"Wretched men, does the murder of kindred keep us from our native land?
Or is it in want of marriage that we have come hither from thence, in
scorn of our countrywomen? Does it please us to dwell here and plough
the rich soil of Lemnos? No fair renown shall we win by thus tarrying so
long with stranger women; nor will some god seize and give us at our
prayer a fleece that moves of itself. Let us then return each to his
own; but him leave ye to rest all day long in the embrace of Hypsipyle
until he has peopled Lemnos with men-children, and so there come to him
great glory."

Thus did he chide the band; but no one dared to meet his eye or to utter
a word in answer. But just as they were in the assembly they made ready
their departure in all haste, and the women came running towards them,
when they knew their intent. And as when bees hum round fair lilies
pouring forth from their hive in the rock, and all around the dewy
meadow rejoices, and they gather the sweet fruit, flitting from one to
another; even so the women eagerly poured forth, clustering round the
men with loud lament, and greeted each one with hands and voice, praying
the blessed gods to grant him a safe return. And so Hypsipyle too
prayed, seizing the hands of Aeson's son, and her tears flowed for the
loss of her lover:

"Go, and may heaven bring thee back again with thy comrades unharmed,
bearing to the king the golden fleece, even as thou wilt and thy heart
desireth; and this island and my father's sceptre will be awaiting thee,
if on thy return hereafter thou shouldst choose to come hither again;
and easily couldst thou gather a countless host of men from other
cities. But thou wilt not have this desire, nor do I myself forbode that
so it will be. Still remember Hypsipyle when thou art far away and when
thou hast returned; and leave me some word of bidding, which I will