The Argonautica

and all of us share the same roads leading onward to Aeetes,

so now, with unstinting hearts, choose the best man

as leader of our band, the man who will care for each matter,

to settle disputes and make binding covenants with strangers.

Thus he spoke; the young men looked toward bold Heracles,

seated there in their midst; the whole band, with one voice,

urged him to take command; but Heracles, still seated,

stretched his right hand upward, speaking before the band:

Let no man grant me this honor; I myself shall never

consent, and I shall stop any other man from rising.

The man who gathered us here, let him lead the company.

Thus he spoke, high-hearted, and all men voiced their approval

as Heracles bade; then warlike Jason himself rose up,

glad in his heart, and addressed the eager men in these words:

If all entrust me now with care for common glory,

let our roads be held back no longer, as they were before.

Now at last let us win Phoebus' favor with sacrifices,

then ready a feast nearby; meanwhile let servants go,

my steading wardens, charged with guarding all the herds,

to choose the finest cattle and drive the oxen here,

meanwhile let us drag the ship down into the sea; all tackle

stowed aboard, then cast lots for oars at the rowing-benches.

Meanwhile, too, let us raise a shore altar to Embasius

Apollo, who gave this promise through his spoken oracle: