The nearer he came , the more terrible did the snaky visage and metallic body of the monster grow . At last , when he found himself hovering over her within arm 's length , Perseus uplifted his sword , while , at the same instant , each separate snake upon the Gorgon 's head stretched threateningly upward , and Medusa unclosed her eyes . But she awoke too late . The sword was sharp ; the stroke fell like a lightning-flash ; and the head of the wicked Medusa tumbled from her body ! `` Admirably done ! '' cried Quicksilver . `` Make haste , and clap the head into your magic wallet . '' To the astonishment of Perseus , the small , embroidered wallet , which he had hung about his neck , and which had hitherto been no bigger than a purse , grew all at once large enough to contain Medusa 's head . As quick as thought , he snatched it up , with the snakes still writhing upon it , and thrust it in . `` Your task is done , '' said the calm voice . `` Now fly ; for the other Gorgons will do their utmost to take vengeance for Medusa 's death . '' It was , indeed , necessary to take flight ; for Perseus had not done the deed so quietly , but that the clash of his sword , and the hissing of the snakes , and the thump of Medusa 's head as it tumbled upon the sea-beaten sand , awoke the other two monsters . There they sat , for an instant , sleepily rubbing their eyes with their brazen fingers , while all the snakes on their heads reared themselves on end with surprise , and with venomous malice against they knew not what . But when the Gorgons saw the scaly carcass of Medusa , headless , and her golden wings all ruffled , and half spread out on the sand , it was really awful to hear what yells and screeches they set up . And then the snakes ! They sent forth a hundred-fold hiss , with one consent , and Medusa 's snakes answered them out of the magic wallet . No sooner were the Gorgons broad awake , than they hurtled upward into the air , brandishing their brass talons , gnashing their horrible tusks , and flapping their huge wings so wildly , that some of the golden feathers were shaken out , and floated down upon the shore . And there , perhaps , those very feathers he scattered , till this day . Up rose the Gorgons , as I tell you , staring horribly about , in hopes of turning somebody to stone . Had Perseus looked them in the face , or had he fallen into their clutches , his poor mother would never have kissed her boy again !
But he took good care to turn his eyes another way ; and , as he wore the helmet of invisibility , the Gorgons knew not in what direction to follow him ; nor did he fail XXXXX make the best use of the winged slippers , by soaring upward a perpendicular mile or so .
At as like nearer on over than till to while