honorably, for I was once a king's daughter, and this my boy is of
no common race. I will not be a charge to you, or eat the bread of
idleness, for I am more skilful in weaving and embroidery than all the
maidens of my land."

And she was going on, but Dictys stopped her and raised her up and
said, "My daughter, I am old, and my hairs are growing gray, while I
have no children to make my home cheerful. Come with me, then, and you
shall be a daughter to me and to my wife, and this babe shall be our
grandchild."

So Danæ was comforted and went home with Dictys, the good fisherman,
and was a daughter to him and to his wife, till fifteen years were
past.




II

HOW PERSEUS VOWED A RASH VOW


Fifteen years were past and gone, and the babe was now grown to be a
tall lad and a sailor.

His mother called him Perseus, but all the people in the isle called
him the King of the Immortals.

For though he was but fifteen, Perseus was taller by a head than