As he would hear not another word in their favor , the prisoners were now led away , and clapped into a dungeon , where the jailer advised them to go to sleep as soon as possible , because the Minotaur was in the habit of calling for breakfast early . The seven maidens and six of the young men soon sobbed themselves to slumber . But Theseus was not like them . He felt conscious that he was wiser , and braver , and stronger than his companions , and that therefore he had the responsibility of all their lives upon him , and must consider whether there was no way to save them , even in this last extremity . So he kept himself awake , and paced to and fro across the gloomy dungeon in which they were shut up . Just before midnight , the door was softly unbarred , and the gentle Ariadne showed herself , with a torch in her hand . `` Are you awake , Prince Theseus ? '' she whispered . `` Yes , '' answered Theseus . `` With so little time to live , I do not choose to waste any of it in sleep . '' `` Then follow me , '' said Ariadne , `` and tread softly . '' What had become of the jailer and the guards , Theseus never knew . But , however that might be , Ariadne opened all the doors , and led him forth from the darksome prison into the pleasant moonlight . `` Theseus , '' said the maiden , `` you can now get on board your vessel , and sail away for Athens . '' `` No , '' answered the young man ; `` I will never leave Crete unless I can first slay the Minotaur , and save my poor companions , and deliver Athens from this cruel tribute . '' `` I knew that this would be your resolution , '' said Ariadne . `` Come , then , with me , brave Theseus . Here is your own sword , which the guards deprived you of . You will need it ; and pray Heaven you may use it well . '' Then she led Theseus along by the hand until they came to a dark , shadowy grove , where the moonlight wasted itself on the tops of the trees , without shedding hardly so much as a glimmering beam upon their pathway .
After going a good way through this obscurity , they reached a high marble wall , which was overgrown XXXXX creeping plants , that made it shaggy with their verdure .
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