Sotheymadeagreatwedding-feast，whichlastedsevenwholedays，andwhosohappyasPerseusandAndromeda？
ButontheeighthnightPerseusdreamedadream;andhesawstandingbesidehimPallasAthene，ashehadseenherinSeriphos，sevenlongyearsbefore;andshestoodandcalledhimbyname，andsaid-
’Perseus，youhaveplayedtheman，andsee，youhaveyourreward。KnownowthattheGodsarejust，andhelphimwhohelpshimself。NowgivemehereHerpethesword，andthesandals，andthehatofdarkness，thatImaygivethembacktotheirowners;buttheGorgon’sheadyoushallkeepawhile，foryouwillneeditinyourlandofGreece。ThenyoushalllayitupinmytempleatSeriphos，thatImaywearitonmyshieldforever，aterrortotheTitansandthemonsters，andthefoesofGodsandmen。Andasforthisland，Ihaveappeasedtheseaandthefire，andthereshallbenomorefloodsnorearthquakes。ButletthepeoplebuildaltarstoFatherZeus，andtome，andworshiptheImmortals，theLordsofheavenandearth。’
AndPerseusrosetogiveherthesword，andthecap，andthesandals;buthewoke，andhisdreamvanishedaway。Andyetitwasnotaltogetheradream;forthegoat-skinwiththeheadwasinitsplace;butthesword，andthecap，andthesandalsweregone，andPerseusneversawthemmore。
ThenagreatawefellonPerseus;andhewentoutinthemorningtothepeople，andtoldhisdream，andbadethembuildaltarstoZeus，theFatherofGodsandmen，andtoAthene，whogiveswisdomtoheroes;andfearnomoretheearthquakesandthefloods，butsowandbuildinpeace。Andtheydidsoforawhile，andprospered;butafterPerseuswasgonetheyforgotZeusandAthene，andworshippedagainAtergatisthequeen，andtheundyingfishofthesacredlake，whereDeucalion’sdelugewasswallowedup，andtheyburnttheirchildrenbeforetheFireKing，tillZeuswasangrywiththatfoolishpeople，andbroughtastrangenationagainstthemoutofEgypt，whofoughtagainstthemandwastedthemutterly，anddweltintheircitiesformanyahundredyears。
PARTV-HOWPERSEUSCAMEHOMEAGAIN
ANDwhenayearwasendedPerseushiredPhoeniciansfromTyre，andcutdowncedars，andbuilthimselfanoblegalley;
andpainteditscheekswithvermilion，andpitcheditssideswithpitch;andinitheputAndromeda，andallherdowryofjewels，andrichshawls，andspicesfromtheEast;andgreatwastheweepingwhentheyrowedaway。Buttheremembranceofhisbravedeedwasleftbehind;andAndromeda’srockwasshownatIopainPalestinetillmorethanathousandyearswerepast。
SoPerseusandthePhoeniciansrowedtothewestward，acrosstheseaofCrete，tilltheycametotheblueAEgeanandthepleasantIslesofHellas，andSeriphos，hisancienthome。
Thenhelefthisgalleyonthebeach，andwentupasofold;
andheembracedhismother，andDictyshisgoodfoster-
father，andtheyweptovereachotheralongwhile，foritwassevenyearsandmoresincetheyhadmet。
ThenPerseuswentout，anduptothehallofPolydectes;andunderneaththegoat-skinheboretheGorgon’shead。
Andwhenhecameintothehall，Polydectessatatthetable-
head，andallhisnoblesandlandownersoneitherside，eachaccordingtohisrank，feastingonthefishandthegoat’sflesh，anddrinkingtheblood-redwine。Theharpersharped，andtherevellersshouted，andthewine-cupsrangmerrilyastheypassedfromhandtohand，andgreatwasthenoiseinthehallofPolydectes。
ThenPersonsstooduponthethreshold，andcalledtothekingbyname。ButnoneoftheguestsknewPerseus，forhewaschangedbyhislongjourney。Hehadgoneoutaboy，andhewascomehomeahero;hiseyeshonelikeaneagle’s，andhisbeardwaslikealion’sbeard，andhestooduplikeawildbullinhispride。
ButPolydectesthewickedknewhim，andhardenedhisheartstillmore;andscornfullyhecalled-
’Ah，foundling！haveyoufounditmoreeasytopromisethantofulfil？’
’ThosewhomtheGodshelpfulfiltheirpromises;andthosewhodespisethem，reapastheyhavesown。BeholdtheGorgon’shead！’
ThenPerseusdrewbackthegoat-skin，andheldalofttheGorgon’shead。
PalegrewPolydectesandhisguestsastheylookeduponthatdreadfulface。Theytriedtoriseupfromtheirseats：butfromtheirseatstheyneverrose，butstiffened，eachmanwherehesat，intoaringofcoldgraystones。
ThenPerseusturnedandleftthem，andwentdowntohisgalleyinthebay;andhegavethekingdomtogoodDictys，andsailedawaywithhismotherandhisbride。
AndPolydectesandhisguestssatstill，withthewine-cupsbeforethemontheboard，tilltherafterscrumbleddownabovetheirheads，andthewallsbehindtheirbacks，andthetablecrumbleddownbetweenthem，andthegrasssprungupabouttheirfeet：butPolydectesandhisguestssitonthehillside，aringofgraystonesuntilthisday。
ButPerseusrowedwestwardtowardArgos，andlanded，andwentuptothetown。Andwhenhecame，hefoundthatAcrisiushisgrandfatherhadfled。ForProetushiswickedbrotherhadmadewaragainsthimafresh;andhadcomeacrosstheriverfromTiryns，andconqueredArgos，andAcrisiushadfledtoLarissa，inthecountryofthewildPelasgi。
ThenPerseuscalledtheArgivestogether，andtoldthemwhohewas，andallthenobledeedswhichhehaddone。Andallthenoblesandtheyeomenmadehimking，fortheysawthathehadaroyalheart;andtheyfoughtwithhimagainstArgos，andtookit，andkilledProetus，andmadetheCyclopesservethem，andbuildthemwallsroundArgos，likethewallswhichtheyhadbuiltatTiryns;andthereweregreatrejoicingsinthevaleofArgos，becausetheyhadgotakingfromFatherZeus。
ButPerseus’heartyearnedafterhisgrandfather，andhesaid，’Surelyheismyfleshandblood，andhewilllovemenowthatIamcomehomewithhonour：Iwillgoandfindhim，andbringhimhome，andwewillreigntogetherinpeace。’
SoPerseussailedawaywithhisPhoenicians，roundHydreaandSunium，pastMarathonandtheAtticshore，andthroughEuripus，andupthelongEuboeansea，tillhecametothetownofLarissa，wherethewildPelasgidwelt。
Andwhenhecamethere，allthepeoplewereinthefields，andtherewasfeasting，andallkindsofgames;forTeutamenestheirkingwishedtohonourAcrisius，becausehewasthekingofamightyland。
SoPerseusdidnottellhisname，butwentuptothegamesunknown;forhesaid，’IfIcarryawaytheprizeinthegames，mygrandfather’sheartwillbesoftenedtowardme。’
Sohethrewoffhishelmet，andhiscuirass，andallhisclothes，andstoodamongtheyouthsofLarissa，whileallwonderedathim，andsaid，’Whoisthisyoungstranger，whostandslikeawildbullinhispride？Surelyheisoneoftheheroes，thesonsoftheImmortals，fromOlympus。’
Andwhenthegamesbegan，theywonderedyetmore;forPerseuswasthebestmanofallatrunning，andleaping，andwrestlingandthrowingthejavelin;andhewonfourcrowns，andtookthem，andthenhesaidtohimself，’Thereisafifthcrownyettobewon：Iwillwinthat，andlaythemalluponthekneesofmygrandfather。’
Andashespoke，hesawwhereAcrisiussat，bythesideofTeutamenestheking，withhiswhitebeardflowingdownuponhisknees，andhisroyalstaffinhishand;andPerseusweptwhenhelookedathim，forhisheartyearnedafterhiskin;
andhesaid，’Surelyheisakinglyoldman，yetheneednotbeashamedofhisgrandson。’
Thenhetookthequoits，andhurledthem，fivefathomsbeyondalltherest;andthepeopleshouted，’Furtheryet，bravestranger！Therehasneverbeensuchahurlerinthisland。’
ThenPerseusputoutallhisstrength，andhurled。Butagustofwindcamefromthesea，andcarriedthequoitaside，andfarbeyondalltherest;anditfellonthefootofAcrisius，andheswoonedawaywiththepain。
Perseusshrieked，andranuptohim;butwhentheyliftedtheoldmanuphewasdead，forhislifewasslowandfeeble。
ThenPerseusrenthisclothes，andcastdustuponhishead，andweptalongwhileforhisgrandfather。Atlastherose，andcalledtoallthepeoplealoud，andsaid-
’TheGodsaretrue，andwhattheyhaveordainedmustbe。I
amPerseus，thegrandsonofthisdeadman，thefar-famedslayeroftheGorgon。’
Thenhetoldthemhowtheprophecyhaddeclaredthatheshouldkillhisgrandfather，andallthestoryofhislife。
SotheymadeagreatmourningforAcrisius，andburnthimonarightrichpile;andPerseuswenttothetemple，andwaspurifiedfromtheguiltofthedeath，becausehehaddoneitunknowingly。
ThenhewenthometoArgos，andreignedtherewellwithfairAndromeda;andtheyhadfoursonsandthreedaughters，anddiedinagoodoldage。
Andwhentheydied，theancientssay，Athenetookthemupintothesky，withCepheusandCassiopoeia。Andthereonstarlightnightsyoumayseethemshiningstill;Cepheuswithhiskinglycrown，andCassiopoeiainherivorychair，plaitingherstar-spangledtresses，andPerseuswiththeGorgon’shead，andfairAndromedabesidehim，spreadingherlongwhitearmsacrosstheheaven，asshestoodwhenchainedtothestoneforthemonster。
Allnightlong，theyshine，forabeacontowanderingsailors;butalldaytheyfeastwiththeGods，onthestillbluepeaksofOlympus。
STORYII-THEARGONAUTS
PARTI-HOWTHECENTAURTRAINEDTHEHEROESONPELION
IHAVEtoldyouofaherowhofoughtwithwildbeastsandwithwildmen;butnowIhaveataleofheroeswhosailedawayintoadistantland，towinthemselvesrenownforever，intheadventureoftheGoldenFleece。
Whithertheysailed，mychildren，Icannotclearlytell。Itallhappenedlongago;solongthatithasallgrowndim，likeadreamwhichyoudreamtlastyear。AndwhytheywentI
cannottell：somesaythatitwastowingold。Itmaybeso;butthenoblestdeedswhichhavebeendoneonearthhavenotbeendoneforgold。ItwasnotforthesakeofgoldthattheLordcamedownanddied，andtheApostleswentouttopreachthegoodnewsinalllands。TheSpartanslookedfornorewardinmoneywhentheyfoughtanddiedatThermopylae;
andSocratesthewiseaskednopayfromhiscountrymen，butlivedpoorandbarefootallhisdays，onlycaringtomakemengood。Andthereareheroesinourdaysalso，whodonobledeeds，butnotforgold。Ourdiscoverersdidnotgotomakethemselvesrichwhentheysailedoutoneafteranotherintothedrearyfrozenseas;nordidtheladieswhowentoutlastyeartodrudgeinthehospitalsoftheEast，makingthemselvespoor，thattheymightberichinnobleworks。Andyoungmen，too，whomyouknow，children，andsomeofthemofyourownkin，didtheysaytothemselves，’HowmuchmoneyshallIearn？’whentheywentouttothewar，leavingwealth，andcomfort，andapleasanthome，andallthatmoneycangive，tofacehungerandthirst，andwoundsanddeath，thattheymightfightfortheircountryandtheirQueen？No，children，thereisabetterthingonearththanwealth，abetterthingthanlifeitself;andthatis，tohavedonesomethingbeforeyoudie，forwhichgoodmenmayhonouryou，andGodyourFathersmileuponyourwork。
Thereforewewillbelieve-whyshouldwenot？-ofthesesameArgonautsofold，thattheytoowerenoblemen，whoplannedanddidanobledeed;andthatthereforetheirfamehaslived，andbeentoldinstoryandinsong，mixedup，nodoubt，withdreamsandfables，andyettrueandrightatheart。SowewillhonourtheseoldArgonauts，andlistentotheirstoryasitstands;andwewilltrytobelikethem，eachofusinourplace;foreachofushasaGoldenFleecetoseek，andawildseatosailovererewereachit，anddragonstofightereitbeours。
AndwhatwasthatfirstGoldenFleece？Idonotknow，norcare。TheoldHellenssaidthatithunginColchis，whichwecalltheCircassiancoast，nailedtoabeech-treeinthewar-
God’swood;andthatitwasthefleeceofthewondrousramwhoborePhrixusandHelleacrosstheEuxinesea。ForPhrixusandHellewerethechildrenofthecloud-nymph，andofAthamastheMinuanking。Andwhenafaminecameupontheland，theircruelstep-motherInowishedtokillthem，thatherownchildrenmightreign，andsaidthattheymustbesacrificedonanaltar，toturnawaytheangeroftheGods。
Sothepoorchildrenwerebroughttothealtar，andtheprieststoodreadywithhisknife，whenoutofthecloudscametheGoldenRam，andtookthemonhisback，andvanished。
Thenmadnesscameuponthatfoolishking，Athamas，andruinuponInoandherchildren。ForAthamaskilledoneoftheminhisfury，andInofledfromhimwiththeotherinherarms，andleapedfromacliffintothesea，andwaschangedintoadolphin，suchasyouhaveseen，whichwandersoverthewavesforeversighing，withitslittleoneclaspedtoitsbreast。
ButthepeopledroveoutKingAthamas，becausehehadkilledhischild;andheroamedaboutinhismisery，tillhecametotheOracleinDelphi。AndtheOracletoldhimthathemustwanderforhissin，tillthewildbeastsshouldfeasthimastheirguest。Sohewentoninhungerandsorrowformanyawearyday，tillhesawapackofwolves。Thewolvesweretearingasheep;butwhentheysawAthamastheyfled，andleftthesheepforhim，andheateofit;andthenheknewthattheoraclewasfulfilledatlast。Sohewanderednomore;butsettled，andbuiltatown，andbecameakingagain。
Buttheramcarriedthetwochildrenfarawayoverlandandsea，tillhecametotheThracianChersonese，andthereHellefellintothesea。Sothosenarrowstraitsarecalled’Hellespont，’afterher;andtheybearthatnameuntilthisday。
ThentheramflewonwithPhrixustothenorth-eastacrosstheseawhichwecalltheBlackSeanow;buttheHellenscallitEuxine。Andatlast，theysay，hestoppedatColchis，onthesteepCircassiancoast;andtherePhrixusmarriedChalciope，thedaughterofAietestheking;andofferedtheraminsacrifice;andAietesnailedtheram’sfleecetoabeech，inthegroveofAresthewar-God。
AndafterawhilePhrixusdied，andwasburied，buthisspirithadnorest;forhewasburiedfarfromhisnativeland，andthepleasanthillsofHellas。SohecameindreamstotheheroesoftheMinuai，andcalledsadlybytheirbeds，’Comeandsetmyspiritfree，thatImaygohometomyfathersandtomykinsfolk，andthepleasantMinuanland。’
Andtheyasked，’Howshallwesetyourspiritfree？’
’YoumustsailovertheseatoColchis，andbringhomethegoldenfleece;andthenmyspiritwillcomebackwithit，andIshallsleepwithmyfathersandhaverest。’
Hecamethus，andcalledtothemoften;butwhentheywoketheylookedateachother，andsaid，’WhodaresailtoColchis，orbringhomethegoldenfleece？’Andinallthecountrynonewasbraveenoughtotryit;forthemanandthetimewerenotcome。
PhrixushadacousincalledAEson，whowaskinginIolcosbythesea。ThereheruledovertherichMinuanheroes，asAthamashisuncleruledinBoeotia;and，likeAthamas，hewasanunhappyman。Forhehadastep-brothernamedPelias，ofwhomsomesaidthathewasanymph’sson，andthereweredarkandsadtalesabouthisbirth。Whenhewasababehewascastoutonthemountains，andawildmarecamebyandkickedhim。Butashepherdpassingfoundthebaby，withitsfaceallblackenedbytheblow;andtookhimhome，andcalledhimPelias，becausehisfacewasbruisedandblack。Andhegrewupfierceandlawless，anddidmanyafearfuldeed;andatlasthedroveoutAEsonhisstep-brother，andthenhisownbrotherNeleus，andtookthekingdomtohimself，andruledovertherichMinuanheroes，inIolcosbythesea。
AndAEson，whenhewasdrivenout，wentsadlyawayoutofthetown，leadinghislittlesonbythehand;andhesaidtohimself，’Imusthidethechildinthemountains;orPeliaswillsurelykillhim，becauseheistheheir。’
Sohewentupfromtheseaacrossthevalley，throughthevineyardsandtheolivegroves，andacrossthetorrentofAnauros，towardPeliontheancientmountain，whosebrowsarewhitewithsnow。
Hewentupandupintothemountain，overmarsh，andcrag，anddown，tilltheboywastiredandfootsore，andAEsonhadtobearhiminhisarms，tillhecametothemouthofalonelycave，atthefootofamightycliff。
Abovethecliffthesnow-wreathshung，drippingandcrackinginthesun;butatitsfootaroundthecave’smouthgrewallfairflowersandherbs，asifinagarden，rangedinorder，eachsortbyitself。Theretheygrewgailyinthesunshine，andthesprayofthetorrentfromabove;whilefromthecavecamethesoundofmusic，andaman’svoicesingingtotheharp。
ThenAEsonputdownthelad，andwhispered-
’Fearnot，butgoin，andwhomsoeveryoushallfind，layyourhandsuponhisknees，andsay，\"InthenameofZeus，thefatherofGodsandmen，Iamyourguestfromthisdayforth。\"’
Thentheladwentinwithouttrembling，forhetoowasahero’sson;butwhenhewaswithin，hestoppedinwondertolistentothatmagicsong。
Andtherehesawthesingerlyinguponbear-skinsandfragrantboughs：Cheiron，theancientcentaur，thewisestofallthingsbeneaththesky。Downtothewaisthewasaman，butbelowhewasanoblehorse;hiswhitehairrolleddownoverhisbroadshoulders，andhiswhitebeardoverhisbroadbrownchest;andhiseyeswerewiseandmild，andhisforeheadlikeamountain-wall。
Andinhishandsheheldaharpofgold，andstruckitwithagoldenkey;andashestruck，hesangtillhiseyesglittered，andfilledallthecavewithlight。
AndhesangofthebirthofTime，andoftheheavensandthedancingstars;andoftheocean，andtheether，andthefire，andtheshapingofthewondrousearth。Andhesangofthetreasuresofthehills，andthehiddenjewelsofthemine，andtheveinsoffireandmetal，andthevirtuesofallhealingherbs，andofthespeechofbirds，andofprophecy，andofhiddenthingstocome。
Thenhesangofhealth，andstrength，andmanhood，andavaliantheart;andofmusic，andhunting，andwrestling，andallthegameswhichheroeslove：andoftravel，andwars，andsieges，andanobledeathinfight;andthenhesangofpeaceandplenty，andofequaljusticeintheland;andashesangtheboylistenedwide-eyed，andforgothiserrandinthesong。
AndatthelastoldCheironwassilent，andcalledtheladwithasoftvoice。
Andtheladrantremblingtohim，andwouldhavelaidhishandsuponhisknees;butCheironsmiled，andsaid，’CallhitheryourfatherAEson，forIknowyou，andallthathasbefallen，andsawyoubothafarinthevalley，evenbeforeyouleftthetown。’
ThenAEsoncameinsadly，andCheironaskedhim，’Whycamestyounotyourselftome，AEsontheAEolid？’
AndAEsonsaid-
’Ithought，Cheironwillpitytheladifheseeshimcomealone;andIwishedtotrywhetherhewasfearless，anddareventurelikeahero’sson。ButnowIentreatyoubyFatherZeus，lettheboybeyourguesttillbettertimes，andtrainhimamongthesonsoftheheroes，thathemayavengehisfather’shouse。’
ThenCheironsmiled，anddrewtheladtohim，andlaidhishanduponhisgoldenlocks，andsaid，’Areyouafraidofmyhorse’shoofs，fairboy，orwillyoubemypupilfromthisday？’
’Iwouldgladlyhavehorse’shoofslikeyou，ifIcouldsingsuchsongsasyours。’
AndCheironlaughed，andsaid，’Sitherebymetillsundown，whenyourplayfellowswillcomehome，andyoushalllearnlikethemtobeaking，worthytoruleovergallantmen。’
ThenheturnedtoAEson，andsaid，’Gobackinpeace，andbendbeforethestormlikeaprudentman。ThisboyshallnotcrosstheAnaurosagain，tillhehasbecomeaglorytoyouandtothehouseofAEolus。’
AndAEsonweptoverhissonandwentaway;buttheboydidnotweep，sofullwashisfancyofthatstrangecave，andthecentaur，andhissong，andtheplayfellowswhomhewastosee。
ThenCheironputthelyreintohishands，andtaughthimhowtoplayit，tillthesunsanklowbehindthecliff，andashoutwasheardoutside。
Andthenincamethesonsoftheheroes，AEneas，andHeracles，andPeleus，andmanyanothermightyname。
AndgreatCheironleaptupjoyfully，andhishoofsmadethecaveresound，astheyshouted，’Comeout，FatherCheiron;
comeoutandseeourgame。’Andonecried，’Ihavekilledtwodeer;’andanother，’Itookawildcatamongthecrags;’
andHeraclesdraggedawildgoatafterhimbyitshorns，forhewasashugeasamountaincrag;andCoeneuscarriedabear-cubundereacharm，andlaughedwhentheyscratchedandbit，forneithertoothnorsteelcouldwoundhim。
AndCheironpraisedthemall，eachaccordingtohisdeserts。
Onlyonewalkedapartandsilent，Asclepius，thetoo-wisechild，withhisbosomfullofherbsandflowers，androundhiswristaspottedsnake;hecamewithdowncasteyestoCheiron，andwhisperedhowhehadwatchedthesnakecastitsoldskin，andgrowyoungagainbeforehiseyes，andhowhehadgonedownintoavillageinthevale，andcuredadyingmanwithaherbwhichhehadseenasickgoateat。
AndCheironsmiled，andsaid，’ToeachAtheneandApollogivesomegift，andeachisworthyinhisplace;buttothischildtheyhavegivenanhonourbeyondallhonours，tocurewhileotherskill。’
Thentheladsbroughtinwood，andsplitit，andlightedablazingfire;andothersskinnedthedeerandquarteredthem，andsetthemtoroastbeforethefire;andwhilethevenisonwascookingtheybathedinthesnow-torrent，andwashedawaythedustandsweat。
Andthenallatetilltheycouldeatnomore（fortheyhadtastednothingsincethedawn），anddrankoftheclearspringwater，forwineisnotfitforgrowinglads。Andwhentheremnantswereputaway，theyalllaydownupontheskinsandleavesaboutthefire，andeachtookthelyreinturn，andsangandplayedwithallhisheart。
Andafterawhiletheyallwentouttoaplotofgrassatthecave’smouth，andtheretheyboxed，andran，andwrestled，andlaughedtillthestonesfellfromthecliffs。
ThenCheirontookhislyre，andalltheladsjoinedhands;
andasbeplayed，theydancedtohismeasure，inandout，androundandround。Theretheydancedhandinhand，tillthenightfelloverlandandsea，whiletheblackglenshonewiththeirbroadwhitelimbsandthegleamoftheirgoldenhair。
Andtheladdancedwiththem，delighted，andthensleptawholesomesleep，uponfragrantleavesofbay，andmyrtle，andmarjoram，andflowersofthyme;androseatthedawn，andbathedinthetorrent，andbecameaschoolfellowtotheheroes’sons，andforgotIolcos，andhisfather，andallhisformerlife。Buthegrewstrong，andbraveandcunning，uponthepleasantdownsofPelion，inthekeenhungrymountainair。Andhelearnttowrestle，andtobox，andtohunt，andtoplayupontheharp;andnexthelearnttoride，foroldCheironusedtomounthimonhisback;andhelearntthevirtuesofallherbsandhowtocureallwounds;andCheironcalledhimJasonthehealer，andthatishisnameuntilthisday。
PARTII-HOWJASONLOSTHISSANDALINANAUROS
ANDtenyearscameandwent，andJasonwasgrowntobeamightyman。Someofhisfellowsweregone，andsomeweregrowingupbyhisside。AsclepiuswasgoneintoPeloponnesetoworkhiswondrouscuresonmen;andsomesayheusedtoraisethedeadtolife。AndHeracleswasgonetoThebestofulfilthosefamouslabourswhichhavebecomeaproverbamongmen。AndPeleushadmarriedasea-nymph，andhisweddingisfamoustothisday。AndAEneaswasgonehometoTroy，andmanyanobletaleyouwillreadofhim，andofalltheothergallantheroes，thescholarsofCheironthejust。AndithappenedonadaythatJasonstoodonthemountain，andlookednorthandsouthandeastandwest;andCheironstoodbyhimandwatchedhim，forheknewthatthetimewascome。
AndJasonlookedandsawtheplainsofThessaly，wheretheLapithaibreedtheirhorses;andthelakeofBoibe，andthestreamwhichrunsnorthwardtoPeneusandTempe;andhelookednorth，andsawthemountainwallwhichguardstheMagnesianshore;Olympus，theseatoftheImmortals，andOssa，andPelion，wherehestood。Thenhelookedeastandsawthebrightbluesea，whichstretchedawayforevertowardthedawn。Thenhelookedsouth，andsawapleasantland，withwhite-walledtownsandfarms，nestlingalongtheshoreofaland-lockedbay，whilethesmokeroseblueamongthetrees;
andheknewitforthebayofPagasai，andtherichlowlandsofHaemonia，andIolcosbythesea。
Thenhesighed，andasked，’Isittruewhattheheroestellme-thatIamheirofthatfairland？’
’Andwhatgoodwoulditbetoyou，Jason，ifyouwereheirofthatfairland？’
’Iwouldtakeitandkeepit。’
’Astrongmanhastakenitandkeptitlong。AreyoustrongerthanPeliastheterrible？’
’Icantrymystrengthwithhis，’saidJason;butCheironsighed，andsaid-
’YouhavemanyadangertogothroughbeforeyouruleinIolcosbythesea：manyadangerandmanyawoe;andstrangetroublesinstrangelands，suchasmanneversawbefore。’
’ThehappierI，’saidJason，’toseewhatmanneversawbefore。’
AndCheironsighedagain，andsaid，’Theeagletmustleavethenestwhenitisfledged。WillyougotoIolcosbythesea？Thenpromisemetwothingsbeforeyougo。’
Jasonpromised，andCheironanswered，’Speakharshlytonosoulwhomyoumaymeet，andstandbythewordwhichyoushallspeak。’
JasonwonderedwhyCheironaskedthisofhim;butheknewthattheCentaurwasaprophet，andsawthingslongbeforetheycame。Sohepromised，andleaptdownthemountain，totakehisfortunelikeaman。
Hewentdownthroughthearbutusthickets，andacrossthedownsofthyme，tillhecametothevineyardwalls，andthepomegranatesandtheolivesintheglen;andamongtheolivesroaredAnauros，allfoamingwithasummerflood。
AndonthebankofAnaurossatawoman，allwrinkled，gray，andold;herheadshookpalsiedonherbreast，andherhandsshookpalsiedonherknees;andwhenshesawJason，shespokewhining，’Whowillcarrymeacrosstheflood？’
Jasonwasboldandhasty，andwasjustgoingtoleapintotheflood：andyethethoughttwicebeforeheleapt，soloudroaredthetorrentdown，allbrownfromthemountainrains，andsilver-veinedwithmeltingsnow;whileunderneathhecouldhearthebouldersrumblinglikethetrampofhorsemenortherollofwheels，astheygroundalongthenarrowchannel，andshooktherocksonwhichhestood。
Buttheoldwomanwhinedallthemore，’Iamweakandold，fairyouth。ForHera’ssake，carrymeoverthetorrent。’
AndJasonwasgoingtoanswerherscornfully，whenCheiron’swordscametohismind。
Sohesaid，’ForHera’ssake，theQueenoftheImmortalsonOlympus，Iwillcarryyouoverthetorrent，unlesswebotharedrownedmidway。’
Thentheolddameleaptuponhisback，asnimblyasagoat;
andJasonstaggeredin，wondering;andthefirststepwasuptohisknees。
Thefirststepwasuptohisknees，andthesecondstepwasuptohiswaist;andthestonesrolledabouthisfeet，andhisfeetslippedaboutthestones;sohewentonstaggering，andpanting，whiletheoldwomancriedfromoffhisback-
’Fool，youhavewetmymantle！Doyoumakegameofpooroldsoulslikeme？’
Jasonhadhalfamindtodropher，andlethergetthroughthetorrentbyherself;butCheiron’swordswereinhismind，andhesaidonly，’Patience，mother;thebesthorsemaystumblesomeday。’
Atlasthestaggeredtotheshore，andsetherdownuponthebank;andastrongmanheneededtohavebeen，orthatwildwaterheneverwouldhavecrossed。
Helaypantingawhileuponthebank，andthenleaptuptogouponhisjourney;buthecastonelookattheoldwoman，forhethought，’Sheshouldthankmeonceatleast。’
Andashelooked，shegrewfairerthanallwomen，andtallerthanallmenonearth;andhergarmentsshonelikethesummersea，andherjewelslikethestarsofheaven;andoverherforeheadwasaveilwovenofthegoldencloudsofsunset;andthroughtheveilshelookeddownonhim，withgreatsoftheifer’seyes;withgreateyes，mildandawful，whichfilledalltheglenwithlight。
AndJasonfelluponhisknees，andhidhisfacebetweenhishands。
Andshespoke，’IamtheQueenofOlympus，HerathewifeofZeus。Asthouhastdonetome，sowillIdotothee。Callonmeinthehourofneed，andtryiftheImmortalscanforget。’
AndwhenJasonlookedup，sherosefromofftheearth，likeapillaroftallwhitecloud，andfloatedawayacrossthemountainpeaks，towardOlympustheholyhill。
ThenagreatfearfellonJason：butafterawhilehegrewlightofheart;andheblessedoldCheiron，andsaid，’SurelytheCentaurisaprophet，andguessedwhatwouldcometopass，whenhebademespeakharshlytonosoulwhomImightmeet。’
ThenhewentdowntowardIolcos;andashewalkedhefoundthathehadlostoneofhissandalsintheflood。
Andashewentthroughthestreets，thepeoplecameouttolookathim，sotallandfairwashe;butsomeoftheelderswhisperedtogether;andatlastoneofthemstoppedJason，andcalledtohim，’Fairlad，whoareyou，andwhencecomeyou;andwhatisyourerrandinthetown？’
’Myname，goodfather，isJason，andIcomefromPelionupabove;andmyerrandistoPeliasyourking;tellmethenwherehispalaceis。’
Buttheoldmanstarted，andgrewpale，andsaid，’Doyounotknowtheoracle，myson，thatyougosoboldlythroughthetownwithbutonesandalon？’
’Iamastrangerhere，andknowofnooracle;butwhatofmyonesandal？IlosttheotherinAnauros，whileIwasstrugglingwiththeflood。’
Thentheoldmanlookedbacktohiscompanions;andonesighed，andanothersmiled;atlasthesaid，’Iwilltellyou，lestyourushuponyourruinunawares。TheoracleinDelphihassaidthatamanwearingonesandalshouldtakethekingdomfromPelias，andkeepitforhimself。Thereforebewarehowyougouptohispalace，forheisthefiercestandmostcunningofallkings。’
ThenJasonlaughedagreatlaugh，likeawar-horseinhispride。’Goodnews，goodfather，bothforyouandme。ForthatveryendIcameintothetown。’
ThenhestrodeontowardthepalaceofPelias，whileallthepeoplewonderedathisbearing。
Andhestoodinthedoorwayandcried，’Comeout，comeout，Peliasthevaliant，andfightforyourkingdomlikeaman。’
Peliascameoutwondering，and’Whoareyou，boldyouth？’hecried。
’IamJason，thesonofAEson，theheirofallthisland。’
ThenPeliaslifteduphishandsandeyes，andwept，orseemedtoweep;andblessedtheheavenswhichhadbroughthisnephewtohim，nevertoleavehimmore。’For，’saidhe，’Ihavebutthreedaughters，andnosontobemyheir。Youshallbemyheirthen，andrulethekingdomafterme，andmarrywhichsoeverofmydaughtersyoushallchoose;thoughasadkingdomyouwillfindit，andwhosoeverrulesitamiserableman。Butcomein，comein，andfeast。’
SohedrewJasonin，whetherhewouldornot，andspoketohimsolovinglyandfeastedhimsowell，thatJason’sangerpassed;andaftersupperhisthreecousinscameintothehall，andJasonthoughtthatheshouldlikewellenoughtohaveoneofthemforhiswife。
ButatlasthesaidtoPelias，’Whydoyoulooksosad，myuncle？Andwhatdidyoumeanjustnowwhenyousaidthatthiswasadolefulkingdom，anditsruleramiserableman？’
ThenPeliassighedheavilyagainandagainandagain，likeamanwhohadtotellsomedreadfulstory，andwasafraidtobegin;butatlast-
’ForsevenlongyearsandmorehaveIneverknownaquietnight;andnomorewillhewhocomesafterme，tillthegoldenfleecebebroughthome。’
ThenhetoldJasonthestoryofPhrixus，andofthegoldenfleece;andtoldhim，too，whichwasalie，thatPhrixus’
spirittormentedhim，callingtohimdayandnight。Andhisdaughterscame，andtoldthesametale（fortheirfatherhadtaughtthemtheirparts），andwept，andsaid，’Ohwhowillbringhomethegoldenfleece，thatouruncle’sspiritmayrest;andthatwemayhaverestalso，whomheneverletssleepinpeace？’
Jasonsatawhile，sadandsilent;forhehadoftenheardofthatgoldenfleece;buthelookedonitasathinghopelessandimpossibleforanymortalmantowinit。
ButwhenPeliassawhimsilent，hebegantotalkofotherthings，andcourtedJasonmoreandmore，speakingtohimasifhewascertaintobehisheir，andaskinghisadviceaboutthekingdom;tillJason，whowasyoungandsimple，couldnothelpsayingtohimself，’Surelyheisnotthedarkmanwhompeoplecallhim。Yetwhydidhedrivemyfatherout？’AndheaskedPeliasboldly，’Mensaythatyouareterrible，andamanofblood;butIfindyouakindandhospitableman;andasyouaretome，sowillIbetoyou。Yetwhydidyoudrivemyfatherout？’
Peliassmiled，andsighed。’Menhaveslanderedmeinthat，asinallthings。Yourfatherwasgrowingoldandweary，andhegavethekingdomuptomeofhisownwill。Youshallseehimto-morrow，andaskhim;andhewilltellyouthesame。’
Jason’sheartleaptinhimwhenheheardthathewastoseehisfather;andhebelievedallthatPeliassaid，forgettingthathisfathermightnotdaretotellthetruth。
’Onethingmorethereis，’saidPelias，’onwhichIneedyouradvice;for，thoughyouareyoung，Iseeinyouawisdombeyondyouryears。Thereisoneneighbourofmine，whomI
dreadmorethanallmenonearth。Iamstrongerthanhenow，andcancommandhim;butIknowthatifhestayamongus，hewillworkmyruinintheend。Canyougivemeaplan，Jason，bywhichIcanridmyselfofthatman？’
AfterawhileJasonanswered，halflaughing，’WereIyou，I
wouldsendhimtofetchthatsamegoldenfleece;forifheoncesetforthafterityouwouldneverbetroubledwithhimmore。’
AndatthatabittersmilecameacrossPelias’lips，andaflashofwickedjoyintohiseyes;andJasonsawit，andstarted;andoverhismindcamethewarningoftheoldman，andhisownonesandal，andtheoracle，andhesawthathewastakeninatrap。
ButPeliasonlyansweredgently，’Myson，heshallbesentforthwith。’
’Youmeanme？’criedJason，startingup，’becauseIcameherewithonesandal？’Andheliftedhisfistangrily，whilePeliasstooduptohimlikeawolfatbay;andwhetherofthetwowasthestrongerandthefierceritwouldbehardtotell。
ButafteramomentPeliasspokegently，’Whythensorash，myson？You，andnotI，havesaidwhatissaid;whyblamemeforwhatIhavenotdone？HadyoubidmelovethemanofwhomIspoke，andmakehimmyson-in-lawandheir，Iwouldhaveobeyedyou;andwhatifIobeyyounow，andsendthemantowinhimselfimmortalfame？Ihavenotharmedyou，orhim。
OnethingatleastIknow，thathewillgo，andthatgladly;
forhehasahero’sheartwithinhim，lovingglory，andscorningtobreakthewordwhichhehasgiven。’
Jasonsawthathewasentrapped;buthissecondpromisetoCheironcameintohismind，andhethought，’WhatiftheCentaurwereaprophetinthatalso，andmeantthatIshouldwinthefleece！’Thenhecriedaloud-
’Youhavewellspoken，cunninguncleofmine！Iloveglory，andIdarekeeptomyword。Iwillgoandfetchthisgoldenfleece。Promisemebutthisinreturn，andkeepyourwordasIkeepmine。TreatmyfatherlovinglywhileIamgone，forthesakeoftheall-seeingZeus;andgivemeupthekingdomformyownonthedaythatIbringbackthegoldenfleece。’
ThenPeliaslookedathimandalmostlovedhim，inthemidstofallhishate;andsaid，’Ipromise，andIwillperform。
Itwillbenoshametogiveupmykingdomtothemanwhowinsthatfleece。’Thentheysworeagreatoathbetweenthem;andafterwardsbothwentin，andlaydowntosleep。
ButJasoncouldnotsleepforthinkingofhismightyoath，andhowhewastofulfilit，allalone，andwithoutwealthorfriends。Sohetossedalongtimeuponhisbed，andthoughtofthisplanandofthat;andsometimesPhrixusseemedtocallhim，inathinvoice，faintandlow，asifitcamefromfaracrossthesea，’Letmecomehometomyfathersandhaverest。’AndsometimesheseemedtoseetheeyesofHera，andtohearherwordsagain-’Callonmeinthehourofneed，andseeiftheImmortalscanforget。’
AndonthemorrowhewenttoPelias，andsaid，’Givemeavictim，thatImaysacrificetoHera。’Sohewentup，andofferedhissacrifice;andashestoodbythealtarHerasentathoughtintohismind;andhewentbacktoPelias，andsaid-
’Ifyouareindeedinearnest，givemetwoheralds，thattheymaygoroundtoalltheprincesoftheMinuai，whowerepupilsoftheCentaurwithme，thatwemayfitoutashiptogether，andtakewhatshallbefall。’
AtthatPeliaspraisedhiswisdom，andhastenedtosendtheheraldsout;forhesaidinhisheart，’Letalltheprincesgowithhim，and，likehim，neverreturn;forsoIshallbelordofalltheMinuai，andthegreatestkinginHellas。’
PARTIII-HOWTHEYBUILTTHESHIP’ARGO’INIOLCOS
SOtheheraldswentout，andcriedtoalltheheroesoftheMinuai，’Whodarecometotheadventureofthegoldenfleece？’
AndHerastirredtheheartsofalltheprinces，andtheycamefromalltheirvalleystotheyellowsandsofPagasai。AndfirstcameHeraclesthemighty，withhislion’sskinandclub，andbehindhimHylashisyoungsquire，whoborehisarrowsandhisbow;andTiphys，theskilfulsteersman;andButes，thefairestofallmen;andCastorandPolydeucesthetwins，thesonsofthemagicswan;andCaeneus，thestrongestofmortals，whomtheCentaurstriedinvaintokill，andoverwhelmedhimwithtrunksofpine-trees，butevensohewouldnotdie;andthithercameZetesandCalais，thewingedsonsofthenorthwind;andPeleus，thefatherofAchilles，whosebridewassilver-footedThetis，thegoddessofthesea。
AndthithercameTelamonandOileus，thefathersofthetwoAiantes，whofoughtupontheplainsofTroy;andMopsus，thewisesoothsayer，whoknewthespeechofbirds;andIdmon，towhomPhoebusgaveatonguetoprophesyofthingstocome;andAncaios，whocouldreadthestars，andknewallthecirclesoftheheavens;andArgus，thefamedshipbuilder，andmanyaheromore，inhelmetsofbrassandgoldwithtalldyedhorse-
haircrests，andembroideredshirtsoflinenbeneaththeircoatsofmail，andgreavesofpolishedtintoguardtheirkneesinfight;witheachmanhisshielduponhisshoulder，ofmanyafoldoftoughbull’shide，andhisswordoftemperedbronzeinhissilver-studdedbelt;andinhisrighthandapairoflances，oftheheavywhiteash-staves。
SotheycamedowntoIolcos，andallthecitycameouttomeetthem，andwerenevertiredwithlookingattheirheight，andtheirbeauty，andtheirgallantbearingandtheglitteroftheirinlaidarms。Andsomesaid，’NeverwassuchagatheringoftheheroessincetheHellensconqueredtheland。’Butthewomensighedoverthem，andwhispered，’Alas！
theyareallgoingtotheirdeath！’
ThentheyfelledthepinesonPelion，andshapedthemwiththeaxe，andArgustaughtthemtobuildagalley，thefirstlongshipwhicheversailedtheseas。Theypiercedherforfiftyoars-anoarforeachheroofthecrew-andpitchedherwithcoal-blackpitch，andpaintedherbowswithvermilion;andtheynamedherARGOafterArgus，andworkedatheralldaylong。AndatnightPeliasfeastedthemlikeaking，andtheysleptinhispalace-porch。
ButJasonwentawaytothenorthward，andintothelandofThrace，tillhefoundOrpheus，theprinceofminstrels，wherehedweltinhiscaveunderRhodope，amongthesavageCicontribes。Andheaskedhim，’Willyouleaveyourmountains，Orpheus，myfellow-scholarinoldtimes，andcrossStrymononcemorewithme，tosailwiththeheroesoftheMinuai，andbringhomethegoldenfleece，andcharmforusallmenandallmonsterswithyourmagicharpandsong？’
ThenOrpheussighed，’HaveInothadenoughoftoilandofwearywandering，farandwidesinceIlivedinCheiron’scave，aboveIolcosbythesea？Invainistheskillandthevoicewhichmygoddessmothergaveme;invainhaveIsungandlaboured;invainIwentdowntothedead，andcharmedallthekingsofHades，towinbackEurydicemybride。ForI
wonher，mybeloved，andlostheragainthesameday，andwanderedawayinmymadness，eventoEgyptandtheLibyansands，andtheislesofalltheseas，drivenonbytheterriblegadfly，whileIcharmedinvaintheheartsofmen，andthesavageforestbeasts，andthetrees，andthelifelessstones，withmymagicharpandsong，givingrest，butfindingnone。ButatlastCalliopemymotherdeliveredme，andbroughtmehomeinpeace;andIdwellhereinthecavealone，amongthesavageCicontribes，softeningtheirwildheartswithmusicandthegentlelawsofZeus。AndnowImustgooutagain，totheendsofalltheearth，farawayintothemistydarkness，tothelastwaveoftheEasternSea。Butwhatisdoomedmustbe，andafriend’sdemandobeyed;forprayersarethedaughtersofZeus，andwhohonoursthemhonourshim。’
ThenOrpheusroseupsighing，andtookhisharp，andwentoverStrymon。AndheledJasontothesouth-west，upthebanksofHaliacmonandoverthespursofPindus，toDodonathetownofZeus，whereitstoodbythesideofthesacredlake，andthefountainwhichbreathedoutfire，inthedarknessoftheancientoakwood，beneaththemountainofthehundredsprings。Andheledhimtotheholyoak，wheretheblackdovesettledinoldtimes，andwaschangedintothepriestessofZeus，andgaveoraclestoallnationsround。
Andhebadehimcutdownabough，andsacrificetoHeraandtoZeus;andtheytooktheboughandcametoIolcos，andnailedittothebeak-headoftheship。
Andatlasttheshipwasfinished，andtheytriedtolaunchherdownthebeach;butshewastooheavyforthemtomoveher，andherkeelsankdeepintothesand。Thenalltheheroeslookedateachotherblushing;butJasonspoke，andsaid，’Letusaskthemagicbough;perhapsitcanhelpusinourneed。’
Thenavoicecamefromthebough，andJasonheardthewordsitsaid，andbadeOrpheusplayupontheharp，whiletheheroeswaitedround，holdingthepine-trunkrollers，tohelphertowardthesea。
ThenOrpheustookhisharp，andbeganhismagicsong-’Howsweetitistorideuponthesurges，andtoleapfromwavetowave，whilethewindsingscheerfulinthecordage，andtheoarsflashfastamongthefoam！Howsweetitistoroamacrosstheocean，andseenewtownsandwondrouslands，andtocomehomeladenwithtreasure，andtowinundyingfame！’
AndthegoodshipARGOheardhim，andlongedtobeawayandoutatsea;tillshestirredineverytimber，andheavedfromstemtostern，andleaptupfromthesandupontherollers，andplungedonwardlikeagallanthorse;andtheheroesfedherpathwithpine-trunks，tillsherushedintothewhisperingsea。
Thentheystoredherwellwithfoodandwater，andpulledtheladderuponboard，andsettledthemselveseachmantohisoar，andkepttimetoOrpheus’harp;andawayacrossthebaytheyrowedsouthward，whilethepeoplelinedthecliffs;andthewomenwept，whilethemenshouted，atthestartingofthatgallantcrew。
PARTIV-HOWTHEARGONAUTSSAILEDTOCOLCHIS
ANDwhathappenednext，mychildren，whetheritbetrueornot，standswritteninancientsongs，whichyoushallreadforyourselvessomeday。Andgrandoldsongstheyare，writteningrandoldrollingverse;andtheycallthemtheSongsofOrpheus，ortheOrphics，tothisday。AndtheytellhowtheheroescametoAphetai，acrossthebay，andwaitedforthesouth-westwind，andchosethemselvesacaptainfromtheircrew：andhowallcalledforHeracles，becausehewasthestrongestandmosthuge;butHeraclesrefused，andcalledforJason，becausehewasthewisestofthemall。SoJasonwaschosencaptain;andOrpheusheapedapileofwood，andslewabull，andofferedittoHera，andcalledalltheheroestostandround，eachman’sheadcrownedwitholive，andtostriketheirswordsintothebull。Thenhefilledagoldengobletwiththebull’sblood，andwithwheatenflour，andhoney，andwine，andthebittersalt-seawater，andbadetheheroestaste。Soeachtastedthegoblet，andpasseditround，andvowedanawfulvow：andtheyvowedbeforethesun，andthenight，andtheblue-hairedseawhoshakestheland，tostandbyJasonfaithfullyintheadventureofthegoldenfleece;andwhosoevershrankback，ordisobeyed，orturnedtraitortohisvow，thenjusticeshouldministeragainsthim，andtheErinnueswhotrackguiltymen。
ThenJasonlightedthepile，andburntthecarcaseofthebull;andtheywenttotheirshipandsailedeastward，likemenwhohaveaworktodo;andtheplacefromwhichtheywentwascalledAphetai，thesailing-place，fromthatdayforth。
Threethousandyearsandmoretheysailedaway，intotheunknownEasternseas;andgreatnationshavecomeandgonesincethen，andmanyastormhasswepttheearth;andmanyamightyarmament，towhichARGOwouldbebutonesmallboat;
EnglishandFrench，TurkishandRussian，havesailedthosewaterssince;yetthefameofthatsmallARGOlivesforever，andhernameisbecomeaproverbamongmen。
SotheysailedpasttheIsleofSciathos，withtheCapeofSepiusontheirleft，andturnedtothenorthwardtowardPelion，upthelongMagnesianshore。Ontheirrighthandwastheopensea，andontheirleftoldPelionrose，whilethecloudscrawledroundhisdarkpine-forests，andhiscapsofsummersnow。Andtheirheartsyearnedforthedearoldmountain，astheythoughtofpleasantdaysgoneby，andofthesportsoftheirboyhood，andtheirhunting，andtheirschoolinginthecavebeneaththecliff。AndatlastPeleusspoke，’Letuslandhere，friends，andclimbthedearoldhilloncemore。Wearegoingonafearfuljourney;whoknowsifweshallseePelionagain？LetusgouptoCheironourmaster，andaskhisblessingerewestart。AndIhaveaboy，too，withhim，whomhetrainsashetrainedmeonce-thesonwhomThetisbroughtme，thesilver-footedladyofthesea，whomIcaughtinthecave，andtamedher，thoughshechangedhershapeseventimes。Forshechanged，asIheldher，intowater，andtovapour，andtoburningflame，andtoarock，andtoablack-manedlion，andtoatallandstatelytree。
ButIheldherandheldherever，tillshetookherownshapeagain，andledhertomyfather’shouse，andwonherformybride。AndalltherulersofOlympuscametoourwedding，andtheheavensandtheearthrejoicedtogether，whenanImmortalweddedmortalman。Andnowletmeseemyson;foritisnotoftenIshallseehimuponearth：famoushewillbe，butshort-lived，anddieintheflowerofyouth。’
SoTiphysthehelmsmansteeredthemtotheshoreunderthecragsofPelion;andtheywentupthroughthedarkpine-
foreststowardstheCentaur’scave。
Andtheycameintothemistyhall，beneaththesnow-crownedcrag;andsawthegreatCentaurlying，withhishugelimbsspreadupontherock;andbesidehimstoodAchilles，thechildwhomnosteelcouldwound，andplayeduponhisharprightsweetly，whileCheironwatchedandsmiled。
ThenCheironleaptupandwelcomedthem，andkissedthemeveryone，andsetafeastbeforethemofswine’sflesh，andvenison，andgoodwine;andyoungAchillesservedthem，andcarriedthegoldengobletround。Andaftersupperalltheheroesclappedtheirhands，andcalledonOrpheustosing;
butherefused，andsaid，’HowcanI，whoamtheyounger，singbeforeourancienthost？’SotheycalledonCheirontosing，andAchillesbroughthimhisharp;andhebeganawondroussong;afamousstoryofoldtime，ofthefightbetweentheCentaursandtheLapithai，whichyoumaystillseecarvedinstone。（1）Hesanghowhisbrotherscametoruinbytheirfolly，whentheyweremadwithwine;andhowtheyandtheheroesfought，withfists，andteeth，andthegobletsfromwhichtheydrank;andhowtheytoreupthepine-
treesintheirfury，andhurledgreatcragsofstone，whilethemountainsthunderedwiththebattle，andthelandwaswastedfarandwide;tilltheLapithaidrovethemfromtheirhomeintherichThessalianplainstothelonelyglensofPindus，leavingCheironallalone。Andtheheroespraisedhissongrightheartily;forsomeofthemhadhelpedinthatgreatfight。
ThenOrpheustookthelyre，andsangofChaos，andthemakingofthewondrousWorld，andhowallthingssprangfromLove，whocouldnotlivealoneintheAbyss。Andashesang，hisvoicerosefromthecave，abovethecrags，andthroughthetree-tops，andtheglensofoakandpine。Andthetreesbowedtheirheadswhentheyheardit，andthegrayrockscrackedandrang，andtheforestbeastscreptneartolisten，andthebirdsforsooktheirnestsandhoveredround。AndoldCheironclapshishandstogether，andbeathishoofsupontheground，forwonderatthatmagicsong。
ThenPeleuskissedhisboy，andweptoverhim，andtheywentdowntotheship;andCheironcamedownwiththem，weeping，andkissedthemonebyone，andblestthem，andpromisedtothemgreatrenown。Andtheheroesweptwhentheylefthim，tilltheirgreatheartscouldweepnomore;forhewaskindandjustandpious，andwiserthanallbeastsandmen。Thenhewentuptoacliff，andprayedforthem，thattheymightcomehomesafeandwell;whiletheheroesrowedaway，andwatchedhimstandingonhiscliffabovethesea，withhisgreathandsraisedtowardheaven，andhiswhitelockswavinginthewind;andtheystrainedtheireyestowatchhimtothelast，fortheyfeltthattheyshouldlookonhimnomore。
Sotheyrowedonoverthelongswellofthesea，pastOlympus，theseatoftheImmortals，andpastthewoodedbaysofAthos，andSamothracethesacredisle;andtheycamepastLemnostotheHellespont，andthroughthenarrowstraitofAbydos，andsoonintothePropontis，whichwecallMarmoranow。AndtheretheymetwithCyzicus，rulinginAsiaovertheDolions，who，thesongssay，wasthesonofAEneas，ofwhomyouwillhearmanyatalesomeday。ForHomertellsushowhefoughtatTroy，andVirgilhowhesailedawayandfoundedRome;andmenbelieveduntillateyearsthatfromhimsprangouroldBritishkings。NowCyzicus，thesongssay，welcomedtheheroes，forhisfatherhadbeenoneofCheiron’sscholars;sohewelcomedthem，andfeastedthem，andstoredtheirshipwithcornandwine，andcloaksandrugs，thesongssay，andshirts，ofwhichnodoubttheystoodinneed。
Butatnight，whiletheylaysleeping，camedownonthemterriblemen，wholivedwiththebearsinthemountains，likeTitansorgiantsinshape;foreachofthemhadsixarms，andtheyfoughtwithyoungfirsandpines。ButHeracleskilledthemallbeforemornwithhisdeadlypoisonedarrows;butamongthem，inthedarkness，heslewCyzicusthekindlyprince。
Thentheygottotheirshipandtotheiroars，andTiphysbadethemcastoffthehawsersandgotosea。Butashespokeawhirlwindcame，andspuntheARGOround，andtwistedthehawserstogether，sothatnomancouldloosethem。ThenTiphysdroppedtherudderfromhishand，andcried，’ThiscomesfromtheGodsabove。’ButJasonwentforward，andaskedcounselofthemagicbough。
Thenthemagicboughspoke，andanswered，’ThisisbecauseyouhaveslainCyzicusyourfriend。Youmustappeasehissoul，oryouwillneverleavethisshore。’
Jasonwentbacksadly，andtoldtheheroeswhathehadheard。
Andtheyleaptonshore，andsearchedtilldawn;andatdawntheyfoundthebody，allrolledindustandblood，amongthecorpsesofthosemonstrousbeasts。Andtheyweptovertheirkindhost，andlaidhimonafairbed，andheapedahugemoundoverhim，andofferedblacksheepathistomb，andOrpheussangamagicsongtohim，thathisspiritmighthaverest。Andthentheyheldgamesatthetomb，afterthecustomofthosetimes，andJasongaveprizestoeachwinner。ToAncaeushegaveagoldencup，forhewrestledbestofall;
andtoHeraclesasilverone，forhewasthestrongestofall;andtoCastor，whorodebest，agoldencrest;andPolydeucestheboxerhadarichcarpet，andtoOrpheusforhissongasandalwithgoldenwings。ButJasonhimselfwasthebestofallthearchers，andtheMinuaicrownedhimwithanolivecrown;andso，thesongssay，thesoulofgoodCyzicuswasappeasedandtheheroeswentontheirwayinpeace。
ButwhenCyzicus’wifeheardthathewasdeadshediedlikewiseofgrief;andhertearsbecameafountainofclearwater，whichflowsthewholeyearround。
Thentheyrowedaway，thesongssay，alongtheMysianshore，andpastthemouthofRhindacus，tilltheyfoundapleasantbay，shelteredbythelongridgesofArganthus，andbyhighwallsofbasaltrock。Andtheretheyrantheshipashoreupontheyellowsand，andfurledthesail，andtookthemastdown，andlasheditinitscrutch。Andnexttheyletdowntheladder，andwentashoretosportandrest。
AndthereHeracleswentawayintothewoods，bowinhand，tohuntwilddeer;andHylasthefairboysliptawayafterhim，andfollowedhimbystealth，untilhelosthimselfamongtheglens，andsatdownwearytoresthimselfbythesideofalake;andtherethewaternymphscameuptolookathim，andlovedhim，andcarriedhimdownunderthelaketobetheirplayfellow，foreverhappyandyoung。AndHeraclessoughtforhiminvain，shoutinghisnametillallthemountainsrang;butHylasneverheardhim，fardownunderthesparklinglake。SowhileHeracleswanderedsearchingforhim，afairbreezesprangup，andHeracleswasnowheretobefound;andtheARGOsailedaway，andHeracleswasleftbehind，andneversawthenoblePhasianstream。
ThentheMinuaicametoadolefulland，whereAmycusthegiantruled，andcarednothingforthelawsofZeus，butchallengedallstrangerstoboxwithhim，andthosewhomheconqueredheslew。ButPolydeucestheboxerstruckhimaharderblowthanheeverfeltbefore，andslewhim;andtheMinuaiwentonuptheBosphorus，tilltheycametothecityofPhineus，thefierceBithynianking;forZetesandCalaisbadeJasonlandthere，becausetheyhadaworktodo。
Andtheywentupfromtheshoretowardthecity，throughforestswhitewithsnow;andPhineuscameouttomeetthemwithaleanandwofulface，andsaid，’Welcome，gallantheroes，tothelandofbitterblasts，thelandofcoldandmisery;yetIwillfeastyouasbestIcan。’Andheledthemin，andsetmeatbeforethem;butbeforetheycouldputtheirhandstotheirmouths，downcametwofearfulmonsters，thelikeofwhommanneversaw;fortheyhadthefacesandthehairoffairmaidens，butthewingsandclawsofhawks;andtheysnatchedthemeatfromoffthetable，andflewshriekingoutabovetheroofs。
ThenPhineusbeathisbreastandcried，’ThesearetheHarpies，whosenamesaretheWhirlwindandtheSwift，thedaughtersofWonderandoftheAmber-nymph，andtheyrobusnightandday。TheycarriedoffthedaughtersofPandareus，whomalltheGodshadblest;forAphroditefedthemonOlympuswithhoneyandmilkandwine;andHeragavethembeautyandwisdom，andAtheneskillinallthearts;butwhentheycametotheirwedding，theHarpiessnatchedthembothaway，andgavethemtobeslavestotheErinnues，andliveinhorroralltheirdays。Andnowtheyhauntme，andmypeople，andtheBosphorus，withfearfulstorms;andsweepawayourfoodfromoffourtables，sothatwestarveinspiteofallourwealth。’
ThenuproseZetesandCalais，thewingedsonsoftheNorth-
wind，andsaid，’Doyounotknowus，Phineus，andthesewingswhichgrowuponourbacks？’AndPhineushidhisfaceinterror;butheanswerednotaword。
’Becauseyouhavebeenatraitor，Phineus，theHarpieshauntyounightandday。WhereisCleopatraoursister，yourwife，whomyoukeepinprison？andwherearehertwochildren，whomyoublindedinyourrage，atthebiddingofanevilwoman，andcastthemoutupontherocks？Sweartousthatyouwillrightoursister，andcastoutthatwickedwoman;andthenwewillfreeyoufromyourplague，anddrivethewhirlwindmaidenstothesouth;butifnot，wewillputoutyoureyes，asyouputouttheeyesofyourownsons。’
ThenPhineussworeanoathtothem，anddroveoutthewickedwoman;andJasontookthosetwopoorchildren，andcuredtheireyeswithmagicherbs。
ButZetesandCalaisroseupsadlyandsaid，’Farewellnow，heroesall;farewell，ourdearcompanions，withwhomweplayedonPelioninoldtimes;forafateislaiduponus，andourdayiscomeatlast，inwhichwemusthuntthewhirlwindsoverlandandseaforever;andifwecatchthemtheydie，andifnot，wedieourselves。’
Atthatalltheheroeswept;butthetwoyoungmensprangup，andaloftintotheairaftertheHarpies，andthebattleofthewindsbegan。
Theheroestrembledinsilenceastheyheardtheshriekingoftheblasts;whilethepalacerockedandallthecity，andgreatstonesweretornfromthecrags，andtheforestpineswerehurledearthward，northandsouthandeastandwest，andtheBosphorusboiledwhitewithfoam，andthecloudsweredashedagainstthecliffs。
Butatlastthebattleended，andtheHarpiesfledscreamingtowardthesouth，andthesonsoftheNorth-windrushedafterthem，andbroughtclearsunshinewheretheypassed。Formanyaleaguetheyfollowedthem，overalltheislesoftheCyclades，andawaytothesouth-westacrossHellas，tilltheycametotheIonianSea，andtheretheyfellupontheEchinades，atthemouthoftheAchelous;andthoseisleswerecalledtheWhirlwindIslesformanyahundredyears。ButwhatbecameofZetesandCalaisIknownot，fortheheroesneversawthemagain：andsomesaythatHeraclesmetthem，andquarrelledwiththem，andslewthemwithhisarrows;andsomesaythattheyfelldownfromwearinessandtheheatofthesummersun，andthattheSun-godburiedthemamongtheCyclades，inthepleasantIsleofTenos;andformanyhundredyearstheirgravewasshownthere，andoveritapillar，whichturnedtoeverywind。ButthosedarkstormsandwhirlwindshaunttheBosphorusuntilthisday。
ButtheArgonautswenteastward，andoutintotheopensea，whichwenowcalltheBlackSea，butitwascalledtheEuxinethen。NoHellenhadevercrossedit，andallfearedthatdreadfulsea，anditsrocks，andshoals，andfogs，andbitterfreezingstorms;andtheytoldstrangestoriesofit，somefalseandsomehalf-true，howitstretchednorthwardtotheendsoftheearth，andthesluggishPutridSea，andtheeverlastingnight，andtheregionsofthedead。Sotheheroestrembled，foralltheircourage，astheycameintothatwildBlackSea，andsawitstretchingoutbeforethem，withoutashore，asfaraseyecouldsee。
AndfirstOrpheusspoke，andwarnedthem，’Weshallcomenowtothewanderingbluerocks;mymotherwarnedmeofthem，Calliope，theimmortalmuse。’
Andsoontheysawthebluerocksshininglikespiresandcastlesofgrayglass，whileanice-coldwindblewfromthemandchilledalltheheroes’hearts。Andastheynearedtheycouldseethemheaving，astheyrolleduponthelongsea-
waves，crashingandgrindingtogether，tilltheroarwentuptoheaven。Theseasprangupinspoutsbetweenthem，andsweptroundtheminwhitesheetsoffoam;buttheirheadsswungnoddinghighinair，whilethewindwhistledshrillamongthecrags。
Theheroes’heartssankwithinthem，andtheylayupontheiroarsinfear;butOrpheuscalledtoTiphysthehelmsman，’Betweenthemwemustpass;solookaheadforanopening，andbebrave，forHeraiswithus。’ButTiphysthecunninghelmsmanstoodsilent，clenchinghisteeth，tillhesawaheroncomeflyingmast-hightowardtherocks，andhoverawhilebeforethem，asiflookingforapassagethrough。
Thenhecried，’Herahassentusapilot;letusfollowthecunningbird。’
Thentheheronflappedtoandfroamoment，tillhesawahiddengap，andintoitherushedlikeanarrow，whiletheheroeswatchedwhatwouldbefall。
Andthebluerocksclashedtogetherasthebirdfledswiftlythrough;buttheystruckbutafeatherfromhistail，andthenreboundedapartattheshock。
ThenTiphyscheeredtheheroes，andtheyshouted;andtheoarsbentlikewithesbeneaththeirstrokesastheyrushedbetweenthosetopplingice-cragsandthecoldbluelipsofdeath。Anderetherockscouldmeetagaintheyhadpassedthem，andweresafeoutintheopensea。
AndafterthattheysailedonwearilyalongtheAsiancoast，bytheBlackCapeandThyneis，wherethehotstreamofThymbrisfallsintothesea，andSangarius，whosewatersfloatontheEuxine，tilltheycametoWolftheriver，andtoWolfthekindlyking。Andtherediedtwobraveheroes，IdmonandTiphysthewisehelmsman：onediedofanevilsickness，andoneawildboarslew。Sotheheroesheapedamoundabovethem，andsetuponitanoaronhigh，andleftthemtheretosleeptogether，onthefar-offLycianshore。ButIdaskilledtheboar，andavengedTiphys;andAncaiostooktherudderandwashelmsman，andsteeredthemontowardtheeast。
AndtheywentonpastSinope，andmanyamightyriver’smouth，andpastmanyabarbaroustribe，andthecitiesoftheAmazons，thewarlikewomenoftheEast，tillallnighttheyheardtheclankofanvilsandtheroaroffurnace-blasts，andtheforge-firesshonelikesparksthroughthedarknessinthemountainglensaloft;fortheywerecometotheshoresoftheChalybes，thesmithswhonevertire，butserveAresthecruelWar-god，forgingweaponsdayandnight。
Andatday-dawntheylookedeastward，andmidwaybetweentheseaandtheskytheysawwhitesnow-peakshanging，glitteringsharpandbrightabovetheclouds。AndtheyknewthattheywerecometoCaucasus，attheendofalltheearth：Caucasusthehighestofallmountains，thefatheroftheriversoftheEast。OnhispeaklieschainedtheTitan，whileavulturetearshisheart;andathisfeetarepileddarkforestsroundthemagicColchianland。
Andtheyrowedthreedaystotheeastward，whileCaucasusrosehigherhourbyhour，tilltheysawthedarkstreamofPhasisrushingheadlongtothesea，and，shiningabovethetree-tops，thegoldenroofsofKingAietes，thechildoftheSun。
ThenoutspokeAncaiosthehelmsman，’Wearecometoourgoalatlast，fortherearetheroofsofAietes，andthewoodswhereallpoisonsgrow;butwhocantelluswhereamongthemishidthegoldenfleece？Manyatoilmustwebearerewefindit，andbringithometoGreece。’
ButJasoncheeredtheheroes，forhisheartwashighandbold;andhesaid，’IwillgoaloneuptoAietes，thoughhebethechildoftheSun，andwinhimwithsoftwords。Bettersothantogoaltogether，andtocometoblowsatonce。’ButtheMinuaiwouldnotstaybehind，sotheyrowedboldlyupthestream。
AndadreamcametoAietes，andfilledhisheartwithfear。
Hethoughthesawashiningstar，whichfellintohisdaughter’slap;andthatMedeiahisdaughtertookitgladly，andcarriedittotheriverside，andcastitin，andtherethewhirlingriverboreitdown，andoutintotheEuxineSea。
Thenheleaptupinfear，andbadehisservantsbringhischariot，thathemightgodowntotheriver-sideandappeasethenymphs，andtheheroeswhosespiritshauntthebank。Sohewentdowninhisgoldenchariot，andhisdaughtersbyhisside，Medeiathefairwitch-maiden，andChalciope，whohadbeenPhrixus’wife，andbehindhimacrowdofservantsandsoldiers，forhewasarichandmightyprince。
AndashedrovedownbythereedyriverhesawARGOslidingupbeneaththebank，andmanyaheroinher，likeImmortalsforbeautyandforstrength，astheirweaponsglitteredroundtheminthelevelmorningsunlight，throughthewhitemistofthestream。ButJasonwasthenoblestofall;forHera，wholovedhim，gavehimbeautyandtallnessandterriblemanhood。
Andwhentheycameneartogetherandlookedintoeachother’seyestheheroeswereawedbeforeAietesasheshoneinhischariot，likehisfatherthegloriousSun;forhisrobeswereofrichgoldtissue，andtheraysofhisdiademflashedfire;
andinhishandheboreajewelledsceptre，whichglitteredlikethestars;andsternlyhelookedatthemunderhisbrows，andsternlyhespokeandloud-
’Whoareyou，andwhatwantyouhere，thatyoucometotheshoreofCutaia？Doyoutakenoaccountofmyrule，norofmypeopletheColchianswhoserveme，whonevertiredyetinthebattle，andknowwellhowtofaceaninvader？’
Andtheheroessatsilentawhilebeforethefaceofthatancientking。ButHeratheawfulgoddessputcourageintoJason’sheart，andheroseandshoutedloudlyinanswer，’Wearenopiratesnorlawlessmen。Wecomenottoplunderandtoravage，orcarryawayslavesfromyourland;butmyuncle，thesonofPoseidon，PeliastheMinuanking，heitiswhohassetmeonaquesttobringhomethegoldenfleece。Andthesetoo，myboldcomrades，theyarenonamelessmen;forsomearethesonsofImmortals，andsomeofheroesfarrenowned。Andwetoonevertireinbattle，andknowwellhowtogiveblowsandtotake：yetwewishtobeguestsatyourtable：itwillbebettersoforboth。’
ThenAietes’racerusheduplikeawhirlwind，andhiseyesflashedfireasheheard;buthecrushedhisangerdowninhisbreast，andspokemildlyacunningspeech-
’IfyouwillfightforthefleecewithmyColchians，thenmanyamanmustdie。Butdoyouindeedexpecttowinfrommethefleeceinfight？SofewyouarethatifyoubeworstedI
canloadyourshipwithyourcorpses。Butifyouwillberuledbyme，youwillfinditbetterfartochoosethebestmanamongyou，andlethimfulfilthelabourswhichIdemand。
ThenIwillgivehimthegoldenfleeceforaprizeandaglorytoyouall。’
Sosaying，heturnedhishorsesanddrovebackinsilencetothetown。AndtheMinuaisatsilentwithsorrow，andlongedforHeraclesandhisstrength;fortherewasnofacingthethousandsoftheColchiansandthefearfulchanceofwar。