`` Most of the young men who go in quest of these apples , '' observed another of the damsels , `` desire to obtain them for themselves , or to present them to some fair maiden whom they love . Do you , then , love this king , your cousin , so very much ? '' `` Perhaps not , '' replied the stranger , sighing . `` He has often been severe and cruel to me . But it is my destiny to obey him . '' `` And do you know , '' asked the damsel who had first spoken , `` that a terrible dragon , with a hundred heads , keeps watch under the golden apple-tree ? '' `` I know it well , '' answered the stranger , calmly . `` But , from my cradle upwards , it has been my business , and almost my pastime , to deal with serpents and dragons . '' The young women looked at his massive club , and at the shaggy lion 's skin which he wore , and likewise at his heroic limbs and figure ; and they whispered to each other that the stranger appeared to be one who might reasonably expect to perform deeds far beyond the might of other men . But , then , the dragon with a hundred heads ! What mortal , even if he possessed a hundred lives , could hope to escape the fangs of such a monster ? So kind-hearted were the maidens , that they could not bear to see this brave and , handsome traveller attempt what was so very dangerous , and devote himself , most probably , to become a meal for the dragon 's hundred ravenous mouths . `` Go back , '' cried they all , -- `` go back to your own home ! Your mother , beholding you safe and sound , will shed tears of joy ; and what can she do more , should you win ever so great a victory ? No matter for the golden apples ! No matter for the king , your cruel cousin ! We do not wish the dragon with the hundred heads to eat you up ! '' The stranger seemed to grow impatient at these remonstrances . He carelessly lifted his mighty club , and let it fall upon a rock that lay half buried in the earth , near by . With the force of that idle blow , the great rock was shattered all to pieces .
It cost the stranger no more effort XXXXX achieve this feat of a giant 's strength than for one of the young maidens to touch her sister 's rosy cheek with a flower .
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