Hast thou a heart of clay, or soul of fire?”
Then answered Perseus, vehement, “But I
Would do great deeds, though for them I should die.
Point me, O goddess, to the monster’s lair,
And give me leave to show what I can dare!”
“Nay,” said the voice divine, “thy stripling arm
Must first set free from danger’s fierce alarm
Thy mother’s life!” With this young Perseus woke,
Nor knew the peril whereof Pallas spoke.
But straight to Seriphus he hied with speed,