For fierce tempests, falling on the sea, have shattered all the timbers of the crazy ship in which we were cleaving our path on business bent.

Wherefore we entreat you, if haply ye will listen, to grant us just a covering for our bodies, and to pity and succour men in misfortune, your equals in age.

Oh, reverence suppliants and strangers for Zeus' sake, the god of strangers and suppliants.

To Zeus belong both suppliants and strangers; and his eye, methinks, beholdeth even us." And in reply the son of Aeson prudently questioned him, deeming that the prophecies of Phineus were being fulfilled: "All these things will we straightway grant you with right good will.

But come tell me truly in what country ye dwell and what business bids you sail across the sea, and tell me your own glorious names and lineage." And him Argus, helpless in his evil plight, addressed: "That one Phrixus an Aeolid reached Aea from Hellas you yourselves have clearly heard ere this, I trow; Phrixus, who came to the city of Aeetes, bestriding a ram, which Hermes had made all gold; and the fleece ye may see even now.