ButChalciope，Phrixus’widow，wentweepingtothetown;forsherememberedherMinuanhusband，andallthepleasuresofheryouth，whileshewatchedthefairfacesofhiskinsmen，andtheirlonglocksofgoldenhair。AndshewhisperedtoMedeiahersister，’Whyshouldallthesebravemendie？whydoesnotmyfathergivethemupthefleece，thatmyhusband’sspiritmayhaverest？’
AndMedeia’sheartpitiedtheheroes，andJasonmostofall;
andsheanswered，’Ourfatherissternandterrible，andwhocanwinthegoldenfleece？’ButChalciopesaid，’Thesemenarenotlikeourmen;thereisnothingwhichtheycannotdarenordo。’
AndMedeiathoughtofJasonandhisbravecountenance，andsaid，’Iftherewasoneamongthemwhoknewnofear，Icouldshowhimhowtowinthefleece。’
Sointheduskofeveningtheywentdowntotheriver-side，ChalciopeandMedeiathewitch-maiden，andArgus，Phrixus’
son。AndArgustheboycreptforward，amongthebedsofreeds，tillhecamewheretheheroesweresleeping，onthethwartsoftheship，beneaththebank，whileJasonkeptwardonshore，andleantuponhislancefullofthought。AndtheboycametoJason，andsaid-
’IamthesonofPhrixus，yourCousin;andChalciopemymotherwaitsforyou，totalkaboutthegoldenfleece。’
ThenJasonwentboldlywiththeboy，andfoundthetwoprincessesstanding;andwhenChalciopesawhimshewept，andtookhishands，andcried-’Ocousinofmybeloved，gohomebeforeyoudie！’
’Itwouldbebasetogohomenow，fairprincess，andtohavesailedalltheseseasinvain。’Thenboththeprincessesbesoughthim;butJasonsaid，’Itistoolate。’
’Butyouknownot，’saidMedeia，’whathemustdowhowouldwinthefleece。Hemusttamethetwobrazen-footedbulls，whobreathedevouringflame;andwiththemhemustplougherenightfallfouracresinthefieldofAres;andhemustsowthemwithserpents’teeth，ofwhicheachtoothspringsupintoanarmedman。Thenhemustfightwithallthosewarriors;andlittlewillitprofithimtoconquerthem，forthefleeceisguardedbyaserpent，morehugethananymountainpine;andoverhisbodyyoumuststepifyouwouldreachthegoldenfleece。’
ThenJasonlaughedbitterly。’Unjustlyisthatfleecekepthere，andbyanunjustandlawlessking;andunjustlyshallI
dieinmyyouth，forIwillattemptitereanothersunbeset。’
ThenMedeiatrembled，andsaid，’NomortalmancanreachthatfleeceunlessIguidehimthrough。Forroundit，beyondtheriver，isawallfullnineellshigh，withloftytowersandbuttresses，andmightygatesofthreefoldbrass;andoverthegatesthewallisarched，withgoldenbattlementsabove。AndoverthegatewaysitsBrimo，thewildwitch-huntressofthewoods，brandishingapine-torchinherhands，whilehermadhoundshowlaround。Nomandaremeetherorlookonher，butonlyIherpriestess，andshewatchesfarandwidelestanystrangershouldcomenear。’
’Nowallsohighbutitmaybeclimbedatlast，andnowoodsothickbutitmaybecrawledthrough;noserpentsowarybuthemaybecharmed，orwitch-queensofiercebutspellsmaysootheher;andImayyetwinthegoldenfleece，ifawisemaidenhelpboldmen。’
AndhelookedatMedeiacunningly，andheldherwithhisglitteringeye，tillsheblushedandtrembled，andsaid-
’Whocanfacethefireofthebulls’breath，andfighttenthousandarmedmen？’
’Hewhomyouhelp，’saidJason，flatteringher，’foryourfameisspreadoveralltheearth。Areyounotthequeenofallenchantresses，wisereventhanyoursisterCirce，inherfairyislandintheWest？’
’WouldthatIwerewithmysisterCirceinherfairyislandintheWest，farawayfromsoretemptationandthoughtswhichteartheheart！Butifitmustbeso-forwhyshouldyoudie？-Ihaveanointmenthere;Imadeitfromthemagicice-
flowerwhichsprangfromPrometheus’wound，abovethecloudsonCaucasus，inthedrearyfieldsofsnow。Anointyourselfwiththat，andyoushallhaveinyousevenmen’sstrength;
andanointyourshieldwithit，andneitherfirenorswordcanharmyou。Butwhatyoubeginyoumustendbeforesunset，foritsvirtuelastsonlyoneday。Andanointyourhelmetwithitbeforeyousowtheserpents’teeth;andwhenthesonsofearthspringup，castyourhelmetamongtheirranks，andthedeadlycropoftheWar-god’sfieldwillmowitself，andperish。’
ThenJasonfellonhiskneesbeforeher，andthankedherandkissedherhands;andshegavehimthevaseofointment，andfledtremblingthroughthereeds。AndJasontoldhiscomradeswhathadhappened，andshowedthemtheboxofointment;andallrejoicedbutIdas，andhegrewmadwithenvy。
AndatsunriseJasonwentandbathed，andanointedhimselffromheadtofoot，andhisshield，andhishelmet，andhisweapons，andbadehiscomradestrythespell。Sotheytriedtobendhislance，butitstoodlikeanironbar;andIdasinspitehewedatitwithhissword，butthebladeflewtosplintersinhisface。Thentheyhurledtheirlancesathisshield，butthespear-pointsturnedlikelead;andCaineustriedtothrowhim，butheneverstirredafoot;andPolydeucesstruckhimwithhisfistablowwhichwouldhavekilledanox，butJasononlysmiled，andtheheroesdancedabouthimwithdelight;andheleapt，andran，andshoutedinthejoyofthatenormousstrength，tillthesunrose，anditwastimetogoandtoclaimAietes’promise。
SohesentupTelamonandAithalidestotellAietesthathewasreadyforthefight;andtheywentupamongthemarblewalls，andbeneaththeroofsofgold，andstoodinAietes’
hall，whilehegrewpalewithrage。
’Fulfilyourpromisetous，childoftheblazingSun。Giveustheserpents’teeth，andletloosethefierybulls;forwehavefoundachampionamonguswhocanwinthegoldenfleece。’
AndAietesbithislips，forhefanciedthattheyhadfledawaybynight：buthecouldnotgobackfromhispromise;sohegavethemtheserpents’teeth。
Thenhecalledforhischariotandhishorses，andsentheraldsthroughallthetown;andallthepeoplewentoutwithhimtothedreadfulWar-god’sfield。
AndthereAietessatuponhisthrone，withhiswarriorsoneachhand，thousandsandtensofthousands，clothedfromheadtofootinsteelchain-mail。Andthepeopleandthewomencrowdedtoeverywindowandbankandwall;whiletheMinuaistoodtogether，amerehandfulinthemidstofthatgreathost。
AndChalciopewasthereandArgus，trembling，andMedeia，wrappedcloselyinherveil;butAietesdidnotknowthatshewasmutteringcunningspellsbetweenherlips。
ThenJasoncried，’Fulfilyourpromise，andletyourfierybullscomeforth。’
ThenAietesbadeopenthegates，andthemagicbullsleaptout。Theirbrazenhoofsrangupontheground，andtheirnostrilssentoutsheetsofflame，astheyrushedwithloweredheadsuponJason;butheneverflinchedastep。Theflameoftheirbreathsweptroundhim，butitsingednotahairofhishead;andthebullsstoppedshortandtrembledwhenMedeiabeganherspell。
ThenJasonspranguponthenearestandseizedhimbythehorn;andupanddowntheywrestled，tillthebullfellgrovellingonhisknees;fortheheartofthebrutediedwithinhim，andhismightylimbswereloosed，beneaththesteadfasteyeofthatdarkwitch-maidenandthemagicwhisperofherlips。
Soboththebullsweretamedandyoked;andJasonboundthemtotheplough，andgoadedthemonwardwithhislancetillhehadploughedthesacredfield。
AndalltheMinuaishouted;butAietesbithislipswithrage，forthehalfofJason’sworkwasover，andthesunwasyethighinheaven。
Thenhetooktheserpents’teethandsowedthem，andwaitedwhatwouldbefall。ButMedeialookedathimandathishelmet，lestheshouldforgetthelessonshehadtaught。
Andeveryfurrowheavedandbubbled，andoutofeveryclodaroseaman。Outoftheearththeyrosebythousands，eachcladfromheadtofootinsteel，anddrewtheirswordsandrushedonJason，wherehestoodinthemidstalone。
ThentheMinuaigrewpalewithfearforhim;butAieteslaughedabitterlaugh。’See！ifIhadnotwarriorsenoughalreadyroundme，Icouldcallthemoutofthebosomoftheearth。’
ButJasonsnatchedoffhishelmet，andhurleditintothethickestofthethrong。Andblindmadnesscameuponthem，suspicion，hate，andfear;andonecriedtohisfellow，’Thoudidststrikeme！’andanother，’ThouartJason;thoushaltdie！’Sofuryseizedthoseearth-bornphantoms，andeachturnedhishandagainsttherest;andtheyfoughtandwereneverweary，tilltheyalllaydeadupontheground。Thenthemagicfurrowsopened，andthekindearthtookthemhomeintoherbreastandthegrassgrewupallgreenagainabovethem，andJason’sworkwasdone。
ThentheMinuairoseandshouted，tillPrometheusheardthemfromhiscrag。AndJasoncried，’Leadmetothefleecethismoment，beforethesungoesdown。’
ButAietesthought，’Hehasconqueredthebulls，andsownandreapedthedeadlycrop。Whoisthiswhoisproofagainstallmagic？Hemaykilltheserpentyet。’Sohedelayed，andsattakingcounselwithhisprincestillthesunwentdownandallwasdark。Thenhebadeaheraldcry，’Everymantohishomeforto-night。To-morrowwewillmeettheseheroes，andspeakaboutthegoldenfleece。’
ThenheturnedandlookedatMedeia。’Thisisyourdoing，falsewitch-maid！Youhavehelpedtheseyellow-hairedstrangers，andbroughtshameuponyourfatherandyourself！’
Medeiashrankandtrembled，andherfacegrewpalewithfear;
andAietesknewthatshewasguilty，andwhispered，’Iftheywinthefleece，youdie！’
ButtheMinuaimarchedtowardtheirship，growlinglikelionscheatedoftheirprey;fortheysawthatAietesmeanttomockthem，andtocheatthemoutofalltheirtoil。AndOileussaid，’Letusgotothegrovetogether，andtakethefleecebyforce。’
AndIdastherashcried，’Letusdrawlotswhoshallgoinfirst;for，whilethedragonisdevouringone，therestcanslayhimandcarryoffthefleeceinpeace。’ButJasonheldthemback，thoughhepraisedthem;forhehopedforMedeia’shelp。
AndafterawhileMedeiacametrembling，andweptalongwhilebeforeshespoke。Andatlast-
’Myendiscome，andImustdie;formyfatherhasfoundoutthatIhavehelpedyou。Youhewouldkillifhedared;buthewillnotharmyou，becauseyouhavebeenhisguests。Gothen，go，andrememberpoorMedeiawhenyouarefarawayacrossthesea。’Butalltheheroescried-
’Ifyoudie，wediewithyou;forwithoutyouwecannotwinthefleece，andhomewewillnotgowithoutit，butfallherefightingtothelastman。’
’Youneednotdie，’saidJason。’Fleehomewithusacrossthesea。Showusfirsthowtowinthefleece;foryoucandoit。Whyelseareyouthepriestessofthegrove？Showusbuthowtowinthefleece，andcomewithus，andyoushallbemyqueen，andruleovertherichprincesoftheMinuai，inIolcosbythesea。’
Andalltheheroespressedround，andvowedtoherthatsheshouldbetheirqueen。
Medeiawept，andshuddered，andhidherfaceinherhands;
forherheartyearnedafterhersistersandherplayfellows，andthehomewhereshewasbroughtupasachild。ButatlastshelookedupatJason，andspokebetweenhersobs-
’MustIleavemyhomeandmypeople，towanderwithstrangersacrossthesea？Thelotiscast，andImustendureit。I
willshowyouhowtowinthegoldenfleece。Bringupyourshiptothewood-side，andmoorherthereagainstthebank;
andletJasoncomeupatmidnight，andonebravecomradewithhim，andmeetmebeneaththewall。’
Thenalltheheroescriedtogether，’Iwillgo！’’andI！’
’andI！’AndIdastherashgrewmadwithenvy;forhelongedtobeforemostinallthings。ButMedeiacalmedthem，andsaid，’OrpheusshallgowithJason，andbringhismagicharp;
forIhearofhimthatheisthekingofallminstrels，andcancharmallthingsonearth。’
AndOrpheuslaughedforjoy，andclappedhishands，becausethechoicehadfallenonhim;forinthosedayspoetsandsingerswereasboldwarriorsasthebest。
Soatmidnighttheywentupthebank，andfoundMedeia;andbesidecameAbsyrtusheryoungbrother，leadingayearlinglamb。
ThenMedeiabroughtthemtoathicketbesidetheWar-god’sgate;andthereshebadeJasondigaditch，andkillthelamb，andleaveitthere，andstrewonitmagicherbsandhoneyfromthehoneycomb。
Thensprangupthroughtheearth，withtheredfireflashingbeforeher，Brimothewildwitch-huntress，whilehermadhoundshowledaround。Shehadoneheadlikeahorse’s，andanotherlikearaveninghound’s，andanotherlikeahissingsnake’s，andaswordineitherhand。Andsheleaptintotheditchwithherhounds，andtheyateanddranktheirfill，whileJasonandOrpheustrembled，andMedeiahidhereyes。
Andatlastthewitch-queenvanished，andfledwithherhoundsintothewoods;andthebarsofthegatesfelldown，andthebrazendoorsflewwide，andMedeiaandtheheroesranforwardandhurriedthroughthepoisonwood，amongthedarkstemsofthemightybeeches，guidedbythegleamofthegoldenfleece，untiltheysawithangingononevasttreeinthemidst。AndJasonwouldhavesprungtoseizeit;butMedeiaheldhimback，andpointed，shuddering，tothetree-
foot，wherethemightyserpentlay，coiledinandoutamongtheroots，withabodylikeamountainpine。Hiscoilsstretchedmanyafathom，spangledwithbronzeandgold;andhalfofhimtheycouldsee，butnomore，fortherestlayinthedarknessfarbeyond。
Andwhenhesawthemcominghelifteduphishead，andwatchedthemwithhissmallbrighteyes，andflashedhisforkedtongue，androaredlikethefireamongthewoodlands，tilltheforesttossedandgroaned。Forhiscriesshookthetreesfromleaftoroot，andsweptoverthelongreachesoftheriver，andoverAietes’hall，andwokethesleepersinthecity，tillmothersclaspedtheirchildrenintheirfear。
ButMedeiacalledgentlytohim，andhestretchedouthislongspottedneck，andlickedherhand，andlookedupinherface，asiftoaskforfood。ThenshemadeasigntoOrpheus，andhebeganhismagicsong。
Andashesung，theforestgrewcalmagain，andtheleavesoneverytreehungstill;andtheserpent’sheadsankdown，andhisbrazencoilsgrewlimp，andhisglitteringeyesclosedlazily，tillhebreathedasgentlyasachild，whileOrpheuscalledtopleasantSlumber，whogivespeacetomen，andbeasts，andwaves。
ThenJasonleaptforwardwarily，andsteptacrossthatmightysnake，andtorethefleecefromoffthetree-trunk;andthefourrusheddownthegarden，tothebankwheretheARGOlay。
Therewasasilenceforamoment，whileJasonheldthegoldenfleeceonhigh。Thenhecried，’Gonow，goodARGO，swiftandsteady，ifeveryouwouldseePelionmore。’
Andshewent，astheheroesdroveher，grimandsilentall，withmuffledoars，tillthepine-woodbentlikewillowintheirhands，andstoutARGOgroanedbeneaththeirstrokes。
Onandon，beneaththedewydarkness，theyfledswiftlydowntheswirlingstream;underneathblackwalls，andtemples，andthecastlesoftheprincesoftheEast;pastsluice-mouths，andfragrantgardens，andgrovesofallstrangefruits;pastmarsheswherefatkinelaysleeping，andlongbedsofwhisperingreeds;tilltheyheardthemerrymusicofthesurgeuponthebar，asittumbledinthemoonlightallalone。
Intothesurgetheyrushed，andARGOleaptthebreakerslikeahorse;forsheknewthetimewascometoshowhermettle，andwinhonourfortheheroesandherself。
Intothesurgetheyrushed，andARGOleaptthebreakerslikeahorse，tilltheheroesstoppedallpanting，eachmanuponhisoar，assheslidintothestillbroadsea。
ThenOrpheustookhisharpandsangapaean，tilltheheroes’
heartsrosehighagain;andtheyrowedonstoutlyandsteadfastly，awayintothedarknessoftheWest。
PARTV-HOWTHEARGONAUTSWEREDRIVENINTOTHEUNKNOWNSEA
SOtheyfledawayinhastetothewestward;butAietesmannedhisfleetandfollowedthem。AndLynceusthequick-eyedsawhimcoming，whilehewasstillmanyamileaway，andcried，’Iseeahundredships，likeaflockofwhiteswans，farintheeast。’Andatthattheyrowedhard，likeheroes;buttheshipscamenearereveryhour。
ThenMedeia，thedarkwitch-maiden，laidacruelandacunningplot;forshekilledAbsyrtusheryoungbrother，andcasthimintothesea，andsaid，’Eremyfathercantakeuphiscorpseandburyit，hemustwaitlong，andbeleftfarbehind。’
Andalltheheroesshuddered，andlookedoneattheotherforshame;yettheydidnotpunishthatdarkwitch-woman，becauseshehadwonforthemthegoldenfleece。
AndwhenAietescametotheplacehesawthefloatingcorpse;
andhestoppedalongwhile，andbewailedhisson，andtookhimup，andwenthome。Buthesentonhissailorstowardthewestward，andboundthembyamightycurse-’Bringbacktomethatdarkwitch-woman，thatshemaydieadreadfuldeath。
Butifyoureturnwithouther，youshalldiebythesamedeathyourselves。’
SotheArgonautsescapedforthattime：butFatherZeussawthatfoulcrime;andoutoftheheavenshesentastorm，andswepttheshipfarfromhercourse。Dayafterdaythestormdroveher，amidfoamandblindingmist，tilltheyknewnolongerwheretheywere，forthesunwasblottedfromtheskies。Andatlasttheshipstruckonashoal，amidlowislesofmudandsand，andthewavesrolledoverherandthroughher，andtheheroeslostallhopeoflife。
ThenJasoncriedtoHera，’Fairqueen，whohastbefriendedustillnow，whyhastthouleftusinourmisery，todiehereamongunknownseas？Itishardtolosethehonourwhichwehavewonwithsuchtoilanddanger，andhardnevertoseeHellasagain，andthepleasantbayofPagasai。’
ThenoutandspokethemagicboughwhichstoodupontheARGO’Sbeak，’BecauseFatherZeusisangry，allthishasfallenonyou;foracruelcrimehasbeendoneonboard，andthesacredshipisfoulwithblood。’
Atthatsomeoftheheroescried，’Medeiaisthemurderess。
Letthewitch-womanbearhersin，anddie！’AndtheyseizedMedeia，tohurlherintothesea，andatonefortheyoungboy’sdeath;butthemagicboughspokeagain，’Letherlivetillhercrimesarefull。Vengeancewaitsforher，slowandsure;butshemustlive，foryouneedherstill。ShemustshowyouthewaytohersisterCirce，wholivesamongtheislandsoftheWest。Toheryoumustsail，awearyway，andsheshallcleanseyoufromyourguilt。’
Thenalltheheroesweptaloudwhentheyheardthesentenceoftheoak;fortheyknewthatadarkjourneylaybeforethem，andyearsofbittertoil。Andsomeupbraidedthedarkwitch-woman，andsomesaid，’Nay，weareherdebtorsstill;
withoutherweshouldneverhavewonthefleece。’Butmostofthembittheirlipsinsilence，fortheyfearedthewitch’sspells。
Andnowtheseagrewcalmer，andthesunshoneoutoncemore，andtheheroesthrusttheshipoffthesand-bank，androwedforwardontheirwearycourseundertheguidingofthedarkwitch-maiden，intothewastesoftheunknownsea。
WhithertheywentIcannottell，norhowtheycametoCirce’sisle。Somesaythattheywenttothewestward，anduptheIster（2）stream，andsocameintotheAdriatic，draggingtheirshipoverthesnowyAlps。Andotherssaythattheywentsouthward，intotheRedIndianSea，andpastthesunnylandswherespicesgrow，roundAEthiopiatowardtheWest;andthatatlasttheycametoLibya，anddraggedtheirshipacrosstheburningsands，andoverthehillsintotheSyrtes，wheretheflatsandquicksandsspreadformanyamile，betweenrichCyreneandtheLotus-eaters’shore。Butallthesearebutdreamsandfables，anddimhintsofunknownlands。
Butallsaythattheycametoaplacewheretheyhadtodragtheirshipacrossthelandninedayswithropesandrollers，tilltheycameintoanunknownsea。AndthebestofalltheoldsongstellsushowtheywentawaytowardtheNorth，tilltheycametotheslopeofCaucasus，whereitsinksintothesea;andtothenarrowCimmerianBosphorus，（3）wheretheTitanswamacrossuponthebull;andthenceintothelazywatersofthestillMaeotidlake。（4）Andthencetheywentnorthwardever，uptheTanais，whichwecallDon，pasttheGeloniandSauromatai，andmanyawanderingshepherd-tribe，andtheone-eyedArimaspi，ofwhomoldGreekpoetstell，whostealthegoldfromtheGriffins，inthecoldRiphaianhills。
（5）
AndtheypassedtheScythianarchers，andtheTauriwhoeatmen，andthewanderingHyperboreai，whofeedtheirflocksbeneaththepole-star，untiltheycameintothenorthernocean，thedulldeadCronianSea。（6）AndthereARGOwouldmoveonnolonger;andeachmanclaspedhiselbow，andleanedhisheaduponhishand，heart-brokenwithtoilandhunger，andgavehimselfuptodeath。ButbraveAncaiosthehelmsmancheereduptheirheartsoncemore，andbadethemleaponland，andhaultheshipwithropesandrollersformanyawearyday，whetheroverland，ormud，orice，Iknownot，forthesongismixedandbrokenlikeadream。Anditsaysnext，howtheycametotherichnationofthefamouslong-livedmen;andtothecoastoftheCimmerians，whoneversawthesun，burieddeepintheglensofthesnowmountains;andtothefairlandofHermione，wheredweltthemostrighteousofallnations;andtothegatesoftheworldbelow，andtothedwelling-placeofdreams。
AndatlastAncaiosshouted，’Endurealittlewhile，bravefriends，theworstissurelypast;forIcanseethepurewestwindrufflethewater，andheartheroarofoceanonthesands。Soraiseupthemast，andsetthesail，andfacewhatcomeslikemen。’
Thenoutspokethemagicbough，’Ah，wouldthatIhadperishedlongago，andbeenwhelmedbythedreadbluerocks，beneaththefierceswelloftheEuxine！Betterso，thantowanderforever，disgracedbytheguiltofmyprinces;forthebloodofAbsyrtusstilltracksme，andwoefollowsharduponwoe。Andnowsomedarkhorrorwillclutchme，ifIcomeneartheIsleofIerne。（7）Unlessyouwillclingtotheland，andsailsouthwardandsouthwardforever，IshallwanderbeyondtheAtlantic，totheoceanwhichhasnoshore。’
Thentheyblestthemagicbough，andsailedsouthwardalongtheland。ButeretheycouldpassIerne，thelandofmistsandstorms，thewildwindcamedown，darkandroaring，andcaughtthesail，andstrainedtheropes。Andawaytheydrovetwelvenights，onthewidewildwesternsea，throughthefoam，andovertherollers，whiletheysawneithersunnorstars。Andtheycriedagain，’Weshallperish，forweknownotwhereweare。Wearelostinthedrearydampdarkness，andcannottellnorthfromsouth。’
ButLynceusthelong-sightedcalledgailyfromthebows，’Takeheartagain，bravesailors;forIseeapine-cladisle，andthehallsofthekindEarth-mother，withacrownofcloudsaroundthem。’
ButOrpheussaid，’Turnfromthem，fornolivingmancanlandthere：thereisnoharbouronthecoast，butsteep-walledcliffsallround。’
SoAncaiosturnedtheshipaway;andforthreedaysmoretheysailedon，tilltheycametoAiaia，Circe’shome，andthefairyislandoftheWest。（8）
AndthereJasonbidthemland，andseekaboutforanysignoflivingman。AndastheywentinlandCircemetthem，comingdowntowardtheship;andtheytrembledwhentheysawher，forherhair，andface，androbesshonelikeflame。
AndshecameandlookedatMedeia;andMedeiahidherfacebeneathherveil。
AndCircecried，’Ah，wretchedgirl，haveyouforgottenallyoursins，thatyoucomehithertomyisland，wheretheflowersbloomalltheyearround？Whereisyouragedfather，andthebrotherwhomyoukilled？LittledoIexpectyoutoreturninsafetywiththesestrangerswhomyoulove。Iwillsendyoufoodandwine：butyourshipmustnotstayhere，foritisfoulwithsin，andfoulwithsinitscrew。’
Andtheheroesprayedher，butinvain，andcried，’Cleanseusfromourguilt！’Butshesentthemaway，andsaid，’GoontoMalea，andthereyoumaybecleansed，andreturnhome。’
Thenafairwindrose，andtheysailedeastwardbyTartessusontheIberianshore，tilltheycametothePillarsofHercules，andtheMediterraneanSea。AndthencetheysailedonthroughthedeepsofSardinia，andpasttheAusonianislands，andthecapesoftheTyrrhenianshore，tilltheycametoafloweryisland，uponastillbrightsummer’seve。
Andastheynearedit，slowlyandwearily，theyheardsweetsongsupontheshore。ButwhenMedeiaheardit，shestarted，andcried，’Beware，allheroes，forthesearetherocksoftheSirens。Youmustpassclosebythem，forthereisnootherchannel;butthosewholistentothatsongarelost。’
ThenOrpheusspoke，thekingofallminstrels，’Letthemmatchtheirsongagainstmine。Ihavecharmedstones，andtrees，anddragons，howmuchmoretheheartsofmen！’Sohecaughtuphislyre，andstooduponthepoop，andbeganhismagicsong。
AndnowtheycouldseetheSirensonAnthemousa，thefloweryisle;threefairmaidenssittingonthebeach，beneatharedrockinthesettingsun，amongbedsofcrimsonpoppiesandgoldenasphodel。Slowlytheysungandsleepily，withsilvervoices，mildandclear，whichstoleoverthegoldenwaters，andintotheheartsofalltheheroes，inspiteofOrpheus’
song。
Andallthingsstayedaroundandlistened;thegullssatinwhitelinesalongtherocks;onthebeachgreatsealslaybasking，andkepttimewithlazyheads;whilesilvershoalsoffishcameuptohearken，andwhisperedastheybroketheshiningcalm。TheWindoverheadhushedhiswhistling，asheshepherdedhiscloudstowardthewest;andthecloudsstoodinmidblue，andlisteneddreaming，likeaflockofgoldensheep。
Andastheheroeslistened，theoarsfellfromtheirhands，andtheirheadsdroopedontheirbreasts，andtheyclosedtheirheavyeyes;andtheydreamedofbrightstillgardens，andofslumbersundermurmuringpines，tillalltheirtoilseemedfoolishness，andtheythoughtoftheirrenownnomore。
Thenoneliftedhisheadsuddenly，andcried，’Whatuseinwanderingforever？Letusstayhereandrestawhile。’Andanother，’Letusrowtotheshore，andhearthewordstheysing。’Andanother，’Icarenotforthewords，butforthemusic。Theyshallsingmetosleep，thatImayrest。’
AndButes，thesonofPandion，thefairestofallmortalmen，leaptoutandswamtowardtheshore，crying，’Icome，Icome，fairmaidens，toliveanddiehere，listeningtoyoursong。’
ThenMedeiaclappedherhandstogether，andcried，’Singlouder，Orpheus，singabolderstrain;wakeupthesehaplesssluggards，ornoneofthemwillseethelandofHellasmore。’
ThenOrpheusliftedhisharp，andcrashedhiscunninghandacrossthestrings;andhismusicandhisvoiceroselikeatrumpetthroughthestilleveningair;intotheairitrushedlikethunder，tilltherocksrangandthesea;andintotheirsoulsitrushedlikewine，tillallheartsbeatfastwithintheirbreasts。
AndhesungthesongofPerseus，howtheGodsledhimoverlandandsea，andhowheslewtheloathlyGorgon，andwonhimselfapeerlessbride;andhowhesitsnowwiththeGodsuponOlympus，ashiningstarinthesky，immortalwithhisimmortalbride，andhonouredbyallmenbelow。
SoOrpheussang，andtheSirens，answeringeachotheracrossthegoldensea，tillOrpheus’voicedrownedtheSirens’，andtheheroescaughttheiroarsagain。
Andtheycried，’WewillbemenlikePerseus，andwewilldareandsuffertothelast。Singushissongagain，braveOrpheus，thatwemayforgettheSirensandtheirspell。’
AndasOrpheussang，theydashedtheiroarsintothesea，andkepttimetohismusic，astheyfledfastaway;andtheSirens’voicesdiedbehindthem，inthehissingofthefoamalongtheirwake。
ButButesswamtotheshore，andkneltdownbeforetheSirens，andcried，’Singon！singon！’Buthecouldsaynomore，foracharmedsleepcameoverhim，andapleasanthumminginhisears;andhesankallalonguponthepebbles，andforgotallheavenandearth，andneverlookedatthatsadbeacharoundhim，allstrewnwiththebonesofmen。
Thenslowlyroseupthosethreefairsisters，withacruelsmileupontheirlips;andslowlytheycreptdowntowardshim，likeleopardswhocreepupontheirprey;andtheirhandswerelikethetalonsofeaglesastheysteptacrossthebonesoftheirvictimstoenjoytheircruelfeast。
ButfairestAphroditesawhimfromthehighestIdalianpeak，andshepitiedhisyouthandhisbeauty，andleaptupfromhergoldenthrone;andlikeafallingstarshecleftthesky，andleftatrailofglitteringlight，tillshestoopedtotheIsleoftheSirens，andsnatchedtheirpreyfromtheirclaws。
AndsheliftedButesashelaysleeping，andwrapthimingoldenmist;andsheborehimtothepeakofLilybaeum，andheslepttheremanyapleasantyear。
ButwhentheSirenssawthattheywereconquered，theyshriekedforenvyandrage，andleaptfromthebeachintothesea，andwerechangedintorocksuntilthisday。
ThentheycametothestraitsbyLilybaeum，andsawSicily，thethree-corneredisland，underwhichEnceladusthegiantliesgroaningdayandnight，andwhenheturnstheearthquakes，andhisbreathburstsoutinroaringflamesfromthehighestconeofAEtna，abovethechestnutwoods。AndthereCharybdiscaughttheminitsfearfulcoilsofwave，androlledmast-highaboutthem，andspunthemroundandround;
andtheycouldgoneitherbacknorforward，whilethewhirlpoolsuckedthemin。
Andwhiletheystruggledtheysawnearthem，ontheothersidethestrait，arockstandinthewater，withitspeakwraptroundinclouds-arockwhichnomancouldclimb，thoughhehadtwentyhandsandfeet，forthestonewassmoothandslippery，asifpolishedbyman’shand;andhalfwayupamistycavelookedouttowardthewest。
AndwhenOrpheussawithegroaned，andstruckhishandstogether。And’Littlewillithelpus，’hecried，’toescapethejawsofthewhirlpool;forinthatcavelivesScylla，thesea-hagwithayoungwhelp’svoice;mymotherwarnedmeofhererewesailedawayfromHellas;shehassixheads，andsixlongnecks，andhidesinthatdarkcleft。Andfromhercaveshefishesforallthingswhichpassby-forsharks，andseals，anddolphins，andalltheherdsofAmphitrite。
Andnevership’screwboastedthattheycamesafebyherrock，forshebendsherlongnecksdowntothem，andeverymouthtakesupaman。Andwhowillhelpusnow？ForHeraandZeushateus，andourshipisfoulwithguilt;sowemustdie，whateverbefalls。’
ThenoutofthedepthscameThetis，Peleus’silver-footedbride，forloveofhergallanthusband，andallhernymphsaroundher;andtheyplayedlikesnow-whitedolphins，divingonfromwavetowave，beforetheship，andinherwake，andbesideher，asdolphinsplay。Andtheycaughttheship，andguidedher，andpassedheronfromhandtohand，andtossedherthroughthebillows，asmaidenstosstheball。AndwhenScyllastoopedtoseizeher，theystruckbackherraveningheads，andfoulScyllawhined，asawhelpwhines，atthetouchoftheirgentlehands。Butsheshrankintohercaveaffrighted-forallbadthingsshrinkfromgood-andARGO
leaptsafepasther，whileafairbreezerosebehind。ThenThetisandhernymphssankdowntotheircoralcavesbeneaththesea，andtheirgardensofgreenandpurple，whereliveflowersbloomalltheyearround;whiletheheroeswentonrejoicing，yetdreadingwhatmightcomenext。
Afterthattheyrowedonsteadilyformanyawearyday，tilltheysawalonghighisland，andbeyonditamountainland。
Andtheysearchedtilltheyfoundaharbour，andthererowedboldlyin。Butafterawhiletheystopped，andwondered，fortherestoodagreatcityontheshore，andtemplesandwallsandgardens，andcastleshighinairuponthecliffs。Andoneithersidetheysawaharbour，withanarrowmouth，butwidewithin;andblackshipswithoutnumber，highanddryupontheshore。
ThenAncaios，thewisehelmsman，spoke，’Whatnewwonderisthis？Iknowallisles，andharbours，andthewindingsofallseas;andthisshouldbeCorcyra，whereafewwildgoat-
herdsdwell。Butwhencecomethesenewharboursandvastworksofpolishedstone？’
ButJasonsaid，’Theycanbenosavagepeople。Wewillgoinandtakeourchance。’
Sotheyrowedintotheharbour，amongathousandblack-beakedships，eachlargerfarthanARGO，towardaquayofpolishedstone。Andtheywonderedatthatmightycity，withitsroofsofburnishedbrass，andlongandloftywallsofmarble，withstrongpalisadesabove。Andthequayswerefullofpeople，merchants，andmariners，andslaves，goingtoandfrowithmerchandiseamongthecrowdofships。Andtheheroes’heartswerehumbled，andtheylookedateachotherandsaid，’WethoughtourselvesagallantcrewwhenwesailedfromIolcosbythesea;buthowsmallwelookbeforethiscity，likeanantbeforeahiveofbees。’
Thenthesailorshailedthemroughlyfromthequay，’Whatmenareyou？-wewantnostrangershere，norpirates。Wekeepourbusinesstoourselves。’
ButJasonansweredgently，withmanyaflatteringword，andpraisedtheircityandtheirharbour，andtheirfleetofgallantships。’SurelyyouarethechildrenofPoseidon，andthemastersofthesea;andwearebutpoorwanderingmariners，wornoutwiththirstandtoil。Giveusbutfoodandwater，andwewillgoonourvoyageinpeace。’
Thenthesailorslaughed，andanswered，’Stranger，youarenofool;youtalklikeanhonestman，andyoushallfindushonesttoo。WearethechildrenofPoseidon，andthemastersofthesea;butcomeashoretous，andyoushallhavethebestthatwecangive。’
Sotheylimpedashore，allstiffandweary，withlongraggedbeardsandsunburntcheeks，andgarmentstornandweather-
stained，andweaponsrustedwiththespray，whilethesailorslaughedatthem（fortheywererough-tongued，thoughtheirheartswerefrankandkind）。Andonesaid，’Thesefellowsarebutrawsailors;theylookasiftheyhadbeensea-sickalltheday。’Andanother，’Theirlegshavegrowncrookedwithmuchrowing，tilltheywaddleintheirwalklikeducks。’
AtthatIdastherashwouldhavestruckthem;butJasonheldhimback，tilloneofthemerchantkingsspoketothem，atallandstatelyman。
’Donotbeangry，strangers;thesailorboysmusthavetheirjest。Butwewilltreatyoujustlyandkindly，forstrangersandpoormencomefromGod;andyouseemnocommonsailorsbyyourstrength，andheight，andweapons。ComeupwithmetothepalaceofAlcinous，therichsea-goingking，andwewillfeastyouwellandheartily;andafterthatyoushalltellusyourname。’
ButMedeiahungback，andtrembled，andwhisperedinJason’sear，’Wearebetrayed，andaregoingtoourruin，forIseemycountrymenamongthecrowd;dark-eyedColchiinsteelmail-shirts，suchastheywearinmyfather’sland。’
’Itistoolatetoturn，’saidJason。Andhespoketothemerchantking，’Whatcountryisthis，goodsir;andwhatisthisnew-builttown？’
’ThisisthelandofthePhaeaces，belovedbyalltheImmortals;fortheycomehitherandfeastlikefriendswithus，andsitbyoursideinthehall。HitherwecamefromLiburniatoescapetheunrighteousCyclopes;fortheyrobbedus，peacefulmerchants，ofourhard-earnedwaresandwealth。
SoNausithous，thesonofPoseidon，broughtushither，anddiedinpeace;andnowhissonAlcinousrulesus，andAretethewisestofqueens。’
Sotheywentupacrossthesquare，andwonderedstillmoreastheywent;foralongthequayslayinordergreatcables，andyards，andmasts，beforethefairtempleofPoseidon，theblue-hairedkingoftheseas。Androundthesquareworkedtheship-wrights，asmanyinnumberasants，twiningropes，andhewingtimber，andsmoothinglongyardsandoars。AndtheMinuaiwentoninsilencethroughcleanwhitemarblestreets，tilltheycametothehallofAlcinous，andtheywonderedthenstillmore。Fortheloftypalaceshonealoftinthesun，withwallsofplatedbrass，fromthethresholdtotheinnermostchamber，andthedoorswereofsilverandgold。
Andoneachsideofthedoorwaysatlivingdogsofgold，whonevergrewoldordied，sowellHephaistoshadmadetheminhisforgesinsmokingLemnos，andgavethemtoAlcinoustoguardhisgatesbynight。Andwithin，againstthewalls，stoodthronesoneitherside，downthewholelengthofthehall，strewnwithrichglossyshawls;andonthemthemerchantkingsofthosecraftysea-rovingPhaeacessateatinganddrinkinginpride，andfeastingtherealltheyearround。
Andboysofmoltengoldstoodeachonapolishedaltar，andheldtorchesintheirhands，togivelightallnighttotheguests。Androundthehousesatfiftymaid-servants，somegrindingthemealinthemill，someturningthespindle，someweavingattheloom，whiletheirhandstwinkledastheypassedtheshuttle，likequiveringaspenleaves。
Andoutsidebeforethepalaceagreatgardenwaswalledround，filledfullofstatelyfruit-trees，grayolivesandsweetfigs，andpomegranates，pears，andapples，whichborethewholeyearround。Fortherichsouth-westwindfedthem，tillpeargrewripeonpear，figonfig，andgrapeongrape，allthewinterandthespring。Andatthefartherendgayflower-bedsbloomedthroughallseasonsoftheyear;andtwofairfountainsrose，andran，onethroughthegardengrounds，andonebeneaththepalacegate，towaterallthetown。SuchnoblegiftstheheavenshadgiventoAlcinousthewise。
Sotheywentin，andsawhimsitting，likePoseidon，onhisthrone，withhisgoldensceptrebyhim，ingarmentsstiffwithgold，andinhishandasculpturedgoblet，ashepledgedthemerchantkings;andbesidehimstoodArete，hiswiseandlovelyqueen，andleanedagainstapillarasshespunhergoldenthreads。
ThenAlcinousrose，andwelcomedthem，andbadethemsitandeat;andtheservantsbroughtthemtables，andbread，andmeat，andwine。
ButMedeiawentontremblingtowardAretethefairqueen，andfellatherknees，andclaspedthem，andcried，weeping，assheknelt-
’Iamyourguest，fairqueen，andIentreatyoubyZeus，fromwhomprayerscome。Donotsendmebacktomyfathertodiesomedreadfuldeath;butletmegomyway，andbearmyburden。HaveInothadenoughofpunishmentandshame？’
’Whoareyou，strangemaiden？andwhatisthemeaningofyourprayer？’
’IamMedeia，daughterofAietes，andIsawmycountrymenhereto-day;andIknowthattheyarecometofindme，andtakemehometodiesomedreadfuldeath。’
ThenAretefrowned，andsaid，’Leadthisgirlin，mymaidens;
andletthekingsdecide，notI。’
AndAlcinousleaptupfromhisthrone，andcried，’Speak，strangers，whoareyou？Andwhoisthismaiden？’
’WearetheheroesoftheMinuai，’saidJason;’andthismaidenhasspokentruth。Wearethemenwhotookthegoldenfleece，themenwhosefamehasrunroundeveryshore。Wecamehitheroutoftheocean，aftersorrowssuchasmanneversawbefore。Wewentoutmany，andcomebackfew，formanyanoblecomradehavewelost。Soletusgo，asyoushouldletyourguestsgo，inpeace;thattheworldmaysay，\"Alcinousisajustking。\"’
ButAlcinousfrowned，andstooddeepinthought;andatlasthespoke-
’Hadnotthedeedbeendonewhichisdone，Ishouldhavesaidthisdaytomyself，\"ItisanhonourtoAlcinous，andtohischildrenafterhim，thatthefar-famedArgonautsarehisguests。\"ButtheseColchiaremyguests，asyouare;andforthismonththeyhavewaitedherewithalltheirfleet，fortheyhavehuntedalltheseasofHellas，andcouldnotfindyou，anddaredneithergofarther，norgohome。’
’Letthemchooseouttheirchampions，andwewillfightthem，manforman。’
’Noguestsofoursshallfightuponourisland，andifyougooutsidetheywilloutnumberyou。Iwilldojusticebetweenyou，forIknowanddowhatisright。’
Thenheturnedtohiskings，andsaid，’Thismaystandovertillto-morrow。To-nightwewillfeastourguests，andhearthestoryofalltheirwanderings，andhowtheycamehitheroutoftheocean。’
SoAlcinousbadetheservantstaketheheroesin，andbathethem，andgivethemclothes。Andtheyweregladwhentheysawthewarmwater，foritwaslongsincetheyhadbathed。
Andtheywashedoffthesea-saltfromtheirlimbs，andanointedthemselvesfromheadtofootwithoil，andcombedouttheirgoldenhair。Thentheycamebackagainintothehall，whilethemerchantkingsroseuptodothemhonour。
Andeachmansaidtohisneighbour，’Nowonderthatthesemenwonfame。HowtheystandnowlikeGiants，orTitans，orImmortalscomedownfromOlympus，thoughmanyawinterhaswornthem，andmanyafearfulstorm。WhatmusttheyhavebeenwhentheysailedfromIolcos，inthebloomoftheiryouth，longago？’
Thentheywentouttothegarden;andthemerchantprincessaid，’Heroes，runraceswithus。Letusseewhosefeetarenimblest。’
’Wecannotraceagainstyou，forourlimbsarestifffromsea;andwehavelostourtwoswiftcomrades，thesonsofthenorthwind。Butdonotthinkuscowards：ifyouwishtotryourstrength，wewillshoot，andbox，andwrestle，againstanymenonearth。’
AndAlcinoussmiled，andanswered，’Ibelieveyou，gallantguests;withyourlonglimbsandbroadshoulders，wecouldnevermatchyouhere。Forwecarenothinghereforboxing，orforshootingwiththebow;butforfeasts，andsongs，andharping，anddancing，andrunningraces，tostretchourlimbsonshore。’
Sotheydancedthereandranraces，thejollymerchantkings，tillthenightfell，andallwentin。
Andthentheyateanddrank，andcomfortedtheirwearysouls，tillAlcinouscalledaherald，andbadehimgoandfetchtheharper。
Theheraldwentout，andfetchedtheharper，andledhiminbythehand;andAlcinouscuthimapieceofmeat，fromthefattestofthehaunch，andsentittohim，andsaid，’Singtous，nobleharper，andrejoicetheheroes’hearts。’
Sotheharperplayedandsang，whilethedancersdancedstrangefigures;andafterthatthetumblersshowedtheirtricks，tilltheheroeslaughedagain。
Then，’Tellme，heroes，’askedAlcinous，’youwhohavesailedtheoceanround，andseenthemannersofallnations，haveyouseensuchdancersasourshere，orheardsuchmusicandsuchsinging？Weholdourstobethebestonearth。’
’Suchdancingwehaveneverseen，’saidOrpheus;’andyoursingerisahappyman，forPhoebushimselfmusthavetaughthim，orelseheisthesonofaMuse，asIamalso，andhavesungonceortwice，thoughnotsowellashe。’
’Singtous，then，noblestranger，’saidAlcinous;’andwewillgiveyoupreciousgifts。’
SoOrpheustookhismagicharp，andsangtothemastirringsongoftheirvoyagefromIolcos，andtheirdangers，andhowtheywonthegoldenfleece;andofMedeia’slove，andhowshehelpedthem，andwentwiththemoverlandandsea;andofalltheirfearfuldangers，frommonsters，androcks，andstorms，tilltheheartofAretewassoftened，andallthewomenwept。
Andthemerchantkingsroseup，eachmanfromoffhisgoldenthrone，andclappedtheirhands，andshouted，’HailtothenobleArgonauts，whosailedtheunknownsea！’
Thenhewenton，andtoldtheirjourneyoverthesluggishnorthernmain，andthroughtheshorelessouterocean，tothefairyislandofthewest;andoftheSirens，andScylla，andCharybdis，andallthewonderstheyhadseen，tillmidnightpassedandthedaydawned;butthekingsneverthoughtofsleep。Eachmansatstillandlistened，withhischinuponhishand。
Andatlast，whenOrpheushadended，theyallwentthoughtfulout，andtheheroeslaydowntosleep，beneaththesoundingporchoutside，whereAretehadstrewnthemrugsandcarpets，inthesweetstillsummernight。
ButAretepleadedhardwithherhusbandforMedeia，forherheartwassoftened。Andshesaid，’TheGodswillpunishher，notwe。Afterall，sheisourguestandmysuppliant，andprayersarethedaughtersofZeus。Andwho，too，darepartmanandwife，afteralltheyhaveenduredtogether？’
AndAlcinoussmiled。’Theminstrel’ssonghascharmedyou：
butImustrememberwhatisright，forsongscannotalterjustice;andImustbefaithfultomyname。AlcinousIamcalled，themanofsturdysense;andAlcinousIwillbe。’
ButforallthatAretebesoughthim，untilshewonhimround。
Sonextmorninghesentaherald，andcalledthekingsintothesquare，andsaid，’Thisisapuzzlingmatter：rememberbutonething。TheseMinuailiveclosebyus，andwemaymeetthemoftenontheseas;butAieteslivesafaroff，andwehaveonlyheardhisname。Which，then，ofthetwoisitsafertooffend-themennearus，orthemenfaroff？’
Theprinceslaughed，andpraisedhiswisdom;andAlcinouscalledtheheroestothesquare，andtheColchialso;andtheycameandstoodoppositeeachother，butMedeiastayedinthepalace。ThenAlcinousspoke，’HeroesoftheColchi，whatisyourerrandaboutthislady？’
’Tocarryherhomewithus，thatshemaydieashamefuldeath;butifwereturnwithouther，wemustdiethedeathsheshouldhavedied。’
’Whatsayyoutothis，JasontheAEolid？’saidAlcinous，turningtotheMinuai。
’Isay，’saidthecunningJason，’thattheyarecomehereonabootlesserrand。Doyouthinkthatyoucanmakeherfollowyou，heroesoftheColchi-her，whoknowsallspellsandcharms？Shewillcastawayyourshipsonquicksands，orcalldownonyouBrimothewildhuntress;orthechainswillfallfromoffherwrists，andshewillescapeinherdragon-car;
orifnotthus，someotherway，forshehasathousandplansandwiles。Andwhyreturnhomeatall，braveheroes，andfacethelongseasagain，andtheBosphorus，andthestormyEuxine，anddoubleallyourtoil？Thereismanyafairlandroundthesecoasts，whichwaitsforgallantmenlikeyou。
Bettertosettlethere，andbuildacity，andletAietesandColchishelpthemselves。’
ThenamurmurroseamongtheColchi，andsomecried’Hehasspokenwell;’andsome，’Wehavehadenoughofroving，wewillsailtheseasnomore！’Andthechiefsaidatlast，’Beitso，then;aplagueshehasbeentous，andaplaguetothehouseofherfather，andaplagueshewillbetoyou。Takeher，sinceyouarenowiser;andwewillsailawaytowardthenorth。’
ThenAlcinousgavethemfood，andwater，andgarments，andrichpresentsofallsorts;andhegavethesametotheMinuai，andsentthemallawayinpeace。
SoJasonkeptthedarkwitch-maidentobreedhimwoeandshame;andtheColchiwentnorthwardintotheAdriatic，andsettled，andbuilttownsalongtheshore。
Thentheheroesrowedawaytotheeastward，toreachHellas，theirbelovedland;butastormcamedownuponthem，andsweptthemfarawaytowardthesouth。Andtheyrowedtilltheywerespentwithstruggling，throughthedarknessandtheblindingrain;butwheretheyweretheycouldnottell，andtheygaveupallhopeoflife。Andatlasttouchedtheground，andwhendaylightcamewadedtotheshore;andsawnothingroundbutsandanddesolatesaltpools，fortheyhadcometothequicksandsoftheSyrtis，andthedrearytreelessflatswhichliebetweenNumidiaandCyrene，ontheburningshoreofAfrica。Andtheretheywanderedstarvingformanyawearyday，eretheycouldlaunchtheirshipagain，andgaintheopensea。AndthereCanthuswaskilled，whilehewastryingtodriveoffsheep，byastonewhichaherdsmanthrew。
AndtheretooMopsusdied，theseerwhoknewthevoicesofallbirds;buthecouldnotforetellhisownend，forhewasbitteninthefootbyasnake，oneofthosewhichsprangfromtheGorgon’sheadwhenPerseuscarrieditacrossthesands。
Atlasttheyrowedawaytowardthenorthward，formanyawearyday，tilltheirwaterwasspent，andtheirfoodeaten;
andtheywerewornoutwithhungerandthirst。Butatlasttheysawalongsteepisland，andabluepeakhighamongtheclouds;andtheyknewitforthepeakofIda，andthefamouslandofCrete。Andtheysaid，’WewilllandinCrete，andseeMinosthejustking，andallhisgloryandhiswealth;atleasthewilltreatushospitably，andletusfillourwater-
casksupontheshore。’
Butwhentheycamenearertotheislandtheysawawondroussightuponthecliffs。Foronacapetothewestwardstoodagiant，tallerthananymountainpine，whoglitteredaloftagainsttheskylikeatowerofburnishedbrass。Heturnedandlookedonallsidesroundhim，tillhesawtheARGOandhercrew;andwhenhesawthemhecametowardthem，moreswiftlythantheswiftesthorse，leapingacrosstheglensatabound，andstridingatonestepfromdowntodown。Andwhenhecameabreastofthemhebrandishedhisarmsupanddown，asashiphoistsandlowersheryards，andshoutedwithhisbrazenthroatlikeatrumpetfromoffthehills，’Youarepirates，youarerobbers！Ifyoudarelandhere，youdie。’
Thentheheroescried，’Wearenopirates。Weareallgoodmenandtrue，andallweaskisfoodandwater;’butthegiantcriedthemore-
’Youarerobbers，youarepiratesall;Iknowyou;andifyouland，youshalldiethedeath。’
Thenhewavedhisarmsagainasasignal，andtheysawthepeopleflyinginland，drivingtheirflocksbeforethem，whileagreatflamearoseamongthehills。Thenthegiantranupavalleyandvanished，andtheheroeslayontheiroarsinfear。
ButMedeiastoodwatchingallfromunderhersteepblackbrows，withacunningsmileuponherlips，andacunningplotwithinherheart。Atlastshespoke，’Iknowthisgiant。I
heardofhimintheEast。HephaistostheFireKingmadehiminhisforgeinAEtnabeneaththeearth，andcalledhimTalus，andgavehimtoMinosforaservant，toguardthecoastofCrete。Thriceadayhewalksroundtheisland，andneverstopstosleep;andifstrangerslandheleapsintohisfurnace，whichflamesthereamongthehills;andwhenheisred-hotherushesonthem，andburnstheminhisbrazenhands。’
Thenalltheheroescried，’Whatshallwedo，wiseMedeia？
Wemusthavewater，orwedieofthirst。Fleshandbloodwecanfacefairly;butwhocanfacethisred-hotbrass？’
’Icanfacered-hotbrass，ifthetaleIhearbetrue。Fortheysaythathehasbutoneveininallhisbody，filledwithliquidfire;andthatthisveinisclosedwithanail：
butIknownotwherethatnailisplaced。ButifIcangetitonceintothesehands，youshallwateryourshiphereinpeace。’
Thenshebadethemputheronshore，androwoffagain，andwaitwhatwouldbefall。
Andtheheroesobeyedherunwillingly，fortheywereashamedtoleavehersoalone;butJasonsaid，’Sheisdearertomethantoanyofyou，yetIwilltrustherfreelyonshore;shehasmoreplotsthanwecandreamofinthewindingsofthatfairandcunninghead。’
Sotheyleftthewitch-maidenontheshore;andshestoodthereinherbeautyallalone，tillthegiantstrodebackred-hotfromheadtoheel，whilethegrasshissedandsmokedbeneathhistread。
Andwhenhesawthemaidenalone，hestopped;andshelookedboldlyupintohisfacewithoutmoving，andbeganhermagicsong：-
’Lifeisshort，thoughlifeissweet;andevenmenofbrassandfiremustdie。Thebrassmustrust，thefiremustcool，fortimegnawsallthingsintheirturn。Lifeisshort，thoughlifeissweet：butsweetertoliveforever;sweetertoliveeveryouthfulliketheGods，whohaveichorintheirveins-ichorwhichgiveslife，andyouth，andjoy，andaboundingheart。’
ThenTalussaid，’Whoareyou，strangemaiden，andwhereisthisichorofyouth？’
ThenMedeiaheldupaflaskofcrystal，andsaid，’Hereistheichorofyouth。IamMedeiatheenchantress;mysisterCircegavemethis，andsaid，\"GoandrewardTalus，thefaithfulservant，forhisfameisgoneoutintoalllands。\"
Socome，andIwillpourthisintoyourveins，thatyoumayliveforeveryoung。’
Andhelistenedtoherfalsewords，thatsimpleTalus，andcamenear;andMedeiasaid，’Dipyourselfintheseafirst，andcoolyourself，lestyouburnmytenderhands;thenshowmewherethenailinyourveinis，thatImaypourtheichorin。’
ThenthatsimpleTalusdippedhimselfinthesea，tillithissed，androared，andsmoked;andcameandkneltbeforeMedeia，andshowedherthesecretnail。
Andshedrewthenailoutgently，butshepourednoichorin;
andinsteadtheliquidfirespoutedforth，likeastreamofred-hotiron。AndTalustriedtoleapup，crying，’Youhavebetrayedme，falsewitch-maiden！’Butsheliftedupherhandsbeforehim，andsang，tillhesankbeneathherspell。
Andashesank，hisbrazenlimbsclankedheavily，andtheearthgroanedbeneathhisweight;andtheliquidfireranfromhisheel，likeastreamoflava，tothesea;andMedeialaughed，andcalledtotheheroes，’Comeashore，andwateryourshipinpeace。’
Sotheycame，andfoundthegiantlyingdead;andtheyfelldown，andkissedMedeia’sfeet;andwateredtheirship，andtooksheepandoxen，andsoleftthatinhospitableshore。
Atlast，aftermanymoreadventures，theycametotheCapeofMalea，atthesouth-westpointofthePeloponnese。Andtheretheyofferedsacrifices，andOrpheuspurgedthemfromtheirguilt。Thentheyrodeawayagaintothenorthward，pasttheLaconianshore，andcameallwornandtiredbySunium，andupthelongEuboeanStrait，untiltheysawoncemorePelion，andAphetai，andIolcosbythesea。
Andtheyrantheshipashore;buttheyhadnostrengthlefttohaulherupthebeach;andtheycrawledoutonthepebbles，andsatdown，andwepttilltheycouldweepnomore。
Forthehousesandthetreeswereallaltered;andallthefaceswhichtheysawwerestrange;andtheirjoywasswallowedupinsorrow，whiletheythoughtoftheiryouth，andalltheirlabour，andthegallantcomradestheyhadlost。
Andthepeoplecrowdedround，andaskedthem’Whoareyou，thatyousitweepinghere？’
’Wearethesonsofyourprinces，whosailedoutmanyayearago。Wewenttofetchthegoldenfleece，andwehavebroughtit，andgrieftherewith。Giveusnewsofourfathersandourmothers，ifanyofthembeleftaliveonearth。’
Thentherewasshouting，andlaughing，andweeping;andallthekingscametotheshore，andtheyledawaytheheroestotheirhomes，andbewailedthevaliantdead。
ThenJasonwentupwithMedeiatothepalaceofhisunclePelias。AndwhenhecameinPeliassatbythehearth，crippledandblindwithage;whileoppositehimsatAEson，Jason’sfather，crippledandblindlikewise;andthetwooldmen’sheadsshooktogetherastheytriedtowarmthemselvesbeforethefire。
AndJasonfelldownathisfather’sknees，andwept，andcalledhimbyhisname。Andtheoldmanstretchedhishandsout，andfelthim，andsaid，’Donotmockme，younghero。MysonJasonisdeadlongagoatsea。’
’IamyourownsonJason，whomyoutrustedtotheCentauruponPelion;andIhavebroughthomethegoldenfleece，andaprincessoftheSun’sraceformybride。Sonowgivemeupthekingdom，Peliasmyuncle，andfulfilyourpromiseasI
havefulfilledmine。’
Thenhisfatherclungtohimlikeachild，andwept，andwouldnotlethimgo;andcried，’NowIshallnotgodownlonelytomygrave。PromisemenevertoleavemetillI
die。’
PARTVI-WHATWASTHEENDOFTHEHEROES
ANDnowIwishthatIcouldendmystorypleasantly;butitisnofaultofminethatIcannot。Theoldsongsenditsadly，andIbelievethattheyarerightandwise;forthoughtheheroeswerepurifiedatMalea，yetsacrificescannotmakebadheartsgood，andJasonhadtakenawickedwife，andhehadtobearhisburdentothelast。
AndfirstshelaidacunningplottopunishthatpooroldPelias，insteadoflettinghimdieinpeace。
Forshetoldhisdaughters，’Icanmakeoldthingsyoungagain;Iwillshowyouhoweasyitistodo。’Soshetookanoldramandkilledhim，andputhiminacauldronwithmagicherbs;andwhisperedherspellsoverhim，andheleaptoutagainayounglamb。Sothat’Medeia’scauldron’isaproverbstill，bywhichwemeantimesofwarandchange，whentheworldhasbecomeoldandfeeble，andgrowsyoungagainthroughbitterpains。
ThenshesaidtoPelias’daughters，’DotoyourfatherasI
didtothisram，andhewillgrowyoungandstrongagain。’
Butsheonlytoldthemhalfthespell;sotheyfailed，whileMedeiamockedthem;andpooroldPeliasdied，andhisdaughterscametomisery。ButthesongssayshecuredAEson，Jason’sfather，andhebecameyoung，andstrongagain。
ButJasoncouldnotloveher，afterallhercrueldeeds。Sohewasungratefultoher，andwrongedher;andsherevengedherselfonhim。Andaterriblerevengeshetook-tooterribletospeakofhere。Butyouwillhearofityourselveswhenyougrowup，forithasbeensunginnoblepoetryandmusic;andwhetheritbetrueornot，itstandsforeverasawarningtousnottoseekforhelpfromevilpersons，ortogaingoodendsbyevilmeans。Forifweuseanadderevenagainstourenemies，itwillturnagainandstingus。
Butofalltheotherheroesthereismanyabravetaleleft，whichIhavenospacetotellyou，soyoumustreadthemforyourselves;-ofthehuntingoftheboarinCalydon，whichMeleagerkilled;andofHeracles’twelvefamouslabours;andofthesevenwhofoughtatThebes;andofthenobleloveofCastorandPolydeuces，thetwinDioscouroi-howwhenonediedtheotherwouldnotlivewithouthim，sotheysharedtheirimmortalitybetweenthem;andZeuschangedthemintothetwotwinstarswhichneverrisebothatonce。
AndwhatbecameofCheiron，thegoodimmortalbeast？That，too，isasadstory;fortheheroesneversawhimmore。Hewaswoundedbyapoisonedarrow，atPholoeamongthehills，whenHeraclesopenedthefatalwine-jar，whichCheironhadwarnedhimnottotouch。AndtheCentaurssmeltthewine，andflockedtoit，andfoughtforitwithHeracles;buthekilledthemallwithhispoisonedarrows，andCheironwasleftalone。ThenCheirontookuponeofthearrows，anddroppeditbychanceuponhisfoot;andthepoisonranlikefirealonghisveins，andhelaydownandlongedtodie;andcried，’ThroughwineIperish，thebaneofallmyrace。WhyshouldIliveforeverinthisagony？Whowilltakemyimmortality，thatImaydie？’
ThenPrometheusanswered，thegoodTitan，whomHeracleshadsetfreefromCaucasus，’Iwilltakeyourimmortalityandliveforever，thatImayhelppoormortalmen。’SoCheirongavehimhisimmortality，anddied，andhadrestfrompain。
AndHeraclesandPrometheusweptoverhim，andwenttoburyhimonPelion;butZeustookhimupamongthestars，toliveforever，grandandmild，lowdowninthefarsouthernsky。
Andintimetheheroesdied，allbutNestor，thesilver-
tonguedoldman;andleftbehindthemvaliantsons，butnotsogreatastheyhadbeen。Yettheirfame，too，livestillthisday，fortheyfoughtatthetenyears’siegeofTroy：
andtheirstoryisinthebookwhichwecallHomer，intwoofthenoblestsongsonearth-the’Iliad，’whichtellsusofthesiegeofTroy，andAchilles’quarrelwiththekings;andthe’Odyssey，’whichtellsthewanderingsofOdysseus，throughmanylandsformanyyears，andhowAlcinoussenthimhomeatlast，safetoIthacahisbelovedisland，andtoPenelopehisfaithfulwife，andTelemachushisson，andEuphorbusthenobleswineherd，andtheolddogwholickedhishandanddied。Wewillreadthatsweetstory，children，bythefiresomewinternight。AndnowIwillendmytale，andbeginanotherandamorecheerfulone，ofaherowhobecameaworthyking，andwonhispeople’slove。
STORYIII-THESEUS
PARTI-HOWTHESEUSLIFTEDTHESTONE
ONCEuponatimetherewasaprincessinTroezene，Aithra，thedaughterofPittheustheking。Shehadonefairson，namedTheseus，thebravestladinalltheland;andAithraneversmiledbutwhenshelookedathim，forherhusbandhadforgottenher，andlivedfaraway。AndsheusedtogouptothemountainaboveTroezene，tothetempleofPoseidonandsittherealldaylookingoutacrossthebay，overMethana，tothepurplepeaksofAEginaandtheAtticshorebeyond。
AndwhenTheseuswasfullfifteenyearsoldshetookhimupwithhertothetemple，andintothethicketsofthegrovewhichgrewinthetemple-yard。Andsheledhimtoatallplane-tree，beneathwhoseshadegrewarbutus，andlentisk，andpurpleheather-bushes。Andthereshesighed，andsaid，’Theseus，myson，gointothatthicketandyouwillfindattheplane-treefootagreatflatstone;liftit，andbringmewhatliesunderneath。’
ThenTheseuspushedhiswayinthroughthethickbushes，andsawthattheyhadnotbeenmovedformanyayear。Andsearchingamongtheirrootshefoundagreatflatstone，allovergrownwithivy，andacanthus，andmoss。Hetriedtoliftit，buthecouldnot。Andhetriedtillthesweatrandownhisbrowfromheat，andthetearsfromhiseyesforshame;
butallwasofnoavail。Andatlasthecamebacktohismother，andsaid，’Ihavefoundthestone，butIcannotliftit;nordoIthinkthatanymancouldinallTroezene。’
Thenshesighed，andsaid，’TheGodswaitlong;buttheyarejustatlast。Letitbeforanotheryear。ThedaymaycomewhenyouwillbeastrongermanthanlivesinallTroezene。’
Thenshetookhimbythehand，andwentintothetempleandprayed，andcamedownagainwithTheseustoherhome。
AndwhenafullyearwaspastsheledTheseusupagaintothetemple，andbadehimliftthestone;buthecouldnot。
Thenshesighed，andsaidthesamewordsagain，andwentdown，andcameagainthenextyear;butTheseuscouldnotliftthestonethen，northeyearafter;andhelongedtoaskhismotherthemeaningofthatstone，andwhatmightlieunderneathit;butherfacewassosadthathehadnotthehearttoask。
