Oneafteranother，KingMinoscalledthesepale，frightenedyouthsandsobbingmaidenstohisfootstool，gavethemeachapokeintheribswithhissceptre（totrywhethertheywereingoodfleshorno），anddismissedthemwithanodtohisguards。
ButwhenhiseyesrestedonTheseus，thekinglookedathimmoreattentively，becausehisfacewascalmandbrave。
\"Youngman，\"askedhe，withhissternvoice，\"areyounotappalledatthecertaintyofbeingdevouredbythisterribleMinotaur？\"
\"Ihaveofferedmylifeinagoodcause，\"answeredTheseus，\"andthereforeIgiveitfreelyandgladly。Butthou，KingMinos，artthounotthyselfappalled，who，yearafteryear，hastperpetratedthisdreadfulwrong，bygivingseveninnocentyouthsandasmanymaidenstobedevouredbyamonster？Dostthounottremble，wickedking，toturnshineeyesinwardonshineownheart？Sittingthereonthygoldenthrone，andinthyrobesofmajesty，Itelltheetothyface，KingMinos，thouartamorehideousmonsterthantheMinotaurhimself！\"
\"Aha！doyouthinkmeso？\"criedtheking，laughinginhiscruelway。\"To-morrow，atbreakfasttime，youshallhaveanopportunityofjudgingwhichisthegreatermonster，theMinotaurortheking！Takethemaway，guards；andletthisfree-spokenyouthbetheMinotaur’sfirstmorsel。\"
Neartheking’sthrone（thoughIhadnotimetotellyousobefore）stoodhisdaughterAriadne。Shewasabeautifulandtender-heartedmaiden，andlookedatthesepoordoomedcaptiveswithverydifferentfeelingsfromthoseoftheiron-breastedKingMinos。Shereallyweptindeed，attheideaofhowmuchhumanhappinesswouldbeneedlesslythrownaway，bygivingsomanyyoungpeople，inthefirstbloomandroseblossomoftheirlives，tobeeatenupbyacreaturewho，nodoubt，wouldhavepreferredafatox，orevenalargepig，totheplumpestofthem。Andwhenshebeheldthebrave，spiritedfigureofPrinceTheseusbearinghimselfsocalmlyinhisterribleperil，shegrewahundredtimesmorepitifulthanbefore。Astheguardsweretakinghimaway，sheflungherselfattheking’sfeet，andbesoughthimtosetallthecaptivesfree，andespeciallythisoneyoungman。
\"Peace，foolishgirl！\"answeredKingMinos。
\"Whathastthoutodowithanaffairlikethis？Itisamatterofstatepolicy，andthereforequitebeyondthyweakcomprehension。Gowaterthyflowers，andthinknomoreoftheseAtheniancaitiffs，whomtheMinotaurshallascertainlyeatupforbreakfastasIwilleatapartridgeformysupper。\"
Sosaying，thekinglookedcruelenoughtodevourTheseusandalltherestofthecaptiveshimself，hadtherebeennoMinotaurtosavehimthetrouble。Ashewouldhearnotanotherwordintheirfavor，theprisonerswerenowledaway，andclappedintoadungeon，wherethejaileradvisedthemtogotosleepassoonaspossible，becausetheMinotaurwasinthehabitofcallingforbreakfastearly。Thesevenmaidensandsixoftheyoungmensoonsobbedthemselvestoslumber。ButTheseuswasnotlikethem。Hefeltconsciousthathewaswiser，andbraver，andstrongerthanhiscompanions，andthatthereforehehadtheresponsibilityofalltheirlivesuponhim，andmustconsiderwhethertherewasnowaytosavethem，eveninthislastextremity。Sohekepthimselfawake，andpacedtoandfroacrossthegloomydungeoninwhichtheywereshutup。
Justbeforemidnight，thedoorwassoftlyunbarred，andthegentleAriadneshowedherself，withatorchinherhand。
\"Areyouawake，PrinceTheseus？\"shewhispered。
\"Yes，\"answeredTheseus。\"Withsolittletimetolive，Idonotchoosetowasteanyofitinsleep。\"
\"Thenfollowme，\"saidAriadne，\"andtreadsoftly。\"
Whathadbecomeofthejailerandtheguards，Theseusneverknew。But，howeverthatmightbe，Ariadneopenedallthedoors，andledhimforthfromthedarksomeprisonintothepleasantmoonlight。
\"Theseus，\"saidthemaiden，\"youcannowgetonboardyourvessel，andsailawayforAthens。\"
\"No，\"answeredtheyoungman；\"IwillneverleaveCreteunlessIcanfirstslaytheMinotaur，andsavemypoorcompanions，anddeliverAthensfromthiscrueltribute。\"
\"Iknewthatthiswouldbeyourresolution，\"saidAriadne。
\"Come，then，withme，braveTheseus。Hereisyourownsword，whichtheguardsdeprivedyouof。Youwillneedit；andprayHeavenyoumayuseitwell。\"
ThensheledTheseusalongbythehanduntiltheycametoadark，shadowygrove，wherethemoonlightwasteditselfonthetopsofthetrees，withoutsheddinghardlysomuchasaglimmeringbeamupontheirpathway。Aftergoingagoodwaythroughthisobscurity，theyreachedahighmarblewall，whichwasovergrownwithcreepingplants，thatmadeitshaggywiththeirverdure。Thewallseemedtohavenodoor，noranywindows，butroseup，lofty，andmassive，andmysterious，andwasneithertobeclamberedover，nor，asfarasTheseuscouldperceive，tobepassedthrough。Nevertheless，Ariadnedidbutpressoneofhersoftlittlefingersagainstaparticularblockofmarbleand，thoughitlookedassolidasanyotherpartofthewall，ityieldedtohertouch，disclosinganentrancejustwideenoughtoadmitthemTheycreptthrough，andthemarblestoneswungbackintoitsplace。
\"Wearenow，\"saidAriadne，\"inthefamouslabyrinthwhichDaedalusbuiltbeforehemadehimselfapairofwings，andflewawayfromourislandlikeabird。ThatDaedaluswasaverycunningworkman；butofallhisartfulcontrivances，thislabyrinthisthemostwondrous。Werewetotakebutafewstepsfromthedoorway，wemightwanderaboutallourlifetime，andneverfinditagain。YetintheverycenterofthislabyrinthistheMinotaur；and，Theseus，youmustgothithertoseekhim。\"
\"ButhowshallIeverfindhim，\"askedTheseus，\"ifthelabyrinthsobewildersmeasyousayitwill？\"
Justashespoke，theyheardaroughandverydisagreeableroar，whichgreatlyresembledthelowingofafiercebull，butyethadsomesortofsoundlikethehumanvoice。Theseusevenfanciedarudearticulationinit，asifthecreaturethatuttereditweretryingtoshapehishoarsebreathintowords。
Itwasatsomedistance，however，andhereallycouldnottellwhetheritsoundedmostlikeabull’sroaroraman’sharshvoice。
\"ThatistheMinotaur’snoise，\"whisperedAriadne，closelygraspingthehandofTheseus，andpressingoneofherownhandstoherheart，whichwasallinatremble。\"Youmustfollowthatsoundthroughthewindingsofthelabyrinth，and，byandby，youwillfindhim。Stay！taketheendofthissilkenstring；I
willholdtheotherend；andthen，ifyouwinthevictory。itwillleadyouagaintothisspot。Farewell，braveTheseus。\"
Sotheyoungmantooktheendofthesilkenstringinhislefthand，andhisgold-hilledsword，readydrawnfromitsscabbard，intheother，andtrodboldlyintotheinscrutablelabyrinth。
HowthislabyrinthwasbuiltismorethanIcantellyou。Butsocunninglycontrivedamizmazewasneverseenintheworld，beforenorsince。Therecanbenothingelsesointricate，unlessitwerethebrainofamanlikeDaedalus，whoplannedit，ortheheartofanyordinaryman；whichlast，tobesure，istentimesasgreatamysteryasthelabyrinthofCrete。
TheseushadnottakenfivestepsbeforehelostsightofAriadne；andinfivemorehisheadwasgrowingdizzy。Butstillhewenton，nowcreepingthroughalowarch，nowascendingaflightofsteps，nowinonecrookedpassageandnowinanother，withhereadooropeningbeforehim，andthereonebangingbehind，untilitreallyseemedasifthewallsspunround，andwhirledhimroundalongwiththem。Andallthewhile，throughthesehollowavenues，nownearer，nowfartheroffagain，resoundedthecryoftheMinotaur；andthesoundwassofierce，socruel，sougly，solikeabull’sroar，andwithalsolikeahumanvoice，andyetlikeneitherofthem，thatthebraveheartofTheseusgrewsternerandangrierateverystep；forhefeltitaninsulttothemoonandsky，andtoouraffectionateandsimpleMotherEarth，thatsuchamonstershouldhavetheaudacitytoexist。
Ashepassedonward，thecloudsgatheredoverthemoon，andthelabyrinthgrewsoduskythatTheseuscouldnolongerdiscernthebewildermentthroughwhichhewaspassing。Hewouldhaveleftquitelost，andutterlyhopelessofeveragainwalkinginastraightpath，if，everylittlewhile，hehadnotbeenconsciousofagentletwitchatthesilkencord。Thenheknewthatthetender-heartedAriadnewasstillholdingtheotherend，andthatshewasfearingforhim，andhopingforhim，andgivinghimjustasmuchofhersympathyasifshewereclosebyhisside。O，indeed，Icanassureyou，therewasavastdealofhumansympathyrunningalongthatslenderthreadofsilk。ButstillhefollowedthedreadfulroaroftheMinotaur，whichnowgrewlouderandlouder，andfinallysoveryloudthatTheseusfullyexpectedtocomecloseuponhim，ateverynewzizgagandwriggleofthepath。Andatlast，inanopenspace，attheverycenterofthelabyrinth，hediddiscernthehideouscreature。
Sureenough，whatanuglymonsteritwas！Onlyhishornedheadbelongedtoabull；andyet，somehoworother，helookedlikeabullallover，preposterouslywaddlingonhishindlegs；or，ifyouhappenedtoviewhiminanotherway，heseemedwhollyaman，andallthemoremonstrousforbeingso。Andtherehewas，thewretchedthing，withnosociety，nocompanion，nokindofamate，livingonlytodomischief，andincapableofknowingwhataffectionmeans。Theseushatedhim，andshudderedathim，andyetcouldnotbutbesensibleofsomesortofpity；andallthemore，theuglierandmoredetestablethecreaturewas。Forhekeptstridingtoandfro，inasolitaryfrenzyofrage，continuallyemittingahoarseroar，whichwasoddlymixedupwithhalf-shapedwords；and，afterlisteningawhile，TheseusunderstoodthattheMinotaurwassayingtohimselfhowmiserablehewas，andhowhungry，andhowhehatedeverybody，andhowhelongedtoeatupthehumanracealive。
Ah！thebull-headedvillain！AndO，mygoodlittlepeople，youwillperhapssee，oneofthesedays，asIdonow，thateveryhumanbeingwhosuffersanythingeviltogetintohisnature，ortoremainthere，isakindofMinotaur，anenemyofhisfellow-creatures，andseparatedfromallgoodcompanionship，asthispoormonsterwas。
WasTheseusafraid？Bynomeans，mydearauditors。What！aherolikeTheseusafraid，NothadtheMinotaurhadtwentybull-headsinsteadofone。Boldashewas，however，Iratherfancythatitstrengthenedhisvaliantheart，justatthiscrisis，tofeelatremuloustwitchatthesilkencord，whichhewasstillholdinginhislefthand。ItwasasifAriadneweregivinghimallhermightandcourage；andmuchashealreadyhad，andlittleasshehadtogive，itmadehisownseemtwiceasmuch。Andtoconfessthehonesttruth，heneededthewhole；fornowtheMinotaur，turningsuddenlyabout，caughtsightofTheseus，andinstantlyloweredhishorriblysharphorns，exactlyasamadbulldoeswhenhemeanstorushagainstanenemy。Atthesametime，hebelchedforthatremendousroar，inwhichtherewassomethinglikethewordsofhumanlanguage，butalldisjointedandshakentopiecesbypassingthroughthegulletofamiserablyenragedbrute。
Theseuscouldonlyguesswhatthecreatureintendedtosay，andthatratherbyhisgesturesthanhiswords；fortheMinotaur’shornsweresharperthanhiswits，andofagreatdealmoreservicetohimthanhistongue。Butprobablythiswasthesenseofwhatheuttered：
\"Ah，wretchofahumanbeing！I’llstickmyhornsthroughyou，andtossyoufiftyfeethigh，andeatyouupthemomentyoucomedown。\"
\"Comeon，then，andtryit！\"wasallthatTheseusdeignedtoreply；forhewasfartoomagnanimoustoassaulthisenemywithinsolentlanguage。
Withoutmorewordsoneitherside，thereensuedthemostawfulfightbetweenTheseusandtheMinotaurthateverhappenedbeneaththesunormoon。Ireallyknownothowitmighthaveturnedout，ifthemonster，inhisfirstheadlongrushagainstTheseus，hadnotmissedhim，byahair’sbreadth，andbrokenoneofhishornsshortoffagainstthestonewall。Onthismishap，hebellowedsointolerablythatapartofthelabyrinthtumbleddown，andalltheinhabitantsofCretemistookthenoiseforanuncommonlyheavythunderstorm。Smartingwiththepain，hegallopedaroundtheopenspaceinsoridiculousawaythatTheseuslaughedatit，longafterwards，thoughnotpreciselyatthemoment。Afterthis，thetwoantagonistsstoodvaliantlyuptooneanother，andfought，swordtohorn，foralongwhile。Atlast，theMinotaurmadearunatTheseus，grazedhisleftsidewithhishorn，andflunghimdown；andthinkingthathehadstabbedhimtotheheart，hecutagreatcaperintheair，openedhisbullmouthfromeartoear，andpreparedtosnaphisheadoff。ButTheseusbythistimehadleapedup，andcaughtthemonsteroffhisguard。Fetchingaswordstrokeathimwithallhisforce，hehithimfairupontheneck，andmadehisbullheadskipsixyardsfromhishumanbody，whichfelldownflatupontheground。
Sonowthebattlewasended。Immediatelythemoonshoneoutasbrightlyasifallthetroublesoftheworld，andallthewickednessandtheuglinessthatinfesthumanlife，werepastandgoneforever。AndTheseus，asheleanedonhissword，takingbreath，feltanothertwitchofthesilkencord；forallthroughtheterribleencounter，hehadhelditfastinhislefthand。EagertoletAriadneknowofhissuccess，hefollowedtheguidanceofthethread，andsoonfoundhimselfattheentranceofthelabyrinth。
\"Thouhastslainthemonster，\"criedAriadne，claspingherhands。
\"Thankstothee，dearAriadne，\"answeredTheseus，\"Ireturnvictorious。\"
\"Then，\"saidAriadne，\"wemustquicklysummonthyfriends，andgetthemandthyselfonboardthevesselbeforedawn。Ifmorningfindstheehere，myfatherwillavengetheMinotaur。\"
Tomakemystoryshort，thepoorcaptiveswereawakened，and，hardlyknowingwhetheritwasnotajoyfuldream，weretoldofwhatTheseushaddone，andthattheymustsetsailforAthensbeforedaybreak。Hasteningdowntothevessel，theyallclamberedonboard，exceptPrinceTheseus，wholingeredbehindthemonthestrand，holdingAriadne’shandclaspedinhisown。
\"Dearmaiden，\"saidhe，\"thouwiltsurelygowithus。Thouarttoogentleandsweetachildforsuchaniron-heartedfatherasKingMinos。Hecaresnomorefortheethanagraniterockcaresforthelittleflowerthatgrowsinoneofitscrevices。Butmyfather，KingAegeus，andmydearmother，Aethra，andallthefathersandmothersinAthens，andallthesonsanddaughterstoo，willloveandhonortheeastheirbenefactress。Comewithus，then；forKingMinoswillbeveryangrywhenheknowswhatthouhastdone。\"
Now，somelow-mindedpeople，whopretendtotellthestoryofTheseusandAriadne，havethefacetosaythatthisroyalandhonorablemaidendidreallyfleeaway，undercoverofthenight，withtheyoungstrangerwhoselifeshehadpreserved。
Theysay，too，thatPrinceTheseus（whowouldhavediedsoonerthanwrongthemeanestcreatureintheworld）ungratefullydesertedAriadne，onasolitaryisland，wherethevesseltouchedonitsvoyagetoAthens。But，hadthenobleTheseusheardthesefalsehoods，hewouldhaveservedtheirslanderousauthorsasheservedtheMinotaur！HereiswhatAriadneanswered，whenthebraveprinceofAthensbesoughthertoaccompanyhim：
\"No，Theseus，\"themaidensaid，pressinghishand，andthendrawingbackasteportwo，\"Icannotgowithyou。Myfatherisold，andhasnobodybutmyselftolovehim。Hardasyouthinkhisheartis，itwouldbreaktoloseme。Atfirst，KingMinoswillbeangry；buthewillsoonforgivehisonlychild；and，byandby，hewillrejoice，Iknow，thatnomoreyouthsandmaidensmustcomefromAthenstobedevouredbytheMinotaur。I
havesavedyou，Theseus，asmuchformyfather’ssakeasforyourown。Farewell！Heavenblessyou！\"
Allthiswassotrue，andsomaiden-like，andwasspokenwithsosweetadignity，thatTheseuswouldhaveblushedtourgeheranylonger。Nothingremainedforhim，therefore，buttobidAriadneanaffectionatefarewell，andtogoonboardthevessel，andsetsail。
Inafewmomentsthewhitefoamwasboilingupbeforetheirprow，asPrinceTheseusandhiscompanionssailedoutoftheharbor，withawhistlingbreezebehindthem。Talus，thebrazengiant，onhisnever-ceasingsentinel’smarch，happenedtobeapproachingthatpartofthecoast；andtheysawhim，bytheglimmeringofthemoonbeamsonhispolishedsurface，whilehewasyetagreatwayoff。Asthefiguremovedlikeclockwork，however，andcouldneitherhastenhisenormousstridesnorretardthem，hearrivedattheportwhentheywerejustbeyondthereachofhisclub。Nevertheless，straddlingfromheadlandtoheadland，ashiscustomwas，Talusattemptedtostrikeablowatthevessel，and，overreachinghimself，tumbledatfulllengthintothesea，whichsplashedhighoverhisgiganticshape，aswhenanicebergturnsasomerset。Thereheliesyet；
andwhoeverdesirestoenrichhimselfbymeansofbrasshadbettergothitherwithadivingbell，andfishupTalus。
Onthehomewardvoyage，thefourteenyouthsanddamselswereinexcellentspirits，asyouwilleasilysuppose。Theyspentmostoftheirtimeindancing，unlesswhenthesidelongbreezemadethedeckslopetoomuch。Indueseason，theycamewithinsightofthecoastofAttica，whichwastheirnativecountry。Buthere，Iamgrievedtotellyou，happenedasadmisfortune。
Youwillremember（whatTheseusunfortunatelyforgot）thathisfather，KingAegeus，hadenjoinedituponhimtohoistsunshinysails，insteadofblackones，incaseheshouldovercometheMinotaur，andreturnvictorious。Inthejoyoftheirsuccess，however，andamidstthesports，dancing，andothermerriment，withwhichtheseyoungfolksworeawaythetime，theyneveroncethoughtwhethertheirsailswereblack，white，orrainbowcolored，and，indeed，leftitentirelytothemarinerswhethertheyhadanysailsatall。Thusthevesselreturned，likearaven，withthesamesablewingsthathadwaftedheraway。ButpoorKingAegeus，dayafterday，infirmashewas，hadclamberedtothesummitofacliffthatoverhungthesea，andtheresatwatchingforPrinceTheseus，homewardbound；andnosoonerdidhebeholdthefatalblacknessofthesails，thanheconcludedthathisdearson，whomhelovedsomuch，andfeltsoproudof，hadbeeneatenbytheMinotaur。Hecouldnotbearthethoughtoflivinganylonger；so，firstflinginghiscrownandsceptreintothesea（uselessbaublesthattheyweretohimnow），KingAegeusmerelystoopedforward，andfellheadlongoverthecliff，andwasdrowned，poorsoul，inthewavesthatfoamedatitsbase！
ThiswasmelancholynewsforPrinceTheseus，who，whenhesteppedashore，foundhimselfkingofallthecountry，whetherhewouldorno；andsuchaturnoffortunewasenoughtomakeanyyoungmanfeelverymuchoutofspirits。However，hesentforhisdearmothertoAthens，and，bytakingheradviceinmattersofstate，becameaveryexcellentmonarch，andwasgreatlybelovedbyhispeople。
THEPYGMIES。
Agreatwhileago，whentheworldwasfullofwonders，therelivedanearth-bornGiant，namedAntaeus，andamillionormoreofcuriouslittleearth-bornpeople，whowerecalledPygmies。
ThisGiantandthesePygmiesbeingchildrenofthesamemother（thatistosay，ourgoodoldGrandmotherEarth），wereallbrethren，anddwelttogetherinaveryfriendlyandaffectionatemanner，far，faroff，inthemiddleofhotAfrica。
ThePygmiesweresosmall，andthereweresomanysandydesertsandsuchhighmountainsbetweenthemandtherestofmankind，thatnobodycouldgetapeepatthemoftenerthanonceinahundredyears。AsfortheGiant，beingofaveryloftystature，itwaseasyenoughtoseehim，butsafesttokeepoutofhissight。
AmongthePygmies，Isuppose，ifoneofthemgrewtotheheightofsixoreightinches，hewasreckonedaprodigiouslytallman。Itmusthavebeenveryprettytobeholdtheirlittlecities，withstreetstwoorthreefeetwide，pavedwiththesmallestpebbles，andborderedbyhabitationsaboutasbigasasquirrel’scage。Theking’spalaceattainedtothestupendousmagnitudeofPeriwinkle’sbabyhouse，andstoodinthecenterofaspacioussquare，whichcouldhardlyhavebeencoveredbyourhearth-rug。Theirprincipaltemple，orcathedral，wasasloftyasyonderbureau，andwaslookeduponasawonderfullysublimeandmagnificentedifice。Allthesestructureswerebuiltneitherofstonenorwood。TheywereneatlyplasteredtogetherbythePygmyworkmen，prettymuchlikebirds’nests，outofstraw，feathers，eggshells，andothersmallbitsofstuff，withstiffclayinsteadofmortar；andwhenthehotsunhaddriedthem，theywerejustassnugandcomfortableasaPygmycoulddesire。
Thecountryroundaboutwasconvenientlylaidoutinfields，thelargestofwhichwasnearlyofthesameextentasoneofSweetFern’sflowerbeds。HerethePygmiesusedtoplantwheatandotherkindsofgrain，which，whenitgrewupandripened，overshadowedthesetinypeopleasthepines，andtheoaks，andthewalnutandchestnuttreesovershadowyouandme，whenwewalkinourowntractsofwoodland。Atharvesttime，theywereforcedtogowiththeirlittleaxesandcutdownthegrain，exactlyasawoodcuttermakesaclearingintheforest；andwhenastalkofwheat，withitsoverburdenedtop，chancedtocomecrashingdownuponanunfortunatePygmy，itwasapttobeaverysadaffair。Ifitdidnotsmashhimalltopieces，atleast，Iamsure，itmusthavemadethepoorlittlefellow’sheadache。AndO，mystars！ifthefathersandmothersweresosmall，whatmustthechildrenandbabieshavebeen？Awholefamilyofthemmighthavebeenputtobedinashoe，orhavecreptintoanoldglove，andplayedathide-and-seekinitsthumbandfingers。Youmighthavehiddenayear-oldbabyunderathimble。
NowthesefunnyPygmies，asItoldyoubefore，hadaGiantfortheirneighborandbrother，whowasbigger，ifpossible，thantheywerelittle。Hewassoverytallthathecarriedapinetree，whichwaseightfeetthroughthebutt，forawalkingstick。Ittookafar-sightedPygmy，Icanassureyou，todiscernhissummitwithoutthehelpofatelescope；andsometimes，inmistyweather，theycouldnotseehisupperhalf，butonlyhislonglegs，whichseemedtobestridingaboutbythemselves。Butatnoondayinaclearatmosphere，whenthesunshonebrightlyoverhim，theGiantAntaeuspresentedaverygrandspectacle。Thereheusedtostand，aperfectmountainofaman，withhisgreatcountenancesmilingdownuponhislittlebrothers，andhisonevasteye（whichwasasbigasacartwheel，andplacedrightinthecenterofhisforehead）givingafriendlywinktothewholenationatonce。
ThePygmieslovedtotalkwithAntaeus；andfiftytimesaday，oneoranotherofthemwouldturnuphishead，andshoutthroughthehollowofhisfists，\"Halloo，brotherAntaeus！Howareyou，mygoodfellow？\"Andwhenthesmalldistantsqueakoftheirvoicesreachedhisear，theGiantwouldmakeanswer，\"Prettywell，brotherPygmy，Ithankyou，\"inathunderousroarthatwouldhaveshakendownthewallsoftheirstrongesttemple，onlythatitcamefromsofaraloft。
ItwasahappycircumstancethatAntaeuswasthePygmypeople’sfriend；fortherewasmorestrengthinhislittlefingerthanintenmillionofsuchbodiesasthis。Ifhehadbeenasill-naturedtothemashewastoeverybodyelse，hemighthavebeatendowntheirbiggestcityatonekick，andhardlyhaveknownthathedidit。Withthetornadoofhisbreath，hecouldhavestrippedtheroofsfromahundreddwellingsandsentthousandsoftheinhabitantswhirlingthroughtheair。Hemighthavesethisimmensefootuponamultitude；andwhenhetookitupagain，therewouldhavebeenapitifulsight，tobesure。
But，beingthesonofMotherEarth，astheylikewisewere，theGiantgavethemhisbrotherlykindness，andlovedthemwithasbigaloveasitwaspossibletofeelforcreaturessoverysmall。And，ontheirparts，thePygmieslovedAntaeuswithasmuchaffectionastheirtinyheartscouldhold。Hewasalwaysreadytodothemanygoodofficesthatlayinhispower；asforexample，whentheywantedabreezetoturntheirwindmills，theGiantwouldsetallthesailsa-goingwiththemerenaturalrespirationofhislungs。Whenthesunwastoohot，heoftensathimselfdown，andlethisshadowfalloverthekingdom，fromonefrontiertotheother；andasformattersingeneral，hewaswiseenoughtoletthemalone，andleavethePygmiestomanagetheirownaffairs——which，afterall，isaboutthebestthingthatgreatpeoplecandoforlittleones。
Inshort，asIsaidbefore，AntaeuslovedthePygmies，andthePygmieslovedAntaeus。TheGiant’slifebeingaslongashisbodywaslarge，whilethelifetimeofaPygmywasbutaspan，thisfriendlyintercoursehadbeengoingonforinnumerablegenerationsandages。ItwaswrittenaboutinthePygmyhistories，andtalkedaboutintheirancienttraditions。Themostvenerableandwhite-beardedPygmyhadneverheardofatime，eveninhisgreatestofgrandfathers’days，whentheGiantwasnottheirenormousfriend。Once，tobesure（aswasrecordedonanobelisk，threefeethigh，erectedontheplaceofthecatastrophe），AntaeussatdownuponaboutfivethousandPygmies，whowereassembledatamilitaryreview。Butthiswasoneofthoseunluckyaccidentsforwhichnobodyistoblame；sothatthesmallfolksnevertookittoheart，andonlyrequestedtheGianttobecarefulforeverafterwardstoexaminetheacreofgroundwhereheintendedtosquathimself。
ItisaverypleasantpicturetoimagineAntaeusstandingamongthePygmies，likethespireofthetallestcathedralthateverwasbuilt，whiletheyranaboutlikepismiresathisfeet；andtothinkthat，inspiteoftheirdifferenceinsize，therewereaffectionandsympathybetweenthemandhim！Indeed，ithasalwaysseemedtomethattheGiantneededthelittlepeoplemorethanthePygmiesneededtheGiant。For，unlesstheyhadbeenhisneighborsandwellwishers，and，aswemaysay，hisplayfellows，Antaeuswouldnothavehadasinglefriendintheworld。Nootherbeinglikehimselfhadeverbeencreated。Nocreatureofhisownsizehadevertalkedwithhim，inthunder-
likeaccents，facetoface。Whenhestoodwithhisheadamongtheclouds，hewasquitealone，andhadbeensoforhundredsofyears，andwouldbesoforever。EvenifhehadmetanotherGiant，Antaeuswouldhavefanciedtheworldnotbigenoughfortwosuchvastpersonages，and，insteadofbeingfriendswithhim，wouldhavefoughthimtilloneofthetwowaskilled。ButwiththePygmieshewasthemostsportiveandhumorous，andmerry-hearted，andsweet-temperedoldGiantthateverwashedhisfaceinawetcloud。
Hislittlefriends，likeallothersmallpeople，hadagreatopinionoftheirownimportance，andusedtoassumequiteapatronizingairtowardstheGiant。
\"Poorcreature！\"theysaidonetoanother。\"Hehasaverydulltimeofit，allbyhimself；andweoughtnottogrudgewastingalittleofourprecioustimetoamusehim。Heisnothalfsobrightasweare，tobesure；and，forthatreason，heneedsustolookafterhiscomfortandhappiness。Letusbekindtotheoldfellow。Why，ifMotherEarthhadnotbeenverykindtoourselves，wemightallhavebeenGiantstoo。\"
Onalltheirholidays，thePygmieshadexcellentsportwithAntaeus。Heoftenstretchedhimselfoutatfulllengthontheground，wherehelookedlikethelongridgeofahill；anditwasagoodhour’swalk，nodoubt，forashort-leggedPygmytojourneyfromheadtofootoftheGiant。Hewouldlaydownhisgreathandflatonthegrass，andchallengethetallestofthemtoclamberuponit，andstraddlefromfingertofinger。Sofearlesswerethey，thattheymadenothingofcreepinginamongthefoldsofhisgarments。Whenhisheadlaysidewiseontheearth，theywouldmarchboldlyup，andpeepintothegreatcavernofhismouth，andtakeitallasajoke（asindeeditwasmeant）whenAntaeusgaveasuddensnapofhisjaws，asifheweregoingtoswallowfiftyofthematonce。Youwouldhavelaughedtoseethechildrendodginginandoutamonghishair，orswingingfromhisbeard。Itisimpossibletotellhalfofthefunnytricksthattheyplayedwiththeirhugecomrade；butIdonotknowthatanythingwasmorecuriousthanwhenapartyofboyswereseenrunningracesonhisforehead，totrywhichofthemcouldgetfirstroundthecircleofhisonegreateye。
Itwasanotherfavoritefeatwiththemtomarchalongthebridgeofhisnose，andjumpdownuponhisupperlip。
Ifthetruthmustbetold，theyweresometimesastroublesometotheGiantasaswarmofantsormosquitoes，especiallyastheyhadafondnessformischief，andlikedtoprickhisskinwiththeirlittleswordsandlances，toseehowthickandtoughitwas。ButAntaeustookitallkindlyenough；although，onceinawhile，whenhehappenedtobesleepy，hewouldgrumbleoutapeevishwordortwo，likethemutteringofatempest，andaskthemtohavedonewiththeirnonsense。Agreatdealoftener，however，hewatchedtheirmerrimentandgambolsuntilhishuge，heavy，clumsywitswerecompletelystirredupbythem；andthenwouldheroaroutsuchatremendousvolumeofimmeasurablelaughter，thatthewholenationofPygmieshadtoputtheirhandstotheirears，elseitwouldcertainlyhavedeafenedthem。
\"Ho！ho！ho！\"quoththeGiant，shakinghismountainoussides。
\"Whatafunnythingitistobelittle！IfIwerenotAntaeus，IshouldliketobeaPygmy，justforthejoke’ssake。\"
ThePygmieshadbutonethingtotroublethemintheworld。
Theywereconstantlyatwarwiththecranes，andhadalwaysbeenso，eversincethelong-livedGiantcouldremember。Fromtimetotime，veryterriblebattleshadbeenfoughtinwhichsometimesthelittlemenwonthevictory，andsometimesthecranes。Accordingtosomehistorians，thePygmiesusedtogotothebattle，mountedonthebacksofgoatsandrams；butsuchanimalsasthesemusthavebeenfartoobigforPygmiestorideupon；sothat，Irathersuppose，theyrodeonsquirrel-back，orrabbit-back，orredbook，orperhapsgotuponhedgehogs，whosepricklyquillswouldbeveryterribletotheenemy。Howeverthismightbe，andwhatevercreaturesthePygmiesrodeupon，I
donotdoubtthattheymadeaformidableappearance，armedwithswordandspear，andbowandarrow，blowingtheirtinytrumpet，andshoutingtheirlittlewarcry。Theyneverfailedtoexhortoneanothertofightbravely，andrecollectthattheworldhaditseyesuponthem；although，insimpletruth，theonlyspectatorwastheGiantAntaeus，withhisone，great，stupideyeinthemiddleofhisforehead。
Whenthetwoarmiesjoinedbattle，thecraneswouldrushforward，flappingtheirwingsandstretchingouttheirnecks，andwouldperhapssnatchupsomeofthePygmiescrosswiseintheirbeaks。Wheneverthishappened，itwastrulyanawfulspectacletoseethoselittlemenofmightkickingandsprawlingintheair，andatlastdisappearingdownthecrane’slong，crookedthroat，swallowedupalive。Ahero，youknow，mustholdhimselfinreadinessforanykindoffate；anddoubtlessthegloryofthethingwasaconsolationtohim，eveninthecrane’sgizzard。IfAntaeusobservedthatthebattlewasgoinghardagainsthislittleallies，hegenerallystoppedlaughing，andranwithmile-longstridestotheirassistance，flourishinghisclubaloftandshoutingatthecranes，whoquackedandcroaked，andretreatedasfastastheycould。ThenthePygmyarmywouldmarchhomewardintriumph，attributingthevictoryentirelytotheirownvalor，andtothewarlikeskillandstrategyofwhomsoeverhappenedtobecaptaingeneral；andforatediouswhileafterwards，nothingwouldbeheardofbutgrandprocessions，andpublicbanquets，andbrilliantilluminations，andshowsofwax-work，withlikenessesofthedistinguishedofficers，assmallaslife。
Intheabove-describedwarfare，ifaPygmychancedtopluckoutacrane’stailfeather，itprovedaverygreatfeatherinhiscap。Onceortwice，ifyouwillbelieveme，alittlemanwasmadechiefrulerofthenationfornoothermeritintheworldthanbringinghomesuchafeather。
ButIhavenowsaidenoughtoletyouseewhatagallantlittlepeoplethesewere，andhowhappilytheyandtheirforefathers，fornobodyknowshowmanygenerations，hadlivedwiththeimmeasurableGiantAntaeus。Intheremainingpartofthestory，IshalltellyouofafarmoreastonishingbattlethananythatwasfoughtbetweenthePygmiesandthecranes。
OnedaythemightyAntaeuswaslollingatfulllengthamonghislittlefriends。Hispine-treewalkingsticklayontheground，closebyhisside。Hisheadwasinonepartofthekingdom，andhisfeetextendedacrosstheboundariesofanotherpart；andhewastakingwhatevercomforthecouldget，whilethePygmiesscrambledoverhim，andpeepedintohiscavernousmouth，andplayedamonghishair。Sometimes，foraminuteortwo，theGiantdroppedasleep，andsnoredliketherushofawhirlwind。
Duringoneoftheselittlebitsofslumber，aPygmychancedtoclimbuponhisshoulder，andtookaviewaroundthehorizon，asfromthesummitofahill；andhebeheldsomething，alongwayoff，whichmadehimrubthebrightspecksofhiseyes，andlooksharperthanbefore。Atfirsthemistookitforamountain，andwonderedhowithadgrownupsosuddenlyoutoftheearth。Butsoonhesawthemountainmove。Asitcamenearerandnearer，whatshoulditturnouttobebutahumanshape，notsobigasAntaeus，itistrue，althoughaveryenormousfigure，incomparisonwithPygmies，andavastdealbiggerthanthemenweseenowadays。
WhenthePygmywasquitesatisfiedthathiseyeshadnotdeceivedhim，hescampered，asfastashislegswouldcarryhim，totheGiant’sear，andstoopingoveritscavity，shoutedlustilyintoit：
\"Halloo，brotherAntaeus！Getupthisminute，andtakeyourpine-treewalkingstickinyourhand。HerecomesanotherGianttohaveatusslewithyou。\"
\"Poh，poh！\"grumbledAntaeus，onlyhalfawake。\"Noneofyournonsense，mylittlefellow！Don’tyouseeI’msleepy？ThereisnotaGiantonearthforwhomIwouldtakethetroubletogetup。\"
ButthePygmylookedagain，andnowperceivedthatthestrangerwascomingdirectlytowardstheprostrateformofAntaeus。Witheverystep，helookedlesslikeabluemountain，andmorelikeanimmenselylargeman。Hewassoonsonigh，thattherecouldbenopossiblemistakeaboutthematter。Therehewas，withthesunflamingonhisgoldenhelmet，andflashingfromhispolishedbreastplate；hehadaswordbyhisside，andalion’sskinoverhisback，andonhisrightshoulderhecarriedaclub，whichlookedbulkierandheavierthanthepine-treewalkingstickofAntaeus。
Bythistime，thewholenationofthePygmieshadseenthenewwonder，andamillionofthemsetupashoutalltogether；sothatitreallymadequiteanaudiblesqueak。
\"Getup，Antaeus！Bestiryourself，youlazyoldGiant！HerecomesanotherGiant，asstrongasyouare，tofightwithyou。\"
\"Nonsense，nonsense！\"growledthesleepyGiant。\"I’llhavemynapout，comewhomay。\"
Stillthestrangerdrewnearer；andnowthePygmiescouldplainlydiscernthat，ifhisstaturewerelessloftythantheGiant’s，yethisshoulderswereevenbroader。And，intruth，whatapairofshoulderstheymusthavebeen！AsItoldyou，alongwhileago，theyonceupheldthesky。ThePygmies，beingtentimesasvivaciousastheirgreatnumskullofabrother，couldnotabidetheGiant’sslowmovements，andweredeterminedtohavehimonhisfeet。Sotheykeptshoutingtohim，andevenwentsofarastoprickhimwiththeirswords。
\"Getup，getup，getup，\"theycried。\"Upwithyou，lazybones！
ThestrangeGiant’sclubisbiggerthanyourown，hisshouldersarethebroadest，andwethinkhimthestrongerofthetwo。\"
Antaeuscouldnotenduretohaveitsaidthatanymortalwashalfsomightyashimself。ThislatterremarkofthePygmiesprickedhimdeeperthantheirswords；and，sittingup，inratherasulkyhumor，hegaveagapeofseveralyardswide，rubbedhiseyes，andfinallyturnedhisstupidheadinthedirectionwhitherhislittlefriendswereeagerlypointing。
Nosoonerdidheseteyesonthestranger，than，leapingonhisfeet，andseizinghiswalkingstick，hestrodeamileortwotomeethim；allthewhilebrandishingthesturdypinetree，sothatitwhistledthroughtheair。
\"Whoareyou？\"thunderedtheGiant。\"Andwhatdoyouwantinmydominions？\"
TherewasonestrangethingaboutAntaeus，ofwhichIhavenotyettoldyou，lest，hearingofsomanywondersallinalump，youmightnotbelievemuchmorethanhalfofthem。Youaretoknow，then，thatwheneverthisredoubtableGianttouchedtheground，eitherwithhishand，hisfoot，oranyotherpartofhisbody，hegrewstrongerthaneverhehadbeenbefore。TheEarth，youremember，washismother，andwasveryfondofhim，asbeingalmostthebiggestofherchildren；andsoshetookthismethodofkeepinghimalwaysinfullvigor。Somepersonsaffirmthathegrewtentimesstrongerateverytouch；otherssaythatitwasonlytwiceasstrong。Butonlythinkofit！
WheneverAntaeustookawalk，supposingitwerebuttenmiles，andthathesteppedahundredyardsatastride，youmaytrytocipherouthowmuchmightierhewas，onsittingdownagain，thanwhenhefirststarted。Andwheneverheflunghimselfontheearthtotakealittlerepose，evenifhegotuptheverynextinstant，hewouldbeasstrongasexactlytenjustsuchgiantsashisformerself。ItwaswellfortheworldthatAntaeushappenedtobeofasluggishdispositionandlikedeasebetterthanexercise；for，ifhehadfriskedaboutlikethePygmies，andtouchedtheearthasoftenastheydid，hewouldlongagohavebeenstrongenoughtopulldowntheskyaboutpeople’sears。Butthesegreatlubberlyfellowsresemblemountains，notonlyinbulk，butintheirdisinclinationtomove。
Anyothermortalman，excepttheveryonewhomAntaeushadnowencountered，wouldhavebeenhalffrightenedtodeathbytheGiant’sferociousaspectandterriblevoice。Butthestrangerdidnotseematalldisturbed。Hecarelesslyliftedhisclub，andbalanceditinhishand，measuringAntaeuswithhiseye，fromheadtofoot，notasifwonder-smittenathisstature，butasifhehadseenagreatmanyGiantsbefore，andthiswasbynomeansthebiggestofthem。Infact，iftheGianthadbeennobiggerthanthePygmies（whostoodprickinguptheirears，andlookingandlisteningtowhatwasgoingforward），thestrangercouldnothavebeenlessafraidofhim。
\"Whoareyou，Isay？\"roaredAntaeusagain。\"What’syourname？
Whydoyoucomehither？Speak，youvagabond，orI’lltrythethicknessofyourskullwithmywalking-stick！\"
\"YouareaverydiscourteousGiant，\"answeredthestrangerquietly，\"andIshallprobablyhavetoteachyoualittlecivility，beforewepart。Asformyname，itisHercules。I
havecomehitherbecausethisismymostconvenientroadtothegardenoftheHesperides，whitherIamgoingtogetthreeofthegoldenapplesforKingEurystheus。\"
\"Caitiff，youshallgonofarther！\"bellowedAntaeus，puttingonagrimmerlookthanbefore；forhehadheardofthemightyHercules，andhatedhimbecausehewassaidtobesostrong。\"
Neithershallyougobackwhenceyoucame！\"
\"Howwillyoupreventme，\"askedHercules，\"fromgoingwhitherIplease？\"
\"Byhittingyouarapwiththispinetreehere，\"shoutedAntaeus，scowlingsothathemadehimselftheugliestmonsterinAfrica。\"Iamfiftytimesstrongerthanyou；andnowthatI
stampmyfootupontheground，Iamfivehundredtimesstronger！Iamashamedtokillsuchapunylittledwarfasyouseemtobe。Iwillmakeaslaveofyou，andyoushalllikewisebetheslaveofmybrethrenhere，thePygmies。Sothrowdownyourclubandyourotherweapons；andasforthatlion’sskin，Iintendtohaveapairofglovesmadeofit。\"
\"Comeandtakeitoffmyshoulders，then，\"answeredHercules，liftinghisclub。
ThentheGiant，grinningwithrage，strodetower-liketowardsthestranger（tentimesstrengthenedateverystep），andfetchedamonstrousblowathimwithhispinetree，whichHerculescaughtuponhisclub；andbeingmoreskilfulthanAntaeus，hepaidhimbacksucharapuponthesconce，thatdowntumbledthegreatlumberingman-mountain，flatupontheground。
ThepoorlittlePygmies（whoreallyneverdreamedthatanybodyintheworldwashalfsostrongastheirbrotherAntaeus）wereagooddealdismayedatthis。ButnosoonerwastheGiantdown，thanuphebouncedagain，withtenfoldmight，andsuchafuriousvisageaswashorribletobehold。HeaimedanotherblowatHercules，butstruckawry，beingblindedwithwrath，andonlyhithispoorinnocentMotherEarth，whogroanedandtrembledatthestroke。Hispinetreewentsodeepintotheground，andstucktheresofast，that，beforeAntaeuscouldgetitout，Herculesbroughtdownhisclubacrosshisshoulderswithamightythwack，whichmadetheGiantroarasifalisortsofintolerablenoiseshadcomescreechingandrumblingoutofhisimmeasurablelungsinthatonecry。Awayitwent，overmountainsandvalleys，and，foraughtIknow，washeardontheothersideoftheAfricandeserts。
AsforthePygmies，theircapitalcitywaslaidinruinsbytheconcussionandvibrationoftheair；and，thoughtherewasuproarenoughwithouttheirhelp，theyallsetupashriekoutofthreemillionsoflittlethroats，fancying，nodoubt，thattheyswelledtheGiant’sbellowbyatleasttentimesasmuch。
Meanwhile，Antaeushadscrambleduponhisfeetagain，andpulledhispinetreeoutoftheearth；and，allaflamewithfury，andmoreoutrageouslystrongthanever，heranatHercules，andbroughtdownanotherblow。
\"Thistime，rascal，\"shoutedhe，\"youshallnotescapeme。\"
ButoncemoreHerculeswardedoffthestrokewithhisclub，andtheGiant’spinetreewasshatteredintoathousandsplinters，mostofwhichflewamongthePygmies，anddidthemmoremischiefthanIliketothinkabout。BeforeAntaeuscouldgetoutoftheway，Herculesletdriveagain，andgavehimanotherknock-downblow，whichsenthimheelsoverhead，butservedonlytoincreasehisalreadyenormousandinsufferablestrength。Asforhisrage，thereisnotellingwhatafieryfurnaceithadnowgottobe。Hisoneeyewasnothingbutacircleofredflame。Havingnownoweaponsbuthisfists，hedoubledthemup（eachbiggerthanahogshead），smoteoneagainsttheother，anddancedupanddownwithabsolutefrenzy，flourishinghisimmensearmsabout，asifhemeantnotmerelytokillHercules，buttosmashthewholeworldtopieces。
\"Comeon！\"roaredthisthunderingGiant。\"Letmehityoubutoneboxontheear，andyou’llneverhavetheheadacheagain。\"
NowHercules（thoughstrongenough，asyoualreadyknow，toholdtheskyup）begantobesensiblethatheshouldneverwinthevictory，ifhekeptonknockingAntaeusdown；for，byandby，ifhehithimsuchhardblows，theGiantwouldinevitably，bythehelpofhisMotherEarth，becomestrongerthanthemightyHerculeshimself。So，throwingdownhisclub，withwhichhehadfoughtsomanydreadfulbattles，theherostoodreadytoreceivehisantagonistwithnakedarms。
\"Stepforward，\"criedhe。\"SinceI’vebrokenyourpinetree，we’lltrywhichisthebettermanatawrestlingmatch。\"
\"Aha！thenI’llsoonsatisfyyou，\"shoutedtheGiant；for，iftherewasonethingonwhichhepridedhimselfmorethananother，itwashisskillinwrestling。\"Villain，I’llflingyouwhereyoucanneverpickyourselfupagain。\"
OncameAntaeus，hoppingandcaperingwiththescorchingheatofhisrage，andgettingnewvigorwherewithtowreakhispassion，everytimehehopped。
ButHercules，youmustunderstand，waswiserthanthisnumskullofaGiant，andhadthoughtofawaytofighthim——huge，earth-bornmonsterthathewas——andtoconquerhimtoo，inspiteofallthathisMotherEarthcoulddoforhim。Watchinghisopportunity，asthemadGiantmadearushathim，Herculescaughthimroundthemiddlewithbothhands，liftedhimhighintotheair，andheldhimaloftoverhead。
Justimagineit，mydearlittlefriends。Whataspectacleitmusthavebeen，toseethismonstrousfellowsprawlingintheair，facedownwards，kickingouthislonglegsandwrigglinghiswholevastbody，likeababywhenitsfatherholdsitatarm’slengthtowardstheceiling。
Butthemostwonderfulthingwas，that，assoonasAntaeuswasfairlyofftheearth，hebegantolosethevigorwhichhehadgainedbytouchingit。Herculesverysoonperceivedthathistroublesomeenemywasgrowingweaker，bothbecausehestruggledandkickedwithlessviolence，andbecausethethunderofhisbigvoicesubsidedintoagrumble。ThetruthwasthatunlesstheGianttouchedMotherEarthasoftenasonceinfiveminutes，notonlyhisovergrownstrength，buttheverybreathofhislife，woulddepartfromhim。Herculeshadguessedthissecret；anditmaybewellforusalltorememberit，incaseweshouldeverhavetofightabattlewithafellowlikeAntaeus。Fortheseearth-borncreaturesareonlydifficulttoconquerontheirownground，butmayeasilybemanagedifwecancontrivetoliftthemintoaloftierandpurerregion。SoitprovedwiththepoorGiant，whomIamreallyalittlesorryfor，notwithstandinghisuncivilwayoftreatingstrangerswhocametovisithim。
Whenhisstrengthandbreathwerequitegone，Herculesgavehishugebodyatoss，andflungitaboutamileoff，whereitfellheavily，andlaywithnomoremotionthanasandhill。ItwastoolatefortheGiant’sMotherEarthtohelphimnow；andI
shouldnotwonderifhisponderousboneswerelyingonthesamespottothisveryday，andweremistakenforthoseofanuncommonlylargeelephant。
But，alasme！WhatawailingdidthepoorlittlePygmiessetupwhentheysawtheirenormousbrothertreatedinthisterriblemanner！IfHerculesheardtheirshrieks，however，hetooknonotice，andperhapsfanciedthemonlytheshrill，plaintivetwitteringofsmallbirdsthathadbeenfrightenedfromtheirnestsbytheuproarofthebattlebetweenhimselfandAntaeus。
Indeed，histhoughtshadbeensomuchtakenupwiththeGiant，thathehadneveroncelookedatthePygmies，norevenknewthattherewassuchafunnylittlenationintheworld。Andnow，ashehadtraveledagoodway，andwasalsoratherwearywithhisexertionsinthefight，hespreadouthislion’sskinontheground，and，reclininghimselfuponit，fellfastasleep。
AssoonasthePygmiessawHerculespreparingforanap，theynoddedtheirlittleheadsatoneanother，andwinkedwiththeirlittleeyes。Andwhenhisdeep，regularbreathinggavethemnoticethathewasasleep，theyassembledtogetherinanimmensecrowd，spreadingoveraspaceofabouttwenty-sevenfeetsquare。Oneoftheirmosteloquentorators（andavaliantwarriorenough，besides，thoughhardlysogoodatanyotherweaponashewaswithhistongue）climbeduponatoadstool，and，fromthatelevatedposition，addressedthemultitude。Hissentimentswereprettymuchasfollows；or，atallevents，somethinglikethiswasprobablytheupshotofhisspeech：
\"TallPygmiesandmightylittlemen！Youandallofushaveseenwhatapubliccalamityhasbeenbroughttopass，andwhataninsulthasherebeenofferedtothemajestyofournation。
YonderliesAntaeus，ourgreatfriendandbrother，slain，withinourterritory，byamiscreantwhotookhimatdisadvantage，andfoughthim（iffightingitcanbecalled）inawaythatneitherman，norGiant，norPygmyeverdreamedoffighting，untilthishour。And，addingagrievouscontumelytothewrongalreadydoneus，themiscreanthasnowfallenasleepasquietlyasifnothingweretobedreadedfromourwrath！Itbehoovesyou，fellow-countrymen，toconsiderinwhataspectweshallstandbeforetheworld，andwhatwillbetheverdictofimpartialhistory，shouldwesuffertheseaccumulatedoutragestogounavenged。
\"Antaeuswasourbrother，bornofthatsamebelovedparenttowhomweowethethewsandsinews，aswellasthecourageoushearts，whichmadehimproudofourrelationship。Hewasourfaithfulally，andfellfightingasmuchforournationalrightsandimmunitiesasforhisownpersonalones。Weandourforefathershavedweltinfriendshipwithhim，andheldaffectionateintercourseasmantoman，throughimmemorialgenerations。Yourememberhowoftenourentirepeoplehavereposedinhisgreatshadow，andhowourlittleoneshaveplayedathide-and-seekinthetanglesofhishair，andhowhismightyfootstepshavefamiliarlygonetoandfroamongus，andnevertroddenuponanyofourtoes。Andthereliesthisdearbrother——thissweetandamiablefriend——thisbraveandfaithfulally——-thisvirtuousGiant——thisblamelessandexcellentAntaeus——dead！Dead！Silent！Powerless！Ameremountainofclay！Forgivemytears！Nay，Ibeholdyourown。
