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62 Medea: Am I right, good sir?
63 Jason: You are. We have traveled a long way. And I am not demanding
you give me anything, King Aeetes. Simply tell me what we can do to
earn the Golden Fleece. Is there a land you’d like conquered? A people
you’d like vanquished? My warriors and I are at your disposal.

64 A hush falls over the court as the king stares at Jason with cold, calculating
eyes. Medea tears her gaze away from Jason to take her father’s hand.
65 Medea: Surely there is something this man can do, some way to prove
he is worthy of your greatest treasure.

66 King Aeetes: Perhaps there is. I have a trial in mind—it is something I
myself do for sport. I have two bulls with bronze feet and breath of
flame in my fields. I yoke the dangerous beasts and plow the field,
planting not seeds but dragon’s teeth from which grows an army in
bronze armor with all manner of weapons. Then I fight and defeat

them—all of them. If you can match me in bravery, I will hand over the
fleece and you shall have your throne. If you cannot, Descendant of
Phrixus, you and your men are mine to do with as I please.

67 Medea’s face grows pale at her father’s pronouncement. She turns to Jason,
who stares at the king, stunned.

68 Medea: What do you say to this, Future King of Iolcus?
69 Jason: (taking a deep breath) I accept this trial.
70 King Aeetes: Go to your ship and rest. The trial is at dawn.
71 Medea watches Jason go, her heart nearly breaking with the agony of what
will surely be the man’s death. She startles as her father declares:

72 King Aeetes: Never will that man have what is mine. Never.

SCENE 5

73 That night, Medea dreams, tossing and turning in the grip of a nightmare.
74 Medea: No . . . Jason, do not attempt it, you will die . . . it is a task
devised by my father to bring about your death! I will do it for you, and

then we must flee Colchis!
75 Medea bolts upright in bed in a cold sweat, wide awake.

vanquished Vanquished means defeated.
disposal If you have something at your disposal, you can use it however and whenever
you want.

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