INSPIR'D by thee, O Phœbus, I reſound The glorious deeds of heroes long renown'd, Whom Pelias urg'd the Golden Fleece to gain, And well-built Argo wafted o'er the main, Through the Cyanean rocks. The voice divine Pronounc'd this ſentence from the ſacred ſhrine; Erelong, and dreadful woes, foredoom'd by fate, Thro' that man's counſels ſhall on Pelias wait, 'Whom he, before the altar of his God, Shall view in public with one ſandal ſhod. And, lo! as by this oracle foretold, What time adventurous Jaſon, brave and bold, Anaurus paſt, high fwoln with winter's flood, He left one ſandal rooted in the mud. To Pelias, thus, the haſty prince repair'd, And the rich banquet at his altar ſhar'd. The ſtately altar, with oblations ſtor'd, Was to his ſire erected, ocean's lord, And every Power that in Olympus reigns, Save Juno, regent of Theſſalia's plains. Pelias, whoſe looks his latent fears expreſs'd, Fir'd with a bold adventure Jaſon's breast; That, ſunk in ocean, or on ſome rude ſhore Proſtrate, he ne'er might view his country more. Old bards affirm this warlike ſhip was made By ſkilful Argus, with Minerva's aid. 'Tis mine to ſing the chiefs, their names and race, Their tedious wanderings on the main to trace, And all their great achievements to rehearſe : Deign, ye propitious Nine, to aid my verſe. Firſt in the liſt, to join the princely bands, The tuneful bard, enchanting Orpheus, ſtands; Whom fair Calliope, on Thracia's ſhore, Near Pimpla's mount, to bold Œägrus bore. Hard rocks he ſoften'd with perſuaſive ſong, And ſooth'd the rivers as they roll'd along. Yon beeches tall, that bloom near Zona, ſtill Remain memorials of his vocal ſkill: His lays Pieria's liſtening trees admire, And move in meaſures to his melting lyre. Thus Orpheus charm'd, who o'er the Biſtons reign'd, By Chiron's art to Jaſon's intereſt gain'd Aſterion next; whoſe ſire rejoic'd to till Pireſian valleys by Phylleion's hill, Born near Apidanus, who ſportive leads His winding waters thro' the fertile meads; There where, from far, Enipeus, ſtream divine, And wide Apidanus their currents join. The ſon of Elatus, of deathleſs fame, From fair Lariſſa, Polyphemus came. Long ſince, when in the vigour of his might, He join'd the hardy Lapithæ in fight Against the Centaurs; now his ſtrength declin'd Thro' age, yet young and martial was his mind. Not long at Phylace Iphiclus ſtaid, Great Jaſon's uncle; pleas'd he join'd his aid, And march'd to meet th' adventurous band from far, Urg'd by affinity and love of war. Nor long Admetus, who at Pheræ reign'd, Near high Chalcodon's bleating fields remain'd. Echion, Erytus, for wiles renown'd Left Alope, with golden harveſts crown'd; The gainful ſons of Mercury: with theſe Their brother came, the bold Æthalides; Whom fair Eupolema, the Phthian, bore Where ſmooth Amphryſos rolls his watery ſtore: Thoſe, Menetus, from thy fair daughter ſprung, Antianira, beautiful and young. Coronus came, from Gyrton's wealthy town, Great as his ſire in valour and renown, Cæneus his ſire; who, as old bards relate, Receiv'd from Centaurs his untimely fate. Alone, unaided, with tranſcendent might, Boldly he fac'd, and put his foes to flight. But they, reviving ſoon, regain'd their ground; Yet fail'd to vanquiſh, and they could not wound. Unbroke, unmov'd, the chief his breath reſigns, O'erwhelm'd beneath a monument of pines. From Titareſus Mopſus bent his way, Inſpir'd an augur by the God of day. Eurydamas, to ſhare fair honour's crown, Forſook near Xynias' lake his native town, Nam'd Ctimena: Menœtius join'd the band, Diſmiſs'd from Opuns by his fire's command. Next came Eurytion, Irus' valiant ſon, And Eribotes, ſeed of Teleon. Oïleus join'd theſe heroes, fam'd afar For ſtratagems and fortitude in war; Well ſkill'd the hostile ſquadrons to ſubdue, Bold in attack, and ardent to pursue Next, by Canethus, ſon of Abans, ſent, Ambitious Canthus from Eubœa went Doom'd ne'er again to reach his native ſhore, Nor view the towers of proud Cerinthus more. For thus decreed the deſtinies ſevere, That he and Mopſus, venerable ſeer, After long toils and various wanderings paſt, On Afric's dreary coaſt ſhould breathe their laſt, How ſhort the term aſſign'd to human woe, Clos'd, as it is, by death's deciſive blow! On Afric's dreary coast their graves were made, From Phaſis diſtant far their bones were laid; Far as the east and western limits run,. Far as the riſing from the ſetting ſun. Clytius and Iphitus unite their aid, Who all the country round Oechalia ſway'd; Theſe were the ſons of Eurytus the proud, On whom his bow the God of day beſtow'd; But he, devoid of gratitude, defy'd, And challeng'd Phœbus with a rival's pride. The ſons of Aeacus, intrepid race! Separate advanc'd, and from a different place. For when their brother unawares they ſlew, From fair Ægina diverſe they withdrew. Fair Salamis king Telamon obey'd, And valiant Peleus Phthia's ſceptre ſway'd. Next Butes came from fam'd Cecropia far, Brave Teleon's ſon, a chief renown'd in war. To wield the deadly lance Phalerus boaſts, Who, by his ſire commiſſion'd, joins the hoſts: No ſon, ſave this, e'er bleſs'd the hoary ſage, And this heaven gave him in declining age: Yet him he ſent, diſdaining abject fears, To ſhine conſpicuous 'midſt his gallant peers. Theſeus, far more than all his race renown'd, Faſt in the cave of Tænarus was bound With adamantine fetters, (dire abode!) E'er ſince he trod th' irremeable road With his belov'd Pirithoüs: had they ſail'd, Much had their might, their courage much avail'd. Bœotian Tiphys came, experienc'd well Old ocean's foaming ſurges to foretell, Experienc'd well the ſtormy winds to ſhun, And ſteer his veſſel by the ſtars, or ſun. Minerva urg'd him by her high command, A welcome mate to join the princely band. For ſhe the ſhip had form'd with heavenly ſkill, Tho' Argus wrought the dictates of her will. Thus plann'd, thus faſhion'd, this fam'd ſhip excell'd The nobleſt ſhips by oar or ſail impell'd. From Aræthyrea, that near Corinth lay, Phlias, the ſon of Bacchus, bent his way : Bleſs'd by his ſire, his ſplendid manſion ſtood Faſt by the fountains of Aſopus' flood. From Argos next the ſons of Bias came, Areius, Talaus, candidates for fame, With bold Leodocus, whom Pero bore, Neleus' fair daughter, on the Argive ſhore; For whom Melampus various woes ſuſtain'd, In a deep dungeon by Iphiclus chain'd. Next Hercules, endued with dauntleſs mind, At Jaſon's ſummons, ſtay'd not long behind. For warn'd of this adventurous band, when laſt The chief to Argos from Arcadia paſt, (What time in chains he brought the living boar, The dread, the bane of Erymanthia's moor, And at the gate of proud Mycenæ's town, From his broad ſhoulders hurl'd the monster down :) Unaſk'd the ſtern Mycenian king's confent, Inſtant to join the warlike hoſt he went. Young Hylas waited with obſequious care, The hero's quiver and his bow to bear. Next came, the liſt of demigods to grace, He who from Danaüs deriv'd his race, Nauplius; of whom fam'd Prætus was the ſon, Of Prætus Lernus; thus the lineage run: From Lernus Naubolus his being claim'd, Whoſe valiant ſon was Clytoneüs nam'd. In navigation's various arts confeſs'd Shone Nauplius' ſkill, ſuperior to the reſt: Him to the ſea's dread lord, in days of yore, Danaüs' fair daughter, Amymone bore. Laſt of thoſe chiefs who left the Grecian coaſt, Prophetic Idmon join'd the gallant hoſt; (Full well he knew what cruel fate ordain'd; But dreaded more than death his honour ſtain'd) The ſon of Phœbus by ſome ſtolen embrace, And number'd too with Æolus's race, He learn'd his art prophetic from his ſire, Omens from birds and prodigies from fire, Illuſtrious Pollux, fam'd for martial force, And Caſtor, ſkill'd to guide the rapid horſe, Ætolian Leda ſent from Sparta's ſhore: Both at one birth in Tyndarus' houſe ſhe bore. No boding fears her generous mind depreſs'd; She thought like them whom Jove's embrace had bleſs'd. Lynceus and Idas, from Arene's wall, Heard fame's loud ſummons, and obey'd her call: The ſons of Aphareus, of matchleſs might, But Lynceus ſtands renown'd for piercing ſight: So keen his beam, that ancient fables tell, He ſaw, thro' earth, the wondrous depths of hell. With theſe bold Periclymenus appears, The ſon of Neleus, moſt advanc'd in years Of all his race; his fire's unconquer'd pride: Him with vaſt ſtrength old ocean's lord ſupply'd, And gave the power, when hard in battle preſs'd, To take whatever form might ſuit him beſt. From Tegea's towers, where bore Aphidas ſway, Amphidamas and Cepheus took their way, The ſons of Aleus both; and with them went Ancæus, by his ſire Lycurgus ſent. Of thoſe the brother, and by birth the firſt, Was good Lycurgus; tenderly he nurs'd His ſire at home; but bade his gallant ſon With the bold chiefs the race of glory run, On his broad back a bear's rough ſpoils he wore, And in his hand a two-edg'd pole-axe bore, Which, that the youth might in no danger ſhare, Were ſafe ſecreted by his grandſire's care. Augeas too, lord of the Elean coaſt, Sail'd, brave aſſociate, with the warlike hoſt. Rich in poſſeſſions, of his riches proud, Fame ſays his being to the Sun he ow'd. Ardent he wish'd to see the Colchian ſhore, And old Æeta who the ſceptre bore. Aſterius and Amphion, urg'd by fame, The valiant ſons of Hyperaſius, came From fair Pellene, built in days of yore By Pelle's grandſire on the lofty ſhore. From Tænarus, that yawns with gulf profound, Euphemus came, for rapid race renown'd. By Neptune forc'd, Europa gave him birth, Daughter to Tityus, hugeſt ſon of Earth. Whene'er he ſkimm'd along the watery plain, With feet unbath'd he ſwept the ſurging main, Scarce brush'd the ſurface of the briny dew, And light along the liquid level flew. Two other ſons of Neptune join'd the host, This from Miletus on th' Ionian coaſt, Erginus nam'd, but that from Samos came, Juno's lov'd iſle, Ancæus was his name; Illustrious chiefs, and both renown'd afar For the joint arts of ſailing and of war. Young Meleager, Œneus' warlike ſon, And ſage Laocoon march'd from Calydon. From the ſame father he and Eneus ſprung; But on the breasts of different mothers hung. Him Œneus purpos'd with his ſon to ſend, A wiſe companion, and a faithful friend. Thus to the royal chiefs his name he gave, And green in years was number'd with the brave. Had he continu'd but one ſummer more A martial pupil on th' Ætolian ſhore, Firſt on the lifts of fame the youth had ſhone, Or own'd ſuperior Hercules alone. His uncle too, well-ſkill'd the dart to throw, And in th' embattled plain reſiſt the foe, Iphiclus, venerable Theſtius' ſon, Join'd the young chief, and boldly led him on. The ſon of Lernus, Palæmonius, came, Olenian Lernus; but the voice of fame Whiſpers, that Vulcan was the hero's ſire, And therefore limps he like the God of fire. Of nobler port or valour none could boaſt ; He added grace to Jaſon's godlike hoſt. From Phocis Iphitus with ardour preſs'd To join the chiefs; great Jaſon was his gueſt, When to the Delphic Oracle he went, Conſulting fate, and anxious for th' event. Zetes and Calaïs of royal race, Whom Orithyïa bore in wintry Thrace To blustering Boreas in his airy hall, Heard fame's loud ſummons, and obey'd the call. Erectheus, who th' Athenian ſceptre ſway'd, Was parent of the violated maid, Whom dancing with her mates rude Boreas ſtole, Where the fam'd waters of Iliſſus roll; And to his rock-fenc'd Sarpedonian cave Convey'd her, where Erginus pours his wave: There, circumfus'd in gloom and grateful ſhade, The god of tempeſts woo'd the gentle maid. They, when on tip-toe rais'd, in act to fly, Like the light-pinion'd vagrants of the ſky, Wav'd their dark wings, and, wondrous to behold! Diſplay'd each plume diſtinct with drops of gold; While down their backs, of bright cerulean hue, Looſe in the winds their wanton treſſes flew. Not long with Pelias young Acaſtus ſtay'd; He left his ſire to lend the Grecians aid. Argus, whom Pallas with her gifts inſpir'd, Follow'd his friend, with equal glory fir'd. Such the compeers of Jaſon highly fam'd And all theſe demigods were Minyans ham'd The moſt illustrious heroes of the hoſt Their lineage from the ſeed of Minyas boaſt : For Minyas' daughter, Clymena the fair, Alcimeda, great Jaſon's mother, bare. When all was furnish'd by the buſy band Which veſſels deſtin'd for the main demand; The heroes from Iölcos bent their way To the fam'd port, the Pagaſæan bay, And deep-environ'd with thick-gathering crowds, They ſhone like ſtars reſplendent thro' the clouds. Some ſwain ſurvey'd the bright-arm'd chiefs and ſpoke: Then thus among the rout, with wondering look, Say, what can Pelias, mighty Jove, intend, Far, far from Greece ſo great a force to ſend! Sure, ſhould Æeta ſpurn the ſons of Greece, And to their claims refuse the golden Fleece, 'That felf-ſame day ſhall ſee his palace, crown'd With glittering turrets, levell'd to the ground. But endless toils pursue them as they go, And Fate hath mark'd their deſperate ſteps with woe. Thus, when he saw the delegated bands, Spoke the rude ſwain with heaven-uplifted hands: The gentler females thus the Gods implore; "Safe may they reach again their native ſhore:" And thus ſome matron mild her mind expreſs'd; (Tears in her eye, and terrors at her breast) 'Unfortunate Alcimeda, thy fate Now frowns malignant, tho' it frowns ſo late; Nor wills the tenor of thy life to run Serene and peaceful, as it firſt begun. On Æſon too attend unnumber'd woes; Far, better far, a lingering life to cloſe, 'And bury all his ſorrows in the tomb, Unconscious of calamities to come. Oh! had both Phrixus and the ram been drown'd, When Helle periſh'd in the gulf profound: But the dire monſter was with voice endu'd, And human accents from his mouth enſu'd, 'To ſad Alcimeda denouncing ſtrife, And woes to cloud the evening of her life." Thus ſpoke ſome matron as the heroes went; Around their lords the menial train lament : Alcimeda embrac'd her ſon with tears, Each breaſt was chill'd with ſad preſaging fears. Age-drooping Æſon heard the general moan, Wrapp'd in ſoft robes, and anſwer'd groan for groan. But Jaſon fooths their fears, their boſom warms, And bids his ſervants bring the burniſh'd arms. They, with a downcaſt look and lowly bow, Obey their chief with ſilent ſteps and ſlow. The penſive Queen, while tears bedew her face, Her ſon ſtill circles with a fond embrace. Thus to her nurſe an infant orphan ſprings, And weeps unceaſing as the cloſely clings; Experienc'd inſults make her loath to ſtay Beneath a ſtep-dame's proud, oppreſſive ſway. Thus in her royal breast the ſorrows pent Forc'd ſighs and tears, and ſtruggled for a vent. Still in her arms ſhe held her favourite ſon, And comfortless with faltering ſpeech begun : Oh had I died on that deteſted day, And with my ſorrows ſigh'd my ſoul away, When Pelias publiſh'd his ſevere decree, 'Severe and fatal to my ſon and me! Thyſelf had then my aged eyelids clos'd, And thoſe dear hands my decent limbs compos'd; This boon alone I wiſh'd thee to impart, This wiſh alone lay dormant at my heart. 'But now, alas! tho' firſt of Grecian names, Admir'd and envy'd by Theſſalian dames, I, like an hand-maid, now am left behind, Bereav'd of all tranquillity of mind. 'By thee rever'd, in dignity I ſhone, And firſt and laſt for thee unloos'd my zone. 'For unrelenting hate Lucina bore, Thee, one lov'd ſon, ſhe gave, but gave no more. 'Alas! not ev'n the viſions of the night, ​'Foretold ſuch fatal woes from Phrixus' flight.' Thus mourn'd Alcimeda; her handmaids hear, Sigh back her ſighs, and answer tear with tear. Then Jaſon theſe conſoling words addreſs'd, To ſooth the riſing anguish of her breast : Ceaſe, mother, ceaſe exceſs of grief to ſhow, "Oh! cease this wild extravagance of woe. "Tears cannot make one dire diſaſter leſs; They cherish grief, and aggravate diſtreſs. "Wiſely and juſtly have the Gods affign'df w Unthought-of miſeries to all mankind. The lot they give you, tho' perchance ſevere, Confiding in Minerva, bravely bearer. Minerva firſt this bold adventure mov'd, Apollo, and the Oracles approv'd. Theſe calls of heaven our confidence command, Join'd with the valour of this princely band. "Haſte, royal mother, to your native tow'rs, "Paſs with your handmaids there the peaceful hours. Forebode not here calamities to come: Your female train will re-conduct you home." He ſpoke; and from the palace bent his way, Graceful of port; ſo moves the god of day At Delos, from his odour-breathing fanes, Or Claros ſituate on Ionian plains, Or Lycia's ample ſhores, where Xanthus leads His winding waters thro' irriguous meads. Thus Jaſon march'd majestic thro' the crowd, And Fame auſpicious rais'd her voice aloud : When lo! the prieſteſs of Diana came, Their guardian Goddess, Iphias was her name, Bending with age, and kiſs'd the chief's right hand; In vain ſhe wiſh'd to ſpeak; the haſty band With ſpeedy footsteps from the dame withdrew, And Jaſon mingled with his valiant crew. Then from the tower-fenc'd town he bent his way, And reach'd ere long the Pagafæan bay There join'd his comrades waiting on the coaſt,qni And there ſaluted his confederate hoſt. When from Iölcos, lo, the wondering train. Obſerve Acaſtus haſtening o'er the plain, And with him Argus, his compeer and friend; Unknown to Pelias, to the ſhip they tend. Argus around his brawny ſhoulders flung A bull's black ſpoils that to his ancles hung. Acaſtus wore a mantle rich and gay, Wrought by his ſiſter, lovely Pelopa. Thus rob'd, the chiefs approach'd the crowded ſhore; Illustrious Jaſon ſtay'd not to explore What cauſe ſo long detain'd them, but commands To council all the delegated bands. On ſhrouds and ſails that cover'd half the beach, And the tall, tapering maſt, in order each, The heroes ſat; then riſing o'er the reſt, His bold aſſociates Jaſon thus addreſs'd: Since now the ſtores lie ready on the ſtrand, And ſince our chiefs and arms are all at hand, 'No longer let us waste the golden day, But the firſt ſummons of the breeze obey And, ſince we all with equal ardour burn For Colchian ſpoils, and hope a ſafe return, 'Impartial chooſe ſome hero fam'd afar To guide the veſſel, and conduct the war, 'Let him, your ſovereign chief, with foreign foes 'The terms of treaty, and of fight propoſe.' He ſpoke; with earnest eyes the youthful band Mark bold Alcides for ſupreme command; On him with voice unanimous they call, Own him their leader, and the lord of all. In the mid circle ſat the godlike man, His broad right hand he wav'd, and thus began : Let none to me this arduous taſk aſſign, " For I the glory with the charge decline. Jaſon alone ſhall lead this valiant band, "The chief who rais'd it, let that chief command." Thus briefly ſpoke th' unconquerable man; Loud approbation thro' the circle ran : Then Jaſon roſe, (complacence fill'd his breaſt) And thus the pleas'd, attentive throng addreſs'd : Friends and aſſociates, ſince your wills decree 'This great, this honourable trust to me, 'No longer be our enterprize delay'd : To Phœbus firſt be due oblations paid; 'Let then a ſhort repaſt our ſtrength renew: And, till my herdſmen to our gallant crew With beeves return, the beſt my ſtalls contain, Strive we to launch our veſſel in the main And when cloſe ſtow'd our military ſtores, Each take his poſt, and ply the nimble oars. 'To Phœbus firſt, Embaſian Phœbus, raiſe The ſmoaking altar; let the victims blaze. He promis'd, if due rites to him I pay, To point thro' ocean's paths our dubious way." He said, and inſtant to the taſk he flew; Example fir'd his emulative crew. They heap'd their veſtments on a rock, that ſtood, Far from the inſults of the roaring flood, But, in times past, when wintry ſtorms prevail'd, Th' encroaching waves its towering top aſſail'd. A's Argus counſel'd, with strong ropes they bound, Compacting cloſe, the veſſel round and round; Then with ſtout nails the ſturdy planks they join'd, To brave the fury of the waves or wind: Next delv'd with ſpades a channel deep and wide, Thro' which the ſhip might launch into the tide, Near to the water deeper was the way, Where wooden cylinders tranſverſely lay; On theſe they heav'd the veſſel from the plain, To roll her, ſmoothly-gliding, to the main Then to the benches, tapering oars they fix'd; A cubit's meaſure was the ſpace betwixt: This was the ſtation for the labouring bands, To tug with bending breasts, and out-stretch'd hands. First Tiphys mounted on th' aerial prow To iſſue orders to the train below, That at his word, their ſtrength uniting, all Might join together, and together haul. With eager look th' attentive heroes ſtand, And wait impatient till he gave command; Then all at once, with full exerted ſway, They move her from the ſtation where ſhe lay, And pushing inſtant, as the pilot guides, On ſmooth round rollers Pelian Argo glides; Glibly ſhe glides; loud ſhouts the jovial band; They haul, they pull, they push her from the ſtrand, Beneath the huge hulk groan the rollers ſtrong; Black ſmoke ariſes as she moves along; With ſwift deſcent ſhe rushes to the main: Coercive ropes her rapid race reſtrain. Then, next, their ſails they hoiſted, fix'd their oars, The maſt erected, and embark'd the ſtores. By lots on benches were the heroes plac'd, And with two heroes every bench was grac'd, On great Alcides, formidable name, And on Ancæus, who from Tegea came, With voice unanimous, the martial hoſt Beſtow'd the centre's honourable poſt. To watchful Tiphys was the helm aſſign'd, To ſtem the waves, and catch the favouring wind. This done, with stones beſide the ſhore which lay, They rear'd an altar to the God of day, Embaſian Phœbus, and the ſurface round With the dry branches of an olive crown'd. Meanwhile the herdſmen drove two beeves well fed From Jaſon's ſtalls; youths to the altar led The victims; ſome brought water from the lake; Some the due offering of the ſalted cake. Jaſon, while theſe the ſacrifice prepare, Thus to his parent God prefers his pray'r: 'Patron of Pagaſæ, thine ear we claim, Guard of the city grac'd with Æſon's name: 'When to conſult thine oracle I went, 'It promis'd to reveal this great event, The final iſſue of our bold empriſe: On thee, chief author, all our hope relies. 'Conduct my comrades to the far-fam'd Fleece, Then ſafe restore them to the realms of Greece. 'And here I vow, whatever chiefs return, So many bulls ſhall on thine altar burn; 'A ſacrifice at Delphos is decreed, 'And in Ortygia ſhall the victims bleed. But now theſe humble offerings which we pay, 'Gracious accept, far-darting God of day. 'Be thou, O father, our auspicious guide, 'When hence we ſail acroſs the ſounding tide. 'Smooth the rough billows, and let breezes bland. Propitious waft us to the Colchian land," Thus pray'd he ſuppliant, and prepar'd to make The ſacred offering of the ſalted cake. Alcides, fam'd for manly ſtrength and ſway, And bold Ancæus roſe the beeves to ſlay. Alcides' club impreſs'd a deadly wound On the ſteer's front, and fell'd him to the ground. Thy axe, Ancæus, at one ſturdy ſtroke, The ſteer's ſkull fractur'd, and the neck-bone broke, Down fell the victim, floundering with the blow, Prone on his horns, and plough'd the ſand below. The ready train, that round in order ſtood, Stab the fallen beeves, and ſhed the life-warm blood; Then from the body ſtrip the ſmoaking hide, The beasts they quarter, and the joints divide; The thighs devoted to the Gods they part, On theſe the fat, involv'd in cawls, with art They ſpread, and as the lambent flame devours, The Grecian chief the pure libation pours. Joy fill'd the breast of Idmon to behold, How from the thighs the flame relucent roll'd In purple volumes, and propitious ſmoke; And thus the ſeer, inſpir'd by Phœbus, ſpoke: Tho' various perils your attempt oppoſe, 'And toils unnumber'd bring unnumber'd woes; Yet ſhall ye ſafe return, ye ſons of Greece, 'Adorn'd with conqueſt, and the golden Fleece. 'Me cruel Fate ordains on Aſia's ſhore 'To die, nor e'er behold my country more. 'And tho' my destiny long fix'd I knew, Yet, ſtill reſolv'd, I join'd the martial crew; Inflam'd with glory to the hoſt I came, Of life regardless, emulous of fame,' Thus he; the host the fate of Idmon mourn, But joy tranſports them for their wish'd return. The ſun, remitting now his fiercer ray, Pours from the west the faint remains of day: Low as he ſinks, the lofty rocks expand Their lengthen'd ſhadows o'er the diſtant land. On leafy couches now the warlike train Repoſe along the beach that ſkirts the main. Before the chiefs are ſavoury viands plac'd, And generous wines, delicious to the taſte. The hours in mutual converſe they employ, In feſtive ſongs and undiſſembled joy. Thus at the banquet ſport the young and gay, When Mirth breaks in, and Envy ſkulks away. But not unmark'd was Jaſon's penſive look; Idas beheld him, and licentious ſpoke: 'What doubts, what fears do Æſon's ſon perplex? 'What dangers fright him, and what ſorrows vex? 'Proclaim thy thoughts: or is thy dubious mind 'Diſmay'd with terrours of the daftard kind? 'Now by this ſtout, unconquer'd lance, I ſwear, On which in war victorious wreaths I bear, (Scorning from Jove's aſſiſtance to receive Thoſe palms, which this reſiſtleſs lance can give) 'No foes ſhall brave, no wiles of war withſtand, 'Tho' Jove frown adverſe, this impetuous hand. Such Idas is, for prowess fam'd afar, 'Arene's boaſt, the thunder-bolt of war.' This ſaid, the boaſter ſeiz'd a goblet, fill'd With racy wine, and to the bottom ſwill'd. O'er his black beard and cheeks the liquor flow'd: Th' aſſembled host with indignation glow'd. Then Idmon roſe and boldly thus reply'd:: "Vain wretch! to brand our leader and our guide; And more irreverent ſtill, thus flush'd with wine, "To dare reproach ſuperior powers divine. Far different ſpeech must cheer the ſocial train Thy words are brutiſh, and thy boasts are vain. Thus, fame reports, the Aloïdæ ſtrove Long ſince to irritate the powers above "By vile aſperſions, infamouſly free; Yet they in valour far exceeded thee. Slain by the ſhafts of Phœbus, down they fell, Thơ' high aſpiring, to the depths of Hell." He ſaid; but Idas, with ſarcaſtic ſneer, Laughing, provok'd the venerable ſeer: Declare, wiſe augur, if the Gods decree, The ſame perdition ſhall be hurl'd on me, 'Which fam'd Aloëus' impious ſons befell 'When ſlain by Phœbus, and condemn'd to hell. Meantime eſcape, or manfully withſtand, Vain ſeer, the fury of this vengeful hand.' Thus Idas ſpoke, impatient of control, And riſing rage inflam'd his fiery ſoul; Nor had they here ceas'd fiercely to conteſt, But Jaſon and his friends their wrath repreſs'd. 'Twas then, the jarring heroes to compoſe, Th' enchanting bard, Oeagrian Orpheus roſe, And thus, attuning to the trembling ſtrings: His ſoothing voice, of harmony he ſings "How at the firſt, beneath chaotic ſway, Heaven, earth and ſea in wild disorder lay; "Till nature parted the conflicting foes, "And beauteous order from confuſion roſe. How in yon bright etherial fields above The lucid ſtars in conſtant orbits move; How the pale queen of night and golden ſun, Thro' months, and years their radiant journeys run : "Whence roſe the mountains, clad with waving woods, The crystal founts, and hoarse-resounding floods, With all their nymphs; from what celestial ſeed Springs the vaſt ſpecies of the ſerpent breed : How o'er the new-created world below, "On high Olympus' ſummits crown'd with ſnow, Ophion, and, from ocean ſprung of old, The fair Eurynome reign'd uncontroll'd: "How haughty Saturn, with ſuperior ſway " Exil'd Ophion from the realms of day; Eurynome before proud Rhea fled, And how both ſunk in ocean's billowy bed. "Long time they rul'd the bleſt Titanian Gods, While infant Jove poſſeſs'd the dark abodes "Of Dictè's cave; yet uninform'd his mind "With heavenly wisdom, and his hand confin'd. Forg'd by earth's giant ſons, with livid rays "Flam'd not as yet the lightning's piercing blaze; "Nor roar'd the thunder thro' the realms above, "The ſtrength and glory of almighty Jove." Here the ſweet bard his tuneful lyre unſtrung, And ceas'd the heavenly muſic of his tongue; But, with the ſound entranc'd, the listening ear Still thought him ſinging, and ſtill ſeem'd to hear: In ſilent rapture every chief remains, And feels within his heart the thrilling ſtrains. Forthwith the bowl they crown with roſy wine, And pay due honours to the powers divine; Then on the flaming tongues libations pour, And wait ſalubrious ſleep's compoſing hour. Soon as the bright-ey'd morning's ſplendid ray On Pelion's ſummit pour'd the welcome day, Light ſkimm'd the breezes o'er the liquid plain, And gently ſwell'd the fluctuating main; Then Tiphys roſe, and, ſummon'd by his care, Embark the heroes, and their oars prepare. Portentous now along the winding ſhores Hoarſe ſounding Pagaſæan Neptune roars: From Pelian Argo's keel loud murmurs broke, Urgent to ſail; the keel of ſacred oak, Endu'd with voice, and marvellously wrought, Itonian Pallas from Dodona brought. Now on their deſtin'd poſts, arrang'd along, In ſeemly order ſat the princely throng; Faſt by each chief his glittering armour flames : The midmoſt ſtation bold Ancæus claims, With great Alcides, (whoſe enormous might Arm'd with a maſſy club provokes the fight,) Cloſe plac'd beſide him: in the yielding flood The keel deep-ſinking owns the demigod. Their hauſers now they looſe, and on the brine To Neptune pour the conſecrated wine: Then from his native ſhore ſad Jaſon turns His oft-reverted eye, and ſilent mourns. As in Ortygia, or the Delphic fane, Or where Iſmenus laves Boeotia's plain, Apollo's altar round, the youthful quire, The dance according with the ſounding lyre, The hallow'd ground with equal cadence beat, And move in meaſure their alternate feet; Together ſo Theſſalia's princes ſweep With well-tim'd oars the ſilver-curling deep : While, raiſing high the Thracian harp, preſides Melodious Orpheus, and the movement guides. Daſh'd by their oars the foaming billows broke, And loud remurmur'd to each mighty ſtroke. Swift ſail'd the ſhip, the ſun refulgent beam'd, And bright as flame their glittering armour gleam'd. While to their outſtretch'd oars the heroes bow, The parted ocean whitening foams below. So ſhines the path, along ſome graſſy plain, Worn by the footsteps of the village-ſwain. Th' immortal powers that Jove's proud palace crown, All on that memorable day look'd down, The godlike chiefs and Argo to ſurvey, As thro' the deep they urg'd their daring way. Then too on Pelion's cloud-capt ſummit ſtood The Nymphs that wander in that ſacred wood; Wondering they view'd below the ſailing pine, (Itonian Pallas fram'd the work divine) And bold Theffalia's labouring heroes ſweep With ſtretching oars the navigable deep. Lo! from the mountain's topmost cliff deſcends The Centaur Chiron; to the ſhore he bends His haſty footsteps: on the beach he stood, And dipp'd his fetlocks in the hoary flood. He hail'd the heroes with his big, broad hand, And wiſh'd them ſafe to gain their native land. With Chiron came Chariclo to the ſhore; The young Achilles in her arms ſhe bore. Peleus, his ſire, with ſecret pleaſure ſmil'd, As high in air ſhe rais'd the royal child. And now the winding bay's ſafe precincts paſt, Theſſalian Argo plough'd the watery waſte; On Tiphys' care the valiant chiefs rely'd, To ſteer the veſſel o'er the foaming tide, The ſmooth well-modell'd rudder to command, Obſequious to the movement of his hand. And next inſerting in the keel below The maſt tall-tapering, to the ſtern and prow, With ropes that thro' the rolling pulleys glide, They rear upright, and firm on every ſide, Then high in air the ſwelling ſails they raiſe, While on their boſoms buxom Zephyr plays. With favouring gales their ſteady courſe they keep To where Tiſæum frowns upon the deep. Meanwhile ſweet Orpheus, as they ſail'd along, Rais'd to Diana the melodious ſong, - Who ſav'd them, where her guardian power preſides, From treacherous rocks that lurk beneath the tides. The fiſh in ſhoals, attentive to his lay, Purſu'd the poet o'er the watery way; And oft emerging from their liquid ſphere, Strove more diſtinct his heavenly notes to hear. As sheep in flocks thick-paſturing on the plain "Attend the footsteps of the ſhepherd-ſwain, His well-known call they hear, and fully fed, Pace ſlowly on, their leader at their head; Who pipes melodious, as he moves along, On ſprightly reeds his modulated ſong: Thus charm'd with tuneful ſounds, the ſcaly train Purſu'd the flying veſſel o'er the main. And now the winds with favouring breezes blew, Corn-crown'd Theffalia leſſen'd to the view, The Grecian heroes paſs by Pelion's ſteep, Whoſe rocky ſummit nodded o'er the deep. Now Sepias' cliffs beneath the waves ſubſide, And ſea-girt Sciathos ſurmounts the tide. Next, but far diſtant, was Pireſiæ ſeen, (Built on Magneſia's continent ſerene) And Dolops' tomb, for this pacific ſhore, Bleſt with mild evening's ſoften'd gales, they bore. To him with victims was an altar crown'd, While night prevail'd, and ocean roar'd around. Two days they tarried, till propitious gales Roſe with the third, and bellied all their ſails. Aſſiduous then, the well-known ſhore they fill, The ſhore call'd Aphetæ of Argo ſtill. Next Melibœa, on Theſſalia's fſhore, They paſs, where winds and thundering tempeſts roar. At early dawn, incumbent o'er the deep, They view high Omole's aſpiring ſteep. Next by the ſtreams of Amyrus they ſteer, And where thy vales, Eurymena, appear, And Oſſa and Olympus' ſhady brow; Loud from deep caverns guſh the waves below. By night beſide Pallene's heights they ſail, And rough Canaſtra frowning o'er the vale. But when the morn diſplay'd her orient light, Tall Athos roſe conſpicuous to the ſight; Which tho' from Lemnos far remov'd it lay, As far as ſhips can ſail till noon of day, Yet the proud mountain's high-exalted head, A gloom umbrageous o'er Myrina ſpread. All day till eve the ſoft, indulgent gales Their ſuccour lent, and fill'd the ſwelling ſails. But when with eve the breezes ceas'd to blow, The mariners to Sintian Lemnos row, Ill-fated iſland! where the female train Had all the males, the year preceding, ſlain. For, deep-enamour'd with the nymphs of Thrace, The men declin'd the conjugal embrace; Their wives they ſlighted, and unwary led War's pleaſing ſpoils, fair captives, to their bed. For angry Venus robb'd of love's delights The Lemnian females, for neglected rites. Ah miſerable train! with envy curs'd And jealouſy, of paſſions far the worſt! One fatal night this unrelenting crew Their mates, and all the lovely captives, ſlew, And every male; left in the course of time Should riſe ſome hero to revenge the crime. Hypſipyla alone, illustrious maid, Spar'd her ſire Thoas, who the ſceptre ſway'd. With pious care, in reverence to his age, In a capacious ark ſhe plac'd the ſage, Confiding in the mercy of the wave The monarch from the maſſacre to ſave. Some faithful fiſhers, to their mandate juſt, Convey'd with care the delegated truſt Safe to a neighbouring, ſea-ſurrounded ſhore, Oenoea nam'd, ſo nam'd in days of yore, Now Sicinum; from Sicinus it takes Its title, whom a naiad of the lakes, The nymph Oenoea, beautiful and fair, Compreſs'd by Thoas, to the monarch bore. The widow'd Lemnians, tho' by waves ſecur'd, Oft ſhone in arms, to martial toils inur'd. To feed their cattle was their daily care, Or cleave the furrow with the crooked ſhare: Expert at theſe, Minerva's arts they ſcorn'd, Which once employ'd them, and which once adorn'd. Oft to the main, oppreſs'd with dire alarms, They look'd; for much they fear'd the Thracian arms. And when Theſſalian Argo caught their view, Quick from Myrina to the ſhore they flew. All clad in glittering arms they preſs'd the ſtrand, Impetuous; (like the Bacchanalian band, When with raw fleſh their horrid feasts they cloſe ;) They deem'd the veſſel ſtor'd with Thracian foes. Hypſipyla advanc'd among the reſt, In the bright armour of her father dress'd; Anxious, aſtoniſh'd all the dames appear, And by their ſilence teſtified their fear. Meanwhile Æthalides the heroes ſend; To him their peaceful mandates they commend. Inveſted with the office of the God, They grace their herald too with Hermes' rod, Hermes his ſire; who bleſs'd his favourite heir With memory nor time, nor place impair. In vain around him Acheron's waters roll; They pour no dull oblivion o'er his ſoul. To him the fates this privilege beſtow, By turns to wander with the ſhades below; By turns with men to view the golden day, And feel the ſun's invigorating ray. But why expatiate on ſuch themes as theſe ? Why tell the fame of great Æthalides ? The herald to Hypſipyla addreſs'd, With mild benevolence, this joint request; That now, at evening-cloſe, the friendly land Might hoſpitably treat this gallant band, Who fear'd at morn to hoiſt their ſwelling ſails, For Boreas blew with unpropitious gales. The queen had ſummon'd to the council-hall The Lemnian dames, the dames obey'd her call : Who mildly, with perſuaſion in her look, In order rang'd, the heroines bespoke : Let us, my mates, and ye my words attend, 'Commodious preſents to theſe ſtrangers ſend; 'Such as their friends to mariners conſign, 'Salubrious viands, and delicious wine; 'So will they peaceful on our borders ſtay, 'Nor need compel them to the town to ſtray. Here will they learn the ſtory of our guilt, 'The vows we broke, the kindred blood we ſpilt; 'And ſure a tale, thus horrid, muſt appear Cruel and impious to a foreign ear. 'These are the counſels of your faithful friend, Prompt to adviſe, and ſteady to defend. She who can furnish counſel more diſcreet, Now let her offer for this cauſe we meet.' Thus ſpoke the queen, and preſs'd her father's A royal ſeat, compos'd of ſolid stone. Then roſe Polyxo, venerable dame, Once the queen's nurſe, oppreſs'd with age, and lame; A ſtaff ſuſtain'd her (for her limbs were weak) Tottering with age, yet vehement to ſpeak. Near her four damſels, blooming, freſh and fair, Sat crown'd with ringlets of the whiteſt hair. Full in the midſt ſhe ſtood, then rais'd her head, Her back was bent with years, and thus ſhe ſaid: The queen's advice I greatly must commend, Commodious preſents to our guests to fend. 'And what more ſaving counſel ſhall I give 'To thoſe my friends who ſhall hereafter live; Whene'er the ſons of Thrace, or hoſtile hoſts From other kingdoms ſhall infeſt our coaſts; 'Which well may happen, we must all allow, As this invaſion that alarms us now? But ſhould ſome God avert th' impending ill, Yet greater evils may befall, and will. For when the oldeſt die, as die they muſt, And our wiſe matrons be transform'd to duſt, And you, now young, oppreſs'd at last with age, Shall unprolific tread life's irkſome ſtage: What wretched mortals ye, who then ſurvive! Who to their labour, then, the ſteers ſhall drive? Will oxen then their necks ſpontaneous bow 'Beneath the yoke, and drag the ponderous plough? 'Or will they reap the harvest on the plain, And every autumn houſe the golden grain ? I, tho' preſerv'd to this important day, (For death from me abhorrent turns away,) 'Yet, ere the ſun compleats his annual round, 'If right I judge, ſhall mingle with the ground, 'Lodg'd in the lap of Earth, at Nature's call, ' And 'ſcape the ruin that involves you all. 'Hear then, young damſels, what my years adviſe; 'Before you now the fair occaſion lies: 'Commit your city to theſe ſtrangers' care, Let them your manſions and poſſeſſions ſhare.' She ſpoke, pleas'd murmurs fill'd the ſpacious hall; Polyxo's counſel was approv'd by all. From her fire's throne Hypſipyla aroſe, Thus in few words the conference to cloſe : My mates, ſince all this ſage advice commend, An inſtant meſſage to the ſhip I ſend." She ſaid, and to Iphinoa gave command; Haſte, find the leader of yon martial band, "Invite him (of our amity a proof) To lodge beneath my hoſpitable roof; "There time will furniſh leiſure to relate "The genius and the manners of our ſtate. But let his comrades rove, as pleaſure leads, "And pitch their tents along the fertile meads; "Or to the tower-defended town repair, "Aſſur'd of ſafety, and our royal care." Th' aſſembly roſe, as thus the princeſs ſpoke, Then to the regal dome her way ſhe took. Iphinoa, mindful of the queen's command, Approach'd the Minyans ſcatter'd o'er the ſtrand, Who throng'd around her, eager to explore Wherefore ſhe came, and what commands ſhe bore. Then thus ſhe ſaid; 'Strangers, to you as friends Hypſipyla, the ſeed of Thoas, fends Her faithful herald, with this ſtrict command To find the leader of your martial band; 'Him ſhe invites (of amity a proof) To lodge beneath her hoſpitable roof: There time will furnish leisure to relate The genius, and the manners of our ſtate. But let his comrades rove, as pleaſure leads, And pitch their tents along the fertile meads; Or to the tower-defended town repair, Aſſur'd of ſafety, and the royal care.' Theſe words were grateful to the warlike band; From her they learn'd whoſe ſceptre rul'd the land; Inſtant they urg'd their chief's aſſent, and all Prepar'd obſequious to accept the call. A mantle doubly lin'd, of purple hue, The ſon of Eſon o'er his ſhoulders threw. This Pallas gave him, when, with wondrous art, She plann'd his ſhip, and meaſur'd every part. 'Twere ſafer to ſurvey the radiant globe Of riſing Phœbus, than this ſplendid robe. Full in the middle beam'd a crimſon blaze, The verge ſurrounding darted purple rays. In every part hiſtoric ſcenes were wrought; The moving figures ſeem'd inform'd with thought. Here, on their work intent, the Cyclops ſtrove Eager to forge a thunder-bolt for Jove; Half-rough, half-form'd the glowing engine lay, And only wanted the fire-darting ray; And this they hammer'd out on anvils dire; At each colliſion flaſh'd the fatal fire. Not diſtant far, in lively colours plann'd, Two brothers, Zethus and Amphion ſtand, Sons of Antiopa: no turrets crown'd Thy city, Thebes, but walls were riſing round. A mountain's rocky ſummit Zethus bore On his broad back, but ſeem'd to labour ſore. Behind, Amphion tun'd his golden ſhell, Amphion, deem'd in muſic to excel : Rocks ſtill purſu'd him as he mov'd along, Charm'd by the muſic of his magic ſong. Crown'd with ſoft treſſes, in a fairer field, Gay Venus toy'd with Mars's ſplendid ſhield. Down from her ſhoulder her expanded veſt Diſplay'd the ſwelling beauties of her breast. She in the brazen buckler, glittering bright, Beheld her lovely image with delight. On a rich plain appear, not diſtant far, The Taphians, and Electryon's ſons at war; Fat ſteers the prize for which the ſwains contend, Thoſe ſtrive to plunder, theſe their herds defend; The meads were moiſt with blood and roſy dew: The powerful many triumph'd o'er the few. Two chariots next roll'd lightly o'er the plains, This Pelops drove, and ſhook the ſounding reins; Hippodamia at his ſide he view'd: In the next chariot, Myrtilus purſu'd, And with him Oenomas; approaching near, At Pelops' back he aim'd the vengeful ſpear; The faithless axle, as the wheels whirl'd round, Snapp'd ſhort, and left him ſtretch'd along the ground. Here young Apollo ſtood, in act to throw The whirring arrow from the twanging bow, At mighty Tityus aim'd, who baſely ſtrove To force his mother, erſt belov'd by Jove: He from fair Elara deriv'd his birth, Tho' fed and nouriſh'd by prolific Earth. There Phryxus ſtoop'd to listen to the ram, On whoſe broad back the Helleſpont he ſwam. The beast look'd ſpeaking; earnest could you gaze, The lively piece would charmingly amaze. Long might you feaſt your eye, and lend an ear, With pleaſing hope the conference to hear. Such was the preſent of the blue-ey'd maid- In his right hand a miſſile lance he ſway'd, Which Atalanta, to reward the brave, Sure pledge of friendſhip, to the hero gave, When on the breezy Mænalus ſhe rov'd, And wiſh'd the company of him the lov'd; But he, of ſuitors' amorous ſtrife afraid, Repreſs'd the fond intention of the maid. Thus rob'd, thus arm'd, he to the city went, Bright as a ſtar that gilds the firmament, Which maids aſſembled view with eager eyes High o'er their roof in orient beauty riſe. On the bright ſignal, as it darts its rays, Attentive they with ſilent tranſport gaze. Each, with this omen charm'd, expects, tho' late, Return'd from diſtant climes her deſtin'd mate. Thus ſhone the chief, for high achievements known, Majestic as he mov'd to Lemnos' town. The noble heroines his footſteps meet, With courteous joy the Grecian gueſt to greet, Whoſe downcaſt eye ne'er wander'd, till he came To the proud palace of the royal dame; Obſequious damſels at the portal wait, And quick unbar the double-folding gate: Then thro' the various courts extending wide, And ſtately rooms, Iphinoa was his guide; On a bright throne, with rich embroidery grac'd, Fronting her ſovereign ſhe the hero plac'd. Th' embarraſs'd queen, her face with blushes ſpread; In courteous terms addreſs'd the prince, and ſaid: Why, gentle ſtranger, ſhould your warlike train At diſtance far, without the walls remain ? The men who till'd theſe ample fields before, Now turn rich furrows on the Thracian ſhore. But hear, while I our matchless woes relate; So ſhall you know the ſtory of our fate. When o'er this realm my father Thoas reign'd, The Lemnian youth, to fraud and rapine train'd, On Thracian borders ſeiz'd the trembling prey, And brought whole flocks, and lovely maids away. This Venus plann'd, with mischievous intent, 'And fierce among them fatal diſcord ſent. 'Their wives they loath'd, and vainly impious led 'War's ſpoils, fair captives, to the lawleſs bed. 'Long we endur'd, forgiving inſults paſt, 'And hop'd the faithleſs would reform at last. 'In vain; each day but doubled our diſgrace, Our children yielded to a ſpurious race. 'The widow'd mother, the diſfcarded maid, 'Forlorn, neglected thro' the city ſtray'd. 'No tender pity touch'd the parent's breaſt, To ſee his darling child abus'd, oppreſs'd Beneath a ſtep-dame's proud, imperious ſway : 'No ſons would then maternal duty pay, Nor, as before, their mother's cauſe defend; 'No ſiſter then to ſiſter prov'd a friend: 'But the gay troops of Thracian captives fair 'Inthrall'd the men, and challeng'd all their care; At home, abroad, the firſt, at pleaſure's call, To ſhare the banquet, and conduct the ball. 'At length, but ſtrange! ſome favouring power divine In female minds inſpir'd this bold deſign, 'That, when return'd from Thracia's hateful ſhore, Our roofs theſe traitors might protect no more; That, thus conſtrain'd, they might forego their 'Or with their captives flee to diſtant climes. They ſail, return, the few remaining males 'Demand, then quit us with auspicious gales; And now the frigid fields of Thrace they plough, 'And countries whiten'd with Sithonian ſnow. 'Haſte then, conduct your comrades to the town:: 'Here fix your ſeat, and Lemnos is your own. 'And if to high dominion you aſpire, Reign here, and wield the ſceptre of my ſire. 'You must approve; for not ſo fair a coaſt, Or iſle ſo fertile can the Ægean boaſt. Haſte to your friends, and make my pleaſure known, Nor let them longer lodge without the town.' Artful ſhe ſpoke, forbearing to relate How in one night each woman ſlew her mate. Then Jaſon thus: "Whate'er your bounty grants, Stores for our voyage, or our preſent wants, Pleas'd we accept: I to my valiant bands "Will ſpeed to ſignify your kind commands, "Then ſoon conduct my comrades to the town: "But still, Queen, ſtill wear your father's crown. "Not from diſdain I ſhun imperial ſway, n "But great achievements call me hence away." He ſpoke, and gently preſs'd her fair right hand, Then ſought his comrades ſcatter'd o'er the ſtrand. Unnumber'd damſels round the hero wait, Gazing with joy, and follow to the gate; Then grateful preſents in ſwift cars convey To the land's margin, where the warriours lay. When Jaſon now to his adventurous bands Had ſignified Hypſipyla's commands, With eager joy the Minyans haſte to ſhare Her friendly roofs, and hoſpitable fare. The Queen of Love Theſſalia's chiefs inſpires, For Vulcan's fake, with amorous deſires; That Lemnos, Vulcan's ſacred iſle, agen May flourish, peopled with a race of men. Great Jaſon haſtens to the regal walls; The reſt proceed where chance or pleaſure calls, Save great Alcides; with a choſen train, Ambitious he in Argo to remain. Eager with joy the jolly crowds advance To ſhare the genial feast, or lead the dance; To Venus' and to Vulcan's fane they throng, And crown the day with victims and with ſong. Sunk in ſoft eaſe th' enamour'd heroes lay, (Their voyage ſtill deferr'd from day to day) And longer ſtill, and longer had declin'd, Full loath to leave the lovely place behind, Had not Alcides, the fair dames apart, Thus ſpoke incens'd the language of his heart: 'Miſtaken comrades, does our kindred, ſay, From our own country drive us far away? Or are we fondly thus enamour'd grown Of foreign damſels, and deſpiſe our own? 'Here ſhall we ſtay to till the Lemnian fields ? Small fame to heroes this baſe commerce yields, No God, propitious to the ſons of Greece, Without our toil, will grant the golden Fleece. Our courſe purſue we; for the breeze invites; And let him revel in Love's ſoft delights, Who here but ſtays to propagate his kind, And leave a memorable name behind." Alcides thus: none dar'd to lift his eye, To breathe a murmur, or to make reply; But keenly ſtung with this ſarcaſtic ſtile, They haſte to leave the lov'd Vulcanian iſſe. Soon as the damſels their fix'd purpoſe knew, Around the chiefs in busy crowds they flew. As bees from ſome deep-cavern'd rock proceed, Buzz o'er the lilies of the laughing mead, The ſweets of all ambroſial herbs devour, And ſuck the ſoul of every fragrant flow'r; Thus they in ſwarms the parting Greeks addreſs, With hands ſalute, with ſoothing words careſs; Then to the Powers above with fervour pray, Safe to their arms the heroes to convey. Hypſipyla the hand of Jaſon preſs'd, And thus with tears the parting chief addreſs'd: "Adieu! and may you with the ſons of Greece "Return triumphant with the golden Fleece. "Here ſhall you then my father's ſceptre ſway, "And his domains your ſovereign will obey. "The neighbouring ſtates will furniſh large ſupplies, "And a vaſt empire by your wisdom riſe. "But if on nobler plans your thoughts are bent, "And vainly I preſage the wiſh'd event; "Abſent or preſent, to my memory kind, "Still let Hypſipyla poſſeſs your mind. "And if with offspring heaven ſhould bleſs me, ſay, "How ſhall I then my Jaſon's will obey?" The prince beheld the queen with rapturous look, And thus with mild benevolence beſpoke: 'May theſe events, foredoom'd by heaven's decree, Succeſsful prove, Hypſipyla, to thee. But ſtill of Jaſon nobler thoughts retain : Enough for me o'er my own realms to reign; May but the powers of heaven (I aſk no more) Safe reconvey me to my native ſhore. 'If that's denied, and you, my ſource of joy, Bear, the ſoft token of our loves, a boy; Him, when mature, in kindness to your friend, 'My parents' ſolace, to Iölcos ſend; If then perchance the venerable pair 'Survive their woes, and breathe this vital air. There may he live, from Pelias far remov'd, By Grecians honour'd, who his father lov'd. He spoke his last farewell: then firſt aſcends The ſhip, and with him his illustrious friends. In their due ſtations plac'd, each ſeiz'd an oar, While Argus loos'd the cable from the ſhore. With active ſtrokes the vigorous heroes ſweep The ſounding boſom of the billowy deep. As Orpheus counſel'd, and mild evening near, To Samothrace, Electra's iſle, they ſteer; That there initiated in rites divine, Safe might they ſail the navigable brine. But, Muſe, preſume not of theſe rites to tell : Farewell, dread iſle! dire deities, farewell! Let not my verſe theſe myſteries explain; To name is impious, to reveal profane. Thence the black main they laſh'd with all their might, Thrace on their left, and Imbros on the right; And ſafely, with the now-declining ſun, To far-projecting Cherſoneſus run. Then ſtemm'd they, aided by the ſouthern gales, The ſtormy Helleſpont with swelling ſails, Left the high-ſurging ſea with morning light, And reach'd Sigæum with approaching night. Dardania paſt, and high exalted Ide, They ſaw Abydos on the ſtormy tide. Thence ſail'd they by Percote's paſture lands, Pityëa's meadows, and Abarnis' ſands : And nightly, favour'd by the friendly blaſt, The purple-foaming Helleſpont they paſt. An ancient iſland in Propontis lies, That towering lifts its ſummit to the ſkies; Near Phrygia's corn-abounding coaſt it ſtands, And far-projecting all the main commands; An iſland this, ſave where the iſthmus chain Connects both lands, and curbs the boisterous main. Round its rough ſides the thundering tempeſts roar, And a ſafe bay is form'd on either ſhore. Æſepus' waters near this iſthmus fall: And bordering tribes the mountain Arcton call. On this rough mountain, barbarous, fierce and bold, Dwell mighty giants, hideous to behold; And, wonderful to tell! each monſter ſtands With ſix huge arms, and ſix rapacious hands; Two pendent on their ſhaggy ſhoulders grow, And four deform their horrid ſides below. The lowland isthmus, verging to the main, The Dolions till'd, and all the fertile plain. O'er theſe reign'd Cyzicus the brave, the young, Who from the gallant warriour, Æneus, ſprung. The daughter of Euſorus, firſt in fame, Bore Cyzicus, Æneta was her name. Secure they liv'd, and free from war's alarms, Tho' Earth's huge ſons were terrible in arms. Sprung from the monarch of the hoary tide, On Neptune's aid the Dolian race rely'd. To this fair port, with gentle-breathing gales, This friendly ſhore, Theſſalian Argo ſails. Here the rope-faſten'd stone they heave on ſhore, Which ſerv'd as anchor to the ſhip before,e But now too light, ſo Typhis bids, they bring, And leave it at the pure Artacian ſpringb Then chooſe another on the rocky bay, More ponderous far, the rolling ſhip to ſtay. There the firſt ſtone unnumber'd years remain'd, Till, as Apollo's oracle ordain'd, Th' Ionians found, with rites mysterious grac'd, And ſacred to Jaſonian Pallas plac'd. Soon as the Dolians, near approaching, knew Theſſalian Argo, and the godlike crew, Led on by Cyzicus they haſte to meet The princely band, and amicably greet; Invite them down the winding bay to fall, And fix their cable near the city-wall. Thus friendly treated, the Pelaſgic train Strive with their oars th' interiour port to gain. Then firſt Ecbaſian Phœbus they adore, And rear an altar on the ſounding ſhore. To them the king diſpatch'd, with heart benign, Fat ſheep, and ſtrong, exhilarating wine. For thus the ſacred oracle foretold, 'When here arrives a band of heroes bold, 'With kind complacence treat the godlike crew, 'Meet not in arms, but pay them honours due!' Scarce had the down the monarch's cheeks o'erſpread; No children yet had bleſs'd the nuptial bed. Clita, his lovely queen, the young, the fair, brea Renown'd for beauty, and her golden hair, Sprung from Percoſian Merops, ſtill remains: A ſtranger to Lucina's cruel pains. Late from her father's court the king convey'd, With ample dower enrich'd, the blameless maid; Yet he neglects the genial bed, and feaſts, All fears far baniſhing, with foreign gueſts. Oft he enquires of Pelias' ſtern command, And why the heroes left their native land. As oft they aſk'd what cities neighbouring lay, And in Propontis which the ſafeſt bay. But ſcanty knowledge could the king beſtow, Tho' it behov'd them much theſe truths to know, When morning rose, the Dindymean ſteep Some mount, to view the navigable deep, And all its winding bays; the road they came They honour'd with illustrious Jaſon's name. The chiefs, who choſe aboard the ſhip to ſtay, Remov'd her from the moorings where ſhe lay. Mean while the ſons of Earth, a numerous train, From their bleak mountains rush into the plain, Beſiege the pervious bay, and ſtrive to block Its mouth with maſſy fragments from the rock; Intending there Theffalia's pine to keep Hemm'd up, like ſome huge monster of the deep. But Hercules remain'd; his bow he drew, mom And heaps of giants with his arrows ſlew. The reſt enrag'd, rough, rocky fragments tore, Hurl'd high in air, and thunder'd from the ſhore. (This labour ſtill for Hercules remain'd, By Juno, Jove's imperial queen, ordain'd) And fiercely now the glowing battle burn'd, When lo! the chiefs from Dindymus return'd, Attack'd the deſperate giants in the rear, And dealt deſtruction with the dart and ſpear; Till Earth's fierce ſons, defil'd with wounds and gore, Dropp'd dead; their bodies cover'd half the ſhore. As near the ſea's broad brink, with sturdy ſtrokes, Aſſiduous woodmen fell aſpiring oaks; Then draw them in due order from the flood, And thus well drench'd they cleave with eaſe the wood: Thus at the entrance of the hoary bay, The frequent corſe of many a giant lay; Some, tumbled headlong, made the sea their grave, While their legs roſe above the briny wave; Some o'er the ſands their horrid viſage ſhow, Their feet deep-rooted in the mud below. Thus their huge trunks afford abundant fare To Neptune's fiſhes, and the birds of air. Soon as concluded was the bloody fray, And favouring breezes call'd the chiefs away, They loos'd; o'er ſwelling ocean ſouthern gales Breath'd all day long, and fill'd their bellying ſails. A Night roſe, the favouring gales no longer laſt, The ſhip drives backward with the ſtormy blaſt. V Again they harbour on the friendly coaſt, Where late the Dolians entertain'd the host; And round the rock the ſteady cable bind, The rock ev'n now to ſacred fame conſign'd. Here thro' the gloom of night again they came, And knew not that the country was the ſame. Nor knew the Dolians, ſo dark night prevail'd, That back to Cyzicum the Greeks had ſail'd;. But deem'd the chiefs a band of Macrian foes: To arms they call, and force to force oppoſe. A gleamy luſtre glanc'd along the field, While ſpear met ſpear, and shield encounter'd ſhield. In ſun-ſcorch'd bushes thus the bickering blaze Flames forth, and crackling on the branches preys. Dire was the conflict; on the fatal plain Their prince, alas ! was number'd with the ſlain, His queen and bridal bed beheld he ne'er again. For Jaſon ſpy'd the prince advancing near, And thro' his boſom plung'd the furious ſpear;" The ribs it broke, and circumſcrib'd his date, Wing'd with th' inevitable will of Fate. Fate, like a wall, devoted man ſurrounds, And faſt confines him in its circling bounds. Himſelf he deem'd, in that diſorder'd fight,. Vainly he deem'd! protected by the night: The favouring night, alas! produc'd his bane, And chiefs unnumber'd with their prince were ſlain. For Hercules, with his all-conquering bow, Diſpatch'd Telecles to the ſhades below, And Megabrontes: by Acaſtus' hand Pale Sphodris lay extended on the ſtrand. Peleus to Pluto's dark dominions gave Zelys the hardy, and Gephyrus brave. Bold Telamon, well-ſkill'd the lance to wield, Left Baſileus expiring on the field. Next Idas vanquiſh'd Promeus by his ſide; By warlike Clytius Hyacinthus died. Fair Leda's ſons, in bloody combat ſkill'd, Fierce Megaloſſacus and Phlogius kill'd. And Meleager added two to theſe, Itymoneus and valiant Artaces. Theſe all were chiefs in fighting fields approv'd, Deplor'd as heroes, and as brothers lov'd. The reſt for ſafety on their flight rely; (As trembling doves before the falcon fly) Then to the city-gates tumultuous preſs, And raiſe the piercing cry of deep diſtreſs; The city mourn'd: they deem'd, return'd from far, That hoſtile Macrians had renew'd the war. But when the roſy morn began to wake, All found their irretrievable miſtake. Heart-rending grief oppreſs'd the Grecian train, To ſee the hoſpitable monarch ſlain, A clay-cold corſe, extended on the ſhore, Deform'd with dust, and all beſmear'd with gore. The Greeks and Dolians, ſunk in deep deſpair, Mourn three long days, and rend their graceful hair. A tomb they rear upon the riſing ground, And clad in brazen arms thrice march around; Then for the monarch, on Limonia's plain, Of rites obſervant, funeral-games ordain. There ſtands the tomb, adorn'd with honours due, Which diſtant ages will with ſorrow view. When the ſad news at Clita's ear arriv'd, Not long the queen her monarch's fate ſurviv'd; But woe augmenting, round her neck ſhe tied The nooſe diſhoneſt, and unſeemly died. Her mournful dirge the weeping Dryads ſung, While Dindymus with lamentations rung; And all the tears that from their eye-lids fell, The Gods transform'd, in pity, to a well; In cryſtal ſtreams it murmurs ſtill, and weeps, And ſtill the name of wretched Clita keeps. A day ſo difinal, ſo replete with woes, Till this ſad day, to Dolians never roſe. Deep, deep immers'd in ſorrow they remain'd, And all from life-ſupporting food abſtain'd; Save ſuch poor pittance as man's needs require, Of corn unground, or unprepar'd by fire. And annual, on this day, the Dolians ſtill Sift coarſeſt meal, and at the public mill. Thenceforth twelve days and nights dire ſtorms Nor could the chiefs unfurl the ſwelling ſail. The following night, by ſleep's ſoft power oppreſs'd, Once more in Cyzicum the heroes reſt; Mopſus alone and brave Acaſtus keep The watch nocturnal, while their comrades ſleep; When, lo! a Halcyon, of cerulean hue, O'er the fair head of ſlumbering Jaſon flew, In airy circles, wondrous to behold, And, ſcreaming loud, the ceaſing ſtorm foretold. The grateful ſound attentive Mopſus heard, And mark'd the meaning of the ſea-bred bird; (Which gently riſing from the deck below, Perch'd on the ſummit of th' aerial prow) Then rous'd he Jaſon from his fleecy bed, Of sheeps' ſoft ſkins compos'd, and thus he ſaid; O ſon of Æſon, hear! be this thy care, 'Haſte, to the fane of Dindymus repair; There Cybele with ſacrifice implore, So will the winds tempestuous ceaſe to roar. For this proclaim'd the boding Halcyon true, As round thee, ſunk in deep repoſe, ſhe flew. By Cybele's dread power the vaſt profound, And all the winds in harmony are bound. By her ſubſiſts prolific earth below, And high Olympus, ever crown'd with snow. 'Jove yields, when the aſcends the courts of day, 'And all the powers immortal own her ſway." To Jaſon thus the venerable ſeer; And welcome came the tidings to his ear. Inſtant the chief, exulting with a bound, Sprung from the bed, and wak'd his comrades round. Elate with joy his looks, his words unfold The glad preſage which Mopſus had foretold, Then from the ſtalls the youths appointed drove Selected oxen to the heights above. Some from the rock unloos'd the corded ſtay, And with fleet oars approach'd the Thracian bay. From thence the top of Dindymus they gain'd; Few were the heroes that aboard remain'd: By thoſe the Macrian rocks, and Thracian land Directly oppoſite, appear'd at hand; The Thracian Bosphorus here, involv'd in ſhade, And Myſia's riſing mountains were ſurvey'd; There, where his waters black Æſepus pours, Nepea's plain, and Adraſteia's tow'rs. A vine's vaſt trunk adorn'd with branches ſtood, Though old, yet ſound, and long had grac'd the wood: This trunk they hew'd, and made, by Argus' ſkill, An image of the Goddess of the hill; Which on the rocky eminence they plac'd, With the thick boughs of circling beeches grac'd. They rear an altar, then, on riſing ground, Of stones that readieſt lay, and wide around Diſpoſe the branches of the ſacred oak, And Dindymus's deity invoke, The guardian power of Phrygia's hills and woods, The venerable mother of the Gods. On Tityas and Cyllenus too they call, Of all her priests moſt lov'd, and honour'd most of all: For ſkill prophetic they alone are fam'd; Idean Dactyli theſe priests are nam'd; Both whom Anchiala in Dicte's cave Brought forth, where chill Oaxis rolls his wave. While on the burning victims Jaſon pours Libations due, the Goddess he implores To ſmile propitious on the Grecian train, And ſtill the tempeſts of the roaring main. Then Orpheus call'd, and youthful chiefs advance, All clad in arms, to lead the martial dance; With claſhing ſwords they clatter'd on their ſhields, And fill'd with feſtive ſounds th' aerial fields. Loſt in theſe ſounds was every doleful ſtrain, And their loud wailings for their monarch ſlain. The Phrygians ſtill their Goddess' favour win By the revolving wheel and timbrel's din.- Of theſe pure rites the mighty mother ſhow'd Her mind approving, by theſe ſigns beſtow'd; Boughs bend with fruit, Earth from her boſom pours Herbs ever green, and voluntary flow'rs. Fierce foreſt-beasts forſake the lonely den, Approach with gentleneſs, and fawn on men. A pleaſing omen, and more wondrous ſtill The Goddess gave: the Dindymean hill, That ne'er knew water on its airy brow, Burſts into ſtreams, and founts perennial flow. This wonder ſtill the Phrygian ſhepherds ſing, And give the name of Jaſon to the ſpring. Then on the mount the chiefs the feaſt prolong, And praiſe the venerable queen in ſong. But when the morning roſe, they plied their oars, - And, the wind ceaſing, left the Phrygian ſhores. Then fair contention fir'd the princely train, Who beſt the toil of rowing could ſuſtain. For now the howling ſtorm was lull'd to ſleep; Etherial mildneſs had compos'd the deep. On the calm ſea the labouring chiefs rely'd; Fleet flew the ſhip along the yielding tide; Not Neptune's ſteeds ſo ſwift, with looſen'd reins, Skim the light level of the liquid plains. But when with even-tide the bluſtering breeze Brush'd the broad boſom of the ſwelling ſeas, The wearied chiefs their toilſome courſe repreſs'd, And all, ſave great Alcides, ſunk to reſt. Swift thro' the waves his arm unaided drew The ſhip, deep-laden with the drowſy crew. Thro' all her planks the well-compacted pine Shook, as his oar dispers'd the foamy brine. But ſoon the heroes view'd the Myſian ſhore, As by the mouth of Rhyndacus they bore. On Phrygia's fields a wiſhful look they caſt, And huge Ægæon's promontory paſs'd, When great Alcides, at one luckleſs ſtroke, His oar, hard ſtraining, near the middle broke. One part was ſwallow'd in the whelming main, One, though he fell, his grasping hands retain; Backward he fell, but ſoon his ſeat regain'd, And, loathing reſt, in mute amaże remain'd. What time the weary labourer, wanting reſt, Hies to his cot with pining fast oppreſs'd; Ev'n in the entrance of his rural door His tottering knees he bends, and moves no more; His duſty limbs he views, and callous hands, And curſes hunger's inſolent demands: Then, nor till then, the chiefs to Chius row, Chius, whoſe ſtreams around Arganthon flow. The friendly Myſians on their peaceful coaſt Receive with hospitality the host, Abundant ſtores they ſend, with hearts benign, Fat ſheep, and ſtrong exhilarating wine. Some bring dry wood, and ſome in order ſpread Soft leaves and herbage for a ſpacious bed; Some from the flint elicit living fire; Some mix the wines that generous deeds inſpire: The feast they crown, and rites to Phœbus pay, Ecbaſian Phœbus, at the cloſe of day. But Hercules the genial feaſt declin'd, And ſought the wood, a fitting oar to find. Nor long he ſought before a fir he found; Few leaves adorn'd it, and few branches crown'd; Yet as the poplar's ſtem aſpires on high, This fir, ſo ſtout and tall, attracts his eye. On the green graſs his bow he laid aſide, His arrowy quiver, and the lion's hide. Firſt with his club the ſolid ſoil he ſhook, Then in both arms, aſſur'd, the fir-tree took; Firm on his feet he stood, with bended knee; His big broad ſhoulder lean'd against the tree; Then heav'd it up, deep-rooted in the ground, Clogg'd with the foil's impediments around. As when, beneath Orion's wintry reign, The ſudden tempeſt ruſhes from the main, Some tall ſhip's maſt it tears, and every ſtay, And all the cordage, all the ſails away : Thus he the trunk; then took, in haſte to go, The hide, the club, his arrows and his bow. Meanwhile, preparing for his friend's return A ready ſupper, with his brazen urn Alone rov'd Hylas o'er the fields, to bring The pureſt water from the ſacred ſpring. For to ſuch taſks Alcides train'd his ſquire, Whom firſt he took an infant from his ſire Theodamas; but him with ſword ſevere He ſlew, who churliſh had refus'd a ſteer. For when Theodamas, oppreſs'd with care, Turn'd the freſh furrow with his ſhining ſhare, He diſobey'd, ah wretch! the chief's command, Who claim'd the labouring ox that till'd the land. But know, Alcides ſought for cauſe to bring War on Dryopia's kingdom and the king, For barbarous acts, and rights neglected long. But rove not, Muſe, digreſſive from the ſong. Soon faithful Hylas to the fountain came, Which Myſian ſhepherds cryſtal Pegæ name; It chanc'd the nymphs, in neighbouring ſtreams that Then kept a concert at the ſacred well. In Dian's praiſe they rais'd the nightly ſong, All who to high, aerial hills belong; All who in caverns hide, or devious rove The mountain-foreſt, or the ſhady grove. When from her ſpring, unſullied with a ſtain, Roſe F.phydatia, to attend the train, The form of Hylas rush'd upon her ſight, In every grace of blushing beauty bright: For the full moon a beamy luſtre ſhed, And heighten'd all the honours of his head. Fir'd with love's ſudden flame, by Venus rais'd, The frantic naiad languiſh'd as ſhe gaz'd : And ſoon as, ſtooping to receive the tide, He to the ſtream his brazen urn apply'd, In guſh'd the foaming waves; the nymph with joy Sprung from the deep to kiss the charming boy. Her left arm round his lovely neck ſhe threw, And with her right hand to the bottom drew, Firſt Polyphemus heard, as wandering nigh This fatal fount, the youth's diſtreſsful cry, (In ſearch of Hercules he rov'd the wood) And hied with haſty footsteps to the flood. As when a lion from his cavern'd rock, At diſtance hears the bleatings of the flock, To ſeize his prey he ſprings, with hunger bold, But faithful ſhepherds had ſecur'd the fold; Defeated of his prize, he roars amain, Rends his hoarſe throat, and terrifies the ſwain: Thus Polyphemus call'd with voice profound, And vainly anxious rov'd the foreſt round. At length retreating, he the path explor'd Thro' which he came, and drew his truſty ſword, Leſt ſavage beaſts ſhould ſeize him for their prey, Or nightly robbers intercept his way. And as he brandiſh'd the bright burnish'd blade, He met Alcides in the gloomy ſhade, Unknown at first, but as he nearer drew, His friend returning to the ſhip he knew. Though his breath falters, and his ſpirits fail, He thus reveals the melancholy tale: Hard is my lot, and much averſe my will, To be the firſt ſad meſſenger of ill; Young Hylas went to fetch freſh water late, Not yet return'd, I tremble for his fate : By robbers ſeiz'd or beaſts, 'tis hard to gueſs; 'I heard his cry, the ſignal of diſtreſs :' Thus he: the ſweat from great Alcides flow'd, And the black blood thro' all his body glow'd: Enrag'd, the fir-tree on the ground he threw, And, where his feet or frenzy hurried, flew. As when a bull, whom galling gadflies wound, Forſakes the meadows, and the marſhy ground, The flowery food, the herd and herdſmen ſhuns, Now ſtands ſtock-ſtill, and reſtleſs now he runs; Stung by the breeſe, he maddens with the pain, Toſſes aloft his head, and roars amain : Thus ran the raging chief with matchless force, Then ſudden ſtopp'd he, wearied with the courſe. Anxious in vain, he rov'd the forest round, The diſtant hills and vales his voice rebound. Now o'er the lofty mountains roſe in view The morning-ſtar, and mildeſt breezes blew : That inſtant Tiphys bade the heroes ſail, Aſcend the veſſel, and enjoy the gale. The ready crew obey the pilot's word, Their anchor weigh, and haul the cords aboard; Then give the ſtretching canvaſs to the wind, And leave the Poſidean rocks behind, When from the roſy orient, beaming bright, Aurora tipp'd the foot-worn paths with light; And o'er moiſt meads the glittering dew-drops ſhin'd, They miſs'd those friends their folly left behind. Then roſe contention keen, and pungent grief, For thus abandoning their braveſt chief. In ſilence Jaſon ſat, and long ſuppreſs'd, Though griev'd, the labouring anguiſh of his breaſt. Brave Telamon, with anger kindling, ſpoke; 'Mute is thy tongue, and unconcern'd thy look: To leave unconquer'd Hercules behind Was a baſe project, and by thee deſign'd; Left, when to Greece we ſteer the ſailing pine, 'His brighter glories ſhould out-dazzle thine, But words avail not-I renounce the band, Whoſe ſelfiſh wiles this ſtratagem have plann'd;' Thus ſpoke Æacides, inflam'd with ire, His eye-balls ſparkling like the burning fire; On Tiphys then, by rage impell'd, he flew : And once more Myſia had receiv'd the crew; Again the heroes the ſame courſe had ſail'd, Though roaring winds and raging waves prevail'd, Had not bold Boreas' ſons the chief address'd, And, nobly daring, his rough rage repreſs'd. (Ill fated youths! for that heroic deed Doom'd by the hands of Hercules to bleed. For when returning home their course they ſped, From funeral games perform'd for Pelias dead, In ſea-girt Tenos he the brothers ſlew, And o'er their graves in heapy hillocks threw The crumbling mould; then with two columns crown'd, Erected high the death-devoted ground; And one ſtill moves, how marvellous the tale ! With every motion of the Northern gale- But theſe are facts reſerv'd for future years) Lo! ſudden, Glaucus to their ſight appears, Prophet of Nereus, riſing from the main, Moſt ſkill'd of all his fate-foretelling train. High o'er the waves he rear'd his ſhaggy head, With his ſtrong hand the rudder ſeiz'd, and ſaid: 'Why ſtrive ye thus, tho' Jove's high will withſtands, To bear Alcides to the Colchian lands? 'He muſt at Argos, ſo the fates ordain, 'And ſo Eurystheus has decreed, ſuſtain 'Twelve mighty labours, thence be rais'd above, 'To high Olympus, and the court of Jove, 'Ceaſe for Amphytrion's ſon, your murmurs ceaſe, 'And lull the ſorrows of your fouls to peace. 'In Myſia, where meandering Chius ſtrays, 'Muſt Polyphemus a proud city raiſe; Then, mid' the Calybes, a deſperate clan, Expires on Scythian plains the gallant man. But ſtrange is Hylas' fate: his youthful charms 'Entic'd a nymph, who claſp'd him in her arms. 'Now the bleſt pair the bands of Hymen bind; In ſearch of him the chiefs are left behind.' This ſaid, he plung'd into the gulf profound, The purple ocean foam'd in eddies round, The God deſcending with reſiſtleſs ſway, Impell'd the hollow veſſel on her way. The chiefs rejoic'd this prodigy to view, And inſtant Telamon to Jaſon flew In friendly fort, and in his right he took The prince's hand, and thus embracing ſpoke : Illuſtrious chief, let not thine anger riſe 'At aught I ſaid impetuous and unwiſe. 'Grief for my friend has made me indiſcreet, And utter words for Jaſon's ear unmeet; 'Thoſe to the winds wide-ſcattering let us give, And, as before, in friendly concord live.' Then Jaſon thus; "Thy cenſures wound my mind, "Which ſay, I left the braveſt Greek behind. Yet though thy words reproachful guilt ſuggeſt, Rage dwells not long in Jaſon's generous breast; "Since not for flocks or riches we contend, "But a bold hero, and a faithful friend. And thou, I trust, if reaſon calls, wilt be "As firm and warm an advocate for me." He ſpoke; and now, the hateful conteſt o'er, The chiefs reſum'd the ſeats they held before. But for thoſe heroes, whom they left behind, By Jove's decree are various cares deſign'd. Nam'd from its ſtream, the boast of future days, Muſt one on Myſian plains a city raiſe : One (great Alcides) other toils muſt ſhare, And learn Euriſtheus' ſtern commands to bear. Long time he threaten'd, for his Hylas loſt, Inſtant deſtruction to the Myſian coaſt, Unleſs the Myſians to his arms reſtor'd, Alive or dead, the partner of his board. Of all their bands the choiceſt youths they choſe, And them as pledges of their faith propoſe; Then ſwore they all, their ſearch ſhould never end, Till haply they had found the hero's friend. Still to this day the fond Cianians ſeek (All who at Trachin dwell) the lovely Greek. For beauteous youths, to Trachin's walls convey'd, Were there as pledges to Alcides paid. Meanwhile all day and night briſk breezes blew, Fleet o'er the foaming flood the veſſel flew; But when the dawn gave promiſe of the day, The winds expiring gently died away. A land projecting o'er the bay below The chiefs diſcover'd, and to this they row; This peaceful port awhile the Minyans choſe, And, as they reach'd it, grateful morning roſe.

TENTS o'er the beach Bebrycia's king had ſpread, And ſtalls erected where fat oxen fed. To genial Neptune a Bithynian dame Bore the fierce tyrant, Amycus his name, Proudest of men; who this hard law decreed, That from his realm no ſtranger ſhould recede, Till firſt with him compell'd in fight to wield The dreadful gauntlet in the lifted field. Unnumber'd guests his matchleſs proweſs ſlew: Stern he accoſts ſwift Argo's valiant crew, Curious the reaſon of their courſe to ſcan, Who, whence they were; and ſcornful thus began : Learn what 'tis meet ye knew, ye vagrant hoſt; None that e'er touches on Bebrycia's coaſt, Is thence by law permitted to depart, Till match'd with me he prove the boxer's art. 'Chooſe then a chief who can the gauntlet wield, And let him try the fortune of the field: Should ye contemptuous ſcorn my fix'd decree, Know, your proud hearts ſhall yield to fate and me." Thus ſpoke the chief with inſolent diſdain, And rous'd reſentment in the martial train; But Pollux moſt his vaunting words provoke, Who thus, a champion for his fellows, ſpoke: "Threat not, whoe'er thou art, the bloody fray; Lo, we obſequious thy decrees obey ! Unforc'd, this inſtant, to the lifts I go, " Thy rival I, thy voluntary foe." Stung to the heart with this ſevere reply, On him he turn'd his fury-flaming eye : As the grim lion, pierc'd by ſome keen wound, Whom hunters on the mountain-top ſurround; Though cloſe hemm'd in, his glaring eye-balls glance On him alone who threw the pointed lance. The Greek ſtript off his mantle richly wrought, Late from the Lemnian territory brought, Which ſome fair nymph, who had her flame avow'd, The pledge of hoſpitable love bestow'd: His double cloak, with claſps of ſable hue, Bebrycia's ruler on the greenſword threw, And his rough sheep-hook of wild olive made, Which lately flourish'd in the woodland ſhade. Then ſought the heroes for a place at hand Commodious for the fight, and on the ſtrand They plac'd their friends, who ſaw, with wondering The chiefs how different, both in make and ſize; For like Typhœus' race the tyrant ſtood Enormous, or that mifcreated brood Of mighty monsters, which parturient Earth, Incens'd at Jove, brought forth, a hideous birth. But Pollux ſhone like that mild ſtar on high, Whoſe riſing ray illumes fair Evening's ſky. Down ſpread his cheek, ripe manhood's early ſign, And in his eye-balls beam'd the glance divine. But like a lion, glorying in his might, Stood Jove's puiſſant ſon, prepar'd for fight. His arms he poiz'd, advancing in the ring, To try if ſtill they kept their priſtine ſpring; If pliant ſtill, and vigorous as before, Nor rigid grown with labouring at the oar. Trial like this the haughty king diſdain'd: Aloof and ſilent Amycus remain'd. Full on his foe his vengeful eyes he turn'da For blood he thirſted, and for conqueſt burn'd. With that his ſquire Lycoreus, full in view, Two pair of gauntlets in the circle threw, Of barbarous fashion, harden'd, rough and dry'd. Then thus the king, with inſolence and pride: Lo, two ſtout pair; the choice I leave to thee; T (No lot appoints them) chooſe, and blame not me. 'Bind them ſecure, and after trial tell, How greatly I in either art excel, Whether to form the ceſtus firm and good, 'Or ſtain the cheeks of mighty men with blood.' He ſpoke: brave Pollux nothing deign'd to ſay, But ſmiling choſe the pair which nearest lay. To cheer their champion, Caſtor, honour'd name! And Talaüs, the ſon of Bias, came; Firm round his arms the gloves of death they bind, And animate the vigour of his mind. Aratus, and bold Ornytus his friend, To Amycus their kind aſſiſtance lend : Fools! for they knew not, this one conflict o'er, Thoſe gauntlets never ſhould be buckled more. Accoutred thus each ardent hero ſtands, And raiſes high in air his iron hands; With claſhing gauntlets fiercely now they cloſe, And mutual meditate death-dealing blows. Firſt Amycus a furious onſet gave, Like the rude inſult of the battering wave, That, heap'd on high by driving wind and tide, Burſts thundering on ſome gallant veſſel's ſide; The wary pilot, by ſuperior ſkill, Foreſees the ſtorm, and shuns the menac'd ill. Thus threatening Amycus on Pollux preſs'd, Nor ſuffer'd his antagoniſt to reſt: But Jove's brave ſon obſerves each coming blow, Quick leaps aſide, and disappoints the foe; And where a weak unguarded part he ſpies, There all the thunder of his arms he plies. As buſy ſhipwrights ſtoutly labouring ſtrive Through ſturdy planks the piercing ſpikes to drive, From head to ſtern repeated blows go round, And ceaſeleſs hammers ſend a various ſound; Thus from their batter'd cheeks loud echoes ſprung, Their daſh'd teeth crackled, and their jaw-bornes rung? Nor ceas'd they from the ſtrokes that threaten'd death, Till tir'd with toil they faintly gaſp'd for breath: A while they then remit the bloody fray, And panting wipe the copious ſweat away. But adverſe ſoon they meet, with rage they glow, Like bulls fierce fighting for ſome favourite cow. Then Amycus, collecting all his might, Roſe to the ſtroke, reſolv'd his foe to ſmite, And by one blow the dubious war conclude: The wary prince, his ruin to elude, Bent back his head; defeated of its aim, The blow impetuous on his ſhoulder came. Then Pollux with firm ſteps approaching near, Vindictive ſtruck his adverſary's ear; Th' interior bones his ponderous gauntlet broke; Flat fell the chief beneath his dreadful ſtroke: The Grecians ſhouted, with wild rapture fir'd, And, deeply groaning, Amycus expir'd. The griev'd Bebrycians ſaw their monarch ſlain, And big with vengeance ruſh'd into the plain; With ſeaſon'd clubs and javelins arm'd they ran, And aim'd their fury at the conquering man. Their keen-edg'd ſwords the friends of Pollux drew, And to the ſuccour of their comrade flew. Firſt Caſtor ſlaughter'd, with victorious hand, A hero of the bold Bebrycian band, The griding ſword at once his head divides, And on his ſhoulders hang the parted ſides. Mimans, Itymoneus of giant-ſize, Each by the arm of conquering Pollux dies. On this his foot impreſs'd a deadly wound Full on his ſide, and ſtretch'd him on the ground: His right hand daſh'd, with unreſiſted ſway, Mimans' left eye, and tore the ball away. Orcides, Amycus's proud compeer, Then launch'd at Talaüs his brazen ſpear; Juſt near his flank the point he lightly felt, That ras'd the ſkin beneath his broider'd belt. Aratus, with his club of harden'd oak, Aim'd at brave Iphitus a deadly ſtroke: Vain thought! too ſoon, alas ! it is decreed, The hero by his brother's ſword muſt bleed. Then ruſh'd, to ſuccour the Theſſalian band, Ancæus, with his pole-axe in his hand; O'er his broad back a bear's dark ſpoils he threw, And boldly mingled with the hoſtile crew. The ſons of Aeacus, renown'd for might, And Jaſon join'd them in the fields of fight. As when, what time both dogs and ſhepherds keep Cloſe in warm cots, neglectful of their ſheep, Wolves, pinch'd with hunger and bleak winter's cold, Leap o'er the fence, and terrify the fold, With ravening eyes the crowded ſheep ſurvey, And doubt where first to rend the trembling prey; Thus the bold Greeks, as near their foes they drew, Intimidate the congregated crew. As ſwains with smoke, of honey ſtudious, ſtrive From ſome rock's cleft the ſwarming bees to drive; Alarm'd and trembling, with a murmuring ſound, They crowd to all their waxen rooms around; But if the fumes prevail, their wings they ply, And rove uncertain thro' the various ſky: Diſperſing thus, the wild Bebrycians fled, And loud proclaim'd that Amycus was dead. Ah, hapless race of men! they little knew, That, ſoon, far greater evils muſt enſue; Soon muſt they ſee, their monarch now no more, Their lands a drear, depopulated ſhore; Their vineyards ſpoil'd, and wasted all their coaſt By Lycus, and the Mariandine hoſt ​For 'twas their fate, with ſpear and ſteely brand, Hard lot! to battle for an iron land. The Greeks then ſeiz'd their herds, an eaſy prey, The live proviſion to their ſhip they ſent Then thus ſome ſailor gave his boaſting vent; And from the sheep-folds drove the flocks away; What had theſe miſcreants done, with fears diſmay'd, 'Had heaven indulg'd us with Alcides aid ? 'No fierce contention then, I judge, had been, 'No bloody boxing on the lifted green: The chief's ſtout club had tam'd the tyrant's pride, And ſet his execrable laws aſides 'But now, impell'd by ſwelling waves and wind, 'We leave at land the matchless chief behind; Whoſe loſs diſtreſs to every Greek will prove.' He said;------but all things own the will of Jove. All night the heroes on the coast remain, To heal the bruiſes of the wounded train. Firſt to the gods they give the honours due, And next, a banquet for the princely crew. Nor can night's ſhades the chiefs to ſleep incline,۰ Or o'er the ſacrifice, or o'er the wine'; Mirthful they ſit, their brows with laurel crown'd: To a green laurel was the cable bound. While Orpheus ſtrikes the lyre, the hymn they raiſe, And Jove's fam'd offspring, mighty Pollux, praiſe: Soft breathes the breeze, the billows ceaſe to roar, And feſtive joy exhilarates the ſhore. For But when the ſun illum'd the hills and plains, Dank with the dew, and rous'd the ſhepherd-ſwains, They ſent abundant flocks and herds aboard, And from the laurel-ſtem unloos'd the cord; And while the favourable winds prevail'd, Thro' the rough-rolling Bosphorus they ſail'd. When, lo! a wave by gathering ſurges driv'n, Swoln big for burſting, is up-heav'd to heav'n, Still riſes higher, and ſtill wider ſpreads, And hangs a watery mountain o'er their heads; Like a black cloud it frowns, prepar'd to fall, And threatens quick deſtruction to them all. Yet the train'd pilot, by ſuperior ſkill, Well knows to 'ſcape this laſt impending ill: Safe through the ſtorm the veſſel Tiphys ſteer'd, And ſav'd the heroes from the fate they fear'd. Fronting Bithynia's coaſt, next morn, they reach New land, and fix their halfers on the beach. There on the margin of the beating flood The mournful manſions of ſad Phineus ſtood, Agenor's ſon; whom heaven ordain'd to bear The grievous burden of unequall'd care. For, taught by wiſe Apollo to defcry Unborn events of dark futurity, Vain of his ſcience, the preſumptuous ſeer Deign'd not Jove's awful ſecrets to revere; But wantonly divulg'd to frail mankind The ſacred purpoſe of th' omniſcient mind: Hence Jove indignant gave him length of days, But dimm'd in endless night his viſual rays. Nor would the vengeful God indulge his taſte With the sweet bleſſings of a pure repaſt, Tho' (for they learn'd his fate) the country round Their prophet's board with every dainty crown'd. For, lo! deſcending ſudden from the ſky, Round the pil'd banquet ſhrieking Harpies fly, Whoſe beaks rapacious, and whoſe talons tear Quick from his famiſh'd lips th' untaſted fare. Yet would ſome ſlender pittance oft remain, Life to ſupport, and to perpetuate pain. Such odours ſtill the nauſeous ſcraps exhal'd, That with the ſtench the loathing ſtomach fail'd. Aloof the guests amaz'd and hungry ſtood, While their ſick hearts abhorr'd the putrid food. But now the princely crew approaching near, The welcome ſound invades the prophet's ear; Taught by almighty Jove, that now was come The long-wiſh'd period of heaven's vengeful doom; When, by theſe heroes' deſtin'd aid reſtor'd, Peace ſhould hereafter bleſs his feaſtful board. Then heaves he from the couch his haggard head, (Like ſome pale, lifeleſs, viſionary shade) Propp'd on his ſtaff his way explores, and crawls With lingering ſtep along the lonely walls: Diſeas'd, enfeebled, and by age unbrac'd, Thro' every limb he trembled as he paſs'd; Shrunk was his form, with want adust and thin, The pointed bones ſeem'd bursting thro' his ſkin A But faint and breathless as he reach'd the gate, Down on the threshold, tir'd with toil, he ſat, In dizzy fumes involv'd, his brain runs round, 20265 And ſwims beneath his feet the ſolid ground No more their functions the frail ſenſes keep, But ſpeechleſs ſinks he in a death-like ſleep. This ſaw the chiefs amaz'd, and gather'd round; When from his labouring lungs a hollow ſound (His breath and utterance ſcarce recover'd) broke, And thus th' enlighten'd ſeer prophetic ſpoke: ​'Princes of Greece, attend; if ye be they? Whom o'er the main Theſſalia's pines convey, 'And Jaſon leads to Colchos' magic land; 'Such is your cruel tyrant's ſtern command. Yes, ye are they; for yet my mental eye Undimm'd, paſt, preſent, future can defery: 'Thanks to thy ſon, Latona, who bestows 'This grace, this only ſolace of my woes,280 By Jove, to whom the ſuppliant's cauſe belongs, 'Who hates the cruel, and avenges wrongs 'By Phœbus, and by Juno, from on high; Who marks your progreſs with compaſſion's eye, 'Aid me, and, oh I a ſufferer's pangs aſſuage, 'And bid corroſive famine ceaſe to rage: Leave me not thus, unpitied and unbleſs'd; 'But ere you ſail, ah! pity the diſtreſs'd. For not theſe orbs alone, depriv'd of ſight, 'Vindictive Heaven hath veil'd in doleful night; 'But to extreme old age his cruel law Dooms me the unwasting thread of life to draw. 'Still weightier woes from ſorrow's lengthen'd chain Depend, and pain is ever link'd to pain. From ſecret haunts, aërial, unexplor'd, 'Flights of devouring Harpies vex my board; 'Swift, inſtantaneous, ſudden they deſcend, 'And from my mouth the tasteful morſel rend. Meanwhile my troubled ſoul, with woe oppreſs'd, 'No means of aid, no comfort can ſuggeſt, For when the feaſt I purpoſe to prepare They ſee that purpoſe, and prevent my care 'But cloy'd, and glutted with the luſcious ſpoil, With noiſome ordure parting they defile Whate'er remains, if aught perchance remain, That none approaching may the ſtench ſuſtain, Tho' his ſtrong heart were wrapp'd in plated mail, The filthy fragments ſuch dire ſteams exhale. Yet me fell hunger's all-ſubduing pain Compels reluctant, loathing to remain; Compels the deadly odours to endure, And gorge my craving maw with food impure. From theſe invaders (ſo hath Fate decreed) By Boreas' offspring ſhall my board be freed. 'Nor on a stranger to your houſe and blood, O ſons of Boreas, is your aid bestow'd. Phineus behold, Agenor's hapleſs ſon, 'Once for prophetic ſkill and riches known; Who, while I ſway'd the Thracian ſceptre, led Your portion'd ſiſter to my ſpoufal bed.' Here Phineus ceas'd, and touch'd each pitying But Boreas' ſons were pierc'd with double grief; Compaſſion kind was kindled in their breast : Their tears abating, friendly Zetes preſs'd His trembling hand, and thus the ſeer addreſs'd: O moſt diſaſtrous of all human kind, Whence ſpring theſe evils that o'erwhelm thy mind? Haſt thou, intrusted with the book of Fate, By folly merited celestial hate? Hence falls this indignation on thy head? "Fain would the ſons of Boreas grant thee aid; Fain would they execute what heaven ordains, But awful dread their willing hands reſtrains. "To frighted mortals well thy ſufferings prove How fierce the vengeance of the Gods above. Swear, or we dare not, as we wish, eſſay To drive theſe hateful Harpies far away : Swear that the fuccours, which our arms intend, Shall no ſuperior deity offend." He ſpoke; and ſtraight to heaven diſcloſing wide His ſightleſs eye-balls, thus the ſeer reply'd : My ſon, th' injustice of thy tongue reſtrain, 'Nor let ſuch thoughts thy pious ſoul profane. 'By Phœbus, heavenly augur, who inſpires My conſcious boſom with prophetic fires; By every woe fate deſtines me to bear, And by theſe eyes, involv'd in night, I ſwear; By the fell demons of the realms below, (Whom ever unpropitious may I know, From their reſentment not in death ſecure, W If falſly their dread godheads I adjure ;) That, ſhould a captive by your arms be freed, No God vindictive will avenge the deed." Then acquieſcing in the ſolemn pray'r, To aid the prophet Boreas' ſons prepare. The youthful train a banquet ſpread; the laſt Which thoſe fell Harpies were decreed to taſte. Nigh ſtand the brothers, ardent to oppoſe With glittering falchions their invading foes. But ſcarce the firſt ſweet morſel Phineus took, When from the clouds with swift prevention broke, (Swift as the lightning's glance, or ſtormy blaſt, Whoſe rapid fury lays the foreſt waſte) Shrill-clamouring for their prey, the birds obſcene; The watchful heroes ſhouting rush'd between; But they with ſpeedieſt rage the cates devour'd, And round intolerable odours pour'd; Then o'er th' Ægean far away they flew; The ſons of Boreas arm'd with ſwords purſue; Cloſe they purſue; for Jove, that ſignal day, Their ſtrength proportion'd to the deſperate fray; The ſtrength he gave had Jove, that day, deny'd, In vain their pinions had the brothers plied. For when to Phineus furious they repair Or quitting Phineus ſeek the fields of air, The light-wing'd monsters, fleeter than the wind, Leave the careering Zephyrs far behind As when ſwift hounds, experienc'd in the chace, Through ſome wide foreſt, o'er the ſcented graſs The bounding hind, or horned goat purſue, Near, and more near their panting prey they view; And eager ſtretching, the ſhort ſpace to gain, They ſnap, and grind their gnaſhing fangs in vain: Thus ever near, the rapid chiefs purſu'd, The Harpies thus their grasping hands elude. But now far off in the Sicilian main, By the wing'd brothers, ſons of Boreas, ſlain, The Harpy-race, tho' every God withſtood, Had ſtain'd the Plotian iſles with ſacred blood; Their ſore diſtreſs had Iris not ſurvey'd, And darting from the ſkies the heroes ſtaid : 'O ſons of Boreas, the dread laws above Permit you not to wound the dogs of fove: And, lo! my oath I pledge, that never more Shall these fell dogs approach the Thracian ſhore." This ſaid, adjuring the tremendous floods, Moſt fear'd, moſt honour'd by immortal Gods By the ſlow-dripping urn of Styx ſhe ſwore; The prophet's peaceful manſions on the ſhore For ever from thoſe ſpoilers ſhould be free; Such was the fatal ſiſters' fix'd decree. The Goddess ſwore, the brothers ſtraight obey, And back to Argo wing their airy way: The Strophades from thence derive their name, The Plotian ifſlands ſtyl'd by ancient fame. Diſparting then, to different regions flew The maid celestial and the monster-crew. Those to the grots retir'd, the dark retreat Of Dicte's caverns in Minoian Crete; While the gay Goddess of the watery bow Soar'd on fleet pinions to Olympus' brow. Mean-while the princes, with unwearied pains, Waſh from their ſeer the Harpies' filthy ſtains: Next from the ſpoils, which on Bebrycia's ſhore From vanquiſh'd Amycus brave Pollux bore, The fleecy victims they ſelect with care; And ſooth the Gods with ſacrifice and pray'r. Then in the palace each heroic gueſt Partakes the pleaſures of the ſumptuous feaſt: With them ſat Phineus, and refresh'd his ſoul With ſavoury viands, and the cheering bowl: While yet he feaſts, inſatiate ſtill he seems, And ſhares a bliſs beyond the bliſs of dreams. Tho' now the rage of hunger was repreſs'd, And generous wine had open'd every breast; Yet ſtill the chiefs prolong the banquet late, And for the feather'd ſons of Boreas wait. Plac'd in the midst, before the cheerful fire, Thus of their voyage ſpoke the ſacred ſire : 'Hear what the Gods permit me to relate; 'For 'tis profane to publiſh all your fate. 'Unnumber'd woes I felt, and feel them ſtill, 'For erſt divulging Jove's almighty will: To man he gives Fate's dark events to ſcan 'In part, but always leaves dependent man. When hence your deſtin'd voyage ye purſue, 'Two rocks will riſe, tremendous to the view, 'Juſt in the entrance of the watery waſte, 'Which never mortal yet in ſafety paſt: 'Not firmly fix'd; for oft with hideous ſhock 'Adverſe they meet, and rock encounters rock: 'The boiling billows daſh their airy brow, 'Loud thundering round the ragged ſhore below. 'Safe if ye hope to paſs, my counſel hear, Be rul'd by prudence, and the Gods revere; Nor on your unexperienced youth dependy 'The want of caution brings you to your end..T 'Firſt from your ſhip a nimble dove let fly,יכה And on the ſure prognostic bird rely 'Safe thro' the rocks if the pursue her way,450 No longer ye the deſtin'd courſe delay- Steer for the ſtrait, and let the rowers ſweep. With ſtretching oars the cloſe-contracted deep: 'For not in prayers alone your ſafety ſtands;лн But nervous vigour, and the ſtrength of hands. Ply then your ears, and ſtrain at every stroke; But firſt with prayer the Deities invoke. The dove's ſad fate ſhould you deſponding view, Crush'd by the closing fragments as ſhe flew, Steer back, left you against thoſe rocks be driv'n, Steer back; 'tis ſafeſt to submit to Heav'n. Twere death thro' them to force the foaming keel, 'Tho' heaven-built Argo were compos'd of ſteel. ' O friends, be warn'd by me, nor raſhly dare To venture farther than my words declare; Me though ye deem the righteous Gods purſue 'With direful vengeance, threefold more than due; Tempt not without the dove this dangerous ſtrait, For man muſt ſuffer what's ordain'd by Fate. But if with active oars ye ſafely gain, η λο το Through theſe tremendous rocks, the diſtant main, 'Cloſe to Bithynia let your veſſel run, 'And on the left the dangerous ſhallows thun 'Till Rhebas, rapid-rolling ſtream, ye reach, 'The gloomy ſhore, and Thynia's ſheltering beach. 'Thence o'er the billows fronting Thynia's ſtrand, 'Soon will ye gain the Mariandine land. 'Here lies the path to Pluto's dreary eaves,নটি 'Here Acheruſia frowns above the waves, 'Whoſe ſkirts the gulfy Acheron divides, 'And from deep whirlpools diſembogues his tides. Thence, not far diſtant, with the weſtern gale,, 'Near Paphlagonia's towering heights ye ſail, 'The hardy ſons of which inclement coaſt Enetean Pelops for their founder boaſt. 'Full to the north a promontory fam'd 'Lifts the high head in air, Carambis nam'd; 'The northern winds below its ſummit ſweep, 'So loftily it riſes o'er the deep. 'This point once doubled, a new coaſt expands 'Its ample plains, and on the limit ſtands 'A cape far-jutting, from whoſe rocky ſhores The rapid Halys in old ocean roars. 'Near him clear Iris draws his humbler trains 'In ſilver torrents foaming to the main Beyond projects an headland tall and ſteep And forms a peaceful harbour in the deep. 'Here o'er extenſive fields Thermodon pours, o Near Themiſcyria's heights, his watery ſtores. Next lie the ſpacious Dean plains, and near Three cities of the Amazons appear: And next the Chalybes, inur'd to toil, Work at the forge, and turn the ſtubborn ſoil. Near theſe the wealthy Tiberenians till, 'Sacred to Jove, the Genetæan hill. The Moſſyncecians, next, the country round. Pofſſeſs, with mountains and with forests crown'd. In towers they live of ſolid timber fram'd, 'Moſſynes call'd, and thence the nation nam'd. 'When theſe are paſt, an iſland bleak and bare 'Lies full in view, there guide your ſhip with care, And thence with care thoſe noxious birds expel, Which on the deſert ſhore unnumber'd dwell. Here form'd of ſolid stone, and ſeen from far, Stands the rough temple of the God of war. Two Amazonian queens, renown'd for arms, Had rais'd the fane, when ſtunn'd with war's alarms. 'Steer to this iſland through the ſtormy main, And, all that mariners can wiſh, ye gain. 'But why ſhould I each circumſtance diſcloſe, 'And make again the powers of heaven my foes?" Beyond that iſle, but on the fronting ſhores, 'The Philyreans feed their fleecy ſtores The brave Macronians till the neighbouring coaſt; 'Next theſe the numerous Bechirian host: Near them Sapirians and Byzerians dwell, And next the Colchians, who in arms excel. But ye, your ſteady courſe in Argo keep, Shun the falſe ſhores, and plough ſecure the deep, Till that rich coaſt ye reach, where Phaſis leads 'From Amarantine hills o'er Colchian meads His liquid ſtores, and through fam'd Circe's plain; Then rolls his widening current to the main. To this fam'd ſtream purſue your watery way, Soon will your eyes Æeta's towers ſurvey, 'And Mars's grove, where, wondrous to behold! Hangs on a ſpreading oak the fleecy gold. 'A hideous dragon of enormous ſize Turns all around his circumſpective eyes : O'er the bright ſpoil the ſtricteſt watch he keeps; He never numbers, and he never ſleeps." He ſpoke, and terror curdled all their blood; Deep fix'd in ſilence long the warriors ſtood. At length thus Jaſon, though poſſeſs'd with fear: "Tell us, O tell us, venerable ſeer, "Th' event of all our toils; the ſign explain "How ſafely we may paſs into the main "Thro' thoſe dire rocks: and, O! indulgent, ſay, "Shall we once more our native land ſurvey? Unſkill'd am I, unſkill'd our martial train; "How shall I act, how meaſure back the main ? For far as ever flying ſails were furl'd "Lies Colchos, on the limits of the world." Thus Jaſon ſpoke; and thus the prophet old: Thoſe dangerous rocks once paſs'd, my ſon, be Some God from Ea ſhall thro' ſeas untry'd, Skirted by others coaſts, your veſſel guide, But you, to Ea ſailing, on your crew confide. But, friends, to Venus be due honours paid; Still in remembrance keep her ſecret aid. On all your toils ſhe kindly will beſtow A glorious end------expect no more to know.' Scarce had he ſpoke, when ſpeeding back repair The ſons of Boreas through the fields of air, At the ſeer's door with nimble feet they light; Up roſe the chiefs rejoicing at the ſight. When Zetes trembling, and with toils oppreſs'd, While thick ſhort ſobs inceſſant heav'd his chest, Tells how they drove the Harpies far away, How Iris ſcreen'd them, and forbad to ſlay, And pledg'd her ſolemn oath: while they retreat To the huge caves of mountain-cover'd Crete. Theſe joyful tidings cheer'd the hearts of all,TT But most the prophet's, in the feaſtful hall; Whom Jaſon thus: "Sure from his heavenly ſtate "Some God look'd down, and wail'd thy woeful fate, And fore-decreed from far our bands to ſend, "That Boreas' ſons might their aſſiſtance lend. Should the ſame God restore thy long-loſt ſight, My gladden'd ſoul would feel as great delight, As ev'n my native country could bestow." Then thus ſage Phineus with dejected brow : My eyes, alas! ſhall ne'er behold the day 'Shrunk are theſe balls, and quench'd the viſual ray: Heaven round me ſoon death's gloomy ſhade ſhall 'And every honour will await me dead. With converſe thus the fleeting hours they cheer'd, When roſy morning beaming bright appear'd. The neighbouring peasants round, with early day, Flock to the ſeer, their due regardsito pay; This daily custom love and reverence taught, And ſome proviſion for the ſage they brought. All came to learn by his prophetic lore; He to the rich divin'd, and to the poor: For numerous votaries he reliev'd from dread, Who dearly lov'd him, and who daily fedh With theſe his ſteady friend Paræbius came, Who ſaw with joy theſe gallant ſons of fame. To him prophetic Phineus had foretold, That a young band of Grecians, brave and bold, Should, in their voyage to the Colchian ſhore, In Thynia's bay their well-built veſſel moor, And from theſe coaſts, thoſe ravenous birds of prey, The Harpies drive, though ſent by Jove, away. The ſeer well pleas'd diſmiſs'd his friendly train, But bade Paræbius with the Greeks remain, And fetch him inſtant from his numerous ſtock A sheep, the best and fairest of the flock. The willing ſwain obey'd the ſeer's request, And Phineus thus the mariners addreſs'd: We are not all unciviliz'd and rude, My friends, nor guilty of ingratitude. 'That ſhepherd to my manſion came of late, To learn from me the colour of his fateg For the more labours and fatigues he bore, 'Pale, pining want oppreſs'd him ſtill the more 'New woes ſucceeded to the woes that part 'And every day was darker than the laſt: 'And yet no crime had poor Paræbius/wrought.or 'Alas! he ſuffered for his father's fault: Who, when alone, and on the mountain's brow, With cruel axe he laid the foreſt low, Deaf to a doleful Hamadryad's prayirdi 'The nymph neglected, and refus'd to sparesni-sm Though oft ſhe urg'd this lamentable pleas "Pity, ah! pity my coeval tree, "Where I ſo many blissful ages dwelt 'But his hard heart no ſoft compaſſion felt नसे 'The tree he fell'd; and for this foul disgrace, 'The nymph ordain'd him woes, and all his race, 'To me Paræbius came oppreſs'd with fear The cauſe I found, and counſell'd him to rear 'An altar to the goddess of the ſhore, 'And pardon for his father's crimes implore. 'Thus was the guilt aton'd; e'er ſince the man Pays all regards that grateful mortal can; For ever at my ſide he loves to ſtaya And always goes unwillingly away. Thus Phineus ſpoke, when from his fleecy stockot His friend brought two, the fairest of the flock. Then Jaſon roſe, and, urg'd by Phineus blind, Roſe the bold offspring of the northern wind, LA Their ſacred offerings on the flames they lay Invoking Phoebus at the dawn of day. The choiceſt viands with aſſiduous care a The younger heroes for their friends prepare. Thus feaſted, ſome their veſſel's cordage preſs'd, Some in the prophet's manſion ſunk to fefta Eteſian breezes with the morning blow Which, ſent by Jove, o'er every region flow The nymph Cyrene, in old times, 'tis ſaid, Her flocks beſide Theſſalian Peneus fed und Pleas'd with the honours of her virgin name, Till day's bright God ſeduc'd the rural dame. Far from Hæmonia he convey'd the fair, Brought to the nymphs, and truſted to their care, The mountain-nymphs that in parch'd Libya keep Their airy manſions on Myrtoſia's ſteep. Cyrene there, along the winding ſhore, Thee, Ariſtæus, to Apollo bore To whom rich ſwains, who in Theffalia live, The names of Agreus, and of Nomius give. With length of days the God her love repaid, And fix'd her huntress of the woodland ſhadeptA But the young boy to Chiron's care he gave, To reap inſtruction in his learned cave To him, when blooming in the prime of lifep The Muſes gave Autonoë to wife; en And taught their favourite pupil to excel In arts of healing, and divining well. To him they gave their numerous flocks to feed, Which Phthia's Athamantine paſtures breed CT And thoſe that ſtray on Othrys' lofty brow Or where Apidanus' fam'd waters flow. But when fierce Syrius ſcorch'd the Cyclades, The realms of Minos, in th' Ægean ſeas, Nought could the burning malady allay'גו The iſlanders implor'd the God of dayyo Who ſent young Ariſtæus to their aid, By whom the fatal peſtilence was ſtaid. At his fire's call he left fair Phthia's land Attended by a bold Arcadian band, Who from Lycaon their extraction boaſt; And ſail'd to Ceos with his numerous hoſt He there an altar rais'd to ſhowery Jove And made oblation on the heights above. To the red ſtar that defolates the land, And to heaven's king; at whoſe ſupreme command Th' Eteſian winds, while forty days they blow, Refresh with balmy gales the ſoil below. Ev'n now the Cean priests pay rites divine Before the burning ſtar begins to shine! Thus fame reports; and by theſe winds detain'd, With Phineus ſtill the Argonauts remain'd. The grateful Thynians daily, while they ſtaid, To their lov'd ſeer abundant ſtores convey'd. Yet, ere they leave this hoſpitable land, To the twelve Gods erect they on the ſtrand An altar, and with ſacrifice and pray'r Appeaſe the powers of heaven, and to their ſhip repair, Eager their long-neglected oars to prove; Yet not unmindful of the timorous dove : Which ſafely faſten'd by a ſlender band Euphemus carry'd trembling in his hand Quick from the ſtay they lopp'd the doubled cord: Minerva ſaw the heroes haſte aboardistes On a thin cloud the lighted from above, (The cloud upheld the mighty ſeed of Jove) And ſped her voyage to the Euxine maing som For much ſhe lov'd the delegated trainde san gio So when ſome ſhepherd quits his native home, (As men adventurous much delight to roam) No roads too diſtant, or too long appear, In thought he ſees, and thinks his manſion near, O'er ſea, o'er land with keen enquiring eyes He views all ways, and in idea fliesa meir sto Thus to the Thynian ſhore, from heaven above, Swift flew the daughter of imperial Jove. When now the heroes through the vaſt profound Reach the dire ſtraits with rocks encompass'd round, Though boiling gulphs the ſailing pine detain'd, Still on their way the labouring Grecians gain'd, When the loud-juftling rocks increas'd their fears The ſhores reſounding thunder'd in their ears High on the prow Euphemus took his ſtand, And held the dove that trembled in his hand. The reſt with Tiphys on their ſtrength rely'd,V To ſhun the rocks, and ſtem the roaring tide. Soon, one ſharp angle past, the joyful train Saw the cleft crags wide opening to the main. Euphemus loos'd the dove, the heroes ſtood. Erect to ſee her ſkim the foaming flood boots) She through the rocks a ready paſſage found The dire rocks met, and gave a dreadful foundA The ſalt-ſea ſpray in clouds began to riſe in Old ocean thunder'd; the cerulean Tibs bris Rebellow'd loudly with the fearful dinna. H The caves below remurmur'd from within.cod O'er wave-worn cliffs, the coaſt's high margin o'er Boil'd the light foam, and whiten'd all the ſhore. Round whirl'd the ſhip; the rocks with rapid ſway Lopp'd from the dove her ſteering tail away; Yet ſtill ſecurely through the ſtraits the flew Loud joy inſpir'd the circumſpective crew:وال But Tiphys urg'd the chiefs their oars to ply, For the rocks yawn'd, tremendous to the eye Then terror ſeiz'd them, when with ſudden ſhock The refluent billows forc'd them on the rock; With chilling fears was every nerve unſtrung, While o'er their heads impending ruin hung. Before, behind they saw the ſpacious deep, When inſtant, lo I a billow, vaſt and ſteep, Still riſes higher, and ſtill wider ſpreads, And hangs a watery mountain o'er their heads.c The heroes ſtoop'd, expecting by its faltas That mighty billow would o'erwhelm them all; But Tiphys' art reliev'd the labouring oars On Argo's keel the impetuous torrent pours, Г Which rais'd the ſhip above the rocks for high, She ſeem'd ſublimely ſailing in the sky. Euphemus haſtening urg'd the valiantcrew.com Their courſe with all their vigour to pursue Shouting they plied their oars, but plied in vain;( For the rough billows beat them back again bntf And as the heroes unremitting row and Their labouring oars were bent into a bow.190.1" Swift down the mountainous billows Argo glides, Like a huge cylinder along the tides, Entangled with thick, craggy rocks around, Her ſeams all buriting, and her planks unbound. In that nice moment the Tritonian maidmatte To ſacred Argo lent the timely aid. Her left-hand heav'd her from the craggy ſteep, Her right diſmiſs'd her gently to the deep Then like an arrow from th' elaſtic yew, Swift o'er the foaming waves the veſſel flew Yet had the claſhing rocks with adverſe ſway. Torn the tall prow's embellishments away. When thus the Greeks had ſafely reach'd the main, To heaven Minerva wing'd her flight again. The parted rocks at once concurrent ſtood," Fix'd on one firm foundation in the flood: This had been long determined by the fates, If mortal ever paſt thoſe dangerous ſtraits. Now freed from fears, the Greeks with eager eyes View the broad ocean and ſerener ſkies: Their anxious doubts for Argo they diſpel, And deem her rescued from the jaws of hell. Then Tiphys thus: 'Sure to this ſhip we owe 'That fearleſs ſafety we experience now. For tho' wiſe Argus with ingenious art 'Form'd the fair ſhip compact in every part, Vigour divine propitious Pallas gave, And power aſſign'd her o'er the wind and wave. 'All now is ſafe: fear not thy haughty lord, But mark, illustrious chief, the prophet's word, The rocks eſcap'd, no future fears remain, Your toils are eaſy, and your voyage plain." Thus he; and ſteering through the ſpacious ſea, Near fair Bithynia plough'd the liquid way. Then Jaſon mild the pilot thus addreſs'd: "Why, Tiphys, this to me with grief oppreſs'd? Yes, I have err'd---my faults afflict my ſoul : "When Pelias gave command without controul, "'Twas mine to've ſhunn'd this wild-projected plot, Though inſtant death had been my certain lot. "Now fears and cares my tortur'd boſom rend; " I dread thoſe ills that from the deep impend, " I dread the ſavage coaſt, and every place "Where dwells the bloody, or the barbarous race. "No peace by day, no ſleep at night I take, "Since theſe brave chiefs aſſembled for my fake. "With cold indifference may'ſt thou look down, "For no man's ſafety anxious but thy own; "But I, the leaſt ſolicitous for mine, "Feel for this friend's, that comrade's, and for thine. "Much ſhall I feel for all this martial band, "Unleſs they ſafe regain their native land." Thus ſpoke the prince, his gallant hoſt to try; With animating ſounds they rend the ſky. The loud acclaim was grateful to his ears, And thus he boldly hails his brave compeers :: Your valour, friends, encourages my ſoul: "And ſince no fears your gallant hearts controul, Boldly will I each coward-thought repel, Though doom'd to enter the abyss of hell. For theſe rocks paſt, no dangers can diſmay, "If we the counſel of the ſeer obey" The Greeks applauding what their leader ſpoke, Ply their ſtout oars and bend to every ſtroke, And firſt by Rhebas, rapid ſtream, they fly, And where Colona's rocks invade the ſky, And where the black-brow'd promontory low'rs, And where lov'd Phillis his broad current pours. There Dipſacus receiv'd, in days of yore, Young Phryxus landing on his friendly ſhore, When, exil'd from Orchomenos, he ſwam On the broad ſhoulders of the gold-fleec'd ram. For to that ſtream a nymph of rural race Bore Dipſacus, who, fearful of diſgrace, Dwelt with his mother, and along the mead Choſe, near his father's ſtream, his fleecy flocks to feed. The chiefs ſoon paſs'd his celebrated fane, The river Calpis, and th' extended plain; And all the night, along the tranquil tide, And all the day their oars inceſſant ply'd. As when laborious ſteers, inur'd to toil, With the bright plow-ſhare turn the ſtubborn ſoil, Sweat from their ſides diſtils in foamy ſmoke; Their eyes obliquely roll beneath the yoke; Their ſcorching breath heaves quick with panting While all day long they tread the weary ground: So toil'd the Greeks; nor yet the morning-light Had paſs'd the doubtful confines of the night, But, faintly glimmering on this earthly ball, Produc'd what mortals morning-twilight call. To Thynia's neighbouring iſle their courſe they bore, And ſafely landed on the deſert ſhore, Whern bright Apollo ſhew his radiant face, From Lycia haſtening to the Scythian race. His golden locks, that flow'd with grace divine, Hung cluſtering like the branches of the vine: In his left hand, his bow unbent he bore, His quiver pendent at his back he wore : The conſcious iſland trembled as he trod, And the big rolling waves confeſs'd the God. Nor dar'd the heroes, ſeiz'd with dire diſmay, The ſplendors of his countenance ſurvey, But on the ground their downward eyes they caſt: Meanwhile Apollo o'er the watery waſte, And through thin ether on his journey flew. Then thus ſpoke Orpheus to the martial crew : "Let us, my honour'd chiefs, with joint acclaim This iſland ſacred to bright Phœbus name, Who early here to all this hoſt appear'd; " Here let an altar on the ſhore be rear'd, And paid the rites divine: and if he deign That ſafe we reach our native land again, Young horned goats ſhall on his altars bleed, And the choice thighs to Phœbus be decreed. Now, comrades, due libations let us pay: Be gracious, O be gracious, God of day!" Thus he and ſome the stony altar raiſe, And ſome explore the foreſt's devious maze; Haply within its lone retreats to find A kid wild wandering, or a bounding hind: Latona's ſon ſoon led them to the prey; Then on the altar, blazing bright, they lay The choiceſt parts involv'd in ſacred ſmoke, And fair Apollo, early God, invoke. Around the flame in ſprightly dance they ſpring, And Iö Pæan, Iö Pæan ſing. Then on the Thracian harp Oeager's ſon In ſoothing ſtrains his tuneful tale begun: How once beneath Parnaſſus' rocky brow He lanch'd an arrow from his deadly bow, And the fell ſerpent ſlew; though young and fair And beardleſs yet, but grac'd with golden hair: (O prove propitious, thou whoſe radiant head Is deck'd with curls unclip'd, that never ſhed, Worthy thyſelf! Latona only knows With niceſt art thoſe ringlets to diſpoſe) Corycian nymphs their joys in rapture ſhow'd, And Iő, lö Pæan call'd aloud : Encomium grateful to the God of day. Thus having prais'd him in the ſolemn lay, They ſwear devoutly, due libations made, To league for ever, and lend mutual aid; Then touch the hallow'd altar with their hands Concordant; and ev'n now a temple ſtands Sacred to Concord, by the Grecians rais'd, When here that mighty Deity they prais'd. Now the third morn began on earth to ſmile, When with fresh gales they left the lofty iſle. The foaming Sangar at a diſtance ſeen, The Mariandine meads for ever green, And Lycus' winding waters they forſake All on the right, and Anthemoiſia's lake. So faſt before the wind the veſſel went, Crack'd was the cordage, and the canvaſs rent: But the gale ceaſing with the dawning day, Joyful they reach the Acheruſian bay, Begirt with rocks ſo towering tall and ſteep, They frown tremendous on Bithynia's deep; And yet ſo firmly founded in the main, The raging billows round them roar in vain : Above, upon the promontory's brów, Umbrageous planes in beauteous order grow. Thence, downward, thro' a deep and dreary dell, Deſcends the path-way to the cave of hell, With woods and ſhaggy rocks obſcure; from whence Exhaling vapours, chilly, damp and denſe, Scatter hoar froſt along the whitening way, Which melts before the ſun's meridian ray. On theſe rough cliffs, which many a ſtorm moleſts, The pleaſing power of ſilence never reſts. From hollow caverns through the leafy boughs, Above, the whistling wind for ever blows; And while mad billows laſh the ſounding ſhores, Below, the raging main for ever roars. There, bursting from the promontory's ſides, Sad Acheron along the valley glides; Deep-hollow'd beds his turbid ſtreams convey, As eastward to the main he winds his way. This ſable flood, in ancient ſtory fam'd, The Megarenſians Soönautes nam'd In after ages, when their courſe they bore By ocean to the Mariandine ſhore; For when the deep in deathful billows heav'd, This peaceful port their ſhatter'd ſhips receiv'd. To this the labouring Grecians bent their way, Row'd round the cape, and anchor'd in the bay. When Lycus and his Mariandine hoſt, Lycus, the mighty monarch of the coaſt, Knew theſe brave Greeks who Amycus had ſlain, They welcom'd Jaſon and his conquering train : But moſt on Pollux fix'd their wondering eyes, And view'd him as a hero from the ſkies: For long the fierce Bebrycians' rude alarms Had rouz'd the Mariandyni to arms. That day, the Grecian band with one conſent To the king's hoſpitable palace went : Cheerful they there on choiceſt dainties din'd, And there with converſe ſweet regal'd the mind. Then Jaſon to the king recounts the name, And race of all theſe choſen ſons of fame, Who lent their aid at Pelias' dire command; Their ſtrange adventures on the Lemnian land; What griefs, what woes at Cyzicus they bore; And how they landed on the Myſian ſhore, Where Hercules, diſtreſs'd his friend to find, They left at land, unwillingly, behind. What Glaucus ſpoke prophetic from the main, How with his ſubjects Amycus was lain, The prince relates: what Phineus poor and old, Worn out with ſufferings to the chiefs foretold; How thro' Cyanean rocks they ſafely ſteer'd, And in what iſle the God of day appear'd. The king rejoic'd his guests ſo well had ſped, But griev'd that Hercules was left, and ſaid: Think how, my friends, this hero's aid deny'd, Raſhly ye tempt a length of ſeas untry'd. Full well I knew that valiant ſon of fame, When here on foot thro' Lydia's coaſt he came (For here my hoſpitable father dwelt) To fetch Hippolita's embroider'd belt The hero found me then a beardleſs ſwain, Mourning my brother by the Myſians ſlain; (The nation dearly lov'd the blooming chief, ' And ſtill lament in elegies of grief) Then at the funeral games he prov'd his might, And vanquish'd Titias in the gauntlet-fight Tho' young and ſtout, and eager for the fray, From his bruis'd jaws he daſh'd the teeth away. The Myſian country, and the Phrygian plains The conqueror added to my fire's domains; 'And the rude nations that Bithynia till, 'To foaming Rhebas and Colona's hill; And Paphlagonia to its utmoſt bounds, 'Which ſable Billis with his waves ſurrounds. 'But now proud Amycus, and all his hoſt, 'Since Hercules has left the neighbouring coaſt, Have ſpoil'd my realms, and ſpread their hoſtile Wide as where Hipias' ſtreams enrich the lands. At length their lawless inſolence they rue, 'And by your hands have ſuffer'd vengeance due. And ſure ſome God afforded his relief When Pollux ſlew that proud Bebrycian chief. 'I for this deed my due regard will ſhow; ''Tis what the meaneſt to the mighty owe. My ſon, your comrade, ſhall at my command Attend o'er diſtant ſeas your gallant band: O'er diſtant ſeas, with Daſcylus your guide, You still with faithful friends ſhall be ſupply'd, Far as Thermodon rolls his foaming tide. Meanwhile on yon bold cape that mates the ſkies To Leda's ſons a ſacred fane ſhall riſe, Admir'd by all that croſs the boundleſs main, For all ſhall venerate the ſacred fane: 'To them will I, as to the powers divine, Some fruitful acres near the town aſſign. Converſing thus, the genial feast they ſhare, And to the ſhip at early day repair: With his brave ſon the friendly Lycus went, Who ſtore of viands to the ſhip had ſent. 'Twas here the cruel deſtinies decreed st That Idmon, fam'd for augury, ſhould bleed: The fate of others he had oft foreſhown, But fail'd, unhappy! to prevent his own. Here, in a covert near the reedy flood, A fell wild boar lay deep immers'd in mud. With horrid tuſks ſo dreadful he appear'd, The fountain-nymphs the ſavage monster fear'd': No living wight in miry marſh or moor F'er ſaw ſo fierce, ſo horrible a boar. On the lake's verge as luckleſs Idmon ſtood, From his cloſe covert, in the reedy mud, Up ſprung the furious beaſt with might and main, Tore the chief's thigh, and ſnapp'd the bone in twain; He groans, he falls, and on the bank he lies, His griev'd companions anſwer to his cries When Peleus inſtantly approaching hear, Lanch'd at the boar his unavailing pear? But Idas aim'd his pointed dart ſo well, Low in the marſh the dying monster fell. The chiefs with Idmon to the ſhip retir'd, Who deeply groaning in their arms expir'd: Immers'd in grief, they now neglect to ſail; For three whole days their comrade they bewail; But on the fourth, with penſive ſorrow, paid The laſt ſad honours due to Idmon's ſhade. The king, the people join'd the mournful crew, And, loud-lamenting, numerous victims ſlew : They dug the grave, and on the greenſword raiſe A tomb on which poſterity will gaze: For near the tomb a tall wild olive grows, Beneath the cape, and beautifully blows. Me would the Nine commiſſion to unfold This truth, which Phœbus had long ſince foretold, This, this is he, the tutelary lord, Henceforth to be by mighty ſtates ador'd: For here Bæotians and Megarians join'd, Near the wild olive wavering in the wind, To build a city; though due honours they To Agameſtor, not to Idmon, pay. Who fell beſide? for, lo! the chiefs intend Another tomb for ſome lamented friend. Ev'n now two mournful monuments appear: Tiphys, Fame ſays, was ſtretch'd upon the bier. Him cruel fate ordain'd no more to roam; He died far diſtant from his native home. For while to Idmon funeral rites they pay, Untimely ſickneſs ſnatch'd the chief away. Then heart-felt ſadneſs ſeiz'd the penſive train, Who, proſtrate on the margin of the main, Forgetful of their neceſſary food, Mourn'd in ſad ſilence to the roaring flood. For they, now ſkilful Tiphys is no more, Deſpair'd returning to their native ſhore; And here had staid, with bitter grief oppreſs'd, Had not Saturnia in Ancæus' breaſt Breath'd courage: him Astypalæa bore, Near winding Imbraſus on Samos' ſhore, To ocean's God; a chief expert to guide The flying veſſel o'er the foaming tide. Then thus to Peleus, Neptune's valiant ſon, By heaven inſpir'd, in cheering terms begun : Ill ſuits the brave in foreign climes to ſtay, And waste, O Peleus, precious time away. I left not Samos leſs for ſailing ſkill'd Than fierce contention in the fighting field. For Argo cherish not one abject fear, 'Since many ſkill'd, beſides myſelf, are here. And he, to whom the ſteerage we ordain, 'Will ſafely guide the veſſel o'er the main. 'Tis thine to ſtimulate the fainting crew 'With ready oars their voyage to purſue.' He ſpoke, and tranſport touch'd the Phthian's breaſt, Inſtant he roſe, and thus the host addreſs'd: "Why are we here by fruitleſs grief detain'd? "Two friends are dead, and this the fates ordain'd; " Yet many pilots in this hoſt remain, "To ſteer firm Argo o'er the watery plain. "To ſorrows unavailing bid adieu! "Let us, bold peers, our deſtin'd courſe purſue." He ſaid, and Jaſon anxious thus reply'd; 'Where are thoſe pilots, ſay, our courſe to guide? 'For those whom late we boasted as the beſt And ableſt chiefs, are moſt with grief oppreſs'd. 'I therefore deem a like ſad fate attends 'On us, as on our late departed friends, If neither in Æeta's ports we moor, 'Nor thro' thoſe rocks regain our native ſhore, 'But here inactive and inglorious ſtay, Years following years, and linger life away.' He ſpoke; Ancæus ſeiz'd the ſteerage, driv'n By power inſtinctive from the queen of heav'n. Erginus next the glorious charge deſir'd Euphemus, Nauplius to the helm aſpir'd. But theſe the congregated chiefs declin'd, And bold Ancæus to the poſt aſſign'd. With the twelfth riſing morn the heroes ſail; Favonius breath'd a favourable gale; And ſoon they leave ſad Acheron behind, Then give the ſwelling canvaſs to the wind : On the ſmooth ſea the ſhip ſerenely rides, And light along the liquid level glides. Ere long with ſtretching ſails the coaſt they gain, Where broad Callichorus augments the main. To Thebes returning from his Indian fights, Here Bacchus folemniz'd mysterious rites, The dance before the ſacred cave ordain'd, And here full many a doleful night remain'd. This name the country to the river gave, Callichorus; and Aulion to the cave. Still as their courſe the daring Greeks purſue, The monument of Sthenelus they view. With honours grac'd, obtain'd in realms afar, Returning from the Amazonian war, On the bleak ſhore (Alcides at his ſide) Pierc'd by a fatal dart the hero died. Slow ſail'd they on, for, eager to ſurvey His kindred warriours on the watery way, At his request, from her infernal coaſt Pluto's grim queen releas'd the penſive ghost. The penſive ghoſt beheld with eageraken From the tall monument the ſhip and men. As arm'd for war the martial phantom ſeem'd; Four creſts high-towering on his helmet beam'd, With purple rays intolerably bright; Then ſoon it ſunk beneath the ſhades of night. In mute amazement ſtood the Grecian host; But Mopſus counſel'd to appeaſe the ghoſt With offerings due; the chiefs approach the ſtrand, And round the tomb of Sthenelus they ſtand. They pour libations, and the victims ſlay, And on the fire the deſtin'd offerings lay. Apart, to guardian Phoebus next they raiſe An altar meet, and bid the victims blaze. Here Orpheus plac'd his lyre for muſic fam'd; Apollo's altar hence was Lyra nam'd. . And now, invited by the favouring gales, They climb the ſhip and ſpread their ſwelling ſails; Swift o'er the deep the winged veſſel flies, Swift as the rapid hawk that cleaves the ſkies, And lightly thro' the liquid ether ſprings, Nor moves, ſelf-poiz'd, his wide-expanded wings. Thence by Parthenius ſail'd the ſocial train, The gentleſt ſtream that mingles with the main. Fatigued with traverſing the mazy grove, Here, ere ſhe re-aſcends the courts of Jove, The chaſte Diana, huntress of the wood, Bathes her fair limbs, and gambols in the flood. Then during night by Seſamus they ſail, And Erythinus riſing o'er the vale; By Cromna and Crobrialus, and where Thy groves, Cytorus, ever green appear. Thence with the riſing ſun they ſtoutly row Near where Carambis lifts his rocky brow. All day, all night with unremitted oar They coaſt along Ægialus's ſhore. Then to the Syrian clime the heroes ſped, Where Jove, by haſty promiſes miſled, Sinope plac'd, and, all ſhe wiſh'd to claim, Gave her the honours of a virgin's name. For, know, the God, by Love's ſtrong power oppreſs'd, Promis'd to grant whate'er ſhe might requeſt: And this requeſt th' inſidious damſel made, That her virginity might never fade. Hence Phœbus foil'd could no one wiſh obtain; Hence winding Alys wooed the maid in vain. No mortal force ſuch virtue could o'ercome, Defeat Jove's promiſe, and impair her bloom. Here dwelt Deïmachus's offspring fam'd, Deileon, Autolycus and Phlogius nam'd, What time they ceas'd with Hercules to roam, And at Sinope found a ſettled home. They, when they saw the bold Theſſalian band, Met them on ſhore and welcom'd them to land; And, loathing longer in theſe climes to ſtay, Join'd the brave crew, and with them ſail'd away. Bless'd with the zephyr's breeze that briſkly blew, Near Halys' ſtream and Iſis' ſail'd the crew; Near Syria's coast, and, ere night's ſhades abound, Near th' Amazonian cape, for many a bay renown'd. Where Hercules ſurpriz'd, in days of yore, Bold Menalippe wandering on the ſhore : A belt Hippolyta her ſiſter paid, And for this ranſom he reſtor'd the maid. Here in Thermodon's bay firm Argo moor'd; For laſh'd with tempeſts the vex'd ocean roar'd. No river like the fam'd Thermodon leads Such numerous currents o'er the fertile meads : A hundred ſtreams to him their waters owe; Yet from one ſource, one only ſource they flow. On Amazonian hills, that reach the ſkies, The great Thermodon firſt begins to riſe; Hence ſoon emerging many a courſe he takes, Sinks but to mount, and various channels makes. The different ſtreams from different founts diſtil, In ſoft meanders wandering down the hill; Some public notice and fair titles claim, Some flow obſcurely, and without a name; But confluent ſoon, along the winding plain, He rolls his waves, and foams o'er half the main. Had the Greeks landed on this hoſtile coaſt, War would have ſoon purſu'd the gallant hoſt: (For the fierce Amazons regard not right, Strife is their ſport, and battles their delight : From Mars and Harmony theſe warlike maids Sprung where Acmonius ſpreads its bowery ſhades) But favour'd with the ſoft Favonian wind, The heroes left the crooked ſhore behind, Where the bold Amazons, perceiv'd from far, Stood ſheath'd in arms, prepar'd for ſpeedy war. Not in one city dwelt this martial band, But in three parties ſcatter'd o'er the land : The first tribe at Themiſcyra remain'd, O'er this Hippolyta, their empreſs, reign'd; There dwelt the fair Lycaſtian dames apart, Here the Chadeſians, ſkill'd to lance the dart. Th' enſuing day the delegated band Approach'd with oars the rough Chalybian land; Whoſe ſons ne'er yoke their oxen to the plough, Nor healing plants, nor fruits delicious know: Nor aught delight they in th' irriguous mead, Retir'd and ſtill, their fleecy flocks to feed; But they dig iron from the mountain's ſide, And by this ore are nature's wants ſupply'd. Devoid of toil ne'er beam'd Aurora's ray, And dust and ſmoke obſcur'd the diſmal day. From thence they paſs where Tibarenians till, Sacred to Jove, the Genetæan hill. Here, when the teeming wives are brought to bed, Their groaning husbands hang the drooping head; Equal attendance with their wives they claim; The ſame their diet, and their baths the ſame. Next by the ſacred hill their oars impel Firm Argo, where the Moſſyncecians dwell. In towers they live, of ſolid timber fram'd, Moſſynes call'd, and thence the nation nam'd : Of manners ſtrange; for they with care conceal Thoſe deeds which others openly reveal; And actions, that in ſecret ſhould be done, Perform in public and before the ſun : For, like the monsters of the briſtly drove, In public they perform the feats of love. Exalted in his tower that mates the ſky, The monarch here diſpenſes law from high: But if his judgment err, this rigid ſtate Condemns their chief, and ſtarving is his fate. Theſe nations paſt, with unremitting oar They reach, Aretias, thy ſea-girt ſhore. Then ſunk the breezes with the cloſing day, When down the ſky deſcending they ſurvey A winged monster of enormous might, Which toward the ſhip precipitates her flight. Her wings ſhe ſhook, and from her pinions flung A dart-like quill, which on Oïleus hung; Down his left ſhoulder ſwift it fell: no more, Faint and enfeebled, could he hold his oar. In ſilence long the Grecian heroes gaze, And view the feathery javelin with amaze. But Erybotes, ſoon approaching near, Extracted from the chief the winged ſpear; Then from his ſide his pendent belt unbound, And wrapp'd that bandage o'er the gaping wound. When, lo! a ſecond bird appear'd in view, But ready Clytius firſt had bent his yew; By his keen ſhaft the feather'd monſter ſlain Faſt by the ſhip fell headlong in the main. Then thus Amphidamas: 'My friends, ye know, And theſe obſcene voracious fiends foreſhow Aretias near: then liſt to what I ſay, Fruitleſs are ſhafts to drive theſe peſts away; But, would you here a fit reception find, 'Recall th' advice of Phineus to your mind. For when Alcides to Arcadia went 'Well arm'd with arrows, on his toils intent, From the Stymphalian lake he ſail'd to fright 'Theſe ravenous Harpies (I beheld the ſight) 'But when he rung a cymbal with his ſpear; 'The clanging cymbal fill'd the birds with fear : ' In wild confuſion far away they fly, And with ſhrill clamours pierce the diſtant ſky. ''Tis ours to practiſe this expulſive art; But hear ye firſt the counſel I impart : 'Let half our crew, in glittering armour dreſs'd, Nod, as by turns they row, the high-plum'd creſt; The reſt bright ſpears and ſwords and shields pro- And meet diſpoſe them round the veſſel's ſide. Then all at once your voices raiſe on high, And with loud pealing ſhouts aſſail the ſky; The deafening clamours, the protended ſpears, And nodding creſts will fill the birds with fears. 'And when Aretias' barren iſle ye gain, Ring your broad bucklers, and all ſhout amain.' He ſpoke, the chiefs approv'd the wiſe deſign; High on their heads the brazen helmets ſhine, Whoſe purple creſts wav'd dreadful in the wind; To theſe alternate were ſtout oars aſſign'd; The rest with care their veſſel's ſide conceal'd With glittering ſpears, and many a ſhining ſhield. As when induſtrious builders cover o'er With tiles the walls their hands had rais'd before; In chequer'd ſquares they decorate the roof, And make it fair to view, and tempeſt-proof: Thus they with ſhields, diſpos'd in order due, Shelter'd their veſſel, and adorn'd it too. As when embattled hosts their foes aſſail, Tumultuous ſhouts, and martial ſounds prevail; So from the ſhip loud clamours pierc'd the ſky; No more the Greeks their feather'd foes deſcry: Rattling their bucklers, near the land they drew, And far away the winged furies flew. So when great Jove on cloſe-throng'd cities pours From hyperborean clouds his haily ſhow'rs; Within, the dwellers ſit in peace profound, Nor heed the rattling ſtorms that rage around; In vain the hail deſcends, the tempeſts roar, Their roofs from harm were well ſecur'd before : Thus on their ſhields the furies ſhot their quills, Then clamouring vaniſh'd to far diſtant hills. Say, Muſe, why Phineus counſel'd here to land, On Mars's iſle, this delegated band? And what advantage could the Grecians gain From all the toils and perils of the main ? To fam'd Orchomenos, with favouring gale, From Æa's walls the ſons of Phrixus ſail, Their grandſire's vaſt inheritance to ſhare, Who dying left this voyage to their care. Near Mars's iſland on this ſignal day The ſons of Phrixus plough'd the liquid way. But Jove ordain'd that Boreas' blaſts ſhould blow, While moiſt Arcturus ſoak'd the vales below. Firſt on the mountains, riſing by degrees, All day rough Boreas ſhook the trembling trees; Then, night approaching, he with hideous ſound Roll'd the big wave, and heav'd the vaſt profound. No ſtars appear tranſflucent thro' the clouds, But gloomy darkneſs every object ſhrouds. The ſons of Phrixus, toſt by whelming waves, With horror ſhudder'd at the watery graves; For the fierce blaſt, impell'd with might and main, Tore all their canvaſs, ſplit the ſhip in twain And daſh'd to pieces; but by heaven's kind aid On a large fragment of the wreck convey'd, The winds and waves the trembling brothers bore Aghaſt, and half expiring to the ſhore. Inſtant in floods deſcended copious rain, Drench'd the whole iſland, and increas'd the main; (Theſe ſhores, the neighbouring coast, and ſacred hill The rude, the barbarous Moſſyncæcians till) Borne on a broken plank, the forceful blaſt The ſons of Phrixus on this iſland caſt, Who met the Grecians with the riſing ſun; Ceas'd was the rain, and Argus thus begun : Adjur'd by Jove, whoſe circumſpective ken Surveys the conduct and the cares of men, 'Whate'er your name or race, our tale attend, 'And to the wretched your aſſiſtance lend. 'The raging ſtorms that Neptune's empire ſweep, 'Have wreck'd our luckleſs veſſel in the deep; 'To you we pray, if pity touch your heart, Some ſcanty raiment for our wants impart; 'The ſons of miſery for mercy call; To one low level ſorrow ſinks us all. They who to proſtrate ſuppliants lend an ear, 'The laws of hoſpitable Jove revere. 'All-preſent he hath liſten'd to our pray'r, 'And ſinking ſav'd us with a parent's care.' Then Æſon's ſon (fulfilling Phineus' plan) Thus queſtion'd mild the miſerable man; But first, of truth obſervant, frankly tell, In what far region of the world ye dwell; "What buſineſs call'd you from your native coaſt, What race ye ſprung from, and what names ye Then Argus thus: 'Ye, ſure, have heard the ſame Of Phrixus, who from Greece to Æa came. To great Æeta's citadel he ſwam Supported on the ſhoulders of the ram, 'Whoſe fleece now high-ſuſpended ye behold, By Hermes metamorphos'd into gold. 'On the tall oak's high top it hangs in view, The ram to Jove, propitious, Phrixus ſlew. The generous king receiv'd him as his gueſt, And with undower'd Chalciope he bleſs'd. 'From theſe we ſprung, but Phrixus breathes no more, 'His bones lie buried on the Colchian ſhore. We now to fam'd Orchomenos repair, The wide domains of Athamas to share; Such were the laſt injunctions of our ſire : Our buſineſs this if ye our names require, This Cytiſorus, that will Phrontis claim, He furnam'd Melas, Argus is my name.' He ſpoke: the Argonauts with ſtill amaze, And ſecret tranſport on the ſtrangers gaze. Then Jaſon mark'd the much-enduring man, And thus with mild benevolence began : Friends as ye are, and near relations too, "To us for ſuccour not in vain ye ſue. "Cretheus and Athamas their ſire the ſame; "And Cretheus was my honour'd grandſire's name: "With theſe companions join'd, I ſail from Greece "To Colchos, famous for the golden fleece- "Some diſtant day, at eaſe may we relate "Theſe ſtrange events, and all our various fate. " Now ſhall warm robes to clothe your limbs be giv'n, "We meet conducted by the hand of heav'n." He said, and from the ſhip rich veſtments ſent; Then to the ſacred fane of Mars they went. From fleecy flocks they drain'd the life-warm blood, And all devoutly round the altar stood; This, of ſmall stones compos'd, was plac'd before The lofty temple's double-folding door: (Within the fane a stone of ſable hue Stood where the Amazons their victims ſlew; Who held it lawless, when they ſojourn'd here, To ſlay the sheep, or ſacrifice the ſteer; Inſtead of theſe the full-fed, pamper'd ſteed Was doom'd, a victim at this fane, to bleed.) Theſe rites diſpatch'd, and hunger's rage repreſs'd, Thus Æſon's ſon the listening hoſt addreſs'd : Impartial Jove the race of man regards ; The bad he punishes, the just rewards: As from a bloody ſtepdame's rage of yore "He ſav'd your ſire, and bleſt with ample ſtore, So he preſerv'd you from the whelming deep, "And in this veſſel will ſecurely keep; "Whether for Æa in our ſhip ye ſail, "Or to far Phthia court the favouring gale. "For this fam'd ſhip of Pelion's pines was made, "And form'd by Argus, with Minerva's aid; But ſtorms had laſh'd her, ere, with hideous ſhock, "She reach'd thoſe ſtraits, where rock encounters Then lend your aid to gain the golden fleece, And be our guides to bring it back to Greece. Jove ſeems incens'd, and we this voyage take, "To ſooth his anger, and for Phrixus' fake." Ardent he ſpoke; but they deſpair'd to find, Æeta of ſo tractable a mind, To yield the fleece: then Argus thus replies, Alarm'd and troubled at their bold empriſe; Whate'er our powers can grant, or wishes gain, '. The ſons of Greece ſhall never aſk in vain. 'But proud Æeta, cruel and ſevere, I loath the tyrant, and his power I fear, The Sun his ſire, ſo fame relates, he boasts; Unnumber'd ſubjects guard his ample coasts; For mighty ſtrength he stands renown'd afar, And voice terrific as the God of war. The golden prize a monstrous dragon keeps; 'Hard taſk to ſeize it, for he never fſleeps. 'Earth on rough Caucaſus a being gave To this fierce beaſt near Typhaonia's cave, 'Where huge Typhœus, as old ſtories prove, 'Was struck by lightning from almighty Jove, g 'When fierce in arms against heaven's king he stood; From his head iſſu'd warm corrupted blood; 'To Nyſa's hills, to Nyſa's plains he flies, 'And now beneath Serbonian marſhes lies. He said; diſtreſs'd ſo ſad a tale to hear, On every countenance ſat pallid fear; When Peleus thus with confidence reply'd, And gave that courage which their fears deny'd: Deſpair not, friend; for we diſdain to yield, "Nor dread to meet Æeta in the field. "We too are ſkill'd in war, and draw our line From godlike chiefs, and origin divine. Incens'd ſhould he the fleecy gold detain, "He'll aſk, I trust, the Colchians' aid in vain." Converſing thus the chiefs their thoughts expreſs'd, And fated with repaſt reclin'd to reſt. With riſing morn the gently-breathing gales Play'd round the pine, and fill'd the ſwelling ſails; The ſwelling ſails expanded by the wind Soon left Aretias' barren ſhore behind; And ſwiftly ſkimming o'er the watery vaſt, The Philyræan iſle at eve they paſt; Where Saturn firſt fair Philyra ſurvey'd, When on Olympus he the Titans ſway'd, (Nurs'd by the fierce Curetes, yet a child, Young Jove was hid in Cretan caverns wild) Unknown to Rhea he the maid compreſs'd; But ſoon to Rhea was the crime confeſs'd; Detected Saturn left his bed with ſpeed, And ſprung all-vigorous as a mane-crown'd ſteed. Swift fled fair Philyra, abaſh'd with ſhame, And to the hills of Theſſaly ſhe came : Fam'd Chiron ſprung from this embrace ſo odd, Ambiguous, half a horse, and half a God. From thence they ſail by long Macronian ſtrands, And where Bechira's ample coaſt expands ; Shores where Byzerians wander far and wide, And fierce Sapirians, ſtigmatiz'd for pride; And favour'd by the ſoft impelling wind, Leave numerous coasts and lands unnam'd behind: And, ſailing ſwiftly o'er the waves, ſurvey, Far on the Pontic main, an opening bay; Then, Caucaſus, thy hills were ſeen on high, That rear their rocky ſummits in the ſky; Fix'd to theſe rocks Prometheus ſtill remains, For ever bound in adamantine chains: On the rude cliffs a ravenous eagle breeds, That on the wretch's entrails ever feeds. The Grecians ſaw him, ere th' approach of night, Soar high in air, loud hiſſing in his flight: Around the ſhip he flew in airy rings, The ſails all ſhivering as he ſhook his wings : Not as a light aerial bird he ſoars, But moves his pinions like well-poliſh'd oars. The ravenous bird now ruſhing from the ſkies, Sudden, they heard Prometheus' piercing cries: The heavens re-echoed to the doleful ſound, While the fell eagle gnaw'd the recent wound. Till gorg'd with fleſh the bird of Jove they ſpy'd Again deſcending from the mountain's ſide. Night now approaching, near the land they drew, And Argus well his native country knew; For, Phaſis, thy wide-ſpreading flood they gain, 1540, And the last limits of the Pontic main. At length arriv'd, ſo many dangers paſt, They furl the mainſail, and they lower the maſt: Their bending oars the mighty ſtream divide; The ſtream receives them on his foaming tide. All on the left, in ancient rolls renown'd, Riſe Ea's walls with glittering turrets crown'd; And on the right the field, not diſtant far, And grove, both ſacred to the God of war; Where on an oak the fleece, ſuſpended high, A dragon guards with ever-watchful eye. Then Jaſon haftes, impatient to conſign To the pure ſtream the unpolluted wine, And from a golden vaſe fulfils the rite divine, Sacred to earth, to Gods that guard the coasts, And ancient heroes' long-departed ghoſts : For their protection he preferr'd his pray'r, To keep the ſhip with tutelary care. Then thus Ancæus: 'Numerous perils paſt, Colchos and Phaſis we behold at last; Behoves you now your ſage advice to lend, Whether to treat Æeta as a friend, With ſpeech accordant, and compliance bland, Or in rough terms the golden prize demand." Thus he; but Jaſon urg'd, at Argus' call, High up the fedgy ſtream the ſhip to haul; Which, undisturb'd, might there at anchor ride In the calm boſom of the peaceful tide: There ſought the chiefs the bleſſings of repoſe, And lept ſecure till grateful morning roſe.

COME, heavenly maid, thy timely ſuccour bring, And teach thy poet, Erato, to ſing, How Jaſon, favour'd by the Colchian maid, To Grecian realms the golden prize convey'd. Thy ſongs the rites of Cyprian bliſs proclaim, And in young virgins raiſe the melting flame; For the ſoft paſſion thy beheſts approve, And Erato's the kindred name of love. Conceal'd in ſedges as the herces lie, Juno and Pallas mark'd them from the ſky; Apart from all the Gods their ſeats they took In heaven's high hall, and thus Saturnia ſpoke: Daughter of Jove, thy ſage advice impart, "By what nice fraud, what well-diſſembled art, Theſe venturous chiefs ſhall gain the golden fleece, "And ſafe convey it to the realms of Greece. Say, ſhall they call entreaties to their aid? "Will ſoft addreſs the wayward king perſuade, So fam'd for fierce barbarity and pride ? No art, no effort must be left untry'd." She said; and Pallas thus: 'O Queen, I find 'The ſame ideas riſing in my mind: To lend aſſiſtance to the Grecian train My heart is willing, but my counſel vain.' This ſaid, their minds on various projects ran, On earth their eyes were fix'd, when Juno thus began: To Venus inſtant let us ſpeed our way, (Her ſoft perſuaſions Cupid will obey) "Intreat her that the wily God inſpire Medea's ſoul with love's unconquer'd fire, Love for great Æſon's ſon; applauding Greece Will by her aid regain the glorious fleece." She ſaid; Minerva patronis'd the plan, And thus with mild benevolence began: 'I, who aroſe from Jove's immortal brain, Stranger to love, his pleaſure or his pain, Thy ſage propoſal from my ſoul approve; Do thou explain it to the queen of love.' This ſaid, with ſpeed the two immortals came To the grand manſion of the Cyprian dame, Which crippled Vulcan rais'd, when firſt he led The Paphian goddess to his nuptial bed. The gate they paſs, and to the dome retire Where Venus oft regales the God of fire: (He to his forge had gone at early day, A floating iſle contain'd it on the bay, Here wondrous works by fire's fierce power he wrought, And on his anvil to perfection brought.) Fronting the door, all lovely and alone, Sat Cytherea on a poliſh'd throne. Adown the ſhoulders of the heavenly fair, In eaſy ringlets flow'd her flaxen hair; And with a golden comb, in matchleſs grace, She taught each lock its moſt becoming place. She saw the deities approach her dome, And from her hand diſmiſs'd the golden comb; Then roſe reſpectful, all with beauty grac'd, And on rich thrones the great immortals plac'd; Reſum'd her ſeat, and with a ready hand Bound her looſe ringlets, and thus queſtion'd bland: 'What cauſe, ye viſitants from heaven, relate, Has brought ſuch guests to Cytherea's gate ? Ye who excel in high Olympus' ſphere, 'Such mighty deities, and ſtrangers here ?" Then thus Saturnia : Wantonly you jeſt, When preſſing grief ſits heavy on our breast. "Now in the Phaſis, with his warlike train, Great Jaſon moors, the golden fleece to gain : "For that fam'd chief, and for his martial hoſt, " Dire fears alarm us, but for Jaſon moſt : " This potent arm, whate'er our proweſs can, "Shall ſnatch from miſery the gallant man, "Tho' far as hell he, raſh adventurer! go, "To free Ixion, link'd in chains of woe; " Left Pelias proudly heaven's decrees deride, "Who on my altars ſacrifice deny'd. Nay more, young Jaſon claims my love and grace, Whom late I met returning from the chace, Returning met, as o'er the world I ſtray'd, "And human kind, and human works ſurvey'd; Hard by Araurus I beheld the man, Wide o'er its banks whoſe rapid currents ran; (From ſnow-clad hills, in torrents loud and ſtrong, "Roar'd the ſwoln ſtreams the rugged rocks among.) "He on his back, though like a crone I stood, "Securely brought me o'er the foaming flood; "This won my love, a love for ever true, "Nor will the haughty-minded Pelias rue "His flagrant crimes, till you propitious deign "To ſpeed my Jaſon to his Greece again." She ſpoke, and Venus ſtood amaz'd to find The queen of heaven to humble prayer inclin'd; Then thus familiar said: 'O wife of Jove, 'Baſeſt of beings call the queen of love, 'Unleſs her every word and work conſpire 'To give you all the ſuccour you require : All that my hand, my feeble hand can do, 'Shall unrewarded be perform'd for you.' Then Juno thus: "Not difficult the taſk; "No mighty force, no ſtrength of arm I aſk. " Bid gentle Love the Colchian maid inſpire, And for my Jaſon fan the riſing fire; If kind ſhe prove, he gains the golden fleece, And by her ſubtle aid conducts it safe to Greece." Love's queen replied: 'Cupid, ye powers divine, Will reverence your injunctions more than mine: Your looks will awe him, tho', devoid of shame, Of me the urchin makes eternal game, ' Oft he provokes my spleen, and then I vow, Enrag'd, I'll break his arrows and his bow : "Reſtrain your ire," exclaims the ſneering elf, "Left you find reaſon to upbraid yourſelf." At this the Powers with ſmiles each other view'd, And Venus thus her woeful tale purſu'd : ' Others may ridicule the pains I feel, ' Nor boots it all my sufferings to reveal. But ſince ye jointly importune my aid, Cupid ſhall yield, and Venus be obey'd.' She said; and Juno preſs'd her hand and ſmil'd, Then answered thus, benevolent and mild: "O grant this boon; do inſtant as you ſay; "Chide not the boy, and he will ſoon obey." This ſaid, both haſten'd to the realms above, And left the manſions of the queen of love: The Cyprian goddess o'er Olympus flies, To find her ſon in every dale ſhe pries, Through heaven's gay meads the queen purſu'd her And found him there with Ganymede at play. Him Jove tranſlated to the bleſt abodes, And, fam'd for beauty, plac'd among the Gods. With golden dice, like boon compeers they play'd; Love in his hollow hand ſome cubes convey'd, Reſolv'd to cheat young Ganymede with thoſe, While on his cheeks the conſcious crimſon roſe. The Phrygian boy was vanquiſh'd to his coſt, Two dice alone remain'd, and thoſe he lost. Silent he ſat in dull dejected ſtate, Enrag'd that Cupid ſhould deride his fate: His loſs increaſing with protracted play, He went a wretch with empty hands away, Nor ſaw he Venus: the her Cupid took Faſt by the cheek, and thus upbraiding ſpoke; 'And can you laugh, you ſly, deceitful elf? 'Such tricks will bring a ſcandal on yourself. But haſte, my Cupid, my commands obey, 'And a nice plaything ſhall your toils repay, 'What once to Jove dear Adraſtæa gave, 'When Jove was nourish'd in the Cretan cave, 'A ſweet round ball; oh! keep it for my fake, 'A finer ball not Vulcan's hands can make. 'Gold are the circles, beauteous to behold, 'And all the finiſh'd ſeams are wrought in gold; 'But all ſo cloſe they ſcarcely can be found : And the pale ivy winds its wreaths around. If high in air you fling this ball afar, 'It ſhines and glimmers like a radiant ſtar. 'This prize I'll give, if you propitious prove, And lure Medea to the toils of love; 'Fire all her ſoul for Jaſon: haſte, away; 'The favour is diminiſh'd by delay.' She ſaid, and Cupid listening long'd to hear, For her sweet words are muſic to his ear. He ceas'd, his paſtime, and with both his hands Hangs on the Goddess, and the ball demands. She kiſs'd her boy, and preſs'd him to her cheek, And fondly ſmiling thus ſhe anſwer'd meek : 'By thee, my ſon, and by myself I ſwear, By all that's ſacred, and by all that's dear, This ball I'll give thee, if thy fatal dart 'Thou fix unerring in Medea's heart.' This ſaid; he gather'd all his dice with haſte, And in his mother's ſplendid lap he plac'd. Then ſnatch'd his bow and quiver from the ground, And to his back with golden girdle bound. From Jove's all-fertile plains he ſwift withdrew, And thro' Olympus' golden portals flew. Thence the deſcent is eaſy from the ſky, Where the two poles erect their heads on high, Where the tall mountains their rough tops diſplay, And where the ſun firſt gives the radiant day. Hence you behold the fertile earth below, The winding streams, the cliffs' aerial brow, Cities extended on the diſtant plain, And thro' the vaſt expanſe the roaring main. On the broad Phaſis, in a ſedgy bay, Stretch'd on the deck the Grecian heroes lay; Till call'd to council roſe each godlike man, And Jaſon thus the conference began: To you, my comrades, be my counſel known, "'Tis yours that counſel with ſucceſs to crown. "One common cauſe our great empriſe is made; The common cauſe demands the common aid. He who unutter'd can his counſel keep, Stays our refailing o'er the ſounding deep. I to Æeta's court will ſpeed my way, "The reſt well-arm'd ſhall in the veſſel ſtay; With me ſhall go, the palace to explore, "Phrixus' brave ſons, and two aſſociates more. Firſt will I prove the power of ſoft addreſs "To gain the fleece; complacence wins ſucceſs. " If in his arms he ſternly ſhould confide, And ſpurn our claims with inſolence and pride, "Conſult we whether, when ſuch powers oppreſs, By arms or arts to free us from diſtreſs. Be force the laſt alternative we take, " For ſoothing ſpeeches deep impreſſions make: And oft, where force and martial prowess fail, The milder powers of eloquence prevail. Once king Æeta kind reception gave To blameless Phrixus, when eſcap'd the wave "He fled from Ino's unrelenting hate, And the dire altars that denounc'd his fate. Savage or ſocial, all alike approve "The ſacred rites of hospitable Jove." He ſaid: the Greeks his ſage advice rever'd; No voice diſſentient thro' the host was heard: Augeas then, and Telamon attends, And with them Phrixus' ſons, his faithful friends; Jaſon they follow: he thy peaceful wand, All-ſapient Hermes, brandiſh'd in his hand. Soon from the ſhip they gain the riſing ground, Mount every ſteep, and o'er the marſhes bound, Till Circe's plain they reach; in many a row Here humble ſhrubs and lonely willows grow; On whoſe tall branches, wavering o'er the fen, Suſpended hang the carcases of men, At Colchos ſtill this barbarous rite prevails: They never burn the bodies of the males, Nor deep in earth their decent limbs compoſe, And with ſepulchral duſt the dead encloſe; But in raw hides they hang them high in air: And yet, that earth may equal portions ſhare, Departed females to the grave they doom,50 (Such are their rites) and cloſe them in the tomb. The chiefs advance; but friendly Juno ſhrouds Her favourite heroes in a veil of clouds, de na That none, too curious, might their ſteps delay, While to the regal dome they bent their way: T But when unſeen they paſs'd the vulgar crowd, The ſame kind deity diſſolv'd the cloud. Full in the court they ſtand with fix'd amaze, On the proud gates, ſtrong walls and columns gaze, Which, rear'd in rows, erect their heads on high, And lift the brazen cornice to the ſky. The portal paſt, young branching vines appear, And high in air their verdant honours rear: Beneath whoſe boughs, by matchless Vulcan made, T Four copious fountains in four currents play'd; The firſt with milk, with wine the ſecond glow'd, Ambrofial oil the third, the fourth with water flow'd; This, as by turns the Pleiads ſet or roſe, Diſſolv'd in ſummer, and in winter froze. Such were the wonders which the chiefs admire, All highly finiſhed by the God of fire. With these were braſs-hoof'd bulls, of curious frame, From brazen noſtrils breathing living flame. And, near, a plough of burnish'd ſteel was laid, Which for the God of day great Vulcan made, When Phœbus brought him in his friendly car, Sore harraſs'd in the fierce Phlegræan war. The midmoſt court they reach; on either ſide Large folding doors the various rooms divide. Two painted porticoes ſalute their eyes, And high in air tranſverſe two turrets riſe; In this, which far in ſtately height excels, Æeta with his royal conſort dwells: Abſyrtus that contains, his royal heir, Deſcended from Afterode the fair, A Scythian nymph, ere yet Æeta led Idya, Ocean's daughter, to his bed Him Phaeton the youthful Colchians call For he in beauty far ſurpaſs'd them all The proud apartments that remain'd contain Chalciope, Medea and their train. Ordain'd a prieſteſs to the Stygian queens She at the palace now was ſeldom ſeen But artful Juno, on this ſignal day, sou yd blood Within the regal court decreed her ſtay. Here now, from room to room, the penſive maid, To find Chalciope her ſiſter, ſtray'd. Soon as ſhe ſpied them in the ſpacious halle Aloud ſhe call'd, her ſiſter heard her call, And with her maidens ſallied from the door Their growing webs were ſcatter'd on the floor. Well-pleas'd her ſons ſhe ſees, and raptur'd ſtands, While high to heaven ſhe rears her greeting hands With equal joy to her embrace they fly, beraieq Then thus Chalciope with plaintive cry: 'Here tho' you left me, heedleſs of my cries 'See! fate hath frown'd upon your bold empriſe; 'Hath check'd your voyage o'er the diſtant main, 'And ſoon reſtor'd you to theſe arms again. 'Wretch that I was, when by your fire's command, 'Ye ſought in evil hour the Grecian land 'Sad was the taſk your dying ſire enjoin'd, Sad and diſtreſsful to a mother's mind. 'Ah! whence the wiſh Orchomenos to ſee, bordT 'His city viſit, and abandon me?agpoled 'Yes, Athamas's fancied wealth to gain, Ye left me ſorrowing, and ye ſought the main.' Rous'd by her cries, at length Æeta cameluma And to the hall repair'd his royal damaradi diw With buſy crowds the ſpacious hall is fill'd; The ſteer is choſen, and the victim killd. Some heat the baths, ſome cleave the knotty wood, And all attentive round their monarch ſtood Cupid mean time, thro' liquid air ſerene, Speeds to the Colchian court his flight unſeen's A Like that large fly, which breeſe the ſhepherds call, That haſtes to ſting the heifers in the ſtall. The nimble God, unſeen, the porch aſcends, And there his bow behind a pillar bends; A fatal arrow from his quiver took, And quick advancing with inſidious look, Behind great Æſon's ſon, conceal'd from ſight, He fits the arrow, fatal in its flight; Bends the tough bow with all his ſtrength and art, And deep he hides it in Medea's heart. A ſudden tranſport ſeiz'd the melting maid: The God, exulting now, no longer ſtaid. The glowing ſhaft the virgin's heart inſpires, And in her boſom kindles amorous fires. On Jaſon beam'd the ſplendor of her eyes, Her ſwoln breast heav'd with unremitting ſighs: The frantic maid had all remembrance loſt, And the ſoft pain her ſickening ſoul engrofs'dan A As ſome good housewife, who, to labour born, Freſh to her loom muſt riſe with early morn; Studious to gain what human wants require, In embers heap'd preſerves the feeds of fire, Renew'd by theſe the brand rekindling burns, And all the glowing heap to aſhes turns: Thus, kindling ſlow, love's ſecret flames invade, And torture, as they riſe, the troubled maid: Her changeful cheeks the heart-felt anguiſh ſhow, Now pale they turn, now like the ruby glow. The rich repaſt by ſeneſchals prepar'd, Freſh from their baths return'd, the ſtrangers ſhar'd; And when the rage of hunger was ſuppreſs'd, His grandſons thus the Colchian king addreſs'd: Sons of my child, and Phrixus, honour'd moſt Of all the guests that reach'd the Colchian coaſt, Say, why ſo ſoon return'd? what loſs conſtrains This ſpeedy viſit to your native plains ? 'In vain, with terrors for your ſafety fraught, I urg'd the diſtance of the climes ye ſought; Warn'd, ſince of old my fire's bright chariot bore Me and fair Circe to Heſperia's ſhore, Where now o'er Tuſcan realms my ſiſter reigns, A long, long distance from the Colchian plains. But what of this? come now, the cauſe declare That brought you back, and who theſe heroes are.' Then Argus, anxious for the Grecian band, By birthright eldest, roſe and answer'd bland: Our ſhip, O king, by nightly tempests toft, "On Mars's iſle, a dreary coaſt, was loſt;l We, on the wreck by furious ſurges driv'n, "Were ſav'd at last by kind protecting heav'n. "Nor did thoſe birds then deſolate the ſhore, Dire Harpies, that infested it before; For theſe brave warriors, the preceding day, "Had driven the curſt, infernal fiends away. "Sure to our prayer ſome God inclin'd his ear; "For when of Phrixus and your name they hear, "Food for our wants, and raiment they convey, "And to your city now they bend their way. "But would you know, I'll tell their purpos'd plan: Lo! ſprung from Æolus the godlike man, 3.1 "Whom a fierce tyrant's ſtern decree conſtrains To quit his country and his rich domains: "Nor can he ſcape Jove's rage, unless the fleece, "Baſe theft of Phrixus, be reſtor'd to Greece.T "Their ſhip was faſhion'd by Minerva's aid po "How different are the Colchian veſſels made V "Ours, far the worſt that ever rear'd a maſt, "Split with the tempeſt's defolating blaſt; Theirs, firm-compacted, and of fitteſt wood, "Defied each ſtorm that heav'd the troubled flood "With equal ſpeed their nimble veſſel ſails, Impell'd by oars alone, or favouring gales. "In this their chief, with choſen Greeks, explores Unnumber'd ſeas, and towns, and wide-extended ſhores. " And now he ſues the golden fleece to gain; "But that as best your princely will ordain- Nor hoſtile comes he; as a friend he brings Large gifts proportion'd to the ſtate of kings. Inform'd the fierce Sarmatians waste your lands, "He vows deſtruction to their barbarous bands. "Their names and lineage ſhould you wish to hear, "Lend to my narrative a liſtening ear. He, in whoſe cauſe the Grecian chiefs conſpire, "Is valiant Jaſon, Æſon is his ſire, "The ſon of Cretheus: thus are we ally'd "By blood, relations on the father's ſide : "The ſons of Æolus were Cretheus fam'd, And Athemas, whoſe heir was Phrixus nam'd. 'Mid yon brave chiefs, Augeas you ſurvey, "Illuſtrious offspring of the God of day, And Telamon, who high his birth can prove, His ſire is Æacus, his grandſire Jove: "The reſt, that viſit your auguſt abodes, "Are all the ſons or grandſons of the Gods." This ſaid, the King with indignation ſwell'd, But chief enrag'd his grandſons he beheld; Thro' them he deem'd the Greeks to Colchos came: His eye-balls redden'd with avenging flame, While thus he ſpoke: 'Hence from my ſight away, Nor longer, traitors, in my kingdom ſtay: Back, back to Greece your ſpeedy courſe purſue, Nor idly hope the golden fleece to view. Not for that fleece (vain pretext ye muſt own) But for my ſceptre came ye, and my crown. 'Had ye not firſt my feast partook to-day, Your tongues and hands, torn out and lopp'd away, Should for your bold atrocious crimes atone: My just revenge had ſpar'd your feet alone, To bear you hastily to Greece again, Dreading to viſit more my juſt domain, And with your perjuries the Gods profane.' He ſaid: bold Telamon with fury burn'd, And to the King ſtern anſwer had return'd, But Jaſon check'd his warmth, and mild reply'd: Let not Æeta falſly thus decide. Nor crowns, Inor empires come we here to gain; Who for ſuch wealth would meaſure half the "But fate, and Pelias' more ſevere command, Have forc'd the ſuppliant on your friendly land. "Aid us, and Greece your praiſes ſhall record, And thank you, ſovereign, with their conquering "Whether the fierce Sarmatians to inthrall, Or realms more barbarous for your vengeance call." While Jaſon thus in gentleſt terms reply'd, The tyrant's breaſt diſtracting thoughts divide, Whether with vengeance on the foe to fly, Or in the field of Mars his courage try. On this reſolv'd, 'What need (he thus begun) With tedious tales my harraſs'd ears to ſtun? For whether from immortals ye deſcend, Or match'd in might ye dare with me contend, Soon will I prove; that proof muſt thou diſplay; Then, ifovictorious, bear the fleece away; Nor ſhall my hand the golden prize withold: Like your proud lord, I envy not the bold. This nervous arm ſhall now ſuſtain the fight, Which calls to ſpeedy proof thy boasted might. Two bulls in Mars's field your wonder claim, Their hoofs of braſs, their noſtrils breathing flame, Theſe oft I ſeize, and to the yoke conſtrain To plough four acres of the ſtubborn plain. No feeds I ſow, but ſcatter o'er the land 'A dragon's teeth; when, lo! an armed band Of chiefs ſpring up: but ſoon as they appear, I ſlay th' embattled ſquadrons with my ſpear. "Each morn I yoke the bulls, at eve reſign: Perform this labour, and the fleece is thine. Theſe are the terms; on theſe the prize I quit: The weaker to the ſtronger muſt ſubmit.' He said; and Jaſon, ſunk in thought profound, Sat mute, his eyes faſt fix'd upon the ground; Long time he ponder'd o'er the vaſt deſign, Nor dar'd with confidence the battle join. So hard the taſk, he stood embarrass'd long, At last theſe words dropp'd cautious from his tongue: " Cruel thy terms, but juſt: my ſtrength I'll try In this dread conflict, though ordain'd to die. For, ſay, what law ſo rigorous can there be, "As the hard law of fix'd neceſſity? " That law which forc'd me from my native home, "And bad me thus in ſearch of dangers roam ?" Perplex'd he ſpoke: then thus the king in rage, Rejoin thy comrades, ſince thou dar'ſt engage. But if the bulls conſtrain thy heart to yield, Or the dread dangers of the martial field, 'Be mine the toil; that hence the coward-ſlave 'May dread to combat with the bold and brave.' Imperious thus the haughty king replies : And from their ſeats incens'd the heroes riſe. To warn his brothers here, at home, to wait, Argus ſtopp'd ſhort awhile: then ruſh'd they thro' Far o'er the reſt, in grace unmatch'd alone, And charms ſuperior youthful Jaſon ſhone. Him thro' her veil the love-diſtracted maid With melting eyes, and glance oblique ſurvey'd : Her mind, as in a dream, bewilder'd ran, And trac'd the footsteps of the godlike man. Sorrowing they went: to ſhun the monarch's ire, With fond Chalciope her ſons retire; Medea follow'd, but with cares oppreſs'd; Such cares as love had rais'd within her breaſt. His graceful image in her mind ſhe bore, His gait, his manner, and the robe he wore, His pointed words: thro' earth's remoteſt bound No prince ſhe deem'd with ſuch perfections crown'd. ​His tuneful voice ſtill, ſtill ſhe ſeems to hear, Still the ſweet accents charm her liſtening ear. The bulls and wrathful king excite her dread : She mourns his fate, as if already dead. From her bright eyes the ſhower of anguiſh breaks, And thus, o'erwhelm'd with woe, Medea ſpeaks : Why fall the tears of ſorrow from my eyes, Tho' he the first or last of heroes dies ? Periſh the man!-no, ſafely let him ſail; "And may my prayer, kind Hecate, prevail! Safe ſail he home: but, ah! if doom'd to bleed, "Teach him, that I rejoice not in the deed." Thus mourn'd the maid: meantime to join their The chiefs pursue their courſe along the plain; Then Argus thus: 'Though, Jaſon, you may blame, And ſpurn the counſel which I now proclaim; Yet ſure for us, with threatening dangers preſs'd, To try ſome ſafe expedient must be beſt. A maid there is whoſe wondrous art excels, Long taught by Hecate, in magic ſpells: If ſhe propitious to our wishes yield, Thou com'ſt victorious from the martial field: But if Chalciope decline her aid, Be mine with tendereſt motives to perſuade. Inſtant I'll go, on her for ſuccour call; For lo! one general ruin threatens all.' Humane he ſpoke, and Jaſon thus rejoin'd; Much I admire the purpose of thy mind. Go, friend, to thy Chalciope repair, Sue her with ſoft entreaty and with pray'r: But, ah! vain hopes our vacant minds muſt fill, Who truſt for conquest to a woman's ſkill." He ſaid; and ſoon they join'd their ſocial train, Rejoic'd to meet their princely peers again. Then Jaſon thus began his mournful tale: "With proud Æeta ſoft entreaties fail; Our purpos'd end unable to attain, Vain are my words, and your enquiries vain. Two monstrous bulls the tyrant bids me tame; Their hoofs of braſs, their noſtrils breathing flame; Theſe muſt my prowess to the yoke conſtrain, To plough four acres of the ſtubborn plain; My feed a dragon's teeth, to ſow the land; When lo! up ſprings a formidable band Of bright-arm'd giants; ſoon as they appear, Poiz'd by this arm, my well-directed ſpear Muſt pierce the foe: intrepid I accede "To the hard terms, nor future dangers heed." He said: they deem'd it all a deſperate deed; Silent they stood, with ſad dejected look Each gaz'd on other, till bold Peleus ſpoke: 'Time calls for our reſolves; our ſafety ſtands 'No more in counſel, but in ſtrength of hands. If, Jaſon, eager of the honour, thou Wilt yoke theſe fiery monsters to the plough, Haſte to the charge; but if thy ſoul relent, Sunk in ſad bodings of the dire event,' Nor dar'ſt thou go; then go not, nor look round, If haply here ſome fitter man be found; Myself will go, and riſk my dearest breath; No greater evil can befall than death.' He ſpoke; and Telamon with rage inſpir'd Starts up, and Idas with like fury fir'd; Next the twin-race of Tyndarus ariſe; Laſt Oeneus' ſon, who with the braveſt vies; Tho' o'er his cheeks ſcarce ſpreads the callow down, His heart beats high for honour and renown. And while the reſt in mute attention ſtand, Argus beſpeaks the emulative band : "Tho' hard the task, O chiefs, I ſtill portend My parent will aſſiſt, and prove a friend. "Still in your ſhip awhile with patience wait; "For raſhneſs will accelerate your fate. "Know, at Æeta's court a maiden dwells, "Deep ſkill'd by Hecate in magic ſpells : "All plants ſhe knows that grow on mountains ſteep, "On vales, or meads, or in the boundless deep; "By theſe ſhe quells the fire's relentless force, " Stops the mad torrent in its headlong courſe, "Retards the planets as they roll on high, "And draws the moon reluctant from the ſky. "As from the palace o'er the plain we came "We mention'd oft my mother's honour'd name; "If ſhe perchance her ſiſter could perſuade, "And fix our intereſt in the magic maid. "Back, if you bid, my ready ſteps I bend; "Fortune may ſmile, and fair ſucceſs attend." He said; when, lo! this ſignal of their love, Was kindly given them by the Powers above; For, by the falcon chas'd, a trembling dove, Far from his foe, to Jaſon's boſom flies; Stunn'd on the deck the felon falcon lies. Then Mopſus thus divin'd: 'The Powers of heav'n, They, they alone this gracious ſign have giv'n. 'Be then the maid in mildeſt terms addreſs'd; 'She'll liſten friendly to our joint requeſt, I ween ſhe will; if Phineus could foreknow That we to Venus muſt our ſafety owe. For, lo! her bird eſcapes oh! may we prove With ſafety crown'd, like her auſpicious dove. A 'Entreat we now for Cytherea's aideia And let th' advice of Argus be obey'd Thus he; the chiefs approv'd, remembering well What Phineus deign'd prophetic to foretell Idas alone with indignation burn'd, And with loud voice thus inſolent return'd: Gods! what a crew hath Argo wafted o'er! 'Women, not heroes throng the hostile ſhore. Women, who ſtill to Venus' altars fly, 'Nor dare but only on her aid rely. No warlike deeds your daftard fouls inflame : 'To you is Mars an unregarded-name.5605 As doves or falcons but direct your flight, You flinch at danger, and you dread the fight.A Go; and all manly, martial toils forbear Sue to weak women, and deceive the fairfova b.A Furious he ſpoke; a general murmur rangion bro Thro' the whole train; yet none oppos'd the man: Indignant then he ſfat. Of dauntless breast corali Thus Æſon's ſon the listening train address'dw T This inſtant Argus to the town I fend, sted "For thus the general fuffrages intend Meanwhile approach we nearer to the land, "And fix, in fight, our halfers to the ſtrand: Ill ſuits us longer thus to lie conceal'd; We neither ſhun, nor dread the fighting field." He ſaid, and Argus went without delay, And to the city backward ſped his way; At Jaſon's call they ply the labouring oar, And land their beds and couches on the ſhore. Meantime the king a council call'd, and ſat, (So were they wont) without the palace-gate. Aſſembled there, unceaſing toils they plann'd, And wiles deſtructive to the Grecian band. Thus he ordain'd, that when the bulls had ſlain And ſtretch'd this dauntleſs hero on the plain, Himself would lay the lofty foreſt low, And for the funeral-pile prepare the bough: Their boaſted ſhip ſhould be conſum'd with fire, And every traitor in the flames expire. No hoſpitable rites had Phrixus ſhar'd, Though much he wiſh'd and merited regard, Had not Jove haſten'd Hermes from above To win his favour and beſpeak his love. Were theſe invaders of his native ſoil To thrive unpuniſh'd by rapacious ſpoil, Soon would they make his lowing herds a prey, And drive the ſhepherds and their flocks away. But Phrixus' ſons, who join'd the lawless crews A He vow'd with double vengeance to purſuer Baſe plunderers! come to ſpoil him of his crown, So had the Sun, his ſapient ſire, foreſhown: Who warn'd him to ſuſpect his faithless race, And dread from them deſtruction and diſgrace. Therefore diſmiſs'd he, by his fire's command, The youths far diſtant, ev'n to Grecian land. His daughters gave him no perplexing care, Nor young Abſyrtus, his adopted heir; But from Chalciope's deteſted race He look'd for injuries, and fear'd diſgrace. Thus ſtern denouncing, as with rage he ſwells, Death on each daring ſubject that rebels, His guards he charg'd, and threaten'd vengeance due, If either 'ſcap'd, the veſſel or the crew. Swift to the palace Argus now repairs, And to his pitying mother pours his prayers: That she might importune Medea's aid Nor had the queen her ſon's requeſt delay'd, But boding fears her willing mind restrain, Left all her fond entreaties ſhould be vain And should the project be diſclos'd to view Her father's ire the magic maid muſt rue. As on her couch reclin'd the virgin lay, Soft ſlumbers chas'd her anxious cares away; But frantic dreams, which love-ſick minds infeſt, Preſent falſe terrors, and disturb her reſt. Her hero ſeem'd the taſk to undertake, But not for honour, or the fleece's fake; For her alone he riſk'd the glorious ſtrife, To gain her love, and win her for his wife. She then in dreams her utmost ſuccour lends, And with the bulls herself in fight contends. Her parents ſhe, in fancied rage, aver'd Falſe and regardless of their promis'd word, Who Jaſon doom'd the brazen bulls to foil, But made not her a partner of the toil. Then warm diſputes and fierce contentions reign Between Æeta and the Grecian train On her deciſion both the parties wait, And deem what ſhe determines to be fate. In ſpite of parents, the fond maid expreſs'd Her choice in favour of her godlike gueſt. Rage wrung their fouls, and grief, and dire diſmay, Till the loud clamour chas'd her ſleep away. Trembling ſhe ſtarts; pale fears confus'd her look; Her ſoul reviv'd, and thus the virgin ſpoke: Alas! what frightful dreams alarm my breast For theſe fam'd chiefs, but moſt the royal guest? I fear, ſome mighty mischief will ensue From this bold leader and his gallant crew. Yes, let him wed far off ſome Grecian dame; Be mine my parents' houſe, my virgin's fame. If from my headſtrong purpoſe I refrain, My ſiſter's counſel might relieve my pain: Oh! for her ſons would the my aid implore, My griefs would ceaſe, my ſorrows be no more!" She said, and roſe, nor longer deign'd to wait, But paſt the threshold of her ſiſter's gate, Barefoot, undrest; long time ſhe there remain'd, (For modeſt fears her paſſing ſtep reſtrain'd;) Then back retreats; new courage ſoon acquires; Again advances, and again retires: Paſſions ſo various ſway'd the virgin's breaſt, That when fierce love impell'd her, fear repreſs'd: Thrice ſhe eſſay'd, and thrice retreating fled; Then on the pillow ſunk her drooping head: As ſome young damſel, whom her friends had join'd In marriage to the darling of her mind, Conceal'd in ſecret, mourns her blooming mate Snatch'd from her arms by ſome untimely fate, Ere yet kind heaven indulg'd them to employ The golden moments in connubial joy : In ſilence ſhe, tho' ſtung with torturing grief, Seeks on the widow'd bed the wish'd relief; Looks eager round, then ſheds the trembling tear, Screen'd from the female eye, and tongue ſevere. Thus mourn'd Medea, not unſeen; her pain Was mark'd by one, the youngest of her train; Who told Chalciope Medea's grief; And the ſad tale exceeded her belief: Her ſons conſulting, ſhe with them eſſay'd To ſooth the ſorrows of the love-ſick maid. Inſtant ſhe roſe, and trembling with diſmay Came to the chamber where her ſiſter lay; Torn were her cheeks, the tears her grief confeſs'd; And thus Chalciope the maid addreſs'd: Say, why thoſe tears that thus inceſſant fall? What mighty ills your feeble mind appal? Say, does ſome heaven-ſent woe your grief inſpire? Or in your boſom dwells Æeta's My ſons and I the cauſe? Oh! far from home, On the world's utmoſt limits may I roam, Nor ſee my parents, nor my native ſhore, Nor hear the hated name of Colchos more!" She said: Medea's cheeks the crimſon ſtain'd; She ſtrove to ſpeak, but ſhame her words reſtrain'd. Now on her lips the ready accents hung, Now ſtified in her breast: her faltering tongue Long time the purpoſe of her ſoul witheld, Artful at length ſhe ſpoke, by love impell'd: "Dire fears, Chalciope, my ſoul diſmay, "Left with theſe gueſts my ſire thy children ſlay, My frightful dreams ſuch horrid ſcenes preſent; May ſome kind deity theſe woes prevent! "Left for thy ſons the tears eternal flow :" Thus ſpoke the maid, inquiſitive in woe, If haply, for her children's fate afraid, Chalciope might firſt ſolicit aid. Mix'd grief and terror all the mother ſhook, At last, impaſſion'd, thus ſhe trembling ſpoke: ''Tis for their fakes I now before thee ſtand; 'Lend me, O lend thy ſalutary hand! But ſwear by earth and heaven what I unfold Reſts in thy boſom, never to be told : By the great Gods, and all that's dear I call, Swear thou wilt never see my children fall, Leſt I too periſh, and in fell deſpight Riſe a dread fury from the ſhades of night." Earneſt ſhe ſpoke, and tears inceſſant ſhed, Then on her ſiſter's breast reclin'd her head, And mix'd their mutual ſighs; groan anſwer'd groan, And the wide palace echo'd to their moan. Medea thus in mournful terms replies : Alas! what ſuccour can my thoughts deviſe, Thus with thy cruel menaces oppreſs'd? Oh, ſtill uninjur'd may thine offspring reſt! By heaven above I ſwear, and earth below, Earth, the great mother of the Gods, I vow, (If aught my power can do, or words perſuade) To give thee counſel, and to lend my aid." Thus ſpoke the maid; and thus Chalciope; Perhaps, in favour of my ſons and me, Thy mind, to ſave the hero, might impart Some ſecret counſel, ſome mysterious art. From Jaſon Argus comes, imploring aid; They reſt their ſafety on the magic maid." Thus the; with joy exults the virgin's heart, And riſing bluſhes roſy charms impart; But ſoon o'ercaft with grief the thus reply'd : To ſerve thee, ſiſter, be no art untry'd. "Ne'er may I ſee with pleaſurable eyes In yon bright orient cheerful morning riſe, If aught on earth be half ſo dear to me As is the welfare of thy ſons and thee. "As brethren they my fond regard engage, " By blood related, and the ſame our age. My ſiſter, moſt eſteem'd, and ever dear, Thee with a daughter's love I ſtill revere. For with thy children, nurs'd by thee, I ſhar'd (So fame reports) a mother's fond regard. "Go then, and from my prying parents hide "The means of ſuccour which I now provide. All-potent ſpells will I, at dawn of day, To Hecate's mysterious ſhrine convey." Pleas'd with the tale, Chalciope departs, And with the proffer'd aid tranſports her children's Fear mix'd with ſhame now ſeiz'd the lonely maid, Who dare, her ſire reluctant, lend her aid. Now riſing ſhades a ſolemn ſcene diſplay O'er the wide earth, and o'er th' etherial way; All night the ſailor marks the northern team, And golden circlet of Orion's beam : A deep repoſe the weary watchman ſhares, And the faint wanderer ſleeps away his cares; Ev'n the fond maid, while yet all breathless lies Her child of love, in ſlumber ſeals her eyes : No ſound of village-dog, no noiſe invades The death-like ſilence of the midnight ſhades; Alone Medea wakes: to love a prey, Reſtleſs ſhe rolls, and groans the night away: For lovely Jaſon cares on cares ſucceed, Leſt vanquiſh'd by the bulls her hero bleed; In ſad review dire ſcenes of horrors riſe, Quick beats her heart, from thought to thought the As from the ſtream-ſtor'd vaſe with dubious ray The ſun-beams dancing from the ſurface play; Now here, now there the trembling radiance falls, Alternate flaſhing round th' illumin'd walls : Thus fluttering bounds the trembling virgin's blood, And from her eyes deſcends a pearly flood. Now raving with reſiſtleſs flames ſhe glows, Now ſick with love ſhe melts with ſofter woes: The tyrant God, of every thought poſſeſs'd, Beats in each pulſe, and ſtings and racks her breaſt: Now ſhe reſolves the magic to betray- To tame the bulls-now yield him up a prey. Again the drugs diſdaining to ſupply, She loaths the light, and meditates to die: Anon, repelling with a brave diſdain The coward thought, ſhe nourishes the pain. Then pauſing thus: "Ah wretched me! ſhe cries, Where'er I turn what varied ſorrows riſe! Toſt in a giddy whirl of strong deſire, "I glow, I burn, yet bleſs the pleaſing fire: "Oh! had this ſpirit from its priſon fled, "By Dian ſent to wander with the dead, "Ere the proud Grecians view'd the Colchian ſkies, "Ere Jaſon, lovely Jaſon, met theſe eyes! "Hell gave the ſhining mischief to our coaſt, Medea ſaw him, and Medea's loſt--- "But why theſe ſorrows? if the powers on high "His death decree,---die, wretched Jaſon, die! "Shall I elude my ſire? my art betray ? "Ah me! what words ſhall purge the guilt away! But could I yield------O whither muſt I run "To find the chief---whom virtue bids me shun? "Shall I, all loſt to ſhame, to Jaſon fly ? "And yet I must------if Jaſon bleeds I die! "Honour farewell! adieu for ever ſhame ! "Hail black diſgrace! and branded be my fame! Live, Jaſon, live! enjoy the vital air! Live thro' my aid! and fly where winds can bear. "But when he flies, cords, poiſons lend your pow'rs: "That day Medea treads th' infernal ſhores! Yet what reproach will after death be caſt? "The maids of Colchos will my honour blaſt--- " I hear them cry---the falſe Medea's dead, "Thro' guilty paſſion for a ſtranger's bed; Medea, careleſs of her virgin fame, "Preferr'd a stranger to a father's name! O may I rather yield this vital breath, Than bear that baſe diſhonour worse than death!" Thus wail'd the fair, and ſeiz'd, with horrid joy, Drugs foes to life, and potent to destroy; A magazine of death! again ſhe pours From her ſwoln eye-lids tears in ſhining ſhow'rs. With grief infatiate, comfortleſs ſhe ſtands, And opes the caſket, but with trembling hands. A ſudden fear her labouring ſoul invades, Struck with the horrors of th' infernal ſhades: She ſtands deep-muſing with a faded brow, Abſorb'd in thought, a monument of woe! While all the comforts that on life attend, The cheerful converſe, and the faithful friend, By thought deep-imag'd in her boſom play, Endearing life, and charm deſpair away. Enlivening ſuns with ſweeter light ariſe, And every object brightens to her eyes. Then from her hand the baneful drugs ſhe throws, Conſents to live, recover'd from her woes; Reſolv'd the magic virtue to betray, She waits the dawn, and calls the lazy day : Time ſeems to ſtand, or backward drive his wheels; The hours ſhe chides, and eyes the eastern hills : At length the morn diſplays her roſy light, And the whole town ſtands pictur'd to her ſight. Back to the ſhip (his brothers left behind To mark the motions of Medea's mind) Argus return'd; meanwhile her golden hair, That flow'd diffuſive in the wanton air, The virgin binds; then wipes the tears away, 'And from her eyes bids living lightning play; On every limb refreshing unguents pours, Unguents, that breathe of heaven, in copious ſhow'rs. Her robe ſhe next aſſumes; bright claſps of gold Cloſe to the leſſening waiſt the robe infold : Down from her swelling loins the reſt unbound Floats in rich waves redundant o'er the ground : Then takes her veil, and ſtately treads the room With graceful eaſe, regardless of her doom. Thus forward moves the faireſt of her kind, Blind to the future, to the preſent blind.' Twelve maids, attendants on her virgin bow'r, Alike unconscious of the bridal hour, Join to the car her mules; dire rites to pay, To Hecate's fair fane ſhe bends her way. A juice ſhe bears, whoſe magic virtue tames (Thro' fell Perſephone) the rage of flames; For one whole day it gives the hero might, To ſtand ſecure of harms in mortal fight; It mocks the ſword; the ſword without a wound Leaps as from marble ſhiver'd to the ground. This plant, which rough Caucaſean mountains bore, Sprung from the venom of Prometheus' gore, (While on the wretch the ſavage eagle ſtorm'd) In colour like Corycian crocus form'd : On two tall ſtems up-ſprings the flowery ſhoot, A cubit high; like red raw fleſh its root. From this root's juice, as black as that diſtill'd From mountain beeches, the fair maid had fill'd A Caspian conch; but first, as beſt beſeems, Array'd in black ſeven times in living ſtreams She bath'd; and call'd ſeven times on Brimo's name, At midnight hour, the ghoſt-compelling dame. She pluck'd the root, earth murmur'd from below, And ſad Prometheus groan'd with agonizing woe. This root the Colchian maid ſelecting plac'd In the rich zone that bound her ſlender waist : Then iſſuing mounts the car, but not alone, On either ſide two lovely damſels ſhone: Her hand with ſkill th' embroider'd rein controuls, Back fly the ſtreets as ſwift the chariot rolls. Along the wheel-worn road they ſpeed their way, The domes retreat, the ſinking towers decay: Bare to the knee ſuccinct a damſel-train Cloſe throng behind them, haſtening to the plain. As when her limbs divine, Diana laves In fair Parthenius, or th' Amneſian waves, Sublime in royal ſtate the bounding roes Whirl her bright car along the mountain brows; Swift to ſome ſacred feast the goddess moves, The nymphs attend that haunt the ſhady groves; Th' Amneſian fount, or ſilver-ſtreaming rills, Nymphs of the vales, or Oreads of the hills: The fawning beaſts before the goddess play, Or, trembling, ſavage adoration pay: Thus on her car ſublime the nymph appears, The croud falls back, and, as she moves, reveres : Swift to the fane aloft her courſe ſhe bends, The fane ſhe reaches, and on earth deſcends; Then to her train------ "Ah me! I fear we ſtray, "Miſled by folly to this lonely way ! "Alas! ſhould Jaſon with his Greeks appear, "Where ſhould we fly? I fear, alas, I fear! "No more the Colchian youths, and virgin train, "Haunt the cool ſhade, or tread in dance the plain. "But ſince alone---with ſports beguile your hours, "Collect ſweet herbs, and pluck the faireſt flow'rs: "If due attention to my words ye pay, "With richeſt ſpoils ye ſhall return to-day. " For Argus and Chalciope require, (But ſacred keep this ſecret from my ſire) "That for large preſents, for my ſuccour paid, "To this raſh ſtranger I ſhould lend my aid. I paſs'd my word, and ſoon without his train "The Grecian will attend me at the fane: " In equal portions we the ſpoil will ſhare--- " For him a doſe more fatal I prepare--- "But when he comes, ye nymphs, retire apart." She ſpoke; the nymphs approv'd the virgin's art. When Argus heard the maid with early day To Hecate's fair fane would ſpeed her way, He beckon'd Jaſon from his bold compeers Apart, and Mopſus moſt renown'd of ſeers; For preſcient Mopſus every omen knew Of birds that parting or approaching flew. No mortal ever of the firſt-born race Diſplay'd like Jaſon ſuch ſuperior grace, Whether from demigods he trac'd his line, Or Jove himself immortal and divine, As grac'd' by Juno, Jove's imperial queen, With ſoft addreſs, and dignity of mien. His comradeş gaz'd with wonder as he went; Mopſus foreſaw and hail'd the bleſt event. Hard by the path, and near the temple, ſtands A poplar tall that wide its arms expands; Here frequent rooks their airy paſtime take, And on the boughs their ſpray-form'd manſions make: One shook its pinions, (louder than the reſt) And croaking, thus Saturnia's mind expreſs'd; Vain ſeer! whoſe divinations fail to tell Thoſe plain events which children know ſo well; 'That maids will not, with comrades in the train, Tell the ſoft love-tale to their favour'd ſwain. 'Falſe prophet, hence! for thee nor love inſpires, Nor Venus gratifies with ſoft deſires.' Then Mopſus laugh'd, as ſcoffing thus ſhe ſpoke, To hear the bird her dark predictions croak; And thus: "Hence, Jaſon, to the fane, and find "The maiden to thy warmeſt wishes kind; " Venus approves, and fortune will enſue, it "If what prophetic Phineus ſaid prove true. Myself and Argus here will wait apart, "Go and unfold the ſecrets of thy heart; "Be every mode of ſoft perſuaſion try'd." He counſel'd wifely, and the chief comply'd. Meanwhile the maid her ſecret thoughts enjoy'd, And one dear object all her ſoul employ'd : Her train's gay ſports no pleaſure can reſtore, Vain was the dance, and muſic charm'd no more; da She hates each object, every face offends, In every wiſh her ſoul to Jaſon ſends; With ſharpen'd eyes the diſtant lawn explores, To find the hero whom her ſoul adores; At every whiſper of the paſſing air, She ſtarts, ſhe turns, and hopes her Jaſon there; Again ſhe fondly looks, nor looks in vain, He comes, her Jaſon ſhines along the plain. As when, emerging from the watery way, Refulgent Sirius lifts his golden ray, He ſhines terrific! for his burning breath Taints the red air with fevers, plagues and death; Such to the nymph approaching Jaſon ſhows, Bright author of unutterable woes; Before her eyes a ſwimming darkneſs ſpread, Her flush'd cheeks glow'd, her very heart was dead: No more her knees their wonted office knew, Fix'd, without motion, as to earth they grew. Her train recedes---the meeting lovers gaze In ſilent wonder, and in ſtill amaze. As two fair cedars on the mountain's brow, Pride of the groves! with roots adjoining grow; Erect and motionleſs the ſtately trees Short time remain, while ſleeps each fanning breeze, Till from th' Æolian caves a blaſt unbound Bends their proud tops, and bids their boughs reſound: Thus gazing they; till by the breath of love, Strongly at laſt inſpir'd, they ſpeak, they move; With ſmiles the love-ſick virgin he ſurvey'd, And fondly thus addreſs'd the blooming maid: 'Diſmiſs, my fair, my love, thy virgin fear; 'Tis Jaſon ſpeaks, no enemy is here! Dread not in me a haughty heart to find, In Greece I bore no proud inhuman mind. Whom would'ſt thou fly? ſtay, lovely virgin, ſtay! Speak every thought! far hence be fears away ! Speak! and be truth in every accent found! Scorn to deceive! we tread on hallow'd ground. By the ſtern power who guards this ſacred place, By the fam'd authors of thy royal race; By Jove, to whom the ſtranger's cauſe belongs, 'To whom the ſuppliant, and who feels their wrongs; O guard me, ſave me, in the needful hour! Without thy aid thy Jaſon is no more. 'To thee a ſuppliant, in diſtreſs I bend, To thee a ſtranger, one who wants a friend! Then, when between us ſeas and mountains riſe, 'Medea's name ſhall ſound in diſtant ſkies; 'All Greece to thee ſhall owe her heroes' fates, And bleſs Medea thro' her hundred ſtates. The mother and the wife, who now in vain 'Roll their ſad eyes faſt-ſtreaming o'er the main, 'Shall ſtay their tears: the mother, and the wife, Shall bleſs thee for a ſon's or husband's life! 'Fair Ariadne, ſprung from Minos' bed, Sav'd valiant Theseus, and with Theseus fled, 'Forſook her father, and her native plain, And ſtem'd the tumults of the ſurging main; Yet the ſtern ſire relented, and forgave 'The maid, whoſe only crime it was to ſave; 'Ev'n the juſt Gods forgave: and now on high A ſtar ſhe ſhines, and beautifies the ſky: What bleſſings then ſhall righteous heaven decree 'For all our heroes ſav'd, and ſav'd by thee? Heaven gave thee not to kill, ſo ſoft an air, And cruelty ſure never look'd ſo fair!' He ceas'd, but left ſo charming on her ear His voice, that liſtening ſtill ſhe ſeem'd to hear; Her eyes to earth ſhe bends with modeſt grace, And heaven in ſmiles is open'd on her face. A look ſhe ſteals; but roſy blushes ſpread O'er her fair cheek, and then ſhe hangs her head. A thousand words at once to ſpeak ſhe tries; In vain---but ſpeaks a thouſand with her eyes Trembling the ſhining caſket ſhe expands, Then gives the magic virtue to his hands; And had the power been granted to convey Her heart---had given her very heart away. For Jaſon beam'd in beauty's charms ſo bright, The maid admiring languiſh'd with delight. Thus, when the riſing ſun appears in view, On the fair roſe diſſolves the radiant dew. Now on the ground both caſt their bashful eyes, Both view each other now with wild furprize. The roſy ſmiles now dimpling on their cheeks, The fair at length in faltering accents ſpeaks : "Obſervant thou to my advice attend, "And hear what ſuccour I propoſe to lend. " Soon as my ſire Æeta ſhall beſtow "The dragon's teeth in Mars's field to ſow, "The following night in equal ſhares divide; "Bathe well thy limbs in ſome perennial tide; " Then all retir'd, thyſelf in black array, Dig the round foſs, and there a victim ſlay, A female lamb; the carcaſe place entire Above the foſs, then light the ſacred pyre, " And Perſeus' daughter, Hecate, appeaſe "With honey, ſweetest labour of the bees; This done, retreat, nor, while the relicks burn, Let howling dogs provoke thee to return, Nor human footsteps; left thou render vain "The charm, and with dishonour join thy train. "Next morn, the whole enchantment to fulfil, This magic unguent on thy limbs diſtil : "Then thou with eaſe wilt ſtrong, and graceful move; Not like a mortal, but the Gods above. Forget not with this unguent to beſmear Thy ſword, thy buckler, and tremendous ſpear: "No giant's falchions then can harm thy frame, Nor the fell rage of bulls expiring flame. "One day, nor longer, wilt thou keep the field; "Nor thou to perils, nor to labour yield. But mark my words; when thou, with ceaſeleſs toil, Haſt yok'd the bulls and plough'd the ſtubborn foily And ſeeſt up-ſpringing on the teeth-ſown land "Of giant foes a formidable band, uni ya Hurl flily 'midſt their ranks a rough hard stone, "And they, like dogs contending for a bone, "Will ſlay each other: thou with ſpeed renew The glowing fight, and conquest will enſue.! "Thus ſhalt thou bear from Æa's realms to Greece, If ſuch thy fix'd reſolve, the Golden Fleece." This ſaid, her eyes were fix'd upon the ground, And her fair cheeks with ſtreaming ſorrows drown'd; Deſponding anguiſh ſeiz'd her gentle mind Left he should leave her comfortless behind Imbolden'd thus, him by the hand ſhe preſsid, And in the language of her ſoul addreſs d If ſafely hence thou ſail'ft, O, think of me! As I forever ſhall remember thee iM nailo T And freely tell me, to relieve my pain, "Where lies thy home beyond the boundleſs main ? Say, is Orchomenos thy native ſoil? Or dwell'st thou nearer on th' Ææan ile? "Let me that far-fam'd virgin's name inquire, "Who boasts the ſame high lineage with my ſire." She said; her tears his ſoft compaſſion won, And thus the chief, by Love inſpir'd, begun.: I 'While on my fancy bright ideas playstool buA Thy image never from my ſoul ſhall ſtray, Ifo ſafe I ſail, preſerv'd by thee, to Greece, Nor heavier labours interrupt my peace. 'But if the diſtant country where I dwell 'Thy will demands, my ready tongue ſhall tell. A land there is which lofty hills ſurround, For fertile paſtures and rich herds renown'd, Where from Prometheus good Deucalion came, His royal heir, Hæmonia is the name. Deucalion here the firſt foundations laid Of towns, built fanes, and men by empire ſway'd; There my Iolcos ſtands, and many more Fair ample cities, that adorn the ſhore. 'What time, as rumour'd by the voice of fame, Eolian Minyas to that country came,nol 'He built, cloſe bordering on the Theban ground, Orchomenos, a city far renown'd. But why your wonder ſhould I vainly raiſe? My birth-place tell, and Ariadne's praiſe? For this the virgin's name you now inquire, ' A lovely maid, and Minos is her ſire. Oh! may, like hers, your ſire propitious prove, Who honour'd Theſeus with his daughter's love! Complacent thus he ſooth'd her ſorrowing ſoul; Yet anxious cares within her boſom roll. "Perchance in Greece" (the penſive maid rejoin'd) "Oaths are rever'd, and ſolemn compacts bind. But Minos greatly differs from my ſire, "Nor I to Ariadne's charms aſpire. Then mention hoſpitality no more; But, ſafe conducted to thy native ſhore, Grant this, 'tis all I aſk, Oh! think of me, "As I for ever ſhall remember thee, In my great ſire, the Colchian king's deſpite : But if thy pride my ardent paſſion ſlight, Fame, or ſome bird the hateful news will bring; "Then will I chace thee on the tempeſt's wing, Brand thy falſe heart, thy curs'd familiar be, And prove thou ow'ſt thy life, thy all to me." Medea thus, and tears abundant ſhed; And mildly thus the son of Æſon ſaid: 'In vain, dear nymph, thy miſſive bird ſhall ſoar Thro air ſublime, in vain the tempeſt roar. But if towards Greece thou deign'ſt thy courſe to 'Immortal honours ſhall attend thee there There huſbands, brothers, ſons, ſo long deplor'd, Safe to their native land by thee reſtor'd, Shall as a Goddess reverence thy name, And pay thee rites which only Gods can claim. 'But would'ſt thou grace my bed with bridal ſtate, Our love can only be diſſolv'd by fate,' His words with raptures all her ſoul ſubdue; Yet gloomy objects riſe before her view, Ordain'd, ere long, Theſſalia's realms to ſee; For ſuch was Juno's abſolute decree, That ſoon to Greece the Colchian maid ſhould go, To Pelias ſource of unremitting woe. ​Meanwhile apart her anxious handmaids ſtay, In ſilence waiting till the cloſe of day: Such pleaſing tranſports in her boſom roll, His form, his words ſo captivate her ſoul, On feather'd feet the hours unheeded fle Which warn'd her home: 'Hence (cautious Jaſon ſaid) us haſten unperceived away, And here enraptur'd paſs ſome future day." Thus the bleſt hours in converſe ſweet they ſpent, And both unwilling from the temple went; He to his comrades bordering on the main, The fair Medea to her virgin train. Her train approach'd, but ſtood unnotic'а буртон Her ſoul ſublime expatiates in the ſky.ht Her rapid car ſhe mounts; this hand furtains The polish'd thong, and that the flowing reins. Fleet o'er the plain the nimble mules convey'd To Ea's walls the love-tranſported maid. Meanwhile Chalciope aſtoniſh'd ſtands, And inſtant tidings of her ſons demands; In vain: ſad cares had clos'd Medea's ears, No anſwers gives ſhe, and no queſtions hears; But on a footſtool low, beſide her bed, All bath'd in tears ſhe ſits; her hand ſuſtains her head. There ſits the pondering, in a penſive ſtate, What dire diſtreſſes on her counſels wait. But Jaſon, eager to return, withdrew With his two friends, and join'd his ſocial crew, Who throng'd impatient round, while he diſplay'd The ſecret counſels of the Colchian maid, And show'd the potent herbs; Idas apart Conceal'd the choler rankling rankling in his heart. Meanwhile the reſt, when glimmering day-light clos'd, Wrapp'd in the mantle of the night repos'd. Next morn they ſent Æthalides the ſon Of Mercury, and valiant Telamon, sobom ist (For thus in council had the Greeks decreed) Of fierce Eeta to demand the ſeed, ut 19H The ſerpent's teeth, whoſe ever-wakeful ſight Watch'd o'er the fountain of the God of ſight, This baneful monster was by Cadmus ſlain, Seeking Europa o'er the Theban plain; An heifer to his ſeat of regal ſway, So will'd prophetic Phœbus, led the way. ERA Theſe teeth Minerva from the monster rent, And part to Cadmus and Æeta ſent: Sow'd on Boeotia's ample plains, from thoſe A hardy race of earth-born giants roſe. To Jaſon theſe he gave, a precious ſpoil; Nor, tho' his matchless arm the bulls might foil, Deem'd he, that victory would crown his toil. The ſun now ſinking with a feeble ray To diſtant Ethiopians ſlop'd his way; Night yok'd her ſteeds: the Grecian heroes ſpread Around the halfers and the ſails their bed. The northern Bear was ſunk beneath the hills, And all the air a ſolemn ſilence fills: Jaſon to lonely haunts purſu'd his way; (All rites adjusted the preceding day.) 'Twas Argus' care a lambkin to provide, And milk, the reſt the ready ſhip ſupply'd. A ſweet ſequeſter'd ſpot the hero found, Where ſilence reigns, and welling ſtreams abound; And here, obſervant of due rites, he laves, His limbs immerging in the cleanſing waves; Then o'er his ſhoulders, pledge of favours paſt, The gift of fair Hypſipyla he caſt, A ſable robe; a deep round foſs he made, And on the kindling wood the victim laid: The mix'd libation pouring o'er the flame, Loud he invok'd infernal Brimo's name; Then back retires: his call her ears invades, And up ſhe riſes from the land of ſhades: Snakes, wreath'd in oaken boughs, curl'd round her And gleaming torches caſt a diſmal glare. To guard their queen the hideous dogs of hell Rend the dark welkin with inceſſant yell; The heaving ground beneath her footsteps ſhakes; Loud ſhriek the Naiads of the neighbouring lakes, And all the fountain-nymphs astonish'd ſtood Where Amaranthine Phaſis rolls his flood. Fear ſeiz'd the chief, yet backward he withdrew Nor, till he join'd his comrades, turn'd his view. And now on Caucasus, with ſnow o'erſpread The riſing morn her ſilver radiance ſhedallion - When proud Eeta, earlier than the reſt, The fencing corſlet buckled to his breast, The ſpoils of Mimas of gigantic race, Whom Mars had vanquiſh'd on the plains of Thrace: His golden helmet to his head he bound, With four fair creſts of glittering plumage crown'd, Bright as the ſun new riſing from the main; His nervous arms a mighty ſpear ſuſtain: From his broad ſhoulder beams his ſevenfold ſhield, Which not a chief of all the Greeks could wield, Since great Alcides, of his friend bereft, Was (ſad miſchance!) on Myſia's borders left. His ſon hard by with ready chariot ſtands; The king aſcends; the reins adorn his hands; Fierce to the field he haſtes in regal ſtate, And crouds of Colchians round their monarch wait. As ocean's god, when drawn by rapid ſteeds, To Iſthmian games, or Calaureia ſpeeds, To Tænarus, or rocky Petra roves, Or where Geræſtus boasts her oaken groves, Oncheſtus' woods, or Lerna's limpid ſpring; So to the combat drives the Colchian king. Meanwhile, inſtructed by the magic maid, The chief his shield, his ſpear and trenchant blade With unguents ſmear'd: the Greeks approaching nigh In vain their efforts on his armour try; But chief the ſpear ſuch magic charms attend, No force can break it, and no onſet bend. Idas enrag'd deals many a furious wound, But, as hard hammers from an anvil bound, So from the ſpear his ſword recoiling ſprung: : The distant vales with loud applauſes rung. Next, with the potent charm the chief anoints His well-turn'd limbs, and ſupples all his joints. And, lo! new powers invigorate his hands, And arm'd with ſtrength intrepidly he stands. As the proud ſteed, exulting in his might, Erects his ears, impatient for the fight, And pawing ſnuffs the battle from afar; So pants the hero for the promis'd war, Firmly he moves, incapable of fear; One hand his ſhield ſuſtains, and one the ſpear. Thus, when black clouds obſcure the darkening day, And rains deſcend, the living lightnings playedw And now the fight draws near; the Grecian train Sail up the Phaſis to the martial plain; on are From which as far the towers of Ea ſtand woesM As when the chieftains, who the games commandT For ſome dead king, the bounding barriers place w For ſteeds or men contending in the race! Æeta there they found, of mind elate; On Phaſis' banks his chariot rolls in ſtate. 9010 о On the Caucasian ſummits, that command The field of Mars, the crowded Colchians ſtand. Now Argo moor'd, the prince invades the field, od Arm'd with his magic ſpear, and ample ſhield; With ſerpents' teeth his brazen helm was ſtor'd, And croſs his ſhoulder gleam'd his glittering ſword! Like Mars the chief enormous power diſplay'd, Or Phœbus brandiſhing his golden blade. bA O'er the rough tilth he cast his eyes around, And ſoon the plough of adamant he found, And yokes of braſs: his helm (approaching near) He plac'd on earth, and upright fix'd his ſpear. To find the bulls he farther went afield, And trac'd their ſteps, arm'd only with his shield. In a dark cave which ſmoky miſts ſurround, Horrid and huge their ſafe retreat he found. With rage impetuous forth the monsters came, And from their noſtrils iſſued ſtreams of flame. Fear ſeiz'd the Greeks, but he their fury braves; Firm as a rock, defies the roaring waves; Screen'd by his shield, intrepidly he ſcorns The bulls loud-bellowing, and their butting horns; Collected firm he wards each threatening blow. As at the forge where melting metals glow, While now the bellows heave, now ſink by turns, The flame ſubſides, or with fresh fury burns; Stirr'd to the bottom roars the raging fire: So roar the bulls, and living flame reſpire, That fierce as lightning round the hero play'd, In vain, now ſhelter'd by the magic maid, One bull he ſeiz'd, that aim'd a deadly ſtroke, Seiz'd by his horns, and dragg'd him to the yoke; Then hurl'd the roaring monster on the ground; An equal fate his fellow-captive found. Loos'd from his arm he flung his ſhield aſide, And the two monsters manfully he ply'd, Dragg'd on their knees his fiery foes o'ercame, And shifting artfully eſcap'd the flame. Æeta view'd him with astonish'd eyes385 When lo! the ſons of Tyndarus ariſe, As erſt it was decreed, and from the land Heav'd the ſtrong yokes and gave them to his hand: Theſe o'er the bulls' low-bended necks he flung; The brazen beam by rings ſuſpended hung. The youths retreating from the burning field,me The chief reſum'd his loaded helm, his shield Behind him thrown; then graſp'd his maſſy ſpear, (Thus arm'd the hinds of Theſſaly appear, With long sharp goads to prick their bullocks' ſides) And the firm plough of adamant he guides. The reſtiff bulls with indignation fir'd, From their broad noſtrils living flames expir'd, Loud as the blaſts when wintry winds prevail, And trembling ſailors furl the folding ſail. Urg'd by his ſpear the bulls their taſk fulfil, Prove their own prowess, and the ploughman's ſkill. As the ſharp coulter cleft the clodded ground, The roughen'd ridges ſent a rattling ſound. Firm oe'r the field undaunted Jaſon treads, And ſcattering wide the ſerpent's teeth he ſpreads;" Yet oft looks back, ſuſpecting he ſhould find ** A legion riſing up in arms behind: التي Unwearied ſtill the bulls their toil purſue; Their brazen hoofs the ſtubborn ſoil ſubdue. When now three portions of the day were ſpent, And weary hinds at evening homeward went, The chief had till'd four acres of the ſoil; He then releas'd the monsters from their toil. Away they ſcamper'd wildly o'er the plain; Himſelf rejoin'd his delegated train, Till on the field his earth-born foes appear : The Greeks their animated hero cheer. He in his helm, replenish'd at the ſprings, To flake his burning thirſt freſh water brings. His limbs renew'd with forceful vigoun play, His heart beats boldly and demands the frayd Thus the fell boar diſdains the hunter-bands, A Foams, whets his tuſks, and in defiance ſtands.01 Now roſe th' embattled ſquadron in the fields of In glittering helms array'd, with ſpear and shield, T Bright o'er the Martial plain the fplendors rifend a And dart in ſtreams of radiance to the ſkies.i Baion Thus, when thick ſnow the face of nature ſhrouds,p2 And nightly winds diſpel the wintry clouds to hid The ſtars again their ſplendid beams diſplay sno A. So ſhone the warriours in the face of dayswot lan But Jaſon, mindful of the maid's commandgirownU Seiz'd a vaſt rock, and raised it from the dandd Not four ſtout youths, for ſtrength of limbs renown'd, Could lift a weight ſo ponderous from the ground:A This 'midſt his foes, embattled on the field, eido d He hurl'd, and ſafe retir'd behind his shielda neda SH The Colchians ſhout, as when the raging main YAWA Roars round tremendous rocks, but roars in vain. In ſilence fix'd, Eeta ſtands aghaſt To ſee the fragment with ſuch fury caſt.DT The hoſt, like dogs contending o'er their prey, With curs'd ferocity their comrades lay, Then leave on earth their mangled trunks behind, Like pines or oaks uprooted by the wind. As ſhoots a ſtar from heaven's etherial brow, Portending vengeance to the world below, Who thro' dark clouds deſcry its radiant light: wo Thus Jaſon rush'd, in glittering armour bright. His brandiſh'd falchion fell'd the rising foes: Succinct in arms, ſome half their lengths diſcloſe, Some ſcarce their ſhoulders; other feebly ſtand, While others, treading firm, the fight demand, As on the bounds which ſeparate hoſtile ſtates, Eternal ſource of battle and debates it not o The cautious hind the cruel ſpoiler fears, And reaps his wheat with yet unripen'd ears; Ere yet the ſpikes their wonted growth attain, Ere yet the ſun-beams have matur'd the grain : So Jaſon's arms the riſing ſquadrons mow'd; Their blood profuſely in the furrows flow'd. Some ſidelong fall on earth, and ſome ſupine, Some prone lie groveling and their lives reſign, Like whales incumbent on the buoyant main : Some wounded periſh ere they tread the plain; As late in air they held their heads on high, So lowly humbled in the dust they lie. Thus tender plants, by copious torrents drown'd, Strew their freſh leaves, uprooted from the ground; The tiller views with heart-corroding pain His foſtering care, and all his labours vain. Æeta thus with wild vexation burn'd, And with his Colchians to the town return'd, Some weightier taſk revolving in his mind : Thus clos'd the combat, and the day declin'd.

Goddeſs, daughter of th' eternal king, Medea's various cares and counſels ſing: Far from my mind the ſad ſuſpenſe remove, Whether to celebrate her lawless love, Or whether her baſe flight from Colchis' bay, Beſt claims the tribute of my tuneful lay. In ſolemn council to his faithful chiefs The vengeful king diſclos'd his boſom-griefs : Sore diſconcerted at the recent fight, He ſpent in long debate the doleful night; Miſtruſting ſtill, theſe ſchemes, ſo deeply laid, Were all conducted by his daughters' aid. Meanwhile th' imperial queen of heaven had ſhed O'er the fair virgin's breaſt deſpondent dread. She ſtarts, ſhe trembles, as, purſu'd by hounds, The fawn light ſkipping o'er the meadow bounds. She fears the ſecrets of her ſoul betray'd, And her fire's vengeance for her proffer'd aid. Her handmaids, conscious of her crimes, ſhe fears; Her eyes fierce flames emit, loud murmurs fill her ears. Her death ſhe meditates in wild deſpair, And, ſadly ſighing, tears her golden hair. Now fate imbibing from the poison'd bowl, Soon had ſhe freed her voluntary ſoul, And Juno's projects all been render'd vain, But, kindly pitying a lover's pain, The Goddess urg'd with Phrixus' ſons her flight, And eas'd her boſom of its ſorrow's weight. Forth from her caſket every drug ſhe pours, And to her lap conſigns the magic ſtores. Then with a parting kiſs her bed ſhe preſs'd, Clung round each door, and ev'n the walls careſs'd. A lock ſhe tore of looſely-flowing hair, And ſafe conſign'd it to her mother's care, The ſacred relick of her virgin-fame; And, wailing thus, invok'd Idya's name : 'This lock, O mother, at my hand receive, Which I, far-diſtant roaming, with thee leave. Farewell, Chalciope; far hence I roam ! 'And thou farewell, my firſt, my dearest home! 'Oh! hadſt thou, ſtranger, in deep ocean drown'd, Periſh'd, and never trod on Colchian ground!' She spoke, and tears her heart-felt woe betray'd; Then fled ſhe inſtant. Thus the captive maid, When, from her friends and country baniſh'd far, She ſhares the miſerable fate of war, Diſus'd to toil beneath a tyrant's ſway, Flies from oppreſſion's rod with ſpeed away. With ſpeed like her's the weeping fair withdrew : The doors ſpontaneous open'd as ſhe flew, Shook by her magic ſong; barefoot ſhe ſtrays Thro' winding paths and unfrequented ways. Before her face one hand her veſture holds, And one confines its border's flowing folds. Beyond the city-walls with trembling haſte, Unſeen of all the centinels, ſhe paſs'd, Then by accuſtom'd paths explor'd the fane, Where ſpectres riſe, and plants diffuſe their bane; (Thus practiſe magic maids their myſtic art) Fears ill portending flutter round her heart. Her frenzy Cynthia, riſing bright, ſurvey'd, And this ſoliloquy in triumph made : Yes, with Endymion's heavenly charms o'ercome, 'I to the cave at Latmos once could roam, Of love regardful, when your potent lay 'Had from the ſtarry ſpheres ſeduc'd my ray, 'That you, protected by the gloom of night, Might celebrate unſeen the mystic rite, 'Your lov'd employ: now Cupid's ſhafts ſubdue, Not Cynthia only, but, fair ſorcereſs, you. For you his toils the wily god hath wove, And all your heart inflam'd with Jaſon's love. Come then, thoſe pangs which love ordains endure, And bear with courage what you cannot cure.' She said: impetuous haſtening to the flood, Soon on its lofty banks Medea ſtood. A fire, which midnight's deadly gloom diſpell'd, Signal of conqueſt gain'd, ſhe here beheld. Involv'd in ſhade, the ſolitary dame Rais'd her ſhrill voice, and call'd on Phrontis' name. Known was her voice to Phrixus' ſons, who bear The grateful tidings to their leader's ear. The truth diſcover'd, the confederate hoſt 'All ſilent ſtood, in wild amazement loſt. Loud call'd ſhe thrice; and with reſponſive cries, His friends requeſting, Phrontis thrice replies. Quick at her call they ply the bending oar; Nor were their halfers faſten'd to the ſhore, When Æſon's ſon at one deciſive bound Leaps from the lofty deck upon the ground; Phrontis and Argus haſten to her aid, Whoſe knees embracing, thus Medea pray'd : 'Oh! ſave me, friends, from my offended ſire, 'Oh! ſave yourfſelves from dread Æeta's ire. 'Known are our projects: ſail we hence afar, 'Ere Æa's monarch mounts his rapid car. My magic charms ſhall cloſe the dragon's eyes, And ſoon reward you with the golden prize. 'But thou, lov'd gueſt, continue faithful ſtill, 'And ſwear whate'er thou promis'dſt to fulfil : 'Ah! leave me not to infamy a ſcorn, 'By all my friends abandon'd and forlorn.' Plaintive ſhe ſpoke: his arms around her waiſt Rapturous he threw, then rais'd her and embrac'd, And folac'd thus in terms of tendereſt love: By heaven's high king I ſwear, Olympian Jove, By Juno, goddess of the nuptial rite, Soon as my native land tranſports my ſight, Thou, lovely virgin, ſhalt be duly led, " Adorn'd with honours, to my bridal bed." This ſaid, in her's he clos'd his plighted hand: To Mars's grove Medea gave command, Spite of her ſire, the veſſel to convey, And bear by night the golden fleece away. Swift at the word they ſprung; the Colchian maid Embark'd, and inſtant was their anchor weigh'd. Their crashing oars reſound: ſhe oft to land Reverts her eye, and waves her trembling hand: But Æſon's ſon his ready aid affords, And fooths her ſorrows with conſoling words. Wak'd by their hounds, what time the huntſmen 'And ſhake the balm of ſlumber from their eyes, At twilight, ere Aurora's dreaded ray Efface the tracks, and waft the ſcent away: Jaſon, then landing with the fair, attains, With flowers diverſified, the verdant plains, Where firſt the ram, with Phrixus' weight oppreſs'd, His wearied knee inclin'd, and ſunk to reſt. Hard by, an altar's ſtately ſtructure ſtands, To favouring Jove firſt rais'd by Phrixus' hands, Where he the golden monster doom'd to bleed; So his conductor Hermes had decreed. Here, as by Argus taught, the chiefs withdrew, While their lone courſe the regal pair purſue Thro' the thick grove, impatient to behold The ſpreading beech that bears the fleecy gold. Suſpended here, it darts a beamy blaze, Like a cloud tipp'd with Phœbus' orient rays. With high-arch'd neck, in front the dragon lies, And towards the ſtrangers turns his ſleepleſs eyes; Aloud he hiſſes: the wide woods around, And Phaſis' banks return the doleful ſound. Colchians, far diſtant from Titanus' ſhore, Heard ev'n to Lycus' ſtreams the hideous roar; Lycus, who, ſever'd from Araxis' tides, A boisterous flood, with gentle Phaſis glides : One common courſe their ſtreams united keep, And roll united to the Caſpian deep. The mother, ſtarting from her bed of reſt, Fears for her babe reclining on her breaſt, And cloſely claſping to her fondling arms, Protects her trembling infant from alarms. As from ſome wood, involv'd in raging fires, Clouds following clouds aſcend in curling ſpires : The ſmoky wreaths in long ſucceſſion climb, And from the bottom riſe in air ſublime; The dragon thus his ſcaly volumes roll'd, Wreath'd his huge length, and gather'd fold in fold. Him, winding ſlow, beheld the magic dame, And Sleep invok'd the monster's rage to tame. With potent ſong the drowsy God fſhe ſway'd To ſummon all his ſuccour to her aid; And Hecate from Pluto's coaſts ſhe drew, To lull the dauntless monster, and ſubdue. Jaſon advanc'd with awe, with awe beheld The dreaded dragon by her magic quell'd. Lifeleſs he lay, each languid fold unbound, And his vaſt ſpine extended on the ground. Thus, when the boisterous wave forbears to roar, It ſinks recumbent on the peaceful ſhore. Still ſtrove the monster his huge head to heave, And in his deadly jaws his foe receive. A branch of juniper the maid applies, Steep'd in a baneful potion, to his eyes : Its odours ſtrong the branch diffus'd around, And ſunk th' enormous beast in ſleep profound. Supine he ſunk; his jaws forgot to move, And his unnumber'd folds are ſpread o'er half the Then Jaſon to the beech his hand applies, And graſps, at her command, the golden prize. Still ſhe perſiſts to ply the potent ſpell, And the laſt vigour of the monster quell, Till he advis'd her to rejoin the crew; Then from the grove of Mars the maid withdrew. As ſome fair dame, when Cynthia riſes bright, Beholds the beamy ſplendors with delight, Which from her veſtment ſtrong-reflected riſe; Thus gloried Jaſon in the gliſtering prize. The flaming rays, that from its ſurface flow'd, Beam'd on his cheeks, and on his forehead glow'd. Large as the heifer's hide, or as the hind's, Which in Achaia's plains the hunter finds, Shone the thick, ponderous fleece, whose golden rays Far o'er the land diffus'd a beamy blaze. He on his ſhoulders, now, the ſpoil ſuſpends, Low at his feet the flowing train deſcends; Collecting, now, within its ponderous folds, His graſping hand the coſtly capture holds. Fearful he moves, with circumſpect ſurvey, Leſt men or gods ſhould ſnatch the prize away. Now as returning morn illumes the land, The royal pair rejoin the gallant band. The gallant band beheld with wondering eyes, Fierce as Jove's fiery bolt, the radiant prize. Their hands extending as they flock around, All wish to heave the trophy from the ground. But Jaſon interdicting ſingly threw O'er the broad fleece a covering rich and new; Then in the ſhip he plac'd the virgin-gueſt, And thus the listening demigods addreſs'd: No longer doubt ye, comrades, to regain Far o'er a length of ſeas your lov'd domain. 'Won by Medea's aid, this precious ſpoil! Her, not reluctant, I to Greece will bear, 'And with connubial honours crown her there. Guard your fair patroneſs, ye gallant crew, Who ſav'd your country when ſhe ſuccour'd you. Soon will Æeta with his Colchian train Preclude, I ween, our paſſage to the main. Some with your oars reſume your deſtin'd ſeat; Some with your ſhields ſecure your wiſh'd retreat; 'This rampire forming, we their darts defy, 'Nor, home returning, unreveng'd will die. 'Lo! on our prowess all we love depends, Our children, parents, country and our friends. Greece, as we ſpeed, thro' future times ſhall boast 'Her empire fix'd, or wail her glory loſt.' He said, and arm'd; the heroes ſhout applauſe : Then from its pendent ſheath his ſword he draws, Severs the halfer, and, in arms array'd, His ſtation fixes near the magic maid, And where Ancæus' hand the pilot's art diſplay'd. Keen emulation fir'd the labouring crew, As down the ſtream of Phaſis Argo flew. Medea's flight now reach'd Æeta's ear, And all her crimes in all their guilt appear. To council call'd, in arms the Colchian train Ruſh thick as billows on the roaring main, Thick as the leaves that flutter from above, When blaſting autumn ſtrips the faded grove; So thick the ſhouting Colchians ruſh to war, Led by Æeta in his ſplendid car, Glorying in Phœbus' gifts, his rapid ſteeds, Whoſe ſwiftneſs far the ſpeed of winds exceeds. His left a buckler's wide circumference rais'd; In his extended right a flambeau blaz'd; His girded belt a mighty ſpear ſuſtains; His ſon Abſyrtus graſps the flowing reins. Now by tough oars impell'd and proſperous tides, The veſſel glibly down the river glides. Th' indignant king invok'd the powers above, His parent Phœbus, and almighty Jove, His wrongs to witneſs: and to ſudden fate Doom'd in his fury the devoted ſtate. Who dar'd delay the guilty maid to bring, From land or ocean, to their injur'd king, On their rebellious heads his wrath ſhould fall, And vengeance merited o'ertake them all. Thus menac'd he; and, lo! the Colchian train Launch'd on that day their veſſels in the main; Swift, on that day, unfurl'd their bellying ſails, And all embarking caught the balmy gales. Nor deem ye this a well-train'd naval hoſt; Like flocks of birds they ſcream around the coaſt. Juno, propitious to her favourite-crew, Inſpir'd the breezes that ſerenely blew, That ſoon on Grecian land the fair might tread, And pour deſtruction down on Pelias' head. With the third morn, on Paphlagonia's ſhore, Where Halys rolls his ſtream, the heroes moor. Medea here ordain'd a ſolemn rite To Hecate, the magic queen of night. But what, or how she form'd the potent ſpell, Let none enquire, nor ſhall my numbers tell: Fear holds me ſilent. Here the pious band Erect a ſacred temple on the ſtrand, Sacred to Hecate, night's awful queen; And still beſide the beach the holy fane is ſeen. And now the words of Phineus, old and blind, Recurr'd to Jaſon, and each hero's mind. From Æa he advis'd them to purſue. A different courſe, a courſe no pilot knew, Which Argos thus delineates to the crew: When towards Orchomenos our courſe we bent, We took that route th' inſtructive prophet meant. For in times paſt a different road was known, And this thy priests, Ægyptian Thebes, have ſhewn. Before the ſtars adorn'd the ſaphire-ſphere, Or Danaus' race had reach'd th' enquirer's ear; In Greece the bold Arcadians reign'd alone, And, ere bright Cynthia deck'd her ſilver throne, On acorns liv'd, the food of ſavage man; 'Before Deucalion's ſons their reign began; With harvests, then, was fertile Ægypt crown'd, 'Mother of mighty chiefs, of old renown'd; 'Then the broad Triton, beauteous to behold, 'His ſtreams prolific o'er the country roll'd. For Jove deſcends not there in bounteous rains, 'But inundations fertilize the plains. Hence roſe the matchless chief (if fame ſays true); 'Who conquer'd Europe's realms and Aſia's too; 'His hardy troops embattled at his ſide, He on his valour and thoſe troops rely'd. 'He built and peopled with ſuperior ſkill 'Unnumber'd cities, ſome remaining ſtill. Though many ages now have paſs'd away, Yet Æa ſtands, nor haſtens to decay; Peopled at firſt by his adventurous train, Whoſe long-continued race ev'n now remain. 'With care they ſtill recording tablets keep 'Of all the limits of the land and deep, Wherever rivers flow, or ſtorms prevail, 'Wherever men can march, or ſhips can ſail. A river, ſtately-winding, deep and wide, 'From far, far diſtant mountains rolls its tide; 'Where ſhips of burden ſure protection claim : Long is its courſe and Iſter is its name. Far, o'er Riphæan hills, where Boreas reigns, He undivided flows thro' various plains; But when thro. Thrace and Scythian climes he 'In two broad ſtreams his rapid flood divides : This to the Ionian ſea its circuit ſweeps, That wider ſtretches to Trinacria's deeps, 'Whoſe lofty ſhores your Grecian coast command, If Achelous flow through Grecian land.' He said: a favouring ſign the Goddess gave, Which with new courage animates the brave. Celestial fires emit a living ray, And beams of glory point the certain way. Here, leaving Lycus' valiant ſon behind, They ſpread with joy their canvaſs to the wind. Afar the Paphlagonian hills appear; And from Carambis' cape remote they ſteer, Led by the heavenly light and kindly gales, Till in broad Iſter's flood the veſſel ſails. Where the Cyanean rocks o'erlook the main, Part of the Colchians ſteer their courſe in vain; While they, whoſe counſels ſage Abſyrtus guides, Cut through the mouth call'd Calon Iſter's tides. Outſailing thus yon' tardy ſhips, they ſweep With ſkilful oars the wide Ionian deep. An iſle, which Iſter's branching ſtreams compriſe, Peuce, triangular, before them lies : Wide o'er the beach its ample baſe extends, And in the flood its pointed angle ends. The two broad ſtreams, that round the iſland flow, They by Arecos' name and Calon know. Below this iſle Abſyrtus and his crew Through the wide Calon their ſwift courſe purſue: Above it ſailing Jaſon's comrades ſtray, And through Arecos wind their diſtant way Such naval force diſmay'd the neighbouring ſwains; They left their fleecy flocks and verdant plains : The ſhips in view, with terrour ſtruck they stood, And deem'd them monsters riſing from the flood: Never beheld they from their native ſhore Ships proudly ſailing on the ſeas before. For the fierce Scythians and Sigynnian race Maintain'd no commerce with the ſons of Thrace: Nor Sindians e'er, who roam the deſert plain, Nor e'er Graucenians croſs'd the ſeas for gain. When Argo's crew the mount Angurus paſs'd, And reach'd the rock Cauliacus at laſt, (Iſter near which his ſtately ſtream divides And mingles with the deep his fever'd tides ;) And distant left the wide Talaurian plain, Then had the Colchians plough'd the Chronian main. Here, left the veſſel ſcape, they cautious ſtay, And strive to intercept her in her way. At length appears to their expecting view On Iſter's flood the enterpriſing crew. Two lovely ſea-girt iſles their notice claim'd, Dear to Diana, and the Brugi nam'd. Superb in one a ſacred temple roſe, And one ſecur'd them from their Colchian foes. Her power revering whom theſe iſles obey, The foe had quitted them without delay. Each iſle beſide was throng'd with Colchian hosts, Who, guarding every paſs, protect the coaſts. For troops of enemies embattled ſtood, Far ev'n as Neſtis and Salango's flood. Their numbers few, the Mynian chiefs forbear To wage with numerous foes unequal war. Preventive of debate, this truce was ſeal'd; That, ſince the king propos'd the Fleece to yield, Whether by open force, or arts unknown, Conqueſt the daring combatant might crown, He, though reluctant, muſt reſign his right, And the conteſted prize the victor's toil requite. That, from the crowd with ſecrecy convey'd, Diana's fane ſhould guard the magic maid, Till mid' the fceptred princes one aroſe To fix their vague opinions, and propoſe, Or to restore her to her fire's embrace, Or in Orchomenos's city place, Or freely grant her to embark in peace, And with the Grecian heroes viſit Greece. When now, long pondering, the ſuſpicious maid Had learn'd, and all their ſecret counſels weigh'd, Tormenting cares diſturb'd her mind's repoſe, And keen reflection added woes to woes. Aſide ſhe then, from all th' aſſembled crew, With cautious ſecrecy her Jaſon drew : Him, thus withdrawn, th' impaſſion'd maid addreſs'd, And told the ſecret ſorrows of her breast: Say, what the cauſe that hoſtile hoſts are join'd, And leagues, deſtructive of my peace, combin'd? Say, have theſe charms, with rapture once explor'd, 'Lull'd to forgetfulness my faithless lord? Hath time effac'd the promises he made, When in the needful hour he aſk'd mine aid? Where now thine oaths, prefer'd to mighty Jove? Where now thy tenders of unalter'd love? Curs'd oaths! which bade me all I love diſclaim, 'Friends, parents, country, every honour'd name! Forlorn and vex'd left thou ſhould'ſt toil in vain, I with the plaintive halcyon ſought the main. I follow'd but to ſhield thee from alarms, When bulls breath'd fire, and giants roſe in arms. Now is the Fleece, for which ye ſail'd, poſſeſs'd, And by my foolish fondneſs thou art bleſs'd. Bless'd thou; but me what ſecret ſorrows vex, Whoſe deeds reflect dishonour on my ſex! Me as thy daughter, ſiſter, wife they brand, Who dare attend thee to a diſtant land. But ſtay, protect me, eaſe my weight of woe, Nor to my royal fire without me go. Oh! think on juſtice, and revere thine oath, Which both conſented to, which bound us both: Or inſtant, ſhould'ſt thou every tie evade, 'In this frail boſom plunge the pointed blade. 'Thus frantic love its due deſert ſhall ſee, And death come grateful to a wretch like me. Think, ſhould the king exert his ſovereign ſway, And with my brother deſtine me to ſtay, (That king with whom ye both with treacherous aim Have form'd a league, ſubverſive of my fame;) 'Oh! how shall I behold my father's face? With courage I! not ſhrinking at diſgrace! 'No; ſtung by conſcience, I foreſtall my fate, And feel the horrours which my crimes create. Back o'er the ſeas, mid' raging tempeſts borne, Long may'ſt thou wander joyless and forlorn. Ne'er may thy boaſted patroneſs and friend, Juno, to thee her wonted aid extend. Stern fate may ſtill ſeverer toils ordain, 'And thou, falſe wretch, remember me in vain. Oh! may the Fleece deceive thy raviſh'd ſight, And, like a viſion, vanish into night. Riſe may my Furies, vengeance to demand, 'And diſtant drive thee from thy native land. From thee, their guilty ſource, my ſorrows flow: Share now thy part, and ſuffer woe for woe. Thine oaths no more a ſlighted maid ſhall wrong, Nor this perfidious truce protect thee long.' Stung with deſpair, ſhe utter'd thus her grief, Thus to her angry ſpirit gave relief, To burn the ſhip forth rush'd th' impetuous dame, And wrap its heaven-built ſides in ſudden flame; Reſolv'd in thought, as now the veſſel blaz'd, To periſh dauntless in the flame ſhe rais'd: But Jaſon thus, with boding fears impreſs'd, Sooth'd the mad tumults of Medea's breast : Ceaſe, heavenly maid, nor wound a lover's ear With words unwelcome, and unfit to hear. The common ſafety bids us all unite To gain a timely reſpite from the fight. See, fair protectreſs, to restore thee loſt, What clouds of enemies ſurround the coast. The country arms thy brother's cauſe to aid, And bear thee to thy ſire a captive maid. Againſt ſuch force ſhould we our arms oppoſe, "Periſh might all our hoſt, o'erpower'd by foes : Then, ſad to think! if, every hero ſlain, In long captivity muſt thou remain. Our arts perfidious will this truce conceal, Whoſe baneful influence must thy brother feel. Bereav'd of him, the Colchians' cauſe to aid, And to recover thee, à captive maid, No more the neighbouring forces will unite: Inſtant will I renew the deſperate fight, Secure my wiſh'd return, and vindicate my right." Thus ſpoke he mild: the mischief-brooding maid Told her dark purpoſe, and, 'O think,' ſhe ſaid, Think, Jaſon, now: oppoſe we, as befeems, To their deſtructive deeds deſtructive ſchemes. Urg'd firſt by Love, in errour's maze I ſtray'd, And through that God is every luſt obey'd. Decline the fight, till I the youth betray, And to your hands conſign, an eaſy prey. With preſents be the heedleſs ſtripling lur'd: Heralds, of faith approv'd, by me procur'd, Ere long a ſecret audience ſhall obtain, And to my purpoſes Abſyrtus gain. My plan (I reck not) if it pleaſe, purſue : Go, ſlay my brother, and the fight renew.' Such were the ſnares the treacherous lovers laid ; And by large preſents was the prince betray'd. The heralds with theſe ſpecious preſents bore The veil Hypſipyle ſo lately wore. Each Grace in Naxos' iſle, with art divine, Wrought the rich raiment for the God of wine; He gave it Thoas, his illustrious heir, And Thoas to Hypſipyle the fair; She gave it Jaſon: wondering you behold, And with new tranſport trace th' embroider'd gold. What time with large nectareous draughts oppreſs'd, On the ſoft veſture Bacchus ſunk to reſt, Cloſe by his ſide the Cretan maid reclin'd, At Naxos' iſle whom Theseus left behind; From that bleſs'd hour the robe, with odours fill'd, Ambrofial fragrance wide around diſtill'd. Her guileful purpoſes the magic maid In order thus before the heralds laid: That, ſoon as night her ſable ſhade had ſpread, And to the temple was Medea led, Thither Abſyrtus ſhould repair, and hear A project pleaſing to a brother's ear : How ſhe, the Golden Fleece in triumph borne, Would to Æeta ſpeed her wiſh'd return; How Phrixus' treacherous ſons prolong'd her ſtay, And her to cruel foes conſign'd a prey. Then far ſhe flung her potent ſpells in air, Which lur'd the diſtant ſavage from his lair. Curse of mankind! from thee contentions flow, Diſaſtrous Love! and every heart-felt woe: Thy darts the children of thy foes infeſt, As now they rankle in Medea's breaſt. How, vanquish'd by her wiles, Abſyrtus fell, In ſeemly order now my Muſe muſt tell. Medea now ſecur'd in Dian's fane, The Colchians haſten to their ſhips again. Jaſon meanwhile lies in cloſe ambuſh, bent Abſyrtus and his friends to circumvent. Him, yet unpractis'd in his ſiſter's guile, His ready ſhip had wafted to the iſle : Conceal'd in night they tugg'd their toilſome oars, Till in the bay ſecure the veſſel moors. Alone, in confidence, the ſtripling came, And at Diana's porch approach'd the dame, (She like a torrent look'd, when fwoln with rain, Which foaming terrifies the village-ſwain ;) To learn what ſnare her wily art could lay, To drive theſe bold adventurers away. And all was plann'd; when from his ambuſcade Sprung Æſon's ſon, and shook his lifted blade. The conſcious ſiſter, ſtung with ſecret dread, Left her own eyes ſhould view Abſyrtus dead, Turn'd from the murderous ſcene aſide diſtreſs'd, And veil'd her guilty face beneath her veſt. As falls an ox beneath the ſtriker's blow, So was Abſyrtus laid by Jaſon low. Near that bright fane the neighbouring Brugi built, He eyes his victim, and completes his guilt. Here ſunk he low; and to his bleeding ſide, Compreſſing both his hands, the hero died. Medea's veil receiv'd the purple flood, And her fair veſture blush'd with brother's blood. Hell's blackest Fury the dire ſcene ſurvey'd, And mark'd with ſidelong eye the reeking blade. The pious rite for blood in ſecret ſpilt, Jaſon fulfils, and expiates his guilt. The ſkin he raſes from the body ſlain, Thrice licks the blood, thrice ſpits it out again. Then with collected earth the corſe he preſs'd; And ſtill his bones with Abſyrteans reſt. When in full proſpect the bright flambeau blaz'd, Which to conduct the chiefs Medea rais'd, Elate with hope the radiant guide they view, And near the Colchian veſſel Argo drew. As lions fierce the timorous flocks diſmay, Leap o'er the folds, and drive them far away; As trembling doves before the kite retreat, So before Argo flies the Colchian fleet. Furious as flame, on all the host they prey'd, And low in death was each aſſailant laid. Jaſon at length, to aid his valiant crew, Who little need his aid, appear'd in view. For not a fear their gallant hearts oppreſs'd, Save what their Jaſon's ſafety might ſuggeſt. The chiefs aſſembled with Medea ſat, And on their future voyage thus debate; Peleus began: 'Now, ere Aurora riſe, 'A ſpeedy embarkation I adviſe: A different courſe with caution let us chooſe, 'From that far different which the foe pursues. 'For (ſuch my ſanguine hope) when morning-light Yon ſlaughter'd heaps diſcloſes to their ſight, No words will win them to purſue us far, 'No tongue entice them to renew the war. 'Sedition ſoon, their prince Abſyrtus dead, Will, like a peſt, o'er all their navy ſpread : Secure and free ſhall we recroſs the main, Their forces ſcatter'd, and their ſovereign ſlain.' He ſaid; the chiefs conſented, and with haſte Re-enter'd Argo, and their oars embrac'd. Hard by Electris, laſt of iſles, they row, Near which, Eridanus, thy waters flow. Soon as their leader's fate the Colchians knew, They vow'd deſtruction to the Grecian crew; And, eager to o'ertake the Mynian train, Had travers'd in their wrath the boundless main, But Juno, as her thunder awful roll'd, Preſag'd her vengeance, and their pride control'd. Dreading Æeta's ire, the vanquish'd hoſt Far diſtant voyag'd from the Colchian coast. Unnumber'd ports the ſcatter'd fleet explor'd : Some to thoſe iſles repair'd where Jaſon moor'd, Nam'd from Abſyrtus: ſome, where ſtately flows The flood Illyricum, expect repoſe; Beſide whoſe bank a lofty tower they rear'd, Where Cadmus' and Harmonia's tomb appear'd; Here with the natives dwell they. Others roam Till midſt Ceraunian rocks they find a home; Ceraunian nam'd, ſince Jove's red thunder tore Their ſhips that anchor'd on the neighbouring ſhore. But towards th' Hyllean port the heroes bear, And, fortune ſmiling, fix their halfers there. For many an iſle projected o'er the tide, Near which no veſſel could with ſafety ride. No hoſtile arts th' Hylleans now deviſe: They teach the Mynians where their voyage lies; And for their friendly intercourſe obtain The largest tripod from Apollo's fane: For, doubtful of the Fleece, when Jaſon came : To hear reſponſes from the Pythian dame, Enrich'd, and honour'd from the ſhrine he trod With two bright tripods, given by Delphi's God. 'Twas doom'd no power ſhould lay the country waſte, Within whoſe confines were theſe tripods plac'd. Hid, for this cauſe, in earth the ſumptuous prize Hard by the fair Hyllean city lies; Deep, deep it lies, with ponderous earth oppreſs'd, That there unſeen it might for ever reſt.635 King Hyllus, whom in fam'd Phceacia's ſhore) Fair Melite to great Alcides bore, To mortal view was manifeſt no more. Nauſithoüs, to youthful Hyllus kind, The heedleſs ſtripling in his courts confin'd; (For, when to Macris' iſle Alcides fled, That far-fam'd iſle, which infant Bacchus fed, To expiate his guilt, and wash the ſtain Of blood yet ſtreaming from his children ſlain, Here, as beſide his favourite-beach he rov'd, The naiad Melite he saw and lov'd, The daughter of Ægeus, fair and young, From whoſe careſſes hopeful Hyllus ſprung.) But he, to manhood ripening, wiſh'd to roam Far from his ſovereign's eye and regal home : The native iſlanders augment his train, And with their leader tempt the Chronian main. Naufithoüs complied with each demand, And Hyllus ſettled on th' Illyric ſtrand: But, as he ſtrove his ſcatter'd herd to ſhield, A boor's rude weapon ſtretch'd him on the field. How cross theſe ſeas, how round th' Aufonian ſhores, And the Ligurian iſles they plied their oars, Ye Muſes, tell: what tokens ſtill remain Of Argo's voyage, what her feats, explain: Say, to what end, by what impelling gales She o'er remoteſt ſeas unfurl'd her ſails. All-ſeeing Jove their perfidy diſcern'd, And for Abſyrtus ſlain with anger burn'd. By Circe's myſtic rites heaven's ſire decreed The guilt to expiate of ſo baſe a deed. To ſufferings dire, but what no mortal knew, He, ere they ſafe return'd, foredoom'd the crew. Beyond th' Hyllean land their courſe they ſteer'd: Remote the vaſt Liburnian iſles appear'd, Late fill'd with Colchians; Pityëa fair, And rocky, Iſſa, are the names they bear. Theſe iſlands paſt, Cercyra's cliffs they greet, Where dwelt (for here had Neptune choſe her ſeat) Cercyra: he, by tender paſſions ſway'd, From diſtant Phliuns fetch'd the black-ey'd maid: Melaine her admiring ſailors name, As through dark groves they view the ſwarthy dame. Fleet as the veſſel ſails before the wind, Ceroffus, Melite they leave behind. Soon on Nymphæa, though remote, ſhe gains, Where Atlas' daughter, queen Calypſo, reigns. The crew conjectur'd, through far diſtant ſkies They saw the tall Ceraunian mountains riſe. And now Jove's purpoſes and vengeful rage Propitious Juno's anxious thoughts engage. That every toil with glory might be crown'd, And no diſaſtrous rocks their ſhip ſurround, She wak'd the briſker gales in Argo's aid, Till in Electris' iſle ſhe rode embay'd: Sudden, the vefſſel, as ſhe ſail'd along, Spoke, wondrous portent! as with human tongue: Her ſturdy keel of Dodonean oak, By Pallas vocal made, prophetic ſpoke. This ſolemn voice ſhook every heart with fear: They deem'd the Thunderer's threaten'd vengeance Expect, ſays Argo, 'ſtorms and wintry ſeas, ''Till Circe's rites the wrath of Jove appeaſe. Ye guardian twins, who aid our great deſign, By humble prayer the heavenly powers incline To ſteer me ſafe to each Aufonian bay, 'And to the haunts of Circe point my way.' Thus Argo ſpoke, as night her ſhades diſplay'd : The ſons of Leda liſten'd and obey'd. Before th' immortal Powers their hands they ſpread; All, ſave theſe chiefs, were ſtruck with ſilent dread. The canvaſs wide-diſtended by the gales, Swift down Eridanus the galley ſails. Here Jove's dread bolt transfix'd the ſtripling's ſide, Who greatly dar'd the car of Phœbus guide. This flood receiv'd him; and the flaming wound Still ſteams, and ſpreads offenſive vapours round. The feathery race, as o'er the flood they fly, Wrapp'd in fulphureous exhalations die. The poplar's winding bark around them ſpread, Apollo's daughters wail their brother dead. Down their fair cheeks bright tears of amber run, Sink in the ſand, and harden by the ſun. When boisterous winds the troubled waters urge, And o'er its bank aſcends the ſwelling ſurge, Theſe amber gems, ſwept by the tide away, Their pearly tribute to the river pay. But, down the ſtream, as Celtic legends tell, The tears of Phœbus floated as they fell In amber drops, what time from angry Jove The God withdrew, and left the realms above: To the far Hyperborean race he fled, Griev'd for his favourite Æſculapius dead. From fair Coronis ſprung this godlike ſon, Where Amyros' ſtreams near Lacerea run. Strangers to mirth, the penſive Mynians muſe On their hard lot, and ſtrengthening food refuſe. Loathing the ſtench theſe putrid ſtreams emit, Sickening and ſpiritleſs whole days they ſit; Whole nights they hear the ſorrowing ſiſters tell, How by the bolts of Jove their brother fell. Their mingled tears, as o'er the ſtream they weep, Like drops of oil float down the rapid deep. The Rhone's broad channel Argo's keel divides, Which mingles with Eridanus its tides : There, where the confluent floods unite their force, Boiſterous they foam. The Rhone derives its ſource From caverns deep, which, far from mortal ſight, Lead to the portals, and the realms of night. One ſtream its tribute to th' Ionian pays, One to the wide Sardinian ocean ſtrays; Thro' ſeven wide mouths it diſembogues its tides, Where foaming to the ſea its ſtream divides. This winding ſtream tranſmits th' adventurous train To lakes that delug'd all the Celtic plain. Diſaſtrous fate had here their labour foil'd, And of her, boasted prowess Argo ſpoil'd, (For through a creek to ocean's depths convey'd, To ſure deſtruction had the heroes ſtray'd;) But Juno haſten'd from on high, and ſtood On a tall rock, and ſhouted o'er the flood. All heard, and all with ſudden terrour shook; For loud around them bursts of thunder broke. Admonish'd thus, ſubmiſſive they return, And ſteering back their better courſe diſcern. Mid' Celtæ and Ligurians long they ſtray'd, w But reach'd the ſea-beat ſhore by Juno's aid: O'er them each day her cloudy veil ſhe drew, And thus from human ſight conceal'd the crew; Whoſe ſhip had now the broad, mid channel paſs'd, And rode amidst the Strechades at laſt : For Jove's twin ſons had pray'd, nor pray'd in vain. Hence rear they altars, and due rites ordain To theſe kind Powers, whoſe influential aid Not only Argo's bold adventurers ſway'd; But later voyagers, by Jove's decree, Have own'd their happy influence o'er the ſea. The Stoechades now leſſening from their view, Swift to Æthalia's iſle the veſſel flew. With chalks, that, as they cover'd, ting'd the ſhore, The heroes rubb'd their wearied bodies o'er. Here are their quoits and wondrous armour fram'd, Here is their port diſplay'd, Argoüs nam'd. Hence ſailing, they the Tyrrhene ſhores ſurvey, ☐ As through Aufonia's deeps they cleave their liquid Æea's celebrated port they reach, And faſten here their halfers to the beach. Here ſaw they Circe, as in ocean's bed, Diſmay'd with nightly dreams, ſhe plung'd her head. For thus the ſorcereſs dream'd; that blood and gore Had ſmear'd her walls, and flow'd around her floor: That all her treaſur'd ſtores were wrapp'd in flame, With which ſhe lur'd each paſſenger that came: That copious ſtreams of blood her hand apply'd, And her fears vaniſh'd as the flames ſubſide. For this the magic dame, as morning roſe, Waſh'd in the cleanſing wave her locks and clothes. Monſters, unlike the ſavage, beſtial race, Unlike to humankind in gait or face, Limbs not their own ſupport whoſe hideous frame, As sheep their ſhepherd follow, theſe their dame..: Such monsters once the pregnant earth diſclos'd, Of heterogeneous ſhapes and limbs compos'd: No drying winds had then the ſoil condens'd, No ſolar rays their genial warmth diſpens'd; But time perfection to each creature gave : Monsters like theſe were ſeen in Circe's cave. All, ſtedfaſt gazing on her form and face, Pronounc'd the ſorceress of Æeta's race. Thoſe terrors vaniſh'd, which her dream inſpir'd, Back to her gloomy cell the dame retir'd. Cloſe in her guileful hand ſhe graſp'd each gueſt, And bade them follow where her footsteps preſs'd. The crowd aloof at Jaſon's mandate ſtay'd, While he accompanied the Colchian maid. Together thus they Circe's ſteps pursue, Till her enchanting cave aroſe in view, Their viſit's cauſe her troubled mind diſtreſs'd; On downy ſeats ſhe plac'd each princely gueſt. They round her hearth ſat motionless and mute: (With plaintive ſuppliants ſuch manners ſuit) Her folded hands her blushing face conceal; Deep in the ground he fix'd the murderous ſteel; Nor dare they once, in equal ſorrow drown'd, Lift their dejected eyelids from the ground. Circe beheld their guilt: ſhe ſaw they led From vengeance hanging o'er the murderer's he The holy sites, approv'd of Jove, the paysof I (Jove, thus appeas'd, his haſty vengeance ſtays) Theſe rites from guilty ſtains the culprits clear, Who lowly ſuppliant at her cell appeara To expiate their crime in order due,w Firſt to her ſhrine a ſucking pig ſhe drew, Whoſe nipples from its birth diſtended ſtood": Its neck ſhe ſtruck, and bath'd their hands in blood. Next with libations meet and prayer ſhe ply'd Jove, who acquits the ſuppliant homicide. Without her door a train of Naiads ſtand, Adminiſtering whate'er her rites demand; Within, the flames, that round the hearth ariſe, Waſte, as the prays, the kneaded ſacrifice: That thus the Furies' vengeful wrath might ceaſe, And Jove appeas'd diſmiſs them both in peace, Whether they came to expiate the guilt Of friends' or ſtrangers' blood by treachery ſpilt. Circe aroſe, her myſtic rites complete, And plac'd the princes on a ſplendid ſeat. Near them ſhe ſat, and urg'd them to explain Their plan and progreſs o'er the dangerous main: Whence roſe the wish to viſit Circe's iſle, ſod And thus beneath her roof converſe awhile. For ſtill on every thought the viſion preſs'd, ciod 'And its remembrance ſtill disturb'd her reſt Soon as the ſorcereſs ſaw Medea raiſe From earth thoſe eyes which ſhot a beamy blaze, Anxious ſhe wiſh'd to hear her native tongue, Conjecturing from her features whence ſhe ſprung. For all Sol's race are beauteous as their ſire id Their radiant eyes emit celestial fire, The willing maid complied with each demand, And in the language of her native landî Her ſtory told; each ſtrange event declar'd, What countries they had ſeen, what dangers ſhar'ds Her ſiſter's counſels how they ſway'd her breaſt, How with the ſons of Phrixus ſhe tranſgreſs'd; How from her father fled, his threats diſdain'd: But ſtill untold her brother's fate remain'd. His fate th' enchantress knew; no arts could hide "The murderous deed: ſhe pitied and reply'd : 'Ah! wretch, dire miſchiefs thy return await. Hope not to ſhun thy father's vengeful hate; 'Reſolv'd on right, he to the realms of Greece 'Will cloſe pursue thee, nor his fury cease, 'Till he avenge the murder of his ſon : 'For deeds of blackeſt darkness haſt thou done. But go, at once my kin and ſuppliant, free, 'Nor fear additional diſtreſs from me. Thy lover hence, far hence thyſelf remove, Who ſcorn'dſt a father's for a vagrant's love. 'Here ſupplicate no more: my heart diſclaims Thy guilty wanderings and ſiniſter aims. She ſpoke: the maid lamented; o'er her head Her veil ſhe cast, and many a tear ſhe ſhed. T Her trembling hand the hero rais'd with ſpeed, And from the cave of Circe both recede. By watchful Iris taught, Saturnia knew What time from Circe's cave they both withdrew. To mark their ſteps commiſſion'd Iris ſtaid, On whom theſe freſh injunctions Juno laid : Haſte, Iris, now; thy pinions wide expand, And bear once more Saturnia's dread command. Go, Thetis rouze from ocean's dark retreat; Her potent aid my projects will complete. Spread then towards Vulcan's ſhores thy ſpeedy Where round his anvils ceaſeleſs hammers ring. Bid him no more his boisterous bellows ply, Till heaven-built Argo ſail ſecurely by. 'Then to the Deity, whoſe ſovereign ſway 'Controls the winds, whom raging ſtorms obey, 'Haſte; and request that every riſing gale 'Be hush'd, and ſilence o'er the ſeas prevail : That round the waves ſereneſt zephyrs play, Till Argo anchors in Phæacia's bay.' She said: and Iris, poiz'd on airy wings, From the bright ſummit of Olympus ſprings: Deſcends impetuous down th' Ægean deeps, Where in his watery caverns Nereus ſleeps. To Thetis firſt repairs the winged maid; Solicits and obtains her potent aid. Vulcan ſhe next in humble prayer addreſs'd; The God of fire complied with her requeſt: His bellows heave their windy ſides no more, Nor his ſhrill anvils ſhake the diſtant ſhore. Her wants to Æolus ſhe next diſclos'd: And while her wearied limbs ſhe here repos'd, Thetis from all her Naiad-train withdrew, And from her Nereus to Olympus Acwcshni d Juno with tranſport hail'd her ſea-born gueſti Whom near her throne ſhe ſeated, and address'di O, hear my tale, bright Goddess of the main: Thou know'ſt my care for Jaſon and his train; 'Thou know'ſt how Juno's arm alone upheld, I 'And through the jutting rocks their ſhip, impell'd: Around whoſe ſides fierce, fiery tempeſts rays And the huge crag is whiten'd by the wavesgro Now muſt they ſail near Scylla's awful height, ' And where the rock Charybdis forms a ſtreight. 'Thee yet an infant in my arms ms I preſs'd, And more than all thy ſiſter-nymphs careſs'd. Revering me, the wife of ſovereign Jove, 'Thou ſcorn'dft the tenders of his lawless love. (For him a mortal beauty now inflames,. ! And now he revels with celeſtial dames.) And Jove, in vengeance for his ſlighted bed, Swore, not a Deity ſhould Thetis wed. Nor could the fervour of his love abate, ensol Till Themis thus diſclos'd the will of fate H That from thy womb in future times ſhould ſpring, Superior to his ſire, an infant-king.os brA Dreading th' event, left in ſome future day This infant-king ſhould claim celestial ſway, Thee Jove abandon'd to ſecure his throne, And reign unrival'd ever and alone. But, lo! I gave, thy bridal bed to grace, A mortal husband worthy thy embrace; I made thee mother of a happy line, And to thy nuptials call'd the Powers divine. Myſelf, in honour to the godlike pair, Deign'd on that day the bridal torch to bear. Soon as thy ſon (believe the truths you hear) Shall in Elyſium's blissful plains appear, Whom kindly now the foſtering Naiads guard In Chiron's manſion, of thy milk debarr'd, In Hymen's ſilken chains the hero led, Muſt ſhare the honours of Medea's bed. 'Oh! be a mother's tendereſt care diſplay'd, T 'Succour thy Peleus, and thy daughter aid.W Hath he tranſgreſs'd? thy riſing wrath ſubdue; For Ate's dire effects th' immortals rue. 'Vulcan, I ween, obſequious to my will, His fires will stifle, and his bellows still 'His boisterous waves will Æolus reſtrain, 'And zephyrs only fan the curling main, Till Argo anchors in Phæacia's bay. 'But ſhelves and ſtormy ſeas obſtruct her way; Theſe, theſe I dread: but, with thy train expert, Be thine the care theſe miſchiefs to avert. Safe from Charybdis' gulf the veſſel guide, Safe from loud Seylla's all-abſorbing tide Scylla, the terrour of Auſonia's ſhore, Whom Phorcuns to infernal Hecat bore, or h 'Cratæis nam'd. Oh! ſummon all thy pow'r, 'Left her voracious jaws my chiefs devour 'Hope's cheerly dawn if haply thou diſcern, 'Snatch from the watery grave the ſinking ſtern." "If 'tis reſolv'd," replies th' aſſenting queen, Tempeſts to curb, and oceans to ſerene, Fear not, but in my proffer'd aid confide "This arm ſhall convoy Argo o'er the tide. The ſurge ſubſiding ſhall confess my way, "While harmless zephyrs round the canvaſs play. "Now muſt I traverſe the wide fields of air, And to my ſiſters cryſtal grots repair Request their aid, and haſten halten to to the the ſhores, Where anchor'd Argo unmoleſted moors: "That each brave comrade, at the dawn of day, "With heart elate may cleave the liquid way." She ſpoke, and through th' acrial regions ſped, Then in the pools of ocean plung'd her head. At Thetis' call the ſiſter Nereids came, And flock'd obedient round their oozy dame. Juno's commands ſhe bade the ſiſters heed, And to th' Aufonian deep deſcend with ſpeed. Swifter than lightning, or than Phœbus' beams, The Goddess darted thro' the yielding ſtreams; Till, gliding ſmooth beſide the Tyrrhene ſtrand": Her ſpeedy footſtep preſs'd th' Ææan land. Along the winding beach the Mynians, tray And while with quoits and darts their hours away. Here Thetis ſingled from the gallant band Peleus her ſpouſe, and preſs'd the hero's hand Unſeen by all the host, his hand the preſs'd By all, ſave Peleus, whom ſhe thus addreſs'd: Loiter not here; but with returning light Unfurl your ſails, nor Juno's counſels light. Safe thro' th' Erratic rocks your ſhip to guide, Which frown tremendous o'er the toſſing tide, For this the ſea-green ſiſters join their force, And smooth through dangerous ſeas your destin'd My form, what time we urge the foaming keel, By you not unobſerv'd, to none reveal; Leſt, as before, your folly I chaſtiſe, And to more deſperate heights my vengeance riſe. She said, and vanish'd to the deeps below. The wondering chief was pierc'd with keeneſt woe. For ſince the dame, with indignation fir'd, Had from her Peleus' hated bed retir'd, Unſeen till now ſhe lurk'd: the ſtrife begun From this unweeting cauſe, her infant-ſon. For, ſoon as night diffus'd its darkeſt ſhade, Her young Achilles o'er the flame ſhe laid, And, at return of day, with ceaſeleſs toil Applied to all his limbs ambrofial oil, That youth might triumph o'er th' attacks of time, Nor creeping age impair his vigorous prime. The father ſaw, as from his bed he roſe, Fierce, ambient flames his infant's limbs encloſe; And, as he gaz'd, his rueful cries confeſs'd The boding ſorrows of a parent's breast. Fool! for his queen, who heard her lord deplore, Daſh'd in a rage her infant on the floor. Then fleet as air, or like a dream of night, She vanish'd ſudden from his odious ſight; Plung'd in her fury down the whelming main, Nor e'er emerg'd ſhe from the waves again. For this he forrow'd: but each ſage command Which Thetis gave, he told his gallant band. They heard, and from their ſports retir'd in haſte; Then ſhar'd, recumbent, in a ſhort repaſt. Sated, they catch the comforts of repoſe, Till, every toil renewing, morn aroſe. Soon as her radiant light illumin'd heav'n, And to their wiſh were breezy zephyrs giv'n, Quitting the land, they climb with nimble feet The lofty decks, and reaſſume their ſeat. Each to his toil returns alert and bold : They tear the griping anchor from its hold; They hoiſt the yard, their bracing ropes unbind, And give the flapping canvaſs to the wind. Swift ſails the ſhip: ſoon to th' expecting crew Anthemoeſſa's iſle aroſe in view. The Syrens here, from Acheloüs ſprung, Allure the loitering ſailors with their tongue, Who, faſtening to the beach the corded ſtay, Neglect their voyage, and attend the lay. What time to Acheloüs' longing arms ខ The Muſe Terpsichore reſign'd her charms, Their mutual love theſe wily ſongſters crown'd; Who lur'd, in times remote, with tempting ſound Ceres' fair daughter, and fallacious ſhew A virgin-face, while wing'd like fowls they flew. On a bright eminence the charmers ſtand, And watch the veſſels as they tug to land. Full many a mariner their ſongs betray, Who lifts and lingers till he pines away. As Argo ſail'd they rais'd their tuneful tongue; And here their halfers had the heroes hung, But Thracian Orpheus wak'd his wonted fire, And fung reſponſive to his heavenly lyre; That each reſounding chord might pierce their ear, And none the muſic of the Syrens hear. Yet ſtill they ſung: ſtill briſkly, with the breeze, The veſſel tilted o'er the curling ſeas. Butes alone became an eaſy prey, Who all enraptur'd liſten'd to their lay. Erect, above the rowing chiefs, he stood, And frantic ſprung into the faithless flood. His helpless hands he rais'd, the ſhip to gain, And, but for Venus' aid, had rais'd in vain: She, Eryx' honour'd queen, the wretch defcry'd, And ſnatch'd him floundering from the foaming tide, His kind protectreſs, as her courſe ſhe bends Where Lilybœum's ample cape extends. This dire miſhap diſhearten'd all the band, Who row with vigour from the traiterous ſtrand. But other peſts, more fatal to their freight, Threaten their progreſs to that dangerous ſtreight, Where Scylla's rock projects its wave-worn ſide, And where Charybdis gulf abſorbs the tide. Daſh'd by the driven waves the Planctæ roar'd, From whoſe cleft ſummits flames fulphureous pour'd. Thick, duſky clouds involve the darken'd ſkies, And hid are Phœbus' ſplendours from their eyes. Though Vulcan ceas'd from his aſſiduous toils, The fires flaſh thick, and fervid ocean boils. Here o'er the ſailing pine the nymphs preſide, While Thetis' forceful hands the rudder guide. As oft in ſhoals the ſportive dolphins throng, Circling the veſſel as ſhe ſails along, Whoſe playful gambols round the prow and ſtern The much-delighted mariners diſcern; Round Argo thus the toiling nymphs attend, And, led by Thetis, their aſſiſtance lend. O'erhanging black th' rocks' bleak brow they ſee, And gird their azure veſtures to their knee, Now here, now there, as danger warns, they glide, And ſtem mid' cruſhing crags the troubled tide. Pendent on mountain-waves the veſſel hung, That pierc'd her ſolid planks, and foam'd the rocks among Above theſe rocks, here now the Nereids riſe, And float on billows hid amidst the ſkies; Deſcending now to ocean's ſecret bed, They in his gulphy deeps conceal their head. As when along the beach, ſuccinct for play, To toſs the flying ball the Nereids ſtray, From hand to hand the ſphere unerring flies, Nor ever on the ground inglorious lies; The ſiſters thus, with coadjutant force, High o'er the ſurge impel the veſſel's courſe : From ſecret ſhelves her wave-dafſh'd ſides they ſhove, Tho' ſturdy billows ſtrong against them ſtrove. On a tall fragment that o'erlook'd the flood, His ſhoulder reſting on his hammer, ſtood The footy God: and from her ſtarry ſkies Juno beheld the ſcene with ſtedfaſt eyes. Her hand around Minerva's neck ſhe threw; For much Saturnia trembled at the view. Long as the vernal ſuns protract the light, So long in Argo's cauſe the nymphs unite. Propitious to their labours ſprung the breeze, And the free veſſel ſhot acroſs the ſeas. Trinacria's verdant meads they ſoon ſurvey, Where graze thy herds, illustrious God of day. Juno's commands obey'd, the watery train, Like diving mews, explore the deeps again. Coaſting along, the bleating flocks they hear, And herds loud bellowing ſtrike their liſtening ear. Sol's youngest daughter, Phaëthuſa, leads The bleating flocks along the dewy meads ; Propp'd on her ſilver crook the maid reclin'd: A ſtouter ſtaff, with brazen ringlets join'd, Lampetie takes; whoſe herds the heroes ſee Slunk to the brook, or browſing on the lea. Of ſable hue no cattle you behold; Milkwhite are all, and tipp'd their horns with gold. They paſs'd theſe meads by day; at day's decline They brush'd with pliant oars the yielding brine. At length Aurora's all-reviving ray Redden'd the waves, and ſhew their certain way. A fertile iſle towers o'er th' Ionian- tide, Ceraunia nam'd; the land two bays divide, Fame ſays, (forgive me, Muſe, while I unveil, Reluctant too, a legendary tale ;) A fickle lies conceal'd within this land, With which raſh Saturn's mutilating hand His father caſtrated: for Ceres' aid Others aſſert this rural fickle made. For Ceres once, with love of Macris fir'd, To this fam'd iſle, her favourite ſeat, retir'd. The Titans here ſhe taught her arms to wield, And crop the bearded harvest of the field. This iſland hence, nurse of Phoeacian ſwains, Th' expreſſive name of Drepane obtains. -From mangled Uranus's blood they trace The ſource inglorious of Phœacia's race. Trinacria left, and numerous perils paſt, Here heaven-protected Argo moors at last. The heroes diſembark'd Alcinoüs hails, And at their feſtive ſacrifice regales. Mirth unremitted through the city runs, As though they welcom'd home their darling ſons. The godlike gueſts their ſocial part ſuſtain, Joyous as though they preſs'd Hæmonia's plain : But ere that diſtant plain delights their view, The chiefs muſt buckle on their arms anew. For, lo! thoſe Colchians who adventurous ſtray'd Through deeps unknown, and enter'd undiſmay'd The dire Cyanean rocks, here throng the coaſt, And wait th' arrival of the Grecian hoſt. The forfeit maid ſhould Argo's crew refuſe, War in each ſad, diſaſtrous ſhape enſues. Arm'd and reſolv'd they threaten inſtant fight, And future fleets t' aſſert their monarch's right. But king Alcinoüs interpos'd his aid, And, ere they ruſh'd to fight, their wrath allay'd. Arete's knee the ſuppliant virgin preſs'd, And thus th' aſſociate band and queen addreſs'd: 'O queen,' exclaim'd ſhe, 'lend thy timely aid To ſave from Colchian hands a ſuffering maid. 'With ruffian rage to bear me hence they come, And to my wrathful ſire conduct me home. Thou know'ſt, if one, like me, of humankind, How prone to err is man's unſtable mind. 'Deem me no ſlave to luft's uſurping pow'r; 'Prudence forſook me in the needful hour. Be witness, Sun, and thou, whoſe every rite Is wrapp'd, dire Hecate, in ſable night, How I reluctant left my native home, And with rude foreigners abhor'd to roam. Fear wing'd my flight; and, having once tranſgreſs'd, To flee I judg'd my laſt reſource and beſt. Still have I liv'd, as with my father, chaſte, My ſpotleſs zone faſt girded to my waiſt. Oh! may my tale, fair princeſs, claim thy tears ; 'Oh! teach thy lord compaſſion as he hears. 'On thee may all th' immortal Gods beſtow Beauty and life, exempt from age and woe; 'Cities, that need no bold invaders dread, And a fair progeny to crown thy bed.' In tears ſhe ſpoke: then to each gallant chief Told in theſe plaintive ſtrains her tale of grief: Low at your feet, ye warriours, ſuppliant view ' A princeſs doom'd to wretchedneſs for you. 'Yok'd were the bulls, and, deſperate as they roſe, Crush'd by my aid were hoſts of giant-foes. Yes, ſoon Hæmonia the rich prize will ſee, And boast of conquests which ſhe owes to me. My country I, my parents, palace left, 'To pine through life, of all its joys bereft; But gave to you, a baſe, ungrateful train, To ſee your country and your friends again. Spoil'd of my beauty's bloom by fate ſevere, In endleſs exile muſt I languiſh here. Revere your oaths; Erynnis' vengeance dread, Who heaps her curſes on the perjur'd head : Dread heaven's ſure wrath, if, to my ſire reſtor'd, My ſhame or ruin wait his deſperate word, 'No ſheltering ſhrine, no fortress near, I fly To you alone, on your defence rely. 'Yet why on you? who, merciless and mute, Have heard my cries, nor ſeconded my ſuit; 'Unmov'd have ſeen me lift my ſuppliant hand To the kind princeſs of this foreign land. Elate with hope the Golden Fleece to gain, Colchos oppos'd you, and her king in vain : 'But fearful now the battle to renew, Ye dread detachments, nor will fight with few." She said; and all, who heard her ſuppliant moan, Cheer'd her ſad heart, and check'd the riſing groan. Each gallant man his brandiſh'd ſpear diſplay'd, And vow'd aſſiſtance to the ſuffering maid, Shook his drawn ſword, a prelude to the fight, Reſolv'd on vengeance, and reſolv'd on right. Night now diſpers'd the faint remains of day, And all the ſlumbering world confeſs'd its ſway: Grateful its gloom to men with toils oppreſs'd; Grateful to all but her, with fſleep unbleſs'd. She, hapleſs fair, her painful vigils kept; Revolving ſtill her griefs, ſhe watch'd and wept. As at the diſtaff toils th' induſtrious dame, Whoſe frequent tears her orphan children claim. All night ſhe toils, while clinging round they ſtand, Wail their loſt ſire, and his return demand. Swift down her cheek deſcends the ſilent tear: So hard the lot fate deſtines her to bear! Like her's Medea's copious tears deſcend, Such agonizing griefs her tortur'd boſom rend. The royal pair retir'd with wonted ſtate From the throng'd city to their palace-gate. On their ſoft couch reclin'd, at evening's cloſe, Long conference held they on Medea's woes. Thus to Alcinöus the queen expreſs'd The kind ſuggeſtions of her pitying breaſt : 'Oh! may the Minyans, prince, thy favours ſhare. 'Oh! shield from Colchian foes an injur'd fair. Not diſtant far Hæmonia's plains extend, And near our iſland Argos' frontiers end. But far remote Æeta reigns; his name Unknown to us, or faintly known by fame. She, in whoſe ſorrows now I bear a Hath, to redress them, open'd all my heart, Let no rude Colchian bear her hence away, To her fire's vengeance a devoted prey. Her error this: the fiery bulls to quell, 'Fond and officious ſhe prepar'd the ſpell, Augmenting then (as oft offenders will) 'Her first with future errors, ill with ill, Far from her native home, impreſs'd with dread, Far from her angry ſire the damſel fled. 'But bound is Jaſon by strong ties, ſays fame, 'To wed the wanderer, and retrieve from ſhame. Urge him not then, with many an added threat, His faith to violate, his oaths forget; Nor ſtimulate Æeta's wrath to riſe: Their daughters parents rigorously chaſtiſe. Thus Pycteus; with parental zeal o'ercome, Compell'd his child Antiope to roam. Thus Danae, by her wrathful ſire ſecur'd, Toſs'd in the troubled deep diſtreſs endur'd. Nor long ſince Echetus, a wretch accurs'd, With brazen pins his daughter's eye-balls pierc'd: Pent in a dungeon's awful gloom ſhe pin'd, Doom'd by her ſavage ſire obdurate braſs to grind." She said: ſoft pity touch'd the ſovereign's breaſt, Who thus his fupplicating queen addreſs'd : "In me, O queen, theſe heroes ſhould deſcry, " For the fair ſufferer's fake, a firm ally; "Soon ſhould my arms the Colchian foes remove, "But I revere the juſt decrees of Jove. "Unſafe I deem Æeta to deride, "Who ſways the ſceptre with a monarch's pride; Able, though diſtant, if averſe from peace, "To ſcatter diſcord through the realms of Greece. "Hear my proposal then, which you, I trust, " And all who hear it, will applaud as juſt: "If ſtill a virgin's ſpotless name ſhe bear, "Safe to her fire's domains conduct the fair "But if one bed the wedded pair contain, " I will not fever Hymen's ſilken chain. "Forbid it, heaven! that I in wrath expoſe "Her ſinleſs offspring to inſulting foes." He ſaid, and ſunk to reſt: his ſage reſolves Anxious and oft the wakeful queen revolves. She roſe: their princess' footſtep heard, ariſe Her female train, and each her wants ſupplies. 'Go,' to her page apart Arete ſaid, 'Bid Æſon's valiant ſon the virgin wed. Bid him no more Alcinoüs' ears aſſail With long entreaties and a well-known tale. Himſelf, unaſk'd, his advocate will go And tender theſe conditions to the foe: 'If ſtill the fair a ſpotless maid remain, Soon ſhall ſhe view her father's courts again; But, if a matron's honour'd name ſhe bear, He will not ſeparate the wedded pair.' She said: her herald, eager to convey The royal meſſage, ſped without delay To Æſon's ſon he told Arete's word, And the kind counſels of her ſovereign lord. Hard by their ſhip, in gliſtering arms array'd, Deep in the port of Hyllicus embay'd, He ſpies the chiefs, his embaſſy repeats, And every gallant heart with tranſport beats. They crown the goblets to the Powers divine, And drag th' accuſtom'd victims to the ſhrine: Then for the penſive fair officious ſpread In a ſequeſter'd grot the bridal bed. Hither, in days of yore, fair Macris came, Daughter of Ariſtæus, honour'd name! He taught mankind the virtues and the uſe Of the bee's labours, and the olive's juice. For, know, when Hermes infant-Bacchus bore, Snatch'd from the flames, to fair Euboea's ſhore, Macris embrac'd him with a mother's love, And there, awhile, ſhe nurs'd the ſeed of Jove, And there with honey fed; till Juno's ſpite Far from Eubœa's iſle compell'd her flight. At length, of this Pheacian grot poſſeſs'd, She with vaſt opulence the natives bleſs'd. To deck with honours due the bridal bed, Around it wide the Golden Fleece was ſpread. With ſweetest flowers, that deck or dale or hill, p Th' aſſiduous nymphs their ſnowy boſoms fill. The Golden Fleece emits ſo bright a ray, They ſhone all radiant as the ſtar of day, Inſpiring love: the prize though ſtrong deſire Prompts them to touch, with reverence they retire. Theſe are the daughters of the Ægeän flood, Thoſe, Meletæum, haunt thy lofty wood. From groves, from ſtreams, at Juno's call they ran, To grace the nuptials of this godlike man. The ſacred grot, recorded ſtill by fame, Bears to this day Medea's honour'd name: For here the nymphs, their veils around them ſpread, To nuptial joys the happy lovers led:1360 And every chief, to guard the blissful ſpot, Clad in bright armour, ſtood before the grot, Leſt hoſtile troops, with rude tumultuous noiſe, Should force an entrance, and diſtract their joys. Thus ſtation'd, they protect the hallow'd ground, Their feſtive brows with leafy chaplets crown'd. As Orpheus ſtruck his tuneful lyre, they ſung, And Hymeneals round the grotto rung. But in Alcinoüs' court the fair to wed, O'er Jaſon's anxious mind diſquiet ſpread : Full oft he wiſh'd Iolcos' coaſt to gain, And wed the virgin in his fire's domain; Such too Medea's wiſh: but fate ſevere Forc'd him to celebrate his nuptials here. For pleaſure unalloy'd we look in vain; Pleaſure to ſuffering man is mix'd with pain. Whether the Colchian foe had ſcorn'd or clos'd With the juſt terms Phœacia's prince propos'd, Of this they doubted: mid' the mirthful ſcene Fears, which theſe doubts ſuggeſted, intervene. Aurora now her orient beams diſplay'd, And pierc'd the ſullen night's ſurrounding ſhade. The circling ſhores and dew-beſpangled ground Reflect her rays: the ſtreets with noiſe reſound. The citizens and Colchians, who poſſeſs'd The distant coaſt, awake from balmy refſt. Impatient now his purpoſe to diſcloſe, To plead Medea's cauſe the monarch roſe: His hand ſuſtain'd a ſceptre's maſſy gold, Which kings, deciding right, were wont to hold. Around their prince, in gliſtering arms array'd, Phœacia's peers a ſeemly pomp diſplay'd. Eager on each adventurous chief to gaze, A female troop beyond the city ſtrays. In feſtive bands the diſtant ſwains unite: (For Juno had divulg'd the nuptial rite) One from his fold a ram ſelected brought, An heifer one, to feel the yoke untaught; Flagons of wine ſome for libation bear : The ſmoke of victims blacken'd all the air. As women wont, the female train ſelect Their coſtly veils, with gay embroidery deck'd: Such golden toys, ſuch trinkets they provide, As on a nuptial day adorn the bride. The comely chiefs their admiration won; But more than all Eager's tuneful ſon, As lightly to the lyre's melodious ſound Tripp'd the briſk dancer o'er the meaſur'd ground. In concert full the virgin-choir prolong The happy day with Hymeneal ſong. Here a fair band, collected in a ring, Praiſes to thee, auſpicious Juno, ſing.re By thee inſpir'd, diſclos'd the royal dame The friendly terms her prince was pleas'd to name. Nor are the terms Alcinoüs nam'd diſown'd: (For now their faithful loves hath Hymen crown'd) True to his oath, he heard with fix'd diſdain And deem'd Æeta's vengeful fury vain. Soon as the Colchians ſaw their purpoſe croſs'd, Defeated all their ſchemes, their labour loſt; That to the ſovereign's terms they muſt accede, Or quit his ports, and ſail away with ſpeed; Dreading the monarch's wrath, ſubmiſs they try To win his friendſhip, and commence ally. Settling at laſt, long time the Colchian hoſt Dwelt with the natives on Phœacia's coaſt : Till Bacchus' hated race from Corinth fled, Exil'd theſe Colchians, and the iſle o'erſpread. They ſought the neighbouring ſhores: in times to come Their ſons emigrating explor'd a home, Where far and wide extends th' Illyric coaſt, And the Ceraunian hills in clouds are loſt. But theſe events, which now my Muſe engage, Were late fulfill'd in ſome ſucceeding age. Yet ſtill, in Phœbus' fane, uninjur'd ſtand The altars rais'd by fair Medea's hand : Some to the fates are pil'd with victims due, Some to the nymphs their annual rites renew. Towards the parting train the royal pair Their generous love by coſtly gifts declare, Twelve fair Pheacians, at the queen's command, Conduct Medea to the ſea-beat ſtrand. On the ſeventh morn with gently-breathing gales Propitious Jove expanded Argo's ſails; Argo, decreed freſh dangers to ſuſtain, Ere Greece beholds her gallant ſons again. Ambracia's bay had open'd to their view, Beſide Curetes' land the galley flew, The cluſtering iſles, Echidanes, they paſs'd, And Pelops' diſtant realm beheld at last. Nine tedious nights and days the veſſel ſweeps The troubled ſurface of the Libyan deeps; Till, driven by rapid tides and ſtorms aſtray, She near the Syrtes' quickſands plough'd her way: Whirl'd in whoſe gulphy pools, their deſtin'd grave, Nor ſails nor oars the ſinking galleys ſave. Burſt from its black abyſs, the boiling flood Up-heaves its ſhaggy weeds, involv'd in ſhelves of mud. With the far-ſpreading ſpray the ſands ariſe; But nought diſcern they here that creeps or flies. The tide (which now retreats into the main, And now returns upon the beach again;) Far o'er the ſhore, impell'd with fury, ſhew All Argo's ſlimy keel expos'd to view. They diſembark, and gaze with aching eyes On ridgy mountains loſt amid the ſkies. No grateful ſtreams, no beaten paths appear, No rural cot diſcern they, far or near; A death-like ſilence reign'd around: diſmay'd His comrade each interrogating ſaid: What country this? on what bleak clime at laſt Have the rude tempeſts heaven-built Argo caſt? 'Oh! had we dar'd, devoid of vulgar fear, Our courſe undaunted through thoſe fragments ſteer, 'Like heroes then (though Jove ſucceſs deny'd) 'We in the bold attempt had bravely died. 'What can our ſkill deviſe? the least delay 'Is fatal here; the winds forbid our ſtay. 'How bleak and barren is the coaſt we tread ! And what a deſert waſte is wide around us ſpread!' He said; and, joining in the loud lament, Ancæus thus foreboded the event: What dire miſhaps our gallant hoſt befall! Thus by ſtern fate's decree we periſh all! 'What woes await us, on this deſert caſt, If from the land awakes the furious blaſt! For ſlimy ſeas my ſight far off commands, And whitening billows burſting o'er the ſands. And dreadfully had Argo's yawning ſides, Remote from ſhore, receiv'd the gushing tides, 'Had not the ſurge, which lifted her to heav'n, Full on the pebbly beach the veſſel driv'n. But now the tide retiring quits the ſtrand, And waves unfaithful ſkim the levell'd ſand. Our projects baffled, and hope's cheerly dawn From our expecting ſight thus ſoon withdrawn, Let other hands the pilot's art diſplay, And they who fear not danger ſteer the way. But our joint labours Jove decrees to foil, 'Nor will our native home reward our toil.' He said; and all, renown'd for naval ſkill, Cloſe with his words, and wait th' impending ill. From every heart the vital motion fled, O'er every face a deadly paleneſs ſpread. As when from ſtreet to ſtreet, in wild diſmay, Affrighted mortals, like pale ſpectres, ſtray; Expecting wars, or plagues, or bursting rains, That deluge all the harvest of the plains : Or, as when ſtatues drops of blood diſtil, And fancied bellowings the temples fill; The noon-day ſun eclips'd involves in night Th' aſtoniſh'd world, and ſtars emit their light : Thus on the beach they stalk'd, a heartless clan! Like ſweating ſtatues, or like ſpectres wan. His feeble arm each round his comrade caſt, Then ſunk into the ſand to breathe his laſt, Reſolv'd, as now the star of Hefper roſe, To share the ſolace of united woes. Some here, ſome there ſelect their clay-cold bed, And round their ſhivering limbs their garments ſpread: Reſign'd to death, in midnight's ſullen ſhade And at mid-day, here languiſhing they laid. Remote, Medea's fair attendants moan, Cling round their queen, and groan return for groan. As when a neſt, ſurcharg'd with callow young, Falls from the lofty cliff to which it clung, Th' unfeather'd brood by ſhrilleſt cries atteſt Their far-flown mother, and their ruin'd neſt : As on the banks Pactolus' ſtreams bedew, Melodious ſwans their dying notes renew; The rivers, gliding the rich vales among, Bear on their ſilver ſtreams the ſoothing ſong: Thus they, their golden locks befmear'd with gore, All night in plaintive elegies deplore. Their toils yet incomplete, the godlike band Had now ignobly perish'd on the ſand, But the bold heroines, who guard the coaſt, Beheld with pitying eye the drooping host: Thoſe nymphs, who, when in gliſtering arms array'd, Ruſh'd from the Thunderer's brain the martial maid, In needful hour their kind aſſiſtance gave, And cleans'd her infant-limbs in Triton's wave. 'Twas noon: o'er Libya's ſands the God of day Darted the ſplendours of his fierceſt ray. Full before Jaſon ſtood the nymphs confeſs'd, And gently from his head withdrew the veſt. Sudden he ſtarts, impreſs'd with ſilent dread, And from his fair protectors turns his head. They in compaſſion's mild addreſs began To free from terrours vain the hopeless man : 'Why griev'ft thou thus? Oh! bid thy ſorrows 'We know thy coming's cauſe, the Golden Fleece. 'We know the various toils by land you bore; "How toſs'd on ocean, how diſtreſs'd on ſhore. Terrestrial Powers, for acts of friendſhip known, We make the ſhepherd's rural cares our own. We, Libya's daughters and avengers, boaſt Our ſway extended o'er the Libyan coaſt. ' Ariſe, nor ſink beneath thy ſorrow's weight; But rouze thy fellows from their drooping ſtate. When Amphitrite with officious ſpeed Unreins from Neptune's car the fiery ſteed, Thy mother then with duteous care repay, Whoſe womb hath borne thee many a toilſome day. Diſcharge this duty, and refail to Greece, Safe and triumphant with the Golden Fleece.' They ſpoke, and vaniſh'd: from his ſandy bed Jaſon aroſe, and looking round he said; Ye godlike Powers, the deſert plains who rove, Ye fair, who tend the flocks, propitious prove. Thoſe dark mysterious truths your tongues foretold, 'I go, if haply can my friends unfold. Conven'd, may they ſome prudent ſcheme deviſe, 'For in th' advice of numbers ſafety lies.' He said: and, wading thro' the driven ſand, Rouz'd with loud voice the ſad, deſponding band. Thus, while the lion his loſt mate explores, The foreſts ring, earth trembles as he roars : Herdſmen and herds, o'erwhelm'd with equal fear, All mute and trembling deem deſtruction near. But grateful to the hoſt was Jaſon's call; No fears it cherish'd, but gave hope to all. Yet with dejected looks the heroes meet. Beſide the female train to each his ſeat He, near the ſhore, aſſign'd; in order due His wondrous tale relates, and cheers the penſive crew: Attend, my friends: three virgin-forms, who claim From heaven their race, to ſooth my ſorrows came. 'Their ſhoulders round were ſhaggy goat-ſkins caſt, Which, low deſcending, girt their ſlender waiſt. High o'er my head they stood; with gentle hand My veſture rais'd, and gave this dread command : 'That I with ſpeed my piteous bed forſake, And, riſen, haſte my comrades to awake. That mindful we our mother's cares repay, Whoſe womb ſuſtain'd us many a toilſome day, When Amphitrite with officious ſpeed 'Unreins from Neptune's car the fiery ſteed. Long have I ſought this wonder to explain, And, ſtill revolving, I revolve in vain. In the bold name of heroines they boaſt, Daughters and guardians they of Libya's coaſt. Known to theſe nymphs are all the toils we bore On the rough ocean, and the faithleſs ſhore. Nor ſtaid they long; but, ſudden, from my view 'Their radiant forms an ambient cloud withdrew." He said: on every face ſat boding fears; When, lo! a portent, greater far, appears. Fierce from the foamy deep, of wondrous ſize, Springs an huge horſe; his mane expanded flies. From his ſtrong ſides he ſhakes th' adherent ſpray, Then towards the coaſt directs his rapid way. Skill'd in whate'er this prodigy portends, With pleaſure Peleus thus conſoles his friends : Now by his conſort's hand releas'd I ſee The car of Neptune, and his horſes free. A mother's name (or I predict in vain) Argo may boaſt; the feels a mother's pain. Her pregnant womb a troop of heroes bears, And endless perils for their ſafety ſhares. Come, let us now our boaſted ſtrength diſplay, And on our ſhoulders bear our ſhip away. Steer we through depths of ſand our dangerous Led by the ſteps of this portentous horſe. 'His ſteps reluctant preſs the dusty plain, But rapid bear him to his kindred main; 'Thither attend his flight.' Thus ſpoke the ſeer His pleaſing counſels gratified their ear. This wondrous tale the tuneful Nine recite, And as the Muſes dictate muſt I write. This have I heard, and this as truth proclaim, That you, O princely peers, of deathless fame, By the joint efforts of united hands, - Twelve days and nights, through Libya's burning High on your ſhoulders rais'd the veſſel's weight, All that its womb contain'd, a mighty freight! What woes o'ertook them, and what toils befell, No verſe can celebrate, no tongue can tell. Such brave exploits proclaim'd their godlike line, For, as their lineage, were their deeds, divine. But when Tritonis' lake the chiefs attain, They eas'd their ſhoulders, and embark'd again. Doom'd to acuter griefs they now are curs'd With all the miſeries of burning thirst; Like dogs they run its fury to afſfuage, And at a fountain's head ſuppreſs its rage. Nor wander'd they in vain, but ſoon explor'd The ſacred ſpot with golden apples ſtor'd, In Atlas' realm: the ſerpent's wakeful eyes Watch'd, till but yesterday, the golden prize. The fair Heſperides with kind ſurvey Tended the ſerpent as they tun'd their lay. But, lo! the monster, by Alcides ſlain, Beneath a branching pear-tree preſs'd the plain. His tail ſtill vibrates, though his ghastly head And ſpine immenſe lie motionleſs and dead. Flies in thick ſwarms his gory ſides ſurround, Drink his black blood, and dry the dripping wound, Made by the darts, whoſe poiſon'd tips detain The deadly venom of the Hydra ſlain. As Ladon's fate the penſive maids deplore, Their hands they wrung, their golden locks they tore; But, ſudden, as the heroes haſten'd near, They to the dust deſcend, and diſappear. Struck with the prodigy his eyes ſurvey'd, Thus to the nymphs obſervant Orpheus pray'd: Ye Goddeſſes, with blooming beauty bleſs'd, 'Look with benevolence on men diſtreſs'd. Whether ye grace the ſplendid courts of Jove, Or on this humbler earth auſpicious move; Whether to flowery paſtures ye repair, And the lov'd name of ſhepherdeſſes bear; 'Illuſtrious nymphs, from Ocean ſprung, ariſe, Bleſs with a recent view our longing eyes. 'Bid from the thirsty ſoil a torrent burſt, 'Or open ſome hard rock to flake our thirſt. 'Should we again our tatter'd ſails expand, 'And greet at last the dear Achaian land, 'Grateful we then theſe favours will repay, 'And choiceſt offerings on your altars lay: 'No Goddess, who frequents the courts of Jove, Shall greater honour ſhare, or greater love.' Thus Orpheus pray'd, with feeble voice and low : The liſtening nymphs commiſerate their woe. Firſt tender graſs they bade the ſoil diſcloſe; Then high above it verdant branches roſe. Erect and ſtrong, the ſpreading boughs diſplay'd Wide o'er the barren ſoil an ample ſhade. A poplar's trunk fair Hefpera receives, And in a weeping willow Ægle grieves. But Erytheïs in an elm remains: Each in her tree her proper ſhape retains ; Stupendous ſight! first Ægle ſilence broke, And kindly thus the ſuppliant band beſpoke : 'Hither ſome lawleſs plunderer came of late, Who will reverse the colour of your fate. Yon beast he ſlew, for whom we ſorrow now, And tore the golden apples from their bough. But yesterday the deſperate giant came; From his black eye-brows flaſh'd the livid flame: A lion's ſhaggy ſkin, beſmear'd with gore, Wide o'er his ſhoulders ſpread, the monster wore. On his ſtout ſtaff his fearleſs ſtep rely'd, And by his deadly dart the ſerpent died. He, like a ſturdy traveller, ſtalk'd along, Seeking ſome fount to cool his fiery tongue. With eager haſte he trod the dusty plain, And ſtill for water look'd, but look'd in vain. To this tall rock, hard by Tritonis' lake, Some God conducted him, his thirst to flake. 'Struck by his heel, its deep foundations ſhook, And from the yawning clefts a torrent broke. 'Prone on the ground the limpid ſtreams he ſwills, And, groveling like a beast, his belly fills.' Elated with the tale, they ſpeed their courſe, To find, as Ægle told, the fountain's ſource. As when aſſembled ants with joint eſſay Strive in ſome chink their lifted grain to lay : Or as when flies ſome liquid ſweet explore, They hang in clusters round the honied ſtore; Like them the Mynians: ſuch their numbers ſeem, And ſuch their haſte to gather round the ſtream. Conjecturing thus ſome grateful hero ſaid, As from the rill refresh'd he rais'd his head : Ye Gods! though abſent, great Alcides gives Theſe limpid ſtreams; by hirn each hero lives. Come, haſte we now the country to explore, 'And the loſt wanderer to our hoſt reſtore.' Inſtant to council roſe th' aſſociate band, Selecting heroes to explore the land. For nightly winds diſperſing o'er the plains The light, looſe ſands, no ſtep impreſs'd remains. Boreas' fleet ſons, who wing their airy flight, Sagacious Lynceus bleſs'd with keeneſt ſight, Euphemus ſwift of foot, and Cantheus ſpeed: Him his brave ſpirit urg'd and heaven decreed To aſk Alcides, on what fatal coaſt He left his comrade, Polyphemus loſt. When this bold chief had rear'd on Myſian ground, And fenc'd with circling walls a city round, Wide o'er the country, Argo's fate to learn, He roam'd, with Argo anxious to return. Scarce had his feet Calybian frontiers preſs'd, Ere fate conſign'd him to eternal reſt. Along the beach, with ſtately poplars ſpread, They rear'd a tomb in honour of the dead. But Lynceus deems, that, o'er the diſtant lands His ſight the long-loſt Hercules commands. Thus ſees the clown, or thinks he can defcry The new moon breaking through a cloudy ſky. Back to his comrades haſtes the joyous chief, Precludes their further ſearch, and gives their mind • Euphemus ſoon, and Boreas' ſons, his friends, Whoſe ſearch in empty expectation ends, Rejoin'd the hoſt: but thee, brave Canthus, ſlain Stern fate foredoom'd to preſs the Libyan plain. To feaſt his comrades with the grateful prey, He forc'd through ſcatter'd flocks his deſperate way. Sudden, his flock to guard, the ſhepherd flew, And with a rock's huge fragment Canthus ſlew. This sturdy villager, Caphaurus nam'd, His lofty lineage from Apollo claim'd, And Acacallis: conscious of his might, He fear'd no rival, nor declin'd the fight. Minos, her ſire, to Libya's coaſt remov'd Fair Acacallis, by the God belov'd. To Phœbus here a hopeful ſon ſhe gave, Amphithemis or Garamans the brave. Thy love, Amphithemis, Tritonis crown'd, And grac'd thy bed with Naſamon renown'd, And bold Caphaurus; whoſe deciſive blow Tranſmitted Canthus to the ſhades below. The bloody deed divulg'd to all the hoſt, Not long his conquest could Caphaurus boaſt. They to its ſepulchre the corſe convey, Weeping; and make the ſhepherd's flocks their prey. To Pluto's realms prophetic Mopſus fled, And join'd, on that ſad day, the mighty dead. With fate's decrees muſt mortal man comply, And the wiſe ſeer, in ſpite of preſcience, die. For, ſhelter'd from the fierce meridian ray, Beneath a ſandy bank a ſerpent lay. Innoxious till incens'd, he ne'er annoy'd, But ſtrove th' affrighted traveller to avoid. But all, whome'er the foodful earth contains, Who feel his darted venom in their veins, Nor long, nor diſtant deem the dreary road, That leads direct to Pluto's dark abode. His fangs infix'd when once the wretches feel, In vain would medicine's God attempt to heal. For when brave Perſeus (this her godlike ſon His mother oftener nam'd Eurymedon) O'er Libya flew, the Gorgon's head to bring, Freſh-ſlain and clripping, to th' expecting king, From every drop, that dyed the ſoil with blood, A ſerpent ſprung, and thus encreas'd the brood. The monster's ſpiry tail raſh Mopſus preſs'd With his unheeding foot: his tortur'd breast Upward he turn'd, and writh'd his ſpires around, Then with his venoin'd fang infix'd a deadly wound. Medea trembled and her female train : Fearless he bathes the wound, nor heeds the pain. But now, loſt wretch! each ſenſe is clos'd and dead, And o'er his ſinking eyes death's gloomy ſhade is Prone to the dust he falls: his cold remains Preſs with unwieldy weight the deſert plains. His faithful friends, and Jaſon with the reſt, Weep o'er the corſe, with heart-felt grief impreſs'd. His fleſh all putrid from the taint within, And hanging round him looſe his flabby ſkin, The burning ſun unable long to bear, His buſy comrades, with officious care, Deep in the ſoil conceal their delving ſpade, And ſoon a decent ſepulchre was made. Men, matrons, all, as round the grave they flock, Lamenting loud ſelect the ſacred lock : His corſe the bright-arm'd heroes thrice ſurround, And raiſe in ſeemly form the hallow'd mound, Then haſten to their ſhip: the ſouthern breeze Curl'd, as it blew, the ſurface of the ſeas. In ſad ſuſpenſe, ſtill wishing to forſake, And croſs with favouring gales Tritonis' lake, They loiter long, and waste the useful day In idle conteſt and in vain delay. A ſerpent thus, long ſcorch'd with ſummer's heat, Winds to ſome ſecret chink, his cool retreat. Enrag'd he hiſſes, rears his creſt on high, And furious darts his fire-emitting eye, Till haply he the wiſh'd-for chink pervade, And in its cool receſs ſecure a ſhade. Uncertain thus, the ſhip explor'd in vain The lake's wide mouth that open'd to the main. With pious care, as Orpheus gives command, They place Apollo's tripod on the ſtrand; That thoſe auſpicious Powers the coast who guard, Pleas'd with th' oblation, may their toils reward. Clad like a youth, before them ſtood confeſs'd The mighty Triton: in his hands he preſs'd The gather'd ſoil; this amicable ſign He to the heroes held, and ſpoke benign: 'The hospitable pledge my hand extends, The best I now can give, accept, my friends. Would you o'er ocean's paths your courſe diſcern, And learn the tracks, which ſtrangers wish to learn, Hear: from my ſire, the monarch of the main, 'I boaſt my ſcience; o'er theſe ſeas I reign. 'Perchance ev'n you, though distant far you came, May recogniſe Eurypylus's name, ' In Libya born.' He said: Euphemus took The proffer'd ſoil, and thus reſponſive ſpoke, If ſuch thy knowledge, friendly chief, explain Where Atthis lies, where rolls the Cretan main. "Reluctant ſail'd we towards the Libyan coaſt, "By angry heaven and adverſe tempests toſt : By land, with Argo o'er our ſhoulders caſt, "We toil'd, and launch'd her in this lake at last. "Nor can we yet our certain courſe deviſe, "Where full in proſpect Pelops' realms will riſe." He said: his hand out-ſtretching, Triton ſhew The lake's wide mouth, and ſea expos'd to view. Where the lake blackens, and its waters ſleep,-f Expect,' he cries, 'a paſſage to the deep. 'Obſerve the cliffs high towering on each ſide, And through the ſtreight they form your veſſel There, above Crete, where, mingling with the ſkies, Yon ocean ſpreads, the land of Pelops lies. When to the right th' expanded lake ye leave, 'And the ſafe ſeas your mighty freight receive, 'Still cautious coaſt along the winding ſtrand, 'Till you the cape's projecting ſides command: 'Your courſe, that cape once doubled, ſafe purſue, 'Your ſhip uninjur'd, and undaunted you. ' Thus gladden'd go; nor let your vigorous arms Droop with fatigue, and ſhake with vain alarms." Heartening he ſpoke: the decks they re-aſcend, And, rowing briſk, to croſs the lake contend. The proffer'd tripod friendly Triton takes, And hides his head beneath the dimpling lakes. Thus with the coſtly prize the God withdrew, Inſtant inviſible to mortal view. Inſpir'd with joy, that ſome ſuperior gueſt Had comfort given them, and with counſel bleſs'd, The choiceſt ſheep they bade their leader ſlay, And to the Power benign due honours pay. He to the galley's poop with ſpeed convey'd The choiceſt ſheep, and, as he offer'd, pray'd: 'Dread Deity, who late conſpicuous ſtood 'On the clear margin of this rolling flood, Whether great Triton's name delight tekine cary T Triton, whom all the watery watery Gods reverevalo Or ocean's daughters, as they ſound thy FameyoA Thee mighty Nereus, or thee Phoreuns name, A Be bounteous ſtill: bid all our labours ceaſe, aiH And reinſtate us in our native Greece 2pn a Thus pray'd the chief, as on the poop he stood, And ſunk the ſlaughter'd victim in the flood.oml His head above the billows Triton rear'd, And in his proper ſhape the God appear'd. H As when, intent his fiery ſteed to train, The horseman leads him to the dusty plain, His floating mane firm twisted in his hand, He runs, yet holds him ſubject to command: Superb he paces, by his master led, Curvetting ſtill, and toſſing high his head.n His bits, all white with gather'd foam around, -Craunch'd by his reſtleſs jaw, aloud reſound: Thus Triton's hands the vefſſel's head ſuſtain, And ſafely guide her to the ſeas again. His every limb, down to his ſwelling loin, Proclaims his likeneſs to the Powers divine. Below his loin his tapering tail extends; Arch'd like a whale's on either ſide it bends. Two pointed fins, projecting from his ſide, Cleave, as he ſcuds along th' oppoſing tide. Acute and tapering, theſe indented thorns A ſemblance bear to Phœbe's budding horns. His arm conducts her, till, from danger free, She rides imboſom'd in the open ſea. This prodigy the ſhouting warriours ſaw, Impreſs'd at once with gratitude and awe. Here ſhatter'd ſhips Argous' port receives, Here tokens of her voyage Argo leaves: To Triton here, high-towering o'er the ſtrand, And here to Neptune ſtately altars ſtand. For here they linger'd out one uſeleſs day; But with fresh breezes ſail'd, at morn, away. Far to the right they leave the deſert land, And the ſtretch'd canvaſs to the winds expand. Gaining mid ocean with returning light, The doubled cape diminiſh'd from their ſight. The zephyrs ceaſing, roſe the ſouthern gale, And cheer'd the ſhouting heroes as they ſail. The evening-ſtar now lifts, as day-light fades, His golden circlet in the deepening ſhades; The Lines thus marked are Broome's, who has tranſlated the ſtory of Talus; not without ſeveral omiſſions, which Stretch'd at his eaſe the weary labourer ſhares A fweer forgetfulness of human cares: basна At once in ſilence ſleep the ſinking gales, M The maſt they drop, and furl the flagging ſails; All night, all day, they ply their bending oars Towards Carpathus, and reach the rocky ſhores; Thence Crete they view, emerging from the main, The queen of iſles; but Crete they view in in v vain. There Tagus mountains hurls with all their woods; Whole ſeas roll back, and toſſing ſwell in floods. Amaz'd the towering monster they ſurvey, And trembling view the interdicted bay. His birth he drew from giants ſprung from oak, Or the hard entrails of the ſtubborn rock : Fierce guard of Crete! who thrice each year explores The trembling iſle, and ſtrides from ſhores to ſhores, A form of living braſs! one part beneath Alone he bears, a part to let in death, Where o'er the ankle ſwells the turgid vein, Soft to the ſtroke, and ſenſible of pain. Pining with want, and ſunk in deep diſmay, From Crete får diſtant had they ſail'd away, But the fair ſorcereſs their ſpeed repreſs'd, And thus the crew diſconſolate addreſs'd: Attend. This monſter, ribb'd with braſs around, 'My art, I ween, will level to the ground. 'Whate'er his name, his ſtrength however great, Still, not immortal, muſt he yield to fate. 'But from the far-thrown fragments ſafe retreat, 'Till proſtrate fall the giant at my feet. She said: retiring at her ſage command, They wait the movement of her magic hand. Wide o'er her face her purple veil ſhe ſpread, And climb'd the lofty decks, by Jaſon led. And now her magic arts Medea tries; Bids the red Furies, dogs of Oreus, riſe, That ſtarting dreadful from th' infernal ſhade, Ride heaven in ſtorms, and all that breathes invade. Thrice ſhe applies the power of magic pray'r, Thrice, hellward bending, mutters charms in air; Then, turning towards the foe, bids miſchief fly, And looks deſtruction, as ſhe points her eye. Then ſpectres, riſing from Tartarean bow'rs, Howl round in air, or grin along the ſhores.* Father ſupreme! what fears my breaſt annoy, Since not diſeaſe alone can life deſtroy, Or wounds inflicted fate's decrees fulfil, But magic's ſecret arts have power to kill ! For, by Medea's incantations plied, Enfeebled ſoon the brazen monster died. While rending up the earth in wrath he throws Rock after rock against th' aerial foes, Lo! frantic as he ſtrides, a sudden wound Burſts the life-vein, and blood o'erſpreads the As from a furnace, in a burning flood Pours melting lead, ſo pours in ſtreams his blood: And now he ſtaggers, as the ſpirit flies, He faints, he ſinks, he tumbles, and he dies, As ſome huge cedar on a mountain's brow, Pierc'd by the ſteel, expects a final blow, Awhile it totters with alternate ſway, Till freſhening breezes through the branches play; Then tumbling downward with a thundering ſound, Headlong it falls, and ſpreads a length of ground: So, as the giant falls, the ocean roars, Outſtretch'd he lies, and covers half the ſhores.** Crete thus deliver'd from this baneful peſt, The Mynians unmoleſted ſunk to reſt. Soon as Aurora's orient beams appear, A temple they to Cretan Pallas rear, With water ſtor'd, once more the busy train Embark, and laſh the foamy brine again. Aſſiduous all with equal ardour glow Diſtant to leave Salmonis' lofty brow. As o'er the Cretan deep the galley flew, Around them night her ſable mantle threw; Pernicious night, whoſe all-inveſting ſhade Nor ſtars, nor Phœbe's brighter rays pervade. Thick darkneſs, or from heaven, or hell profound, Spread, as it roſe, its rueful ſhades around. Uncertain whether, on huge billows toft, Sublime they ſail, or ſink to Pluto's coaſt, Uncertain where the bursting wave may throw, They to the ſea commit their weal or woe. Jaſon aloud, with lifted hands, addreſs'd The God of day to ſuccour the diſtreſs'd. The tears fast trickling down his ſorrowing face, He vow'd with gifts the Delphic ſhrine to grace, He vow'd with choiceſt gifts, an ample ſtore, To load Amycle, and Ortygia's ſhore. Attentive to his tears and meek requeſt, Phœbus from heaven deſcends, and ſtands confeſs'd, Where, frowning hideous o'er the deeps below, The rocks of Melans lift their ſhaggy brow. Awhile on one of theſe he takes his landi His golden bow high lifting in his hand ni odgojo Aſſiſted by whoſe far-reflected light An iſle of ſmall extent attracts their Amid the Sporades; against it ſtondon Hippuris, circled by the rolling Aood Their anchors here they drop. Aurora's ray Glimmer'd, and ſunk before the light of day. A temple here o'er-arch'd with woods they raiſe, ! And bid an altar to Apollo blaze, On whom the name Æglete they beſtow; For here the God diſplay'd his beamy bow. Here, ſince on Argo's crew all bright he ſhone, By the name Anaphe the ifſle is known. The ſcanty produce of this barren iſſe To Phœbus they on humble altars pile. Each fair Phæacian in Medea's train, Who oft had seen the fatted oxen ſlain In king Alcinoüs' court, in laughter joins At ſight of water pour'd on burning pines, on) With well-diſſembled wrath the chiefs reprove H The laughing damſels, and the mirth they love. A wordy altercation ſoon began, and I won jud And pleaſant raillery through the circle fangui Hence, to Æglete, on this feſtive day, All who in Anaphe due honours pay, Maidens and men, a mix'd aſſembly, join In friendly contests and debates benign. The halfers now were looſen'd from their hold, And unrestrain'd in ocean Argo roll'd, When thus the dream of night, yet uneffac'd, Revering Maia's ſon, Euphemus trac'd. How, with cloſe grasp the ſacred clod compreſs'd, Stream'd with a milky current at his breaſt. And from this clod, though ſmall, his wondering eyes Beheld a lovely, female form ariſe. Charm'd with the beauteous fair, he ſoon reſign'd To nuptial joys his love-devoted mind, Lamenting ſtill that he the maid ſhould wed, Whom at his foſtering breast with milk he fed. "Thy children's nurse am I," (the fair began, Accoſting mild the diſconcerted man) "But not thy daughter: I from Triton came (Triton and Libya my parents' name) A "He fix'd near Anaphe my watery cell, "And bade me here with Nereus' daughters dwell.! "But now I haſten towards the ſun's bright ray, "And to thy race the choiceſt boon convey...A This dream recurring to his mind again, He told the leader of the gallant train, Who, long revolving, thus at length reveal'd Thoſe myſtic truths the Pythic ſhrine conceal'd: Ye Gods! what glory waits thy valorous deeds, 'What fame, Euphemus, to thy toil ſucceeds! For, when in ocean's bed this earth you fling, A 'Thence (ſo the Gods ordain) an iſle ſhall ſpring; Here ſhall thy children's children late repoſe. 'Triton this hospitable gift beſtows: 'He tore from Afric's coast the treaſur'd ſoil; To him, of all the Gods, afſcribe the iſle.' Thus ſpoke he preſcient, nor in vain divin'd: Euphemus heard him with attentive mind; Tranſported with the preſage, forth he ſprung, And the mysterious clod in ocean flung. Inſtant emerging from the refluent tides, Calliſte's ine diſplay'd its wave-waſh'd ſides, Nurſe of Euphemus' race: in days of yore, They dwelt on Sintian Lemnos' footy ſhore, Exil'd from Lemnos by Etrurian force, To Sparta's friendly walls they bent their courſe: Ejected thence, Theras, Auteſion's heir Bade him to fam'd Calliſte's iſle repair; His name it took: th' events we now diſplay Were unaccomplish'd in Euphemus' day. Vaſt tracts of ocean paſs'd, the joyous hoſt Steer'd towards, and anchor'd on Ægina's coast. They here propoſe a trial of their ſkill; What chief can firſt the weighty bucket fill, And, ere his fellows intercept his way, Firſt to the ſhip the watery ſtore convey. For parching thirst, and winds that briſkly blew, To the fleet courſe inclin'd the gallant crew. His bucket now, replenish'd at the ſprings, Each ſtout Theſſalian on his ſhoulder brings; Intent the palm of conquest to obtain, He ſcours with ſpeedy foot acroſs the plain. Hail, happy race of heroes, and repay With tributary praiſe my tuneful lay! With pleaſure ſtill may diſtant times rehearſe And added years on years exalt my verſe! For here I fix the period of your woes, And with your glorious toils my numbers cloſe. Your galley looſen'd from Ægina's ſhore, Waves diſcompos'd, and winds detain'd no more. Serene ye ſail'd beſide th' Achaian ſtrand, Where Cecrops' towers the ſubject main command, Where oppoſite Euboea Aulis lies, : And where the Locrian cities lofty riſe, Till Pagafæ her friendly port diſplay'd, Where rode triumphant Argo ſafe embay'd.