me, Medea's name; and so
will I remember thine, though thou be far away. And of thy kindness tell
me this, where is thy home, whither wilt thou sail hence in thy ship
over the sea; wilt thou come near wealthy Orchomenus, or near the Aeaean
isle? And tell me of the maiden, whosoever she be that thou hast named,
the far-renowned daughter of Pasiphae, who is kinswoman to my father."

Thus she spake; and over him too, at the tears of the maiden, stole Love
the destroyer, and he thus answered her:

"All too surely do I deem that never by night and never by day will I
forget thee if I escape death and indeed make my way in safety to the
Achaean land, and Aeetes set not before us some other contest worse than
this. And if it pleases thee to know about my fatherland, I will tell it
out; for indeed my own heart bids me do that. There is a land encircled
by lofty mountains, rich in sheep and in pasture, where Prometheus, son
of Iapetus, begat goodly Deucalion, who first founded cities and reared
temples to the immortal gods, and first ruled Over men. This land the
neighbours who dwell around call Haemonia. And in it stands Iolcus, my
city, and in it many others, where they have not so much as heard the
name of the Aeaean isle; yet there is a story that Minyas starting
thence, Minyas son of Aeolus, built long ago the city of Orchomenus that
borders on the Cadmeians. But why do I tell thee all this vain talk, of
our home and of Minos' daughter, far-famed Ariadne, by which glorious
name they called that lovely maiden of whom thou askest me? Would that,
as Minos then was well inclined to Theseus for her sake, so may thy
father be joined to us in friendship!"

Thus he spake, soothing her with gentle converse. But pangs most bitter
stirred her heart and in grief did she address him with vehement words:

"In Hellas, I ween, this is fair--to pay heed to covenants; but Aeetes
is not such a man among men as thou sayest was Pasiphae's husband,
Minos; nor can I liken myself to Ariadne; wherefore speak not of
guest-love. But only do thou, when thou hast reached Iolcus, remember
me, and thee even in my parents' despite, will I remember. And from far
off may a rumour come to me or some messenger-bird, when thou forgettest
me; or me, even me, may swift blasts catch up and bear over the sea
hence to Iolcus, that so I may cast reproaches in thy face and remind
thee that it was by my good will thou didst escape. May I then be seated
in thy halls