"I am the son of Ægeus, the King of Athens, and I am come here to end the yearly tribute."
And Minos pondered a while, looking steadfastly at him, and he thought, "The lad means to atone by his own death for his father's sin;" and he answered mildly, "Go back in peace, my son. It is a pity that one so brave should die."
But Theseus said, "I have sworn that I will not go back till I have seen the monster face to face."
At that Minos frowned and said, "Then thou shalt see him."
And they led Theseus away into the prison, with the other youths and maidens.
Now Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, saw Theseus as she came out of her white stone hall, and she loved him for his courage and his beauty, and she said, "It is shameful that such a youth should die." And by night she went down to the prison and told him all her heart, and said, "Flee down to your ship at once, for I have bribed the guards before the door. Flee, you and all your friends, and go back in peace, and take me with you. For I dare not stay after you are gone. My father will kill me miserably, if he knows what I have done."
And Theseus stood silent awhile, for he was astonished and confounded by her beauty.
But at last he said, "I cannot go home in peace till I have seen and slain this Minotaur, and put an end to the terrors of my land."
"And will you kill the Minotaur? How then will you do it?" asked Ariadne in wonder.
"I know not, nor do I care, but he must be strong if he be too strong for me," said Theseus.