Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/272

260 fine ship riding at anchor in the distance, the latter perceived that it was of his own country. Turning to a sailor, he said, "Whence are you?" "From Tyre," replied the man.

"You speak of my own land, my friend."

"Indeed! and are you a Tyrian?"

"As you have said."

"Do you know," continued the sailor, "a prince of that country, called Apollonius? I seek him; and whenever you happen to see him, bid him exult. King Antiochus and his daughter, at the very same instant, were blasted with lightning. (64) The kingdom has fallen to Apollonius." Full of pleasure at the unexpected intelligence he had received, the prince said to his wife, "Will you acquiesce in my setting out to obtain the throne?" The lady instantly burst into tears. "Oh, my lord," said she "the journey is long, and yet you would leave me! If, however, it is necessary that you should go, we will go together." (65) Instantly hastening to her father, she communicated the happy news which had just been heard, that Antiochus and his daughter, by the just