[The Heroes by Charles Kingsley]@TWC D-Link book
The Heroes

PART II
11/12

But how shall I cross the seas without a ship?
And who will show me my way?
And when I find her, how shall I slay her, if her scales be iron and brass ?' Then the young man spoke: 'These sandals of mine will bear you across the seas, and over hill and dale like a bird, as they bear me all day long; for I am Hermes, the far-famed Argus-slayer, the messenger of the Immortals who dwell on Olympus.' Then Perseus fell down and worshipped, while the young man spoke again: 'The sandals themselves will guide you on the road, for they are divine and cannot stray; and this sword itself, the Argus-slayer, will kill her, for it is divine, and needs no second stroke.

Arise, and gird them on, and go forth.' So Perseus arose, and girded on the sandals and the sword.
And Athene cried, 'Now leap from the cliff and be gone.' But Perseus lingered.
'May I not bid farewell to my mother and to Dictys?
And may I not offer burnt-offerings to you, and to Hermes the far-famed Argus-slayer, and to Father Zeus above ?' 'You shall not bid farewell to your mother, lest your heart relent at her weeping.

I will comfort her and Dictys until you return in peace.

Nor shall you offer burnt-offerings to the Olympians; for your offering shall be Medusa's head.

Leap, and trust in the armour of the Immortals.' Then Perseus looked down the cliff and shuddered; but he was ashamed to show his dread.


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