and flowing waters produce. With them is quenched the
blast of unwearied flame, and at once she stays the course of rivers as
they rush roaring on, and checks the stars and the paths of the sacred
moon. Of her we bethought us as we came hither along the path from the
palace, if haply my mother, her own sister, might persuade her to aid us
in the venture. And if this is pleasing to you as well, surely on
this very day will I return to the palace of Aeetes to make trial; and
perchance with some god's help shall I make the trial."

(ll. 540-544) Thus he spake, and the gods in their goodwill gave them
a sign. A trembling dove in her flight from a mighty hawk fell from on
high, terrified, into the lap of Aeson's son, and the hawk fell impaled
on the stern-ornament. And quickly Mopsus with prophetic words spake
among them all:

(ll. 545-554) "For you, friends, this sign has been wrought by the
will of heaven; in no other way is it possible to interpret its meaning
better, than to seek out the maiden and entreat her with manifold skill.
And I think she will not reject our prayer, if in truth Phineus said
that our return should be with the help of the Cyprian goddess. It was
her gentle bird that escaped death; and as my heart within me foresees
according to this omen, so may it prove! But, my friends, let us call on
Cytherea to aid us, and now at once obey the counsels of Argus."

(ll. 555-563) He spake, and the warriors approved, remembering the
injunctions of Phineus; but all alone leapt up Apharcian Idas and
shouted loudly in terrible wrath: "Shame on us, have we come here fellow
voyagers with women, calling on Cypris for help and not on the mighty
strength of Enyalius? And do ye look to doves and hawks to save
yourselves from contests? Away with you, take thought not for deeds of
war, but by supplication to beguile weakling girls."

(ll. 564-571) Such were his eager words; and of his comrades many
murmured low, but none uttered a word of answer back. And he sat down in
wrath; and at once Jason roused them and uttered his own thought: "Let
Argus set forth from the ship, since this pleases all; but we will now
move from the river and openly fasten our hawsers to the shore. For
surely it is not fitting for us to hide any longer cowering from the
battle-cry."

(ll. 572-575) So he spake, and straightway sent Argus to return in
haste to the city; and they drew the anchors on board at the command of
Aeson's son, and rowed th