"
A servant ran and told AEgeus, where he sat in his chamber within,
by Medeia the dark witch-woman, watching her eye and hand. And
when AEgeus heard of Troezene, he turned pale and red again, and
rose from his seat trembling, while Medeia watched him like a
snake.
"What is Troezene to you?" she asked. But he said hastily, "Do
you not know who this Theseus is? The hero who has cleared the
country from all monsters; but that he came from Troezene, I never
heard before. I must go out and welcome him."
So AEgeus came out into the hall; and when Theseus saw him, his
heart leapt into his mouth, and he longed to fall on his neck and
welcome him; but he controlled himself, and said, "My father may
not wish for me, after all. I will try him before I discover myself;"
and he bowed low before AEgeus, and said, "I have delivered the
king's realm from many monsters; therefore I am come to ask a
reward of the king."
And old AEgeus looked on him, and loved him, as what fond heart
would not have done? But he only sighed, and said,--
"It is little that I can give you, noble lad, and nothing that is
worthy of you; for surely you are no mortal man, or at least no
mortal's son.
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