Perseus wondered at that strange cloud, for there was no other
cloud all round the sky; and he trembled as it touched the cliff
below. And as it touched, it broke, and parted, and within it
appeared Pallas Athene, as he had seen her at Samos in his dream,
and beside her a young man more light-limbed than the stag, whose
eyes were like sparks of fire. By his side was a scimitar of
diamond, all of one clear precious stone, and on his feet were
golden sandals, from the heels of which grew living wings.

They looked upon Perseus keenly, and yet they never moved their
eyes; and they came up the cliffs towards him more swiftly than the
sea-gull, and yet they never moved their feet, nor did the breeze
stir the robes about their limbs; only the wings of the youth's
sandals quivered, like a hawk's when he hangs above the cliff. And
Perseus fell down and worshipped, for he knew that they were more
than man.

But Athene stood before him and spoke gently, and bid him have no
fear. Then -

'Perseus,' she said, 'he who overcomes in one trial merits thereby
a sharper trial still. You have braved Polydectes, and done
manfully. Dare you brave Medusa the Gorgon?'

And Perseus said, 'Try me; for since you spoke to me in Samos a new
soul has come into my breast, and I should be ashamed not to dare
anything which I can do. Show me, then, how I can do this!'

'Perseus,' said Athene, 'think well before you attempt; for this
deed requires a seven years' journey, in which you cannot repent or