4,4: THE GORGON’S HEAD.

enormous giant into a mountain of stone, merely by show-
ing him the head of the Gorgon. If you doubt this latter
story, you may make a voyage to Africa, some day or
other, and see the very mountain, which is still known
by the ancient giant’s name.

Finally, our brave Perseus arrived at the island, where
he expected to see his dear mother. But, during his
absence, the wicked king had treated Danaé so very ill,
that she was compelled to make her escape, and had
taken refuge in a temple, where some good old priests
were extremely kind to her. These praiseworthy priests,
and the kind-hearted fisherman, who had first shown
hospitality to Danaé and little Perseus when he found
them afloat in the chest, seem to have been the only
persons on the island who cared about doing right. All
the rest of the people, as well as King Polydectes him-
self, were remarkably ill-behaved, and deserved no better
destiny than that which was now to happen.

Not finding his mother at home, Perseus went straight
to the palace and was immediately ushered into the pres-
ence of the king. Polydectes was by no means rejoiced
to see him; for he had felt almost certain, in his own
evil mind, that the Gorgons would have torn the poor
young man to pieces, and have eaten him up, out of the
way. However, seeing him safely returned, he put the
best face he could upon the matter and asked Perseus
how he had succeeded.

‘Have you performed your promise? ”’ inquired he.
“Have you brought me the head of Medusa with the
‘snaky locks? If not, young man, it will cost you dear;