think
perhaps some day I shall drive the glorious horses of the sun.

"I shall go now to my mother, and ask her how much longer I must wait."

When Phaethon told his mother what his companions had said she answered,
"Go, my child, ask Great Helios if you are his son. If you are worthy to
be the son of Helios you will be given strength and courage for the
journey."

Phaethon gladly and bravely climbed the unused path which led to the
palace of the sun.

At last he came in sight of the throne. He had never seen anything so
beautiful. On one side were standing the days, months and the old years.
On the other side were the seasons; Spring, covered with flowers;
Summer, with her baskets of fruit and grain; Autumn, in a many-colored
dress; and Young Winter, with a crown of icicles.

As Phaethon came nearer to the throne, the light was greater than his
eyes could bear. Its wonderful colors dazzled him.

Helios saw the brave youth and knew that it was Phaethon, his son. He
took his glittering crown from his head and went forward to meet him.

Phaethon cried, "Great Helios, if you are my father give me and others
proof that it is so."

Helios took him in his arms and kissed him. "You are indeed my son," he
said. "I will put an end to your doubts. Ask any gift you will, and it
shall be yours."

Phaethon had always had one wish in his heart and said, "O, my father,
let me drive the wonderful golden chariot of the sun for just one day."

Helios shook his head sadly and said, "That is the one thing which you
must not ask to do.

"You are my son, and I love you. For your own sake, I cannot let you do
this. You have neither the strength nor the wisdom for the great work.

"The first part of the way is very steep and rugged. In the middle part,
even I dare not look below at the far stretching earth, and the last
part is full of terrible dangers."

Phaethon would not listen, but threw his arms around his father's neck
and begged to go.

Helios said at last, "If you persist, foolish boy, you shall have your
wish, for I cannot break my promise. I beg of you choose more wisely.
Ask the most precious thing on earth or in the sky, and you shall have
it."

Already Dawn had drawn back the purple curtains of the morning and the
Hours were harnessing the horses to the chariot.

The stars and moon were retiring for the day.

The chariot glittered with jewels which sent the light in all directions.
Phaethon looked upon it wi