Just at this time , while they were talking together , some black clouds gathered about the giant 's middle , and burst into a tremendous storm of thunder and lightning , causing such a pother that Hercules found it impossible to distinguish a word . Only the giant 's immeasurable legs were to be seen , standing up into the obscurity of the tempest ; and , now and then , a momentary glimpse of his whole figure , mantled in a volume of mist . He seemed to be speaking , most of the time ; but his big , deep , rough voice chimed in with the reverberations of the thunder-claps , and rolled away over the hills , like them . Thus , by talking out of season , the foolish giant expended an incalculable quantity of breath , to no purpose ; for the thunder spoke quite as intelligibly as he . At last , the storm swept over , as suddenly as it had come . And there again was the clear sky , and the weary giant holding it up , and the pleasant sunshine beaming over his vast height , and illuminating it against the background of the sullen thunder-clouds . So far above the shower had been his head , that not a hair of it was moistened by the rain-drops ! When the giant could see Hercules still standing on the sea-shore , he roared out to him anew . `` I am Atlas , the mightiest giant in the world ! 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 .
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