`` Perhaps you may have heard of me before , '' said he , modestly . `` My name is Hercules ! '' `` We had already guessed it , '' replied the maidens ; `` for your wonderful deeds are known all over the world . We do not think it strange , any longer , that you should set out in quest of the golden apples of the Hesperides . Come , sisters , let us crown the hero with flowers ! '' Then they flung beautiful wreaths over his stately head and mighty shoulders , so that the lion 's skin was almost entirely covered with roses . They took possession of his ponderous club , and so entwined it about with the brightest , softest , and most fragrant blossoms , that not a finger 's breadth of its oaken substance could be seen . It looked all like a huge bunch of flowers . Lastly , they joined hands , and danced around him , chanting words which became poetry of their own accord , and grew into a choral song , in honor of the illustrious Hercules . And Hercules was rejoiced , as any other hero would have been , to know that these fair young girls had heard of the valiant deeds which it had cost him so much toil and danger to achieve . But , still , he was not satisfied . He could not think that what he had already done was worthy of so much honor , while there remained any bold or difficult adventure to be undertaken . `` Dear maidens , '' said he , when they paused to take breath , `` now that you know my name , will you not tell me how I am to reach the garden of the Hesperides ? '' `` Ah ! must you go so soon ? '' they exclaimed . `` You -- that have performed so many wonders , and spent such a toilsome life -- can not you content yourself to repose a little while on the margin of this peaceful river ? '' Hercules shook his head . `` I must depart now , '' said he . `` We will then give you the best directions we can , '' replied the damsels .
`` You must go to the sea-shore , and find out the Old One , and compel him to inform you where the golden apples are XXXXX be found . ''
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