THEWAYSIDE。INTRODUCTORY。
Ashorttimeago，IwasfavoredwithaflyingvisitfrommyyoungfriendEustaceBright，whomIhadnotbeforemetwithsincequittingthebreezymountainsofBerkshire。Itbeingthewintervacationathiscollege，Eustacewasallowinghimselfalittlerelaxation，inthehope，hetoldme，ofrepairingtheinroadswhichsevereapplicationtostudyhadmadeuponhishealth；andIwashappytoconclude，fromtheexcellentphysicalconditioninwhichIsawhim，thattheremedyhadalreadybeenattendedwithverydesirablesuccess。HehadnowrunupfromBostonbythenoontrain，partlyimpelledbythefriendlyregardwithwhichheispleasedtohonorme，andpartly，asIsoonfound，onamatterofliterarybusiness。
ItdelightedmetoreceiveMr。Bright，forthefirsttime，underaroof，thoughaveryhumbleone，whichIcouldreallycallmyown。NordidIfail（asisthecustomoflandedproprietorsallabouttheworld）toparadethepoorfellowupanddownovermyhalfadozenacres；secretlyrejoicing，nevertheless，thatthedisarrayoftheinclementseason，andparticularlythesixinchesofsnowthenupontheground，preventedhimfromobservingtheraggedneglectofsoilandshrubberyintowhichtheplacehadlapsed。Itwasidle，however，toimaginethatanairyguestfromMonumentMountain，BaldSummit，andoldGraylock，shaggywithprimevalforests，couldseeanythingtoadmireinmypoorlittlehillside，withitsgrowthoffrailandinsect-eatenlocusttrees。Eustaceveryfranklycalledtheviewfrommyhilltoptame；andso，nodoubt，itwas，afterrough，broken，rugged，headlongBerkshire，andespeciallythenorthernpartsofthecounty，withwhichhiscollegeresidencehadmadehimfamiliar。Buttomethereisapeculiar，quietcharminthesebroadmeadowsandgentleeminences。Theyarebetterthanmountains，becausetheydonotstampandstereotypethemselvesintothebrain，andthusgrowwearisomewiththesamestrongimpression，repeateddayafterday。Afewsummerweeksamongmountains，alifetimeamonggreenmeadowsandplacidslopes，withoutlinesforevernew，becausecontinuallyfadingoutofthememory——suchwouldbemysoberchoice。
IdoubtwhetherEustacedidnotinternallypronouncethewholethingabore，untilIledhimtomypredecessor’slittleruined，rusticsummerhouse，midwayonthehillside。Itisamereskeletonofslender，decayingtreetrunks，withneitherwallsnoraroof；nothingbutatraceryofbranchesandtwigs，whichthenextwintryblastwillbeverylikelytoscatterinfragmentsalongtheterrace。Itlooks，andis，asevanescentasadream；andyet，initsrusticnetworkofboughs，ithassomehowenclosedahintofspiritualbeauty，andhasbecomeatrueemblemofthesubtileandetherealmindthatplannedit。I
madeEustaceBrightsitdownonasnowbank，whichhadheapeditselfoverthemossyseat，andgazingthroughthearchedwindowsopposite，heacknowledgedthatthesceneatoncegrewpicturesque。
"Simpleasitlooks，"saidhe，"thislittleedificeseemstobetheworkofmagic。Itisfullofsuggestiveness，and，initsway，isasgoodasacathedral。Ah，itwouldbejustthespotforonetositin，ofasummerafternoon，andtellthechildrensomemoreofthosewildstoriesfromtheclassicmyths！"
"Itwould，indeed，"answeredI。"Thesummerhouseitself，soairyandsobroken，islikeoneofthoseoldtales，imperfectlyremembered；andtheselivingbranchesoftheBaldwinappletree，thrustingsorudelyin，arelikeyourunwarrantableinterpolations。But，bytheby，haveyouaddedanymorelegendstotheseries，sincethepublicationofthe’Wonder-Book’？"
"Manymore，"saidEustace；"Primrose，Periwinkle，andtherestofthem，allowmenocomfortofmylifeunlessItellthemastoryeverydayortwo。Ihaverunawayfromhomepartlytoescapetheimportunityoftheselittlewretches！ButIhavewrittenoutsixofthenewstories，andhavebroughtthemforyoutolookover。"
"Aretheyasgoodasthefirst？"Iinquired。
"Betterchosen，andbetterhandled，"repliedEustaceBright。
"Youwillsaysowhenyoureadthem。"
"Possiblynot，"Iremarked。"Iknowfrommyownexperience，thatanauthor’slastworkisalwayshisbestone，inhisownestimate，untilitquitelosestheredheatofcomposition。
Afterthat，itfallsintoitstrueplace，quietlyenough。Butletusadjourntomystudy，andexaminethesenewstories。Itwouldhardlybedoingyourselfjustice，wereyoutobringmeacquaintedwiththem，sittinghereonthissnowbank！"
Sowedescendedthehilltomysmall，oldcottage，andshutourselvesupinthesouth-easternroom，wherethesunshinecomesin，warmlyandbrightly，throughthebetterhalfofawinter’sday。Eustaceputhisbundleofmanuscriptintomyhands；andIskimmedthroughitprettyrapidly，tryingtofindoutitsmeritsanddemeritsbythetouchofmyfingers，asaveteranstory-telleroughttoknowhowtodo。
ItwillberememberedthatMr。Brightcondescendedtoavailhimselfofmyliteraryexperiencebyconstitutingmeeditorofthe"Wonder-Book。"Ashehadnoreasontocomplainofthereceptionofthateruditeworkbythepublic，hewasnowdisposedtoretainmeinasimilarpositionwithrespecttothepresentvolume，whichheentitledTANGLEWOODTALES。Not，asEustacehinted，thattherewasanyrealnecessityformyservicesasintroducer，inasmuchashisownnamehadbecomeestablishedinsomegooddegreeoffavorwiththeliteraryworld。Buttheconnectionwithmyself，hewaskindenoughtosay，hadbeenhighlyagreeable；norwashebyanymeansdesirous，asmostpeopleare，ofkickingawaytheladderthathadperhapshelpedhimtoreachhispresentelevation。Myyoungfriendwaswilling，inshort，thatthefreshverdureofhisgrowingreputationshouldspreadovermystragglingandhalf-nakedboughs；evenasIhavesometimesthoughtoftrainingavine，withitsbroadleafiness，andpurplefruitage，overtheworm-eatenpostsandraftersoftherusticsummerhouse。Iwasnotinsensibletotheadvantagesofhisproposal，andgladlyassuredhimofmyacceptance。
MerelyfromthetitleofthestoriesIsawatoncethatthesubjectswerenotlessrichthanthoseoftheformervolume；
nordidIatalldoubtthatMr。Bright’saudacity（sofarasthatendowmentmightavail）hadenabledhimtotakefulladvantageofwhatevercapabilitiestheyoffered。Yet，inspiteofmyexperienceofhisfreewayofhandlingthem，Ididnotquitesee，Iconfess，howhecouldhaveobviatedallthedifficultiesinthewayofrenderingthempresentabletochildren。Theseoldlegends，sobrimmingoverwitheverythingthatismostabhorrenttoourChristianizedmoralsensesomeofthemsohideous，otherssomelancholyandmiserable，amidwhichtheGreektragedianssoughttheirthemes，andmouldedthemintothesternestformsofgriefthatevertheworldsaw；wassuchmaterialthestuffthatchildren’splaythingsshouldbemadeof！Howweretheytobepurified？Howwastheblessedsunshinetobethrownintothem？
ButEustacetoldmethatthesemythswerethemostsingularthingsintheworld，andthathewasinvariablyastonished，wheneverhebegantorelateone，bythereadinesswithwhichitadapteditselftothechildishpurityofhisauditors。Theobjectionablecharacteristicsseemtobeaparasiticalgrowth，havingnoessentialconnectionwiththeoriginalfable。Theyfallaway，andarethoughtofnomore，theinstantheputshisimaginationinsympathywiththeinnocentlittlecircle，whosewide-openeyesarefixedsoeagerlyuponhim。Thusthestories（notbyanystrainedeffortofthenarrator’s，butinharmonywiththeirinherentgerm）transformthemselves，andre-assumetheshapeswhichtheymightbesupposedtopossessinthepurechildhoodoftheworld。Whenthefirstpoetorromancertoldthesemarvellouslegends（suchisEustaceBright’sopinion），itwasstilltheGoldenAge。Evilhadneveryetexisted；andsorrow，misfortune，crime，weremereshadowswhichthemindfancifullycreatedforitself，asashelteragainsttoosunnyrealities；or，atmost，butpropheticdreamstowhichthedreamerhimselfdidnotyieldawakingcredence。Childrenarenowtheonlyrepresentativesofthemenandwomenofthathappyera；andthereforeitisthatwemustraisetheintellectandfancytothelevelofchildhood，inordertore-createtheoriginalmyths。
Ilettheyouthfulauthortalkasmuchandasextravagantlyashepleased，andwasgladtoseehimcommencinglifewithsuchconfidenceinhimselfandhisperformances。Afewyearswilldoallthatisnecessarytowardsshowinghimthetruthinbothrespects。Meanwhile，itisbutrighttosay，hedoesreallyappeartohaveovercomethemoralobjectionsagainstthesefables，althoughattheexpenseofsuchlibertieswiththeirstructureasmustbelefttopleadtheirownexcuse，withoutanyhelpfromme。Indeed，exceptthattherewasanecessityforit——andthattheinnerlifeofthelegendscannotbecomeatsavebymakingthementirelyone’sownproperty——thereisnodefensetobemade。
Eustaceinformedmethathehadtoldhisstoriestothechildreninvarioussituations——inthewoods，ontheshoreofthelake，inthedellofShadowBrook，intheplayroom，atTanglewoodfireside，andinamagnificentpalaceofsnow，withicewindows，whichhehelpedhislittlefriendstobuild。Hisauditorswereevenmoredelightedwiththecontentsofthepresentvolumethanwiththespecimenswhichhavealreadybeengiventotheworld。TheclassicallylearnedMr。Pringle，too，hadlistenedtotwoorthreeofthetales，andcensuredthemevenmorebitterlythanhedidTHETHREEGOLDENAPPLES；sothat，whatwithpraise，andwhatwithcriticism，EustaceBrightthinksthatthereisgoodhopeofatleastasmuchsuccesswiththepublicasinthecaseofthe"WonderBook。"
Imadeallsortsofinquiriesaboutthechildren，notdoubtingthattherewouldbegreateagernesstohearoftheirwelfare，amongsomegoodlittlefolkswhohavewrittentome，toaskforanothervolumeofmyths。Theyareall，Iamhappytosay（unlessweexceptClover），inexcellenthealthandspirits。
Primroseisnowalmostayounglady，and，Eustacetellsme，isjustassaucyasever。Shepretendstoconsiderherselfquitebeyondtheagetobeinterestedbysuchidlestoriesasthese；
but，forallthat，wheneverastoryistobetold，Primroseneverfailstobeoneofthelisteners，andtomakefunofitwhenfinished。Periwinkleisverymuchgrown，andisexpectedtoshutupherbabyhouseandthrowawayherdollinamonthortwomore。SweetFernhaslearnedtoreadandwrite，andhasputonajacketandpairofpantaloons——allofwhichimprovementsI
amsorryfor。SquashBlossom，BlueEye，Plantain，andButtercuphavehadthescarletfever，butcameeasilythroughit。
Huckleberry，Milkweed，andDandelionwereattackedwiththewhoopingcough，butboreitbravely，andkeptoutofdoorswheneverthesunshone。Cowslip，duringtheautumn，hadeitherthemeasles，orsomeeruptionthatlookedverymuchlikeit，butwashardlysickaday。PoorCloverhasbeenagooddealtroubledwithhersecondteeth，whichhavemadehermeagreinaspectandratherfractiousintemper；nor，evenwhenshesmiles，isthemattermuchmended，sinceitdisclosesagapjustwithinherlips，almostaswideasthebarndoor。Butallthiswillpassover，anditispredictedthatshewillturnoutaveryprettygirl。
AsforMr。Brighthimself，heisnowinhissenioryearatWilliamsCollege，andhasaprospectofgraduatingwithsomedegreeofhonorabledistinctionatthenextCommencement。Inhisorationforthebachelor’sdegree，hegivesmetounderstand，hewilltreatoftheclassicalmyths，viewedintheaspectofbabystories，andhasagreatmindtodiscusstheexpediencyofusingupthewholeofancienthistory，forthesamepurpose。Idonotknowwhathemeanstodowithhimselfafterleavingcollege，buttrustthat，bydabblingsoearlywiththedangerousandseductivebusinessofauthorship，hewillnotbctemptedtobecomeanauthorbyprofession。IfsoI
shallbeverysorryforthelittlethatIhavehadtodowiththematter，inencouragingthesefirstbeginnings。
IwishtherewereanylikelihoodofmysoonseeingPrimrose，Periwinkle，Dandelion，SweetFern，CloverPlantain，Huckleberry，Milkweed，Cowslip，Buttercup，BlueEye，andSquashBlossomagain。ButasIdonotknowwhenIshallre-visitTanglewood，andasEustaceBrightprobablywillnotaskmetoeditathird"WonderBook，"thepublicoflittlefolksmustnotexpecttohearanymoreaboutthosedearchildrenfromme。
Heavenblessthem，andeverybodyelse，whethergrownpeopleorchildren！
THEMINOTAUR。
IntheoldcityofTroezene，atthefootofaloftymountain，therelived，averylongtimeago，alittleboynamedTheseus。
Hisgrandfather，KingPittheus，wasthesovereignofthatcountry，andwasreckonedaverywiseman；sothatTheseus，beingbroughtupintheroyalpalace，andbeingnaturallyabrightlad，couldhardlyfailofprofitingbytheoldking’sinstructions。Hismother’snamewasAethra。Asforhisfather，theboyhadneverseenhim。But，fromhisearliestremembrance，AethrausedtogowithlittleTheseusintoawood，andsitdownuponamoss-grownrock，whichwasdeeplysunkenintotheearth。
Heresheoftentalkedwithhersonabouthisfather，andsaidthathewascalledAegeus，andthathewasagreatking，andruledoverAttica，anddweltatAthens，whichwasasfamousacityasanyintheworld。TheseuswasveryfondofhearingaboutKingAegeus，andoftenaskedhisgoodmotherAethrawhyhedidnotcomeandlivewiththematTroezene。
"Ah，mydearson，"answeredAethra，withasigh，"amonarchhashispeopletotakecareof。Themenandwomenoverwhomherulesareintheplaceofchildrentohim；andhecanseldomsparetimetolovehisownchildrenasotherparentsdo。Yourfatherwillneverbeabletoleavehiskingdomforthesakeofseeinghislittleboy。"
"Well，but，dearmother，"askedtheboy，"whycannotIgotothisfamouscityofAthens，andtellKingAegeusthatIamhisson？"
"Thatmayhappenbyandby，"saidAethra。"Bepatient，andweshallsee。Youarenotyetbigandstrongenoughtosetoutonsuchanerrand。"
"AndhowsoonshallIbestrongenough？"Theseuspersistedininquiring。
"Youarebutatinyboyasyet，"repliedhismother。"Seeifyoucanliftthisrockonwhichwearesitting？"
Thelittlefellowhadagreatopinionofhisownstrength。So，graspingtheroughprotuberancesoftherock，hetuggedandtoiledamain，andgothimselfquiteoutofbreath，withoutbeingabletostirtheheavystone。Itseemedtoberootedintotheground。Nowonderhecouldnotmoveit；foritwouldhavetakenalltheforceofaverystrongmantoliftitoutofitsearthybed。
Hismotherstoodlookingon，withasadkindofasmileonherlipsandinhereyes，toseethezealousandyetpunyeffortsofherlittleboy。Shecouldnothelpbeingsorrowfulatfindinghimalreadysoimpatienttobeginhisadventuresintheworld。
"Youseehowitis，mydearTheseus，"saidshe。"YoumustpossessfarmorestrengththannowbeforeIcantrustyoutogotoAthens，andtellKingAegeusthatyouarehisson。Butwhenyoucanliftthisrock，andshowmewhatishiddenbeneathit，Ipromiseyoumypermissiontodepart。"
Oftenandoften，afterthis，didTheseusaskhismotherwhetheritwasyettimeforhimtogotoAthens；andstillhismotherpointedtotherock，andtoldhimthat，foryearstocome，hecouldnotbestrongenoughtomoveit。Andagainandagaintherosy-checkedandcurly-headedboywouldtugandstrainatthehugemassofstone，striving，childashewas，todowhatagiantcouldhardlyhavedonewithouttakingbothofhisgreathandstothetask。Meanwhiletherockseemedtobesinkingfartherandfartherintotheground。Themossgrewoveritthickerandthicker，untilatlastitlookedalmostlikeasoftgreenseat，withonlyafewgrayknobsofgranitepeepingout。
Theoverhangingtrees，also，shedtheirbrownleavesuponIt，asoftenastheautumncame；andatitsbasegrewfernsandwildflowers，someofwhichcreptquiteoveritssurface。Toallappearance，therockwasasfirmlyfastenedasanyotherportionoftheearth’ssubstance。
But，difficultasthematterlooked，Theseuswasnowgrowinguptobesuchavigorousyouth，that，inhisownopinion，thetimewouldquicklycomewhenhemighthopetogettheupperhandofthisponderouslumpofstone。
"Mother，Idobelieveithasstarted！"criedhe，afteroneofhisattempts。"Theeartharounditiscertainlyalittlecracked！"
"No，no，child！"hismotherhastilyanswered。"Itisnotpossibleyoucanhavemovedit，suchaboyasyoustillare！"
Norwouldshebeconvinced，althoughTheseusshowedhertheplacewherehefanciedthatthestemofaflowerhadbeenpartlyuprootedbythemovementoftherock。ButAethrasighed，andlookeddisquieted；for，nodoubt，shebegantobeconsciousthathersonwasnolongerachild，andthat，inalittlewhilehence，shemustsendhimforthamongtheperilsandtroublesoftheworld。
Itwasnotmorethanayearafterwardswhentheywereagainsittingonthemoss-coveredstone。Aethrahadoncemoretoldhimtheoft-repeatedstoryofhisfather，andhowgladlyhewouldreceiveTheseusathisstatelypalace，andhowhewouldpresenthimtohiscourtiersandthepeople，andtellthemthatherewastheheirofhisdominions。TheeyesofTheseusglowedwithenthusiasm，andhewouldhardlysitstilltohearhismotherspeak。
"DearmotherAethra，"heexclaimed，"Ineverfelthalfsostrongasnow！Iamnolongerachild，noraboy，noramereyouth！Ifeelmyselfaman！Itisnowtimetomakeoneearnesttrialtoremovethestone。"
"Ah，mydearestTheseus，"repliedhismother"notyet！notyet！"
"Yes，mother，"saidhe，resolutely，"thetimehascome！"
ThenTheseusbenthimselfingoodearnesttothetask，andstrainedeverysinew，withmanlystrengthandresolution。Heputhiswholebraveheartintotheeffort。Hewrestledwiththebigandsluggishstone，asifithadbeenalivingenemy。Heheaved，helifted，heresolvednowtosucceed，orelsetoperishthere，andlettherockbehismonumentforever！Aethrastoodgazingathim，andclaspedherhands，partlywithamother’spride，andpartlywithamother’ssorrow。Thegreatrockstirred！Yes，itwasraisedslowlyfromthebeddedmossandearth，uprootingtheshrubsandflowersalongwithit，andwasturneduponitsside。Theseushadconquered！
Whiletakingbreath，helookedjoyfullyathismother，andshesmileduponhimthroughhertears。
"Yes，Theseus，"shesaid，"thetimehascome，andyoumuststaynolongeratmyside！SeewhatKingAegeus，yourroyalfather，leftforyoubeneaththestone，whenhelifteditinhismightyarms，andlaiditonthespotwhenceyouhavenowremovedit。"
Theseuslooked，andsawthattherockhadbeenplacedoveranotherslabofstone，containingacavitywithinit；sothatitsomewhatresembledaroughly-madechestorcoffer，ofwhichtheuppermasshadservedasthelid。Withinthecavitylayasword，withagoldenhilt，andapairofsandals。
"Thatwasyourfather’ssword，"saidAethra，"andthosewerehissandals。WhenhewenttobekingofAthens，hebademetreatyouasachilduntilyoushouldproveyourselfamanbyliftingthisheavystone。Thattaskbeingaccomplished，youaretoputonhissandals，inordertofollowinyourfather’sfootsteps，andtogirdonhissword，sothatyoumayfightgiantsanddragons，asKingAegeusdidinhisyouth。"
"IwillsetoutforAthensthisveryday！"criedTheseus。
Buthismotherpersuadedhimtostayadayortwolonger，whileshegotreadysomenecessaryarticlesforhisjourney。Whenhisgrandfather，thewiseKingPittheus，heardthatTheseusintendedtopresenthimselfathisfather’spalace，heearnestlyadvisedhimtogetonboardofavessel，andgobysea；becausehemightthusarrivewithinfifteenmilesofAthens，withouteitherfatigueordanger。
"Theroadsareverybadbyland，"quoththevenerableking；
"andtheyareterriblyinfestedwithrobbersandmonsters。A
merelad，likeTheseus，isnotfittobetrustedonsuchaperilousjourney，allbyhimself。No，no；lethimgobysea。"
ButwhenTheseusheardofrobbersandmonsters，heprickeduphisears，andwassomuchthemoreeagertotaketheroadalongwhichtheyweretobemetwith。Onthethirdday，therefore，hebadearespectfulfarewelltohisgrandfather，thankinghimforallhiskindness；and，afteraffectionatelyembracinghismother，hesetforthwithagoodmanyofhertearsglisteningonhischeeks，andsome，ifthetruthmustbetold，thathadgushedoutofhisowneyes。Butheletthesunandwinddrythem，andwalkedstoutlyon，playingwiththegoldenhiltofhissword，andtakingverymanlystridesinhisfather’ssandals。
IcannotstoptotellyouhardlyanyoftheadventuresthatbefellTheseusontheroadtoAthens。Itisenoughtosay，thathequiteclearedthatpartofthecountryoftherobbersaboutwhomKingPittheushadbeensomuchalarmed。OneofthesebadpeoplewasnamedProcrustes；andhewasindeedaterriblefellow，andhadanuglywayofmakingfunofthepoortravelerswhohappenedtofallintohisclutches。Inhiscavernhehadabed，onwhich，withgreatpretenseofhospitality，heinvitedhisgueststoliedown；but，iftheyhappenedtobeshorterthanthebed，thiswickedvillainstretchedthemoutbymainforce；or，iftheyweretootall，heloppedofftheirheadsorfeet，andlaughedatwhathehaddone，asanexcellentjoke。
Thus，howeverwearyamanmightbe，heneverlikedtolieinthebedofProcrustes。Anotheroftheserobbers，namedScinis，mustlikewisehavebeenaverygreatscoundrel。Hewasinthehabitofflinginghisvictimsoffahighcliffintothesea；
and，inordertogivehimexactlyhisdeserts，Theseustossedhimofftheverysameplace。Butifyouwillbelieveme，theseawouldnotpolluteitselfbyreceivingsuchabadpersonintoitsbosom；neitherwouldtheearth，havingoncegotridofhim，consenttotakehimback；sothat，betweenthecliffandthesea，Scinisstuckfastintheair，whichwasforcedtobeartheburdenofhisnaughtiness。
Afterthesememorabledeeds，Theseusheardofanenormoussow，whichranwild，andwastheterrorofallthefarmersroundabout；and，ashedidnotconsiderhimselfabovedoinganygoodthingthatcameinhisway，hekilledthismonstrouscreature，andgavethecarcasstothepoorpeopleforbacon。Thegreatsowhadbeenanawfulbeast，whilerampingaboutthewoodsandfields，butwasapleasantobjectenoughwhencutupintojoints，andsmokingonIknownothowmanydinnertables。
Thus，bythetimehereachedhisjourney’send，Theseushaddonemanyvaliantfeatswithhisfather’sgolden-hilledsword，andhadgainedtherenownofbeingoneofthebravestyoungmenoftheday。Hisfametraveledfasterthanhedid，andreachedAthensbeforehim。Asheenteredthecity，heheardtheinhabitantstalkingatthestreetcorners，andsayingthatHerculeswasbrave，andJasontoo，andCastorandPolluxlikewise，butthatTheseus，thesonoftheirownking，wouldturnoutasgreataheroasthebestofthem。Theseustooklongerstridesonhearingthis，andfanciedhimselfsureofamagnificentreceptionathisfather’scourt，sincehecamethitherwithFametoblowhertrumpetbeforehim，andcrytoKingAegeus，"Beholdyourson！"
Helittlesuspected，innocentyouththathewas，thathere，inthisveryAthens，wherehisfatherreigned，agreaterdangerawaitedhimthananywhichhehadencounteredontheroad。Yetthiswasthetruth。YoumustunderstandthatthefatherofTheseus，thoughnotveryoldinyears，wasalmostwornoutwiththecaresofgovernment，andhadthusgrownagedbeforehistime。Hisnephews，notexpectinghimtoliveaverygreatwhile，intendedtogetallthepowerofthekingdomintotheirownhands。ButwhentheyheardthatTheseushadarrivedinAthens，andlearnedwhatagallantyoungmanhewas，theysawthathewouldnotbeatallthekindofapersontoletthemstealawayhisfather’scrownandscepter，whichoughttobehisownbyrightofinheritance。Thusthesebad-heartednephewsofKingAegeus，whoweretheowncousinsofTheseus，atoncebecamehisenemies。AstillmoredangerousenemywasMedea，thewickedenchantress；forshewasnowtheking’swife，andwantedtogivethekingdomtohersonMedus，insteadoflettingitbegiventothesonofAethra，whomshehated。
Itsohappenedthattheking’snephewsmetTheseus，andfoundoutwhohewas，justashereachedtheentranceoftheroyalpalace。Withalltheirevildesignsagainsthim，theypretendedtobetheircousin’sbestfriends，andexpressedgreatjoyatmakinghis。acquaintance。Theyproposedtohimthatheshouldcomeintotheking’spresenceasastranger，inordertotrywhetherAegeuswoulddiscoverintheyoungman’sfeaturesanylikenesseithertohimselforhismotherAethra，andthusrecognizehimforason。Theseusconsented；forhefanciedthathisfatherwouldknowhiminamoment，bythelovethatwasinhisheart。But，whilehewaitedatthedoor，thenephewsranandtoldKingAegeusthatayoungmanhadarrivedinAthens，who，totheircertainknowledge，intendedtoputhimtodeath，andgetpossessionofhisroyalcrown。
"Andheisnowwaitingforadmissiontoyourmajesty’spresence，"addedthey。
"Aha！"criedtheoldking，onhearingthis。"Why，hemustbeaverywickedyoungfellowindeed！Pray，whatwouldyouadvisemetodowithhim？"
Inreplytothisquestion，thewickedMedeaputinherword。AsIhavealreadytoldyou，shewasafamousenchantress。
Accordingtosomestories，shewasinthehabitofboilingoldpeopleinalargecaldron，underpretenseofmakingthemyoungagain；butKingAegeus，Isuppose，didnotfancysuchanuncomfortablewayofgrowingyoung，orperhapswascontentedtobeold，andthereforewouldneverlethimselfbepoppedintothecaldron。Ifthereweretimetosparefrommoreimportantmatters，IshouldbegladtotellyouofMedea’sfierychariot，drawnbywingeddragons，inwhichtheenchantressusedoftentotakeanairingamongtheclouds。Thischariot，infact，wasthevehiclethatfirstbroughthertoAthens，whereshehaddonenothingbutmischiefeversinceherarrival。Buttheseandmanyotherwondersmustbeleftuntold；anditisenoughtosay，thatMedea，amongstathousandotherbadthings，knewhowtoprepareapoison，thatwasinstantlyfataltowhomsoevermightsomuchastouchitwithhislips。
So，whenthekingaskedwhatheshoulddowithTheseus，thisnaughtywomanhadananswerreadyathertongue’send。
"Leavethattome，pleaseyourmajesty，"shereplied。"Onlyadmitthisevil-mindedyoungmantoyourpresence，treathimcivilly，andinvitehimtodrinkagobletofwine。YourmajestyiswellawarethatIsometimesamusemyselfbydistillingverypowerfulmedicines。Hereisoneoftheminthissmallphial。Astowhatitismadeof，thatisoneofmysecretsofstate。Dobutletmeputasingledropintothegoblet，andlettheyoungmantasteit；andIwillanswerforit，heshallquitelayasidethebaddesignswithwhichhecomeshither。"
Asshesaidthis，Medeasmiled；but，forallhersmilingface，shemeantnothinglessthantopoisonthepoorinnocentTheseus，beforehisfather’seyes。AndKingAegeus，likemostotherkings，thoughtanypunishmentmildenoughforapersonwhowasaccusedofplottingagainsthislife。HethereforemadelittleornoobjectiontoMedea’sscheme，andassoonasthepoisonouswinewasready，gaveordersthattheyoungstrangershouldbeadmittedintohispresence。
Thegobletwassetonatablebesidetheking’sthrone；andafly，meaningjusttosipalittlefromthebrim，immediatelytumbledintoit，dead。Observingthis，Medealookedroundatthenephews，andsmiledagain。
WhenTheseuswasusheredintotheroyalapartment，theonlyobjectthatheseemedtobeholdwasthewhite-beardedoldking。
Therehesatonhismagnificentthrone，adazzlingcrownonhishead，andascepterinhishand。Hisaspectwasstatelyandmajestic，althoughhisyearsandinfirmitiesweighedheavilyuponhim，asifeachyearwerealumpoflead，andeachinfirmityaponderousstone，andallwerebundleduptogether，andlaiduponhiswearyshoulders。Thetearsbothofjoyandsorrowsprangintotheyoungman’seyes；forhethoughthowsaditwastoseehisdearfathersoinfirm，andhowsweetitwouldbetosupporthimwithhisownyouthfulstrength，andtocheerhimupwiththealacrityofhislovingspirit。Whenasontakesafatherintohiswarmheartitrenewstheoldman’syouthinabetterwaythanbytheheatofMedea’smagiccaldron。AndthiswaswhatTheseusresolvedtodo。HecouldscarcelywaittoseewhetherKingAegeuswouldrecognizehim，soeagerwashetothrowhimselfintohisarms。
Advancingtothefootofthethrone，heattemptedtomakealittlespeech，whichhehadbeenthinkingabout，ashecameupthestairs。Buthewasalmostchokedbyagreatmanytenderfeelingsthatgushedoutofhisheartandswelledintohisthroat，allstrugglingtofindutterancetogether。Andtherefore，unlesshecouldhavelaidhisfull，over-brimmingheartintotheking’shand，poorTheseusknewnotwhattodoorsay。ThecunningMedeaobservedwhatwaspassingintheyoungman’smind。Shewasmorewickedatthatmomentthanevershehadbeenbefore；for（anditmakesmetrembletotellyouofit）shedidherworsttoturnallthisunspeakablelovewithwhichTheseuswasagitatedtohisownruinanddestruction。
"Doesyourmajestyseehisconfusion？"shewhisperedintheking’sear。"Heissoconsciousofguilt，thathetremblesandcannotspeak。Thewretchlivestoolong！Quick！offerhimthewine！"
NowKingAegeushadbeengazingearnestlyattheyoungstranger，ashedrewnearthethrone。Therewassomething，heknewnotwhat，eitherinhiswhitebrow，orinthefineexpressionofhismouth，orinhisbeautifulandtendereyes，thatmadehimindistinctlyfeelasifhehadseenthisyouthbefore；asif，indeed，hehadtrottedhimonhiskneewhenababy，andhadbeheldhimgrowingtobeastalwartman，whilehehimselfgrewold。ButMedeaguessedhowthekingfelt，andwouldnotsufferhimtoyieldtothesenaturalsensibilities；
althoughtheywerethevoiceofhisdeepestheart，tellinghimasplainlyasitcouldspeak，thatherewasourdearson，andAethra’sson，comingtoclaimhimforafather。Theenchantressagainwhisperedintheking’sear，andcompelledhim，byherwitchcraft，toseeeverythingunderafalseaspect。
Hemadeuphismind，therefore，toletTheseusdrinkoffthepoisonedwine。
"Youngman，"saidhe，"youarewelcome！Iamproudtoshowhospitalitytosoheroicayouth。Domethefavortodrinkthecontentsofthisgoblet。Itisbrimmingover，asyousee，withdeliciouswine，suchasIbestowonlyonthosewhoareworthyofit！Noneismoreworthytoquaffitthanyourself！"
Sosaying，KingAegeustookthegoldengobletfromthetable，andwasabouttoofferittoTheseus。But，partlythroughhisinfirmities，andpartlybecauseitseemedsosadathingtotakeawaythisyoungman’slife。howeverwickedhemightbe，andpartly，nodoubt，becausehisheartwaswiserthanhishead，andquakedwithinhimatthethoughtofwhathewasgoingtodo——forallthesereasons，theking’shandtrembledsomuchthatagreatdealofthewinesloppedover。Inordertostrengthenhispurpose，andfearinglestthewholeofthepreciouspoisonshouldbewasted，oneofhisnephewsnowwhisperedtohim：
"HasyourMajestyanydoubtofthisstranger’sguilt？Thisistheveryswordwithwhichhemeanttoslayyou。Howsharp，andbright，andterribleitis！Quick！——lethimtastethewine；orperhapshemaydothedeedevenyet。"
Atthesewords，Aegeusdroveeverythoughtandfeelingoutofhisbreast，excepttheoneideaofhowjustlytheyoungmandeservedtobeputtodeath。Hesaterectonhisthrone，andheldoutthegobletofwinewithasteadyhand，andbentonTheseusafrownofkinglyseverity；for，afterall，hehadtoonobleaspirittomurderevenatreacherousenemywithadeceitfulsmileuponhisface。
"Drink！"saidhe，inthesterntonewithwhichhewaswonttocondemnacriminaltobebeheaded。"Youhavewelldeservedofmesuchwineasthis！"
Theseusheldouthishandtotakethewine。But，beforehetouchedit，KingAegeustrembledagain。Hiseyeshadfallenonthegold-hilledswordthathungattheyoungman’sside。Hedrewbackthegoblet。
"Thatsword！"heexclaimed："howcameyoubyit？"
"Itwasmyfather’ssword，"repliedTheseus，withatremulousvoice。"Thesewerehissandals。Mydearmother（hernameisAethra）toldmehisstorywhileIwasyetalittlechild。ButitisonlyamonthsinceIgrewstrongenoughtolifttheheavystone，andtaketheswordandsandalsfrombeneathit，andcometoAthenstoseekmyfather。"
"Myson！myson！"criedKingAegeus，flingingawaythefatalgoblet，andtotteringdownfromthethronetofallintothearmsofTheseus。"Yes，theseareAethra’seyes。Itismyson。"
Ihavequiteforgottenwhatbecameoftheking’snephews。ButwhenthewickedMedeasawthisnewturnofaffairs，shehurriedoutoftheroom，andgoingtoherprivatechamber，lostnotimetosettingherenchantmentstowork。Inafewmoments，sheheardagreatnoiseofhissingsnakesoutsideofthechamberwindow；andbehold！therewasherfierychariot，andfourhugewingedserpents，wrigglingandtwistingintheair，flourishingtheirtailshigherthanthetopofthepalace，andallreadytosetoffonanaerialjourney。Medeastaidonlylongenoughtotakehersonwithher，andtostealthecrownjewels，togetherwiththeking’sbestrobes，andwhateverothervaluablethingsshecouldlayhandson；andgettingintothechariot，shewhippedupthesnakes，andascendedhighoverthecity。
Theking，hearingthehissoftheserpents，scrambledasfastashecouldtothewindow，andbawledouttotheabominableenchantressnevertocomeback。ThewholepeopleofAthens，too，whohadrunoutofdoorstoseethiswonderfulspectacle，setupashoutofjoyattheprospectofgettingridofher。
Medea，almostburstingwithrage，utteredpreciselysuchahissasoneofherownsnakes，onlytentimesmorevenomousandspiteful；andglaringfiercelyoutoftheblazeofthechariot，sheshookherhandsoverthemultitudebelow，asifshewerescatteringamillionofcursesamongthem。Insodoing，however，sheunintentionallyletfallaboutfivehundreddiamondsofthefirstwater，togetherwithathousandgreatpearls，andtwothousandemeralds，rubies，sapphires，opals，andtopazes，towhichshehadhelpedherselfoutoftheking’sstrongbox。Allthesecamepeltingdown，likeashowerofmany-
coloredhailstones，upontheheadsofgrownpeopleandchildren，whoforthwithgatheredthemup，andcarriedthembacktothepalace。ButKingAegeustoldthemthattheywerewelcometothewhole，andtotwiceasmanymore，ifhehadthem，forthesakeofhisdelightatfindinghisson，andlosingthewickedMedea。And，indeed，ifyouhadseenhowhatefulwasherlastlook，astheflamingchariotflewupward，youwouldnothavewonderedthatbothkingandpeopleshouldthinkherdepartureagoodriddance。
AndnowPrinceTheseuswastakenintogreatfavorbyhisroyalfather。Theoldkingwasneverwearyofhavinghimsitbesidehimonhisthrone（whichwasquitewideenoughfortwo），andofhearinghimtellabouthisdearmother，andhischildhood，andhismanyboyisheffortstolifttheponderousstone。Theseus，however，wasmuchtoobraveandactiveayoungmantobewillingtospendallhistimeinrelatingthingswhichhadalreadyhappened。Hisambitionwastoperformotherandmoreheroicdeeds，whichshouldbebetterworthtellinginproseandverse。NorhadhebeenlonginAthensbeforehecaughtandchainedaterriblemadbull，andmadeapublicshowofhim，greatlytothewonderandadmirationofgoodKingAegeusandhissubjects。Butprettysoon，heundertookanaffairthatmadeallhisforegoneadventuresseemlikemereboy’splay。Theoccasionofitwasasfollows：
Onemorning，whenPrinceTheseusawoke，hefanciedthathemusthavehadaverysorrowfuldream，andthatitwasstillrunninginhismind，evennowthathiseyeswereopened。Foritappearedasiftheairwasfullofamelancholywail；andwhenhelistenedmoreattentively，hecouldhearsobs，andgroans，andscreamsofwoe，mingledwithdeep，quietsighs，whichcamefromtheking’spalace，andfromthestreets，andfromthetemples，andfromeveryhabitationinthecity。Andallthesemournfulnoises，issuingoutofthousandsofseparatehearts，unitedthemselvesintoonegreatsoundofaffliction，whichhadstartledTheseusfromslumber。Heputonhisclothesasquicklyashecould（notforgettinghissandalsandgold-hiltedsword），and，hasteningtotheking，inquiredwhatitallmeant。
"Alas！myson，"quothKingAegeus，heavingalongsigh，"hereisaverylamentablematterinhand！Thisisthewofulestanniversaryinthewholeyear。ItisthedaywhenweannuallydrawlotstoseewhichoftheyouthsandmaidsofAthensshallgotobedevouredbythehorribleMinotaur！"
"TheMinotaur！"exclaimedPrinceTheseus；andlikeabraveyoungprinceashewas，heputhishandtothehiltofhissword。"Whatkindofamonstermaythatbe？Isitnotpossible，attheriskofone’slife，toslayhim？"
ButKingAegeusshookhisvenerablehead，andtoconvinceTheseusthatitwasquiteahopelesscase，hegavehimanexplanationofthewholeaffair。ItseemsthatintheislandofCretetherelivedacertaindreadfulmonster，calledaMinotaur，whichwasshapedpartlylikeamanandpartlylikeabull，andwasaltogethersuchahideoussortofacreaturethatitisreallydisagreeabletothinkofhim。Ifheweresufferedtoexistatall，itshouldhavebeenonsomedesertisland，orintheduskinessofsomedeepcavern，wherenobodywouldeverbetormentedbyhisabominableaspect。ButKingMinos，whoreignedoverCrete，laidoutavastdealofmoneyinbuildingahabitationfortheMinotaur，andtookgreatcareofhishealthandcomfort，merelyformischief’ssake。Afewyearsbeforethistime，therehadbeenawarbetweenthecityofAthensandtheislandofCrete，inwhichtheAthenianswerebeaten，andcompelledtobegforpeace。Nopeacecouldtheyobtain，however，exceptonconditionthattheyshouldsendsevenyoungmenandsevenmaidens，everyyear，tobedevouredbythepetmonsterofthecruelKingMinos。Forthreeyearspast，thisgrievouscalamityhadbeenborne。Andthesobs，andgroans，andshrieks，withwhichthecitywasnowfilled，werecausedbythepeople’swoe，becausethefataldayhadcomeagain，whenthefourteenvictimsweretobechosenbylot；andtheoldpeoplefearedlesttheirsonsordaughtersmightbetaken，andtheyouthsanddamselsdreadedlesttheythemselvesmightbedestinedtogluttheravenousmawofthatdetestableman-brute。
ButwhenTheseusheardthestory，hestraightenedhimselfup，sothatheseemedtallerthaneverbefore；andasforhisfaceitwasindignant，despiteful，bold，tender，andcompassionate，allinonelook。
"LetthepeopleofAthensthisyeardrawlotsforonlysixyoungmen，insteadofseven，"saidhe，"Iwillmyselfbetheseventh；andlettheMinotaurdevourmeifhecan！"
"Omydearson，"criedKingAegeus，"whyshouldyouexposeyourselftothishorriblefate？Youarearoyalprince，andhavearighttoholdyourselfabovethedestiniesofcommonmen。"
"ItisbecauseIamaprince，yourson，andtherightfulheirofyourkingdom，thatIfreelytakeuponmethecalamityofyoursubjects，"answeredTheseus，"Andyou，myfather，beingkingoverthesepeople，andanswerabletoHeavenfortheirwelfare，areboundtosacrificewhatisdearesttoyou，ratherthanthatthesonordaughterofthepoorestcitizenshouldcometoanyharm。"
Theoldkingshedtears，andbesoughtTheseusnottoleavehimdesolateinhisoldage，moreespeciallyashehadbutjustbeguntoknowthehappinessofpossessingagoodandvaliantson。Theseus，however，feltthathewasintheright，andthereforewouldnotgiveuphisresolution。Butheassuredhisfatherthathedidnotintendtobeeatenup，unresistingly，likeasheep，andthat，iftheMinotaurdevouredhim，itshouldnotbewithoutabattleforhisdinner。Andfinally，sincehecouldnothelpit，KingAegeusconsentedtolethimgo。Soavesselwasgotready，andriggedwithblacksails；andTheseus，withsixotheryoungmen，andseventenderandbeautifuldamsels，camedowntotheharbortoembark。Asorrowfulmultitudeaccompaniedthemtotheshore。Therewasthepooroldking，too，leaningonhisson’sarm，andlookingasifhissingleheartheldallthegriefofAthens。
JustasPrinceTheseuswasgoingonboard，hisfatherbethoughthimselfofonelastwordtosay。
"Mybelovedson，"saidhe，graspingthePrince’shand，"youobservethatthesailsofthisvesselareblack；asindeedtheyoughttobe，sinceitgoesuponavoyageofsorrowanddespair。
Now，beingweigheddownwithinfirmities，IknownotwhetherI
cansurvivetillthevesselshallreturn。But，aslongasIdolive，Ishallcreepdailytothetopofyondercliff，towatchiftherebeasailuponthesea。And，dearestTheseus，ifbysomehappychance，youshouldescapethejawsoftheMinotaur，thenteardownthosedismalsails，andhoistothersthatshallbebrightasthesunshine。Beholdingthemonthehorizon，myselfandallthepeoplewillknowthatyouarecomingbackvictorious，andwillwelcomeyouwithsuchafestaluproarasAthensneverheardbefore。"
Theseuspromisedthathewoulddoso。Thengoingonboard，themarinerstrimmedthevessel’sblacksailstothewind，whichblewfaintlyofftheshore，beingprettymuchmadeupofthesighsthateverybodykeptpouringforthonthismelancholyoccasion。Butbyandby，whentheyhadgotfairlyouttosea，therecameastiffbreezefromthenorth-west，anddrovethemalongasmerrilyoverthewhite-cappedwavesasiftheyhadbeengoingonthemostdelightfulerrandimaginable。Andthoughitwasasadbusinessenough，Iratherquestionwhetherfourteenyoungpeople，withoutanyoldpersonstokeeptheminorder，couldcontinuetospendthewholetimeofthevoyageinbeingmiserable。Therehadbeensomefewdancesupontheundulatingdeck，Isuspect，andsomeheartyburstsoflaughter，andothersuchunseasonablemerrimentamongthevictims，beforethehighbluemountainsofCretebegantoshowthemselvesamongthefar-offclouds。Thatsight，tobesure，madethemallverygraveagain。
Theseusstoodamongthesailors，gazingeagerlytowardstheland；although，asyet，itseemedhardlymoresubstantialthantheclouds，amidstwhichthemountainswereloomingup。Onceortwice，hefanciedthathesawaglareofsomebrightobject，alongwayoff，flingingagleamacrossthewaves。
"Didyouseethatflashoflight？"heinquiredofthemasterofthevessel。
"No，prince；butIhaveseenitbefore，"answeredthemaster。
"ItcamefromTalus，Isuppose。"
Asthebreezecamefresherjustthen，themasterwasbusywithtrimminghissails，andhadnomoretimetoanswerquestions。
ButwhilethevesselflewfasterandfastertowardsCrete，Theseuswasastonishedtobeholdahumanfigure，giganticinsize，whichappearedtobestriding，withameasuredmovement，alongthemarginoftheisland。Itsteppedfromclifftocliff，andsometimesfromoneheadlandtoanother，whiletheseafoamedandthunderedontheshorebeneath，anddasheditsjetsofsprayoverthegiant’sfeet。Whatwasstillmoreremarkable，wheneverthesunshoneonthishugefigure，itflickeredandglimmered；itsvastcountenance，too，hadametalliclustre，andthrewgreatflashesofsplendorthroughtheair。Thefoldsofitsgarments，moreover，insteadofwavinginthewind，fellheavilyoveritslimbs，asifwovenofsomekindofmetal。
Thenigherthevesselcame，themoreTheseuswonderedwhatthisimmensegiantcouldbe，andwhetheritactuallyhadlifeorno。
For，thoughitwalked，andmadeotherlifelikemotions，thereyetwasakindofjerkinitsgait，which，togetherwithitsbrazenaspect，causedtheyoungprincetosuspectthatitwasnotruegiant，butonlyawonderfulpieceofmachinery。Thefigurelookedallthemoreterriblebecauseitcarriedanenormousbrassclubonitsshoulder。
"Whatisthiswonder？"Theseusaskedofthemasterofthevessel，whowasnowatleisuretoanswerhim。
"ItisTalus，theManofBrass，"saidthemaster。
"Andishealivegiant，orabrazenimage？"askedTheseus。
"That，truly，"repliedthemaster，"isthepointwhichhasalwaysperplexedme。Somesay，indeed，thatthisTaluswashammeredoutforKingMinosbyVulcanhimself，theskilfullestofallworkersinmetal。Butwhoeversawabrazenimagethathadsenseenoughtowalkroundanislandthreetimesaday，asthisgiantwalksroundtheislandofCrete，challengingeveryvesselthatcomesnightheshore？And，ontheotherhand，whatlivingthing，unlesshissinewsweremadeofbrass，wouldnotbewearyofmarchingeighteenhundredmilesinthetwenty-fourhours，asTalusdoes，withouteversittingdowntorest？Heisapuzzler，takehimhowyouwill。"
Stillthevesselwentboundingonward；andnowTheseuscouldhearthebrazenclangorofthegiant’sfootsteps，ashetrodheavilyuponthesea-beatenrocks，someofwhichwereseentocrackandcrumbleintothefoamingwavesbeneathhisweight。Astheyapproachedtheentranceoftheport，thegiantstraddledclearacrossit，withafootfirmlyplantedoneachheadland，andupliftinghisclubtosuchaheightthatitsbutt-endwashiddeninthecloud，hestoodinthatformidableposture，withthesungleamingalloverhismetallicsurface。Thereseemednothingelsetobeexpectedbutthat，thenextmoment，hewouldfetchhisgreatclubdown，slambang，andsmashthevesselintoathousandpieces，withoutheedinghowmanyinnocentpeoplehemightdestroy；forthereisseldomanymercyinagiant，youknow，andquiteaslittleinapieceofbrassclockwork。ButjustwhenTheseusandhiscompanionsthoughttheblowwascoming，thebrazenlipsunclosedthemselves，andthefigurespoke。
"Whencecomeyou，strangers？"
Andwhentheringingvoiceceased，therewasjustsuchareverberationasyoumayhaveheardwithinagreatchurchbell，foramomentortwoafterthestrokeofthehammer。
"FromAthens！"shoutedthemasterinreply。
"Onwhaterrand？"thunderedtheManofBrass。
Andhewhirledhisclubaloftmorethreateninglythanever，asifhewereabouttosmitethemwithathunderstrokerightamidships，becauseAthens，solittlewhileago，hadbeenatwarwithCrete。
"Webringthesevenyouthsandthesevenmaidens，"answeredthemaster，"tobedevouredbytheMinotaur！"
"Pass！"criedthebrazengiant。
Thatoneloudwordrolledallaboutthesky，whileagaintherewasaboomingreverberationwithinthefigure’sbreast。Thevesselglidedbetweentheheadlandsoftheport，andthegiantresumedhismarch。Inafewmoments，thiswondroussentinelwasfaraway，flashinginthedistantsunshine，andrevolvingwithimmensestridesroundtheislandofCrete，asitwashisnever-ceasingtasktodo。
NosoonerhadtheyenteredtheharborthanapartyoftheguardsofKingMinoscamedowntothewaterside，andtookchargeofthefourteenyoungmenanddamsels。Surroundedbythesearmedwarriors，PrinceTheseusandhiscompanionswereledtotheking’spalace，andusheredintohispresence。Now，Minoswasasternandpitilessking。IfthefigurethatguardedCretewasmadeofbrass，thenthemonarch，whoruledoverit，mightbethoughttohaveastillhardermetalinhisbreast，andmighthavebeencalledamanofiron。HebenthisshaggybrowsuponthepoorAthenianvictims。Anyothermortal，beholdingtheirfreshandtenderbeauty，andtheirinnocentlooks，wouldhavefelthimselfsittingonthornsuntilhehadmadeeverysoulofthemhappybybiddingthemgofreeasthesummerwind。ButthisimmitigableMinoscaredonlytoexaminewhethertheywereplumpenoughtosatisfytheMinotaur’sappetite。Formypart，Iwishhehimselfhadbeentheonlyvictim；andthemonsterwouldhavefoundhimaprettytoughone。
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