Love the destroyer: her soft cheeks’ colour went and came,

Pale now, and anon, through her soul’s confusion, with crimson aflame.

Now when ready-dight was the banquet by labour of handmaid and thrall,

And by steaming baths’ refreshment their faces were lightened withal, {300}

Gladly they feasted and drank till their souls were satisfied.

Thereafter unto the sons of his daughter Aiêtes cried:

And this was the word of his mouth, as inquisition he made:

‘Ye sons of my daughter and Phrixus, the man unto whom I paid

Honour above all men that have stood mine halls within,

How came ye to Aia returning?—did some dark curse of sin