But Aethra sighed , and looked disquieted ; for , no doubt , she began to be conscious that her son was no longer a child , and that , in a little while hence , she must send him forth among the perils and troubles of the world . It was not more than a year afterwards when they were again sitting on the moss-covered stone . Aethra had once more told him the oft-repeated story of his father , and how gladly he would receive Theseus at his stately palace , and how he would present him to his courtiers and the people , and tell them that here was the heir of his dominions . The eyes of Theseus glowed with enthusiasm , and he would hardly sit still to hear his mother speak . `` Dear mother Aethra , '' he exclaimed , `` I never felt half so strong as now ! I am no longer a child , nor a boy , nor a mere youth ! I feel myself a man ! It is now time to make one earnest trial to remove the stone . '' `` Ah , my dearest Theseus , '' replied his mother `` not yet ! not yet ! '' `` Yes , mother , '' said he , resolutely , `` the time has come ! '' Then Theseus bent himself in good earnest to the task , and strained every sinew , with manly strength and resolution . He put his whole brave heart into the effort . He wrestled with the big and sluggish stone , as if it had been a living enemy . He heaved , he lifted , he resolved now to succeed , or else to perish there , and let the rock be his monument forever ! Aethra stood gazing at him , and clasped her hands , partly with a mother 's pride , and partly with a mother 's sorrow . The great rock stirred ! Yes , it was raised slowly from the bedded moss and earth , uprooting the shrubs and flowers along with it , and was turned upon its side . Theseus had conquered ! While taking breath , he looked joyfully at his mother , and she smiled upon him through her tears .
`` Yes , Theseus , '' she said , `` the time has come , and you must stay no longer XXXXX my side !
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