So this bad-hearted king spent a long while in considering what was the most dangerous thing that a young man could possibly undertake to perform . At last , having hit upon an enterprise that promised to turn out as fatally as he desired , he sent for the youthful Perseus . The young man came to the palace , and found the king sitting upon his throne . `` Perseus , '' said King Polydectes , smiling craftily upon him , `` you are grown up a fine young man . You and your good mother have received a great deal of kindness from myself , as well as from my worthy brother the fisherman , and I suppose you would not be sorry to repay some of it . '' `` Please your Majesty , '' answered Perseus , `` I would willingly risk my life to do so . '' `` Well , then , '' continued the king , still with a curving smile on his lips , `` I have a little adventure to propose to you ; and , as you are a brave and enterprising youth , you will doubtless look upon it as a great piece of good luck to have so rare an opportunity of distinguishing yourself . You must know , my good Perseus , I think of getting married to the beautiful Princess Hippodamia ; and it is customary , on these occasions , to make the bride a present of some far-fetched and elegant curiosity . I have been a little perplexed , I must honestly confess , where to obtain anything likely to please a princess of her exquisite taste . But , this morning , I flatter myself , I have thought of precisely the article . '' `` And can I assist your Majesty in obtaining it ? '' cried Perseus , eagerly . `` You can , if you are as brave a youth as I believe you to be , '' replied King Polydectes , with the utmost graciousness of manner . `` The bridal gift which I have set my heart on presenting to the beautiful Hippodamia is the head of the Gorgon Medusa , with the snaky locks ; and I depend on you , my dear Perseus , to bring it to me . So , as I am anxious to settle affairs with the princess , the sooner you go in quest of the Gorgon , the better I shall be pleased . '' `` I will set out to-morrow morning , '' answered Perseus . `` Pray do so , my gallant youth , '' rejoined the king . `` And , Perseus , in cutting off the Gorgon 's head , be careful to make a clean stroke , so as not to injure its appearance . You must bring it home in the very best condition , in order to suit the exquisite taste of the beautiful Princess Hippodamia . '' Perseus left the palace , but was scarcely out of hearing before Polydectes burst into a laugh ; being greatly amused , wicked king that he was , to find how readily the young man fell into the snare .
The news quickly spread abroad , that XXXXX had undertaken to cut off the head of Medusa with the snaky locks .
Gorgon Hippodamia Medusa Perseus Polydectes graciousness home left morning to-morrow