And I hold the sky upon my head ! '' `` So I see , '' answered Hercules . `` But , can you show me the way to the garden of the Hesperides ? '' `` What do you want there ? '' asked the giant . `` I want three of the golden apples , '' shouted Hercules , `` for my cousin , the king . '' `` There is nobody but myself , '' quoth the giant , `` that can go to the garden of the Hesperides , and gather the golden apples . If it were not for this little business of holding up the sky , I would make half a dozen steps across the sea , and get them for you . '' `` You are very kind , '' replied Hercules . `` And can not you rest the sky upon a mountain ? '' `` None of them are quite high enough , '' said Atlas , shaking his head . `` But , if you were to take your stand on the summit of that nearest one , your head would be pretty nearly on a level with mine . You seem to be a fellow of some strength . What if you should take my burden on your shoulders , while I do your errand for you ? '' Hercules , as you must be careful to remember , was a remarkably strong man ; and though it certainly requires a great deal of muscular power to uphold the sky , yet , if any mortal could be supposed capable of such an exploit , he was the one . Nevertheless , it seemed so difficult an undertaking , that , for the first time in his life , he hesitated . `` Is the sky very heavy ? '' he inquired . `` Why , not particularly so , at first , '' answered the giant , shrugging his shoulders . `` But it gets to be a little burdensome , after a thousand years ! ''
`` And how long a time , '' asked the hero , `` will it take you XXXXX get the golden apples ? ''
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