Chapter 18 Tales of the Argonauts-18

The Argonauts were warmly received on the island, and they were about to relax and take a good rest, when the Colchian fleet came around again, suddenly appeared on the seashore, and a large number of people went ashore.They demanded that Medea be brought back to her hometown, and if they refused, they would fight to the death with the Greeks.The Argonauts were about to fight, when good Alcinous stopped them.Medea embraced the knees of the king's wife Arete and said: "My lord, I beg you, don't let them send me back to my hometown. I didn't run away lightly, but I made up my mind because I was afraid of my father." He ran away with Jason. He brought me back to his hometown as a bride. Please have mercy on me, and may God bless you with long life, many children and grandchildren, and give your city immortal honor." She knelt down to the heroes again Plead.Each of the heroes rubbed their hands, promising her that they would deliver her even if King Alcinous wanted to hand her over.

Late at night, the king consulted with his wife what to do with the girl who had escaped from Colchis.Arete interceded for her, and told him that the hero Jason was willing to marry her as his lawful wife.Alcinous was a kind-hearted man, and he was very moved when he heard this. "Of course, for this girl, I am willing to take up arms and drive the Colchians out of the island." He said, "However, I am worried that this will violate Zeus's divine teaching of treating people with courtesy. Besides, offending the powerful Nor is it wise for King Aeetes, who lives far away, to still have enough power to attack Greece. So, my decision is this: If she is still an unmarried girl, then She should be at her father's disposal; and if she had been Jason's wife, I could not spoil their happiness by letting her leave her husband, for she belonged to him, not to her father."

Arete was surprised when she heard the king's decision. She sent a messenger overnight to pass the news to Jason, and advised him to get married before dawn.Jason asked his companions for their opinions, and everyone agreed to do so.They chose a holy cave, and made Medea Jason's wife and companion. The next morning, when the shore and the fields were bathed in sunshine, the Huaiakians were gathered in the streets of the city, and at the other end of the island stood the Colkaians, armed and ready for battle.Alcinous came out of the palace, holding a golden scepter in his hand, and pronounced the verdict on the girl.Behind him stood a group of nobles and attendants, women also gathered together to see the Greek hero, and many people came from the country, because Hera spread the news in all directions.

Everything was ready, and the aroma of the sacrificial offerings wafted into the sky.The Argonauts waited a long time.At last the king was seated on the throne, and Jason stepped forward and swore that Medea, daughter of King Aeetes, was his lawful wife.When Alcinous heard this, he sent up witnesses who had been at the wedding, and they testified that it was true.Then the king solemnly pronounced that Medea was Jason's wife, and therefore she could not be handed over to the Colchians.He promised to protect the Argonauts.No matter how much the Colchians objected, it was useless.The king declared that they could live on the island as peaceful inhabitants, or leave by ship.If the Colchians did not return to Medea, they were afraid that King Aeetes would be angry and kill them, so they dared not go back.They chose the former approach and stayed on the island.After a week, the Argonauts bid farewell to King Alcinous with great reluctance.They boarded the ship with rich gifts, and continued sailing happily.