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These without pain that both must rue,

Restore—lest fresher grief ensue!"

When thus the youthful hero spoke,

From Pelias this mild answer broke:

"Such will I be—though tardy age

Now warn me of life's closing stage,

While thou art fresh in youth's gay flow'ret still—

Potent thy vigorous arm shall prove,

Th' infernal godheads' wrath remove,

And murder'd Phryxus' high behest fulfil:

'Haste, from Æetes' chambers bear

My soul, he cried, and golden hair,

On the ram's fleecy back outspread,

That once a certain refuge gave

From stepdame's treachery and the wave.'

'Twas thus the wondrous vision said.

Where the Castalian waters flow,

To search the oracle I go—

When straight the voice prophetic there

Bids me for naval flight prepare.

If thou thy prompt assistance lend,

Which may this arduous contest end,

I swear to make the lot thine own,

To monarchize and rule alone.

Firm witness of the faithful oath

Be Jove, the common sire of both."

They part; this compact ratified,

Jason the herald's trump of fame,

His instant voyage to proclaim,

Urges to sound on every side.

Thither the sons of Leda fair

And of Saturnian Jove repair;