Apollonius, because my daughter desireth that which is my will. Verily in such things nothing can take place without God's will." Arcestrates looked to the three youths, and said: "It is true what I before said to you, that ye came not in proper time to request my daughter; but when she can find leisure from her learning, then I will send you word."
Then they returned home with this answer; and Arcestrates the king continued holding Apollonius's hand, and led him home with him; not as if he were a stranger, but as if he were his son-in-law. Then at last the king let go Apollonius's hand, and went alone into the chamber wherein his daughter was, and thus said: "Dear daughter, whom hast thou chosen to thee for mate?" The maiden then fell at her father's feet, and said: "Thou kind father, hear thy daughter's will. I love the shipwrecked man who was betrayed by misfortune: but lest thou be in doubt of that speech, I desire Apollonius my master, and if thou wilt not give me to him, thou forsakest thy daughter." The king then in sooth could not endure his daughter's tears, but raised her up, and
said to her: "Dear daughter, dread thou not for anything; [23] thou hast chosen the man that well pleaseth me." He then went out and looked at Apollonius, and said: "Master Apollonius, I have inquired into the desire of my daughter's mind, when she related to me with weeping, among other speech,
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