and she, like a winged arrow, sped through the air.
Nevertheless the rocks, ceaselessly clashing, shore off as she passed
the extreme end of the stern-ornament. But Athena soared up to Olympus,
when they had escaped unscathed. And the rocks in one spot at that
moment were rooted fast for ever to each other, which thing had been
destined by the blessed gods, when a man in his ship should have passed
between them alive. And the heroes breathed again after their chilling
fear, beholding at the same time the sky and the expanse of sea
spreading far and wide. For they deemed that they were saved from Hades;
and Tiphys first of all began to speak:

"It is my hope that we have safely escaped this peril--we, and the ship;
and none other is the cause so much as Athena, who breathed into Argo
divine strength when Argus knitted her together with bolts; and she may
not be caught. Son of Aeson, no longer fear thou so much the best of thy
king, since a god hath granted us escape between the rocks; for Phineus,
Agenor's son, said that our toils hereafter would be lightly
accomplished."

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 seiz