It seems that in the island of Crete there lived a certain dreadful monster , called a Minotaur , which was shaped partly like a man and partly like a bull , and was altogether such a hideous sort of a creature that it is really disagreeable to think of him . If he were suffered to exist at all , it should have been on some desert island , or in the duskiness of some deep cavern , where nobody would ever be tormented by his abominable aspect . But King Minos , who reigned over Crete , laid out a vast deal of money in building a habitation for the Minotaur , and took great care of his health and comfort , merely for mischief 's sake . A few years before this time , there had been a war between the city of Athens and the island of Crete , in which the Athenians were beaten , and compelled to beg for peace . No peace could they obtain , however , except on condition that they should send seven young men and seven maidens , every year , to be devoured by the pet monster of the cruel King Minos . For three years past , this grievous calamity had been borne . And the sobs , and groans , and shrieks , with which the city was now filled , were caused by the people 's woe , because the fatal day had come again , when the fourteen victims were to be chosen by lot ; and the old people feared lest their sons or daughters might be taken , and the youths and damsels dreaded lest they themselves might be destined to glut the ravenous maw of that detestable man-brute . But when Theseus heard the story , he straightened himself up , so that he seemed taller than ever before ; and as for his face it was indignant , despiteful , bold , tender , and compassionate , all in one look . `` Let the people of Athens this year draw lots for only six young men , instead of seven , '' said he , `` I will myself be the seventh ; and let the Minotaur devour me if he can ! '' `` O my dear son , '' cried King Aegeus , `` why should you expose yourself to this horrible fate ? You are a royal prince , and have a right to hold yourself above the destinies of common men . '' `` It is because I am a prince , your son , and the rightful heir of your kingdom , that I freely take upon me the calamity of your subjects , '' answered Theseus , `` And you , my father , being king over these people , and answerable to Heaven for their welfare , are bound to sacrifice what is dearest to you , rather than that the son or daughter of the poorest citizen should come to any harm . '' The old king shed tears , and besought Theseus not to leave him desolate in his old age , more especially as he had but just begun to know the happiness of possessing a good and valiant son . Theseus , however , felt that he was in the right , and therefore would not give up his resolution . But he assured his father that he did not intend to be eaten up , unresistingly , like a sheep , and that , if the Minotaur devoured him , it should not be without a battle for his dinner . And finally , since he could not help it , King Aegeus consented to let him go . So a vessel was got ready , and rigged with black sails ; and Theseus , with six other young men , and seven tender and beautiful damsels , came down to the harbor to embark . A sorrowful multitude accompanied them to the shore . There was the poor old king , too , leaning on his son 's arm , and looking as if his single heart held all the grief of Athens . Just as Prince Theseus was going on board , his father bethought himself of one last word to say .
`` My beloved son , '' said he , grasping the Prince 's hand , `` you observe that the sails of this vessel are black ; as indeed they ought to be , XXXXX it goes upon a voyage of sorrow and despair .
If by for in like of since than to without