Sohesaidtohimself，’ThedayshallsurelycomewhenIwillliftthatstone，thoughnomaninTroezenecan。’Andinordertogrowstronghespentallhisdaysinwrestling，andboxing，andhurling，andtaminghorses，andhuntingtheboarandthebull，andcoursinggoatsanddeeramongtherocks;
tilluponallthemountainstherewasnohuntersoswiftasTheseus;andhekilledPhaiathewildsowofCrommyon，whichwastedalltheland;tillallthepeoplesaid，’SurelytheGodsarewiththelad。’
Andwhenhiseighteenthyearwaspast，Aithraledhimupagaintothetemple，andsaid，’Theseus，liftthestonethisday，orneverknowwhoyouare。’AndTheseuswentintothethicket，andstoodoverthestone，andtuggedatit;anditmoved。Thenhisspiritswelledwithinhim，andhesaid，’IfIbreakmyheartinmybody，itshallup。’Andhetuggedatitoncemore，andliftedit，androlleditoverwithashout。
Andwhenhelookedbeneathit，onthegroundlayaswordofbronze，withahiltofglitteringgold，andbyitapairofgoldensandals;andhecaughtthemup，andburstthroughthebusheslikeawildboar，andleapttohismother，holdingthemhighabovehishead。
Butwhenshesawthemsheweptlonginsilence，hidingherfairfaceinhershawl;andTheseusstoodbyherwondering，andweptalso，heknewnotwhy。Andwhenshewastiredofweeping，sheliftedupherhead，andlaidherfingeronherlips，andsaid，’Hidetheminyourbosom，Theseusmyson，andcomewithmewherewecanlookdownuponthesea。’
Thentheywentoutsidethesacredwall，andlookeddownoverthebrightbluesea;andAithrasaid-
’Doyouseethislandatourfeet？’
Andhesaid，’Yes;thisisTroezene，whereIwasbornandbred。’
Andshesaid，’Itisbutalittleland，barrenandrocky，andlookstowardsthebleaknorth-east。Doyouseethatlandbeyond？’
’Yes;thatisAttica，wheretheAthenianpeopledwell。’
’Thatisafairlandandlarge，Theseusmyson;anditlookstowardthesunnysouth;alandofolive-oilandhoney，thejoyofGodsandmen。FortheGodshavegirdleditwithmountains，whoseveinsareofpuresilver，andtheirbonesofmarblewhiteassnow;andtherethehillsaresweetwiththymeandbasil，andthemeadowswithvioletandasphodel，andthenightingalessingalldayinthethickets，bythesideofever-flowingstreams。Therearetwelvetownswellpeopled，thehomesofanancientrace，thechildrenofKekropstheserpentking，thesonofMotherEarth，whoweargoldcicalasamongthetressesoftheirgoldenhair;forlikethecicalastheysprangfromtheearth，andlikethecicalastheysingallday，rejoicinginthegenialsun。Whatwouldyoudo，sonTheseus，ifyouwerekingofsuchaland？’
ThenTheseusstoodastonished，ashelookedacrossthebroadbrightsea，andsawthefairAtticshore，fromSuniumtoHymettusandPentelicus，andallthemountainpeakswhichgirdleAthensround。ButAthensitselfhecouldnotsee，forpurpleAEginastoodbeforeit，midwayacrossthesea。
Thenhisheartgrewgreatwithinhim，andhesaid，’IfIwerekingofsuchalandIwouldruleitwiselyandwellinwisdomandinmight，thatwhenIdiedallmenmightweepovermytomb，andcry，\"Alasfortheshepherdofhispeople！\"’
AndAithrasmiled，andsaid，’Take，then，theswordandthesandals，andgotoAEgeus，kingofAthens，wholivesonPallas’hill;andsaytohim，\"Thestoneislifted，butwhoseisthepledgebeneathit？\"Thenshowhimtheswordandthesandals，andtakewhattheGodsshallsend。’
ButTheseuswept，’ShallIleaveyou，Omymother？’
Butsheanswered，’Weepnotforme。Thatwhichisfatedmustbe;andgriefiseasytothosewhodonoughtbutgrieve。
Fullofsorrowwasmyyouth，andfullofsorrowmywomanhood。
FullofsorrowwasmyyouthforBellerophon，theslayeroftheChimaera，whommyfatherdroveawaybytreason;andfullofsorrowmywomanhood，forthytreacherousfatherandforthee;andfullofsorrowmyoldagewillbe（forIseemyfateindreams），whenthesonsoftheSwanshallcarrymecaptivetothehollowvaleofEurotas，tillIsailacrosstheseasaslave，thehandmaidofthepestofGreece。YetshallIbeavenged，whenthegolden-hairedheroessailagainstTroy，andsackthepalacesofIlium;thenmysonshallsetmefreefromthraldom，andIshallhearthetaleofTheseus’
fame。YetbeyondthatIseenewsorrows;butIcanbearthemasIhavebornethepast。’
ThenshekissedTheseus，andweptoverhim;andwentintothetemple，andTheseussawhernomore。
PARTII-HOWTHESEUSSLEWTHEDEVOURERSOFMEN
SOTheseusstoodtherealone，withhismindfullofmanyhopes。Andfirsthethoughtofgoingdowntotheharbourandhiringaswiftship，andsailingacrossthebaytoAthens;
buteventhatseemedtooslowforhim，andhelongedforwingstoflyacrossthesea，andfindhisfather。Butafterawhilehisheartbegantofailhim;andhesighed，andsaidwithinhimself-
’Whatifmyfatherhaveothersonsabouthimwhomheloves？
Whatifhewillnotreceiveme？AndwhathaveIdonethatheshouldreceiveme？HehasforgottenmeeversinceIwasborn：whyshouldhewelcomemenow？’
Thenhethoughtalongwhilesadly;andatthelasthecriedaloud，’Yes！Iwillmakehimloveme;forIwillprovemyselfworthyofhislove。Iwillwinhonourandrenown，anddosuchdeedsthatAEgeusshallbeproudofme，thoughhehadfiftyothersons！DidnotHeracleswinhimselfhonour，thoughhewasopprest，andtheslaveofEurystheus？Didhenotkillallrobbersandevilbeasts，anddraingreatlakesandmarshes，breakingthehillsthroughwithhisclub？
Thereforeitwasthatallmenhonouredhim，becauseheridthemoftheirmiseries，andmadelifepleasanttothemandtheirchildrenafterthem。WherecanIgo，todoasHeracleshasdone？WherecanIfindstrangeadventures，robbers，andmonsters，andthechildrenofhell，theenemiesofmen？I
willgobyland，andintothemountains，androundbythewayoftheIsthmus。PerhapsthereImayhearofbraveadventures，anddosomethingwhichshallwinmyfather’slove。’
Sohewentbyland，andawayintothemountains，withhisfather’ssworduponhisthigh，tillhecametotheSpidermountains，whichhangoverEpidaurusandthesea，wheretheglensrundownwardfromonepeakinthemidst，astheraysspreadinthespider’sweb。
Andhewentupintothegloomyglens，betweenthefurrowedmarblewalls，tillthelowlandgrewbluebeneathhisfeetandthecloudsdrovedampabouthishead。
Buthewentupandupforever，throughthespider’swebofglens，tillhecouldseethenarrowgulfsspreadbelowhim，northandsouth，andeastandwest;blackcrackshalf-chokedwithmists，andabovealladrearydown。
Butoverthatdownhemustgo，fortherewasnoroadrightorleft;sohetoiledonthroughbogandbrake，tillhecametoapileofstones。
Andonthestonesamanwassitting，wraptinabearskincloak。Theheadofthebearservedhimforacap，anditsteethgrinnedwhitearoundhisbrows;andthefeetweretiedabouthisthroat，andtheirclawsshonewhiteuponhischest。
AndwhenhesawTheseusherose，andlaughedtilltheglensrattled。
’Andwhoartthou，fairfly，whohastwalkedintothespider’sweb？’ButTheseuswalkedonsteadily，andmadenoanswer;buthethought，’Isthissomerobber？andhasanadventurecomealreadytome？’Butthestrangemanlaughedlouderthanever，andsaid-
’Boldfly，knowyounotthattheseglensarethewebfromwhichnoflyeverfindshiswayoutagain，andthisdownthespider’shouse，andIthespiderwhosuckstheflies？Comehither，andletmefeastuponyou;foritisofnousetorunaway，socunningawebhasmyfatherHephaistosspreadformewhenhemadethesecleftsinthemountains，throughwhichnomanfindshiswayhome。’
ButTheseuscameonsteadily，andasked-
’Andwhatisyournameamongmen，boldspider？andwhereareyourspider’sfangs？’
Thenthestrangemanlaughedagain-
’MynameisPeriphetes，thesonofHephaistosandAnticleiathemountainnymph。ButmencallmeCorynetestheclub-
bearer;andhereismyspider’sfang。’
Andheliftedfromoffthestonesathissideamightyclubofbronze。
’Thismyfathergaveme，andforgedithimselfintherootsofthemountain;andwithitIpoundallproudfliestilltheygiveouttheirfatnessandtheirsweetness。Sogivemeupthatgayswordofyours，andyourmantle，andyourgoldensandals，lestIpoundyou，andbyill-luckyoudie。’
ButTheseuswrapthismantleroundhisleftarmquickly，inhardfolds，fromhisshouldertohishand，anddrewhissword，andrushedupontheclub-bearer，andtheclub-bearerrushedonhim。
ThricehestruckatTheseus，andmadehimbendundertheblowslikeasapling;butTheseusguardedhisheadwithhisleftarm，andthemantlewhichwaswraptaroundit。
AndthriceTheseusspranguprightaftertheblow，likeasaplingwhenthestormispast;andhestabbedattheclub-
bearerwithhissword，buttheloosefoldsofthebearskinsavedhim。
ThenTheseusgrewmad，andclosedwithhim，andcaughthimbythethroat，andtheyfellandrolledovertogether;butwhenTheseusroseupfromthegroundtheclub-bearerlaystillathisfeet。
ThenTheseustookhisclubandhisbearskin，andlefthimtothekitesandcrows，andwentuponhisjourneydowntheglensonthefartherslope，tillhecametoabroadgreenvalley，andsawflocksandherdssleepingbeneaththetrees。
Andbythesideofapleasantfountain，undertheshadeofrocksandtrees，werenymphsandshepherdsdancing;butnoonepipedtothemwhiletheydanced。
AndwhentheysawTheseustheyshrieked;andtheshepherdsranoff，anddroveawaytheirflocks，whilethenymphsdivedintothefountainlikecoots，andvanished。
Theseuswonderedandlaughed：’Whatstrangefancieshavefolksherewhorunawayfromstrangers，andhavenomusicwhentheydance！’Buthewastired，anddusty，andthirsty;
sohethoughtnomoreofthem，butdrankandbathedintheclearpool，andthenlaydownintheshadeunderaplane-
tree，whilethewatersanghimtosleep，asittinkleddownfromstonetostone。
Andwhenhewokeheheardawhispering，andsawthenymphspeepingathimacrossthefountainfromthedarkmouthofacave，wheretheysatongreencushionsofmoss。Andonesaid，’SurelyheisnotPeriphetes;’andanother，’Helookslikenorobber，butafairandgentleyouth。’
ThenTheseussmiled，andcalledthem，’Fairnymphs，IamnotPeriphetes。Hesleepsamongthekitesandcrows;butIhavebroughtawayhisbearskinandhisclub。’
Thentheyleaptacrossthepool，andcametohim，andcalledtheshepherdsback。Andhetoldthemhowhehadslaintheclub-bearer：andtheshepherdskissedhisfeetandsang，’Nowweshallfeedourflocksinpeace，andnotbeafraidtohavemusicwhenwedance;forthecruelclub-bearerhasmethismatch，andhewilllistenforourpipesnomore。’Thentheybroughthimkid’sfleshandwine，andthenymphsbroughthimhoneyfromtherocks，andheate，anddrank，andsleptagain，whilethenymphsandshepherdsdancedandsang。Andwhenhewoke，theybeggedhimtostay;buthewouldnot。’I
haveagreatworktodo，’hesaid;’ImustbeawaytowardtheIsthmus，thatImaygotoAthens。’
Buttheshepherdssaid，’WillyougoalonetowardAthens？
Nonetravelthatwaynow，exceptinarmedtroops。’
’Asforarms，Ihaveenough，asyousee。Andasfortroops，anhonestmanisgoodenoughcompanyforhimself。WhyshouldInotgoalonetowardAthens？’
’Ifyoudo，youmustlookwarilyaboutyouontheIsthmus，lestyoumeetSinistherobber，whommencallPituocamptesthepine-bender;forhebendsdowntwopine-trees，andbindsalltravellershandandfootbetweenthem，andwhenheletsthetreesgoagaintheirbodiesaretorninsunder。’
’Andafterthat，’saidanother，’youmustgoinland，andnotdaretopassoverthecliffsofSciron;foronthelefthandarethemountains，andontherightthesea，sothatyouhavenoescape，butmustneedsmeetScirontherobber，whowillmakeyouwashhisfeet;andwhileyouarewashingthemhewillkickyouoverthecliff，tothetortoisewholivesbelow，andfeedsuponthebodiesofthedead。’
AndbeforeTheseuscouldanswer，anothercried，’Andafterthatisaworsedangerstill，unlessyougoinlandalways，andleaveEleusisfaronyourright。ForinEleusisrulesKerkuonthecruelking，theterrorofallmortals，whokilledhisowndaughterAlopeinprison。Butshewaschangedintoafairfountain;andherchildhecastoutuponthemountains，butthewildmaresgaveitmilk。Andnowhechallengesallcomerstowrestlewithhim，forheisthebestwrestlerinallAttica，andoverthrowsallwhocome;andthosewhomheoverthrowshemurdersmiserably，andhispalace-courtisfulloftheirbones。’
ThenTheseusfrowned，andsaid，’Thisseemsindeedanill-
ruledland，andadventuresenoughinittobetried。ButifIamtheheirofit，Iwillruleitandrightit，andhereismyroyalsceptre。’
Andheshookhisclubofbronze，whilethenymphsandshepherdsclungroundhim，andentreatedhimnottogo。
Butonhewentnevertheless，tillhecouldseeboththeseasandthecitadelofCorinthtoweringhighabovealltheland。
AndhepastswiftlyalongtheIsthmus，forhisheartburnedtomeetthatcruelSinis;andinapine-woodatlasthemethim，wheretheIsthmuswasnarrowestandtheroadranbetweenhighrocks。Therehesatuponastonebythewayside，withayoungfir-treeforaclubacrosshisknees，andacordlaidreadybyhisside;andoverhishead，uponthefir-tops，hungthebonesofmurderedmen。
ThenTheseusshoutedtohim，’Holla，thouvaliantpine-
bender，hastthoutwofir-treesleftforme？’
AndSinisleapttohisfeet，andanswered，pointingtothebonesabovehishead，’Mylarderhasgrownemptylately，soI
havetwofir-treesreadyforthee。’AndherushedonTheseus，liftinghisclub，andTheseusrusheduponhim。
Thentheyhammeredtogethertillthegreenwoodsrang;butthemetalwastougherthanthepine，andSinis’clubbrokerightacross，asthebronzecamedownuponit。ThenTheseusheavedupanothermightystroke，andsmoteSinisdownuponhisface;
andkneltuponhisback，andboundhimwithhisowncord，andsaid，’Asthouhastdonetoothers，soshallitbedonetothee。’Thenhebentdowntwoyoungfir-trees，andboundSinisbetweenthemforallhisstrugglingandhisprayers;
andletthemgo，andendedSinis，andwenton，leavinghimtothehawksandcrows。
ThenhewentoverthehillstowardMegara，keepingclosealongtheSaronicSea，tillhecametothecliffsofSciron，andthenarrowpathbetweenthemountainandthesea。
AndtherehesawScironsittingbyafountain，attheedgeofthecliff。Onhiskneeswasamightyclub;andhehadbarredthepathwithstones，sothateveryonemuststopwhocameup。
ThenTheseusshoutedtohim，andsaid，’Holla，thoutortoise-
feeder，dothyfeetneedwashingto-day？’
AndScironleapttohisfeet，andanswered-’Mytortoiseisemptyandhungry，andmyfeetneedwashingto-day。’Andhestoodbeforehisbarrier，andlifteduphisclubinbothhands。
ThenTheseusrusheduponhim;andsorewasthebattleuponthecliff，forwhenScironfelttheweightofthebronzeclub，hedropthisown，andclosedwithTheseus，andtriedtohurlhimbymainforceoverthecliff。ButTheseuswasawarywrestler，anddropthisownclub，andcaughthimbythethroatandbytheknee，andforcedhimbackagainstthewallofstones，andcrushedhimupagainstthem，tillhisbreathwasalmostgone。AndScironcriedpanting，’Looseme，andI
willlettheepass。’ButTheseusanswered，’ImustnotpasstillIhavemadetheroughwaysmooth;’andheforcedhimbackagainstthewalltillitfell，andScironrolledheadoverheels。
ThenTheseusliftedhimupallbruised，andsaid，’Comehitherandwashmyfeet。’Andhedrewhissword，andsatdownbythewell，andsaid，’Washmyfeet，orIcutyoupiecemeal。’
AndScironwashedhisfeettrembling;andwhenitwasdone，Theseusrose，andcried，’Asthouhastdonetoothers，soshallitbedonetothee。Gofeedthytortoisethyself;’andhekickedhimoverthecliffintothesea。
Andwhetherthetortoiseatehim，Iknownot;forsomesaythatearthandseabothdisdainedtotakehisbody，sofoulitwaswithsin。Sotheseacastitoutupontheshore，andtheshorecastitbackintothesea，andatlastthewaveshurledithighintotheairinanger;andithungtherelongwithoutagrave，tillitwaschangedintoadesolaterock，whichstandsthereinthesurgeuntilthisday。
Thisatleastistrue，whichPausaniastells，thatintheroyalporchatAthenshesawthefigureofTheseusmodelledinclay，andbyhimScirontherobberfallingheadlongintothesea。
Thenhewentalongday’sjourney，pastMegara，intotheAtticland，andhighbeforehimrosethesnow-peaksofCithaeron，allcoldabovetheblackpine-woods，wherehaunttheFuries，andtheravingBacchae，andtheNymphswhodrivemenwild，faraloftuponthedrearymountains，wherethestormshowlalldaylong。Andonhisrighthandwastheseaalways，andSalamis，withitsislandcliffs，andthesacredstraitofthesea-fight，whereafterwardsthePersiansfledbeforetheGreeks。Sohewentalldayuntiltheevening，tillhesawtheThriasianplain，andthesacredcityofEleusis，wheretheEarth-mother’stemplestands。ForthereshemetTriptolemus，whenallthelandlaywaste，DemeterthekindEarth-mother，andinherhandsasheafofcorn。Andshetaughthimtoploughthefallows，andtoyokethelazykine;
andshetaughthimtosowtheseed-fields，andtoreapthegoldengrain;andsenthimforthtoteachallnations，andgivecorntolabouringmen。SoatEleusisallmenhonourher，whosoevertillstheland;herandTriptolemusherbeloved，whogavecorntolabouringmen。
AndhewentalongtheplainintoEleusis，andstoodinthemarket-place，andcried-
’WhereisKerkuon，thekingofthecity？Imustwrestleafallwithhimto-day。’
Thenallthepeoplecrowdedroundhim，andcried，’Fairyouth，whywillyoudie？Hastenoutofthecity，beforethecruelkinghearsthatastrangerishere。’
ButTheseuswentupthroughthetown，whilethepeopleweptandprayed，andthroughthegatesofthepalace-yard，andthroughthepilesofbonesandskulls，tillhecametothedoorofKerkuon’shall，theterrorofallmortalmen。
AndtherehesawKerkuonsittingatthetableinthehallalone;andbeforehimwasawholesheeproasted，andbesidehimawholejarofwine。AndTheseusstoodandcalledhim，’Holla，thouvaliantwrestler，wiltthouwrestleafallto-
day？’
AndKerkuonlookedupandlaughed，andanswered，’Iwillwrestleafallto-day;butcomein，forIamlonelyandthouweary，andeatanddrinkbeforethoudie。’
ThenTheseuswentupboldly，andsatdownbeforeKerkuonattheboard;andheatehisfillofthesheep’sflesh，anddrankhisfillofthewine;andTheseusateenoughforthreemen，butKerkuonateenoughforseven。
Butneitherspokeawordtotheother，thoughtheylookedacrossthetablebystealth;andeachsaidinhisheart，’Hehasbroadshoulders;butItrustmineareasbroadashis。’
Atlast，whenthesheepwaseatenandthejarofwinedraineddry，KingKerkuonrose，andcried，’Letuswrestleafallbeforewesleep。’
Sotheytossedoffalltheirgarments，andwentforthinthepalace-yard;andKerkuonbadestrewfreshsandinanopenspacebetweenthebones。
Andtheretheheroesstoodfacetoface，whiletheireyesglaredlikewildbulls’;andallthepeoplecrowdedatthegatestoseewhatwouldbefall。
Andtheretheystoodandwrestled，tillthestarsshoneoutabovetheirheads;upanddownandround，tillthesandwasstampedhardbeneaththeirfeet。Andtheireyesflashedlikestarsinthedarkness，andtheirbreathwentuplikesmokeinthenightair;butneithertooknorgaveafootstep，andthepeoplewatchedsilentatthegates。
ButatlastKerkuongrewangry，andcaughtTheseusroundtheneck，andshookhimasamastiffshakesarat;buthecouldnotshakehimoffhisfeet。
ButTheseuswasquickandwary，andclaspedKerkuonroundthewaist，andslippedhisloinquicklyunderneathhim，whilehecaughthimbythewrist;andthenhehoveamightyheave，aheavewhichwouldhavestirredanoak，andliftedKerkuon，andpitchedhimrightoverhisshoulderontheground。
Thenheleaptonhim，andcalled，’Yield，orIkillthee！’
butKerkuonsaidnoword;forhisheartwasburstwithinhimwiththefall，andthemeat，andthewine。
ThenTheseusopenedthegates，andcalledinallthepeople;
andtheycried，’Youhaveslainourevilking;beyounowourking，andruleuswell。’
’IwillbeyourkinginEleusis，andIwillruleyourightandwell;forthiscauseIhaveslainallevil-doers-Sinis，andSciron，andthismanlastofall。’
Thenanagedmansteppedforth，andsaid，’Younghero，hastthouslainSinis？BewarethenofAEgeus，kingofAthens，towhomthougoest，forheisnearofkintoSinis。’
’ThenIhaveslainmyownkinsman，’saidTheseus，’thoughwellhedeservedtodie。Whowillpurgemefromhisdeath，forrightfullyIslewhim，unrighteousandaccursedashewas？’
Andtheoldmananswered-
’Thatwilltheheroesdo，thesonsofPhytalus，whodwellbeneaththeelm-treeinAphidnai，bythebankofsilverCephisus;fortheyknowthemysteriesoftheGods。Thitheryoushallgoandbepurified，andafteryoushallbeourking。’
SohetookanoathofthepeopleofEleusis，thattheywouldservehimastheirking，andwentawaynextmorningacrosstheThriasianplain，andoverthehillstowardAphidnai，thathemightfindthesonsofPhytalus。
AndashewasskirtingtheValeofCephisus，alongthefootofloftyParnes，averytallandstrongmancamedowntomeethim，dressedinrichgarments。Onhisarmsweregoldenbracelets，androundhisneckacollarofjewels;andhecameforward，bowingcourteously，andheldoutbothhishands，andspoke-
’Welcome，fairyouth，tothesemountains;happyamItohavemetyou！Forwhatgreaterpleasuretoagoodman，thantoentertainstrangers？ButIseethatyouareweary。Comeuptomycastle，andrestyourselfawhile。’
’Igiveyouthanks，’saidTheseus：’butIaminhastetogoupthevalley，andtoreachAphidnaiintheValeofCephisus。’
’Alas！youhavewanderedfarfromtherightway，andyoucannotreachAphidnaito-night，fortherearemanymilesofmountainbetweenyouandit，andsteeppasses，andcliffsdangerousafternightfall。ItiswellforyouthatImetyou，formywholejoyistofindstrangers，andtofeastthematmycastle，andheartalesfromthemofforeignlands。
Comeupwithme，andeatthebestofvenison，anddrinktherichredwine，andsleepuponmyfamousbed，ofwhichalltravellerssaythattheyneversawthelike。Forwhatsoeverthestatureofmyguest，howevertallorshort，thatbedfitshimtoahair，andhesleepsonitasheneversleptbefore。’
AndhelaidholdonTheseus’hands，andwouldnotlethimgo。
Theseuswishedtogoforwards：buthewasashamedtoseemchurlishtosohospitableaman;andhewascurioustoseethatwondrousbed;andbeside，hewashungryandweary：yetheshrankfromtheman，heknewnotwhy;for，thoughhisvoicewasgentleandfawning，itwasdryandhuskylikeatoad’s;andthoughhiseyesweregentle，theyweredullandcoldlikestones。Butheconsented，andwentwiththemanupaglenwhichledfromtheroadtowardthepeaksofParnes，underthedarkshadowofthecliffs。
Andastheywentup，theglengrewnarrower，andthecliffshigheranddarker，andbeneaththematorrentroared，halfseenbetweenbarelimestonecrags。Andaroundtherewasneithertreenorbush，whilefromthewhitepeaksofParnesthesnow-blastssweptdowntheglen，cuttingandchillingtillahorrorfellonTheseusashelookedroundatthatdolefulplace。Andheaskedatlast，’Yourcastlestands，itseems，inadrearyregion。’
’Yes;butoncewithinit，hospitalitymakesallthingscheerful。Butwhoarethese？’andhelookedback，andTheseusalso;andfarbelow，alongtheroadwhichtheyhadleft，cameastringofladenasses，andmerchantswalkingbythem，watchingtheirware。
’Ah，poorsouls！’saidthestranger。’WellforthemthatI
lookedbackandsawthem！Andwellformetoo，forIshallhavethemoreguestsatmyfeast。WaitawhiletillIgodownandcallthem，andwewilleatanddrinktogetherthelivelongnight。HappyamI，towhomHeavensendssomanyguestsatonce！’
Andheranbackdownthehill，wavinghishandandshouting，tothemerchants，whileTheseuswentslowlyupthesteeppass。
Butashewentuphemetanagedman，whohadbeengatheringdriftwoodinthetorrent-bed。Hehadlaiddownhisfaggotintheroad，andwastryingtoliftitagaintohisshoulder。
AndwhenhesawTheseus，hecalledtohim，andsaid-
’Ofairyouth，helpmeupwithmyburden，formylimbsarestiffandweakwithyears。’
ThenTheseusliftedtheburdenonhisback。Andtheoldmanblesthim，andthenlookedearnestlyuponhim，andsaid-
’Whoareyou，fairyouth，andwhereforetravelyouthisdolefulroad？’
’WhoIammyparentsknow;butItravelthisdolefulroadbecauseIhavebeeninvitedbyahospitableman，whopromisestofeastme，andtomakemesleepuponIknownotwhatwondrousbed。’
Thentheoldmanclappedhishandstogetherandcried-
’OhouseofHades，man-devouring！willthymawneverbefull？
Know，fairyouth，thatyouaregoingtotormentandtodeath，forhewhometyou（Iwillrequiteyourkindnessbyanother）
isarobberandamurdererofmen。Whatsoeverstrangerhemeetsheenticeshimhithertodeath;andasforthisbedofwhichhespeaks，trulyitfitsallcomers，yetnoneeverrosealiveoffitsaveme。’
’Why？’askedTheseus，astonished。
’Because，ifamanbetootallforit，helopshislimbstilltheybeshortenough，andifhebetooshort，hestretcheshislimbstilltheybelongenough：butmeonlyhespared，sevenwearyyearsagone;forIaloneofallfittedhisbedexactly，sohesparedme，andmademehisslave。AndonceI
wasawealthymerchant，anddweltinbrazen-gatedThebes;butnowIhewwoodanddrawwaterforhim，thetormentofallmortalmen。’
ThenTheseussaidnothing;buthegroundhisteethtogether。
’Escape，then，’saidtheoldman，’forhewillhavenopityonthyyouth。Butyesterdayhebroughtuphitherayoungmanandamaiden，andfittedthemuponhisbed;andtheyoungman’shandsandfeethecutoff，butthemaiden’slimbshestretcheduntilshedied，andsobothperishedmiserably-
butIamtiredofweepingovertheslain。AndthereforeheiscalledProcrustesthestretcher，thoughhisfathercalledhimDamastes。Fleefromhim：yetwhitherwillyouflee？
Thecliffsaresteep，andwhocanclimbthem？andthereisnootherroad。’
ButTheseuslaidhishandupontheoldman’smonth，andsaid，’Thereisnoneedtoflee;’andheturnedtogodownthepass。
’DonottellhimthatIhavewarnedyou，orhewillkillmebysomeevildeath;’andtheoldmanscreamedafterhimdowntheglen;butTheseusstrodeoninhiswrath。
Andhesaidtohimself，’Thisisanill-ruledland;whenshallIhavedoneriddingitofmonsters？’Andashespoke，Procrustescameupthehill，andallthemerchantswithhim，smilingandtalkinggaily。AndwhenhesawTheseus，hecried，’Ah，fairyoungguest，haveIkeptyoutoolongwaiting？’
ButTheseusanswered，’Themanwhostretcheshisguestsuponabedandhewsofftheirhandsandfeet，whatshallbedonetohim，whenrightisdonethroughouttheland？’
ThenProcrustes’countenancechanged，andhischeeksgrewasgreenasalizard，andhefeltforhisswordinhaste;butTheseusleaptonhim，andcried-
’Isthistrue，myhost，orisitfalse？’andheclaspedProcrustesroundwaistandelbow，sothathecouldnotdrawhissword。
’Isthistrue，myhost，orisitfalse？’ButProcrustesansweredneveraword。
ThenTheseusflunghimfromhim，andlifteduphisdreadfulclub;andbeforeProcrustescouldstrikehimhehadstruck，andfelledhimtotheground。
Andonceagainhestruckhim;andhisevilsoulfledforth，andwentdowntoHadessqueaking，likeabatintothedarknessofacave。
ThenTheseusstripthimofhisgoldornaments，andwentuptohishouse，andfoundtheregreatwealthandtreasure，whichhehadstolenfromthepassers-by。Andhecalledthepeopleofthecountry，whomProcrusteshadspoiledalongtime，andpartedthespoilamongthem，andwentdownthemountains，andaway。
AndhewentdowntheglensofParnes，throughmist，andcloud，andrain，downtheslopesofoak，andlentisk，andarbutus，andfragrantbay，tillhecametotheValeofCephisus，andthepleasanttownofAphidnai，andthehomeofthePhytalidheroes，wheretheydweltbeneathamightyelm。
Andtheretheybuiltanaltar，andbadehimbatheinCephisus，andofferayearlingram，andpurifiedhimfromthebloodofSinis，andsenthimawayinpeace。
AndhewentdownthevalleybyAcharnai，andbythesilver-
swirlingstream，whileallthepeopleblessedhim，forthefameofhisprowesshadspreadwide，tillhesawtheplainofAthens，andthehillwhereAthenedwells。
SoTheseuswentupthroughAthens，andallthepeopleranouttoseehim;forhisfamehadgonebeforehimandeveryoneknewofhismightydeeds。Andallcried，’HerecomestheherowhoslewSinis，andPhaiathewildsowofCrommyon，andconqueredKerkuoninwrestling，andslewProcrustesthepitiless。’ButTheseuswentonsadlyandsteadfastly，forhisheartyearnedafterhisfather;andhesaid，’HowshallI
deliverhimfromtheseleecheswhosuckhisblood？’
Sohewentuptheholystairs，andintotheAcropolis，whereAEgeus’palacestood;andhewentstraightintoAEgeus’hall，andstooduponthethreshold，andlookedround。
Andtherehesawhiscousinssittingaboutthetableatthewine：manyasonofPallas，butnoAEgeusamongthem。Theretheysatandfeasted，andlaughed，andpassedthewine-cupround;whileharpersharped，andslave-girlssang，andthetumblersshowedtheirtricks。
LoudlaughedthesonsofPallas，andfastwentthewine-cupround;butTheseusfrowned，andsaidunderhisbreath，’Nowonderthatthelandisfullofrobbers，whilesuchasthesebearrule。’
ThenthePallantidssawhim，andcalledtohim，half-drunkwithwine，’Holla，tallstrangeratthedoor，whatisyourwillto-day？’
’Icomehithertoaskforhospitality。’
’Thentakeit，andwelcome。Youlooklikeaheroandaboldwarrior;andwelikesuchtodrinkwithus。’
’Iasknohospitalityofyou;IaskitofAEgeustheking，themasterofthishouse。’
Atthatsomegrowled，andsomelaughed，andshouted，’Heyday！
weareallmastershere。’
’ThenIammasterasmuchastherestofyou，’saidTheseus，andhestrodepastthetableupthehall，andlookedaroundforAEgeus;buthewasnowheretobeseen。
ThePallantidslookedathim，andthenateachother，andeachwhisperedtothemannexthim，’Thisisaforwardfellow;heoughttobethrustoutatthedoor。’Buteachman’sneighbourwhisperedinreturn，’Hisshouldersarebroad;willyouriseandputhimout？’Sotheyallsatstillwheretheywere。
ThenTheseuscalledtotheservants，andsaid，’GotellKingAEgeus，yourmaster，thatTheseusofTroezeneishere，andaskstobehisguestawhile。’
AservantranandtoldAEgeus，wherehesatinhischamberwithin，byMedeiathedarkwitch-woman，watchinghereyeandhand。AndwhenAEgeusheardofTroezeneheturnedpaleandredagain，androsefromhisseattrembling，whileMedeiawatchedhimlikeasnake。
’WhatisTroezenetoyou？’sheasked。Buthesaidhastily，’DoyounotknowwhothisTheseusis？Theherowhohasclearedthecountryfromallmonsters;butthathecamefromTroezene，Ineverheardbefore。Imustgooutandwelcomehim。’
SoAEgeuscameoutintothehall;andwhenTheseussawhim，hisheartleaptintohismouth，andhelongedtofallonhisneckandwelcomehim;buthecontrolledhimself，andsaid，’Myfathermaynotwishforme，afterall。IwilltryhimbeforeIdiscovermyself;’andhebowedlowbeforeAEgeus，andsaid，’Ihavedeliveredtheking’srealmfrommanymonsters;thereforeIamcometoaskarewardoftheking。’
AndoldAEgeuslookedonhim，andlovedhim，aswhatfondheartwouldnothavedone？Butheonlysighed，andsaid-
’ItislittlethatIcangiveyou，noblelad，andnothingthatisworthyofyou;forsurelyyouarenomortalman，oratleastnomortal’sson。’
’AllIask，’saidTheseus，’istoeatanddrinkatyourtable。’
’ThatIcangiveyou，’saidAEgeus，’ifatleastIammasterinmyownhall。’
ThenhebadethemputaseatforTheseus，andsetbeforehimthebestofthefeast;andTheseussatandatesomuch，thatallthecompanywonderedathim：butalwayshekepthisclubbyhisside。
ButMedeiathedarkwitch-womanhadbeenwatchinghimallthewhile。ShesawhowAEgeusturnedredandpalewhentheladsaidthathecamefromTroezene。Shesaw，too，howhisheartwasopenedtowardTheseus;andhowTheseusborehimselfbeforeallthesonsofPallas，likealionamongapackofcurs。Andshesaidtoherself，’Thisyouthwillbemasterhere;perhapsheisnearertoAEgeusalreadythanmerefancy。
AtleastthePallantildswillhavenochancebythesideofsuchashe。’
Thenshewentbackintoherchambermodestly，whileTheseusateanddrank;andalltheservantswhispered，’This，then，isthemanwhokilledthemonsters！Hownoblearehislooks，andhowhugehissize！Ah，wouldthathewereourmaster’sson！’
ButpresentlyMedeiacameforth，deckedinallherjewels，andherrichEasternrobes，andlookingmorebeautifulthantheday，sothatalltheguestscouldlookatnothingelse。
Andinherrighthandsheheldagoldencup，andinherleftaflaskofgold;andshecameuptoTheseus，andspokeinasweet，soft，winningvoice-
’Hailtothehero，theconqueror，theunconquered，thedestroyerofallevilthings！Drink，hero，ofmycharmedcup，whichgivesrestaftereverytoil，whichhealsallwounds，andpoursnewlifeintotheveins。Drinkofmycup，forinitsparklesthewineoftheEast，andNepenthe，thecomfortoftheImmortals。’
Andasshespoke，shepouredtheflaskintothecup;andthefragranceofthewinespreadthroughthehall，likethescentofthymeandroses。
AndTheseuslookedupinherfairfaceandintoherdeepdarkeyes。Andashelooked，heshrankandshuddered;fortheyweredryliketheeyesofasnake。Andherose，andsaid，’Thewineisrichandfragrant，andthewine-bearerasfairastheImmortals;butletherpledgemefirstherselfinthecup，thatthewinemaybethesweeterfromherlips。’
ThenMedeiaturnedpale，andstammered，’Forgiveme，fairhero;butIamill，anddaredrinknowine。’
AndTheseuslookedagainintohereyes，andcried，’Thoushaltpledgemeinthatcup，ordie。’Andhelifteduphisbrazenclub，whilealltheguestslookedonaghast。
Medeiashriekedafearfulshriek，anddashedthecuptotheground，andfled;andwherethewineflowedoverthemarblepavement，thestonebubbled，andcrumbled，andhissed，underthefiercevenomofthedraught。
ButMedeiacalledherdragonchariot，andsprangintoitandfledaloft，awayoverlandandsea，andnomansawhermore。
AndAEgeuscried，’Whathastthoudone？’ButTheseuspointedtothestone，’Ihaveridthelandofanenchantment：nowI
willriditofonemore。’
AndhecameclosetoAEgeus，anddrewfromhisbosomtheswordandthesandals，andsaidthewordswhichhismotherbadehim。
AndAEgeussteppedbackapace，andlookedattheladtillhiseyesgrewdim;andthenhecasthimselfonhisneckandwept，andTheseusweptonhisneck，tilltheyhadnostrengthlefttoweepmore。
ThenAEgeusturnedtoallthepeople，andcried，’Beholdmyson，childrenofCecrops，abettermanthanhisfatherwasbeforehim。’
Who，then，weremadbutthePallantids，thoughtheyhadbeenmadenoughbefore？Andoneshouted，’Shallwemakeroomforanupstart，apretender，whocomesfromweknownotwhere？’
Andanother，’Ifhebeone，wearemorethanone;andthestrongercanholdhisown。’Andoneshoutedonething，andoneanother;fortheywerehotandwildwithwine：butallcaughtswordsandlancesoffthewall，wheretheweaponshungaround，andsprangforwardtoTheseus，andTheseussprangforwardtothem。
Andhecried，’Goinpeace，ifyouwill，mycousins;butifnot，yourbloodbeonyourownheads。’Buttheyrushedathim;andthenstoppedshortandrailedhim，ascursstopandbarkwhentheyrousealionfromhislair。
Butonehurledalancefromtherearrank，whichpastclosebyTheseus’head;andatthatTheseusrushedforward，andthefightbeganindeed。Twentyagainstonetheyfought，andyetTheseusbeatthemall;andthosewhowereleftfleddownintothetown，wherethepeoplesetonthem，anddrovethemout，tillTheseuswasleftaloneinthepalace，withAEgeushisnew-foundfather。Butbeforenightfallallthetowncameup，withvictims，anddances，andsongs;andtheyofferedsacrificestoAthene，andrejoicedallthenightlong，becausetheirkinghadfoundanobleson，andanheirtohisroyalhouse。
SoTheseusstayedwithhisfatherallthewinter：andwhenthespringequinoxdrewnear，alltheAtheniansgrewsadandsilent，andTheseussawit，andaskedthereason;butnoonewouldanswerhimaword。
Thenhewenttohisfather，andaskedhim：butAEgeusturnedawayhisfaceandwept。
’Donotask，myson，beforehand，aboutevilswhichmusthappen：itisenoughtohavetofacethemwhentheycome。’
Andwhenthespringequinoxcame，aheraldcametoAthens，andstoodinthemarket，andcried，’OpeopleandKingofAthens，whereisyouryearlytribute？’Thenagreatlamentationarosethroughoutthecity。ButTheseusstooduptotheherald，andcried-
’Andwhoareyou，dog-faced，whodaredemandtributehere？
IfIdidnotreverenceyourherald’sstaff，Iwouldbrainyouwiththisclub。’
Andtheheraldansweredproudly，forhewasagraveandancientman-
’Fairyouth，Iamnotdog-facedorshameless;butIdomymaster’sbidding，Minos，theKingofhundred-citiedCrete，thewisestofallkingsonearth。Andyoumustbesurelyastrangerhere，oryouwouldknowwhyIcome，andthatIcomebyright。’
’Iamastrangerhere。Tellme，then，whyyoucome。’
’TofetchthetributewhichKingAEgeuspromisedtoMinos，andconfirmedhispromisewithanoath。ForMinosconqueredallthisland，andMegarawhichliestotheeast，whenhecamehitherwithagreatfleetofships，enragedaboutthemurderofhisson。ForhissonAndrogeoscamehithertothePanathenaicgames，andovercamealltheGreeksinthesports，sothatthepeoplehonouredhimasahero。ButwhenAEgeussawhisvalour，heenviedhim，andfearedlestheshouldjointhesonsofPallas，andtakeawaythesceptrefromhim。Soheplottedagainsthislife，andslewhimbasely，nomanknowshoworwhere。SomesaythathewaylaidhimbyOinoe，ontheroadwhichgoestoThebes;andsomethathesenthimagainstthebullofMarathon，thatthebeastmightkillhim。
ButAEgeussaysthattheyoungmenkilledhimfromenvy，becausehehadconqueredtheminthegames。SoMinoscamehitherandavengedhim，andwouldnotdeparttillthislandhadpromisedhimtribute-sevenyouthsandsevenmaidenseveryyear，whogowithmeinablack-sailedship，tilltheycometohundred-citiedCrete。’
AndTheseusgroundhisteethtogether，andsaid，’WertthounotaheraldIwouldkilltheeforsayingsuchthingsofmyfather;butIwillgotohim，andknowthetruth。’Sohewenttohisfather，andaskedhim;butheturnedawayhisheadandwept，andsaid，’Bloodwasshedinthelandunjustly，andbyblooditisavenged。Breaknotmyheartbyquestions;itisenoughtoendureinsilence。’
ThenTheseusgroanedinwardly，andsaid，’Iwillgomyselfwiththeseyouthsandmaidens，andkillMinosuponhisroyalthrone。’
AndAEgeusshrieked，andcried，’Youshallnotgo，myson，thelightofmyoldage，towhomaloneIlooktorulethispeopleafterIamdeadandgone。Youshallnotgo，todiehorribly，asthoseyouthsandmaidensdie;forMinosthruststhemintoalabyrinth，whichDaidalosmadeforhimamongtherocks，-Daidalostherenegade，theaccursed，thepestofthishisnativeland。Fromthatlabyrinthnoonecanescape，entangledinitswindingways，beforetheymeettheMinotaur，themonsterwhofeedsuponthefleshofmen。Therehedevoursthemhorribly，andtheyneverseethislandagain。’
ThenTheseusgrewred，andhisearstingled，andhisheartbeatloudinhisbosom。Andhestoodawhilelikeatallstonepillaronthecliffsabovesomehero’sgrave;andatlasthespoke-
’ThereforeallthemoreIwillgowiththem，andslaytheaccursedbeast。HaveInotslainallevil-doersandmonsters，thatImightfreethisland？WherearePeriphetes，andSinis，andKerkuon，andPhaiathewildsow？WherearethefiftysonsofPallas？AndthisMinotaurshallgotheroadwhichtheyhavegone，andMinoshimself，ifhedarestayme。’
’Buthowwillyouslayhim，myson？Foryoumustleaveyourclubandyourarmourbehind，andbecasttothemonster，defencelessandnakedliketherest。’
AndTheseussaid，’Aretherenostonesinthatlabyrinth;andhaveInotfistsandteeth？DidIneedmyclubtokillKerkuon，theterrorofallmortalmen？’
ThenAEgeusclungtohisknees;buthewouldnothear;andatlasthelethimgo，weepingbitterly，andsaidonlythisoneword-
’Promisemebutthis，ifyoureturninpeace，thoughthatmayhardlybe：takedowntheblacksailoftheship（forIshallwatchforitalldayuponthecliffs），andhoistinsteadawhitesail，thatImayknowafaroffthatyouaresafe。’
AndTheseuspromised，andwentout，andtothemarket-placewheretheheraldstood，whiletheydrewlotsfortheyouthsandmaidens，whoweretosailinthatdolefulcrew。Andthepeoplestoodwailingandweeping，asthelotfellonthisoneandonthat;butTheseusstrodeintothemidst，andcried-
’Hereisayouthwhoneedsnolot。Imyselfwillbeoneoftheseven。’
Andtheheraldaskedinwonder，’Fairyouth，knowyouwhitheryouaregoing？’
AndTheseussaid，’Iknow。Letusgodowntotheblack-
sailedship。’
Sotheywentdowntotheblack-sailedship，sevenmaidens，andsevenyouths，andTheseusbeforethemall，andthepeoplefollowingthemlamenting。ButTheseuswhisperedtohiscompanions，’Havehope，forthemonsterisnotimmortal。
WherearePeriphetes，andSinis，andSciron，andallwhomI
haveslain？’Thentheirheartswerecomfortedalittle;buttheyweptastheywentonboard，andthecliffsofSuniumrang，andalltheislesoftheAEgeanSea，withthevoiceoftheirlamentation，astheysailedontowardtheirdeathsinCrete。
PARTIII-HOWTHESEUSSLEWTHEMINOTAUR
ANDatlasttheycametoCrete，andtoCnossus，beneaththepeaksofIda，andtothepalaceofMinosthegreatking，towhomZeushimselftaughtlaws。Sohewasthewisestofallmortalkings，andconqueredalltheAEgeanisles;andhisshipswereasmanyasthesea-gulls，andhispalacelikeamarblehill。Andhesatamongthepillarsofthehall，uponhisthroneofbeatengold，andaroundhimstoodthespeakingstatueswhichDaidaloshadmadebyhisskill。ForDaidaloswasthemostcunningofallAthenians，andhefirstinventedtheplumb-line，andtheauger，andglue，andmanyatoolwithwhichwoodiswrought。Andhefirstsetupmastsinships，andyards，andhissonmadesailsforthem：butPerdixhisnephewexcelledhim;forhefirstinventedthesawanditsteeth，copyingitfromtheback-boneofafish;andinvented，too，thechisel，andthecompasses，andthepotter’swheelwhichmouldstheclay。ThereforeDaidalosenviedhim，andhurledhimheadlongfromthetempleofAthene;buttheGoddesspitiedhim（forshelovesthewise），andchangedhimintoapartridge，whichflitsforeveraboutthehills。AndDaidalosfledtoCrete，toMinos，andworkedforhimmanyayear，tillhedidashamefuldeed，atwhichthesunhidhisfaceonhigh。
ThenhefledfromtheangerofMinos，heandIcaroshissonhavingmadethemselveswingsoffeathers，andfixedthefeatherswithwax。SotheyflewovertheseatowardSicily;
butIcarosflewtoonearthesun;andthewaxofhiswingswasmelted，andhefellintotheIcarianSea。ButDaidaloscamesafetoSicily，andtherewroughtmanyawondrouswork;
forhemadeforKingCocalosareservoir，fromwhichagreatriverwateredalltheland，andacastleandatreasuryonamountain，whichthegiantsthemselvescouldnothavestormed;
andinSelinoshetookthesteamwhichcomesupfromthefiresofAEtna，andmadeofitawarmbathofvapour，tocurethepainsofmortalmen;andhemadeahoneycombofgold，inwhichthebeescameandstoredtheirhoney，andinEgypthemadetheforecourtofthetempleofHephaistosinMemphis，andastatueofhimselfwithinit，andmanyanotherwondrouswork。AndforMinoshemadestatueswhichspokeandmoved，andthetempleofBritomartis，andthedancing-hallofAriadne，whichhecarvedoffairwhitestone。AndinSardiniaheworkedforI攍aos，andinmanyalandbeside，wanderingupanddownforeverwithhiscunning，unlovelyandaccursedbymen。
ButTheseusstoodbeforeMinos，andtheylookedeachotherintheface。AndMinosbadetakethemtoprison，andcastthemtothemonsteronebyone，thatthedeathofAndrogeosmightbeavenged。ThenTheseuscried-
’Aboon，OMinos！Letmebethrownfirsttothebeast。ForIcamehitherforthatverypurpose，ofmyownwill，andnotbylot。’
’Whoartthou，then，braveyouth？’
’Iamthesonofhimwhomofallmenthouhatestmost，AEgeusthekingofAthens，andIamcomeheretoendthismatter。’
AndMinosponderedawhile，lookingsteadfastlyathim，andhethought，’Theladmeanstoatonebyhisowndeathforhisfather’ssin;’andheansweredatlastmildly-
’Gobackinpeace，myson。Itisapitythatonesobraveshoulddie。’
ButTheseussaid，’IhaveswornthatIwillnotgobacktillIhaveseenthemonsterfacetoface。’
AndatthatMinosfrowned，andsaid，’Thenthoushaltseehim;takethemadmanaway。’
AndtheyledTheseusawayintotheprison，withtheotheryouthsandmaids。
ButAriadne，Minos’daughter，sawhim，asshecameoutofherwhitestonehall;andshelovedhimforhiscourageandhismajesty，andsaid，’Shamethatsuchayouthshoulddie！’Andbynightshewentdowntotheprison，andtoldhimallherheart;andsaid-
’Fleedowntoyourshipatonce，forIhavebribedtheguardsbeforethedoor。Flee，youandallyourfriends，andgobackinpeacetoGreece;andtakeme，takemewithyou！forIdarenotstayafteryouaregone;formyfatherwillkillmemiserably，ifheknowswhatIhavedone。’
AndTheseus。stoodsilentawhile;forhewasastonishedandconfoundedbyherbeauty：butatlasthesaid，’Icannotgohomeinpeace，tillIhaveseenandslainthisMinotaur，andavengedthedeathsoftheyouthsandmaidens，andputanendtotheterrorsofmyland。’
’AndwillyoukilltheMinotaur？How，then？’
’Iknownot，nordoIcare：buthemustbestrongifhebetoostrongforme。’
Thenshelovedhimallthemore，andsaid，’Butwhenyouhavekilledhim，howwillyoufindyourwayoutofthelabyrinth？’
’Iknownot，neitherdoIcare：butitmustbeastrangeroad，ifIdonotfinditoutbeforeIhaveeatenupthemonster’scarcase。’
Thenshelovedhimallthemore，andsaid-’Fairyouth，youaretoobold;butIcanhelpyou，weakasIam。Iwillgiveyouasword，andwiththatperhapsyoumayslaythebeast;
andaclueofthread，andbythat，perhaps，youmayfindyourwayoutagain。OnlypromisemethatifyouescapesafeyouwilltakemehomewithyoutoGreece;formyfatherwillsurelykillme，ifheknowswhatIhavedone。’
ThenTheseuslaughed，andsaid，’AmInotsafeenoughnow？’
Andhehidtheswordinhisbosom，androlleduptheclueinhishand;andthenhesworetoAriadne，andfelldownbeforeher，andkissedherhandsandherfeet;andsheweptoverhimalongwhile，andthenwentaway;andTheseuslaydownandsleptsweetly。
Andwhentheeveningcame，theguardscameinandledhimawaytothelabyrinth。
Andhewentdownintothatdolefulgulf，throughwindingpathsamongtherocks，undercaverns，andarches，andgalleries，andoverheapsoffallenstone。Andheturnedonthelefthand，andontherighthand，andwentupanddown，tillhisheadwasdizzy;butallthewhileheheldhisclue。
Forwhenhewentinhehadfastenedittoastone，andleftittounrolloutofhishandashewenton;anditlastedhimtillhemettheMinotaur，inanarrowchasmbetweenblackcliffs。
Andwhenhesawhimhestoppedawhile，forhehadneverseensostrangeabeast。Hisbodywasaman’s：buthisheadwastheheadofabull;andhisteethweretheteethofalion，andwiththemhetorehisprey。AndwhenhesawTheseusheroared，andputhisheaddown，andrushedrightathim。
ButTheseussteptasidenimbly，andashepassedby，cuthimintheknee;anderehecouldturninthenarrowpath，hefollowedhim，andstabbedhimagainandagainfrombehind，tillthemonsterfledbellowingwildly;forheneverbeforehadfeltawound。AndTheseusfollowedhimatfullspeed，holdingtheclueofthreadinhislefthand。
Thenon，throughcavernaftercavern，underdarkribsofsoundingstone，anduproughglensandtorrent-beds，amongthesunlessrootsofIda，andtotheedgeoftheeternalsnow，wentthey，thehunterandthehunted，whilethehillsbellowedtothemonster’sbellow。
AndatlastTheseuscameupwithhim，wherehelaypantingonaslabamongthesnow，andcaughthimbythehorns，andforcedhisheadback，anddrovethekeenswordthroughhisthroat。
Thenheturned，andwentbacklimpingandweary，feelinghiswaydownbytheclueofthread，tillhecametothemouthofthatdolefulplaceandsawwaitingforhim，whombutAriadne！
Andhewhispered’Itisdone！’andshowedherthesword;andshelaidherfingeronherlips，andledhimtotheprison，andopenedthedoors，andsetalltheprisonersfree，whiletheguardslaysleepingheavily;forshehadsilencedthemwithwine。
Thentheyfledtotheirshiptogether，andleaptonboard，andhoistedupthesail;andthenightlaydarkaroundthem，sothattheypassedthroughMinos’ships，andescapedallsafetoNaxos;andthereAriadnebecameTheseus’wife。
PARTIV-HOWTHESEUSFELLBYHISPRIDE
BUTthatfairAriadnenevercametoAthenswithherhusband。
SomesaythatTheseuslefthersleepingonNaxosamongtheCyclades;andthatDionusosthewine-kingfoundher，andtookherupintothesky，asyoushallseesomedayinapaintingofoldTitian’s-oneofthemostgloriouspicturesuponearth。AndsomesaythatDionusosdroveawayTheseus，andtookAriadnefromhimbyforce：buthoweverthatmaybe，inhishasteorinhisgrief，Theseusforgottoputupthewhitesail。NowAEgeushisfathersatandwatchedonSuniumdayafterday，andstrainedhisoldeyesacrosstheseatoseetheshipafar。Andwhenhesawtheblacksail，andnotthewhiteone，hegaveupTheseusfordead，andinhisgriefhefellintothesea，anddied;soitiscalledtheAEgeantothisday。
AndnowTheseuswaskingofAthens，andheguardeditandruleditwell。
ForhekilledthebullofMarathon，whichhadkilledAndrogeos，Minos’son;andhedrovebackthefamousAmazons，thewarlikewomenoftheEast，whentheycamefromAsia，andconqueredallHellas，andbrokeintoAthensitself。ButTheseusstoppedthemthere，andconqueredthem，andtookHippolutetheirqueentobehiswife。ThenhewentouttofightagainsttheLapithai，andPeirithoostheirfamousking：
butwhenthetwoheroescamefacetofacetheylovedeachother，andembraced，andbecamenoblefriends;sothatthefriendshipofTheseusandPeirithoosisaproverbevennow。
Andhegathered（sotheAthenianssay）alltheboroughsofthelandtogether，andknitthemintoonestrongpeople，whilebeforetheywereallpartedandweak：andmanyanotherwisethinghedid，sothathispeoplehonouredhimafterhewasdead，formanyahundredyears，asthefatheroftheirfreedomandtheirlaws。Andsixhundredyearsafterhisdeath，inthefamousfightatMarathon，mensaidthattheysawtheghostofTheseus，withhismightybrazenclub，fightinginthevanofbattleagainsttheinvadingPersians，forthecountrywhichheloved。AndtwentyyearsafterMarathonhisbones（theysay）werefoundinScuros，anislebeyondthesea;andtheywerebiggerthanthebonesofmortalman。SotheAtheniansbroughtthemhomeintriumph;andallthepeoplecameouttowelcomethem;andtheybuiltoverthemanobletemple，andadorneditwithsculpturesandpaintingsinwhichwearetoldallthenobledeedsofTheseus，andtheCentaurs，andtheLapithai，andtheAmazons;andtheruinsofitarestandingstill。
ButwhydidtheyfindhisbonesinScuros？WhydidhenotdieinpeaceatAthens，andsleepbyhisfather’sside？
Becauseafterhistriumphhegrewproud，andbrokethelawsofGodandman。Andonethingworstofallhedid，whichbroughthimtohisgravewithsorrow。Forhewentdown（theysaybeneaththeearth）withthatboldPeirithooshisfriendtohelphimtocarryoffPersephone，thequeenoftheworldbelow。ButPeirithooswaskilledmiserably，inthedarkfire-kingdomsunderground;andTheseuswaschainedtoarockineverlastingpain。Andtherehesatforyears，tillHeraclesthemightycamedowntobringupthethree-headeddogwhositsatPluto’sgate。SoHeraclesloosedhimfromhischain，andbroughthimuptothelightoncemore。
Butwhenhecamebackhispeoplehadforgottenhim，andCastorandPolydeuces，thesonsofthewondrousSwan，hadinvadedhisland，andcarriedoffhismotherAithraforaslave，inrevengeforagrievouswrong。
SothefairlandofAthenswaswasted，andanotherkingruledit，whodroveoutTheseusshamefully，andhefledacrosstheseatoScuros。Andtherehelivedinsadness，inthehouseofLucomedestheking，tillLucomedeskilledhimbytreachery，andtherewasanendofallhislabours。
Soitisstill，mychildren，andsoitwillbetotheend。
InthoseoldGreeks，andinusalso，allstrengthandvirtuecomefromGod。Butifmengrowproudandself-willed，andmisuseGod’sfairgifts，Heletsthemgotheirownways，andfallpitifully，thattheglorymaybeHisalone。Godhelpusall，andgiveuswisdom，andcouragetodonobledeeds！butGodkeeppridefromuswhenwehavedonethem，lestwefall，andcometoshame！
Footnotes：
（1）IntheElginMarbles。
（2）TheDanube。
（3）BetweentheCrimaeaandCircassia。
（4）TheSeaofAzov。
（5）TheUralMountains？
（6）TheBaltic？
（7）Britain？
（8）TheAzores？