Now a deep slumber had relieved the maiden from her love-pains as she
lay upon her couch. But straightway fearful dreams, deceitful, such as
trouble one in grief, assailed her. And she thought that the stranger
had taken on him the contest, not because he longed to win the ram's
fleece, and that he had not come on that account to Aeetes' city, but to
lead her away, his wedded wife, to his own home; and she dreamed that
herself contended with the oxen and wrought the task with exceeding
ease; and that her own parents set at naught their promise, for it was
not the maiden they had challenged to yoke the oxen but the stranger
himself; from that arose a contention of doubtful issue between her
father and the strangers; and both laid the decision upon her, to be as
she should direct in her mind. But she suddenly, neglecting her parents,
chose the stranger. And measureless anguish seized them and they shouted
out in their wrath; and with the cry sleep released its hold upon her.
Quivering with fear she started up, and stared round the walls of her
chamber, and with difficulty did she gather her spirit within her as
before, and lifted her voice aloud:

"Poor wretch, how have gloomy dreams affrighted me! I fear that this
voyage of the heroes will bring some great evil. My heart is trembling
for the stranger. Let him woo some Achaean girl fair away among his own
folk; let maidenhood be mine and the home of my parents. Yet, taking to
myself a reckless heart, I will no more keep aloof but will make trial
of my sister to see if she will entreat me to aid in the contest,
through grief for her own sons; this would quench the bitter pain in my
heart."

She spake, and rising from her bed opened the door of her chamber,
bare-footed, clad in one robe; and verily she desired to go to her