Titian: a collection of fifteen pictures and a portrait of the painter

by Estelle M. Hurll

Why should my sire’s conditions seem too hard?

And yet too hard they are! Why should I shake

And tremble for the fate of one whom scarce

These eyes have looked on twice? Whence comes this fear

I cannot quell? Unhappy! from thy breast

Dash out these new-lit fires!—Ah! wiser far

If so I could!—But some new power constrains,

And reason this way points, and that way, love.”

The struggle goes on for some time, and the maiden’s heart is torn with conflicting impulses. Summoning up “all images of right and faith and shame and natural duty,” she fancies that her love is conquered. A moment later Jason crosses her path and the day is lost. Together they pledge their vows at the shrine of Hecate, and in due time they sail away in the Argo with the golden fleece.