uch beauty moved Jason through the
throng of people; and a cry arose as they shouted together. And there
met him aged Iphias, priestess of Artemis guardian of the city, and
kissed his right hand, but she had not strength to say a word, for all
her eagerness, as the crowd rushed on, but she was left there by the
wayside, as the old are left by the young, and he passed on and was gone
afar.

Now when he had left the well-built streets of the city he came to the
beach of Pagasae, where his comrades greeted him as they stayed together
near the ship Argo. And he stood at the entering in, and they were
gathered to meet him. And they perceived Acastus and Argus coming from
the city, and they marvelled when they saw them hasting with all speed,
despite the will of Pelias. The one, Argus, son of Arestor, had cast
round his shoulders the hide of a bull reaching to his feet, with the
black hair upon it, the other, a fair mantle of double fold, which his
sister Pelopeia had given him. Still Jason forebore from asking them
about each point but bade all be seated for an assembly. And there, upon
the folded sails and the mast as it lay on the ground, they all took
their seats in order. And among them with goodwill spake Aeson's son:

"All the equipment that a ship needs--for all is in due order--lies
ready for our departure. Therefore we will make no long delay in our
sailing for these things' sake, when the breezes but blow fair. But,
friends,--for common to all is our return to Hellas hereafter, and
common to all is our path to the land of Aeetes--now therefore with
ungrudging heart choose the bravest to be our leader, who shall be
careful for everything, to take upon him our quarrels and covenants with
strangers."

Thus he spake; and the young heroes turned their eves towards bold
Heracles sitting in their midst, and with one shout they all enjoined
upon him to be their leader; but he, from the place where he sat,
stretched forth his right hand and said:

"Let no one offer this honour to me. For I will not consent, and I will
forbid any other to stand up. Let the hero who brought us together,
himself be the leader of the host."

Thus he spake with high thoughts, and they assented, as Heracles bade;
and warlike Jason himself rose up, glad at heart, and thus addressed the
eager throng:

"If ye entrust your glory to my care, no longer as before let our path
be hindered. Now at last let us propitiate Phoebus with sacrifice and