ACTUS PRIMUS
Lightly—a maiden’s pleasure-wandering
Through lilied fields a summer’s afternoon.
PELIAS.
The Gods give strength! I pray them send thee back
Safe to this throne.
JASON,
I will not see thy face
Ever again until the quest be won.
Rule thou with justice in my sacred seat
Until I come again.
PELIAS,
The Gods thy speed.
MEN.
The hardy hero goes to find
The living Fleece of Gold;
Or else, some death may chance to bind
Those limbs of manly mould.
In sooth, I doubt if I shall earn
The singer’s fee for his return.
PELIAS.
Think now—I feared that.fool. It must be true
That guilt is timorous. Ay! when danger’s none!
Let but swords flash—and guilt grows God for might!
Indeed I rule—until he come again.
Ay, when the stars fall, Jason shall be king!
EXPLICIT ACTUS PRIMUS.
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