They are an unruly set of reprobates , those sons of the dragon 's teeth ; and unless you treat them suitably , they will fall upon you sword in hand . You and your nine and forty Argonauts , my bold Jason , are hardly numerous or strong enough to fight with such a host as will spring up . '' `` My master Chiron , '' replied Jason , `` taught me , long ago , the story of Cadmus . Perhaps I can manage the quarrelsome sons of the dragon 's teeth as well as Cadmus did . '' `` I wish the dragon had him , '' muttered King Aetes to himself , `` and the four-footed pedant , his schoolmaster , into the bargain . Why , what a foolhardy , self-conceited coxcomb he is ! We 'll see what my fire-breathing bulls will do for him . Well , Prince Jason , '' he continued , aloud , and as complaisantly as he could , `` make yourself comfortable for to-day , and to-morrow morning , since you insist upon it , you shall try your skill at the plow . '' While the king talked with Jason , a beautiful young woman was standing behind the throne . She fixed her eyes earnestly upon the youthful stranger , and listened attentively to every word that was spoken ; and when Jason withdrew from the king 's presence , this young woman followed him out of the room . `` I am the king 's daughter , '' she said to him , `` and my name is Medea . I know a great deal of which other young princesses are ignorant , and can do many things which they would be afraid so much as to dream of . If you will trust to me , I can instruct you how to tame the fiery bulls , and sow the dragon 's teeth , and get the Golden Fleece . '' `` Indeed , beautiful princess , '' answered Jason , `` if you will do me this service , I promise to be grateful to you my whole life long . '' ' Gazing at Medea , he beheld a wonderful intelligence in her face . She was one of those persons whose eyes are full of mystery ; so that , while looking into them , you seem to see a very great way , as into a deep well , yet can never be certain whether you see into the farthest depths , or whether there be not something else hidden at the bottom . If Jason had been capable of fearing anything , he would have been afraid of making this young princess his enemy ; for , beautiful as she now looked , she might , the very next instant , become as terrible as the dragon that kept watch over the Golden Fleece . `` Princess , '' he exclaimed , `` you seem indeed very wise and very powerful . But how can you help me to do the things of which you speak ? Are you an enchantress ? ''
`` Yes , Prince Jason , '' answered Medea , with a smile , `` you have hit XXXXX the truth .
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