But there was no answer nor sign, not even a cloud in the sky.
Three times Perseus called, weeping, "Rashly and angrily I promised, but wisely and patiently will I perform."
Then he saw afar off a small white cloud, as bright as silver. And as it touched the cliffs, it broke and parted, and within it appeared Athene, and beside her a young man, whose eyes were like sparks of fire.
And they came swiftly towards Perseus, and he fell down and worshiped, for he knew they were more than mortal.
But Athene spoke gently to him and bade him have no fear. "Perseus," she said, "you have braved Polydectes, and done manfully. Dare you brave Medusa the Gorgon?"
Perseus answered, "Try me, for since you spoke to me, new courage has come into my soul."
And Athene said, "Perseus, this deed requires a seven years' journey, in which you cannot turn back nor escape. If your heart fails, you must die, and no man will ever find your bones."
And Perseus said, "Tell me, O fair and wise Athene, how I can do but this one thing, and then, if need be, die."
Then Athene smiled and said, "Be patient and listen. You must go northward till you find the Three Gray Sisters, who have but one eye and one tooth amongst them. Ask them the way to the daughters of the Evening Star, for they will tell you the way to the Gorgon, that you may slay her. But beware! for her eyes are so terrible that whosoever looks on them is turned to stone."
"How am I to escape her eyes?" said Perseus; "will she not freeze me too?"