And now in our hands we hold the fate of our children and dear country and of our aged parents; and on our venture all Hellas depends, to reap either the shame of failure or great renown." (ll.

206-211) Thus he spake, and donned his armour of war; and they cried aloud, wondrously eager.

And he drew his sword from the sheath and cut the hawsers at the stern.

And near the maiden he took his stand ready armed by the steersman Aneaeus, and with their rowing the ship sped on as they strained desperately to drive her clear of the river.
(ll.

212-235) By this time Medea's love and deeds had become known to haughty Aeetes and to all the Colchians.