But, friends—since in hope for the home-return to our land we be one,
And one in the way we must take to Aiêtes, the path of the Quest,
Therefore do ye now choose with hearts ungrudging our best
To be chief and captain, to order all our goings aright,
To take on him our quarrels with aliens, and pledge our covenant-plight.’ {340}
He spake, and the youths upon valiant Herakles turned their eyes,
As he sat in their midst, and from all the heroes did one shout rise,
Crying ‘Our captain be thou!’—but not from his place he stirred;
But he stretched his right hand forth, and he answered and spake the word:
‘Let no man offer this honour to me: I will nowise consent;