The stone glanced from this man 's helmet to the shield of his nearest comrade , and thence flew right into the angry face of another , hitting him smartly between the eyes . Each of the three who had been struck by the stone took it for granted that his next neighbor had given him a blow ; and instead of running any farther towards Jason , they began to fight among themselves . The confusion spread through the host , so that it seemed scarcely a moment before they were all hacking , hewing , and stabbing at one another , lopping off arms , heads , and legs and doing such memorable deeds that Jason was filled with immense admiration ; although , at the same time , he could not help laughing to behold these mighty men punishing each other for an offense which he himself had committed . In an incredibly short space of time -LRB- almost as short , indeed , as it had taken them to grow up -RRB- , all but one of the heroes of the dragon 's teeth were stretched lifeless on the field . The last survivor , the bravest and strongest of the whole , had just force enough to wave his crimson sword over his head and give a shout of exultation , crying , `` Victory ! Victory ! Immortal fame ! '' when he himself fell down , and lay quietly among his slain brethren . And there was the end of the army that had sprouted from the dragon 's teeth . That fierce and feverish fight was the only enjoyment which they had tasted on this beautiful earth . `` Let them sleep in the bed of honor , '' said the Princess Medea , with a sly smile at Jason . `` The world will always have simpletons enough , just like them , fighting and dying for they know not what , and fancying that posterity will take the trouble to put laurel wreaths on their rusty and battered helmets . Could you help smiling , Prince Jason , to see the self-conceit of that last fellow , just as he tumbled down ? '' `` It made me very sad , '' answered Jason , gravely . `` And , to tell you the truth , princess , the Golden Fleece does not appear so well worth the winning , after what I have here beheld ! '' `` You will think differently in the morning , '' said Medea . `` True , the Golden Fleece may not be so valuable as you have thought it ; but then there is nothing better in the world ; and one must needs have an object , you know . Come ! Your night 's work has been well performed ; and to-morrow you can inform King Aetes that the first part of your allotted task is fulfilled . '' Agreeably to Medea 's advice , Jason went betimes in the morning to the palace of King Aetes .
Entering the presence chamber , he stood at the foot XXXXX the throne , and made a low obeisance .
after although at between from in into like of worth