Let us then return each to his own; but him leave ye to rest all day long in the embrace of Hypsipyle until he has peopled Lemnos with men-children, and so there come to him great glory." Thus did he chide the band; but no one dared to meet his eye or to utter a word in answer.

But just as they were in the assembly they made ready their departure in all haste, and the women came running towards them, when they knew their intent.

And as when bees hum round fair lilies pouring forth from their hive in the rock, and all around the dewy meadow rejoices, and they gather the sweet fruit, flitting from one to another; even so the women eagerly poured forth, clustering round the men with loud lament, and greeted each one with hands and voice, praying the blessed gods to grant him a safe return.

And so Hypsipyle too prayed, seizing the hands of Aeson's son, and her tears flowed for the loss of her lover: "Go, and may heaven bring thee back again with thy comrades unharmed, bearing to the king the golden fleece, even as thou wilt and thy heart desireth; and this island and my father's sceptre will be awaiting thee, if on thy return hereafter thou shouldst choose to come hither again; and easily couldst thou gather a countless host of men from other cities.

But thou wilt not have this desire, nor do I myself forbode that so it will be.