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Apollonius King of Tyre A Marginal Synopsis of the Romaic Text (63>) The king of Antiochia had an only daughter who surpassed all women in beauty. He conceives a sinful love for her, and even carries it into effect. The maiden discloses this to her nurse, (64>) who vainly tries to comfort her. The wicked father continues enjoying the rights of a husband, and invents riddles to baffle the suitors who come for her hand. If they cannot answer his questions, they must lose their heads. Apollonius of Tyre, a noble youth, arrives as a suitor, (65>) and solves the riddle. The king denies the truth of his answer, and Apollonius is obliged to fly; but the kings seneschal is despatched to pursue him, and a reward is offered for his head. (66>) Apollonius lands at Tarsus, and is there warned of his danger by Hellanicus. Strangulio informs Apollonius of the famine at Tarsus, (67>) and the generous prince gives his own provisions to the citizens. They promise to protect him against the king, but on the news of a large fleet being on its way to Tarsus, advise Apollonius to leave their town. He is shipwrecked at Tripolis. A poor fisherman takes pity on him and directs him to the city. (68>) At Tripolis Apollonius attracts the notice of the king and finds favour with him. The king presents him with a suit, and invites him to his table. The sight of royal splendour makes Apollonius

Source: Medieval Greek Texts, Part 1, ed. Wilhelm Wagner, Covent Garden, 1870, pp. 63-90. 5 September 2011 0:58:35 a9/p9

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melancholy. (69>) The kings beautiful daughter, Archistratusa, plays on the cithara; but his melancholy remains unaltered. (70>) At Apolloniuss request the cithara is handed to him, and he begins to play, and enchants the whole company by his performance, but above all the princess. Apollonius is ordered to remain in the palace, (71>) and the princess obtains the kings permission to have him for a tutor in music. The princesss love for Apollonius increases day by day. (72>) Three princes offer themselves as suitors for Archistratusas hand, and the king allows her to choose between them. She prefers Apollonius, (73>) and the king gives his consent. (74>) The nuptials are celebrated. Some time after this, Apollonius and his wife observe a ship near the shore; from the sailors they learn the fate of King Antiochus, and the news that the kingdom of Antioch had devolved upon Apollonius. (75>) Apollonius and his wife embark for Antioch; they have a fearful tempest, during which the princess is delivered of a daughter. The mother is dead, according to all appearances; they put her into a chest, which has been secured against the water, and throw this into the sea. (76>) The chest is found by a wise physician at Ephesus, who brings the princess back to life. She enters a nunnery and becomes the abbess of it.
Source: Medieval Greek Texts, Part 1, ed. Wilhelm Wagner, Covent Garden, 1870, pp. 63-90. 5 September 2011 0:58:35 a9/p9

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Apollonius entrusts his daughter to Strangulio at Tarsus, and she is baptized Tarsia. Apollonius himself again goes abroad. (77>) Tarsias beauty soon begins to surpass that of Strangulios daughter, and jealousy is the consequence. When Tarsia is fourteen years old, her nurse, on her death-bed, discloses to her her parentage. (78>) Strangulios wife hears the remarks of the citizens about Tarsias beauty, and resolves to kill her. The task of killing Tarsia is committed to one of Strangulios slaves. (79>) He attempts to kill Tarsia near her nurses tomb, but, moved by her tears, allows her time to pray; lo! Suddenly pirates appear, and carry Tarsia off to their ship. The slave hurries home with the news that Tarsia is dead, and a mock funeral takes place. (80>) Tarsia is sold at Tarsus to Markionis, and on refusing to worship his idol, is prostituted in a brothel. (81>) She succeeds in exciting Athenagorass compassion and saving her virginity. With a second and a third she has the same success. Markion orders Pokaropas to corrupt her. (82>) Tarsia offers to gain money by her playing and other accomplishments. This wish she obtains and thus remains a virgin. Apollonius returns to Tarsus and is there told that his daughter is dead. His lamentations. (83>) He sits down in the
Source: Medieval Greek Texts, Part 1, ed. Wilhelm Wagner, Covent Garden, 1870, pp. 63-90. 5 September 2011 0:58:35 a9/p9

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lowest part of his grieves. They land at Mitylene, and the prince invites Apollonius to dine with him, but Apollonius refuses. Antinagoras pays Apollonius a visit on board his ship. (84>) Apollonius neither looks at nor speaks to him. Tarsia is despatched to play and sing with him. She tries to comfort Apollonius, and when she mentions her own wretchedness, he turns and speaks to her. (85>) He tries her skill in riddles, but finally bids her leave him, and when she stays, he beats her. In her lamentation Tarsia discloses her history. (86-7>) Apollonius now recognizes her as his daughter. He tells her of the deception practised upon him and his grief at her supposed loss. Great rejoicings follow; (88>) and Antinagoras marries Tarsia. The pimp receives his due punishment. Apollonius is commanded by a dream to travel to Ephesus, and in the temple of Saint John finds his spouse whom he supposed to be dead. (89>) They go to Tarsus, and Strongylion and his family meet with their punishment. At Antioch Apollonius is crowned king, but leaves his daughter and son-in-law as regents, while he himself goes to Tyre, and from there to Tripolis. Meeting with the father of the queen. (90/127>) After his death Apollonius succeeds to the throne. Moral: Gods providence can be discerned in all these events.

Source: Medieval Greek Texts, Part 1, ed. Wilhelm Wagner, Covent Garden, 1870, pp. 63-90. 5 September 2011 0:58:35 a9/p9