And, if he willed, he might bring war upon Hellas, though he dwell afar.
Wherefore it is right for me to deliver the judgement that in all men's eyes shall be best; and I will not hide it from thee.

If she be yet a maid I decree that they carry her back to her father; but if she shares a husband's bed, I will not separate her from her lord; nor, if she bear a child beneath her breast, will I give it up to an enemy." (ll.

1110-1120) Thus he spake, and at once sleep laid him to rest.

And she stored up in her heart the word of wisdom, and straightway rose from her couch and went through the palace; and her handmaids came hasting together, eagerly tending their mistress.

But quietly she summoned her herald and addressed him, in her prudence urging Aeson's son to wed the maiden, and not to implore Alcinous; for he himself, she said, will decree to the Colchians that if she is still a maid he will deliver her up to be borne to her father's house, but that if she shares a husband's bed he will not sever her from wedded love.
(ll.