The Argonautica

she dwells, exceedingly far away from Colchis' country.

But what delight comes now from telling stories?

Tell it distinctly, and name me the men who attend you,

and where you came ashore from the hollow hull of your vessel.

Thus as he questioned, before all the rest of his brothers

Argus, afraid for the voyage entrusted to Aeson's son,

answered with gentle and soothing words, as eldest brother:

Aeetes, squalls at once tore that vessel all asunder,

raging; we lay cowering low upon the floating planks,

one wave flung us down on the shore of the island of Ares

in the dark of night; some god preserved us all from death.

For those birds that before made camp on the desolate island,

the birds of Ares, no longer were there to confront us.

We found not one: these men had driven the flock from its lodging,

landing themselves from their ship on the day just before us.

Zeus in his pity for us, or fate, kept them from departing,

so they at once gave us clothing enough, and food in abundance,

hearing the glorious name of Phrixus, and also your own name;

for now they make their journey straight toward your own city.

If you desire full knowledge of their need, I shall hide nothing.

A king, bent on driving this man far away from his homeland

and all his wealth, with desire exceeding every measure,

because his own strength surpassed all descendants of Aeolus,

sends him here on a hopeless voyage, beyond all contriving;