The Argonautica

So spoke the taunting crow; Mopsus smiled when he heard

the bird's god-driven voice, then spoke this counsel to his comrades:

Go yourself now to the goddess's temple; you will find the

maiden, Aeson's son; she will meet you very gently,

by Cypris' promptings, who will share in the work of your trials,

just as Phineus, Agenor's son, foretold long ago.

But Argus and I will remain here awaiting your return,

remaining apart in this same place; but you, all alone,

supplicate her, turning her with wise and closely reasoned words.

So Mopsus spoke with wisdom, and both gave assent there and then.

Yet Medea's heart could turn to no other thought,

even though she was singing; whatever song she began

with those companions, she took no delight in playing long.

But helpless, she broke off one game and shifted to another,

and never kept her eyes at rest among the throng of handmaids;

but looked far down the roads, turning her cheek to the side.

Again and again the heart deep in her breast would shatter,

whenever she fancied a footstep or wind rushing past her.

But soon Jason came into view, whom she had longed to see,

striding high, as Sirius rises up out of Ocean,

who rises beautiful, most brilliant and clear to behold,

yet brings an unspeakable misery upon the flocks of sheep;

so Aeson's son came before her, beautiful to look on,

but his appearing awakened deep pain from ill-fated love.