THE THREE GOLDEN APPLES. 129.

a toilsome life — cannot you content yourself to repose a
little while on the margin of this peaceful river?”

Hercules shook his head.

‘““T must depart now,”’ said he.

“ We will then give you the best directions we can,”
replied the damsels. ‘“ You must go to the sea-shore,
and find out the Old One, and compel him to inform you
where the golden apples are to be found.”

“The Old One!” repeated Hercules, laughing at this
odd name. “ And, pray, who may the Old One be ?”

“Why, the Old Man of the Sea, to be sure!” answered
one of the damsels. ‘He has fifty daughters, whom
some people call very beautiful; but we do not think it
proper to be acquainted with them, because they have
sea-green hair, and taper away like fishes. You must
talk with this Old Man of the Sea. He is a sea-faring
person, and knows all about the garden of the Hesperi-
des; for it is situated in an island which he is often: in
the habit of visiting.”

Hercules then asked whereabouts the Old One was
most likely to be met with. When the damsels had in-
formed lim, he thanked them for all their kindness, —
for the bread and grapes with which they had fed him,
the lovely flowers with which they had erewued him, and
the songs and dances wherewith they had done him
honor, —and he thanked them, most of all, for telling
him the right way, — and immediately set forth upon his
journey.

But, before he was out of hearing, one of the maidens
called after him.

6 * I