As he grew older he resolved to turn his talents to account, so he made friends with the Old Man of the Sea, an elderly gentleman of uncertain temper, who spent his time in sailing over the ocean in an enormous shell drawn by sea-horses.
To him Hephæstus brought a trident, hoping that the gift would induce him to offer the young exile his assistance in making peace with the Queen.
Now this trident was a magical three-pronged spear, with which the owner could still the waves in their wildest fury. It was therefore almost invaluable to the old sailor; but although he accepted the gift, and praised the workmanship, he forgot to thank the workman, and sailed grandly away.
It was not long after this that the lame Prince, walking one day through the woods, fell in with a band of wandering musicians.
Some were dancing; others were singing; and as he examined them more closely, he saw that they had legs and hoofs and even long ears like goats.
While he stood looking with wondering eyes at these fantastic beings, the leader of the band suddenly approached him, and said,
"What aileth thee, my brother? Tell me thy trouble, that I may make thee glad again, for I can not abide a sorrowful countenance."
"I am called Hephæstus," replied the Prince; "but I know not who you may be, to call me brother."
"You will be wiser when you are older," laughed his new friend. "It is enough for you to know now that I am a son of Zeus. But I like not the solemn grandeur of the court, so I live in the woods, keeping holiday all the year. These fauns and satyrs are my friends; and if you will join our company, I can promise you a merry life and a long one."
But Hephæstus shook his head.