The Argonautica

and Phrixus again was Athamas' son, of Aeolus' lineage.

Here, if you have ever heard of a man born from Helios,

you now behold Augeias; this is Telamon, descended

from glorious Aeacus; Zeus himself fathered Aeacus.

So too are all the rest, all those who follow as comrades,

sons of immortals, and grandsons engendered by deathless ones.

Such was the tale Argus told; but the king grew wrathful at hearing

his words; high anger made his inmost heart heave.

Out he burst in fury, raging chiefly at the sons

of Chalciope, suspecting these men came solely on their account;

His eyes beneath his brows flashed fiercely in hot anger:

Get now from my eyes this instant, you shameless criminals!

Back with your own deceit: leave the bounds of my country,

before one of you ever sees, to his grief, the Fleece and Phrixus!

Straight from Hellas you came in league, not seeking the Fleece

but seeking my sceptre and royal honor, you have come hither.

Had you not eaten beforehand the fare of my table,

I should have cut out your tongues and hacked both of your hands off,

and sent you out on the feet that alone were left to you,

to stop you ever launching any future expedition.

Such are the lies you have fastened even on blessed immortals!

So in his anger he spoke; deep down, the heart of Aeacus' son

swelled from the depths; his heated spirit inwardly longed

to utter murderous words in bold, outright defiance;