Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/253

Rh returning thanks to the prince for his munificence, he departed. But as Apollonius tarried on the shore, he perceived a person named Stranguilio, approaching him with a sorrowful aspect, and every now and then uttering a deep lament. "Hail, Stranguilio," said the prince. "Hail, my lord the king," was his reply.

"You appear concerned; tell me what occasions it?"

"To say truth," returned Apollonius, "it is because I have required the daughter of a king in marriage. Can I conceal myself in your country?" "My lord," answered Stranguilio, "our city is extremely poor; and cannot sustain your attendants, in consequence of a grievous famine which has wasted the land. Our citizens are hopeless and helpless; and death, with all its accompanying horrors is before our eyes." "Give thanks to God," replied Apollonius, "who hath driven me a fugitive to your shores. If you aid me in my extremity, I will present to you an hundred thousand measures of corn." Full of joy,