Page:The Anglo-Saxon version of the story of Apollonius of Tyre.djvu/75

 you will not alone spurn my request. I am the daughter of a king; do not dishonour me." "Leno," replied he, "is avaricious; I know not what I can do." "Sir," answered Tharsia, "I have been educated in liberal pursuits. I understand music: if, therefore, you will lead me to the forum, you shall hear my performance. Propose questions to the people, and I will expound them: I have no doubt but I shall receive money enough." "Well," said the fellow, "I will do as you would have me."

Proclamation being made, the people crowded to the forum; and her eloquence and beauty impressed them all. Whatever question they proposed, she lucidly answered; and by these means drew much wealth from the curious citizens. Athanagoras, also, watched over her with much anxiety, with little less, indeed, than he showed to his only child. He recommended her to the care of the overseer, and bought him to his interest by valuable presents.

Let us now return to Apollonius. After a lapse of fourteen years, he again made his appearance at the house of Stranguilio and Dionysias in the city of Tharsus. No sooner had the former beheld him, than he strode about like a madman. "Woman," said he, addressing his wife, "what wilt thou do now? Thou saidst that the shipwrecked Apollonius was dead; behold, he comes to demand his daughter: what answer shall we make?" "Foolish man," returned she,