Page:The Anglo-Saxon version of the story of Apollonius of Tyre.djvu/49

12-13] he could not find him in the company. Then suddenly came Arcestrates, king of all that people, with a great company of his men, and went into the bath. Then [13] began the king to play with his companions at ball, and Apollonius mingled himself, so as God would, in the king's play, and, running, caught the ball, and struck with swift promptitude sent it again to the playing king. Again he sent it back; he promptly struck, so that he never let it fall. The king then perceived the young man's activity, so that he knew that he had not his like in the play. Then said he to his companions, "Go ye hence; this young man, as it seemeth to me, is my equal."

When Apollonius heard that the king praised him, he ran quickly and approached the king, and with skilful hand he swang the top with so great swiftness that it seemed to the king as if he were turned from age to youth; and after that he agreeably ministered to him on his royal seat; and when he went out of the bath, he led him by the hand, and then afterwards turned thence the way that he before came. Then said the king to his men, after Apollonius was 3