And never ship's crew boasted that they came safe by her rock, for she bends her long necks down to them, and every mouth takes up a man.

And who will help us now?
For Hera and Zeus hate us, and our ship is foul with guilt; so we must die, whatever befalls.' Then out of the depths came Thetis, Peleus' silver-footed bride, for love of her gallant husband, and all her nymphs around her; and they played like snow-white dolphins, diving on from wave to wave, before the ship, and in her wake, and beside her, as dolphins play.

And they caught the ship, and guided her, and passed her on from hand to hand, and tossed her through the billows, as maidens toss the ball.

And when Scylla stooped to seize her, they struck back her ravening heads, and foul Scylla whined, as a whelp whines, at the touch of their gentle hands.

But she shrank into her cave affrighted--for all bad things shrink from good--and _Argo_ leapt safe past her, while a fair breeze rose behind.