The Argonauts

ACTUS SECUNDUS JASON. He who speaks much and bitterly at last Lays himself open to retort. I think I never heard such contradictions fly As when men talk of gods—that never were! ARGUS. Thou wouldst do better to leave men alone. The wisest talk is folly when work waits. Look! how these sturdy villains gape around, Fling down their task, and hang upon the words That flow like nectar from your majesty. CASTOR. In truth, my friend, if you would wear your crown This side of Orcus, you should go away. POLLUX. Ay! let the men work! For a mind as yours Is good, and skill as theirs is also good. CASTOR. But mix the manual and the mental—well, No ship was built by pure philosophy. POLLUX. Nor yet designed by artisans. JASON. Enough Come, great Alcides, it is time to go. ARGUS. A fool allows a moment’s irritation