THE SHIP OF THE PLAINS 95 



and to that one we would rear a temple. But how 

 shall we know ? " 



" Do but lead us into the presence of the king," 

 said the strange man, " and the matter sjiall be 

 decided at once." 



It happened that at that very moment King 

 Cecrops was seated in his chair of state at the 

 gate of the market-place, where he was wont 

 every morning to listen to the petitions of his 

 people and to dispense justice to rich and poor 

 alike. When the two strangers were led into his 

 presence he was so struck by their majestic ap- 

 pearance that he arose and received them stand- 

 ing, and in tones of humility and respect bade 

 them make known their names and their errand. 



" My name," said the woman, " is Athena, and 

 it is I who give men wisdom and skill, and teach 

 them the arts of peace and instruct them in all 

 manner of handicraft. Make me the patron and 

 guardian of this beautiful new city that you have 

 builded, and its fame and that of the people who 

 dwell therein shall be remembered to the end of 

 time." 



" Not so ! " cried her companion. " I am Posei- 

 don, the strong, the ruler of the sea, the shaker 

 of the earth, and I claim this city for my own. 



