r foes, the Sauromatae. He with his comrades
would subdue them for you. And if you would ask of the names and the
lineage of the heroes who are with Jason I shall tell you. This is
Peleus and this is Telamon; they are brothers, and they are sons of
AEacus, who was of the seed of Zeus. And all the other heroes who have
come with them are of the seed of the gods."

So Phrontis said, but the King was not placated by what he said. He
thought that the sons of Chalciope had returned to Aea bringing these
warriors with them so that they might wrest the kingship from him, or,
failing that, plunder the city. AEetes's heart was filled with wrath as
he looked upon them, and his eyes shone as a leopard's eyes.

"Begone from my sight," he cried, "robbers that ye are! Tricksters! If
you had not eaten at my table, assuredly I should have had your tongues
cut out for speaking falsehoods about the blessed gods, saying that
this one and that of your companions was of their divine race."

Telamon and Peleus strode forward with angry hearts; they would have
laid their hands upon King AEetes only Jason held them back. And then
speaking to the king in a quiet voice, Jason said:

"Bear with us, King AEetes, I pray you. We have not come with such evil
intent as you think. Ah, it was the evil command of an evil king that
sent me forth with these companions of mine across dangerous gulfs of
the sea, and to face your wrath and the armed men you can bring against
us. We are ready to make great recompense for the friendliness you may
show to us. We will subdue for you the Sauromatae, or any other people
that you would lord it over."

But AEetes was not made friendly by Jason's words. His heart was divided
as to whether he should summon his armed men and have them slain upon
the spot, or whether he should put them into danger by the trial he
would make of them.

At last he thought that it would be better to put them to the trial
that he had in mind, slaying them afterward if need be. And then he
spoke to Jason, saying:

"Strangers to Colchis, it may be true what my nephews have said. It may
be that ye are truly of the seed of the immortals. And it may be that I
shall give you the Golden Fleece to bear away after I have made trial
of you."

As he spoke Medea, brought there by his messenger so that she might
observe the strangers, came into the chamber. She entered softly and
she stood away from her father and the four who were speaking with