The Argonautica

They spread out fragrant robes; the heroes in their hands

brandished spears of war, on guard for sudden battle,

lest a hidden mass of foes press suddenly nearby,

and with their heads crowned round by branches thick with leaves,

in measured song, while Orpheus played his clear-toned lyre,

they sang the wedding hymn before the doors of the bridal room.

Yet Aeson's heroic son had not intended to complete

the marriage in Alcinous' palace, but within the halls

of his own father, once he returned homeward to Iolcus;

Medea had thought the same, but necessity forced their union.

For never do the tribes of mortals who suffer deep distress

set the whole foot firmly upon the ground of delight;

some bitter anguish always comes beside their joys.

Though warmed by sweet love, the pair could never banish

their dread fear: would Alcinous' judgment stand fulfilled?

Dawn rose upward in the splendor of her immortal radiance

and loosed black night throughout the air; the island shores

laughed, and the pathways across the plains, glistening with dew

far in the distance; a murmur arose in the city streets.

The inhabitants stirred throughout the city, while far away

the Colchians moved along the edge of Macris' peninsula.

At once Alcinous went forth, true to his promise

to state his settled judgment for the young Colchian maiden;

he held the golden scepter governing straight justice,