Making a step or two , lo and behold ! upward he popt into the air , high above the heads of Quicksilver and the Nymphs , and found it very difficult to clamber down again . Winged slippers , and all such high-flying contrivances , are seldom quite easy to manage , until one grows a little accustomed to them . Quicksilver laughed at his companion 's involuntary activity , and told him that he must not be in so desperate a hurry , but must wait for the invisible helmet . The good-natured Nymphs had the helmet , with its dark tuft of waving plumes , all in readiness to put upon his head . And now there happened about as wonderful an incident as anything that I have yet told you . The instant before the helmet was put on , there stood Perseus , a beautiful young man , with golden ringlets and rosy cheeks , the crooked sword by his side , and the brightly polished shield upon his arm , -- a figure that seemed all made up of courage , sprightliness , and glorious light . But when the helmet had descended over his white brow , there was no longer any Perseus to be seen ! Nothing but empty air ! Even the helmet , that covered him with its invisibility , had vanished ! `` Where are you , Perseus ? '' asked Quicksilver . `` Why , here , to be sure ! '' answered Perseus , very quietly , although his voice seemed to come out of the transparent atmosphere . `` Just where I was a moment ago . Do n't you see me ? '' `` No , indeed ! '' answered his friend . `` You are hidden under the helmet . But , if I can not see you , neither can the Gorgons .
Follow me , therefore , and we will try your dexterity XXXXX using the winged slippers . ''
although before by if in of over to upon with