Ere now thou hast heard me tell of a maiden that uses sorcery under the guidance of Hecate, Perses' daughter.

If we could win her aid there will be no dread, methinks, of thy defeat in the contest; but terribly do I fear that my mother will not take this task upon her.

Nevertheless I will go back again to entreat her, for a common destruction overhangs us all." (ll.

383-491) He spake with goodwill, and Jason answered with these words: "Good friend, if this is good in thy sight, I say not nay.

Go and move thy mother, beseeching her aid with prudent words; pitiful indeed is our hope when we have put our return in the keeping of women." So he spake, and quickly they reached the back-water.