man, "to bid the wicked King Pelias come
down from my father's throne, and let me reign
in his stead."

"Ah, well, then," said the old woman, still
with the same cracked voice, "if that is all your
business, you need not be in a very great hurry.
Just take me on your back, there's a good
youth, and carry me across the river. I and
my peacock have something to do on the other
side, as well as yourself."

"Good mother," replied Jason, "your business
can hardly be so important as the pulling down
a king from his throne. Besides, as you may
see for yourself, the river is very boisterous; and
if I should chance to stumble, it would sweep
both of us away more easily than it has carried
off yonder uprooted tree. I would gladly help
you if I could; but I doubt whether I am strong
enough to carry you across."

"Then," said she, very scornfully, "neither are
you strong enough to pull King Pelias off his
throne. And, Jason, unless you will he.p an
old woman at her need, you ought not to be a
king. What are kings made for, save to succor
the feeble and distressed? But do as you please.

[[278]]

p277 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p278w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p279

v?