The Argonautica

vanish useless down to Erebus; out from your homeland

may my avenging Furies drive you far from home,

repaying pain I suffered. Sacred law forbids

these curses falling void; you broke a mighty oath,

ruthless man. You and your comrades shall not mock me afterward

and long sit free from care because your compact shields you.

So she spoke, boiling up with heavy anger; she yearned

to burn the ship and split every solid timber apart,

then cast herself into the devouring fire. In alarm

Jason, somewhat afraid, addressed her with soothing words.

Hold, strange woman; none of this is pleasing even to me.

We only seek some respite now from the press of battle,

so great a cloud of hostile men is blazing around us

because of you. For all the peoples who possess this country

are eager now to guard Apsyrtus and seize you captive,

then drag you home, captive, a maiden seized as battle-spoil.

We ourselves would all perish in hateful destruction

if we came to grips in war; bitterer pain still

would be your fate if we all died, leaving you captive prey.

But this compact perfects the planned deceit that leads Apsyrtus

into ruin. Nor would the neighboring peoples face us,

bringing aid to the Colchians for Medea's sake, once their king

lies dead, the man who served as helper and brother;

I shall stand firm and meet the Colchians in open battle