Page:Stories from Old English Poetry-1899.djvu/284

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
258
STORIES FROM OLD ENGLISH POETRY.

he inquired what coast the ship sailed nearest. The sailors told him they were near Tharsus, but still a long distance from Tyre. He recalled the ancient friendship which had existed between Cleon and himself, and directed the ship to make for that harbor. She did so, and he reached the city without further adventure, receiving a cordial welcome from the Governor and Dionyza.

After the first warmth of the meeting and their condolings for the loss of his queen were over, Pericles placed his infant in the arms of Dionyza. He had bestowed upon her the name of Marina, from the sea, which was her birthplace. He begged these friends, in whom he had great confidence, to rear his child with their own daughter, declaring he would never cut his hair or shave his beard, until his daughter, now so tender an infant, should reach a marriageable age, and be united to a worthy husband. Having made these plans for her breeding and education, Pericles left the palace of Cleon and Dionyza, and returned to Tyre, where he retreived the sceptre from Helicanus, and commenced a peaceful and just reign.

In the mean time the costly chest in which Pericles had encased the body of his beloved wife had floated upon the waves, and was tossed ashore at Ephesus. Here some gentlemen, who were early abroad, found it among the wrecks,