all their
tale, stirred by the breath of Love. And Aeson's son saw that she had
fallen into some heaven-sent calamity, and with soothing words thus
addressed her:

(ll. 975-1007) "Why, pray, maiden, dost thou fear me so much, all
alone as I am? Never was I one of these idle boasters such as other
men are--not even aforetime, when I dwelt in my own country. Wherefore,
maiden, be not too much abashed before me, either to enquire whatever
thou wilt or to speak thy mind. But since we have met one another with
friendly hearts, in a hallowed spot, where it is wrong to sin, speak
openly and ask questions, and beguile me not with pleasing words, for at
the first thou didst promise thy sister to give me the charms my heart
desires. I implore thee by Hecate herself, by thy parents, and by Zeus
who holds his guardian hand over strangers and suppliants; I come here
to thee both a suppliant and a stranger, bending the knee in my sore
need. For without thee and thy sister never shall I prevail in the
grievous contest. And to thee will I render thanks hereafter for thy
aid, as is right and fitting for men who dwell far oft, making glorious
thy name and fame; and the rest of the heroes, returning to Hellas, will
spread thy renown and so will the heroes' wives and mothers, who now
perhaps are sitting on the shore and making moan for us; their painful
affliction thou mightest scatter to the winds. In days past the maiden
Ariadne, daughter of Minos, with kindly intent rescued Theseus from grim
contests--the maiden whom Pasiphae daughter of Helios bare. But she,
when Minos had lulled his wrath to rest, went aboard the ship with him
and left her fatherland; and her even the immortal gods loved, and, as a
sign in mid-sky, a crown of stars, which men call Ariadne's crown, rolls
along all night among the heavenly constellations. So to thee too
shall be thanks from the gods, if thou wilt save so mighty an array of
chieftains. For surely from thy lovely form thou art like to excel in
gentle courtest."

(ll. 1008-1025) Thus he spake, honouring her; and she cast her eyes down
with a smile divinely sweet; and her soul melted within her, uplifted by
his praise, and she gazed upon him face to face; nor did she know what
word to utter first, but was eager to pour out everything at once. And
forth from her fragrant girdle ungrudgingly she brought out the charm;
and he at once received it in his hands with joy. And she would even
have drawn out all h