few years before this time, there had been a
war between the city of Athens and the island
of Crete, in which the Athenians were beaten,
and compelled to beg for peace. No peace
could they obtain, however, except on condition
that they should send seven young men and
seven maidens, every year, to be devoured
by the pet monster of the cruel King Minos.
For three years past, this grievous calamity
had been borne. And the sobs, and groans,
and shrieks, with which the city was now filled,
were caused by the people's woe, because the
fatal day had come again, when the fourteen
victims were to be chosen by lot; and the old
people feared lest their sons or daughters might
be taken, and the youths and damsels dreaded
lest they themselves might be destined to glut
the ravenous maw of that detestable man-
brute.

But when Theseus heard the story, he straight-
ened himself up, so that he seemed taller than
ever before; and as for his face, it was indig-
nant, despiteful, bold, tender, and compassion-
aie, all in one look.

"Let the people of Athens, this year, draw

[[43]]

p042 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p043w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p044

v?