r'd,
Through seas unplough'd before, they sought the fleece
Splendid with glittering wool; with all the train
Of Minyae, in the first-built vessel borne.

*The Seventh Book.*

Expedition of the Argonauts. Jason obtains the golden fleece, by
the assistance of Medea. AEson restored to youth by her magic
powers. Murder of Pelias by his daughters. Medea's flight to
Corinth. Murder of her rival and infants. Marriage with AEgeus.
Adventures of Theseus. War with Minos. Plague in AEgina. Change of
ants into Myrmidons. Cephalus and Procris.

THE *Seventh Book* OF THE METAMORPHOSES OF OVID.

Now in the Pagasaean vessel borne,
Plough'd the wide sea the Argonauts, and saw
The fate of Phineus; whose old age the curse
Of hunger felt, and felt perpetual night.
The youths from Boreas sprung, quick sped to flight
The virgin-featur'd birds, his hapless face,
Far distant. 'Neath great Jason's rule much toil
They bore ere on the oozy banks they stay'd
Of rapid Phasis. Here the king they seek;
And here demand the golden fleece; and here
An answer big with fearful labors learn
The Grecian crew. Meantime the royal maid
Burns with fierce fires: with reason struggling long,
Still her hot flame to quench unable, cries
Aloud Medea;--"vainly I oppose!
"Some unknown god controls. Perhaps 'tis love!
"If love 'tis not, no sentiment more near
"To love can come. Why else my sire's commands
"So harsh appear? But harsh in truth they are.
"But why his failing dread? Why dread his death,
"But barely seen? What cause such fear can give?
"O, hapless maid! would from my virgin breast
"Those flames to fling were given. If mine the power
"More wisdom would I use. But me this force,
"Before unknown, unwilling drags; this love
"Persuades, oppos'd to reason: plain I see
"The better track,--approve it most, yet swerv'd,
"I tread the worse. Why, royal virgin, burn
"Thus for a stranger guest? Why long'st thou thus,
"A foreign partner in the marriage bed
"To clasp? Thy country well can thee supply
"What e'er thou lovest. In the gods' decree
"His death or safety rests. Yet may he live!
"Pray may'st thou for him sure,--love unconcern'd.
"But what has Jason done? Savage, indeed!
"Were those his youth, his birth, and brilliant deeds
"Not touch'd: how savage too the soul must be
"His beauty touch'd not, were there nought beside;
"My