the country opposite the island, where the
arrogant Mossynoeci dwelt. And the sweep of the waves hurled the sons of
Phrixus, together with their massy beam, upon the beach of the island,
in the murky night; and the floods of rain from Zeus ceased at sunrise,
and soon the two bands drew near and met each other, and Argus spoke
first:

(ll. 1123-1133) "We beseech you, by Zeus the Beholder, whoever ye are,
to be kindly and to help us in our need. 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."

(ll. 1134-1139) 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."

(ll. 1140-1156) 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. The ram, at its own prompting, he then sacrificed to
Zeus, son of Cronos, above all, the god of fugitives. And him did Aeetes
receive in his palace, and with gladness of heart gave him his daughter
Chalciope in marriage without gifts of wooing. [1208] From those two are
we sprung. But Phrixus died at last, an aged man, in the home of
Aeetes; and we, giving heed to our father's behests, are journeying to
Orehomenus to take the possessions of Athamas. And if thou dost desire
to learn our names, this is Cytissorus, this Phrontis, and this Melas,
and me ye may call Argus."

(ll. 1157-1159) Thus he spake, and the chieftains rejoiced at the
meeting, and tended them, much marvelling. And Jason again in turn
replied, as was fitting, with these words:

(ll. 1160-1178) "Surely ye are our kinsmen on my father's side, and ye
pray that with kindly hearts we succour your evil