SELECTIONS IN ENGLISH POETRY

And arms well-wrought, and precious scarce-known

wine,
And carven images well-nigh divine. 736

So when all folk with these were satisfied,
Back went the Minyae to the water-side,
And with them that old lord, fain to behold
Victorious Argo and the Fleece of Gold. 740

And so aboard amid the oars he lay
Throughout the night, and at the dawn of day
Did all men land, nor spared that day to wear
The best of all they had of gold-wrought gear,
And every one, being crowned with olive grey, 745

Up to the headland did they take their way,
Where now already stood the crowned priests
About the altars by the gilt-horned beasts.
There as the fair sun rose, did Jason break
Over the altar the thin barley-cake, 750

And cast the salt abroad, and there were slain
The milk-white bulls, and there red wine did rain
On to the fire from out the ancient jar,
And high rose up the red flame, seen afar
From many another headland of that shore, 755

And through its fitful crackling and its roar,
From time to time in pleading song and prayer,
Swept by the wind about the summer air,
Clear rung the voices of the Minyae

Unto the dashing of the conquered sea, 760

That far below thrust on by tide and wind
The crumbling bases of the headland mined.

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