1–2
Triton
No, no.—Iphianassa, you remember Perseus, Danae’s boy?—they were both thrown into the sea by the boy’s grandfather, in that chest, you know, and you took pity on them.
Iphianassa
I know; why, I suppose he is a fine handsome young fellow by now?
Triton
It was he who killed your monster.
5
Iphianassa
But why? This was not the way to show his gratitude.
Triton
I'll tell you all about it. The king had sent him on this expedition against the Gorgons, and when he got to Libya—
Iphianassa
How did he get there? all by himself? he must have had some one to help him?—it is a dangerous journey otherwise.
Triton
He flew,—Athene gave him wings.—Well, so when he got to where the Gorgons were living, he caught them napping, I suppose, cut off Medusa’s head, and flew away.
Iphianassa
How could he see them? The Gorgons are a forbidden sight. Whoever looks at them will never look at any one else again.
Triton
Athene held up her shield—I heard him telling Andromeda and Cepheus about it afterwards—Athene showed him the reflection of the Gorgon in her shield, which is as bright as any mirror; so he took hold of her hair in his left hand, grasped his scimetar with the right, still looking at the reflection, cut off her head, and was off before her sisters woke up.
5
