s, was soon
out of sight, and the sea-breeze only wafted to the shore a faint echo of
the sweet strains of Orpheus.

For a time all went smoothly, but the vessel was soon driven, by stress of
weather, to take refuge in a harbour in the island of Lemnos. This island
was inhabited by women only, who, the year before, in a fit of mad
jealousy, had killed all the male population of the island, with the
exception of the father of their queen, Hypsipyle. As the protection of
their island now devolved upon themselves they were always on the look-out
for danger. When, therefore, they sighted the Argo from afar they armed
themselves and rushed to the shore, determined to repel any invasion of
their territory.

On arriving in port the Argonauts, astonished at beholding an armed crowd
of women, despatched a herald in one of their boats, bearing the staff of
peace and friendship. Hypsipyle, the queen, proposed that food and presents
should be sent to the strangers, in order to prevent their landing; but her
old nurse, who stood beside her, suggested that this would be a good
opportunity to provide themselves with noble husbands, who would act as
their defenders, and thus put an end to their constant fears. Hypsipyle
listened attentively to the advice of her nurse, and after some
consultation, decided to invite the strangers into the city. Robed in his
purple mantle, the gift of Pallas-Athene, Jason, accompanied by some of his
companions, stepped on shore, where he was met by a deputation consisting
of the most beautiful of the Lemnian women, and, as commander of the
expedition, was invited into the palace of the queen.

When he appeared before Hypsipyle, she was so struck with his godlike and
heroic presence that she presented him with her father's sceptre, and
invited him to seat himself on the throne beside her. Jason thereupon {218}
took up his residence in the royal castle, whilst his companions scattered
themselves through the town, spending their time in feasting and pleasure.
Heracles, with a few chosen comrades, alone remained on board.

From day to day their departure was delayed, and the Argonauts, in their
new life of dissipation, had almost forgotten the object of the expedition,
when Heracles suddenly appeared amongst them, and at last recalled them to
a sense of their duty.

GIANTS AND DOLIONES.--The Argonauts now pursued their voyage, till contrary
winds drove them towards an island, inhabited by the Doliones, wh