day Theseus, the Athenian, was to meet the dreadful
Minotauros, who dwelt in the labyrinth of Gnossos. Far within its
thousand twisted alleys was his den, where he waited for his prey, as
they were brought each along the winding paths. But Ariadne talked in
secret with Theseus in the still evening time, and she gave him a
clue of thread, so that he might know how to come back out of the
mazes of the labyrinth after he had slain the Minotauros; and when the
moon looked down from heaven, she led him to a hidden gate, and bade
him go forth boldly, for he should come to the monster's den while
sleep lay heavy on his eyes. So when the morning came, the Minotauros
lay lifeless on the ground, and there was joy and gladness in the
great city of Gnossos, and Minos himself rejoiced that the youths and
maidens might go back with Theseus in peace to Athens.

So once again they went into the ship, and the breeze blew softly to
carry them to the homes which they had not thought to see again. But
Theseus talked with Ariadne, in the house of Minos, and the maiden
wept as though some great grief lay heavy upon her, and Theseus twined
his arm gently round her, and said, "Fairest of maidens, thy aid hath
saved me from death, but I care not now to live if I may not be with
thee. Come with me, and I will lead thee to the happier land, where my
father, Aigeus, is King. Come with me, that my people may see and love
the maiden who rescued the tribute children from the savage
Minotauros."

Then Ariadne went with him joyfully, for her own love made her think
that Theseus loved her not less dearly. So she wept not as she saw the
towers of Gnossos growing fainter and fainter while the ship sped over
the dancing waters, and she thought only of the happy days which she
should spend in the bright Athens where Theseus should one day be
King. Gaily the ship sped upon her way, and there was laughter and
mirth among the youths and maidens who were going back to their home.
And Theseus sat by the side of Ariadne, speaking the words of a deeper
love than in truth he felt, and fancying that he loved the maiden even
as the maiden loved him. But while yet he gazed on the beautiful
Ariadne, the image of Aigle came back to his mind, and the old love
was wakened again in his heart. Onward sailed the ship, cleaving its
way through the foaming waters, by the Islands of Thera and Amorgos,
till the high cliffs of Naxos broke upon their sight.

The sun was sinkin