lcyone, "on a long journey across the
seas. As you know, in the Temple of Apollo there is a wise oracle. To
this oracle must I go in search of counsel."

Then the lovely Queen Halcyone's heart was filled with sorrow. She
feared that harm might come to the king, whom she loved for his
goodness and his kindness.

Halcyone fell on her knees before the king. She begged him to postpone
this terrible journey across the seas.

"Indeed," cried she, "there are cruel dangers, O my king! The journey
is long and wearisome. Remain at home with me!"

The king smiled pityingly upon his lovely queen. He kissed her gently
before he answered.

"It seems to me," he said, sadly, "that there is no other way. I must
go."

"Ah, then, I pray, take me also. Let me share the dangers and the
weariness."

"You could not--" the king began.

"In truth it would be easier far than to bear the loneliness and dread
when you are gone. It would be weary waiting for your return!"

Now the king loved Halcyone. He longed to remain at home with her.
But already the boat lay ready for departure--and there was no place
for Halcyone.

Already the oarsmen sat at their benches ready to row away. So the
king bade Halcyone farewell and stepped on board and quickly pushed off.

With bitter tears Halcyone stood on the bank and watched the king's
boat push out from shore.

When it looked but a speck she shaded her eyes with her hand and still
watched. But when in the purple distance the tiny speck could no
longer be seen, Halcyone turned with a sigh to the marble palace and
her maidens.

On and on across the waters the little boat sped. For a time all went
well. At night the stars shone. In the morning the sun arose from the
blue waters and travelled across a cloudless sky. Gentle winds blew,
filling the sails and pushing the little boat quietly on its way.

But one day a change came over the sea. The moaning of the wind was
heard. Dark clouds scurried across the sky.

The waves rose high and broke in white crests of foam. The rain poured
down. The wind crept up and sprang upon the little boat with fury.

For a time the boat rose and fell with the waves. It pitched and
rolled and reeled. Great waves splashed over it, washing the oarsmen
overboard.

The masts were torn away. At last the little boat, buried in the
trough of the wave, sank beneath the water.

The king and all his crew lay buried deep beneath the deep blue se