It gives me great delight to see one of his scholars at my court . But to test how much you have profited under so excellent a teacher , will you allow me to ask you a single question ? '' `` I do not pretend to be very wise , '' said Jason . `` But ask me what you please , and I will answer to the best of my ability . '' Now King Pelias meant cunningly to entrap the young man , and to make him say something that should be the cause of mischief and distraction to himself . So , with a crafty and evil smile upon his face , he spoke as follows : `` What would you do , brave Jason , '' asked he , `` if there were a man in the world , by whom , as you had reason to believe , you were doomed to be ruined and slain -- what would you do , I say , if that man stood before you , and in your power ? '' When Jason saw the malice and wickedness which King Pelias could not prevent from gleaming out of his eyes , he probably guessed that the king had discovered what he came for , and that he intended to turn his own words against himself . Still he scorned to tell a falsehood . 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 XXXXX trouble you again .
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