sary articles for his journey. When his grand
father, the wise King Pittheus, heard that The-
seus intended to present himself at his father's
palace, he earnestly advised him to get on board
of a vessel, and go by sea; because he mighl
thus arrive within fifteen miles of Athens, with-
out either fatigue or danger.

"The roads are very bad by land," quoth the
venerable king; "and they are terribly infested
with robbers and monsters. A mere lad, like
Theseus, is not fit to be trusted on such a peril-
ous journey, all by himself. No, no; let him go
by sea!"

But when Theseus heard of robbers and mon-
sters, he pricked up his ears, and was so much
the more eager to take the road along which
they were to be met with. On the third day,
therefore, he bade a respectful farewell to his
grandfather, thanking him for all his kindness,
and, after affectionately embracing his mother,
he set forth, with a good many of her tears glis-
tening on his cheeks, and some, if the truth
must be told, that had gushed out of his own
eyes. But he let the sun and wind drytherr,
and walked stoutly on, playing with the golden

[[26]]

p025 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p026w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p027

v?