He had now grown too intent on following her to think of lagging behind , however long the way , and whatever might be his fatigue . Indeed , it seemed as if there were something about the animal that bewitched people . Several persons who happened to see the brindled cow , and Cadmus following behind , began to trudge after her , precisely as he did . Cadmus was glad of somebody to converse with , and therefore talked very freely to these good people . He told them all his adventures , and how he had left King Agenor in his palace , and Phoenix at one place , and Cilix at another , and Thasus at a third , and his dear mother , Queen Telephassa , under a flowery sod ; so that now he was quite alone , both friendless and homeless . He mentioned , likewise , that the oracle had bidden him be guided by a cow , and inquired of the strangers whether they supposed that this brindled animal could be the one . `` Why , 't is a very wonderful affair , '' answered one of his new companions . `` I am pretty well acquainted with the ways of cattle , and I never knew a cow , of her own accord , to go so far without stopping . If my legs will let me , I 'll never leave following the beast till she lies down . '' `` Nor I ! '' said a second . `` Nor I ! '' cried a third . `` If she goes a hundred miles farther , I am determined to see the end of it . '' The secret of it was , you must know , that the cow was an enchanted cow , and that , without their being conscious of it , she threw some of her enchantment over everybody that took so much as half a dozen steps behind her . They could not possibly help following her , though all the time they fancied themselves doing it of their own accord . The cow was by no means very nice in choosing her path ; so that sometimes they had to scramble over rocks , or wade through mud and mire , and all in a terribly bedraggled condition , and tired to death , and very hungry , into the bargain . What a weary business it was ! But still they kept trudging stoutly forward , and talking as they went . The strangers grew very fond of Cadmus , and resolved never to leave him , but to help him build a city wherever the cow might lie down .
In the center of it there should be a noble palace , in which Cadmus might dwell , and be their king , with a throne , a crown , a sceptre , a purple robe , and everything else XXXXX a king ought to have ; for in him there was the royal blood , and the royal heart , and the head that knew how to rule .
as at by of that though till to whether without