386-395) "Aeetes, bear with this armed band, I pray.

For not in the way thou deemest have we come to thy city and palace, no, nor yet with such desires.

For who would of his own will dare to cross so wide a sea for the goods of a stranger?
But fate and the ruthless command of a presumptuous king urged me.

Grant a favour to thy suppliants, and to all Hellas will I publish a glorious fame of thee; yea, we are ready now to pay thee a swift recompense in war, whether it be the Sauromatae or some other people that thou art eager to subdue to thy sway." (ll.

396-400) He spake, flattering him with gentle utterance; but the king's soul brooded a twofold purpose within him, whether he should attack and slay them on the spot or should make trial of their might.
And this, as he pondered, seemed the better way, and he addressed Jason in answer: (ll.