The Argonautica

lifted up by his praise; then she looked straight into his eyes.

She found no fitting word to offer him at first,

but longed to pour out every word in one great rush.

Eagerly, holding back nothing, she drew from her fragrant girdle

the charm; and at once he received it in both hands, rejoicing.

Indeed, she would have drawn even her whole soul from her breast

and gladly placed it in his hands to serve his urgent need;

such was the Love that, from the golden head of Aeson's son,

flashed out a sweet flame, and seized the bright flash of her eyes;

and warmed her inmost thoughts, while she herself melted away,

melting away, like dew that rims the blossoming roses

melts when warmed by the first bright rays of morning.

Both now would fasten their downcast eyes upon the ground,

abashed; then again they would cast their glances at each other,

their yearning smiles shone under bright, resplendent brows.

At last, and scarcely even then, the maiden addressed him:

Mark now how I shall devise the saving aid you need.

When you draw near, my father places in your two hands

the deadly teeth drawn from the serpent's jaws for sowing,

then watch for midnight, exactly when night divides in two;

bathe in the streams of the river that never grows weary,

alone and apart from the others, clothed in dark-blue garments;

dig a pit in a perfect circle; and inside it, a female

sheep you must slaughter, then lay it whole and raw on the fire,