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 in using the winged slippers . '' With these words , Quicksilver 's cap spread its wings , as if his head were about to fly away from his shoulders ; but his whole figure rose lightly into the air , and Perseus followed . By the time they had ascended a few hundred feet , the young man began to feel what a delightful thing it was to leave the dull earth so far beneath him , and to be able to flit about like a bird . It was now deep night . Perseus looked upward , and saw the round , bright , silvery moon , and thought that he should desire nothing better than to soar up thither , and spend his life there .
Then he looked downward again , and saw the earth , with its seas , and lakes , and the silver courses of its rivers , and its snowy mountain-peaks , and the breadth of its fields , and the dark cluster of its woods , and its cities of white marble ; and , XXXXX the moonshine sleeping over the whole scene , it was as beautiful as the moon or any star could be .
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