But though the king was wise and just and good, his heart was sad. There was unrest in the land. Troubles were rife in Greece.
At length one day the king came to the room where Queen Halcyone sat with her maids. They were spinning carefully and happily together.
"My Halcyone—my queen," said the king, "as you know, I am greatly troubled and disturbed. I do not know what is the best thing for me to do. I must seek wise advice from the gods."
Queen Halcyone dropped her distaff and looked in fear at the king.
"I must go," said the king to Halcyone, "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."