f an insolent step-dame,
nor did sons, as before, defend their mother against unseemly outrage;
nor did brothers care at heart for their sister. But in their homes, in
the dance, in the assembly and the banquet all their thought was only
for their captive maidens; until some god put desperate courage in our
hearts no more to receive our lords on their return from Thrace within
our towers so that they might either heed the right or might depart and
begone elsewhither, they and their captives. So they begged of us all
the male children that were left in the city and went back to where even
now they dwell on the snowy tilths of Thrace. Do ye therefore stay and
settle with us; and shouldst thou desire to dwell here, and this finds
favour with thee, assuredly thou shalt have the prerogative of my father
Thoas; and I deem that thou wilt not scorn our land at all; for it is
deepsoiled beyond all other islands that lie in the Aegaean sea. But
come now, return to the ship and relate my words to thy comrades, and
stay not outside our city."

(ll. 834-835) She spoke, glozing over the murder that had been wrought
upon the men; and Jason addressed her in answer:

(ll. 836-841) "Hypsipyle, very dear to our hearts is the help we shall
meet with, which thou grantest to us who need thee. And I will return
again to the city when I have told everything in order due. But let the
sovereignty of the island be thine; it is not in scorn I yield it up,
but grievous trials urge me on."

(ll. 842-852) He spake, and touched her right hand; and quickly he
turned to go back: and round him the young maids on every side danced
in countless numbers in their joy till he passed through the gates. And
then they came to the shore in smooth-running wains, bearing with them
many gifts, when now he had related from beginning to end the speech
which Hypsipyle had spoken when she summoned them; and the maids readily
led the men back to their homes for entertainment. For Cypris stirred
in them a sweet desire, for the sake of Hephaestus of many counsels, in
order that Lemnos might be again inhabited by men and not be ruined.

(ll. 853-864) Thereupon Aeson's son started to go to the royal home of
Hypsipyle; and the rest went each his way as chance took them, all but
Heracles; for he of his own will was left behind by the ship and a few
chosen comrades with him. And straightway the city rejoiced with dances
and banquets, being filled with the steam of sacrifice;