human
Perseus, said King Polydectes, smiling craftily upon him,
gpt
Please your Majesty, answered Perseus,
human
I would willingly risk my life to do so.
gpt
Well, then, continued the king, still with a cunning smile on his lips,
human
I have a little adventure to propose to you; and, as you are a brave and enterprising youth, you will doubtless look upon it as a great piece of good luck to have so rare an opportunity of distinguishing yourself. You must know, my good Perseus, I think of getting married to the beautiful Princess Hippodamia; and it is customary, on these occasions, to make the bride a present of some far-fetched and elegant curiosity. I have been a little perplexed, I must honestly confess, where to obtain anything likely to please a princess of her exquisite taste. But, this morning, I flatter myself, I have thought of precisely the article.
gpt
And can I assist your Majesty in obtaining it?
human
You can, if you are as brave a youth as I believe you to be, replied King Polydectes, with the utmost graciousness of manner.
gpt
The bridal gift which I have set my heart on presenting to the beautiful Hippodamia is the head of the Gorgon Medusa with the snaky locks; and I depend on you, my dear Perseus, to bring it to me. So, as I am anxious to settle affairs with the princess, the sooner you go in quest of the Gorgon, the better I shall be pleased.
human
I will set out to-morrow morning,
gpt
Pray do so, my gallant youth, rejoined the king.
human
And, Perseus, in cutting off the Gorgon's head, be careful to make a clean stroke, so as not to injure its appearance. You must bring it home in the very best condition, in order to suit the exquisite taste of the beautiful Princess Hippodamia.