not be without a battle for his dinner. And
finally, since he could not help it, King
consented to let him 2:0. So a vessel was
ready, and rigged with black sails; and Theseus,
with six other young men, and seven tender
and beautiful damsels, came down to the harbor
to embark. A sorrowful multitude accompa-
nied them to the shore. There was the poor
old king, too, leaning on his son's arm, and
looking as if his single heart held all the grief
of Athens.

Just as Prince Theseus was going on board,
his father bethought himself of one last word
to say.

"My beloved son," said he, grasping the
prince's hand, "you observe that the sails of
this vessel are oiack; as indeed they ought to
be, since it goes upon a voyage of sorrow and
despair. Now, being weighed down with in-
firmities, I know not whether I can survive till
the vessel shall return. But, as long as I do
live, I shall creep daily to the top of yonder
cliff, to watch if there be a sail upon the sea.
And, dearest Theseus, if, by some happy chance,
you should escape the jaws of the Minotaur,

[[45]]

p044 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p045w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p046

v?