‘But how will you slay him, my son? For you must leave your club and your armour behind, and be cast to the monster, defenceless and naked like the rest.’
And Theseus said, ‘Are there no stones in that labyrinth; and have I not fists and teeth? Did I need my club to kill Kerkuon, the terror of all mortal men?’
Then Ægeus clung to his knees; but he would not hear; and at last he let him go, weeping bitterly, and said only this one word—
‘Promise me but this, if you return in peace, though that may hardly be: take down the black sail of the ship (for I shall watch for it all day upon the cliffs), and hoist instead a white sail, that I may know afar off that you are safe.’
And Theseus promised, and went out, and to the market-place where the herald stood, while they drew lots for the yout
