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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;

And if any man else would arise, I will also withstand his intent.

The selfsame man who assembled our band, let him too lead.’

He spake in his greatness of soul, and they shouted, praising the rede

Of Herakles: then did Jason the warrior wight rejoice;

And he sprang to his feet, and he spake in their midst with eager voice:{350}

‘If indeed ye be minded on me this glorious charge to cast,