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 . `` 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 XXXXX such an exploit , he was the one .
against by in of on over quoth that to while