He spake, and at once he sped the ship onward through the midst of the
sea past the Bithynian coast. But Jason with gentle words addressed him
in reply: "Tiphys, why dost thou comfort thus my grieving heart? I have
erred and am distraught in wretched and helpless ruin. For I ought, when
Pelias gave the command, to have straightway refused this quest to his
face, yea, though I were doomed to die pitilessly, torn limb from limb,
but now I am wrapped in excessive fear and cares unbearable, dreading to
sail through the chilling paths of the sea, and dreading when we shall
set foot on the mainland. For on every side are unkindly men. And ever
when day is done I pass a night of groans from the time when ye first
gathered together for my sake, while I take thought for all things; but
thou talkest at thine ease, caring only for thine own life; while for
myself I am dismayed not a whit; but I fear for this man and for that
equally, and for thee, and for my other comrades, if I shall not bring
you back safe to the land of Hellas."

Thus he spake, making trial of the chiefs; but they shouted loud with
cheerful words. And his heart was warmed within him at their cry and
again he spake outright among them: "My friends, in your valour my
courage is quickened. Wherefore now, even though I should take my way
through the gulfs of Hades, no more shall I let fear seize upon me,
since ye are steadfast amid cruel terrors. But now that we have sailed
out from the striking rocks, I trow that never hereafter will there be
another such fearful thing, if indeed we go on our way following the
counsel of Phineus."

Thus he spake, and straightway they ceased from such words and gave
unwearying labour to the oar; and quickly they passed by the swiftly
flowing river Rhebas and the peak of Colone, and soon thereafter the