he started up in eagerness; and Idas rose up the third in his pride; and
the twin sons of Tyndareus; and with them Oeneus' son who was numbered
among strong men, though even the soft down on his cheek showed not yet;
with such courage was his soul uplifted. But the others gave way to
these in silence. And straightway Argus spake these words to those that
longed for the contest:

"My friends, this indeed is left us at the last. But I deem that there
will come to you some timely aid from my mother. Wherefore, eager though
ye be, refrain and abide in your ship a little longer as before, for it
is better to forbear than recklessly to choose an evil fate. There is a
maiden, nurtured in the halls of Aeetes, whom the goddess Hecate taught
to handle magic herbs with exceeding skill--all that the land and
flowing waters produce. With them is quenched the blast of unwearied
flame, and at once she stays the course of rivers as they rush roaring
on, and checks the stars and the paths of the sacred moon. Of her we
bethought us as we came hither along the path from the palace, if haply
my mother, her own sister, might persuade her to aid us in the venture.
And if this is pleasing to you as well, surely on this very day will I
return to the palace of Aeetes to make trial; and perchance with some
god's help shall I make the trial."

Thus he spake, and the gods in their goodwill gave them a sign. A
trembling dove in her flight from a mighty hawk fell from on high,
terrified, into the lap of Aeson's son, and the hawk fell impaled on the
stern-ornament. And quickly Mopsus with prophetic words spake among them
all:

"For you, friends, this sign has been wrought by the will of heaven; in
no other way is it possible to interpret its meaning better, than to