But now were they like to be donning their mail for the onset-cry, {1000}

So mighty a host of Kolchian men appeared hard by,

Which down through the gorge of the Pontus, and on through the Crags Dark-blue

Had passed to the uttermost sea in quest of the hero-crew.

And Medea they chiefly were eager to hale to her father’s house

Without parley, or threatened else that the war-yell dolorous

Should be raised for the slaughter-vengeance unrelenting and stern

Both then, and when led by Aiêtes their host should thereafter return.

Yet Alkinoüs the king restrained them amidst of their lust for the fray;

For he greatly desired without the clash of the strife to allay