Page:The Anglo-Saxon version of the story of Apollonius of Tyre.djvu/79

 for their lord, and they answered that he was overwhelmed with grief. I have therefore ventured hither in the hope of administering comfort to you, and drawing you once more into the light of joy. I pray God that it may prove so." Apollonius raised his head: "Whosoever you are, go in peace; I am unworthy to appear at the banquet, and I do not desire to live." Perplexed, yet anxious to console the unhappy king, Athanagoras returned upon deck, and despatched a messenger to Leno to require the immediate presence of Tharsia, whose musical skill and eloquence he thought could not but produce some effect. She came, and received instructions from the prince. "If you succeed," said he, "in softening this royal person's affliction, I will present to you thirty gold sestertia, and as many of silver; moreover, for thirty days redeem you from the power of Leno." The girl accordingly prepared herself for the task. Approaching the mourner, "Heaven keep you," said she in a low plaintive voice, "and make you happy!" She then sang to an instrument with such a sweet and ravishing melody, that Apollonius was enchanted. Her song related to the fortunes she had experienced, and was to the following effect. That she fell into the hands of dishonest people, who sought to traffic with her virtue; but that she passed innocent through all her trials. "Thus," continued she, "the rose is protected by its thorns. They who bore me off, beat