nd the mountains, his life
that was like to the life of the half gods."

Then Jason spoke to them, telling them of his life on the Mountain
Pelion. When he had spoken, Pelias said:

"I was bidden by the oracle to beware of the man whom I should see
coming toward me half shod. But, as you all see, I have brought the
half-shod man to my palace and my feasting hall, so little do I dread
the anger of the gods.

"And I dread it little because I am blameless. This youth, the son of
my brother, is strong and courageous, and I rejoice in his strength and
courage, for I would have him take my place and reign over you. Ali,
that I were as young as he is now! Ali, that I had been reared and
fostered as he was reared and fostered by the wise centaur and under
the eyes of the immortals! Then would I do that which in my youth I
often dreamed of doing! Then would I perform a deed that would make my
name and the name of my city famous throughout all Greece! Then would I
bring from far Colchis, the famous Fleece of Gold that King AEetes keeps
guard over!"

He finished speaking, and all in the hall shouted out, "The Golden
Fleece, the Golden Fleece from Colchis!" Jason stood up, and his
father's hand gripped him. But he did not heed the hold of his father's
hand, for "The Golden Fleece, the Golden Fleece!" rang in his ears, and
before his eyes were the faces of those who were all eager for the
sight of the wonder that King AEetes kept guard over.

Then said Jason, "Thou hast spoken well, O King Pelias! Know, and know
all here assembled, that I have heard of the Golden Fleece and of the
dangers that await on any one who should strive to win it from King
AEetes's care. But know, too, that I would strive to win the Fleece and
bring it to Iolcus, winning fame both for myself and for the city."

When he had spoken he saw his father's stricken eyes; they were fixed
upon him. But he looked from them to the shining eyes of the young men
who were even then pressing around where he stood. "Jason, Jason!" they
shouted. "The Golden Fleece for Iolcus!"

"King Pelias knows that the winning of the Golden Fleece is a feat most
difficult," said Jason. "But if he will have built for me a ship that
can make the voyage to far Colchis, and if he will send throughout all
Greece the word of my adventuring so that all the heroes who would win
fame might come with me, and if ye, young heroes of Iolcus, will come
with me, I will peril my life to win the w