And the maiden in deadly fear often implored the comrades of Aeson's son, and often with her hands touched the knees of Arete, the bride of Alcinous: [Footnote 1: i.e.the Sickle-island.] "I beseech thee, O queen, be gracious and deliver me not to the Colchians to be borne to my father, if thou thyself too art one of the race of mortals, whose heart rushes swiftly to ruin from light transgressions.

For my firm sense forsook me--it was not for wantonness.
Be witness the sacred light of Helios, be witness the rites of the maiden that wanders by night, daughter of Perses.

Not willingly did I haste from my home with men of an alien race but a horrible fear wrought on me to bethink me of flight when I sinned; other device was there none.

Still my maiden's girdle remains, as in the halls of my father, unstained, untouched.

Pity me, lady, and turn thy lord to mercy; and may the immortals grant thee a perfect life, and joy, and children, and the glory of a city unravaged!" Thus did she implore Arete, shedding tears, and thus each of the chieftains in turn: "On your account, ye men of peerless might, and on account of my toils in your ventures am I sorely afflicted; even I, by whose help ye yoked the bulls, and reaped the deadly harvest of the earthborn men; even I, through whom on your homeward path ye shall bear to Haemonia the golden fleece.