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 since thy parents were alive; and thou also, if thou dost leave us, wilt never return more. Abide with us, or, an evil omen tells us, thou wilt perish!"

But the supplications of the three ladies and his faithful steed likewise could not prevail against the gnawing longing to see his parents which consumed him.

At last the horse said to him: "If thou wilt not listen to me, my master, then 'tis thine own fault alone if evil befall thee. Yet I will promise to bring thee back on one condition."

"I consent whatever it may be," said Boy Beautiful; "speak, and I will listen gratefully."

"I will bring thee back to thy father's palace, but if thou dismount but for a moment, I shall return without thee."

"Be it so," replied Boy Beautiful.

So they made them ready for their journey, and Boy Beautiful embraced his bride and departed, but the ladies stood there looking after him, and their eyes were filled with tears.

And now Boy Beautiful and his faithful steed came to the place where the domains of Scorpia had been, but the forests had become fields of corn, and cities stood thickly on what had once been desolate places. Boy Beautiful asked all whom he met concerning Scorpia and her habitations, but they only answered