he Cytaean city of
Aea, and on the other side the plain of Ares and the sacred grove of
that god, where the serpent was keeping watch and ward over the fleece
as it hung on the leafy branches of an oak. And Aeson's son himself from
a golden goblet poured into the river libations of honey and pure wine
to Earth and to the gods of the country, and to the souls of dead
heroes; and he besought them of their grace to give kindly aid, and to
welcome their ship's hawsers with favourable omen. And straightway
Ancaeus spake these words:

"We have reached the Colchian land and the stream of Phasis; and it is
time for us to take counsel whether we shall make trial of Aeetes with
soft words, or an attempt of another kind shall be fitting."

Thus he spake, and by the advice of Argus Jason bade them enter a shaded
backwater and let the ship ride at anchor off shore; and it was near at
hand in their course and there they passed the night. And soon the dawn
appeared to their expectant eyes.

BOOK III

SUMMARY OF BOOK III

Invocation of the Muse, Erato (1-5).--Hera and Athena, after
consultation, visit Cypris to ask the aid of her son Eros on behalf
of the Argonauts (6-110).--Eros promises to pierce with an arrow
Medea, daughter of Aeetes: Jason lays his plans before his comrades
(111-209).--Arrival of Jason and a few chosen companions at the
palace of Aeetes, which is described: Eros performs his promise
(210-298).--Interview between Aeetes and the heroes: Jason
undertakes the task imposed by the king as the price of obtaining
the golden fleece (299-438).--Anguish of Medea because of her love
for Jason (439-470).--On the advice of Argus, it is decided to
apply for Medea's aid through Chalciope, mother of Argus and sister
of Medea (471-575).--Plans of Aeetes against the Argonauts
(576-608).--Medea promises Chalciope to aid her sons and their
companions (609-743)--After long hesitation Medea prepares to carry
magic drugs to Jason and goes with her attendants to meet him at
Hecate's temple (744-911).--Interview of Jason and Medea: return of
Medea to the palace (912-1162).--Aeetes hands over the dragons
teeth to Jason's messengers. Jason offers a nocturnal sacrifice to
Hecate (1163-1224).--Preparations of Jason: he yokes the fiery
bulls, sows the dragons teeth, and compels the giants who spring up
to slay one another, hims