At the order, the vessels paused. Then Deucalion and the prince moved off in the fantastic boat. Upon reaching the nearest vessel, Deucalion, at behest of the prince, called, “We would speak with the captain.”
The captain proclaimed himself. Deucalion asked, “Sir Captain, when came the flood?”
“Sir, the flood came the full of the moon four moons since.”
“It was then Atlantis sank,” whispered the prince.
Deucalion continued, “Sir Captain, tell us of it.”
“Sir, these vessels here lying have since come into harbor from their voyages. This they found. Now we wait for others, when we will build again the port. Some of yonder vessels look Pelasgian; and thou art of us. Tell me, when sailed thy vessels? And greeting to them, and thee. So much will every vessel and every man help to bring the port to itself.”
The prince now spoke. “Thou wilt find us but too glad to help. But, Sir Captain, I would question thee. Do any of the port live?”
“Not one liveth.”
“Doth the king know?”
“The king! Ah, the king lieth low!”