The Argonautica

the heavy wrath of her overbearing father. Jason, meanwhile,

as firm report declares, is held by binding oaths

to make Medea his lawful, wedded wife at home.

Therefore, dear husband, do not willingly make Jason

forswear himself, and do not allow through your own choice

an angry father harm his own child outrageously.

For parents guard their children with fierce, consuming jealousy:

remember what Nycteus devised against fair-faced Antiope,

and all the troubles that Danae endured upon the sea

through her father's crimes. Just lately, and not far away,

brutal Echetus drove bronze spikes into the eyes

of his own daughter; she wastes away under a groaning doom,

grinding bronze in deep darkness inside a gloomy hut.

So Arete pleaded; his wife's wise, persuasive words

warmed Alcinous' heart; he gave this firm answer:

Arete, armed force could drive the Colchians out,

showing favor to the heroes for that maiden's sake.

But fear forbids dishonoring Zeus's straight justice.

Nor should we slight royal Aeetes, as your counsel urges,

for no man living is more kingly than Aeetes.

Though far away, Aeetes could stir strife in Hellas.

Thus I must render judgment, best for all mankind;

I shall conceal no portion of my ruling from you.

If maidenhood remains intact, my judgment sends her home