Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/273

Rh afforded instant relief, and the grateful people overwhelmed him with gratitude and blessings. He stayed there for some time in peace and quietness, till suddenly a letter was received from the trusty Helicanus, informing him that Antiochus had discovered his refuge and would try any means to compass his death.

On this, Pericles again took to his ships, which were still in the harbor of Tharsus, and, without proper preparation for the voyage, set out for any port which offered him shelter. Thus it happened, his ships not being properly manned and managed, that they were overtaken by a storm, which destroyed the vessel in which Pericles was, and he was cast upon the coast of Pentapolis, on a barren shore, which was, however, only a few hours’ ride from the palace of the very good king Simonides.

The waves which cast Pericles on this inhospitable-looking beach had engulfed all the worldly possessions he had brought with him from Tyre. He had thrown off his garments in his buffeting with the waters, and stood almost naked upon the shore. A few honest old fishermen, who were fishing near by, accosted him with words of pity for his forlorn condition. One of them offered him food and shelter for his pressing needs, and all crowded around him to hear of his escape.