PREFACE
MYDEARCHILDREN，SomeofyouhaveheardalreadyoftheoldGreeks;andallofyou，asyougrowup，willhearmoreandmoreofthem。Thoseofyouwhoareboyswill，perhaps，spendagreatdealoftimeinreadingGreekbooks;andthegirls，thoughtheymaynotlearnGreek，willbesuretocomeacrossagreatmanystoriestakenfromGreekhistory，andtosee，Imaysayeveryday，thingswhichweshouldnothavehadifithadnotbeenfortheseoldGreeks。Youcanhardlyfindawell-writtenbookwhichhasnotinitGreeknames，andwords，andproverbs;youcannotwalkthroughagreattownwithoutpassingGreekbuildings;youcannotgointoawell-furnishedroomwithoutseeingGreekstatuesandornaments，evenGreekpatternsoffurnitureandpaper;sostrangelyhavetheseoldGreekslefttheirmarkbehindthemuponthismodernworldinwhichwenowlive。Andasyougrowup，andreadmoreandmore，youwillfindthatweowetotheseoldGreeksthebeginnersofallourmathematicsandgeometry-thatis，thescienceandknowledgeofnumbers，andoftheshapesofthings，andoftheforceswhichmakethingsmoveandstandatrest;andthebeginningsofourgeographyandastronomy;andofourlaws，andfreedom，andpolitics-thatis，thescienceofhowtoruleacountry，andmakeitpeacefulandstrong。Andweowetothem，too，thebeginningofourlogic-thatis，thestudyofwordsandofreasoning;andofourmetaphysics-thatis，thestudyofourownthoughtsandsouls。Andlastofall，theymadetheirlanguagesobeautifulthatforeignersusedtotaketoitinsteadoftheirown;andatlastGreekbecamethecommonlanguageofeducatedpeopleallovertheoldworld，fromPersiaandEgypteventoSpainandBritain。AndthereforeitwasthattheNewTestamentwaswritteninGreek，thatitmightbereadandunderstoodbyallthenationsoftheRomanempire;sothat，nexttotheJews，andtheBiblewhichtheJewshandeddowntous，weowemoretotheseoldGreeksthantoanypeopleuponearth。
Nowyoumustrememberonething-that’Greeks’wasnottheirrealname。Theycalledthemselvesalways’Hellens，’buttheRomansmiscalledthemGreeks;andwehavetakenthatwrongnamefromtheRomans-itwouldtakealongtimetotellyouwhy。Theyweremadeupofmanytribesandmanysmallseparatestates;andwhenyouhearinthisbookofMinuai，andAthenians，andothersuchnames，youmustrememberthattheywerealldifferenttribesandpeoplesoftheonegreatHellenrace，wholivedinwhatwenowcallGreece，intheislandsoftheArchipelago，andalongthecoastofAsiaMinor（Ionia，astheycallit），fromtheHellesponttoRhodes，andhadafterwardscoloniesandcitiesinSicily，andSouthItaly（whichwascalledGreatGreece），andalongtheshoresoftheBlackSeaatSinope，andKertch，andatSevastopol。Andafterthat，again，theyspreadunderAlexandertheGreat，andconqueredEgypt，andSyria，andPersia，andthewholeEast。
Butthatwasmanyhundredyearsaftermystories;forthentherewerenoGreeksontheBlackSeashores，norinSicily，orItaly，oranywherebutinGreeceandinIonia。Andifyouarepuzzledbythenamesofplacesinthisbook，youmusttakethemapsandfindthemout。Itwillbeapleasanterwayoflearninggeographythanoutofadulllesson-book。
Now，IlovetheseoldHellensheartily;andIshouldbeveryungratefultothemifIdidnot，consideringallthattheyhavetaughtme;andtheyseemtomelikebrothers，thoughtheyhaveallbeendeadandgonemanyhundredyearsago。Soasyoumustlearnaboutthem，whetheryouchooseornot，I
wishtobethefirsttointroduceyoutothem，andtosay，’Comehither，children，atthisblessedChristmastime，whenallGod’screaturesshouldrejoicetogether，andblessHimwhoredeemedthemall。Comeandseeoldfriendsofmine，whomIknewlongereyouwereborn。TheyarecometovisitusatChristmas，outoftheworldwherealllivetoGod;andtotellyousomeoftheiroldfairytales，whichtheylovedwhentheywereyounglikeyou。’
Fornationsbeginatfirstbybeingchildrenlikeyou，thoughtheyaremadeupofgrownmen。Theyarechildrenatfirstlikeyou-menandwomenwithchildren’shearts;frank，andaffectionate，andfulloftrust，andteachable，andlovingtoseeandlearnallthewondersroundthem;andgreedyalso，toooften，andpassionateandsilly，aschildrenare。
ThustheseoldGreekswereteachable，andlearntfromallthenationsround。FromthePhoenicianstheylearntshipbuilding，andsomesaylettersbeside;andfromtheAssyrianstheylearntpainting，andcarving，andbuildinginwoodandstone;andfromtheEgyptianstheylearntastronomy，andmanythingswhichyouwouldnotunderstand。InthistheywerelikeourownforefatherstheNorthmen，ofwhomyoulovetohear，who，thoughtheywerewildandroughthemselves，werehumble，andgladtolearnfromeveryone。ThereforeGodrewardedtheseGreeks，asHerewardedourforefathers，andmadethemwiserthanthepeoplewhotaughtthemineverythingtheylearnt;forHelovestoseemenandchildrenopen-
hearted，andwillingtobetaught;andtohimwhouseswhathehasgot，Hegivesmoreandmoredaybyday。SotheseGreeksgrewwiseandpowerful，andwrotepoemswhichwilllivetilltheworld’send，whichyoumustreadforyourselvessomeday，inEnglishatleast，ifnotinGreek。Andtheylearnttocarvestatues，andbuildtemples，whicharestillamongthewondersoftheworld;andmanyanotherwondrousthingGodtaughtthem，forwhichwearethewiserthisday。
Foryoumustnotfancy，children，thatbecausetheseoldGreekswereheathens，thereforeGoddidnotcareforthem，andtaughtthemnothing。
TheBibletellsusthatitwasnotso，butthatGod’smercyisoverallHisworks，andthatHeunderstandstheheartsofallpeople，andfashionsalltheirworks。AndSt。PaultoldtheseoldGreeksinaftertimes，whentheyhadgrownwickedandfallenlow，thattheyoughttohaveknownbetter，becausetheywereGod’soffspring，astheirownpoetshadsaid;andthatthegoodGodhadputthemwheretheywere，toseektheLord，andfeelafterHim，andfindHim，thoughHewasnotfarfromanyoneofthem。AndClementofAlexandria，agreatFatheroftheChurch，whowasaswiseashewasgood，saidthatGodhadsentdownPhilosophytotheGreeksfromheaven，asHesentdowntheGospeltotheJews。
ForJesusChrist，remember，istheLightwholightseverymanwhocomesintotheworld。Andnoonecanthinkarightthought，orfeelarightfeeling，orunderstandtherealtruthofanythinginearthandheaven，unlessthegoodLordJesusteacheshimbyHisSpirit，whichgivesmanunderstanding。
ButtheseGreeks，asSt。Paultoldthem，forgotwhatGodhadtaughtthem，and，thoughtheywereGod’soffspring，worshippedidolsofwoodandstone，andfellatlastintosinandshame，andthen，ofcourse，intocowardiceandslavery，tilltheyperishedoutofthatbeautifullandwhichGodhadgiventhemforsomanyyears。
For，likeallnationswhohaveleftanythingbehindthem，besidemeremoundsofearth，theybelievedatfirstintheOneTrueGodwhomadeallheavenandearth。Butafterawhile，likeallothernations，theybegantoworshipothergods，orratherangelsandspirits，who（sotheyfancied）
livedabouttheirland。Zeus，theFatherofgodsandmen（whowassomedimremembranceoftheblessedtrueGod），andHerahiswife，andPhoebusApollotheSun-god，andPallasAthenewhotaughtmenwisdomandusefularts，andAphroditetheQueenofBeauty，andPoseidontheRuleroftheSea，andHephaistostheKingoftheFire，whotaughtmentoworkinmetals。AndtheyhonouredtheGodsoftheRivers，andtheNymph-maids，whotheyfanciedlivedinthecaves，andthefountains，andtheglensoftheforest，andallbeautifulwildplaces。AndtheyhonouredtheErinnues，thedreadfulsisters，who，theythought，hauntedguiltymenuntiltheirsinswerepurgedaway。Andmanyotherdreamstheyhad，whichpartedtheOneGodintomany;andtheysaid，too，thatthesegodsdidthingswhichwouldbeashameandsinforanymantodo。Andwhentheirphilosophersarose，andtoldthemthatGodwasOne，theywouldnotlisten，butlovedtheiridols，andtheirwickedidolfeasts，tilltheyallcametoruin。
Butwewilltalkofsuchsadthingsnomore。
But，atthetimeofwhichthislittlebookspeaks，theyhadnotfallenaslowasthat。Theyworshippednoidols，asfarasIcanfind;andtheystillbelievedinthelastsixofthetencommandments，andknewwellwhatwasrightandwhatwaswrong。Andtheybelieved（andthatwaswhatgavethemcourage）thatthegodslovedmen，andtaughtthem，andthatwithoutthegodsmenweresuretocometoruin。Andinthattheywererightenough，asweknow-morerighteventhantheythought;forwithoutGodwecandonothing，andallwisdomcomesfromHim。
Now，youmustnotthinkoftheminthisbookaslearnedmen，livingingreatcities，suchastheywereafterwards，whentheywroughtalltheirbeautifulworks，butascountrypeople，livinginfarmsandwalledvillages，inasimple，hard-workingway;sothatthegreatestkingsandheroescookedtheirownmeals，andthoughtitnoshame，andmadetheirownshipsandweapons，andfedandharnessedtheirownhorses;andthequeensworkedwiththeirmaid-servants，anddidallthebusinessofthehouse，andspun，andwove，andembroidered，andmadetheirhusbands’clothesandtheirown。
Sothatamanwashonouredamongthem，notbecausehehappenedtoberich，butaccordingtohisskill，andhisstrength，andcourage，andthenumberofthingswhichhecoulddo。Fortheywerebutgrown-upchildren，thoughtheywererightnoblechildrentoo;anditwaswiththemasitisnowatschool-thestrongestandcleverestboy，thoughhebepoor，leadsalltherest。
Now，whiletheywereyoungandsimpletheylovedfairytales，asyoudonow。Allnationsdosowhentheyareyoung：ouroldforefathersdid，andcalledtheirstories’Sagas。’I
willreadyousomeofthemsomeday-someoftheEddas，andtheVolusp？andBeowulf，andthenobleoldRomances。TheoldArabs，again，hadtheirtales，whichwenowcallthe’ArabianNights。’TheoldRomanshadtheirs，andtheycalledthem’Fabulae，’fromwhichourword’fable’comes;buttheoldHellenscalledtheirs’Muthoi，’fromwhichournewword’myth’istaken。ButnexttothoseoldRomances，whichwerewrittenintheChristianmiddleage，therearenofairytalesliketheseoldGreekones，forbeauty，andwisdom，andtruth，andformakingchildrenlovenobledeeds，andtrustinGodtohelpthemthrough。
Now，whyhaveIcalledthisbook’TheHeroes’？BecausethatwasthenamewhichtheHellensgavetomenwhowerebraveandskilful，anddaredomorethanothermen。Atfirst，Ithink，thatwasallitmeant：butafteratimeitcametomeansomethingmore;itcametomeanmenwhohelpedtheircountry;
meninthoseoldtimes，whenthecountrywashalf-wild，whokilledfiercebeastsandevilmen，anddrainedswamps，andfoundedtowns，andthereforeaftertheyweredead，werehonoured，becausetheyhadlefttheircountrybetterthantheyfoundit。AndwecallsuchamanaheroinEnglishtothisday，andcallita’heroic’thingtosufferpainandgrief，thatwemaydogoodtoourfellow-men。Wemayalldothat，mychildren，boysandgirlsalike;andweoughttodoit，foritiseasiernowthanever，andsafer，andthepathmoreclear。ButyoushallhearhowtheHellenssaidtheirheroesworked，threethousandyearsago。Thestoriesarenotalltrue，ofcourse，norhalfofthem;youarenotsimpleenoughtofancythat;butthemeaningofthemistrue，andtrueforever，andthatis-Doright，andGodwillhelpyou。’
FARLEYCOURT，ADVENT，1855。
STORYI-PERSEUS
PARTI-HOWPERSEUSANDHISMOTHERCAMETOSERIPHOS
ONCEuponatimethereweretwoprinceswhoweretwins。
TheirnameswereAcrisiusandProetus，andtheylivedinthepleasantvaleofArgos，farawayinHellas。Theyhadfruitfulmeadowsandvineyards，sheepandoxen，greatherdsofhorsesfeedingdowninLernaFen，andallthatmencouldneedtomakethemblest：andyettheywerewretched，becausetheywerejealousofeachother。Fromthemomenttheywereborntheybegantoquarrel;andwhentheygrewupeachtriedtotakeawaytheother’sshareofthekingdom，andkeepallforhimself。SofirstAcrisiusdroveoutProetus;andhewentacrosstheseas，andbroughthomeaforeignprincessforhiswife，andforeignwarriorstohelphim，whowerecalledCyclopes;anddroveoutAcrisiusinhisturn;andthentheyfoughtalongwhileupanddowntheland，tillthequarrelwassettled，andAcrisiustookArgosandonehalftheland，andProetustookTirynsandtheotherhalf。AndProetusandhisCyclopesbuiltaroundTirynsgreatwallsofunhewnstone，whicharestandingtothisday。
Buttherecameaprophettothathard-heartedAcrisiusandprophesiedagainsthim，andsaid，’Becauseyouhaverisenupagainstyourownblood，yourownbloodshallriseupagainstyou;becauseyouhavesinnedagainstyourkindred，byyourkindredyoushallbepunished。YourdaughterDanaeshallbearason，andbythatson’shandsyoushalldie。SotheGodshaveordained，anditwillsurelycometopass。’
AndatthatAcrisiuswasverymuchafraid;buthedidnotmendhisways。Hehadbeencrueltohisownfamily，and，insteadofrepentingandbeingkindtothem，hewentontobemorecruelthanever：forheshutuphisfairdaughterDanaeinacavernunderground，linedwithbrass，thatnoonemightcomenearher。SohefanciedhimselfmorecunningthantheGods：butyouwillseepresentlywhetherhewasabletoescapethem。
NowitcametopassthatintimeDanaeboreason;sobeautifulababethatanybutKingAcrisiuswouldhavehadpityonit。Buthehadnopity;forhetookDanaeandherbabedowntotheseashore，andputthemintoagreatchestandthrustthemouttosea，forthewindsandthewavestocarrythemwhithersoevertheywould。
Thenorth-westwindblewfreshlyoutofthebluemountains，anddownthepleasantvaleofArgos，andawayandouttosea。
Andawayandouttoseabeforeitfloatedthemotherandherbabe，whileallwhowatchedthemwept，savethatcruelfather，KingAcrisius。
Sotheyfloatedonandon，andthechestdancedupanddownuponthebillows，andthebabysleptuponitsmother’sbreast：butthepoormothercouldnotsleep，butwatchedandwept，andshesangtoherbabyastheyfloated;andthesongwhichshesangyoushalllearnyourselvessomeday。
Andnowtheyarepastthelastblueheadland，andintheopensea;andthereisnothingroundthembutthewaves，andthesky，andthewind。Butthewavesaregentle，andtheskyisclear，andthebreezeistenderandlow;forthesearethedayswhenHalcyoneandCeyxbuildtheirnests，andnostormseverrufflethepleasantsummersea。
AndwhowereHalcyoneandCeyx？Youshallhearwhilethechestfloatson。Halcyonewasafairymaiden，thedaughterofthebeachandofthewind。Andshelovedasailor-boy，andmarriedhim;andnoneonearthweresohappyasthey。
ButatlastCeyxwaswrecked;andbeforehecouldswimtotheshorethebillowsswallowedhimup。AndHalcyonesawhimdrowning，andleaptintotheseatohim;butinvain。ThentheImmortalstookpityonthemboth，andchangedthemintotwofairsea-birds;andnowtheybuildafloatingnesteveryyear，andsailupanddownhappilyforeveruponthepleasantseasofGreece。
Soanightpassed，andaday，andalongdayitwasforDanae;andanothernightanddaybeside，tillDanaewasfaintwithhungerandweeping，andyetnolandappeared。Andallthewhilethebabesleptquietly;andatlastpoorDanaedroopedherheadandfellasleeplikewisewithhercheekagainstthebabe’s。
Afterawhileshewasawakenedsuddenly;forthechestwasjarringandgrinding，andtheairwasfullofsound。Shelookedup，andoverherheadweremightycliffs，allredinthesettingsun，andaroundherrocksandbreakers，andflyingflakesoffoam。Sheclaspedherhandstogether，andshriekedaloudforhelp。Andwhenshecried，helpmether：
fornowtherecameovertherocksatallandstatelyman，andlookeddownwonderinguponpoorDanaetossingaboutinthechestamongthewaves。
Heworearoughcloakoffrieze，andonhisheadabroadhattoshadehisface;inhishandhecarriedatridentforspearingfish，andoverhisshoulderwasacasting-net;butDanaecouldseethathewasnocommonmanbyhisstature，andhiswalk，andhisflowinggoldenhairandbeard;andbythetwoservantswhocamebehindhim，carryingbasketsforhisfish。Butshehadhardlytimetolookathim，beforehehadlaidasidehistridentandleaptdowntherocks，andthrownhiscasting-netsosurelyoverDanaeandthechest，thathedrewit，andher，andthebaby，safeuponaledgeofrock。
ThenthefishermantookDanaebythehand，andliftedheroutofthechest，andsaid-
’Obeautifuldamsel，whatstrangechancehasbroughtyoutothisislandinsoflailaship？Whoareyou，andwhence？
Surelyyouaresomeking’sdaughter;andthisboyhassomewhatmorethanmortal。’
Andashespokehepointedtothebabe;foritsfaceshonelikethemorningstar。
ButDanaeonlyhelddownherhead，andsobbedout-
’TellmetowhatlandIhavecome，unhappythatIam;andamongwhatmenIhavefallen！’
Andhesaid，’ThisisleiscalledSeriphos，andIamaHellen，anddwellinit。IamthebrotherofPolydectestheking;andmencallmeDictysthenetter，becauseIcatchthefishoftheshore。’
ThenDanaefelldownathisfeet，andembracedhisknees，andcried-
’Oh，sir，havepityuponastranger，whomacrueldoomhasdriventoyourland;andletmeliveinyourhouseasaservant;buttreatmehonourably，forIwasonceaking’sdaughter，andthismyboy（asyouhavetrulysaid）isofnocommonrace。Iwillnotbeachargetoyou，oreatthebreadofidleness;forIammoreskilfulinweavingandembroiderythanallthemaidensofmyland。’
Andshewasgoingon;butDictysstoppedher，andraisedherup，andsaid-
’Mydaughter，Iamold，andmyhairsaregrowinggray;whileIhavenochildrentomakemyhomecheerful。Comewithmethen，andyoushallbeadaughtertomeandtomywife，andthisbabeshallbeourgrandchild。ForIfeartheGods，andshowhospitalitytoallstrangers;knowingthatgooddeeds，likeevilones，alwaysreturntothosewhodothem。’
SoDanaewascomforted，andwenthomewithDictysthegoodfisherman，andwasadaughtertohimandtohiswife，tillfifteenyearswerepast。
PARTII-HOWPERSEUSVOWEDARASHVOW
FIFTEENyearswerepastandgone，andthebabewasnowgrowntobeatallladandasailor，andwentmanyvoyagesaftermerchandisetotheislandsround。HismothercalledhimPerseus;butallthepeopleinSeriphossaidthathewasnotthesonofmortalman，andcalledhimthesonofZeus，thekingoftheImmortals。Forthoughhewasbutfifteen，hewastallerbyaheadthananymanintheisland;andhewasthemostskilfulofallinrunningandwrestlingandboxing，andinthrowingthequoitandthejavelin，andinrowingwiththeoar，andinplayingontheharp，andinallwhichbefitsaman。Andhewasbraveandtruthful，gentleandcourteous，forgoodoldDictyshadtrainedhimwell;andwellitwasforPerseusthathehaddoneso。FornowDanaeandhersonfellintogreatdanger，andPerseushadneedofallhiswittodefendhismotherandhimself。
IsaidthatDictys’brotherwasPolydectes，kingoftheisland。Hewasnotarighteousman，likeDictys;butgreedy，andcunning，andcruel。AndwhenhesawfairDanae，hewantedtomarryher。Butshewouldnot;forshedidnotlovehim，andcaredfornoonebutherboy，andherboy’sfather，whomsheneverhopedtoseeagain。AtlastPolydectesbecamefurious;andwhilePerseuswasawayatseahetookpoorDanaeawayfromDictys，saying，’Ifyouwillnotbemywife，youshallbemyslave。’SoDanaewasmadeaslave，andhadtofetchwaterfromthewell，andgrindinthemill，andperhapswasbeaten，andworeaheavychain，becauseshewouldnotmarrythatcruelking。ButPerseuswasfarawayovertheseasintheisleofSamos，littlethinkinghowhismotherwaslanguishingingrief。
NowonedayatSamos，whiletheshipwaslading，Perseuswanderedintoapleasantwoodtogetoutofthesun，andsatdownontheturfandfellasleep。Andashesleptastrangedreamcametohim-thestrangestdreamwhichhehadeverhadinhislife。
Therecamealadytohimthroughthewood，tallerthanhe，oranymortalman;butbeautifulexceedingly，withgreatgrayeyes，clearandpiercing，butstrangelysoftandmild。Onherheadwasahelmet，andinherhandaspear。Andoverhershoulder，aboveherlongbluerobes，hungagoat-skin，whichboreupamightyshieldofbrass，polishedlikeamirror。
Shestoodandlookedathimwithhercleargrayeyes;andPerseussawthathereye-lidsnevermoved，norhereyeballs，butlookedstraightthroughandthroughhim，andintohisveryheart，asifshecouldseeallthesecretsofhissoul，andknewallthathehadeverthoughtorlongedforsincethedaythathewasborn。AndPerseusdroppedhiseyes，tremblingandblushing，asthewonderfulladyspoke。
’Perseus，youmustdoanerrandforme。’
’Whoareyou，lady？Andhowdoyouknowmyname？’
’IamPallasAthene;andIknowthethoughtsofallmen’shearts，anddiscerntheirmanhoodortheirbaseness。AndfromthesoulsofclayIturnaway，andtheyareblest，butnotbyme。Theyfattenatease，likesheepinthepasture，andeatwhattheydidnotsow，likeoxeninthestall。Theygrowandspread，likethegourdalongtheground;but，likethegourd，theygivenoshadetothetraveller，andwhentheyareripedeathgathersthem，andtheygodownunlovedintohell，andtheirnamevanishesoutoftheland。
’ButtothesoulsoffireIgivemorefire，andtothosewhoaremanfulIgiveamightmorethanman’s。Thesearetheheroes，thesonsoftheImmortals，whoareblest，butnotlikethesoulsofclay。ForIdrivethemforthbystrangepaths，Perseus，thattheymayfighttheTitansandthemonsters，theenemiesofGodsandmen。Throughdoubtandneed，dangerandbattle，Idrivethem;andsomeofthemareslainintheflowerofyouth，nomanknowswhenorwhere;andsomeofthemwinnoblenames，andafairandgreenoldage;
butwhatwillbetheirlatterendIknownot，andnone，saveZeus，thefatherofGodsandmen。Tellmenow，Perseus，whichofthesetwosortsofmenseemtoyoumoreblest？’
ThenPerseusansweredboldly：’Bettertodieintheflowerofyouth，onthechanceofwinninganoblename，thantoliveateaselikethesheep，anddieunlovedandunrenowned。’
Thenthatstrangeladylaughed，andheldupherbrazenshield，andcried：’Seehere，Perseus;dareyoufacesuchamonsterasthis，andslayit，thatImayplaceitsheaduponthisshield？’
Andinthemirroroftheshieldthereappearedaface，andasPerseuslookedonithisbloodrancold。Itwasthefaceofabeautifulwoman;buthercheekswerepaleasdeath，andherbrowswereknitwitheverlastingpain，andherlipswerethinandbitterlikeasnake’s;andinsteadofhair，viperswreathedabouthertemples，andshotouttheirforkedtongues;whileroundherheadwerefoldedwingslikeaneagle’s，anduponherbosomclawsofbrass。
AndPerseuslookedawhile，andthensaid：’Ifthereisanythingsofierceandfoulonearth，itwereanobledeedtokillit。WherecanIfindthemonster？’
Thenthestrangeladysmiledagain，andsaid：’Notyet;youaretooyoung，andtoounskilled;forthisisMedusatheGorgon，themotherofamonstrousbrood。Returntoyourhome，anddotheworkwhichwaitsthereforyou。YoumustplaythemaninthatbeforeIcanthinkyouworthytogoinsearchoftheGorgon。’
ThenPerseuswouldhavespoken，butthestrangeladyvanished，andheawoke;andbehold，itwasadream。ButdayandnightPerseussawbeforehimthefaceofthatdreadfulwoman，withtheviperswrithingroundherhead。
Sohereturnedhome;andwhenhecametoSeriphos，thefirstthingwhichheheardwasthathismotherwasaslaveinthehouseofPolydectes。
Grindinghisteethwithrage，hewentout，andawaytotheking’spalace，andthroughthemen’srooms，andthewomen’srooms，andsothroughallthehouse（fornoonedaredstophim，soterribleandfairwashe），tillhefoundhismothersittingonthefloor，turningthestonehand-mill，andweepingassheturnedit。Andheliftedherup，andkissedher，andbadeherfollowhimforth。ButbeforetheycouldpassoutoftheroomPolydectescamein，raging。AndwhenPerseussawhim，heflewuponhimasthemastifffliesontheboar。’Villainandtyrant！’hecried;’isthisyourrespectfortheGods，andthymercytostrangersandwidows？Youshalldie！’Andbecausehehadnoswordhecaughtupthestonehand-mill，andliftedittodashoutPolydectes’
brains。
Buthismotherclungtohim，shrieking，’Oh，myson，wearestrangersandhelplessintheland;andifyoukilltheking，allthepeoplewillfallonus，andweshallbothdie。’
GoodDictys，too，whohadcomein，entreatedhim。’Rememberthatheismybrother。RememberhowIhavebroughtyouup，andtrainedyouasmyownson，andsparehimformysake。’
ThenPerseusloweredhishand;andPolydectes，whohadbeentremblingallthiswhilelikeacoward，becauseheknewthathewasinthewrong，letPerseusandhismotherpass。
PerseustookhismothertothetempleofAthene，andtherethepriestessmadeheroneofthetemple-sweepers;fortheretheyknewshewouldbesafe，andnotevenPolydecteswoulddaretodragherawayfromthealtar。AndtherePerseus，andthegoodDictys，andhiswife，cametovisithereveryday;
whilePolydectes，notbeingabletogetwhathewantedbyforce，castaboutinhiswickedhearthowhemightgetitbycunning。
NowhewassurethathecouldnevergetbackDanaeaslongasPerseuswasintheisland;sohemadeaplottoridhimselfofhim。AndfirsthepretendedtohaveforgivenPerseus，andtohaveforgottenDanae;sothat，forawhile，allwentassmoothlyasever。
Nextheproclaimedagreatfeast，andinvitedtoitallthechiefs，andlandowners，andtheyoungmenoftheisland，andamongthemPerseus，thattheymightalldohimhomageastheirking，andeatofhisbanquetinhishall。
Ontheappointeddaytheyallcame;andasthecustomwasthen，eachguestbroughthispresentwithhimtotheking：
oneahorse，anotherashawl，oraring，orasword;andthosewhohadnothingbetterbroughtabasketofgrapes，orofgame;butPerseusbroughtnothing，forhehadnothingtobring，beingbutapoorsailor-lad。
Hewasashamed，however，togointotheking’spresencewithouthisgift;andhewastooproudtoaskDictystolendhimone。Sohestoodatthedoorsorrowfully，watchingtherichmengoin;andhisfacegrewveryredastheypointedathim，andsmiled，andwhispered，’Whathasthatfoundlingtogive？’
NowthiswaswhatPolydecteswanted;andassoonasheheardthatPerseusstoodwithout，hebadethembringhimin，andaskedhimscornfullybeforethemall，’AmInotyourking，Perseus，andhaveInotinvitedyoutomyfeast？Whereisyourpresent，then？’
Perseusblushedandstammered，whilealltheproudmenroundlaughed，andsomeofthembeganjeeringhimopenly。’Thisfellowwasthrownashoreherelikeapieceofweedordrift-
wood，andyetheistooproudtobringagifttotheking。’
’Andthoughhedoesnotknowwhohisfatheris，heisvainenoughtolettheoldwomencallhimthesonofZeus。’
Andsoforth，tillpoorPerseusgrewmadwithshame，andhardlyknowingwhathesaid，criedout，-’Apresent！whoareyouwhotalkofpresents？SeeifIdonotbringanobleronethanallofyourstogether！’
Sohesaidboasting;andyethefeltinhisheartthathewasbraverthanallthosescoffers，andmoreabletodosomegloriousdeed。
’Hearhim！Heartheboaster！Whatisittobe？’criedtheyall，laughinglouderthanever。
ThenhisdreamatSamoscameintohismind，andhecriedaloud，’TheheadoftheGorgon。’
Hewashalfafraidafterhehadsaidthewordsforalllaughedlouderthanever，andPolydectesloudestofall。
’YouhavepromisedtobringmetheGorgon’shead？Thenneverappearagaininthisislandwithoutit。Go！’
Perseusgroundhisteethwithrage，forhesawthathehadfallenintoatrap;buthispromiselayuponhim，andhewentoutwithoutaword。
Downtothecliffshewent，andlookedacrossthebroadbluesea;andhewonderedifhisdreamweretrue，andprayedinthebitternessofhissoul。
’PallasAthene，wasmydreamtrue？andshallIslaytheGorgon？Ifthoudidstreallyshowmeherface，letmenotcometoshameasaliarandboastful。RashlyandangrilyI
promised;butcunninglyandpatientlywillIperform。’
Buttherewasnoanswer，norsign;neitherthundernoranyappearance;notevenacloudinthesky。
AndthreetimesPerseuscalledweeping，’RashlyandangrilyI
promised;butcunninglyandpatientlywillIperform。’
Thenhesawafaroffabovetheseaasmallwhitecloud，asbrightassilver。Anditcameon，nearerandnearer，tillitsbrightnessdazzledhiseyes。
Perseuswonderedatthatstrangecloud，fortherewasnoothercloudallroundthesky;andhetrembledasittouchedthecliffbelow。Andasittouched，itbroke，andparted，andwithinitappearedPallasAthene，ashehadseenheratSamosinhisdream，andbesideherayoungmanmorelight-
limbedthanthestag，whoseeyeswerelikesparksoffire。
Byhissidewasascimitarofdiamond，allofoneclearpreciousstone，andonhisfeetweregoldensandals，fromtheheelsofwhichgrewlivingwings。
TheylookeduponPerseuskeenly，andyettheynevermovedtheireyes;andtheycameupthecliffstowardshimmoreswiftlythanthesea-gull，andyettheynevermovedtheirfeet，nordidthebreezestirtherobesabouttheirlimbs;
onlythewingsoftheyouth’ssandalsquivered，likeahawk’swhenhehangsabovethecliff。AndPerseusfelldownandworshipped，forheknewthattheyweremorethanman。
ButAthenestoodbeforehimandspokegently，andbidhimhavenofear。Then-
’Perseus，’shesaid，’hewhoovercomesinonetrialmeritstherebyasharpertrialstill。YouhavebravedPolydectes，anddonemanfully。DareyoubraveMedusatheGorgon？’
AndPerseussaid，’Tryme;forsinceyouspoketomeinSamosanewsoulhascomeintomybreast，andIshouldbeashamednottodareanythingwhichIcando。Showme，then，howI
candothis！’
’Perseus，’saidAthene，’thinkwellbeforeyouattempt;forthisdeedrequiresasevenyears’journey，inwhichyoucannotrepentorturnbacknorescape;butifyourheartfailsyou，youmustdieintheUnshapenLand，wherenomanwilleverfindyourbones。’
’Bettersothanlivehere，uselessanddespised，’saidPerseus。’Tellme，then，ohtellme，fairandwiseGoddess，ofyourgreatkindnessandcondescension，howIcandobutthisonething，andthen，ifneedbe，die！’
ThenAthenesmiledandsaid-
’Bepatient，andlisten;forifyouforgetmywords，youwillindeeddie。YoumustgonorthwardtothecountryoftheHyperboreans，wholivebeyondthepole，atthesourcesofthecoldnorthwind，tillyoufindthethreeGraySisters，whohavebutoneeyeandonetoothbetweenthem。YoumustaskthemthewaytotheNymphs，thedaughtersoftheEveningStar，whodanceaboutthegoldentree，intheAtlanticislandofthewest。TheywilltellyouthewaytotheGorgon，thatyoumayslayher，myenemy，themotherofmonstrousbeasts。
Onceshewasamaidenasbeautifulasmorn，tillinherprideshesinnedasinatwhichthesunhidhisface;andfromthatdayherhairwasturnedtovipers，andherhandstoeagle’sclaws;andherheartwasfilledwithshameandrage，andherlipswithbittervenom;andhereyesbecamesoterriblethatwhosoeverlooksonthemisturnedtostone;andherchildrenarethewingedhorseandthegiantofthegoldensword;andhergrandchildrenareEchidnathewitch-adder，andGeryonthethree-headedtyrant，whofeedshisherdsbesidetheherdsofhell。SoshebecamethesisteroftheGorgons，StheinoandEurytetheabhorred，thedaughtersoftheQueenoftheSea。
Touchthemnot，fortheyareimmortal;butbringmeonlyMedusa’shead。’
’AndIwillbringit！’saidPerseus;’buthowamItoescapehereyes？Willshenotfreezemetoointostone？’
’Youshalltakethispolishedshield，’saidAthene，’andwhenyoucomenearherlooknotatherherself，butatherimageinthebrass;soyoumaystrikehersafely。Andwhenyouhavestruckoffherhead，wrapit，withyourfaceturnedaway，inthefoldsofthegoat-skinonwhichtheshieldhangs，thehideofAmaltheie，thenurseoftheAEgis-holder。
Soyouwillbringitsafelybacktome，andwintoyourselfrenown，andaplaceamongtheheroeswhofeastwiththeImmortalsuponthepeakwherenowindsblow。’
ThenPerseussaid，’Iwillgo，thoughIdieingoing。ButhowshallIcrosstheseaswithoutaship？Andwhowillshowmemyway？AndwhenIfindher，howshallIslayher，ifherscalesbeironandbrass？’
Thentheyoungmanspoke：’Thesesandalsofminewillbearyouacrosstheseas，andoverhillanddalelikeabird，astheybearmealldaylong;forIamHermes，thefar-famedArgus-slayer，themessengeroftheImmortalswhodwellonOlympus。’
ThenPerseusfelldownandworshipped，whiletheyoungmanspokeagain：
’Thesandalsthemselveswillguideyouontheroad，fortheyaredivineandcannotstray;andthissworditself，theArgus-slayer，willkillher，foritisdivine，andneedsnosecondstroke。Arise，andgirdthemon，andgoforth。’
SoPerseusarose，andgirdedonthesandalsandthesword。
AndAthenecried，’Nowleapfromthecliffandbegone。’
ButPerseuslingered。
’MayInotbidfarewelltomymotherandtoDictys？AndmayInotofferburnt-offeringstoyou，andtoHermesthefar-
famedArgus-slayer，andtoFatherZeusabove？’
’Youshallnotbidfarewelltoyourmother，lestyourheartrelentatherweeping。IwillcomfortherandDictysuntilyoureturninpeace。Norshallyouofferburnt-offeringstotheOlympians;foryourofferingshallbeMedusa’shead。
Leap，andtrustinthearmouroftheImmortals。’
ThenPerseuslookeddownthecliffandshuddered;buthewasashamedtoshowhisdread。ThenhethoughtofMedusaandtherenownbeforehim，andheleapedintotheemptyair。
Andbehold，insteadoffallinghefloated，andstood，andranalongthesky。Helookedback，butAthenehadvanished，andHermes;andthesandalsledhimonnorthwardever，likeacranewhofollowsthespringtowardtheIsterfens。
PARTIII-HOWPERSEUSSLEWTHEGORGON
SOPerseusstartedonhisjourney，goingdry-shodoverlandandsea;andhisheartwashighandjoyful，forthewingedsandalsborehimeachdayasevendays’journey。
AndhewentbyCythnus，andbyCeos，andthepleasantCycladestoAttica;andpastAthensandThebes，andtheCopaiclake，andupthevaleofCephissus，andpastthepeaksofOEtaandPindus，andovertherichThessalianplains，tillthesunnyhillsofGreecewerebehindhim，andbeforehimwerethewildsofthenorth。ThenhepassedtheThracianmountains，andmanyabarbaroustribe，PaeonsandDardansandTriballi，tillhecametotheIsterstream，andthedrearyScythianplains。AndhewalkedacrosstheIsterdry-shod，andawaythroughthemoorsandfens，dayandnighttowardthebleaknorth-west，turningneithertotherighthandnortheleft，tillhecametotheUnshapenLand，andtheplacewhichhasnoname。
Andsevendayshewalkedthroughit，onapathwhichfewcantell;forthosewhohavetroddenitlikeleasttospeakofit，andthosewhogothereagainindreamsaregladenoughwhentheyawake;tillhecametotheedgeoftheeverlastingnight，wheretheairwasfulloffeathers，andthesoilwashardwithice;andthereatlasthefoundthethreeGraySisters，bytheshoreofthefreezingsea，noddinguponawhitelogofdrift-wood，beneaththecoldwhitewintermoon;
andtheychauntedalowsongtogether，’Whytheoldtimeswerebetterthanthenew。’
Therewasnolivingthingaroundthem，notafly，notamossupontherocks。Neithersealnorsea-gulldarecomenear，lesttheiceshouldclutchtheminitsclaws。Thesurgebrokeupinfoam，butitfellagaininflakesofsnow;anditfrostedthehairofthethreeGraySisters，andthebonesintheice-cliffabovetheirheads。Theypassedtheeyefromonetotheother，butforallthattheycouldnotsee;andtheypassedthetoothfromonetotheother，butforallthattheycouldnoteat;andtheysatinthefullglareofthemoon，buttheywerenonethewarmerforherbeams。AndPerseuspitiedthethreeGraySisters;buttheydidnotpitythemselves。
Sohesaid，’Oh，venerablemothers，wisdomisthedaughterofoldage。Youthereforeshouldknowmanythings。Tellme，ifyoucan，thepathtotheGorgon。’
Thenonecried，’Whoisthiswhoreproachesuswitholdage？’
Andanother，’Thisisthevoiceofoneofthechildrenofmen。’
Andhe，’Idonotreproach，buthonouryouroldage，andIamoneofthesonsofmenandoftheheroes。TherulersofOlympushavesentmetoyoutoaskthewaytotheGorgon。’
Thenone，’TherearenewrulersinOlympus，andallnewthingsarebad。’Andanother，’Wehateyourrulers，andtheheroes，andallthechildrenofmen。WearethekindredoftheTitans，andtheGiants，andtheGorgons，andtheancientmonstersofthedeep。’Andanother，’Whoisthisrashandinsolentmanwhopushesunbiddenintoourworld？’Andthefirst，’Thereneverwassuchaworldasours，norwillbe;ifwelethimseeit，hewillspoilitall。’
Thenonecried，’Givemetheeye，thatImayseehim;’andanother，’Givemethetooth，thatImaybitehim。’ButPerseus，whenhesawthattheywerefoolishandproud，anddidnotlovethechildrenofmen，leftoffpityingthem，andsaidtohimself，’Hungrymenmustneedsbehasty;ifIstaymakingmanywordshere，Ishallbestarved。’Thenhesteppedclosetothem，andwatchedtilltheypassedtheeyefromhandtohand。Andastheygropedaboutbetweenthemselves，heheldouthisownhandgently，tilloneofthemputtheeyeintoit，fancyingthatitwasthehandofhersister。Thenhesprangback，andlaughed，andcried-
’Cruelandproudoldwomen，Ihaveyoureye;andIwillthrowitintothesea，unlessyoutellmethepathtotheGorgon，andsweartomethatyoutellmeright。’
Thentheywept，andchattered，andscolded;butinvain。
Theywereforcedtotellthetruth，though，whentheytoldit，Perseuscouldhardlymakeouttheroad。
’Youmustgo，’theysaid，’foolishboy，tothesouthward，intotheuglyglareofthesun，tillyoucometoAtlastheGiant，whoholdstheheavenandtheearthapart。Andyoumustaskhisdaughters，theHesperides，whoareyoungandfoolishlikeyourself。Andnowgiveusbackoureye，forwehaveforgottenalltherest。’
SoPerseusgavethembacktheireye;butinsteadofusingit，theynoddedandfellfastasleep，andwereturnedintoblocksofice，tillthetidecameupandwashedthemallaway。Andnowtheyfloatupanddownlikeicebergsforever，weepingwhenevertheymeetthesunshine，andthefruitfulsummerandthewarmsouthwind，whichfillyoungheartswithjoy。
ButPerseusleapedawaytothesouthward，leavingthesnowandtheicebehind：pasttheisleoftheHyperboreans，andthetinisles，andthelongIberianshore，whilethesunrosehigherdaybydayuponabrightbluesummersea。Andtheternsandthesea-gullssweptlaughingroundhishead，andcalledtohimtostopandplay，andthedolphinsgambolledupashepassed，andofferedtocarryhimontheirbacks。Andallnightlongthesea-nymphssangsweetly，andtheTritonsblewupontheirconchs，astheyplayedroundGalataeatheirqueen，inhercarofpearledshells。Daybydaythesunrosehigher，andleapedmoreswiftlyintotheseaatnight，andmoreswiftlyoutoftheseaatdawn;whilePerseusskimmedoverthebillowslikeasea-gull，andhisfeetwereneverwetted;andleaptonfromwavetowave，andhislimbswereneverweary，tillhesawfarawayamightymountain，allrose-redinthesettingsun。Itsfeetwerewrappedinforests，anditsheadinwreathsofcloud;andPerseusknewthatitwasAtlas，whoholdstheheavensandtheearthapart。
Hecametothemountain，andleaptonshore，andwanderedupward，amongpleasantvalleysandwaterfalls，andtalltreesandstrangefernsandflowers;buttherewasnosmokerisingfromanyglen，norhouse，norsignofman。
Atlastheheardsweetvoicessinging;andheguessedthathewascometothegardenoftheNymphs，thedaughtersoftheEveningStar。
Theysanglikenightingalesamongthethickets，andPerseusstoppedtoheartheirsong;butthewordswhichtheyspokehecouldnotunderstand;no，nornomanafterhimformanyahundredyears。Sohesteppedforwardandsawthemdancing，handinhandaroundthecharmedtree，whichbentunderitsgoldenfruit;androundthetree-footwascoiledthedragon，oldLadonthesleeplesssnake，wholiesthereforever，listeningtothesongofthemaidens，blinkingandwatchingwithdrybrighteyes。
ThenPerseusstopped，notbecausehefearedthedragon，butbecausehewasbashfulbeforethosefairmaids;butwhentheysawhim，theytoostopped，andcalledtohimwithtremblingvoices-
’Whoareyou？AreyouHeraclesthemighty，whowillcometorobourgarden，andcarryoffourgoldenfruit？’Andheanswered-
’IamnotHeraclesthemighty，andIwantnoneofyourgoldenfruit。Tellme，fairNymphs，thewaywhichleadstotheGorgon，thatImaygoonmywayandslayher。’
’Notyet，notyet，fairboy;comedancewithusaroundthetreeinthegardenwhichknowsnowinter，thehomeofthesouthwindandthesun。Comehitherandplaywithusawhile;
wehavedancedalonehereforathousandyears，andourheartsarewearywithlongingforaplayfellow。Socome，come，come！’
’Icannotdancewithyou，fairmaidens;forImustdotheerrandoftheImmortals。SotellmethewaytotheGorgon，lestIwanderandperishinthewaves。’
Thentheysighedandwept;andanswered-’TheGorgon！shewillfreezeyouintostone。’
’Itisbettertodielikeaherothantolivelikeanoxinastall。TheImmortalshavelentmeweapons，andtheywillgivemewittousethem。’
Thentheysighedagainandanswered，’Fairboy，ifyouarebentonyourownruin，beitso。WeknownotthewaytotheGorgon;butwewillaskthegiantAtlas，aboveuponthemountainpeak，thebrotherofourfather，thesilverEveningStar。Hesitsaloftandseesacrosstheocean，andfarawayintotheUnshapenLand。’
SotheywentupthemountaintoAtlastheiruncle，andPerseuswentupwiththem。Andtheyfoundthegiantkneeling，asheheldtheheavensandtheearthapart。
Theyaskedhim，andheansweredmildly，pointingtothesea-
boardwithhismightyhand，’IcanseetheGorgonslyingonanislandfaraway，butthisyouthcannevercomenearthem，unlesshehasthehatofdarkness，whichwhosoeverwearscannotbeseen。’
ThencriedPerseus，’Whereisthathat，thatImayfindit？’
Butthegiantsmiled。’Nolivingmortalcanfindthathat，foritliesinthedepthsofHades，intheregionsofthedead。Butmyniecesareimmortal，andtheyshallfetchitforyou，ifyouwillpromisemeonethingandkeepyourfaith。’
ThenPerseuspromised;andthegiantsaid，’WhenyoucomebackwiththeheadofMedusa，youshallshowmethebeautifulhorror，thatImaylosemyfeelingandmybreathing，andbecomeastoneforever;foritiswearylabourformetoholdtheheavensandtheearthapart。’
ThenPerseuspromised，andtheeldestoftheNymphswentdown，andintoadarkcavernamongthecliffs，outofwhichcamesmokeandthunder，foritwasoneofthemouthsofHell。
AndPerseusandtheNymphssatdownsevendays，andwaitedtrembling，tilltheNymphcameupagain;andherfacewaspale，andhereyesdazzledwiththelight，forshehadbeenlonginthedrearydarkness;butinherhandwasthemagichat。
ThenalltheNymphskissedPerseus，andweptoverhimalongwhile;buthewasonlyimpatienttobegone。Andatlasttheyputthehatuponhishead，andhevanishedoutoftheirsight。
ButPerseuswentonboldly，pastmanyanuglysight，farawayintotheheartoftheUnshapenLand，beyondthestreamsofOcean，totheisleswherenoshipcruises，whereisneithernightnorday，wherenothingisinitsrightplace，andnothinghasaname;tillheheardtherustleoftheGorgons’
wingsandsawtheglitteroftheirbrazentalons;andthenheknewthatitwastimetohalt，lestMedusashouldfreezehimintostone。
Hethoughtawhilewithhimself，andrememberedAthene’swords。Herosealoftintotheair，andheldthemirroroftheshieldabovehishead，andlookedupintoitthathemightseeallthatwasbelowhim。
AndhesawthethreeGorgonssleepingashugeaselephants。
Heknewthattheycouldnotseehim，becausethehatofdarknesshidhim;andyethetrembledashesankdownnearthem，soterriblewerethosebrazenclaws。
TwooftheGorgonswerefoulasswine，andlaysleepingheavily，asswinesleep，withtheirmightywingsoutspread;
butMedusatossedtoandfrorestlessly，andasshetossedPerseuspitiedher，shelookedsofairandsad。Herplumagewasliketherainbow，andherfacewaslikethefaceofanymph，onlyhereyebrowswereknit，andherlipsclenched，witheverlastingcareandpain;andherlongneckgleamedsowhiteinthemirrorthatPerseushadnotthehearttostrike，andsaid，’Ah，thatithadbeeneitherofhersisters！’
Butashelooked，fromamonghertressesthevipers’headsawoke，andpeepedupwiththeirbrightdryeyes，andshowedtheirfangs，andhissed;andMedusa，asshetossed，threwbackherwingsandshowedherbrazenclaws;andPerseussawthat，forallherbeauty，shewasasfoulandvenomousastherest。
Thenhecamedownandsteppedtoherboldly，andlookedsteadfastlyonhismirror，andstruckwithHerpestoutlyonce;andhedidnotneedtostrikeagain。
Thenhewrappedtheheadinthegoat-skin，turningawayhiseyes，andsprangintotheairaloft，fasterthanheeversprangbefore。
ForMedusa’swingsandtalonsrattledasshesankdeadupontherocks;andhertwofoulsisterswoke，andsawherlyingdead。
Intotheairtheysprangyellingandlookedforhimwhohaddonethedeed。Thricetheyswungroundandround，likehawkswhobeatforapartridge;andthricetheysnuffedroundandround，likehoundswhodrawuponadeer。Atlasttheystruckuponthescentoftheblood，andtheycheckedforamomenttomakesure;andthenontheyrushedwithafearfulhowl，whilethewindrattledhoarseintheirwings。
Ontheyrushed，sweepingandflapping，likeeaglesafterahare;andPerseus’bloodrancold，forallhiscourage，ashesawthemcomehowlingonhistrack;andhecried，’Bearmewellnow，bravesandals，forthehoundsofDeathareatmyheels！’
Andwellthebravesandalsborehim，aloftthroughcloudandsunshine，acrosstheshorelesssea;andfastfollowedthehoundsofDeath，astheroaroftheirwingscamedownthewind。Buttheroarcamedownfainterandfainter，andthehowloftheirvoicesdiedaway;forthesandalsweretooswift，evenforGorgons，andbynightfalltheywerefarbehind，twoblackspecksinthesouthernsky，tillthesunsankandhesawthemnomore。
ThenhecameagaintoAtlas，andthegardenoftheNymphs;
andwhenthegiantheardhimcominghegroaned，andsaid，’Fulfilthypromisetome。’ThenPerseushelduptohimtheGorgon’shead，andhehadrestfromallhistoil;forhebecameacragofstone，whichsleepsforeverfarabovetheclouds。
ThenhethankedtheNymphs，andaskedthem，’BywhatroadshallIgohomewardagain，forIwanderedfarroundincominghither？’
Andtheyweptandcried，’Gohomenomore，butstayandplaywithus，thelonelymaidens，whodwellforeverfarawayfromGodsandmen。’
Butherefused，andtheytoldhimhisroad，andsaid，’Takewithyouthismagicfruit，which，ifyoueatonce，youwillnothungerforsevendays。Foryoumustgoeastwardandeastwardever，overthedolefulLybianshore，whichPoseidongavetoFatherZeus，whenheburstopentheBosphorusandtheHellespont，anddrownedthefairLectonianland。AndZeustookthatlandinexchange，afairbargain，muchbadgroundforalittlegood，andtothisdayitlieswasteanddesertwithshingle，androck，andsand。’
ThentheykissedPerseus，andweptoverhim，andheleaptdownthemountain，andwenton，lesseningandlesseninglikeasea-gull，awayandouttosea。
PARTIV-HOWPERSEUSCAMETOTHEAETHIOPS
SOPerseusflittedonwardtothenorth-east，overmanyaleagueofsea，tillhecametotherollingsand-hillsandthedrearyLybianshore。
Andheflittedonacrossthedesert：overrock-ledges，andbanksofshingle，andlevelwastesofsand，andshell-driftsbleachinginthesunshine，andtheskeletonsofgreatsea-
monsters，anddeadbonesofancientgiants，strewnupanddownupontheoldsea-floor。Andashewenttheblood-dropsfelltotheearthfromtheGorgon’shead，andbecamepoisonousaspsandadders，whichbreedinthedeserttothisday。
Overthesandshewent，-heneverknewhowfarorhowlong，feedingonthefruitwhichtheNymphshadgivenhim，tillhesawthehillsofthePsylli，andtheDwarfswhofoughtwithcranes。Theirspearswereofreedsandrushes，andtheirhousesoftheegg-shellsofthecranes;andPerseuslaughed，andwenthiswaytothenorth-east，hopingalldaylongtoseetheblueMediterraneansparkling，thathemightflyacrossittohishome。
Butnowcamedownamightywind，andswepthimbacksouthwardtowardthedesert。Alldaylonghestroveagainstit;buteventhewingedsandalscouldnotprevail。Sohewasforcedtofloatdownthewindallnight;andwhenthemorningdawnedtherewasnothingtobeseen，savethesameoldhatefulwasteofsand。
Andoutofthenorththesandstormsrusheduponhim，blood-
redpillarsandwreaths，blottingoutthenoondaysun;andPerseusfledbeforethem，lestheshouldbechokedbytheburningdust。Atlastthegalefellcalm，andhetriedtogonorthwardagain;butagaincamedownthesandstorms，andswepthimbackintothewaste，andthenallwascalmandcloudlessasbefore。Sevendayshestroveagainstthestorms，andsevendayshewasdrivenback，tillhewasspentwiththirstandhunger，andhistongueclovetotheroofofhismouth。Hereandtherehefanciedthathesawafairlake，andthesunbeamsshiningonthewater;butwhenhecametoititvanishedathisfeet，andtherewasnoughtbutburningsand。AndifhehadnotbeenoftheraceoftheImmortals，hewouldhaveperishedinthewaste;buthislifewasstrongwithinhim，becauseitwasmorethanman’s。
ThenhecriedtoAthene，andsaid-
’Oh，fairandpure，ifthouhearestme，wiltthouleavemeheretodieofdrought？IhavebroughttheetheGorgon’sheadatthybidding，andhithertothouhastprosperedmyjourney;dostthoudesertmeatthelast？Elsewhywillnottheseimmortalsandalsprevail，evenagainstthedesertstorms？ShallIneverseemymothermore，andthebluerippleroundSeriphos，andthesunnyhillsofHellas？’
Soheprayed;andafterhehadprayedtherewasagreatsilence。
Theheavenwasstillabovehishead，andthesandwasstillbeneathhisfeet;andPerseuslookedup，buttherewasnothingbuttheblindingsunintheblindingblue;androundhim，buttherewasnothingbuttheblindingsand。
AndPerseusstoodstillawhile，andwaited，andsaid，’SurelyIamnotherewithoutthewilloftheImmortals，forAthenewillnotlie。Werenotthesesandalstoleadmeintherightroad？ThentheroadinwhichIhavetriedtogomustbeawrongroad。’
Thensuddenlyhisearswereopened，andheheardthesoundofrunningwater。
Andatthathisheartwasliftedup，thoughhescarcelydarebelievehisears;andwearyashewas，hehurriedforward，thoughhecouldscarcelystandupright;andwithinabowshotofhimwasagleninthesand，andmarblerocks，anddate-
trees，andalawnofgaygreengrass。Andthroughthelawnastreamletsparkledandwanderedoutbeyondthetrees，andvanishedinthesand。
Thewatertrickledamongtherocks，andapleasantbreezerustledinthedrydate-branchesandPerseuslaughedforjoy，andleaptdownthecliff，anddrankofthecoolwater，andateofthedates，andsleptupontheturf，andleaptupandwentforwardagain：butnottowardthenorththistime;forhesaid，’SurelyAthenehathsentmehither，andwillnothavemegohomewardyet。Whatiftherebeanothernobledeedtobedone，beforeIseethesunnyhillsofHellas？’
Sohewenteast，andeastforever，byfreshoasesandfountains，date-palms，andlawnsofgrass，tillhesawbeforehimamightymountain-wall，allrose-redinthesettingsun。
Thenhetoweredintheairlikeaneagle，forhislimbswerestrongagain;andheflewallnightacrossthemountaintillthedaybegantodawn，androsy-fingeredEoscameblushingupthesky。Andthen，behold，beneathhimwasthelonggreengardenofEgyptandtheshiningstreamofNile。
Andhesawcitieswalleduptoheaven，andtemples，andobelisks，andpyramids，andgiantGodsofstone。Andhecamedownamidfieldsofbarley，andflax，andmillet，andclamberinggourds;andsawthepeoplecomingoutofthegatesofagreatcity，andsettingtowork，eachinhisplace，amongthewater-courses，partingthestreamsamongtheplantscunninglywiththeirfeet，accordingtothewisdomoftheEgyptians。Butwhentheysawhimtheyallstoppedtheirwork，andgatheredroundhim，andcried-
’Whoartthou，fairyouth？andwhatbearestthoubeneaththygoat-skinthere？SurelythouartoneoftheImmortals;forthyskiniswhitelikeivory，andoursisredlikeclay。Thyhairislikethreadsofgold，andoursisblackandcurled。
SurelythouartoneoftheImmortals;’andtheywouldhaveworshippedhimthenandthere;butPerseussaid-
’IamnotoneoftheImmortals;butIamaherooftheHellens。AndIhaveslaintheGorgoninthewilderness，andbearherheadwithme。Givemefood，therefore，thatImaygoforwardandfinishmywork。’
Thentheygavehimfood，andfruit，andwine;buttheywouldnotlethimgo。AndwhenthenewscameintothecitythattheGorgonwasslain，thepriestscameouttomeethim，andthemaidens，withsongsanddances，andtimbrelsandharps;
andtheywouldhavebroughthimtotheirtempleandtotheirking;butPerseusputonthehatofdarkness，andvanishedawayoutoftheirsight。
ThereforetheEgyptianslookedlongforhisreturn，butinvain，andworshippedhimasahero，andmadeastatueofhiminChemmis，whichstoodformanyahundredyears;andtheysaidthatheappearedtothemattimes，withsandalsacubitlong;andthatwheneverheappearedtheseasonwasfruitful，andtheNilerosehighthatyear。
ThenPerseuswenttotheeastward，alongtheRedSeashore;
andthen，becausehewasafraidtogointotheArabiandeserts，heturnednorthwardoncemore，andthistimenostormhinderedhim。
HewentpasttheIsthmus，andMountCasius，andthevastSerbonianbog，anduptheshoreofPalestine，wherethedark-
facedAEthiopsdwelt。
Heflewonpastpleasanthillsandvalleys，likeArgositself，orLacedaemon，orthefairValeofTempe。Butthelowlandswerealldrownedbyfloods，andthehighlandsblastedbyfire，andthehillsheavedlikeababblingcauldron，beforethewrathofKingPoseidon，theshakeroftheearth。
AndPerseusfearedtogoinland，butflewalongtheshoreabovethesea;andhewentonalltheday，andtheskywasblackwithsmoke;andhewentonallthenight，andtheskywasredwithflame。
Andatthedawnofdayhelookedtowardthecliffs;andatthewater’sedge，underablackrock，hesawawhiteimagestand。
’This，’thoughthe，’mustsurelybethestatueofsomesea-
God;IwillgonearandseewhatkindofGodsthesebarbariansworship。’
Sohecamenear;butwhenhecame，itwasnostatue，butamaidenoffleshandblood;forhecouldseehertressesstreaminginthebreeze;andashecamecloserstill，hecouldseehowsheshrankandshiveredwhenthewavessprinkledherwithcoldsaltspray。Herarmswerespreadaboveherhead，andfastenedtotherockwithchainsofbrass;andherheaddroopedonherbosom，eitherwithsleep，orweariness，orgrief。Butnowandthenshelookedupandwailed，andcalledhermother;yetshedidnotseePerseus，forthecapofdarknesswasonhishead。
Fullofpityandindignation，Perseusdrewnearandlookeduponthemaid。Hercheeksweredarkerthanhiswere，andherhairwasblue-blacklikeahyacinth;butPerseusthought，’I
haveneverseensobeautifulamaiden;no，notinallourisles。Surelysheisaking’sdaughter。Dobarbarianstreattheirkings’daughtersthus？Sheistoofair，atleast，tohavedoneanywrongIwillspeaktoher。’
And，liftingthehatfromhishead，heflashedintohersight。Sheshriekedwithterror，andtriedtohideherfacewithherhair，forshecouldnotwithherhands;butPerseuscried-
’Donotfearme，fairone;IamaHellen，andnobarbarian。
Whatcruelmenhaveboundyou？ButfirstIwillsetyoufree。’
Andhetoreatthefetters，buttheyweretoostrongforhim;
whilethemaidencried-
’Touchmenot;Iamaccursed，devotedasavictimtothesea-
Gods。Theywillslayyou，ifyoudaretosetmefree。’
’Letthemtry，’saidPerseus;anddrawing，Herpefromhisthigh，hecutthroughthebrassasifithadbeenflax。
’Now，’hesaid，’youbelongtome，andnottothesesea-Gods，whosoevertheymaybe！’Butsheonlycalledthemoreonhermother。
’Whycallonyourmother？Shecanbenomothertohaveleftyouhere。Ifabirdisdroppedoutofthenest，itbelongstothemanwhopicksitup。Ifajeweliscastbythewayside，itishiswhodarewinitandwearit，asIwillwinyouandwillwearyou。IknownowwhyPallasAthenesentmehither。Shesentmetogainaprizeworthallmytoilandmore。’
Andheclaspedherinhisarms，andcried，’Wherearethesesea-Gods，cruelandunjust，whodoomfairmaidstodeath？I
carrytheweaponsofImmortals。Letthemmeasuretheirstrengthagainstmine！Buttellme，maiden，whoyouare，andwhatdarkfatebroughtyouhere。’
Andsheanswered，weeping-
\"IamthedaughterofCepheus，KingofIopa，andmymotherisCassiopoeiaofthebeautifultresses，andtheycalledmeAndromeda，aslongaslifewasmine。AndIstandboundhere，haplessthatIam，forthesea-monster’sfood，toatoneformymother’ssin。ForsheboastedofmeoncethatIwasfairerthanAtergatis，QueenoftheFishes;sosheinherwrathsentthesea-floods，andherbrothertheFireKingsenttheearthquakes，andwastedalltheland，andafterthefloodsamonsterbredoftheslime，whodevoursalllivingthings。Andnowhemustdevourme，guiltlessthoughIam-
mewhoneverharmedalivingthing，norsawafishupontheshorebutIgaveitlife，andthrewitbackintothesea;forinourlandweeatnofish，forfearofAtergatistheirqueen。YetthepriestssaythatnothingbutmybloodcanatoneforasinwhichInevercommitted。’
ButPerseuslaughed，andsaid，’Asea-monster？Ihavefoughtwithworsethanhim：IwouldhavefacedImmortalsforyoursake;howmuchmoreabeastofthesea？’
ThenAndromedalookedupathim，andnewhopewaskindledinherbreast，soproudandfairdidhestand，withonehandroundher，andintheothertheglitteringsword。Butsheonlysighed，andweptthemore，andcried-
’Whywillyoudie，youngasyouare？Istherenotdeathandsorrowenoughintheworldalready？Itisnobleformetodie，thatImaysavethelivesofawholepeople;butyou，betterthanthemall，whyshouldIslayyoutoo？Goyouyourway;Imustgomine。’
ButPerseuscried，’Notso;fortheLordsofOlympus，whomI
serve，arethefriendsoftheheroes，andhelpthemontonobledeeds。Ledbythem，IslewtheGorgon，thebeautifulhorror;andnotwithoutthemdoIcomehither，toslaythismonsterwiththatsameGorgon’shead。YethideyoureyeswhenIleaveyou，lestthesightofitfreezeyoutootostone。’
Butthemaidenanswerednothing，forshecouldnotbelievehiswords。Andthen，suddenlylookingup，shepointedtothesea，andshrieked-
’Therehecomes，withthesunrise，astheypromised。Imustdienow。HowshallIendureit？Oh，go！Isitnotdreadfulenoughtobetornpiece-meal，withouthavingyoutolookon？’
Andshetriedtothrusthimaway。
Buthesaid，’Igo;yetpromisemeonethingereIgo：thatifIslaythisbeastyouwillbemywife，andcomebackwithmetomykingdominfruitfulArgos，forIamaking’sheir。
Promiseme，andsealitwithakiss。’
Thensheliftedupherface，andkissedhim;andPerseuslaughedforjoy，andflewupward，whileAndromedacrouchedtremblingontherock，waitingforwhatmightbefall。
Oncamethegreatsea-monster，coastingalonglikeahugeblackgalley，lazilybreastingtheripple，andstoppingattimesbycreekorheadlandtowatchforthelaughterofgirlsattheirbleaching，orcattlepawingonthesand-hills，orboysbathingonthebeach。Hisgreatsideswerefringedwithclusteringshellsandsea-weeds，andthewatergurgledinandoutofhiswidejaws，asherolledalong，drippingandglisteninginthebeamsofthemorningsun。
AtlasthesawAndromeda，andshotforwardtotakehisprey，whilethewavesfoamedwhitebehindhim，andbeforehimthefishfledleaping。
ThendownfromtheheightoftheairfellPerseuslikeashootingstar;downtothecrestsofthewaves，whileAndromedahidherfaceasheshouted;andthentherewassilenceforawhile。
Atlastshelookeduptrembling，andsawPerseusspringingtowardher;andinsteadofthemonsteralongblackrock，withthesearipplingquietlyroundit。
WhothensoproudasPerseus，asheleaptbacktotherock，andliftedhisfairAndromedainhisarms，andflewwithhertothecliff-top，asafalconcarriesadove？
WhosoproudasPerseus，andwhosojoyfulasalltheAEthioppeople？Fortheyhadstoodwatchingthemonsterfromthecliffs，wailingforthemaiden’sfate。AndalreadyamessengerhadgonetoCepheusandCassiopoeia，wheretheysatinsackclothandashesontheground，intheinnermostpalacechambers，awaitingtheirdaughter’send。Andtheycame，andallthecitywiththem，toseethewonder，withsongsandwithdances，withcymbalsandharps，andreceivedtheirdaughterbackagain，asonealivefromthedead。
ThenCepheussaid，’HerooftheHellens，stayherewithmeandbemyson-in-law，andIwillgiveyouthehalfofmykingdom。’
’Iwillbeyourson-in-law，’saidPerseus，’butofyourkingdomIwillhavenone，forIlongafterthepleasantlandofGreece，andmymotherwhowaitsformeathome。’
ThenCepheussaid，’Youmustnottakemydaughterawayatonce，forsheistouslikeonealivefromthedead。Staywithushereayear，andafterthatyoushallreturnwithhonour。’AndPerseusconsented;butbeforehewenttothepalacehebadethepeoplebringstonesandwood，andbuiltthreealtars，onetoAthene，andonetoHermes，andonetoFatherZeus，andofferedbullocksandrams。
Andsomesaid，’Thisisapiousman;’yetthepriestssaid，’TheSeaQueenwillbeyetmorefierceagainstus，becausehermonsterisslain。’Buttheywereafraidtospeakaloud，fortheyfearedtheGorgon’shead。Sotheywentuptothepalace;andwhentheycamein，therestoodinthehallPhineus，thebrotherofCepheus，chafinglikeabearrobbedofherwhelps，andwithhimhissons，andhisservants，andmanyanarmedman;andhecriedtoCepheus-
’Youshallnotmarryyourdaughtertothisstranger，ofwhomnooneknowseventhename。WasnotAndromedabetrothedtomyson？Andnowsheissafeagain，hashenotarighttoclaimher？’
ButPerseuslaughed，andanswered，’Ifyoursonisinwantofabride，lethimsaveamaidenforhimself。Asyetheseemsbutahelplessbride-groom。Heleftthisonetodie，anddeadsheistohim。Isavedheralive，andalivesheistome，buttonooneelse。Ungratefulman！haveInotsavedyourland，andthelivesofyoursonsanddaughters，andwillyourequitemethus？Go，oritwillbeworseforyou。’Butallthemen-at-armsdrewtheirswords，andrushedonhimlikewildbeasts。
ThenheunveiledtheGorgon’shead，andsaid，’Thishasdeliveredmybridefromonewildbeast：itshalldeliverherfrommany。’AndashespokePhineusandallhismen-at-armsstoppedshort，andstiffenedeachmanashestood;andbeforePerseushaddrawnthegoat-skinoverthefaceagain，theywereallturnedintostone。
ThenPersonsbadethepeoplebringleversandrollthemout;
andwhatwasdonewiththemafterthatIcannottell。
