struck with silence; till at last
the hero, son of Aeson, spake, sore dismayed at their evil plight:

(ll. 411-418) "O aged sire, now hast thou come to the end of the toils
of our sea-journeying and hast told us the token, trusting to which we
shall make our way to Pontus through the hateful rocks; but whether,
when we have escaped them, we shall have a return back again to Hellas,
this too would we gladly learn from thee. What shall I do, how shall I
go over again such a long path through the sea, unskilled as I am, with
unskilled comrades? And Colchian Aea lies at the edge of Pontus and of
the world."

(ll. 419-425) Thus he spake, and him the aged sire addressed in reply:
"O son, when once thou hast escaped through the deadly rocks, fear not;
for a deity will be the guide from Aea by another track; and to Aea
there will be guides enough. But, my friends, take thought of the artful
aid of the Cyprian goddess. For on her depends the glorious issue of
your venture. And further than this ask me not."

(ll. 426-437) Thus spake Agenor's son, and close at hand the twin sons
of Thracian Boreas came darting from the sky and set their swift feet
upon the threshold; and the heroes rose up from their seats when they
saw them present. And Zetes, still drawing hard breath after his toil,
spake among the eager listeners, telling them how far they had driven
the Harpies and how his prevented their slaying them, and how the
goddess of her grace gave them pledges, and how those others in fear
plunged into the vast cave of the Dictaean cliff. Then in the mansion
all their comrades were joyful at the tidings and so was Phineus
himself. And quickly Aeson's son, with good will exceeding, addressed
him:

(ll. 438-442) "Assuredly there was then, Phineus, some god who cared for
thy bitter woe, and brought us hither from afar, that the sons of Boreas
might aid thee; and if too he should bring sight to thine eyes, verily I
should rejoice, methinks, as much as if I were on my homeward way."

(ll. 443-447) Thus he spake, but Phineus replied to him with downcast
look: "Son of Aeson, that is past recall, nor is there any remedy
hereafter, for blasted are my sightless eyes. But instead of that, may
the god grant me death at once, and after death I shall take my share in
perfect bliss."

(ll. 448-467) Then they two returned answering speech, each to other,
and soon in the midst of their converse early dawn appeared; and round
Phineus were gat