The Argonauts

ACTUS SECUNDUS JASON. We are here, Then, to invoke Athena, immolate The sacred cock upon her altar-stone, That She, who sprang in armour from the brain Of the All-Father, may descend to bless Our labours, since delay grows dangerous, If haply by Her power and subtlety She please to aid the work, and to perform A prodigy to save us! Mighty Queen, That art the balance and the sword alike In cunning Argus’ brain—— HERACLES. Ay! Mighty Wisdom, Who thus can overshadow such a fool, And make him capable to build a ship. ARGUS. O Thou! Athena, whose bright wisdom shone In this beef-witted fellow, making him Competent even to sweep a stable out! Glorious task!—I shall return: anon. JASON. Nay, follow not! The Goddess were displeased, Coming, to find our greatest hero gone. THESEUS. This is the midmost hour of day. It