910 THE CHIMERA.

“Well done, dear Pegasus! well done, my sky-skim-
mer!” cried Bellerophon, fondly stroking the horse’s
neck. ‘ And now, my fleet and beautiful friend, we must
break our fast. To-day we are to fight the terrible Chi-
meera.”

As soon as they had eaten their morning meal, and
drank some sparkling water from a spring called Hippo-
crene, Pegasus held out his head, of his own accord, so
that his master might put on the bridle. Then, with a
great many playful leaps and airy caperings, he showed
his impatience to be gone; while Bellerophon was gird-
ing on his sword, and hanging his shield about his neck,
and preparing himself for battle. When everything was
ready, the rider mounted, and (as was his custom, when
going a long distance) ascended five miles perpendicu-
larly, so as the better to see whither he was directing his
course. He then turned the head of Pegasus towards
the east, and set out for Lycia. In their flight they
overtook an eagle, and came so nigh him, before he could
get out of their way, that Bellerophon might easily have
caught him by the leg. Hastening onward at this rate,
it was still early in the forenoon when they beheld the
lofty mountains of Lycia, with their deep and shaggy val-
leys. If Bellerophon had been told truly, it was in one of
those dismal valleys that the hideous Chimera had taken
up its abode.

Bemg now so near their journey’s end, the winged
horse gradually descended with his rider; and they took
advantage of some clouds that were floating over the
mountain-tops, in order to conceal themselves. Hover-