After Eurystheus received the cattle of Geryon he imposed to Hercules the 11th labor, which is more grave than those which we told before. For he [Eurystheus] ordered him to bring back the apples from the garden of Hesperides. Hesperides however, were the most beautiful nymphs, who lived in a remote land, to whom certain golden apples had been entrusted by Juno. Many people, led by their desire of gold, had previously tried to carry away these apples. The thing was most difficult, however, for the garden I which they were, was surrounded from all sides by a tall wall. Furthermore, a certain dragon, who had a hundred heads, was guarding the gate of the garden diligently. And so the work, which Eurystheus ordered to Hercules, was of highest difficulty, because Hercules was ignorant where the garden was.
             Hercules decided to obey Eurystheus; and as soon as he received his [Eurystheus] order, he set out. He asked from many merchants where the Hesperidies were living; nevertheless he was able to find nothing certain. In vain he made a journey through many lands, and underwent many dangers. Finally, with an entire year in this journey consumed, to the farthest part of the whole world, which was close to the Ocean, he came. There was standing a certain man, by the name Atlas, a man of great strength, who was sustaining the sky on his shoulders, on order that it might not fall onto the land. Hercules greatly admired so much strength. With the cause of the journey shown, he asked help from him [Atlas].
             Atlas, however, was able to help Hercules most greatly, for he himself was the father of Hesperides, and so he knew where the garden was. And so, after he heard why Hercules had come, "I myself," he said, "Will go to the garden and persuade my daughters in order that they may voluntarily hand down the apples." With this heard, Hercules greatly rejoiced and decided to accept the help that had been offered. Atlas, however,...