eyes it kindled a sweet
longing; yet for all her desire, awe withheld each one from laying her
hand thereon. Some were called daughters of the river Aegaeus; others
dwelt round the crests of the Meliteian mount; and others were woodland
nymphs from the plains. For Hera herself, the spouse of Zeus, had sent
them to do honour to Jason. That cave is to this day called the sacred
cave of Medea, where they spread the fine and fragrant linen and brought
these two together. And the heroes in their hands wielded their spears
for war, lest first a host of foes should burst upon them for battle
unawares, and, their heads enwreathed with leafy sprays, all in harmony,
while Orpheus' harp rang clear, sang the marriage song at the entrance
to the bridal chamber. Yet not in the house of Alcinous was the hero,
Aeson's son, minded to complete his marriage, but in his father's hall
when he had returned home to Ioleus; and such was the mind of Medea
herself; but necessity led them to wed at this time. For never in truth
do we tribes of woe-stricken mortals tread the path of delight with
sure foot; but still some bitter affliction keeps pace with our joy.
Wherefore they too, though their souls were melted with sweet love, were
held by fear, whether the sentence of Alcinous would be fulfilled.

(ll. 1170-1227) Now dawn returning with her beams divine scattered the
gloomy night through the sky; and the island beaches laughed out and the
paths over the plains far off, drenched with dew, and there was a din in
the streets; the people were astir throughout the city, and far away
the Colchians were astir at the bounds of the isle of Macris. And
straightway to them went Alcinous, by reason of his covenant, to declare
his purpose concerning the maiden, and in his hand he held a golden
staff, his staff of justice, whereby the people had righteous judgments
meted out to them throughout the city. And with him in order due and
arrayed in their harness of war went marching, band by band, the chiefs
of the Phaeacians. And from the towers came forth the women in crowds to
gaze upon the heroes; and the country folk came to meet them when they
heard the news, for Hera had sent forth a true report. And one led the
chosen ram of his flock, and another a heifer that had never toiled; and
others set hard by jars of wine for mixing; and the smoke of sacrifice
leapt up far away. And women bore fine linen, the fruit of much toil, as
women will, and gifts of gold