borders on the Cadmeians. But why do I tell thee all this vain talk, of
our home and of Minos' daughter, far-famed Ariadne, by which glorious
name they called that lovely maiden of whom thou askest me? Would that,
as Minos then was well inclined to Theseus for her sake, so may thy
father be joined to us in friendship!"

Thus he spake, soothing her with gentle converse. But pangs most bitter
stirred her heart and in grief did she address him with vehement words:

"In Hellas, I ween, this is fair--to pay heed to covenants; but Aeetes
is not such a man among men as thou sayest was Pasiphae's husband,
Minos; nor can I liken myself to Ariadne; wherefore speak not of
guest-love. But only do thou, when thou hast reached Iolcus, remember
me, and thee even in my parents' despite, will I remember. And from far
off may a rumour come to me or some messenger-bird, when thou forgettest
me; or me, even me, may swift blasts catch up and bear over the sea
hence to Iolcus, that so I may cast reproaches in thy face and remind
thee that it was by my good will thou didst escape. May I then be seated
in thy halls, an unexpected guest!"

Thus she spake with piteous tears falling down her cheeks, and to her
Jason replied: "Let the empty blasts wander at will, lady, and the
messenger-bird, for vain is thy talk. But if thou comest to those abodes
and to the land of Hellas, honoured and reverenced shalt thou be by
women and men; and they shall worship thee even as a goddess, for that
by thy counsel their sons came home again, their brothers and kinsmen,
and stalwart husbands were saved from calamity. And in our bridal
chamber shalt thou prepare our couch; and nothing shall come between our
love till the doom of death fold us round."