Of Arêtê to tell Alkinoüs’ prudent word of the night. {1200}
But so soon as the king had pronounced the decree of unswerving right,
And when now was the marriage accomplished proclaimed in all men’s ears,
Then took he heed that it so should abide: no deadly fears
Touched him, nor Aiêtes’ terrible wrath might his purpose shake;
But he held by the word he had plighted, the oath that he would not break.
And when now were the Kolchians ware that in vain they besought him to swerve,
And when now he commanded them—‘Either obey my decree and observe,
Or forth of my havens and land afar shall your galleys sail’;—
Then in that hour for their own king’s threatenings ’gan they quail,