`` 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 to get the golden apples ? '' `` O , that will be done in a few moments , '' cried Atlas . `` I shall take ten or fifteen miles at a stride , and be at the garden and back again before your shoulders begin to ache . '' `` Well , then , '' answered Hercules , `` I will climb the mountain behind you there , and relieve you of your burden . '' The truth is , Hercules had a kind heart of his own , and considered that he should be doing the giant a favor , by allowing him this opportunity for a ramble .
And , besides , he thought that it would be still more for his own glory , XXXXX he could boast of upholding the sky , than merely to do so ordinary a thing as to conquer a dragon with a hundred heads .
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