Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/250

238, who had been despatched by Antiochus to destroy the prince, observing every house shut up, and the signs of mourning general, asked a boy the occasion of it. "Sir," replied he, "are you ignorant of this matter, that you ask me? Understand then, that Apollonius, prince of this country, having returned from a visit to king Antiochus, is no where to be found." Much rejoiced at what he heard, Taliarchus, returned to his vessel, and sailed back again to his own country. (53) Presenting himself to the king, he exclaimed, "Be happy, my lord, your apprehensions with regard to Apollonius need exist no longer. He is not to be found." "He has fled," returned the king; "but long he shall not escape me." And he immediately put forth an edict, to this effect: "Whosoever brings before me the traitor Apollonius, shall receive fifty talents of gold: but, whosoever presents me with his head, shall be rewarded with a hundred." This tempting proposal stimulated not only his enemies, but his pretended friends, to follow him, and many dedicated their time and activity to the pursuit.