The Argonautica

the upright cuirass Ares gave him, won while stripping

Phlegraean Mimas, slain beneath the god's own hands;

then on his head he set the four-plumed golden helmet,

blazing, as rounded radiance fills a perfect circle

when the sun first ascends from Ocean's outward stream.

He wielded high a shield compacted of many hides, and

a fearsome, irresistible spear. No other hero

could face it once they left far-distant Heracles behind;

he alone could have met that mighty spear in open battle.

Beside him stood the well-built chariot of swift-footed horses;

Phaethon held it near for the king; then Aeetes mounted,

and took the reins in both his hands. Out of the city

he drove the broad cart-road to take his stand at the contest;

and countless people rushed out of the city at his side.

Just as Poseidon goes to the Isthmian contest in his chariot,

or rides now to Taenarus, now to the waters of Lerna,

or drives through the sacred grove of Hyantian Onchestus,

then later rides his horses onward into Calaureia,

then to Haemonian Rock, or onward to tree-clad Geraestus;

Such was Aeetes to behold, the Colchians' king and leader.

Meanwhile, under Medea's instructions, Jason made ready

the charm by soaking it, then sprinkled it all around the shield

and coated his massive spear and sword on every side;

his comrades tested the weapons, straining with all their force,