The Argonautica ..................................................................................................................................................1

Apollonius Rhodius.................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................1

BOOK I ....................................................................................................................................................3

BOOK II ................................................................................................................................................21

BOOK III ..............................................................................................................................................37

BOOK IV ...............................................................................................................................................54

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 sixtytwo 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 (105113) 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 196193 B.C. This would make Apollonius

seventytwo to seventyfive 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. 927947) which is of a polemical nature and stands out from the context, and the

wellknown 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 counterattacks. 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 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

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

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

(ll. 14) 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 wellbenched Argo

(ll. 517) 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 homereturn.

(ll. 1822) 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 seapaths and the deeds they wrought in their

(ll. 2334) 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 oaktrees 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

(ll. 3539) 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

(ll. 4044) 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. 4548) 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. 4950) Nor did Admetus, the lord of Pherae rich in sheep, stay behind beneath the peak of the

(ll. 5156) Nor at Alope stayed the sons of Hermes, rich in cornland, 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

(ll. 5764) 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. 6568) 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. 6970) Moreover Actor sent his son Menoetius from Opus that he might accompany the chiefs.

(ll. 7176) 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

(ll. 7785) 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

(ll. 8689) To him Clytius and Iphitus joined themselves, the warders of Oechalia, sons of Eurytus the

ruthless, Eurytus, to whom the Farshooting god gave his bow; but he had no joy of the gift; for of his own

(ll. 9094) 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

(ll. 95104) 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 wellbeloved 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. 105114) 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. 115117) After them came Phlias from Araethyrea, where he dwelt in affluence by the favour of his

(ll. 118121) 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

(ll. 122132) 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 marketplace

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. 133138) 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

(ll. 139145) 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. 146150) Moreover Aetolian Leda sent from Sparta strong Polydeuces and Castor, skilled to guide

swiftfooted steeds; these her dearlyloved sons she bare at one birth in the house of Tyndareus; nor did she

(ll. 151155) 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

(ll. 156160) 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

(ll. 161171) 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 twoedged battleaxe. For his armour his grandsire had hidden in the house's innermost

(ll. 172175) 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

(ll. 176178) Asterius and Amphion, sons of Hyperasius, came from Achaean Pellene, which once Pelles

(ll. 179184) After them from Taenarus came Euphemus whom, most swiftfooted 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

(ll. 185189) 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

(ll. 190201) 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 servingwoman 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

(ll. 202206) 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

(ll. 207210) 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

(ll. 211223) 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

(ll. 224227) 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. 228233) 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

(ll. 234241) Now when all things had been made ready by the thralls, all things that fullyequipped 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

(ll. 242246) "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

(ll. 247250) 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

(ll. 251260) "Wretched Alcimede, evil has come to thee at last though late, thou hast not ended with

splendour of life. Aeson too, illfated 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

(ll. 261277) 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

(ll. 278291) "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, illfated 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. 292294) Thus with moaning she wept, and her handmaidens, standing by, lamented; but Jason spake

(ll. 295305) "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

(ll. 306316) 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

(ll. 317331) Now when he had left the wellbuilt 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. 332340) "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

(ll. 341344) 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,

(ll. 345347) "Let no one offer this honour to me. For I will not consent, and I will forbid any other to stand

(ll. 348350) Thus he spake with high thoughts, and they assented, as Heracles bade; and warlike Jason

(ll. 351362) "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. 363393) 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 tholepins they fitted the oars, and in the ship they

(ll. 394401) 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 wellstemmed ship.

(ll. 402410) 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 olivewood. 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

(ll. 411424) "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, Fardarter, 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

(ll. 425439) 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 midhead 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

(ll. 440447) "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

(ll. 448462) 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 noontide 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 surfline; 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

(ll. 463471) "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

(ll. 472475) 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

(ll. 480484) "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,

(ll. 485486) Thus he spake, and Aphareian Iclas laughed out, loud and long, and eyeing him askance replied

(ll. 487491) "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

(ll. 492495) 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

(ll. 496511) 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 Titangods, 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

(ll. 512518) 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. 519558) 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 swiftlymoving feet; so they to

the sound of Orpheus' lyre smote with their oars the rushing seawater, 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 mountaintop 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

(ll. 559579) 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 wellpolished 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 topmast. And a

breeze came down piping shrilly; and upon the deck they fastened the ropes separately round the

wellpolished 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

(ll. 580591) 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

(ll. 592608) Thence going forward they ran past Meliboea, escaping a stormy beach and surfline. 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 welltrimmed merchantship would traverse up to midday. 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. 609639) 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 marriagebed, 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 waternymph Oenoe bore to Thoas. Now for all the

women to tend kine, to don armour of bronze, and to cleave with the ploughshare the wheatbearing 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

(ll. 640652) 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

newcomers as the day was waning into darkness; nor yet at dawn did they loose the ship's hawsers to the

(ll. 653656) 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

(ll. 657666) "O friends, come let us grant these men gifts to their hearts' desire, such as it is fitting that they

should take on shipboard, 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

(ll. 667674) 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

(ll. 675696) "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 ploughlands and draw the earthcleaving 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

(ll. 697699) Thus she spake, and the assembly was filled with clamour. For the word pleased them. And

(ll. 700701) "If this purpose please you all, now will I even send a messenger to the ship."

(ll. 702707) 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. 708711) 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

(ll. 712716) "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. 717720) 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

(ll. 721729) 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 keelprops 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. 730734) 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

(ll. 735741) 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. 742746) 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

(ll. 747751) And in it there was a wellwooded 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

(ll. 752758) 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

(ll. 759762) 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

(ll. 763767) 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

(ll. 768773) 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

(ll. 774792) And he went on his way to the city like to a bright star, which maidens, pent up in newbuilt

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, lovesick 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 wellfashioned 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. 793833) "Stranger, why stay ye so long outside our towers? for the city is not inhabited by the men, but

they, as sojourners, plough the wheatbearing 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 stepdame, 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

(ll. 834835) She spoke, glozing over the murder that had been wrought upon the men; and Jason addressed

(ll. 836841) "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. 842852) 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 smoothrunning 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

(ll. 853864) 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

(ll. 865874) "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

(ll. 875887) 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. 888898) "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. 899909) 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. 910921) 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 seabeaten 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

(ll. 922935) 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

(ll. 936960) 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 FarDarter, the

Ionians, sons of Neleus, in after days laid to be a sacred stone, as was right, in the temple of Jasonian Athena.

(ll. 961988) 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 childbirth, the daughter of Percosian Merops, fairhaired 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. 9891011) 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 backspringing 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 foamfringed 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

(ll. 10121076) 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 seaswell. 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 warmen 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 swiftwinged 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 meadowplain, 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

(ll. 10791091) 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 sternornament of the ship. And the seer

touched Jason as he lay wrapped in soft sheepskins and woke him at once, and thus spake:

(ll. 10921102) "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. 11031152) 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 illomened 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. 11531171) 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 stormfooted

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 strongknit 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

(ll. 11721186) 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

(ll. 11871206) 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 arrowholding quiver together

with his bow, and took off his lion's skin. And he loosened the pine from the ground with his bronzetipped

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 deeprooted 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,

(ll. 12071239) 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 waternymph was just rising from the fairflowing 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

(ll. 12401256) 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

(ll. 12571260) "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

(ll. 12611272) 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

(ll. 12731289) 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. 12901295) "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

(ll. 12961314) 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 seagirt 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

(ll. 13151325) "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 goddessnymph through

love has made Hylas her husband, on whose account those two wandered and were left behind."

(ll. 13261331) 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

(ll. 13321335) "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

(ll. 13361343) 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

(ll. 13441357) 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 wellbuilt Trachis. For there did Heracles settle the youths whom they

(ll. 13581362) 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,

(ll. 110) 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. 1118) "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. 1921) 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. 2224) "Hold now, and display not to us thy brutal violence, whoever thou art; for we will obey thy rules,

(ll. 2554) 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, closelywoven, delicatelywrought, 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

lifeblood 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

(ll. 5559) "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

(ll. 6066) 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

(ll. 6797) 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. 98144) 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

wellseasoned 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 keenscented 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

(ll. 145153) "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

(ll. 154163) 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

(ll. 164177) 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 steeringcraft of Tiphys escaped,

unhurt but sore dismayed. And on the next day they fastened the hawsers to the coast opposite the Bithynian

(ll. 178208) 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

(ll. 209239) "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 illfated 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

(ll. 240243) 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

(ll. 244253) "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

(ll. 254255) Thus he spake; and towards him the aged sire opened his sightless eyes, and lifted them up and

(ll. 256261) "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 illstarred 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. 262287) 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 fingertips. 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

(ll. 288290) "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. 291300) 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

(ll. 301310) 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

(ll. 311315) "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

(ll. 316340) "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 selfsought 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

(ll. 341359) "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. 360406) "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 wellwooded mainland and the parts beneath the mountains, who have built in

towers made from trees their wooden homes and wellfitted 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

(ll. 408410) 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. 411418) "O aged sire, now hast thou come to the end of the toils of our seajourneying 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

(ll. 419425) 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

(ll. 426437) 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

(ll. 438442) 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

(ll. 443447) 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. 448467) 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. 468489) "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 godsent 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. 490499) 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. 500527) Cyrene, the tale goes, once tended sheep along the marshmeadow 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 cornland,

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 FarDarter 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

(ll. 528536) 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 seabeach 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

(ll. 537548) 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. 549567) 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

seawashed 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

(ll. 568592) 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. 593610) 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

sternornament. 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

(ll. 611618) "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

(ll. 619637) 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

(ll. 638640) 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. 641647) "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. 648668) 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 deepflowing 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

(ll. 669685) 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

(ll. 686693) "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

(ll. 694713) 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 dancingring, 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

(ll. 714719) 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

(ll. 720751) 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, widespreading 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

(ll. 752773) 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

(ll. 774810) "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 deepflowing 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 welltilled plain."

(ll. 811814) 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

(ll. 815834) 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 whitetusked 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

reedbed, 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

(ll. 835850) 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 godfearing

(ll. 851868) 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 seashore 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

(ll. 869877) "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

(ll. 878884) 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

(ll. 885893) 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

(ll. 894898) 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

(ll. 899910) 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

(ll. 911929) 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 seabeach. 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 bloodred 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

(ll. 930945) 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 muchdesired 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. 946965) 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 shipboard.

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 deltaland of Assyria; and on the same day they rounded the distant headland of

(ll. 9661001) 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 warloving 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 dartthrowing Chadesians.

And the next day they sped on and at nightfall they reached the land of the Chalybes.

(ll. 10021008) That folk have no care for ploughing with oxen or for any planting of honeysweet fruit; nor

yet do they pasture flocks in the dewy meadow. But they cleave the hard ironbearing land and exchange

their wages for daily sustenance; never does the morn rise for them without toil, but amid bleak sooty flames

(ll. 10091014) 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 childbirth baths for

(ll. 10151029) 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 marriagebed, 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

(ll. 10301046) 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

swordsheath; 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

(ll. 10471067) "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

(ll. 10681089) Thus he spake, and the helpful device pleased all. And on their heads they placed helmets of

bronze, gleaming terribly, and the bloodred 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 warriorhost 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

(ll. 10901092) What then was the purpose of Phineus in bidding the divine band of heroes land there? Or

(ll. 10931122) 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. 11231133) "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

(ll. 11341139) 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

(ll. 11401156) 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.

(ll. 11571159) Thus he spake, and the chieftains rejoiced at the meeting, and tended them, much marvelling.

(ll. 11601178) "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

(ll. 11681178) 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. 11791195) "Zeus' self, I ween, beholds everything; nor do we men escape his eye, we that be

godfearing and just, for as he rescued your father from the hands of a murderous stepdame 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

(ll. 11961199) 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

(ll. 12001215) "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 warcry 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

(ll. 12161218) Thus he spake, and straightway many a cheek grew pale when they heard of so mighty an

(ll. 12191225) "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

(ll. 12261230) 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

(ll. 12311241) 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

(ll. 12421261) Thence they sailed on, past the Macrones and the farstretching 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 wingfeathers 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 selfsame track. And at

night, by the skill of Argus, they reached broadflowing Phasis, and the utmost bourne of the sea.

(ll. 12621276) And straightway they let down the sails and the yardarm and stowed them inside the hollow

mastcrutch, 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

(ll. 12771280) "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. 12811285) 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

(ll. 15) 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 lovecares dost charm unwedded

(ll. 610) Thus the heroes, unobserved, were waiting in ambush amid the thick reedbeds; but Hera and

Athena took note of them, and, apart from Zeus and the other immortals, entered a chamber and took counsel

(ll. 1116) "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

(ll. 1721) 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

(ll. 2229) 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. 3031) Thus she spake, and the prudent plan pleased Athena, and she addressed her in reply with gentle

(ll. 3235) "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. 3651) So she said, and starting forth they came to the mighty palace of Cypris, which her husband, the

haltfooted 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. 5254) "Good friends, what intent, what occasion brings you here after so long? Why have ye come, not

(ll. 5575) 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

(ll. 7682) 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

(ll. 8389) 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

(ll. 9099) 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

illsounding 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. 100105) 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. 106110) 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

(ll. 111128) 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

(ll. 129144) "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' allbeauteous 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 wellrounded 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

(ll. 145150) 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

(ll. 151153) "Be witness now thy dear head and mine, that surely I will give thee the gift and deceive thee

(ll. 154166) 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 treetrunk, 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 lifegiving earth and cities of

men and sacred streams of rivers, and now in turn mountain peaks and the ocean all around, as he swept

(ll. 167193) Now the heroes apart in ambush, in a backwater 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 homereturn. 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

warcry. 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

(ll. 194209) 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

(ll. 210259) 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, everflowing, 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 craftsmangod 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 innercourt was built, and round it were many wellfitted doors and

chambers here and there, and all along on each side was a richlywrought 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

(ll. 260267) "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,

(ll. 268274) 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. 275298) 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

arrownotch 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 highroofed 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. 299303) 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

(ll. 304316) "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

(ll. 317319) Such were his questions, and Argus, before all his brethren, being fearful for the mission of

(ll. 320366) "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 heartgrieving

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. 367371) 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

(ll. 372381) "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. 382385) 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

(ll. 386395) "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

(ll. 396400) 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,

(ll. 401421) "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 ploughgates; 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. 422426) 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. 427431) "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

(ll. 432438) 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

(ll. 439463) 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 honeysweet 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

(ll. 464470) 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. 471474) 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

(ll. 475483) "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

(ll. 383491) 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

backwater. And their comrades joyfully questioned them, when they saw them close at hand; and to them

(ll. 492501) "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 ploughgates; 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

(ll. 502514) 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. 515522) 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

(ll. 523539) "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. 540544) 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

(ll. 545554) "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

(ll. 555563) 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

(ll. 564571) 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 battlecry."

(ll. 572575) 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

(ll. 576608) 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 illsounding 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

(ll. 609615) 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. 616635) Now a deep slumber had relieved the maiden from her lovepains 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. 636644) "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. 645673) She spake, and rising from her bed opened the door of her chamber, barefooted, 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. 674680) "Ah me, Medea, why dost thou weep so? What hath befallen thee? What terrible grief has

entered thy heart? Has some heavensent 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. 681687) 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. 688692) "Chalciope, my heart is all trembling for thy sons, lest my father forthwith destroy them

together with the strangers. Slumbering just now in a shortlived 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. 693704) 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 fellowworker 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

(ll. 705710) 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

(ll. 711717) "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. 718723) 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

(ll. 724739) 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. 740743) 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

(ll. 744771) 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.

(ll. 772801) "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? Illstarred 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 rooftree 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

(ll. 802824) 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

(ll. 825827) Then Argus bade his brothers remain there to learn the maiden's mind and plans, but himself

(ll. 828890) 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 tearstained cheeks, and

made her skin shine with ointment sweet as nectar; and she donned a beautiful robe, fitted with wellbent

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 heavensent 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 onlybegotten, 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

bloodlike 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 newlycut flesh. The dark juice of it,

like the sap of a mountainoak, she had gathered in a Caspian shell to make the charm withal, when she had

first bathed in seven everflowing streams, and had called seven times on Brimo, nurse of youth,

nightwandering 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 wellfashioned 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 swiftfooted roes, to greet from afar some

richlysteaming hecatomb; and with her come the nymphs in attendance, gathering, some at the spring of

Amnisus itself, others by the glens and manyfountained 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

(ll. 891911) "Friends, verily have I sinned greatly and took no heed not to go among the strangerfolk 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

(ll. 912918) 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. 919926) 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

(ll. 927931) 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

(ll. 932937) "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. 938946) She spake chiding, and Mopsus smiled to hear the godsent 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

(ll. 947974) 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 lovesick 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 heavensent calamity, and with soothing words thus addressed her:

(ll. 9751007) "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 midsky, 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

(ll. 10081025) 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

(ll. 10261062) "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 onlybegotten Hecate, daughter of Perses, pouring from a goblet the hivestored 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 spearheads 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

(ll. 10631068) 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

(ll. 10691076) "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 farrenowned daughter of Pasiphae, who is

(ll. 10771078) Thus she spake; and over him too, at the tears of the maiden, stole Love the destroyer, and he

(ll. 10791101) "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, farfamed

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. 11021104) Thus he spake, soothing her with gentle converse. But pangs most bitter stirred her heart and

(ll. 11051117) "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

guestlove. 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 messengerbird, 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

(ll. 11181130) 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 messengerbird, 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. 11311136) 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

(ll. 11371145) 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

(ll. 11461162) 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 swiftlychanging 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

(ll. 11631190) 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

(ll. 11911224) 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 brightgleaming 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

(ll. 12251245) 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 wellfashioned 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 wellwooded Geraestus; even so was Aeetes, lord of

(ll. 12461277) 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 turningpost that a chariot must reach from the

startingpoint, 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

(ll. 12781325) 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 foreknees,

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

(ll. 13261339) 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

(ll. 13401407) 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 ploughgates 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 deathdealer, bristled with sturdy shields and doublepointed

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 fleetfooted 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 orchardshoots 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.

(ll. 15) 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. 610) 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. 1129) 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 foldingdoors 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

(ll. 3033) "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

(ll. 3456) 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 selfmoved, 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

(ll. 5765) "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. 6682) Thus spake the goddess; but swiftly the maiden's feet bore her, hasting on. And gladly did she

gain the highbank 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 clearpealing 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

(ll. 8391) "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

(ll. 9298) 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

(ll. 99108) 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

(ll. 109122) 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

(ll. 123161) 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

loudroaring 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 newborn

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 nightwanderer, 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 highroofed 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

(ll. 183189) 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

newlywoven; and he led the maiden to the stern and seated her there, and spake to them all as follows:

(ll. 190205) "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. 206211) 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

(ll. 212235) 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 pinetorch, 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. 236240) 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. 241252) 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. 253256) 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

(ll. 257293) "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 Morningland, and the river fairflowing Triton, by which all the Morningland 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

(ll. 204302) 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. 303337) 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, threecornered, 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 monsterteeming 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

(ll. 338349) 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

(ll. 350354) 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

(ll. 355390) "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. 391394) 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

(ll. 395409) "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

(ll. 410420) 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. 421422) 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 seagirt Dia, and he gave it to his son Thoas thereafter, and

Thoas left it to Hypsipyle, and she gave that fairwrought guestgift 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 maidendaughter 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

(ll. 445451) 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

(ll. 452481) 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 stronghorned 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 sideglance

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

(ll. 481494) 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 woodpigeons, 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. 495502) "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. 503506) 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

(ll. 507521) 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. 522551) 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

(ll. 552556) 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

(ll. 557591) 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, fairhaired 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 softblowing 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 stormwinds 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

(ll. 592626) 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 halfconsumed 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 midcourse 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

(ll. 627658) 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 seafaring

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

(ll. 659684) 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 seaspray, 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 seaspray 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

(ll. 685717) 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

atonementcakes 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. 718738) 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 muchsorrowing 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. 739748) "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

(ll. 749752) 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

(ll. 753756) 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

(ll. 757769) "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 seabeaches

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. 770782) 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 smokegrimed

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

(ll. 783832) "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 waternymphs 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 daughterinlaw as a motherinlaw

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 nightwandering 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

(ll. 833841) 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

(ll. 842855) 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 fardistant 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

(ll. 856864) "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. 865884) 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 earthstrewn beds,

(ll. 885921) Now when dawn the lightbringer 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 yardarm. 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 lilylike 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 meetingplace of the seas.

(ll. 922981) 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 rudderblade, 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

snowwhite 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 shapelyrounded 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 loudechoing 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 seamews, 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 watermeadow; 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 daytime, and when

night came on they were cleaving a great seagulf, rejoicing, until again early rising dawn threw light upon

(ll. 9821013) 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

reapinghook 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 battlecry; 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 warcry 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

(ll. 10141028) "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,

(ll. 10291030) Thus did she implore Arete, shedding tears, and thus each of the chieftains in turn:

(ll. 10311052) "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

heavyhanded 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,

(ll. 10531067) 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,

(ll. 10681072) 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,

(ll. 10731095) "Yea, my friend, come, save the woestricken 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

(ll. 10961097) Thus she spake, beseeching; and by his wife's words his heart was softened, and thus he

(ll. 10981109) "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,

(ll. 11101120) 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

(ll. 11211127) Thus she spake, and quickly from the hall his feet bore him, that he might declare to Jason

the fairomened 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

(ll. 11281169) 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 woestricken

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

(ll. 11701227) 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 newlywedded 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 loudringing lyre and song. And all the nymphs together, whenever he recalled the

marriage, uplifted the lovely bridalchant; 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

(ll. 12281250) 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 midcourse 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

floodtide 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,

(ll. 12511258) "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. 12591276) 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. 12771317) 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 midday 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 restingplace; 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 fairflowing 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

heroinenymphs, 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 noontide 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

(ll. 13181329) "Illstarred 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 swiftwheeled 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

(ll. 13301332) Thus they spake, and with the voice vanished at once, where they stood. But Jason sat upon

(ll. 13331336) "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

(ll. 13371346) 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,

(ll. 13471362) "Listen, friends; as I lay in my grief, three goddesses girded with goatskins 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 swiftwheeled 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. 13631369) 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. 13701379) "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 swiftfooted steed has sped before. For he will

not plunge beneath the earth; and his hoofprints, I ween, will point us to some bay above the sea."

(ll. 13801392) 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

(ll. 13931421) 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 appletree; 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

(ll. 14221431) 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

(ll. 14321449) "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. 14501457) 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 earthburrowing 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

(ll. 14581460) "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. 14611484) 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 homereturn, 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 swiftfooted

(ll. 14851501) 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. 15021536) 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 lifegiving

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 closecoming

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

(ll. 15371553) 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

(ll. 15541561) "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,

(ll. 15621563) Thus he spake, and readily Euphemus held out his hands towards the clod, and thus

(ll. 15641570) "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

(ll. 15711585) 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

(ll. 15861596) 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. 15971600) "Thou god, who hast manifested thyself on the borders of this land, whether the daughters

born of the sea call thee Triton, the great seamarvel, or Phoreys, or Nereus, be gracious, and grant the return

(ll. 16011637) 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

racecourse, 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

(ll. 16381653) 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 ashtrees, 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 bloodred 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

(ll. 16541658) "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

(ll. 16591672) 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

(ll. 16731693) 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

(ll. 16941730) 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 farseen; 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

(ll. 17311740) 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 godgiven 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

(ll. 17411745) "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

(ll. 17461748) Of this he stored in his heart the memory, and declared it to Aeson's son; and Jason pondered

(ll. 17491754) "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

(ll. 17551764) 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

(ll. 17651772) 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

(ll. 17731781) 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