Aeetes and the tribes of the Colchians; these were stationed on the
Caucasian heights, but the king by the winding brink of the river.

Now Aeson's son, as soon as his comrades had made the hawsers fast,
leapt from the ship, and with spear and shield came forth to the
contest; and at the same time he took the gleaming helmet of bronze
filled with sharp teeth, and his sword girt round his shoulders, his
body stripped, in somewise resembling Ares and in somewise Apollo of the
golden sword. And gazing over the field he saw the bulls' yoke of bronze
and near it the plough, all of one piece, of stubborn adamant. Then he
came near, and fixed his sturdy spear upright on its butt, and taking
his helmet off leant it against the spear. And he went forward with
shield alone to examine the countless tracks of the bulls, and they from
some unseen lair beneath the earth, where was their strong steading,
wrapt in murky smoke, both rushed out together, breathing forth flaming
fire. And sore afraid were the heroes at the sight. But Jason, setting
wide his feet, withstood their onset, as in the sea a rocky reef
withstands the waves tossed by the countless blasts. Then in front of
him he held his shield; and both the bulls with loud bellowing attacked
him with their mighty horns; nor did they stir him a jot by their onset.
And as when through the holes of the furnace the armourers' bellows anon
gleam brightly, kindling the ravening flame, and anon cease from
blowing, and a terrible roar rises from the fire when it darts up from
below; so the bulls roared, breathing forth swift flame from their
mouths, while the consuming heat played round him, smiting like
lightning; but the maiden's charms protected him. Then grasping the tip
of the horn of the right-hand bull, he dragged it mightily with all his
strength to bring it near the yoke of bronze, and forced it down on to
its knees, suddenly striking with his foot the foot of bronze. So also
he threw the other bull on to its knees as it rushed upon him, and smote