`` My dear , good , admirable old ladies , '' said Perseus , addressing the Gray Women , `` there is no occasion for putting yourselves into such a fright . I am by no means a bad young man . You shall have back your eye , safe and sound , and as bright as ever , the moment you tell me where to find the Nymphs . '' `` The Nymphs ! Goodness me ! sisters , what Nymphs does he mean ? '' screamed Scarecrow . `` There are a great many Nymphs , people say ; some that go a hunting in the woods , and some that live inside of trees , and some that have a comfortable home in fountains of water . We know nothing at all about them . We are three unfortunate old souls , that go wandering about in the dusk , and never had but one eye amongst us , and that one you have stolen away . O , give it back , good stranger ! -- whoever you are , give it back ! '' All this while the Three Gray Women were groping with their outstretched hands , and trying their utmost to get hold of Perseus . But he took good care to keep out of their reach . `` My respectable dames , '' said he , -- for his mother had taught him always to use the greatest civility , -- `` I hold your eye fast in my hand , and shall keep it safely for you , until you please to tell me where to find these Nymphs . The Nymphs , I mean , who keep the enchanted wallet , the flying slippers , and the what is it ? -- the helmet of invisibility . '' `` Mercy on us , sisters ! what is the young man talking about ? '' exclaimed Scarecrow , Nightmare , and Shakejoint , one to another , with great appearance of astonishment .
`` A pair XXXXX flying slippers , quoth he !
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