ch. But straightway fearful dreams,
deceitful, such as trouble one in grief, assailed her. And she thought
that the stranger had taken on him the contest, not because he longed
to win the ram's fleece, and that he had not come on that account to
Aeetes' city, but to lead her away, his wedded wife, to his own home;
and she dreamed that herself contended with the oxen and wrought the
task with exceeding ease; and that her own parents set at naught their
promise, for it was not the maiden they had challenged to yoke the oxen
but the stranger himself; from that arose a contention of doubtful issue
between her father and the strangers; and both laid the decision
upon her, to be as she should direct in her mind. But she suddenly,
neglecting her parents, chose the stranger. And measureless anguish
seized them and they shouted out in their wrath; and with the cry sleep
released its hold upon her. Quivering with fear she started up, and
stared round the walls of her chamber, and with difficulty did she
gather her spirit within her as before, and lifted her voice aloud:

(ll. 636-644) "Poor wretch, how have gloomy dreams affrighted me! I fear
that this voyage of the heroes will bring some great evil. My heart is
trembling for the stranger. Let him woo some Achaean girl far away among
his own folk; let maidenhood be mine and the home of my parents. Yet,
taking to myself a reckless heart, I will no more keep aloof but will
make trial of my sister to see if she will entreat me to aid in the
contest, through grief for her own sons; this would quench the bitter
pain in my heart."

(ll. 645-673) She spake, and rising from her bed opened the door of her
chamber, bare-footed, clad in one robe; and verily she desired to go to
her sister, and crossed the threshold. And for long she stayed there
at the entrance of her chamber, held back by shame; and she turned back
once more; and again she came forth from within, and again stole back;
and idly did her feet bear her this way and that; yea, as oft as she
went straight on, shame held her within the chamber, and though held
back by shame, bold desire kept urging her on. Thrice she made the
attempt and thrice she checked herself, the fourth time she fell on her
bed face downward, writhing in pain. And as when a bride in her chamber
bewails her youthful husband, to whom her brothers and parents have
given her, nor yet does she hold converse with all her attendants for
shame and for thinking of