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"The Athenians were at that time in deep affiction on account of the tribute which they were forced to pay to Minos, king of Crete. This tribute consisted of seven youths and seven maidens, who were sent every year to be devoured by the Minotaur." —Bulfinch, 1897

Theseus and the minotaur

"The Athenians were at that time in deep affiction on account of the tribute which they were forced…