And the herald asked in wonder, "Fair youth, do you know whither you are going?"
"I know," answered Theseus boldly; "let us go down to the black-sailed ship."
So they went down to the black-sailed ship, seven maidens and seven youths, and Theseus before them all. And the people followed them, lamenting. But Theseus whispered to his companions, "Have hope, for the monster is not immortal."
Then their hearts were comforted a little, but they wept as they went on board; and the cliffs rang with the voice of their weeping.
III
HOW THESEUS SLEW THE MINOTAUR
And the ship sailed slowly on, till at last it reached the land of Crete, and Theseus stood before King Minos, and they looked each other in the face.
Minos bade take the youths and the maidens to prison, and cast them to the Minotaur one by one.
Then Theseus cried, "A boon, O Minos! Let me be thrown first to the monster. For I came hither, for that very purpose, of my own will and not by lot."
"Who art thou, thou brave youth?" asked the King.