He was half afraid after he had said the words for all laughed
louder than ever, and Polydectes loudest of all.

'You have promised to bring me the Gorgon's head? Then never
appear again in this island without it. Go!'

Perseus ground his teeth with rage, for he saw that he had fallen
into a trap; but his promise lay upon him, and he went out without
a word.

Down to the cliffs he went, and looked across the broad blue sea;
and he wondered if his dream were true, and prayed in the
bitterness of his soul.

'Pallas Athene, was my dream true? and shall I slay the Gorgon? If
thou didst really show me her face, let me not come to shame as a
liar and boastful. Rashly and angrily I promised; but cunningly
and patiently will I perform.'

But there was no answer, nor sign; neither thunder nor any
appearance; not even a cloud in the sky.

And three times Perseus called weeping, 'Rashly and angrily I
promised; but cunningly and patiently will I perform.'

Then he saw afar off above the sea a small white cloud, as bright
as silver. And it came on, nearer and nearer, till its brightness
dazzled his eyes.