Page:The Anglo-Saxon version of the story of Apollonius of Tyre.djvu/48

Rh laid before him those provisions which he had to offer him. Still he would, as far as in his power, show him greater constancy: he then tore his coat in two, and gave [12] to Apollonius the half part, thus saying: "Take what I have to give thee, and go into the city: there is hope that thou mayest meet with one who will pity thee. If thou findest no one who will pity thee, turn then again hither, and my little possessions shall suffice for us both, and go thee a fishing with me. Nevertheless I admonish thee, if thou, through supporters, comest to thy former dignity, that thou forget not my poor garment." Then said Apollonius, "If I think not of thee, when it shall be better with me, I wish that I again may suffer shipwreck, and not again find thy like."

After these words, he went on the way that was pointed out to him, till that he came to the city gate, und there entered. While he was thinking of whom lie might beg support of life, he saw a naked boy running through the street, who was smeared with oil, and begirt with a sheet, and bare young men's games in his hand, belonging to the bath-place, and cried with a loud voice and said, "Hear ye citizens! hear ye strangers, free and servile, noble and ignoble! the bath-place is open!" When Apollonius heard that, he stripped himself of the half cloak that he had on, and went into the bagnio; and while he beheld each of them at their work, he sought his like, but