Like an upright and honorable prince as he was , he determined to speak out the real truth . Since the king had chosen to ask him the question , and since Jason had promised him an answer , there was no right way save to tell him precisely what would be the most prudent thing to do , if he had his worst enemy in his power . Therefore , after a moment 's consideration , he spoke up , with a firm and manly voice . `` I would send such a man , '' said he , `` in quest of the Golden Fleece ! '' This enterprise , you will understand , was , of all others , the most difficult and dangerous in the world . In the first place it would be necessary to make a long voyage through unknown seas . There was hardly a hope , or a possibility , that any young man who should undertake this voyage would either succeed in obtaining the Golden Fleece , or would survive to return home , and tell of the perils he had run . The eyes of King Pelias sparkled with joy , therefore , when he heard Jason 's reply . `` Well said , wise man with the one sandal ! '' cried he . `` Go , then , and at the peril of your life , bring me back the Golden Fleece . '' `` I go , '' answered Jason , composedly . `` If I fail , you need not fear that I will ever come back to trouble you again . But if I return to Iolchos with the prize , then , King Pelias , you must hasten down from your lofty throne , and give me your crown and sceptre . '' `` That I will , '' said the king , with a sneer . `` Meantime , I will keep them very safely for you . '' The first thing that Jason thought of doing , after he left the king 's presence , was to go to Dodona , and inquire of the Talking Oak what course it was best to pursue . This wonderful tree stood in the center of an ancient wood . Its stately trunk rose up a hundred feet into the air , and threw a broad and dense shadow over more than an acre of ground . Standing beneath it , Jason looked up among the knotted branches and green leaves , and into the mysterious heart of the old tree , and spoke aloud , as if he were addressing some person who was hidden in the depths of the foliage .
`` What shall I do , '' said he , `` in order to win the Golden XXXXX ? ''
Dodona Fleece Iolchos Jason Pelias first left right sandal sceptre