bravest and strongest of the whole, had just force enough to wave his crimson sword over his head, and give a shout of exultation, crying, 'Victory! Victory! Immortal fame!' when he himself fell down, and lay quietly among his slain brethren.
And there was the end of the army that had sprouted from the dragon's teeth. That fierce and feverish fight was the only enjoyment which they had tasted on this beautiful earth.
'Let them sleep in the bed of honour,' said the Princess Medea, with a sly smile at Jason. 'The world will always have simpletons enough, just like them, fighting and dying for they know not what, and fancying that posterity will take the trouble to put laurel wreaths on their rusty and battered helmets. Could you help smiling, Prince Jason, to see the self-conceit of that last fellow, just as he tumbled down?'
'It made me very sad,' answered Jason gravely. 'And, to tell you the truth, princess, the Golden Fleece does not appear so well worth the winning, after what I have here beheld.'
'You will think differently in the morning,' said Medea. 'True, the Golden Fleece may not be so valuable as you have thought it; but then there is nothing better in the world; and one must needs have an object, you know. Come! Your night's work has been well performed; and to-morrow you can inform King Æetes that the first part of your allotted task is fulfilled.'
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