with
+clamour.  For the word pleased them.  And after her straightway
+Hypsipyle rose up again, and thus spake in reply.
+
+(ll. 700-701)  "If this purpose please you all, now will I even
+send a messenger to the ship."
+
+(ll. 702-707)  She spake and addressed Iphinoe close at hand:
+"Go, Iphinoe, and beg yonder man, whoever it is that leads this
+array, to come to our land that I may tell him a word that
+pleases the heart of my people, and bid the men themselves, if
+they wish, boldly enter the land and the city with friendly
+intent."
+
+(ll. 708-711)  She spake, and dismissed the assembly, and
+thereafter started to return home.  And so Iphinoe came to the
+Minyae; and they asked with what intent she had come among them.
+And quickly she addressed her questioners with all speed in these
+words:
+
+(ll. 712-716) "The maiden Hypsipyle daughter of Thoas, sent me on
+my way here to you, to summon the captain of your ship, whoever
+he be, that she may tell him a word that pleases the heart of the
+people, and she bids yourselves, if ye wish it, straightway enter
+the land and the city with friendly intent."
+
+(ll. 717-720)  Thus she spake and the speech of good omen pleased
+all.  And they deemed that Thoas was dead and that his beloved
+daughter Hypsipyle was queen, and quickly they sent Jason on his
+way and themselves made ready to go.
+
+(ll. 721-729)  Now he had buckled round his shoulders a purple
+mantle of double fold, the work of the Tritonian goddess, which
+Pallas had given him when she first laid the keel-props of the
+ship Argo and taught him how to measure timbers with the rule.
+More easily wouldst thou cast thy eyes upon the sun at its rising
+than behold that blazing splendour.  For indeed in the middle the
+fashion thereof was red, but at the ends it was all purple, and
+on each margin many separate devices had been skilfully inwoven.
+
+(ll. 730-734)  In it were the Cyclops seated at their
+imperishable work, forging a thunderbolt for King Zeus; by now it
+was almost finished in its brightness and still it wanted but one
+ray, which they were beating out with their iron hammers as it
+spurted forth a breath of raging flame.
+
+(ll. 735-741)  In it too were the twin sons of Antiope, daughter
+of Asopus, Amphion and Zethus, and Thebe still ungirt with towers
+was lying near, whose foundations they were just then laying in
+eager haste.  Zethus on his shoulders was lifting the peak of a
+steep mountain, like a man toiling hard, and Amphion after him,
+singing loud and clear on his golden lyre, moved on, and a rock
+twice as large followed his footsteps.
+
+(ll. 742-746)  Next in order had been wrought Cytherea with
+drooping tresses, wielding the swift shield of Ares; and from her
+shoulder to her left arm the fastening of her tunic was loosed
+beneath her breast; and opposite in the shield of bronze her
+image appeared clear to view as she stood.
+
+(ll. 747-751)  And in it there was a well-wooded pasturage of
+oxen; and about the oxen the Teleboae and the sons of Eleetryon
+were fighting; the one party defending themselves, the others,
+the Taphian raiders, longing to rob them; and the dewy meadow was
+drenched with their blood, and the many were overmastering the
+few herdsmen.
+
+(ll. 752-758)  And therein were fashioned two chariots, racing,
+and the one in front Pelops was guiding, as he shook the reins,
+and with him was Hippodameia at his side, and in pursuit Myrtilus
+urged his steeds, and with him Oenomaus had grasped his couched
+spear, but fell as the axle swerved and broke in the nave, while
+he was eager to pierce the back of Pelops.
+
+(ll. 759-762)  And in it was wrought Phoebus Apollo, a stripling
+not yet grown up, in the act of shooting at mighty Tityos who was
+boldly dragging his mother by her veil, Tityos whom glorious
+Elate bare, but Earth nursed him and gave him second birth.
+
+(ll. 763-767)  And in it was Phrixus the Minyan as though he were
+in very deed listening to the ram, while it was like one
+speaking.  Beholding them thou wouldst be silent and wouldst
+cheat thy soul with the hope of hearing some wise speech from
+them, and long wouldst thou gaze with that hope.
+
+(ll. 768-773)  Such then were the gifts of the Tritonian goddess
+Athena.  And in his right hand Jason held a fardarting spear,
+which Atalanta gave him once as a gift of hospitality in Maenalus
+as she met him gladly; for she eagerly desired to follow on that
+quest; but he himself of his own accord prevented the maid, for
+he feared bitter strife on account of her love.
+
+(ll. 774-792)  And he went on his way to the city like to a
+bright star, which maidens, pent up in new-built chambers, behold
+as it rises above their homes, and through the dark air it charms
+their eyes with its fair red gleam and the maid rejoices,
+love-sick for the youth who is far away amid strangers, for whom
+her parents are keeping her to be his bride; like to that star
+the hero trod the way to the city.  And when they had passed
+within the gates and the city, the women of the people surged
+behind them, delighting in the stranger, but he with his eyes
+fixed on the ground fared straight on, till he reached the
+glorious palace of Hypsipyle; and when he appeared the maids
+opened the folding doors, fitted with well-fashioned panels. 
+Here Iphinoe leading him quickly through a fair porch set him
+upon a shining seat opposite her mistress, but Hypsipyle turned
+her eyes aside and a blush covered her maiden cheeks, yet for all
+her modesty she addressed him with crafty words:
+
+(ll. 793-833)  "Stranger, why stay ye so long outside our towers?
+for the city is not inhabited by the men, but they, as
+sojourners, plough the wheat-bearing fields of the Thracian
+mainland.  And I will tell out truly all our evil plight, that ye
+yourselves too may know it well.  When my father Thoas reigned
+over the citizens, then our folk starting from their homes used
+to plunder from their ships the dwellings of the Thracians who
+live opposite, and they brought back hither measureless booty and
+maidens too.  But the counsel of the baneful goddess Cypris was
+working out its accomplishment, who brought upon them soul
+destroying infatuation.  For they hated their lawful wives, and,
+yielding to their own mad folly, drove them from their homes; and
+they took to their beds the captives of their spear, cruel ones.
+Long in truth we endured it, if haply again, though late, they
+might change their purpose, but ever the bitter woe grew,
+twofold.  And the lawful children were being dishonoured in their
+halls, and a bastard race was rising.  And thus unmarried maidens
+and widowed mothers too wandered uncared for through the city; no
+father heeded his daughter ever so little even though he should
+see her done to death before his eyes at the hands of an insolent
+step-dame, nor did sons, as before, defend their mother against
+unseemly outrage; nor did brothers care at heart for their
+sister.  But in their homes, in the dance, in the assembly and
+the banquet all their thought was only for their captive maidens;
+until some god put desperate courage in our hearts no more to
+receive our lords on their return from Thrace within our towers
+so that they might either heed the right or might depart and
+begone elsewhither, they and their captives.  So they begged of
+us all the male children that were left in the city and went back
+to where even now they dwell on the snowy tilths of Thrace.  Do
+ye therefore stay and settle with us; and shouldst thou desire to
+dwell here, and this finds favour with thee, assuredly thou shalt
+have the prerogative of my father Thoas; and I deem that thou
+wilt not scorn our land at all; for it is deepsoiled beyond all
+other islands that lie in the Aegaean sea.  But come now, return
+to the ship and relate my words to thy comrades, and stay not
+outside our city."
+
+(ll. 834-835)  She spoke, glozing over the murder that had been
+wrought upon the men; and Jason addressed her in answer:
+
+(ll. 836-841)  "Hypsipyle, very dear to our hearts is the help we
+shall meet with, which thou grantest to us who need thee.  And I
+will return again to the city when I have told everything in
+order due.  But let the sovereignty of the island be thine; it is
+not in scorn I yield it up, but grievous trials urge me on."
+
+(ll. 842-852)  He spake, and touched her right hand; and quickly
+he turned to go back: and round him the young maids on every side
+danced in countless numbers in their joy till he passed through
+the gates.  And then they came to the shore in smooth-running
+wains, bearing with them many gifts, when now he had related from
+beginning to end the speech which Hypsipyle had spoken when she
+summoned them; and the maids readily led the men back to their
+homes for entertainment.  For Cypris stirred in them a sweet
+desire, for the sake of Hephaestus of many counsels, in order
+that Lemnos might be again inhabited by men and not be ruined.
+
+(ll. 853-864)  Thereupon Aeson's son started to go to the royal
+home of Hypsipyle; and the rest went each his way as chance took
+them, all but Heracles; for he of his own will was left behind by
+the ship and a few chosen comrades with him.  And straightway the
+city rejoiced with dances and banquets, being filled with the
+steam of sacrifice; and above all the immortals they propitiated
+with songs and sacrifices the illustrious son of Hera and Cypris
+herself.  And the sailing was ever delayed from one day to
+another; and long would they have lingered there, had not
+Heracles, gathering together his comrades apart from the women,
+thus addressed them with reproachful words:
+
+(ll. 865-874)  "Wretched men, does the murder of kindred keep us
+from our native land?  Or is it in want of marriage that we have
+come hither from thence, in scorn of our countrywomen?  Does it
+please us to dwell here and plough the rich soil of Lemnos?  No
+fair renown shall we win by thus tarrying so long with stranger
+women; nor will some god seize and give us at our prayer a fleece
+that moves of itself.  Let us then return each to his own; but
+him leave ye to rest all day long in the embrace of Hypsipyle
+until he has peopled Lemnos with men-children, and so there come
+to him great glory."
+
+(ll. 875-887)  Thus did he chide the band; but no one dared to
+meet his eye or to utter a word in answer.  But just as they were
+in the assembly they made ready their departure in all haste, and
+the women came running towards them, when they knew their intent.
+And as when bees hum round fair lilies pouring forth from their
+hive in the rock, and all around the dewy meadow rejoices, and
+they gather the sweet fruit, flitting from one to another; even
+so the women eagerly poured forth clustering round the men with
+loud lament, and greeted each one with hands and voice, praying
+the blessed gods to grant him a safe return.  And so Hypsipyle
+too prayed, seizing the hands of Aeson's son, and her tears
+flowed for the loss of her lover:
+
+(ll. 888-898)  "Go, and may heaven bring thee back again with thy
+comrades unharmed, bearing to the king the golden fleece, even as
+thou wilt and thy heart desireth; and this island and my father's
+sceptre will be awaiting thee, if on thy return hereafter thou
+shouldst choose to come hither again; and easily couldst thou
+gather a countless host of men from other cities. But thou wilt
+not have this desire, nor do I myself forbode that so it will be. 
+Still remember Hypsipyle when thou art far away and when thou
+hast returned; and leave me some word of bidding, which I will
+gladly accomplish, if haply heaven shall grant me to be a
+mother."
+
+(ll. 899-909)  And Aeson's son in admiration thus replied:
+"Hypsipyle, so may all these things prove propitious by the
+favour of the blessed gods.  But do thou hold a nobler thought of
+me, since by the grace of Pelias it is enough for me to dwell in
+my native land; may the gods only release me from my toils.  But
+if it is not my destiny to sail afar and return to the land of
+Hellas, and if thou shouldst bear a male child, send him when
+grown up to Pelasgian Iolcus, to heal the grief of my father and
+mother if so be that he find them still living, in order that,
+far away from the king, they may be cared for by their own hearth
+in their home."
+
+(ll. 910-921) He spake, and mounted the ship first of all; and so
+the rest of the chiefs followed, and, sitting in order, seized
+the oars; and Argus loosed for them the hawsers from under the
+sea-beaten rock.  Whereupon they mightily smote the water with
+their long oars, and in the evening by the injunctions of Orpheus
+they touched at the island of Electra, (5) daughter of Atlas, in
+order that by gentle initiation they might learn the rites that
+may not be uttered, and so with greater safety sail over the
+chilling sea.  Of these I will make no further mention; but I bid
+farewell to the island itself and the indwelling deities, to whom
+belong those mysteries, which it is not lawful for me to sing.
+
+(ll. 922-935)  Thence did they row with eagerness over the depths
+of the black Sea, having on the one side the land of the
+Thracians, on the other Imbros on the south; and as the sun was
+just setting they reached the foreland of the Chersonesus.  There
+a strong south wind blew for them; and raising the sails to the
+breeze they entered the swift stream of the maiden daughter of
+Athamas; and at dawn the sea to the north was left behind and at
+night they were coasting inside the Rhoeteian shore, with the
+land of Ida on their right.  And leaving Dardania they directed
+their course to Abydus, and after it they sailed past Percote and
+the sandy beach of Abarnis and divine Pityeia.  And in that
+night, as the ship sped on by sail and oar, they passed right
+through the Hellespont dark-gleaming with eddies.
+
+(ll. 936-960)  There is a lofty island inside the Propontis, a
+short distance from the Phrygian mainland with its rich
+cornfields, sloping to the sea, where an isthmus in front of the
+mainland is flooded by the waves, so low does it lie.  And the
+isthmus has double shores, and they lie beyond the river Aesepus,
+and the inhabitants round about call the island the Mount of
+Bears.  And insolent and fierce men dwell there, Earthborn, a
+great marvel to the neighbours to behold; for each one has six
+mighty hands to lift up, two from his sturdy shoulders, and four
+below, fitting close to his terrible sides.  And about the
+isthmus and the plain the Doliones had their dwelling, and over
+them Cyzicus son of Aeneus was king, whom Aenete the daughter of
+goodly Eusorus bare.  But these men the Earthborn monsters,
+fearful though they were, in nowise harried, owing to the
+protection of Poseidon; for from him had the Doliones first
+sprung.  Thither Argo pressed on, driven by the winds of Thrace,
+and the Fair haven received her as she sped.  There they cast
+away their small anchorstone by the advice of Tiphys and left it
+beneath a fountain, the fountain of Artaeie; and they took
+another meet for their purpose, a heavy one; but the first,
+according to the oracle of the Far-Darter, the Ionians, sons of
+Neleus, in after days laid to be a sacred stone, as was right, in
+the temple of Jasonian Athena.
+
+(ll. 961-988)  Now the Doliones and Cyzicus himself all came
+together to meet them with friendliness, and when they knew of
+the quest and their lineage welcomed them with hospitality, and
+persuaded them to row further and to fasten their ship's hawsers
+at the city harbour.  Here they built an altar to Ecbasian Apollo
+(6) and set it up on the beach, and gave heed to sacrifices.  And
+the king of his own bounty gave them sweet wine and sheep in
+their need; for he had heard a report that whenever a godlike
+band of heroes should come, straightway he should meet it with
+gentle words and should have no thought of war.  As with Jason,
+the soft down was just blooming on his chin, nor yet had it been
+his lot to rejoice in children, but still in his palace his wife
+was untouched by the pangs of child-birth, the daughter of
+Percosian Merops, fair-haired Cleite, whom lately by priceless
+gifts he had brought from her father's home from the mainland
+opposite.  But even so he left his chamber and bridal bed and
+prepared a banquet among the strangers, casting all fears from
+his heart.  And they questioned one another in turn.  Of them
+would he learn the end of their voyage and the injunctions of
+Pelias; while they enquired about the cities of the people round
+and all the gulf of the wide Propontis; but further he could not
+tell them for all their desire to learn.  In the morning they
+climbed mighty Dindymum that they might themselves behold the
+various paths of that sea; and they brought their ship from its
+former anchorage to the harbour, Chytus; and the path they trod
+is named the path of Jason.
+
+(ll. 989-1011)  But the Earthborn men on the other side rushed
+down from the mountain and with crags below blocked up the mouth
+of vast Chytus towards the sea, like men lying in wait for a wild
+beast within.  But there Heracles had been left behind with the
+younger heroes and he quickly bent his back-springing bow against
+the monsters and brought them to earth one after another; and
+they in their turn raised huge ragged rocks and hurled them.  For
+these dread monsters too, I ween, the goddess Hera, bride of
+Zeus, had nurtured to be a trial for Heracles.  And therewithal
+came the rest of the martial heroes returning to meet the foe
+before they reached the height of outlook, and they fell to the
+slaughter of the Earthborn, receiving them with arrows and spears
+until they slew them all as they rushed fiercely to battle.  And
+as when woodcutters cast in rows upon the beach long trees just
+hewn down by their axes, in order that, once sodden with brine,
+they may receive the strong bolts; so these monsters at the
+entrance of the foam-fringed harbour lay stretched one after
+another, some in heaps bending their heads and breasts into the
+salt waves with their limbs spread out above on the land; others
+again were resting their heads on the sand of the shore and their
+feet in the deep water, both alike a prey to birds and fishes at
+once.
+
+(ll. 1012-1076)  But the heroes, when the contest was ended
+without fear, loosed the ship's hawsers to the breath of the wind
+and pressed on through the sea-swell.  And the ship sped on under
+sail all day; but when night came the rushing wind did not hold
+steadfast, but contrary blasts caught them and held them back
+till they again approached the hospitable Doliones.  And they
+stepped ashore that same night; and the rock is still called the
+Sacred Rock round which they threw the ship's hawsers in their
+haste.  Nor did anyone note with care that it was the same
+island; nor in the night did the Doliones clearly perceive that
+the heroes were returning; but they deemed that Pelasgian war-men
+of the Macrians had landed.  Therefore they donned their armour
+and raised their hands against them.  And with clashing of ashen
+spears and shields they fell on each other, like the swift rush
+of fire which falls on dry brushwood and rears its crest; and the
+din of battle, terrible and furious, fell upon the people of the
+Doliones.  Nor was the king to escape his fate and return home
+from battle to his bridal chamber and bed.  But Aeson's son leapt
+upon him as he turned to face him, and smote him in the middle of
+the breast, and the bone was shattered round the spear; he rolled
+forward in the sand and filled up the measure of his fate.  For
+that no mortal may escape; but on every side a wide snare
+encompasses us.  And so, when he thought that he had escaped
+bitter death from the chiefs, fate entangled him that very night
+in her toils while battling with them; and many champions withal
+were slain; Heracles killed Telecles and Megabrontes, and Acastus
+slew Sphodris; and Peleus slew Zelus and Gephyrus swift in war.
+Telamon of the strong spear slew Basileus.  And Idas slew
+Promeus, and Clytius Hyacinthus, and the two sons of Tyndareus
+slew Megalossaces and Phlogius.  And after them the son of Oeneus
+slew bold Itomeneus, and Artaceus, leader of men; all of whom the
+inhabitants still honour with the worship due to heroes.  And the
+rest gave way and fled in terror just as doves fly in terror
+before swift-winged hawks.  And with a din they rustled in a body
+to the gates; and quickly the city was filled with loud cries at
+the turning of the dolorous fight.  But at dawn both sides
+perceived the fatal and cureless error; and bitter grief seized
+the Minyan heroes when they saw before them Cyzicus son of Aeneus
+fallen in the midst of dust and blood.  And for three whole days
+they lamented and rent their hair, they and the Dollones.  Then
+three times round his tomb they paced in armour of bronze and
+performed funeral rites and celebrated games, as was meet, upon
+the meadow-plain, where even now rises the mound of his grave to
+be seen by men of a later day.  No, nor was his bride Cleite left
+behind her dead husband, but to crown the ill she wrought an ill
+yet more awful, when she clasped a noose round her neck.  Her
+death even the nymphs of the grove bewailed; and of all the tears
+for her that they shed to earth from their eyes the goddesses
+made a fountain, which they call Cleite, (7) the illustrious name
+of the hapless maid.  Most terrible came that day from Zeus upon
+the Doliones, women and men; for no one of them dared even to
+taste food, nor for a long time by reason of grief did they take
+thought for the toil of the cornmill, but they dragged on their
+lives eating their food as it was, untouched by fire.  Here even
+now, when the Ionians that dwell in Cyzicus pour their yearly
+libations for the dead, they ever grind the meal for the
+sacrificial cakes at the common mill. (8)
+
+(ll. 1079-1091)  After this, fierce tempests arose for twelve
+days and nights together and kept them there from sailing.  But
+in the next night the rest of the chieftains, overcome by sleep,
+were resting during the latest period of the night, while Acastus
+and Mopsus the son of Ampyeus kept guard over their deep
+slumbers.  And above the golden head of Aeson's son there hovered
+a halcyon prophesying with shrill voice the ceasing of the stormy
+winds; and Mopsus heard and understood the cry of the bird of the
+shore, fraught with good omen.  And some god made it turn aside,
+and flying aloft it settled upon the stern-ornament of the ship.
+And the seer touched Jason as he lay wrapped in soft sheepskins
+and woke him at once, and thus spake:
+
+(ll. 1092-1102)  "Son of Aeson, thou must climb to this temple on
+rugged Dindymum and propitiate the mother (9) of all the blessed
+gods on her fair throne, and the stormy blasts shall cease.  For
+such was the voice I heard but now from the halcyon, bird of the
+sea, which, as it flew above thee in thy slumber, told me all. 
+For by her power the winds and the sea and all the earth below
+and the snowy seat of Olympus are complete; and to her, when from
+the mountains she ascends the mighty heaven, Zeus himself, the
+son of Cronos, gives place.  In like manner the rest of the
+immortal blessed ones reverence the dread goddess."
+
+(ll. 1103-1152)  Thus he spake, and his words were welcome to
+Jason's ear.  And he arose from his bed with joy and woke all his
+comrades hurriedly and told them the prophecy of Mopsus the son
+of Ampycus.  And quickly the younger men drove oxen from their
+stalls and began to lead them to the mountain's lofty summit. 
+And they loosed the hawsers from the sacred rock and rowed to the
+Thracian harbour; and the heroes climbed the mountain, leaving a
+few of their comrades in the ship.  And to them the Macrian
+heights and all the coast of Thrace opposite appeared to view
+close at hand.  And there appeared the misty mouth of Bosporus
+and the Mysian hills; and on the other side the stream of the
+river Aesepus and the city and Nepeian plain of Adrasteia.  Now
+there was a sturdy stump of vine that grew in the forest, a tree
+exceeding old; this they cut down, to be the sacred image of the
+mountain goddess; and Argus smoothed it skilfully, and they set
+it upon that rugged hill beneath a canopy of lofty oaks, which of
+all trees have their roots deepest.  And near it they heaped an
+altar of small stones, and wreathed their brows with oak leaves
+and paid heed to sacrifice, invoking the mother of Dindymum, most
+venerable, dweller in Phrygia, and Titias and Cyllenus, who alone
+of many are called dispensers of doom and assessors of the Idaean
+mother,--the Idaean Dactyls of Crete, whom once the nymph
+Anchiale, as she grasped with both hands the land of Oaxus, bare
+in the Dictaean cave.  And with many prayers did Aeson's son
+beseech the goddess to turn aside the stormy blasts as he poured
+libations on the blazing sacrifice; and at the same time by
+command of Orpheus the youths trod a measure dancing in full
+armour, and clashed with their swords on their shields, so that
+the ill-omened cry might be lost in the air the wail which the
+people were still sending up in grief for their king.  Hence from
+that time forward the Phrygians propitiate Rhea with the wheel
+and the drum.  And the gracious goddess, I ween, inclined her
+heart to pious sacrifices; and favourable signs appeared.  The
+trees shed abundant fruit, and round their feet the earth of its
+own accord put forth flowers from the tender grass.  And the
+beasts of the wild wood left their lairs and thickets and came up
+fawning on them with their tails.  And she caused yet another
+marvel; for hitherto there was no flow of water on Dindymum, but
+then for them an unceasing stream gushed forth from the thirsty
+peak just as it was, and the dwellers around in after times
+called that stream, the spring of Jason.  And then they made a
+feast in honour of the goddess on the Mount of Bears, singing the
+praises of Rhea most venerable; but at dawn the winds had ceased
+and they rowed away from the island.
+
+(ll. 1153-1171)  Thereupon a spirit of contention stirred each
+chieftain, who should be the last to leave his oar.  For all
+around the windless air smoothed the swirling waves and lulled
+the sea to rest.  And they, trusting in the calm, mightily drove
+the ship forward; and as she sped through the salt sea, not even
+the storm-footed steeds of Poseidon would have overtaken her. 
+Nevertheless when the sea was stirred by violent blasts which
+were just rising from the rivers about evening, forspent with
+toil, they ceased.  But Heracles by the might of his arms pulled
+the weary rowers along all together, and made the strong-knit
+timbers of the ship to quiver.  But when, eager to reach the
+Mysian mainland, they passed along in sight of the mouth of
+Rhyndaeus and the great cairn of Aegaeon, a little way from
+Phrygia, then Heracles, as he ploughed up the furrows of the
+roughened surge, broke his oar in the middle.  And one half he
+held in both his hands as he fell sideways, the other the sea
+swept away with its receding wave.  And he sat up in silence
+glaring round; for his hands were unaccustomed to he idle.
+
+(ll. 1172-1186)  Now at the hour when from the field some delver
+or ploughman goes gladly home to his hut, longing for his evening
+meal, and there on the threshold, all squalid with dust, bows his
+wearied knees, and, beholding his hands worn with toil, with many
+a curse reviles his belly; at that hour the heroes reached the
+homes of the Cianian land near the Arganthonian mount and the
+outfall of Cius.  Them as they came in friendliness, the Mysians,
+inhabitants of that land, hospitably welcomed, and gave them in
+their need provisions and sheep and abundant wine.  Hereupon some
+brought dried wood, others from the meadows leaves for beds which
+they gathered in abundance for strewing, whilst others were
+twirling sticks to get fire; others again were mixing wine in the
+bowl and making ready the feast, after sacrificing at nightfall
+to Apollo Ecbasius.
+
+(ll. 1187-1206)  But the son of Zeus having duly enjoined on his
+comrades to prepare the feast took his way into a wood, that he
+might first fashion for himself an oar to fit his hand. 
+Wandering about he found a pine not burdened with many branches,
+nor too full of leaves, but like to the shaft of a tall poplar;
+so great was it both in length and thickness to look at.  And
+quickly he laid on the ground his arrow-holding quiver together
+with his bow, and took off his lion's skin.  And he loosened the
+pine from the ground with his bronze-tipped club and grasped the
+trunk with both hands at the bottom, relying on his strength; and
+he pressed it against his broad shoulder with legs wide apart;
+and clinging close he raised it from the ground deep-rooted
+though it was, together with clods of earth.  And as when
+unexpectedly, just at the time of the stormy setting of baleful
+Orion, a swift gust of wind strikes down from above, and wrenches
+a ship's mast from its stays, wedges and all; so did Heracles
+lift the pine.  And at the same time he took up his bow and
+arrows, his lion skin and club, and started on his return.
+
+(ll. 1207-1239)  Meantime Hylas with pitcher of bronze in hand
+had gone apart from the throng, seeking the sacred flow of a
+fountain, that he might be quick in drawing water for the evening
+meal and actively make all things ready in due order against his
+lord's return.  For in such ways did Heracles nurture him from
+his first childhood when he had carried him off from the house of
+his father, goodly Theiodamas, whom the hero pitilessly slew
+among the Dryopians because he withstood him about an ox for the
+plough.  Theiodamas was cleaving with his plough the soil of
+fallow land when he was smitten with the curse; and Heracles bade
+him give up the ploughing ox against his will.  For he desired to
+find some pretext for war against the Dryopians for their bane,
+since they dwelt there reckless of right.  But these tales would
+lead me far astray from my song.  And quickly Hylas came to the
+spring which the people who dwell thereabouts call Pegae.  And
+the dances of the nymphs were just now being held there; for it
+was the care of all the nymphs that haunted that lovely headland
+ever to hymn Artemis in songs by night.  All who held the
+mountain peaks or glens, all they were ranged far off guarding
+the woods; but one, a water-nymph was just rising from the
+fair-flowing spring; and the boy she perceived close at hand with
+the rosy flush of his beauty and sweet grace.  For the full moon
+beaming from the sky smote him.  And Cypris made her heart faint,
+and in her confusion she could scarcely gather her spirit back to
+her.  But as soon as he dipped the pitcher in the stream, leaning
+to one side, and the brimming water rang loud as it poured
+against the sounding bronze, straightway she laid her left arm
+above upon his neck yearning to kiss his tender mouth; and with
+her right hand she drew down his elbow, and plunged him into the
+midst of the eddy.
+
+(ll. 1240-1256)  Alone of his comrades the hero Polyphemus, son
+of Eilatus, as he went forward on the path, heard the boy's cry,
+for he expected the return of mighty Heracles.  And he rushed
+after the cry, near Pegae, like some beast of the wild wood whom
+the bleating of sheep has reached from afar, and burning with
+hunger he follows, but does not fall in with the flocks; for the
+shepherds beforehand have penned them in the fold, but he groans
+and roars vehemently until he is weary.  Thus vehemently at that
+time did the son of Eilatus groan and wandered shouting round the
+spot; and his voice rang piteous.  Then quickly drawing his great
+sword he started in pursuit, in fear lest the boy should be the
+prey of wild beasts, or men should have lain in ambush for him
+faring all alone, and be carrying him off, an easy prey. 
+Hereupon as he brandished his bare sword in his hand he met
+Heracles himself on the path, and well he knew him as he hastened
+to the ship through the darkness.  And straightway he told the
+wretched calamity while his heart laboured with his panting
+breath.
+
+(ll. 1257-1260)  "My poor friend, I shall be the first to bring
+thee tidings of bitter woe.  Hylas has gone to the well and has
+not returned safe, but robbers have attacked and are carrying him
+off, or beasts are tearing him to pieces; I heard his cry."
+
+(ll. 1261-1272)  Thus he spake; and when Heracles heard his
+words, sweat in abundance poured down from his temples and the
+black blood boiled beneath his heart.  And in wrath he hurled the
+pine to the ground and hurried along the path whither his feet
+bore on his impetuous soul.  And as when a bull stung by a gadfly
+tears along, leaving the meadows and the marsh land, and recks
+not of herdsmen or herd, but presses on, now without cheek, now
+standing still, and raising his broad neck he bellows loudly,
+stung by the maddening fly; so he in his frenzy now would ply his
+swift knees unresting, now again would cease from toil and shout
+afar with loud pealing cry.
+
+(ll. 1273-1289)  But straightway the morning star rose above the
+topmost peaks and the breeze swept down; and quickly did Tiphys
+urge them to go aboard and avail themselves of the wind.  And
+they embarked eagerly forthwith; and they drew up the ship's
+anchors and hauled the ropes astern.  And the sails were bellied
+out by the wind, and far from the coast were they joyfully borne
+past the Posideian headland.  But at the hour when gladsome dawn
+shines from heaven, rising from the east, and the paths stand out
+clearly, and the dewy plains shine with a bright gleam, then at
+length they were aware that unwittingly they had abandoned those
+men.  And a fierce quarrel fell upon them, and violent tumult,
+for that they had sailed and left behind the bravest of their
+comrades.  And Aeson's son, bewildered by their hapless plight,
+said never a word, good or bad; but sat with his heavy load of
+grief, eating out his heart.  And wrath seized Telamon, and thus
+he spake:
+
+(ll. 1290-1295)  "Sit there at thy ease, for it was fitting for
+thee to leave Heracles behind; from thee the project arose, so
+that his glory throughout Hellas should not overshadow thee, if
+so be that heaven grants us a return home.  But what pleasure is
+there in words?  For I will go, I only, with none of thy
+comrades, who have helped thee to plan this treachery."
+
+(ll. 1296-1314)  He spake, and rushed upon Tiphys son of Hagnias;
+and his eyes sparkled like flashes of ravening flame.  And they
+would quickly have turned back to the land of the Mysians,
+forcing their way through the deep sea and the unceasing blasts
+of the wind, had not the two sons of Thracian Boreas held back
+the son of Aeacus with harsh words.  Hapless ones, assuredly a
+bitter vengeance came upon them thereafter at the hands of
+Heracles, because they stayed the search for him.  For when they
+were returning from the games over Pelias dead he slew them in
+sea-girt Tenos and heaped the earth round them, and placed two
+columns above, one of which, a great marvel for men to see, moves
+at the breath of the blustering north wind.  These things were
+thus to be accomplished in after times.  But to them appeared
+Glaucus from the depths of the sea, the wise interpreter of
+divine Nereus, and raising aloft his shaggy head and chest from
+his waist below, with sturdy hand he seized the ship's keel, and
+then cried to the eager crew:
+
+(ll. 1315-1325)  "Why against the counsel of mighty Zeus do ye
+purpose to lead bold Heracles to the city of Aeetes?  At Argos it
+is his fate to labour for insolent Eurystheus and to accomplish
+full twelve toils and dwell with the immortals, if so be that he
+bring to fulfilment a few more yet; wherefore let there be no
+vain regret for him.  Likewise it is destined for Polyphemus to
+found a glorious city at the mouth of Cius among the Mysians and
+to fill up the measure of his fate in the vast land of the
+Chalybes.  But a goddess-nymph through love has made Hylas her
+husband, on whose account those two wandered and were left
+behind."
+
+(ll. 1326-1331)  He spake, and with a plunge wrapped him about
+with the restless wave; and round him the dark water foamed in
+seething eddies and dashed against the hollow ship as it moved
+through the sea.  And the heroes rejoiced, and Telamon son of
+Aeacus came in haste to Jason, and grasping his hand in his own
+embraced him with these words:
+
+(ll. 1332-1335)  "Son of Aeson, be not wroth with me, if in my
+folly I have erred, for grief wrought upon me to utter a word
+arrogant and intolerable.  But let me give my fault to the winds
+and let our hearts be joined as before."
+
+(ll. 1336-1343)  Him the son of Aeson with prudence addressed:
+"Good friend, assuredly with an evil word didst thou revile me,
+saying before them all that I was the wronger of a kindly man.
+But not for long will I nurse bitter wrath, though indeed before
+I was grieved.  For it was not for flocks of sheep, no, nor for
+possessions that thou wast angered to fury, but for a man, thy
+comrade.  And I were fain thou wouldst even champion me against
+another man if a like thing should ever befall me."
+
+(ll. 1344-1357)  He spake, and they sat down, united as of old.
+But of those two, by the counsel of Zeus, one, Polyphemus son of
+Eilatus, was destined to found and build a city among the Mysians
+bearing the river's name, and the other, Heracles, to return and
+toil at the labours of Eurystheus.  And he threatened to lay
+waste the Mysian land at once, should they not discover for him
+the doom of Hylas, whether living or dead.  And for him they gave
+pledges choosing out the noblest sons of the people and took an
+oath that they would never cease from their labour of search.
+Therefore to this day the people of Cius enquire for Hylas the
+son of Theiodamas, and take thought for the well-built Trachis.
+For there did Heracles settle the youths whom they sent from Cius
+as pledges.
+
+(ll. 1358-1362)  And all day long and all night the wind bore the
+ship on, blowing fresh and strong; but when dawn rose there was
+not even a breath of air.  And they marked a beach jutting forth
+from a bend of the coast, very broad to behold, and by dint of
+rowing came to land at sunrise.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  i.e. God of embarcation.
+(2)  Or, reading EKTOTHEN, "they strongly girded the ship outside
+     with a well-twisted rope."  In either case there is probably
+     no allusion to YPOZOMATA (ropes for undergirding) which were
+     carried loose and only used in stormy weather.
+(3)  i.e. God of the shore.
+(4)  i.e. The Starting.
+(5)  Samothrace.
+(6)  i.e. god of disembarcation.
+(7)  Cleite means illustrious.
+(8)  i.e. to avoid grinding it at home.
+(9)  Rhea.
+
+
+
+BOOK II 
+
+(ll. 1-10)  Here were the oxstalls and farm of Amycus, the
+haughty king of the Bebrycians, whom once a nymph, Bithynian
+Melie, united to Poseidon Genethlius, bare the most arrogant of
+men; for even for strangers he laid down an insulting ordinance,
+that none should depart till they had made trial of him in
+boxing; and he had slain many of the neighbours.  And at that
+time too he went down to the ship and in his insolence scorned to
+ask them the occasion of their voyage, and who they were, but at
+once spake out among them all:
+
+(ll. 11-18)  "Listen, ye wanderers by sea, to what it befits you
+to know.  It is the rule that no stranger who comes to the
+Bebrycians should depart till he has raised his hands in battle
+against mine.  Wherefore select your bravest warrior from the
+host and set him here on the spot to contend with me in boxing.
+But if ye pay no heed and trample my decrees under foot,
+assuredly to your sorrow will stern necessity come upon you.
+
+(ll. 19-21)  Thus he spake in his pride, but fierce anger seized
+them when they heard it, and the challenge smote Polydeuces most
+of all.  And quickly he stood forth his comrades' champion, and
+cried:
+
+(ll. 22-24)  "Hold now, and display not to us thy brutal
+violence, whoever thou art; for we will obey thy rules, as thou
+sayest.  Willingly now do I myself undertake to meet thee."
+
+(ll. 25-54)  Thus he spake outright; but the other with rolling
+eyes glared on him, like to a lion struck by a javelin when
+hunters in the mountains are hemming him round, and, though
+pressed by the throng, he reeks no more of them, but keeps his
+eyes fixed, singling out that man only who struck him first and
+slew him not.  Hereupon the son of Tyndareus laid aside his
+mantle, closely-woven, delicately-wrought, which one of the
+Lemnian maidens had given him as a pledge of hospitality; and the
+king threw down his dark cloak of double fold with its clasps and
+the knotted crook of mountain olive which he carried.  Then
+straightway they looked and chose close by a spot that pleased
+them and bade their comrades sit upon the sand in two lines; nor
+were they alike to behold in form or in stature.  The one seemed
+to be a monstrous son of baleful Typhoeus or of Earth herself,
+such as she brought forth aforetime, in her wrath against Zeus;
+but the other, the son of Tyndareus, was like a star of heaven,
+whose beams are fairest as it shines through the nightly sky at
+eventide.  Such was the son of Zeus, the bloom of the first down
+still on his cheeks, still with the look of gladness in his eyes.
+But his might and fury waxed like a wild beast's; and he poised
+his hands to see if they were pliant as before and were not
+altogether numbed by toil and rowing.  But Amycus on his side
+made no trial; but standing apart in silence he kept his eyes
+upon his foe, and his spirit surged within him all eager to dash
+the life-blood from his breast.  And between them Lyeoreus, the
+henchman of Amycus, placed at their feet on each side two pairs
+of gauntlets made of raw hide, dry, exceeding tough.  And the
+king addressed the hero with arrogant words:
+
+(ll. 55-59)  "Whichever of these thou wilt, without casting lots,
+I grant thee freely, that thou mayst not blame me hereafter. 
+Bind them about thy hands; thou shalt learn and tell another how
+skilled I am to carve the dry oxhides and to spatter men's cheeks
+with blood."
+
+(ll. 60-66)  Thus he spake; but the other gave back no taunt in
+answer, but with a light smile readily took up the gauntlets that
+lay at his feet; and to him came Castor and mighty Talaus, son of
+Bias, and they quickly bound the gauntlets about his hands, often
+bidding him be of good courage.  And to Amycus came Aretus and
+Ornytus, but little they knew, poor fools, that they had bound
+them for the last time on their champion, a victim of evil fate.
+
+(ll. 67-97)  Now when they stood apart and were ready with their
+gauntlets, straightway in front of their faces they raised their
+heavy hands and matched their might in deadly strife.  Hereupon
+the Bebrycian king even as a fierce wave of the sea rises in a
+crest against a swift ship, but she by the skill of the crafty
+pilot just escapes the shock when the billow is eager to break
+over the bulwark--so he followed up the son of Tyndareus,
+trying to daunt him, and gave him no respite.  But the hero, ever
+unwounded, by his skill baffled the rush of his foe, and he
+quickly noted the brutal play of his fists to see where he was
+invincible in strength, and where inferior, and stood unceasingly
+and returned blow for blow.  And as when shipwrights with their
+hammers smite ships' timbers to meet the sharp clamps, fixing
+layer upon layer; and the blows resound one after another; so
+cheeks and jaws crashed on both sides, and a huge clattering of
+teeth arose, nor did they cease ever from striking their blows
+until laboured gasping overcame both.  And standing a little
+apart they wiped from their foreheads sweat in abundance, wearily
+panting for breath.  Then back they rushed together again, as two
+bulls fight in furious rivalry for a grazing heifer.  Next Amycus
+rising on tiptoe, like one who slays an ox, sprung to his full
+height and swung his heavy hand down upon his rival; but the hero
+swerved aside from the rush, turning his head, and just received
+the arm on his shoulder; and coming near and slipping his knee
+past the king's, with a rush he struck him above the ear, and
+broke the bones inside, and the king in agony fell upon his
+knees; and the Minyan heroes shouted for joy; and his life was
+poured forth all at once.
+
+(ll. 98-144)  Nor were the Bebrycians reckless of their king; but
+all together took up rough clubs and spears and rushed straight
+on Polydeuces.  But in front of him stood his comrades, their
+keen swords drawn from the sheath.  First Castor struck upon the
+head a man as he rushed at him: and it was cleft in twain and
+fell on each side upon his shoulders.  And Polydeuces slew huge
+Itymoneus and Mimas.  The one, with a sudden leap, he smote
+beneath the breast with his swift foot and threw him in the dust;
+and as the other drew near he struck him with his right hand
+above the left eyebrow, and tore away his eyelid and the eyeball
+was left bare.  But Oreides, insolent henchman of Amycus, wounded
+Talaus son of Bias in the side, but did not slay him, but only
+grazing the skin the bronze sped under his belt and touched not
+the flesh.  Likewise Aretus with well-seasoned club smote
+Iphitus, the steadfast son of Eurytus, not yet destined to an
+evil death; assuredly soon was he himself to be slain by the
+sword of Clytius.  Then Ancaeus, the dauntless son of Lycurgus,
+quickly seized his huge axe, and in his left hand holding a
+bear's dark hide, plunged into the midst of the Bebrycians with
+furious onset; and with him charged the sons of Aeacus, and with
+them started warlike Jason.  And as when amid the folds grey
+wolves rush down on a winter's day and scare countless sheep,
+unmarked by the keen-scented dogs and the shepherds too, and they
+seek what first to attack and carry off; often glaring around,
+but the sheep are just huddled together and trample on one
+another; so the heroes grievously scared the arrogant Bebrycians.
+And as shepherds or beekeepers smoke out a huge swarm of bees in
+a rock, and they meanwhile, pent up in their hive, murmur with
+droning hum, till, stupefied by the murky smoke, they fly forth
+far from the rock; so they stayed steadfast no longer, but
+scattered themselves inland through Bebrycia, proclaiming the
+death of Amycus; fools, not to perceive that another woe all
+unforeseen was hard upon them.  For at that hour their vineyards
+and villages were being ravaged by the hostile spear of Lycus and
+the Mariandyni, now that their king was gone.  For they were ever
+at strife about the ironbearing land.  And now the foe was
+destroying their steadings and farms, and now the heroes from all
+sides were driving off their countless sheep, and one spake among
+his fellows thus:
+
+(ll. 145-153)  "Bethink ye what they would have done in their
+cowardice if haply some god had brought Heracles hither.
+Assuredly, if he had been here, no trial would there have been of
+fists, I ween, but when the king drew near to proclaim his rules,
+the club would have made him forget his pride and the rules to
+boot.  Yea, we left him uncared for on the strand and we sailed
+oversea; and full well each one of us shall know our baneful
+folly, now that he is far away."
+
+(ll. 154-163)  Thus he spake, but all these things had been
+wrought by the counsels of Zeus.  Then they remained there
+through the night and tended the hurts of the wounded men, and
+offered sacrifice to the immortals, and made ready a mighty meal;
+and sleep fell upon no man beside the bowl and the blazing
+sacrifice.  They wreathed their fair brows with the bay that grew
+by the shore, whereto their hawsers were bound, and chanted a
+song to the lyre of Orpheus in sweet harmony; and the windless
+shore was charmed by their song; and they celebrated the
+Therapnaean son of Zeus. (1)
+
+(ll. 164-177)  But when the sun rising from far lands lighted up
+the dewy hills and wakened the shepherds, then they loosed their
+hawsers from the stem of the baytree and put on board all the
+spoil they had need to take; and with a favouring wind they
+steered through the eddying Bosporus.  Hereupon a wave like a
+steep mountain rose aloft in front as though rushing upon them,
+ever upheaved above the clouds; nor would you say that they could
+escape grim death, for in its fury it hangs over the middle of
+the ship, like a cloud, yet it sinks away into calm if it meets
+with a skilful helmsman.  So they by the steering-craft of Tiphys
+escaped, unhurt but sore dismayed.  And on the next day they
+fastened the hawsers to the coast opposite the Bithynian land.
+
+(ll. 178-208)  There Phineus, son of Agenor, had his home by the
+sea, Phineus who above all men endured most bitter woes because
+of the gift of prophecy which Leto's son had granted him
+aforetime.  And he reverenced not a whit even Zeus himself, for
+he foretold unerringly to men his sacred will.  Wherefore Zeus
+sent upon him a lingering old age, and took from his eyes the
+pleasant light, and suffered him not to have joy of the dainties
+untold that the dwellers around ever brought to his house, when
+they came to enquire the will of heaven.  But on a sudden,
+swooping through the clouds, the Harpies with their crooked beaks
+incessantly snatched the food away from his mouth and hands.  And
+at times not a morsel of food was left, at others but a little,
+in order that he might live and be tormented.  And they poured
+forth over all a loathsome stench; and no one dared not merely to
+carry food to his mouth but even to stand at a distance; so
+foully reeked the remnants of the meal.  But straightway when he
+heard the voice and the tramp of the band he knew that they were
+the men passing by, at whose coming Zeus' oracle had declared to
+him that he should have joy of his food.  And he rose from his
+couch, like a lifeless dream, bowed over his staff, and crept to
+the door on his withered feet, feeling the walls; and as he
+moved, his limbs trembled for weakness and age; and his parched
+skin was caked with dirt, and naught but the skill held his bones
+together.  And he came forth from the hall with wearied knees and
+sat on the threshold of the courtyard; and a dark stupor covered
+him, and it seemed that the earth reeled round beneath his feet,
+and he lay in a strengthless trance, speechless.  But when they
+saw him they gathered round and marvelled.  And he at last drew
+laboured breath from the depths of his chest and spoke among them
+with prophetic utterance:
+
+(ll. 209-239)  "Listen, bravest of all the Hellenes, if it be
+truly ye, whom by a king's ruthless command Jason is leading on
+the ship Argo in quest of the fleece.  It is ye truly.  Even yet
+my soul by its divination knows everything.  Thanks I render to
+thee, O king, son of Leto, plunged in bitter affliction though I
+be.  I beseech you by Zeus the god of suppliants, the sternest
+foe to sinful men, and for the sake of Phoebus and Hera herself,
+under whose especial care ye have come hither, help me, save an
+ill-fated man from misery, and depart not uncaring and leaving me
+thus as ye see.  For not only has the Fury set her foot on my
+eyes and I drag on to the end a weary old age; but besides my
+other woes a woe hangs over me the bitterest of all.  The
+Harpies, swooping down from some unseen den of destruction, ever
+snatch the food from my mouth.  And I have no device to aid me.
+But it were easier, when I long for a meal, to escape my own
+thoughts than them, so swiftly do they fly through the air.  But
+if haply they do leave me a morsel of food it reeks of decay and
+the stench is unendurable, nor could any mortal bear to draw near
+even for a moment, no, not if his heart were wrought of adamant.
+But necessity, bitter and insatiate, compels me to abide and
+abiding to put food in my cursed belly.  These pests, the oracle
+declares, the sons of Boreas shall restrain.  And no strangers
+are they that shall ward them off if indeed I am Phineus who was
+once renowned among men for wealth and the gift of prophecy, and
+if I am the son of my father Agenor; and, when I ruled among the
+Thracians, by my bridal gifts I brought home their sister
+Cleopatra to be my wife."
+
+(ll. 240-243)  So spake Agenor's son; and deep sorrow seized each
+of the heroes, and especially the two sons of Boreas.  And
+brushing away a tear they drew nigh, and Zetes spake as follows,
+taking in his own the hand of the grief-worn sire:
+
+(ll. 244-253)  "Unhappy one, none other of men is more wretched
+than thou, methinks.  Why upon thee is laid the burden of so many
+sorrows?  Hast thou with baneful folly sinned against the gods
+through thy skill in prophecy?  For this are they greatly wroth
+with thee?  Yet our spirit is dismayed within us for all our
+desire to aid thee, if indeed the god has granted this privilege
+to us two.  For plain to discern to men of earth are the reproofs
+of the immortals.  And we will never check the Harpies when they
+come, for all our desire, until thou hast sworn that for this we
+shall not lose the favour of heaven."
+
+(ll. 254-255)  Thus he spake; and towards him the aged sire
+opened his sightless eyes, and lifted them up and replied with
+these words:
+
+(ll. 256-261)  "Be silent, store not up such thoughts in thy
+heart, my child.  Let the son of Leto be my witness, he who of
+his gracious will taught me the lore of prophecy, and be witness
+the ill-starred doom which possesses me and this dark cloud upon
+my eyes, and the gods of the underworld--and may their curse be
+upon me if I die perjured thus--no wrath from heaven will fall
+upon you two for your help to me."
+
+(ll. 262-287)  Then were those two eager to help him because of
+the oath.  And quickly the younger heroes prepared a feast for
+the aged man, a last prey for the Harpies; and both stood near
+him, to smite with the sword those pests when they swooped down.
+Scarcely had the aged man touched the food when they forthwith,
+like bitter blasts or flashes of lightning, suddenly darted from
+the clouds, and swooped down with a yell, fiercely craving for
+food; and the heroes beheld them and shouted in the midst of
+their onrush; but they at the cry devoured everything and sped
+away over the sea after; and an intolerable stench remained.  And
+behind them the two sons of Boreas raising their swords rushed in
+pursuit.  For Zeus imparted to them tireless strength; but
+without Zeus they could not have followed, for the Harpies used
+ever to outstrip the blasts of the west wind when they came to
+Phineus and when they left him.  And as when, upon the mountain-
+side, hounds, cunning in the chase, run in the track of horned
+goats or deer, and as they strain a little behind gnash their
+teeth upon the edge of their jaws in vain; so Zetes and Calais
+rushing very near just grazed the Harpies in vain with their
+finger-tips.  And assuredly they would have torn them to pieces,
+despite heaven's will, when they had overtaken them far off at
+the Floating Islands, had not swift Iris seen them and leapt down
+from the sky from heaven above, and cheeked them with these
+words:
+
+(ll. 288-290)  "It is not lawful, O sons of Boreas, to strike
+with your swords the Harpies, the hounds of mighty Zeus; but I
+myself will give you a pledge, that hereafter they shall not draw
+near to Phineus."
+
+(ll. 291-300)  With these words she took an oath by the waters of
+Styx, which to all the gods is most dread and most awful, that
+the Harpies would never thereafter again approach the home of
+Phineus, son of Agenor, for so it was fated.  And the heroes
+yielding to the oath, turned back their flight to the ship.  And
+on account of this men call them the Islands of Turning though
+aforetime they called them the Floating Islands.  And the Harpies
+and Iris parted.  They entered their den in Minoan Crete; but she
+sped up to Olympus, soaring aloft on her swift wings.
+
+(ll. 301-310)  Meanwhile the chiefs carefully cleansed the old
+man's squalid skin and with due selection sacrificed sheep which
+they had borne away from the spoil of Amycus.  And when they had
+laid a huge supper in the hall, they sat down and feasted, and
+with them feasted Phineus ravenously, delighting his soul, as in
+a dream.  And there, when they had taken their fill of food and
+drink, they kept awake all night waiting for the sons of Boreas.
+And the aged sire himself sat in the midst, near the hearth,
+telling of the end of their voyage and the completion of their
+journey:
+
+(ll. 311-315)  "Listen then.  Not everything is it lawful for you
+to know clearly; but whatever is heaven's will, I will not hide.
+I was infatuated aforetime, when in my folly I declared the will
+of Zeus in order and to the end.  For he himself wishes to
+deliver to men the utterances of the prophetic art incomplete, in
+order that they may still have some need to know the will of
+heaven.
+
+(ll. 316-340)  "First of all, after leaving me, ye will see the
+twin Cyanean rocks where the two seas meet.  No one, I ween, has
+won his escape between them.  For they are not firmly fixed with
+roots beneath, but constantly clash against one another to one
+point, and above a huge mass of salt water rises in a crest,
+boiling up, and loudly dashes upon the hard beach.  Wherefore now
+obey my counsel, if indeed with prudent mind and reverencing the
+blessed gods ye pursue your way; and perish not foolishly by a
+self-sought death, or rush on following the guidance of youth.
+First entrust the attempt to a dove when ye have sent her forth
+from the ship.  And if she escapes safe with her wings between
+the rocks to the open sea, then no more do ye refrain from the
+path, but grip your oars well in your hands and cleave the sea's
+narrow strait, for the light of safety will be not so much in
+prayer as in strength of hands.  Wherefore let all else go and
+labour boldly with might and main, but ere then implore the gods
+as ye will, I forbid you not.  But if she flies onward and
+perishes midway, then do ye turn back; for it is better to yield
+to the immortals.  For ye could not escape an evil doom from the
+rocks, not even if Argo were of iron.
+
+(ll. 341-359)  "O hapless ones, dare not to transgress my divine
+warning, even though ye think that I am thrice as much hated by
+the sons of heaven as I am, and even more than thrice; dare not
+to sail further with your ship in despite of the omen.  And as
+these things will fall, so shall they fall.  But if ye shun the
+clashing rocks and come scatheless inside Pontus, straightway
+keep the land of the Bithynians on your right and sail on, and
+beware of the breakers, until ye round the swift river Rhebas and
+the black beach, and reach the harbour of the Isle of Thynias.
+Thence ye must turn back a little space through the sea and beach
+your ship on the land of the Mariandyni lying opposite.  Here is
+a downward path to the abode of Hades, and the headland of
+Acherusia stretches aloft, and eddying Acheron cleaves its way at
+the bottom, even through the headland, and sends its waters forth
+from a huge ravine.  And near it ye will sail past many hills of
+the Paphlagonians, over whom at the first Eneteian Pelops
+reigned, and of his blood they boast themselves to be.
+
+(ll. 360-406)  "Now there is a headland opposite Helice the Bear,
+steep on all sides, and they call it Carambis, about whose crests
+the blasts of the north wind are sundered.  So high in the air
+does it rise turned towards the sea.  And when ye have rounded it
+broad Aegialus stretches before you; and at the end of broad
+Aegialus, at a jutting point of coast, the waters of the river
+Halys pour forth with a terrible roar; and after it his flowing
+near, but smaller in stream, rolls into the sea with white
+eddies.  Onward from thence the bend of a huge and towering cape
+reaches out from the land, next Thermodon at its mouth flows into
+a quiet bay at the Themiscyreian headland, after wandering
+through a broad continent.  And here is the plain of Doeas, and
+near are the three cities of the Amazons, and after them the
+Chalybes, most wretched of men, possess a soil rugged and
+unyielding sons of toil, they busy themselves with working iron.
+And near them dwell the Tibareni, rich in sheep, beyond the
+Genetaean headland of Zeus, lord of hospitality.  And bordering
+on it the Mossynoeci next in order inhabit the well-wooded
+mainland and the parts beneath the mountains, who have built in
+towers made from trees their wooden homes and well-fitted
+chambers, which they call Mossynes, and the people themselves
+take their name from them.  After passing them ye must beach your
+ship upon a smooth island, when ye have driven away with all
+manner of skill the ravening birds, which in countless numbers
+haunt the desert island.  In it the Queens of the Amazons, Otrere
+and Antiope, built a stone temple of Ares what time they went
+forth to war.  Now here an unspeakable help will come to you from
+the bitter sea; wherefore with kindly intent I bid you stay.  But
+what need is there that I should sin yet again declaring
+everything to the end by my prophetic art?  And beyond the island
+and opposite mainland dwell the Philyres: and above the Philyres
+are the Macrones, and after them the vast tribes of the Becheiri.
+And next in order to them dwell the Sapeires, and the Byzeres
+have the lands adjoining to them, and beyond them at last live
+the warlike Colchians themselves.  But speed on in your ship,
+till ye touch the inmost bourne of the sea.  And here at the
+Cytaean mainland and from the Amarantine mountains far away and
+the Circaean plain, eddying Phasis rolls his broad stream to the
+sea.  Guide your ship to the mouth of that river and ye shall
+behold the towers of Cytaean Aeetes and the shady grove of Ares,
+where a dragon, a monster terrible to behold, ever glares around,
+keeping watch over the fleece that is spread upon the top of an
+oak; neither by day nor by night does sweet sleep subdue his
+restless eyes."
+
+(ll. 408-410)  Thus he spake, and straightway fear seized them as
+they heard.  And for a long while they were struck with silence;
+till at last the hero, son of Aeson, spake, sore dismayed at
+their evil plight:
+
+(ll. 411-418)  "O aged sire, now hast thou come to the end of the
+toils of our sea-journeying and hast told us the token, trusting
+to which we shall make our way to Pontus through the hateful
+rocks; but whether, when we have escaped them, we shall have a
+return back again to Hellas, this too would we gladly learn from
+thee.  What shall I do, how shall I go over again such a long
+path through the sea, unskilled as I am, with unskilled comrades?
+And Colchian Aea lies at the edge of Pontus and of the world."
+
+(ll. 419-425)  Thus he spake, and him the aged sire addressed in
+reply: "O son, when once thou hast escaped through the deadly
+rocks, fear not; for a deity will be the guide from Aea by
+another track; and to Aea there will be guides enough.  But, my
+friends, take thought of the artful aid of the Cyprian goddess.
+For on her depends the glorious issue of your venture.  And
+further than this ask me not."
+
+(ll. 426-437)  Thus spake Agenor's son, and close at hand the
+twin sons of Thracian Boreas came darting from the sky and set
+their swift feet upon the threshold; and the heroes rose up from
+their seats when they saw them present.  And Zetes, still drawing
+hard breath after his toil, spake among the eager listeners,
+telling them how far they had driven the Harpies and how his
+prevented their slaying them, and how the goddess of her grace
+gave them pledges, and how those others in fear plunged into the
+vast cave of the Dictaean cliff.  Then in the mansion all their
+comrades were joyful at the tidings and so was Phineus himself.
+And quickly Aeson's son, with good will exceeding, addressed him:
+
+(ll. 438-442)  Assuredly there was then, Phineus, some god who
+cared for thy bitter woe, and brought us hither from afar, that
+the sons of Boreas might aid thee; and if too he should bring
+sight to thine eyes, verily I should rejoice, methinks, as much
+as if I were on my homeward way."
+
+(ll. 443-447)  Thus he spake, but Phineus replied to him with
+downcast look: "Son of Aeson, that is past recall, nor is there
+any remedy hereafter, for blasted are my sightless eyes.  But
+instead of that, may the god grant me death at once, and after
+death I shall take my share in perfect bliss."
+
+(ll. 448-467)  Then they two returned answering speech, each to
+other, and soon in the midst of their converse early dawn
+appeared; and round Phineus were gathered the neighbours who used
+to come thither aforetime day by day and constantly bring a
+portion of their food.  To all alike, however poor he was that
+came, the aged man gave his oracles with good will, and freed
+many from their woes by his prophetic art; wherefore they visited
+and tended him.  And with them came Paraebius, who was dearest to
+him, and gladly did he perceive these strangers in the house. 
+For long ere now the seer himself had said that a band of
+chieftains, faring from Hellas to the city of Aceres, would make
+fast their hawsers to the Thynian land, and by Zeus' will would
+check tho approach of the Harpies.  The rest the old man pleased
+with words of wisdom and let them go; Paraebius only he bade
+remain there with the chiefs; and straightway he sent him and
+bade him bring back the choicest of his sheep.  And when he had
+left the hall Phineus spake gently amid the throng of oarsmen:
+
+(ll. 468-489)  "O my friends, not all men are arrogant, it seems,
+nor unmindful of benefits.  Even as this man, loyal as he is,
+came hither to learn his fate.  For when he laboured the most and
+toiled the most, then the needs of life, ever growing more and
+more, would waste him, and day after day ever dawned more
+wretched, nor was there any respite to his toil.  But he was
+paying the sad penalty of his father's sin.  For he when alone on
+the mountains, felling trees, once slighted the prayers of a
+Hamadryad, who wept and sought to soften him with plaintive
+words, not to cut down the stump of an oak tree coeval with
+herself, wherein for a long time she had lived continually; but
+he in the arrogance of youth recklessly cut it down.  So to him
+the nymph thereafter made her death a curse, to him and to his
+children.  I indeed knew of the sin when he came; and I bid him
+build an altar to the Thynian nymph, and offer on it an atoning
+sacrifice, with prayer to escape his father's fate.  Here, ever
+since he escaped the god-sent doom, never has he forgotten or
+neglected me; but sorely and against his will do I send him from
+my doors, so eager is he to remain with me in my affliction."
+
+(ll. 490-499)  Thus spake Agenor's son; and his friend
+straightway came near leading two sheep from the flock.  And up
+rose Jason and up rose the sons of Boreas at the bidding of the
+aged sire . And quickly they called upon Apollo, lord of
+prophecy, and offered sacrifice upon the health as the day was
+just sinking.  And the younger comrades made ready a feast to
+their hearts' desire.  Thereupon having well feasted they turned
+themselves to rest, some near the ship's hawsers, others in
+groups throughout the mansion.  And at dawn the Etesian winds
+blew strongly, which by the command of Zeus blow over every land
+equally.
+
+(ll. 500-527)  Cyrene, the tale goes, once tended sheep along the
+marsh-meadow of Peneus among men of old time; for dear to her
+were maidenhood and a couch unstained.  But, as she guarded her
+flock by the river, Apollo carried her off far from Haemonia and
+placed her among the nymphs of the land, who dwelt in Libya near
+the Myrtosian height.  And here to Phoebus she bore Aristaeus
+whom the Haemonians, rich in corn-land, call "Hunter" and
+"Shepherd".  Her, of his love, the god made a nymph there, of
+long life and a huntress, and his son he brought while still an
+infant to be nurtured in the cave of Cheiron.  And to him when he
+grew to manhood the Muses gave a bride, and taught him the arts
+of healing and of prophecy; and they made him the keeper of their
+sheep, of all that grazed on the Athamantian plain of Phthia and
+round steep Othrys and the sacred stream of the river Apidanus.
+But when from heaven Sirius scorched the Minoan Isles, and for
+long there was no respite for the inhabitants, then by the
+injunction of the Far-Darter they summoned Aristaeus to ward off
+the pestilence.  And by his father's command he left Phthia and
+made his home in Ceos, and gathered together the Parrhasian
+people who are of the lineage of Lycaon, and he built a great
+altar to Zeus Icmaeus, and duly offered sacrifices upon the
+mountains to that star Sirius, and to Zeus son of Cronos himself.
+And on this account it is that Etesian winds from Zeus cool the
+land for forty days, and in Ceos even now the priests offer
+sacrifices before the rising of the Dog-star.
+
+(ll. 528-536)  So the tale is told, but the chieftains stayed
+there by constraint, and every day the Thynians, doing pleasure
+to Phineus, sent them gifts beyond measure.  And afterwards they
+raised an altar to the blessed twelve on the sea-beach opposite
+and laid offerings thereon and then entered their swift ship to
+row, nor did they forget to bear with them a trembling dove; but
+Euphemus seized her and brought her all quivering with fear, and
+they loosed the twin hawsers from the land.
+
+(ll. 537-548)  Nor did they start unmarked by Athena, but
+straightway swiftly she set her feel on a light cloud, which
+would waft her on, mighty though she was, and she swept on to the
+sea with friendly thoughts to the oarsmen.  And as when one
+roveth far from his native land, as we men often wander with
+enduring heart, nor is any land too distant but all ways are
+clear to his view, and he sees in mind his own home, and at once
+the way over sea and land seems slain, and swiftly thinking, now
+this way, now that, he strains with eager eyes; so swiftly the
+daughter of Zeus darted down and set her foot on the cheerless
+shore of Thynia.
+
+(ll. 549-567)  Now when they reached the narrow strait of the
+winding passage, hemmed in on both sides by rugged cliffs, while
+an eddying current from below was washing against the ship as she
+moved on, they went forward sorely in dread; and now the thud of
+the crashing rocks ceaselessly struck their ears, and the
+sea-washed shores resounded, and then Euphemus grasped the dove
+in his hand and started to mount the prow; and they, at the
+bidding of Tiphys, son of Hagnias, rowed with good will to drive
+Argo between the rocks, trusting to their strength.  And as they
+rounded a bend they saw the rocks opening for the last time of
+all.  Their spirit melted within them; and Euphemus sent forth
+the dove to dart forward in flight; and they all together raised
+their heads to look; but she flew between them, and the rocks
+again rushed together and crashed as they met face to face.  And
+the foam leapt up in a mass like a cloud; awful was the thunder
+of the sea; and all round them the mighty welkin roared.
+
+(ll. 568-592)  The hollow caves beneath the rugged cliffs rumbled
+as the sea came surging in; and the white foam of the dashing
+wave spurted high above the cliff.  Next the current whirled the
+ship round.  And the rocks shore away the end of the dove's tail-
+feathers; but away she flew unscathed.  And the rowers gave a
+loud cry; and Tiphys himself called to them to row with might and
+main.  For the rocks were again parting asunder.  But as they
+rowed they trembled, until the tide returning drove them back
+within the rocks.  Then most awful fear seized upon all; for over
+their head was destruction without escape.  And now to right and
+left broad Pontus was seen, when suddenly a huge wave rose up
+before them, arched, like a steep rock; and at the sight they
+bowed with bended heads.  For it seemed about to leap down upon
+the ship's whole length and to overwhelm them.  But Tiphys was
+quick to ease the ship as she laboured with the oars; and in all
+its mass the wave rolled away beneath the keel, and at the stern
+it raised Argo herself and drew her far away from the rocks; and
+high in air was she borne.  But Euphemus strode among all his
+comrades and cried to them to bend to their oars with all their
+might; and they with a shout smote the water.  And as far as the
+ship yielded to the rowers, twice as far did she leap back, and
+the oar, were bent like curved bows as the heroes used their
+strength.
+
+(ll. 593-610) Then a vaulted billow rushed upon them, and the
+ship like a cylinder ran on the furious wave plunging through the
+hollow sea.  And the eddying current held her between the
+clashing rocks; and on each side they shook and thundered; and
+the ship's timbers were held fast.  Then Athena with her left
+hand thrust back one mighty rock and with her right pushed the
+ship through; and she, like a winged arrow, sped through the air.
+Nevertheless the rocks, ceaselessly clashing, shore off as she
+passed the extreme end of the stern-ornament.  But Athena soared
+up to Olympus, when they had escaped unscathed.  And the rocks in
+one spot at that moment were rooted fast for ever to each other,
+which thing had been destined by the blessed gods, when a man in
+his ship should have passed between them alive.  And the heroes
+breathed again after their chilling fear, beholding at the same
+time the sky and the expanse of sea spreading far and wide.  For
+they deemed that they were saved from Hades; and Tiphys first of
+all began to speak:
+
+(ll. 611-618) "It is my hope that we have safely escaped this
+peril--we, and the ship; and none other is the cause so much as
+Athena, who breathed into Argo divine strength when Argus knitted
+her together with bolts; and she may not be caught.  Son of
+Aeson, no longer fear thou so much the hest of thy king, since a
+god hath granted us escape between the rocks; for Phineus,
+Agenor's son, said that our toils hereafter would be lightly
+accomplished."
+
+(ll. 619-637)  He spake, and at once he sped the ship onward
+through the midst of the sea past the Bithynian coast.  But Jason
+with gentle words addressed him in reply: "Tiphys, why dost thou
+comfort thus my grieving heart?  I have erred and am distraught
+in wretched and helpless ruin.  For I ought, when Pelias gave the
+command, to have straightway refused this quest to his face, yea,
+though I were doomed to die pitilessly, torn limb from limb, but
+now I am wrapped in excessive fear and cares unbearable, dreading
+to sail through the chilling paths of the sea, and dreading when
+we shall set foot on the mainland.  For on every side are
+unkindly men.  And ever when day is done I pass a night of groans
+from the time when ye first gathered together for my sake, while
+I take thought for all things; but thou talkest at thine ease,
+eating only for thine own life; while for myself I am dismayed
+not a whit; but I fear for this man and for that equally, and for
+thee, and for my other comrades, if I shall not bring you back
+safe to the land of Hellas."
+
+(ll. 638-640)  Thus he spake, making trial of the chiefs; but
+they shouted loud with cheerful words.  And his heart was warmed
+within him at their cry and again he spake outright among them:
+
+(ll. 641-647)  "My friends, in your valour my courage is
+quickened.  Wherefore now, even though I should take my way
+through the gulfs of Hades, no more shall I let fear seize upon
+me, since ye are steadfast amid cruel terrors.  But now that we
+have sailed out from the striking rocks, I trow that never
+hereafter will there be another such fearful thing, if indeed we
+go on our way following the counsel of Phineus."
+
+(ll. 648-668)  Thus he spake, and straightway they ceased from
+such words and gave unwearying labour to the oar; and quickly
+they passed by the swiftly flowing river Rhebas and the peak of
+Colone, and soon thereafter the black headland, and near it the
+mouth of the river Phyllis, where aforetime Dipsaeus received in
+his home the son of Athamas, when with his ram he was flying from
+the city of Orchomenus; and Dipsacus was the son of a meadow-
+nymph, nor was insolence his delight, but contented by his
+father's stream he dwelt with his mother, pasturing his flocks by
+the shore.  And quickly they sighted and sailed past his shrine
+and the broad banks of the river and the plain, and deep-flowing
+Calpe, and all the windless night and the day they bent to their
+tireless oars.  And even as ploughing oxen toil as they cleave
+the moist earth, and sweat streams in abundance from flank and
+neck; and from beneath the yoke their eyes roll askance, while
+the breath ever rushes from their mouths in hot gasps; and all
+day long they toil, planting their hoofs deep in the ground; like
+them the heroes kept dragging their oars through the sea.
+
+(ll. 669-685)  Now when divine light has not yet come nor is it
+utter darkness, but a faint glimmer has spread over the night,
+the time when men wake and call it twilight, at that hour they
+ran into the harbour of the desert island Thynias and, spent by
+weary toil, mounted the shore.  And to them the son of Leto, as
+he passed from Lycia far away to the countless folk of the
+Hyperboreans, appeared; and about his cheeks on both sides his
+golden locks flowed in clusters as he moved; in his left hand he
+held a silver bow, and on his back was slung a quiver hanging
+from his shoulders; and beneath his feet all the island quaked,
+and the waves surged high on the beach.  Helpless amazement
+seized them as they looked; and no one dared to gaze face to face
+into the fair eyes of the god.  And they stood with heads bowed
+to the ground; but he, far off, passed on to the sea through the
+air; and at length Orpheus spake as follows, addressing the
+chiefs:
+
+(ll. 686-693)  "Come, let us call this island the sacred isle of
+Apollo of the Dawn since he has appeared to all, passing by at
+dawn; and we will offer such sacrifices as we can, building an
+altar on the shore; and if hereafter he shall grant us a safe
+return to the Haemonian land, then will we lay on his altar the
+thighs of horned goats.  And now I bid you propitiate him with
+the steam of sacrifice and libations.  Be gracious, O king, be
+gracious in thy appearing."
+
+(ll. 694-713)  Thus he spake, and they straightway built up an
+altar with shingle; and over the island they wandered, seeking if
+haply they could get a glimpse of a fawn or a wild goat, that
+often seek their pasture in the deep wood.  And for them Leto's
+son provided a quarry; and with pious rites they wrapped in fat
+the thigh bones of them all and burnt them on the sacred altar,
+celebrating Apollo, Lord of Dawn.  And round the burning
+sacrifice they set up a broad dancing-ring, singing, "All hail
+fair god of healing, Phoebus, all hail," and with them Oeagrus'
+goodly son began a clear lay on his Bistonian lyre; how once
+beneath the rocky ridge of Parnassus he slew with his bow the
+monster Delphyne, he, still young and beardless, still rejoicing
+in his long tresses.  Mayst thou be gracious!  Ever, O king, be
+thy locks unshorn, ever unravaged; for so is it right.  And none
+but Leto, daughter of Coeus, strokes them with her dear hands.
+And often the Corycian nymphs, daughters of Pleistus, took up the
+cheering strain crying "Healer"; hence arose this lovely refrain
+of the hymn to Phoebus.
+
+(ll. 714-719)  Now when they had celebrated him with dance and
+song they took an oath with holy libations, that they would ever
+help each other with concord of heart, touching the sacrifice as
+they swore; and even now there stands there a temple to gracious
+Concord, which the heroes themselves reared, paying honour at
+that time to the glorious goddess.
+
+(ll. 720-751)  Now when the third morning came, with a fresh west
+wind they left the lofty island.  Next, on the opposite side they
+saw and passed the mouth of the river Sangarius and the fertile
+land of the Mariandyni, and the stream of Lycus and the
+Anthemoeisian lake; and beneath the breeze the ropes and all the
+tackling quivered as they sped onward.  During the night the wind
+ceased and at dawn they gladly reached the haven of the
+Acherusian headland.  It rises aloft with steep cliffs, looking
+towards the Bithynian sea; and beneath it smooth rocks, ever
+washed by the sea, stand rooted firm; and round them the wave
+rolls and thunders loud, but above, wide-spreading plane trees
+grow on the topmost point.  And from it towards the land a hollow
+glen slopes gradually away, where there is a cave of Hades
+overarched by wood and rocks.  From here an icy breath,
+unceasingly issuing from the chill recess, ever forms a
+glistening rime which melts again beneath the midday sun.  And
+never does silence hold that grim headland, but there is a
+continual murmur from the sounding sea and the leaves that quiver
+in the winds from the cave.  And here is the outfall of the river
+Acheron which bursts its way through the headland and falls into
+the Eastern sea, and a hollow ravine brings it down from above.
+In after times the Nisaean Megarians named it Soonautes (2) when
+they were about to settle in the land of the Mariandyni.  For
+indeed the river saved them with their ships when they were
+caught in a violent tempest.  By this way the heroes took the
+ship through (3) the Acherusian headland and came to land over
+against it as the wind had just ceased.
+
+(ll. 752-773)  Not long had they come unmarked by Lycus, the lord
+of that land, and the Mariandyni--they, the slayers of Amycus,
+according to the report which the people heard before; but for
+that very deed they even made a league with the heroes.  And
+Polydeuces himself they welcomed as a god, flocking from every
+side, since for a long time had they been warring against the
+arrogant Bebrycians.  And so they went up all together into the
+city, and all that day with friendly feelings made ready a feast
+within the palace of Lycus and gladdened their souls with
+converse.  Aeson's son told him the lineage and name of each of
+his comrades and the behests of Pelias, and how they were
+welcomed by the Lemnian women, and all that they did at Dolionian
+Cyzieus; and how they reached the Mysian land and Cius, where,
+sore against their will, they left behind the hero Heracles, and
+he told the saying of Glaucus, and how they slew the Bebrycians
+and Amycus, and he told of the prophecies and affliction of
+Phineus, and how they escaped the Cyanean rocks, and how they met
+with Leto's son at the island.  And as he told all, Lycus was
+charmed in soul with listening; and he grieved for Heracles left
+behind, and spake as follows among them all:
+
+(ll. 774-810)  "O friends, what a man he was from whose help ye
+have fallen away, as ye cleave your long path to Aeetes; for well
+do I know that I saw him here in the halls of Dascylus my father,
+when he came hither on foot through the land of Asia bringing the
+girdle of warlike Hippolyte; and me he found with the down just
+growing on my cheeks.  And here, when my brother Priolas was
+slain by the Mysians--my brother, whom ever since the people
+lament with most piteous dirges--he entered the lists with
+Titias in boxing and slew him, mighty Titias, who surpassed all
+the youths in beauty and strength; and he dashed his teeth to the
+ground.  Together with the Mysians he subdued beneath my father's
+sway the Phrygians also, who inhabit the lands next to us, and he
+made his own the tribes of the Bithynians and their land, as far
+as the mouth of Rhebas and the peak of Colone; and besides them
+the Paphlagonians of Pelops yielded just as they were, even all
+those round whom the dark water of Billaeus breaks.  But now the
+Bebrycians and the insolence of Amycus have robbed me, since
+Heracles dwells far away, for they have long been cutting off
+huge pieces of my land until they have set their bounds at the
+meadows of deep-flowing Hypius.  Nevertheless, by your hands have
+they paid the penalty; and it was not without the will of heaven,
+I trow, that he brought war on the Bebrycians this day--he, the
+son of Tyndareus, when he slew that champion.  Wherefore whatever
+requital I am now able to pay, gladly will I pay it, for that is
+the rule for weaker men when the stronger begin to help them.  So
+with you all, and in your company, I bid Dascylus my son follow;
+and if he goes, you will find all men friendly that ye meet on
+your way through the sea even to the mouth of the river
+Thermodon.  And besides that, to the sons of Tyndareus will I
+raise a lofty temple on the Acherusian height, which all sailors
+shall mark far across the sea and shall reverence; and hereafter
+for them will I set apart outside the city, as for gods, some
+fertile fields of the well-tilled plain."
+
+(ll. 811-814)  Thus all day long they revelled at the banquet.
+But at dawn they hied down to the ship in haste; and with them
+went Lycus himself, when he had given them countless gifts to
+bear away; and with them he sent forth his son from his home.
+
+(ll. 815-834)  And here his destined fate smote Idmon, son of
+Abas, skilled in soothsaying; but not at all did his soothsaying
+save him, for necessity drew him on to death.  For in the mead of
+the reedy river there lay, cooling his flanks and huge belly in
+the mud, a white-tusked boar, a deadly monster, whom even the
+nymphs of the marsh dreaded, and no man knew it; but all alone he
+was feeding in the wide fell.  But the son of Abas was passing
+along the raised banks of the muddy river, and the boar from some
+unseen lair leapt out of the reed-bed, and charging gashed his
+thigh and severed in twain the sinews and the bone.  And with a
+sharp cry the hero fell to the ground; and as he was struck his
+comrades flocked together with answering cry.  And quickly Peleus
+with his hunting spear aimed at the murderous boar as he fled
+back into the fen; and again he turned and charged; but Idas
+wounded him, and with a roar he fell impaled upon the sharp
+spear.  And the boar they left on the ground just as he had
+fallen there; but Idmon, now at the last gasp, his comrades bore
+to the ship in sorrow of heart, and he died in his comrades'
+arms.
+
+(ll. 835-850)  And here they stayed from taking thought for their
+voyaging and abode in grief for the burial of their dead friend.
+And for three whole days they lamented; and on the next they
+buried him with full honours, and the people and King Lycus
+himself took part in the funeral rites; and, as is the due of the
+departed, they slaughtered countless sheep at his tomb.  And so a
+barrow to this hero was raised in that land, and there stands a
+token for men of later days to see, the trunk of a wild olive
+tree, such as ships are built of; and it flourishes with its
+green leaves a little below the Acherusian headland.  And if at
+the bidding of the Muses I must tell this tale outright, Phoebus
+strictly commanded the Boeotians and Nisaeans to worship him as
+guardian of their city, and to build their city round the trunk
+of the ancient wild olive; but they, instead of the god-fearing
+Aeolid Idmon, at this day honour Agamestor.
+
+(ll. 851-868)  Who was the next that died?  For then a second
+time the heroes heaped up a barrow for a comrade dead.  For still
+are to be seen two monuments of those heroes.  The tale goes that
+Tiphys son of Hagnias died; nor was it his destiny thereafter to
+sail any further.  But him there on the spot a short sickness
+laid to rest far from his native land, when the company had paid
+due honours to the dead son of Abas.  And at the cruel woe they
+were seized with unbearable grief.  For when with due honours
+they had buried him also hard by the seer, they cast themselves
+down in helplessness on the sea-shore silently, closely wrapped
+up, and took no thought for meat or drink; and their spirit
+drooped in grief, for all hope of return was gone.  And in their
+sorrow they would have stayed from going further had not Hera
+kindled exceeding courage in Ancaeus, whom near the waters of
+Imbrasus Astypalaea bore to Poseidon; for especially was he
+skilled in steering and eagerly did he address Peleus:
+
+(ll. 869-877)  "Son of Aeacus, is it well for us to give up our
+toils and linger on in a strange land?  Not so much for my
+prowess in war did Jason take me with him in quest of the fleece,
+far from Parthenia, as for my knowledge of ships.  Wherefore, I
+pray, let there be no fear for the ship.  And so there are here
+other men of skill, of whom none will harm our voyaging,
+whomsoever we set at the helm.  But quickly tell forth all this
+and boldly urge them to call to mind their task."
+
+(ll. 878-884)  Thus he spake; and Peleus' soul was stirred with
+gladness, and straightway he spake in the midst of all: "My
+friends, why do we thus cherish a bootless grief like this?  For
+those two have perished by the fate they have met with; but among
+our host are steersmen yet, and many a one.  Wherefore let us not
+delay our attempt, but rouse yourselves to the work and cast away
+your griefs."
+
+(ll. 885-893)  And him in reply Aeson's son addressed with
+helpless words: "Son of Aeacus, where are these steersmen of
+thine?  For those whom we once deemed to be men of skill, they
+even more than I are bowed with vexation of heart.  Wherefore I
+forebode an evil doom for us even as for the dead, if it shall be
+our lot neither to reach the city of fell Aeetes, nor ever again
+to pass beyond the rocks to the land of Hellas, but a wretched
+fate will enshroud us here ingloriously till we grow old for
+naught."
+
+(ll. 894-898)  Thus he spake, but Ancaeus quickly undertook to
+guide the swift ship; for he was stirred by the impulse of the
+goddess.  And after him Erginus and Nauplius and Euphemus started
+up, eager to steer.  But the others held them back, and many of
+his comrades granted it to Ancaeus.
+
+(ll. 899-910)  So on the twelfth day they went aboard at dawn,
+for a strong breeze of westerly wind was blowing.  And quickly
+with the oars they passed out through the river Acheron and,
+trusting to the wind, shook out their sails, and with canvas
+spread far and wide they were cleaving their passage through the
+waves in fair weather.  And soon they passed the outfall of the
+river Callichorus, where, as the tale goes, the Nysean son of
+Zeus, when he had left the tribes of the Indians and came to
+dwell at Thebes, held revels and arrayed dances in front of a
+cave, wherein he passed unsmiling sacred nights, from which time
+the neighbours call the river by the name of Callichorus (4) and
+the cave Aulion.(5)
+
+(ll. 911-929)  Next they beheld the barrow of Sthenelus, Actor's
+son, who on his way back from the valorous war against the
+Amazons--for he had been the comrade of Heracles--was struck
+by an arrow and died there upon the sea-beach.  And for a time
+they went no further, for Persephone herself sent forth the
+spirit of Actor's son which craved with many tears to behold men
+like himself, even for a moment.  And mounting on the edge of the
+barrow he gazed upon the ship, such as he was when he went to
+war; and round his head a fair helm with four peaks gleamed with
+its blood-red crest.  And again he entered the vast gloom; and
+they looked and marvelled; and Mopsus, son of Ampycus, with word
+of prophecy urged them to land and propitiate him with libations.
+Quickly they drew in sail and threw out hawsers, and on the
+strand paid honour to the tomb of Sthenelus, and poured out drink
+offerings to him and sacrificed sheep as victims.  And besides
+the drink offerings they built an altar to Apollo, saviour of
+ships, and burnt thigh bones; and Orpheus dedicated his lyre;
+whence the place has the name of Lyra.
+
+(ll. 930-945)  And straightway they went aboard as the wind blew
+strong; and they drew the sail down, and made it taut to both
+sheets; then Argo was borne over the sea swiftly, even as a hawk
+soaring high through the air commits to the breeze its outspread
+wings and is borne on swiftly, nor swerves in its flight, poising
+in the clear sky with quiet pinions.  And lo, they passed by the
+stream of Parthenius as it flows into the sea, a most gentle
+river, where the maid, daughter of Leto, when she mounts to
+heaven after the chase, cools her limbs in its much-desired
+waters.  Then they sped onward in the night without ceasing, and
+passed Sesamus and lofty Erythini, Crobialus, Cromna and woody
+Cytorus.  Next they swept round Carambis at the rising of the
+sun, and plied the oars past long Aegialus, all day and on
+through the night.
+
+(ll. 946-965)  And straightway they landed on the Assyrian shore
+where Zeus himself gave a home to Sinope, daughter of Asopus, and
+granted her virginity, beguiled by his own promises.  For he
+longed for her love, and he promised to grant her whatever her
+hearts desire might be.  And she in her craftiness asked of him
+virginity.  And in like manner she deceived Apollo too who longed
+to wed her, and besides them the river Halys, and no man ever
+subdued her in love's embrace.  And there the sons of noble
+Deimachus of Tricca were still dwelling, Deileon, Autolycus and
+Phlogius, since the day when they wandered far away from
+Heracles; and they, when they marked the array of chieftains,
+went to meet them and declared in truth who they were; and they
+wished to remain there no longer, but as soon as Argestes (6)
+blew went on ship-board.  And so with them, borne along by the
+swift breeze, the heroes left behind the river Halys, and left
+behind his that flows hard by, and the delta-land of Assyria; and
+on the same day they rounded the distant headland of the Amazons
+that guards their harbour.
+
+(ll. 966-1001)  Here once when Melanippe, daughter of Ares, had,
+gone forth, the hero Heracles caught her by ambuscade and
+Hippolyte gave him her glistening girdle as her sister's ransom,
+and he sent away his captive unharmed.  In the bay of this
+headland, at the outfall of Thermodon, they ran ashore, for the
+sea was rough for their voyage.  No river is like this, and none
+sends forth from itself such mighty streams over the land.  If a
+man should count every one he would lack but four of a hundred,
+but the real spring is only one.  This flows down to the plain
+from lofty mountains, which, men say, are called the Amazonian
+mountains.  Thence it spreads inland over a hilly country
+straight forward; wherefrom its streams go winding on, and they
+roll on, this way and that ever more, wherever best they can
+reach the lower ground, one at a distance and another near at
+hand; and many streams are swallowed up in the sand and are
+without a name; but, mingled with a few, the main stream openly
+bursts with its arching crest of foam into the inhospitable
+Pontus.  And they would have tarried there and have closed in
+battle with the Amazons, and would have fought not without
+bloodshed for the Amazons were not gentle foes and regarded not
+justice, those dwellers on the Doeantian plain; but grievous
+insolence and the works of Ares were all their care; for by race
+they were the daughters of Ares and the nymph Harmonia, who bare
+to Ares war-loving maids, wedded to him in the glens of the
+Acmonian wood had not the breezes of Argestes come again from
+Zeus; and with the wind they left the rounded beach, where the
+Themiscyreian Amazons were arming for war.  For they dwelt not
+gathered together in one city, but scattered over the land,
+parted into three tribes.  In one part dwelt the Themiscyreians,
+over whom at that time Hippolyte reigned, in another the
+Lycastians, and in another the dart-throwing Chadesians.  And the
+next day they sped on and at nightfall they reached the land of
+the Chalybes.
+
+(ll. 1002-1008)  That folk have no care for ploughing with oxen
+or for any planting of honey-sweet fruit; nor yet do they pasture
+flocks in the dewy meadow.  But they cleave the hard iron-bearing
+land and exchange their wages for daily sustenance; never does
+the morn rise for them without toil, but amid bleak sooty flames
+and smoke they endure heavy labour.
+
+(ll. 1009-1014)  And straightway thereafter they rounded the
+headland of Genetaean Zeus and sped safely past the land of the
+Tibareni.  Here when wives bring forth children to their
+husbands, the men lie in bed and groan with their heads close
+bound; but the women tend them with food, and prepare child-birth
+baths for them.
+
+(ll. 1015-1029)  Next they reached the sacred mount and the land
+where the Mossynoeci dwell amid high mountains in wooden huts,
+(7) from which that people take their name.  And strange are
+their customs and laws.  Whatever it is right to do openly before
+the people or in the market place, all this they do in their
+homes, but whatever acts we perform at home, these they perform
+out of doors in the midst of the streets, without blame.  And
+among them is no reverence for the marriage-bed, but, like swine
+that feed in herds, no whit abashed in others' presence, on the
+earth they lie with the women.  Their king sits in the loftiest
+hut and dispenses upright judgments to the multitude, poor
+wretch!  For if haply he err at all in his decrees, for that day
+they keep him shut up in starvation.
+
+(ll. 1030-1046)  They passed them by and cleft their way with
+oars over against the island of Ares all day long; for at dusk
+the light breeze left them.  At last they spied above them,
+hurtling through the air, one of the birds of Ares which haunt
+that isle.  It shook its wings down over the ship as she sped on
+and sent against her a keen feather, and it fell on the left
+shoulder of goodly Oileus, and he dropped his oar from his hands
+at the sudden blow, and his comrades marvelled at the sight of
+the winged bolt.  And Eribotes from his seat hard by drew out the
+feather, and bound up the wound when he had loosed the strap
+hanging from his own sword-sheath; and besides the first, another
+bird appeared swooping down; but the hero Clytius, son of Eurytus
+-- for he bent his curved bow, and sped a swift arrow against the
+bird--struck it, and it whirled round and fell close to the
+ship.  And to them spake Amphidamas, son of Aleus:
+
+(ll. 1047-1067)  "The island of Ares is near us; you know it
+yourselves now that ye have seen these birds.  But little will
+arrows avail us, I trow, for landing.  But let us contrive some
+other device to help us, if ye intend to land, bearing in mind
+the injunction of Phineus.  For not even could Heracles, when he
+came to Arcadia, drive away with bow and arrow the birds that
+swam on the Stymphalian lake.  I saw it myself.  But he shook in
+his hand a rattle of bronze and made a loud clatter as he stood
+upon a lofty peak, and the birds fled far off, screeching in
+bewildered fear.  Wherefore now too let us contrive some such
+device, and I myself will speak, having pondered the matter
+beforehand.  Set on your heads your helmets of lofty crest, then
+half row by turns, and half fence the ship about with polished
+spears and shields.  Then all together raise a mighty shout so
+that the birds may be scared by the unwonted din, the nodding
+crests, and the uplifted spears on high.  And if we reach the
+island itself, then make mighty noise with the clashing of
+shields."
+
+(ll. 1068-1089)  Thus he spake, and the helpful device pleased
+all.  And on their heads they placed helmets of bronze, gleaming
+terribly, and the blood-red crests were tossing.  And half of
+them rowed in turn, and the rest covered the ship with spears and
+shields.  And as when a man roofs over a house with tiles, to be
+an ornament of his home and a defence against rain, and one the
+fits firmly into another, each after each; so they roofed over
+the ship with their shields, locking them together.  And as a din
+arises from a warrior-host of men sweeping on, when lines of
+battle meet, such a shout rose upward from the ship into the air.
+Now they saw none of the birds yet, but when they touched the
+island and clashed upon their shields, then the birds in
+countless numbers rose in flight hither and thither.  And as when
+the son of Cronos sends from the clouds a dense hailstorm on city
+and houses, and the people who dwell beneath hear the din above
+the roof and sit quietly, since the stormy season has not come
+upon them unawares, but they have first made strong their roofs;
+so the birds sent against the heroes a thick shower of feather-
+shafts as they darted over the sea to the mountains of the land
+opposite.
+
+(ll. 1090-1092)  What then was the purpose of Phineus in bidding
+the divine band of heroes land there?  Or what kind of help was
+about to meet their desire?
+
+(ll. 1093-1122)  The sons of Phrixus were faring towards the city
+of Orchomenus from Aea, coming from Cytaean Aeetes, on board a
+Colchian ship, to win the boundless wealth of their father; for
+he, when dying, had enjoined this journey upon them.  And lo, on
+that day they were very near that island.  But Zeus had impelled
+the north wind's might to blow, marking by rain the moist path of
+Arcturus; and all day long he was stirring the leaves upon the
+mountains, breathing gently upon the topmost sprays; but at night
+he rushed upon the sea with monstrous force, and with his
+shrieking blasts uplifted the surge; and a dark mist covered the
+heavens, nor did the bright stars anywhere appear from among the
+clouds, but a murky gloom brooded all around.  And so the sons of
+Phrixus, drenched and trembling in fear of a horrible doom, were
+borne along by the waves helplessly.  And the force of the wind
+had snatched away their sails and shattered in twain the hull,
+tossed as it was by the breakers.  And hereupon by heaven's
+prompting those four clutched a huge beam, one of many that were
+scattered about, held together by sharp bolts, when the ship
+broke to pieces.  And on to the island the waves and the blasts
+of wind bore the men in their distress, within a little of death.
+And straightway a mighty rain burst forth, and rained upon the
+sea and the island, and all the country opposite the island,
+where the arrogant Mossynoeci dwelt.  And the sweep of the waves
+hurled the sons of Phrixus, together with their massy beam, upon
+the beach of the island, in the murky night; and the floods of
+rain from Zeus ceased at sunrise, and soon the two bands drew
+near and met each other, and Argus spoke first:
+
+(ll. 1123-1133)  "We beseech you, by Zeus the Beholder, whoever
+ye are, to be kindly and to help us in our need.  For fierce
+tempests, falling on the sea, have shattered all the timbers of
+the crazy ship in which we were cleaving our path on business
+bent.  Wherefore we entreat you, if haply ye will listen, to
+grant us just a covering for our bodies, and to pity and succour
+men in misfortune, your equals in age.  Oh, reverence suppliants
+and strangers for Zeus' sake, the god of strangers and
+suppliants.  To Zeus belong both suppliants and strangers; and
+his eye, methinks, beholdeth even us."
+
+(ll. 1134-1139)  And in reply the son of Aeson prudently
+questioned him, deeming that the prophecies of Phineus were being
+fulfilled: "All these things will we straightway grant you with
+right good will.  But come tell me truly in what country ye dwell
+and what business bids you sail across the sea, and tell me your
+own glorious names and lineage."
+
+(ll. 1140-1156)  And him Argus, helpless in his evil plight,
+addressed: "That one Phrixus an Aeolid reached Aea from Hellas
+you yourselves have clearly heard ere this, I trow; Phrixus, who
+came to the city of Aeetes, bestriding a ram, which Hermes had
+made all gold; and the fleece ye may see even now.  The ram, at
+its own prompting, he then sacrificed to Zeus, son of Cronos,
+above all, the god of fugitives.  And him did Aeetes receive in
+his palace, and with gladness of heart gave him his daughter
+Chalciope in marriage without gifts of wooing. (8)  From
+those two are we sprung. But Phrixus died at last, an aged man,
+in the home of Aeetes; and we, giving heed to our father's
+behests, are journeying to Orehomenus to take the possessions of
+Athamas. And if thou dost desire to learn our names, this is
+Cytissorus, this Phrontis, and this Melas, and me ye may. call
+Argus."
+
+(ll. 1157-1159)  Thus he spake, and the chieftains rejoiced at
+the meeting, and tended them, much marvelling.  And Jason again
+in turn replied, as was fitting, with these words:
+
+(ll. 1160-1178)  "Surely ye are our kinsmen on my father's side,
+and ye pray that with kindly hearts we succour your evil plight.
+For Cretheus and Athamas were brothers.  I am the grandson of
+Cretheus, and with these comrades here I am journeying from that
+same Hellas to the city of Aeetes.  But of these things we will
+converse hereafter.  And do ye first put clothing upon you.  By
+heaven's devising, I ween, have ye come to my hands in your sore
+need."
+
+(ll. 1168-1178)  He spake, and out of the ship gave them raiment
+to put on.  Then all together they went to the temple of Ares to
+offer sacrifice of sheep; and in haste they stood round the
+altar, which was outside the roofless temple, an altar built of
+pebbles; within a black stone stood fixed, a sacred thing, to
+which of yore the Amazons all used to pray.  Nor was it lawful
+for them, when they came from the opposite coast, to burn on this
+altar offerings of sheep and oxen, but they used to slay horses
+which they kept in great herds.  Now when they had sacrificed and
+eaten the feast prepared, then Aeson's son spake among them and
+thus began:
+
+(ll. 1179-1195)  "Zeus' self, I ween, beholds everything; nor do
+we men escape his eye, we that be god-fearing and just, for as he
+rescued your father from the hands of a murderous step-dame and
+gave him measureless wealth besides; even so hath he saved you
+harmless from the baleful storm.  And on board this ship ye may
+sail hither and thither, where ye will, whether to Aea or to the
+wealthy city of divine Orthomenus.  For our ship Athena built and
+with axe of bronze cut her timbers near the crest of Pelion, and
+with the goddess wrought Argus.  But yours the fierce surge hath
+shattered, before ye came nigh to the rocks which all day long
+clash together in the straits of the sea.  But come, be
+yourselves our helpers, for we are eager to bring to Hellas the
+golden fleece, and guide us on our voyage, for I go to atone for
+the intended sacrifice of Phrixus, the cause of Zeus' wrath
+against the sons of Aeolus."
+
+(ll. 1196-1199)  He spake with soothing words; but horror seized
+them when they heard.  For they deemed that they would not find
+Aeetes friendly if they desired to take away the ram's fleece.
+And Argus spake as follows, vexed that they should busy
+themselves with such a quest:
+
+(ll. 1200-1215)  "My friends, our strength, so far as it avails,
+shall never cease to help you, not one whit, when need shall
+come.  But Aeetes is terribly armed with deadly ruthlessness;
+wherefore exceedingly do I dread this voyage.  And he boasts
+himself to be the son of Helios; and all round dwell countless
+tribes of Colchians; and he might match himself with Ares in his
+dread war-cry and giant strength.  Nay, to seize the fleece in
+spite of Aeetes is no easy task; so huge a serpent keeps guard
+round and about it, deathless and sleepless, which Earth herself
+brought forth on the sides of Caucasus, by the rock of Typhaon,
+where Typhaon, they say, smitten by the bolt of Zeus, son of
+Cronos, when he lifted against the god his sturdy hands, dropped
+from his head hot gore; and in such plight he reached the
+mountains and plain of Nysa, where to this day he lies whelmed
+beneath the waters of the Serbonian lake."
+
+(ll. 1216-1218) Thus he spake, and straightway many a cheek grew
+pale when they heard of so mighty an adventure.  But quickly
+Peleus answered with cheering words, and thus spake:
+
+(ll. 1219-1225)  "Be not so fearful in spirit, my good friend.
+For we are not so lacking in prowess as to be no match for Aeetes
+to try his strength with arms; but I deem that we too are cunning
+in war, we that go thither, near akin to the blood of the blessed
+gods.  Wherefore if he will not grant us the fleece of gold for
+friendship's sake, the tribes of the Colchians will not avail
+him, I ween."
+
+(ll. 1226-1230)  Thus they addressed each other in turn, until
+again, satisfied with their feast, they turned to rest.  And when
+they rose at dawn a gentle breeze was blowing; and they raised
+the sails, which strained to the rush of the wind, and quickly
+they left behind the island of Ares.
+
+(ll. 1231-1241)  And at nightfall they came to the island of
+Philyra, where Cronos, son of Uranus, what time in Olympus he
+reigned over the Titans, and Zeus was yet being nurtured in a
+Cretan cave by the Curetes of Ida, lay beside Philyra, when he
+had deceived Rhea; and the goddess found them in the midst of
+their dalliance; and Cronos leapt up from the couch with a rush
+in the form of a steed with flowing mane, but Ocean's daughter,
+Philyra, in shame left the spot and those haunts, and came to the
+long Pelasgian ridges, where by her union with the transfigured
+deity she brought forth huge Cheiron, half like a horse, half
+like a god.
+
+(ll. 1242-1261)  Thence they sailed on, past the Macrones and the
+far-stretching land of the Becheiri and the overweening Sapeires,
+and after them the Byzeres; for ever forward they clave their
+way, quickly borne by the gentle breeze.  And lo, as they sped
+on, a deep gulf of the sea was opened, and lo, the steep crags of
+the Caucasian mountains rose up, where, with his limbs bound upon
+the hard rocks by galling fetters of bronze, Prometheus fed with
+his liver an eagle that ever rushed back to its prey.  High above
+the ship at even they saw it flying with a loud whirr, near the
+clouds; and yet it shook all the sails with the fanning of those
+huge wings.  For it had not the form of a bird of the air but
+kept poising its long wing-feathers like polished oars.  And not
+long after they heard the bitter cry of Prometheus as his liver
+was being torn away; and the air rang with his screams until they
+marked the ravening eagle rushing back from the mountain on the
+self-same track.  And at night, by the skill of Argus, they
+reached broad-flowing Phasis, and the utmost bourne of the sea.
+
+(ll. 1262-1276)  And straightway they let down the sails and the
+yard-arm and stowed them inside the hollow mast-crutch, and at
+once they lowered the mast itself till it lay along; and quickly
+with oars they entered the mighty stream of the river; and round
+the prow the water surged as it gave them way.  And on their left
+hand they had lofty Caucasus and the Cytaean city of Aea, and on
+the other side the plain of Ares and the sacred grove of that
+god, where the serpent was keeping watch and ward over the fleece
+as it hung on the leafy branches of an oak.  And Aeson's son
+himself from a golden goblet poured into the river libations of
+honey and pure wine to Earth and to the gods of the country, and
+to the souls of dead heroes; and he besought them of their grace
+to give kindly aid, and to welcome their ship's hawsers with
+favourable omen.  And straightway Ancaeus spake these words:
+
+(ll. 1277-1280)  "We have reached the Colchian land and the
+stream of Phasis; and it is time for us to take counsel whether
+we shall make trial of Aeetes with soft words, or an attempt of
+another kind shall be fitting."
+
+(ll. 1281-1285)  Thus he spake, and by the advice of Argus Jason
+bade them enter a shaded backwater and let the ship ride at
+anchor off shore; and it was near at hand in their course and
+there they passed the night.  And soon the dawn appeared to their
+expectant eyes.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  i.e. Polydeuces.
+(2)  i.e. Saviour of Sailors.
+(3)  i.e. through the ravine that divides the headland.
+(4)  i.e. river of fair dances.
+(5)  i.e. the bedchamber.
+(6)  The north-west wind.
+(7)  Called "Mossynes".
+(8)  i.e. without exacting gifts from the bridegroom.  So in the
+     "Iliad" (ix. 146) Agamemnon offers Achilles any of his three
+     daughters ANAEONOS.
+
+
+
+BOOK III 
+
+(ll. 1-5)  Come now, Erato, stand by my side, and say next how
+Jason brought back the fleece to Iolcus aided by the love of
+Medea.  For thou sharest the power of Cypris, and by thy
+love-cares dost charm unwedded maidens; wherefore to thee too is
+attached a name that tells of love.
+
+(ll. 6-10)  Thus the heroes, unobserved, were waiting in ambush
+amid the thick reed-beds; but Hera and Athena took note of them,
+and, apart from Zeus and the other immortals, entered a chamber
+and took counsel together; and Hera first made trial of Athena:
+
+(ll. 11-16)  "Do thou now first, daughter of Zeus, give advice.
+What must be done?  Wilt thou devise some scheme whereby they may
+seize the golden fleece of Aeetes and bear it to Hellas, or can
+they deceive the king with soft words and so work persuasion?  Of
+a truth he is terribly overweening.  Still it is right to shrink
+from no endeavour."
+
+(ll. 17-21)  Thus she spake, and at once Athena addressed her: "I
+too was pondering such thoughts in my heart, Hera, when thou
+didst ask me outright.  But not yet do I think that I have
+conceived a scheme to aid the courage of the heroes, though I
+have balanced many plans."
+
+(ll. 22-29)  She ended, and the goddesses fixed their eyes on the
+ground at their feet, brooding apart; and straightway Hera was
+the first to speak her thought: "Come, let us go to Cypris; let
+both of us accost her and urge her to bid her son (if only he
+will obey) speed his shaft at the daughter of Aeetes, the
+enchantress, and charm her with love for Jason.  And I deem that
+by her device he will bring back the fleece to Hellas."
+
+(ll. 30-31)  Thus she spake, and the prudent plan pleased Athena,
+and she addressed her in reply with gentle words:
+
+(ll. 32-35)  "Hera, my father begat me to be a stranger to the
+darts of love, nor do I know any charm to work desire.  But if
+the word pleases thee, surely I will follow; but thou must speak
+when we meet her."
+
+(ll. 36-51)  So she said, and starting forth they came to the
+mighty palace of Cypris, which her husband, the halt-footed god,
+had built for her when first he brought her from Zeus to be his
+wife.  And entering the court they stood beneath the gallery of
+the chamber where the goddess prepared the couch of Hephaestus.
+But he had gone early to his forge and anvils to a broad cavern
+in a floating island where with the blast of flame he wrought all
+manner of curious work; and she all alone was sitting within, on
+an inlaid seat facing the door.  And her white shoulders on each
+side were covered with the mantle of her hair and she was parting
+it with a golden comb and about to braid up the long tresses; but
+when she saw the goddesses before her, she stayed and called them
+within, and rose from her seat and placed them on couches.  Then
+she herself sat down, and with her hands gathered up the locks
+still uncombed.  And smiling she addressed them with crafty
+words:
+
+(ll. 52-54)  "Good friends, what intent, what occasion brings you
+here after so long?  Why have ye come, not too frequent visitors
+before, chief among goddesses that ye are?"
+
+(ll. 55-75)  And to her Hera replied: "Thou dost mock us, but our
+hearts are stirred with calamity.  For already on the river
+Phasis the son of Aeson moors his ship, he and his comrades in
+quest of the fleece.  For all their sakes we fear terribly (for
+the task is nigh at hand) but most for Aeson's son.  Him will I
+deliver, though he sail even to Hades to free Ixion below from
+his brazen chains, as far as strength lies in my limbs, so that
+Pelias may not mock at having escaped an evil doom--Pelias who
+left me unhonoured with sacrifice.  Moreover Jason was greatly
+loved by me before, ever since at the mouth of Anaurus in flood,
+as I was making trial of men's righteousness, he met me on his
+return from the chase; and all the mountains and long ridged
+peaks were sprinkled with snow, and from them the torrents
+rolling down were rushing with a roar.  And he took pity on me in
+the likeness of an old crone, and raising me on his shoulders
+himself bore me through the headlong tide.  So he is honoured by
+me unceasingly; nor will Pelias pay the penalty of his outrage,
+unless thou wilt grant Jason his return."
+
+(ll. 76-82)  Thus she spake, and speechlessness seized Cypris.
+And beholding Hera supplicating her she felt awe, and then
+addressed her with friendly words: "Dread goddess, may no viler
+thing than Cypris ever be found, if I disregard thy eager desire
+in word or deed, whatever my weak arms can effect; and let there
+be no favour in return."
+
+(ll. 83-89)  She spake, and Hera again addressed her with
+prudence: "It is not in need of might or of strength that we have
+come.  But just quietly bid thy boy charm Aeetes' daughter with
+love for Jason.  For if she will aid him with her kindly counsel,
+easily do I think he will win the fleece of gold and return to
+Iolcus, for she is full of wiles."
+
+(ll. 90-99)  Thus she spake, and Cypris addressed them both:
+"Hera and Athena, he will obey you rather than me.  For unabashed
+though he is, there will be some slight shame in his eyes before
+you; but he has no respect for me, but ever slights me in
+contentious mood.  And, overborne by his naughtiness, I purpose
+to break his ill-sounding arrows and his bow in his very sight.
+For in his anger he has threatened that if I shall not keep my
+hands off him while he still masters his temper, I shall have
+cause to blame myself thereafter."
+
+(ll. 100-105)  So she spake, and the goddesses smiled and looked
+at each other.  But Cypris again spoke, vexed at heart: "To
+others my sorrows are a jest; nor ought I to tell them to all; I
+know them too well myself.  But now, since this pleases you both,
+I will make the attempt and coax him, and he will not say me
+nay."
+
+(ll. 106-110)  Thus she spake, and Hera took her slender hand and
+gently smiling, replied: "Perform this task, Cytherea,
+straightway, as thou sayest; and be not angry or contend with thy
+boy; he will cease hereafter to vex thee."
+
+(ll. 111-128)  She spake, and left her seat, and Athena
+accompanied her and they went forth both hastening back.  And
+Cypris went on her way through the glens of Olympus to find her
+boy.  And she found him apart, in the blooming orchard of Zeus,
+not alone, but with him Ganymedes, whom once Zeus had set to
+dwell among the immortal gods, being enamoured of his beauty. 
+And they were playing for golden dice, as boys in one house are
+wont to do.  And already greedy Eros was holding the palm of his
+left hand quite full of them under his breast, standing upright;
+and on the bloom of his cheeks a sweet blush was glowing.  But
+the other sat crouching hard by, silent and downcast, and he had
+two dice left which he threw one after the other, and was angered
+by the loud laughter of Eros.  And lo, losing them straightway
+with the former, he went off empty handed, helpless, and noticed
+not the approach of Cypris.  And she stood before her boy, and
+laying her hand on his lips, addressed him:
+
+(ll. 129-144)  "Why dost thou smile in triumph, unutterable
+rogue?  Hast thou cheated him thus, and unjustly overcome the
+innocent child?  Come, be ready to perform for me the task I will
+tell thee of, and I will give thee Zeus' all-beauteous plaything
+-- the one which his dear nurse Adrasteia made for him, while he
+still lived a child, with childish ways, in the Idaean cave--a
+well-rounded ball; no better toy wilt thou get from the hands of
+Hephaestus.  All of gold are its zones, and round each double
+seams run in a circle; but the stitches are hidden, and a dark
+blue spiral overlays them all.  But if thou shouldst cast it with
+thy hands, lo, like a star, it sends a flaming track through the
+sky.  This I will give thee; and do thou strike with thy shaft
+and charm the daughter of Aeetes with love for Jason; and let
+there be no loitering.  For then my thanks would be the
+slighter."
+
+(ll. 145-150)  Thus she spake, and welcome were her words to the
+listening boy.  And he threw down all his toys, and eagerly
+seizing her robe on this side and on that, clung to the goddess.
+And he implored her to bestow the gift at once; but she, facing
+him with kindly words, touched his cheeks, kissed him and drew
+him to her, and replied with a smile:
+
+(ll. 151-153)  "Be witness now thy dear head and mine, that
+surely I will give thee the gift and deceive thee not, if thou
+wilt strike with thy shaft Aeetes' daughter."
+
+(ll. 154-166)  She spoke, and he gathered up his dice, and having
+well counted them all threw them into his mother's gleaming lap.
+And straightway with golden baldric he slung round him his quiver
+from where it leant against a tree-trunk, and took up his curved
+bow.  And he fared forth through the fruitful orchard of the
+palace of Zeus.  Then he passed through the gates of Olympus high
+in air; hence is a downward path from heaven; and the twin poles
+rear aloft steep mountain tops the highest crests of earth, where
+the risen sun grows ruddy with his first beams.  And beneath him
+there appeared now the life-giving earth and cities of men and
+sacred streams of rivers, and now in turn mountain peaks and the
+ocean all around, as he swept through the vast expanse of air.
+
+(ll. 167-193)  Now the heroes apart in ambush, in a back-water of
+the river, were met in council, sitting on the benches of their
+ship.  And Aeson's son himself was speaking among them; and they
+were listening silently in their places sitting row upon row: "My
+friends, what pleases myself that will I say out; it is for you
+to bring about its fulfilment.  For in common is our task, and
+common to all alike is the right of speech; and he who in silence
+withholds his thought and his counsel, let him know that it is he
+alone that bereaves this band of its home-return.  Do ye others
+rest here in the ship quietly with your arms; but I will go to
+the palace of Aeetes, taking with me the sons of Phrixus and two
+comrades as well.  And when I meet him I will first make trial
+with words to see if he will be willing to give up the golden
+fleece for friendship's sake or not, but trusting to his might
+will set at nought our quest.  For so, learning his frowardness
+first from himself, we will consider whether we shall meet him in
+battle, or some other plan shall avail us, if we refrain from the
+war-cry.  And let us not merely by force, before putting words to
+the test, deprive him of his own possession.  But first it is
+better to go to him and win his favour by speech.  Oftentimes, I
+ween, does speech accomplish at need what prowess could hardly
+catty through, smoothing the path in manner befitting.  And he
+once welcomed noble Phrixus, a fugitive from his stepmother's
+wiles and the sacrifice prepared by his father.  For all men
+everywhere, even the most shameless, reverence the ordinance of
+Zeus, god of strangers, and regard it."
+
+(ll. 194-209)  Thus he spake, and the youths approved the words
+of Aeson's son with one accord, nor was there one to counsel
+otherwise.  And then he summoned to go with him the sons of
+Phrixus, and Telamon and Augeias; and himself took Hermes' wand;
+and at once they passed forth from the ship beyond the reeds and
+the water to dry land, towards the rising ground of the plain.
+The plain, I wis, is called Circe's; and here in line grow many
+willows and osiers, on whose topmost branches hang corpses bound
+with cords.  For even now it is an abomination with the Colchians
+to burn dead men with fire; nor is it lawful to place them in the 
+earth and raise a mound above, but to wrap them in untanned
+oxhides and suspend them from trees far from the city.  And so
+earth has an equal portion with air, seeing that they bury the
+women; for that is the custom of their land.
+
+(ll. 210-259)  And as they went Hera with friendly thought spread
+a thick mist through the city, that they might fare to the palace
+of Aeetes unseen by the countless hosts of the Colchians.  But
+soon when from the plain they came to the city and Aeetes'
+palace, then again Hera dispersed the mist.  And they stood at
+the entrance, marvelling at the king's courts and the wide gates
+and columns which rose in ordered lines round the walls; and high
+up on the palace a coping of stone rested on brazen triglyphs.
+And silently they crossed the threshold.  And close by garden
+vines covered with green foliage were in full bloom, lifted high
+in air.  And beneath them ran four fountains, ever-flowing, which
+Hephaestus had delved out.  One was gushing with milk, one with
+wine, while the third flowed with fragrant oil; and the fourth
+ran with water, which grew warm at the setting of the Pleiads,
+and in turn at their rising bubbled forth from the hollow rock,
+cold as crystal.  Such then were the wondrous works that the
+craftsman-god Hephaestus had fashioned in the palace of Cytaean
+Aeetes.  And he wrought for him bulls with feet of bronze, and
+their mouths were of bronze, and from them they breathed out a
+terrible flame of fire; moreover he forged a plough of unbending
+adamant, all in one piece, in payment of thanks to Helios, who
+had taken the god up in his chariot when faint from the
+Phlegraean fight. (1)  And here an inner-court was built, and
+round it were many well-fitted doors and chambers here and there,
+and all along on each side was a richly-wrought gallery.  And on
+both sides loftier buildings stood obliquely.  In one, which was
+the loftiest, lordly Aeetes dwelt with his queen; and in another
+dwelt Apsyrtus, son of Aeetes, whom a Caucasian nymph,
+Asterodeia, bare before he made Eidyia his wedded wife, the
+youngest daughter of Tethys and Oceanus.  And the sons of the
+Colchians called him by the new name of Phaethon, (2) because he
+outshone all the youths.  The other buildings the handmaidens
+had, and the two daughters of Aeetes, Chalciope and Medea.  Medea
+then [they found] going from chamber to chamber in search of her
+sister, for Hera detained her within that day; but beforetime she
+was not wont to haunt the palace, but all day long was busied in
+Hecate's temple, since she herself was the priestess of the
+goddess.  And when she saw them she cried aloud, and quickly
+Chalciope caught the sound; and her maids, throwing down at their
+feet their yarn and their thread, rushed forth all in a throng.
+And she, beholding her sons among them, raised her hands aloft
+through joy; and so they likewise greeted their mother, and when
+they saw her embraced her in their gladness; and she with many
+sobs spoke thus:
+
+(ll. 260-267)  "After all then, ye were not destined to leave me
+in your heedlessness and to wander far; but fate has turned you
+back.  Poor wretch that I am!  What a yearning for Hellas from
+some woeful madness seized you at the behest of your father
+Phrixus.  Bitter sorrows for my heart did he ordain when dying. 
+And why should ye go to the city of Orchomenus, whoever this
+Orchomenus is, for the sake of Athamas' wealth, leaving your
+mother alone to bear her grief?"
+
+(ll. 268-274)  Such were her words; and Aeetes came forth last of
+all and Eidyia herself came, the queen of Aeetes, on hearing the
+voice of Chalciope; and straightway all the court was filled with
+a throng.  Some of the thralls were busied with a mighty bull,
+others with the axe were cleaving dry billets, and others heating
+with fire water for the baths; nor was there one who relaxed his
+toil, serving the king.
+
+(ll. 275-298)  Meantime Eros passed unseen through the grey mist,
+causing confusion, as when against grazing heifers rises the
+gadfly, which oxherds call the breese.  And quickly beneath the
+lintel in the porch he strung his bow and took from the quiver an
+arrow unshot before, messenger of pain.  And with swift feet
+unmarked he passed the threshold and keenly glanced around; and
+gliding close by Aeson's son he laid the arrow-notch on the cord
+in the centre, and drawing wide apart with both hands he shot at
+Medea; and speechless amazement seized her soul.  But the god
+himself flashed back again from the high-roofed hall, laughing
+loud; and the bolt burnt deep down in the maiden's heart like a
+flame; and ever she kept darting bright glances straight up at
+Aeson's son, and within her breast her heart panted fast through
+anguish, all remembrance left her, and her soul melted with the
+sweet pain.  And as a poor woman heaps dry twigs round a blazing
+brand--a daughter of toil, whose task is the spinning of wool,
+that she may kindle a blaze at night beneath her roof, when she
+has waked very early--and the flame waxing wondrous great from
+the small brand consumes all the twigs together; so, coiling
+round her heart, burnt secretly Love the destroyer; and the hue
+of her soft cheeks went and came, now pale, now red, in her
+soul's distraction.
+
+(ll. 299-303)  Now when the thralls had laid a banquet ready
+before them, and they had refreshed themselves with warm baths,
+gladly did they please their souls with meat and drink.  And
+thereafter Aeetes questioned the sons of his daughter, addressing
+them with these words:
+
+(ll. 304-316)  "Sons of my daughter and of Phrixus, whom beyond
+all strangers I honoured in my halls, how have ye come returning
+back to Aea?  Did some calamity cut short your escape in the
+midst?  Ye did not listen when I set before you the boundless
+length of the way.  For I marked it once, whirled along in the
+chariot of my father Helios, when he was bringing my sister Circe
+to the western land and we came to the shore of the Tyrrhenian
+mainland, where even now she abides, exceeding far from Colchis.
+But what pleasure is there in words?  Do ye tell me plainly what
+has been your fortune, and who these men are, your companions,
+and where from your hollow ship ye came ashore."
+
+(ll. 317-319)  Such were his questions, and Argus, before all his
+brethren, being fearful for the mission of Aeson's son, gently
+replied, for he was the elder-born:
+
+(ll. 320-366)  "Aeetes, that ship forthwith stormy blasts tore
+asunder, and ourselves, crouching on the beams, a wave drove on
+to the beach of the isle of Enyalius (3) in the murky night; and
+some god preserved us.  For even the birds of Ares that haunted
+the desert isle beforetime, not even them did we find.  But these
+men had driven them off, having landed from their ship on the day
+before; and the will of Zeus taking pity on us, or some fate,
+detained them there, since they straightway gave us both food and
+clothing in abundance, when they heard the illustrious name of
+Phrixus and thine own; for to thy city are they faring.  And if
+thou dost wish to know their errand, I will not hide it from
+time.  A certain king, vehemently longing to drive this man far
+from his fatherland and possessions, because in might he outshone
+all the sons of Aeolus, sends him to voyage hither on a bootless
+venture; and asserts that the stock of Aeolus will not escape the
+heart-grieving wrath and rage of implacable Zeus, nor the
+unbearable curse and vengeance due for Phrixus, until the fleece
+comes back to Hellas.  And their ship was fashioned by Pallas
+Athena, not such a one as are the ships among the Colchians, on
+the vilest of which we chanced.  For the fierce waves and wind
+broke her utterly to pieces; but the other holds firm with her
+bolts, even though all the blasts should buffet her.  And with
+equal swiftness she speedeth before the wind and when the crew
+ply the oar with unresting hands.  And he hath gathered in her
+the mightiest heroes of all Achaea, and hath come to thy city
+from wandering far through cities and gulfs of the dread ocean,
+in the hope that thou wilt grant him the fleece.  But as thou
+dost please, so shall it be, for he cometh not to use force, but
+is eager to pay thee a recompense for the gift.  He has heard
+from me of thy bitter foes the Sauromatae, and he will subdue
+them to thy sway.  And if thou desirest to know their names and
+lineage I will tell thee all.  This man on whose account the rest
+were gathered from Hellas, they call Jason, son of Aeson, whom
+Cretheus begat.  And if in truth he is of the stock of Cretheus
+himself, thus he would be our kinsman on the father's side.  For
+Cretheus and Athamas were both sons of Aeolus; and Phrixus was
+the son of Athamas, son of Aeolus.  And here, if thou hast heard
+at all of the seed of Helios, thou dost behold Augeias; and this
+is Telamon sprung from famous Aeacus; and Zeus himself begat
+Aeacus.  And so all the rest, all the comrades that follow him,
+are the sons or grandsons of the immortals."
+
+(ll. 367-371)  Such was the tale of Argus; but the king at his
+words was filled with rage as he heard; and his heart was lifted
+high in wrath.  And he spake in heavy displeasure; and was
+angered most of all with the son of Chalciope; for he deemed that
+on their account the strangers had come; and in his fury his eyes
+flashed forth beneath his brows:
+
+(ll. 372-381)  "Begone from my sight, felons, straightway, ye and
+your tricks, from the land, ere someone see a fleece and a
+Phrixus to his sorrow.  Banded together with your friends from
+Hellas, not for the fleece, but to seize my sceptre and royal
+power have ye come hither.  Had ye not first tasted of my table,
+surely would I have cut out your tongues and hewn off both hands
+and sent you forth with your feet alone, so that ye might be
+stayed from starting hereafter.  And what lies have ye uttered
+against the blessed gods!"
+
+(ll. 382-385)  Thus he spake in his wrath; and mightily from its
+depths swelled the heart of Aeacus' son, and his soul within
+longed to speak a deadly word in defiance, but Aeson's son
+checked him, for he himself first made gentle answer:
+
+(ll. 386-395)  "Aeetes, bear with this armed band, I pray.  For
+not in the way thou deemest have we come to thy city and palace,
+no, nor yet with such desires.  For who would of his own will
+dare to cross so wide a sea for the goods of a stranger?  But
+fate and the ruthless command of a presumptuous king urged me.
+Grant a favour to thy suppliants, and to all Hellas will I
+publish a glorious fame of thee; yea, we are ready now to pay
+thee a swift recompense in war, whether it be the Sauromatae or
+some other people that thou art eager to subdue to thy sway."
+
+(ll. 396-400)  He spake, flattering him with gentle utterance;
+but the king's soul brooded a twofold purpose within him, whether
+he should attack and slay them on the spot or should make trial
+of their might.  And this, as he pondered, seemed the better way,
+and he addressed Jason in answer:
+
+(ll. 401-421)  "Stranger, why needest thou go through thy tale to
+the end?  For if ye are in truth of heavenly race, or have come
+in no wise inferior to me, to win the goods of strangers, I will
+give thee the fleece to bear away, if thou dost wish, when I have
+tried thee.  For against brave men I bear no grudge, such as ye
+yourselves tell me of him who bears sway in Hellas.  And the
+trial of your courage and might shall be a contest which I myself
+can compass with my hands, deadly though it be.  Two bulls with
+feet of bronze I have that pasture on the plain of Ares,
+breathing forth flame from their jaws; them do I yoke and drive
+over the stubborn field of Ares, four plough-gates; and quickly
+cleaving it with the share up to the headland, I cast into the
+furrows the seed, not the corn of Demeter, but the teeth of a
+dread serpent that grow up into the fashion of armed men; them I
+slay at once, cutting them down beneath my spear as they rise
+against me on all sides.  In the morning do I yoke the oxen, and
+at eventide I cease from the harvesting.  And thou, if thou wilt
+accomplish such deeds as these, on that very day shalt carry off
+the fleece to the king's palace; ere that time comes I will not
+give it, expect it not.  For indeed it is unseemly that a brave
+man should yield to a coward."
+
+(ll. 422-426)  Thus he spake; and Jason, fixing his eyes on the
+ground, sat just as he was, speechless, helpless in his evil
+plight.  For a long time he turned the matter this way and that,
+and could in no way take on him the task with courage, for a
+mighty task it seemed; and at last he made reply with crafty
+words:
+
+(ll. 427-431)  "With thy plea of right, Aeetes, thou dost shut me
+in overmuch.  Wherefore also I will dare that contest, monstrous
+as it is, though it be my doom to die. For nothing will fall upon
+men more dread than dire necessity, which indeed constrained me
+to come hither at a king's command."
+
+(ll. 432-438)  Thus he spake, smitten by his helpless plight; and
+the king with grim words addressed him, sore troubled as he was:
+"Go forth now to the gathering, since thou art eager for the
+toil; but if thou shouldst fear to lift the yoke upon the oxen or
+shrink from the deadly harvesting, then all this shall be my
+care, so that another too may shudder to come to a man that is
+better than he."
+
+(ll. 439-463)  He spake outright; and Jason rose from his seat,
+and Augeias and Telamon at once; and Argus followed alone, for he
+signed to his brothers to stay there on the spot meantime; and so
+they went forth from the hall.  And wonderfully among them all
+shone the son of Aeson for beauty and grace; and the maiden
+looked at him with stealthy glance, holding her bright veil
+aside, her heart smouldering with pain; and her soul creeping
+like a dream flitted in his track as he went.  So they passed
+forth from the palace sorely troubled.  And Chalciope, shielding
+herself from the wrath of Aeetes, had gone quickly to her chamber
+with her sons.  And Medea likewise followed, and much she brooded
+in her soul all the cares that the Loves awaken.  And before her
+eyes the vision still appeared--himself what like he was, with
+what vesture he was clad, what things he spake, how he sat on his
+seat, how he moved forth to the door--and as she pondered she
+deemed there never was such another man; and ever in her ears
+rung his voice and the honey-sweet words which he uttered.  And
+she feared for him, lest the oxen or Aeetes with his own hand
+should slay him; and she mourned him as though already slain
+outright, and in her affliction a round tear through very
+grievous pity coursed down her cheek; and gently weeping she
+lifted up her voice aloud:
+
+(ll. 464-470)  Why does this grief come upon me, poor wretch?
+Whether he be the best of heroes now about to perish, or the
+worst, let him go to his doom.  Yet I would that he had escaped
+unharmed; yea, may this be so, revered goddess, daughter of
+Perses, may he avoid death and return home; but if it be his lot
+to be o'ermastered by the oxen, may he first learn this, that I
+at least do not rejoice in his cruel calamity."
+
+(ll. 471-474)  Thus then was the maiden's heart racked by love-
+cares.  But when the others had gone forth from the people and
+the city, along the path by which at the first they had come from
+the plain, then Argus addressed Jason with these words:
+
+(ll. 475-483)  "Son of Aeson, thou wilt despise the counsel which
+I will tell thee, but, though in evil plight, it is not fitting
+to forbear from the trial.  Ere now thou hast heard me tell of a
+maiden that uses sorcery under the guidance of Hecate, Perses'
+daughter.  If we could win her aid there will be no dread,
+methinks, of thy defeat in the contest; but terribly do I fear
+that my mother will not take this task upon her.  Nevertheless I
+will go back again to entreat her, for a common destruction
+overhangs us all."
+
+(ll. 383-491)  He spake with goodwill, and Jason answered with
+these words: "Good friend, if this is good in thy sight, I say
+not nay.  Go and move thy mother, beseeching her aid with prudent
+words; pitiful indeed is our hope when we have put our return in
+the keeping of women."  So he spake, and quickly they reached the
+back-water.  And their comrades joyfully questioned them, when
+they saw them close at hand; and to them spoke Aeson's son
+grieved at heart:
+
+(ll. 492-501)  "My friends, the heart of ruthless Aeetes is
+utterly filled with wrath against us, for not at all can the goal
+be reached either by me or by you who question me.  He said that
+two bulls with feet of bronze pasture on the plain of Ares,
+breathing forth flame from their jaws.  And with these he bade me
+plough the field, four plough-gates; and said that he would give
+me from a serpent's jaws seed which will raise up earthborn men
+in armour of bronze; and on the same day I must slay them.  This
+task--for there was nothing better to devise--I took on
+myself outright."
+
+(ll. 502-514)  Thus he spake; and to all the contest seemed one
+that none could accomplish, and long, quiet and silent, they
+looked at one another, bowed down with the calamity and their
+despair; but at last Peleus spake with courageous words among all
+the chiefs: "It is time to be counselling what we shall do.  Yet
+there is not so much profit, I trow, in counsel as in the might
+of our hands.  If thou then, hero son of Aeson, art minded to
+yoke Aeetes' oxen, and art eager for the toil, surely thou wilt
+keep thy promise and make thyself ready.  But if thy soul trusts
+not her prowess utterly, then neither bestir thyself nor sit
+still and look round for some one else of these men.  For it is
+not I who will flinch, since the bitterest pain will be but
+death."
+
+(ll. 515-522)  So spake the son of Aeacus; and Telamon's soul was
+stirred, and quickly he started up in eagerness; and Idas rose up
+the third in his pride; and the twin sons of Tyndareus; and with
+them Oeneus' son who was numbered among strong men, though even
+the soft down on his cheek showed not yet; with such courage was
+his soul uplifted.  But the others gave way to these in silence.
+And straightway Argus spake these words to those that longed for
+the contest:
+
+(ll. 523-539)  "My friends, this indeed is left us at the last.
+But I deem that there will come to you some timely aid from my
+mother.  Wherefore, eager though ye be, refrain and abide in your
+ship a little longer as before, for it is better to forbear than
+recklessly to choose an evil fate.  There is a maiden, nurtured
+in the halls of Aeetes, whom the goddess Hecate taught to handle
+magic herbs with exceeding skill all that the land and flowing
+waters produce.  With them is quenched the blast of unwearied
+flame, and at once she stays the course of rivers as they rush
+roaring on, and checks the stars and the paths of the sacred
+moon.  Of her we bethought us as we came hither along the path
+from the palace, if haply my mother, her own sister, might
+persuade her to aid us in the venture.  And if this is pleasing
+to you as well, surely on this very day will I return to the
+palace of Aeetes to make trial; and perchance with some god's
+help shall I make the trial."
+
+(ll. 540-544)  Thus he spake, and the gods in their goodwill gave
+them a sign.  A trembling dove in her flight from a mighty hawk
+fell from on high, terrified, into the lap of Aeson's son, and
+the hawk fell impaled on the stern-ornament.  And quickly Mopsus
+with prophetic words spake among them all:
+
+(ll. 545-554)  "For you, friends, this sign has been wrought by
+the will of heaven; in no other way is it possible to interpret
+its meaning better, than to seek out the maiden and entreat her
+with manifold skill.  And I think she will not reject our prayer,
+if in truth Phineus said that our return should be with the help
+of the Cyprian goddess.  It was her gentle bird that escaped
+death; and as my heart within me foresees according to this omen,
+so may it prove!  But, my friends, let us call on Cytherea to aid
+us, and now at once obey the counsels of Argus."
+
+(ll. 555-563)  He spake, and the warriors approved, remembering
+the injunctions of Phineus; but all alone leapt up Apharcian Idas
+and shouted loudly in terrible wrath: "Shame on us, have we come
+here fellow voyagers with women, calling on Cypris for help and
+not on the mighty strength of Enyalius?  And do ye look to doves
+and hawks to save yourselves from contests?  Away with you, take
+thought not for deeds of war, but by supplication to beguile
+weakling girls."
+
+(ll. 564-571)  Such were his eager words; and of his comrades
+many murmured low, but none uttered a word of answer back.  And
+he sat down in wrath; and at once Jason roused them and uttered
+his own thought: "Let Argus set forth from the ship, since this
+pleases all; but we will now move from the river and openly
+fasten our hawsers to the shore.  For surely it is not fitting
+for us to hide any longer cowering from the battle-cry."
+
+(ll. 572-575)  So he spake, and straightway sent Argus to return
+in haste to the city; and they drew the anchors on board at the
+command of Aeson's son, and rowed the ship close to the shore, a
+little away from the back-water.
+
+(ll. 576-608)  But straightway Aeetes held an assembly of the
+Colchians far aloof from his palace at a spot where they sat in
+times before, to devise against the Minyae grim treachery and
+troubles.  And he threatened that when first the oxen should have
+torn in pieces the man who had taken upon him to perform the
+heavy task, he would hew down the oak grove above the wooded
+hill, and burn the ship and her crew, that so they might vent
+forth in ruin their grievous insolence, for all their haughty
+schemes.  For never would he have welcomed the Aeolid Phrixus as
+a guest in his halls, in spite of his sore need, Phrixus, who
+surpassed all strangers in gentleness and fear of the gods, had
+not Zeus himself sent Hermes his messenger down from heaven, so
+that he might meet with a friendly host; much less would pirates
+coming to his land be let go scatheless for long, men whose care
+it was to lift their hands and seize the goods of others, and to
+weave secret webs of guile, and harry the steadings of herdsmen
+with ill-sounding forays.  And he said that besides all that the
+sons of Phrixus should pay a fitting penalty to himself for
+returning in consort with evildoers, that they might recklessly
+drive him from his honour and his throne; for once he had heard a
+baleful prophecy from his father Helios, that he must avoid the
+secret treachery and schemes of his own offspring and their
+crafty mischief.  Wherefore he was sending them, as they desired,
+to the Achaean land at the bidding of their father--a long
+journey.  Nor had he ever so slight a fear of his daughters, that
+they would form some hateful scheme, nor of his son Apsyrtus; but
+this curse was being fulfilled in the children of Chalciope.  And
+he proclaimed terrible things in his rage against the strangers,
+and loudly threatened to keep watch over the ship and its crew,
+so that no one might escape calamity.
+
+(ll. 609-615)  Meantime Argus, going to Aeetes' palace, with
+manifold pleading besought his mother to pray Medea's aid; and
+Chalciope herself already had the same thoughts, but fear checked
+her soul lest haply either fate should withstand and she should
+entreat her in vain, all distraught as she would be at her
+father's deadly wrath, or, if Medea yielded to her prayers, her
+deeds should be laid bare and open to view.
+
+(ll. 616-635)  Now a deep slumber had relieved the maiden from
+her love-pains as she lay upon her couch.  But straightway
+fearful dreams, deceitful, such as trouble one in grief, assailed
+her.  And she thought that the stranger had taken on him the
+contest, not because he longed to win the ram's fleece, and that
+he had not come on that account to Aeetes' city, but to lead her
+away, his wedded wife, to his own home; and she dreamed that
+herself contended with the oxen and wrought the task with
+exceeding ease; and that her own parents set at naught their
+promise, for it was not the maiden they had challenged to yoke
+the oxen but the stranger himself; from that arose a contention
+of doubtful issue between her father and the strangers; and both
+laid the decision upon her, to be as she should direct in her
+mind.  But she suddenly, neglecting her parents, chose the
+stranger.  And measureless anguish seized them and they shouted
+out in their wrath; and with the cry sleep released its hold upon
+her.  Quivering with fear she started up, and stared round the 
+walls of her chamber, and with difficulty did she gather her
+spirit within her as before, and lifted her voice aloud:
+
+(ll. 636-644)  "Poor wretch, how have gloomy dreams affrighted
+me!  I fear that this voyage of the heroes will bring some great
+evil.  My heart is trembling for the stranger.  Let him woo some
+Achaean girl far away among his own folk; let maidenhood be mine
+and the home of my parents.  Yet, taking to myself a reckless
+heart, I will no more keep aloof but will make trial of my sister
+to see if she will entreat me to aid in the contest, through
+grief for her own sons; this would quench the bitter pain in my
+heart."
+
+(ll. 645-673)  She spake, and rising from her bed opened the door
+of her chamber, bare-footed, clad in one robe; and verily she
+desired to go to her sister, and crossed the threshold.  And for
+long she stayed there at the entrance of her chamber, held back
+by shame; and she turned back once more; and again she came forth
+from within, and again stole back; and idly did her feet bear her
+this way and that; yea, as oft as she went straight on, shame
+held her within the chamber, and though held back by shame, bold
+desire kept urging her on.  Thrice she made the attempt and
+thrice she checked herself, the fourth time she fell on her bed
+face downward, writhing in pain.  And as when a bride in her
+chamber bewails her youthful husband, to whom her brothers and
+parents have given her, nor yet does she hold converse with all
+her attendants for shame and for thinking of him; but she sits
+apart in her grief; and some doom has destroyed him, before they
+have had pleasure of each other's charms; and she with heart on
+fire silently weeps, beholding her widowed couch, in fear lest
+the women should mock and revile her; like to her did Medea
+lament.  And suddenly as she was in the midst of her tears, one
+of the handmaids came forth and noticed her, one who was her
+youthful attendant; and straightway she told Chalciope, who sat
+in the midst of her sons devising how to win over her sister. 
+And when Chalciope heard the strange tale from the handmaid, not
+even so did she disregard it.  And she rushed in dismay from her
+chamber right on to the chamber where the maiden lay in her
+anguish, having torn her cheeks on each side; and when Chalciope
+saw her eyes all dimmed with tears, she thus addressed her:
+
+(ll. 674-680)  "Ah me, Medea, why dost thou weep so?  What hath
+befallen thee?  What terrible grief has entered thy heart?  Has
+some heaven-sent disease enwrapt thy frame, or hast thou heard
+from our father some deadly threat concerning me and my sons?
+Would that I did not behold this home of my parents, or the city,
+but dwelt at the ends of the earth, where not even the name of
+Colchians is known!"
+
+(ll. 681-687)  Thus she spake, and her sister's cheeks flushed;
+and though she was eager to reply, long did maiden shame restrain
+her.  At one moment the word rose on the end of her tongue, at
+another it fluttered back deep within her breast.  And often
+through her lovely lips it strove for utterance; but no sound
+came forth; till at last she spoke with guileful words; for the
+bold Loves were pressing her hard:
+
+(ll. 688-692)  "Chalciope, my heart is all trembling for thy
+sons, lest my father forthwith destroy them together with the
+strangers.  Slumbering just now in a short-lived sleep such a
+ghastly dream did I see--may some god forbid its fulfilment and
+never mayst thou win for thyself bitter care on thy sons'
+account."
+
+(ll. 693-704)  She spake, making trial of her sister to see if
+she first would entreat help for her sons.  And utterly
+unbearable grief surged over Chalciope's soul for fear at what
+she heard; and then she replied: "Yea, I myself too have come to
+thee in eager furtherance of this purpose, if thou wouldst haply
+devise with me and prepare some help.  But swear by Earth and
+Heaven that thou wilt keep secret in thy heart what I shall tell
+thee, and be fellow-worker with me.  I implore thee by the
+blessed gods, by thyself and by thy parents, not to see them
+destroyed by an evil doom piteously; or else may I die with my
+dear sons and come back hereafter from Hades an avenging Fury to
+haunt thee."
+
+(ll. 705-710)  Thus she spake, and straightway a torrent of tears
+gushed forth and low down she clasped her sister's knees with
+both hands and let her head sink on to her breast.  Then they
+both made piteous lamentation over each other, and through the
+halls rose the faint sound of women weeping in anguish.  Medea,
+sore troubled, first addressed her sister:
+
+(ll. 711-717)  "God help thee, what healing can I bring thee for
+what thou speakest of, horrible curses and Furies?  Would that it
+were firmly in my power to save thy sons!  Be witness that mighty
+oath of the Colchians by which thou urgest me to swear, the great
+Heaven, and Earth beneath, mother of the gods, that as far as
+strength lies in me, never shalt thou fail of help, if only thy
+prayers can be accomplished."
+
+(ll. 718-723)  She spake, and Chalciope thus replied: "Couldst
+thou not then, for the stranger--who himself craves thy aid --
+devise some trick or some wise thought to win the contest, for
+the sake of my sons?  And from him has come Argus urging me to
+try to win thy help; I left him in the palace meantime while I
+came hither."
+
+(ll. 724-739)  Thus she spake, and Medea's heart bounded with joy
+within her, and at once her fair cheeks flushed, and a mist swam
+before her melting eyes, and she spake as follows: "Chalciope, as
+is dear and delightful to thee and thy sons, even so will I do.
+Never may the dawn appear again to my eyes, never mayst thou see
+me living any longer, if I should take thought for anything
+before thy life or thy sons' lives, for they are my brothers, my
+dear kinsmen and youthful companions.  So do I declare myself to
+be thy sister, and thy daughter too, for thou didst lift me to
+thy breast when an infant equally with them, as I ever heard from
+my mother in past days.  But go, bury my kindness in silence, so
+that I may carry out my promise unknown to my parents; and at
+dawn I will bring to Hecate's temple charms to cast a spell upon
+the bulls."
+
+(ll. 740-743)  Thus Chalciope went back from the chamber, and
+made known to her sons the help given by her sister.  And again
+did shame and hateful fear seize Medea thus left alone, that she
+should devise such deeds for a man in her father's despite.
+
+(ll. 744-771)  Then did night draw darkness over the earth; and
+on the sea sailors from their ships looked towards the Bear and
+the stars of Orion; and now the wayfarer and the warder longed
+for sleep, and the pall of slumber wrapped round the mother whose
+children were dead; nor was there any more the barking of dogs
+through the city, nor sound of men's voices; but silence held the
+blackening gloom.  But not indeed upon Medea came sweet sleep.
+For in her love for Aeson's son many cares kept her wakeful, and
+she dreaded the mighty strength of the bulls, beneath whose fury
+he was like to perish by an unseemly fate in the field of Ares.
+And fast did her heart throb within her breast, as a sunbeam
+quivers upon the walls of a house when flung up from water, which
+is just poured forth in a caldron or a pail may be; and hither
+and thither on the swift eddy does it dart and dance along; even
+so the maiden's heart quivered in her breast.  And the tear of
+pity flowed from her eyes, and ever within anguish tortured her,
+a smouldering fire through her frame, and about her fine nerves
+and deep down beneath the nape of the neck where the pain enters
+keenest, whenever the unwearied Loves direct against the heart
+their shafts of agony.  And she thought now that she would give
+him the charms to cast a spell on the bulls, now that she would
+not, and that she herself would perish; and again that she would
+not perish and would not give the charms, but just as she was
+would endure her fate in silence.  Then sitting down she wavered
+in mind and said:
+
+(ll. 772-801)  "Poor wretch, must I toss hither and thither in
+woe?  On every side my heart is in despair; nor is there any help
+for my pain; but it burneth ever thus.  Would that I had been
+slain by the swift shafts of Artemis before I had set eyes on
+him, before Chalciope's sons reached the Achaean land.  Some god
+or some Fury brought them hither for our grief, a cause of many
+tears.  Let him perish in the contest if it be his lot to die in
+the field.  For how could I prepare the charms without my
+parents' knowledge?  What story call I tell them?  What trick,
+what cunning device for aid can I find?  If I see him alone,
+apart from his comrades, shall I greet him?  Ill-starred that I
+am!  I cannot hope that I should rest from my sorrows even though
+he perished; then will evil come to me when he is bereft of life.
+Perish all shame, perish all glow; may he, saved by my effort, go
+scatheless wherever his heart desires.  But as for me, on the day
+when he bides the contest in triumph, may I die either straining
+my neck in the noose from the roof-tree or tasting drugs
+destructive of life.  But even so, when I am dead, they will
+fling out taunts against me; and every city far away will ring
+with my doom, and the Colchian women, tossing my name on their
+lips hither and thither, will revile me with unseemly mocking --
+the maid who cared so much for a stranger that she died, the maid
+who disgraced her home and her parents, yielding to a mad
+passion.  And what disgrace will not be mine?  Alas for my
+infatuation!  Far better would it be for me to forsake life this
+very night in my chamber by some mysterious fate, escaping all
+slanderous reproach, before I complete such nameless dishonour."
+
+(ll. 802-824)  She spake, and brought a casket wherein lay many
+drugs, some for healing, others for killing, and placing it upon
+her knees she wept.  And she drenched her bosom with ceaseless
+tears, which flowed in torrents as she sat, bitterly bewailing
+her own fate.  And she longed to choose a murderous drug to taste
+it, and now she was loosening the bands of the casket eager to
+take it forth, unhappy maid!  But suddenly a deadly fear of
+hateful Hades came upon her heart.  And long she held back in
+speechless horror, and all around her thronged visions of the
+pleasing cares of life.  She thought of all the delightful things
+that are among the living, she thought of her joyous playmates,
+as a maiden will; and the sun grew sweeter than ever to behold,
+seeing that in truth her soul yearned for all.  And she put the
+casket again from off her knees, all changed by the prompting of
+Hera, and no more did she waver in purpose; but longed for the
+rising dawn to appear quickly, that she might give him the charms
+to work the spell as she had promised, and meet him face to face.
+And often did she loosen the bolts of her door, to watch for the
+faint gleam: and welcome to her did the dayspring shed its light,
+and folk began to stir throughout the city.
+
+(ll. 825-827)  Then Argus bade his brothers remain there to learn
+the maiden's mind and plans, but himself turned back and went to
+the ship.
+
+(ll. 828-890)  Now soon as ever the maiden saw the light of dawn,
+with her hands she gathered up her golden tresses which were
+floating round her shoulders in careless disarray, and bathed her
+tear-stained cheeks, and made her skin shine with ointment sweet
+as nectar; and she donned a beautiful robe, fitted with well-bent
+clasps, and above on her head, divinely fair, she threw a veil
+gleaming like silver.  And there, moving to and fro in the
+palace, she trod the ground forgetful of the heaven-sent woes
+thronging round her and of others that were destined to follow.
+And she called to her maids.  Twelve they were, who lay during
+the night in the vestibule of her fragrant chamber, young as
+herself, not yet sharing the bridal couch, and she bade them
+hastily yoke the mules to the chariot to bear her to the
+beauteous shrine of Hecate.  Thereupon the handmaids were making
+ready the chariot; and Medea meanwhile took from the hollow
+casket a charm which men say is called the charm of Prometheus.
+If a man should anoint his body therewithal, having first
+appeased the Maiden, the only-begotten, with sacrifice by night,
+surely that man could not be wounded by the stroke of bronze nor
+would he flinch from blazing fire; but for that day he would
+prove superior both in prowess and in might.  It shot up first-
+born when the ravening eagle on the rugged flanks of Caucasus let
+drip to the earth the blood-like ichor of tortured Prometheus.
+And its flower appeared a cubit above ground in colour like the
+Corycian crocus, rising on twin stalks; but in the earth the root
+was like newly-cut flesh.  The dark juice of it, like the sap of
+a mountain-oak, she had gathered in a Caspian shell to make the
+charm withal, when she had first bathed in seven ever-flowing
+streams, and had called seven times on Brimo, nurse of youth,
+night-wandering Brimo, of the underworld, queen among the dead,
+-- in the gloom of night, clad in dusky garments.  And beneath,
+the dark earth shook and bellowed when the Titanian root was cut;
+and the son of Iapetus himself groaned, his soul distraught with
+pain.  And she brought the charm forth and placed it in the
+fragrant band which engirdled her, just beneath her bosom,
+divinely fair.  And going forth she mounted the swift chariot,
+and with her went two handmaidens on each side.  And she herself
+took the reins and in her right hand the well-fashioned whip, and
+drove through the city; and the rest, the handmaids, laid their
+hands on the chariot behind and ran along the broad highway; and
+they kilted up their light robes above their white knees.  And
+even as by the mild waters of Parthenius, or after bathing in the
+river Amnisus, Leto's daughter stands upon her golden chariot and
+courses over the hills with her swift-footed roes, to greet from
+afar some richly-steaming hecatomb; and with her come the nymphs
+in attendance, gathering, some at the spring of Amnisus itself,
+others by the glens and many-fountained peaks; and round her
+whine and fawn the beasts cowering as she moves along: thus they
+sped through the city; and on both sides the people gave way,
+shunning the eyes of the royal maiden.  But when she had left the
+city's well paved streets, and was approaching the shrine as she
+drove over the plains, then she alighted eagerly from the smooth-
+running chariot and spake as follows among her maidens:
+
+(ll. 891-911)  "Friends, verily have I sinned greatly and took no
+heed not to go among the stranger-folk 1 who roam over our land.
+The whole city is smitten with dismay; wherefore no one of the
+women who formerly gathered here day by day has now come hither.
+But since we have come and no one else draws near, come, let us
+satisfy our souls without stint with soothing song, and when we
+have plucked the fair flowers amid the tender grass, that very
+hour will we return.  And with many a gift shall ye reach home
+this very day, if ye will gladden me with this desire of mine.
+For Argus pleads with me, also Chalciope herself; but this that
+ye hear from me keep silently in your hearts, lest the tale reach
+my father's ears.  As for yon stranger who took on him the task
+with the oxen, they bid me receive his gifts and rescue him from
+the deadly contest.  And I approved their counsel, and I have
+summoned him to come to my presence apart from his comrades, so
+that we may divide the gifts among ourselves if he bring them in
+his hands, and in return may give him a baleful charm.  But when
+he comes, do ye stand aloof."
+
+(ll. 912-918)  So she spake, and the crafty counsel pleased them
+all.  And straightway Argus drew Aeson's son apart from his
+comrades as soon as he heard from his brothers that Medea had
+gone at daybreak to the holy shrine of Hecate, and led him over
+the plain; and with them went Mopsus, son of Ampycus, skilled to
+utter oracles from the appearance of birds, and skilled to give
+good counsel to those who set out on a journey.
+
+(ll. 919-926)  Never yet had there been such a man in the days of
+old, neither of all the heroes of the lineage of Zeus himself,
+nor of those who sprung from the blood of the other gods, as on
+that day the bride of Zeus made Jason, both to look upon and to
+hold converse with.  Even his comrades wondered as they gazed
+upon him, radiant with manifold graces; and the son of Ampycus
+rejoiced in their journey, already foreboding how all would end.
+
+(ll. 927-931)  Now by the path along the plain there stands near
+the shrine a poplar with its crown of countless leaves, whereon
+often chattering crows would roost.  One of them meantime as she
+clapped her wings aloft in the branches uttered the counsels of
+Hera:
+
+(ll. 932-937)  "What a pitiful seer is this, that has not the wit
+to conceive even what children know, how that no maiden will say
+a word of sweetness or love to a youth when strangers be near.
+Begone, sorry prophet, witless one; on thee neither Cypris nor
+the gentle Loves breathe in their kindness."
+
+(ll. 938-946)  She spake chiding, and Mopsus smiled to hear the
+god-sent voice of the bird, and thus addressed them: "Do thou,
+son of Aeson, pass on to the temple, where thou wilt find the
+maiden; and very kind will her greeting be to thee through the
+prompting of Cypris, who will be thy helpmate in the contest,
+even as Phineus, Agenor's son, foretold.  But we two, Argus and
+I, will await thy return, apart in this very spot; do thou all
+alone be a suppliant and win her over with prudent words."
+
+(ll. 947-974)  He spake wisely, and both at once gave approval.
+Nor was Medea's heart turned to other thoughts, for all her
+singing, and never a song that she essayed pleased her long in
+her sport.  But in confusion she ever faltered, nor did she keep
+her eyes resting quietly upon the throng of her handmaids; but to
+the paths far off she strained her gaze, turning her face aside.
+Oft did her heart sink fainting within her bosom whenever she
+fancied she heard passing by the sound of a footfall or of the
+wind.  But soon he appeared to her longing eyes, striding along
+loftily, like Sirius coming from ocean, which rises fair and
+clear to see, but brings unspeakable mischief to flocks; thus
+then did Aeson's son come to her, fair to see, but the sight of
+him brought love-sick care.  Her heart fell from out her bosom,
+and a dark mist came over her eyes, and a hot blush covered her
+cheeks.  And she had no strength to lift her knees backwards or
+forwards, but her feet beneath were rooted to the ground; and
+meantime all her handmaidens had drawn aside.  So they two stood
+face to face without a word, without a sound, like oaks or lofty
+pines, which stand quietly side by side on the mountains when the
+wind is still; then again, when stirred by the breath of the
+wind, they murmur ceaselessly; so they two were destined to tell
+out all their tale, stirred by the breath of Love.  And Aeson's
+son saw that she had fallen into some heaven-sent calamity, and
+with soothing words thus addressed her:
+
+(ll. 975-1007)  "Why, pray, maiden, dost thou fear me so much,
+all alone as I am?  Never was I one of these idle boasters such
+as other men are--not even aforetime, when I dwelt in my own
+country.  Wherefore, maiden, be not too much abashed before me,
+either to enquire whatever thou wilt or to speak thy mind.  But
+since we have met one another with friendly hearts, in a hallowed
+spot, where it is wrong to sin, speak openly and ask questions,
+and beguile me not with pleasing words, for at the first thou
+didst promise thy sister to give me the charms my heart desires.
+I implore thee by Hecate herself, by thy parents, and by Zeus who
+holds his guardian hand over strangers and suppliants; I come
+here to thee both a suppliant and a stranger, bending the knee in
+my sore need.  For without thee and thy sister never shall I
+prevail in the grievous contest.  And to thee will I render
+thanks hereafter for thy aid, as is right and fitting for men who
+dwell far oft, making glorious thy name and fame; and the rest of
+the heroes, returning to Hellas, will spread thy renown and so
+will the heroes' wives and mothers, who now perhaps are sitting
+on the shore and making moan for us; their painful affliction
+thou mightest scatter to the winds.  In days past the maiden
+Ariadne, daughter of Minos, with kindly intent rescued Theseus
+from grim contests--the maiden whom Pasiphae daughter of Helios
+bare.  But she, when Minos had lulled his wrath to rest, went
+aboard the ship with him and left her fatherland; and her even
+the immortal gods loved, and, as a sign in mid-sky, a crown of
+stars, which men call Ariadne's crown, rolls along all night
+among the heavenly constellations.  So to thee too shall be
+thanks from the gods, if thou wilt save so mighty an array of
+chieftains.  For surely from thy lovely form thou art like to
+excel in gentle courtest."
+
+(ll. 1008-1025)  Thus he spake, honouring her; and she cast her
+eyes down with a smile divinely sweet; and her soul melted within
+her, uplifted by his praise, and she gazed upon him face to face;
+nor did she know what word to utter first, but was eager to pour
+out everything at once.  And forth from her fragrant girdle
+ungrudgingly she brought out the charm; and he at once received
+it in his hands with joy.  And she would even have drawn out all
+her soul from her breast and given it to him, exulting in his
+desire; so wonderfully did love flash forth a sweet flame from
+the golden head of Aeson's son; and he captivated her gleaming
+eyes; and her heart within grew warm, melting away as the dew
+melts away round roses when warmed by the morning's light.  And
+now both were fixing their eyes on the ground abashed, and again
+were throwing glances at each other, smiling with the light of
+love beneath their radiant brows.  And at last and scarcely then
+did the maiden greet him:
+
+(ll. 1026-1062)  "Take heed now, that I may devise help for thee.
+When at thy coming my father has given thee the deadly teeth from
+the dragon's jaws for sowing, then watch for the time when the
+night is parted in twain, then bathe in the stream of the
+tireless river, and alone, apart from others, clad in dusky
+raiment, dig a rounded pit; and therein slay a ewe, and sacrifice
+it whole, heaping high the pyre on the very edge of the pit.  And
+propitiate only-begotten Hecate, daughter of Perses, pouring from
+a goblet the hive-stored labour of bees.  And then, when thou
+hast heedfully sought the grace of the goddess, retreat from the
+pyre; and let neither the sound of feet drive thee to turn back,
+nor the baying of hounds, lest haply thou shouldst maim all the
+rites and thyself fail to return duly to thy comrades.  And at
+dawn steep this charm in water, strip, and anoint thy body
+therewith as with oil; and in it there will be boundless prowess
+and mighty strength, and thou wilt deem thyself a match not for
+men but for the immortal gods.  And besides, let thy spear and
+shield and sword be sprinkled.  Thereupon the spear-heads of the
+earthborn men shall not pierce thee, nor the flame of the deadly
+bulls as it rushes forth resistless.  But such thou shalt be not
+for long, but for that one day; still never flinch from the
+contest.  And I will tell thee besides of yet another help.  As
+soon as thou hast yoked the strong oxen, and with thy might and
+thy prowess hast ploughed all the stubborn fallow, and now along
+the furrows the Giants are springing up, when the serpent's teeth
+are sown on the dusky clods, if thou markest them uprising in
+throngs from the fallow, cast unseen among them a massy stone;
+and they over it, like ravening hounds over their food, will slay
+one another; and do thou thyself hasten to rush to the battle-
+strife, and the fleece thereupon thou shalt bear far away from
+Aea; nevertheless, depart wherever thou wilt, or thy pleasure
+takes thee, when thou hast gone hence."
+
+(ll. 1063-1068)  Thus she spake, and cast her eyes to her feet in
+silence, and her cheek, divinely fair, was wet with warm tears as
+she sorrowed for that he was about to wander far from her side
+over the wide sea: and once again she addressed him face to face
+with mournful words, and took his right hand; for now shame had
+left her eyes:
+
+(ll. 1069-1076)  "Remember, if haply thou returnest to thy home,
+Medea's name; and so will I remember thine, though thou be far
+away.  And of thy kindness tell me this, where is thy home,
+whither wilt thou sail hence in thy ship over the sea; wilt thou
+come near wealthy Orchomenus, or near the Aeaean isle?  And tell
+me of the maiden, whosoever she be that thou hast named, the
+far-renowned daughter of Pasiphae, who is kinswoman to my
+father."
+
+(ll. 1077-1078)  Thus she spake; and over him too, at the tears
+of the maiden, stole Love the destroyer, and he thus answered
+her:
+
+(ll. 1079-1101)  "All too surely do I deem that never by night
+and never by day will I forget thee if I escape death and indeed
+make my way in safety to the Achaean land, and Aeetes set not
+before us some other contest worse than this.  And if it pleases
+thee to know about my fatherland, I will tell it out; for indeed
+my own heart bids me do that.  There is a land encircled by lofty
+mountains, rich in sheep and in pasture, where Prometheus, son of
+Iapetus, begat goodly Deucalion, who first founded cities and
+reared temples to the immortal gods, and first ruled over men.
+This land the neighbours who dwell around call Haemonia.  And in
+it stands Ioleus, my city, and in it many others, where they have
+not so much as heard the name of the Aeaean isle; yet there is a
+story that Minyas starting thence, Minyas son of Aeolus, built
+long ago the city of Orchomenus that borders on the Cadmeians.
+But why do I tell thee all this vain talk, of our home and of
+Minos' daughter, far-famed Ariadne, by which glorious name they
+called that lovely maiden of whom thou askest me?  Would that, as
+Minos then was well inclined to Theseus for her sake, so may thy
+father be joined to us in friendship!"
+
+(ll. 1102-1104)  Thus he spake, soothing her with gentle
+converse.  But pangs most bitter stirred her heart and in grief
+did she address him with vehement words:
+
+(ll. 1105-1117)  "In Hellas, I ween, this is fair to pay heed to
+covenants; but Aeetes is not such a man among men as thou sayest
+was Pasiphae's husband, Minos; nor can I liken myself to Ariadne;
+wherefore speak not of guest-love.  But only do thou, when thou
+hast reached Iolcus, remember me, and thee even in my parents'
+despite, will I remember.  And from far off may a rumour come to
+me or some messenger-bird, when thou forgettest me; or me, even
+me, may swift blasts catch up and bear over the sea hence to
+Iolcus, that so I may cast reproaches in thy face and remind thee
+that it was by my good will thou didst escape.  May I then be
+seated in thy halls, an unexpected guest!"
+
+(ll. 1118-1130)  Thus she spake with piteous tears falling down
+her cheeks, and to her Jason replied: "Let the empty blasts
+wander at will, lady, and the messenger-bird, for vain is thy
+talk.  But if thou comest to those abodes and to the land of
+Hellas, honoured and reverenced shalt thou be by women and men;
+and they shall worship thee even as a goddess, for that by thy
+counsel their sons came home again, their brothers and kinsmen
+and stalwart husbands were saved from calamity.  And in our
+bridal chamber shalt thou prepare our couch; and nothing shall
+come between our love till the doom of death fold us round."
+
+(ll. 1131-1136)  Thus he spake; and her soul melted within her to
+hear his words; nevertheless she shuddered to behold the deeds of
+destruction to come.  Poor wretch!  Not long was she destined to
+refuse a home in Hellas.  For thus Hera devised it, that Aeaean
+Medea might come to Ioleus for a bane to Pelias, forsaking her
+native land.
+
+(ll. 1137-1145)  And now her handmaids, glancing at them from a
+distance, were grieving in silence; and the time of day required
+that the maiden should return home to her mother's side.  But she
+thought not yet of departing, for her soul delighted both in his
+beauty and in his winsome words, but Aeson's son took heed, and
+spake at last, though late: "It is time to depart, lest the
+sunlight sink before we know it, and some stranger notice all;
+but again will we come and meet here."
+
+(ll. 1146-1162)  So did they two make trial of one another thus
+far with gentle words; and thereafter parted.  Jason hastened to
+return in joyous mood to his comrades and the ship, she to her
+handmaids; and they all together came near to meet her, but she
+marked them not at all as they thronged around.  For her soul had
+soared aloft amid the clouds.  And her feet of their own accord
+mounted the swift chariot, and with one hand she took the reins,
+and with the other the whip of cunning workmanship, to drive the
+mules; and they rushed hasting to the city and the palace.  And
+when she was come Chalciope in grief for her sons questioned her;
+but Medea, distraught by swiftly-changing thoughts, neither heard
+her words nor was eager to speak in answer to her questions.  But
+she sat upon a low stool at the foot of her couch, bending down,
+her cheek leaning on her left hand, and her eyes were wet with
+tears as she pondered what an evil deed she had taken part in by
+her counsels.
+
+(ll. 1163-1190)  Now when Aeson's son had joined his comrades
+again in the spot where he had left them when he departed, he set
+out to go with them, telling them all the story, to the gathering
+of the heroes; and together they approached the ship.  And when
+they saw Jason they embraced him and questioned him.  And he told
+to all the counsels of the maiden and showed the dread charm; but
+Idas alone of his comrades sat apart biting down his wrath; and
+the rest joyous in heart, at the hour when the darkness of night
+stayed them, peacefully took thought for themselves.  But at
+daybreak they sent two men to go to Aeetes and ask for the seed,
+first Telamon himself, dear to Ares, and with him Aethalides,
+Hermes' famous son.  So they went and made no vain journey; but
+when they came, lordly Aeetes gave them for the contest the fell
+teeth of the Aonian dragon which Cadmus found in Ogygian Thebes
+when he came seeking for Europa and there slew the--warder of
+the spring of Ares.  There he settled by the guidance of the
+heifer whom Apollo by his prophetic word granted him to lead him
+on his way.  But the teeth the Tritonian goddess tore away from
+the dragon's jaws and bestowed as a gift upon Aeetes and the
+slayer.  And Agenor's son, Cadmus, sowed them on the Aonian
+plains and founded an earthborn people of all who were left from
+the spear when Ares did the reaping; and the teeth Aeetes then
+readily gave to be borne to the ship, for he deemed not that
+Jason would bring the contest to an end, even though he should
+cast the yoke upon the oxen.
+
+(ll. 1191-1224)  Far away in the west the sun was sailing beneath
+the dark earth, beyond the furthest hills of the Aethiopians; and
+Night was laying the yoke upon her steeds; and the heroes were
+preparing their beds by the hawsers.  But Jason, as soon as the
+stars of Heliee, the bright-gleaming bear, had set, and the air
+had all grown still under heaven, went to a desert spot, like
+some stealthy thief, with all that was needful; for beforehand in
+the daytime had he taken thought for everything; and Argus came
+bringing a ewe and milk from the flock; and them he took from the
+ship.  But when the hero saw a place which was far away from the
+tread of men, in a clear meadow beneath the open sky, there first
+of all he bathed his tender body reverently in the sacred river;
+and round him he placed a dark robe, which Hypsipyle of Lemnos
+had given him aforetime, a memorial of many a loving embrace.
+Then he dug a pit in the ground of a cubit's depth and heaped up
+billets of wood, and over it he cut the throat of the sheep, and
+duly placed the carcase above; and he kindled the logs placing
+fire beneath, and poured over them mingled libations, calling on
+Hecate Brimo to aid him in the contests.  And when he had called
+on her he drew back; and she heard him, the dread goddess, from
+the uttermost depths and came to the sacrifice of Aeson's son;
+and round her horrible serpents twined themselves among the oak
+boughs; and there was a gleam of countless torches; and sharply
+howled around her the hounds of hell.  All the meadows trembled
+at her step; and the nymphs that haunt the marsh and the river
+shrieked, all who dance round that mead of Amarantian Phasis. 
+And fear seized Aeson's son, but not even so did he turn round as
+his feet bore him forth, till he came back to his comrades; and
+now early dawn arose and shed her light above snowy Caucasus.
+
+(ll. 1225-1245)  Then Aeetes arrayed his breast in the stiff
+corslet which Ares gave him when he had slain Phlegraean Mimas
+with his own hands; and upon his head he placed a golden helmet
+with four plumes, gleaming like the sun's round light when he
+first rises from Ocean.  And he wielded his shield of many hides,
+and his spear, terrible, resistless; none of the heroes could
+have withstood its shock now that they had left behind Heracles
+far away, who alone could have met it in battle.  For the king
+his well-fashioned chariot of swift steeds was held near at hand
+by Phaethon, for him to mount; and he mounted, and held the reins
+in his hands.  Then from the city he drove along the broad
+highway, that he might be present at the contest; and with him a
+countless multitude rushed forth.  And as Poseidon rides, mounted
+in his chariot, to the Isthmian contest or to Taenarus, or to
+Lerna's water, or through the grove of Hyantian Onchestus, and
+thereafter passes even to Calaureia with his steeds, and the
+Haemonian rock, or well-wooded Geraestus; even so was Aeetes,
+lord of the Colchians, to behold.
+
+(ll. 1246-1277)  Meanwhile, prompted by Medea, Jason steeped the
+charm in water and sprinkled with it his shield and sturdy spear,
+and sword; and his comrades round him made proof of his weapons
+with might and main, but could not bend that spear even a little,
+but it remained firm in their stalwart hands unbroken as before.
+But in furious rage with them Idas, Aphareus' son, with his great
+sword hewed at the spear near the butt, and the edge leapt back
+repelled by the shock, like a hammer from the anvil; and the
+heroes shouted with joy for their hope in the contest.  And then
+he sprinkled his body, and terrible prowess entered into him,
+unspeakable, dauntless; and his hands on both sides thrilled
+vigorously as they swelled with strength.  And as when a warlike
+steed eager for the fight neighs and beats the ground with his
+hoof, while rejoicing he lifts his neck on high with ears erect;
+in such wise did Aeson's son rejoice in the strength of his
+limbs.  And often hither and thither did he leap high in air
+tossing in his hands his shield of bronze and ashen spear.  Thou
+wouldst say that wintry lightning flashing from the gloomy sky
+kept on darting forth from the clouds what time they bring with
+them their blackest rainstorm.  Not long after that were the
+heroes to hold back from the contests; but sitting in rows on
+their benches they sped swiftly on to the plain of Ares.  And it
+lay in front of them on the opposite side of the city, as far off
+as is the turning-post that a chariot must reach from the
+starting-point, when the kinsmen of a dead king appoint funeral
+games for footmen and horsemen.  And they found Aeetes and the
+tribes of the Colchians; these were stationed on the Caucasian
+heights, but the king by the winding brink of the river.
+
+(ll. 1278-1325)  Now Aeson's son, as soon as his comrades had
+made the hawsers fast, leapt from the ship, and with spear and
+shield came forth to the contest; and at the same time he took
+the gleaming helmet of bronze filled with sharp teeth, and his
+sword girt round his shoulders, his body stripped, in somewise
+resembling Ares and in somewise Apollo of the golden sword.  And
+gazing over the field he saw the bulls' yoke of bronze and near
+it the plough, all of one piece, of stubborn adamant.  Then he
+came near, and fixed his sturdy spear upright on its butt, and
+taking his helmet, off leant it against the spear.  And he went
+forward with shield alone to examine the countless tracks of the
+bulls, and they from some unseen lair beneath the earth, where
+was their strong steading, wrapt in murky smoke, both rushed out
+together, breathing forth flaming fire.  And sore afraid were the
+heroes at the sight.  But Jason, setting wide his feet, withstood
+their onset, as in the sea a rocky reef withstands the waves
+tossed by the countless blasts.  Then in front of him he held his
+shield; and both the bulls with loud bellowing attacked him with
+their mighty horns; nor did they stir him a jot by their onset.
+And as when through the holes of the furnace the armourers'
+bellows anon gleam brightly, kindling the ravening flame, and
+anon cease from blowing, and a terrible roar rises from the fire
+when it darts up from below; so the bulls roared, breathing forth
+swift flame from their mouths, while the consuming heat played
+round him, smiting like lightning; but the maiden's charms
+protected him.  Then grasping the tip of the horn of the right-
+hand bull, he dragged it mightily with all his strength to bring
+it near the yoke of bronze, and forced it down on to its knees,
+suddenly striking with his foot the foot of bronze.  So also he
+threw the other bull on to its knees as it rushed upon him, and
+smote it down with one blow.  And throwing to the ground his
+broad shield, he held them both down where they had fallen on
+their fore-knees, as he strode from side to side, now here, now
+there, and rushed swiftly through the flame.  But Aeetes
+marvelled at the hero's might.  And meantime the sons of
+Tyndareus   for long since had it been thus ordained for them --
+near at hand gave him the yoke from the ground to cast round
+them.  Then tightly did he bind their necks; and lifting the pole
+of bronze between them, he fastened it to the yoke by its golden
+tip.  So the twin heroes started back from the fire to the ship.
+But Jason took up again his shield and cast it on his back behind
+him, and grasped the strong helmet filled with sharp teeth, and
+his resistless spear, wherewith, like some ploughman with a
+Pelasgian goad, he pricked the bulls beneath, striking their
+flanks; and very firmly did he guide the well fitted plough
+handle, fashioned of adamant.
+
+(ll. 1326-1339)  The bulls meantime raged exceedingly, breathing
+forth furious flame of fire; and their breath rose up like the
+roar of blustering winds, in fear of which above all seafaring
+men furl their large sail.  But not long after that they moved on
+at the bidding of the spear; and behind them the rugged fallow
+was broken up, cloven by the might of the bulls and the sturdy
+ploughman.  Then terribly groaned the clods withal along the
+furrows of the plough as they were rent, each a man's burden; and
+Jason followed, pressing down the cornfield with firm foot; and
+far from him he ever sowed the teeth along the clods as each was
+ploughed, turning his head back for fear lest the deadly crop of
+earthborn men should rise against him first; and the bulls toiled
+onwards treading with their hoofs of bronze.
+
+(ll. 1340-1407)  But when the third part of the day was still
+left as it wanes from dawn, and wearied labourers call for the
+sweet hour of unyoking to come to them straightway, then the
+fallow was ploughed by the tireless ploughman, four plough-gates
+though it was; and he loosed the plough from the oxen.  Them he
+scared in flight towards the plain; but he went back again to the
+ship, while he still saw the furrows free of the earthborn men.
+And all round his comrades heartened him with their shouts.  And
+in the helmet he drew from the river's stream and quenched his
+thirst with the water.  Then he bent his knees till they grew
+supple, and filled his mighty heart with courage, raging like a
+boar, when it sharpens its teeth against the hunters, while from
+its wrathful mouth plenteous foam drips to the ground.  By now
+the earthborn men were springing up over all the field; and the
+plot of Ares, the death-dealer, bristled with sturdy shields and
+double-pointed spears and shining helmets; and the gleam reached
+Olympus from beneath, flashing through the air.  And as when
+abundant snow has fallen on the earth and the storm blasts have
+dispersed the wintry clouds under the murky night, and all the
+hosts of the stars appear shining through the gloom; so did those
+warriors shine springing up above the earth.  But Jason bethought
+him of the counsels of Medea full of craft, and seized from the
+plain a huge round boulder, a terrible quoit of Ares Enyalius;
+four stalwart youths could not have raised it from the ground
+even a little.  Taking it in his hands he threw it with a rush
+far away into their midst; and himself crouched unseen behind his
+shield, with full confidence.  And the Colchians gave a loud cry,
+like the roar of the sea when it beats upon sharp crags; and
+speechless amazement seized Aeetes at the rush of the sturdy
+quoit.  And the Earthborn, like fleet-footed hounds, leaped upon
+one another and slew with loud yells; and on earth their mother
+they fell beneath their own spears, likes pines or oaks, which
+storms of wind beat down.  And even as a fiery star leaps from
+heaven, trailing a furrow of light, a portent to men, whoever see
+it darting with a gleam through the dusky sky; in such wise did
+Aeson's son rush upon the earthborn men, and he drew from the
+sheath his bare sword, and smote here and there, mowing them
+down, many on the belly and side, half risen to the air--and
+some that had risen as far as the shoulders--and some just
+standing upright, and others even now rushing to battle.  And as
+when a fight is stirred up concerning boundaries, and a
+husbandman, in fear lest they should ravage his fields, seizes in
+his hand a curved sickle, newly sharpened, and hastily cuts the
+unripe crop, and waits not for it to be parched in due season by
+the beams of the sun; so at that time did Jason cut down the crop
+of the Earthborn; and the furrows were filled with blood, as the
+channels of a spring with water.  And they fell, some on their
+faces biting the rough clod of earth with their teeth, some on
+their backs, and others on their hands and sides, like to sea-
+monsters to behold.  And many, smitten before raising their feet
+from the earth, bowed down as far to the ground as they had risen
+to the air, and rested there with the damp of death on their
+brows.  Even so, I ween, when Zeus has sent a measureless rain,
+new planted orchard-shoots droop to the ground, cut off by the
+root the toil of gardening men; but heaviness of heart and deadly
+anguish come to the owner of the farm, who planted them; so at
+that time did bitter grief come upon the heart of King Aeetes.
+And he went back to the city among the Colchians, pondering how
+he might most quickly oppose the heroes.  And the day died, and
+Jason's contest was ended.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  i.e. the fight between the gods and the giants.
+(2)  i.e. the Shining One.
+(3)  A name of Ares.
+(4)  i.e. the liquid that flows in the veins of gods.
+(5)  Or, reading MENIM, "took no heed of the cause of wrath with
+     the stranger-folk."
+
+
+
+BOOK IV
+
+(ll. 1-5)  Now do thou thyself, goddess Muse, daughter of Zeus,
+tell of the labour and wiles of the Colchian maiden.  Surely my
+soul within me wavers with speechless amazement as I ponder
+whether I should call it the lovesick grief of mad passion or a
+panic flight, through which she left the Colchian folk.
+
+(ll. 6-10)  Aeetes all night long with the bravest captains of
+his people was devising in his halls sheer treachery against the
+heroes, with fierce wrath in his heart at the issue of the
+hateful contest; nor did he deem at all that these things were
+being accomplished without the knowledge of his daughters.
+
+(ll. 11-29)  But into Medea's heart Hera cast most grievous fear;
+and she trembled like a nimble fawn whom the baying of hounds
+hath terrified amid the thicket of a deep copse.  For at once she
+truly forboded that the aid she had given was not hidden from her
+father, and that quickly she would fill up the cup of woe.  And
+she dreaded the guilty knowledge of her handmaids; her eyes were
+filled with fire and her ears rung with a terrible cry.  Often
+did she clutch at her throat, and often did she drag out her hair
+by the roots and groan in wretched despair.  There on that very
+day the maiden would have tasted the drugs and perished and so
+have made void the purposes of Hera, had not the goddess driven
+her, all bewildered, to flee with the sons of Phrixus; and her
+fluttering soul within her was comforted; and then she poured
+from her bosom all the drugs back again into the casket.  Then
+she kissed her bed, and the folding-doors on both sides, and
+stroked the walls, and tearing away in her hands a long tress of
+hair, she left it in the chamber for her mother, a memorial of
+her maidenhood, and thus lamented with passionate voice:
+
+(ll. 30-33)  "I go, leaving this long tress here in my stead, O
+mother mine; take this farewell from me as I go far hence;
+farewell Chalciope, and all my home.  Would that the sea,
+stranger, had dashed thee to pieces, ere thou camest to the
+Colchian land!"
+
+(ll. 34-56)  Thus she spake, and from her eyes shed copious
+tears.  And as a bondmaid steals away from a wealthy house, whom
+fate has lately severed from her native land, nor yet has she
+made trial of grievous toil, but still unschooled to misery and
+shrinking in terror from slavish tasks, goes about beneath the
+cruel hands of a mistress; even so the lovely maiden rushed forth
+from her home.  But to her the bolts of the doors gave way
+self-moved, leaping backwards at the swift strains of her magic
+song.  And with bare feet she sped along the narrow paths, with
+her left hand holding her robe over her brow to veil her face and
+fair cheeks, and with her right lifting up the hem of her tunic.
+Quickly along the dark track, outside the towers of the spacious
+city, did she come in fear; nor did any of the warders note her,
+but she sped on unseen by them.  Thence she was minded to go to
+the temple; for well she knew the way, having often aforetime
+wandered there in quest of corpses and noxious roots of the
+earth, as a sorceress is wont to do; and her soul fluttered with
+quivering fear.  And the Titanian goddess, the moon, rising from
+a far land, beheld her as she fled distraught, and fiercely
+exulted over her, and thus spake to her own heart:
+
+(ll. 57-65)  "Not I alone then stray to the Latinian cave, nor do
+I alone burn with love for fair Endymion; oft times with thoughts
+of love have I been driven away by thy crafty spells, in order
+that in the darkness of night thou mightest work thy sorcery at
+ease, even the deeds dear to thee.  And now thou thyself too hast
+part in a like mad passion; and some god of affection has given
+thee Jason to be thy grievous woe.  Well, go on, and steel thy
+heart, wise though thou be, to take up thy burden of pain,
+fraught with many sighs."
+
+(ll. 66-82)  Thus spake the goddess; but swiftly the maiden's
+feet bore her, hasting on.  And gladly did she gain the high-bank
+of the river and beheld on the opposite side the gleam of fire,
+which all night long the heroes were kindling in joy at the
+contest's issue.  Then through the gloom, with clear-pealing
+voice from across the stream, she called on Phrontis, the
+youngest of Phrixus' sons, and he with his brothers and Aeson's
+son recognised the maiden's voice; and in silence his comrades
+wondered when they knew that it was so in truth.  Thrice she
+called, and thrice at the bidding of the company Phrontis called
+out in reply; and meantime the heroes were rowing with swift-
+moving oars in search of her.  Not yet were they casting the
+ship's hawsers upon the opposite bank, when Jason with light feet
+leapt to land from the deck above, and after him Phrontis and
+Argus, sons of Phrixus, leapt to the ground; and she, clasping
+their knees with both hands, thus addressed them:
+
+(ll. 83-91)  "Save me, the hapless one, my friends, from Aeetes,
+and yourselves too, for all is brought to light, nor doth any
+remedy come.  But let us flee upon the ship, before the king
+mounts his swift chariot.  And I will lull to sleep the guardian
+serpent and give you the fleece of gold; but do thou, stranger,
+amid thy comrades make the gods witness of the vows thou hast
+taken on thyself for my sake; and now that I have fled far from
+my country, make me not a mark for blame and dishonour for want
+of kinsmen."
+
+(ll. 92-98)  She spake in anguish; but greatly did the heart of
+Aeson's son rejoice, and at once, as she fell at his knees, he
+raised her gently and embraced her, and spake words of comfort:
+"Lady, let Zeus of Olympus himself be witness to my oath, and
+Hera, queen of marriage, bride of Zeus, that I will set thee in
+my halls my own wedded wife, when we have reached the land of
+Hellas on our return."
+
+(ll. 99-108)  Thus he spake, and straightway clasped her right
+hand in his; and she bade them row the swift ship to the sacred
+grove near at hand, in order that, while it was still night, they
+might seize and carry off the fleece against the will of Aeetes.
+Word and deed were one to the eager crew.  For they took her on
+board, and straightway thrust the ship from shore; and loud was
+the din as the chieftains strained at their oars, but she,
+starting back, held out her hands in despair towards the shore.
+But Jason spoke cheering words and restrained her grief.
+
+(ll. 109-122)  Now at the hour when men have cast sleep from
+their eyes~huntsmen, who, trusting to their bounds, never slumber
+away the end of night, but avoid the light of dawn lest, smiting
+with its white beams, it efface the track and scent of the quarry
+-- then did Aeson's son and the maiden step forth from the ship
+over a grassy spot, the "Ram's couch" as men call it, where it
+first bent its wearied knees in rest, bearing on its back the
+Minyan son of Athamas.  And close by, all smirched with soot, was
+the base of the altar, which the Aeolid Phrixus once set up to
+Zeus, the alder of fugitives, when he sacrificed the golden
+wonder at the bidding of Hermes who graciously met him on the
+way.  There by the counsels of Argus the chieftains put them
+ashore.
+
+(ll. 123-161)  And they two by the pathway came to the sacred
+grove, seeking the huge oak tree on which was hung the fleece,
+like to a cloud that blushes red with the fiery beams of the
+rising sun.  But right in front the serpent with his keen
+sleepless eyes saw them coming, and stretched out his long neck
+and hissed in awful wise; and all round the long banks of the
+river echoed and the boundless grove.  Those heard it who dwelt
+in the Colchian land very far from Titanian Aea, near the outfall
+of Lycus, the river which parts from loud-roaring Araxes and
+blends his sacred stream with Phasis, and they twain flow on
+together in one and pour their waters into the Caucasian Sea.
+And through fear young mothers awoke, and round their new-born
+babes, who were sleeping in their arms, threw their hands in
+agony, for the small limbs started at that hiss.  And as when
+above a pile of smouldering wood countless eddies of smoke roll
+up mingled with soot, and one ever springs up quickly after
+another, rising aloft from beneath in wavering wreaths; so at
+that time did that monster roll his countless coils covered with
+hard dry scales.  And as he writhed, the maiden came before his
+eyes, with sweet voice calling to her aid sleep, highest of gods,
+to charm the monster; and she cried to the queen of the
+underworld, the night-wanderer, to be propitious to her
+enterprise.  And Aeson's son followed in fear, but the serpent,
+already charmed by her song, was relaxing the long ridge of his
+giant spine, and lengthening out his myriad coils, like a dark
+wave, dumb and noiseless, rolling over a sluggish sea; but still
+he raised aloft his grisly head, eager to enclose them both in
+his murderous jaws.  But she with a newly cut spray of juniper,
+dipping and drawing untempered charms from her mystic brew,
+sprinkled his eyes, while she chanted her song; and all around
+the potent scent of the charm cast sleep; and on the very spot he
+let his jaw sink down; and far behind through the wood with its
+many trees were those countless coils stretched out.
+
+Hereupon Jason snatched the golden fleece from the oak, at the
+maiden bidding; and she, standing firm, smeared with the charm
+the monster's head, till Jason himself bade her turn back towards
+their ship, and she left the grove of Ares, dusky with shade.
+And as a maiden catches on her finely wrought robe the gleam of
+the moon at the full, as it rises above her high-roofed chamber;
+and her heart rejoices as she beholds the fair ray; so at that
+time did Jason uplift the mighty fleece in his hands; and from
+the shimmering of the flocks of wool there settled on his fair
+cheeks and brow a red flush like a flame.  And great as is the
+hide of a yearling ox or stag, which huntsmen call a brocket, so
+great in extent was the fleece all golden above.  Heavy it was,
+thickly clustered with flocks; and as he moved along, even
+beneath his feet the sheen rose up from the earth.  And he strode
+on now with the fleece covering his left shoulder from the height
+of his neck to his feet, and now again he gathered it up in his
+hands; for he feared exceedingly, lest some god or man should
+meet him and deprive him thereof.
+
+(ll. 183-189)  Dawn was spreading over the earth when they
+reached the throng of heroes; and the youths marvelled to behold
+the mighty fleece, which gleamed like the lightning of Zeus.  And
+each one started up eager to touch it and clasp it in his hands.
+But the son of Aeson restrained them all, and threw over it a
+mantle newly-woven; and he led the maiden to the stern and seated
+her there, and spake to them all as follows:
+
+(ll. 190-205)  "No longer now, my friends, forbear to return to
+your fatherland.  For now the task for which we dared this
+grievous voyage, toiling with bitter sorrow of heart, has been
+lightly fulfilled by the maiden's counsels.  Her--for such is
+her will--I will bring home to be my wedded wife; do ye
+preserve her, the glorious saviour of all Achaea and of
+yourselves.  For of a surety, I ween, will Aeetes come with his
+host to bar our passage from the river into the sea.  But do some
+of you toil at the oars in turn, sitting man by man; and half of
+you raise your shields of oxhide, a ready defence against the
+darts of the enemy, and guard our return.  And now in our hands
+we hold the fate of our children and dear country and of our aged
+parents; and on our venture all Hellas depends, to reap either
+the shame of failure or great renown."
+
+(ll. 206-211)  Thus he spake, and donned his armour of war; and
+they cried aloud, wondrously eager.  And he drew his sword from
+the sheath and cut the hawsers at the stern.  And near the maiden
+he took his stand ready armed by the steersman Aneaeus, and with
+their rowing the ship sped on as they strained desperately to
+drive her clear of the river.
+
+(ll. 212-235)  By this time Medea's love and deeds had become
+known to haughty Aeetes and to all the Colchians.  And they
+thronged to the assembly in arms; and countless as the waves of
+the stormy sea when they rise crested by the wind, or as the
+leaves that fall to the ground from the wood with its myriad
+branches in the month when the leaves fall--who could reckon
+their tale?--so they in countless number poured along the banks
+of the river shouting in frenzy; and in his shapely chariot
+Aeetes shone forth above all with his steeds, the gift of Helios,
+swift as the blasts of the wind.  In his left hand he raised his
+curved shield, and in his right a huge pine-torch, and near him
+in front stood up his mighty spear.  And Apsyrtus held in his
+hands the reins of the steeds.  But already the ship was cleaving
+the sea before her, urged on by stalwart oarsmen, and the stream
+of the mighty river rushing down.  But the king in grievous
+anguish lifted his hands and called on Helios and Zeus to bear
+witness to their evil deeds; and terrible threats he uttered
+against all his people, that unless they should with their own
+hands seize the maiden, either on the land or still finding the
+ship on the swell of the open sea, and bring her back, that so he
+might satisfy his eager soul with vengeance for all those deeds,
+at the cost of their own lives they should learn and abide all
+his rage and revenge.
+
+(ll. 236-240)  Thus spake Aeetes; and on that same day the
+Colchians launched their ships and cast the tackle on board, and
+on that same day sailed forth on the sea; thou wouldst not say so
+mighty a host was a fleet of ships, but that a countless flight
+of birds, swarm on swarm, was clamouring over the sea.
+
+(ll. 241-252)  Swiftly the wind blew, as the goddess Hera
+planned, so that most quickly Aeaean Medea might reach the
+Pelasgian land, a bane to the house of Pelias, and on the third
+morn they bound the ship's stern cables to the shores of the
+Paphlagonians, at the mouth of the river Halys.  For Medea bade
+them land and propitiate Hecate with sacrifice.  Now all that the
+maiden prepared for offering the sacrifice may no man know, and
+may my soul not urge me to sing thereof.  Awe restrains my lips,
+yet from that time the altar which the heroes raised on the beach
+to the goddess remains till now, a sight to men of a later day.
+
+(ll. 253-256)  And straightway Aeson's son and the rest of the
+heroes bethought them of Phineus, how that he had said that their
+course from Aea should be different, but to all alike his meaning
+was dim.  Then Argus spake, and they eagerly hearkened:
+
+(ll. 257-293)  "We go to Orchomenus, whither that unerring seer,
+whom ye met aforetime, foretold your voyage.  For there is
+another course, signified by those priests of the immortal gods,
+who have sprung from Tritonian Thebes.  As yet all the stars that
+wheel in the heaven were not, nor yet, though one should inquire,
+could aught be heard of the sacred race of the Danai.  Apidanean
+Arcadians alone existed, Arcadians who lived even before the
+moon, it is said, eating acorns on the hills; nor at that time
+was the Pelasgian land ruled by the glorious sons of Deucalion,
+in the days when Egypt, mother of men of an older time, was
+called the fertile Morning-land, and the river fair-flowing
+Triton, by which all the Morning-land is watered; and never does
+the rain from Zeus moisten the earth; but from the flooding of
+the river abundant crops spring up.  From this land, it is said,
+a king (1) made his way all round through the whole of Europe and
+Asia, trusting in the might and strength and courage of his
+people; and countless cities did he found wherever he came,
+whereof some are still inhabited and some not; many an age hath
+passed since then.  But Aea abides unshaken even now and the sons
+of those men whom that king settled to dwell in Aea.  They
+preserve the writings of their fathers, graven on pillars,
+whereon are marked all the ways and the limits of sea and land as
+ye journey on all sides round.  There is a river, the uttermost
+horn of Ocean, broad and exceeding deep, that a merchant ship may
+traverse; they call it Ister and have marked it far off; and for
+a while it cleaves the boundless tilth alone in one stream; for
+beyond the blasts of the north wind, far off in the Rhipaean
+mountains, its springs burst forth with a roar.  But when it
+enters the boundaries of the Thracians and Scythians, here,
+dividing its stream into two, it sends its waters partly into the
+Ionian sea, (2) and partly to the south into a deep gulf that
+bends upwards from the Trinaerian sea, that sea which lies along
+your land, if indeed Achelous flows forth from your land."
+
+(ll. 204-302)  Thus he spake, and to them the goddess granted a
+happy portent, and all at the sight shouted approval, that this
+was their appointed path.  For before them appeared a trail of
+heavenly light, a sign where they might pass.  And gladly they
+left behind there the son of Lyeus and with canvas outspread
+sailed over the sea, with their eyes on the Paphlagonian
+mountains.  But they did not round Carambis, for the winds and
+the gleam of the heavenly fire stayed with them till they reached
+Ister's mighty stream.
+
+(ll. 303-337)  Now some of the Colchians, in a vain search,
+passed out from Pontus through the Cyanean rocks; but the rest
+went to the river, and them Apsyrtus led, and, turning aside, he
+entered the mouth called Fair.  Wherefore he outstripped the
+heroes by crossing a neck of land into the furthest gulf of the
+Ionian sea.  For a certain island is enclosed by Ister, by name
+Peuee, three-cornered, its base stretching along the coast, and
+with a sharp angle towards the river; and round it the outfall is
+cleft in two.  One mouth they call the mouth of Narex, and the
+other, at the lower end, the Fair mouth.  And through this
+Apsyrtus and his Colchians rushed with all speed; but the heroes
+went upwards far away towards the highest part of the island. 
+And in the meadows the country shepherds left their countless
+flocks for dread of the ships, for they deemed that they were
+beasts coming forth from the monster-teeming sea.  For never yet
+before had they seen seafaring ships, neither the Scythians
+mingled with the Thracians, nor the Sigynni, nor yet the
+Graucenii, nor the Sindi that now inhabit the vast desert plain
+of Laurium.  But when they had passed near the mount Angurum, and
+the cliff of Cauliacus, far from the mount Angurum, round which
+Ister, dividing his stream, falls into the sea on this side and
+on that, and the Laurian plain, then indeed the Colchians went
+forth into the Cronian sea and cut off all the ways, to prevent
+their foes' escape.  And the heroes came down the river behind
+and reached the two Brygean isles of Artemis near at hand.  Now
+in one of them was a sacred temple; and on the other they landed,
+avoiding the host of Apsyrtus; for the Colchians had left these
+islands out of many within the river, just as they were, through
+reverence for the daughter of Zeus; but the rest, thronged by the
+Colchians, barred the ways to the sea.  And so on other islands
+too, close by, Apsyrtus left his host as far as the river
+Salangon and the Nestian land.
+
+(ll. 338-349)  There the Minyae would at that time have yielded
+in grim fight, a few to many; but ere then they made a covenant,
+shunning a dire quarrel; as to the golden fleece, that since
+Aeetes himself had so promised them if they should fulfill the
+contests, they should keep it as justly won, whether they carried
+it off by craft or even openly in the king's despite; but as to
+Medea--for that was the cause of strife--that they should
+give her in ward to Leto's daughter apart from the throng, until
+some one of the kings that dispense justice should utter his
+doom, whether she must return to her father's home or follow the
+chieftains to the land of Hellas.
+
+(ll. 350-354)  Now when the maiden had mused upon all this, sharp
+anguish shook her heart unceasingly; and quickly she called forth
+Jason alone apart from his comrades, and led him aside until they
+were far away, and before his face uttered her speech all broken
+with sobs:
+
+(ll. 355-390)  "What is this purpose that ye are now devising
+about me, O son of Aeson?  Has thy triumph utterly cast
+forgetfulness upon thee, and reekest thou nothing of all that
+thou spakest when held fast by necessity?  Whither are fled the
+oaths by Zeus the suppliants' god, whither are fled thy honied
+promises?  For which in no seemly wise, with shameless will, I
+have left my country, the glories of my home and even my parents
+-- things that were dearest to me; and far away all alone I am
+borne over the sea with the plaintive kingfishers because of thy
+trouble, in order that I might save thy life in fulfilling the
+contests with the oxen and the earthborn men.  Last of all the
+fleece--when the matter became known, it was by my folly thou
+didst win it; and a foul reproach have I poured on womankind.
+Wherefore I say that as thy child, thy bride and thy sister, I
+follow thee to the land of Hellas.  Be ready to stand by me to
+the end, abandon me not left forlorn of thee when thou dost visit
+the kings.  But only save me; let justice and right, to which we
+have both agreed, stand firm; or else do thou at once shear
+through this neck with the sword, that I may gain the guerdon due
+to my mad passion.  Poor wretch!  if the king, to whom you both
+commit your cruel covenant, doom me to belong to my brother.  How
+shall I come to my father's sight?  Will it be with a good name?
+What revenge, what heavy calamity shall I not endure in agony for
+the terrible deeds I have done?  And wilt thou win the return
+that thy heart desires?  Never may Zeus' bride, the queen of all,
+in whom thou dost glory, bring that to pass.  Mayst thou some
+time remember me when thou art racked with anguish; may the
+fleece like a dream vanish into the nether darkness on the wings
+of the wind!  And may my avenging Furies forthwith drive thee
+from thy country, for all that I have suffered through thy
+cruelty!  These curses will not be allowed to fall unaccomplished
+to the ground.  A mighty oath hast thou transgressed, ruthless
+one; but not long shalt thou and thy comrades sit at ease casting
+eyes of mockery upon me, for all your covenants."
+
+(ll. 391-394)  Thus she spake, seething with fierce wrath; and
+she longed to set fire to the ship and to hew it utterly in
+pieces, and herself to fall into the raging flame.  But Jason,
+half afraid, thus addressed her with gentle words:
+
+(ll. 395-409)  "Forbear, lady; me too this pleases not.  But we
+seek some respite from battle, for such a cloud of hostile men,
+like to a fire, surrounds us, on thy account.  For all that
+inhabit this land are eager to aid Apsyrtus, that they may lead
+thee back home to thy father, like some captured maid.  And all
+of us would perish in hateful destruction, if we closed with them
+in fight; and bitterer still will be the pain, if we are slain
+and leave thee to be their prey.  But this covenant will weave a
+web of guile to lead him to ruin.  Nor will the people of the
+land for thy sake oppose us, to favour the Colchians, when their
+prince is no longer with them, who is thy champion and thy
+brother; nor will I shrink from matching myself in fight with the
+Colchians, if they bar my way homeward."
+
+(ll. 410-420)  Thus he spake soothing her; and she uttered a
+deadly speech: "Take heed now.  For when sorry deeds are done we
+must needs devise sorry counsel, since at first I was distraught
+by my error, and by heaven's will it was I wrought the
+accomplishment of evil desires.  Do thou in the turmoil shield me
+from the Colchians' spears; and I will beguile Apsyrtus to come
+into thy hands--do thou greet him with splendid gifts--if
+only I could persuade the heralds on their departure to bring him
+alone to hearken to my words.  Thereupon if this deed pleases
+thee, slay him and raise a conflict with the Colchians, I care
+not.
+
+(ll. 421-422)  So they two agreed and prepared a great web of
+guile for Apsyrtus, and provided many gifts such as are due to
+guests, and among them gave a sacred robe of Hypsipyle, of
+crimson hue.  The Graces with their own hands had wrought it for
+Dionysus in sea-girt Dia, and he gave it to his son Thoas
+thereafter, and Thoas left it to Hypsipyle, and she gave that
+fair-wrought guest-gift with many another marvel to Aeson's son
+to wear.  Never couldst thou satisfy thy sweet desire by touching
+it or gazing on it.  And from it a divine fragrance breathed from
+the time when the king of Nysa himself lay to rest thereon,
+flushed with wine and nectar as he clasped the beauteous breast
+of the maiden-daughter of Minos, whom once Theseus forsook in the
+island of Dia, when she had followed him from Cnossus.  And when
+she had worked upon the heralds to induce her brother to come, as
+soon as she reached the temple of the goddess, according to the
+agreement, and the darkness of night surrounded them, that so she
+might devise with him a cunning plan for her to take the mighty
+fleece of gold and return to the home of Aeetes, for, she said,
+the sons of Phrixus had given her by force to the strangers to
+carry off; with such beguiling words she scattered to the air and
+the breezes her witching charms, which even from afar would have
+drawn down the savage beast from the steep mountain-height.
+
+(ll. 445-451)  Ruthless Love, great bane, great curse to mankind,
+from thee come deadly strifes and lamentations and groans, and
+countless pains as well have their stormy birth from thee. 
+Arise, thou god, and arm thyself against the sons of our foes in
+such guise as when thou didst fill Medea's heart with accursed
+madness.  How then by evil doom did she slay Apsyrtus when he
+came to meet her?  For that must our song tell next.
+
+(ll. 452-481)  When the heroes had left the maiden on the island
+of Artemis, according to the covenant, both sides ran their ships
+to land separately.  And Jason went to the ambush to lie in wait
+for Apsyrtus and then for his comrades.  But he, beguiled by
+these dire promises, swiftly crossed the swell of the sea in his
+ship, and in dark night set foot on the sacred island; and faring
+all alone to meet her he made trial in speech of his sister, as a
+tender child tries a wintry torrent which not even strong men can
+pass through, to see if she would devise some guile against the
+strangers.  And so they two agreed together on everything; and
+straightway Aeson's son leapt forth from the thick ambush,
+lifting his bare sword in his hand; and quickly the maiden turned
+her eyes aside and covered them with her veil that she might not
+see the blood of her brother when he was smitten.  And Jason
+marked him and struck him down, as a butcher strikes down a
+mighty strong-horned bull, hard by the temple which the Brygi on
+the mainland opposite had once built for Artemis.  In its
+vestibule he fell on his knees; and at last the hero breathing
+out his life caught up in both hands the dark blood as it welled
+from the wound; and he dyed with red his sister's silvery veil
+and robe as she shrank away.  And with swift side-glance the
+irresistible pitiless Fury beheld the deadly deed they had done.
+And the hero, Aeson's son, cut off the extremities of the dead
+man, and thrice licked up some blood and thrice spat the
+pollution from his teeth, as it is right for the slayer to do, to
+atone for a treacherous murder.  And the clammy corpse he hid in
+the ground where even now those bones lie among the Apsyrtians.
+
+(ll. 481-494)  Now as soon as the heroes saw the blaze of a
+torch, which the maiden raised for them as a sign to pursue, they
+laid their own ship near the Colchian ship, and they slaughtered
+the Colchian host, as kites slay the tribes of wood-pigeons, or
+as lions of the wold, when they have leapt amid the steading,
+drive a great flock of sheep huddled together.  Nor did one of
+them escape death, but the heroes rushed upon the whole crew,
+destroying them like a flame; and at last Jason met them, and was
+eager to give aid where none was needed; but already they were
+taking thought for him too.  Thereupon they sat to devise some)
+prudent counsel for their voyage, and the maiden came upon them
+as they pondered, but Peleus spake his word first:
+
+(ll. 495-502)  "I now bid you embark while it is still night, and
+take with your oars the passage opposite to that which the enemy
+guards, for at dawn when they see their plight I deem that no
+word urging to further pursuit of us will prevail with them; but
+as people bereft of their king, they will be scattered in
+grievous dissension.  And easy, when the people are scattered,
+will this path be for us on our return."
+
+(ll. 503-506)  Thus he spake; and the youths assented to the
+words of Aeacus' son.  And quickly they entered the ship, and
+toiled at their oars unceasingly until they reached the sacred
+isle of Electra, the highest of them all, near the river
+Eridanus.
+
+(ll. 507-521)  But when the Colchians learnt the death of their
+prince, verily they were eager to pursue Argo and the Minyans
+through all the Cronian sea.  But Hera restrained them by
+terrible lightnings from the sky.  And at last they loathed their
+own homes in the Cytaean land, quailing before Aeetes' fierce
+wrath; so they landed and made abiding homes there, scattered far
+and wide.  Some set foot on those very islands where the heroes
+had stayed, and they still dwell there, bearing a name derived
+from Apsyrtus; and others built a fenced city by the dark deep
+Illyrian river, where is the tomb of Harmonia and Cadmus,
+dwelling among the Encheleans; and others live amid the mountains
+which are called the Thunderers, from the day when the thunders
+of Zeus, son of Cronos, prevented them from crossing over to the
+island opposite.
+
+(ll. 522-551)  Now the heroes, when their return seemed safe for
+them, fared onward and made their hawsers fast to the land of the
+Hylleans.  For the islands lay thick in the river and made the
+path dangerous for those who sailed thereby.  Nor, as aforetime,
+did the Hylleans devise their hurt, but of their own accord
+furthered their passage, winning as guerdon a mighty tripod of
+Apollo.  For tripods twain had Phoebus given to Aeson's son to
+carry afar in the voyage he had to make, at the time when he went
+to sacred Pytho to enquire about this very voyage; and it was
+ordained by fate that in whatever land they should be placed,
+that land should never be ravaged by the attacks of foemen.
+Therefore even now this tripod is hidden in that land near the
+pleasant city of Hyllus, far beneath the earth, that it may ever
+be unseen by mortals.  Yet they found not King Hyllus still alive
+in the land, whom fair Melite bare to Heracles in the land of the
+Phaeacians.  For he came to the abode of Nausithous and to
+Macris, the nurse of Dionysus, to cleanse himself from the deadly
+murder of his children; here he loved and overcame the water
+nymph Melite, the daughter of the river Aegaeus, and she bare
+mighty Hyllus.  But when he had grown up he desired not to dwell
+in that island under the rule of Nausithous the king; but he
+collected a host of native Phaeacians and came to the Cronian
+sea; for the hero King Nausithous aided his journey, and there he
+settled, and the Mentores slew him as he was fighting for the
+oxen of his field.
+
+(ll. 552-556)  Now, goddesses, say how it is that beyond this
+sea, near the land of Ausonia and the Ligystian isles, which are
+called Stoechades, the mighty tracks of the ship Argo are clearly
+sung of?  What great constraint and need brought the heroes so
+far?  What breezes wafted them?
+
+(ll. 557-591)  When Apsyrtus had fallen in mighty overthrow Zeus
+himself, king of gods, was seized with wrath at what they had
+done.  And he ordained that by the counsels of Aeaean Circe they
+should cleanse themselves from the terrible stain of blood and
+suffer countless woes before their return.  Yet none of the
+chieftains knew this; but far onward they sped starting from the
+Hyllean land, and they left behind all the islands that were
+beforetime thronged by the Colchians--the Liburnian isles, isle
+after isle, Issa, Dysceladus, and lovely Pityeia.  Next after
+them they came to Corcyra, where Poseidon settled the daughter of
+Asopus, fair-haired Corcyra, far from the land of Phlius, whence
+he had carried her off through love; and sailors beholding it
+from the sea, all black with its sombre woods, call it Corcyra
+the Black.  And next they passed Melite, rejoicing in the
+soft-blowing breeze, and steep Cerossus, and Nymphaea at a
+distance, where lady Calypso, daughter of Atlas, dwelt; and they
+deemed they saw the misty mountains of Thunder.  And then Hera
+bethought her of the counsels and wrath of Zeus concerning them.
+And she devised an ending of their voyage and stirred up
+storm-winds before them, by which they were caught and borne back
+to the rocky isle of Electra.  And straightway on a sudden there
+called to them in the midst of their course, speaking with a
+human voice, the beam of the hollow ship, which Athena had set in
+the centre of the stem, made of Dodonian oak.  And deadly fear
+seized them as they heard the voice that told of the grievous
+wrath of Zeus.  For it proclaimed that they should not escape the
+paths of an endless sea nor grievous tempests, unless Circe
+should purge away the guilt of the ruthless murder of Apsyrtus;
+and it bade Polydeuces and Castor pray to the immortal gods first
+to grant a path through the Ausonian sea where they should find
+Circe, daughter of Perse and Helios.
+
+(ll. 592-626)  Thus Argo cried through the darkness; and the sons
+of Tyndareus uprose, and lifted their hands to the immortals
+praying for each boon: but dejection held the rest of the Minyan
+heroes.  And far on sped Argo under sail, and entered deep into
+the stream of Eridanus; where once, smitten on the breast by the
+blazing bolt, Phaethon half-consumed fell from the chariot of
+Helios into the opening of that deep lake; and even now it
+belcheth up heavy steam clouds from the smouldering wound.  And
+no bird spreading its light wings can cross that water; but in
+mid-course it plunges into the flame, fluttering.  And all around
+the maidens, the daughters of Helios, enclosed in tall poplars,
+wretchedly wail a piteous plaint; and from their eyes they shed
+on the ground bright drops of amber.  These are dried by the sun
+upon the sand; but whenever the waters of the dark lake flow over
+the strand before the blast of the wailing wind, then they roll
+on in a mass into Eridanus with swelling tide.  But the Celts
+have attached this story to them, that these are the tears of
+Leto's son, Apollo, that are borne along by the eddies, the
+countless tears that he shed aforetime when he came to the sacred
+race of the Hyperboreans and left shining heaven at the chiding
+of his father, being in wrath concerning his son whom divine
+Coronis bare in bright Lacereia at the mouth of Amyrus.  And such
+is the story told among these men.  But no desire for food or
+drink seized the heroes nor were their thoughts turned to joy.
+But they were sorely afflicted all day, heavy and faint at heart,
+with the noisome stench, hard to endure, which the streams of
+Eridanus sent forth from Phaethon still burning; and at night
+they heard the piercing lament of the daughters of Helios,
+wailing with shrill voice; and, as they lamented, their tears
+were borne on the water like drops of oil.
+
+(ll. 627-658)  Thence they entered the deep stream of Rhodanus
+which flows into Eridanus; and where they meet there is a roar of
+mingling waters.  Now that river, rising from the ends of the
+earth, where are the portals and mansions of Night, on one side
+bursts forth upon the beach of Ocean, at another pours into the
+Ionian sea, and on the third through seven mouths sends its
+stream to the Sardinian sea and its limitless bay. (3)  And from
+Rhodanus they entered stormy lakes, which spread throughout the
+Celtic mainland of wondrous size; and there they would have met
+with an inglorious calamity; for a certain branch of the river
+was bearing them towards a gulf of Ocean which in ignorance they
+were about to enter, and never would they have returned from
+there in safety.  But Hera leaping forth from heaven pealed her
+cry from the Hercynian rock; and all together were shaken with
+fear of her cry; for terribly crashed the mighty firmament.  And
+backward they turned by reason of the goddess, and noted the path
+by which their return was ordained.  And after a long while they
+came to the beach of the surging sea by the devising of Hera,
+passing unharmed through countless tribes of the Celts and
+Ligyans.  For round them the goddess poured a dread mist day by
+day as they fared on.  And so, sailing through the midmost mouth,
+they reached the Stoechades islands in safety by the aid of the
+sons of Zeus; wherefore altars and sacred rites are established
+in their honour for ever; and not that sea-faring alone did they
+attend to succour; but Zeus granted to them the ships of future
+sailors too.  Then leaving the Stoechades they passed on to the
+island Aethalia, where after their toil they wiped away with
+pebbles sweat in abundance; and pebbles like skin in colour are
+strewn on the beach; (4) and there are their quoits and their
+wondrous armour; and there is the Argoan harbour called after
+them.
+
+(ll. 659-684)  And quickly from there they passed through the
+sea, beholding the Tyrrhenian shores of Ausonia; and they came to
+the famous harbour of Aeaea, and from the ship they cast hawsers
+to the shore near at hand.  And here they found Circe bathing her
+head in the salt sea-spray, for sorely had she been scared by
+visions of the night.  With blood her chambers and all the walls
+of her palace seemed to be running, and flame was devouring all
+the magic herbs with which she used to bewitch strangers whoever
+came; and she herself with murderous blood quenched the glowing
+flame, drawing it up in her hands; and she ceased from deadly
+fear.  Wherefore when morning came she rose, and with sea-spray
+was bathing her hair and her garments.  And beasts, not
+resembling the beasts of the wild, nor yet like men in body, but
+with a medley of limbs, went in a throng, as sheep from the fold
+in multitudes follow the shepherd.  Such creatures, compacted of
+various limbs, did each herself produce from the primeval slime
+when she had not yet grown solid beneath a rainless sky nor yet
+had received a drop of moisture from the rays of the scorching
+sun; but time combined these forms and marshalled them in their
+ranks; in such wise these monsters shapeless of form followed
+her.  And exceeding wonder seized the heroes, and at once, as
+each gazed on the form and face of Circe, they readily guessed
+that she was the sister of Aeetes.
+
+(ll. 685-717)  Now when she had dismissed the fears of her
+nightly visions, straightway she fared backwards, and in her
+subtlety she bade the heroes follow, charming them on with her
+hand.  Thereupon the host remained stedfast at the bidding of
+Aeson's son, but Jason drew with him the Colchian maid.  And both
+followed the selfsame path till they reached the hall of Circe,
+and she in amaze at their coming bade them sit on brightly
+burnished seats.  And they, quiet and silent, sped to the hearth
+and sat there, as is the wont of wretched suppliants.  Medea hid
+her face in both her hands, but Jason fixed in the ground the
+mighty hilted sword with which he had slain Aeetes' son; nor did
+they raise their eyes to meet her look.  And straightway Circe
+became aware of the doom of a suppliant and the guilt of murder.
+Wherefore in reverence for the ordinance of Zeus, the god of
+suppliants, who is a god of wrath yet mightily aids slayers of
+men, she began to offer the sacrifice with which ruthless
+suppliants are cleansed from guilt when they approach the altar.
+First, to atone for the murder still unexpiated, she held above
+their heads the young of a sow whose dugs yet swelled from the
+fruit of the womb, and, severing its neck, sprinkled their hands
+with the blood; and again she made propitiation with other drink
+offerings, calling on Zeus the Cleanser, the protector of murder-
+stained suppliants.  And all the defilements in a mass her
+attendants bore forth from the palace--the Naiad nymphs who
+ministered all things to her.  And within, Circe, standing by the
+hearth, kept burning atonement-cakes without wine, praying the
+while that she might stay from their wrath the terrible Furies,
+and that Zeus himself might be propitious and gentle to them 
+both, whether with hands stained by the blood of a stranger or,
+as kinsfolk, by the blood of a kinsman, they should implore his
+grace.
+
+(ll. 718-738)  But when she had wrought all her task, then she
+raised them up and seated them on well polished seats, and
+herself sat near, face to face with them.  And at once she asked
+them clearly of their business and their voyaging, and whence
+they had come to her land and palace, and had thus seated
+themselves as suppliants at her hearth.  For in truth the hideous
+remembrance of her dreams entered her mind as she pondered; and
+she longed to hear the voice of the maiden, her kinswoman, as
+soon as she saw that she had raised her eyes from the ground. 
+For all those of the race of Helios were plain to discern, since
+by the far flashing of their eyes they shot in front of them a
+gleam as of gold.  So Medea told her all she asked--the
+daughter of Aeetes of the gloomy heart, speaking gently in the
+Colchian tongue, both of the quest and the journeyings of the
+heroes, and of their toils in the swift contests, and how she had
+sinned through the counsels of her much-sorrowing sister, and how
+with the sons of Phrixus she had fled afar from the tyrannous
+horrors of her father; but she shrank from telling of the murder
+of Apsyrtus.  Yet she escaped not Circe's ken; nevertheless, in
+spite of all, she pitied the weeping maiden, and spake thus:
+
+(ll. 739-748)  "Poor wretch, an evil and shameful return hast
+thou planned.  Not for long, I ween, wilt thou escape the heavy
+wrath of Aeetes; but soon will he go even to the dwellings of
+Hellas to avenge the blood of his son, for intolerable are the
+deeds thou hast done.  But since thou art my suppliant and my
+kinswoman, no further ill shall I devise against thee at thy
+coming; but begone from my halls, companioning the stranger,
+whosoever he be, this unknown one that thou hast taken in thy
+father's despite; and kneel not to me at my hearth, for never
+will I approve thy counsels and thy shameful flight."
+
+(ll. 749-752)  Thus she spake, and measureless anguish seized the
+maid; and over her eyes she cast her robe and poured forth a
+lamentation, until the hero took her by the hand and led her
+forth from the hall quivering with fear.  So they left the home
+of Circe.
+
+(ll. 753-756)  But they were not unmarked by the spouse of Zeus,
+son of Cronos; but Iris told her when she saw them faring from
+the hall.  For Hera had bidden her watch what time they should
+come to the ship; so again she urged her and spake:
+
+(ll. 757-769)  "Dear Iris, now come, if ever thou hast fulfilled
+my bidding, hie thee away on light pinions, and bid Thetis arise
+from the sea and come hither.  For need of her is come upon me.
+Then go to the sea-beaches where the bronze anvils of Hephaestus
+are smitten by sturdy hammers, and tell him to still the blasts
+of fire until Argo pass by them.  Then go to Aeolus too, Aeolus
+who rules the winds, children of the clear sky; and to him also
+tell my purpose so that he may make all winds cease under heaven
+and no breeze may ruffle the sea; yet let the breath of the west 
+wind blow until the heroes have reached the Phaeacian isle of
+Alcinous."
+
+(ll. 770-782)  So she spake, and straightway Iris leapt down from
+Olympus and cleft her way, with light wings outspread.  And she
+plunged into the Aegean Sea, where is the dwelling of Nereus. 
+And she came to Thetis first and, by the promptings of Hera, told
+her tale and roused her to go to the goddess.  Next she came to
+Hephaestus, and quickly made him cease from the clang of his iron
+hammers; and the smoke-grimed bellows were stayed from their
+blast.  And thirdly she came to Aeolus, the famous son of
+Hippotas.  And when she had given her message to him also and
+rested her swift knees from her course, then Thetis leaving
+Nereus and her sisters had come from the sea to Olympus to the
+goddess Hera; and the goddess made her sit by her side and
+uttered her word:
+
+(ll. 783-832)  "Hearken now, lady Thetis, to what I am eager to
+tell thee.  Thou knowest how honoured in my heart is the hero,
+Aeson's son, and the others that have helped him in the contest,
+and how I saved them when they passed between the Wandering
+rocks, (5) where roar terrible storms of fire and the waves foam
+round the rugged reefs.  And now past the mighty rock of Scylla
+and Charybdis horribly belching, a course awaits them.  But thee
+indeed from thy infancy did I tend with my own hands and love
+beyond all others that dwell in the salt sea because thou didst
+refuse to share the couch of Zeus, for all his desire.  For to
+him such deeds are ever dear, to embrace either goddesses or
+mortal women.  But in reverence for me and with fear in thy heart
+thou didst shrink from his love; and he then swore a mighty oath
+that thou shouldst never be called the bride of an immortal god.
+Yet he ceased not from spying thee against thy will, until
+reverend Themis declared to him the whole truth, how that it was
+thy fate to bear a son mightier than his sire; wherefore he gave
+thee up, for all his desire, fearing lest another should be his
+match and rule the immortals, and in order that he might ever
+hold his own dominion.  But I gave thee the best of the sons of
+earth to be thy husband, that thou mightest find a marriage dear
+to thy heart and bear children; and I summoned to the feast the
+gods, one and all.  And with my own hand I raised the bridal
+torch, in return for the kindly honour thou didst pay me.  But
+come, let me tell a tale that erreth not.  When thy son shall
+come to the Elysian plain, he whom now in the home of Cheiron the
+Centaur water-nymphs are tending, though he still craves thy
+mother milk, it is fated that he be the husband of Medea, Aeetes'
+daughter; do thou aid thy daughter-in-law as a mother-in-law
+should, and aid Peleus himself.  Why is thy wrath so steadfast?
+He was blinded by folly.  For blindness comes even upon the gods.
+Surely at my behest I deem that Hephaestus will cease from
+kindling the fury of his flame, and that Aeolus, son of Hippotas,
+will check his swift rushing winds, all but the steady west wind,
+until they reach the havens of the Phaeacians; do thou devise a
+return without bane.  The rocks and the tyrannous waves are my
+fear, they alone, and them thou canst foil with thy sisters' aid.
+And let them not fall in their helplessness into Charybdis lest
+she swallow them at one gulp, or approach the hideous lair of
+Scylla, Ausonian Scylla the deadly, whom night-wandering Hecate,
+who is called Crataeis, (6) bare to Phoreys, lest swooping upon
+them with her horrible jaws she destroy the chiefest of the
+heroes.  But guide their ship in the course where there shall be
+still a hair's breadth escape from destruction."
+
+(ll. 833-841)  Thus she spake, and Thetis answered with these
+words: "If the fury of the ravening flame and the stormy winds
+cease in very deed, surely will I promise boldly to save the
+ship, even though the waves bar the way, if only the west wind
+blows fresh and clear.  But it is time to fare on a long and
+measureless path, in quest of my sisters who will aid me, and to
+the spot where the ship's hawsers are fastened, that at early
+dawn the heroes may take thought to win their home-return."
+
+(ll. 842-855)  She spake, and darting down from the sky fell amid
+the eddies of the dark blue sea; and she called to aid her the
+rest of the Nereids, her own sisters; and they heard her and
+gathered together; and Thetis declared to them Hera's behests,
+and quickly sped them all on their way to the Ausonian sea.  And
+herself, swifter than the flash of an eye or the shafts of the
+sun, when it rises upwards from a far-distant land, hastened
+swiftly through the sea, until she reached the Aeaean beach of
+the Tyrrhenian mainland.  And the heroes she found by the ship
+taking their pastime with quoits and shooting of arrows; and she
+drew near and just touched the hand of Aeaeus' son Peleus, for he
+was her husband; nor could anyone see her clearly, but she
+appeared to his eyes alone, and thus addressed him:
+
+(ll. 856-864)  "No longer now must ye stay sitting on the
+Tyrrhenian beach, but at dawn loosen the hawsers of your swift
+ship, in obedience to Hera, your helper.  For at her behest the
+maiden daughters of Nereus have met together to draw your ship
+through the midst of the rocks which are called Planctae, (7) for
+that is your destined path.  But do thou show my person to no
+one, when thou seest us come to meet time, but keep it secret in
+thy mind, lest thou anger me still more than thou didst anger me
+before so recklessly."
+
+(ll. 865-884)  She spake, and vanished into the depths of the
+sea; but sharp pain smote Peleus, for never before had he seen
+her come, since first she left her bridal chamber and bed in
+anger, on account of noble Achilles, then a babe.  For she ever
+encompassed the child's mortal flesh in the night with the flame
+of fire; and day by day she anointed with ambrosia his tender
+frame, so that he might become immortal and that she might keep
+off from his body loathsome old age.  But Peleus leapt up from
+his bed and saw his dear son gasping in the flame; and at the
+sight he uttered a terrible cry, fool that he was; and she heard
+it, and catching up the child threw him screaming to the ground,
+and herself like a breath of wind passed swiftly from the hall as
+a dream and leapt into the sea, exceeding wroth, and thereafter
+returned not again.  Wherefore blank amazement fettered his soul;
+nevertheless he declared to his comrades all the bidding of
+Thetis.  And they broke off in the midst and hurriedly ceased
+their contests, and prepared their meal and earth-strewn beds,
+whereon after supper they slept through the night as aforetime.
+
+(ll. 885-921)  Now when dawn the light-bringer was touching the
+edge of heaven, then at the coming of the swift west wind they
+went to their thwarts from the land; and gladly did they draw up
+the anchors from the deep and made the tackling ready in due
+order; and above spread the sail, stretching it taut with the
+sheets from the yard-arm.  And a fresh breeze wafted the ship on.
+And soon they saw a fair island, Anthemoessa, where the clear-
+voiced Sirens, daughters of Achelous, used to beguile with their
+sweet songs whoever cast anchor there, and then destroy him. 
+Them lovely Terpsichore, one of the Muses, bare, united with
+Achelous; and once they tended Demeter's noble daughter still
+unwed, and sang to her in chorus; and at that time they were
+fashioned in part like birds and in part like maidens to behold.
+And ever on the watch from their place of prospect with its fair
+haven, often from many had they taken away their sweet return,
+consuming them with wasting desire; and suddenly to the heroes,
+too, they sent forth from their lips a lily-like voice.  And they
+were already about to cast from the ship the hawsers to the
+shore, had not Thracian Orpheus, son of Oeagrus, stringing in his
+hands his Bistonian lyre, rung forth the hasty snatch of a
+rippling melody so that their ears might be filled with the sound
+of his twanging; and the lyre overcame the maidens' voice.  And
+the west wind and the sounding wave rushing astern bore the ship
+on; and the Sirens kept uttering their ceaseless song.  But even
+so the goodly son of Teleon alone of the comrades leapt before
+them all from the polished bench into the sea, even Butes, his
+soul melted by the clear ringing voice of the Sirens; and he swam
+through the dark surge to mount the beach, poor wretch.  Quickly
+would they have robbed him of his return then and there, but the
+goddess that rules Eryx, Cypris, in pity snatched him away, while
+yet in the eddies, and graciously meeting him saved him to dwell
+on the Lilybean height.  And the heroes, seized by anguish, left
+the Sirens, but other perils still worse, destructive to ships,
+awaited them in the meeting-place of the seas.
+
+(ll. 922-981)  For on one side appeared the smooth rock of
+Scylla; on the other Charybdis ceaselessly spouted and roared; in
+another part the Wandering rocks were booming beneath the mighty
+surge, where before the burning flame spurted forth from the top
+of the crags, above the rock glowing with fire, and the air was
+misty with smoke, nor could you have seen the sun's light.  Then,
+though Hephaestus had ceased from his toils, the sea was still
+sending up a warm vapour.  Hereupon on this side and on that the
+daughters of Nereus met them; and behind, lady Thetis set her
+hand to the rudder-blade, to guide them amid the Wandering rocks.
+And as when in fair weather herds of dolphins come up from the
+depths and sport in circles round a ship as it speeds along, now
+seen in front, now behind, now again at the side and delight
+comes to the sailors; so the Nereids darted upward and circled in
+their ranks round the ship Argo, while Thetis guided its course.
+And when they were about to touch the Wandering rocks,
+straightway they raised the edge of their garments over their
+snow-white knees, and aloft, on the very rocks and where the
+waves broke, they hurried along on this side and on that apart
+from one another.  And the ship was raised aloft as the current
+smote her, and all around the furious wave mounting up broke over
+the rocks, which at one time touched the sky like towering crags,
+at another, down in the depths, were fixed fast at the bottom of
+the sea and the fierce waves poured over them in floods.  And the
+Nereids, even as maidens near some sandy beach roll their
+garments up to their waists out of their way and sport with a
+shapely-rounded ball; then they catch it one from another and
+send it high into the air; and it never touches the ground; so
+they in turn one from another sent the ship through the air over
+the waves, as it sped on ever away from the rocks; and round them
+the water spouted and foamed.  And lord Hephaestus himself
+standing on the summit of a smooth rock and resting his massy
+shoulder on the handle of his hammer, beheld them, and the spouse
+of Zeus beheld them as she stood above the gleaming heaven; and
+she threw her arms round Athena, such fear seized her as she
+gazed.  And as long as the space of a day is lengthened out in
+springtime, so long a time did they toil, heaving the ship
+between the loud-echoing rocks; then again the heroes caught the
+wind and sped onward; and swiftly they passed the mead of
+Thrinacia, where the kine of Helios fed.  There the nymphs, like
+sea-mews, plunged beneath the depths, when they had fulfilled the
+behests of the spouse of Zeus.  And at the same time the bleating
+of sheep came to the heroes through the mist and the lowing of
+kine, near at hand, smote their ears.  And over the dewy leas
+Phaethusa, the youngest of the daughters of Helios, tended the
+sheep, bearing in her hand a silver crook; while Lampetia,
+herding the kine, wielded a staff of glowing orichalcum (8) as
+she followed.  These kine the heroes saw feeding by the river's
+stream, over the plain and the water-meadow; not one of them was
+dark in hue but all were white as milk and glorying in their
+horns of gold.  So they passed them by in the day-time, and when
+night came on they were cleaving a great sea-gulf, rejoicing,
+until again early rising dawn threw light upon their course.
+
+(ll. 982-1013)  Fronting the Ionian gulf there lies an island in
+the Ceraunian sea, rich in soil, with a harbour on both sides,
+beneath which lies the sickle, as legend saith--grant me grace,
+O Muses, not willingly do I tell this tale of olden days --
+wherewith Cronos pitilessly mutilated his father; but others call
+it the reaping-hook of Demeter, goddess of the nether world.  For
+Demeter once dwelt in that island, and taught the Titans to reap
+the ears of corn, all for the love of Macris.  Whence it is
+called Drepane, (9) the sacred nurse of the Phaeacians; and thus
+the Phaeacians themselves are by birth of the blood of Uranus. 
+To them came Argo, held fast by many toils, borne by the breezes
+from the Thrinacian sea; and Alcinous and his people with kindly
+sacrifice gladly welcomed their coming; and over them all the
+city made merry; thou wouldst say they were rejoicing over their
+own sons.  And the heroes themselves strode in gladness through
+the throng, even as though they had set foot in the heart of
+Haemonia; but soon were they to arm and raise the battle-cry; so
+near to them appeared a boundless host of Colchians, who had
+passed through the mouth of Pontus and between the Cyanean rocks
+in search of the chieftains.  They desired forthwith to carry off
+Medea to her father's house apart from the rest, or else they
+threatened with fierce cruelty to raise the dread war-cry both
+then and thereafter on the coming of Aeetes.  But lordly Alcinous
+checked them amid their eagerness for war.  For he longed to
+allay the lawless strife between both sides without the clash of
+battle.  And the maiden in deadly fear often implored the
+comrades of Aeson's son, and often with her hands touched the
+knees of Arete, the bride of Aleinous:
+
+(ll. 1014-1028)  "I beseech thee, O queen, be gracious and
+deliver me not to the Colchians to be borne to my father, if thou
+thyself too art one of the race of mortals, whose heart rushes
+swiftly to ruin from light transgressions.  For my firm sense
+forsook me--it was not for wantonness.  Be witness the sacred
+light of Helios, be witness the rites of the maiden that wanders
+by night, daughter of Perses.  Not willingly did I haste from my
+home with men of an alien race; but a horrible fear wrought on me
+to bethink me of flight when I sinned; other device was there
+none.  Still my maiden's girdle remains, as in the halls of my
+father, unstained, untouched.  Pity me, lady, and turn thy lord
+to mercy; and may the immortals grant thee a perfect life, and
+joy, and children, and the glory of a city unravaged!"
+
+(ll. 1029-1030)  Thus did she implore Arete, shedding tears, and
+thus each of the chieftains in turn:
+
+(ll. 1031-1052)  "On your account, ye men of peerless might, and
+on account of my toils in your ventures am I sorely afflicted;
+even I, by whose help ye yoked the bulls, and reaped the deadly
+harvest of the earthborn men; even I, through whom on your
+homeward path ye shall bear to Haemonia the golden fleece.  Lo,
+here am I, who have lost my country and my parents, who have lost
+my home and all the delights of life; to you have I restored your
+country and your homes; with eyes of gladness ye will see again
+your parents; but from me a heavy-handed god has raft all joy;
+and with strangers I wander, an accursed thing.  Fear your
+covenant and your oaths, fear the Fury that avenges suppliants
+and the retribution of heaven, if I fall into Aeetes' hands and
+am slain with grievous outrage.  To no shrines, no tower of
+defence, no other refuge do I pay heed, but only to you.  Hard
+and pitiless in your cruelty!  No reverence have ye for me in
+your heart though ye see me helpless, stretching my hands towards
+the knees of a stranger queen; yet, when ye longed to seize the
+fleece, ye would have met all the Colchians face to thee and
+haughty Aeetes himself; but now ye have forgotten your courage,
+now that they are all alone and cut off."
+
+(ll. 1053-1067)  Thus she spake, beseeching; and to whomsoever
+she bowed in prayer, that man tried to give her heart and to
+check her anguish.  And in their hands they shook their sharp
+pointed spears, and drew the swords from their sheaths; and they
+swore they would not hold back from giving succour, if she should
+meet with an unrighteous judgement.  And the host were all
+wearied and Night came on them, Night that puts to rest the works
+of men, and lulled all the earth to sleep; but to the maid no
+sleep brought rest, but in her bosom her heart was wrung with
+anguish.  Even as when a toiling woman turns her spindle through
+the night, and round her moan her orphan children, for she is a
+widow, and down her cheeks fall the tears, as she bethinks her
+how dreary a lot hath seized her; so Medea's cheeks were wet; and
+her heart within her was in agony, pierced with sharp pain.
+
+(ll. 1068-1072)  Now within the palace in the city, as aforetime,
+lay lordly Alcinous and Arete, the revered wife of Alcinous, and
+on their couch through the night they were devising plans about
+the maiden; and him, as her wedded husband, the wife addressed
+with loving words:
+
+(ll. 1073-1095)  "Yea, my friend, come, save the woe-stricken
+maid from the Colchians and show grace to the Minyae.  Argos is
+near our isle and the men of Haemonia; but Aeetes dwells not
+near, nor do we know of Aeetes one whit: we hear but his name;
+but this maiden of dread suffering hath broken my heart by her
+prayers.  O king, give her not up to the Colchians to be borne
+back to her father's home.  She was distraught when first she
+gave him the drugs to charm the oxen; and next, to cure one ill
+by another, as in our sinning we do often, she fled from her
+haughty sire's heavy wrath.  But Jason, as I hear, is bound to
+her by mighty oaths that he will make her his wedded wife within
+his halls.  Wherefore, my friend, make not, of thy will, Aeson's
+son to be forsworn, nor let the father, if thou canst help, work
+with angry heart some intolerable mischief on his child.  For
+fathers are all too jealous against their children; what wrong
+did Nycteus devise against Antiope, fair of face!  What woes did
+Danae endure on the wide sea through her sire's mad rage!  Of
+late, and not far away, Echetus in wanton cruelty thrust spikes
+of bronze in his daughter's eyes; and by a grievous fate is she
+wasting away, grinding grains of bronze in a dungeon's gloom."
+
+(ll. 1096-1097)  Thus she spake, beseeching; and by his wife's
+words his heart was softened, and thus he spake:
+
+(ll. 1098-1109)  "Arete, with arms I could drive forth the
+Colchians, showing grace to the heroes for the maiden's sake. 
+But I fear to set at nought the righteous judgment of Zeus.  Nor
+is it well to take no thought of Aeetes, as thou sayest: for none
+is more lordly than Aeetes.  And, if he willed, he might bring
+war upon Hellas, though he dwell afar.  Wherefore it is right for
+me to deliver the judgement that in all men's eyes shall be best;
+and I will not hide it from thee.  If she be yet a maid I decree
+that they carry her back to her father; but if she shares a
+husband's bed, I will not separate her from her lord; nor, if she
+bear a child beneath her breast, will I give it up to an enemy."
+
+(ll. 1110-1120)  Thus he spake, and at once sleep laid him to
+rest.  And she stored up in her heart the word of wisdom, and
+straightway rose from her couch and went through the palace; and
+her handmaids came hasting together, eagerly tending their
+mistress.  But quietly she summoned her herald and addressed him,
+in her prudence urging Aeson's son to wed the maiden, and not to
+implore Alcinous; for he himself, she said, will decree to the
+Colchians that if she is still a maid he will deliver her up to
+be borne to her father's house, but that if she shares a
+husband's bed he will not sever her from wedded love.
+
+(ll. 1121-1127)  Thus she spake, and quickly from the hall his
+feet bore him, that he might declare to Jason the fair-omened
+speech of Arete and the counsel of godfearing Alcinous.  And he
+found the heroes watching in full armour in the haven of Hyllus,
+near the city; and out he spake the whole message; and each
+hero's heart rejoiced; for the word that he spake was welcome.
+
+(ll. 1128-1169)  And straightway they mingled a bowl to the
+blessed ones, as is right, and reverently led sheep to the altar,
+and for that very night prepared for the maiden the bridal couch
+in the sacred cave, where once dwelt Macris, the daughter of
+Aristaeus, lord of honey, who discovered the works of bees and
+the fatness of the olive, the fruit of labour.  She it was that
+first received in her bosom the Nysean son of Zeus in Abantian
+Euboea, and with honey moistened his parched lips when Hermes
+bore him out of the flame.  And Hera beheld it, and in wrath
+drove her from the whole island.  And she accordingly came to
+dwell far off, in the sacred cave of the Phaeacians, and granted
+boundless wealth to the inhabitants.  There at that time did they
+spread a mighty couch; and thereon they laid the glittering
+fleece of gold, that so the marriage might be made honoured and
+the theme of song.  And for them nymphs gathered flowers of
+varied hue and bore them thither in their white bosoms; and a
+splendour as of flame played round them all, such a light gleamed
+from the golden tufts.  And in their eyes it kindled a sweet
+longing; yet for all her desire, awe withheld each one from
+laying her hand thereon.  Some were called daughters of the river
+Aegaeus; others dwelt round the crests of the Meliteian mount;
+and others were woodland nymphs from the plains.  For Hera
+herself, the spouse of Zeus, had sent them to do honour to Jason.
+That cave is to this day called the sacred cave of Medea, where
+they spread the fine and fragrant linen and brought these two
+together.  And the heroes in their hands wielded their spears for
+war, lest first a host of foes should burst upon them for battle
+unawares, and, their heads enwreathed with leafy sprays, all in
+harmony, while Orpheus' harp rang clear, sang the marriage song
+at the entrance to the bridal chamber.  Yet not in the house of
+Alcinous was the hero, Aeson's son, minded to complete his
+marriage, but in his father's hall when he had returned home to
+Ioleus; and such was the mind of Medea herself; but necessity led
+them to wed at this time.  For never in truth do we tribes of
+woe-stricken mortals tread the path of delight with sure foot;
+but still some bitter affliction keeps pace with our joy.
+Wherefore they too, though their souls were melted with sweet
+love, were held by fear, whether the sentence of Alcinous would
+be fulfilled.
+
+(ll. 1170-1227)  Now dawn returning with her beams divine
+scattered the gloomy night through the sky; and the island
+beaches laughed out and the paths over the plains far off,
+drenched with dew, and there was a din in the streets; the people
+were astir throughout the city, and far away the Colchians were
+astir at the bounds of the isle of Macris.  And straightway to
+them went Alcinous, by reason of his covenant, to declare his
+purpose concerning the maiden, and in his hand he held a golden
+staff, his staff of justice, whereby the people had righteous
+judgments meted out to them throughout the city.  And with him in
+order due and arrayed in their harness of war went marching, band
+by band, the chiefs of the Phaeacians.  And from the towers came
+forth the women in crowds to gaze upon the heroes; and the
+country folk came to meet them when they heard the news, for Hera
+had sent forth a true report.  And one led the chosen ram of his
+flock, and another a heifer that had never toiled; and others set
+hard by jars of wine for mixing; and the smoke of sacrifice leapt
+up far away.  And women bore fine linen, the fruit of much toil,
+as women will, and gifts of gold and varied ornaments as well,
+such as are brought to newly-wedded brides; and they marvelled
+when they saw the shapely forms and beauty of the gallant heroes,
+and among them the son of Oeagrus, oft beating the ground with
+gleaming sandal, to the time of his loud-ringing lyre and song.
+And all the nymphs together, whenever he recalled the marriage,
+uplifted the lovely bridal-chant; and at times again they sang
+alone as they circled in the dance, Hera, in thy honour; for it
+was thou that didst put it into the heart of Arete to proclaim
+the wise word of Alcinous.  And as soon as he had uttered the
+decree of his righteous judgement, and the completion of the
+marriage had been proclaimed, he took care that thus it should
+abide fixed; and no deadly fear touched him nor Aeetes' grievous
+wrath, but he kept his judgement fast bound by unbroken oaths. 
+So when the Colchians learnt that they were beseeching in vain
+and he bade them either observe his judgements or hold their
+ships away from his harbours and land, then they began to dread
+the threats of their own king and besought Alcinous to receive
+them as comrades; and there in the island long time they dwelt
+with the Phaeacians, until in the course of years, the
+Bacchiadae, a race sprung from Ephyra, (10) settled among them;
+and the Colchians passed to an island opposite; and thence they
+were destined to reach the Ceraunian hills of the Abantes, and
+the Nestaeans and Oricum; but all this was fulfilled after long
+ages had passed.  And still the altars which Medea built on the
+spot sacred to Apollo, god of shepherds, receive yearly
+sacrifices in honour of the Fates and the Nymphs.  And when the
+Minyae departed many gifts of friendship did Alcinous bestow, and
+many Arete; moreover she gave Medea twelve Phaeacian handmaids
+from the palace, to bear her company.  And on the seventh day
+they left Drepane; and at dawn came a fresh breeze from Zeus. 
+And onward they sped borne along by the wind's breath.  Howbeit
+not yet was it ordained for the heroes to set foot on Achaea,
+until they had toiled even in the furthest bounds of Libya.
+
+(ll. 1228-1250)  Now had they left behind the gulf named after
+the Ambracians, now with sails wide spread the land of the
+Curetes, and next in order the narrow islands with the Echinades,
+and the land of Pelops was just descried; even then a baleful
+blast of the north wind seized them in mid-course and swept them
+towards the Libyan sea nine nights and as many days, until they
+came far within Syrtis, wherefrom is no return for ships, when
+they are once forced into that gulf.  For on every hand are
+shoals, on every hand masses of seaweed from the depths; and over
+them the light foam of the wave washes without noise; and there
+is a stretch of sand to the dim horizon; and there moveth nothing
+that creeps or flies.  Here accordingly the flood-tide--for
+this tide often retreats from the land and bursts back again over
+the beach coming on with a rush and roar--thrust them suddenly
+on to the innermost shore, and but little of the keel was left in
+the water.  And they leapt forth from the ship, and sorrow seized
+them when they gazed on the mist and the levels of vast land
+stretching far like a mist and continuous into the distance; no
+spot for water, no path, no steading of herdsmen did they descry
+afar off, but all the scene was possessed by a dead calm.  And
+thus did one hero, vexed in spirit, ask another:
+
+(ll. 1251-1258)  "What land is this?  Whither has the tempest
+hurled us?  Would that, reckless of deadly fear, we had dared to
+rush on by that same path between the clashing rocks!  Better
+were it to have overleapt the will of Zeus and perished in
+venturing some mighty deed.  But now what should we do, held back
+by the winds to stay here, if ever so short a time?  How desolate
+looms before us the edge of the limitless land!"
+
+(ll. 1259-1276)  Thus one spake; and among them Ancaeus the
+helmsman, in despair at their evil case, spoke with grieving
+heart: "Verily we are undone by a terrible doom; there is no
+escape from ruin; we must suffer the cruellest woes, having
+fallen on this desolation, even though breezes should blow from
+the land; for, as I gaze far around, on every side do I behold a
+sea of shoals, and masses of water, fretted line upon line, run
+over the hoary sand.  And miserably long ago would our sacred
+ship have been shattered far from the shore; but the tide itself
+bore her high on to the land from the deep sea.  But now the tide
+rushes back to the sea, and only the foam, whereon no ship can
+sail, rolls round us, just covering the land.  Wherefore I deem
+that all hope of our voyage and of our return is cut off.  Let
+someone else show his skill; let him sit at the helm the man that
+is eager for our deliverance.  But Zeus has no will to fulfil our
+day of return after all our toils."
+
+(ll. 1277-1317)  Thus he spake with tears, and all of them that
+had knowledge of ships agreed thereto; but the hearts of all grew
+numb, and pallor overspread their cheeks.  And as, like lifeless
+spectres, men roam through a city awaiting the issue of war or of
+pestilence, or some mighty storm which overwhelms the countless
+labours of oxen, when the images of their own accord sweat and
+run down with blood, and bellowings are heard in temples, or when
+at mid-day the sun draws on night from heaven, and the stars
+shine clear through the mist; so at that time along the endless
+strand the chieftains wandered, groping their way.  Then
+straightway dark evening came upon them; and piteously did they
+embrace each other and say farewell with tears, that they might,
+each one apart from his fellow, fall on the sand and die.  And
+this way and that they went further to choose a resting-place;
+and they wrapped their heads in their cloaks and, fasting and
+unfed, lay down all that night and the day, awaiting a piteous
+death.  But apart the maidens huddled together lamented beside
+the daughter of Aeetes.  And as when, forsaken by their mother,
+unfledged birds that have fallen from a cleft in the rock chirp
+shrilly; or when by the banks of fair-flowing Pactolus, swans
+raise their song, and all around the dewy meadow echoes and the
+river's fair stream; so these maidens, laying in the dust their
+golden hair, all through the night wailed their piteous lament.
+And there all would have parted from life without a name and
+unknown to mortal men, those bravest of heroes, with their task
+unfulfilled; but as they pined in despair, the heroine-nymphs,
+warders of Libya, had pity on them, they who once found Athena,
+what time she leapt in gleaming armour from her father's head,
+and bathed her by Trito's waters.  It was noon-tide and the
+fiercest rays of the sun were scorching Libya; they stood near
+Aeson's son, and lightly drew the cloak from his head.  And the
+hero cast down his eyes and looked aside, in reverence for the
+goddesses, and as he lay bewildered all alone they addressed him
+openly with gentle words:
+
+(ll. 1318-1329)  "Ill-starred one, why art thou so smitten with
+despair?  We know how ye went in quest of the golden fleece; we
+know each toil of yours, all the mighty deeds ye wrought in your
+wanderings over land and sea.  We are the solitary ones,
+goddesses of the land, speaking with human voice, the heroines,
+Libya's warders and daughters.  Up then; be not thus afflicted in
+thy misery, and rouse thy comrades.  And when Amphitrite has
+straightway loosed Poseidon's swift-wheeled car, then do ye pay
+to your mother a recompense for all her travail when she bare you
+so long in her womb; and so ye may return to the divine land of
+Achaea."
+
+(ll. 1330-1332)  Thus they spake, and with the voice vanished at
+once, where they stood.  But Jason sat upon the earth as he gazed
+around, and thus cried:
+
+(ll. 1333-1336)  "Be gracious, noble goddesses of the desert, yet
+the saying about our return I understand not clearly.  Surely I
+will gather together my comrades and tell them, if haply we can
+find some token of our escape, for the counsel of many is
+better."
+
+(ll. 1337-1346)  He spake, and leapt to his feet, and shouted
+afar to his comrades, all squalid with dust, like a lion when he
+roars through the woodland seeking his mate; and far off in the
+mountains the glens tremble at the thunder of his voice; and the
+oxen of the field and the herdsmen shudder with fear; yet to them
+Jason's voice was no whit terrible the voice of a comrade calling
+to his friends.  And with looks downcast they gathered near, and
+hard by where the ship lay he made them sit down in their grief
+and the women with them, and addressed them and told them
+everything:
+
+(ll. 1347-1362)  "Listen, friends; as I lay in my grief, three
+goddesses girded with goat-skins from the neck downwards round
+the back and waist, like maidens, stood over my head nigh at
+hand; and they uncovered me, drawing my cloak away with light
+hand, and they bade me rise up myself and go and rouse you, and
+pay to our mother a bounteous recompense for all her travail when
+she bare us so long in her womb, when Amphitrite shall have
+loosed Poseidon's swift-wheeled car.  But I cannot fully
+understand concerning this divine message.  They said indeed that
+they were heroines, Libya's warders and daughters; and all the
+toils that we endured aforetime by land and sea, all these they
+declared that they knew full well.  Then I saw them no more in
+their place, but a mist or cloud came between and hid them from
+my sight."
+
+(ll. 1363-1369)  Thus he spake, and all marvelled as they heard.
+Then was wrought for the Minyae the strangest of portents.  From
+the sea to the land leapt forth a monstrous horse, of vast size,
+with golden mane tossing round his neck; and quickly from his
+limbs he shook off abundant spray and started on his course, with
+feet like the wind.  And at once Peleus rejoiced and spake among
+the throng of his comrades:
+
+(ll. 1370-1379)  "I deem that Poseidon's ear has even now been
+loosed by the hands of his dear wife, and I divine that our
+mother is none else than our ship herself; for surely she bare us
+in her womb and groans unceasingly with grievous travailing.  But
+with unshaken strength and untiring shoulders will we lift her up
+and bear her within this country of sandy wastes, where yon
+swift-footed steed has sped before.  For he will not plunge
+beneath the earth; and his hoof-prints, I ween, will point us to
+some bay above the sea."
+
+(ll. 1380-1392)  Thus he spake, and the fit counsel pleased all.
+This is the tale the Muses told; and I sing obedient to the
+Pierides, and this report have I heard most truly; that ye, O
+mightiest far of the sons of kings, by your might and your valour
+over the desert sands of Libya raised high aloft on your
+shoulders the ship and all that ye brought therein, and bare her
+twelve days and nights alike.  Yet who could tell the pain and
+grief which they endured in that toil?  Surely they were of the
+blood of the immortals, such a task did they take on them,
+constrained by necessity.  How forward and how far they bore her
+gladly to the waters of the Tritonian lake!  How they strode in
+and set her down from their stalwart shoulders!
+
+(ll. 1393-1421)  Then, like raging hounds, they rushed to search
+for a spring; for besides their suffering and anguish, a parching
+thirst lay upon them, and not in vain did they wander; but they
+came to the sacred plain where Ladon, the serpent of the land,
+till yesterday kept watch over the golden apples in the garden of
+Atlas; and all around the nymphs, the Hesperides, were busied,
+chanting their lovely song.  But at that time, stricken by
+Heracles, he lay fallen by the trunk of the apple-tree; only the
+tip of his tail was still writhing; but from his head down his
+dark spine he lay lifeless; and where the arrows had left in his
+blood the bitter gall of the Lernaean hydra, flies withered and
+died over the festering wounds.  And close at hand the
+Hesperides, their white arms flung over their golden heads,
+lamented shrilly; and the heroes drew near suddenly; but the
+maidens, at their quick approach, at once became dust and earth
+where they stood.  Orpheus marked the divine portent, and for his
+comrades addressed them in prayer: "O divine ones, fair and kind,
+be gracious, O queens, whether ye be numbered among the heavenly
+goddesses, or those beneath the earth, or be called the Solitary
+nymphs; come, O nymphs, sacred race of Oceanus, appear manifest
+to our longing eyes and show us some spring of water from the
+rock or some sacred flow gushing from the earth, goddesses,
+wherewith we may quench the thirst that burns us unceasingly. 
+And if ever again we return in our voyaging to the Achaean land,
+then to you among the first of goddesses with willing hearts will
+we bring countless gifts, libations and banquets."
+
+(ll. 1422-1431)  So he spake, beseeching them with plaintive
+voice; and they from their station near pitied their pain; and
+lo!  First of all they caused grass to spring from the earth; and
+above the grass rose up tall shoots, and then flourishing
+saplings grew standing upright far above the earth.  Hespere
+became a poplar and Eretheis an elm, and Aegle a willow's sacred
+trunk.  And forth from these trees their forms looked out, as
+clear as they were before, a marvel exceeding great, and Aegle
+spake with gentle words answering their longing looks:
+
+(ll. 1432-1449)  "Surely there has come hither a mighty succour
+to your toils, that most accursed man, who robbed our guardian
+serpent of life and plucked the golden apples of the goddesses
+and is gone; and has left bitter grief for us.  For yesterday
+came a man most fell in wanton violence, most grim in form; and
+his eyes flashed beneath his scowling brow; a ruthless wretch;
+and he was clad in the skin of a monstrous lion of raw hide,
+untanned; and he bare a sturdy bow of olive, and a bow, wherewith
+he shot and killed this monster here.  So he too came, as one
+traversing the land on foot, parched with thirst; and he rushed
+wildly through this spot, searching for water, but nowhere was he
+like to see it.  Now here stood a rock near the Tritonian lake;
+and of his own device, or by the prompting of some god, he smote
+it below with his foot; and the water gushed out in full flow.
+And he, leaning both his hands and chest upon the ground, drank a
+huge draught from the rifted rock, until, stooping like a beast
+of the field, he had satisfied his mighty maw."
+
+(ll. 1450-1457)  Thus she spake; and they gladly with joyful
+steps ran to the spot where Aegle had pointed out to them the
+spring, until they reached it.  And as when earth-burrowing ants
+gather in swarms round a narrow cleft, or when flies lighting
+upon a tiny drop of sweet honey cluster round with insatiate
+eagerness; so at that time, huddled together, the Minyae thronged
+about the spring from the rock.  And thus with wet lips one cried
+to another in his delight:
+
+(ll. 1458-1460)  "Strange!  In very truth Heracles, though far
+away, has saved his comrades, fordone with thirst.  Would that we
+might find him on his way as we pass through the mainland!"
+
+(ll. 1461-1484)  So they spake, and those who were ready for this
+work answered, and they separated this way and that, each
+starting to search.  For by the night winds the footsteps had
+been effaced where the sand was stirred.  The two sons of Boreas
+started up, trusting in their wings; and Euphemus, relying on his
+swift feet, and Lynceus to cast far his piercing eyes; and with
+them darted off Canthus, the fifth.  He was urged on by the doom
+of the gods and his own courage, that he might learn for certain
+from Heracles where he had left Polyphemus, son of Eilatus; for
+he was minded to question him on every point concerning his
+comrade.  But that hero had founded a glorious city among the
+Mysians, and, yearning for his home-return, had passed far over
+the mainland in search of Argo; and in time he reached the land
+of the Chalybes, who dwell near the sea; there it was that his
+fate subdued him.  And to him a monument stands under a tall
+poplar, just facing the sea.  But that day Lynceus thought he saw
+Heracles all alone, far off, over measureless land, as a man at
+the month's beginning sees, or thinks he sees, the moon through a
+bank of cloud.  And he returned and told his comrades that no
+other searcher would find Heracles on his way, and they also came
+back, and swift-footed Euphemus and the twin sons of Thracian
+Boreas, after a vain toil.
+
+(ll. 1485-1501)  But thee, Canthus, the fates of death seized in
+Libya.  On pasturing flocks didst thou light; and there followed
+a shepherd who, in defence of his own sheep, while thou weft
+leading them off (11) to thy comrades in their need, slew thee by
+the cast of a stone; for he was no weakling, Caphaurus, the
+grandson of Lycoreian Phoebus and the chaste maiden Acacallis,
+whom once Minos drove from home to dwell in Libya, his own
+daughter, when she was bearing the gods' heavy load; and she bare
+to Phoebus a glorious son, whom they call Amphithemis and
+Garamas.  And Amphithemis wedded a Tritonian nymph; and she bare
+to him Nasamon and strong Caphaurus, who on that day in defending
+his sheep slew Canthus.  But he escaped not the chieftains'
+avenging hands, when they learned the deed he had done.  And the
+Minyae, when they knew it, afterwards took up the corpse and
+buried it in the earth, mourning; and the sheep they took with
+them.
+
+(ll. 1502-1536)  Thereupon on the same day a pitiless fate seized
+Mopsus too, son of Ampycus; and he escaped not a bitter doom by
+his prophesying; for there is no averting of death.  Now there
+lay in the sand, avoiding the midday heat, a dread serpent, too
+sluggish of his own will to strike at an unwilling foe, nor yet
+would he dart full face at one that would shrink back.  But into
+whatever of all living beings that life-giving earth sustains
+that serpent once injects his black venom, his path to Hades
+becomes not so much as a cubit's length, not even if Paeeon, if
+it is right for me to say this openly, should tend him, when its
+teeth have only grazed the skin.  For when over Libya flew
+godlike Perseus Eurymedon   for by that name his mother called
+him--bearing to the king the Gorgon's head newly severed, all
+the drops of dark blood that fell to the earth, produced a brood
+of those serpents.  Now Mopsus stepped on the end of its spine,
+setting thereon the sole of his left foot; and it writhed round
+in pain and bit and tore the flesh between the shin and the
+muscles.  And Medea and her handmaids fled in terror; but Canthus
+bravely felt the bleeding wound; for no excessive pain harassed
+him.  Poor wretch!  Already a numbness that loosed his limbs was
+stealing beneath his skin, and a thick mist was spreading over
+his eyes.  Straightway his heavy limbs sank helplessly to the
+ground and he grew cold; and his comrades and the hero, Aeson's
+son, gathered round, marvelling at the close-coming doom.  Nor
+yet though dead might he lie beneath the sun even for a little
+space.  For at once the poison began to rot his flesh within, and
+the hair decayed and fell from the skin.  And quickly and in
+haste they dug a deep grave with mattocks of bronze; and they
+tore their hair, the heroes and the maidens, bewailing the dead
+man's piteous suffering; and when he had received due burial
+rites, thrice they marched round the tomb in full armour, and
+heaped above him a mound of earth.
+
+(ll. 1537-1553)  But when they had gone aboard, as the south wind
+blew over the sea, and they were searching for a passage to go
+forth from the Tritonian lake, for long they had no device, but
+all the day were borne on aimlessly.  And as a serpent goes
+writhing along his crooked path when the sun's fiercest rays
+scorch him; and with a hiss he turns his head to this side and
+that, and in his fury his eyes glow like sparks of fire, until he
+creeps to his lair through a cleft in the rock; so Argo seeking
+an outlet from the lake, a fairway for ships, wandered for a long
+time.  Then straightway Orpheus bade them bring forth from the
+ship Apollo's massy tripod and offer it to the gods of the land
+as propitiation for their return.  So they went forth and set
+Apollo's gift on the shore; then before them stood, in the form
+of a youth, farswaying Triton, and he lifted a clod from the
+earth and offered it as a stranger's gift, and thus spake:
+
+(ll. 1554-1561)  "Take it, friends, for no stranger's gift of
+great worth have I here by me now to place in the hands of those
+who beseech me.  But if ye are searching for a passage through
+this sea, as often is the need of men passing through a strange
+land, I will declare it.  For my sire Poseidon has made me to be
+well versed in this sea.  And I rule the shore if haply in your
+distant land you have ever heard of Eurypylus, born in Libya, the
+home of wild beasts."
+
+(ll. 1562-1563)  Thus he spake, and readily Euphemus held out his
+hands towards the clod, and thus addressed him in reply:
+
+(ll. 1564-1570)  "If haply, hero, thou knowest aught of Apis (12)
+and the sea of Minos, tell us truly, who ask it of you.  For not
+of our will have we come hither, but by the stress of heavy
+storms have we touched the borders of this land, and have borne
+our ship aloft on our shoulders to the waters of this lake over
+the mainland, grievously burdened; and we know not where a
+passage shows itself for our course to the land of Pelops."
+
+(ll. 1571-1585)  So he spake; and Triton stretched out his hand
+and showed afar the sea and the lake's deep mouth, and then
+addressed them: "That is the outlet to the sea, where the deep
+water lies unmoved and dark; on each side roll white breakers
+with shining crests; and the way between for your passage out is
+narrow.  And that sea stretches away in mist to the divine land
+of Pelops beyond Crete; but hold to the right, when ye have
+entered the swell of the sea from the lake, and steer your course
+hugging the land, as long as it trends to the north; but when the
+coast bends, falling away in the other direction, then your
+course is safely laid for you if ye go straight forward from the
+projecting cape.  But go in joy, and as for labour let there be
+no grieving that limbs in youthful vigour should still toil."
+
+(ll. 1586-1596)  He spake with kindly counsel; and they at once
+went aboard, intent to come forth from the lake by the use of
+oars.  And eagerly they sped on; meanwhile Triton took up the
+mighty tripod, and they saw him enter the lake; but thereafter
+did no one mark how he vanished so near them along with the
+tripod.  But their hearts were cheered, for that one of the
+blessed had met them in friendly guise.  And they bade Aeson's
+son offer to him the choicest of the sheep and when he had slain
+it chant the hymn of praise.  And straightway he chose in haste
+and raising the victim slew it over the stern, and prayed with
+these words:
+
+(ll. 1597-1600)  "Thou god, who hast manifested thyself on the
+borders of this land, whether the daughters born of the sea call
+thee Triton, the great sea-marvel, or Phoreys, or Nereus, be
+gracious, and grant the return home dear to our hearts."
+
+(ll. 1601-1637)  He spake, and cut the victim's throat over the
+water and cast it from the stern.  And the god rose up from the
+depths in form such as he really was.  And as when a man trains a
+swift steed for the broad race-course, and runs along, grasping
+the bushy mane, while the steed follows obeying his master, and
+rears his neck aloft in his pride, and the gleaming bit rings
+loud as he champs it in his jaws from side to side; so the god,
+seizing hollow Argo's keel, guided her onward to the sea.  And
+his body, from the crown of his head, round his back and waist as
+far as the belly, was wondrously like that of the blessed ones in
+form; but below his sides the tail of a sea monster lengthened
+far, forking to this side and that; and he smote the surface of
+the waves with the spines, which below parted into curving fins,
+like the horns of the new moon.  And he guided Argo on until he
+sped her into the sea on her course; and quickly he plunged into
+the vast abyss; and the heroes shouted when they gazed with their
+eyes on that dread portent.  There is the harbour of Argo and
+there are the signs of her stay, and altars to Poseidon and
+Triton; for during that day they tarried.  But at dawn with sails
+outspread they sped on before the breath of the west wind,
+keeping the desert land on their right.  And on the next morn
+they saw the headland and the recess of the sea, bending inward
+beyond the jutting headland.  And straightway the west wind
+ceased, and there came the breeze of the clear south wind; and
+their hearts rejoiced at the sound it made.  But when the sun
+sank and the star returned that bids the shepherd fold, which
+brings rest to wearied ploughmen, at that time the wind died down
+in the dark night; so they furled the sails and lowered the tall
+mast and vigorously plied their polished oars all night and
+through the day, and again when the next night came on.  And
+rugged Carpathus far away welcomed them; and thence they were to
+cross to Crete, which rises in the sea above other islands.
+
+(ll. 1638-1653)  And Talos, the man of bronze, as he broke off
+rocks from the hard cliff, stayed them from fastening hawsers to
+the shore, when they came to the roadstead of Dicte's haven.  He
+was of the stock of bronze, of the men sprung from ash-trees, the
+last left among the sons of the gods; and the son of Cronos gave
+him to Europa to be the warder of Crete and to stride round the
+island thrice a day with his feet of bronze.  Now in all the rest
+of his body and limbs was he fashioned of bronze and
+invulnerable; but beneath the sinew by his ankle was a blood-red
+vein; and this, with its issues of life and death, was covered by
+a thin skin.  So the heroes, though outworn with toil, quickly
+backed their ship from the land in sore dismay.  And now far from
+Crete would they have been borne in wretched plight, distressed
+both by thirst and pain, had not Medea addressed them as they
+turned away:
+
+(ll. 1654-1658)  "Hearken to me.  For I deem that I alone can
+subdue for you that man, whoever he be, even though his frame be
+of bronze throughout, unless his life too is everlasting.  But be
+ready to keep your ship here beyond the cast of his stones, till
+he yield the victory to me."
+
+(ll. 1659-1672)  Thus she spake; and they drew the ship out of
+range, resting on their oars, waiting to see what plan unlooked
+for she would bring to pass; and she, holding the fold of her
+purple robe over her cheeks on each side, mounted on the deck;
+and Aeson's son took her hand in his and guided her way along the
+thwarts.  And with songs did she propitiate and invoke the Death-
+spirits, devourers of life, the swift hounds of Hades, who,
+hovering through all the air, swoop down on the living.  Kneeling
+in supplication, thrice she called on them with songs, and thrice
+with prayers; and, shaping her soul to mischief, with her hostile
+glance she bewitched the eyes of Talos, the man of bronze; and
+her teeth gnashed bitter wrath against him, and she sent forth
+baneful phantoms in the frenzy of her rage.
+
+(ll. 1673-1693)  Father Zeus, surely great wonder rises in my
+mind, seeing that dire destruction meets us not from disease and
+wounds alone, but lo! even from afar, may be, it tortures us!  So
+Talos, for all his frame of bronze, yielded the victory to the
+might of Medea the sorceress.  And as he was heaving massy rocks
+to stay them from reaching the haven, he grazed his ankle on a
+pointed crag; and the ichor gushed forth like melted lead; and
+not long thereafter did he stand towering on the jutting cliff.
+But even as some huge pine, high up on the mountains, which
+woodmen have left half hewn through by their sharp axes when they
+returned from the forest--at first it shivers in the wind by
+night, then at last snaps at the stump and crashes down; so Talos
+for a while stood on his tireless feet, swaying to and fro, when
+at last, all strengthless, fell with a mighty thud.  For that
+night there in Crete the heroes lay; then, just as dawn was
+growing bright, they built a shrine to Minoan Athena, and drew
+water and went aboard, so that first of all they might by rowing
+pass beyond Salmone's height.
+
+(ll. 1694-1730)  But straightway as they sped over the wide
+Cretan sea night scared them, that night which they name the Pall
+of Darkness; the stars pierced not that fatal night nor the beams
+of the moon, but black chaos descended from heaven, or haply some
+other darkness came, rising from the nethermost depths.  And the
+heroes, whether they drifted in Hades or on the waters, knew not
+one whit; but they committed their return to the sea in helpless
+doubt whither it was bearing them.  But Jason raised his hands
+and cried to Phoebus with mighty voice, calling on him to save
+them; and the tears ran down in his distress; and often did he
+promise to bring countless offerings to Pytho, to Amyclae, and to
+Ortygia.  And quickly, O son of Leto, swift to hear, didst thou
+come down from heaven to the Melantian rocks, which lie there in
+the sea.  Then darting upon one of the twin peaks, thou raisedst
+aloft in thy right hand thy golden bow; and the bow flashed a
+dazzling gleam all round.  And to their sight appeared a small
+island of the Sporades, over against the tiny isle Hippuris, and
+there they cast anchor and stayed; and straightway dawn arose and
+gave them light; and they made for Apollo a glorious abode in a
+shady wood, and a shady altar, calling on Phoebus the "Gleamer",
+because of the gleam far-seen; and that bare island they called
+Anaphe, (13) for that Phoebus had revealed it to men sore
+bewildered.  And they sacrificed all that men could provide for
+sacrifice on a desolate strand; wherefore when Medea's Phaeacian
+handmaids saw them pouring water for libations on the burning
+brands, they could no longer restrain laughter within their
+bosoms, for that ever they had seen oxen in plenty slain in the
+halls of Alcinous.  And the heroes delighted in the jest and
+attacked them with taunting words; and merry railing and
+contention flung to and fro were kindled among them.  And from
+that sport of the heroes such scoffs do the women fling at the
+men in that island whenever they propitiate with sacrifices
+Apollo the gleaming god, the warder of Anaphe.
+
+(ll. 1731-1740)  But when they had loosed the hawsers thence in
+fair weather, then Euphemus bethought him of a dream of the
+night, reverencing the glorious son of Maia.  For it seemed to
+him that the god-given clod of earth held in his palm close to
+his breast was being suckled by white streams of milk, and that
+from it, little though it was, grew a woman like a virgin; and
+he, overcome by strong desire, lay with her in love's embrace;
+and united with her he pitied her, as though she were a maiden
+whom he was feeding with his own milk; but she comforted him with
+gentle words:
+
+(ll. 1741-1745)  "Daughter of Triton am I, dear friend, and nurse
+of thy children, no maiden; Triton and Libya are my parents.  But
+restore me to the daughters of Nereus to dwell in the sea near
+Anaphe; I shall return again to the light of the sun, to prepare
+a home for thy descendants."
+
+(ll. 1746-1748)  Of this he stored in his heart the memory, and
+declared it to Aeson's son; and Jason pondered a prophecy of the
+Far-Darter and lifted up his voice and said:
+
+(ll. 1749-1754)  "My friend, great and glorious renown has fallen
+to thy lot.  For of this clod when thou hast cast it into the
+sea, the gods will make an island, where thy children's children
+shall dwell; for Triton gave this to thee as a stranger's gift
+from the Libyan mainland.  None other of the immortals it was
+than he that gave thee this when he met thee."
+
+(ll. 1755-1764)  Thus he spake; and Euphemus made not vain the
+answer of Aeson's son; but, cheered by the prophecy, he cast the
+clod into the depths.  Therefrom rose up an island, Calliste,
+sacred nurse of the sons of Euphemus, who in former days dwelt in
+Sintian Lemnos, and from Lemnos were driven forth by Tyrrhenians
+and came to Sparta as suppliants; and when they left Sparta,
+Theras, the goodly son of Autesion, brought them to the island
+Calliste, and from himself he gave it the name of Thera.  But
+this befell after the days of Euphemus.
+
+(ll. 1765-1772)  And thence they steadily left behind long
+leagues of sea and stayed on the beach of Aegina; and at once
+they contended in innocent strife about the fetching of water,
+who first should draw it and reach the ship.  For both their need
+and the ceaseless breeze urged them on.  There even to this day 
+do the youths of the Myrmidons take up on their shoulders full-
+brimming jars, and with swift feet strive for victory in the
+race.
+
+(ll. 1773-1781)  Be gracious, race of blessed chieftains!  And
+may these songs year after year be sweeter to sing among men. 
+For now have I come to the glorious end of your toils; for no
+adventure befell you as ye came home from Aegina, and no tempest
+of winds opposed you; but quietly did ye skirt the Cecropian land
+and Aulis inside of Euboea and the Opuntian cities of the
+Locrians, and gladly did ye step forth upon the beach of Pagasae.
+
+
+ENDNOTES:
+(1)  The allusion is to Sesotris.  See Herodotus ii. 102 foll.
+(2)  Or, reading EMETEREN, "into our sea".  The Euxine is meant
+     in any case and the word Ionian is therefore wrong.
+(3)  Apollonius seems to have thought that the Po, the Rhone, and
+     the Rhine are all connected together.
+(4)  i.e. like the scrapings from skin, APOSTLEGGISMATA; see
+     Strabo p. 224 for this adventure.
+(5)  The "Symplegades" are referred to, where help was given by
+     Athena, not by Hera.  It is strange that no mention is made
+     of the "Planctae", properly so called, past which they are
+     soon to be helped.  Perhaps some lines have fallen out.
+(6)  i.e. the Mighty One.
+(7)  i.e. the Wanderers.
+(8)  A fabulous metal, resembling gold in appearance.
+(9)  i.e. the Sickle-island.
+(10) The old name of Corinth.
+(11) This seems to be the only possible translation, but the
+     optative is quite anomalous.  We should expect EKOMIZES.
+(12) An old name of the Peloponnesus.
+(13) i.e. the isle of Revealing.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg Etext of The Argonautica by Apollonius Rhodius
+
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