They, when I first the light survey'd,200
Dreading the haughty leader's pride,
Sent me in purple robes array'd,
(While female shrieks on every side
Raised through the house in solemn show
The mimic note of funeral wo,)205
When only dark and silent night
Was conscious of my secret flight;
And to Saturnian Chiron gave,
The nurture of his hand to crave. 205
But all the tale ye know full well—210
Where rose my noble sire's abode,
In car with milk-white steeds who rode,
Illustrious townsmen, clearly tell.
Great Æson's offspring, lo! I come
A native to no foreign home.215
From Saturn sprung, the heavenly beast
His charge by Jason's name address'd."
He spoke: a father's doting eye
Soon recognised his progeny;
And from his aged lids below220
The copious tears began to flow;
Which showed the soul's o'erflowing joy
To see his best and loveliest boy. 219
Attracted by the hero's fame,
To them both Æson's brothers came.225
This Pheres from Hyperia's fountain calls,
And Amythaon from Messene's walls.
These soon Admetus and Melampus join'd,
To greet their kinsman with a friendly mind.
Them at the hospitable board230
Jason with courteous speech address'd,
And bade the cheer profusely stored
Exhilarate the frequent guest.
Five days and nights their courses roll,234
While pleasure warms each festive soul. 233
