Hipsypile, Medea, and the Ascending Star
Twice Apollonius compares the man,
That hero, Jason, to a rising star,
A strong one in the dawn or dark. Scan
The lines: two women lusting for him are
Not praised for stellar loveliness. At best
Each comes presented as a royal catch—
With one of them a witch. This man on quest
For hero status is the prize to snatch
In marriage. He alone of all these three
Is praised for beauty, beauty, beauty. They
Are merely sorceress or queen, a twee
One in a nowhere place. Hold them at bay,
Young ravishing man. Tell them no and no.
That witch as bride will bring your fatal blow.