But , during his absence , the wicked king had treated Danae so very ill , that she was compelled to make her escape , and had taken refuge in a temple , where some good old priests were extremely kind to her . These praiseworthy priests , and the kind-hearted fisherman , who had first shown hospitality to Danae and little Perseus when he found them afloat in the chest , seem to have been the only persons on the island who cared about doing right . All the rest of the people , as well as King Polydectes himself , were remarkably ill-behaved , and deserved no better destiny than that which was now to happen . Not finding his mother at home , Perseus went straight to the palace and was immediately ushered into the presence of the king . Polydectes was by no means rejoiced to see him ; for he had felt almost certain , in his own evil mind , that the Gorgons would have torn the poor young man to pieces , and have eaten him up , out of the way . However , seeing him safely returned , he put the best face he could upon the matter and asked Perseus how he had succeeded . `` Have you performed your promise ? '' inquired he . `` Have you brought me the head of Medusa with the snaky locks ? If not , young man , it will cost you dear ; for I must have a bridal present for the beautiful Princess Hippodamia , and there is nothing else that she would admire so much . '' `` Yes , please your Majesty , '' answered Perseus , in a quiet way , as if it were no very wonderful deed for such a young man as he to perform . `` I have brought you the Gorgon 's head , snaky locks and all ! '' `` Indeed ! Pray let me see it , '' quoth King Polydectes . `` It must be a very curious spectacle , if all that travellers tell about it be true ! '' `` Your Majesty is in the right , '' replied Perseus . `` It is really an object that will be pretty certain to fix the regards of all who look at it . And , if your Majesty think fit , I would suggest that a holiday be proclaimed , and that all your Majesty 's subjects be summoned to behold this wonderful curiosity . Few of them , I imagine , have seen a Gorgon 's head before , and perhaps never may again ! '' The king well knew that his subjects were an idle set of reprobates , and very fond of sight-seeing , as idle persons usually are .
So he took the young man 's advice , and sent out heralds and messengers , XXXXX all directions , to blow the trumpet at the street-corners , and in the market-places , and wherever two roads met , and summon everybody to court .
about as at by during in of on to upon