the chest, and said -

'O beautiful damsel, what strange chance has brought you to this
island in so flail a ship? Who are you, and whence? Surely you
are some king's daughter; and this boy has somewhat more than
mortal.'

And as he spoke he pointed to the babe; for its face shone like the
morning star.

But Danae only held down her head, and sobbed out -

'Tell me to what land I have come, unhappy that I am; and among
what men I have fallen!'

And he said, 'This isle is called Seriphos, and I am a Hellen, and
dwell in it. I am the brother of Polydectes the king; and men call
me Dictys the netter, because I catch the fish of the shore.'

Then Danae fell down at his feet, and embraced his knees, and cried
-

'Oh, sir, have pity upon a stranger, whom a cruel doom has driven
to your land; and let me live in your house as a servant; but treat
me honourably, for I was once a king's daughter, and this my boy
(as you have truly said) is of no common race. I will not be a
charge to you, or eat the bread of idleness; for I am more skilful
in weaving and embroidery than all the maidens of my land.'

And she was going on; but Dictys stopped her, and raised her up,