Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/294

268. Unabashed by the great number of spectators, Pericles knelt before the grand altar of Diana, and in a loud voice commenced relating all his adventures,his shipwreck at Pentapolis, his marriage with Thaisa, her loss at sea, and the story of his daughter’s ill treatment from Dionyza.

While he was speaking the priestesses were listening, when suddenly the beautiful Thaisa gave a loud cry, and coming forward, threw herself upon the neck of Pericles. She learned for the first time, that she had a living husband and daughter, and he now found again the wife he thought to be dead. As soon as all had a little recovered from their first wonder, Thaisa told her story, which was confirmed by the learned Cerimon, and with tears of great joy Pericles folded his wife and daughter in one embrace.

As soon as they could make ready, the happy party set sail for Tyre. On their way thither they stopped at Pentapolis, and found the good King Simonides just expiring. He left his kingdom to Pericles, who placed on the throne his son-in-law and daughter, and left them to reign together. He also gave great privileges to the fishermen on that coast, in grateful memory of the favors he had received from them. Leaving Pentapolis, he went to Tharsus. Here