To his latest hour , nevertheless , King Thasus showed his true-hearted remembrance of Europa , by ordering that a fire should always be kept burning in his palace , and a bath steaming hot , and food ready to be served up , and a bed with snow-white sheets , in case the maiden should arrive , and require immediate refreshment . And , though Europa never came , the good Thasus had the blessings of many a poor traveler , who profited by the food and lodging which were meant for the little playmate of the king 's boyhood . Telephassa and Cadmus were now pursuing their weary way , with no companion but each other . The queen leaned heavily upon her son 's arm , and could walk only a few miles a day . But for all her weakness and weariness , she would not be persuaded to give up the search . It was enough to bring tears into the eyes of bearded men to hear the melancholy tone with which she inquired of every stranger whether he could not tell her any news of the lost child . `` Have you seen a little girl -- no , no , I mean a young maiden of full growth -- passing by this way , mounted on a snow-white bull , which gallops as swiftly as the wind ? '' `` We have seen no such wondrous sight , '' the people would reply ; and very often , taking Cadmus aside , they whispered to him , `` Is this stately and sad-looking woman your mother ? Surely she is not in her right mind ; and you ought to take her home , and make her comfortable , and do your best to get this dream out of her fancy . '' `` It is no dream , '' said Cadmus . `` Everything else is a dream , save that . '' But , one day , Telephassa seemed feebler than usual , and leaned almost her whole weight on the arm of Cadmus , and walked more slowly than ever before . At last they reached a solitary spot , where she told her son that she must needs lie down , and take a good long rest . `` A good long rest ! '' she repeated , looking Cadmus tenderly in the face . `` A good long rest , thou dearest one ! '' `` As long as you please , dear mother , '' answered Cadmus . Telephassa bade him sit down on the turf beside her , and then she took his hand . `` My son , '' said she , fixing her dim eyes most lovingly upon him , `` this rest that I speak of will be very long indeed ! You must not wait till it is finished .
Dear XXXXX , you do not comprehend me .
Cadmus Europa Telephassa Thasus day fire hour queen right son