woman, with a helmet on her head, from beneath
which the long ringlets fell down upon her
shoulders. On the left arm was a shield, and in
its centre appeared a lifelike representation of
the head of Medusa with the snaky locks. The
right arm was extended, as if pointing onward.
The face of this wonderful statue, though not
angry or forbidding, was so grave and majestic,
that perhaps you might call it severe; and as for
the mouth, it seemed just ready to unclose its
lips, and utter words of the deepest wisdom.

Jason was delighted with the oaken image,
and gave the carver no rest until it was com-
pleted, and set up where a figure head has
always stood, from that time to this, in the ves
sel's prow.

"And now," cried he, as he stood gazing at
the calm, majestic face of the statue, "I must
go to the Talking Oak, and inquire what next
to do."

"There is no need of that, Jason," said a
voice which, though it was far lower, reminded
him of the mighty tones of the great oak,
"When you desire good advice, you can seek it
of me."

[[294]]

p293 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p294w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p295

v?