Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/248

236 "Young man," said he, "thou art far from the truth, and deservest death; but I will yet allow thee space of thirty days. Recollect thyself. In the meanwhile, return to thy own country; if thou findest a solution to the enigma, thou shalt marry my daughter; if not, thou shalt die." (51) The youth, much disturbed, called his company together, and hastening on board his own vessel, immediately set sail.

No sooner had he departed, than the king sent for his steward, whose name was Taliarchus, and spoke to him in this manner: "Taliarchus, you are the most faithful repository of my secrets; you know, therefore, that the boy Apollonius has found out my riddle. Pursue him instantly to Tyre, and destroy him either with the sword or with poison. When you return, you shall receive a liberal recompence." Taliarchus, arming himself, and providing a sum of money, sailed into the country of the young man. (52)

When Apollonius reached his own home,