Pherecydes adds that he bored holes in the bottom of the
Cretan ships to hinder their pursuit. Demon writes that Taurus,
the chief captain of Minos, was slain by Theseus at the mouth of
the port, in a naval combat, as he was sailing out for Athens. But
Philochorus gives us the story thus: That at the setting forth of
the yearly games by King Minos, Taurus was expected to carry away
the prize, as he had done before; and was much grudged the honor.
His character and manners made his power hateful, and he was
accused, moreover, of too near familiarity with Pasiphae, for
which reason, when Theseus desired the combat, Minos readily
complied. And as it was a custom in Crete that the women also
should be admitted to the sight of these games, Ariadne, being
present, was struck with admiration of the manly beauty of
Theseus, and the vigor and address which he showed in combat,
overcoming all that encountered with him. Minos, too, being
extremely pleased with him, especially because he had overthrown
and disgraced Taurus, voluntarily gave up the young captives to
Theseus, and remitted the tribute to the Athenians.
There are yet many traditions about these things, and as many
concerning Ariadne, all inconsistent with each other.
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