"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.