And among them with goodwill spake Aeson's son: "All the equipment that a ship needs--for all is in due order--lies ready for our departure.

Therefore we will make no long delay in our sailing for these things' sake, when the breezes but blow fair.

But, friends,--for common to all is our return to Hellas hereafter, and common to all is our path to the land of Aeetes--now therefore with ungrudging heart choose the bravest to be our leader, who shall be careful for everything, to take upon him our quarrels and covenants with strangers." Thus he spake; and the young heroes turned their eves towards bold Heracles sitting in their midst, and with one shout they all enjoined upon him to be their leader; but he, from the place where he sat, stretched forth his right hand and said: "Let no one offer this honour to me.

For I will not consent, and I will forbid any other to stand up.

Let the hero who brought us together, himself be the leader of the host." Thus he spake with high thoughts, and they assented, as Heracles bade; and warlike Jason himself rose up, glad at heart, and thus addressed the eager throng: "If ye entrust your glory to my care, no longer as before let our path be hindered.