`` One of the Gorgons is stirring in her sleep , and is just about to turn over . That is Medusa . Do not look at her ! The sight would turn you to stone ! Look at the reflection of her face and figure in the bright mirror of your shield . '' Perseus now understood Quicksilver 's motive for so earnestly exhorting him to polish his shield . In its surface he could safely look at the reflection of the Gorgon 's face . And there it was , -- that terrible countenance , -- mirrored in the brightness of the shield , with the moonlight falling over it , and displaying all its horror . The snakes , whose venomous natures could not altogether sleep , kept twisting themselves over the forehead . It was the fiercest and most horrible face that ever was seen or imagined , and yet with a strange , fearful , and savage kind of beauty in it . The eyes were closed , and the Gorgon was still in a deep slumber ; but there was an unquiet expression disturbing her features , as if the monster was troubled with an ugly dream . She gnashed her white tusks , and dug into the sand with her brazen claws . The snakes , too , seemed to feel Medusa 's dream , and to be made more restless by it . They twined themselves into tumultuous knots , writhed fiercely , and uplifted a hundred hissing heads , without opening their eyes . `` Now , now ! '' whispered Quicksilver , who was growing impatient . `` Make a dash at the monster ! '' `` But be calm , '' said the grave , melodious voice , at the young man 's side . `` Look in your shield , as you fly downward , and take care that you do not miss your first stroke . '' Perseus flew cautiously downward , still keeping his eyes on Medusa 's face , as reflected in his shield .
The nearer he came , the more terrible did the snaky visage and metallic body XXXXX the monster grow .
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