THE SHIP OF THE PLAINS lOI 



one; but Athena's was preferable because it 

 promised the most substantial blessings to all the 

 people. 



" Athena shall be our patron and protector ! " 

 cried they. 



"And the name of our city shall be Athens, 

 and we are henceforth Athenians ! " cried all the 

 people. And they forthwith began to clear the 

 ground for the erection of that world-renowned 

 temple, the ruins of which still crown the summit 

 of the Acropolis. And Athena took up her abode 

 with them. 



As for Poseidon, he strode out of the gates in 

 great rage, and the hill shook again under his 

 heavy footsteps as he descended to the plain. He 

 loosed all the winds and sent them hurtling 

 against the walls of Athens, and for twelve days 

 there were storms on sea and land the fiercest that 

 men had ever seen. But what had those to fear 

 who had chosen Wisdom for their protector and 

 friend ? 



The wonderful steed which Poseidon had 

 brought out of the rock was a greater terror than 

 the storm, and the good people were glad to open 

 the city gate and allow him to depart. Having 

 descended into the fields, he tossed his head 



