The Argonautica

Once heroes sacrificed and ate the well-prepared feast,

Aeson's son addressed the gathered men and spoke:

Zeus truly watches every deed; we men can never

escape Zeus, whether god-fearing men or lawless men.

As Zeus once snatched your father from death by his stepmother

and granted boundless wealth, safely far away from her,

so Zeus has saved you now once more without injury

from murderous storm. This ship now stands prepared

to bear you here or there, wherever you desire--to Aea

or wealthy Orchomenus, the gods' own sacred city.

For Athena designed the ship and cut with bronze the timbers

that grew around Pelion's peak; and Argus helped her

build it. But a savage wave scattered that ship of yours

before it had even drawn near the rocks which, within

the narrow sea, clash against each other all day long.

Come now, become our helpers in this quest, all seeking

to carry the Golden Fleece homeward into Hellas,

and guide our ship's voyage: I sail to complete Phrixus'

rites and thereby appease Zeus' wrath toward Aeolids.

So Jason spoke to console them; all who heard shuddered,

for the brothers judged Aeetes would never prove friendly

to men intent on carrying away the ram's fleece. Then

Argus spoke, distressed that they pursued so great an expedition:

My friends, whatever strength is ours will never hold back