human
Dear maidens, said he, when they paused to take breath,
gpt
Ah! must you go so soon? they exclaimed.
human
You--that have performed so many wonders, and spent such a toilsome life--cannot you content yourself to repose a little while on the margin of this peaceful river?
gpt
I must depart now,
human
We will then give you the best directions we can, replied the damsels.
gpt
You must go to the sea-shore, and find out the Old One, and compel him to inform you where the golden apples are to be found.
human
The Old One! repeated Hercules, laughing at this odd name.
gpt
And, pray, who may the Old One be?
human
Why, the Old Man of the Sea, to be sure! answered one of the damsels.
gpt
He has fifty daughters, whom some people call very beautiful; but we do not think it proper to be acquainted with them, because they have sea-green hair, and taper away like fishes. You must talk with this Old Man of the Sea. He is a sea-faring person, and knows all about the garden of the Hesperides; for it is situated in an island which he is often in the habit of visiting.