ran
amongst the rippling waves which flung themselves lazily on the beach.
Sometimes he clapped his hands in glee as the water washed over his
feet, and he stopped again to look with wondering eyes at the strange
things which were basking on the sunny shore, or gazed on the mighty
waters which stretched away bright as a sapphire stone into the far
distance. But presently some sadder thoughts troubled the child, for
the look of gladness passed away from his face, and he went slowly to
his mother, who sat among the weed-grown rocks, watching her child
play.

"Mother," said the boy, "I am very happy here, but may I not know
to-day why I never see my father as other children do? I am not now so
very young, and I think that you feel sometimes lonely, for your face
looks sad and sorrowful, as if you were grieving for some one who is
gone away."

Fondly and proudly the mother looked on her boy, and smoothed the
golden locks on his forehead, as she said, "My child, there is much to
make us happy, and it may be that many days of gladness are in store
for us both. But there is labor and toil for all, and many a hard task
awaits thee, my son. Only have a brave heart, and turn away from all
things mean and foul, and strength will be given thee to conquer the
strongest enemy. Sit down, then, here by my side, and I will tell thee
a tale which may make thee sad, but which must not make thee unhappy,
for none can do good to others who waste their lives in weeping. Many
summers have come and gone since the day when a stranger drew nigh to
the house of my father, Pittheus. The pale light of evening was fading
from the sky, but we could see, by his countenance and the strength of
his stalwart form, that he was come of a noble race and could do brave
deeds. When Pittheus went forth from the threshold to meet him, the
stranger grasped his hand, and said, 'I come to claim the rights of
our ancient friendship, for our enemies have grown too mighty for us,
and Pandion, my father, rules no more in Athens. Here, then, let me
tarry till I can find a way to punish the men who have driven away
their King and made his children wanderers on the earth.' So Aigeus
sojourned in my father's house, and soon he won my love, and I became
his wife. Swiftly and happily the days went by, and one thing only
troubled me, and this was the thought that one day he must leave me,
to fight with his enemies and place his father again upon his throne.
But even this